Malon and Ralph's wedding day broke crisp and clear, the sun shining off the snow and nearly blinding the Fontaine family as they headed to the church. Malon's face was pale with excitement. Seeing it, Zelda reached to squeeze her hand. The older girl didn't notice. Sari directed a question to her oldest sister, and her response, or rather lack thereof, was the same. Zelda looked to Sari and shrugged.

"I hope I get married someday," Romani said with a wishful sigh.

"Are you also hoping that Richard Buchanan will wait for you?" her mother asked from the front seat.

Surprisingly, Romani didn't blush. "He's so handsome" was her only comment, and Blossom watched as a smile widened Bipin's mouth.

"You must think its funny," Blossom said softly for his ears.

"No." the smile was still in place. "I just remember a young woman saying much the same thing when she didn't know that a certain young man was listening."

Blossom smiled as well. "I knew you were there all along, Bipin Fontaine, and we both know I married you only because you were so homely I know that no one else would have you."

All the girls, save the still-dreamy Malon, wanted to know why their father was laughing, but he refused to tell. However, they could do their own figuring when Bipin brought the sleigh to a halt in front of the church and exuberantly kissed his wife.

(&)

An hour later Blossom fussed with Malon's dress and veil as Bipin, with Zelda at his side, looked on. Zelda's dress was a velvet in a deep burgundy color, but Malon's was a cream-collared satin, over laid with lace across the entire bodice, up the high neckline, and down the log sleeves. When the mother-of-the-bride had finished her tucking and adjusting, she stood back and smiled at her lovely daughter.

"You're the most beautiful bride in the world, Malon. Ralph will be so pleased." Malon smiled and the women embraced.

"I'd best get to my seat," Blossom said to Bipin, and he saw her to the door. "Come outside with me, Zelda." Blossom called before she left. "That way you can tell Malon and your father that it's time to start down."

"All right."

The door closed softly at that point, leaving Bipin and Malon alone. Bipin turned to look at his daughter, his throat feeling oddly tight.

"Well," she said softly, "this is it."

"Yes," Bipin said inadequately, but then his head tipped to one side. "It's too bad that a man can't experience this before it actually involves him."

"What do you mean?"

Bipin sighed. "Your mother married me against her father's wishes. I haven't thought about what that day might have felt like for him until right now. You go with my blessing, but there's no way Ralph can understand how I'm feeling until it's his turn to stand with his own daughter."

Malon wanted to cry with the thought, but she forced herself to ask, "And how do you feel right now?"

"Proud," Bipin told her without hesitation. "Prouder than I've ever been in my life, but sad because you're leaving. I know we'll see each other, but it won't be the same ever again."

Malon nodded. She'd had the same thoughts so many times.

"Change is not bad," she said softly, "but nether is it easy. I'll miss you more than I can say."

Bipin hugged her, and just ten minutes later Zelda announced that it was time. Malon went very white upon hearing those words, but Bipin whispered word of encouragement, and it wasn't long before she was given over to Ralph's waiting hand. Her heart calmed then, but the whole thing overwhelmed her just a little. Ralph was pale himself, and Malon knew he was feeling the same rush of emotion. The ceremony was over before she knew it and family and friends were crowding around them to offer congratulations.

They stayed at the church for over an hour, talking and thanking people for coming, before Richard reminded them that they needed to get to the house. Bipin, Blossom, Error and the younger girls had all left, as had most of the guests, but Zelda, as maid of honor, was standing by to go with the bride, groom, and Richard, who had stood as best man.

"I think we had better get on our way," he suggested. "They're probably waiting for you."

Malon didn't need to be asked twice. They had worked hard on the reception, and many people had offered to help. She wanted to be on hand to thank them all in person.

Richard bundled them all in the large sleigh, pulled by Error's team of matched black geldings. Zelda was in front with the best man and the newlyweds were in the back. They were no more settled in the seats when Ralph grabbed Malon and gave her a long, hard kiss.

"We're going to be entertaining everyone in town for the next several hours, so I thought I'd do that while I had the chance."

Malon laughed in sheer delight and leaned to kiss him again.

"I think they're acting up back there," Zelda said loudly to Richard

"I think you're right. I myself am blushing just at the thought."

They pulled into the Fontaine yard amid much laughter. Sure enough, it looked as if the whole town had already arrived. Malon couldn't think how they would all fit in, but they managed. Food was served immediately, and folks stayed for hours. The cakes were delicious. With tears in her eyes, Malon thanked her mother and looked utterly drained, but when most of the guests had gone on their way, family and close friends gathered in the Fontaine living room to watch Ralph and Malon unwrap their gifts. Uncle Error had asked to be excused, and Bipin had run him to the store, but Richard and the Taggart family were present.

Zelda and Link ended up on chars close together. Other than smiling at Link a few times that day, they'd had no chance to talk. Link glanced at her lovely profile and wanted to tell her that she looked beautiful in her new dress, but there was something vulnerable about her right then and he refrained. It occurred to him very suddenly that this was the end of life as she had known it. Link found himself praying for her heart as the gift-opening began.

"Oh, aren't they prettily," Malon commented as she pulled out two embroidered pillow slips. "Look at the workmanship."

"Very nice," Ralph agreed and worked on the next package.

"Who is this from?" Malon wished to know.

"The card said 'The O'Brien Family.'"

"I think you met them, Ralph. Kafei O'Brien is a good friend of Aryll and Ruto."

"I think I did too."

"Oh, it's a bread tray!" Malon exclaimed when Ralph brought it forth. "Isn't it elegant?"

They loved the spoons from Link and had a wonderful time with all the gifts. Indeed, there was much laughter on several occasions. At one point Malon opened a gift and help it aloft, her brow drawn down in puzzlement.

"What is it, Ralph?"

"I was hoping you would tell me."

Both husband and wife looked at Blossom and Uli, who stared at the silver creation and then at one another. When everyone realized that neither one could identify it, the room erupted in laughter. The last burst of merriment came just a few minutes later when Malon opened a box and inside was a baby's bib. She blushed to the roots of her hair and wouldn't hold it up. Ralph took it and did the honors, a sweet smile on his face.

Malon was still blushing amid the laughter when she said, "all right, who's responsible?"

No one would own up to it, but Malon suddenly caught Zelda's eye. The younger girl could not hold her laughter.

"Zelda Faye!" Malon scolded her, now laughing as well. "You rascal!"

"I saw it at the store and couldn't resist, Malon. I'm sorry."

Malon only shook her head, and after that, the party began to break up. Blossom announced that she was going to fix something to eat and everyone was welcome to stay. Uli, Aryll, and Ruto went with her, and Ralph took that moment to lean close to his bride.

"Are you hungry?" he asked.

"Not a bit, but I am starting to feel tired."

"I think we'll say our goodbyes and head to the hotel. If you decide you want to eat, I'll have the hotel fix us something."

Malon nodded, and Ralph went to tell the others, thankfully, only Blossom and Bipin came to the door with them.

"We'll be over to join you for lunch tomorrow after church," Ralph informed them. "Malon's tired, and I think we need to sleep in."

"All right, Ralph," Bipin agreed with him. "I'm not sure we'll even make it out ourselves, but we'll look for you around noon."

Blossom hugged them both, and Richard came through the front door to tell them that the sleigh was ready. Just minutes later they were on their way,

The hotel staff was very accommodating, and one of the men came out to stable the horse for the night. Ralph had seen to the baggage that afternoon, so without fuss they walked up the oak staircase to the second floor of the hotel. Room 6 was spacious, with two double beds and private bath. Several lanterns were lit, and Malon preceded Ralph into the room. Ralph closed the door and landed against it. He stared at Malon where she had stopped at the corner of the bed.

For a time they didn't speak, but then Malon, feeling self-conscious, began to move around the room. She went to the windows and glanced down at the alley below, but it was too dark to see outside. She inspected the chandelier, peeked into the closet and bathroom, and then moved to sit on the edge of the far bed. Ralph pushed off from the door and moved to sit on the bed opposite her. He stared at her for several more seconds before he shared the thoughts of his heart.

"Every day I confidently run a large bank in a booming town with a certain measure of ease, but here, now, with you, I feel completely unsure."

"Unsure about me, or about this night?"

"This night. I'm 29 years old, Malon, but you're the only woman I've kissed who wasn't my mother, aunt, or cousin. I've saved myself and I'm not sorry, but this is the first time in a long time that I haven't known exactly what to do."

Malon shrugged as an adorable grin covered her mouth. She wasn't very shore herself, but the hard worker was coming to the fore.

"Well." Her voice was bracing. "It can't be too complicated." She shifted a little, and the mattress bounced beneath her. "I mean, we love each other, and I think we start with a kiss, and we both enjoy that." Again she shrugged and smiled.

Suddenly Ralph wanted to laugh with hysterical joy. She was unlike anyone he'd ever know. He stood just long enough to take her hand in his and bring her over next to him to sit on the bed. They settled in, side-by-side, and just talked. Ralph relaxed and Malon leaned against him, There was no pomp or ceremony when the began to kiss and hold each other, just warmth and caring.

"I love it when you kiss me," Malon told him, blue eyes twinkling into gray. "For a moment there I thought you were going to suggest we each take a bed."

Ralph chuckled low in his throat and kissed her again. He should have known that God would honor his desire to stand righteously before Him on his wedding night. After all, God had given him Malon, and at the moment Ralph could find nothing over which to be more thankful.

(&)

The time after Sunday dinner the next day was a little busier than Malon had hope for, but there was much to be packed before she, Ralph, and Richard left the next morning. The trunks were readied, the newlyweds spent some time with Uncle Error, and parted, but Link reminded her that he would be living in Labrynna in the fall, and just maybe there was a chance he could get to Hyrule later in that year.

This did comfort Malon some, but her throat was still tight. As she left, all she could do was pray that she would make it through this separation from her family and friends. She also asked God to help Link and Zelda grow closer. Zelda needed someone, and so did Link. It seemed so ideal to the young bride that her sister and friend should form a friendship.

That evening Ralph and Malon spent a wonderful few hours with Malon's whole family. Richard was with them as well, and it was a night full of memories to be cherished. Richard went back to Error's for the last night, and Zelda took the small room off the kitchen so Ralph and Malon could take the bedroom she'd shared with Zelda for all these months. When they were settled in the room, all the changes in Malon's life overwhelmed her. Wondering how she was going to leave them all, Ralph held her as she cried.

"What if one of the dies before I can see them again?" she sobbed.

"You know where they're going," Ralph comforted her. "You'll see them in heaven someday."

"Not my father," Malon whispered fearfully. "I've never been sure about him."

"But he must be placed in god's care as well, Malon. It's the only way you'll have peace."

Malon continued to cry, and Ralph prayed softly, his mouth close to her ear. Malon calmed some and then kissed him with a kind of tender desperation. For a time their departure was forgotten.

In the morning only Bipin went with them to the stage office. Malon was trembling slightly, but God had touched her heart early that morning as she'd read the Word and prayed, and peace was what she had longed after and prayed for months. She was Ralph's wife, and it was right and good. Knowing that, she trusted God to take her on her way.

(&)

That afternoon Link picked the girls up from school and was not all surprised to find them rather subdued. Aryll had gained permission to stay and be with Ruto for a time, and as it happened they all climbed out ahead of Zelda. She was just moving to step down when Link turned and spoke to her.

"Are you all right?"

Zelda sat back against the seat and looked at him. To his utter astonishment, he watched as tears filled her eyes. Link worked at not responding with the surprise he felt.

After a moment Zelda said, "I just can't believe she's gone, I gave her the bib as a joke, but she probably will have a baby, and I won't be there to be a part of it. There was talk that we might be together at Christmas, but if Malon's abut to have a baby-" Zelda cut off and turned away. Link's voice came gently to her.

"Don't borrow trouble, Zelda. Malon and Ralph may not have children right away. It's impossible to know. And maybe your father will decide that all of you need to go and visit them this summer. So much can happen between now and then."

Sniffing, Zelda scrubbed at her face. Link watched her helplessly. Finally she turned back.

"Will you go and see them when you go to Labrynna this fall?"

"I don't know. I'd like to, it all depends on my finances and studies."

Zelda nodded and glanced out over the snow-covered mountains and then down the canyon before looking back at him. He was still watching her. She hadn't wanted to talk about this on Saturday, and somehow he'd known that. Zelda thought he must like her some, but she was afraid to find out that she might be wrong.

"You had better get inside," Link said, breaking the silence, "or we're both going to freeze."

"Would you like to come in?" Zelda offered, feeling as though her heart had stopped.

"I'd love to," Link answered, his eyes drilling straight into Zelda's and causing what little breath she had left to lodge in her throat. "But I have some survey reports to chart before I leave town on Thursday."

Zelda told herself to make light of it. Tell him you didn't mean it anyhow and that she's sill a pest, but the words would not come.

"I hope you'll ask me again," Link added, his eyes now smiling tenderly.

Zelda only nodded, her eyes still held by his.

"I will, Link. Thank you for the ride."

He watched as she climbed from the sleigh and ten as she went toward the door. She turned and lifted a hand before she slipped inside, and Link managed to wave back in return. He was thankful that the horses knew the way home; he couldn't see anything but Zelda's huge blue eyes and the way they'd filled with tears.