Nighttime at the Barnyard was still and peaceful. One may wonder why there was no crazy, wild partying going on.

Well it has to do with a ferret, a fox, and a new member of the Barnyard. This ferret happened to be Frederick "Freddy" the Ferret and the fox was his mate, Scarlet the Fox. She was known as Scarlet because of her red fur. But enough of that. Let's get on to the newcomer of the Barnyard.

Just a few labor inducing hours ago, Scarlet had given birth to a healthy little fox girl cub. As the cub squeaked and squealed, trying to sniff her way to find milk; Scarlet took it upon herself to do what nature intended to do. Scarlet gently took her newborn daughter by the scruff with her mouth and sat the cub at an angle where she could nurse.

At first the squealing grew louder, but when the vixen cub found what she was looking for, the squealing subsided and she began to nurse.

"She's so perfect. Our sweet little Autumn," whispered a tired yet content Scarlet.

"Just like you, dear," replied Freddy kissing his mate's forehead. "I'm really proud of you Scar. You did great."

And she certainly did. Scarlet gave birth like a trooper. Sure she nearly wanted to throttle Freddy and maim him during those agonizing labor pains. Then when her labor began, oh boy. Freddy was lucky to be alive. Yet he coached her through the process and 'lo and behold, their baby girl Autumn came into the world.

The gang actually witnessed the birth. Much like Otis' mate Daisy's birth, but the friends knew all too well to keep their distance.

As Pip put it wisely, "Hell hath no fury like a pregnant Scarlet scorned. Especially when she's in labor dude."

The only two that stayed near Scarlet during the birthing process were Freddy and Bessy. Freddy coached Scarlet while Bessy delivered their little furry bundle of joy.

Peck of course cried a river tears over the welcoming of his baby goddaughter.

Otis and Pip congratulated the two mammals and now brand new parents.

Pig tried and failed to offer a doughnut to baby Autumn. First of all, it was gone(he ate it of course). Second, it was too big for the little cub anyway. And third, well Autumn is a baby after all; she's not able to eat doughnuts. At least for now anyway.

But hey it was the thought that counted, right?

Even Bessy offered to help with Autumn in case Freddy and Scarlet got overwhelmed.

Daisy came with her little calf son, Ben, to see the newborn cub. As well as bring a present for both Scarlet and Freddy.

It was a soft quilt that Daisy, Bessy, and the hens made together for baby Autumn.

Scarlet and Freddy were truly appreciative of their friends' kindness and sincerity. When little Ben caught a glimpse tiny Autumn, he put a hoof to his lips, saying quietly, "Shhh...baby sleeping."

Everybody chuckled and soon the crowd began to dissipate.

It was around midnight now, and Scarlet drifted off to sleep. Yet Freddy was still wide awake. He couldn't believe it. He was a dad now! The thought of it both excited and frightened him some. Mostly frightened.

The jittery ferret needed someone to talk to. But Freddy didn't want to be rude and wake one of his friends. Or Scarlet for that matter; after the agonizing pain and suffering they both endured.

Yeah...waking up a groggy, sore, possibly cranky vixen. Not the best idea at this hour. Especially just to talk about his anxieties of fatherhood.

That's when Freddy felt something pawing at him. Looking down to see that it was none other than his little daughter, Autumn.

Apparently the cub sniffed out his scent, crawling towards the ferret; despite not being able to see or hear for now.

Freddy smiled warmly, picking Autumn up gently and cradling her in his arms. Soon the orange ferret began to rock his baby girl with his tail.

For some strange reason, Freddy began to whisper to his newborn daughter.

"You wanna know something sweetie? I feel like...like I'm not really equipped to be a dad. When your mommy told me she was expecting you, I was overjoyed. I couldn't wait to meet you, play with you, and teach you stuff. But most importantly...take real good care of you. Although right now I...I feel like a part of me is too stupid to understand your wants and needs."

Tears trailed down Freddy's orange muzzle as he said all this, but he continued.

"But...but I know I'm not alone on this journey. I have your beautiful mommy, your awesome godfather, your various yet great aunts and uncles. But most of all, I have you. My precious little Autumn. You and your mommy are my everything. I love you both so much. I always will. I promise."

THE END