"Falling Apart"
Author:
Holli
Email: summersfinn@hotmail.com
Sunnydale, 2000
After walking the streets of Sunnydale for hours on end, Riley returned to the house, finding it empty of everyone. He ambled to the bedroom that he had shared with Buffy, stopping at the door.
The sheets were rumpled and you could still see the indentions their bodies had made in the mattress. Slowly, he walked to the bed. Exhausted beyond reason, Riley lay on the side of the bed that Buffy had occupied, breathing in her scent from her pillow.
His final thought before he drifted off to dream was that maybe, just maybe, the entire day had been a dream and he’d wake up and Buffy would be there.
He could hope. Couldn’t he?
With memories of their lovemaking behind Giles house fresh in his mind, Riley drifted off to sleep, softly sobbing.
Sunnydale, 2007
Riley was enjoying his dream plentifully. In it, Buffy was lying in bed with him, nibbling on his ear. Her hands were roaming over his heated chest as she whispered his name into his ear repeatedly.
Not wanting to get too much pleasure from the dream, Riley decided it was time for him to wake up. However, as he awakened slowly he came to the realization that he wasn’t in bed alone as he had been when he’d fallen asleep. Oh, geez, all I need, he thought. I must’ve gotten drunk and wound up with a prostitute or something!
"Look, lady, I’m sorry. I don’t remember anything about last night, but my wife..." he trailed off as he turned over and faced his bed partner. "Oh. My. God." Buffy! It was Buffy. How the hell could it be Buffy? "Hold on. Let me go back to sleep and wake up again," Riley said, dramatically throwing the sheets over his head.
Laughing softly, Buffy tugged the sheets away. "It’s me, Riley," she assured him.
It looked like Buffy. It sounded like Buffy, but could it really be Buffy? "If it’s you, explain something to me. How do you just disappear into a floor and then suddenly reappear in my bed? I saw you...you were gone, Buffy."
Buffy cradled Riley’s face between her hands. "Were, Riley. Were is the operative word here, honey. I don’t know what happened with that spell, but whatever it was it had a double effect."
She watched as Riley’s brow twitched. "Double effect?" he repeated, confused.
"While Giles was trying to get us home, in our world, the other Buffy and Riley were trying to find their way home as well. I don’t know if the spells counteracted or what, but I wound up in like purgatory or something with them."
She was talking in riddles. "Them?"
She waved it off. "It doesn't matter anyway," she said, climbing atop him. "What matters now," she started, pausing to shake her hair behind her head, "is that we are together."
Riley stared into Buffy's eyes, unbelievingly. "Is it real?"
Before Buffy could respond the door to the bedroom exploded open. "Mom! Dad!"
Buffy slid off Riley as the twins joined them in their bed. She watched as Riley's eyes widened, settling on their children. "What's up, guys? Shouldn't you two still be asleep?"
Kennedy shook her head, her blonde curls bouncing. "Grandma and Grandpa want you two downstairs right away. They said you've slept long enough. There's a lot to do. Get up sleepyheads," Kennedy told them before jumping off the bed, Logan quick at her heels.
As Buffy moved to slide out of the bed, Riley caught her arm, pulling her back into the safety of his arms. "We're back."
"Yeah. I'm not exactly sure how we made it back, but I'm just glad that it's finally happened."
Riley kissed the top of her head. "Me, too." Buffy tried to move out of his embrace, but he tightened his hold on her. "Let's just stay here for a little while longer. I want to make sure I'm not dreaming..."
Buffy turned her face to Riley, her blue eyes meeting his green. "Do you want me to prove that this isn't a dream?" Before he could respond, she pulled out of his embrace. Padding across the floor to the door, she closed and locked it, stealing a few moments alone with her husband.
Sunnydale, 2000
After waking that morning alone in his bed, Riley had threw on the first articles of clothing that he'd found, then jumped in his car and hightailed it toward Buffy and Willow's. It was seven-thirty in the morning, but he didn't care.
Without knocking, he barged into the house, bellowing his girlfriend's name. "Buffy! Buffy! Buffy, are you awake?"
Her bedroom door flew open, an unhappy Buffy standing in the doorway. "Yes, Riley. I am now anyway. I think you woke the rest of the neighborhood as well. You wanna shoot for the rest of the Western Hemisphere? I think you could pull it off," she said, wondering how she was able to manage sarcasm so early in the morning.
Riley just shook his head as he stalked toward her. Looping his arms around her waist, he pushed her back into her room, kicking the door closed behind them. He laid Buffy down gently on the bed, then covered her body with his own. "Would I be a total cad if I asked to make love to you after waking you up?"
Buffy's eyes sparkled. "No, you wouldn't and I would love for you to make love to me."
After having his wish granted, Riley undressed Buffy ever-so-slowly and she reciprocated just as tortoise-slow. They took their time relearning, caressing, doing so for they knew they had all the time in the world.
Sunnydale, 2007
Downstairs the Finn household was bustling with activity. Joyce Summers-Giles stood at the stove, spatula in hand dishing out pancakes by the dozens. Behind her were Anya, Cordelia, Jules and Willow who were busily dishing out breakfast to the numerous children tangled in their feet.
"But I want blueberry!" Kyle was yelling at Cordelia.
Cordelia seethed at her child. "But Grandma Joyce is only making the plain ones."
Kyle threw his plate onto the floor. "Then, I don't want any."
"Cordy, I can make blueberry. Really, it's perfectly fine," Joyce told Cordelia.
Cordy shook her head. "No, Miss Summers, you don't have to do that. He throws these temper tantrums all the time. He's not Doyle's son for nothing." Cordelia offered Joyce an apologetic smile then took her son by the arm and dragged him into the living room where Angel, Doyle, Forrest, Giles, Graham and Wesley were all seated, drinking coffee. "Sit here with your father."
"But Mom-"Kyle started to object.
Cordelia shook her head. "No 'but Mom's' to me, Kyle. We're in someone else's home. I won't have you acting disrespectful in front of my friends. Do you hear me?"
Kyle hung his head. "I hear you."
Satisfied with her strict parenting, Cordelia made her way back toward the kitchen. Finding the kitchen devoid of Buffy and Riley, Cordelia asked Kennedy to go see if her Mom and Dad were awake yet.
Obediently, Kennedy ran upstairs to once again fetch her parents. However, as the child reached the door her ears perked to the sounds coming from the opposite side of the door. At the mere age of five, she couldn't possibly know what it was exactly that her parents were doing behind closed doors, but she'd been brought up with enough manners to know not to stand at a door and eavesdrop.
Kennedy ran downstairs and back into the kitchen. "Well, are they coming?" Cordelia asked Kennedy as she took her plate of pancakes from Willow.
Kennedy shook her head. "They were making a lot of noise. I think they were moving furniture."
Cordelia looked at Willow, watching as a smile spread across the redhead's lips. "Guess they're coming, Cordy, just not in the sense of descending the stairs," Willow said as she placed a glass of orange juice in front of Kennedy.
Just as the adults gathered around the table for breakfast, Buffy and Riley chose that as their moment to make their presence known. "Well, look who decided to grace us with their presence this morning," Cordelia mimicked.
Graham looked from Buffy to Riley earnestly. "Hungry or did you two fulfill each other plentifully." Laughter erupted around the table as they all watched a blush crawled up Buffy's neck.
Unable to keep herself from laughing, Buffy buried her head in Riley's chest. "That was low, Graham."
Graham was laughing so hard he was near tears. "Sorry, Riley, but I couldn't help myself. Your mother-in-law makes killer pancakes I'm sure she wouldn't mind making you some if you're hungry...which I'm pretty sure you are. All that hot, sweaty sex can really drain a person." Graham sat back in his chair, folding his arms across his chest. "Tell me, Riley. Which are you craving more: Food, to light up a cigarette or more sex?"
Riley gave Buffy a sidelong glance. "You say the last one and you will pay big time, Mister."
The cheesiest grin plastered on his face, Riley simply responded, "Sorry, Graham, but what I crave after good sex stays between my wife and I." He silently prayed that would score him a few points with his better half.
"Oh, come on, Riley," Graham prodded, getting swatted by Willow.
Riley shook his head. "No, Graham. My intimate life is none of your business," Riley told his friend.
Buffy patted Riley's hands. "That's right, Graham. It's none of your business. Now, I'm hungry. Let's eat."
After enjoying breakfast with their friends and family, Buffy was heading into the living room to join everyone else when the doorbell rang. Walking to the front door, she threw it open to find Bryant standing there.
Gasping, she breathed his name. "Wh-Wh-What are you doing here?" she asked, closing the door behind herself. They walked across the porch and sat down on the steps.
Bryant looked back at the house, wondering why she didn't choose to invite him in. Buffy always invited him. Oh, well, no reason to dwell. "I came to see how you were."
For some reason, sitting there alone with Bryant was making her extremely uneasy. "I'm fine," she said quickly, squinting at the bright California sun shining down on the two of them.
Bryant shook his head. "You answered that way too fast, Buffy. Are you sure you're really okay?"
"Yes, Bryant, I'm sure," Buffy said, rising to her feet. "Look, Bryant is there anything more because I really need to get back inside."
Bryant stood up to face Buffy. "Yeah, there's one more thing. I've been wanting to discuss it with you for sometime and I think now is the perfect time."
Inside the house, Riley sat in the living room, holding Cordy and Doyle's new baby. "He's beautiful, Cordy."
It had been an awfully long time since he'd been in such so close contact with a baby so he didn't know how to react. The last baby that he'd been around had been a colleague of his who had brought his newborn baby boy to the office. That had been a few weeks after Buffy's miscarriage...
Cordy smiled nonchalantly. "Thank you, Riley. Have you and Buffy...? Do you plan on trying for more children?" She hated to ask, but thought that since things seemed so much better between the two of them that maybe they'd discussed extending their family.
Riley shifted Connor in his arms. "We've talked about it, yes." Staring down into the baby's smiling face, he realized just how much he longed to have another child with Buffy. He wanted to see her filled out, her belly rounded with evidence of how much they loved one another. On second thought, she would definitely kill him if she ever knew that he dreamed of her fat and overweight.
"Talked? You haven't reached any decision?" Willow asked as she sat down beside Graham. She'd missed the majority of the converstaion since she'd been upstairs putting Georgina down for her nap. Graham slung an arm across his wife's shoulders, giving her a small hug as she stared at Riley.
Riley shook his head. "She still holds blame for the miscarriage. I think it's gotten to the point where she doesn't hold as *much*, and that she'd like to have another baby. There's just...there's circumstances, you see."
Joyce sat forward, worriedly. "What kind of circumstances, Riley? Is-Is there something wrong with Buffy?"
"No, no, Miss Summers. Buffy is fine...sort of." When he received worried looks from everyone around the room, Riley realized that he should probably tell them the truth. "Apparently when she'd gone to the doctor they'd informed her that there was no chance that she could have any more children."
"Oh, Riley. I'm so sorry," Willow said sadly along with everyone else offering Riley their condolences as well.
Riley offered everyone a sincere smile. "It's okay. I mean, we have Kennedy and Logan. What more could we need?" Riley looked around, noticing that his wife was nowhere to be found. "Where is Buffy anyhow?" He handed Cordelia back her baby and excused himself to go look for his wife.
As he was walking toward the kitchen he noticed people standing outside. He walked to the door and stared outside. There stood Buffy...with Bryant.
"Did you find her?" he heard Graham ask behind him.
Riley turned around to face Graham, plastering a smile on his face. "Yeah. Would you excuse me?" Riley opened the door and stepped into the warm morning air.
"You're insane, Bryant!" Buffy admonished.
Bryant shook his head. "I'm insane? You've been giving me signals for months. You've come crying to me everytime your marriage took a downfall. It's over, Buffy. You can't get through to Riley! Why not move on?" he asked her as he grasped her shoulders. "Why not move on with me?" he asked, his voice softening.
"Bryant, I find it really flattering, but...you're one of my best friends. Besides, I'm..." she was interrupted by Riley.
"...Married?" he filled in for her. Riley watched as Buffy turned stark white. "Am I interrupting something?"
Bryant looked from Buffy to Riley and slowly took his hands from her arms. "No. We were just talking."
Riley crossed his arms across his chest. "Oh? Then, I must not have heard the same conversation because the way I heard it, you were coaxing my wife into a relationship with you."
"Riley, this isn't what you think," Buffy covered as if she'd done something wrong.
Riley could feel the anger in him rising up even though Buffy had told him that she didn't think of Bryant in that way.
"Riley, please go in the house," Buffy begged her husband.
Riley stood his ground. "I am not going anywhere, Buffy. There's no way that I am going to leave you alone with him so that he can convince you that our marriage is nonrepairable. See? You told me you could trust him. That he had no romantic interest in you whatsoever. Honey, were you ever wrong!"
Buffy took a deep breath. "Excuse us," Buffy whispered to Bryant as she took Riley's hand and led him away from Bryant. Taking Riley's hands in hers, she whispered, "Listen to me Riley Finn and listen carefully: I love Y-O-U. No one else. Not Bryant. Not Angel. Not Graham. Not Xander. YOU. Can you please, PLEASE comprehend that for me?"
Riley sighed. "I'm sorry, Buffy. I saw you standing out here with him and I was just hit by flashbacks...look, honey, I'm sorry. It's just...he's a doctor and..."
Buffy placed a finger over his lips. "And..and nothing! I have no interest in Bryant whatsoever," Buffy said, dropping her hands to Riley's waist. "Besides, you can do things with your tongue that no man can compete with," she said with a seductive smile.
"If I didn't know any better, I'd say that was a compliment, Miss Finn."
"And a damn good one, Mister Finn. Now go inside so I can send this guy away then I'm all yours."
"And about ten other peoples," Riley reminded her.
Buffy's head fell onto Riley's chest, his arms wrapping around her waist. "Ugh! We need to send them on their ways. I want some time alone with my husband."
"Oh, so how much time do I have left with the lovely blonde until her husband returns."
Buffy shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly. "Not long," she teased. "He could be home at any minute...it doesn't give us much time."
Riley ran the tips of his fingers up her arms. "Then we better hurry."
Buffy laughed caustically, pushing Riley toward the house. "Go. I'll be inside soon." He kissed her softly on the lips then walked into the house.
Buffy took the steps down to the sidewalk. Facing Bryant, she said, "You're a good friend, Bryant, and not to mention a great doctor. But, to me, that's all you'll ever be. I love Riley with all my heart and we're slowly getting our marriage back on track. I wish you could respect that."
Bryant nodded his head slowly. "You're too good of a friend to lose, Buffy. I know how much you love Riley and I do respect it. You're just...you're a gem. You can't blame me for trying."
Buffy reached out and took Bryant's hand. "I don't. Maybe one day you and Riley will be able to get along." Bryant gave her a sour look and together the two of them burst out laughing.
"Buffy that will more than likely never happen and you know why..."
Buffy nodded. "Yeah, I know."
Bryant looked down at his watch. "Well, I have to get back to the hospital. There's a new mommy coming down to the hospital for a check up." Noticing the look on Buffy's face, he stopped talking. "You know what? I want you to make another appointment with me. I want to run some tests on you."
"Tests? Tests for what?"
"Well, after the miscarriage I know Doctor Sawyer informed you that you weren't able to have anymore children. I just want to make sure you weren't misdiagnosed." Buffy nodded slowly. "I have to go. I'm already running late. Call my office and schedule an appointment within the next couple of weeks." With that said, Bryant hurried down the sidewalk to his car.
Buffy watched as Bryant sped down the road, then turned and walked up the porch steps. As she neared the door, it flung open. "What were you two talking about?" Riley asked her.
Buffy shrugged her shoulders. "Nothing important." She kissed his cheek, then slid past him into the house.
Later that night...
As Buffy walked into the living room after cleaning up after dinner, she overheard Cordy and Doyle talking in the den. Slowly, she made her way to the den and peeked inside. They were swaying in each other's arms to soft music, the youngest of the Doyle boys perched in the middle of them.
The sight was magical. Cordy looked so in love with Doyle and vice versa. And the baby...How she would love to have what they did.
Strong arms wrapped around her waist as soft lips touched her neck. "Jealous?"
"Yeah, I am. I want what they have."
Riley tightened his hold on Buffy. "I thought we did."
Buffy turned around in his arms. "Minus one thing," she reminded him.
"Mommy!" she heard Kennedy yell from upstairs.
Buffy pushed away from Riley and began running up the stairs. She found Kennedy standing in the bathroom, brushing her teeth. "What are you doing?" Buffy asked her daughter.
Kennedy smiled up at her mother and replied, "Bwushing my deeth."
Buffy laughed softly and poured Kennedy a glass of water. "Drink." She then wiped the excess toothpaste from Kennedy's mouth. "Shouldn't you be getting ready to take your bath?"
"Can I take a bath with you, Mommy?"
Buffy smiled down at Kennedy, running her fingers through Kennedy's blonde curls. "Sure, pumpkin. Go get your clothes."
As Kennedy ran to her room to get her nightclothes, Buffy began running the bathwater. She was walking out of the bathroom to go toward her room to gather her own clothes when Riley walked into the bathroom. "We need to finish talking."
"About what?" Buffy asked as she walked into their bedroom.
Riley followed Buffy into the bedroom. "About that one thing that we don't have."
Buffy fumbled through her lingerie drawer, saying, "I really don't want to discuss this right now, Riley."
"When would you much rather discuss it? Tomorrow? Next year? If you don't mind, in the future I'd much rather have a schedule of our heart-to-hearts."
Buffy pulled out a pair of panties out of the drawer, then spun around to face her husband. "I don't have time for sarcasm, Riley. I have a special someone waiting for me."
"Well, I know that this is incorrect usage of this word, but who could be more specialer than me?"
"Me."
Riley spun around to find his daughter standing in the doorway. "So, you're the special one who stole your mom from me!" he said exasperately making his daughter laugh.
"Mom and I are taking a bath together," his daughter informed him.
Riley nodded his head. "Well, do you mind if I have a few moments alone with her? I need to discuss something with her."
Kennedy nodded, then ran out of the room.
Buffy walked past Riley, looking toward the bed. She was reminded of her morning with Riley. The climatic reunion they'd had had been unbelievable. As she stared at the bed, the sheets still rumpled, Riley came up behind her. "Riley, I know what you want to talk about, but I just can't go through that with you right now. My daughter is waiting for me." Buffy spun around and was headed for the door, when Riley blocked the door, heeding her way.
"No. Dammit, Buffy, everytime we start to talk about babies or anything of the such, you run. Why? Does the prospect scare you that much? Of having a baby? Or is having a baby with *me* so absurd?"
"God, no, Riley. You know how much I want a baby with you, only you. But I can't, remember? All that is gone. I'm barren, Riley! Get that through your goddamn skull!" Buffy yelled at him.
Riley grabbed her arms and held her there. "I think you're using the fact that you're barren as a cover up. You're scared, Buffy."
Buffy pushed away from Riley. "What do I have to be scared of? I forgot you're the psychologist in the family. Tell me, oh wise one. What exactly is my diagnosis?"
"You don't have to be so insipid, you know."
Buffy just rolled her eyes at him as she began stripping the bed. She was silent as she readministered the sheets to the bed. "You just don't understand, Riley."
He walked up behind her, wrapping his arms around her trim waist. "So, make me understand, Buffy. Please. I want to know what you're thinking, how you feel...I don't like there being hidden stuff between us."
Buffy turned around in his arms, lying her head on his chest. "I want to tell you, Riley, but..." her words caught in her throat.
He rocked her from side to side as he kissed her forehead. "Come on, let's lie down." Riley straightened the sheets and blankets and climbed into bed with Buffy. She lay her head on his chest, tangling her legs with his.
"I want a baby, Riley, more than anything in the world. I want you to fuss over me and I want everything that pregnancy entails. I'm just scared."
Riley's hands had been caressing her back and unbeknownst to each of them, slipped beneath Buffy's shirt, contacting with the cold, bare skin of her back. "What do you have to be scared of, though? You're not making any sense."
"We've always...*you've* always dreamt of a big family and there's a chance I may not be able to give that to you."
"You know damn well that a big family does not mean all that much to me. As long as I have you and Logan and Kennedy, I'm happy. Just as long as I have you, I'm perfectly happy." He adjusted himself so that they were lying face to face. "If we have another child, it would be wonderful. I would love to see you pregnant again. There's a lot of things I would change. There's a lot that I didn't do the first time that I want to do this time. If we get the chance that's great..if not, then we'll deal. Just don't pull away from me again because of nostalgia or regret."
Buffy managed a small smile. "I'm sorry, Riley," she said, reaching out to touch her fingers to his lips.
"For what?"
"Everything," she said simply. "For acting like a child, for not being honest with you, for lying to you, for refusing you to comfort me after the miscarriage..."
Riley took her fingers from his lips, holding them between his hands. "I forgive you." Watching, her green eyes began twinkling.
She leaned over, pressing her lips to his. "Thank you."
Understanding that what she'd needed all along was his understanding and forgiveness, he quickly said, "You're welcome."
"Um, Riley, there's something that I need to discuss with you."
"Oh? What's that?"
Buffy sat up quickly. She pushed her hair behind her ears and took Riley's hands in hers. "Earlier...when Bryant was here, he asked me to schedule an appointment with him in a few weeks."
That caught his attention, causing him to sit up as well. "Why on earth would you have to schedule an appointment with him? And you can't tell me that you're actually considering it?" he asked her. When she remained quiet, he had his answer. "I can't believe you, Buffy. After what he...after what's happened..."
"Riley, calm down."
He jumped off the bed. "How do you expect me to calm down? He made a move on you in our front yard, not to mention in earshot of me and you want me to give you permission to continue seeing him as your doctor. No way, no how."
"Now, who's being a child."
Riley shot her a look. "I'm not being a child, Buffy. I am just being rational here. Why do you need to see him anyway? What would be the reason?"
"Bryant wants to run some tests on me."
"Tests?"
"It's a precautionary. He wants to make sure that the tests were right. He just wants to make sure the doctors didn't make any mistakes the first time."
She watched as his expression morphed from anger to calmness. "Then, it's not water under the bridge for us quite yet, then," he said, inching closer to her.
Buffy shook her head. "I'm not sure. Bryant is just trying to help. He knew how devastated I was over losing the baby...he knew how much I wanted another child. He wants me to schedule an appointment, though. I wanted to run it by you to see how you felt about it."
Riley pulled her into his arms. He moved her hair behind her shoulders as he stared down into her jade green eyes. "Whatever you want. If you want to go see Bryant, then by all means go. If it'll give you piece of mind, I'm all for it and if the results come back conclusively saying that we can have children I am going to jump you the moment you walk through the door," he said, causing Buffy to laugh.
"I honestly don't think that would be all that bad," she said with a seductive smile.
Riley returned her smile and whispered, "Well, I could jump you right here..."
However, as their lips inched closer, their bedroom door flew open. They both turned to find Graham and Willow standing there. "Oops," Graham said.
"Yeah, exactly what I was thinking," Willow agreed.
Buffy wrapped her right arm around Riley's waist as she rested her head against his shoulder. "Can we help you with something?"
"We just wanted to say bye."
"Bye? Where are you going?" Buffy asked, wrenching her arm from Riley.
Willow glanced up at Graham. "Home."
Buffy shook her head. "No, you can’t go home. You two are going to stay here," Buffy said sternly. "You can’t go so soon. We haven’t had time to reconnect just yet."
Willow couldn’t help but laugh. "Buffy, calm down. We are just going across town. We live in Sunnydale now."
"Oh. Okay."
Willow smiled at her best friend. "We’re going so that you two can have some time to be alone with your kids."
Riley shook his head. "That’s only four people that we’ll be rid of. We still got a dozen more..."
"They’re packing up to leave, too. However, Angel looks awfully comfortable downstairs. I’d show him the door if I were you, Riley," Graham advised.
Riley was none too happy to oblige. "Yes, I do believe you have a point." He kissed Buffy on the top of her head. "I’ll be back," he told her.
"Be good," Buffy told him.
He turned around to look at her, a smile on his lips. "Aren’t I always?" he asked her before heading down the stairs, Graham quick at his heels.
After the guys were gone, Willow closed the door. "How are you doing? I saw how you were looking at Cordy with Connor...Are you okay?"
Buffy nodded her head quickly. "Oh, yes. Perfect. I talked to Riley and we discussed..."
"The fact that you can’t have any children," Willow filled in for her.
Buffy glanced up quickly at Willow. "Ho-How did you know about that?" she asked as Willow grabbed her hand and led her to the bed, urging her to sit down.
"Riley told us. How do you feel about that, Buffy?"
Buffy stared at her hands. "How am I supposed to feel, Will? We’re women. We were born to reproduce. I have two children already. Two beautiful, smart, mature children. But I want more...I want another baby." Willow pulled Buffy into her arms. "I’m scared, Will. Riley wants a big family...he wants children and I may not be able to give those children to him. I’m afraid he’ll leave me if I can’t give him the family he wants," Buffy sobbed softly.
Willow held Buffy close and let her cry. After she’d calmed Buffy down, they sat face to face and talked. Talked like they hadn’t talked in years. Not only had they reconnected, but Willow had also restored hope in Buffy that had been gone a long time. For the first time in years, Buffy actually felt whole.
Downstairs, Riley showed Angel to the door. "It was nice that you came to help, but we really don’t need your help any longer," he told the vampire, holding open the door for him.
"Thanks for your hospitality," Angel said dryly as he walked past Riley. "Tell Buffy I’ll see her soon."
"No, I don’t think you’ll be seeing my wife anytime soon, Angel. You stay as far away from Buffy as possible. Understand?" Riley said, staring into Angel’s dark eyes.
Angel nodded. "I don’t think so."
"Excuse me?"
"I will talk to Buffy whenever I damn well see fit. I was here before you were, remember that, soldier boy. She loved me before she ever loved you. I was the one that she gave it up to...a vampire."
As Riley flexed his fists, he heard Buffy’s feather soft voice behind him. "Riley, could you please give me a minute with Angel."
Seeing the twinkle in her eye, he decided not to object. He followed Graham and Willow into the kitchen, leaving Buffy alone with Angel in the foyer.
As Angel opened his mouth to speak, Buffy cut him off. "I heard what you told Riley and frankly, Angel, I can’t believe you had the balls to tell him that. Riley is my husband and you needed to grasp that concept. Even though things have been bordering on rocky lately, I still love him with every ounce of my being. And just because you’ve been here and showed me kindness, doesn’t mean I’m just gonna turn my back on my family, on Riley. The best thing for you is to just go back to L.A. and not worry about me."
"But Buffy--" Angel started to protest.
Buffy shook her head, holding up a hand. "No, Angel. We won’t stay in touch. I plan on focusing on my marriage, getting it back on track. With you in close contact, I couldn’t do that. Just go back to L.A....please."
With that said, Angel brusquely turned and walked out of the house without muttering another word, nor a goodbye.
After closing the door, Buffy walked into the kitchen, plastering a smile on her face. In the kitchen, Riley, Willow and Graham were sitting around the table. Riley stood up, looking worried as she entered the kitchen. "Everything okay?" he asked her.
She nodded. "Yeah, everything’s great." She looked from Graham to Willow, then back to Riley. "I promised Ken that I’d take a bath with her and I want to fulfill that promise. Um, Will, I’ll see you tomorrow, right?" Buffy asked her best friend.
Willow nodded. "Definitely."
Just then Joyce walked into the kitchen followed by Giles, Xander and Anya, each lugging suitcases. "Well, Buffy, we’re off," her mom announced.
"So soon?"
Joyce nodded. "Yeah. Giles has work Monday and so do I. We’ll talk soon, though."
"I would hate for you two to head back to San Francisco this late, though. Please, Mom, stay." Joyce shook her head. "I’d feel much better if the two of you left in the morning, then."
Joyce looked up at Giles who shrugged his shoulders. "If it’ll ease your mind, Buff, they can stay at our house," Graham suggested.
"Yes!" Willow exclaimed. "That’s a wonderful idea. And Xander and Anya, too. It’ll give Buffy and Riley the night to be with their family and in the morning we can all come back for breakfast. How’s that sound?"
Buffy nodded happily. "Well, it’s settled, then. I’ll see you all here bright and early in the morning?"
The group nodded in agreement. She watched as her mom and Giles piled their luggage into their car, then stood on the front porch as the three separate vehicles pulled out of her driveway.
After all the cars were out of sight, Buffy closed the front door and walked back into the house. She walked into the kitchen to find Riley perched at the sink, fully concentrating on the dirty dishes.
"Uh-hum," she cleared her throat, catching his attention. "Sorry to interrupt," she said, walking slowly toward him. He turned around, leaning against the counter as he wiped his hands on a dishcloth. "You look as if you’re thoroughly enjoying what you’re doing."
He just smiled as she got closer and closer to him. When she was in arms length, he pulled her into his arms and used the fact that they were now alone, to his full advantage. His lips sought out hers as did his tongue. His hands hungrily swept over her body, squeezing, stroking, and caressing.
Buffy was just relaxing into Riley when the twins ran into the kitchen, bellowing for their Mom and Dad. She felt an insistent tugging on her shirt and before she turned around she knew it was Kennedy. Kneeling so that she was eye level with her child, Buffy asked, "What?"
"We were supposed to take a bath, Mom," Kennedy reminded her.
Buffy nodded. "Yeah. That’s right. I’m sorry, sweetie, but it totally slipped my mind. Why don’t you and Logan run into the living room so I can finish this up with your Dad?"
Kennedy shook her head and started pulling Buffy toward the stairs. "No, Mom," the child said sternly. "You and Dad were just kissing...you could do that anytime. C’mon, we have to get squeaky clean."
Buffy laughed softly, pulling her daughter to a stop. "Run upstairs and wait for me in the bathroom. I’ll be there in a sec." Kennedy looked from her mother to her father, still quite doubtful, but ran up the stairs as instructed.
Buffy turned around to find Riley standing directly behind her. She looped her arms around his neck, their lips meeting briefly. "You should probably go before she starts to bitch you out again."
"Yeah, but--" Buffy started to object.
Riley touched her lips softly, silencing her. "Go, Buffy. Our daughter is waiting for you. Besides, we have all the time in the world. Remember? And when you get out of the bathtub and after the twins are asleep, we are gonna get a headstart on this addition to our family."
The twinkling in his blue eyes gave away his intentions. With one last kiss on the lips, Buffy ran up the stairs. As she joined Kennedy in the bathroom, Buffy realized that what Riley had said was right. They did have all the time in the world. And that’s all she needed.
Sunnydale, 2002
Buffy and Riley lay entangled in the sheets in the bed of their apartment. Since they’d returned from their trip to the netherworld as Riley had come to refer to it as, they decided to take the plunge and move in together. Of course, neither of their parents had liked the idea of their children ‘shacking up’, but when they explained to their parents that they planned to get married in the future, they accepted it.
Realizing that Riley was still asleep, Buffy slipped from his embrace, sliding on her silk robe, walking outside. It was merely six o’clock in the morning, but she couldn’t sleep even if she tried. Falling down into one of the chairs on the patio, Buffy propped her feet up on the railing as she watched the sun peeking out from the horizon.
As she was getting comfortable, a mug of tea was placed in front of her face. She warmly accepted the cup as Riley cuddled behind her. "This climbing out of bed business to watch the sun is getting to be a habit," he stated. "One that you really need to break," he said, yawning.
Buffy laughed softly, snuggling against his chest. "I like it here. The beach. The sunrise. The sunset. Everything's beautiful." Buffy stared down at her hand. The small diamond solitaire caught the gleam of the sun. "This is beautiful," she said, not able to take her eyes from the beautiful silver band.
Riley had called her yesterday afternoon and told her to get home early. He had a surprise for her. As she drove her she mentally ticked what the special occasion could be. It wasn't their anniversary. It wasn't her birthday. It wasn't his birthday. It wasn't Christmas. And it wasn't Valentine's. By the time Buffy drove up in the driveway and parked her car in the garage, she had no earthly idea what had brought on the surprise.
Walking in the house, it was dark, the floor strewn with candles and red roses. She'd called out Riley's name, but had come up with no answer. On the floor in the dining room lay a long white box. On top on a slip of post-it paper it read: Open me. She opened the box to find a small little black dress. She'd stripped out of her clothes and quickly changed into the little slip dress.
She continued her move through the house and found Riley sitting on the floor in the living room, sipping champagne. He'd looked up at her and simply said, "As I thought...beautiful." He'd jumped to his feet and walked to her. He lifted her into his arms, then brought her to where he was sitting, lying her down on the floor.
After kissing her passionately and lighting fires inside her that only he could put out, they'd eaten dinner, then as they'd sipped champagne cuddled in each other's embrace, he'd handed her a small black velvet box. "What's this?" She’d asked him.
"Your surprise. Open it."
Riley watched closely as she opened it. He heard her audible gasp and sucked in a breath until she said something. However, she didn't. She stayed sublimely silent. It scared him. He'd taken her by her waist and turned her around so that she faced him. Then, he spotted the tears rolling down her cheeks and the happiness in her eyes.
"I want to do this right. Riley had gotten Buffy pregnant and then proposed. No, I'm doing this right. Since the moment I met you I knew you'd be the woman I'd spend the rest of my life with. I love you, Buffy. Nothing has changed since I spoke those words three years ago." He took the box from her hand and took the ring out of the box. Taking her left hand in his, he slid the ring onto her third finger. "Will you marry me, Buffy Anne Summers ?"
He hadn't realized they were both crying until Buffy climbed onto his lap, straddling his legs and kissed him fervently. She kissed him with a passion that rocked the both of them. He'd careened them back so that he'd ended up on top. They'd made love right there on the floor and later on, when they'd regained their strength, had moved to the bedroom and managed to repeat what had happened on the living room floor many more times.
Buffy smiled at the memory. "What are you smiling about?" Riley asked her. Before she could ask him how he knew she was smiling he said, "I felt your muscles move against my chest."
Her smile grew wider. "I was just thinking about how lucky I am to have you and now forever."
Riley kissed her forehead. What was Graham going to say? He'd proposed! And she'd said yes. She had, hadn't she? "Quick question, Buff."
"Okay."
"You did agree to marry me, right?" Buffy quickly flipped around so that she was lying on top of Riley. She held his gaze for a few moments then started nibbling on his neck. "What *are* you doing, Buffy?" He asked her, albeit he was enjoying it.
"Showing you, reminding you of how much I want to marry you." She jumped to her feet and then pulled him to his. "Come on, Riley Finn. I am going to show you just how much I want to be your wife. Even if I have to handcuff you in place to do it."
There was not a one complaint on Riley's end. Buffy led him into the house and closed the door, and the curtains, behind them.
Sunnydale, 2009
Riley flew through his maze of sleep, blinking a few times for his eyes to adjust to the sunlight pouring into the bedroom. He rolled over onto his side, hoping to be greeted by his wife sleeping beside him, but dreadfully Buffy wasn’t there.
Glancing at the clock he realized that if he didn’t get out of bed now, that he would be late for work. He swung his legs over the side of the bed, throwing back the blankets, the cold air immediately hitting his naked body.
Using the bedsheet to protect his nakedness, he walked to the bathroom, closing the door behind him. He dropped the sheet to the floor, then stepped into the shower. Turning the taps to the desired temperature, he stepped beneath the spray, the warm water heating his chilled skin.
After soaping and rinsing his body and quickly shampooing his hair, Riley stepped from the shower refreshed, fully awake and dreading a day at work. Wrapping a towel around his waist, he stopped to pick up the bedsheet that he’d left on the floor before heading back into his bedroom. He flung the bedsheet back onto the bed before heading toward the stairs.
As he descended the stairs, his ears were hit by the morning commotion in the kitchen. Upon entering the kitchen he caught sight of his beautiful wife. She was standing at the sink, her long blonde hair cascading across her shoulders, framing her face. She was dressed in a pale yellow dress that stuck to her womanly curves...and her expanding belly.
Yes, it was true. They were expecting. Buffy was eight months along and due to give birth in three weeks. Though, they didn't know the sex of the baby. Seeing as that they'd found out during Buffy's first pregnancy, they decided to just wait until Buffy actually had the baby. They wanted to be a surprise.
Though, being away from her for twelve hours a day, made him worry about her while he was away.
He worked six days a week so he couldn’t keep an eye on her. She’d taken maternity leave from the hospital already and as it was he had no idea what she did during the day. Sure, he had no reason to worry since she was usually with one of the girls, but he still worried. He would always worry about Buffy, especially considering what happened the last time...
"Dad!" Uh-Oh! Busted, he thought as Kennedy launched herself into his arms. "Mom thought maybe you’d died or something," Kennedy said, giggling softly.
Riley planted a quick kiss on the top of his daughter’s head. "Well, it’s your mother’s fault that I slept so late."
Kennedy's brows furrowed. "Why’s it Mom’s fault?"
Well, see honey, it’s an adult thing. You’ll learn about the birds and the bees and sex and all that when you get older. But, for the most part, your mother and I have amazing sex and she just wears me out, princess.
Riley just shook his head. "Never mind," he said as he dropped Kennedy onto her feet and approached his wife. The kids trampled out of the kitchen so he had a little bit of free time with Buffy. He wrapped his arms around her waist, his hands resting on her stomach. "How’s our little guy this morning?" He asked her.
"Good, but I don’t think *she* likes being called a guy."
Riley was about to open his mouth when the doorbell rang. Saved by the bell, he thought. He and Buffy had been arguing about the sex of the baby since her first ultrasound and the arguing would not stop until she gave birth.
"I’ll get it," Buffy told him. "Fix yourself a cup of coffee and relax. Your eight thirty appointment was cancelled so you don’t have to be in a hurry this morning." She kissed him softly on the lips, her green eyes sparkling. "Good morning," she told him before walking past him toward the door.
Before she reached it, though, it burst open. Graham waltzed into the house, smiling happily. When his eyes fell on her he stopped and embraced her in a comforting bear hug. "You get more and more beautiful everyday. You know that?" He asked her. "Riley should get you pregnant more often," he whispered to her.
Buffy smiled at the thought. She didn’t mind being pregnant, especially since it was Riley’s child she was pregnant with. The only drawback of pregnancy happened to be that she looked like a two-ton whale. Everyone constantly told her that she looked beautiful, but they didn’t mean it.
"What are you doing here so early?"
"I was on my way to work and wanted to see how you were feeling," he said taking her hand, leading her into the kitchen.
Buffy followed him obediently. "I'm pregnant, Graham. How do you think I feel?" She asked him as they walked to the kitchen.
Riley sat at the table, sipping coffee, chewing on peanut butter as he read the morning newspaper. Apparently, Mayor Larot had been caught with his pants down again. Literally, this time. His concentration was torn from the article when he heard Graham and Buffy enter the kitchen, however.
"Is she kicking this morning?" Riley heard Graham ask.
Buffy shook her head as Graham dropped to his knees before her. He pressed his ear to her stomach and listened attentively. "Not yet, but I'm sure she will. What makes you think it's a girl?"
Graham looked up at her, then refocused on her stomach. "Why wouldn't it be?" He retorted. He shrugged his shoulders. "I don't know, but something tells me that you're carrying a little girl. Besides, I want another niece."
"Well, I am hoping for a girl, but your best friend over there seems to think that we're expecting another little tyke. The last thing I want in this house is another mini-Riley," Buffy said loud enough that Riley would hear.
From behind his newspaper, Riley smiled. "What makes you think Logan and I want another Buff-ette? You and Kennedy are plenty...and then some."
Suddenly, the paper was snatched from in front of his face and he was met with the disapproving glare of his wife. Even when she was mad, she was desirable. And at that moment, he wanted her. If he could push Graham out the door, they would have enough time before he had to get ready for work.
"Are you saying that living with us is trying?" She asked him. Suddenly, she winced, grabbing at her back.
Both men were at her side at once. "What's wrong?" They asked concerned.
She smiled from one to the other. "I'm fine. Just a little backache is all. I'm fine, don't you two worry. Doctor Brandt says I am right on time and that the baby is right on schedule. She promises that I won't go into premature labor." She smiled lovingly at Riley. "Can you get me some juice?"
Graham offered to get her juice, though. "What kind do you want? Orange? Grape? Apple? Pineapple?" He asked in a rush.
"Apple is fine, Graham," Buffy told him as Riley helped her into a chair.
He squatted down in front of her, staring up at her cautiously. "Are you sure you're okay? I can skip work if you want me to. I don't want anything to-" He stopped short when Buffy placed a finger over his lips.
"Relax, honey. Everything is *fine*. We're fine. If something were wrong, I'd tell you. You have no reason to worry." She leaned down, a difficult gesture due to her expanding belly, and planted a brief kiss on her husband's lips. "You know I wouldn't do anything to endanger my health or our baby."
He nodded. "I just want to be here for you. The last time..." he let the words hang in the air. Both knew of what he was referring to...and then some. He hadn't been there when she'd been attacked when she'd been pregnant with Logan and Kennedy. The attack, which had led her to give premature birth and also nearly took her life.
Riley also hadn't been there when she'd miscarried. She wanted him to be there for her, too. But how could they bring their baby into the world if he didn't work? He had to be realistic and so did she. As much as she'd love for him to stay home with her, and coddle her with love and attention, he had to go to work.
Graham handed her a glass of apple juice. "Do you want me to bring the kids to school? It'll give you and Riley some time alone."
Buffy looked away from Riley to focus on Graham's blue eyes. "Thanks, Graham, I would really appreciate that."
Graham smiled. "No prob." He kissed her forehead then walked out of the kitchen after bidding her and Riley goodbye. "C'mon, kiddos. Uncle Graham's gonna take you to school."
After Graham and the twins were gone, Buffy asked Riley to help her out of her chair. "I'll be glad when he or she is out because I am ready to get my figure back," Buffy said, resting a hand on her swollen abdomen.
Riley wrapped his arms around her as best as he could. "Soon, sweetie," he said, planting a kiss on the tip of her nose. "Besides, I don't know if I'm ready for you to have your figure back. You look beautiful pregnant," he told her, knowing that was *not* what Buffy wanted to hear.
"So, now you no longer like the petite look, but now you enjoy women who are overweight and look like they swallowed a basketball?" She teased as she turned her back on him and walked toward the living room.
He followed her into the living room, watching the sway of her hips beneath the pale yellow dress she wore. "I don't care what you look like Buffy, you'll always be beautiful to me. Whether you're as tiny as a toothpick or as huge as a beached whale, you'll always be desirable to me."
She turned around and locked him in a gaze so alarming that it sent tremors throughout his entire body, all the way to his toes. "You sure know what to say to make a girl feel special, don't you?" She asked, a blush crawling up her neck.
Riley shrugged his shoulders. "It's easy to compliment you."
Buffy tossed her hair behind her shoulders, her green eyes meeting his blue ones. "So, did I wear you out last night?" She asked him, a flirtatious smile slithering across her lips.
He sighed deeply. "Boy, did you ever!" He said, exasperatedly.
"Well, then I guess you're a little too drained, then, for a repeat performance..."
Yeah, right! Him? Never! He dropped the towel to the floor and approached her soundlessly. Molding his body to hers, he whispered in her ear, "Trust me, my stamina will scare the hell out of you."
It never ceased to amaze her just how easily aroused Riley could get. It wasn't a bad thing. No, it was a very good thing.
She turned around to face him. "I don't think we have enough time. You'll be late for work..." she reminded him.
"Screw that!" He admonished. "I've been thinking about making love to you again since I went to sleep last night and this morning when I woke up and you weren't there...I thought I'd die. There's no way I am leaving this house until I have you..." he told her, point blank.
He watched as her fingers reached out to touch him. Her fingers were cold against his hot skin, but it felt good to feel her fingers. Her fingertips danced across his skin, raking a torturously slow path down his stomach.
Nimble fingers curled around his length, hard and hot in her fist. Just the single touch of her...it was like an aphrodisiac. She'd always known how to touch him. She languidly moved her fingers up and down his length, reveling in the moans that rose from his chest. Suddenly, his hand clamped down over hers, his blue eyes a charcoal gray.
"Please, don't do that again," he quietly begged her.
Her face softened yet it kept its vindictive nature. "Why not?" She asked innocently.
The woman was...She was doing it purposefully, he was sure. "If you want me to make love to you and last more than a few seconds, then you won't do *that* again." She kept a firm hold on his shaft, but didn't move her hand at all. Her grip tightened somewhat, causing him to yelp. "Don't do *that* either!" She looked up at him beneath dark lashes and he just shook his head. "Tell you what...take your hand away altogether."
She unfolded her fingers from him, however, her nails skimmed over intimate regions that had Riley throw back his head in exasperation. "Woman, you are too much," he told her.
He watched as her fingers flew to the buttons of her dress. "Should you do the honors or shall I?" She asked him.
"You do it and I'll watch," he said, smiling a cocky half-smile. He took her hand and led her to the sofa. He sat down, pulling her between his legs. "Now, strip."
Eyebrow arched, Buffy nimbly began undoing buttons. "Commanding, aren't we, Doctor," she said with mock seriousness. He nodded. Halfway through the buttons, Buffy stopped, saying, "You know this wasn't fair. You cheated! You were only wearing a towel. I have all these clothes to disperse of. Do you know how long it took me to put this on?" She asked him.
"I don't care how long it took you to put it on. I only care how long it'll take you to take it off. I'm dying here, woman. Get a move on."
Buffy frowned. Tucking her hands behind her back, she said, "My hands hurt. I think I need help."
Riley sat forward on the sofa. "What am I going to do with you?" He asked her as he began unfastening buttons, caressing her flesh with every button undone.
She started to say something, but it turned into a moan. Finally, he reached the last button of her dress. He sat forward on the sofa and pressed his ear to her stomach. It still amazed him that this is what their love produced. God had given him so much and yet he was still dishing it out.
Buffy's hands fell in Riley's hair, gathering up a handful of his dirty blonde locks. He hadn't moved for a few moments, his ear still pressed to her stomach. "Riley? Honey, are you okay?"
"Huh? Uh, oh, yeah. I'm fine. I'm just...I'm in awe, Buffy. I've done so many wrong things in my life, Buffy. I just can't believe that God is still giving me gifts like this, like you...when I don't deserve them."
"You deserve every one of them, Riley. Every one of us. Don't even think for a moment that you don't."
Buffy had a point. It's just, he was going to be a father again. Could he do it again? He wanted to change...he'd made mistakes in raising Logan and Kennedy that he didn't want to make with the new baby. Could he live up to that challenge? Would he be able to be there for Buffy like he wanted to be? Would he be the father and husband this time around that he'd wanted to be the first time around?
He sure as hell hoped so. Instead of mewling over his inhibitions, Riley pushed the thoughts to the edge of his mind. He focused his attention on the pregnant beauty before him and let all other thoughts escape his brain.
"Do you have your briefcase?" He heard Buffy yell from downstairs.
Riley glanced around the room, muttering, "Briefcase. Briefcase." He searched every possible nook and cranny in the bedroom, but his briefcase was nowhere to be found. He was already running fifteen minutes late and now it looked as if he was advancing on thirty.
Grabbing a tie from his tie rack and his shoes from the closet, Riley quickly descended the stairs, yelling, "Honey, I have no idea where I put it." As he entered the living room, he found Buffy standing in the middle of the room a smile on her face, his brown leather briefcase poised between her hands. "Where'd you find it?" He asked her, dropping his shoes onto the floor at his feet.
Buffy laid the briefcase on the coffee table. "Underneath the sofa. I remembered that Kennedy and Logan were playing hide and seek last night...your briefcase was what had been hidden."
"You're a lifesaver!" He said indignantly, pausing to kiss her softly on the lips. However as his lips touched hers, the quick, chaste kiss didn't quench his thirst. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her arduously, his tongue delving past her soft, supple lips to explore the sweetness of her mouth.
Luckily Buffy had enough willpower for the both of them. "You're running late already. You need to get cracking," she told him.
He frowned momentarily, then placed a tender kiss on her nose. "Sorry it's just that you're so...and I really don't want to go to work knowing that you could go into labor at any minute," he told her as he slipped on his shoes.
"Honestly, Riley, I'll be fine. Besides, Emmy and Willow don't let me out of their sights. You have nothing to worry about," she told him as she stepped between his legs and began tying his tie.
"As long as you make sure you're never alone," he told her.
Buffy shook her head. "Okay, you're all ready to go. Now, get outta here," she told him.
He stole another kiss before grabbing his briefcase and running for the door. Riley had just run out the door when he noticed that he'd forgotten two integral things: his wallet and his car keys. As he threw open the door, his wife stood behind it, holding both, smiling wickedly. "What would I do without you?"
"Obviously, be late. Now, go."
"I'm going, I'm going. I'll see you tonight."
Later that week as Buffy was grocery shopping with Willow and their many rugrats, she got a severe shockwave of pain throughout her entire back as she reached onto a shelf to grab a can of lima beans.
She grabbed onto her back and took a few deep, calming breaths. Doctor Brandt had told her to expect a little back pain. But this late in her pregnancy? Something seemed a little wrong...
"Kennedy?" Buffy said, reaching toward her daughter.
Seeing the look on her mother's face, Kennedy got alarmed quickly. "Mom? What's wrong?" the seven year old asked quickly.
Buffy took another labored breath. "Go find Aunt Willow. Tell her to come right away." Kennedy hesitated a moment, then ran off after Buffy barked, "Go!" at her.
By the time Willow had reached her, Logan, Georgina, and Nick running behind her, Buffy stood there, grasping her stomach. "What's wrong?"
"My water just broke."
She'd been getting the calls since noon and here it was one-thirty and her boss was nowhere to be found.
"Where are you, Riley?" Nancy, his secretary, asked aloud as she paced her small cubicle. Why was it that whenever she needed her boss the most, he was never around?
The clicking of the elevators caught her attention. She spotted the handsome man quickly and ran to meet him. Upon seeing him with Doctor Janset, she wondered if she should intervene. Her news was important. "Riley, both Miss and Mister Miller have been calling for you for the past hour and a half."
"Is something wrong, Nancy?"
Nancy nodded, smiling. "Your wife has gone into labor." Before she could say anything more, Riley was running for the elevator. Nancy frowned at the doctor. "I wonder if he knows what hospital to go to...?"
Riley ran into Sunnydale General, looking around anxiously for any familiar faces. He was about to run down the hall when he heard someone call him, "Daddy!" He turned around to find Kennedy standing behind him, holding a pink rabbit.
He quickly bent down and pulled his daughter into his arms. "Where's everyone? More importantly, where's Mommy?"
"Uncle Graham and everybody are in the waiting area." Kennedy pointed him in the way of the waiting room where Willow and Graham sat with their kids and Logan.
Graham bolted out of his chair to Riley's side. "They're waiting for you," Graham told him, putting a hand on his shoulder. "Are you ready to greet your child?"
Riley nodded. "Yeah, I am. Right now, though, I want to see my wife."
Graham nodded his head toward the door. "Come on. I'll take you to her."
Graham led him down the hall to Buffy's room and left him there. Riley pushed open the door, finding Buffy lying upright in bed, her legs in stirrups, doctors and nurses bustling around her. "Where's my husband? Where's Riley?" She was yelling.
"Buffy, you'll have to calm down. Riley will be here soon enough. Right now this baby wants to get out. Come on, push," the doctor was instructing her.
Buffy shook her head. "No, I'm not pushing until Riley's here!" Then her eyes locked on her husband. A smile spread across her face as Riley made his way to her. "Riley..." she breathed.
He bent down and kissed her perspired forehead. "I'm here. I'm here. Come on, push, sweetie. It's time to bring our baby into the world."
"Hold my hand?"
Riley took her hand as she started to push.
"Come on, Buffy, I need one more push," the doctor was telling her. "I only need one more push," he repeated.
Riley patted Buffy's forehead with a cool washcloth. "Come on, honey. This is the last push."
With all the strength she had left, Buffy pushed once more. Screaming filled the room as their baby greeted the world.
Sated, Buffy fell back against the bed, as she heard the doctor say, "Congratulations, you have a daughter."
Tears filled Buffy's eyes. "A girl...it's a girl?" She asked, staring up at Riley, her green eyes wide and bright.
Riley nodded his head, tears filling his eyes the same. "A beautiful little girl, Buffy. Just as beautiful as you."
While the nurses cleaned up their baby, Riley embraced his wife, letting her touch warm up his body that had gone ice cold the moment he'd heard their baby's first cry. Unchartered tears fell from his eyes as Buffy held him tight.
"So, have you decided on a name?" Graham asked, watching mother and father with new baby.
The twins sat on either side of Buffy, leaning over the baby. "Can I touch her head, Mom?" Logan asked her.
"Go on, champ. You won't hurt her," Riley told him.
Cautiously, Logan touched the baby's head, then placed a tender kiss on the baby's forehead. "We really need to pick a name, Mom," Logan told her.
"Well, we've picked out a name," Buffy said.
The entire room hung on her words: "Everyone, meet Emily Blaire Finn."
"I like that, Mom. Who chose it?" Kennedy asked.
Buffy leaned toward Riley, nuzzling against his shoulder. "Well, Emily was the name your dad and I had picked out for the last baby and Blaire well, was your great-grandma's name."
Kennedy followed Logan's lead in kissing the baby's forehead as the door opened. "All right, everyone, sorry, but visiting hours are over. Miss Finn needs her rest and so does the new addition," the nurse said.
Buffy yawned as the nurse took Emily away. "I am kinda beat," Buffy said as Riley lifted the twins from the bed.
"Yeah, we need to get back home and prepare for the new baby."
Buffy's eyes widened with shock. "You're leaving me here by myself?"
Riley looked quickly at Graham. "You can stay here with Buffy, Riley. We'll take the twins and tomorrow we'll go and straighten up the house and ready everything for the baby."
"Are you sure, Graham?"
"Positive."
Riley lifted both Kennedy and Logan so they could each hug and kiss their mother goodnight, then watched as Graham and Willow filed out of the room.
His eyes then focused on Buffy. "You look tired, why don't you sleep."
She shook her head. "Come sit with me?"
He pushed down the bedrail and sat beside her. "Can you believe that we've finally got what we've been wanting? She's here...and she's perfect." He was silent for a few moments, just staring at the ceiling. "I'm ready to get you home so that I can make fierce love to you."
"You'll have to wait a long time, honey."
"Huh?"
"Six weeks...no making love for six weeks."
"Please tell me you're kidding.... I don't remember that with Logan and Kennedy."
Buffy nodded as her hand caressed his thigh. "They'll be hard six weeks, but you know, when they're up, you're more than welcome to get me pregnant again," she told him, smiling.
"Now, there's some incentive," he whispered before his mouth covered hers.
They were a lucky pair. They not only had each other, but also two wonderful kids and the one thing that they never thought they'd get: a baby. They were starting a whole new chapter in their lives. It was them against the world. Together, they could accomplish anything, as long as they did it together.
The End