Disclaimer: I don't own Mutant X or the X Men. Evie is my character.

/Personal thoughts/

~~telepathic communications~~

Chapter 2

In a half an hour, Evie heard a knock on her door. "Come in."

Adam, in one of his finest polished suits, opened the door and stood in the doorway. /My God, she's gorgeous./ His mind was moving like a train but his mouth was only able to take in air as he gasped and the breath caught in his chest.

Evie was putting on her last earring when she turned toward the man gazing at her. She blushed at his obvious admiration and looked down to smooth her sapphire, strapless, A-line gown. Picking up her clutch and shawl she walked over and turned a circle in front of him. "I hope you like it," was all she could get out before Adam swiftly stepped up to her, grabbed her by the waist and kissed her hungrily.

He lovingly let his hands wander over her sides and back as he held her. Suddenly feeling her tense in his embrace, he stopped and pulled back.

She looked down to not see his eyes at that moment. She knew she would've only seen his confusion. But there was also concern.

"Evie, what's wrong?"

Smiling back at him, "Nothing, Darling, we should be on our way, shouldn't we?" She breathed in relief when he smiled back.

"Darling? Hmm? I think I like that, Darling." Smiling he slipped one arm around her waist and guided her out the door.

Passing the rec room Adam stopped briefly, "We're leaving now."

"Hey, you two look marvelous," admired Shalimar.

Flushing slightly, Adam said, "Watch the wall for me and call us if you need us."

"Rings on," Brennan called out as he felt the need to caution the two lovebirds.

"Yes, Dad," Evie called over her shoulder making everyone laugh.

The Chateau was just that, set up on a hill with beautiful landscaping including gardens with gazebos and fountains. Inside, it was cozy and warm. A fire blazed in the giant, wall-sized fireplace giving soft light and ambiance along with the candle sconces and candle arrangements on each table. Music filled the air completing the aura of ultimate romance. Adam and Evie were escorted to a private, semi circle booth table facing the crackling fire. Evie found a long stemmed white rose lying on the table at her place. Adam smiled as she picked it up. The maître d' immediately had a champagne bucket and two tall glasses brought to them, popped and served. Having preordered everything for them, Adam wanted to have the evening run as romantically as possible.

Evie was near tears as she whispered, "Darling, this is so wonderful."

Picking up his glass, he slid closer to her, "This pales to the wonder of having you in my life." Seeing the tears finally fall, he leaned in and kissed her gently. Handing her the other glass, they sipped together.

They talked and laughed and danced as course after course served, seemed to magically appear as the waiters were expert at not interrupting the quixotic atmosphere they help to create.

"Now tell me, what have you been dreaming about?" Adam asked.

"What do you mean?" Evie began to redden; not at all sure she was ready to reveal to him her dreams of late.

"All girls, at some time in their lives, dream of their wedding day, don't they? I want to know what your dreams are so I can make every one of them come true." Adam kissed the hand he was holding.

"Really?"

"Of course. I love you and I want to make it a day you'll always remember." He squeezed her hand gently.

"Oh, Adam," as her eyes moisten again, "I love you so much." She lifted the rose to her lips.

Leaning back pleased with the reaction he was able to draw out he said, "So, tell me about your dreams."

"Well, I always wanted to be a June bride," she began slowly.

"Wow, June is close but we can make it happen. What else?"

"I used to dream of a garden wedding."

Adam saw Evie begin to gaze into the fire but really look into her mind's eye as she spoke.

"I love the thought of the sun shining down on me and shimmering off my white gown. I never had a lot of friends so I never imagined a large bridal party or reception; just elegance and romance, not wild." Her voice began to take on a melodic quality as she continued, "music, dancing, the fragrance of the flowers in the air…"

He could see from her expression she was lost in her fantasy and he smiled.

"…a nice dinner with a champagne toast, then dancing into the evening under the stars." She sighed, "That would be a perfect day." Snapping out of her dreams, she quickly and self-consciously gave Adam an uneasy glance. She looked down and said, "Pretty silly, huh?"

Adam lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it and gently turned it over. He kissed the palm of her hand and raising his other hand, folded her fingers over his kiss. Taking that moment to lock eyes with her he said, "That's my deposit. I promise you'll have all that and more." Sliding closer to her he wrapped his arm around her back as he leaned in to kiss her tenderly. After long moments he pulled away having felt moisture drip on his cheek. Seeing her tears he asked, "What is it? What's wrong?"

"Oh, Adam, nothing's wrong. You're so wonderful. I can't believe you care for the things I want and how I feel. I've never had someone be concerned for me like that before."

He put both his hands on the sides of her face and wiped the falling tears with his thumbs. "You are such a beautiful woman. How could anyone not care for you? I'm so fortunate to have found you and have you by my side forever. I'll try to make sure you feel loved all our lives." Pulling her into a tight embrace he thought, /She's so beautiful, doesn't she realize she drives me wild?/

Moving away and licking his lips he asked, "What about our honeymoon? Where would you like to go?" Then with a sly smile he added, "Want to cruise?"

"No," she snapped quickly, "I think I've had enough of cruises for a while." They both chuckled.

"Yeah, me too. Then, tell me…how does that dream go?"

Looking demurely down as she ran her fingers on her wine glass she began, "someplace warm, romantic, walks on the beach in the moonlight, sailing a small boat, dinner, music, candles in our room and a…" snapping out of her daydream just in time, "well, you know, that kind of stuff."

"What were you about to say?" Adam asked curiously.

"Nothing," she refused to meet his eyes, "it's silly, that's all."

"No, please tell me. Candles in our room and a…what?"

Seemingly fascinated with the table, "It's silly, Adam, just young girl fantasies. You'll laugh."

"I promise I won't laugh. Won't you tell me, please?"

Finally looking up into his eyes and seeing the pleading they held, her embarrassment eased slightly. "Well, I always thought it would be romantic to have…" She looked down again and began to bite her bottom lip.

/She's killing me with the suspense./ "Have, what?" he urged.

"have a large double tub…to put candles around and fill with bubbles, with a tray of champagne close by. I know…that's silly."

Lifting her chin to focus her attention on him he replied, "I think that sounds like a perfect way to spend an evening." He brushed his lips against hers and whispered, "I love you." Taking another sip from his glass and thinking for a moment he smiled, "I know the perfect spot but it'll be a surprise. When the time comes, you just be ready to live out that dream." Leaning back in the booth now, he asked, "What about the bridal party? Who do you want for your maid of honor?"

"My work consumed my life before Mutant X. I was an only child and have no family left. The only friends I have now are Shalimar and Emma. I couldn't possibly pick between them. They both mean so much to me. What about you?"

"I wouldn't be able to pick between Jesse and Brennan either and there would be no one else I would consider for best man."

"Can we just have the four of them stand for us? Must we use formal titles?"

"That would be ideal." They picked up their glasses, clinked and sipped in agreement. "I would like to have a few guests," he continued.

"Who would they be?" Evie asked curiously.

"Well, the only people who wouldn't be putting themselves in jeopardy or risking exposure would be Charles and his X Men. I've developed respect and admiration for Charles as I've had opportunity to learn about his work and to help out. I consider him a friend."

"I look forward to meeting them."

Upon returning to Sanctuary, they found everyone had retired for the evening. Sitting at the water garden, Adam slipped his arm around her waist and asked, "Did you enjoy your evening?"

"I'll never forget it." She smiled and put her arms around his neck as he leaned in and kissed her. "I'd better turn in."

Adam now held her tightly in a full embrace and kissed her passionately. Trailing kisses close to her ear, he whispered, "Do you really have to go now?" Without waiting for a response he returned his lips to hers and began caressing her back and arms. She eagerly kissed him in return until she felt his hands slide up both her sides, his palms passing the top edge of her dress and resting on the sides of her back. Almost in a panic she pushed away from him and stood up. Seeing the mixed emotions on his face and trying to keep her voice calm and steady she said, "I do need to turn in now. Goodnight, Darling."

He could do nothing but watch her as she disappeared up the stairs.

TBC