Title: Sarah 19. You Are Invited To a Wedding
Author: Carol Gritton
Series: Sarah series
Classifications: S
Spoilers: None
Ratings: G
Disclaimer: The characters and situations of the television program "The X-Files" are the creations and property of Chris Carter, Fox Broadcasting, and Ten Thirteen Productions, and have been used without permission. No copyright infringements are intended. This work is not to be forwarded or distributed to any newsgroup, FTP, or WWW site without the permission of the author. The song Butterfly Kisses belong to Bob Carlisle. The song of One Boy, One Girl belong to Collin Raye.

Summary: The next of the Sarah series; Sarah gets married.

Author's note: This is a joint effort by myself and Carol Gritton. I couldn't have done it without you, Carol. Thanks to Carol Gritton and Eleanore for the delightful character of Sarah, this wonderful series and for the opportunity to be a part of it.

Thanks to everyone who has responded to my stories, it is GREATLY appreciated and very encouraging. I am having a lot of fun with these and couldn't do it without your support. I hope you enjoy this.

The Present

Robin was tense. He'd met Sarah's father several times, but he always felt he was being scrutinized. He didn't think Mr. Mulder liked him very much. Sarah explained it was because he felt he was losing her, but Robin thought it was something else. God, he hoped he wasn't making a fool of himself. He loved Sarah so much, he just couldn't see his life without her. Pulling up in front of the house, Robin turned off the engine and sat in the car, gathering courage. He was thirty two years old for God's sake, a grown man. And Sarah was thirty. They weren't children, they knew what they wanted out of life. He hadn't asked Sarah yet, he felt it would be the honorable thing to ask her father first. He wasn't sure why, it just seemed like the thing to do.

"Mulder?" Scully called to him from the front room. "Robin's out front, is Sarah coming by tonight?" She saw the car pull up and when no one came to the door, she peeked out the window.

Mulder came out of his office, his glasses in his hand. "She didn't say she was coming by."

"Well, he's coming in, be nice." She whispered as she headed for the door. Mulder retreated to the den. He didn't have a good feeling about this meeting.

A curtain moved slightly and Robin figured he looked silly just sitting there so he slowly got out of the car, straightened his jacket and walked to the front door. Scully opened it as he neared the bell.

"Hi Robin!" Scully greeted him. "It's nice to see you here, come on in."

"Mrs. Mulder." He gave her a kiss on the cheek that she proffered and clasped her hand. "Nice to see you again."

She closed the door and for a moment, they stood in the foyer, silent, awkward. Finally Robin spoke. "I came to speak to Mr. Mulder, if he's available."

"Sure, I'll get him. Come on in. Would you like something to drink?"

"Well, maybe a glass of water. Thanks." He was as nervous as a school boy picking up his prom date.

Scully went into the den first. "Mulder, Robin's here to speak to you." She had a wry grin on her face. She knew what was about to take place, she could feel it. "Don't make him beg, Mulder. And don't pull out any weapons. You've used that one already."

Mulder scrunched up his face. This is not what he wanted to do tonight. "Send him in, Scully, I'll take care of him."

She hesitated at the door, looking back at him one last time. Mulder noticed the hesitation and said, "I promise, I'll be decent."

A few moments later, Robin was led into the den and Mulder motioned him to sit across from the desk. They shook hands and talked of the weather for a few minutes, then Mulder fell silent, waiting.

"Mr. Mulder." Robin cleared his throat and figured he'd get right to it. "I'd like to ask for Sarah's hand in marriage."

Mulder sat there, giving Robin the once over. He slowly nodded and chewed on the tip of his glasses. "What does she have to say about this?"

"Well, sir, I haven't asked her yet. I wanted to get your permission, your blessing first."

Again, Mulder nodded. He was impressed. This 'boy' had asked him first. He wondered what would happen if he said no. Both Scully and Sarah would kill him, that's what would happen. "I suppose you know already, she's a very strong minded individual, she goes after what she wants and she gets it."

"Yes, sir, I do know that." He grinned, slightly chuckling.

"Do you find that funny?"

"No, ... No sir, not at all. I just meant, I admire that quality in her," Robin stammered.

Mulder smiled inwardly. He had him now. He could toy with this guy for a while and might get some fun out of it, but then thought he'd give him a break. After all, he was going to be family. "She can be very stubborn and on occasion single minded. But she's loyal to the end. Are you?"

"Yes sir! I love her very much, sir. I can't imagine life without her." Robin's face turned a slight crimson.

"Well, that makes two of us." Mulder was silent again for a moment. He knew what Robin did for a living. It was a very good living, he could well support Sarah, but Sarah could also support herself. He needn't worry about that. "You realize that if you marry Sarah, you're marrying into this family. You take her, you take all of us too. Think you can handle that?"

Robin lowered his head and thought before he spoke. He wanted to get this right. "Mr. Mulder, I'm an only child. I didn't have much of a family, no brothers or sisters. My father worked hard to put me through school and died before he could see his dream realized. My mother is finally able to rest now after working her entire life. I love Sarah's family as much as I love her. I want all of us to be a family. I look forward to having a house full of children when the time is right. I look forward to spending the rest of my life with Sarah and her family."

A tear almost came to Mulder's eyes. This was the right man for Sarah. He was honest, hardworking, loving, caring. He wanted to be a family man. Most of all, Mulder could see that this man loved his daughter and in the two years they'd been dating, not once had Sarah spoken ill of him. He extended his hand and grinned. "Welcome to the family."

Robin's grin was a full face smile and Mulder could see the relief falling around him. "Thank you, sir."

"Don't thank me yet, you have to ask her now." Mulder grinned. As Robin turned to leave, Mulder called out to him one last time. "You take good care of my daughter, or you'll have to answer to me and it won't be this much fun."

"Yes sir, thank you, sir." Robin closed the door after him.

Scully met him at the door and kissed his cheek. "He really likes you, you know."

Robin smiled. "Thanks, I think a lot of him too." Then he was whisked out the door.

Scully walked slowly to the den, giving Mulder time to absorb what this meant. He was sitting quietly staring off into space when she slid open the doors.

He turned to stare at her. Thinking of how life would have been without his Sarah. "We're losing her, Scully."

"No, we're not, Mulder. She'll always be here, she'll always be your little girl. No matter what." She walked over and stood behind him, placing her arms around his neck, kissing his cheek. "You have to know, Mulder, that you'll always be first in her heart."

He picked up Scully's hand and kissed her palm. "Thanks Scully." She always knew what to say to make things better. Mulder remembered the day Sarah told him about Robin.

The Past

Sarah had agonized for days over telling her father about Robin. She had always been able to talk to her father about anything, but now she found it almost impossible to tell him about the man she was most likely to spend the rest of her life with. In the end, she had called him and arranged to meet him for lunch.

Mulder had fretted over Sarah's reason for their lunch date. They lunched together regularly, so it wasn't as if they were doing something out of the ordinary, but there had been something in her voice when she had called him. He didn't know what it was, he couldn't put his finger on it, but there was something.

Sarah was already there when he arrived at the appointed place at the appointed hour. He greeted her with a hug and a kiss, and his eyes roamed over her in their customary appraisal. Sarah no longer lived at home, she had her own apartment, but it still didn't stop him fretting over whether she was eating properly and looking after herself in the right way. He needn't have worried - she looked wonderful in her smart blue suit.

They ordered - a prawn sandwich and coffee for Sarah, and a tuna sandwich and iced tea for her father. They made small talk while they waited for their order, mostly about how Stephanie and Josh were getting on at school.

"It must seem awfully empty at home with just you and Mom there," said Sarah, just as their lunches arrived.

"It is," answered her father, a hint of wistfulness in his tone. He missed the days when the house had echoed with the laughter and bickering of his children. Sometimes it'd had the appearance of a madhouse, but Mulder would willingly trade that for the silence that now seemed to permeate the walls. "Still, times change, and you have to adapt." He just seemed to have had a harder time than most in adapting.

They both took a bite out of their sandwiches and chewed. "So, what's on your mind?" he asked eventually.

Sarah smiled. "How do you know there's something on my mind?"

He looked at her. "Sweetheart, I'm your father. You're twenty eight years old - I think I can safely say that I know you by now!" He paused. "And I got the feeling that there was something you wanted to tell me when you called the other night." Sarah shook her head, and smiled. They knew one another so well. "So what's up? You can tell me, Sarah... you can tell me anything, you know that." He'd run the various scenarios through his mind - that she had lost her job, she was pregnant, or that she was in some other kind of trouble. He discounted the idea of pregnancy - as far as he knew she didn't even have a regular boyfriend.

Sarah looked at him - it was now or never. She took a deep breath. "Dad... I've met someone. His name's Robin Chalmers, and he's a pediatrician."

Mulder sat there, speechless. "When?" Was all he could utter.

"Six months ago. We met at that fund-raiser you were supposed to come to."

Six months... and she hadn't said a thing. He wondered if she'd said anything to Scully, but he guessed not. "Do you love him?" asked her father.

"Yes," answered Sarah.

"Is he 'the one'?"

Sarah looked down briefly at the table, then back up to meet her father's eyes. Her own eyes were shining, and she looked so happy. "I think so."

"Then that's all that matters," smiled her father.

"No it isn't, Dad. I need to know that you're happy for me."

Mulder reached across the table and caressed her cheek. "Oh, sweetheart... of course I'm happy for you." Mulder had dreaded the day that another man came along and replaced him in Sarah's affections. He knew that she would always love him, but it still came as a shock nonetheless. That she would rely on someone else to take care of her, to support her in her times of need, have someone else to confide in. "So, when do we get to meet Robin?"

"I'd like to bring him to meet you and Mom on Sunday, if that's all right."

"I'm sure that will be just fine," said Mulder warmly. "I'll ask your Mom to do one of her famous roasts."

Sarah laughed. "Okay!"

Mulder studied her as she sipped her coffee. Had they grown that far apart since she had left home? The gradual separation had started when Sarah went off to university, and had continued, little bit by little bit, ever since. This was as final as separation could get - his daughter entrusting herself to another man.

He was startled back to the present when Scully patted his shoulders. "Well, I guess I better get ready. Sarah and I have a lot of planning to do."

He smiled up at her and nodded. "Scully, I want this to be a day she'll never forget, don't spare the expense, we can afford it."

Nodding, Scully smiled. "She won't forget it, Mulder." Then her smile turned wry again. "I don't think we will either."

Robin was a block away when he finally released a deep sigh. 'Boy, that was tougher than I figured. God, let her say yes.' He said a silent prayer. He was on his way to Sarah's to propose. Why on earth he was tackling both in one night he'd never understand. But he didn't think he could sleep without doing it. The day he'd first laid eyes on her was a day he'd never forget or regret.

She was the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen. Tall, slim, high cheek bones, delicate and elegant, such a demure expression and the most captivating eyes he'd ever seen - he just had to meet her. He didn't take his eyes off her all night. Collaring the friend he'd come with, he asked. "David, that woman over there, do you know who she is?"

"Which one?" David asked.

Robin pointed across the room. "There, in the black dress with the white collar."

"Oh, that one! She's quite a beauty, isn't she?" David smiled.

"Who is she?" asked Robin again. "You know everyone here, David."

David had been on the committee that had organized the event. "Sarah Mulder."

Robin whispered her name. "Sarah Mulder." Turning to David he pried further. "What do you know about her?"

"She has a doctorate in Child Psychology and is up and coming in her field. Has several articles already published in some well-respected journals, including the New England journal."

"Is she here with anyone?"

"No, her father was going to come, but he had to pull out at the last moment."

Robin's brow lifted. "So ... she's not with anyone? There's no boyfriend or husband lurking around?"

David laughed. "Not that I know of." He studied his friend's lovelorn expression. "Would you like me to introduce you?"

Would he ever!

He jumped at the sound of a car horn, bringing him back to the present. Robin didn't know how he'd made it, but he was pulling into the parking space of Sarah's place. He checked his pocket and pulled out the ring, to take one more look. It was a beautiful ring, he sure hoped she liked it. It cost him two months' salary but she deserved the best. He snapped it closed and put it back into his pocket.

Sarah was just lighting the candles on the table when Robin opened the door. "Sarah, didn't I tell you to keep this door locked? You never know just what psycho will walk right on in." She was so trusting.

"You mean like the one that just came in?" Sarah grinned. "I heard your car, Robin and just unlocked it. I promise, it was locked." She put her arms around his neck and kissed him. "You hungry?"

"For food?"

"Yes, silly." She slapped his arm playfully. "Come on, dinner's ready. Pour the wine, ok?"

They ate and talked about work mostly. Robin seemed so unsettled, Sarah thought, but he ate well. She was an excellent cook, but her time was limited, so she grasped every opportunity she could to try out her culinary skills on him. They settled on the sofa after dinner with a bottle of wine, listening to soft music. Sarah sat with her back nuzzled against him, her head laid back against his chest. He gently caressed her arm, slowly moving his fingertips up and down her soft skin. Figuring he'd had enough wine to give him the courage, he squeezed her arms and whispered her name. "Sarah."

"Yeah." She replied in a soft comfortable voice.

"Sit up for a minute, Ok?" She pulled away and moved over to sit next to him on the sofa, wondering what was going on. Robin sat forward, his hands clasped in front. Something was on his mind. "Sarah, we've known each other for about two years now. I know that you have a full career planned and I know you're doing very well on your own. We've talked a little about getting together but it was always maybe someday." Then he moved and putting one knee on the floor, took her hand. "Well, someday is here for me. The first moment I saw you, I was in love. I can't see my life continuing without you. I want to grow old with you, I want to spend the rest of my life making you happy, giving you children, loving you and caring for you. Will you marry me?" The question was barely a whisper and as he spoke, Robin pulled out the little velvet box and flipping it open, he handed it to Sarah.

Sarah's breath was taken away. She'd known shortly after meeting him that he was the man she wanted to spend her life with. But she'd promised herself that she'd succeed in her goals first. Robin took the ring out of the box and took her hand in his. He slipped the ring on, it was the perfect size. She stared at the engagement ring. A beautiful gold ring with diamond baguettes left and right of the large round single diamond that stood above. The light caught the stones and a prism of colors reflected in her eyes. 'My God, it must have cost a fortune', she thought. "Oh, Robin, it's beautiful."

"Is that a yes?" He asked hopefully.

Sarah's face lit up with a wide smile, tears welling up in her eyes. "Yes, yes, I'll marry you." Her arms flew around his neck. When she pulled back, she looked deeply into his tear filled eyes. She leaned in and they kissed.

Sarah took another sip of wine, a frown threatening to form. Robin noticed, "What's wrong?"

She smiled. "Well, I was just wondering how to tell Dad."

"You don't have to, he already knows."

"What?" Her mouth hit the floor.

"I asked him tonight." Robin seemed quite pleased with himself.

"You were over there tonight and actually asked for my hand in marriage?" She couldn't believe it, it floored her. Robin just grinned and nodded. "And he said yes?"

"Why wouldn't he? Don't you think he likes me?" Robin teased her.

"Well of course he likes you, it's just ... well, I just thought he'd take it a bit harder." She almost seemed a little disappointed.

Robin thought about the meeting. "Believe me, he took it hard enough."

He had to tell her almost word for word what had taken place. Of course he told his version, which was short and to the point. She was happy that her father loved her enough to believe in her and to accept the man she loved. "When do want to do this?" She asked.

"How about September, just before it starts to get cold. If it's all right with you, I'd like to honeymoon in Hawaii, the weather will be perfect in early September."

Sarah nodded, she couldn't believe how much her life had just changed. Three months, God, she had a lot to do in just three months!

Mulder came out of the study upon hearing the front door close. One very tired looking Scully greeted him. "Scully, you look exhausted," he remarked. Scully allowed herself a tiny smile - trust her husband to state the obvious.

"I am exhausted, Mulder," she replied, kicking off her shoes. "Oh, that's better."

"Go and put your feet up - I'll make some coffee."

She went into the living room, and stretched out on the couch. Mulder came through after a while with the coffee. Scully accepted it from him gratefully, like a parched desert soaking up some long awaited rain.

"So how did your shopping trip go?"

Scully shook her head. "I never knew that shopping for a wedding gown could be so difficult. You know, Mulder, I swear we took in every bridal store in DC..."

"And let me guess - Sarah still didn't find anything she liked!" He chuckled - it was those all day shopping trips to the mall all over again. "Well, you knew what you were letting yourself in for - you know what she's like!"

"Yes, I do," replied Scully, recalling the very first shopping trip she and Sarah had ever been on together, not long after the child had come to live with her father. Even at six, Sarah had very definite ideas of what she wanted.

"So she didn't find anything she liked?" he asked, massaging Scully's aching feet. She closed her eyes and savored the touch of his thumbs on the soles of her tiny feet.

"There are a couple of possibilities," answered Scully. "She's going to mull it over before making the final decision."

Mulder nodded. "Okay. You did tell her that money's no object, didn't you?" He didn't care what it cost - he wanted Sarah to be the most beautiful bride that had ever walked the Earth, other than Scully.

"I did, Mulder." Scully finished her coffee, and gave a slight shudder.

"What?"

"I was just thinking that once we've sorted out Sarah's dress, we'll have to start all over again with Stephanie's bridesmaid's dress."

"And of course, Josh and I will have to have tuxedos..." Mulder gave a wicked grin as Scully groaned. She'd definitely have to go along for that - there was no way she would allow those two to go off clothes shopping on their own. They would more than likely both come back with something highly inappropriate.

"Don't even think of it, Mulder," she said in a warning tone.

"What? I was just thinking about something in white, with sequins, you know, the Elvis look." He grinned, contorting his face in an Elvis impression, lip curling upwards. "Know what I mean?"

Scully had to laugh out loud as she pulled his face to hers and kissed his mouth. "Sarah would never speak to you again." Then she sighed. "It's going to be a really nice wedding, Mulder. We've got quite a bit planned already."

"Thanks for helping her, Scully. I know you have a full plate as it is."

"I want to, besides, it'll prepare me for when we go through this with Stephanie." She smiled.

"I hope we have a long while before we have to do this again, I don't think I can handle losing both my baby girls so close together."

Stephanie was already waiting for Sarah, who arrived ten minutes early for their rendezvous. Today they were going to choose the bridesmaid dresses. Scully had several appointments at the office, so she was unable to attend. Steph desperately wanted to take part in choosing these dresses, especially as she was going to be wearing one.

"How are we going to be wearing our hair, Sarah?" Everything was going to be done to Sarah's satisfaction and no one gave her any grief over it. They were all willing to do whatever it took, they were just as excited as Sarah was. "I was thinking if you're wearing yours up, we should also, don't you think?"

"Yes, actually, that's a good idea. What do you think of a french twist?" Sarah was really enjoying planning this wedding with her sister and mother. They'd decided not to hire a consultant even though Mulder had said to spare no expense. It really was a waste, she knew what she wanted and besides that, it was fun.

"Well, what about this?" Stephanie pulled a magazine page from her purse and held it up for Sarah to see. "I saw this and since we all have long hair, it should be easy to do and I just love this style," she said hopefully. The hair was pinned at the back of the neck and had four tear drop style loops, three above a longer one underneath, like it was almost tied in a knot. The bangs were swept up and over to one side, giving it an elegant contrast to the straight back style.

"Oh, that's nice. Yeah, I think I like that." She smiled at her younger sister. Her own hair would be pinned up in a variety of loops and curls. "That'll be a perfect match, yet different enough. I like it! You did good, kiddo."

Stephanie beamed. She was just thrilled that her ideas were being taken seriously. A half a day later, they were looking through catalogs and racks of bridesmaid dresses. Sarah had an idea of what she wanted and this was the fourth place they'd stopped. She wanted something that would come close to the same style as her wedding gown, but she wanted it simple and elegant. Then her eyes fell upon the perfect dress. "Oh, Steph, look at this!" She held out a cream color gown, floor length. It was form fitting to the hips, then narrowed to the ankles. It was mostly a cool cotton material but just above the breast line, a satin band surrounded the dress with a satin bow and tie that hung to below the hip line in the back. Above the satin, the dress was finished with a sheer chiffon covering just below the neck, back and short sleeves. The chiffon came to a v in the back where it met the bow.

This was the dress. They talked with the proprietor and ordered three in a pale pink as Stephanie was trying on the gown. Sarah gave the names of the other bridesmaid and maid of honor, as they would be coming in for fittings. When Steph came out of the dressing area, Sarah's breath was taken away. "Oh, you are just beautiful. I love this." She stood behind her as they looked into a full length mirror.

Stephanie was smiling, she loved this dress. "Are you sure, Sarah?" She turned and chewed on her bottom lip. "You don't think it's too fitted, do you?" Steph had a very definite shape that she had always been self-conscious of. It was a beautiful shape, everything in its proper place and very proportioned, but she was still aware of the looks she attracted, and she hated to bring attention to herself. "You are gorgeous in this, you just might be showing me up in it!" Sarah laughed and hugged Stephanie. "This is the dress, Steph." The rest of the afternoon was spent choosing shoes. There would be very little jewelry, no necklace, Sarah felt it would take away from the dress and she'd decided to give the girls pearl earrings as their gift to wear.

Steph was quiet on the drive back, it had been a long day. She turned to Sarah after a few minutes and asked. "How did you meet Robin? How did you know he was the one you wanted to marry?" Steph had dated a few boys from school, but none she ever thought about becoming serious with.

"Well." Sarah's eyes seemed to glaze over and a small smile formed on her lips. "I met him at the Pediatric Aids Foundation fund raiser that Dad was supposed to go to. Remember? Well, he kept watching me all evening. Almost from the time I walked in the door. Of course, I noticed him right away. So tall, dark and handsome. Those deep brown eyes and wavy brown hair. A face so strong, so ... determined. And when he smiled, I just melted." Sarah smiled a wide smile at Steph. "I had to play it cool, though, you know? Hard to get. I didn't want him to know how attracted I was to him. You never want to do that with a boy, Steph. Always keep them guessing. "

"Who spoke first?" Steph was waiting on pins and needles. She loved this story. She'd heard parts of it when Sarah would talk to her mother.

"He spoke first. Actually a friend of his introduced us. I'd seen him watching me for at least an hour before he had the courage to come up to me. It was so cute!" She laughed. "He was blushing at first, then it was as if he'd gotten a surge of self-confidence and we just hit it off. Stephanie, I knew from that moment on that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with him. We both wanted the same things from life and he's so good with kids, you know."

Stephanie had never seen her sister so happy. She sat back in the car seat and dreamed about her future. Would she ever find her one true love? And would she know it when it happened?

There was more to planning the wedding than Sarah had originally anticipated, so she was grateful for Steph's and Scully's help. Time was closing in. And to top it all off, Robin wanted to house hunt.

A new small subdivision promised beautiful homes, a good school district and safe streets. Robin and Sarah spent all day one Sunday walking through Casper's Mill, visiting every model home. Sarah wanted a small quaint home, Robin wanted a larger home, one to grow into with kids. They argued over it constantly. The area wasn't too far from Mulder and Scully, yet far enough so they would have their privacy. And it was close to both their offices.

"I like the four bedroom, Sarah. Here, look at this plan." They had the floor plans spread out on the coffee table at her parents' home. They sat close to one another and leaned over the paperwork.

"But don't you think it's too big? I mean, what are we going to do with all that space?"

"Sarah, we both are going to want children and this gives us room to grow into. The back yards are perfect. There's room for a swing set or a jungle gym and we could even put in a pool whenever we want." Robin was not to be swayed. "This one is all on one floor, we don't have to worry about the kids falling down the stairs. I like this one."

"Robin, it just seems too much right now. We agreed to wait on kids for a couple of years anyway."

"Yes, we did, but if we opt for the bigger place now, we'll be settled once we do decide to start our family. The last thing you'll want if you're pregnant or nursing is the upheaval of another move. It makes sense, Sarah - try to look at it in the long term. We can take our time decorating and get the place looking exactly how we want it to, even the nursery! When the time comes for a family, we'll be ready."

Mulder sat in the study listening to the couple and grinned. He remembered a similar discussion with Scully. She did a good job of talking him into this house. He looked up as Scully came in from the kitchen grinning. "They sound like we did in reverse, don't they."

Scully laughed. "Yes, they do. Want to bet on who wins?"

"I don't know, what odds are you giving?" He pulled Scully into his lap. Even with a thirty year old daughter, they were as amorous as they were when they were first married. "I really would like to see them get the bigger house, though. It does make more sense. If you hadn't won, look how many times we would've had to move."

"She's your daughter, Mulder. But she won't win this one. I've seen Robin in action. Pretty soon, he'll have her thinking it was her idea." Scully leaned down and kissed Mulder's grinning mouth.

Mulder sighed. "Stop that, we have company." He grinned.

Scully hopped up. "Come on, let's go entertain them," she said, pulling him out of the chair.

Sarah and Robin were shifting the floor plans as they walked into the living room. "Ok, this is my final word on it." Sarah was speaking. "We are taking the four bedroom one story and that's it."

Mulder grinned knowingly at Robin as Robin gave in. "All right, Sarah, I give up, whatever you want."

Scully leaned in to Mulder. "I told you so."

Sarah looked up at her parents. "What's so funny?"

Mulder threw his hands in the air. "Nothing, nothing at all, just glad to see both of you." He leaned down and kissed his daughter on the cheek. "So what did you decide on?"

"Oh Dad, you've got to come see it. It's just beautiful. It has four bedrooms, three baths, a den that we can use as an office, the family room, a formal dining room and a breakfast nook." Sarah spoke excitedly. "And Mom, it's got a gourmet kitchen with a double oven and an island. The breakfast nook sits with a bay window overlooking the backyard. It's just beautiful."

Robin sat back, grinning like a Cheshire cat. Scully gave him a wink and answered. "Maybe we can all drive out there next Sunday and take a look. Are you going to put a down payment on it?"

"I'll do it in the morning, before I go to the office." Robin leaned forward and began picking up the mess as he answered.

"Where is this place again?" Mulder asked.

"On the north side, a lot of new homes are going up. It's a new subdivision called Casper's Mill." Sarah answered.

"'Casper's Mill'?" Mulder grinned. "Should I check out any legends first? You know, ghosts?"

"Daddy!" Sarah grinned.

God, the times he'd spent teasing his daughter, the laughter and giggles, the way Sarah smiled, all came rushing back to him. A sudden sadness fell over him. It was all gone now. The days of playing dolls, playing make believe, pushing her high on the swing. The hugs, the kisses, the butterfly kisses. She would never be his little girl again. Now she would belong to Robin, another man. He'd never love her the way her father loved her.

"Honey?" Scully's voice brought him back to the here and now.

"Yeah?" His eyes glistened with the threat of tears.

"The kids are getting ready to go."

Mulder stood up and shook Robin's hand and hugged Sarah. "Glad you could come for dinner." He held Sarah's hand as he walked them to the door.

"Call me tomorrow and we'll go over what we need to do next for the wedding."

"Ok, Mom." Sarah hugged her.

Mulder grabbed her hand as she headed out the door. Sarah stopped and turned to look at him. They were at arm's length. He just stared at her for a moment, then without saying it, he mouthed the words. I love you. Sarah smiled and closed the distance between them, putting her arms around his neck.

"I love you too, Daddy." She whispered. Then she was gone.

The next month flew by too quickly for Sarah. It didn't seem like there was enough time for anything. She still had a job to do and the wedding was now only three weeks away. She just couldn't concentrate on the wedding now, though. Her work load seemed to be getting heavier and it needed to lighten or she'd never be able to take the two weeks needed for the wedding and the honeymoon.

Robin was there when she got home. "Hi. How did you get off so early?" She asked him.

"Canceled appointments." He smiled. "I brought food. And wine."

"Mmmm, sounds good." She put her arms around his neck and kissed him.

"Are you all right, Sarah?" Robin asked as he set out the Chinese food. "You look a little out of it tonight."

"Starting in already, are we? Don't think that just because I agreed to marry you, you can start nit-picking. I can't always be the perfect little misses." She grabbed a pair of chopsticks and picked up the cashew chicken, spreading it out over her steamed rice.

Robin didn't reply right away. He was patient, if nothing else. Then his voice lowered as he touched her chin lightly and lifted her face to meet his look. "What's the matter, Sarah?"

She sighed deeply. "Oh, Robin. This little girl, you remember, I told you about her. Alice Robinson?" Robin nodded. "She's so angry, it just breaks my heart. I've tried everything I can think of and she's just not responding. I don't know what to do with her."

"She's the one that lost both of her parents, right?" Robin asked.

"Yeah. Car accident. She blames herself. They'd just picked her up from school and she was showing them what she'd done that day. She just wants to die, Robin. And I can't get through to her." Tears fell from her eyes as Robin reached over and pulled her into his arms.

"You can't feel responsible, Sarah. All you can do is keep trying."

Sarah pulled away and wiped her tears. "I know." She sighed deeply. "I don't make a very good doctor, letting these things get to me."

"That's precisely why you do make a good doctor." Robin smiled and handed her the plates. He grabbed the glasses and the wine and they went into the living room. "Sarah, I want to talk to you about another patient."

"Ok, I'm all right. Which patient." He had her attention now. It was why they were so good together. They both cared about the same things. They both loved their work.

"A new patient, a little boy, ten years old. His family is new to Washington, they're from California. The boy had heart surgery about two years ago, had to have blood. He tested positive for HIV." Sarah's heart fell as did her face. "I wanted to recommend you to the parents. To talk to the boy, just to counsel him. But I wanted to ask you first, I know you're so busy as it is now."

"Of course, I'll talk to him, Robin. I'll make the time, give them a card."

They ate and finished the wine, making arrangements for the honeymoon. "I picked up the tickets this afternoon. We're confirmed for a week on Maui." Robin smiled as he pulled the two envelopes from his pocket.

Sarah picked up the empty plates and carried them into the kitchen. "I can't wait! It's going to be so relaxing. All of this will be over with."

"I wish we could go for more than a week, but neither of our schedules will allow it."

"I know, maybe for our first anniversary, we can go back and visit some of the other islands. What do you say?" Sarah grinned at him.

"It's a date. I'll mark my calendar." He moved up behind her as she was standing at the sink cleaning off the dishes. He put his arms around her waist and nuzzled the back of her neck, kissing her shoulder. "You know, honey, maybe we can take Josh and Stephanie with us next time. Stay at Waikiki beach, they'd have a ball."

Sarah turned around within his arms and put her arms around his neck. "You are a good man, Robin Chalmers." She smiled. "It means a lot to me that you like my family."

"What I told your father is true, Sarah. I never had brothers or sisters. I wasn't close to my father and both my parents worked all their lives. I love your family almost as much as I love you and I want to be a part of it. I feel closer to you and your family than to anyone from my entire life." Robin looked deeply into her eyes.

Sarah looked lovingly at her future husband. She loved him so much, it hurt. She couldn't imagine being there without him. He pulled her to him and they kissed. "I love you, Robin." She whispered.

"I love you too, baby."

Scully came home late in the day. Another day of shopping with Sarah. She had plenty of outfits she could have worn to the wedding, but Sarah wanted to buy her something as a thank you gift, so they went shopping. She was tired now. Raising three children were enough to keep anyone busy and as they got older, it was supposed to be easier, but somehow it wasn't.

Mulder was sitting up in bed when Scully came into the room with the packages. "Did you find anything?" He asked.

"Yes, actually, Sarah found it. It's really nice." Scully answered, hanging the bag in the closet.

"Well, are you going to model it for me?" Mulder grinned.

"No, you aren't seeing anything until the wedding day." She returned the smile. Then it turned mischievous as she held up another garment of black silk. "But I'll model this for you." Her tone was musical. His brow raised and his eyes widened. "Just remember, I'm an old man now, baby. The old ticker could go at any minute."

"Well, you forget, I'm a doctor, I can give you mouth to mouth resuscitation." She replied, still dangling the garment in the air in front of her as she moved closer to him.

He reached out and grabbed her, pulling her against him and onto the bed, tickling her. After she stopped laughing he kissed her. "Thank you, Scully."

"What for, Mulder?"

"For everything you're doing for Sarah. It's going to be a beautiful wedding. I sure hope she's going to be happy, Scully."

"She will be, she is happy, Mulder. You saw to that. You brought up a well-rounded individual. Look at the work she's doing. You did that, Mulder. You should be very proud of her."

"I am, Scully. But I didn't do it alone. You were there. I don't think I could've made it without you. You were so good with Sarah and look at the two beautiful children you gave me. I'm a lucky man, Scully." Mulder was so solemn.

Suddenly Scully rose. "Yes, you are, Mulder. And you're about to become luckier." With an evil grin, she padded off to change.

Mulder screwed up yet another sheet of paper and tossed it away in frustration. Taking a fresh sheet, he sat staring at it, chewing the end of a ballpoint pen. At that moment, Scully came into the study, bringing him a welcome cup of coffee. She surveyed the acres of screwed up paper and grimaced. "How's it going?" she asked.

"It isn't," answered Mulder. He slumped back in the captain's chair. "Jesus, Scully - I can write the most brilliant psychological profile, a decent field report, yet I can't write the speech for my daughter's wedding."

Scully put an arm around his shoulders. "Maybe you're trying too hard, Mulder. Why don't you leave it for tonight? It's getting late, anyway."

"Yeah," said Mulder, in a resigned tone. He tossed the well chewed ballpoint pen onto the desk. Then he smiled up at her, in that rakish manner. "And I do need my beauty sleep!"

Scully swatted him playfully. "Come on, Mulder - let's go to bed." She waited for the inevitable witty riposte, and wasn't disappointed.

The next night was no better. Scully had woken up and found Mulder's space beside her empty. She dragged herself out of bed and made her way to the study, finding him hunched over the desk, pen in hand. "Mulder, what are you doing?" she asked tiredly, and not without a touch of irritation. "It's three o'clock in the morning!"

"I couldn't sleep, Scully... I thought I'd have another go at my speech."

Scully sighed. "Mulder, the more you think about it, the more difficult it will be."

"But the wedding's less than a week away..." He regarded her with his dark eyes. Scully waited - there was more. Mulder ran a hand through his already disheveled hair, and she smiled.

"What is it, Mulder?" she asked softly.

"I don't want to make a fool of myself," he said softly. "I don't want to say anything to upset anyone, I don't want to bore the pants off everybody, I don't want to spoil Sarah's day..."

He was looking at the floor, and Scully had to crouch down beside him, so that she could look up into his face. When she did so, his expression was so woeful that her heart almost broke. She took his hands in hers. "Mulder. Mulder, look at me. You won't make a fool of yourself..."

"But I'm no good at this sort of thing!"

"Mulder, you'll do just fine," said Scully in a calm voice. "It won't be as if you're addressing a room full of unknown Bureau personnel - everyone will either be friends or family. I know you'll be nervous, but I'll be right there beside you. You can do it, Mulder." Scully squeezed his hands gently. "As for the speech, write what you feel in your heart - truth and honesty are always the best policy." She raised a hand and cupped his stubbly cheek. "I love you, Mulder, and I have every faith in your ability to do this, and to do it well." Scully stood up. "Now come back to bed before I fall asleep on my feet!"

Mulder looked exceedingly pleased with himself when he arrived home from work the next evening.

"What?" asked Scully, seeing his smiling face.

"I've done it!" he announced.

"Done what?"

"Written the speech."

"When?"

"This afternoon."

"I thought you were supposed to be overseeing a training session for new recruits!"

"I was, but I just set them some exercises and let them get on with it!" His grin was a wide one. Scully shook her head, but she was glad he had conquered what seemed to him to be an insurmountable obstacle. "Would you like to read it?"

"Of course I would. I was just about to serve dinner - I'll read it while we eat."

Mulder handed her the sheet of handwritten paper. "I took a copy - just in case," he said, with a smile.

"That was a good idea, Mulder." She turned her attention to the words on the paper. By the time she had finished, Scully had tears in her eyes and a lump in her throat.

"What?" asked Mulder in alarm.

"Oh, Mulder - it's just beautiful," answered Scully.

"Do you think so?"

Scully reached across the table and grasped his hand. "Yes... yes, I do."

Robin rolled over. Sarah was still asleep, one bare shoulder peeping out from beneath the sheet that was anchored firmly under her arm. He'd discovered early on that she liked to monopolize the bed covers, and he'd given up fighting her for them long ago. It was a battle he knew he could never win.

He let her sleep on, content to just watch her. He still couldn't believe that she had agreed to marry him - every day he felt like pinching himself just to make sure it was true. But it was true, and by this time the following week, they would be husband and wife.

Less than a week to go, and there was still such a lot to do. At least, that was the way it seemed to Robin, but he was sure that Sarah and her mother had it all under control. This weekend had been their last opportunity to be together until their wedding night - later in the week, Sarah would be returning to the Mulder family home, spending her last days as a single woman in their company.

Sarah was stirring, and Robin raised himself up onto one elbow and looked down on her. She was so beautiful - her hair fanned out across the pillow, her soft lips pressed together. He resisted the temptation to touch her or kiss her - she wouldn't thank him for waking her before she was ready. So he waited patiently for her to come out of her slumber.

Sarah opened her eyes to a room flooded with sunlight. She blinked a few times, letting her eyes adjust to the brightness, then rolled onto her back to find Robin looking down at her.

"Good morning," he said softly, with a smile.

"Morning," she replied. "How long have you been watching me?"

"Long enough. I never get tired of watching you, Sarah."

Sarah smiled. He said the most romantic things!

Robin watched as she stretched, the sheet slipping just that little bit, and revealing the tops of her breasts. He slid closer, wrapped his arm around Sarah's waist and nuzzled her neck. He loved to feel the silky softness of her skin beneath his fingers and his lips. Sarah giggled softly, the hairs on his chest tickling her skin as she made herself more comfortable against him. Robin's lips trailed along her shoulder, his fingertips barely caressing her arm in the lightest of touches.

"This time next week it'll all be over," said Sarah quietly. Robin stopped what he was doing and propped himself up on his elbow again.

"You're not having second thoughts, are you?" Please God, let it not be so! He couldn't bear the thought of going through life without her by his side.

"Of course not!" answered Sarah, surprised that he could even think such a thing. "I want this, Robin - I want it more than anything!"

The relief was evident in his face, and he let out a long breath. "God, Sarah - don't do that! You scared me!"

She put her arms around him. "I'm sorry, Robin... I didn't mean to frighten you. I love you, you must know that. You mean everything to me."

He leaned down and kissed her fiercely, holding her and not ever wanting to let go.

"So, do I get breakfast in bed this morning?" asked Sarah with a twinkle, when Robin finally let her go.

"That depends on whether you want food for your stomach, or food for your senses," he replied, with a grin on his face.

"I was thinking of food for my stomach," said Sarah. Robin looked disappointed at that.

"That's not what I was thinking." He linked his fingers with hers. "I was thinking that it would be nice to make love... this is the last time we'll wake up together..."

"Soon we'll be waking up together for the rest of our lives," said Sarah softly.

"I know, but that's next week, and I don't think I can wait that long. "

"I can't make love on an empty stomach."

"Will a slice of toast do?"

"Make it a slice of toast and a cup of coffee and you've got a deal!"

"Done!"

Robin slipped on a pair of sweats and headed out to the kitchen as Sarah went to the bathroom to freshen up. As he reached the room, the phone rang and on instinct Robin answered it before the ring even finished. "Hello."

No one answered, he thought he heard a breath, but a moment later, the phone disconnected. He made the toast and poured some juice and set it on a tray. Then he took a bud vase from the cabinet and stepped just outside the back door and clipped a rose from the bush that Sarah kept alive. Placing the rose in the vase and the vase on the tray, he carried it back to the bedroom.

"What did you answer the phone for?" Sarah asked.

"It rang, I was there, I answered. Why?" He placed the tray on her lap and crawled into bed beside her.

"Robin, it could've been Daddy. I don't know what he'd feel about you being here this early in the morning."

"Sarah, you're thirty years old, what do you think your father thinks? "

"I don't know and I don't want the subject to come up. Who was it anyway?"

"I don't know, they hung up."

"Great, well, what's done is done. Thanks for the rose." She smiled and put the flower to her nose, taking in the fragrance. Then she noticed him staring at her again. "This is your last week of freedom, " said Sarah, taking a bite out of her toast. "Better make the most of it!"

Robin's dark eyes held hers. "If freedom means being apart from you, then I don't want it," he replied softly. Toast and coffee were forgotten as Sarah slipped her arms around him and kissed him.

Scully placed the receiver back on the phone. She certainly didn't want to interrupt, she had called to confirm which day Sarah was coming to stay with them. Well, she'd call back later in the day. She smiled as Mulder came in.

"Did you get a hold of Sarah?"

"No, there was no answer, she might be in the shower. I'll try again later." Scully replied. Sometimes things were better left unsaid.

Sarah came to stay with Mulder and Scully for a few days before the wedding. It gave them time to get last minute things done. They'd hired a photographer and videographer and had pre-wedding photos done. Sarah and Scully chose which photograph would be placed at the reception hall. She'd donned her gown and attire and posed for the photos several weeks ago. It had been an ordeal keeping both Robin and Mulder away. Of course, Robin couldn't see her in the gown, but Scully didn't want Mulder seeing either.

The hotel ballroom had been booked since they'd first decided and they all had gone to the sampling of the dinner. They were choosing from two kinds of chicken and a beef dish. The hotel was huge and fancy, the ballroom held about 250 people, though they probably wouldn't have quite that many. Kevin was the coordinator at the hotel and he was the most help they'd had in planning the ordeal.

Everything was falling into place. The flowers would be pink stargazer lilies mixed with white lilies. They'd chosen the music and had hired a band for the reception. Stephanie had spent an entire week on a special project. Now it was time to show Sarah.

"Ok, first of all, one of each of these will be at every place setting." She pulled out a clear plastic spoon with two Hershey Kisses wrapped tightly in the bowl of the spoon with lace and a satin bow. A tiny piece of paper dangled from the ribbon with a poem on it.

"We thank you for coming with a spoonful of kisses, to bless our beginning as Mr. and Mrs."

"Stephanie, this is wonderful! Where did you get this?" Sarah was tickled pink.

Scully smiled, Steph had gotten permission for these little projects before she made them. She was so proud of Stephanie.

"I got the idea from Craft magazine. I just love the poem."

"I do too, this is great."

Stephanie continued. "Next is this." She produced a little gold bell that also had a message.

"May laughter and joy fill the room,
as we toast the Bride and Groom.
Take this tiny Wedding Bell,
a sign of love to wish them well,
Ring it loud so all may hear,
when the Bride and Groom are near."

"Oh my God!" Sarah put her hand to her mouth. "Stephanie, this is wonderful. I can't get over this! I just love these. Thank you so much." She hugged her little sister so tightly as a tear ran down her cheek. "You worked so hard on these. You actually did 250 of these?"

"Yeah, and that's not all. Whenever the bell is rung, you two have to kiss." Steph just beamed with delight. Scully winked at her as she pulled the next item from her box of goodies. On a piece of parchment paper rolled into a scroll and tied with a pink ribbon was 'The Wedding Times'.

As Sarah's eyes grew almost as big as the smile on her face, Mulder put his arms around Stephanie. He was sitting on the floor behind her as she displayed the items. He was so proud of the way she'd helped in the planning and in the way she'd taken care of the house so Scully could help.

Steph spoke excitedly. "See here, there's a little about the wedding and a column about you and Robin. Over here is a section on where you're honeymooning. And I put in a little part with you and Robin thanking those who've helped." It was like a newspaper page, filled on both sides.

"Mom, have you seen this? There's our engagement photo. She's even got how we met in here. How did you get that?" She asked Steph.

"Well, you told me some, I got Robin to tell me the rest." Steph blushed and beamed at the same time. "And the last thing are these." She held out an item that looked like two bells tied together. "They're two plastic cups full of birdseed. I turned them upside down, covered them together with lace and tied a bow. All they have to do is slip this one piece and it opens so they can throw birdseed outside the church instead of rice. It's more environmentally sound."

"I can't believe you did all this. This is just wonderful, I'm speechless."

"Oh, that's scary." Mulder said grinning.

Sarah turned back to the scroll. "You even put the song Robin and I will dance to in here. I just love this, Steph. 'One Boy, One Girl' by Collin Raye." She read the passage to them.

"One boy, one girl, two hearts beating wildly He smiled, she smiled and they knew right away, this was the day they'd waited for all their lives. For a moment the whole world revolved around One boy and one girl."

Sarah had trouble sleeping that night. The excitement getting to her. Her work worrying her. So much was going on and she didn't have Robin to turn to. She spoke with him every day, but they'd agreed not to see each other until the wedding. After all, it was only a few days and it would add to the excitement anyway.

The kitchen was dark and she turned on the light above the sink only. She didn't want to wake anyone up. The cocoa mix was in the same place and Sarah poured a little milk into a pan and set in on the stove to heat. For some reason, hot cocoa sounded good to her tonight.

Mulder walked in as Sarah was getting a mug from the shelf. "What's the matter, pumpkin? Can't you sleep?"

"No, Dad, I'm sorry to wake you."

"You didn't, I was awake. You know me - I don't need much sleep."

"You want to join me in a hot cocoa?" She asked.

"Yeah, it sounds good. Want to talk about it, Sarah?" He sat down at the kitchen table.

She sighed and brought the pan to the table, pouring the hot milk into the mugs. "I don't know, Dad, maybe just the jitters."

"That's only natural, honey. Everyone gets them, I'm sure Robin's feeling the same way."

"Maybe." She looked so depressed, her head resting on her fist.

"There's something else, isn't there." Mulder knew his daughter.

She looked up at him and smiled. "You could always read my mind."

For the next two hours, they talked about a lot of things. Her concerns over marriage, the new house, the problems at work. She talked about it all. It did her good just getting it out.

"So Alice is just so distraught and she's taking it out on herself. She's so angry, Dad. She feels that everyone's left her and that anyone who gets close is going to leave."

"Sarah, I don't know if you remember, but shortly after you came to live with me you felt that I would give you away if you were a bad girl. You were angry and a friend told you that I wouldn't want you around. I think this girl needs to know that it wasn't her fault, there wasn't anything she could do. She needs to know that she's loved and a big part of it has to come from who she's living with. Is it a relative?"

"Yeah, her uncle and that's what's so hard. I don't think he's prepared for it. She's going to be alone for the next two weeks, Dad. I called an associate and they'll be there, but I just feel guilty going away."

He pulled her into a hug, she was just like him, she felt the weight of the world on her shoulders. "I'm sure the associate will do their job, honey. You need to concentrate on getting married. Relax, this is going to be the second most special day in your life."

"Second? What's my first?" She asked.

"When you have a child of your own." He smiled. "Now go get some sleep."

She kissed his cheek and padded off to bed.

The day was finally upon them. Sarah's roommate from college, Eleanore Manely, arrived the night before. She and Sarah were up most of the night talking, it had been almost six months since they'd seen each other. Eleanore helped put Sarah's mind at ease. She wanted to be married to Robin more than anything, but she was so nervous. Scared to death was more like it, but Eleanore was able to make her forget everything, even if only for a few minutes.

They ate a late breakfast, both girls slept a little late and still got less than eight hours sleep. Everyone was hustling to get ready. Stephanie tried her dress on two or three times, worried that it was too long or too tight or even too big. Scully kept in touch with the hotel, making sure everything was in place. Carla Johnson, Sarah's secretary, was to be the second bridesmaid, and she arrived shortly after the lunch hour.

"We need to be at the church no later than three, Sarah." Eleanore said. She and Stephanie along with Carla, would arrive before Sarah to see that things at the church were ready. The flowers in place, the bows and ribbons along the pews.

"All right, you and Carla can drive together, Mom is bringing Stephanie and Josh and Dad and I'll be coming in the limo." A huge smile crossed Sarah's face.

"Oooh, a limo!" Carla smiled with her.

"A white stretch!" Sarah giggled. She hadn't giggled since she'd been in college. Something about old friends brought out the child in her. Then she took a deep breath.

"The rehearsal went well last night, let's hope it all goes as smoothly today, ladies." Eleanore was the voice of reason.

Scully was making last minute adjustments to Josh's tux but everyone was ready. It seemed that the time would not come soon enough. Carla and Eleanore took off for the church and Scully was finishing her make up when Mulder came out of the dressing area. "Scully, would you do these for me?" He always had trouble with cuff links, he hadn't worn them in years.

"Sure, come here." Scully's hair was up in a french twist similar to the girls. Sarah's was in curls piled atop her head. It would be scattered with baby's breath, like she wore as a child on special occasions. "Tell the kids, I'll be ready in a minute, I just need to put on my suit. Tell them to be by the door, we're running late."

"Ok, Sarah and I will follow. Are you sure you don't want to ride in the limo, Scully?" Mulder asked as he put on his tuxedo jacket.

"Yeah, we need a car to come back in anyway." She stepped back and looked at him. He looked so handsome, still after all these years. Tall, broad shoulders, maybe a little thicker around the waist, but not that you'd really notice. Thick, dark hair with just the right touches of gray at the temples. The tuxedo was a solid black with a low vest and a straight black collar tie, almost like a choker. "God, you look good."

A wide grin crossed his face. "Even in that slip, you look a thousand times better than I do." He kissed her cheek.

"I'll be down in a minute." She rushed him out of the room.

As he headed to the front room, he knocked on Sarah's door. "You about ready, sweetheart?"

"Be there in a minute, Dad." Sarah called out to him.

Stephanie was standing waiting for everyone. She wanted to sit as little as possible, afraid it would wrinkle the dress. Mulder almost gasped as she turned around. Steph was a beautiful young woman in the pale pink gown. He motioned for her to turn around and he stood in awe of his daughter. She was beautiful. "You're not supposed to more beautiful than the bride, you know." He whispered as he kissed her cheek.

"Oh, Daddy!" She exclaimed, her face turning pink to match her dress.

"And don't you even think about doing this for at least another ten years!" He grinned and shook his finger.

Stephanie giggled again and they were soon joined by Josh, who had a similar tuxedo to Mulder's. He was amazed at how quickly his kids had grown up. They were adults now and suddenly he felt alone. Steph was in college, Josh would be going next year. The house would be empty.

A moment later, Scully came into the room and once again, Mulder was amazed. She wore a light burgundy dress and jacket. The dress was a simple, straight lined sleeveless dress with a square neckline, form fitted that narrowed at the knees. The jacket was long sleeved and fitted snugly at the waist, where it buttoned with a single pearl button. Along the jagged hem of the jacket was brocaded lace in pink with tiny pearl beads spotting the peaks of the scalloped hem, forming tiny flowers. It was beautiful, she was beautiful. Her red hair in a french twist, he hadn't seen her hair like that since, well, since the Tooms case years ago.

Scully looked up at him and smiled, seeing the love and awe in his eyes. Josh seemed to say it all. "Wow, Mom! You look awesome."

"Your son has a way with words." Scully said with a smile.

"That's my boy." Mulder returned the smile. He grabbed Scully's hand and squeezed it gently. "I'll see you at the church."

Scully nodded, then escorted the kids to the car. Mulder paced in the front room, checking his watch every couple of minutes. "Sarah! Let's go!"

"I'm ready." Her voice was soft and timid.

Mulder spun around, seeing his daughter as if for the first time. Tears immediately stung his eyes. She was more than beautiful, she was his daughter. The cream dress had a full skirt, the bodice was made of lace that formed a floral pattern. It hung just off the shoulders with straight short sleeves. The bodice dipped just below the waistline in a near v where the skirt was attached in large pleats, allowing the fullness to fall naturally. She needed some petticoat, but not the usual bulk. Dotting the neckline and waist were tiny pearl buttons, centering the floral patterns. It was a simple but elegant gown. Mulder saw the locket around her neck, the one he had given her for their first Christmas together, it held pictures of him and Annie, and his heart skipped a beat.

With her hair up and tendrils framing her face, she looked more and more like her mother. The dark hair, the almond shaped eyes. Mulder's breath was taken away. He couldn't move, he couldn't breathe. He just stood there, with his mouth hanging open and tears in his eyes.

"Daddy?"

'Daddy'. How many times in her life had she called him Daddy. He missed it. The kids were grown and it was 'Dad' now, oh, how he missed being called 'Daddy'. "Honey." He shook his head. "There are no words to describe how beautiful you look."

She walked over to him and leaned carefully in, putting her hands on his arms, reaching up to kiss his cheek. They were careful not to mess up make up, hair, etc. What they both really wanted, really needed, was a tight hug, but it would have to wait.

Before she pulled away, he cupped her face and pressed his face to hers. "I love you, baby, and I wish for you all the happiness you've given me in my life time."

Sarah kissed his cheek again. "Come on, Daddy, the limo's waiting."

He helped her in, gathering the skirt and they were on their way.

There were a few people at the church when they arrived. There was just half an hour to go before the service began. Sarah had a few last minute things to take care of in the brides room with the help of her maid of honor. Fitting the veil, touching up her makeup, mainly just gathering courage. She and her father didn't say much in the limo on the way over, she knew he was having a hard time. Sarah really wanted a few minutes to talk to him.

Mulder stood back and watched. Stephanie was placing the veil on Sarah's head. It was a plain veil, with pearl beads randomly dotted about the netting, and the hair clip that held it on was made from the same lace that covered the bodice of her gown. Everything was running rather smoothly. Sarah had her locket, something old; her garter had blue lace on it, something blue; the small pearl earrings of Scully's, something borrowed; and the dress, something new. The flowers were on the table. She would carry long stemmed pink stargazers with a few white lilies mixed with them. Her girls would carry solid white bouquets of lilies. Mulder couldn't believe how something so simple could look so elegant.

He remembered the day she realized her mother was gone. It broke his heart when she'd asked, 'Mommy's never coming back, is she?' Annie would be so proud of her today. He wished she could see her. But maybe she could. Maybe Annie was here, watching from above. Like a scene from a movie, Mulder remembered little bits and pieces of life with Sarah. How brave she was when his mother had at first rejected her, then how she had warmed Granny Mulder's heart. Sarah never met an enemy. There were a lot of firsts. The first book he'd read to her, the first song he sang. The first snowman, followed shortly by the first snowball fight. Their first Christmas. That was wonderful. Dressed to the nines, decorating their first tree.

He knew two things for sure, she was sent here from heaven and she was Daddy's little girl. All the birthday parties and pony rides flashed in front of his face. 'Walk beside the pony, Daddy, it's my first ride.' Sarah was such an intelligent little girl, she worked everything out in her mind. Even the time she thought Mulder wanted to give her back if she were acting badly. She had it all worked out. But her father had surprised her, he loved her no matter what. And he continued to do the same throughout her life. He smiled slightly at the thought. Maybe he did do a good job raising her. Of course he couldn't have done it without Scully.

'She'll change her name today, she'll make a promise and I'll give her away.' He thought silently as he watched the women bustle around him. A moment later, they were alone, he didn't know if they were done or if Sarah had maneuvered it that way. Mulder stared at his beautiful daughter as he leaned against the door frame.

"What are you thinking, Daddy?" She smiled up at him, still standing, not wanting to wrinkle her gown.

"I'm not sure. I just feel like I'm losing my baby girl." Tears prevalent, threatening to fall shamelessly.

Sarah came to him and reached up, placing her face next to his cheek and gave him butterfly kisses. Her eyelashes brushed against his cheek as she blinked.

Then a tear did fall as he looked at her, little white flowers all up in her hair. When had she grown into a woman from a girl? When had she changed to makeup and perfume from ribbons and curls? And the butterfly kisses. Like they'd given each other when she had just come to live him. He hadn't known about those. Sarah had taught him, it was something Annie had taught her. He cherished every one of them. Every morning a hug and every night, butterfly kisses at bedtime. He knew that with all he'd done wrong in his life, he must have done something right, to deserve her love every morning and butterfly kisses at night.

"Walk me down the aisle, Daddy, it's just about time." Sarah placed her arm on his. "Does my wedding gown look pretty, Daddy? Daddy, don't cry." She smiled, knowing how hard this was on him. "You'll never lose me, Daddy."

'I couldn't ask God for more than this. This is what love is. I know I've got to let her go, but I'll always remember - every hug in the morning and butterfly kisses.' Mulder gave her a reassuring smile as he dried his tears. "I'm ready, baby. My beautiful baby girl." He whispered as he placed a layer of the veil over her face.

They took their place at the back of the procession. Eleanore and Robert, Robin's best man, took the first walk, followed by Stephanie and Josh, then finally by Carla and Brian, another friend of Robin's. All six looked very elegant and a little scared as they made their way down the aisle. Then the music changed and it was time for Sarah. Robin stood at the end, nervously eyeing the door. Suddenly it opened.

All eyes turned to the back of the church. There stood Mulder and Sarah. He felt her stiffen slightly. It was funny how she had just calmed him and now it was his turn to calm her. He whispered to her. "One step at a time, baby."

She smiled and put her left foot forward. There were gasps and whispers coming from both sides the aisle as they began. As they proceeded down the aisle, Sarah cast her eyes over the sea of faces that were casting admiring glances in her direction. She saw her aunt and uncle and cousins from Boston, and the Scully family was well represented as well. As they neared the altar, she saw both her grandmothers looking on proudly. Mulder stood taller than he'd ever stood, so proud to be Sarah's father. When they reached the end, Sarah turned to Mulder and smiled, then they looked to the minister.

"Who gives this woman in marriage?" He asked.

"Her mother and I do." Mulder answered. Then he gently hugged her and took his seat next to Scully. He took Scully's hand immediately and felt her squeeze it in support.

By the end of the ceremony, there wasn't a dry eye in the house. It wasn't a long ceremony and Sarah and Robin had decided to stick to the traditional vows. They exchanged rings and the time finally came for the groom to kiss the bride. Robin's hands shook as he lifted her veil and kissed her.

Then they turned to face the guests. "Ladies and gentlemen, may I present, Mr. and Mrs. Robin and Sarah Chalmers." The minister announced.

The applause was almost deafening and the tears of happiness flowed throughout the church. The couple walked back up the aisle to the foyer, then out to the limousine. They would be going to the hotel for pictures first, then the reception.

Sarah held Robin's hand tightly as they waited their turn to make the entrance to the reception room. The photographer had taken great shots in Sarah's opinion. He'd gotten shots of the entire wedding party in addition to the usual family shots on both sides. It had taken almost an hour and they were anxious to get to the reception. Sarah didn't like to keep the guests waiting.

Each of the wedding party was introduced and finally their turn was upon them. They walked in, hand in hand. Sarah had removed her veil but kept the hair clip. She looked so elegant, it almost seemed as if she glided into the room. She and Robin sat at the head table with Robin's mother, Grace, and Sarah's parents, Mulder and Scully. There was a second table for the wedding party and their companions and a third for the grandparents. Everyone else sat where ever they fancied.

Scully had arranged for each table to have a disposable camera where the guests could take candid shots. Then the camera would be left behind as a gift to the bride and groom. The guests delighted in the opportunities to snap photos of each other.

The bride and groom went straight to the dance floor and the band began. Their song was 'One Boy, One Girl' as the scrolls had said. They held one another tightly, staring into each other's eyes as they moved to the song. To them, they were alone. No one else existed but one another. They softly sang to each other, sometimes saying the words to the song, sometimes mouthing them, but their eyes never parted.

"Look at them, Scully." Mulder sat back with his arm around Scully. She leaned into him, resting her head against his shoulder. "Do you think she's happy?"

"Yes, Mulder." She looked up at him. "I think she's as happy as we are."

The music changed and others were invited to dance. Mulder stood and took Scully's hand, leading her to the dance floor. Neither spoke as he held her close, swaying to the music. He closed his eyes and thought about their life over the past twenty five years. God, had it really been that long? "I love you, Scully."

"I love you, too, Mulder." She smiled up at him. The music changed again. "Why don't you dance with your daughter?"

He nodded and kissed her gently. They parted and together, they moved to the newly married couple. Tapping Robin's shoulder the couples changed partners, Robin dancing with Scully and Mulder dancing with Sarah. He was reminded of their first dance, when she stood on his feet, holding onto his arms for dear life.

"What are you smiling at, Dad?" Sarah looked up into his smiling face.

"I was just thinking about the first time we danced."

"I'm a little too big for that now, don't you think?"

"Perhaps." A quick pained look crossed his face.

Sarah smiled, then stopped dancing. She stepped out of her shoes and gently stepped onto Mulder's feet. He beamed, a smile as wide as it could be, holding his daughter tightly as he moved to the slow beat of the music. When it was over, Sarah stepped off, then gave Mulder a tight hug before she went back to her husband. "Thank you, Daddy." The crowd applauded them.

Mulder was speechless. He couldn't believe that she would do that for him. It was a precious moment he'd never forget.

Next they all sat to await dinner. As they waited for it to be served, Mulder thought it time to make his speech. He tapped on his glass to get the attention of the guests. "I have something prepared that I'd like to start this toast off with, if you don't mind."

Reaching into his pocket, he drew out the little cards that he had transferred his speech onto. "Believe it or not, I'm a little nervous about doing this," announced Mulder, looking around the room and smiling in a disarming way. A ripple of quiet laughter went around the room.

"First of all, I'd like to thank you all for coming, and for helping to make this a day that Sarah and Robin, and indeed the rest of the Mulder family, won't forget. It's good to see so many familiar, and a few not so familiar, faces." Another smile as Mulder deftly changed cards. It was time to get serious.

"When Robin came and asked me for my daughter's hand in marriage, I was unprepared for it. As many of you are aware, Sarah only came to live with me when she was six years old, after the death of her mother, Annie. Sarah once told me that she wanted to live with me forever..." Mulder glanced down at his daughter, who smiled shyly, her face flushed a delicate pink. "... but in my heart I knew that this day would come eventually. I'm sure that all fathers think that their little girl will be with them forever - that's certainly what I thought about Sarah. So, when Robin came to see me and ask for her hand, it was a bit of a shock to realize that I was going to lose my little girl to another man." Mulder paused, and changed cards again.

"I was impressed that he'd come to me at all - I know I'm not the most approachable or easy-to-get-to-know person. By doing that alone he had earned my respect. I'm sure that Robin will be the first to admit that I gave him a bit of a hard time, but he answered all the questions that I threw at him. Above all, he answered them sincerely and honestly, and demonstrated that he was the right man for Sarah. He showed me that he'd thought long and hard about the step he was about to take, and he wasn't undertaking it lightly." Mulder paused again.

I also pointed out that by taking on Sarah, he was taking on the rest of us Mulders - we come as a package. Even that didn't deter Robin!" Mulder glanced down at his new son-in-law and grinned. Robin, blushing, gave him a wry smile in return. "I still don't think he quite realizes what he's let himself in for!" Polite laughter ran around the room.

Mulder turned to address Robin directly. "Robin, I know you will take good care of Sarah - that you will love her as the rest of her family do. On behalf of Dana, Stephanie and Josh, may I say that we are very proud, and very honored, to welcome you into our family."

Robin looked highly embarrassed as everyone looked at him. Sarah squeezed his hand and kissed his cheek. Mulder looked down to see Scully's eyes shining with pride. He waited for the chattering to die down before speaking again.

"I mentioned Sarah's mother earlier. I know that she would be very pleased with Sarah's choice of husband, and it is with great sadness that we remember Annie today. I would like to take this opportunity, and I know that Sarah will join me in this, to thank my wife, Dana, for the impressive job she has done in raising Sarah. It was a challenge to take on someone else's child, but Dana rose to it magnificently, and the proof of her success is sitting here today."

He turned to look at Scully, who was blushing to the roots of her hair, and there was such love in his eyes. Mulder's voice was soft as he said, "I couldn't have done it without you, Dana." Then he turned to face the room again and said, "All of that last bit was entirely unscripted!" Laughter echoed around the room. "Okay - I'm almost finished. I'm sure you've had enough of me droning on!"

Mulder cleared his throat. "I'd like to propose a toast to my beautiful daughter and her new husband. Please join me and raise your glasses to Sarah and Robin. May all your pain be champagne!" Everyone stood en masse to drink the toast.

Dinner went quickly and smoothly and the time came for the bride and groom to mingle with the guests. Sarah and Robin went from table to table to greet people and thank them for coming. Every time they neared a table the tiny bells rang all around the room. Each time, Robin grabbed Sarah around the waist, leaned her back gently and kissed her. Both blushed when they came up for air. It was heard that Robin quite liked those tiny bells.

Granny Margaret gave her a piece of advice that her mother had given her. "Don't ever argue over money. It's only money, it's not worth the paper it's printed on, let alone a wonderful marriage."

The evening was spent dancing and talking and laughing. Everyone had a wonderful time. Stephanie danced with her father and Josh, along with a young man she had invited from college. Mulder didn't have time to worry about this one. Besides, he'd learned from Sarah that the first boyfriend was only one of many. Josh had a good time dancing with the single women and girls. He was his father's son. The good looks of his mother with all the charm of his father.

Mulder had to smile at his two children. Holding Scully on the dance floor once again, he said, "They're all grown, Scully. The house is going to be empty next year. What will we do then?"

Scully smiled at him. "We'll do just fine, Mulder. Besides, ask anyone. They never really leave you. Stephanie will be home this summer for break. Josh is thinking about living at home and going to the university here, so he won't be gone. And Sarah will be over more than you'll realize."

"I guess, Scully. I just can't help but feel the best is behind us now."

"The best is only around the corner, Mulder. Mark my words." Scully grinned wryly at him, then gasped as he dipped her.

Mulder had a rest from dancing as Scully continued. He sat next to Grace, Robin's mother. "Are you having a good time?" He asked.

"Oh my, yes." She replied. "Sarah looks so beautiful, Mr. Mulder."

"Thanks, and please, just call me Mulder, everyone does." They looked at the crowd of people milling around the tables. "So many people." Mulder said.

"Yes, there are. It's nice that so many could come." She tried making casual conversation. She had not had much of a chance to get to know Mulder and Scully. They met briefly a few months ago, but had spent time together only last night at the rehearsal dinner. Grace was an elegant woman whose name befitted her. She was of average height, slender with black curly hair, graying at the temple. Her blue eyes sparked a beauty and kindness within her that shone when she smiled.

"Scully and I would like you to come to dinner sometime, so we can get to know you."

"Yes, I'd like that." Grace smiled. "You know, the first time I met Sarah, I knew she was the one for Robin." She looked at the couple as they talked with friends. "She was so sweet, so kind. She's in the perfect profession, such a way with children." Grace took a sip of champagne. "I wish Robin's father could've been here." A look a sadness crossed her face. "But you know, I was thinking when you spoke of Sarah's mother, Annie, that you probably wish the same thing. Well, I think they are here. I imagine a panel of passed loved ones sitting along one wall, watching over everyone. The love emanating from them, going out to everyone who comes near."

"Which wall?" Mulder asked, grinning.

"That one, there." Grace pointed to the wall next to the dance floor.

"Well, what do you say we go greet them." Mulder smiled and rose, held out his hand to Grace, then led her to the dance floor. They danced the one dance before Robin interrupted them to take over. Before he left, Mulder said, "You were right, you can feel it." Then he smiled and left her to her son.

"What was that about?" Scully asked as she sat down next to Mulder.

He smiled as he thought about Annie sitting there watching over Sarah. "I'll tell you later." Mulder put his arm around Scully and pulled her to him. The night had been a success. Everyone had a wonderful time. Sarah and Robin went through all the traditional events, cutting the cake, sipping the champagne together. Tossing the garter, which Josh so cunningly engineered catching, and throwing the bouquet, which Stephanie did not catch. And that was fine with Mulder.

Sarah and Robin had to leave for the airport by midnight. The flight for Hawaii took off shortly after. Everything was packed and ready to go. Scully and Mulder would take charge of the gifts, they would be waiting for them upon their return. The kids would take their car to the airport, so they'd have a way to return. Most of the guests had gone, it was now time to say good bye.

This was harder than any other part of the day for Mulder. Saying good bye. Yes, she'd be back and even though the vows had been said, it wasn't quite real until the good byes. Sarah and Robin made sure they said hello and good bye to everyone, thanking them for coming. Stephanie had taken Sarah to the suite they had reserved so she could change clothes.

"I'm going to miss you sis." Stephanie looked at Sarah with the same big puppy dog eyes that Mulder always wore when he was upset.

Sarah quickly hugged her. "Thank you so much, Stephanie, for all your help. God, you've grown up so beautifully," she said, standing back, taking a look at her younger sister. "I'm going to miss you too. But I'll be back in a week and we'll go shopping."

They rushed back down stairs to the ball room where Mulder, Scully and Robin were waiting. "Where is everyone?" Sarah asked.

"Where do you think?" Mulder grinned.

Sarah looked to Josh. "What did you do to the car, Josh?"

A big grin formed on his face. "Who, me?"

"Are you two ready?" Scully asked as they neared the door.

Sarah stopped walking and looked at her family. Her beautiful and caring sister, her handsome and devilish brother. Scully, the mother whom she'd loved from the first day she'd met her and finally, her father. The man who'd taken care of her, her whole life. The man who'd sat at her bedside and watched her sleep, not knowing she was really awake during some of those times. The man who would rush her to the hospital when she was sick, who'd held her when she was afraid, who taught her right from wrong. The man who taught her what real love meant. Tears sprung quickly and fell down her cheeks.

Mulder turned as if in slow motion, seeing his daughter standing still, tears falling down her face. Her big brown eyes stared up at him. He walked back slowly and put his arms around her, hugging her tightly. Tears threatened to form in his eyes as well. But he had to be strong for her. "You're going to be all right, baby. Go and have fun. I'll be here when you get back." He pulled away and smiled at her, his hands cupping her face, his thumbs wiping away the tears.

Then the door opened and she grabbed Robin's hand and they ran the gauntlet to the car. Josh had tied streamers to it, shaving cream covered the back with the words, 'Just Married'. Balloons were tied to the antennae. Eleanore and Robert had the door opened as the bird seed flew over and about everyone.

Suddenly they were gone. Time was spent saying good bye to those who were left and by the time all were gone, it was late and everyone was tired. Mulder put Stephanie, Josh and Scully in their car and they headed home. No one spoke during the trip. They were tired and perhaps a little sad. He said good night to his children and he and Scully headed off to bed.

He tossed and turned and finally got up. His sleeping habits did not get better with age and tonight was no different. Mulder sat in the captain's chair, leaning back against the desk, staring at the photographs of his children on the wall above him. That's where Scully found him.

"Mulder?" She didn't have to ask what was bothering him.

"I'm sorry, Scully. Go back to bed, I'll be there in a while." He didn't even turn around.

Scully walked over to him and sat in his lap, putting her arms around his neck. "What are you thinking?"

"Do you think they'll be happy, Scully? I mean do you think that this is what Sarah really wants?"

Scully smiled and hugged him, placing her face next to his. "Mulder, Sarah is your daughter, she knows what she wants and she goes after it. God help the person who stands in her way. She wouldn't have gone through with it if it wasn't right for her."

"I know, it was just the look on her face right before they left."

"She was momentarily frightened. It was time to say good bye, Mulder, that's scary for everyone. She'll be fine." Scully kissed his cheek. "Come on, let's go back to bed." Mulder sighed and followed Scully out of the den. "You know, Mulder, Stephanie really fell in love with this wedding thing." Scully grinned at him.

"Don't even think it, Scully." Mulder grimaced. He hoped the next one would be a long time in coming.

The End