By Donna
donnah@donnas-stories.com
 

URL - http://www.donnas-stories.com/
Rating - PG
Category - MSR
Spoilers - Christmas Carol, Emily
Keywords - MSR
Summary - A different ending
Feedback - Please
Archive - Anywhere, just let me know so I can visit
Disclaimer - Mulder, Scully, the Lone Gunmen and Skinner
all belong to
Chris, 10-13, and Fox - Bless them for it!!  No infringement
intended.
 

Emily's Family - part 1
 

He let himself into the apartment with his own key, shutting
and bolting the door behind him.  "Anyone home?"

He grinned as the little blond burst out of the bedroom and
threw herself into his arms.  He lifted her from the floor and
her arms went around his neck, squeezing him tight.
"Mommy!  Mulder's here."  She called back toward the
bedroom.

Scully emerged then and smiled at the sight.  Only Mulder
could see that she was troubled.  His eyes asked the
question, but she shook her head slightly, so he waited.  She
would tell him later, when Emily wasn't around.

He turned back to the little girl.  "What did my two favorite
girls do today?"

"We went to the park and Mommy started a new book and
then she let me help make dinner.  You can stay can't you?"

"I don't know, do you think there's enough?"

"We always cook extra in case you come over."  Emily said.

Startled Mulder looked over at Scully.  She was bending
down to pick up some nonexistent trash, but he saw the pink
in her cheeks.  "Well, I'll have to remember that and come
over more often."

"Good."  Emily squeezed his neck again.

"Emily, why don't you finish setting the table?"  Scully asked
quietly.

"Okay."  Mulder let her down and she hurried to the kitchen.

Mulder watched her disappear around the corner, then
moved closer to Scully so that they could speak quietly.  "Is
everything okay?" He touched her arm.

She gave a slight shrug, "They're still coming up with
problems."

"About the adoption?"

She glanced toward the kitchen to make sure they weren't
overheard.  "I'll work it out." She stepped away from him then
and after a moment, he followed her to the table.

"We made chicken,"  Emily announced, "and broccoli and
rice."

"Do you like broccoli?"  Mulder grinned down at her.

"I like the little tree part with enough cheese, but I don't like
the trunks."

Mulder took his seat across from Scully, so they were
flanking the little girl.  He nodded in agreement.  "That's the
way I like it too."

"Well you both need to eat a few of the trunks too."  Scully
admonished and raised her eyebrow at Mulder when he
made a face.  Emily laughed at him and his smile grew.
Scully drank in the sight.

Mulder appreciated a few bites, then stopped just to watch
the little girl.  Scully noted it smiling.  At the silence Emily
looked up.

"What?"

"I was just admiring you."  Mulder said, "You look very nice,
happy, healthy . . . "

"Yes."  She was looking at her plate again, concentrating on
getting maximum cheese on the piece of broccoli.  "Ever
since I died and Aunt Melissa sent me back, I've been real
healthy."

Mulder gaped at her, until he heard Scully's dropped fork hit
her plate.  She was staring at the girl and tears had escaped
her eyes.  Abruptly she rose and all but ran from the room.

Emily looked up startled.  "What's wrong with Mommy?"

"Uh, I uh, I think those were happy tears; knowing you're not
sick anymore."

Emily nodded, accepting that.  After a couple of minutes,
Mulder looked back at Emily.  "I think I'll go check on her."

"Okay."

He stood, and giving her hair a short caress, went in search
of Scully.

The bathroom door was closed, so he tapped on it, but
opened it without waiting for an invitation.  Scully was seated
on the side of the tub, her face in her hands.

He sat beside her.  "She is okay."

"I know."  Her words were muffled.

"Scully, there have been hundreds of medically documented
cases where the person has a near-death experience and
awakened cured."

"Hundreds?"  She finally looked up at him.

He shrugged, "Dozens."  He let his arm go around her then.
"What else?  Something was wrong before I got here."

"They still want her.  Maybe now more than ever.  They keep
throwing up roadblocks."

"A single woman - "

"With no long term relationships, work that demands travel . .
. "

They sat in silence for a moment.  "Scully, I can fix some of
that."  He hurried on before she could interrupt.  "Marry me."

She looked up, blinking, stunned silent.

"I'm not kidding around, Scully.  Emily likes me and you've
managed to tolerate me for years.  I know it's probably not
ideal for you, but once the adoption is completed . . ."

"Mulder, Emily adores you.  And I more than tolerate you."
She gave him a little quirk of a smile.  "I appreciate you even
considering something like this, but I can't ask - "

"I'm the one asking here, Scully.  I could get down on one
knee, if you - "

"Mulder, we're in the bathroom."

He closed his eyes, shaking his head slightly.  "Guess I'm
not the king of romance here, but I am serious, Scully.  Think
about it.  We could make sure that little girl is protected."

"Mulder - "

"I know I've sprung this on you.  Think about it, please.  For
now, splash some water on your face.  We need to get back
to her."

Scully nodded and felt his hand on her arm, helping her to
her feet.  Marry him?  It was a fantasy she'd never allowed
herself to explore.  Now wasn't a good time to explore it
either.

Emily had finished her meal, and was waiting patiently for
them.  She rose and gave Scully a hug.  "I ate my broccoli,
even a few of the trunks."

Scully looked over her plate.  "That's very good, Sweetheart.
I need to run you a bath.  Let me get the dishes - "

"I can do the dishes."  Mulder offered.  Scully looked over at
him.  "Hey, it's the least I can do when two beautiful women
cook for me."  He winked at Emily.  "Go on, I can handle
this."

Shaking her head slightly, Scully led Emily out of the room.
He washed the dishes rather than fill the dishwasher, and
finished up just before Scully and Emily, wearing pajamas,
joined him in the living room.

"I guess I should get out of - " Mulder started, but Emily
interrupted him.

"Can Mulder read my story to me?  He makes the funny
voices when he reads." She looked up at Scully.

"He might be busy."  Scully said quietly, not looking at
Mulder.

"I'm never too busy for that."  He grinned at the girl and let
her lead him into the bedroom she currently shared with her
mother.  Emily scrambled into the bed and pulled the sheet
up over her legs as Scully picked a book from the stack by
the bed.

"Hey, I know this one."  Mulder took it from her and settled
beside Emily.  He opened In the Night Kitchen and began to
read.  Scully had to smile; he did use funny voices.  She
changed her mind about checking the kitchen and stayed,
taking a seat at the foot of the bed.

When the book was finished, Emily lay down on the pillow
and pulled the sheet up to her neck.  Mulder rose and leaned
down to give her a kiss on the cheek.  She squeezed his
neck again and then hugged Scully when she gave her a
goodnight kiss as well.

Scully clicked on the small lamp at the door, then pulled it
closed behind her and Mulder.  He trailed her back to the
living room and watched as she peeked into the kitchen.
"Did I meet your standards?"  He asked quickly.

"You did a very good job, Mulder.  Thank you."

He winked at her, "Just another service I can provide."  He
headed for door, grabbing up his jacket.

"Mulder?  Are you leaving?"

"Yeah, I have some research to do, and you have some
thinking to do.  Can I bring a pizza for dinner tomorrow?"

"Come for dinner, but no pizza.  We'll think of something."

He nodded and opened the door.  "Mulder?"  He stopped
and looked back at her.  "N-nothing.  See you tomorrow."

"Count on it."  He stepped out into the hall and pulled the
door closed.  She moved in that direction and locked up,
then sank onto the couch, her mind reeling.

*****

Mulder tapped on the door one more time, then, let himself
into the apartment.  He was more than a little nervous, but
only Scully would be able to tell, and he was going to try to
hide it from her.  He'd spent some time today researching
the roadblocks on her adoption of Emily and all of them were
specious and should disappear if she were married.

He set a bag at the end of the couch and straightened up.
"Hello?"  He called out.

Scully stepped out of the kitchen and he became aware of
the delicious aroma coming from that direction.  "Hi."

"Hi.  Where's Emily?"

"She's changing clothes.  She got something on her t-shirt
and couldn't let you see that."  She smiled.

"Good, we have a minute.  Come here."  He took her hand
and led her to the couch, seating her at the far end.  He took
a seat beside her.  "I hope you've have some time to think,
but I want to do this right."  He slipped down onto one knee
as her eyes widened.  "Dana Katherine Scully, would you do
me the honor of becoming my wife?"  He slipped the small
black velvet box out of his pocket.

Her eyes widened and she didn't seem to be breathing.  He
opened the small box and heard her gasp.  "Mulder, you
didn't - "

"It was my Grandmother Mulder's.  I know it's not a diamond
solitaire, but . . . "

"Mulder, emeralds are my favorite, but this is a family
heirloom."

"Right, and you and Emily are my family.  Come on Scully,
say you'll marry - "

"Oh Mommy! Yes, please say yes!"  Emily burst into the
room and jumped onto the couch beside her.

"Well, that's one."  Mulder grinned at the little blond.

"I just don't want you to feel that I've taken advantage - "

"Scully, I'm asking you, remember?"

Emily seemed to be holding her breath now as Scully looked
back and forth between the two.

She finally took a deep breath, "I don't think you know what
you're doing Mulder, but if you're sure . . . "

"Is that a yes?"  Mulder asked quickly.

After a moment, she nodded.  Emily's squeal drowned out
Mulder's sigh of relief.  "Kiss her, Mulder!"

Scully's eyes widened and her cheeks pinked as Mulder's
smile grew.  "You think I should, huh?"  Mulder looked over
at Emily.  She nodded vigorously.  "I think it's a good idea
too."  He leaned forward and gave her a chaste kiss on the
lips.

Scully thought she heard him breathe the word "later" into
her mouth, but couldn't be quite sure.  Mulder rose from his
knee then and joined his two ladies on the couch.

Emily immediately climbed into his lap and looked up at him
and then Scully.  "Can I call you Daddy when we get
married?"

Scully's eyes filled immediately as she saw the emotion on
Mulder's face and bobbing of his Adam's apple as he tried to
swallow the lump in his throat.  "You sure can, Baby."  He
pulled her to him and closed his eyes for an instant, then
opened them to look at Scully.  "Thank you."  He mouthed to
her.

She nodded, keeping quiet herself.

After a few moments Emily sat up.  "We made a special
dinner tonight."

"You d-did?"  He cleared his throat, looking over at Scully.

Emily nodded.  "Come on, you'll see."  She jumped down
and tugged on Mulder's hand.  He rose and held out his
hand to Scully.  She took it and stood beside him.

"A special dinner?  Any occasion?"  He whispered to her.

The color rose on her cheeks but she didn't respond, just
headed toward the kitchen.  Mulder winked at Emily and
retrieved the bag he had hidden.  They moved into the
kitchen together to see Scully dishing up the beef in wine
sauce and baby carrots.  Rebaked potatoes were already on
the plates.

"Why Scully, you can cook!"  Mulder only grinned at the
eyebrow rising.  He placed the bag on the counter and pulled
out two bottles.  One held champagne, the other sparkling
grape juice.

"Sure of yourself, huh?"

"A mere show of confidence."  He opened the cabinet
holding the wine glasses without having to ask, and poured
Emily a glass of the grape juice.

Once they were seated at the table, Mulder lifted his glass.
"A toast?"  Scully picked up her glass and Emily imitated her.
"To family."

Scully realized he wasn't able to say anymore.  "To family."
She quietly repeated and touched her glass to his.

"My family."  Emily said and rose up on her knees to join the
fun.

Scully saw him close his eyes, taking in the emotion.

After dinner, Mulder again took over clean up while Emily got
ready for bed.  He read the story again to his two girls.  After
he kissed Emily goodnight, Scully motioned for him to wait
for her in the living room.

He was on the couch with two more glasses of champagne
when she emerged.  She took a seat beside him and
accepted the glass he offered.  "I think we need to talk,
Mulder."

"Okay."

She blinked at that, but took a sip of the champagne and
continued.  "Mulder, you really don't have to do this."

"When is it going to cross your mind that I want to do this?"
He watched her.

"For Emily." She didn't look up, studying her glass.

"Partly."

She glanced up then, "Partly?"  He leaned in then for a
second kiss.  This one was not chaste; in fact she felt her
nerve endings singe as he consumed her.  She was clinging
to him as the only stability on the planet.

When they finally broke for air, she realized they were
reclined on the couch and she was on top of him.  They were
both breathing as though from running for their lives.  He
was watching her face and spoke quietly, "partly."

She pulled back then and sat beside him.  She attempted to
ignore the bulge in his slacks.  She adjusted her blouse and
forced her breathing under control.  "When, uh when were
you thinking . . . "

"Saturday."

That got her attention and her head swung in his direction.
"This Saturday?"

He nodded, "Before they can come up with other reasons to
take her from you.  I know that doesn't give you a lot of time
to plan a big wedding."

"I don't want a big wedding."

"You don't?  I thought all women wanted the elaborate
ceremony and all the trimmings."

"No. I've planned my wedding many times.  I want my
mother, Charlie if he can come."

"Not Bill?"

"He and Tara can't travel with Matt yet, and I don't think
you'd be that comfortable with him there anyway.  Your
mother, the guys and maybe Skinner."

"Skinner?"

"He came through for us when . . ."

Mulder nodded, then grinned.  "You planned a wedding,
where my mother came?"

Color flooded her cheeks at that.  "Mulder, we've all but lived
together for years.  I've imagined a lot of things."

He was leering now and she rolled her eyes.  "We need to
talk to your mother."  He reminded her, "Especially if you
want Charlie here."

"I'll call Mom and we can go over tomorrow night, unless you
want me to talk to her alone?"

"No, I want to be there."

She nodded and he rose from the couch.  "I should get out of
here.  Get some sleep."  He gave her a quick kiss on the
cheek.

*****

He pulled up in front of Mrs. Scully's house and parked.
Emily had been very quiet on the ride over.  He opened
Scully's door and took her hand, then opened the back door
and unfastened Emily from her car seat.  Rather than walk,
she clung to him and he settled her on his hip, his other
hand on Scully's back.

Maggie had obviously been watching for them and opened
the front door before they got to it.  Her smile was
welcoming, but a little nervous too.  Mulder knew she wasn't
comfortable around her new granddaughter.  Everything
about the girl had been disturbing, the way she was found,
her parentage, and her 'death'.

"It's so good to see all of you."  Maggie touched the little
girl's back and Mulder felt her arms tighten around his neck.
"Emily?  I'm so glad you came to dinner tonight.  I want to
get to know my only granddaughter."

Emily turned to look at her then, from the safety of Mulder's
arms.  "I'm the only girl?"

Maggie smiled, nodding.  "My son Charlie has two sons, Will
and Sam, and my older son, Bill has a new baby, Matthew."

"Melissa didn't have any children; that's one of the reasons
she helped me."  Emily nodded.

Maggie looked stunned at those words.

Scully moved closer to Emily.  "That's right, Honey.  But
you're with us now."  She gave Maggie time to compose
herself.

In a moment, Mulder cleared his throat.  "Mrs. Scully, we
need to talk to you."

She looked up at him, "Is something wrong?"

"No, I hope you'll think something's right."  He glanced over
at Scully.  "Why don't we have a seat?"

"Of, of course."  Maggie led them into the living room.

Emily made herself comfortable in Mulder's lap.  He glanced
over to Scully to see if she wanted to take the lead on this
and she nodded.  "Mom, we have some good news.  Mulder
and I, and Emily," she smiled, "are going to get married.
That should make the adoption easier and - "

"Married?  You and Fox?  I . . . " She glanced down at the
little girl.  "A ready-made family."

"That's right, Mrs. Scully."  Mulder looked her directly in the
eye.  "I've loved Scully for years and now her daughter will
be mine as well."

Maggie blinked, but nodded.  "Have you set a date?"

"Saturday."  Scully said quietly.  "I'd like to invite Charlie.  I
know Bill won't be able to come."

"This Saturday?"  Maggie asked, "Have, have you spoken to
Father McCue?"

"No.  We wanted to talk to you first."  Mulder answered for
them.

"It's going to be a very small wedding, Mom.  Just the family
really.  You and Charlie, his family if they can come, Mrs.
Mulder and some very close friends of ours."

Mulder watched the woman ground herself.

"Well, we have a lot to do before Saturday.  You two girls
need dresses.  We can go shopping tomorrow.  You'd like
that wouldn't you, Emily?"

A shy smile grew on the little girl's face.

"That's settled then.  We can go to the mall tomorrow, have
lunch and pick out the prettiest dress we can find for both of
you."

It was an early evening and after Mulder took them home, he
returned to his apartment and called his mother.

"Mom, it's Fox.  Did I wake you?"

"No, I was reading.  Is everything okay?"

"Yes, that's why I'm calling.  I'm getting a commendation on
Saturday and I'm hoping you can come down for the
ceremony."

"That's wonderful, Fox.  What time?"

"Well, it would be great if you could be here before noon.
We could have a nice lunch first."  He closed his eyes, guilt
over his lie filling him.  He hated that he didn't feel free to tell
her the truth, but Emily's safety was paramount and as
horrible as he felt, he knew his mother had . . . connections
he didn't understand.

"Think you can make it?  I'd really like to have you there."

"That's very sweet, Fox.  Yes, I believe I can make it.  I'll call
you back with my arrangements.  I'll probably fly down."

"That's great, Mom.  I'll pick you up.  Thanks."

"I'm glad you called, Fox.  See you Saturday morning."

He hung up and did his best not to think about his deception.

*****

The next morning he headed for Skinner's office first.  Kim
wasn't there; Skinner was inside fixing his cup of coffee.  He
looked up when Mulder tapped on the door.  "Do we have a
meeting?"  He asked quickly.

"No, uh, no Sir.  I had a, an invitation for you."

"Invitation?"

"Yes, from Scully and I.  Are you busy Saturday afternoon?"

"Uh, no, not that I know of.  What's going on?"  He walked
around his desk and took a seat.  Mulder remained on his
feet.  "Mulder?"

"Scully and I are getting married on Saturday.  We'd like you
to be there."

Skinner had frozen; his cup half way to his lips.  Mulder
couldn't help the quirk to his lips.

"Married?  You and Scully?"

"Yes."  His voice dry.  He took a deep breath, "They won't
give Scully full custody of Emily.  Right now, they're using
her single status as the excuse.  I, we want to fix that before
they come up with something else.  Right now the only
people that know we're planning this are Mrs. Scully and
you."

Skinner blinked at that, "You, Scully and you, want me
there?"

"Yeah, we do."  Mulder nodded.

"Thank you."  He said solemnly.  "I'd be honored.  Where
and when?"

"The Catholic church on 8th."  He grinned at the look on
Skinner's face.  "Afternoon, two, in the small chapel."

"I take it this is confidential."

"Very."

Skinner nodded.  A bemused expression took over his face.

"What?"

"Nothing."

Mulder sank into his regular chair.  "Go ahead, get it out.
You can't believe she agreed to this."

"Actually, I'm wondering what took so long."

Mulder gaped at him, unable to come up with a retort.

"Get to work, Mulder.  I assume you're going to want to take
a few days.  You need to get your paperwork up to date,
right?"

"Uh, yeah."  Mulder rose.  "Thanks."

****
 

Emily's Family  (2/2)
 

When he entered the apartment that night, carrying a box of
pizza, he called out, "Where are my girls?"  Emily raced from
the kitchen, followed by her grandmother.  "Mrs. S - Maggie,
what a great surprise."

Scully was behind her.  "Pizza?"

"I figured with all the shopping you were doing, you wouldn't
have time to cook.  Did you find a dress?"  He turned to
Emily as he put the pizza on the table.  She jumped into his
arms.

"Yes!  We all found beautiful dresses."

"Well, do I get to see them?"

She shook her head, "You can't see them until the wedding.
Don't you know that?"

"I might have heard that somewhere, but does that include
me?"

"Of course it does.  You're the man we're marrying!"  Emily
explained.

He chuckled and gave her a hug, then set her on her feet.
He spotted Maggie moving toward the door.  "Won't you
stay?  We have plenty."

"Thank you, Fox.  Not tonight, I have a lot to do to get ready
for Saturday.  Charlie and his family will be here Friday.
We're going to have dinner at the house.  Will your mother
be able to join us?"

"Uh, no, she won't be able to come until Saturday morning,
but thank you."

"What about your other guests?"  She pressed.

"Well, I've invited Walter Skinner, John Byers, Ringo Langly
and Melvin Frohike."

"Fine, please invite them over to the house as well.  We'll eat
around seven.  Dana, I'll be in touch with you tomorrow."
She held out her arms to Emily and this time, the little girl
came to her immediately.

Once she left, Scully sent Emily on into the kitchen to get
plates for them.  When she was out of hearing, Scully turned
to Mulder.  "What did you tell your mother?"

"That I was getting a commendation and I wanted her there."
He saw the expression on her face.  "It's better that way.
And she will be there."

"I know.  I just feel strange about you not being able - "

"Scully, it's safer that way.  Please don't worry about it."

"Thank you."  He looked confused at that, "for
understanding.  I know it's hard - "

He leaned over and kissed her quickly.  "This is important."

*****

The rambunctious-ness of her new cousins startled Emily,
and as Sam raced by, she reached out and grabbed
Mulder's leg for security.  When she looked up, however, a
very tall, very bald man was looking down at her.  Before she
could react, the older boy, Will, headed her way chasing his
younger brother.  The big bald man picked her up, protecting
her.

"Hi," he said quietly.  "I'm Walter Skinner and I work with
your mother and Mulder."  She relaxed at his name.  She'd
heard it many times.

"I'm Emily," she said seriously.

"I've heard about you.  I'm very glad to finally meet you," he
responded just as seriously.

She nodded, "Those boys are my cousins.  They're loud."

Skinner stifled a chuckle at the understatement and nodded.

"I have an Uncle Charlie.  He's their daddy and an Uncle
Byers and Uncle Langly and Uncle Hickey."

"That's a lot of uncles."

She nodded, "Are you one too?"

Startled, he smiled.  "I'd like to be.  Would I be Uncle Walter
or Uncle Skinner?"

She thought about that for a minute.  "Uncle Skinner," she
stated; the name she was more familiar with.

"Uncle Skinner it is, then."

"Mulder says that after the wedding, I can call him Daddy."

"I think that would make him very happy."  Emily beamed at
him.

Scully hurried up then, looking for Emily.  She stopped at the
unfamiliar sight of her daughter in Skinner's arms.

"Hi, Mommy."  Emily waved, apparently quite comfortable in
her current location.

"Uh, hi."

"Uncle Skinner rescued me."

"Rescued?"  Scully's eyebrow rising at his new title.

"Her cousins were a little intimidating," he offered.  Her look
asked the question she couldn't - 'and you weren't'?  Skinner
grinned.  "I believe gray slacks all look alike at a certain
height."  Scully chuckled at that.

"Well, dinner is ready and Mom sent me to find everyone."
She held out her arms for Emily and the little girl came to
her.

She turned in her mother's arms.  "Thank you," she said to
Skinner.

"My pleasure."  He followed them into the dining room and
watched as Mulder took the child and settled her in a booster
seat.  It was obviously not the first time.  Skinner nodded at
his competence with Emily.

Everyone settled around the table.  Maggie made sure that
everyone knew each other, introducing her daughter-in-law,
Mary, to Skinner.

There were toasts and congratulations all around; as well as
Charlie telling embarrassing stories until Scully put her foot
down.  Laughing he turned to Mulder, "So, where are you
going on your honeymoon?"

The bride and groom stopped in mid sip and looked at each
other.  "We, uh . . . " Mulder started, but trailed off.

"We can't get away right now," Scully finished for him.

"Well, okay."  Charlie looked back and forth between them.
"But you've got to have a wedding night, right?  We can keep
Emily for you, can't we, Mom?"

Scully's eyes widened and she automatically looked to
Mulder.  "Scully hasn't been away from Emily yet.  We don't
want to upset . . . "

"Mulder, I can secure the house, if you'd like."  Skinner
spoke up, realizing the real dilemma immediately.

Mulder looked over at Scully.  Her cheeks were pink, but she
wasn't dismissing the offer out of hand.

"Are you sure?  We don't want to take advantage."  Mulder
turned back to Skinner.

"It'll be my wedding present."  After a moment Mulder
nodded and looked back at Scully.  She agreed with her
eyes.

"Do I want to understand that?  'Secure the house'?"  Charlie
asked.

"Probably not."  Scully said crisply.  "Just appreciate it."  She
turned to Emily.  "Would you like to spend tomorrow night
with Gramma and Uncle Charlie and Aunt Mary and Uncle
Skinner?"

Mulder looked up quickly at that last name, then smiled.

Emily nodded, "Will Uncle Hickey and Uncle Langly and
Uncle Byers be here too?"

"We will be if you need us, Sweetness," Byers answered
before the others could.

Emily smiled then, not seeing her mother nod her thanks, or
the suspicious wetness in her eyes.

*****

Mulder met the plane and walked his mother to the luggage
pickup.  They hugged and she accepted his kiss on her
cheek.  "You look very nice, Fox."

"Thanks.  It's a new suit."

"This must be a very special award."

"The most important one I've ever gotten," he agreed and led
her to his car.  He checked her in at her hotel.

"Fox, I'd like to change before the ceremony.  Will I have
time after lunch?"

"That might be cutting it close.  Why don't you go ahead and
dress now, then we can have a more leisurely lunch.  We
need to be there by two.  I can wait for you in the lobby."

"All right.  I shouldn't be too long, but I want to look special
for you."

"You always do, Mom."  He gave her another kiss, which
seemed to surprise her, then let himself out.  He thought
about waiting in the bar, but decided against it.  He finally
took a seat in the atrium and picked up a discarded
newspaper.

True to her word, she didn't take long and Mulder admired
her elegance when she exited the elevator.  She had style.
Maggie was warmer; more of a 'Mom', but his mother had
nothing to be embarrassed about in the looks department.
He rose to greet her and she smiled, moving toward him.

"I made reservations at that little tea room you like," he said
as he took her hand.

She laughed slightly at that.  "You hate that place, and it
turns you into a bull in a china shop."  She remonstrated him.

"I've matured a little since I've been there.  I'm sure I'm no
longer banned."  He grinned and led her to the car.

They had a nice lunch without him spilling or dropping
anything, though she noted he seemed to be growing more
nervous and checked his watch a couple of times.

"Fox, why don't we go on over?  I don't want you to be late."

He smiled his relief, "Me either.  Thanks."  He paid the bill
and escorted her back to the car.

She looked over at him surprised when he parked in the
church parking lot.  "The FBI is holding a function here?"
She seemed more puzzled than upset.

He turned off the motor and removed the keys, then turned
to face her.  "I need to confess something, Mom.  I got you
here under false pretenses."

"False pretenses?"

"Yes.  There is no FBI awards function.  It's, it's more
important than that and I really wanted you here."

"Fox, what's going on?"

He took a deep breath.  "Mom, I'm getting married."

"M-married?  Is this a joke?"

"No ma'am.  I'm marrying Scully today."

"Scully, your partner?"

He nodded, "I've known that I loved her for a long time.
When I almost lost her to cancer . . . well, I realized I was in
love with her."

"Your partner had cancer?" Teena looked confused now.

"She's in remission."

"Fox, why now?  What's the rush?  You could have told me
and, and I could have planned something."

He took another deep breath and blew it out.  "Scully found
out a few weeks ago that she has a daughter.  She's trying
to adopt her, but they keep putting up roadblocks.  Once
she's married, all of their 'objections' go away but we didn't
want to give them time to come up with new ones, so we're
doing this quickly."

"Why would anyone want to come up with other objections,
and did you say 'found out' she has a daughter?"

He managed a small smile at that.  "Yes.  Remember when
she was abducted a few years ago?"

"Kidnapped."

"Abducted, Mom." He stood firm but his voice remained
gentle.  "They did . . . testing on her and, and they stole her
ova.  Emily is a product of that abduction."

At those words Teena turned away from him and stared out
the window.

"Mom?"

"She's not your child."

He shook his head, regret showing on his face.  "No, but
she's the only child I'll ever have.  The testing left Scully
barren.  It's a miracle that we found Emily at all.  She's
Scully's biological child, and that's good enough for me."

Teena opened her mouth to say something, then changed
her mind and her lips snapped shut.

"Mom, please don't be upset with me.  It's my wedding and I
want you here."

He saw her shoulders droop slightly and after a moment she
turned back to him.  "You're right, Fox.  You are an adult and
can make your own decisions.  You always have anyway.
Let's go inside."

He closed his eyes for an instant, then got out and moved
around the car to open her door.  She was quiet, but not
hostile as they entered the church.  Maggie was just inside
the door with Byers and Skinner.  Mulder made the
introductions and managed not to wince at his mother's very
proper tone.

Maggie was wearing a peach rose corsage and reached into
a small white box on a chair, pulling up an identical one for
Teena.  "May I?"

"Thank you."  Teena allowed her to pin on the roses and
seemed to relax a little.  Maggie then pulled out two
boutonnieres for Mulder and Skinner, again peach roses.

"You've gone all out, Maggie.  Thank you."  He leaned over
and gave her a kiss on the cheek, then one for his mother.

While Maggie and Teena were talking, he got Byers aside.
"Don't let my mother get to a phone."

"Mulder - "

"Don't, it's okay.  Just, just keep an eye on her.  Please."

Byers nodded and returned to the group.  Frohike and
Langly appeared and were introduced as well.  When Father
McCue joined them, hasty introductions were made, then he
asked Mulder and Skinner to join him in the small room off of
the chapel.

"Is Mr. Skinner acting as best man?"  Teena asked
surprised.

"Yes.  I'm not sure what their relationship is exactly, but Fox
seems to trust and respect him."

Teena nodded but added nothing further.  Mary appeared
then, with the boys in tow.  "They're ready."

"Maybe we should take our seats now."  Byers said quietly,
holding out his arm for Teena.  Frohike did the same for
Maggie and escorted them into the chapel, as Will imitated
them and held out his arm for his mother.  Sam held her
other hand.

After they were seated, Father McCue walked out, followed
by Mulder and Skinner.  Soft music began to play and
Mulder looked over to see an organist mostly hidden in the
flowers.  He looked over at Maggie and nodded his thanks.
It might be a small wedding, but Scully's mother had made it
memorable.

The music changed as the doors opened and Emily stepped
into the aisle.  She was wearing a long peach dress with an
empire waist and looked like a princess.  There was baby's
breath in her hair and she was smiling brighter than the sun.

Mulder watched her walking very properly toward him, a
small bouquet of peach roses that matched the corsages, in
her hands.  She came to stand across from Skinner and
beamed at them both.

The change in volume of the music drew their attention back
to the door and Scully stepped into the aisle on Charlie's
arm.  Mulder felt his mouth drop.  He'd realized long ago that
Scully was beautiful.  He wasn't prepared for this.

She had allowed her hair to curl and the same baby's breath
adorned it.  Her dress was cream, a sheath overlaid with
lace.  It was tea length with a kerchief hem and the details
were completely wasted on him.  He was transfixed with her
face, smiling at him, healthy and happy - nearly as happy as
him it seemed - on this occasion.

She couldn't look away from the joy on his face and for the
first time, she was completely grateful that Charlie was there
to guide and support her.  With their eyes locked on each
other, she wasn't sure she remembered how to walk.

Maggie had been watching her daughter come down the
aisle, but at her expression had turned to see Mulder.  Tears
came to her eyes then and she put aside the last of her
reservations.

Teena was transfixed by the child and her expression was
unreadable.  She nearly forgot to look up as the bride
passed her.
 

The ceremony was short, they exchanged vows and rings
that Skinner held for them.  Mass was not celebrated, but
Maggie was comforted that they did marry in the church.

Then Father McCue said those fateful words, "You may kiss
your bride."

With what looked like awe, he leaned toward her and gave
her a chaste kiss with the promise of things to come.  Then
they heard Emily's delighted laughter and broke apart,
looking over at her.  At their smile, she raced toward them
and Mulder lifted her into his arms.  "Daddy!"  Tears did
escape Scully's eyes then and Mulder winked at her as he
tried to control his own emotions.

Father McCue chuckled and looked at the small gathering of
friends.  "Allow me to introduce the Mulder family."

Frohike was on his feet clapping then and everyone joined
in, then he began snapping pictures.  Mulder watched her
blush leave her cheeks rosy with health and happiness.  He
took her hand then, their fingers automatically entwining and
with Emily in his other arm, walked back down the aisle.

Charlie took his mother's arm as Skinner bowed slightly to
Teena and escorted her out of the chapel.

In the vestibule, Mulder approached his mother, Emily still in
his arms.  "Mom, I'd like you to meet a very special person.
This is Emily, our daughter."

Teena looked at him for a long moment and Scully tensed,
fearing she would hurt the child's feelings.  Then the older
woman nodded slightly and looked at Emily.  "I'm Teena
Mulder, Fox's mother.  I'm pleased to meet you."

"Pleased to meet you too."  Emily responded.  "Will you be
my Gramma too?"

Teena's eyes flicked to Mulder and Scully took an
involuntary step toward her.  Mulder just kept his eyes on his
mother.  After what felt like a very long time, Teena nodded.
"Yes.  I am."

Scully relaxed slightly and let her hand rest on Emily's leg.

After the hugging and kissing, Maggie started moving
everyone to the cars for the small reception at her house.
"Emily, would you like to ride with us?"

Mulder felt her arms tightened around his neck and Scully
saw a little fear in Emily's eyes for the first time.  "Mom, she
can ride with us."

"Okay, we're going to head on over to the house.  You won't
be long?"

"No, we're right behind you," Scully assured her.

Again Skinner took custody of Teena and led her to his car.

Mulder settled Emily into her car seat as Scully watched.
She glanced down and her eyes widened.  When he shut the
back door and reached for the handle of Scully's door she
stopped him.  "Are you armed?"

He shrugged, "Seemed like the thing to do.  So was
Skinner."

Her hand caressed his cheek.  "I can't believe you.  But I'm
so glad you're in my life."

He blinked at that, then leaned in and gave her another kiss.
"We need to get to your mother's house."

"Right."  She stepped past him and he pulled open the door,
seating her and squeezing her hand.  He hurried around the
car and got in himself.
 
After pulling away from the curb and settling into traffic,
Mulder glanced into the mirror.  Emily's look of fear startled
him.  "Kiddo?  What's wrong?"

She shook her head, but didn't answer.  Scully turned in her
seat.  "Emily?  What is it?"

"You, you'll only be gone one night?"

Scully looked quickly over at Mulder, then back.  "That's right
Baby.  One night, and you'll be with Gramma and Uncle
Charlie and Aunt Mary."

"And Uncle Skinner, right?"

"Yes, Uncle Skinner too."

"You won't forget to come get me?"  She sounded close to
tears.

"Oh Baby - "

"No.  Kiddo, you are way too important for us ever to forget.
Think about it, your Mom would never have married me
without you."   He watched her in the mirror and winked at
her.  "You know we're a family, right?"

She nodded.

"That means we stick together.  Tonight, your Mom and I are
going to have a short honeymoon.  It's what people who just
got married do, but we're not going to be away from you but
one night.  Tomorrow night we'll go to your Mom's apartment
and start living together, like a family does.  Okay?"

She seemed to relax at his words, and nodded.

Scully reached into the back seat and took her hand.  "Are
you okay, Baby?"

Emily smiled slightly then.  "You and Daddy will come back
to get me tomorrow."

"That's right."  Scully watched her and realized Emily
understood.  They held hands until Mulder pulled up in front
of Maggie's house.

He took Emily's hand as he helped her from the car.  "Emily,
it will be after lunch, but please don't get worried.  You know
we're coming for you."

"Yes, Daddy."

He looked up at Scully and saw her blink back tears as she
smiled at him.  He swallowed hard, then stood up straight
and settled Emily on his hip, then escorted both of his girls
inside.

Champagne and hors d'oeuvres awaited them.  Again
Mulder marveled at Maggie's organizational skills.  He had
envisioned standing in front of a justice of the peace.
Instead she had created memories that he and Scully could
share forever.

In a few minutes Langly and Frohike put their glasses on the
table and looked over at Mulder.  "We need to get out of
here.  We have important work to do."  Mulder nodded and
held out his hand.

"Thank you."

"We want to do it, Big Guy.  You deserve this family.  We're
gonna make it happen."  Frohike gave Mulder a quick hug
and Langly clapped him on the back.  "Now I want to kiss the
bride."  Frohike leered in that direction and Mulder's eyes
narrowed.

Scully moved in their direction, chuckling.  She gave Frohike
a kiss on the cheek, then did the same for Langly.  Langly's
scarlet face drew a smile from Mulder.

"What about Byers?"

"He's gonna hang around here and escort your mother back
to the hotel.  Skinner thought he'd be the best choice, since
Skinner can't leave.  He's taking Scully's car so she won't
have to ride in the van."

Mulder chuckled at that, "Probably a good idea.  Be in
touch."

"We will.  You take care of your family."  They headed out,
already bickering about the websites they needed to
'explore'.

Emily was with Maggie.  She took the plate Maggie handed
her and carefully carried it over to Teena.  Mulder couldn't
hear what was said, but Teena accepted the plate and they
talked for a few minutes.

While Scully was speaking with Mary, Skinner approached
Mulder.  "Why don't you guys go ahead and get out of here."
 
Mulder glanced at Emily, then nodded.  He drew a piece of
paper from his pocket.  "This is where we'll be if you need
us."

Skinner unfolded the paper and glanced at it, his eyes
widening.  "You've been saving up.  We're not going to need
you tonight.  Just relax and enjoy yourselves."

"Thank you."  Skinner merely nodded and stepped away to
speak to Charlie.

Mulder came up behind Scully and slipped his arms around
her, then leaned down to whisper in her ear.  "Ready to go?"

She hesitated for an instant, then relaxed against him.
"Yes."

"I'll get your bag."

"My bag?  Aren't we going to the apartment?"

"Nope.  I made other plans for tonight.  Your mother packed
for you."  She felt her face grow warm and she glanced over
at her mother.  He leaned in again.  "Am I going to find out
your mother's kinky?"

She gave him a light punch in the chest.  "Shh."

His smile only grew.  He followed her saying their goodbyes.

He thanked his mother again for coming, Scully noticed, and
reminded her that Byers would escort her to the hotel.
Scully stood back until he had moved on, then approached
the woman.  "Mrs. Mulder, I'm very glad you could be with us
today."

"Thank you.  I hope that you and I will find a chance to talk
some time soon."

"I'll make the time."  Scully nodded and gave her a light hug.
When she turned Emily was in Mulder's arms.  "Are you
okay, Baby?"

"I'm fine, Mommy."  She didn't see and wouldn't have
understood the face Mulder made at those words, but saw
the smile on her mother's face.

"Okay, we'll see you tomorrow.  Be good for your Gramma."

"I will."  They hugged and kissed, then Mulder's hand took its
customary site on Scully's back and they moved to the car.
Charlie and the nephews were lying in wait and pelted them
with birdseed as they hurried to the car.

Skinner saw Emily watching from the living room window as
the car drove off, and squatted beside her.  "Emily?  They'll
be back tomorrow."

"I know."  She turned to smile at him.  "We're a family now,
all of us."
 
Skinner nodded and picked her up, to give her a hug.
 

XXX