Chapter 4: Chapter 4

Mulder had expected her to say almost anything but this. For a moment, he was crippled with fear that her cancer may have come back. It had been in remission for many years now since they put the chip back into her neck, but there was still a chance of it becoming active again. But them having another baby? Now THAT came out of left field. William was a child that wasn't supposed to be. Despite her ova being removed, Krychek had indicated that the chip had been responsible for her ability to conceive. Was that the truth in this case also? Would this child also face the same fate and danger as William?

Thankfully, Scully had allowed him to process the news as they paid the bill and left to head back to their hotel. He did want a family with her and now more than ever since the days of their dangerous past were behind them for the most part and he was exonerated.

Once they arrived back at their quiet hotel room. Mulder started "Scully, I.."

"I understand if this isn't what you wanted or expected and I'm not sure it would be wise to bring a child into this world with the future so uncertain."

Mulder tried to speak again, but she continued. "And Mulder, I am forty three years old. My pregnancy was high risk with William and that was almost seven years ago. This risks of complications are through the roof."

"Scully, stop!" He insisted.

He crossed the room and pulled her to him. "This news was the least expecred to me as it was to you. I would be lying if I said I wasn't afraid right now too, but I think...I think we are in a position to do this and make it work. I'm the reason so much was taken from you. The reason you lost Emily...and William. Maybe this time will be the charm."

Scully felt tears welling in her eyes from the hormones and for the weight of it all.

"How long have you known about the baby?"

"I knew before you ran off on that case. I'm sorry I didn't tell you sooner, but I was afraid, Mulder. And almost losing you again made me fear thar having this baby wouldn't be the right choice."

He pulled her face gently to face him. It was then that he realized why Scully had been acting as she did...despite her knowing the person he was, she was unusually sensitive. He didn't understand why she wanted him to help with the case and then immediately pull him back before he got too involved. It didn't make sense then, but it did now.

He wiped the tears that had fallen on her cheeks. "This was the reason...this is why you didn't want to let me go, or get too close to the csse, wasn't it?"

She nodded, tearfully.

He gingerly swept his finger through her long hair and tucked it away. "I'm sorry...I should have known."

She shook her head. "It's okay, Mulder. You were right, I made you take the case and I should have known how much this means to you. But it worked out for the best. We don't have to hide anymore."

He smiled. "That's why I want us to bea family again, Scully. I want us to have this baby...I mean, if that's what you want too."

She looked down and placed her hand at her slightly rounded abdomen. She was just over 3 months pregnant and recent weeks had been difficult as her doctor advised that she would need to make a "decision" within the next few weeks if she didn't want to carry the baby. But in her heart, there was no question about it. She wanted to try again.

"Yes, Mulder. I do. I just need to know that we're in this together. I don't want to raise another child alone."

He smiled. "Well, that's not going to happen. In fact, I arranged for us to exchange vows tomorrow. I want us to be married as soon as possible...we're on this nice vacation right now, I don't think there will be a better time for this."

Scully looked at him incredulously. "Tomorrow? But why the rush?"

"Scully, I think 15 years was a long enough. I'm ready for for you to be my partner and my wife."

Scully couldn't control the tears with everything that was happening. "Oh Mulder," she whispered as she pulled him close to share a very intimate kiss that she didn't want to break.

He loved the way she tasted and didn't want to let go, but had to. "I was figuring we could do some shopping tonight...we have the rings, but I haven't worn a suit in years."

"Mulder...if this is on the beach in this humid weather, simple is easy enough. We'll just get you a button down shirt and khakis."

He nodded. "So let's get started tonight? I booked a pastor for 5pm tomorrow evening on the lakeside nearby. Since we don't have a witness, they will provide one."

Scully quickly changed into more comfortable, less formal clothing. She could wear the same dress for tomorrow, but she wanted something a little more traditional. Not a huge, fluffy white dress like she imagined years ago, but a simple ivory dress would do.

"My mom is going to not only be pissed we didn't have a church wedding, but also that her only daughter decided to elope."

Mulder smiled. "I don't know that I would last in a two hour ceremony, Scully."

She smiled at the thought. "But honestly, after everything...after joining the FBI against their wishes rather than becoming a doctor and having a child out of wedlock, I think they've given up on Dana Scully being the perfect Catholic daughter."

"Well, I'm happy to say we won't be having more children out of wedlock, but I would be lying , Scully, if I said this rebellious part of you didn't turn me on all these years."

She laughed. She was far from traditional, they both were, but she had to admit that she was a hopeless romantic at heart and she couldn't wait to begin their new life together.

To be continued...