Azirahael: Faith won't make an appearance for another couple chapters, sorry!! There are things that need to be addressed with those in Sunnydale already.
Willow_Friendly: Faith is in London staking vamps...or at least that is what they left her to do. She will make an appearance, just not for another couple chapters.
lilyred: Wait no longer!! Enjoy the chapter!
--------------------------------------------------------------------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: PG-13 - This ChapterCouples: 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!!
Authors Notes: ...life's drama's do NOT help with writing, but having great helpers/collaborators does!--------------------------------------------------------------------Chapter 10"Hey Baby," Willow called to Tara who was watching Ceri play out in the backyard.
"Yeah Sweetie," said Tara.
"Um, would you mind if maybe I took Ceri to a movie and for ice cream, just the two of us?"
"Of course not Willow. Ceri is your daughter; you don't need to ask my permission to go hang out with her. If you haven't noticed that little girl is pretty fond of you already."
"I know, but..."
"I know, we need to sit down and talk about a lot of things, but I think you should take her out and spend some time bonding just the two of you. If she doesn't want to go, she'll tell you," Tara said putting her arm around the redhead.
"Ok, so, what are your plans for the day?"
"I'm not sure yet, I have a few things for work to do and to check in with Kelly to see how things are going there, but otherwise, I'm not sure."
"Do you want to come with us to the movie?"
"Actually, I do, but I'm going to pass and give you two a chance to go out together."
"Maybe the three of us can do something together tonight?" asked Willow.
"That would be fun. Maybe we can go on a picnic at the park or something?"
"I think a picnic would be great."
"Ok, once I get done with my stuff for work I'll head to the store to get things ready for tonight," said Tara.
"Hi Willow," said Ceri running over to the two adults.
"Hi Ceri, how would you like to go to a movie and get some ice cream with me today?"
"Really? Is Mommy coming too?"
"Actually, Mommy has to work so it will be just you and I," said Willow watching her daughters face for any signs of hesitation.
"Coooool!"
"And tonight the three of us are going to have a picnic," added Willow.
"We are? I like picnics," beamed the little redhead.
"I promise to even have your favorite with the picnic tonight," smiled Tara as she saw her daughters eyes bulge.
"S'mores? Really? You promise?"
"Yep, and you are going to have to show Willow your special way of making them."
"There is a special way to make s'mores?" asked Willow.
"Uh huh, and Mommy and I are the only two that know how to do it."
"Wow, not even Auntie Dawn or Aunt Faith knows how to make them?" asked Willow.
"Nope, just Mommy and I do. If I can have chocolate ice cream today I'll teach you how to make them too," said the four-year-old.
"Well, you can have any flavor ice cream they have that you want."
"Yay!"
"Why don't you go wash your hands and brush your hair quick and then you guys can head off on your special day," Tara said.
"Ok Mommy," said Ceri as she raced into the house.
"Did she just try to bribe me?"
"Yes, but she didn't try, she succeeded," laughed Tara as she pulled Willow close and wrapped her arms around Willows waist and Willow wrapped her arms around Tara's neck.
"Where did she learn how to do that," Willow asked before capturing Tara's lips with her own.
"Mmmmm, I think it just comes with being a smart kid," Tara murmured softly as she broke the kiss.
"I better go or she is going to have a lot of different questions on why I'm kissing her Mommy," Willow said causing Tara to pout at the loss of contact.
"Maybe tonight when we are on our picnic we can explain things and then she'll understand why you are kissing me."
"That sounds like a good plan to me," Willow said taking Tara's hand and walking them inside as Ceri came down the stairs.
"I'm all ready," she said with a big smile.
"Ok, you two have fun and I'll see you both later for our picnic," Tara said as she crouched down and hugged her daughter.
"You have fun too Mommy!"
"We'll see you later," Willow said as she winked at Tara.
-------------------
After watching Ceri and Willow leave Tara went up to the bedroom and pulled out her laptop and logged on to check what new orders she had received and to check her email. She saw she had a few orders from a couple of her regular customers and one from Morrigan. She forwarded them to the store for processing and then grabbed her phone to call Kelly.
"Hey Tara," answered the person on the other end.
"Hey Kel, how are things going?" asked Tara.
"Well, we haven't burnt down any of the stores...yet..." Kelly said chuckling.
"Hey, no burning down my stores," laughed Tara.
"Fine, be that way, ruin all my fun, now what am I going to do tonight? Seriously though, everything has been fine, nothing unusual, Faith said she'd check in every couple of days and that if I needed to I could call her."
"That's good to hear, I really appreciate you looking after things while I'm here in Sunnydale."
"Remember that when it comes Christmas time and you are deciding what to get me."
"So, two lumps of coal instead of the standard one lump of coal?"
"Hey...ok, I have to give you credit on that one, it was pretty good. So how are things going in Sunnydale?"
"Good for the most part, though that is because we haven't discussed anything major yet. My first night things between Willow, Xander and I were tense, but he has justification in the statements he made. Ceri is having a blast," said Tara as a large smile crept across her face.
"How are things going with you and Willow?"
"Things with her are going good too. We still need to sit down and have a long discussion; I'm kind of dreading that."
"Why? I thought you guys talked about the past stuff when she was here."
"Actually, this one will involve me really owning up to the fact that I did keep her daughter away from her for years and I out of threat caused others to do the same."
"Dammit Tara, you did what you thought was best. She was an addict, she had a major and possibly harmful problem..." interrupted Kelly.
"I know she did, but she has had it in check for years. I take responsibility for not telling her and I'll always wonder what would have happened if I had told her sooner. Her and I need to discuss if she can forgive me for that and for what she missed out on with Ceri. Trust goes both ways."
"I suppose, but I don't know that I think you are as much at fault as you are letting yourself believe you are."
"You are one of my best friends, you believe I hung the moon and stars, I understand that," teased Tara.
"Whatever Maclay! How are my baby munchkin and Willow getting along?"
"Well they just left to go to a movie and then out for ice cream. Tonight the three of us are going to have a picnic and Willow and I are thinking that we may try to explain to Ceri that Willow is her other mom."
"Wow that is awesome. I can't believe that you, Tara Maclay, have let your daughter out of your sight while on the Hellmouth," laughed Kelly.
"Well, I know that she is in great hands. Willow loves her and wouldn't let anything happen to her."
"So, are you in those great hands as well?" Kelly snickered.
"Shush and we are not discussing that..." her tone giving away that she was blushing.
"Come on Tara; give me something to work with here. I know that you need to get laid..."
"Shush...we can discuss it when I get back to London."
"Fine, spoil sport...when are you planning on being back anyway?"
"I've only been gone a few days, so not for another couple of weeks."
"Fine, be that way...I'll just sit here and let my imagination dream up what you are doing and who you are doing," laughed Kelly.
"Maybe I need to call your Jackie and tell her you need less free time," Tara joking jabbed back.
"You better not."
"Ok, I won't…for now. I better get going; I have to go get the stuff ready for the picnic tonight. Email, text, or call me if you have any issues otherwise I'll touch base in a few more days."
"Forget about this place, I have it handled. I was your right hand for like three years."
"Yeah, up until you abandoned me to help Jackie with her business."
"She offered some benefits you didn't."
"Ha ha! Thanks though, knowing you are there watching things is the only thing that keeps me from being completely neurotic about being away."
"We're family Tara; I'd do anything for you and my baby munchkin. Give her a big hug and kiss from Jackie and I."
"I will, take care and seriously, call me if you have any issues."
"I will not Tara, but it is cute of you to offer it," laughed Kelly.
"Fine, talk to you later," Tara conceded
"Talk to you later."
Tara hung up the phone, made a list of stuff to get, and headed off to the store.
-------------------
Willow took Ceri's hand as they walked out of the house and headed off on their day.
"So, what movie are we going to see, Willow," asked Ceri.
"Well, I saw that they were playing 'The Lion King' and I know how much I love that movie, I thought we might enjoy it together."
"I love that movie too! Mommy and I watch it all the time. Who is your favorite character?"
"Well, Simba is really cool, but Pumbaa and Timon are my favorites."
"Mine too!" exclaimed Ceri as they neared the theater.
"Do you and Mommy sing along with the movie?"
"Yeah, Mommy likes to sing even though she tells Aunt Faith that she doesn't."
"Your mom is silly that way."
Willow got the tickets and then a drink for each of them and some popcorn and she let Ceri choose their spot in the theater.
They sang along with the movie, danced in their seats, and laughed through most of the movie, but when the scary sad part came and Simba's dad died, Ceri crawled over to Willows lap and sniffled. Willow held the little girl close and cherished the moment they were having together. They watched the rest of the movie with Ceri sitting on Willows lap.
"Thank you for protecting me from the scary part," said Ceri as they were walking out of the theater.
"I will always protect you," Willow said realizing again, how much she had missed and how much she couldn't stand to miss going forward.
They walked to the ice cream store two buildings down from the theater and Ceri got the chocolate ice cream she had bribed Willow with earlier in the day. They then walked back to the house, Ceri started to get tired so Willow gave her a piggyback ride and just as they got to the house, Ceri started to drift off to sleep.
"Hey," Willow whispered as they came in the door and she found Tara seated on the couch.
"Oh, looks like someone had a full day," she said rushing over to take Ceri off Willows back. "I'll put her upstairs and be right back down."
"Let me, please," Willow said almost pleading.
"Sure," said Tara as she handed the sleeping little girl over to her Mama.
Willow took Ceri upstairs and got her settled; she kissed her forehead and marveled at the beauty of her daughter. After a minute, she headed back downstairs to join Tara.
"She is out cold," laughed Willow.
"Did you guys have fun?"
"Right up until Simba's dad died"
"Oh no, that part scares her and she gets so upset by it," said Tara with a concerned look crossing her face.
"She did, but she curled up in my lap and we watched the rest of the movie like that," Willow said proudly.
"Wow, sounds like a nice place," Tara said as she moved closer to the redhead.
"Well, come here and I'll show you how nice it is," said Willow in a husky voice as she pulled Tara on to her lap.
"Hey there," Tara said as she leaned in and kissed the redhead gently. They both let out moans of approval.
"Wanna make out?"
"Always," Tara whispered.
Their lips came together and they kissed and cuddled for a long time before they heard Ceri moving upstairs and Tara reluctantly got off Willows lap. As soon as they told Ceri, they wouldn't have to keep hiding their love and closeness.
-------------------
"Hi Mommy," Ceri said as soon as she came downstairs and saw them sitting on the couch together.
"Hi Sweetie, did you have a good nap?"
"Yeah, and I had the bestest dream."
"Well, you have to tell me about it," Tara said smiling at her daughter.
"OK, can I sit with you guys? Willow you were in my dream too."
"I was? Well then I think you have to come and sit right in-between us," said Willow as she patted the space between her and Tara. "So, what happened in this great dream?"
"I dreamt that you, me, and Mommy were living in a big house in London and I had a puppy and a kitty and we had a horsey because Mommy you like horsies, and we had a swing set that Willow pushed me on, and, and, and Grandpa and Auntie Dawn came to visit and we had picnics outside. In my dream though Willow I called you Mama," rattled Ceri until she saw a look pass between Tara and Willow when she mentioned the last part. "Was I bad for my dream, did I do something else wrong?"
"Not at all baby," said Tara. "Would you like to have two mommies instead of a mommy and a daddy?"
"Yeah, boys are ucky," smiled Ceri.
"Well, what if I told you that Willow was already your Mama. Would that be OK with you?"
"You are?" said the little girl looking at Willow.
"Yeah, I am sweetie," said Willow.
"And your still my Mommy right?" the little girl asked in a scared shaky voice.
"Of course, I will always be your Mommy," Tara hugged the little girl to ease her fears.
"Wow, I got a Mommy and a Mama just like in my dream. Do I still have to call you Willow, or should I call you Aunt Willow, or, or can I call you Mama?"
"Yes you do, and you most definitely can call me Mama. What would you think if I were to come and live with you guys in London? Would that be ok?"
"Duh, Mommies and Mama's have to live with their kids and if you are my Mama that makes me your kid."
Both Willow and Tara started to laugh neither could dispute four-year old logic.
"Well, then I guess I'm going to have to move to London and be with my kid," said Willow as she pulled Ceri on to her lap and gave her a big hug.
"Would you be OK if Mommy and Mama were a couple like Kelly and Jackie?"
"Duh Mommy you have to if you are going to live together and I'm your kid," said the little girl. "You two are cute together anyway, Auntie Dawn said so."
"Oh she did huh?! When did she say that?" asked Willow.
"When we were in the car and you were talking at the airport before went to mommy's office to talk. I don't think she knows that I heard her. I wasn't trying to be naughty; she was just right next to me."
"You definitely weren't naughty sweetie," said Willow.
The two adults shook their head in disbelief, how much better could it get than to blend their family and correct the wrongs of so many years ago. They sat there all three snuggled together on the couch for a long time, just enjoying the time together.
"Well, who is ready for a picnic?" Tara finally asked.
"I am," called the two redheads in unison.
"Well, then I guess we had better get going or we aren't going to have time to make our special s'mores for Mama."
"We have to Mommy, she's never had them."
"Yeah Mommy, I've never had them," Willow said adopting Ceri's tone.
Tara just shook her head realizing that redheads now outnumbered her and she was definitely in trouble.
Tara grabbed the stuff she had ready for their picnic from the kitchen and then she grabbed the bag containing a blanket, and a couple of balls and some other stuff to keep them entertained and headed to the front door were Ceri and Willow were waiting for her. Tara took the food and Willow took the blankets and then they each took one of Ceri's hands and headed to the park for their picnic.
Once they got to the park, they found a nice shaded spot near the playground to put the blanket out, kick back, and relax. Ceri asked if she could go play on the playground, they told her to stay within sight. She promised and bounded off to play. What nobody saw was the figure that had followed them from Buffy's and was now hiding within the trees watching them.
"Are you happy," Tara asked Willow once they settled on the blanket.
"I don't know when I've ever been happier. I have this smoking hot girlfriend, an amazing daughter, and they are both here with me.
Willow and Tara watched Ceri play on the playground while they sat close to one another enjoying the others closeness.
"This is nice, us together as a family." Tara said as she rested her head on Willows shoulder.
"I agree."
"Not to spoil the moment, but I was wondering when you wanted to sit down and discuss the past and future."
"Not tonight, and I have a meeting tomorrow during the day, but late afternoon and tomorrow night we could talk."
"That sounds good. I just want to get the nasty stuff over so that we can focus on our family," said Tara.
"I know, but part of me is afraid that things could go wrong and get messed up again too," Willow said quietly.
"We won't let it get messed up, for Ceri's sake we can't afford to."
"Mommy, will you and Mama come swing with me?"
"Sure thing baby girl," Tara said noticing the beaming look Willow had on her face from Ceri calling her Mama.
"I love it when she calls me Mama," said Willow.
"Well Mama, give me your hands and I'll help you up so we can go swing with our daughter," said Tara pulling Willow up and heading towards the swings holding hands.
The figure watching them from the bushes made a strained sound like a growl.
After their picnic and playing at the park, the three-headed back to the house so that Tara and Ceri could make Willow their special s'mores.
"Mommy you made sure you got everything right?"
"Yep, I checked three times while I was at the store to make sure," Tara said as she heard a giggle from Willow.
Dawn and Buffy came into the house and Ceri ran and gave Dawn a hug.
"Hey there squirt, how are you doing?"
"Hi Auntie Dawn. We went to the park and had a picnic and now we're going to make our special s'mores."
"Wow, do I get one of those?"
"Um, Mommy?"
"Yep, I got plenty of stuff so everyone can have some."
"Good, otherwise I was going to have to mug Willow for hers," teased Dawn as Willow stuck her tongue out at her.
"I get to learn how to make them and you don't," Willow retorted.
"WHAT? Why does she get to learn how to make them too? That is so unfair."
"What is the big deal about the s'mores? I'm confused," said Buffy.
"Buffy, Tara and Ceri have this version that is to die for. They won't tell me what all is in them and how they make them, but they are incredible," gushed Dawn.
"Well, I'll be the judge of that," Buffy said raising an eyebrow at Tara and Ceri.
"Fine, you guys go sit down and we'll make them and bring them out to you," Tara said with a smile and motioned for Willow and Ceri to head into the kitchen.
-------------------
"OK, so, what do I need to do?" asked Willow.
"First you need to get the graham crackers put out, that is my part usually, but you can help me with it."
"I'd love to," Willow said.
"Um, no, first you both wash your hands, THEN you get to play with the crackers," Tara said as she dried her hands.
"Yes Mommy," they both said together and then started to giggle.
After they washed their hands, the three went about making the s'mores and then they headed back out to the living room to join Buffy and Dawn.
"OK, Ceri you get to hand them out," said Willow.
"One for Auntie Buffy," she said handing one of the plates to Buffy.
"Thank you," she replied.
"One for Auntie Dawn," Ceri said handing Dawn her plate
"Yum!" said Dawn.
"One for Mommy," Ceri said handing Tara her plate.
"Thank you Sweetie."
"One for Mama," said Ceri.
"Thank you," said Willow over the choking of Buffy and Dawn on their s'mores.
"And I get the last one!"
"These are awesome you guys," said Buffy.
"I told you," said Dawn.
"We're glad you guys like them," Tara said as she wiped Ceri's hands that were now covered in chocolate. "Will, what do you think?"
"I am in heaven. Where did you learn to make these?"
"I was pregnant with Ceri and had a few serious cravings and this is the product of one of them."
"Any other recipes come from those cravings?" asked Buffy.
"I got a dinner thing that I can make tomorrow night if you want."
"Oh yeah," said Buffy. "Would you mind if we invite Anya and Xander over?"
"Sweetie, why don't you go wash your hands and put on your jammies," said Willow.
"OK Mama," Ceri said and skipped out of the room and up the stairs.
"I'm ok with them coming over, but the drama has to stay away from Ceri," said Tara glancing at Willow for support.
"I agree," said Willow.
"Thanks! So, now does someone want to explain what has changed and why Ceri is calling Willow Mama now," asked Buffy?
"Ceri had a dream about living in London with Willow and I and in her dream she got to call Willow Mama so we decided to tell her that Willow was her other Mom and that we were a couple."
"Do you think she understood what that really means?"
"I don't know, she's still really young, but you've seen the way she's been with Willow. I think she already sensed it and felt their connection."
"You should have seen her when we were at the movies today," beamed Willow. "She got a little scared at one point and she crawled over on to my lap and watched the rest of the movie from there."
"That is so cute," said Dawn.
"I think outside of her calling me Mama it was the most intensely close moment I've had with her."
"That is incredible Will," said Buffy watching as Willow and Tara's hands just naturally entwined together without them even consciously doing it.
Ceri came bouncing back into the bedroom and crawled up, sat on Tara's lap, and draped her legs over Willows legs.
"I'm back!" she announced.
"Well, that is good because we were missing you," said Tara.
"Mommy, can Mama put me to bed tonight? She has to learn how to do it for when she moves to London with us."
"Certainly Sweetie," laughed Tara and Willow blushed.
The group sat and watched TV for a while and Willow noticed Ceri was starting to get sleepy so she took her upstairs to 'learn' how to put her to bed.
"How are you dealing with the Ceri/Willow connection," asked Dawn.
"I love the bond that they are forming, but I won't lie and say it isn't hard to share her either."
"Well, I can't say as I have ever seen Willow as happy as she was tonight. It was nice to see for once," Buffy said.
"She does look pretty happy," Dawn agreed.
"Who looks happy?" Willow asked as she entered the room.
"You Sweetie," said Tara pulling Willow down on to her lap and wrapping her arms tightly around her lover.
"I am," Willow, said kissing Tara's temple.
"You two seem happy as well," said Dawn.
"We are. We both finally feel complete," said Tara squeezing the redhead on her lap.
"I think I'm going to go call Xander and Anya and invite them to dinner tomorrow and then shower and get some rest before I have to patrol tonight," said Buffy.
"Night Buffy," said the three remaining.
"I think I'm going to go up too," said Dawn.
"Night Dawnie," Willow and Tara said giving her a hug.
-------------------
"Hello," said Xander.
"Hey Xander," said Buffy.
"Hi Buffster, what's up?"
"Well, I'd like to invite you and Anya to dinner tomorrow night."
"Who will be there?"
"Dawn, Ceri, Willow, Tara, and I," said Buffy.
"And do you think that I'm welcome after the last time we had dinner?"
"Willow and Tara said they didn't have an issue with it, just no drama in front of Ceri. Tara is cooking, so you know the food will be edible."
"I don't know Buffy. I still have some strong feeling about everything."
"I know you do, but you haven't seen how things have changed here and I think it might help you with some of the feelings if you were to see it."
"How could things have possibly changed that much in a few days?"
"Trust me when I tell you they have, but I'm not going to go into specifics. Just please tell me that you guys will come to dinner tomorrow night."
"Fine, we will be there. What time?" said an exasperated Xander.
"Say 6-ish?"
"OK, we'll see you then."
"OK, thanks Xander."
With that, they hung up and Buffy headed to the shower.
-------------------
"Are you sure that you are OK with Anya and Xander coming over for dinner tomorrow night," asked Willow.
"I'm fine with it Sweetie," Tara said holding the redhead tight.
"I just, I just don't want them or him to upset you again."
"Will, what are you really afraid of? I can tell there is something going on in your mind."
"After all this time you still know me so well," Willow said as she adjusted so that she was sitting next to Tara instead of sitting on her lap.
"Raw deal, I lost my lap warmer," pouted Tara.
"I'm sorry but I can't talk to you seriously while sitting there, I just want to do naughty things to you," Willow said as she blushed.
"That doesn't sound bad, but I get that we need to talk about this too," Tara said giving Willow a reassuring smile.
"I guess I'm scared that Xander or Buffy are going to say or do something to upset you and you are going to leave and I'm going to miss out on my time with you and Ceri. I just got you guys into my life and I don't ever want you to let you go."
"No baby. I do not intend on letting Buffy or Xander ruin my time here with you. If they make it uncomfortable then the three of us will go get a hotel room and spend time together that way. I will not let them drive us apart. I love you and this time is about us not them."
"I love you too, but after you got so upset the other night I'm just a little uneasy. I know how those two get when they get going. They feed off one another."
"Will, we'll get through it together. Maybe we can have dinner and then send Dawn and Ceri out to a movie or something and that way if things do get heated, we aren't exposing Ceri to it; I don't think it would be good for her. If not, I am certain Giles won't mind spending time with Ceri."
"I think that sounds like a great idea. And I have a great idea for now," Willow whispered as she pulled Tara across her body and on top of her and started to kiss the blonde deeply and passionately.
"I like this idea, but how about we go upstairs where we can have some privacy," Tara said in-between kisses.
"Upstairs it is," said Willow as they moved off the couch and upstairs to continue what they had started.
-------------------
After breakfast Tara knew she needed to get the groceries for dinner. Tara went into Willow's office and asked her if she would mind if Ceri hung out in her office while she went to the store. She told Willow that Ceri would play on her computer and allow her to do her work. Willow was however elated with the idea of spending more alone time with her daughter even though she would be working.
Willow got Ceri computer set up her office, then she went up to check with Tara if there were any special instructions for Ceri while she was gone. She didn't know if they had a routine or rules for the computer. She wanted to make sure they were consistent with their rules.
"Hey gorgeous," Willow said closing the bedroom door behind her.
"Hey yourself," said Tara smiling at the redhead.
"I just wanted to check to see if you had any rules or a routine for Ceri using the computer," said Willow moving closer.
"Is that all," Tara said with a seductive smile.
"Well, I was hoping to catch you naked and then just stare at the hotness of you a bit, but since you're dressed I guess I'd like to get another kiss like I did last night and this morning," Willow said taking Tara into her arms.
"Mmmm, OK," said Tara as she kissed the redhead again with all the passion she could. She felt Willow's knees get weak as well as her own. She laid them down on the bed never breaking the kiss or the passion she was putting into it. When they broke apart, they were both breathing hard.
"You keep kissing me like that and you aren't going anywhere."
"Why is that?"
"Are you kidding?" Willow said, "I'm still not good with the butch, but you, your hotness, out in public, hello, someone well many someone's will need to learn to keep their eyes to themselves."
"OK, I'll try to behave, it's hard though – you are just so amazing," said Tara.
"You are just as amazing as I am," said Willow.
"I love you," whispered Tara.
"I love you too," said Willow as she placed a soft kiss on Tara's lips.
"So, rules for Ceri, I don't really have any, she usually just plays her games or reads on a couple of sites I have in her bookmarks. I trust you and know you'll make sure she is safe online."
"OK, I just wanted make sure. I don't have a lot to do, just a couple of scripts to tweak for the company I met with in Paris. I have the scripts in a template so I just have to drop the needed data in and upload it." Willow said as they got up off the bed.
"Sounds good, please, no teaching Ceri to hack until she is at least 10?!" Joked Tara as she walked towards the door.
"I suppose I'll hold off on today's lesson then," teased the redhead as she placed a soft kiss on Tara's lips. "Have fun shopping!"
"Thanks, but I would rather be here with you two."
"Then hurry back."
Willow and Tara softly kissed and exchanged
'I love you's' as Tara headed to the store and Willow went and got her and Ceri comfortable in her office.
-------------------
Once Tara returned from shopping she called Giles to see if he would like to come to dinner and then maybe take Ceri over to his place to spend some time with her while the others hung out at the house. It was just a precaution, but one that she felt she needed to take.
"My dear you know I'd love to spend some time with her, I've gotten so used to seeing her daily that the past few days I have truly missed her," said Giles.
"Well, I just want to make sure that we are shielding her properly. Things got a bit intense the last time and I'm a bit uneasy about what is going to happen this time. I know that I have a lot to atone for, though I believe that it is between Willow and I."
"Yes it does and you just need to remember that when things get intense. You and Willow together are what matters, not what others think about the situation or relationship."
"Thank you," said Tara.
"For what?" asked Giles.
"For helping to calm my nerves about tonight, you have a way about making it all seem like it will be OK."
"Eventually it will be. So what time is dinner?"
"Be here around 6-ish?"
"I'll see you then," said Giles and then he hung up the phone.
'Now pull yourself together Maclay!' Tara said to herself trying to get her nerves under control.
After she had calmed down a bit Tara went and got dinner prepped and then went to check in on Willow and Ceri to see how they were doing. They had been in Willows office for a couple of hours and Tara hoped that having Ceri in there wasn't too much of a distraction for Willow.
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"Mama?"
"Yeah Sweetie," Willow said smiling at her daughter.
"Um, what are you working on?"
"Well, I'm working on writing a computer program."
"What is a computer program? Whenever Mommy types on the computer it looks a lot different from what you are doing."
"Well, a computer program is a difficult thing to explain, but you know how you like to play your games?"
"Uh huh, I love to play my computer games."
"Well, what I am doing is like what they do to create the game so that you can play it."
"You mean you are making a game? Can I play it when you're done with it?"
"Well, it isn't a game that I'm working on, but I have written a couple of games that maybe you and I can play with another time."
"You wrote games," Ceri said with her eyes bulging out.
"Yes I did. Maybe sometime you and I can work together and create one. Maybe we can even get Mommy to help too."
"Then it would be OUR game, right?"
"Exactly, you are so smart," Willow beamed.
"Mommy always said I was really smart but I didn't get it from her side of the family…and Grandpa said I got it from both sides of the family. I don't know what that means though."
"Well, you definitely got it from both sides of your family."
"What do both sides mean?"
"Well, you got your gorgeous blue eyes from your Mommy, that is her side…then you got your cute freckles and red hair from me and that is my side."
"So, I am part you and part Mommy?"
"Yes you are," smiled Willow.
"That is so cool!"
"Yes it is," whispered Willow to herself as Ceri went back to playing on her computer.
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Tara stuck her head into the office to see how her two favorite redheads were doing. She smiled when she saw them both working on their computers, both had the tip of their tongue sticking out of their mouth while they were deep in thought.
"How are things going in here," she finally said announcing that she was there.
"Great," said Ceri.
"Fantastic," said Willow. "How was shopping?"
"It was shopping. I called Giles and he is going to come for dinner. Ceri, how would you like to go spend tonight with Grandpa?"
"YAY! I miss seeing Grandpa," she said.
"Great. So what all have you two been doing?"
"Mommy, did you know that Mama writes games for computers?"
"I knew she was able to and that she wrote programs, I didn't know she wrote games."
"She does and she said that maybe the three of us can make a game together. Isn't that cool?"
"Yes it is," Tara said as she brought a chair over and sat by Willow and Ceri.
"It could be fun for the three of us," Willow added.
"Yeah, and it will be like me, part of you and part of Mama."
"Yes it would," said Tara.
"Mommy, why if I am part you and part Mama did I just meet Mama?"
This question took both Willow and Tara off guard. Tara had honestly thought she had a few years before this question would come up and by then it would be easier to explain.
"Well, that is because I went to live with Grandpa before you were born and I didn't tell Mama about you because I was mad at her for something that happened a long time ago."
"Was she naughty? Mama, if you were naughty you can say you're sorry and Mommy will forgive you like she does when I'm naughty."
"Sweetie, I was naughty and I have said that I'm sorry to Mommy and that is why we are a family now."
"I was naughty too though, I stayed mad at Mama and didn't tell her about you and I hurt her a lot more than she hurt me."
"Did you say you were sorry," Ceri asked in a very stern voice.
"Yes, I did, but I still need to find a way to make it up to her."
"No you don't Tara," said Willow.
"I do and I will, somehow Willow," Tara said as tears filled her eyes.
Neither Ceri nor Willow wanted to see Tara cry and they both moved to give her a hug. Ceri by climbing on to her lap and Willow by wrapping her arms around the other two. They stayed like that until Tara had regained composure of herself.
"Are you OK Mommy," asked a concerned Ceri.
"I'm better Sweetie, thank you both for the hug, it helped a lot."
"I don't like you sad Mommy, neither does Mama. I felt it make her heart hurt to see you cry," added the little girl much to the shock of both her mothers.
"I'll try not to be sad like that again, I'm sorry it upset and hurt you both."
"Who is ready for some ice cream?" asked Willow trying to change the mood.
"I am," beamed Ceri.
"Me too," Tara said with a smile.
"Great, Ceri why don't you go see if Buffy and Dawn are here and if they want some and Mommy and I will meet you in the kitchen."
"OK, Mama," and with that she raced out of the office.
"You OK?"
"Yeah, but I meant what I said. I am sorry and I will find a way to make it up to you…" said Tara.
"We'll talk about this later, but I love you and I love her and we're a family now, that has to take priority," said Willow.
"Lets go get some ice cream," said Tara kissing Willow lightly on the lips and then taking her hand and leading her towards the kitchen.
They ate their ice cream and then they put Ceri down for a nap and they got the house set up for everyone that was coming to dinner.
Once Ceri woke up from her nap, the three of them went and sat on the couch and read. Ceri had her books, Willow, and Tara each grabbed one-off the bookshelf to read.
Buffy and Dawn arrived home and showered and came down to the living room to join the others and wait for Giles, Xander, and Anya.
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TBC…
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