Chapter 14: Something old Something new
“So what are our plans for the day?” Willow asked as she pulled up a stool at the kitchen counter.
“Well, oh maid of honor of mine, first we have to run by Spike’s house. Joyce wants to meet with just the three of us to start planning. She is having a wedding coordinator meet us at there.” Flipping a pancake in the pan, Buffy continued. “Can you believe hiring a wedding planner for such a small wedding?”
“How many people are you inviting? Oh, can you hand me the coffee?” Buffy smiled at her friend as she handed her a cup. “Ah, bitter caffeinated goodness.”
Buffy pulled two plates down from the cabinet and began stacking pancakes on them. “Wills, where’s the syrup?”
“Behind the milk, towards the back.” She hid a yawn behind her hand. “Let’s see, I think we decided on just a few family and friends. Last night we only had about twenty people listed. I only plan on inviting your parents, Cordy, two girls from the home in LA, and maybe a few people from high school. I don’t know about that though. I hate the idea of them all knowing I got knocked up.” A soft sigh escaped her lips before Buffy finished laying out everything for the pancakes. “This sucks. I wish I had more real friends.”
Willow watched as Buffy started playing with her pancakes. “I guess we never really tried to make friends with anyone else. It was nice in high school, you know, never having to worry about fitting in and being popular. None of that stuff mattered because we always had each other. What about your parents? Are they coming?” Willow knew what the answer would be, but she also wanted Buffy to address the issue before it came up with Joyce.
“I think my mother would show if I invited her. I’m just afraid she’ll make an ass out of herself. I can just see her heading to the bar before the ceremony even starts. I made Xan promise not to even tell them.” Buffy gave up on the pancakes and threw them in the trash. “I am starting to regret not running off to Vegas. At least then I wouldn’t have to worry about this stuff.” As she began cleaning the mess, Buffy felt tears begin to fall.
Willow jumped up from her seat. “Oh honey, its gonna be alright.” she began to softly stroke Buffys shoulder and back. “Hey now, cheer up. I just had a thought.” Buffy looked up at Willow. “Oz is playing the reception right?” The teary eyed blond nodded her head. “Well, that adds 5 more people to your side.”
“Four,” Buffy said smiling.
“Four?”
“Spike thought it only fitting to have Oz as his best man, since it is BOTH of your faults that we’re getting married in the first place.”
“Mom, are you sure you don’t want me here?” Spike asked from outside Joyce’s room.
“No honey, this is the time for us girls. All you have to do is show up with your tux fitted and pressed. Oh and call Daniel and Alexander. You need to get their tuxes also.” Joyce grabbed a cardigan from her closet. “Do we need to order tuxes for that band of his? What are they called again? Baby eaters,” she looked up thoughtfully. “Do you think they would mind changing that for the wedding? I don’t think it is very appropriate.”
Desperately trying to contain his laughter Spike replied “How does Dingo’s Ate My Baby sound?”
“Better, I think.” Joyce clapped her hands as she heard the doorbell ring. “Oh that must be them!” She checked the clock as she followed Spike down the hall. They reached the bottom of the stair case just as Amy was opening the door. “Elizabeth, Willow, I am so happy you’re here. The Hopes should be here in a few minutes.”
“The Hopes?” Both girls looked at each other in confusion. “Betsy Hope and her son. She is the coordinator. Her son is helping out while her assistant is taking a few months off to help her mother.” Joyce continued telling everyone about the poor assistant who was taking a leave of absence to help her mother in Florida, while Buffy and Willow tried not to laugh.
“What’s so funny?” Spike asked.
Willow leaned towards Spike, “Scott Hope is Buffy’s old boyfriend from high school.” Joyce motioned for the girls to follow her to the atrium.
‘ Boyfriend? Oh I’m staying now,’ Spike thought as he walked behind the three women. Spike stayed just outside the archway into the atrium, listening to the women chatting excitedly about the upcoming wedding. Buffy, Joyce, and Spike had already decided to hold the wedding in two weeks. He didn’t know how his mother planned on having everything ready on such short notice, but he had no doubt she could. He watched as Buffy’s face lit up at something his mother said. Buffy held her left hand out to his mother to show her the ring he had given her just last night. For a moment Spike lost himself in a fantasy in which their marriage was real. ‘She does look like a real bride,’ he thought. ‘A real bride showing off her engagement ring.’ Pride filled Spike’s chest. Pride which quickly changed to acute shame as he realized his thoughts were misleading. ‘We are only doing this for the baby.’ He had little time to analyze his feelings due to the sound of the doorbell above his head.
“That must be Betsy now!” Joyce said as she headed towards the doorway. “William, what are you doing? I thought you were going to get together with the boys and get started on tuxes?”
“Well, I decided to crash the all-girls wedding party. If that is all right with my future wife?” Knowing just how to tip his head perfectly for his most pitiful puppy-dog face, Spike opened his eyes wide and gazed adoringly at Buffy.
Taking the bait perfectly, Buffy replied, “Of course.” The triumphant grin Spike shot his mother was interrupted by the appearance of the Hopes just behind his mother.
“Well, don’t forget about the tuxes.” Joyce ordered with a stern look. “Betsy, come meet my new daughter, Elizabeth Summers.”
Joyce was cut off when Mrs. Hope saw Buffy. “Buffy! I cant believe it!” the plump middle age woman pulled Buffy into a strong hug. “Scott look! Buffy’s getting married!” Spike watched as Betsy let go of her hold on Buffy only to see Scott take her into his arms.
“Buffy, it’s so good to see you again.” Scott pulled back, but his arms remained around the petite woman. “Wow! Getting married.” A flare of envy rippled through Spike as he watched Buffy blush in the other male’s arms.
“Yea, we can’t wait. I’m Spike by the way.” Spike forced him into releasing Buffy by holding his hand out for towards Scott. After an uncomfortable handshake, Spike ushered everyone over to the table. Thinking quickly he maneuvered everyone so that Scott and Buffy were sitting cattycorner to each other, and the lovely couple were right next to each other.
Later as Joyce and Willow were going through invitations, Spike saw Scott lean over and whisper something into Buffys ear. ‘Christ man, she is getting married in a few weeks,’ The two highschool ex’s had been whispering amongst themselves most of the evening. Spike quickly turned his head as Buffy glanced in his direction.
“We’re going to grab a few drinks, anyone want anything?” Buffy asked. Spike immediately stood up and moved to help her. “That’s OK Spike, Scott and I got it.”
After getting drink requests, Buffy and Scott disappeared through the arch way. “Hey Spike come here for a second, I want your opinion on this.” Willow called.
“In a moment Wills, I wanna check on something.”
Spike quickly headed out of the room. Joyce and Willow exchanged knowing glances. ‘I am not spying, I am concerned about Buffy’s safely and health. Yea that’s it. Buffy shouldn’t be carrying heavy drinks. She should be carried.’ Spike thoughts paused as he imagined him carrying the beautiful blond. As Spike came close to the doorway, he slowed his pace. ‘I am not spying’ he repeated to himself. Spike stood next to the doorway, barely able to see inside the kitchen. Inside the large room Spike saw Buffy hugging Scott. Then he angrily watched as Scott moved his hand down to Buffy’s stomach and kissed her on the forehead as he whispered something to her. Spike was about to rush into the kitchen demanding to know what was happening. ‘Did she tell him about the wedding? Does he want to get back together? Did I lose her?’ He didn’t have time to ponder that last thought when he felt a small hand grab his arm and pull him back. “HEY!” Spike said as he saw Willow behind him.
“I am warning you right now, leave them alone.” Spike was surprised by the commanding way the little red head spoke. “You have nothing to worry about. It was never about love between them.” She nodded towards the couple in the kitchen. “It was about convince.” At Spikes confused look Willow continued. “Buffy was always scared to date. Guys tend to be possessive about little, blonde, beautiful highschool girls. Buffy hates that. I think it had something to do with her father. Scott and Buffy basicly used each other so they didn’t have to worry about trying to really date.”
“Why?”
“Well, Buffy didn’t trust any males enough to really be alone with her, until you I might add. And Scott didn’t want anyone to know he’s not all male” Willow grinned wickedly as Spike worked his way through the puzzle.
“Are you saying he’s…” Spike trailed off.
“Yup. I had my suspicions in school, but his Mom just conformed it. Scott Hope is out of the closet.”
Spike grinned as he entered the kitchen. “Hey, I thought you may need help after all.” He moved over beside Buffy and pulled her into her arms. “I hope Buffy has invited you to wedding?” Buffy, who hadn’t missed the jealousy from Spike earlier, looked up at him surprised and was greeted by a wink from the blond.
“Sure, I would love to come.” Scott answered.
“Great it’s all settled. Now we better head head back. There’s no telling what my Mom has deiced while we’ve been gone.”
A/N Thanks to everyone who voed for 20 Months in the weekly poll! I can’t believe we won! I also have to thank my Betas, who are the best betas in the whole world. There imput has made this story better then I ever could have. Thanks guys!