~Happily Ever After…~

One Month Later…

No, the princess and her true love did not marry.

No, they weren't engaged either.

But they did live happily ever after.

When Evangeline returned to the Mardi Gras parade, she introduced Virgil to her parents, who were very happy for their daughter (but Naveen still held his suspicions about him). It explained why she would run away, and Tiana was happy her daughter found someone she cared for so dearly, she would run to their aid. When she first met Virgil, he seemed like a nice young man with a lot of promise. Evangeline's little brother Ray Ray also seemed to like him. Naveen was the only one who wouldn't suffice. When Evangeline asked if he could stay with them, Naveen refused profusely. Virgil decided then that he was going to face her father on his own and tell him the truth if he ever wanted his trust. And after an argument with his wife, Naveen agreed to have a rational conversation with the boy. Virgil told him everything that happened to him and Evangeline the past few days, which changed the Maldonian's opinion drastically. So Virgil was able to live in their apartment, in a separate room of course.

Evangeline said he was lucky he didn't get an earful from her uncle Lucas, who went back to Maldonian after the Mardi Gras parade.

As for their animal friends, they decided to go their separate ways. Mimi went back to her family in the Bayou, but not before she said goodbye to the whole family, including Tiana and Naveen, who were happy to see one of Ray's relatives again. Bruce, on the other hand, decided he would stay in the city with Evangeline (to Virgil displeasure). When Virgil told Naveen what really happened, he told Tiana, so she didn't mind if the raccoon joined their growing family. Bruce was able to stay after visiting the vet (who was reluctant to examine a wild animal), however, he wasn't allowed in the restaurant because he was a wild animal, which was ironic because of his tame mannerisms.

Speaking of the restaurant, Tiana's Palace was also doing great. The health inspector who visited the restaurant a few days ago never showed up, so Naveen called the health department. It turned out that the health inspector he described was never employed there. They apologized for the misunderstanding and sent a real employee to check out their establishment. That day, the family made sure that everything was in tip top shape; they passed with flying colors, thanks to Virgil. He turned out to be a great waiter and an even greater entertainer. He could dance and likewise sing, just as Evangeline thought, so on regular nights, Virgil was allowed to perform with Naveen and the band on stage. Evangeline couldn't have been prouder of him.

Today was no different from the regular days in Tiana's Palace.

The customers kept piling up because of their delectable food and the band was very diverting. Everything was working out and everybody was having a good time. But there were two people missing out on the fun.

"Naveen," Tiana called her husband. "Have you seen Evangeline? I thought I just saw her with Lottie and Lydia earlier."

"Now that you mention it, Virgil suddenly disappeared a moment ago," Naveen said. "You don't think…?"

Tiana lightly slapped her husband's arm. "I'm sure they wouldn't do anything like that. They're responsible adults. Now," she took her husband's hand and led him to the dance floor, "let's dance." Tiana knew Virgil was planning something special for Evangeline, and she didn't want Naveen to intervene with his plans; he had become very overprotective of their princess ever since the boy started living with them. She liked the effort Virgil made to make her daughter happy.

Evangeline was in for a surprise tonight.

The missing couple didn't wander far from the restaurant. Virgil continued to trudge forward clasping Evangeline's hand tightly. "Where are you taking me Virg?" she asked. "Daddy will kill you when he finds out you kidnapped me."

He knew she was joking, but he still grimaced at the thought. "I sure hope not."

"Virgil."

"Just wait and see. We're almost there." He abruptly stopped, almost causing her to bump into him. He swiftly turned around and said, "Close your eyes."

"What?"

"Close your eyes," he repeated.

"Virgil, this is ridi-"

"Just do it. Trust me." Evangeline sighed hopelessly and shut her eyes. Virgil waved his hand in front of her face to make sure they were completely shut. When he was sure she couldn't see anything, he took her hand again and continued onward.

As she was led blindly to this secret location, Evangeline wondered what kind of place Virgil was taking her to. It must've been someplace special if he wanted to lead her there with veiled eyes. She became more curious when their path inclined upward. "Virgil, where-?"

"We're almost there."

"You said that five minutes ago," she pouted.

"Who knew the princess could be so impatient?"

"Virgil-"

"Okay, you can open your eyes now."

Evangeline slowly opened her eyes to see a dazzling spectacle. The city was glowing with many lights and jazz music played loud even for them to hear. From where she stood, Tiana's Palace stood out the most with its catchy music and brilliant display of lights. "Oh Virgil…"

"Surprised?"

"Yes, but…" She turned to see her boyfriend now holding a rose and a bottle of champagne beside a furnished table with a lit candle. "What is this? Where exactly are we?"

"We're on top of a steamboat," he said shyly. "I wanted to make up for the disaster I caused on your birthday, you know, the first night we met. I'm sorry I'm a month late."

Evangeline was close to tears. "Oh Virg… thank you." She hugged him tightly. Virgil suddenly pulled away from their hug and dipped her for swooning kiss. When he pulled back, her hazel eyes stared at him stupefied and her knees buckled. "Achidanza…"

He pulled her up and put the rose in her hair. He set the bottle of champagne on the table and took her into his arms. She returned the embrace. "I guess this is the part when we live happily ever after, yes?"

"It's not the end yet," Virgil said. "It's never the end when I'm with you." The princess smiled up at him and a tear escaped the corner of her eye. Her prince held out his hand and she complied.

They were soon engulfed in a slow dance. The two Evening Stars that began their story shone over them like a spotlight and slowly brought their story to a very happy end…

~The End~

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