Disclaimer: All the characters are Joss Whedon’s, not mine.
 
Thank you once more to all the reviewers, who inspire me to shun housework in favor of writing!
 
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Chapter 7
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…She struggled but strong arms held her. A distorted face loomed over her. Pain ripped through her abdomen as an evil voice in her mind growled,” The child is ours.”
 
Buffy jerked awake clutching her stomach. In an instant Spike was there, holding her. Buffy, what is it? You were in pain, I felt it.
 
I don’t know, she answered. It was another nightmare. I don’t know if the pain was real, or part of the dream. She rubbed her hands over her still flat stomach thoughtfully. What if… could I be having a miscarriage?
 
Spike looked her over. I don’t smell any blood or anything, pet. I think you’re ok. They lay back down, entwined in each other’s arms. Child isn’t even here yet and it’s keeping us up all night, he mused.
 
I’m just so worried, Spike. What are all these dreams about?
 
Dunno, pet. He stroked her for a while, trying to think of something. Maybe it’s not a bad thing that the Watcher’s coming out. Maybe he could help us figure out what the fuck is going on.
 
I guess. But is he going to stake you if he finds out we’re getting married? The conversation with Giles earlier that day still weighed on her mind.
 
We can delay that if you’re worried, love. You know I’ll still be here whether we’re official or not.
 
But I want to marry you! Buffy stroked his face and looked deep into his blue eyes. I love you. And I don’t care if the others know. I just… I want to make my vows to you, without having to stop every other word to explain myself or fight off someone who thinks they know better than me what I need!
 
Shh. Don’t fret, Slayer. We’ll exchange our vows as we planned, and face them together afterward. And if they give you a hard time, I’ll eat them or something.
 
Buffy cracked a half smile. You know I can’t let you do that. Besides, the chip would give you a headache and you’d be in no shape to enjoy your honeymoon.
 
True, he agreed. Still think we can go away for the weekend like we planned?
 
Tara said she’d stay with Dawn. Tara could go get Giles if he needs a ride, I guess. She could bring him here - he and Dawn can bond or whatever. But I think that cabin in the hills sounds lovely, and I am not giving it up so that I can be lectured and disapproved of.
 
That’s my girl. He kissed her deeply, and they curled up together until they fell back to sleep.
 
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The week passed in a flurry of preparations, some obvious and some clandestine. Buffy called on the Monday before their chosen day and found to her delight that their license had been approved and that the clerk was available for a small ceremony on Friday at eleven. Buffy and Spike guarded many thoughts from each other, as they each prepared vows, chose clothing, and picked out rings for each other. Buffy had found a simple silver band for Spike, and had it engraved with the words: BS & WP Yours, Always. It seemed fitting to have the words of their demon marriage on the symbol of their human one. Tara and Dawn had planned some delicious finger foods and ordered a small but attractive cake with red roses on it. They had asked Anya to help with the food, so that it would be ready when they returned, and Anya had graciously agreed. Spike had, unbeknownst to the women, actually gone out and purchased a black suit and tie, with dress shoes to match. Buffy had left the dress code up to him, but he felt the occasion demanded something special.
 
Giles had called Xander to tell him that he was due at LAX at eleven o’clock the evening before, and needed a ride. Xander had agreed, while trying to keep his voice down so that Anya, who had been in the kitchen, would not hear. He didn’t really want to admit to her that he had been eavesdropping, and was also more than a little miffed that she hadn’t confided in him when she heard the news. Willow’s parents were going to be away, so Giles could spend the night there. Willow had used a little subterfuge to find out when the ceremony was. She had asked Tara if they could get together on Friday. Tara had said, “Well, it will have to be in the morning. I’ve got somewhere to go at eleven.” Willow had said that regretfully, she was busy after then, and had hung up, then phoned Xander with the news.
 
It was Willow who actually ended up driving to LAX on Thursday night, so that Anya wouldn’t ask questions. Willow was also hurt that Tara had kept this a secret. She knew that she still had a lot of bridges to rebuild with Tara, but she thought they had come further than that. I’ve been so much better about the magic. I know I screwed up with that. You’d think she could at least give me a chance. And what about Buffy? She hasn’t called or anything! I know that coming back was hard, but if she is over it enough to get married, then why can’t she at least talk to me? All the way up to LA, Willow kept turning these things over in her head. At one point it occurred to her that they didn’t know quite what they planned to do. Should they barge in and disrupt the ceremony? Should they get there ahead of time and try to reason with her? What should they do about this? With any luck they could at least talk to her before she did this to try to understand why.
 
Willow pulled into the parking garage, grabbed her purse, and headed into the terminal. It was nearly eleven, so she felt rushed. To her dismay, she saw the word DELAYED after Giles’ flight number. With a sigh, she sat down to wait.
 
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For once, Spike was awake before Buffy. He lay beside her, watching her sleep, examining every curve, every strand of golden hair, and marveling at how this had come to be. Today is my wedding day. She agreed to marry me. An actual human female, agreeing to marry William Pratt. Mother would be beside herself is she were here. He didn’t often think of his mother. The memory of her turning and her subsequent behavior was a memory better repressed. But now he remembered a day when he had been reading some awful poem about Cicely to her, and she had glowed with happiness at the idea of her boy finding a good match. Well, Mother, it ended up taking a fair bit longer than we expected, but I hope you approve.
 
Buffy stirred and woke, smiling at the blue eyes which were studying her so intently. Good morning, lover, she greeted him silently. He pulled her in close for a gentle kiss. Good morning, beautiful, he replied. He ran his hand through her hair. Big day, today.
 
Not getting nervous, are you? Buffy inquired.
 
Never been more certain of anything in all my days, he reassured her. You’re already my mate. Being your official spouse isn’t much of a leap at all.
 
I love you, William. Her thoughts filled this hole inside him that he hadn’t realized was there. Maybe it was the hole left by his missing soul, but all he knew is that Buffy filled it with her love and trust.
 
I love you too, Buffy. Should we get up and get things ready you think?
 
She smiled. Someone’s eager, isn’t he?
 
You know me. I’m just trying to get to the wedding night. He growled suggestively and she giggled. After sharing one more lingering kiss they got up and went to share a shower.
 
Dawn was up reasonably early as well. She watched her sister and the vampire moving around the kitchen, sharing little smiles, acting as a team to get things and do things, seemingly without even thinking about it. She couldn’t remember a time when her sister looked so happy. Buffy had spent that whole long year with Glory being angry, upset, worried, and generally bowed under the weight of all the responsibilities piled on her. Dawn had been struck by the peace on Buffy’s face as she had lay broken at the foot of the tower. It had been a look Dawn hadn’t really seen before, and it had broken Dawn’s heart to know that death was the only thing that had given her sister that peace. Now Dawn was seeing that peace again, but this time mixed with joy, and obvious love. The change in the vampire was striking as well. That whole long summer Spike had worn a mask of weary grief. He had spent the whole time beating himself up for having failed Buffy, and she knew very well that he probably would have dusted himself if not for his promise to look after her. Now he looked years younger. He smiled easily, and had a sweet, pleasant laugh that she hadn’t heard before. She couldn’t forget what he was – the blood stained coffee mugs were a dead giveaway – but he seemed more human and alive than anyone she had known. Dawn found herself grateful for the chance to have a somewhat stable home life at last.
 
At around nine o’clock, Spike put on his duster and grabbed an old blanket kept by the door. “I’ve got a few things to do at my old crypt before the ceremony. But I promise I will be there on time.”
 
“What sort of things?” Dawn asked.
 
“Secret,” he grinned, keeping his thoughts hidden from Buffy as well.
 
“Be careful. And don’t you dare be late!” Buffy said, kissing him lightly.
 
“Wouldn’t dream of it, love,” he responded. Then he opened the door and dashed for the sewers.
 
Buffy and Dawn tidied up and got things ready for their little celebration. Buffy had secretly invited Clem to come by, knowing that Spike would be pleased to have his best demon friend there to fend off the house full of females. Buffy took her time getting dressed, doing her nails and hair, and putting on her makeup. She was happy, but nervous. What if it doesn’t go right? What if the others try to stop us or something? She did her best to stifle these thoughts, knowing that they were just the latest manifestation of the ‘back from the dead’ panic. But it was still so hard sometimes, especially when she was away from Spike. His constant presence calmed and anchored her, and she was grateful for that presence every day.
 
She finally came downstairs to find that Tara had arrived and was chatting with Dawn in the living room. “How do I look?” she asked nervously.
 
“You look beautiful,” said Tara warmly.
 
“Spike is going to flip,” Dawn agreed.
 
Buffy smiled. “Thanks guys. It’s about 10:30 now. We should probably head out soon.” Just then Anya knocked at the back door and Dawn let her in. “Hi, Anya. Thanks for coming.”
 
“Wow! So you decided to go for white, despite the whole virginal symbolism thing?”
 
Dawn rolled her eyes, but Buffy said, “Well, it’s traditional. And I already owned it, which helped.”
 
“Well, it looks great. You guys should get going though. I’ll take care of the refreshments. You go get married!” Anya bubbled, shooing them out the door.
 
Tara drove them in Joyce’s old car. They had blacked out the windows in the back so that they could bring the newlyweds home together after the ceremony. They pulled around into the back of City Hall, where there was a handicapped accessible entrance that opened onto a small, shaded side street. Tara brought a camera and an umbrella for good measure, to shield Spike if needed on the way out. Dawn carefully guarded the box holding Spike’s ring, while Buffy carried a small red rose which she intended to pin on whatever he wore, whether it was a tux or a t-shirt.
 
They made their way up to the license office, and Buffy gave her name at the desk. The woman behind the counter smiled and said, “The clerk will be with you shortly. We have a small private room for the ceremony. I believe your groom is already here.”
 
Buffy and the others followed the woman into a small antechamber. Buffy walked in and gasped at the sight of Spike, resplendent in a black suit and tie, with gleaming black leather shoes and his hair carefully tamed. Spike, on his part, whistled appreciatively at his bride-to-be. Her hair was swept up in an elegant twist, and she wore silver drop earrings and a matching silver necklace. Her dress was a simple white affair, strapless and hanging in flowing layers down to her knees. She blushed, and he nearly melted. You are the loveliest creature I have ever seen, bar none.
 
Buffy walked up to him and pinned the rose on his lapel. My handsome vampire. You do clean up well. Spike handed her two long stemmed red roses, bound with a red velvet ribbon, and she smiled as she closed her eyes and drank in their scent.
 
“Ahem,” Dawn said, drawing their attention to the fact that they were not actually alone in the room.
 
“Hello, Nibblet, Glinda,” Spike said cordially. “Good of you to come.”
 
“Wouldn’t miss it,” Tara replied. Just then the door opened and a thin, older gentleman walked in. He had a kindly face, and a warm voice, and he introduced himself as John Barnett, Justice of the Peace.
 
“Are we ready to begin?” he asked.
 
“I believe we are,” Spike answered. He held his hand out to Buffy and she took it, moving with him to stand before Mr. Barnett.
 
“We are here today as witnesses to the marriage between William Pratt and Buffy Summers. Do you both come here of your own free will?”
 
“Yes,” they responded as one.
 
“Do you have vows you would like to say to each other at this time?”
 
They turned to each other, and Spike took both her hands. “Buffy, I take you to be my wife. I promise to love you with all I am, and never to leave you. I will protect you and yours with everything I have, in all worlds, in all times, until I fall to dust.” He released one of her hands and brought out a silver wedding band to match her engagement ring. “Take this ring as a sign of my eternal devotion.”
 
Mr. Barnett was struck by the odd, if poetic, choice of wording for Spike’s vows. It was clear that this young Englishman was head over heels for his lady, and had a rather lyrical way of expressing it. He turned to Buffy and said, “Ms. Summers?”
 
Buffy took a deep breath and said, “William, I take you to be my husband. I take you as a partner, as someone who is beside me and with me, and never beneath me. I love you with everything in me, and I always will. I will be yours for as long as I live, and beyond.” Dawn handed Buffy the silver ring she had picked out for Spike, and she slid it tenderly onto his left hand. “Take this ring as a reminder of my love for you.” Spike had to fight back tears at the words ‘never beneath me’. He felt as if many old wounds of rejection had been healed by those words.
 
Dawn found herself close to tears as well. Their words were laced with emotion, and their connection was obvious. Tara wondered at their auras, which shifted constantly, each one wrapping around and merging with the other. They were meant to be together, this was clear.
 
Mr. Barnett, who had seen hundreds and hundreds of couples, was also moved by the blond couple in front of him. They were striking to look at, and so evidently in love with each other. He smiled as he said, “By the power vested in me by the State of California, I now pronounce you husband and wife.” With a twinkle in his eye he added, “You may kiss the bride.”
 
Spike caressed Buffy’s face with infinite tenderness as he bent down and met her lips. They kissed slowly and delicately, while their thoughts merged and blended. Mine, you’re mine… Yours…Forever yours…” Finally they broke the kiss and opened their eyes, both of their faces lit up with utter bliss.
 
“Congratulations,” said Mr. Barnett. “May I have the license to sign?”
 
Spike handed the paper over while Tara and Dawn hugged Buffy, sharing in her glowing happiness. Then Dawn tackled Spike. “Congratulations, brother-in-law!” she squealed as she hugged him.
 
“Thanks, Nibblet,” he said happily. “Glinda, thanks again for all your support.”
 
Tara gave him a hug as well. “You’ve more than earned it,” she said.
 
“You are all set,” said Mr. Barnett. “I will file this straight away. And once again let me offer my congratulations. You make a fine couple.”
 
“Thank you sir,” said Spike, shaking the man’s hand. Spike held out his arm to Buffy, who squeezed his elbow happily with both hands. “Time to go home, Mrs. Pratt?”
 
“Lead the way, Mr. Pratt,” Buffy said. Oh, God, Spike I can’t remember ever being so happy.
 
Nor can I, Spike replied, beaming down at her. Gonna dust from sheer joy, Slayer.
 
No dusting, she admonished silently. I have plans for you tonight.
 
Oho! Do you now… Spike and Buffy had led the way out of the small chamber and down a short hall into the main office. They were focused completely on each other, radiant and content when they heard a male voice say, “Buffy?”
 
They pulled up short. “Giles.”
 
TBC