TITLE:    CRADLE OF LOVE 
AUTHOR:   DONNILEE 
E-MAIL:   Donnilee@snet.net 
WEBSITE:  http://donnilee.tripod.com 
SPOILERS: Nope. Maybe tiny one for Requiem. 
CATEGORY: DRR  
RATING:   NC-17
SUMMARY:  Monica and John rediscover each other and why 
they fell in love in the first place so many years ago.

THANKS:   As always, thanks to Sdani, for another bang up beta 
job!  Thanks, darling.  You keep me from looking silly! 
DISCLAIMER:    Mine!  All mine!  No.  They belong to Chris 
Carter, Ten Thirteen Productions and Fox Broadcasting.  But I 
think we fic authors do a better job with them any day of the
week! DEDICATION:    It's a new adventure for me folks.  Let's 
see what happens.  And if it flops, I can always blame these two: 
Aloof and Riikka, two great gals that frequent my message board 
and encouraged me to branch out into the Doggett/Reyes field.  
Thanks girls. It's a little corny and shmoopy, but I hope you like it.  
This one's for you!

AUTHOR'S NOTE:  When I wrote Lullaby Redux and Lullaby in 
the Sky, we didn't know that Monica MET John Doggett after 
being assigned to the case of his son.  They simply alluded to a 
past relationship, and we were unsure whether it was romantic or 
strictly professional.  I got the feeling it was more than 
professional.  So I wrote the scenes in Lullaby Redux and Lullaby 
in the Sky with the idea that they were involved before Doggett's 
son was murdered, not afterwards. We only recently found out in 
"John Doe", one of the weakest episodes yet, that the case of his 
son was how they met.  You don't have to have read the Lullaby 
Series to understand this fic, but I would love it if you did!

You do need to know that Mulder and Scully are married and have 
twins.  Scully is pregnant again.  The following excerpts will give 
you a little lead in if you didn't read those fics.

The following excerpts were precursors to branching into this area 
of fic: 
xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
PROLOGUE PG

EXCERPT FROM LULLABY REDUX

He nodded and frowned.  "I lost my son."

I swallowed.  "I know," I said.  I had forgotten about that but it all 
came back to me in an instant.  I hadn't been the most sympathetic 
person at the time Agent Reyes had asked for my help on that case.  
I'd just come home and had a lot of other things on my mind.  
Right after that, I'd taken two weeks off for Family Leave and not 
thought about it since.  Now that I had two kids of my own, I 
couldn't imagine the devastation of losing one of them.

"I'm sorry," I said, knowing it sounded lame.  He nodded.  "I can't 
imagine ..."  I choked up and looked down at little Missy.

"It hits me at the weirdest times," he said.  "I won't think about it 
for weeks, then something ... like seeing you with that baby, so 
comfortable with her in your arms ... and I ... "  He broke off. "I 
miss him so much!"

I felt the tears clog the back of my throat.  He blinked rapidly, 
quelling his own tears.  "Sorry," he blurted out.

"It's all right.  Don't worry about it."

He nodded.  "I hope one day I'll have a chance to ... do it again.  I 
mean, no one can ever replace my son, don't get me wrong, but ..."

"But it would ease the pain."

He nodded.  "Yeah, I want to have a family again."

"You'll get your chance."

"I hope so," he said quietly.  "I know Agent Reyes meant well 
when she called you in on that case, but ... it dragged up a lot of 
ugly memories for me."

"Are you seeing Agent Reyes?" I asked.

His head snapped around and he looked at me.  "No," he said, but 
something flared in his eyes.  I felt turmoil rolling off him.  I had 
hit a nerve.

"Maybe you should be," I said quietly, looking back at the police 
report in front of me but not reading it.

"What made you say that?" he said.

I didn't know.  I'd just felt a wave of emotion roll off him at the 
mention of her name.  It wasn't hostile emotion though, it was ... 
repressed, hidden.  This had been happening more frequently.  It
wasn't like I knew what people were thinking. But it was like I 
knew what they were feeling sometimes.  The empathy was 
stronger sometimes than others, depending on how close I was to 
the person.  I think I only felt it when the emotion was extremely 
strong.  Then again, it was happening more frequently.

XXXXX

"What do you mean?" he asked.

"I mean ... " I said carefully, "that if you still care for her, it might 
not be too late. You should talk to her.  Things are different now.  
She's back in D.C., both of your lives have changed."

"I don't know," he said skeptically.

"Do you still love her?"

He stared at me hard again.  "I didn't say that."

"I know you didn't."

"Then how did you ..." He stopped abruptly, realizing that he had 
just admitted it. "What made you think that ..."

"I feel it," I said, cutting him off and then I shrugged.  "You should 
talk to her again."

He turned away from me and said, "You really are one spooky son 
of a bitch, and you know that?"

I grinned.  "Tell me something I don't know," I quipped.

XXXXX

I wound my fingers into the hair at the nape of her neck and she 
shivered.  "Look at me, Monica."

She raised her eyes without raising her head, peering at me from 
under her lashes.  I leaned towards her so slowly I almost irritated 
myself, but I didn't want her to pull away, and I wanted to give her 
a chance to stop me.  I drew close and I saw her eyes flare with 
something.  Fear? Hope?  I wasn't sure. I paused.  She didn't pull 
away, and I leaned in and laid my mouth across hers, kissing her 
gently, not pushing.  I didn't deepen it, just kissed her softly.  Her 
breath hitched as I pulled away.  The words I should have said to 
her years ago, just slipped out, easy as you please.  "I'm still in love 
with you."

She gasped.  I tried to remember if I'd ever told her, back then.  I 
couldn't remember, which meant that I probably hadn't.  But I 
wasn't getting any younger.  How many years did I have left? Was 
it worth clinging to my pride and dignity and fear?  For what?  So I 
could be alone for the rest of my life, regretting chances not taken?

Her eyes searched mine, boring into me, trying to see the truth. I 
licked my lips, breathing deep, as the silence continued.  She 
wasn't saying anything.  I pulled back, dropped my hand, and 
gripped the steering wheel again.  I mumbled, "I just thought you 
should know that."

I glanced at her and she was nodding.  "O.K."

I put the car in gear and pulled out onto the road, using it as an 
excuse not to look at her now. "We'll talk some more later, all 
right?"

"Yeah," she muttered.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

EXCERPT FROM LULLABY IN THE SKY

I opened my mouth to say something but he cut me off.  "I want to 
make love to you, Monica and I don't want to do it on the couch."

I swallowed a little half sob that wanted to come out.  I couldn't 
resist this anymore.  I was tired, lonely, and horny ... and in love.  
And there were just no more reasons not to take a chance, no 
matter how scared I was.

XXXXXX

I felt tears sting the backs of my eyelids again, hearing his 
declaration.  If I hadn't heard it before, I might have thought it was 
just the heat of the moment.  But I knew he meant it and I felt a 
lump form in my throat as he collapsed against me.  His nose 
nuzzled my neck and he licked it, then kissed it gently, burying his 
nose in my hair, which was now slightly damp around the edges 
with sweat.  He repeated himself again, "I love you, baby."

Baby.  He used to call me that all the time ... once upon a time.  I 
felt something crack open inside me and I was flooded with 
emotion for this brave man in my arms.  It was time to stop hurting 
each other. Time to stop holding back.  My voice was barely a 
whisper but I managed to get it out.  "I love you too, John.  I 
always have."

I felt his chest roll as he suppressed the soft sobs that wanted to 
escape.  He sniffled loudly and drew in a couple of slow, deep 
breathes.  Finally he raised his head and looked at me.  "Can you 
say it again?  Just one more time?"

He looked so hopeful it broke my heart and I smiled.  "I love you, 
John."

His forehead fell to my breastbone and he kissed me there.  Then 
he moved up and kissed my lips, lingering as his tongue teased 
mine gently.  I sighed and he rolled off me.  I rolled with him and 
up onto his sweaty chest.  I was chilled now and we squirmed 
around until we could pull the comforter over us.  I let my legs 
dangle between his.

I felt contentment steal over me.  I was at peace for the first time in 
many years.  His hand petted my hair affectionately and his fingers 
flexed, letting the strands fall through his fingers.  "Your hair is
so soft," he murmured.

I smiled and kissed his chest.  I looked up suddenly and said, "Oh 
God, John!  We didn't use any protection!"  I felt panic rip through 
me.

XXXXX

"So what did John want to talk about?"

"Monica.  What did Monica want to talk about?"

"John."

We smiled at each other.

"She wants to get married. She thinks she's pregnant.  But she 
doesn't want John to marry her because of the baby."

"Does he know about it?"

"Not yet."

"Then she's about to be one happy lady."

"How come?"

"He bought her a ring.  He's going to propose tonight."

We smiled at each other.  It was going to be nice to share 
parenthood with them.  They had become our friends. 
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

PART 1 (PG) 
MONICA REYES' APARTMENT 
GEORGETOWN, DC 
FRIDAY NIGHT 
ONE WEEK LATER

I got home last week from taking Dana home from the airport.  I'd 
been a nervous wreck, not knowing if I should break the news to 
John yet or wait until after my doctor's appointment.  I wanted to 
be sure.  It would be a disaster if I made my big announcement and 
then it turned out to be a false alarm.

As it happened, all my fears were for naught.  Once I'd let John 
into my heart and into my bed, he'd wasted no time.  That night, 
after sitting me on the couch and making us some tea, he'd 
disappeared for a moment and then returned, surprising me by 
going down on one knee in front of the sofa and balancing
his arms on the edge of the couch cushion on either side of my 
legs. He'd taken my hands in his and said, "Monica, I love you."

"I love you too," I'd replied.

He'd placed his fingers over my lips to silence me.  I understood 
that he wasn't finished.  Despite his stance on the floor, I hadn't 
expected it.  He'd looked me in the eye and said, "I want to spend 
the rest of my life with you.  I want a family again, Monica, with 
you."

I'd gasped loudly and brought my hand up to cover my mouth, 
feeling tears sting the backs of my eyelids.  He'd slid a hand in 
between the couch cushions and produced a small, black, velvet 
box, holding it up.  "Oh God," I'd whimpered.

He'd opened the box and held it up. "Would you marry me?  Be my 
wife, Monica.  Please say, 'Yes'."

I'd let out a whoop through the tears that finally escaped and pulled 
him up off the floor.  He lifted himself up and straddled my legs 
with his knees on the couch.  I pulled his head down and devoured 
his mouth.  He responded enthusiastically.  When we needed air, I 
finally broke the kiss.  He was throwing me the goofiest grin, his 
hand still clutched around the little box.

He said, "I take it that means, 'Yes'?"

"Yes!" I'd cried.  I smiled so hard my cheeks hurt.

He leaned back and plucked the beautiful ring out of the box.  It 
was a thick gold band with a marquis diamond in the center and 
two tiny marquis diamonds on either side.  He snatched up my 
wrist and slid the ring onto my ring finger.  I curled my fingers and 
then splayed them out to look at it.  We both stared for a few 
moments.

I whispered, "It's beautiful, John."

"Beautiful ring for a beautiful lady," he responded. "Glad you like 
it."

I pulled him to me again and we hugged.  I put my lips to his ear 
and asked, "How big is it?"

I felt his chest rumble against mine as he chuckled silently.  Then 
he said, "You're such a ... girl. I should have known that would be 
the first question out of your mouth.  Not where did I get it or how
much did I pay, but how BIG is it."

I laughed.  "I wouldn't care if it was made of tin.  You know that.  
But people are going to ask. Ladies always ask.  I don't want to 
feel stupid not knowing," I said, a little defensively.

He pulled back and smiled.  "Yeah, sure."

I slugged him gently on the shoulder. "Fine then.  Don't tell me."

He kissed me on the forehead and said, "The big one is 2-1/2 
karats.  The little ones are 1/4 karat each."

I kissed him again and said, "I might have some news soon too."

He'd cocked his head to one side.  "What's that?"

"I was afraid to tell you.  I wanted to marry you so badly ..."  I 
trailed off.

He frowned.  "What's wrong?"

"Nothing.  I was afraid if I told you this first you would ..."

"Not marry you?" he interrupted.  He looked a little worried now.

"No, that you would marry me because of it rather than for the 
right reasons."

"What are you talking about, Monica?"

I held his gaze for a long moment and then said, "I'm not sure yet.  
I go to the see the doctor day after tomorrow ... but ... I missed my 
period, John."

He looked absolutely stunned for about two second and then threw 
his hands up in the air. "Woo Hoo!"

I busted out laughing at his reaction.  Why had I been afraid to tell 
him?  Of course, he'd asked me to marry him BEFORE he knew 
and that made all the difference in the world.  He hugged me 
fiercely.  "I take it you're not upset?"

"Upset?  Hell, no!  God, Monica.  I hope it's true."

"It's a little fast."

"I don't care.  I want a family with you.  I told you that.  I'll never 
forget Luke.  But I've spent too many years not moving forward 
because of it.  It's time for a new life and new beginning.  I want 
this more than I've ever wanted anything in my entire life."  He 
caught my eyes again with his own.  "And I want it with you, 
Monica."

He always had a way of saying the right thing and it always made 
me cry, damn it.  I felt like a water fountain lately.  Everything was 
going to be all right.  I felt that for the first time in a long time.

XXXXX ONE WEEK LATER

I was nervous about asking her.  I really didn't know why.  She and 
Mulder had become such good friends to us.  They both seemed 
enthusiastic and eager to help out.  I just didn't know if she was 
that good a friend.

I cleared my throat as I held the phone to my ear.  "I need to ask 
you a question, Dana."

She sounded worried. [What is it, Monica?  Is something wrong?]

"Um, no.  We set a date for two months from now which doesn't 
give us much time to get ready."

[No, but you'll make it.]

"Yeah, well, I was wondering if you would ..."

[Would what?  Spit it out, Monica.  You know I'd be glad to help 
any way I can.]

I took a deep breath.  "Would you be my maid of honor?"

I heard a tiny gasp at the other end of the phone and I held my 
breath.  Then I broke out in a relieved smile when she finally 
answered. [Of course.  I'd be honored.]

"Oh, thank you so much!"

She must have heard something in my voice.  [Hey, hey.  Are you 
sure everything's all right?]

"Yes, I just wasn't sure what you would say."

[You thought I'd turn you down?] she asked, sounding incredulous.

"Well, I wasn't sure if we ... I mean we're friends ..."

[Yes, we are.] she interrupted.

"I just wasn't sure if we were THAT GOOD of friends."

She chuckled softly.  [Yes, Monica.  We are, or I would like to 
think so.]

"That means a lot to me."

[It means a lot to me too.  I guess neither one of us has a raft of 
girlfriends.]

Now it was my turn to chuckle.  "No we don't."

[And there are so few people I can trust or that would even believe 
me were I to talk about some of the things in my life.  But I know 
... I know you believe, and I trust you.]

I gasped, wondering at the enormous feeling of gratitude that stole 
over me.  I'd been sure in the beginning that Dana Scully didn't like 
me and saw me only as a usurper on her territory, the X- Files.
All that had changed now and in a relatively short amount of time.  
"I don't know what to say.  I'm a little overwhelmed."

[Don't be.  You and John are both beautiful people with honest 
souls.  Mulder and I feel the same way.  We honestly don't know 
what we would have done without you the last few weeks.]

I bit my bottom lip.  "I know neither of you trusts easily."

[No, we don't.  We can't afford to.  But you two have earned our 
trust.]

She said this as if it was no big deal, but I knew better.  "Well, 
thank you.  I appreciate and ... value your trust and of course, your 
friendship."

[You'll always have that, Monica.]

I blew out air through pursed lips.  "Same here.  I'll call you when 
it's time to go for a dress fitting, O.K.?"

[You got it.] I could hear the smile in her voice.

"Is Mulder there?"

[He just walked in.  He's putting away groceries.]

"Ooo, a man who does chores, how nice," I teased.

She laughed.  [Yeah, well.  He had incentive.  I told him if we 
went grocery shopping and bought all the ingredients, I'd make 
him his favorite thing for dinner.]

"What's his favorite thing?"

[Angus Beef pot roast with potatoes and baby carrots and onions.]

"My mouth's watering just thinking about it."

[Hold on.  I'll get him.]  I could hear her voice even though she'd 
taken the phone away from her mouth.  [Hey Mulder, pick up the 
phone in the kitchen.]

She came back on the line.  [He's coming.  Give him a sec.]

"No problem.  I'm going to put John on.  He's the one that wants to 
talk to Mulder."

I could hear the merriment in her tone.  [Ooo, is he asking Mulder 
the same question you asked me?]

I laughed good-naturedly.  "Yes.  We're real subtle, huh?"

[I like that in a person,] she teased.  Then she whispered, [Besides, 
I loovvee Mulder in a tux.]

We both laughed now and then John nudged my elbow.  I handed 
him the phone.

XXXXX

"Hey Dana."

[Hi, John.  Just a sec.]

"No problem."

Mulder's voice came on the line.  [John, what's up?]

I heard the phone click.  Scully must have been hanging up from 
another phone.

"Well, Monica just asked Dana a favor.  Did she tell you?"

[Nope.  Not yet.  I just got in.  Everything all right?]

"Yes, does there have to be something wrong every time I call 
you?"

[Uh, no, but there usually is.]  His voice was playful but it hurt a 
little.

"I'll try to remedy that."

[I'm sorry, John.  I didn't mean anything by that.  I was just playing 
with you.]

"I know, but you're right.  I should call more often.  We should try 
to get together more often outside of work."

[Yeah, we should.  So what did Monica ask Dana?]

"Same thing I'm going to ask you."

[And what would that be, pray tell?]

"I was wondering if you would be my Best Man at my wedding."

[Of course!] he nearly shouted.

"That's great, Mulder.  I really appreciate it."

[No brothers or other relatives I'd be usurping?]

"No, Monica and I are both only children."

[O.K.  No problem.  It will be a pleasure.]

"Thanks.  Hey, I would like to get together soon.  Ask you some 
questions ..."

[Sure.  About what?]

"Not now."

[Ah, is someone listening?] he asked.

"Yes."

[Ah, ha!  You have GUY questions.]

I chuckled.  "Yes and I don't want to advertise my ignorance."

[I get it.  When do you want to get together?]

"Any time."

[How does tomorrow look?  Dinner?]

"Pretty good."  I turned from the phone.  "Hey Monica, you want 
to go to dinner at the Mulder's tomorrow?"

"Sure that would be great, honey."

I smiled and turned back to the phone.  I loved it when she called 
me pet names.  If that made me a pansy, then so be it!

[So is it a go?  We can have dinner and then take a walk on the 
beach, just you and me.]

"Sounds like a plan to me."

[Good, let say, 7:00 PM?]

"Great.  Should we bring anything?"

[Just yourselves.]

"You want wine or something?"

[Nope.  The girls can't have it.  No alcohol with buns in the oven,] 
he joked.

I laughed.  "I meant for you and me.  I'm not THAT ignorant!"

He chuckled.  [No, no fair to tempt them.  Just come over at 7:00 
PM.]

"We'll be there with bells on."

[See you then.] 

xxxxxxxxxxxxx

PART 2 (NC-17) 
MONICA REYES' APARTMENT 
GEORGETOWN, DC 
FRIDAY NIGHT

He hung up the phone and said, "Well, that's over with."

I smiled.  "Don't sound so enthusiastic," I deadpanned.

He grinned.  "I just felt funny asking.  Who would have thought 
those two would end up being our best friends?"

"Yeah, huh?  Come here, handsome."

He smiled and stepped into me, embracing me gently.  We hugged 
for a moment and swayed a little.  His nose nudged my ear.  "I love 
you," he whispered.

His hot breath cascaded down my neck and I shivered.  I felt his 
lips smile against my neck as he began to suckle gently below my 
ear.  I moaned, "Awwww, God, John."

He licked me there playfully and said, "Want to go to bed early?"

"We haven't even had dinner yet."

"So?" he asked, sounding like he was going to pout.

I laughed and tried to scold him.  "You're incorrigible.  Can't you 
wait a couple of hours?"

"Nope," he said with finality.  "I want to make love to my fiancé."

"We should eat first," I protested weakly, my tone suggesting that I 
was yielding.

"I'll make whatever you want or take you out for dinner if you 
want ... afterwards."

"Are you trying to bribe me?" I asked in an amused tone.

"Yep," he said, totally unrepentant.  His hands slid down to my 
hips and he pulled me in tight against his body.  I could feel his 
erection pressing into the juncture of my thighs and I gasped at the 
sudden rush of wetness that flooded my panties.

He pulled back and put his hand on my stomach and looked up at 
me.  Then faced my stomach again and said playfully, "Hey there, 
buddy.  Mind if I rock your cradle?"

Laughter bubbled up out of me again without warning.  I'd 
forgotten how funny John could be when he was happy and 
relaxed.  The entire last six months of our prior relationship had 
been consumed with anger and sadness.  It was good to see the 
other side of John emerging.  I felt of rush of satisfaction that I
was somehow, in part, responsible for that.  He laughed with me 
and then added, "So what do you say, baby?"

I smirked.  "Last one upstairs is a rotten egg."

He barked out a chuff of laughter and took off at my heels as we 
headed for the stairs.

XXXXXX

I stand panting in the doorway to the bedroom, not believing how 
quickly my life has turned around in a few short weeks.  I had 
wasted so much time.  I didn't want to dwell on that, but I wanted 
to make up for it too.

She began undressing herself slowly, making a little show of it as I 
panted like a schoolboy in anticipation.  I had been celibate for a 
long time.  Now that I'd been with her I couldn't get enough.

I vowed to be more spontaneous and not waste any more time 
worrying about being conventional or whether something was 
proper or not.  Hanging out with the Mulders had taught me that 
life was just too damn short.

Now, not only was I engaged to the woman I'd been in love with 
for years, she was going to have my baby.  I was going to have a 
family again.  I never thought I'd say this, but God bless Fox 
Mulder.  If he hadn't encouraged me, I might never have found the 
courage to approach her again.

I kept my eyes locked with hers and began undressing myself.  She 
smiled coyly and slid up on the bed, putting herself on display.  
She was only two and a half months pregnant and not a thing 
showed yet.  I wanted to keep her naked and happy as much as 
possible.  I knew there would come a point this near the end of her 
pregnancy where we wouldn't be able to do.  Until then, I was 
going to make up for lost time, as long as she was willing.  So far, 
she seemed to be.

I dropped my pants after toeing off my sneakers and pulling off my 
socks.  My shirt got whipped off over my head and thrown behind 
me.  I sighed as my cock was freed of the constrictive jeans. I was 
so hard it was unreal.  My shaft strained upward toward my 
stomach, nearly standing straight up.  I couldn't ever remember 
being this hard, except for that first time I was with her a couple of 
months ago.  "You are so beautiful," I whispered.

She smiled and said, "Come here and show me."

I eagerly complied, walking with an odd gait around my rock hard 
erection.  She snickered and I waggled my eyebrows at her as I 
crawled up and straddled her legs.  I leaned in and kissed her.

She hummed in the back of her throat, which always drove me 
crazy.  I loved the little sounds she always made.  Monica was very 
vocal when she was aroused and her vocalizations drove me right 
to brink.  I'd forgotten that about her.   I was remembering now 
with a vengeance, and as I felt my cock throb an then an ache 
would wash down my shaft after every sound she made. She 
reached for me and swiped her hand below my navel over the dark 
line of hair that was thicker and funneled down from my navel.  I 
wouldn't be able to take her touching me there right now.

I pinned her hands by her head, wrapping my fingers around her 
wrists.  "How would you like to do this?" I asked, a little alarmed 
at how rough my voice was.

She grinned and teased, "Insert Tab A into Slot B."

I nearly howled.  "Damn, woman, I forgot how much fun we have 
together."

Our laughter died and we were suddenly serious.  "I've missed you, 
John."

"Where have I been?"

"Right here for the last few weeks, but I meant before that."

"I've missed you too, baby.  Let me show you how much."

I sank down between her thighs and her legs came up to wrap 
around my waist.  Another thing I'd rediscovered was how 
sensitive her nipples were.  I'd never known a woman with such 
sensitive nipples.  Not that I'd known that many, but I'd had my fair 
share before I was married.

I bent down to her already puckered nipples, making a show of 
deciding which one to pay attention to, muttering, "Hmmmm, 
eeny, meeny, miney, mo."

She began to giggle again and said, "Just pick one, John.  God, 
they're even more sensitive than they used to be."

"O.K.," and I dropped my head, latching onto her left nipple, 
swirling my tongue around it and then suckling like a baby.  I 
assumed she meant since she'd been pregnant.

Her back arched off the bed and she cried out, "Holy ....!  Jesus, 
John!"

"Mmmm, I hummed against her and she gasped in a jerky fashion.  
I felt my nerves crackle with her growing excitement.  My fingers 
inched up and I grazed my thumb over her other nipple feeling its
hardness.  Then I latched onto it with my thumb and forefinger and 
pinched gently.

She shrieked, "Oh, yeah!  Oh God, what you do to me!"

"Tell me, darlin'," I growled.  I could be such a schmuck but I 
loved it when she said things like that.  Hey, I was a guy.  So I 
sucked a little harder and rolled her other nipple back and forth, 
rubbing my now throbbing cock against her moist center and 
brushing up over her clit.  I lifted my mouth briefly to mutter, "I 
want to make you come from this, just this."

Then I sank down to suckle her hard, pulling as much of her breast 
into my mouth I could and laving her turgid bud.  My hips swirled 
a bit as I thrust against her, trying to ignore the height of my own
arousal.  I felt determination come over me and I chanted in my 
head, 'Come on, baby, come for me. Come on, baby, come for me.'

She wailed, "Ahhh, ahhh, ahhh, so good!  Oh, suck it hard, John!"

I took a deep breath and sucked as hard I could, rolling my thumb 
over her other nipple.  Her hands came to cup the sides of my head, 
holding me in place, as though I had plans to go anywhere!

A few more seconds and she began to whimper, "Oh God, Oh God, 
suck it, suck it, oh, I'm gonna come.  I'm gonna come.  I don't 
believe it, I'm gonna come."

I bit gently into her peaked bud and tugged with my teeth.  She 
screamed, "Jjjoohhhnnn!  Oh Jesus!"

Her chest shuddered under my mouth and her head was thrown 
back.  I ground my cock into her pubic bone, crushing her clit 
between us.  She shrieked something incoherent and then went 
limp, her legs trembling where they rested on my hips and her 
chest panting heavily.  I'd made her come and I wasn't even inside 
her yet.

I lapped gently to soothe her nipple and she shivered, arching her 
back.  I lifted up on my elbows and slid up, kissing her tenderly as 
she lay there recovering, her eyes glassy, her face flushed. "So 
beautiful," I muttered. 

"I can't believe you made me come that way.  I thought it was a 
fluke last time."

I grinned like a Cheshire cat.  "That was spectacular."

"Proud of yourself?"

"Maybe a little."  Then my smile faded.  "God, Monica, I ache for 
you.  Watching you come and knowing I caused it is unspeakably 
erotic to me."

"Let me take care of that then," she responded.

I angled my body over hers and took her mouth in a crushing kiss.  
When we finally broke apart, she said, "Let me turn over."

I felt my eyes widen but I lifted up on all fours.  She flopped over 
and then came up on her knees, her hands reaching up to grip the 
headboard.  Her back gleamed as it arched at a 45- degree angle, 
her lovely ass stuck up in the air, her sex open and ripe before me.  
This was my favorite position and she knew it.  Something about 
seeing her offer herself to me this way made me wild.  I wanted to 
brand her as mine.

I groaned from the depth of my soul and clumsily made my way to 
kneel behind her.  I swiped my glans through her wetness, teasing 
her.  She wiggled her butt.  "Do it now, John."

I grasped her hips gently but firmly.  The sight before me turned 
my hard heat into throbbing steel. I slowly eased the swollen head 
of my cock inside her.  I felt her muscles spasm slightly and I 
sucked in my breath.  I slid in slowly, savoring the feel of her 
silken, hot walls enveloping me slowly.  We both groaned when I 
was seated to the hilt.  I ground my hips against her, feeling my 
balls roll slightly and ache with pleasure.

Emotions were crashing through me in rapid succession.  I wanted 
to protect her from all the evil in the world.  I wanted to possess 
her and make sure no one but me ever touched her again. And I 
wanted to love her, love her hard, the best way I knew how.

I entered her swiftly, cupping her hips to hold her in place.  I tried 
to keep a steady pace as I stroked deeply in and out of her, bending 
over her lithe back to cup her full breasts and tease them.  I wanted 
to make this last but I was so excited it was ridiculous.  I felt like 
an 18 year old for crying out loud.

Just then, she cried out, "Don't hold back, John.  Let it go.  Let me 
feel how wild I make you."

My body spasmed, my muscles tensing once again as I left her 
breasts, straightened up onto my knees and began driving myself 
into her at a relentless pace, grunting with every impact.

I wasn't going to be able to last much longer.  It felt so good.  I 
could feel the telltale tightening in my nuts.  The ache started down 
deep, moving slowly up the shaft of my cock, the sensations 
getting more intense with every quick, hard thrust into her tight 
body.

"Touch yourself!" he ground out through clenched teeth.  "I'm so 
close."

I gritted my teeth, hoping I could hold out until she came again.

XXXXXX

We've made love quite a few times in the last few weeks.  Tonight, 
however, there was a new level of heightened urgency.  I couldn't 
name it.  It was a vague sense of an impending explosion.

I couldn't believe he'd made me come just from playing with my 
nipples and rubbing against me. I remembered he'd done that once 
before many years ago and I'd been stunned then.  No one else had 
ever been able to do that.

Once he was firmly embedded I felt a bittersweet ache run through 
my thighs and I trembled at the feeling of fullness.  He was no 
small guy that was for sure.  His body was so well sculpted I 
would shiver just thinking about it.  Feeling the sensuous weight of 
him as he leaned over my back was incredible.

He began to thrust, his hands sliding up and cupping my breasts, 
squeezing rhythmically in time with his thrusts.  I began to moan 
like a whore in heat as relentless waves of pleasure washed over 
me with every stroke.  He could go so deep in this position.

His pace was neither slow or fast, but hard and steady.  I could 
hear his soft grunts each time our hips collided on impact.  I could 
feel a vibration in the air coming from him.  It was raw emotion 
held carefully in check.  He was trying to be gentle with me but his 
passion was carrying him away and I rejoiced that I could do this 
to him.

I cried out, "Don't hold back, John.  Let it go.  Let me feel how 
wild I make you."

A violent shudder racked his strong frame and his hands slid back 
down to my waist.  He began to pound me like a jackhammer, 
grunting all the while, "Ah, ah, ah, ah," as he slammed into me.

The wet smacks of our bodies, our grunting, and moaning were the 
only sounds.  My breasts swung free, being jarred with every thrust 
that was just this side of brutal.

"Touch yourself!" he ground out through clenched teeth.  "I'm so 
close."

I leaned my head on my arm against the headboard to cushion my 
head as it rocked forward and slid my hand down my stomach, 
finding my clit with practiced ease and began brushing over and 
around it in quick circles with the pad of my middle finger.

I immediately felt my insides begin to quiver and my womb 
tighten.  "Oh, Yes, here I go, baby."

"Yes, come again for me!  I'm almost there, oh shit, oh damn, I 
can't hold back.  Monica!  I'm sorry! Oh my fucking Goooddddd!"  
He wailed the last as his hips slammed into mine giving my ass a 
clumsy beating.  I felt the white-hot spray of his cum as he jetted 
into me over and over again.

My walls convulsed around his throbbing shaft and I shouted,  "Oh 
Christ!"  My orgasm swept me away and lights flashed behind my 
eyelids.

I let go of the headboard and sank down to the mattress. He 
followed me down, keeping his still hard cock buried inside me, 
pressing his hips into me as we savored the aftershocks.

"Jesus, John," I muttered.

I felt his lips brush the skin between my shoulder blades.  We were 
both still panting heavily.  He croaked out, "Was it always this 
good?  How could I have forgotten how good this was?"

I sucked in a lungful of air and turned my head so I could see him 
out of the corner of my eye.  "It was good then, but I think it's 
better now.  It felt different tonight."

He hissed as he pulled out of me and rolled over onto his back.  I 
snuggled up to his side with my head on his shoulder and my arm 
splayed across his chest.  My leg slid over his thigh and I wound 
myself around him.  He hummed in contentment.  "How was it 
different?" he asked.

"I don't know.  It seemed more ... urgent.  I can't describe it.  It was 
... wild and desperate almost."

"I was pretty worked up."

"How come?"

He didn't answer.  He just picked up my hand and kissed the ring 
on my finger.  I understood.  I had said, 'Yes'.  I had agreed to be 
his and that brought all his possessive instincts to the fore. Our sex 
that night had been fast and furious too.  Talking about the  
wedding tonight with Scully and Mulder had made it all rise to the 
top again.

He had wanted to seal the deal, claim me by making me lose 
myself in the passion that sparked between us.  He didn't need to 
do it for me.  He'd done it for himself.  I'd been happy to go along 
for the ride.

I don't know how much he had forgotten, but I hadn't forgotten 
much.  I remembered what a great lover he was.  And thank 
goodness, that hadn't changed.

He laced the fingers of his right hand through my left and squeezed 
gently.  Then he confirmed my hypothesis by saying, "Can't 
believe you're going to be my wife."

I grinned up at him and kissed the underside of his jaw.  "I can't 
tell you how relieved I was when you asked me ... before you knew 
about the baby."

He looked down at me.  "Even if I'd known, it wouldn't have 
changed anything.  I'd made my decision."

"I know, but I never would have been sure," I mumbled.

"I would have made sure you were sure," he teased.

I smiled at him tremulously.  He angled up onto his side and faced 
me.  "I love you Monica, pregnant or not pregnant.  And I would 
want to marry you either way.  And if you had reservations about 
my motives I would have crushed them.  I would never marry you 
if I didn't love you."

"I know, but ..."

"No buts.  It doesn't matter anyway.  I found out afterwards."

"Yeah, you did," I said, and smiled again.

He muttered, "You're going to be all mine."  He hugged me to him 
and then gave me a leisurely kiss.

"So what now, Romeo?" I asked.

"I'm freakin' hungry," he said, as though he were surprised.

I laughed and teased, "I told you we should have eaten dinner 
first."

He mock scowled at me.  "I just need to refuel so we can do this 
again."

My eyes widened.  "Think an old man like you can handle twice in 
one night?"

"Hey!" he cried and rolled me onto my back, sliding between my 
thighs.

He bucked into me, grinding gently and to my amazement I felt 
him stiffening again against me. "Holy shit!" I whispered.

He chuckled then stopped.  "All I have to do is touch you.  I really 
do want to eat now, though."

I grinned as he rolled off me and searched the floor for his 
underwear.  I sat up and fumbled for my clothes on the floor.  I 
carried them into the bathroom to clean up first.

XXXXXX TWO DAYS LATER

I was anxious to get home.  I knew she'd left work early to go to 
her doctor's appointment.  I hadn't been able to leave.  Mulder and 
I were doing grunt work going through previous files trying to find
connections to the case we were currently working on.  Scully had 
been tied up in an autopsy and it was a two-man job.

Monica had assured me that I didn't need to go, but I somehow felt 
like I was letting her down.  I wanted to be there through every 
phase of this process. I kicked the door shut a little harder than I
intended and winced as it rattled in the frame.

She was standing in the kitchen, cutting tomatoes for a salad.  She 
whirled around, raising the knife in the air as she paused in her 
slicing.  "Hi, honey."

I smiled and slid behind her, wrapping my arms around her waist.  
I bent over and kissed her neck.  She smiled and resumed her 
slicing.  "How did it go?"

"Good, just a test, no big deal.  Like I told you."

"When will they know?"

"Hopefully tomorrow, but probably the day after.  They have a lab 
there in the building so I'm hoping that means they can do it 
quickly.  Probably depends on how much work they have."

"I want to know now," I said, knowing I sounded petulant.

She giggled, "Don't pout."

I smiled and kissed her neck again.  "I love you."

"I love you, too."  She paused.  "So what did you and Mulder talk 
about the other night?"

"When?"

"Don't be coy with me.  You guys were out on the beach for a long 
time."

"Just guy stuff."

"Just guy stuff, huh?" she repeated.

"That's right."

"What kind of guy stuff?"

"You aren't going to let this go, are you?" I asked, a little sharper 
than I intended.  I disengaged from her and walking to the fridge.  I 
pulled out some orange juice, retrieved a glass from the cupboard.  
I proceeded to pour it and take a long drink.  I could feel her 
looking at me.

"I didn't mean to pry, John.  I was just curious."

I sighed, knowing I was acting like a jerk.  "I'm sorry, Monica.  I'm 
being an ass."  I paused.  "I wanted to ask him some questions, 
that's all."

"Questions about what?" she asked carefully.

"I want to do the right things, Monica."

"I'm not following you."

I sighed heavily and sat down on the stool that pulled up to her 
breakfast bar.  "When I was married to Barbara ... I didn't do a lot 
of things I should have done."

"Like what?"

"I wasn't there for her during her pregnancy.  I was working hard, 
thinking that was the most important thing.  I was caught up in my 
career.  I didn't go to the doctor's appointments with her."

"Ah," she said softly.  "That's why you were so upset that you 
couldn't go today."

I nodded, looking at the counter and cradling my glass in both 
hands.  "I wasn't there ... when she gave birth, Monica.  I was ... 
doing paperwork ... at the office."

"She didn't call you?"

"No."

"Well, then it's her fault.  She should have called you.  You aren't 
telepathic."

"No, you don't get it."

"Then explain it to me," she said calmly.

"She didn't ... feel she could call me.  I was so self-absorbed then.  
It changed after Luke came home.  My mother scolded me and I 
made an effort to be around more.  As he grew, I wanted to be 
there more.  Barbara and I worked out some differences and life 
went on, but it was never the same.  She could never really forgive 
me for not being there when she needed me.  Frankly, I couldn't 
really forgive myself.  We divorced.  I saw Luke on the weekends.  
That was that ... until he was suddenly gone," my voice trailed off.

"You did the best you could, John.  You were both young."

"Yeah, well, the point of this story is that I don't intend to make the 
same mistakes twice."

She put down her knife and wiped her hand on a dishtowel, leaning 
a hip negligently on the counter. "You won't."

"How do you know?" I asked, sounding frustrated.

She blew air out of her pursed lips.  "Look, for one, I don't have a 
problem telling you when I need you."

I met her gaze.  "Promise me you'll tell me if there's something you 
need from me and I'm not giving it.  It won't be because I don't 
want to.  It will be because I'm ignorant."

She walked over to me and I swung around to face her.  She fell 
between my legs and we embraced.  She buried her nose in my 
neck and hugged me hard.  "I promise.  John, you're a wonderful 
man.  And I know you were a wonderful father."

I gasped, thinking random thoughts.  "Not good enough," I 
whispered.

She rocked me as I tried to suppress the tears that wanted to come.  
"It wasn't your fault, John. You cannot blame yourself.  We both 
know that there is only so much we can do to protect the people we 
love.  Then we have to try and have faith."

I sucked in a heavy breath, holding on to her.  "I lost my faith, 
Monica.  When Luke died ... I lost what little faith I may have had 
left."

"Awww, baby, it will be fine.  You're a different man now, and I'm 
not Barbara."

"Oh God!  No, I didn't want you to think that I was comparing 
you!"

"Shhh, I know you weren't.  The point is that it serves no purpose 
to dwell in the past.  We have a future to build.  We'll be married 
soon, and then we'll have this baby, and we'll be a family."

"I'll have a family again," I said, almost to myself.  It overwhelmed 
me sometimes.  I couldn't believe it was really happening.  I 
couldn't believe this beautiful woman in my arms was going to 
marry me and have my baby.

"Yes, you'll have a family."  She pulled back and cupped my face 
in her hands.  "We're going to be fine, John.  You make me so 
happy."

Her lips pulled up as if she were the one now overcome.  She 
sniffled a little.

"Don't cry," I whispered, smoothing her hair away from her face.

She leaned down and we kissed tenderly.  "Everything's going to 
be fine, John."

I nodded.  I remembered what Mulder said to me. 'Don't keep 
secrets from her.  They will come between you eventually.'

"Monica, I was asking Mulder about marriage and raising kids and 
being a good husband ... all that kind of stuff.  Asking him what I 
should and shouldn't do.  That's all."

She grinned as though amused.  "You'll do fine, with or without 
Mulder's advice."

"I wasn't sure.  I wanted to ask him.  He and Scully are so ... close 
... and they are so good together."

"Yes, they are."

"I want to be that good with you."

She smiled softly.  "You already are, John."

We embraced again and then she said, "Dinner's in the oven.  
Come on.  Let's eat."
xxxxxxxxxxxxx

PART 3 
GEORGETOWN CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 
GEORGETOWN, D.C. 
TWO MONTHS LATER

I was trembling as I walked down the aisle.  Both my parents were 
gone and A.D. Skinner had agreed to give me away.  I felt funny 
asking him but he'd seemed delighted.  I had the stupid urge to 
break into a trot and do a cartwheel down the aisle, but I doubted 
anyone but John would appreciate it.

I beamed at my husband to be as I reached the appointed place and 
we joined hands.  His shoulders looked incredibly broad in that 
black tux.  I let my eyes scan over the boys.  The Lone Gunmen 
were ushers and Mulder was grinning from ear to ear in his sharp, 
gray tux.  Langley had actually combed his hair and put it in a 
ponytail.  Frohike looked like an uncomfortable troll and Byers, as 
usual, was his neat and prim self.

I glanced over my shoulder.  Scully was beaming a toothy smile at 
me. My bridesmaids were two friends from the academy, Maria 
and Sally.  The other one was my childhood friend from Mexico, 
Lopez.  I hadn't seen her in years and when I called she had howled 
like a banshee and said she wouldn't miss it.  We all exchanged 
smiles as the Reverend set things up.

John reached down and patted my swollen stomach.  I was 4-1/2 
months pregnant now and beginning to show.  I wore a V-neck 
dress with long lace sleeves and a blousy skirt that billowed out 
and covered my tummy.  I smiled up at him and then we turned our 
attention towards the pulpit.

The Reverend finally started the ceremony.  "We are gathered here 
today to witness the joining ...."

My hearing nearly tuned out as I stared into John's bottomless blue 
eyes.  He was smiling harder than I'd ever seen him smile.

"Is there anyone here who has reason why this couple should not 
be joined in marriage, speak now or forever hold your peace."

There was a nervous titter or two from the audience but then things 
proceeded according to plan.

Scully and Mulder were perfect in their parts, handing over the 
rings right on cue.  It was all a blur.  Next thing I knew, the 
Reverend was ending the ceremony.

"By the power vested in me by God and the District of Columbia, I 
now pronounce you man and wife.  Mr. Doggett, you may kiss 
your bride."

He grinned, tossed my veil over back over my face with a flourish.  
Several giggles reached my ears before his mouth descended on 
mine.  A cheer went up from the crowd, which consisted mostly of 
Bureau colleagues, a few friends, and Scully's mom.

We were pelted with rice as we exited the church and our limo had 
soda cans tied to the bumper and a big sign in the back window, 
"Just Married."

We rode to the reception hall, necking in the back of the limo like 
teenagers and laughing with giddiness.  I finally leaned against his 
shoulder and he wound his arm around my back.  "I don't think
I've ever been this happy, John."

"Me neither ... Mrs. Doggett," he said in a teasing fashion.

I grinned and kissed him again.  We were at the restaurant in what 
seemed like two minutes. The reception was a whirlwind affair.  
We danced, we tossed the garter and the bouquet.

We sat down to dinner and once we were served, Mulder stood up 
and took the microphone handed to him by the D.J.

"Ladies and gentlemen.  As Best Man it falls to me to make a toast.  
I wasn't sure what I was going to say.  Ours has been a wild and 
weird relationship."

Titters were heard around the room.  "Then I wondered if I should 
ask him if he was intentionally following in my footsteps.  I got my 
wife pregnant, ... THEN I married her."

More laughter.  "So what does he do?  He gets his wife pregnant, 
THEN he marries her."

Lots of laughter now.  "But what I really wanted to say is that John 
and Monica have turned out to be the best friends we could ever 
have.  Both are trustworthy and have been there when the chips 
were down.  As many of you know, they helped us get our children 
back when they were ... kidnapped."

Nobody missed the hesitation in his voice.  I supposed saying they 
were abducted might start a riot! "So without further adieu I'd like 
to make a toast ... to John and Monica!  Two of my best friends, 
may you have a long and happy life, and lots of babies!"

Lots of clapping and cheers as everyone sipped champagne.

Someone shouted, "They'll have to work hard to keep up with you, 
Spooky!"

Mulder laughed good-naturedly and said, "Let's eat, you clowns."

Then a tinkling sound began as people rapped their forks on their 
glasses.  The sound grew in volume and I turned to Scully, unsure 
what this meant.  She leaned over and whispered, "They want you 
two to kiss."

"Oh!" I cried and turned in my seat.  I grabbed John by the head 
and laid one on him.  I worked his lips hard and let go with a loud 
smacking sound.  Everyone clapped and for the first time ever, I 
saw John blush.  He turned away and looked at the floor.

It wasn't soon enough, but eventually we were able to leave and go 
to home.  We decided to spend the night at home.  We had a flight 
out to Hawaii tomorrow for a two-week honeymoon.

We undressed quickly and crawled straight into bed.

XXXXXX

"You ... are the most beautiful woman in the world, Monica ... 
Doggett."  I stood holding her from behind, my arms holding up 
her ample breasts.

My hands began to roam over her swollen belly and she gasped.  I 
reached down to skim her thighs and she moaned as I suckled the 
side of her neck.  "You still want me now that I'm getting fat?"

I smiled and turned her around, cupping her head and running my 
fingers into her hair.  "You're beautiful.  I love you so much it's 
scary.  I want make love to you, make love to my wife."

"I love you too."  She feigned seriousness and said, "Are you going 
to get all mushy on me now?"

"You don't like mushy?"

"Hmmm, sometimes.  Right now, though I don't think that's the 
mood I'm in."

"What kind of mood are you in?"

"I'm feeling giddy and playful."

I smiled at her and backed up.  "O.K.  On the bed, babe.  Let's 
boff."

She giggled and flopped onto the bed.  I crawled between her legs 
and hooked her thighs over my shoulders.  Her eyes gleamed in the 
low light, nearly black as she watched me, raising up on her 
elbows. 

I parted her swollen nether lips with my thumbs and lowered my 
head.  She tasted like tangy nectar.  I sucked her juices in to my 
mouth and she groaned.  I could feel her moisture increase. I 
slipped a finger inside.

"Awww, God, John."

My dick hardened as it did every time I heard her moan my name 
like that. I licked the sides of her clit and worked my finger in and 
out as her hips bucked up trying for more contact.  My free hand 
wandered up and rubbed across her abdomen, loving the slight 
swell there.  It didn't take a thing away from her.  It made her even 
more beautiful to me.

I wanted to make her come that way, but she stopped me, panting 
and said, "Inside.  I need to feel you inside me, now!"

Never one to keep a lady waiting, I rose up and rolled her onto her 
side.  I slid up behind her, cushioning her head on my arm.  My 
free hand gripped her hip and tilted her into position.  I teased her
swollen opening, thrusting just the head of my cock in and out of 
her.

She gasped again and then began to whimper.  "Oh, oh, oh, don't 
tease me.  Please, John!"

I chuckled and braced myself.  She went perfectly still for a 
second, and then I rammed my self inside her to the hilt, hard and 
fast.

She shrieked and I was afraid I hurt her.  "Did I hurt you, baby?"

She blew air out of pursed lips and said, "No!  Oh Fuck, you feel 
fabulous."

I could feel her tunnel walls quivering around my engorged shaft 
and I wondered if she was that close already.  For the last three 
weeks or so, she'd been insatiable.  Mulder had laughed when I 
told him and he'd educated me on the second trimester hornies, he 
called them.

I could feel her vagina sending spasmodic waves over me and I 
groaned.  She sure was easy to please.   I felt her swell around me 
and stretched my hand down from her hip to the juncture of her 
thighs.  Her belly rested on top of my arm and I loved the feel of it.  
I swiped my four fingers down hard over her clit and pulled back 
and surged into her at the same time.

She wailed, "Ahhh, God!  Oh Fuck, I'm coming already!"

I began stroke her steady, hard and deep as she convulsed in my 
arms.  I felt like a God when this happened, although I knew it was 
probably due to the second trimester hornies than with me.  But I
enjoyed it just the same.  The feeling was exquisite.  She  
whimpered again, "Ohohohoh, Gooddd!  I'm still coming!"

I began to plunge into her, feeling my own release racing up on 
me.  I left her clit and slipped up to palm her heavy breast and flick 
my thumb over her hardened tip. She whimpered as she came 
down, but I couldn't wait for her to recover.

She arched back against me, changing the angle just slightly and it 
caused my balls to slap lightly against the back of her legs.  That's 
all it took.  I wailed, "Oh baby, yeah!  Oh Sweet Christ, Monica!
You drive me wild!  Oh YEAH!"

My cock jerked with stinging spurts of cum as I thrust into her 
clumsily and held her breast tight. We both shuddered to a halt and 
lay panting.  She hummed.  "If it gets any better than that, I'm in 
deep trouble," she mumbled.

I chuckled.  "You are so insatiable."

"Is that a problem?"

"Not a bit," I responded.

She giggled.  We repositioned so I was on my back and she was 
snuggled into my side with a leg thrown over my thigh, her belly 
pressed into my hip.  We were silent for a few moments and then 
she said, "The Mulder's are going to have four babies.  How the 
hell are they going to deal with it?"

I shook my head to say I didn't know.  "Between us, we could start 
a flippin' day care."

She giggled again.  "They are going to need help."

"Scully's mom will help, I'm sure."

"Yeah."

"Why are you thinking about that?"

"I don't know."

"You want to be a nanny?"

"No, although the idea has some appeal, I'd miss being in the 
field."

"You'll have to curtail that some once the baby comes."

"For a while, yes."

"I'm tired, baby."

"Mmm, me too.  I'm tired and feel like a dishrag."

I gave her a squeeze.  "I love you."

"I love you too, baby."

"You're going to make a good mommy."

"You're going to make a good daddy."

"Let's hope so."

"You need to stop that.  You'll be fine.  We'll be fine.  We just 
need to stick together."

"You're right."  I leaned down and kissed her forehead. "Good 
night, wifey."

She giggled.  "I'll let you get away with that tonight, maybe for a 
couple of days, but then the party's over."

"Uh, oh," I gasped in mock fear.

She chuckled and laid a hand on my bare chest.  "I love your 
body."

I grinned at her.  "You can love my body any time you want to."

"Oh yeah?  What about right now?"

I groaned.  "You're going to kill me."

"What?  Can't keep up?"

I raised my eyebrows at her and she looked up at me with an 
impish smile.  "You are a minx."

"Want to rock my cradle again, baby?"

I barked out a laugh.  "Give me a minute to reload."

I rolled her over and slid between her thighs.  I kissed her and 
pressed my hips into the V of her legs.  "This is my cradle, baby, 
right here between your thighs."

"You're baaaddd!"

"You bet, and don't forget it."

"Let's see if I can get you ready for the cradle of love again."

"Ohhh, that's bad, that's really bad," I groaned at her awful stab at 
humor.

"You started it."

"Hmmm, I'm going to finish it too."  And I kissed her, and kissed 
her, and kissed her again.  I wouldn't be getting much sleep for the 
next two months, but I was going to be safe and happy in the 
cradle of love.

THE END.