From: Sara Bowen <sabo727@tampabay.rr.com>
Date: 22 Jan 2006 15:50:21 -0800
Subject: [all-xf] Assisted Suicide 3:  A Time of Pregnancy and Marriage
Source: atxc

 
Title: Assisted Suicide 3:  A Time of Pregnancy and Marriage 
Author: Sara B.
E-mail: sabo727@tampabay.rr.com
URL: http://sabo727.tripod.com/
Rating: Over 16
Category: Alternate Universe, Angst, MSR (lots and even more mush)  
Spoilers: My previous stories Assisted Suicide 1 and 2 - they are on my
website. 
Feedback:  You want to do it, I know you do.  Come on it is so easy!
Summary:  This is a continuation of the story between M.E. Dana Scully
and FBI Profiler Fox Mulder.  It is a year after their first encounter.
Are things still going good?  What about that ex-wife of his?  Has she
come back to scurry up some trouble?  All that and we get a peek into
Grace and Frohike's private life.  
Archive: I would be honored, just let me know.
Disclaimer:  The recognized characters are used Without Prejudice and
are the property of C. Carter, Fox and the wonderful actors who breathed
life into written words, most notably G. Anderson and D. Duchovny who
were able to make us believe in the improbable.  No Infringements of
these copyrights are intended, and are used here without permission.
The story and before unknown characters belongs to me.  Places and names
are fictitious.  They tell me DC is real but seeing what comes out of
there makes me think I've been lied to. 
Gratitude: To Kim Knight, you are the best, thank you for being my
friend.  To my Dennis, enough said.  To CC and Company, who created the
X-Files.  Lastly, but my no means least, to the readers, you make this
hobby of mine have meaning. 
Author's Notes: I had not intended to continue this story, or I would
have thought up a better name.  I had several requests for more from
this universe.  Some of those requesting were quite strident.  I hope
this quenches their thirst. 
 
Assisted Suicide 3:  A Time of Pregnancy and Marriage 
Sara B. 01/06
 
Mulder and his long time partner Reggie Perdue were waiting for AD
Skinner to return so they could start the meeting.  Skinner had been
busy and hadn't had a moment to himself all day.  So when Mulder and
Purdue came in he begged a few minutes to visit the restroom and get
some coffee.  
 
Mulder just sat in the chair smiling.  Reggie noticed he'd been doing
that a lot lately.  It started when he began seeing that little red
head, Dana Scully, Dr. Dana Scully.  She was definitely good for Mulder
and Reggie, for one, was glad to see Mulder happy.  
 
That witch of an ex-wife of his put him through the ringer.  Reggie
would never forget the bedraggled Mulder who ended up on his doorstep
the night it was over between them.  
 
They'd solved that case in California a lot sooner than expected so they
were able to head home early.  Mulder didn't even call his wife, he
wanted to surprise her.  They hadn't been married all that long but
Reggie knew they were having some serious problems.  
 
They were reporting to Patterson back then and the man was a frigging
slave driver; and he was particularly hard on Mulder.  It was generally
understood that the bastard wanted to break Mulder; damned near
succeeded, with a little help from Mulder's wife.
 
They were waiting for their plane and Mulder was busy on the phone
making reservations and ordering flowers.  Mulder had driven to the
airport so he dropped Reggie off before heading home.  Three hours later
Mulder was at Reggie's door looking like he'd finally cracked and
smelling like he'd been tossed into a keg of stale beer.  
 
The only thing Mulder said was that it was finally over with Diana.  To
this day Mulder never told him what happened.  Reggie had his suspicions
but he never knew for sure and he sure as heck wasn't going to ask.  
 
Mulder immediately went on a bender, not liquor, women.  He became a
serial one night stander, never seeing any woman more than once.  Thank
goodness that didn't last very long; Reggie hated fielding those 'day
after' phone calls.  It got so bad that Reggie told Mulder that if one
more bimbo called he'd give them Mulder's home number and address.  
Reggie didn't know if Mulder quit the circuit or if he just gave them
phony numbers.  He suspected that it was the former more than the
latter.  
 
He did know that she showed up a few years later and Mulder and Diana
reconciled for a short time.  Mulder was miserable the entire time.  
Reggie never quite understood why Mulder tried the reconciliation but he
suspected he felt guilty about not paying Diana enough attention during
their marriage.  Or at least that was how Diana maneuvered him.  Reggie
couldn't recall Mulder smiling once the entire time.  Again, he didn't
know what ended it but he was damned glad when it was over.
 
The next time Reggie heard anything about Mulder's dating life was when
Mulder, himself, told him about Dana Scully.  Reggie had just returned
from vacationing with his wife, Renee's, family in Key West.  He walked
in on Monday morning in his post vacation stupor and was shocked to find
that Mulder hadn't arrived yet.  That only happened when Mulder had been
sent to the field.  He checked his e-mail for some indication as to
where Mulder was and found nothing; he picked up the phone to call
Skinner when Mulder came through the door.  It took one look to see that
something monumental had happened during his absence.  Mulder looked
rested and he was smiling, not just a cursory twitch of his lips, but a
real smile that lit up his eyes.  
 
Reggie hadn't even had to ask because Mulder just blurted it out.  "Reg,
I met her.  I thought I was in love before but I have to tell you it was
nothing like this.  Her name is Dana. . ."  Mulder went into all the
details of how they met, how wonderful she was and beautiful and
everything that every man says when thinks he's in love.
 
Reggie was terrified.  He was so afraid Mulder was going to get hurt
again.  Hell, he'd only been gone for two weeks and Mulder was head over
heels.  That couldn't be good.  But it was good and a year later it
still was.  
 
Mulder introduced them that same day at lunch and she turned out to be
everything Mulder said she was, even a bit more.  He watched their
interaction during the meal.  They acted like they'd known each other
for years not just days.  It was spooky.
 
They were nearly inseparable.  When Mulder and he were in the field,
Mulder would call her at least three times every day no matter what they
were doing.  Morning, noon and night he called his 'Scully.'  He also
called her whenever he was blocked; it always worked.  There was
something about the little redhead that relaxed Mulder and that would
let the genius flow.
 
Reggie was pulled from his musings by Mulder.  "See anything you like?"
Busted, Mulder's smile broadened and Reggie coughed to cover his
embarrassment at being caught staring.  Luckily Skinner chose that
moment to walk in.  
 
"Sorry about making you wait."  He barely got seated when the intercom 
rang.
 
"Yes," he answered.
 
"Sir, I hate to disturb you but there is an emergency call for Agent
Mulder."  His assistant, Kim, said.
 
Skinner put the call on speaker.  "Hello, to whom am I speaking?"
Skinner asked.
 
"My name is Grace Moore and I'm. . ."
 
She didn't get to finish when Mulder pounced.  "Grace, what happened to
Scully?"
 
"Mulder, don't worry.  She'd kill me if you worried about her.  She was
writing her notes from the latest autopsy and she fainted.  I called for
help and she darned near took my head off when they carted her out of
there.  I'm waiting for word.  She's at George Washington."
Mulder was out of the room before she could finish, Reggie and Skinner
were in fast pursuit.
 
~x~
Mulder found out from the admissions desk where her room was.  The trio
met Grace just outside Scully's room and she and Mulder hugged each
other.
 
"They won't tell me anything," Grace told them tearfully.
 
Skinner started to turn, "I'll see what I can find out."
 
"No, Mulder is listed as her next of kin.  They'll tell him."
They went to the floor nurses station.  After checking Scully's file the
nurse told Mulder about Scully's condition.
 
"Dr. Scully was brought in after she'd been found lying on the floor of
her office.  Her vitals were good and Dr. Tern ordered to keep her for
observation and if nothing happened she'd be released.  Unfortunately,
she started having bouts of nausea followed by severe vomiting.  Dr.
Tern ordered that she be admitted.  We've got her on fluids and we're
waiting for the results of her blood work."  The nurse put her hand on
Mulder's shoulder.  "We don't know anything yet so don't just worry
yourself sick.  She's in there and I think she really would like to see
you.  I was talking to her while I took her vitals and she's kinda stuck
on you."
 
A smile played at Mulder's lips in spite of himself.
 
~x~
Mulder took a deep breath and entered Scully's room.  Her eyes were
closed and at first he thought she was sleeping but her hand reached out
for him.  She scooted over to make room for him on the bed.  "I love
you, Mulder."
 
"I love you too, Scully."
 
"Did they tell you anything?"
 
"Only that you fainted and started vomiting.  Scully, tell me.  Have you
had any other occurrences?
 
"I've felt a little queasy for the last three or four days, but you knew
about that."  He nodded; they thought she was coming down with the flu.
"I just finished the report on the Terrance autopsy and I got up to get
some coffee.  The next thing I know I was on a gurney.  I think I owe
Grace a big apology."
 
"You just being okay will be enough," Grace said from the doorway.  "Is
it all right for us to come in?"
 
"Sure, I didn't know you were all out there."  Scully was waving them
in.  "Grace, I'm so sorry for being angry."
 
"Angry, you were not angry, you were mad."  She reached down and took
Scully's hand.  "I love you, girlfriend, but you get to explain to
Melvin why his love muffin won't be too receptive tonight."
Mulder's face scrunched up. "Grace!  Too much information!"  The room
erupted in laughter.
 
"That's what I like to see."  Dr. Tern came into the room.  "Dana, could
I speak to you privately?  I have the results of your blood work."
 
"Would it be okay if Mulder stayed?"  She asked.
 
"So this is Mulder?"  The doctor offered his hand.  The other three
slipped from the room and closed the door.
Mulder and Scully just held each other.  Dr. Tern took a moment to
review the file.  "Dana, Fox, take those worried looks off your faces."
 
"It's curable?"  Mulder ventured.
 
"I'd say that Dana will be back to normal in about seven and a half
months, give or take a week or two."  Dr. Tern saw from their faces that
they didn't follow.
 
"Dana, you are a doctor and as such you know that nature often makes
fools out of doctors."  Still they seemed to not understand and Dr. Tern
drew in an exasperated sigh.  "Congratulations, Dana, or maybe I should
say mom, you too, dad."
 
Mulder mumbled, "Mom and dad.  Oh, God!  Are you saying. . ."  Mulder
turned to Scully ready to hug her for dear life when her look of fear
stopped him.  She was remembering Jack Willis' reaction.  He spoke
softly, "Dana Katherine Scully, I love you and," his smile broadened,
"we made a baby."  He placed his hand gently on her stomach.   
 
Her eyes searched his and whatever it was that she needed to see must
have been there because she hurled herself to him.  Scully kissed the
side of his face then whispered, "We made a baby.  You created a miracle
Mulder; our miracle."
 
The doctor cleared his throat.  "With your history we are going to have
to be really careful.  I've already contacted your Gynecologist, Dr.
Fields, and told her about this.  She wants to see you tomorrow at
10:00. 
 
I don't see a reason to make you stay the night as long as you won't be
alone."  He cocked his head toward the door.  "I'm going to let the
others in here.  I think you might want to brace yourselves for some
serious hugging."
 
Grace led the trio and saw the looks passing between the two people
sitting on the bed.  The way they were acting she new it wasn't bad
news.  "Stop gazing at each other and tell us."  Grace demanded good
naturedly.
 
Mulder spoke, "hey Grace, you ready to be a Godmother?"
 
"Godmo. . ., Dana!"  She ran to the bed.  "My girl is having a baby.
Wait till I tell my boys."  There was a twinkle in her eyes.  "So, do we
just assume Mulder here is the father?"
 
"That's proud papa to you!"  Mulder's eyes never left Scully's face.
"Isn't she amazing?"  Mulder knew he was laying it on a little thick but
he needed her to know that he wasn't like Willis.  He wanted this baby
almost as much as he wanted its mom.
 
Skinner and Reggie just stood watching, complete shock had overtaken
them.
 
~x~
Mulder got Scully settled in bed then went to heat up some chicken
broth.  The smile had not faded from his face.  Pictures of a little
redhead prancing around in a tutu or a tall dark haired baseball player
kept running through his mind.  He'd never thought about children until
he met Scully.  Even before she'd told him about her first pregnancy and
what that bastard Willis did he'd envisioned having children with her.  
 
But before this baby gets born there is something else that needs to be
done.  
 
Mulder put the tray over her slight body and sat next to her.  "You
know, Scully, now that you've made me a dad you're going to have to
marry me."
 
"Is that so?  You expect me to make an honest man of you?  Well, I
suppose if we have to, we have to."
 
He leaned over and kissed her.  
 
"Thank God."  He got up and grabbed something out of his suit coat then
moved back to the bed.  "I've been carrying this around for weeks."  He
held out a jeweler's box that obviously carried a ring.  
 
Mulder sat at the side of the bed and opened the box to reveal an
antique rose gold ring with four emeralds surrounding the center
diamond.  "It was my great-grandmother's engagement ring.  I was going
to get you something new but Samantha reminded me about this one.  When
I got it out of the safety deposit box and saw it I knew this was our
ring."
 
Scully had not said anything and Mulder started to get worried that he'd
made the wrong call.  He closed the box, "I'll get. . ."
 
"No!  I'm sorry I just," she took hold of his hand.  "It's just that if
I were to pick out a ring that is just what I'd pick.  That is our ring
and if you don't put it on my finger right now you will have one very
upset pregnant woman on your hands, and I don't think you can take
that."
 
"Scully, I do have one request."
 
"Hmm," she was too busy admiring the ring to really care.
 
"I want to be the one to tell your brother Bill."
 
"Mulderrrr," Scully mock growled.  "Only if I get to watch."
 
~x~
Scully moved to sit on the couch and Mulder steered her to the bedroom.
"Scully, you know what the doctor said.  Bed rest until she tells us
otherwise."
 
"Mulder, what am I going to do?  I can't afford to not work.  I've got
some savings but . . ."
 
"What is this 'I' crap?  This is a 'we' thing and 'we' can afford for
you to be out of work.  Now stop worrying, you know what Belinda said
about stress.  Now, get in that bed and take a nap.  Byers is coming to
stay with you and I'm meeting the others to get started packing my
things.  Most of my clothes are already here so the only thing I really
need to bring is my fish tank.  The rest is going into storage.  I made
all the arrangements while you were being examined.  
 
"Oh, do you want to invite your folks over on Sunday for dinner so we
can spring the news on them?"  Mulder was putting on his "happy" act
because Scully had been down since she was told she would need to stay
in bed most of the time.
 
"I don't think I will be up for cooking," Scully said quietly.
 
"Then it's a good thing I know all the best take-out."
 
Scully just reached her arms out and Mulder went to her.  "You are
something else.  Do you know that, Mr. Mulder?"
 
"We aims to please."  He kissed her nose.  "Now call your folks and then
take that nap."
 
~x~
Mrs. Scully held her husbands hand tightly.  Fox met them at the door
and told them that Dana was lying down and would be out later.
Immediately her mom radar kicked in and she was worried despite Fox's
exclamations that there was nothing to worry about.
 
Twenty minutes later Dana walked 'gingerly' out of the bedroom.  Fox was
at her side the moment the door opened.  Margaret and Bill watched the
procession and their anxiety grew.  Mulder made sure she was settled
then sat on the arm of her chair and the pair looked at each other and
held hands.  It was Bill who spoke first.  "You're getting married!
That's what all of this is about; you are getting married."  They knew
that Mulder was for all intents living with Dana.  They didn't fully
approve of the living arrangement but they did approve of the couple and
they knew it was only a matter of time before they were married.
 
Mulder and Scully faces broke into huge smiles.  "That covers one
announcement," Mulder said.  "The other is really a surprise and," he
looked at Scully.  "She's amazing, she really is.  We just found out
that Scully and I are going to be parents in a little over seven
months."
 
Maggie Scully grabbed her husband.  "Dana, this is wonderful.  How, I
know that after that," she stopped she didn't know if Fox knew about
Dana's miscarriage.
 
"Mom, it's okay, Mulder knows everything.  I told him on our first date
and he didn't go running and screaming from me."
 
"Just like I told her about my finding my ex-wife in bed with her best
girlfriend."  Mulder's face turned serious.  "I know that you would have
liked us to have been married first but I hope you see this as the great
gift we do."
 
It was Bill's turn to say something but first he looked at his wife and
she nodded.  "Dana, Fox, I'm about to tell you a family secret.  Bill
and Melissa were not born eighteen months after we were married they
came six months after we got married.  We tacked on a year so none of
you would ask questions."  While Maggie blushed Bill just laughed at the
shocked faces of the young couple.  "Young people always think they are
the first to discover sex."
 
"Bill, that will be enough.  Now, we have a wedding to plan!"
Dana explained she didn't want anything too fancy.  Mulder explained
about Scully's condition.
 
"Would you like to have it at our house?"  Bill offered.  "We can
accommodate a decent number and it won't be too taxing for Dana.  Hell,
I'll roll her down the aisle in a wheelchair if it will help."
 
Everyone was amenable to the idea.  So that was settled.  Maggie said
she would call Father McCue and they would decide the date after they
knew the good Father's schedule.  
 
Bill Scully beamed at the duo for a moment then asked, "Fox, I know you
are half Jewish so would you want a Rabbi to co-officiate?"
 
"I don't think so; my religious training was quite lax.  But before I
say a definitive no I want to check with my mom.  She's never followed
the faith all that closely but she may like to, well you know."  He
hoped they did.  "Her father had insisted that we have all the rights
for my marriage to Diana but he's gone now."  
 
It was Dana who decided, "Mulder, if you really don't care I would like
to have a Rabbi officiate with Father.  It just seems right."  He
nodded.
 
"Good, that's settled.  Now, one last obstacle.  About that first
marriage, you are divorced and the woman is still living?"  Maggie
didn't want to sound too nosy but Father McCue needed all the
information.
 
"I was married before and legally I am divorced and I presented Diana
with the 'get' so the marriage is dissolved in the faith.  My
grandfather Kuiper insisted."  His arm tightened around Scully.  "I
think I'm grateful he was a bit of a stickler.  I can get you copies of
all the documents if you want?
 
"Maggie, Bill, I do have one request and I hope you don't take this
wrong but I really would like to do this.  Bill Jr. has given Dana a
hard time in the past and this last year he has taken every opportunity
to make us aware that he looks down on our lifestyle.  I would like to
be the one to tell him.  I hope it will build a bridge so that we can
move on.  Do you have any objections?"
 
"Fox, I think that would be a good thing."  Maggie spoke for both she
and her husband.  "Bill Jr. can be too rigid in his thinking."
Bill interrupted.  "Though it seems to be a do as I say not as I do sort
of thing.  I'll bet none of you knew that he and Tara cohabitated before
they were married."  Maggie gave her husband a quizzical look and he
just shrugged knowing he'd have some explaining to do later.
 
Mulder looked at Scully and they gave each other smiles, this was
information he could use to his advantage.  
 
"Now for the really big issue," Bill began, "are you two still going to
call each other Scully and Mulder after you're married?  Because I'll
tell ya, it's kinda annoying when he calls out Scully and nearly
everyone in the room responds."
 
~x~
Scully's doctor was allowing her more time out of bed but she still
couldn't stand for long lengths of time.  Three weeks earlier her
parents showed up at her door to take her and her wheelchair shopping
for her wedding outfit.  At first she balked because she thought it was
a little silly, since she and Mulder were hardly strangers to each
other, but once she got to the bridal store she got into the mood.  
Not only did she find the perfect dress, simple but elegant and her dad
said, 'from my fatherly perspective you look too damned sexy and I
should ban you from buying such an outfit,' but an entire bridal
wardrobe.  Shoes that somehow managed to be sexy but still only had the
small heel her doctor insisted, lace topped hose, a nice cream colored
travel suit and a, not very virginal, nightgown her mom insisted she
get.  'Fox would bite his leg off if he had to just to get to you dear.'
 
All her purchases were at her parent's home just waiting for Friday when
they would be needed.  
 
The last month had been a blur; starting with her fainting spell,
finding out she wouldn't be able to work for the duration, telling
everyone and all the planning.  Who knew that a small, simple affair
would be so involved?  Flowers, invitations, food, beverages, hotel
reservations, renting chairs and all the rest of it.  They had
accomplished a lot in a month.
 
After they told her parents, Scully insisted they tell his mom and dad.
She'd only met them once but she'd spoken to them quite often in the
last year.  She'd found them cool but polite.  Mr. Mulder, Bill, tended
to drink a little heavily and Mrs. Mulder, Teena, avoided things that
were unpleasant.  Mulder's sister Samantha was a lot like her brother
and Scully liked her a lot.  
 
Scully got permission from her doctor for them to take the train to
Massachusetts to visit.  She didn't like it but she was relegated using
a wheelchair whenever they went anyplace so when the Mulder's saw Mulder
pushing her they were extremely concerned; she hadn't been in a
wheelchair when they'd last met.  Mulder had to assure them repeatedly
that it was only a temporary thing but they only stopped fussing when he
blurted out, "it's only until the baby comes."  
 
They all stood motionless in stunned silence which Scully broke with a
nervous, "surprise!"  
 
Overall, the weekend had been a success and Mrs. Mulder was thrilled
that Mulder had given Scully her grandmother's engagement ring.  
 
Sunday afternoon Mrs. Mulder shooed the men out and the three ladies
went into her library.  While Samantha and Scully watched, Teena opened
a wall safe and pulled out a jewel case.  Inside was a rope of exquisite
pearls; the Kuiper pearls.  Teena handed the case to Scully.  
"Dana, those have been in my family for generations.  Every bride, with
one exception, has worn them on her wedding day and I hope you will
continue the tradition."  Scully later learned that the bride who hadn't
worn the pearls was Diana.  
 
~x~
Scully moved to her parent's home Wednesday.  Both she and Mulder were
unhappy about not being together and Scully was really pissed at herself
for agreeing with her mom on the necessity for it so they could see to
all those last minute bride things. 
 
She could hear her mom saying, "Dana, you do not want to be home while
the men take Fox out for his bachelor party.  Besides, there is the
matter of your bachelorette party."
 
Dana's bachelorette party consisted of a combined bridal and baby
shower.   By the end of the evening, Dana had pulled in quite the haul.
Everything from a bassinet and enough baby outfits to take him, or her,
to college if she could find a way for him, or her, to never grow, to
sexy lingerie that made her blush just holding the stuff.  
 
Around ten, Maggie whispered that Fox was on the phone asking to speak
with her.
 
Scully picked up the receiver and heard raucous laughter and loud
gyrating music in the background.  
 
"Mulder, I thought you were supposed to be having your last night of
debauchery?"  She chided him.
 
"Scully, I've missed you all day.  I tried to convince your mom to let
me visit for a little while."
 
"I can only imagine her reply to that."
 
"You got it, and then some."


"So the party not interesting?"
 
"Scully, when a man has everything he ever wanted everything else is
just flotsam."
 
Scully couldn't help but sniffle.  "You know, I just might have to keep
you.  I did get some very interesting presents.  At least I think you
will think so."
 
"Oh, do tell."  Scully could almost see the lascivious look on his face.
 
"You're just going to have to wait till I can give you a show."
 
"You are a cruel woman."
 
"But you love me anyway."
 
"You've got that right.  Scully, this is so lame.  I don't want to be
here."
 
"Where is 'here' exactly?"  She asked.
 
"Michael's on fourth, why, you gonna send in the cavalry to rescue me?"
"Mulder, Michael's has a little alcove near the rear.  I'll bet that if
you go there you will find dad and maybe a couple of others nursing some
water downed drinks talking.  Maybe even playing cards.  Now hang up and
go check.  I love you."
 
"Love you too."  Mulder wandered to the back and found his dad, Bill
Mulder, Bill Scully Sr., AD Skinner and Reggie Purdue and a pack of
cards just like Scully said.  
 
"Can a bored out his skull bridegroom join?"
 
They all gave him knowing smiles and Reggie moved over a chair.  "I
thought you were supposed to be sowing your last wild oats?  Won't you
be missed?"  
 
"Those guys in there are so wasted that I'm not even sure they remember
who I am."
 
Skinner spoke up.  "I never did understand these bachelor party things.
They just seem like a lot of trouble for a bad hangover on the one day
you should remember."
 
"Not to mention the other inconveniences if things go too far."  Bill
Scully added. 
 
~x~
Mulder stood by in front of Father McCue with Reggie at his side.  The
string quartet started and Grace appeared in the doorway.  Scully had
been torn between Grace, her dearest friend, and her sister, Melissa or
Missy as they called her, to stand up with her.  Missy was the one to
make the decision.  She realized that she and Scully's relationship was
strained the last couple years so she bowed out.  
 
Grace made her slow progress down the aisle and took her spot.  The
music changed and everyone rose.  Scully and her dad stood in the
doorway and Mulder feared he was going to faint; Scully looked
magnificent.  She had her hair up and it was adorned with small flowers.
Her dress was understated sexy and he saw the hint of a bump at the
tummy.  The Kuiper pearls were strung four times around her neck then
cascaded down her back.  Mulder realized the dress must be backless or
nearly so. 
 
They reached the make-shift alter and Captain Scully kissed his daughter
as he placed her hand in Mulder's.  In deference to Scully's condition,
they were seated during the ceremony.
 
The ceremony, itself, was a lovely conglomeration of their two religions
ending with Mulder stepping on the glass then the Rabbi and Priest
presented the couple to the audience.  
 
Mulder and Scully sat and watched all the people.  She wanted to mingle
but her doctor only allowed the walk down the aisle and one 'slow' dance
with Mulder.  
 
People came up to them with their well wishes.  Mulder got up to go get
them some more food while Scully remained.  Suddenly a woman she didn't
know sat next to her.  She was dark, beautiful and she was glaring at
Scully.  
 
"I'm sorry; you must be from Mulder's side."  Scully extended her hand
but the woman ignored it.
 
She huffed at Scully's comment.  "I guess you could say I'm from the
Mulder side.  I'm Fox's wife."
 
Scully thought it as the same time she heard Mulder say, "Diana?"  
 
"Hello, Fox."  She turned toward Mulder and Scully knew her presence had
been dismissed.
 
"What the hell do you think you're doing here?"  Mulder demanded, trying
desperately not to let his anger get out of hand.
 
"I just got back from Europe and I saw the announcement in the paper.  I
just had to see who my replacement was."
 
It was Scully who continued.  "Interesting, since there wasn't an
announcement in the paper yet."  Diana just shrugged her shoulders but
added no further comment.
 
Mulder moved to his seat next to Scully and placed his arm around her
shoulders possessively.  Scully didn't need the stress and he was sure
Diana was here to cause trouble.  "I think you should leave now.  You've
had your fun, now just go.  This is our wedding and I don't want you to
spoil it."
 
"Fox," her nasal voice pleaded.  "I don't want to spoil anything.  I
found out you were getting married and I, I don't know, I just needed to
see."  She pushed past Scully to put her hands on his chest.  "One
dance, for old time's sake?  Please."
 
Mulder smiled, hearing the insincerity under the innocent request.  How
had he ever been fool enough to be taken in by her?
 
"I will only be dancing one dance this evening and that is with my
wife."
 
Diana snickered and rose, taking Mulder's hand with her.  She looked
back when she realized he hadn't stood.
 
"I said my wife," Mulder pulled his hand from Diana's grasp.  "You are
not my wife, you never really were."
 
Reggie and Skinner chose that moment to arrive.  "Anything wrong?"
Skinner asked.
 
Mulder turned back to Scully.  "No, but Diana will be going.  Would you
mind escorting her to the door?"  Both men took a side and gently, but
firmly pulled her to the exit.
 
Diana opened her mouth to say something but Reggie stopped her.  "This
is beneath even something like you.  You blew it a long time ago Diana.
You didn't want him when you had him so just let him be happy.  Dana
makes him happy."
 
Diana was watching the door close in her face before she recovered from
Reggie's words.  She turned and stormed to her car.  This was not over.
Little miss thing was not taking her place.  And who the hell ever said
that Fox deserved to be happy?
 
Scully looked at herself in the mirror.  Where did she ever get the
nerve to buy this nightgown?  She turned to look at the back view then
back to the front.  Whew!  It left little to the imagination.  Parts of
it were so sheer that it just looked like her skin had changed color.
She moved to take it off then stopped herself.  
It wasn't like Mulder had never seen her naked, because he had, many
times; many, many times.  Besides, she had nothing else in the bathroom
to change into.  So it was either this, which just made her look naked
or actually being naked.  
 
She pulled her shoulders back and moved to open the door.  
 
Mulder was sitting on the couch facing the fireplace.  He readjusted his
robe and pajama bottoms at least a dozen times.  He'd originally had the
pajama tops on too but one look in the mirror and he decided 'dork' was
not a good look on him.  He couldn't believe how Diana tried to spoil
their wedding.  He was so mad he almost spit.  It was Scully's quiet
confidence in him that gave him the strength to stand up to that woman.
What had he ever seen in that woman?  
 
He would never forget how Scully salvaged the celebration for him.
Reggie and Skinner were pulling Diana away and he sat next to Scully.
She gently placed her hand on his arm and whispered, "I have to say,
your taste in women has definitely improved.  If I do say so myself."  
 
He couldn't help himself from laughing his fool head off.  "God, I love
you."  He stood and held his hand out.  "Care to dance, lovely lady?"
The sound of the bathroom door opening brought his mind back to the
present.  Scully was standing in the doorway.  The bathroom light
backlit her so she was more shadow than substance.  She moved slowly
toward him and . . .  Mulder's conscious mind stopped completely.  She
was the most beautiful sight he'd ever laid eyes on.  Without thought as
to how he got there he suddenly was in front of her and lifting her
gently in his arms.
 
"You, Mrs. Mulder are, God, are there even words to describe how truly
beautiful you are?"
 
Mulder laid her on the bed and joined her.  
 
~x~
Scully was unpacking the last box.  It was the only box they'd let her
pack and now it was the only one they let her unpack.  Her condition and
her pregnancy girth made everything difficult.  She was no longer bed
ridden but she was under strict orders not to do too much.  Mulder
watched her like a hawk.
 
Mulder's parent's wedding present was a Georgetown townhouse.  It had
taken three months to complete the renovations and another to actually
move but now they were here.  
 
She looked around the room and fell in love with the old place again.
It had three floors above ground and the lower level that used to be the
servant's area back in the day. That is where the kitchen, laundry and
an assortment of odd little rooms, which at one time must have been
bustling with activity, were.  This floor had the dining room, front
parlor, sun room, and library. Off the back, was a glass enclosed porch.
They were using the library as their bedroom until the baby came.
 
The next floor had the master suite and three other bedrooms.  The one
closest to the master suite was done up as the nursery.  The top floor
had once housed the servant's quarters and was still in need of
renovation.  Scully wasn't sure what to do with it so for now the rooms
were empty except the odd thing here and there.  She was thinking of
making an apartment out of it for visiting relatives. 
 
A knock on the door startled her.  Mulder had gone out to get something
for lunch and she wasn't expecting anyone.    
 
Slowly she made her way to the door while the knocking got increasingly
insistent.  She opened the vestibule door and saw through the front
glass; Diana.
 
Cautiously she opened the door just enough to speak through.  "How may I
help you?"  She asked, uncomfortable with being confronted by this woman
again.  
 
"You can get the hell out of my way."  Diana pushed the door back and
strode passed Scully, nearly knocking her down in the process.
Scully moved to follow and Diana turned on her.  Diana looked at
Scully's bulging middle.  "So that is how you trapped him.  I suspected
it had to be something like that.  There was no way Fox would want
something like you."   She looked Scully up and down.  
 
"Fox appreciates beautiful women. . ." 
 
Further comments were ceased when they heard Mulder say, "One of the few
things we had in common."  Neither woman heard him come in.  He walked
to Scully and took her in his arms.  "You jealous I finally found one?"
He kissed his wife and smiled.  "Go dish out lunch, this won't take
long.  
 
They watched Scully waddle toward the dining room.  "Explain yourself,
Diana."  He reached in his pocket and pulled out his cell phone.  "Tell
me why I shouldn't have you arrested?"
 
She slithered toward him in a manner he once saw as sexy.  He moved away
and put the phone to his ear.  "Yes, this is Special Agent Fox Mulder of
the FBI.  I have a trespasser in my home.  Her name is Diana Fowley.  I
have reason to suspect that she has been stalking my wife and me."
 
"You won't get away with this Fox.  I swear, you'll see, you will see
and so will that little twit you are married to."  She stormed out of
the house just as the police sirens were heard in the distance.  
 
One of the policemen was someone that Mulder had worked with before,
Sergeant Dan Michaels.  Mulder related the story and told them about
Diana crashing their wedding.  "Also, I think it would be interesting to
know how she got this address since you just moved in."  Then he
recommended that Mulder and Scully file a complaint so that something
would be on file.
 
Mulder came back into the room with their heated up lunch.  "Mulder, do
you really think it's necessary to file a complaint against her.  I mean
don't you think it will make her madder?"
 
Mulder took Scully's hand.  "I think just it's wise to be careful."  He
moved to her side.  "You said that she almost caused you to fall.  I
don't want to take any chances."
 
~x~
Scully was resting and Mulder was holding their new son, William Fox
Mulder.  They named him after both of their fathers.  He couldn't take
his eyes off of the small bundle in his arms.  
 
"He's beautiful, isn't he?"  Scully's tired voice interrupted his
thoughts.  
 
"He really is, Scully."  Suddenly he couldn't stop the tears from
streaming down his face.  "Thank you, Scully."  He choked out.  "Thank
you for William, for being you and for loving me.  Just, thank you."
 
"Thank you too, Mulder.  I really feel that if not for you this," she
took the baby's tiny fingers in her hand.  "This little miracle would
never have happened."
 
 
The nurse noticed the dark haired woman watching the newborns.  She
seemed to be interested in the Mulder child.  There was something about
the woman that bothered her.  Her eyes looked almost manic.
 
Frohike caught up with Mulder as he was entering the hospital.  Mulder
had gone home to shower and change.  He'd hoped to be taking his little
family home today but Scully's labor had been really difficult and with
all the problems she'd experienced during the pregnancy her doctor
wanted to keep her a day or two.
 
They got to the nursery and saw William's bassinette was empty.  "Must 
be with Scully."  Mulder said, unconcerned.
 
They entered Scully's room and saw that William was not with her.
Frohike placed the flowers he'd brought on the dresser.  Mulder gave him
a look and excused himself.  Frohike kept Scully occupied while Mulder
checked on William.
 
William was missing.  Skinner had two agents on the hospital video tape.
The staff was keeping Scully sedated so they didn't have to tell her
until it was absolutely necessary.  Mulder was going out of his mind.  
 
Skinner walked up to Mulder and Reggie, who'd come to help anyway he
could.  "Mulder, Reggie the examination of the video showed Diana Fowley
taking William.  
 
Mulder sank to the chair with a deep wail.  Reggie put his hand on
Mulder's shoulder and shook him.  "Mulder, you've used that brilliant
mind of yours to solve any number of crimes.  Now use it to get your son
back."  Mulder looked up at Reggie.  "Where would she go?  How did she
get out of the hospital?  Come on Mulder."
 
His voice was weak but Reggie knew the look in Mulder's eyes.  This was
going to be good.  Mulder turned to Skinner, "did they see her leaving
the building on any of the videos?"
 
Skinner pulled out his cell and called the techs.  "No, they checked all
the tapes of the exits and didn't see her.  Does this mean she's still
on the premises?"
 
"I think so."  Mulder hit his head, why hadn't he thought of having
someone watch the baby?  "Sir, call security and get blue prints of the
hospital."
 
 
They'd searched the hospital but it was luck that allowed them to locate
Diana and William in less than an hour.  A maintenance man had gone down
to check a pipe that had been repaired two days earlier and he heard a
child crying.
 
Diana was sitting in the hospital laundry.  William was crying and she
couldn't get him to stop.  
 
Mulder approached cautiously.  "Diana, give him to me."
 
"Fox!  I got our child.  See, now you can have this child and me too.
You no longer have to pretend to love that woman.  I know she trapped
you but now you can be done with her.  We can be together again, just
like it's supposed to be."
 
She was delusional but he knew he couldn't risk upsetting her further.  
 
"May I hold him?" Mulder tried to keep from sounding desperate.
 
She looked perplexed; her eyes darted between William and Mulder.
Mulder used her momentary confusion to move closer, ever cautious of his
child.
 
"I think he looks like me, don't you agree, Fox?"  Mulder nodded and
held out his arms and tenderly took William; the child stopped crying
immediately.  As soon as Mulder secured the baby Reggie and Skinner
descended on her and Mulder walked away.
 
 
Mulder walked into Scully's room just as she was waking.  William was
snuggled into his shoulder. 
 
He handed him to Scully and she took him to her breast where the child
greedily gorged himself on his mother's milk.
 
"Mulder, what's wrong?  What happened?"  
 
Mulder sat on the bed and watched his two most loved people and said a
silent thanks to whoever watched over them. 
 
"It was Diana. . ."  He relayed the day's horrors.  By the time he
finished so had William.  
 
Skinner and Reggie came in as Scully finished righting her gown.  "Diana
Fowley is in custody.  She'd convinced herself that William was her
baby, hers and yours, Mulder."
 
~x~
Mulder stood over William's crib just watching him sleep; something,
that Scully pointed out, had quickly become a favorite nighttime
activity.  Scully's voice beckoned him from their room.  Mulder picked
up the baby monitor and said quietly, "I'll be right there."  Another
look at their child and he wanted to cry.  They'd almost lost him.  
 
Today he'd testified in Diana's competency hearing.  She was found to be
unable to stand trial due to mental instability.  Three days after the
incident in the hospital Mulder had been called to her apartment.
Diana's walls were covered with pictures of Scully and he.  Scully's
face was cut off and Diana's was glued on.  She must have been stalking
them for nearly a year; even before the pregnancy."
 
Records showed that she'd returned from Europe fifteen months earlier.
Further examination produced documentation from three separate Private
Investigators.  The dossiers they found included Skinner, Reggie and his
wife, the entire Scully family and Scully.  The whole mess sent a chill
through him just thinking about it.
 
"Mulder," Scully's lilting voice drifted down the hallway.
 
Mulder entered their room and saw the light from the bathroom through
the partially opened door.
 
"Scully, you almost done in there?"
 
"I'll be out in a minute.  Did I tell you I took Will in for his
check-up?"  She asked.
 
"Oh, I forgot about that."  Mulder was a little angry with himself for
forgetting.  He started pulling down the coverlet from the bed.
 
"The doctor said that everything is fine.  He's right where he's
supposed to be."
 
"That's great, Scu. . ."  Mulder's words were choked off as he looked
toward the door to see Scully standing there in the gown she wore on
their wedding night.  "Sc. . ." he paused and tried again.  "Scully?"
 
"I went to the doctor today too."  She answered his unasked question.
 
"Oh, really?"  Mulder was starting to catch on.
 
She answered with a saucy smile and move toward him.  
 
"Ooooh, rea. . ." Mulder started but this time his words were cut off by
Scully's lips as she pulled him to her.  
 
 
Mulder surveyed the damage.  His clothes were tossed in all directions.
Scully's magnificent nightgown was down for the count.  It would have to
be retired but it will always hold a place of honor in the Mulder-Scully
household. 
 
Scully's limp body was slung over his limp body like a silk blanket.  
He picked up the remnants of the once beautiful gown.  Scully reached
out and fingered the gentle fabric.  "I'm sorry about the nightgown,
Scully."
 
"I'm not."  She replied as she dropped the bits of torn gossamer.  
 
"Scully?"  He questioned.
 
"It gave its life for the greater good.  Wouldn't you agree, Mulder?"
She began climbing down his torso, trailing wet kisses as she went.
"And this promises to be even better."
 
Mulder dropped the gown and answered with a very inarticulate "Gunh." 
 
"Just reminding you of another favorite nighttime activity, Mulder."
 
"Guhungaha."  
 
"Yeah, talk to me, baby," she teased.
 
End