'Mulder,' Scully cried, rushing to the prone figure on the floor, 'see if you can find Father Michael.'

Without hesitation, Mulder ignored Scully and searched the dipper bag Ursula left on the pew beside him. In the front pocket he reached pay dirt. Taking the cell phone out, he quickly searched the contacts for her doctor. Dialling, he handed the device to Scully who realised his intention. She'd already conducted a cursory examination. The look on her face gave away her medical opinion and the urgent need for Father Michael.

'I'd like my bag,' she stated wistfully into the hazel orbs of her lover as the call connected, 'I feel useless without it.'

'Southside Community Medical Centre,' a young woman's voice greeted.

'I'm with Mrs Ursula Van de Kemp who has collapsed at All Souls Catholic Church,' Scully entered doctor mode. 'I need to speak with her primary physician urgently please.'

'Who may I say is calling,' the receptionist requested in a calm but determined tone.

'Dr Scully,' Dana closed her eye's hoping she'd made the correct decision. Feeling a palm on her shoulder, Mulder gave his tacit support as he knelt beside her. William still held tightly in his embrace, Scully reached out a hand to her son and gently stoked his cheek. This tiny contact would have to do for now.

A few seconds later a male voice introduced himself as Dr Stephen Jackson. A hasty discussion, consisting of Ursula's condition followed. They came to the same conclusion. Nothing further could be done for the woman.

'Dr Scully,' Stephen sounded saddened but not all together surprised, 'this is a community funded clinic. I'm the only doctor and have a waiting room full of patients who need attention. I'll be there in a few minutes but I'd appreciate whatever you could do to lessen Mrs Van de Kemps passing.'

As though called by his divine master, Father Michael chose that moment to exit the vestry. A single glance told him all he needed to know. Kneeing beside the dying woman, he started giving Ursula the last rites. With no medical equipment any attempt at chemical comfort would be futile. Scully could do little but hold the Ursula's hand. In the background, Mulder kept William entertained. She didn't want this to be a psychologically damaging moment in the infant's life. Scully knew he'd experienced too many devastating events in his first year. The guild associated with the thought squashed mercilessly beneath her medical persona.

Taking matters into his hands, Father Michael reached for Ursula's lids and closed them. Having finished his prayer, her chest rose for the final time, shuddering to a complete stop. The heart followed for a few minutes before it contracted for the final time. What little colour Ursula retained seeped from her face, leaving her pale and ghostly.

'May God have mercy on your immortal soul,' the priest made the sign of the cross. Looking up, he sighed quietly, but not quite softly enough to capture Scully and Mulder's shared glance before they turned their wordless communication on each other. It said so much with so little.

In that instant, Father Michael O'Leary knew he'd made the only correct choice. One glance at the child in the father's arms and understood this to be God's plan. This small parish had been chosen to keep this child safe for his parents. Just as Ursula and Hans inability to conceive a child naturally, lead to this moment. What he couldn't explain, the immediate and unbreakable link existing between parents and child. He seemed to know them, accept them, almost as though he'd been waiting for them.

No longer able to feel a pulse, Scully noted the time of death. Rocking back on her heals, she sent up a prayer both for Ursula and herself. It didn't take long for Dr Jackson arrive, stethoscope in hand, he seconded Scully opinion.

'Would you care to sign the death certificate, Dr Scully?' he asked formally, allowing the professional courtesy.

'I,' she stammered, once again looking to Mulder for support and direction, 'I haven't practiced general medicine in many years.'

'Pity,' Stephen smiled, carefully observing the interaction between the other parties in the room. Father Michael, a long-time supporter of his community clinic didn't seem overly worried that Ursula's child looked comfortable in the arms of a man who could be his biological father. The couple's body language bespoke anxiety. They seemed afraid to identify themselves or let go of the infant. 'I could use another doctor on staff, no questions asked, only proof of your medical degree. The pays deplorable, the clientele impoverished and the facility falling down around my ears, but I offer a service to those who can least afford it. I believe you might find it rewarding.'

'Dr Jackson,' Scully started, only to be interrupted by Mulder clearing his throat.

'Let's think the offer over, Scully,' he added softly, reaching out an arm to gain her attention, 'after we've spoken to Father Michael.'

A significant look, accompanied by an arched eyebrow her only answer. In public, Mulder still referred to his partner by her surname. Scully had become accustom to not calling Mulder anything in any situation where he might be identified. Getting to her feet, Dana pulled the two males down the aisle so they couldn't be overheard.

'Father Michael,' Scully spoke just above a whisper as Mulder handed William into his mother's arms. The beatific smile couldn't hide her delight at finally embracing her baby once again. Taking both mother and son into his clasp, Fox Mulder waited for Dana to finish, 'won't release William to us unless we're married in this church.'

Shrugging his shoulders, Mulder didn't seem overtly upset at the news. Leaning down, he planted a soft kiss on the crown of her head. 'If the marriage is secular and kept quiet, I'll go along with it,' he stated easily. 'I'll do anything in my power to keep our son with us. This parish priest has kept Ursula's secret, knowing William to be covertly adopted. What makes you think he won't keep ours?' Watching carefully for any hint of opposition, they both knew their names couldn't be registered with the state on a marriage licence. 'Something he said to you yesterday, made you trust him, Scully. Has that changed?'

Shaking her head, a momentary connection said all they needed to say on the subject. 'The job offer?' Scully asked, realising how much she wanted to return to work and as normal a life as possible. 'I'll have to use my legal name on official documents. They'll know where I am the minute I start work.'

'You resigned from the FBI when my trial began,' Mulder reminded. 'While they might suspect you're with me, working in this rural location keeps us out of the way. We no longer have resources or contacts to search out the truth. I'm going to have to stay hidden and care for our son. While we have William with us, we can't run, Scully. I'd risk anything but you and our son.'

'I know,' the muffled reply sounded desolate, 'I've put our son through so much pain and misery. Now I have him back, I don't think I can ever let him go again.'

Mirroring the sentiment, Mulder tightened his embrace. 'Then let's choose this place to stand our ground. We'll find an isolated house where I can care for William. You'll retrain as the doctor you were destined to be and I'll live in quiet obscurity as Dr Scully reclusive husband.'

'You,' Scully lifted her head, a wistful smile gracing her lips, 'live in quiet obscurity? Who are you trying to kid?'

'And I thought you'd object to calling me Mr Scully!' Mulder teased lightly, attempting to belay the gravity of the decision they'd undertaken.

Father Michael approached. Watching the family bond, he heard Scully begin to sing to her child. The child seemed to remember the odd tune about a bullfrog and wine. Wrapt hazel eye's upturned to his mother's face, William reached out for a strand of red hair. Sighing loudly, he nestled into the crook of Scully neck, humming.

'Dr Jackson organised the undertakers before returning to his clinic,' the priest offered. Holding out a card, he continued, 'this is a small community. We mind our own business. Strangers are often treated with a distant respect. However if you become a member, it is a close knit, spiritually minded town. We look out for our own and value any professional willing to make this place their home. We all understood Ursula Van de Kemp took her cousin's child into her home under trying circumstances. I'm glad you have returned for your son and can offer assistance to our small community.'

The doors to the church once again opened. Two well-dressed men entered their portage and demeanour denoting their profession. Handing Mulder a card, Father Michael hurried to help the undertakers. Looking down he noted the address of the Medical Clinic. Turning the card over, Stephen had scribbled a short message.

We once shared mutual friends, Dr Scully. You gave, I took, safety the only intention. Father will provide you with temporary accommodation. Start Monday 8am.

'God,' Father Michael broke into their quiet reserve, 'works in mysterious ways.'

'How's that,' Mulder questioned.

'This town needs another doctor,' he stated, 'Stephen is on call 24/7 and you need somewhere unobtrusive to bring up your son. I'd say fate and destiny have brought us together. Now, shall we unite the parents of this child in God eyes?'

'No paperwork,' Mulder asked, surprised.

'The almighty knows bureaucracy and the living sprit may not share an accord,' Father Michael smiled, 'nor is it always right. We seek a secular understanding between the parents of this miracle child, bringing them to unity in the eyes of our Lord. While you may not believe, Dr Scully has enough faith for all of you.' Forcing the younger man to meet his gaze, the priest stated, 'lives have been lost in the protection of your son, Mr Mulder, do not let them be in waste.'

'The lord giveth and the lord taketh away,' he quoted sarcastically.

'Faith,' Father Michael reminded, 'can work miracles. Now shall we start the ceremony?'