Chapter 3

The church was wrapped up in an atmosphere of silence and peace at that time of the afternoon. It was nearly 4 PM and the next mass would only happen at night so the place was empty and perfect for those who needed quietness in order to offer their prayers. It was winter, but the day had been sunny and the last rays were entering through the glasses and side doors, filling the church with a soft golden light that only made it more ethereal than it already was.

Father McCue had been sitting in the front pew for the last half hour, facing the altar and praying in silence for all the members of his community and for those in any kind of suffering. The old priest could hear footsteps approaching him but kept gazing at the image of the cross until he concluded his plea. It was then that he saw the tall gentleman carrying a bag with the logo of a lady's underwear shop, standing a bit closer to him.

"Good afternoon," he said, eyeing the newcomer with curiosity.

Mulder stepped closer and nodded his head, secretly in awe to see the legendary Father McCue again. "Good afternoon, Father."

The elderly priest looked around and back at him. "And looks like we're a crowd today!"

"Well, it's never too late to pray for the salvation of our immortal souls."

There was a slight irony in the tone of the newcomer's voice and after a few moments looking at him, Father McCue smiled. "I know you. You're Dana's partner. Mr Mulder, right?"

Mulder nodded his head in agreement. "That is correct."

He gestured to the place next to him. "Please, take a seat."

Once Mulder did so, the old priest looked back at the altar. "In the past I used to enjoy to see this place filled with people on a Sunday morning or at night during the week days. But now I confess a terrible sin: the quietness and lack of audience have a calming effect on a man's soul."

Chuckling, Mulder placed the bag with the lingerie logo on the pew next to him. "Believe me, Father, I've been trying to convince people of the same thought for my entire life!"

They laughed quietly and the ex-FBI agent added. "In fact, I'm sorry to disturb you."

"Oh, no!" Father McCue was quick to say. "I don't mind one or two people coming in here and talk to me once in a while. Especially those who I'm very fond of and have known for such a long time. Like Dana. She was here last week and I was very happy to know about the new family member!"

Now with a soft smile, Mulder glanced at the altar, thinking about what the little baby girl represented to both him and Scully.

"Grace is…Well, her name already expresses what she means to us."

"I don't doubt it, Mr Mulder." The old man gave him a curious look. "The Christening is scheduled to be within two weeks. I'm not sure of your beliefs but I'd be happy to have both of you and Dana here."

Still smiling, Mulder nodded his head and looked back at Father McCue. "Yes, she told me the date. Thank you, Father. For doing this. We're very grateful."

"Oh, you don't need to thank me. I'm very happy to be the one to do it. I know Dana's journey up to this moment, and, in a way, your journey as well. I'm aware of what it means to her. And to you. I'll never forget your image standing next to her in moments of deep anguish and despair, and also on happy occasions at Margaret's home along the years. I dare to say you're her partner in all the uncountable meanings it could possibly have."

Once again, Mulder nodded and stood in silence for a moment, aware of how accurate those words were.

"Is there anything you'd like to discuss about the ceremony? Any doubt you have?"

"Oh, no, Father. I'm…In fact I'm here to ask you if there's a possibility of holding another ceremony along with Grace's Christening."

Watching as Father McCue's seemed to be slightly confused, Mulder kept on talking about the thought that had been on his mind for so many years.

"I was wondering if you could give Dana and me your blessing too. Like you just said, we've been at each other's side for a long time. And there have been moments of darkness, Father. Fear, hopelessness and despair that nearly broke us apart for good."

"I'm aware of this, son. I can see it written in your eyes." Father McCue spoke, placing a gentle hand over Mulder's shoulder.

"One could say we have walked through the valley of the darkest night." There was bitterness on the tone of his voice as those words escaped from his mouth.

"I have no doubt that you did. But I dare to say that you've made it. Through the fire. Scarred and bruised, but side by side. You know, all of us human beings have this ability to 'reborn' and start all over again. And by doing so we make decisions based on experience and intuition. The consequences of those choices make us the people that we are today. We remain the same but at the same time, different regarding our attitude towards the world and people. Especially the people that we love. In short: life changes. And it changes our spirit in the process."

Mulder listened to the priest's words intently. Father McCue was indeed a man suitable to speak to people's hearts. The tone of his voice was serene and certain, holding reassurance and peace at the same time.

"I almost lost her, Father. In all the possible ways I could count."

"And yet, here you are. Blessed with a child you both thought would never exist. Under a home you almost saw fall apart and brought together by a mature and solid love."

Mulder smiled hearing those words. "You sure about your retirement? Cause with your ability, you could convince world leaders to give hands and sing Imagine!"

Both men laughed at Mulder's remark.

"I think I'll pass at that suggestion, Mr Mulder. But I'll gladly step out of my retirement for a day so that I can bless you and Dana and your baby daughter."

"We've been together for many years now. First as coworkers, quickly turned into each other's best friends and later...well..."

"I guess that the right word for what you're trying to say is that you two became soulmates." Father McCue added, visibly enjoying to hear that confession.

"She's my soulmate, yes. My constant. And I hope she feels the same about me, even though for many times I feel I don't deserve it."

"Humbleness is a quality most people lack off these days. I'm glad to see that some still have it."

"It's more like awareness, Father."

"You can classify as you want it, son. But the truth is that Dana is now in your home, sitting on a chair holding your child in her arms, possibly singing her a lullaby and waiting for you so that she can tell you that the baby smiled hearing the word daddy."

Mulder chuckled again and shook his head. "Jesus, Father. You do have a gift to touch people's hearts!"

"Yes, I'm aware of that, Mr Mulder." He was quick to reply, causing Mulder to raise his eyebrows in surprise and laugh at the teasing tone in the old man's voice.

"Tell Dana I'll be very happy to bless young Grace as well as your union."

"Thank you, Father." Mulder offered his hand and as they exchanged compliments, he added. "But I have to confess that she doesn't know yet, as I first wanted to ask you if you could do it for us."

"Oh?"

"Convincing God about it was the easy part. Now I have to convince Scully!"

Father McCue laughed at that piece of information, imagining Mulder – a brave ex-FBI agent who had certainly faced the most dangerous criminals and been to so many adventures, feeling nervous about proposing the woman of his life. The old priest nodded his head and pointed to the bag Mulder was carrying with him.

"A man who buys underwear for his future wife should be graced with extra points in his behalf!"

More amused laughter broke the silence inside the church.

To be continued