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

/Personal thoughts/

~~telepathic communications~~

Chapter 17

Tuesday

The next day was spent double checking arrangements and decorating the grounds. The girls helped Evie pack and made appointments at the spa for the following morning. The large guest suite that was not being used was transformed into a dressing salon for all the girls. The men were given strict instructions to stay away. After midnight tonight, none of the girls would be seen until it was time for the wedding. It was arranged to have caterers for every meal so that no one would risk being seen. Gown and Tux deliveries were made. Adam and Evie met with the pastor who was engaged to perform the ceremony. All paperwork was in order and all that was left was to wait. Evening brought both teams together to spend bittersweet time. It was both exciting to talk about what tomorrow would bring and sad to realize that the end of the day would bring their goodbyes.

"We would not have succeeded in this last mission without Mutant X." The professor showed his sincere gratitude for their help. "I can't thank you enough for helping us save Ororo and cure Marie. I am forever in your debt, Adam."

"I'm very pleased that Marie's procedure was a success. Our teams truly work well together. I'm glad to have friends we can rely on. Our lives tend to be consumed by treachery and suspicion. Friends make it bearable."

Brennan and Shalimar went out to speak to Logan and Ororo who were on the porch. "Ororo, can I talk to you for a minute?" Brennan indicated they move to the other side of the porch.

"Of course," she smiled and followed him.

"I just wanted to apologize for what happened in front of the cave. It makes me sick to think about treating you like that."

"Brennan, I understand you would never do that. The Shadow King was a force difficult to oppose. I know it was not you."

"I don't want to leave and you have that as a memory of me. I value your friendship too much to have it marred like that."

"Are you asking to kiss me?"

"Only to replace the offense with the respect you deserve."

She smiled. "I hope Shalimar knows what a special man you are, Brennan Mulwray. Very well."

Brennan put his hands on her shoulders and very gently and kindly kissed her lips. When he moved back he saw two very cross ferals looking at him.

"Just what do you think you're doin'?" Logan asked.

"Erasing a bad memory," Ororo smiled and tip-toed to kiss Brennan's cheek; then turned and took Logan's arm leading him toward the gardens.

"I guess you were forgiven, huh?" Shalimar still had her hands on her hips.

"She's a special lady, but not as special as you are." Brennan slipped his arms around her.

"Nice recovery, Mulwray." Shalimar laughed. "What am I going to do with you?"

"I have a few ideas, but you refuse to show me what you bought yesterday." He kissed her quick, before she had a chance to throw the punch she was preparing for.

Wednesday

First thing Wednesday morning, the girls all left for the spa. A massage, hair do, make-up, nails; everyone was pampered. When they returned, Kitty and Jubilee were charged with making sure all the men were out of the way and couldn't see any of the girls as they came in. They were especially adamant about Adam not seeing Evie. The two girls forcefully rounded up all the men and closed them in the living room, leaning against the doors as the others ran up the stairs. "I like throwing my weight around," Jubilee said.

"Yeah," answered Kitty, "why don't we do it more often?"

Hearing that the women had gone, Logan and Remy pushed the doors open sending the girls sprawling across the hall. "Because you first have to HAVE the weight, before you can throw it around, Little Darlin's." They laughed as the girls huffed up the stairs and out of sight.

Excitement was an understatement. All plans were being carried out to the letter and the day was becoming the dream Adam had promised. He had a lot of help to make good on that promise. Storm made sure the weather was perfect. The guys supervised all the set up and arrangements after having been properly briefed by Jean and Emma. That gave the girls the time to concentrate on being beautiful and getting the bride ready. Under no circumstances were their paths to cross until four o'clock that afternoon.

Lunch was served by the caterers in Jean's room. They rested, talked and fussed over details. They enjoyed mostly talking about what they expected as reactions from their men. After lunch, Evie went back to her room. About twenty minutes later, Emma pulled Shalimar aside.

"Shal, I just got a hit off Evie. I think she's crying."

"Let's go."

Shalimar knocked softly on the door.

"Come in." Evie was quickly wiping away the tears as the door opened.

"Evie, what's wrong?" Emma asked.

"Oh, Em. I don't think I can go through with this. I'm so scared." Tears began to flow again.

Shalimar knelt in front of her. "Hey, come on. This is your day. You're allowed to be nervous. But everything is working out perfectly. There's nothing to be afraid of."

"But…what if…what if Adam is starting to regret this? What if he's changing his mind?" She cried into her hands.

"Wow, is this what having 'cold feet' is like?"

"Shalimar!" Emma reprimanded. She softened as she spoke to Evie. "Adam loves you very much. You know he does. I don't think he's having second thoughts."

"How do you know that?" Evie snapped.

Emma thought for a moment and then said with a smile, "I'll prove it to you."

Evie saw her close her eyes. "Emma," she yelled, "don't you dare read him. He'll be furious."

"Relax, I'm not going to read him," she said without opening her eyes. "I'm going to try something."

Outside the men were all casually watching as the musical ensemble began to set up. Charles felt a slight brush on his mind. Opening up he realized Emma was trying to reach him. ~~~Emma, Child. Are you alright? What's the problem? ~~~

~~~Professor, Evie is having a slight attack of cold feet. I think it would be wise if Adam came up here. We'll keep the door closed but he needs to speak to her. ~~~

~~~I understand, Dear. I will send him up immediately. ~~~

~~~Thank you, Professor. ~~~

~~~Adam, ~~~ Adam was stunned and turned around wondering why Charles would speak in his head instead of calling to him orally.

Staring at him questioningly, he answered in kind. ~~~Yes, Charles. Is something wrong? ~~~

~~~Actually, Emma just contacted me. She would like you to go up to Evie's room. ~~~

~~~Thank you. ~~~ Adam turned and bolted toward the front door.

The rest of the men standing with him became concerned and turned to follow.

~~~Brennan, Jesse, X Men, stop. ~~~ Charles knew their intentions.

They all almost fell over each other as they heard the professor recall them.

~~~The girls are fine. Evie is just suffering from a case of cold feet. Emma called for Adam to come speak to her…Evidently, Adam is slightly stressed himself. ~~~ The silence was suddenly broken by everyone's seemingly unbidden laughter.

Shalimar heard Adam's rather hurried approach down the hall. She immediately barricaded the door with her body to assure he wouldn't be able to charge in and see Evie. As expected he tried to push the door open without knocking.

Realizing he was blocked, he called out, "Emma, what's wrong? Where's Evie?"

"Relax, Adam. She's right here," Shalimar responded.

"Evie, what's wrong, Darling?" He could hear nothing but muffled sobs. Pushing against the door he yelled. "Shalimar, open this door!"

Jean and the other girls had come out into the hallway after hearing the commotion.

"Adam, what's wrong?" Jean asked.

"Something is wrong with Evie and they won't let me in." His frustration was on the verge of frightening.

"Here, let me try," Jean offered then closed her eyes.

~~~Emma, What's going on? Is she alright? ~~~

~~~Yes, Jean. She's having cold feet and needs Adam to reassure her. ~~~

~~~Ok, but don't let him in. ~~~

~~~We won't. ~~~

"Shalimar," Jean called, "open the door slightly…Good…Evie, come to the door but stay behind it. Adam, we'll go back into the other room. Talk to her for a minute and I'm sure everything will be fine. Remember, not too long. We have to get her dressed."

Jean's unconcerned tone helped Adam to calm a bit as he waited for them to leave. "Evie, what's wrong?" he spoke almost in a whisper.

"Adam," her voice was shaking, "are you having any…any second thoughts."

He almost laughed at the situation, now that he realized what was happening. "Evie, give me your hand." He put his through the opening and soon felt her hand in his. "Evie, I love you. This afternoon is moving much too slowly for me. It seems forever before the preacher declares us husband and wife." He rubbed her hand with his thumb. "Please don't be nervous. Everything outside is beautiful. I can't wait for you to see it."

"I love you, Adam," she whispered.

"I love you, too, Darling." He was startled as her hand was jerked away from his.

Shalimar quickly grabbed his wrist and pushed it passed the door post. "Thank you, Adam. Now please go, so we can dress her for you." She closed the door and he heard her sigh, "Now can we please get ready? We only have two hours and her makeup is ruined from the tears."

Shaking his head, he returned to the others.

TBC