The Ritter Files by Mulderslady File Twelve: Commitment DISCLAIMER: They don't belong to me, wish they did. Only Nick, Skyler, and Colton James Ritter a.k.a. CJ do. RATING: Pg-13 to R CLASSIFICATION: S, A, M/O, MOR, POV KEYWORDS: Mulder and CJ angst, M/O, MOR, POV SPOILERS: None URL: http://www.geocities.com/Area51/Capsule/5160/ritterfiles.html FEEDBACK: Please!!! at damacia@home.com ARCHIVE: Oh yeah, anywhere!! SUMMARY: CJ Ritter meets her match in the person she least expects it. CJ's ready for the next step, but is it too late? Part of The Ritter Files series ***********************%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% They say that we don't have a chance We're victims of unjust romance But they couldn't see the truth in their hands We don't have to live like they do We'll run away if we have to And we'll start a life that's shining and new It's Your Life by Lenny Kravitz ***********************%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%% "It's been three years, three years since Mulder and I started to date. Well, two and a half if you count the break with Kevin, but I don't. We've lived together for over a year and a half, and tomorrow is our third anniversary. I realize I can do this. I can live with him, love him, and cherish him for the rest of my life. I even think I'd have kids with him, but that would be way down the road. Little Tiger's enough of a spoiled child for us." CJ wrote into her journal as she petted the sleeping Tiger, who was curled into a sleeping Mulder on the bed. "I'm ready to tell him yes, I'm ready, but he hasn't asked or hinted at it for months! Have I lost my window of opportunity?? I hope not, god I hope I haven't ruined this." CJ wrote, closing her journal and turning off the light cuddling into her pillow and watching Mulder and Tiger sleep. Next day CJ got up and wrote a quick thought in her journal when Mulder turned and placed his arm across her notebook. "HEY!" CJ said playfully, moving his arm. "Are you always going to have that thing?" He teased, yawning slightly "Till I die, I'm going to be buried with it." "Can I read some of it before that happens?" "Maybe." Mulder smiled, and stretched. "I love you Colton James." "I love you too Fox William." "You're going to be 27 next week." "Yep." OK! This is strange morning convo, CJ thought as Tiger came in and stared at Mulder, his leash in his mouth. "Ok son I'm coming." He said getting out of bed quickly. 4 p.m. CJ came in the apartment to see a smiling Skyler holding an envelope in his hand. "HOLA Sky, what's up?" "Here you go." He said handing her the envelope, still smiling at her. Ok, everyone is acting strange today! CJ thought as she opened the letter, reading it quickly. "Meet me at Ferraros 6 p.m. Wear your nicest Dress and don't be late." CJ smiled, scooting around a still smiling Skyler as she went to pick out the perfect dress. 6 p.m. CJ walked into Ferraros and waited as the maitre'd finished his seating list. Mulder's never taken me here before formal dining. She flipped a lock of her hair behind her shoulder nervously and took a deep breath. The maitre d looked up, doing a double take. The low cut Brown and gold dress bringing out her eyes, and creamy skin making him smile at her appreciatively. "Hello ma'am, can I help you?" "Yes I'm meeting a Mr. Fox Mulder . . ." "Ah yes, yes, he's got a private seating, this way." He said leading her to the table. "Special occasion?" he asked, stopping at the door "Yes it's our anniversary." "Oh well that's wonderful, hopefully you have many more." He said opening the door, closing it behind her quickly. CJ smiled at Mulder as he stood up, dressed in a Black tuxedo. "WOW, I should get you in a tuxedo more often." "Thank you, I just knew you'd wear that dress. I ordered a sweet wine, that ok?" "Sure, this is really nice Mulder." CJ said, sitting as he pulled out her chair for her. "Only the best for you CJ, you know that." He whispered in her ear as he sat down. "Fox . . ." "Col . . . what?" "Nothing, you first." "What do you want for dinner?" Mulder held her hand gently as they talked. He looked at his watch and sighed heavily. Here goes nothing, he thought as he stood up. "CJ." he said as he came to her side and got down on one knee, pulling a velvet box from his jacket pocket. He held her hand loosely in his. "CJ, I love you so much, you complete me in every way. It would be the greatest honor in the world if you'd let me be your husband. CJ, . . . Cole, will you marry me?" he said opening the box, displaying the ring to her, hope in his eyes. "Yes." "WHAT?!" "Yes, I will marry you." He shakily put the ring on her finger, still in shock. "Oh my god, you actually said yes." He smiled happily, staring at her in wonder, "Oh CJ you have made me so happy." he said hugging her tightly, pulling from the embrace and kissing her tenderly on the lips. The maitre'd peeked his head in and whispered. "Did the lady say yes Mr. Mulder?" Mulder tore from her lips and nodded yes. Thunderous applause erupted throughout the restaurant as the maitre'd announced the engagement, making CJ blush. They locked eyes a moment and Mulder smiled again, reaching for her hand as he got off his knees and said, "Check please."