Title: Unforeseen Circumstances 18/27
Author: Jadedragon
Rating: R
Spoilers: Season 4 up until Bad Beer, Angel Season 1, in my verse, Doyle didn't die!
Paring: B/G, B/P mentioned
Summary: Buffy has to face the consequences of her night with Parker
Notes: <> denotes thoughts
Thanks: Sandra, thanks for such a quick beta. Great work, as usual. I truly appreciate all your efforts.

Buffy looked at him like he had gone insane. "But, that's just 8 days away!" she said in shock.

"I know. But I can't wait for you to be my wife. I've been sitting here watching you sleep, digesting what my Father told me last night. Buffy, we never know when either of us could be killed." Giles quickly placed his fingers over her lips to quiet her before continuing. "I know that this is a subject that we haven't talked about, but knowing the circumstances of my Mum's death brought back to me just how fragile life can be. I love you like I never thought I could love anyone and I want to spend my life making you happy and I want to start that life as soon as possible. I know that we never talked about what kind of wedding you wanted, but I would like to make the trip next weekend our honeymoon. So, will you marry me, my luv?" he asked the love in his eyes pouring into hers.

"How will we arrange it so fast?" Buffy asked, a hundred things entering her head that would have to be done if they were to marry in eight days.

"I'm sure that everyone will help us. But you haven't given me your answer," he prompted her.

"Yes, of course it's yes. I love you so much, Giles you're everything I could ever hope for in a husband. I just don't know how we'll get everything ready before next Thursday. Oh my God!" Buffy said with an expression of horror on her face.

"What is it?" Giles asked.

"What will Mom say?" Buffy asked in a shocked whisper.

"Why don't we go ask her?"

"Now?"

"We have to start today. I know that it will be quickly planned, but I want it to be a day that we will both remember for the rest of our lives," he told her as he bent down to kiss the woman who would very soon be his wife.

**********

Joyce was taking her coffee outside in the backyard. It was a warm morning for December and she was thinking about what Reginald had told them concerning Giles and his upbringing. His mother's death had been shocking and she had grieved for the young boy who had lost his mother so young. She couldn't imagine her mother not being there when she was growing up. Joyce had been very close to her until her death just before she and Buffy had moved to Sunnydale. If anything happened to her she would want Buffy to have someone beside her to lean on and Giles was the man her daughter loved. She had seen more and more evidence of their feelings since they had returned from Oklahoma. As she continued pondering their relationship, Buffy and Giles entered the backyard from the kitchen.

"Hey Mom!" Buffy called to her mother.

"Buffy what are you doing up so early?" she asked.

"You can blame Giles for that one!"

"Rupert, your father told us what happened to your mother last night. I'm so sorry and if I can do anything to help in whatever way possible, please let me know."

"Joyce, thank you and there is something you can help us with. Buffy and I want to get married."

"I know that," Joyce responded, a puzzled expression on her face.

"Next Thursday."

"But that's only eight days away!"

"That's just what Buffy said. We want to get your help…" he said grinning as she interrupted him.

"We have to start immediately. Can you call and get the others to meet us at the Headquarters at 9:30?" Joyce went into planning mode. "There is so much to do if we want to get this planned by next Thursday."

"I'll go and call the gang." Buffy said as she rushed back into the house to make the phone calls. She was relieved that her mom appeared to be onboard and ready to help with the planning.

"Rupert, I want you to promise me one thing."

"What is that?" he asked worriedly.

"Take care of my little girl."

"Always," he promised her before she left to go and get ready.

Giles went inside to call his father at his hotel. Reginald had missed too many important events in Giles life and he wanted his father to be a part of his wedding.

**********

Willow wondered what had happened. They had researched late and had planned to sleep in for a bit until she was awakened by Buffy's phone call. She hadn't given any reason, just asked that she and the rest of the gang meet her, Giles and Mrs. Summers at the Headquarters at 9:30. That was in thirty minutes she realized when she hung up the phone. Buffy had sounded excited, happy even, so it must not be a problem of the demon variety. Willow woke Tara up and they both got out of bed to get dressed. She called Xander before she dressed to tell him about the morning meeting. Anya was grumbling in the background, but Xander said they would pick them up in about twenty minutes.

**********

Joyce rushed to quickly shower and dress while Buffy and Giles made the phone calls to the rest of the gang. Her little girl was getting married to a man she had wanted for herself. She now realized that she could never have had a relationship with him, like he had with Buffy. The love between the two was so strong it was almost tangible. Joyce knew that she was jealous, but she was proud of the way Buffy had matured and she knew that Rupert would do everything in his power to make her little girl very happy. Joyce quickly finished dressing and they were on their way to meet the rest of the group. She called the Gallery on the way and left a message for her assistant that she wouldn't be in.

**********

Timothy hoped that nothing had happened to Rupert and Buffy, the early morning call had alarmed him. He let Ria sleep, they had patrolled until 2:00 am and he would wake her later if he had to. She was quickly adjusting to her new strength and abilities, and he was very proud of his Slayer. Buffy had patrolled with her two or three times and trained with her almost every day, helping her sister Slayer to become more acclimatized to the new role that had been thrust upon her. Ria's fighting abilities had already been excellent, as evidenced by the many championships she had won over the last five years. Timothy had been very surprised by Colin's insistence on learning to kill vampires to help his daughter. Colin and Ria were a wonderful team, having worked together for so many years training in the martial arts, they knew each others moves and worked together so well it seemed at times like they were one person.

Timothy put coffee on and started water for tea as soon as he reached the lower level of the Headquarters. He had been amazed that the Scooby Gang had wanted to help when he, Ria and Colin had moved to Sunnydale. Never had he seen such a group, ready to help the Slayer in her duties. He was astounded at the proficiency of their abilities and their devotion to Buffy. Of course, at the time he had thought Buffy and Rupert were dead. And what a group it was, two powerful witches, an ex-demon and a young man with a heart the size of California. Then there was Angel Investigations, an ensouled vampire, a half Bracken demon and a secretary. No wonder Buffy had lasted so long as the Slayer. Her friends provided her with wonderful backup and they now were helping him and Ria. He felt that Ria, too would have the chance to retire with all of them helping.

He was brought out of his reverie when he heard knocking on the door. When he looked up he saw Joyce, Rupert and Buffy at the door and went to let them in. He offered them coffee or tea and saw that they had stopped for doughnuts. They had just sat down when the Scooby gang came in shortly followed by Reginald Giles. Once everyone was settled with coffee, tea and doughnuts, Giles stood and began.

"I'm glad you all are here this morning. Buffy and I need your help planning our wedding."

At first there was stunned silence, then pandemonium broke out with Willow and Xander jumping up and hugging both Giles and Buffy, with Willow jumping up and down in her excitement. Anya and Tara joined their lovers and it was several minutes before everyone was quiet.

"As I was saying," he started again, "We need your help planning our wedding for next Thursday."

"That's just eight days away!" Willow commented.

"That's what I said when he asked me," Buffy told her.

They started making lists of what would need to be done but were stopped by Joyce.

"Honey, what kind of wedding do you want? This is your special day and I want it to be perfect."

Buffy looked at her mother and then at Rupert before she began. "When I was small, I dreamed of a big wedding like you see in the movies with the long trailing white gown, and all the attendants and everything. But now all I really want is to share this special man's life," she said as she looked at Rupert with love in her eyes. "The trappings don't matter as much as saying our vows in front of our closest friends and family. I'd like to have it outside in the sunshine, away from all the slaying and darkness. Maybe in our backyard, mom?"

"Honey, that will be fine. What about your father?"

"What about him? Mom he has missed or forgotten just about every event in my life since we moved to Sunnydale. I will invite him but he won't walk me down the aisle. I'd like you to do that. You know me better and you know just how important this day is to me and to Rupert."

Joyce was shocked that her daughter would want her to accompany her and give her to Rupert, but as she thought further, she realized that this was a way she could truly show her acceptance of their love. "Buffy, I'd be honored to," she told her daughter as she hugged her. "Now lets get back to the planning."

Soon everyone was discussing plans, deciding what to include, assigning duties to each person. Giles drew his father to one side to talk to him.

"Rupert, why did Buffy ask her mother to walk her down the aisle?"

"As you know her parents are divorced. Ever since they moved here, Hank Summers has been what you would call an absent father. He shows very little interest in his daughter and doesn't know of her calling," Giles explained.

"But still, it doesn't seem right," Reginald began.

"He has disappointed Buffy again and again. She didn't want him to disappoint her this time, so she chose her mother."

"Do you think he will be at the wedding? I would like to meet him."

"I don't know. He puts his business and his personal affairs before Buffy. But I want to talk to you about the wedding. Father, you've missed so much in my life that I would like to ask you to be my best man."

Reginald looked at his son. He couldn't believe that Rupert was asking him to be a part of this very important day. He was stunned and didn't immediately answer.

"Do you have a problem with me marrying Buffy?" Giles asked anger creeping into his voice.

"No! Of course not," he assured his son. "I'm just stunned that you would ask me to be by your side at your wedding."

"I don't want anyone else. I want us to start over again, and this could be a good start," Giles told him, smiling.

"Son, I would be honored to stand up with you at your wedding," he informed him.

**********

As the planning continued, Buffy pulled Willow aside.

"Will, I need to ask your help."

"Sure, what do you need me to do?"

"Be my maid of honor?"

"Buffy, of course!" Willow screamed as she hugged her best friend.

Everyone looked at the two wondering what had happened.

"Willow just agreed to be my maid of honor," Buffy told everyone staring at them.

"And my Father has agreed to be my best man," Giles announced.

After congratulations had been said, they got back to planning. Each person was given an assignment, even Ria when she came down stairs surprised to find everyone there so early. Once the wedding was explained to her she was glad to offer her help. They broke up about an hour later, each going their own way to start making the preparations for the wedding, and Buffy and Giles headed to L.A. to see Buffy's dad and tell him about the coming wedding.

**********

As Buffy and Giles entered the large corporate offices where Hank Summers was a founding partner, a woman noticed their arrival from the hallway and watched them. Buffy went immediately to the receptionist who she didn't recognize.

"Is Hank Summers in?" she asked of the young receptionist.

"Mr. Summers is on vacation and not expected back for three weeks," She replied in a bored, haughty tone.

"Where can I reach him?"

"I can't give that information out," she said in the same tone of voice.

"Really," Buffy said getting haughty herself. "Then I will see Mr. Alfred Banks. Tell him Buffy Summers and her fiancé are here."

"And why would he want to see you?"

"I've known Uncle Alfred ever since he and Dad started this company. Now will you announce me, or should I just walk back to his office and tell him just how rude you have been to a prospective client!!!" Buffy said.

Before the girl could reach for her phone the woman in her forties, who had been watching the scene from the hallway entered the lobby of the firm.

"Buffy, is that you?" the woman asked.

"Dorothy!" Buffy exclaimed as she hugged the older woman. "I expected to find you on the front desk!"

"Your father thought we needed someone a bit younger to receive customers. I was promoted three years ago, just after you and your mom moved. We still haven't found the correct person," she stated looked at the girl at the receptionist's desk. "Susan, your services are no longer needed. I have never seen anyone so rude to a total stranger. You can finish the day," she told the rude young woman before turning back to Buffy. "Alfred will be so glad to see you."

"Dorothy, this is Rupert Giles, my fiancé,"

"Dorothy, it is a pleasure to meet you," he replied.

"Handsome and British. I'm pleased to meet you Mr. Giles," she replied.

"Please, call me Rupert or Giles."

"Giles? You're called by your last name?"

"I attended boarding schools in England for most of my education. Students are always called by their last names. When I first met Buffy and her friends they all called me Giles."

"You call your fiancé by his last name?" she asked Buffy in surprise?

"I've started calling him Rupert since we've been engaged, though I still call him Giles on occasion," she replied as they came to a door, which Dorothy opened.

"Look who Susan didn't want to let in to see you." she told Alfred who was working on a computer scene with his back to the door.

"I hope you fired her!" he said as he turned around in his chair. Alfred looked to be about the same age as Rupert, with a wiry build and thick black hair. "Buffy? What are you doing here? I thought you would have been at your dad's wedding."

"Wedding? He got married and didn't even tell me?" she exclaimed as Giles led her to a seat.

"Buffy, I'm sorry. I was sure he'd called you."

"It's not your fault. He just forgot me again. I should be used to it my now."

"Why are you here?" Alfred asked wondering who the gentleman with Buffy was.

"Uncle Alfred, this is Rupert Giles, my fiancé. We're getting married next Thursday and I wanted to invite him. Well, that's just another event in my life that he'll miss," she stated in defeat.

"Buffy, I'm sorry. I know you wanted him there," Giles told his fiancé, as he sat beside her holding her in her disappointment.

"Alfred, I'll go and get someone scheduled for the front desk in the morning and the rest of the day. I have the feeling that Susan won't stay," Dorothy told him.

"Thanks, Dorothy. Ask them to send someone with at least five years experience. I don't care what their age is. I'm tired of these young idiots that don't know a phone system from a stereo system," he told her before turning back to Buffy and Giles. "I'm sorry for the reception you got from Susan. Hank and I have argued over the receptionist, he wants eye candy while I just want someone who can do the work. I don't care what they look like."

"That sounds like Dad."

"Rupert, it's nice to meet you. How long have you known Buffy?" he asked in a curious tone of voice.

"We met when she came to Sunnydale. We have been friends for quite sometime. It was only recently that our relationship changed," he told Alfred the story that they would have told Buffy's dad.

Alfred looked at the mismatched couple in front of him. He had seen the love in their eyes for each other as Rupert had comforted Buffy when she had been told of her father's wedding. As different as they seemed, they also seemed to belong together. He was brought out of his thoughts as Susan burst into the room.

"Alfred, Dorothy fired me for a misunderstanding…" she started not paying attention to who was sitting in front of his desk.

"Misunderstanding, my ass. You were rude to prospective clients for the last time. I want you out of this suite in the next ten minutes, even if I have to answer the phones myself the rest of the day. Do I make myself clear?" he answered her in a tone of voice, which barely hid his anger.

"Alright. But I'll call Hank when he gets back and I'll have my job back!" she threatened.

"I rather think not. When Hank gets back he'll be opening a new office in San Francisco. If he wants you, it will be his doom. Now leave this office before I call security and have you thrown out!"

When Susan left in a huff, Alfred turned back to Buffy and Giles.

"I'm sorry for her actions. Good help is so hard to find. Buffy, I hate to do this but I have a meeting across town and if I don't leave in five minutes, I won't make it," he told her as he looked at his watch.

"That's ok. But I would like to invite you and Dorothy to our wedding, next Thursday."

"I'm sorry. I seem to be saying that to you a lot this morning. I'm leaving on a business trip next Wednesday. Dorothy and I will be gone for five days."

"Dorothy? You and Dorothy?"

"Yes, we have been dating for about a year now."

"I'm glad to hear it. I always thought the two of you should get together," she told him.

"Thanks, I have to run. If you need anything, anything at all, just call me. I may not be your dad, but I still love you like the daughter I never had," he told her as he hugged her, before he rushed out of the room.

"He's your Dad's partner?" Giles asked.

"Yeah, I've called him Uncle Alfred for as long as I can remember. They were in college together and started this business after they got some experience with other firms. Now their firm is one of the best in Southern California."

"What exactly do they do?"

"They help individuals and corporations manage their money. I don't really understand all of it," she explained as she and Giles left Alfred's office walking back toward the lobby where Susan was just leaving and Dorothy was manning the phones. They talked with Dorothy for a few minutes, then left to go by Angel's office before returning to Sunnydale.

NEXT