THE FEASTING AND CELEBRATING WENT on for hours. At some point during the incredible fireworks display, as we stood watching in the courtyard, I was fairly certain I could hear Audrey on the inner gate yelling in excitement.

Always a contradiction, my girl loved fireworks but was terrified of the vacuum cleaner.

At least she'll never be tormented by that again, I thought in amusement, leaning back against Alek, his arm around my waist as all manner of creatures appeared ...