Jason sighed as he leaned back in his favorite chair, the wooden frame creaking lightly as his weight shifted. He set aside the letter he was reading before glancing out the study's window. The fireplace burned gently, casting flickering light out of the window and illuminating the snow that fell just on the other side of the glass. Frost formed intricate crystals on the pane.

Just two more weeks, huh? He thought to himself. A small smile formed on his face as the now familiar touch of excitement entered his heart.

Twilight and Rainbow had retired nearly an hour ago, and Jason sat alone in his study. The room had been a personal project of his over the cold winter months. After he had finished building and purchasing the rest of the furniture for their house, he had begun work on the various furnishings of his personal room. Of course, the mares and Spike were welcome in the room whenever they wished, however Jason would often retire here to relax and think. The manual Twilight had given him for his birthday actually proved to be quite the wealth of knowledge in terms of carpentry.

That is, whenever he got around to reading it.

Winter was Jason's favorite time of year. He loved the cold weather and the constant snows brought most construction in the town to a screeching halt, so other than a few smaller indoor jobs, he had a lot of free time.

Tonight, Jason had been re-reading letters he had saved. He didn't receive mail often, other than work requests, so he liked to keep the ones that were a little more personal. He had just finished reading the letter of congratulations he had received from Captain Stalwart, the commander of the Royal Sentries, the unit responsible for monitoring Equestria's borders and roads.

Jason leafed through the stack of papers before him, looking for one in particular. He caught a glimpse of the special stationary that was a signature of a royal document and pulled it from the stack. This letter in particular was one he was most fond of. He began reading.

Dear Captain Jason Sinder and my faithful student Twilight Sparkle,

Sincerely, Princess Celestia.

Jason's heart soared once again as he finished reading. He couldn't believe it. A princess, presiding over his wedding?! It was insane for him to think about. He understood that it was most likely because of Twilight's close personal connection to the princess that had made her so willing to make such an offer, but it was still beyond anything Jason had ever expected.

"Jason? You're still awake?"

The voice brought Jason back to reality and he looked over to the door of the room. Spike stood there, rubbing his eye sleepily.

"Hey Spike. Can't sleep?" Jason asked gently.

"N-No...I was just going down for some water and saw your fire... Everything ok?"

"Oh yeah, just reading a few letters. How 'bout I get you that water? I wanted to talk with you anyway." Jason said before standing and making his way to the small bar in the corner.

"Erm, Ok."

Jason took a glass and filled it with the small water barrel he kept upstairs. He walked over to Spike and handed him the drink. As the dragon took it, Jason gestured to a pair of chairs facing each other. Spike moved over to one of the chairs and hopped up before taking a quick sip.

Jason sat opposite Spike and regarded him for a few moments, thinking of exactly what he was about to say. Before long, he sighed and began speaking.

"Look Spike, there's only a few weeks until the wedding. Now, I know it's been a couple of months since I've proposed, but I have yet to actually hear your feelings on this. It's a big misstep on my part. You're as big a part of this family as Twilight and Rainbow. Heck you've known Twilight longer than anyone other than her direct relatives. You've even known her longer than the Princess!"

"Erm... To be fair, I don't really remember that far back... It's because she hatched me that Princess Celestia learned about her." Spike said. He reached up and scratched the back of his head.

Jason dismissed the statement with a wave of his hand. "Still... You play a bigger part in her life than I do, I hope you understand that."

"Pfft... As if... Three years, and you still don't see how much you mean to her." Spike responded, a defiant look on his face

"I could say the same to you." Jason's response was a little more tense than he had wanted. Spike recoiled slightly and looked at Jason, a little hurt and slightly confused.

"Spike, she loves you more than you know. You have become a part of her life... Tell me, can you remember a single point of your entire life when you were away from her for more than a few days? Every decision she makes and every action she takes, she always has you in mind. You're telling me that you haven't realized this? You've known her you're entire life! Tell me, who is Twilight to you?... Honestly?"

Jason waited patiently for nearly ten minutes as Spike wracked his brain for an answer. Jason could visibly see Spike's change in mood as the dragon thought. First there was confusion, then a little anger, and finally realization.

"I...I don't know... I've always been there for her, and she's always been there for me... She practically raised me... No, she did raise me..." Spike gave a soft chuckle before looking back at Jason. "You know, I never met my real mother... I've always seen Twilight as more of a sister than anything... But she's more than that... I see that now... Everything she's taught me and done for me... She's my mother...Oh Celestia she's my mother!" Jason could see tears forming in Spike's eyes, even as a grin spread across his face. "She drives me crazy, sometimes. With her OCD and tenacious need for knowledge... But I don't know what I'd do without her..." Spike's chin drooped and the tears began rolling down his cheeks, dripping into the cup of water he held loosely.

Jason moved from his chair and kneeled before the crying dragon, placing a hand on his shoulder and taking the cup from him. He set it aside as Spike looked up at him.

"I can tell you that she feels the same way... She may not realize it, but her maternal instincts drive her greatly when it comes to you. I know how you hate it when she leaves you behind to go on dangerous missions, but she does it because she doesn't want to see you hurt." A warm grin spread across the human's face. "I love her, Spike, but you will always be first on her list of priorities. This is something I understand, and accept. As such, I need to know your thoughts on our marriage. You play a huge role in this relationship, I hope you understand that now."

Spike chuckled. "Are you kidding?" Jason's eyes widened as the dragon wrapped his scaly arms around his neck in a hug. "You make her happy... And I want my...Mother... To be happy. I've never had any issues with your proposal, ever since that first night you spent in our library I've liked you." He chuckled as he released the human. "Sometimes, I was kind of worried she would bring home some stallion who wouldn't really respect her. She's a genius, but she's so socially awkward that she doesn't know when ponies are trying to manipulate her. When she first started talking about you, you could say I was a little skeptical. You have no idea how relieved I was when I finally met you. Yes, I approve of the marriage, without a second thought."

Jason gave the little dragon a hug. "Thank you Spike, it really means a lot to hear you say that." After a few seconds, Jason released Spike. "Now then, It's late and waaay past your bedtime."

Spike blinked a couple times. "Really? Just like that you're gonna send me to bed."

"Yep!" Jason said as he scooped the dragon up in his arms. Spike struggled a little until he realized how futile it was.

"Hmph!" Spike exclaimed, folding his arms in resignation to the situation.

"Hey! I want Twilight chastising me about letting you stay up about as much as you do." Jason said as he took Spike to his room.

Spike remained in angry silence for the duration of their trip. Jason set him down in his bed and covered him with a blanket. The dragon rolled onto his side angrily.

Jason chuckled a little. "Good night, Spike."

"Goodnight..." The dragon responded. Jason smiled before turning and walking to the door.

"...Dad"

Jason froze.

That word... That single word sent his mind reeling. He turned to look at the dragon who lay in the bed. He was facing away from him.

Jason's head swam as the full weight of the word hit him. He finished his journey in shocked silence, letting the door click quietly behind him as he left Spike's room.

Jason exhaled heavily.

He looked into the mirror before him, looking over his Dress Blues for what felt like the millionth time. He was nervous... More nervous than he'd been in his entire life, which is weird considering he'd been screamed at, shot at, blown up, thrown out of a helicopter, and thrown into a completely different world.

But this... This was different... His life wasn't at stake here. The world wouldn't end if he screwed this up, hell, the only person who would probably notice was him, but still his body broke out in a cold sweat.

The rehearsal had gone well enough, even though the Princess wasn't able to be present. She had some final business to take care of in Canterlot and was unable to make it, but she would be there today.

Planer stuck his head through the door. "Jason! I hope yer ready, we ain't got much time now."

Jason sighed before walking over to the door. "How do I look? Is there anything messed up with my uniform?"

"How tha hay should ah know?" Planer shook his head. "Ya look fine Jason, let's go, e'vrypony's waitin'"

"Alright, alright let's go." Jason said. He took one final glance around the room, making sure he didn't forget anything before finally following Planer out of the room and into the hallway outside. Jason could hear the low rumble of voices coming from the central room of the town hall. "How many people are here?" Jason asked his throat becoming dry.

"Don't worry about it. E'vrypony important is right where they should be."

"Planer..."

The stallion rolled his eyes. "Ok, th' place is packed. Seems like e'vrypony in town who could fit is in there, and there're even more outside."

Jason's heart sank. "R-Really?"

"Well, yer not exactly a low-profile couple 'round here, and ya did make th' weddin' open ta th' public."

Jason sighed before giving a helpless laugh. "Damn... Shoulda gave that one a second thought."

Planer eyed him suspiciously. "Yer not gettin' cold feet now, are ya?"

"Oh no, no, no... Just a little nervous."

They walked together through the doors leading to the central chamber. Jason nearly stumbled as he beheld the mass of ponies who crowded the room. There was a decently sized aisle down the center of the room, and a small section cordoned off for family.

"Alright, ya know yer place, I'm gonna go join e'vrypony else. Good luck, Jason." Planer said before making his way to the back of the hall. Jason was sad to see him go.

The human turned to the podium. His eyes widened as he bear witness to the Princess who was already present.

He made his way to his proper place and greeted her with a small bow.

"Good morning, Your Highness. I can't tell you how great an honor it is to have you here for this."

"The pleasure is mine Captain Sinder. Now please, we are about to begin. We will have time to speak after the ceremony."

"Oh... Of course Your Highness." Damn, did I really cut it that close? His question was answered as the small string quartet took up their instruments and began playing the wedding processional.

Jason turned to face down the aisle just in time to see the first pair of ponies begin walking down the center of the room.

Rainbow Dash matched Planer's steps as they walked through the sea of ponies. Behind them came Applejack and Captain Stalwart. The orange mare kept casting glances at the blood-red unicorn beside her. Jason couldn't guess why.

Jason suppressed a snicker when he saw the pure white hat she wore on her head.

Each of the Elements of Harmony, besides Rainbow Dash, walked with another Captain of the Guard. Planer had been the obvious choice for his best man, he was, after all, his oldest and closest friend in Equestria. Shining Armor had turned down the offer to be a groomsman.

"Somepony's gotta walk mom down the aisle, since dad's gonna be giving away Twilie... Besides, it wouldn't make sense for the brides brother to be on the grooms side." The explanaition made sense.

As each pair made it to the end of the aisle, they stopped and bowed to the Princess, who would nod at them before they split and moved to their positions on either side of the podium.

Once the bridesmaids and groomsmen had finished taking their positions, Twilight's family began making their way down the aisle.

Shining Armor strode proudly beside his mother. Star Sparkle beamed with happiness beside her son as they made their way to the front of the room. They bowed before making their way to the cordoned off area at the front of the crowd.

The music changed subtly into the traditional Equestrian bridal march. Jason only heard the first few notes before his mind lost focus of everything else in the room.

Twilight stepped through the open doors at the end of the hall. Jason's heart stopped when he beheld his betrothed garbed in her wedding gown. This is happening... Oh god this is really happening!

Jason only had eyes for her as she walked. Her father moved beside her, his chest puffed out in pride. The crowd looked at her in awed silence. Spike followed behind her, tending to the train of her gown.

The pair made their way to the end of the aisle before bowing to the Princess. The music stopped as she nodded and the pair moved before her.

Celestia spoke, her voice magnified by a small gem hovering at her throat. "Doubly blessed is the couple which comes to be married with the approval and blessings of their families and friends. Who has the honor of presenting this mare to be married to this man?"

"I do." Jason's attention was snapped back to reality as Nightlight said those words. Twilight took a few steps forward, after which Jason joined her facing the Princess. Nightlight moved to his family and looked to the ceremony in happiness.

Twilight and Jason exchanged a look before turning their attention to the Princess.

The Princess smiled before beginning.

"Ladies and gentlecolts! Citizens of Equestria and residents of Ponyville! Today, we are gathered here, not to witness the beginning of what will be, but rather what already is! We do not create this marriage, because we cannot. We can and do, however, celebrate with Twilight Sparkle and Captain Jason Sinder the wondrous and joyful occurrence that has already taken place in their lives, and the commitment they make today.

"There is a vast and unknown future stretching out before you. The possibilities and potentials of your married life are great, and now falls upon your shoulders the task of choosing your values and making real your dreams. Through your commitment to each other, may you grow and nurture a love that makes you a better pony and a better man, a love that continues to give you great joy, and also a passion for living that provides you with energy and patience to face the responsibilities of life.

"May you always need one another, not to fill an emptiness, but to help each other know your fullness. May you want one another, but not out of lack. May you embrace one another, but not encircle one another. May you succeed in all important ways with each other, and not fail in the little graces. May you have happiness, and may you find it in making one another happy. May you have love, and may you find it in loving one another."

The Princess closed her eyes and dipped her head slightly, giving the signal that it was time to exchange vows.

Jason and Twilight turned to face each other. Jason swallowed once before his grin widened and warmed as he gazed upon the unicorn. He kneeled to meet her at eye level before beginning.

"I, promise you, Twilight, that I will be your husband from this day forward, to honor the faith and trust you place in me, to love and respect you in your successes and in your failures, to make you laugh and to be there when you cry, to care for you in sickness and in health, to softly kiss you when you are hurting, and to be your companion and your friend, on this journey that we make together." Jason could see tears making their way to Twilight's eyes. He picked up his hand and caressed her cheek, using his thumb to wipe away the little bit that had started rolling down her cheek.

"I pledge to you endless strength that you can count on when you are weak. I'll be your music when you can't hear, your sunshine when you can't see, or your perfume when you can't smell. You'll never need to look further than me. I'll be your days and nights when you need them filled, your spark of life in the darkness, your hope when you're down and out."

Jason heard more than a few sniffles around the room. A few came from Twilight's family, Rarity was practically bawling and Jason could have sworn he heard one come from his groomsmen. Oh man... If that's Planer, I'll never let him hear the end of it.

Twilight raised her hoof and took Jason's hand, holding it lovingly as she spoke.

"I promise to always be there for you, to shelter and hold your love as the most precious gift in my life. I will be truthful and honor you. I will care for you always and stand by you in times of sorrow and joy. In the presence of our family and friends, I offer you my solemn vow to be your partner in sickness and in health, in good times and in bad, and in joy as well as in sorrow. I promise to love you unconditionally, to support you in your goals, to honor and respect you, to laugh with you and cry with you, and to cherish you for as long as we both shall live."

At the conclusion of the vow, Planer stepped forward. In his teeth was a finely carved cherrywood box. Jason could tell it was something the carpenter had made himself. Jason smiled and thanked him as he took the box. Planer dipped his head and returned to his position.

Jason opened the box. Inside were their rings. Twilight's ring did not have the large gemstones that were present on her engagement ring, instead it took the form of a simple band. Wire filigree arced along one side. Jason took her ring and set the box between them.

"I give you this ring as a symbol of my love for you. Let it be a reminder that I am always by your side and that I will always be your friend and husband."

He slipped the ring onto her horn, the filigree fitting perfectly into the gaps left by her engagement ring.

Once the ring was in place, Twilight looked into his eyes.

"I will wear it gladly. Whenever I look at it, I will remember this joyous day and the vows and commitments that we have made."

Twilight's horn glowed as she lifted Jason's ring from the box. It was a simple band, much like Twilight's without the filigree. A single gemstone was inlaid into the ring. A six-pointed star matching her cutie mark.

Jason extended his left hand and she took it in her hoof.

"Jason, I give you this ring as a symbol of my love. As it encircles your finger, may it remind you always that you are surrounded by my enduring love."

Twilight slid the ring onto Jason's ring finger. Jason glanced at it quickly before looking into her eyes.

"I will forever wear this ring as a sign of my commitment and the desire of my heart"

As the rings sat in place, Princess Celestia took a step forward and spoke.

"You have for each other a golden ring. This most precious of metals symbolizes that love is the most precious element in your life together. The ring has no beginning and no ending, which symbolizes that the love between you will never cease. You place these rings upon each other as a visible sign of the vows which, this day, have made you husband and wife.

"And now, as a Princess of Equestria, I hereby pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride."

Twilight reared up onto her hind legs, draping her forehooves on his shoulders as he wrapped his arms around her in an embrace. They joined lips for the first time as a married couple. The only time Jason could remember this level of passion in the contact of their lips was years ago... That first night in the library. He didn't want it to end, but in his heart he knew it never would.

The crowd exploded into cheers as they bore witness to the exchange of passion.

They broke the kiss and looked into each other's eyes with unparalleled love.

Celestia's voice boomed over the crowd. "Ladies and gentlecolts! Family and friends! Allow me to be the first to introduce you to the newlyweds, Twilight Sparkle and Captain Jason Sinder!"

The pair turned and faced the crowd. Jason reached with his hand and laid it upon the back of her head as she leaned against him.

Together, they made their way down the aisle. What felt like the entire population of Ponyville cheered as they passed. Jason felt like his heart was ready to burst from his chest.

He ran his fingers through his wife's hair. Nothing else mattered right now, all he knew was the love he felt for the mare who walked beside him.