A/N: Here we go! The epilogue, basically what I think might have happened to Hershel and Claire after her crazy adventure ;) Enjoy, and once again, thanks for reading!

Chapter 6- Epilogue

Claire adjusted her blouse as she stepped out of Hershel's car (dubbed the Laytonmobile by Luke). Hershel soon followed and offered her his arm, which she accepted. As they walked to the front door, Claire said, "You know, now that I think of it: I haven't seen Clark or Brenda since our college graduation! No wonder they sounded so surprised when I phoned them the other day and asked if we could pay them a visit."

Hershel chuckled, "Ohoho, I think you're right, my dear. We'll just think of it as a scaled down college reunion."

"Yes, that's right. Now how long have they been married?" Claire asked him, ringing the doorbell.

"Fourteen years now, can you believe it?"

The door opened just a crack, and Luke peeked from behind. Smiling, he threw open the door and motioned for the couple to come in, shouting "Mum! Dad! Flora! Miss Claire and Professor Layton are here!" soon, everyone was downstairs to greet them.

Claire immediately ran over to Brenda. As they hugged, she squealed, "Oh my goodness! I haven't seen you in so long! How have you been?"

"Oh I've been just fine, Claire! My goodness, so you finally decided to keep your hair natural?" she chuckled and looked over at Hershel, "I swear, in high school, she was a completely different person: every week she would dye her hair a different color!"

He chuckled as he went over to Clark and they shook hands, saying things like: "how have you been, my good man?" and, "Ohoho, looking good, old chap!"

Flora, who had just come down, rolled her eyes, "Guys are sooo boring. You two should hug!"

Clark blushed, "Erm, Flora, dear…hugging is more of a woman's way of greeting." Everyone chuckled at this.

After all the greetings—and hugging—had been distributed, Clark and Brenda escorted everyone into the living room to chat and have refreshments. As they sat, Claire nudged her old friend, "Well, Brenda, looks like our pairings worked after all!"

Brenda's eyes lit up, "Oh, yes! I remember that night: it was our freshman year in college and Claire and I decided to find a date for each other. I paired her with Hershel and she paired me with Clark, and after the introductions we went to that restaurant near the Thames!"

"Yep! That was one night I won't forget soon: Hershel was so nervous at first he accidentally spilled his drink on me and when he was offering me a napkin, he spilled my drink on Clark!"

"I never did get that coffee stain out…" Clark said, causing yet another round of laughter.

Flora sighed, "Aww! That sounds so romantic!"

Luke just blushed, "Wh-why are you looking at me when you say that?"

Claire smiled and looked at Hershel, who adjusted his top hat and gave her a wink. She nodded back, and stood up. Clearing her throat, she said, "Well, everyone, not only did we want to visit so we could catch up on old times…but me and Hershel have some very important news."

"Are you buying a sailboat?" Luke asked eagerly.

"No, my boy, the Laytonmobile will suffice for the time being." Hershel said, and Luke pouted.

Claire smiled, "As nice as that would be, Luke, this news is quite a bit bigger. So big in fact, we had to break it into two parts. Part one," she said, reaching into her pocket, "Hershel and I…we're engaged to be married." She pulled out the diamond ring he had given her only two days ago.

Everyone gasped, and Luke jumped up, "YES! Now Miss Claire's practically part of our family!"

"Claire, that's wonderful!" Brenda said, coming over to give her a hug. Clark smiled and gave the couple a thumbs up.

Hershel stood up and walked next to Claire, "Another thing: we want you all to be part of the wedding. Brenda and Clark can be the Bridesmaid and best man, Luke can be the ring bearer and Flora to be the flower girl."

Flora jumped up in excitement, "Oh boy! I can't wait! Claire, I absolutely must help you pick out you're dress so I know how mine should look! This is so exciting! A wedding!"

Claire laughed, "Hey! Don't get too excited just yet, we still have to tell you one more thing. In addition to the wedding, Hershel and I are going to have our first child!"

Again, everyone gasped. Clark was the first one to speak, and he walked over to Hershel and thumped him on the back, "Hershel, you sly dog! Ohoho never thought you had it in you!"

He smiled and shook his head, "It's still a surprise to me!"

"Luke!" Flora said, jumping up and hugging him, "They're having a baby! We have to teach it all the puzzles and games and stories and songs and—"

"Flora, slow down! It's not going to be able tor remember all that as soon as it's born!"

"Don't call the baby an 'it', that's rude! I'm going to call it…Pumpkin!"

"good grief," Luke said, shaking his head.

After everyone had finished congratulating the couple on the wedding, the baby, and after they had eaten Brenda's fabulous luncheon she had prepared especially for Claire, the visit drew to a close.

"Now, my dear, you're welcome in our home anytime, the both of you!" Brenda said as she hugged Claire goodbye.

Flora jumped up and down, "Oh my goodness, it's all so exciting!"

The two laughed and said their final goodbyes. As the door closed behind them, Claire looked at Hershel and smiled, "You know, as exciting as it all might be, I think I've had enough excitement for an entire lifetime."

"So have I, my dear," Hershel replied, giving her a peck on the cheek, "So have I."