The Long Winter

Three years later...

He was right, of course. They both were. Dad and Troubleshoes. They were right all along.

Rarity couldn't seem to decide whether to fuss or cry, but she seemed able enough to do both at once. She kept looking at the dress from all angles, making sure it was perfect.

"Darling, I...I can't believe how radiant you look. I'm so happy for you."

I smiled. "Thanks, Rarity. Though we should probably head on out there if we don't want to miss the ceremony."

"Miss it?! Well, darling, of course not! How could we possibly-"

I chuckled and opened the door. The summer sun shone down from above. Every leaf seemed to sing.

I walked the whole way from the homestead to the grove. A few leaves and a bit of dirt got onto the dress that way, but that (as I'd told Rarity three times) was the point. My parents had loved this land before me, and the land had its own blessings to give. It was only right to give it a chance.

Soon enough I arrived at a very special place. Rows of chairs had been set up on either side of an aisle. It seemed like the whole town was there. My friends, my family...

..and my soon-to-be husband.

I walked down the aisle, gazing at the pear tree entwined with an apple tree. Mom and Dad had overcome so much to find happiness. At long last, I'd decided to follow in their footsteps.

I arrived at the front and turned to face Troubleshoes. He had changed so much since I'd first met him. The sadness was gone. And because of him, I'd changed too.

He leaned in and whispered "Meeting you was the luckiest day of my life. I love you, Applejack."

"I love you, too."

There are some things we just can't change.

No matter how dark the winter, someday, somehow...life finds a way.