CHAPTER SEVENTY-NINE
Willow maintained a firm grip on Tara’s hand as their ‘ride’ seemed to come to an abrupt stop. She quickly put her arms around her to steady her as they all regained their bearings.
Buffy was the first to run towards the women, stopping just short of grabbing Willow in her arms, as she saw that the blonde in her firm embrace was clearly overwhelmed.
“Buffy!” Willow said, grinning widely.
“Will!” The Slayer said, excitedly. She was extremely relieved and ecstatic at Willow’s return, and although she understood why the witch had done what she did, she couldn’t help but be a bit peeved at her beloved friend putting herself in jeopardy like that. “I’m so glad you’re back…don’t EVER do anything like that again…do you hear me?!”
Tara felt confused and overwhelmed by everything. Every motion and every word that was said seemed to be exaggerated, as though all of her senses were hyperactive. She started to feel woozy, her head swimming before everything faded to black.
“Tara!” Willow said, struggling to hold the blonde up as she passed out. Buffy quickly lent a hand, lifting the girl easily into her arms. She walked, Willow in tow, to the couch and laid Tara down on the soft cushions.
“Maggie, Logan…I’m sorry…is everything alright?” Giles asked.
“We’re fine, just fine. Let’s let Tara get some air. I think the trip back was a bit much for her.” Maggie said, guiding Logan and the others outside, while Willow and Buffy attended to Tara.
Willow lovingly knelt beside the couch, holding Tara’s hand in hers, keeping watch over her love. The Slayer couldn’t help but notice the scene’s parallel to that of ‘Sleeping Beauty’, with her friend watching over her true love.
“She’s beautiful, Wills.” Buffy said, placing a comforting hand on the red-head’s shoulder.
“She’s my life, Buff. I can’t wait for you to meet her…” Willow said, placing a soft kiss on Tara’s forehead. As though a scene from the faerytale itself, Tara slowly opened her eyes.
“Will…?” She said, weakly, trying to sit up.
“Shhhh…baby…you’re okay. Just rest.” Willow said, easing her back onto the cushions.
Tara blinked, fuzzy figures coming into focus. She saw a small blonde girl who exuded strength and power, standing behind her love, and deducted instantly that this must be the Slayer.
“Is t-this…” she began, only to be interrupted by Willow.
“Baby…this is Buffy. Buffy…this is Tara…my wife.” Willow said.
“Wow, Will…wife…you guys are…married?” Buffy said, with a tinge of sadness. Willow was more like her sister than a friend…and she’d always thought that they would be there for each other’s ‘big day’.
“It was just beautiful, Buffy…perfect!” Willow said, remembering. “She’s perfect.”
“W-we’re perfect.” Tara said, managing a weak smile as she reached up, lovingly caressing the red-head’s face.
Suddenly feeling as though three was a crowd, Buffy cleared her throat
and took a step back from the couple.
“I’m gonna go check on the others…can I get you guys anything?” She said, trying to be helpful.
“A cold cloth…and a glass of water, maybe?” Willow suggested.
“I-it’s okay, b-baby…I’m f-fine.” Tara stammered.
“Cold cloth and a water for the lady…coming up!” Buffy said, leaving the room.
“You okay, baby?” Willow asked.
“Just a l-little woozy…t-that first step was a d-doozy.” Tara joked, weakly.
“Yeah…I gotta tell ya…it doesn’t get any better the more times that you do it!” Willow placed her free hand on Tara’s belly. “Everything okay with our baby girl?”
“Everything’s f-fine...”
Just then Buffy returned with the cold cloth and a bottle of water.
“Here ya go!” she said, handing the items to Willow. “No…no tip…I insist…now what’s this about a baby girl?”
Willow couldn’t contain herself, she looked at Tara as if to ask if it was alright to tell her. Tara nodded her approval.
“Our baby girl…” Willow grinned. “Buff…Tara and I are having a baby!”
“Holy crap! Are you sure? What do you need? Should I boil water?!” Buffy said in a panic.
“Whoa…not right now!” Willow said.
Tara couldn’t help but giggle at the Slayer’s response.
“Tara’s only a few weeks along…but it’s true…we’re having a baby…our baby…” Willow, overcome with love for her wife, turned and placed her lips softly on Tara’s. Slowly the kiss escalated.
“Alllrighty then…I’m just gonna give you guys a little more time alone…” Buffy said, obviously uncomfortable again.
“No, Buffy, wait!” Willow said, stopping mid-kiss. “Can you ask the others to come in? I want to introduce them to my wife.” she said, proudly.
“You got it…be right back…” Buffy said, exiting the room once again. She marvelled at the love that the two witches obviously shared, and wondered if she, too, would feel that way some day…
To Be Continued....
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