DaddyCatALSO: Enjoy the new update!! Thank you for reading!
Authors Notes: ...life's drama's do NOT help with writing, but having great helpers/collaborators does! This is the last chapter – I truly appreciate all who read and have read the story and taking the time to leave reviews. THANK YOU!! --------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Actions and Consequences
By: Branny72
Disclaimer: I do not own any of these Characters, just borrowed them and wish I did own them.
Rating: NC-17 This Chapter Couples: W/T
Summary: AU – Tara didn’t die she left town…set 5 years after Tara left…Actions have consequences, everyone has to live by their choices.
Feedback: Pretty please…It helps me to know what I’m doing right and what I’m doing wrong!!
=====================================LAST CHAPTER!
Thank you to all who have and are reading this and for the reviews!!=====================================Chapter 22After the announcement that they were having a baby everyone hugged Anya and Xander. Willow motioned for everyone to sit down, she knew that Tara was exhausted and even though Kasey had used her healing powers on Tara's arm, there was still some minor discomfort. Willow knew Tara well enough to know that she still hurt and that she would never tell anyone.
“How far along are you?” asked Tara.
“Three months,” said Anya beaming with excitement. “And I am blame both you and Willow for this.”
“Hey, I did nothing to knock you up,” Willow defended quickly as everyone else laughed.
“EW, Willow, really, ew,” exclaimed Xander.
“Hey, watch that ew-ing Harris, you could be so lucky,” defended Tara pulling Willow onto her lap and holding her closer.
“I MEANT that Xander was so taken with Ceri that he wanted to have one of his own.”
“Because of me?” piped in Ceri from her spot on Anya's lap.
“Yes, because of you,” said Xander taking the little girl off Anya's lap and setting her on his lap. “We had so much fun at the zoo when you were in Sunnydale that I decided that I wanted to have a kid of my own.”
“Will we get to play together?” asked Ceri.
“Of course, whenever you come to Sunnydale or when we come here.”
“Yay!!”
Everyone watched the interaction between Xander and Ceri and knew that he was going to be a fantastic father.
“I believe this calls for a party,” said Faith.
“How long are you guys going to be in town,” asked Kelly.
“I got Angel and Spike to cover for me for a couple of weeks, if you guys can handle us for that long,” said Buffy.
“Really?” asked Faith shocked that she would be able to spend a couple of weeks with Buffy.
“Awesome,” said Willow.
“Well, Dawn has her room with me and Xander and Anya you can have Tara's old room,” said Giles
“B, you can stay with me if you want,” said Faith quietly receiving a nod from the blonde Slayer.
Kasey sat there watching the interaction between the group and felt her heart fill with sadness on what running from Patrick had truly cost her. Morrigan and Tara sensed the change in the newcomers mood. Morrigan moved to Kasey and quietly took her into Willows office. Tara saw this and excused herself.
“Is everything okay?” asked Tara as she stepped into the office seeing Morrigan and Kasey sitting on the couch and the older woman holding the younger woman as she cried.
“It is fine my dear. Kasey is finally processing everything that has gone on the past couple of days and well over the last ten years,” said Morrigan.
Tara went over and sat on the coffee table in front of the two women. After a few moments Kasey looked up at Tara.
“Kasey, I know that this all has to be overwhelming for you, but we're all here for you, to help you in whatever way we can.”
“That is nice of you to offer Tara, but you already have a pretty large family out there,” started Kasey.
“And one more member is only going to make it better,” interrupted Tara.
Morrigan's heart filled with such pride, she was in awe of Tara's heart and its ability to accept others.
“I don't want to...” started Kasey as Tara held up her hand stopping the woman and quickly exited the room leaving Morrigan and Kasey wondering what was going on.
Tara returned with Willow, Jackie, and Kelly.
“Kase, what's going on?” asked Kelly as she let go of her wife's hand and moved over to the coffee table where Tara had been sitting.
“She is finally getting to deal with all that has gone on and realizing that she now has a free future to think about,” said Tara. “I told her that we would all be there for her in whatever way we could, she seems to think that adding one more member of our dysfunctional family is too much.”
“Kasey, you helped Kelly learn to love, and grow into a stronger person when you two were together, then you helped her heal after the car accident, and I'm assuming that you probably protected both her and Tara during the ordeal of the past two days. You are already part of this family. Accept that you are going to be plagued by this bunch of freaks for the rest of your life,” said Jackie as she sat next to her wife and took Kasey's hand in her own.
“She's right, thought I hate to admit it when she is right,” said Willow. “You made sure that one of the most important and special people in my life came home safe.”
“If it weren't for me she wouldn't have been in trouble,” said Kasey.
“And if it weren't for you I'd be dead,” Kelly pointed out bluntly.
“Tara is the best judge of character we all know, if she says you are part of the family, accept it, they won't go away,” laughed Jackie. “We all would be so happy if you would. Plus, I am betting you have some great and embarrassing stories about my wife that you could share.”
“She has none, I was and will always be the angel of the group,” said Kelly.
“Seriously? You think that ANYONE would believe that Kel? What about the time we went camping?”
Kelly turned five shades of red and sent Kasey a glare like none had ever seen. “You swore you would NEVER repeat that story.”
“Maybe I did, maybe I didn't, but honey you are no angel,” said Kasey as the room erupted into laughter.
“So, do we have an understanding?” asked Willow.
“Yes,” said Kasey.
“Good, now if you want you can stay here, we have a spare room.”
“She'll be staying with me, I think I could use another protegé to train,” smiled Morrigan so proud of everyone in the room and to be a part of all of it.
They rejoined the others and explained that there were just some overwhelming emotions to be dealt with. Ceri sensed that Kasey was the one struggling and went over, crawled up into her lap.
“Thank you for helping to bring my Mommy home safe,” said the little girl and she hugged Kasey causing several people to wipe away a tear or two.
=====================================Tara and Kelly were spending a lot of time together working on some ideas that Kelly had come up with in her brief time managing the stores for Tara. Willow and Jackie continued to work at merging their companies. Kasey had started to work with Morrigan on learning to expand her magic beyond healing.
Much to everyone's surprise Buffy and Faith took the lead at planning the party for Xander and Anya. They had chosen Friday night as the night for the party. Faith had rented a private room at the pub where they usually went.
“Xander look, there are little baby booties all over the room,” squeaked Anya. “Oh, and look the cake is shaped like diaper.”
“What flavor cake did you get?” Tara asked suspiciously as everyone at the party quieted down and looked from the cake to Buffy and Faith.
“Chocolate,” said Faith.
“You made my cake a poopie diaper?” exclaimed Anya.
“Well, it is going to be a little Harris and I remember the stories that Xanders mom used to tell,” said Willow as the room erupted into laughter.
“Will, I told you never to repeat those stories again,” said Xander.
“I know you told me, but I never said that I wouldn't ever tell them,” Willow said walking away from him with a smug smile on her face.
The party went off without a hitch, Willow and Tara were going to go away for a couple of days to get back in sync with one another after everything that had happened. Kelly and Jackie jumped at the chance to babysit for them.
Willow and Tara said goodbye to Ceri and the others and ducked out of the party.
=====================================“Tara, where are we going?” asked Willow as they drove to the private hanger that contained Morrigan's plane.
“Well, that is for me to know and you to wait and find out,” Tara said taking Willow's hand in her own and bringing it to her lips and kissing the knuckles.
“But Baby,” whined Willow.
“Nuh uh, this is my surprise for you,” said Tara as they got onto the plane and were seated next to one another.
“It will still be a surprise if you tell me, because I don't know yet and therefore by telling me you will in fact be surprising me. You know that surprises are the hardest thing for me to handle. Why are you laughing at me, I don't think it is nice of you to laugh at me while I am in distress about where we are going...” babbled Willow.
“My love, you will have to wait, but your Willow-babble is just so adorable,” Tara said and then leaned over and kissed the redhead deeply and passionately.
“Mmmm, want to become a member of the mile high club?” Willow asked in a seductive tone.
“You mean in all our years together we haven't done that yet?” asked Tara unbuckling her seatbelt and straddling Willows lap since the plane was now in the air.
“Nope,” Willow said leaning forward and capturing Tara's lips.
"We should definitely change that," Tara said as she pulled back slightly and gave Willow that one look that made her instantly wet.
Willow didn't waste time with replying she captured Tara's lip and hungrily kissed her as her hands worked their way under Tara's shirt and one unhooked her bra while the other one slid under the bra and cupped Tara's breast. Tara moaned as she felt Willow's hand on her now freed breast. Willow quickly removed Tara's shirt and bra and leaned the blonde back in her arms a bit.
“You are so beautiful,” said Willow before pulling Tara back towards her and taking Tara's nipple in her mouth and sucking on it while one hand supported Tara's back so she didn't fall and the other hand made sure the other nipple wasn't lonely.
“Oh Willow,” moaned Tara as her hands made their way to Willows chest. Tara was frustrated as she felt the clothes with her need to feel skin burning through her. “Willow, your shirt and bra need to go, I need to feel skin.”
Willow pulled back and quickly removed her shirt and bra before going back to continue her attention to Tara's breasts. Willow moaned as she felt Tara's hands cup her breasts and start to softly rub across her already aroused nipples. Both were becoming very aroused and needing more attention and more skin.
Tara stood up and removed the rest of her clothes and motioned for Willow to do the same. Once they were both naked Tara lay Willow down on the seats and then covered her with her own body. The moment she was on top of Willow she felt Willows hands grip her waist and pull her closer and they began to rock together, their lips touched, their breasts rubbing together. Soft moans were becoming louder as their hunger and need for release grew. As if choreographed they both snaked a hand down between their bodies and down into the wetness, the heat that their bodies created when they were together.
“Oh...Tara...” panted Willow. “You...are...so...wet.”
“You...too,” panted Tara as she thrust two fingers inside Willow causing the redhead to arch her body up into Tara's and groan loudly.
“Oh yes,” cried out Willow and then she thrust two fingers into Tara.
“Willow,” panted the blonde.
They set a semi-hurried pace, both needing a release of their tensions and they knew that they had the weekend to enjoy one another in an up-close and personal way. Thrusting, grunting, moaning they brought each other to the height of climax and then rode the climax out until they were both panting and unable to move.
“I love you so much,” said Willow placing a kiss on the top of Tara's head.
“I love you too, Sweetie,” replied Tara kissing Willow's chest where her head was resting.
“Do you love me enough to tell me where we are going?”
“Willow, I love you enough to NOT tell you where we are going to allow it to be a surprise,” said Tara propping herself up on her elbows, still laying on the redhead.
“I had to try,” giggled Willow.
“You did, but even with mind-blowing sex, I am not going to tell you where we are headed,” smiled Tara before leaning down and licking Willow's nipples causing them to pucker up again. “I love how attentive your nipples are to the touch of my tongue. I may have to test other parts to see if they are as attentive,” mused Tara causing Willow to whimper and her hips to grind upwards into Tara. “Later my love, I believe we are getting close and as much as I adore your naked body, I am not willing to share it with anyone else we may encounter.”
"You want me to move? Let alone get dressed after all that?"
Tara reached down between her legs into the wetness and coating a single finger and then brought it up for Willow to suck on. As Willow did her eyes rolled back in her head and she moaned at the taste.
“If you want to taste more of that later, you will find a way to get up and dressed,” said Tara as she pulled herself off Willow and started to collect their clothes for them to get dressed.
=====================================Once they landed Tara blindfolded Willow and led her out of the plane to an awaiting car that was to take them to where they would be spending the weekend. Tara was grateful that Morrigan had been willing to help them with their getaway even though Tara hadn't told her all that was planned for the weekend.
The car took them about an hour from where they landed to a remote cottage. Tara thanked the driver, took their bag inside and then came back out and got Willow.
“Do I get to take the blindfold off yet?” asked Willow.
“Soon, unless,” Tara said in a seductive voice directly in Willows ear then running her tongue around the edge of the ear causing Willow to shutter.
“Oh goddess,” whimpered Willow.
“It's ok baby, you can take the blindfold off in a minute.”
Tara took Willow out back of the cottage and wrapped her arms around the redhead from behind and whispered for her to take the blindfold off. Willow reached up and removed the blindfold and gasped when she saw the site. There was a small slate rock wall, beyond that was the field of green and trees leading to an area that you can see the ocean.
“Tara, this is amazing,” whispered Willow.
“I was hoping that you would like it.”
“Where are we?”
“It is Ireland. We are in Killeen, Sheeps Head, in County Cork.”
“How did you find it? Have you been here before?”
“No, I haven't been here before, I found it online. I was looking for someplace romantic for us.
“Tara, I love this,” said Willow turning around and kissing the blonde.
“I'm glad, Sweetie. I wanted to make this weekend about us, something romantic for us to reconnect.”
“I love you,” said Willow.
“I love you too.”
Tara took Willow's hand and they walked out into the garden lane and towards the end to get a better view of the ocean and the area.
“Are we alone out here?”
“Yep, just us, I made sure that everything is stocked, so we don't need to leave until the driver comes back on Sunday.”
“This is so sweet,” said Willow as a tear rolled down her cheek.
“Baby, come here,” Tara said as she wrapped the redhead into her arms.
They stood there holding one another for a long time. Willow broke the embrace took Tara's hand and walked them back to the cottage and they went to the couch and Willow sat Tara down and then curled up against her and they cuddled, just the two of them, holding each other.
“What are you thinking about?” asked Willow.
“I was thinking about how much has changed in the past six months.”
“All good thoughts I hope.”
“Best thoughts,” said Tara as she kissed the side of Willows head. “I never thought I would have you in my life again, let alone have you loving me.”
“I never stopped baby,” said Willow turning and kissing Tara softly on the lips. “Lets go to bed, I need you to make love to me.”
Tara smiled and they made their way to the bedroom and slowly removed their clothes and made love until they were exhausted and fell asleep on the others arms.
=====================================The next morning Tara woke to feel the sun streaming in through the curtains warming their naked bodies. She was on her back with Willow laying half on her, it would take the slightest adjustment and she could either be underneath and positioned to make love to Willow again, or she could slip out from under here and go make them coffee and breakfast. She knew that she had most of the day planned for them, but a little Willow-loving was always a good way to start the day. Tara knowing what the day would entail decided to slip out from under Willow and put on a robe and went to the kitchen.
Tara went about making the coffee, making eggs, bacon, and toast, and then putting two plates and two cups of coffee on a tray she went back into the bedroom. Willow was laying on her back, Tara could tell that Willow was starting to wake up. She placed the tray on the dresser and got back in bed and started kissing Willow on her neck, slowly moving up to her ear and sucking on the redheads earlobe which is what she was doing when Willow finally woke up.
“That feels so good baby,” groaned Willow.
“Good morning my love,” Tara said before leaning over and softly kissing Willow. “Mmmmm, Willow-lips.”
“Mmmmm, good morning,” purred Willow. “Do I smell coffee and bacon?”
“I made breakfast,” said Tara hopping up and grabbing the tray of food.
“Yum, though I think you are pretty tasty too,” said Willow as she leaned over and nibbled on Tara's neck.
“As much as I want and love you doing that, eat your breakfast I have something planned for us today.”
“Does it involve naked time?”
“Later it most definitely does,” Tara smiled.
“Well, then let's get this day started,” smiled Willow as she started to eat her breakfast.
After finishing breakfast and cleaning up the dishes the two showered together placing soft kisses all over the others body. Then they got dressed and Tara grabbed the picnic basket and blanket and they headed out.
“Where are we going?” asked Willow.
“I thought maybe we could take a walk and find some place to sit, cuddle, and when we were ready have some lunch.”
“That sounds amazing,” smiled Willow as she took Tara's hand and they headed out of the cottage.
The couple walked around the area enjoying the peacefulness of the area, the greenery, the way nature and time had created this whole area. They found themselves in a secluded area blocked by trees on three sides, but open to the ocean. They could hear the waves crashing, smell the sea air.
“How about here?” asked Tara.
“I was thinking the same thing,” said Willow taking the blanket and putting it down for them.
They lay down on the blanket close to one another and they started to kiss, neither seeking more than kissing, but both enjoying the closeness and the feeling of the others lips on them. They kissed for a long time before they heard Willow's stomach growl.
“I believe your stomach is ready for lunch,” giggled Tara.
“I think so too,” said Willow.
Tara pulled out a couple of sandwiches, some fresh fruit, and a couple of bottles of water. They ate their sandwiches and fed one another the fruit. After they had finished eating they lay cuddled up together, enjoying one another's body so close.
“Tara, this is so perfect,” said Willow as she adjusted to look at the blonde. Willow loved how the blue of the sky matched the blue of Tara's eyes.
“I agree, this is perfect. It is mostly perfect because you are here in my arms,” said Tara as she leaned forward and kissed Willow.
“I love you,” said Willow.
“I love you too,” said Tara. “Can we talk for a bit?”
“Sure baby, what's up?” said Willow sitting up and Tara did the same.
“I think back to when we were dating in college and how happy we were back then, we had our magic, the Scoobies, and we made it work, then I think about that past few months and how happy we are now, we have each other, Ceri, great family and friends. I just can't help but feeling like life is almost perfect and complete. Do you feel that?”
“Every day Baby,” Willow smiled.
“We've had our ups and downs, but I don't think that I would trade them for anything. I missed you even though I didn't let myself admit it when we broke up and for those years we were apart, but I think that it helped shape who we are today and where we are headed in the future,” said Tara seeing the redhead listening intently and nodding her agreement. Tara reached out and took Willow's hand in her own and continued. “When we were stuck in that basement, all I could think about was what if we didn't get out, the last words we spoke to one another were harsh. I was afraid that it was going to be the last thing you had to remember me by. Will, that ate at me the whole time. Yes, it gave me the drive to keep going on and to fight to get back to you, but it also scared the hell out of me. When we got out and I saw you were there, all I could think about was getting you in my arms, telling you how sorry I was that we fought and to beg you for forgiveness. I have a lot to ask you for forgiveness on. You and Ceri are the most important aspects of my life, I want you to know and believe that, forever.”
Willow was listening intently, she wanted to interrupt the blonde and tell her to stop being so hard on herself, but she could tell that this wasn't the time to interrupt.
Tara paused for a moment, she moved closer to Willow, her blue eyes captivated by the green eyes. “I know in my heart that you believe how much I love you, and how much our family means to us. I don't think I could ever survive without you, not again,” said Tara as a tear slid down her cheek but her gaze was still locked with Willows. “Willow, I love you, will you marry me?”
Willow was stunned, did she just hear Tara correctly? Then Tara dropped one of her hands and pulled a ring out of the picnic basket and held it up for the redhead.
“Yes,” Willow managed to choke out before grabbing the blonde's shirt and pulling her close and pressing their lips together. When they broke the kiss Tara placed the ring on Willows hand and brought it up to her lips and kissed the ring and finger.
“I love you Willow Rosenberg!”
“I love you too, Tara Maclay!”
“Come on, lets go back to the cottage,” said Tara.
The couple walked back to the cottage holding hands, Willow kept looking at Tara and smiling. Once they got back to the Tara unpacked the picnic basket and Willow set a fire in the fireplace in the living room and grabbed a blanket for the two cuddle under.
Tara sat on the couch her back against the arm rest and pulled Willow down to sit in-between her legs. Tara leaned forward and captured the redheads lips, the kiss was soft, sensual, and it promised more without the hunger and need. When the kiss ended Willow pulled back and looked at her ring again. It was a princess cut diamond raised and set in white gold with a Celtic Trinity Knot on the shoulders.
“Do you like it?” asked Tara.
“Baby, I love it. When did you do all of this?”
“Well, a few of my meetings with Kelly didn't have to do with the stores,” Tara said giving Willow a lopsided smile.
“So, Kelly and Jackie knew about this?”
“Kelly did, I don't think she told Jackie. If she had you would have known something was up, Jackie is horrible at keeping secrets.”
“Well, I'll remember not to tell Jackie any secrets then,” laughed Willow as she leaned up and kissed Tara again this time Willow deepened the kiss. “Make love to me, my fiancé.”
Tara slid off the couch and picked Willow up and carried her into the bedroom and they made love the rest of the day and most of the night.
Morning arrived quickly for them. Tara knew that the driver would be there around 11 to take them to the airport.
“Willow, Sweetie, we have to get up and start getting ready to go. The driver will be here in a couple of hours,” Tara whispered into her lovers ear.
“I'm not done celebrating our engagement,” Willow said with a seductive smile causing Tara's breath to catch.
“Well, how about you come and shower with me and we can continue the celebration there,” offered Tara.
“Wet Tara, oh yeah, lets go get you wet,” said Willow standing up and taking Tara's hand.
“That happened the moment I felt your naked body on mine Sweetie,” Tara said causing them both to laugh.
“Well, then I want soapy slick Tara,” Willow said leaning up and kissing Tara while leading her back into the bathroom and over to the shower.
Once they were in the shower Tara pressed Willow up against the wall and started to kiss her, grind her hips into her, and she let her hands roam all over Willow's body. She played with her breasts and once the nipples were hard Tara broke the kiss and brought her lips down and covered one of the nipples giving a little nip to the top and then moving to the other one, she repeated this until she heard Willow panting. Tara moved down her lovers body until she knelt before her. Tara looked up and saw Willow watching her, lust and desire showing in her eyes causing Tara to become even more wet. Tara smiled and then leaned forward, placing one of Willows legs over her shoulder and with her tongue she tasted her lover, running her tongue back an forth dipping inside her, then teasing her clit. Tara captured the bundle of nerves in her mouth and sucked hard causing Willow to cry out her name. As she continued she heard Willow panting that she needed her inside. Tara thrust two fingers inside Willow and felt the redhead moving her hips in the rhythm that Tara had set. As Willow got closer to her release Tara added a third finger and then alternating between sucking and letting her tongue tease Willow's clit. She heard the redhead call out her name and then the inner walls shuddered and she helped her lover ride out the climax and then a second climax. Willow panting pulled Tara up and kissed her tasting herself on the blondes lips.
“Oh Baby,” moaned Willow at the taste and then she broke the kiss and knelt before Tara. “My turn.”
“Oh goddess, Willow,” Tara cried out as Willow thrust two fingers inside the blonde and started to tease her bundle of nerves with her tongue. Tara had already been overly aroused from tasting Willow so it didn't take long for her to climax. She pulled Willow up and they kissed and washed one another before getting out and drying off and getting ready to go. They finished just minutes before the driver arrived.
Once they were back on the plane they cuddled together.
“So, what do you want to do when we get back to London?” asked Tara.
“Can we go get Ceri? I've missed her,” Willow said sheepishly.
“I've missed her too,” said Tara kissing the top of Willow's head.
The plane landed and Willow and Tara got in the car that Morrigan had sent for them. They told the driver where they wanted to go and then settled back and enjoyed the closeness.
=====================================Twenty minutes later Tara and Willow were knocking on Kelly and Jackie's door to get their daughter.
“Hey,” said Jackie opening the door and inviting them in.
“Mommy! Mama!” screeched their daughter as she ran at full speed towards them.
Tara caught their daughter and pulled her into a hug and stood up.
“Hi baby girl! Were you good for Kelly and Jackie?”
“She was an angel as always,” said Kelly as she came into the room with Ceri’s bag. “So, how was your weekend.”
“I’m sure you have a pretty good idea how our weekend was,” laughed Willow and Tara blushed.
“Well, someone should tell me because I have no clue what you guys are talking about,” said Jackie.
“Wow, Kelly I thought you would have told her,” laughed Tara taking Willow’s left hand and putting it in front of Jackie's face.
“Oh…my…god,” she squealed. “You got engaged? Seriously?”
“Yup and your wife schemed with my fiancé to get the ring and plan this weekend,” said Willow as Jackie inspected the ring.
“Very nice Tara, you have really good taste. Kelly, please spend more time learning from her,” laughed Jackie.
“Excuse me,” laughed Kelly.
“Babe, did you see the ring that Tara chose for Willow?”
“Yes, I was with her when she bought it,” said Kelly.
“Now, I’m telling you to take notes because Tara has impeccable taste in jewelry and we do have an anniversary coming up,” laughed Jackie.
“I wanna see the pretty ring,” piped in Ceri.
“Well of course honey,” said Willow taking her daughter from Tara and showing her the ring on her left hand.
“That is really pretty, and Mommy bought it for you?”
“Yep she did,” smiled Willow looking over at Tara.
“Mommy you have good taste in pretty things,” said Ceri.
“Thank you!” laughed Tara. “Thank you guys for watching her this weekend, we truly appreciate it.”
“Anytime, she is always such a joy to have over here,” said Jackie.
=====================================Willow, Tara, and Ceri got back to their place and put their stuff inside and decided to see if everyone was up at Giles' and tell them there good news.
“Okay Sweetie, remember when we get up there you can't tell anyone that we are engaged or that Mommy gave me a ring,” Willow told Ceri.
“I won't Mama,” promised the little girl.
“You ready?” asked Tara.
“More than ready,” Willow said.
They left their flat and went upstairs and knocked on the door. Giles' answered and motioned for them to come in. Ceri quickly went over and sat next to Dawn.
“Hey look who came home,” laughed Faith who was cuddled up on the couch with Buffy.
“Did you guys have a good weekend?” asked Xander.
“It was an amazing weekend,” Willow grinned.
“So, where did you go?” asked Morrigan. “Tara wouldn't tell me a thing, just that she needed to borrow my plane.”
“I rented us a cottage in Ireland on the coast,” Tara said as she sat down on the bar stool and pulled Willow into her arms.
Anya turned and hit Xander on the arm. “How come you never do anything romantic like that for me?”
“Ow, and because I never thought of it,” Xander answered rubbing his arm where Anya had hit him.
“Big baby,” Anya mumbled as she watched him continue to rub his arm.
“It sounds beautiful,” said Buffy.
“It was,” said Willow.
“Tara, you are pretty quiet over there,” noticed Faith.
“Sorry, just reliving part of the weekend in my head,” she admitted.
“Which part is that?” Willow asked and then felt Tara play with the ring. “Oh.”
“Come on, share with the family,” said Dawn. “Well, unless it isn't PG-13, then I don't want to know.”
“There was a purpose to the trip,” started Tara.
“More than relaxation and reconnecting?” asked Morrigan leaning forward and searching the two women's eyes to see if she was right in what she was thinking.
“Well, there was definitely a lot of relaxation and reconnecting, but on Saturday we took a walk and found this secluded spot surrounded by trees on three sides and it opened up to a cliff overlooking the ocean. Tara had packed a picnic for us,” started Willow.
“Awwww,” came the chorus from the group.
“Yeah, well, she,” started Willow and stopped when she got choked up.
Tara pulled Willow closer and just lifted her left hand for everyone to see. The room went silent for a good minute while everyone processed what they were seeing and there were gasps and giggles and then came the congratulations.
Buffy was the first to reach Willow and pull her into a hug while Faith pulled Tara into a hug.
“T, you really proposed?” asked Faith feeling the blonde nod her response.
“Oh my god, Willow. Let me see the ring,” said Buffy pulling out of the hug and grabbing Willow's hand.
Morrigan was next to pull Tara into a hug. “My dear, I am so happy for you,” she gushed. “You are very sneaky.”
Anya grabbed Willow's hand and inspected the ring that Tara had given her. “Damn, Tara you have really good taste in jewelry,” said Anya.
“Thank you,” she said.
“Wills, you are getting married,” started Xander pulling Willow into a hug. “Are you happy?” he whispered.
“I have never been happier,” answered Willow.
“I guess this means we are going to have to have another party before you all head back to Sunnydale,” said Faith.
“I agree, but you two are NOT handling it this time,” said Anya pointing at both Faith and Buffy.
“Why not?” asked Buffy.
“Hello, you made my cake a poopie diaper,” said Anya as everyone giggled.
“It was funny,” said Willow.
Everyone started talking and throwing out ideas for the party, Tara pulled Willow into her arms and held her close.
“See, this is perfection,” whispered Tara.
“I agree,” said Willow.
=====================================Anya, Xander, Buffy, and Faith agreed to plan the party together, Morrigan suggested that they do it at the Coven's retreat where she works with Tara, Willow, and Ceri.
Faith took care of the invites since she knew most of Tara's friends. Faith made sure to invite Kasey and told her to bring the girl that she was 'seeing' as well. Kasey was shocked to receive the invite, but Morrigan explained to her that she was part of the family and part of their lives now. Morrigan helped Kasey arrange for the person she was seeing to join them.
The details of the party were kept from Willow and Tara, they had only been told that it would be on Saturday and that they were supposed to dress comfortable. Saturday morning arrived and Willow and Tara helped Ceri get ready and then they got ready and waited for Faith to arrive.
“Alright you two it is blindfold time,” Faith said with an evil grin.
“Oh no, you are NOT blindfolding me. I remember what happened the last time you did,” said Tara.
“T, I will not let you fall this time,” giggled Faith.
“I'll take care of you Mommy,” said Ceri.
“Does someone want to tell me why Faith blindfolded my fiancé?” asked Willow. She loved to call Tara her fiancé and took every opportunity to do so.
“We had a surprise birthday party for Tara one year and I was to bring her to the party, but not tell her where we were going. I blindfolded her and I wasn't paying attention to the ground and she tripped over the curb and down she went.”
“And Faith stood there and laughed at me for a good five minutes,” added Tara.
“I promise I won't let either of you fall this time,” said Faith. “Even the munchkin here will help.”
“Fine,” both Tara and Willow relented and put on the blindfolds.
Ceri and Faith escorted them to the car and then they headed out to the Coven's retreat. When they arrived Morrigan escorted them safely to the large building that was used for meetings. Once inside they seated Willow and Tara at the far end.
“Okay, when we tell you two, you can remove the blindfolds,” said Anya.
Tara took Willow's hand as they waited. When they finally received the word they removed the blindfolds and found that the room was transformed into Tara's dorm room, complete with fairy lights and stars glowing on the ceiling.
“You guys this looks amazing,” said Tara.
“Look Baby, they even put a spot on the floor like we had when we used to do spells in your room,” said Willow pointing to a spot on the floor.
Tara wrapped her arms around Willow from behind and held her close. Faith was manning the music, Dawn was on Ceri duty, Buffy and Anya were setting out the food and Xander was making sure everything stayed running.
“We're pretty lucky aren't we,” Tara said into Willow's ear.
“What do you mean?” asked Willow.
“Look at all our friends and the love we have around us, they are here, for us, to celebrate our happiness.”
“You're right, we are very lucky.”
As they watched everyone enjoying themselves they saw Jackie and Kelly heading over towards them, then the saw Kasey and a stunning brunette enter.
“Hey you two,” said Kelly hugging the happy couple. “So, you have been engaged for almost a week now, how does it feel?”
“Amazing, incredible, surreal,” said Willow glancing up at Tara who kissed her forehead.
“You two are too cute,” said Jackie.
“We know,” answered Tara as they all laughed.
“We are off to mingle,” said Kelly grabbing her wife's hand and heading over to where Giles and Morrigan were standing.
“I love you,” Willow said turning in Tara's arms and kissing her.
“I love you too,” Tara responded and kissed the redhead again.
Willow turned around to face the group again and leaned against Tara. They saw Kasey and got her attention and beckoned for her to join them.
“Hey Kasey,” said Willow as she hugged her and then Tara did the same.
“Hi. This place looks amazing. Is there a story behind the decorations?” asked Kasey as the woman who had arrived with her walked up.
“Hi honey,” she said as Kasey wrapped an arm around her.
“Kris, this is Willow and Tara, it is their engagement party. Willow, Tara, this is my girlfriend Kris,” said Kasey.
“Nice to meet you,” said Willow and Tara as they shook the hand of the new woman.
“Congratulations,” said Kris. “This place looks incredible.”
“Thank you,” said Tara. “They modeled it after my college dorm room. Willow and I had our first kiss in that room.”
“Among other firsts,” said Willow as both her and Tara blushed. “That sounded better in my head. It was where we did some of our first spells. That is what I meant.”
“No it isn't,” said Kelly.
“You weren't supposed to be listening,” said Willow.
“I always listen when you are embarrassing yourself, it is almost as fun as watching Tara embarrass herself,” laughed Kelly receiving a mock glare from the blonde.
“Kelly, this is my girlfriend Kris,” said Kasey. “Kris this is Kelly.”
“It is nice to finally meet you,” said Kris shaking Kelly's hand. “Kasey has told me a lot about you over the years.”
“It is nice to meet you too. This is my wife Jackie,” said Kelly as Jackie joined the group.
“Hi Jackie, I'm Kris, Kasey's girlfriend.”
“So, now that introductions are done, what were we talking about?” asked Jackie.
“Willow was embarrassing herself and I was enjoying it,” smirked Kelly.
“Kelly, be nice or I will tell them the camping story,” threatened Kasey.
“You will not,” said Kelly turning a deep shade of red.
“Okay, I have never seen my wife turn that shade of red before, this has to be a good story,” laughed Jackie.
“It is,” smiled Kasey putting an arm around Kris.
Jackie wrapped her arms tightly around her wife, Willow and Tara positioned themselves in a way to quickly block Kelly should she get out of Jackie's grip. Kris just smiled at the interaction, it was the first time in the six years they had been together that she had ever seen Kasey relaxed around people.
“Well, we were on one of our first holidays away together, it was just after we had started dating and Kelly thought it would be fun to go camping though neither of us had ever really 'roughed' it,” started Kasey.
“Please stop,” whimpered Kelly.
“Nope,” said Kasey with a smirk. “So, Kelly got a tent, camping gear, she reserved a spot for us at a campground, she went all out. We got out there and we were about to start setting up the tent when I realized we had no instructions. Kelly had left them at home thinking she knew better and wouldn't need them. We struggled for about an hour before some kids from a nearby camp came over and put it up for us,” said Kasey as the others laughed. “That wasn't the embarrassing part. We went for a walk along the trails, we walked by some amazing flower beds, a waterfall, and some cool nature designed rock art. On our way back passing the waterfall the sound of the running water made someone realize they had to pee. Thinking there was nobody around, Kelly went into these bushes and crouched down and started to pee when a troop of boy scouts came up the trail as she was pulling up her pants. Those poor kids got a quick female anatomy lesson, THEN we started back to the campsite and Kelly started to tell me how much she was itching. When we got back to the site we went into the tent and she had me look at her legs and stuff and she had a huge rash forming. The family in the campsite next to us overheard our dilemma of her itching and they asked where she had gone and after we described it, the father told us that the area around there was restricted because it was full of poison oak. Yes, you guessed it she had peed in a field of poison oak. She was a big rash from her knees to her boobs. The father was a nice guy and gave us some lotion and told me to rub it on the rash once an hour for the next twelve hours and it should take care of the issue.”
“Oh baby, is that why you hate camping?” laughed Jackie.
“I know what to get you for your birthday now,” giggled Willow.
Kelly was very red and hid her face in her hands as the others enjoyed her embarrassment.
“Kasey, you are evil,” said Kelly.
“You bring it out in me,” she said.
Soon after Buffy and Faith came over to talk to Willow and Tara.
“Red, T, I am really happy for you two,” said Faith hugging them both.
“Me too. You guys were made for one another,” said Buffy hugging the couple and then wrapping her arm around Faith.
“Thanks,” said Tara. “You two seem cozy.”
“We're enjoying our time together and trying to figure out a way to make this work,” said Buffy.
“Giles,” said Tara as the former Watcher came over.
“I am so happy for you both,” said Giles as both girls hugged him together.
“Thank you,” said Willow.
“More than being happy for you both, I am so proud of you. You have endured so much throughout your entire relationship and you are more in love and more committed to each other than you were five years ago back in Sunnydale.”
“That means a lot to me Giles,” Tara finally managed to say.
“I love you both and look forward watching your love continue to blossom and being a part of your family.”
“Giles you are the dad we always wanted and needed, you are family and we love you,” said Tara and Willow nodded her agreement.
Morrigan was next to drop by and talk to the happy couple.
“I am so very happy for you. I have never seen you so alive as you have been since Willow came back into your life. You two are a blessing to one another, you need to remember that and grow that.”
“We will,” said Tara hugging Morrigan close.
“Willow, Tara is stubborn and headstrong as you know, please always remember that and how much you love one another now, it will help you both in the future.”
“I promise I will.”
“Dawnie,” said Tara opening her arms and letting the brunette walk into the and hug her close.
“Tara, you have no idea how many times I have dreamed of you two getting married. I love you both and know that you are going to make it work this time. Tara, you have always been there for me, showed me love, compassion, you were strict when I needed it. Without you, I don't think I would be where I am today. Thank you for loving me as a daughter,” said Dawn as tears streamed down her face.
“Dawnie, you are everything I ever wanted in a daughter. I am so grateful for you in my life and you will always be my daughter in my heart.”
“Willow, you have been my best friend and like a sister to me. I owe you a lot as well. You were there when I needed someone to keep me strong. Thank you! And thank you for loving Tara so much,” said Dawn as the redhead pulled her into a hug unable to speak.
Xander and Anya were next.
“Tara, you were the first person to ever make me feel like I wasn't a freak and an outcast. I love you for that and you had better be there when this spawn comes out because I have no clue what the hell I am doing and from how Dawn and Ceri act, you have this stuff figured out,” Anya said hugging the blonde.
“I love you too and I will be here for you when the baby arrives,” said Tara.
“Willow, what can I say. You have been my best friend since we were five years old. I have only ever seen you truly happy when you were with Tara. I couldn't be happier for you,” said Xander hugging the redhead.
“I love you too Xander, and there is nobody I would have rather had by my side since we were five,” Willow said as tears rolled down her face.
“Alright, you get the blonde hottie and I get the sappy redhead now,” said Anya as the group that had formed around them laughed.
“Tara, you make my best friend happy, you make her glow. You have always been the best part of us, I think you will always be the best part of us. We are all better having you in our lives and loving us, take care of my best friend, she is precious and a rarity in this world.”
“That I know Xander. I am so glad you are in my life,” said Tara hugging the construction worker.
“Willow, don't screw this up. You have something good here and Xander is right, she makes us better. You are a better person with her in your life, she makes you smile and not be mean.”
“Thank you Anya. I love you too,” said Willow as she hugged Anya.
“Well, I guess that leaves me,” said Kasey. “I have listened to what everyone has said about you two as a couple and as individuals. I am grateful to know you both and that you accepted me into your family. Tara, you were the first person that I allowed in other than Kris. After all that happened in my past, I didn't think I was worthy of true love, not even when it was being given to me,” said Kasey looking at Kris. “That day in the hospital when you sat down and talked to me and showed such kindness, it made me see what I was missing in my life. I think they are all right, you do make everyone around you better because of your caring heart.”
Tara had tears streaming down her face as she pulled Kasey into a hug and then let her go.
“Willow, I see the love that you and Tara share, the love that you show your daughter, and I believe that the universe got it right. You two are perfect for one another and I don't think that there are forces in this universe that could drive you apart now. Thank you for letting me be a part of your family.”
Willow hugged Kasey, “You are more than welcome, our family is better because we are bigger with you in it.”
“I just met you,but I see the love that everyone here has, I see the changes in Kasey since you all came into her life. Thank you for doing the one thing I couldn't – thank you for reminding her that the hardest thing in this world is to live in it, but it is also the most rewarding.”
“Thank you all for being here and celebrating with us,” said Willow.
“Mama, I get to say something too don't I,” asked Ceri.
Willow bent down and pick up her daughter and Tara came over and wrapped her arms around both of them and kissed each on the head.
“Of course you do sweetie,” said Tara.
“I love you both and am happy we are a family. Mama you make Mommy smile and laugh. Mommy, you make Mama happy and glowy. Most of all, you both make us all, everyone here, you make us a family.”
=====================================THE END – THANK YOU FOR READING=====================================