"Now, until the break of day,

Through this house each fairy stray.

To the best bride-bed will we,

Which by us shall blessed be;

And the issue there create

Ever shall be fortunate.

So shall all the couples three

Ever true in loving be;"- A Midsummer Night's Dream V.i

The Valley of Rainbows bloomed a new sort of flower in the shape of many tables covered in white linen surrounded by white chairs that equaled six times that amount of tables in number. The trees grew bells, and it seemed that it had snowed white, pink, and red rose petals overnight. Overall, it looked like some sort of fairy-land, waiting for Oberon and Titania to appear.

Oberon and Titania, or rather Walter and Una Blythe did appear in this land of fairy dreams, holding court for the first time as man and wife with all of their loved ones surrounding. They cut their cake, which would be known as one of the last yet best wedding cakes Miss Cornelia would ever bake, and awaited the toast. Shy as he was, Shirley was thrilled to perform his duties as best man, and called everyone's attention as bride and groom appeared at their reception.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome Mr. and Mrs. Walter and Una Blythe!" he announced more loudly than his mother believed he had ever said anything in his life. The crowd cheered the happy couple as they took their seats, then Shirley decided to go ahead and give his toast.

He shyly looked down to the notes he had made, then tossed them aside. "Everyone here knows that I'm not a man of many words. As the third son and fifth child overall in such a lively family, I always found it easier to let my siblings do all the talking. However, there are times when a man must speak, and this is one of those times."

He looked to Walter, and the two shared a memory of another time Shirley had to speak, then he continued, "Over the past thirteen years, our families have endured some of the most difficult times in history. We've suffered setbacks and losses. Despite these losses, I can look across the crowd and witness for myself the many miracles with which we've been blessed. One of the greatest miracles has been the return of both Walter and Una to our fold. That they've found love through each other after all this time is another miracle in itself. So, I propose a toast, to my brother, Walter, I missed you more than words could say, and Una, I love you," he paused a moment and looked at his own striking wife and their small son, then looked back at Una to finish, "like a sister. May you share a long, happy, and blessed marriage."

Somehow, the happy couple's admirers managed to bring an old piano to the valley, and Bruce and Faith presented the couple with a present that they had been working on together. Bruce sat down at the piano, and then said, "As I study music at Redmond, I get to hear a lot of the greatest music of our time. I hope that someday I may be able to contribute some of my own. My sister, Faith, has agreed to lend her stunning voice to this wonderful song written by Mr. Gershwin of New York. Walter, if you would kindly lead your bride to the lovely dance floor that Gideon and Jack put together, we shall begin."

Some people were a little shocked to see Una, the minister's daughter, dancing with her new husband, but the couple looked so enchanted as they danced in the evening light alongside the fireflies, that they quickly put their old traditions aside, and enjoyed the sight as Faith sang, "Someone to Watch Over Me."

Dr. Blythe soon followed suit, and pulled Mrs. Dr. onto the dance floor. Shirley walked to his wife and coaxed her into giving Charlie to her mother, then joined his brother and parents on the floor. Mr. and Mrs. Wright joined in, and the McGowans soon followed, as well as Persis Ford and Carl Meredith. Couples came together under the magical mist of song, and the tender mood of the evening was evident to all onlookers.

Even the children followed suit. Gilly Ford walked over to little Emily Wright, and asked her to join him of the floor. Walt saw Gilly with Emily, was not to be outdone, and soon was on the floor with Maddie McGowan. Bryant Douglas thought that Hope was a very pretty girl and very sweet. He thought that if everyone was pairing up, he would prefer to do so with her. Cecilia Meredith cast her almond-shaped eyes to the ground, and looked so sweet, that Jake McGowan soon took her to the dance floor, and her eyes never looked down again that night. Tenny was feeling as shy as his Uncle Shirley. He thought that Nellie Douglas was pretty, but instead asked Graceful Anne to be his partner. Nellie's brother, Elliot took her to the floor instead. Johnny Blythe thought all this looked quite fun, and he and Lucy McGowan gleefully rounded out the little group of child romantics.

Jerry brought Nan some punch and kissed her on the lips, then Elizabeth on the forehead. When he saw how his eldest "little angel" was looking up at her partner, his brow furrowed as a new fear entered his heart. Nan saw the fear in his eyes, and assured him, "She's still got a long time before you have to worry about giving her away. Let's just enjoy this wonderful evening, Dearest."

Jerry agreed, but as Faith took her place with Jem, and Bruce continued to serenade the reception, he decided to cut in on the next dance, causing Nan to tear up in laughter. Jake was evidently frustrated as he sat back down at the table with his arms folded across his chest. At first, Nan wanted to admonish Jerry for cutting in on the innocent pairing, but couldn't as she saw the obvious admiration in father and daughter's eyes as they danced together in the moonlight. She was still his for a while longer.

Soon, everyone was switching partners. Walter followed Jerry's lead, and asked Hope for a dance. Una took the time to sit down a bit, and was soon flooded with well-wishers, the first being Mary Douglas.

"Look at you, Una. You've definitely made a pretty bride. I do think that you look better being married to Walter than that Belle fellow."

"Thank you Mary."

"I know what seems right to me, and what doesn't'. I have to admit that this seems right to me. That mess with the other fellow didn't. Walter's an Islander, despite the fact he lived in the States all those years. I guess that makes the most difference."

Una smiled at Mary's observation. "He's Walter Blythe, and that makes all the difference."

Mary ran off to stop little Marshall from opening the couple's gifts, but Rebecca took her place.

"Hello, Rebecca," Una nervously said. She and Rebecca had never really spoken to each other much for obvious reasons.

"Una, I want you to know that for the longest time after you came home, I was afraid that Shirley still loved you." Una started to protest, but Rebecca stopped her. "I know now that he loves you the same way you love him. Thank you for forcing him to see the difference."

"Whether Walter was alive or not, I couldn't marry him. We're connected by this huge family of ours, and our shared childhood. He's always been one of my dearest friends, and I think I owe him for Walter's coming to me. Let's put the past behind us. We're sisters now; I want to be as close to you as am I Faith. We both have a lot in common."

Rebecca agreed, and they sealed their new relationship with a hug. Now it was Ginny McGowan's turn to speak with the bride.

"I hope that you and Walter have a long, happy marriage together, Una, and I want you to know that it is my belief that you are the only woman worthy to fill Katie's shoes. She was my best friend all my life, and I miss her every day, but I know that her children are loved by you, and that Walter no longer looks so sad. You are what they need." She started to walk away, but Una called after her.

"Ginny, I don't want to take Katie's place as your best friend, but I would like very much if we could become friends."

Ginny smiled. "I'd like that too."

Walter watched his bride from the dance floor; the way the moonlight and lanterns made her hair shine, the way her eyes glowed, and a tear came to his eye. Di saw her brother and asked him, "Did you ever think you'd be this happy again?"

"No," he quietly replied.

"Well, I for one am thrilled to see you so happy, but don't you think it's about time you and Mrs. Blythe said your goodbyes to catch your train?"

Walter looked down at his watch, and agreed. It was getting very late, and their train would soon be coming. He walked around the reception to where he could come up behind his wife, and then he kissed her on the cheek.

"Are you ready for our departure, Dearest Una?"

Una shuddered at his touch; she was ready for everything their life together would hold. "I suppose I am, but I must throw my bouquet first."

Walter loved his wife's desire to follow tradition. He gathered all the single young women together, and no one was surprised when Persis caught the bouquet. Never, all through the years, had the old Valley known a blither, merrier afternoon. All the old jests and quips that must have done duty at weddings since Eden were served up, and seemed as new and brilliant and mirth-provoking as if they had never been uttered before. Laughter and joy had their way; and when Una and Walter left to catch the train, with Jem driving the Doctor's old buggy, the children were ready with rice and old shoes, in the throwing of which Mary Douglas and Gideon McGowan bore a valiant part. John Meredith stood at an old maple tree and watched the carriage out of sight down the long lane. Una turned at its end to wave her last good-bye. She was gone--the manse was her home no more; the reverend looked a little sad as he turned back to the joyful crowd, but their was a light shining in his eyes with the knowledge that his daughter had entered into a happy marriage.

Una could think of nothing but Walter as Jem drove them to the station. She had to pinch herself to realize it was real, and not just a midsummer night's dream.