Bookends Part 2: Or Making Dreams Come True

Everypony, especially Twilight and Cheerilee’s five closest friends we ecstatic to see Twilight on her hooves again. In spite of her weakness, Twilight didn’t want ponies to ‘baby’ her (too much). She was happier to be able to just walk around or up and down stairs more that any other pony.

Rainbow kept kidding Twilight she’d timed her cast removal to make a dramatic appearance in Rainbow’s wedding. But Rainbow was almost as happy to see Twilight up and around as Cheerilee.

It was a whirlwind measuring and fitting session at Rarity’s to get Twilight fitted for a Best Mare’s dress. Rainbow kept trying to put input into the design. Twilight and Rarity kept telling Rainbow the dress shouldn’t outshine the bride’s dress.

Rarity also threatened to run Rainbow’s lips through the sewing machine if she even thought the words; it needs to be about 20% cooler.

Rainbow was just so happy to have Twilight up and around.

Pinkie threw a bachelorette party for Rainbow. It was surprising how Pinkie could mix silly and innocent with silly and naughty. Plus her good friend Bon-Bon, Ponyville’s master confectioner, made naughty chocolates that brought a smile to almost everypony.

But it would’ve been too much for Twilight, the reminder of her recent violent and traumatic violation, but luckily Pinkie had foreseen this and had Bon-Bon make chocolates more suited to the predilections of Cheerilee and Twilight, as well as Rarity and Applejack.

Bon-Bon made a surplus of these, which she made more bits by providing them to Big Mac’s bachelor party.

Pinkie had arranged for some hot dancing stallions, the Chippenclydesdales, to come in and ‘strut their stuff’ for the party. She’d forgotten(?) to warn them about Twilight, Cheerilee, Rarity and Applejack.

As the stallions made their rounds, their egos were almost shattered when they were totally ignored by four attractive mares who just talked among themselves in spite of their best efforts in front of their table. The other mares present started to giggle at the reaction from the stallions. Twilight said something in a low voice to Rarity and the four mares started kissing as a sign this table wouldn’t appreciate the stallion’s act. They did move on to other tables in the room who responded more to what they were accustom to. But occasionally they’d glance back at the table they’d failed at.

Rainbow kidded her four friends, with their tastes in ‘private parts’ they perhaps should have attended Big Mac’s bachelor party instead.

But she would’ve been hurt if they had.

At the wedding rehearsal, there was a chair provided for Twilight. She thanked everypony and promised that she’d be okay the next day for the service.

Mayor Mare was presiding, she’d been a long time friend of Applejack, Big Mackintosh and Apple Bloom’s parents.

Rainbow Dash had Twilight for her Best Mare, the Bride’s Maids were Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy.

Big Mac had his long time friend Cheerilee as his Best Mare. His Groom’s Ponies were his cousins Braeburn, Carmel and the twins Red and Golden Delicious.

The wedding was held outside the barn, the inside had been fixed up for the reception. There was a pavilion at the back for the Bride and her maids. Cheerilee kept going between the bride’s party and the groom’s. She was making sure that Twilight wasn’t over doing it. Twilight and the friends had never seen Rainbow so nervous.

“Are you ready to do this?” asked Twilight, She was to give the signal when the bride was ready.

“Yes Twi, thank you so much. I’m glad to have all my friends with me today. I bet none of you ever thought you’d see Rainbow Dash settle down with a husband and raise a family.”

“A family?” asked Rarity. “Are you trying to tell us something?”

“No, not yet Rare,” said Rainbow with a laugh, “we’re going to take our time and let it happen when it happens.

I never ever thought I’d feel so much for a pony. He’s totally changed my life. Thank you all for what you’ve done for me in the past.”

Rainbow Dash took a deep breath.

“Well, let’s get this going.”

The six friends joined in a group hug. They started to line up when Pinkie said loudly;

“Stop! I’m never going to get this chance again!”

She grabbed Rainbow around the neck and kissed her rather passionately.

Pinkie broke the kiss, Rainbow just stood there stunned, but Pinkie said;

“Okay, I’m done!”

They all got in their line giggling.

Twilight looked forward, there stood the Groom, the Best Mare and the Groom’s Ponies. Cheerilee saw her, Twilight blew a kiss (the pre-arranged signal). Cheerilee motioned to the little country band who did a rather moving processional for the Best Mare and the Bride’s Maids. When Fluttershy was in place, they broke into a spirited Bridal March.

Rainbow Dash came up the aisle. All eyes were on her, but her eyes were fixed on Big Mac. Twilight couldn’t think of anytime she’d seen her friend so happy or for that matter, so beautiful.

The wedding was going as normal, the bride and groom exchanged vows, there were chuckles when Big Mac said ‘I do’ and not ‘Eeyup’!

Mayor Mare then said;

“The rings please.”

Twilight gave the ring to Rainbow that she’d been entrusted with, as Cheerilee gave Big Mac the ring he had entrusted to her.

“Rings are a symbol of the love and the promise of marriage. They have no beginning or end. And so the rings are given as a sign and a pledge of your love for all time.” said the Mayor.

“Big Macintosh, place the ring on Rainbow Dash and repeat, ‘With this ring, I thee wed’.”

“With this wed, I thee ring. Oh! I mean, with this ring, I thee wed,” said Big Mac placing the ring on the fingerlike structure on the end of Rainbow’s left wing. Blushing at his nerves.

Rainbow chuckled.

“Rainbow Dash, place the ring on Big Macintosh and repeat, ‘With this ring, I thee wed’.”

“With this ring, I thee wed,” said Rainbow as she placed the ring on his left fore hoof.

Then the Mayor got a funny look on her face and called out;

“Listen everypony, I’m sorry to stop right here, but there’s been a travesty that’s happened in Ponyville just recently. Two mares were married, this wedding was sprung on everypony without warning or allowing anypony to have any say.

It wasn’t even done properly.”

Mumbles from those gathered.

“As mayor, I’ve decided that I can’t sit silent. So I’ve enlisted the Apple Family to help me do something about it.

Cheerilee and Twilight looked at each other nervous.

“The two in question are here before us, Twilight and Cheerilee Sparkle. The two of you come up front here.

I’m sorry, but I can’t standby and not take appropriate action.

And so...”

Twilight and Cheerilee were about to cry.

“The rings please,” said the Mayor smiling.

Big Mac produced a ruby Unicorn ring and gave it to Cheerilee for Twilight and Rainbow produced a sapphire Earth Pony ring for Twilight to give to Cheerilee.

The Mayor repeats;

“Rings are a symbol of the love and the promise of marriage. They have no beginning or end. And so the rings are given as a sign and a pledge of your love for all time” said the Mayor.

“Cheerilee, place the ring on Twilight and repeat, ‘With this ring, I thee wed’.”

“With this ring, I thee wed,” said Cheerilee placing the ring on Twilight’s horn.

“Twilight, place the ring on Cheerilee and repeat, ‘With this ring, I thee wed’.”

“With this ring, I thee wed,” said Twilight as she placed the ring on her left fore hoof.

“Now kiss and let’s get back to the other wedding,” said the Mayor with a wink.

All cheered as Twilight and Cheerilee kiss, then hugged Big Mac and Rainbow Dash. Then they returned to the Best Mare position.

And so, by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you stallion and mare.

Big Mac, you may now kiss your bride.”

Rainbow launched herself at Big Mac and kissed him with all her heart.

“May I be the first to introduce, Mr. Big Mackintosh and Mrs. Rainbow Apple,” said the Mayor as everypony cheered.

The reception was the kind of party the Apples were famous for. Good food, music, dancing and a lot of fun.

The couple sat at a table as all filed by and gave their congratulations. After the cake and the first dance came the wedding presents. There were all kinds, as to be expected But after the last one, Rainbow said she had a special gift for her new husband, and for the community as well.

“I want to read two letters, I received the first one this week and the second I sent right away. I did make a copy for me to read here.” said Rainbow as the crowd quieted down. “I’ll be my normal self and read the second one first:

Ma’am,

I thank you for your kind offer and the honor it represents.

But I have to decline because I’ve decided I have an even brighter future with a husband, a home and the promise of a family.

Again, thank you and know I’m completely honored!

Yours,

Rainbow Dash

Now the first one I wrote the response you just heard.

To: Ms Rainbow Dash

Greetings,

Because of your record of heroism as a wielder of one of the Elements of Harmony, your actions at the Best Young Flyer’s Competition saving the lives of four ponies at once and your outstanding performance at the Training Academy, it is my pleasure to extend to you an invitation to join the Wonderbolts.

Please reply A.S.A.P. or report to the Academy within the week.

Looking forward to flying with you,

Spitfire

Captain, Wonderbolts”

There was silence.

Everypony understood the significance of what Rainbow had just read.

Then there were cheers from the crowd, tears in the eyes of her friends and a large hug and kiss from her husband.

“You did that for me?” asked Big Mac.

“Eeyup,” replied Rainbow giving Big Mac another quick kiss.

The rest of the wedding went off without a hitch (no wedding pun intended). The bouquet toss started a small riot, and of all ponies, Scootaloo caught it. Finally her skill at being able to hover for a moment helped.

The plans for the Honeymoon were withheld from Rainbow, Big Mac asked her to trust him. She did that without question.

There was a taxi waiting for the couple to ride off in. They sat there waiting, as Twilight made her way through the crowd to the couple. She levitated an envelope to Rainbow Apple.

“Here’s what I promised Big Mac. Cheerilee and my gift to the two of you.

Round trip first class tickets to Canterlot, and a letter from the princesses to authorize you to stay in one of the best suites in Canterlot Castle for five days and four nights.

Complete with all food and drink from the castle kitchens and wine cellar. And castle staff at your service twenty-four hours a day. Plus an invitation to a state dinner with Princesses Celestia and Luna.”

Rainbow looked stunned.

Rarity walked up and levitated a package to Rainbow:

“You can’t attend such a dinner in just anything. From Applejack and myself, here are new outfits for both of you to help you make a good impression,” said Rarity.

“Thank you,” said Big Mac, “You’re really the best friends a pony could ask for.”

“I don’t know what to say,” said Rainbow.

“Just have fun and start practicing for that family,” said Twilight with a wink. “But make sure they change the sheets, Cheeri and I’ll be staying in that suite when we’re at the castle.”

All the ponies laughed and Big Mac gave the pony the signal and they rode off to the train station.

It was about a month after the wedding, life in Ponyville went to normal. Rainbow had resigned as head of the Ponyville Weather Team, she was now just a simple farm pony and house wife. She left the weather in the capable hoofs of her assistant, Rainbowshine.

Cheerilee was getting prepared for the start of school. As she was going through her papers she found the pamphlet she’d picked up at the hospital while waiting as Twilight’s had her cast removed.

“I think it’s time” said Cheerilee aloud to herself.

“Time for what Darling?” said Twilight, who just walked into the room.

“Twi,” said Cheerilee smiling, “we need to talk. I know we talked about the possibility of adoption. But I think I’ve changed my mind.”

“Why so?” asked Twilight, sounding disappointed.

“Cheer up Sweetie,” said Cheerilee, “I’ve a better solution.”

Cheerilee pushed the pamphlet in Twilight’s direction and Twilight levitated it.

Twilight looked it over, she then looked questioningly at her wife.

“Who?” asked Twilight.

“I had a dream not long after we started going together,” said Cheerilee, “and don’t think me silly. But I’ve found a lot of dreams, the ones I can remember, have some validity. In the dream, there were two foals. Yours and mine, I didn’t understand how they could’ve been ‘ours’ but this makes sense now.”

“Both of us having a foal?” asked Twilight.

“Yes!” said Cheerilee very happy.

Twilight stood there and thought about it. She looked over the pamphlet again. Then she looked back. A smile spread across her face.

“You and me, mothers, together!” said Twilight, “that’s a wonderful idea! But who’d the fathers be?”

“According to the pamphlet, you can choose from anonymous donors or you can use volunteers.”

“I’ve found that you never do anything without thinking it out first, so spill it,” said Twilight.