1 "I had a really good time tonight, Buffy," Riley Finn told her as he made the right-hand turn

onto Revello Drive. "It was a lot of fun. Did you have fun?" Buffy Summers, who had been staring out the car window looking at the passing houses, sighed. "Yeah, fun. Definitely." She didnt want to hurt his feelings by saying she didnt, which would have been the truth. It was their first date and destined to be their last. "Are you busy tomorrow night?" he wanted to know. "We could go to the Bronze again." Again. Wasnt tonight humiliating enough? While Riley was a perfectly nice guy, Buffy didnt think she could handle one more date with him, especially at the Bronze, where only an hour earlier he had started break dancing in the middle of the dance floor. "I dont think so. I promised my little sister wed do the girls night out thing tomorrow. Sorry." He smiled and shrugged his shoulders. "Thats okay. Maybe some other time." Riley caught sight of the flashing lights ahead of them. "Whats going on up there?" Buffy turned her attention to the road, and saw four police cars and an ambulance. "I have no idea. But its really close to my house." As they approached 1630 Revello Drive, Buffy tensed up. "Oh god, it *is* my house. Riley, stop the car!" "But, Buffy" She didnt hear him. The instant his car stopped moving, Buffy jumped out, running to her house. When she reached the front lawn, she found a crowd of people standing there, watching the police officers as they entered and exited the Summers home. "This is what happens when teenagers are left to their own devices," one of her neighbors commented. Filled with both fear and anger, Buffy ran up the walkway to the front porch. Just as she was about to enter, a police officer grabbed her upper arm. "You cant go in there, Miss. This is a crime scene," he told her. "This is my home!" "Im sorry, but" Buffy wrenched out of his grasp when she saw her fifteen year old sister step outside, holding her arms to her stomach. "Dawn!" She sprinted up the steps to the young girl, embracing her tightly. "Are you all right?" Dawn Summers nodded. "Yeah. God, Buffy, I was so scared! I thought" She couldnt finish the sentence, and started crying instead. "Shh, itll be okay, Dawnie. What happened?" "Itit was Faith," she managed to choke out. "She and Parker had a fight, a bad one this time. Worse than the other ones. He-he hit her and then he grabbed a knife." She stopped, shaking her head. "I dont know what happened after that. Faith made me go upstairs, and the next thing I remember, the cops were here. Im sorry, Buffy." "No, you did the right thing. Wheres Faith?" Dawn lifted her head up and gazed into her sisters eyes. "They took her away. They put her in handcuffs, and I saw Parker on the kitchen floor with a white sheet over him. I think hes dead."

Holding her sister tight, Buffy felt her heart break. The three of them had been through so much in the past year, Faith being arrested for murder wasnt going to be easy on Dawn, or her. "You said the police took Faith?" "Uh-huh. Right before you got here. Buffy, we have to help her. She has to come home." "Im going to do my best to bring her home, I promise. Everything will be fine. You have my word on it," she promised her younger sister. And she hoped it would be. *** (3 weeks later) "I dont like him, B. He keeps telling me that it would be a lot easier if I just plead guilty; I might only serve twenty years instead of life in prison," Faith Summers said to her sister. "Ive told him at least thirty times that I will *not* take the rap for this. It was self-defense." "I understand where youre coming from. But Kenneth is your lawyer and hes doing his job," Buffy tried to reason. Faith ran her hands through her shoulder-length brown hair, sighing loudly. "So you, too. You think I should give in and spend the better part of my life behind bars with a cellmate named Big Bertha who wants to make me her cuddle monkey? No way. Not on your life, B." "Thats not what I want at all. Its just that Kenneth is looking out for your best interests." "Do you have any idea how wrong this is? I should be out doinggod, doing anything besides sitting here right now. Parker got what he deserved, and Id do it again if I had to. He was going to kill me, and I get thrown in jail for defending myself! Is that fair?" Buffy shook her head. "No, it isnt; I never said it was. But you also have to work with your lawyer to help him convince a jury that youre innocent. And I am not telling you to give up. Youre a fighter, Faith, youll get through this just fine." "Youre right, I will get through this." She shook her head, preparing to tell her sister what she wanted her to do. "Without Kenneth. I want a lawyer whos looking out for my best interests, not because he wants this case over and done with. Hes a public defender, he couldnt care less whether I did it or not, or why I did. I need a lawyer who does." "We cant afford a criminal lawyer," Buffy said. Maybe before we could have, but not now "Im sorry." Grasping her sisters hand in hers, Faith stared into her green eyes. "This is my life were talking about, B. Contrary to popular belief, I want to get married and have children, if only to prove Im *not* like them. And I cant do that if Im spending my best years in jail for offing a guy who deserved what I did to him. Please, Buffy," she pleaded. The twenty year old sighed, feeling guilty for not being able to help Faith; it made her feel like she was being a bad sister. Given all Faith had lived through the first eleven years of her life, didnt she deserve a second chance? She only did what she had to do. Fate dealt her a crappy card, I have to do what I can, Buffy thought. "Okay, Ill see what I can do. Im not going to guarantee anything, but I will do my best." "Thanks. I know youll do it. You can do anything when you set your mind to it." Buffy smiled, hiding what she was really thinking. It was going to be hard if not impossible to get an attorney to represent Faith with little or no pay. But she was determined to find a way to keep her family togetherno matter what the cost.

*** 2 It felt like hed been staring at the piece of paper on his desk for hours, when in fact, it had only been twenty minutes. Twenty long, agonizing minutes of planning and wondering, decisions and answers, changing his mind over and over again until he came up with a new answer he disliked even more. For probably the first time in his life, he found himself in a quarry. Angel McKenzie didnt shock easily, not as a habit. Being one of the top defense attorneys in Southern California, he was expected to remain non-plussed by any course of events, no matter what the twist. And in thirty years of life, nothing had ever shocked him more than his uncles will. Even two weeks later, he was still amazed. And screwed. I, Rupert Giles, in the event of my death, bequeath the bulk of my estate to my nephew Angelus McKenzie on his thirty-first birthday. However, the sum of two hundred million dollars will be given to him only on the day of his wedding. If he is not married by the age of thirty-one, and married for three years following, he shall receive nothing except the law firm of Giles and Pryce. The money will be taken away and distributed among other family members if said marriage lasts less than three years. After having read the will at least a million times, Angel shook his head. "This is complete bullshit," he stated, not caring that he was alone in his office and nobody could hear him. "Why? What the hell did I ever do to Uncle Rupert?" He just didnt know. Granted, his uncle Rupert Giles had always been rather peculiar, but Angel never thought anything of it. He had been Ruperts favorite nephew, giving him a job at his prestigious law firm the day after he graduated from law school. But the codicil in the will, that was over the top, even for Rupert. His uncle was always on his back about settling down with the right girl and getting married, but Angel had laughed every single time. "Why bother looking for Miss Right when Im having so much fun with Miss Wrong?" Angel quipped each and every time. "I dont want to settle down." "You will someday, Angelus." "Its Angel. Nobody calls me Angelus anymore, Uncle Rupert," he corrected. "And I refuse to get married. Ever." Picking up his pen and grabbing a blank sheet of paper, Angel began to think. "This must be some form of cruel and unusual punishment to make me get married. After what I went through with my parents, how could Uncle Rupert make me suffer through that?" he wondered aloud. A list of potential brides ran through the lawyers mind. Darlano, shes married already. Drusilla was *way* too much of a nutcase for my liking. I cant imagine spending three years with her. Serena? No, shed cling the second I tell her about the money. This is going to be next to impossible! There is not a single woman I know whom I could trust enough to marry for three years. I dont *want* a wife, but I *need* one. I need someone who wont get too emotionally attached, because as soon as the three years is up, Im gone. Sure, Ill give her a little something for her troubles, but thats it. The last thing Im looking for is a lifetime commitment; it will be a marriage in name only. Sex just complicates things. His intercom buzzed as he was putting away his papers, coming up with no possible matches for his search. "Yeah, Jenny?" he asked his secretary through the speaker. "Theres a Miss Summers here to see you. She said she doesnt have an appointment," his secretary told him.

Miss Summers? Angel thought, knitting his eyebrows together. I dont know anyone with that last name. Unlessno, I dont think that was Andreas last name. Besides, we only met last night and we never got around to last names; she couldnt possibly know where to find me. "Send her in." Thirty seconds later, Jenny opened his office door and showed in a young woman Angel had never seen before. He would have remembered her, thats for sure. The womans blonde hair fell slightly past her shoulders and her striking green eyes bore a look of unequivicated sadness. When he set eyes on her, she took his breath away with her beauty. Not an easy feat. "Thank you, Jenny." She nodded and closed the door behind her, leaving Angel alone with the young woman. "Please, have a seat, Miss Summers. Im Angel McKenzie." She sat down. "I know who you are, thats why Im here. I wont beat around the bush. Youre a great lawyer, and I need one right now. You spoke at one of my law classes last year and you were the first person who came to mind." "Im flattered, Miss Summers. What kind of help do you need?" "You can call me Buffy. Anyway, I dont need a lawyer personally, but my sister does. She was arrested three weeks ago on murder charges. A public defender is working on her case and he wants her to plea bargain." Angel smirked, knowing exactly what Buffy was getting at. "Your sister doesnt want to plea bargain, I take it." "It was self-defense. She had been going out with him for years, and I saw the way he treated her. He hit her, he punched her, he verbally abused her; Faith didnt have an easy childhood, so she just sort of took it from him. Her parents neglected her and she was adopted by my family eleven years ago. Im not saying thats why she did it; Parker was going to kill her and Faith was only trying to defend herself. And she deserves a lawyer who wants what she wants. "I spoke to my professor yesterday afternoon and he recommended that I see you, Mr. McKenzie. I just couldnt remember your name or I would have called earlier, Im sorry. And Im also sorry for not having made an appointment," Buffy said. "Im sure youre very busy." "Its okay, Buffy. Really, it is. Whats the name of her attorney?" Angel wanted to know. "Kenneth Shaw." He shook his head. "I know him. Hes an arrogant little bastard. I cant stand him." Buffy almost laughed. "Thats what Faith said." Before he had a chance to reply, his office door burst open and a tall brunette waltzed in. "Angel, I need" She stopped suddenly when she saw Buffy sitting in the chair across from Angels desk. "I didnt realize you were with a client or else I would have knocked." "Dont worry about it, this is just a preliminary meeting. Lilah, this is Buffy Summers. Buffy, this is an associate of mine, Lilah Morgan." "Nice to meet you," the blonde greeted. Lilah gazed at her with a look of disdain. "Likewise. I only came to ask if you had the Turner/Barker case file. It looks like theyre in trouble again," she said to Angel.

"Yeah. Just ask Jenny and shell get it for you. Its downstairs in my private filing cabinet," Angel informed her. She sighed heavily. She wanted to be alone with him, but Angel wasnt cooperating. "Thanks. Ill see you later." Turning on her heel, Lilah stormed out of the room without so much as a goodbye to Buffy. Buffy couldnt help raising her eyebrows. "Is it just me, or did it get really cold in here?" "Shes like that with everyone, dont take it personally. Where were we? Right, Kenneth Shaw. Ill give his office a call after you leave and have him messenger over the file on your sisters case." "Youll take the case?" she asked incredulously. "Based on what youve told me, its open and shut. Yes, Ill take it." She stood up, her face clouding over with a look Angel couldnt identify. But he could tell it wasnt happiness. "Your help means more to me than you can possibly know. But there is one problem. Your fee." "What about it?" Angel wanted to know. "I cant afford to pay it; thats why Faith had been assigned a public defender. My parents died at the beginning of the summer and they didnt leave us with much more than the house and enough money to pay for their burials. I had to drop out of UC Sunnydale to get a job to support my fifteen year old sister. Between me and Faith, were barely making enough to get by." He could only nod his head in understanding. "I see." "But Faith needs a good lawyer, the best, and thats you. Id be willing to work off the fee here. I can work as a secretary a few hours a day, or down in the mailroom, orgod, Ill even clean toilets. You have my word that youll get your money, though," Buffy swore. Angel looked at her, and came up with an idea. Shell be perfect. I help her and she helps me. Buffy looks like shes only in her twenties, so I wont be asking *too* much. Shes smart and beautifulthis could work out perfectly. "Dont worry about the money, Buffy. I dont want it." "You dont?" Buffy couldnt believe it. "Theres something else I want. Or, should I say, need. I know this is going to sound strange, but please listen. My uncle died a few weeks ago and in his will, he left me a significant sum of money. But its contingent on the fact that I marry by the time I turn thirty-one. Unfortunately, I have three months until my birthday, and there are no potential brides waiting in the wings. Thats where you would come in." It took her a second to digest what Angel told her. "You want me to marry you so you can get your uncles money?" "Yes. I think of it as a fair trade. You get what you want and I get what I want. It would be for three years, at the end of which we will file for divorce and go our separate ways. I am not asking for a lifetime of servitude, just three years of marriage in name only. You and your sister will move into my uncles home and I will see to it that you are taken care of well-after the marriage ends." She didnt know what to say. The proposal he had just given her blew her away. "Could I think it over?" she asked. There was no way Buffy could make such a decision in a minute. Shed do anything for Faith, but could she marry a stranger? It wasnt something she could decide on the spot. It required a lot of thought.

"Go right ahead. My intentions are one hundred percent honorable, Buffy. I wouldnt ask you to do anything you dont feel comfortable doing. As I said, it would be a marriage in name only," Angel reminded her. "You think it over. In the meantime, Ill get started on your sisters case." They said their goodbyes and Angel walked her to the elevator. As the doors closed between them, he smiled broadly. Ill be married by the end of week, I just know it. No strings attached, either; things couldnt be more perfect. *** 3 The next twenty-four hours were spent weighing her options. Buffy was conflicted; she didnt know what to do. It wasnt as if she had a whole lot of choices: marry Angel McKenzie so hed represent her sister or let Faith spend the rest of her life in prison. She didnt like either option, but it was a matter of choosing the lesser of two evils. Sitting at the kitchen table with a piece of paper and a pen, Buffy weighed the pros and cons of agreeing to Angels proposal. Okay, on the upside, Faith will have the best attorney in Southern California. He will be able to get her off, Im sure of it. Although, if he loses the case, Ill be trapped in a marriage with a man who let my sister go to jail. Pro: he is very nice-looking. It isnt like hes hideous to look at and Id be embarrassed to be seen in public with him. Con: Looks can be deceiving. Angel could be a serial killer. Pro: Its only three years. I wont have to actually *do* anything with him. Name-only marriage. Con: Its for three years. Can I live with a guy I hardly know for three years and act like his wife? Is it even possible? Pro: A stable home life for Dawn. Ever since Mom and Dad died, she hasnt been herself, and Lord knows Im not the worlds greatest provider for this family. Con: Angel could end up being a total ass and say Dawn cant stay with us. She sighed, distressed with the decision she had to make for the sake of keeping her family together. "What am I going to do?" she asked aloud. Unbeknownst to her, Dawn had walked into the kitchen. "What did you say, Buffy?" she wanted to know. Seeing her sister standing across the room, Buffy folded the paper in half and shoved it in her purse. "Nothing. How did you sleep?" Dawn shrugged her shoulders. "The same as usual. No better, no worse. How bout you?" "Same. Im going to visit Faith this afternoon, Dawnie. Do you want to come with me?" Buffy asked. "No thanks." In the three weeks that had passed sine Faiths arrest, Dawn had yet to visit her. She hated thinking about her sister dressed in an orange jumpsuit, their only means of contact being a ten minute conversation through a telephone, looking at one another through a piece of plastic. "Are you sure? I know how much she wants to see you." "I said no. I dont want to go to the stupid jail to visit her! Now get off my back about it!" Dawn shouted. "Im going to school. See you later." Grabbing her backpack off the table, she walked out the back door. Buffy stared after her for a minute. Even though Dawn would never admit it, the whole Faith going to jail ordeal was tearing her apart inside. And she hated seeing her once-outgoing, smart sister becoming withdrawn and despondent. She would do anything to give Dawn her perfect life back. That was when Buffy made her decision.

*** "Can I help you?" the tall redhead behind the desk asked Buffy when she approached Angels office. "Yes. Im here to see Angel McKenzie. I was here yesterday, dont you remember me?" Buffy was in no mood to play games. Jenny smirked. "A lot of people come and go from Mr. McKenzies office. Its nearly impossible to keep track of all of them." "Im sure. Can you tell him Buffy Summers is here to see him?" "Sorry, hes in the middle of a meeting. I really shouldnt interrupt him, especially since you dont have an appointment. Perhaps if you have a seat, I can announce your presence when his meeting is over," Jenny told her snidely. Buffy fumed. There was nothing she wanted more than to slap the smug smile off the secretarys face. "I think if you tell him Im here, hell let me in. Are you going to call him, or am I going to have to do it?" Jenny let out an angry breath. "Fine. Wait just a minute." She stood up and made her way to her boss door, knocking lightly. When she heard him invite her in, she opened the door. "That Buffy Summers girl is here to see you again. Without an appointment *again.* Should I tell her to go away?" "No, Ill see her right now. Please send her in," Angel ordered his secretary. He was eager to talk with the blonde. Lilah lifted a single eyebrow after Jenny closed the door. "Buffy Summers? That little blonde girl from yesterday? Isnt she a bit young for you, Angel? I always thought you liked mature women, not high school cheerleaders." "Shes a client, Lilah. Im defending her sister in a murder trial." "How old is Buffy? Seventeen?" "Twenty, not that its any of your business. I think were done here, so you can leave now. I need to speak to my client in private." Lilah didnt take kindly to being ordered out of the room. "Are we meeting for lunch? Maybe a little dessert after your meeting?" "I dont think so. I have to go down to the Sunnydale Holding Facility to meet with Buffys sister. After that, Ill probably grab a bite on the way back to the office. Goodbye, Lilah," Angel said. "Goodbye," the tall, brown-haired lawyer replied shortly. As she walked out of the office, she bumped into Buffy, who was on her way in, without even bothering to apologize. "She doesnt get friendlier with time, does she?" Buffy asked. "Unfortunately, no. If she wasnt such a brilliant lawyer, I would have fired her the second this firm became mine." Angel motioned to the empty chair vacated by Lilah. "Sit down." "Id prefer to stand, thank you. I-I came to a decision, Angel." Hed been waiting on pins and needles since she had left the previous afternoon. His entire future lay in the hands of the beautiful girl standing four feet away from him. "And?"

"Three years, you said?" Angel nodded. "Yes. No more, no less." "Have you ever been convicted of a crime I should be aware of? Rape, assault, abuse against women?" Buffy questioned. "Whos the lawyer here?" Angel asked, his tone of voice light. "I spent a year studying to be a lawyer; I want some info if Im going to go through with this marriage. Now answer my question." Her forwardness impressed him. This was no dumb blonde he was getting involved with. That made it more exciting. "I have a perfectly clean record, except for a few speeding tickets. There are no skeletons in my closet, Buffy. What you see is what you get." She extended her right arm in his direction. "Then it looks like weve got a deal, Angel McKenzie. You have yourself a wife." "Ill have the contract drawn up this afternoon while were meeting with Faith." He took her hand and shook it, ignoring the electricity making its way through his body at the touch of her skin. *** 4 "Hey, Summers!" the female guard called. "Your lawyers here to see you." Faith couldnt help but sigh heavily at the announcement as she stood up from her bed. She had come to dread her meetings with Kenneth Shaw; it was always the same conversation day after day. It seemed no matter how many times she told him she wouldnt plea bargain, he never let it sink in. "Oh joy. The thrill of my day," the girl commented sarcastically. The guard led Faith down the hall to one of the conference rooms. "Hes in there." "Thanks for the tour. Pardon me if I dont take pictures." "Quit mouthing off, Summers. You may be staying here for a very long time." She held the door open for Faith to step inside. "And dont even think about trying anything funny. Ill be right outside the whole time." Faith rolled her eyes. "Lucky me." When the door closed behind her, she took a look around, expecting to see Kenneth sitting at the table in the middle of the room. Who she found instead was a far cry from the average-looking public defender. The dark-haired man in the room was not only well-dressed, but extremely good-looking. "Are you lost or something?" she demanded. Angel glanced up from his papers. "Depends. Are you Faith Summers?" "Yeah. Who the hell are you?" "Then Im not lost. My name is Angel McKenzie. Im your new lawyer." Faith looked him up and down. "What happened to Kenneth? Did he get run over by a bus, God willing?"

"Sorry to disappoint you, Faith, but hes alive and kicking. Your sister Buffy hired me yesterday to take over your case. I hope thats okay with you; she explained that you and Mr. Shaw didnt see eye to eye on your defense." "What defense? Please, Kenneth just wanted me out of his hair. The guy was a prick." He laughed. "I wont disagree with you there." Thank you, B, Faith thought to herself. This ones a definite improvement over Kenneth Shaw. "So whats your plan for getting me out of here, Mr. McKenzie?" "Its Angel, just call me that. Before we decide on an official game plan, I need to know what really happened that night between you and Parker." "Havent you read the case file? Its all in there," Faith informed him, pointing to the manila folder sitting on the table in front of him. Angel smiled, leaning back in his chair and folding his arms across his chest. "I want to hear it from you." He motioned toward the tape recorder, which captured their every word. "Humor me." "Fine. We were at my house watching a movie in the living room with Dawn. Buffy wasnt there, shed gone out on a date that night. Everything was fine, we were laughing and talking. I remember making a comment to my sister about how the guy in the movie was really hot. You know, I couldnt even tell you what movie we were watching, it seems like a lifetime ago. Well anyway, Parker got angry because of what I said. He pushed me off the couch and I hit my head on the coffee table when I fell. Then he got up and went into the kitchen, calling me all sorts of names I cant even repeat. When he came back, he had a knife in his hand. "I told Dawn to go upstairs, I was so afraid of him hurting her. After she was gone, he basically attacked me. Slapped me once and came at me with the knife. The look in his eyes told me he wasnt about to give up without killing me. It was either me or him, and there was no way in hell I was gonna let him win, not without fighting back. Parker and I wrestled for the knife, and before I knew it, he was lying on the kitchen floor. I stabbed him in the gut. Thats the it of it." "Had Parker ever been abusive towards you before that night?" the lawyer questioned. Faith narrowed her brown eyes. "What do you mean by abusive?" "Did he ever hit you? Push you? Hurt you in any way?" "A few times, yeah. Look, I did what I had to do. He was going to kill me." "I know that, Faith. Was Parker the jealous type? Did he get upset if he saw you talking to another guy?" She shrugged her shoulders. "Yeah, kinda. But I got used to it after awhile. We were together for three years, I learned the hard way not to piss him off." *** "What was Faith like when she first came to live with your family?" Angel asked. Buffy and Angel sat across from each other in a quiet corner table inside the Expresso Pump nearly two hours later. Following his meeting with Faith, they decided to get a cup of coffee together. Both agreed they needed to get to know each other, given the circumstances. "I really wish I could remember it, but it was so long ago. It was eleven years ago, and I was only nine at that time. But I do recall her being very quiet, at least at first. Looking back, I can understand why she was so

withdrawn. Shed been taken away from her family and was forced to live with complete strangers," Buffy told him. "I would have behaved the same way if I were in her shoes." "Do you know what her childhood was like with her biological parents?" Buffy shook her head. "Faith never liked to talk about them. I only know what I overheard my parents saying. Her mother died when she was seven and her father liked to drink. A lot." "Did he abuse her? Physically? Sexually? Mentally?" "I dont know, Angel. Im sorry." She felt so useless when he asked questions about Faiths childhood before she moved in with the Summers family. "Its okay. Did Parker abuse her?" She took a sip of her coffee before answering. "Yes, he did. Parker Abrams was a possessive asshole who liked to release his aggressions by punching my sister." "I see. Buffy, I may need you to testify to that in court. Will you do it if it comes to that?" "Ill do anything to keep Faith from spending her life in prison." "Good. What do you say we change the subject?" Angel suggested. "Why dont you tell me about yourself. Obviously, Im going to need to know something about my soon-to-be wife." "Theres not a lot to tell. I was born on January nineteenth, 1981. I have an older adopted sister named Faith, who is twenty-two, and a fifteen year old sister named Dawn. My parents died in a car accident a few months ago, so I had to drop out of college, where I was studying law. My life isnt all that exciting." Angel smirked. "It doesnt sound too bad. Dont take it the wrong way, I do sympathize considering what happened to your parents. Any boyfriends I should know about?" She shook her head. "Hardly. Dated a few guys back in high school, but nothing really serious. The last time I went out on a date, it was the night Faith was arrested. And needless to say, I wont be going out with him again. What about you?" Buffy wanted to know. "Thirty years old, my birthday is February twelfth. Im an only child, my parents divorced when I was seven years old, and I was really devastated by it. They sent me off to school in England and I went on to Harvard. After I graduated from law school, my uncle Rupert hired me to work as an associate in his law firm. He died a couple weeks ago and left the place to me, as well as that stipulation in his will. As for girlfriends, Im not seeing anyone, at least not seriously." "Can I ask, why me?" posed Buffy. "Why a complete stranger you had known ten minutes rather than an exgirlfriend?" "I would never trust any of them, and I wanted to be able to trust my partner. Also, I didnt want someone who would cling to me, and all of my exes would have done just that. Buffy, I dont want to come across as a chauvinist pig, but I have slept with a lot of women in my life and I cant imagine spending three years with any of them. "Its not that youre not attractive, you are," Angel continued. "I want to make this very clear. I do *not* want to sleep with you. I just want you to act like my wife in public, but not in private. And I dont expect you to perform the usual wifely duties." Buffy folded her hands. "Good, were in agreement in that respect. Because I have no intention of sleeping with you. Although we do have one minor problem."

"Whats that?" "Well have to explain this whirlwind courtship and make it sound plausible," she said. "Any ideas?" "Old family friends?" Angel suggested. She shook her head. "It wont fly with Dawn and Faith. They know all of Mom and Dads friends, and their children. We need something more convincing than that." "High school friends? College friends?" "Try explaining the ten year age difference if were high school friends," she pointed out. "Fine, how about this?" he began after a lengthy pause. "We met the day you came into my office, and since we started working closely on Faiths case, sparks flew. Were together all the time and we ended up falling in love. At first sight, of course. And were getting married." She loved the idea; it could work. "Youre a genius. We might be able to pull that one off." "Might? No, well definitely pull it off. So, when do I get to meet Dawn? Since she is going to be my sister-inlaw shortly." "Are you busy for dinner tomorrow night?" "I can clear my schedule." "You do that. Come by the house at six oclock for a home cooked meal prepared by yours truly," Buffy invited. "Itll be the perfect time to spring the news on Dawn." Angel grinned at the thought of a home cooked dinner. "Ill be there. With bells on." *** 5 "Why does Faiths lawyer have to come over for dinner? Shouldnt he be sitting in his office working on how to get her off?" Dawn complained the following evening. "Even lawyers need to eat, Dawnie. Come on, hes a perfectly nice guy, youll really like him," Buffy promised. She took the rolls out of the oven and placed them in the center of the kitchen table. "Well, I dont see why I have to get all dressed up for it," she huffed. Buffy shook her head out of aggravation. "Because I said so. Angel is a guest in our home, we should look our best." "You have a crush on this Angel guy, dont you?" the fifteen year old asked. At that exact moment the doorbell rang, allowing Buffy to dodge answering her sisters question. "Stir the spaghetti while Im getting the door." Ignoring Dawns grumbling, Buffy made her way to the front door, checking her hair in the mirror before opening in. Unbeknownst to her, Dawn had peeked her head into the hallway and saw her. What was that about? the girl asked herself. Buffy rarely worries about her appearance. Shrugging her shoulders, she went back to preparing the dinner.

When she opened the door, Buffy was pleasantly surprised to see a dapper-looking Angel on the other side. He looks good even without a suit and tie on, she noted. He had on a pair of black pants and a black shirt, a while tank top visible beneath the unbuttoned top buttons of his shirt. "Hi, Angel," Buffy greeted. "Come on in." "I suddenly feel very underdressed," Angel commented when he saw Buffy in a dark blue sundress. He couldnt help but notice how it hugged her in all the right places. Stop it, Angel, he chastised himself. This is a business arrangement. "You look fine." More than fine "Dinners almost ready." Angel nodded and handed her a bottle of red wine. "This is for you." "That was thoughtful, but you really didnt have to. Especially since no one in this house is of legal age to drink." "I find it hard to believe that you dont drink. Not even a little?" "Not often. But I might make an exception tonight." An awkward moment of silence fell upon them. "Lets go into the kitchen so we can eat while the rolls are still warm." Following her into the other room, Angel made a mental note of the layout of the rooms. He knew it would be crucial to Faiths defense. "Nice house," he said. "Thank you. I grew up here; I just wish I could afford to keep it." He placed a hand on her shoulder. "Pretty soon you wont have to worry about it, Buffy. All your money problems will be solved." "Lucky me." When she entered the kitchen, she couldnt find her sister. "Dawn? Where are you?" A second later, the back door opened and Dawn entered. "Hey." "What are you doing out there?" she wanted to know. "I told you to watch the spaghetti." Dawn gave her sister a funny look. "I was putting the sauce jar in the recycling bin, thank you very much. No need to have a cow about it." "I was just wondering where you were." Buffy took a step to the right so she wasnt standing directly in front of Angel. "Dawnie, this is Angel McKenzie, Faiths lawyer." The girl checked him out. He was obviously still young, but definitely older than her sisters. It didnt escape her attention that Angel was handsome. No wonder Buffy checked her appearance before she answered the door. This guys a total hottie! "Hi," she said simply. "Nice to finally meet you, Dawn." "Is the spaghetti done?" Buffy asked her sister. "Yeah, I strained it when you were letting him in. Everythings on the table." Buffy turned to their guest. "I hope you like spaghetti, Angel." He smiled at her. "Its fine. I love Italian food."

As they sat down, Dawn couldnt help but wonder if something was going on between her sister and the handsome lawyer. It wasnt anything they said, but a feeling she had. Something just wasnt right. Once theyd begun eating, Angel decided to start up a conversation with his future sister-in-law. "What grade are you in, Dawn?" "Tenth." "Oh. Do you know what you want to be when you grow up?" he questioned. She put a forkful of spaghetti in her mouth after Angel asked his question, and waited until shed swallowed it before answering. "I dont know yet. But I know Im not gonna be a lawyer. I hate lawyers." Angel chuckled. "Dont blame you at all. You probably had to be around a lot of them lately, havent you?" "Too many. Whats up with the third degree?" Dawn demanded. "Arent you supposed to save that for my sisters trial? Shouldnt you be more worried about her than me?" "Im sorry," he apologized. Angel knew that he wasnt good with children, he didnt spend too much time in the presence of them. "I only wanted to get to know you a little better. Dawn, I am not a lawyer every minute of every day." "What are you now, Mr. McKenzie? A lawyer or a man?" He didnt quite know how to answer the girls question. Luckily, he did not have to. "Stop behaving like a brat, Dawn," Buffy ordered. "You cant tell me what to do. Youre not my mother!" Dawn shouted. Without another word, she stood up and stalked out of the room. *** "I apologize for my sisters behavior, Angel," Buffy said to him an hour later as they sat on the porch swing in front of the house. "You dont have to apologize. Dawns going through a hard time right now; I mean, her sister is in jail for murder, thats not an easy thing to go through at that age." Buffy sighed. "Shes not normally like that. Before my parents died, Dawn was a honor student, and now shes barely passing. I dont know what to do. She needs a real family, not a sister who has to be her mother and her father as well." "Were going to be her family. Speaking of families, I have something for you." Angel reached into the pocket of his pants, pulling out a ring. "This is for you." Taking it from him, Buffy stared at the diamond ring in a platinum setting. "Its beautiful. Why is it mine?" she wanted to know. "If were going to make this look somewhat real, you need an engagement ring." He took it out of her hand and placed it on her finger. "Will you marry me, Buffy?" It wasnt exactly the marriage proposal shed dreamt about her entire life, but she could live with it, considering it wouldnt be a real marriage anyway. "Yes, I will."

He flashed her a genuinely relieved smile. "Whew! Now that the hard parts over, we have to set a date. What day is good for you?" "Soon. In fact, the sooner the better, because the quicker this marriage starts, the quicker itll be over, right?" she asked. *** Buffy knocked on Dawns bedroom door after Angel left. "Dawn? Can I come in?" "Yeah, I guess." She opened the door and stepped inside, seeing her sister lying on her stomach on the bed, watching television. Walking over to the TV, Buffy turned it off. "We need to talk," she said, sitting down next to her. "If you came in here to give me a lecture, you can save it. I know I shouldnt have been so mean to him, its not his fault my life totally sucks," Dawn stated. "If you want me to call him up and apologize, I will." "Angel understands youve been under a lot of stress. Hes Faiths lawyer, youre going to be spending a lot of time with him the next few weeks." "Dont remind me." Buffy pushed the long hair out of her sisters face. "What do you think of him?" "I dont know. Hes okay, I guess." Taking a deep breath, she prepared to break the news of her engagement . "Dawn, theres something we need to talk about. IAngel asked me to marry him." "What?!" screeched the teenager. "And I said yes. Were gonna get married this weekend." Dawn sat up and gaped at her sister. "Are you crazy? You hardly know him, Buffy." This has got to be a joke. Buffy would never marry a guy shes only known a week. "I *must* be crazy." She held out her hand for her sister to see the diamond engagement ring Angel gave her. "He asked when we were sitting outside." "How? Why? When did all this happen?" Dawn couldnt take her eyes off the ring. It was the biggest diamond shed ever seen. "Weve been spending a lot of time together and one thing just led to another," Buffy lied. Dawn narrowed her eyes. "Are you pregnant? Is that why youre marrying him?" "No, Im not pregnant," she laughed. "Believe me, Im not." Unless it was the Immaculate Conception. "Have you at least slept with him? Cause hes a total babe, Buffy." "I wont even dignify that with an answer." A realization hit Dawn. "Where are we going to live? Is Angel going to move in here?" she asked.

She shook her head. "No, Dawn. Angels uncle died a few weeks ago and left him a big house on the other side of town. Im selling this house and were going to move there." "You cant sell this house! This was Mom and Dads house; we grew up here. Buffy, no," argued Dawn. "We have to. I wish we could stay here, but theres not enough room for everyone; and theres plenty of room at Angels house." Dawn sulked. "Fine. Do what you have to do." "Its not like were leaving tomorrow, Dawn. Its going to take awhile to sell this house and move all of our stuff out. I know its going to be hard, but its for the best." "I know," Dawn replied with a frown. "Im happy for you. Do you love him, Buffy? Enough to be with him forever?" She nodded. "Yes, I do love him." There was nothing Buffy hated more than to lie to her sister. "Then Im okay with it." *** 6 Angel knocked on the partly opened door of one of his associates. "Are you busy?" "Not at all. Come on in, Angel," Lindsey McDonald invited, piling his paperwork on the right side of his desk. "Anything I can do for you?" "Yeah. Do you have that contract I asked you to draw up the other day?" He nodded, pulling a folder out of the top drawer of his desk, handing it to his boss. "Right here. Pre-nuptial agreement; the couple has to be married for three years for her to get four million in the event of a divorce. She gets nothing if the marriage is dissolved before the three years is up. Thats it, right?" "Perfect." Angel read the document over before saying another word. "Any possible loopholes?" "None whatsoever," Lindsey answered. "Its one hundred percent ironclad. Is it for a big client or something?" "Or something. Its for me." The handsome younger lawyer raised his eyebrows at Angels admission. "For you? Since when are you getting married?" "As of last night when I proposed to her." "You popped the question? Diamond ring and everything? Youve got to be kidding me. The eternal bachelor finally met his match?" He simply couldnt believe it. Angel always told them he would never get married after living through his parents divorce. "In a manner of speaking. Yes, I popped the proverbial question and gave her a diamond ring. And surprisingly enough, the girl said yes," Angel informed him.

Lindsey shook his head in shock. Never in a million years did he think Angel would ever get married. "Does she know about the pre-nup?" "Yes, she does." "Wow." He saw Lilah Morgan walk past his office. "Hey, Lilah! Come in here! Angels got big news!" he called. Angel sighed, knowing how uncomfortable he was going to feel when she was told. The two had had a brief fling several months back. "Lindsey, please" Lilah stepped into the office, annoyance written all over her face. "You bellowed, Lindsey? This had better be important, I have research to do for a case Im working on." "Oh, its important. Our very own Angel here is getting married." She didnt say anything right away. Like Lindsey, the news came as a complete shock. "Well," she said after a lengthy pause. "That was rather unexpected. I wasnt aware you were even seeing anyone." Not since our night on the desk in his office. "It happened really fast. Love at first sight, that old clich." "Must not be such a clich if it happened to you," Lilah retorted, sweetness dripping from her voice. "When did you have time to go out and meet anyone? Youve been married to that Summers case all week." Lindsey gazed at the groom-to-be. "Who is the lucky girl?" "Buffy Summers." The female lawyer almost burst out laughing. "The sister? The bleach-blonde cheerleader? You must be joking." Angel shook his head. "Im serious, Lilah. Buffy and I are getting married on Saturday morning." "No wonder you put the rush on the pre-nuptial agreement," Lindsey commented. "You have only known her a week." "Not even," Lilah corrected. "And it doesnt sound like you trust your little cheerleader too much if youve had a pre-nup drawn up." He was trying his best to hold in his anger, but Angel knew it was useless. "I trust her. And I didnt ask for your permission to get married, Lilah, but I appreciate your concern. Its touching." Angel headed for the door, but turned around before exiting. "Oh, by the way, the cheerleader has a name. Call her by it from now on." *** Waiting patiently in her seat for Faith to arrive, Buffy twisted her engagement ring around her finger. Shed never seen something so beautiful, and wondered what kind of a ring Angel would have bought for the woman he really loved. It shimmered in the dim light of the visitors room of the Sunnydale Holding Facility. She picked up the phone when her sister sat down across from her. "Hi, Faith," Buffy greeted. "Hows it going?"

"Right as rain, whatever that means," Faith replied. "Itching to get the hell out of here. How are things back at the old homestead? Surviving without me?" "Barely. We need you home soon." Faith nodded. "That new lawyer you hired for me is doing his best, Im sure. Where did you find him, Gorgeous Hunks R Us?" she joked, trying to keep the atmosphere light. Buffy laughed. "He was a guest lecturer in one of my classes last year. I asked my professor where I could get in contact with him. Do you really think hes a hunk?" "Hell yeah. If that conference room wasnt hooked up with a camera in the corner, I would have jumped him in a heartbeat." She paused for a moment, noticing for the first time the ring her sister wore. "B, where in the world did you get that rock?" She glanced down at the ring she wore. "Itsits a long story Id rather not get into right now." Faith just glared at her. "Come on, dont leave me in suspense here. Itll drive me nuts until you tell me, and considering all Im doing all day is sitting in a small, cold cell all by myself, I need some happy thoughts. If some guy gave you a ring, I want details." "Okay," the blonde relented. "The ring is from Angel." "Hunky lawyer Angel?" Buffy nodded. "One in the same." "Why did he give you a diamond ring the size of Rhode Island?" "Because he asked me to marry him last night. And I accepted," she told her sister. The brunette prisoner couldnt speak for nearly a minute; she needed to let it all sink in. "Let me get this straight, B. Youve known this guy four days and you are accepting marriage proposals from him? Somethings wrong here." Very wrong, she thought. Usually when Buffy is happy, she gets this glow around her. Shes glow-free. Something is definitely not right. "Everything is fine. Ill explain it some other time." "No, youll explain it right now. Buffy, Ive known you half my life; you arent the type of girl who marries a man shes known less than a week. God, you refused to even sleep with a guy youd dated for six months. Youre the last of the true romantics. Now, what the hell is going on? And dont lie to me, either." The younger sister sighed. "If I tell you, you have to promise not to say anything to anyone. Especially to Dawn." "Who am I going to tell? Please. Spill it." "Okay." Buffy took a deep breath. "I asked Angel to represent you; you needed the best lawyer money could buy. Unfortunately, I didnt have enough to pay him. I told him that and offered to work off the fee by helping out at his office. He had a better idea. I marry him for three years and we call it even. "Its not as bad as it sounds. See, he needs to get married by February in order to get his inheritance. And it all worked out. Angel gets a wife for three years and you get the best lawyer in Southern California defending you. Its a win-win situation."

Faith closed her eyes and shook her head. "I cant believe you would prostitute yourself to that man just to get me a good lawyer. What would Mom and Dad think?" she asked. "Im not prostituting myself to anyone, Faith," Buffy argued. "This is a business arrangement. And Angel has already made it clear that it will be a marriage in name only. No exchanging of bodily fluids required." She smirked. "Too bad. If I was in your position, Id screw him the first chance I got. But seriously, B, think about it. What do you really know about this guy? Sure, hes gorgeous and hes loaded, but hes gotta have a dark side. Theres a beast in every man." "Angels a nice guy. Besides, its too late to turn back now. Whats done is done; I am marrying him this weekend. Tomorrow morning to be exact." "I think its a mistake. Youre setting yourself up for a major fall," Faith warned. Angels a hottie and Bs prettyno exchange of bodily fluids. I doubt that. Hes going to totally screw her over and she is going to be so hurt. "This is my life, Faith. Im doing what I have to do to keep my family together. And I am not setting myself up for a fall. I know exactly what Im getting myself into," Buffy reiterated. "Trust me." Faith shrugged. She always was the most stubborn one out of all of us. "Fine." But not for one second did she believe Buffys words. Her sisters life was about to change drastically. Nothing would ever be the same for the Summers girls. *** 7 Dawn knocked on her older sisters bedroom door at eleven-thirty Saturday morning. "Are you dressed, Buffy?" she asked. "Yeah, come in. I actually need your opinion anyway." Dawn opened the door and saw Buffy sitting in front of her vanity mirror. "Okay, should I wear my hair up or down, Dawnie?" The fifteen year old gazed at her sister. She wore a white button-down shirt and a long skirt with pale blue flowers on it. She doesnt look like someone whos getting married in an hour, she said to herself. Arent brides supposed to be all jittery and stuff? Buffy looks like shes going out to the Bronze with Willow and Cordy, not getting married to a hunky lawyer shes in love with. "Down. It looks pretty when its down. With some curls at the ends." Buffy smiled in the mirror. "Thats what I was thinking." She spied her sisters outfit black pants and a red turtleneck. "Are you wearing that?" "I didnt exactly have time to go out and buy myself a nice outfit. It *was* sorta short notice and all." "Sorry," the bride apologized. "You look great. You dont need to get dressed up, were just having a quick ceremony down at City Hall." Dawn sat down on her sisters bed. "I dont like this. Something isnt right about this and I dont know what." "What do you mean?" "I just dont know. Its going down so quickly; you just met this Angel guy a week ago and all of a sudden, youre marrying him. That *so* isnt like you, Buffy. And dont you want Faith to be there? You two have always been more than just sisters, and now youre running off to get married without her? No way. I want to know whats really going on."

Buffy shook her head. "You wouldnt understand." "Im not a little kid anymore! I think Id be able to understand it." "Fine. Do you want to know why Angel and I are getting married now? Because Faith wanted us to. We were going to wait until she got out of prison, but she told us not to wait for her," Buffy lied to her younger sister. "She did not want us to hold off in case things didnt work out in her favor. Were gonna save the big church wedding for her." "Why werent your friends invited?" She shrugged. "Just family. We dont want to make a big deal out of it right now. Today is just a ceremony to make it legal. Its about our families becoming one; its small and private, no big deal." *** "Dawn, why dont you go inside and have seat," Angel suggested. "Your sister and I have to talk about some things in private before the ceremony." She rolled her brown eyes. "Yeah, whatever. See you inside." Turning on her heel, the teenager walked inside the room where the ceremony was to be held. Pulling out a manila folder from inside his suit coat, Angel motioned for Buffy to sit down on the bench next to him. "Are you sure about this? Theres no going back now, Buffy." "I know, and Im sure. Its not like this is a lifetime commitment; its only three years. I think I can handle it," Buffy told him. He nodded. "Good. Then before we do thisyou know, make it legal, I need you to sign these papers." He handed her the papers he had Lindsey draw up. "What is it? Am I signing away my firstborn?" she joked. Angel laughed. "No, nothing like that. Its just your standard pre-marital agreement stating the terms of the marriage. If the marriage is dissolved before the three years ends, you get nothing. After three years, youll receive four million dollars." She nearly choked. "Four million dollars? Are you crazy?" "I sure as hell hope not. Uncle Rupert left me a lot more than that and you deserve your fair share of it." "Why? I thought I was only doing this so youll represent Faith." "Thats part of it. But see, three years is a long time, especially to someone your age. So I thought Id make it worth your time and trouble," Angel explained. "AhI see. Its like a pre-nup. Dont trust me to stick to our agreement?" He smiled at her. She is so beautiful, he thought. So soft, so innocent looking. How am I supposed to go three years without even so much as kissing those lips of hers? Or touching her. Ugh! Why am I thinking about this? Its a business arrangement. "I trust you, Buffy. But this piece of paper ensures our future. I dont want you to think youre doing this for nothing." "I know why Im doing it. For my sister. Give me a pen so I can sign it," Buffy ordered.

*** An hour later, the three of them pulled up to a large, white Victorian home in the nicer section of Sunnydale. "Welcome to your new home, ladies," Angel announced. From the backseat, Dawns eyes widened. "This is your house? Nice place." She was impressed. He glanced at her in the rearview mirror, smiling at her reaction. "Its your house, too, Dawn. At least until you move out. I just recently moved in; it was my uncle Ruperts until he died. He left it to me and I couldnt bear to sell it. I figured it was the perfect place to start a family inand then I met your sister. It was destiny." "Sure, whatever." Dawn climbed out of the car and headed for the front door. Buffy sighed and shook her head as she and her new husband got out of the car, making their way to retrieve the girls suitcases from the trunk. "Youre laying it on kinda thick with the destiny stuff, arent you?" she commented. "Dawns buying it, isnt she?" "Well, you got me there," she said, laughing. "But if you keep it up, shes gonna know something is amiss. Shes already starting to ask questions." "All right. I dont know what to say to kids. Teenagers especially. Im kinda new at this." "So am I, so well just have to wing it. Its not like Ive ever been in love before," Buffy divulged. "If we succeed at this, maybe I should think about being an actress." Angel took her bags. "Ill take those. Call me old-fashioned, but I believe the husband should carry the bags and open doors for his wife." Buffy smirked. "And here I thought chivalry was dead. You know, I envy the woman you end up truly marrying. She is going to be very lucky. And spoiled." "Nah. This is it for me. You are the only woman I will ever marry." Even though she questioned Angels comment, she never had a chance to act upon it. They reached the front door and Angel unlocked it, allowing Dawn to enter. Buffy was about to walk in when her sister stopped her. "What do you think youre doing?" the teenager demanded. "What does it look like Im doing?" "You cant! Its tradition for the groom to carry the bride over the threshold. And you cant break tradition." Angel walked in and put the bags down in the front hall. "Your sister has a point, Buffy. It *is* tradition." "Fine." She took a deep breath and felt herself being swept up into Angels strong arms. Something about being in his embrace felt comfortable; it felt right to her. And Buffy couldnt explain it. Nor did she want to. Once he put his wife back on her feet, Angel turned to Dawn. "Would you like to see your bedroom?" "Sure."

He led her up the stairs to the second floor and turned left at the top. At the end of a long hallway, he opened a door. "This is yours." Dawn looked inside. It was a standard bedroom containing a bed, dresser, desk and a mirror, but twice as big as her old room. "Its nice. I like it." "You can decorate it any way youd like," Angel told her. "You also have your own private bathroom and a balcony overlooking the backyard." "Cool. Wheres yours and Buffys room?" Dawn asked. "At the other end of the hall." She smiled knowingly. "Convenient. That way I dont hear you two going at it like bunnies every night?" "We figured youd want your privacy. Ill leave you alone to start settling in." He started to leave. "By the way, Im taking the two of you out for dinner tonight. Be ready at six." After hed left, closing the door behind him, Dawn scowled. I dont like him. *** 8 "I hope you enjoyed dinner, ladies," Angel said to the two women walking behind him when they waltzed back inside the house at seven-thirty. Hed taken Buffy and Dawn to dinner at a fancy Italian restaurant to celebrate the wedding. "It was very nice," Buffy replied. It was the first time any man had ever taken her to a really nice restaurant. I could get used to it. "Wasnt it kinda expensive, though?" "Dont worry about it." Buffy noticed her sister heading up the stairs. "Dawn, where are you going?" "To my room. Im gonna finish unpacking before I try to go to sleep. Do me a favor and try not to be too loud when the two of you are having sex tonight. Some of us have virgin ears," she stated, walking away before either of them had a chance to reply. All Angel could do was raise his eyebrows at his sister-in-law. Winning her over wasnt going to be easy. "Im sensing some hostility. Your sister hates me." "She doesnt hate you, trust me. I think shes afraid youre going to order her around and lay down all kinds of rules. You know, act like her father." "Well then, she doesnt have anything to worry about," Angel told her. "Im not good at following rules, much less making them. Ill leave all that up to you." "I appreciate it. Dawn just needs a little time to warm up to the idea of you being around." He looked around, an uncomfortable silence filling the air around them. "Would you like the grand tour? This is your home and I just realized that you dont even know where anything is yet." The two of them spent most of the afternoon packing Buffys and Dawns things from their old house, bringing it to the new one.

Buffy chuckled. "I think that would be a good idea. Especially if Im going to be living here for the next three years." *** Angel opened the last door on the left, on the opposite end of the hall from Dawns room. "This is your room. I hope you like it." She took a step inside and found herself filled with awe. If she had to guess, she would say it was the master bedroom. To her left was a king-sized bed with a flowered comforter and a bedside table draped in a matching cloth. On the other wall was a walk-in closet and armoire, followed by an expensive-looking vanity table. To her right was another large dresser and a loveseat. Directly in front of Buffy was a sliding glass door with a private balcony, much like the one in Dawns room. "You can see almost all of Sunnydale from the balcony," Angel informed her. "This room is beautiful, Angel. And so big." She frowned slightly. "Uh-oh, though. Two of us, one bed. That doesnt exactly work." He smiled at her naivet. "Ive got it covered. That door on the right is to the bathroom, which we share. On the other side of the bathroom is the door leading to my room. Its right across the hall. In case Dawn wonders where I am or why Im not in here, you can tell her Im in the bathroom. Easy access, also." Buffy blushed in embarrassment. "Pardon Buffys little outburst there. Looks like you have all the bases covered." "I try. Do you need any help unpacking?" She shook her head. "Im good. The only problem is that I dont have nearly enough clothes to fill that massive closet over there. And the dresser." "Guess well have to increase your wardrobe, then." He turned to leave, but Buffy stopped him. "Can I ask you a question?" "What is it?" "You said outside earlier that Im the only woman youll ever marry. What did you mean by that?" She had a fear of not being able to get out of the marriage when the three years was up. "Exactly what I said out there. Look, I never had any intention of *ever* getting married; I was perfectly happy being single and going out with a different woman every night. My parents divorce was very traumatic for me; I saw what it did to them and I didnt want to go through that myself in the future. Divorces can get really nasty, particularly when theres a child involved. After living through a bitter custody battle, I decided I would never get married, nor would I put a child through what I went through. "Unfortunately, my uncle had other plans for me. He didnt like my lifestyle and as punishment, he added the codicil to his will. He was a hopeless romantic and Uncle Rupert once told me that nothing would make him happier than for me to fall in love, settle down and raise a family. But I dont think this is what he had in mind." "Somehow, I think youre right." Angel looked her dead in the eyes. "Dont worry, Buffy. I have no designs on keeping you here longer than the three years we agreed upon. Even Im not that evil."

"Thats a relief." He shoved his hands in his pockets. "Well, Ill let you get to unpacking your things." "Good idea. I might be here for days getting organized." *** Several hours later, Angel heard the bathroom door close on Buffys side, signaling that she was finished in there. If there was one thing he didnt think he would be able to get used to, it was having to share a bathroom. Rather than brush his teeth, he knocked on Buffys door instead. "Can I come in?" he asked. "Feel free." He entered, finding his wife climbing into bed. The size of it dwarfed her, making Buffy look like a fragile porcelain doll. But she looked perfect there, as if she belonged nowhere else. "Are you settling in okay?" "Yep," she replied with a nod of her head. "Almost done unpacking; I should have it all finished by tomorrow afternoon." "Are you comfortable?" Angel was concerned she didnt like her bed, or her room. Or the situation. "Im fine, so you can stop worrying about me. I love this bed, by the way. Its like Im laying on a cloud." For the first time since Angel had entered, Buffy really looked at him. He was wearing only a pair of black sweatpants and white socks. She needed to take a deep breath and blink hard at the sight of his bare chest. He definitely works out, she thought. Guys arent born with a body like that. God, what am I doing? Hes good-looking and is built like a god, so what? Its not like I want to jump him or anything. Okay, get a grip, Buffy. Hes your sisters lawyer. But a voice in her head reminded her that he was also her husband. Angel noticed her stare. "Whats wrong? Do I have something on me?" he asked worriedly. "No. You dont have anything on you." Shit! "I mean, theres nothing on you, dont worry. I was just thinking." "About anything in particular?" Buffy shook her head. "Not really. Whats on the agenda for tomorrow?" "Im going to visit with Faith and work on her story. The preliminary hearing is Tuesday morning. Thats when we find out if its going to trial." "Do you think it will?" He shrugged his broad shoulders. "Dont know. We have a pretty good case for self-defense, but its up to the judge. It could go either way, but Im hoping that yours and Dawns written statements will sway him in our favor. After I get back from the meeting, I have to go to the office and get started on the paperwork for the judge. So I may not be home until after dinner. How about you?" "I was going to hang out with Willow and Cordy tomorrow." "Who?"

"My best friends, Willow Rosenberg and Cordelia Chase. We always go out for lunch every Sunday afternoon. It has become tradition." He smiled. "Do you need money?" "Ive still got money left over from my paycheck at the caf. I should have enough. But I appreciate the offer," Buffy said. "Yeah, about your job, I meant to ask you about that. Were you planning on keeping it?" Angel wanted to know. "I make decent money there. I need to work to pay the bills." "Not anymore you dont. I make more than enough to support both you and Dawn. There is no reason for you to work." Buffy sighed. "I dont want you throwing your money out the window when I make more than enough to get by. Id feel bad if I quit and took your money. What would I do all day long?" "You could go back to school. Get your degree and go on to law school like you wanted to," he suggested. "Youre joking, right?" Buffy asked incredulously. "I kid you not. There is no reason why you cant go back to school now. Youre living in a house that is paid for and you have a husband who is financially secure enough to take care of you. Do it, Buffy," Angel urged. "Its a once in a lifetime opportunity." Buffy couldnt believe what she was hearing. "Are you totally sure its okay?" "I wouldnt have suggested it otherwise." She nodded, thinking it over. "Okay, then. I guess Im going back to school in January. Thank you, Angel." "You dont need to thank me. Good night, Buffy." "Night." Hesitating before leaving her room, Angel debated whether or not to give her a kiss on the cheek before leaving. Thinking it might make her uncomfortable, or confuse her, he turned and walked into the bathroom to prepare for bed. *** 9 At twelve-thirty the next afternoon, Angel walked into the Sunnydale Holding Facility and made his way to the sign-in area. "Im Angel McKenzie, I am here to see my client. Faith Summers," he told the female guard behind the desk. The guard handed him a clipboard. "Sign here." "I know the routine." He signed his name in the provided space. "Good." She took the clipboard back and buzzed him through. "Conference Room Two is open. Wait there until I bring her in."

Angel found the room without much trouble and sat himself down on one of the two chairs, spreading the contents of his briefcase in front of him. He scanned what he had written already while waiting for his client to arrive. There were only a few more things he needed to go over with her before preliminary hearings began on Tuesday. "Well, doesnt this just brighten my whole day," Faith commented when she found her lawyer waiting for her. "A visit from my fearless lawyer. What brings you here on a Sunday afternoon?" "Hello to you, too, Faith," Angel said. "I came by to go over your case again. Hope Im not interrupting anything particularly interesting." Faith rolled her brown eyes. "Please. A couple of fellow inmates and I were about to embark on an exciting game of Old Maid. Rather ironic, huh? Whats up?" "The preliminary hearing is the day after tomorrow. Its there that the judge decides if theres enough evidence to bring your case to trial. There is a slim possibility Judge Wellings may ask you to speak, so I want you to tell me everything all over again. Everything, Faith. I dont want any surprises in there Tuesday. Understood?" "Yes, sir," she replied, saluting. He sighed heavily. I just *love* sarcastic women, Angel thought. I thank god Buffy isnt like Faith. She seem more like the quiet type. But then again, I have three years to find out exactly what type she is. "How long had you been dating Parker Abrams?" "Close to three years." "Would you say you two had a good relationship? A loving relationship?" "You mean was the sex good? I wouldnt have stayed with him through all that shit if it wasnt," Faith answered. Angel shook his head, chuckling at her bluntness. "That wasnt what I meant. Was Parker a good boyfriend? Loving and attentive?" "Sure, when he wasnt using me as his personal punching bag." "You have to *just* answer the question," the lawyer chastised. "Dont volunteer any other information that might incriminate or come back to haunt you later on. No added commentary. Itll only make you look guilty in the eyes of the judge. Or jury, if it comes to that." "Fine. You asked if Parker was a good boyfriend? Yeah, at first he was. For the first couple of months it was great." Angel scribbled in his notes. "At first, you said. When did it start to change?" "About six months after we started going out, Parker started getting really possessive. I couldnt go out without him asking where I was going and who I was going with. Then he told me I couldnt spend time with specific friends because he didnt like them. It got to the point where I had been cut off from every one of my friends; Id have to sit at home and wait for him to call. It made me jealous of Buffy because Id see her go out and have fun with her friends and Id wish it were me." "You said Parker had been abusive towards you," Angel began. "When did that start?" Faith wrapped her arms around her body, as if trying to shield herself from the memories. "It began with him grabbing my arm and twisting it until Id do what he said. But he didnt start hitting me until later on."

"Do you remember the first time?" "Like it was yesterday. Parker and I had been together for about eight months, and I got sick of sitting at home, so I went out with Buffy and some of her friends. We were at the Bronze; I was having the best time Id had in months. I was dancing with some guy I had never seen before when I felt someone grab my arm and pull me away from the dance floor. It was Parker. He yanked me into the alley next to the club and slapped me, calling me a slut and a whore and a bunch of other things I cant remember." "Why didnt you break up with him after the first incident?" "I did. B convinced me that anyone who truly loved me wouldnt hit me. So I told Parker the next day that it was over. A few days later he showed up at my front door with a dozen roses and swore up and down that he was a changed man. Stupid me, I believed him. Thats how it went until a few weeks ago," explained Faith. Angel nodded in understanding. "I see. Why did you keep taking him back if he always broke his promises about changing?" he questioned. "Because I loved him, and in his own twisted way, Parker loved me, too." "Did he ever abuse you in any other way? Verbally? Sexually?" "Hed hit me, punch me, kick me, call me names I dont care to repeat. But did he ever force something on me that I didnt want? He wouldnt have even tried. He didnt have the balls for it. And Parker also knew I wouldnt stand for it. Id only take so much, and he knew just how far to push me." They went over the night of the murder once again, Faith telling him every detail of what had happened. Her story never wavered from her original telling, and Angel knew they had a strong case for dismissal. It was self-defense, no doubt about it. He hoped Judge Wellings thought so, too. "I think I have everything well need for Tuesday," he informed his client. "Rest up tomorrow; I want you bright-eyed and bushy-tailed when we go to court." "Got it." She smiled. "Ive been meaning to ask you how the wedding was." Angel packed his things neatly into his briefcase. "It was nice." "I see. You know, Id ask how the wedding night went, but I already know the answer to that one." He lifted his eyebrows. "Do you now? What do you mean by that, Faith?" "Buffy told me all about your little arrangement. Lawyers never cease to amaze me, you know that? Defending me in exchange for marrying my sisteryou guys reach new lows every day." "Theres more to it than that." "Yeah, I know all about that, too. Your inheritance only kicks in if youre married for three years. And Buffys the lucky girl. Or should I say unlucky? Buffys young, and not nearly as experienced as youd think when it comes to love. Im gonna tell you something right now, Mr. McKenzie. I dont care if you pull off a miracle on Tuesday and get me off, but if you hurt Buffy even one iota, I *will* kill you," Faith threatened. "Family sticks together." *** "You *what*?!" Cordelia exclaimed.

Buffy took a sip of her milkshake and nodded her head. "You heard me. I got married yesterday." "But how?" Willow asked running a hand through her red hair. "You arent even dating anyone. How can you be married? The last date you went on was with Riley, and that was the night Faith was arrested. I thought you couldnt stand him." "I didnt marry Riley, Will. Yuck." She showed her two best friends her wedding and engagement rings. "Youre looking at the new Mrs. Angel McKenzie." "Faiths lawyer?" the redhead asked incredulously. "You married her lawyer?" "Yep." Cordelia, who usually didnt surprise easily, found herself in a state of shock. "Buffy, youve only known this guy a week. What do you really know about him?" "You sound like Faith and Dawn now. Please. I know him well-enough to trust him with my life." For the next two years and three hundred sixty-four days of it at least. Willow shook her head. "I cant believe youre married. And after knowing the guy less than a week. Its unreal." "Tell me about it," added Cordelia. "You dated guys for three months who you wouldnt even let get past second base with you, and here you are, a married woman." "Thanks for the recap, Cordy," Buffy retorted. "How did he propose?" With a fake, dreamy sigh, the blonde newlywed began. "Wed been spending a lot of time together because of Faith. Angel and I visited her one afternoon at the jail, went out afterward and got to talking. We clicked right away. So I invited him over for dinner the next night. We were sitting on the front porch talking when he pulled out the ring. He said hed fallen in love with me when I walked into his office Monday afternoon and couldnt live without me. When he asked me to marry him, I said yes." "Wow." Brown-haired Cordelia wasnt nearly as impressed. She knew Buffy too well to believe she would marry some guy in less than five days. "Why so quickly? Whats with the rush?" Buffy shrugged her shoulders. "We just did it; we didnt see any point in waiting." "Not even for Faith?" she pointed out. "We had her blessing. Look, neither one of us wanted a big wedding. Something small and simple, thats it. Whats wrong with that?" "Absolutely nothing, Buffy," Willow reassured her. "Im happy for you." The blonde turned to Cordelia. "What about you, Cordy? Are you happy for me?" "If youre happy, Im happy," she responded, nodding her head. "You landed Sunnydales most eligible bachelor. Im actually envious. When do we get to meet him?" "Ill have to check his schedule. Hes been really busy working on Faiths case."

"Hows that going? Is she handling it okay?" Willow asked. Buffy frowned. "I think shes holding a lot of her emotions in, but thats Faith for you. She doesnt like to show fear. Although in this case, I wish she would." "What does Angel say about it?" "Hes cautiously optimistic. But he told me yesterday that he thinks they have a good chance of getting the case dismissed on Tuesday. Thats when the preliminary hearing takes place," Buffy told them. "Angels with Faith right now, putting the finishing touches on her statement. Then hell be at the office untilwell, I dont know when hell be back. He told me not to wait up." Cordelia couldnt stop herself from laughing. "So much for a romantic honeymoon." "I could care less about that. I just want my sister home. And if it means giving up my honeymoon, so be it." Oh, I wish I could tell you guys the truth. But its better for everyone if you just think Im happily married. *** 10 Monday morning rolled around and Buffy was awakened by the sound of the front door opening and then shutting at nine-thirty. She groaned when she saw the time. I swear, if thats Dawn leaving for school this late she is in *so* much trouble. After stretching her tired limbs, she climbed out of bed and threw on a robe on top of her nightgown. Hearing the noise of a vacuum cleaner running downstairs, she headed for the first floor to see who was down there. She half-expected it to be Angel, but then decided against it, knowing he left earlier for his office to work on Faiths case. The last person she expected to find was a Hispanic woman in her mid-fifties pushing a vacuum cleaner around the living room. "Excuse me!" Buffy called. The lady didnt hear her, so she tapped the woman on the shoulder. "Excuse me!" The woman turned around and looked at Buffy, then smiled and shut off the vacuum cleaner. "Hola, Seora." "Who are you?" Buffy asked. "I am Emilia, the housekeeper. Did I wake you, Seora?" Housekeeper? "Thats okay. I just didnt know you were coming." Emilia nodded in understanding. "Perhaps Seor McKenzie forgot. He does that occasionally. You must be the new Seora McKenzie. Seor told me he had married." "Yes, thats me. Im Buffy; you dont have to call me Seora. How many days a week do you come by to clean?" she wanted to know. I have a housekeeper. I, Buffy Summers, have a housekeeper. This is so cool! "Just during the week. I have worked for Seor Giles for a long time and Seor McKenzie kept me on. He es un hombre muy simpatico. Y muy guapo." "So Ive noticed," Buffy laughed. Thank God I took Spanish in high school. "Well, I wont keep you any longer, Emilia. Ill stay out of your way."

"You arent in my way, Seora Buffy." *** "I had the documents for the Summers case messengered to Judge Wellings office this morning when I came in," Jenny told Angel after he had settled into his office at ten in the morning. Even though he had left the house an hour earlier, Angel usually didnt arrive at the office until later in the morning. Like most mornings, he stopped by the Expresso Pump for a cup of coffee and a bagel. Angel nodded. "Thank you. Whats on the agenda for today?" he asked. Jenny saw her boss smile at her and she melted. For as long as shed worked for him, Angel McKenzies smile never failed to make her knees weak. But she knew he didnt think of her as anything more than a secretary. "Youre free most of the day. I cleared your schedule because I figured youd want to work on your statements for the preliminary hearing tomorrow morning." "You know me too well, Jenny. Just hold all my calls until mid-afternoon and if anyone comes by, tell them Im in a meeting with an important client. "Does that include Lilah Morgan?" Jenny teased. She saw the way the female lawyer looked at her boss, and found it amusing the way Lilah always threw herself at him. And she couldnt resist teasing Angel about it once a day. He smirked at her implication. "*Especially* Lilah Morgan. I dont care if the Queen of England calls, tell her Im busy." "Got it." After Jenny left the room, Angel swiveled in his chair and stared out the window, looking into downtown Sunnydale. But his gaze never fixed on any particular object or building; his mind was focused on something else. // "Do you, Angelus Richard McKenzie, take Buffy Anne Summers to be your lawfully wedded wife? To have and to hold from this day forward, as long as you both shall live?" the Justice of the Peace asked. Angel put the ring on his brides finger. "I do." "And do you, Buffy Anne Summers, take Angelus Richard McKenzie to be your lawfully wedded husband? To have and to hold from this day forward, as long as you both shall live?" She glanced down and fingered the ring Angel had placed on her finger. This is it, Buff. Just remember, its only three years, she told herself. "I do." Angel noted her hesitation and squeezed her hand in reassurance after shed put his wedding ring on. He completely understood her fear; after all, Buffy was only twenty years old, still a child compared to him. Dont worry, he told her with his eyes. She smiled at him in response. "With the power vested in me by the State of California, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride." Taking a deep breath, he bent his head down to kiss his new wife. He saw her close her eyes as his lips descended upon hers, and he did the same, his arms automatically wrapping around her. Their lips touched in a sweet, gentle kiss; a kiss that made Angels heart pound in his chest like a freight train. In his thirty years he had kissed plenty of women, but none of them felt the way Buffy did. Her lips were soft and tender, and it took every ounce of willpower he had inside of him to keep from pushing his tongue between her lips to fully taste her. It was then that he realized it would be a long three years. \\

How am I supposed to do this? The whole purpose of marrying Buffy was so I could get my rightful inheritance and have a wife in name-only for three short years. I thought this would be easy; Id be married, but I could still go out and have fun. But why is it every time I think about being with another woman I feel like Im betraying Buffy? What the hell is wrong with me? Angel wondered. With a vigorous shake of his head, he discarded the thoughts of his pretty bride out of his mind. He needed to concentrate on her sisters murder case; he would worry about his growing feelings for Buffy later. One thing he knew for sure was that if he didnt get Faith off the hook the next day, Buffy would never forgive him. So he worked on his statement in his head, trying to figure out what sounded right in Faiths defense, taking notes when he thought of something he wanted to use. One thing he didnt want to do was come off as just an arrogant defense attorney. He knew from experience that juries didnt respond to fast-talking lawyers, and neither did judges; hed lost a few cases that way. And if he could prove Faith was the victim more than Parker Abrams was, there would be a good chance hed never have to face a jury. "Tell me, where can I find a good lawyer?" a voice asked, shattering Angels concentration. He looked up, seeing his best friend standing in his office, the door closed behind him. "Oh my god, Spike. What the hell are you doing here? I told my secretary not to let anybody in." The bleached-blonde man smiled with amusement. "Thats a nice way to greet your best mate from boarding school," Spike commented in his thick British accent. "Your cute little secretary is bound and gagged at her desk, but shes not complaining, believe me. And here I thought youd be happy to see me." "I am. But Im surprised to see you. What are you doing in Sunnydale?" Angel wanted to know. "Europe got boring. So did the girl I was with. Then I realized its been a bloody long time since I stopped by to pay a visit to my best friend. Hence, here I am." "Well, I hope you didnt hop on a plane to Sunnydale for excitement. Because youll be sorely disappointed." Spike shrugged his shoulders. "I dont mind kicking back and relaxing for awhile. Besides, Ive heard about California girls, so I thought Id find out for myself." The dark-haired lawyer laughed. "Youll never change, will you, Spike?" "Not if I can help it." His eyes caught sight of the gold wedding band on Angels left hand. "That isnt what I think it is, is it?" he demanded, pointing to it. He looked down at what his best friend was pointing at. "Actually, it is." "You have got to be kidding me! You did *not* get married." "I did. This past weekend." Spike couldnt believe it, and he shook his head in disbelief. "No, not you. What happened to getting with a different girl every night of the week? No strings attached, remember? Dont tell me youre settling down into married life." "Its not like that, Spike. Its a business arrangement, not a real marriage. No need to get all worked up about it," Angel told him. Hey, if Buffy can tell her sister, I can tell my best friend. "What do you mean, a business arrangement?" "Exactly the way it sounds. I didnt marry Buffy for love, I married her for money."

His eyes widened. "Buffy? You married a girl named Buffy?" He laughed. "Only you, McKenzie. So, is she ugly but completely loaded?" "Its the opposite. Buffy is a very pretty, smart, nice girl. And no, shes not loaded; she doesnt have any money at all. Remember when I told you my uncle Rupert died?" His best friend nodded. "Well, he left me everything. However, the only way I get it is if I am married for three years. I met Buffy and she agreed to marry me so I could get my inheritance. Simple as that." "Three years, huh?" Spike remarked. "Was your uncle trying to punish you?" "Probably, knowing him. He hated that I was thirty and unmarried. So what better way to torment me than by making me get married. He knew how I felt about marriage after my parents got divorced. I just think about it this way, I marry for three years and I get more money than I know what to do with. And when the three years is up, I get divorced and I get my money." "Sounds like youve got it all planned out. What does the little missus have to say about it?" Angel softly sighed, thinking about Buffy. "Nothing. When its over she gets four million dollars for her troubles." "And what if she gets clingy and refuses to let you divorce her?" "She wont. Its a marriage in name-only. She knows it and I know. And I completely trust her." "Three years? Thats a long time to be married to a pretty chippy and not be able to touch her," he commented to his best friend. "You wont make it." "Three years isnt *that* long. Ill be able to make it. I have no desire to touch her." Yeah, right, a voice in Angels head stated. You want to touch her so badly you can taste it. *** 11 "Are you positive you dont want to come to the preliminary hearing today?" Buffy asked Dawn Tuesday morning while the teenager was getting ready for school. "Faith could really use all the support she can get." "I already told you, I dont want to go. Spending the day in a boring courtroom isnt my idea of fun. Sorry." The older sister frowned. "Okay. But Faith is going to be very disappointed." "Shell get over it, Im sure," Dawn replied sarcastically. "Besides, shes going to have you and Angel there rooting her on." "Dawn, what is your problem? Youve been acting like a spoiled brat lately and Id like to know why. Frankly, Im sick of it." She threw on her jacket. "You have to ask why? My life has turned completely upside down in the past six months. First Mom and Dad die, then Faith gets sent to jail, now Im living in this new house with my sister and the husband shes only known for a week. Does that explain my attitude?" Buffy sighed; Dawn did have a point.. "I really wish I could get into this with you now, but I dont have the time. I have to be at the courthouse in half an hour. But when I get home tonight, I think were going to have to sit down and talk about some things."

Dawn exhaled heavily. Lucky me, she thought. A lecture. "Fine, whatever. Can I go? Im gonna be late for school." "Sure." "Tell Faith I said good luck," she said before leaving her bedroom. Sagging her shoulders, Buffy slumped down on Dawns bed. Trying to be her mother was harder than she thought, and she doubted she could handle having children of her own when the time came. Faith, I could *so* use your help right now. A knock at the door broke her out of her thoughts; she looked up and found Angel standing in the doorway with an expectant look on his handsome face. "Hey," Buffy greeted. He took a step inside. "After Dawn walked off in a huff, I thought Id find you in here. What happened between you two?" "Nothing you want to know about. I tried to convince her to come to the hearing with me but she adamantly refused. Needless to say, a family meeting is in order for tonight." "Oh" was all he could think to say. "Will you be there? Im going to need moral support. And probably a lawyer." Angel smiled at his wife. "Sure Ill be there. I doubt I will be much help, but I can show support. I can play the loving, supportive husband." "Thats all I need. What time are you leaving for the courthouse?" Buffy wanted to know. "In a couple minutes. Are you ready to go?" She nodded. "I think so. And in case I dont say it later, thank you for everything." "Dont thank me yet." *** When Faith was led into the courtroom five minutes before her trial was to begin, she knew the coming halfhour would determine the course of the rest of her life. This is it, I guess, she thought. I either go home or spend what will probably be the better part of my life in jail. Though she tried to hide it, Faith was a bundle of nerves. She saw Buffy sitting in the first row behind Angel, a sympathetic smile playing upon her pretty face. Faith smiled back, knowing just how much her adopted sister had sacrificed for her. As she sat down, she felt Buffys hand on her shoulder, and she placed hers over it. "Everything is going to work out today, Faith. I can feel it." "I hope youre right, B. You have no idea how much I want to come home today," Faith said. "You will. Angel will work his magic." The defendant nodded. "One can hope. Is Dawn here?" She noticed the smile dim from Buffys face. "No. Sheshe had a test in her English class and couldnt get out of it. But she told me to wish you good luck."

"You never were a very good liar, even when we were kids. Dawn didnt want to come, did she?" "Im sorry," Buffy apologized. "Its okay. If I were her, I wouldnt want to come either." From his seat to Faiths left, Angel listened to the two sisters as they talked. Hed never seen them together, but he could see now why Buffy agreed to the terms of his deal Faith was more than just her sister. They were best friends. And he knew it was up to him to keep their close-knit family together. A family he was proud to be a part of, if only for three years. The bailiff came into the room, standing tall. "All rise. This court is now in session. The honorable Judge Daniel Wellings presiding." The people in the room rose from their seats when Judge Wellings entered, taking his seat. "Please be seated," he told everyone. He sifted through his papers. "The People of the State of California versus Faith Summers. The defendant is charged with the second degree murder of Parker Abrams. We are here today to determine if this case will be brought to trial. I will hear remarks first from the People." Assistant District Attorney Alexis Baxter stood behind the Prosecutors table. "A man is dead. Parker Abrams, a twenty-four year old man from a modest Mid-West family died four weeks ago at the hand of his supposedly loving girlfriend. Faith Summers claims it was self-defense, but it wasnt, not by a longshot. She knew exactly what she was doing when she shoved that knife into her boyfriends chest. She did not aim to hurt, she aimed to kill." Angel had warned her that they would attack her character and say she had killed Parker purposely, and Faith did her best to keep her emotions to herself, despite her anger. The prosecutor was accusing her of killing her boyfriend in cold blood; it took all of her strength to keep from shouting out the truth. But she knew her brother-in-law would tell the real story. Judge Wellings nodded his head after Alexis Baxter finished her argument. "Mr. McKenzie, Id like to hear from you now." Straightening his papers in front of him, Angel got out of his chair. "The prosecution has painted Parker Abrams as the innocent victim here. A loving, kind boyfriend; a pillar of the community. That was his public persona, but in private he was a very different man. Faith Summers knew him best; she knew what he was like when the doors to the public were closed. For close to three years she lived in fear of what he would do to her if she disobeyed him. "Parker Abrams hit her. He punched her. He called her names no woman should ever be called. Faith would become so frightened that shed break up with him, but Parker was also a master manipulator, swearing he would never do it again if she took him back. But he could never hide his true nature for too long and soon he was back to his old tricks. "The night of October fifteenth started out innocently enough. Faith and Parker sat in the living room of her home watching a movie with her fifteen year old sister Dawn. Faith stated that she found the actor in the movie attractive, and that simple comment sent Parker Abrams into a fit of rage. He jumped from his place on the couch and pushed Faith off, causing her to hit her head on the coffee table. After verbally abusing her, he disappeared into the kitchen, returning moments later with a sharp knife. "Concerned for her sisters safety, Faith sent Dawn to her bedroom until her boyfriend calmed down. But he never did. He began attacking her with the knife, and Faith knew she was in a life-or-death situation; the man she loved was going to kill her. So she did what she had to do to protect herself. Did Faith Summers intend to kill Parker Abrams? No. She made split-second decision any one of us would have made. Faith Summers chose life." When Angel sat back down again, Buffy put her hand on his shoulder, whispering in his ear. "You sounded great. Very convincing."

"Thanks. Lets hope the judge thinks so." Judge Wellings cleared his throat. "I have gone over the evidence, read the statements written by the defendants sisters and friends, as well as the documents sent to me by A.D.A. Baxter and Mr. McKenzie. It is clear to me, and to this court, that Miss Summers acted out of self-defense the night of October fifteenth. There will be no further investigation and this case is dismissed." He pounded the gavel. "Angel?" Faith asked. He stood once more. "Youre free, Faith. You can go home now." A giant smile spread across her lips, her brown eyes dancing with glee. "You mean it? No more jail?" "No more jail." Without warning she jumped out of her seat and threw her arms around him. "You are amazing. Thank you, thank you, thank you!" She turned to her sister, who had made her way over to the defense table. "B, Im free!" "I know. Congratulations." Buffy wrapped her arms around Faith. "So, what do you want to do to celebrate?" "I say we all hit the Bronze tonight. Big celebration party," suggested the brunette. "You got it." Buffy looked at her husband, who was busy putting his papers back in his suitcase. "Angel, I really appreciate what you did in court today." He tried his best to remain professional. "I was just doing my job. Like we agreed." "That doesnt mean I cant thank you properly." In a surprise move, Buffy reached up to give him a hug. In their innocent embrace, Angel could smell her shampoo, the scent of vanilla invading his nostrils. He sighed softly and then felt her give him a kiss on the cheek. "Faith wants to celebrate tonight, so after dinner were gonna hit the Bronze. Care to come with us and make our first public appearance as husband and wife?" Buffy invited. Angels head was still reeling from being so close to her. Good god, what is wrong with me? he asked himself. "I have to file the paperwork for the case, but after that Im free for the day. Looks like Ill be there." "Great. When I get back to your house I mean, our house," Buffy corrected herself, "Ill invite the whole gang. And you should invite that friend you were telling me about yesterday." He nodded. "Spike. Yeah, Ill do that." "See you later." On their way out, Faith raised an eyebrow at her sister. "Well, its easy to see who wears the pants in your marriage." "Shut up, Faith," her sister retorted. *** 12

"I want to go with you!" complained Dawn at seven-thirty when Buffy was getting dressed for the celebration party. "Its not fair that I cant go." Buffy shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly. "Oh well. I already told you its for adults only. No kids allowed." "Im not a kid." "Dawn, you are too young to be going to clubs. Youre only fifteen." She slipped her feet into her black pumps, which perfectly matched the simple black dress she wore. Dawn placed her hands on her hips in annoyance. "You were fifteen when you started hanging out at the Bronze with Willow and Cordelia. And so was Faith. Whats the big deal if I go? Its supposed to be a celebration party for my own sister and I cant even go." "First of all, Faith and I were sixteen, almost seventeen, when we started going to the Bronze. Secondly, youre grounded. And third, you didnt even have the decency to go to Faiths hearing today, but now you want to celebrate her freedom? I dont think so. Dont think Ive forgotten about my promise to have a family meeting tonight. We wont be that late, so you can expect it." "Youre treating me like a child." "You *are* a child. Get over it." Angel entered the room from the bathroom. He wore a pair of black trousers and a midnight blue shirt, his brown hair styled in his trademark spikes. "Am I interrupting a sister moment?" Buffy shook her head. "Nope. Dawn and I were just finished. Werent we?" she asked her younger sister. "Apparently so. Try to have fun without me." Turning on her heel, the teenager stalked out of the room. Angel couldnt help raising his eyebrows at his sister-in-laws exit. "Okay, once more with tension." She laughed at his comment. "You sound just like Xander." "Xander?" he questioned. "A good friend of mine. Hell be there tonight. Dont worry, you two will get along famously. Im sure of it." "Are you almost ready?" he wanted to know. "We have to pick up Faith in ten minutes." She put the finishing touches on her makeup. "Just about. I still need to fix my hair real quick." "You look fine to me." Buffy smiled sincerely. "Youre sweet. A terrible liar, but sweet nonetheless." *** The couple glanced at each other before entering the club. Faith had already gone inside, leaving Buffy and Angel standing in the alley. "Ready to meet my friends?" "Yep," Angel answered.

"Great. Prepare to act couple-y." Reaching out, Buffy took his hand in hers and he opened the door for her. Wow, Angel really *is* a gentleman, she thought. Nobodys ever held a door open for me except my father. Angels eardrums were assaulted the moment he set foot in the club. It had been a long time since hed been to one. Generally, he tended to frequent restaurant bars to meet women. He wasnt prepared for the younger, more laid back atmosphere of the Bronze. His wife noticed his reaction. "Culture shock?" she asked. "Slightly. I didnt exactly hang out in clubs back in England." "What did you do for fun?" Angel shook his head and smirked. "Buffy, you dont want to know. Maybe when youre older Ill tell you." She sneered. "Real funny. Look, theres the gang." He followed her lead to a group of people in their early twenties. The only person he recognized was Faith, who sat flanked by two young women a redhead and brunette and a man. Angel assumed he was the Xander person Buffy mentioned earlier. Suddenly, he felt out of place as they approached the table. "Hey, guys," greeted Buffy. "Sorry were late." "No problem," Xander answered. "Whos your date?" Plastering a fake, happy smile on her face, Buffy touched Angels arm. "Hes not just my date, Xand. I want you to meet Angel McKenzie. My husband." "Husband?" Xander asked, confusion written all over his face. "Since when are you married, Buff?" "Since this past weekend. Angel, this is Xander Harris, Cordelia Chase and Willow Rosenberg," she introduced, pointing to each one of her friends individually. "You already know Faith." Cordelia openly checked out her friends husband. "Hello, salty goodness." Underneath the table, Willow kicked her. "Sorry." Willow stretched out her arm toward him. "Nice to meet you, Angel. Buffys told us quite a bit about you Sunday." He flashed her his famous half-smile. "All good, I hope." "Well, we havent gotten all of the gory details out of her yet," Cordelia told him. "But we tell each other everything, so its only a matter of time." "Good to know." "Um, question for all," Xander began. "Why wasnt I informed of the Buffsters new marital status?" Faith condescendingly patted him on the head. "Awwpoor Xander feeling a little left out? Dont worry, I wasnt even there for it and Im her sister. They wanted a quick wedding." Buffy shot daggers at her sister. If she tells them the truth, thats it for me. Ill never live it down. She decided it was time to get out of the conversation. "Angel, what do you say you and I share our first official dance as husband and wife?"

He sensed what she was up to. "Sounds like a great idea." Taking her hand in his, Angel excused them and they made their way to the dance floor. A slow song had just begun playing while the band took a break between sets. "We need to make this look as real as possible," Buffy told him. With one hand on the small of her back and the other one clutching her left hand, Angel agreed. "I think we can manage that." // So lately, been wondering Who will be there to take my place When Im gone youll need love to light the shadows on your face If a great wave shall fall and fall upon us all Then between the sand and stone, could you make it on your own? If I could, then I would Ill go wherever you will go Way up high, or down low Ill go wherever you will go \\ "I promise not to step on your feet," he whispered in her ear. "At least not purposely." Buffy laughed; a soft, quiet laugh that warmed his heart. "Not much of a dancer, are you?" "Ive go two left feet. I pretty much try to avoid dancing if at all possible. Im what youd call a spaz on the dance floor. Dont say I didnt warn you." "Ill take it under advisement, counselor." // And maybe, Ill find out A way to make it back someday To watch you, to guide you, through the darkest of your days If a great wave shall fall and fall upon us all Then I hope theres someone out there who can bring me back to you If I could, then I would Ill go wherever you will go Way up high, or down low Ill go wherever you will go \\

"Arent they so darn cute together?" Willow asked the group as they watched Buffy and Angel sway in sync to the music. "Look how in love they look." Xander rolled his eyes. "Yeah. So cute they make me want to throw up. Gimme a barf bag and make it quick." "You dont have a romantic bone in your body, do you, Xander?" "No, he doesnt," Cordelia answered for him, sarcasm dripping from her voice. "At least not in the year we were dating." "Hey, I take offense to that!" an offended Xander complained. "I am very romantic, thank you very much. Just ask Anya." Cordelia made a face. "Ill pass, thank you. I dont need all the intimate details of your active sex life." "At least I have one," he shot back. Perfectly happy to be a spectator in Cordelia and Xanders war of words, Faith turned her attention to her sister and her husband. They looked like a married couple who could only see each other; as if they were the only two people in the room. She seriously wondered how much of it was acting and how much was their true feelings surfacing. Marriage deal my ass! she thought. One of them is going to crack, I just wonder wholl be the first. From a darkened corner of the Bronze, Spike watched his best friend dance with the tiny blonde. Since he didnt know where Buffys friends were sitting, he contented himself with the show on the dance floor. The show Angel was putting on; only Spike couldnt tell if he was faking the look in his brown eyes. // Run away with my heart Run away with my hope Run away with my love I know now, just quite how My life and love might still go on In your heart, in your mind, Ill stay with you for all of time If I could, then I would Ill go wherever you will go Way up high, or down low Ill go wherever you will go If I could turn back time Ill go wherever you will go If I could make you mine

Ill go wherever you will go Ill go wherever you will go \\ "What you did today, AngelI can never thank you enough for it. Having Faith home where she belongs means more to me than anything in this world," Buffy said. "I wish I could show you my appreciation." "Dont worry about it. You being here is thanks enough." She looked into his dark eyes. "But there must be something you want." Dont, McKenzie, he told himself. Dont even go there. "Buffy, I have everything Ive ever wanted." *** "Buffy, this is William Lords, my best friend since elementary school," Angel introduced when he found Spike standing off by himself a short while later. "You can call me Spike, everyone else does," Spike informed her, kissing the back of her hand. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Buffy." She nodded and smiled. Something about the way he looked at her left Buffy feeling unnerved. "Nice to meet you, too, Spike. How long will you be in Sunnydale?" He shrugged his shoulders. "Im not quite sure yet, I havent given it much thought." Maybe indefinitely now that Ive seen you, pet. "I see. Well, Ill leave you two alone. Im gonna see if I can drag Faith out on the dance floor." Buffy patted Angel on the arm and walked back to her friends. With a raised eyebrow, Spike watched her walk away. "Shes a stiffener, that one." "Spike, youre sick." "What? Shes over eighteen, isnt she? I think Im allowed to beshall we say, aroused by her." Angel groaned. One thing Spike had always lacked was tact. "Buffy may be twenty years old, but shes also my wife. Show a little more judgement." "What? It aint like youve got all these fuzzy bunny feelings for her. Youre just using her." He paused. "Arent you?" "We have a business arrangement." The two of them gazed at the dance floor, where Buffy and Faith were dancing. Spike smiled with appreciation at the two sisters. "You are married to a girl with a body like that and you arent even gonna take her out for a test-drive? I find that impossible to believe. Especially given your colorful history with women." "Believe it." Spike nodded, unconvinced by Angels words. "Uh-huh." Looks like Ill be staying in Sunnydale longer than anticipated. Someone needs to keep an eye on Angel. And his pretty little wife. ***

13 Faith found herself impressed when she, Buffy and Angel pulled into the driveway of the McKenzie home. She whistled with appreciation. "Very nice place you got here, B. Maybe I should run out and marry myself a millionaire." "Im not a millionaire," Angel corrected her. "Not yet. But in about three years when youre done using my sister, you will be." Buffy, seated in the front seat, sighed heavily. "Hes not using me. We have a deal, thats it. One from which we both benefit." "Yeah, whatever." As he stepped out of the car, Angel thought, Now I see where Dawn gets her sparkling personality from. Its a good thing Faith is staying at the old house, Id kill her if we had to live together. Personality clash. Once again, he thanked God Buffy wasnt like her two sisters. "Whats with the family meeting?" Faith wanted to know. "Its obviously not to welcome me home from jail." "Its about Dawn. Shes been acting out of sorts and it is beginning to grate on my nerves. I figure if we double-team her plus Angel we should be able to get through to her," Buffy informed her, entering the front door, which was being held open by Angel. "Thank you." He smiled. "Youre welcome." Faith looked from her sister to her new husband. Uh-huh "What a gentleman." "I try." Once shed put her purse down, Buffy stood at the bottom of the stairs. "Dawn! Were home, come down here!" Ten seconds later, Dawns bedroom door opened. "Buffy, Im ready for bed. Cant we do this tomorrow?" "No way. Get your butt down here." Slamming her bedroom door, Dawn stomped down the stairs, finding Buffy and Faith sitting on the couch and Angel on the loveseat. "Whats *he* doing here?" she demanded. "Hes not family." "Angel is my husband. That makes him family. Now sit down because we need to talk to you," Buffy said sternly. Sulking, Dawn plopped down on the reclining chair. "Make it quick, Im tired." "Thats too damn bad, Dawn. You have a choice, either you talk to us tonight or you can talk to a counselor. Its your decision." "Fine. Lets get started." "Good. Explain your pissy attitude. Id like to know why youve been acting like a royal bitch these past few weeks." Dawn narrowed her eyes. "Why do you think? Its all her fault," she said, pointing to Faith.

"What did I do? What is it my fault?" "Because if it wasnt for you, I wouldnt be in this fucking mess! You just *had* to stay with Parker when he treated you like shit, didnt you? You let him hit you and call you names, and you didnt even bat an eyelash. You just sat there and took it. For three years! How many times did Mom and Dad tell you that you deserved better? Or Buffy? We all told you, but did you ever listen? No!" Dawn shouted. Buffy was about to interrupt when Faith stopped her. The brunette wanted to hear what else her sister had to say. She felt that after four weeks in jail, she could handle just about anything. Even the wrath of her angry fifteen year old sister. "So you kept seeing that jerk even though none of us liked him. Mom was always afraid hed end up killing you. Well, wouldnt she be proud to find out that you offed him before he could do it to you. Faith, why would you stay with someone like that? Parker scared the hell out of us, every night when you went out with him we were afraid you wouldnt come home. "And do you know how much everyone at school made fun of me because you killed him? I became the butt of everyones jokes and its all your fault. Theyd call you a heartless murderer, no matter how many times I told them Parker got what he deserved. I lost all my friends. Thanks a lot." Faith raised her eyebrows. "Are you done? Because I have something to say." "No, Im not done," Dawn said, shaking her head. "Since I seem to be on a roll here tonight, Id like to state for the record that its also your fault Im stuck here." Buffy was genuinely confused. "Stuck where?" "Here, in this house! If it wasnt for Faith getting arrested, I wouldnt be here. You never would have met the lawyer and married him so damn quickly. What was the big hurry, Buffy? Why did you *have* to marry that guy five days after you met him? Thats not normal behavior, especially for you." "You have every reason to be upset about that, Dawn. I uprooted your life, and Im sorry about that. But Angel and I are in love with each other. Hes my husband," the blonde tried to reason. Wide-eyed, Dawn stared at her biological sister. "Husband? You two dont even act like youre married most of the time. Arent people in love supposed to touch each other? You two dont kiss or hug or even look at each other. If I had a husband who looked like Angel, Id be touching him every chance I got. The only good thing I can see is that you arent as sad as you were before, Buffy." "Angels done a lot for this family." "Yeah, I know that. And Im glad hes a great lawyer who got Faith out of jail, but I dont know. Something isnt right," mused Dawn. Closing her eyes, Buffy exhaled the breath shed been holding in. "What do you want me to do? Ive done everything I can to make this transition easier for you. You have a nice home and a family who loves you. What else do you want?" "I want things the way they used to be!" Dawn exploded. "I want Mom and Dad back." She shook her head. "Im sorry. I wish I could, believe me. Do you think things have been easy for me? Its been hell for me, too. You know, Dawn, the world doesnt revolve around you; I had to make huge sacrifices after Mom and Dad died. I had to quit school and give up my dreams of being a lawyer; I suddenly had to support an entire family by working as a waitress at a coffee shop. And on top of all that, I have to be your mother."

"Well, youre not doing such a great job at it," Dawn commented. "Dawn, stop that," Faith warned. Buffy waved her hand. "No, its okay. I admit it, Im not a good mother. But it isnt like I asked for this job. And you know what? Im doing the best I can. I never thought youd be so ungrateful to me for trying to give you a stable home life." "Im not ungrateful" "It certainly sounds like it to me. Im your legal guardian, Dawn, but if you find someone else who wants to take over that responsibility, you can go live with them. Maybe Faith wants to do it." Dawn couldnt believe her sister said that to her. "I dont want to live with Faith. I want to live with you." "Then we need to make a few ground rules. The first being that your bitchy attitude ends here. Im sick and tired of it. Second, you are to treat Angel with respect. He has given up his home to us because he wants to take care of me and my family. Third, your grades had better improve. I know you are capable of As, not the Ds and Fs youve been getting lately. Four, you are grounded until I see your next report card. You will be able to go out on Saturdays only. No phone, no internet. Understood?" She nodded. There was no point in arguing. "Understood. Can I go now?" "Go ahead." Biting her lip, Dawn went back upstairs. "Well, that was definitely interesting," Faith laugh. "I couldnt even get a word in edgewise. Its good to be home." "Im going upstairs," announced Buffy. "Angel, could you drive Faith home?" "Sure." Once her sister was sufficiently out of hearing distance, Faith turned to her brother-in-law. "Welcome to our dysfunctional family." *** Half an hour later, Angel returned home from bringing Faith to her house. Inside his bedroom, he threw his shirt on the bed and thought about how relaxing a long hot shower sounded. It had been a long, eventful day, and all he wanted to do was feel the spray of hot water on his aching muscles. Kicking off his shoes, he opened the bathroom door. What he found on the other side was the last thing he expected. With her back to him stood Buffy, drying her wet, naked body off with a fluffy white towel. For an unknown reason, Angel couldnt peel his eyes away. She turned around, drying her face and unaware of his presence, giving him a full frontal view of her body. His breath caught in his throat and he knew that he should look away, but he could not bring himself to do it. He caught sight of a tiny tattoo on the front of her right hip an angel. Angel did his best to keep his eyes on the angel rather than her more private areas. "Oh my god!" Buffy exclaimed, quickly covering herself from his gaze with her towel. "Angel, what are you doing in here?" "I-I didnt realize you were in here, I just got back," Angel told her, turning his eyes to the ceiling. "Im sorry."

She was shaking, but not from being cold. "Could you leave me alone? This is kind of a private thing." "Yeah, yeah. Of course." Walking out of the bathroom, Angel shook his head in disbelief. And he knew that when he went to sleep later on, his dreams would be of Buffys curvaceous bodyand the tiny angel tattoo. *** 14 // The wind whistled outside, knocking tree branches against Angels bedroom window. He found the sound soothing; he always loved a good storm, even as a child. Growing up, Angel would sit in front of the window watching the lightening as it lit up the otherwise black sky. A knock at the bathroom door disrupted his musings. "Come on in," he invited, tearing his eyes away from the brewing storm outside. The door opened and Buffy entered, wearing a worn yellow robe. "Hope Im not interrupting you." "Nope. Just looking outside," Angel told her, shaking his head. "Whats going on?" She glanced down. "Nothing. Forget I came in here." She turned to leave. He reached out to touch her. "What is it, Buffy? Is it because of what happened earlier? Look, Im really sorry about walking in on you like that. I guess Im not used to sharing a bathroom with someone. I didnt set out to embarrass you." "Im not embarrassed, Angel. Its just thatwell, youve seen all there is to see of me. Now I want to see you." Angel stood in shock; he couldnt move. "You want to *what*?" He wasnt sure if hed heard her correctly. Buffy took a few steps closer to him. "Its only fair," she said, her voice becoming seductively low. "Come on, it isnt like were breaking any laws. We *are* married, after all." "You want me to get undressed?" "What? You dont want to? Are you ashamed?" she teased. Once again he shook his head. "Not at all." Buffy smiled knowingly. "Oh I get it. You dont want to be alone. Thats okay, I dont have anything to hide anymore." She brought her hands to the belt of her robe and untied it. Then she let the garment fall the ground. "Better?" "I" Angel did his best to keep from staring at her, but he couldnt. And he didnt know what it was about Buffy Summers that made him act like a teenager with raging hormones. She affected him the way no other woman before had ever done. She could see where his gaze was locked: on her tattoo. "I see you noticed my tattoo. Do you like it?" "Itits very nice," he stuttered. "I thought so. Its an angel, I got it right after my parents died. They never would have let me get one when they were alive, so I got one as a tribute to them a week after the accident. Faith has one, too." Buffy took his hand, outstretched his pointer finger and placed it on the tattoo.

His finger took on a life of its own and traced the ink outline along her hip. It was all he could do to keep from looking at the rest of her body. "Did it hurt?" "A little. This is fate, Angel. I have a tattoo of an angel and a husband with the same name. Someone up there is telling us this is meant to be. And Im a firm believer in fate and destiny." In one swift motion, she had Angel backed up against the wall, a wicked smile across her innocent face. She placed her finger on his lips, running it down his jaw to his neck, then across his firm chest and stopping when she reached his boxer shorts. With a hand on either side of his waist, Buffy pulled off the only garment her husband wore. Once he stood naked before her, she looked him up and down with appreciation. "Exactly the way I pictured you," she commented. "But it seems like a waste, you know? For the two of us to be here like this and not give in. I mean, think about it. Were both young and relatively good-looking, why shouldnt we make the most of it? Obviously we are attracted to one another, if this is any indication. Why should our marriage be in name only? It isnt right. Three years from now, do you want to look back in regret on what you and I could have shared? I know I dont." "I dont either," agreed Angel. "But we shouldnt." "Why not? Dont you want me?" His heartbeat quickened. "More than youll ever know." He bent his head down, taking her lips in a passionate kiss and pushed her body flush against his. Buffys arms wrapped around his neck, and she began to lead him to his bed. \\ With a grunt, Angel awoke, unconsciously moving his arm to the left side of the bed to feel for Buffy. What he found was the cold mattress instead, and it left him disappointed. It was just a dream, he thought. A very nice dream. But I cant see Buffy doing any of those things. Its so not like her. Sitting up in bed, Angel rubbed his eyes, and then found the bedsheets tented around his waist. Just great. Climbing out of bed, he put his sweatpants on and went downstairs for something to drink. He poured himself a glass of milk, then took a seat at the kitchen table to do some thinking. What the hell is wrong with me? Why am I having these fantasies about Buffy? I cant be having feelings for her, can I? "What are you doing up?" a voice asked him. Angel looked up from his drink, seeing Dawn standing in the doorway of the kitchen. "Dawn, I didnt see you there. I was just thinking. I didnt wake you, did I?" "No, I was thirsty and I saw you sitting there. Whats wrong? Cant sleep?" "Nah. I had a strange dream. Needed to think." Dawn got herself a glass of water and sat down across from him. "And so rather than waking up Buffy, you decided to come down here and think alone?" "Something like that." An awkward silence followed. "Angel, I guess I owe you an apology for the way Ive been acting. I have been really mean to you and you dont deserve it," Dawn apologized. "Youve been going through a rough time of it lately. I understand that." Dawn shrugged her shoulders. "Thats no excuse. Youve been so nice to us and given us a lot, especially Faith. And I can see how happy you make Buffy. Her entire face lights up when you come in the room."

"It does?" "Totally. Buffy did something so unexpected when she married you and it threw me." Angel narrowed his eyes. "Whys that?" "Buffys the last person in the world to run off and marry some guy shes only known for a week. We all figured Faith would be the one to do that, but never Buffy. I guess you could call her a hopeless romantic. Saving herself for Mr. Right but always meeting Mr. Wrong. Well, until she found you," Dawn said. "Even if you two dont always act like youre married all the time." "I wasnt aware I came as a shock to everyone." "Thats okay. We like you. So far." He laughed. "I hope you continue to like me. Although I want to warn you, I dont know how to deal with teenagers. As you can probably tell." "Yeah, Ive noticed. But thats okay. Just keep making Buffy happy. Angel, do you love her? Really, truly love her with all your heart?" she wanted to know. "Whats not to love about her?" "I dont know. Faith says you two are perfect for each other. And I think shes right for once." *** 15 The next month passed by without incident. Following the accidental run-in in the bathroom, things between Angel and Buffy were uncomfortable for a few days. Neither knew quite what to say to the other, and it took several days before they could talk openly about it. // "Buffy, Im really, really sorry about what happened Tuesday night," apologized Angel the following Friday at breakfast. "It was an accident." She managed a half-smile. "Yeah, I know. I never thought you did it intentionally." "Good. Do you think we can chalk it up to me not having shared a bathroom with a woman in a long time? I promise to knock next time." "Its a deal. Although I have to admit, it did make me a little uncomfortable knowing youve seen me naked," Buffy said. "I guess telling you that youre not the first woman Ive seen naked isnt going to win me any points, is it?" he tried to joke. Buffy shook her head. "Not really the way to go." "Okay. Then, if it helps, the only thing I got a good look at was your tattoo. An angel, I like it." \\ *** Jenny sighed with exasperation when Buffy walked up to her desk. She didnt like the young blonde or her attitude. What does she want? "Can I help you?" she asked with a put-out tone of voice.

"Im here to see Angel," Buffy told her. "Sorry. Hes not to be disturbed; a big meeting in half an hour and he needs to be ready for it," she said, smirking with satisfaction. "Which means no unannounced visitors. But Ill be sure to tell him you stopped by, Miss Summers." Buffy put on her best fake smile. "Angel already knows Im coming; I called him earlier. You can check with him if you dont believe me." With a scowl, the secretary stood up and headed to her boss office door, knocking on it. "Mr. McKenzie?" she called, opening the door a crack. "Yeah, Jenny?" "Miss Summers is here to see you. Should I tell her to go?" Please say yes. "No, let her in. Im expecting her," Angel informed her. Dejected, Jenny turned back to Buffy. "You can go in, Miss Summers." "Thank you." Before entering Angels office, Buffy turned around. "By the way, Jenny, I would prefer it if you called me by my married name. Mrs. Angel McKenzie." Leaving the stunned secretary standing behind her desk, she went inside. Angel stood when she entered. "Hey. I thought we were supposed to have lunch at noon," he reminded her. "Its almost one-thirty." "Sorry. Course registration took a little longer than I anticipated. I grabbed something to eat at the Student Union." Buffy handed him a paper bag. "And I felt bad about stiffing you, so I brought you a sandwich." "Thank you." She sat down on the leather couch, Angel taking a seat next to her, opening his lunch. Buffy had bought him a BLT sandwich on white toast with french fries. "Your secretary has a major attitude problem. Would you please fire her?" "Buffy!" he exclaimed after swallowing a bite of his sandwich. "I cant just fire her. Jennys worked for me since I started here." "Then tell her to stop being so rude to me when I come in here. If I didnt know any better, Id think shes jealous of me. You know, because Im your wife. I think shes got a thing for you." Placing his hand on her knee, Angel smiled at her. "Would you feel better if I talked to her? Tell her to back off?" "Youd do that?" "Sure." "I appreciate it, Angel. Thanks." He took another bite of his sandwich. "Did you get all the classes you wanted?"

Buffy nodded. "Yep. Trigonometry, Shakespeare and Astronomy for my Gen Ed requirements. Constitutional Law and Tax Law for my Legal Studies requirements. This semester is going to be a blast. Goodbye social life." "Doesnt sound all that bad. Constitutional Law is on the difficult side, though." "Thats why Im married to a lawyer. So you can help me with all that hard stuff. Right?" she joked. Angel laughed. "If you need help, Ill be glad to get you through it. But dont expect me to give you all the answers." "I would never ask you to do that. Although there is one thing I want to ask you," Buffy said. He knit his eyebrows together. "Whats that?" "Well, I kinda want to invite a few friends over on Friday night. Not a big party or anything, just Willow, Cordelia and Anya. We do this sleepover thing every month and its my turn to host it," she told him. "I missed it last month because of Faith. Is it okay with you?" "Go ahead. Let me guess, you want me out of the house?" Buffy shook her head. "No, not at all. Its your house, after all; you can stay. In fact, if you want to join us, Ill even invite Xander and Oz." "Thats okay. I think I can find a way to keep myself busy for a night. Maybe I will take Dawn to the movies or something," Angel suggested. "Seeing as she and I are getting along these days." "Shes gonna stay with Faith this weekend." "Oh. Okay." She eyed him carefully. "Are you sure youre okay with turning your house over to a bunch of twenty year olds?" "Its fine by me. You deserve a night with your girlfriends." Throwing her arms around him, Buffy gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Youre the best husband ever. You know, youre more like the big brother I never had and always wanted." She thinks of me as an older brother? Angel thought. Thats good, isnt it? Then why do I feel disappointed? "Mr. McKenzie, Lilah Morgan and Lindsey McDonald are here for your meeting," Jenny said over the intercom on his desk. Pulling out of their embrace, Angel went to his desk. "Send them in, Jenny." He took a deep breath. "I hate to do this considering you just go here, but this is an important meeting, Buffy." She got up. "Its okay. Should I expect you for dinner?" "Yep, Ill be home. I might be a little late, though. I have to stop at the mall for some quick Christmas shopping. That reminds me, do you need any money for your shopping?" Angel wanted to know. "No, I think Im good. I saved up a lot from working at the caf my last two weeks there. But thanks for the offer." She grabbed her purse. "See you later."

"Bye." He watched as Buffy left his office, just as Lilah and Lindsey were walking in. "Hi, guys." Lindseys gaze followed Buffy. "Whew," he whistled. "That is one good-looking girl, Angel. Too damn bad youre already married. Id tell you to go for it." "Newsflash, genius," Lilah began with a sigh. "That *is* his wife." "Nice," the other lawyer commented. "How old is she again?" Angel rolled his eyes. "Shell be twenty-one next month, Lindsey. Can we kindly change the subject? We have important things to discuss." *** "Unless theres something else we need to go over, I say we call it a day," Angel announced three hours later. Lindsey closed his notepad. "I think weve gone over everything." He glanced at his watch. "Well, I have to get ready for my date tonight. See you both tomorrow." Once Lindsey closed the office door behind him, Lilah placed her belongings on the chair hed vacated and sat herself down on the corner of Angels desk. "Finally, alone at last." "Lilah, I dont have time for this," Angel stated. "I have errands to run before I go home." She raised her perfect-plucked eyebrows. "Arent we becoming domesticated." "Shut up." "You know, there was once a time when you and I couldnt keep our hands off each other. You took me on the floor, on that couch and even right here on this desk. Remember?" Angel began packing his briefcase. "Yes, I remember. But Im not looking to relive ancient history with you. Im married now." "Youre married. But are you happy? Because its been my experience that happily married men have pictures of their wives on their desks. Where are all the pictures of the missus?" Lilah taunted. "Get out, Lilah." "Just making an observation, no need to jump down my throat." "I mean it. Im going to be late." "Whats this errand you have to run?" she wanted to know. "Does Buffy need you to pick up some fresh vegetables for dinner tonight?" Angel narrowed his eyes. "Look, Lilah, its over between us. What we had was a momentary physical attraction, thats it. Now if youll excuse me, I have to get to the jewelry store before it closes." *** 16

"What time are your friends getting here?" Angel asked Buffy Friday evening after dinner. She stood by the kitchen counter in her pajamas, pouring a bag of potato chips into a large tupperware bowl. "In about ten or fifteen minutes. Cordelias driving and I think theyre stopping at the video store to pick up a movie." Buffy surveyed his outfit: blue jeans, a black dress shirt and his leather duster. "Are you going somewhere?" Angel nodded. "Yeah. Im meeting Spike at Willys Pub for a few beers. I didnt want to be in the way tonight." "Im sorry. I feel bad for making it seem like Im kicking you out of your own home. You dont have to go." "No, its okay. I havent seen Spike since he got back from his L.A. excursion last week. Nows as good a time as any to catch up with him. Have fun, I should be back around ten or so." Plagued with guilt, Buffy watched as he exited through the back door. Way to make him feel unwanted, Buffy, she chastised herself. Angels been nothing but nice and you practically kicked him out on his ass. Guess youre out of the running for Wife of the Year. *** From his seat at the bar, Angel took a sip of Guiness Stout. "How was L.A.?" he questioned his best friend, who sat to his left. Spike shrugged his shoulders. "You know L.A.. It never changes. Still the same smoggy place it was last time I was there. I did, however, run into an old friend of yours." "Who?" "Darla Baker. Or whatever name she goes by these days." Sighing, Angel stared into his mug of beer. "I think its Darla Baker-Chandler now. Since the wedding." "Like it matters. We bumped into each other at this quaint little tavern. She sends her love." He scoffed. "Im sure she does." "Well well. Sounds like Darla really did a number on you. What, did she break your heart into a million tiny pieces?" "Something like that." "Whats the matter, Peaches? Did she dump you? You are far too used to being the dumper than the dumpee," commented Spike. Angel rolled his eyes. "Do we really need to discuss this, Spike? Darlas ancient history. So she dumped me, who cares? I like to think Ive rebounded nicely." Spike was about to reply when a shapely brunette in a red dress moved between their stools, facing Angel. "Hi." "Hi," he replied casually. "Do I know you from somewhere?" "No," the woman said, flashing him a seductive smile. "I was sitting over there and I saw you. Thought I would come over and introduce myself. Im Paige."

He returned the smile. "Nice to meet you, Paige." "Do you have a name?" "Angelus." She raised an eyebrow curiously. "Thats an interesting name." "I think so." He turned back to his drink in an attempt to get rid of her. "So, Angelus," Paige began, not taking the hint, "can I buy you a drink?" Angel lifted his three-quarters full glass. "Ive already got one. But thanks anyway." "How about another one?" "No thank you. Look, I dont want you to take this the wrong way, Paige, but Im not interested. Thing is, Im married." Angel showed her his wedding band. Paige stared long and hard at the gold ring on his left hand. "Oh, I see. Well then, it was nice meeting you." Without another word, she walked back to her table. "Do you have any idea what you just did?" asked Spike incredulously. "That woman was offering herself to you on a silver platter. And you flat-out rejected her. I remember a time when you would have jumped at the chance to land in bed with a girl like that." "I wasnt interested." "Not interested? Are you bloody insane?! And what exactly was with that Im married crap? You arent housebroken, are you?" Angel shook his head at his best friend. "Give it a rest, Spike." "No, thats it. Youve got feelings for the girl, dont you? The little chippy got to you. Hello, Peaches, its a marriage of convenience, or have you forgotten?" "No, I havent forgotten, but I appreciate the reminder. What I do with my personal life is my business." Spike gazed closely at the expression Angels face. "Bleedin Christ, you love her," he stated. "No I dont." "Like hell you dont." "What do you want me to say? That I love her? I do. But I love her like a sister, thats it." Spike wasnt so easily convinced. "Yeah, you love her like a sister. If you were both characters in a bloody V.C. Andrews novel. And if you truly believe you love her like a sister, then youre in serious denial." *** "You have to be making that up!" Angel heard Buffy exclaim when he quietly walked through the back door two hours later. "There is no way that can be true."

"I kid you not. He honestly licked my lips when he kissed me," Cordelia said. "It was *the* most disgusting thing any guy has ever done to me. And thats saying a lot." "Ew!" Willow scrunched her nose. "Oz would never do that." Anya grinned devilishly. "Xander would totally do that. And has. You wouldnt believe what that man is capable of." Cordelia started gagging. "Unfortunately, I dated him for almost a year in high school, I know what Xander is capable of. And Id rather forget it if its all the same to you." "Whatever. What about Angel, Buffy? Hes quite a tasty treat," Anya said. Angel was about to enter the room when he heard his name. Curious as to what Buffy would say in reply, he stood out of their line of sight and listened. "What about him, Anya?" "The guys a hottie, hes got the body of a god and hes wealthier than sin. On top of all that, hes your husband. He pledged his entire being need I say body to you for eternity. Its been over a month and you havent given us any of the gory details. So spill it." Buffy shrugged. "There isnt anything to spill. Angels a great guy. End of story." "Please, theres more to it than that." "Yeah, Buff," agreed Cordelia. "He must be pretty amazing." What harm will a few little white lies cause? the blonde asked herself. None of them would know if Im not telling the truth. "He is amazing. The best. At everything." "At everything?" Anya repeated. "Who are you comparing him to? Your imaginary friend?" "Anya" Willow began. She glared at the redhead. "What? Its not like its a big secret that Buffy was still a virgin when she married Angel." The brown-haired girl paused. "You were, werent you?" "Yes, I was. So what?" "Is he good in bed?" Buffy chose her words carefully. "Lets just say hes not gifted only as a trial lawyer." In the kitchen, Angel suppressed a laugh by covering his mouth with his hand. Well, its good to know Buffy thinks highly of me. But I cant believe shes still Willows eyes widened. "Wow. Are you glad you waited?" After a lengthy pause, Buffy nodded her head. "You know what, I am. I wanted to share it with the man I love." And I will. Someday. "And you did," her best friend concluded.

"Does anyone need another Pepsi?" the hostess asked, eager to change the subject. It was making her feel uncomfortable. "I do," Cordelia answered. "Yeah, me, too," Anya replied. "But you cant leave without answering at least one more question for me." Buffy sighed. "Fine, but this is the last one. Then we drop the subject of my sex life." "Agreed. All I want to know is what Angel wears to bed." "Boxers," she replied without a moments hesitation. Laughing at her friends preoccupation with her sex life, Buffy grabbed the empty soda cans and headed into the kitchen. Placing them on the counter, she jumped when she saw something moving out of the corner of her eye. When she saw it was her husband, she sighed with relief. "God, Angel, you scared me half to death." He smiled apologetically, making all of her anger disappear. "Im sorry." "Its okay." "Hows the party going?" Angel wanted to know. "Peachy. Anya wants to know everything about our marriage. Particularly our sex life," she told him. He laughed softly. "So I heard." Buffy paled. "How much did you hear, exactly?" Oh lord, what if he heard me talking about his "gifts"? Ill be humiliated! "Not much; I just got home," he lied. Angel didnt want to embarrass her by saying hed heard everything shed said about him to her friends. "Oh, good." Letting out a nervous breath, she opened the refrigerator and took out four cans of Pepsi. "I should get back out there. What are you going to do for the rest of the night?" "Ive got a case to go over, Ill probably work on it for a little while. Just gonna make myself a sandwich and go upstairs." "Have fun." "You, too." As she was about to leave the room, Angel called out to her. "Hey, Buffy?" She turned around. "Yeah?" "You were wrong about something out there." "Whats that?" He smirked. "I dont wear boxers to bed. Most nights I dont wear anything at all," he admitted. "Oh"

"Dont worry about it. Your secrets safe with me." *** 17 The first rays of sun awoke Angel from his peaceful slumber at six-thirty the next morning. With a tired yawn, he sat up in bed, wondering why he had woken in the first place. The house was as quiet as a mouse, not a sound coming from the first floor where Buffy and her friends were sleeping. It wasnt until he glanced at the window that he realized whey he was awake: he had fallen asleep while reading the case file and had forgotten to close the blinds. Sighing, Angel climbed out of bed. He took full advantage of being alone upstairs and headed straight for the bathroom to take a shower. Although he and Buffy had worked out a schedule for the bathroom so as neither one of them would accidentally walk in on the other Angel had all-but-forgotten what it felt like to take hot shower. One thing he didnt like about his new wife was her tendency to use all the hot water. Emerging form the bathroom twenty minutes later dressed in blue jeans and a gray sweatshirt, Angel walked downstairs. The sight that awaited him brought a smile to his handsome face. All four girls lay in sleeping bags on the floor, a bowl of popcorn sat between Willow and Cordelia, and a bowl of potato chips to the right of Anya, who snored softly. His gaze rested on Buffy, sleeping parallel to the television. Her sleeping bag slipped to her waist, and he could see the fine hairs on her arm stand on end. Running his right hand over her arm, Angel covered her from the chilly air and went into the kitchen to fix his breakfast. *** "Mmm" Buffy groaned an hour later, rousing form a blissful dream. She had dreamt that she ran into Keanu Reeves at the mall and spent the rest of the day in his hotel room with him, sating their undeniable attraction. What time is it? she wondered. Sitting up, she squinted her eyes and checked the time on the VCR. Seven fifty-six. Too damn early to get up. She tried to fall back to sleep but was awakened once again when she heard one of the cupboard doors close. Who could be up this early? Looking around, Buffy found all of her friends still sleeping soundly on the floor. Must be Angel. Pulling herself out of the sleeping bag, she adjusted her pajamas and made her way into the kitchen. "Morning," she greeted groggily when she saw Angel sitting at the table reading the morning newspaper. Angel looked up, surprised to hear her voice. "Hey, good morning. I didnt wake you, did I? I tried to be as quiet as possible." "The cupboard door closing woke me up, but dont worry about it. I think Im the only one out there who heard you." "Thats good." She opened the refrigerator door, took out a carton of orange juice and began pouring herself a glass. "What are you doing up so early? Its not even eight in the morning on a Saturday." "Couldnt sleep, I guess. Ive actually been up for over an hour. Last night I must have fallen asleep while reading a file, and when I woke up the sun was shining right in my face. Rather than try to go back to sleep, I got up and took a shower." "I see. Got any plans for today?" Buffy wanted to know. He shook his head. "Nothing really exciting. Probably work on the case Lilah, Lindsey and I took on."

"Is it big?" "It could be. Were defending the CEO of a New York-based company for the kidnapping and assault of a twenty-five year old prostitute. It happened in San Francisco, so I want to get as much office work done on the case before Lilah and I go there to gather evidence from the crime scene. We leave December twentyseventh. I think I mentioned that to you a few days ago." "You did, but its still early yet for me to start recalling anything of importance. It sounds like an interesting case, though." "Theres no shortage of those, as Im sure youll find out when you start practicing law. Although its not exactly Ally McBeal." Buffy smiled at him. "Yeah, I gathered that much. So tell me, what did you and Spike do last night? Pick up women, perhaps?" she joked. "Im a married man, I take offense to that," Angel stated in a teasing tone. "Like I told you last night, we just went to Willys. Did some catching up, nothing worth gossiping about. I should mention that Spike left with some woman named Paige. He picked her up after I told her I wasnt interested." "At least one of you two is getting some. Why werent you interested in her?" "I told her Im married." "In name only, remember?" she reminded him. Angel nodded. "I know, I know." As if youd let me forget, even for a minute. "But its a good enough excuse to use when I want to get rid of an unwanted suitor." She gazed down at her wedding band and engagement ring. "Yeah, I know." Buffy paused, collecting her thoughts. "How do you feel about making it real?" "What do you mean?" "I got to thinking last night. Weve never shown any true emotions towards each other since we got married. I think maybe we need to start." "How, exactly?" His curiosity got the better of him. She shrugged. "I didnt really give it *that* much thought, but we should at least start slow, and make it convincing. A kiss here, a touch there. Just do what married couples do, except without the love and the sex." "I can handle that. Can you?" "Yeah, I can." Kissing and touching Angelsuch a rough gig. Where did that come from? Buffy wondered. "And telling each other stuff like a real husband and wife would. That doesnt seem too difficult. I already know what you wear to bed." Or dont wear. Closing his eyes, Angel laughed. "I cant believe I told you that. You didnt tell your friends, did you?" "Nope. Remember what you said about it being our little secret? Ill take it to the grave." ***

"Are you sure youre okay with this?" Buffy questioned Angel Sunday afternoon. They sat facing one another on the living room couch. "It wont be uncomfortable at all for you?" Angel gently placed his hand on her leg. "Buffy, dont worry about me. Well be safe as houses. Unless youre uncomfortable with it." "Not at all. Its for the good of the cause." From outside, they heard the slamming of a car door. "Thats Dawn. Ready?" "Ready." As they listened to the jiggling of the doorknob, Buffy and Angels lips moved closer and closer until they finally touched. While his hands played with the long strands of Buffys flaxen hair, her right hand lay flat against the back of Angels neck and her left one held him about his right arm. Without either one of them realizing it, the kiss grew in intensity, and Buffy felt her mouth open wide enough for her husbands tongue to slip inside. When Dawn entered the house, she caught sight of her sister and brother-in-law making out on the couch. She could almost feel the heat they were generating from across the room. "Check out the lust bunnies," she muttered before heading upstairs to her bedroom. It took close to a minute for the embrace to end. Both were left breathless, and shocked by how passionate their kiss became. "Is she gone?" Buffy whispered, out of breath. Angel couldnt seem to tear his eyes away from her emerald ones. "Yeah, I think so. Do you think she fell for it?" "Pretty sure." She took a deep breath. "That certainly got a little out of control." "A little." A lot, his body told him. Glancing down at himself, Angel was embarrassed and promptly moved to the other side of the couch. "It was a nice kiss, though." "Definitely one of the best Ive ever had." Why did he move away so quickly? "It ranks up there." Buffy nodded her head. "But thats all it was, right? Just a fake kiss that got slightly out of control?" Sure, Buff. Like you werent thrilled when you felt his tongue in your mouth. Who are you trying to kid? "Right. I guess I got caught up in the moment." "We both did. But it makes it more realistic. And thats what we were aiming for." "Yeahrealism." A little *too* real. *** 18 Before anyone realized it, Christmas Day was upon them. Come Christmas morning, Buffy woke up to the sun shining and the birds chirping. Her alarm clock read nine-thirty, and she stretched her tired limbs. She had only gone to bed at two forty-five, having stayed up late to wrap Angel and Dawns presents. With a groan, she climbed out of bed and threw a robe on over her pajamas.

As she descended the stairs, she was accosted by the smell of bacon and eggs. Buffy inhaled the scent, following its path to the kitchen. Inside she found Angel standing in front of the stove with a spatula in his hand. "Good morning," she greeted, yawning. "Merry Christmas," replied Angel, giving his wife a cheerful smile. "I was wondering when youd wake up." "What are you doing up so early? Dont you ever sleep?" He smirked. "Lawyers never sleep. Truth be told, I finally conked out around three in the morning. Ive lived on a lot less than six hours of sleep, especially when I was in college." "You big party animal," she teased. "So, whats cooking for breakfast? Aside from that delicious-smelling bacon." He flipped the eggs. "Dawn told me about the Summers Christmas morning tradition of omelets, bacon, pancakes and toast. I thought Id try to keep things traditional for the two of you. You know, given the circumstances." Buffy shook her head in wonder. "Has anyone told you how amazing you are? I cant think of any fake husbands whod do that." Feeling slightly hurt by her words, Angel couldnt look her in the eye. "Yeah, Im real amazing." "Is something wrong?" Buffy noticed the change in his tone. She was afraid shed said something wrong. "No, everythings fine. Just sit down at the table, breakfast will be ready in a few minutes," he told her. Buffy looked toward the doorway. "Do you want me to wake Dawn? She can be a real bear when it comes time to get up." "I already woke her. Shes getting ready now." *** "You have to open mine first," Dawn told her sister, handing the blonde a gift-wrapped box. "I hope you like it, Faith helped me pick it out." Buffy took the box, shaking it. It was light in weight. The contents hit the sides of the box. "It isnt a sweater, is it? Remember the one you bought me last year? It wouldnt have fit a Barbie doll." Dawn laughed. "Its not a sweater, Buffy, I promise. And I know for a fact you dont have one of these. I sifted through your closet before Faith took me shopping last week." "Why am I suddenly frightened?" "Just open it," the fifteen year old sighed. "Angel, tell Buffy shes being a big baby." "Youre being a big baby, Buffy," Angel repeated. She swatted her husband on the upper arm. "Shut up. Dont encourage her." With extreme curiosity, Buffy unwrapped her gift. When she opened the box, seeing its contents, her green eyes were wide with shock. "I dont believe you actually bought this." Dawn grinned. "Believe it."

"What is it?" Angel asked. Laughing, Buffy lifted her gift from the box. Dawn had given her a black negligee that, if she had it on, would conceal nothing. He nodded with appreciation. "I like it." "You would!" Buffy accused. "Whats the big deal?" Dawn wanted to know. "It isnt like youll be wearing it for very long. You put it on, Angel looks at it on you and five minutes later its on the floor." "Not even five minutes," he said with a smirk. Buffy glared at him. "Youre not helping, Angel." "Im just putting my two cents in." "Save it. She doesnt need your encouragement. And as for you," she continued, turning her attention to her younger sister. "Who let you buy this?" "I told you. Faith was with me. We went into Victorias Secret, I picked it out and she paid for it." Shaking her head, she put the nightgown back in the box. "Okay, whos next?" "Open something from me," Angel suggested. He took a small box from the pile and placed it in front of her. Buffy eyed it suspiciously. "Faith didnt buy this with you, did she?" After the last gift, she was afraid to open anything else. "No," he answered with a shake of his head. "I dont need anyones help when I do my Christmas shopping. Especially for you." "Thats a relief. I think." She ripped off the wrapping paper, finding a velvet box, obviously from a jewelry store. "Good lord." "Open it," prodded Angel. Carefully, Buffy opened the box, gasping when she saw the gold necklace sitting inside. On a long gold chain hung a heart-shaped opal with two hands on either side and a crown on top of it. "Angel, you didnt." "I did." Dawn ran over to see it. "Wow. Thats really beautiful. And expensive, too, I bet." "Well, it definitely set me back, but the look on your face makes it worth it," Angel told Buffy. "Its a claddagh necklace. The crown represents loyalty, the hands friendship and the heart love. Its really symbolic to the Irish." "I dont know what to say." "You dont have to say anything. May I put it on you?" he asked. "Of course you can."

With great care, Angel removed the delicate chain from the box and placed it around Buffys neck. His fingers fiddled with the tiny, complicated clasp but after ten seconds, he prevailed. However, he let them run lightly across the soft skin of her neck. "All done." Buffy stood up and walked to the mirror hanging on the wall near the front door. "It looks" "Perfect," Angel finished, coming up behind her. He met her eyes in the mirror. "Its absolutely perfect." *** "Sorry I had to miss Christmas morning with you guys," Faith apologized. "You know I would have been there if I could. I needed to work that double shift today to pay the utilities on this house." Buffy cradled the phone between her ear and right shoulder while she slid into her robe. She had just gotten out of the shower ten minutes earlier. "Its okay. The three Summers girls will just have to do Christmas later this week. Angel leaves for San Francisco the day after tomorrow, so we can do it then." "Sounds like a plan to me. Tell me, did you like Dawns present?" "I hear you helped her pick it out." "No, no. She picked it out, I went up to the counter and paid for it. The salesgirls were giving Dawnie weird looks." Buffy chuckled. "Gee, I wonder why. It couldnt possibly have anything to do with the fact that shes a fifteen year old girl shopping at Victorias Secret." "Hey, if it were up to me, wed have been shopping at Fredericks of Hollywood. Youre not ready for that yet, B." "Faith, where am I supposed to wear that thing?" "Im sure Angel wouldnt mind if you modeled it for him," Faith teased. "Go on, put it on and walk into his room. See if you can get a rise out of him." She shook her head. "Yeah right. I *so* dont think so." "So, what did Pretty Boy get you for your first Christmas as a married couple?" she wanted to know. "A gift certificate to Marias Massage Parlor, a couple nice blouses, a painting of a beach sunset, and a few other little things. Oh my god, Faith, he gave me a gold necklace with an opal in it. And he even said it wasnt cheap." Faith whistled. "Sounds nice. Whats the big deal? He bought you some nice, expensive jewelry." "It doesnt strike you as weird at all?" "Should it?" "He bought me an expensive necklace. Isnt that something you do when youre *really* married to someone? Its not a gift you buy for someone you are pretending to be married to." She sighed with exasperation. "The guy bought you a nice necklace and youre making it out to be the crime of the century."

"Thats not it. I mean, what if thats his way of saying he wants more? Maybe Angels buying me nice things so Ill stay after the three years is up." "A guy like that doesnt need to buy a wife. Well, present company excluded, considering you two have a business arrangement. Youre paranoid, you know that?" "No, Im not!" Buffy argued. "Then ask him. Grow a pair, Buffy." Fifteen minutes later, the two hung up. Buffy knew she needed to talk to Angel, but was unsure of how to bring it up without possibly hurting his feelings . That was the last thing she wanted to do, especially considering how nice hed been to her. Taking a tentative breath, she knocked on his bedroom door. "Come on in, Buffy," Angel replied. She entered, finding him seated at the small oak desk on the other side of the room. "Am I interrupting you?" Angel shook his head, standing up. "Its nothing that cant wait. What can I do for you?" "I came to give this back." Buffy handed him the box containing the claddagh necklace. He stared at it, dumbfounded. "Whats wrong with it? Dont you like it? I thought you did." "I do. I love it, Angel. Its the most beautiful necklace Ive ever seen. And thats why Im giving it back, because its so beautiful. I cant keep it, its not right," she told him. "I dont get it." "Angel, I dont want to owe you anything when it comes time for this marriage to end. And Im afraid I wont be able to give this back." I cant do it; I cant tell him the truth. He handed it back to her. "You dont have to give it back. The necklace is yours. When I saw it, I immediately thought of you. Buffy, you deserve beautiful things. Youll meet someone someday wholl buy them for you, but for now, its my privilege. Please, keep it; wear it next Monday night at the New Years Eve party. I dont want anything in return. You have my word on that." "Are you sure?" "Positive. Trust me." But she doesnt trust me. I know it. I have to make her see that she can trust me with her life. *** 19 The man standing behind the front desk smiled at Angel and Lilah as they approached him. "Good afternoon and welcome to the Marriot. How may I help you?" he asked them. Angel placed his suitcase on the ground near his feet. "I have reservations under the name McKenzie. Angelus McKenzie." The man typed in Angels last name on his computer screen. "Ah, yes. Adjoining rooms with a single bed each. Rooms 326 and 327. How will you be paying, with check or credit card?"

"Credit card." Angel handed him his VISA card. He knew the rooms werent inexpensive, but his client had promised to fully compensate him for the cost regardless of the outcome of the trial. "Very well, you are all set. Roberto will show you to your rooms," the man told Angel, giving him a set of keys. Lilah held out her hand to retrieve her set. "Yours is Room 327. If youd like to, I can buy you a drink after my shift is over. I get off at four oclock." Lilah made a face. "Not on your best day." As they were waiting for the elevator, Angel turned to his former lover. "He certainly seemed interested. You heard him, he gets off at four." "Well, hes not getting off with me tonight. Lower middle class men make my skin crawl." He shook his head. "Its your loss." *** It had been a long, hard day of fact-finding and evidence-gathering, and by the time the two of them returned to the hotel, Angel was exhausted. By quarter after ten, he had already showered, called home to see how things were back in Sunnydale and was fast asleep. It had been years since hed fallen asleep before midnight, and it felt good to do so. Only a few feet away in the next room, Lilah was wide awake. Shed been awaiting the perfect opportunity for months the opportunity to once again make love to Angel. Of all the men she had been with since high school, Angel McKenzie was the only one to affect her in such a way. He embodied everything she wanted in a partner: handsome, successful, intelligent, and most importantly, rich. She was determined to make him hers. Lilah didnt want just any man, she wanted the male equivalent of herself. She and Angel had been lovers months earlier, and she was eager to rekindle the fire theyd started on his office desk back in June. The only problem she could see was the existence of Angels wife. But Lilah knew getting rid of Buffy wouldnt be difficult; how could a twenty year old college student compare to her? Dropping her robe on the floor, Lilah listened at the door adjoining hers and Angels rooms. Not a sound could be heard from his side. With a sly grin, she opened the door and found nothing but darkness. Hes sleeping already? Interesting. Directing her eyes to the left of the door, Lilah saw her intended under the covers of the bed, sleeping peacefully. "Your mother knew what she was doing when she named you Angel," she whispered. Carefully, she climbed onto the bed and pulled the covers from his body. Her eyes widened with surprise when she discovered that he had nothing else on. Well, well, well she mused. I never expected this. Makes it so much easier this way. Straddling his waist, Lilah placed her hands on either side of his arms and brought her lips to his. Within a few seconds he was responding to her. Angel moaned as the kiss deepened, his hands finding the slender waist of the woman kissing him. "Buffy" he groaned when he felt a small hand traveling below his waist. "I need you, I need to be with you. Please dont make me wait any longer" "Its not Buffy, my Angel," Lilah informed him. "Guess again." His brown eyes shot open, staring directly into the eyes of Lilah Morgan. "What are you doing here?" he demanded. "Giving you something it sounds like your precious little wife hasnt been giving you. You were moaning like a man who hasnt been touched in months. Whats the matter, isnt Buffy allowing you conjugal visits?"

"Get out, Lilah!" Angel demanded, pushing her off him and onto the floor. "You and I are over. Im married to Buffy now." "Oh, please. I can do things your cheerleader couldnt even do on her best day and you know it. Maybe she could use a few pointers, she obviously isnt turning you on." Angered over what she was saying about his wife, Angel jumped out of bed, grabbed Lilah by the arm and dragged her out of his room. "You arent a part of my sex life anymore; you dont have the slightest idea as to what turns me on." "Oh, I think I do," she replied, gazing down at his hardness. "Hey, do whatever you want, Angel. Go ahead, finish yourself off. I dont want to anymore. Maybe you can picture your wife and moan her name like you were when I was getting you that way." Turning on her heel, Lilah slammed her door shut. Sighing, Angel closed his side of the door and locked it, making sure he wouldnt be bothered by her again that night. Looking down at himself, he shook his head. Was I really calling for Buffy? *** Buffy twirled in front of the mirror with her younger sister looking on. It was New Years Eve and she was getting ready for Angels firms party. "Well, Dawnie, how do I look?" "Like a princess going to a ball. Angels gonna flip out when he sees you in that dress. It looks great on you," Dawn complimented. "Yeah, Cordys got great taste in clothes, I have to hand it to her for picking this one out. But the idea was for me to look elegant, not make Angel flip out." She laughed. "It will, though. And with your new haircut, you look so pretty. And a lot older. You could be twenty-five for all they know. Hey, maybe Angel will love it so much you two willyou know, make me an aunt in nine months or so." Dawn wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. Buffy shook her head. "This coming from you, who was so upset about me getting married in the first place? Now you want little nieces and nephews running around the house? Dont get your hopes up." A knock sounded at the bathroom door. "Is it safe to come in?" Angel asked. Hed gotten home from San Francisco two hours earlier, and Dawn had refused to let him see his wife; she said it was a surprise. "No!" Dawn exclaimed. "Stay out, shes not ready yet! Go wait downstairs. You cant see her yet." "Okay, Ill wait downstairs. But we have to leave in a couple minutes," he told them. What is this, a wedding? Whats the big deal, its just a party. Ill never understand women when it comes to parties and dressing up. They all make it out to be such a big deal. Without another word, he went back into his room, grabbed his suit coat and headed for the first floor. "I think youre ready. You have to make an entrance," the fifteen year old said. Buffy quickly ran her hand through her hair. "I guess this is as good as it gets. Im ready for my close-up, Mr. DeMille." Dawn gave her sister a funny look. "Huh?" "Forget it. Lets go." The younger Summers sister ran ahead of Buffy to the top of the stairs. "Here she is. Prepare yourself for Cinderella," she told her brother-in-law.

Rolling his eyes, Angel stuffed his hands in his pants pockets. As soon as Buffy stepped into view, he stopped breathing. Never in his thirty years had he seen anything or anyone so breathtaking. Her dress was dark red and fell to the ground, held up by spaghetti straps, accentuating her sensual curves. On her feet were sandals of the same color. But the biggest surprise was her hair; it was cut approximately six inches since when hed last seen her, falling above her shoulders and darkened to a dirty blonde. She looked older than her twenty years. "Well, arent you going to say anything?" Buffy questioned when she reached the last step. Angel had not yet said a word to her. "W-What?" "Is something wrong?" "No, not at all. You justyou look amazing. Words cant even begin to describe how beautiful you look. Ill be the envy of every man there. Are you ready to go?" One man goes near her and Ill rip his head off, Angel swore to himself. She nodded. "Yep. Lets go party until 2002." *** 20 "Wow," Buffy muttered as she and Angel walked through the doors of the restaurant where the party was being held. "Impressive, isnt it?" he asked, whispering in her ear. "The firm never goes halfway on its parties. Or so Ive heard. They rented out the entire place." She nodded her head. There were streamers hanging from the ceiling and a floral arrangement on every table which included a lit candle floating in a glass of water. The people inside were dressed in their best suits and dresses. "Very impressive. I dont stick out like a sore thumb at all." Angel placed a protective arm around her. "You dont stick out like a sore thumb, I promise." "People are going to look at me." "If theyre looking, its because of how beautiful you look tonight." He glanced around the room until he found the person he was searching for. "Come on, I want to introduce you to Wesley." He took her hand in his, leading her across the room to where Wesley stood, engrossed in a conversation with one of the firms lawyers and his wife. Wesley politely excused himself upon seeing Angel motioning to him. "Angel, its so nice to see you here. I know how much you despise these parties," he greeted in his upper-class British accent. "Always a pleasure to see you, too. I want you to meet my wife, Buffy Summers. Buffy, this is Wesley Wyndam-Pryce, the firms Senior Partner," Angel introduced. Buffy held out her hand to the older man. "Very nice to meet you, Mr. Wyndam-Pryce." Wesley kissed the back of it. "The pleasure is all mine, Buffy. You may call me Wesley. I had heard rumblings that our consummate bachelor had finally taken a wife. Though I had no idea she was so lovely. Welcome to our family." "Thank you, Mr. Wesley."

"Buffy is studying law as an undergraduate at UC Sunnydale," Angel told his boss. Wesley lifted his eyebrows. "Why would such a pretty young thing want to be a lawyer? Especially when youre married to one." "I have always wanted to be one for as long as I can remember. And ever since Angel defended my sister, my interest has just increased." "Well, when you have finished your work, you can consider yourself employed. I would love to have you as a member of our family here at this firm." "Thank you so much. I might just take you up on your offer." Angel cleared his throat. "I simply wanted to introduce the two of you. Now if you dont mind, Wesley, I am going to drag my wife onto the dance floor," Angel stated. "Very well. I would, however, like to steal her for a dance later in the evening." Angel turned to Buffy. "Is that okay with you?" "Its fine. Id like that very much. Until then, Wesley." Wesley grabbed the younger lawyers upper arm in a firm grip. "She is a fine choice, Angel. Your uncle Rupert would be so proud of you." "Im sure he would. Excuse me." "He seems like a really nice man," Buffy said as Angel led her to the middle of the dance floor. "Yes, he is. Wesley has been all-but-retired from practicing law in the last few months. He still takes a few cases here and there, but he prefers to let us younger people do most of the work." Buffy narrowed her eyes. "Is there a touch of bitterness Im detecting in your voice?" "No. When my uncle died, Wesley went into self-imposed solitude. They were best friends throughout college, law school and then they opened this place together. I think Wesley took Uncle Ruperts death harder than I did." "They were like brothers." "That they were." Finding the perfect spot, Angel pulled Buffy into his arms, feeling her rest her head against his shoulder. // Dont think I cant feel that theres something wrong Youve been the sweetest part of my life for so long I look into you eyes, theres a distant light And you and I know therell be a storm tonight This is getting serious Are you thinking about you or us?

Dont say what youre about to say Look back before you leave my life Be sure before you close that door Before you roll those dice Baby, think twice \\ "So, you dont like these parties?" Buffy asked, lifting her head. "Why?" "Im not one for big company get-togethers," he admitted. "It is one thing to work with them, its something completely different to socialize with them when Im not at the office." "You socialized with Lilah," she reminded him. Angel had told her about his brief sexual relationship with the female lawyer. He shook his head. "That was a mistake for which Im still paying. Look, these people arent my friends, theyre my co-workers. You wont find me hanging out with them at a bar on a Friday night." // Baby, think twice for the sake of our love, for the memory For the fire and the faith that was you and me Babe, I know it aint easy when the soul cries out for higher ground Cuz when youre halfway up, youre always halfway down But, baby, this is serious Are you thinking about you or us? Dont say what youre about to say Look back before you leave my life Be sure before you close that door Before you roll those dice Baby, think twice \\ From the edge of the dance floor, Lindsey watched Angel as he held his wife to him, his cheek resting on her head with his eyes closed. Hed never seen such a serene, beautiful sight. "Check out the lovebirds," he said to the woman standing to his right. With a look of disdain, Lilah sipped her champagne. "Give me a break. She probably fell asleep because its past her bedtime and hes holding her upright." "Do you have even a single romantic bone in your body?" he asked. "When it suits me. But not toward those two. If you dont mind, I have to say hello to someone before I lose whats left of my lunch over the saccharine sweetness of the McKenzies."

// Baby, this is serious Are you thinking about you or us? Dont say what youre about to say Look back before you leave my life Be sure before you close that door Before you roll those dice Dont do what youre about to do My everything depends on you Whatever it takes, Ill sacrifice Before you roll those dice Baby, think twice \\ *** Buffy stood before the mirror in the ladies room, applying more lipstick. She didnt hear the door open, or see the reflection of the woman standing behind her in the mirror. "You might want to put on a bit more blush while youre at it," a voice from behind her said. She looked up, seeing Lilahs reflection. "Thanks for the tip. But I dont think I need any. You, on the other hand" Buffy let the sentence trail off. "I prefer the natural look. Youll discover that once you get out of your teens, the obsession with makeup ends." "I am out of my teens," Buffy stated. Lilah smirked. "By the way, I love the haircut, Buffy. Are you trying to go for the older look? You had to know Angels love affair with the high school cheerleader look wouldnt last forever." "It was time for a change. Maybe you should think about one. But then again, the bitchy she-devil look really works for you." Buffy put her lipstick back in her purse and smiled innocently at the older woman when she turned around. "You think you have Angel wrapped around your little finger, dont you?" she shot. "Well, guess again, little girl. Suffice it to say, you were the last person on your husbands mind this past week." Buffy narrowed her eyes into tiny slits. "What are you talking about?" What kind of game is she playing now? "If you really want to know, I rode Angel to town like he was my prize horse. And not a word of complaint was muttered by him. And you werent brought up once." That ought to get her.

Not even a second passed before Buffys hand connected with Lilahs cheek. The sound of the slap echoed throughout the otherwise empty room. "Go to hell, bitch. Stay away from me and my husband." Buffy stalked out of the room, grabbing a glass of champagne from a tray being held by one of the waiters. She swallowed it all at once, then took another one. By the time Angel found her, Buffy was on her third glass. "What are you doing?" he wanted to know. "Having a little something to drink," she told him. "Is something wrong with that?" "Not unless you consider the fact that you arent twenty-one yet. How many have you had so far?" She shrugged. "Just three. Did you sleep with Lilah when you two were in San Francisco this week?" "Where would you get an idea like that?" "Did you? Yes or no?" Angel shook his head. "No I didnt. She came into my room but nothing happened between us. You have my word on that." "She told me you did. Its not like you took a vow of celibacy when we got married. Why didnt you?" "I had no desire to. Besides, it would ruin our facade of having the happy marriage. Why would I sleep with Lilah Morgan when Im married to you?" "I dont know. Is there something I dont know?" Like what? That my feelings for you are changing into something I cant describe? he thought. "Nope. Nothing." *** Angel held his drunk wife securely against him as they ascended the stairs of their home at two-thirty in the morning. "That was a fun party. Is there gonna be another one next year just like it?" Buffy asked, slurring her words. "Yes, except next year Im not letting you anywhere near the alcohol," he said underneath his breath. She giggled. "I heard that." Dawn walked out into the hall, awakened by the commotion. "What is going on out here?" she questioned, still half-asleep. "Your sister got a little drunk at the party tonight," Angel informed her. "Sorry we woke you up." "A little drunk? Angel, shes plastered!" He nodded. "I know. Im putting her to bed. Happy New Year, Dawn." "Same to you." She turned around and went back into her room.

"Come on, Buffy," Angel prodded. "Time to go to bed. Youre going to wake up with one hell of a hangover in the morning." He opened her bedroom door. "Can you stand on your own?" "Sure I can." Angel let go of her, and almost immediately Buffys knees buckled under her. He caught her. "Sure you can. Lets get you to bed." "Are you gonna take advantage of me?" Buffy wanted to know, staring into his chocolate eyes. "No." "Why not?" "Because it would be wrong," he answered. As he stared back into her eyes, he felt a rush go through him, and before he knew what was happening, their lips were fused together. Buffys arms were wrapped around him, her fingers tickling his back. Her right hand moved to pull his shirt from his pants while the other one tangled itself in his hair. It didnt take long even in her drunken state to unbutton his shirt and throw it to the ground. The palm of her hand ran up and down his bare back, scalding his skin with her touch. "Angel," she moaned when his lips found the sensitive area under her neck. "Take me. Make love to me tonight, I need you to." He stopped and looked at her. "Youre drunk, Buffy." "I know what I want. Im not *that* drunk. Dont you want me?" "You know I do. I have for the longest time." I tried to deny it, but I cant anymore. I cant lie to myself any more than I can lie to Spike. Even he saw it. "Then do it. Make me your wife for real." And he did. He fiercely kissed her, pulling the zipper of her dress down, pushing the straps off her shoulders. Buffy started backing up, taking him with her until they both fell onto the bed, Angel landing on top of her. He moved his lips from hers, down to her neck and then to her shoulders, pushing her dress down to her waist. Her hips thrust against his, causing a blood rush to his groin. It was as if she knew exactly what to do to drive him crazy. While Angel moved lower across her stomach, Buffys hands reached around his waist and squeezed the firm globes of his ass. "Buffy," he mumbled, delving his the tip of his tongue into her belly button. He felt her hands slip from him and her body went pliant. "Buffy?" Angel asked, lifting his head to see what had happened. The sight he found surprised him. Laying beneath him was Buffy, passed out drunk. He sighed with disappointment. He had been so close. "I cant do it," he whispered to himself. "I cant take advantage of Buffy when shes like this." No matter how much I want to make love to her. Dejected, Angel slipped the remainder of her dress off, placed her clad in only a strapless bra and panties under the blankets and covered her up. Giving her a kiss on the cheek, Angel picked up his shirt and went into his bedroom. *** 21

Dawn padded into the kitchen at ten oclock on New Years Day, shocked to see her brother-in-law standing in front of the stove, flipping eggs in a pan. "What are you doing here?" "I live here," Angel laughed. "At least last time I checked." "Thats not what I meant. Considering how late you guys came in last night, I thought you and Buffy would sleep the day away." "I cant sleep past nine anymore, its become habit. And as for Buffy, I wouldnt expect her to be making an appearance for quite awhile. I have a feeling shes gonna need her sleep." Dawn took a seat the kitchen table. "Gee, do you think? She could barely walk without falling over when you guys came home last night. Or should I say, this morning. How much did she have to drink at the party?" Angel put the eggs on a plate and placed it in front of the girl. "Hope you dont mind, the eggs are over easy." "Thank you, its fine. But you didnt answer my question. How much did you let her drink last night?" she repeated. "Enough. What is this, the Spanish Inquisition?" "Very funny. Im being serious." "Its not really a question of how much I let her drink. Buffy did it on her own. I guarantee shell regret it when she wakes up with a pounding headache." She took a bite of her eggs. "Yeah, shes not too much fun to be around when she has a hangover. When she was sixteen, she and Cordelia went to a frat party and some guys there spiked their drinks with some alcohol. The next morning, she had such an awful headache that she snapped at anyone who tried to talk to her. Mom grounded her for a month." "Looks like I have something to look forward to when she wakes up." "Oh yeah. Just dont let her drink again until shes twenty one. Think you can keep her away from the booze for another two-and-a-half weeks?" He nodded. "I think I can handle it. What do you have planned for today?" "I was thinking about going over to Ashleys house at eleven. Her family rented a bunch of movies and they invited me over." "Sounds like fun." "Can I go?" "Dont you want to wait until Buffy gets up and ask her first? Shes the boss around here." She sighed heavily. "Im not sticking around long enough to face the wrath of Hangover Buffy. Been there, done that. Deja vu just isnt what it used to be." "Go ahead. Ill tell her where you went. But just to let you know, youre a big chicken." "No, Im smart. Thank you. Im going to get dressed and head over there before she wakes up." Dawn stood up and started to leave the room.

"What about the rest of your breakfast?" he asked. "It was good. Good eggs, Angel." He glared at her, disapprovingly. "Sit down and finish them. Youre not going anywhere until you do." Aggravated, Dawn threw herself back on the chair. "You know something? Youre as bad as Buffy." "Ill take that as a compliment. Eat." *** Groaning, Buffy struggled to open her eyes, but her pounding headache made it difficult. She did her best to wipe the sleep from her tired eyes, then pulled the covers from her body. Why do I only have on my bra and underwear? she wondered when she looked down at herself. With a great deal more groaning, Buffy climbed out of bed, put her robe on and made her way downstairs. "Angel?" she called once she reached the bottom of the stairs. "Are you up?" He walked out of his office, seeing his wife looking around for him. The sight brought a smile to his face: Buffy dressed in a white terrycloth robe, her shoulder-length blonde hair in a state of disarray. "Im right behind you, Buffy." She turned around. "Morning," she mumbled. "You mean good afternoon," Angel clarified. "What time is it?" "One-thirty. Youve been asleep for almost twelve hours. You had too much champagne last night at the party. And you got drunk." He paused for a moment. "It was quite entertaining." She gazed at him. "Entertaining? So glad you thought so. Wheres the aspirin? I have a pounding headache; it feels like I have workmen using sledgehammers in my head." "That would be called a hangover." Buffy shot daggers at him. "Thanks for the diagnosis, Dr. McKenzie. But I already know that." Angel led her into the kitchen, where he handed her two Tylenol caplets and a glass of water. Figuring shed be in pain, he had them ready for when she woke up. "Dawn was right, you *are* cranky when youre hung over." "Shut up." "Sorry," he apologized sarcastically. "If you need me, Ill be in my office. I suggest you have a cup of coffee, its brewing now." After what they had almost done the night before, Angel wasnt about to stand there and let her berate him for the way she was feeling. He couldnt take it. Buffy sat down. "Did something happen between us last night?" she asked when he was about to leave the kitchen. He stopped dead in his tracks. "What do you mean?"

"This is going to sound stupid, but I had this dream and it felt so real. I-I dreamt that I begged you to undress me, to make love to me." She closed her eyes. "Please tell me it was only a dream; Id be so embarrassed if it really happened. It didnt, did it, Angel?" Angel couldnt bring himself to look at her I cant tell her the truth, shell hate herself and me. I care about her too muchI love her too much. God, where did that come from? "It was just a dream, dont worry. And even if it wasnt, I wouldnt have taken advantage of the situation. You were drunk." It was the closest he could come to telling her the whole truth. "Good. Now I dont feel like an idiotwell, except for telling you about my weird dream. Promise you wont hold it against me?" "Promise." "Did I tell you what I did to Lilah? I slapped the bitch for lying to me about sleeping with you," Buffy told him proudly. "It felt damn good." He smiled. "Yeah, you told me between glasses of champagne. Good job. She deserved it." "She did." "Im planning on having a talk with her tomorrow. And after this case is finished, I guarantee shell be out of our lives. For good." "You dont have to do that." "Yes I do." I cant have her interfering. Shell ruin any chance I have *** 22 "Angel, whats going on? Why are we here?" Buffy demanded as she and Angel walked through the alley leading to the Bronze. "I told you I didnt want to go out tonight. Look, every birthday Ive had since I turned seventeen has sucked beyond the telling of it. Id like to just forget January nineteen even exists on the calendar." He stopped and stood in front of the birthday girl. "Youre turning twenty-one, thats a pretty big deal. Besides, this year might be different. You might actually enjoy yourself." "I doubt it. I guess I should be thankful for one thing, at least you didnt throw a huge party. Having tonight be just the two of us is a definite perk. Thats all I wanted a nice, quiet birthday." "Itll be nice, I promise you that." Quiet, on the other hand Buffy put her arms around him, hugging her husband. "In case I forget to tell you later, thank you." "Well, dont thank me yet. Come on, lets go inside." Throwing his arm over her shoulder, Angel led her inside the darkened building. She glanced around curiously. "Where is everybody? Angel, what have you done?" Suddenly, she was very suspicious. Then, the lights clicked on, revealing her closest friends and family, all wearing party hats. A sign hung across the stage, reading HAPPY 21ST BIRTHDAY BUFFY! "Surprise!" they all shouted.

"Happy birthday, Buffy," Angel whispered in her ear, planting a lingering kiss on her right cheek. Her face lit up like a Christmas tree. "I cant believe it. You did all this for me? Why?" "Youve been complaining about how much you hate your birthday. I wanted to do something special for you," he answered. Buffy shook her head. "I should hate you for this, but I cant. This is the nicest thing anybodys ever done for me." "It was all Angels idea," Willow told her, everyone making their way over to the couple. "He rented out the Bronze for the night, bought all the decorations, called all of us uphe did everything. He said all we had to do was show up and bring you a present. And he mentioned something about not bringing alcohol." "Youve got yourself a great guy, Buffy," Cordelia stated. "Dont let him out of your sight for a minute." She laughed. "I dont plan on it." Xander grabbed her hands. "Happy Birthday, Buff. Now, lets party!" While Buffy was dragged on the dance floor by the brown-haired young man, Faith stood next to Angel and watched them. "Doing this was really nice of you, you know that? Its nice to see her finally have a happy birthday." "Well, she deserves it. Todays her day, and Buffy should feel special." "She is." He watched her laugh as Xander embarrassed himself by doing an outdated dance move. The sound of her laughter tugged at his heart. "She certainly is." Faith noted the tone of his voice. It didnt belong to a man pretending to be in love with a woman, it belonged to a man who *was* in love with her. *** "Hey, man," Xander began, tapping Angel on the shoulder a little while later. "Do you mind if I steal your beautiful wife for a dance?" He looked at Buffy, who stood nearby with Faith and Dawn. "Go ahead. You dont need my permission to dance with her." "Just checking so you dont go all Ted Bundy on me." "Not to worry. Ted Bundy only killed women. Youre safe." Not more than thirty seconds later, Xander and Buffy were on the dance floor, having a grand time. Angel stared at his drink, choosing not to watch the two. // Cutting through the darkest night are my two headlights Try to keep it clear, but Im losing it here To the twilight

Theres a dead end to my left Theres a burning bush to my right You arent in sight You arent in sight Do you want me Like I want you Or am I standing still Beneath a darkened sky Or am I standing still With the scenery flying by Or am I standing still Out of the corner of my eye Was that you passing me by \\ From where Willow was standing with her boyfriend Oz, she could see the expression of unhappiness on Angels face. Excusing herself, she walked over to the older man. "Its okay, you know. You dont have to worry about Xander." "Huh? Excuse me?" he asked, looking up from his drink. "Sorry. I guess I couldnt help noticing the jealous look on your face. Buffy and Xander, theyre only friends, its all they have ever been and ever will be. Sure, in the beginning he had a huge crush on her, but then he started seeing Cordelia, and now Anya and that was the end of it," Willow explained. "You think Im jealous? Of him?" She nodded her head. "Arent you?" Angel thought for a moment. And what he discovered was that Buffys friend was right. Without realizing it, he was jealous of Xander Harris. "Willow, youre right. I guess I am jealous. Which is strange, because Im not the jealous type." "Its okay. Like I said before, you dont have to worry about him. Buffy never thought of him as anything more than a friend. A good friend. She loves you, anyone can see that. She wouldnt have married you if she didnt think you were a great guy." "You think so?" Willow smiled at him. "I know so." // Mothers on the stoop

Boys in souped-up coupes On this hot summer night Between fight and flight Is the blind mans sight And a choice thats right I roll the window down Feel like Im gonna drown in this strange town Feel broken down Feel broken down Do you need me Like I need you Or am I standing still Beneath a darkened sky Or am I standing still With the scenery flying by Or am I standing still Out of the corner of my eye Was that you passing me by? \\ "Something is definitely up between my sister and your best friend," Faith commented to Spike as they started dancing. "You dont have to convince me, love. Ive known Angel nearly all my life, and Ive never seen him like this. I dont think were dealing with a fake marriage anymore. Hes got it bad." Faith nodded her head. "I know. Believe me, I recognize the look of a man in love, and its written all over Angels face. And Buffys, too, but shell never admit it. She told me about this dream she had on New Years Eve, that she begged him to have sex with her. Makes me wonder" "And you dont think it was a dream?" "No way. Do you see Angels face right now? Hes totally jealous that Buffys dancing with Xander instead of him. Its gotta be eating him up inside." Spike gazed at his best friend; Faith was right. "He *is* jealous. I dont think Ive ever seen him like that. But then again, if she were my wife, I wouldnt want her dancing with some other guy."

"Are you saying you have a thing for my sister?" accused Faith. The two had started dating a week beforehand. "No. Ive got a thing for you." But I wouldnt say not to a ride on the Buffymobile. I *will* have her. // Sweet sorrow he said call tomorrow Sweet sorrow he said call tomorrow Do you love me Like I love you Or am I standing still Beneath a darkened sky Or am I standing still With the scenery flying by Or am I standing still Out of the corner of my eye Was that you passing me by Are you passing me by \\ *** "Nice party youve got here," Spike complimented to Angel after his dance with Faith ended. "But you dont seem to be enjoying it." Angel shrugged his broad shoulders. "Its not my party to enjoy. As long as Buffys having a good time, thats all that matters." "Are you in love with her?" The question took Angel by surprise. Am I in love with her? he asked himself. "I thought I was for awhile there, at least until recently. But I came to the conclusion that I was attracted to her because we spent so much time together. Buffys beautiful and sweet, how could someone not be attracted to her?" "You tell me. Youre the one who almost slept with her on New Years Eve. And dont try to tell me it was a dream. I know you better than that, and it would explain the brooding youve been doing." "She got drunk and we almost made love. When she passed out, I stopped; I couldnt go through with it. I could not take advantage of her when she was like that." "There was, as I remember, a time when you wouldnt have hesitated," Spike reminded him. He shook his head. "I respect her. Shes like a sister to me, nothing more, nothing less. So drop the subject, Spike. Im not in love with Buffy."

*** Shortly after theyd returned home from the party at the Bronze, Angel knocked on Buffys bedroom door. "Is it okay if I come in?" he wanted to know. "Sure. Im dressed, come on in." He entered her room, finding her sitting at the edge of her bed, dressed in lounge pants and black tank top. His breath caught in his throat when he saw how her top hugged every one of her curves. "Can I sit down for a minute?" "Have a seat. Whats up?" Angel sat down next to her. "I didnt want to give this to you in front of everyone at the party." He handed her a present, wrapped in simple brown paper. "Happy birthday." She stared at it for several seconds before ripping the paper away, gasping when she saw what it was. "Oh, Angel." "Its a book of poetry. It belonged to my uncle and I found it shortly after you and Dawn moved in. I went through your book collection and saw that you enjoyed poetry, so I wanted to give it to you." He paused. "Open the inside cover." Buffy did so, seeing the words ALWAYS, ANGEL written inside. "You shouldnt have." "I had to." "No, you didnt. But thank you, its lovely. You know, Angel, you made this the best birthday Ive ever had. Ill never be able to think of a way to repay you." He smirked. "Im sure youll think of something." *** 23 "Is there anything else you needed, Mr. McKenzie?" Jenny asked her boss, closing her notebook and clipping her pen to the wire rings. Angel shook his head. "No, I think I have everything I need. Thanks for all your help today." "No problem. Can I just say how nice it is to come to work every day and not have to deal with Lilah Morgan? Its been a pleasure to show up here since she left." "It is, isnt it?" he replied, his face brightening into a smile. "Do you think its going to be hard going up against her in court next week? I mean, considering you *did* fire her." Angel sighed heavily. "No, it wont be. I know all of Lilahs tricks, and I know her weaknesses. The bitch is going down. She doesnt stand a chance." "You amaze me, you know that? The way you got rid of herIm in awe of you, Mr. McKenzie. Really. Paying Montgomery, Jenkins and Walters to offer her a job in Los Angeles, then firing her the day before she got the offerI could kiss you," Jenny told him. "You are a true genius."

"You dont have to go that far," Angel joked. "Lilah was causing trouble between me and Buffy, and I had to get her away from us. Choosing between Lilah Morgan and my wife was a no-brainer." "Youre right. I give you a lot of credit for kicking her out of here on her ass." // "Lilah, we need to talk," Angel told the other lawyer after theyd returned from the courthouse two weeks after New Years. He led her into his office. "What can I do for you, Angel?" she asked seductively, watching him as he closed his office door for more privacy. He walked behind his desk, placing his hands on the oak top. "Well, Lilah, its not easy to say this. Youve been with us for a long time; six years to be exact." "I know that. Ive brought in a lot of clients for this firm." "Yes, I am aware of that. Which is what makes this even harder. Theres no other way to say it other than to just come out with it. In light of recent events, I feel it would be better for this firm if you were no longer a part of it. Therefore, effective immediately, you are fired." Lilah stared at him, her mouth agape. "Excuse me? Did you just fire me?" "Yes. You have until the end of the day to pack up your office and be out of the building," Angel informed her. "You have got to be kidding. You and I just won one of the biggest cases weve ever had today and now youre giving me my walking papers? Where is the loyalty?" "Tell me where the loyalty is when you come into my bedroom and insult me, and my wife as well," he shot back at her. "You cant fire me. I wont go." "Then Ill have you escorted out. Either way, Lilah, your career at Giles and Pryce is over." "You cant do this to me. Im a valued employee." Angel smirked. I love my job. "You *were* a valued employee, Lilah. Now I suggest you leave without making a scene or Ill have one of our armed guards escort you out in handcuffs. The choice is yours." "Ill get you for this, Angel. You cant fire me for making comments about your wife." "No, but I can fire you for sexual harassment. Which is what you did in San Francisco when you came into my room naked and propositioned me. Goodbye, Miss Morgan. And dont you ever set foot in this law firm again unless you are with a client," Angel warned. \\ He laughed. "Thank you. Its been a nice, quiet couple of months without her around." "Actually, eight months, seventeen days and six-and-a-half hours," Jenny clarified. "Sounds like youve been keeping count." "Nobody hated her more than I did."

He glanced at the picture of Buffy sitting on top of his desk; hed placed it there not long after her birthday. The picture itself had been taken at her party by Willow, a picture of Buffy with her arms wrapped around him, smiling happily at the camera lens. "I think my wife may have you beat there." "I cant believe she told Buffy you two were sleeping together. What a lying bitch." "She did." "At least Buffy didnt buy it. Anybody with halfway decent eyesight can see how much you love your wife." Angel looked down at the floor. "Buffys great. This has been the happiest ten months of my life." "Marriage suits you, boss." *** Faith ran into the lobby, breathless from running all the way from her car. She found her sister sitting in a chair, her face buried in her hands. "What happened?" Sniffling, Dawn looked up. Tears streaked her cheeks as she hiccupped. "Faith, this is my fault. Buffy must hate me. *Youre* gonna hate me." She sat down next to her younger sister. "Nobody hates you. I couldnt understand a word of what you said to me on the phone. Tell me what happened. Hows Buffy?" "I dont know, they havent told me anything since they finished checking me out. I know she was hurt way worse than I was. She was bleeding a lot." Dawn began sobbing, remembering her sisters bruised face. "Its okay. Bs stronger than most people give her credit for. Shell be fine, just wait and see." Dawn lifted her head. "What if she isnt fine? What if shes hurt so bad shell never be the same? Everyone will blame me for it." "Stop talking like that, Dawn. Now, calm down and tell me exactly what happened this afternoon." Taking a deep breath, Dawn began her story. "I got detention today for not having my medical emergency card filled out. Thats the dumbest reason in the world for having detention, isnt it? On the third day of classes! When I got out of school, it was pouring outside and I didnt want to walk. So I called Buffy and asked her to pick me up. Boy, was she mad at me; youd think she never got detention before. Anyway, as she was driving me home, this maniac ran a STOP sign and slammed right into the car. It hit the back drivers side." She paused. "If he had crashed right into Buffys door, shed probablys-she might not be" Dawn couldnt finish the sentence. "Dont think like that," chastised Faith. "Im sure Buffy is giving those doctors hell right now." Dawn laughed in spite of herself. "Youre probably right." "What did Angel say when you told him?" the older sister wanted to know. "Hes on his way, right?" "Oh my god! I didnt even think to call him! God, Faith, Angel is Buffys husband and I didnt call him. I cant do anything right today. Whats wrong with me?" Dawns lower lip quivered. "Nothing is wrong with you. Why dont you go call him right now while I find out how Buffys doing."

She nodded, walking over to the pay phones. Digging a quarter out of her pocket, Dawn dialed the seven digits to her brother-in-laws office. "Giles and Pryce, Angel McKenzies office. Jenny speaking, how may I help you?" the secretary answered. "I need to talk to Angel McKenzie," Dawn said, her heart pounding uncontrollably. "Im sorry, but Mr. McKenzie is in the middle of an important meeting at the moment and cannot be interrupted. Can I take a message?" "This is his sister-in-law Dawn Summers. I *need* to talk to him; its a family emergency. Something happened to his wife Buffy." Jenny switched the phone to her other ear. "Hold on a second and Ill get him, Dawn." She burst into her bosss office, everyone in the room staring at her as she entered uninvited. "Mr. McKenzie, you have an important phone call." "I told you Im in a meeting and there were to be no interruptions," Angel stated. "Its your sister-in-law on the phone. She says its an emergency. The poor girl sounds hysterical. Its about Buffy." Angels heart rate climbed, fear coursing through his veins at the thought of there being something seriously wrong with his wife. "Did she say whats wrong?" The secretary shook her head. "No. But I suggest you take it." "Excuse me, gentlemen, but I have to take this call." The three other male lawyers exited the room, and Angel picked up the phone once he had his privacy back. "This is Angel. Whats wrong?" he asked the girl on the other end of the phone. "Its Dawn, Angel," she started. "There was an accident a little while ago." "What kind of an accident?" "A bad one. Buffys in the hospital. Faith and I need you here." "How bad is Buffy?" Please, let her be okay, he prayed silently. Ill do anything if shes okay. He could hear the distant tears in Dawns voice. She sniffled. "I dont know. Please get here soon. Im scared." "Ill be right there." *** 24 Dawn returned to the waiting room, seeing Faith sitting in the chair she herself had vacated when she left to call Angel. Her face looked sad, nearly as sad as it had been over a year ago when their parents were in the hospital. "Faith?" Dawn said in a little girls voice, fear gripping her heart. The older girl stood up, wiping the sad look from her face. "Dawnie, sit down." "Somethings wrong; Buffys the only person who calls me Dawnie. What did the nurse say to you?"

"She is in surgery right now. Apparently, her appendix ruptured from the impact of the crash," Faith told her younger sister. "So, she has to have an appendectomy to keep the poison from getting into her bloodstream." Dawn needed to take a deep breath before sitting down. "Poison? Shes got poison in her? How?" "The appendix is full of harmful toxins, thats why some people need to have it removed when it gets enlarged, so that way it doesnt rupture. But in Buffys case, it didnt just get enlarged, it actually burst." "Could she die?" Closing her eyes, Faith sighed. The last thing she wanted to do was hurt Dawn with the truth. "The doctors know what theyre doing. Buffys in good hands with them." Dawn just stared at her. "You didnt answer my question." "Thats because you can answer it yourself. You know Buffy; do you think shell let a little thing like this keep her down?" "No." "Did you get a hold of Angel?" Faith wanted to know, deciding to change the subject. She nodded. "Yeah. He said hell be here in a couple minutes. His secretary said he was in the middle of some big, important meeting. You dont think hes gonna get in trouble, do you?" "I doubt it. Angel is the boss over there, I dont think hell be getting into a whole lot of trouble. Especially if its a family emergency like this one is." Dawn slumped down in her chair. "Oh no. Angels going to hate me. He loves Buffy so much and if shes hurt really bad, hell want to kill me. He could have me put in jail." Faith wrapped her arm around Dawns shoulder. "How many times do I have to tell you? The accident was *not* your fault. Some asshole ran a STOP sign and slammed into Buffys car. If anyone gets put in jail, itll be him. So stop worrying." Five minutes later, Angel ran into the waiting room where his two sisters-in-law sat, comforting one another. "Faith, Dawn, how is she? I got here as fast as I could." The fifteen year old started crying while Faith frowned. "Buffys still in surgery." "What kind of surgery?" Please let her be okay. Please, please. "An appendectomy. Her appendix burst due to the accident. They think she might have a few broken ribs, and her right foot is definitely broken." "How does she look?" Angel questioned. She shrugged her shoulders. "I havent seen her. She was already in surgery when I got here, and that was forty-five minutes ago." "Hows she taking it?" he asked, nodding to Dawn.

"Dawn blames herself. Keeps saying if she hadnt gotten detention this afternoon, Buffy would be fine. I keep telling her if that guy had been watching where he was driving, we wouldnt be here. But theres nothing we can do now except wait." *** "Summers?" the doctor called when he entered the waiting area. Faith got up and walked over to the doctor; Dawn had fallen asleep with her head on Angels shoulder. "Im Buffys sister. Is she okay, doctor?" He smiled and nodded his head. "Your sister is lucky she wasnt hurt much worse. But yes, shell be fine. We successfully removed her appendix and prevented the toxins from spreading throughout her body. Aside from that, she has a broken foot and some bruised ribs. And a few cuts and bruises on her face." "Any permanent damage?" "None that I can see. In about two months, Buffy should be back to normal. Shes resting in room 364, she just woke up from the anesthesia, so she might be a little groggy. Ill let you in to see her one at a time for five minutes each." Faith felt like hugging the doctor. "Thank you so much. When can she come home?" "Barring any complications, the day after tomorrow." "Well?" Angel demanded when she returned. "How is she?" "Fine. She is going to be perfectly fine. Her ribs arent broken, just bruised. And the doctor said she can go home the day after tomorrow. Thats great, isnt it?" "It is. Can we see her?" "Uh-huh. She just woke up a little while ago." She paused. "Do you want to go in first or should I?" Angel grimaced at the decision he had to make. "You go. Ill tell Dawn the good news while youre in there." "But you are Buffys husband. Dont you think shell want to see you first?" Faith could sense his struggle. She knew he was afraid of letting his true feelings for Buffy show. He shook his head. "Thats all right. Youre her sister, shell want to see you before shell want to see me. Just go." "If youre sure." "I am." Once Faith turned toward Buffys room, Angel shook his sleeping sister-in-law. "Hey, Dawn, wake up. Ive got good news for you." *** "Knock, knock," Angel said before entering his wifes hospital room. "Mind if I come in?" Buffy looked over toward him, smiling when she saw what he held: a giant helium balloon attached to the leg of a brown teddy bear. "Hi. Sure, you can come in." "These are for you. Ill put them on the table here," he told her, placing the gifts on the table next to the bed.

"Thank you. It was really thoughtful of you to go to so much trouble," Buffy commented. He gave her a kiss on the forehead. "It was no trouble at all. Im just glad youre okay. I dont know what I wouldve done if something had happened to you." "It would have really put a damper on your plans for getting your inheritance from your uncle Rupert." "That has nothing to do with it. I genuinely care about you," Angel admitted, somewhat hurt by her words. "The biggest part of me would have died if you hadnt made it." "Really?" she asked, incredulously. He nodded. "Really. Youre more than just some girl to me. You should know that by now." "I guess I never realized it." "How are you feeling?" Buffy groaned. "Like I was run over by an eighteen-wheeler. Other than being very sore, Im okay." "Thats to be expected, I suppose." "Yeah, it is. Im really sorry about your car. I didnt mean to get it demolished like that," she apologized. Angel laughed shortly. "The car is the least of my concerns. All I care about is you, not a fourteen thousand dollar contraption. A car can be replaced, a person cant." "If I ask you something, will you be totally honest with me?" "Of course I will. What do you want to know?" "Do these cuts make me look ugly?" The expression on her face devastated him. Buffy looked utterly terrified of the answer. "You only have a few cuts on your cheeks. And to answer your question, no, you dont look ugly. You are as beautiful as always." "You think Im beautiful?" "I always have." Angel checked his watch. "Looks like my five minutes is almost up. Ill be by tomorrow during my lunch hour and visit you. Get some rest." "I will. Thank you, Angel." "For what?" She gave him a small smile. "For everything. It means a lot to me. Having you here means a lot to me." "Same here. You mean a lot to me, too, love." More than youll ever know. *** 25

Two days later, Angel opened the front door for his injured wife as she hobbled up the walkway to the house on her crutches. "Do you need any help walking up the steps?" he asked, concerned she might not be able to make it up the three steps to get to the door. Buffy shook her head. "Nope, I think I can handle it on my own. But thanks for the offer." "Just trying to help." "I know you are. I just dont want to rely on anybody because of this. You and Dawn wont be home with me every second, so I need to learn to do this on my own." Angel nodded, understanding Buffys need for independence. "If you do need me, all you have to do is ask." She climbed up the steps, reaching his side. "I appreciate you concern. Im warning you, though, I might take you up on it." "Ill be here if you do," he promised. When she entered the house, her face lit up like a Christmas tree. There were dozens of flowers, boxes of candy, balloons and get-well cards on every flat surface inside the living room. "Oh my lord. Angel, where did all this stuff come from?" Closing the door behind them, Angel smiled at her. "Your friends, my friends, some of the people at the firm, and a few clients who heard about the accident. The dozen roses on the fireplace are from Wesley. He sends his love and best wishes." "That was so nice of himof everyone. They didnt need to go to so much trouble," Buffy commented. "People like you, Buffy. And I cant think of a single reason why they shouldnt," Angel told her. "So, what do you want to do first, now that youre finally back home?" She sighed. "Take a bath. I feel so scummy from that hospital." Angel laughed at the simplicity of her choice. Typical of Buffy. "Okay. Ill order out Chinese while youre up there. Any requests?" "Orange chicken, fried rice and broccoli," she stated without needing time to think about it. "You got it." Buffy began her journey up the stairs, careful not to trip. Unfortunately, her right crutch slipped from the third step, causing her to yelp when she landed on the stairs. Having heard it from the kitchen, Angel ran to her side. "What happened?" "I fell." "Are you okay?" "Yeah. The only thing that hurts is my ego. I guess its going to take some time to get used to using these damn crutches," she complained. "Come on, Ill help you to the top." She shook her head, not wanting to put him out. "I can do it. Angel, I dont need your help. I dont want it."

Angel smirked. "Thats too bad, because youve got it." Before she could object, he swept her up into his arms, carrying her up the remainder of the stairs like a bridegroom with a bride. He could smell the lingering scent of her strawberry shampoo, and did his best to ignore it. *** "Hows it going, B?" Faith wanted to know when she stopped by later that afternoon. Angel had called her up and asked her to keep Buffy company while he tied up some loose ends at the law office. Laying on the couch, Buffy shrugged her shoulders. "Okay, I guess. Im really sore. And moving around isnt all that easy." "Having a broken foot sucks, you dont need to tell me. Been there, done that," she said. She glanced around the room, noticing all the gifts and flowers. "Nice decorations you got here. Looks like someone bought out the entire flower shop. It wasnt your fake husband, was it?" "Dont start, Faith. Angels gone out of his way for me these past few days, taking time away from his big case to be here for me. He even carried me up the stairs when I fell earlier." "Did he, now?" Probably trying to cop a feel, Faith thought. "Yes, he did. Lets talk about something else. How are things going between you and Spike? Getting serious?" Buffy asked. Faith gave her sister a half-smile. "You could say that. Im really enjoying myself, if thats what you mean. At least he doesnt hit me like Parker did. And hes much better in the sack." "Faith!" Buffy exclaimed. "What? Theres something to be said for an older man. Hes got experience, stamina, and he can do things Parker couldnt even dream of." She sighed heavily. "Buffy, the stories I could tell you about Spikehis mouth, his hands, his tongue" She growled at the thought. "That classifies as too much information," Buffy stated. Listening to her sister talk about her sex life made Buffy feel uncomfortable. And rather jealous. The older Summers sister couldnt help but laugh. "You know what I find hard to believe? That youve been married for ten months and you *still* havent slept with the man yet. At the rate youre going, Dawn will do it before you will." "Dont go there. Dawns only sixteen." "So was I. So were a lot of people. Youre twenty-one! I dont get it. You are married to a hot, smart, rich man and you wont have sex with him. Dont you think youre being a little unfair to Angel?" Buffy looked down, not wanting her sister to see the look in her green eyes. "I didnt make him take a vow of celibacy, Faith. He can sleep with anyone he wants to." Even though Im hoping he isnt sleeping around with someone. Faith gazed closely at Buffy. Despite Buffys best attempts to hide it, she could easily see the look on her face. "Youre jealous, arent you? Jealous that some other woman might catch his eye." "No." "Yes. I want you to look me dead in the eye and tell me you dont have feelings for Angel. Go on, do it." Faith wanted to hear her admit it.

Making eye contact, Buffy knew she couldnt lie; Faith could always see right through her, even when they were younger. "Yes, I have feelings for Angel. Are you happy now?" "Have you ever thought about acting on them?" "Nuh-huh. No way. I dont have that in me." She smirked. "Everybody has it in them, B. Have you ever fantasized about him? Wonder what it would be like to actually do the deed with him?" Blushing, Buffy nodded her head. "Every now and then. Sometimes, I wonder what would happen if I were to just go into his room one night and climb into bed with him. I already know he doesnt wear anything to bed, so I could just uncover him and look. Maybe even touch. But I have thought about it, and do sometimes wonder if hed tell me to get out if I actually tried it." "I dont think hed tell you to get out. Just do it. Go into his room tonight and ask him to be your first," Faith ordered. "I cant. First of all, I just had surgery. Secondly, I could never in a million years do that. Its one thing to dream about it, its something completely different to do it. Third, he doesnt know Ive never done it before. Id be too embarrassed to tell him." Buffy took a deep breath. "And lastly, its a marriage in name-only. Sex only complicates things, and Angel and I agreed on no sex." "Not if you love the guy." "I never said I loved him. Im attracted to him, theres a big difference. Look, can we drop the subject? I dont want to talk about this anymore." The brunette lifted her eyebrows. The truth must hurt. "Fine. Lets talk about something else." Someday, shell realize that shes in love with him, and that hes just as in love with her. And I want to be around to see it. *** "Im glad youre home, Buffy," Dawn told her over dinner that night. "I was really scared when you were in the hospital. It reminded me of last summer when Mom and Dad were there." "Dont worry, Im fine. And Im glad to be home, too. Dawnie, what happened wasnt your fault, I want you to know that. Angel told me that you were blaming yourself, and I dont want you to do that anymore. Promise me you wont." She grinned, finally believing she wasnt to blame. Being told by everyone else was one thing, but hearing it from Buffy herself convinced her of it. "I promise. Ill never get detention again." "Good." The doorbell rang ten minutes later, as Angel and Dawn were loading the dishwasher. "I got it," he told Buffy, who sat on the couch in the living room reading one of her textbooks. He didnt want her to overexert herself. "Okay," she replied. When he opened the front door, Angel couldnt believe who stood on the other side. "Oh my god." ***

26 Hearing Angels exclamation, Buffy put down her schoolbooks and reached out for her crutches, hobbling over to his side. "Angel, what is it? Whos at the door?" Angel took several step back and a woman in her early sixties walked through the front door uninvited. "Its so nice to see your manners havent improved a bit, Angelus," she commented in a thick British accent. "Apparently, some things never change." "Angel?" Buffy repeated. He remained silent. "What are you doing here? You certainly werent invited," he said to the woman. "Is that any way to greet your mother?" she chastised. "I raised you better than that." "You didnt raise me period. I pose the question again, why did you come here?" Mother? Buffy thought. Angel told me he hasnt seen his mother since his law school graduation. Why on earth would she stop by to visit after all these years? "Is it against the law to want to see my only son? I just returned from a Mediterranean cruise last week when I found a message waiting for me on my answering machine. My only child got married and didnt bother to inform his own mother. Do you know who left that message? You school chum William. I didnt even hear it from my own son, I had to hear it from his best friend." "Ill kill him," Angel vowed. "He had no right." Angels mother turned her attention to Buffy, who stood five feet away from Angel. "Im Amelia McKenzie, Angelus mother. And you must be the *new* Mrs. McKenzie." She looked Buffy up and down, sizing her up. "Pretty. And very young. William warned me you were younger, but not a child." "Im twenty-one." "You dont have to defend yourself to her, Buffy," Angel told her. "My mother doesnt deserve any explanations." Mrs. McKenzie chose to ignore her sons words. "Dear Rupert, he always did have a soft spot for you, Angelus. He left you everything, didnt he? Forgot all about his poor younger sister." "You are hardly poor, mother. When are you returning to New York?" Angel was eager for his mother to leave. The two had never shared a loving mother-son relationship. She simply smiled at her son. "In a few days. But I did want to meet my new daughter-in-law and see how my son is getting by. Tell me, my son the lawyer, is that against the law?" "Ill call the hotel and have you set up in their best suite." Angel headed for his study to make the call. "That wont be necessary. I will simply stay in the guest room here. There is no need to go out of your way to make special accommodations for me." While Angel glared at his mother with hatred filling his brown eyes, Buffy couldnt help but stare in awe at her. Amelia McKenzie blew through the house like a tornado an unstoppable force to be reckoned with. "Oh, there is a need. Its no trouble at all to have you housed there for the duration of your stay," Angel insisted.

"You dont have to bother, I am perfectly happy to stay right here. And dont worry about my bags," she began. "I can bring them to my room by myself. Last room on the right, correct? Across from the master bedroom?" Mrs. McKenzie ascended the stairs without bothering to wait for a response from her son. Buffy turned to her husband. "Angel? Are you okay?" "Thats my room," he muttered. "Shes taking over my room. Now what do I do?" He felt like an adolescent all over again, being ordered around by his mother. She could tell he wasnt in the mood for joking around, so she kept her joke to herself. "Looks like youre staying in my room until she leaves." Dawn ran down the stairs. "Okay, whos the weird lady who just poked her head in my room? And what the hell is she doing here?" she demanded. "We arent moving again, are we?" "That would be my mother," Angel answered. "Shes staying with us for a while." "Oh. Sorry about calling her a weird lady, Angel." He laughed. "No, Dawn, you were right the first time. She is a weird lady." *** "Where do you want me to sleep?" Angel asked Buffy later that evening when they were settling down for bed. With his mother sleeping in his bedroom, Angel had no choice but to sleep with his wife. It would be hard to explain if he were to sleep on the living room couch. She shrugged. "It doesnt matter to me really. Wherever you feel comfortable." "Looks like the floor it is." Setting a few blankets on the carpet, he laid himself down next to the bed. Buffy felt bad for making him sleep on the floor in his own home. "You dont have to sleep there, you know. I have plenty of room on the bed, not to mention it wont be nearly as uncomfortable. Get up here." "You really dont have to do this. The floor is fine. Besides, youre still hurt." "Dont argue with me. Get your ass up here and sleep with me." Relenting, Angel stood up and crawled into bed next to his wife, careful to leave plenty of space between the two of them. Keep minimum safe distance between yourself and the temptation, his mind told him. But he knew hed be fighting his hormones every night until his mother left. "Thanks," he said. "You know, Im not a doctor, but I sensed a lot of tension down there earlier. What exactly happened between you and your mother?" Buffy wanted to know. "Its a long and complicated story. You dont want to hear about it." She placed a supportive hand on his shoulder. "Im not going anywhere and believe me, Im not tired. Spill it." "You dont need to hear about it." "Im your wife, even if only in name. Come on, Angel. It might help if you were to talk about it. Get it off your chest, so to speak."

"I have issues with my mother. Shes the reason my parents got divorced, the reason my father drank himself into an early grave, and the reason I never planned on ever getting married," he revealed. "Well, shes part of the reason for that." "Why?" He took a deep breath. "She cheated on my father; she had a bevy of other lovers whom she didnt even try to hide from us. I came home from my first day of school and found her having sex with the pool boy in the kitchen. Hows that for a wonderful childhood memory? Anyway, I saw what she did to my father and I vowed the day he died that Id never let myself be treated like that. So, I decided to never get married. My mother is a cold, heartless bitch, Buffy. Enough said." "Im sorry. I didnt realize." "Its not your fault. Not too many people know the real reason." "But its just your mother, one woman. Not every woman out there is like her, Angel. Theres bound to be one out there somewhere who wont treat you like she treated your father," Buffy reassured him. Thats what I thought about Darla until she did it to me, he said to himself. He nodded his head in response to her comment. "It wasnt until recently that I realized that." "What made you change your mind about marriage?" He planted a kiss on her cheek. "You did." *** 27 "Would you mind explaining to me why you felt the need to call my mother and inform her of my marriage?" Angel demanded to know. He had called his best friend in the morning and requested they meet for lunch at noon. Spike took a swig of his beer, smiling to himself. My plan is working perfectly. Angels mother will drive Buffy out of his house and into my arms. And Ill finally have something Angel could never get. "Whats the big deal? Shes your mother, she had a right to know. Dont you agree?" "No, I dont agree. You know quite well how much I despise my mother. That woman doesnt need to know anything about my life. In fact, the less she knows, the better." "Amelia is family, Angel. She bloody gave birth to you." Angel scowled. "That may be true, but that does not make her my mother. She gave up those rights when she shipped me off to boarding school when I turned eight." "So shes concerned about you; she wants to make sure youre happy. Can you begrudge her that?" Spike questioned. He eyed the bleached-blonde carefully. He knew Spike well enough to know when he was up to something. "Whats in it for you, Spike? Theres no way you called my mother out of the kindness of your heart. Tell me." "Theres nothing to tell," he lied. "Like I said, I thought she deserved to know her son got married. I still dont understand why youre so upset about it. Shed have found out eventually."

"Why am I upset? Because she took over my house! She walked through my front door and announced her intention of staying for an extended visit. In my bedroom. I had to sleep in Buffys room last night," Angel explained. "Do you know how uncomfortable that was?" "I am sure it was so uncomfortable for you. Sharing a room perhaps more with your beautiful little wife. My heart bleeds for you, Angel." Angel shook his head. "Why I expected sympathy from you, I have no idea." "Youve got it made, dont you see that? This is your chance to boldly go where you havent gotten access to go before. What are you waiting for? Sleep with the damn girl and get it over with." "Youre crude, you know that?" "You used to be the exact same way, as I recall. Listen to me, youve been obsessing over her since you got married. Take what you want. Itll get her out of your system." Hell never do it. Angel is too committed to his "no sex marriage" to ever sleep with Buffy. Once again, he shook his head. "Buffy and I have a deal. Im not about to break it." "Then why did you almost have sex with her on New Years Eve?" he asked with a smirk. "Whats changed? What was so different then?" "She was drunk." "But you werent. Think about what a load off your mind it would be. Everybody wins. Come on, Angel. Do it tonight, I dare you." *** "How did you meet my son?" Mrs. McKenzie questioned her daughter-in-law. "I needed a lawyer for my older sister, Angel spoke during one of my law classes last year, so I asked him to defend her," Buffy told her, keeping it as simple as possible. "Things snowballed from there." She nodded. "I see. Dont you think its a bit strange for a girl your age to be married to a man my sons age?" "Truthfully, I dont seen anything wrong with it. If we love each other, whats the problem?" "No problem. Its just that I happen to find it rather interesting my Angelus married you after knowing you for only a few days. Most people wait several months, or even a year. Why the rush to the altar?" Angels mother wanted to know. "We didnt want to wait. We knew the day we met that we were meant to be together. At least I did." Mrs. McKenzie smiled knowingly. "Im certain you did. Especially considering my sons vast inheritance from my brother." Buffy found herself appalled by the insinuation. "Let me get this straight. You think I married Angel for his money?" "Why else would you have married him?" she asked. "By no means am I stupid. A pretty young girl with no money, no parents and a teenage sister to raise. What other reason could there be? My son always did have a fondness for blondes."

Buffy grabbed her crutches and stood up. She no longer could stand being verbally abused by Amelia McKenzie. "How would you know that? You dont know anything about Angel, you sent him away to school in England before he was even ten years old. And you sure as hell dont know me, so youd better stop making false accusations before they come back and bite you in the ass." "How dare you speak to me that way, you impudent child!" "Go to hell," Buffy shot back as she left the room. *** When Angel returned home at seven oclock that evening, he found an angered Buffy sitting on the stairs waiting for him. "Id ask you how your day was, but I think I already know the answer to that one. What happened with my mother?" "Your mother, and I use the term loosely, is the she-devil incarnate," Buffy stated plainly. "Okay, what did she do?" He took her hand in his, leading her into his study so they could talk in private. She took a deep breath before beginning, also waiting until Angel closed their door, ensuring their privacy. "To keep it short and sweet, she called me a gold digger. Isnt that nice of her? Im surprised she didnt add tramp to the list while she was at it. The woman was on a roll today." "Im sorry," Angel apologized. "My mother doesnt know how to think before she speaks." "Do I give off that aura or something? Do I look like an Anna Nicole Smith to you?" Buffy asked. "Because I never thought so." "Its not you, Buff, its her. And believe me, I know the real you, and in no way do you resemble a gold digging tramp. My mothers a bitch, I told you that last night. If she cant see what a wonderful person you are, then thats her loss. Not yours. Just ignore her and maybe shell go away." She smiled at his kind words. "Thank you. Youre always reassuring me, Angel. I dont know what Id do without you here to boost my self-esteem." He cupped her face in his hands, touching his forehead to her. "The feeling is mutual." Looking deep into her eyes, Angel felt his lips closing in on hers. It came as a complete surprise to both of them when neither pulled away when their lips met. Buffys hands gripped his broad shoulders for support while Angels left hand found its way to the back of her neck, bringing her closer to him. Their tongues massaged one another, and it took at least a minute for Angel to break the kiss. It was then that he realized what had happened. "I dont know why I did that. Im sorry." Buffy felt flush, her heart beat in her throat and the burning in her stomach seemed to move lower and lower with every touch. There was something about Angels kisses that had that affect on her. And she loved it. "Dont. I know why you did it; you wanted to make me feel better. And it worked." I wishno, I hope thats not the real reason. I hope its because you have feelings for me, she thought. "Good. Im glad. It wont happen again." Until the next time I cant control myself. Why is it every time Im alone with Buffy I want to kiss her? he asked himself. "I dont mind. I-I liked the kiss. Youre really good at it." Amazing is more like it. How am I going to fall asleep tonight with him right next to me? All Im going to be able to think about is how great a kisser he is.

Maybe I should just take Faiths advice and jump him. Nah. Then Id be humiliated if he shot me down. Nope, Ill just play it cool. One of these days, though *** 28 Two weeks later, Amelia McKenzie still hadnt left Sunnydale, or Angels house. Her visit had been for an undisclosed amount of time, and every time Angel asked her when she intended on returning to New York, she always replied with "soon." But her continuous presence began to wear on Buffys nerves. "Angel, I cant take this anymore," she complained. "Your mother has to leave, and she has to do it soon. Either she goes or I go, you choose." He sighed as he climbed into bed, pulling the covers over his chest. "Theres no choice. I would choose you over her any day of the week." "Then whats the problem? Why is she still around? She knows you dont want her here, and Lord knows I sure as hell dont. For the sake of my sanity, please make her leave." "What is really bothering you?" Angel questioned. "Is my mother saying stuff to you that I should know about?" "I justwhat if she finds out the real reason were married? She could go straight to the lawyers handling your uncles will and tell them we only got married so you could get the inheritance. Then weve wasted almost a year of our lives in this phony marriage and she inherits everything." "Youre overreacting." Her eyes wide, Buffy stared hard at him. "Am I? The longer she stays here, the better the chance is of her finding out. Not to mention, she could only suspect it, start spreading it around and people will begin to wonder if theres any truth to it. I dont need people talking about me again." "They wont. Look, Ill tell her in the morning that she has to leave. Will that make you feel better?" he wanted to know. She nodded her head. "Yes, it would. Thank you." "Good. Now go to sleep." *** Soft lips caressing his neck woke Angel from a wonderful dream. In it, his mother left for good and Buffy told him she was sick of living in a marriage based on false pretenses. She wanted to make it work and wanted to spend the rest of her life with him. It was a dream he wished every day would come true. He, too, was sick of pretending to not have feelings for her. He wanted to scream to the world that he loved Buffy Summers. But fear of rejection kept him from actually doing it. With a moan, he turned over on his side, and felt tiny hands skimming along his muscular chest and arms. Angel didnt dare open his eyes for fear of it being another one of his erotic fantasies about his wife. So he kept his eyes closed and left himself feel her touching him in his dream-like state. Her scent was everywhere; her strawberry shampoo, bubble bath, hand lotion, body spray; it drove him nearly to the brink of insanity. It was a scent he loved and loathed at the same time; it represented the reality that his dream was so close, yet so far away. Buffy might only be inches away, but miles from his reach.

His left hand found the back of her head, tangling his fingers within the soft blonde tresses while his right hand clutched her silk pajama top, desperate for any kind of physical contact, real or not. He wanted to touch her, feel her, make her yearn for him the way he yearned for her. Her skin was silky and smooth and scalding hot to the touch as Angel tried to memorize every curve and crevice hidden beneath her top. Hot lips kissed their way along his chest, a tongue swirled around his nipples while a set of hands moved lower, underneath the waistband of his boxer shorts. Angel, through his clouded desire, whispered Buffys name as she explored more of him. He didnt know how much more he could take before exploding. No woman not even Darla made him burn with desire more than his young, inexperienced wife. From inside the bathroom, Amelia McKenzie could hear the sounds of low moans coming from her sons bedroom. Out of curiosity, she quietly opened the door to his room, seeing her son and daughter-in-law engaged in an intimate embrace, a tangle of limbs and murmured words of love. Before she could be found out, she closed the door and retired to bed. *** "How dare you do this to your own mother!" Angels mother exclaimed in outrage the following morning. "I am a guest in your home, Angelus." Angel raised his eyebrows. "You were never a guest here, sorry. That would mean I invited you here, which I never did. Since the day you got here, Mother, you have been nothing but trouble for me and my family. Youve made my wife unhappy, and I wont stand for it anymore." "Didnt you ever learn the saying blood is thicker than water?" she demanded. "I am your mother. I gave birth to you and provided for you and this is how you repay me? By shoving me aside for a blonde bimbo? Thats gratitude for you." "Buffy is not a bimboo, so I suggest you choose your words more carefully next time," Angel warned, a threatening tone in his voice. "Why is it that a man as intelligent as you are cant see what she is truly like?" Amelia asked. "All you see when you look at your little Buffy is sweetness and light. But I see her true colors. Look at her a bit closer and youll find a woman only after one thing." Angel smirked. "Is money all you care about?" "Shes after yours. Maybe Id be better off calling it Ruperts hard-earned money. Go ahead, watch it disappear. It wont be long before she bleeds you dry." "Not that its any of your business, but Buffy and I have a pre-nuptial agreement," Angel informed his mother smugly. She simply laughed. "Im sure you do. But I would stake my life that shell get you to rip it up. Women like her do that." "No, women like you do that," he accused. "Not get out of my house before I call the police and have you thrown out." Amelia picked up her bags. "Very well, have it your way, Angelus. One thing I wont mind leaving behind is the noise at night. Its only proper manners to be quiet about your sex life, not make a show of it." "What are you talking about?" Angel was clueless. Last night was just a dream. Was I actually saying that stuff out loud? How embarrassing.

"Dont play coy with me. You and that girl were going at it like two horny teenagers last night Its no wonder her sister sleeps on the other side of the house." "You must be hearing things." She shook her head in disagreement. "Afraid not, son. I saw you two with my own two eyes. Sick, really. Enjoy it while it lasts, because shell be gone soon. And then you wont have anyone." "Get out," he ordered. "And dont come back." "Fine. But dont say I didnt warn you." Angel watched his mother walk down the driveway to the waiting cab hed called to pick her up. As soon as it drove out of sight, he slammed the door behind him, turning around in time to see Buffy hobbling down the stairs. She looked at him expectantly. "Is she gone?" All he could think about when he looked at her was the dream hed had the night before the dream that turned out to be real. Buffy really was kissing me and doing all those things. God, I was so close to being with her. I almost had my dream come true. If she hadnt rested her head on my shoulder and fallen asleep, we might have had sex. Does she know that, or does she think it was a dream, too? he wondered. "Angel?" she said when he didnt reply. "Yeah?" "Did she leave?" He nodded. "Gone for good." Taking a deep breath, he posed his next question carefully. "How did you sleep last night?" "Like a baby. Had a very nice dream. Maybe sleeping next to you helps me sleep better. Too bad its over." "Yeah, too bad." Now we cant finish where we left off last night. *** 29 Inside her bedroom, Dawn fidgeted nervously. She was going on her first real date with a boy. Shed been invited to the Junior Prom by the boy shed had a crush on since her freshman year. The school year flew by so quickly for her, Dawn could hardly believe it was May already, and that shed been graduating from high school in little more than a year. "Buffy, do I look all splotchy?" she asked her older sister. Buffy, who had been sitting on Dawns bed, stood up and moved to stand next to her sister. "No, youre not all splotchy. You lookgreat. Brian is going to flip when he sees you." "I hope so. Ive only been after him for two years. You know, I just cant believe he asked me. Is that how you felt when Angel proposed to you? Shocked and amazed, I mean." Dawn pulled at the skirt of her long black dress, adjusting it around her hips.

"It was pretty amazing, Ill grant you that." She paused for a brief moment. "I cant believe my baby sister is going to her Junior Prom. Im suddenly feeling very old." "Oh please, youre twenty-two. Its not like youre an old married woman. Well" "I know what you mean. It all seems like a lifetime ago. You going to your Prom is bringing back memories of high school for me. Im getting nostalgic." Dawn wiggled her eyebrows suggestively. "Maybe if you and Angel start working on a baby, in seventeen years or so you can go through this all over again with my little niece or nephew." Buffy sighed and laughed. "Um, no. Angel and I have no plans for having children for quite a while. So you can forget about becoming Aunt Dawnie unless Faith is pregnant and I dont know about it yet." They heard the doorbell ring, announcing the arrival of Dawns date. The girl paled when she heard it, her heart pounding in her chest and her palms felt sweaty. "Buffy, hes here. Oh god." "So I hear. Finish getting ready and Ill wait downstairs with him and Angel until youre ready," Buffy told her. "Okay." Buffy descended the stairs in time to see Angel open the front door for Dawns date. On the other side of the door stood a blonde-haired boy clad in a black tuxedo and holding a red corsage. "You must be Brian," Angel greeted. Brian nodded his head nervously at the older, taller man. "H-Hi, Sir. Yes, Im Brian. Is Dawn ready yet?" "Not yet," Buffy replied, making her way to the front door. "Im her sister and this is my husband. Why dont you have a seat on the couch while she finishes getting ready. It should only take her a few more minutes." "Sure." He entered the house and sat down on the couch. Angel and Buffy took a seat on the loveseat near the window. "Brian, whats your last name?" Angel wanted to know. "Cunningham. Brian Cunningham." "Youre driving tonight, right?" Brian nodded. "What kind of car do you drive? Do you have insurance? How is your driving record? Do you have a criminal record I should know about?" Putting her head in her hands, Buffy groaned. "Angel, you are embarrassing him. Can you please stop being a lawyer for five minutes?" "Its my job. Answer the questions, Brian." He let out a nervous breath. "I drive a ninety-nine Ford Taurus, I have full coverage for my insurance and I have a clean driving record. No speeding tickets whatsoever. And, uh, what was the last question?" "Criminal record?" "Angel! Stop it!" Dawn cried from the top of the stairs. "Are you trying to humiliate me?" All three stood up when she reached the bottom step. Brians face broke out in a delighted smile. "Dawn. Wow. You look really pretty tonight."

She grinned at the compliment. "Thank you. Im ready to go. Can we go? Please?" she pleaded, desperate to get away from her brother-in-laws probing questions. "Yeah," her sister said. Brian, too, was eager to leave. On their way out the door, he handed Dawn the corsage. "Here, this is for you." "Thank you. Its beautiful." "You two have a good time tonight," Buffy said to them. Angel headed for the door, watching them walk down the driveway to Brians car. "I know every cop in Sunnydale and a few in Los Angeles. Keep that in mind!" Buffy came up behind him, punching him in the arm. "What is wrong with you? How come youre acting like an overprotective father?" He smiled devilishly. "Because its fun. Ive been on the receiving end of many a fathers inquisitions. For once, I wanted to see what it felt like to give it. And you know what? The old saying is right, tis better to give than to receive." "Youre one sick man, Angelus McKenzie. Has anyone ever told you that?" "Ive heard it a few times. But coming from you, it actually means something," he told her. "Do you know what today is, Buffy?" Thinking for a moment, she shook her head. "Not a clue. Whats so important about today?" "Today is the halfway point. It is our year-and-a-half anniversary. Which means we only have another eighteen months of marriage. You and I are in the home stretch of our marriage." "Thats right. I completely forgot about that. Can you believe how fast its gone by? We must be better actors than we thought, especially if everyones still buying it." She chuckled. "Dawn was asking me today when you and I were going to have a baby. I didnt know what to say." "I wonder what he or she would look like," he wondered out loud. Buffy looked at him curiously. "Who?" "Our baby. Perhaps Im just getting sentimental, thinking about having children. Before you came along, I never once thought about the possibility of being a father. But nowwho knows? I think maybe Id make a good dad." "What are you going to do, hire a surrogate mother, Mr. I-Dont-Want-To-Get-Married?" "No. Id like to have children with the woman I love." She lifted her eyebrows. "Darla?" She knew that Darla was the one woman her husband loved and lost. He shook his head. "No. I dont think Ive found her yet." ***

"Mmm," Faith moaned, rubbing against Spike under the covers of her bed. "That was the most fun Ive had in a long time." "Even better than last night?" Spike asked. "It certainly ranks up there. I cant think of a better way to spend the late night hours. Better than working, thats for sure. And chocolate." Faith ran her hand along her lovers sculpted chest. "Poor B. She doesnt know what shes missing." He narrowed his eyes at Faiths comment. "What do you mean by that?" "Just that sex is so enjoyable and my poor twenty-two year old sister hasnt had the privilege of experiencing it yet." "You mean Buffys a" "A virgin," she finished. "Yes. Shes waiting for Mr. Right to come along and sweep her off her feet." Spike scoffed. "Faith, I find it that very hard to believe. Theres no way my best buddy is married to a virgin." "Believe it." "Does Angel know it?" "I have no clue. Though I doubt my sisters confided it in him." "Well then, theres no way Angel has been a celibate man for the last year and a half of his life. That boy doesnt withhold satisfaction. If he aint getting it from your sister, hes getting it somewhere else." She kissed him. "Just dont tell Buffy that. I have a feeling shes falling for him." "I wont." Not unless I get to her first. Time to put my plan into motion. I *will* have Buffy. And what a bonus that Ill bed her before her own husband. Ill get there first. I always hated sloppy seconds. *** 30 With a tired yawn, Buffy walked down the stairs to the first floor. She had just woken up a few minutes earlier with a serious craving for a glass of chocolate milk. The sight she found in the living room surprised her Angel sat on the couch, papers strewn across the coffee table and a cup of steaming hot coffee in the middle of all the mess. "Angel, what are you doing down here?" she asked. "Its two in the morning." He glanced down at his watch. "Oh, I guess youre right. Looks like I lost track of the time. Ive been trying to focus on this new case Ive got." "Yeah, right. Its not even a good lie. Just admit it, youre down here waiting for Dawn to get home from her date." Angel shrugged his shoulders. "Okay, so what if I am? Cant I at least stay up until she gets home to make sure shes all right?" he questioned.

Shaking her head, Buffy sighed heavily. "She has a two-thirty curfew on weekends, and not once has she broken it. Dont you think shes earned our trust?" "I trust Dawn. Its her boyfriend I dont," stated Angel. "I swear to god, Angel, if I didnt know any better I would think you were her father, or her older brother. Dawn is almost eighteen years old and shell be going off to college in less than a year. And do I need to mention the fact that she and Brian have been dating for over six months? My father never acted like you are when I was her age." "Buffy, Im the closest thing Dawn has to a brother or a father. I happen to take my role as her brother-in-law very seriously. This may sound strange to you, but I like having someone to worry about." She smiled. "Well, I agree with that, you *are* strange. But I love you anyway. And Dawns lucky to have you looking out for her. Too bad its only for another year. Less than that. Eleven months." "Too bad. Although you make it sound like Im going to completely sever all ties to her when we get divorced next November," Angel commented. "Ive grown rather fond of her. And of her older sister." "Faith?" Buffy teased. "Im sure shell be glad to hear it." "Her, too." He flashed her a wicked half-smile. Just then, the front door opened and Dawn entered the house. She stopped when she saw her sister and brother-in-law sitting on the couch. It was evident to the seventeen-year-old that they were waiting up for her. "Were you guys spying on me?" she demanded. "No, not at all," Buffy answered honestly. "Angel was working on his new case and I was thirsty." But Dawn was unconvinced by her sisters words. "Sure, at five after two in the morning. Just admit it, you waited up for me. Gee, I feel trusted." "Dawn, I was the one waiting up for you, not Buffy," Angel explained. "She came down here a couple minutes ago for something to drink and laid into me for waiting up. So, if youre going to yell at anyone, yell at me." "You know, if I wasnt so tired right now, I would. But I do want to say how much I dont like being treated like an eight-year-old constantly. You wont be able to babysit me when I go away to college. I hope you know that." Without bothering to wait for a reply, she headed upstairs, slamming her bedroom door shut. Buffy turned to smirk at her husband. "That went well. Dont you think?" "Funny." "I can just see you with your own kids. Youll bolt the windows shut and lock all the doors when theyre teenagers. Have fun." *** "Hey, Faith," Dawn started the next day at lunch. The two of them were at one of Sunnydales few restaurants enjoying a private meal. "Can I ask you a personal question?" Faith swallowed the french fries she was chewing on before answering. "Ive got nothing to hide. What do you want to know?"

"Exactly how soon is too soon to start sleeping with someone?" she wanted to know. "Dont you think this is a conversation you should be having with Buffy? She is your legal guardian and all that crap." Dawn shook her head. "Shed never understand, not like you do. I dont know if youve noticed, but Buffy is really prissy and uptight. A lot like Mom was. I cant talk to her about sex. I dont even think she and Angel do it anymore." "What makes you think that?" "I dont know. Have you looked at Angel? The man gets better-looking with each passing day and Buffy barely touches him. If he were my husband, hed be chained naked to the bed as my personal love slave." The oldest Summers sister nearly choked on her sandwich. "Dawn! My god, you dont have a crush on Angel, do you?" "No. A long time ago I did, but Im over it. Its pretty clear to anyone who looks at him that he thinks the sun rises and sets on Buffy. But can we get back to my original question?" "Sure." Its obvious to everyone except Buffy. "How soon is too soon? That depends on you and when you feel like youre ready. For me, it was sixteen; for someone else, it might be twenty-four or twenty-five. Why? Are you and Brian?" Looking down, Dawn blushed. "We already did. Last night. In the backseat of his car. Needless to say, it wasnt what I expected." "Your first time never is. But it gets better, and *much* more enjoyable as time goes by. Trust me," Faith said. "I hope so. I had to talk to someone about it and you were the first person I thought of. Buffy would probably have lectured me until I left for college and Angel would have killed Brian with his bare hands." "Now theres a fight Id like to see. Angel versus Brian. Whod win?" They both looked at each other and giggled. "Angel," they replied in unison. As they were leaving the restaurant an hour later, Dawn turned to Faith. "Can you do me a favor? Promise you wont tell Buffy about me and Brian. I dont want to be grounded for the rest of my natural life." Dawn lost it before Buffy did, Faith thought. Theres a big shocker. One of these days, B is going to lose her inhibitions and just give in to temptation. Oh, to be a fly on the wall when that happens. "Your secret is safe with me." *** Spike cradled the telephone in his left hand, holding it against his ear. "I need your help. If theres any one person who can do this, its you." "I dont know, Spike," the woman on the other end of the phone remarked. "Angel made his feelings quite clear to me when he dumped me. Remember what happened?" He sighed, recalling her torment. "That was four years ago. Hes a changed manwell, sort of. Angel may be married, but hes still the same old Angel deep down. He loves a good screw. You want him back and he never could say no to a beautiful woman."

"Ive always wanted him. Ever since we were children at boarding school. But I dont understand. Hes your best friend, why do you want to break up his marriage?" she asked. "This is a no-lose situation. You get Angel and I get his wife." "Whats so special about Angels wife?" Spike grinned, picturing Buffy in his mind. "I want her, simple as that. I want to steal from Angel the way he always stole from me. The woman he loves will choose me over him, thats all I want; to have the one thing he doesnt have with her. Now, are you in or are you out?" After a brief pause, she made up her mind. "Im in. I can be in Sunnydale the week after next." *** 31 Inside his hotel room, Spike paced back and forth anxiously. Things hadnt been going his way recently, including a huge fight with Faith. Not that he really minded fighting with her; their relationship wasnt all that important to him anyway. He wanted sex and she was more than willing to give it to him, but he was not about to commit himself to Faith when the person he really wanted was her sister. Once he got Buffy, Faith would be history. He rushed to the door when he heard the knock hed been waiting for. "Its about bloody time you got here!" Spike complained when he opened the door for his visitor. "You were supposed to be in Sunnydale two weeks ago. What the hell took you so long?" "I needed to tie up some loose ends in London before I left. I cant exactly jump on a plane for the States at the drop of a hat the way you can," she stated. "Sorry, Dru," he apologized. "Ive been waiting for you to get here. I had to wait for you before I could put my plan in motion." Drusilla Randolph sat down on the reclining chair on the other side of Spikes room. "Tell me, Spike, what is your plan? And why am I so important to it?" "*Our* plan," he clarified with a smirk playing upon his lips, "is to obtain what we both have wanted for a long time. You get Angel, the man youve been crazy about since you were seven years old. Pardon the pun, of course. And I want his wife. Well, to say I want to bed his wife is more appropriate." "What makes you so certain it will work? Angel made his feelings for me quite clear, and I did not spend a year in the hospital getting healthy again to have him trample all over my heart once again," she told him. "The last place I want to see you go is back in the sanitarium. This plan isnt about love, Ducks. Its about sex, control and domination. Dont you want to get back at Angel for the way he so carelessly treated you? Itll be the ultimate revenge. And when you have hurt him as much as he hurt you, hell go running to his precious Buffy, only to find her in my arms. Or more to the point, in my bed." Hed plotted it all perfectly. But Drusilla wasnt completely convinced it would work. Granted, she wanted to give Angel McKenzie a taste of his own medicine, but she found flaws in Spikes plan. "I dont know, Spike. What makes you think Angel will want anything to do with me? He didnt care about me before, why should he care about me six years after the fact?" "I know he felt bad about what happened to you; he hated seeing you in that dreary institution. Not to mention, Dru, but youre a very beautiful woman, and Angel has got to be horny as hell. As a matter of fact, I *know* he is. The man hasnt had sex in nearly three years, he told me so. He wont be able to resist you."

"Okay, you lost me. Angel is married, but he hasnt had sex in three years. That makes no sense whatsoever." "Its a marriage of convenience," Spike told her. "Angels uncle died in November of 2001, leaving him everything, under the stipulation that the eternal philanderer get married for no less than three years. So, Buffy needed a lawyer for Faith and Angel agreed to take her case if Buffy agreed to marry him for the three years. It was supposed to be in name-only, but it seems Angel isnt pretending to love her anymore. He really does love her, even if he wont admit it to himself." Drusilla nodded her head in understanding. "I see. He loves her but she doesnt love him back." "No. According to her sister, Buffys secretly in love with him as well." "Im confused now. They love one another but the other doesnt know it. Why wont they just admit it and carry on with their happy marriage?" she wanted to know. "Because they are as stubborn as two mules. Frankly, I dont know nor do I care. All I care about is getting Buffy for myself." "But why? That is what I find so perplexing about this whole plan of yours. Angel is your best friend, why do you want to steal from him the woman he loves?" Spike stared at her with his mouth agape. "You attended school with us and you still have to ask why? From the time we were sixteen, every girl I wanted, Angel took for himself. They all looked at him as if he were some sort of god, while I was nothing in comparison. Hed charm them, bed them and discard them like yesterdays trash. Every single girl I fell for, he always managed to get there first. Im sick of getting stuck with his sloppy seconds. So now Im going to take what he wants. Ill bed his wife before he does." "This is a vengeance gig for you," Drusilla deduced. "You got it, Ducks. Now tell me, are you in or are you out?" She didnt need to think about it. "Im in. Its about time Angel pays for what he did to me." *** Buffy walked down the hall to her sisters bedroom, carrying a basket full of laundry for Dawn to put away. As she was about to knock on the door, the sound of her sisters voice from inside the room stopped her. "Last night was totally amazing, Katie," Dawn said into the telephone. "Brian picked me up at seven and we told Buffy we were going to a movie and then to the BronzeYeah, she believed me. It surprised me because Im sure she told Mom and Dad the same thing when she was my ageHey, whatever works. Anyway, we ended up at his house and he had a romantic dinner waiting for us. We ate, we danced and then we went up to his bedroom and did itNo his parents werent home! Do you think were stupid enough to have sex if his parents were in the house? No way!" Hearing every word, Buffy almost dropped the laundry basket on the floor. As if in a trance, she went to her room. Her knees buckled under her and she fell to the floor next to the bed, her face burning from the hot tears welling in her eyes. Its not fair, she thought, dropping her forehead to her knees. My little sister is having sex and Im not. Whats wrong with me? From across the hall in his bedroom, Angel heard low cries coming from his wifes room. Wondering what was the matter, he quickly made his way over, finding her on the ground with sobs wracking her body. "Buffy? Whats wrong? Did something happen?"

She lifted her head, barely making out his face through her tears. "Angel," she said before another plethora of tears took over. "Tell me what happened. Are you okay?" He feared she might be sick or hurt but didnt want to tell him. "Im worried about you. Why are you crying?" "Whats wrong with me?" she asked him. Angel didnt understand her question. "Whats wrong with you? What do you mean?" "Am I so hideous that looking at me disgusts people? Why dont men want to be with me? Am I unlovable?" Buffy wanted to know. He sat down on the floor next to her. "Youre not hideous, Buffy. You are beautiful. And believe me, you are very lovable. A man would have to be blind and stupid not to want you. Not tell me what brought all this on." Buffy sucked in a deep breath. "I-I overheard Dawn telling Katie on the phone that she and Brianthat they had sex. And I want to know why nobody wants to with me." I cant let Angel know Ive never had sex. Ill be completely humiliated. She feels jealous, he said to himself, remembering the slumber party shed had a few years back, where he found out Buffy had been a virgin when they married. From her reaction, he gathered she still was. It might hurt her even more if she finds out I know. "Because every man who lays eyes on you knows youre my wife. Theyre too afraid Ill beat the crap out of them if they touch you." "What about before you? They didnt want me then, either." "Then thats their loss, not yours. Wanna know something? Over the last few years, I have really begun thinking of you as my wife, even if weve never actually consummated our marriage. And the thought of some guy touching you drives me crazy sometimes. But when I really think about it, I cant blame him for wanting to be with you. Youre everything any sane man would want." Buffy smiled sadly, sniffling. "Youre only saying that to make me feel better." He shook his head. "No, Im not. Youre a wonderful person, Buffy. And someday, youre going to make some man very happy. Then Ill be able to say hes as lucky as Ive been for the past two years." "Do you think theres somebody out there for everyone?" she questioned, wiping the tears from her eyes. "Yeah, now I do. If youd asked me that same question a few years ago, I would have given you a different answer. Maybe Im less jaded these days. There is absolutely nothing wrong with you, Buffy. Does that make you feel a little better?" "A little. Thank you." "No, thank *you* for making me less jaded. And dont worry about Dawn. Or yourself. Ill be watching out for both of you for a very long time." "You mean that?" Angel nodded his head sincerely. "Yes, I do. Youre not getting rid of me that easily. You can think of me as your big brother, if you like. Any man who wants to be with you will have to go through me first." Only he hoped she didnt think of him as a big brother. Because he didnt think of her as a sister. He never could. ***

32 When Dawn came downstairs for breakfast the next morning, she found her older sister sitting at the table waiting for her. "Youre up early for a Sunday," she commented. "What, are you going shopping with Willow and Cordelia?" "No. I got up early so I could talk to you about something important." Buffy motioned to the chair across the table from her. "Sit down, Dawn." With raised eyebrows, the seventeen year old took a seat. "Okay, whats with the dire? Youve got the same look on your face Mom and Dad used to have whenever they were about to lecture one of us." She paused, realizing what was going on. "I get it, Im about to get lectured. What did I do?" "I thought we agreed in the beginning that we wouldnt keep secrets from each other. That wed be open and honest," Buffy said. "We did. Whats all this about? Im not keeping any secrets from you, Buffy. If you want to know something, just ask." She took a sip of her orange juice. "Fine. Why didnt you tell me youve been having sex with Brian?" Dawn didnt say anything for a long time. So many emotions were coursing through her body: hurt, fear, betrayal and finally anger. "How did you find out?" she demanded. "Thats not important, what is" "I think it is important! Did Faith tell you? She swore on her life she wouldnt." Faith knows about it? "She didnt tell me. I overheard you talking on the phone last night. Your door was opened a crack and I was walking down the hallway," Buffy explained. "So you were eavesdropping on my private conversation. Does that make it all right?" She sighed. Talking to her younger sister was going to be harder than she originally anticipated. "Look, all I want to do is talk to you, not give you the same lecture Mom and Dad gave me and Faith." "No. You wanna tell me I made a huge mistake and that I should have waited until I got married like you did. Sorry if Im not perfect like you are, Buffy. I guess I just dont have your willpower. But I love Brian and he loves me, but I suppose that doesnt matter to you. I told Faith you wouldnt understand and I was right. I wasnt keeping a secret from you, you just would never understand what Im going through. And dont try to tell me you havent been keeping secrets from me, I know you are." She got up from the table and stalked out of the room. Five minutes later when Angel entered the kitchen, Buffy sat in the same spot, staring at the chair Dawn had vacated. "Im assuming your talk with Dawn didnt go too well," he assumed. "Thats the understatement of the century. She thought I heard it from Faith, which means Faith knows about it. Which is to say Dawn feels more comfortable talking to Faith than me. Do you know how much that hurts me?" Buffy asked. "Im guessing it hurts you a lot," he surmised. "How about I talk to Dawn? Give her a guys perspective on sex rather than a lecture from her older sister. She might respond better to that." Buffy shook her head. "You dont have to. Dawn is my responsibility, not yours." "Can I at least try?"

"Go ahead, give it a whirl. But if she didnt listen to me, I doubt shell listen to you, Angel." *** Angel tentatively knocked on his sister-in-laws bedroom door. "Dawn, its Angel! Can I come in for a minute?" he asked over the loud rock music coming from inside. The music muted and the door opened slowly. "Depends," she started. "Am I going to get a lecture?" "No. I didnt come up here to say how wrong it was or whatever you might be expecting me to say. I just want to talk to you." She opened the door all the way, allowing him to step inside. "Buffy didnt send you, did she?" He shook his head in response. "No. She actually thought it would be a bad idea, but I chose to ignore her. I thought you might want somebody to talk to, or would like to hear a mans point of view about sex." "What do you know about it?" "About sex? A lot. Look, I just want to be here for you. If you have any questions, I could answer them for you. Or I could offer my experience." "Experience?" Dawn asked incredulously. Angel couldnt help but smile. "Yes, experience. I was once a seventeen-year-old boy, you know. I know what goes through their minds when theyre around a pretty girl. Self-control stops being an issue after a while." "I love Brian. He loves me. Whats the big deal?" "Buffy and I dont want to see you get hurt. Come on, Dawn, youre like my little sister; I have to look out for you," Angel told her. "Why dont you want to talk to Buffy about it? It hurt her knowing that you didnt come to her first." She shrugged her shoulders. "I didnt think shed understand the way Faith would. Shes got all kinds of experience with that kind of stuff and Buffy doesnt. I cant talk to her about love and lust and sex because she never went through what Im going through. Buffy has always known what she wanted and then went after it. She believes in waiting for Mr. Right, and thats exactly what she did; she waited for you. Buffy may have saved herself for her true love but I cant." "You dont think Brian is your true love?" "I dont know. I love him and Ive wanted to be with him since I was fourteen, but I dont think I can see myself growing old with him. Thats who I imagined my true love to be a man I could grow old with." She slumped down on her bed. "Now I feel like I made a huge mistake." Angel sat next to her. Good Lord, when did I become Dr. Ruth? Im giving love and sex advice to a teenager. Whats happened to me? "You may not like what Im about to say, but just listen to me. You cant change what youve done; you slept with Brian and now youre thinking it might be a mistake because youre afraid he might not be your true love. I say, so what? Do you have any idea how many women I slept with before I met your sister? Far more than I can count." Dawn looked down, a small smile on her lips. "Yeah, I gathered that. You didnt strike me as the type of guy who waited until marriage."

"You want to know something? Most guys are the exact same way. Buffy isnt expecting you to wait for Mr. Right, or for marriage like she did. But she knows that youre not her. And she doesnt want you to make the same choices she did. Youre allowed to live your own life. Maybe she wishes she were a part of it. But neither of us want to see you get hurt by some guy whos only out for a good time. There are plenty of guys out there like that and it could lead to a lifetime of consequences for you to deal with." "I guess I understand that. Do you regret the way you were before you and Buffy got married?" Dawn wanted to know. "No. I think I had to be a total louse to see how wonderful Buffy is. It took me close to thirty-one years to fall in love, its not going to happen to you overnight." "Are you going to kill Brian now?" she asked, worried. Angel snorted. "When Buffy told me last night, I gave it serious consideration. But I think Ill wait and see how things turn out first. Hes safe. For now." *** "Mr. McKenzie, theres a young woman out here to see you. And she doesnt have an appointment," Jenny announced over Angels intercom Monday morning. It never ceased to annoy her when somebody showed up expecting to see her boss without an appointment. He knit his eyebrows together, curious as to who it might be. "It isnt Faith or Dawn, is it?" he asked his secretary. "Unfortunately not. Ive never seen this one before." "Let her in." The door opened a moment later, and Angel was face-to-face with a blast from his past. "Drusilla," he gasped, totally surprised to see her. "What are you doing here?" Drusilla removed her long coat, placing it on the leather couch in the office. Her long, dark hair swept across her almost-bare shoulders in waves, a tight red sundress accentuated her curves. Still as devilishly handsome as ever, she thought. "Hello, my Angel. Arent you pleased to see an old friend?" "Of course." Angel blinked in astonishment. Drusilla Randolph was the last person hed expected to find in his office. "I thought you were in London." "I was. Im working as a clothing designer and Im in Sunnydale searching for inspiration. Having spent so much time away, Id forgotten how beautiful it is here. In fact, I ran into Spike Saturday evening." "Oh." "I wanted to come see you. Dont worry, Im not going into Fatal Attraction mode this time around; a year in the hospital cured me of that. I hear you are married," she stated. Angel nodded his head. "Yes. Happily married for a little over two years. Her name is Buffy." She walked around to his desk, picking up a picture of Angel and a pretty blonde she didnt recognize. This must be the infamous Buffy, Drusilla said to herself. I can see why Spike is so smitten with her. "Is this her?" she questioned, pointing to her. "Thats my Buffy."

The look of adoration on Angels face didnt escape her attention. She could see how in love with Buffy he was. "She is very pretty." "That she is." He took a deep breath, searching for the right words. "Dru, I owe you an apology for what happened before. I didnt mean to hurt you the way I did. It was heartless and cruel." "You dont owe me anything. All I want to do is put the past in the past and bury it. We can start with a clean slate, as friends. Maybe we can even have dinner together sometime before I leave." "I can do that. Friends." This is going to be easier than I thought. One night with me and Angel will be asking "Buffy who?" *** 33 Two months later in late March, Buffy, Willow, Cordelia and Faith sat around Buffys kitchen table plying catch-up. Theyd been there for an hour and Faith had not said much of anything since she had arrived. Her silence was beginning to unnerve Buffy, who feared something was wrong with her adopted sister. "Faith? Are you okay?" she asked. "Youve been really quiet ever since you got here." With a frown, Faith shook her head. "Not really, but Ill be fine. I dont mean to bring you guys down." "What happened?" Willow wanted to know. She and Faith hadnt been the best of friends when they were growing up, but she didnt like seeing anyone upset. "Spike and I broke up yesterday. Well actually, I broke up with him." "How come?" Faith sighed heavily. "I got sick of it. All he ever wanted to do was have sex, have sex and have more sex. Im twenty-five years old, I think Im past that stage in my life. So I gave him an ultimatum: either give me a commitment or Im gone. He didnt answer, so I kicked him out of the house and told him never to come back." "Oh, Faith, Im so sorry," her younger sister apologized. "Dont be, its not your fault Spike is scum. Ive had more than my fair share of crummy relationships, beginning long before Parker. I want a real relationship, like the one you have with Angel, Buffy. I want a man who loves me, a happy marriage and lots of kids. Okay, maybe one or two, not a truckload." Cordelia was impressed. "Gotta hand it to you, Faith. Finally giving the bleached-blonde prick the old heaveho. Its about damn time." "I agree," Willow told her. "He always scared me a little bit. Sorry, Buffy. I know hes your husbands best friend." "Dont be. He scares me, too, sometimes." "You know," Faith began, "Im sick of getting screwed around by guys. You three are lucky, youve got great guys who love you. Now I want that." "You will. You just have to meet the right guy."

The front door slammed shut, and the four young women looked up when Dawn came running into the kitchen, clutching a large square envelope. "Oh my god, oh my god, oh my god!" she shouted. "I cant believe it!" "Cant believe what?" Buffy questioned the teenager. "I got in!" She handed Buffy the envelope. She read over the contents. "Oh mycongratulations, Dawnie! You got accepted to NYU, thats great news! Youve wanted to go there since you were a little girl." "Im so happy. I finally get out of Sunnydale. Do you have any idea how excited I am about this?" Buffy smiled, genuinely happy for her sister. "I think I have an inkling." "Congrats, Dawn," Willow told her. "Thats no easy feat." "Way to go," added Cordelia. "Just remember us little people when youre a big star on Broadway," teased Faith. Dawn turned to Buffy. "Can I call Angel at the office and tell him the good news?" she asked. "I think hes busy with meetings all day and hes having dinner with a friend later. How about we just surprise him with a chocolate cake later on when he gets back?" she suggested. "Works for me. Im going to call Katie and tell her the good news. Shes going to be so jealous when she finds out." Dawn left the room to call her best friend. *** Drusilla kept her smile hidden from view as she unlocked her hotel room door. She didnt want Angel to get suspicious; after all, they were only friends. But after tonight we wont be, she thought. "Dinner was magnificent, Angel," she complimented. "You always did have exquisite taste in restaurants." "Thank you. Although it was eclipsed by the company I kept." Drusilla flashed him a sly smile. "You always were charming. Its good to know that some things will never change." "No, they do. You just have to look underneath the surface." Which is precisely what I am planning to do tonight. Find out whats new and improved under *your* surface. "Would you like something to drink? My boss sent over a bottle of scotch to celebrate my new designs. She loved them." Angel thought it over for a moment or two. "Id love to. But only for one drink." They entered the room and Drusilla poured them each a glass of scotch while Angel sat down on the edge of the bed. She handed it to him and sat down to his left, leaving less than an inch of room between them. "How about a toast? To new old friends." Angel lifted his glass, clinking it against hers. "To new old friends."

Each of them took a sip, Drusilla placed her glass on the bedside table and turned to her guest. Its now or never, Dru, she told herself. Time to do it. "Are you happy, Angel?" she asked him. "With your life the way it is now?" "I guess so." She raised her eyebrows. "You guess?" "Yeah." "Somethings missing, I assume. A happily married man wouldnt look as sad as you do if everything was perfect in his life." She touched his face gently. "You are missing something. I can tell." Angel never even had a chance to reply; Drusilla turned his face in her direction and pressed her lips to his. The move shocked him, but he didnt pull away. It had been so long since hed been kissed by a woman and he just couldnt stop himself from responding to her. Even though it wasnt the woman he wanted to kiss. Drusilla, however, couldnt have been more pleased. Things were working out the way she and Spike had planned. It had taken her two months, but she finally had Angel where she wanted him. She felt his hands unzipping her dress and knew she had won. After six years, she would finally have her revenge against him bed him and dump him the way he had her. And when he tried to turn to his young wife, Angel would find her in the arms of his best friend. It was perfect. So she began unbuttoning his white dress shirt. Angel couldnt seem to stop himself from undressing her. It had been far too long since hed had sex and he wanted nothing more than to ease the unbearable ache between his legs. For the duration of his marriage to Buffy, he remained faithful to her. He could never betray her like that, but he just couldnt stop the need. The last thing he wanted to do was hurt Drusilla again, or Buffy for that matter, but the temptation proved too great. He needed physical contact. "Angel" a soft voice called. He ignored it, thinking it was in his imagination, because it wasnt Drusillas voice. It couldnt possibly be, she was too busy kissing him. Then he heard it again. "Angel" Opening his eyes, he saw Buffy standing behind Drusilla. She was dressed in a flowing white dress with babys breath in her long blonde hair, a sad look upon her face. "Please dont do this, Angel. If you sleep with Drusilla, Ill never be able to forgive you for it. I love you. And if you love me back, you wont betray me like this." He blinked his eyes but when he focused them on where she had been standing, Buffy was gone. Angel regained his composure and jumped up from the bed, leaving a stunned Drusilla looking up at him. "Angel? Whats wrong?" Quickly, he buttoned his shirt and stared at the beautiful brunette clad only in a black lace bra and matching underwear. Her dress had been discarded on the floor near her feet. "I-I cant do this, Dru. Im sorry." "I dont get it. You still want me, I can feel it." She lowered her gaze to his groin. "I can even see it. Just take what you want." He vehemently shook his head. "No. I loveI love my wife." Oh my god, I said it. I told someone that I love Buffy. Out loud. The admission took him by surprise. And he ran out of the room. Drusilla stared angrily at the door after he exited. "Ill get you back, Angel McKenzie. Spike will have his revenge and through him, Ill get mine. And I hope youll be as miserable as I am." ***

Twenty minutes after he had left Drusillas hotel room, he returned to his house, coming in through the back door from the garage. Buffy heard him enter and then noticed how upset he looked. Something had happened to him, leaving her concerned as to his emotional state of mind. He had been out with Drusilla and she assumed something went down between them. "Angel?" she called as he walked past her through the kitchen. "Is something wrong?" He stopped when he heard her voice and turned to look at her. The sight of her made his heart pound. All he could think about when he saw her was the apparition in Drusillas hotel room, begging him not to make love to the other woman. And his admission of love. "H-Hi," he stuttered. "You look frazzled. Did something happen?" "No! Im fine." He saw the bowl sitting on the counter. "What are you making?" Angel asked, changing the subject. She smiled. "Chocolate cake. We were going to have it tonight when you got home from dinner with your friend Drusilla, but youre home awfully early. Dawn got her acceptance letter from NYU today." "Thats terrific news." He reached over to stick his finger in the batter for a taste. Buffy slapped his hand after hed scooped a good amount on his pointer finger. "Hey!" "Dont do that!" she chastised. "There are raw eggs in there." He tasted the batter. "Very good." He stuck his finger in the chocolate mixture again and spread it over her lips. "Here, try some." "Yuck. No thanks. I dont eat raw cake batter." She began to wipe it off but Angel stopped her. Rather than rub the batter off, he pressed his lips against hers in a sweet kiss, kissing a licking it off of her. Buffy didnt try to stop him, although she wondered what brought it on, although asking him the reason was the last thing on her mind as his tongue probed the inside of her mouth. She held him tightly, fearing shed lose her balance as the kiss deepened. The kiss had to end sometime and she feared it would end too soon. His kisses were addictive. Angel wanted to carry her up to his room and show her his true feelings. But he knew doing that might cost him everything he wanted. There was no way hed be able to stand her rejection, so he needed to woo her; show her the man he could be rather than the man he used to be. He knew it would take time to prove to her that she changed him for the better. When they ended their kiss, Buffy needed time to catch her breath. "Wow. What was that for?" "I dont know. I just felt like doing it. I hope I didnt upset you by kissing you like that," Angel told her. "But I dont regret doing it." Buffy shook her head. "I dont regret it either. And its okay, I didnt mind at all. It actuallyit was nice. All your kisses have been nice." "They have?" "Yeah." Angel bit his lip, fearing hed kiss her again and not be able to stop. "Im, uh, going to congratulate Dawn on her acceptance," he said. "And take a shower." A long, cold one. As he walked through the living room, Angel sighed. Admitting to himself that he loved Buffy was one thing, admitting it to her was something completely different. And he needed more time to win her love in return.

*** 34 "Where are you going?" Buffy wanted to know when she saw Angel putting on his coat. "I thought we were going out for our anniversary dinner." "We are. But I have to go to the office for a few hours and go over a few things. Ill be home in plenty of time for dinner. Trust me, I have no intention of missing it." "Okay. You had better be home in time. I bought a new dress and Im dying to wear it out. Not to mention, we have some serious talking to do. Todays the deadline," she reminded him. Angel nodded his head in agreement. "I know very well what today is; our three-year wedding anniversary. And I totally agree, you and I need to talk about it tonight." Tonight was the night for Angel; after spending close to eight months keeping his love for Buffy a secret, he would tell her over dinner. He became a changed man the night hed almost slept with Drusilla, instead of trying to fight his feelings for his wife, Angel accepted them. He did his best to show her in subtle ways, such as romantic dinners, long walks and the occasional kiss. But if Buffy suspected his motives, she kept it to herself. "Big decisions to make tonight," Buffy commented. "Exactly." More than you know, Buffy. More than you could possibly know. "I promise I wont be long. Have fun without me all by your lonesome in this big house." Buffy laughed. "Gee, I think I can manage without you somehow. Dawns been away at school for three months now. Im getting used to the quiet." Once he left for the office, she went up to her room to watch television. She was excited about dinner; she couldnt wait to have her talk with Angel. Whatever the evening held for them, Buffy counted on it being a night neither of them would ever forget. At three in the afternoon, while she was watching General Hospital, Buffy heard the front door close. Wow, Angels home early. I thought hed be out until at least five, she thought. "Angel?" she called. "Youre back early." A figure stood in the doorway. "Sorry, pet. Its not Angel." *** Sitting at his desk, Angel was unable to concentrate on his work. All he could think about was Buffy and the romantic dinner he had planned for them. Seven oclock seemed like years away rather than four hours from that moment. The reservations he made at La Rouge had been secured back in July. The events of their dinner would change his life forever either for the better or for the worse. Opening his top desk drawer, Angel pulled out a black velvet box and slowly removed the top. Inside sat a one-and-a-half carat diamond ring in an oval shape set in gold. He sighed at it, imagining his wifes face when he gave it to her. // "Buffy, I have to tell you something." She gazed curiously at him. She assumed he wanted to talk about the dissolution of their three year marriage. "Okay. Im listening."

Angel took a deep breath. "These past three yearsthey have been the happiest of my life. After Darla cheated on me and broke my heart, I thought Id never find a woman I could love the way I loved her. But I was wrong, dead wrong. Because you walked through my office door and I was gone. Buffy, I loved you the moment I saw you. Im *in* love with you. And I cant imagine living the rest of my life without you in it." He pulled the box containing the diamond engagement ring out of his coat pocket. "Im sick of living this sham of a marriage. I want you to be my wife, Buffy. Will you marry me for real this time?" Seeing the ring glinting in the candlelight, Buffy couldnt seem to catch her breath. "Y-You want to marry me?" He nodded. "Yes. A real wedding; in a church in front of our friends and family. No one will have to be any the wiser. We can tell them we want to renew our vows in a church wedding. Well?" "Yes," she replied, thrusting her left hand toward him so he could place the ring on her finger. "Yes, I want to marry you." \\ The fantasy brought a smile to his face. He stacked his papers into a neat pile and locked them inside his desk before leaving to go home. All he wanted to do was see Buffy. *** Buffy looked up, seeing Spike standing just inside her bedroom. He wore a vicious smile on his face that frightened her. It was then that she wished Angel was home. "Hi, Spike. Angels at the office, he should be home at five. Ill let him know you stopped by to see him, though," she said, hoping hed leave when he found out his friend wasnt home. "Thats okay. Im not here to see Angel," he told her. "I came for you." She raised her eyebrows. "Me? What for?" He approached her slowly, like a stalking predator to its prey. "Dont play coy with me, Buffy. You know why I am here." "No, I dont." "Please. You know what I want. You and me, weve been dancing around each other for years now. And Im here to get what youve been teasing me with since the day we met." "I dont get it, Spike. Cut to the point. What are you really here?" she demanded. His demeanor was really beginning to scare her. Spike moved even closer to her, causing Buffy to back away from him. When her back was pressed against the wall, she knew she was trapped. "You need me to spell it out for you? I want *you,* Buffy. And Im here to collect." "Get away from me." "No." "Ill call Angel." "You wont make to the phone and he wouldnt be able to get here in time anyway," Spike drawled, chilling her heart.

Placing an arm on either side of her body, Spike caged her in, pushing his lips to hers. Buffy shook her head from side to side, trying to keep his lips off of her but it didnt work. He lifted his right hand and slapped it across her cheek, making her head snap to the right. Then he held her head in place before forcing his tongue inside her mouth. It probed and poked and prodded, not at all like Angels kisses. Buffy knew that if she didnt do something soon, Spike would rape her. Using all her strength, Buffy raised her knee, connecting it with her would-be attackers groin. He roared in pain, letting go of her and falling to the ground. Buffy used the opportunity to try to run into the bathroom. There she could lock herself in until Angel got home. As she made her way around Spikes fallen body, he grabbed her legs, causing her to fall to the ground face-first. He turned her over and straddled his best friends wife. "You fucking bitch!" Spike swore. How dare she fight me! With all of his anger, he fisted his hand and connected it with her eye. He smiled when Buffy cried out from the shear force of his punch. "Youll pay for that," he warned. Spike gripped her neck with his left hand and began unbuttoning her pants with his right one. She tried to kick him, but her legs were trapped under his. It was a futile attempt at escape which she knew wouldnt work; neither would her cries for him to stop. There was no way the neighbors would hear her, and Angel wouldnt return for hours. Buffy couldnt get away, and she began to prepare for the worst. "Stop it!" she screamed as loud as she could, hoping against all hope that he might listen to her pleas. Angel walked through the front door in time to hear his wife cry out. Not wasting a second, he bolted up the stairs to her bedroom. The sight before him shocked him beyond belief: his best friend forcing himself on his wife, his hand pushing down her black pants while she struggled beneath him. Buffys face had turned a bright shade of red from the lack of oxygen. With both fear and anger gripping his heart, Angel ran to the two. "Get off of her!" Angel shouted, grabbing Spike by the neck and wrenching him off his wife. Spike toppled backward from the force. "What the hell do you think youre doing?" "Just taking what I rightfully deserve," Spike growled. Angel took his arm and dragged him out of the room, down the stairs and toward the front door. "You dont deserve anything from her." "You dont think so, huh? Your bloody wife has been flaunting her goodies in front of me for years and I finally came to collect. She was just playing hard to get. What the hell are you getting so bent out of shape about? You sure as hell arent fucking her, so why shouldnt I?" "You have a warped sense of reality, Spike. You tried to rape my wife! Theres no way you can justify that." Spike whipped around, his anger finally boiling over after nearly twenty years. It was time to lay all the cards on the table. "How about you owe me!? I spent years screwing women youve already had. Im sick of it. For once, I want to get there first. Im bloody tired of being second behind you. Every woman Ive cared about has already been with you. You know what? Its time for a little payback. Ill take the woman *you* want. It would have been perfect if youd just had sex with Dru again like she and I planned. But nooooyou had to go all noble on us. Ruined my plans for getting Buffy in bed the old-fashioned way." "And you feel that gives you the right to rape my wife?" Angel yelled. "Itll be a first time shell never forget," gloated Spike. "Too bad you interrupted it."

"Get out. And dont you ever even think about coming back. Youre not welcome here anymore. Come near my family again and Ill kill you," he threatened before pushing Spike out of the door and slamming it shut behind him. When he returned to Buffys bedroom, he found her sitting on the floor, clutching her legs to her chest. "Hes gone now, Buffy. And he wont hurt you again. Are you okay?" "He tried to" She couldnt finish the sentence. Thinking about it made her want to cry even harder. "Yeah, I know he did." Angel lifted her head so he could look her in the eyes. He saw the black eye she now sported courtesy of Spikes punch. "Oh god, Buff. He really did hurt you. Im so sorry he did this to you. Nobody deserves that, especially not you." "I dont understand. I didnt do anything to make him attack me. I swear I didnt." He nodded in understanding. "I know you didnt. How do you feel?" He didnt know how to deal with her. And Angel hated not knowing what to do. Her lower lip trembled and tears streamed down her cheeks. "He tried to rape me, Angel. He really hurt me." Angel took her in his arms, letting her cry on his shoulder. "I know he did. Just let it out, Buffy. Cry if you need to. Ill be right here." *** 35 "Buffy, I think it would be a good idea if we call the police about what happened here tonight," Angel suggested, still trying to console his crying wife. She lifted her head from his shoulders, tears evident in her eyes. "No. Im not going to the police. No way, no how." "Its the only way to make him pay for what he did to you. They can bring him up on charges of assault and attempted rape. I have friends in the D.A.s office who can make the charges stick to him like super glue." "I said no, Angel. I dont care if he pays for it, I just want to forget it ever happened. Cant I just do that?" He gazed into her eyes, seeing the determination in her green orbs. Obviously, there would be no changing her mind. "If youre sure this is what you want." "Yeah, Im sure." "Okay. But if you change your mind" "I wont." An awkward silence followed. Angel didnt quite know what he had to do or what Buffy needed from him. He hated feeling so helpless. But when he saw how black and blue her eye was becoming, he finally knew what needed to be done. "Your eye, Buffyyou need ice on it." "Is it bad?" "Well, its gonna be a pretty nasty shade of black and blue. Come on, lets go down to the kitchen and ice it to keep the swelling down."

Buffy bit her lip. "I cant. I cant feel my legs, I dont think I can walk without falling down flat on my face." She was still in shock, that Angel knew for certain. So he stood up and scooped her into his arms, carrying her down the stairs to the kitchen. He placed her on the counter next to the refrigerator. She sat saying nothing while he was placing ice cubes in a cloth. "This may sting a little bit," he warned her. Buffy nodded, and winced when the cold cloth came in contact with her tender skin. She whimpered in pain, so Angel smoothed her hair with his free hand in a show of comfort. He felt so bad for her, he wished he could take her pain away. To him, there was nothing worse than seeing the woman he loved in pain. "Sorry," Angel apologized. "I told you it would hurt a little." "You sound like you talk from experience." Angel smirked slyly. "Just a little bit. I wasnt the most well-behaved child in boarding school and I ended up in a lot of fights. A black eye was pretty much a given once a month. As soon as one healed, Id have another one." "Wild child?" she asked with a smile on her face, glad he was able to take her mind off of her attack. "Try a holy terror. The nuns thought I was Satans spawn." He could see a red mark forming on her other cheek and the outline of Spikes fingers on her thin neck. "God, Buffy, he really did a number on you, didnt he? Bastard." Looking down in embarrassment, she nodded slowly. "Yeah. I dont understand why he did this to me. Why, Angel? I didnt do anything to give him the wrong idea. I know I didnt." "You didnt do anything wrong. This wasnt about you, it was about me. Spike wanted revenge against me for something that happened to him years ago that he thought was my fault. And he took it out on you, knowing that by hurting you, hed hurt me, too." Buffy didnt understand. "What did you do to him? Or what does he think you did?" "Its not important; its stupid actually. Lets just say Spike isnt the best friend I always thought he was. Im not making light of what he did to you because it was horrible and unnecessary. He knows how important you are to me and got back at me through you. Im sorry you were dragged into it the way you were. The last thing I ever wanted was for you to get hurt." "I dont blame you for this. I justI dont know. What I do know is that if you hadnt gotten home when you did, Spike would have" Angel put his fingers over Buffys lips to quiet her. "Dont even think about it. He didnt go through with it, just leave it at that. Spike is gone; out of our lives for good. I want you to forget this ever happened." "I dont know if I can. Im scared, I dont feel safe in my own home anymore." "You wont be alone, Buffy. Im going to take off work tomorrow and you and I are gonna spend the day together. And I am canceling our dinner plans for tonight. Wanna order a pizza?" he wanted to know. "Im sorry for ruining our plans for tonight. I know how important this dinner was going to be. We were going to talk about the future." He solemnly nodded, thinking about the ring sitting inside his coat pocket. "Yeah, we were. But it can wait until youre feeling up to it."

"Sure. As long as you dont mind." "Youre much more important to me right now. Happy not-so-happy Anniversary, Buffy." "Same to you." *** The two of them spent the rest of the night sitting on the couch, Buffy curled up in Angels embrace. She felt safe with him there, as if nothing could hurt her when his arms were around her. After the attack that afternoon, she found herself wondering how shed get by without him there when they divorced. The thought of being away from him frightened her. After the movie they were watching was over, Angel turned off the television. "You still awake over there?" "Uh-huh. Im just thinking." "About anything in particular?" "No. Just random thoughts. Is the movie over already?" "Yep. What do you want to do now? Its only ten oclock," Angel told her. She smiled. "A hot bath sounds really, really good right about now." "You got it." Buffy stood up and made her way to the staircase, stopping before she went up a single step. Fear gripped her at the thought of being alone upstairs. "Angel, will you come with me? I dont want to go up there alone." "Of course I will." He followed her to the bathroom between their bedrooms. "Ill wait in my room until youre done in here." She shook her head as she drew the bath, pouring some bubble bath in there as well. She looked up at him with fear in her eyes. "Please dont. Stay in here with me. Im afraid of being alone." "Are you sure?" "I wouldnt have asked you if I wasnt a hundred percent positive. Could you just keep your back turned while I get undressed?" Even though Buffy knew hed seen her naked, she was still shy about her body in front of him. "You got it." Angel did as he was told, not turning back around until he heard the okay from her. The sight that awaited him took his breath away. Even with a black eye and a red cheek, Buffy was still beautiful. The bubbles covered her to her neck and she leaned her head against the tiles behind her with her eyes closed. "Feeling better?" "Much. Its amazing how a hot bath will soothe and relax you. My mother used to swear by them. And she was right." She lifted her right leg from the water and washed it with soap and a washcloth. Angel couldnt take his eyes off of her. He knew if he didnt do something productive, he would go completely crazy. "If you want, Ill wash your back for you. It might help you relax even more." "You dont mind?"

"It would be my pleasure." He sat on the edge of the bathtub, took the washcloth from her hand and ran it up and down her smooth back as she leaned forward. Buffy moaned; nobody had ever washed her back before, and it felt amazing. Angel seemed to know exactly what he was doing. "Youve done this before, havent you?" "A few times. Darla liked it." She felt a tug of jealously at her heart at the mention of his ex-girlfriend. "Did she? You did this for her?" "Once in a while. But she never deserved it like you do right now." Buffy turned to look at her husband, and swore she saw a hurt look in his brown eyes. "She hurt you a lot when she cheated on you, didnt she?" "You could say that. She was the first woman I ever loved and she broke my heart in a million pieces when I caught her in bed with one of her co-workers. For a long time, I gave up on love because I was afraid of getting hurt again. But Im not afraid anymore." "Im glad for that. You deserve better than her. Anyone who cheats on you just isnt worth the trouble. She didnt know how lucky she was to have you in her life. But her loss is my incredible gain. Im lucky and I know it." "Im lucky, too." "Thank you for doing that, Angel. I feel a little better now. I think Im going to get out in a few minutes and get ready for bed. Do you think you could do me one more favor?" "Anything." "Spend the night with me." Angels eyes widened with surprise at her request. "Excuse me?" She took a deep breath. "I didnt mean it like that. Sure, Im feeling better after the bath, but Im still scared. I have this fear of Spike coming back to finish what he started. And I only feel safe when youre around. Could youI mean, would you sleep in my room tonight?" Buffy asked. "Are you sure this is what you want?" "Stop asking me that. Im sure. Youre like my protector. A guardian angel. I find it rather ironic." "Then I will. Just let me get dressed for bed." As he was heading for his bedroom, Buffy called out to him. "Angel? Thank you." He smiled at her. "Youre welcome." *** 36 Angel knocked on the bedroom door across the hall, not wanting to walk in on Buffy while she was getting changed for bed. The last thing she needed was to be frightened once more that day. "Buffy? Is it all right if I come in now?"

A few seconds passed by before she replied. "Yeah, you can come in." He opened the door slowly, walking in as she was climbing under the covers. Her long hair still hung damply past her shoulders. The black eye had finally settled down to one shade and the redness in her other cheek had substantially subsided. "Where do you want me?" Angel asked her. He assumed hed sleep on the reclining chair on the other side of the room. Buffy patted the empty side of the bed next to her. "Here. Do you mind?" "Not at all. Are you sure youll be comfortable with me there?" She nodded. "Totally comfortable. The other side of the room is way too far in caseyou know, if he comes back tonight." Angel laid down on the bed, next to his wife. "Spike would have to be very stupid to come back here after what he pulled this afternoon. He knows exactly what Ill do to him if I find him anywhere near you." Turning off the lamp next to her bed, Buffy settled under the covers. "Angel?" "Hmm?" "Do you mindI mean, would you put your arms around me? Id feel a little safer if you did. If you dont want to, I completely understand." "Id like to. Especially if itll make you feel better." Buffy scooted to his side of the bed and laid on her side to allow him to envelope her in his embrace. Angel held her like a fragile china doll in his arms, soothingly rubbing her right arm. Her cheek rested on his shoulder. Under different circumstances, we could be like this right now as well. Only instead shed be wearing my new ring on her finger and wed have just made love for the first time. He cursed Spike for ruining his golden opportunity. "Feel better?" he wanted to know. "Much. I hate this so much, Angel. I hate feeling like a victim. God, Spike could have killed me this afternoon." A fresh batch of tears welled up in her eyes, slipping out onto his bare shoulder. "Please dont cry again. I hate seeing you cry. Look, Im here now, hes not gonna come anywhere near you as long as Im around. And I am not going anywhere for a while, so you have nothing to worry about, Buffy." "Do you mean that? You wont go anywhere?" she asked. "Im here for as long as you want me to be. Theres no rule stating that we have to file for divorce right after our three year anniversary. We can wait until you feel ready to be alone again," Angel informed her. "Take as much time as you need. We can wait until after the holiday season is over." Buffy sniffled, burrowing herself more comfortably in his embrace. "Thank you. It means a lot to me that youre so nice about it." "You mean the world to me; you are the most important person in my life and Im not about to let you suffer through this alone." ***

At eight the next morning, Angel heard the front door open and close. He looked over and saw Buffy asleep a few inches away, obviously not having heard the sound of someone entering the house. As quietly as he could, he crept out of bed to find out who it was. Walking down the stairs to the front hall, he sighed with relief when he saw the housekeeper hanging up her jacket. "Emilia. I completely forgot you were coming by today. Good morning," he greeted. Emilia jumped upon hearing his voice. "Seor McKenzie. I did not expect you to be home on a Thursday morning." Then she noticed her employer only wore a pair of gray sweatpants. "Sorry. I took the day off. Buffy isnt feeling too well this morning, we think she has the flu or something," he lied. Her face lit up like a Christmas tree. "The baby flu? Is Seora Buffy going to have a baby soon?" Angel sighed, but he couldnt stop himself from smiling at the thought. "Unfortunately no, Emilia. But maybe if you cross your fingers and say a prayer" "I have been doing that para aos, Seor." "Well, keep it up. Anyway, I dont want you to get sick because of Buffy, so why dont you take the rest of the day off," he offered. "I can do the cleaning today, and Ill even pay you for your trouble." "All right. But let me prepare Seora breakfast before I go," Emilia said. "No thanks, Ive got it covered. Go home and be with your family." Once she left, Angel went into the kitchen to make Buffy her favorite breakfast: two eggs scrambled with cheese, bacon, white toast and a glass of apple juice. When it was done cooking, he carried it upstairs on a tray so that she could enjoy breakfast in bed. As he entered the room, Buffy was just waking up. "Morning," he said with a smile, placing the food in front of her. "Good morning." She eyed the plate of food in front of her. "Whats this for?" "I made you breakfast in bed," Angel told her. "I thought youd like to be pampered a little bit more." She grinned. "Thank you. It looks great." "You might not think so once you actually taste it. Howd you sleep last night?" Buffy shrugged her shoulders. "Okay, I guess. Definitely better than I would have because you were here." "Think you might be ready to sleep by yourself tonight?" "Maybe. Well see how Im feeling later. Is that okay with you?" she wanted to know. "Its fine. Just let me know." *** By the time Buffy and Angel retired to bed that night, Buffy *did* feel ready to sleep in her room alone. They went into their separate bedrooms, but she made Angel promise to keep his door open just to be safe. So he did.

After a frightening dream in which Spike came back to the house, wearing the same sadistic smile hed worn the night before, Buffy woke up in a cold sweat. Glancing over at the clock, she sighed upon discovering it only read five past midnight. The night hasnt even begun yet. I cant do this. Getting out of bed, she put on something more appropriate and made her way across the hall to Angels room. Luckily, the light was still on and he sat on his bed with the covers over his waist, reading a file. He looked up when he caught sight of her out of the corner of his eye; she stood in his doorway without saying a word. "Whats wrong?" he questioned. "Are you okay?" "I had a bad dream. Do you mind if I stay in here tonight?" she asked. "Come on in, its fine with me." Then he remembered he wasnt wearing anything under the blankets. "Um, Buffy, I should probably warn you that I dont have anything on under here. Just let me throw on some pants." "You dont have to, Angel. I already know you sleep naked; you told me once, remember? Besides, this is your bed, you can sleep however you like. Im just a visitor for the night." "I dont want you to feel uncomfortable," he said. Buffy shook her head. "You couldnt make me feel uncomfortable. Ever." She slid under the blankets of his bed. "This bed is very comfy. I like it." "Thanks." She pointed to the file sitting on his lap. "Are you working on a big case or something?" "Not really. Property dispute, well end up settling out of court tomorrow," he informed her. He closed the manila folder and placed it on the bedside table. "Youre going to work tomorrow? I mean today, considering its after midnight." Angel noticed the hint of fear in her voice. "Only for a little while. Two, probably three hours at the most. Im going to call your sister in the morning and have her stay with you while Im gone. And I called the locksmith this afternoon and hell be stopping by sometime tomorrow to replace the locks on all the doors. I am going to make damn sure Spike never sets foot in this house again." "Angel, you dont have to do that," Buffy argued. "Im only going to be living here for a few more weeks, you do not need to change the locks. I dont want you to go to so much trouble." "I have to. This is all my fault. Spike has a key to this house; he can come and go as he pleases. And I have to make sure he doesnt do it again." Buffy looked intently at him. "This isnt your fault. Dont say that." "Then tell me what Im supposed to say," Angel demanded. When she didnt answer, he nodded. "See? I am to blame for this. I brought him into your life, as well as Faiths. I introduced you, I gave him a key to our home, I gave him an all-access pass to you. I practically gave him an open invitation to attack you." "Stop it." "No. I cant. All this is my fault. How can you even stand to look at me knowing what Ive done to you?" Once again, Buffy didnt answer him. She gently touched her hand to his right cheek, turning his head so that he faced her. Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and brought her lips to his. The two met in a slow, sensual kiss that Angel wasted little time responding to. To him, it was a dream come true; kissing her

in his bed, no barriers between him and his love except a thin button-down blouse that could be removed in less than ten seconds in necessary. He sat up in a better position, and Buffy moved closer to him. "Angel?" "Yes?" "Theres something I have to tell you. Ive never" She was about to tell him shed never made love to a man before; that she wanted her first time to be with the man she loved. Looking into his soulful brown eyes, Buffys heart told her it was him. She loved Angel. "Forget it." He brushed a stray hair from her face. "Its okay. I know youre still a virgin." "How?" Her biggest fear was that Faith or one of her friends had told him. "You had that slumber party right after we got married. I found out then. We dont have to go through with this if you dont want to. I know you wanted to share it with someone you love," Angel said. Buffy cupped his cheek in her hand. "Im going to. I love you, Angel." Hearing her declaration of love, his heart soared with joy. "Im in love with you, too." *** They calmed down and did their best to catch their breath after their passionate lovemaking. Angel rolled off of her, facing her from the right side. "Are you okay?" he wanted to know. As if in a daze, Buffy nodded her head. "Im fine. Pleasantly numb." She paused. "You and Iwe just made love, right?" "Yes, we did." Buffy rolled on her side to gaze into his eyes. "That was the best thing Ive ever done in my life." "It gets better," he said, teasing in his voice. "Does it? It gets better than that?" She placed her hand on the back of his head and met his lips in a kiss. "Buffy, what are you doing?" He was shocked by her wanton behavior. "I want to make love to you again." "Arent you tired?" She shook her head, tossing her leg over his hip. "Nope." Angel scooped her into his arms and they made love until they could no longer keep their eyes open. *** 37 With a tired moan, Angel awoke the following morning. He felt exhausted from the nights events, but for him it was a pleasant kind of tired. Never before in his life had he been so sated by a woman, not even by Darla

in their year together. And the young woman sleeping in his embrace was the reason for it. Just looking over at her made him come alive with want and desire. Buffy had been everything he could have possibly asked for and more. She was a living example of contradictions throughout their lovemaking: soft yet hard, innocent yet wanton, yielding yet domineering. During their second bout of lovemaking, she became voracious, ready and willing to try things that would normally make a virgin blush. She caught on quickly and drove him to the brink of insanity with her experimentation. By the time she finally fell asleep, Angel had lost all feeling below his waist. Not that he minded in the least. As much as he wanted to lay in bed with her and hopefully engage in another round of lovemaking Angel had to get up for work. Slowly and silently, he worked his way out of bed without disturbing her. Grabbing a clean suit from his closet, he walked to the other end of the hall to shower in Dawns bathroom. He did not want to wake Buffy, she needed her sleep. No doubt she was just as exhausted as him. After a quick shower, he dressed and checked in on her. Glancing at the alarm clock next to his bed, Angel knew he had to get going; he didnt even have time to make himself breakfast. Rather than wake his sleeping love, he wrote her a note and left it on the pillow where he had been resting his head only fifteen minutes before. Bending down, he planted a soft kiss on her left cheek. "I love you," he whispered before leaving. *** "Good morning, Jenny," Angel greeted happily when he walked past his secretarys desk. She lifted her eyebrows curiously. It had been a long time since shed seen her boss so pleasant in the morning. "Morning, Mr. McKenzie. Youre awfully cheery this morning. Is your wife feeling better?" "Everythings perfect. My life couldnt be better. Hell, I couldnt ask for more." "Im going to take that as a yes. Is Buffy pregnant or something?" she wanted to know. The only reason she could think of for his chipper mood was that his beloved wife was expecting a child. Angel shook his head. "Nope. Well, not yet anyway." "Ah, I see. Youre practicing." "Something like that. I dont want any interruptions until my client arrives at ten oclock. But if my wife happens to call, put her right through," Angel told his secretary before entering his office. *** Buffy rolled over and extended her right arm over to where Angel was sleeping. But instead, her hand came in contact with a cold mattress rather than a warm body. Opening her eyes, she looked over and found that she was alone in Angels bed. What theWheres Angel? she thought. She sat up, covering her nakedness with a thin bed sheet. "Angel?" she called. Maybe hes in the bathroom. She climbed out of bed, clutching the sheet to her body and headed into the adjoining bathroom between their bedrooms. But the room was empty, as was her bedroom. "Angel!?" Still, there was no answer. Walking back to Angels bedroom, she saw a piece of paper sitting on his pillow. With interest, she picked it up and read it over. DEAREST BUFFY,

IM SORRY I COULDNT BE THERE THIS MORNING WHEN YOU WOKE UP. I HAD THAT MEETING THIS MORNING OR ELSE I WOULD HAVE BEEN THERE NEXT TO YOU. WORDS CANNOT EVEN BEGIN TO DESCRIBE WHAT HAPPENED BETWEEN US LAST NIGHT. OBVIOUSLY WERE GOING TO HAVE TO TALK ABOUT WHAT IT MEANT AND WHERE WE GO FROM HERE WHEN I RETURN HOME TODAY. LOVE, ANGEL Buffy shook her head when she finished reading her husbands note. "Good god, what have I done?" *** Faith used her key to enter her sisters home. Shed received a phone call at nine in the morning from Angel asking her to spend the day at the house with Buffy. He neglected to give her the specifics, telling her if she wanted to know the reason why shed have to ask her sister. Without arguing, she agreed to stop by after she showered and ate breakfast. "B? You around here somewhere?" she asked. "Im in the kitchen, Faith," Buffy answered. The brunette made her way into the kitchen and found her sister bending down into the refrigerator, reaching for two cans of Pepsi. "Whats going on here, Buffy? Why did Angel insist I come over here?" When her adopted sister stood up and faced her, Faiths jaw dropped. "Holy shit! What the hell happened to you?" "A black eye." "Yeah, I can see that. How did it get there? Did Angel do that to you? Because if he did, I will kill him with my bare hands," she threatened. "And you know Ill do it, Ive done it before." Buffy shook her head, a pang of sadness coursing through her veins at the mention of her husbands name. "It wasnt him, Faith. Angel never laid a hand on me in anger. He didnt do this, Spike did." "Spike gave you that shiner? Youve got to be kidding me." "Its true. He came by the day before yesterday while Angel was at the office. And he" Buffy choked back the tears she felt forming. "Faith, he tried to rape me." "What? Oh my god, Buff, Im so sorry. I had no idea." She ran over to her sister and hugged her with all her might. "I never would have gotten involved with him if I knew he was a rapist." Buffy let go. "You couldnt have known hed do this. Angel didnt even know, and they were best friends. If he hadnt come home when he did, Spike would have gone through with it." "Thank god Angel was here." "Yeah." Faith knew her sister better than anyone, and she knew something else had happened since Wednesday. "Spill it, B. I know something else went down. Tell me." "Youre right, something else *did* happen. I spent the whole day yesterday with Angel; he took the day off and did his best to comfort me. Last night I had a bad dream, I dreamt that Spike came back and tried to

attack me again. Angel had told me I could come into his room if I got scared, so I did. We started talking and he blamed himself for what happened to me. Then we began kissing each other and thenthen we made love." Faith couldnt believe what she was hearing. "You and Angel slept together?" "Yes." Buffy blinked away her tears. "I finally did it; I finally let a man touch me in ways no one has ever touched me. Im not the oldest living virgin on the planet anymore." "Way to go, B." "No. I was a fool, Faith. Look at this." She showed her sister the note Angel left for her. "He wrote this and I woke up next to this piece of paper instead of my husband." She read it over. "So? Its a nice note. He apologized for going to work and leaving you alone. I think its sweet of him." I cannot believe Buffy did it. Its about damn time they finally slept together. It only took three years. "You think its sweet? Did you read the last line? He wants to talk about it. Which means he doesnt want it to happen again. We broke the one sacred rule of our marriage it was supposed to be in name-only. Sex only complicates things and Angel and I complicated it last night." Buffy sat down and put her head in her hands. Faith took a seat next to her. "I even told him I loved him." "You did *what*?" "Yep. It only took me three years to realize it, but I finally said it. And Angel said it back. He said he loved me, Faith. But tonight hes gonna take it back." Faith sighed. "You dont know that for a fact." "Yes I do. I can read between the lines, and he might as well have wrote it in the note." "Buffy, listen to me. Angel loves you. Anyone with two eyes can see it." "No. Hes going to come home tonight and tell me what a mistake it was. I dont want to hear him say it. Itll hurt way too much. So I wont let him say it." She gazed at her sister. "How are you planning to do that? Keep him from saying it, that is." "Im gonna say it first." Dont do it, B. Youll only end up hurting yourself. And Angel, too. But she knew nothing she could say would change her sisters mind. *** 38 It was dinnertime before Angel returned home from the office. He hadnt meant to spend so much time there, but it couldnt be helped. The entire time he sat in the conference room with his client and opposing council, all Angel could think about was being home with his wife. The hours dragged by unbearably and he sighed with relief when he walked through the back door of his home. Upon entering, his nose was assaulted by the scent of roasting chicken. It smelled delicious and Angel took a big sniff. "Mmm" he moaned.

In the kitchen, Buffy heard him enter. Oh god oh god oh god, she thought as she poured the rice into the saucepan of boiling water. I dont want to do this but I have to. Shed spent a good portion of the day thinking up what shed say to him. "It smells great in here. I cant wait to eat," Angel said when he stepped into the kitchen. He found his wife standing in front of the counter with her back to him. "Hey. I missed you all day today," he told her, putting his hands on her shoulders. Buffy closed her eyes and bit her lip when she felt his lips kissing the top of her head. Please, Angel, dont do this to me. Dont tease me by giving me hope. "Hi. I thought you were going to be home early today. Its nearly five." "I tried, believe me I did. But my client refused to meet any of the other lawyers demands. Negotiations ran longer than anticipated. Im really sorry. I wanted to be home with you, really I did." He looked around the room. "Isnt Faith here? I called her this morning and asked her to spend the day with you so you wouldnt be alone." "She came by but I sent her home at three. After the locksmith left I told her she could leave. I felt safe enough, knowing Spike couldnt get in here." "Thats good at least. How are you feeling?" he wanted to know. She shrugged her shoulders, stirring the rice. "Ive been better." "I know. Im sure it will take some time for you to feel a hundred percent again. And you know Ill be here for you every step of the way to help you through it." "Thanks. Look, dinner wont be ready for another five or ten minutes, so youve got time to get out of that stuffy suit youre wearing," Buffy informed him. She noticed the way the suit fell on him, but couldnt help remembering how he looked without anything on. Stop it, Buff. Dont do this to yourself. "Alright. Ill be back down in a few minutes. Call me if you need anything." "I think Ill be fine for a couple minutes alone. You dont have to worry about me." "I do worry." Then he left the room and went into his bedroom to change into something more comfortable for lounging around the house in. When Angel had left the kitchen, Buffy glanced at her reflection in a nearby mirror. What she saw scared her. How can I even expect Angel to mean what he said last night? God, Im hideous. Theres no way he could possibly be in love with me. She absent-mindedly took the chicken out of the oven and put a piece on each other their plates. By that time the rice was finished cooking and she scooped a healthy portion on Angels plate, but only a little on hers. She was still stressed-out and didnt have much of an appetite. And doubted she would for a while. "It looks even better than it smells. I cant wait to taste it," her husband commented, making his presence known. "Jump right in." They sat down, Angel taking his usual seat to Buffys right. Neither of them said anything for several minutes; both were working up the nerve to say what they wanted to say to the other. Finally, halfway through the meal, they spoke at the same time. "Angel, we need to talk," Buffy said.

"Buffy, we should talk." The two looked at each other and laughed. "Why dont you go first, Buffy," Angel suggested. "I can wait until youre done." She nodded and took a deep breath. "Okay. I really dont know how to say this other than just coming out and saying it. What happened between us last night, well, it was amazing." "That it was," he agreed. "And Ive been thinking about it all day today. While I dont regret it, I think it was a mistake. I needed someone and you were there for me. And I appreciate you being here for me in my time of need." Angel felt like hed been kicked in the stomach and had the wind knocked out of him. "A mistake," he repeated. "Yes. I came on to you likewell, I dont want to say a hooker, but I cant think of a better word. I practically threw myself at you. Im not saying you took advantage of me, because I was more than willing. Hell, I wanted it. And I know you did not want to break our agreement by sleeping with me, and I know why you did it. Angel, you were just trying to comfort me. And trust me, you did a great job of it; for the entire time we wereyou know, I didnt once think about what happened to me on Wednesday. I have you to thank for that, which is why I dont regret it. Even though you probably do." "Buffy" Angel interrupted. She shook her head. "Dont. Let me get this out before I lose my nerve. I want you to know I dont hold you to anything you said to me last night. We said things we didnt mean in the heat of passion. I know you dont love me any more than I love you," she lied. But I do love you. "Is that why you said it? In the heat of the moment?" he asked. He wanted to tell her he had meant every word he said to her, but he knew what was going on. Angel was being rejected by the woman he loved. Again. "Yes." Buffy did her best to hold her tears in. "I just wanted you to know I feel the same way you do." "You think thats how I feel?" Buffy nodded. "Yes. I read your note when I woke up this morning and I thought it over and came the same conclusion you did." "Buffy, I didnt" "You dont have to lie to me to protect my feelings. Im a big girl and I can take it. I never really thought you loved me anyway." How could you? "If thats how you feel" "It is." Angel didnt reply to her. He looked down in his lap, where he held the black velvet box containing the engagement ring he had planned on giving her during dinner. I was a fool for thinking she might actually love me back. With a shaking hand, he put it back in his pocket. ***

After dinner, Angel had gone to his study to be alone. Buffys rejection was more than he could handle. The last thing he wanted her to see was how devastated he was by her words. He tried to concentrate on his new case but he couldnt. The words blurred on the pages, nothing sinking in, though he tried to get his mind off of Buffy. All he could think about was how he lost everything. And hed been sitting there for six hours pondering it. The ring still sat inside the box from the jewelers; he had it on the edge of the desk. Picking it up, Angel stared at it. He tried to imagine it on Buffys finger, how beautiful it would look on her tiny ring finger, and how happy hed be when she said yes to his marriage proposal. "How can this be happening?" he asked out loud. "I thought tonight would be perfect, especially after last night. Buffy wants nothing to do with me. How could I have misread her intentions? She thinks me making love to her was a mistake. But it wasnt. I would never in a million years think that." Picking up the ring, he read the words hed had inscribed on the inside of it that very afternoon. "Wife, Lover, Best Friend," he read. "All My Love Forever, Angel." He placed it back on the box, closed the cover and put it inside his desk drawer. "I wont give up. I have until after the holidays to change Buffys mind." Yawning, he headed up the stairs to his bedroom. He paused at Buffys bedroom door, hearing her voice cry out in her sleep. Angel pushed the door open and saw her thrashing around the bed, crying out. "Get away! No! Stop it, Spike!" she yelled. "Help me, Angel. Please" Angel sat down on the bed and softly called her name, hoping it would penetrate through her nightmare. "Buffy, wake up. Buffy." Opening her eyes, she found Angel sitting next to her. "Whats going on? What are you doing in here, Angel?" "I heard you from the hallway. You were having a nightmare, I think. I came in to see if you were okay. Are you, Buffy?" "Im fine. I dreamt that Spike came back." "Hes not coming back. We changed the locks, remember? Do you want me to stay in here with you tonight? You might feel better or safer or something," he offered. "No!" Buffy exclaimed. "I mean, no thanks. Ill be fine on my own." It wasnt that Buffy didnt want him to spend the night with her, but she was afraid of what would happen. She knew if she let him stay, shed end up hurting herself all over again. Buffy wasnt sure she could control herself if he was so close to her. "Are you sure?" "Positive. Just go to bed." Angel wasnt convinced by her words, but abided by them. "Ill leave my door open for you if you want some company. Just come on in like you did last night." Angel hoped she would take it to mean he wanted her there with him; that he didnt think what she thought he did. "Good night." "Night." He exited her room and went into his. Without changing out of his jeans and shirt, Angel laid down on his bed and cried himself to sleep for the first time since he was seven years old.

*** 39 The following weeks proved to be awkward for both Buffy and Angel. Neither of them broached the subject of their night together for obvious reasons they both believed the other thought it a mistake. As per their agreement the night of Spikes attack on Buffy, they waited until after the holidays were over before filing for legal separation, and then divorce. While Buffy planned her future without her husband in the days leading up to it, Angel searched for a way to win her love before it was too late. Over Christmas break, Dawn returned home from college. She noticed something was off between her sister and brother-in-law, but did not bring it up, figuring Buffy would tell her if something was wrong. And the night before she left for New York, it happened. "Dawnie, can we talk?" Buffy asked, entering her sisters bedroom. "Sure. Oh geez, youre wearing something face, Dawn noted. "Whats going on? And dont you dare say nothing because I can tell theres something big going down. You and Angel have been acting wacky the last three weeks Ive been here." She nodded her head. It was the moment of truth, the day shed finally tell her younger sister everything. "I think maybe youd better sit down for this." Dawn did as she was told. "Is it Faith? Shes okay, isnt she?" "Faith is fine. This is about me." Buffy sat down next to her on the bed. "This coming Friday, Angel and I are getting divorced. Or, filing for it at least." The younger Summers sister sat in silence for a few moments before saying anything in response. "Divorced?" "Well, were filing for legal separation first. And I am moving back into the house with Faith that day. Ive started packing up some of your belongings and putting them in your old room." "I dont understand. I thought you were happy here," she commented. Buffy frowned, looking at the floor. "I have been happy, very happy. Its been the happiest three years of my life. But Angel and I decided its time to go our separate ways. The last two months have beenawkward to say the least. He and I have just grown apart rather than together." "Dont you love Angel?" "Thats not the point, Dawn." "I think it is. The poor guy deserves to know if he has a fighting chance with you. If you love him, you can make your so-called marriage work." She lifted her head, gazing at her younger sister. "What do you mean by so-called marriage?" "Im not stupid, Buffy. Maybe when I was fifteen I fell for it, but Im eighteen now and I know about the real world. And a married couple deeply in love with one another doesnt sleep in separate bedrooms." "You knew this whole time?" Buffy wanted to know.

Dawn shook her head. "No. Not the whole time. About six months before I left for NYU, I got up for a drink of water around two in the morning and Angel was coming up the stairs. He looked really tired so I decided to wait until after he went into your room because I knew hed want to talk. I waited, and I saw him go into the spare bedroom. I didnt think much of it and got my water; I thought hed left something there. When I came back upstairs a few minutes later, I checked the spare room and low and behold, Angel was fast asleep. "At first I thought you two had had a fight or something. I checked it night after night after night. Something was definitely up and I knew it. Faith absolutely refused to tell me anything when I questioned her; she told me to ask you. And Im going to do that now. Why? Why were you pretending to be married to Angel? Why are you sleeping in separate bedrooms?" "We arent pretending to be married. By law, he and I are husband and wife." "Yeah, I know that. I was there, remember? Fine then, let me ask a better question. If you and Angel werent in love, why did you get married in the first place?" Dawn paused. "It wasnt because of me, was it? Because of the way I was acting after Mom and Dad died?" Buffy sighed heavily. "I did it for you and Faith, not for me. Faith needed a lawyer and you needed a stable home life, and I couldnt give either of you what you needed. I felt so helpless for not being the best sister and provider for my family. After Faith got arrested, she told me how much she hated her lawyer and asked me to find her another one; one who wanted what she wanted. "I remembered Angel from a lecture he gave in one of my classes the year before. So I stopped by his office and asked for his help with Faiths case." Buffy laughed softly. "I practically begged him to take the case. And he agreed under one condition that I marry him. See, his uncle died a few weeks prior to that and left him a large sum of money in his will if Angel married by the age of thirty-one and stayed married for three years. He knew I couldnt afford to pay for his services, so he offered me the trade-off: I marry him for those three years in name-only so he could get his inheritance, and he would defend Faith for murder. It was a win-win situation for both of us." "Let me guess. Now that the three years is up, you two are ready to move on. But I dont get why you waited until now. Why not file for legal separation right after your anniversary?" "We were going to. On our three year anniversary, Spike came to the house and attacked me. I guess he and Angel had some unresolved issues and Spike decided to get back at Angel by trying to force himself on me," Buffy admitted. She hated thinking about it, much less talking about it. Dawn gaped at her in shock and dismay. "He tried to rape you? Oh my god, Buffy. Are you okay?" "Im fine now. Angel got home in time and managed to stop him before he did any major damage. I just had a black eye and some nightmares for a couple weeks. Angel was a huge comfort to me the days after it happened." Buffy didnt want to reveal to her sister that she and Angel ended up sleeping together the next night. "So we agreed to wait until after the holidays before ending the marriage. It gave me some time to heal." "Have you talked things through with him? I mean, is this what you both really want?" questioned the eighteen-year-old. "Of course it is. Its what he and I agreed on." "I know that. But I think poor Angel deserves to know the truth. He should know that you love him." Buffy widened her eyes at her sisters statement. "Excuse me? Where did you hear that? I never said anything about being in love with him." "You didnt have to say it, its written all over your face. Buffy, you get this far-off look in your eyes whenever you talk about him, you smile whenever you say his name. Why wont you admit it? Tell him you love him."

"No. I wont. I *cant.* I am not going to make a fool out of myself." Not like the last time, she thought. "Who says youll make a fool of yourself?" "Angel doesnt love me, Dawn. If I tell him that I love him, hes going to think I want to stay married to him for the money; that Im trying to cling to him," Buffy explained. Dawn shook her head, sighing at her sisters stubbornness. "He wont think that. Trust me on this. Havent you seen him look at you? God, he looks at you the same way Dad used to look at Mom. With total love in his eyes." "Youre seeing things." "Then prove me wrong. Ask him." "I dont have to. Look, I only came in here to tell you the truth about my marriage and whats to come, not discuss my lack of a love life. I hope you dont hold it against me for not telling you sooner." She smiled. "You had your reasons. But I wish youd tell Angel how you feel. If you dont, youll end up breaking his heart and yours as well." "Ive lived with a broken heart before, I think I can survive it." She stood up and was immediately overcome with dizziness. Dawn noticed her sister wobbling. "Are you okay, Buffy?" "Yeah. I stood up too quickly. I think Im going to lay down for a little while. I havent been feeling that great lately." "Youve been doing that a lot lately. Laying down, that is." "Ive been under a lot of stress these past few days. Its finally catching up with me." "You should go to the doctor, you might be coming down with the flu or something. Dizziness, sleeping, nauseayou know, if I didnt know any better, Id swear you were pregnant. Youve got all the classic symptoms. But thats not possible. Its the flu, I bet," Dawn mused. *** 40 Friday morning came around much too quickly for both Buffy and Angel. Neither of them felt prepared for what would happen; it was a turning point in both their lives. It signified the end of their marriage and the beginning of their futures. Angel sat silently in the kitchen when Buffy walked in, dressed in a terrycloth robe and slippers. "Morning," he greeted her. She turned around, her skin becoming pale when she laid eyes on her husband. "I didnt know you were down here. I thought you would have left to see your lawyer by now." "My appointment isnt for another hour. Besides, Lindseys never been on time a day in his life. I could show up an hour late and it wouldnt throw him off his schedule whatsoever."

"Oh. Well, Im just gonna grab a glass of orange juice and finish packing up my things. I should be gone before you get back," Buffy told him. "Theres no hurry, Buffy. You can stay as long as you want." Stay forever if you want to, Angel thought. She shook her head. "Thats really kind of you, Angel, but you dont have to worry. Ill be out of your hair in another two hours. Then we can put these last three years behind us." "I dont want you to think Im kicking you out. Im not. This is your home, Im not forcing you to leave." Buffy poured herself a glass of juice and took a sip. "I dont think that. I know youre going out of your way to make this transition as easy as possible, and I really appreciate it. But Im sure you are anxious to get your freedom back." "Not really," he admitted honestly. "Ive loved being married to you these past three years." "It hasnt been all bad. Married life has been great up through the last few months." "I wouldnt trade a minute of it. Im glad you walked into my office that day, Buffy. You changed my life forever. And I am a much better person because of you." "So am I." She placed her glass in the dishwasher. "I guess Ill see you soon." As she headed out of the room, Angel called out to her. "Buffy." She looked at him. "I am going to miss this. Not seeing you every day is going to be so hard." Buffy smiled softly at him. "I know. But well move on. Goodbye, Angel." "Goodbye, Buffy." He sat staring into his cup of coffee, berating himself for not telling Buffy how he felt. And he never saw the tears in her green eyes as she left the room. *** Angel pulled into the parking lot of his law firm with ten minutes to spare before his appointment with the divorce lawyer. He used the time to collect his thoughts and ponder why he couldnt win over the woman he loved. After spending two months trying his best to prove his love to Buffy, nothing had worked. Flowers, candy, dinners; nothing convinced her of his true feelings. What did I do wrong? I did everything short of screaming it for the whole world to hear how much Im in love with her. Nervousness, fear, or possibly a combination of both led Angel to fiddle with the buttons on his car radio. He stopped on 96.5 just as a song was starting. Angel listened to the words. // No I cant forget this evening or your face as you were leaving But I guess thats just the way the story goes You always smile but in your eyes your sorrow shows Yes it shows No I cant forget tomorrow when I think of all my sorrow When I had you there but then I let you go

And now its only fair that I should let you know What you should know I cant live if living is without you I cant live, I cant give anymore I cant live if living is without you I cant give, I cant give anymore \\ The words hit closer to home than he ever thought possible. It was as if it were a sign, telling him to go back and pour out his heart and soul to Buffy, regardless of the consequences. He may suffer a broken heart, but at least he would have fought for the woman he loved. Casting his eyes to the building in front of him, Angel exhaled a breath he didnt realize he was holding. Putting the car in reverse, he sped back to the house, hoping against all hope that Buffy would still be there. *** Splashing cool water on her face, Buffy stared at herself in the mirror inside the bathroom. "Calm down, Buffy, youll get through this. Youve lived through worse. Oh god, how am I supposed to get through this? Especially alone." She could hear the radio from inside her bedroom. The song playing was a sad one, but it fit her mood perfectly. The songwriter might have had that particular moment in mind when he wrote it. // Well I cant forget this evening or your face as you were leaving But I guess thats just the way the story goes You always smile but in your eyes your sorrow shows Yes it shows I cant live if living is without you I cant live, I cant give anymore I cant live if living is without you I cant give, I cant give anymore I cant live if living is without you I cant live, I cant give anymore \\ Walking back in her room, Buffy turned the radio off in aggravation. The last thing she wanted to hear was a depressing love song reminding her of how she had absolutely no chance of being with the man she truly loved. With a trembling hand, she removed her engagement and wedding rings, placing them on the bedside table. "Goodbye, my Angel. Ill never stop loving you." ***

Angel burst through the front door, hoping hed made it home in time. Buffys car still sat in the driveway, so he had reason to believe she hadnt left yet. He bounded up the stairs toward her bedroom, yelling her name over and over again. "Buffy! Buffy!" She heard his shouting and walked into the hallway to find out what was going on. "Angel? Whats wrong?" He never replied to her, pulling her into his arms instead and capturing her lips with his. Angel poured his heart and soul into the kiss, leaving Buffy weak in the knees when it was over. They stared into each others eyes for a long time before Buffy finally spoke. "Whats going on? Is something wrong?" she asked. The kiss took her by surprise; it was the last thing she ever expected from him. Angel shook his head, his lips curling into a smile. "Nothings wrong. In fact, everything is right." He grabbed her hands and led her into her bedroom. "Angel! Would you kindly explain to me whats going on? Youre supposed to be meeting with Lindsey right now about filing for divorce. Why are you here?" Buffy demanded. "Because there is something you need to know; something Ive been holding in for far too long, Buffy. You deserve to know the truth." She raised her eyebrows. "Truth? What truth are you talking about?" "The truth about me and how I feel. Look, Im not very good at expressing my feelings; Im one of those people who keeps things bottled in. But if I dont say this, I might lose the most important person in my life. You, Buffy. And at this point in time, I dont know how to live without you, nor do I want to. "I cant think of any other way of saying it except to just come right out and say it. Usually Im good with words, but you always manage to leave me tongue-tied. Anyway, here goes. I love you. Ive loved you for years and Ill continue to do so for the rest of my natural life. The night we made love, I meant every single word I said to you. "I dont know where you got the idea that I regret that night, but you are wrong. Dead wrong. That night meant everything in the world to me, just like you do. And the thought of spending the rest of my life without you is frightening. I want to spend my life making you happy, not being miserable without you." Angel reached into his pocket and pulled out the ring he had planned on returning that afternoon after his meeting. "This isnt how I wanted to do this. I had more of a romantic setting in mind, but circumstances beyond my control kept it from happening. Believe it or not, I planned on doing this the night Spike attacked you, then again the day after we made love. Nothing is going to stop me this time." He took a deep breath. "I love you, Buffy Anne Summers. I want to fall asleep next to you every night and wake up next to you every morning." Getting down on one knee, Angel showed her the engagement ring he held in his hand. "I would be the happiest man in the world if youd marry me for real." Buffy gaped at him, seeing for the first time the love radiating from his brown eyes. They were right. Faith and Dawn saw it but I never could. How could I have been so blind? "Im so sorry, Angel." "Youre saying no," he deduced. When he started to stand up, Buffy stopped him. "Thats not what Im saying. Im sorry for the way Ive been acting. I only said I didnt love you because I thought thats what you wanted to hear. Angel, I meant it when I said I loved you. And yes, I will marry you for real. Theres nothing I want more than to be your wife. Again. Or still. Orjust yes! Yes, I want to marry you!"

Angel placed the ring on its rightful finger, lifting his wife into his arms for another kiss. "This time were going to have a real wedding. In a church with flowers and music and our family and friends. Ill make this the wedding of your dreams." Buffy touched his cheek with her palm. "I know you will." "We should call everyone and tell them the good news." "It can wait a little while. There is something I need to tell you first. Angel, Im late." He shrugged his shoulders. "So what? Whatever it is, you can be late for it. This is more important than some meeting or a flight or whatever youre late for," he told her. "Thats not the kind of late I mean." Buffy went into the bathroom, returning ten seconds later with a white stick in her hand. "This kind of late." Angel stared at it. "That isthats a pregnancy test, isnt it?" Buffy nodded her head. "Uh-huh. And its positive." "Youre pregnant." "I have to go to the doctor to be sure, but yeah, I think I am. According to Dawn, I have all the classic symptoms. And if I am, Im two months along." "Were gonna have a baby," Angel stated. "More than likely." He bit his lip and closed his eyes. Never before in his life had he felt so complete. "I love you, Buffy. I should have said it a long time ago. And I cant wait to have children with you. Ill be a great father." "I know you will; Ive already seen it by the way you were with Dawn. Now come on, lets celebrate our official engagement." THE END