MARTHA'S VINEYARD
Mulder and Scully spent the next month planning their intimate weekend at the Vineyard, taking everyone by surprise. Her family was excited for her, and knew that this was the happiest they'd ever seen her. Both of her brothers were rather hesitant about this man that just turned her life completely upside down, considering they hadn't met him yet.
Mulder's parents were skeptical about the woman who completely captivated him in a short matter of months. They never had met her, or any woman that he dated since Valentina. Both of them were also apprehensive about making their way back to the house on the Vineyard.
"Did you pack your swimsuit, Scully? We could always partake in some hot tub festivities before the heard stampeded in." He said wagging his eyebrows at her. It was the day everyone was supposed to arrive, and they had made their way up a few days prior, to have time to themselves and get everything ready.
"As much as I would love to, I don't think our little surprise would be easy to hide if someone decides to show up early, like I'm fully expecting my mother to." She said as she leaned into his embrace. He wrapped his arms around her, and enclosed his lips on hers. She deepened the kiss, and he walked them towards the couch, never breaking contact. Just as he sat down, she straddled him, and their breathing became shallow. They reluctantly broke apart as they heard the wheels of a car pulling up into the gravel driveway.
"Told you." She said with a heavy sigh, leaving their entanglement.
"Actually, that would be my mother. Always prompt for time." He said with a wince as he looked out the window. "I'm already going to apologize for anything that comes out of her mouth, and just remember that I love you." He said leaning down to peck her on the lips.
"Fox, it's always so good to see you. I guess it takes surprising circumstances for you to visit with your mother now." She said stoically. He instantly sighed and helped her bring her bags inside. Scully was fixing her disheveled state, nervous about meeting the people important in Mulder's life.
"Not that surprising, mother. We've been together for a little while now." He said confidently. "Let's get you settled inside. I have you in the guest house, if that's okay with you."
"That'll be fine for the weekend, thank you." She said with a slight nod as she entered the house. She stopped in her tracks upon glancing at the house she left behind so many years ago. She transferred her gaze to the small, redheaded woman coming in from the kitchen.
"Mom, this is Dana Scully, my soon to be keeper for life." He said with a cheesy smile. Scully chuckled and smiled at him, shaking her head. She returned her to attention back to the pristine woman standing before her, and smiled warmly.
"It's a pleasure to finally meet you." Scully said, extending her left hand to the woman in greeting. Teena Mulder glanced down at the ring on this stranger's finger, and shot her eyes directly to her son. Her gaze bore into him, and she wordlessly made her way to the guesthouse. He let out a heavy sigh, and closed his eyes, burying his head in his hands.
"Still remember that I love you?" He said sheepishly, embarrassed for his mother's actions. He plopped down on the couch, and threw his head back, exhausted with his family already.
"Apparently I need to take some lessons in that Mulder charm of yours." She said nervously. He pulled her to stand between his legs, and leaned forward to place a soft kiss on her stomach. She smiled at the notion, and ran her hand through his hair.
"Oh, you've got me completely charmed, trust me. I'm sorry, for my mother. Hopefully my dad will just drink and stay quiet in the corner. Not all of us are lucky enough to come from such loving families."
"Yeah, my overbearing, way too involved, loving family. At least it'll be a good balance for the weekend." She scoffed.
"I'll talk to her, so she's at least pleasant during dinner tonight, and especially for tomorrow. Nothing is going to change the fact that I'm going to stand up and marry you in the most perfect setting tomorrow."
"I'm starting to think we should have made this even more intimate, like just you and me."
"It's not too late to run away, Scully." He teased. She chuckled and leaned down to kiss him. She sighed at the sound of more tires on the gravel, knowing this weekend already felt like the longest they would ever have to face.
As everyone made their way to the house on the Vineyard, Mulder and Scully played host, making casual pleasantries with each guest. They were both apprehensive to meet the family that they hadn't yet made acquaintances with, and it became overwhelming.
Mulder snuck away, realizing that Scully was nowhere to be found on the main level of the house, and went to find her. He smiled as he approached the master room, and saw her standing on the balcony that overlooked the water. He crept up behind her, and wrapped his arms around her waist, resting his hands on her stomach.
"I figured I'd find you here." He whispered into her ear. She leaned into his embrace, and placed her hands over his.
"I just needed a minute. I didn't mean to throw you to the wolves alone."
"Nah, I like to think I've been handling myself pretty well. Plus, I have Davis as backup. Although, he was no help when I was subjected to your brothers' interrogation."
"Wow, you got them both at once? You must be something special if you survived." She said sarcastically. They both reveled in this small moment of solitude.
"Dinner is starting soon, so we should probably get back downstairs. I still have to speak with my mom, too."
"Your dad at least didn't seem to completely hate me." She scoffed.
"Hey..." He said, turning her to face him. He lifted her chin to allow her gaze to meet his. "I don't care what anyone thinks about our relationship, because it's ours. Yeah, it was a little unconventional, and moved rather quickly, but I know in my heart that it's right. I've never met someone who enchanted me the minute they walked into the room, or someone who even bothers to put up with my antics the way you do. I love you, and I can't wait to start our family." He finished and glanced down at her small stomach. The bump was barely starting to show, still easily hidden by loose clothes.
She searched his eyes and saw the truth radiating through them. She could read the passion and devotion that he felt for her, and all of her worries dissipated. She never doubted their relationship, but the intensity of it often terrified her.
"I don't stand a fair chance matching your words about how I feel, you know, considering the whole writer thing." She said lightly. "But I hope you know how happy I am, and how exhilarating my life has been since you graced it with your presence. We've definitely gone through a lot in our short time, which only makes me confident that we can get through anything, together. I love you." She said in a whisper.
"Damn, we probably should have just saved all of this for tomorrow. Don't be disappointed when I just repeat all this for my vows." He teased as he leaned down to place a meaningful kiss on her lips. "I love you, too. Come on, they've probably put a search warrant out for us already."
They rejoined the small gathering, just as everyone was getting situated for dinner. Mulder offered to retrieve his mom from the guest house, knowing he needed to speak with her alone. He let out a heavy sigh, and Scully gave his hand a squeeze of support before he made his way.
"Mom? It's just about time for dinner. I was just coming to let you know." He said as he slowly made his way into the room.
"Thank you, I'll be out shortly." She said deadpanned.
"I think we need to talk."
"Talk about what, Fox?" She asked distractedly.
"Oh I don't know, talk about how you completely dismissed my soon to be wife when she tried to be nothing but nice to you."
"Don't take that tone with me, I'm here as a favor to you. I just don't understand your relationship, but I am happy if you're happy."
"What is there to understand? We love each other, and she's the best thing to ever happen to me. I don't need your approval, I was just hoping for your well wishes, I suppose."
"She's wearing the family ring. I didn't think it was that serious."
"Well you are here for our wedding." He scoffed, wanting to escape this conversation every second that it continued.
"Yes, but I seem to recall you being engaged before, and she didn't wear that ring. I guess it just took me by surprise. I'm sorry if I seemed rude." She said impassively.
"I'm not the one you should be apologizing to. I should be joining my guests, I hope you decide to make an appearance as well." He said before exiting the room.
He made his way back to the main house, and Scully could immediately sense the annoyance emitting from him. She met him halfway through his path, and wrapped her arms around his waist.
"That good, huh?" She asked, trying to lighten the mood. He wordlessly captured her lips with his, and she melted into his embrace.
"I got it over with, that's all that matters." He said with a heavy sigh, before kissing her again. He noticed her stiffen as they separated, and gave her a quizzical look. She looked past him, and then met his eyes before bowing her head, licking her lips nervously. He glanced behind him, and exhaled deeply.
"I'm glad you decided to join us." He said as his mother approached them.
"Of course, I wouldn't miss it. May we have a moment?" She asked before glancing towards Scully and back at her son.
"Uh, sure..." He said slowly. He saw the wide-eyed look on Scully's face, and shrugged with an apologetic smile. He kissed her on the temple before making his way back to the house.
Scully turned her attention back to Teena standing before her, seeming as uncomfortable as she was. There was an awkward silence before either of them found their voice.
"He's, uh, really grateful that you're here. We both are." Scully said in a whisper.
"I appreciate you trying to mend this, relationship, that my son and I share. It's been rather difficult between us, for a long time." She paused, trying to find the right words. "I just want to apologize, for my behavior earlier. This whole thing has taken me by surprise, although my son doesn't tell me much about the events in his life."
"I'm sorry, that you didn't really know about any of this until you were invited for the wedding. Believe me, I know how fast and insane this all seems." She scoffed.
"That's definitely one word for it, but I know that he believes it's right. I was more taken back by the sight of my mother's ring on your finger. It has a great significance that he gave it to you, it means he believes that you are truly the one he's meant to be with. I was most shocked by that, and I do apologize how I handled the surprise. I wish you both the best." She said, trying to muster a smile. Teena didn't know anything about the woman standing before her, and knew she never would if she pushed them both away now.
"Thank you, that means a lot to me, to us." Scully said, subconsciously playing with the ring on her finger. She knew this weekend was going to be eventful, but she had never anticipated having a heart to heart with Mulder's mom, given everything she was told about the woman.
They both made their way back to the main house just as everyone was settling at the table. Scully took her spot next to Mulder, and gave him a reassuring smile. He reached over to grab her hand, and she immediately interlocked their fingers, resting their hands in her lap. He leaned in and kissed her temple gently, diminishing any doubts that either of them had. She gazed into his eyes, and they passed silent sentiments between each other, knowing that tomorrow was going to be the best day of their lives.
Mulder woke the next morning, and panicked when he reached over for Scully, and only found an empty bed. He startled awake, and finally noticed the note on her pillow.
Good morning,
I've been kidnapped in the tradition that the groom does not see his bride until the wedding.
I'll see you later, I'll be the one in white.
Love,
Scully
He chuckled at her light-hearted note, and smiled, knowing that this was the woman he was going to wake up to for the rest of his life. He let out a shaky sigh, and began to get ready for the eventful day.
As time approached, everyone was buzzing around with last minute adjustments. Mulder was dressed in his suit, and already making his way outside. Scully agreed to let him organize the set up, after much begging and convincing on his end. He smiled as he approached the small archway he had set right on the edge of the water. He wanted her to get married as close to the water as possible, hopefully giving her the sense that her late father was nearby. He knew how much the water held a personal meaning for her, and wanted everything to be perfect.
He situated himself in front of the archway that was decorated with her favorite flowers, and small sea shells. Davis stood beside him, and the priest stood on the other side. He knew how important it was to Scully's family's religion to be married by someone of the Catholic Church. He smiled as everyone started to turn their attention towards the main house, where Scully made her entrance from.
He saw Melissa walking towards him with a smirk on her face, and he winked at her. She was the one who helped set up everything, and they both relished in their handy work. It was also her job to keep Scully away from the area before that day. When he glanced back towards the rows of chairs, his breath caught in his throat at the sight of her.
Scully was wearing a simply elegant, cream colored dress that fell to the floor. It was fitted at the top, and flowed freely just below the bodice, hiding the small swell of her stomach. It had a lace layer overlay, and was perfectly her in every way.
They held each other's gaze as she made her way slowly down the aisle, led by her brother, Bill, on her arm. She smiled at Mulder as she reached the front of the aisle, and he took her hands in his. He kissed the back of her left ring finger, implying the promise they were about to make.
As the priest spoke, and they exchanged their vows, they never broke eye contact. They spoke so many nonverbal sentiments with their gazes, and blocked out the rest of the world. It wasn't until Mulder was instructed to place the ring on Scully's finger that they realized anyone else was around.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss your bride." The priest smiled at them, and they turned their attention back to each other.
Mulder smiled, eyes gleaming, and leaned forward to place a gentle kiss on her lips. She opened her mouth slightly, and reached up to cradle her hand on his cheek. He pulled her in by her hips, and deepened the kiss. She chuckled into his mouth, breaking the contact as everyone cheered. He pecked her on the lips, and they turned to see the excited faces of their friends and family.
After several minutes of everyone standing and offering their congratulations to the newlywed couple, Mulder made the announcement for everyone to head back towards the small reception area he had setup. The two of them stayed behind, needing a moment for themselves. She stood under the archway, staring at the water, as everyone cleared out of the area. He approached her from behind and wrapped his arms around her, engulfing her in his embrace.
"I wanted it to be by the water, I know it's what makes you happiest." He said in a small whisper, before placing a gentle kiss on her neck just below her ear.
"You make me happiest." She said cuddling into his embrace further. "Mulder, all of this was amazing. I can't believe you managed to make this day so, perfect."
"Well, I had to top all of my other grand gestures, and believe me, it was tough, I set the bar pretty high." He said as she chuckled. "But I wanted to give you everything, because you deserve nothing less."
"You know, all this sweet talking would make me call bullshit, but, uh, I finished your second book this week. I know your feelings for me are genuine." She said with a sly smirk on her face. She leaned back just far enough to meet his eyes, and he leaned down and kissed her.
"Great, now everyone's going to know how bad I got it. I'll never live down this reputation, Scully." He said teasingly. She stiffened slightly, and he began to become worried by the blank look on her face. "What's wrong?"
"We never, uh, talked about me changing my last name. I mean, I had planned to, but then what would you call me?" She said with a shy smile. He just chuckled and leaned down to kiss her again.
"That is completely your decision. I mean, I figured I'd just call you wife." He leered at her.
"Well, that does have a nice ring to it, I might be open for adjustments."
"Good, because that's how I plan to refer to you from now on."
"Really relishing in that whole 'claim on Dana Scully' thing aren't you?" She said raising an eyebrow at him as she fully turned to face him in their embrace.
"Oh absolutely, it's my favorite part of this whole married thing." He said teasingly.
"I have no idea what I just got myself into." She said sarcastically with a heavy sigh. He chuckled, and pulled her in closer. He rested his forehead on hers, and they both just enjoyed their moment of bliss.
"As much as I would love to stand here all night with you, we should probably entertain our guests." He said reluctantly pulling away from her. He grabbed her hand, and led her towards the small reception.
"So, when do you plan on dropping the last bombshell on everyone?" She asked with a mischievous grin.
"You're making me do it?" He asked horrified, stopping in their stride. She giggled at his panicked face and tried to mask her amusement by covering her mouth with the back of her hand. "You're not being very nice to your new husband." He whined at her.
"Yeah, well, he'll get over it. Especially when I make it up to him, you know, considering it is our wedding night." She said in a sultry voice.
"Scully..." He pleaded.
She chuckled at the arousal in his eyes and leaned up to kiss him. "Later." She whispered into his mouth.
They made their way back to join the intimate group, and took their seats at the head table. Halfway through eating, several of their family members and friends began to stand and make speeches. As everyone settled down again, they glanced at each other, and she just nodded at the unspoken question.
"We, uh, would like to wrap the speeches up with one of our own." Mulder said as he stood, extending his hand to Scully to stand by his side. He snaked his arm around her waist, and pulled her into his side. They smiled at each other, and he turned his attention back to the small crowd. "We just want to say thank you for being here with us this weekend. We know it was rather quick, but we are very grateful to have everyone here to celebrate this next adventure in our lives. We're also happy to have you all joined together so that we can tell you, all at once, that we are already expecting a new addition to our family." He finished, gazing down at her. She smiled at him proudly, and they embraced in a kiss. They could hear the gasps and positive sentiments mulling around the crowd, and accepted the new round of congrats.
The evening passed by in a whirlwind of bliss and happiness. When they finally made their way up to their room, Scully plopped on the bed, completely exhausted from the weekend. Mulder laid on his back directly next to her, matching her exhaustion.
"Remind me to never do that again, I'm spent." He said with his eyes closed. He could feel her glaring at him and tried to hide his smile.
"You better not plan to be doing that again, Mulder." She said with an arch to her eyebrow. He chuckled at the look on her face and rolled over to lay halfway on top of her. She squealed at the abrupt motion, and settled herself more beneath him.
"It wounds me that you think you could get rid of me that easily." He said in a deep voice. She flashed a smirk and brought her hand up to his cheek. He leaned down and enclosed his lips on hers, melding them together, passion emitting through him. "I love you."
"God...Mulder, I love you, too. This whole journey that we've been on is nothing I would have ever imagined for myself, but I wouldn't want it any other way. When you came in to my life, you flipped it completely upside down. You made me open myself up and not hide behind the persona and the walls that I've spent years building. You surprise me, every day, and I love the person that I am when I'm with you. I won't lie to you, all of this terrified me, and it's why I held back so much in the beginning. You're so intense in the way you love, and I only hope that I can allow myself to show you even a small glimpse of how much I truly love you." She said in one breath. She had been trying to find the words to relay her deepest emotions, but nothing ever sounded right in her head. She didn't want to waste this moment.
"Scully, you are this incredibly strong willed, witty, brilliant, beautiful soul that I am so lucky to have in my life, and make me a better person. You challenge me, in the best ways, and you keep me in line, as much as you can." He said lightly as she chuckled, attempting to hold back the tears in her eyes. "You speak the truth with your eyes, and I can see the love for me every day. You are amazing, and I have never questioned anything about us, or our family." He said in a hushed tone as he rested his hand on her stomach. She sniffled back tears, and smiled at his amazement. "Those were almost better than our vows, maybe we should do this again."
"Shut up, Mulder. I hope you at least think you're funny." She said with a light chuckle. "But thank you, you definitely will always have a way with words."
"Yeah, I'm hoping I'll be able to always talk my way out of whatever trouble I may find myself in. It's actually genetic, so I should probably apologize now. Did I mention how much I love your patience?"
"Great, I really didn't do my research before knowing what I got myself into." She said sarcastically.
He chuckled at the ease of their relationship, and how well they complimented each other with the witty banter. He knew, from their first meeting, that she was his other half.
He gazed down at the serene look of bliss bestowed on her face and encompassed her lips with his. She moaned at the contact into his mouth, and opened hers willingly, allowing his tongue entrance. He grazed his hands with feather soft touches up and down her sides, and she reached up to pull his head down, deepening their embrace.
They both melted into the contact, and took full advantage of the meaning of 'wedding night.' In that moment, they both couldn't imagine being anywhere else. They couldn't wait to face their next journey, together, forever.