Author's Note: This story was partially inspired by some people in the fandom talking about how the bachelor(ette)s changed after getting married – which is actually pretty realistic, from my experience – and I imagined a scenario where the farmer would have to earn their happily ever after, which quickly escalated into…well, this.

I decided to make this from the farmer's POV to see if the immersion would flow better that way, as I wanted to make another player character insert fic (I haven't found enough for my taste). Anyway, hope you enjoy this story.

Chapter 1: Prologue

Well, Grandpa, I did it. I did everything right.

It had taken me almost three years to work my way into the Pelican Town community. I had developed a somewhat lucrative farming business, starting only with what little knowledge I had gained from my childhood visits to my grandfather's farm out in beautiful Stardew Valley. I had developed warm relationships with all of the townspeople, and even helped to restore the dilapidated and abandoned Community Center to its former glory. And most unexpectedly, I found the love of my life there – and much to my surprise and initial disbelief, I found that he loved me back.

I met Sebastian through his mother, Robin, while purchasing furniture from her one day. Had she not brought it to my attention during our transaction, I never would have known that she had a son – he was something of a homebody – but once I introduced myself, I immediately found him interesting. I didn't entertain the thought of more than a mere acquaintanceship with him until Mayor Lewis took me aside one day and told me that there were several singles in my age group that would be happy to receive my company if I made the first move, and that Sebastian was among them.

I had known guys like Sebastian back when I was working at the Joja Corporation. They were attractive and I had things in common with them, but they never went for girls like me – quiet, ambitious, and modest. They either had exciting girlfriends who shared their sense of style, or they played for the other team altogether. I didn't want to disappoint myself with rejection, so I never bothered to date them or anyone else on a long-term basis. After settling in the valley, though, I started to think seriously about the idea of getting to know someone on a more personal level. I started slow, talking to everyone and showing them that I was dependable enough as at least a friend. I was surprised that Sebastian showed even that level of interest in me, but even though I did my best to try and get to know all available relationship candidates, it soon became apparent that he was indeed the one…and after months of careful courtship and knowing smiles, he agreed to marry me.

The day before our wedding, I took some Crispy Bass to Jodi. After thanking me for my thoughtfulness, she sighed and gave me a sad smile. "So, you're really ready to tie the knot?"

"Yeah." I beamed with excitement.

"Kent and I were young ourselves when we got married. We kind of rushed into our marriage, with Kent being a soldier and all... I hardly got a taste of youth and freedom, and now it's too late to ever go back. I don't regret it, but looking back…sometimes I feel like I missed out on the opportunity to really know who I wanted to be." She fiddled with her braid idly, lost in her thoughts of the past. "All I'm saying is…Just don't make the same mistake. Don't lose sight of who you are as an individual once you decide to settle down." She patted my shoulder with motherly affection.

"I won't," I replied, somewhat uncomfortably. "Thank you."

I knew that she meant well, but I didn't want that kind of nervous influence in my head while I was preparing to open up my life and home to another person. I was overjoyed at the idea of Sebastian living with me, waking up beside me every morning and being the one person I confided in on every important decision. Being with him made me happy, and I wanted to return that happiness a hundredfold – I wanted to be the one to bring him that happiness. No matter what challenges we would face, I was determined to end each day in his arms, letting him know that he meant the world to me. I was going to continue working hard on my farm, not just for my grandpa's legacy, but for Sebastian as well, because his happiness brought me happiness.

Looking back, I wish I'd regarded her advice more carefully.