Chapter Twelve

She walked in the door with a look of sorrow shrouding her face. He stared into her eyes and he knew instantly what had caused her sudden melancholy. "Scully?" he said as he reached out for her.

She went into his loving arms. "It didn't take," she said as the hot tears filled up her eyes. She buried her face against his shoulder, making his shirt damp as she quietly wept.

"I'm so sorry," he said, caressing her hair in a soothing gesture. "But we still have another chance. We'll try again."

He was just as disappointed as she was in that moment, but he was trying to be strong for her. Scully was just about to shatter and his hug was the only thing holding all her pieces together.

"Are you sure about the test?" he asked with sudden hope. "Maybe...?"

She nodded, pulling back just a fraction to look at him. Her eyes were a ruby-red as were her cheeks. He longed to kiss all those tears away.

"I think we should try the old-fashioned way," he said to her surprise.

"But... I don't have any ova. Whoever abducted me took them all."

"Yes, I know, but it wouldn't hurt to try. After all, it will take our minds off all this IVF business. It's been so stressful. I've been living here two months now. We are raising Emily and we're a couple now in every way, except..."

She smiled as he tugged her closer, pressing his lips to her neck in heated kiss. She shivered with desire. "I'd love to, Mulder, but Skinner's sending me on a secret mission. While I am away for two days, you'll have to take care of Emily."

"Secret mission? What kind of a mission?"

"It wouldn't be a secret if I told you," she said with a little laugh.

"Why is he sending you on a mission and not me?"

"I'm not sure, but we have a kid now. We might have to make compromises."

"But I don't like the idea of you walking into danger without me there to..."

"I can take care of myself, Mulder. I'll be fine. I will just miss you a lot. And I'll miss Emily, too."

"It will only be 48 hours... and when you get back... Well, we're going to consummate this relationship. It is long overdue."

"We are?" she asked in surprise.

"Yes, so be ready. When you get back from your secret mission, I have a mission of my own."

He gave her a wicked smirk. She hugged him tightly, whispering in his ear, "Thank you for helping me forget why I was crying."

"You'll forget everything once we..."

"Mulder, get your mind off sex!" she gasped.

Just then Emily walked in, seeing her parents kissing and cuddling. "Mommy!" she exclaimed, rushing forward to hug Scully's legs.

"Hi, sweetie," Scully said to her daughter. "Mommy has to leave town for a couple of days for work, but you'll have fun with Daddy."

"Okay, Mommy. I'll take care of Daddy while you're gone. I will make sure he eats ALL of his vegetables," Emily replied.

"Alright, baby girl. You make sure Daddy behaves himself while I'm gone," Scully said as she grinned at Mulder who was making a face at the mention of his 'vegetables.'

"If he's naughty, I will make him sit in time-out," Emily stated.

Both Scully and Mulder burst into laughter. Scully picked up Emily as she and Mulder snuggled the adorable little girl. "I love you both so much," Scully said happily.