Hopelessly Romantic

Author: Decoyly

Email: decoyly@gmail.com

Size: 132k
Rating: PG-13
Part 1

Title: Hopelessly Romantic (Part 1/2)

Author: Decoyly

Rating: PG-13ish

Spoilers: Um, let's just say everything up through
season 8.

Category: MSR (Warning-shippiness ahead! :P) a little bit of humor,
little bit of angst, some fluff, a sort-of X-file, familyfic... lets
just say a little bit of everything (just to be on safe side :-)

Archive: No to Gossamer. The owner of this site asked permission
from the author, formerly known as MeGgIe42, to host any of her
fics, and it was granted. I wouldn't dare give anybody else her
intellectual property. She has written several novels all these years.

Dislcaimer: Not mine, wish they were, anything and everything XF
belongs to CC and 1013, I'm just another phile fulfilling my shippy
dreams...*G*

Author's notes: It took me over a year to write this fic, but I can
say I'm pleased with the results. ;) Please drop me a line if you have
a chance! Happy reading!!

Pattie's Hostess Notes: Noromos are welcome to read scary
X-Files Fanfiction or colonization fics. :)

Mulder quickly glanced at his watch. He would have to hurry if he
wanted to get home before Scully did. After picking up the stuffed
teddy bear William had accidentally dropped, Mulder went over the list
in his head: Candles - check. Scully's favorite bubble bath - check. The
list went on. Good, he thought only a quick stop at Baby Gap and they
were finished.

"Come on Will, let's us guys go pick out some 'manly clothes' for
tonight." Mulder laughed as the baby yawned. "Don't worry I promise I
won't take as long as mommy!" he whispered, referring to the countless
hours he had spent trailing after Scully store after store in search
of the perfect baby outfit.

Although he would never admit it, he rather enjoyed shopping with
Scully. He loved that look on her face when she had finally found the
little grey t-shirt that she had been looking for all day.

42 minutes and five shopping bags later, Mulder and a sleepy William
were on their way home. He hadn't intended on buying so much. He
couldn't help it that his son was so cute. Jenny, the lady working the
cash register, was no help either.

Oh well, Scully would be pleased.

Closing the front door, Mulder glanced at the clock. Good, still an
hour before Scully got home. Quickly Mulder went to work.

56 minutes later...

Finally he was finished. And with four minutes to spare! Carefully he
made one quick check to make sure everything was in place.

Quickly slipping something into his pocket, Mulder picked up William
just as the door opened.

Scully opened the door and was greeted with the most amazingly,
breathtaking sight she had ever seen. There, in a haze of classical
music stood Mulder handsomely clad in a recently pressed tuxedo.

In his left hand he held a dozen red roses. In the other arm, was
William-dressed in a matching tuxedo complete with a small rose
carefully taped below the small pocket.

"I didn't want to take the chance with pins," Mulder smiled following
her gaze. "Scotch tape, it works magic."

"Mulder- " Scully said deeply touched.

"Shh," he said handing her the roses and taking her hand, "first
follow me."

Curious, Scully obeyed. She was slightly surprised when Mulder
stopped in from of the bathroom door. Scully raised her eyebrow in a
questioning look.

"According to a few neighbors there's been some 'unexplained
phenomena' going on in there." The corner of Mulder's mouth turned up
as his eyes took on that playful look. "Maybe you should check it out
G-woman."

Shaking her head, Scully turned the knob, only to be greeted by a
second amazing sight. Lining the bathtub and window sill was a
beautiful array of candles. Their bright light bounced around the
comfortable blackness they engulfed, illuminating the inviting bubble
bath.

"Mulder I- " gently Mulder put a finger to her lips.

"Relax first. Talk later." He grinned giving her forehead a kiss.
Shaking her head, Scully turned and closed the door, knowing she was
defeated. A nice bubble bath was just what she needed to soothe her
aching joints.

A half an hour later, Scully let out a contented sigh as she
wrapped herself in the soft bathrobe Mulder had left folded
neatly by the door. After putting on her slippers, another
'Mulder- gift', she began blowing out the nearly thirty candles
lining her bathroom. 'Where had Mulder found them all?' She
hadn't realized she had that many. A few of them she hadn't
seen for a long time. Come to think of it, many of them she
had never seen before.

Scanning the room, her eyes fell on a rather large candle she
knew she had never seen before. Walking over to get a closer
look, Scully picked it up. It was in the shape of an alien's
head. The light from the flame seemed to radiate from the top
of the grey-not green-head. Scully couldn't help but laugh.
'This has GOT to be a conspiracy' she thought.

She was about to put it down when she realized there was
something taped to the back. Turning the candle around Scully
found another very 'Mulder-like' object taped to the back of
the alien. Arranged carefully in the shape of a heart were
eight very large sunflower seeds. In its middle was a note
written in Mulder's handwriting, it said:

'Kitchen'

Curious, Scully quickly blew out the remaining candles and
proceeded to the kitchen, little Grey in hand. She was halfway
there when Mulder appeared in the doorway.

"Madam, your dinner awaits you," he bowed grinning towards the
table. Scully raised an eyebrow following his gesture. Stepping
through the door she stopped short, almost causing Mulder to run
into her. The kitchen had been transformed from its everyday
demeanor into an elegant dream. A black lace tablecloth laid
spread across the table. In its center stood a single red rose.
Across from each other, were two plates filled with a fresh
Cesar salad.

"Mulder where did all this come from?" Scully asked fingering
the black lace.

"The, uh, tablecloth belonged to my mother, and I found the
china on the top shelf of the cabinet." Mulder said pointing
shyly.

"It's up so high I guess I just kind of forgot they were up
there... " she trailed off, "Mulder this is amazing."

He took her hand and led her to her seat. "Unfortunately
William will not be joining us, seeing as how it is way past
his bedtime." Mulder grinned, "But he said to tell you good
night."

They finished the rest of the meal in comfortable silence.
Once during the main course (pasta) Mulder reached over to
wipe some sauce from Scully's chin. The gesture seemed
somehow oddly familiar to her.

"Wow Mulder, I've got to hand it to you; I didn't know you
were such a great cook."

"I told you Scully, Oprah. Lots and lots of Oprah." She
laughed as he added, "And a little help from Mrs. Scully."

"Come on," he said taking her hand.

"Where are we going?"

"You'll see," he said a sly look on his face.

Leading her to the living room, Mulder changed the song
playing.

"Scully?" He held out a hand. He didn't need to finish his
sentence as she fell comfortably into his warm embrace.
Laying her head on his shoulder, Scully closed her eyes and
listened to the words of the song.

'Tomorrow morning if you wake up
and the sun does not appear.
I-I-I, I will be here.
If in the dark we loose sight of love,
hold my hand and have no fear.
'Cause I-I-I, I will be here'

As the chorus started, she realized just how perfect this
was. How much she never wanted to leave his arms.

'I will be here, when you feel like being quiet
when you need to speak your mind, I will listen.
And I will be here when the laughter turns to cryin'
through the winning, losing, tryin'
We'll be together.
Cause I will be here'

Mulder closed his eyes letting himself sink into the moment.

'Tomorrow morning if you wake up, and the future is unclear
hold my hand and have no fear. Cause I-I-I, I will be here.
As sure as seasons are made for change,
our lifetimes are made for years.
So I-I-I, I will be here.

I will be here, and you can cry on my shoulder
when the new tells us we're older,
I will hold you.
And I will be here,
to watch you grow in beauty,
and tell you all the things you are to me,
I will be here.'

As the last few chords sounded, Mulder was the first to pull
back, "Scully, there's something I have to tell you."

Regretfully, Scully let go. "Mulder, what is it?" At Mulder's
pause, Scully looked concerned, "Mulder?"

He took a deep breath and began, "Scully, you've been here
for me through more than either of us could have ever imagined.
I just wanted to thank you." He paused for a second, "and tell
you that you mean more to me than anything else in this world."
He smiled, gently touching her face and added, "or any other
world for that matter!"

At this Scully couldn't help but laugh.

"And no matter what life throws at us, I *promise* that I will
*always* be here for you." Mulder finished, tears in his eyes.
"You and William are my all... my life."

Scully could not hold it back any longer; she let the tears
flow freely.

"Mulder," she paused staring deeply into his beautiful hazel
eyes. What she saw there took her breath away. It was a look
of complete trust. One of deep devotion and total love. It was
a look she knew well. It was the same way she looked at Mulder.
Funny how she had never really noticed it until now.

"Mulder," she repeated, "I feel the same way. We've both
been through so much... " her voice caught and she paused
for a second before continuing, "But in the end, through
all our losses, we've gained the one true thing that really
matters... "

"Each other." Mulder finished the sentence for her, grinning
through tear-stained eyes. He held up their entwined hands,
giving hers a soft kiss.

"There's just one more thing," he said lowering their grasp.

"What is it, Mulder?" she asked, her eyes sparkling.

"Over eight years ago when you first walked into my office
I thought you were going to hold me back, to try and stop me
from finding my sister. Then case after case, through seven
years of aliens and governments plots, you changed me. You
made me a whole person. You saved me not only from the FBI,
but from myself. And day after day you kept me going, you were
my reason for waking up. I realize now if it wasn't for you
and Will I would have no reason to get out of bed in the morning.
I would be a lonely, alien-obsessed nutcase if you hadn't kept
me sane. You were with me though everything. As many times as
they shut down the X-Files, you worked just as hard to reopen
them. I just want you to know that I love you."

"Oh, Mulder, I love you to. I always have," she replied with
tears in her eyes.

He reached in his pocket and pulled out a small, velvet box.
"Dana Katherine Scully, will you marry me?"

"Oh, Mulder..." she paused with a sweet smile on her face.
The suspense was killing him. "Of course I will!"

He picked her up and swung her around. When he put her down,
he kissed her lovingly. She kissed him back, grabbed his hand
and led him towards the bedroom.

They were halfway there, when Scully stopped- noticing the,
now familiar, candle sitting on the coffee table. "I just
have to ask you something first."

Mulder looked at her with a somewhat confused/scared look
on his face. *Please don't let her say she's changed her
mind.*

"Where in the world did you get that?" He laughed, half
out of relief and half out of amusement.

"I abducted him." Mulder said deadpan. They both burst out
laughing. Suddenly he put his arms around her waist, giving
her a nice big kiss on the lips. "Did I ever tell you how
beautiful you look?"

"Mulder, I'm in a bathrobe!"

"I know, what's your point?" He grinned, arms still
wrapped around her in a loving embrace.

"Mulder, did I ever tell you how incredible you are?" She
smiled kissing him back. Instead of answering her, Mulder
picked her up and continued towards the bedroom, when
suddenly there was a noise...

It was coming from William's room.

They rushed to the door and opened it. William was still
in his crib and nothing seemed out of place. He was still
asleep so it couldn't have been anything loud or he would
have awoken. They walked back to the bedroom, satisfied that
is was nothing. They had no sooner shut the door, and they
heard it again. They ran out and they saw the shadow of
a person in William's room.

Mulder lunged at the figure, hitting it with full force. The
two fell in a heap on the floor. Scully ran to William's crib.
After making sure he was fine, she turned back to Mulder and
the intruder.

In the dark, Mulder couldn't tell who it was. Scully turned on
the light, and Mulder turned the struggling figure to face him.

"Who are you and what are you doing here?" Mulder yelled angrily
at the man in front of him. Somehow he looked strangely familiar.
Now that he thought about it, he kind of looked like -

"Charlie?" Scully ran over, getting a closer look at the man
Mulder had pinned.

"What?" Mulder asked confused.

"Mulder, this is my other brother, Charlie." She said offering
him a hand. Confused she turned to her brother, "What are you
doing here?"

"I - I was just coming to offer my congratulations, and see for
myself, but- " he stopped turning towards man standing
protectively next to his sister, "You must be Mulder. I've
heard a lot about you." He held out his hand, "nice to meet you."

Shaking Charlie's hand, Mulder smiled, "I'm sorry about
the whole tackle thing."

"No problem," Charlie grinned, "It's nice to know my sister
has someone so loyal to watch her back. She wasn't kidding
either!" He rubbed his shoulder.

"Like I said, I'm really sorry. In our line of work you
always have to on guard." Mulder apologized.

"No harm done," Charlie smiled at the two of them, "I don't
blame you with everything you guys have been through!"

"Charlie, how did you get in here?" Scully asked taking
Mulder's hand.

"The door was unlocked," Charlie paused glancing towards
his sister's movement, "I knocked, but no one answered. I
figured you were probably asleep, so I was just going to
peak a look at my nephew and then leave this." He pointed to
a beautifully wrapped gift in the corner. "I should probably
go now." He turned to pick up his fallen coat. Charlie gave
Scully a hug, and shook Mulder's hand. "I'll be staying with
Mom, so we'll probably see you soon." With that he moved
towards the door. "Nice meeting you Mulder. Bye sis, call me
in the morning."

They stood there for a while staring at the door after
Charlie had left.

"What is it?" Mulder asked, reading Scully's expression. He
could see the 'Scully - wheels' turning.

"What?" Scully asked, absentmindedly.

"You just had that look in your eyes." He kissed her hand.

"What look?" Scully smiled.

"That 'there-has-got-to-be-an-rational-explanation-here'
look," he laughed, "but I don't see why, I haven't said
anything pertaining to work since, oh yesterday."
She laughed shaking her head, "It's nothing. I was just
surprised to see Charlie."

"Ah, the invisible brother isn't so invisible." Mulder
grinned.

"We haven't seen each other in over eight years. I was
e-mailing him for a while, but after we went back to
Oregon... " Scully trailed off, not wanting to bring back
the painful memories.

"Well, at least I seem to have hit it off with him better
that Bill." Mulder said lightening the mood. He knew how
hard it was for her to think about it. He hated himself
every time he had to see her face when she remembered his
abduction. When she hurt, he hurt a thousand times more.
All he wanted to do was make her happy. No matter what
happened, he was never going to leave her side again.

Scully laughed. Leave it to Mulder to find a way to
cheer her up. She was so lucky to have him back. He was
here, and she was never going to let him leave her sight
again.

"Well, anyway," she said taking Mulder's other hand,
"where were we?"

He kissed her right hand. "Were we here or... " He then
kissed her lips, "or here?"

"I think we were right here." She kissed his lips back.

"That's what I thought."

Mulder was awakened at 2 o'clock by a fussy William. He
rolled out of bed and said tiredly to a still asleep Scully,
"I'll get him." He realized she wasn't awake and went quickly
to William's room before he woke her up.

He pick the small child up and carried him to the kitchen
where he heated up a bottle of milk. When Mulder tried to
give him the bottle he wouldn't take it.

"Come on, buddy."

William just looked at him like *Where's my mom?*

"Please take your bottle, I don't want to wake your mom up."

Almost as if he understood William took he bottle and cooed
happily.

"Thanks, Will. You mommy's really tired." Mulder smiled to
himself think of the night before. It was perfect. He loved
her so much.

He put William back down and went back to bed.

Amused, Scully watched as Mulder desperately tried not to
wake her up. Slowly and cautiously he picked his way through
the various pieces of clothing that littered the usually
spotless bedroom. He finally made it to the bed and sat down.

"Morning poopyhead," Scully smiled sleepily.

Startled Mulder jumped up, tripping over his shoe that lie
on the floor beneath him. Regaining his composure, he sat
down next to her. "Morning yourself, honeybunch." he
emphasized the last word, letting it linger on his tongue
for a few seconds, then grinned. "Sleep well?" he asked
leaning down to give her a kiss.

Scully grinned and kissed him back, "Just spooned up and
fell asleep like little baby cats."

Mulder raised an eyebrow, "next thing you know we'll be
hearing muddy footprints, and be bombarded by your
'friendly neighbors'." He laughed and crawled over to the
other side of the bed.

Scully sighed contentedly; resting in the arms of the man
she loved. Everything was just so perfect. So right.

Mulder held her close, nestling his head in the soft red
of her hair. He could not believe that he could be so lucky.
To have this amazing woman - his partner, best friend, and
soon to be wife - laying here next to him. She had stayed
with it through it all. No matter how insane or ridiculous
his theories got. How horrible, difficult, or just plain
out weird, things became, she had stayed with him through
it all. He loved her more than words could describe, and
vowed to never let anything bad happen to her again.

As she slowly drifted off to sleep, Scully smiled thinking
of everything that had happened in the last two days. Through
all they had been through, for as long as she had wanted to
tell him so badly how she felt, things were now perfect.
Wrapped in Mulder, with Will sleeping peacefully in the room
next to them, Scully was happy just being, just existing in
this perfect moment.

Mulder planted a soft kiss on the nape of her neck. There
was only one thing to think about now... plans for the
wedding...

They had different views on the wedding. Scully wanted a
big, traditional Catholic wedding in a church, whereas
Mulder wanted a small, private wedding on the beach in
Martha's Vineyard with only the closest friends and family.
It was the one thing that they disagreed on.

Mulder got up as Scully fell back to sleep and went into the
living room, grabbing his wallet off the bedside table on his
way in. He sat down on he couch and pulled a picture out of
his wallet. It was a picture of Samantha. He thought about
how if it weren't for her being abducted he never would have
met Scully, and his life would be so very different. He felt
guilty, almost as if he was glad all of it had happened. He
had spent so long trying to find her, he never noticed how
much Scully meant to him until after he found out the truth
about Samantha.

As he set there, his head in his hands, Scully slowly opened
the bedroom door. She looked out and saw him with tears in
his eyes. Her eyes fell on the picture lying next to him. She
caught her breath. Samantha. She knew how much he would
have wanted her to be a part of all this. Instead, all he could
do was imagine that she was.

She went over and gave him a comforting hug. He looked at
her with an eternally grateful look in his eyes.

Mulder took one last glance at the worn photo before placing
it back into his wallet. They sat there in silence for a few
seconds before she spoke, "Mulder," she said softly placed
her hand on his, "I wish she could be here too." She wished
all of Mulder's family could be there. Scully knew how much
his mother would have loved to see her only son finally settle
down and live something approaching a normal life. She would
have been proud.

Mulder smiled faintly. He knew that Scully really meant it.
The search for Samantha had become just as much Scully's
quest as it had been his the day she stepped foot in that office.

Scully gave him another comforting hug. She pulled back,
placing her forehead on his. A gesture he had done more times
than she could remember. She knew how reassuring it always was
for her. It meant that no matter what happened he was always
there for her, and they would get through whatever it was that
life had decided to throw at them this time.

After a few minutes, Mulder took a deep breath and gave her a
genuine smile. Scully's heart leapt. Even after eight years,
all that they had been through, and now even being engaged,
that smile brought more joy and comfort to her that anything
else in the world.

He took her face in his hands and gave her a soft kiss, "Now,"
he said with a glint in his eye, "how are we going to tell
Bill?"...

Scully groaned, causing Mulder to laugh.

"I never even thought about his reaction!"

Mulder thought for a moment before he asked, "How old is
Matthew now?"

Scully looked surprised that Mulder remembered about her
nephew and laughed. "I honestly don't remember. I feel
terrible! I guess he would be about 4 or so."

They set there laughing for a moment, then Mulder stood
up and walked to Will's room. The child was still sleeping
peacefully. He walked back over and sat down on the couch.
He put his arms around her waist and she laid back on his
stomach. She felt so safe, so protected, like nothing bad
could ever happen. She decided there was no reason to tell
him about her dream.

They lay for a long time. Mulder with his arms wrapped
lovingly and protectively around her. Scully with her
head resting contentedly on his chest.

The dream had been so real. She hadn't even known it was
a dream until she had awakened as Mulder went to
check on Will. It had been of Samantha and Will.

In her dream she and Mulder had been asleep in bed,
Scully wrapped in Mulder's arms - just as it had been when
she had fallen asleep that night. Suddenly there was a
loud noise and both she and Mulder awoke, startled.

The dream continued with Mulder telling her that he would
check it out, and not to worry. Of course she had refused
to be left in bed, following him towards the source of the
sound. It had come from Will's bedroom.

Taking his gun off the dresser, Mulder would slowly creep
towards the baby's room.

Just the thought of what, or who, it was in there with their
son had left Scully's heart racing, even after she had woken
up.

They would get to the door, and Mulder would slowly push it
open. The normally comforting *creeeeeaaaak* of the wooden
door seemed dangerous and forewarning this time.

At this point Scully thought how much her dream resembled
that night, when Charlie had pulled his surprise visit.
Maybe that was what brought on the dream...

They would finally get the door open, by this time Scully
had her gun poised and ready too. Mulder held up his hand,
motioning for her to wait while he made sure it was clear.
She could hear her heart pounding in her ear. Just as
Mulder stepped through the door Scully caught a glimpse
of a figure as it lunged at him.

"MULDER!" she screamed as the figure came down on him
with a loud *thud*.

As she looked up there was a flash of lightening (funny,
she hadn't even realized that it was raining... ) and as
she watched a face appeared for a brief second flashing
across the window frame. She took in a sharp breath. Until
now she had not realized whom the face had belonged to. But
now it was unmistakable, it had been Samantha - and it
appeared as if she was trying to tell her something...

"Scully, what is it?" gently, Mulder laid a hand
on her cheek.

With a start, Scully was brought back to the present.
He had noticed that she had a strange, almost painful
look on her face.

"What? Oh, nothing... " she replied, snuggling closer to
her partner.

"Come on now," Mulder looked doubtful, "I know that
look Scully, and it never means 'nothing'." He smiled
prompting her to elaborate.

"No really Mulder," she smiled hoping that it would
convince him it really was nothing that was that
important. "I was just thinking... you know about the
wedding," she lied.

There was no reason to get Mulder upset about a silly
dream. When she thought about it, there was really no
reason that SHE should be upset. But then again...
Mulder's words came back to her in a flood of memories.

He had once said that dreams were only answers to
questions we hadn't yet figured out how to ask...

"Oh, why? Have you finally decided that MY idea about
an outdoor wedding is better than yours?" Mulder teased,
hoping to get her spirits up. "Or where you just thinking
about the wedding NIGHT?" He wagged his eyebrows at
her.

Scully hit him playfully with a couch pillow and laughed.
Leave it up to Mulder to always make her feel better.

"Why Agent Scully," he gasped in mock astonishment
pretending to be deathly injured by the two-foot sack
of stuffing.

"We are going to have to hold you here to keep those
violent impulses of yours under control!" With that he
grabbed her by the waist and pulled her to the floor,
planting a big wet kiss on her lips.

"You better watch out Mulder," Scully laughed, "I might
have to send Bill after you."

Mulder stared back in utter horror, shuddering at the
thought of her big brother.

Scully laughed again, patting him reassuringly on the
head, "Don't worry, I wouldn't be THAT evil to you!"
She grinned.

Somewhere in the back of her mind the image of
Samantha still lingered...

She fought the urge to laugh at Mulder's skepticism at
her not Bill after him. She was still thinking about
the dream when his voice interrupted her thoughts.

"Why do you think Bill hates me so much?"

She was about to say that Bill didn't hate him, but then
decided against it. He did seem to hate Mulder. "I think...
I think it's because after my dad died he seemed to want to
carry on his job of pushing me to do what was right, what
they thought was best for me. I mean, my father was so upset
when I decided to go into the FBI and gave up my career in
medicine, he thought it was the end of the world. I was his
little Starbuck, his favorite. I mean, I know he tried not
to show favorites, but I knew it and so did my siblings. He
always wanted what was best for me, and I think Bill is just
trying to do the same."

"What would your dad think of us, I mean us as in me and you
together, not as Agents Mulder and Scully?"

She had tears in her eyes as she replied, "He would be so
proud that I finally found the life I always wanted, with
a man that he knows will treat me as good as, if not better
than, he did. That would be enough for him. That's all he
ever wanted."

This was the first time they had really ever talked about
her father. She was glad to get it out. She knew everything
about Mulder's life, or what she thought was everything. Now
he knew more about her. She knew he would be proud of his
little Starbuck. Yet something was still wrong.....

Mulder wished Scully's father could be there.

He knew how much it would have meant, to both of them, to
have Ahab walk his little Starbuck down the isle.

He noticed that she seemed to be thinking about something.
Her brow wrinkled, deep in thought.

"C'mon Scully," Mulder teased, holding up the pillow she
had thrown at him, "don't make me beat it out of you."

"Mulder REALLY, it's nothing," she said exasperated.

She jumped up taking his hand, "Let's go check on William."

Mulder grinned and took her hand. 'I wonder what's bothering
her', he thought to himself. 'Oh well, it must not be
anything too bad. Otherwise she would have told me by
now... right?'

Suddenly thoughts of Scully's cancer flooded into his mind
causing him to stop, jerking Scully back with him.

"Mulder?" Scully looked at him concerned, "Are you ok?"
She felt his forehead for a temperature. He seemed normal.

"Oh, sorry Scully," He said realizing that he had pulled
her back when he had stopped walking.

"I... it's just that." he paused, "I just have to know...
the thing you keep telling me is just 'nothing'? The
cancer it's not..." He swallowed hard.

Quickly, Scully stopped him, "No! I mean, no. Mulder it's
not anything like that!" She saw the look of relief flood
Mulder's face.

"It was just a dream," she put a reassuring hand on his
shoulder.

'What was I thinking?' she scolded herself, 'I should
have told him. I feel terrible.'

"A dream?" Mulder asked letting out a relieved sigh.

"Yeah, oh Mulder I feel awful, I shouldn't have made
you worry."

"That's Ok." He didn't care what it was, as long as it
wasn't news that Scully's cancer had returned.

Mulder leaned down and planted a soft kiss on her lips.
She smiled - she was SO in love with this man. The dream
was probably nothing. She guessed that it had just been
brought on by all the excitement the night before.

"C'mon," he grinned, "let's go check on the little guy."

They quietly opened the door to Will's room so as not
to wake him. Their attempt was quiet unsuccessful though.
As soon as he heard the door creak, his lip quivered and
he let out a wail. Scully walked over to him and picked
him up. The child stopped crying almost instantly. Mulder
walked up behind Scully, put his arms around her waist and
looked over her shoulder at the little boy in her arms. A
small smile appeared on Mulder's face as he looked at his
new family. He, unlike Scully, had never wanted to settle
down and have kids. Now he couldn't imagine his life any
different. The problem was he knew that Scully wanted more
children, as did he. *We got a miracle once, maybe we can
get another one.*

Part 2

See part 1 for header information.

Scully noticed his smile and grinned back.

"Well, you've definitely got your fathers temper," She
grinned giving Will a soft kiss on his fuzzy little head.

"Yeah," Mulder put a finger to Will's tiny cheek adding,
"Lonely and complaining, until you come into the room and
make everything better again."

Scully shook her head, "Yep, always have to be checking
up on my boys, can't let them get lonely and complain-y
now can I?" She grinned.

She knew that Mulder had not really ever wanted to have
kids or settle down with a family. But now the look in
his eyes seemed to tell her different. At least she hoped.

She had wanted so badly to have children of her own...
and to have them with Mulder made it a million times better.
*Maybe after the wedding they could... no that was probably
too much to hope for. But just maybe...*

The sound of Will's "baby snoring" brought her out of her
daydreaming.

"Here let me," Mulder said taking the tiny bundle from her
arms and kissing her on the cheek.

She handed Will to Mulder, taking in the perfect sight.
She loved it when he held him. It was obvious that,
although he thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it, he
wasn't *quite* comfortable yet. Somehow, though, Scully
new that what it took to be a daddy Mulder had without a
doubt. It was as if he was made to be one, he was born
with it. She could tell with a little more hands on
experience, he would soon be a pro.

She giggled at the thought. *Mulder, the man who chases
after aliens, a baby-pro.*

Mulder noticed her grin and asked, "What's so funny?"

"I can just see you with five little kids running around
and.... " She went into a fit of giggles.

"Oh, having de'a vous are we?"

She looked confused for a minute and then just smiled.

Mulder grinned at the thought. Five little Mulder/Scully
clones running around. *Wouldn't Bill love that,*

Checking one last time to make sure Will was fast asleep,
Mulder took Scully's hand and led her into the bedroom.

Glancing at the clock, Scully realized that it was almost
5 a.m. It's a good thing that today was Saturday. She
wouldn't have to go in to work until Monday.

Sitting Scully down on the bed Mulder whispered, "stay
here, I'll be right back."

*Hmm... I wonder what he's up to now.*

"I was meaning to do this sooner," Mulder said entering the
room carrying a tray full of orange juice, pancakes, and
strawberries, "But we were uh, kinda interrupted." He
grinned setting the tray on her lap.

"Now is there any thing else I could get for you this
morning ma'am," he spoke with a fake French accent.
"Coffee perhaps? Tea?"

Scully laughed and shook her head. "All I need is right
here." Lifting the tray up, Scully scooted over and patted
the bed beside her. Mulder raised an eyebrow in mock
astonishment and, still pretending to be French said,
"Why Miss, I believe my boss would not look too fondly on
such a- "

Scully interrupted him, by grabbing his arm and planting a
soft kiss on his lips, adding with a grin, "I really don't
think this is any of Skinner's business."

Mulder burst out laughing at the sight of their boss's face
if he were to walk in at this very moment. He sat down next
to Scully, as she gave him a mouthful of strawberries and
pancake.

They sat in bed finishing their breakfast for the next half
hour. Mulder with his arm lovingly wrapped around his
fiancee's waist.

*Fiancee*. Mulder couldn't believe it was true. He had never
imagined that this would be a word he could use to describe
Scully. He couldn't wait until he could call her his *wife*.

*It's hard to believe,* Scully thought, wiping some
strawberry sauce off of Mulder's face. In a few weeks,
Mulder would officially be all hers.

"Mulder?" Suddenly she realized that they hadn't set a
date. For that matter they hadn't even told anybody yet!

"Hmm?" he asked, to engrossed in licking strawberry off
of her finger to really pay much attention.

"We should really get up." She laughed as he pouted and
pretended to be sad.

"Do we really have to Scully? Couldn't we just sleep
until the wedding?" He teased.

"We could, except we don't know when the wedding is yet."
She countered back. "C'mon, I'll call Mom and invite them
over for dinner tonight."

As Mulder got up, he took the tray with him heading to
the kitchen.

Scully caught the look on his face and laughed, "And yes
Mulder, Bill will have to be here too." He pretended to
cry as she added, "Unfortunately he is my brother, and
no matter how much I deny it I do still love him."

Mulder cleaned off the tray and placed the dishes in the
dishwasher before coming up behind her. "He may be your
brother, but your *my* Scully, and he's not going to ruin
our wedding."

"Don't worry Mulder, I won't let him." She smiled before
adding, "and I know my Mom won't either!"

"Scully, I think we're overlooking one very important thing."
Mulder paused, then added, "when and where are we going to
have this wedding?"

Scully seemed to ponder this for a moment, "Well... when do
you - "

"As soon as possible!" Mulder didn't even give her a chance to
finish. Scully laughed at the look on his face. The look that
quite plainly said I'm-not-giving-you-time-to-change-your-mind.

"OK, well, time off won't be a problem, with my maternity leave,
and your, well, you know, so it would probably be best to do it
right away. Now the only question is where?"

After much thought and a gallon of double fudge chocolate
chunk ice cream, Mulder and Scully finally came to an
agreement about the wedding.

They compromised, deciding to have the wedding at Scully's
church, and invite all that they wanted to. This was
decided upon after Scully, and pretty soon Mulder, knew
that Scully's mom would want to invite many of her friends
to finally see her youngest daughter settle down with that
"cute partner of hers" they always saw.

Then, to make things fair, the reception would be held on
the beach at Martha's Vineyard with only the closest friends
and family. It was a little... different, but hey, Mulder
and Scully were expected to have a "different" kind of
wedding, right?

Mulder let out a sigh. "I didn't know planning a wedding could
be so... "

"Fattening?" Scully interrupted, laughing as she held out
the empty carton of ice cream.

Suddenly they heard a noise from the Will's room indicating
that the baby was awake, and was going to be awake for a
while.

"C'mon," Mulder said taking her hand and leading the way,
"let's go get the little guy ready and then go pick up a
few things at the store for tonight's 'dinner party'."

They walked into Will's room and Scully picked him up.
She got him dressed while Mulder looked at her with sad
eyes. "Are you going to dress me too, Scully?"

She looked over at him and laughed. "Only if you're good."

"We'll, then I guess I'd better dress myself," he reluctantly
headed for the bedroom.

Seven hours, two grocery stores, and a mall later they
returned home with their arms full of shopping bags. They
had to make just the right meal to smooth things over will
with Bill, but they didn't want to make things too perfect
or they knew something was up as soon as they walked in.

They put Will into bed for his nap, and started setting
everything up. They decided to make lasagna and garlic
bread with a salad. They finished making supper and setting
the table right at seven o'clock right before the knock on
the door announcing the arrival of Scully's family.

Taking a deep breath, Scully went to answer the door.
'It's now or never.' she thought as her hand turned the knob.

"Dana," Maggie Scully embraced her daughter with a warm hug,
"It's so nice to see you." She paused, stepping into the room
before adding a little too quietly, "We haven't seen much of
you since William was born."

Scully sighed. "Mom I -" She felt like a teenager who had just
been caught sneaking back into the house after curfew. "I've
just been really busy," she finished.

Just as she had finished welcoming Bill, and was just about to
give Charlie a hug, Mulder walked in. He was clad jeans and a
dark gray sweater that looked very comfortable. Scully thought
he looked great. They had decided not to dress too formally, or
else her family would know what was up.

"Fox," Mrs. Scully gave him a warm hug, smiling "It's so nice
to see you again."

"And as always," Mulder said, giving her his trademark grin and
hugging her back, "It's a pleasure to see you Mrs. Scully."

She laughed, "Fox, you can call me Maggie you know."

Mulder grinned shyly, as he noticed Bill glaring at him from the
doorway. "Ok... Maggie". Mrs. Scully laughed again.

'Leave it to Mulder' Scully thought, 'nobody can resist that
charm!'

Her smile faded as she noticed Bill glaring at Mulder from
the doorway. He hadn't said anything since Mulder had entered
the room. Forcing herself to ignore him, she invited everyone
in.

"Agent Mulder," Charlie offered a warm handshake. "It's
nice to see you again."

Mulder shook his hand offering a friendly smile. 'At least
ONE of Scully's brothers liked him.' He wished Charlie was
the one who lived close instead of Bill.

"So," Maggie said sitting herself on the couch, "where's my
grandson?"

Scully laughed, "I'll go get him. I think he just woke up."
Motioning for everyone to take a seat, she went to go get Will.
As she passed Mulder, she sent him a message with her eyes.
'Just ignore Bill. My mom and Charlie already love you! Just relax
and have a good time.'

With that she smiled and, while she was sure nobody was looking,
blew him a kiss, which he grinned and pretended to stick in his
pocket 'in case of emergency'.

He turned around to sit on the couch. As he sat chatting politely
with Scully's mom and younger brother, he could feel the hard eyes
of her older one boring into him. Bill still had not said anything.
Uncomfortable, Mulder wished Scully would hurry.

"There's my boy!" Maggie held up her arms as Scully walked in
with a sleepy Will, who was gurgling sleepily. She placed the
baby in her mom's lap.

"Hey there buddy," Charlie bent down next to his mom to get a
closer look at his new nephew. He glanced up at his sister and
winked. "I didn't get a very good look at you the first time I
was here."

William seemed to enjoy all the attention and cooed happily.

"He's got your smile Fox," Mrs. Scully said happily to Mulder.

Mulder grinned, and then added teasingly, "At least it wasn't
my nose!"

They laughed. Everyone that is, but Bill, who gave Mulder a
scornful look. Scully caught his eye and gave him a warning
glance. He caught it and looked away, walking over to his
nephew.

As much as Bill hated the fact that this baby was the result
of his sister and *that* man-no he didn't want to think about
it- Will was his nephew and he loved him. He did have to admit
that the baby was incredibly cute.

"Hey there Will," Bill hovered next to his mom getting a
better look at the baby.

Will started to cry.

'That's my boy!' Mulder thought secretly grinning to himself.

Scully rubbed William's back soothingly, "He's just hungry,"
The baby settled down to a sniffle. Scully gave Bill an
apologetic look, "I can't believe how much he can eat! He
acts like he hasn't eaten anything since 6:00 this morning."

"And all that was, was half of a cream cheese bagle." Mulder
leaned in saying it so that only Scully could hear him.

She grinned and added so that only he could hear, "and it
wasn't even real cream cheese. It was light cream cheese."
She paused then added, "Don't get me started Mulder."

"That's a good idea," Charlie said jumping up from the floor.
"So sis, what's for dinner?"

"Lasagna," She said walking into the bedroom to feed Will.
Over her shoulder she added, "Mulder, why don't you go ahead
and serve everybody the salad, I'll be there in a minute." With
that, she closed the bedroom door.

She felt bad about leaving Mulder to deal with Bill by himself.
But, she didn't exactly feel comfortable nursing Will in front
of Bill. She knew he would have felt uncomfortable about it too.
Not because of the whole 'nursing' thing. He had a son - he knew
how it worked. She just didn't want him glaring at Mulder the
whole time.

"Ok, everyone, to the kitchen!" Mulder turned to Mrs. Scully,
"Ma'am, please allow me." With that he bowed, pretending to be
a waiter escorting her to the table.

Maggie Scully laughed and took his arm. Playing along she added,
"Why thank you kind sir."

Mulder grinned. 'So far so good.'

Bill looked disgusted. How could his mother like Mulder so
much? It was just his luck. With her and his sister around,
there was nothing he could do but pretend he wasn't there.
Even Charlie seemed to becoming friends with him, great.
Just great.

Mulder had just finished serving the salad when Scully walked
in. Grinning at her, he pulled out her chair and helped her
to her seat.

"Such a gentleman." Mrs. Scully smiled, taking a sip of wine.

"Yeah, what's up with that Mulder?" Charlie asked, jokingly
adding, "You're making me look bad, you know!" With that he
handed his mom the garlic bread.

"All those years of FBI training, and traveling around meeting
all kinds of weird people." Mulder laughed, "They've gotta be
good for something!"

"Yeah right Mulder." Scully laughed, "They teach etiquette
and proper manners in FBI training."

He looked at her innocently, "Why Agent Scully, don't tell
me *you* missed that day!"

Scully gave him *the* look, and he laughed before she could
say anything. Before handing her her salad, he kissed her
hand and said, "Made specially for you Miss. By order of
the cook."

Scully blushed, noticing her mother's pleased look, and
Bills scorn. To keep the mood light she replied, "I doubt
you learned *that* at Quantico."

They all laughed, and Mulder sat down to his own place at
the table. While no one was looking, he slipped his hand
into Scully's giving it a squeeze. *Don't worry everything's
going great. We'll tell them after dessert.*

"He did not have buck teeth!" Scully was laughing so hard
her sides hurt.

"He did." Mulder whispered to the rest of Scully's family,
"She's just going through denial."

Scully playfully punched Mulder in the arm.

"Owww!" he pretended like it really hurt, rubbing his 'sore'
arm.

They had just finished dessert, and things seemed to be
going pretty well. Even Bill seemed to be somewhat enjoying
it-although he told himself that it was just for Dana's sake,
nothing more, nothing less.

Mrs. Scully was just finishing up the dishes (which she had
insisted she do) when Scully stood up and suggested that
everyone move to the living room. "Where it was more
comfortable."

Mulder could tell she was nervous. He gave her a reassuring
smile reminding her that he was here, and everything was
going to go perfect. *Whether Bill likes it or not*, he added
to himself.

Maggie Scully took a seat on the couch next to her daughter
and Mulder. She noticed that Dana was fidgeting like she used
to do when she was a little girl and had something she had to
tell her parents, but wasn't quite sure how to do it.

"Honey, what is it?" Scully looked at her mom and realized
that she had been fidgeting. This was a sure sign to her
mother that something was up. Scully knew that it was now
or never. She took a deep breath, glanced at Mulder, and
started in.

"Well," she cleared her throat; "You all know that Mulder
and I have know each other for a very long time." She paused
for a second taking his hand, "He's been there for me through
more than you guys will ever know. I trust him with my life...
and, I love him."

Mulder was just about to say the same, when suddenly Bill burst
out yelling.

"You! You son of a -" he was lunging at Mulder with full force.

Stunned, Mulder jumped back to defend himself. But he didn't have
to.

Scully was speechless, she was just about to give Bill a piece of
her mind when the unthinkable happened.

"WILLIAM CHESTER SCULLY!" Scully had never seen her mom
so furious, "You lay one hand on Fox and I swear, I will disown you!!"

The room froze in stunned silence. Mulder couldn't believe his ears.
Scully's *mom* was defending him? He was almost to baffled to
silently laugh at Bills middle name *Chester*??

They sat frozen for what seemed like an eternity. Scully and Charlie
stared at their mother in disbelief. Silently they were both
surprisingly pleased. Mulder sat dumbfounded waiting for what would
happen next.

Bill just stood there, his mouth hanging open. She hadn't used his
full name since he was a kid. After a few moments, he regained his
composure and mumbled an apology. "Mom, I - I don't know what came
over me... I, I'm sorry."

Maggie Scully looked her son straight in the eyes, "If you're father
were here, I don't even want to *think* about what he would say. It
is not me you need to be apologizing to." She gave him a stern look,
motioning to Mulder and Scully.

"But Mom that man is..." Scully couldn't believe her ears; Bill was
actually trying to defend himself after what had just happened? She
was furious! She was about to open her mouth when her mother once
again cut into the conversation.

"That man." She came up next to Mulder, "Is the best thing that's
ever happened to Dana." She laid a protective hand on her daughter.
"And not you, or anyone else on this planet is going to do *anything*
to ruin what they have together! I am sick and tired of having to
listen to you grumble every time Dana invites us over, because you
know Fox is going to be here! It stops here, do you understand me?"
She paused calming down, "Now I think you owe *everybody* an
apology."

Again the room was silent. Charlie sat uncomfortably in a chair in
the corner. He wouldn't look his brother in the eye. Even though he
had just met Mulder, he could tell that what he and his sister had
together was special. What Bill did was just unacceptable, brother
or no.

Finally recovering from his dazed state, Mulder moved next to Scully,
putting an arm protectively around her waist. She looked like she was
going to cry. The anger welled inside like a bomb ready to go off.
Scully had gone to too much trouble to have Bill go and ruin it all
like this. No. He wasn't going to let that happen. He was debating
whether or not to say something, when Bill finally spoke.

"Dana how can you just go and -" three Scully *looks* (and a very
nasty warning glare from Mulder) hit him with full force. Mulder
could see where Scully got *the* look from, it seemed it was genetic.

This time is was Charlie's turn to have a whack at Bill. "Jeez Bill
just give it up already!" Scully's younger brother threw his arms
in the air letting out an exasperated sigh, "Dana's happy, isn't
that all that should matter?! She has a son, *our nephew*, that
nobody thought was possible, and best of all she's got Mulder! A
guy who - even though I know I'm the one who knows the least about
him - I can tell loves her!"

Scully was touched and surprised at Charlie's outburst. It was
true that he didn't know Mulder very well, but it was obvious that
he had instantly befriended him.

Mulder was just about to open his mouth a second time when Scully
finally spoke up.

"Everybody just stop it!" She sat down and this time Mulder was
sure she was going to cry. Quietly she said, "I didn't mean for
any of this to happen. This was supposed to go perfect, with
everybody happy. Instead of yelling at each other we'd be sitting
around discussing what kind of flowers we should order for the
reception."

It was too much, she couldn't take it any more, Scully broke down
and started crying, right there in front of Bill and everyone.
Quickly Mulder wrapped his arms around her in comfort. He wished
he could just make Bill disappear. If it weren't for him, none of
this would have happened.

For a few short minutes, they were the only ones in the room,
oblivious to three startled stares sent in their direction.

Even though she had no reason to, Mrs. Scully felt awful. "Dana,
honey, come here," Scully looked up from her place in Mulder's
arms, "I'm so sorry."

"Mom," Scully smiled tearfully, "It isn't your fault. You don't
need to apologize."

"Dana's right," Bill took a step, "I should be."

They all stared doubtfully in his direction. Seeing his sister,
the only one he had left, who never let her guard down even in
the worst situations, break down and cry right in front of him
broke his heart.

"Dana," he took a cautious step forward, noting Mulder's arm as
it slipped protectively around Scully's waist. "I'm so sorry."
He paused edging closer to give her a hug. "I really don't know
what came over me."

"I mean it. I'm really sorry." A pause. "I guess after dad died,
I just felt like it was my duty to watch over you." He glanced at
Mulder who still looked skeptical. "Protect you."

Mulder snorted at the irony of it all. He thought about the time
that Scully had been going through her cancer. Bill was the one
who didn't want to try anything. He wanted to just "sit passively
back and watch the family tragedy unfold." If Bill truly felt like
that he wouldn't have done any of this to begin with.

Scully accepted his apology, and watched as he turned to face
Mulder.

"Mulder," he sighed and held out his hand and Mulder shook it.

"I know you hate me." Mulder said lowering his gaze, "and you have
a right to after all I've made your sister go through..."

"Mulder no," Scully interrupted, "he has absolutely no right to
treat you like this." She took a stand next to him facing her
brother.

"But," Mulder grinned at Scully letting her know that he was
definitely NOT going to let Bill get off that easy as he added,
"I love her more than anything in this world. And like it or not
Bill," he emphasized his middle name, "*Chester* Scully,"

Scully had to bite her lip to keep herself from laughing,
she knew how much Bill hated his middle name.

"I'm marrying her whether you like it or not." He said it
matter-of-factly. And with that he pulled Scully into his
arms and, with her entire family watching, gave her a long
passionate kiss.

Maggie and Charlie laughed as Bill just stood there with a
dumbfounded look on his face.

"Why you - " This time, Bill didn't care what his mother said,
he lunged full force at Mulder. Luckily, Mulder had seen it
coming and, with Scully still in his arms, jumped back just
in time.

Misjudging Mulder's fast reaction, Bill tripped over the coffee
table and fell full force smack into to the cream colored carpet
with a loud, "umpf." Just as he was about to get up and try
again, he was interrupted by a very loud noise. He turned
towards the noise and glared at his brother who was laughing so
hard he was crying.

"Oh, oh!" Charlie couldn't stop laughing long enough to finish
his sentence.

Mulder and Scully, who had been to busy trying to avoid
"the wrath of Bill" to really enjoy his downfall, suddenly
burst out laughing too. Maggie, who was trying her hardest
not to, couldn't help but join in the fun.

"So this is what goes on when I'm not around."

Still giggling, Scully turned towards the figure standing
in the open doorway.

"Sir!" Scully looked surprised, "I thought you said you
were going out of town a couple of weeks for a conference."
Skinner entered the room and gave her a hug. "It got
cancelled." He smiled, shaking Mulder's hand.

"Mr. Skinner," Maggie extended a warm handshake,
"it's nice to see you again."

After introducing Skinner to her brothers, she invited him to
sit down.

"So, what brings you here?" Mulder asked, hoping it
wasn't anything to do with work. He was as surprised
as Scully to see the assistant director.

"Just this." Skinner handed him a folder. "I found it
under my door this morning when I came in. My secretary
said she hadn't seen anyone come in." He paused before
adding; "I figured you would be over here, so I tried
here first."

Mulder looked curious, "What is it?"

"I don't know," Skinner was looking at Bill with a
funny look on his face. Bill was rubbing his head and
scowling. "I didn't open it." He glanced at the folder,
and then added, "seeing as how it had your name on it."

Mulder hadn't noticed it until Skinner had said
something. Written in small block letters across the
front of the manila envelope was Mulder's name.

"Why was is under your door then?" Scully asked confused.

"I don't know." was all that Skinner said, eying the
overturned coffee table.

He turned to Scully. "Whoever it was probably put it
under my door because they knew you wouldn't be in
your office."

Charlie and Bill, who was still sore, sat down as Mrs.
Scully offered to make some coffee. Mulder sat down
and opened the envelope as Scully sat down next to him.

"Mulder?" Scully knew something was wrong as she
watched as Mulder's face grew pale. In a concerned
voice, she asked, "Mulder, what is it?"

At first Mulder didn't say anything. Charlie sat
uncomfortably on the other side of the room feeling
that he was intruding on something very personal.
Eventually he decided that his mother needed help
with the coffee. Bill got up and headed toward the
bathroom. He was not in the mood for more aliens and
UFOs.

After a few minutes, Mulder regained his composure and
handed Scully the small stack of photos that he held.
Scully was speechless. They were pictures of Samantha.
Only she was definitely more than eight years old.

"Mulder, there's got to be some mistake." Scully spoke
in a soft voice. She couldn't believe her eyes. There
were pictures of Samantha at the beach, playing outside,
and one of her at a birthday party which was obviously
her own. Scully counted the candles on the cake.
"Mulder, according to this picture she's 14 here."

Mulder spoke in a very soft voice. "And in this one."
He picked up the photo with one hand, and rubbed the
bridge of his nose with the other. The picture was of
Samantha and a boy. "She seems to be having a fun time
with the Smoking Man's son." he paused before adding,
"Agent Spender."

"What?" Skinner finally spoke up, "What are you
talking about?"

"See for yourself," Mulder handed him the photo.

Skinner took it. Even though he was only a teenager,
there was no question that the picture was of Jeffery
Spender.

"I don't understand," the assistant director gave the
picture back to Mulder, "After all your years of
searching, why would anyone slip these under my door
now? And besides, I thought you said that she was...
dead" Skinner didn't like dredging up the past.

"Maybe she's not." Scully remembered her dream.
She couldn't believe this was happening. Not now.
Not after all that Mulder had been through. He was
finally free from all that pain this had caused,
and now it was happening all over again.

"Scully what do you mean?" Mulder was confused. This
didn't sound like the Scully he knew.

For a minute, Scully sat still, trying to figure out
what all this meant. She didn't know why she had just
said that. She of all people knew that she was not
one to go claiming that people were back from the dead.
But lately her scientific background had been put to
the test. Ever since Mulder had been abducted,
everything had gone crazy. It was like an endless bad
dream that repeated over and over again, until you woke
up sweaty and shaking. She didn't know what to believe
any more.

"Scully?" Skinner had begun to get used to Scully
being the one to suggest such a thing - while Mulder
was gone. But now that he was back, it was just...
wrong.

Scully began to tell them of her dream. She was just
to the part were she woke up, when a crying William
interrupted her.

"Oh, excuse me," She got up to retrieve her, now
very much awake, son.

"I'll get him." Mulder said standing up and placing
his hand on the small of her back. Then grinning,
he added, "Besides, you've got to have him all day.
Now's my turn."

As she watched Mulder leave, Scully sat back down
sighing. Skinner picked up on her mood and felt the
same way. Mulder had already been through enough.
He deserves closure just like anyone. They thought
they had finally shut the door on this case once and
for all. Unfortunately this door had broken hinges.
Every time you think you've finally gotten the thing
shut, something runs into it forcing it open again.
Did it ever end?

Bill, back from his incredibly long trip to the
bathroom, snuck into the living room hoping to go
unnoticed.

"Bill." He was almost to the kitchen, when Scully
stopped him. He was surprised she was even speaking
to him anymore. It must be because her boss was in
the room. Wincing, he turned around to face her.

"I believe you've met Assistant Director Skinner."
Scully said blandly.

"I think the last time I saw you, we were standing
around a hospital bed." Bill said sarcastically.
"Your Dana's boss right? Well, it's nice to meet
you again." With that he continued on into the
kitchen.

"What's his problem?" Skinner asked as he left.

"He just had a fight with the coffee table," Scully
couldn't help but laugh, "and it seems he lost."

"Oh, I see." Skinner knew how much Scully's other
brother hated Mulder. Something was bound to happen
when they were in the same room.

Mulder re-entered the room, William in arms, "It
seems he wasn't enjoying the fact that the party
was going on without him." Mulder teased. Scully
thought it was odd that Mulder would just drop the
subject of his sister like that, but didn't press
any further.

"Hey there little guy," Skinner said walking over
to get a better look.

"Here, want to hold him?" Mulder started to hand
over his son.

(Continued in part 3)

Part 3
See part 1 for header information.

"Uh, no, I mean -" Scully laughed at the A.D.'s look
of horror as Mulder handed over the squirming baby.
"I'm not really good with kids."

Mulder laughed and handed Will over to Scully. As he
sat down, his face changed back to the grim look it
was before.

There was silence until he spoke again, "She was 14."

"What?" Skinner asked quietly.

Scully knew what Mulder was thinking about. The
diary. In the last entry, Samantha was only about
14 years old. They explained it to Skinner.

"So the pictures were taken before she was... taken."
Mulder finished, referring to the day he finally found
his sister. He remembered the starlight. As much as he
wanted his sister to be alive, he was happy when
everything had finally been closed. It was over, he
was finally free. He did not want to go back to the
nightmare. Not now, not while everything was going so
well. They had Will, and he had just asked Scully to
marry him. All he wanted right now was sitting right
in front of him. It was all he needed, and he had promised
her that he would not let *anything* get in their way.
Even if that anything turned out to be Samantha...

Skinner was about to excuse himself to let Mulder and
Scully get back to their guests, when he stopped short-
noticing the ring on Scully's finger. Seeing the look
on his face, Scully followed his gaze and bit her lip
to keep from laughing.

They had been so busy talking about the pictures that
they had forgotten to explain to Skinner why it was
her family was there anyway.

"Um, Sir I think there's something we need to tell you."
Scully began, eying Mulder.

He was about to say something, when the rest of
Scully's family walked in.

"Here we go," Maggie entered carrying a tray of coffee,
followed by Charlie, a plate of cookies, and Bill.
"Sorry it took so long, I couldn't find your coffee
dear." She set the tray down and smiled at her daughter.

"Mom you didn't have to do that," Scully started to
get up.

"It was my pleasure," her mom replied. Just then she
noticed the strange expression on Skinner's face.
His eyes looked like they were going to pop right
out of his head. "Mr. Skinner are you alright?"

Mulder laughed, "I think there's something kind of
important that we failed to mention."

He then turned back to Scully, putting his arm
around her. "Sir, Scully and I have finally decided
that, since we spend so much time together anyway,
we might as well save on rent and gas money and go
ahead and get married." He ducked out of the way
before Scully could hit him. The rest of the room,
minus Bill, laughed.

"Well it's about time!" Skinner smiled at his two
best agents who had, over the course of 8 years,
become two of his best friends.

"That is exactly what I've been thinking." Mrs.
Scully said teasingly.

Mulder leaned over and kissed Mrs. Scully on the
cheek, surprising everybody. "I guess that means
we have your blessings?" He grinned.

"Of course you do!" She laughed giving him a hug.
"I would be honored to have you as a Son-in-law!"

Bill groaned, now he'd actually have to be related
to that guy.

Everyone exchanged hugs and congratulations while Will
cooed happily. Finally, after what seemed like hours,
Mulder and Scully said goodbye to everyone, and said
they promised to call in the morning.

"Phew!" Scully sighed, leaning against the closed door.
"I'm glad that's over with."

"Yeah I think things went pretty good." Mulder grinned
as she gave him *the* look. "I mean after Bill decided
to attack the coffee table that is." Scully laughed.
She had to admit, that the rest of the night had gone
by fairly well.

"C'mon," Mulder, now holding a sleepy Will in his arms,
put his arm around her waist. "It's late, we should get
some sleep." Resting her head on his shoulder, she
sighed again. She was exhausted. They stood there for
a while, Mulder with his arm around her, and Will in his
arms. These were the times that he wished could last
forever. To his dismay, Scully finally pulled back and,
yawning, headed off to the bedroom for a good night's
sleep.

It was two in the morning when Mulder was awakened
by the soft cries of William in the next room.
Glancing in Scully's direction, he noted that she
was still asleep.

As quietly as possible, Mulder slipped his arm out
from underneath her, where it had protectively stayed
all night. She stirred, but didn't wake up. He went
to go check on his crying son.

The moonlight shone through the window of Will's room
illuminating the small doll he had given Scully a few
weeks before Will was born. The doll had belonged to
his sister. His mother had given it to her for her
sixth birthday. It had belonged to her when she was
a little girl. He had wanted to give Scully something
really special that she would always remember, the doll
was the first thing that had come to mind. Its tiny face
smiled back from the rocking chair where it lay carefully
surrounded by a soft white blanket, waiting to be played
with.

Focusing on the reason he had gotten up, Mulder walked
over to the crib where his son lay. Will was now
gurgling happily at the sight of his father.

Bending over and picking Will up, Mulder rocked him
silently, swaying back in forth in hopes that he
would go back to sleep. After twenty minutes of
endless rocking, Mulder sighed giving up on the hope
that Will would go to sleep any time soon. He walked
over to the rocking chair and sat down, moving the doll
and blanket to his lap. He sat humming quietly. Will
in one arm, and the doll in the other.

His own humming, and the slow, rhythmic back and forth
motion of the rocking chair made Mulder yawn. Soon he
could feel himself drifting off to the sound of the
mixed breathing of both he and William. Before he could
stop himself, Mulder was fast asleep.

Waking up to a Mulder - less bed, Scully yawned and got
up. She sniffed... no he wasn't making breakfast. Where
was he?

She went to check on Will.

Maybe Mulder had decided to pursue the pictures of
Samantha after all. She was just about to call
Skinner to see if Mulder was there, when she stopped
in Will's doorway.

The scene before her was picture perfect. Snoring
quietly, a path of drool trailing down his chin, he
looked absolutely adorable. And Will was pretty cute
too.

Scully chuckled at the sight.

Mulder was sleeping soundly in an awkward position
in the corner rocking chair. Tucked safely in his
arms, was Will and the doll he had given her that
belonged to his mother. Wrapped around all three,
was the white blanket that Scully usually kept on
the chair. It was there in case of midnight feedings,
or "emergencies".

"Where's the camera when you need one?* she thought,
as she took note to tell Mulder that she wasn't the
only one who drooled.

She smiled, shaking her head, and turned to go make
breakfast.

Scully was almost out of the room, when Mulder's
voice startled her. "Mornin' sunshine." Scully
could hear the smile in his voice and turned back
around.

"Mornin' yourself," She smiled and kissed him lightly.
"Looks like you two had a long night."

"Yeah, Will really knows how to have a good time." He
grinned, "Woke me up at 2 this morning so he could
show me." Mulder groaned and sat up, untangling himself
from the uncomfortable position he was in.

"I'm sorry," Scully laughed as Mulder stretched his
legs, "You should have woken me up."

"Naw," he yawned, "you needed a good nights sleep."
He paused before adding, "Plus we had a good time,
didn't we buddy?" Will, who was now awake, cooed
happily.

"Guys stuff," Mulder grinned again.

"Oh, I see." Scully picked Will up and gave him a
kiss on the cheek. "I don't know if I want you
teaching him all *your* 'guy stuff' Mulder." She
teased adding, "At least not until he's older."

Mulder enjoyed seeing Scully in such a good mood.
He was glad that last night was over. He put the
blanket and doll back in its place, and headed after
Scully in the direction of the kitchen.

An hour and a dozen eggs later- Mulder had insisted
on making breakfast, and he seemed to have a little
trouble with the eggs - Mulder and Scully sat lazily
enjoying the peace and quiet of the early morning.

Scully glanced over the mess on the counter. She had
tried to insist that she made breakfast, after his
breakfast in bed and all - nighter yesterday, but Mulder
kept insisting and she finally just gave up and let him.

Eggshells and various pots and pans littered the
counter, making it look like the set of a cooking
show.. .and a messy one at that. Scully sighed.
She didn't even know that she owned that many
cooking utensils until now! It was funny how Mulder
seemed to have a knack at finding things - things that
supposedly belonged to her - which Scully herself had
not seen in over eight years. She thought about the
candles and smiled, wondering if maybe next time she
would end up with some new alien - shaped skillet or pot.
Mulder noticed her smile, and asked what she was
thinking about.

Scully laughed, "I just never thought of you as the
cooking type."

"Yeah, well, after 30 years a person starts to get
sick of the same old take out every night." Mulder
grinned adding, "Although if it weren't for you
Scully, I'd probably be eating it for another 30."
At this, even Will seemed to be amused. Mulder and
Scully looked over at the gurgling baby who was
happily failing both arms and legs about.

"Well," Scully glanced at the phone as Mulder
promised he would clean up his mess. "I should
probably call Mom and tell her that we'll be over
sometime today to discuss wedding arrangements."
She stopped, realizing that Mulder wasn't paying
any attention to her, as he was to busy playing
airplane with Will. Although Will was too young
to truly enjoy the game, Mulder seemed to fully
enjoying himself.

Scully just rolled her eyes, mumbling to herself,
"Mulder, you never cease to amaze me."

Three hours later Mulder was finally done cleaning
up his mess in the kitchen. Flopping down on the
couch next to Scully and Will, Mulder let out an
exaggerated sigh. "Next time we go to the store
remind me to by some Poptarts."

They both laughed as she leaned in and gave him
a soft kiss. Scully snuggled closer to Mulder on
the couch, Will in arms.

Mulder grinned and put both his arms around
Scully and Will, thinking *How could I
possible be this lucky?*

It was amazing how perfect she fit, nestling
her head under Mulder's chin.

They lie there for a long time just enjoying each
other's presence. Scully felt so safe... so loved.
When the phone rang, she groaned not wanting to
get up.

"I'd tell you to just let the machine get it,"
Mulder mumbled into the top of her head, "but
it's probably your Mom, and if you don't answer
pretty soon, she'll have both your brothers and
Skinner over here to make sure everything's all
right."

She let out a sigh, knowing that Mulder was
right, and carefully handed Will over as she
headed out to stop the annoying ring.

Scully picked the phone up off the receiver and
said hello.

She heard nothing but raspy breathing on the
other end.

"Hello?"

There was a soft click on the other end telling
her that the caller had hung up.

"Who was it?" Mulder asked, still concentrating
on Will.

"No one." She couldn't get over the familiar
sound of the caller's rasp breathing. She shook
it off, deciding she was being overly paranoid.
She curled back up in Mulder's arms and slowly
drifted off to sleep.

Twenty minutes later, Scully awoke to another
annoying phone call.

"I got it!" Mulder yelled from the kitchen, where
he was grabbing a new bag of sunflower seeds.
Glancing at her watch, Scully realized that it
was probably her Mom calling to see when they
were coming over.

Back in the kitchen, Mulder grabbed the phone,
"Mul-uh, Hello?" He grabbed a pair of scissors
to open the bag that was not cooperating very
well.

There was no answer.

He asked again, "Hello?" He was greeting only
with the monotonous pulse of a dial tone.
Shrugging, he hung up and popped a handful of
seeds into his mouth.

"Who was it?" Scully appeared in the doorway
yawning. She couldn't believe how sleepy she was.
She had had a good night's sleep and a nap, and
she was still tired!

"Wrong number?" Mulder worked the seeds in his
mouth, while picking up a small stuffed bear
that Will had throw from his place on the blanket.

Scully remembered the strange call earlier that
morning. The sound of familiar breathing echoed
in her ears. Shaking it off, she went to pick up
Will.

"How's my guy?" Scully gave Will a gentle kiss on
his fuzzy little head.

"Oh I'm doing pretty good," Mulder's voice came
from behind her. "A little hungry, but other
that that... " He trailed off, popping some more
sunflower seeds in his mouth.

Scully rolled her eyes, "We should probably call
my mom and tell her we'll be over sometime tonight."

She grabbed the pone, and punched in the number,
after a few rings Mrs. Scully picked up the phone.

"Hi mom, it's me," After exchanging hellos,
Scully asked, "Mom did you call earlier today?"

"No, honey, I just got in from reading the paper outside
on the deck. Why?"

"Oh, no reason." Secretly, she was worried.
*Who could it have been?*, she thought to herself.
She went on with conversation with her mother,
mostly about the wedding. They got talking about
bride's maids and things like that. Then came up
the question of who would walk her down the aisle.

"Well, traditionally, it should be Bill, but after last night
I'm not so sure. It could be Charlie, but that might make
Bill feel bad." Maggie Scully's voice indicated though that
after what happened last night she really didn't care what
Bill thought. Scully pondered for a few seconds before
replying. "Yes, I suppose Charlie. I was thinking about
Skinner, but he is going to be the best man."

"What about ushers?"

"Oh, three of Mulder's friends are going to be
the ushers." Her thoughts turned to the Lone
Gunmen. Byers she could see in a suit because he
always wore one. But about the other two... she
just laughed at the thought. They ended the
conversation and Scully hung up.

She hadn't hung the phone up but about a minute
ago when it rang again. She expected it to be
her mother, but it wasn't.

Scully motioned to Mulder to pick up the other
line.

"Who is it?" Mulder asked, thinking it was
Scully's Mom again. Scully waved her hand
motioning him to be quiet.

They sat silently, each with a phone pressed to
their ears. Mulder grabbed his cell phone and
began punching in the familiar number. Whispering
into the cell, while holding the cordless far
enough away, Mulder said, "Hi Danny, it's Mulder...
yeah thanks... I'd like to trace a call... Scully's
home number." After reciting the number, which he
would know in his sleep, Mulder waited.

Scully was about to hang up when a chill ran down
her spine. In place of the heavy breathing from
before, was something far worse. Heard faintly,
almost inaudible in the background, was the soft
music of a baby's lullaby. Her pulse quickened,
and she held her breath. The normally happy jingle
of London Bridges, seemed eerily dangerous in the
endless expanse of distance between them and the
caller. It was as if he or she was taunting them,
daring them to find out who was on the other end.

Suddenly the music stopped. There were a few minutes
of nothing but silence, soon replaced by the beeping
of an emotionless dial tone.

Mulder hung up the cordless. Into his cell he said,
"Thanks Danny... you too."

Mulder looked at Scully.

Scully looked at Mulder.

After a few seconds, he said, "They got a trace." He
paused before adding, "You'll never believe where
it came from though."

Scully held her breath. "Where?"

"My old house, in Martha's Vineyard. The one that
Samantha was taken from." Mulder had tears in his
eyes. No one had been to that house in so long.

"Oh, Mulder." Scully walked up to him and put her
arms around him.

He wiped the tears from his eyes as he said, "I have
to go see who's there. They may not be there when I
get there but I can get fingerprints, something. We
can't let this go on."

Scully decided she needed to tell him about her dream.

She sat down next to him and took his hand. "Mulder
there's something that I should have told you before."
She paused then continued to tell him about her dream.
When she was done, Mulder sat and stared still trying
to hold back his tears. He had vowed that nothing would
get in the way of what he had with Scully.

*It's not fair,* Scully thought giving Mulder a
comforting hug. Everything was finally going their
way. They were supposed to be discussing wedding plans,
not whether or not he should leave to find out who this
mysterious caller was.

They sat, Mulder in Scully's arms for a while. Finally Scully
took a deep breath.

"Well Mulder, we should call my Mom." How many times
had she said that over the course of the day?

He looked confused for a minute.

She tried to give him a comforting smile, "We're
going to need somebody to watch Will while we go
to Martha's Vineyard, right?"

He gave her a hug, realizing how much she didn't
want to go, but was doing it all for him.

"I promise you, Scully, nothing is going to come
between us, even if that nothing is Samantha."

"But you deserve closure, the truth about her."

"It's not worth losing you and Will. That was so
long ago. I've finally come to terms with losing
her, I don't know if I could go through with the
pain that might come from finding her. You're my
life now, Scully."

She went over and sat in his lap, her arms around
his neck, and looked in his eyes with tears in hers.
She knew how much he was giving up, all of it for
her and Will. Finding Samantha had been his whole
life, and to give that up for her was like he was
giving her more than the earth and the heavens. It
was the best thing he could give her.

He continued, "The only reason I am going up there
is to put a stop to these calls, not to find my
sister." He knew the sacrifice he was making, but
it was worth it. He wanted a normal life, well, as
normal of a life as you could get with having been
part in a government conspiracy. He wanted to spend
it with Scully.

She uncurled herself from his loving embrace and
went to call her Mom.

Charlie picked up on the second ring.

"Hey Charlie." They exchanged hellos, and then
Scully asked, "Is Mom there?"

"Um, yeah hold on." Charlie left the phone and
was replaced by his mother a few minutes later.

"Dana, I'm surprised you called, we were
expecting you in a few hours." Mrs. Scully
sounded pleased anyway.

Scully hesitated a few seconds, "Mom, we're
not going to able to make it tonight." She
paused. "At least not Mulder and I."

"Honey what do you mean?" Scully's Mom sounded
concerned. "Has something happened?"

"Something's come up." She glanced over at
Mulder still sitting on the couch. He was now
holding Will. "Mulder and I have to go out of
town for a while, and we were wondering if,,, "
she swallowed hard. She didn't want to leave
Will as much as Mulder did, but they had no
other choice "If you could watch Will for us
while we're gone."

Mulder came up beside her and put a comforting
arm around her. He knew how hard it was for her
to leave Will, he felt the same way.

"Well, sure honey," Mrs. Scully was still
confused, "you know we'd love to have him."

"Thanks Mom." Scully leaned in to Mulder's
embrace.

"Just promise me you'll be careful." The
mother's instinct in Mrs. Scully kicked in.

Mulder motioned for Scully to hand him the phone.

"Mrs. Scully?" Mulder handed Will over to Scully.

"Fox?" Maggie was surprised.

"Yeah, um, I just wanted to tell you that nothing
bad will happen to Dana." He paused and glanced
at Scully adding, "I promise."

"I know you do Fox." Mrs. Scully smiled, "Knowing
that you'll be with her makes me feel better."
They finished the conversation, with Mulder
saying that they would be by in a little while
to drop Will off.

After hanging up the phone, Mulder put his arms
around Scully and Will. Nothing was going to
happen to either of them while he was around.
They were his everything, his life. He reached
down and planted a soft kiss on Will's little
head, and then repeated the gesture on Scully.

"Don't worry," he spoke softly, "we'll be back
discussing how to get Langly and Frohike in a
suit in no time."

"Which reminds me......... " Mulder jumped up
and grabbed the phone.

"Lone Gunmen."

"Hey Frohike, it's Mulder."

"Oh, hey man."

"I've got what's going to be some disappointing
news for you."

In the background, Frohike heard Scully laughing.

"Sorry, to tell you, buddy, but Scully and I
are getting married."

"What?!? She chose you over me!?! What... "
At this point Mulder was holding the phone
away from his ear so he missed the next few
words, which probably was a good thing. In a
few moments Langly and Byers had wrestled the
phone away from him.

On the other end Langly was out of breath asking,
"What the heck did you say to him??"

"That Scully and I are getting married. And he
didn't even hear the rest. Actually, to save
my own hearing, I should probably give this next
piece next information to Byers first and let
him relay it to you."

By this point Frohike had calmed down enough to
have told Byers, so when Byers picked up the phone
the first words out of his mouth were, "It's about
time!"

"Actually, there's more. We want you three to be
our ushers."

"Of course we will!" He sounded absolutely
ecstatic about the prospect of getting to wear
a tux.

"Great, that's what I was hoping for. Tell the
other two that they don't get a choice, you
already accepted for them."

"Now I see why you wanted to tell me." Then
under his breath he added, "Good idea."

Mulder gave him instructions of what to do while
they were gone they ended the conversation with
Byers saying, "And don't worry, I'll get them
into tuxes." You could hear the protests already
forming in the background. Mulder laughed as
they hung up and turned to Scully.

"I have to report to you that little Melvin is
a little upset with our engagement," Mulder said
with a grin.

Scully just laughed.

"Well, hopefully he isn't too devastated." She
laughed at the thought, "I don't want to add to
our list of midnight phone calls."

Mulder grinned, "Oh I'm sure he'll get over it,"
he wrapped his arms around her again, whispering
in her ear, "Especially when he finds out that
he's finally getting my video collection."

Scully glanced up at Mulder skeptically.

"I know I won't be needing it anymore." he
grinned playfully adding, "Of course, I'll have
to go over all of them again just to make sure
that there's nothing important on any of them."

"Like alien autopsies?" Scully smirked.

"Like alien autopsies." Mulder repeated, a blank
look on his face.

"Riiight." Scully nodded.

"No, seriously Scully," Mulder put on his best
*really* face and continued, "I accidentally
forgot to label the tape before I lost it." He
paused before adding, "And I don't intend to
just throw away my $29.95 that easily."

Scully just rolled her eyes. "Well, we should
go get Will ready to go over to my Mom's."

"Yeah," Mulder was serious, "the sooner we leave
the better."

Scully went to go get Will, when Mulder's voice
stopped her.

"Oh and Scully?" She turned around. "What I
said about not needing my tapes anymore?" He
grinned slyly. "I wasn't kidding."

She laughed, causing Will, who was now in her
arms, to laugh, too.

As she was gathering up his things, she came
across the doll that had been Samantha's when
she was young. She just stared at it for a
minute, thinking about her new life. Finally,
instead of packing it with Will's things, she
decided to take it with her. Maybe it had some
connection to the whole thing.

She suddenly stopped, trying to think back.
She didn't know what she was trying to remember,
but she knew it was something important. After
a while she realized it was. As a child, Samantha's
favorite song had been London Bridges.

*Oh my gosh. This isn't happening.* She was
trying to think of who the caller might have
been, but now she knew it had to be someone
who was close to Samantha. Someone who knew
Mulder would remember that London Bridges was
Samantha's favorite lullaby. It was a good
thing Mulder had been talking to Danny at the
time. She also realized she almost told him
about the music, but something stopped her. Her
own repressed memory had kept her from mentioning
it.

Now all she had to do was decide to tell Mulder
about the song.

She quickly finished packing the rest of Will's
things, and went to see how Mulder was coming
along.

He was sitting on the couch trying to put on
Will's little shoes.

"C'mon little man," Mulder laughed as Will
kicked, avoiding the annoying shoe his daddy
was trying desperately to put on. "Work with
me here."

He glanced up at Scully as she walked into the
room. Whispering to Will, he said, "You're
making me look bad here." He grinned.

Biting his tongue and sticking in out with a
determined look on his face, Mulder finally
threw his arms into the air.

"Ta-da!" He bowed very proud of himself.

Scully laughed and gave him a round of applause.
"I'm impressed Mulder."

He beamed picking his son up and planted a
kiss on his cheek, whispering loud enough for
Scully to hear, "thanks for not embarrassing me
buddy." He grinned at her again.

"Mulder I-" She was about to tell him about the
music she had heard over the phone, but something
stopped her. She looked at his face. He seemed so
happy. She didn't want to worry him further.

"What?" Mulder stopped talking 'baby-talk' to
Will, who seemed quite amused by this, and
looked up. "Scully what is it?"

"I, um, packed everything that Will's going to
need until we get back." She said changing her
mind about telling him about the lullaby. She
smiled hoping that he wouldn't pick up on her
hesitation.

Part 4

See part 1 for header information.

Luckily, Mulder was too busy getting back into
his 'conversation' with Will to notice.

He looked up again, "You didn't forget his
blanky did you?" Mulder said referring to the
blanket that Will had become quite attached to
over the short time that he had been around.

"Would I forget something so important as that?"
Scully mocked astonishment as she took Will
from Mulder's arms.

"Of course not Scully," Mulder grinned taking
the baby bag from her, "You remember everything."

She rolled her eyes, glad that she chose not
to mention the music. At least not yet...

When they got to the car, Scully put Will in
his car seat while Mulder put the bags in the
back. Noting that Scully's bag was partially
unzipped he reached to zip it up all the way.
Then he saw the doll.

*Why is she bringing it with her?* He didn't
know whether or not to ask her about it. May be
it was just because they were going to the house
where Samantha had grown up, that it may make
her feel closer to his sister, whom she'd never
known, but heard so much about. He didn't know
what it was, but seeing it made it much harder
to give his sister up. *I've got my own family
now, I can't dwell on the past, she's gone,* he
scolded himself. He went up and got in the
driver's seat.

"Everybody ready?" he asked, looking back at
Will then over at Scully. She nodded as he
pulled out onto the road.

On the drive to Mrs. Scully's house they were
unusually quiet, both had their minds on Samantha.
Scully knew she had to tell him about the music,
she just didn't know when, if she didn't say it
at the right time, he might just break. She knew
he was close. The truth was, the phone calls had
started to worry him more than they did her after
the trace back to his childhood home. She knew it
was killing him to give up on Samantha after all
of it. He finally had closure, but the wounds
hadn't completely healed. Now they were being
opened again and she didn't know if he could
handle it. With everything that had been going
on, he was emotionally unstable. She knew this
not only as a doctor, but as his fiancee. She
believe him when he told her that he wouldn't
let anything come between, even Samantha. She
knew he would try his best to keep his promise to
her, but she didn't know if it was possible. She
just had to have faith, she told herself. Faith
in Mulder, in their relationship, and in
everything they'd been through. She knew that
they would get through it all, they always did,
but she didn't know if they would get through
it before he got hurt again.

When they finally arrived at Mrs. Scully's house,
they hadn't said two words since they had left
home. Finally, as they were walking up the
sidewalk, Mulder asked her, "Are you sure you
want to do this Scully? There is so much at
stake, but none of it is worth that much. Not
so much that I would risk losing you and Will."

She smiled at his thoughtfulness as she
answered, "Yes, Mulder, I do."

Hand in hand, with Will in Scully's arm
and bag's in Mulder's, they rang the doorbell.

"Mulder there's something-" Scully was cut
off as Maggie Scully opened the door. They
were greeted with hugs and hellos, as she
motioned for them to come in.

Mulder glanced at Scully. "What is it?"

"Nothing", she smiled wanly "I'll tell you
later."

He gave her a smile telling her that he
understood, and hugged Mrs. Scully back.

"I think we got everything." Mulder started
untangling himself from the various bags
stuff full of the necessities one needs
when caring for a baby. "Be prepared." he
laughed, "We're movin' in!"

At this point, Charlie walked in munching
on a freshly baked brownie. "Here," he
popped the last remnants of the chocolate
dessert in his mouth and wiped off his
hands, "let me get that."

Grateful for the offer, Mulder handed Charlie
a few bags.

"You weren't kidding about moving in!" Charlie
huffed. "What'd you do, pack his entire room?"

"Close," Scully glanced at Mulder, who was
trying to keep the diaper bag from spilling
its contents into a messy pile on the floor.
She turned to her mom, "Thanks for doing
this mom." She paused lowering her gaze,
"I'm not sure how long we're going to be
gone."

"You know we always love to have him." Maggie
smiled at her daughter gently lifting her
chin to look her in the eyes. "Honey, you
promise me you'll be careful... that you'll
be home soon?"

Scully nodded, and Mulder once again assured
Mrs. Scully that nothing bad was going to
happen while they were gone.

Making sure her family had both their cell
phone numbers, Scully and Mulder went to tell
their son goodbye one last time before they
were off.

Scully held Will in her arms, softly kissing
his tiny head. She wanted more than ever to
take him with them, but she knew that it wasn't
an option.

Mulder put his arm around her, giving her a
reassuring squeeze. "It's going to be ok, I
promise."

"I know Mulder, it's just... hard."

Mulder bent down giving his son a quick kiss.
"You be good now. Don't give your grandma and
uncles a bad time." Mrs. Scully and Charlie
laughed.

They stood there a few more seconds trying to
convince themselves that it was just a little
trip to stop these calls. That they would be
back in no time, and *finally* discussing plans
for the wedding.

Looking into Scully's expression, Mulder knew
how she felt. They couldn't kid themselves.
This wasn't just some "little trip". This
could end up effecting their lives more than
they could ever imagine.

"Are you sure you really want to do this?"

Scully nodded barely perceptible. "Yeah, I'm
sure."

"Ok then, let's go. The sooner we leave,
the sooner we get back."

They said their final goodbyes, and with one
last look at Will, headed out the door.

Once outside, Mulder turned to her, "Now what
was it you wanted to tell me Scully?"

She shivered, though she wasn't cold. She
looked at him and said, "I'll tell you in
the car."

He glanced at her oddly. Deciding it was
nothing she shrugged it off.

Once they were in the car, he put the keys
in the ignition and went to start it, but
Scully grabbed his hand.

"What is it?" he asked.

She wouldn't look in his eyes, instead she
looked at their entwined fingers. "It's
about the phone call the other day."

He knew she didn't want to tell him. For
whatever reason, he knew she didn't to tell
him. And he was afraid of what she had to say.
He knew that Scully tone.

"In the background the tune London Bridge was
playing, but is was distorted, almost warning."
She couldn't look at his face, it hurt her too
much to see him in pain.

Mulder looked confused, then, making the
connection, his whole body shook with sobs.

She didn't know how to comfort him. All she
wanted to do was make his hurt go away, but
she didn't know how to do that. It was killing
her inside, to see him like that. Then, for
lack of knowing what to do, she held him in
her arms like a baby. He welcomed her embrace,
clinging to her.

After about ten minutes, he moved away and
turned the key in the ignition. The engine
sprang to life, and he pulled out of the
driveway.

"Say something, Mulder."

Still saying nothing, he drove into town
and stopped in an empty parking lot. Climbing
out of his seat, he moved toward her. She
moved to the side of her seat, so he could
sit down, then she climb in his lap. He put
his arms around her waist, holding her protectively.
He buried his head in her shoulder, crying again. She
put her hands around his neck, holding him close.

Finally, he looked up.

"Talk to me, Mulder."

"What do you want me to say? That now that I
finally found everything I've ever wanted, and
looked beyond the past that I've dwelled on for
twenty-five years, all the work getting over it
has suddenly turned to nothing! Is that what you
want me to say?" His voice was gruff, almost angry.

She pulled away from him, tears in her eyes. All
she was trying to do was help.

"Scully, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean for it to
come out like that."

"Just drive, Mulder."

Quietly, he moved back to his seat and did
as he was told.

"Scully, I'm sorry, please don't be mad at me."
It was the first words either of them had said
since they pulled out of the parking lot and
hour ago.

He didn't need for her to be mad at him. The
silence was killing him.

"I'm not mad at you Mulder, I'm just hurt."

"I never, ever meant to hurt you. I just
didn't know how else to say it."

Tears welled up in his eyes again. He couldn't
drive like that, so he pulled onto the side of
the road. Using his sleeve as tissue, he wiped
his eyes dry and looked over at Scully. He was
surprised to see tears in her eyes too. Once
again he climbed into her seat and resumed the
position he was in earlier, Scully in his lap,
his arms around her waist. He tilted her chin so
she was looking into his eyes.

"You know I would never intentionally do
anything, to hurt you. I'm don't know how
else to say I'm sorry." She could hear the
tears in his voice.

"I understand, Mulder, I was upset too."

"I love you, Scully."

"I love you, too."

With that, she kissed his lips gently.

He looked up into her eyes and smiled gratefully.

Her heart melted, to see him smile like that.
To know that she could make him smile like that
meant so much to her. He went without smiling
for so long after Samantha disappeared, he
hadn't genuinely smiled again until he met her.

"OK, we'd better get going." Sadly she pulled
away from his protective grip and let him get
up.

He tried to start the car, but the engine
wouldn't turn over.

"What now?" Mulder stared at the hood, trying
to will it to start again. Unfortunately it
didn't work.

Scully laughed at the frustrated look on his
face. "Open the hood Mulder," she said as she
got out of the car.

Looking baffled, he did as she had said and got out,
too. "Scully, I have a confession, I know nothing about
cars. At all."

She laughed as she replied, "Yes, Mulder, I know."

She stared at the engine intently, then looked up at his
confused expression. "Just because you don't know anything
about cars doesn't mean I don't. I had two brothers, remember?
I had more fun with them than I did playing house with Missy."

Looking sheepish, Mulder replied, "So, what's wrong with it?"

"Well, it looks like the fuel injector is plugged up. I have a feeling
that we're going to be here for a while."

Looking confused, Mulder commented, "OK, the most I know
about cars is that when you turn the key, it starts, well, in most
cases. What does whatever you just said mean?"

"It's just that most likely we'll have to order a new one. And
considering the we are in the middle of nowhere Pennsylvania it
might take a while."

"I knew we should have flown!"

"Hey, you were the one that decided it would be nice for us to
drive so we could have the time alone!"

"Yeah, well, it is nice for us to spend the time alone together. I guess
I should probably call a garage and get a tow truck out here."

"Ok, I'll try to figure out where we are and find us a hotel. Now I wish
I hadn't had my eyes closed, I know how you are with directions. No
telling where we are." Laughing, he put through his call to roadside
assistance.

"Ok," Scully started, shutting her cell phone, "Ok, we are in Lebanon,
Pennsylvania and there is a motel right next to the service station you
called. I guesswe'll be staying there for tonight."

"Hummm... Just like old times."

"Well, not exactly like old times, now we are in the same room." He
wagged his eyebrows at her as he kissed her lips playfully.

Scully laughed, causing their lips to part. "And this time it's not because
of a flying cow."

It was Mulder's turn to laugh. It felt good to laugh after all the tears he
had shed over the past few hours.

Scully was glad that Mulder seemed to be in a better mood, although she
knew that things would only be getting worse once they finally got to
his old house. That is *if* they ever got there.

Taking Mulder's hand, she sat down on the hood of the car, pulling him
down with her. She shivered in the cold of the night's air.

Mulder noticed Scully was shivering and pulled her into his lap wrapping
his arms protectively around her, just as he had twice already since
they had left her mom's house.

"You know the rational thing to do here," Mulder teased, "Would be to get
back into the car until the tow truck gets here."

"Since when are you the one to suggest a rational explanation?" Scully
laughed.

"It was just a suggestion." He shrugged, "but if you want to stay out here
in this cold night air, who am I to deprive you of your desire?"

Scully rolled her eyes, and laid her head comfortably on his shoulder.
She tried not to think about the events that had unfolded earlier in the
evening. She wanted more that anything for this to be over. Seeing
Mulder like that had ripped into the very depths of her heart. Sighing, she
snuggled closer to Mulder taking in his warmth.

With Scully in his arms Mulder lay back onto the windshield, hugging her
closer. They lie gazing at the stars, Scully in Mulder's arms, for a long
time.

It was Mulder who broke the silence, "I love you Scully." He pulled her
closer, lowering his chin to the softness of her hair.

She had completely forgiven him for the events earlier, but she could tell
that he still felt badly. She turned, as much as she cold still in his embrace
to face him, "I love you too Mulder."

It was so peaceful, and Scully felt so protected wrapped in Mulder's loving
embrace. She was enjoying it so much that she didn't hear the car when it
pulled up.

They were awakened from their trance with the beeping of a horn. Looking
up, they jumped off the hood of the car, and walked up to the
window of the tow truck.

After the formalities, the truck driver said, "The car behind your will take you
to your motel. Right before we came I made a call to our part supplier. Since
you said you were in a hurry, he said he could most likely get anything you
need here by tomorrow, with a few exceptions."

"Thank you very much," Mulder replied, placing his hand on Scully's shoulder
and guiding her to the car.

Once they were in the car Scully said, "You know what? This is our chance to
really be alone before the wedding."

"Very true, Scully. I'm sorry it won't be more romantic. You know my choice in
motels."

"Well, romance is what you make it."

"What are you suggesting Agent Scully?" He looked interested in what she
had to say.

"Well, it was very comfortable on the car there with you a few minutes ago,
maybe we could sleep outside, you know, under the stars."

He looked intrigued. "I would love to, Scully, but what would we sleep in, or
on?"

"Well, ever since we were stranded in the woods in Florida and your
suggestion about keeping warm, haven't we always carried a sleeping bag
in the trunk of the car?"

He laughed. "OK, we'll walk over to the garage when the truck gets there
and sleep out behind the room. But one part of that theory won't work
because we'll be in public."

"Humm... Good point, but oh well, we'll make do." She grabbed his hand
and placed her head on his shoulder, smiling.

Instead of going straight to the motel, they followed the tow truck to the
garage. Once making sure that their car would be ready to pick up the
next day, Mulder and Scully went to get the sleeping bag from the trunk.

The mechanic gave them a confused expression.

"She insists that I sleep outside." Mulder had to keep from laughing
when he saw the man's face.

"We changed our minds," Scully said giving the mechanic an apologetic
smile."We're gonna try roughing it for the night."

"Oh," The man, who's name turned out to be Mike, looked relieved. "A
night under the stars huh?"

Mulder and Scully nodded.

"Well, in that case," Mike stuck the wrench he was holding in his back
pocket, "We could just have the car drop you guys off at the campsite.
It's just a few miles from the motel."

Scully looked at Mulder remembering their knack of finding bad things
in the forest.

"This time's different" Mulder grinned. "No mothmen or little green bugs."

"Yet". Scully rolled her eyes and grinned, "At least this time, we won't
have to wait for it to rain sleeping bags."

"Sure why not?" Mulder grabbed the sleeping bag and Scully's hand and
walked toward the car.

After thanking Mike and making arrangements for a car to be sent the
next afternoon, Mulder and Scully left for the campsite.

Mulder thanked the driver and, sleeping bag in hand, put his arm around
Scully's waist.

"Well Agent Scully, I suggest we find somewhere to set up camp." Mulder
grinned, leaning down to give her a kiss.

Scully smiled, "It shouldn't be to hard to find, now that we're actually
camping out her on purpose."

"And in an actual designated campsite." He laughed.

Placing his hand on it's place at the small of her back, he led her to a
clearing surrounded by trees that was right next to a small stream.

"How's this?" He laid down the sleeping bag in the center.

"Mulder, it's beautiful." Glancing at the sky Scully sighed. Finally things
seemed to be going their way.

Mulder opened the sleeping bag and laid down. Grinning, he offered
Scully a hand.

She settled down next to him and cuddled close. It was amazing how
perfectly they fit, Scully spooned up in Mulder's arms.

They laid there for a good ten minutes saying nothing. Just enjoying the
view, and each other's embrace.

Finally it was Mulder who broke the silence.

"Jeremiah was a bullfrog."

Scully burst out laughing.

Mulder ignored her and continued, "Was a good friend
of mine."

She was laughing so hard she was crying. She couldn't
believe how sweet Mulder was.

"Never understood a single word he said," Mulder kissed her neck, which
only made Scully laugh harder, "But I helped him drink his wine."

Scully turned over trying to regain her composure. "Mulder, you never cease
to amaze me." With that she took his face in her hands and kissed him.

Slowly pulling away, Mulder said, "I love you, Scully.You know, even though in
the past week I've said that so many times, I still can't get use to saying it.
I mean, I waited so long to say those words like this, so passionately, so full
of love. I just love saying it, and hearing you say it."

"Mulder, I love you too." In the past week she had seen a totally new side of
Mulder, a passionate, loving side, something she'd been waiting to see for
so long. He was such a deep person, though it was something he usually
didn't show. She loved that about him. But now that she thought about it, she
loved everything about him.

She pulled him closer to him, trying to get warm. Slowly, the feel of his hot
breath on her face lulled her off to sleep.

Scully had fallen asleep over an hour ago, and Mulder concentrated on the
rhythmic sound of her breathing. He loved just watching her sleep. She looked
so peaceful, so content, so... Scully. He realized that it was all that he
needed to be content himself. Just to be here with her in his arms.

Suddenly a memory flashed through his mind and he laughed
out loud. *Holmen Hardt*, the weatherman's voice echoed
through his mind.

"I've seen how you two gaze at one another."

He grinned to himself when he remembered his own response,
thinking *I guess I was wrong. I really DO gaze at Scully.*

At the sound of Mulder's laughter, Scully stirred in her sleep and snuggled
closer. Even in the dark Mulder could see the grin on her face. Even in her
sleep Mulder's voice made her smile.

Scully awoke with a start, heart racing and drenched in sweat. She was
breathing hard, and it took her a while to realize that it had just been a dream.
Mulder jumped awake.

"Scully!" Mulder tried to move but was pinned down by the weight of the
sleeping bag. It took him a while to realize where he was. He struggled to get
his bearings.

The sound of his voice calmed her nerves, but Scully was still shaking.

Fully awake, Mulder took her in his arms, "Shhh, Scully it's ok. It was just a
dream. I'm here."

*She hadn't said anything... had she?* At least Scully didn't remember
saying anything.

Mulder answered her question, "You were crying out in your sleep." He held
her closer and caressed her face. Scully closed her eyes, letting herself fall
back into Mulder's embrace. The dream had seemed so real. What
little she could remember about it quickly vanished at the sound of Mulder's
voice.

"Scully?"

"Yeah?" He still had his arms protectively around her, tucking the sleeping
bag closer.

"You ok now?" He mumbled into the top of her head.

She looked up smiling. "I am now."

Kissing her softly, he grinned. "You want me to sing you
another lullaby?"

She laughed, "That's ok Mulder, I think one a night is enough
for me." Mulder laughed, and after a few more moments of
stargazing, they both drifted back to sleep.

The next thing Mulder remembered was being woken up
by Scully's sweet kisses all over his neck. *What a way to wake up,*
he thought.

Still acting like he was asleep, he laid there, so she wouldn't stop. Then
after about a minute, he tilted her chin up and kissed her lips. Surprisingly,
she let out a soft giggle.

"What's so funny?" Mulder asked, faking a hurt look.

"It's just the night we were in Florida, I thought about being able to do this.
It's like some type of dej vu, only it was something I thought of consciously."
She giggled again. "You know, back then I never would have thought that it
would have ever actually happen. I mean, I hoped that it would, but I never
thought that anything romantic would ever happen between us. We are both so
stubborn that I thought that we would admit that we loved the other one, not in this
way. But then again I never thought that it was possible that I could have a child,
and we got Will. Two amazing miracles that I never thought could or would ever
happen."

"I've always loved you, Scully. Not necessarily romantically as we are now, no
that wasn't until I brought you the flowers that I took from the guy with the broken
leg, but as my best friend. Every since the night you had the mosquito bites on
your back and you came to my motel room. The night that I first told you about
Samantha. I realized you were my first real best friend. That night I just felt so
close to you, I knew there was something special about our relationship, maybe
it was because you had the courage to come into my hotel room almost naked on
our first assignment together." He chuckled at the memory and she playfully slapped
his hand in the sleeping bag, then grabbed it, and held it against her stomach.

"You know what Mulder, to be honest, I thought you were a total nutcase until a couple
of years ago. I mean, beyond help psychotic. The first time I thought about you as in a
lover was when the Gunmen and I pulled you off that ship in the Pacific and you were
lying in your hospital bed, and you told me you loved me. Don't get me wrong, I've
always found you very, very attractive, and at times downright sexy, but I thought it was
just a crush based on looks. Now I realized that you've been my first real best friend,
too. And I've heard friends make the best lovers." She smiled and kissed him again.

"I agree." Suddenly, his stomach grumbled. "You know what? I'm hungry. Why don't
we get up and go take showers and change, then go get some breakfast."

Sighing, Scully got up and picked up their bags off the ground. They walked up to
the campground information desk, and asked for directions to the bath houses.

A very country voice, too country for Pennsylvania, answered, "They're up on top of
that there hill," he said, indicating a large building on the other side of the camp
ground. "I warn you, there won't be very much hot water, probably just about enough
for one shower. Even with ya'll being the only customers in the place for the past few
days. The water heater is almost shot and we haven't replaced it, basically
because the place will pro'aly be going belly-up in a few weeks if we don't get more
customers."

"Thank you, sir," Scully said politely as she and Mulder left.

"Did you hear what he said Scully?" Mulder looked pleased at the thought of not
enough hot water.

"Yes, Mulder I did," she replied exasperated. "He said there was only enough hot
water for one shower."

"And that we are the only one's in the whole place."

She started to see his point. "Are you suggesting what I think you are?" She looked
pleased at his idea.

"Yes, I am. I don't see why one shower should be a problem, do you?"

"No, actually, I think it would be better than two." Smiling, she took his hand and
they made the long trek up the hill.

The bathhouse was surprisingly clean as far as campground bathhouses go. It
reminded Scully of the time they had had to be "cleansed" of all "possible toxins"
after Diana Fowley and her herd of quarantine troops had busted down Mulder's
doordand taken Cassandra Spender. She shuddered at the thought.

Mulder seemed to read her mind. "At least this time we won't have to wear those
fashionable way-too-short-and-uncomfortable-government-issue-clothes
afterward." He grinned, and wagging his eyebrows, motioned for her to step in.

"Welcome to my humble abode. A place where all your dreams come true."

Scully laughed, "I don't know," she teased, "I have some pretty amazing dreams."

Mulder laughed, "Well, I'll try to do my best. Although I do have to warn you, I
sometimes tend to sing in the shower."

Scully faked a horrified gasp, "You Mulder? I never would have guessed."

Part 5

See part 1 for header information.

"I know, who would of thought?" He said matter-of-factly turning on the hot water.
Scully laughed again kissing him softly."Hmmm, must be an X-file."

The warm water on her back felt wonderful. Scully rubbed her neck, sore from a
night of sleeping on 'nature's mattress'.

Noticing her gesture, Mulder moved closer and began gently massaging Scully's
back. She groaned in pleasure as he worked over her soar muscles. The
methodic padding

of the warm water made it even better.

Mulder grinned. "I think she likes."

Scully sighed closing her eyes. "Like? Mulder you are amazing, you know how
much I love your massages."

He stopped for a second to pour some shampoo into his hand then continued. He
massaged her scalp, greatly enjoying every minute of it. Scully was so relaxed she
could have easily fallen asleep right then and there.

"This is the life." She sighed again turning towards him.

"Come on Mulder, turn around."

He looked confused for a second then laughed as she said, "You slept on the same
bumpy ground as I did, I'm sure your back would thank me." She grinned adding with
a sly smile, "You didn't really think I'd let you get away with all the fun now did you?"

Giving in, he turned for his turn to be massaged. The feel of Scully's small fingers
working it's way of magic on his sore muscles made him groan too.

"See Mulder, I told you."

He sighed, "Ahhh... Scully?"

"Yeah?" She started in on the shampoo, having to stand on her tiptoes to reach the
top of his head.

"I think I'm feeling a song coming on." He grinned turning his head to see her
expression.

She laughed, pulling his face closer to hers just inches from her lips. "Well then, I
guess I'll just have to put an end to that now won't I?" With that she
lessened the space in between them with a soft kiss, making it
impossible for the oncoming song to escape.

An hour, and no more hot water, later Mulder and Scully
walked hand in hand into the nearest restaurant that
they could find. It was a cute little bed and breakfast
just off the campground simply called Granny's Home
Cookin'.

An elderly women, that reminded Scully of her grandma,
greeted them at the door with a friendly smile.

"Welcome to Granny's," she led the way to a small table
in the corner. They sat down and she handed them menus,
"The only place you can get real home cooked food within
100 miles."

Mulder grinned, "Sounds good to me."

"My name is Dorothy," She smiled warmly folding her hands.
"If there's anything else you need don't hesitate to ask."

They thanked Dorothy before she hustled back to kitchen.

"Oh, my, everything looks so good, I don't know what to
order." Scully was staring at the menu intently.

From behind her she heard Dorothy's voice shout from
the kitchen, "I recommend the biscuits and gravy,
they're the cook's specialty."

Laughing, she said to Mulder, "I think I've decided then."

Mulder was still debating when Dorothy reappeared.

"What will 'ya have, sweetie?" she asked, directing her
question at Scully.

"The biscuits and gravy with milk, please," was her reply,
handing back the menu.

"And what for the husband?" she asked, turning to Mulder.

He blushed and replied, "I'll have the same, please."

As she returned to the kitchen Scully said to Mulder,
"See, I bet people have thought we were married for years,
and just never said anything."

"Yeah," he said, with a half sigh.

Scully laughed, "Don't look so disappointed."

"I'm not disappointed that people think we're married
Scully," Mulder picked up his fork and started playing
with it, "It's just that all that time everyone else
thought that we were married, we never got to have any
of the fun that comes with it." He pretended to be sad,
sighing forlornly.

Scully laughed again, "Well Mulder, you don't have to
worry about that now. And in a few weeks we won't have
to worry about people *thinking* we're married," She
smiled placing her hand on his.

"Cause we will be." He finished her sentence grinning.

"How can I be so lucky?" Mulder gave her hand a squeeze.

"Mulder, you're not the only lucky one." Scully looked
into his eyes.

"I love you Scully". Mulder looked like he was going to
start laughing. "I *love* saying that!"

"You didn't say it."

"Ok, I love *thinking* it!"

Scully laughed out loud. "I love you too Mulder."

They sat there, hand in hand, reading each other's
thoughts. They didn't even notice Dorothy as she
brought out their food.

"Sorry to interrupt ya." Dorothy set down the plates.

Mulder and Scully let go to make room for the food.

"Thanks," Scully smiled.

"Mmmm," Mulder gave Dorothy his trademark grin, "Just
like grandma used to make it."

"You eat up now," Dorothy laughed, giving Mulder's hand
a grandmotherly pat. She turned to speak to both of them,
"I just wanted to tell y'all that you two make a very
cute couple."

Scully blushed, "Thank you very much."

Dorothy smiled again, then hustled back to the kitchen.

Scully grinned, picking up her fork and taking a big
whiff of the plate in front of her. Her mouth watered
as she said, "See Mulder."

"Yeah," Mulder placed his napkin on his lap, "I heard."
He grinned adding in a voice that very much resembled
Dorothy's, "We make a very nice couple."

She laughed taking a bite. "You know Mulder," she
gestured towards him with her fork, "If you ever had
to go undercover as an old lady- "

Scully was interrupted by the sound of Mulder choking
on a mouthful of biscuits and gravy.

"What!?" He managed to squeak out without flinging
the contents of his mouth over the table and into
her lap.

He was pounding on his chest coughing, still trying
to recover her first statement, as Scully let out an
amused snort. "I was just going to say that you had
the voice down pat."

Mulder, recovered from his traumatic experience of
flashes of him in an "old lady suit", deadpanned, "I
really don't think that there are many old lady's out
there with the name 'Mulder'."

"Well," Scully laughed, "I doubt that there are many
old lady's with the name 'Fox' either."

"Well," Mulder grinned, deciding to play along, "For
the sake of argument."

"Of course," Scully cut in.

He ignored her and continued, "Seeing as how we are
under cover, my name would have to be something like,"
He thought for a second before adding, "Muldrina."

It was Scully's turn to choke. "Muldrina huh?"

"Yeah," Mulder put another forkful into his mouth
chewing away quietly, "Has a nice ring to it don't
you think... Muldriiinaaa"

Scully just rolled her eyes, "I'm sorry I brought it
up."

They finished their meal in comfortable silence.

Every so often Scully would glance up and just shake
her head silently chuckling to herself. Mulder would
then give her an innocent look pretending that he had
absolutely no idea what she was so amused about.

Finally they were done eating and went up to pay.

"It's on the house." Dorothy smiled, "We don't get many
folks around here, especially those on their honeymoon."

Mulder and Scully exchanged confused glances.

Seeing their expressions, Dorothy blushed, "The first
time I saw you two I figured that you must have been
married for years, the way you seem to be able to talk
without actually using words. But then after seeing the
way you two act around each other, I just assumed... "

"It's ok," Scully smiled.

"Happens all the time." Mulder grinned putting his
arm around Scully's waist.

"Well," Dorothy fluttered her hand in front of her,
"Y'all er sure to keep confusing us more, I'm sure."
She smiled at Scully and Mulder. "I wish you both the
best."

"Thank you." They said in unison.

Mulder began to hand her the check.

"Oh no," Dorothy shook her head, "Like I said, it's
on the house. I may be old, but I still know true love
when I see it." She glanced at Mulder's arm protectively
around Scully's waist. "And seeing the love you two have
for one another has brought joy to this old heart once
again." She paused sighing, "You don't see that much
anymore these days. Y'all deserve it. No no no- " She
waved away Mulder's hand as he once again tried to pay.
"You have a nice day now ya hear?" With that she grinned
and turned to go back to the kitchen.

Mulder sighed defeated.

Scully joined him. "Well, so much for that!" She turned
toward the door.

"Not quite," Mulder gave her a sly grin as he took the
check and tucked it safely into the pocket of Dorothy's
apron, which she had left near the cash register. "Ok, now
we can go."

They turned and walked put of the diner.

"That was really sweet of her," Scully said smiling at
Mulder.

"Yes, it was." He smiled at her, pulling his grip around
her tighter.

"What do we do now?" she asked, looking around.

"Well, they said they'd have the car delivered to our
campground, and I figure it will be a while before they
get it there. We really don't have anything to do, we
have no car, no other clothes, other that the one's that
we've been wearing all night, and no idea where we are."
He glanced at her expression. She was trying to figure out
what they could do.

Finally she had an idea.

"Well, we could always go and get a motel room, even
though we won't be there tonight. We could, um, spend
the afternoon it." She glanced at him slyly.

He grinned at her cleverness.

"What do you say?" She really didn't have to ask, but
she did anyway.

As an answer, he took her hand in his, his other arm
still around her back and led her toward the motel.

"And for how many days will y'all be stayin' with us?"
The lady behind the front desk drawled, looking up from
the novel she had been reading.

Scully glanced at Mulder.

He grinned, "Just for tonight."

The lady (whose nameplate read, "Lola") typed the
information into the computer,

"Enjoy your stay." Her tone expressed her boredom with
her job, as she handed them the key.

"Thank you." Scully said politely, as Mulder picked up
the key.

"Will you need any help with your luggage?" Lola glanced
around, giving them a confused expression at their lack
of suitcases or duffle bags.

"Um, no that won't be necessary," Mulder flashed a smile
and turned toward the lobby, steering Scully away with
his hand at the small of her back.

Lola shrugged and returned to her book.

Mulder unlocked the door and stepped back for Scully
to enter.

It was a quaint little room with only one king-size bed
taking up most of the room. The sunlight shone through
the window, making the burgundy and forest green
curtains seem brighter.

Mulder stepped into the room shutting the door behind
him.

"So Scully," He came up behind her wrapping his arms
around her waist "We've got the entire afternoon," Mulder
grinned, and kissed the back of her neck whispering into
her ear, "Just what are we going to do to pass the time?"

"Humm... I'm sure, *kiss* we can find *kiss kiss*
something, *kiss* don't you think?"

"Yeah, I don't *kiss* think that will *kiss kiss* be
a problem."

Suddenly Mulder's cell phone rang.

"Leave *kiss* it."

"But it *kiss kiss* might be your mom."

Sighing, she pulled away. He had a point. It could be
something about Will.

"Hello?"

"Mr. Mulder." It wasn't a question.

"Who is this?" He knew the voice sounded familiar, but
he didn't know from where.

"That is of no importance. I have some information
that would prove to be very valuable to you."

Scully was tugging on his sleeve, not very happy about
getting interrupted.

"What kind of information?" *Is it a trap?* he asked
himself.

"Information about your sister."

Suddenly, the man had his whole attention. "What
about her?"

"Just beware, Mr. Mulder. Beware of the trap you are
walking straight into."

The line went dead.

"What's the matter? Who was that?" She was concerned
at the look of pain on his face.

He shook it off, he didn't need to worry Scully.
"Nothing, just a prank call."

She sighed heavily. "OK, so where were we?"

He kissed her passionately. "I think we were about
here."

"I think so too." Her voice was deep and passionate.

Then it hit him. The man on the phone sounded like
"X"! *But "X" is dead,* he thought to himself.

He turned back to Scully, giving her his full
attention.

2 hours later...

*knock knock knock*

Scully groaned and snuggled closer to Mulder, head
on his chest and arms wrapped lovingly around his
waist.

"Just ignore them, maybe they'll go away." She
yawned pulling the covers closer.

Mulder grinned, tightening his grip around her.
"As much as I'd love to, we should probably get
that."

"Why?" Still groggy from trying to wake up, Scully
was not quite comprehending what he was saying.

"Because if we don't call your mom soon to tell her
that we made it to Martha's Vineyard, she'll not
only send Skinner and the FBI," He shuttered as he
finished his sentence, "But Bill too."

Scully laughed, now fully awake, "Well, we can't
have that now can we?"

Planting a quick kiss on the top of her head, Mulder
got up to answer the door...

He threw on a pair of pants and walked to the door.
Looking through it peep hole, Mulder saw a young
black man he didn't recognize. He stood there for
a minute, think about the phone call he had received
earlier in the day. *No, there couldn't be a
connection.*

Then he noticed the manila envelope in his hand.
Maybe there was a connection.

Cautiously, he opened the door.

"Mr. Mulder?"

"Yes?"

"Hello, we spoke earlier." There was a pause and
I confused look from Mulder.

*How did he know where Scully and I were?!?* he
asked himself.

Noting the look of confusion, he went on, "About
bringing your car here instead of the campground?"

Suddenly it made sense. It was the man from the
service station.

"Oh, of course." He had forgotten that he had
called when he and Scully checked into the hotel
and asked for them to bring the car there after
all.

"I need you to sign here," he said, indicating
the paper he had pulled out of the envelope.

Mulder signed, and shut the door. Slipping off his
jeans, he got back into bed. Scully shivered because
of the cold air that hit her body as he pulled back
the covers. He pulled her close, cradling her small,
delicate body. Slowly, they both drifted back to
sleep.

Mulder blinked, trying to ward off the sleep in his
eyes. Yawning he glanced at Scully and, seeing that
she was still asleep, glanced at the clock, 1:26.
The small red light in the corner indicated that it
was still the afternoon. Luckily for them, they hadn't
slept away the *entire* day.

Mulder grinned. *And what a day it's been.*

He focused his attention back on Scully as she slept
peacefully. Mulder was glad that she had finally been
able to get some sleep. It was something that seemed
impossible for her the past few days, ever since the
dreams had started.

As Scully slept, Mulder's mind drifted - something it
often tended to do when he was lying in bed enjoying
one of his favorite pastimes: Scully watching.

He cherished those moments when she was laying next
to him, sound asleep. Those were the times that he
could just enjoy watching her face and the expressions
it contained with the rise and fall of each breath...
without the interruption of everyday life.

He smiled thinking of Will, and how he was doing at
his grandma's house. He thought of Samantha, and this
whole strange ideal that had come up.

Allowing his mind to drift further, he remembered the
day that he and Scully had met, how he had accused her
of being sent to "spy on him". At this Mulder laughed
out loud, causing Scully to stir in her sleep.

*How far *that* was from the truth?* He grinned again,
adjusting his arm to a more comfortable position around
Scully's waist. She let out a sigh, unconsciously
snuggling closer.

Mulder's mind wondered to the time after his run in with
the Bermuda Triangle when he had told Scully he loved her.
The corners of his mouth curved into a grin, thinking of
her reaction to their first "kiss". He thought of the
presents on Christmas, after their night spent in that
haunted house, and how much fun it was teaching her to
play baseball...just spending time together not doing
something work-related for once.

Suddenly his heart was consumed with pleasure as he
realized that from now on all times spent with Scully
would be like that. Now there wouldn't have to be excuses
like "very early (or very late) birthday presents" or a
convenient holiday to hide behind. They had finally
stopped being so stubborn and given in to the truth. And
he was very glad that they had.

As the 2, 5, and 9 on the clock were replaced with a 3
and two 0's, Mulder decided that they had better get up,
suddenly remembering what they were doing here in the first
place...

After getting dressed, Mulder moved as quietly as he
could to open the door. He had decided to let Scully
sleep for as long as possible, while he went to go
check out and get the car. His hand was in the process
of turning the doorknob as the phone rang.

Hearing the phone ring brought Scully out of her
peaceful slumber. Reaching out with her eyes still
closed, she fumbled to find the receiver.

*That's funny.* She wrinkled her brow. *The phone was
not in it's usual place by the bed.*

Thinking that it must be her cell phone, Scully struggled
to open her eyes. The bright light from the window quickly
halted the process making it impossible for her to see much
of anything.

Quickly Mulder went to her side, noticing her confusion.

"Don't worry," he grabbed the receiver as she began to
regain her eyesight, "I got it." He smiled putting the
phone to his ear. "Hello?"

Finally realizing where she was, Scully yawned glancing
at the clock. She couldn't believe how late it was. No
wonder they were getting phone calls. Everybody was
probably wondering where they were!

"Hello?" Scully noted the look of worry on Mulder's face
as he repeated the question. "Hello? Is anybody there?... "

Dun dun duuuuuun! Have to read part 2 to find out
what happens! And let me tell you, a LOT happens...:P

Decoyly

End

Hopelessly Romantic (Part 2/2)

Summary: An adventure, some angst, humor, lots of
shippyness - too much to summarize! (see part 1)

Title: Hopelessly Romantic (Part 2/2)

Rating: PG-13ish

Spoilers: Um, let's just say everything up through
season 8.

Category: MSR (Warning-shippiness ahead! :P) a
little bit of humor, little bit of angst, some
fluff, a sort-of X-file, familyfic...lets just
say a little bit of everything (just to be on
safe side :-)

Dislcaimer: Not mine, wish they were, anything and
everything XF belongs to CC and 1013, I'm just another
phile fulfilling my shippy dreams...*G*

Author's notes: It took me over a year to write this fic,
but I can say I'm pleased with the results. ;) Please
drop me a line if you have a chance! Happy reading!!

Pattie's Hostess Note: NO ARCHIVE to Gossamer.
I Made the author a promise.

*Click* the line went dead.

Mulder stared blankly at the receiver until the *beep beep
beep* of the dial tone was audible from Scully's place on
the bed.

Getting up, she took it from his hands and gently
placed it back in its place.

"Mulder?" Quietly she placed a hand on his shoulder.

He didn't hear her. His mind was focused on the call
he had received earlier. Could it be possible that X
was still alive?

"Mulder" it was more of a statement that a question.

"Who was on the phone?" She realized how ridiculous the
question was, too late to stop it from escaping her mouth.
She had been right there - had heard the dial tone... had seen
the look on his face.

"Wakeup call?" His attempt at humor failed, giving her a weak
smile.

Scully took his hand in hers, "Mulder," she said it in her 'I-
know-there's-more-going-on-here-than-you're-telling-me' tone
of voice.

He sighed sitting down next to the crumpled sheets. Scully
followed, taking a seat next to him, still hand in hand.

"I guess now's a good a time as any to tell you." She followed
his gaze toward the phone.

"Tell me what?" Scully's face took on a worried expression.

Mulder took a deep breath, "The phone call earlier this
afternoon," he paused and swallowed.

"The prank call?" she urged him to continue.

He didn't say anything for a few seconds.

"It wasn't a prank was it?" *I should have known* Scully
thought to herself. *Since when over the eight years we've
worked on the X-Files has a prank call ever been just that - a
prank? Never.*

"You're not going to believe what I'm gonna tell you." At
this she cracked a smile. "The person on the phone?"
Scully nodded, "I know it sounds crazy, but... it sounded
just like X."

"Mulder, you know and I know X is dead." She rubbed his
back gently, trying to sooth his frazzled nerves. It
appeared to be doing so. "Are you sure?"

"It sounded just like him, but I know it couldn't have
been him." He sighed deeply, trying to figure how all
of this fit together. He continued, "He told me to
beware of the trap I was walking into. He said he had
information about my sister." He looked close to tears.
"It's just, that I know I have to let her go. You and
Will are the most important people in my life now, I
can't dwell on the past."

She wrapped her arms around him sweetly and kissed his
cheek. "Mulder, whatever we find in Martha's Vineyard
won't change what we have, not at all. Our lives may be
altered a little bit, but it could never change the
relationship you and I have."

He closed his eyes and thought for a minute. Finally
he looked up and said, "We had better get going if we
want to be back Friday." With that, he got up, hand
and hand with Scully again, and walked out the door.

The drive to Martha's Vineyard was slightly longer
that either had anticipated. Luckily there wasn't
much traffic, and Scully was enjoying the peacefulness
of the afternoon.

They rode most of the way in comfortable silence,
still hand in hand. Every once in a while, Scully
would lean over and rest her head on his shoulder.
Mulder would grin and put his arm around her, thankful
that she was here with him. He knew that there was no
way that he could have done this without her.

The sun was just beginning to set as Mulder maneuvered
the car into the last turnoff. Splashes of color
exploded near the horizon in a reddish-orange glow
that took his breath away.

Scully noticed the look of awe that lined his face.
Smiling she commented on the gorgeous expanse of sky
in front of them. "It's a lot more alive out here
than it is in the city."

Smiling, he nodded in agreement. "Yeah, you can
actually *see* the sun setting."

Laughing, Scully had to admit that he was right.
The crowded city lined with government buildings
and apartment houses left little room for nature
to be itself.

"You know what Scully?" He shifted his weight to
a more comfortable position behind the wheel.

She raised her eyebrow indicating a "what?"

"If we weren't so busy all the time chasing down
the latest conspiracy or never-before-seen-monster
it might be nice to settle down somewhere like this."
Mulder took his eyes off the road just long enough to
view Scully's reaction. "You know, away from the chaos
of it all."

She nodded, surprised, but pleased at the same time.

They continued to drive a while longer, the silence
like a blanket of warmth engulfing them both. Scully
rested her head on his shoulder once more, concentrating
on the rise and fall of his chest that came with each
breath. Suddenly she felt his body tense, and his pulse
quicken.

"Mulder, what is it?" She sat up, her relaxed demeanor
quickly diminishing. She no longer concentrated on the
sunset in front of them, but on the object Mulder was
looking at.

"I think we're being followed." Mulder glanced in the
rearview mirror to be sure. Scully followed his gaze.
Sure enough, following them, just barely visible was a
sleek black sedan. "It's been following us for the past
two hours" Mulder continued, "ever since we took the
turnoff."

"Who would be following us?" Scully's expression showed
her concern.

"I don't know," Mulder spoke with a worried voice, "but
it looks like we're about to find out."

Before Scully could speak, the sedan that had been
little more than a blur in the distance suddenly
became a very large danger.

"Mulder, look out!"

"What the-" Mulder barely had the words out before
they were violently struck from behind, hurtling them
forward and into the seatbelts. Without thinking,
Mulder's arm flew out in a protective gesture towards
Scully's side of the car.

Recovering from the blow, Mulder gripped the wheel
trying desperately to maneuver the wheel and reclaim
control of the vehicle.

Glancing back, Scully winced as the driver took
another blow.

Swerving to avoid running off the rode, Mulder cursed
under his breath. He glancing over to make sure Scully
was ok. She nodded and he continued to steer.

Then, just as suddenly as it had begun, the black car
sped up and drove off - turning at the next exit.

Mulder pulled to the side of the rode, heart racing.
They sat for a few seconds saying nothing.

"You ok?"

"Yeah," Scully flung a strand of red hair out of her
face, "I think so. You?"

"Think so," Mulder did the routine check. Nope, no
broken bones.

"Who on earth would want to run us off the rode like
that?" Scully adjusted in her seat as Mulder pulled
back onto the road.

"I have no idea." He replied, deciding that the car
must not have taken on too much damage. He made a
note to check when they got there. Before the
conversation could continue, Mulder's cell phone rang.

"Mulder." He glanced at Scully. A questioning look
on her face as he answered.

After a few brief seconds of silence, the man on
the other line spoke.

"Agent Mulder."

Mulder was now fully alert. It was the same man who
had contacted him earlier.

"Who is this?" he had to work hard to keep himself
from yelling.

"You've been warned."

<<You've been warned>>

*Warned about what?* Mulder furrowed his brow in
confusion.

"Mulder who was that?" Scully's voice took on a
concerned tone.

"We've just 'been warned'." Mulder turned to face her.

An eyebrow raised in question.

"I don't know." He sighed, "Maybe this is all
just a somebody's idea of a sick joke."

Scully knew this was serious. Mulder wasn't one to
give up that easily, especially when it came to
Samantha - the Truth that he had spent a lifetime
trying to uncover. After all these years, it now
seemed as if it was finally taking its toll on him.
She could see it in his face. The usual determined
look he always held, regardless of what people
thought of him, was slowly deteriorating - being
replaced by a tired sense of defeat. Scully was
determined not to let this happen, Mulder deserved
better than this.

"Mulder," she took his hand in hers, giving it a
reassuring squeeze. "Whether it is or it isn't,
we'll get through this." She smiled in a weak
attempt to boost his spirits, "We always do."

He couldn't help but smile at this. It was true.
Now that he thought about it, over the eight
years they'd been together, there was never a time
they didn't get through whatever it was life had
thrown at them. This was pretty amazing, considering
everything they'd been through.

Scully grinned, seeing the trademark look of sheer
determination, one that had become something she
normally dreaded - signifying yet another crazy
assignment, return to Mulder's face. This time,
however, it was different. She didn't have to look
in the rearview mirror to know that her expression
mirrored his.

Mulder gave her hand a thankful squeeze. &Leave it
to Scully to get me back on track, even if it means
that she could be placing herself in more danger by
doing so.* He grinned.

"Let's go see just exactly *what* it is we're being
warned of."

It was beginning to get dark as Mulder turned into
the driveway of his old home.

The once most up-to-date house his father had on
worked for so many hours, was now aged with time
and neglect. His mother's beautiful flowerbed he
had remembered so vividly, was gone. In it's place
stood a mixture of weeds and leaves that had fallen
from the nearby trees.

Scully could see it in his face, seeing the house
brought back so many memories for him. She placed
her hand on his, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

Mulder smiled, hoping to relay her concern.
Glancing back at the house, he put the car in park.

They sat in silence for a few moments before Scully
finally spoke, "Mulder,"

"I know what you're going to say," His voice was soft
as he lowered his gaze before meeting her eyes and
adding, "But I have to know Scully."

She nodded in agreement, taking his hand once more.
"Mulder... I just don't want you to get your hopes
up."

He smiled indicating that he to was trying not to let
this get the best of him.

"I just can't stand to see you hurt again." Scully
confessed, lowering her gaze.

Mulder could tell that this was getting to Scully
just as much as it was to him. They had been
through so much in just the last year that their
emotions were running on high, threatening to get
the best of both of them. Seeing him like this
was making her hurt as well, and he hated it.

Remembered what she had said earlier when he was
ready to give up, he suddenly overcome with a new
determination. He was not going to let someone do
this. He had promised Scully's mom that he was not
going to let anyone, himself included, hurt her while
they were away (or ever again for that matter) and
he was going to keep that promise.

"Scully," He took her face in his hand, lifting her
gaze to meet his, "We'll get through this," he
smiled, echoing her words. Kissing her gently he added,
"We always do."

Slowly pulling away, Mulder took the keys and got
out. He stood there, just staring at his childhood
home. It was hard to believe this was the same house
he had grown up in. It seemed so different now, so
lifeless and full of gloom. His memories were of good
things, he didn't want to remember the bad, but seeing
his home like this, it brought back the bad too.

Scully came and stood beside him, her arm comfortingly
around his back. Somehow, just her being there with him
made it all better.

They stood there for about five minutes before
Scully asked, "Are we going to go in, Mulder?"

"I guess we better."

They walked up to the door and put the key in the rusty
lock. The door swung open with a creak to reveal a room
full of furniture, all under plastic coverings and dust.

There was one thing out of place though; the phone was
off the hook and lacking dust.

The sight sent a chill down Scully's spine. By the
looks of things, whoever had been here had gone to a
great deal of trouble covering their tracks.

Aside from the off-the-hook phone, the rest of the
house looked exactly as it had the last time he had
been there. Images of his sister running through the
living room as he chased her in a desperate attempt at
retrieving the remote flashed through his mind,
causing a sad smile to cross his face.

Suddenly remembering their reason for coming, Mulder
slowly removed his gun from it place at his hip.
Glancing at Scully he noticed she'd done the same.
Her face held a mixture of caution and concern.

It had gotten considerable darken since they had driven
up, as the sun began to set. Mulder flicked the light
switch up and down a few times.

"No electricity." He said it more to himself than to
Scully.

Scully pulled out her flashlight and ran it over the
length of the room. Nothing else seemed out of place.

Stepping into the room, Mulder ran his flashlight on
the opposite wall, eventually resting the beam on the
phone carelessly hanging off the hook.

As he moved closer, something else caught his eye.

"Scully," the tone of his voice made her turn from her
spot next to the dust-covered family photos.

She turned toward the sound of his voice. Following
the flashlight beam, Scully's breath caught in her
throat.

Before Mulder had a chance to say anything, a quick
movement out of the corner of his eye made him turn-
just in time to hear Scully cry out his name.

Mulder jerked around at the sound of Scully's voice,
fear surging through his body.

"Scully!" He barely had her name out as his
flashlight was knocked to the floor by a sharp
blow to the back of his head.

Before she had a chance to react, her gun was quickly
thrust from her grasp as a heavy object met with her
right shoulder-sending her gasping to the floor. The
force of the impact caused Scully to lose what little
hold she had on the flashlight, sending it careening
across the room; going out as it hit the corner end
table.

In the midst of the confusion, and in total darkness,
Mulder had managed to regain his footing and find his
flashlight. Quicker that, he thought, humanly possible,
Mulder rushed to Scully's side.

Just as he reached her another blow hit with full force,
sending a lightning bolt of pain down his back.
Shielding Scully from the source of the impact and
forcing the thought of pain out of his mind, Mulder
thrust his body back-feeling it connect with another
jaw line.

The intruder seemingly knocked off course for the time being,
suddenly turned and fled in another direction.

Mulder, intently focused on Scully at the moment, barely
saw the assailant flee. He laid down his flashlight,
cradling Scully's head in his lap.

"Scully?" He spoke softly, yet urgently, trying
desperately not to sound as panicked as he felt.

He hadn't seen how hard a blow she had taken, but from
the sound of it he wished he could have gotten there
sooner.

"Scully?" He held his breath. His head cried out for
attention, but he ignored it, pushing it to the back of
his mind.

"Mulder," he sighed, relieved, "I'm ok," she paused
struggling to sit up.

Mulder gently put an arm around her pulling her into
his arms.

"Luckily this - " she turned and pulled out Samantha's
doll from the backpack she had been carrying, "broke my
fall."

Mulder stared in disbelief, "Scully, how?" He trailed
off.

"I don't know Mulder," she was as confused as he.
"I could have sworn I had packed it in Will's diaper
bag, but I must have accidentally put it in this one
instead."

At the truly perplexed look on his face, she couldn't
help but laugh.

"Mulder, I'm fine." To ease his mind, Scully gently
put a hand to his cheek, kissing him softly.

After the shock had worn off, Mulder smiled, relieved.

"Talk about strange coincidences." Scully laughed
nervously.

"Maybe not," he said it mostly to himself.

"What?"

"Nothing," Mulder grabbed Scully's hand and helped
her to her feet, wincing as he stood up.

The gesture did not escape Scully, quickly switching
into "doctor-mode".

"Mulder you're hurt." She reached up to examine his
head and neck.

"Nothing a little Tylenol won't cure," he lied.

"Mulder, I know that face." Scully gave him a stern
look, "You only look like that when you're in, or when
you've eaten too much of Frohike's "juevos rancheros"
again."

"Frohike's cooking will make anyone look like that,"
Mulder defended himself, although he had to admit she
was right.

"Mulder just let me take a look."

He gave in, bending down as he aimed the flashlight
towards the throbbing pain at the back of his head.
Hopefully she wouldn't notice his stiff movement
from the blow he had taken to his back.

*Luckily I got there in time* Mulder thought to himself.
He didn't wasn't to think what a force like that could
have done to Scully's small frame.

"Is it bad doc?"

"You'll live," Scully frowned, "although you may have
a slight concussion. As long as you don't drift off
to sleep any time soon, I think we'll be ok."

"Well, I don't think that'll be a problem." Mulder
grinned as a loud crash of thunder rattled the walls.

*That's funny* Scully thought, *It didn't look like
it was going to rain... *

The loud crash made Mulder snap back into alertness,
pulling his attention away from Scully's tender
examination of the lump beginning to form at the
back of his head.

Shocked by the suddenness of the thunderstorm, Scully
jumped just as Mulder jerked his head around toward
the doorway, as if suspecting someone, or something,
to be standing in its frame. She noticed the surprised
look on his face when he realized there was nothing there.

Searching the surrounding area, Scully eyed her gun
lying on the floor a few feet away. Bending down to
pick it up, she gasped in surprise as she was suddenly
pulled backward and into Mulder's arms.

"Mulder- " she was about to protest as another loud
bang rang out.

This time it was obviously not thunder from the storm
roaring outside. This sound, although very familiar,
sent a different kind of fear throughout Scully's body.

It was gut-wrenching the sound of a gun being fired.

Realizing that neither she nor Mulder had their weapon
in hand, Scully felt a chill run through her spine.

*That could only mean one thing,* Mulder thought.

There was someone else in the house...and by the
sound of it he or she was headed their way...

Quickly, Mulder grabbed Scully's weapon and pulled
her toward the stairway.

Scully shielded her head and ran, with Mulder's
hand guiding her in the right direction.

Three more rounds were fired their way as they
skidded to a halt at the top of the stairs.

"This way," Mulder's voice was urgent. He could
feel his adrenaline kick in, as the beating of
his heart seemed to drown out the sound of gunshots.

Scully let out a gasp as Mulder quickly shut the
bedroom door. Both swiftly made sure the other
was fine before continuing on.

"You ok?" Mulder made sure his weapon was ready in
case who ever was chasing them decided to use them
as target practice again.

"Yeah," Scully glanced at the locked door.
Taking her weapon from Mulder's hand.

"Maybe this wasn't such a good idea after all,"
Mulder cursed under his breath as the sounds coming
from behind the locked door indicated that the gunman
was not giving up that easily. "That's not gonna
hold them for long," he turned grabbing her hand,
"come on, this way."

Scully followed Mulder to the closet door, with a
questioning look on her face, as he opened the door
and began throwing things around.

"Mulder," she doubted that a closet would stop them
either.

Pulling a dust-covered trunk out from behind the
wall of clothes, Mulder revealed a trapdoor.

Scully's eyebrow raised in question.

"It's an old secret passageway used when the house
was first built to help in the under ground railroad."
Mulder grinned, pulling the latch upward. "My sister
and I used to use at as our 'secret clubhouse' when we
were little." He held out his hand as he helped her
down. "It comes out in the shed out back."

Without hesitation, Scully climbed into the dark
opening turning to make sure Mulder was right behind
her. Just as he was replacing the trapdoor to its
original position, the muffled sound of the door being
broken down echoed throughout the pitch-black tunnel.

Silently, they made their way through the tunnel,
careful not to hit their heads along the top. It
was pitch black and full of cobwebs, running into
a new one about every three feet.

After what seemed like ages, Scully ran into a door,
announcing that they had reached their destination.
Carefully, she moved back so Mulder could find the
handle to open the trapdoor.

After a few second, he had the door open. Crawling
out, they stood up and brushed themselves off. Mulder,
more concerned about Scully then himself, noted she
was shaking and asked, "Are you okay?"

She nodded and walked over to give him a hug.

After a minute or so they pulled apart and Mulder
walked to the door. Glancing out, he saw that the
storm had gotten worse. The rain had turned to sleet
and the thunder and lighting had gotten closer.

"What do you think Scully, should we wait for
it to let up, or make a break for the car?"

"What about whoever was in the house? Don't you
want to know who it was?"

He looked around for a minute before meeting
Scully's eyes again. When their eyes did finally
lock, she saw there were tears in his.

"Scully, I have to tell you the truth, when we
came here I was hoping to find my sister. I know
I said I wasn't, but I was. But then as we were
crawling out here I thought of something. I started
remembering all the good memories from when Samantha
and I were little. We would play for hours out here,
crawling back and forth between the house and here,
getting stuff for our 'secret clubhouse' and bringing
it back. I realized that I don't want to find her
because we aren't little kids anymore, she's a grown
woman, things wouldn't be anything like they were
when we were kids. For all I know I may not be able
to stand her now. I want to keep all the good memories
and leave her like that. I want to keep imagining her
as this beautiful woman living in a little white house
with a rose garden and a wonderful husband and three
little kinds running through the house like she always
wanted." he laughed and continued, "She would spend
hours making up the stories about how her life was going
to be when she got older and she'd tell them to me.
I would just smile at her and imagine all these things
she was saying in my head. The cool thing was, they
were all possible. You know how most little kids want
to grow up to be a profession athlete or a rock star
or something like that? Well, not Samantha. All she
ever wanted to be was a good wife and mother. That was
her dream. And I knew it would come true. Now that's
my dream for her. That's how I want to remember her."

By now the tears were flowing freely. Drops of water
were cascading down his face, but they weren't tears
of sadness. He was just so happy that we finally knew
everything he wanted in life. Scully, Will, Samantha,
it was just all perfect.

"Mulder?"

"Huh?"

"Let's go home."

Scully smiled and placed a hand gently on Mulder's
face, wiping away the rest of his tears.

She smiled feeling her own tears slowly descend.
Mulder had finally found what he'd been faithfully,
and at times desperately searching for since he was
a child. Her heart ached as Scully thought of all
the times and all the cases over the years that she
had seen her partner struggle through in vain
attempts to find his sister.

Many nights had been spent with Mulder in her arms,
wishing he could take away his pain. Even after
his mother had died and they had found Samantha's
diary, he had continued to struggle. But now, after
all the tears and disappointment, it was finally
over.

Mulder pulled Scully into a tight embrace, kissing
her gently on the forehead.

"Thank you." His voice was barely audible over
the roar of the thunderstorm outside.

Scully laughed in spite of herself, allowing a few
more seconds of comfort in Mulder's arms before
pulling back to meet his gaze.

"Mulder, I love you."

Ever since he had been returned to her, Scully did
not let a single precious moment to express her
true feelings pass her by.

"You're my best friend...the only person who I can
truly trust...my other half." She paused before
glancing at the ring on her finger,

"Besides, you really didn't think that I'd let you
go along on this case did you?"

Mulder laughed at the mischievous look in her eye.

"I may have the ring," she grinned hoping to lift
his spirits, "but that doesn't mean I'm going to
sit at home like a dutiful wife, knitting socks and
twiddling my thumbs while I nervously sky-rocket our
phone bill worrying about you chasing the latest
government conspiracy."

Mulder deadpanned, deciding to play along, "Well,
in that case maybe I should rethink this whole
marriage thing."

Scully grinned. He was beginning to act like his
normal self again.

In a sudden realization that they had been standing
in the cold shed for quite some time with a violent
thunderstorm raging outside, Scully shivered.

Instinctively, Mulder quickly took off his coat and
placed it over her own, wrapping her in his arms.

"Come on Scully," he searched through sheets of rain
for a few seconds before finally spotting the car
several yards away. "Ready to make a run for it?"

Scully glanced at the downpour and then back at
Mulder, shivering as he tightened his grasp on her.
"Ready as I'll ever be."

"Let's get this over with," Mulder grabbed her hand
and headed for the doorway.

Mulder's hand was within two inches of the doorknob,
when suddenly there was a noise that made both agents
stop dead in their tracks.

"Not so fast Mulder."

Scully cringed at the all to familiar voice of
Alex Krycek.

(Continued in part 2)

Part 2
See part 1 for header information.

Anger and disbelief swept through Mulder's veins.
In an instant he was facing the man last seen lying
in the FBI parking garage with a bullet through his
head. "You- "

Scully quickly placed a hand on Mulder's arm, as
Krycek revealed the weapon hidden beneath his
leather jacket.

With a smirk on his face, Krycek absently waved
the gun towards the two agents.

"You really didn't think I let you get away that
easy now did you?" The question was directed at
both of them, even though Krycek was clearly
speaking to Mulder. He took a few steps closer,
aiming the gun at Mulder's chest.

Scully's heart skipped a beat. Frantically, but
without making Krycek aware of her gesture, she
searched the room for a way out.

"There's just one thing I want to know." Mulder's
voice was suddenly calm. *That's right, just keep
him talking.*

Amused, Krycek seemed to lose his grip on the gun
for a few seconds. "Just one?"

"Yeah," Slowly, Mulder was edging towards his weapon.
Suddenly he realized that it was still in his jacket. And his
jacket was on Scully. Trying not to let his panic show,
Mulder quickly went on. "How is it that you managed to
take a bullet to the head and yet can't find a way to re-grow
that arm of yours?"

*Mulder no,* Scully bit her lip. *Now was definitely
not the time for insults.*

Fortunately Krycek saw otherwise. Laughing, he took
a step closer, letting the weapon hand from his good
hand. "Well, I figured I had more important things
to fix. Besides, I've kinda gotten used to the thing."

Feeling Mulder tense, Scully suddenly realized that
his gun was in his coat... and she was wearing it. Very
slowly, she moved her free hand, now hidden from
Krycek's view by Mulder, into the pocket of his coat.

*That's it Scully, don't let him notice.*

"Anyway," Krycek continued enjoying the looks on their
faces, "You can thank a certain old man we both knew
and loved for my... miraculous recovery."

"The Smoking Man." Scully spoke up for the first time.
"But how?"

Krycek snorted, "I believe he talked you into a going
on a little 'adventure' about a year ago?" This time
he was talking to Scully.

Mulder moved protectively closer.

Krycek continued, "Well, anyway, that little disk
that 'mysteriously disappeared'? Let's just say
found itself a new home."

Both Mulder and Scully couldn't believe their ears.
Slightly caught off guard by this news, Scully lost
her grip on the gun, causing her to move just a tad
bit too much for Krycek's liking.

"Hey!" He quickly lost his 'having fun making them
squirm' face and had the gun poised in an instant.

"NO!" Scully screamed.

It was the last sound heard before the gun went off.

The next few seconds seemed to move in slow motion.
Mulder barely had time to react as the gun went off.

She knew it was coming, but there was nothing she
could do but try her best to avoid the bullet.
Using all the strength she could muster, Scully
thrust herself at Mulder-landing them in a heap on
the floor.

Somewhat surprised, yet greatly relieved, Mulder
landed with a grunt.

Krycek, caught off guard by Scully's cry, had been
thrown of target, depositing a bullet in the wooden
frame of the doorway inches from where the two agents
were now positioned. He hadn't intended on killing
Mulder. *No that would have been too easy.* Krycek
had other plans. He wanted Mulder to suffer for all
the trouble he'd brought him.

"Get up." Krycek moved closer, firearm poised and
a smug smile on his face.

Despite his pounding hear and the fear surging through
his veins, Mulder sounded amazingly calm as he spoke,
"Friendly warning, or are you just a poor shot Krycek?"
Mulder turned to Scully making sure she was ok.

"I always loved that wit of yours Mulder," Krycek
responded sarcastically, forcing the gun's barrel
into Mulder's back as he stood.

Scully winced seeing the expression of pain shoot
through her partner's face as the weapon was shoved
into the already sore spot near his shoulder.

"Yeah well," Mulder tried to eliminate the pain from
his voice, "I do my best."

Scully flashed him a look of concern.

*I'm ok.* Mulder offered a weak smile, biting the inside
of his cheek to keep the pain hidden. It wasn't that
bad, as long as he didn't move. *Great.*

Krycek shoved Mulder and Scully towards the door.
Forcing them outside in the rain, he made sure to keep
them close so they wouldn't escape, not that there was
much chance of that. Mulder's shoulder was hurting him
so bad he could hardly move, and Scully wouldn't leave
Mulder. They made their way back to the house. Once they
were inside Krycek finally spoke.

"Now, let's see, what am I going to do with you two? I
could... "

But they never know what Krycek was going to do, because
a loud noise suddenly came from the back of the house.
Krycek barely had time to look before a figure, dressed
in black, came rushing down the hall, gun in hand. Before
Mulder and Scully could react, the stranger's gun went off,
causing all of them to jump. The next thing they saw was
Krycek in a heap on the floor. It had all happened within
a matter of 15 seconds. The stranger then looked at Mulder
and Scully and dropped his gun. He took off his mask to
reveal that it wasn't a man, but a woman. A tall, beautiful
woman with long chestnut brown hair and big brown eyes.

The two agents didn't move.

The quiet voice broke the silence inside the house. "Hi,
Fox."

The only thing that could be heard for the next five
minutes was the raging storm outside the house.

Mulder finally spoke, barely above a whisper, "Samantha?"

Against a flash of lighting they saw his sister smile.

Mulder couldn't believe his eyes. Could it really be? Was
this actually his sister? With Scully's help, he cautiously
he took a step towards his sister, ignoring the pain in his
shoulder.

"Samantha?" He spoke with tears in his eyes.

"Fox," She moved forward embracing her brother in a careful
hug, adding in a whisper, "I never thought I'd see you again."
Pulling back she wiped the tears from her eyes.

"There's just one thing," Mulder paused trying to swallow
the lump beginning to form at the back of his throat, "Are
you-are you really my sister?" he repeated, still not
quite sure he should be trusting his eyesight.

"Oh Fox," Samantha, slightly taken aback at first,
suddenly burst out laughing, "you haven't changed a bit!"
She hugged him again, turning to address Scully for the
first time, "So you must be the famous Dana Scully."
Samantha held out her hand. Scully continued the gesture,
a confused look on her face.

"But how?" Scully turned to Mulder, seeing the same
confusion.

"I'll explain later," Samantha turned and glanced at
Krycek on the floor, "First let's get outta here."

Scully glanced at Mulder, tightening her grip on his
arm. It was obvious he was in pain; she winced as she
eyed the storm outside.

"Fox, can you walk?" Samantha asked her brother, taking
in the look he gave his partner.

"Well," Mulder glanced at Scully, "I won't be running a
marathon any time soon, but I think I'll live."

"All right then," Samantha tucked her weapon back into
its place and started for the door, "Let's get going!"

Luckily the pain emitting from his shoulder had not affected
Mulder's ability to walk too horribly. With Scully's help, he
was able to move at a fairly good pace.

After Samantha had made sure the coast was clear, the three
of them made a mad dash for the car, becoming completely
drenched along the way.

"Give me the keys!" Samantha had to shout to be heard over
the roar of the storm.

Without saying a word, Mulder quickly pulled out the keys
with he good arm and handed it to his sister. Now was
definitely not the time for an argument.

Quickly, Samantha unlocked the door and jumped in behind
the wheel. Mulder and Scully immediately followed, climbing
into the backseat and slamming the door against the rapidly
increasing sheet of rain.

There was another bright flash of light, followed by a
deafening roar, as Samantha inserted the key into the
ignition. At the sound of the engine, three sighs of
relief were heard.

"Remind me to send a thank-you card to that mechanic who
helped us a few days ago." Mulder muttered near Scully's
ear.

Thinking the same thing, Scully turned to Mulder's shoulder
as Samantha turned onto the highway.

"Mulder, take off your shirt." Scully began taking off his
jacket that she was wearing-in order to maneuver easier.

"Scully..." he had a sly grin on his face as he began to
remove his clothing.

Scully rolled her eyes, moving to help him with his injured
side, "There will be plenty of time for that later, right
now I need to take a look at that shoulder."

With Scully's help, Mulder was able to remove his rain-soaked
t-shirt with only a few minor difficulties-revealing a nasty
bruise already beginning to form at the base of his scapula.

Scully gingerly touched the tender area, "Well, at least
there's no broken bones." She moved to the base of his neck,
carefully making sure he was going to be ok.

After a few more minutes, Scully pulled back, handing him his
shirt, "Not that it will do you much good." She eyes the
soaking piece of clothing and shivered, suddenly realizing
that she too was completely drenched.

"Well, we survived yet another attack from the one-armed-man
Scully," Mulder grinned pulling the blanket they always kept
in the car-just in case-from the floor and wrapping himself
and Scully in it.

Shivering again, Scully snuggled closer, enjoying the warmth
of Mulder's arms.

"You know," Samantha finally spoke from the driver's seat,
"you two really were meant for each other." She grinned,
glancing in the rearview mirror. She was truly touched by
the bond she saw between them. It was evident in the way
they touched, sat, looked at each other. Their relationship
was clearly one based not only on love, but on complete trust
and undying devotion to one another. Samantha was glad that
her brother had had someone like Dana Scully to be there for
him all those years he had spent searching for her.

Scully blushed, "Thanks," she whispered as Mulder's arms
tugged her closer.

Samantha turned her attention back to the road. It was
getting hard to see, as the rain got heavier.

A few moments passed before Scully spoke, "I was sure he
was going to kill you Mulder." She laid her head on his
chest and gently held his bruised arm in her lap.

"New," Mulder rested his chin atop her head and held her
with his good arm, "not with Special Agent Dana Scully around
to watch my back." He grinned, gently pushing aside a wet
strand of hair to plant a soft kiss on her forehead.

Samantha was just about to comment on what a good save it
was, when suddenly there was a loud crash of thunder and,
in a flash, the road was gone. Before they knew what was
happening, a loud splintering noise was heard as a nearby
tree was struck by lightning.

"Samantha, look out!" Mulder yelled, instinctively pulling
Scully closer as the mass of leaves and bark came hurtling
towards them.

Samantha struggled desperately to keep the car under control,
veering the wheel left, then right to avoid crashing head on
into the fallen branches. Unfortunately, just as she had
almost regained control, there was a loud *thump* and the
back wheels were lifted off the ground, spinning them out
of control once again.

Scully tried as best she could to avoid smashing into Mulder's
injured shoulder, as he tried his best to keep both of them
from flying through the windshield. However, the strength
of the impact made this feat nearly impossible.

Screeching tires and sound of metal on asphalt mixed with
the deafening roar of the storm and splintering wood. Then,
as quickly as it had begun, it was all over-leaving only the
sound of the rain falling through the cracked windows.

For a few seconds Scully lay still, trying to take in all
that had happened in the last few terrifying seconds.

"Scully?" Mulder's voice brought her back to reality.

"Mulder," she struggled to get up.

"You ok?" He helped her to a sitting position.

"Yeah, I think so." Scully let out a breath and removed
the hair from her face.

"Samantha?" Mulder turned his attention towards the front
seat.

There was no answer.

Panic flooded his mind as he forced out his sister's name
again. This time there was an answer.

"I'm ok," her voice was muffled, but at least she was still
breathing.

Scully and Mulder moved towards the front seat, glancing
over the headrests to make sure she was all right.

"One little bump and these things go crazy." Samantha
forced herself out from underneath the activated air bag.

Sighing with relief, Mulder offered his good arm, helping
his sister clear from the pillow-like constraints of the
front seat.

"What now?" Mulder glanced from his sister to Scully.

"I don't think there's much we can do," Samantha interrupted,
smoothing back her disarrayed hair, "Unless... " she trailed
off, taking in for the first time the cracked windshield and
the jagged hole that used to be the passenger side window.
Shards of glass littered the seat and floor. Luckily no one
had been sitting there at the time.

"Unless what?" Scully wasn't sure she wanted to know the
answer to that.

"There's a gas station located about three miles from here."
Samantha gave them a doubtful look before continuing, "But
with the condition that Fox is in, and the amount of rain
that-if it doesn't stop soon- could last us through all of
next week, I don't know if it's such a good idea to leave."

Scully had to admit she was right. Even though it seemed
to be their only option, Mulder was in no condition to go
running through the rain for three miles.

Mulder gave Scully a look indicating that he was thinking
the same thing. Sure, they'd get there eventually, but not
without some serious problems and possibly drowning in the
process...

They sat there for a few seconds contemplating what they
should do.

"I'll go," Samantha climbed past Scully and to the door,
zipping up her coat as she went, "You two stay here and
try to keep warm."

"Samantha," Scully gave Mulder a worried look, "are you
sure that's such a great idea?"

"Don't worry about me," She gave Scully a reassuring grin,
"I've been in worse situations."

"Likewise," Mulder murmured, relaxing his shoulder in an
attempt to relieve the pain. He'd been hit hard before,
but this time it was different. Krycek must have had hit
him with something else, no way could a man with only one
functional arm hit that hard.

"Samantha," Mulder paused becoming serious, "be careful."
He still hadn't quite gotten over the fact that she was
actually sitting in the same car, let alone that she was
alive. He didn't want to lose her again.

Pulling her hood over her head, Samantha gave her brother's
hand a squeeze. "Don't worry, I'll have help here in no time."
She turned to Scully, "You take care of him now, we have
a lot of catching up to do." With a wink in Mulder's
direction, Samantha forced the door open and took off
down the road.

Mulder stared silently at the spot where Samantha had
been sitting. His sister had been there for no more
than a half an hour, and yet it had almost seemed like
old times. He blinked trying to convince himself that
it wasn't a dream.

"Mulder?" Scully gently laid a hand on his; apparently
he hadn't heard her the first time.

Mulder was brought back from his reverie by Scully's
soothing touch and the concerned tone of her voice.
He knew what she was thinking and quickly gave her a
reassuring smile.

The rain was still in high gear as Mulder put his arm
around Scully's waist, drawing her closer.

She wrapped her arms around his waist snuggling closer
in an attempt to keep warm.

"Mulder you need to keep warm," the realization of what
she was about to say hit her and she grinned, "your
body's still in shock."

Mulder chuckled as he thought of the last time Scully
had said that to him. Suddenly he remembered what he
had replied, and moved towards the button that opened
the trunk from the inside.

Scully sat up, with a confused look on her face. She
shifted to help Mulder maneuver easier. As he reached
for the button she knew what he was doing.

Mulder pushed the small gray button and the seat
popped forward- revealing a very welcoming sight.

"The sleeping bag! Thank you Moth Men.*

Reaching over the prone seat, Scully pulled the
sleeping bag out of the trunk and gingerly wrapped it
around Mulder's shoulders. She then took her place
with her head on his chest, and tucked the corner of
the sleeping bag under her chin.

"Hey Scully," Mulder cocked an eyebrow and grinned,
"You're forgetting one very important thing."

She knew exactly what he was hinting at and decided to
play along, "Why Agent Mulder, exactly what are you
implying?"

"I think you could drop the "Agent" part now," he
grinned leaning towards her ear and whispering, "after
all we are engaged now."

Scully laughed. Despite their situation she wasn't
entirely sorry they had made this trip. After all,
the incredibly unthinkable happened, Mulder had
finally found his sister. And even if it did cost
them time away from their son and a minor injury on
Mulder's part, at least they were still alive.

Mulder leaned down and gently brushed his lips against
hers, feeling the warmth of her touch. Running a hand
through her hair, he tenderly lifted her chin and softly
whispered, "I love you," before pressing his lips to hers
once more.

"I love you too Mulder," there was really no need for
a reply. How else could she say it? No matter how many
times Scully told him, there just weren't enough words in
the English language to express how utterly and completely
in love she was with Mulder. And she knew he felt the
same way.

Bringing her knees up to her chin, Scully snuggled closer
to Mulder, ending up on his lap tucked beneath his chin in
a position that seemed was meant for her.

Mulder tugged the sleeping bag tighter and wrapped his arms
around her.

The rhythmic beating of his heart and the rise and fall
of his chest was almost enough to put Scully to sleep.
Despite the fact that she was still soaking wet, she was
surprisingly comfortable and warm in Mulder's arms.

"Hey Scully?" She blinked as he spoke.

"What?" Her voice was heavy with drowsiness.

"Do you hear that?"

"Hear what?" she sat up alert.

"I think the rain's letting up." Mulder grinned, feeling
Scully relax in his arms. "Let's hope Samantha found
that gas station."

Samantha had been running for what seemed like hours through
the muddy windblown terrain that led to the gas station. At least
she hoped that was the direction she was headed. Stopping briefly
to catch her breath, Samantha took note of her surroundings. In the
confusion of darkness and the constant bombardment of thick
sheets of rain, she had nearly given up any hope that the gas station
even existed, let alone that it was in the direction she was headed.
Mopping away the constant splash of muddy water and bits of
leaves from her face, Samantha stumbled on, determined to find
her destination.

Meanwhile...

"Scully?"

"Yeah?"

"You asleep?"

Glancing up, Scully was prepared to flash him a look. That was,
until she saw his face. He held an expression of deep thought.

"Mulder, what is it?" Slowly she sat up, a concerned look on her
face.

"Why now?" By now the storm had stopped, started, and was
contained to a somewhat milder drumming on the roof of the car.
"After all these years, why now?" Mulder continued, pulling the
sleeping bag closer and furrowing his brow-deep in thought.

"I don't know Mulder," Scully knew he was referring to Samantha.
Finding his sister had become such a huge quest for Mulder, and
then Scully too, that now that they had finally found her, neither
could quite believe, or understand, the whole situation.

Scully found herself truly at a loss for words. Giving his hand a
squeeze, she tried to think of something comforting to say.

Half an hour had passed and Samantha found herself in the parking
lot of the, now abandoned, gas station.

*Great,*She thought, *Now what?* Frustrated, tired, and
completely drenched, she found her way towards the door.

Finding it unlocked, Samantha cautiously stepped forward and into
the darkened room. A noise behind her made her jump. Quickly
she turned around. A small mouse scattered across the tiled floor
and into a small hole in the wall.

Almost laughing with relief, Samantha calmed down and started to
look around. She was somehow not surprised to find that the old
convenience store did not have a phone. Coming out from behind
the counter, she tried the lights. No electricity. The storm must
have knocked down the power lines. Grabbing a towel normally
used for washing windows, Samantha tried to dry herself off as
best she could. Finding the act useless, she threw the towel back in
its place and began to look for supplies. If they were going to be
stranded, at least they'd have plenty to eat.

By now it was the dead of night, but the rain had died down to only
a light drizzle. The wind had stopped, and both Mulder and Scully
had fallen asleep.

"Mulder, no!" Startled by her voice, Mulder jumped awake,
instinctively reaching for his gun. Forgetting where he was and the
condition he was in, he was quickly greeted with a shocking pain
in his shoulder.

"Mulder!" Scully called out his name again, thins time more
desperate, on the verge of tears.

Regaining his composure, Mulder gently shook his distraught
partner awake.

"Scully," His voice was calm and soothing, "Shhh, Scully it's OK,
it's just a dream."

With a start she opened her eyes, a frightened expression on her
face. After a few seconds she realized that it had been a dream,
and began to calm down. Seeing that Mulder was next to her, she
quickly sunk into his embrace.

"It's OK," He whispered again, "It was just a dream."

Closing her eyes, Scully tried to get rid of the horrible emptiness
the dream brought on. It had all seemed so real.

They'd been back home and were on their way to pick up William
from her mother's. Suddenly the dream changed, and instead
Scully found herself in an abandoned warehouse. To her left was a
man. She couldn't see his face but somehow he seemed strangely
familiar.

Suddenly she heard William cry and turned to find Samantha
gently rocking the baby in an attempt to quiet him. As Scully went
to take her son, she realized that there was something keeping her
from moving. It was then that she became aware of the ropes
binding her arms and legs together.

Panic struck Scully as she desperately searched for Mulder.
Craning her neck she spotted him a few feet away, lying on his
side. He seemed to be ok. Suddenly, the unknown man pulled out
a gun and aimed it directly at William. Her heart stopped.

Then, the man let out an evil laugh and instead pointed the gun in
Scully's direction.

The next few seconds of the nightmare was a blur of confusion.
Samantha took off taking her nephew with her, Mulder was on his
feet running towards the gunman, and a shot was fired. Mulder
slumped to the ground.

"No!" Scully screamed, and pulled at her constraints with full
force. "Mulder!" Before she new what was happening, Mulder's
voice had rescued her from the horrible nightmare.

He continued to soothe her, gently rubbing her back and
whispering in her ear.

"I'm here Scully, it's ok." After a few seconds she had stopped
shaking and, somewhat embarrassed, sat up.

Mulder gave her a comforting grin, and gave her hand a soft kiss.
"Come on," he pulled her towards the door, "The rain stopped.
Let's go for a little walk. Samantha's surely reached that gas
station by now, let's go see if we can spot the tow truck."

Grateful for his comfort Scully followed.

Gathering up as much of the supplies she could carry, Samantha
made her way to the counter. Dropping a twenty on the wooden
surface, she thought *Well, wouldn't want to be accused of
stealing now would I? I think that should cover it all.* Just as she
was turning to leave, a small blinking red light caught her eye.
Curious, she laid down the pack and crossed once again behind the
counter. A small two-way radio lay tucked beneath the counter.
Apparently the force of the thrown towel, now laying only a few
inches away, had turned it on. Funny how she hadn't noticed it
before... Quickly, she picked it up and radioed for help.

Glancing at the "No Service" message of her cell phone, Scully
sighed, placing it back in her pocket. Although still sore, Mulder
was able to maneuver much easier than before. Thanks to the first
aid kit they always kept in the trunk, Scully had found some
Tylenol and he was now feeling much better.

Stepping out into the cool air, Scully breathed in the smell of fresh
rain. Closing the air door behind her, she walked closer to Mulder.

"Funny how just when everything seems like it's finally going our
way..."

"Things go crazy and it turns into an X-File?" Mulder finished the
sentence for her.

"Something like that." Scully grinned.

"Such is the story of our life, Scully." Mulder grinned back,
wrapping his arms around her waist from behind.

"I do have to admit that meeting you definitely ensured never a dull
moment." Scully laughed.

"Well then, I guess my purpose in life has been fulfilled."

Scully rolled her eyes, her nightmare forgotten.

"Past history aside, we should probably start looking for that gas
station." Mulder said, now feeling much more like his normal self.
Glancing at his watch he added, "Judging by the amount of time
she's been gone, I'm guessing Samantha has already sent for help."

*Either that or something's gone wrong,* Mulder thought silently
to himself.

Ten minutes later they had gathered up only the most important
things they could carry and were contemplating which direction
they should head. In the dark it was hard to see much of anything.

"Well Mulder, you're the expert on directions." Scully shrugged on
her almost dry jacket. "Where to?"

Biting his bottom lip, Mulder glanced in either direction, "Where's
the handy dandy government issue flashlight when you need one?"

"You're wish is my command." Reaching into the trunk, Scully
pulled out a flashlight. "The way you are with flashlights, I decided
it would be a good idea to have a few backups."

Smiling, Mulder took the flashlight, "What would I do without you
Scully?"

Scully just shook her head, grinned, and tossed Mulder his jacket,
"I don't know Mulder, but with the way our luck with forests goes-
we better watch our step."

"Let the Indian guide show you the way," holding out his hand,
Mulder pulled Scully towards him. Within a few seconds they had
set out into the now starry night.

42 minutes later...

"Uh, Mulder?" making her way around yet another fallen tree
branch Scully surveyed the area, "I don't mean to obliterate your
dream of becoming a top rate Indian guide, but are you sure you
know where you're going?"

"Just going where the voices in my head tell me to Scully."
Turning to face her, Mulder grinned, only to be greeted with THE
look. They walked on for a few more minutes in silence.

After continuing another twenty minutes through the muddy, tree-
branch-littered terrain, Mulder finally stopped. He stood still for a
few seconds starring into the dark night.

"Did I forget to mention the fact that I never made it to graduation
in Indian Guide training?" Mulder joked, giving Scully a hopeful
look.

"I don't blame you Mulder," Scully glanced over her shoulder,
"I'm surprised anyone could find anything at all out here.
Especially in the dead of night." No wonder Samantha hadn't
made it back yet, hopefully she knew her way better than they did.

Sitting down on a nearby log, Mulder sighed, rubbing his shoulder
as he gazed into the forest. Scully sat down next to him and gently
began massaging the sore area.

"You know Scully," Mulder leaned into her tender touch, "If we
weren't stranded in the middle of no where after a thunderstorm,
this might actually be kinda nice."

Scully had to agree, if this wasn't an X-File, it could have definitely
reached "nice" status.

Taking her hand, Mulder pulled Scully into his lap, wrapping his
arms around her in the process. Laying her head on his chest,
Scully was thankful for his embrace.

"You know what Scully?" he spoke softly into her ear, "I've been
thinking lately." Taking her hand, he placed a soft his on it before
continuing, "After this is all over, I think I'd like to try normal
living for a while."

Scully smiled, holding his hand in her lap, "Normal living?"

"Yeah you know," he grinned, "the kind of living that doesn't
involve aliens, government conspiracies, or mutants?"

"Oh *that* kind of living." She feigned shock, "are you sure you
could handle that kind of life Mulder?"

Mulder laughed, "Well I figured I've probably had my fair share of
the paranormal." He shifted to a more comfortable position before
staring up into the clear expanse of stars above him.

"Well, if there's anyone who deserves a normal life more, it's
definitely you Mulder." Her voice was soft, following his gaze.

"We both do Scully." Mulder brought her face close to his, giving
her a soft kiss. Even lost in the middle of a muddy storm-struck
forest she could light up his day, as could he her.

Running his hand up and down the length of her spine, Mulder
pulled Scully tighter into his embrace. Scully sighed, nestling her
head just beneath his chin, realizing for the first time just how tired
she actually was.

Scully was almost lost to the overwhelming urge to sleep, when
suddenly Mulder tensed. Sitting up, all thoughts of rest were gone
as Scully followed his gaze. In the distance a bright light could be
seen. It was approaching rapidly, and in an instant both agents
were on their feet.

(Continued in part 3)

Part 3
See Part 1 for header information.

As the lights got closer, Mulder could make out the distinct shape
of headlights approaching beyond the thick line of trees. He and
Scully quickly exchanged cautious glances.

Carefully making their way through the windblown forest floor
and toward the road, both Mulder and Scully were hoping for the
best yet-as they could only do from years of working on the X-
Files - expecting the worst.

As the vehicle got closer, they began picking up their speed,
jumping over fallen tree branches and mounds of upset leaves.
Soon they could make out the recognizable shape of a tow truck.

"Hey!" Finally reaching the roadside, Mulder began waving his
good arm.

"Over here!" Scully did the same, hoping to get the attention of
the driver.

Within a few moments the truck had pulled over and the driver
rolled down the window.

"Looks like you folks could use a ride," the driver, a clean-cut man
of about 50 spoke with a hearty voice. His eyes held a friendly
look.

"Didn't I tell you to stay in the car and keep warm?" A head
pooped into view from the passenger's seat.

Mulder grinned, "Samantha, you don't know how glad we are to
see you."

"Likewise." Opening her door, Samantha gestured for them to get
in. After Mulder and Scully were settled into the backseat,
Samantha shut the door and turned to face them.

"I'm glad your shoulder seems to be feeling better Fox." She
smiled at her brother, then turned to Scully, "He's definitely lucky
his partner's not only his best friend, but a great doctor too."

Scully thanked her by saying, "It's lucky for us you have better
luck with the outdoors than we do." She grinned, giving Mulder's
hand a squeeze.

"Let's just hope we find the car in one piece." Mulder said looking
from Scully to Samantha.

"I think that's it up there." Samantha turned her attention to the
driver and pointed to a spot near the side of the road.

They pulled the truck over and quickly had everything set.
Walking around the battered car, Mulder surveyed the damage.
Aside from the shattered windows and a nice sized dent left by the
massive fallen tree branch, everything else looked all right. Of
course it was still pretty dark out...

"I'll drop y'all off at the hotel real quick before I head on over to
the garage." Jack, the driver of the tow truck, whose name they
had learned during the process of filling out papers, smiled and
started the engine.

They were about ready to pull out when a black sedan suddenly
appeared out of nowhere, swerved around the corner and
disappeared.

Scully looked at Mulder with a questioning eye. Too many times
have mysterious black vehicles been followed by trouble.

The truck driver muttered something about how people around
here should learn how to drive before pulling onto the road.

"This is gonna take a few days to fix," Jack said as he pulled into
the hotel parking lot, "But if you want I could have someone drop
by a car tomorrow."

Agreeing that having a car sent in the morning would be the best
idea, Mulder and Scully made arrangements to have their car sent
back to DC after the new windows had been put into place and
everything else had been checked over.

Grabbing everything they needed from the trunk of their car,
including both the sleeping bag and first aid kit, Mulder thanked
Jack and watched the tow truck drive away.

"Talk about deja vu," Mulder said turning to face the hotel.

After checking in, no easy task since it was now almost 2:30 in the
morning, Scully closed the door to the hotel room door and put
down the bag she was carrying near the foot of the bed.

"Well," Samantha sighed, turning to face them, "If you two will
excuse me, I think I'm going to go take a shower." Still fairly
covered in mud, she made a disgusted face before opening the
connecting door and heading into her own room.

"I think she's got the right idea," Scully said after Samantha had
left, "I feel like I've just ran a marathon through a swamp."
Glancing in the mirror she laughed, "I guess I look like it too."

Mulder flopped down on the bed, grimacing as his shoulder
sharply reminded him of the day's events.

"In case I'm unconscious when you come out, good night."
Mulder kicked off his muddied shoes and removed his jacket.

Eyeing the discarded clothing, Scully just shook her head and
moved towards the bathroom. "Good night Mulder."

A hot shower was just what Scully had needed. Drying off her
hair, she discarded the towel and headed for the bed. Expecting to
find a sound asleep Mulder sprawled across the bed, Scully was
surprised to see both him and Samantha sitting at the small table in
the corner.

"Couldn't sleep." Samantha smiled, standing to leave.

"Oh no," Scully motioned for her to stay seated, "Don't let me
interrupt."

"We were just catching up on old times," Mulder gestured for
Scully to take a seat, "I couldn't sleep either."

Felling like she was intruding on the family reunion, Scully sat on
the edge of the bed.

"So, just how did you find us?" Mulder asked turning from Scully
to his sister.

"It's a long complicated story," Samantha began, "but I'll try to
explain it as best I can."

Scully was finding it hard to believe her own ears.

"After I was returned," Samantha paused, gathering her thoughts,
"I was raised - at least for a short time - by a man you both know
who is now dead."

"The Smoking Man?" Mulder asked leaning back into his chair.
They both knew he already knew the answer to his question.

Samantha nodded, "But what you don't know is that I was a part of
a project."

Mulder was about to say something, but changed his mind.

Samantha chose her words carefully, "Several years ago you saw
part of a project involving human-alien hybrids."

Mulder nodded his head, "They were only children... something
involving bees."

"Yes" Samantha leaned forward.

"But we were chased off by an alien bounty hunter."

"That particular project failed." Samantha looked from Scully to
Mulder, "But the project didn't stop there."

"What are you saying?" Scully spoke with a cautious tone.

"After I was back I became a part of the new project... One that
was successful."

It was Mulder's turn to act surprised, "You mean cloning."

"Something like that." Samantha paused for a moment, lowering
her gaze to her folded hands before continuing. When she spoke
again, her voice was soft. "That's who you saw the night after you
found my diary."

The memory came flooding back. Mulder closed his eyes, rubbing
the bridge of his nose.

"Mulder," Scully gently placed her hand on his. He sat up
motioning to her that he was ok, and turned to Samantha.

"So how do we know you're not lying? That you're not just
another clone?" His voice was weary, and Scully moved closer,
waiting for Samantha's answer.

"Because," Samantha took her brother's hand in hers, moving it to
her collarbone, "clones don't have the remnants of a carefree
childhood accident." Running his hand along the once broken
bone, she grinned, "Or the guts to beat a witty older brother in a
good old fashioned game of Stratego."

Mulder glanced at Scully then back at Samantha before lowering
his hand and grinning.

"Welcome back sis." Jumping from his seat Mulder pulled his
sister into a big hug.

"I missed you Fox." Samantha spoke into his chest, hugging him
tighter.

"Looks like we'll get to finish that game after all," Mulder
beamed, too long had he dreamt of this moment. Never would
Samantha ever really know how much he had gone through to find
her. "I missed you too."

Scully couldn't help but get teary-eyed. She knew exactly how
much this meant to Mulder. It felt as if a huge gap had finally been
sealed in all of their lives.

"Samantha," Mulder took Scully's hand lead her closer, "You two
haven't been formally introduced yet."

"Mulder -"

"Fox -"

There was a slight pause before both Scully and Samantha started
laughing. After everything they'd already been through, neither
felt the need for a formal introduction. However Mulder seemed
so happy that they both gave in, letting him continue.

"Meet Dana Scully," Mulder grinned, placing his hand on the
small of her back, "My partner, best friend, and soon to be wife."

Astonished, Samantha turned to Scully, "Really?"

Scully laughed nodding her head. She was pleasantly surprised
when Samantha pulled her into an excited hug, "Congratulations!"

The seriousness that had been lingering throughout the room
earlier was quickly forgotten as both Scully and Samantha told
each other how honored they were to have the other as a sister-in-
law.

Deciding that discussions of how Samantha had found them, or her
involvement with the never-ending conspiracies of aliens and
government cover-ups, could wait, she gave each of them a hug
and headed off to bed.

Yawning, Scully turned to Mulder. He still held a silly grin on his
face. She couldn't help but grin herself. Mulder looked like a
little kid who had just opened the best Christmas present ever.

In all actuality that was exactly how he felt. He was so riled up
that there was no way he could go to sleep now.

They did, however, still have to get up in a few hours, and some
sleep would be helpful for the long drive home.

Climbing into bed, Scully flipped off the light, saying once again,
"Good night Mulder."

"Night," giving her forehead a kiss, Mulder headed off toward the
bathroom.

Drifting in and out of consciousness, Scully was soon put to sleep
to the rhythmic sound of running water...

"Mornin' sunshine," hearing his voice, Scully slowly opened her
eyes to a grinning Mulder, already dressed and avidly working his
way through a bag of sunflower seeds.

"Speaking of sunshine," Scully yawned, sitting up, "what time is
it?"

"8:42." Mulder said popping another handful of seeds into his
mouth after glancing at his watch, "The auto shop just called a few
minutes ago. They said they'd try to send over a car ASAP."

"You mean they're actually trusting one of their cars to us?"
Scully smirked, "At the rate we're going, I don't know if I would."

Giving her a lopsided grin, Mulder stood up and headed for the
door. "Go ahead and go back to sleep if you want. It's gonna be a
long ride home." With that, Mulder popped a few more sunflower
seeds and headed out the door.

20 minutes later...

"So after I ran away, I tried to come home." Samantha laid her
fork down and a sad look came over her face, "Except I couldn't
remember where 'home' was." A few seconds passed and quickly
she shook off whatever memory was keeping her from continuing.
Clearing her throat, Samantha looked up, "Anyway, I managed to
sneak away from the men who were trying to find me. I was
determined not to go back to the tests."

"So how did you become involved with Krycek?" Mulder looked
up to see Scully entering the diner. Smiling he stood up and
motioned her towards the table.

After exchanging the usual good morning chatter, Samantha
continued, "A few years ago I came across a letter. It was given to
me via the shove-it-under-the-door-and-run method." She paused,
finishing off the rest of the orange juice.

"A letter?" Mulder asked, urging his sister to continue, "From
whom?"

"From a man named... Jeffery Spender." Samantha stopped
talking, awaiting their reactions.

Mulder and Scully looked at each other in complete astonishment.
Neither had expected what they were now being told.

"Agent Spender?" Scully finally broke the silence, "But how?
And why?" She could tell Mulder was thinking the same thing.

"Before I ran away Jeffery and I became, well... he was like a
brother to me." Samantha slowly looked up and, seeing the look
on Mulder's face, quickly added, "He was the only other kid my
age who was at the base. And since we were both pretty much
raised there... " She trailed off.

The image of the handprints they'd found that night flashed
through his memory. Mulder closed his eyes-it was suddenly all
starting to make sense. Feeling Scully's hand on his, he opened his
eyes.

*Mulder?* Scully raised a concerned eyebrow.

*It's ok Scully, I'm fine.* He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.
Satisfied, at least for the time being, that Mulder was ok, Scully
turned her attention back to Samantha.

"The letter said," here Samantha paused, allowing her cool exterior
go for a brief moment. "He told me that his real father, who he
had only recently met, had placed him in a section of the FBI
known as the 'X-Files'. It was through these files that he found out
that the Agent whose position he'd replaced," at this she gave
Mulder a knowing glance, "had an entire file devoted to someone
he'd been looking for for a very long time... His sister."

All three of them were finding it hard to hold back the feelings that
welled up inside.

"Immediately he recognized the photo in your file, and quickly
contacted me. At first we both had a hard time believing it. I
wanted so badly for it to be true, but Jeffery refused to believe it,
for it would mean that the stories his mother told him of alien
abductions might not just be a figment of her imagination, but the
truth." There was a short silence and then Samantha went on, "It
was only within a few days after he'd contacted me that I found
out that Jeffery had been shot. They say that no one knows how it
happened, but I'm sure we can all figure it out. His father, the
smoking man", she spat the words as if they left a bitter taste in her
mouth, "knew that Jeffery gotten to close to the truth...That
instead of following in his father's dirty footsteps, he was turning
to the right side. Your side, Fox." She gave him a sad smile.

"After I found all this out, I quickly did everything I could to
contact you. But soon I realized that I couldn't contact you
without exposing myself or putting you and Agent Scully in more
danger. After all, these men who you know so well still believed
that I was dead. Well, to make a long story short, I eventually saw
my chance after the members of the consortium were all killed,
including the man you know as the smoking man. I was pulled
away by talk of an alien spaceship-another story completely, which
is where I finally ran into Krycek. Seeing my chance, I pretended
to be on his side, hoping eventually that he'd lead me to you."
Samantha leaned forward, placing her hand on Mulder's, "And
luckily, he did."

At first Mulder was quiet, trying to take all that he'd been told in
the last ten minutes. Then suddenly, he pushed back his chair and
stood up, pulling his sister in a hug.

"I'm so sorry that I didn't contact you sooner Fox." Samantha
mumbled into his chest, tears threatening to fall, "I- "

"Shhh," Mulder silenced her, stepping back with a smile on his
face, "None of that matters anymore." He wiped away a tear that
had escaped and was trailing down his sister's cheek, "The
important thing is that we *did* find each other. And now we can
both be happy."

Scully stood up, moving to leave, when Mulder stopped her,
pulling her to his side.

"All of us." He grinned, putting one arm around his sister's
shoulders and the other around Scully's waist.

"Um, excuse me, Mr. Mulder?" A boy in a red and black waiter's
uniform strode up uncomfortably.

"Yes?" Mulder turned around placing his arms back at his sides.

"There's a man here to see you," the boy motioned towards the
door, "He says that your car is ready."

Thanking the boy, Mulder quickly paid the check before joining
Samantha and Scully in the car.

"Home?" He turned from one woman to the other after climbing
in behind the wheel.

"Home." Scully said relieved. She couldn't wait to get back to
William and the comfort of her own home.

"Home." The word held an almost magical taste to it. Samantha
couldn't believe she was finally going 'home' for real. "I can't
wait to meet my new nephew."

After many days of bad luck, rain, and terror, they were *finally*
on their way home.

It was a long drive home and both Scully and Samantha had fallen
asleep.

Mulder turned the corner and popped a few more seeds in his
mouth, realizing that he had finished off the entire bag. Scully
mumbled something in her sleep and unconsciously leaned her
head on Mulder's shoulder. Gently he tucked a runaway lock of
hair behind her ear, letting his gaze rest on the peaceful expression
of his sleeping partner. A small smile brushed his lips as he
silently thanked his lucky stars that she was at his side.

47 minutes later...

Pulling into the gas station, Mulder stopped the car and turned to a
somewhat halfway awake Scully.

"Hey," he spoke in a soothing voice, leaning towards her and
brushing a finger across her cheek, "Now might be a good time to
call your mom and tell her we're on our way home." He grinned at
the confused, sleep-ridden, look she gave him and added, "or I
could do it if you want me to."

Scully blinked a few times then shook her head, "You go ahead
and fill the car up, I can call mom." Slowly, Scully got out of the
car trying to rid herself of the last remnants of sleep, "She's
probably worried about us." After receiving the 'No Service'
message from the face of her cell phone, Scully headed for the gas
station.

Mulder quickly filled the gas tank, being careful not to wake
Samantha who was still asleep in the back seat.

He had just replaced the gas cap as Scully came up to the car,
taking the keys from Mulder's hand in the process. She climbed
into the driver's side as Mulder got in the passenger's side-both
adjusting the seats to fit the drastic differences from the other's
height. They had done this so many times in the past that it'd
become routine, one of many 'procedures' to be followed while
investigating an X-File...

10 minutes from Mrs. Scully's House...

"Hey," came Samantha's surprised gasp from the back seat.

Mulder twisted to face his sister, a questioning look on his face,
"What is it?"

Samantha held up the object of her amazement, "My doll."

Glancing in the rearview mirror, Scully could see the comforting
face of the little doll.

"I haven't seen this for years." Samantha smiled, running her hand
over the worn childlike face, "How did it get in here?"

Mulder had just ended the story of the 'pizza night' as Scully
turned into her mother's driveway. Turning off the car and
handing the keys to Mulder, Scully headed towards the front steps.

Mulder turned to his sister in the backseat, "I'm fairly certain
you're safe here," His voice trailed off. Nothing was ever
absolute, and they had to be careful even now that the Syndicate
had been removed. There were still people out to get Mulder and
Scully.

Samantha smiled reassuringly. She knew that now that she was
officially 'among the undead', they would have tread
lightly... watch their step. The danger she had mentioned earlier
still lingered in the back of both their minds. It was the whole
reason Samantha had resisted contacting Mulder in the first place.

"C'mon," Mulder stepped out of the car and opened his sister's
door, taking her hand, "You'll love Scully's family."

*Well, most of them anyway*, he added to himself, silently hoping
that Bill would still be out of town.

"Hey there sweetie." Taking her son in her arms, Scully hugged
him tightly, "Mommy missed you!" As if in answer, William
cooed happily in his mother's arms.

"I tried to put him to sleep," Maggie Scully embraced her daughter
with a smile on her face, "but he must have known mommy and
daddy were on their way home." She laughed, "He refused to go
to sleep."

Scully stepped into the room allowing her mother to take her coat.

"I'm so glad you made it back safely." Mrs. Scully paused
glancing toward the door, "By the way, where is Fox?"

At the mention of his name, the door opened and in came Mulder,
"Did I hear someone call for me?" He grinned turning from Scully
to her mother.

"Fox," Maggie smiled, giving Mulder a hug, "I was just saying
how glad I was that you two made it back safely."

"And just in time for dinner!" Charlie Scully strode into the room,
spatula in hand, "The burgers are done mom." He waved towards
the kitchen. "Glad you made it back ok sis." He pulled Scully into
a hug, then turned to William in her arms, "We were having quite a
fun time though weren't we buddy?"

Scully eyed him with a teasing look, "Well I hope you weren't
teaching him any of your bad habits."

"Me? Bad habits? Never!" Charlie feigned innocence and Scully
rolled her eyes.

"Nice to see you again Charlie." Mulder chuckled shaking the
youngest Scully's hand.

"Mulder," Charlie grinned, "glad to see you made it back in one
piece."

"It was a close call," Mulder glanced at Scully, "but yeah, I guess
you'll have to put up with me for a little longer."

Just then there was a knock at the door.

"Oh, I want you guys to meet someone," Mulder placed a hand on
Mrs. Scully's shoulder as he opened the door.

"Sorry I took so long," Samantha stood in the doorway, hair pulled
back into a smoothly brushed ponytail, "I had to look somewhat
presentable for meeting my new in-laws."

"Maggie, Charlie," Mulder escorted Samantha into the room, "I'd
like you to meet my sister, Samantha Mulder."

For what little she knew, Maggie understood enough to be taken
aback at the mention of Mulder's sister. Mrs. Scully was
speechless for a few brief moments. As far as she knew, at least up
until now, was that Fox Mulder's sister had been taken many years
ago and had, since then, been found to be dead.

Charlie, unaware of past history, threw out his hand in welcome,
"Nice to meet you Samantha."

"Y-yes," Maggie smiled warmly trying to recover from her initial
shock, "Nice to meet you Samantha." She threw her daughter a
helpless look of confusion before she continued; "I was under the
impression that Fox had been an only child for quite some time... "

"Mom," Scully tried to hide her amusement at her mother's
obvious confusion and polite way of trying to cover it up.

"I didn't mean to fluster you Mrs. Scully." Samantha smiled
reassuringly, placing a hand on Scully's arm as a polite
interruption, and then turning towards Mulder, "You should have
seen his face when I told him who I was!"

"Oh thank goodness." Mrs. Scully brought a hand to her face, "I
was beginning to think I'd missed something!"

"Yeah," Mulder grinned we were all shocked when we ran into each
other last night."

"Now I'm confused." Charlie glanced from face to face, "What
are we all shocked about?"

Scully gave his hand a pat, "It's a long story little brother," she
sighed and grinned, "A very long story."

"Great dinner mom," Scully got up from the dinner table and
placed her plate in the sink, turning on the water in the process.

"As always," Mulder grinned, following Scully and placing his
own dish in the sink.

"Well thank you," Mrs. Scully smiled, "but the credit should really
go to Charles here." She began clearing her own place, "He's
become quite handy at the grill since we last saw him."

"Yeah well," Charlie picked up his napkin, "A man's gotta learn
how to cook sometime!" He laughed, "And we might as well have
fun in the process. That's why God invented... " He paused, getting
up and moving toward the counter, "Da da da daaa! The Handy
Grill!" He held up the small indoor grill, "Complete with
accessories and 'How to" video!"

Scully laughed, tossing a towel at Charlie's head, "Hmmm, I guess
I never saw you as a cook before."

"You kinda have to be after you can't stand to look at another
frozen dinner." here Charlie made a disgusted face and began
drying the dishes handed to him by his sister, "And every take-out
restaurant in a five mile radius knows you so well they send you
Christmas cards... "

Mulder lifted an eyebrow, "Oh, I don't know, I think it's kinda
nice getting Christmas cards from take-out places...After so long
the discounts get pretty good!" Looking at him Scully just rolled
her eyes, and Mulder grinned, "That and I think I was doing pretty
good on sunflower seeds and Iced Tea" He pronounced the last two
words with a glimmer in his eye.

Samantha gave out a snort and placed the ketchup in the
refrigerator. She turned to Scully saying, "You know, it's a good
thing you saved him when you did." Samantha grinned, "Never
know how much longer he could have held up."

Mulder grinned, placing his arm around Scully's waist, "Yeah, I'd
have to agree that I'm a very lucky man."

A cry from the living room indicated that William was not
enjoying being left out.

"I got him." Mulder placed a quick kiss on Scully's forehead and
headed for his son. Samantha and Charlie soon followed into the
living room.

Mrs. Scully beamed, she was so happy for Fox and Dana. They'd
been such close friends for so long. She couldn't be happier that
they had finally decided to get married. It'd been her wish secretly
from the beginning, but she had vowed not to get involved in her
children's personal lives. Now it looked like her dream was finally
coming true. The look on her daughter's face told her that, even
though it had taken many years (and had been down right
frustrating at times NOT to interfere), in the end it was definitely
worth it.

Scully sighed, placing the last of the silverware in the drawer.

"What is it honey?" Maggie asked curiously.

"It's nothing." Scully said, a dream-like expression lined her face.

"Oh no," Her mother chuckled, "I know that look. Don't try to
fool me young lady."

Scully smiled, "It's just that-he's so happy." She gave out a small
laugh, turning her gaze on Mulder who was engrossed in an intense
game of Peek-A-Boo with William. The baby was happily
responding in that content baby way.

Samantha and Charlie were seated a few feet away, laughing as
Mulder continued the game.

"I've never seen him so happy." Scully replied, her attention back
on her mother.

"You're right," Maggie took in the priceless view in the living
room from her place beside her daughter, "And I've never seen
you so happy before either." Her lips curled into a grin as she gave
Scully's hand a motherly squeeze, "Come on," she led the way to
the others, "You both have been working far too hard for much too
long. You both deserve this happiness."

Scully set the towel down and followed her mother, "Thanks
mom." He gave her mom a hug; she right it was about time she
and Mulder got a chance at a 'normal life'.

"Mulder," Scully's voice was soft, as she tried to wake him.

He mumbled a half reply in his sleep, turning over in the direction
of her voice. Mulder opened his eyes to a sunlit room and a
smiling Scully standing over him.

"It's already 9:30, and my mom invited us over for lunch." She
smiled sitting down next to him. She gave him a good morning
kiss and added, "She says she wants to go over the plans for the
wedding."

Mulder grinned; Scully's mom was as excited about the wedding
as Scully was. Yawning, he got up and headed for the shower.

Mulder parked the car and got out to retrieve his son from the back
seat. William, who had gotten a good amount of sleep last night
after being worn out from so many fun games of peek-a-boo, was
in a very good mood that morning and was happy to be once again
back at his grandmother's house. Mulder gave his son a quick
peck on the cheek and handed him over to Scully.

Walking up to the door, with his arm in its place at the small of
Scully's back, Mulder was surprised to see an all too familiar van
parked in the driveway. He was just about to ask Scully what the
lone gunmen were doing there when they reached the door and
were bombarded by shouts of "Surprise!"

Scully was just as surprised as Mulder to find not only the guys,
and Scully's family there, but Skinner, Doggett, Reyes, and a few
others that Scully recognized as her mother's friends.

Finding her way to the front of the group, Mrs. Scully took her
daughters arm and led both Scully and Mulder into the living
room. There they were greeted by more "congratulations" and
"it's about times!"

Mulder gave Scully a 'wow-I-didn't-see-this-coming' look and
grinned.

"Congratulations you two!" Agent Reyes gave them both a hug,
and turned to William, "Hey there!" The baby cooed happily and
Scully grinned.

"Thanks" Both Mulder and Scully were still trying to get over their
initial shock.

"If I would have known this was gonna be a party I would have
dressed a little nicer!" Mulder joked, indicating his jeans and T-
shirt.

Agent Doggett was the next one to offer his congratulations,
shaking Mulder's hand and giving Scully a hug, "It's about time
you two had some joy in your life!" Both Sully and Mulder agreed
happily, "And don't worry about the X-files." Doggett added in a
genuine tone, motioning towards Reyes, "We won't let ya down."

"That's very comforting to know." Scully smiled, thanking him.

"Of course we definitely won't mind the experts dropping in every
once and a while to give us a few pointers." Reyes grinned
standing next to Doggett.

Mulder appreciated the fact that they still considered the X-files as
his and Scully's department. "For now I think we'll try the
'normal' life for a while." He grinned thanking again for their
congratulations and turning to the gunmen as they walked up.

"Hey man!" Frohike gave Mulder a hug, "Congratulations!"

Mulder laughed, giving Frohike a skeptical look, and teasingly
asked, "You're not here to steal the bride away from me are you?"

Langly and Byers laughed.

"It took a while, but I think he's finally over it." Langly grinned
shaking Mulder's hand and giving Scully a hug.

"Yeah, I figured you two deserve each other after all you've been
through." Frohike grinned and took a gulp of his own punch, "but
you owe me." He added jokingly pointing his finger at Mulder.

Scully laughed giving all three gunmen a kiss on the cheek, "I
could never have made it through this past year without you guys."

Byers blushed, "It was our pleasure." It was his turn to
congratulate his friends.

"Now, about the tuxes-" Langly, dressed in his usual attire,
changed the subject.

"Langly," Byers and Frohike interrupted with warning tones.

"Just wait a minute," Langly protested, continuing before either
had a chance to speak, "I was gonna say that you guys are the
ONLY people that I'd ever wear a tux for."

Mulder and Scully laughed, and Byers and Frohike gave relieved
sighs.

"Thanks man." Mulder gave Langly a pat on the back.

"Yeah but this better not become a habit." Langly gave his friends
a suspicious look.

The guys excused themselves, heading over to the food table
quietly discussing their latest conspiracy.

Scully gave Mulder a flustered look. So many people were
congratulating them at the same time it was a lot to take in.
Mulder laughed, he felt the same way. This seemed almost too
good to be true.

Skinner found them and steered them towards the food table, "You
guys better get some while you still can." He laughed motioning
towards the gunmen.

Maggie Scully appeared only long enough to whisk her grandson
away before she was gone again.

Scully chuckled, "I haven't seen my mom this happy in a long
time."

Mulder grinned giving her a quick kiss, and whispering, "Well
then, lets not disappoint her." Leading her with his arm around her
waist, Mulder handed Scully a plate and, after filling both their
plates, the two headed off to enjoy the party.

(Continued in part 4)

Part 4
See part 1 for header information.

Once seated, Mulder and Scully were quickly surrounded by more
congratulatory guests complementing them on their engagement
and "adorable son".

Scully gave Mulder a look that said 'I've never said "thank you" so
much in my life'. He grinned feeling the same way.

Samantha, who had been hiding out in the kitchen for most of the
night, finally emerged and sat down next to Mulder and Scully, a
tight look on her face.

Mulder picked up on his sister's strange mood immediately and
was about to question her about it when he was interrupted by the
gunmen returning from their forth trip to the buffet line.

"And who might the lovely lady be?" Frohike asked sitting down
next to Samantha and smiling, bringing out his ever present
'Frohike charm'.

Byers sat down, nodding politely in Samantha's direction and
getting ready to apologize for any embarrassing acts Frohike might
let slip. Langly, convinced that the flower arrangement that made
up the centerpiece of the food table was bugged, glanced
suspiciously around the room.

Taking into consideration his sister's strange change in demeanor,
Mulder introduced his sister as his "friend... Samantha." He hoped
the guys would pick up on exactly WHICH Samantha he was
talking about.

"Well, it's so nice to meet you -" It took a while, but suddenly the
realization of who this woman really was, hit Frohike with full
force (that and a nudge by Byers from under the table). Giving his
friend a slight glare, Frohike saw that both Byers and Langly
where trying to conceal their initial shock. This couldn't really be
THE Samantha as in Mulder's long lost abducted presumed dead
sister.

"I-It's a pleasure to meet you Samantha." Byers extended his
hand, the first of the three men to recuperate.

"Likewise," Langly could barely keep his jaw from hitting the
floor.

Mulder nodded slightly knowing from their reactions that they
knew.

Scully, slightly confused at first, quickly picked up on the hidden
meaning of the conversation.

"I'll explain later." Mulder leaned in so that they were the only
ones who could hear him.

"Samantha," He turned back to his sister, "This is Frohike, Langly,
and Byers." He motioned towards each as he said their name.
Samantha greeted each of them with a smile.

"Mulder-"Scully stopped when she heard William's cries come
from across the room where he was being handed around a group
of doting friends of her mother's. Mulder gave her hand a squeeze
as she excused herself and went to her son.

"I think he's hungry." Maggie smiled, handing Scully the baby,
"There you go sweetie, mommies here."

Scully gave her mother a smile, quickly glancing towards the table
where Mulder and Samantha sat quietly discussing something.

"Excuse me," she spoke to the other ladies, who gladly allowed her
leave, commenting once more on how beautiful her baby was.
Scully thanked them politely and turned to her mother, "I'm gonna
go upstairs and feed William, if Mulder asks that's where I am."
She gave her mother a thankful look, "cover for me while I'm
gone." Scully grinned, indicating the rest of the guests.

"Sure honey." Maggie gave her daughter's arm a squeeze and
kissed the top of her grandson's head before turning to entertain
another guest.

Turning to go upstairs, Scully caught Mulder's eye and pointed to
William, mouthing "hungry". Mulder smiled and winked,
indicating that he knew what she meant.

He turned his attention back to the table. Skinner, who had joined
the conversation just after Scully had left, was still trying to get
over the fact that Mulder's sister was sitting in front of him.

"So you think you're being followed?" Byers asked quietly,
glancing around the room before focusing once more on Samantha.

"I can't be sure," her voice was soft, "but last night, after leaving
your apartment," Samantha spoke to Mulder referring to Scully's
apartment as "your apartment", "I received a phone call which I
just assumed was a wrong number." She glanced around at the
fiver men sitting around the table, "Except the second time I was
sure it couldn't have been a mistake because of the noise I heard in
the background."

"London Bridges." Mulder spoke almost to himself.

"What?" Skinner was confused.

"How did you know?" Samantha's expression grew wide with
amazement.

"Because Scully and I received the same calls before we set out to
find you." Mulder sat back in his chair not wanting to know what
all of this meant.

"And then on my way here," Samantha continued, "I could have
sworn someone was following me."

For a few moments no one said anything.

Suddenly Mulder sat up straight, scanning the room, "Where's
Scully?" His voice was urgent as he stood up.

"She went to go feed William." Byers tried to calm his friend's
nerves, "Just a few minutes ago, we all saw her."

There was a small cry from upstairs and Mulder raced for the
stairway. Seeing the look on his face, and taking in his quick
movement, Doggett and Reyes (who had been enjoying a
conversation with yet another of Mrs. Scully's guests), rushed over
to Skinner inquiring what was wrong.

"I'm not quite sure," Skinner's voice was full of dread, "let's hope
it's nothing."

Scully had just walked into the room her mother had set aside for
William as a "second nursery". The baby squirmed in her arms as
she sat down in the rocking chair near the window and began
feeding him.

A breath of wind breezed through the opened window, rustling the
pale blue curtains and lingering slightly near the rocking chair as it
danced throughout her auburn hair. Scully rested her gaze on the
sweet face of her son, brushing the back of her finger over his soft
cheek.

"There you go sweetie," She spoke softly, and the baby gurgled
happily.

"One word and you'll never see your son or Mulder again." Her
blood ran ice cold as Scully felt the unmistakable barrel of a gun
pushed starkly at the base of her neck.

She gripped William tighter and tried swallowing the lump in her
throat. Every muscle in her body stiffened, as she took a slow,
cautious, breath.

"Get up." Scully felt the gun forced against her spine, and re-
buttoning her shirt, she pulled William to her chest, standing up.

"I should have killed you when I had the chance." Krycek turned
her to face him, keeping the gun trained in its place.

Inside, Scully let out a gasp. She couldn't believe he was still
alive! Keeping her eyes on the weapon pointed in her direction,
Scully spoke cautiously, keeping her voice at a trained calmness.

"What do you want Krycek?" She held William close, mind
running a thousand miles an hour; trying to find some way out of
this horrible situation.

Only a few feet below her, friends and family where still enjoying
the party, oblivious to the situation above.

In answer to her question Krycek let out a harsh laugh, motioning
towards the window, "I guess it'll just have to be a surprise." He
spoke in a dangerous tone.

William, who was still upset about having his supper cut short,
began to get restless. Seeming to pick up on his mother's tense
mood, he let out a small cry.

Krycek tensed and pushed Scully towards the window, as he went
to lock the door, eyes never leaving her.

Not wanting to cause Krycek to act in a frenzied moment of panic,
Scully obeyed, moving towards the window. She gave William a
few pats on the back, trying to calm the baby down. But he was
having none if it. William let out another cry this time louder.

"Move!" Krycek placed the gun at the small of her back, forcing
her out the window and onto the second story deck. The wind had
picked up a little, and Scully could smell the oncoming rain.

"Scully?" Mulder's voice was muffled by the locked door and
distance. He sounded concerned.

By this time they had made it down the deck ladder and to the
black sedan parked across the street. Scully could hear the sound
of people rushing up stairs and Mulder's voice as he called her
name again, this time much more urgently.

Scully held William close as Krycek shoved her into the
passenger's side of the car.

By this time Mulder had managed to knock the door of the nursery
down, charging into the room, gun poised. Skinner, Doggett, and
Reyes, soon followed.

"Scully!" Mulder looked around the room frantically, suddenly his
eyes rested on the open window.

"Check the other rooms." Skinner turned around to speak to the
other agents. Doggett and Reyes quickly obeyed.

"He's got them in the car." Mulder half murmured to the AD as he
climbed out the window himself.

"Who?" Skinner called after Mulder watching him climb down the
deck ladder in anxious speed.

"Krycek." Mulder called over his shoulder as he reached the
ground and ran for the black sedan across the street.

"Sir," Agent Reyes came back with a worried look on his face,
"They're not in the other rooms."

"Downstairs," Skinner moved quickly as Doggett came back from
his unsuccessful search.

The agents followed Skinner downstairs. At the sight of three
people with guns drawn running through the room, the rest of the
guests began to panic.

"What's going on?" Charlie, on his way back from the kitchen got
no explanation.

"She's going to be fine." Skinner paused on long enough to ensure
Mrs. Scully that they had everything under control. At least he
hoped.

Scully could see Mulder through the window in the nursery.
Silently she willed him to look out the window. If nothing else he
would know in which direction Krycek was taking them.

Turning the key in the ignition while still trying to keep the gun
pointed at Scully, Krycek muttered something under his breath as
he realized Mulder was only a glance away from ruining his entire
plan.

It was at that moment that the heavens above let loose, releasing
gallons of pent up raindrops.

William began to cry. Scully tried soothing him as best she could,
rubbing his tiny back and quietly whispering, "Shh, sweetie, it's
ok."

By now, Mulder was already racing towards the black sedan at full
speed. No way was he going to let Krycek get away with this after
all they'd been through. Scully and William were all that mattered
anymore. His life was in that car and Mulder was planning to do
whatever it took to keep them from being taken away from him
again.

Scully glanced desperately around the car, trying to find some way
to stop Krycek taking off. Unfortunately Krycek had seen Mulder
coming just as Scully did. With his good hand on the trigger,
Krycek floored the gas; aiming the gun away from Scully and
directly at Mulder.

"No!" Scully cried out grabbing the wheel from Krycek's grasp
and rearing the car dangerously to the right. She suddenly had
flashback to her dream in the warehouse, except this time it was a
car instead of a warehouse and it wasn't a dream.

The net few moments seemed to pass in slow motion. Mulder
thrust open the door to the driver's side. Krycek, unaware that he
had forced open the lock as he hit the car door in Scully's
desperate attempt to keep him from firing at Mulder, was once
again taken by surprise.

The car was still gaining speed as Mulder grabbed hold of Krycek
and flung him onto the road. However, Mulder's actions were not
quick enough. A shot rang out as the two men hit the pavement at
full force, rolling several feet in struggle. More shots were fired as
the vehicle, gaining momentum from the steep hill, still continued
on.

Scully's heart leapt to her throat, blood pounding in her ears. The
car was quickly headed directly for the end of the road- in which
led to an embankment and a steep drop off.

Grabbing the wheel, Scully nearly panicked, finding it firmly
locked in place. If only she didn't have William in her arms,
Scully would have found it easy, albeit painful, to jump from the
moving vehicle.

She held William tight, kissing his forehead and praying that, if
nothing else, he would make it out alive.

Just when Scully had practically given up all hope, the amazing
happened.

Out of nowhere a familiar looking VW bus rounded the corner and
sped directly next to the runaway sedan. The Sliding door flew
open revealing a wonderful sight. With Frohike at the wheel,
Langly Byers, and Samantha were set and ready.

"Open the door!" Frohike tried yelling over the sound of the
pounding rain.

Quickly Scully obeyed.

"Hand me Will!" Byers held out his arms for the baby, heart
racing. He couldn't believe what he was about to do, inside he
kept reminding himself that he just had to concentrate. They
couldn't-make that *wouldn't* let Mulder and Scully down.

A flash of fearful skepticism ran threw Scully's expression.

"You have to trust us!" Samantha shouted, shifting her gaze
between Scully and the dangerously approaching embankment.

Scully bit her lip and closed her eyes only long enough to position
herself on the edge of the seat. Giving her son one last kiss on his
downy head, Scully completed the single hardest act of her life.
Grasping her son with all her strength, Scully handed William
across the speeding cars, allowing complete trust in the hands of
the gunmen.

Byers grabbed onto the baby with all the strength he could muster.
Langly and Samantha quickly took hold of William too, reinsuring
Byers' grip on the precious life in their hands.

"Hold on to your seats!" Frohike's voice came from behind the
wheel as the van reared to the right, making a sharp U-turn, barely
missing a telephone pole.

Left up to her own instincts, Scully quickly flung herself from the
moving car, hitting the ground and rolling away just in time to see
the back of the black sedan, still caught in cruise control, hurtle
over the embankment and end in a fiery explosion at the bottom.

Scully shielded her face with her hand, wincing as she stood up.

"Agent Scully!" Agent Reyes' voice could barely be heard over
the pouring rain. She ran up taking in Scully's dazed state, "Are
you all right?" Scully nodded as Reyes asked, "Where's
William?"

"He's ok," Scully brushed her hair from her face. Suddenly a look
of panic came over her, "Mulder!" She began running at full force.

"Agent Scully! Dana!" Reyes' voice was lost to the wind. Scully
ran until she reached the last place she'd seen Mulder. Her heart
nearly stopped beating when she didn't see him.

"Mulder!" She had to yell in order to be heard over the pounding
rain. Frantically she scanned over the crowd hoping to find him, or
at least someone who could tell her were he was. She started to
call out his name again, but was interrupted by someone taking her
shoulder.

"Scully!" She turned to face Agent Doggett, dripping wet and
desperately trying to catch her attention.

"Where is he?" She held a look of desperation. This wasn't the
first time she had uttered those words.

"He's ok." Doggett pointed in the direction of the house, "AD
Skinner's talkin' to the police. Krycek's been sent to the hospital,
but it doesn't look like he's gonna make it."

Scully barely heard his last words, taking off towards the house.

Mulder had been moved and was now lying inside the house and
away from the buzz of police. He had a bandage on his head and
his eyes were closed. From where Scully stood it didn't look like
he was moving at all. Her breath caught as she hurried to his side.

"Mulder?" Scully swallowed hard, leaning over him and brushing
her hand across his forehead. Biting back tears in the process.

"Mulder?" At this point her voice cracked, and she leaned closer,
"Mulder, it's me." ~Why wasn't he at the hospital?~

Only then did Mulder open his eyes, groaning slightly but smiling
when he saw her face.

"I thought I'd lost you." Mulder's voice was strained yet full of
relief, relinquishing his normal humorous remark to voice his true
feelings, "That I'd never get to see you or Will again." Scully
could see the pain in his eyes.

"For a second there I thought we'd never see you again either."
Scully took his hand, placing her lips on his grasp and closing her
eyes. And what a horrible feeling that was. She'd already lost him
once. NEVER did she want to go through that again.

Mulder cupped her cheek in his hand, "I promised that I'd never let
anything tear this family apart again." His voice was earnest as he
allowed his eyes to lock with hers. Slowly his lips curled into that
trademark grin, "And that's a promise I intend to keep."

Suddenly Mulder's expression changed as he struggled to sit up,
"Where's William?"

"Right here," Frohike, Langly, Byers, and Samantha, strode up to
the porch triumphantly.

Mulder allowed himself to relax, taking his son in his arms.
"Hey there buddy," his fear diminishing, Mulder took a good look
at his son. As the baby took hold of his index finger, Mulder
added, "Good job taking care of mommy."

Scully chuckled, letting out an emotional surge of energy. She
turned to Samantha and the gunmen, speaking straight from the
heart, "What would I do without you guys? I don't think I can
thank you enough." She gave each of them a grateful look.

"You just did." Byers smiled warmly.

"Besides," Frohike added, "It's all in a days work for our favorite
little man." He gave William a pat on the head. "And our two best
friends." He spoke, feeling somewhat awkward in voicing his
feelings.

Scully grinned and, deciding to allow Frohike moment of bliss,
kissed him on the cheek, "Thanks anyway Frohike."

Stunned into paradise, Frohike stumbled backward, hand resting
where Scully's lips had last been, "As I live and breathe," he
beamed, "I'll never wash this face again."

The room filled with laughter. Langly and Byers began escorting a
dazed Frohike back to the van.

"We'll see you later." Byers waved and Langly nodded in their
direction, trying to hold back his laughter. Man, Frohike would
never hear the end of this!

Three days later...

"Mulder," Scully let out a sigh, "You need to rest." Lightly, she
guided him back to the bed, refusing no for an answer.

"But Scully-" Mulder was interrupted by The Look. Quickly he
shut his mouth and climbed into bed.

"I'm taking care of you whether you like it or not." Scully said
firmly. A grin began to escape her lips; "You are going to be back
in top shape for this wedding if it kills us." After considering this
statement for a while she added to herself ~And it just might~

"What would I do without you Scully?" Mulder grinned and
motioned her to take a seat next to him.

Instead of answering, Scully placed a soft kiss on his forehead,
"Get some sleep Mulder. The sooner you get better the sooner we
can finally start living a normal life." Grinning she left the room,
shutting off the lights as she went, to go check on William.

"There's mommy!" Samantha handed the baby to Scully.

"Hey sweetie," Scully gave Will a kiss on the cheek, "Did you
have a good nap?"

"Slept like a log." Samantha laughed, "Unlike Fox, Will seems to
enjoy his naps."

Scully laughed before taking on a more serious tone, "I want to
thank you for everything you've done." She trailed off, a distant
look on her face, "If you hadn't recognized Krycek's car in time, I
can't even image where we'd be right now."

"After all these years at least my time spent with these people paid
off for something." Samantha took Scully's arm leading her to the
couch. "Listen, I don't want you two to worry anymore."

"It's just," Scully gave out a weary sigh, "After everything that
we've been through over the past nine years, I just want it to be
over." She stroked William's check letting years of pent up
emotions finally out.

"I know." Samantha could hear the strain in Scully's voice. So
many years and so many cases had definitely taken a toll on both
Scully and Mulder.

"Ever since I was a little girl I'd dream about how I'd marry the
perfect man and settle down to live happily ever after."

"Never really works out the way you'd planned huh?" Samantha
gave out a short laugh.

"At least I got most of my wish." Scully turned her gaze toward the
bedroom where Mulder was sleeping.

"And who says you have to stop dreaming?" Samantha smiled at
William wrapped his chubby little baby fist around her index
finger. "I have a feeling happily ever after is just around the corner
for you guys."

"Well," Scully straightened and cleared her throat, "You're more
than welcome to stay here for as long as you like."

"Thanks, but after the wedding I really should move on to try
finding my own happily ever after." She had a sad look on her
face. "After all these years of running, hiding, and working with
Them, I don't even have the slightest clue as to how a 'normal life'
is supposed to be lived."

"I know what you mean." Scully stood up as the phone rang, "But
I hope you stick around for a while...I know it would mean a lot to
Mulder."

"I hope to find an apartment in close." Samantha stood up and
grinned, "Fox and I have a lot of catching up to do."

Reaching the phone, Scully picked it up, "Hello?"

At first there was no answer and Scully could feel the tug at her
heart. A brief moment of panic swept through her body. She
swallowed and spoke again, "Hello?"

"Oh Dana," It was Charlie. Scully let out a very relieved breath,
"Sorry about that, I was talking to mom. Anyway, she's insisting
that you come over for lunch tomorrow. I can tell that she's just
itching to start wedding plans."

"I'll talk to Mulder, but I'm sure you can tell mom that we'll be
there." The smile was evident in Scully's voice. They spoke for a
few more minutes and then she hung up.

William began to fuss and Scully rocked him gently.

"Why don't I take him for a walk?" Samantha offered, "That'll
give you and Fox a little time alone for a while."

Hesitant at first, for she was always on her guard-especially when
it came to William, Scully eventually agreed and, after changing
the baby's diaper and putting his tiny coat on, Scully handed
William over to his aunt.

"Come on Will," Samantha took the stroller out of the closet,
"Let's go grab some fresh air."

After they'd left, Scully leaned against the wall rubbing the bridge
of her nose. She was tired. Walking toward the kitchen, Scully
contemplated what to make for supper.

"Hey," slightly startled, Scully jumped as Mulder came up behind
her and wrapped his arms around her.

"Mulder-jeez! Don't do that to me!"

"Sorry," He grinned brushing his lips against hers. "I've got a
good idea."

Raising her eyebrow, half amusement and half out of curiosity.
"What?" She turned in her arms to face him.

"Let's go out to dinner." Mulder lifted her hand and gave it a kiss,
"We could both use some fresh air."

"Well that's where our son is now, but I'm sure Samantha
wouldn't mind watching him for a little while longer."

"Better go get dressed," His face twisted into a sly smile, "I'm
taking you somewhere you deserve."

"We BOTH deserve." Scully grinned and headed for the bedroom,
her spirits rising and she went.

"That was wonderful Mulder." Scully smiled as he held the door
of the restaurant open for her.

"I'm so stuffed I don't think I'll be able to eat for weeks." Mulder
wrapped his suit jacket around Scully's shoulders.

"I hate to tell you this." Scully grinned taking his hand as they
moved toward the walk, "But Mom invited us over for lunch
tomorrow."

"Well then I guess I have no choice." Mulder mumbled before
adding with a twinkle in his eye, "I can always take more of that
good ol' Scully-cooking."

Scully just shook her head and allowed Mulder to lead her toward
the walkway that lined the beachfront restaurant. She couldn't
believe Mulder had driven all the way out to the coast just to take
her to supper, but she was definitely pleased.

The slight ocean breeze wisped through Scully's hair and rustled
the ends of her knee-length black dress. Hand and hand she and
Mulder made their way down the walk, enjoying the clear night
and the full moon.

"Uh oh." Mulder glanced at the sky.

"What?" Scully stopped, "No uh oh's Mulder."

"I was just going to say that it's a full moon tonight." He turned
his gaze toward her, "And you know what happens on a full moon
don't you?"

"Is this the part where you tell me that you're some sort of
werewolf just before you tell me you love me but you have to kill
me?" Scully raised an eyebrow in amusement.

"More like my car's going to turn back into a pumpkin and I have
to get home before the mice get away." Mulder laughed turning
her to face him.

"Well, I do have to admit that it seems almost to good to be
true...like a fairy tale." Scully smiled warmly, brushing her
fingers across his cheek and letting them linger at his lips.
"Mulder?"

"Yes?" Mulder was entranced by her touch.

"Catch me if you can!" Taking him completely by surprise Scully
suddenly flung off her shoes and began running towards the water.

"Don't think you can get away from me that easy." Mulder
grinned, adding before he took off after her, "They don't call me
Running Fox for nothin'."

Mulder quickly caught up with Scully at the edge of the water, his
long legs making up for her head start. She laughed as he easily
picked her up in a big bear hug.

The moonlight illuminated the former FBI partners as Mulder bent
down and kissed Scully, pulling her closer. It was about time they
had some fun. Real fun. Not the type of fun hidden between to
cases, mutants, or alien conspiracies.

"Hey Scully?" Mulder pulled back lifting her chin to meet his
gaze.

"Yeah?" She stared into those beautiful hazel eyes and was
reminded just why she was so totally and completely in love with
this man.

"Let's go get married."

The next day at the Scully household was one big excited, hectic,
rush of people, planning, and food.

"So did you say you wanted the flowers delivered here or to the
church?"

"When is the practice again?"

"Do you still want Bill to give you away?"

"Yes you gave him the to wear the tux for the reception."

The last of course was Byers speaking to the still reluctant-but true
to his word-Langly

"The Church, 3:00 a week from Friday, and although I'm almost
afraid to ask, yes." Frenzied, Scully turned to face Mulder, giving
out a small exasperated sigh.

Mulder grinned leaning in towards her and whispering, "There's
always Las Vegas."

"Yeah right Mulder, my mother is really going to let us elope to
Las Vegas." Despite the hectic rush of things, Scully smiled at
Mulder's attempt to calm her nerves.

William began crying from his continuously changing position of
being handed around the room from one loving friend or relative to
the next.

"I got him." Mulder gave her arm a squeeze and went to "rescue"
his son.

"I just got off the phone with your Aunt Olive." Mrs. Scully,
slightly weary herself, came in from the kitchen, "I told her I knew
it was a short notice, but she said they'd try their best to be here for
the wedding."

"Thanks mom." Scully gave her mother a warm smile.

"Chow time!" Charlie entered through the front door with three
pizza boxes in his hands. Samantha followed in right behind him,
carrying an equal number of boxes herself.

"Pizza?" Scully turned to her mother with a thoroughly surprised
look on her face. "Wow, we really must be busy around here."
Normally whenever company was over Mrs. Scully insisted on
cooking a big meal for everyone.

Margaret laughed, "You can thank your fiance for that one." Then
she turned and headed off to grab plates and napkins.

Scully turned her attention to Mulder who winked and, taking his
son's hand, waved in her direction.

Scully just shook her head, an amused expression on her face,
mouthed, "Thank you", and headed off to help her mom.

They had two weeks to make all the arrangements, invite all the
guests, and keep each other from going crazy. After things had
calmed down, they'd managed to send out all the invitations and
convince Langly to go tuxedo shopping under the watchful eye of
Byers and Frohike. After everything that had happened, Scully felt
it only natural to have Samantha as her maid of honor, and
Samantha, touched at such a request, agreed immediately. Finally,
after a hard days work, Mulder and Scully said their thank-yous
and goodbyes and headed off to home.

"I think Skinner's still trying to get over the initial shock that we're
finally doing it." Scully grinned as she turned her attention from
the passing scenery to Mulder behind the wheel.

Mulder had a sly lopsided grin on his face.

"Getting married, Mulder." Scully said in *that* tone of voice.
His expression turned to one of complete innocence as Scully
added, "I knew what you were thinking Mulder."

"I have absolutely no idea what you might be referring to Scully."
His words may have denied it, but Mulder's eyes still held that
mischievous twinkle that Scully knew all to well.

They rode in comfortable silence for a few minutes before Mulder
finally spoke up, "I wouldn't be surprised if the entire FBI showed
up just to see it with their own eyes."

"Seeing is believing." Scully spoke, taking a quick look back at
William to make sure he was ok. The baby was sleeping quietly,
thumb tucked safely in his mouth, holding his favorite blanket close.

The next two weeks were going to go by in a flash.

It was only three days before the wedding. They'd decided to
move the practice to Thursday instead of Friday for Skinner, who
had an important meeting on Friday that he couldn't get out of.

Even though it was only a rehearsal, the whole thing seemed so
surreal to anyone and everyone present. Mulder stood at this place
at the altar while he waited for everyone to get situated.

They ran through the first part quickly and, since Bill was unable
to fly in until Sunday, Skinner willingly stood in for him as the one
to give Scully away.

On the walk up Scully took hold of his arm, whispering, "You
know Sir, if I wasn't obligated to have my brother give me away,
you'd be my first choice."

Touched Skinner smiled and, still trying to get over the fact that
this was all really going to happen in 3 days, he gave her hand a
squeeze and, as they reached the alter whispered, "I would have
been honored." As he handed her over to Mulder, Skinner spoke
to the both of them, "I can't think of any two people who are more
perfect for each other, or who deserve this as much as you two."

Both Mulder and Scully where touched by their former boss, and
true friend's, remark. Skinner left their side and joined the
Gunmen, standing in his place.

"This is the part where I say 'Dearly beloved... ' and then I'll ask
you to read you're vows, which I understand you have written
yourselves?" Father McCue spoke in a fatherly tone. Mulder and
Scully both nodded. "Then I'll ask for the ring," at this point he
motioned for Mathew to come forward, "And then it's 'you may
kiss the bride'."

"And we live happily ever after." Mulder grinned, staring deep
into Scully's eyes. She smiled back, taking his hands in hers.
Before she could reply, Margaret Scully was already on her feet
ushering people towards the door for, "Lunch at her
house"... again.

Scully sighed, watching her mom hand William to Samantha as
she put on her coat, "Sometimes I think she's almost more excited
about this than I am." Scully laughed, pondered this for a moment,
then looked back at Mulder and added, "Well, maybe not."

"I don't know Scully," Mulder grinned ushering her towards the
door by the small of her back, "I can think of at least one person
who has been waiting for this day for a very long time."

Scully stepped outside taking William in her arms and turning to
Mulder with a smile on her face, "Make that two people who have
been waiting for this for a *very* long time."

Glancing around at all their happy-faced friends, Mulder spoke in a
low voice, "We may have to be adding to that list come Sunday."

"Practically everyone here has been waiting their fair share of time
to see this happen." Scully scanned the courtyard until her gaze
rested on Frohike. Giving a small laugh she added, "Well, almost
everyone."

(Continued in part 5)

Part 5
See part 1 for header information.

"Places everyone!" Mrs. Scully whispered anxiously as the guests
were being seated.

Langly tugged at his bowtie in annoyance.

"Hey man, stop that!" Frohike pulled Langly's arm away from the
source of his fidgeting.

"I can't help it." Langly whined.

"You can't do that when we're up at the alter." Byers warned
stepping out of the way as the photographer moved quickly into
the sanctuary to get positioned.

"Yeah, so humor me while I still have time." Ignoring his friends'
orders, Langly pulled at the tie again. Frohike and Byers gave up,
turning to whish Mulder good luck.

"Thanks guys." Mulder gave his friends a grin and moved off in
another direction. He was clearly in a hurry.

Mulder reached the door just as Mrs. Scully was coming out. She
had tears in her eyes.

"Fox," She was surprised to see Mulder, "What are you doing?"
Closing the door behind her, Margaret Scully paused and waited
for an answer.

"Oh, I-uh," Mulder hadn't planned on Scully's mom to be
guarding the bride's dressing room. "Just wanted to give this to
Scully." He tried to slip past her. "It'll just take a second."

"Fox," Mrs. Scully placed a comforting hand on his shoulder and
smiled, "You know it's bad luck to see the bride in her wedding
dress before the wedding."

"Yes Mrs. Scully, of all people I am very aware of that fact."
Mulder grinned, "Will you give her this for me?" He handed her a
folded note.

"Of course." Taking the note, she gave Mulder's arm a squeeze,
"Now go get ready, the wedding is about to start." Mulder obeyed
and went to take his place at the altar.

"Who was that?" Scully turned from her spot where Samantha
was helping her adjust her veil.

"Fox." Her mom handed Scully the note, "He wanted me to give
you this."

Surprised, Scully sat down in the chair next to her and unfolded the
small piece of paper. Samantha and Maggie watched as Scully
read the note. A smile crossed her face and she blinked back tears.

'Just in case you're having second thoughts, here's a little
something to tide you over.'

A photograph fell into her hand. It was a picture of her and
Mulder lying on her bed with William nestled between them.
Scully had never seen the picture before and remembered the
moment, but not the fact that it had been photographed. Turning it
over, she read the back-'Surprise! I'll explain later, but let me just
say that you can thank the guys for this one...love, Mulder' 'P.S.-
knock knock... '

Curious, Scully moved towards the door. Upon opening it, she
couldn't help but laugh. Sitting propped against the door waiting
for her to open was a bag of sunflower seeds and a bottle of ice tea.

"Mulder," Scully shook her head brining in the items and placing
them on the tabletop, "What would I do without you."

Her mother and Samantha, although very curious, knew there had
to be some sort of 'inside joke' to all of this. They did, however,
love the picture.

"Come on honey." Margaret ushered her daughter out the door,
"We don't want to keep Fox waiting."

~No~ Scully thought feeling the best sensation of nervous, happy,
excitement. ~No we don't~

Everyone had made it down the aisle but the bride. Scully took her
brother's arm and was surprised to see that Bill had tears in his
eyes. He quickly blinked them away and focused on a nonexistent
spot on the floor. Feeling like she should say something, but not
knowing what, Scully turned her attention towards the front of the
church.

Waiting for her at the altar, Mulder stood next to Skinner and the
guys, dressed in his tux, with that same grin Scully had come to
know so well over the past 9 years, spread across his face. Scully
couldn't take her eyes off Mulder; the sight literally took her
breath away. The moment she'd only dreamt of was finally going
to come true. They'd fought for so long, and so hard for this
moment that she just wanted to run to his side, make sure that
nothing else could happen to keep them apart any longer. Taking
a deep breath, Scully restrained herself and kept at her brother's
pace.

Mulder nervously licked his lips as he stood at the altar and
watched the flower girl and Mathew walk down the isle. Glancing
out of the corner of his eye, he could tell the gunmen were trying
their best not to look too paranoid. Inside Mulder laughed, *You
gotta love those guys.*

Suddenly the mood in the room changed, and Mulder could feel
Scully's presence. Turning his gaze back to the aisle his breath
caught. For a second he had to blink to make sure he wasn't
dreaming. Seeing Scully in her wedding dress, walking down that
aisle to meet him-Fox Mulder, was almost too hard for Mulder's
mind to grasp. They'd been through so much together for so long.
All he wanted was to take her in his arms and never let go...to live
the life they'd been too afraid to give in to for the past 9 years.
Mulder anxiously waited for Scully to reach the altar.

Scully held back a nervous breath as she and Bill reached the altar.
As Bill went to place her hand in Mulder's, Scully prayed that he
wouldn't do anything rash. She could tell by the look on Mulder's
face that he was hoping the same. They were both pleasantly
surprised when Bill placed his sister's hand in Mulder's and,
fighting back tears, actually smiled. Both Scully and Mulder were
so shocked they almost forgot to turn their attention to Father
McCue as he began the ceremony.

Once they were finally facing the right direction, Father Mchue
smiled and began, "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to
acknowledge and celebrate the love between this man, Fox
Mulder, and this woman, Dana Scully." He motioned to each of
them respectively, "It is on this day that Fox and Dana pledge
themselves to a life of mutual love, honor and companionship."

Scully and Mulder stood hand in hand, unable to take their eyes off
the other. Both were trying to hold back tears, and each had an
amused look on their face when they heard Father McCue refer to
them as "Fox and Dana". To each other, and all those who knew
them so well, they would always be Mulder and Scully.

Father McCue continued on, explaining that Mulder and Scully had
written their own vows, and would now like to read them. He
motioned for Mulder to begin.

Holding Scully's hands close to his heart, Mulder, a mixture of
boyish enthusiasm and unconditional love, began, "Nine years ago,
my life changed as I was assigned a new partner. Someone who
was my complete opposite. Someone who I originally thought was
sent to spy on me." As he spoke Mulder's mouth quirked into a
grin, "But, as fate would have it, this skeptical scientist who held
true to her beliefs was just what I needed." He spoke from the
heart, trying to put into words nine years of pent up emotions.
"Scully, I can't even begin to express how much you mean to me.
You're my best friend, and the only one I trust. You stuck with me
through the best and worst of times, even if it meant sacrificing
your career and your life." By this time both Mulder and Scully
were teary-eyed, as were most of the congregation. "I want to
thank you for believing in me when no one else did, for helping me
realize the truth. You saved me Scully, and I couldn't have made it
without you." Mulder paused for a moment to take in the sight in
front of him. "I stand here today, to show my undying love for you
and to promise that no matter what happens in the future, I will
always be there for you. Through all our rough times, and all our
years of searching, I finally found the truth, only to realize that I'd
had it all along. It was fate that brought us together" For a second
Mulder had a flashback of the conversation they'd had during a
stakeout many years ago-'If there's an ice tea in that bag... could
be love.' 'Must be fate Mulder...root beer.' "And fate means for us
to stay that way." With that Mulder lifted their grasp and gently
kissed her hand, whispering, "I love you Scully."

Trying to blink back tears, and finding it impossible to do, Scully
wiped at her eyes, trying her best to keep her composure in front of
the packed church. Looking back into Mulder's eyes, the same
familiar eyes that had voiced more in the past nine years than
words could ever say, Scully smiled and began, "Mulder, from the
moment I met you, I was inspired by your dedication and
passion...to your work and those you held close to your heart.
And although you may have driven me near insanity at times," At
this Scully's lips held a full-fledged grin and Mulder couldn't help
but laugh, "It was that enthusiasm and devotion that made me
follow you...and fall in love with you." Although she may have
held back in the past, Scully was finally giving in to her emotions,
speaking the truth she'd veiled for nearly 9 years. "Mulder, when I
thought I'd lost you," Scully paused and bit her lip, trying to find
the right words, "A huge part of me died. I realized that I no
longer cared what happened to me, or what the truth was. I would
give it all up just to have one more second with you." Mulder,
seeing a tear escape Scully's desperate attempts to hide her
emotions, lifted his hand and softly brushed it away. "I love you
Mulder...more than words could ever say...and I don't want to
lose you again." There was a slight pause and everyone in the
audience, especially Mrs. Scully, was dabbing at their eyes. "I
stand here today to promise you that I will continue to stand by
your side, regardless of what happens, or what life throws at us."
Scully finished by giving Mulder's hand a squeeze. "I love you
Mulder."

As Father McCue continued the ceremony, Mulder and Scully took
a few seconds to truly just enjoy the moment. Mulder stared deeply
into Scully's eyes, as she did his. A few seconds passed as things
began to sink in.

In the front row, Mrs. Scully was wiping her eyes. This was a
moment she had been waiting for for a very long time. Next to her
sat Charlie, a wide smile splashed across his boyish features. He
held William in his lap while the baby enjoyed resting comfortably
with his favorite blanket firmly in his grasp.

Beside Charlie, Tara dabbed at her own eyes, shifting her glance
between Mulder, Scully and her son. She wanted to make sure that
Mathew didn't forget his part in the ceremony like he had the first
time they'd practiced. Tara caught her son's eye and smiled. He
grinned back, proudly standing with the ring pillow in hand,
indicating that yes, he did remember when it would be his time to
give Father McCue the rings.

The front row ended with Bill. He sat solemnly, a mixture of
emotions masking his face. On one hand he was enjoying seeing
his son up there, while on the other he couldn't quite believe this
was all happening. His little sister was actually getting married,
and to who? Of all people, Fox Mulder. As he sat watching his
sister and Mulder give their vows, Bill was suddenly overcome
with a sense of defeat. As much as he hated to admit it, as much as
he had tried to prevent this very moment, he could not deny the
love they shared. He could see it in the way they looked at each
other, in the way they touched, even in the way one was
completely changed by the very presence of the other. Bill Scully
could no longer refuse to accept the fact that Fox Mulder and Dana
Scully were meant for each other. Heaving an inward sigh, Bill
glanced at his wife, then back at his sister. *As long as she's
happy*. Bill finally gave in to the fact that his little sister was old
enough to make her own decisions. Taking Tara's hand in his, he
smiled, and decided to enjoy the rest of this wedding, even if it
meant Fox Mulder would soon be his brother-in-law.

It was now the point in the ceremony where the bride and groom
faced each other as their song was sung. After much
consideration, Mulder and Scully had both agreed on "I Will Be
Here". As the music began, they both held a slight smile,
remembering the night this particular chapter in their lives had
begun.

'Tomorrow morning if you wake up,
and the sun does not appear,
I-I-I, I will be here.

If in the dark we lose sight of love,
hold my hand and have no fear.
'Cause I-I-I, I will be here.'

Mulder and Scully stood hand in hand, with the same misty-eyed
happiness as they listened to the rest of the song.

Mulder caught Scully's gaze and held it intently. This was a
moment that would live on forever in the most cherished section of
his photographic mind. Never in a million years did he think that
this moment, this absolutely perfect moment, would be happening.
He was minutes away from "officially" becoming one with best
friend, partner, and so much more than words could ever express.
Mulder was so full of happiness he thought his heart would burst.

Grinning, he brushed his thumb against the back of Scully's hand,
caressing his other half, the very core of his existence. She was the
only reason he was still here, had never given up on this long
treacherous journey.

Scully held Mulder's hands with a look of sophisticated bliss. She
could never put into words how she felt. How much she loved and
needed this man who, over the course of 9 years, had become her
other half. He was her best friend, her protector, partner, and so
much more-in Scully's mind the only way she could describe him
was that well, he was Mulder! They'd repressed their feelings for
so long, not wanting to destroy what they'd already had, and
finally they were realizing the truth that everyone else had already
discovered.

Somewhere in the back of her mind, Scully could hear the echo of
her sister's words. When worried about her choice to go into the
FBI, Scully had confided in Melissa, who had comforted her by
stating that she would never know what the future would bring, or
who Scully would meet along the way. Luckily Scully had
followed her sister's advice, and her heart, and it had brought her
here... to happiness... and to Mulder.

'As sure as seasons are made for change,
our lifetimes are made for years.
So I-I-I, I will be here.
I will be here, and you can cry on my shoulder.
When the new tells us we're older, I will hold you,
And I will be here, to watch you grow in beauty,
and tell you all the tings you are to me.
I will be here."

As the song neared its last verse, Mulder and Scully glanced
toward the completely filled church. Scully's family in the first
row, Maggie and Tara dabbing at their eyes. The second row held
Agents Doggett and Reyes. Both agents had knowing looks on
their faces. They'd both seen enough to know how monumental
this moment was, and how amazing it was that they were all even
alive to see it. Doggett nodded slightly in their direction and
Reyes smiled as they caught their fellow agents' gazes. Mulder and
Scully acknowledged their fellow agents with a barely perceptible
nod and a smile.

By now the song had ended and most of the church was crying, or
trying their best not to.

"May I have the rings?" Father McCue gave Mathew a smile.
Taking his cue, the little boy stepped up to Frohike, who untied the
rings from their safe place on the satin pillow. Praying that he
wouldn't drop them, Frohike handed the rings to Langly who, in
turn, handed them nervously over to Byers who then handed them
over to Skinner. Skinner stepped up and handed them safely to
Father McCue. Mulder finding it impossible to choose one best
man, had decided that this "assembly-line" approach to handing
over the rings would be the best way to honor all of the "best
MEN" who had helped them so much over the years.

They had asked Doggett and Reyes to be a part of the ceremony
but, after the last scare at her mother's house, Scully, Mulder,
Doggett, and Reyes had all agreed it would probably be better for
them to be in a place where they could keep watch easier and less
conspicuously. They had said that, although honored to be a part
of everything, it was probably safer for them to be "in the
audience". After all, it was Mulder and Scully's wedding, you
could never be too prepared with the two of them involved,
especially since it was a "normal-life" event. Something strange
was bound to happen! However, with practically the entire
population of the FBI present, someone would have to be insane to
try anything...

Father McCue took the rings in his hands and placed a warm smile
on his face. Turning to Mulder he handed him the ring.

Taking Scully's hand in his, Mulder smiled broadly and placed the
ring on her finger before lifting her hand to a soft kiss. Scully bit
back tears of joy, she loved him so much.

Father McCue continued in his fatherly voice, "Do you, Fox, take
Dana to have and to hold, for better or for worse, for richer or for
poorer, in sickness and in health, forsaking all others as long as
you both shall live?"

This was it. He was finally going to be able to say it. With a
sparkle in his eye, and that oh-so-familiar grin, Mulder didn't
hesitate, "I do."

Although soft-spoken, these two words held the greatest amount of
undying love, trust, and devotion that one could possible hope to
find.

It was now Scully's turn. Taking the ring from Father McCue,
Scully placed it on Mulder's finger, full of emotion for her true
other half. She didn't let go of their grasp as Father McCue
continued.

"And do you Dana, take Fox, to have and to hold, for better or for
worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, forsaking
all others as long as you both shall live?"

Before Scully even had a chance to answer, there was a loud noise
from the back of the church and suddenly all the lights went out.
Mulder immediately tensed. They both turned to the doorway at
the same time, dreading what they'd find. For a minute no one
spoke. A church full of FBI agents, exchanged nervous glances
debating whether or not they should be reaching for their weapons
or focusing once again on the bride and groom.

Mulder and Scully exchanged cautious glances with each other,
garnering equal amounts of worried looks from Skinner, Doggett,
Reyes, Samantha, and the guys.

Quietly excusing themselves, Agents Doggett and Reyes made
their way to the back of the church as imperceptible as they could,
quietly and unnoticeably drawing their weapons.

The room held a tension one could cut with a knife. The wedding
party stood silently in the darkened room at the alter debating what
to do next.

Suddenly there was another loud crash and everyone held his or
her breath waiting to see what would happen next.

Mulder clutched Scully's hands in his. She swallowed hard. They
both exchanged glanced that clearly stated, 'not now' and 'should
we really be surprised?'

Mulder gave Scully a sad smile, and brushed his thumb across the
back of her hand as they waited for the inevitable.

Through the tension filled darkness, the outline of a man appeared.
Doggett and Reyes quickly reached his side, drawing him to the
back of the church so as not to disrupt the already upset ceremony.

"Whoa!" A small pudgy man in his late 50s stumbled back in
surprise. Nervously eying the armed agents before him, he quickly
held up his arms up in surrender, "Don't shoot!"

Instantly a silent sigh of relief could be felt throughout the
crowded church.

Agent Doggett restored his weapon to its holster and led the man to
a place out of view, "Who are you?" He demanded, still unsure
whether he should be convinced that this man posed no threat.

"I-I, um," The man stammered nervously, "My name is Mr. Cohni,
the church handyman." He smiled a little, wringing his fingers in
nervous motions, "I was just coming up to make sure the candles
were all lit. He gave out an uneasy laugh, "The storm a few nights
ago knocked the electricity out and since then we've been having
some problems." After a few moments of silence he added, "In the
dark I ran into some folding chairs downstairs. I'm sorry, I didn't
mean to interrupt." Once again he eyed the weapons now tucked
securely away.

"I'm sorry Mr. Cohni," Agent Reyes gave the poor man a
reassuring smile, "We thought you were someone else." Walking
out of the room she caught Mulder and Scully's eye, nodding that
everything was under control. They both let out sighs of relief.

"Well, all the candles seem to be lit," Mr. Cohni smiled, somewhat
calmed, "So, if you don't mind, I'll be on my way."

"Go ahead, Mr. Cohni." Agent Doggett took the extra candles
handed to him. "Sorry for the inconvenience."

The two agents watched as the little man made his way down the
stairs and out the door.

Reyes shook her head incredulously, "What a day."

"No kiddin'" Doggett took in a relieved breath. Together they
made their way back to their seats.

Seeing that Agents Doggett and Reyes were back in their seats and
all seemed to be ok, Mulder squeezed Scully's hand reassuringly.
She smiled back and both exchanged reassured glances with the
rest of their paranoid wedding party.

~Only at our wedding~ Scully thought ~could the lights go out and
a poor handyman be mistaken for another serial killer/mutant/alien/
anything else X-file-related and be almost taken down by half the
FBI~ The thought was so ironic she wanted to laugh. Looking at
his face, she could tell Mulder was thinking the same.

They both turned to Father McCue. He had a confused, relieved,
half smile on his face as he continued the ceremony.

"Well," He cleared his throat, "As I was saying before," Father
McCue smiled again, this time genuinely sincere as he spoke to
Scully, "Do you Dana, take Fox, to have and to hold, for better or
for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health,
forsaking all others as long as you both shall live?"

Scully smiled broadly and answered before anything could stop
her, "I do."

"And now, by the power vested in me by God, and the state of
Virginia, I now pronounce you husband and wife." Father McCue
smiled down at them, "You may kiss the bride."

With the biggest smile Scully had ever seen on his face, Mulder
pulled her close. Leaning down he gently brushed his lips with
hers, cradling her face in his hands. For that moment, illuminated
only by candlelight, there was no one else in the room. Nine years
of friendship, loyalty, devotion, and trust was voiced in that single
perfect moment. Scully leaned into Mulder, closing her eyes as
THE kiss, the one that screamed proudly to the world that Mulder
was officially hers and she his, the kiss that would change their
lives forever, deepened before breaking off.

Mulder and Scully stood for a few seconds, just taking in the
moment, not willing to take their eyes off one another just yet.
Scully grinned, Mulder had that same twinkle in his eye that she
had come to know and love over the past nine years. Mulder
grinned back, unshed tears, mirroring hers, in his eyes. At that
moment no one in the world could have been any happier than
either felt.

Whispering a silent 'I love you' without words, Mulder-one hand
in Scully's and the other in its familiar place at the small of her
back- turned towards the congregation gently moving Scully along
with him.

Father McCue addressed the congregation, "May I be proud to
introduce to you for the first time, Mr. and Mrs. Fox Mulder."

Thunderous applause filled the room indicating just how happy
their family and friends were that they had finally done it. Joyful,
tear-stained faces smiled back at them. Scully practically expected
her mother to jump to her feet and grace them with a standing
ovation! Luckily William was in her lap, preventing such a thing
from happening.

At the sound of 'Mr. and Mrs. Fox Mulder' Scully and Mulder
exchanged an amused look. It would definitely take some getting
used to, and they would always just be 'Mulder' and 'Scully' to
each other, but it would be fun getting used to it in the process!

As they were getting ready to make their way down the candlelit
aisle, taking in the faces of their family and friends, the dim light
in the church suddenly flickered. Mulder stopped, causing Scully
to stop with him. Near the back of the church, the light of the
candles seemed to hold an almost magical gleam. Scully's breath
caught in her throat and she felt Mulder's hand tense in hers.

For a few brief moments Mulder held his breath, staring wide-eyed
at the back of the church. He could have sworn he had just seen
his mother and father standing next to Scully's father and Melissa -
all held genuine happy smiles on their faces. He blinked and they
were gone.

"Scully?" Mulder's voice was barely a whisper. Turning to face
her he knew she had seen it too.

Scully stared back incredulously, her mouth slightly open. The
look on her face was priceless and Mulder couldn't help but laugh.
Instantly they both knew that no matter what they may have said in
the past, their family, their *entire* family was truly proud of
them.

Taking her in his arms, Mulder once again led her down the aisle.
They'd been through a lot in the past nine years and now they were
finally going to get to attempt their luck at a normal life, together,
officially as one.

Martha's Vineyard
Beach of Mulder's Parents' Summer Home
10:13 p.m.

Scully lay with her head on Mulder's chest, listening to him speak as they
both lay on the blanket watching the slow-moving waves flow in and out.

"It was nice of you to dance with Frohike." Mulder grinned, rubbing his
fingers absently along the length of her arm.

Scully chuckled, thinking back to the reception that had ended nearly two
hours ago, "I must admit the look on his face was priceless."

The reception had gone unusually well, considering they were both
expecting something bad to happen...

They had stood and waited out the long line of well-wishers and endured
the usual after-wedding chat with smiles on their faces. They'd thanked
Agents Doggett and Reyes for attending to the little "handyman incident".

Scully smiled remembering Reyes' comment that their luck seemed to be
taking a change for the better.

Mulder and Scully had thanked each of the gunmen whole-heartedly,
ensuring them that they were more than welcome to show up at their new
house whenever they wanted to-so long as they promised not to bug
anything. They all laughed and agreed not to interfere with Mulder and
Scully's personal life.

"But if you ever need us again," Frohike had winked adding, "You know
where to find us."

Scully smiled, snuggling closer to Mulder. After the guys had advanced to
the food table, Mulder had managed to quickly remind her of the
photograph of them and William he'd given her earlier. Winking, he had
said, "A little surveillance help from the guys." After seeing the look on
her face, Mulder had assured Scully that the "surveillance" he'd been
referring to had only taken place that one night and only for the sole
purpose of capturing the moment. Scully had smiled and just shook her
head.

Next through the line had been Scully's family. Her mother had given
both of them huge hugs and it was clear just exactly how happy she was.
Charlie, Will in his arms, had given his sister a hug stating that their
mother had insisted they keep the baby until after the honeymoon. After
shaking Mulder's hand, and welcoming him to the family, Charlie moved
on tot the punch, followed by Tera, Mathew, and Bill a while later.

Scully had complemented Mathew on being an excellent ring-bearer and
he had grinned proudly before giving both his Aunt Dana and Uncle
Mulder a hug a hug and hurrying off to the food. Bill had been
surprisingly pleasant, hugging his sister and shaking Mulder's hand (even
though he held a restrained look on his face the entire time). Tera
congratulated them both before hurrying after her runaway son.

Samantha had been next, following the other in the congratulations and
saying that she was, "so happy she could be here for this" and that she was
glad to "finally have a family again". Mulder had given her a hug, a
feeling of completion washing throughout his body. He could hardly
believe all that had happened so close together.

Finally, Skinner had made his way through, hugging Scully and shaking
Mulder's hand, a sincere smile on his face. He had commented on how
happy he was that his two best agents had "*finally* gone through with
it", also admitting that he knew it'd happen some day and that he was
happy that he'd gotten to be a part of it.

After the cake cutting, toasts, and a little more chatting, people had started
making their way to the dance floor. At some point in the dancing Mulder
whispered to Scully to "look". Having followed his gaze she noticed that
Samantha and Charlie seemed to be having a fun time dancing together.
Mulder had raised an eyebrow and Scully had laughed adding, "We
Scully's have always had a good taste in the opposite sex." Mulder had
laughed then, pulling her closer and whispering, "Then I guess we
Mulder's are just lucky," he grinned mischievously, thought for a second
and then stated, "or at least we are now." He'd leaned down then and
placed his lips softly to hers.

Agents Doggett and Reyes seemed to have been enjoying themselves and
even Mrs. Scully had found a dance partner. Mulder had to suppress a
laugh when he realized that it had been Skinner.

They'd danced for a while longer until it was time for Scully to throw the
bouquet. It had bounced off a half a dozen hopefully brides-to-be before
finding one very unwelcome spot in Langly's lap.

Mulder laughed remembering the horrified look on Langly's face as he
stared at the bouquet in his hap as if it were an alien ready to leap out and
take him right then and there. Frohike and Byers had had a field day with
that and Scully found herself feeling somewhat sorry, albeit incredibly
amused, knowing that Langly would never be able to live that one down.

After a while the festivities had died down and guests began trickling off
to their respective homes. After a few more "congratulations" and "good
lucks" Mulder and Scully were finally alone.

Now here they were lying on a blanket on the beach, Scully in Mulder's
arms and a star-filled sky above. Mulder tucked an errant strand of hair
behind Scully's ear as he wrapped her into his embrace. He loved just
laying there, his wife -~wife~ Mulder stopped for a second, he liked the
sound of that-in his arms. There was nothing more that Fox Mulder could
want in the world. He leaned down, placing a soft kiss on Scully's
forehead before meeting his lips with hers.

Scully was engulfed in pure bliss. Nothing could be more perfect than it
was right now. She let out a deep contented sigh as she rested her head
back on Mulder's chest. Suddenly she let out a chuckle.

"What?" Mulder glanced down at Scully, enjoying her happiness.

"I can't believe," she spoke thinking back to the reception, "that you had
then play "Walking in Memphis" at our wedding reception." Mulder
grinned, reminding Scully just how much she loved this man, her husband.
*Husband*, she smiled. *I like that.*

"It holds sentimental value for us Scully." He eye took on a playful look.

"It was our first dance." Her face took on a similar expression as she
grinned.

"But it will definitely not be our last." Mulder whispered, grabbing her
hand and pulling her to her feet.

"Mulder," Scully, caught slightly off balance, landed easily in his arms.

"One moment." Mulder held up a finger and bounded up to the house. He
returned a few minutes later with two glasses, a bottle of champagne, and
a CD player.

After opening the champagne and pouring them each a glass, Mulder
made a toast, "To us." He held up his glass.

"To us" Scully smiled, clinked her glass with his and added, "May we
never stop believing."

Pleasantly surprised, Mulder grinned. Setting their glasses down he pulled
her into his arms adding, "That the truth is out there." He winked pressing
play on the CD player.

The first few lines of "I'll Always Be Right There" by Bryan Adams
began:

'I swear to you, I will always be there for you
There's nothin' I won't do
I promise you, all my life I will live for you
We will make it through
Forever, we will be
Together, you and me'

They danced in the moonlight, the sand beneath there feet.
Scully rested her chin on Mulder's chest smiling as he began
softly singing.

'Oh and when I hold you
Nothin' can compare
With all of my heart, you know I'll always be right there
I believe in us, nothin' else could ever mean so much
You're the one I trust our time has come, we're not two people
Now we are one, you you're second to none
Forever, we will be
Together, a family'

They continued swaying to the music. Mulder dipped Scully,
grinning playfully. Scully laughed as she was once again
brought back into his arms, fitting perfectly into his embrace.

'The more I get to know you, nothin' can compare
With all of my heart, you know I'll always be right there
Forever, we will be
Together, just you and me

The more I get to know you, the more I really care
With all of my heart, you know I'll always be...
You know I really love you, nothin' can compare
For all of my life, you know I'll always be...right there'

As the song ended, Mulder pulled Scully into a deep kiss,
eventually pulling back to stare deep into her eyes.

"I love you Scully." Mulder spoke as the fresh ocean
breeze rustled its fingers through Scully's hair. The light
of the moon reflected the love in Mulder's eyes.

"I love you more than I could ever say Mulder." She spoke
softly. It was true, for neither could ever truly express the
overwhelming love for the other.

And so, standing heart to heart, the feel of sand on their
feet and the soft ocean breeze engulfing them in its warm
embrace, Fox Mulder and Dana Scully finally understood
something.

As they walked hand in hand up to the house, Mulder and
Scully-husband and wife-realized that through all the years,
the good times and bad, the paranoia and the skepticism,
they'd found the truth. For underneath the layers of hard
times and pent up emotions, government conspiracies and
alien abductions, in the back of each of their minds Mulder
and Scully had somehow always been, and always would be,
perfectly entwined in the realm of trust, truth, and
ultimately... the hopelessly romantic.

END