The days were counting down until one of the most anticipated moments in the lives of two ponies. The wedding day between Rumble and Sweetie Belle was near and both ponies were eager to make it official between them.
All of their friends were ready and willing to do whatever they could to help as well, especially Dinky, who was Rumble's best mare, along with Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Cozy Glow, who were to be Sweetie Belle's Bridesmaids.
First thing was first, Rumble and Sweetie Belle had to mail out all of their invitations, sending them far and wide, to all their friends in Ponyville, to friends outside like Manehattan, The Dragon Lands, The Crystal Empire, The Changeling Kingdom and the Nether Lands.
The two had dropped off the last of their invitations at the post office, having been given a promise by Derpy herself that the letters would arrive as soon as possible.
"Just a little bit longer and it will be our turn, I can't wait to walk down that aisle," Sweetie Belle said.
"I look forward to that as well, it'd be great if we got The Wonderbolts to do something cool as well," Rumble said. "Like do an air show."
"Well you are a Wonderbolt now, maybe you can speak to Spitfire about that," Sweetie Belle said. "Or you can even ask Rainbow Dash if she's willing to do a Sonic Rainboom."
"That would be a great addition to our wedding," Rumble said. "I'll run that by my brother too, he and Rainbow Dash have been hanging out a lot lately, so he might be able to convince her as well."
"I don't think she'll need much convincing, she likes us after all," Sweetie Belle said. "I am the little sister of one of her friends, and you're the little brother of one of her fellow Wonderbolts. More than that, you are a fellow Wonderbolt."
"Yeah you're right, shouldn't be hard, I'll ask her later when I go see her at The Academy," Rumble said. "She's training some newer recruits."
"I heard her friend's stepdaughter is one of them," Sweetie Belle said.
"You mean Wind Sprint?" Rumble asked. "She actually hasn't made up her mind, it's either that or Buckball."
"Choices are tough sometimes, even I'm not sure what I want to do," Sweetie Belle said. "I thought about being a performer, like Coloratura or Songbird Serenade."
"Doesn't your sister know Sapphire Shores though? Couldn't she help?" Rumble asked. "DJ Pon3 and Octavia also live in town, they seem pretty approachable if you want to ask them."
"I actually spoke to Octavia and DJ Pon3 the other day, I asked her if they'd be willing to play at our wedding," Sweetie Belle said.
"Oh that would be awesome, who knew that Techno Music and Cello would go so well together," Rumble said.
"Lots of things work better than we realize," Sweetie Belle said. "But maybe next time I see them I'll ask about performing. Truth is though, I might get nervous singing on stage. Not as bad as Tender Taps was but I do worry about freezing up."
"Scootaloo told me you felt that way during a talent show, which is why she did most of the singing," Rumble said. "Really wish I was there that night."
"What for? We did lousy," Sweetie Belle said. "I mean, we did win best comedy and we gladly took that win but it was still a disaster, just a well disguised one."
"Well I like a little comedy, plus I bet you girls looked so cute on stage," Rumble said. "Somepony even took a few pictures, I really liked your costume."
"Really?" Sweetie Belle asked, blushing a bit. "Well that's good, I actually made those."
"Maybe that's why I like them, you're really good with clothing design," Rumble said.
"I'm nothing like Rarity though," Sweetie Belle said.
"Don't worry about that, if I worried about being as good as my brother then I probably wouldn't be where I am today," Rumble said. "I accepted that there were two flyers in the family, but I was gonna do my own thing, expect I do it better."
"Aren't you the confident one?" Sweetie Belle teased.
"I have to be, it lets me do things without worry," Rumble said. "Though ironically, I don't think I would have asked you out if you didn't make the first move, even if it wasn't intentional, so I wasn't always this confident. Remember how much of a nervous wreck I used to be?"
"Yeah, back when you were shy little pony with a higher pitched voice," Sweetie Belle said.
"Ugh, don't remind me about my voice, I sounded like a girl," Rumble said. "No offense."
"Hey I wouldn't want to sound like a boy so it's fine," Sweetie Belle said. "But I really didn't think you sounded that girly."
"You're not just saying that are you?" Rumble asked.
"Of course not, I really don't believe you sounded girly, you were just a little colt who needed to grow up a bit, and you did," Sweetie Belle said. "But I know what it's like to worry about your voice, my voice used to squeak a lot, and I still squeak sometimes when I get excited."
"But your squeaking is adorable," Rumble said.
"You're sweet, and your voice was adorable too," Sweetie Belle insisted. "Of course now it's really sexy and cool but I was just fine with the way you sounded."
"Aw, you're the best Sweetie Belle," Rumble said, kissing her on the cheek. "I don't know how I got by without you."
"I feel the same way Rumbly," Sweetie Belle said as she and Rumble made their way back home.
Inside the Boutique, Rarity was hard at work on both the wedding dress that her sister would be wearing and the wedding suit that her soon to be brother-in-law will have on.
"Just a few extra touches here and there, I should be able to have both the suit and dress ready days ahead of the wedding," Rarity said as she sewed a thread. "I do hope they fit well enough, my little sister and her fiancé deserve perfection."
Unfortunately her work was interrupted when she heard something fall over. Curiously she looked outside her room and saw that a a rack containing a bunch of her model dresses had fallen over, the ones responsible nearby.
"Sorry Rarity!" Cozy Glow said, holding her baby Cumulon Gleam in her hooves. "Little Cumie was flying around and when I tried grabbing him I knocked over your rack."
"It's fine dear, accidents happen," Rarity said, using her magic to lift the clothes back into place. "So your little one is already up and flying about."
"Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash did warn me that little Pegusai tend to fly at random," Cozy Glow said, rocking her baby. "Didn't think it'd be this chaotic."
"Oh yes, Mrs. Cake said she had similar problems with Pound Cake," Rarity said. "It was harder for her and Mr. Cake due to the fact that neither one of them were Pegusus ponies."
"I tried to keep an eye on him, I just turned away a second to get him some food," Cozy Glow said. "He's a fast little guy, just like his daddy."
The baby started to squirm, eager to fly off again, but this time Rarity used her magic to hold him in place, "He probably wants to go play, later on you should go and take him to see Pinkie Pie, she might have a few ideas of what to do since she regularly watched over Pound and Pumpkin since they were born."
"Sure, I'll try that," Cozy said, grabbing Cumulon back into her hooves. "Is it really ok for him to be outside though? I don't think I've ever really brought him outside the house."
"That's probably why he's so full of energy, a change in venue should be good for him," Rarity said. "Talk this over with Rumble when he gets back, which shouldn't be too long."
"Alright Rarity," Cozy Glow said, again trying to contain her son as she went back to the kitchen. "Come on Cumie, let's wait for daddy, and get your belly full while we're at it."
"Such a good mother, a bit on the protective side though, but it seems fitting for any first time parent," Rarity said, going back to work.
Later on Rumble and Sweetie Belle finally got back to the Boutique, now one step closer to a completed wedding.
"So what's next?" Rumble asked.
"Well we need to make time to stop by Mount Aris to check on the floor planning," Sweetie Belle said. "Make sure all the chairs are properly set up, if the altar is good, and get the music ready."
"This is exhausting," Rumble said.
"Well that's why our friends are helping too, and thanks to them we've gotten a lot of the basics covered," Sweetie Belle said. "Apple Bloom has the food, Scootaloo promised to help set up the chairs, Dinky is setting up the rehearsal and the time management, we got this Rumble."
"I know, still it's so strange, I could fly a hundred miles an hour, yet it's so tiring doing so much planning," Rumble said. "At least I know it'll be worth it in the end."
"Yes, that moment where Twilight announces us as husband and wife will make all the headaches worth it," Sweetie Belle said.
"I'm heading to the kitchen, then I want to check on Cozy Glow and Cumulon," Rumble said. "I hope I'm not neglecting them too much."
"You're doing your best Rumble, and once the wedding is over you'll have more time to spend with them," Sweetie Belle said.
"What about our Honeymoon?" Rumble asked.
"We can hold off on that if you'd like, I don't mind," Sweetie Belle said. "You should spend time with your son, I certainly do. He's adorable, and I think he likes me."
"I should hope you, you're like a second mom to him," Rumble said. "And, I really appreciate how well you've taken this Sweetie Belle. I don't know how well other mares would have handled knowing their coltfriend turned fiancé having a baby from another mare."
"If that mare truly loved that stallion, she wouldn't mind," Sweetie Belle said. "I mean, we weren't together when you got Cozy Glow pregnant, it's not my place to be mad about that. Plus I really like having Cozy Glow and her baby around, so it works out."
"I can tell how much you like being around them, plus at least they can keep you company whenever I need to be away," Rumble said, trotting off. "Well I'll go get some food ready."
"I'll go check on Rarity, see how she's coming along with our wedding clothes," Sweetie Belle said, going to her sister's office.
As Rumble entered the kitchen, he found a messy yet humorous sight, "Uh, Cozy Glow, the food goes in the baby's mouth."
An annoyed and food covered Cozy Glow shot an angry glare at Rumble as she continued to try and feed her equally messy baby. "I'm doing by best here, but Cumie is too restless."
"Is he flying around again?" Rumble asked as he went to grab some paper towers.
"At light speeds," Cozy Glow said. "He's a gifted flyer, if Spitfire saw him she'd probably want him in The Wonderbolts."
"Wow, youngest recruit," Rumble said, wiping down some of the mess. "Of course this is just instinct, Cumie might not even remember how to fly this well once he gets older."
"Well it is too early to start thinking of a path for Cumie, he might not even like flying competitively, he might want to do something else," Cozy Glow said.
"Whatever it is, we'll help him achieve that goal," Rumble said, tossing away the paper towel. "Alright, mostly clean, might need to mop now."
"What about me and Cumie?" Cozy Glow asked.
"This is a mess that a bath needs to fix," Rumble said. "Why don't you go and wash up and I'll try to feed Cumie."
"Think you can manage?" Cozy Glow asked. "Like I said, he's very restless."
"I think I can handle it," Rumble said. "Now go wash up, your mane looks really sticky."
Cozy checked her hair, finding some gunk in it, "Alright, I'll try not to take too long." Cozy flew upstairs as Rumble sat before his son.
"Alright kiddo, just you and me," Rumble grabbed the food that Cozy was trying to feed him. "Now you need to eat if you want to be as big and strong as your daddy."
"Huh?" Cumulon turned his head in confusion.
"Come on, eat up," Rumble said, bringing the spoon full of food to the baby. "Here comes the Pegasus Express, ready to deliver a package..."
Cumulon knocked the spoon away, giggling at the new mess he just made.
Rumble glared in disappointment, "Hey come on, I just finished cleaning up." He grabbed a second spoon and scooped up some food, "Now let's try-" Cumulon knocked the other spoon away, giggling once again. "This isn't funny Cumulon, you have to eat food." Rumble noticed he didn't have anymore spoons, so quickly he went to grab another one and tried a third time, "Now, eat..."
Cumulon stared at the food, feeling confused. He got bored and tried to fly away but Rumble grabbed him before he could make off.
"Hey! Come on, I told your mommy I would feed you!" Rumble said.
"Gah!" Cumulon tried breaking free and successfully flew off, Rumble immediately giving chase.
"Hey come back here!" Rumble demanded as his son left the kitchen, trying desperately to follow after him. While Rumble had speed, his son's unpredictable flight pattern still made this difficult.
As this went on, Sweetie Belle was checking on her dress with her sister, marveling at the sight. "It looks amazing! You really outdid yourself Rarity."
"All for you, after all you deserve something nice on your big day," Rarity said. "You will truly live up to your name dear sister, you will be the Belle of the Ball, you will look just like the Princess that Rumble sees you as."
"Speaking of Rumble," Sweetie Belle turned to his suit. "You really nailed it with his suit. I just know he's going to love it."
"I believe he will, in fact I was hoping to get his feedback," Rarity said.
"I can go get him if you want," Sweetie Belle said. "I think he went to get some food ready but-"
"Cumie! Come back!" Came Rumble's voice outside the dressing room. Suddenly the two mares heard something get knocked over.
"Oh not again," Rarity commented, checking outside with Sweetie Belle, the two seeing that while Rumble caught Cumulon, the two had knocked over some mannequins showing off clothes.
"That was such a pain," Rumble said, holding his son in his hooves.
"Ahem," Came Rarity's voice, Rumble looking over to his soon to be sister-in-law, seeing her standing right beside his fiance.
"You're wondering about the mess, right?" Rumble asked.
"I think I have an idea of what happened," Rarity said. "It's understandable that little Cumie is a high flying little pony but I really hope you and Cozy Glow figure out a way to keep him from flying around so much."
"Wonder how my parents handled it when me and Thunderlane were kids?" Rumble wondered. "Anyway, really sorry about this Rarity."
"Oh I suppose it could be worse, Pinkie Pie had to worry about two foals, in addition to Pound Cake's flying, there was also Pumpkin's magic. Unicorn magic can be as troublesome as Pegasus flying, I remember how much trouble mom and dad had with Sweetie Belle, though according to them I was just as bad."
"I suppose that is something me and Rumble will have to consider on the chance any children we have is a Unicorn," Sweetie Belle said. "Or better, an Alicorn."
"Sweetie Belle, that's not how it works," Rarity reminded.
"I know, but it would still be neat," Sweetie Belle said.
"Well Alicorn Babies have magic and flying you need to worry about, I remember how hard it was for Shining Armor and Cadance to keep Flurry Heart under control," Rarity said.
"Maybe Cumie just needs to go outside, let him fly around," Rumble said. "But he needs to do it somewhere safe, I don't want him flying off or getting hurt."
"There should be a park for Pegasus ponies, but I worry that little Cumie might be too young," Rarity said.
"Well we gotta do something," Rumble said. Cumie attempted to fly off again, but Sweetie Belle caught him with her magic.
"Nice try little cutie," Sweetie Belle said, bringing him to her hooves. "It's good you want to fly, just make sure you do it safely."
"Uuuhhh," Cumulon looked up at Sweetie Belle, then rubbed her mane, giggling as he did so.
"Guess he really likes my mane," Sweetie Belle joked.
"I just wish I could get him to like his food, he won't eat," Rumble said.
"I'll give it a try then," Sweetie Belle said. "We'll get this adorable little creature some food."
"I'll lend my assistance," Rarity said. "Raising a baby takes discipline but the results are worth it. One step at a time."
"I really appreciate the help," Rumble said.
After some attempts, the trio finally got Cumulon to finish his meal, the colt looking satisfied and tired afterwards. Rumble and Sweetie Belle brought him upstairs and laid him down in his crib, soothing him to sleep using his mobile.
"~Hush now, quiet now, time to lay your sleepy head~," Sweetie sang.
"~Hush now, quiet now, it's time to go to bed~," Rumble added.
"Your voice is so charming," Sweetie Belle complimented.
"And yours is sweet, like an angel's," Rumble complimented back.
With a blush, Sweetie Belle continued the lulluby, "~Drifting off to sleep, leave the exciting day behind you~"
"~Drifting off to sleep, let the joy of Dream Land find you~," Rumble continued.
Eventually the baby fell asleep, the two carefully exiting the room, hoping to avoid waking him back up.
"That went well," Rumble said. "Cumie's been fed and now he's asleep."
"We're natural at parenting," Sweetie Belle said. "Soon we'll be ready for more foals."
"Yeah, totally," Rumble said as he and Sweetie Belle passed by the bathroom, Cozy Glow having just finished showering and applying curlers to her mane.
"Hey Rumble, did you get Cumie fed?" Cozy Glow asked.
"Yeah, he's napping right now," Rumble said.
"That's great, he was so hyper earlier though, he has to burn off that energy," Cozy Glow said.
"We have a few ideas, but we might need to put them to use soon because once Cumie wakes up, he'll be up and flying again," Sweetie Belle said.
"I'm open to any ideas, as long as they're safe," Cozy Glow said.
"I've seen some areas in the park where Pegasus foals can fly around, it's relatively safe, and according to Thunderlane, I spent a lot of time there when I was a high flying little Pegasus," Rumble said.
"That sounds neat, but I'd like to see this place for myself first," Cozy Glow said.
"Sure, that's only fair," Sweetie Belle said.
"My brother probably has a lot of tips for us regarding what to do with Cumie," Rumble said. "Same with Flitter and Cloudchaser, they all remember when I was a baby foal."
"I bet you were adorable," Cozy Glow said. "I'd ask my family to help but, I don't have one. I'm really gonna need your help here Rumble."
"That's what fathers do for their kids," Rumble said.
"And you'll have help from the family you have now Cozy Glow," Sweetie Belle said.
"I know I will, I feel so lucky to have friends like you," Cozy Glow said. She turned in the direction of her room. "I'll go stay near Cumie, I know you two probably have a few more things to do for your wedding."
"We're almost there, the wait will be worth it," Rumble said.
"Yeah, you're both lucky, it'll be a while before I can walk down that aisle," Cozy Glow said. "Of course now isn't a good time for me to get married anyway, I do have a baby to think about."
"Hey if anything it's the perfect time for you to get married," Rumble said.
"Or get a coltfriend or marefriend," Sweetie Belle said. "I mean you're not gonna marry somepony you just met but it's nice to have a start."
"I mean, that's a good point, but it's not what I'm worried about," Cozy Glow said. "Remember, I'm living with you two so that Rumble can raise his son, getting married means I might have to live with that pony, if I do that, what happens to the baby?"
"We never really got around to planning for that potential outcome, have we?" Sweetie Belle said. "Rumble, this is something we really need to consider."
"Right, of course," Rumble said. "Look Cozy Glow, we'll figure this out but don't let this stop you from pursuing a relationship."
"Yeah, if you meet somepony you like, go for it," Sweetie Belle said. "Who knows, maybe the pony will be understanding and want to accommodate."
"And if that can't happen..." Rumble began, taking this slow. "If you do ever have to move away for whatever reason, of course, Cumie can go with you."
"But Rumble, I can't take your son from you," Cozy Glow said.
"He's your son too, and while I want to be there for him, it wouldn't be fair for me to take him from you," Rumble said. "We'll make it work though, I promise to be a constant presence in his life but he's the only blood relative you have right now. And while I love my son very much, I think you need him more than I do."
"Thanks Rumble, Cumie really does mean a lot to me, he's my whole world now," Cozy Glow said. "The day I gave birth to him, it's easily better than the time I was an Alicorn Princess."
"That's so sweet of you to say," Sweetie Belle said. "That's why you're going to be an amazing mother."
"And you two are going to make for a great husband and wife couple," Cozy Glow said. "I can't wait for your wedding."
"Yeah," Rumble took Sweetie Belle's hoof in his own. "Neither can we."
Days passed by, the moment of bliss inching closer and closer for both Rumble and Sweetie Belle. Soon the momentous occasion was upon them, the day the two would be wed in Holy Matrimony.
Sweetie Belle was in her room, getting dressed for her wedding, having been assisted by Rarity and The Crusaders.
"It's almost time!" Rarity said. "Not much longer before you're walking down that aisle a married mare. I can't believe this day has finally come."
"Me neither, my dream of being married to Rumble is so close to being a reality," Sweetie Belle said, admiring her dress. "And you did a great job with my gown sis, it looks so Princess-like."
"Well you are a Princess in Rumble's eyes, it's only fitting that he marries one," Rarity said, applying some last minute touches. "You make for a lovely bride Sweetie Belle."
"Yeah, you look really dang nice, I'd certainly marry yah," Apple Bloom said.
"Same here," Scootaloo added.
"You girls are sweet, but I am happily taken," Sweetie Belle playfully teased.
"Also Apple Bloom, you have somepony you're already with," Rarity reminded. "Even as a joke, you must be careful what you say."
"Oh like she's not saying this type of stuff to Rumble," Apple Bloom playfully sassed. "It's all fine."
"Yeah, if anything we should be more worried about Dinky, she's a bit of a wild card," Scootaloo said.
"Yeah she is, that's what ah like about her," Apple Bloom said. "Really hope one day we'll be able to walk down that aisle."
"Hey it's not like you need anything grand, I mean your parents got married with almost nopony there didn't they?" Scootaloo said.
"Well they had to, if they could they'd probably want something extra special," Apple Bloom said.
"Do you really care that much about fancy though? Or do you just want to be with Dinky?" Sweetie Belle asked.
"Good point, being married to Dinky would be special enough," Apple Bloom said. "If it worked for mah parents, it can work fer me and Dinky."
"It's all about preference," Sweetie Belle said. "I'd be happy marrying Rumble even if there weren't as many ponies out there."
"Yeah, you got a ton of ponies ready to see you two make it official," Scootaloo said.
"Think Rumble is handling this well?" Apple Bloom asked. "Think he's nervous too or is he gonna be cool about it?"
"Probably a little, even Rumble gets nervous from time to time," Sweetie Belle said. "But I think it'll turn out ok."
Meanwhile with Rumble, as Sweetie Belle predicted, the colt was extremely nervous, and desperately trying to calm himself.
"Stay cool, stay cool, I got this," Rumble said to himself, hoping to make the worries go away.
"Wow you're a mess," Dinky said. "I haven't seen you this nervous since you tried working up the nerve to ask out Sweetie Belle."
"Well we'll see how you handle this when it's your turn to get married," Rumble said.
"Hey I don't doubt that I'll be nervous, but I'll be less nervous with a friend by my side, and I hope that friend is you," Dinky said.
"Well of course Dinky, you mean a lot to me, that's why I wanted you to be my Best Mare," Rumble said.
"And you mean a lot to me as well, so I'm gonna help you through this," Dinky said. "You're not alone, and after today you won't be alone for the rest of your life. You'll have Sweetie Belle by your side and you're going to have a big family of little foals."
"That's the dream," Rumble said. "Actually I was hoping to have kids as soon as I could with Sweetie Belle, I want to get started on having a family with her."
"Then keep that in your mind," Dinky said. "Focus on the fact that by the end of today, you'll have Sweetie Belle as your wife. And really, how much is going to change? All you're getting is the title of husband. You're already living with Sweetie Belle, you're saving up for a house, today just makes things official."
"That's an awfully casual way of looking at a wedding," Rumble said.
"Weddings are special, and I hope my wedding with Apple Bloom will be special, I'm just saying not to let the pressure get to you, I mean you've already been through a lot, a wedding should be a piece of cake," Dinky said.
"I guess it is silly that I'm this nervous despite having saved all of Equestria, love is strange sometimes," Rumble said.
"But worth it," Dinky said, using her magic to make one final adjustment to Rumble's bow tie. "It's time for you to go out there."
"Thanks for being there for me Dinky," Rumble said.
"Any time buddy," Dinky said, escorting Rumble out to the altar.
The fields of Mount Aris were full of guests, from Ponyville, to Cloudsdale, and The Crystal Empire. Twilight stood at the tip of the altar, ready to do her job as the wedding officiator, and she was very much excited to bring together the two foals who first found love in her castle in Ponyville, and proposed near her castle in Canterlot.
All the guests were seated out in the fields, and while not as grand as Twilight's wedding, it was still a decent outcome. Sweetie Belle's mother was present in the front row, Rumble's family present not too far off, the Elements were there, The Crystal Empire Royalty were there, Tender Taps was there and a few Hippogriff friends were there, including Princess Skystar, Silversteam and Terramar. Of course, the former villains were present as well, mostly for the refreshments as they would heavily insist. Others included Silver Spoon, The Barrel Twins, Big Macintosh, Cheerilee, Sandbar, Ocellus, Yona, Smolder, Gallus, Trixie, Lightning Dust, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Sunset Shimmer, The Pie Sisters, Double Diamond, Party Favor, Sugar Belle, Night Glider, Quibble Pants, Clear Skies, Wind Sprint, Toola Roola, Coconut Cream, Button Mash, Babs Seed, Twist, Tempest Shadow, Capper, Ember, Thorax and Discord.
Rumble had made it to the Altar, standing right beside his Best Mare Dinky as Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, Cozy Glow, Rarity and Diamond Tiara stood by as Sweetie Belle's bridesmaids. Cumulon was in the front row with Flitter and Cloudchaser watching over him, both eagerly anticipating the wedding.
"Rumble looks so handsome!" Flitter said. "He's so close, I can't wait until the vows!"
"He looks so nervous though, hope he gets it together," Cloudchaser said.
"He'll be fine," Flitter insisted.
On the altar, Rumble is still sweating out his nerves, knowing he's moments away from marriage. Dinky grabbed a napkin with her magic and wiped his head.
"Hey, remember what I said before," the mare reminded.
"Right, I will," Rumble insisted, trying to focus on the task at hoof.
It wasn't long before Flurry Heart was seen coming down the aisle, doing the same Flower Filly duties she performed before.
"Remember when we were flower fillies Scootaloo?" Apple Bloom asked.
"I remember doing it twice for the same wedding," Scootaloo said.
"Why twice?" Cozy Glow asked.
"First time it was Chrysalis in disguise so once she got defeated, the wedding restarted," Scootaloo explained. "It didn't bother me to do it again though, it was kind of fun going down the aisle with my friends."
"And now Sweetie Belle is coming down to be married," Apple Bloom said. "It feels like only yesterday we were out Crusading for our Cutie Marks."
"I bet it was a lot of fun for you girls," Cozy Glow said.
"Oh it was, we had a blast," Apple Bloom said. "Even if it took forever to get our Cutie Marks."
"You girls were way too obsessed," Diamond Tiara said.
"Hey you're the one who said it was a big deal!" Scootaloo said.
"Yeah, it's kind of yer fault because of all yer teasing," Apple Bloom added.
"Well my teasing led to you girls meeting each other and becoming friends, so in a way, you owe your success to me," Diamond Tiara said.
"What, you can't be serious!" Scootaloo shouted. "We would have found each other anyway!"
"Girls, enough please," Rarity said, her pleas falling on deaf ears.
"Yeah, it's destiny that we'd become friends," Apple Bloom said.
"Destiny, schmestiny, if not for me having a party for getting my Cutie Mark, you wouldn't have met, and if not for you helping me figure out my mark, you never would have gotten yours," Diamond Tiara said. "So again, you can thank me for your success."
"You're so full of it!" Scootaloo said.
"I don't know, she might have a point," Cozy Glow said.
"Thank you Cozy Glow," Diamond said.
"Hey who's side are you on!?" Apple Bloom said.
"Would you girls knock it off!" Rumble shouted. "You're holding up the wedding!"
"Plus everyone's staring it's kind of awkward," Dinky added.
True to Rumble's word, this squabble caught the attention of the entire audience, much to the embarrassment of the fillies and their relatives.
"Sorry about that! Carry on!" Scootaloo said, hoping everypony would just move on from this.
"Well that was awkward," Tender Taps mused.
Soon the piano began playing the wedding theme as Sweetie Belle walked down the aisle, joined by her father Hondo Flanks. Everyone looked in awe at the young filly's beauty, especially the groom Rumble, who was so mesmerized by the sight before him.
"Feeling confident now Rumble?" Twilight asked, getting his attention.
"Oh, totally," Rumble said, focusing back on the filly he would be wed to, she looked like a true Princess in his eyes.
"My sweet Prince," Sweetie Belle greeted.
"My lovely Princess," Rumble greeted back.
Twilight cleared her throat to begin speaking, "Fillies and Gentlecolts, Creatures of all shapes and sizes, we have all gathered today to bear witness to the bonding of Rumble and Sweetie Belle in the sacred bond of marriage."
"Getting closer..." Rarity muttered. "Can't wait."
"Rumble and Sweetie Belle found love at such a young age, and they've gone through an intense path to get to where they both are now," Twilight said. "It was not easy, it was difficult at times for them, but they both persisted, and now today they take that next step, and I could not be more proud of them. I'm so happy to see the fine ponies these two have grown into."
"That's my bro!" Thunderlane called from the crowd, annoying Flitter and Cloudchaser.
"Yes, he certainly is," Rarity said. "And now Rumble has a few words to say to Sweetie Belle."
"Thank you Twilight," Rumble said, turning his attention to his bride. "Sweetie Belle, I remember the first time I developed a crush on you. I was an eleven year old colt feasting my eyes on the cutest filly in Ponyville. I never would have imagined my crush would evolve into you becoming my bride. To be standing here before you, in spite of some not so clever decisions in my life is easily the best moment I could have asked for. And I am so happy to be with you right now, to know that after today, we'll be able to really start a new life together. Out of everything I have or will accomplish, this is easily the greatest moment of my life, aside from any time I am blessed in the title of fatherhood."
"This is so sweet!" Flitter said, the mare wiping away some tears.
"Well said Rumble," Twilight turned to Sweetie Belle. "It's the bride's turn."
"Appreciate that Twilight," Sweetie Belle said. "Years ago, there was a time where I thought I'd be in this position with another colt. You took some time for me to get used to, and now I can't think of any other colt I want to have in this position. You really won me over Rumble, your looks and charm left a lasting impact on my heart, and I can't wait to begin our path down marriage life. I can't wait to move into a new home with you, and to have foals with you. I love you so much, and I want you to be mine forever."
"One way to really make it happen then," Rumble said, then turned to Twilight. "We're ready."
"We all are," Dinky said.
"Been waiting years fer this," Apple Bloom said.
"Make it official," Scootaloo said.
Twilight turned to the groom, "Do you, Rumble, take Sweetie Belle as your wife? To hold annd cherish for the years to come?"
"Yes," Rumble said, nodding his head.
Twilight faced the bride, "And do you Sweetie Belle, take Rumble as your husband, to care and be there for, in the lifetime ahead?"
"I certainly do," Sweetie Belle said.
"Then by the power vested in me as the Princess of Equestria, I now pronounce you two, husband and wife," Twilight decreed. "You may kiss the-"
Rumble wasted no time locking Sweetie Belle in a kiss, taking her by surprise, the mare however lovingly returning the affection as everpony cheered for the union of lovers. Finally, the day had come where Rumble and Sweetie Belle had finally gotten married.
Next came the party, everyone once again celebrating a wedding, this time between the lovebirds of Ponyville, Rumble and Sweetie Belle. The two were dancing together in the center of the fields the party took place in, Sweetie Belle's dreams being fully realized.
Apple Bloom stood not too far away, alongside Scootaloo, Dinky and Tender Taps, the four happily taking in the sight of the newlywed couple.
"Prety neat, ain't it?" Apple Bloom began. "To think that this almost didn't happen."
"Yeah, few roadblocks here and there, but they got together by destiny," Tender Taps said. "It's like they were meant for one another."
"A perfect pair," Apple Bloom said. "And soon we'll all get that wonderous chance to walk down the marriage aisle."
"I already had that fortune," Tender Taps said. "It was an amazing one too, now Rumble knows how I felt that day, seeing Sweetie Belle must have been like me seeing Twilight."
"Any word on when you two are gonna have foals?" Tender Taps asked.
"Give it a few years, I'm not quite ready yet," Tender Taps said. "Rumble might be a different story though."
"Yeah, he already has that experience with Cozy Glow," Apple Bloom said.
"You think Cozy Glow is gonna be able to handle this big change well herself?" Tender Taps asked.
"She seems pretty happy to me," Apple Bloom said, gesturing to Cozy Glow, the filly happily showing her baby off to Sandbar and his friends. "Ah think Cozy Glow has really come into her own and has really achieved the happiness she truly desired, even if it's not what she expected."
"Everyone deserves a little happiness," Dinky said. "And it's just nice seeing Cozy Glow so content with her life."
The group noticed Flurry Heart flying over to Cozy Glow, nuzzling the older mare. Apple Bloom vocalized her thoughts on that, "Flurry seems to agree. What a sweet little filly."
"She really likes Cozy Glow, who knows, maybe they'll pull a Twilight and Tender Taps," Dinky said.
"Uh, is that gonna be a thing?" Tender Taps asked.
"Probably," Dinky said. "Has life been different for you since marrying Twilight?"
"Well, aside from officially being a Prince, not much," Tender Taps said.
"Have ponies called you 'Prince Tender Taps'?" Apple Bloom asked.
"Yeah, and it's weird," Tender Taps said.
"Don't worry, we'll keep it familiar," Scootaloo said.
"Yeah, I know you will, you're all good friends," Tender Taps said.
Later on Sweetie Belle tossed her Bouquet, it being caught by Flurry Heart, the little Princess focusing on Cozy Glow, hoping and praying that this is a sign for her.
"Oh sweet Celestia..." Shining Armor lamented.
"I think you mean, sweet Twilight," Adagio taunted.
"I will never use my sister as an expression," Shining Armor said.
"Well soon somepony might be referring to your daughter as 'Sweet Flurry'," Adagio said. Not only did this enrage Shining Armor, but it seemed to bring out anger from Sonata as well, the blue siren glaring at her friend.
The wedding was a big success, ponies had fun and now Rumble and Sweetie Belle could start their new life together. The next day the two were packing for their Honeymoon at Rainbow Falls in their room, Sweetie Belle getting everything into her briefcase.
"Think that should be good," the filly said as she sat back on her bed. "Wow, we're actually going on our Honeymoon, I'm so happy!"
"Me too," Rumble said, squeezing some more of his stuff in. "It's gonna be fun. Lots of places to explore, great scenery as well."
"Are you talking about the town? Or me in bed?" Sweetie Belle teased.
Rumble smirked at his wife, "Both." He then flew over to her and started kissing her, laying her back as the kissing turned into making out.
Sweetie Belle did push back a moment, "Rumble, I think I'm going to be in heat this week, do you want to try and have kids?"
"If you think you're ready," Rumble said. "If not, we'll improvise."
"I think I want kids, but I'm still trying to decide if we'll be ready for that," Sweetie Belle said. "I mean, you have little Cumie, will another foal be too much?"
"Well, consider that I am going to be a Wonderbolt, and I might not be home as much, think it will be a bother?" Rumble asked.
Sweetie Belle wasn't too sure, it was a lot for her to consider. She did not have much time to think as a vistor came in, with her little guest.
"Rumble? Sweetie Belle?" Cozy said, walking in after knocking. "Am I interrupting anything?"
"No, we were just finished packing," Rumble said, getting off the bed. "Did you need something? Does Cumie need me?"
"He's fine, but you can hold him if you want," Cozy Glow said, allowing Rumble to pick up his son. "I just wanted to see you both, I mean, you're married now, it must be such a big deal."
"Finally settling in?" Rumble asked.
"Yeah, you two are gonna make such a cute couple," Cozy Glow said. "I can't wait to see it for myself."
"We're happy to gave you Cozy Glow," Sweetie Belle said.
"I am going to miss you two while you're away," Cozy Glow said.
"We'll miss you too, and Cumie," Rumble said. "But he's in good hooves with his mother."
Cozy felt happy to hear, though began to feel some doubt, "Hey, are you really alright with me being his mom?"
"Huh? What are you saying?" Rumble asked.
"I mean, I know I gave birth to him but, I still feel like he should have been yours and Sweetie Belle's son, not yours and mine," Cozy Glow said. "I hate to give him up, but I really think he should have parents who are together, not a single mom."
"Cozy, I know what you're saying, but Cumie is your son, I told you that I won't take him from you," Rumble said. "If you ever have to move, he can go with you."
"Won't you miss him? Cozy Glow asked.
"Of course," Rumble said, looking to his foal. "He's my son after all, I care a great deal about him." He turned his attention to his son's mother. "But you need him more than I do, I hope you two stay as long as you can but I won't ever take him away from his mother."
Cozy seemed unusually sad, "I...I don't think I deserve him though." Suddenly she began tearing up, "Your wedding, seeing you two together, it made me realize just how perfect you are for each other, and how I nearly messed that up for you!" Cozy's tears fell, "I almost ruined your life because of my selfishness, and now you have to make room for me because of the terrible things I've done!"
"Cozy Glow," Rumble tried to reach out to her.
"I'm sorry, I never should have broken you two up back then!" Cozy said. "I don't belong here, it's never been my place here. I should go and leave you two to be happy, you'd be better off without me!"
Cozy flew out the room in tears, worrying Rumble, "Has she kept all this bottled up?" He flew Cumulon to Sweetie Belle. "Watch him for me, I gotta cheer Cozy up."
"Sure thing," Sweetie Belle said, taking the foal. "Let me know if you need help."
"You got it," Rumble said, chasing after the mother of his son.
Sweetie Belle sat Cumulon on her lap, "Seems like your mom is going through a lot." She stroked his mane, "Such a pretty baby you are though, I almost wish you were mine. But I can love you like you were. You can call me 'Mama Sweetie Belle'." Sweetie Belle fancied the idea of being a mother, though she still had her doubts. "Eh, not sure if I could even cut it as your mother though, even if I really want to be."
Outside Cozy Glow was seeing crying against the rails of the Boutique, Rumble meeting her outside. "Cozy..."
Cozy turned to Rumble, wiping her eyes, "You don't have to worry about me."
"Too bad, you're my friend, and you mean a lot to me," Rumble said.
"How could I? After all I've done to you?" Cozy Glow asked, still sobbing. "I tricked you, made you help me nearly destroy Equestria, caused you to break up with Sweetie Belle, and I ended up being the mother of your first child. Sweetie Belle's your true love, she should have been the baby's mother."
"What's done is done, nothing will change the fact that you're Cumulon's mother," Rumble said. "And, I'm fine with that. I'm ok with you having my first child."
"But we're not a couple, you love Sweetie Belle, not me," Cozy Glow said. "What if Cumie feels like he's in a broken family? What if he grows up bitter like I did?"
"Cozy, listen," Rumble said, gently patting her back. "The pony you were isn't the pony you are now. You've changed for the better, and I'm so happy for you. When we were together, when I did get you pregnant, remember that it was when we were a couple, when we were together."
Cozy stopped crying a moment, looking right at Rumble, seeing the genuinely sincere look in his eyes, and the truth in his voice. It was this Rumble she fell in love with back then, probably the only honest thing about her.
"That baby is a symbol of the love we had for each other, because the night we made that baby, it was me loving you, because I truly loved you that way Cozy Glow," Rumble said. "Now my love for you is different, even if we're not together, you hold a special place in my heart. I want you in my life, and so does Sweetie Belle, because she loves you too. We love you and Cumie, don't feel like you're intruding, because if anything you make us even happier than we already are."
Cozy had to resist the urge to lock Rumble in a kiss, she knows it's not appropriate, and she can never do that to Rumble or Sweetie Belle again. She settled for a quick peck on his cheek, a friendly peck, because that's what he is. Not her lover, but her friend, "Thank you Rumble. I still have a lot of grief I'm trying to overcome but, I'll do my best to get better."
"We'll work it out together," Rumble said. "Come on, let's go inside."
Up in Rumble's room, the two returned and beheld a strand and unusual sight. Sweetie Belle was laying in bed while Cumulon suckled on her teat.
"Uh...Sweetie Belle?" Rumble said, clearly confused.
"Weird huh? Guess he's hungry," Sweetie Belle said.
"I'm so sorry, I'll get him off," Cozy Glow said, trying to move her son. "Cumie, there's no milk in there, come on."
Cozy got Cumulon off her, the baby resisting a bit, clearly upset he lost his teat. Rumble found this almost funny, "He really likes being with Sweetie Belle." He turned to his wife, "Hope that wasn't too awkward."
"Actually, I kind of liked it," Sweetie Belle said. "I know I have no milk, but for a moment, I felt like a mother feeding her baby. I don't mind that he was dry sucking really, it just meant that he probably saw me as a mother figure. Maybe, I can be a mother."
"You mean it?" Rumble asked.
Sweetie Belle nodded, "I want to have a baby Rumble, I think I'm ready."
"Sweet, we'll get started during the Honeymoon," Rumble said.
"That's really sweet, I'm glad Cumie loves you Sweetie Belle," Cozy Glow said as she left with her baby. "Guess I should go and feed him."
As the mother of one left, Rumble got onto bed with his new wife, gently rubbing her flank, "I'm so excited to have kids with you."
"Me too," Sweetie Belle said, fantasizing about being a mother. "It's gonna be a great life."
The two main weddings are done. Story ends after the next chapter.