RATING: PG
COUPLING: Buffy/Riley Willow/Graham
SUMMARY: A/U - Riley has left Buffy, and this is 10 years into the future.
DISCLAIMER: All BtVS characters belong to the wonderfully talented mind of Joss Whedon. However I do own Riley's daughters and Sam the nanny, Nicole and Steve Bishop.
FEEDBACK: Pretty pretty please! I really hate to beg, but will .
SPOILERS: All of Season 5, and my own little universe.
AUTHOR'S NOTES: Ladies and gentleman please put your hands together for my wonderful Beta reader, Anne-Marie!! Chris, thanks so much for all your wonderful feedback, you're such a good buddy! To all the wonderful authors out there who inspire me - Ace, Sam, Amy, Jesmin, Ginger, Holli, Nicole- thank you for challenging me everyday. Thank everyone who finds the time to send me feedback!
The day of the party, the Finn household was a hectic, chaotic, controlled mess. In the middle of it stood Nicole Bishop, barking out orders to caterers, florists and the rental company. She had Graham overseeing the setting up of the bar and bandstand, Riley was dealing with the security guys and the valet parking attendants and Sam had the kids outside playing in the snow to keep them out of the way.
Buffy and Willow were also trying to stay out of the way and had hidden themselves upstairs. They gave each other pedicures and manicures and laughed as they had back in college. For the first time in along time the two women were alone to enjoy their own company. It had been ages since they'd been allowed to just sit down and talk. Usually they either had Evan with them or they were being interrupted either by Willow's 'People' or by Buffy's cellphone but not today. Today they were locked in Buffy's room doing the ‘girl thing’.
"So was it worth the wait?" Buffy asked as she plucked at her eyebrows with tweezers.
"Oh Goddess Buffy! It was better than I could have imagined! Have you ever been so afraid of something, that you're terrified to take that first step?" Willow answered looking up from her nails. "So when you finally find the courage to take that step you wondered why it took you so long?"
"I know it too well," Buffy sighed, watching Willow in the mirror.
"Well that was last night. Buffy, being with Graham was better than I could ever have imagined. I don't know if it's that we've both grown up or maybe we both finally know what we want. He seemed to remember every inch of my body, and what I liked… and he's picked up a few new things that took my breath away…"
"Better than Russell?"
"No contest."
"Really?" Buffy said shocked at Willow's response. Willow had always raved about her and Russell's love life, saying he was the only man who knew how to please her.
"Yeah," Willow’s smile was shy and sweet. "I love Graham so much that I can't even try to put what I feel for him into words. But last night after we were done, he held me in his arms, and the love I saw in his eyes echoed what's in my heart for him. I've never been with anyone who’s loved me so fully."
"I'm happy for you Wills, really," Buffy said smiling at Willow who was sprawled across the bed.
"Thanks…so how are you and Riley. Things are okay, right?"
"We're okay," Buffy smiled as she remembered Riley's comment about tonight being their night.
"He loves you so much Buffy, it's written all over his face. Even when he's all powered up, underneath it all, he's still the same old Riley who loves you beyond words," Willow said sitting up to stare at Buffy's reflection in the mirror.
"I know, but there are times when I look at him and I see someone else. He's this grown up man, who has so many responsibilities and I keep thinking that maybe I'm just dumping more on him," she said turning to look at Willow.
"What? Are you doubting your feelings for him?"
"No, not at all! I just wonder if adding Evan and I to his life… I wonder if it's what's best for him."
Buffy sighed again. This nagging thought had been eating at her from that first day on the phone when he'd told her about Claire dying. She wondered if what she had done was fair.
"Well you should have thought of that before you told him you loved him!" Willow snapped, thinking what it would do to both Buffy and Riley if Buffy walked away from him now.
At Buffy’s hurt expression, Willow hobbled across the room and kneeled down on the floor next to her chair.
"Look, I know that there's no way you could walk away from him, even if you tried. You and Riley belong together. There’s a connection that keeps you together, I can’t explain it, other than to say that maybe he really is your soulmate."
"Like you and Graham."
"Yeah like me and Graham," Willow smiled and held Buffy's hand in hers.
"But what happens if Hope can't accept me in her life? How long do I have to hold on, until he tells me it won't work? Wills, I think I'd die if he told me that," Buffy’s eyes were full of tears.
"Just give her time, she’s warming up to you. The poor kid's been through so much and she's angry. Can you imagine what it must feel like for Hope to lose her mother and have no clear memory of her. Jordan's lucky she has her own memories, and Tristan has no memory what so ever…but Hope's trying so hard to hold on to what little she has…," Willow’s soft voice trailed off.
"Just give her time, and she'll learn to love you like Jordy and Tristan do," Willow said hugging Buffy.
"I hope you’re right about this because now that I've seen him again, I don't think I could walk away even if it would prevent an apocalypse!" she said returning Willow’s hug tightly.
Their hugging was interrupted by a soft knocking on Buffy's door.
"Buffy? Can we come in?" Jordan's soft voice floated through the door.
"Sure thing sweetheart. Just hold on a minute," Buffy called out. She rose to her feet and almost ran across the room to open the door.
When she pulled open the door, Buffy was surprised to see all three Finn girls standing there in front of her.
"We wanted to know…." Jordan began but stopped and glanced at her younger sisters.
"If you could make us beautiful for Daddy's party," Hope finished, looking at the woman who stood before them.
"You want me to help you get ready?" Buffy asked and blinked in surprise at the girls’ request.
"Sam usually helps us, but tonight we want to be really pretty," Hope said stepping into Buffy's room.
"Hope, I would love to help you," Buffy smiled. She was truly touched by Hope's request from her.
"I knew you would!" Tristan yelled, wrapping her little arms around Buffy's legs.
"Of course I…" Buffy stopped and looked over at Willow. "Of course we will. Is it okay if Willow helps? She knows lots about being beautiful, she teaches me all the time."
"Aunt Willow will help?" Jordan asked excitedly. She couldn’t believe that this glamorous woman was going to help them too!
"I would love too! Now the first thing I think we'll need, is for you girls to have a bath."
"A bath? Auntie Wills, I had one yesterday!" Tristan said, looking up at Willow and trying to figure out what having a bath had to do with looking beautiful.
"Honey, all beautiful woman have a bath when they want to start getting ready for a party. You wash all the ugliness off when you do that," Buffy said, tickling Tristan.
"Okay!" Tristan laughed and wriggled as she started pulling her shirt off over her head.
"Alright then, Willow you supervise the bath portion of this beauty make over and I'll go get their things," Buffy directed as she headed for the door. Willow saluted smartly and herded the girls into the bathroom.
As Buffy reached the door, she turned to see the girls hanging on Willow's every instruction. Closing the door behind her, Buffy beamed:
<Hope had actually asked for her help!>
"So where did all your sisters disappear to?" Riley asked Evan, who'd been left alone in the family room.
"They went up stairs to get Mom to help them get ready. They said they wanted to look extra pretty for us tonight," Evan said, looking up from the remote he held in his hand.
"Really?"
"Dad?"
"Yeah Ev?" Riley said, leaning against the doorway.
"Why is tonight so special?"
Evan had been trying to figure it out all day, why everyone was so weird about a party? Mom threw them all the time, and he'd never seen her act this way.
"Evan, I guess there's a lot about my life that you don't understand yet," Riley said and moved from the doorway to sit on the arm of the couch next to his son.
"Like what?"
"Well you know I have lots of money right?"
Evan looked up at his father like his question was the stupidest thing he'd ever heard.
"Okay, that was dumb wasn't it?" Riley laughed when he saw the look.
"Well, because of the company Graham and I have… well we entertain important people a lot, and that's what tonight is."
How did one explain to a child that people like the Mayor of Boston and congressmen and possibly a senator or two were showing up because they all wanted a piece of pie that was Riley and Graham? It didn’t always make sense to him, would Evan understand it?
"Oh, sort of like when Mom and Uncle Lindsay take their clients out for dinner?"
"Yeah something like that," Riley said and was glad that Buffy had explained the concept of wining and dining client to their son.
"I get it."
"But that's not the only reason we're going all out tonight. I'm planning on making an important announcement and I want to make sure that these important people listen," Riley watched as Evan cocked his head to the side to listen to him. It was a simple movement that reminded him so much of Buffy.
"I want all these people to meet my son," Riley said placing his hand on Evan's shoulder. "I want them to meet you and see what a great kid I have."
"So this party is for me?" Evan asked shocked. Nobody had ever thrown a party this large for him before.
"Sure is. I want them to see the best Christmas gift I’ve ever gotten," Riley said. He loved the look of wonder in his son's eyes.
"Does this mean I need to look good too?" Evan asked his father.
"Afraid so, Buddy. Your mom went out and bought you a tux just like mine," Riley said, feeling his son's pain.
"A suit!" Evan said dropping his head against the back of the couch.
"I know. It's the only drawback of having a party like this in your honor," Riley laughed at the sudden change in his son. He could totally understand his son's discomfort.
Riley took the stairs two at a time. He wanted to see if Buffy needed any help with the girls. Handling the Finn girls was not something that the average person should undertake without serious forethought and planning, both of which Riley knew Buffy had not had. He loved Buffy’s nerve for trying though! She was a woman who never backed down from a challenge. Reaching the door he could hear the laughter and squeals coming from the other side. Smiling, Riley knocked on the door.
"Buffy?" He called, trying to turn the doorknob. It was locked.
"No Daddy! You can’t come in!" Tristan screamed and Riley felt the door buckle slightly as her little body slammed into it from the other side. Riley smiled slightly at the thought of his youngest daughter attempting to stop him from entering Buffy’s room.
"Trist’s right Dad, you can’t come in," Jordan called out. "You aren’t allowed to see us until we’re dressed. Right Buffy?"
"Right you are!" Riley heard Buffy say to the girls.
"Well, can I at least see Buffy?" Riley called softly through the door.
On the other side of the door all the girls turned to look at Buffy and then they looked at Willow.
"I don’t think it’ll hurt, she’s not ready yet," Willow assured the Finn girls and smiled at Buffy.
"Okay, you can see her, but no peeking in," Tristan warned her father.
Opening the door slightly, Tristan allowed Buffy to squeeze out of the room.
Riley tried to hide his amused smile as he watched his youngest daughter glare at him through the crack in the door.
"So how goes it in there?" he asked leaning in to kiss Buffy’s cheek.
"Fine, we’re having fun," Buffy hugged him quickly, not wanting to get too close, as she wore nothing under her robe.
"You’re kidding me, right?"
"No! I’m having a great time! Riley you won’t believe it, but Hope came to me!" Buffy was almost bouncing up and down with her excitement and her smile was radiant.
"Are you serious?" he asked catching her excitement. Could Hope actually be warming up to Buffy?
"Very," she nodded her head.
Taking her in his arms, Riley swung her around. If Hope accepted Buffy, well, that meant the biggest obstacle standing in their way had been hurdled and nothing could hold them back from being together!
Riley looked up and down the hall to seeing if anyone was around. Seeing that the coast was clear, he pulled her into Tristan and Hope’s bedroom with him. Pushing her against the wall, Riley’s mouth hungrily found hers and he used his foot to push the door shut behind them. Lost in his kiss, Buffy reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck pulling him closer. In their frenzied passion Buffy’s robe fell open, shocking them both as Riley’s wool sweater met bare flesh. Standing in the glare of the afternoon sun, Buffy quickly reached to pull the robe around her.
"Don’t," he whispered. "I want to see you."
"I thought…" Buffy started to say but she fell silent as his hands parted her robe.
"I want to touch you," he whispered as he ran his hand down the taut muscles of her stomach, making her shiver.
"It’s no fair you have your clothes on," she whimpered as his fingers brushed the underside of her breast.
"I know," Riley smiled evilly down at her as he leaned in to capture her pert nipple between his teeth, tugging gently on it.
Buffy took a deep breath and held it as his mouth played with her nipple. Her hands found their way to the back of his head and she held him in place, moaning as his fingers found her other breast.
Riley brought his head up and smiled at her.
"Do you want me?" he asked, thinking he’d made a mistake to start this now, because he was well aware of how much he wanted her.
Buffy was so weak from Riley’s attentions that the only answer she could give him was a nod of her head.
"I’d like to see you before the party starts, do you think you could manage that?" He asked, trying to control himself as he tied up her robe.
"I’m almost finished with the girls, so how bout an hour?" She asked placing her hand over his heart, and it’s pounding wasn’t lost on her.
"Leave your door unlocked and I’ll see you in an hour."
"I thought we were waiting for later tonight," Buffy said, suddenly confused by his request to see her.
"We are, but I have something for you," he said as he leaned into to kiss her.
"What?"
"You’ll have to wait," he told her, tracing the outline of her lips with his baby finger.
"All this waiting is killing me. I can’t wait any longer!" She said, wishing he’d continued his seduction of her here.
"I’m glad to hear that. I’ll see you tonight after all the guests have left in the den. I’ll be the guy wearing the tux."
With that said, Riley left the room leaving Buffy to stare wildly after him. Taking a deep breath and mumbling something about revenge, Buffy pushed herself away from the wall and went back to her own room.
_______________________________________________________________________
Riley tried Buffy’s doorknob an hour later, finding it unlocked as promised. Letting himself in, Riley looked around and was met by a girly mess. Everywhere he looked there was something feminine. Bending down, he picked Buffy’s bra up off the floor and placed it on the bed.
"Buffy?" He called, noticing the bathroom door was closed.
"Be out in a minute!" She answered from behind the door.
Riley glanced around the room again and noticed a garment bag hanging on the closet door, tempting him to peek inside to see what she'd be wearing tonight. It had been driving him crazy since she'd refused to show him last night when he’d asked to see it, telling him he had to wait. When he’d mentioned Buffy’s refusal to show him the dress to Graham the other man had laughed, telling him that Willow had done the same thing to him.
<What would one peek hurt.>
"Step away from the dress Finn, or lose the use of that hand," Buffy said, leaning against the doorjam and drying her hand on a towel.
"I wasn’t…" he began but stopped when he realized he’d been busted. He grinned sheepishly.
Buffy’s eyes glided over him in his tux and she felt her heart stop beating for an instant. The man was gorgeous, there was no other word to describe him. The jacket hung perfectly from his shoulders, making them appear broader than usual. He looked dashing, and it was turning her on!
<Actually Riley in anything these days is turning me on!>
"So are you going to stand way over there or are you going to come here?" she asked him, taking a tentative step toward him.
Riley couldn't take his eyes off of her for other than the robe, she was ready for the party. Her hair was pulled up just the way he liked it, her makeup was expertly done, and the red lipstick she had chosen made her lips look full and pouty.
<Damn, she’s still in that robe! Control yourself Finn, control!>
"No, I thought that after this afternoon’s performance in the girls bedroom, I’d better keep my distance," he said and blushed slightly.
"Don’t worry, I’m partially dressed this time," she assured him and flashed a bra strap at him as she sauntered across the room. "So what did you want to see me about?"
"I have something for you," he said, meeting her halfway.
"You do?"
"That's why I wanted to see you. I have something for you… to finish off your look tonight."
Reaching into the inside pocket of his tuxedo jacket, Riley pulled out a blue velvet box and handed it to her. Taking her eyes from his and smiling hesitantly, Buffy reached for the box and opened it carefully. Resting on the white sating lining was a diamond solitaire necklace and matching diamond earrings.
"Do you like them?" Riley asked, worried when she didn't say anything.
Lifting her head from the necklace, Riley noticed tears glistening in her eyes.
"Oh Riley… they’re beautiful!" she said throwing her arms round his neck.
"Well… you remember in the kitchen that day when I told you that this wonderful neck deserved to be wrapped in diamonds? I thought I would start small…"
"You didn't have too! I was just kidding when I told you that you could start buying them," she said embarrassed. She didn’t want him to think that she'd pushed him into a corner.
"Yes I did. You deserve to be wrapped in diamonds and furs and for the rest of my life, I will do just that. You deserve more than I can ever give you," he said softly, resting his large hand on her cheek.
"But..."
"No buts! Now let's see how this baby looks hanging around that beautiful neck of yours."
Guiding her to the mirror over the cherry wood dresser, Riley took the box from her and walked around behind her. Keeping her eyes locked on his in the mirror, Buffy waited while he placed the necklace around her neck and did it up. Riley slowly removed the earrings that Buffy had already chosen to wear that night and replaced them with the huge diamond stud earrings.
"So?" He asked, holding her gaze in the mirror.
Buffy pulled her eyes away from his and looked at herself in the mirror. The chain fell down with the diamond resting just above the top of her cleavage and the earrings sparkled from her lobes like captured stars.
"Riley… they're beautiful!" Buffy breathes as her trembling fingers reached up to touch the large diamond hanging on the delicate chain.
"No, you are," he whispered, leaning down to place a lingering kiss on the base of her neck. Buffy sighed and closed her eyes, enjoying the warmth of his breath. All too soon, she felt him lift his head and step away from her.
"I have to go, the guests will be arriving soon," he said in her ear. Buffy nodded silently.
He turned to walk away from her, but stopped when he felt her hand on his arm. Turning around, Riley felt her arms go around his waist.
"I love you Riley," she said, reaching up on tiptoe to kiss him on the lips.
"I love you too Buffy," he whispered against her lips as they parted from the kiss.
"I'll meet you downstairs?" He asked stroking her cheek with his thumb, unable to pull himself away from her.
"Downstairs," she assured him before pulling him into another kiss. After a few moments, Buffy broke the kiss and sighed, "Go, or I won't let you leave this room."
"Promise?" he asked but he was already moving across the room. Reaching the door, he stopped and turned to look at her,
"By the way I was right about you in diamonds."
He winked and walked out the bedroom door.
Riley was feeling remarkably pleased with himself as he headed down the hall, but stopped when Willow’s door opened. Stepping out into the hall was a vision in green, the woman that graced Hollywood's red carpets and stopped men in their tracks. Willow Rosenberg had arrived!
"Will… wow!" Riley said, suddenly feeling out of his league with her. In the last week he had seen glimpses of the famous actress, but here she stood in front of him in all her glory.
"Thanks Riley," she said smiling at him.
"Has Graham seen you?"
"No not yet," Willow replied, running her hands down the front of her full skirt.
"Well can I escort you downstairs?" he asked, putting out his arm for her. Noticing that something was missing from her ensemble, Riley pointedly asked,
"Hey, where are your crutches?"
"They clash with my dress," Willow answered quickly and smiled sweetly at Riley.
"Do you think he's gonna buy that?"
"No, but I'll promise to stay off my foot. I can't stand those damn things and besides they'll catch on the full skirt."
"I’ll take your word for that. So how are you going to manage the stairs?" Riley asked her.
"Hadn't really thought about it. You could put your arm around my waist, and I'll hold onto the banister and hop," she suggested.
"Could work, but the skirt will get in the way," Riley said and pointed at the skirt.
"You could carry me?" Willow ventured.
"Carry you?"
"Yeah."
"Well I guess we could try it," Riley agreed.
Willow wrapped her arms around Riley's neck as he lifted her up into his arms.
"Can you see?" she asked.
"Yeah I can see, but you may have to use one hand to pull your skirt up a bit."
"How's that?"
"Much better," Riley said as they started down the stairs.
"So what's this Finn, you trying to steal my girl?" Graham asked from the bottom of the stairs.
"No no, no stealing, just catching a lift. He makes a nice taxi," Willow giggled.
"Keep it up and I'll drop you right here," Riley grunted.
"You drop her…" Graham warned
"Oh for Christ’s sake! Relax! I'd never drop something so beautiful," Riley replied in exasperation at his overly protective friend.
"Just be careful with her," Graham warned him again.
"Graham, I'm fine!" Willow giggled as Riley winked at her before placing her onto her feet.
"Well he shouldn't joke about that," Graham mumbled grouchily.
"Did you honestly think I'd drop Willow?" Riley asked his friend.
"No, I know you wouldn't do anything like that … it's just all this stalker stuff that's got me a little freaked out. I'm sorry," Graham apologized to his friend. "I'm really sorry Rye, I don’t know what’s gotten into me lately."
"Don’t worry about it Graham. Why don't you tell your gorgeous girlfriend how beautiful she looks tonight," Riley said to his partner.
"Nah, he'd rather make an idiot out of himself," Willow said, snaking her arm through Graham's.
"I did make an idiot out of myself didn't I?" Graham said sheepishly and sighed when Willow nodded her head.
"I won't deny it, but you sure are a sexy idiot! Boy, you were born to wear a tux!"
"You flatter me, Willow but you're sexiest woman I've ever seen in my life…" Graham said leaning in to kiss Willow
"I 'm going to see how things are going with the caterers," Riley said. "You two are rotting my teeth!"
The newly reunited lovers grinned at him before focusing their attention back on each other. Riley sighed in disgust and walked down the hallway.
"Dr. Finn!"
"Sam?"
She was dressed in a black spaghetti strap dress, with a slit that went halfway up her thigh. From her vantage point further up the hall, Willow eyed the blonde carefully. She had to give it to her, the woman had chosen the best dress to show off her long legs. Gone was the nanny look and in its place was a gorgeous amazon! Turning to look at Graham, Willow could see the appreciative look that flashed in his eyes.
"Congressman Mathies called. He told me to tell you that he and Mrs. Mathies will be arriving late, their flight from Washington was delayed in leaving."
"Did you let the caterer know?" Riley asked, giving Sam the once over.
<I'm a man god damn it, I can't help it!>
"Yes I did."
"Thank you. Oh and Sam? You look lovely tonight," Riley smiled sweetly at her. Sam was a beautiful young woman whose looks had not escaped Riley's attention in the past but her trusted position as his children’s nanny had kept them at a respectful distance from one another.
"He's right Sam, you do. You look wonderful," Graham said from behind her. He and willow had wandered up the hall to join Riley and Sam as they spoke.
"Thank you. Both of you," Sam blushed slightly at the attention she was receiving from the men. Turning, she gave Willow a snotty little smile and then returned her attention to Riley and Graham. Willow seethed quietly at the nanny’s attitude.
"So should we head down the hall to check on the kids, Samantha?" Riley asked and offered his arm to Sam.
"I would love…" she began but was interrupted by a voice from above.
"What? You're leaving me to make a grand entrance all on my own?" Buffy called softly from the top of the staircase.
Riley turned toward the voice and was stunned speechless by Buffy’s beauty. Standing on the top of steps, Buffy wore a long, red, sheer and sequined dress with a plunging neckline. The soft light from the chandelier caused her new diamond to glitter on her chest and her ears sparkled as they reflected the light.
"Buff! You look amazing!" Graham said, glancing at Riley's shocked expression.
"I knew that dress was you!" Willow gushed also realizing that Riley was suddenly very quiet.
"Well, you and Nicole picked it out therefore you deserve all the credit," Buffy smiled. She watched Riley as she came down the stairs. She'd never seen him this shocked before, not even when she'd told him about her being the slayer all those years ago.
She reached the bottom of the stairs and came to stand before him. She looked up at him expectantly. Upstairs he had seemed to find it easy to tell her how beautiful she'd looked, but now nothing. Buffy began to worry. Maybe the dress was a little over the top.
"Riley?" she said anxiously.
Riley shook his head and looked down at her.
"You take my breath away," he said as he smiled and took both of her hands in his, kissing them softly.
"I didn't mean to take your breath away," Buffy giggled. The intensity of his gaze was making her giddy and she knew that it was a promise of what lay in store for her later that night.
"You always do," he said, placing another soft kiss on her forehead.
"Gee Buffy, I do envy your fashion sense. Personally, I'd never be able to pull off hooker red, but it looks good on you," Sam said sweetly, however her snide comment was not lost on the girls.
"Coming from someone so knowledgeable about the field, I take that as a compliment," Buffy retorted and smiled just as sweetly at Sam. "You know what I mean about being a professional?"
Willow watched the exchange between the two women and stifled the giggle that was threatening to explode any minute. Sam was momentarily stunned by Buffy’s sharp comeback and was preparing to launch into her comeback when the front door opened and Steve and Nicole Bishop strolled in.
"Oh look, honey! A welcoming committee," Nicole said clapping her hands.
"Just for you, Nick. You look marvelous as always," Graham said, stepping forward to kiss the beautiful woman on the lips.
"Hey! Lips off my wife, Miller!" Steve warned as he helped Nicole off with her mink stole and handed it to the coat check girl that had just appeared in the foyer.
"How was the valet parking attendant and security?" Riley asked Nicole as Steve handed his coat to the girl as well.
"Nothing about how I look?" she pouted.
"Your head is swollen enough, Nick. I'm surprised you managed to get your head through the door at all," Riley said dryly before kissing Nicole as well.
"You know if you ever said anything nice to me, I'd have a heart attack," she cracked and reached up to straighten his bow tie. "Who dressed you?"
"Can’t have that! I want you around for a few more years, that's why I refrain from ever telling you how beautiful you are."
"Cute," she said swatting his chest.
"Ladies, I must tell you how beautiful the three of you look tonight. Each of you must save me a dance," Steve announced as he wrapped his arm around his wife's waist.
"Can't. Not with this dead weight on my foot," Willow said sadly, lifting her full skirt to show her cast. The group laughed and was speaking quietly among themselves when a new voice entered the fray.
"Mom?" Evan said from behind the group.
"Yes sweetie?" Buffy said, turning to her son. "Honey you look very handsome."
Buffy felt herself tear up at the sight of Evan in his little tux. He looked so much like his father that sometimes it hurt to look at him at all.
"You certainly do! Will you save me a dance?" Nicole asked
"I guess," Evan said and smiled. He was a little embarrassed by all the attention he was receiving. "When do the guests start to arrive?"
"Soon baby," Buffy said, placing her hand on his forehead to check his temperature.
"I'm okay Mom," he said ducking away from her. Buffy looked as though she was going to say something more so Nicole intervened in an attempt to save both son and mother from a scene.
"Evan, come here and let me get a good look at my future dancing partner."
Evan smiled gratefully at Nicole and crossed to stand in front of her.
"My goodness! You cut as fine a figure as your handsome father does in that tux!" She said reaching out to adjust his bowtie as well. "Evan who helped you with your tie?"
"Dad." He said turning to look at his father.
"Explains the tie," Steve snickered.
"Not funny," Riley growled. It had always been Claire's job to tie his bowtie.
"We may have to buy him a clip on," Graham quipped.
"I don't think he could keep that straight either," Steve responded snickering again.
"Oh you all think you’re so funny," Riley said sarcastically.
Steve and Graham had, by now, broken into serious gales of laughter and were about to set the women off when a knock on the door heralded the arrival of their first guests.
"Okay everyone knows his or her places, please behave!" Nicole said as she ushered the still giggling crew down the hall. Graham and Riley were about to play host with the most.