Disclaimer: I don't own Harvest Moon or any of the characters. Natsume does.

Chapter 9

Jack stared out his window as the snow fell outside. It was the fifteenth of winter. A month and fifteen days since Elle had broken his heart. For two weeks, Jack hadn't left his house. Cliff had taken care of his farm, making sure to check on Jack and keep his animals healthy. Popuri visited every day, and that didn't stop once Jack started taking care of his farm again. Jack sighed and walked outside to the barn, and once inside, he petted his favorite cow, Moo. Moo was pregnant, and Jack smiled bitterly as he thought of Elle's wedding. Jack had been invited, but he didn't go. Not many people did, mostly because at first, a lot of people in the village were angry at Elle for leading Jack on. Moo nuzzled Jacks face, bringing him out of his dark thoughts.

"Oh Moo. I wonder, how can I live without her?" Jack petted her nose, and he smiled slightly as he heard the barn door open.

"By having wonderful friends who are willing to visit you every day." Popuri said, walking over and smiling at him. Jack smiled at her and gave her a hug.

"You're right. I don't know how I would have made it if it wasn't for you guys. Thanks." Popuri smiled and helped him feed his cows and chickens, then led him outside.

"Come on, Cliff and Ann are making dinner. Don't you want to see Aran?" Aran was Ann and Cliffs son. He had been born a week ago, and he looked a lot like his father. Jack smiled and allowed Popuri to lead him over to the green farm. Cliff smiled as the two walked onto the farm.

"Hey Jack! How are you?" He asked, searching his friends face for the real answer. Jack just shrugged, and smiled at Ann as she walked out of the house, holding a small baby wrapped in a soft white blanket.

"Nice to see you Jack." She said, handing the baby to Cliff, who cooed softly to his son. Jack smiled at the sight of his best friend and his son together. Popuri held Jack's hand and smiled at him, and he smiled as he squeezed her hand a little. Jack had been thinking about his relationship with her a lot lately. They had kissed a few times, and they were always around each other, in a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere. He looked at Ann and Cliff as they smiled at each other, and he felt a longing, like he wanted more than anything to have that with Popuri.

"Come on." Ann said, motioning for them to go inside the house to eat. Jack and Cliff smiled knowingly at each other and went inside.

"Popuri." She turned at the gate of Jacks farm and looked at him. She had walked home with him and she looked at him when he said her name, stopping her from leaving.

"I know this is sudden, and you have every right to say no, but would you…" Jack walked over to her and pulled out his old blue feather, and handed it to her. "please marry me?" He cringed, expecting her to say no, just like the time with Elle. For a moment, she didn't move, and he felt his heart clench. He was just about to say forget it when he felt her hand on his face, lifting his chin so he was looking at her.

"Of course." She said, happy tears shining in her eyes. He paused for a moment, barely believing what he had just heard, when she leaned up and kissed him gently. After a moment, he wrapped his arms around her and returned her kiss.

"I love you Jack." Popuri whispered softly, once they had parted, and he stroked her cheek with his thumb.

"I love you too." He said.

"Man, I can't believe you are getting married." Cliff was helping Jack calm down about ten minutes before the wedding started. Jack smiled warmly, and Cliff returned it with a grin.

"About time. I though you two would never admit how you felt about each other." He said. Just as Jack was about to retort, a knock sounded at the door.

"We're ready." The pastor said.

Jack stood at the alter, watching as Popuri glided down the isle on the arm of her father, who had come home as soon as he heard that she was getting married. Popuri was beautiful, in a long white dress and a bouquet of moon drop flowers. The whole wedding flew by and Jack and Popuri exited the church, where all their friends and family were waiting. Jack smiled, and swept Popuri off her feet, and carried her outside.

"Jack!" She yelped, but he just smiled and kissed her, there where everyone could see how much he loved her. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Elle standing in the yard of the bakery, cradling her baby and crying softly. Jack closed his eyes and focused on the girl in his arms, the girl that he would never make cry.

"I love you." He whispered to her.

Me: Aw! Ok, should I continue this story, or should I end it here? Someone review and tell me please!