Copyright: June 12th, 2000

Rating: PG-13

Disclaimer: The characters from "Buffy, The Vampire Slayer", well, they don't belong to me, they belong to Joss Whedon, et al. No copyright infringement is intended or inferred. This a non-profit piece of fan fiction, the story is the sole property of the author.

Song: "Embraceable You." Written by George and Ira Gershwin, back in 1929. The version of the song I listened to was sung by Sarah Vaughn and can be found on the cd, "'Swonderful' The Gershwin Songbook." Its distributed by Verve Records, which is a division of PolyGram Records. It's a really nice song.

Author's Note: This is set some five years in the future.

Dedication: To Kim... thanks from your lady-in-waiting. And as my friend's daughter has said to me at times, "You rock!" I hope you like it.

She was surprised when a car came for her, the driver had explained to her that it was a part of the evening that Miss Tara had planned for her.

The driver stood by silently, with an amused look on his face. His employer had filled him in on the little ritual the redhead would do. It was amazing what some people would do before getting into a car. But, blessing it and him with Holy water... that was new.

"Are you ready Miss Rosenberg?" he asked, as he glanced at his watch, he had to get her there at nine o'clock, and it was already half past eight.

"Yeah. Sorry I took so long," she said blushing, as she entered the car, sinking into the lush seat, tucking the small bottle of Holy water in her purse.

"No apologies needed. Please make sure to buckle-up," he told her as he closed the door.

The drive was very smooth and quiet. It gave Willow a chance to contemplate what might occur when she finally got to the inn. Before she knew it, the car pulled to a stop, the driver; who's name she found out was Andrew, opened the door for her, extended his hand and assisted her out of the car.

"Thank you Andrew," Willow said as she reached into her purse.

"Miss Rosenberg, please, don't trouble yourself. I've already been taken care of. Enjoy your evening. I'll be waiting for you here," Andrew said closing the door.

Willow nodded her head and made her way to the entrance. The doors were made of mahogany, and were opened by a door-man, who tipped his cap as she went inside. The room opened up, revealing a large sitting room, re-splendid with soft lighting, drawing the guest eyes towards the paintings she was sure were originals. A large fireplace added to the ambiance of the room, the flames flickered, making her feel somewhat at home.

"Excuse me, but are you Miss Willow Rosenberg?"

"What?" she asked as she turned around to face a well dressed man in his forties.

"Are you Miss Willow Rosenberg?" he asked again.

"Yes. Yes I am."

"Ah, splendid. We've been expecting you. My name is Kevin Reid, the manager. If you'll follow me please," he said, as he lead her out of the sitting-room. "If I may say, Miss Rosenberg. You're picture does not do you justice."

"I'm sorry. I don't understand," Willow told him, as she went down a richly paneled corridor.

"I apologize. It's just that we were given a photograph of you, and... quite frankly, if I may be so bold. It pales in comparison to the original."

"Thank you," she said blushing.

"We're almost there. We haven't used the ballroom in some time. It's a shame really. I can remember many dances being held here. Here we are," he said, as he opened the doors.

Willow could only think that she had never seen anything like it, except in black and white movies. The floor surface shone like mirrors, she could see her reflection as she walked towards the middle of the room where a table for two had been set up.

"I do hope you'll enjoy your evening Miss Rosenberg," he said as he held out her chair. "If you'll excuse me, I must make sure everything is ready."

"Of course, thank you," she replied, wondering where in the world Tara was.

Glancing at the dinner table, she noticed a cream-colored envelope with her name on it. Picking it up, she opened it, taking out the note, she read it.

"Dear Willow,

I can't put into words how much you've meant to me over the years. I can't believe that it's only been five years, but it seems so much longer. I hope you'll except this small token of my esteem. There are so many things I still have to share with you. I love you. My embraceable you. Tara"

Willow wiped at the tears the had started to fall. This was so like Tara to do this for her.

"I... I didn't want you to cry," Willow heard as she turned around and saw Tara standing next to her.

She got up quickly and threw her arms around her.

"Oh Tara, thank you," Willow was able to say.

"You never have to thank me for what I love to do," Tara replied.

They had finally sat down and had what Willow thought was the best meals in her life. They reached over and held hands, while gazing into each others eyes. There was a gleam in Tara's eyes, that made Willow wonder what she was up to.

As the evening grew late, Willow noticed that some men had come into the ballroom and started setting up music instruments, consisting of a piano, a standing bass and a drum-set. Willow turned to Tara and was about to ask her what was going on when Tara stood up and offered her hand to her.

"Dance with me Will, please," she said with the shy smile that went straight to Willow's heart each time she saw it. There was little she would refuse the other woman once she saw it.

"Okay," she replied, getting up from the table.

The trio had already began playing, and the young couple danced the evening away.

"I'll be right back," Tara whispered into Willow's ear as she went to the musicians.

Willow could see that Tara was saying something to them, but couldn't make anything out. She could see that the piano player had nodded his head and smiled in her direction.

Tara went back to Willow and gathered her in her arms once again. Loving the feeling of being home whenever she held Willow. She smiled briefly, then nodded in the direction of the musicians.

Willow quickly looked at Tara when she heard her singing...

Tara was singing.

"Embrace me, my sweet embraceable you. Embrace me, you irreplaceable you," Tara sang looking directly into Willow's face. "Just one look at you... my heart grows tipsy in me." It was true, every time she gazed at Willow, even if for a brief moment, her heart fluttered at the thought that Willow was actually with her.

Willow couldn't believe it... she smiled, and brought Tara closer to her.

"You and you alone bring out the gypsy in me. I love all... the many charms about you. Above all, I want my arms about you," Tara sang, holding on to Willow. "Don't be a naughty, naughty baby... come to momma, come to momma do... my sweet, embraceable you."

They danced as the instrumental portion of the song was being played.

"I love you so much Willow," Tara whispered in her ear.

"I love you too Tara," Willow replied, kissing her gently.

"I love all, the many charms about you... but above all, I want my arms about you. Don't be a naughty, naughty baby, come to momma, come to momma do... my sweet, embraceable... you," Tara ended.

Willow began to cry, not with tears of sadness, but of untold joy.

Tara stepped back and reached into the small pocket she had made in her dress had and pulled out a small box. Willow was busy wiping at the tears, when she saw what Tara was doing.

"Tara?"

"Open it," she whispered, as her heart thumped wildly in her chest. She had gotten in touch with Buffy, Xander and Mr. Giles, and had gotten their permission. After all, they were her family.

"Oh.... Tara," she said, as she opened the box. In the velvet cushion laid a ring, with a square-cut diamond set in the middle.

"Read the inside," Tara asked.

Willow took out the ring and tilted it so she could read what was engraved.

"Embrace my heart forever"

Tara took the ring from Willow's hand, and slipped it on her ring finger. Watching as she made a pledge that had been engraved on her heart, the very first time she saw Willow.

"I love you, and I can't imagine not having you in my life. Marry me."

Willow blinked a few times, she had to be sure she had heard what she thought she'd heard.

"Did you said what I just think you say?"

Tara chuckled, and kissed her.

"Yes. I said what you thought I said. Marry me."

"Oh... yes. Yes, I'll marry you," she replied.

"My sweet embraceable you," Tara whispered.