People started arriving at sunset dressed in their brightest colors to fight off the darkness. So the house was full of light and color and laughter. Rapunzel enjoyed being the center of attention, with Jordon always standing nearby. She avoided questions about the months she was gone and instead got her guests talking about what they had been doing. George and Marianne were officially husband and wife for the better part of a week. He had a silly grin on his face while she watched him with pride. Rapunzel was happy for her friends, but going to their wedding made her wish she had been there for
Alexandra and Herbert's wedding. She wondered how her friends were doing, but there was nothing she could do by worrying so she smiled and enjoyed herself.
It was late after the last guest had left. The four of them were sitting in the parlor surrounded by the clutter of a successful party.