February 5, Winter, year 20

I jinxed myself.

Claire shivered as she worked, trying to hunch herself deeper into her jacket. For all it was worth the money, she really hated the Dig site in the middle of winter. Even going into the mines themselves didn't alleviate the cold too much.

But even in the dead of winter, she still needed to earn money. If she didn't how else was she going to buy things for springtime use? Plus, she was still trying to get all the tools uncursed. Which, naturally, was easier said than done.

She was ready to call it a day, when Carter and Flora started exclaiming over a new find together. Curious enough to listen in, but not enough to actually approach, Claire watched.

"What is it?" the assistant asked, adjusting her glasses uncertainly. "It looks important.."

"This was actually used in ancient marriage ceremonies," Carter explained. "It was considered good luck to find such a thing years later…"

A pondering look crossed the professor's face, and Claire suppressed both a smile and a groan. She had a feeling she knew what was coming…

"Maybe it's a sign," the older man sighed.

"Pardon?" Flora tilted her head curiously.

After a minute, Carter reached into a pocket and produced a Blue Feather.

"Flora… will you marry me?"

Flora blushed madly, bringing her hands up to cover her cheeks in genuine surprise.

"W-well I… I uh…"

Claire huffed quietly, smiling. After a few minutes Flora nodded, a smile blossoming across her face.

"Yes, I think I will," the purple-eyed woman said.

"Excellent!" Carter boomed, delight making his entire face light up.

Claire shook her head, grinning slightly herself. It looked like she was going to have to put in another call to Lauren. At that moment, both of them noticed her. Flora flushed an even deeper red, making her younger friend laugh, and Carter just went speechless, a rarity for him.

"H-how much of that…?"

"Oh… all of it. Relax, it's a wedding, not like I saw some deep dark secret," the farmer winked. "I'll call Lauren for you Flora. Sound good?"

Flora just nodded after a minute, then reached out to hug Claire.

"I can't believe it," she whispered. "I can't believe it!"

Claire just patted her friend's back, and gave her uncle a wink and thumbs up. He turned a deep crimson that made her shake with giggles.

"You two get to deciding," she called, pulling away from Flora. "I'll work on the telling!"

"Claire, would you…?"

The blonde just waved, nodding.

"Bridesmaid duty, got it," she gave a cheeky grin. "See you later!"

I've called Lauren, who just cracked up over the phone and teased me endlessly. I threatened not to make her chocolate cookies when she got here if she didn't stop.

You know, not that it'll actually make her stop. She'll just tease me about something else!

Ah well… Won't kill me. I wonder what she'll come up with for Flora?