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Cordelia pushed her way through the crowd at the Bronze to the gang at their table.  The crowd jostled her around as they danced to the music in the small area.  With a sigh, she sat down at the table.  "I miss the clubs in LA, they were bigger.  There was more space to walk around without being mobbed."

"But then you would be missing our fun!  Don't tell me you didn't miss our cockroaches?" Xander cracked.

Cordelia rolled her eyes.  "Goodness, no.  But LA had their own fair share of them too.  And how could I miss my very own Hellmouth to live on?"  She sipped on her drink, then perked up.  "But you wouldn't believe who I just ran into!!"  No one made an attempt to guess.  "Well, then.  I found Natalia boasting to everyone about her engagement ring.  You should have seen it!  It was huge!!  I want one just like it or even bigger when I get married.  It has to be big enough for me to skate on, that's my philosophy."  Cordelia grinned and continued sipping on her drink waiting for someone to reply.

"Cordy, I think that's impossible."

"It's just an expression.  Jeez, Xander, get with the times." Cordelia huffed at Xander, then turned to someone who would understand.

"What do you think, Buffy?  I mean, if you were ever to be married, would you want a big ring?"

"I don't know, I like my ring just fine."  Buffy carefully played with the ring Angel had given her.

"Excuse me?  What did you mean by that?"  Xander eyes shot up from his drink after he took in Buffy's comment.  "You are just talking about the same ring Dead Boy over here gave you on your birthday, right?"

Buffy glanced over at Angel, and he nodded.  "Yes, I'm talking about that ring, but it is also meant as a wedding ring in Irish custom.  So, technically Angel and I are married.  But he did propose to me last night, so I guess it is an engagement ring, as well."

Willow squealed and the other's jaws dropped.  "Oh my gosh!  Congratulations, Buffy!"

"Congratulations!" Oz chimed in.

Xander slapped Angel on the back, "Congrats, Dead Boy."

Angel stared at him shocked, completely ignoring the nickname that he hated.

"Don't have a heart attack, Angel- not that you could have one." Xander joked.  "I'm really happy for the two of you."

"I don't know what to say, Xander.  Thank you.  It means a lot." Angel replied.

Katia stood up and hugged Buffy.  "Congratulations.  You will now go down in the Slayer's records.  First one to be married."  She glanced at Angel, "to a vampire no less."  She laughed.

"It took you long enough to pop the question."  Cordelia pointedly looked at Angel.  "But, congratulations."

"Can I coordinate your wedding?  I would make it perfect for you two.  And trust me, you don't want to have to worry about all the details.  I mean a wedding involves a lot!  You have the flowers, dresses, the reception in itself, invitations, decorations, the church-"

"Um, Cordy.  Remember who the groom is, I don't think we can have it in a church." Buffy interrupted.  She glanced over at Angel thinking about all of the crosses.

Cordelia sighed.  "Oh, that's right.  But we can find someplace nice."

"Actually, it's okay."  Angel spoke up.  Everyone looked at him strangely.  "I'll be fine in a church.  It's only hard for the new ones.  I'm old enough to withstand it."

Cordelia nodded.  "Great.  So, Buffy do you want my help?"

"I guess that's fine.  But I would like to have some input in the wedding, so would my mom."  Buffy shrugged.

"Oh, most definitely.  It's your wedding.  Now then, have you set a date?  Because, I need all the time I can get.  Big weddings take a lot to time to plan."

"Actually, Cordelia, I was hoping for a small, private wedding."

"Oh, come on, Buffy.  Tell me that you never dreamt of having a huge wedding when you were a girl."

"Well…"

"You see!  It's just not possible to have a small wedding."

"I was thinking that because of the fact that we have to have it at night and knowing where we live, it wouldn't be safe to have anyone there who wasn't in our group.  Besides, you guys are my closest friends.  Who else do I need to invite?"

Katia laughed.  Everyone turned to look at her puzzled.  She grinned.  "Have you ever thought of the fact that your mother will want to invite people?  Her only daughter is getting married.  She will be so proud that she will want to invite everyone to witness the event."

"But I don't think she will want to endanger anyone."  Buffy tried to justify her thoughts.

"Didn't Angel say that the new vampires won't go into a church?  Because, then you wouldn't have to worry about them."  Oz spoke up.  Everyone looked at him in surprise to hear him talk, especially more than one sentence.

"Yeah, I guess so.  But I suspect that some vampires would love to get a chance to attack me during my wedding, or Angel as well.  And you would still have to worry about the older ones too, like Spike."  Buffy replied while staring down at her drink, playing with her straw.

"But don't you and Spike sort of have a truce going on?" Oz questioned.

Buffy laughed.  "I don't know if you could call it that, but yes.  He doesn't kill me as long as I avert the end of the world so he can keep on living, or unliving."

"You know, maybe you could have Spike as a security guard of sorts." Oz suggested.

The group stared at Oz in wonder.  "Are you kidding?  Spike?"

"Well…" Oz shrugged.  "You never know."

"I guess anything is possible." Buffy replied.  She looked over at Angel, questioningly.

Angel sighed.  "I don't know.  Spike might take advantage of it.  Even though he has not tried any personal armageddons, he still likes to kill slayers.  I don't think I have to remind you of his count."

"I don't know about you guys, but I think this can be decided later.  Right now, there are more important issues.  Such as, what color theme do you want?  It is very crucial to the overall-"

"Umm… Cordy?  Color theme?  They just told us the news, I don't think we have to decide everything now.  How do you know this stuff anyways?" Xander interrupted.

"Oh!  Well, I helped with my cousin's wedding a few years ago.  You should have seen it!  It was gorgeous!  She had flowers, candles, balloons-"

"Wait a second, Cordy.  How much did this wedding cost?  I'm assuming your cousins were well off, because that's the way it sounds." Buffy interrupted this time.

"Oh, about $100,000."

"What?!!  I don't think so, Cordy!" Buffy exclaimed, glancing at Angel who was looking dazed, and then back at Cordelia.  "We don't have that much money, especially for a fancy wedding."

"Well, it's not going to be cheap.  The only way you'll get that is if you go to Las Vegas."

"Hey!  That's a great idea!  Elvis can marry you!" Xander exclaimed.

"Willow, slap him please." Buffy ordered.

Willow slapped him.

"Hey!  I was just giving ideas!" Xander protested.

"The effort is appreciated, just not the idea, Xander." Buffy answered his protest.

"Fine, fine, fine." Xander grumbled.

Buffy turned back to Cordelia, "I understand that it's not going to be cheap, but we don't want to go in debt."

Cordelia nodded.  "Don't worry.  That won't happen."

"So, Buffy, Katia!!  Do you know if we will be attending another wedding anytime soon between our pals, Giles and Agnes?" Xander changed the topic.

Buffy laughed, choking on her drink.  "Giles married?  I find that hard to imagine."

Katia shook her head.  "I don't see Agnes settling down either.  But it is a fun thought."  She smiled.

"I can't believe Giles is actually dating again.  I thought he liked keeping to himself with those musty old books." Cordelia blurted out.

"Well, I think it's good for Giles.  He needs someone, and Agnes is a good match for him." Willow spoke up on Giles' behalf.

Buffy snickered.  "Oh, yeah.  Agnes and Giles.  British to the core and they both know and love their demons."  The gang laughed.

"Buffy, have you even told your mom yet?" Oz brought up a point.

"No."

"Giles?"

"Nope."

"Uh-oh."  Everyone groaned.  "Good luck, Buffy, you're going to need it."

"Thanks a lot, guys.  That just brightened my mood." Buffy answered sarcastically.

Angel stood up from the table and held out a hand.  "Dance?" Buffy smiled and nodded.  She took his hand and they walked onto the floor.

"So, we got the gang over with, all we have left is my mom and Giles." Buffy mentioned while they swaying to the music.

"Who do we want to tell next?" Angel asked.

"Giles may be more receptive, but my mom would be hurt if we told her last."

"Then your mom it is." Angel decided.

"Do we want to get it over with tonight?" Buffy asked a little nervous about telling her mom.  She wasn't quite ready to tell her that she was getting married.

"We might as well."

They walked back to the table and picked up their coats.  They waved goodbye to the group and left for Buffy's house.

Willow sighed once they left.  "What's the matter, Willow?" Oz asked concerned.

"Oh, nothing.  It's just finally coming together, the two of them.  They've been through everything, but now things are calming down."  The group nodded in agreement.

Except for Cordelia who had to add her two cents worth.  "Calm?!!  They're about to get hectic!  We have to start planning the wedding!"

"Not now, Cordelia.  Let's just enjoy the night." Xander tiredly argued.

"Fine.  Dance?"  Xander nodded, and they made their way to the dance floor.  Willow and Oz followed them out.  All that left was Katia, sitting alone at the table.  But she didn't mind.  It was nice enough to see everyone happy.

"Would you like to dance?"  Katia looked up to see who was offering and found one good-looking guy with black hair and eyes staring down at her.  She smiled.  "I'd love to."  She stood up and walked to the dance floor.

Of course, it wasn't all that bad to be with someone…

Buffy and Angel walked into the living room of her house.  "Mom?" She called out.

Joyce walked into the room, "Oh good, Buffy, you're home.  I've been anxious to look at some new art, but I can't open the box, and I was wondering-"  She stopped, noticing Angel standing next to Buffy.  "Oh!  Hello Angel."

"Hello, Ms. Summers." Angel replied.

"Did you two have a good time last night?"

Buffy glanced at Angel.  "That's what we came to tell you about."

"Oh, really?" Joyce motioned for them to sit down on the couch.

Buffy took a deep breath.  "Mom, you know the ring Angel gave me a few years ago?"  Joyce nodded.  "Well, in Irish custom, it means that we are married."

Joyce's jaw dropped and she took a sharp breath.  "Is it legal here?"

Buffy shook her head.  "No, but Angel did propose to me last night.  We are engaged."

Joyce smiled big and beamed.  "Congratulations!"  She stood up to hug the two of them.  Buffy and Angel stood up in response.  Joyce hugged them both fiercely.  "My baby is getting married.  She's growing up on me so fast.  And now I get a son-in-law."  She paused.  "A son-in-law who is older than me, it's a little strange" She grinned.  "But I think I'll get used to it."

Joyce clasped her hands.  "Oh my.  We need to tell your father.  Unfortunately, he doesn't know about you dating Angel."

Buffy groaned.  "We're gonna have another 'George Banks' on our hands."

Angel looked at Buffy puzzled.  "George Banks?"

Buffy explained, "He's from the movie, 'Father of the Bride.' To sum things up, his only daughter was getting married and he went crazy.  We'll have to watch it sometime."

Joyce stepped in, "It's a good movie, but I would hope that your father wouldn't react that badly."  She sighed.  "I can't believe this is happening already.  It seems just like yesterday you were in diapers.  As long as I don't have to deal with 'Father of the Bride Part 2' anytime soon, I think I can handle this."  She laughed.

Buffy closed her eyes in pain, then looked up at her mother.  "Mom, remember we can't."

Joyce nervously played with her hands.  "Oh, yes.  I'm sorry.  I got caught up in all of the excitement."  Her eyes pleaded forgiveness with Buffy.  Buffy nodded.  "Oh!  You two should go enjoy the night!  I'll call your father and tell him the news.  I shall try to soften the blow before he sees the two of you together."

"Thanks, Mom." Buffy replied softly.

"You're welcome.  Now, go!" Joyce shooed them out of the house.

"That didn't go too badly." Angel said once outside the house.

"I know, I'm surprised." Buffy admitted.

"Now, all we have left is Giles."  Angel glanced down at Buffy, smiling.

She groaned.  "Please, not tonight."

"But wouldn't it be nice to have it all behind us?" Angel asked her.

"Oh, all right.  Ye wise and knowledgeable one." Buffy grumbled, then grinned at him.

"Ha-ha.  Joke now.  You'll be old one day too, you know.  And wise and knowledgeable." Angel touted.

"It's too bad that we met in the alley, you know, when we first talked to each other."  Buffy referred to the fact that Angel had first seen her when she had been called and he had watched. "It would be nice to visit our first meeting place, but I rather not spend my night in a dirty alley." Buffy mentioned as they started walking down the street.

"How about the next best place?" Angel nuzzled his head next to her hair.

"Oh, you mean the cemetery?" Buffy asked.

"Ah-huh." Angel mumbled.  "Come here."  Angel pulled her into his arms and kissed her.  Buffy laughed as he swept her off her feet and gently picked her up.

"Well, we probably should patrol awhile before we meet Giles.  He'll think I'm slacking off with you here with me."

"You, slack off?  I don't think so." Angel joked, then stopped to kiss her again.

A vampire decided to pop out of the bushes at that moment and Buffy broke off the kiss to kick the vampire away.  She pulled out a stake and neatly stuck it in its heart.

She turned back to Angel and smiled.  "Now, where were we?"

Angel laughed.  "Slacker."

"Hey!  I just slayed a vampire.  I did my job." Buffy huffed haughtily at Angel.  She tried to stay serious, but soon broke out into laughter.

They continued onto the cemetery where they proceeded to sit on a bench and make out.  Only two unlucky vampires interrupted and found their quick demise.

Buffy knock on Giles' apartment door.  She looked at Angel nervously and he squeezed her hand.

Giles opened the door and greeted them.  "Buffy, Angel.  Come in."  They walked inside.  "Was there a problem on patrol tonight?" He asked worriedly.

Buffy shook her head.  "Nope.  Three vamps dusted.  We just came to tell you the news."

Giles looked up from his cup of tea, "News?  What's wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong, Giles."  She caught a quick glance at Angel and smiled.  "Angel and I are getting married."

Giles choked.  "Married?  Oh, my."  He paused then smiled.  "Congratulations.  You two deserve happiness."  He put his tea down and hugged Buffy and shook Angel's hand.

Buffy and Angel left Giles' apartment a little while later.  She sighed once out.  "Done."

"Now, that wasn't too painful, was it?" Angel teased.

"We'll let's see."  She ticked off on her fingers.  "My mom almost fainted, Giles choked on his tea, the gang was shocked, and yet we managed to get congratulations from them all.  I'll say it didn't go too bad."

They walked a few moments in silence before Buffy groaned.

"What's wrong?" Angel asked.

"We still have to plan the wedding." Buffy replied, obviously not happy.

"It won't be that hard." Angel reasoned.

"Oh, yeah right.  With Cordelia?  It's going to be crazy!" Buffy gave him a pointed look.

"Cordelia isn't that bad." Angel replied before thinking a moment and retracted his last comment.  "Ok, well it might be a little hard."

Buffy laughed.  "I told you."

Angel draped his arm over her shoulder.  "Well, just try to make the best out of it.  She genuinely wants to help and she has had experience with this kind of thing."

Buffy sighed, "I guess."  She brightened after a second and looked up at Angel.  "You'll be worth it in the end!"

Angel smiled.  "Thank you." He kissed her softly.  "I think you're worth it, too."

Willow pushed 'stop' on the remote and turned to Buffy.  "So how did your dad take the news, Buffy?"

They had just finished watching 'Father of the Bride.'  It had been a week since Buffy and Angel had announced their engagement.

Buffy snuggled herself against Angel and replied, "Well, it was my mom who broke it to him over the phone.  My dad was quiet for a minute before he started bombarding her with questions.  He wanted to know everything about Angel and our relationship since he had never heard anything about it.  Mom said she had to bite her lip to keep her from laughing, especially when he wanted to know how old Angel was."  Buffy smiled at Angel, while everyone else laughed.

"I guess it is kind of hard to tell your dad that you're marrying a 244 year old vampire." Katia reasoned.

"No kidding." Buffy agreed.

"Will you ever tell him, Buffy?" Willow asked.

"I don't think so, Willow." Buffy replied slowly.  "As far as my dad is concerned, he's never in my life."  Everybody nodded, remembering her 18th birthday.

"Dad will probably come in a day before the wedding, walk me down the aisle, and leave right after it."

"I'm sorry, Buffy.  I know it's hard when a parent doesn't care much about you." Xander offered his sympathy.  He too had parents that didn't care about him.

"Thanks, Xand.  It's not that he doesn't care or love me, it's just that he doesn't have the time for me."  A lone tear rolled down her cheek.

Angel kissed the tear away and hugged her.  The gang fell silent after her comment.

"So, Buffy, have you two set a date?" Katia broke the silence.

"Well, we're thinking about August 12." Buffy replied.

"How about your honeymoon?  Where are you going?" Cordelia asked, ever the one to know about the fun details.

"We haven't decided yet."

"I've always wanted to go to the beach for mine." Cordelia informed everyone of her preference.

"But Sunnydale has a beach." Xander pointed out.

"I know that silly.  I was talking about an island." Cordelia rolled her eyes.

Buffy glanced at Angel.  "But you have to remember that Angel and the sun don't mix."

Cordelia sighed.  "Well, I guess there are other nice places."

"No.  The beach is fine." Angel spoke up.

Buffy looked at him surprised, "What about you?"

He leaned down close to her.  "You do know that the beach doesn't disappear at night." He murmured in her ear.  "And there are other things to do during the day."

Buffy smiled as her cheeks turned pink.

"Oh, no!  I do not want to know what he just said." Xander teased.

Cordelia swatted him.  "That's why he didn't tell us.  It's private." She turned to the couple.  "I would suggest St. Croix.  It's a wonderful island, I hear.  I almost went one summer.  And you can go to a travel agent and they will plan you an entire vacation.  Although something tells me they won't have to suggest any activities." She smiled at them.

Buffy blushed again.  "Thanks, Cordelia."

August 12, 2000

Today was the day.  Angel and I were finally getting married.  It has been almost four years since we met in that alley behind the Bronze.  And now we are walking down the aisle.

I know brides usually get cold feet before their wedding, but not me.  I love Angel and I know we belong together.  I've been waiting for this occasion for a long time.  Not just since we were engaged, but during those earlier years, too.  I always wanted Angel to belong to just me and me to him.  I guess I'm selfish but whenever I saw the eyes turn toward him all those nights at the Bronze and I just wanted to yell "He's mine!  Don't even dare!"  I really never had to worry about Angel though, he never let any of those girls, including Cordelia, take his eyes or attention off of me.

I know it was hard for him to leave last year, but he never stopped loving me.  And I never stopped loving him.  Sure, I went out with some guys, got involved with Riley, but there really was no question as to whom my heart belonged.  It's all in the past now.  We managed to get past our bumps and end up together, like we had always wanted.

And in just a couple of hours, we will be together forever.  Cordelia is curling my hair right now in the dressing room of the church.  We hear a knock on the door and Cordelia screeches, "Who is it?"

"Just me, Xander.  Are you decent?" We heard his voice through the door.

Cordelia nodded at Willow, who was fixing her own hair, and she went to open the door for Xander.

"I have a present for you, my, lady." Xander bowed, and held out a rose and a tape.  "I'll give you three guesses who it's from." He grinned.

Willow took the rose and tape and Xander left. She handed me the rose and popped the tape into the stereo.  We all paused to listen.

Come stop your crying
It will be all right
Just take my hand
Hold it tight

I will protect you
From all around you
I will be here
Don't you cry

For one so small
You seem so strong
My arms will hold you,
Keep you safe and warm
This bond can't be broken
I will be here
Don't you cry

'Cause you'll be in my heart
Yes, you'll be in my heart
From this day on
Now and forever more

>You'll be in my heart
No matter what they say
You'll be in my heart, always

I looked up at Willow and smiled.  I felt tears coming to my eyes.  It was so sweet of him.

Why can't they understand
The way we feel
They just don't trust
What they can't explain
I know we're different but,
Deep inside us
We're not that different at all

And you'll be in my heart
Yes, you'll be my heart
From this day on
Now and forever more

Don't listen to them
'Cause what do they know
We need each other
To have, to hold
They'll see in time
I know

When destiny calls you
You must be strong
I may not be with you
But you've got to hold on
They'll see in time
I know
We'll show them together

'Cause you'll be in my heart
Believe me, you'll be in my heart
I'll be there from this day on
Now and forever more

Oh, you'll be in my heart
You'll be here in my heart
No matter what they say
I'll be with you

You'll be here in my heart
I'll be there, always
Always

After the song ended, Willow quickly wiped away her tears not wanting anyone to see them.  But Cordelia saw them, just on Buffy, and she promptly squawked.

"Look what you did to your makeup!!  It's all messed up!  Oh, I'll get that overgrown boy and string him up by his toenails.  Do you know how long it's going to take me to fix this?"

I smiled at Cordelia, apologized, and picked up my skirt and started walking toward the door.  I had to see Angel.  The song had hit me.  It had managed to capture our whole life together so far, perfectly.

But both Cordelia and Willow pulled me back and pushed me into my chair.

"What do you think you're doing?  You are staying right here.  You can thank Angel later and continue bawling your eyes out, but not now.  You got that, Buffy?" Cordelia sternly told me.

I nodded.

"Good.  Now we have to finish making you beautiful for your wedding day.  As it is, we're behind because of what your crying did to your makeup."

I sighed, but let the two of them primp me.  The next time I saw Angel alone, which wouldn't be for awhile, I would have to thank him for the present.  I only wished that I had something for him.

In reality I thought my present wasn't enough.  Here Buffy had given me a life, an existence with her and a reason to live.  She was the one person who could love me as a vampire and not care.  I feel that I am cheating her with all that she gives to me and how little I can give her.

I was so nervous about the upcoming ceremony that would forever connect the two of us, I was wearing a hole in the carpet of my dressing room by pacing back and forth.

"Calm down, Angel!  It will be alright.  You look great for a dead guy." Xander cracked.

I glared at him.

"I'm kidding, I'm kidding.  Look, Buffy will walk down the aisle, you two will say your vows and live happily ever after.  Nothing is gonna go wrong."

I stopped pacing and looked at him.  "How can you know that?  What if she backs down? Maybe she'll finally realize I'm not worth it.  She'll say no and go off and marry that Riley guy."

Xander laughed.  "There's no chance of that happening, Dead boy.  I'm serious, look at her.  She loves you so much that she gave her life to you last year.  She has saved your butt so many times, it's not funny.  If she truly thought you were just another vampire, you'd be dead.  Think about it.  Buffy loves you and there is no way she is going to back out of this."

"He's right." Oz spoke up.  Both Xander and I glanced over at the werewolf.

"You see?  I'm right." Xander smiled, looking proud.

I sighed.  "You're right, Xander.  I know Buffy and she wouldn't do it.  I'm just nervous."

"No kidding." Xander drawled.

I just smiled and sat down to wait until it was time for the ceremony.

It could only be described as perfect; a dream come true.  Of course, a couple of times before and after the ceremony I had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn't dreaming.  I must admit though, Cordelia did a wonderful job planning the wedding.  It wasn't too showy or too simple.  There was an elegance to it that I can not put into words.  The flowers, candles, atmosphere of the whole thing…  My mom confessed to me that even she was glad Cordelia had helped with the wedding; she was already exhausted from her part of it.

As for the actual ceremony, Angel and I chose a very simple, traditional ceremony.  We mixed a little Irish custom and a little American custom.  Willow was my maid of honor, and Cordelia and Katia were my bridesmaids.  Giles was Best man, and Xander and Oz were groomsmen.

Right after Angel said his vows, he whispered softly so only I could hear, "Always."  Always.  That one word could sum up our entire relationship. We would be there for each other always, and forever.  Angel branded that one little word in my heart on my 18th birthday and I have never forgotten it.  I cherish that book, but I cherish what it means to the two of us more than anything else.  Just like this ceremony and the rings we exchange signify that we belong to each other not 'until death do us part', but even beyond that, for we are true soulmates and nothing can keep us apart.  Nothing.

The reception went well.  We rented out the Bronze for the evening and had the place to ourselves.  We locked the doors and put up the closed sign to ensure that no vampires would come sniffing around.  Angel started off the evening with our first dance to a sweet song.  We swayed to the music while I leaned my head on his shoulder.  It was the happiest day of my life and I started to cry.  Inside my head, I was laughing at myself for crying.  Here I was happy, and I was crying.  It made no sense.  All my tears in the past had been over pain, but here they were over happiness.  Angel noticed my tears and wiped them away.  All I could do was smile at him.

The night went on with no problems.  We cut the cake and stuffed each other mouth's with the chocolatey goodness.  I had refused the boring normal white cake and gone with the non-traditional chocolate cake.  We danced some more and Angel took my garter off and threw it to the guys.  Xander was the lucky one and just to make fun of the whole thing, put it on his head.  I know he was just trying to lighten the situation because deep down he was really embarrassed.  He had come to accept that he loved Cordelia but Xander, well, he's just Xander, and I don't think he's ready for marriage.  After the garter throwing and Xander's cute red face, we went and changed for our trip.

Right before we were to leave, I tossed my bouquet and watched as it soared through the air, landing in Cordelia's hands.  Her face turned bright red and as if the bouquet was on fire, she quickly tossed it to Willow.  I laughed.  Cordelia might be back together with Xander, but I don't think she's ready for marriage, either.  Willow was smiling after she caught the bouquet and I wondered how long it would be until she married.

With the bouquet thrown, it was all over.  Angel and I waved goodbye to everyone and we departed.  Angel drove us to the airport for our flight to St. Croix.  As much as I wanted to spend the time with Angel, I slept through the entire flight.

The travel agent had booked us a private condo right on the beach.  It was all stocked with food so we wouldn't have to go anywhere.  When we arrived at the condo, Angel was sweet enough to make breakfast.  It was after I had eaten and gone to take a shower that I heard Angel choking.  I ran back to the kitchen where he had been having his breakfast and I saw him throwing up blood.  I was shocked and immediately went to help him.

Angel had no idea why he had thrown the blood back up but he did try another batch that he had brought and promptly threw it up too.  I got worried and had him go lie down.  Later that day he tried some more blood and he threw up again.

That night we decided to call Giles.  Angel was asleep when I called and I was glad of it.  His body needed rest if it wasn't getting any food.  I was really worried about him and hoped Giles knew what was wrong.  This was our honeymoon and I didn't want anything to ruin it, or anything to hurt Angel.

"Giles?"

"Buffy!  How is your honeymoon going?"

"Angel is throwing up blood."

"Excuse me?"

"Whenever he tries to eat, he throws it back up."

"Oh, my."

"Do you have any idea what's going on, Giles?"

"I'm sorry I don't.  But I will try to find something."

"Thanks, Giles.  I appreciate it."

After I hung up with Giles, I tried to push my worries aside and feel confident that Giles would find the answer, but I had my doubts.  It sounded like he had never heard of such an occurrence, and that scared me.  But I did have faith that he'd search his hardest and come up with whatever he could find.

Meanwhile, during the next day Angel and I tried to make the best of our honeymoon.  We took a moonlight walk on the beach and just enjoyed each other's company.

It was late afternoon the day after I had called Giles when he called back.  Angel was in the shower when Giles called.  I picked up the phone a little apprehensive.  I didn't know what to expect.  Vampires never got sick, well except for Drusilla.  But wait!  What if they need to do the same ritual?  Angel had killed Darla, his sire.  What would they do then?

I had to push back her fears and listen to what Giles had found.  Maybe it wouldn't be too bad.

"So, did you find anything?"

"Um, well not for certain.  But I do have an idea what is going on."

"Well, what is it?"

"You see, I searched for any particular time when blood is undesirable to a demon.  But the thing is, there is no time.  Blood is blood to the demon.  Even tainted, or disease ridden blood is wanted by the demon.  It makes no difference.  So, all I can think of is that there is no demon in Angel anymore."

"I don't get what you're saying, Giles."

"I think that it has to do with your marriage.  It was a holy bond connected between the two of you, made by a priest.  The bond exiled the demon from Angel's body.  It is more powerful than the demon.  You have seen how a vampire reacts to a cross, but this was bigger, more powerful.  I believe that Angel is human now."  Giles stopped to let his words sink in for Buffy.  He knew it would be a shock for her.

Giles' words hung in the air in silence.

"You're kidding me right, Giles?"

"I'm afraid not, Buffy.  I believe that with the eviction of the demon, Angel's body has returned to a human state.  You just need to see if he has a pulse to test my theory."

I checked the room for Angel before her next question; I wanted to tell him the news herself.  "So, you mean that Angel is human as in living, breathing, walking in the sunlight and can have kids human?"

"Yes, I believe so."

"Thanks, Giles.  Thank you so much.  You don't know what this means to me."

"You're welcome, Buffy.  You two deserve it.  Enjoy your honeymoon.  I would suggest a fine steak for his first meal.  No pun intended.  I think he would like it."

"I was thinking more of a nice walk in the sun first."

"Oh, yes, of course. Now, I shall see you when you get back.  Have fun.  Goodbye, Buffy."

"Bye, Giles."

I sat down on the bed and sighed.  I glanced over at the covered window.  No more would we have to cover it.  No more would we have to worry about any vampire traits.  We could go out in the sun together, and now if we ever had time or wanted to, we could have children.  It was the one thing Angel had always wanted to give me, and now he could.  I smiled to herself; we would have some good-looking kids.

Angel stepped out of the bathroom and noticed me laying on the bed.  "Buffy?  Is everything ok?  Was that Giles on the phone?"

I nodded my head.  "Yes."

"Did he find anything?" He probed.

I pulled myself up to a sitting position.  Still in a shocked state, all I could do was nod again.

Angel got worried.  "Buffy, what is it?  Tell me, please." He pleaded with me.

"Giles didn't find anything specifically, but he has a theory.  Come here." I waved him over and patted the bed.

Angel came and sat next to me on the bed.  I carefully pulled his hands into hers.  I moved one of my hands over his wrist to feel a pulse.  When I felt a steady pounding, I almost jumped off the bed in surprise.  Although I had hoped to feel it, a part of me had thought Angel would always be a vampire.

Angel noticed the slight jump at his touch, "Buffy, what's wrong?"  I grinned in response.  I stood up and pulled him to the door of the suite.  He pulled back at the door, knowing it was still sunny and looked at Buffy puzzled.  "It's day."

I just grinned again and opened the door.  I pulled him outside in the light and he closed his eyes ready for the sunlight.  He flinched expectantly, waiting to feel the burning.  When he didn't feel it, he opened his eyes and looked questioning at Buffy.

"I…I don't understand."

I took his hand and placed it on his chest.  "You're human."

Angel felt his heartbeat, glanced at the sun for a few moments then grinned at Buffy.

I almost laughed at the sight of him.  His eyes lit up like a child at Christmas.  He looked like a kid who had gotten his wish come true.  And actually it was Christmas for Angel.  This was a wish come true, a wish of both mine and Angel's.

"How?"  Angel's question stirred me from my thoughts.

"Our marriage.  It was a holy bond between the two of us and it kicked out the demon.  Or at least that is Giles' theory."  I tried to explain as best I could.

"I'm human."  He looked at her stating the fact more than asking.  I nodded happily.  I, too, was grinning like a fool.

"See?  Wasn't I worth it?" I teased.

He walked over to her and carefully cupped her chin in his hands.  "I love you."  Then he slowly, tenderly kissed her, letting the sun wash over them.

After they broke off the kiss, I tugged him toward the beach.  "Come on, silly.  You don't want to miss your first sunset, do you?"

They ran, laughing towards the beach.  Then they sat down at the water's edge and dangled their toes in the water, waiting for the sun to set.  When it started to go down, Angel sat in silence, mesmerized as the sun tucked itself under the horizon and gave way to night.

I'll be with you
I'll be there for you always
Always and always
Just look over your shoulder
I'll be there, always