She has never looked more beautiful, white and gold against the fresh green of the riverbank as she runs toward him, smiling. Florian's heart twists within him as he catches her in his arms. "What are you doing here?"

"What do you think?"

"Child--"

A crowd is gathering to greet the new arrivals; he lets her go. Suddenly her face lights up (beautiful, beautiful, nothing held back in her joy) and Florian looks back, following her gaze. Justin has come out of the house: Justin, with a light in his eyes.

Of course, he thinks, and of course. Better so.