Grilling Giles - Part 9

The doorbell rang and Giles carefully got up from his armchair. It was over a week since the encounter with Korlax but his ribs still hurt a lot.

Buffy's mother was at the door. He invited her in and followed her into the lounge, trying to assess her mood. Remembering Buffy's warning he was relieved to see there were no obvious weapons.

Joyce sat on the sofa and Giles returned to his chair. "I think you know why I'm here," she said.

"Buffy."

She nodded. "If her father were here he would be doing this, but he's still in Europe so he can't. I need to know what your intentions are towards her."

Giles answered. "I love her."

"Then we have something in common. Do you plan to marry her?"

Giles was surprised by her question, but was able answer truthfully. "If she'll have me."

Joyce looked relieved, which surprised him somewhat. "She loves you a great deal. I think I've always known it I just didn't want her to get hurt. When were you going to ask her?"

"I wanted to get your blessing first."

Joyce smiled at him, pleased by his slightly old-fashioned values.

"You have it and I'll talk to her father."

"Thank you."

"So, when are you going to ask her?"

Giles grinned and told her his plan.

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