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Disclaimer: The characters belong to Joss Whedon, Mutant Enemy and the WB. I’ve just borrowed them for a little adventure, and then I promise I will return them unharmed!

Author’s notes: This is set about four years in the future. I’ve tampered with the timeline slightly, but don’t I always! This is set after Ghosts from the past. You really need to read that one first.

Distribution: If you would like this story, please take it; just let me know where it ends up!

Xander was slowly recovering from his car accident. I couldn’t believe that I’d been given the chance to tell him everything.

The past two weeks had been really special, spending hours each day talking, understanding each other and rebuilding our friendship. For the first time in our lives we were truly honest with each other.

I opened the door to his hospital room. It was filled with flowers, cards and balloons. Buffy, Giles and even Spike had come to visit Xander. They were relieved that he was safe, and relieved that I was finally beginning to be more like the old Willow.

Xander appeared to be asleep, his face completely relaxed and his breathing deep and regular. His room wasn’t filled with machinery anymore, just filled with love and friendship.

I began to tidy the flowers on his bedside table, lost in my own thoughts and memories.

“Hey,” I replied, turning and smiling at him. “I thought you were asleep.”

“I was. But I knew when you were here and I didn’t want to waste any time. I’ve wasted too much time already.” He said honestly.

“We didn’t waste time Xander. We used it to understand what we need. I’ve spent the past two years understanding myself and my feelings for you. And trying to work out what I want out of life.”

I thought for a moment, knowing that I needed to tell him the truth. “Do you remember when we were small we played house? I think it lasted about a week?”

“We turned the clubhouse into our home. We pretended that we were the perfect family. Two people who loved each other and loved their children. Well that’s what I want. I want to be part of a real family. A family based on love. One where everything is shared, one with no secrets. I don’t want to be alone.”

My eyes were studying the pattern on the bedspread, my hand fiddling nervously with the corner of my jacket.

Xander grasped my hand, steadying it. “Look at me Will.” He demanded, his voice quiet.

“Willow,” He started, his brown eyes sparkling. “You and I have always been a real family. You’re the only family I’ve ever known and you’re the only family I ever want. Unless one day we decide to expand it!” He grinned mischievously.

I couldn’t help but smile back. “I’m still scared Xander. Scared that I’ll wake up and find that the last two weeks have been a dream. I don’t think I could handle losing you again. Not now that I know everything.”

“Willow, being in love is scary, but we know that we belong together. It might not always be easy, but I’m determined for us to succeed. We will succeed.” He smiled, rubbing his fingers over the back of my hand.

“We will succeed.” I repeated, pleading silently that every word was true. That whatever life threw at us, we would be together.

I bent forward, and gently caught his lips with mine. I was still trying to get used to the sensations of kissing him. Somehow I didn’t think I would ever get used to kissing Xander. I hoped that was true.

The stars shone in the crystal clear night. I stood on my balcony watching the silent streets of Sunnydale. I hoped that Xander was safe, knowing that soon we would be together forever.

In two weeks we were getting married, the wedding I’d always dreamed of was about to become reality. The last six months had been like a magical fairy tale, spending time together and allowing our love to grow and strengthen more than either of us thought possible.

Xander was finally moving home, to be with his family and friends. Tomorrow morning he would be moving to Sunnydale permanently. Tomorrow was going to be the start of our future, our future as a family.

I smiled, thinking of Xander and what our life together hopefully should bring. I glanced once more into the night sky and wished silently on a shooting star that the promises we made to each other would be granted.

I looked into the mirror, using it to help me clip my veil into position. I could hardly contain my excitement and nervousness. In an hour I was going to marry Xander.

I took in my appearance and smiled. I really had turned out ok. I had spent my teenage years never quite fitting in, being out of place. Finally, after a battle harder than any I fought on the Hellmouth, I turned from an ugly duckling into an average swan. Well Xander seemed to think me more of a beautiful swan, but I still didn’t quite have that much confidence in myself. Deep inside, shy little Willow still existed, and sometimes she surfaced bringing all of my old insecurities with her.

A knock on the door interrupted my thoughts. I turned to the door and called gently “Come in.”

The door opened slowly revealing Giles and Buffy. Their faces broke out into huge smiles as they saw me. I returned their smiles, happy that my friends were here to share this special day with me.

“You look. . .beautiful Willow.” Giles said, his face filled with fatherly pride.

“Willow, you’ve got nothing to worry about. As soon as he sees you, he’s not going to be able to have any coherent thoughts. He already thinks you’re beautiful, the dress is just like the icing on your wedding cake.” Buffy enthused.

“I think so. I didn’t ever expect this day to arrive. I was waiting for something dreadful to happen.”

“Willow! When will you start looking at the bright side of life?” Buffy asked.

“That’s the spirit. Now come on we don’t want to keep Xander waiting now. Do we?”

“No. We’ve both waited far too long.” I replied, as my stomach churned again.

The church was filled with our family and friends. As I peeped past the open door into the church, my heart began to pound. I hated speaking in front of an audience. I’d nearly died from shock when I had to perform on stage at a High School talent show. How was I going to get through this?

Then I saw him and it was as if every worry and the world disappeared. There was only Xander and I and that was all that really mattered. He stood waiting at the altar with his best man, Chad, his friend from L.A. Xander looked more handsome than I ever thought possible. His dark brown hair cut short, accentuating his strong jaw line. His morning suit bringing memories of Homecoming and the first time I saw the man he would become.

As I watched him, my heart swelled with love and happiness. Today we were fulfilling a promise we made as children. A promise made again six months ago. A promise I intended to keep today and every day of my life. A promise to love him.

“Are you ready?” Giles asked as he gently took hold of my arm.

“Yes. I’ve never been so sure about anything as I am about marrying Xander.”

“Then let’s put him out of his misery, shall we?” he asked a small smile on his lips.

“Yes. I don’t think I can wait much longer.”

Giles nodded and led me through the doorway into the church. The organ loomed into life as the wedding march echoed and reverberated around the church.

Xander turned to look at me. His eyes met mine and a smile of pure happiness lit up his face.

I smiled in response, not letting my eyes wander from his. My eyes never left his for a second, until the time came for us to exchange our rings. I felt that we were the only two people in the world, and in my heart I knew that he would be the only person who truly mattered to me. He was my soul mate, my other half. The one person on the Earth who completed me, and this moment signified the beginning of the rest of my life.

As the Minister pronounced us “Mr and Mrs Harris,” we moved our heads closer together and sealed the promises we made with a kiss, of pure unconditional love. The kiss was the start of our future, our future together. I hoped it would be one filled with happiness.