Chapter 12

Work was always a busy place as being in the middle of a thriving newspaper was not a job for the feint of heart, but it was something that Carolyn relished. Having a job where she could prove herself, make a difference, and make others realize that she was a good journalist and an excellent writer was exactly what she wanted.

She was running late today due to a fussing toddler that she had left in the capable hands of their trusty employee, Martha. She was hired as a housekeeper, but then progressed to cook, and truth be told she could do anything. She hadn't any children of her own and was quite protective of Candy, and Carolyn was always relieved to leave her daughter in Martha's capable hands. Truth be told, she was better with children than Carolyn's own mother.

It was Martha that took the cranky toddler when Carolyn ran out of the house to work. She was dressed in a navy skirt that went to her mid-thigh, nylons and sensible heels, along with a powdered blue, silk blouse. Her hair was a bit of a mess as all she did was to run a quick comb through it, but it would have to do. It wasn't her best appearance but not a disaster either so on this particular day she would settle for it.

She raced in to the building and towards her desk but stopped when one of the better-known feature reporters, folded her arms in front of her and blocked Carolyn's path. She regarded her with an amused expression.

"Excuse me," Carolyn said and tried to move around the other woman. Her name was Judith McMillan and she had long, flowing brunette hair with clear blue eyes set in a lovely face, and a body to die for. Today she was dressed sharply with a coral colored skirt/blouse ensemble that fit every luscious curve of her body.

"No, excuse me," Judith said as she looked at Carolyn.

She gave Judith a puzzled look as she blinked at her. "Can I help you Miss McMillan?"

"Yes, introduce me to your friend."

"My friend?"

"Didn't know you had it in you, you look so prim and proper."

"What are you talking about?" Carolyn said as politely as she could, just wanting to get around this woman and to her desk so that she could go to work.

"Surely, you know. Your friend, the Captain. He's here to see you," Judith glanced over her shoulder and Carolyn saw a small knot of people in the corner by the water cooler, most of them the nearby women, but she couldn't discern who was in the middle of the small crowd.

"The Captain?" she echoed faintly, her heart now pounding a mile a minute.

"You seem surprised."

"Just a little. I didn't know that he was in town."

"Well, he is, and he wants to see you. If it's true you're only a friend to him, please do me a favor and introduce me to him properly. And if you are more than friends you need to keep him under lock and key. He is one delicious morsel."

Judith looked over her shoulder again as the Captain and worked his way out of the small group of adoring women. He looked up and saw Judith and a frown crossed his features until he noticed Carolyn next to her. Then his face lit up and he began to walk towards them.

"Oh, honey, he really does like you. Good for you." She turned to face the Captain. "Look who I found, Captain. Turns out she was running just a bit late today."

"Thank you, Miss McMillan, I do so appreciate your assistance." The Captain inclined his head and gave her just the slightest of bows.

"Anytime, Captain. If you need anything, anything at all, just ask, all right?" She spoke in her best sultry voice.

"I will most certainly do that. And thank you again, dear lady."

Carolyn watched with some amusement as Judith damn near melted on the spot; and this was a woman considered a hunter by one and all. Looking over her shoulder, she turned and left the two of them alone, or at least as alone as they could be in a busy newspaper room. Carolyn met his eyes and then looked away, not knowing what to say. There were so many monumental life things to tell this almost stranger that she couldn't even speak.

"Hello, Carolyn," he said, and she swore her name had never been spoken with such a caress.

"Captain." She inclined her head in acknowledgement. "What are you doing here?" She squeaked. "I mean, why are you here? What do you want?" Carolyn finally gave up and counting to ten, buried her face in her hand.

"I came looking for you. Did you get my message last night? I left one at your home for you. A woman, that I assumed to be your mother, answered and said she would pass it on to you." He studied her and waited for her response.

"She did, but I didn't get home until late."

"I am sorry to hear that, but I hope you do not think it too forward of me to come and seek you out at work? I mean no harm, it's just that I found myself unexpectedly in town and could not resist the possibility of seeing you again. You nursed me back to health and I will be forever grateful."

Gratitude? Really? Is that what he felt for her? A knot was beginning to form in the pit of her stomach.

"What can I do for you?" She asked pleasantly.

"I am here to repay my debt, at least in part. I will be here for approximately a week and would like to see you if you are so inclined." He paused and waited for her gaze to meet his. "And I would like to start by taking you to dinner tonight?"

"Well, I don't have a lot of time after work I have to get home to…to things that I have to do for my job."

"You could spare a couple of hours, couldn't you?"

She felt herself wavering. She really did need to get home to her child, but she knew a quick call to Martha would take care of that problem very easily. And spending two hours with the Captain was so tempting. It would be a better thing for all involved if she was more familiar with the man who was her child's father She pushed away the thoughts about how gorgeous he looked today. No wonder all the women were falling over him.

"Miss William? Please say yes. You can pick the time and the place, but please say yes."

Unable to speak, Carolyn nodded mutely.

"Would six this evening work? That should give us time to have an enjoyable dinner, but early enough for you to get home to complete what you need to do."

"Yes, six would be fine."

"Excellent!" He offered her a dazzling smile and she reminded herself that she was a modern woman and no swooning was allowed. "Shall I pick you up here? And would you please pick a restaurant that you favor as I am not familiar with this city and its food establishments."

"Okay, I'll find something suitable."

He paused for just a moment and then reached for Carolyn's hand. Drawing it too his lips he gently kissed her hand.

"My dear Carolyn, you honor me with this agreement. Thank you. I will do my best not to disappoint you." He held her hand for just a few more moments then necessary and then slowly let them go.

He stepped away from her and with a last lingering look, turned and walked away. Carolyn made a bee line to her chair so that she could sit down and give her wobbly legs a break. In a few moments when her head cleared, she laughed quietly to herself. The Captain left a wake of dazed women behind him, and without exception, all the females in the room watched as he left.

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Leaning back in her chair next to Jonathan's bed, Scully regarded the fifty-year-old man before her, knowing that a short time ago she was of a similar age.

Though she hadn't known Jonathan long, the man before her appeared exhausted, as though he had been up a week and then some. There were dark circles under his eyes, and his face looked sunken. His eyes were dull, and she could tell he was in some sort of pain. The fever was low grade now, but persistent, and he was just starting to develop a cough. But even with all of that, Scully couldn't find a rational explanation as to why he was feeling this way. There were no telltale signs of normal sickness that would cause these reactions within him.

She frowned at him.

"That's not a good look for you," the deep voice said, and he offered her a weak smile.

"You sound like Mulder."

"That was not what I was going for," he said and they both shared a laugh.

"Jonathan, how do you feel?" Scully put a hand on his wrist and took his pulse.

"Bad, really bad."

"How long have you felt like this?" Scully asked, already knowing the answer.

"It started when Dad came back the first time, when Candy changed." He chuckled. "Is this like that movie 'Back to the Future' where the kid disappears if his parents don't get together?"

"Umm, maybe. But we don't have a picture to tell…" Scully tried a joke, which failed.

"it's okay. I don't want to see myself disappear little by little."

"I think you could use some sleep? I can give you some sleeping pills…"

"That would be good, I haven't been sleeping well since all of this started."

"Understandable." She went to her purse and pulled out a bottle, putting two in her hand before walking over to Jonathan who gave her a questioning look. "Mulder has trouble sleeping," she shrugged.

"Okay, thanks," Jonathan said, and took the pills and the glass of water she offered him. "Tell everyone not to worry, I'll be fine," he said and then settled back into the bed, and after punching his pillow a couple of times, he closed his eyes.

Dana looked at him and sighed quietly. She couldn't imagine Carolyn and the Captain without their kids, even though she only knew them as adults. She prayed that the Captain would do what he must.

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What had she been thinking when she had agreed to go out with him?

Carolyn scolded herself as she did her best to spruce up her appearance with the work clothes she had on. She didn't even give herself a chance to go home and change into some more date worthy clothes. That was probably a mistake.

And why am I so nervous? Maybe because I've known him for less than a week and still managed to have sex with him and have his child? Plus, the fact he has no clue, and it's a nightmare waiting to happen. But maybe if we go out? If I get to know him better? Find out how he feels about marriage and children? Wait a minute, what am I thinking?

Carolyn brought her thoughts to an abrupt halt.

I barely know the man and I'm already planning a future with him? What in God's green earth is wrong with me?

She checked her makeup one last time and offered herself a shaky smile in the mirror before she turned and left the company bathroom. She thought she had a few minutes left but found out she was actually ten minutes over the appointed date time. She looked around and found that he was sitting patiently in the chair across from her desk.

"I'm sorry I'm late…" she began.

"No need for an apology, I'm used to your being a bit late."

"I beg your pardon?"

"I am used to women running a bit late, and beauty such as yours is well worth the wait." He offered her an engaging smile and bent to kiss her hand.

She felt her heart beat wildly and she flushed. It was going to be a very long evening.

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Dinner was at a nearby restaurant. She didn't know what kind of income he had so she picked a pleasant restaurant that offered above average steaks, and good American fare. She had been here a couple of times over lunch and found the food both satisfying and filling. And he struck her as a man that would enjoy a good steak and hearty food, and she thought a smaller portion or perhaps a salad would suit her just fine.

They were seated in a quiet little booth, one just a bit too intimate for her liking, but she smiled at him as they sat down.

"I hope this is all right with you, I'm not really sure what kind of food you like but it has a varied menu and are rather well known for their steaks."

"I'm sure it will be wonderful. A delicious dinner with a lovely woman, how could I possibly go wrong?"

Damn him, he was far too charming.

"I don't remember you being quite so charming the last time we met."

You had me at a disadvantage, I was quite a bit under the weather as you well know."

"But you're feeling better?"

He couldn't help it, he laughed at her concerned expression. "My dear, that was three years ago. I should hope I'm feeling better."

"No ill effects?"

"No, though I am a bit tired from my latest journey."

"Where have you been since you left?"

"Travelling the world, going to places you can't even imagine."

"I don't know, I have a pretty good imagination. Try me."

He gauged her, amused blue eyes meeting confident green ones.

"Perhaps later," he said softly.

"Why did you leave?" She asked and then bit her lip, annoyed at her mouth for betraying her.

"I know you won't understand, but I had no choice." He lightly rested his hand on hers for just a moment. "I'm sure you think me a cad."

"I should, shouldn't I?" She raised an eyebrow.

"That is for you to decide. I can only offer my humblest apologies at the manner of my departure."

"And the note?"

"Oh, yes, that." He tugged on her ear and looked briefly uncomfortable. "I didn't think I would be able to see you for quite some time and I wanted to be sure that we met again."

"And you know for a fact that you will be at Gull Cottage in Schooner Bay, Maine at that time?"

"Yes."

"I have some more questions for you," she began, as her mind began to search though all the questions she had for him if she ever met him again.

"Ahh, the waiter has arrived; shall we order?" He offered her a genuine smile filled with warmth and she felt that strange melting sensation once again. Damn him anyway.

The rest of their dinner was wonderful. Good food, good wine, and amazing company. She found out many things she did not know about Captain Daniel Gregg, but not the things she wanted to know most. By the time she realized this, she realized that her allotted two hours for dinner had already passed by, and it was time for her to go home to her daughter.

"I'm afraid I have to go," she finally forced her mouth to say.

"So soon?" he sounded disappointed.

"Yes, I have to go home to…to my daughter," she said, feeling that she had to know his reaction to those words.

"You have a daughter?"

"Yes, since I saw you last." She watched his expression carefully.

"A boy or a girl?"

"A girl."

"How delightful." He offered her a smile that nearly knocked her off her feet. "And since you are out with me I am guessing that there is no possessive man vying for your attention? You are not married?"

"No."

"Boyfriend?"

"No."

"Excellent." He beamed at her.

"What about you? Fair is fair."

"I have come back only for you."

"That's not an answer," she said.

"I never contemplated marriage, except for that rare, exceptional woman."

"And has there ever been a right woman?"

"No. Not until I met you." He lowered his voice and his gaze, and she blushed, his look causing her to look at the table until she gathered her composure. "I have been too forward. I offer my apologies."

"No, it's all right, Really."

"I believe it is time for us to depart? It is important that you make it home to your daughter, Candance."

Carolyn gave him a startled look. "How do you know her name?"

"Why you said it, of course."

"I didn't."

They got up and he offered her his arm as he escorted her outside. It was clear he was not going to enlighten her on her question, so she changed the topic at hand.

"Did you drive?" she asked.

"Alas, no. But I am staying in a fine establishment, hotel downtown. This one," he offered her a slip of paper. When she opened it, she found the name of the hotel and his room number. She gave him a questioning gaze.

"I would like to see you again. Please call me when you have time."

"Okay," she said.

"Where are you parked?"

"Just up the street."

"Allow me to escort you." He quietly took her hand in his as they walked along the quiet street.

After a long block, she stopped and with a rather annoyed expression gestured to the car. "Here it is."

"Ahh, I see." He paused for just a moment before meeting her eyes. "I do have a question for you."

"Go on."

"Will you do me the honor of going out with me again tomorrow night? This time let me pick the place."

"Another date?" Her eyes twinkled at him in amusement as her heart did flip flops in her chest.

"If you would be so kind." His eyes implored her, and she couldn't say no.

"Yes," she squeaked before she got her voice under control.

"Splendid. I shall call on you at what time? Seven pm? Will you be able to arrange to have someone babysit your child?"

"I will work something out, and once I do I will let you know."

"You have my eternal gratitude, Carolyn Williams." He leaned forward and placed a peck on her cheek. Then he tenderly took her face between his hands, their lips so close they were almost touching. "May I kiss you?"

"Yes, Daniel, please."

And he did. A sweet, tender kiss, that deepened only briefly. Then, much to her dismay, he stepped away.

"Goodnight then until tomorrow, my dear."

And with a bow he turned away from her and walked down the street towards the post hotel where he was staying. She watched him until he turned a corner and disappeared from sight.