Life in Ponyville - On a Hearth's Warming

by SeaBreeze173

Rating: teen
Tags: Sex, Tragedy, Slice of Life, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Alternate Universe, Sad, Main 6, Other, Romance, Original Character, Cutie Mark Crusaders
Length: 8641

Ponyville is a place of love, friendship and harmony. It is also a place of grief and heartbreak. But sometimes the things that break us can mend us too.

*Notice*
This story line is CANCELLED. I am going back to my original idea for this story. I will be going back in these chapters that are already published and slightly re-writeg/edit them. They will not be dramticly changed, just little things added and taken way. On a Hearth's Warming, take 2 will be started up around the beginning of June. I will edit the description here when that happens. Keep a lookout on my blog. Until then, please read the previous Life in Ponyville stories (they are linked below). Thanks:)

***

Seven years after the events of New Town, New Beginnings

The fire of friendship lives in our hearts; as long as it burns we cannot drift apart.

Love.
It makes the world go 'round. Love can be many things. Love between friends. Love between siblings. Love between parents and their children. Love between husband and wife.

The day has finally come, the day that Bolt and Sea are united in holy matrimony. It's taken seven years to get here, but throughout those years, the love between Thunder Bolt and Sea Breeze only grew more. Also during that time, Bolt became quite skilled at avoiding the jaws of his love's canine bodyguard. It seems that love between owner and pet is a powerful thing as well. These days the now silver faced Angus was a bit slower in his movements, but he still managed to get Bolt up a few trees every now and then. Chasing pegasi was always more fun than chasing cats and squirrels.

The honeymoon is a wonderful, and fun, time for the newlyweds and several weeks later, Sea and Bolt discover that a new addition will soon be joining their little family. In approximately eleven months. At first, Sea is worried. Would she be a good mother? Though she adores the foals of her friends and sister-in-law, she never felt she was the motherly type.

As time goes on, Sea opens up to the idea of becoming a mother and she and Bolt anxiously await the arrival of their foal.

The day arrives and everypony is overjoyed, especially Sea. She adores her new baby filly and looks forward to the years of raising her. But that dream soon turns into a nightmare when the family learns that the new mother won't get to see her newborn grow up.

Overcome with grief after his only love passes away, Bolt does the only thing he can think of; run.

Sand “Sandy” Dollar has grown up surrounded with love in Equestria’s friendliest town. She has the best friends a filly could ask for and a loving family, blood and honorary. Not to mention the most loyal dog to walk Equestria since her mother's very own Angus. But when her world is turned upside down from the return of the father she never knew after nearly fourteen years , Sandy begins to wonder if her life was just a big lie.

Join Sand Dollar in her story of Life in Ponyville, where friendships are made, love is found and broken hearts are mended.

Other books in the Life in Ponyville series.

New Town, New Beginnings
A Blast to the Past
Forever Love
Love: Reassessed
Thundering Rivers, Rivers of Flame

Prior reading of the other stories in the Life in Ponyville is not necessarily required, though reading New Town, New Beginnings and Forever Love may help the reader in understanding On a Hearth's Warming.

Cover art done by the wonderfully talented Lusewing

Published 2015-12-05 04:50:02 UTC
Last updated 2016-01-05 03:14:38 UTC

Part 1: Bells are Ringing - Chapter 1:Wedding Bells

On a Hearth's Warming by SeaBreeze173

Chapter 1: Wedding Bells

The day had finally come. Sea Breeze could hardly contain her excitement. Today was the day she would be marrying her love, Thunder Bolt.

Seven years ago she and her family moved to the small town of Ponyville. Her famous parents, Delegates drummer, Bass Tempo and award winning book author, Amethyst Rose, wanted their children to be able to grow up in a place where their status would not make a difference.

Sea Breeze never had many friends growing up, except for a unicorn by the name of Twilight Sparkle. Twilight’s parents, Night Light and Twilight Velvet, were longtime friends of Bass and Amethyst, Velvet and Amethyst having known each other since they were young fillies. Despite Twilight and Sea having a three year age difference, their friendship was deep, to the point of the two practically being sisters.

Thunder Bolt and Sea Breeze met in a fairytale like kind of way. Sea never thought that she would meet her true love on a train, much less run into him again that same afternoon. Over time, Bolt and Sea became friends, a friendship that would bloom into something more.

After many weeks of spending time with each other, Bolt introduced her to his seven friends: the twins, Stone Brook and Skye Racer, the cousins, Sweet Heart and Phoenix, Moon Glow, Glacier and Red Knight. Sea was warmly welcomed into their group and she formed close friendships with the mares of the group.

After he proposed, Bolt told Sea of how he went about asking her father for permission, only be told to ask the dog.

All of Ponyville knew that Sea Breeze had a dog by the name of Angus. He was a large black and white mutt with a curled tail and ears which had a mind of their own. Most days he could be found either glued by Sea’s side or asleep in a sun beam on the front porch of his home. Other days he would be sitting guard at the base of a near by tree, a familiar brown and blond pegasus perched on a branch above with an expression of aggravation reflected on his face, Sea not far away, attempting—and failing—to hold back her snorts and giggles.

As the years went by, Angus began to develop a tolerance for the stallion, that tolerance eventually building into a friendship with the one who loved his mistress, though the dog still liked to push between the lovers when he felt that their affection got to be too hooves-on, so to speak. Doing so usually got him some affection, however he had been told off a few times, to which he always responded with a woof, whine, yawn and grumble, in that order.

Sea Breeze stood in the makeshift dressing room; a white tent set up in a field on the outskirts of town. One of Twilight’s friends, Rarity, fussed at the pegasus’ unruly mane.

There were five other white tents. Beside her tent were four tents set up together, three serving as covering for tables, a dance floor and DJ table. The fourth tent, set up a few feet away, was for the caterers, including Twilight’s friend, Applejack and her husband, Caramel. Their twin daughters, Cortland and Cameo, along with Fluttershy and Big Mac’s filly, Honey Rose, waddled around the tent and consistently evaded the capture of their Aunt Applebloom.

On the other side of those tents was the fifth. It served as the dressing area for the stallions of the wedding party.

The day was perfect, an unseasonably warm late autumn day. The sky was mostly clear, a few fluffy white clouds floating across the blue sky. The wind blew softly, carrying the scent of apples from Sweet Apple Acres.

“Sea, dear, are you in here?” Amethyst pushed back the tent flap. The white and pink pegasus had gained a few more laugh lines on her face and there were a few pounds more on her waist, but her emerald green eyes still sparkled with mirth. The older mare gasped when she caught sight of her daughter. Sea turned slightly, wincing as she did, Rarity having pulled sharply with the comb just as she turned.

“Hi, Momma,” Sea smiled painfully.

“Sea, would you pleeeaaase be still. Your coiffure is just as important as your dress,” Rarity wrapped her magic around Sea’s head and gently pulled it back into position. Amethyst slowly walked up beside the unicorn, a few tears brimming up in her eyes.

“You look gorgeous, honey.”

Sea’s dress was ivory with a light green trim. The train of the dress was short, trailing only about two feet behind Sea’s hooves. The sleeves were a see through fabric, four light green leaves embroidered along each sleeve.

Rarity was currently trying to get Sea’s bangs to fall a certain way. The rest of her mane was in loose curls and pulled back with a green ribbon, the blue and burgundy colors weaving around each other. Her three year old filly, Ruby, tried to catch the ribbons her mother levitated just out of her reach.

“No, no, Ruby. These are Mommy’s ribbons. Um,” Rarity levitated a scrap piece. “Here, darling, play with this,” the red and white filly giggled and grabbed the ribbon. Rarity shook her head and smiled at her daughter.

“You don’t look so bad yourself, Momma,” Sea smiled at her mother, noticing her dress.

“What, this old thing?” Amethyst rolled her eyes. “I wore this to my wedding’s reception. Twenty-five years ago. I’m actually surprised it still fits,” Amethyst laughed. She was wearing a simple, yet elegant pink dress with white lace on the sleeves and collar that looked as if it were brand new.

“You’re still beautiful,” Sea said, making Amethyst tear up once more.

“Finally!” Rarity cheered. “I’ve never had such a hard time with a mane,” Rarity paused. “Wait, yes I did. Rainbow’s mane was a nightmare to style when she was married.”

Suddenly, five mares burst into the tent, another following behind at a less crazy pace.

“We aren’t late, are we!?” Sweet Heart glanced around in panic.

“Chill, cuz. We good,” Phoenix rolled her eyes at her cousin.

“It doesn’t hurt to be worried, Nixie,” Sweet Heart snapped. “This is a wedding. Sea’s wedding,”

“Were you this panicked during your own wedding?” Phoenix asked.

Moon Glow groaned. “I can believe you just asked that,”

“Well she still needs to relax. She’s ten months pregnant. Last thing we need is a birthing in the middle of the ceremony,”

Sweet Heart grumbled as she made her way over to Sea, her purple dress ruffling as she walked. She, Moon, Phoenix and Sea’s sister, Daisy Juniper, were Sea’s bridesmaids. Instead of getting her friends to wear matching dresses, she wanted them to choose their own colors. Her only request was for them to be similar styles.

Sea had had a hard time deciding which of her friends would be her Mare of Honor. She didn’t want to choose one friend (including her sister) and make the others jealous. That is, until each one suggested Sea’s longtime friend, Twilight Sparkle. Twilight had eagerly jumped at being Sea’s wedding planner, making sure everything was perfect for the pegasus. She was moved to tears when Sea asked her to be her Mare of Honor.

Sea smiled at her friends. “Sweet Heart, you are absolutely glowing. How’s the little tyke?”

Sweet Heart rubbed her swollen belly. “He’s doing just wonderful. It’s his mother you should be asking about,” the pink pegasus laughed, giving Sea a hug.

“Have you and Stone decided on a name yet?”

“Not yet. We have several written down, but we want the perfect name for our little colt,”

“I’m sure you two will choose the best one,”

Daisy Juniper and River, Bolt’s older sister, trotted over to Sea and Amethyst. Rarity, having finished with Sea, left to retrieve her own dress and get Ruby ready.

“You look like a princess, Sis!” Junie smiled broadly. The pink and blonde filly had grown into a tall and beautiful young mare of eighteen. Though art was her special talent, the pink pegasus loved ballet and so worked as an assistant at her ballet school, teaching young fillies and colts the ways of ballet. Junie was wearing a butter yellow dress that went beautifully with her pink and blonde mane. She had a butter yellow ribbon braided into her mane. Another ribbon was tied at the dock of her tail in a bow.

“My brother is going to faint when he catches eye of you, Almost-Sis,” River grinned. River was Bolt’s Best Mare. She wore a dark blue dress that rippled when she walked, making it look like ocean waves.

“I hope not. I would prefer the groom be conscious when we say our vows,” Sea laughed. “Does Flame have the girls?”

River nodded, giggling. “Honey and Pepper are running the poor stallion ragged. I never would have thought that two five year old fillies could be such troublemakers,”

“Six minutes!” Twilight cheered as she trotted into the tent. She ran as quickly as she could to Sea Breeze without tripping over her dress. “I can’t believe my best friend is getting married!” The alicorn squealed happily, hugging the grey pegasus.

“I know!” Sea squealed back. Twilight let go and stepped back.

“Does Bolt have the rings?” She asked. River shook her head.

“He doesn’t, but the ring bearer does,”

“Ring bearer? But I thought Bolt was keeping them,” Twilight furrowed her brows, a panicked tone rising in her voice.

“Don’t worry, they’re safe,” Sea smiled. She saw the tent flap flutter as something came through. The pegasus smirked.

“Here’s our ring bearer now,” Sea stepped around Twilight and River to see a large black and white dog. His face was mostly silver now and he had a slight limp in his front left leg from a injury when he was younger where arthritis had set in, but the giant pooch still looked as fit as he did seven years before. His markings already made it look as if he had a permanent tuxedo on; a collar with a black bow tie tied on completed his “outfit”. Hanging on the collar’s ‘D’ ring was box containing the rings.

Twilight stared slack jawed at the sight before her.

“Angus? Angus is the ring bearer?”

“Bolt and I were talking and we came to subject of Angus. I wanted to include my boy in the wedding and this seemed like a cute way to do it. Besides, Bolt had to ask him permission to marry me. It only seemed right to let Angus bring us the rings,”

“Wait, wait, wait. Back up. Bolt had to ask a dog if he could have your hoof in marriage. You didn’t tell me this part of the story,”

Sea chuckled. “Angus growled at Bolt first. Daddy had to reassure him,”

Twilight shook her head in disbelief. “And I thought Shining was bad,” a thought came to her. “Do not let your dog and my brother together.” Twilight glanced at the watch she had on her arm. “Ah! Two minutes! Places everypony! Places! River! Get Bolt!”

A brown and blonde pegasus stallion paced back and forth in front of the stallion’s dressing tent. He pulled at the collar of his tuxedo and shook his mane out. He had nervous sweat dripping from his forehead.

“Bolt!” River smiled as she trotted to her brother. “It’s about time to—whoa, you’re a wreck,”

“Well what do you expect?” Bolt huffed. “I’m getting married for Celestia’s sake! Do you even know what that’s like?!” River stared at her brother with a blank expression.

“Seriously? Flame and I just celebrated our sixth wedding anniversary, you nimrod. You have twin nieces, in case you forgot.”

“Oh, right,” Bolt chuckled. River sighed.

“Look, kid, I know you’re nervous. Dad said Flame was a nutcase on our wedding day. But remember who it is you’re marrying. A kind, pretty, loving mare is waiting to become your wife. Don’t pay attention to anypony but her and you’ll be fine,”

Bolt smiled and wrapped an arm around his sister. “Thanks, Riv. You’re the best sister ever,”

“I know,” River laughed. “Now, let’s get you married. I want nieces and nephews as soon as possible,”

“Riv!”

The band began playing the Bridal Chorus as Bass Tempo led his daughter down the aisle. Before them trotted the three flower fillies: Princess Skyla, daughter of Shining Armor and Princess Cadence, and twins Honey Lemon and Pepper Mint, Bolt’s nieces.

On the left side of the aisle stood Sea’s family; Golden Oak and Sapphire, her paternal grandparents, Uncle Fire Stone, Bass’ brother, Amethyst, Sea’s maternal grandmother, April Rose and all her other aunts, uncles and cousins from her mother’s side. Behind them stood Twilight’s parents, Night Light and Twilight Velvet, her brother and sister-in-law and her friends, their husbands in attendance as well. Even after five years, Sea still startled slightly whenever she saw Rainbow Dash’s husband, Soarin of the Wonderbolts. In Rainbow’s hooves struggled their three year old colt, Boomer.

On the right side of the aisle stood all of Bolt’s family. His parents, Thunder Cloud and Ocean Light and his brother-in-law, Flame Warden, along with Bolt’s grandparents, his uncle and aunt, and his cousins.

The rest of the audience included the families of Sea’s bridesmaids and Bolt’s groomsmen, Glacier’s family being the largest. Also sitting in the crowd were Sea’s honorary uncles, the rest of the Delegates, Eight Note, Mystic Rhythm, Rock Blues and Step Beat.

Bass Tempo and Sea reached the steps leading up to the makeshift alter. Bass lifted the veil covering Sea’s face and kissed her cheek, not expecting it when Sea swung her arms around her father’s neck and hugged him tightly.

“I love you, Daddy,” Sea smiled.

“I love you, too, Pal,” Bass smiled back, trying to hold back his tears.

Sea turned and walked up the steps, grinning at her friends and sister. She hoofed her bouquet to Twilight and turned to see the stallion who stole her heart smiling lovingly at her. She caught sight of Skye Racer, one of Bolt’s groomsmen and friends, wiping his face as if he had been crying. The sight of it nearly made her laugh out loud.

The band ceased playing as Mayor Mare, the wedding’s officiate, stepped forward and motioned for the audience to be seated.

“We are gathered—” the mayor paused as loud bawling drowned out her words. She peered into the audience to see Shining Armor crying his eyes out. Cadence had a hoof over her face while Twilight had an expression of “seriously?” plastered on her face. Mayor Mare simply shook her head and continued.

“We are gathered here on this beautiful day to witness the union of this mare and this stallion. I believe that they have written their own vows. Bolt, would you like to begin?”

Bolt nodded, clearing his throat.

“Sea, I never thought that when I got on that train seven years ago that I would meet the most beautiful mare in Equestria. I guess one could say that it was love at first sight. As I got to know you during your first weeks here in Ponyville, I began to find out more about myself. These past seven years have been the best years and I can’t wait to spend the rest of my life with you.” Sea felt a tear fall down her cheek. Bolt continued.

“You bring out the good in me. And although your dog put me through a lot, I never backed down,” Bolt turned to the dog sitting at the bottom of the alter steps. “Angus, thanks for giving me permission to marry your awesome momma.” The audience laughed as Angus woofed at Bolt in return.

Sea chuckled lightly as Bolt turned back to her.

“Geez, how can I top that?” She said, earning another chuckle from her friends and family. Gazing up into Bolt’s eyes, she began her vows.

“Bolty, when I came here to Ponyville, I was a shy, timid filly with an overgrown lap dog as her only friend. I had Twilight, but she and I had not been together for nearly eight years. When I met you and then all your amazing friends, it was the first time that I felt I really belonged somewhere. I wasn’t just the daughter of Bass Tempo and Amethyst Rose, I was my own pony.

“Never in a million years did I think I would fall in love. I thought I had all the love I needed from my family, and from my sweet Angus. But then I run into something while on the train to Ponyville. I get knocked on my butt and the first thing I see is a muscular brown chest. I look up and there is the most gorgeous blue eyes I have ever seen worriedly gazing down at me. I think my heart stopped for several seconds. And here I am now, those gorgeous blue eyes once more gazing into mine. I don’t see worry in them this time. I see love. I love you, Bolt and it is the most wonderful thing,”

Mayor Mare quickly wiped a hoof over her face to remove the tear stains. There was not a dry eye in the audience.

“May we have the rings, please?”

Sea turned to Angus. “Come here, baby,” she called. Angus slowly walked up the steps to his mistress, sitting politely between Sea and Bolt. Bolt reached up his hoof and held the ring box while Sea opened it and retrieved the rings, which were hung on chain necklaces. She kept the one meant for Bolt while giving him hers.

“Now, Bolt, repeat after me,” Mayor Mare began. “Sea Breeze, with this ring, I thee wed,”

“Sea Breeze, with this ring, I thee wed,”

“To love and to cherish, in good times and in bad, until death do we part,”

“To love and to cherish, in the good times and the bad, until death do we part,” Bolt lifted the necklace over Sea’s head and let it rest on her neck.

The mayor turned to Sea. “Sea, repeat after me. Thunder Bolt, with this ring, I thee wed,”

“Thunder Bolt, with this ring, I thee wed,” Sea smiled up at Bolt.

“To love and to cherish, in good times and in bad, until death do we part,”

“To love and to cherish, in good times and in bad, until death do we part,” Sea lifted the necklace over Bolt’s head and let it rest on his neck.

“I now pronounce you stallion and wife. You may kiss—” Sea didn’t wait for the mayor to finish. She jumped up and wrapped her hooves around Bolt’s neck, kissing him deeply. Bolt pulled Sea close and dipped her low, kissing her back with as much passion as he could muster.

“Oh, well, you may kiss the groom,” the mayor chuckled. The audience stood and applauded for the newlyweds. Angus eyed the scene in front of him. If a dog could roll his eyes, Angus would be doing it.

Bolt pulled Sea back to her hooves and embraced her. Hoof in hoof, they descended the alter steps and down the aisle. Half way down the aisle Bolt twisted around to see Angus still sitting where they left him.

“C’mon, Bud,” Bolt smiled.

“And now, the Father Daughter Dance,” Twilight said into the microphone. She nodded to Red Knight, who began the music. Bass took Sea’s hoof and led her onto the dance floor.

Gotta hold on easy as I let you go
Gonna tell you how much I love, though you think you already know.
I remember when I thought you looked like an angel
Wrapped in pink so soft and warm
You’ve had me wrapped ‘round your hoof since the day you were born.

Sea smiled up at her dad as he attempted to sniff back the tears.

You’re beautiful baby from the outside in,
Chase your dreams but always know
The road that’ll lead you home again.
Go on take on this whole world
But to me you know you’ll always be
My Little Girl

Bolt stood beside Amethyst as they watched Sea and Bass.

“I’ve never seen a stallion love his little filly as much as he does,” Amethyst smiled.

Sometimes you’re asleep I whisper “I love you”
In the moonlight at your door.
As I walk away I here you say, “Daddy love you more.”

You’re beautiful baby from the outside in,
Chase your dreams but always know
The road that’ll lead you home again.
Go on take on this whole world
But to me you know you’ll always be
My Little Girl

Someday some colt will come and ask me for your hoof
But I won’t say yes to him unless I know he’s the half that makes you whole

“I still can’t believe he said to ask the pooch,” Bolt chuckled, glancing down at Angus who was lying at his hooves, his silver face laid over his equally silver paws. Amethyst shook her head.

“He knew that Angus would make sure you’re a good one,” she replied, patting Bolt’s hoof.

You’re beautiful baby from the outside in,
Chase you dreams but always know
The road that’ll lead you home again.
Go on take on this whole world
But to me you know you’ll be
My Little Girl.

“I’ll always be your little girl, Daddy,” Sea said, hugging Bass tightly as the music came to an end.

“No matter how old you get,” Bass smiled.

Everypony stomped their hooves as the two parted. Bass went to Amethyst, who nuzzled him gently.

“Our baby’s all grown up,” Amethyst sighed, gazing at Sea and Bolt as they kissed lovingly. She glanced up at her husband. “Are you going to be okay?”

“Bolt’s a good boy. He’ll take care of my girl.” Bass saw Angus get between the newlyweds. The elderly canine pawed at his mistress, begging for some attention. Sea bent down and hugged her pet, not caring about the multiple black hairs she was getting on her dress.

Bass chuckled, wrapping an arm around Amethyst. “They’ll both take care of our girl.”

“Don’t have that colt until I get back!” Sea hugged Sweet Heart, the rest of her and Bolt’s friends surrounding them.

“Ya might as well just stay here, then, Breeze,” Phoenix chuckled. Sweet Heart glared at her cousin.

“Don’t worry, you’ll be the first to hold him when he arrives,” Sweetie smiled.

“Just leave the colt’s father out of the fun, huh?” Stone grumbled playfully.

“You’ve already had your fun, bro,” Skye patted his twin’s shoulder. Stone glared at his brother.

“You might be the one in the Royal Guard, but I can still kick you clean to Fillydelphia,”

“Knock it off, boys,” Sweet Heart said.

Bolt and Sea climbed into the carriage which would be taking them to the train station. They would be taking the train to Manehatten and then would get on an airship to their honeymoon destination; Bitaly.

“Oh wait! I have to throw the bouquet!” Sea laughed. “Is everypony ready?”

“Throw it!” All her unmarried mare friends shouted. Twilight stood over to the side with Shining Armor and Cadence, her coltfriend standing behind her.

Sea turned around and threw the flowers over her head. She twisted back around to see who caught them. She laughed at the sight before her. Somehow the bouquet had bypassed all the mares at the front and landed right at Twilight’s hooves. Beside the purple Alicorn Sea saw Cadence, her horn glowing.

“Uh,” Twilight stuttered. Shining’s eyes widened and turned to glare at the orange and blue pegasus behind him.

“I had nothing to do with this, sir! Honest!” Flash Sentry said quickly.

“Bye Twilight!” Sea called, giggling as she did. She hopped in the carriage beside Bolt and pulled the door shut.

“Sea Breeze!” Twilight shouted on deaf ears.

Author's Note

My Little Girl - Tim Mcgraw.

I always think of my dad when I here this. I thought it would be perfect for Sea and Bass Tempo's Father-Daughter Dance:twilightsmile:

I hope you enjoyed the first chapter of On a Hearth's Warming. Updates should be once a week (every Friday) until the end of part 1. Thanks for reading!

Chapter 2: Honeymooners

On a Hearth's Warmingby SeaBreeze173

Chapter 2: Honeymooners

As a wedding gift, Sea and Bolt’s parents arranged for them to have an actual house to stay in for their honeymoon in northern Bitlaty instead of a hotel. The villa was owned by a couple who bought the place and remodeled it into a bed and breakfast.

The four-hundred year old farmhouse had been made into a two apartment space. It sat on atop a hill that looked over the beautiful Bitalian countryside. The owners, Adamus, his wife, Bijou and their foals, Vito and Perricone, lived just down the hill and Sea and Bolt joined them every day for meals.

That morning, Bijou had offered to take Sea and Bolt to visit some of the shops in the city. The pegasus agreed enthusiastically. Bolt declined the offer, opting to stay at the villa to relax and do “stalliony things”.

What started as just a little window shopping with the occasional purchase for her sister, brother or parents quickly turned into getting gifts and souvenirs for Bolt’s parents, his sister and brother-in-law and their daughters, Twilight, Flash, Spike, and the rest of their friends.

“Thank you so much for inviting me to go shopping with you, Mrs. Bijou,” Sea smiled to the little red mare as they walked up the hill to the villa. Vito and Perricone had ran up ahead and were impatiently waiting for their mother and Sea Breeze.

“It was of no issue, mia cara. Mio marito isn’t one who enjoys shopping with his wife. Though, I imagine most other stallions are the same,” Bijou chuckled.

“That is very true,” Sea nodded.

“Perri and Vito are having friends from school over tonight,” Bijou said as they walked up the steps to front door of the villa. “I can send Adamus up with supper for you and Bolt so you won’t be bothered,”

“Oh, we don’t mind a couple foals. We can easily come down,”

“No, no, Mrs. Breeze. You and your new marito need to have some alone time on your honeymoon. Adamus shall bring supper and you and Bolt shall have a wonderful night of being together. Don’t forget to enjoy the wine,” Bijou nodded to Sea’s saddlebags, where the top of a bottle of fine wine Bijou insisted on buying for her peaked out.

Sea smiled. “I have no problem with that idea,” she pulled the villa’s key out of her saddlebag and unlocked the door.

“Thank you again for the wonderful day in the city,”

“Prego, you’re welcome,” Bijou smiled. “Vito! Perricone! Vieni con me,” the red earth pony called to her foals.

“Si, madre!” Perricone said. “Venga, Vito, come on,” Perricone said to her younger brother. The two foals chased after their mother, talking excitedly about what they would be doing with their friends that night.

Sea smiled as she watched the little family leave. She pushed the villa door open and trotted in.

Setting her bags on the floor, her nose twitched as she picked up the scent of candles. Nearly all the lights were off, the only light being what peaked out between the heavy curtains over the windows. Sea managed to pick her way along the wall to switch on the lights without running into the wall or tripping over anything.

The lights flicked on, revealing rose petals all over the floor.

“What in the world?” Sea gapped. Suddenly the lights dimmed once more and a radio clicked on.

Baby lock the door and turn the lights down low.
Put some music on that’s soft and slow.

Sea’s ears perked and turned around, Bolt standing right behind her.

“You’re kidding me,” Sea deadpanned.

“Does it look like I’m kidding?” Bolt smirked.

“No, but—yipe!” Sea yelped in surprise as Bolt grabbed her hoof and pulled her close, silencing her with a kiss.

There’s no hurry, don’t you worry.
We can take our time.
Come a little closer
Let’s go over what I had in mind.

“What’s got into you?” Sea asked when they parted.

“Is it a crime for a stallion to be romantic?”

Baby we ain’t got no place to go
I hope you understand.

“Of course not, but…” Bolt entrapped Sea once again in a kiss.

I’ve been thinking ‘bout this all day long.
Never felt a feeling quite this strong

I can’t believe how much it turns me on
Just to be your man.

After several moments Sea finally melted into the kiss. She wrapped her arms around Bolt’s neck and held onto to him tightly.

Ain’t nopony ever loved nopony
The way I love you
We’re alone now
You don’t how long I’ve wanted to

Bolt pulled away from the kiss and gazed down lovingly at his wife. He smiled as Sea sighed happily.

“What do you say?”

“You better lock the door and turn the lights down low,”

The sun was just beginning to set an hour later as Adamus trotted up the hill to the villa, his left saddle bag having a covered bowl of his wife’s cheesy spinach rigatoni inside and the right carrying a container of salad and bread rolls.
As he got closer, he noticed that all the curtains were pulled over the windows, along with music coming from inside. Raising a brow in curiosity, Adamus lifted his hoof and knocked on the door. He set the saddlebag on the porch as the door opened and Thunder Bolt peaked his head out. Adamus noted that the brown pegasus’ mane was much messier than it usually was, along with a bit of sweat dripping down his neck.

“Oh, hello, Mr. Adamus. What can I do you for?” Bolt smiled.

“Buona sera, Bolt. Mia moglie sent supper for you and Sea,” Adamus said, motioning to the saddlebag.

“Thank you, sir,” Bolt smiled again, taking the saddlebag from the earth pony stallion. “We’ll bring everything back tomorrow,”

“Si, si, that is fine,” Adamus smiled. As Bolt went to shut the door back, Adamus stepped forward.

“There is a washing machine in the basement. If you would be so kind as to wash the blankets, I would be very much appreciative,” Adamus smirked. Bolt nodded.

“Uh, of course. No problem,”

“Have a nice night, Mr. Bolt,” Adamus smiled again as he turned and began on his way back down the hill.

“We will!” Bolt shut the door and walked back to the living room. Sea sat on the couch, a glass of wine perched on her hoof. She smiled when she saw Bolt.

“So, uh, eat now or save it for later?” Bolt held up Adamus' saddlebag

“That refrigerator is awfully empty, honey,” Sea smirked. Bolt nodded and quickly trotted to the kitchen, quickly placing the whole saddlebag in the ice box.

“Later it is!”
_____________________________________

After almost three weeks away, Sea and Bolt arrived home in Ponyville.
They were saddened at leaving Adamus, Bijou, Perricone and Vito. They had become quite attached to little family and promised to one day visit again.

“Welcome home!” shouted their family and friends as the two departed the train.

“You guys didn’t have to do this,” Sea laughed, hugging her two newly acquired nieces.

“Did you and Uncle Bolt have fun, Aunt Bee-Bee?” Honey Lemon asked. Honey and Pepper had called Sea “Bee-Bee” since they learned to talk. Even once they were able to say her name correctly, they still called her Bee-Bee. Sea loved their name for her and asked for them to continue using it.

Sea glanced up at Bolt, who averted his eyes and began whistling.

“We certainly did, Honey,” Sea smiled. She straightened up and embraced her parents and siblings. Twilight trotted up behind Sea.

“BOO!”

“Twilight!” Sea whirled around and hugged her alicorn friend. Her eyes widened when she saw the diamond ring on Twilight’s horn.

“You’re engaged!”

“Uh-huh! Flash proposed a week ago. I’m so excited!” Twilight squealed.

“So, when will my bridesmaid duties be needed?” Sea giggled

“Not for a while,” the princess said. “But you know how fast time flies,”

“You can say that again,” Sea nodded. “I’m so happy for you.” The two hugged once again.

“Bolt! You’re going to hurt yourself!” Sea half-reprimanded, half-laughed as Bolt carried Sea up the front steps of their home. Bolt had his wings spread out for balance.

“Don’t worry about me, Breezey. I’m a big colt,” Bolt managed to get up the steps without dropping his wife. “Um, could you open the door?”

“If I must,” Sea rolled her eyes.

“Home Sweet Home,” Bolt said as they came through the doorway. They had bought the home a few months before the wedding.

The house was a simple home. One story tall, two bedrooms, a nice kitchen, a large living/dining room combination and an office equipped with a desk, chair, and a large dog bed for Angus.

“As much as I loved Bitaly, it’s nice to be home,” Sea sighed as she walked into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator, peering in to see if there was anything she could use to make supper with. It was mostly empty, save for some cheese and tomatoes that had seen better days. Bolt strode over beside her and pushed the refrigerator door closed.
He cupped Sea’s face in his hoof and kissed her tenderly.

“How about we just get some take out and have an in-home date night—” the doorbell rang. Bass Tempo had said he would be bringing Angus home.

“—With Angus,” Bolt added.

“You know you love him,” Sea brushed Bolt with her tail. She opened the door and was instantly assaulted with dog drool.

“Hey baby. We’re you a good boy while Momma was gone?” Sea baby-talked at the canine. Angus barked loudly, making Bass flinch.

“Ten years and he still gets me,” Bass shook his head.

“Thanks for bringing him over, Dad,” Sea kissed her father’s cheek.

“No problem, sweetie. He’s a good dog,” Bass rubbed Angus’ head.

“C’mon Goosey, let’s go get you settled down. Bye Daddy!” Angus plodded down the hallway behind Sea and disappeared into her office.

“Bye, sweetie,” Bass smiled. He set a bag inside the door. “Here are all Angus’ things,” he said to Bolt.

“Thank you, sir,” Bolt nodded. Closing the door, he picked up the bag and went into the kitchen to put out the dog’s food and water dishes on a small mat and hang the leash on a hook beside the door leading to the backyard. He took out the three toys and took them to Sea’s office. Stepping in the room, he saw that Sea had lay down on the giant dog bed and had her legs around Angus’ neck. The dog was fast asleep in his owner’s embrace, Sea looking as if she were about to fall asleep as well.

“You look comfy,” Bolt whispered so as to not wake the old hound.

“This bed is softer than ours,” Sea sighed, closing her eyes.

“You want a blanket?”

“Please.” Bolt nodded and went to fetch a warm blanket from the bedroom. He returned with a large quilt and two pillows.

“Figured I might join you two,” Bolt shrugged as he put one pillow under Sea’s head and set his on the other side of Angus, so that the dog would be between them. Bolt eased himself down and pulled the quilt over them.

“Sleep tight,” Bolt began.

“Don’t let the fleas bite,” Sea finished, nuzzling deeper into Angus’ abundant fur.

The next morning Sea awoke in her and Bolt’s bed. Beside her was her softly snoring loyal dog.

After the hour long nap the three had the previous afternoon, Bolt and Sea ordered take-out and watched several movies late into the night. Eventually Sea fell asleep against Bolt’s shoulder. Sea guessed that Bolt had carried her to bed during the night and no doubt assisted Angus up on the bed as well. The dog could no longer jump onto the furniture as he had developed some arthritis in his hips throughout the years. Angus didn’t let little bit of joint pain bring a damper on his `athleticism, though. When he got warmed up enough, he could do some serious running. He just had trouble stopping when he did.

Sea yawned and sniffed the air. It smelled like eggs and hay bacon. And burnt toast.

“Awe, he even burnt the toast for me,” Sea cooed to her drowsy pet. Sea was a weird mare in that she felt that the only good toast was burnt toast. She was certainly her father’s daughter.

She threw back the covers and hopped off, retrieving a step stool and placing it beside the bed so that Angus could get off easier.

Sea and Angus walked into the kitchen. Bolt stood at the stove, a pan of sizzling hay bacon before him. Sitting on the counter sat a large bowl of eggs and two plates of toast, one with burnt bread, the other just barely brown.

“Morning, babe,” Bolt winked.

“Good morning,” Sea pecked his lips. “So, you decided to make breakfast, huh?”

“You know I used to cook all the time. Mom rarely did, River’s horrible at it and Dad was always too tired from his work, so once I got old enough I decided to try my hoof at it,”

“Anypony can cook eggs and bacon,” Sea scoffed.

“River can burn water,” Bolt deadpanned. Sea was taken aback.

“Wow, that takes talent,” She set down Angus’ food dish, complete with a bit of eggs and a strip of hay bacon.

“You can say that again,” Bolt nodded.

“Are you okay in there?” Bolt called through the closed bathroom door, the sound of painful retching coming from inside.

“Do I sound okay?!” Sea spat, followed with more sounds of vomiting.

“I was just asking,” Bolt said to the dog standing beside him. Angus’ ears went up and he sneezed, shaking his head.

Not five minutes after they had finished breakfast, Sea began saying her stomach hurt. She didn’t even get all her words out before she went galloping to the half bathroom near the kitchen.

She had been in there for the past ten minutes.

Finally, the doorknob rattled and Sea stepped out of the bathroom. She looked miserable and Bolt wanted nothing more than pull her close and hug her.

“I’m going to go take a bath,” she said, stumbling as she pushed past Bolt. Bolt caught her and helped his wife to their bedroom and set her down on the bench in front of their bed.

“Just sit here and I’ll get the water started for you,” Bolt said. Once he had the tub filled halfway up with warm water, a little bit of strawberry scented soap dropped into the water, he went and helped Sea get to the bathroom, holding her hoof as she stepped into the tub. He wet a wash cloth with cold water from the sink and laid it across Sea’s forehead.

He wet another cloth, this time with hot water and squeezed a little bit of the strawberry soap on it. Using the cloth, he massaged Sea’s shoulders and back until she almost fell asleep. He then let the water out of the tub and rinsed the suds off her. Helping her once more to get out, he wrapped a large towel around her and used a smaller one to dry her mane and tail.

“Thanks, Bolty,” Sea smiled once Bolt pulled the bed sheets over her.

“It’s nothing, Breezy. I’d do anything for you,” Bolt kissed his wife’s forehead.

“I know. Love you,”

“Love you, too. Now get some rest and I’ll check on you in a little while,” Bolt smiled gently. He shut the blinds over the windows and turned off the lights, making it nearly pitch black in the room. He left the door cracked slightly and went to the kitchen to clean up the breakfast mess.

The next morning and several mornings after followed the same pattern. Sea believed it was just a bug she caught while in Bitaly. She tried to convince Bolt of it, but her husband was beginning to think that it could be something more than just a stomach virus.

“Maybe we should get a doctor’s appointment for you,” Bolt said as he helped Sea clean herself up one morning a week after they arrived home.

“But—”

“No, Breezy, there is something going on. I’ll make the appointment myself and drag you to the hospital if I have to.”

“Fine. I’ll go, if it’ll make you feel better,” Sea groaned.

“He’s worrying for no reason,” said Sea to her group of friends. Rarity had invited Sea, Fluttershy, Moon Glow, Sweet Heart, Pinkie Pie, Twilight, Junie and Rainbow Dash to an afternoon at the spa. Phoenix and Applejack couldn’t come due to work. Fancy Pants, Rarity’s husband, graciously agreed to watch Boomer along with Ruby while the mares had an afternoon out.

“You can’t blame him, Sea Breeze. He’s just being a good husband,” Rarity said from the mud baths.

“But it’s nothing, really. A little morning sickness has never hurt anypony. Angus used to puke every morning when he was a puppy. He’s fine,”

“Yes, but Angus is a dog, Sea. Dogs are different from ponies,” Fluttershy pointed out.

“It could be something else,” Sweet Heart interjected.

“What?”

“Sea’s got a little bun in the oven!” Pinkie Pie cheered. Sea Breeze stared at the pink pony. Junie looked at her sister in disgust.

“Eeww. Don’t tell me you and Bolt have been doing it,”

“Of course they’re doing it, Kid. They’re married,” Rainbow rolled her eyes. Junie grimaced and put her hooves over her ears. Moon Glow glanced at Sea.

“Well, are you?” Sea gaped at her friend, mortified.

“ARGH! I can’t believe I’m having this conversation with my friends. AND MY SISTER!”

“It couldn’t hurt to check,” Twilight shrugged.

“I can’t be a mother! I don’t even like foals!”

“But you love Skyla, Honey and Pepper,” Junie said. Rarity nodded in agreement.

“If I remember correctly, you couldn’t get enough of Ruby when I had her,”

“Don’t forget when you went ga-ga over Boomer,” Rainbow smirked.

“And just a month ago you said you couldn’t wait to get your hooves on this fellow,” Sweet Heart gestured to her pregnant belly. She was due to have the foal any day now.

“But I’m not their mother. I can easily hand them back over when I’m done drowning them in kisses,” Sea said. “I’m not ready to be a mother,”

“Congratulations, Sea Breeze. You’re going to be a mother,” Doctor Stable smiled.

Sea shook her head. “No, no, no. Check again. There has to be a mistake,”

“The tests don’t lie, Ms. Breeze. You are pregnant. Nearly a month along. It’s a little odd that you are having morning sickness so soon, though. Most mares don’t start until they are several more weeks along, if it even happens at all. I believe you’re just a bit more sensitive than most mares,”

“I’m going to have a foal,” Sea whispered to herself.

“Based on my calculations, your little one should arrive a few weeks before next Hearth’s Warming. We’ll know better as the time gets closer. Congratulations again, Sea Breeze.”

Sea shook the doctor’s hoof and slowly plodded out of the examination room and down the hospital hallway to the entrance. Bolt and Twilight were sitting in the waiting room. Bolt stood up when he saw Sea Breeze.

“How’d it go? Are you going to be okay?” Bolt asked anxiously.

“Yeah. Everything’s fine. Nothing ten months can’t fix,” Sea cheered half-heartily.

“What?” Bolt tilted his head, confused. Twilight’s grin grew with every passing moment.

“Bolty, you’re going to be a father,” Sea smiled shyly. Bolt froze.

“Congratulations, Sea!” Twilight threw her arms around the pegasus’ neck. “When are you due?”

“A few weeks before Hearth’s Warming, but it could be sooner or later,”

“A holiday foal?! That’s so sweet!” the princess gushed. She glanced at the brown pegasus. “Isn’t it, Bolt?” Bolt continued to stare, frozen. Sea waved a hoof in front of her husband’s face.

“Bolt?” The stallion shook his head.

“Sorry. I think I heard you wrong. I thought you said that you’re pregnant?”

Sea nodded her head. “I am. We are going to have a foal,”

“We are?!” Bolt’s face lit up. “No joking right?”

“No joking,”

“Ah Yeah!” Bolt wrapped his arms around his wife. “We’re going to be parents!”

“Uh-huh. Parents.” Sea uneasily grinned.

The three left the hospital, Bolt talking up a storm about the news. Sea held her head low with her ears pinned back. Twilight noticed her friend’s trepidation.

“What’s wrong, Sea?” Bolt paused in his monologue and looked towards the mares.

“Breezy?”

Sea stopped in the middle of the pathway and dropped to the ground, tears pouring out of her eyes.
“This can’t be happening,” she wailed. Twilight and Bolt glanced at each other and went to the pegasus. Bolt laid on his belly and wrapped an arm around her, nuzzling her mane.

“Don’t worry, Sea. We’ll get through this together,”

“You have all of us, Sea,” Twilight went to the pegasus’ other side and rubbed Sea’s back. “You have me, the girls, all your friends, your parents, Lighting and Daisy, and even Angus. We all will be right with you.”

Sea sniffed and wiped her nose. She smiled up at her husband and friend, a few tears still clinging to her eyes.

“I’m sorry, guys. This is just a lot to take in,”

“I know. It is a bit of a shock,” Bolt nodded. “How about we get you home, settled on the couch with a blanket, Angus, a bowl of ice cream and a TV? I’ll fix supper tonight.” Sea chuckled.

“That sounds nice,”

Twilight and Bolt helped Sea off the ground.

“I have to get back to the castle,” Twilight said. “I’ll come visit you tomorrow, Sea.” She hugged both Sea and Bolt goodbye and took to the air.

When they arrived home, Angus greeted them with a plethora of barks and excited licks, most of which were directed at Sea. Despite their friendship, Angus did not feel that Bolt was worthy of such affection.

Sea made her way to the living room, Angus hot on her hooves, while Bolt went into the kitchen to make a bowl of ice cream for his wife and a bag of popcorn for himself and the pooch. He set the time on the microwave for the popcorn and fetched the tub of ice cream from the freezer. He put two scoops of strawberry and a scoop of vanilla in a bowl for Sea and placed another scoop of vanilla into a smaller dish for the dog. Bolt knew that once Angus saw Sea’s ice cream, he would not leave her alone until she gave him a bite and so figured he would give the mutt his own.

Bolt balanced the ice cream and popcorn on his spread wings and carefully made his way to the living room. The sight he found was one that warmed his heart, yet, at the same time, filled him with sorrow.

Angus had a special intuition when it came to Sea. A sixth sense, Fluttershy called it. The dog always knew when his owner was sad or angry or stressed, even when no pony else could. Whenever he sensed that something was off about Sea, he would get as close to her as possible, lay his head on her shoulder and stay there for as long as Sea would let him.

This time, however, Angus sat beside the couch with his head laid on the cushion. Bolt knew that the dog was gazing lovingly up at his mistress. Sea slowly stroked the dog’s head and fondled with his velvety ears.

“Goose, what am I going to do?”

“Oh Sweet Heart, he’s beautiful,” Sea gushed as she held the newborn foal. He had his father’s slate coat and had the blue mane of his grandfather Rapid, along with a strip of white which he got from Sweet Heart and both of his grandmothers. When he opened his eyes, they were the same purple orbs as Sweetie’s.

“Have you decided on a name?” Bolt asked Stone Brook.

“We did, but after several knock-out drag down fights,” Stone chuckled.

“We did not have any knock-out drag down fights. I just threw the mane dryer at your head,”

“My point exactly,”

Sweet Heart rolled her eyes. Turning to a wide-eyed Sea, she said, “We decided on Storm Ryder,”

“That’s a wonderful name,” Sea smiled, though apprehensively.

Sweet Heart noted Sea’s nervousness. “Boys, could you leave Sea and I alone for a few minutes?” The stallions nodded and trotted out of the hospital room. Sea hoofed the sleeping Storm back to his mother, Sweet Heart cradling the colt in her arms.

“What’s wrong, Sea?”

“Nothing’s wrong,” Sea smiled, shuffling her hooves. “When did I say something is wrong?”

“You didn’t,” Sweet Heart said. “I’m just psychic,”

“No you’re not,”

“No, I’m not. But I know when one of my friends is troubled, especially when she’s my best friend. So spit it out. What’s wrong?”

Sea wrinkled her face, but finally her emotions poured out.

“Everything!” The grey pegasus cried. “I’m pregnant, Sweet Heart,”

“That’s wonderful news, Breezy!”

“No it’s not! This wasn’t supposed to happen. At least, not this soon. I can’t be a mother. I just can’t. I know Bolt wants foals and he’s going to be a wonderful father, but I know I’m going to be a horrible mother,”

“Oh, Sea,” Sweetie sighed. “You’re not going to be a horrible mother. You’re a loving and kind mare. I’ve seen how you interact with your nieces and with Rarity, Rainbow, Fluttershy and Applejack’s foals. There’s no mistaking the sparkle in your eyes when you are with them. You’re going to be a wonderful mother,”

“But what if I’m not?”

“I had the same fears, Sea. I believe every expecting mare does. But holding this little colt in my hooves, I feel such love for him. I may not win Equestria’s Most Amazing Mother award, but I’m going to raise this foal to the best of my abilities. And I have Stone to help me along the way, just like you have Bolt,”

Stone peaked in the room and glanced at his wife. “Are you two finished with your mare talk? I have a waiting room full of mares eager to get their hooves on my kid. I’m afraid they might start throwing hooves at any moment,” the stallion shuddered.

“Well it’s a good thing we’re in a hospital, then,” Sweet Heart chuckled. She balanced Storm on one arm and reached her hoof over to Sea’s, squeezing the grey mare’s hoof.

“I’m here for you if you need me. Any time,” the pink pegasus smiled. “Love you,”

“Love you too, Sweet Heart,” Sea leaned down to Storm and nuzzled the foal’s head. “Don’t work your momma too hard, little guy,”

“Sea?” Sweet Heart said as Sea made her way out the door.

“Yeah, Heart?”

The new mother smiled. “Congratulations,”

Author's Note

The lyrics in this chapter are from Your Man by Josh Turner

Chapter 3: It's the Holiday Season

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