By:  Nantglyn
nantglyn@yahoo.com
 

Keywords:  MSR, Angst, Historical AU
Rating:  R, to be safe
Disclaimer:  Characters are not mine.  Just for fun, not
for profit.
Archive:  I'll post to Gossamer.
Note:  Any errors are my own.  This is not a WIP.

Summary:  A new life lay ahead for many who traveled the
Oregon Trail.  This is just one story.
 

Chapter 16

September 4, 1852
Saturday

During the day, they were traveling through the Blue
Mountains, which was thick with timber.  When they broke
through the woods, they were in a valley with pines and
cedars surrounding them.  The Grand Round River ran through
the valley and it was here that Jimmy and Catherine decided
to say their vows.  They wanted to have just family, so
Danny, the Mulders, and the Tanners stood with them.  When
it was over, they all ate at the Tanners and then Jimmy and
Catherine retired to their tent.

"They couldn't have picked a prettier place to marry, don't
you think?" Dana later asked Mulder, looking over to the
tent as they left.

"It was nice."

Dana had a sudden thought.  "No one's planning a shivaree
are they?"  Mulder looked away, smiling.  "No.  You have to
stop it.  They deserve to have a quiet night."
 
"We haven't had a wedding on this trip.  You have to let us
have a little fun."

"Please William.  Stop this."

"I can't.  Wasn't my idea."

"But you're planning to join in?"

Mulder smiled, nodding.  "I know there wasn't time for us,
but it's a tradition.  Didn't they do it to you when you
and Jack were married?"

"No.  I think it's stupid."

"Well, I wouldn't disagree with you on that count, but now,
they'll remember their wedding night."

"I'm going to bed.  Do what you want."

He watched her climb into the wagon and then headed over to
Skinner, the ringleader of the event.

XXXXXXXXXX

Dana sat up suddenly, her heart pounding from waking so
suddenly.  Outside, she heard shouts and pans being banged.
She lay back down and looked back at the children who had
also woken up.  Caleb began to cry and Dana pulled him down
next to her.

"What is it Mama?" Samantha asked, crawling to lie next to
Caleb.

Dana pulled both children into her arms.  "Just some grown
men acting childish."

"Where's Papa?" Caleb asked.

"Your Papa is one of them."

"Why are they making all that noise?" Samantha asked.

"It's nothing you need to worry about."  They heard the men
shout again, but their voices began to fade as they moved
away.  "There, it's already getting quiet.  Now go back to
sleep."

XXXXXXXXXX

Mulder stumbled into bed early in the morning.  "Why's the
chilren in bed wi' you?" he asked a little too loudly.

Dana woke up and asked, "What?"

"The chilren.  Why're they in bed wi' you?" he said close
to her.

"Shh, you'll wake the children."  She sniffed the air.  "Oh
my gosh," she said, waving her hand in front of her face.
"You're drunk."

"Jus a lil' bit," Mulder whispered.  "You didn answer me."

"Because some grown men scared the living daylights out of
them.  You all made Caleb cry."

"Sorry."

"Where's Jimmy?"

Mulder shook his head.  "Back with his wife," sobering up a
little.

"Well, are you happy now?"

"Yah," Mulder said with a lopsided grin.

"Well go to sleep.  I'm sure you're going to feel it in the
morning."

Mulder covered up and threw his arm over the children and
Dana, pulling them all close.  "Okay," he said, falling
promptly asleep.
 

September 6, 1852
Monday

Viewing the Cascade Mountains for the first time, the
company stood in awe of the beauty around them.  Mount
Hood's snowy cap stood high above all the other mountains.
It looked like a white cloud in the distance.

The stream that flowed near their campsite was low, but
Dana was content to walk along it, alone.  She liked the
solitude sometimes, but she was also careful to not walk
too far from safety.

"Dana," she heard.  She turned around to find Alex Krycek
standing and watching her.  He walked slowly towards her.
When he stopped in front of her, he said, "I've missed
seeing you."

She took a couple of steps backwards.  "I'm sorry Mr.
Krycek.  I don't think my husband would appreciate us being
here alone."

"You didn't seem to have a problem with it before."

"You hadn't kissed me before.  That was wrong of you Mr.
Krycek."

Krycek's face broke out in a grin.  "But you enjoyed it.  I
could tell."

"I didn't.  I can't be what you want me to be."

"You did.  You can't lie to me.  Besides, your husband
doesn't seem to mind being alone with Diana."

"What do you mean?"

"I just passed them both further up the stream, but they
didn't notice me.  They were too involved in their own
conversation.  So Dana, does that mean your husband can
meet any woman alone that he wants to, but you can't talk
to a man, a friend?"

Dana tried to not look shocked.  She didn't want him to
know how affected she was about Mulder meeting Diana.  "I
don't want to be with you Mr. Krycek," she said.

Krycek inched closer, grabbing her hand.  "Don't run from
me Dana.  Your husband thinks nothing of being with her.
Why should you deny yourself?"

"Because, I don't have any feelings for you."

Krycek wrapped his arms around her and pulled her into a
kiss.  She put her hands on his chest and pushed hard,
causing Krycek to stumble back.  He was shocked to see the
angry look on her face.  "I mean it Mr. Krycek.  I thought
we could be friends, but that's impossible now.  I don't
want to be your friend anymore."  She picked up her skirts
and ran back towards camp.  Krycek grabbed a rock and threw
it hard against a tree.

XXXXXXXXXX

Diana had asked Mulder to meet him privately.  He was
hesitant to meet with her, but Mulder was afraid that Diana
might approach him in front of Dana.  She was waiting by
the low creek, sitting on a boulder.  When she heard him
approach, she stood and walked towards him, smiling.

"Thank you for coming," she said, reaching her hand towards
him.

Mulder looked down at her hand, but refused to take it.
Diana dropped it as her smile fell.  "What do you want
Diana?"

"I've been wanting to talk to you, but I haven't been able
to find an opportunity.  You've been staying pretty close
to your wagon."

"And rightfully so.  I should be with my family.  I told
you, I can't be around you anymore."  Mulder quickly
scanned the area.  "I shouldn't be here."

"I miss you.  I need to be with you again."

"That's in the past."

"Not so far.  Just a few months ago."

"What do you mean?"

"Remember...that night, when we were together."

"Just what are you saying Diana?"

"When we were together.  It was wonderful.  I can't believe
I did something..."

"What?  I don't understand what you're saying."

"Fox, I can't believe you're making me say this out loud."
She cast her eyes downward and said, "We slept together."
She looked back up at him and smiled.

"What?" Mulder exclaimed.  "That's not possible, we didn't
sleep together."

"Yes, we did," Diana said.  She stared at him, making
Mulder uncomfortable.  "You really don't remember.  Do you
know how much that hurts?"

"Diana, you and I have never been together.  Ever."

"Yes we were.  Shortly after we met again.  You remember.
We went for a walk.  I had some whiskey."

"Oh my god," Mulder said.  He walked away from her, bending
over at the waist, feeling sick.

"You remember."

"I remember drinking, yes.  I upset Dana and I wanted to
talk to someone.  That's what we did, nothing else."  He
remembered sharing a bottle with her and had to admit that
he did get quite drunk that night, but he was pretty sure
that he didn't have any lapses in memory.  He stood back up
and said, "I don't believe you.  I would never sleep with
another woman while I was married."

"Whether you like it or not, we did.  You were wonderful,"
she said softly.

"It's a lie.  I don't know why you're trying to get me to
believe you, but I swear Diana, if you tell Dana or anyone
else..."

"Do you think this is something I would tell?  I value my
reputation more than that."

"I can't talk about this anymore."

She grabbed for his arm as he moved to turn and said, "You
can't abandon me."

Mulder stared at her a moment before shrugging her off and
said sharply, "I'm going back to my family."  He turned
from her and headed back up the path, leaving Diana
standing alone.
 

September 7, 1852
Tuesday

Dana was wiping Samantha's arms and legs to rid her of the
thick dust that had accumulated on all of their skin.  They
had spent a dusty ride through the high plain that day.

Their dinner was cooking over the fire when Diana
approached.  Dana looked up from washing Samantha when
Diana said, "Hello Dana."

Dana stood warily.  "Diana."  Samantha ran over the fire
and began stirring the stew that was cooking.

"We need to talk Dana."

"What would we need to talk about?" Dana asked.  She walked
over to Samantha and reached over to help her.

"Where's your son?" Diana asked, looking around the camp.

"With his father."

"His father.  Humph.  You're lucky to have found a good man
like Fox to pretend to be a father to your son."

"He doesn't pretend.  He loves him as his own."

"Still, there's nothing like having your own son, your own
flesh and blood."

"William couldn't love Caleb more than he already does."
Dana looked down at Samantha, smoothing her hair, "Just
like I couldn't love Samantha more than if I had given
birth to her myself."

Diana walked up to Samantha and tilted her face towards
her.  Samantha pulled away from her and backed towards
Dana.  "She looks so much like her mother."

"What do you want Diana?"

"I'm concerned about Fox."

"Why?"

"He doesn't seem very happy these days.  I thought maybe
you could tell me why."

"Why would the happiness of my husband be any of your
concern?"

"He's my friend and I care about him," Diana said.

"Well you needn't concern yourself any further.  My husband
is happy."

"Are you certain of that?  Really certain that he is as
happy as you think he is?  I know what he looks like when
he is and I just don't see it."

"I told you, he's happy."

"But not in love with you."

"That's none of your business.  Please leave Mrs. Tipton."

"Yes, I can see it in your eyes.  You don't know if he is
or not.  Well, I can tell you one thing for sure.  You
could never separate Penny and Fox.  He told her he loved
her every chance he could.  I heard him.  Does he say those
words to you?"  Diana realized that she had hit her target
when tears began roll down Dana's cheeks.  "Has he ever
said those words to you?"  Dana looked away.  "You're
kidding.  He's even told me those words, but he hasn't told
you?"

"Please leave Mrs. Tipton," Dana repeated.

"All right, I'll leave.  Just know that I will make sure
that no one will hurt him, not even you."

"What do you mean?"

"I saw you."  With that, she turned on her heel and walked
back in the direction of her wagon.

Dana collapsed onto the ground when Diana left.  Had Diana
seen Krycek with her?  Would she tell Mulder?  For the
first time, she felt really threatened by the woman and the
tears began to fall faster.  Samantha came up and smoothed
her hair, trying to console her.

XXXXXXXXXX

"Papa, that woman made Mama cry," Samantha said as she came
running up to him.  He set Caleb down and bent down to her.

"What woman?"

"Mrs. Tipton.  She came and made Mama cry."

Mulder placed his hand on her head.  "Where is Mama?"

Jimmy came from behind their second wagon and said, "In the
wagon lying down.  I told her she needed to rest.  I didn't
think it was good for her to be that upset."

"You saw her too?  Were you here when Diana was?"

Jimmy shook his head.  "No.  I think I arrived right after
she left, based on how upset Dana was."

"You don't know what it was about then?"

"No.  I'm sorry.  Dana wouldn't tell me."

"Can you watch the children?  I need to talk to her."

"All right.  How about I take them for a little walk?"

"I'd appreciate that.  Thank you."  Mulder watched them
leave before turning to the wagon.  When he crawled in, he
found her lying down, facing away from him.

He crawled towards her.  "Dana?"  Placing his hand on her
back, he felt her pull away from him.  "What's wrong?"

"Nothing, I'm just tired," she said, her voice sounding
thick.

"Samantha said Diana was here.  What did you talk about?"

She was silent and he didn't think she was going to answer
him, so when she spoke, she surprised him.  "Nothing
important."

"Then why are you so upset?" he asked, placing his hand on
her hip.

Dana grabbed his hand and placed it over her stomach.
"William, are you happy?"

He bent down and kissed her on the neck.  "Of course I am.
You know I'm thrilled about the baby."

"Yes, I know that.  That's not what I meant."  She rolled
onto her back and looked up at him.  "Are you happy with
me?"

"You know I am.  Why would you ask such a question?"

Looking back down, she threaded her fingers with his.  "I
want to ask you something, but you don't have to answer if
you don't want to."

He began to feel uneasy, but said, "All right.  What is it
you want to know?"

"When you were married...before.  Were you faithful?"

Oh my god, Mulder thought, Diana told her.  "Yes."

"Because you really loved Penny?  Or because it was the
right thing to do?"

"Both."

"So, if you hadn't loved her, would you still have been
faithful?"

"Dana, I don't know where you're going with this.  I told
you, I never cheated on my wife."

"Your wife.  You mean Penny.  But you don't really consider
me as much your wife as you did Penny, do you William?  So
it's not the same."

"Not this again.  You're my wife now.  Penny is my past."

"What a way you have with words of endearment," Dana said
sarcastically.

"What do you want to hear?  I'm not good with words when it
comes to that."

Dana rolled back away from her.  "All right William.  If
you say so."

"Dana, don't be childish."

"I'm not being childish.  I just know where I stand with
you now."

"All right, Diana did say something.  What was it?"

"No, she just got me thinking."

"About what?"

"About you and me.  And I guess Jack too."

"What about him?"

"I just don't know how sure I am that it won't happen
again."

"What won't happen again?"  When she remained silent, he
said, "Just tell me."

"Jack wasn't faithful to me.  I knew about the other women
before we married, but I thought he would stop seeing them
once we did marry, but he didn't.  Less than a month after
we married, he was sleeping with other women again.  His
parents knew about what he did, but I think they really
thought it was my fault that he didn't always stay home at
night."  She paused before continuing.  "The real reason we
moved to Missouri was because one of the women told him
that she was going to have his child."

"Did he ever see the woman again?"

"As far as I know, he never had any contact with her."
Dana sighed.  "I heard she had a little girl."

"Dana, I'm not Jack."

"I hope that's true."

"It is."

"William, I just need you to go.  I want to be alone right
now."

Mulder nodded slowly, even though she couldn't see him.
"All right, I'll leave."  He turned her face so that she
had to look at him.  "You've wanted me to say the words, I
know.  I think you know how I feel about you.  I care about
you so much.  I want to make our marriage work."  He leaned
forward to kiss her forehead and then turned, crawling back
out of the wagon.  When he was gone, she let the tears fall
again.
 

September 12, 1852
Sunday

Mulder returned from his watch at about eleven that night.
He found Dana waiting for him, sitting by the fire, wrapped
in a blanket.  When he reached her, he squatted down in
front of her and placed a hand on her lap.  "Where are the
children?  Already in bed?"  She nodded.  "What are you
still doing out here?"

She smiled at him and said, "I was just enjoying the quiet.
And, I've been thinking."

"What have you been thinking about?"

"Diana said something to me that I wanted to ask you
about."

"Go ahead," he said hesitantly.

"It's about Caleb."

Mulder breathed a silent sigh; relieved it wasn't what he
thought it was.  "What about him?"

"She said you were pretending to be Caleb's father.

"You know that's not true."

"I do."

"Good.  I love him as much as any father could."

"But will you still love him as much as any other son we
have?"

"You know, it feels like he has always been my son.  So to
answer your question, I guess it would be 'yes.'"

"I'm sorry," Dana said, ashamed at having doubted him.  "I
shouldn't have even said anything."  She stood up, pulling
the blanket closer and Mulder stood with her.  "I've
cleaned up the children.  They're staying with Jimmy and
Catherine tonight."

"Oh they are, are they?"

Grinning, she said, "Yes."  She grasped his hand and pulled
him towards their wagon.  He helped her climb up and
followed her inside.

As he was taking off his boots, he said, "It's freezing out
there."

"Well get undressed quickly and I'll warm you up."

He was surprised when she took off her clothes and climbed
in without her gown.  Undressing faster, he climbed under
the covers after her.  He turned on his side and pulled her
back against him.

Dana yelped when he put a foot on one of her calves.  "You
said you'd warm me up," he said.

"I didn't mean I wanted your cold feet on me," she said,
pushing his foot away with hers.

He laughed and said, "Okay."  He heard her sniff and asked,
"What's wrong?"

She reached back and cupped his cheek.  "I haven't heard
that sound for a while."

"What?"  He placed his hand over hers and drew it to his
mouth, kissing her palm.

"You...laughing."

He pulled her face toward his and kissed her.  Reaching
down, he pulled her leg back over his and caressed it.  He
reached around, cupping her breasts, squeezing lightly.

He whispered in her ear, "I want to do it like this.  Is
that okay?"  She nodded and he said, "Do you know how much
I love making love to you?"  She nodded again and he
entered her from behind.  She arched her back and gripped
the cover.

Outside their wagon, Krycek inched closer, staying in the
shadows.   Closing his eyes, he concentrated on the noises
inside.  He pictured himself inside, with Dana.  When the
sounds inside diminished, he found himself breathing
heavily.  Checking to make sure that no one was looking, he
slinked into the night.

XXXXXXXXXX

Diana followed Krycek as he headed towards his horse.  It
seemed that he was on watch.  "Mr. Krycek," Diana called.

He halted in his tracks and turned to find Diana Tipton
walking towards him.  When she reached him, he asked, "Yes,
what do you want?"

"Can we walk Mr. Krycek?"

Krycek smiled.  "People might talk if they saw us taking a
stroll."

"I was thinking a private setting might be more
beneficial."

Krycek looked at her, confused.  "Why?"

"There are things I'd like to talk to you about that I
don't want anyone else to hear."

Nodding, Krycek offered his arm.  Diana slipped hers into
his and they disappeared into the night.  When they arrived
at a secluded location, Krycek said, "You're not afraid to
be alone with a single man?"

"I'm not when I know where your affections really lie."

Krycek backed away from her.  "What does that mean?"

"I watched you tonight.  Outside Fox's wagon.  I don't
think he would be too happy to know that you were there,
listening.  Do you?"

"Fox.  You're pretty cozy with the man yourself, aren't
you?"

"We were childhood sweethearts."

"So?"

"I've seen you with his...with her.  I don't think Fox
would like to know that you've spent time alone with her."

Krycek began to feel irritated.  "Why am I here?"

"Let's just say that I don't particularly care for her.  He
would have been much better off married to me."

"What do you really want Mrs. Tipton"

"I want to know, do you want her for yourself?"

"Whether I do or not, it doesn't matter.  She's married."

"Marriage didn't seem to make a difference to Fox."

Krycek stared at her.  "Are you saying that you're his
lover?"

"That may be too strong of a word."

"He doesn't seem like the type to cheat on his wife."

Diana walked over to a log and sat down.  "I love him, Mr.
Krycek.  I guess I have ever since I met him."

"Does he love you?"

"Yes.  I believe so.  He's told me so."  Krycek moved to
sit next to her.  "Did you know that he has never told Dana
that he loves her?"

"How would you know?"

"I just do."

"Well, there's nothing I can do about it.  She's married
and I don't think she would be unfaithful."

"There's always divorce."

Krycek shook his head.  "No.  I don't think she would ever
think of that.  Besides, I think she really loves him."

"But would she if she knew he was unfaithful to her?  Would
she really stay with him?"

Krycek shook his head.  "I won't be your pawn Mrs. Tipton."

Diana reached over to take his hand, feeling like she
needed to make a connection with this man or she would lose
his help.  "Alex please, call me Diana."

"Diana, I can't help you.  If I thought she didn't love
him, then maybe."

"So, why did you kiss her then?"

Krycek smiled.  "Saw that did you?  Well I guess I just
wanted a taste of her.  I don't really see a future with
her."

"Do you see yourself as her friend?"

"Of course."

"Then as her friend, do you think that she should stay with
a man whose heart lies elsewhere?"

"You mean you?"

"Yes."

Krycek stood.  "I'm sorry.  I can't help you Diana.  Would
you like me to walk you back?"

Diana realized that she had failed.  "No thank you, I can
find my way back by myself."  Krycek nodded, tipped his hat
and headed back for camp.  Diana silently watched him as he
left.

~~~
 

Chapter 17

September 20, 1852
Monday

Lining up, the company prepared to make the long march
through the mountains.  They had to first go through what
was known as Barlow's Gate.  Samuel Barlow and several men
had cut a path through the trees along the south shoulder
of Mount Hood.  In 1846, the road was opened for emigrants
to travel and Barlow charged five dollars for each wagon.
Emigrants now had two choices.  They could either float
down the rapids of the Columbia with Indian guides or take
the long, strenuous path through the mountains.  Skinner's
company had decided to take the latter option.

"I have to go pay," Mulder told Dana.  He approached a tent
where two men were sitting, waiting to collect the toll.
Men came and went as they paid and then headed back to
their wagons to drive through the tollgate.  Dana watched
as Mulder drew his money out and paid the man with the
beard.  He shook his head and trotted back to Dana and
Jimmy.

"All right, let's head on through," he told Jimmy.  As they
drove their teams and cattle, Mulder reached for Dana's
hand.

"What?" she asked.

"Look up ahead.  What do you notice?"

She turned her gaze towards the mountain and saw clouds
gathering, encasing it.  The wind had been gathering in
strength.  "A storm in coming."

Mulder nodded.  "Skinner doesn't think we should go very
far.  Krycek told him it would be better that we just get
everyone through and only travel a couple of miles."

"That little?"

"It's a start," he said and paused before continuing.  "I
haven't asked you, but have you stayed away from Krycek
like I asked?"

Dana stumbled over the rocky surface and Mulder grabbed her
around the waist, preventing her from falling.  After she
righted herself, she said, "Yes.  Why do you ask?"

"I was just wondering."

"I've told him that you didn't want me to talk to him."

"Good.  That's good."

"Are you looking forward to stopping?"

"It seems like we've been traveling forever and it seems a
lifetime ago back in Missouri, don't you think?"

"It does.  How long do you think it will take before we
have a house?"

"I don't know if we'll have time to build something.  We'll
see.  If we do, it may just have one room.  I know I don't
want you to have this one," Mulder said, placing his hand
on her stomach, "in a wagon.  I think we're arriving in
plenty of time to build us our house, as well as a house
for Skinner's family."

"We'll be fine either way," she said.  Now that the end was
in sight, it felt exciting to be talking about their
future.

They heard a horse approach from behind and turned to look.
Mulder was unhappy to see Krycek dismount from his horse
and walk it over to them.  Mulder halted his team.

"Hello Mulder, Mrs. Mulder."

"What do you want Krycek?" Mulder asked, pulling Dana
closer to him.

"Skinner wants to talk to you."

"He can wait until we stop.  We're still stopping shortly
aren't we?"

"Yes, but he said he needed you now."  Krycek looked at
Dana and then back at Mulder.  "Dana can handle your team.
You trust her don't you?"

Mulder took a step towards Krycek, but Dana halted him by
grabbing and holding onto his arm.  He looked down at her.
"I'm not letting him talk to me like that."

"Please stop.  I'll be fine.  Walter's not that far away
and Jimmy is right here.  You should be able to go and be
back in no time, right?"

Mulder looked back at Krycek.  "Where is he?"  Krycek
pointed and Mulder said to Dana, "I'll be right back."  To
Krycek he said, "You've told me, now you can leave."

Krycek shook his head.  "I think I'll walk a little bit."
 
"Go on.  I'll be fine," Dana said.

Mulder handed her the reins and crop.  He leaned down and
kissed her quickly before walking at a brisk pace in the
direction Krycek had indicated.

"Have you told him anything about us?"

"There is no us, Mr. Krycek.  Now, you can leave.  I know
how to handle the oxen.  You made sure of that."

"Yes I did.  Aren't you glad?"

"I am grateful, but I don't want to upset my husband any
further.  I would appreciate it if you just go."

"Because it's you who asked me, I'll go," he said.  He
jumped on his horse and turned back to her.  "I'll see you
later Dana.  You're not rid of me yet."

Dana placed her hands on her hips and watched him trot off.
She shook her head and turned to start the oxen again.

XXXXXXXXXX

"That bastard lied to me," Mulder said, fuming when he
returned.

"What do you mean?" Dana asked.

"Skinner didn't even talk to Krycek.  What did he say to
you?"

"Nothing.  I told him I couldn't talk to him."

"Are you sure?  Here, let me take the team," he said,
grabbing the reins and crop.

"I'm sure.  He left didn't he?"

"I guess.  At least he's gone now," he said.

XXXXXXXXXX

A light mist blanketed the area as they were setting up
camp.  It was only noon, but they weren't going to go any
farther that day.  Mulder was with the men, taking the
cattle to an area that provided more grass.  Jimmy and
Danny went with them, leaving Dana and Catherine alone with
the children.

"I'd like to go see my mother if you don't mind," Catherine
said.

"Go ahead," Dana said, smiling.  Dana thought it was sweet
that Catherine thought of Mrs. Tanner as her mother, even
though they now had no legal connection.  "We'll be fine.
Will you be back to eat?"

"No.  I think I'd like to eat with my family tonight.
Could you send Jimmy our way when he returns?"

"Of course.  I'll see you later."

Dana went about setting up camp after Catherine left.  She
called the children to her and gave them a light meal.  She
felt fortunate that Mulder was able to buy them food
whenever they needed it.  Some families weren't so
fortunate.  She expected Mulder to need the money that she
had saved, but he never asked for it.

The children finished their food and Dana wiped their faces
and hands.  While stooped over, Samantha said, "Mama, that
lady is here again."

Dana turned around to find Diana Tipton standing by their
second wagon.  Diana walked over to her and smiled at
Samantha.  "Hello Samantha."

"Hello," she said shyly.

"What do you want Diana?  My husband isn't here."

"Yes, I know."

"Then why are you here?"

"I've been talking to Mr. Krycek...Alex."

"And?"

"He is quite taken with you, did you know that?  I even
believe he may be in love with you."

Dana shook her head.  "No, that's not true."

"You know Dana, I'm curious.  Why don't you call him 'Fox?'
I call him 'Fox,' his wife called him 'Fox,' but I notice
you don't.  Why is that?"

"I'm not answering you."

"Is it because he doesn't want you to?"

"This is none of your business."

"Do you know what that tells me?  It tells me that maybe
you aren't as important to him.  Do you think he sees you
as a temporary solution?  I mean, the two of you seemed to
get married pretty quickly.  He asked you to marry him
after knowing you how long?  A few hours?  Was it even a
day?  Sounds like a man who was just desperate."  Diana
knew she had hit the truth, at least some of it, as she saw
tears begin to slowly fall down Dana's cheeks.

"I'm not temporary," Dana shouted.

"Dana," Krycek said, looking at Diana.  "I heard yelling.
Are you okay?"

Dana swiped the tears off of her face with the back of her
hand and picked up Caleb, clutching him close to her.  "I'm
all right."

Putting his hand on Dana's shoulder, he said, "You don't
look fine."

"Get your hand off of her," Mulder said.  They all turned
towards him, but Mulder only had his eyes focused on where
Krycek's hand rested.

Krycek looked where Mulder glared and dropped his hand, but
not soon enough.  Mulder punched him in the jaw, sending
Krycek sprawling backwards.  Mulder made a move towards
Krycek again, but halted when he heard, "Stop it."

Mulder turned and looked at Dana, seeing the tracks on her
face.  "Why have you been crying?" he asked.

"It wasn't his fault.  He was trying to help," Dana said,
looking at Krycek, who was now standing, rubbing his jaw.
"I'm sorry," she said to Krycek.

"Don't apologize for me," Mulder said.

"He was just checking on me when he heard how upset I was."

"Why were you upset?"

"Because she..."  Dana looked to where Diana had been
standing, but discovered that she had left.  She looked
back at Krycek, but he shrugged.  Reaching down to grab
Samantha's hand, she walked quickly away with the children.

"Why is she upset?" Mulder asked.

"Diana," Krycek simply stated.

"What about her?"

"I don't know what was said, but I heard both of them
yelling.  Diana seemed pleased with herself when I
arrived."

"But you didn't hear what they said?"

"No."

"I won't apologize for hitting you," Mulder said.  "You
shouldn't have your hands on any man's wife."

"I'm not looking for an apology.  I just don't want to see
Dana hurt."

"I'll take care of my wife.  You worry about yourself,"
Mulder said, turning on his heel.  He began to start for
Diana's wagon, but changed his mind.  No need to upset Dana
any more by talking with her.  Instead, he headed for
Skinner's wagon, sure that she would retreat to her
surrogate parents.

XXXXXXXXXX

Victor held Samantha, rocking her as tears fell down her
face.  Samantha was crying because of how upset her mother
was.  Caleb sat on Sharon's lap, his fist against his
mouth.

"Dana, just tell us what's wrong," Skinner said.  He held
Dana in his arms as she sobbed against his chest.  "We
can't help you if you don't tell us."  Dana shook her head.

"Just tell us Dana," Sharon encouraged.

"I can't.  It's too embarrassing."

"Dana, you can trust us," Skinner said.  He lifted her head
with his hands, gently wiping the tears away with his
thumbs.  "You know we can't stand seeing you hurt like
this."

"I'm sorry.  I don't want to talk about it."

"Papa," Samantha said, reaching for him.

"What have you done to her?" Skinner asked Mulder, pulling
Dana tightly against his chest.

Mulder pulled Samantha into his arms and wiped the tears
from her face.  Bouncing her and trying to console her, he
said, "I didn't do anything."

"Then why is she upset?  We can't get her to tell us."

"I think you need to let Dana and I talk."

Feeling safe in Skinner's arms, Dana turned and shook her
head.  "I don't want to talk to you."

"Not this again.  You can't keep running to Walter and
Sharon whenever we have problems."

"Fox, Walter and I are here for you both," Sharon said.
"It can't be good for Dana to get this upset."

It began to lightly rain and Skinner said, "Sharon, you're
right.  Why don't you take her and the children inside our
tent?  Mulder and I need to take a walk."

"No.  I think Dana, the children, and I need to go back to
our own camp."

Pulling Samantha from Mulder's arms, Skinner ignored him
and handed Samantha to Dana.  Clamping his hand on Mulder's
shoulder, he said, "No, you and I need to talk.  Dana,
we'll be back in a little while.  You should lie down while
we're gone. Come on Mulder."  Skinner pulled Mulder away
and Mulder reluctantly followed his lead.

When Skinner and Mulder were away from the camp, they
ducked under a tree to avoid the rain.  He turned to Mulder
and said, "Mulder, you know we love Dana like she was our
own.  It hurts us when she's hurting."

"I know," Mulder said, leaning against a tree.  "I know you
mean well."

"Just tell me."

Mulder looked away, embarrassed.  "I think it's something
that Diana Tipton is claiming."

"What?"

"I can't tell if she told Dana, but I think she suspects
something."

"What?"

"She claims that we slept together."

Skinner stared at him, shocked.  "Is it true?"

"Of course not.  I think I would remember something like
that."  Mulder turned from Skinner and scrubbed his hands
over his face.  He turned back to face Skinner.  "Diana was
at our camp when I came back.  Krycek was there too."

"What was he doing there?"

"He said that he heard Dana and Diana yelling.  Diana
disappeared before I could question her and Dana ran off to
see you."

"Well, I think you need to stay away from Diana."

"I have been."

"You need to talk to Dana, but you need to make sure that
you don't upset her."  Skinner had a thought.  "Does Diana
know that Dana is going to have a baby?"

"No, I don't think so.  You, Sharon, and the boys are the
only other ones who know.  We haven't even told the
children."

"And how is she doing?"

"She seems fine."

"Good.  I know how hard this trail can be on a woman."

"I know you do.  How is Sharon doing?"

"She gets better every day."  Skinner pulled the collar of
his coat up to cover his neck.  "I think we need to get
back so that you can get Dana back to your wagon before the
rain gets any heavier."

XXXXXXXXXX

When Mulder and Skinner returned to the tent, they found
Dana lying down.  "Are you ready to go?" Mulder asked her.
She nodded, not looking at him, but getting up.  "Caleb,
Samantha, come here."  He bent down and lifted them both up
in his arms.   "Let's go," he said to Dana, as he ducked
outside.

He hurried to their wagon, hoping Dana was behind him.  He
set the children down and lifted Caleb up, followed by
Samantha.  When he turned, he was relieved to find Dana
behind him.  She let him help her up and he climbed in
after her.

Dana reached for rags and began drying the children.  After
she dried Caleb, Mulder grabbed him and changed him into
dry clothes.  When she finished with Samantha, he changed
her too as Dana changed into her own dry clothes.

"Get under the covers," Mulder told the children.  "You'll
get warmer."

They both climbed in as Mulder pulled the covers back.
When they were covered, he smiled as he saw them fight to
keep their eyes open.  He kissed them both and said, "Go to
sleep.  We'll wake you when it's time to eat."

"Okay, Papa," Samantha said, rubbing her eyes.  Caleb
turned over and Samantha turned to put a protective arm
around him.

When Mulder looked back, Dana had changed into a new dress.
Handing him a shirt and pair of pants, she turned away and
began laying the wet clothes to dry.

After changing, Mulder slipped under the covers and said,
"Come on.  You need to get warm."  She nodded and climbed
in next to him.

As he pulled her closer to him, she rolled over and put her
head on his shoulder.  He rubbed his hand over her back and
took a deep breath before asking, "What did Diana say to
upset you?"

He didn't think she was going to answer until she asked,
"Why can't I call you Fox?"

"What?"  Her question caught him completely off guard.

"You let everyone but me call you Fox."

"Is that why you're upset?"

He heard her sigh and say, "No.  I don't know.  I guess I'm
just a little more sensitive lately."

"You know, I like it that only you call me William, but if
it makes you feel better, call me Fox."

"No, I don't want to."

Mulder let out a frustrated breath.  "Then tell me why
you're upset."

"I'm not sure why really.  I think it's just a feeling in
general.  I guess Diana makes me feel unsure about us."

"What did she say this time?" he asked with a sigh.

"Would you leave me?"

"What?  Don't talk silly."

"She seems to think you would."

"All right, enough of that," he said.  "I'm not going to
discuss possibilities that will never happen."  He rose
above her.  "Know this Dana.  I am your husband.  You and
the children are my life.  You are my future.  I will not
let anyone take that away from me.  I love you.  I'm sorry
I haven't said that before, but know it's true."  He
brushed the tears away from her face that had begun to
fall.  "I feel complete when I'm with you.  You believe me,
don't you?"  She nodded and he leaned down to kiss her.
"Now, I want no more talk about Diana.  I want you to rest
now, for yourself and for the baby."
 

September 21, 1852
Wednesday

The skies again looked threatening and the company decided
to stay encamped for the day.  Mulder and Jimmy were off
with the men watching the cattle.  Dana had decided to take
advantage of the break and wash the dirty clothes.
Catherine had taken over the duty of cleaning the boy's
clothes, so she was off gathering Danny's clothes.  When
she returned, Diana was following her with her own wash.

"Mrs. Tipton would like to join us," Catherine said.  "I
hope that's all right."

Looking beyond Catherine, she saw a smug Diana smiling.
She knew Dana wouldn't be able to say 'no' without having
to explain why to Catherine.  Diana was taking a chance
that Catherine didn't know about their conflict.

"Sure," Dana said, gritting her teeth.  She turned away
from them in search of Samantha and Caleb, who were sitting
by the clothes that Dana had gathered.  She picked up the
pile of clothes and said to Samantha, "Grab Caleb's hand
and my apron.  Don't let go.  Come on Dog."

"Okay Mama," Samantha said, doing as she was directed.

Catherine and Diana laughed as they walked ahead of Dana
and the children.  When they reached the river, Diana and
Catherine set their load down next to each other.  Dana
moved to Catherine's side and laid her wash down.  She
turned to her children and sat them down.  "Stay here," she
told him.  "You are not to move.  Do you understand?"

They both nodded as Dog sat between them.  Satisfied, Dana
began washing her clothes.  As Diana and Catherine talked,
Dana remained quiet.

"What's wrong?" Catherine asked.  "You're so quiet."

"I'm sorry, I wasn't listening."

"We were just talking about babies.  I told Diana that
Jimmy and I hope to have at least eight children.  How
about you?"

Dana smiled and shook her head.  "Any children would be a
blessing."

"I want lots of sons."

"I don't care what they are.  Just so they're healthy."

"You probably didn't know this," Diana said to Catherine,
"but Fox lost three sons.  He doesn't seem to have luck
with boys."

"Oh that's a shame," Catherine said.  She grinned.  "Well
maybe his luck will change now."

"Maybe," Diana said.

"Mama," Samantha called.

Dana looked over her shoulder.  "What?"

"Can I help?"

"No.  The water's too cold for you."

"Please?" she asked again.

"All right.  Take the clothes when I hand them to you and
put them in a pile."

Samantha stood and moved next to Dana's left side.  She
hugged her before turning back to her work.

"Mama," she heard from behind her.

"No Caleb.  You stay right there," Dana said.

"Ow," she heard Diana say.  When Diana again said, "Ow,"
Dana looked up to see Diana looking in Caleb's direction.

He was getting ready to throw another rock when his mother
stopped him.  "No Caleb.  Don't throw rocks."

She saw him pout and throw the rock down.  She smiled, not
too sorry that his target had been Diana.  Maybe her son
had picked up on her feelings about the woman and was
seeking revenge for her.

"Don't you teach him manners Dana?" Diana asked haughtily.

"My son is well-behaved," Dana shot back.

"Where are you going to live when we reach Oregon City
Diana?  I imagine it would be hard for a woman alone with
two children.  Will you head back home next year?"
Catherine asked.

"Fox has promised me that the girls and I can live him."

"Really," Catherine said.  "That's generous of him.  But
from what I've seen, he's a generous man."

Dana stared at Diana, shocked.  She didn't realize Mulder
would make that kind of promise to Diana.  She was hoping
he would first try to find a place for her.  She didn't
think she could really bare living with Diana.  No, she
knew she couldn't.

"Papa," she heard Caleb scream and looked up to see him and
Dog running towards Mulder.  Mulder briefly petted Dog, who
easily out ran Caleb.  When Caleb reached him, Mulder
tossed him up in the air.  Carrying Caleb, he walked
towards her.  He smiled as he watched Samantha helping
Dana, but he was surprised to see Diana there.

"I didn't expect you back so soon," Dana said.

"I thought I'd come and help you bring the clothes back.
Hello," he said as an afterthought to Diana and Catherine.

"Fox," Diana said.

"Are you almost finished?" he asked Dana.

"I just have a few more things to wash."

"You're doing a good job Samantha," he told her.

Samantha smiled as she folded the clothes.  "Thank you
Papa.  Caleb was bad," she tattled.

"Oh yah?" he asked Caleb, pulling him away to look at him.

Caleb shook his head.  "You're fibbing Caleb," Samantha
said.

"Huh uh," Caleb said, pulling his fist to his mouth.

Mulder pulled his hand down and asked, "What did you do
Caleb?"

"He threw a rock and hit her," Samantha said, pointing at
Diana.

Mulder looked at Dana before turning to Diana, "I'm sorry
about that Diana.  Did you say you were sorry?" he asked
Caleb.

"William, he didn't...  Caleb, no," Dana yelled, but was
too late as Caleb threw a hidden rock at Diana.

Mulder grabbed Caleb's hand too late and looked up to see
Diana wiping blood off of her cheek.  "Diana, I'm sorry,"
he apologized.

Dana reached up to take Caleb out of Mulder's arms, but he
turned from her.  Instead, he swatted Caleb twice on his
bottom.  Caleb immediately began crying, struggling to get
out of Mulder's arms.  "Mama," he cried, reaching for her.

Mulder pulled him back and said, "No you don't.  Look what
you did to Mrs. Tipton, Caleb.  You hurt her."

Caleb shook his head and buried it into Mulder's neck.
Mulder patted his back and said, "I'm really sorry Diana.
I'm sure he didn't really know what he was doing."

"He needs to be taught manners," Diana said, still wiping
blood away from her cheek.

Mulder saw Dana begin to speak, but cut her off.  "He won't
do it again, I promise."  He opened Caleb's other hand just
to make sure that he didn't have any other hidden rocks.

"Good.  I know if he was really your son, he wouldn't have
behaved like that," Diana said.

"I've told you Diana, he is my son."  Caleb sniffed and
wiped his eyes, looking back at Diana.  Mulder leaned in
and kissed him on the cheek, bouncing him.

"I'm sorry, I'm just upset," Diana explained.  Mulder
nodded.  "Fox, do you think you could help me carry my
clothes back?"

Mulder looked at Dana, who was clearly showing her
disapproval, but he didn't want to say anything in front of
Catherine.

"All right, I'll help you, but I'll be back to help you
with our things," he told Dana.  He begged her with his
eyes to forgive him for allowing Diana to manipulate the
situation.  He didn't think she did.

"Come on Caleb," Mulder said, lifting him to his shoulders.
"You can go help Papa."  Mulder figured at least this might
placate Dana, having their son along.  "You'll have to hand
some of your things to me," he told Diana.

"Thank you for doing this," she said, handing him half of
her load.

Mulder moved back to Dana.  "I'll be right back.  Don't
lift any of those clothes.  I'll do it."  When she looked
away, he grabbed her arm and leaned in, saying, "I mean it.
I don't want you carrying that."

She nodded that she understood and bent back down to help
Samantha with the clothes.

"Come on Diana," Mulder said.

~~~
 

Chapter 18

September 22, 1852
Wednesday

When Mulder returned to the river with Caleb, he found that
Dana and Catherine were gone.  "It figures your mother
wouldn't listen to me," he said to Caleb.  "Let's go find
Mama, what do you say?"

Not waiting for an answer, he headed back for their camp.
He found Dana laying out the clothes.

"Why didn't you wait for me?" he scolded her.

"Jimmy and Danny came to help.  I didn't carry anything."

"Oh," he said, lifting Caleb from his shoulders and setting
him down.  "Well all right then."

Dana arched an eyebrow and asked innocently, "Did Diana get
back all right?"

"You know she did," he said.  "I came looking for you as
soon as I laid the clothes down.  Imagine my surprise to
find you gone."

"I did as you asked.  I didn't carry anything."

"Good."  He looked to the firewood stacked and unlit.
"When is supper?"

"When I have a chance to fix it," she said sharply.

He was taken aback by her tone.  "Why are you angry with
me?"

She threw the clothes she was holding back into the pile
that lay at her feet.  "William, do you really plan to have
Diana live with us when we get settled?"

"What?  Why would you ask that?"

"Diana said you promised her.  It seems she thinks she'll
be living with us.  Is that your intention?"

"Of course not.  I'm hoping to help her find a place though
and maybe help her with a little money.  I don't think she
has much."

"You still feel responsible for her.  That is so like you
William."  Mulder looked away.  "People will talk if the
money comes from you."

"Would you have me abandon her?  She's a woman, alone,
responsible for two little girls.  Besides, I'm more
concerned about those two girls than I am Diana.  I want to
make sure they're taken care of."

"Where are you going to get the money to take care of them?
You have to think of your family first."

"We're fine."

"You keep saying that, but I've been watching how you spend
your money."

"Our money."

"We have to think of our children, our family.  I can't
believe Diana doesn't have her own money from her husband.
She should be the one paying.  People wouldn't talk then.
Even I have money from Jack."

"I'm sure she has a little money, but from what she's said
before, I'm not sure it will be enough."

"Why wouldn't it be?"

"I don't want to talk about this anymore.  We'll deal with
it when we have to."

"Well, that will be soon.  We're almost there.  You can't
keep putting it off."

"Just stop," Mulder shouted.  He looked at the other camps
nearby and immediately regretted what he said.  People were
looking their way.  "I'm sorry.  I didn't mean to yell."

"This is important.  I want to give our children the best
we can."

"I think I'm going to look for Jimmy," Mulder said, wishing
to avoid any further discussion on Diana.  "You'll be
okay?"

She sighed and finally said, "Yes."  When he left, she
said, "Run away William, but you can't avoid this forever."
She suddenly had a thought and decided to stop by to drop
the children off with Sharon.

XXXXXXXXXX

"Mrs. Tipton," Dana said, walking towards her.

Diana was clearly surprised that Dana had ventured to her
camp, but quickly recovered.  "Fox isn't here."

"I didn't think he would be," Dana said, crossing her arms.

"Then why are you here?"

"I want to talk to you about what you said before...down by
the river."

"What was that?"

"That you think you're going to live with William and me.
I came here to set you straight.  You won't be living with
us."

"Fox has promised me."

"I just talked to him.  He'll help you find a place.  I'm
sure you have money from your husband and I would imagine
that you have the money from your sister and her husband."

Diana moved closer to Dana.  "Is that what's bothering you?
Fox spending his money?  It's not like he doesn't have
plenty."
 
"What do you mean?"

Diana hesitated, not understanding why Dana was confused
until it dawned on her.  "You don't know who he really is,
do you?"  When she didn't answer, Diana continued, "He's
Bill Mulder's son.  His only son.  Dana, Fox is rich.
Didn't he tell you?"  She smiled.  "Well, clearly from the
look on your face, he didn't."

"I don't believe anything you say anymore Diana."

"Well, I'm not lying about this.  Go ask him.  He can't
deny it."

Dana picked up her skirt and turned, walking away at a
quick pace.  She gathered her children from the Skinners,
who were concerned about the way she was behaving, but let
her leave.

When she reached their wagon, Mulder was still gone.  She
began a fire, preparing to fix their meal.  She was unsure
how she was going to approach Mulder with this newfound
information about him.  It was yet another confidence he
shared with Diana, but not her.  Whether she liked it or
not, she did believe Diana.  She just wasn't sure how she
was going to bring up the subject to her husband.

XXXXXXXXXX

The meal was cooked by the time Mulder returned.  He smiled
at her, but she didn't smile back.  So she still doesn't
forgive me, Mulder thought.  Well, giving her time had
always worked before.

"Is supper ready?" he asked, trying to keep his tone light.
She nodded and began putting food on their plates.

"Samantha, Caleb, come get your food," she said.  After she
handed the food to the children, she fixed a plate for
herself and Mulder.

"Thank you," he said when she handed his plate to him.

The family ate their food in silence, the children tuned in
to the unease between their parents.  When they finished,
the children ran off to play with Dog, leaving Mulder and
Dana alone.

"So, are you still mad?" Mulder asked, chewing the last of
his food.  He wiped his hands on his pants and stood.

"I have a new mad," Dana said.

"What does that mean?"

"You didn't tell me."

"Tell you what?"

"It all makes sense now...why you're so free with your
money.  Every time I saw you pay for food that others
couldn't afford, it made me anxious."

"Dana, I..."

"No, I'm talking now.  I don't understand why you thought
you had to keep this from me.  This is one more secret you
have kept from me.  How many more are there?"

He dropped his head.  "So you know about my family.  Who
told you?"

"Diana was glad to share that information with me."

Mulder looked up suddenly, surprised.  "Why were you
talking to her?"

"I wanted to make sure she was clear about what you
intended to do."

"All right.  I confess," Mulder said, throwing his hands
up.  "My family is rich, but that isn't me.  The money
means nothing to me."

"Only someone with money would say such a stupid thing.
Money means everything.  It means a better way of life.  It
means you never have to go hungry."

"So you're upset because we have money?"

"No, I'm not upset because you have money.  I'm upset
because you kept it from me."

"I didn't want it to influence how you felt about me."

"You think I would be so petty as to love you for money?"

Mulder shook his head.  "Of course not."

"I would love you whether you had money or not, but I guess
you made sure that you had your proof."

"Listen Dana, I'm sorry I kept it from you.  Now you know
why I didn't want you to use your money.  I want you to
give Caleb that money when he becomes of age."

Dana had a sudden thought.  "Is this why you didn't want me
to meet your parents?"  Mulder bit his lower lip and looked
to the left of her, avoiding her gaze.  "Shame on you."

"What?" he asked, looking back, confused.

"You were embarrassed by me because I didn't come from
money."

"No, that's not right," he protested, grabbing her hand and
bringing it to rest over his heart.  "I was embarrassed
because I did have money.  My parents are both arrogant
when it comes to money."

"Now, I'll never get the chance to meet them."

"You don't know that."

She shook her head.  "Just think how long it took us to get
here.  Do you really want to go through that again just to
get home?"

He thought a moment before saying, "No, you're right.  I'm
sorry."

"I don't want to talk about this anymore.  I have to get
the children ready for bed.  Please find the children for
me."

"All right," he said, dropping her hand.  They were slowly
losing light and Mulder hurried off to search for the
children.
 
XXXXXXXXXX

When Mulder didn't return by dark, Dana began to worry.
She knew he should have been back with the children by now.

Catherine and Jimmy returned from her in-laws.  "Dana, we
just heard," Jimmy said.

"Heard what?" Dana asked.

Jimmy looked over at his wife, unsure of what to say.  "You
don't know?"

"Know what?  What's happened?  Is it the children?" she
cried.

Jimmy grabbed her arms.  "Mulder is looking for them.  He
has others looking too.  I'm sure they've just wandered a
little too far.  I'm going to go help, but I just wanted to
bring Catherine to be here with you."

"No," Dana said, backing away from him.  "They were just
playing.  They knew they should stay close to the camp.
Maybe they're with some other children at someone else's
camp."

"I'm sure you're right.  They probably aren't looking in
the right place."

"I want to go look too," Dana said, moving to pass Jimmy,
but he stopped her.

"No.  If they come back..."

"If?"

"They know where your camp is.  You need to be here in case
they come back before we find them."

"All right, I'll stay here," she said, worrying her hands.
Jimmy kissed his wife before he left and Catherine wrapped
her arms around Dana.

"Catherine, I hope you don't mind, but I think would rather
wait here by myself."

Catherine pulled away from her.  "Are you sure Dana?  I
think I should stay."

Dana shook her head.  "I'll be fine.  I think I just need
to wait by myself."  She reached for Catherine's hand and
squeezed.  "Thank you anyway."

Catherine turned to go and Dana moved by the fire to wait
for them all to return.

XXXXXXXXXX

Mulder walked into his camp, his head hanging low.  Dana
looked up when she saw him approach with Caleb in his arms.
She ran to them, pulling him from Mulder's arms.  She
kissed him and asked Mulder, "Where's Samantha?"

He shook his head and tears began to fall.  His knees gave
way under him and he collapsed to the ground.  Dana
followed him to her knees.  She cupped his face.  "William,
where is Samantha?"

"I don't know."

"What do you mean you don't know?  She wasn't with Caleb?"

"No," he sobbed.  "He was by himself."

"Where was Dog?"

"I don't know.  Oh god, it's my sister all over again."

"No, no it isn't.  You'll find her."

Mulder looked up at her angrily.  "You don't know that.  I
should have found her with Caleb."

"Maybe she's with Dog."

"That damned dog.  He's the reason she's lost."

Dana decided not to argue with him.  "Did you ask Caleb
what happened?"

Mulder shook his head.  "He was upset enough," Mulder said,
smoothing Caleb's hair.

Pulling Caleb away from her, Dana asked, "Caleb, where did
Dog and Samantha go?"

"Away," he said solemnly.

"Did they walk away from you?"  Dana paused as she glanced
at Mulder, but decided to finish, "Or did someone take her
away?  Did someone take them?"

Caleb shook his head.  "No."

"Did they run away from you?"

"Mmm hmm.  Go away."

Dana patted his back.  "At least it doesn't sound like
someone took her.  She just wandered away.  When are you
going back out?"

"Now.  I just wanted to bring Caleb to you."  He stood and
pulled her up with him.  "I have to go now," he said,
kissing them both.

Dana rocked Caleb close to her as they watched him
disappear into the dark.

XXXXXXXXXX

While Mulder was gone, Dana put an exhausted Caleb to bed
in the wagon.  She stirred the fire and sat up to wait for
Mulder to return.  Her best efforts to stay awake failed.

The fire had died down and she shivered when she woke up.
She couldn't understand what woke her until she sensed
Mulder standing over her.

"Shh," he said.  He put a hand out to help her stand.  Dana
was relieved to find Samantha wrapped in his coat and
sleeping in his arms.  Dog stood by his side.

"Where did you find them?" she asked, placing her hand on
Samantha's back to reassure herself that she was safe.

"They were under some bushes.  Samantha was sound asleep
with Dog curled up next to her.  He was keeping her warm."

"Thank God she's all right," she said, resting her head
against Samantha's back.

"I couldn't believe God would be so cruel as to take two
Samantha's away from me."

"Did you pray?" she asked, looking up at him.

He stared at her for a moment before nodding and saying, "I
did.  I think I prayed harder than I ever have before."

"At least she's safe now.  Let's get her to bed."  Dana
reached down to pet Dog.  "Good boy."  Dog wagged his tail
and crawled under the wagon to settle in for the night.

Inside the wagon, Mulder placed Samantha under the covers.
"I still can't believe we found her."  He slowly ran his
hand over her hair.   "It still seems like a dream."

"We're going to have to make sure that neither one of them
is out of our sight again.  I can't believe we almost lost
them."

Mulder nodded.  "We're lucky."

"Let's go to sleep.  I know you have to be exhausted too."

As she stood over him, he leaned against her, his hand
around her waist and his head on her stomach.  His eyes
began to close as she ran her hand through his hair.  "How
is this one?" he asked.

"Doing fine.  We both are."

"I can't wait, you know," he said, looking up at her.  "As
time goes on, it seems to become more real."

Mulder pulled her down to lie next to him.  "Everything
will be fine," she said.  "You'll see."  She heard him sigh
and begin to soon snore lightly.
 

September 30, 1852
Thursday

After over a week, the company rolled into Oregon City, the
first sign of a real civilization in a long time.  The
street was lined with mud, thick and hard to walk through.
Dana's skirt grew heavier as she carried Caleb.  Mulder
carried Samantha on his shoulders, while Dog plotted along
at his heels.

Dana stumbled and Mulder grabbed her arm.   "Be careful
where you walk.  Do you want to get in the wagon?"

Dana nodded.  "Yes.  I'm afraid I'm going to drop Caleb."

He stopped the team and grabbed Caleb from her, lifting him
up into the wagon.  He held out his hand to help her up and
then handed Samantha to her.

"How about Dog?" Dana asked.

"No way," he said.  He started the team up again and
whistled for Dog to follow him.

"Where are we going?" Dana called from the wagon.

"Just outside of town to camp."

"We're not going to stop?" she asked wearily.

"Not tonight.  I thought it might be possible to stay in
Oregon City if we can find a place to winter over," he
said, looking up to her.  He squinted from the sun in his
eyes.  "Would that please you?"

"To not have to keep traveling?  Yes, very much.  I'm tired
of moving."

"Well, we'll camp and I'll see if I can find a place for
you and the children to stay."

"You're not going to stay too?"

"No.  I want to go ahead and stake out our claim.  Skinner
and I are going to look for land where we'll be next to
each other."

"In that case, I don't want to stay here."

"You'd go just to be with me?"

"I don't want to split up our family."  She paused before
asking, "Are you angry?"

"Of course not.  I'd much rather have you with me.  Jimmy
and Danny are going to find land near us too."

"I thought Jimmy was going to be with the Tanners."

"I think Catherine has begun to rethink that.  Jimmy wants
to stay close to family and since the Tanners aren't really
her parents, I think he has convinced her that it would be
better to be with our family."

"I'm glad.  I don't think I'll be as lonely with Sharon and
Catherine close by."

XXXXXXXXXX

The company was going to split up the next day and there
was a general feeling of sadness in the camp that
afternoon.  Some had decided to head north, others to the
south, and some chose to stay in the area.

Unfortunately, Catherine gave Dana disturbing news, though
Dana tried to hide how upset she really was.  Diana Tipton
was coming with them.

"Isn't it great news?" Catherine said, smiling.  "I've
become good friends with Diana and will be glad to have her
near."

"I'm happy for you," Dana said, a false smile on her face.

"I can't wait to have my own home."

"I'll just be glad when we stop.  William offered to find a
place in the city for me and the children, but I told him I
wanted to go with him."

"I know what you mean.  I wouldn't want to be away from my
Jimmy."

Just then, Jimmy and Mulder rode into camp with a new wagon
filled with supplies.  Jumping down, Jimmy immediately went
to his wife and kissed her.  "Miss me?" he asked.

"Always," she said, smiling up at him.

Mulder leaned into Dana whispering, "Ah, young love."

Putting her hands on her hips, Dana said, "They're not any
younger than I am."

"You're right," he said grinning.  He bent down to kiss
her, pulling her off of the ground.  "There, that better?"

"Much," she said, looping her arms around his neck.  "What
have you two been up to?"

Setting her back down on the ground, he said, "Just making
sure we're set when we head out.  I want to make sure we'll
make it through the winter comfortably."

Dana looked over at the wagon, an eyebrow raised.  "I don't
think that's going to be a problem."

"Well, there are going to be quite a few of us," he said
hesitantly.

"You don't have to say it.  Catherine has already told me."

"There wasn't any place available.  I wouldn't have been
able to find a place for you and the children anyway."  He
bit his lower lip before saying, "I'm sorry Dana.  I don't
know what else I can do."

"Well, maybe you should look for a man for her.  I hear
there are plenty here who would gladly marry a woman...any
woman, including someone like her."

"Dana, I'm not going to try to find her a man."

She shrugged.  "As long as she stays away from me, I'll be
fine."

"We're going to leave early tomorrow morning," he said.
"We'll cut our herd out and then be moving.  Do you think
you can stand a few more days travel?"

"Just so we're stopping soon, I'll be fine."  As he moved
them away from Catherine and Jimmy, she continued,
"William, when we get there, will you build us a house
soon?"

"Well, the plan is to build a house for us first and we'll
all live there until we begin to build other houses.
Hopefully, everyone will be in their own house by winter."

"All of us?  Who is all of us?"

"Besides us you mean?"  She nodded.  "Well there will be
Jimmy, Catherine, Danny, the Skinners...and Diana and her
nieces."

"That's going to be awfully crowded."

"I plan to have at least three rooms with a second level
above."

"Really?  So big?  I hadn't counted on something that
large."

"I want us to have our own bedroom.  Once the children are
old enough, we'll make bedrooms upstairs for them too.
I've arranged to have some men follow in a few days to help
us build our house."

"I can't wait."

"We'll take one of the bedrooms and Skinner and his family
will take the upper level.  Diana and her nieces will stay
in the other bedroom.  Jimmy and Catherine will take the
sitting room next to the kitchen.  Danny has agreed to stay
in the tent to give Jimmy and Catherine privacy."

She sighed and said, "I'm sure we'll be fine."  In reality,
she wasn't sure how it was all going to work out.

~~~

Chapter 19

October 16, 1852
Saturday

The temperature was pleasant outside and the wind lightly
blew through the open door of the new Mulder home.  Mulder
had told Dana that she couldn't come in until it was
finished.  He made sure that once it was finished, she had
a chance to look the house over without others interfering.

He trailed her with the children as they went from one room
to the other.  Dana climbed the ladder ahead of them and
Samantha followed.  Mulder held onto Caleb as he climbed
up.  Mulder intended one day to make stairs, but for now,
the ladder would have to do.

"Well, what do you think?" he asked her.

She turned around and smiled.  "It's perfect."  She walked
over to the window at the end of the house and looked down
at the people waiting outside.  Sharon saw her looking and
waved.  Dana smiled and waved back.  "I guess it's time for
everyone to get settled.

Except for Danny, they all moved their bedding into the
Mulder house that evening.  Mulder had the new chairs and
table that he bought in Oregon City moved into the kitchen
area.  Mulder, Skinner, Jimmy, and Danny sat around it,
designing the Skinner home.

While the men were planning, Dana and Sharon washed and
dried the dinner dishes.  Catherine and Diana sat away from
them all, talking quietly.

"I don't know if I'll be able to live under the same roof
with her Sharon," Dana said quietly.

Sharon looked over at Diana and said, "I suppose we could
have her come live with us."

"No, I couldn't ask that of you.  It's my burden.  I'll
have to deal with it.  Besides, from the sound of it, you
won't have enough room."

"That's true.  We'll be crowded as it is.  We're only going
to have the two rooms to start.  You're fortunate that Fox
is able to afford such a nice house."

"I'm sure he would loan you some money to build a bigger
house if you asked."

"No, Walter wouldn't think of it.  Besides, we'll be fine."
Sharon covered Dana's hand with her own.  "I'm just glad
that you'll be close to us."

"Me too."

"Dana," she heard Mulder call.  "Are you two almost
finished?"

"We just finished," she said, handing Sharon the last
plate.

"Sharon, I want you to see this.  Tell us what you think,"
Skinner said.

She came up to him and he placed an arm around her waist.
"What am I looking at?" she asked, trying to decipher what
they had drawn.

"Our home.  This is where we'll have the kitchen and
sitting room.  Behind this will be our room.  What do you
think?"

She smiled at him.  "It's a good start.  We'll make it
bigger later, won't we?"

"Yes, of course."

"Walter, let's make it bigger now," Mulder said.  "It will
be much easier than later."

Skinner shook his head.  "It's fine as it is."

Dana walked up and stood behind her husband.  "I agree with
William.  Besides, you'll want the girls to have their own
room eventually.  Why not go ahead and build it right now?"

Skinner looked up at her.  "Dana, we don't need that much."

"Please, do this for yourself and Sharon...and for the
children."

Skinner looked at Mulder.  "All right," he relented, "but
that's it."

"Good," Mulder said.  "Now, let's draw this again."
 

October 17, 1852
Sunday

"Come on, it's not going to hurt you."

Mulder stood with arms crossed in front of him, staring at
his wife.  "I don't want to."

"You can't keep running away from God forever."

"No."

"Remember how he helped you find Samantha," she argued.

"That's not fair."

"You need to set a good example for the children."

"Dana," they heard from the other room.

"Yes?"

"We're leaving now.  Are you coming?" Skinner asked.

Dana stared at Mulder.  "Well?"

"No, you go ahead.  You can take the children yourself."

"Fine," she said, throwing her hands out.  She turned and
stalked out of the room, leaving him standing alone.

"You can't force him," Skinner said outside.

"I know you're right.  I can't believe we're fortunate
enough to have the Reverend settle so close to us."

"Well, if the truth be known, Mulder convinced him to move
here before we left Oregon City."

"Really?" she asked, surprised.

"I think he did it for you."  Skinner grabbed her hand.
"Dana, he'll come when he's ready.  I have faith that he'll
come around.  Let me help you up."

"Thank you," she said, climbing into the back of the wagon.
Dana, her children, and the Skinner children sat behind
Skinner and Sharon in the lead wagon.  In the other wagon,
Catherine and Jimmy sat in the wagon seat.  Diana and her
nieces rode behind them, with Danny trailing on his horse.

XXXXXXXXXX

As the Reverend was preaching, Dana sat on a log with both
of her children on either side of her.  She wrapped her
arms around them, hugging them close.  Being out in the
open made Dana feel somehow closer to God.

The only ones in attendance were the Skinners, the Mulders
sans the head of the household, the Pendrells, the Byers,
Diana and her nieces.  Byers was thrilled that he was again
able to spread the word of God.  As he closed the service,
he looked up to see Mulder standing next to a tree about
thirty yards away.  He smiled, wondering how long he had
been standing there.  Well, at least he had attended, no
matter how far away.  He watched Mulder turn away and head
back towards his home when the services were over.  He
promised himself he would keep his secret.  Mulder would
let Dana know in his own good time.

Byers walked up to Dana and said, "Thank you for coming.  I
can't believe we're finally here."

"I know.  It's exciting," she replied.

"You have a generous husband, Mrs. Mulder."

"Yes, I know."

"Oh, so he told you then.  I can't tell you how excited I
was when he promised to have a church built for all of us."

"He what?"

The Reverend looked embarrassed.  "Oh, I'm sorry.  I
thought you knew."

"No, he didn't tell me, but I can honestly say I'm happy to
hear the news."

Byers looked relieved.  "Good, I'm glad.  Good morning,
Mrs. Mulder."

Dana nodded and headed for Skinner.  "You didn't tell me,"
she said when she reached him.

"What?"

"I can understand why he wouldn't tell me but why didn't
you?"

"Dana, I don't know what you're talking about."

"William has promised the Reverend to build a church."

"He didn't want you to know."

"Why not?" Dana asked.

"You'll have to ask him.  It's not for me to say.  You
ready to go now?"

She knew he wouldn't discuss the matter any further and
said, "All right, I'll go gather the children."

XXXXXXXXXX

Sharon, Skinner, Mulder and Dana sat around the table,
relaxing after dinner.  The light from the fire slightly
illuminated the room.  Diana and her nieces were in their
room with Catherine.  Dana was thankful that she wouldn't
have to spend time in the same room with her that night.
The Skinner children were playing with Samantha and Caleb
upstairs.  Jimmy and Danny were taking care of the
livestock.

"When do you think we can get started on our house Mulder?"
Skinner asked.

"I was thinking tomorrow morning.  What do you think?"

Skinner smiled and looked over to Sharon.  "Anxious to get
rid of us Mulder?"

"Of course not," he said, "but I know you must be excited
to have your own place."

"True," Skinner said, reaching over and taking his wife's
hand tenderly.  "We're ready to be settled."

"You know we love you both.  I'm just happy we'll be
neighbors.  We'll be close enough in case you'll need us,"
Sharon said knowingly.  Dana nodded.

"I worry you know," Mulder confided to Sharon.

"Yes, I know, but she'll be fine."

"I keep telling him that," Dana said.

"I have every right to be concerned," Mulder said angrily,
getting up and stalking to the fireplace.  He leaned on the
mantle and stared into the fire.

Dana got up and followed him, putting a comforting hand on
his back.  "I'm sorry.  You're right."  Dana looked over at
Skinner and Sharon, who sat uncomfortably.

Standing, Skinner pulled his wife to her feet.  "I think
we'll head upstairs," he said.

Mulder turned around and said, "I'm sorry Walter.  Don't
leave."

Skinner shook his head.  "No, we're all tired.  Besides,
we'll want to get an early start tomorrow."

"I'll have Victor bring the children down to you," Sharon
said.  They watched her climb the ladder and shortly,
Victor handed the children down to Mulder.

When the children were back on the main level, Mulder
turned to Skinner and said, "We'll see you early tomorrow."

"All right.  Good-night," he said with a yawn as he
disappeared out of sight upstairs.

Dana followed Mulder into their room after the Skinners
retired.  Upstairs, they heard the Skinner family talking.
The Mulders on the other hand moved around quietly,
preparing the children for bed and then getting themselves
ready.  Mulder climbed under the covers while Dana brushed
her hair.  He watched as she stroked her hair with her new
brush, something he had picked up in Oregon City.  When she
finished, she climbed into bed with him, snuggling close.
Mulder put his arm around her and pulled her closer.

"I'm sorry.  I shouldn't have overreacted like that," he
said.

"No, I understand.  It's all right."  Dana took his hand
and laid it over her stomach.  "We'll be fine."
 

October 18, 1852
Monday

The men and Skinner's sons left early the next morning.  At
about eleven that morning, Sharon, her daughters and
Catherine headed over to take them lunch.  Sharon told her
that they would probably be back sometime after two that
afternoon.

Which meant that Dana was left alone with Diana.

Dana busied herself with unpacking items that still sat in
crates.  As she was putting the dishes away, she glanced
over at her children, who were having fun playing with the
packing.

"Did you think you could hide it from me?"

Dana spun around, almost losing her grip on the saucer she
was holding.  "What?"

"Do you think I'm blind?  I can see you're going to have a
child."  Dana took a step back and put a protective hand
over her stomach.  She glanced over at the children and was
relieved to find that they weren't listening.  "I guess Fox
is thrilled."

"Of course."

Diana moved closer to Dana, who took a step back.  "You
know Dana, a small thing like you might not survive."

"I'll be fine.  I was before."

"Hmm, maybe.  But, we're not back home.  We're out here in
the wild.  Anything could go wrong and who would be there
to help?  There aren't any midwives around.  There
certainly aren't any doctors."

"Sharon will be able to help," Dana said, lifting her head
defiantly.

Diana backed away and headed towards Samantha who was still
busy playing with Caleb.  She was surprised when Diana
lifted her into her arms.  "Four children and only one to
show for it."

Samantha looked over at Dana and reached for her.  Dana
walked over to pull her from Diana's arms and rocked her.
"I'm not Penny."

"No, you're not.  That's pretty obvious."

Dana narrowed her eyes.  "What do you think?  You're going
to take my place if something happens?  Think again Diana.
Nothing is going to go wrong.  Everything will be fine."

"Oh, he'll forget you soon enough.  Like you said, it's not
like you're Penny."

Dana bristled.  "No, no I'm not.  But I am his wife now and
he loves me.  I know he does."

"Oh, you may think he does, but I saw the way he looked at
Penny.  He doesn't look that way at you."

"Go to hell Diana," Dana said, gasping a second after she
realized what she said.  She covered her mouth, eyes wide
as she looked at Samantha.  Samantha's eyes were equally as
wide.

"Mama," she said, surprised.

"I know.  I'm sorry."  She set Samantha down and said, "Go
take Caleb to our room, okay?"

Samantha nodded, grabbing Caleb's hand and leading him to
the bedroom.

"My husband somehow feels an obligation to you, so I have
to put up with you living in my house for now.  However, I
don't have to put up with your meddling in matters that
have nothing to do with you."

"Fox is my friend.  Anything that has to do with him has to
do with me."

"No it doesn't.  I don't care if you consider him your
friend or not.  I won't discuss matters about my husband
with you.  Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to be with my
children."

Dana left and shut the door to her room loudly, leaving
Diana alone.

XXXXXXXXXX

When the ladies returned, Dana told Sharon that she needed
to take a walk.  Sharon could tell that something must have
happened, but decided to let Dana tell her in her own time.

As she was walking by the river that ran through their
land, she found an outcropping of rock that formed a bench.
She decided to stop.  As the sun warmed her, she was soon
lost in her own thoughts.

"It seems that we keep running into each other at rivers."

Dana turned around suddenly.  "Mr. Krycek.  What are you
doing here?"

"Didn't you know?"  Dana shook her head.  "Your husband
knew my place bordered yours."

"Yes?"

"We're neighbors.  My place lies just up over the hill.  I
happened to be walking my land and saw you sitting down
here."

"My husband knew this?  He never said anything to me."

Krycek smiled.  "Probably because he doesn't want you to be
around me."

"I'm sure that's true.  How have you been?"

"Well.  I started my house, but I don't plan to finish it
until spring."

"Are you doing it all by yourself."

Krycek nodded.  "I don't have any other choice."

"I'm sure that our men would help you when they finish the
houses."

Laughing, Krycek said, "I don't think that's likely."

"I can talk to them if you'd like."

"No.  Don't.  I'll be fine."  Krycek moved to sit down next
to her and she edged away from him.  "Diana told me that
she was going to live with you.  Is that true?"

Dana looked away.  She picked up a rock and threw it into
the river.  "Yes, it's true."

"That can't be easy.  I can't believe he would have the two
of you live under the same roof."

"It's uncomfortable, that's for sure."

"So, you know about the two of them."

"What do you mean?"  When he said nothing further, she
asked, "Are you implying that William's been unfaithful to
me?"

Krycek stood and walked to the water, his back to her.
"Dana, I'm sorry.  I thought you knew."

"No.  It's not true.  He wouldn't do that to me."

"Of course.  I only have Diana's word anyway."

"She told you this?"

"Dana, I'm sure you're right."

"She's just trying to separate us.  You shouldn't believe
anything that woman tells you."

"Listen, I have to go.  I'm just over the hill," he said,
pointing.  "If you need me, you know where to find me."

She watched him walk up the river and cross on a log that
had fallen over the river.  It wasn't true, she was sure of
it, but maybe that explained why he didn't send Mrs. Diana
Tipton on her way.  Confused, she laid her head back
against the rock, closed her eyes, and rubbed her stomach.
"I don't believe it.  Your Papa wouldn't do that to me,"
she said to her baby.
 

October 26, 1852
Tuesday

Dana never told Mulder that she had run into Krycek.  Nor
did she say anything about what Krycek had told her.  If
Mulder and Diana were lovers, she couldn't find any
evidence of it, which further reinforced her belief that
Diana had lied to Krycek.

The men had been delayed a few days by the intense rain, so
they had fallen behind schedule.  They estimated that if
they had about three days of good weather, they would be
able to finish Skinner's house.  Today was one of those
days.

At about three in the afternoon, the women heard a wagon
pull up to the house.  Dana stood and went to the door.
Jimmy was helping Mulder down just as she reached them.
The other women followed.

"Why have you returned?" Dana asked.

"He hurt his ankle," Jimmy said.  "He tripped and fell and
a log rolled onto it.  We don't think it's broken, but he
says it really hurts."

"I'll be fine in a few days," Mulder said.

Dana moved towards him and said, "Lean on me."

Diana blocked her.  "You're too small to handle his
weight," she told Dana and moved to the other side of
Mulder, wrapping an arm around his waist.  "I'll help
Jimmy," she said, dismissing Dana.

Jimmy and Diana walked with Mulder, ahead of the others.
Mulder turned back to see an angry wife with her hands on
her hips.  He had to turn sideways to allow them to get him
through the door and when he turned forward again, he lost
sight of her.

XXXXXXXXXX
 
"Ow, damn it," Mulder said.

"Sorry," Jimmy said as he lifted Mulder's foot up on a
chair.  "I'm trying to be as gentle as I can."

"Well try harder."

Dana came in with a cloth she had soaked in a bucket of
cold water outside.  Diana was hovering over Mulder and
Dana had to move around her to reach his injury.  Lifting
his ankle, she began wrapping the cloth around it and she
heard him hiss, but one look from her silenced him from
complaining further.  She eased his leg back down and
turned away.

"Papa," Samantha said, "what happened?"

"I had a little accident.  I'll be fine.  It's not so bad."
Caleb walked up and patted his father's ankle.  "Ahh,"
Mulder exclaimed.

"Humph," Dana said.  "You sure about that?"  She walked up
to Caleb and pulled his hand away saying, "No-no, Caleb.
Don't hurt Papa."

Mulder smiled weakly at Caleb to show him that he was not
angry.  "Come here Caleb."  He pulled him into his lap.  "I
hate this.  I'm not going to be any help.  It'll just put
us further behind schedule."

"Don't worry Mulder," Jimmy said.  "We'll be fine."  He
turned to his wife and gave her a quick kiss.  "I have to
be getting back.  You going to be fine Mulder?"

"Yah.  Go ahead."

After Jimmy left, the household began to return to normal,
with Mulder sitting aside observing.  Sharon and her
daughters were preparing candles by the fire.  Diana was
reading from the bible as the other women and the girls
listened, Samantha among them.  Dana sat to one side,
mending the torn clothing - Mulder's ripped shirt and a
patch added to the knee of Caleb's pants.  The two men,
Mulder and Caleb, stayed out of the way of the women.

It had been a long time since Mulder had read his bible,
but he found himself listening to the stories Diana read.
She looked up at him and smiled.  He smiled back.  He was
unaware that Dana caught the little exchange, but his eyes
flicked to her when he heard her get up.  He watched her
with rapt attention as she came over to him.  He smiled,
but she didn't.  His brow furrowed in confusion.  Lifting
Caleb, she said, "Come on Samantha, let's go take a nap."
Samantha followed her and Dana closed the door behind them.

"Sharon," Mulder called.  "Could you help me to my feet?"

Sharon came over and said, "Fox, you should really relax."

Mulder smiled.  "I plan to.  I just thought I would join
them."

"All right Fox.  Louisa, come help me."

Mulder held on to Louisa and Sharon awkwardly, but they got
him to the door.  "I can handle it from here," Mulder said.
"Thank you."

Opening the door, Mulder found Dana laying Caleb and
Samantha onto their bed.  She didn't hear him come in at
first, but as he clumsily made his way over to the bed she
turned around and asked, "What are you doing in here?"

"I thought I'd join you.  I'm glad to see you taking it
easy.  Climb in."

Dana went around to the other side of the bed and climbed
in next to Samantha.  Mulder climbed in; Caleb nestled
between Samantha and himself.

"Is your ankle still hurting?" Dana asked.

"Not as bad as before."

"How much more is there to do?"

"Maybe a few more days worth."

"I know they're all anxious to have their own place."

"Yes, I imagine so."  Mulder looked down at her stomach and
reached over the children, to lay his hand there.  "When do
you want to tell the children?"

She looked down at them as they drifting off.  "Not yet.
Can we wait?"

"Yes, but I don't think we should keep it a secret from
them much longer.  They're going to notice your body is
changing.  At least Samantha will."

"We'll say something when they do.  I just want to rest
now."

He moved his hand up to her cheek and said, "All right.  I
think we all need it."  He felt himself drift off as he saw
Dana's eyes close.
 

November 1, 1852
Monday

It took longer than Mulder estimated to finish the Skinner
house.  The rain had caused more delay, but it also allowed
Mulder time to heal and return to help finish the house.

Now, Dana stood outside with Sharon and Catherine as the
men and Skinner's children carried their things inside.
Caleb and Samantha played close by.  Diana and her nieces
had stayed back at the Mulder place.

"I can't believe we're finally going to be settled," Sharon
said.

"I know what you mean.  It's beginning to feel more real
each day."  Dana looked over to her son and said, "Caleb,
don't throw rocks at the house."

"I can't wait until we have a place too," Catherine said.
"Do you know when they're going to start our place?"

"I think William said maybe tomorrow."

"Oh that would be wonderful.  Jimmy said we're going to
have two rooms, but he'll build onto it later.  It's enough
for me now.  Danny's going to stay in the main room.  I'm
just anxious to be on our own."

Dana smiled and said, "I know the feeling."

Sharon put her arm around Dana and said, "You know, we can
still have Diana and her nieces move in with us."

Dana shook her head.  "William would never allow you to
take on what he feels is his responsibility.  Besides, you
really don't have the room anyway."  She smiled.  "Thank
you for offering though."

"Well," Sharon said.  "I guess I better go in and make sure
everything is going well inside."

As they watched Sharon enter her new home, Catherine turned
to Dana.  "I don't understand why you don't like Diana.
She's always been nice to me."

As much as Dana liked Catherine, it wasn't something she
wanted to discuss with her.  "It's personal."

"Well I would invite her to live with us, but we won't have
any extra space."

"We'll manage.  Looks like they're finished.  Excuse me,"
Dana said as she walked over to take her children into the
house.

XXXXXXXXXX

"Well, what do you think?" Skinner asked Sharon, his arm
around her waist.

"It's perfect," she said.  "Thank you all for helping.  I
can't believe we're finally here."

"I know it's not as big as our old house, but it's a
start."
 
"What do you think of your room girls?" Dana asked Margaret
and Louisa.

"We love it," they chimed.

"At least you have a room," Matthew said.  Victor elbowed
him.

"Hey now," Skinner said.  "We'll fix you boys a room as
soon as we can.  You'll just have to be satisfied with
being in here for the time being."

"It's fine," Victor said, giving his brother a disapproving
look.

"Well," Mulder said, "I guess we had best be getting home
and letting you all settle."  Mulder bent down to pick up
Caleb and grabbed Samantha's hand.  To Dana, he said "I'll
let you say your goodbyes while I get the children in the
wagon."

Jimmy, Catherine and Danny said their goodbyes as well,
leaving Dana with the Skinners.  She felt her eyes tear up.
"I'm going to miss you," she told them.

Skinner and Sharon felt their eyes tear up as well.  "We're
not too far away that you can't send for us."

"I know," she said wiping her eyes.  She threw her arms
around Sharon for a last hug and turned to Skinner, doing
the same.  "I'll miss all of you.  Don't forget, you're
welcome anytime."

"The same goes for all of you," Skinner said.

"Well goodbye," Dana said.  She closed the door quietly
behind her.

Outside, Mulder was waiting for her.  The others had
already headed home.  When she approached him, he pulled
her into his arms, hugging her tight.  "It'll be all right.
We'll still see them."

"I know," she said against his shirt.

He broke their embrace and helped her climb up into the
wagon.  "Anytime you want to come and see them, you just
let me know," he said as he climbed up.

"All right.  Thank you."

"Jimmy and Catherine are going to move upstairs now that
the space is available and Danny's going to move into the
front room.  It's getting too cold for him to stay out in
that tent anyway."

"So are you really going to get started on their house
tomorrow?"

"I think we'll rest tomorrow, but we'll start Wednesday."

"Good.  Catherine's anxious to have her own place too."

They rode quietly until Mulder broke the silence.  "I don't
think we're going to be able to build Diana's house until
the spring."  When she didn't answer, he asked, "Did you
hear me?"

"I heard you."

"We only have time to build one more house.  I don't think
it would be fair to build her house and not Jimmy's when he
and Danny have been helping Skinner and me."

"I didn't say anything."

"I know you didn't, but I know what you're thinking."

"No.  I agree, it wouldn't be right."

"Besides, I think we may need Diana in the house when your
time comes.  If I have to run for Sharon, I don't want you
alone in the house with only Samantha and Caleb."

"I'll be fine.  I don't need her."

"No.  I mean it Dana.  I don't want you to be alone.  I
would never forgive myself if something happened to you.  I
don't think you truly realize how scared I am that
something will go wrong.  I don't think I could go on
if..."  She heard a hitch in his breath.  When she looked
over at him, she could see tears in his eyes.  He swiped
his arm across his eyes.

"Then I want her out of the house as soon as the baby is
born," she said, turning to him.  "And I mean that."

"All right, I promise."  He left her alone as they drove on
in silence and the rain began to fall.  And it continued to
fall on and off for the next month.
 
~~~

Chapter 20

November 29, 1852
Monday

It had been four weeks since the Skinners had moved out and
four days since the Pendrells had left the Mulder home.  It
was beginning to get quiet, but it wasn't as quiet as Dana
would like.  Diana was still in their home.

They had finished a late afternoon meal and Mulder was
sitting by the fire with the children in his lap, reading
to them.

"I ran into Mr. Krycek," Diana said.  "Dana, how come you
didn't tell us he's a neighbor?"

"What do you mean?" asked Dana.

"He said he ran into you some time ago by the river."

Dana looked up, first at a gloating Diana, then to an angry
Mulder.  "What did you just say?" Mulder asked, his voice
rising with each word.

"Dana didn't tell you?"  Diana looked at Dana, as did
Mulder.  "He said he met her by the river."

Mulder stood and put the children on the floor.  He handed
the book to Samantha and walked over to Dana, grabbing her
by the arm.  "Get in there," he said through gritted teeth,
dragging her towards their bedroom.  He pushed her through
the door and slammed it behind him.  "You met him?"

Dana turned around and backed up against their bed.  "She's
twisting it around.  That's not how it happened."

"Are you saying you didn't see him?"

"I was down..."

"Answer me," he yelled, causing her to flinch.  "Yes or
no?"

"Yes. But..."

"Damn it!"  He turned away from her, shaking with anger.
Dana looked up at him nervously, but was afraid to say
anything more, fearing that she might make it worse.

He turned around and glared at her.  "I have to ask.  Why
were you meeting him?  Is he your lover?"

Dana gasped.  "How can you ask that question?"  She
narrowed her eyes.  "That would be more like you, not me."

Mulder raised his hand and before he could stop himself, he
slapped her.  She fell back on the bed.  He stood rooted,
horrified at what he had just done.  He watched her raise
her hand to her cheek, tears flooding her eyes.

"Dana, I'm sorry," he said, reaching towards her.  She
rolled away from him and ran for the door.  When she swung
it open, she found Diana standing on the other side.  She
was sure Diana had been listening to every word.  A slight
smile lit upon Diana's face.  Dana pushed past her, running
out the front door.  She heard Mulder calling her name, but
ignored him. She ran awkwardly away from their cabin,
heading for what she now considered her retreat - the
Skinner household.  Dog followed closely behind her.

XXXXXXXXXX

The sky had turned dark when Dana reached the Skinner
house.  The air was getting cold, but she had stood the
rain and chill rather than go back home.  The tears had
stopped falling long ago and she now felt empty.

Looking up the hill, she saw a light ahead.  "Come on Dog,"
she said, picking up her pace as she got nearer.  Knocking
on the door, she stood back, knowing that she would find
security and comfort inside.

She began to cry again when Walter Skinner opened the door,
a concerned look on his face.  He opened his arms and she
fell into them.   Sharon threw a blanket around her and
they allowed her to cry until there were no more tears.
When Skinner thought she was finished, he said, "Dana, I
know what he did was unforgivable, but I know he regrets
what he did.  He came looking for you here earlier," he
explained.  "He's going crazy with worry."

"He told you what he did?"

"Yes."

"He had no right," she said into his shirt, gripping it
tightly with her fist.

"He wants to apologize.  He's willing to listen to you
now."  Skinner pulled her away and cupped her cheeks,
forcing her to look at him.  "Will you do that?"

"I don't want to see him."

"Well you'll have to eventually."

"I can't talk to him.  Not now."

"All right.  I understand that and he'll have to also.
I'll go tell him you're staying with us.  Can I tell him
you'll be back tomorrow?"

Dana shook her head.  "I don't know."

"I'll tell him I'll bring you back when you're ready.  How
does that sound?"

Dana nodded.  "Thank you."

XXXXXXXXXX

Before Skinner had a chance to saddle his horse, he heard a
horse ride in.  Moving from under the shelter, he saw
Mulder dismount and head for their house.

"Mulder," Skinner called from the shadows.  "I was just
going to ride over to see you."

"Why?" he asked as he walked towards Skinner.  He looked
back towards the house.  "Is she here?"

"Yes."

"Thank God.  I was so worried.  I thought she might return
home when she wasn't here."

"She's inside, but she doesn't want to see you.  Not yet."

"I have to see her Walter.  I have to apologize."

Skinner sighed and said, "All right, but just for a minute.
If she wants you to go, I want you to do as she wishes."
Mulder nodded.  "I'll get her to come home in a few days if
she doesn't on her own."

Skinner pushed the door open and escorted Mulder in.
Sharon and her children sat around the table while Dana sat
by the fire, still warming herself.  Mulder moved towards
her, but Skinner stopped him.

"Dana, Fox is here.  He wants to talk to you."

Dana stood up and backed away from him.  "I don't want to
talk to him."

"What?" a surprised Mulder asked.  "Dana, I'm sorry.  I
shouldn't have done that.  Honey, I would never hurt you on
purpose, you know that."

She didn't say anything and Skinner moved her back by the
fire.  "She needs to get warm.  Dana, sit down here."  He
held onto her as she sat.  Mulder moved towards her again,
but Skinner stopped him, grabbing his arm.  "Leave her
alone tonight.  She can stay with us."

"She's my wife."

"And she's carrying your child.  She's already upset.  You
don't want to do anything that could endanger her or your
child, do you?"

"No," Mulder said, shaking his head.

"Go on home Mulder.  I'll ride over tomorrow.  We'll talk."

Mulder nodded and Skinner released him.  Mulder headed for
the door.  "Come on Dog."  He paused and said, "I am sorry
Dana."  She turned back towards the fire and he closed the
door behind him.
 

November 30, 1852
Tuesday

The next morning, as the sun began to warm the room, Dana
awoke to find the Skinner girls already gone.  All of the
Skinners were already up and out, so she made her way to
the kitchen to eat the food that Sharon had set aside.
After eating, she cleaned her dishes and wiped down the
table.

Skinner walked in from outside.  "Dana, you're up.  That's
good."

"I can't sleep forever."

"You ready to go home?"

"I don't think so."

"I think you should go home.  If not for him, then for your
children."

"That's not fair."

"Hiding from your husband won't do you any good either."
Skinner walked over to her.  "Look Dana, he should never
have hit you, that's true, but you're going to have to move
on.  You can't hide out here."

"I'm not hiding."

"You know we love having you around, but you need to be
with your family."

Dana sat down and put her head in her hands.  "I know.  I
do."  She looked back up at him.  "All right.  Will you
take me back?"

Smiling, he nodded his head and said, "You bet.  I'll just
hitch up the team.  I'll meet you outside shortly."

XXXXXXXXXX

After Skinner dropped her off, Dana took a deep breath and
entered the cabin.  She was surprised to find Mulder gone
and Diana with her children, rocking them slowly by the
fire.  Diana's nieces sat quietly by her side.

"You're back," Diana said, disappointed.

Dana didn't answer.  Instead, she lifted Caleb up and
pulled Samantha from Diana's lap.  She led them to her
bedroom and closed the door.

When Mulder opened their bedroom door several hours later,
he found Dana sitting on their bed.  "I asked Diana to give
us some time today," Mulder said behind her.  She jumped
and turned to look at him.  "Diana said you've been here
for a while.  I'm sorry I wasn't here when you returned."

"I missed the children."

"Not me?" Mulder asked smiling.

His smile dropped when he saw that she didn't return it.
"Could we go sit in the other room?" he asked.  She nodded
and walked into the other room, staying away from him as
much as possible when she passed him.  She also sat in the
farthest chair from him.

When he lifted Samantha and Caleb into his lap, they
relaxed against him.  "No one has ever hit me," she said.

"I've never hit a woman either."

"So I have the honor of being the first," she said
contemptuously.

"And I had no right to do that.  If I could take it back, I
would.  You have to know that."

"I want you to make me a promise."

"I'll never do it again."

"All right, two promises."

Mulder cocked his head.  "That wasn't it?"

"No.  I had something else in mind."

"What?"

"I want you to get that woman out of my house."

"Diana?  Dana, we've been over this.  You're going to need
her."

"If she wasn't here, you would never have hit me."

"You can't blame her for that.  You were the one who saw
Krycek," he said, feeling angry again.

Dana slapped the table with her hand and Mulder jumped.  "I
tried to tell you, he found me by the river.  I didn't go
to meet him."

Mulder paused.  "All right, all right.  So he found you by
the river.  What then?"   When she shook her head, he said,
"Dana, I insist.  Tell me what you talked about?"

Looking at the children, she said, "I don't want to talk
about this in front them."

"Fine," he said, standing and carrying the children back to
their bedroom.  She heard him talking to the children in a
quiet tone.  He shut the door and turned back to her.  "Now
we can talk.  The children aren't here anymore."

She hesitated for a moment.  "He said something about you
and Diana."

Mulder thought for a moment before saying, "He said Diana
and I were lovers?  That's it, isn't it?  You don't believe
him do you?"

"I don't any more than you should believe Mr. Krycek and I
are."

"I'm sorry.  I should never have thought that.  I know you
better than that."

"Besides," she said, "he said Diana was the one who told
him.  He was just repeating what she told him."

"Do you want me to say something to her?"

She shook her head.  She didn't want him spending any more
time with Diana Tipton than he had to through the necessity
of living under the same roof.

They remained quiet for a while, listening to the children
in the other room.  "You know, when we were on the trail,"
he began, "I thought we were getting closer.  When we
married, I told myself that I would be happy if we just got
along...that we would be good companions.  I had
experienced that special love with Penny and never dreamed
that I could feel that way again."  Mulder leaned forward.
"Dana, look at me."  He waited until she looked back up at
him.  "You've made me feel that way again.  No, that's not
right," he said, shaking his head.  "I have never been this
happy in my life.  I thank God every day that you've come
into my life."  He watched the tears begin to fall down her
face.  "I love you," he said.  "I'm sorry I haven't told
you that enough, but I want you to know that."

Dana got up from her seat and came over to him.  He opened
his arms and pulled her onto his lap.  She rested her head
on his shoulder.  "It was cruel of both of them."
 
He began to bend down to kiss her when they heard the
outside door open behind him.  "Oh excuse me," they heard.

Mulder saw Dana look beyond him and felt her tense.  She
moved off of his lap and away from him, heading towards
their bedroom.  He watched her as she closed the door
behind her.

Mulder turned in his seat.  "Diana, I asked you to give us
time.  Why are you back?"

"I'm sorry Fox.  I thought we stayed away long enough.  The
girls are getting cold.  Do you want me to keep them
outside?"

He shook his head.  "No, bring them in."

Diana moved to the door and called her nieces in.  "It's
really getting cold outside," she said.  "Girls, get by the
fire and warm up."

"Sorry girls," Mulder said.  "Thank you for giving my wife
and myself some time."

"You're welcome," the girls echoed, moving over to the
fire.

"I'll start dinner," Diana said.  "I suppose Dana isn't
feeling well?"

"Why would you say that?"  He couldn't help the irritated
tone that crept into his voice.

"Well, she went back to her bedroom instead of starting
supper."

"I'm sure she's checking on the children.  You better wait
and see if she wants to fix dinner," he said as she headed
towards the pots.

Diana stopped and turned.  "All right Fox.  Whatever you
want," she said, smiling.  "Did you settle things with
Dana?"

"Yes," he said.

"Oh."

Mulder could swear that she sounded disappointed, but chose
to ignore her for the time being.  "I'll just go see if she
feels like cooking.  Excuse me."

XXXXXXXXXX

Dana was on their bed, brushing Samantha's hair when Mulder
entered their room.  Caleb lay nearby, watching his mother.
When he saw Mulder, he stood up, arms stretched in Mulder's
direction.  Mulder picked him up and turned him upside
down, causing Caleb to squeal with delight, giggling as
Mulder swung him.

"Be careful," Dana said.  "Don't drop him."

"I won't," Mulder said, swinging Caleb again.  "He loves
it, don't you Caleb?"

"He's turning red in the face," Dana said, setting the
brush down.  She began to braid Samantha's hair.  "He might
throw up."

Mulder turned Caleb back over and lifted him up into his
arms.

"Again Papa," Caleb said.

"See?  He loves it," Mulder said to her.

"All the same, it's best not to get him too excited."  Dana
finished braiding Samantha's hair and said, "There you go."

"My turn.  Can I brush your hair Mama?" Samantha asked.

"I'd have to take it down.  How about another time?"

"Please?"

Dana looked over at Mulder and Caleb.  "Go ahead," Mulder
said.  "We've got time.  Diana can fix dinner tonight.
I'll go tell her."

"No," Dana said, moving to rise.

Mulder put a hand on her shoulder and pushed her back down.
"Let Diana cook for once.  Samantha wants to do this for
you.  Let her."

Dana looked back at Samantha, an expectant look on her
face.  "All right," she said.  She turned back to Mulder.
"Just this once."

"I'll just go tell her.  I'll be right back."

When Mulder returned, Dana had her long hair down and
Samantha was running a brush through the ends.  Mulder sat
down beside her, picking up a handful of her hair.  He ran
his hands through it and said, "Have I ever told you that I
love your hair?"

"I do too Papa," Samantha agreed.

He looked back at her.  "You're doing a good job."  Mulder
reached down and grabbed Dana's hand.  "Do you want to tell
them now?"

"What?" Dana asked.

"You know.  The b-a-b-y.  Do you want to tell them now?"

"Not yet," she said.

"When then?" he asked, dropping her hand and placing Caleb
on his knee, bouncing him up and down.

"I don't know, but not yet.  Please?"

"You know, you're lucky they haven't noticed anything yet,
but whenever you want to tell them, I'll be ready."

She turned and took the brush from Samantha's hand.  "Thank
you.  You did a good job," Dana told her.  Dana began to
put her hair back up.

"I like it down," he said.

Dana laughed, "Well I can't do that in the day."

"Why not?  It's not like anyone would care?"

Dana thought for a moment before saying, "It gets in the
way when I'm working.  You'll have to wait until tonight,"
she said smiling.

"If I must," he said with an exaggerated sigh.  Mulder set
Caleb down on the floor as Samantha slid off of the bed.
"I think I'll go take them for a walk to wear off some of
their energy so they'll sleep soundly tonight," Mulder said
with a wink.  Dana laughed to herself as Mulder walked the
children out of the room.
 

December 1, 1852
Wednesday

The rain was falling outside while Mulder was out of the
house, tending to the livestock, making sure that they had
plenty to eat.  He returned to the house just as Dana
finished preparing the supper.

His children ran to greet him as he entered the cabin.
"Look out," he warned them.  "You're going to get all wet."
He pulled off his jacket and Diana rushed to take it from
him, hanging it up by the door.  He nodded his thanks and
lifted Caleb up, walking towards Dana who was putting the
food on the table.  He leaned over and inhaled.  "Smells
good," he said, bending down and kissing her neck.

She looked up at him and smiled.  "Just wait until you
taste it.  Go wash up."

Setting Caleb back down, he went over to the washbowl and
did as she asked.  He lifted Caleb up so that he could wash
his hands.  "Come over here Samantha.  You too."

"I can reach it Papa," she said, leaning on tiptoes to
reach in.

"So you can.  You're getting so big."

She beamed up at him.  "I helped Mama stir the potatoes."

Dana smiled, "Whip."

Samantha nodded.  "Whip the potatoes."

Mulder looked into the bowl of mashed potatoes and saw a
lot of lumps.  "Looks like you did a good job."

"Everyone sit down," Dana said.  Mulder took his place at
the head of the table with Caleb on his right.  Samantha
sat next to him with Dana on her right, opposite Mulder.
Diana sat between her two nieces.

Dana said the blessing and they dug in to eat.  While they
were passing the food around, Dana said, "Do you think it
will stop raining soon?"

Mulder shook his head.  "I don't think anytime soon.
Samantha, these potatoes are delicious."  Samantha beamed.

"Yes Samantha," Diana said, "I don't think I've ever had
better potatoes than these."  Diana smiled at her, but
Samantha bent her head.

"What do you say?" Mulder said.

"Thank you," Samantha said quietly.  Dana reached over and
squeezed her hand, smiling.  Samantha looked up and smiled
back.

The family ate the rest of the meal in silence.
 

December 3, 1852
Friday

Diana came upon Samantha and Caleb playing beside the
cabin.  Caleb was throwing rocks as Samantha watched.

"Samantha," Diana said.  "Come here, I want to talk to
you."  When she moved closer, Diana bent down and asked,
"Are you hoping for a little brother or little sister?"

Samantha looked back at her, confused.  "What?"

"When Dana has the baby, are you hoping for a little
brother or a little sister?"

"Mama isn't going to have a baby."

Diana smiled at her.  "Of course she is.  Didn't she tell
you?"  Samantha shook her head.  "I wonder why not.  Maybe
she didn't want you to worry about having to share your
Papa with another little girl."

Samantha began to tear up.  "I'm Papa's girl."

"I know you are, but you may not be the only one anymore.
I know you think of Caleb as your brother, but he's really
not.  Your real brothers are buried alongside your poor
Mama.  Having those boys killed her.  It was so sad."

"Caleb is my brother," Samantha said, putting her arm
around him, pulling him close.

"I know you think that dear.  But your Papa can only have
little girls.  You're proof of that.  If this baby
survives, you'll have to share your Papa with her.  I just
don't understand why Dana wouldn't tell you this."

Samantha released Caleb and backed away, tears shining
along her cheeks.  Diana smiled as Samantha turned and ran
inside the house.  Diana felt the sting of a rock hitting
her arm and looked up to see Caleb poised to throw another
rock.  Diana stood and began to move towards him.

"Caleb," Dana shouted from the door.  "Put that rock down."
Diana halted in her tracks and Caleb dropped the rock.
"Come inside Caleb, I want to talk to you," she said,
keeping her eye on Diana.

Dana shut the door behind Caleb and herself, leaving Diana
outside.  She walked over to the rocker by the fire and sat
down, pulling Caleb into her lap.  "Tell Mama why Samantha
is sad."

"She's mean," Caleb said.

"Who is?"

"That lady."  Caleb looked up her.  "I don't like her
Mama."

"What did she say to Samantha?"  Caleb shook his head.
"Caleb, tell Mama."

"No."

"Caleb," Dana scolded.

Diana walked in and Caleb buried his head in Dana's
shoulder.  She decided not to pressure him further in front
of Diana.  She stood with him in her arms and walked into
their bedroom, hoping she could get Samantha to talk to
her.

XXXXXXXXXX

Mulder found Dana sitting on their bed, rocking the two
children who were crying on her shoulders.

"What's wrong?"

"I don't know, they won't tell me, but it has something to
do with your friend," she said, tossing her head in the
direction of the other room.

"Diana?  She said Caleb was throwing rocks at her again.
He hit her with one."

Mulder bent down and pulled Caleb from her arms and Caleb
instantly buried his head in Mulder's neck.  "Caleb, what
has Papa said about throwing rocks?"

"No."

"That's right.  Why did you hit her with a rock?"

Caleb lifted his head from Mulder's shoulder and said,
"She's mean Papa.  Made Samantha cry."

Mulder looked down at Dana.  "What did she say Caleb?"
Caleb shook his head.

"He wouldn't tell me either."

Mulder sat down next to Dana and turned Samantha's face
towards him.  "Samantha, honey, tell Papa what's wrong."
She shook her head and turned her face away from him.

Mulder began to stand when Samantha said, "You said I was
your little girl."

"You are," he told her.

Samantha turned back towards him.  "She said I wasn't going
to be the only one anymore because you only have girls."

Mulder looked up at Dana, then back to Samantha.  "What
does that mean?"

"She said Mama was going to have a baby and that it would
be a girl.  Papa," Samantha cried, "I want to be your only
girl."

Dana looked down at Samantha, anger beginning to show on
her face.  She hugged Samantha tighter as she looked up at
Mulder.  "She had no right to say that to her."  Mulder
nodded, anger clearly beginning to show on his face as
well.  "Samantha," Dana said, "Papa will always love you.
No matter how many brothers and sisters you have."

Samantha lifted her head and looked at Dana.  "She said all
of Papa's boys die.  Like the other ones.  Mama, I don't
want you to die too if you have a boy."

"Mrs. Tipton doesn't know what she's talking about.  Look
at Caleb.  He's healthy.  I was fine when I had him.  You
don't need to worry about anything."

Samantha brightened up a little.  "Really?"

Dana nodded.  "No matter which it is we will love the baby
just as we love you and Caleb."

Mulder stood up and sat Caleb next to Dana.  He looked at
the door to their room and sighed.  "I have to go talk to
her."

"Don't you believe them?"

"Of course I do.  I just have to talk to her.  Stay here."

XXXXXXXXXX

"Diana, I need to talk to you privately."

Diana was sitting at the table with her nieces.  "Of course
Fox.  Girls, go to our room."  When the girls were no
longer in the room, she asked, "What is it?"

Mulder sat down and said, "I need to talk to you."

"Yes?"

"The children are upset.  Can you tell me why?"

"Maybe it's because they didn't know that Dana was going to
have a baby.  I didn't know it was a secret."

"Dana didn't want them to know yet."

"So, it was her decision.  Why wouldn't she want them to
know?"

"I don't know, but it doesn't matter.  It was Dana's
decision when to tell them."

"I wouldn't have said anything if I thought they didn't
know."

"Diana, why would you bring up my sons?  What good did it
do to remind Samantha about her mother?"

"I'm sorry Fox, I didn't mean to."

"Well, I have two upset children now."

Diana hesitated before saying, "Dana seems to like to keep
secrets."

"What does that mean?"

"I mean, she kept the secret about the baby from the
children.  She kept the secret about meeting Mr. Krycek."

"She's explained that to me.  And I don't want to get into
it with you right now, but I think you knew exactly what my
reaction would be when you said something about Krycek
seeing her. Do you get pleasure out of making trouble for
Dana and me?"

"I don't know what you mean Fox," she said, trying to
profess ignorance.

It didn't work.  He began to slowly nod his head.
"Thinking back, I think that's been your intention all
along.  If you think I would ever be with you, you need to
think again.  I only love Dana and I know she loves me.  I
have never loved you."

"That's not true Fox."

"It is.  I can't allow you to try to destroy my family any
longer, no matter what our friendship was in the past.
I've tried to be patient, but you've upset my wife and
children."

Diana began to grow nervous.  "I've got to go check on the
girls," she said, rising.

She stopped in her tracks when he said, "Diana, I don't
think it would be good for Dana and the children if you
stay here anymore."

She turned back around.  "What do you mean?"

"I'm going to take you and your nieces back to Oregon City
and see if we can find a place for you to stay for the
winter."

"Fox, I don't want to go back there.  I want to stay here."

Mulder shook his head.  "I'm sorry.  I can't risk you
upsetting Dana or the children anymore.  I just have to go
see Danny tonight to have him stay with Dana and then we'll
leave tomorrow morning."  He rose and headed back to his
room.  "Get your things packed and be ready to leave early
tomorrow," he called over his shoulder.  "I don't want to
be gone any longer than I have to."

He left a shocked Diana behind and went to tell Dana the
news before heading over to see Danny.

~~~

Chapter 21

December 10, 1852
Friday

The rain began to change to snow during the middle of the
day.  The children were excited to see the snow begin to
fall.  They had been waiting for Mulder to return for the
last two days.  Dana wasn't sure how long it would take for
him to return, but she was beginning to grow anxious.

When he told her that he was taking Diana back to Oregon
City, she was thrilled.  She only wondered how he was going
to find a place when he hadn't before.  He took quite a bit
of money with him, hoping that this would encourage someone
to give Diana and her nieces a place.

They heard a wagon roll into the drive outside the cabin
and the children began cheering.  Dana stood and went over
to the door.  "Hush," she told them.  "It might not be
Papa."

"It is," Samantha exclaimed.  "I know it is."

Dana smiled and said, "All right, let me get the door
open."  Her smile diminished when she saw Mulder helping
Diana down from the wagon and then lifting the girls down
as well.

They all hurried toward the cabin and Dana stood away from
their path.  The girls and Diana immediately headed for the
fire.  Mulder walked more slowly behind them.  "We're
back," he said unnecessarily.

Dana shook her head and felt her heart sink.

"I'll talk to you about it in a little while.  I want to
first get the things in.  Danny," Mulder called.  "I need
you to help me with bringing some things in."

Mulder and Danny began to unload the wagon as Diana and her
nieces tried to warm themselves by the fire.  They all
looked exhausted.  When Danny and Mulder returned from the
wagon, Dana was surprised to see them carry in a bathtub
big enough to relax comfortably in.

Mulder grinned.  "I thought you might enjoy this.  Do you
like it?"

"For me?  Where did you find it?"

"Well, you're not going to believe this.  My father had
several things sent on a ship for us as wedding presents.