What Might Have Been

What Might Have Been

Chapter 6: Now and Forever

By: SleeplessScribe

We spent some time after that preparing everything for the wedding. We had quite a bit of help, but things were put on hold about a week after Nova proposed. While we were looking through a book for food recipes we could serve, someone started knocking at our door. My eyes widened when I saw Soarin on the other side sporting the blue and yellow uniform I had been dreaming of for years.

“Excuse me, ma’am, do you have a moment to hear about the good news?”

I was honestly half tempted to say “No thank you” and close the door on him teasingly. “Only if you tell me why you’re wearing that.”

He stepped in after the door was completely open and looked around. “Where’s Nova?”

“Somebody call me?” Just as Soarin closed his mouth, my fiancé trotted in from the kitchen. “Whoa, Soarin, where’d you get the outfit?”

Soarin chuckled and puffed out his chest. “I wanted to surprise you both at the race, but after what happened, I was extremely afraid of stealing Nova’s thunder. While you two were climbing through the ranks in the EAAR, I was going through the Wonderbolt Academy. Not as glorious as the path you two took, but you’re looking at the newest pre-Haytona recruit!”

My tail began swishing from side to side, and I think I heard a snicker from behind me “That’s great news! Glad I didn’t shut the door on you now.”

“Oh, that’s not the good news I was talking about.” We both tilted our heads as a grin stretched across Soarin’s face.  “I told the guys in charge that I was a friend of yours, so they let me deliver the message.” He then turned away from us and reached into the bag he was carrying. The uniform was tossed and landed on my head before I even had time to shriek. “I’m not the only new Wonderbolt this year.”

That nearly knocked the wind out of me. However, Soarin’s grin only grew as he turned to my fiancé. I actually did shriek when he was also given a uniform, forcing Soarin to wait until I was done before addressing us again.

“It wasn’t the win that made everyone decide to take you. Did you know the scouts from the academy that watched our graduation ceremony were the same ones that were at the big race? I was at the meeting they held after the fact, and those two were all too eager to bring the both of you up. Many comments were made about your speed and technique, but ultimately it was that accident with Thunderlane that got approval from most of those who mattered.”

Nova let out a small chuckle. “I should have guessed. That’s how it always happens in the movies.”

Soarin chuckled too, turning to my still speechless self. “They did notice you stop too, Spitfire. I may or may not have had a little bit to do with this, considering I said something about one of you probably not joining without the other. That got me some pretty negative looks since I was only there to observe, but I feel like it helped.”

There was no way I could resist grabbing a hold of both stallions and hugging them so tightly they turned blue—well, darker blue in Soarin’s case. “This is so awesome!”

“Spitfire…” I turned to Nova and immediately let go of them both. He took a deep breath and kissed me on the cheek. “Thanks, princess.”

Soarin looked over into the kitchen, turning to us after he saw the open book. “Did I… interrupt something?”

I just shook my head and gave him another quick hug. “We were just looking through some recipes to decide on what we wanted to serve at the wedding.” I began bouncing in place as my ears twitched and my tail swished from side to side excitedly, and both Nova and Soarin could testify to the fact that I didn’t get like that very often. “I just can’t wait! I’m so happy.”

Nova smiled and kissed me again. “That’s always been my goal.”

Soarin grinned before turning to the door. “Sorry to interrupt, guys. Don’t tell me I’m not being a bother, I really don’t want to take up any more time than I have to. Hey, you know what I’ll do?”

We both tilted our heads as that grin returned to his face. “I’m gonna propose to Overcast if she catches the bouquet. If she doesn’t, I’ll do it next Hearth’s Warming.”

I smiled at him. “That sounds like a great idea. I might even toss her way on purpose.” Nova brought me to him, and I nuzzled myself under his chin. “You two are really cute together, you know that?”

He chuckled again as he opened the door. “If only you knew how many times she’s said that about you two. Sometimes I wonder which one of you is more excited for the wedding, because she’s pretty hyped. Anyway, I’ll see you guys later. Training and practice doesn’t start for a bit longer, so you have plenty of time to get ready and get married and all that jazz.” Soarin waved to us before closing the door and leaving the both of us alone again.

I let out a long sigh and rested against Nova’s chest. “Can you believe it? We’re Wonderbolts, babe. We actually made it!”

“We did…” He brought his wings around me, resting his chin on my head. “You know, it’s kind of funny. Back in day care, we made a vow to surpass one another, and almost twenty years later we’re going to be making vows to treat each other as equals.”

I couldn’t help but grin. “Oh believe me, you’re not getting any special treatment in the field just because you’ll be my husband. In fact, that’s an even bigger motivator for me to improve further.”

He smiled and wrapped his forelegs around me. “I love you, Spitfire.”

“I love you too, Nova.”

Excitement never died, for even as the hype of being accepted into the Wonderbolts began to fade, the day of our wedding was fast approaching. Before we knew it, we had been separated so we could prepare for the ceremony. My original dress had been scrapped for a better one that Rainbow Dash’s friend had designed; the minute Nova told his sister about everything that happened, all of Ponyville—the town she was living in—found out about it, and many residents were eager to help make everything perfect.

Now that I think about it, it was kind of silly, but of course, even our wedding had a Wonderbolts theme. Rainbow Dash, Overcast, and Gale all wore blue dresses with gold accents, while mine was gold with blue accents. All of them had matching designs woven into them that resembled wind blowing through a grassy field. Instead of a normal veil, I wore a golden laurel crown that shimmered in any light that it was put under. I made a mental note to thank the unicorn that designed the outfits and shower her with compliments. Not only that, but I made a note to find out her name as well.

She came all the way to Baltimare just to save me the trouble of having to fly from Ponyville to the beach here. Once she had gotten all three of my bridesmaids dressed up, it was time for me to don my masterpiece.

“So, darling, are you excited? You’ve actually been much quieter than other brides I’ve worked with.”

My ears twitched some as I turned to her. “Oh, if only I could actually put it into words. Thank you so much for doing this on such short notice.”

The unicorn waved her hoof at me as she lowered the crown onto my head. “It’s no problem at all, really. One of my favorite things about this job is seeing the joy of a bride on her big day. Of course, I make dresses for many occasions, but weddings are my favorite by far. You look absolutely gorgeous, Spitfire! Speaking of, I must say what an honor it is to work with a Wonderbolt! So, who is this Nova Dash? Rainbow never did give me any details in her excitement.”

Rainbow looked to her and cleared her throat. “I did tell you he’s my brother, right? We… kinda had a falling out long ago and far away, but I can’t wait to introduce you all to him today! You will come, right, Rarity?”

Rarity! So that was her name. Rarity nodded and nudged her head towards the window. “I’ve made all of the girls’ outfits, so we’ll all be there. It’s a good thing you’re having the wedding on the beach and not in the clouds!”

I tilted my head, as did Overcast and Gale. “Girls?”

Rarity nodded again. “We have a small, tight knit group of friends here in Ponyville, and we’ll all be coming. We are welcome, aren’t we?”

“Sure! I look forward to seeing you all and getting to meet you! It’s a good thing Nova and I planned for unexpected company.”

She giggled and finished straightening out the dress. “There you are, dear! Now, don’t let me keep you here any longer!”

I gave her one last thank you before stepping out to meet my ride. My parents had gotten a carriage to take me and the girls to the beach in Baltimare where Nova and I first made the decision to confess to each other. Both of them were waiting for me in it with the biggest smiles on their faces. They brought me into a tight hug as I stepped in, and I returned the affection.

“I can’t believe my little girl’s all grown up….” I know I heard a sniffle from him, but Dad would never admit to crying, so I didn’t say anything about it.

Mom, on the other hoof, already had tears falling from her eyes. “There was a time when I thought Nova was like all other colts his age, but now there’s no one I think could be better for you. I’m so happy for you, sweetie.”

“Stop, Mom, you’re gonna get me all teary-eyed before I even get to see Nova….” Even though I was starting to cry myself, I was smiling too.

“Too late!” Overcast never was one to stay dry in emotional situations. She was already wiping her eyes as she, Rainbow, and Gale held onto me. “I know you can’t tell, but I’m so happy!”

We all giggled as Gale let go of me. “Anypony bring umbrellas?”

Everypony, even Overcast, started laughing as we approached the beach. There was still time before I was to make my appearance, so my bridesmaids took off to find their places. Dad smiled at me and kissed the top of my head.

“Spitfire, I’m so proud right now. You’re a Wonderbolt, you’re about to be a wife, but you’re still my little girl. I tell ya, giving you away isn’t going to be easy, but I’m proud of Nova, too. It takes more guts to ask a filly to marry you than you think.”

Mom gave him a nudge and wiped her eyes. “Sweetheart, I’ve dreamed of this day just as much as you have, possibly more. I’ve never seen you as happy as you are now, and that in itself makes me happy.”

I had to sniffle before speaking. “Really, guys, stop! You’re gonna make me start crying!”

We all started to laugh as Mom stepped out. “Okay, honey, okay. I’ll be waiting for you!”

That left just my father and me. “Today… I just want you to know just how proud of you I am. You’ve come so far and done so much with your life, and today is yet another big milestone. It was truly an experience watching both you and Nova grow into the ponies you are today, and honestly, I can’t think of any other stallion I’d rather see you with. I know he’ll treat you right, but I’m not going to let him forget that I loved you first.”

I chuckled a little and wrapped him in a tight hug. “I know you won’t, Dad. Just… try not to be… overbearing. I’m not a little filly anymore, you don’t need to protect me.”

He nodded as we stepped off of the carriage. “I’ll try to keep that in mind. I love you, sweetie.”

“I love you too, Dad.”

My father turned away, but the sniffling was a dead give away to his crying. I gave him a few minutes to himself, and he finally calmed down just in time for Mom to signal us through the little hut that had been fashioned to keep Nova from seeing me.

Dad looked at me and nodded before holding his hoof out. “Are you ready?”

“I am.”

I took a hold of his hoof and let him lead me through the hut. Once I was on the other side, all heads turned to me. Despite everyone looking at me, my gaze was centered on the tuxedo-clad stallion at the end of the aisle. His eyes never drifted away from my own, even as my father gave me away and allowed me to join him at the altar. My eyes widened when a rather familiar voice rang out beside me, and I looked over for just a moment to see the bright, silver-haired mare smiling back at me. The sight took me back to my time at daycare, but the flashback only lasted a moment before her speech cut through it.

“Fillies and gentlecolts! We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of these two intertwined souls. I myself have watched the bond between these two form and grow into the beautiful thing it is today, and I am quite honored to be the one joining them. However, some of you may not be so happy. If there is anyone here that objects to this union, let them speak now, or forever hold their peace.”

We waited for a few moments, and Sunbeam continued after we were sure there were no neighsayers. “Very well. It would be my pleasure to complete this ceremony, but not before I allow you two a word with each other.”

I smiled and nodded to her, but immediately turned my head when Nova took a hold of my front hooves. “Spitfire… I knew you were special from the day I first met you. You were one of my first friends that wasn’t related to me, and you were always my best rival. You pushed me to my limits and beyond, both on the race track and off, and eventually won my heart. Sometimes I wonder if the days since our first kiss have been a dream, but if they are, I hope it never ends.”

It was getting really hard to hold back my tears, and I could hear sniffles coming from both the seats and from behind me, most likely from Overcast and my parents.

“I don’t know what I did to earn an amazing mare like you, but I promise I’ll do my best to deserve you. I’ve learned not to make promises I know I can’t keep, but I know I can make you happy, and I promise never to stop trying for just that. Seeing you smile is one of the most beautiful things to me, and I’m going to do everything I can to give you a reason to smile every day. I promise to love you, comfort you, and protect you for as long as I live. I’m yours, Spitfire, now and forever.”

There was no way I could keep my face dry now. Despite the tears that were falling from my eyes, I was sporting the biggest smile of my life. He lifted his hoof and wiped my tears away, and every time I tried to respond, I choked on the words and kept crying. In the end, I only managed to get out one thing.

“I’m yours, now and forever.” In all honesty, everything I wanted to say boiled down to that. I had so many things I wanted to say, but I just couldn’t get them out. Eventually I stopped trying as my neighbor Fleetfoot—with whom I hung out when I first joined the EAAR—walked down the aisle with our pendants.

Sunbeam smiled at both of us and wiped her eyes. “Do you, Nova Dash, take Spitfire Ace to be your loving wife?”

“I do.”

“And do you, Spitfire Ace, take Nova Dash to be your loving husband?”

I couldn’t help but be distracted for a brief moment by the mention of my last name. It wasn’t something many ponies knew, and I rarely even put it on papers, but I didn’t really mind it for this occasion.

“I do.”

She nodded as Fleetfoot happily gave us each other’s pendants to exchange. “Then by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife! You may now kiss the bride!”

Everypony began to cheer as Nova leaned forward and pressed his lips against my own. Once he finally broke our kiss, I tossed the bouquet I had been holding up into the air. Many of the other mares moved to grab it, but I started giggling when it fell right into Overcast’s grasp.

I looked back up at Nova and he kissed me again. He held his foreleg out, leading me out after I had put mine around it. The carriage I arrived on had been replaced with a shiny, golden one with bells behind it. The bells rang out beautifully as the pegasi pulling the carriage took off, and the both of us turned and waved to everyone still on the ground.

Finally, I turned back to Nova and leaned on his shoulder. “I’m so happy right now.”

“I am too, Spitfire… I am too.”