Chapter 24: Wedding Bells are Gonna Chime
“Hey Cordelia.”
She looked up from the glass of lemonade she’d been contemplating for the last half hour. “Hey Angel.”
He strolled over to the picnic table where she sat in her parents’ backyard and nodded towards the house. “Your folks here?”
She shook her head. “No. They went to have Thanksgiving dinner at the country club. I passed. Probably just get sick anyway. Mom didn’t protest, guess she didn’t want to have to explain about me.”
He stared at the ground. She wasn’t going to make this easy on him, but then he guessed he didn’t deserve it.
“Cordy, will you come somewhere with me?”
“Where and why?”
“Just somewhere to talk. I know I shouldn’t have run before, Cordelia, I just had some stuff I needed to work out.”
She’d seen Angel lie before and he didn’t have that look about him. Maybe he was being straight with her. And this was going to have to happen soon or later.
“Fine. I’ll get my coat.”
He waited until she reemerged from the house and followed as she walked over to his car.
They rode in silence as he drove out of town and turned onto an old dirt road. He could feel her glare on the other side of the car.
“Angel, where are we going?”
“You know where.”
She crossed her arms and dropped it. He pulled into the clearing next to the old boat shack where Cordy’s dad kept his fishing boat. Where they’d gone on her sixteenth birthday and he’d taken her virginity.
“This isn’t funny Angel.”
“It’s not meant to be. But it’s quiet out here and no one will interrupt and if you need to yell at me you can.”
She got out of the car and stormed over to the shed, fumbling for the key that was barely concealed behind an old board. He followed. She threw open the door and stalked inside and sat down on the upturned rowboat.
“Alright, start talking.”
“I need to ask you something first. I talked with Buffy, she said you’ve decided to keep the baby?”
She glared at him, her tone cold and flat “Yes. And you won’t change my mind.”
“I’m wasn’t going to try to. Cordy, I’m sorry.”
“Sorry?” She snorted. “Yeah, me too. Who knew I’d end up knocked up with the child of some loser who doesn’t care enough to even see if I’m okay? Or worse, someone who I used to think cared about me?”
Tears streamed down her face as she started to pace. “Why Angel? Why? Why did this happen? Why you? Why couldn’t it have been someone else, someone who cared about me?”
He stopped her mid stride and pulled her close as sobs wracked her body. He stroked her hair and continued to rub her back until she slowly calmed.
“Cordy, can you please just hear me out?”
She nodded and drew in a deep breath, hating the fact she was giving in so easily. But no matter how much support she’d gotten from Buffy and Willow, no matter how many assurances she’d heard of how she wouldn’t be alone in this, it has still felt hollow. She’d missed him, bastard that he was. And they had a permanent link now. She instinctively cupped her belly as she rested her head against his chest and let herself absorb the comfort for a moment.
“Go ahead, I’ll listen.”
He tried to remember all the careful ways he’d rehearsed this, but they’d all left his mind.
“Cordy, I am sorry. I know that this effects you more obviously than me. Buffy told me you’d been getting some flack and stuff and I know the Revello Drive neighbors are talking.”
He rubbed her back and asked softly, “Have you been sick?”
She nodded. “A lot. Not just in the morning either. It’s been hard keeping up with class and if I miss another practice I’m off the squad.”
He swallowed. He actually felt worse than before.
He tilted her face up. “Cordelia, I’m more scared than I’ve ever been in my life, and trust me, I’ve had some pretty freaky moments in the last few months. I can barely keep up with me, I have no idea how to be a dad.” He could see her start to pull away and he halted her. “No, wait. You promised to hear me out. I don’t know how, but I want to be there for you and the baby, if you want me around that is.”
He looked like he might be about to pass out or throw up again as she studied his face.
“Do you mean that Angel? This isn’t some sort of holiday spirit thing where you feel bad and then you leave me alone again is it?”
He shook his head. “No. I’m here for you. Whatever you need. Money, trips to the doctor, anything, okay?”
“So you want to be involved?”
He nodded nervously.
“How involved?”
“Whatever you need.”
“Does that include a marriage license?”
She was surprised he didn’t flinch. “Yes.”
She pulled away. “This isn’t funny Angel. At all.”
He sank down on the boat and put his head in his hands. “It isn’t meant to be. I’m not going to be my old man, Cord. You say that’s my baby, I believe you. I’m going do the right thing here if it kills me and I’m not going to leave like he did.”
“So marrying me would be the right thing.”
“If that’s what you want. It can be a formality if you would prefer.”
“I don’t want a sham marriage Angel.”
“Neither do I.”
“Do you love me?”
He looked away. “I don’t know Cordelia. I don’t think I really know what that means. But, I respect you and I trust you and I like you more than any woman I’ve ever been with. I know that’s probably not want you want to hear, but,” a bit of the old Angel smirk she was used to appeared on his face, “I’m trying this new thing called being honest.”
He drew her down beside him and took her hand. “I’m a mess and maybe you want to stay as far away from me as you can. Maybe you just want child support. And I understand that. But I’m going to ask anyway. Cordelia, will you marry me?”
She closed her eyes. She was probably certifiable for doing this. She nodded slowly. “Yes. For the baby. We’ll go to the courthouse Monday. And for now, we’re not going to tell anyone.”
She got up and walked to the door. “Now take me home.”
<><><><><>
Click. In an instant the electronic transmission was complete, and, Buffy glanced at the calendar. Her application was just in by the deadline for transfers for the fall quarter.
Now it was just a waiting game. She was sticking to her guns about not telling Spike for now though. She logged off and was about to shut down the computer when Spike came tearing into the apartment.
“Wait, let me on.”
She pulled back as he went to the bookmarked site and rapidly entered passwords.
“Spike, what is it?”
“Heard they got the site you can check admissions decisions on back up and running after the virus problems.” He finished typing in the information and grabbed her hand as he waited for the file to load.
“I can’t look. Tell me what it says Buffy.”
She glanced over to see his eyes tightly closed and grimaced at the death grip on her hand. She looked at the screen and smiled.
“Spike, does it mean this much to you, to go there?”
He nodded.
“Why?”
Eyes still shut, he brought her hand to his lips. “Cause of you, pet. Can’t be hours from my best girl.”
She felt a twist inside and a rush of love at his statement. Yeah, moving to L.A. with him was going to be a good thing.
“Then open your eyes.”
He cautiously peeked with one eye, then shut it again.
“Just tell me.”
“Mr. William Calendar, you will be matriculating at the School of Medicine on the UCLA campus next year.”
With a whoop her opened his eyes and grabbed her for a celebratory kiss, then picked her up and danced her around the room.
“Spike, Spike, you have to call Jenny and Giles, they’ll want to know.”
He stopped in mid-twirl and grabbed the phone. “Alright, then you and I are going out to celebrate.” He gave another whoop as he scooped her up and settled on the couch.
“Hey, Jenny? Guess what I just found out?”
<><><><><>
The beginning of December flew by in a haze of studying, exams, and wedding plans. Buffy and Willow secured the small house they’d looked at and approached Cordelia about moving in with them. She’d agreed and plans were made for the move over the break.
The group decided after they’d all finished up to plan an end of exams get to together at Spike’s place a few days before the wedding. Whether to invite Angel had been a subject of much debate, until Cordelia confided to Buffy they’d worked some stuff out.
Buffy hung the last ornament on the small tree she’d cajoled Spike into getting just as the first knock came at the door. Spike cocked his head.
“Would you look at that, someone’s actually knocking instead of bursting in, who’d have thought?”
She adjusted the Santa hat she was making him wear so he’d get more into the Christmas spirit. “Well go answer it quick before they do bust in.”
“Remind me again why I’m wearing this bleeding ridiculous hat?”
She flashed him with the red teddy covered by her bulky sweater. “Cause boys that are nice get to unwrap presents later.”
He nodded. “Right then. The hat it is.”
He opened the door to a shivering Cordelia. “Wow, it is so cold outside. There’s no way we’ll actually get snow is there?”
“Doubt it. Have they ever had snow in Sunnydale before?”
Cordelia unlaced the scarf from around her neck. “Not in my lifetime. Wouldn’t that be weird?”
She sat her contribution of food to the night’s festivities on the counter and joined Buffy by the tree as another knock sounded the arrival of Xander and Willow.
Spike welcomed them and was about to shut the door when Angel appeared at the top of the steps. Spike opened the door. “C’mon on in.”
The group settled in with their drinks and food as Xander produced the tape that had Willow on the edge of her seat.
He bowed at the whoops and applause. “Thank you ladies and gents, thank you very much. It is time, once again, to revive a tradition that had fallen by the wayside in recent years. It is time for,” he popped the tape into the VCR with a flourish, “Charlie Brown’s Christmas.”
A pillow caught him in the back, as Spike yelled, “Sit down Snoopy boy, you’re blocking the screen.”
“Ohh, big talk, Santa.”
Spike flashed Buffy a grin. “Mrs. Claus said I had to wear it and promised me a treat if I was nice, right pet?”
She turned red as he leered. “Something like that.”
The room settled down as the classic started to roll, punctuated by quotes of favorite parts and Xander’s very special dance.
As the tape ended, Cordelia glanced nervously at Angel. He arched an eyebrow in response and she gave a slight shake of her head at the unspoken question. She wasn’t ready to tell their friends yet. He gave a brief nod and stayed where he was.
“So you guys are all coming to the wedding next week, right?”
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world. Jenny and Giles are so adorable, she’s been so glowy every time I see her. Is everything set?” Willow asked.
“Looks like. The alterations were finished and we picked up our dresses today. Jenny’s fits like a dream, it’s going to be beautiful.”
Xander groaned. “I’m happy for them and all, but whoa, enough with the wedding talk.” He shivered. “You’re gonna make us guys think you’re dropping hints or something.” He laughed nervously.
Willow pinched him. “What you mean I don’t have a big ol’ diamond in my stocking, baby?” She laughed and dragged him to his feet. “We better get out of here. Got some last minute shopping to do tomorrow. Cordy, can we drive you?”
She shook her head. “No I’m good.”
“See you then.”
As they left, Angel stood and grabbed his coat and waited as Cordelia bundled back up. Buffy and Spike exchanged a glance as he held the door for her.
“You drivin’ her home?”
Angel nodded. “Got a problem with that?”
Spike looked at Cordelia. “It’s alright Spike, I asked him to. We’re working things out.”
“Alright. Just take care, got some precious cargo there.”
“I know what I doing. Thanks for having us over tonight.”
“No problem.”
As the footsteps descending the stairs died away, Spike turned to Buffy. “What was that?”
“I have no idea. She said they had talked but that was all, not that they were all chummy. You think he’s agreed to help out?”
“Maybe so. Or maybe they’re still working stuff out.” He shuddered. “Can’t help but feel sorry for them both, even if Angel is a huge wanker.”
She wrapped her arms around him. “I know what you mean. I’m a lucky, lucky girl.”
His fingers drifted underneath the sweater and began to caress the satin that encased her flesh. “Do I get to be a lucky boy now?”
She giggled. “Yep, you were very nice, so now you get to be very naughty.”
“Mmmm. Very naughty. I like the sound of that.” He took the hat off and set it on her head. “Be back in a minute, Goldie.”
He locked the door and turned off the lights until only the glow of the tree remained to illuminate the room. He pulled his shirt off as he stalked back to her and she caught her breath as she took in how beautiful he was, like some multi-colored angel that glowed red, green and blue as the lights changed color and highlighted his pale skin.
She raised her arms compliantly as he slipped the sweater over her head, leaving her in the red satin garment that laced up the front. He smiled as he toyed with the bow.
“I like this one. Very seasonal.”
He guided her to the couch and threw his jeans off as he sat down. He pulled her to stand between his legs while he began tracing random patterns up and down her torso. His touches were feather light at first and she moaned as the gentle teasing and fleeting glances built the fire inside her.
She reached for him, wanting to return the favor, but he caught her hand and stopped it with a quick kiss. “Uh-uh. I get to play. Now turn around.”
She revolved as he slid his arms around and unfastened the jeans she still wore and guided them down her legs.
“Oh now, luv, this is very, very nice,” he muttered as he traced the thin red thong that formed the back of the garment. “Bet you’d like it if I’d just slide my fingers, right down like this and . . .”
She bucked against the pads of his fingers in search of the contact she was craving but he laughed and pulled away. “Oh no baby, we’re not there yet. Now tell me what you want.”
She swiveled to look at him. “You.”
“How do you want me?”
She blushed in a way he found adorable. She might be getting braver, but she still got shy when he asked her point blank about sex.
“I want to be on top.”
He chuckled. “Oh you do?”
She nodded.
He slid his hands around her and began to softly stroke her through the soaked satin. “Anything else?”
She bit back a moan as she choked out, “I want it now.”
“Demanding little thing, aren’t you?”
He could feel her legs starting to tremble and he guided her back into his lap so she rested against his chest.
“Raise up, luv, kneel on the couch.”
She looked back at him confused, but complied as she straddled his lap. She was surprised to find them reflected in the dark screen of the TV as the lights flashed on and off, him sprawled barely visible behind her, a pair of hands roaming down her body as he urged her back on to him. She gasped as she felt the head of his cock pressed against her at the unusual angle and moaned as he guided her down onto him.
“Oh, oh, are you sure this is okay?” He was hitting that spot inside her and she shuddered as he guided her slowly back up and she sank down again. “It won’t, um, break you?”
He laughed softly as he watched her begin to direct her own movements. “No, won’t break at all, that’s my girl, ride me sweetheart.”
He intertwined his fingers with hers and began to softly caress her as she moved more forcefully. Buffy found herself mesmerized by the picture they made. She almost didn’t recognize herself as this woman so clearly caught in the throes of passion, flushed with desire as she watched his free hand pluck at the barely covered nipple that was straining against the confines of the lace.
Her hair was in disarray and she could feel the sweat that was building on them both as she groaned and ground down harder, urged on by his moans of approval and encouragement, telling her to take what she wanted. One final flick of their joined hand and she was gone, screaming her pleasure against his hand as he muffled her scream and she sank back limp against him.
As she panted for breath, he lifted her to lay on the couch beneath him. She sighed happily and flopped back.
“Can I be on top now?”
She waved her hand magnanimously at him. “Go ahead.”
He shoved aside the wet thong and thrust back inside her. Watching her take her pleasure moments before had been one of the most erotic sights he’d ever witnessed and he’d hung on to his control by a thin thread when he’d watched her back arch as she’d screamed him name. She smiled and moaned her approval as she pulled him closer and he knew he couldn’t wait another minute as he set a demanding pace. As he exploded in a mind-numbing haze, he heard her little mewl of satisfaction as she quivered as well and he couldn’t help but smile as he collapsed against her breasts.
And this was only the first round. He nuzzled against her draped bonelessly in sweet surrender on his couch, still encased in the soft teddy that highlighted her skin and drove him wild. He hadn’t even unwrapped that pretty bow yet. Spike sighed as Buffy pulled him in for a passionate kiss. Life didn’t get much better than this.
<><><><><>
As the strains of the Wedding March filled the air and the guests rose to their feet in unison, Buffy watched as her friend floated slowly down the aisle to become her aunt. Jenny looked beautiful, the simple cream gown offsetting her complexion. Giles seemed in awe as he watched her approach him at the alter. She smiled as she handed her bouquet to Buffy and turned to clasp hands with her groom.
Buffy caught Spike’s eye briefly as they listened to the minister’s words about love and commitment. His eyes spoke volumes that echoed the comments she was hearing and she smiled as she thought about the Christmas present she had for him. One small envelope, a simple print-out of a webpage, but it confirmed that she could join him in LA next year.
Spike watched as she smiled at him. She looked gorgeous in that gown as the soft candlelight played across her face in the quiet sanctuary. He touched his pocket where the engagement ring rested. He still didn’t know if he should ask her on Christmas Eve. They were house-sitting while the newlyweds were out of town and he’d wanted to ask her in front of the tree. He thought he was prepared for a long engagement if she needed it, but he wasn’t sure if she was. He only knew that one day, he needed to be here with her again, only saying the vows instead of listening to them.
The minister asked for the ring and he brought the band out of the other pocket and handed it to Giles, who repeated his vows in a steady sure voice. Buffy slid the band off her finger where she’d secured it and handed the band to Jenny to do the same.
“I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.”
Giles pulled Jenny in for a kiss that left them both flushed as they turned to the audience and began the walk down the aisle.
<><><><><>
Tap, tap, tap.
The crowd quieted down as Spike stood up and prepared for his toast. He’d rehearsed the night before for Buffy and had her in stitches as he came up with ludicrous speeches. But he was serious now as he faced the group.
“Good evening ladies and gentlemen. I’ve promised my Aunt Jenny to be on my best behavior tonight, so I’ll introduce myself as she would. I’m William Calendar and I’ve had the honor to be the best man for the union of two of the finest people I know.
As many of you know, Jenny’s been like my mum for years. She took me in when my own mum passed and I couldn’t have asked for a better aunt. And right there with her was Giles. He was our neighbor, but he became like a dad to me. I don’t know where I would be without these people.
Now, a lot of folks weren’t surprised when they heard about Giles and Jenny, in fact most people wondered why this didn’t happen years ago. Love works in strange ways and sometimes it takes a while for people to see what’s right in front of their faces.”
He glanced across at Buffy before he continued. “But these two great people finally looked next door and realized what they had. So we are here today to celebrate their union. I propose a toast, to Giles and Jenny, may their life together be full of happiness.”
“To Giles and Jenny.”
When the first dance started, the couple took the floor and twirled together. After an appropriate length of time, Spike and Buffy joined them and cut in with their respective relatives in place of the mother and father that would have come next. Soon they were back together again and Spike smiled as they glided around the floor.
“Having fun, pet?”
Buffy nodded. “Uh-huh. They look so in love, don’t they?”
“Yeah they do. Have I mentioned you look gorgeous tonight?”
“You look pretty handsome yourself.”
“So, I’m told that bridesmaids often get lucky at these sorts of things.”
She raised an eyebrow. “Oh really?”
“Yep. Love in the air and all that.”
“I see.” She glanced around the room. “Well, who would be the lucky guy?” She laughed at his possessive growl. “Okay, don’t go all primal on me, just playing.”
“So when can we leave?”
“Spike! We can’t just go. We have to stay until they leave and the guests go home.”
He rolled his eyes. “Can we find a closet then?”
“No.” He gave her one of those looks which curled his toes and made her want to jump him right then and there. “Maybe. Later. If things don’t wind down soon.”
He grinned. “That’s more like it.”
The festivities began to draw to a close as Giles and Jenny prepared to leave to catch their flight to New York where they planned to spend a few days before finishing their honeymoon in England. Buffy helped Jenny change and then shooed her out to join the rest of the single women vying for a position to catch the bouquet. Willow dragged the reluctant Cordelia on to the floor with the rest.
“No, Willow, I really don’t think I should.”
“Don’t be silly, of course you should.” As Buffy joined them, the small bouquet of red roses came sailing through the air and straight at Cordelia, who instinctively grabbed the flying object. The other girls were delighted as she stared at the flowers in her hand, teasing her about being next.
Traditions complete, the couple was showered with birdseed as they rushed to the limo and roared off into the night. The guests began to slowly depart one by one and Buffy and Spike were soon left with just a few folks swaying to the tunes still being played while they gathered with their friends round one of the tables.
“Gorgeous wedding, just perfect.” Willow said as she drained the last of the champagne. She hiccuped, “Mmkay, think I’ve had enough. Take me home Xander-bear?”
“Sure thing muffin.” He scooped her into his arms and straightened up as Angel ran up to where the others sat.
“Guys, have you seen Cordy?”
Buffy looked up from her snuggled position on Spike’s lap. “No, I think she left a while back Angel. She looked kind of tired.”
Angel looked panicked. “No, she came with me, I was suppose to take her home, but she disappeared about thirty minutes ago and I can’t find her.”
Buffy stood up, swaying lightly. “Maybe she’s in the bathroom, I’ll go check. Want to come with Willow?”
“Sure, put me down baby.”
The two girls started for the bathroom while Angel continued to pace nervously. Xander frowned. “Angel, it’s great how you’re stepping up and all, but man, chill. Cordy’s probably just feeling a little under the weather.”
Angel stopped and glared at him “That’s just it, she’s been feeling bad all day. I told her we shouldn’t come, but she insisted.”
The three men turned as Willow came racing towards them. “Guys, find a phone quick, call 911. Cordy’s passed out and bleeding in the bathroom. I . . . I think something may be wrong with the baby.”
<><><><><>
Angel stood by the bedside of his wife and held her hand as he fought back the urge to bawl like a child. The doctor had just come in and delivered the news. She’d lost the baby, spontaneous miscarriage, sometimes happened in the first trimester. Cordelia would be fine, but she’d need time to heal.
He looked at the purple circles under her eyes that marred her face. Was this his fault? Had he caused to much stress for her, could he have changed something and saved the baby?
As he ran his thumb over the ringer finger of her left hand, he pulled the gold band he’d gotten her for Christmas out of his pocket and slowly slid it in place. He doubted she’d leave it on when she regained consciousness. He doubted she’d even want to see him again. They hadn’t slept together, she could easily get the marriage annulled now and then it would all be over and they could just go on with their lives.
Except it would never be the same. He’d never be able to forget the wonder of the one doctor’s visit he’d made with her, when she’d explained about how his baby was growing. Or the tiny sleeper with a football embroidered on the front that he’d foolishly bought last week and wrapped as a Christmas gift for her and the baby. Or the way she’d looked lying on that cold tile floor with blood pooled beneath her.
Angel knelt beside the bed and wept.
<><><><><>
“Sir, sir? Wake up.”
Angel jumped as the nurse gently shook his shoulder. “Sir, you’re going to have to leave, visiting hours are over.”
He rubbed a hand over his face, trying to clear his head. “I thought family was allowed to stay?”
The nurse looked at him puzzled. “Are you her brother? You aren’t listed on her chart.”
“No, I’m her husband.”
The nurse gave him a strange look. “Sir, her records say that Miss Chase isn’t married, she was very specific about that at her first appointment with the OB-GYN.”
He looked down at the gold ring he’d slid on her finger. So she hadn’t listed him as her contact, even after the ceremony. He sighed. “I’ll go. When can I come back?”
“She’ll be released tomorrow according to her chart. Try to go get some sleep, she’s going to be alright.”
Angel adjusted the flowers he’d gotten from the gift shop so she could see them more easily when she woke up and stood up. He’d be back first thing tomorrow.
But when he walked in the hospital at the start of visiting hours, he found the room empty, the sheets being changed by a young nurse.
“Cordelia Chase? The girl who was in this room.”
The woman looked up from her task. “Oh that poor girl that lost her baby? Her parents just came and checked her out.” He turned and started to walk from the room when he noticed an envelope still laying on the small dresser where the flowers had been. She’d scribbled out her name that he’d written on the outside of the card and written his instead. He ripped open the envelope.
Inside was a thin gold band.
<><><><><>
It was a quiet couple that sat beneath the Christmas tree that night to exchange presents. They’d visited Cordelia at her parents’ house that afternoon and she’d been awake and able to talk, almost back to normal. Buffy had been surprised at how composed she’d seemed, even laughing a little at one of Xander’s lame jokes. Angel had been noticeably absent and no one had brought him up, though his car was visible out the window in the driveway next door.
Buffy sorted through the presents and made little piles, gifts for their friends that would be opened tomorrow, a few things for Jenny and Giles that they’d open when they can back. She was surprised to find nothing from Spike under the tree as she finished. He watched as she finished her shuffling and shifted over beside him.
“No presents for Buffy?”
He reached forward and quietly stroked her face. “I have your present sweetheart. It’s just kind of small, didn’t want it to get lost under there.”
He started to reach into his pocket and then stopped. “Buffy, I love you. The last few months have meant the world to me. I need you to know that. Taking Cordy to the hospital last night, what happened to her, it brought back a lot of memories. Life is short Buffy. We both know that too well. You don’t know if you’re going to get another day no matter how young you are, no matter how much you have to lose. And I don’t want to waste another minute of it without you.”
He reached into his pocket and pulled out the delicate ring.
“Luv, I know I don’t have much to offer you. You make it easy to forget sometimes, but you have a fortune waiting for you. You could be jetting round living the high life and find someone better than a poor student. I’m probably never going to be a rich man. But I can promise no one will ever love you more than I will. Nothing in the world would make me happier than if you would marry me, Buffy Anne Summers.”
She stared down at the diamond sparkling in his hand as it caught the lights of the tree in its facets. She was speechless as she looked up to find tears sparkling in his eyes as well. “It doesn’t have to be right now, I’ll wait as long as we need to. I just want you to have this, to know I’m committed to you.”
She realized that he thought she was going to refuse and found her voice. “Spike, the answer is yes.”
“Really?”
He grabbed her in a huge hug as he rained kisses over her face. “Do you mean it?”
“Yes, William, I’ll marry you. Now let me see the pretty ring.”
His fingers trembled a little as he slid the ring on to her hand and they admired the way it shone on her finger.
“Spike, how soon were you wanting to get married?”
“It’s up to you, sweetheart. We can wait until you finish school if you want.”
“Well, how about you open your present and then we’ll decide.”
She handed him the simple envelope and he gave her a puzzled look as he slid the flap open. He stared at the page he extracted for a moment and then back at her.
She nodded.
“When did you do this?”
“A while ago.”
“So you wanted to come with me all along?”
She nodded again. He pulled her back to him and stretched out in front of the tree as they watched the lights twinkle and softly explored one another.
“Buffy, thank you. I think that’s about the best gift I’ve ever received.”
She snuggled closer. “I think I have to say the same.”