Dana Scully sat on the front porch in her well-worn seat. Mulder had put the swing back up for her within days of her moving home those short few weeks ago. It quickly, once again, became her favorite spot. Even more so when he was sitting next to her, gliding his fingers up and down her abdomen and talking to the tiny life inside. That was not the case this morning. She had woken up to find him gone. There was hot water in the coffee pot on their counter with a tea bag already set to go. Beside her mug was a simple note reading Be back shortly. Enjoy.

It had been a bit of an adjustment being back home. She and Mulder slipped back into an everyday routine without missing a beat. It wasn't that. The adjustment had been the knowledge of William, everything that had taken place, a new life to look forward to… add that with hormones and morning sickness. Despite everything, Scully knew that both she and Mulder were more content- stronger as a pair- than they ever had been. And she knew he felt the same.

Scully laid her head back and closed her eyes. In one hand she held her soothing beverage. Her other hand was busy rubbing a thumb on her gently protruding stomach. "Where is your daddy this morning?" No sooner had the words come out of her mouth than the sound of his car's engine could be heard at the end of the driveway. "His timing hasn't changed, little one," she said with a slight laugh.

Mulder hopped out of the car and jogged up the steps. He stopped and smiled. "Where have you been? And what are you smiling at?"

"I'm smiling at you. And I come baring gifts." He held out a bag and a bakery box. He handed Scully the bag, "I hope your stomach isn't too bad this morning because I brought us bagels with REAL cream cheese."

"I was queasy when I woke up, but the tea has helped." Her partner nodded his approval and kissed the top of her head. "Umm.. So, the box?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Cake. A birthday cake."

Sitting down, Mulder placed the box on his lap and opened it. Scully looked inside and a tear immediately slid down her cheek. Intricate hollyhocks were hand painted across the white frosting. "Mom's favorite… Mulder…"

"We have reservations for tonight at Angelo's. I know Maggie would be so happy," he started. Mulder closed the lid and placed it next to him. He slid his arm around Scully, and settled in with her nestled to his side before continuing, "I also know that with everything that has happened… We've both had so much to process. Maggie would have been beyond supportive. She would have listened. She would have cried by our sides but would have glowed at the news of our tiny miracle." Taking a deep breath, "I loved your mom, Scully. I still do. You know that I was never close with my parents. Maggie…"

Scully, tears still coming silently, nodded. "I do know, Mulder. She loved you. Almost as much as I do. I actually wanted to talk to you about her. Mulder… We're having a girl. I know we are. I was wondering if you thought… If you would mind…" Scully took a shuddering breath. Mulder simply pulled her closer. "Mulder, can we name our little girl after Mom? Margaret?"

"Our own Miss Maggie. I couldn't think of a better name." Mulder lifted Scully's chin and gave her a soft kiss. "I have an idea."

"And that would be?" she asked. Scully put her head back into his side, snuggling even closer.

"The nursery is ready for furniture." The head of the woman next to him shot up. "I've been quietly getting it all set. Whenever I got the chance to work, I did."

"I can't believe I…"

"It's nice to know I can still shock you," Mulder teased. "So, the room is ready for furniture. It's painted a pale yellow just as we talk about. What do you say we take your Explorer into the city and start to make the nursery look like a nursery?"

Dana Scully gently nodded but didn't move. She looked out over the yard. She could see a swing set and herself pushing their daughter as they both laughed. She could envision Mulder teaching their young one how to catch and hit a ball with the tee, bat, and ball that was sure to wind up on this very porch. She could picture, perfectly, the three of them on a blanket watching the stars at night. She was able to feel the happiness and joy that, despite trying desperately the past weeks to find, finally begin to settle over her.

"I love you," she told Mulder simply and reached up to give him a warm kiss.