How the house was able to stay afloat, Sophie had no idea. It was as graceful as a bird, slowly and steadily making its way above the clouds. She was indeed, happy. Selfishly so. And there was absolutely nothing wrong with that, as anyone could tell.

Sophie watched down below of Markl and Heen playing on the courtyard. And there, not too far from them, was the Witch, peacefully rocking back and forth in her chair.

"It's like a dream..." Sophie hushed to herself.

"That's not the first time I've heard that."

Sophie turned around to see Howl, smiling at her with one arm outstretched, holding the balcony rail. She smiled back at him, and he suddenly lit up. "Well now, you look absolutely stunning." His eyes twinkled, and because of that, Sophie knew he wasn't just trying to charm her or put on a front. His eyes spoke the genuine truth. "You look good in yellow." He added.

Sophie felt good. She felt young and alive, which was of course expected. With the curse gone, it was like a promise of the world, that everything is going to be better. "Howl...this is..." She turned back to the view. "Gorgeous."

"It's all yours Sophie."

She turned back again, a little taken aback.

"It's all for you. I did this, all for you." He stepped closer to her, staring into her eyes. "I don't want you to be sad or alone ever again, because I've seen you like that. But I've also seen when you are brave and strong, which I know you've had in you all along. I just...I just want you to be happy."

Sophie blinked. "Howl..."

"If you will have me..." He smiled, pushing a strand of hair away from her face, then held her cheek. "Then I promise to give you your heart's desire. Even if you weren't to have me..." He looked to the side, his smile suddenly dropping. "I mean, I would never stop loving you. And I would still try to make you happy..."

Her face evolved from shock to pure delight, and she leaned towards him. He seemed to understand, and leaned in, kissing her with all the joy and love he had promised her. Suddenly, Sophie felt that she had suddenly gained the power to stay afloat. Her heart fluttered and her body felt weightless. She jokingly wondered if she really needed a flying castle in order to be above the clouds...

"Well, I don't think that's very fair, on your part." Sophie joked, breaking away.

"Hm?" Howl blink, suddenly bewildered.

"Well, I want us both to be happy..." She smiled, taking his hands in hers. "So I promise to do my best to make you happy as well." She laughed. "Besides, I don't want to clean anymore goo up!"

Howl blushed... But then burst into laughter. "Well, then I can only accept."MHowl's demeanor did not turn necessarily serious, but rather calm. He reached into his pocket and took out a ring, with a dark blue gem. "It was my mother's...if you...would...well...you know..."

Sophie laughed and placed another kiss on his lips. "I love you." Howl suddenly couldn't look away from his true love's eyes. They twinkled like starlight, so beautiful and pure.

He realized, at that very moment, he never really got his heart back, it always truly belonged to Sophie. He took her hand and placed the ring on her finger. It fit perfectly. "I'm not very good at these, as you may know already...but I've never loved anyone more than I've loved you. Not even close." He kissed her as if it was the only thing that would keep him sane, and took a deep breath to calm his nerves. "I'm honored...that I will be able to call you my wife." It was as if he couldn't control himself, she looked so beautiful...he wanted to lift her up into his arms and never dare let go. He was extremely fortunate to find Sophie. She saved him, in every way possible. She even gave up the dreamy Prince Justin, for who? For...him? Howl found it to be inconceivable.

But there Sophie was, her eyes sparkling in the sunlight, and she promised him her love. Howl knew he didn't deserve it, but he didn't care. She held him in an embrace, and he wrapped his arms around her. "We'll be a family..." She sighed happily in his arms.

He smiled, resting his head upon the top of hers. He wouldn't have had it any other way.