It was December 1st, the Tracys had begun decorating the house for both Christmas and the wedding now only eight days away, the preparations were done and Kayo had hidden her wedding dress in Grandma's room knowing that not one of the boys would dare go inside. That afternoon Kayo walked through the lounge and looked out to the pool area where the garden was being decorated with white fairy lights, and Virgil had erected a gazebo at one end of the lawn, Scott wrapped an arm around Kayo's shoulders and she smiled back at him.

"In just under a week, we'll be down there getting married."

"Do you think we're rushing?"

"Kayo, we've been living together for almost twenty years, not to mention been dating for more than two years, I think I've known you long enough to make you my wife."

Kayo chuckled, "but those twenty years have been like family."

"Alright that is true, but I do see you more like someone I adore than just being a brother to," he held her by the shoulders gently, "do you see me as only a brother then?"

"I've always seen you as a man who looks after his brothers, so I knew you were the one for me," she wrapped her hands around the nape of his neck, "I just can't believe you said yes to becoming a couple."

"How could I not, you're breathtaking K."

Kayo gazed up into blue eyes, so dark, they dazzled in the sunlight, "I wish we weren't living on an island sometimes."

"Why do you say that?"

"Because I want to show off on the mainland with you, I've seen the way girls stare at you on missions," Kayo grinned, "I can have you all to myself, and tell them you're untouchable."

"International Rescue, we have a situation..." John trailed off as he looked over at the two snogging at the edge of the lounge, "is this a bad time?"

Kayo blushed as she released Scott's lips, "umm, no John, what's wrong?"

John frowned as they walked down into the ring as Alan ran into the lounge, "I'm getting reports that the ISS is having some airlock trouble."

"Why doesn't NASA send someone?" Alan asked as he looked up at his equally space obsessed brother.

"It takes them hours to days to send a rocket up whereas it takes us seconds."

Alan nodded, "Thunderbird 3 is go!"

"Alan, take Kayo with you, you might need a hand on this," Scott smiled as Alan pouted, the way he always did when it was suggested someone went with him.

"I'll look after him," Kayo smirked ruffling Alan's hair before sitting down in the chair beside his, "let's go, astro boy."

"I'm going to help Virgil with the lights," Scott smiled as the seats lowered below the floor and panels slid across the hole.

"I'll keep you posted on the mission," John winked then his hologram disappeared.

Virgil watched Thunderbird 3 shoot out of the roundhouse as Scott ran down to the garden, "nothing serious I hope?"

"ISS malfunction. Should be a breeze, but I hope they keep us in the loop. How is the set up going?"

"You've arrived just in time, I need some help getting these lights up along the inside of the tent."

"FAB."

Virgil smiled as he strung the lights around the tent as Scott held the other end, "how are you feeling about the wedding?"

"I can't wait, Virgil, I only wish dad could be here for it."

"I wish he could be here too. I'm really proud of you Scott."

"For what?"

"You're getting married, you'll finally be settled down."

Scott laughed, "I'll never be fully settled, but I guess the marriage will help," he rounded off the final lights and jumped off the stool, "what about you and Alexis?"

"What about us?"

"Do you think you two will ever get married?"

"We haven't even been together a year, let alone thinking about marriage Scott!" Virgil shook his head, "I get that you're all hyped up on romance at the moment but think logically."

"Simply asking a question, you do love her don't you?"

"Yes," he paused, "I adore her, but I don't want to rush things. You and Kayo see each other all the time, I probably know more about Kayo than Alexis. I'm still getting to know her; her likes and dislikes, family background and, well, I've just found out she's a trained assassin for the GDF," he laughed, "and now you're talking about us getting married someday."

"I guess you have a point there," Scott sat down on the raised platform the piano would eventually sit on, "when are you moving the piano?"

"I'm hiring one, I can't think of a way to get the lounge one down here."

"When is that arriving then?"

"In a couple of days, the house should be decorated by then right?"

"Uh, sure."

"Good. I'm picking Alexis up tomorrow, she's spending the rest of the week here with us so she can help Kayo."

"Does Kayo know?"

"It was her idea actually, she's not a bridesmaid but Kayo wants some help on the day."

"She didn't tell me that."

"Why would she? Anything regarding her side of the wedding is remaining a secret from you, but she's told me because she trusts me."

"What's the dress like?"

Virgil laughed before standing up, "nice try. I'll be in the hangar if you need me."

Scott watched him go then looked around the garden area at the lights, he smiled then turned to go into the house up to the lounge where Alan was calling in, "Al?"

"Yeah Scott?"

"How is everything?"

"It's fine Scott, I was only asking Brains if there's anything else to do, we fixed the ISS' feed and we're on our way back."

"Is Kayo alright?"

Kayo smiled as she activated her portrait, "I'm fine sweetheart, have you and Virgil finished in the garden?"

"Yep, and it looks great."

"I can't wait to see it, see you when I get back."

"When we I think you mean," Alan interrupted pompously.

"Whatever."

Brains smiled, "good job Alan."

"Thanks, Brains, over and out."

Scott nodded and looked down at the scientist, "that was quick."

"I knew it would b-be, these types of operations on the station are uh easy to f-fix, it's just getting the parts up there is where it becomes tricky."

Scott smiled, "at least Kayo being off the island has given me some time to sort out the wedding."

Thunderbird 3 landed shortly after Scott had left the lounge and Kayo gasped as she entered the kitchen looking down to the garden which was lit up.

"Oh wow."

"Do you like it?" Virgil asked as he pushed himself from the wall he was leaning against.

"I love it Virgil, thank you," Kayo smiled as she wrapped her arms around him, she laughed as he lifted her off her feet momentarily, "hey, cut it out."

Virgil chuckled, "sorry," he put her down with a smile, "have you got everything?"

"Oh yeah it's all on the island now, the only thing left is the ceremony itself," she sighed, "why is a week so slow?"

"It'll be the 9th before you know it."

"Are you picking Alexis up tomorrow?"

"Yep, and she's got everything sorted too, are you sure you don't want her as a bridesmaid?"

Kayo smiled at him sympathetically, "Virgil, I do trust her, despite her side job, but I just don't know her well enough to make her a bridesmaid. It's not that I don't want her to be one, it's more to do with that I don't have enough girlfriends to have any maids. Penny is my maid of honour and that's it," she sat down on the top step, "most women have at least four close friends they can ask, but in this business, we don't exactly meet anyone."

"What about Ridley or Doyle?"

"I don't even know Doyle's first name, and we weren't friends as such, she was just a rescue victim who we worked with," Kayo sighed, "it's fine, I have everyone here for my wedding and that suits me."

Virgil smiled, "are all of us your best men then?"

Kayo laughed, "just you," she settled against his shoulder as he sat down beside her, "John seemed a little uninterested."

"Of course he's not, he's your brother," he chuckled then sighed to himself thinking about the real reason John was reluctant, "I wouldn't worry about him."

"You're right."

"Hey you two, dinner is ready, it's been cooking all day," Grandma smiled at them as she entered the kitchen, "call your brothers in Virgil."

"Why me?"

"Because your voice can be heard down to the beach."

Virgil rolled his eyes, "I'll send a text," he sent a message on the family comms channel before sitting down at the table with Kayo.

Gordon walked down the stairs, "has your voice gone Virgil?"

"Um no," Virgil poured himself a glass of orange juice.

"You usually shout?"

"I thought a text would suffice."

Scott entered the kitchen and slid next to Kayo, he pressed a kiss to her forehead then reached for the jug, "when did you get back?"

"Not long ago, where were you?"

"Thunderbird 1 maintenance," he smiled as more people sat down at the table, minus John who was in Thunderbird 5 but soon joined them in hologram form, "how is the decorating going?"

"Bits and bobs, it depends what the priority is," Gordon smirked, "I'm more interested in Christmas than your wedding," he winced as Kayo kicked him hard in the leg, "ow!"

"Don't be mean Cooper," Grandma frowned before turning to Virgil, "when is Alexis joining us?"

"Tomorrow, I'm leaving at eleven with Thunderbird 2."

Scott laughed, "why Thunderbird 2? You've already impressed her."

Virgil frowned as the others smirked, "ha-ha. She's quicker than the jet."

Alan twirled his fork around the lasagna, "hmm."

"What's wrong Alan?" Scott asked.

"Nothing really, just down in the dumps."

Kayo stroked her fingers along Scott's thigh, "well cheer up, I don't want an unhappy brother at my wedding."
"It's not until the end of the week," Alan looked up solemnly.

"Enough Alan," Grandma said sternly, "when shall we go shopping for Christmas?"

"The next weekend, not the one coming," John smiled, "and I'll join you for that."

Dinner continued in friendly conversation and Virgil pushed his empty plate back, "hey, Scott, when you're done, can I have a word?"

"Yep. Grandma, can we be excused for a moment?"

"Sure, the rest of you, let's get the dishwashing started," Grandma smiled at Gordon and Brains who gulped, "Alan, you're on drying duty."

Virgil and Scott sat by the pool listening to the evening crickets chirping in the bushes, gulls squawked over the ocean and in the distance, the waves lapped against the rocks.

"What's up Virgil?"

"I was just wondering, do you have your first dance prepared?"

"The moves yes, the music, we can't decide on."

Virgil smiled as he stretched out on the lounger, "do you want me to play for you?"

"You mean a composition?"

"If you'd like, but I can easily learn something," he shrugged tapping the fabric of the chair with his fingers.

Scott looked up at the stars, "hmm, well I'd love you to play, but it would need to be slow."

"Show me the dance."

Scott let out a sharp laugh, "absolutely not! You'll see it live and nothing else."

"A clue then, come on bro, I need to know the rhythm."

"Alright, it's a complicated waltz."

"3-4 or 6-8?"

"Virgil!" Scott whined humorously, "just a waltz, you know I don't know musical lingo. We were looking at the song 'So Close'."

Virgil nodded, "I know the one, yep I can easily play that," he looked across the water, "shall I sing too?"

Scott smiled, "if you want, but I was going to sing to Kayo during the dance."

"Oh very romantic, does Kayo know?"

"Nope, we've only been practising with the iPod," Scott's cheeks turned pink in the pool lights, "I only hope it works."

"We better practise then," Virgil raised an eyebrow.

"Why?"

"So we're in time with each other."

"I suppose so," he smiled, "I can't wait to see Kayo in the wedding dress, she says it's the most beautiful dress she's ever seen and you know as well as I do how much she hates wearing them?"

Virgil nodded, "I bet you can't. Come on, we should help the youngsters with the washing up."

The next day was bright and sunny, Virgil had been up early checking Thunderbird 2's systems and was ready to leave for New Zealand, as he was making his way to his room Kayo caught his arm.

"Hey, Virg?"

"Kayo, I'm just about to leave."

"Yes, I know. I just thought you should be warned that you may be carrying back more than Alexis."

"Penny?"

"No, it's an object, Alexis will explain."

An arched eyebrow answered her, "FAB."

"See you later, are you coming straight back?"

"Most likely, her garden isn't hidden, I can't leave the girl there for long."

Kayo smiled, "alright alright. See ya," she tied her long hair back then walked down the corridor.

Virgil closed his door and went to have a quick shower, he gelled up his hair again after washing and changed into black jeans with his plaid top, he checked his watch and smiled, eleven on the dot, let's go. Alexis zipped up her suitcases and made sure her gown was still smooth in its suit bag, she smiled and packed her shoes on top of the pile of clothes, she heard her phone buzz and activated the call with her voice.

"You got Alexis."

"Hey Lexi, it's me."

Alexis looked around at the phone and Virgil's hologram floating above the desk, "hey sweetheart, how far away are you?"

"About half an hour, if that. What am I picking up?"

Alexis smirked as she leant on the desk, "ah, Kayo told you then?"

"Well, she warned me I'd be picking something up."

Alexis looked over at her harp wrapped in its heavy cover, "you'll see when you get here, how delicate are you with the jaws of life?"

"Umm, it depends."

"Ok, we'll sort this out when you're here, see you soon."

"FAB, see ya."

Alexis walked into her ensuite to do her makeup when she heard a knock at her door, "hey mum."

"Alexis, what time are you leaving?"

"When Virgil gets here. Are you ok Mum?"

"Who is getting married?"

"His eldest brother, and his girlfriend who is Virgil and his brothers' adopted sister."

"They're related?"

"Not by blood," she sighed seeing her mum's expression, "I know it sounds weird, but it works for them."

"Well, whatever you say. Do you want tea before you go, I'm putting the kettle on?"

"I would love a coffee, and I'll bring my bags down," she watched her mum leave then moved over to her wardrobe, she pressed a button and a panel slid across revealing a wall of weapons, she grabbed a couple of knives and a gun, she sighed and slid them into her second suitcase hiding them in a compartment, "I wish I didn't have to pack you."

The wind suddenly picked up as Thunderbird 2's VTOL jets fired and the huge ship lowered at the side of their house, her wings folded up narrowly missing the edge of the wall and the engines cut out, Alexis opened the front door and grinned at her knight in green armour.

"Hey IR, any damage?"

"No, the house is fine. What is this object then?"

"First, come and have a coffee."

Virgil smiled as he walked into the kitchen, he passed Elsa who was sat on a barstool and she purred as he stroked her head, "hi Tara."

"Good to see you, Virgil," Tara smiled at him as he stroked their cat.

Alexis got a mug out for Virgil and made him a coffee, "sorry, we only have instant at the moment."

"It's better than being served by a robot," Virgil smirked as he took the mug from her.

Tara smiled, "send my congratulations to your brother and his fiance, Virgil, your island sounds like a wonderful place to get married on."

Virgil nodded, "we can barely focus on missions, everyone is very excited."

Tara looked at her daydreaming daughter and saw why she was smitten with the young pilot, "maybe one day it'll be you two?"

Alexis blushed scarlet, "Mum!"

"Only an observation," Tara smirked, "how was the landing or do I not want to know?"

"Not a wall or brick out of place, had Gordon been piloting, however, I would be paying for damages," he cracked a grin and Alexis melted, "let's get this object."

"Oh yes, but can I put my luggage in your ship first?"

"Uh-huh, let me just unlock her, or you'll get a nasty shock," he activated his wrist screen, "protocol gamma, disengage."

Alexis picked up her bags, "thanks, see you upstairs."

Virgil smiled at Tara then left the kitchen with the two mugs, he walked up to Alexis' room passing the rooms they had made out in only days before, he chuckled to himself as he walked in then gulped, "the harp!?"

Alexis strapped her luggage safely in the cockpit against the wall then took the lift down to the ground, she jogged through the house and upstairs only to find Virgil standing next to the harp, "ah, you found it."

"What does Kayo want with the harp?"

"I told her I played it and she wondered if I could do some pieces at the wedding, she's going to pay me."

Virgil frowned, "so she wants you working as opposed to watching the wedding? You didn't have to say yes."

"I'm only playing when she's walking down the aisle," she picked up her coffee with a grimace.

"Hmm, if you say so," Virgil turned to the instrument, "how are we getting this downstairs?"

Alexis laughed, "we have a lift at the back of the house."

"Then why did you bring up the jaws?"

"For a laugh, you can help me push this to the lift."

Virgil smirked at her, "you owe me for this."

"Fair enough, follow me," she put the mug down and tilted the harp onto its wheels as Virgil took the other side, "if this is too hard, blame Kayo," she smirked as they pushed it into the lift then sent it down as they turned to the stairs, "you better have a way to get this to the lounge at your place?"

"We're equipped for anything there, I'll get the forklift if I have to."

Alexis chuckled, "it's not that bad."

Tara pulled the harp out of the lift gently as Alexis and Virgil reached the bottom of the stairs, "need a hand getting it to the ship?"

"We've got it mum," Alexis smiled, "but thanks. We're just about to leave."

"Have a wonderful time sweetheart, and let me know how the wedding goes. Give my best to the couple and your family Virgil."

"I will Tara, thank you."

"Safe travels," Tara hugged her daughter goodbye and chuckled as she watched her push the harp out of the house with Virgil.

"I want that secured Virgil, it means a lot to me," Alexis said softly watching her boyfriend tuck the harp into the corner of the module, "it won't move in flight will it?"

"No it shouldn't, besides, you know I'm a steady flyer."

"Virgil, please?"

"Alright, anything to persuade you," he chuckled lightly tightening some straps around the harp, "ok, let's go, we have a wedding to prepare for."

Alexis took his hand as they walked back to the bay door, "how's the atmosphere on the island?"

"Very jumpy, don't be surprised if people are more on edge than usual," he opened the door for her and smiled as she passed him, he heard it slam behind him and they climbed the stairs, "we've begun decorating too, both for the wedding and Christmas."

"I can't wait to see the decor," she slid into the co-pilot's seat, "take her away Virgil."

"Have you got everything?"

"Double and triple checked, the most important thing is I have my dress for the wedding."

Virgil rested his hands on the wheel, "definitely?"

"Yes, now come on. Oh, and easy on the takeoff, we're close to the wall."

Virgil nodded, "hold on," he fired the VTOL engines being careful not to hit the house then smiled across at Alexis who was leaning forward attempting to look out of the front windows, "Al, we're clear, look," he brought up a hologram and heard her sigh.

"Sorry, I just don't want you to be killed by my mum, she's watching from the kitchen probably," she laughed as they sped away from the house and Virgil plotted a course for the island.