However, she was soon disturbed by a knock at her door.  "Cain't a girl have a few hours of undisturbed quiet time 'round here?"

"Chere, c'est moi."

"Well, sugah, you can disturb me anytime ya please."  She smiled as Remy entered her room and greeted her with a passionate embrace.

He ran his fingers through her auburn tresses, gazing into her enchanting green eyes.  "Sometimes I fo'get how breathtakingly beautiful you are, mon ami.

"You're not so bad yourself," she answered.  "Can ya believe that in justa few days we'll be sayin' our 'Ah do's'?"

"I've been waiting so long for dis t'happen.  So very long."  Remy pulled her tighter and gently kissed her lips.  If it weren't for Joseph's past interference with Rogue's mutant powers of absorption, he
would have never been able to enjoy times like this without having the life drained out of him.  Even though he didn't care much for Joseph, Gambit knew that he was forever in his debt for his discoveries.

"Hey, let's go see what the others are up to."  She grasped Remy's hand and dragged him out of the room to their recreational facilities.  Everyone seemed to be taking of advantage of yet another gorgeous summer's day.  Warren, Bobby, Logan, and Beast were playing a little two-on-two on the basketball courts.  Ororo and Betsy were taking a dip in the pool, and Jubilee was laying out, soaking up the rays.  She didn't see Scott and Jean around.  They were probably out on a date somewhere.  She always enjoyed days off like this when everyone had time to
relax.

"Hey, Gumbo.  You and Rogue up for a little ball?"  Wolverine wanted some new competition on the court.  He and Hank were beating the daylights out of Warren and Bobby.

"T'anks for the invitation, but I t'ink I'm in de mood for a little cool down."  At that note, he stripped off his shirt and raced towards the pool.  After a long trip up to the high dive, he bounced off the end of the board.

SPLASH!!!

"Hey, man.  If I wanted to get wet, I would've jumped in the pool myself,"  Jubilee squealed as she toweled herself off.

"That was quite a splash, Gambit," complimented Storm.

Always up for competition, Rogue decided to join the swimmers.  "Awh, that was nothin'.  Wait til y'all get a load of mah cannonball."  She
flew up, way above the pool, and pulling her knees to her chest, let
gravity take its toll, falling down to the blue depths below.

SPLASH!!!

"That's it, I'm now completely DRENCHED!"  shouted Jubilee.

"Sorry there, Jubilee, didn't mean ya any harm."  After apologizing to her younger teammate, she swam over to Remy.  "Let's see ya top that one, sugah."

"I t'ink I'll let ya win dis one, chere."  He smiled.  "Dis water feels nice, no?"

"It feels so refreshing on a day like this."  Storm waded over to the two lovebirds with Psylocke close behind.  "So have all of the final plans been made for the wedding this Saturday?"

"Ya, Ah'm pretty sure we've got everything under control.  Ah can't wait!"  She envisioned herself, all in white, arm in arm with Remy.

"Well, it's about time someone besides Jean and Cyke got hitched around here," said Jubilee.

The dream team decided to take a break and join in the conversation. "Old one-eye never deserved someone as wonderful as Jean."  No matter how hard Wolverine tried to dismiss his unmistakable feelings for Jean, a surge of jealousy arose every time he saw the couple together.

"Now, Wolvie, let's not spoil such an awesome day.  I bet nothing could go wrong on a day like this."  His little sidekick knew how much he cared for Jean.
 
"She's raht.  Nothin' could go wrong raht now.  Everything's absolutely perfect."  Rogue swung her arms around Remy's neck and gave him a quick kiss.

"Uggh, save that stuff til the honeymoon will ya?"  Disgusted, Jubilee retreated to her pool chair to try to get some more sun.

"What's de matter, petite?  A little affection never hurt nobody." Remy smiled to himself, knowing that someday Jubilee would find someone that meant everything in the world to her, as Rogue did to him.

Reading his mind, Betsy added, "She'll understand when she's older. You remember how we were when we were teenagers."

"Hey, are y'all up for a game of Marco Polo?"  asked Warren.  He was dying to cool off in the pool.

"You bet!"

"Sure!"

"Not it!"

Later on that day....

Rogue's stomach began to growl as she was getting ready for her rendezvous with Remy.  This was their last big "date" before they exchanged vows.  He had made reservations for her favorite restaurant, Le Petite Cafe, and he said that he had a surprise waiting for her at the end of the evening, too.  She opened her closet to find something to wear.  After rummaging through several dresses, she found the one she was looking for.  Her absolute favorite.  The one she wore on her first date with Remy.  A simple sexy slip dress, which perfectly matched the color of her eyes.  She quickly touched up her face, sprayed on a little of the perfume that Remy had given her for her last birthday.

Knock, knock. That must be Remy, she thought.</P>

Rogue quickly ran her brush through her umber locks and took a seat on her bed.  "Come in, sugah," she beckoned.  She almost fell off her bed when the unexpected visitor came in to her room.  "Joseph!  What are ya doin' here?"

"Well, I know that this is probably not the best time for me to just show up out of the blue, but I was wondering--"

"Darn raht.  Ya know that Ah'm getting' hitched in justa few days, and your little suhprise is not gonna go over well with Remy, and if ya think your gonna screw things up for me--"

"Rogue, how could you accuse me of trying hurt you?  You know very well that I would never do anything to cause you grief." Lord, I forgot how radiant she is.    "I just wanted to come and
congratulate the two of you."

Rogue was briefly taken aback by her former love.  "Well, uh, thank you very much.  And Remy thanks ya, too."

"I was wondering if perhaps you would like to, um, do something tomorrow.  One more time, before the most gorgeous mutant becomes permanently unavailable."

"Ah guess it wouldn't do nobody any harm.  Ah'm sure Remy wouldn't mind.  Sure, why not.  Ah've got some weddin' stuff to work on in the mornin', and a work out in tha aftahnoon, but Ah'm yours for the rest of the day."

How about for the rest of my life.   "Great, I'll pick you up around five then.  So, how have things been around here?"

"Pretty good.  Things have been a little slow lately, but it gives us some time to relax, relieve a little stress."

"You do look a little tense.  Are you nervous about the wedding?"

"How can ya not get a couple of butterflies about one of the most important days of your life?"  She sat down in front of her mirror and stared at her reflection.  Joseph stood up behind her and began to rub her shoulders.  "Joseph, thanks for the offer, but Ah'm expectin' Remy
any minute now."

"Come on, Rogue, it'll make you feel a little better.  You have quite a few knots back here."

"Oh, do Ah?"

"Chere?  What's goin' on in here?"  Gambit stood in the doorway quite surprised to see Joseph massaging his future bride's shoulders.

Rogue jumped out of her chair and threw her arms around Remy's neck. "Remy!  Ah've missed ya!"

He just smiled at the unexpected salutation.  "I've missed you, too, mon ami, but we've only been apart fo'-"

"Well, Ah've missed ya just the same."  She gave him a quick peck on the cheek.  "And maht Ah add, ya look very handsome, too."  Whenever he went out with Rogue for special occasions, he tried to look his best, so he had chosen khakis and a Red Polo shirt.

"Merci beaucoup.  So, Joey, what brings you t'our part of town," inquired Remy.

"Oh, after hearing the news about the two of you, I though that I
might stop by with my congratulations."

Sure, I bet dat's de only reason he came, thought Gambit.

"Well, I must be going now.  You two better be off for your evening of excitement."  He turned to Rogue.  "Tomorrow at five."  Then Joseph left for the hallway.

"What's happening tomorrow, chere?"

"Oh, just doin' a little somethin' with Joseph.  Ah haven't seen him in a while, Remy, and we're nothin' more than just friends, so ya don't have anythin' ta worry 'bout.  You're the only one Ah love and ya know that."

"Je sais.  Je t'aime, aussi.  So you are ready t'go, no?"

"Just let me get some shoes on.."  She ran into her closet and grabbed a pair of green sandals.  "Now Ah'm ready, sugah."  Remy and Rogue left the mansion and headed for the restaurant.</P>
 

After he swallowed his mouthful of gumbo, Remy asked, "How's your shrimp etouffee, chere?"

"Absolutely delicious.  Ah love this place, " she said looking around at all the ornate decorations.  "It makes ya feel like you're actually in Paris."

"Oui.  An' dis food is as tasty."

Throughout the dinner, they discussed everything from the latest gossip to the wedding.  Eventually, Joseph came up in the discussion. "So what are you doing wit' him tomorrow?"

"Oh, Ah don't know.  He didn't say really."

"I'm sure dat he'll never be able t'top my surprise fo' you."

"Hmmmm.  Ah've been wondrin' 'bout this suhprise all day.  So, when am Ah gonna get suhprised?"

"Soon, chere.  We still have de whole night ahead of us."

They finished their meal, and proceeded with their night together.

They took a cab to a small nearby beach.  Rogue looked up to the night sky.  No clouds, just a blanket of twinkling celestial bodies, and the full moon gleaming among them.  Before they ventured to the sand, they took off their shoes and left them on some steps leading to a pier.  Hand in hand, they strolled towards the water.

"Isn't it gorgeous out tonight?"

"Not as gorgeous as you are, mon ami."

"Awh, Remy, you're such a sweetie."

Remy rolled the bottom of his pants up some, to prevent the surf from getting them too saturated.  They played around in the cool, salty water, splashing water on each other.  Remy grabbed Rogue by the waist and laid her down in the sand.

"Ah'm gonna send ya mah dry cleanin' bill, mistah," she jested.  Hovering over her, he gazed into her eyes.  "Ah, love ya, so very much, Mistah LeBeau."

"An' I love you, too, soon t'be Mrs. LeBeau."  He leaned his head down and passionately kissed her soft, inviting lips.  He reached into his pocket, and pulled out a small black box.

"Is this mah suhprise?" Rogue anxiously asked.

"Oui."  He handed her the box.  She opened it to find a lustrous emerald embraced by a delicate gold heart upon a chain.  "You like it, no?"</P>

"Oh, Remy, it's magnificent!"

He took the necklace from her, laid the box aside, and fastened the clasp behind her neck.  "It matches your eyes."

"Thank ya so much."</P>

 
The next morning...

"So, 'Ro, do ya like the orchids or the daisies better?"

"I think you should go with the orchids.  They're such a beautiful flower."  Storm was happy to see that Rogue had finally been able to cast her fears of becoming close to someone.  In the past, she had been through so much stormy weather with men, having to battle the "curse" of her mutant power.

"Ya, Ah think you're raht."  She squeezed Ororo's hand.  "Ah've never been so happy before in my entire life."

"You've certainly got a great catch there."

"You're tellin' me."  The two teammates laughed, and continued
working on some of the final wedding decisions.
 
A little after 5:00...

Rogue had absolutely no idea what Joseph had planned for their engagement, so she played it safe with a short, cute white skirt and a lacy, baby blue sleeveless blouse.  She was kind of glad that he had shown up.  She had missed him a little.  Just as she slipped her shoes on, she heard him at the door.  "Come on in, Joseph."  He entered her room in a pair of tight black jeans and tight black shirt.

"Wow, you look fantastic."

"Why, thanks, sugah.  So, where are we headin' tonight?"

"Oh, I thought that you might like to go to this new café across town, and then maybe we could take a stroll in the park or something."

"Sounds like a plan.  Let's go eat.  Ah'm starvin'!"
 
 
At the café...

"So, Rogue, you finally decided to say 'yes' to a man."

"Yeah.  Thanks to all your help with, ya know, mah powers and all, Ah finally had the opportunity to."  She felt kind of awkward talking about such matters with Joseph.  Trying to change the subject, she said, "Man, this sandwich is delicious."

"I'm glad you like this place.  Are you sure you're not rushing into things?  I mean, is he really the only one you have feelings for?"

"Me, nah.  Ah don't think Ah'm rushin' into anythin'.  Remy an' Ah have been together on an' off for the longest time, and now that the situation has totally changed, Ah'm ready to make the commitment Ah've always been yearnin' to."

"I'm glad that I was able to change your life for the better, Rogue. Your happiness means everything to me."

"Thanks, Joseph."

"Are you almost done?  We don't want to miss the sunset tonight.  I hear it's supposed to be gorgeous."

"Sure, Ah'm done."

On their way to the park, Joseph mind was overcome with a rush of emotions.  He still deeply loved her and was not sure how to act since it seemed that she couldn't return that love anymore.

"Ya sure are raht, sugah.  This sunset is quite amazing."

He was glad that she was enjoying herself.  He missed all the times they had spent together and for an instant believed that they were just out on one of their strolls together again.  They sat down on a bench and watched some children throw birdseed at some birds across the way.

Ah wonder why Joseph is so inquisitive 'bout mah feelings, she thought. Ah know what Ah feel, don't Ah?  Who Ah have them for?  Course ya do, Rogue.  Ya love Remy.  Very, very much.

She found herself leaning her head upon his shoulder, where it had found itself quite often in the past.  Sensing that he was watching her, she turned her head towards his and met his eyes.  Those deep blue eyes, who can't remember much of what they've seen in the past.  He smiled down at her and then turned his gaze back to the sunset.  A sudden gust of wind made Rogue shiver.  Joseph put an arm around her to keep her warm. She felt so at home within his arms.</P>
 

As Joseph and Remy stood before her in their battle stances, Rogue was terrified that these men were acting very irrationally.  Remy's red on black eyes flashed with vengeance, as Joseph's magnetic powers formed a glowing field around his body. How on earth am Ah to stop these loons? Twirling his bo in the air, Remy was prepared to strike. "What are the two of ya doin'?  Are ya crazy?  You'll destroy each other!!"  Rogue knew that she could never break the two stubborn men from their intentions.  Suddenly, Remy charged at Joseph, but Joseph sent a blast of magnetic charge straight for his chest hurling him across the floor.  "No, stop!  No, stop!....."

"No, stop...."

"Rogue, wake up, Rogue.  It's all right, it's just a dream, dear."

"Huh?  Wha?  'Ro, oh, thank goodness it was justa dream.  Actually it wasn't justa dream, it was a nahtmare."

"A nightmare?  I would think that your sleep would only be filled with pleasant thoughts right now with the wedding and all coming up."  

"No, Joseph an' Remy were at each other's throats, fahtin' over me an' Ah couldn't stop 'em for the life of me."

"My, my.  Why is Joseph troubling your sleep?"

"Oh, 'Ro, Ah dunno what ta do.  Yesterday when Ah went out with Joseph, Ah left the mansion knowin' that Ah love Remy an' only Remy." She stared off into the direction of her mirror, intensely studying her image, which she did so often, trying to collect her thoughts.  "Ah, Ah...Ah think Ah have feelins for the man, 'Ro.  When he had his arms 'round me, Ah just felt like that's where Ah belonged, where Ah've always belonged.  For that moment, all mah thoughts of Remy were off in the back of mah head somewhere."  She saw the tears begin to trickle down her cheeks.  She buried her flustered head in her hands, breaking out into muffled sobs.  Storm rubbed her back to console her, trying to think of what to say to her puzzled friend.  Rogue lifted her head, her eyes red from crying, "This ain't fair ta Remy.  Ah can't do this ta him.  It would break his Cajun heart if he knew what was goin' through mah head raht now.  Ah can't stand ta see 'em unhappy again, especially after all
Ah put him through before."

"Rogue, you know yourself better than anyone.  In the past you have had feelings of love for both Joseph and Remy.  The question you must ask yourself is who you have feelings for now.  I think that you must consider the situation before you spontaneously jump to any conclusions about them.  Joseph just showed up into your life again, what, only two days ago.  Are you sure that these emotions have sprung from your nervousness of your upcoming commitment alone?  I have seen you and Remy together so many times and delight in the true love you have for each other which I read in your eyes.  Each of you have stood by the other through so much turmoil and strife and you owe it to him to seek what your true feelings are.  I cannot tell you whom you should and should not care for.  You must decide that for yourself.  And, I think that you do already know in your heart.  Search your soul, my dear friend, and you will find your soul mate."

Rogue continued to tensely hold on to her teddy bear while she soaked up Ororo's words of wisdom.

"Well, I wish you the best with the journey through your heart.  I must leave you now, for I must return to my slumber.  Remember, search your soul."  With those closing remarks, Storm left the sobbing girl's bedroom for her own.

Ah've gotta search mah soul.  Rogue, who do ya love?  "That's a darn good question," she asked herself aloud. Two days ago, Ah had no doubts about mah love for Remy, an' now, raht before mah weddin' of all times, Ah do.  Ah think Ah need to talk to Joseph once more, an' maybe Ah can figure mahself out.
 

After spending another couple of hours in restless dreaming, Rogue finally awoke vividly remembering her troubling nightmare and her talk with Storm.  She knew what she had to do now.  She looked over to her alarm clock, which now read 8:15, which meant that Joseph would probably be up by now.  Thanks to Professor Xavier's hospitality, Joseph was now staying with the X-Men in one of the spare rooms of the mansion.  Rogue had wished for once that Charles hadn't extended the invitation this once because it made her feel much more uncomfortable about her present situation.  "Well, Rogue, ya bettah get yaself up now an' get this ovah with."  With that, she dragged herself out of bed, grabbed a towel and headed for the showers.

"Ya took your coat off, an' stood in tha rain, ya were always crazy like that...Ah watched from mah window, always felt Ah was outside, lookin' in on you..."

The sound of the water woke Remy up from his pleasant dreams of his beloved.  He opened his door to the sound of Jewel with a southern accent.  He looked forward to waking up to this every morning for the rest of his life.

"An' these foolish games, are tearin' me apart..." The words reminded Remy of how their relationship had been in the past. Too many foolish games, he thought.  He didn't mean to interrupt her beautiful singing, but he wanted to say good morning. Knock, knock.

"You're always..hey, who's out there?  Jubilee, if it's you, Ah promise Ah'll be out in justa couple a minutes!"

He slightly opened the door, peeking his head in.  "Good mo'nin', chere," he greeted her.

"Remy!  What the heck are ya doin' in here??"  She peered out from behind the shower curtain to see her charming Cajun in his boxers with his hair all tousled.  He always looked so adorable in the morning.

"Oh, I jus' wanted t'see how you were doin', mon ami."  She looked so cute with her hair all sudsy, piled atop her head.

"Well, Ah'm doin' fine.  Now, will ya please get out for a couple a minutes so Ah can finish washin' mah hair?"

"Of course.  When you're done, come meet me f'breakfast down stairs, s'il vous plait."

"Sure thing, sugah.  Now get outta here!!"  She grabbed a towel from the rack and playfully threw it at Remy as he was trying to make his escape.  She finished with her shower, wrapped a towel around herself, and made her way back to her room.  She opened her dresser drawer and pulled out a pair of cutoffs and a navy blue tank top.  She towel-dried her hair and then slipped on some sandals.  She gave herself one last check in the mirror, and left for the kitchen.

As she made her way there, the wonderful aroma of food led her to kitchen where she found Remy at the stove cooking them up some omelets.

"Good mo'nin', again, chere."

"Good mornin', sugah."  She glanced over his shoulder to see his famous omelet a' la Remy sizzling in the skillet.  "Mmmmm, ya always know the way to a girl's stomach."

"Lots of veggies an' cheese, no sausage or bacon, jus' de way you like it.  You an' your healthy eatin'."

"Hey, don' make fun a me."  She giggled and gave him a peck on the cheek.  She walked over to the fruit bowl and grabbed a couple of oranges and rummaged through the cabinets until she found the juicer.  By the time she finished making their freshly-squeezed orange juice, he had finished the omelets.  She quickly set the table and then they sat down to breakfast.

"Extremely yummy as always.  Mah compliments to tha chef."  Rogue
said in between bites.

"Merci.  I try."  He smiled.  He always thought she looked so cute when she ate.  "So how was yesterday?"

"Yestahday?"  She had almost completely forgotten all about yesterday and Joseph.  She still hadn't gotten a chance to talk with him today, and she didn't want Remy to be suspicious of anything that might cause problems between them.  "Um, we had fun.  Just went ta get a bite ta eat and went for a walk.  Nothin' special."

Remy sensed some unusual confusion in Rogue's demeanor.  She had focused her eyes on her omelet when she had talked to him.Not her usual bright self dis mo'nin'.  I wonder what's wrong.  Somet'ing must 'ave 'appened wit' her and Joseph yesterday.   "Okay, chere.  So you up fo' some combat in de Danger Room today?"

"Maybe later.  Ah gotta get some sortin' outta some matters before Ah can."  She really thought that might do her some good.  Relieve a little of her stress right now.

"Okay, den.  Mebbe later."

Having finished up her breakfast, "Well, Ah bettah go now.  Ah'll stop by your room later 'bout that offer.  Talk to ya later, sugah."  She put her dishes in the sink and retreated back to her room.</P> 
 
 
Back in Rogue's bedroom ...

Rogue lay on her bed, holding her teddy bear up in the air.  "What am Ah ta do, Mistah Bear?  Ah guess Ah better have a talk with Joseph soon, raht?  Ah wonder what he has ta say 'bout all this mess."  She sat up in her bed and laid her teddy bear back down.  "Ya know, you're raht.  Ah
should just go an' talk to Joseph raht now before this drives me crazy. Why don't Ah ask ya for advice more often."  She giggled.  That bear had been with her through everything going all the way back to her childhood. Mistah Bear has probably had enough of all mah complainin' and cryin'
aftah all these years, she thought.

Before she could stand up, she heard a knock at the door.  "Who is it?" she asked.

"It's me, Rogue."  She could tell from that deep voice that Joseph had saved her the trip across the mansion.

"Come on in."  Joseph entered her room and closed the door behind him.   He took a seat next to her on the bed.  "What brings ya here, Joseph?"

"Oh, I just wanted to say good morning and see how you were doing."

"Ah'm fine, thanks.  And you?"

"Wonderful.  It's nice to be with you again.  I really miss what we had."  He sensed that he was starting to make her a little uncomfortable.

"That was a long time ago.  Now Ah'm kinda committed ta someone else."  He started leaning towards her.

"I miss holding you in my arms...cuddling in front of the fireplace..."</P>

What is he doing?  she thought.  His face was gradually creeping towards hers.  "Joseph, Ah-"  He put his fingers up to her lips.

"...long walks, long talks....and this."  He tilted her head and passionately kissed her.

Thoughts were racing through her head.  What on earth am Ah doin'? What if Remy happens ta walk in on this?  Now what did 'Ro tell me ta do?  Search mah soul.  Well Ah'm searchin' now an' Ah better find somethin' or someone soon.   Her thoughts paused. Ah definitely found
somethin'!  She pushed Joseph away, breaking off the kiss.  A little harder than she thought.  When she opened up her eyes, she saw him on the floor across the room.

"What was that for?" he asked.

"Sorry, Ah didn't mean to shove ya that hard."  She got up and helped Joseph back to his feet.  "Joseph, when we were together yesterday, Ah thought that mah feelings for you had sparked again.  Ah didn't know what was goin' on in mah head or mah heart.  Just bein' with ya, in your arms, Ah couldn't help but wonder if Ah was sure about who Ah really belonged with.  What we had together was wonderful, an' Ah wouldn't give it up for anythin'.  But, Storm told me ta do somethin' that Ah hadn't done in a long time.  To search mah soul.  Our minds and our hearts are always torn this way an' that with thoughts an' emotions.  But our souls stand steadfast.  When Ah searched mine, you weren't there.  It was Remy.  Ah think he's always been there, Ah just couldn't find him before.  Ah'm sorry for all that Ah've put ya through, an' Ah hope that there are no hard feelings between any of us.  Ah want ya ta understand that he's the only man for me now."  She paused waiting for a reply.

Her words crushed Joseph's heart. What was I thinking?  That I could just win her back with my affection when she's engaged to him? What we had has been over, and ...  "I'm so very sorry.  I just thought I could have things like they used to be."  His eyes began to water.  "When we were together, I was happier than I can ever remember being.  I never worried as much about who I was or what I was, I only cared about the present, being with you.  I guess I thought I still
might have a chance at getting it back.  Look at me.  I just show up out of nowhere, less than a week before your wedding.  I could have spoiled your whole life.  Breaking you and Remy apart.  Please forgive me."

"Oh, sugah, Ah forgive ya."  She leaned over and hugged him.  "An' never forget that you'll always have a place in mah heart."