The dancing continued long into the afternoon. Between songs, the guests sometimes went back to the table to get a bit to eat or a refreshing drink, they were dancing so easily. Onslow danced with every lady present, especially Daisy, of course; even Hyacinth danced with him, and she seemed to be having fun—perhaps she had enjoyed their dance on the QEII more than what she would ever admit.

Gail, her green eyes sparkling merrily, had been looking at Sheridan for quite some time. A month ago, she and her ex-boyfriend, Harold, had mutually and genially broken up; they just hadn't been compatible. But this Sheridan, he seemed like a 'jolly good chap', as her father used to say. Gail finally summoned the courage to go to Sheridan and ask:

"May I have this dance?"

"Of course!" Sheridan said cheerfully, and took her hand.

Gail quickly discovered that Sheridan was an excellent dancer. They danced through three songs, and at the end of the third, Gail startled herself by unceremoniously asking Sheridan if he would be interested in getting together sometime. Sure, they had only met two hours ago, but why not ask?

Sheridan paused before he replied, and then proceeded almost nervously:

"You're a very pretty girl, Gail," he said sincerely, in a low voice. "But…you see…well, I'm gay."

"Why, that's all right!" Gail exclaimed softly, noticing how uncomfortable Sheridan looked. "Don't be ashamed! One of my best friends is gay, but it doesn't change how I think about him."

"I'm glad you're so open-minded about that," Sheridan said gratefully. "My family doesn't know yet…I keep meaning to tell them."

"You'll know when you're ready to let them know," Gail said softly.

During Gail and Sheridan's exchange, Rose and Emmett were still dancing; they scarcely paused between songs. It felt as if they would never run out of energy.

Michael and Alice sailed by, and Rose was glad to see how blissful they were. It was obvious that Alice had as deep a bond with Michael as she, Rose, had with Emmett.

When the newlyweds and their guests had tired of dancing, it was time to go home. They filed out of the church hall, and Michael and Alice smilingly bid all of them farewell.

Hand in hand, Rose and Emmett headed to the parking lot, and were startled when they saw a sleek, apple-red convertible next to Hyacinth and Richard's car.

"Happy wedding day!" Violet exclaimed, smiling.

"It's amazing! It looks even better than it did in the picture!" Rose and Emmett exclaimed together.

"Well," Richard said smilingly, "shall we all go home?"

"Yes, we shall!" Hyacinth exclaimed, beaming at Richard, Rose, Emmett, and Liz. "Just think, all of us next to each other! We can see each other every day!"

Rose and Emmett looked at each other and exchanged a look of mock dismay. A few minutes later, a long queue headed toward Heather Avenue; Rose and Emmett in their sporty new car, Richard and Hyacinth in their pristine compact, and Liz in her own white car.

At Heather Avenue, Rose and Emmett bid Hyacinth, Richard and Liz goodbye, and Emmett steered the car into the driveway of their very own home.

"Welcome home, dear," Emmett said grandly, opening the door and escorting Rose into the hall, which was now papered with a pastel floral pattern; the floor was of cream colored, Italian marble tiles, and it led straight into the living room, for which they had chosen pale blue carpet and pinstriped gold and white wallpaper. The kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom had all been made over as well.

"Home, indeed," Rose said dreamily, and she closed the door behind them.

"I'm going to change out of this dress," Rose said in a more practical tone. "I'll be back in a few minutes," she added, for Emmett had gone to his piano; Rose wondered why, but she politely did not inquire.

Emmett went to his piano as Rose walked into the beige-carpeted bedroom; she had already moved her clothes to her new home. She'd also had a wardrobe change—not a miniskirt in sight. Still, the new clothes Rose had chosen were still fashionable.

Rose carefully removed her lovely dress, hung it up, and then slipped into a floral print, black silk kimono. Then she exited the bedroom and headed back to the living room.

As Rose got closer to the living room, she heard Emmett playing the piano, and she instantly recognized the melody. With with perfect precision, he was playing 'Your Song'.

Delighted, Rose strode into the living room, and from there she picked up the lyrics and began to sing. Emmett did not stop playing, but he turned at the sound of Rose's voice. Her singing was beautiful and natural, and she was perfectly on-tune.

Rose stood by the piano, and Emmett played all the way through the song, Rose singing along the whole time. When he finished, Emmett looked at Rose with astonished admiration.

"I wish you had sung for me before," Emmett remarked, "but you seemed so shy about it!"

Rose shrugged. "Like I said, I haven't sung since I was in my high school choir," she said, smiling. "I'm glad to know I haven't lost my touch."

"You sing almost as well as Hyacinth," Emmett teased, and Rose laughed.

"I hope I never hear her sing our favorite song," she said, grinning.

The afternoon faded into night, and, worn out from dancing and overstimulation, the happy couple settled into bed together for the first time. Rose cuddled close to Emmett, and he gently ran his fingers through her hair as she smiled peacefully.

"Sweet dreams, Rosie," Emmett said affectionately, and the last thing 'Rosie' remembered of that night was the gentle touch of Emmett's lips on her cheek.

And you can tell everybody this is your song

It may be quite simple but now that it's done

I hope you don't mind, I hope you don't mind

That I put down in words

How wonderful life is when you're in the world.