Everything was set. 3.5 years almost to the day that they got engaged, Buffy and Angel were getting married. They waited as long as they did not because they had to but because they wanted to. Dawn had graduated with honors from Stanford as had Connor the year before her. She had been away in England studying under Giles and Connor had joined her. They were very serious in their relationship but taking things very slowly. Willow, Tara, Faith, and Buffy graduated from their respective universities with their varying bachelor degrees. At least they could all finally close the book on that chapter as well. In the future, if Willow wanted to go for a higher degree, she could do it online.

Fred and Wes were engaged and were going to get married 7 months after Buffy and Angel, and Tara and Willow already were. They had gotten hitched about a year after Tara had been returned to the fold by The Goddess. Neither woman wanted a big wedding. They went into LA to get their marriage license, and the ceremony was performed at Lorne's Bar which was dressed up for the occasion. Willow took Tara's name as hers was too long.

Now everyone was preparing for the biggest celebration as Buffy and Angel were finally going to make it official. With the help of the special agency that owned the base, Angel was able to get papers and a passport for himself. He added the last name of Liamson to pay homage to his human first name, and upon marriage, Buffy would take his name as well. Not being Buffy Summers after the wedding, gave her a bit more anonymity and peace. The happy pair would also be going to Ireland on their honeymoon so they could look at all of the places where Angel used to live in his human time putting to rest the hardships too. They were doing everything right, by making peace with every portion of their pasts as they were building their future together.

The Goddess was going to perform the ceremony, Giles would walk Buffy down the aisle as he promised, and everything was being done in October so that it wouldn't be too hot outside. A tent would be put up next to the ceremony location, and there would be enough shade so Spike wouldn't fry either. He and Illyria were still going strong as were all of the other couples. The wedding party consisted of Dawn as maid of honor with Willow, Tara, and Faith as bridesmaids and Connor as best man with Lorne, Gunn, and Wes as groomsmen.

Dawn and Connor flew in early as had Giles and Jenny Calendar. Everyone else would arrive the day before the wedding. All of the girls except Illyria went with Buffy to shop for wedding and bridesmaids dresses. The men had it easy, all they had to do was rent tuxes. Because Buffy did a lot of errands when they had finally nailed down the date, it didn't take long for everything to be picked out as well as the cake which would be multi-tiered in white but with the Claddagh on it (All pictures of that special day are below and their wedding song is up top).

The day before the wedding, they had a slayer version of a rehearsal dinner. The slayers living on the base were busy setting up the tent and decorations as well as the ceremony location. The rest of the gang spent time first picking up the rest of the Scooby crew from the airport with the big, sleek, black bus so there wouldn't be multiple trips as people came in at different times from different countries. Illyria volunteered to play driver while the others were at Lorne's Place getting ready for the shindig/hoot-nanny.

Buffy squealed when Xander finally arrived with Anya and Andrew.

"You made it! How was your flight?" She said after squeezing the life out of the first two and smiling at Andrew.

"Oof, easy there, Buff; I actually still appreciate the rest of my body parts!" Xander grumbled, wincing after Buffy's bear hug. He had just gained a body shape when Willow nailed him with one too, followed by Dawn.

When he was sure that his lungs were sufficiently relocated to his stomach, Giles rescued him and led him over to where the food was. Anya was ogling over the wedding rings of Tara and Willow in the meantime and was hinting that she and Xander were going to finally take that plunge themselves to the delight of all of the women.

Angel was chatting with Robin and Connor while Faith was engaged in a conversation with Kennedy and Oz who had arrived on the bus along with Xander and the others. Illyria slipped in and joined Spike at the far end of the place watching the whole scene. Neither were great socializers and Clem soon joined them too. Anne Steel couldn't make it that night but she would be there as Gunn's plus one the following day when it counted.

People spent the whole evening mingling and enjoying each other's company. Dawn, being the maid of honor along with help from Willow and Tarah, then asked people to line up as they would the following day at the ceremony location.

"I know this wedding isn't huge but I want everything to go smoothly, so it's best if you remember who walks first." She said pointedly.

"Well it's easy for me, I walk out first and wait for my gorgeous bride," Angel said with his crooked smile as he walked up to Buffy and put his arms around her from behind. She looked up at him with profound love in her eyes, before saying;

"Yep; and I walk last with Giles. So even we can't get lost." Everyone giggled as Dawn rolled her eyes.

"Ha ha ha. Come on, you two! Stop stalling!" Dawn harrumphed before dragging the lovey-dovey couple outside followed by the rest of the party.

The tent was up and the slayers were busy setting up inside. The special agency was bringing the catering and cake to the tent the following morning. They were picking it up because no one wanted to give away the location of SunStorm to a catering company.

The ceremonial location was set up with only a few last minute details to be done the following day but not needed for a run through, which was promptly done without fanfare or screwups though Xander managed to trip on the faux grass that had been laid down as the aisle. Thankfully, he didn't get hurt or broke anything and Dawn said in an undertone, rather emphatically:

"I'm so glad he's not in the wedding party!"

After the fact, is when it got funny. As per old tradition, the groom isn't supposed to see the bride before the wedding day so though Buffy could return to their house, Angel couldn't.

"You're kidding me, right? I'm over 250 years old and I can't even sleep in my own house?" Angel said aghast.

"There's nothing wrong with you hanging out and sleeping in the other house. You've broken every other tradition; can't you try to follow one?" Dawn said sarcastically, crossing her arms not budging while others looked at this showdown with bemused expressions.

"Come on man, we got a very comfy couch!" Gunn spoke up as Fred added her five cents.

"Yeah, Wesley falls asleep on it reading all the time and snores too!"

As this was going on, Tara, Willow, and Faith were very subtly pushing Buffy towards their house as Gunn, Wes, Fred, Connor, and even Spike were hauling Angel in the other direction.

"Buffy!" Angel hollered, disliking not having any control. The girls started laughing, Willow even snorted.

"See you tomorrow! Doesn't look like we're going to win this one!" Buffy yelled back, waving and grinning as Dawn and Faith high-fived each other.

Angel's shoulders slumped as he was dragged away by his son and friends. He let himself be led into the house across the base as Fred went to get him pillows and a blanket for the couch. His tux and shoes were in the closet in the hallway so when it was time, he and the guys could get ready in the house. Spike took one look at him and smirked:

"Oh check out tall, dark, and forehead; man you look like someone stole your puppy."
"Shut up, Spike."
"It's one night. Let them have their girlie traditions. Big deal." Angel remained silent.

Not getting a rise out of him, Spike shrugged and headed for his own apartment where Illyria was already waiting for him. She had briefly spoken to Fred about what was expected of her the following day and was told to just enjoy herself and learn something human. Other then Spike and Wes previously, surprisingly Illyria was the most comfortable around Fred and often came to her to ask questions. Fred didn't mind as their aversion towards each other was gone long ago.

Angel took off his clothes and put on pajamas that had magically appeared when he had first arrived which he knew were courtesy of Willow. He looked out the big window and could see his house across the base where nearly every light was still on. He wondered what Buffy was doing. But though he could run across the base at his former Vampire speed, he wasn't going to. Everyone was right, some traditions should be kept and he'd see Buffy the next day at the altar.

Meanwhile, at the other house, all the females including Fred who had reported that Angel had resigned himself to the night on the couch just before she left to join them, were in the living room just chatting and drinking some wine. After about an hour, they kissed and hugged each other goodnight and disappeared to their respective places for the night.

Buffy looked briefly out the window at the moon and breathed a contented sigh as she got into bed unable to believe that in less then 24 hours she would be Mrs. Angel Liamson.

October 3rd dawned a clear, warm, breezy, and sunny day. Buffy awoke to voices as people were milling around, preparing themselves for the nuptials. The ceremony was to begin at 4pm sharp. Neither Buffy nor Angel would be able to see each other until then. And with all of the getting ready to do, they wouldn't have time either.

Willow was magically going to do everyone's hair and makeup; nails were already done a few days before. Buffy had picked out her hairstyle with her veil and the others were also going to have updos since everyone's hair was long. As that got underway, Fred was assisting with getting the dresses out while Anya helped with shoes and flowers.

Dawn had woken up extra early to make sure every last touch was perfect and then ran to oversee catering as they appeared at the 3:30 mark just as promised. The military men were chefs themselves so they were extremely adequate for this assignment. They had kept the cake in a special cooler and would only transfer it to its spot in the reception tent after the ceremony. Everything was in pristine order though and Dawn was overjoyed to see it. It was her gift to her sister as she was studying and couldn't buy any really expensive presents.

She called Connor than from her base phone to his;
"Hey, you have the wedding bands, right?"
"Yep, I'm guarding them with my life as we get ready." Dawn smiled into the phone.
"Great! Ok, I have to run finish getting ready. The caterer is setting up. Everything looks perfect!"
"Of course, it's perfect. You planned it. See you at the ceremony. I love you, Dawn."
"I love you too, Connor." They both disconnected their phones simultaneously after that and she rushed to her house to finish getting ready with the others. Fred and Anya had departed by then to finish other things and then join everyone at the ceremony.

Buffy's dress and veil went on last after everyone else got dressed. As her bridesmaids and maid of honor helped her with jewelry, shoes, and flowers, Buffy looked at herself in the full-length mirror. There was a beat of silence and then tears. Everyone hugged after remarking how beautiful they all were. All were convinced Buffy was the most beautiful bride they had seen.

They heard Giles arrive downstairs and knew it was time to head down there. Willow, Tara, and Faith went first, hugging Giles as they passed him. Dawn descended next after fixing Buffy's veil and short train. Finally, as Giles looked up at her, Buffy slowly and demurely came down the stairs.

Giles couldn't keep his eyes from misting over and didn't hide the tears sliding down his face. Different images flashed before his face; Buffy's first day at the HS, her beating the master, first meeting Angel, returning home after killing angel, her at prom, in college, Dawn's arrival, losing her mom, Buffy's sacrifice and then rebirth, facing many adversities, and now she was finally getting married. She wasn't just his Slayer. She was his daughter, his kin. And he loved her with all of his fatherly heart. He was unabashedly proud of her. All of which was now being displayed on his face as she was also crying as she understood.

"I love you, Giles. Thank you for everything." She said as she hugged him tightly.
"I-I love you too, Buffy. I'm very proud of you." He gulped through his words.
"Ok, hate to break up this cry fest, but if we don't get going soon, even Willow's witchy waterproof make-up won't save us." Faith said sniffling herself as Willow swatted her on the arm.
"Oh crap! We really must get going. It's nearly 4 o'clock!" Dawn gasped looking at her watch.
"Let's get this show on the road than!" Tara said as everyone nodded and exited the house finally.

They all walked a short distance from the house to the celebratory location. Then with Dawn's lead, they all lined up. As Pachelbel Canon in D started playing from invisible speakers, the wedding party began its slow procession. First came Faith on Wesley's arm, then Tara on Gunn's, followed by Willow on Lorne's. The Goddess was waiting with Angel at the altar in all of her glorious splendor. The maid of honor, Dawn walked slowly on the best man, Connor's arm. As they got to the altar and parted to stand in their respective spots, Conner kissed Dawn's hand as he let her go as she blushed.

Finally, there was a long dramatic pause as all of the guests stood up as the music dove into a crescendo and Buffy appeared on Giles' arm to the hearty gasps of everyone. Her eyes were cast down at first and then they met Angel's awed ones and they held as she smiled shyly at him. Upon reaching the altar, The Goddess, aware of human rituals, asked:

"Who gives this woman to be married to this man today?"

Giles smiled turning to Buffy, took her hand, and placed it into Angel's waiting one as he very proudly replied:

"I do."

He then kissed Buffy on the cheek as she beamed up at him and let Angel lead her towards The Goddess as Buffy handed her flowers to Dawn. He took his seat next to Jenny as The Goddess proceeded with the holy blessings that were as old as the universe itself.

Meanwhile, as the bride and groom were holding hands and looking at each other with peace and love in their eyes, on the farthest side of the reception tent, a man stood nearly totally obscured from visibility with a scar across his face. His eyes were planted on Buffy and Angel as he tried to make sense of what he was seeing.

He was sure no one could see him but Illyria sensed his presence and after whispering to Spike that she'd be right back, almost materialized behind Riley.

"You again." She said, startling him.
"Ack!" He jumped backward gasping.
"What do you want?"
"I'm not here to cause trouble, really. I was just curious, I wanted to know." He said, raising his hands in defense.
"I'm listening," Illyria said without blinking.
"I heard the chefs and other personnel at our base talking about the two key players here getting married and I wanted to see for myself what that meant. But how? How is this possible...Angel is standing in the sun. He's a vampire."
"Not anymore. 3.5 years ago, he fulfilled his prophecy. His soul was cemented into place, the curse was lifted, and he became a man. He proposed to Buffy that same day." Illyria explained, watching Riley carefully as she spoke.
"So, he's human now?" Riley was astonished.
"He still has the same strength and speed but otherwise, yes, he is human."

It took Riley a few minutes to digest everything he had just heard as he watched Buffy and Angel exchanging vows.

"Please, don't tell them you saw me. I was never here, ok? I don't want them to know. Can you do that?" He stared at her just as intently.
"Do not worry, I will not. We take care of each other here. I have Buffy's back as she has mine and I will not cause her harm. Now, leave."

With that, she disappeared before Riley could say another word. He watched as she rejoined Spike in the shade; it was obvious there was still one Vampire on the base. He continued to stand there and watch as Connor brought forth the rings as requested by The Goddess. He left shortly after that, deep in thought, and was never seen by anyone on the base again.

Buffy held out her left hand as Angel slid the properly created simple gold wedding band along with the gold Claddagh ring now with the heart facing inwards, matching, and locking with the wedding band. The little click was barely audible. Buffy then put Angel's new Celtic wedding band on his wedding finger. They smiled at each other as The Goddess proclaimed:

"Now with the giving of vows and giving and receiving of rings, by the power given to me by the Universe and beyond having the honor to preside over the wedding of the millennium, I now pronounce you wed! Angel, you may kiss your bride!"

A cheer went up so loud, it shook the trees as Angel lay both hands on Buffy's cheeks and with his crooked smile lowered his mouth to hers. The kiss was tender at first and then passion and celebration took over as people continued to cheer, jumping to their feet. Angel even dipped Buffy at the end before bringing her up to a standing position. The Goddess then exclaimed loudly:

"It is my honor to introduce to you for the very first time, the new Mr. & Mrs. Angel and Buffy Liamson!"

Dawn handed Buffy her bouquet as the cheering continued in earnest as both bride and groom walked swiftly up the aisle. As the rest of the wedding party coupled up and followed suit, Fred and 2 slayers got their cameras ready for photos and cinematography of the wedding party before the reception.

While everyone went into the reception tent, Dawn ran in for last minute checking of food and cake before joining Connor and the rest for photos. The everyone included every slayer at the base and those that weren't in the wedding party or Giles like Xander, Anya, Andrew, Anne, Robin, Jenny, Clem, Spike, Illyria, Oz, Kennedy, and Vi. Dawn did a great job seating people who helped themselves to the open bar and appetizers while they waited.

The reception commenced an hour after sunset when the most beautiful shots were taken. After the introduction of the happy couple, they took to the dance floor for their first dance as husband and wife. The song they chose was very appropriate as was remembered by everyone that was at the Senior Prom. They chose "Wild Horses" by The Sunday's. It was just another reminder of how they've come full circle; their someday was that day.

People ate, drank, and danced into the night. Angel and Buffy cut their cake together and gently fed it to one another as more bulbs flashed all around them. Then Buffy danced with Giles which was beautiful and other than the soft music, and sobbing, no one said a word.

The following morning Angel and Buffy were flying to Ireland while the others were heading back to their respective bases. The honeymoon was to last 2 weeks. When the couple left all packed, everyone threw rice and flower petals at them. The flight was 12 hours long and they read and slept on the flight.

Ireland was a stunning place and Angel showed her the place where he was born and then sired, they even visited the cemetery where his family was buried where Buffy managed to slay 3 Vampires. The trip was a gift to them from Giles and Jenny. And the newlyweds swung around to England before going home to visit them as well as Dawn and Connor who were studying under Giles and Jenny respectively.

But a month after the honeymoon, Buffy realized that Ireland had given her and Angel an even bigger gift; she was pregnant. When doing the first ultrasound at the base hospital, both she and Angel cried. Their baby would be born the following July.

They knew the sex of the baby and had a baby shower accordingly and by the time July 11th rolled around, they even had several names picked out when in the middle of the night, Buffy went into labor. Dawn, Connor, Giles, and Jenny were already back by then.

Buffy pushed throughout the night and a beautiful baby girl with hazel eyes came wailing into the world at 8:30am. Angel was with Buffy the whole time, holding her hand, watching as she worked. This wasn't in the middle of an alleyway at night, in the pouring rain, with a death by stake like Darla had done with Connor. But properly, in a hospital with doctors and nurses, warmth and love.

Once the baby was cleaned, swaddled, and had been laid on Buffy's chest, The Goddess appeared with the rest of the Scooby gang—Angel's gang was included in this name too—as they all ahh'd and ohh'd.

"What are you guys going to name her?" Xander asked as Buffy and Angel exchanged a small smile.
"Her name is Joy. Joy Liamson. In memory of our mom." Buffy said looking at Dawn who was already sobbing as Connor held her. She was an aunt and Conner a half-brother. While Giles was proud to be the Godfather.

As the three of them were surrounded by the love of their large family, The Goddess enveloped them in an invisible golden light of prayer and then she vanished. Her job was done. Buffy and Angel were now fulfilled with their marriage and on top of it, they had a little bit of joy to add just a little bit more.

The End.