The Apple and his jewel

by DrakeFang

Rating: teen
Tags: Romance, Comedy
Length: 4876

Just a story about a shy stallion falling in love, featuring your favorite farmer. ^^ Enjoy~

When Big Mac suddenly talks to a mare he never met before, Pinkie Pie and Apple Bloom are combining forces to make Mac fall in love. However, how do you get the most shy stallion in Equestria to talk?

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2013-08-04 08:11:34 UTC

Chapter 1: Big Mac really talks!?

Chapter 1: Big Mac really talks!?

It was a nice sunny day in Ponyville. With Applejack out of town, Apple Bloom now working at the local ice cream shop that had opened up and Granny Smith having moved to a retirement village, Big Macintosh had to work at the farm down Sweet Apple Acres on his own.

The sun had lowered a bit after some time, and finally, Apple Bloom returned from her work. Seeing how time had passed, she wasn’t the little filly from the show any longer. She almost was about AJ’s size, and her comically-sized ribbon had been replaced with a hat similar to that of AJ’s, which she got from a friend. Yes, this was a young filly blossoming to a beautiful mare.

She waved at her brother, who didn’t seem to notice as he was stacking barrels on a cart. Apple Bloom walked up closer, softly nudging him with her hoof.“Hahdy, Big Mac, ah’m back!”, she exclaimed, and gave him a bright smile. Big Mac simply smiled back and nodded. Apple Bloom glanced at the dozen of barrels he had been stacking, then back to her brother.

“Pinkie made a big order ‘gain?”, she asked him, with a look on her face that gave away it was a rhetorical question. Big Mac looked back at Apple Bloom as he began ‘strapping’ the cart around his back, nodded, and answered with his all-known “Eeyup”.

Yes, Pinkie Pie, who had taken over the Sugar Cube Corner business, had changed it into an inn as well. Now SCC was known as an inn where destined lovers would find each other. Big Mac began pulling the cart, and Apple Bloom jumped on, slightly giggling as she did so. Even as a filly did she enjoy cart rides with Big Mac. As Big Mac arrived at SCC, she jumped off, and Mac ‘unstrapped’ the cart from his back, knocking on the door.

Pinkie opened the door. She wasn’t the same party pony Pinkie Pie they all knew. She hadn’t been for a long time. She had finally matured a bit, but still had that nice, bright smile on her face. “Heya Mac.”, Pinkie said, a lot calmer than usual, but Mac had delivered at SCC before. This wasn’t odd to him anymore. Big Mac nodded, and made a ‘ta-dah’ gesture at the barrels. Pinkie slightly laughed, and responded right away. “Did I really order that much cider? Huh. Well, you know where to put them, Big Mac.”

Apple Bloom sat down on one of the couches in the lobby, waiting for Mac to have moved all the barrels off the cart.

As Mac came back from Pinkie’s basement, where he would re-stack the barrels, he glanced at one of the couches. A mare was sitting on the one across Apple Bloom. She kind of had traits of Rainbow Dash, yet different. Her mane had mint green colors, and her tail the same pattern as it. Her coat was a darker tone of green, making her mane and tail colors stand out a little. Her eyes were a deep green, deeper than Big Mac’s. Her cutie mark was a piece of mint, the same kind as she was eating.

Big Mac couldn’t help but being drawn to her. Pinkie Pie, glancing at Mac walking to this mare, began showing a slight smirk. Pinkie Pie was known as THE matchmaker in the SCC inn. The mare glanced up. A short moment of silence followed, and Big Mac reached out one of those big hooves of his.

He smiled, and surprisingly, began with the words “Hahdy there. Ah’m Big Mac’ntosh. Wut’s yer name?”

Pinkie Pie gasped, her eyes going wide. Big Mac had really spoken up? To a mare he didn’t know, no less. And the mare hadn’t talked since she registered herself at the inn.

Shy and nervously, the mare lightly shook his hoof. “U-uhm, my name is Emerald… Nice meeting you.” Big Mac nodded again. An awkward silence followed. Apple Bloom hopped off her couch, and lightly tugged at Mac’s hoof. “C’mon, big bro, it’s gettin’ late.” Once more, Big Mac did his familiar nod, and the two of them walked out.

Emerald quickly said “Hope to see you again” before they walked out, freezing Mac in place momentarily, leaving that stupid smile on his face.

Apple Bloom and Pinkie shared a grin at one another, and the Apple siblings carried on. As they went back to the farm, Apple Bloom didn’t jump on the cart as usual, but began walking beside him. Her grin was telling him that teasing would follow…

Chapter 2: Something's off here...

Chapter 2: Something’s off here…

“So, wut wus that all about, Big Mac? Y’all usually don’t talk lahke that ta other ponies!” Apple Bloom exclaimed, with still the slight grin on her face. Big Mac raised an eyebrow at her. “Wut cha mean, Bloom? Ah wus only bein’ friendleh.”

“M-hm…” Apple Bloom had that ‘seriously?’ look on her face. “Nah y’all tell meh the real reason. Y’all lahke her, don’t cha?” Big Mac’s eyes opened slightly wider, and he quickly shook his head. “Ah-ah wus realleh only bein’ friendly, Apple Bloom, that’s all!”

Meanwhile, Pinkie was laughing as she talked to Emerald. “Only being friendly, huh? You can’t fool me, Emerald! You SO have a crush on him!” Pinkie’s mane appeared a bit poofier again, her smile as bright as it would be when she’d throw a party. Emerald looked away from her, a little shy, slightly blushing at Pinkie’s remark. “P-Pinkie, just stop, please…” Pinkie chuckled, and nodded. “Alright, Emerald, sorry. But this is just too adorable to let it slip by!” Emerald stood up, and began walking to the stairs. “Good night, Pinkie.”, said Emerald sleepily. “Night, Em. Don’t forget dreaming about Mac now!” Pinkie giggled when she saw Emerald’s face turn slightly red.

Meanwhile, the Apple siblings had returned home as well. Much to Apple Bloom’s disbelief, Big Mac had kept on denying his feelings for Emerald. As Big Mac moved the cart into the barn, Apple Bloom went to bed, giving him the opportunity to think things over.

Did he really like her? If so, what was it that he liked about her? Was it her mane? Was it her body? Or were it her eyes? Those deep green eyes, where he would’ve been drowning in if he had the chance? He didn’t know, and he didn’t question it. All he knew was, he liked her, alright. Love at first sight, so to say. His slight blush was hidden by his ever so red coat.

Emerald lied on her bed, staring at the ceiling. Did she actually blush? She really wanted to dream about Mac. More than that. She wanted to just see him again. She slightly giggled as she began imagining them at the park, sitting down at the pond with some candles, the sun slowly setting with the two leaned against each other. The lower the sun would go, the closer their faces would approach, and when the sun was at its most beautiful, their lips would be touching…

Her image shattered as she heard knocking on her room door. Hopping off the bed, she approached the door, only to find a note with the words:

‘Make your dream reality~’

‘Pinkamena Diane Pie’

Emerald hesitated, but hugged the note tightly as she saw Mac’s cutie mark drawn on it. Holding the note, she hopped on bed, and happily sighing, she fell asleep.

The next morning, Mac sat at the table, drinking some apple juice. Apple Bloom had left for work, so he began bucking his trees like usual. He kind of seemed distracted, though. His head was filled with the mere image of Emerald. Knowing that if he just waltzed into SCC Pinkie would surely figure his feelings for her. Filling up a small cart with apples, he then pulls it to SCC. His mind encouraged him. “Bah Celestia, let this plan work.” That’s the only thing he could say in his mind right now. Off to SCC he went. Now to hope Pinkie or Apple Bloom wouldn’t find out…

Chapter 3: Pinkie's teachings

Chapter 3: Pinkie’s teachings

As he arrives at SCC, with the little cart behind him, Pinkie raises an eyebrow. “Uhm, Mac, I didn’t order any apples…”, she said, having a questioning look on her face. Big Mac shrugged, and placed the cart anyway. “O…K then, how much do I owe you, Mac?”, Pinkie asked, already holding her bag of bits.

Mac gestured to not pay at all. “Huh, so they’re for free?” Big Mac nodded, replying with his signature “Eeyup”.  He glanced around the lobby, which was surprisingly empty for this time of day. Pinkie chuckled, and nudged him in the side with her elbow. “She’s not here, loverboy.”, she said to Mac, winking.

Mac’s blush became slightly visible. Dang it, she knew! Then again, she’s THE matchmaker. It wasn’t all that surprising. Pinkie smiled, and didn’t go any further on the subject. Mac turned to the door, and left the inn, nodding at Pinkie as she waved him goodbye.

As he went outside, his head slightly began hanging, and Apple Bloom walked up to him, seeing how she had lunch break. “Oh, hah Big Mac. What’re y’all doin’ here at SCC?” Big Mac shrugged, and had a little sad look on his face. “Hey, y’all OK, Big Mac? Y’all look a lil’ sad.”, said Apple Bloom, slightly worried about her big brother. As they walked on, Big Mac would explain how he had tried seeing Emerald again, and how he came up with bringing free apples.

Meanwhile, Emerald came downstairs, shyly, eating a piece of mint again. Pinkie smiled, and softly giggled. “Morning, Emerald. You just missed Big Mac passing by, bringing apples!” Emerald’s ears perked up, and she looked up right away. “O-oh, I see. Thanks for letting me know, Pinkie…”

Pinkie watched Emerald intently, and softly smiled. “You really DO like him, don’t you?” Emerald slightly nodded. “Do you think he’d like me back, Pinkie?” Pinkie’s smile slightly widened, and she tapped her head. “My head tells me he does”, she replied in a teasing way. “Can you help me show him I like him?”, Em asked her. She really wanted to give him a shot.

Pinkie nodded, and her smile was very wide by now. She loved matchmaking ponies, after all. “OK, Mac’s kind of a shy guy, so what you gotta do, is not to tell him right off the bat you like him. Give him some…signals.” Emerald raised an eyebrow. “S-signals?” Pinkie nodded, giggling. “Try batting your eyelashes a little.”, Pinkie said. Emerald began getting a little nervous, but did so. Pinkie giggled again. “Perfect, he’ll love that!” Emerald smiled. “Alright, now, there’s one thing stallions can’t resist.”, Pinkie said with a grin. “A-and what’s that?”, Emerald asked her nervously.

Pinkie walked up to behind her, and gently poked her cutie mark on both sides. “A mare’s flank. Not a single stallion that won’t fall for the swaying shake of a flank!” Pinkie’s grin had turned into a smirk as Emerald released a little squeak. “H-how do you know that?”, Emerald asked a little uncertain. Pinkie winked at her. “Emerald, I’ve been married for a few years now. I know how it works.”

“O-OK. And how should I do that, Pinkie?” Pinkie giggled, exclaiming this was the most fun she had in years. “Alright, just watch me, Emerald.” Pinkie began walking, slightly shaking her hips as she did so seductively, showing Emerald how to do it. Turning around, she smiled at Emerald. “Now you give it a try!”

Emerald began walking towards her. As she tried shaking her hips like Pinkie, she barely was able to move forward. Pinkie laughed at the sight of Emerald stumbling. “I guess we need a LOT of work on that one.”

Emerald smiled awkwardly. Was she really getting taught on how to seduce a stallion? Then again, if this would work, she’d get the stallion of her dreams. Why not give this a try? A few hours passed by as she was getting taught.

Chapter 4: Just ask her!

Chapter 4: Just ask her!

Big Mac was bucking trees yet again. After all, what else did he have to do? Emerald wasn’t at the inn, so he couldn’t have a chat with her, and Apple Bloom was off to work again. Visiting Granny Smith was barely possible as the travel to her would take a day, and another to return.

He glanced through the kitchen window, where the family usually would eat. As he saw the table sheet, he began getting an idea. A pick-nick! It would be perfect to get to know one another better! He put up a big smile, and began thinking on how to ask her, all the while still bucking apple trees.

As the evening fell, Apple Bloom returned home once more. She softly giggled as she saw Mac just sitting against a tree looking up in the sky, with a smile on his face. “Wut cha thinkin’ of, big bro? Emerald, maybe?” Big Mac looked at Apple Bloom, and lightly blushed as he nodded. “Wha don’t cha ask her aht?”, asked Apple Bloom, encouraging her big brother.

Big Mac looked away shyly. No way could he ask a mare out. After what happened with him and Cheerilee, he didn’t quite trust Apple Bloom giving dating advice anymore. Though, there’s no potion or anything, and this time he actually HAD feelings for the mare in question.

After a long talk, with Apple Bloom giving some great tips, they went to bed. As the next morning came, Big Mac stood outside, waiting for Apple Bloom, as he knew she had the day off work today. Apple Bloom agreed she’d come along in case things might go wrong. Although, what could go wrong? He would simply ask Emerald out on a date, is all.

The siblings walked to the inn, and Emerald surprisingly sat on the lobby couch, all alone, as if waiting for somepony. Of course, Pinkie told her Mac would likely drop by. As the Apple siblings entered the lobby, Big Mac began shaking lightly. His forehead was sweating, and he almost froze in place.

Apple Bloom nudged Big Mac closer, and as he approached Emerald, he froze again. Emerald looked up, and her eyes were lightly shining. Mac found himself lost in them again, but Emerald had a little more control over her feelings. Softly, almost harmonizing, she said “Hi Mac”, and Mac’s heart skipped a beat. Apple Bloom hid herself, and next to her, Pinkie stood, hidden as well. They giggled at each other, and began watching the scene.

“Mac? Are you OK?”, Em asked. Big Mac quickly shook his head, and nodded. He grasped his courage, or what little he had, at least, and began talking, though stuttering, his head beginning to sweat again and his body trembling slightly. “E-E-Emerald-w-wi-will you-“ Emerald’s blush began to appear, though still unnoticed by Big Mac. And suddenly, he clammed up. In a flash, he ran out, leaving a dust cloud shaped like him behind in the process.

Pinkie and Apple Bloom’s eyes widened, and their jaws dropped. What just happened? He just ran away like that during one of the most important questions he was to ever ask? Surely he must’ve been convinced enough to know she’d say yes, right? Emerald’s head hung a little. Pinkie trotted up to her as Apple Bloom ran off to the farm again, knowing Mac would be hiding there.

Pinkie stroked Emerald’s back. “Don’t you worry, Emerald. He really likes you, he just doesn’t know how to say it. Stallions are that way. He’ll turn about.” Emerald nodded sadly. Meanwhile, Apple Bloom had arrived at the farm, and opened the hay barn where she saw Mac hiding.

She trotted up to him. “Y’all ‘re very rude, ya know? Emerald wus listenin’ to ya, and jus’ lahke that, y’all run off!” Big Mac nodded with his eyes closed, knowing the mistake he had made. Apple Bloom tugged his hoof, and began dragging him out. “Now y’all ‘re gon’ apologize to her an’ trah again. She lahkes ya, Big Mac!”

Big Mac looked up as he was being dragged along the ground. “Hah y’all know fer sure, Apple Bloom?”, he asked, scared of the answer. Apple Bloom remained silent for a moment, and when they arrived at the inn yet again, she let him go, shoved him back inside, simply replying the question with the words:

“Just ask her!”

Chapter 5: Love is sweet like an Apple

Chapter 5: Love is sweet like an Apple

This time, Apple Bloom would stay close to Big Mac, to make sure he wouldn’t be chickening out again.  Mac scooted a little closer to Emerald, and glanced back at Apple Bloom, who made a hoof signal, mouthing ‘go for it’. Big Mac glanced at Emerald once more, who had shown a big, hopeful smile on her face as Mac returned to the SCC.

“Em-E-Emerald…” Big Mac began stuttering again. Freezing again, Emerald slowly took hold of his hoof, and smiled warmly at him. “Yes, Mac? Is there something you want to ask me?” Big Mac began calming down, looking at his sis again, who winked. Completely calmed down now, he was prepared to ask her out.

Confidence filled his face. “Emerald…y’all wanna go aht on a picnic? It’s a nice day outsahde.” Emerald beamed at him. “I’d love to, Mac!” Big Mac’s heart jumped. She said yes! He made little skips, hopping out of the inn again. Smiling awkwardly, Apple Bloom looked at Emerald. “Meet him at the park pond in 4 hours.”, she said and walked out, chasing Big Mac.

Emerald couldn’t believe her ears. The park pond? In 4 hours, when the sun would nearly set? She quickly looked at the note given to her by Pinkie, and almost began tearing up. Her dream was becoming reality. She was gonna go for this. This was the day she’d make the farmer hers.

Hours had passed, and Big Mac was waiting for Emerald to come. Nervously tapping the ground, or rather, the blanket he was sitting on, he glanced at the picnic basket. Would she like the food he brought? The apple juice? It had to be perfect.

Emerald arrived, smiling softly at Big Mac as she walked up to him. She sat down, still having the same soft smile. “Lovely afternoon, right?”, she asked him in the sweetest voice. His heart began melting, but he managed to grasp himself together again. He simply nodded and replied with his signature “Eeyup”.

A few hours passed again, and the sun had begun setting. The two had become quite acquainted by now, almost as if they had known each other for years. Their laughter filled the air as they told each other their funniest and dumbest moments. They even had become so close, they were holding hooves. Clearly, they were in love.

The sun had begun setting, and the scene had changed into the one Emerald had dreamt before. Slowly, they began leaning in on each other, staring each other in the eyes all the while. As they came their closest, and the sun shone a red radiant glow, their lips touched. It was a magical moment.

Was this all real? Were they-They were kissing! Big Mac blushed brightly. He couldn’t believe it. The mare he’d been having trouble to talk with now was kissing him. They broke the kiss, and stared in each other’s eyes again, both smiling at each other lovingly.

Big Mac stood up, and reached out a hoof for Emerald, indicating he wanted to help her up. She grabbed his hoof, and stood up. Taking heed of Pinkie’s ‘teachings’, she walked past him strapping a tiny cart on his back, slowly brushing her tail under his chin, and clumsily shaking her flank. Big Mac couldn’t help but blush as he stared at her flanks swaying.

Big Mac wanted to take Emerald home. However, Emerald chose to follow Big Mac to the farm, much to his delight. As Big Mac entered the barn to put away the cart, Emerald followed, and looked around for a bit. When he put the cart aside, he turned to Emerald, only to see her bat her eyelashes at him like she showed Pinkie before. Mac’s heart began beating fast, and he knew it. This was the mare that could bring out a whole new Big Macintosh.

Chapter 6: Big Mac's change (WARNING: MATURE CHAPTER!)

Chapter 6: Big Mac's change (WARNING: CLOP CHAPTER!)

Chapter 6: Big Mac’s change

Big Mac walked up to Emerald again, gently planting a kiss on her lips, which Emerald would return right away. Mac reached out his hoof, and slowly began running it through her mane lovingly, staring in her eyes and smiling warmly. Emerald looked up, slightly leaning against him. These two were closer than ever.

Their foreheads touched, and their eyes were even closer to one another. As Big Mac gently began stroking Emeralds ear, making her close her eyes and smile in enjoyment, whispering to her “Ah luv ya, Emerald.” Emerald’s ear twitched slightly, and with a silent hum, she returned with the words “I love you too, Mac.” Big Mac chuckled a little as he saw Emerald’s enjoyment. “Y’all lahke it?”, he asked, a little teasingly. Emerald responded with a little nod.

Big Mac’s smile became a bit brighter, and he carried on, softly stroking the inside now too. Emerald’s humming began filling up the barn, and Big Mac slowly began pushing her back, nuzzling her as he stroked her ear. Emerald nuzzled back, and a soft blush appeared on her face. Big Mac wasn’t paying attention to the giant heap of hay behind them anymore, and two just fell in it, chuckling as Emerald took hold of Big Mac’s arm.

Now laying in the hay next to each other, Big Mac smiled warm and softly yet again, before giving her a passionate and long kiss, running his hooves along the back of her mane. During the kiss, Emerald rubbed his chest with one hoof, while the other was touching Mac’s face.

Emerald felt something poke her leg. Yes, she felt IT poking her leg. Big Mac’s IT, that was. With a little ‘eep’, her blush grew brighter as she pulled away her leg. A soft moan had come from Big Mac’s side, and the stallion was blushing bad, even redder than his coat. He stuttered “Ah-ah’m sorry, Emerald!” as his eyes widened. Emerald’s hoof on his chest stopped moving, and she responded with “It’s OK.”

Big Mac calmed down a little. Quickly, he asked “D-Do you wan’ it?” and he shut his eyes tight, fearing the answer. Emerald’s blush was so bright by now, she almost had Big Mac’s coat. Was he seriously asking her to do THAT with her? Was she really that beautiful? They both didn’t have experience yet, or at least she knew she didn’t have it. “I-uhm…I don’t know, Mac.”, she responded.

Big Mac was calm now, and smiled softly again. “It’s alright if y’all don’ wanna, Emerald.”, he told her. She was still blushing. “I-I-Uhm-It’s just… I don’t know…h-how to do it…” Big Mac’s eyes opened a tiny bit wider. “N-nor do ah…” Emerald fell silent, and nodded. “I-I suppose…we c-could…”, she said in a silent tone.

Big Mac’s eyes opened even wider, and his blush became visible again. She said yes? She was actually gonna do this? He didn’t know what to say, how to respond. But he knew he was ready. His eyes calming down, showing lust and desire, he smiled yet again, and said “Ah’ll…Ah’ll be gentle…” Emerald was a little nervous, but nodded.

He slowly began leaning in on her, and gave her a slow, passionate kiss, letting his hooves rub the backside of her legs, them going up, and rubbing her butt as well. Emerald kissed back, and blushed even brighter. Was it hot in there, or was it her? Maybe even him.

Without a warning, Big Mac inserted his shaft, groaning in delight, softly whispering Emerald’s name. Emerald’s eyes widened, and she gasped, releasing loud moans in the process. Gently, Big Mac began humping her, catching air whenever he would go up. Emerald bit her lip, panting heavily and wrapping her arms around him. Gosh, this was hot. Once more, Big Mac kissed her passionately, humping a little faster with his body beginning to sweat. Their panting and loud moans were heard under their kiss.

Emerald suddenly broke the kiss, gasping as she popped, soaking Mac’s shaft with her girl cum, yelling his name. Big Mac wasn’t giving in just yet, and he humped his fastest. Emerald moaned uncontrollably, and looked up. No way was he gonna get away with just making her pop. She could and would get some of her stallion as well.

Slowly, she reached a hoof to his ear, and rubbed it in a similar way to what he did to her before, stroking it the inside of it. Big Mac spasmed a little, and yelled her name as he shot bursts of his seed inside her. Emerald couldn’t help but slightly pushing herself down in the hay, groaning slightly as his juices filled her up, the only thing capable of saying being the word “Yes!!!”

Slowly, Big Mac slid his shaft out, releasing a few last squirts of cum on her private area, rolling off and next to Emerald, nuzzling her cheek and panting heavily. Emerald returned a nuzzle on his cheek as well. Mac kissed her cheek, and slowly took hold of her hoof. “Y-yer…amazing, Emerald.”, he said, his eyes almost closed. She replied with a same exhausted look with “S-so are you”, and fell asleep as Big Mac gave her a playful lick on the cheek. He curled up against her, holding her hoof, and slowly falling asleep as well.

Now he knew for certain. This was the mare who he would be spending the rest of his life with. He would no longer be the shy stallion. No, he’d be the lover of a beautiful mare that changed his life that day.

Epilogue: The Sweet Apple Acres Life

Epilogue: The Sweet Apple Acres life

Big Mac was bucking trees, like usual. With Applejack having moved out of Ponyville, work at the farm had been a little harder. But he could manage himself. He glanced over at the barn where the living room, bedrooms etc. were, and on a bench right in front of it, there she sat. Emerald had moved in with Big Macintosh.

He smiled, and waved at his now wedded mare. Emerald waved and smiled back in a similar way, and slightly blushed as she ran a hoof over her bloated belly. A very bloated belly. It wouldn’t be long before their foal would be born. Big Mac decided to take a break, and walked up to Emerald, sitting down next to her, giving her a kiss and resting a hoof on her belly, which was surprisingly bigger than his hoof.

Out of nowhere, a ball came rolling across them, chased by a little filly. She had a bright green mane, and a coat with a slightly darker shade of red than Big Mac’s. The comically-sized red bow she wore on her head was a gift from her aunt.

As the filly caught the ball, almost cuddling with it, so to speak, Big Mac lifted her up, nuzzling her. The filly giggled, and sneezed adorably when Big Mac placed her between her parents. Emerald looked at her, and asked her happily: “Apple Jewel, you wanna feel the baby kick?” Jewel smiled brightly, and began running her little hooves across her mother’s big belly, Emerald giggling at tummy rubbings she was receiving.

Jewel jumped a little when she suddenly fell a thud against her hoof. Smiling even brighter, nearly rivaling the old Pinkie’s smiles, she nuzzled her mother’s belly, and hugged it, as if welcoming the new foal to the family already. Big Mac chuckled, and slightly tussled Jewel’s mane. “What do y’all wan’ the foal ta be, Jewel?”, he asked teasingly.

Jewel tapped her chin, and looked up at Big Mac. Still young, thus incapable of actual speech, she replied, “Apple botter!” Big Mac laughed. Apple was Jewel’s very first word she had learned. “Y’all wan’ a baby brother?” Jewel nodded. She knew from Apple Bloom how great brothers were, but with Applejack gone, she knew little about sisters.

“Arright, back ta work ah go”, Big Mac said, getting off the bench, carrying on with his work. Emerald gave him a quick kiss on the cheek. Jewel had placed herself against Emerald, resting her head on Emerald’s lap. As Emerald used one hoof to stroke her belly and the other to stroke through Jewel’s mane, Jewel slowly fell asleep. Her adorable little snoring could be heard, and Emerald dozed off herself, taking in the nice summer sunshine.

Life was good at Sweet Apple Acres. And the Apple family grew bigger than ever.