It had taken several weeks for the cure to reach a global level. There were only six thousand fatalities reported globally, which was quite low considering every populous was affected. However, the deaths reported were generally in third world nations in which immune systems were more easily compromised.
Scully's life-saving vaccine was trending all over the media and for a time, news reporters and other mass media outlets followed her everywhere. It was a mass phenomenon. Not only would Scully receive a substantial promotion, but her discovery meant they would never have to worry about finances again, not that they really had to anyways with both their inheritances. But Scully could face early retirement if she chose.
Another thing they had not expected was the large influx of gifts, mostly for Scully and the baby. Once the word had gotten out that she was pregnant, people from all over the world had sent her everything she could possibly need for the baby, from hand knit booties to breast pumps along with notes that included well wishes for her and the baby.
Most of these were young women who felt Scully had inspired them to pursue careers in medicine or science. Others were Mothers dealing with fertility expressing how she was an inspiration and living proof that miracles do happen. And it was true, the baby was a true miracle.
Despite what Spender said about the implant, it did not explain how nothing resulted after all the years they spent together after William until now.
Though they were overwhelmed with gifts, Monica insisted on putting on the baby shower. She and John were now happily expecting as much as she was initially unsure how John would take being a father so late in life. It was welcome news to Mulder, who realized he would no longer be alone on the midlife fatherhood train. Scully was happy for their daughter to have another child her age to have play dates with as all her siblings had much older children and she didn't have many girlfriends.
"I never thought I'd say this Mulder, but I'm glad you re-installed that front gate," Scully sighed from the couch, her hand rubbing gentle circles over her distended abdomen. With her face being all over the media, she was glad they were afforded with the extra privacy.
Everything hurt these days and as much as she wanted to evict the cohabitor, she relished the remaining days she had with her daughter nestled safely beneath her heart, savoring every kick and hiccup that came from within. A true miracle, one that wasn't likely to repeat itself.
She was just weeks away from her due date and warm summer air settled into cool autumn nights. The fluorescent leaves of the trees outside started piling up around their property as they went ignored for far too long.
"You're a renown doctor, Scully. A prestigious icon. People will come from all over the world seeking your medical care should you choose to return," Mulder beamed with pride. "Now if you'll excuse me for a few minutes, Jackson and I have a ball to catch and leaves to rake before I have to go and pick up your brother and his family from the airport. Holler if you need anything," he said before disappearing out the door.
Scully couldn't help but grin as Monica busied herself throughout the house. Her own bump was making itself known into her second trimester. Not long after the viral outbreak, Scully helped her friend seek the genetic testing she needed by a colleague she trusted implicitly. Everything checked out. She and Doggett were having a healthy baby.
"As much as I don't like surprises, you've really outdone yourself, Monica. Thank you."
"You deserve this, Dana," she smiled as she prepped the dining table and finished up final touches of the pink decorations in the house.
"I wouldn't have been able to develop that vaccine without you, Monica. You had come to me in my vision, knowing I'd develop the cure. You chose that particular moment to come to me even if the events didn't quite play out the same in the dream."
Monica hesitated for a moment. Years of isolation had taken its toll on her, changed her in ways she never dreamed possible. But in the end, her efforts had been successful.
"I thought when Mulder shot him it would be over. I hoped that you and Mulder getting to William first would throw a wrench in his plans," Monica said.
"And you risked your life to do so. I can't thank you enough. So...are you going to tell me what you're having? Have you found out yet?"
Monica narrowed her eyes as she regarded her friend from the kitchen. "Today is about you, Dana."
"Everything has been about me lately. You deserve this. So tell me what you're having."
"A girl," Monica blurted out excitedly.
"Oh Monica, that's great! I'm so happy for you!" She said as she tried to maneuver herself from the couch.
Monica rushed around to her friend. "No don't you dare get up," she said as she leaned in for a hug, their bellies touching in typical pregnant best friends manner.
"And John?" Scully pressed.
"He's thrilled. We're going to call her Graciela after my mom. Gracie for short."
"Beautiful name. It's just so nice not to be in this alone," Scully admitted.
Monica nodded. "I'll admit, I never really thought about having kids or being a mom. I guess life really is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're going to get." she chuckled.
"I didn't either...think about being a Mom, that is. I was so focused on my career in medicine and later the FBI that I didn't really imagine the typical white picket fence until that choice was taken from me. Now look at us," she laughed. "Pregnant in our fifties."
They had almost forgotten about the men outside. Mulder, Jackson, and Doggett had been playing catch outside amidst Mulder's raking duties. Skinner and Kim were on their way over. Scully couldn't help but smirk at the thought...the irony of it, their boss with his assistant, but she couldn't be happier for him. He deserved it. They all did.
After opening their home to their wayward son, he meekly accepted their offer and moved in a few weeks back. It was tough with the press around. Technically Jackson was supposed to be dead. No doubt if anyone saw him it would raise suspicion.
Money afforded them the ability to provide their son with a new identity. A fresh start. He and decided on William Douglas Jackson as his full name. It would be a few more weeks until it was all set in stone.
A little over an hour later, Mulder and Jackson had returned with Bill, Tara, and Matthew while Skinner and Kim had arrived shortly before.
It hadn't been easy breaking the news of her pregnancy to her brother, he still hated Mulder, but when she revealed they were legally married now and living together, it was one less strike against him.
Everyone helped themselves to finger foods as the coffee table filled with more gifts. Jackson and Matthew chatted. After they had gotten acquainted with one another, they found common ground with majors, bands and video games. Seeing her son interact with someone closer to his own age was such a relief and hearing him discuss the prospect of going back to school was even more so.
John passed through the dining area every so often to check up on Monica who had recently started having morning sickness again but was generally fine throughout the day. He spent some time catching up with Skinner as well, asking when the big day was.
Mulder admitted to the car ride being an awkward one, but Bill had been thrilled to finally meet William after all these years.
Once all the presents had been opened, Scully stole a trip to the bathroom and came out to see Bill in the hallway. "Dana, you got a minute?"
Scully nodded, smoothing a hand over her belly. "Sure, what is it, Bill?" she asked making sure everyone was out of earshot.
Bill was always very difficult to read despite growing up with him. His strict jawline indicated he always meant business.
"As you know, I don't like Mulder and I never will," he said as Scully stiffened in irritation. "But I can see how happy you are and I hope to God it won't be taken away this time."
Scully nodded. "It won't, Bill."
"Good. I will take him to the desert myself if he hurts you again. Anyways, William...Jackson...seems like a good kid," Bill continued as he sipped the mocktail in his hand, glancing over at Jackson and Matthew. "Mom always talked about him. I know she didn't want to show you how much the adoption affected her."
It was like a knife to the heart. "Bill, if there was any other choice…"
He held out a hand to stop her. "I never understood it myself - your being blessed with a miracle and having to give it up, but Mom came around.."
Scully looked down, fiddling with the fabric of her maternity shirt as she waited for him to finish.
He swallowed. "I still don't quite understand everything that's happened with all of you. But Dana, the truth is..they'd both be so proud of you. I mean, look at what YOU have accomplished. You developed a life-saving cure. Dad would especially be proud."
Scully felt tears well in her eyes as she rested against the wall.
"And Mom," he continued. "she always wanted a Granddaughter, but we couldn't give her one. She would spoil her rotten if she was here you know that?"
Scully placed a hand on her belly. "Yeah, she would have," she agreed. "Thank you."
"Dana, there you are," Monica said as she approached them both in the hallway. "We can't start without the guest of honor...it's time for games and presents."
Scully and Bill exchanged a look before Dana turned towards her. "I'll be right there, Monica. I just need a minute."
As Monica disappeared from view, Scully saw Bill smile for the first time in ages. "You know, if I didn't know any better, I'd say she reminds me of-"
"Melissa," Scully supplied with a smile.
Bill laughed. "She cornered me for fifteen minutes earlier telling me about my negative energy and how it wasn't good for you or the baby."
"That's Monica. You should hear her do whale songs."