Disclaimer: Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy and 20th Century Fox are the true owners of BTVS & Angel not I.
Summary: This takes place about 15 years or so in the future and Buffy's life is well not really what she expected. Riley is a key figure in the first few parts. Angel is in this one don't fear.
Rating: R to be on the safe side.
Spoilers: None really.
Author's Note: Feedback please.

Part 1

Buffy sat at the dinner table, not really noticing anything, it was just another state dinner at the governor's mansion. Buffy sighed and looked down at her aqua colored gown, like all her clothes it had been selected for her, her hair style, jewelery everything was done by her "stylist". Riley wanted her to be perfect, she was his trophy wife, and their two little girls were the same.

Buffy glanced over at the man to her right, Senator Lamb, he was digusting, 50ish overweight and he wore a toupee, he ate with both hands and made awful noises. On her left was Mr. Stone 70ish and she didn't think he really knew where he was or anything, but he was rich. Across from her was MaryAnn Tresser, she was at least 20 pounds overweight and somehow managed to squeez herself into dresses at least three sizes too small.

Buffy pushed the food around on her plate fish, ugh, the potato was good and the peas not bad, she also ate the bread. She smiled when she picked up the glass of wine and took a few sips, just what she needed. Dessert came it was a fancy looking concoction but it was very good.

After dinner in the main ballroom Buffy stood there looking around wishing she could just go home. Riley walked up, "Anne you look nice tonight, have you been paying attention to what is being said?"

Buffy frowned, Riley and his people insisted she be called Anne, after all the name Buffy wasn't dignified enough for the wife of a politician. "Not really, but what I did hear was only about fly fishing."

Riley sighed, "Look you are here to listen in on conversations and be pretty that's all, and stay away from the wine you've already had 4 glasses."

Buffy grimaced as Riley walked away, she looked around and started mingling, trying to catch anything that might be useful for Riley. Buffy stopped Mrs. Polk was talking to a couple of people about the artist and writer Liam Burke, Buffy smiled she loved his stuff so she decided to listen in on the conversation.

Mrs. Polk, "I was in New York this past weekend and went to the showing of Liam Burke's latest work and my goodness he was there briefly, what a rareity he hardly ever goes to his shows, he is quite handsome tall, dark hair with a touch of grey at the temples and deep brown eyes, he seemed rather polite to those he did talk too."

Buffy smiled, she among others wondered about the elusive Liam Burke who he was what he was like, well now she knew he was goodlooking and polite. Buffy sighed she spotted Riley watching her it wouldn't do if he knew she was listening in on a conversation on Liam Burke, Riley said he was over rated and refused to let Buffy have his paintings in the house, he frowned at the books but did allow her to keep them.

Buffy wondered over to another group and stood there for awhile, she was tired and wanted to go home to her daughters. Riley walked up, "We can go now, did you find out anything interesting?"

Buffy, frowned, "Not really only that the ralley for the enviromentalists is this Saturday at the south end of the park instead of the west side."

Riley nodded, "I heard that too, well let's go."

Buffy quietly followed Riley out to their car glad the evening was over at last, she smiled slightly remembering what she'd heard about Liam Burke.

Part 2

Buffy was glad to be home at last, she went in and checked on her two daughters, the oldest was 8, Buffy frowned as she looked down on Karen's sleeping face she looked like the Finns. Buffy turned to her other daughter, Pepper she was just 4 and a tiny version of Buffy.

Buffy sighed two little girls, Karen Marie and Pepper Anne, they were the only good things that came from her marriage to Riley. Buffy made sure they were tucked in before heading to her own room to prepare for bed.

Buffy noticed that Riley was already in bed he was sitting up reading through some papers, he didn't even look up when she came into the room. Buffy sighed and went into her dressing room and quickly changed into her pajamas. Next a quick trip to the bathroom before going back into the bedroom.

Riley slept on the bed it was custom made for him, Buffy tho slept on a comfortable lounge chair that she loved. Buffy gathered her pillow and covers and laid down, her and Riley were a couple in name only now she didn't care she couldn't stand it when he touched her.

Buffy closed her eyes and remembered when they first came to Iowa right after they got married, a week long honeymoon in Hawaii then Iowa. It was good at first, she made friends fast and then had Karen. Then Riley ran for mayor of the town and won that's when things began to change, he became colder and rarely came near her. Riley was offered the job as aide to the senator and they moved to this house and Buffy hated it.

Buffy fought back the tears she hated her life now she would gladly go back to Sunnydale if she could, demons and vampires be damned. Buffy grimaced Pepper was not planned her and Riley were at a weekend retreat with the Senator they had too much to drink and 9 months later she had Pepper.

Buffy turned over and got comfortable she wished Riley would turn off the light and go to sleep. He refused to let her have her own room it wouldn't look right as he put it. Buffy sighed and drifted off to sleep finally, and the dreams began again of her and Angel, she loved these dreams.

Part 3

Buffy slowly came awake it was semi-dark in the room she sat up and smiled, Riley was asleep finally. Buffy crept out of bed and went downstairs to the kitchen, she was hungry and thirsty. After a bit she fixed herself a sandwich and found a bottle of wine. Buffy went into the small den and sat down at the computer in a few minutes she had gotten hold of Willow.

Buffy sighed this was the only way she had of keeping in touch with her friend Riley had forbidden Willow and Spike from coming to Iowa. Willow now a demon of the good variety, she'd had a choice, death or become a demon, now she was with Spike who was fighting evil along side Willow.

Buffy read the latest email from Willow, telling about how her and Spike had just gotten back home from Spain where they had helped a young girl with visions from being taken over to the darkside. Buffy chewed on her sandwich and drank some wine, she envied Willow, traveling with her true love and fighting a good fight against evil.

Buffy emailed Willow about the state dinner and what she'd heard about the elusive Liam Burke, even Willow had been unable to find out much about him. Buffy also mentioned the enviromentalists and the polluted river problems, life for me is dull is how she put it to Willow.

Buffy signed off and finished her sandwich and drank some more wine before heading back upstairs. Buffy checked in on her two girls and smiled Pepper now had Mr. Gordo and was clutching him in her arms. Pepper also had a thing about Angels she loved them said that they talked to her sometimes, Riley only shook his head in disbelief but Buffy felt that the girl spoke the truth.

Buffy tucked the covers around the girls and went back to her own room, she looked over at Riley and sighed wondering when and why everything had gone so wrong between them. Buffy got comfortable on her lounge chair and soon drifted off into a restless dream filled sleep. She woke up several times and looked around she felt as if there was something wrong or that something bad was about to happen. Buffy finally fell into a more peaceful sleep right before dawn.

Part 4

The next morning dawned bright with hardly any clouds, Buffy woke up and looked around, Riley was gone, good thought Buffy. Buffy got out of bed and went to her daughter's bedroom and found Karen gone but Pepper was sitting up in her bed with a strange look on her young face. Buffy went over to her, "Hey what's wrong Pepper?"

Pepper frowned at her mother, "The blue and gold girl angel said that we would be leaving Iowa soon."

Buffy frowned, "Leaving Iowa, well we'll wait and see ok? now let's go find us some breakfast."

Later that day Buffy took her two girls to a birthday party for Karen's best friend Mandy it was caotic at best and some of the older girls picked on Pepper and some of the younger children in attendence.

Buffy took Pepper to the restroom to wash off some dirt on her face and over heard Mandy's mother talking to someone else, it disturbed her. Buffy waited a little longer before she managed to get her daughters to leave Karen wanted to stay but Buffy absolutely refused.

Buffy argued, "They already gave us cake and Mandy opened her gifts and you played some games now we are going home."

Buffy was nervous as she waited for Riley to get home, she had to tell him what she overheard. Riley got home after 8 that night and not in the best of moods, Buffy sighed she didn't look forward to giving him more bad news.

Buffy carefully approached Riley, "Riley at Mandy's birthday party today I over heard her mother talking to another woman, that plant that the environmentalists are picketting it's closing tomorrow and laying all the workers off with no severence pay or not much."

Riley jumped up out of his chair and went over to Buffy, "Who was it that she was talking to I know Hilda has a brother who works at the plant who was the other woman?"

Buffy frowned, "Oh wait she brought Billy Carson I think he called her Aunt Barbara."

Riley groaned, "Barbara MC Knight her sister-in-law is secretary to the plant manager."

Riley turned and disappeared into his home office and shut the door. Buffy sighed and went upstairs to get her daughters ready for bed.

Part 5

The next few days were tense, Riley was rarely at home and when he was he was a bear to be around. The plant closed just as Buffy heard about displacing over 600 workers, the laied-off workers blamed the environmentalists and the Governor. Buffy was seeing something she didn't think would happen in Iowa, near riots and vandalism of public buildings and someone even tried to set fire to the plant.

Saturday dawned and Buffy was up early her daughters were sick, feverish and Karen had red spots showing up. Buffy sighed she bet it was the measels, several kids at the birthday party had them.

Riley came into the girls room, "Buffy why are you here and not getting ready for the luncheon?"

Buffy looked up at Riley, "I'm not going the girls have the measels and don't you argue with me, for once I do what I want to do and that's stay home with my sick babies."

Riley stood there and fidgeted looking at the girls, "Fine but it's only because I don't want you spreading germs."

Buffy sighed as Riley took off she was thankful he hadn't argued with her, she'd been up most of the night and was exhausted. Buffy grabbed a blanket and curled up next to Pepper's bed and soon drifted off to sleep.

Buffy was awaken by someone shaking her rather hard she opened her eyes and saw her neighbor Dr. Owens he was retired and was always stopping by. Buffy sat up and looked around it was late afternoon she looked at her daughters, Karen was sitting up and staring at Dr. Owens and Pepper was whimpering.

Dr. Owens frowned, "Buffy come on get up I need to talk to you."

Buffy stood up and folowed him out to the hallway, "What's wrong?"

Dr. Owens sighed, "There was trouble today down at the state house a riot broke out between the laid-off workers and the environmentalists, riot police were called in some of the riotors managed to slip past the police and did some damage they shot up the place and several people were hurt and a couple were killed, I'm sorry Buffy but one of them was Riley."

Buffy stood there feeling faint, "Riley are you sure and why are you telling me where's Walter or Jim his assistants?"

Dr. Owens shook his head, "I heard it on my police scanners and then the news, I made a few calls and got more information, things are crazy right now you and your girls aren't safe here, get them dressed and pack a few things I'm taking you home with me."

Buffy nodded and went back into her girl's room and quickly did as Dr. Owens told her. It took about an hour for them to get ready to leave, she was worried more for her girls than anything else she was numb and going on autopilot.

Part 6

Buffy followed Dr. owens into his home and looked around it was a huge old mansion he lived alone his wife having died several years before. He showed her where the girls could stay a nice pink and white bedroom it obviously had been little girls room at one time. Buffy got her girls settled in Karen complaining about not feeling good and wanting her daddy. Pepper kept quiet and did everything she was told, she told her mommy that the angels wanted her to be a good little girl.

Buffy went back downstairs to where Dr. Owens was waiting he had the tv on and was watching the news. Buffy couldn't believe what she was seeing fires downtown and people fighting each other and the police.

Dr. Owens turned to her and frowned, "Got your girls settled in?"

Buffy nodded, "Yes, is this for real I mean this is Iowa nothing like this happens here?"

Dr. Owens frowned, "Where there are humans trouble is like to occur."

Buffy sighed and sat down the whole week had been tense and now this it was almost too much, "I'm going to California as soon as possible."

Dr. Owens glanced at her, "That is a wise idea."

Buffy and the Dr sat and watched more news finding out more about what had occurred. Buffy had dozed off after checking her daughters and grabbing a light snack that Dr. Owens insisted she needed.

Buffy woke up and heard Dr. Owens talking on the phone she smelled smoke and wondered where it was coming from. Buffy sat up and went to the front window and gasped her house was on fire. She turned and ran upstairs to her girls to make sure they were ok, she sighed when she found them both sound asleep.

Dr. Owens came up behind her, "I'm sorry Buffy, I was on the phone with Walter Grouse and he confirmed that Riley is dead I told him you and the girls were with me and that your house was on fire."

Buffy nodded, "I want to leave now for California, but I have no money or even well nothing."

Dr. Owens sighed, "Don't worry I'll see to it you get to California."

Buffy nodded and went over to the bed her two girls were sharing and sat down she was spent emotionally, numb and empty feeling.

Part 7

Buffy slept fitfully through the night, Karen and Pepper's fevers broke for one thing making the girls fussy. Dr. Owends came in fairly early and woke her up, "Walter Grouse is downstairs he wishes to speak to you."

Buffy nodded, "Tell him I'll be down in a few minutes."

Buffy freshened up and went downstairs and found Walter waiting for her in the front room, she sighed Walter was one of the few who had treated her nice, "Walter ah what's going on?"

Walter turned to Buffy, he'd had a secret crush on her ever since he'd first met her, "So sorry about Riley he died a hero, saving the life of the governor's wife, it's been decided that at the moment things are too explosive to hold a proper funeral for Riley and the other's that were killed, if you would like to view Riley's body I can take you to the mortuary where he's at."

Buffy put her hands on either side of her temples and closed her eyes, "Sure ah I'd like to see him, when can we go?"

Walter frowned he knew this must be hard on her, "Now if you wish?"

Buffy turned to Dr. Owens, "Could you watch my girls for me?"

Dr. Owens gave a half smile, "Yes, it will not be a problem."

Buffy followed Walter out to his car and got in as they drove past her home she stared at the burned out hulk and sighed. They soon got to the mortuary and Walter escorted Buffy into the room where Riley was laid out. Riley's mother was there she stared at Buffy before turning back to her son.

Buffy walked up to the casket and looked in she frowned, Riley looked alomost like he did when she first met him it brought tears to her eyes, she'd loved the man she'd met but some where along the way he changed and the love died. Buffy wiped the tears from her eyes, she knew she was going to miss him he'd been a major part of her life for the last 17 years and the father to her daughters.

Buffy turned to Riley's mother, "I'm so sorry, it shouldn't have happened."

Riley's mother, "Save it Buffy, you never cared for my son."

Buffy was shocked, "Yes I did I care for him, he gave me love when I needed it the most and I was able to return it back to him."

Mrs. Finn glared at Buffy but said nothing she'd hated Buffy from the moment she first saw her, all blonde and perky and from California. She turned from Buffy and sat down on a nearby chair.

Buffy sighed and turned to Walter, "I want to leave, I'm not wanted or even needed here."

Walter nodded and escorted Buffy out to his car and drove her back to Dr. Owens home.

Part 8

Walter parked his car and turned to Buffy, "You're going to leave Iowa and go back to California right?"

Buffy sighed and stared out the car window at her burned out house, "There is nothing here for me or my daughters, I have family and friends in California."

Walter sighed, "If you leave Iowa you lose your share of Riley's estate, and if your daughters don't live in Iowa their share is put in trust until they reach 21 only a medical emergency or preceedure will be paid for."

Buffy leaned her head back and sighed, "We'll make it, if I stay here I'll go insane."

Walter nodded, "I wasn't fond of Riley, he was a hard man but I know he wasn't always that way I knew him in high school and I don't blame you for his change, look I took the liberty of getting some money for you out of his account."

Buffy turned to Walter, "Thanks, I know when I first met him he was shy and couldn't seem to find a way to talk to me without stuttering it was cute."

Walter handed Buffy the money, "If you ever need anything call and my advice get out fast before the Finns pull something."

Buffy looked at the money $600.00 that was all she was getting from the Riley Finn estate, she got out of the car, "Walter thanks and I'll be gone real soon I don't trust the Finns either."

Buffy shut the car door and headed back into Dr. Owens home and went upstairs to her daughters, she smiled when she saw that they were safe. Pepper looked up and smiled, Karen still feeling a little sick just seemed to pout.

Part 9

Dr. Owens came into the room, "Can I have a word with you?"

Buffy frowned and followed him out into the hallway, "What's wrong?"

Dr. Owens smiled, "Oh didn't mean to worry you, I have a volvo that belonged to my wife it's in top condition take it and leave, don't worry about the car once you get to California sell it or keep it, here's all the paperwork and some cash for gas and food."

Buffy gasped, "Are you sure? I mean that car was your wife's."

Dr. Owens smiled, "Yes I rarely drive it and I have been thinking of selling it."

Buffy took the paperwork, cash and keys from the Dr. and gave him a hug, "Thanks, I was told I will get nothing from Riley's estate if I leave Iowa and the girls won't until they are 21 or in case of medical needs, Walter did manage to get me $600.00. "

Dr. Owens frowned, "That's not fair, but you have no other choice."

Buffy nodded, "Well I guess I'd better get the girls ready to take off."

A couple of hours later Buffy pulled onto the freeway heading toward California, the Dr. had helped her figure out the best way to go. Buffy was nervous she wasn't the best driver or the worst she had many miles ahead of her, but she had no other choice.

Buffy smiled a little, Pepper had given her no trouble but Karen cried for her daddy then her grandmother she put up quite a fuss. Buffy sighed, she was heading for her mother's place in Montery California, she'd moved there when she'd remarried and had opened up a small art gallery and gift store.

Buffy grinned and Willow was in San Fransico with Spike, she knew she was making the right decision about leaving Iowa and going home. Buffy turned on the radio and found some music and hummed along as she drove on down the road.

Part 10

Buffy was exhausted and emotionally spent by the time she pulled into Willow's driveway, 12 days to get here and they were some of the worst days of her life.

Willow heard when the car pulled up she knew it was Buffy she ran outside and pulled Buffy into a hug, Buffy felt safe suddenly and broke down and began sobbing, clinging to Willow as if her life depended upon it. Willow just held her and let her cry giving her the support she needed.

Buffy finally came to the end of her sobs and pulled back, "Geez Willow what you must think of me, crying like a big baby."

Willow brushed a few strands of hair out of Buffy's face, "You needed to cry and that's what I'm here for and you have been in emotinal hell the last few weeks or maybe it's years now come on inside."

Buffy smiled and turned to her daughters, "Come on Karen, Pepper and meet your Aunt Willow."

Pepper bounded out of the car and ran up to Willow, "Hi I'm Pepper."

Willow laughed, "Buffy she's you only smaller."

Buffy turned to the car karen was still sitting in the backseat arms folded and scowling, "Karen please get out of the car and don't give me any more trouble."

Karen stared at her mother, "NO I WANT TO GO HOME NOW, I WANT MY DADDY NOW!"

Buffy turned to Willow, "That's how she has been the whole trip, yelling and pulling the most outlandish stunts, one she ran away while I slept and tried to get a truck driver to take her to Iowa, a cop saw her and took her to the police department, luckily I'd just called her in as missin. Then later on she told another cop I was a bad mean lady and I'd kidnapped her, I spent two days waiting while they checked out my story. Oh since that didn't work she peed in the car so Pepper had to sit up front. I finally told her if she pulled anymore tricks I was going to leave her at an orphanage or something much worse I felt bad afterwards but I was going insane."

Willow sighed and frowned, "Well just let her sit out here and stew in her own juices for awhile, the sun will be down soon then I'll send Spike out here to get her."

Buffy raised her eyebrows, "Oh that ought to be interesting, Pepper go with Aunt Willow I'll be right in."

Buffy waited til Willow and Pepper were out of sight, "Karen, you are almost 9 years old and acting like a baby no babies even behave better, and don't think I'm going to send you to Iowa if you keep this up it won't work, you are my daughter and your father is dead and nothing you say or do will change that, I'm the only parent you have now so go ahead and sit here and pout I'll be inside if you wish to act your age and behave by coming in."

Buffy turned and stomped off towards the house, Karen just sat there with a stubborn pouty look.

Part 11

Buffy sat there in Willow's livingroom looking around it was such a nice peaceful place, earth tones of forest green, several shades of brown and hints of blue, yellow and orange was the color scheme. Spike came into the room and was shocked by Buffy's haggered look he went over and put his arms around her she laid her head on his shoulder and stated crying again. Spike just let her cry, this was not the same person who he use to fight and it worried him.

Willow brought Buffy in some tea and cookies Pepper was right behind with a tall glass of milk a big smile on her face. Spike looked at the little girl and smiled, she was adorable with her big greenish blue eyes and honey colored hair.

Buffy sat up and wiped her eyes, "Thanks I guess I just need to get it all out of my system."

Willow frowned, "Yeah well you're home now where you belong just let Spike and me take care of you and your two little girls, that is if Karen ever gets out of the car."

Spike smirked, "Well if she's there when the sun sets I'll go get her."

Pepper stood there staring at Spike a strange look on her face, "Oh you're a vampire that's what the angels just told me and that you won't hurt me."

Spike and Willow stared at Pepper then over at Buffy, "She says that she has blue and gold angels telling her things she told me we would be coming to California and she was right."

Willow nodded, That's what I was sensing about her, she isn't a slayer like you but she is special."

Spike shook his head, "Does make you wonder tho about her angels they sound familiar for some reason."

Buffy frowned then shrugged her shoulders, "Oh I need to call my mom and let her know I'm here at your place, I'd like to stay here for a while that is if you don't mind?"

Willow grinned, "Mind I'd mind more if you took off after only a day or two it's been ten years since we last saw each other and I've missed you."

Buffy grinned, "I'm already feeling much better."

Spike brought Buffy the phone and she made a quick call to her mom letting her know where she was at and that she was ok.

Par 12

Karen still was sitting in the car as the last rays of sun sank over the horizen, she was determined to win this arguement with her mother.

Spike left the house by the back door and snuck up on the car from behind he morphed into game face and stuck his face into the window, "Hello little girl are you going to be my dinner tonight?"

Karen screamed and started trying to open the door on the other side of the car. Spike sat back and laughed, "Oh little girl you are so sweet and tasty looking."

Karen finally got the door opened and ran as fast as she could to the front door of the house, she banged on the door and Willow let her in almost laughing she knew what Spike has just done.

Karen looked around, "Mommy I want my mommy there is a monster outside and he wants me for dinner."

Buffy came out of the bedroom and stared at Karen then glanced over at Willow and saw the look of merriment on her face, "Karen come here, and let me hold you, see what happens to little girls who are bad and misbehave."

Karen let her mother pull her into a hug she started crying, "I want my daddy but he's gone."

Buffy held her close, "I know sweetheart but I'm still here and I love you I won't let anything happen to you."

Karen cried as Buffy sat there on the floor holding her in her lap and rocking back and forth giving her comfort as best she could. Karen sobbed and sighed, "I'm hungry and thirsty."

Willow smiled, "Let your mom get you all cleaned up and I'll fix you something to eat."

Karen looked over at Willow and gave a slight smile, "Grilled cheese sandwich and milk?"

Willow smiled, "No problem now run along with your mom and freshen up."

Buffy lead Karen into the bathroom and told her to take a shower while she found her some clean clothes. Soon Buffy had a clean Karen follow her out to the kitchen area and the snack that Willow had waiting.

Part 13

The next few days Buffy and her daughters rested up from their journey from Iowa. Karen was leery of Spike even tho he reassured her that he was not going to have her for dinner.

Willow took Buffy and the girls out shopping to the mall, "Buffy it's not a big deal I can afford to buy you and the girls things and you do need new clothes and both girls need little girl stuff so indulge me."

Buffy sighed and gave in, "Ok but spend more on the girls than me."

Willow grinned and yelled out to Spike, "I'm going to make our credit cards groan."

Spike just growled back, "Have fun and hey buy the girls plenty of toys."

At the mall the first thing Willow did was take Buffy to a hair salon and body spa, "This is my personal piece of paradise, you'll love it."

A tall matronally woman approached, "Ah the beautiful Willow and how may I help you today?"

Willow smiled, "This is my friend Buffy she needs the works, lighten her hair it was never this dark when she was younger and give it a nice cut also it's too long, and her daugters need their hair cut also."

Buffy was swept away by the woman and a nice pretty younger woman had Willow and Buffy's girls follow her. An hour later both girls no longer had braids their hair was now cut in pixie cuts that framed their lovely faces, Pepper's hair actually had a slight curl to it.

Willow left a message for Buffy not worry about Pepper and Karen and took off into the rest of the mall with the girls. Willow took the girls to several clothing stores for children and bought several outfits, a toy store where she indulged them with Barbies for Karen and stuffed animals for Pepper. By the time they got back to the salon Buffy was just about ready, Willow had arranged for her purchases to be delivered to the house.

When Buffy was through Willow smiled, "Now that's the Buffy I remember, I swear you look ten years younger."

Buffy smiled, "Well I feel better and my goodness don't my little girls look beautiful, I love the cuts, Riley always insisted that they have long hair in braids or curls."

Willow smiled, "Yes Karen informed me of that, now let's go eat."

Willow treated Buffy and the girls to lunch at a nice pizza place that was in the mall. Next Willow took Buffy shopping for clothes and shoes anything she wanted or needed. When they got back to Willow's home the purchases had already been delivered, Buffy just looked everything over and shook her head.

Part 14

Buffy and her girls spent two more weeks with Willow and Spike it was a time well spent. She rested and found an inner peace she had lost, the girls were adjusting, Karen had her moments still but she was slowly coming around. Willow took her around and introduced her to her friends three sisters with powerful magic abilities. Spike sold the volvo for Buffy and found her a decent car to replace it.

Buffy packed all her and the girls things in the car and gave Willow and Spike a hug, "It's been great being here and thanks so much for all you've done and hey I'm not that far away now so come see me."

Willow smiled, "I know it's been the best having you here and don't worry we will come visit."

Spike gave each of the girls a hug and told them to behave. Karen and Pepper got into the back seat and buckled up, Buffy got settled into the drivers seat gave Willow a wave and was off for her mother's place in Monterey California.

Three hours later she pulled up in front of her mom's new home and gasped it was beautiful, Spanish style with two stories with climbing roses on either side of the door. Buffy stepped out of the car and looked around the whole area was beautiful a view of the city of Monterey and the bay was just to the left of where she stood.

The girls got out and also looked around they were facinated by everything they saw. The front door opened and Joyce came out, "Buffy oh my."

Buffy turned it had been 6 years since she'd seen her mother last, "Mom oh it's so good to see you."

They hugged each other tightly, Buffy turned to Karen and Pepper, "Karen do you remember your grandmother Joyce? and Pepper this is my mom."

Joyce looked both of her granddaughters over, "My aren't the two of you just so beautiful come give me a hug."

Both girls gave a her a shy hug, a man came from around the side of the house, "You must be Buffy and her two little girls?"

Buffy turned, "And you must be my step-dad Bert?"

Buffy thought he was nice looking, tall slightly bald what hair he had was mainly white. he went over and gave Buffy a hug, "Welcome home I've been waiting for this for some time."

Joyce smiled, "Come let's go inside I'll have Carlos grt your things and take them up to your rooms."

Buffy and her girls followed Joyce into the house, Buffy looked around a wide open livingroom entrance way that led to a patio through two large french doors, a wide staircase off to one side and through one door she could see a dining table. Buffy smiled, her mom had done pretty good for herself.

Part 15

Buffy and her two girls soon settled in at Buffy's mom's place. Karen discovered the horses and was thrilled she had been taking riding lessons in Iowa. Bert didn't mind teaching Karen how to ride, he felt sorry for the young girl. Pepper found a piano and was soon banging away Joyce decided she needed to learn to play and so found her a teacher. Buffy started working at her mom's art gallery and gift shop it helped her keep her mind busy and made her feel useful.

Joyce came home one day all excited, "Guess what I found out Liam Burke has returned to his home in Big Sur and this time I will convince him to show at my gallery."

Buffy smiled, "Oh mom his stuff is so fantastic and it would be great if you can get him to show his art at your place."

Bert looked up, "Hey Joy why don't you let Buffy try and convince him he's single and he just might respond to a pretty, recently widowed young woman?"

Joyce smiled, "That is a brillient idea, Buffy how about it?"

Buffy gulped, "Oh yes, I would love to just tell me what to do."

The next two weeks Joyce found out all she could about where Liam Burke lived and the area surrounding his place. Buffy did a little snooping on her own, wondering what he was like and if he'd even talk to her once she met him. Bert helped out as much as he could, it seemed that Liam Burke liked to keep to himself and was rarely seen.

A plan was finally came up with, Buffy had a general idea of where he lived so she'd just drive out to Big Sur and see if she could find him. Joyce didn't doubt that he'd be found Buffy was determined to locate the mysterious Mr. Burke. The morning arrived and Buffy looked over her notes about Liam Burke and scanned a map of the Big Sur area mostly woodsy area and winding roads but they were marked.

Buffy decided to dress nice but casual in a pair of dark blue pants and a white and blue checked shirt over a white shell. White sneakers and a dark blue cap finished her outfit.

Bert whistled, "Now that outfit alone should get the man's attention."

Buffy laughed, she liked Bert he was real nice and sweet and the girls adored him, "Thanks and well later."

Buffy climbed into her car and headed south for Big Sur and Liam Burke.

Part 16

Buffy stopped once and got gas before continuing on, she soon found herself driving along the winding roads of Big Sur. Buffy stopped a few times and looked her notes over she knew she was in the right area she was looking for a mailbox shaped like a lion with wings or a mailbox that stood next to a statue of a lion with wings.

Buffy felt her car give a funny lurch as she went around another sharp curve it soon sputtered and she had to pull off to the side of the road luckily there was a small turn out that let her get her car off the road. Buffy got out of her car and shut the door and looked around she started to laugh the turn out was a driveway with said statue of winged lion next to a mailbox.

Buffy glanced around and headed up the driveway it was long and tree lined a bit on the wild side she hoped he didn't have any big dogs. A niced sized log cabin came into view a wide stair led up to a wide wrap around deck, the house was one story but it was long. She approached the steps and carefully went up to the deck she could hear music playing from around the back of the house she decided to follow the sound.

Buffy came around the corner and saw a wide vista of the woods and in the distance the ocean. A half-finished painting was on a nearby easel and a large dog slept on the deck in the sun. Buffy stepped forward she didn't see anyone she was about to call out when she heard a noise, she turned and saw a tall man step out of the house her eyes grew wide and she fainted.

Liam had stepped inside to get some clean paint brushes when he heard a noise out on his deck he stepped out and saw a woman with blonde hair she turned and he caught his breath. When she fainted and started to fall Liam managed to get to her before she hit the deck's floor. He picked her up and gently carried her over to the lounge chair and placed her on it, he went and got a damp cloth and wiped her brow waiting for her to awaken.

Buffy slowly opened her eyes she was afraid she was dreaming or imagining things, she looked up and smiled, "Angel."

Angel smiled, "Hi Buffy and yes it's me."

Buffy blinked she couldn't believe it after all these years and here she was with Angel again. She reached up and touched his face, "You're alive and human how long?"

Angel took her hand and kissed the palm he could not believe Buffy was laying there before him, "Six years it was a reward for my duties to The Powers That Be."

Buffy sighed he looked so good, tanned, a slight touch of gold in his hair at his temples. Tears started down Buffy's cheeks, "Angel it's been so long I thought I'd never see you again I was beginning to think you were dead."

Angel couldn't resist he leaned down and gave her a gentle kiss and wiped the tears away, "I wanted to see you and talk to you but you were married and I didn't want to interfer in your life."

Buffy nodded, "I guess you did the right thing, hold me now."

Angel smiled and took her into his arms it felt so good to be holding Buffy in his arms again. Buffy wrapped her arms around Angel she never wanted to let go she'd found him again and didn't want to loose him.

Part 17

Angel pulled back and looked into Buffy's eyes, "You look so beautful, I've missed you."

Buffy smiled at Angel, "You look pretty good yourself, ah how did you end up painting and writing?"

Angel grinned, "A client of mine when I was a P.I. saw some of my drawings and encouraged me to paint it just took off from there."

Buffy reached up and brushed a stray hair off Angel's forehead, "From the moment I first laid eyes on one of your paintngs I loved them, they spoke to me, I was drawn to them now I know why."

Angel smiled, "I was thinking of you when I was painting most of the time anyways."

Buffy grinned and sat up she looked around, "This place is beautiful and the view wow."

Angel stood, "Let me give you a tour of the place I bought it three years ago and had some major work done on it."

Buffy stood up and reached for Angel's hand, he smiled and took her hand in his as he led her inside. "This room is the main room with the kitchen and dinning area on one side, the hall leads to two small bedrooms and one large bathroom."

Buffy looked around rustic but very cozy, a large brown leather couch and one dark green side chair took up one corner and a dinning table took up another one the kitchen separated the two areas. Buffy noticed several paintings and drawings on the walls, a small woodburning stove was in another corner.

Buffy turned to Angel, "I like it, very comfortble feeling."

Angel smiled, "Thanks that's what I was aiming for."

Buffy stared at Angel before going over to him, "Do you want what I want?"

Angel smiled and took her into his arms, "Are you sure?"

Buffy gazed into Angel's eyes, "Yes I'm sure."

Angel swept Buffy up in his arms and carried her to his bedroom, he slowly undressed her he found it hard to believe she was now in her 30's and a mother her body was still firm and beautiful. Buffy helped Angel out of his clothes she was trembling in anticipation.

Angel made love to Buffy slowly revelling in the joy of being with her. Buffy was overcome with her feelings of passion and joy Angel was making love to her she'd never thought it would happen again. Afterwards they lay there curled up together sated and happy.

Part 18

Buffy fell asleep for a little while when she woke up she smiled Angel was there watching her sleep, he smiled back at her, "Hungry, if so I can go fi us something to eat?"

Buffy stretched, "Yes I could eat, oh I need to call my mom and let her know I'm ok."

Angel stood up and began getting dressed, "There is a phone next to the bed I'll be out in the kitchen."

Buffy gave her mom a call, "I'm fine, yes I met Liam Burke he's a very nice person, staying here my car broke down, no mom and well later bye."

Buffy quickly dressed and went out to the kitchen and watched as Angel fixed dinner for the two of them, "It's so nice being here with you,"

Angel chuckled, "I know I find it hard to believe, I know you came looking for Liam Burke to try and convince him to show at your mother's gallery, there are two rasons why I haven't one is I didn't want you to know about me and the other your mother never did like me and I didn't think she'd be thrilled if she found out the truth, but I am willing now if she wants my art, I have several new ones and have yet to find a gallery to show them."

Buffy frowned, "Well I understand and I bet she'll be fine, this new husband of hers Bert he has been good for her I actually like him and my girls adore him."

Angel put the finishing touches on dinner and put a plate of pasta with shrimp and garlic in front of her along with a salad and some bread, "Hope you like this I eat fairly light, I must confess I've met Bert he didn't know who I was though and he did seem like a nice enough guy."

Buffy took a bite of food, "This is good, and yes light is a good idea."

They finished their meal then went and sat out on his deck and watched the sun set, Buffy sat curled up next to Angel.

Part 19

The next day Angel drove Buffy back to her mother's they stopped for breakfast along the way, both were nervous about how Joyce would react to Angel. Buffy kept glancing over at Angel as he drove she felt as if she was dreaming, he was alive and human and oh so wonderful to look at. Angel had a hard time driving he wanted to just gaze at Buffy he couldn't believe that after all this time they were together again.

Angel parked his car in front the house he looked around, "Nice place, she has here."

Buffy sighed, "I know, I'm happy for her, she deserves this."

They got out of the car and Buffy led Angel inside, she spotted her mom and both girls out on the patio, Angel stopped, "Your daughters are beautiful Buffy."

Buffy grinned, "Thanks, they are my pride and joy."

Buffy stepped out onto the patio, "Mom, ah guess who Liam Burke is?"

Joyce looked up and paled, she couldn't believe her eyes it was Angel, she stood and faced him and frowned, "You're standing in the sun."

Angel nodded, "It's a shock still even for me, but for six years now that has been possible I no longer suffer from what I was before."

Joyce nodded she turned to Buffy she noticed a look of happiness on her daughter's face she hadn't seen in years, for Buffy she would accept Angel.

Buffy turned to her girls, "Karen, Pepper I have someone I want you to meet."

Karen stared up at Angel he smiled and knelt down, "Hi I'm Angel and you are?"

Karen smiled shyly, "Karen Marie Finn and Angel is a funny name for a guy."

Pepper reached out and touched him, "I'm Pepper and my angels told me about you."

Angel stared at Pepper, "Angels?"

Buffy smiled, "She has blue and gold angels that tell her things and it has all proven true."

Angel nodded, "The Oracles, I once knew were blue and gold, it must be them she talks of."

Joyce gave a little cough, "Well Angel so you're the mysterious Liam Burke, how ah interesting."

Angel stood up and faced Joyce, "Yes I guess now you know why I refused to show at your gallery?"

Joyce frowned and nodded, "Yes, well if you want I am still willing to show your paintings."

Angel gave a light laugh, "I have a few new ones that I have need of a gallery to show them in."

Buffy smiled she knew it was hard on her mother and Angel to be friendly with each other and she knew it was because of her that they were trying.

Part 20

The next few weeks were busy for all, even stressful at times, Buffy and Angel both readjusting to being together and Angel being accepted by Buffy's girls and her mother. Angel and Buffy were both older and wiser, Buffy was still getting over her life as the wife of Riley Finn and the time spent in Iowa. Angel had to get use to a older and more mature Buffy one with two little girls to worry about.

Angel was thankful that Joyce and Bert were there, it made things easier for him and Buffy to find time alone. Joyce also was throwing herself into the showing of the newest paintings by Liam Burke, she and Angel worked closely figuring out the right lighting and ways to display his art work.

The night of the opening gala of his art Angel was nervous he was actually going to be there in person and with Buffy at his side. Buffy walked into the room that her mother had given him to use when he was in town, "You almost ready Angel?"

Angel smiled and turned to Buffy, "Yes, but first come here I want to ask you something."

Buffy frowned and went over to Angel, "What? is there something wrong?"

Angel smiled and shook his head, "I know this isn't the most romantic place but Buffy will you marry me?"

Buffy sat down on the bed and stared up at Angel, tears formed in her eyes, "Oh, Angel, yes oh god yes I'll marry you."

Angel bent down and kissed Buffy, "I love you so much, tonight is so special and I have been wanting to ask you to marry me I just couldn't wait any longer I want this night to be one we will never forget."

Buffy reached up and touched Angel's cheek, "Every night and day I spend with you is special."

Angel kissed Buffy he pulled her into his arms and held her close, she snggled up against him loving the way he felt.

Part 21

Angel and Buffy went downstairs smiling and talking quietly to each other, Willow and Spike who had just arrived looked up in shock. Willow gulped, "Angel?"

Buffy looked down and smiled, "Hey Willow and Spike, ah surprise, I know I'm bad I didn't tell you that Liam Burke is in fact Angel."

Willow just shook her head, "No you forgot to mention that fact." she laughed then and went and gave Angel a hug.

Spike stood there staring at Angel, "You're bloody human now, how the hell did that happen?"

Angel sighed, "I finally fought enough battles to earn my redeemption."

Karen and Pepper came running into the room with Joyce and Bert right behind them, Joyce looked up, "Oh Willow, Spike hi I'm so glad you could make it."

Bert had heard of Willow and Spike, Joyce had filled him in on all details of Buffy's life and that of her friends, he was still a bit skeptical but he had an open mind. Buffy introduced Willow and Spike to Bert, they were polite with each other.

Pepper went over to Angel, "You look good Angel."

Angel smiled down at Pepper he hid the fact that she was his favorite of Buffy's two girls, Karen was standoffish with him and made it hard for him to be comfortable around her.

Joyce looked around, "Well I guess we should be going can't be late to our own gala."

They got to the art gallery and Joyce's assistants had everything ready all Joyce had to do was open the doors and start welcoming her guests. Angel stood next to Buffy smiling and shaking the hands of everyone thanking them for coming and signing autographs of copies of his books and the cataloge for that night's showing.

Angel was holding a very sleepy Pepper when a woman walked up and smiled at him, "Oh what a pretty daughter you have she looks so much like you well the eyes really are alike."

Angel blinked and smiled at the woman, "Well thanks....ah"

Buffy walked up, "Angel...oh sorry didn't mean to interupt."

The woman smiled at Buffy, "And you are the little girl's mother, she sure did get lucky having such two goodlooking parents well I love your work Mr. Burke and look forward to your future projects."

Buffy stared up at Angel, "What was that all about?"

Angel frowned, "Not sure, she thinks Pepper is my daughter says we have the same eyes."

Buffy frowned, "Oh, well that's odd."

Angel nodded and turned to Bert and Joyce as they walked up, Bert smiled, "I see that you have a sleepy one also Karen has fallen asleep in Joy's office."

Buffy laughed, "It is way past ther bed time."

Joyce smiled, "Well let Bert and me take the girls home, my assistants can close up and the two of you should spend some time with Willow and Spike go out have some fun."

Angel and Buffy agreed, Angel handed Pepper over to Bert and he and Buffy went in search of Willow and Spike.

Part 22

Willow, Spike, Angel and Buffy went to a nightclub near the gallery and got caught up with what had been going on in their lives since they had last seen each other.

Spike kept staring at Angel, "Sorry I am still getting use to the idea of you being human."

Angel laughed, "I too am adjusing it's been six years now and I still find it hard to believe."

Willow grinned, "Well you should have told us, we could have helped you out."

Angel sighed, "I guess you could have but I was frightened at first I knew it could happen Wesley had read some ancient scrolls once which predicted it, but I thought it would be much later than when it did happen."

Buffy frowned, "DId Wes and Cordelia know you were human?"

Angel nodded, "They were the only ones who knew and that was simply because they were there when it happened."

Spike sat forward, "What exactlly did happen?"

Angel folded his hands on the table, "We had been fighting a large family of rather vicious vampires, they captued Cordelia and the little girl who lived next door. Cordelia was six months pregnant at the time, the leader of the vampires told me they would let them go if I gave my soul and life up for them."

Buffy reached over and took Angel's hand in hers, he looked at her and smiled,

"Wesley and I met the vampires at the appointed time and place, Cordelia and the little girl were brought forward I could tell they were still human. I went forward and they were allowed to join Wesley, as I bent down in front of the vampire leader a flash of lightening lit up the sky and the vampires nearby all just disappeared in a cloud of dust. I felt dizzy and I fainted, when I woke up I was human, Cordelia said that The Powers That Be explained that I had proven my worth and that my redeemption was granted."

Willow sighed, "Wow that is just truly wow."

Angel smiled, "Yeah wow does sum it up, I was weak and sick for a few days."

Buffy hugged Angel, "I'm just glad you are here and all right."

Angel laid his head against hers and smiled, "Same here Buffy, same here."

Part 23

A few days after the show at the gallery, Buffy and Angel were alone at his cabin, Angel was watching Buffy as she lay there in the sun on the longe chair she looked content. Angel sighed and looked out over the trees that surrounded his home he needed to ask Buffy a few questions and he knew she'd hurt and upset but he needed the answers.

Buffy watched Angel she could tell something was wrong, "Angel what is it you have that look on your face?"

Angel glanced at Buffy, "Tell me about Pepper's conception, when and where."

Buffy sat up and stared at Angel, "Why do you think I cheated on Riley?"

Angel shook his head, "No I don't I just want to know please just humor me on this."

Buffy stood up and paced a little, " Well things weren't good between Riley and me but he insisted that the public and his bosses not know, so I went along with him and pretended to be the perfect little wife. We had to go to a weekend party held by the governor of Iowa at his reteat in the mountains, several cabins scattered throught out the compound and one huge main house. The third night there we attended a huge party at the main house I had too much to drink and had a fight with Riley, so I left the party and went back to our cabin it was the one the furtherest out. Once there I sat on the porch and drank some more wine, got even more drunk, can't remember much after that except I think I did get up and wonder around the outside of the cabin. I woke up the next day with a hangover and naked in the bed. Riley came out of the bathroom freshly showered and dressed he didn't say much except get cleaned up and come to the main house, Nine months later Pepper was born."

Angel stood up and went over to Buffy, "I think I just might be Pepper's father after all."

Buffy sank down on the lounge and stared up at Angel, "What...do...you mean."

Angel sighed, "I had a hard time adjusting to being human I even started up drinking and fighting, a client and friend told me to get away from the real world for awhile and sent me to his place a small cabin in the woods in Iowa. When I first got there I stayed drunk most of the time I remember one night being drunk and walking through the woods and running into a girl, I kept calling her Buffy and she called me Angel we had sex there in the woods and we drank from my bottle of whiskey and her bottle of wine. I woke up the next morning thinking it was all a alcoholic dream that it didn't happen, but now I think it did happen and Pepper is the result."

Buffy sat there stunned, "Riley must have known something had happened he never did try and be a father to Pepper, he ignored her, oh Angel."

Angel sat down next to Buffy and took her into his arms and held her close, he could feel her trembling. Buffy clung to Angel trying to recall the night that Pepper was concieved, just small flashes of trees and stars was all she could remember.

Part 24

After calming each other over the realization that Pepper was in all likelyhood Angel's daughter, Angel and Buffy both agreed that they would for now not tell anyone.

Angel gazed into Buffy's eyes, and smiled, "It's enough just for me to know, but I have a rather odd feeling that Pepper knows."

Buffy nodded, "I agree, she took up with you immediately and I have a feeling those angel's have filled her in."

Angel sighed, "There is something special about her that's for sure."

Buffy frowned, "Willow doesn't think she's a slayer like me nor does Spike for that matter, but Willow did say there was some sort of energy flowing from Pepper I guess only time will tell."

Angel leaned back in the lounge chair and pulled Buffy into his arms, "Yes in time we will find out."

......A few weeks later a very nervous but happy Buffy and Angel stood together in Joyce's garden exchanging marriage vows, a day that no one thought would happen. Spike stood just inside the patio doors out of the sun and watched them get married he was till adjusting to Angel's humanity but he was happy for his old friend.

It was a day for old friends to get together, Wesley and Cordelia and their two children were there, Xander and Anya with their three and Giles had managed to be there in time. Buffy looked over at her best friend Willow and smiled, tears were in both their eyes, Angel kept sighing and reaching out and touching Buffy he found it hard to believe he was actually marrying her.

After the ceremony there was eating and dancing it was a joyous occasion for all, Buffy pulled Angel aside, "Angel I have an extra gift for you, well it won't be here for a few months, but guess what I'm pregnant."

Angel stared down at Buffy, "Oh god Buffy are you sure?"

Buffy smiled and nodded, Angel took her into his arms and held her close, "I love you so much." Buffy clung to him, "I love you too Angel."

Epilog

A few months later Angel watched as Buffy nursed their son Liam David, he found it hard to believe that this was for real and not some dream.

Buffy looked up at Angel and smiled, "He's beautiful Angel and worth all the trouble I went through to have him."

Angel kissed her forehead and then gently kissed the top of his son's head, "No more tho you've had three babies and that's plenty."

Buffy nodded and looked down at her now sleeping son then back up at Angel, "I love you."

Angel smiled at Buffy, "I know and I feel the same way I love you."

Now Buffy and Angel can live happy everafter.

END.