I love the progression, and how the narrative is picking up the pace and feels a little more solid, like their budding affair. And love the a/n. =)

Pretty darn amazing. Really went all kinds of full circle, and to end it with Dawn seeing someone in her mom who wasn't there before, who she wished she could be. Quite poetic. And to see Spike, not just as a sex god, but as the person that brings out the best in those he cares about. And I love that his failed book was the story of his life, bringing Dawn back to her mom. So many wonderful elements. Thanks for sharing this. And, yes, I did make it through to the end. ;)

Author's Response: I'm so glad you liked this. It's difficult to like in parts, the characters do the wrong thing, but for understandable reasons. It's one of my favorites.

What? No more story?! More, more! I want more!
:) I think it's funny how Spike rarely cheats first in fanfiction. I think it's because the deep well of love Marsters portrays as Spike towards the women he loves. Drusilla was his life until she left, and then it was Buffy. I think it's true to the character to write him as a non cheater.
I like the story, I hope there's more.

Author's Response: This story is actually complete! I have no idea where the rest went, thanks for the head's up.

you are not to keen on idea of Buffy actually giving birth. Why so if I may ask? I feel like it's a way to punish Spike for something... I didn't get a vibe of Buffy wanting that baby very much or did she and so stong it was hard for her t admit it to herself? Will Spike ever had another chance to farther a child? Oh going weep some...

Author's Response: My son was born a month premature and nearly died. I think I work out my worst fears through writing. It has nothing to do with punishing the characters. Thanks for the comment!

that sucks on the author's note, but worse things have happened, altho i'm sure not at that moment. great chapter :) i like how they're each each other's third :) 3 is my fav number :)

Author's Response: Yes, the virginity curse! It was still a wonderful memory for me, anyway.

lol, loved your author's note you silly silly girl. i love buffy calling it her lady location. that was wicked funny. now that we know where spike stands with dru, i'm curious to know why buffy is doing this aside from obvious lust you know? great job hun

Author's Response: Lady location might be something I've said in conversation. You'll find out!

In answer to your final question, no way!

On the whole, I think Riley has been a passive aggressive jerk throughout this whole story, emotionally abandoning his wife throughout the whole marriage without ever taking responsibility for his actions or showing real concern for her feelings.

He ought to have acknowledged his part in their marriage breakdown more openly to Dawn, and shown some remorse for his longstanding emotional infidelity with Sam. In this chapter, he's obviously playing an understandably upset Dawn to make Buffy look and feel bad, and on top of this scummy behaviour he gets her mother's house too? He's been nothing but selfish right up to the end and yet he's horribly priggish and self-righteous about it.

Ugh! I truly believe that you have written one of the most distasteful, loathsome Rileys that I've come across in this fandom.

Riley aside (sorry for the diatribe), I love this story. It is so angsty and real, that it is quite compelling, and there was a lot of powerful writing throughout the whole thing. You really should write novels. I bet they'd be painful, sweet, intense and pack a powerful emotional punch, just like this story does.

Author's Response: Thank you! I would love to get paid for writing novels and your compliment is very sweet. I guess I failed in my characterization of Riley, then. I was going for a guy who is emotionally numb but loves his wife and daughter. He is to blame for shutting Buffy out, but he doesn't do it on purpose. He and Buffy never had the type of marriage where they confided in each other about everything. They weren't best friends. When he got hurt, that intensified. Loathsome, really? I was going for messed up. Sorry I failed you, but I appreciate your comments.

This was fantastic. I was a bit hesitant to read because I really hate the whole idea of cheating,but I read on because at least it was Spuffy and they were cheating WITH each other. I am so glad I did. It was so well written and I really love that I can get lost in the characters. Loved your unique ending. Great story end to end. Thanks

Author's Response: I hate the idea of cheating, too, but I've always been interested in this type of idea. Thanks again, glad you liked the ending as well. I feel like I always have trouble with the endings; wanted to do something a little different because in my last story it ended with an engagement. You're very kind in your praise and I'm grateful you enjoyed the story.

I love the final chapter! You finished it on a great memory she and he will always have. The prom and the overnighter at a hotel that is wonderful.
Your story was wonderful and what is your next project? Please write more.

Author's Response: Thank you! I appreciate the comments and for getting through the whole story.

Beautiful :)

Author's Response: Thank you! I'm glad you liked it.

I admit the end shocked me. Not in a bad way, of course, but I feel like the story is left incomplete or maybe is just that I'm a fan of detailed happy endindgs. Don't be mad at me, I truly enjoyed the story and I can't wait to read other stories by you.

Author's Response: How could I be mad at you for writing a thoughtful comment? I can't. I'm super-grateful the story meant enough to you to leave your opinion, and I appreciate you made it to the end.

Part 2: I thought it was an excellent ending! I think I was just not personally ready for the story to end because I was enjoying it so much! I can't wait to read the next one. :-)

Author's Response: I'm glad you liked the ending, glad I left you wanting more. Thank you for reading and for your comments!

Loved the story but a bit of a strange ending, very abrupt, I was looking for the next page where he either proposed or she told him she was pregnant again. Ah well just glad you kept going to the end

Author's Response: Sorry the ending was so abrupt, I have trouble with endings. I kind of didn't want to deal with the issue of her getting pregnant again or them getting married, I wanted to keep the chapter light. I hope it didn't detract from your enjoyment of the story and thank you for commenting!