My Cowboy I Met in Appleloosa

Chapters

Chapter 1-That Night in Appleloosa
Chapter 3-Seemingly Normal
Chapter 4-Another Date
Chapter 5-On the Farm
Chapter 6-The Rodeo
Chapter 8-A Letter
Chapter 9-The Letters Continue
Chapter 11-His Year of Touring Finally Ends
Chapter 13-A Unique Visit to Appleloosa
Chapter 14-That Night
Chapter 15-Wedding Planning
Chapter 17-Two Years Later
Chapter 18-A Year Later
Chapter 19-Filly Number 2
Chapter 20-Family Day at the Rodeo
Chapter 22-Trying at Helping His Mom Come Around
Chapter 23-Family Dinner But Without His Mom
Chapter 25-Sire’s Day
Chapter 2-The Issue with Braeburn
Chapter 7-As Suspected
Chapter 10-New Letters Received
Chapter 12-Catching Up
Chapter 16-Wedding Bells are Ringing Ringing
Chapter 21-Wildflower’s Grief
Chapter 24-Dam’s Day

Chapter 1-That Night in Appleloosa

It was a night at the rodeo in Appleloosa when I first met him. I was there with Applejack, Apple Bloom, and some other pals. When he came out for his event, my jaw dropped and my eyes went wide. My heart pounded out of my chest. “Who is that? The brown stallion with the Cowboy hat cutie mark and dust brown mane and piercing blue eyes?”

“That’s Cowboy, just like us Apples he comes from a rodeo family,” responds AJ. “You’ve fallen for him haven’t you? Want me to help you meet him after the rodeo is over?”

“Mmhmm,” I sigh, “I’d like that a lot.” Applejack smiles back at me before we both get back to watching the rodeo. As we watch, I see him send his lasso flying around the horns of a young calf and bring it to its knees and tie it. My eyes go wide once more. He’s stolen my heart. He’s consumed my every thought. I. Have. To. Meet. Him. Now. I have to meet him now, he has to be mine and only mine.

After the rodeo comes to an end, I get pulled to the side by AJ and Apple Bloom. “Are you ready to meet Cowboy?” AJ asks me. I nod and we head over to meet him.

Soon I’m standing face to face with him. “Cowboy,” says AJ, “This is Creativa.” She winks. “Have fun.” She and Apple Bloom then walk off and leave me alone...with him.

“Hi, I’m Creativa Artly,” I say to him, nervous, legs shaking hooves trembling.

“Howdy, I’m Cowboy, nice to meet ya,” he says to me with a smile.

“Yeah...ya too,” I say back. “Wanna maybe go get a sundae or a shake?” I stutter.

“Better yet, we can do that and go watch the sun set over the desert,” he responds.

“Yeah, sounds good,” I reply. We then go get shakes and eat them under the sunset. As we eat them, we sit and talk.

“So, how long have you been friends with AJ?” He inquires.

“Since I moved to Ponyville, I guess,” I say with a shrug.

“Has she told you about Apple Annie Oak Tree?” He asks.

“Many hundreds of thousands of times,” I sigh then giggle.

“How long are ya gonna be here?” He responds.

“Three maybe four days, but I have to get back soon because my siblings are coming into town. My brothers Free Throw and Ducky and sister Tortoise.”

“Cool,” he responds. “I can’t wait to meet them someday.”

“Yeah, someday,” I giggle.

“Can’t wait,” he giggles.

Over the following three days, we hang out and continue to get closer and closer and by the end of those three short days, I’m officially his marefriend. He’s my stallion. Everypony is dumbfounded except for AJ.

“Well, I saw that comin’,” she says to me with a grin.

“You set that up, well played AJ, well played,” I giggle and smirk.

“Yeah, I saw how you wa lookin’ at him,” responds AJ. “I knew it was a match made in heaven.” We then hop on the train followed by Apple Bloom and as we do, I see him chasing us down trying to get one last goodbye from me. “Now that’s a real knight in shining armor,” giggles AJ.

“Wait! Wait! Creativa I never got to say goodbye!” He hollers but alas the train is soon out of sight and he’s gone from my view and me from his.

“I can’t believe I forgot to say goodbye to him at the station,” I sigh to AJ as my eyes fill with tears, full of regret and shame and guilt.

“It’s not your fault, hon, sugarcube, it ain’t your fault at all,” says AJ wiping away my tears.

A few hours later, we arrive back in Ponyville and I’m greeted by my siblings in a great big hug. All the while my mind is consumed with nothing but him...nothing but my Cowboy. Oh how I yearn to go back and see him again like right now. Alas, it’s family weekend. I have a responsibility to my siblings and my mom who’s too busy at work to be here with us.

“What’s that look in your eyes, sis?” Inquires Ducky.

“Love,” I blurt out. “I met a stallion at the rodeo this weekend in Appleloosa and now we’re a thing.”

“Cool,” shrug Free Throw and Tortoise. “Cool.” We then head to SugarCube Corner for some sugary snacks. As we are there, I talk with AJ and Pinkie while my siblings just snack on sundaes, cookies, and cupcakes. Everything is perfect is all I can tell them. It’s literally all I can tell them.

“You really fell hard, huh?” Squeals Pinkie. She giggles.

“Yeah,” I say, eyes wide and thinking of him. “Yeah. You can thank AJ for that. She set it up.”

“It’s true, I saw it from the start,” responds AJ with a snicker. “It’s so true.”

“Cool,” giggles Pinkie. “That’s so cool. AJ is such a fun matchmaker. Better than Rarity. Don’t tell her I said that.”

“Lips sealed,” I respond as does AJ. I then pay and I and my siblings part ways. We go to Disneigh the next day and do a painting class together among other things. I introduce them to DragonLily, Luv, and my other friends as well and they hit it off rather well. I’m thrilled. So happy. So glad. We even end up doing Disneigh again all of us and we all have an absolute blast. We even run into the Sparkles while we’re there as it’s an anniversary party thing for Velvet and Nightlight who first met there when she was playing Snow Veil all those years ago. He was just a ticket pony. We wish them happy anniversary and continue with our trip and our day. It was nice to see Twilight, Shining, Cadence, a more teenage Flurry Heart, the Mr. and Mrs. just all of them. We then go hop on a coaster and go full speed. If only Cowboy were here, I think to myself, he’d have such a blast with it too. Alas, he’s all the way back in Appleloosa so I won’t likely see him again anytime soon.

Chapter 3-Seemingly Normal

Over the following weeks, I keep doing trips between Appaloosa and Ponyville when I’m able. That being on weekends mostly or on holidays when I don’t have an art class or one on one lesson in my art studio. Every so often, he’ll even make the trip up to Ponyville to see me which is quite a sweet gesture. Regardless, there’s always one question I always have to ask during our visits. “Are you staying out of trouble with Braeburn?” His answers vary. Sometimes it’s a yes and sometimes it’s not. Even so, we move passed it and continue to grow closer as a couple. My friends start noticing.

That night at the Apples, I’m chatting with Applejack. “Cowboy is great,” I sigh, “but why does he have it out for your cousin Braeburn so bad? He won’t give me anything more than ‘it’s always been that way’. It drives me crazy!”

“Well,” responds AJ, “that’s just what stallions do. You’re the one who likes him regardless of his faults. Remember?”

“Yeah,” I sigh back in response. “You’re right, I am.”

“How have the dates and just hang outs been goin’?” AJ inquires.

“Really well, actually,” I respond. “He’s so sweet. So charming. I see why you thought and I guess knew I’d like him, AJ.”

“Uh-huh,” responds AJ with a tilt of her hat. “Hard to get passed it when you were ooglin’ at him the entirety of the rodeo in Appleloosa.”

“Yeah,” I say, blushing in embarrassment. “We got talkin’ ‘bout your family on one of those dates. Your great aunt Apple Annie Oak Tree. Is it true you can do her triple lasso trick?”

“Shore is!” AJ responds. “I’ll show ya sometime. Now, what else, pray tell, did he tell ya about Auntie Annie?”

“That she was one of the best trick ponies of her day, one of the best sharp shooters too,” I respond.

“She’s so much more than even just that! Yeah, that’s part of it, but not all of it,” responds AJ, “Goldie gave me the pictures of my aunt and Flank. Wanna go see ‘em?”

“Sure,” I respond as I follow AJ into the farm house and into a room I’d never seen before. AJ then pulls out a box and begins showing me all the Annie Oak Tree stuff her gran had stored away.

“Wow!” I exclaim. “How does your granny have all this stuff?”

“This is only a fraction, the rest is at Goldie’s,” AJ responds with a giggle. “And Granny has it because she is one of Annie’s baby sisters.”

“Cool,” I respond. We then go through the box. AJ explains the photo albums, news articles, and other things to me. She tells me about Flank and their kids, Apple Jam and Golden Apple. She told about Annie’s passing and how it wrecked Flank and the foals. She told me how Flank eventually remarried another sharpshooter named Rita Froghoof and had a daughter, a filly with her. She told me how that filly was named Annice Apple in honor of Annie. It was all so sweet. A lot of it actually made me tear up or full on bawl cry. It’s so nice to see a pony so passionate about their family and where they came from and you can tell just by how AJ tells it that she’s proud to be a descendant of Apple Annie Oak Tree and Flank Flankler. She still has yet to meet Annice but has met Apple Jam and Golden Apple which is really cool.

“Yeah,” says AJ to me, “I’m proud to come from the bloodline of such an amazing and talented showmare! Annie was awesome but she had some health issues that took her before her time. I’ve met her son and daughter though and they’re really sweet. I haven’t met Flank’s other kid, the one he had with Rita though. I don’t know if I ever will but only time will tell. Regardless, I hope to meet your family someday.”

“Yeah, my sister and brothers, mom, aunt, uncle, cousins, grandparents, I don’t know when they’ll come to visit, it never lines up,” I sigh.

“Why didn’t ya mention your paw?” AJ inquires.

“I don’t wanna talk about it,” I respond beginning to cry.

“Ok,” responds AJ. “But ya know I get it, my parents are dead too? Is he dead?”

“Mmhmm,” I sniffle. “It’s just hard because his birthday is the day after mine...” AJ grabs me close as I begin to cry. She’s such a good friend and I’m glad she’s around. We change the subject and everything goes back to cheery and happy as we continue talking Annie Oak Tree and how much I love Cowboy and how I can’t thank AJ enough for setting us up. It’s been an all around eventful day and I can’t wait to see him again in a few weeks time. The love of my life! My Cowboy!

Chapter 4-Another Date

Weeks go by and soon we return to Appleloosa and I go out on yet another date with my Cowboy. “So,” I say, “it’s been too long. Way tooooo long.”

“Yeah,” he responds. “I’m sorry about that. I don’t make it up to Ponyville much, sadly.”

“Yeah, and that’s a dang shame,” I respond with a chuckle as I nuzzle him on the cheek. “You should come by to visit more.”

“I really should, I agree,” responds Cowboy with a sigh. We soon arrive at the general store and we sit down and share some milkshakes, both of us getting chocolate. We continue to talk for hours on end before watching the sunset and going our separate ways. I head to the train station and he heads back to his family home. On the ride back to Ponyville, I look at a picture of Cowboy and stroke it with my hoof.

“I’m so glad you’re my world, my life, my boyfriend,” I sigh. “I hope someday we get to be more. Oh my Cowboy, when will you propose to me?” A few hours later, I get back to Ponyville and am greeted by Applejack and we head back to the Sweet Apple Acres farm. As we walk, we get to talking.

“How’d the date go?” Inquires AJ. “Did y’all enjoy ya’selves?”

“It went well and we had an absolute blast, I’m ready for us to be more though,” I respond with a heaving sigh, “I’m ready for him to propose already!”

“Give it time, sugar cube,” AJ responds. “Give it time.”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right,” I say with a sigh. Soon we are back at Sugar Cube Corner and are greeted by Big Mack and Apple Bloom with great big hugs. We then all sit down around a small fire in the heart of the orchard and enjoy some fresh brewed apple cider as we listen to the fall breeze rustling through the leaves of the trees. We don’t turn in for the night until maybe midnight that night. Just talking everything from me and Cowboy to cider season and just everything in between. Needless to say, we have a blast.

That night as I walk up to the spare bedroom in the farmhouse, I can’t help but think about my Cowboy. As a result, that night, he populates my dreams as do thoughts of our wedding, our engagement, and other future plans. I’m ready to marry him, oh so ready.

Chapter 5-On the Farm

It’s a new morning on the farm as I wake up to the fresh smell of hay cakes. “Good mornin’,” says AJ to me as I come down the stairs.

“Good mornin’,” I respond with a yawn. “Those sure smell good!” We sit down and eat the hay cakes with fresh apple juice to drink. As we are eating and talking, Apple Bloom comes in and grabs some hay cakes before heading out the door to meet up with Sweetie Belle to head to meet Scootaloo at the pool. Big Mack grabs some as he heads out the door to go surprise Sugar Belle at the bakery. “Looks like it’s just the two of us this morning,” I say as I turn to face AJ.

“Sure does, sugar cube,” responds AJ. “Are you heading to Appleloosa this weekend to see Cowboy and his family?”

“No, he’s at a rodeo out of town. Mane Gait is too far out of the way for me to go, sadly.”

“Well, maybe next weekend you can go,” responds AJ.

“Yeah, maybe,” I respond. I finish up my breakfast and head off to my art studio in town to work on a painting. Not long after I arrive, I’m greeted by Toola Roola.

“Teacher, I’m here for my lesson,” the filly says to me.

“Come on in,” I say to her. She listens and comes inside. I help her set up her easel and we begin her lesson. It’s an advanced art lesson. During the hour, Toola and I work on our paintings and we just talk, give each other advice, it’s rather nice. An hour later, her big sister comes to pick her up and I get back to work on the other piece I was working on before Toola came for her lesson. I let out a sigh. In a week I have another art gallery show. I’m excited, exhausted, and just hoping and praying that Cowboy can find some way to make it.

Meanwhile in Mane Gait, Cowboy preps for tomorrow’s rodeo. As he preps, he is cheered on by his brothers and his mother and father. They all have no idea his big sister, Sweetheart is in town, but they’ll find out soon enough.

A few moments later, the family hear a feminine sweet voice behind them. “Hey mom, dad, little brothers,” says the voice. “It’s nice to see y’all in town.”

“Yeah, good to see you too, sis,” respond Gunslinger and Arrowhead. “We had no idea you were coming.”

“Well, I live a town over from here, why wouldn’t I come?” Inquires the mare puzzled. “Besides, anything to support you guys. You’re my little brothers after all.”

“Hey darling dearest,” she soon hears peep out of her father, Gold Bar’s mouth. “We’re glad to see you too, ya know.”

“And I’m glad to see y’all,” she says as she goes over and gives her mom and dad a great big hug. All the while, Cowboy just does his best to focus on practicing for the rodeo that’s at hand first thing tomorrow morning.

Chapter 6-The Rodeo

The next morning, Cowboy is up before the sun and at the rodeo grounds practicing for his events in the rodeo. Oh! How he enjoys warming up first thing in the morning when it’s quiet and he has time all to himself just to think. As he’s practicing, he tries to put his sister on the back burner and think about Creativa instead but sadly to no avail. Having his sister in town for this rodeo is just distracting him too much and he can’t change that, but he can’t ask her to leave either. After all, she’s family. She comes around as she wants and leaves as she pleases. “Just block your sister out of your mind, dang it!” He yells to himself as he continues to practice. Three hours later, it’s finally time for the rodeo and all the contestants watch as their family members take their seats to watch them. As he watches the ponies sit, Cowboy sees Sweetheart sit down next to their paw Gold Bar while his brothers sit on either side of their mother, Wild Flower. He watches for another moment as another stallion sits down next to his sister. “That must be her stallionfriend,” he says to himself, “I hope he treats her right.”

A few moments later, the events begin. Cowboy does both of his and places first in both of them. Those like always are the hay bale toss and trick roping. They then take a break before the ponies all do the hurdles in which Cowboy places second. He’s fine with that. They never were his strong suit anyways. Once he’s finished with all his events, Cowboy goes and sits down with a bottle of apple cider which he drinks down happily, satisfied with his placements. As he’s enjoying his refreshments, he hears several sets of hooves trot up to him. It’s his family and his sister’s stallion friend.

“Hey Cowboy, little brother, I wanted to introduce you to my stallionfriend,” says Sweetheart. “His name is Powder Keg.”

“Cool,” says Cowboy with a shrug. “It’s nice to meet you, Powder Keg.”

“Please, just call me Keg,” responds the stallion with a deep throated voice.

“Oh okay,” says Cowboy a little taken aback by this. He then pulls himself together. “How long have you and my sister been dating?”

“Almost a year now,” responds Keg. “How about yourself? What mare is on your mind?”

“Her name is Creativa Artly, she’s an art teacher, rooms with the Apples in Ponyville,” he responds. “We haven’t been dating too terribly long. Our love is pure and strong, I’ll say that much. She keeps me in check and out of trouble.”

“Now that’s a solid marefriend, indeed,” responds Keg with a powerful laugh. “Hold on tight to that one.” He slaps Cowboy across the back, knocking the breath out of the stallion. Keg and Sweetheart trot off leaving Cowboy alone with just his mother, father, and brothers.

“Keg sure is interesting,” moans Cowboy to his family. “Where’d she find that one?”

“No idea,” responds Arrowhead, “but you know big sis knows how to pick them.”

“Yeah, I guess,” responds Cowboy. “But something seems off to me about him.”

“You’re just mad he can beat you up,” teases Arrowhead.

“No, something just feels off about him to me,” responds Cowboy. “I don’t trust him.”

“Well, you know your sister,” responds Gold Bar, “give her time, she’ll have a new stallionfriend by the end of the year, just you wait.” Cowboy nods and heads out of the rodeo grounds with his mom, dad, and brothers. All he can do is hope and pray that they’re right about Keg. After all, something about Keg just seems off to him and he still can’t put a hoof on it as to why.

Chapter 8-A Letter

A few days later, I get a letter from Cowboy in the mail sometime after work and I promptly open it. “Dear Creativa,” I read, “you’ve missed so much, some good, some bad. I did well in the Mane Gait Rodeo, got two first places and a second. Oh, and one other thing, sis showed up with an abusive stallionfriend, but I and my brothers helped get her out of that situation. She’s now dating a good friend of mine and the Apples, Oak Root. He’s a relative of Burnt Oak, grandson I believe. He treats Sweetheart better than that abusive gray stallion Powder Keg ever did. That relationship was awful, big sis was covered in bruises and cuts from the abuse she suffered at Keg’s hooves. We’re all just glad and relieved that she’s safe now. I’m sorry it’s been awhile, but I’m going to be on the road with touring rodeos for another year, I don’t know when I’ll be back home to Appleloosa or up to visit Ponyville, but I’ll continue to write.” He finishes it as he always does, “yours forever and always, your Cowboy.” I take the letter inside the farmhouse and show it to AJ who reads it with a smile.

“Well, I’m glad he’s looking out for his big sis,” says AJ. “And Oak Root is a good kid, he’s Burnt Oak’s son and a close friend of mine and Big Mack.”

“Cool,” I respond. “I just can’t believe I won’t see my Cowboy for another year or so. He’s doing a rodeo tour across Equestria right now.”

“Well, at least he’s gonna write ya,” responds AJ. “And you can totally write him back.”

“Yeah, you’re right,” I respond. I then go and put the letter up in my room in the farmhouse.

Later that night, AJ and I go into town and join up with Pinkie, Dash, Rarity, and Twilight for a girls night. Fluttershy is out of town visiting her brother. For our girls night, we eat out at a fancy diner in Ponyville and go to the movie theater and enjoy a trip to the spa as well. I have a blast. We stay out until about 10:00 or so before all heading our separate ways. AJ and I return to Sweet Apple Acres, Rarity returns to her boutique after going to pick up Sweetie Bell from their parents house, and RD and Pinkie head off to pull some late night pranks on some ponies at a new place in town.

Back at the farmhouse, AJ and I sit and continue to talk for another solid hour or two. We talk about many things until we are interrupted by two young voices, it’s Apple Bloom and Babs Seed.

“Oh, hey sis,” says AJ turning around to face the fillies, “I thought you two were already in bed. What are you doing back up?”

“Couldn’t sleep,” responds Apple Bloom. “It gets lonely here when you leave since Big Mack is always over at the Cakes’ house visiting Sugar Bell.”

“Well, I’m home now, now go back up to bed.” The fillies nod and AJ walks the pair back up the stairs. Poor Babs is only in town for the time being because her parents are in court for divorce and child custody proceedings. AJ agreed to take care of the filly while her parents try to settle things the best they know how.

Once in Apple Bloom’s room, AJ tucks the two fillies back into bed. Once tucked in, Babs asks AJ the question AJ’s been dreading since the little filly came to stay with them. “AJ, are my momma and daddy gonna stay together? Do they still love me?”

“On the first one, honestly, I don’t know,” responds AJ, “but on the second, they do still love you, Babs, they always will.” She kisses the fillies on the forehead and heads back downstairs.

“I can’t imagine,” AJ says to me when she comes back downstairs, “I just can’t imagine.” She shakes her head. “Poor Babs, she just doesn’t understand. She thinks divorce means her parents don’t love her anymore. Her parents do still love her and getting her to understand that is just hard. I just wish I knew what to fell her.” AJ lets out a sigh. She then heads off to bed and I do the same. Maybe I could get through to Babs in a way AJ can’t, but I’m too tired to do that now. I’ll talk with the filly in the morning. Right now, all I want to do is sleep.

Chapter 9-The Letters Continue

Over the following weeks and months, Cowboy and I trade letters back and forth. “My dearest Creativa,” he starts off the first one, “you’d love Lasso Lane down near the sholes. It’s a beautiful little town. I’m sending you a little gift every time we visit another place on tour, so keep your eyes on that mailbox. Yours always, Cowboy.” A few days later, the package arrived and I opened it with eagerness and excitement. Inside the box is a little wood carving with the town name in it along with our initials. How sweet! I immediately sit down and write him back.

“Dear Cowboy,” I write, “I love the gift so much! You’re so thoughtful and so sweet. I miss seeing you so much. I’ve been keeping busy hanging out with AJ and the girls and also working my job at the art school and art shop. It doesn’t change how much I miss you and long to see you again though! Yours forever, Creativa.” I send it out that afternoon. I then sit down when I hear a door open. Apple Bloom and Babs are back from school.

“How was school today?” I inquire.

“It was good, thanks,” responds Apple Bloom.

“It was fine, I guess,” responds Babs.

“Would you like to talk about it?” I ask.

“Sure, I guess,” shrugs the filly as she sits down at the table with me. Apple Bloom heads off to find her big sister.

“What happened? What’s going on? Are you okay?” I ask. “All you’re going through, I know how it feels.”

She breaks down in tears. “Honestly, I’m not alright,” responds Babs, “I don’t want momma and daddy to divorce. I don’t wanna live with only one parent. I’m scared. I’m so scared. Do they still love me? I don’t know, it doesn’t feel like they do. I don’t understand. Why don’t they love each other? Why can’t they just get along? I don’t want to go back to Manehattan but I don’t want to leave here either. AJ and Apple Bloom are like sisters to me. I’m so grateful that they’re letting me stay here. I just want everything to be alright.” I hug her as she continues to cry, tears steaming down her face. “I just want things to go back to normal.”

“I know,” I respond, “my siblings and I were the same way. Alas, before our parents could make amends, daddy took his own life.” I begin to cry. “I was such a daddy’s girl. I miss him so much, everyday. I push through though the best I can and I know you have the strength to do the same. At the same time, know it’s alright to break down and cry. It’s necessary. It’s oh so necessary.” I begin to tear up myself. “Just know it’s healthy to cry. Right now, especially, when you need it most.” Babs thanks me and I help her upstairs to her room and we continue to talk for another few minutes before she finally asks to be left alone. I nod and return back downstairs and get back to writing my Cowboy. It’s been a long day, but at least, Babs is finally opening up to me. I’m glad I can at least be helpful to someone today. Now if only I could find some way to see my Cowboy sooner than a year from now.

Chapter 11-His Year of Touring Finally Ends

A few months later around New Years Eve, I hear a knock at the door of the Apple Family Barnhouse and head downstairs to open it. There, I am greeted by a familiar face. “Cowboy!” I squeal as I embrace him in a great big tight hug around the neck. “You’re back! That’s a nice surprise!”

“Well, our year of touring is up and I wanted to spend New Years with you,” he responds before kissing me on the cheek. I happily bring him inside. AJ hearing his familiar voice soon heads down the stairs from hers and Apple Bloom’s room.

“Howdy Cowboy,” says AJ with a smile, “welcome back. It’s been awhile. How’d the rodeo tour go?”

“It went well,” responds Cowboy, “even if my brothers and I had to detour a bit to help out my sister. I had to help her get out of an abusive relationship with a stallion named Powder Keg. He was beating her. It was so bad. She’s safe now, happily married to Oak Root and they’re expecting a little filly. I’m going to be an uncle soon! I’m so excited!”

“Well, congratulations,” we respond with a smile.

Cowboy then raises a good question. “Where are Big Mack and Apple Bloom?”

“Apple Bloom is having a sleepover at Sweetie Bell’s,” responds AJ, “and Big Mack is spending the New Year with his marefriend Cheerilee.”

“Cool,” responds Cowboy. A few hours later, we go to the town center and watch the ball drop that the unicorns set up all across Equestria. The main one is in Canterlot and the second largest one is the Crystal one in the Crystal Empire, but we have a smaller one here in Ponyville as well. Right as midnight begins, the unicorns drop the ball and we cheer as it does so and the following concert begins led and spotlighted by Coloratura and Songbird. As they sing under the shine of the ball, Cowboy and I happily share a kiss as do many other couples, it’s by far the best New Years I’ve had in awhile. That’s for sure.

Chapter 13-A Unique Visit to Appleloosa

A few weeks later, I take another trip down to Appleloosa for a rodeo Cowboy is in once again with Applejack tagging along. “You’re glad to be back, I can tell,” AJ says to me as she nudges me with her elbow and a smile and a wink.

“Yeah, I love seeing Cowboy! He’s my everything! My world!” I sigh, stars in my eyes. We walk over to the bleachers, trot up to a good spot on the top side of them and sit down. From here we can see everything. Not long after we’re seated, the rodeo begins and Cowboy and all the others trot into the ring. They then start their events starting with the hay stack tower build. This continues for about two hours before the next event begins. As we’re watching a pony comes over and talks to AJ. From what I can tell, it’s one of her cousins that lives here. When the pony trots off and AJ turns back around, that’s when I finally ask. “Who were you talking to?” I ask curiously.

“That was the granddaughter of Rita Froghoof,” responds AJ. “Never met her until today. Sweet filly. How she found out I was related to Flank Flankler, I have no idea. I’ll ask Twilight about maybe helping me with my extended family trees eventually. I kinda need to, the Apple Family is so large and just continues to grow.”

“That’s cool, it’s nice you’re meeting more of your family,” I say to AJ with a smile.

A few hours later, the rodeo finally comes to an end and Cowboy comes over to me and AJ and drags me away to a secret corner of the grounds. There, he takes a deep breath, pulls out a blue velvet box, and gets down on one knee. I look at him in shock and surprise. “Are you?” I ask in amazement. He nods.

“Creativa Artly, will you give me the pleasure of being my wife?”

“Yes!” I squeal as I hug him. “Yes! Absolutely 100% yes!” He ties the ribbon with the ring on it around my neck and I can’t help it, but I can’t stop hugging him.

“Well, can you let go?” He asks after a bit. “You’re kinda choking me.”

“Oh sorry,” I say as I let go, “I kinda got excited.”

“It’s fine,” responds Cowboy, “now let’s go tell my family!” I nod and we take a coach back to his house and hop out. There, we are greeted by his mother, brothers, sister, and Oak Root. “Where’s dad?” He inquires of his mother.

“He had a bad fall earlier,” responds Wildflower, “so he’s in bed resting.” She then leads us inside and to her and her husband’s bedroom, Cowboy’s siblings and Oak Root follow behind us.

Once in the room, Wildflower helps her husband sit up in bed. “Honey, Cowboy’s home and he’s got some good news for us.”

“Well, spill then, I can tell you’re excited,” responds Gold Bar.

“Daddy, momma, Sweetheart, Arrowhead, Gunslinger, I proposed to Creativa after the rodeo today. We’re engaged!”

“Well congratulations, boy!” Responds his father as he messes up Cowboy’s mane. His mom smiles and congratulations him with a hug. His siblings also congratulate him with a hug as well. His father then continues to talk. “I and your mother couldn’t be more grateful or excited, so much joy has come into this family as of late. Oak Root, the son of an old friend of mine married my daughter, I’m going to be a grandpa, and now my eldest son is getting married! I couldn’t be any more grateful! Welcome to the family Creativa! You mean the world to our son and you mean the world to us as well!” I blush. It’s all just so overwhelming. I can’t wait to be part of this family, part of his family.

Chapter 14-That Night

Later that night, I sit down with Cowboy on the porch of his family’s farmhouse. “I can’t wait to be part of your family, you know that?” I say as I lay my head on his shoulder. “I’m so ready to marry you. I have been for months!”

“I know,” responds Cowboy. “I’m sorry I couldn’t ask earlier, I was just so busy.”

“Don’t worry, I completely understand,” as I take his hoof in my own. “I can’t wait for you to meet my mom and my siblings.”

“And what of your paw?” He inquires. I begin to tear up. “Uh oh, did I say something wrong?”

“No, no, it’s fine,” I respond. “I was close with him before he and maw divorced and before he took his own life. I was his baby girl, his birthday present, his everything.”

“Well, I’m sorry to hear that,” he says as he pulls me close into a hug and does his best to comfort me. I cry for several more hours before we go in the house and turn in for the night. Cowboy leads me into a guest room and helps me get comfortable for the night. I soon cry myself to sleep. Oh how much I still miss my dad! Oh so much! Oh so very much!

The next morning, I awaken to the smell of pancakes. I head down the stairs following the scent when I bump into my Cowboy. I embrace him in a hug. “You okay?” He asks. “I heard you crying last night in your sleep.”

“Yeah, I’m fine,” I sniffle as I wipe the remaining lingering tears from my eyes and sit down. We then enjoy breakfast in the quiet. Afterwards, Cowboy and I leave the house so I can get some fresh air and can calm down.

“You know I’d never mean to upset you, right, my love?”

“I know you meant no harm,” I respond, “the wound is just so fresh. It’s only been a year maybe two now since his passing.”

“I didn’t know,” responds Cowboy.

“I know,” I sigh. “You did not know. You did nothing wrong. I should’ve told you.” We continue to walk quietly through Appleloosa before going back to his home for lunch. It’s been an interesting day so far, but hopefully it’ll turn around for the better and the happier in the hours to come.

Chapter 15-Wedding Planning

Over the following days, weeks, and months, Cowboy and I begin wedding planning with help from both his family, my mother, my siblings, and the Apple siblings. “I can’t believe he finally asked! I thought it would never happen!” I say to AJ in a whisper so Cowboy can’t hear.

“Yeah,” AJ whispers back. We both giggle a bit in response. We then get to discussing the kind of flowers, cake, etc. wanted for the wedding.

“What kind of flowers?” I’m soon asked by his mother Wildflower and my mom, Bakeleigh.

“Daisies, 100% I respond.”

“What kind of cake?” Asks my mom. “And can I be the one to bake it?”

“Yes and obviously chocolate,” I respond with a smile.

We do this back and forth for hours before deciding to go on a mares trip to the massage parlor for hooficures. We also start looking for dresses at Rarity’s shop. “Oh I can’t believe it, darling! Congratulations!” Says Rarity to me as we walk into the shop.

“Yeah, I blush, it took him long enough,” I say with a giggle. “Now how about those dresses!”

“Oh, of course, darling,” responds Rarity. She brings over the first rack using her magic. I begin to pick out the ones I like, so nothing too frilly and poofy and nothing that rests too much on the neck either. Across the four racks, I get down to five dresses. I then begin trying them on. After trying them on two to three times each, I eventually settle on the second one I tried on. It’s a neckless dress in a very light pale purple. It’s not too long or too short in the back and has a very light blue ribbon about the waste. Needless to say, it’s perfect, everything I could ever want in my wedding dress. While there, we also look at veils. We settle on a transparent sheer one with light purple and blue flowers. We thank Rarity and leave. The next place we stop is the tea house for a nice girls brunch.

“So,” says my sister, Tortoise, “I can’t believe my big sis is finally getting married! Where’d you find this one, a rodeo?”

“Actually, yes,” I respond blushing, “Applejack introduced us actually. I couldn’t be more grateful! I’m so lucky, so fortunate, so blessed! He’s wonderful. He’s so kind, caring, sweet, compassionate, talented, loving, brave, and oh so much more!”

“Well, I be darned,” responds my sister. She giggles. “I’m so happy for you big sis, for real though.”

“I know,” I respond as I mess up her freshly straightened mane. This annoys her a bit and she crosses her hooves and stops talking.

“You know my brother never shuts up about you,” says Sweetheart to me. “He loves you so much. I can’t wait to officially welcome you to our family!”

“And neither can I!” Adds Cowboy’s mom Wildflower with a bright and beaming smile.

“Aww, that’s so sweet, thank you,” I blush. “And I can’t wait to be part of it!”

A few moments later, the waitress comes over and takes our order. “What will it be today, ladies?” She inquires.

“The apple flapjacks,” says AJ. “Two of them.”

The mare nods and writes it down.

“The normal breakfast platter,” I respond.

“Same here,” respond my mom, sister, Wildflower, and Sweetheart.

“And what of our selection of teas?” She inquires.

“The Cinnamon apple blossom,” responds AJ.

“The Apple Pear Snap,” responds Apple Bloom.

“The white peach,” I respond.

“The English,” responds my mother.

“The Petunia,” responds Sweetheart.

“The rose petal suite,” responds Wildflower.

“Do you have chocolate milk?” Asks my sister. Why am I not surprised? I bury my head in my hooves in embarrassment.

“Sure,” responds the mare. “I’ll be right back out with those drinks.” She takes the tray cart and goes and fetches the hot teas and the chocolate milk and soon passes them out to the ponies that asked for them. A few moments later, she returns with the food and does the same. As we eat, we continue to joke and talk and just have fun. After awhile, we just go to purely eating and sipping on our teas and drinks. We stay for about two hours before leaving and returning home. Mom and sis go to their hotel, I return home with AJ to Sweet Apple Acres, and Sweetheart and Wildflower settle into their guest rooms there as well too.

Back at Sweet Apple Acres, we are greeted by Big Mack and Cowboy and his brothers. “So, how did y’all’s mares’ day go?”

“It went well, thanks,” we respond snarkily. “We had so much fun shopping and having tea and brunch.”

“That’s cool,” they respond. “Glad y’all enjoyed yourselves.” We all sit down in the living room together and talk for hours before heading out to dinner. As we are about to leave, Cowboy notices his dad isn’t with us. He goes up to the guest rooms and finds the old stallion laid up in bed.

“What’s wrong, dad? You look like you’re in pain. Did you hurt yourself? Are you okay?” He asks concerned.

“I’m fine,” coughs the stallion, “it’s just a cold and some back pain. Go enjoy your night, don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine.”

“You promise?” Asks Cowboy, eyebrow raised.

“Promise,” coughs Gold Bar. Cowboy closes the door and leaves his father be. We all then head off to dinner. We end up having a blast of a night. Tomorrow the wedding planning continues. I’m no feeling other than excited. I can’t wait to be with Cowboy for the rest of my life! And I know that he feels the same way too!

Chapter 17-Two Years Later

Two years after our wedding, things start to change for us. First thing is first, we finally got our own house in Ponyville proper. Second thing’s second, we’re expecting our first foal. We’re hoping for a filly. Not long after I find out, AJ throws me a baby shower at the farm. “You didn’t have to do this,” I say to her as she embraces me in a hug.

“Nonsense, of course we did,” responds AJ, “you’re practically family.” We head into the farmhouse and she sits me down as other ponies slowly arrive including my mom, my sister, and some of my closest friends, Lovestruck and Dragonlily. Other ponies that come include Toola Roola-one of my students, Cheerilee, and of course Apple Bloom and her friends are there too. Cowboy’s mom even comes and joins us as well all the way from Appleloosa. About an hour later when everyone is finally there, the shower begins.

We snack and talk as I open all the presents. The first is from AJ. I open the box. “Oh, a hand carved crib, cute. That’s adorable, thank you.” I embrace AJ in a hug.

“You’re welcome, Creativa,” she says as she returns the hug. I take a sip of my water before opening the next gift, the one from my mom and sister.

“It’s a blanket, thank you,” I say as I hold them close in a hug, tears in my eyes. “Thank you.” They push me off of them and I go on and open the next gift-the one from Lovestruck. I open it. “It’s a painting and a blanket, thank you.” I embrace her in a hug.

“You’re welcome,” responds Lovestruck. “I wanted to make something for you to hang in the foal’s room, so I’m glad you like it!”

“Are you kidding me?” I respond. “I love it, thank you!”

We end the hug and I continue over to Dragonlily’s present which is rattles painted to look like dragon eggs. There’s a hand drawn picture in the box as well. “I love them, thank you, Dragonlily,” I say as I embrace her in a hug.

“Oh, you’re welcome,” she responds. “Glad you like them!”

“I love them! They’re so fun! Thank you!” We end the hug and I move on to the box from my mother in law, Wildflower. I open it to find a hoof knit blanket. “Thank you, I love it!” I say as I embrace her in a hug.

“Well, you’re welcome,” she responds with a smile. “Cowboy won’t shut up on how excited he is about it too!”

“Don’t I know it,” I respond. We both bust out laughing. I soon get back to the gifts after enjoying a bite of my cucumber sandwich. Once I finish it, I move onto the next box. This one is from Toola Roola and her mother. I open it and find a miniature easel and a smaller box with hoof knit hoof booties. I thank them and move onto the next one, one from Apple Bloom. I open it and inside is a hoof sewn quilt. I thank her too with a hug.

“I’m glad you like it, AJ helped me make it,” says Apple Bloom with a grin.

“It’s amazing,” I respond. “Good job and thank you.” I then move onto the final three presents. The gift from Cheerilee is a little wooden high chair. The one from Sweetie Belle and her sister Rarity is a hoof sewn blanket and bonnet set in satin and lace. The one from Scootaloo is hoof carved wooden letter and number blocks. I hug them and thank them as I did with Everypony else. Over the following days, I get presents brought to my house by Pinkie-who brought a teddy bear, RD brought a cloud and rainbow themed mobile, Fluttershy brought a hoof sewn blanket she made herself, and Twilight brought a children’s book she used to read to Flurry Heart titled The Story of the Princess Amore. It must be a staple read for any colt or filly in the Crystal Empire. It’ll definitely be an interesting book to read with my foal as she grows up, that’s for sure. I wish they had come to the baby shower but hey, maybe they were busy and just forgot. I do so much enjoy the gifts nonetheless though. Man! I can’t wait to be a mom!

Chapter 18-A Year Later

A year later, I finally give birth to a little filly whom we name Brushstroke. She has a blue colored coat similar to mine with his deep blue eyes and my blond curly mane and tail. “She’s perfect,” I whisper to Cowboy as I kiss him, tears streaming from my eyes. “If only my dad could see me now, he died when I was early into my college years.”

“Well, I assure you that he’d be so proud of you,” he responds as he hugs me close to him as best he can as I am in a hospital bed because I have just given birth after all. A few minutes later, his mom, dad, siblings, and other family arrive as does mine.

“She’s so cute,” says my little brother, Ducky.

“Mmhmm, so cute,” agree Tortoise and Free Throw.

“Congratulations,” say my mom and Wildflower as they hug me close and take turns holding the filly. “We’re so proud of you two.” Cowboy and I can’t help but blush. All we can say is thank you.

“Congrats brother!” Say Sweetheart, Arrowhead, and Gunslinger.

“Lemme see, up up,” says Double Heart to her mom. Sweetheart lifts her up to see her little cousin. “Hello, little Brushstroke,” she says to the filly in my arms.

“Someone’s excited to be an older cousin!” Says Cowboy as he smiles at his sister and his niece.

“Yeah, no kidding,” agrees Sweetheart with a smile.

We spend several more hours talking before I finally start to nod off a bit. On that everypony leaves so I can sleep and Cowboy stays to watch over little Brushstroke in her crib. This is an exciting new adventure and we’re totally here for it, but right now, I don’t want to do anything else but sleep and no one can blame me for that.

Chapter 19-Filly Number 2

Three years later, Cowboy and I welcome another little filly into our lives whom we name Paint Splatter. Brushstroke is thrilled to be a big sister. “She’s so cute,” says little Brushstroke before running around, jumping, and chanting “I’m a big sister! I’m a big sister!” At the top of her lungs.

“Shhh, calm down, your sister is trying to sleep,” I say with a smile. Little Brushstroke stops jumping around.

“Sorry, momma,” says Brushstroke blushing with embarrassment.

“Come, sit up by my side and see your sister,” I say as I pat the spot next to me with my hoof. Brushstroke comes over and sits down by me. I then help her hold her little sister.

“What’s her name, momma?” Asks little Brushstroke as she rocks the little tan filly with brilliant blond curls not dissimilar from her own.

“Paint Splatter,” I respond with a smile as I help her continue to hold and rock her little sister.

“We have a wonderful family,” says Cowboy as he comes over and kisses me on the cheek. “We’re so lucky. So blessed.”

“I couldn’t agree more!” I say with a smile as I look down in my lap at our two little fillies. “I really couldn’t agree more!”

About five days later, I return home with little Paint Splatter in tow in a little stroller and within the next hour, there’s already a knock on the door. Cowboy opens it for me and is surprised to be greeted by his mom, dad, brothers, sister, and niece, but he soon realizes they’re not the only ponies at the door as my mom and siblings are there too. “We wanted to meet the newest member of the family,” they all say in unison. Cowboy eyerolls and reluctantly lets them in. I don’t know why, they’re all family. Maybe because it hasn’t been even a whole day yet that I and the filly have been home. It’s hard to say for sure.

“I’m so proud of you, honey,” says my mom, Bakeleigh as she comes and sits next to me and gives me a hug before going on to hold her newest granddaughter.

“Ah, thanks mom, I’m glad,” I respond blushing.

“Grandma Bakey!” Squeals Brushstroke as she comes and hops up into my mom’s lap.

“Hey, silly girl,” she says as she embraces Brushstroke in a hug. “My! You’ve grown since the last time we were here!”

“I’m tree now!” Responds the filly as she draws a three out on a piece of paper with a crayon and shows it to my mom.

“So you are, wow! That’s big!” Responds my mom. Mom gets up and comes over and sits next to me with little Paint Splatter in tow as she notices that I’ve started to cry. “What’s wrong, honey?” She asks. “Arts, what’s wrong?”

“I wish daddy could’ve been alive to see this,” I sniffle. “Would he be proud of my too, momma? We did have that big falling out before his passing after all.”

“Of course, he’d be proud of you, don’t be silly,” responds my mom as she wipes the tears away from my eyes while trying not to cry herself. “He’d be oh so proud of you. Don’t you ever think he wouldn’t be.” She hands little Paint Splatter back to me so everypony else can have a chance to meet and hold her. My siblings are the first to take turns doing so followed by all of Cowboy’s family. By the end of it all, I’m exhausted and pass out not long after everypony leaves. Cowboy smiles and goes and puts Paint Splatter in her crib before taking Brushstroke outside to play with her cousin Double Heart. The two fillies laugh and giggle as they play tag and have an absolute blast. Cowboy hangs back on the porch of our house and catches up with his family.

“So, you’re a father of two now,” says his dad Gold Bar with a smile before breaking out into a cough. He’s still a sick old stallion. “How are you likin’ it?”

“It’s been good so far, but it hasn’t even been a week yet,” responds Cowboy. “But I can already tell Brushstroke has taken a real liking to her little sister. She’s so excited that she’s finally a big sister. She loves Paint Splatter so much.”

“Well, I know they’re gonna be much loved by their cousin, too,” adds Sweetheart with a chuckle and a grin.

“Absolutely,” agrees Cowboy. “Cousin play dates are a must especially when Paint Splatter gets older.”

“What else has been up with you as of late?” His mother Wildflower finally charms in.

“Other than fatherhood once more, rodeo practice as per usual,” responds Cowboy. “I just can’t seem to take a break from it.”

“That’s our boy,” chuckle Gold Bar and Wildflower, “you’ve been that way since you were a colt. You were always drawn to rodeo. How do you think you got the name Cowboy?”

“Ah, that makes sense,” responds Cowboy with a smile and a chuckle himself. “I know the story, mom and dad, you don’t need to tell me again.”

“What? About the fact your mom went into labor with you, into foal, on rodeo grounds,” chuckles Gold Bar.

“Yes, it’s embarrassing,” snaps Cowboy. “It’s not funny.” His face goes red with embarrassment. “Can you please just stop talking about it?” He snaps at his parents. He then turns and goes back inside the house being followed close behind by his siblings.

“You alright?” Asks Sweetheart as she sits down by his side and props his head up on her hoof.

“Honestly no, I hate when mom and dad bring up that story, big sis, it’s so embarrassing,” grumbles Cowboy angrily.

“Yeah, mom and dad have no tact,” responds Sweetheart, “but they’re good parents. To you, to me, to our brothers. Remember what they did, what all of y’all did when you found out that I was being abused and beaten by Powder Keg?”

“Yeah, they brought you home, got a restraining order on his ass, and we all helped you find a better boyfriend, Oak Root,” responds Cowboy, “then I and our brothers went and confronted Powder Keg for daring to hurt our older sister.”

“That you did, and I’ve been grateful ever since,” responds Sweetheart, “so what if they’re embarrassing! They’re not bad parents.”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right,” responds Cowboy. “I still wish they’d stop bringing it up though, because Celestia! I hate that story so gosh darn much!” After Cowboy cools down for a bit and the anger subsides, he returns back outside after helping me to the porch chair so I can be outside with them while also tending to little Paint Splatter. He then gets in on playing tag with his niece Double Heart and our little Brushstroke. I smile and laugh as I watch from my perch. How did we get this lucky?!

Chapter 20-Family Day at the Rodeo

A few weeks later, we take a family trip to Appleloosa for the rodeo’s family day celebration. It’s a very special rodeo family day too, it’s Paint Splatter’s first rodeo family day even if she doesn’t end up remembering it because she’s only a three week old. “It’s good to be back, back here, at the rodeo,” I say to Cowboy with a sigh. “I can’t wait to see you compete later!” He blushes.

“Thanks, honey, I can’t wait!” He responds with a smile.

A few hours later, we are approached by his parents, siblings, and Oak Root with little Double Heart standing behind him and her mother, his sister, Sweetheart.

“Welcome home, brother!” Say his brothers and sister as they embrace him in a hug. “We can’t wait to see you compete later! We’re so excited!”

“Awe, thanks,” blushes Cowboy.

A few minutes later, Cowboy heads off to meet up with the other competitors to warm up before the events begin.

“How have you been doing, dearest?” Says Wildflower to me with a smile.

“I’m good but I’m exhausted,” I respond. “Two fillies is so much more trouble than one, especially when one’s three and the other a three week old.”

“That’s just how it goes,” giggles Wildflower. “After all, I did have four.”

“Yeah, that’s how my mom was too,” I respond. “I think two is plenty for me.”

“To each their own,” she responds with a smile. A few moments later, we head to the arena and take our seats as the events are about to begin. First up is hay bale throwing. It’s a team event this time around. Cowboy is paired ironically with Braeburn.

“How’d Cowboy get paired with Braeburn?” I say with a giggle to his brothers.

“It’s all a name drawing system,” responds Gun Slinger. “It’s all by chance.” The two throw their first bale up then their second, third, fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, and soon they have twenty bales on the stack.

“That’s insane!” I say in shock and awe. They end up getting the most on the stack at fifty bales. That wins them the event. They then move into the next event, calf roping which Cowboy ends up winning. He ends up placing second in trick roping, losing to AJ. She’s taken the gold every year in the event ever since she started incorporating her great aunt Annie Oak Tree’s signature moves. It’s stunning and mind blowing, she deserves the win. Sorry sweetest but it’s true. In his remaining two events, he ends up taking first though so not a loss at all today. After the rodeo ends, Cowboy and AJ come over to us and AJ and I share in a hug before Cowboy comes to me and kisses me on the cheek before taking Brushstroke up on his back. She cheers and giggles.

“My daddy is da best! My daddy is da best!” She cheers. “My daddy is da best!” Cowboy blushes.

“Thanks, sweetie,” he says with a smile. He soon lowers her back down and takes Paint Splatter in his hooves. “How’d you enjoy it, love?”

“Absolutely blown away by all you do,” I respond with a giggle and a smile. I kiss him on the cheek. We then all head off to lunch as we’re all absolutely famished. As we eat our hay burgers, we chat, laugh, and catch up and talk about how we enjoyed the day’s events and family day as a whole. I have to say, I can’t wait until the next one!

However, as we’re talking, Gold Bar falls to the ground, grabbing his chest in pain. “Dad! Dad!” Says Cowboy as he thrusts Paint Splatter into my arms and rushes to his father’s side followed by his mom and siblings. “Medic! We need a medic!”

Within minutes, a doctor arrives and Gold Bar is taken away to the hospital and we follow behind in a taxi cart. Once at the hospital we follow not far behind the doctors and nurses as they wheel him into an emergency room. His mom stays outside in a panic as Cowboy and his siblings try to calm her down. “Mom, he’s going to be fine,” says Cowboy trying to reassure her, “this has happened before. He’s sick. These trips are nothing new. You know that.”

“Yeah, I guess, but realistically, Cowboy, Arrowhead, Sweetheart, Gunslinger, your father is dying,” says Wildflower, “and we can’t act like he’s not.”

A few moments later, the doctor comes out with some bad news. “Mrs. Goldbar, children, your husband and father has passed away from a duel heart attack and stroke, I’m sorry for your loss.” His mom, broken, falls into his arms in tears. Cowboy does his best to comfort her.

“Mom,” says Cowboy, “you’re going to be okay, you’ve still got us, let’s go. It’s time to plan his funeral.” We go back to Cowboy’s birth home where he and his siblings sit down their mom and try to comfort her so they can actually plan the funeral, but they can’t get her to stop crying. Eventually, though, after a day or two the reality finally sinks in and she comes around and they begin planning the funeral. A few days later, the funeral takes place. Wildflower is inconsolable. Now, outside her children and grandchildren, she is all alone and that’s what scares her the most. After all, for most of her life and their marriage, Gold Bar was her rock and now, that base, that support is gone.

“Mom...” say Cowboy and his siblings. “It’s time to go. The funeral is over.”

“No, I’m not leaving his side...” cries Wildflower, tears streaming down her cheeks. “I’m not leaving him...”

“Mom, you have to, you still have so much life to live,” Cowboy and his siblings respond. They help her up and lead her away as she continues to cry.

“Goodbye my Gold Bar.” The tears stream down her cheeks. “Goodbye.”

A few minutes later, back at the house, Sweetheart gets her mom some tea while her brothers still try to console their mother. She hands the cup to her mom. “Here you go, maw,” says Sweetheart.

“Thanks, honey,” says Wildflower as she takes the cup. She begins to drink. She takes a sip and continues to talk. “I don’t mean to be a burden, but I can’t help but miss him. I didn’t know I’d lose him this soon. It’s not the only loss I’ve suffered but it’s one of two that was really close to home. I have never told y’all this story, but before you, Sweetheart, I had another foal, he was stillborn.”

“I never knew, I had no idea, mom,” responds Sweetheart. “Please continue.”

“Your father and I had named him and everything. We were so excited! The loss broke me. I was inconsolable for months, years on end. Sweetheart, when you were born, that was the best day of our lives at the time and then same with each of you, my handsome, handsome, boys.”

“What’d you name him?” Inquires Sweetheart.

“His name was Iron Hearth,” responds Wildflower as a tear streams down her cheeks. “I think I need to lay down.” The children nod and lead her to her bed and let her rest. Once in bed, she reaches under it and pulls out her photo diary and finds the pictures of her and Gold Bar from when they were younger, their wedding, Iron Hearth’s stillbirth, Sweetheart’s birth, Gunslinger’s birth, Cowboy’s birth, Arrowhead’s birth. As she sees each picture, though she cries, she can’t help but smile a bit. A few days later, she takes the diary and goes to the graves of Gold Bar who is interred next to Iron Hearth. There, she talks to them and tells them about how she’s going through all their old photographs. She’s learning to cope, although very, very slowly but at least she’s learning to get it off her chest albeit in a rather weird way.

Chapter 22-Trying at Helping His Mom Come Around

A few days later, I and Cowboy sit down with his mother Wildflower alone without his siblings. “Momma,” says Cowboy, “can you turn and look at us? My brothers and sister aren’t here. It’s just me and Creativa.” Hearing that, she slowly turns around.

“How are you doing, dearest ones?” She says her lips quivering from all the pain, grief, and heartbreak she’s going through.

“We’re fine,” we respond. Cowboy then goes quiet and lets me continue on my own from there.

“Wildflower,” I say meekly, “I understand pain and loss. It’s hung over my head for several years now. I know what you’re going through. I lost my dad while in college, one of my best friends pre senior year of high school and so, so much more. I know you have too. You wanna talk about it with someone who understands that pain, that loss of a loved one that they hold dear too?”

“Mmhmm,” she says with a nod. “Gold Bar wasn’t my first loss. The first was my first colt, my first son. He was stillborn. That was the first big one. Not long after that, my maw passed away from cancer and grandpaw from a stroke. Paw followed not long after. He too was a stroke. Three years later, grandmaw passed. Now, now I’ve lost my Gold Bar.” She busts out into tears. “I...I just can’t take it anymore. Why do I keep losing people close to me? Death isn’t fair. It’s never been fair. My entire world is gone. All I have of Gold Bar is gone.”

“That’s not entirely true, you have your children,” I respond. “Letting go is hard, but you need to move on. You have an identity outside your husband and I know that’s hard to see or understand, but you will someday. It took me years to understand that. You will too, in time. In time.” My own eyes begin to well up with tears. “It just takes time.” I take her hooves in mine. “But it’ll get better, I promise. I promise.”

“Well, I hope you’re right,” she finally responds with a sigh, her eyes still welled up with tears. “Here’s hoping it gets better with time.” She then gets up and goes to her room and lies down for a nap. I go outside where I find Cowboy standing there with his siblings and niece. Gunslinger’s fiancé is also there as is Arrowhead’s marefriend. We all head out dinner, unfortunately not with their mom in tow.

Chapter 23-Family Dinner But Without His Mom

Meanwhile for dinner, we soon arrive at the Stable Corral. There, we are seated by our waitress, a young mare named Celeste. She then hands us our menus. “What would you like to drink?” She inquires with a notepad in hoof.

“Root beer,” says Cowboy. “Thanks.”

“I second that!” Chime in his brothers.

“Water,” says Gunslinger’s fiancé Honey Dewdrop.

“Lemonade,” says Arrowhead’s marefriend Snickerdoodle.

“Green tea,” says Sweetheart. “And a lemonade for my daughter.”

“Sure thing, I’ll be right back,” says Celeste as she puts the notepad back in her apron and trots off. A few minutes later, she returns and puts the drinks down at each seat. A few minutes later, Oak Root walks in and joins us, taking a seat by his wife. “What would you like to drink, sir?” Celeste asks him.

“A cider if you don’t mind,” he responds.

“Sure thing, sir. I’ll be right back with that.” A few minutes later, she returns with the bottle and puts it in front of him and pops it open. She also sets a menu in front of him. “I’ll be right back.” Celeste then trots off once again. A few moments later, she returns and we give her our orders.

“What will everypony be having?” She inquires sweetly.

“The spinach and mango salad,” says Sweetheart, “and for my daughter, a kiddie Hayburger and fries, thanks.”

“Hayburger and fries,” says Oak Root.

“Hayburger and fries,” says Cowboy.

“Hayburger and fries,” says Gunslinger.

“Hayburger and fries,” says Arrowhead.

“The daisy salad,” says Honey Dewdrop.

“Spinach and mango salad,” says Snickerdoodle.

“Hayburger and fruit,” I say with a smile. “Thank you.”

“Sure thing,” responds Celeste. She goes and gives the massive order to the chef. About fifteen minutes later, she returns with our meals and gives them to us. We then dive in, joking and laughing as we eat.

“So, you ready for your big day, little brother?” Says Cowboy to Gunslinger.

“Yeah,” he responds, “it’s only a few months away after all. We’ve been planning for months. I just hope maw is well enough to come. Losing paw is really taking its toll on her.”

“Yeah,” agree Cowboy, Sweetheart, and Arrowhead. “But she’ll come around in time, hopefully.”

“Yeah, hopefully,” responds Gunslinger.

About twenty minutes later, we finish our food and head off to the fair that is in town. There, we break off and go our separate ways. Most of us go on the coaster while Sweetheart and Oak Root take Double Heart to Filly Land. She doesn’t like the big coasters and rides. We pile into the two pony rows in the cars and lower the safety bars. Several more ponies get in and fill each car and then once everypony is in, we are sent off through the coaster. After awhile, we leave and part ways. Cowboy and I soon return home to two sleeping fillies. We go up to their bedrooms and Paint Splatter promptly wakes up and starts to cry. Brushstroke continues to sleep through it all. We then hear a familiar voice behind us. It’s his mom.

“How was dinner and the fair?” She inquires.

“It was good, thanks for foalsitting,” I respond with a smile as I give her a hug. “You doing better?”

“Yeah, thanks for that talk earlier, I needed that,” responds Wildflower. She returns the hug then hugs her son and leaves up to her room in the house for the night. She closes the door, reaches under the bed, and grabs her photo album and looks through it again. After getting Paint Splatter back asleep, Cowboy and I turn back in for the night ourselves. Once in bed, we fall fast asleep. Tomorrow, we head back home to Ponyville. We were just in town to celebrate his brother and help his mom after all.

Chapter 25-Sire’s Day

A few weeks later, it’s Sire’s Day and Cowboy’s mother is taking it pretty hard as she still very much misses her beloved Gold Bar and spends the day at her husband’s gravestone. Cowboy and I, however, we enjoy the day to its utmost. I take him out for a picnic dinner date. We go to the movies after that and see the new movie Mystery Mares. Needless to say, we have a blast. From what I heard from AJ, they spent the day at her parents tree, just like they did for Dam’s Day. Late that night, we return home where we find Brushstroke fast asleep in her bed but Paint Splatter is still awake.

“Mommy, daddy, it took ya long enough,” says the filly with a yawn.

“Yeah,” we say as we go and tuck her in and kiss her goodnight. We then leave their room and head to our own.

“How did we get so lucky?” I say as I climb in bed next to my husband.

“I don’t know, but I love you, and our girls,” he says as he kisses me. “I love you so much. And hey, today was fun!”

He promptly turns over and falls fast asleep. I, however, take awhile to fall asleep. It’s been that way ever since my own dad passed to be honest. As I can’t sleep, I go and sit outside before going over to Sweet Apple Acres and chatting with Applejack.

“You miss your dad, huh?” She says to me as she opens the door.

“Yeah,” I respond. “It’s still hard. How do you move on?”

“Simple, I didn’t, I just learned to deal with the hurt, the pain, the loss,” responds AJ as she puts her hoof around me in a hug and wipes away my tears. “Other than missing your paw, was your day good?”

“Yeah,” I respond, “doing things with Cowboy was nice. He’s such a good father to our girls.”

“Yeah, he’s so good to and for you,” responds AJ.

“And I have you to thank for that, I know,” I respond with a giggle.

“Darn right,” she responds now laughing as well.

Meanwhile at home, Cowboy continues to snore in his sleep and doesn’t even realize that I’m not there. I end up spending the entire night at AJ’s and we have a sleepover in the barn loft. I return home the next morning after breakfast at the Apple farm. Applesauce pancakes which were pretty good not gonna lie. After that, I return home where I’m greeted by Cowboy. “Morning honey,” he says as he kisses me on the cheek.

“Good morning to you too,” I respond with a smile as I kiss him back. We then sit down to breakfast as a family where Cowboy notices that I’m not eating.

“Honey, are you okay?” He inquires. “You normally eat all of it at breakfast.”

“Yeah, I’m fine, I had breakfast out with AJ this morning, sorry I didn’t tell you,” I respond. “And ya know, the obvious, I miss my dad so there’s that too.” I excuse myself and go to our bedroom and I cry. Cowboy runs after me while the girls just stay sat there eating their cereal. He comes into the room where he sees tears streaming down my cheeks.

“Oh honey,” he says as he embraces me in a hug and wipes the tears from my eyes. He just lets me sit there and cry. He’s such a supportive husband. We stay in there for a good while so I can calm down. Eventually, I compose myself and we finally leave the bedroom. We go outside where I get some fresh air and the girls run out after us. They tackle me and Cowboy to the ground and we all bust out laughing. Man! My family truly is the best and I’d honestly not have it any other way! And that is thanks to moments like these when they’re the only things keeping me grounded, sane, and happy.

Chapter 2-The Issue with Braeburn

A few days later, I get word from Cowboy’s brothers that he and Braeburn got in a fight. “Why? How? What?” I write back. “What do you mean my Cowboy got in a fight with Braeburn? Over what?”

“The usual,” respond his brothers in the letter. “Over rodeo set up, staging, he also punched Braeburn in the muzzle. Fiddlesticks keeps trying to break them up but she’s doing it with no such luck. Yeah, it’s bad, can you get down here and set him straight please?”

“I’m on my way!” I write back before hopping on a train to Appleloosa. A few hours later, I arrive and greet Arrowhead and he takes me to Cowboy and a black eyed Braeburn.

“Honey?” I inquire not amused at all. “What happened here? What does your brother mean by this time? How long has this been going on?”

“Well,” sighs Cowboy, “I and Braeburn haven’t gotten along since we were colts. Not gonna lie. It’s always been over rodeo stuff. Always been over silly little squabbles really. My brother means by this time is I do this all the time. The recent stuff has only been going on for the last few months at most. Weeks at least. I’m ashamed of myself. I’m so sorry you had to be dragged all the way out here because of my stupid actions.”

“It’s fine, but please chill out,” I grumble.

“Fine,” Cowboy mumbles and groans and rolls his eyes. “I’ll try not to keep getting into fights and squabbles with Braeburn.”

“Good,” I respond. “Just promise me you can hold to that.”

“I promise,” he mumbles under his voice. He then hugs me around the neck and I begrudgingly hug him back. He then walks me to the train station and we say goodbye as I hop back onto the train to Ponyville. I’m just glad that’s resolved. Hopefully it stays that way.

Chapter 7-As Suspected

As predicted, over the following few months, things go south between Sweetheart and Keg. Cowboy’s gut feeling was correct. Something was off about the big brute of a gray, scarred stallion that his sister was dating. She later came back and told him and his brothers everything. “You were right, something was off about him,” says Sweetheart in tears, battered and bruised all across her body, shaking, “he abused me so much. Physically, mentally, emotionally. It hurts to even talk about it or even think about him. How could I have gone so wrong? Been so wrong about him? What’s wrong with me? How could I fall for an abuser like that? I’m sure I’m not the first. I’m sure there are others.”

“Sis,” says Cowboy, “it’s time to take a break from dating. Stay here at home, with mom, dad, and with us. We’ll protect you. We’ll keep you safe.”

“Mmhmm, a hundred percent,” Gunslinger and Arrowhead nod in agreement.

“Thank you,” responds Sweetheart. She takes her brothers up on that advice and moves back in. While living back at home, Cowboy helps set his sister up with a stallion that he knows will treat her right. That stallion’s name is Oak Root. As expected, Sweetheart and he hit it off and start dating not long after. They date for months before finally tying the knot. Cowboy is so happy for his big sister, happy that she’s happy and relieved that she’s safe and away from Keg for good.

A year later, Sweetheart and Oak Root welcome a little filly into their lives and are absolutely thrilled to be parents. The boys are thrilled to be uncles and their parents, grandparents. Everyone is happy and safe and that’s all that truly matters in the long run. Now that his sister is safe, on the upside, Cowboy can get back to trying to tie the knot for good in his own relationship with his marefriend, me, Creativa Artly.

Chapter 10-New Letters Received

A few days after the letter is sent, I receive a letter and another package from Cowboy. I promptly open the letter and the package. I begin to read. “My dearest Creativa, you would have a blast down here in Black Mare Gorge, it’s a new development in the Undiscovered West. It’s so cute and quaint. The ponies here are so nice and though it’s a small rodeo scene, it’s booming. It’s actually quite cool to see and I can’t wait to take part! I’ll let you know how it goes in a few days. Yours forever, Cowboy.” As I finish reading, AJ enters the room.

“What ya got there?” Inquires AJ.

“Letter and gift from Cowboy,” I respond.

“Cool, where is he this weekend?” Inquires AJ.

“The new settlement of Black Mare Gorge,” I respond.

“Cool,” responds AJ. She goes and grabs an apple and comes over and sits down and continues to listen to me talk. I then show her the gift.

“The gift this time is a little statue of the legendary Black Mare the town is named for,” I say, “it’s honestly quite cool!”

“Whoa!” Responds AJ. “That shore is cool indeed, sugar cube.” She then changes her tone. “How are you doing not having him around all the time? I know you miss him. Him being on the road for a year or more right now with this tour.”

“I’m fine,” I say, “but I miss him. The letters are fine but they’re not enough. They don’t suffice. I want to see him face to face. I want to hug him, hold him close to me. I need him at my side. He’s my rock. My everything.” I begin to tear up. “I just want to see him again so bad. So so bad. So so bad... The letters just aren’t enough anymore but I can’t take off work, I run the art school and the art studio. I can’t just close up shop and cancel classes to chase my stallionfriend across the country. That’s just utterly ridiculous.”

“Yeah, you’re right,” responds AJ. “Guess the letters will just have to do for now, huh?”

“Yeah,” I let up a sigh. I then go and put the little statue in my room and go lay down. I just miss him oh so much and I can’t wait to see him again. Alas, it’s a shame it won’t be for another year still until I see him again.

Chapter 12-Catching Up

After awhile, AJ leaves me and Cowboy be and follows Apple Bloom out of the room. Once alone, we finally begin chatting and catching up. “So, how was your Hearthswarming?” I ask him. “Who’d you spend it with? I hope next year we can spend it together.”

“It was good, I missed you terribly that day especially by the way. I spent it with my mom, dad, sister, Oak Root, and my brothers, they came down to our rodeo tour stop for the 25th through the 29th. It was fun! We had a good time!”

“That’s good,” I respond with a smile, “I wish I could’ve been there but my life, my school, my studio, it’s all here. My brothers, sister, mom, aunt, uncle, cousins, and grandparents came into town for it though so that was fun. Prior to that mom’s mother and sister came so that was fun too.”

“Cool, sounds like you did just fine,” he says as he gives me a hug and kisses me on the cheek.

“Yeah, I guess I did,” I respond with a giggle. He chuckles. “Anything else? How about your sister’s wedding? How’d that go? Also I bet you’re excited to be an uncle!”

“Yeah, the wedding went well, it was a good time, a fun time for sure,” responds Cowboy. “And yes! Absolutely I’m ready to be an uncle! I’m so excited! So, so, so excited! Ecstatic even!”

“That’s good and I’m so happy for you, my love!” I respond. We continue to talk for several more hours on end. It’s nice finally being able to talk to each other in person again, face to face again. Man! How I missed that when he was on the road touring all across Equestria with the rodeo! It’s nice to have him back even if he does have to return to Appleloosa and his family within the next few days.

Chapter 16-Wedding Bells are Ringing Ringing

About a year and a half later, we have a small familial wedding with a few close friends as well. There for me are my mom, sister, brothers, my friends Dragonlily and Lovestruck, and the Apple siblings. For Cowboy, there is his mother, father, brothers, sister, brother in law, and niece. It’s all officiated by Mayor Mare.

“Do you take this stallion to be your lawfully wedded husband?” She asks me.

“I do,” I respond with a smile.

“And do you take this made to be your lawfully wedded wife?” She asks Cowboy.

“I do,” he responds.

“You may now kiss the bride,” responds the Mayor. We nod and he goes in for the kiss. I’ve waited for this moment since I met him so I gladly except the kiss. I can’t believe we’re finally officially wed. Cowboy is now mg husband. Wow! Just wow! I can’t believe it.

Afterwards we have a small reception at Sweet Apple Acres. “Congratulations,” says AJ to me as she embraces me in a hug. “We’re so proud of you. We hope you have no plans of moving away anytime soon.”

“We don’t plan on it,” butts in Cowboy. “But we haven’t found a house of your own yet.”

“Well, just stay here until you do then,” responds AJ. “We have tons of spare bedrooms.” We thank them. Not long after this exchange I’m greeted by my dear friends.

“Congratulations my friend!” Says Dragonlily to me as she embraces me in a great big hug. “I’m so proud of you!”

“ Yeah, me too, you’ve come so far, friendo,” adds Lovestruck. She joins in on the hug.

“Aw, thank you, you girls are the best,” I respond blushing. Over the following hours, we talk and we snack on cake, Cowboy and I open presents that we didn’t get until after the initial wedding shower. Needless to say, it’s all so perfect. We can’t wait for the next step in our lives, but right now, it’s time to just sit back and enjoy our wedding by sharing a dance to which I’m promptly dragged by Cowboy because if he doesn’t, he knows I’ll just talk to my friends for hours on end.

As we dance, he looks at me in the eyes. “I’m so glad we’re finally wed,” I say with a sigh.

“Yeah, me too,” he responds with a smile. “I don’t know how I got so lucky.” He giggles.

“Really,” I blush.

“Really,” he responds with a smile. “I don’t know who I’d be without you. You’ve made me a better stallion.” I can’t help but blush upon hearing that. We dance for a solid thirty minutes before sharing cake and finally heading out on our honeymoon.

Chapter 21-Wildflower’s Grief

Over the following days, the siblings do their best to get their mom out of bed or away from their father’s graveside but to no avail. “Mom,” says Cowboy with a sigh, “you can’t keep doing this. You need to let go.”

“But how? I can’t let go,” cries Wildflower. “Gold Bar was with me through everything, all the ups and downs, the loss of my first foal. He was there for all of it.”

“Mom,” says Sweetheart, “it’s time to let go.” Wildflower shrugs her off and continues to do what she’s been doing. The siblings go inside and sit down, deterred but not defeated.

“I’m worried about mom,” says Cowboy to his brothers and sister. “She can’t keep going on like this. It’s going to destroy her.” As they’re talking, I enter the room with Paint Splatter on my back.

“Honey, what’s wrong?” I inquire.

“I’m worried about mom,” he responds with a sigh. His voice is heavy, tired, dejected. “She has been spending everyday either in bed with that photo album or at dad’s graveside.”

“Well, I never got that chance when I lost my dad, everyone grieves in their own way,” I respond as I sit down next to him and take his hoof in mine. “She’ll come around in time. It’s going to be hard for awhile, but she has you guys to help her power through and that’s what really matters.”

“Yeah, I guess,” responds Cowboy. “We just hope that time is soon because we really don’t want her grief to be the end of her.” He lets out another sigh. “We can’t lose her too.” He bows his head as do his siblings. They echo his sentiment. They then leave the kitchen and I follow before taking Paint Splatter upstairs for her nap. I then head off to pick up Brushstroke from school. I can at least do that much to relieve some stress from my husband and his siblings.

Chapter 24-Dam’s Day

It’s a bright summer day outside when Cowboy takes me, his sister, and his mom out for a special Dam’s Day lunch. That means his brothers are on foalsitting duty which needless to say has me a little worried but at the same time, I can’t help but enjoy the break. Once at the restaurant, we are promptly seated. There’s roses on the table and soft lighting. Seems like most ponies are here for the Dam’s Day festivities. “It’s quite busy,” I say to Cowboy nervously.

“You’re going to be fine, I promise,” he says as he puts his hoof atop my own.

“Okay, I believe you,” I finally say with a sigh. A few moments later, the waiter arrives at our table and takes our drink order. I order a diet soda. His mom orders a water, his sister a green tea. A few minutes later, he returns with the drinks. I then immediately begin sipping on mine. We order our meals and wait for them to arrive. Fifteen minutes later, we have our meals and begin to eat and talk.

“Are you enjoying yourself, mom?” Says Cowboy across the table to his mother Wildflower.

“Very much so, thank you, dear,” responds Wildflower with a smile. She then turns around and orders a hot tea which the waiter promptly brings to her. She begins to drink it.

“What did you do with Oak Root for Dam’s Day?” Inquires Cowboy of his sister.

“He and Double Heart made me breakfast in bed and bought me flowers,” she responds, “it was really quite sweet.”

After a few more hours, we finish up dinner and we head home. After that, his sister returns to her husband and foal and as soon as she walks through the door of her house is greeted in a great big hug from her daughter. It’s definitely been a great Dam’s Day and we wouldn’t have had it any other way. That’s for sure.

Author's Note

Dam=mother horse, Dam’s Day=Mother’s Day