Sophie was out for a stroll when something caught her ear-it sounded as if someone was calling her name. Turning to see who it was, she was pleasantly surprised. For standing in front of her was the prince she affectionately called Turnip Head when he was still under his scarecrow curse!

"This is a surprise," she laughed, as he took her hands and pecked her affectionately on the cheek. "It-it's good to see you again, Turnip."

"Please," he laughed, "now that the spell has been broken, call me Justin."

"Justin," she repeated to herself more than to him. "What brings you here?"

"Just making sure our kingdoms never again engage in war," was the reply. "And how about yourself? How are you and Howl getting along?"

"We married last spring," Sophie replied, blushing. She suddenly remembered a comment the Witch of the Waste had made:

"I know that spell," she had said. "The kiss from your true love breaks it."

Suddenly, she felt awkward. Prince Justin had been her true love, and she had fallen for and subsequently married Howl?

"Sophie?" Prince Justin couldn't help noticing her awkward silence. "Is-is something wrong?"

"I can't help wondering," Sophie whispered, "if I somehow made a mistake being with Howl, since you-" A single tear slid down her cheek.

Justin just laughed, catching it with his finger. "-since I was supposed to be your true love?" He laughed again. "Sophie, don't you remember that I said hearts change? How could you know you were supposed to be with me? It seems as if you and Howl had too many adventures of your own to ever get tangled up with me. I did my best to help you along," he finished.

Sophie blushed again. "Yes, you did," she whispered. "Thank-thank you." As she fumbled with her hands, they finally settled on a little bulge that was starting to make an appearance.

This did not escape Justin's notice. "Sophie?" He placed his hands on the bulge for a few minutes. "Are you-you know-"

Sophie's eyes widened as she realized what he was trying to say. She returned her own hands to it, then gasped. "Justin-you don't mean-"

"Sophie," Justin said, giving her a big hug, "I just know you and Howl will make wonderful parents. Does-does he know?"

"No," Sophie replied, blushing, "not yet."

"You'd better head home and break the news, then," Justin laughed. Pecking her lightly on the cheek, he added, "It was so good to see you again, but I do have to run. Give everyone my best regards."

"I-I will," Sophie replied. As he walked away, she waved until he was out of sight. Then she turned and headed back to the castle-soon to hear the pitter-patter of little feet.