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

/Personal thoughts/

~~telepathic communications~~

Chapter 18

Two hours later the ensemble was playing, the preacher was in place and the children were all seated. Eighteen children attended the Xavier school. They now sat split into two groups on either side of the granite walk leading to the fountain in the center of the front garden.

Assured the men were all dressed and almost in their places the professor let Jean know that the front hall of the mansion was clear and the girls could come down without fear of being seen.

They all gathered to give final checks of everyone's hair and gowns. Hugging Evie, they gave their final personal wishes. Jean was just about to lead them out to go to their seats when Evie stopped her with a hand on her arm.

"Please wait. I know I said I didn't want to have a large bridal party; but now I can't think of anything that would make me happier than to have all of you walk before me. Everyone has been so wonderful to me, I can hardly believe it." She saw them look to each other as they hesitated. "You all look so beautiful. Think of how proud the guys will be to see you walking to them, one by one. Please say you will."

"All right, if that's what you want," Jean smiled and hugged her. "Just tell me when you're ready and I'll get Scott to cue the music."

Shalimar and Emma gave Evie a final once over and each hugged her. Then placing the veil over her face, they signaled Jean. Without another sound the music began telling everyone the time had come.

Adam stood in front of the fountain with Brennan and Jesse on either side. They quickly exchanged nervous glances and adjusted their ties.

The front door opened and Kitty, in a lovely light green gown, walked out, careful to close the door behind her. As she slowly proceeded down the walk, Jesse surmised the slight change in plans and decided on his own change. He smiled at Kitty and left his place to meet her half way. He extended his arm for her to take then turned and walked her to her seat.

Jubilee was next, to emerge dressed in a beautiful yellow gown. Following Jesse's lead, Brennan did the same and escorted the lovely young lady to her seat then returned to his place by Adam.

Jean walked out with style in her fiery red chiffon gown. Scott immediately stood and moved into place to await her approach. He smiled appreciatively at her as he led her to their seats.

Marie was next out the door clad all in baby blue. Her smile was proud as the southern belle lighted down the path to meet the handsome Remy as he waited in like manner for her. She hooked her arm around his and he softly reached over with his free hand to place it on hers as they walked together.

Ororo glided through the door with the grace of a goddess. Her silver grey gown swooshed as she walked delicately across the stones and laced her arm with Logan's as he guided her to their seats without ever taking his eyes from her.

When next everyone turned to the door, Emma was already standing there. She was stunning in a black, shimmering, off the shoulder straight gown. A long black chiffon scarf flowed back from around her neck and long stemmed exotic flowers gracefully climbed one arm. Jesse was so entranced that Adam had to give him a nudge into motion. He escorted her to a position next to him at the fountain.

Shalimar likewise mysteriously appeared in front of the closed door. She was dressed identically to Emma and was no less breathtaking. Brennan smiled wide and tugged his jacket as he went to join her and guide her to their place for the ceremony.

The music stopped and everyone stood as "Here Comes the Bride" began to float through the air. The head caterer opened the door and the bride emerged. As she proceeded to the end of the porch, her train was extended behind her. Adam's was left breathless as he gazed at the sun of his life shining from the porch.

Evie wore the most elegant straight cut bridal gown. The bodice was strapless with a sweetheart cut in the front and a drop back. Perfectly slim fitting was the skirt which only allowed movement because of the knee-high slit up the center of the back. The sun was brilliantly caught by every crystal sparkle that covered the entire dress. Chiffon was used to drape over her chest, shoulders and upper arms. Connecting in the back it flowed to the floor and beyond creating a chapel length train, which now billowed softly in the slight breeze Ororo was supplying. Her face was thinly concealed behind a short chiffon blusher that looked as if it was an extension of her hair-do. She cradled the same exotic flowers on her arm as did Shalimar and Emma.

Everyone stood dazzled as she slowly made her way to the fountain. It was Adam, this time, who had to be nudged out of his daze. He finally walked to her and silently folded her arm in his as they turned to approach the preacher. The service was traditional. After a time of welcome, prayer and exhortation for respect of the institution of marriage it was time for the vows. Before the traditional vows, they wanted to exchange a few tender words.

Adam began, "Evie, … Evelyn, … I have lived my life in the pursuit of science. My work left me little time to realize how narrow my vision had become. Meeting you actually stirred something in me. Something that spoke of sadness when I realized how much of my self was actually missing, yet also spoke of great promise of fulfillment. You unintentionally buried yourself deep in my soul the very first time you gazed into my eyes. I knew then that without you I would never be whole. Our time since then has only confirmed for me the love that I have for you and the powerful hold you have on my very existence.

Evie continued, "Adam, before I met you I was, also, on my own with nothing to think about but my work. I was crushed when I was told my research was invalid. You stood by me and showed faith in me. You came to my rescue and gave me hope to continue when all hope was taken away. You showed me love when I felt alone and made me feel truly desired when I felt insignificant. My love for you has become the fire that fuels my reality."

The intensity and truth of their words left not a dry eye in the garden. The pastor moved forward again to proceed. "Her ring, please." Jesse produced the ring Adam had bought the day before. "Take her hand and state your vows."

Adam held her left hand and looked into her chiffon covered eyes. "I, Adam Kane, take you, Evelyn Kilyhia, to be my lawfully wedded wife; from this day forth, to have and to hold, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, forsaking all others and keeping myself only unto you, until death do us part." Placing the ring on her finger he said, "Accept this ring as a token of my life and my love which you hold, now and forever."

"His ring, please," the pastor guided. Brennan was holding in his pocket, the ring Evie bought. "Take his hand and state your vows, please."

Evie turned and gave her flowers to Shalimar and took the ring from Brennan's hand. Holding Adam's left hand, she gazed back into his strong loving eyes and as many times before drew the strength she needed to continue. "I, Evelyn Kilyhia, take you, Adam Kane to be my lawfully wedded husband; from this day forth, to have and to hold, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, forsaking all others and keeping myself only unto you, until death do us part." Placing the ring on his finger she said, "Accept this ring as a token of my life and my love which you hold, now and forever."

They stood holding each others hands and gazes as the pastor concluded. "By your intentional vows of love to each other, before both God and this assembly, I declare, through the powers vested in me by God, himself and the State of New York that you are, now, husband and wife. Let that which God has joined together, no man put asunder. You may kiss your bride."

Adam watched as Shalimar and Emma came up to Evie and separated the blusher from her hair, unveiling the beauty who was now Mrs. Adam Kane. With only a moment's reverent hesitation Adam leaned in and kissed his wife as claps, cheers and whistles threatened to drown out the triumphant music now being played. They turned to shake the pastor's hand, then immediately were swept into a frenzy of hugs and kisses by all their friends.

Dinner and the evening proceeded exactly as planned. Evie was in demand as all the men wanted to dance with the bride. Likewise all the girls wanted to dance with the groom. As evening turned into night, the stars twinkled overhead as Adam and Evie danced endlessly under them.

Kitty and Jubilee were pleased that the people around them were finally beginning to see them as the young ladies they considered themselves to be. They were invited to dance by all the men as well. Their dances with Brennan and Jesse were tearful as they used the time to say goodbye.

During one dance Logan and Brennan switched partners to make their goodbyes as well. Shalimar was pleased with how the situation worked out. On her first day there she felt stalked and hunted. Now she felt nothing but friendship and respect from this man as he now spoke.

"Ya know, Darlin', I had every intention of sweepin' you off your feet that first night you were here."

She smiled back, "I'm glad you changed your mind. I wouldn't have wanted to see the mess I'd have left you in if you'd tried."

"Oooo, we are confident, aren't we?"

"Yeah."

"Seriously, I was glad to have your help in Africa. You're good, … real good. I would trust you to have my back any day."

"Thank you, Logan. You and I would make a good team." She turned to see Ororo and Brennan laughing and dancing across the floor. "I'm really glad things worked out like they did, … for everyone." Looking back to see Logan smiling at her, she went on, "She's really a special woman, Logan, and she loves you very much."

"Yeah, I know, Darlin'. I only wish you were here sooner to help me see that. You're very special yourself." He leaned down and kissed her gently.

When he moved away, Brennan and Ororo were standing next to them. "Excuse me, did we interrupt something?" Brennan smirked.

"Only tellin' her, thank you, Bub. No need to start sparkin'." Logan smiled and slipped his arm around Ororo and pulled her close. "I want to thank you, too. You held up really well out there." They shook hands as Jesse came up to them.

"Hey Man, it's time to go." Jesse clapped Brennan's shoulder.

Final goodbyes circulated and Evie stood at the door of the Helix ready to throw her flowers. All the girls gathered to see which would be deemed most likely to marry next. "Remember, no powers, girls," she yelled as she flung them from her hand. Time seemed to move in slow motion as the delicate bundle spun in the air coming finally to rest in the hands of a very happy Marie. Remy kissed her as they all stood and waved goodbye.

Evie and Adam stepped down to meet Charles as he approached.

Shaking his hand, Adam said, "Thank you very much, My Friend. You have been more than generous."

"It was my pleasure, I assure you. You, likewise, have given us a gift more valuable than money. Because of you, Marie is happier than I have ever seen her. I'm also pleased that our families have proven they can work and play so well together. Our futures are truly brighter now."

Evie bent to kiss his cheek. "You and the others have helped to make this day more beautiful than I could ever have imagined. Good-bye."

The professor smiled and piloted his chair away from the ramp.

Adam and Evie turned and began to ascend the steel slope that led into the Helix.

~~Congratulations, Adam,~~ the voice echoed in his thoughts. ~~I look forward to seeing you again.~~ Adam broke into a warm smile, paused for just a moment without turning and spoke under his breath, "You know I hate it when you do that."

Evie turned to look at him, bewildered, and then broke into a smile herself as the professor's voice wisped through her own mind, ~~Not good-bye, My Dear.~~

They boarded the Helix after one last wave to the others and Brennan smoothly got her airborne. In only an hour and a half they were landing at the preset coordinates. They softly landed on a beach beside a beautifully kept bungalow. Having already planned for the Helix to return on auto pilot after the others got home, they said their farewells.

Adam took their suitcases into the bungalow then returned to find Evie standing at the hatch door gazing wide-eyed at the sights that met her eyes. He took her hand and they went to the porch then turned to watch the Helix disappear into the night sky.

"Do you like it?" he asked pleased at the astonishment on her face as she looked around in the moonlight.

"Oh Adam, it's … paradise."

He smoothly lifted her into his arms and gazed into her eyes. "It is, now that you're here." They kissed passionately as he took her through the door and gently closed it with his shoulder; closing the door on both their lonely pasts and stepping into the new life they would share together.

Fini