Christmas Snow
By Shawen A. Greer

RATING: MSR, PG
DISCLAIMER: As everyone already knows, these characters don't belong to me but to Chris Carter, Fox Broadcasting and 1013 Productions. They are borrowed without permission, but without intent of infringement.
SUMMARY: Mulder invites Scully to an old friend's wedding on Christmas Eve to make up for last year.
SPOILERS: How The Ghosts Stole Christmas
FEEDBACK: Of course, I would love it! Please, please, please! shawen@altavista.com



November

The invitation and response card with its pre-printed envelope stared back at him from the corner of his desk. "A woman had to have come up with the idea of putting green foil on the inside flap of an envelope," he thought to himself. It was not that he was against the institution of marriage, weddings in general made him tense. It was always the same dialog. "It's been a long time!" "How have you been?" "So I hear you work for the F.B.I.?", "Still not married huh?", and finally his the pinnacle of the evening. "I have this friend that..."

He buried his face in his hands with an irritated growl. His friend Rob was getting married in Annapolis next month. It seemed like ages since they had seen each other because their work kept them busy and anti-social. Rob, a now successful Clinical Psychologist, had a private practice in Bethesda. Anyone who thought that Mulder was "spooky" had never met Robert Andrews. Rob had an uncanny sense of people. Mulder had tried to convince him in the past that he possessed the necessary skills that would make him a "natural" at profiling. But his friend had opted for a "normal" life with a house in Annapolis, a BMW, and a new bride. Truth was, Mulder was slightly envious. He wondered sometimes what he had sacrificed to be "Spooky" Mulder. The answers were always painfully obvious.

Rob's astounding "ability" had been well known at college. The testosterone jockeys would pay $20.00 a piece to have him "profile their "little freshman of choice" every fall. His statistics had been astounding. He was able to tell them everything from how to arrange the perfect occasional meeting to the most effective pick-up line. He would even advise them the type of flowers, if any that should be purchased for "Carpe PM" as it was affectionately called. All it took was a couple minutes of guided conversation with the young lady. He was charming and handsome with his sandy brown hear and blue eyes, and the girls willing accepted his guise of Welcoming Committee.

"Maybe I should introduce him to Frohike," Mulder smirked silently.

Phoebe had not been as easily led. It had been years since Mulder thought about that name. Rob's inability to characterize her, and her ability to tell him to get lost, made her mysterious and intriguing. That was enough to draw Fox Mulder to her like a moth to a flame. Some things were meant to be, and they had not been one of them.

Maybe he could make some excuse. Just send his apologies along with a check and a promise to get together after the holidays. The other solution was that he could just take someone. A beautiful girl on his arm should divert the inquisitive eyes and the interrogation.

"Mulder I have the results of the tests we ran on that burn victim in the park." His auburn haired partner reported, as she entered his office in her usual confident stride. "What the hell happened to you?" she questioned his gloomy demeanor. "You look like you lost a friend."

"Not lost Scully, just getting married." Came the muffled reply through his hands that now made their way through his already tousled hair.

"I see. So now the rest of the Loyal Brotherhood of Bachelors have to mourn for...what is the appropriate time period?" she taunted.

"Don't start with me Scully."

"Ok, seriously. Why the brooding?" she asked as she sat down in the chair across from him. She waited with eyebrows raised wondering what about a wedding could be so terrible. "You know Mulder, it's perfectly normal to evaluate your life at times like this. Our relationships and the ones of those around us are essential to who we are and what we are all about. Things like weddings, funerals, births, reunions...they all make us question the choices we've made in life."

Mulder slowly lowered his hands from his face and sat back in the chair with his expressionless gaze fixed on Scully. After a few moments, his arms folded in front of him and his brow knit in puzzlement. "Are you finished analyzing me Ms. Freud?" he questioned, not attempting to hide his sarcasm.

"All I'm saying Mulder is..."

"Scully, enough!" he interrupted. "I'm not re-evaluating my life or questioning any decisions that I've made regarding it. I am perfectly content with who and what I am. Thank you."

"Then why the long face? You certainly don't seem to be happy for him...or her." she challenged after a thoughtful pause. Was that it she wondered? Was Mulder having difficulty dealing with the upcoming marriage of an old flame?

Mulder's face now reflected the sarcasm as he shook his head. "Boy, you're on a roll today G-woman. You've got this case solved don't you?" Then he laughed. "I have no problem with HIM getting married Scully, and my PROBLEM with this wedding is that I don't have a date. Happy? Now you know the deep, dark secret."

She stared at him for a moment with his head cocked to the side and that boyish smirk on his face and started to laugh. "This manic-depressive behavior is due to the fact the you can't get a date for a wedding?" and her laughter continued until her shoulders shook in response.

"Why thank you Miss. Scully for your emotional support."

"Oh...Mulder," she said trying to compose herself. "I'm really sorry!" came through the hand sealing the laughter in her mouth.

"And for the record Agent Scully, the fact in this matter was that I don't HAVE a date for this affair, certainly not that I can't GET one." he clarified defensively.

"I stand corrected Agent Mulder." She nodded a humble bow. "So when is it?"

"December 24 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in historic Annapolis." he motioned to the invitation and its green-foiled envelope.

"Christmas wedding...nice." was her response as she leaned forward and retrieved the crisp white paper.

He sat there lounging back in his chair just looking at her. Dana Scully was quite beautiful with her soft, red hair framing her porcelain white skin. She had eyes bluer than any ocean he had ever seen and lips that could bring a rational man to his knees. He studied her profile as she read the details of the upcoming nuptials. He had memorized every line, every curve, in the years they had been together. She was older now of course, but so was he. The years had been gentle to her, and she remained timeless growing more beautiful it seemed every day.

"Got any plans for Christmas Eve Scully?" he asked her and waited for her list of reasons why she was unable to go with him.

"Why Mulder? Are you going to decline your invitation to a semi-formal evening in lieu of ghost hunting?" she teased. "I might be available...if you promise not to shoot me this year!"

"Very funny Scully." Suddenly he was overcome by shyness and diverted his eyes to the pencil that he was tapping nervously on his desk. They had shared so much together, why was it so difficult for him to ask her? "I'd really like it if you would go with me Scully. Tell you what, let me make it up to you for last year being so...uh...you know." They both had come to terms with what had happened that night, but they never really spoke about it, only offhanded comments like now. "The reception is a the Annapolis Marriott Waterfront. How about I reserve 2 rooms at the hotel for that night, we have a nice evening at the reception, maybe walk around the harbor and look at the lights if the weather permits..."

"Sounds very tempting. I do need to be in Annapolis Christmas Day anyway. Mom's having everyone over for dinner."

He couldn't believe it. She was going to accept.

"Sure Mulder...I'd love to go with you." she said returning the invitation to his desk. "It sounds like a wonderful way to spend Christmas Eve."

"Great! I'll make all the arrangements. We can meet at the hotel Friday afternoon and get ready for the wedding there. The church is only a couple minutes away from the hotel I think." He was trying unsuccessfully to contain his enthusiasm. What could be better than spending Christmas Eve walking around the Annapolis harbor adorned in Christmas lights.

Scully tossed the file she had been holding onto his desk and stood to make her exit. "We can talk about the test results on Monday Mulder. There isn't much there anyway. It's been a long week, I'm going home."

"Scully wait!" he called after her and scrambled to find a pen in his desk drawer. He grabbed the response card and quickly scribbled

Fox Mulder - 2 attending.
Scully had to smile at the way he flamboyantly dotted the "i", as if to prove a point. He stuffed it into the small envelope, licked it, and sealed it shut. "Would you mind dropping this in the mail on your way out?" he asked returning her smile.

She took the envelope and put it in her pocket. "Sure thing. Have a good weekend Mulder." and she made her way to the door.

"Scully..."

She turned to look at him with eyebrows raised. "Yes?"

"Thanks for going with me."

"You're welcome." then after a brief pause she added "Thanks for asking me."

He watched as she turned again and walked out the door. Christmas would be good this year, nothing could be better than spending it with Scully. He decided to call it a day too and closed the file that he hadn't looked at for about an hour. He was too excited to work now anyway, he had preparations to make. He grabbed his overcoat from off of the file cabinet and followed his partner's path out the door, the scent of her perfume still lingering in the air. He closed the door and locked it behind him. "Yep, nothing could be better than Christmas with Scully," he thought to himself. "Except maybe a little bit of Christmas snow. Now that would be perfectly romantic."


December 24 - 4 pm
Annapolis Marriott Waterfront

It was a beautiful day and the Chesapeake Bay glistened in the sun. The refreshing salt air filled Mulder's lungs as he stepped out of his car in front of the hotel on Compromise Street. The valet tipped his hat and thanked him for the tip offering a Merry Christmas, which Mulder happily returned. He had waited for what seemed like a lifetime for this night, and much to his surprise and delight, the forecast called for snow late tonight into tomorrow morning. Nothing was more magical than Christmas snow. He had believed that as a child and carried it with him still. There was something enchanting about snow at Christmas. The dull quiet that filled the night as if the world had been covered by a white blanket, enhanced by the sound of the snow beneath your feet. He could almost smell hot chocolate if he tried.

The revolving door turned easily and he made his way into the elegant lobby. He stopped for a moment and listened to the music coming from the speakers in the ceiling above. He had heard correctly as Bing Crosby crooned White Christmas, and he smiled at the coincidence. "Me too Bing, me too."

He proceeded to the front desk and after the normal formalities was on his way to his room on the fourth floor. Scully's room was to be adjacent to his, but she had not checked in yet according to the desk clerk.

Stepping into his room he suddenly felt out of place having grown accustomed to the two-bit motels that he and Scully normally stayed in. For a moment he was awed by the size and decorum of the luxurious room, and impressed by the white terry cloth robe and newspaper that lay neatly at the foot of the bed awaiting his arrival. He walked over to the sliding door that opened up to a private balcony and pulled the curtains back revealing a beautiful view of the Chesapeake Bay and the surrounding harbor. He made his way back inside, leaving the door open just enough to allow the scent of the salt air and the sound of the water to drift in. He sank into the softness of the queen size bed and let his mind drift to Scully, knowing that the thoughts he had for her were completely out of line considering their partnership. In his mind, she had been so much more than a partner for a very long time. But that was in his mind.


6:25 pm
Hotel lobby

They had arranged to meet in the lobby at 6:30, figuring that this would give them plenty of time to find the church for the 7:00 ceremony. Mulder was aware of his obvious restlessness as he paced the lobby looking at the gallery of photos depicting historic Annapolis. His hands busied themselves adjusting his tie and loosening the constrictive collar of his shirt. He tried to keep them in his pockets telling himself to relax. He was only waiting for Scully. But that in itself was his undoing, for if it would have been anyone else, he wouldn't have cared as much.

He was so distracted by his nervousness that he didn't see her as she exited the elevator. He was the only male head that did not turn in her direction. Upon making his return pass, he happened to look up and his breath caught in his throat at the site of her. She was the most beautiful thing he had ever seen wearing a dark blue velvet dress with its tight waist and flaring skirt that stopped just above her matching shoes. The bodice was very feminine, cut tastefully low, just enough to hint of her wonderful figure. The long sleeves fit snugly to her slim arms and rested just at her wrists. Her hair was full and in soft curls and at that moment he knew that he would have to run his fingers through it, even if accidentally.

"...Mulder, I said are you ready?"

"What?" he tried to snap himself out of the trance she had put him in. "I'm sorry Scully, I didn't see you there." He lied. "Absolutely lets go."

He extended his arm to her and they made their way to the car. They rode in silence most of the way, except the occasional announcement of upcoming streets in locating the church. He could see her glancing at him occasionally, but she turned quickly away when he tried to catch her. He wanted to tell her how beautiful she looked, but every time he tried, the words retreated. As the church came into view, he knew that he had to say something quickly while they were still alone.

"You look really nice Scully." The words fell on his ears in deafening blows. "Really nice...what the hell was that!" he chastised himself. "Good job Mulder...real articulate. You'll have her swooning in no time." Who was he kidding?

"Thanks Mulder." she smiled and smoothed the soft fabric over her thigh.

Swallowing hard, he tried not to imagine the feel of his hand following her action on that soft velvet. He cleared his throat and opened the window slightly allowing the cold air to cool his face.

"You look rather handsome yourself." Her eyes drifted allowing herself the chance to look at him. He was a handsome man with his dark hair and sharp features. His hazel eyes were expressive in ways that words could never equal. It has been said that the eyes were the windows to the soul. If that was true, Scully was sure that Fox Mulder's soul was filled with such intense passion, the likes of which she had never known before. She quickly dismissed the images in her mind as she had done so many times before. Mulder was her partner and she struggled daily to hide the deeper feelings she held for him.

They arrived at the church in plenty of time to be seated and watch the activity as preparations continued in a frenzy of tuxedos. They both sat quietly only inches apart commenting only about the church, the music, or the guests. Mulder being the avid people watcher made frequent observations about the guests which made Scully silence him on more that one occasion for making her giggle. The ushers proceeded down the aisles and lit the candles one by one mounted on the ends of the church pews.

He looked at her in the candlelight. "My God, you're beautiful!" he thought to himself watching the way the light sparkled in her eyes.

She turned to him at that moment with a breathless "Thank you." Their eyes locked for a brief moment and then Scully quickly diverted hers to watch the ushers unrolling the white carpet for the bride's entrance.

Only then did Mulder realize that his words had escaped him. Every breath he took was filled with her perfume and he drank it in unable to get enough of her. His heart was pounding in his chest so loudly that he was sure that she could hear it too. What was she thinking?

Scully tried to focus on the ceremony at hand but she kept hearing Mulder's voice. It wasn't that he had said she was beautiful. His words had come out in a flood of emotion too strong for him to control. No one had ever looked at her the way he had at that moment. She was sure that if she wouldn't have broken away from his gaze that she would have drown in that same sea of emotion.

The ceremony was beautiful with the bridesmaids in green satin, a perfect compliment to the many poinsettias decorating the church. The bride was radiant and simply glowed with every look in her new husband's eyes. Mulder caught Scully dabbing her eyes quickly with a tissue at the end of the ceremony revealing an unspoken novel to Mulder.

The ride back to the hotel for the reception was uncomfortable at best. Neither one wanted to bring up what had been said, so they carefully just avoided conversation.

The chandeliers above dimly lighted the banquet room with its green tablecloths and white linens. Poinsettias were placed at the center of each table joining in the ever-present theme of the evening. Mulder quickly found his place card marked for "2" and they proceeded to their table next to the dance floor, some distance away from the head table. After he held her chair for her, he excused himself and made his way to the bar. He quickly returned with two glasses of wine and took his place next to her. She smiled sweetly and thanked him for the wine. They introduced themselves to the others at the table and passed the time in casual conversation. Dinner was served after the arrival of the bridal party and a raucous reception of the newly married couple. The DJ began playing Christmas music adding the festive mood in the air. Mulder offered to refill their glasses and again made his way to the bar.

A familiar voice came from behind him as he waited for their drinks. "Why Agent Mulder...nice of you to take time from your busy schedule to attend my wedding." Mulder smiled and offered his hand and his congratulations. "I am a lucky man aren't I Fox. I don't know what I ever did to deserve her. For the first time in my life, I feel complete." He watched as the proud groom paused for a moment of reflection, a faint smile on his face as he watched his bride from across the room. "But I'm not telling you anything you don't already know am I, by the looks of you and your sweetie over there." he continued with a nudge of his elbow.

Mulder laughed and shook his head. "No, not quite Rob. We're just friends." Mulder corrected.

"Yeah right."

"No really. Scully's my partner." Then added silently that he only wished they shared more as he observed her laughing with their table companions. She had a beautiful laugh and an even more beautiful smile on the rare occasion she let her guard down.

"So, how long have you been in love with her?" Rob challenged.

Mulder heard the sincerity in his friend's tone and sighed in defeat. He wasn't sure if it was because of the friendship they had established so many years ago or if it was just the need to talk to someone. "A few years now." came his answer.

"She does know how you feel though right?"

"I don't think so. I've become pretty good at hiding it."

"Son, I hate to be the one to break the news to you, but the only person you're hiding anything from is yourself. Or do all partners look at each other the way both of you do?"

He shrugged. It was true that the relationship he and Scully shared was quite unlike their F.B.I. counterparts. "So you're saying that you don't think its one sided?"

"Not from where I'm standing. Not that I claim to be an expert profiler such as yourself Agent Mulder." He gave an exaggerated bow and looked up with a devilish smile. "Want me to talk to her later? I haven't played Welcoming Committee in quite some time."

Mulder could no longer contain his laughter. It was like time had stood still and for that brief moment they were back at college. "Only if you do better than you did with Phoebe!"

"You were fairly warned Fox Mulder. I take no responsibility for that situation." He placed his strong hand on Mulder's shoulder and the shine of his new gold band caught the light. "All jokes aside Fox. Talk to her. You owe it to yourself and to her. And chances are, if I can see how much you love her, so can she."

Mulder remembered the look on his old friend's face as he recited his wedding vows to his beautiful bride just an hour or so before. He remembered how Scully had looked in the candlelight of that church and the expression on her face after hearing what he thought was his silent confession. Rob had used the word complete, that his new wife completed him. Mulder already knew that Scully had completed him a long time ago.

"Oops, gotta run. Time to dance with Mrs. Andrews." As he made his way to rejoin his bride he looked back one last time. "Just do it Fox, some things really are meant to be."

He stood for a moment their wine glasses in hand thinking about what his friend just said. Some things are meant to be. From the very beginning he had teased her that she must have pissed someone off to be assigned with him. Her scientific rebuttal of the X-Files was to be her penance and his undoing. Never before had he considered the possibility that it was not her curse that sent her there, but his blessing that led her to him.

He returned to her extending her glass to her. "Sorry I was gone so long. Rob caught me at the bar." He watched as she brought her glass to her lips. "Just do it Fox," echoed in his head.

"That's ok Mulder, it was nice of him to take the time to personally greet you." she told him.

The DJ's voice halted any further conversation and requested that the guests form a circle around the perimeter of the dance floor for the bride and groom's first dance together as husband and wife. Mulder extended his hand to her. "Shall we?" She took his hand and smiled one of those rare smiles that warmed his heart.

"The bride and groom have chosen for their first dance Because You Love Me by Jo Dee Messina. I present to you Mr. And Mrs. Robert Andrews."

Scully stood in front of him as the sound of a piano began and they watched as Rob and his bride took their places in each other's arms and swayed slowly to the music. The lights dimmed enhancing the romance of the moment as she listened to the song unfold, tugging at her heart reminding her of Mulder.

"I don't know how I survived
In this cold and empty world for all this time
I only know that I'm alive
Because you love me"

He had entered her life 7 years ago and had filled a void that she had not known even existed in her life. He had saved her from many an unimaginable foe from psychopaths to cancer and through every trial and tribulation in her life, he had given her the desire to carry on and the strength to do so.

"When I recall what I've been through
There's some things
That I wish I didn't do
Now I do the things I do
Because you love me"

Her trust in him was unconditional and her faith was unwavering. She would do anything for him and she knew that he would do the same for her. They were more than partners. They were soul mates, believing in each other more than anything else in life.

Mulder stood behind her and surrendered to the voice still echoing in his head. He stepped in a little closer and rested his hands on her waist and felt the warm velvet under his fingers. He felt Scully jump just a little as she gasped a little breath at his touch. When after a few moments she didn't retreat, he pulled her back to him and wrapped his arms gently around her and rested his cheek lightly on the top of her auburn head. To his surprise, she leaned into him and brought her hands to rest on top of his.

Scully could feel his staggered breathing drift to her neck sending shivers through her body. His body was warm against her and her mind struggled between fantasy and reality being suddenly thrown into an abyss of confusion and longing. She didn't dare question, not now. She had longed to experience being in his arms like this and would savor it as long as it lasted.

Soon after the bridal party was asked to join the bride and groom on the dance floor, the guests were asked to do the same. Mulder took one of Scully's hands in his and lead her a couple steps into the dance area. He took her into his arms and swayed slowly in time with the music, which was much slower than the beating of his heart. Their eyes found each other and it was as if everything else had melted away into nothing. They were alone together with only the music, holding each other in their arms and in their hearts for this one brief moment. Their eyes said more than any words they could ever try to express. This time Mulder took the words that were drifting around them in the song and claimed them as his own. He did believe in many things, but mostly he believed in Scully.

"I believe in things unseen
I believe in the message of a dream
And I believe in what you are
Because you love me"

"With all my heart and all my soul
I'm loving you and I never will let go
And every day I'll let it show
Because you love me"

The music ended and the tempo picked up and they reluctantly made their way back to the table. Mulder picked up his glass of wine and finished it quickly. There was an awkward silence between them now almost is if words would break the spell that had been cast. He resolved to do what his heart was telling him before he let level-headedness bring to an end the enchantment.

"Scully, I must have left their card in my room. Will you excuse me for a few minutes?" he kissed her hand that he realized he was still holding and made his way out of the dimly light room into the brightness of the lobby. He smiled as he approached the young blonde behind the front desk, "Hi there. My name is Fox Mulder and I'm in room 404," he began. "I need the assistance of your concierge please."


(20 minutes later)

Mulder returned to the reception and snickered to find a very charming but un-amused Scully in the center of the other single women in the room hoping to catch the bouquet. The drum roll began and the flowers were tossed into the air. Petals flew to the floor as a tall brunette next to Scully intercepted the bouquet. He watched as she graciously congratulated the winner and returned to her seat. Before he could reach her, he was ushered to the dance floor with the other single men as the garter was removed to the usual howls and whistles. Scully had refilled her wine and took a sip as she watched the young men in their preparation for the battle of the garter. She watched as it traveled high in the air and began its descent right above Mulder's head. He was so graceful that she was sure no one else noticed as he stepped back and allowed the lanky young man next to him snatch it in mid-air. He flashed his wonderful smile in conjunction with the mock punch on the arm to the guy proudly waving his prize over his head.

He approached the table, with a mock look of defeat. "I almost had it Scully! Jr. there just cut me off, I demand a do over." When their eyes met, his quickly diverted which confirmed her suspicions that Fox Mulder purposely avoided the catch. It was why that she had not figured out.

The festivities continued throughout the night and it was a very enjoyable evening. They exchanged minimal glances once in awhile but the tension increased whenever they couldn't avoid being alone together for any extended period. The pace was slowed down again and another dance beckoned them, but before he could ask her, she excused herself on the pretense of powdering her nose. During her absence, he again refilled their wine glasses. While waiting at the bar, the concierge entered the room and made eye contact with Mulder. He nodded confirmation that the arrangements had been made per his request, making his exit as Scully joined her partner at the bar. He handed her a glass that she gratefully accepted, and the announcement came that it was time for the last dance of the bride and groom.

"Hey Scully, what do you say we get out of here?"

"You don't want to stay for the last dance Mulder?" she questioned with her head tipped to the side and her eyes wide. The wine was taking effect slightly, but she was simply charming as her guard slowly began to drop.

"If you want to stay we will," he whispered taking her hand again in his. "I was thinking we could go upstairs and change, and maybe go for that walk."

In response to his suggestion, she tipped her glass back and polished off the remainder of the wine. "I like your idea better. Let's go!"

Unconcerned about the wine that remained in his glass, he placed it on the bar and offered her his arm. Unable to say their goodbyes to the dancing couple, they snuck out quietly and made their way to the fourth floor to change into warmer clothes more suitable for walking in the winter night.


11:40 pm

Mulder knocked softly on the door to Scully's room. It opened a few seconds later to reveal Scully now wearing jeans and a sweater and carrying her coat. "All set Scully?"

Fox Mulder stood before her in jeans and a black turtleneck just tight enough to form to the contours of his body. Over the shirt, he wore his black leather jacket trimmed in lamb's wool around the neck. He was quite a site to behold, and Scully wasn't sure whether he was more handsome before in his suit or now with this air of ruggedness. The wine had been intoxicating, but not as much as being close to him. She nodded that she was ready, afraid of how her voice might sound if she attempted to speak. There was still a lump in her throat and her breathing had quickened again at the site of him. She smiled and made her way past him into the hallway as he closed the door, which echoed in the vacant corridor, and double-checked the lock.

The faint sound of Perry Como singing Ave Maria played above them as the elevator carried them down to the lobby which was mostly empty now except for some stragglers from wedding still saying their goodbyes. Mulder helped her with her coat and they left the warm glow of the hotel in exchange for the blanket of the cold winter night.

As he had anticipated, the lights hanging from the many buildings surrounding them reflected in the harbor like stars fallen to earth. The smell of a fireplace burning somewhere close by filled the air and the sound of carolers could be heard in the distance. She was as beautiful in the moonlight as she had been in the glow of those candles, and he lightly fingered the velvet box in his pocket. He casually walked past her and leaned on the thick wooden post of the dock and looked into the night sky above them.

"Scully, did it ever occur to you that perhaps the biggest X-file of all is Christmas? How for one day everything is right with the world and you can just feel the magic in the air?"

She continued her slow shuffle along the dock looking at the boughs of green garnished with bows that hung from the streetlamps feeling the magic he spoke of. "Then how do you explain the vast increase in suicides at this time of the year Mulder? The holidays also reaffirm the loneliness that some people harbor all year."

"Scully would you marry me?" he asked quietly.

"Hypothetically speaking Mulder," she chose her words carefully, "when you decide to marry...any woman would be lucky to have you for a husband. You come from strong genetic stock remember?" She tried to make her response sound casual recalling a conversation they had many years ago. They had spoke of children and the future, and the promise of children was something that she couldn't offer him. She couldn't offer that to any man.

He walked up behind her and took her again in his arms as he did earlier, burying his face between her neck and shoulder. "Scully" he whispered in her ear. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She shivered in his arms hoping that he believed it was from the cold and the not the exhilaration she felt again being so close to him.

His right arm slid from her waist and into his pocket to remove the small velvet box. He returned his arm around her and opened the box in front of her. "Dana Katherine Scully, will you marry me?" She didn't answer him. Instead, he could feel her shaking in his arms that he was sure coincided with tears that were running down her cheeks. He turned her around to face him and saw that he had been correct. He raised her small face with a hand and forced her to look at him.

"Why Mulder? Someone else could offer you so much more than I can." Her voice was strained as she tried desperately to control it through her sobbing.

"Scully, you offer me more than I could ever want or ask for, and certainly more than I probably deserve. I love you Scully, I always have."

"What about children Mulder, I know you want children."

"I know that I want you Dana Scully and only you for the rest of my life." He wiped the tears from her cheeks and the kissed them. It was then that he saw the first flake fall, and then another, and soon the world around them transformed into a child's snow globe. Mulder curiously looked at his watch and it confirmed his suspicion. It was midnight. It was Christmas morning and his wish had been granted, there was snow. He pulled her closer to him and brought his lips to hers and softly kissed her. His face remained close enough that he could feel her breath on his face. "Merry Christmas Scully." was all that he said and he kissed her again, more passionately this time, his tongue parting her lips.

"Mulder, I love you." She whispered.

He took the ring out of the box and held both of her hands as he dropped to one knee on the now snow covered dock. "Scully, I know that I don't have much to offer you and God knows that you deserve so much more than to be Mrs. "Spooky" Mulder. But I can't imagine spending my life with anyone but you. You are my life. Will you marry me Scully?"

"Yes Mulder...yes I'll marry you!" she answered through more tears as he placed the diamond ring on her finger. He stood and kissed her again and she saw that he was crying too.

"Thank you Scully. Thank you for the most wonderful Christmas gift I could have ever asked for."

"You're welcome Mulder. Thanks for asking me." she smiled.

He hugged her tightly and kissed her now adorned left hand. They made their way back to the hotel for a private celebration of their new relationship, walking arm in arm in the snow.


Because You Love Me/Jo Dee Messina
Written by John Scott Sherrill/Kostas

I don't know how I survived
In this cold and empty world for all this time
I only know that I'm alive
Because you love me

When I recall what I've been through
There's some things
That I wish I didn't do
Now I do the things I do
Because you love me

And now that you're in my life
I'm so glad I'm alive
'Cause you showed me the way
And I know now how good it can be
Because you love me

And now that you're in my life
Oh, I'm so glad I'm alive
'Cause you showed me the way
And I know now how good it can be
Because you love me

I believe in things unseen
I believe in the message of a dream
And I believe in what you are
Because you love me

With all my heart and all my soul
I'm loving you and I never will let go
And every day I'll let it show
Because you love me
Because you love me
Because you love me

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