With Charles footing half the bill, Logan's unmatched skill and help from unlikely sources, the boathouse was fully restored to a beauty that was never seen before. Logan stood proud as he admired the end product. All that remained was the furnishing of the modern two story brick/wood structure, with its three bedrooms, three and a half baths, and garage. Knowing that this was where he was about to put down roots, no expense was spared. The ground floor was home to the open floor concept, with a gourmet kitchen, dining room, family room, fireplace and a half bath. A small study/office and laundry room just off the kitchen rounded out the ground floor. The second floor was home to a remarkable master suite, which boasted two walk in closets, a skylight and a luxury master bathroom complete with a waterfall shower, marble tub and his and hers sinks. A balcony was added just for the hell of it. The remaining bedrooms and bathrooms and hall closets completed the top floor. Redwood decking wrapped around the back of the structure facing the lake.

"Ah mon ami, now fo the house warmin' non?" Remy announced, slapping Logan on the back.

Logan's eyebrow shot up. He was thinking about having one, as a way to say thank you to Charles, the Cajun and Colossus for helping him out, but he quickly decided against it. He was not up for a big party and he knew if he so much as mentioned thinking about having a house warming, it would quickly morph into a big event, especially if Charles and Jubilee were involved. "Ain't havin' one, Cajun," he replied, as he twirled a cigar between his nimble fingers.

Remy didn't like hearing that. "Can't have a new home and no party t' celebrate."

"Who ya kiddin', Cajun? Ya just want the free booze and food."

"Ya hurt Remy."

Logan shook his head at the younger man. He sighed. He did owe the young man for helping him in more ways than one. "I'll take ya and Pete ta Harry's as a thank you."

Remy shook his head. "Non. If ya want t' tank Remy, have a party here."

Logan cursed under his breath. Maybe it was the satisfaction gained from another job well done, or stupidity, but he decided to humor the kid. He sighed, having a house warming was the least he could do. "Don't make me regret this."

The Cajun smiled. "Doh worry, non. Remy take care 'o everyt'ing."

Logan placed the cigar in his mouth and lit it. "Ya should talk ta Jubes. She'll have my hide if she finds out I let ya plan it without her."

Remy nodded, then glanced down at his watch. "Gotta go. Takin' the missus out fo dinner."

"Be careful Cajun."

Remy saluted, then left, his cheap cigarette stench stayed to wreak havoc on Logan's nose.

Logan pushed all thoughts of Remy and parties aside and focused on other pertinent matters. He had to see the Professor, as they had unfinished business. He wasn't happy about it. The old nosy man had somehow gotten him to go back on their initial agreement before Logan knew it, he was agreeing to Charles being solely responsible for seeing to the furnishing of the home. No way around saying Charles had hands down tricked him.

He sighed as he extinguish the butt of the cigar and stuffed it in his pocket. Taking one last glance at his handiwork, he turned and made his way to Charles' office.

Charles couldn't hold in his grin when he saw Logan stomping his way up the porch before opening the French doors to his office. Logan saw Charles' grin and immediately scowled. "Ya know why I'm here, Chuck."

"Indeed I do, old friend." Charles didn't bother to hide his enthusiasm. He was going to milk getting the best of the Wolverine for all it was worth. He had straight up con the cunning Wolverine into allowing him into being responsible for the furnishing of the boathouse and damn if he wasn't going to enjoy it. Charles had ulterior motives for finagling Logan into agreeing. Once he had learned about, albeit accidently, Ororo's desire to right things between them and Logan's weakening resolve, a plan had formulated in his brilliant mind. Call him meddlesome, but he wanted those two stubborn beings to finally clear the air. Step one was getting Logan to agree to his bidding. Now that was done, his next and probably most difficult step would be to get Ororo on board. He was going to be honest with her, tell her that this was her opportunity to set things right with the Wolverine. If all goes well, those two would be together soon.

"When would ya like ta see it?" Logan asked, interrupting Charles' thoughts.

"Whenever you are ready."

"How 'bout now? I got some time 'til my next class."

"I have a few calls to make. How about in an hour?"

Logan consulted his watch and nodded. "Works fer me."

Charles grinned. He was about to give Logan the shock of his life.

"You wanted to see me Charles?"

Charles gifted the beautiful woman a soft smile and beckoned her into his office. He indicated one of the chairs in front of his desk for her to take a seat. "Yes, my dear. How are you today?"

Ororo smiled at the man who was in essence her surrogate father. "I am doing quite well, thank you."

"That is good to hear." He sighed, might as well get one with it. "I wanted to see you for a specific reason."

She stared at him expectedly.

"My dear, you know that the boathouse has been restored into a home for Logan," he began and watched her closely. "I am in charge of furnishing the home now that it has been renovated."

Ororo nodded her head and tried to ignore the sliver of pain that shot through her at the mention of Logan's name. She was hurting knowing that there was no feasible way for her to mend fences with him. The longer it went on, the more pronounced the pain became. Yes, she had decided that it was time enough for them to resolve whatever their differences, but that was over two months ago and she was beginning to panic that she would never get a chance to do as she had decided.

The sadness that radiated off of her didn't go unnoticed by Charles. As much as she tried to be unreadable, Ororo always did wear a lot of her emotions on her sleeve. He knew of her decision to put an end to the stalemate between her and Logan, but he also knew of her frustration in having the lack of opportunity to do so. That's when he came up with his grand plan. He was going to renege on his original deal with Logan and get the stubborn mutant to agree to have him be responsible for the furnishing of the home once it was restored. Then he was going to commission Ororo to be in charge of the furnishing. He had always kept his distance from their personal matters, especially when it came to their relationship. But he had found out a long time ago that he had a soft spot for the African beauty before him. He saw her as the daughter he never had, and knew he would move heaven and earth to ensure her happiness.

Charles gave her a soft look, then, "I would like for you to take over the furnishing of the home." He waited for the implications of his request to sink in. He didn't have to wait long.

Ororo's eyes widened and she jumped out of her seat. "What?!"

Charles didn't say anything, just continued to stare at her.

"You ask too much Charles," she whispered.

"Do I?" He returned in kind.

She lowered her eyes and reclaimed her seat. "I do not think…"

"Do you honestly think that I would ask this of you if I thought you would not be able to handle it?"

"Charles…I do not think Logan will like that," she muttered. "In case you have not noticed, I am persona no grata to him."

The Professor chuckled. "I have noticed a lot of things. If I may be frank, Ororo," Charles said, waiting for her nod, "You are seeking an opportunity to fix things with Logan and I have decided to help you."

Ororo was clearly taken back by his honesty. She sighed heavily.

Charles wheeled his chair to position himself in front of her and took her hands in his. "Forgive me for being as they say, nosy, but I find that I cannot sit back and do nothing to help you. Your happiness is of upmost importance to me."

She allowed his kind words to wash over her and a small thankful smile graced her lips. "Have I been that obvious?"

He answered truthfully. "You have. And I know you love him very much."

"I have never pegged you for a matchmaker, Charles," she laughed breathlessly. After a few moments of worrying her bottom lip between her teeth, she announced, "I doubt Logan would welcome me into his home. He is bound to know I was there Charles."

He nodded his head. "He is. Nothing escapes him. He may not like it, but you would be there at my behest and I while I believe he will grumble, I do not think he will stop you."

Ororo sighed again. "How am I furnishing his home going to give me a chance to fix things with him?"

Charles smiled. "I will leave that up to you."

She eyed her mentor nervously. "You think this will work?"

"My dear, you have always been resolute in obtaining something you want. This is no different."

Ororo looked at him as if he'd just grown an additional head. "Are you kidding me? This is the Wolverine we are talking about."

"Yes and you have never backed down from a challenge. I am sure you can match the Wolverine head on when the time comes."

His softly spoken words broke through her doubts. Ororo's head dipped, her chin touching her chest. When Charles was right, he was right. "Alright. I will do as you have asked." She stood and bent down, pressing a loving kiss to his head. "I am going to need access to the property so see what I will be dealing with."

Charles squeezed her hand. "We should have access in…"

His words were interrupted when Logan barged in his office, bellowing, "Chuck, ya ready?"

Logan was brought up short by the windrider standing next to Charles. He cursed mentally and Charles had to smother his chuckle when he picked up on his thoughts.

"I'll come back if yer busy," Logan announced, turning to leave.

"We are ready, Logan," Charles replied, trying to ward off the headache that was coming with the bombardment of thoughts swirling about the room. "Ororo will be assisting me."

Charles waited for that announcement to settle in. Logan could only stare at the baldheaded mind fixer and Ororo couldn't think of anything else other than Logan's proximity.

Logan was incredulous. "Ya jokin', right? I agreed ta ya doin' furnishin', Chuck."

"Yes, and I am going to need assistance. Who better than Ororo to help?"

"Ya couldn't get somebody else?"

"I am perfectly capable of furnishing a home, Logan," Ororo interjected, highly offended at this point.

Logan's head swung to her. "I don't need yer help," he grated.

"Too damn bad, Wolverine. You are getting it. Shall we move along? I have a class soon." She turned and went to the exit leading to the porch. She refused to look back to see if they were following her. How dare he insinuate she wasn't welcomed?

Logan kept his rising ire in check as he escorted the two to the boathouse. He would corner Charles later and find out what type of games he was playing. He never expected this turn of events. How the hell was he going to cope with working together with her?

Charles on the other hand was trying his best not to burst out in glorious laughter. From the thoughts both were projecting, he knew without a doubt that he had done the right thing. He was going to take great pleasure in seeing Logan and Ororo come together as a couple and create a life together. If he was a gambler, he would definitely bet on the two moving into the boathouse together by the New Year. He hid his grin. Maybe he'll check to see if there's a betting pool on the way in the school.