Disclaimer: Mutant X and X Men don't belong to me. I created Evie.

Note: Well folks, this is it. I am working on what comes next, though I'm not sure how long it will take. I've just begun and haven't even gotten into the conflict much less the resolution. This will be mostly MX(I hope). Thanks for staying with me and for all the encouraging reviews. Redhead.

Troubles of the Past

telepathic communication

Chapter 19 (the last one)

Morning started out with a rush. The men handled breakfast for the children as Jean and Evie came down to get breakfast for the women. Remy held his head as he walked into the kitchen. “Oh, Evie, Chere. Please help Remy get de train outta his head.”

She giggled as he sat at the table and waited for her. Touching his forehead and neck her hands shimmered. Soon he took a deep breath and smiled. “You’re a godsend, Chere. Wouldn’t be a good day without you here.” He stood and kissed her cheek then reached for a cup of coffee.

“For all your trying to do a number on Logan, it was you who was the most plastered last night.” Jean patted his shoulder. “I hope you enjoy yourself a little less tonight.”

“Don’t worry. Got it out of my system. Remy be a good boy.” He winked at the girls and left the room.

The site for the wedding was planned to be on the deck and patio out back. Everything was elegantly decorated. The minister is to stand with the bridal couple on the terrace overlooking the back patio and pool. A certain few will be on the terrace while the rest will be seated on the patio.

The caterers set up on the yard as the band set up by the basketball court. Ororo thought it would make a wonderful dance floor.

Bobby spent most of the morning by the place where the caterers were to set up the fountains. Ororo had arranged for two; one for champagne and the other for punch. He was concentrating hard when Jesse walked up behind him and saw the neck of a swan sticking out of a chunk of ice.

“Hey, Bob.”

“Hey,” he turned to greet his friend. “How’s Kitty?”

“She seemed fine this morning. I made her promise to call me if that changed. That's looking...good. Do you think you'll be done before nightfall?”

“Very funny. I’ve been working on my sculpting for a while now. I think I can get this one if I just work it slowly. It’s the largest one I’ve tried so far.”

“Looks really great. I bet Ro will love it.” Jesse pat his shoulder and turned to find the others.

The rest of the day seemed to fly. The men wandered about and could be seen in all parts of the mansion and grounds, save one.

The women stayed primarily in the rooms they designated as a dressing area. Ororo sat quietly in one corner as everyone else buzzed with excitement.

“Sister, what is wrong?” Onnaka asked as she sat beside her.

Opening her eyes, Ororo smiled at her sister. “There is nothing wrong. I am just trying to maintain my calm. I know that if I let the excitement of everyone rule me as well, the wonderful weather we are having will be ruined.”

“You’re happiness will never bring anything to ruin. I am very glad this day has come for you.”

4 pm was quickly approaching. Jean and Evie made sure everyone was ready and in their places. After an excited time of last minute checks of hair and make up and dresses, the women all processed out of their rooms with Ororo at the end.

Logan stood nervously on the terrace. He had surprised everyone by his lack of jitters. To this point he was the cool, calm and confident man. It was not until he got word that the girls were on their way that his steel supports had collapsed. Suddenly he was sweating and pacing and his hands wouldn’t stay still.

All the men noticed the drastic change immediately. Brennan went to the bar then up to the terrace. “I seem to remember pegging you as the caged tiger we’d have to hold down. Drink this.” He handed him a large glass of whiskey and watched as Logan downed the entire glass at once.

“Thanks,” Logan gruffed over the burn in his throat.

“Only a little longer, Mon Ami.” Remy whispered by his side. “Jus’ get dis part over wid and the rest be fine.”

“I feel like I’m gonna jump outta my skin. This is crazy.” Logan paced the terrace eyeing the woods beyond the yard. “How long do we have? I need to get out there for just a little while.”

No, Logan. You don’t have the time. They will be here any moment. Charles smiled from his place.

Then you better glue my feet down, Chuck ‘cause I’m about to jump.

Whatever it takes, my friend. Charles complied and Logan who now had his back to the calling trees felt as if his legs were pillars poured into the casting of the terrace.

It was at that moment that the doors opened and all the girls began filing through. Each went to her place until only Ororo, Onnaka and Jean were unaccounted for. The music changed. Saket walked to the doors and waited. Jean came through and took Remy’s extended arm as they moved to their place. Onnaka was the next to be seen. She turned when she got to the doors and faced her brother. At her silent beckoning, Ororo appeared and was presented to her brother.

She was beautiful in her gown. Making the choice of a traditional dress as opposed to a white bridal gown was the easiest of all the pre-wedding decisions. The flowing material was swirled with muted earth tones and a simple ring of wildflowers rested in her upswept hair.

Saket stepped in front of her, blocking everyone’s view. He put his hand to her chin and lifted her face to meet his. “You are beautiful, Ororo. It is an honor for me to see your happiness fulfilled, today. Father would have had it no other way.” He leaned down and kissed her cheek.

“Thank you,” she whispered as he turned and led her to her place.

Logan?

Let me go, Chuck. I’m fine. With his mobility restored, Logan walked to his place. He only looked away from his bride long enough to shake her brother’s hand. The moment he took her hand in his something happened. His heart was filled with a joy he had never known. His chest was full of pride and he felt stronger than he had ever felt in his life. They were one and he knew beyond any measure of doubt, that would never change.

The End