Was It A Dream? Part 31-35

After the incident at the Albuquerque Hot Air Balloon Fiesta, Mason had called Max to tell him that quite a few reporters who had been covering the Fiesta, had made contact with his office, requesting interviews. And now the word was spreading that Mason and Cheryl Blair had a set of identical twins. Luckily no one was asking about Niko Giuliani and his wild claims of alien involvement. So on Wednesday of the next week, after Sam and Susan had announced their engagement; Max, Liz and Sam flew into L.A. Johann and Louise had become very familiar with the route, as they were either ferrying Susan to Airatan or Sam into L.A. each weekend.

A press conference was scheduled for the next morning and the friends would stay in L.A. over the weekend. Liz and Cheryl with disguises in place, would start helping Susan search for a wedding dress; while Mason had invited Max and Sam on a tour of the studio and the warehouses which still held the props and costumes from the movie and TV show; "Among Us'. And of course Sam would spend any time he could with his beloved fiancée, Susan, although they were still staying apart at night, wanting to wait until their wedding night, to make love together, for the first time.

On Thursday morning, Mason, Cheryl, Max and Liz entered an auditorium at the studio, which was filled to bursting with reporters. Mason and Max took turns reading a censored statement detailing the facts of the two couples' friendship, and then they opened the floor to questions; many of which would have them repeating the information already given in their statement. In these instances, the four of them tried to elaborate their answers with anecdotes, to make them more fun and interesting. Incredibly, no one seemed interested at all in why Liz and Cheryl; and Mason and Max looked alike. They all took Mason's word that there was no family relationship between them and dismissed the necessity for blood tests.

"Tell us how you met; weren't you startled when you saw a couple who looked exactly like yourselves?" One reporter asked and all four friends grinned at each other, remembering what had happened when they had met.

"Liz and I were in Roswell, New Mexico for our wedding. Liz had grown up there and her parents owned a café in town. I had driven over there to pick Liz up and saw her coming out the front door..." Max started and then Mason continued.

"Cheryl and I were in Roswell to film some scenes for our first movie together; 'The Royal Four, Among Us'. Our producer had warned us that 'Sneaky John' Giuliani wanted to get some candid shots of the two of us, as we walked around town, so we set off to sight-see."

"When we passed the Crashdown Café, I went inside to use the restroom but Mason stayed outside." Cheryl told her part. "When I came back out the front door, Mason was there and he called out 'Liz' which was my character's name in the movie and then he swept me into his arms and kissed me...boy I remember that kiss!" Cheryl grinned and looked over to a blushing...Max, while the reporters chuckled.

"But what had actually happened was that I had been pacing up and down the sidewalk and saw Cheryl walking through the side alley from the back door of the café. I thought she called out 'Matt' which was my character's name in the movie and then she launched herself at me. I thought that Sneaky John must have been nearby, snapping pictures, so I caught her in my arms and we kissed." Mason grinned over at a blushing...Liz.

"That's what I had thought was happening as well." Cheryl said. "But soon after we started that really great kiss, the young man I thought was Mason Blair broke it off and I found out that he wasn't Mason, but Max Evans!" Cheryl chuckled.

"Same here." Mason said. "I was just thinking that we weren't just sharing a stage kiss...this was a really...great kiss, when the young woman I thought was Cheryl Appleton broke it off and I found out that her name was Liz Parker! The four of us found each other right after that and we introduced ourselves and that was that."

"Well, except for those photos." Liz added. They had all agreed on what to say and wanted to get as much of the truth out.

"Photos, what photos?" A reporter called out; caught up in their tale.

"Sneaky John had taken some great candid shots over the next day or two, but Cheryl and I realized that they weren't of the two of us; we had never worn those clothes or been to that part of town..." Mason gave examples.

"We realized that John had caught Max and Liz...kissing, hugging...or gazing intently into each other's eyes. You all have probably seen those pictures we used to promote the movie and then the TV series...they were so sweet, romantic and perfect because they were taken of a real couple in love; Max and Liz." Cheryl said.

"We felt awful that Max and Liz's private lives had been intruded upon and we told them about the pictures right away. They were upset of course, but the four of us decided to pass them off as pictures of Cheryl and me and therefore draw no more unwanted attention onto our shy alter-egos." Mason said.

"Wow, so all those promotional pictures, which were said to have really set the standard for how 'Matt and Liz' were to be portrayed were really pictures of Mr. and Mrs. Evans? Did meeting them have any effect on how you played your rolls?" A reporter asked.

"Boy, did it ever." Mason answered and Cheryl nodded her agreement. "I believe that meeting Max and Liz brought a far richer, deeper feeling to my portrayal of 'Matt Devon' and his relationship with 'Liz Barker'. Once you see two soul-mates together it's much easier to play the part."

The rest of the conference went on in this vein; professional, friendly; with no sly innuendoes or hostile attacks. When it was over, the reporters began to file out, but the four friends did not see one man who stayed behind, sitting quietly in his seat, or when he approached them.

"Mr. Evans?" He said and all four of them turned around and it took them a moment for recognition to come.

"Mr. Hudson?" Max asked as they all made brief, worried eye contact; the real Mr. Hudson.

"Yes sir. When I heard about this press conference, I had to come. I wanted to apologize about leaving your town in the middle of the night, without saying goodbye or even leaving a note of explanation, but I just couldn't be a part of what Giuliani and the rest of that group were up to."

"We thought that might have been the case." Max replied. "It showed your honor and integrity." Mr. Hudson looked a little bashful.

"Thank you for saying that, but it all worked out in my favor. None of the others are going to be writing about their time in Airatan, because they don't want to be linked with Niko Giuliani and the insane accusations he made. Now that you have held this press conference, my editor will give me the go-ahead to print my story...an exclusive...about your charming town, generous citizens and now the background on your intriguing friendships and your' loving marriages. I'll write only the truth and that will put the last nail in Niko's professional coffin and maybe give a boost to mine."

"Well thank you for that and good luck to you." Max stuck out his hand and Mr. Hudson shook each of their hands before leaving.

"Good guy, Mr. Hudson; his absence helped us and now it's helping his career." Max said, as all four of them left the auditorium, as well.

Sam and Susan had stayed out of sight during the press conference and afterwards, Mason took the men on a tour of the studio; something Liz would have liked to do as well, but she wanted to help Susan shop for her wedding dress even more. Over lunch, well disguised Cheryl and Liz tried to help Susan narrow down what she really wanted.

"I have several factors to consider." Susan told her friends. "At my age I can't really go with the long dress and veil; virginal bride ensemble, but I don't just want to wear a suite like many...mature...women would. Then there's the issue of both Sam and I wanting to wear you-know-what-kind-of-robes, but since we aren't getting married in Airatan, they'll probably have to be modified somehow. So what should I wear under my robe?"

"I've been puzzling over that as well." Liz said. "That's why I haven't even started to make your robes; but I think I have an idea and I saw a dress which would work beautifully."

So, as soon as they finished eating, the three ladies returned to the shop where Liz had seen the dress she had in mind.

"Are you Kidding me?" Susan asked in a fierce whisper. "There is No Way I'm going to wear a see-through, lace dress!"

"Normally a bride would wear a slip-dress underneath it, but you would wear the lace dress underneath your robe." Liz explained. "I think that both you and Sam will need to wear a half robe/half long coat; a calf-length robe with sleeves." Cheryl's eyes lit up as she began to understand Liz's plan.

"This lace dress in high necked, long sleeved and just the right length to peak out a few inches from beneath a calf-length robe. You would look very proper, a mature bride...at your wedding and reception." Cheryl and Liz grinned at each other. "But afterwards, when the two of you are alone...and Sam takes that robe off of you..."

"Oh my goodness, you two are wicked...and oh so clever, I can't wait to try your idea!" Susan exclaimed and getting into the fantasy of her wedding night, asked. "What do you think I should wear underneath the lace...or rather, what shouldn't I wear underneath the lace?"

"Mmm...just some lacy underwear, garter-belt and hose..." Liz suggested, dreamily, knowing how Max loved...lacy things. "I can tailor your dress and robe so that you don't need anything else.

Susan bought the dress, a small, white hat and a few...lacy things and then they went home. That night, Liz would explain to Sam what she had in mind for their robes.

"What I was thinking of making for both of you are calf-length robes, but with long leaves, so they look like 19th century gentleman's coats. I'm not sure whether to put collars and lapels on them though." Liz explained that night, after the six of them had enjoyed eating dinner together. They were now in the Blair's living room, sipping coffee.

As I recall seeing pictures of those gentleman's coats, they did have collars and lapels, so maybe you should include them in your design, to make them look authentic." Sam suggested. "We could change them into proper Antarian robes, by taking the sleeves, collar and lapels off, afterwards." Sam cocked an inquisitive brow at Susan, as he brought her hand up to his lips, so he could kiss her knuckles.

"I like Sam's suggestion." Susan agreed, after the two lovers were able to pull their gazes away from each other. "I was wondering about their color. Will we both wear white? There was the idea that maybe Sam's would look like a military uniform."

"Yes, I've been thinking about that as well." Liz said.

"That's my love, the girl with a plan." Max remarked, lovingly.

"I was thinking..." Liz continued, after smiling lovingly back at Max. "...that since Sam has become a member of Airatan's security team, his robe should be blue with silver embroidery, as those who belonged to the Antarian Military and Peace-keeping Forces made theirs."

"Blue would be a more appropriate color for Sam to wear and then he could pin all of his medals onto his chest, as well." Susan smiled proudly at her fiancé.

"Would Susan's embroidery be silver as well?" Sam asked. "For me, especially for our wedding, I think that silver would be too flashy. What would you think of blue embroidery on blue fabric for my robe and white on white for Susan's?"

"That's a good point, Sam." Susan agreed.

"Yes, good point." Liz said, while nodding thoughtfully. "Once the robes are finished, we'll see what your sub-consciences say about that idea; that is where your individual designs come from after all."

The couples chatted about other topics for awhile, before retiring to their rooms for the night. Susan had scheduled a couple days off from work and was staying at the Blairs' house as well, so she would not have to make the long drive home, late at night and could spend more time with her friends, over the weekend. Max and Liz; and Mason and Cheryl left to go to their rooms first, in order to give Sam and Susan some privacy in which to say goodnight. They were staying in separate rooms, with the two married couples in between them. But separate rooms only worked if you walked up the stairs and stayed in those separate spaces. The two lovers did not want to be parted so soon, so they stayed seated on the sofa, together.

"It's one thing for me to stay away from you at night, when there's hundreds of miles between us, but now that there are only a few yards between your room and mine..." Sam said.

"Would you...rather not...wait until our wedding?" Susan asked, almost hoping that Sam would say that he did not want to wait.

"Oh man, Susan, you know I want you now or at any time for that matter...and I'm pretty sure you feel the same..." Sam looked intently into Susan's downcast eyes and she nodded, shyly. "But as fantastic as I know our first time together will be, no matter when, I think it will be all the more special if we wait."

"And something would be missing on our wedding night if we didn't wait." Susan agreed.

"That doesn't mean that I can't...kiss you..." Sam whispered as he came in to kiss each of her lowered eyelids.

"...or that I can't...touch you...a little..." Susan said, as she gripped his strong shoulder muscles.

"...or that we can't snuggle a little..." Sam drew Susan down on top of him, until they were both lying on the couch together; kissing, stroking and whispering together.

"So...Mason thinks you're a great kisser, huh?" Max teased Liz, once they reached their bedroom and shut the door behind them.

"And Cheryl really liked how you kissed her?" Liz stepped closer to Max and he drew her tightly into his strong arms.

"I thought I was kissing you and you thought you were kissing me." Max said, as Liz tip-toed up, brushing her body against his and put her arms around his neck, pulling his head down for a deep, intense kiss.

"Mmm, but it only took a moment for me to realize that it wasn't you." Liz sighed as they both came up for air. "Your taste and scent just weren't there..."

"Same here and I missed our connection as well." Max said, gazing into her beloved eyes as he bent down and picked her slight weight up in his arms and carried her to their bed.

"Oooh, Max." Liz sighed as he let her slide slowly down his body, until her feet met the floor.

"I've always loved how great a kisser you are." Liz said; before Max brought his lips down to kiss hers again.

"Your kisses are the best." Max said quickly, before diving back for more.

Their kisses and caresses became more urgent; more heated and they started to work on opening each other's shirt buttons. They broke apart as they felt the last buttons give way and backed up a little so they could both watch, as they pushed the garments off each other's shoulders. Max quickly, but gently removed Liz's extra upper covering, so that they had an equal view of the other.

"Your body is so..." They both sighed, before Max picked Liz back up and gently deposited her onto their bed and quickly rid both of them of their shoes, socks and slacks. Then he 'felt' Liz's lips calling him back and Max lay down beside her, supporting the weight of his upper body on his arms, as he answered the call and kissed her again and again; on her lips, on her chin...and a little while later they followed the path of his adventurous fingertips, as they made their way down his wife's gorgeous body...

The next morning, Mason and Cheryl woke up, happily cuddled together in their intimate love-nest. They had, had a similar conversation to the one Max and Liz had, had the night before and the results had been very much the same.

"Give me a kiss, oh king of all kissers!" Cheryl requested with twinkling eyes.

"As you command, my queen of hearts." Mason thoroughly...performed his duty.

"Mmmm, what time is it?" Cheryl asked, several minutes later and Mason looked over at the clock on the nightstand.

"Oh man, it's nine thirty!" Mason exclaimed, but didn't move.

"Well, what do you expect after keeping me up half the night with your delicious, torturous kisses...and caresses...and loving?" Cheryl asked as she stretched languidly, making Mason groan.

"My torturous...loving?...it's you and those long eyelashes of yours, which are torturous!"

"I'm sorry, I though those were moans of ecstasy; not moans of pain...I promise to never use my...eyelashes on you again." Cheryl said, demurely.

"Well...don't make any hasty decisions before you've had your morning coffee." Mason warned her.

"Ohh, coffee sounds good..." Cheryl sighed.

"Why don't I go make you some and then you'll be better able to...change your mind about...how you torture me, my love."

"Mmm, okay, I'll be waiting...for you to return to me..." Cheryl said, and then she arched her back and tucked her hands up, under her head.

"Thirty seconds flat...I'll be back in thirty seconds!" Mason exclaimed and grabbing his robe, he bolted out the bedroom door.

Down in the kitchen a frantic Mason found a fully clothed Sam just pouring a cup of freshly brewed coffee.

"Oh thank you so much for making coffee, Sam; you'll never know how much this means to me." Mason exclaimed as he found a lovely china cup in the cupboard and placed it on the counter.

"Of course I understand, Mason; remember, I was married before, years ago...and this cup is for Susan." Sam indicated a small tray with two coffee-filled mugs already set aside.

"Ah I see pure living agrees with you if you're up and dressed already, Sam." Max said, as he came into the kitchen. "You've made coffee already, bless you. No sleepless night; no tossing and turning? You're a stronger man than I."

"No, I slept like a log, thanks, Max." Sam said, as he casually picked up his tray and started to walk out of the kitchen.

"Wait a minute, Sam...aren't those the same clothes you were wearing last night? And you aren't showered or shaved...by the look of your bed-hair." Mason finally noted.

"I thought you two had decided to wait?" Max asked gently; curiously.

"We did, we are." Sam said. "Nothing happened...except we...fell asleep together on the sofa last night, that's all."

"Ah yes, cuddling on the couch; one of my favorite activities to do with Liz." Max stated, remembering their college days...and the week before.

"Yes the sofa; dangerous territory for Cheryl and I, even if we are fully clothed. Better watch out Sam; you don't want to put too much temptation in your path."

"So, is Susan still in the living room? I didn't see her when I came down." Max asked.

"Uh no, she's up in her room." Sam answered.

He had awoken to the feel the sweet weight of his fiancé plastered on top of him; her head resting on his chest and tucked under his chin. Her hands had been under his shirt along the side of is ribs. His arms held her to him, one hand on her hip the other on her slacks-covered bottom. Somehow, with what he felt was superhuman will and a lot of stupidity, he had managed to slide out from under Susan; pick her up in his arms and carry her upstairs to her room, where he tucked her in under her comforter, still fully clothed, except for her shoes and come downstairs to make a Big pot of coffee.

"Well, don't let us keep you from delivering your lady's coffee to her." Mason said.

"Same here; I'm sure that you two white knights...uh sorry...noble king," to Max; "were down here to pour coffee for your lady..." Sam nodded to Mason. "And your queen." Sam bowed to Max, before walking out the kitchen door with a smirk on his face.

"Oh yeah!" They both exclaimed loudly; lunging for the coffee pot.

Part 32

The next weekend, something interesting happened, which would help Susan and Sam make the decisions they needed to, before their wedding. Susan was in Airatan once again and staying with Max and Liz, since Sam had taken Mason's advice; about putting too much temptation into his own path and had asked his friends if she could stay with them. Susan had come back from her early morning horseback ride with Sam and had showered and changed, when someone knocked at the Evans' front door. Liz had her hands full with preparations for a special dinner that night and asked Susan to answer the door.

"Hello? Oh, Miss Smith, isn't it?" Susan asked the small, older woman who stood at the door.

"Yes, Joan Smith, Miss Nelson; the Community's public librarian. We met when Sam Jones brought you by the library once, a few weeks ago."

"Yes of course; won't you come in? Liz is in the kitchen..." Susan led the way.

"Thank you, but it was you I came to see." Miss Smith told her.

"Me? Well all right; um if you'd like some privacy we could sit in the living room."

"I wouldn't mind sitting in the family room, or the kitchen; it might be helpful to you if Liz hears what I have to say as well."

"What's this about, Joan?" Liz asked, as all three women sat down at the kitchen table.

"I have a job offer for Miss Nelson."

"Please call me Susan. What sort of job offer?"

"I want to offer you my job, as community librarian. I have wanted to retire for some time now, but none of our college-kids have shown interest in becoming a librarian...there are several young children, who might grow up and get their Master's in library science, but in the meantime I've been leery of hiring someone from the outside."

"But it's been years since college or my first few jobs which were in public libraries and a school library; I've worked in medical libraries ever since." Susan pointed out.

"Ah so you do have experience with public libraries; I wasn't certain about that. I'm sure you could make the transition easily and I would be nearby to answer any of your questions." Joan started on her sales-pitch. "Our people use the library heavily...but there just aren't that many of us living here, so there are never all that many patrons using the library at any one time. Plus you have a small staff to help cover all of the hours the library is open. Besides," Joan continued. "This might be an opportunity for you to step back a little; slow down and be able to spend more time with your new husband and yet not really retire if you don't want to, yet."

"I haven't decided what to do, yet. I would really love to live here, with Sam, but I wasn't sure if I was ready to retire. I want to be useful." Susan admitted.

"Oh you'd be that, my dear." Joan nodded. "Also, Dr. Wang and our other clinic personnel have a need you may be able to fill, but than I. Over the years, I have kept up a small medical collection for them, since even now not everything is on the Internet; publishers being what they are. I have had some success using inter-library loan, to get them journal articles and textbooks they need from university libraries, but I just don't have the contacts that you would have."

"Hmm, better access to medical information would be well worth looking into." Susan agreed. "Wow, that is something I'll really have to think about and speak to Sam about. Let me do that and then I'll get back to you with all sorts of questions in a day or two."

"Good enough; come by the library any time and I'll show you around in more detail." Joan said, as the women shook hands before she left.

Susan and Sam and Max and Liz did talk about Joan Smith's job offer and what it would mean to them. Susan would have to give notice at her current position, as soon as possible, so that they could hire someone new and she might be able to start familiarizing that person to her job, before she left. Sue would have to sell her home; something which made her sad, but which also made her happy, because she really wanted to move to Airatan and she and Sam had already had some discussions about how they could incorporate her feminine personality into Sam's house; their new home. And they discussed all the possibilities this job would open up for her; being in charge of her own library, rather than being a part of someone else's staff. Setting up the information services for the medical personnel in town; and then having more time to spend on personal interests...including her new husband.

"We can go by the library tomorrow and speak to Joan together; get more specifics about salary, staffing and things like that." Sam assured her when Susan admitted how much she wanted to accept the job offer.

"At least my director at the hospital has been expecting me to quit or retire ever since I told her I was getting married; it won't be such a shock to any of them, when I give them my notice on Monday." Susan said.

Sam flew back to California with Susan, to help her set up her house for sale. When her real estate agent learned that she was getting married and moving into Sam's house, she suggested that Susan might like to sell her house as a furnished unit, including her plates, pots and pans, etc.

"Your cozy little home is just right for first-time buyers and very often they don't have much in the way of furniture and kitchen basics. Of course, you would take anything of yours you want, with you and if the buyer doesn't need your furniture, I can help you sell it, but making the furniture available might help sell the house."

"I think that's a great idea." Susan said and Sam agreed with her.

Her house had only been on the market for a week when it was sold to a young couple who were just starting out in married life. They were renting a furnished apartment and they had loved how Susan had decorated her home, especially her furniture, which they bought and promised to take good care of. The timing would work out well, as Susan didn't want to move out until just before Thanksgiving and the younger couple couldn't move in until just after the holiday. Sam had figured out ways to incorporate and display all of Susan's books, movies, nick-knacks and art work into their home, so they started packing up all of her personal belongings, as well as her off-season clothing.

On the first day of November, Liz called Susan to tell her that she had finished sewing their robes and suggested that Sue fly into Airatan that weekend, to try hers on.

"And then we could perform the robe and ring ceremony; with Max's help, couldn't we?" Susan asked her friend, excitedly.

"Yes of course." Liz agreed with a smile in her voice, before they hung up.

That weekend then, Susan flew in and was met at the town entrance by an equally excited Sam.

"Mmm hello love." He greeted her with an intense kiss and a tight hug.

"Hello to you too!" Susan returned his hug and kiss. "You're excited about this too?"

"Of course I am; every step we take brings us closer to the day when you become my wife; I can hardly wait."

"Neither can I, Sam, neither can I." Susan said, kissing him again before getting into Sam's car.

At the same time, in Cambridge, Phillip and Sue were up in the Phil's room, with their textbooks out and spread all over his bed as the two of them...lay among their scattered notes and studied...each other.

"You have...eight freckles running in a cute little line across the bridge of your nose." Phillip noted, before he brought his lips down and kissed each and every one of those cute, little freckles.

"Mmm and I see those three tiny flecks of green are back in your eyes; they aren't always there..." Sue stated, while they gazed into each other's eyes, after their last bout of kissing.

"I wonder if they'll stay if I kiss each of your eyelids." Sue matched action to words as she gave each tiny surface three little kisses.

Sue groaned a little as she felt Phillip's gorgeous long eyelashes brush against her lips and let her own long lashes flutter their way over his cheek and down to his lips to tickle him the same way. Phillip brought one hand up under Sue's chin to reposition her lips over his.

"This was how Dee found them, when she lightly knocked on Phil's half-opened door and came into the room; books and papers scattered all over the bed, with Phillip lying on his back, on top of the whole mess and Sue lying on top of him; her hands caressing his face, as they kissed and Phillip's hands holding back Sue's lovely waves of long, brown hair, as their lips met and held, time after time...

"Oh no. Not again!" Dee exclaimed. "Phil didn't you hear Dad calling you over the family's frequency on the Connection?"

"Huh, what?" Phil finally broke away from Sue's drugging caresses, to ask.

"Dad's been calling us for the last ten minutes. Sam and Susan are ready to perform the robbing and ring ceremony!" Dee told them and that stopped Sue's soft fingers from inching their way under Phil's shirt.

"Aunt Susan and Sam?"

"Yeah, come down to the living room; we're all going to link in and watch." Dee said, before leaving the room.

"Come on Phil." Sue said, as she slowly moved off the bed. "As much as I want to continue studying, I want to see this ceremony too."

"Of course, sweetheart, we can come back to this later." Phil winked at Sue, before he took her hand and led her downstairs.

They were the last to arrive and took seats together on the sofa and linked hands with the kids sitting near them.

'We're here, Dad. Sorry, Sue and I were delayed.' Phil told his father sub-vocally.

'Uh huh.' Max replied, looking at his son and future daughter; their mussed clothes, hair and puffy lips, which Phil had forgotten to fix.

'Well let's start, shall we?' Max asked as he walked back to where Susan and Sam were standing. Each was wearing their new robe; modified to look like calf-length, expertly tailored suit coats. Sam was wearing his dark blue robe over a shirt and slacks of the same color, while Susan was wearing her white robe over a white blouse and slacks.

'Sam, Susan, I want you to hold each other's left hands and place your right hands on each other's upper left chests. Now close your eyes and relax, while you think about your love and feelings for each other." As he said this, Max gently placed a hand on each of their shoulders.

Susan gave a little gasp of surprise as she felt Max's energy shoot through her body and pass out through her hands.

"Wow, I felt that surge of energy! Did it work?" Susan asked, a moment later.

"Let's see." Max and Liz answered as Sam and Sue took their hands away.

"Oh my goodness, what a unique design!" Liz exclaimed and everyone moved closer to see.

"What is it, Susan?" Cheryl asked; she and Mason would not have missed this for the world and had flown in to Airatan that morning.

"It's three sets of horses." Susan exclaimed as she looked more closely at the picture which had been magically embroidered onto Sam's blue robe. "But they've been depicted in copper and gold, rather than a blue to match Sam's robe, as I thought they were going to do be. The male is in a gleaming copper and the female is in gold."

"I guess that's how your sub-consciousnesses pictured them." Max explained. "We can change them into blue and white embroidery for your wedding, but I think they would look great on your robes, just the way they are, afterwards."

"Tell us what each picture looks like." Dee asked, as Sam and Susan nodded their agreement to Max's suggestion.

"One pair of horses is standing facing each other, their necks rubbing against each other, their noses nuzzling into the other's mane. It looks a lot like the two-piece sculpture, which Sam and I own." Susan looked over at Michael.

"The second pair..." Sam said, looking closely at Susan's robe..."are cantering happily, side by side."

"Oh and look at the third pair, Aunt Susan." Sue said from where her astral-self stood, nearby. "The stallion is almost standing guard, while the mare rests, lying down in the grass. That is so sweet, even romantic, since the horses obviously represent the two of you!"

Max still had his hands on the older couple's shoulders and they were still holding hands, so he tried not to listen when they unwittingly had their first sub-vocal conversation.

'Sam, that first day we met...you brought me some coffee. It was in a lovely mug, which had a gorgeous picture on the outside; a dark haired man, gently stroking the neck of a filly, while the horse nuzzled her nose into the man's neck...Sam, that mug never belonged to Liz; Michael made it for you and you really wanted me to have it, even though we had just met.'

Sam just nodded, a little bashfully, a little worried.

'Was I...did the filly...represent...me?'

'Yes sweetheart, the filly was how I saw you...Not that I saw you as some great big horse." Sam clarified quickly. "I saw you as a beautiful and graceful, but skittish and shy lady, who would need some gentle handling.'

'Oh Sam!' Susan said with a sub-vocal sigh and moved into his arms.

This was when Max dropped his hands from their shoulders and stepped back. Susan was tucked into Sam's arms, his cheek resting on top of her head as she nuzzled her nose into his throat. Liz and Michael glanced at each other and grinned; they understood that the wishful picture on that mug had, just become true for their friends as Sam raised one arm from around Susan's waist to stroke her from head, to neck, to back with a gentle hand.

The group of friends gave the robed couple a few moments of privacy; each of them turning away from the tender sight of Susan and Sam in each other's arms and Sam gently stroking his love's slender back, as she placed tiny kisses on his throat and jaw.

'Um would you two like to create your rings now?' Sue asked in a timid whisper and watched as the lovers moved apart a little, but not out of each other's embrace and smiled at their family and friends.

'Yes, of course, Suzie. We took your idea and have worn each other's wedding band, on chains around our necks, even though Sam gave me an engagement ring.' Susan looked happily down at her ring finger, on which rode a circlet of rubies; Sam had understood that his Susan would not want to wear a cold diamond and found this ring, with rich and warmer-toned rubies set into a channel setting.

'Hold your rings in your clasped hands; close your eyes and relax.' Max instructed again, as he placed his hands on their shoulders and sent his energy through them one more time. 'All done.'

Sam and Susan opened their hands and found two wide, gold bands, encircled with the three, intricately inscribed horse designs, in gold and copper.

'I'm so glad I was able to see your ceremony, Aunt Susan. How are you going to arrange your special design?'

'We've talked about this and especially because of how the design turned out; we are just going to have a border running around the hem of our robes; at least for our wedding.' Susan said.

'That sounds great, you two.' Sue said, smiling. 'If you'll excuse us though, Phil and I have a lot of studying yet to do tonight, so we better say goodnight.' In truth Sue wanted to go back to Phil's room and 'roll in the hay'; well, on top of textbooks, with her own stallion.

'Goodnight Suzie, see you at Thanksgiving, if not before.' Susan called as they broke the link.

Part 33

Susan Nelson woke up on Thanksgiving morning and smiled to think that tomorrow would be her wedding day. Even though she had met Sam Jones only seven weeks ago, she loved him so much and could hardly wait for their new life together, to begin.

"Wake up sleepyhead." Susan called to her goddaughter, who slept in the twin bed next to hers, before she went into the bathroom, to shower.

While Max, Liz, Sam and Phillip were staying at Mason and Cheryl's home, along with their son; her nephew, Matt; Suzie and her two friends Libby and Dee had come to stay with her for the last two nights in her old home. To that end, aunt and niece were sharing the guestroom upstairs while the sisters shared Susan's room, downstairs.

"Good morning, you two." Susan called into her old room, as she came downstairs to make breakfast for them all.

"Morning, Aunt Susan." Libby and Dee responded.

As she started to make breakfast, Susan tried not to think how bare here little house looked this morning. Even though most of her furniture was still here, all of her art work, books, videos and special pieces of furniture; that which had helped make this house her home for so many years, had been removed. But as two tears drifted down her cheeks, the warm arm of her niece encircled her shoulders.

"I know you're going to miss this house; it's had such a special place in your life all these years, but your new home awaits you in Airatan and better yet your wonderful, loving and may I remind you...sexy husband will be there with you, as well!"

"I know Suzie, thank you for reminding me; it's just...I never thought that I'd ever marry; I resigned myself to living alone and now that I am marrying Sam, it's a Big change; a wonderful change, an exciting one too, but it's a little frightening, as well."

"I know, Aunt Susan, but everything will be fine, you'll see."

"Of course it will, Suzie." Susan dried her tears and smiled and sighed. "Just some nerves showing I guess. Now will you help me prepare breakfast by cutting up some fruit while I make the French toast?" Sue nodded and they both got started.

"I can't believe how the time has passed." Susan said as all four of them sat down to eat breakfast a short time later. "It seems like only yesterday, Sam and I were creating our robes and rings."

"Yeah and since then, you've retired from your position at the medical library and already started working at your new job, running Airatan's public library, while coordinating your wedding plans here in California and moving all of your things into yours and Sam's house." Dee said, shaking her head in admiration.

"I saw your home last week and its incredible how great it looks; different and yet the same. You know; warm and welcoming only now it has those little feminine touches here and there too." Libby said.

"And you two are flying back to your new home for your honeymoon?" Sue asked again. "Don't most people go to exotic locals for their honeymoon, Aunt Susan?"

"Many people do, but both Sam and I have done a lot of traveling...alone and we plan to travel together at a later date...but for our honeymoon, we just wanted someplace simple and comforting and secluded. We are going to pull up the drawbridge...well the elevator anyway and block the stairs...and not come out for...quite a while." Susan explained and the girls giggled at her last sentence.

"We'd better hurry girls, or we'll be late for church services; after which is the wedding rehearsal." Everyone got up from the table and gathered plates to take into the kitchen.

"Do you have your rehearsal bouquet?" Sue asked indicating the collection of ribbons kept from all their wedding gifts which they had opened yesterday and threaded through a paper plate, to create a gaudy bouquet.

"Right here." Susan said, as they headed out the door to her car.

"I can't believe this group I'm joining, that flies from one place to another in helicopters rather than driving in cars." Susan chuckled, she and the girls had been flown to her house last night by Johann, in a hired chopper; and the girl's parents and brothers were being flown in this morning, for church and the rehearsal, after which they would all fly back to L.A. for the Thanksgiving/rehearsal dinner at the Blair's house.

"Having helicopter service and private planes is sure nice though and it does save a lot of time." Sue mentioned to her aunt.

"Just be glad we were able to find a hotel smack-dab in between here and L.A. for everyone else who's coming to the wedding; so that they can drive to your church or to the Blair's house within forty minutes or so; otherwise we'd have a swarm of helicopters flying everyone all over the sky!" Dee said.

"Here we are." Susan said, as they pulled up outside of her parish church. "I'm late for choir rehearsal, so I'm just going to go sneak in; grab my choir robe and go join the choir in our section. You girls can stay out here for a few minutes or come on in with me."

"We'll come with you and save front row seats for everyone." Libby said.

A few minutes later the rest of their family joined them in the seats they had saved.

"Hey, Uncle Sam," Sue whispered. "Have you ever heard Aunt Susan sing? I mean a solo, like she's going to sing today?"

"Yes, Suzie, I have. Her beautiful voice is only one of the many things I love about your godmother and she's already joined the choir in Airatan."

After the service, the wedding party waited at the front of the church, for Susan's pastor to come.

"Why are you fidgeting so much?" Libby whispered to Dee.

"Because that Matt-idiot is staring at me." Dee answered between clenched teeth.

"Why would having a cute guy stare at you make you fidget?"

"Because he drives me nuts; he's always getting me mixed up with you; calling me Libby or Lizzybelle...I mean, it's not as if we dress anything alike, he should be able to distinguish us apart."

"That's funny; Matt never calls me by your name." Libby puzzled.

"Maybe that's because you're always standing next to your boyfriend, Marc."

"But then he should be able to tell that you're the sister who doesn't have a boyfriend."

"I know, as I said; Matt's an idiot!" Dee exclaimed; quietly glaring at the young man as she said it. Matt just smirked and turned away.

"He's been teasing me and making a nuisance of himself ever since we met, yesterday."

"Well, just ignore him." Libby advised as the pastor came in and they started the rehearsal.

After a successful rehearsal, the wedding party was flown back to the Blair's house, landing on the tennis court; to join the rest of their extended family for a combined Thanksgiving and rehearsal dinner, set out on the Blair's extensive patio.

"So there's no way we can convince you to sing a solo at your own wedding, Aunt Susan?" Matt teased his aunt, a while later. After hearing you this morning, I'm sure that we'd all like to hear you sing again."

"Matthew, I'll be lucky if I can get 'I do' past my nervous throat tomorrow, much less a melody!" Susan grinned at her nephew, from her position next to Sam, at the table.

"Hey, 'Evil Knight', could you pass the stuffing, please?" Phillip called down the table, while referring to the part, which Matt had continually played, on that day, so long ago, when Matt, Suzie, Phillip and Libby had played 'rescue the princess', together.

"If I'm the Evil Knight, why would I pass you anything?" Matt asked, slipping into his childhood role once again.

"Because I noticed that you're partial to the cranberry sauce, which I have here, right by my plate." Phillip replied.

"Good knights, am I going to have to tie you both up with my magical, unbreakable-cord?" Libby asked, pulling out two pieces of old yarn from her pocket and Sue started to laugh and clap.

"Oh my good friend, the Fairy Queen, have you kept those magical cords in your pocket all these years?"

"Oh no, Princess, I kept them safe in a secret chamber, in the Fairy Realm, but I brought them with me today, just in case these knights decided to do battle again."

"Oh man, not the magical, unbreakable-cord again, please; I hated that thing!" Matt exclaimed in mock-horror.

"Then hand over the stuffing, Evil Knight." Phil warned.

"I'll pass over the stuffing, White Knight, if you pass over the cranberry sauce, which is worth more to me than the rubies our Fairy Queen made it from."

"Okay, on the count of three, we'll both pass the dishes." Phillip agreed. Once the stuffing and cranberry sauce had both been 'liberated', Mason asked.

"Suzie, did you keep that crown you were wearing that day?"

"No Dad, I didn't." Sue answered.

"But I did." Cheryl said, getting up from the table. "Liz gave it to me, to keep and when I realized that the four of you would be getting together again, I got it out of storage." And with that, Cheryl ran into the house.

"Mom don't..."

'Get used to it; in a few more years, you'll be wearing a real crown, my queen.' Phil told her, as he brought up Sue's hand to kiss.

"Here we go." Cheryl called as she came back in and placed the small wire crown, covered in gold sparkles and sequins, on her daughter's head.

"Mom!"

"It looks lovely!" Liz exclaimed.

"I bet you'll...you would make a lovely...princess." Max told Sue.

'That crown is nice and shiny, maybe we should trade our gold circlets in for some sparkly crowns made of wire and glitter!' Max teased Liz, silently.

After the delicious dinner, the grown-ups moved into the living room to talk and the kids went into the recreation room to play pool, turn the music way up and dance.

"Look, he's danced with everyone else but me. He even danced with you." Dee complained to her sister, a couple hours later, as she watched Matt dancing with Amy Guerin.

"Why would you want to dance with someone you think is an idiot?" Libby asked.

"Well, he's still a cute idiot." Dee answered.

"Well, go and ask him to dance then, or even go out onto the floor and dance by yourself; maybe then he'll come and join you." Libby suggested.

"No way; I don't want to look desperate." Dee replied as she looked at her watch. "It's getting late; let's go see if Aunt Susan is ready to leave yet." Libby nodded at this and went to give Sue and Phil their five minute warning, so they could say goodnight and then followed Dee into the living room, to watch their adopted aunt kiss her groom-to-be, goodnight, as well, while they waited for the chopper to arrive and fly them home.

The next morning, the two sisters woke up first and made breakfast for all of them and took all of the food up to the guest room to serve their honorary aunt (and friend) breakfast in bed, to start her wedding day off right. By nine thirty, all four ladies were ready; most especially the bride. Susan was wearing her lace dress under her robe, which now looked like a stylish, white, calf-length jacket with white embroidery circling the hem; white shoes and small, whit hat, perched on top of her simple page-boy hair-do.

"The three of you young ladies look so lovely. I wish I could have had you for my bride's maids, but if I had done that, there would have hardly been anyone to sit out in the congregation!"

"I think it's a great idea of yours to have Mom and Dad give you away." Sue said.

"Well, since I don't have any blood family left and Mason and Cheryl are the closest thing I've had to a brother and sister, I asked your father to give me away. Then your mom got the idea that both of them should walk me down the aisle; especially since Max is Sam's best-man and Liz is my matron-of-honor; I guess they see it as their giving me not only into Sam's care, but into Max and Liz's care, as well, since I'm moving to Airatan; moving from my old life, to my new one."

"It's time to leave; it's our turn to be your fairy godmothers and make sure you get to the church on time." Sue said, as they headed out to Susan's car.

At the church, Susan's choir was in place as were Sam, Max and the pastor; standing on the first step before the altar. The congregation was a small one, but was made up of good friends; co-workers and neighbors of Susan's, plus Suzie and Matt. Then Phillip, Libby, Dee, the Guerins, all of their grandparents and a couple of Sam's Air Force buddies.

Max and Liz had modified their robes to match Sam's and Susan's; their symbol of copper and golden hearts and the silver infinity symbol, all depicted now in blue or white, in a border around the hem of their shortened robes and for the sake of secrecy, the Royal Seal had been removed.

Liz gazed at her beloved husband from the back of the church, loving the sight of him all in blue; showing off his broad shoulders and slim hips.

'And I love seeing you in all white again.' Max said to her softly, through their connection. 'It brings back memories of our wedding day, like it was yesterday. I can hardly wait to take your robe off and see you in that lace dress I know you have on underneath it!'

'Max, don't get me all excited and stimulated while we're at our friend's wedding...and I can't do anything about it! Now hush; I have about five seconds to compose myself before I have to walk down the aisle.'

'You're gorgeous when you blush.' Max had to add, before the organist started playing the Wedding March and Liz started to slowly walk down the aisle; her cheeks still pink and a happy smile on her lips.

Susan waited a few moments before starting down the aisle, behind Liz, with Mason on one side and Cheryl on the other. Twice she had to slow her pace so that it wouldn't look as though she were dragging them behind her in her haste to reach her future husband, at the altar.

'Oh...boy...Sam looks...so handsome; all in blue with all of his medals pinned to his broad chest!' Susan gazed lovingly down the aisle at Sam; their gazes locked.

'Oh my sweet Susan, you look so lovely!' Sam was thinking at the same time.

"Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today...

"I, Samuel Arthur, take thee Susan Elizabeth as my lawfully wed wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, 'til death us do part."

"I, Susan Elizabeth, take the Samuel Arthur as my lawfully wed husband, have and to hold, from this day forward, for better for worse, for richer for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, 'til death us do part."

"I now pronounce you husband and wife...you may kiss the bride."

"Finally, Mrs. Jones." Sam whispered as he drew his wife into his strong arms.

"What's taking you so long, Mr. Jones?" Susan smiled up at her husband, before they both swooped in on each other, for a long, satisfying kiss.

Max and Liz were standing on either side of the pastor, but within their psychic link they had been reaffirming their wedding vows and were now kissing as bride and groom, once again, as they watched their friends share their first marital kiss.

Out in the congregation, several of the couples were also sharing kisses.

"Hey, you two aren't married yet!" Amy Guerin whispered, swatting Sue and Phil on the back.

"May I introduce Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Jones!" The minister called out and the congregation broke out in applause.

At the reception, Susan "magically" threw her bouquet over her shoulder...to Sue and Sam tossed her garter right into Phil's astonished hands.

"I don't get to see this much of your leg, except when you're at swim-team practice and even then it's not...quite...the same." Phil told Sue, as he skimmed his hand up her leg under the guise of putting the garter on.

"And you won't be able to again until after our wedding." Sue said, placing her hand over his; stopping it before it moved too high up her leg.

"Well, if I don't get to see your...legs, may I at least hold you in my arms, while we dance?"

"I thought you'd never ask." Sue giggled and got up off of Phil's lap and they both walked over to the dance floor and waited for the bride and groom to have the first dance, before everyone joined in the waltz.

"Oh Susan, I can't believe that you are finally my wife or that I have you here in my arms." Sam whispered to her, as he held her closely for their first dance.

"And soon you'll have me in your arms, in our bedroom." Susan promised, anticipating their wedding night with an excitement that raced over her skin.

"Mmmm, Johann will be picking us up in..." Sam looked at his watch, which was counting down the minutes. "One hour, seventeen minutes and three seconds; a short helicopter flight to the airfield, an hour's flight to the Valley and we're home!"

"Home!" Susan grinned happily and tiptoed up to kiss Sam's lips, bringing them to a standstill in the middle of the dance floor.

Part 34

Two hours, fifty-two minutes and fourteen seconds later, Sam was carrying Susan over the threshold of their mountainside home. They had no memory of their flight here, but were glad to see that all of their clothing was intact, if slightly mussed...but not for long, they both thought, as they eyed each other.

"Oh wow, I see the elves have been hard at work!" Sam exclaimed, as they walked hand in hand into their bedroom.

"Oh Sam did you plan all of this for me?" Susan gasped.

"In general, yes, but I allowed the ladies some artistic license."

They both looked around the room in wonder; white candles were everywhere and as the newlyweds stepped through the doorway, they all magically lit up; laughter and giggles were heard outside one of the curtained windows, before it faded away, as those who had prepared the wedding bower ran home to spread the news that Mr. and Mrs. Jones were home.

Besides the candles, now aglow on every flat surface, small branches had been tied to their plane bed, to create four bedposts, which reached over the mattress and became a canopy; draped with sheer, white material. Bouquets of autumn leaves in crimson and gold had been tied to some of the branches and placed in several bowls on the dresser and night tables. After seeing how the room had been transformed, Sam and Susan turned back to each other, both with the anticipation that this first night together would the beginning of many more loving nights...and days and years to come...together...

Same time, at the Blair's house.

Mason, Cheryl, Max, Liz, Phillip and Suzie, Dee and Libby, who had moved into rooms of their own, in the mansion, had flown back to L.A. after the reception and had gathered in the living room. Matt had asked to be excused from playing junior host, in favor of going to visit some of his buddies for a while.

"You know, I've been wondering what we should tell Matt, about all of you guys and what really went on with Niko Giuliani." Cheryl mentioned.

"Yes, me too." Max replied. "In most cases a Human doesn't learn about us aliens unless he or she has fallen in love with one of us. Each case is handled individually; one person at a time...but with Matt..."

"On one hand, he's living in New York and had nothing to do with the Niko situation; we told him very little about what was going on at the time, there was no need for him to know more. But now, we, his parents know your secret and his older sister is marrying an alien prince; no disrespect intended, Phillip, Max."

"None taken." Father and son assured.

"I think that it would be best if we all told him the truth about ourselves, before we leave this weekend." Liz replied and everyone agreed.

"It's a shame he isn't here right now; we could get it over with." Cheryl said.

"Hey you know what would be great? We could all watch 'The Royal Four, Among Us'!" Mason suggested. "I'd love to see your reactions to it. You kids have studied Antarian history, haven't you? I'd love your input too."

"Well sure, Mason; we'd like to hear your stories about filming the movie." Max replied, while glancing over to Liz, uncertainly.

Even though he, Liz and the rest of their friends had loved the movie and been big fans of the TV series; Max had only watched the movie once, when it had first come out in the theaters. He hoped that almost twenty-four years later, it wouldn't be so emotionally gut-wrenching to watch. Liz brought Max's cold palm up to her lips and kissed it gently, as Mason used a remote to have a large screen drop down out of the ceiling and keyed the proper DVD to insert itself into the player. He dimmed the lights some and the movie began.

"I remember the FX guys grumbling about getting those special effects just right." Mason whispered, during one exciting part in the movie.

"I love how authentic the sets and costumes look." Libby mentioned.

"I just wish they'd found an actress who looks more like Grandma Belisa, than the one who ended up playing her part." Dee said. "You look so much like my grandfather and father, Mr. Blair, it's kind of startling not to see Aunt Isabel or someone who looks like her, up on the screen, as well." Cheryl paused the movie.

"You know, it's incredible with all that we know about all of you and all we've been through together; I've never really thought about the fact that Mason was playing Max's father and then Max himself and I was kind of playing you, Liz; that just blows my mind!"

"Well, thank goodness my life wasn't like the role you played." Liz replied. "The thought of being hunted by the government is one of my worst nightmares!"

A moment later, Matt came around the corner, into the living room and no one paid attention to his expression, or wondered if he had heard any of what they had just been discussing.

"Hey Matt, I thought you were spending the evening with your buddies." Mason asked.

"Turns out they were all busy with family stuff." Matt answered.

"Well, come join our family stuff. We're watching 'Among Us'." Matt shrugged and found a seat; looking around at everyone in the room as Mason started up the movie again.

Soon, they reached the part where the parents are bravely saying good-bye to their children and then putting them into their individual space pods; to send them away from their dying sun, Antaria, before it went nova and killed everyone left on their planet. Matt heard sniffles coming from just about everyone sitting around him and tried not to let his own tears fall, as well; this part was always so poignant.

"Daddy?" A tiny voice whispered to his right and he turned to see Mr. Evans with tears streaming down his face and anguish in his eyes. Mrs. Evans was in his arms, trying to sooth him; gently caressing his face and shoulders, while tears ran down her face, as well. Then the cute-but-irritating Dee moved over to hug her father and tried to comfort him too.

'Wow, deep family.' He wondered at their intense emotions.

"Oh man, Max, Liz, I'm sorry. I should have realized how upsetting this would be for you to watch...especially since for you, all of this was real." Mason said, cryptically...to his son, anyway.

"It's alright, Mason, this scene is almost over; please continue showing the movie, the second half was great." Mason nodded and hit the play-button.

'What was that all about?' Matt wondered. After that, he couldn't believe that he was just sitting there, watching the rest of the movie. While waiting for it to end, he let his mind wander over everything he had heard, before he came into the room.

"You look so much like my grandfather and father, Mr. Blair, it's kind of startling not to see Aunt Isabel or someone who looks like us, up on the screen, as well...You know, it's incredible with all that we know about all of you and all we've been through together; I've never really thought about the fact that Mason was playing Max's father and then Max himself and I was kind of playing you, Liz; that just blows my mind!"... "Well, thank goodness my life wasn't like the role you played." Liz replied. "The thought of being hunted by the government is one of my worst nightmares!"

"Okay, someone, want to tell me about what is going on here?" Matt exclaimed, shooting to his feet, the instant that the credits started to roll, he couldn't stand waiting any longer. "I heard what Dee, Mom and Mrs. Evans said earlier...and...and the way Mr. Evans overreacted to that scene in the movie...Dad, I found out what Giuliani was accusing you of...what's going on?"

Everyone looked around the room and then Max started to explain.

"You say that you know what Giuliani was accusing your father; and myself of. Except for the bit about our families being related...everything else is...true."

Max continued to tell Matt the whole story, with a little help from everyone else; of where he came from, meeting Liz and the others, building Airatan, meeting Mason and Cheryl, up to Suzie and Phillip's relationship.

"My sister is marrying an alien?" Matt exclaimed when Max finished his story.

"Out of all that my father just told you, that's all it boils down to?" Dee exclaimed.

"And that my own family knew about all of you and didn't tell me, yeah!" Matt yelled, arms flying.

"Try to calm down, Matt." Mason said. "We only just found out about Max's...alien status a few months ago and at the time, there was no need for you to be told; you weren't a part of it."

"But with your sister marrying my son," Max said in a firm voice. "We knew that you should be told and planned to tell you later today or tomorrow."

"Yeah sure, you must be real good at keeping your secrets, why would you tell me now?"

"Because that's what we do when someone becomes involved with us, you numbskull!" Dee exclaimed. "We tell that person and then let him or her decide if they still want to be...involved with us. Up until now, there's never been a problem; everyone we've told has helped us keep our secret."

"Yeah, so you say, but nothing is ever that simple." Matt glared at Dee before turning and walking out of the room.

He couldn't understand why he was reacting this way; so irrationally, but he needed time away; to think. He didn't realize that he was fighting his attraction to the beautiful Dee and in trying to reject that attraction; he was rejecting anything she said, as well.

"Matt wait, let's talk about this." Mason called.

"I'll get the idiot." Dee said and raced out of the room.

She followed the sound of his footsteps, as Matt walked quickly ahead of her; slipping on a couple of scatter-rugs as she tried to catch up with him. She passed through the enormous kitchen and realized that Matt was headed for the garage...and his car. When she reached the deserted back hallway, she saw him up ahead and in a moment of desperation, used her powers to pull the rug out from under him; literally and then wrap him up in it; arms as well as legs.

"Oh man, how the hell did you do this to me?" Matt yelled.

"Shut up; I'm an alien's daughter, remember? Now come in here before someone sees or hears us." She commanded and used her powers to get him up off of the floor. She tugged on his restraints and he hopped along behind her, into the laundry room. Dee firmly locked the door and turned to face Matt.

"Please try to calm down." She urged, trying to calm down herself.

"Get me the hell out of this...rug!" Matt yelled.

"No, not until you calm down." Dee said, but she did loosen the rug's hold on him a little.

"Gee, thanks." He sneered.

"You're welcome...Now please listen to me when I say that we are harmless...well mostly, anyway." Dee modified when Matt lifted an ironic eyebrow. "We don't Want to hurt anyone. We are a peaceful people; a civilization of artists and poets...and actors." She tried to appeal to the fact that Matt was an actor.

"And just what sort of artwork do you do?" Matt asked.

"Um, well actually, I'm studying to be a lawyer. I tried sculpting when I was younger, but even Uncle Michael said that I was hopeless. Libby; you know my twin, who you keep getting me mixed up with, is the artist in my family. She makes the most beautiful things with clay!" Matt sighed.

"Okay, so you're all a bunch of peaceful potters and painters; can't you understand that this is a lot for me to take in all at once? My sister is not only getting married, but she is getting married to an alien...who will one day become a king; my sister will be a queen!"

"It's not that big a deal; look at my parents, they Are a king and queen and they aren't wearing their crowns or designer clothes; they're just a family lawyer and a microbiologist; my mom and dad."

"But they...do have...crowns?" Matt asked in wonder.

"Well...yeah, but they hardly ever wear them." Dee explained.

"Dee, it's still an awful lot for me to take in. I just need to think it all through...alone. I may have questions later, but for now I need to get away for a while, okay? I promise, I won't tell a soul, ever." Matt said, looking intently into her eyes.

"You promise you won't tell anyone?"

"Yeah, I promise."

"Well okay then." Dee said and let the rug fall to the ground. Just then someone started knocking loudly on the door.

"Matt, Dee; are you in there? Are you alright?" Suzie called.

Dee walked over to the door and unlocked it. Matt shook his head in wonder as he saw the girl's hand glow and walked over to his sister.

"Everything's alright. I just need to go for a drive; think things through, okay?"

"All right; drive safely." Sue said in relief.

"Don't worry, I will." Matt said, as he drew her into a gentle hug and kissed her brow.

"Tell Mom and Dad that I'll be back later." And he walked past Phil and Dee and out the door to his car.

Part 35

Two weeks after Thanksgiving, the kids were back in Cambridge and well into their studies. As Dee walked through the door to her home-away-from-home, she was reflecting on Phil and Sue...and Matt.

It was becoming increasingly difficult to keep the two lovers apart at night, even though they still said they wanted to 'wait' until they were married, they were constantly being caught in one or the other's rooms making out. Dee, Amy and Audra had taken it upon themselves to make sure that there were no more nighttime liaisons; they were getting too close to the date of their wedding to allow Sue and Phil to ruin that special day for themselves.

Matthew Blair was another worrisome thought, bouncing around in Dee's mind. It had been two weeks since he had found out about...everything and he hadn't said anything to anyone, on that subject, since he had left the house to go for his drive and to think things through. Dee was brewing some tea in hopes of calming her stomach down, when the doorbell rang.

"I'll get it." She called, as she went to answer the door. "Oh...Matt Blair; what are you doing here?"

"I came to see my sister, is she here...Libby?" He grinned at her.

"No, she isn't." Dee answered and moved to slam the door shut in his face, but his hand snapped up and stopped it from closing.

"May I...come inside and wait for her...Dee?" He relented.

"Oh all right. See how nice I can be when called by my proper name?" She smiled.

"Do you know what time Sue will be home?" Matt asked, just grinning back at her.

"Fifteen, maybe twenty minutes; would you like something to drink?"

"Yeah, a beer would be great." Matt said.

"You aren't twenty-one and you won't find any alcohol in this house, anyway." Dee answered.

"What, are all of you aliens tea-totalers?"

"As a matter of fact we are." Shaun and Ed came up behind Dee.

"You don't want to see an alien get drunk, my friend." Ed warned and had the pleasure of seeing Matt swallow, nervously.

"I'm just brewing some tea." Dee said now with a grin on her face. "Would you like some of that? Or, we have vegetable, or fruit juices, iced tea, or pop."

"Um how about a Dr. Pepper?" Matt asked, cautiously.

"Sure coming right up." Dee said, indicating a chair at the kitchen table.

"Would that be with or without Tabasco sauce?" Shaun asked; he loved intimidating this guy.

"Tabasco; what about it?" Matt asked.

"Would you like some in your Dr. Pepper?" Shaun asked slowly, as he popped his own can open and dropped some in, before taking a swig.

"Uh sure, I'll try it." Matt agreed reluctantly and started Dee laughing.

"Shaun, don't you dare!" She stopped her friend from dropping and Tabasco into Matt's drink and took the can away from him. "Matt, we like our food to be sweet and spicy at the same time; it's a physiological thing, a dietary quirk. You would not like it at all; Shaun was just teasing you! Would you like ice?"

"Is there any Tabasco in it?" Matt asked and Dee shook her head with a twinkle in her eyes, so Matt said yes to the ice.

"Here you go." Dee served him his drink after pouring it over a glassful of ice.

"Thanks."

"Matt, hi!" Sue cried out, when she came through the back door and saw her brother sitting there; she flew across the room to hug him.

"Hey big sis." Matt hugged her back. "Hey, Phillip." Matt stuck his hand out and they shook.

"Matt, how are you?" Phillip asked politely, if warily.

"Doing good; can the three of us talk?"

"Sure...why don't we go up to Sue's room?" Phil suggested. "Sue, would you like something to drink?"

"Some of Dee's tea, when it's done." Sue said.

"Go on up and I'll bring it to you in a minute." Phil told her, reluctantly letting her hand go, after kissing her knuckles.

"Thank you, love." Sue smiled her special smile at him and then headed out the door and up the stairs. "Come on Matt." Because she knew her brother would worry, she explained how the house was set up.

"The boys' rooms are on this floor, the girls' rooms are on the third floor and my room...soon to be mine and Phillip's room, is in the attic. Isn't it nice and cozy up here?" She asked when they reached the top.

"Yeah, you really have it fixed up nicely, Suzie." Matt replied, as he looked around the nice sized room, tucked in under the eaves. "If Phil's room is downstairs, why do you have two desks up here?" Sue let out an annoyed huff.

"Because we like spending as much time together, even if it is while we study. Dee, Amy and Audra make sure that he sleeps in his own room, don't worry."

"And you really love him, don't you? And his being...different doesn't bother you at all, does it? How are you going to handle becoming a queen?" Matt asked.

"I love Phillip more than life itself; I can't imagine my life without him." Sue told her brother, fervently.

"Nor can I see mine without you, sweetheart." Phil said, as he came up the last few steps, into the room, carrying a tray with him. He put it down and met Sue half-way as she moved towards him, as well. Phil placed a tender kiss on her brow in deference to their audience, but kept hold of her hand.

"To answer the rest of your questions, Matt, no, Phil's being an alien doesn't bother me in the least; it makes him special. As to being his queen, I'll deal with that the same way his mother does; with love, standing by his side and one day at a time."

After that, all three of them sat down and talked for a while; the men getting to know each other. Phil invited Matt to stay for dinner and he accepted, but when Matt didn't eat his green beans, the prankster pounced on him with glee and everyone, including his sister and future brother-in-law laughed at him, while he reluctantly ate the hated vegetables on his plate.

Later that night, as Matt was getting ready to go back to his hotel room, Phil glanced at Sue and lifted a questioning brow. Sue nodded, smiling and Phil turned back to Matt.

"Hey Matt, I was wondering if you'd like to be one of my ushers at our wedding?" Matt looked up, startled and pleased.

"Hey yeah, I'd love to; thank you."

"No, thank you." Phil countered and both men, now friends, shook hands.

"Bye Matt, see you in Airatan for Christmas, if not before." Sue hugged her brother who had been invited for the holiday and to her wedding, of course, but would now be a part of her wedding party.

"Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas!" Everyone called to their friends, as they left the lovely candle-lit church, after the midnight Christmas services. It was cold in this part of northern New Mexico, especially at their high altitude; the ground was already covered and more snowflakes were drifting gently down.

"Merry Christmas, my love." Sue kissed Phil, making their lips warm with the insistent pressure, before breaking out of their embrace and climbing into Uncle Sam's car to drive home and get some sleep during the early hours of Christmas morning, at her aunt and uncle's house.

"See you in a few hours; sleep well, honey." Phil called.

By noon on Christmas Day, the extended family and friends were gathered at Max and Liz's house to open presents and eat Christmas dinner, later on. Two enormous trees graced the living room and family room, garlands and ribbons were hung everywhere else and many poinsettias brightened up the corners.

For Sue and Phil, this Christmas was half holiday, half bridal shower.

"Oh man, Mom and Dad...Wow what a great gift!" Phillip exclaimed as he and an excited Suzie read over Liz's note, which was attached to Max's dry legalese...transferring a plot of land, nearby, over to them.

As the almost newlyweds opened their gifts, they saw a conspiracy forming.

"Gee you guys, all of these gifts look like they might add up to a...house!" Max grinned at his son and soon-to-be-daughter.

"Olaus and his son gave me this letter, to give to you; it's an invitation to come by their studio; to talk about what you want in your home, so that they can design it for you."

"Oh Mr. and Mrs. Evans, this is so wonderful, so generous..." Tears of joy were running down Sue's face and Phil drew her tighter into his arms.

"Liz, I want to give these two an early wedding present; I can't wait." Max said, determinably.

"I didn't want to wait until their wedding in the first place." Liz reminded him.

"Sue; with all due respect to your parents, we would like you to call us Mom and Dad, or Max and Liz from now on. It's a few days early, but we see you as our daughter, already."

"Oh my, oh my!" Sue gasped out happily and then turned to her parents. "Mom, Dad, is it; would it be alright if I call them...Mom and Dad...too?"

"Of course it is, sweetheart; the four of us have discussed this already." Cheryl told her daughter.

"Well then, we won't wait until your wedding day either." Mason said. "Phillip we would also like to drop the formality and we ask you to call us Mom and Dad, as well."

"Hey great!" Phillip exclaimed, as Phil went to Cheryl and Mason and Sue went to Max and Liz for hugs and kisses from their new parents.

"I love the winter-carnival feeling you have going on here." Matt remarked to Dee as everyone came out of the church, following a successful wedding rehearsal.

"Yeah, our summer art-fair draws tourists into the Valley and then they stay to watch the plays our actors put on in the open-air amphitheater; and then the musicals and dramas we perform in our indoor theater draws them in during the winter and they stroll through our artist's studios between performances."

"And yet you have only two good-sized hotels; how do you house everyone who comes to the Valley?" Matt asked.

"A lot of motels have sprung up on the highway, leading here, but they're still a ways away, since they couldn't build within the National Forrest, so a lot of our people rent out rooms in their homes, as bed and breakfast accommodations."

"Ah." Mat said, nodding.

He and Dee had been getting along fairly well, since that first day he had come to see his sister, at their house in Cambridge. Matt had driven down to see Sue once more after that and now he was one of Phillip's ushers and was pared with...Dee in the wedding party.

"So, tomorrow is the big day. Where are my sister and your brother going on their honeymoon, I haven't heard." Matt asked.

"Oh well, since they're college students, they can't afford the cost or take the time to go away to someplace...warm, so they're staying at the valley's best hotel. The owner built a honeymoon suite this summer and Phil and Sue will be the first couple to stay in it!"

"Well, well, sounds romantic!" Matt smiled, happy for his sister.

"Knowing my brother, I'm sure it will be!" Dee said.

"Hey look, you two, you're standing under some mistletoe!" Libby laughed at their startled expressions, as they looked up and saw the beribboned mistletoe hanging from the branch of a nearby tree.

"Hey, you gotta kiss her now, man!" Marc laughed along with his girlfriend.

"It's Christmas; it's tradition." Libby added and grinned as Matt and Dee hesitantly moved in to give each other a quick peck on the lips and then turn away from each other, blushing.

'It was only a quick kiss.' Matt tried to tell himself. 'But then why did it feel like so much more? It can't mean...I just met her a couple of weeks ago...She's an alien for Pete's sake...She irritates the heck out of me...Then why did a quick brush of her lips make me see a quick starburst?...I need to think about all of this.'

"I'm, um going to go for a walk. I'll be back in time for the dinner." Matt muttered to himself and quickly walked off, before anyone could say anything. Dee rounded on her sister and friend.

"Why couldn't you have left us alone? We were having a nice conversation..." Dee cried out.

"Hey, it's tradition, and besides, the way you two were blushing, I think something more than just a peck on the lips, happened here." Libby kept grinning.

"If he weren't interested in you and you in him, neither of you would have reacted so strongly." Marc agreed.

"Oh you guys!" Dee groaned, as they walked towards the cars which would take them home.

'It's my wedding day, finally!' Sue thought happily the second her eyes popped open, early that morning. She jumped up out of bed just as her Aunt Susan knocked on her door.

"Oh good, you're already up. I brought you some tee. Why don't you get dressed and then we girls can head down to the Evans' house, which has been slated to be your bridal headquarters and the guys will take over this place for the day. I shudder to think what my home is going to look like, when I come back tonight!" Susan groaned in mock-horror.

A few minutes later, Sue came out of her room, ready to go. Her wandering eyes peaked through the half-open door to her aunt and uncle's bedroom.

"Aunt Susan, I didn't know that you two had a canopy bed. Are those tree branches?"

"Yes, we liked them so well during our honeymoon that we had the branches permanently attached to the frame and now we decorate our canopy according to the season."

Sue nodded, smiling, seeing the bright Christmas tree lights and greenery which were draped over the bows, now.

"Let's go." Cheryl said and the three ladies left the house after one more kiss to their husbands.

"Cheryl and Susan tried to screen Sue from the sight of Phillip as he and the other men came up the steps, they were walking down.

"Don't look!" Everyone cried out as Sue and Phil tried to get a peek of the other, but to no avail, as they were hurried past each other.

At the Evans', Sue now had her two mothers; Liz and Cheryl, her three best friends; Dee, Libby and Amy Guerin, her four aunts; Susan, Maria, Isabel and Tess and all four grandmothers; Nancy, Diane, Amy and Judy, for company.

'And I'm the partridge-in-a-pear-tree!' Sue sang to herself, as she saw all of the women in the house.

"We have the requisite chic-flicks to watch, chocolate to eat and the master bath ready for you to soak in, later." Maria told Sue.

The movies had been fun, the chocolate, divine and the long soak in the vanilla-scented bubbles, with candles burning all around the bathroom had been relaxing, Sue thought, as she came out into the master bedroom, snuggled into her warm robe. Her mother was there and her dress was hanging from the closet door.

"We didn't want to overwhelm you with too much company while you get ready, but if you'd like your friends to come in while you apply your make-up and fix your hair..." Cheryl suggested.

"That would be fun, if Dee, Libby, Amy, Liz and Aunt Susan could come in and help." Sue agreed.

"Now you don't want or need to wear too much make-up." Dee advised as the ladies came in and got busy. They brushed her long, gorgeous hair and just curled the ends a little to give body.

"You did a lovely job making the adjustments to your dress for Suzie, Liz." Susan praised, as her niece was helped on with her dress. "How did you find lace to match their special pattern?"

"There's an artisan in town, who makes lace designs to order." Liz answered, walking over to Sue's veil. "She even incorporated the Royal Seal into the center of your lace, here." Liz pointed out.

"It is all so beautiful, thank you so much!" Sue gulped out between tears.

"You will be a beautiful bride." Libby assured her as she swept her glowing hand over Sue's face, to erase the damage of tears.

"Now for your robe." Liz said, once Sue's dress was buttoned up the back.

Sue's sleeveless and floor-length robe was placed over her shoulders and she pulled it together in the front, but did not fasten it. Stepping in front of the full-length mirror, Sue admired the gold embroidery, which ran down each side of the front of the robe and around the hem.

"Here's your veil." Dee said and helped to arrange it over her hair.

"I love how your lace veil shows up with your lovely hair spread out beneath it in back." Amy said.

"Ladies, do you agree that our Suzie is a lovely bride?" Susan asked and everyone agreed, wholeheartedly, especially after a gentle blush spread over her cheeks.

"Now my dear, why don't you go show your gorgeous self to all the ladies out in the family room. Chat with them and try to relax, while we get ourselves changed in record time." Cheryl told her daughter.

Amy ran ahead and opened the door for her and then walked out into the family room.

"Ladies, may I present the bride; Susan Elizabeth Blair." And all women clapped, oohed and ahhed.

In good time, everyone was ready and they were off to the church.

TBC