They traveled north. There was supposed to be a road about a half mile away, that would lead to Galloping Springs, but they had yet to see it. The land they were walking though was beautiful, with it's long flowing grass that bent and rolled like waves on the sea, as the occasional breeze blew through. And scattered about, like islands on a vast rolling sea of grass, were large oak trees, that loomed wide with their gnarled and bent branches that were filled with intricate and lobed leaves that cast their cooling shade for any traveler that wished to rest under its green canopy.

Caramel glanced over at Golden Harvest and he couldn't help but let out a chuckle. She had been stopping periodically to pick flowers to tuck them into Cinnamon's mane, during their walk. And now the filly looked like she had sprouted an entire flower garden out of her mane.

Goldie noticed Caramel's mirth as he looked over at her. "What?" She said defensively. "I think she looks pretty. The yellow ones go nicely with her eyes."

Still smiling, Caramel reached his head down and picked a flower at his hooves. Goldie eyed him curiously as he walked up to her, and tucked it into her mane, just behind her ear. Standing back, he looked her over with approval. "I think you look pretty with the blue ones."

She blinked at him, as she suddenly blushed. "You really think so?"

Stepping away, Caramel looked over his shoulder at her. "Of course I do. I would never joke about something like that." He said before he flicked his tail at her. "Come on, the road shouldn't be far now."

Goldie smiled as she hurried her steps to fall in beside Caramel. Her heart felt like it was soaring as she saw the changes that had come over Caramel. He seemed more like his old self. He now smiled more easily, as he showed a coltish side to himself, that Goldie just loved, and adored.

"Ah, found it!" Caramel said as they stepped out of the long grass onto the road.

Looking around, Goldie gave Caramel a nudge, and pointed to a nearby oak tree. "Lets rest under there, and enjoy some of the provisions I managed to procure."

Caramel nodded as they started over to it. "That's a good idea. I haven't eaten anything since breakfast, and I think its now closer to dinner than lunch."

Goldie was about to lay down in the soft grass, when Caramel suddenly held his hoof out to stop her. She looked at him curiously as he pulled his luggage off his back and rifled though it for a moment before he pulled out a colorful quilt. Throwing it open, he laid it out for them to lay on.

"Why thank you fine sir." Goldie said with a curtsy.

Caramel swept his hoof to his chest and bowed his head. "You are quite welcome, Your Grace. May I help you with your bags?"

"Ohh, I can get used to this." Goldie said pleased, as Caramel lifted her saddlebags off her back, and set them down at the edge of the quilt. With a sigh of pleasure, Goldie laid herself down onto the quilt. Lifting Cinnamon out of her carrier, she set her down between her forehooves, where the filly happily cooed to herself, as she drooled, and batted at Goldie's face with her hooves.

Looking down at the filly, Goldie felt a pleasant warmth spread through her chest, as she found the foal pulling at her heartstrings. "Oh! You are just too adorable!" Lowering her head, Goldie blew a zerbert into Cinnamon's belly, causing the filly to flail her hooves around as she chortled and squealed uproariously. "Oh my goodness! What a laugh you've got! I want to hear some more!" Placing her mouth to the foals soft belly, she blew again. The air once again filled with the peals unbridled laughter of a foal being tortured.

Caramel laughed as he watched Goldie working the filly over. He marveled at how good Goldie was with Cinnamon, it was like she knew just what to do to make Cinnamon happy. Laying himself down, Caramel found his gaze focusing onto Goldie as he admired her. She was perhaps the most beautiful mare he knew, and whenever she smiled, Caramel's heart would flutter in his breast like a butterfly trapped in a cage. He was finding his old feeling for her had been renewed and rejuvenated, as it seemed the intermittent years just melted away like a dream.

As Goldie playfully nibbled on the sensitive frog's of Cinnamon's hooves, she noticed Caramel watching her. "Your staring again." She said looking up at him

"I'm just admiring the view."

Goldie blushed as she blinked at him. "That's twice now."

Caramel lifted his eyebrow at her curiously. "What's, twice now?"

"That is for me to know." Goldie said cryptically, as she smiled at him. Turning she pulled her saddlebag closer. "Okay, lets eat."

She took out a small loaf of bread, and a wedge of cheese and broke them both in half. Next she pulled out two small apples and a bottle of water.

"I was only able to get one bottle of water, so we're going to haft to share."

Gazing at Goldie, Caramel found he didn't mind sharing at all. He couldn't think of another mare he'd rather share food or a drink with, then with her. "We'll need to leave a bit to make a bottle for Cinnamon, she'll be hungry soon." Caramel added, as he took a bite out of his bit of cheese.

Their meal was rather meager, but it helped to make their bellies feel better. Cinnamon had rolled over and was curiously watching as a ladybug crawled over the quilt. She let out a happy squeal when the ladybug quite suddenly opened its wings and flew off.

"And this is our surprise treat." Goldie said as she lifted a slice of cheese cake, out of her saddlebag, with a happy smile. "Now open up, you get the first bite." She said as she held the slice up to Caramel's mouth.

He felt a little awkward being fed by Goldie, but once he took a bite, he was rewarded by the cake's deliciously smooth rich flavor, that pleasantly worked its way through his mouth. Goldie then took a bite and hummed in pleasure as she chewed. After a few moment she fed him another bite, before she took her turn again. This continued, until Goldie finished off the last bite.

Taking the bottle of water, Caramel used a portion of it to make a bottle for Cinnamon, before picking her up, and giving it to her. As he fed her, Goldie lounged out on the quilt next to him, as she relaxed, and enjoyed the cool breeze, that rustled the leaves on the oak tree above them.

"This is an interesting quilt." Goldie commented. Looking down at all the colorful ponies that were stitched all about on its surface.

"Fudge made it for Cinnamon." Caramel said, as he also looked down at it. "You see that pony just in front of you?" Caramel said gesturing with his head. "That one is me."

Bending her head close, Goldie smiled. "Yeah, your right. It does look like you. And that one here looks like Fudge." Golden pointed to a light brown pony near the center. "Oh my gosh! Those two near the edge must be your parents!" She pointed to a pair that indeed did look like his parents. Goldie turned her head and looked all about. "Are all these ponies representatives of your family?"

Caramel shook his head. "Not all of them. If you look just behind you, you'll see Chisel and Lilly, and I have no idea who any of those ponies are over there are, except that lemon colored one right there. She was Fudge's best friend when we were growing up. Last I heard of her was that she moved to Las Pegasus to work as a bartender. I'm not sure how she is able to do that, considering that she's deaf."

Goldie ears perked up and she looked at Caramel. "She was deaf? I guess that means that Fudge knew sign language then, if her best friend was deaf."

Caramel nodded. "Fudge was a lot better at it than I was."

Goldie blinked at him in surprise. "You know sign language too?"

"I haven't used it in years, so I'm really rusty now." Caramel said with a shrug. "I suppose I could still hold a basic conversation if I really had to."

"That's actually quite amazing." Goldie said in admiration. "I wish I knew something amazing like that."

"Hello!" A voice called out to them, cutting into their conversation.

Looking back, they saw two ponies aproching them on the road. A unicorn stallion, and a earth pony mare.

Golden sat up and waved her hoof at them. "Hello." She warmly greeted them back.

The couple stepped off the road and approached them. "A beautiful day for a picnic." The stallion said.

"It certainly is." Caramel agreed pleasantly. "My name is Caramel, and this is Golden Harvest." Caramel said as he gave introductions.

"I'm Star Watcher, and this is Honey Clover." The stallion gestured to the mare standing next to him. It was obvious the two were a couple, with how closely they stood next to each other, and the affectionate looks they would exchange. "We're sorry to bother you on your family outing, but we're on our way to Galloping Springs, and we're wondering if we're getting close."

"We're on our way there ourselves." Goldie answered. "It's only a few miles down the road."

The two let out a relieved sigh as they looked at each other. "Oh good. Then we're not to late then." Honey Clover said in relief.

"Oh? Not too late for what?" Goldie asked curiously.

"For the festival of course." Star Watcher answered. "Aren't you going there for the Spring Festival too?"

Caramel shook his head. "Our train broke down not too far from here, and we're on our way there to book another train back home."

"Oh, so you don't know about the festival then?" Star Watcher asked, looking at Caramel and Goldie, seeing the two shake their heads, he then explained. "It's a Spring Festival that's held in Galloping Springs during the first full moon after the start of spring. There is the normal games, food, and dancing, throughout the day and late into the night. Spring means the start of new things, and in the spirit of that, many young couples come to this festival to get married, as it's considered good luck."

Honey Clover stepped closer to Star Watcher, and nuzzled him affectionately. "That's why we're going there. We're eloping." She said, giving Star Watcher a loving look.

Goldie suddenly clapped her hooves together excitedly. "Oh! That's so romantic!"

Caramel noticed that Cinnamon had finisher her bottle. Setting the empty bottle aside, he placed a burp towel onto his shoulder before he lifted Cinnamon up, and started patting her back.

"You two have a beautiful filly." Honey Clover said with admiration, as she watched Caramel, as he cared for Cinnamon. "We're looking forward to starting our own family as well." Honey Clover gave Star Watcher a look that caused him to suddenly started blushing furiously.

Caramel exchanged amused looks with Goldie. "It's a little complicated, but Goldie and I aren't married, and little Cinnamon here, is actually my niece."

Honey Clover looked startled for a moment as she glanced between Goldie and Caramel. "Oh, I'm sorry. It just, you two looked so much like a family, that I just assumed."

Goldie smiled and waved her hoof. "Don't worry about it. I would have thought the same thing." She said before she looked over at Caramel as he patted Cinnamon's back. "It's kind of flattering, actually." When she had heard Honey Clover call them a family, she felt a sense of happiness that left her feeling giddy. "Are you ready to go?" She asked Caramel, as he lowered Cinnamon down from his shoulder, having finished burping her.

"Yeah, just give me a moment to get everything packed up." Handing Cinnamon over to Goldie, Caramel began folding the quilt back up.

"Here, I'll help." Star Watcher offered, stepping forward. His horn lighting up with magic.

Honey Clover stepped up next to Goldie and giggled as she tickled Cinnamon's chin, while the two stallion quickly folded and packed everything away. A few moments latter, they were back on the road.

"You see, my mother had my marriage all arranged." Star Watcher explained as they walked down the road. "She had what she called a proper unicorn mare, lined up to be my wife." He snorted in disdain as he stomped his hoof on the hard packed road. "I had no say in the matter. My parents had already paid the the dowry, and the date had been set. But I was in love with Honey Clover, who my mother so affectionately called a mud pony. A few day's before the wedding was to take place, I snuck out and ran away with Honey Clover."

"Oh! This is just too romantic!" Goldie gushed, as she gazed at the couple with wide eyes.

Honey Clover giggled at Goldie's continuous dreamy looks she kept giving them. "My parents were against my love of Star Watcher. They called all unicorns stuck up snobs, who didn't know the value of a hard day's work." Honey Clover rubbed her cheek against Star Watchers neck affectionately. "They don't know Star like I do. He's sweet, and kind. Eager to jump in and lend a hoof whenever the chances arise. When he came to me and told me he wanted to run away with me, I just had to do it. I remembered reading about Galloping Springs, and its Spring Festival in a magazine once. I read that if you got married during the festival, you can't ever have your marriage dissolved or annulled. So after we are wed, our parents will haft to accept it."

Goldie was hoping excitedly. "Oh wow!" She reached over and clutched her hoof over Caramel neck, and sagged down so he was bearing her weight. "Carry me! I'm about to swoon!"

Caramel rolled his eyes, as he grinned back at Goldie and her silly antics. He couldn't fault her her over dramatization of the situation, the story the couple were telling was a true romance that pulled at the heart and imagination. He tried picturing himself in such a situation. Goldie locked away in her farmhouse by her overbearing monstrous parents. Caramel, hearing of her desperate plight, bravely frees her, and together they flee through the cold night while being chased by her colossally sized fire breathing father. And just when hope was about to be lost and the young lover's would soon be driven apart forever, they decide to risk it all by bravely swimming across a swollen storm tossed river. With their strength spent, the two lovers climb up to safety on the far bank, where they embrace and bring their lips together in a passionate kiss.

"Caramel?"...

"Caramel?"

Caramel felt something poke him in his side. Blinking, he looked over and saw Goldie giving him another jab.

"Ah.. Yeah, what is it?" Caramel asked, as he tried to figure out why they were all staring at him.

Goldie moved her head close to his, as she looked at him with a funny looking smile. "You were staring off with the most stupid grin on your face." Goldie moved her head even closer as she lifted her eyebrow up. "What were you thinking of, huh?"

Caramel swallowed, as he panicked. He needed to think fast. "I ah... was ah.. thinking about... ah... rivers." Nailed it.

Goldie ears splayed down to the side as she gave him a flat stare. Beside her Star Watcher and Honey Clover looked at each other, as they exchanged bemused looks.

"You were thinking about, rivers." Goldie said as she pursed her lips as she considered him. Caramel grinned sheepishly as he held his breath. There was no way he was going to tell her what he had been just thinking about. The embarrassment would just be too much.

"But that's so boring!" Goldie suddenly exclaimed in disappointment. Lifting her hoof, she whacked him across his shoulder. "Stop being boring!"

Star Watcher and Honey Clover both broke out laughing, as Caramel let out a relieved sigh, felling he had just dodged a bolder.

As they topped the next rise. The town of Galloping Springs sat before them. It wasn't as large as Ponyville, but it was close. From where they stood they could see a small stream that must have given the town its name, crossed though the middle of the town, where it pass by a large town square that was festooned with many colorful decorations. Ponies were everywhere, as they laughed with each other, sang songs, danced and played games at many of the booths that had been set up.

The music and fun activates grew louder as they entered the town, and that is where they parted with their new friends. Star Watcher and Honey Clover were eager to hurry off and find were they could get married, while Caramel and Goldie had to check in at the local train depot, to secure their tickets for the next train. Goldie was all for hugs as she said her goodbye's, but Caramel was happy just shaking their hooves, before they left.

Working their way through town, they saw many ponies wearing goofy hats and colorful coats and dresses. Foals ran around with painted faces as they chased each other with balloon swords. Caramel and Goldie grinned about them as they watched the celebrations. Arriving at the depot, they talked to a pony who was working the depot all alone.

The list of names had already arrived and the employee had assured them that a train would be in by late tomorrow afternoon on the morrow to take them home. In the meantime, the railroad had secured them rooms in a local bed and breakfast to stay at for the night. The employee passed them an address to the B&B as he wished them a fun stay.

After a quick stop at the telegraph office to send word back home that they were going to be late getting back. They followed the directions and came to a nice two story home, with a sign out front reading The Sleepy Traveler. Ascending up the front steps, Caramel knocked on the large double doors. After a short wait, a portly mare opened the door.

"Yes? Can I help you?" She asked with a friendly smile.

"We were told that there are rooms here for us." Caramel said.

"Ah, you must be some of the marooned passengers I was told about. Please come in." Entering the house, Caramel and Goldie were led to a small office just off of the main entryway. "My name is Swan Song, and I run this Bed and Breakfast. May I please have your name's?"

"My name is Caramel, and this is Golden Harvest." Caramel answered for the both of them.

Swan Song looked at a sheet for a moment. "Ah yes, here you are." She looked up at them. "Will you be staying together?"

Both Caramel and Goldie jumped at the question and looked at each other, as they both blushed.

"Separate rooms please." Caramel quickly answered.

"Oh yes, of course. My apologies. I thought you were a couple." Swan Song said apologetically. After she made some notations in her registry book, she then looked back up. "You my dear will get the yellow room, and you sir will get the green room. Please follow me."

Swan Song lead them up a large curved staircase. "Will you be needing a crib set up in your room, Miss?" She asked Goldie.

"Oh, Cinnamon's not mine." Goldie said quickly, giving her head a shake.

"The filly is actually mine. Goldie is just carrying her for me" Caramel explained. "And yes please. I would like a crib set up in my room."

"Oh! Of course. My apologies again. I'll have my husband set one up in your room before tonight." Swan Song stopped before a door with yellow trim. "This room is yours, Miss Harvest."

Opening the door, Goldie looked in and found a cheery, yellow themed room, with sunflowers paintings and yellow floral printed bed. Entering, Goldie pulled her saddlebag off and set it down on the foot of her bed. "This is a lovely room, thank you."

"Dinner is served at six, and breakfast will be ready by seven thirty in the AM. The bathroom is at the end of the hall, if you need it." Swan Song then turned to Caramel. "Your room is the next one down." She lead him to a door with green trim.

Opening the door, Caramel found his room to have a lively green theme. Entering, Caramel let out a sigh as he removed his luggage from his back, and pulled off the diaper bags. Goldie wandered in and sat down in a chair by the door, holding Cinnamon in her lap.

"If you feel up to it, I urge you two to go and enjoy our town Spring Festival. There is plenty of good food and fun to be had out there. After the sun sets, couples will gather in the town square for lots of romantic dancing, culminating with the last dace of the night, the Midnight Dance, which of course is just for the unmarried couples ." Swan Song said from the open door. "And if you ask me, I believe that Miss Harvest here would like to be twirled around the dance floor a bit."

"Thank you, we'll certainly make sure to check out the Spring Festival." Caramel said to Swan Song.

As she turned to leave, she suddenly looked back as she thought of something. "Oh, there is a friend of mine who is doing a bit of foalcare in her home. If you want, I can ask her to watch your little one for tonight. Her prices are quite reasonable."

Caramel looked over at Cinnamon as Goldie held her in her lap, and thought it over. It would be nice to enjoy some free time and have some fun, especially if he was with Goldie. But the last half week had been very hectic, and any sleep he managed to get had been very sporadic. The nap he had on the train had been helpful, but he was starting to feel rundown again. Looking at Goldie, he saw her green eyes looking at him hopefully as she waited for him to answer. He could tell she wanted him to take her to the festival, for she was practically dancing in her chair with excitement.

He couldn't do it. Caramel let out a sigh. He couldn't bring himself to disappoint Goldie. No matter how much he wanted to collapse onto the soft bed and catch a few hours of sleep, Goldie was more important. "Mrs. Swan, that sounds like a great idea. Go ahead and let your friend know that I am interested in her services." Goldie suddenly smiled excitedly as he spoke, and as he saw her eyes gazing at him gleefully, he knew he had made the right choice. "Oh! I almost forgot. May I also use the kitchen for a bit? I have some dirty bottles, I need to clean."

"Oh! No need to worry about that, I'll do that for you." Swan Song said, as she hurried back in to retrieve the dirtied bottles. Once she was gone, and the door was shut. Caramel let out a long sigh as he flopped face down onto the bed.

"Tired?" Goldie asked, looking over at him from her seat.

"A bit, but don't worry, I'm still feeling up to taking you out to the festival." Caramel assured her, while stifling a yawn.

"Hmm, I have an idea that I think will make you feel better."

Caramel cracked his eyes open and watched as Goldie crossed the room to his bed. Setting Cinnamon down among the pillows at the head of the bed, Goldie then walked around to the other end. "Goldie? What are you doing?" Caramel asked as he felt her climb onto the bed and straddle his hind legs that he had stretched out.

"Shhh, just relax and enjoy." Goldie said, as he felt her hooves push in on his back. Caramel couldn't help but let out a groan of pleasure as she kneaded his back and shoulders. "Hmm, so stiff. Have you been feeling stressed?"

"A bit, but its getting better." Her touch was gentle and firm. Starting up at his shoulders, she would slowly work her way down, unit she reached his hip, before she worked her way back up. "Goldie...oohhh, if you, aaaahh... keep doing that, ggaaawww... I'm liable to fall asleep, oooooowwwww...

Goldie leaned down close to his head, and whispered. "That's okay, go ahead and sleep. An hour will do you wonders." Her hooves resumed their pleasing ministrations.

Caramel drifted. The feeling of her hooves sent him into deeper levels of bliss, as he felt himself sinking into a much needed slumber.

Caramel pushed the door open, as he rushed back outside. His little hooves clopped loudly as he dashed across the porch and down its stairs to the backyard. Uncle Chisel's hat lay perched precariously on his head, as Caramel had to constantly push it back up to keep it out of his eyes.

"I'm back!" He called out as he approached a makeshift table made from an overturned produce bin. Set around the table were several dolls and plushy's, that were arranged to look like they were sitting down to a meal. A filly with a light pale coat and golden orange mane, that she had drawn back into a ponytail, stood at the head of the table and smiled at his approach.

"Daddy's home!" Goldie said excitedly to the dolls and plushy's, that sat around the table. Strapped atop of her head sat one of aunt Lilly's bonnets, that they had found among the other things, up in the attic. "Welcome home honey, how was work." Goldie greeted him, with a large smile.

Caramel tipped back his hat and swiped at his forehead. "Oh! It was really hard today, I had to fire everyone, and do all their work myself."

"Aww, that's too bad. That must have been so hard" Goldie said in sympathy, as she set out a plate for him on the table

"Oh, it was. How have things been going here at home?" Caramel asked, looking around at his and Goldie's foal's.

"Not so good." Goldie said sadly. "Button Nose is sick, and Floppy Ears is being naughty and she won't eat her broccoli."

"Hmm, then I think she needs a spanking." Caramel said as he stepped around the table, to administer punishment to his daughter.

"No!" Goldie cried out as she rushed over and snatched up the bunny plushy. "You never spank a filly." She said in admonishment. Stepping up to the side of the nearby shed, she set Floppy Ears down on an overturned bucket, so that she was facing the wall. "She gets a time out."

As she came back to the table, Goldie suddenly realized that she had missed something. "Oh! I forgot to give you your welcome home kiss!"

Caramel shied back. "Yuck! Kissing is gross!"

"But I'm your wife. I need to kiss you!"

Caramel was panicking. Golden was closing fast, and he needed to stop her. "Oh no! Button Nose is really sick! We need to take him to the doctor!"

Goldie paused, as she looked over at Button Nose with uncertainty. "Your right, we should get him to the doctor." She said with a nod.

Caramel let out a relieved sigh, as he moved towards Button Nose to pick him up. Suddenly he felt a weight slam into his side, that knocked him down. Caught by surprise, he suddenly found himself pinned down under Goldie's body, as she held him down. He froze as her face came very close to his.

"But first, I need to give you your kiss." She said, as she suddenly mashed her lips to his.

At first he struggled, but then he began to relax as he suddenly found the feeling of her soft wet lips pressed against his, was quite pleasant, as well as the taste of her, was so very sweet. His mind went blank and before he knew it, he found he was kissing her back. And as suddenly as the kiss had started, it came to an end. Their lips broke apart, and Goldie lifted her head up, where their eyes locked together. He never realized how pretty her green eyes were, as he lost himself in their depths. A new feeling for her blossomed in his young heart. A feeling that both confused him and made him deliriously happy. Was this love? He wondered

"Caramel, time to wake up."

Caramel suddenly came awake. Images of Goldie's green eyes still fresh in his mind as he blinked his eyes open. Goldie was leaning in close as she smiled down at him. Her green eyes were still mesmerizing, as he gazed into them. "You have the most beautiful eyes." Caramel said as he admired them.

Goldie suddenly blushed as she leaned back from him. "You... you say the silliest things." She said awkwardly as she looked about.

"I'm serious. They are like jewel's in a forest, that draw you in until you are lost in them, with no hope of ever escaping them." His dream of their first kiss had awakened something in Caramel. Something he had forgotten, but had now regained. Goldie was more then just his friend, she had been his first love.

Goldie was blushing to the tips of her ears, as she blinked her eyes at him, completely lost for words. She suddenly lifted her hooves and smacked them to her cheeks a couple of times, before she shook her head, like she was trying to regain her senses. "Shut up... just, shut up." She stepped back and paced around. "Your such a dork sometimes, you know that?" She said, as she suddenly turned and plopped her rump down to the floor, and waving her hoof to her face to cool herself off.

Caramel was amazed at how cute she was, when she was flustered. Opening his mouth he let out a large yawn as he stretched himself out. Smacking his mouth, Caramel looked around and found Cinnamon missing. "Where's Cinnamon at?"

Goldie gestured towards her room. "I have her sleeping in my room. Mrs. Swan stopped by earlier and dropped off the washed bottles, and she let me know that she talked with her friend and that its all been arranged." Standing, she moved to the door and opened it. "So, whenever your ready we can go." She said as she stepped out to get Cinnamon.

Getting up, Caramel went to his bag, and pulled out his bit purse. Reaching back he clipped under his mane just under his crest, so that it was out of sight. Looking at himself in a mirror, he ran his hoof through his forelock to settle some errant strands before he trotted out the door.

Following the directions that Mrs. Swan had given them, they soon arrived at the home of Tranquil Morning, a middle aged pegasus mare that had a warm kind smile. As Caramel was giving an unnecessarily long and detailed instructions on how Cinnamon needed to be cared for, Goldie let out a sigh of irritation and suddenly started shoving him out the door.

"I'm sure she knows how to care for a foal, you don't need to give her instructions on everything." Goldie explained as she pushed him outside. Turning she waved to Tranquil Morning who stood at the door with Cinnamon held in her hoof. "Don't mind him, he's just a new dad. You know how they worry and nitpick about their little fillies. Thanks for the hard work, we'll be back latter tonight to pick her up."

"All right, all right. I'm going. You can stop shoving me know." Caramel complained, as Goldie gave him one last good shove.

Stepping up next to him she looked over at him, upon seeing his worried look, she smiled and nuzzled him in his neck. "Don't worry so much, she'll be fine." She assured him. It was cute how worried he was.

Caramel gave her a reassuring smile. "I know, I know. I just can't help it." He said with one last look over his shoulder. Letting out a sigh he looked back to Goldie. "So, what do you want to do first?"

The sun was low on the horizon, as Goldie tapped her chin in thought. "I'm hungry, lets get something sweet to eat."

Stopping at a booth, Caramel bought Goldie some sweet rolls. Having one himself, Caramel marveled as he watched Goldie scarf down the rest in very short order. He felt a tingle run down his spine, as he observed Goldie lick the frosting from her lips, with a look of satisfaction.

Next they played some of the games. With Goldie urging him on, Caramel hefted his last ball, and considered his options. He had missed his first two throws at the cerberus, and now, in order to win a prize, he would need to hit the small hydra in the back. Narrowing his eyes he watched his target. The hydra was set in the back row, and it moved back and forth on a track as it randomly changed directions. With his face screwed up in concentration, he drew his leg back and threw the last ball.

The moment the ball left his hoof, he knew he had missed. It was going to pass by just behind the hydra, but then suddenly the hydra stopped and reversed itself. Caramel held his breath as his ball stuck the hydra dead on and knocked it down.

"We have a winner!" The pony running the game shouted out.

Goldie let out a squeal and flung her hooves around his neck as she hopped around, hugging him, while pressing her cheek to his.

"Here you go sir, your prize." The pony said as he gave Caramel a plushy. It was a pink bunny with long droopy ears. As Caramel turned to give it to Goldie, he caught sight of a filly who was sitting by the next booth crying by herself. It appeared that she failed to get her rings to land on any of the little toy ships that were floating around in a tub.

With a glance at Goldie, Caramel walked over to the filly and held out the plushy he had just won. "Here you go. You can have it." Caramel said. When the filly saw what he was giving her, her eyes lit up and she happily took it and hugged it to herself. "Her name is Floppy Ears. Be good to her, and she'll be good to you."

"Thank you, Mister." The filly said in gratitude, before she dashed off, to show her friends what she got.

Goldie stepped up next to him, while she watched the filly rush away. "That was the most precious thing ever." She said as she as she flung her hooves around his neck, and gave him a tight squeeze.

Caramel scratched the back of his head, as he have her a goofy grin.

Goldie suddenly hooked her leg around his an pulled him along. "Come here! I know what I want to do next!"

Caramel was pulled along until Goldie finally released him, as she rushed forward to talk to a pony that was renting swan boats. Looking at her curiously, Caramel trotted over and joined her. Goldie had already paid for a boat and was waiting for him by the time he arrived.

"You want to go for a boat ride?" Caramel asked, as he looked over the swan shaped boat. It was just big enough to hold the two of them.

"You bet I do. Now, will you be so kind as to help a lavishly beautiful mare aboard?" Goldie asked sweetly holding her hoof up.

The swan boat sat next to the shore, and was an easy step to board it. Stepping forward he held his hoof out, and Goldie set hers atop of his as she stepped out onto the swan boat, and seated herself on a little bench between the up swept wings. Stepping on himself, Caramel took his seat next to her. It was slightly cramped, and he found himself pressed up to Goldie's side as she suddenly hooked her foreleg around his, and leaned into him. They felt the swan boat get gently pushed out onto the stream, were they slowly drifted with the slow current.

Goldie laid her head down onto his shoulder as she let out a sigh. Before them the sun was just setting, and as they watched, the sun slowly sank down below the horizon, leaving the sky free for the stars to come out and paint the sky with their sparkling brilliance. With the sun now gone, and the night quickly coming, the air grew chilly. Goldie pressed herself all the harder into his side, as he felt her warmth soak into him. With a slight hesitation, Caramel lifted his hoof, and he wrapped it around Goldie and held her to his side, as he shared his warmth with her.

Behind them the moon rose, casting it's soft light across the town. But Caramel and Goldie didn't take notice, as they enjoyed each others company. Around them, Ponies lit paper lanterns and hung them from the bridges and lines strung between buildings. The night was soon taken over by light and color. And as he held Goldie, Caramel became aware that he could feel her heartbeat though his body, and as he closed his eyes and relaxed into her, he discovered that his heartbeat harmonize with hers.

Suddenly, something wet swiped across his cheek, leaving behind a moist slick trail. Snapping his eyes open, Caramel looked down at Goldie and found her grinning up at him, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Did you just... lick me?" Caramel asked, dumbfounded as he looked down at Goldie.

Still grinning, she quickly shook her head. "Nooo, I would never do something like that. Don't be silly."

Caramel could tell she was lying. That glint was still in her eyes. With his hoof around her shoulder, Caramel tightened his grip, as he worked moisture into his mouth.

Goldie noticed this, and her eyes widened. "You wouldn't dare!" But as she watched him, he gave her his most evil grin as he slowly leaned in towards her. "Oh no! No, no! Aahhh!" She let out a laugh as she struggled to get away, but the wing of the swan boat trapped her in her seat. She was his. Opening his mouth, he let his tongue drape out.

As it seem like all hope was lost, Goldie suddenly reached up and grabbed the sides of Caramel's head, and she lunged forward and planted her mouth onto his. Caramel was caught by surprise, as his tongue was now trapped against her lip. With a quick tug, he slid his tongue back into it's proper place. Goldie ignored this as she adjusted herself until their lips meshed perfectly. Caramel felt his mind go blank as he reached up and wrapped his hooves around her and held her close, while Goldie's hooves slipped in behind his neck.

Their lips made loud wet smacking sounds, as they kissed, and ever so slightly, Caramel felt Goldie's tongue brush up against his. His heart was hammering in his chest, and from what he could feel though were their body's were pressed together, so was hers. He wanted the kiss to go on forever, but alas, there came a point where they broke apart with a slight pop.

With their lips separated by a mere hair's breadth, they both gazed into each others eyes. Their heavy breath's washed over each other, as their hearts continued to beat in harmony.

"Wow..." Was all that Caramel could say.

"Yeah, wow..." Goldie agreed breathlessly.

They turned and cuddled up next to each other, suddenly not feeling the chill of the night air.

"Promise you will visit me." Caramel asked suddenly.

"What do you mean? Goldie glanced up at Caramel.

"I mean, will you visit my grave after your father kills me." His tone sounded mournful.

Goldie shot Caramel a look. "My father's not going to kill you." She said with a scowl.

"Will you bring tulips? I like tulips." He said ignoring her.

Goldie let out a sigh. "Yeah, I'll bring you tulips."

A few minutes latter, a pole swung out from shore and hooked the swan boat, and pulled it to a small dock. "I hope you enjoyed your ride. Please watch your step when you disembark." A pony said as he held the swan boat steady against the dock.

Stepping out of the boat, Caramel turned and helped Goldie, as she stepped off. Together they climbed a short flight of steps to the top of the retention wall that ran along the stream. Reaching the top, they found themselves right at the town square. Paper lanterns where everywhere, as they cast their colorful light to all the corners of the square. Music was playing and many couples were already dancing throughout the square.

Caramel gazed about in wonder. Streamers and flags fluttered and moved with the occasional breeze, and along the sides of the square, tables were set out with lit candles to cast their warm glow on any couple that chose to rest and dine at them.

"Did you know that the swan boats would take us here?" Caramel asked as he looked about.

Goldie was smiling, as she hoped in place, eager to join the fun. "Of course I did. Now shut up and dance with me."

Before Caramel knew it he was pulled out onto the dance floor. He only knew a few dances, and as he looked about he had no idea what to do. The music was upbeat with a fast tempo, and the dancers around them were all moving to their own steps.

"Come on! Dance!" Goldie cried out, as she moved and danced in front of him. Her hips wiggling from side to side, as she side stepped and hopped about. He knew how to square dance and the more wild barn dance, so he picked a few moves from them and started moving. Goldie laughed and hopped up to swing around on his neck. " That's it! Move those hooves!" She shouted as she bumped her hips to his.

Quickly he got into the swing of it, and soon felt brave and even twirled Goldie about a few time. They were both laughing and having the time of their lives. For the first time he wasn't absently worried about how Cinnamon was doing, as he found himself only thinking of Goldie as he danced with her.

After a long while of switching from fast wild dancing to the slower traditional dances, they eventually found they needed to take a break. Stepping over to one of the open tables, Caramel pulled back a chair for Goldie, and offered it to her. She smiled at him as she sat.

"Thank you kind sir."

"I'll get us something to drink." Caramel said as he started to move away.

"Oh, can you also find a little something for us to eat too?" Goldie asked.

Caramel turned and swung his hoof across his chest as he bowed his head down. "As Your Grace wishes, so she shall receive. I will return shortly with a cornucopia of many fine delicacies for your Graces fine palate to sample to your hearts content." Peeking his eyes open Caramel glanced up to see Goldie holding her nose up in a fine act of snootiness, as she gazed down at him.

"That will be most grand, be sure to hurry though, for I am feeling most peckish." She said haughtily, and just as Caramel was about to turn away. "Tut tut tut." Goldie said in admonishment. "Did something slip you mind?" With a dainty bend, she held her hoof up for him.

With a smile, Caramel stepped closer. "Apologies, Your Grace. It shan't happen again." Lifting his hoof, he gently supported her delicately held hoof, as he lowered his head and kissed her pastern.

"Thank you for taking me to the festival, It's been great spending time with you." Goldie said as Caramel raised his head and gave her a wink and a cheeky grin.

"Now off with you knave, or I will haft to think of the best way to punish you." Goldie flicked here hoof at him as she dismissed him.

"At once, Your Grace." Caramel moved off, heading to the buffet table.

Goldie watched him leave, with a smile on her face. He was adorable when he was being silly, and she just loved that. Her face darkened when she thought about the mare that had almost destroyed Caramel's sweetness. With his sharing of his tragic past, Caramel had essentially ripped a scab off a old wound, that had been festering. Goldie knew he needed to heal, and she was determined to be there and see to it that his wound closed, and healed properly. Someday, she was going to get her hooves around that mare's neck, and she was going to teach her what happens when you hurt those she loved.

"Oh, that is a lovely dress. Is that what your going to wear to the Midnight Dance?" A pink mare said nearby, as she greeted a lime colored mare, who was wearing a yellow dress with white trim.

"You don't think it looks too simple?" The lime colored mare asked as she twirled herself about.

"Of course not, you wouldn't want your dress to be to flashy. What does Highstep think?" The first mare responded.

"I haven't shown him yet. I hope he likes it." The lime colored mare looked herself over uncertainly.

"Knowing him, you could be wearing rags and he would still only have eye's for you. Have you two signed the papers for the dance yet? You don't want to do it too late and miss out." The first mare said as they started to move away.

"As soon as I find Highstep, we'll go and do that." The lime colored mare answered as they turned the corner and disappeared.

The Midnight Dance. Mrs. Swan had mentioned it earlier. She said it was only for unmarred couples, and that is was some sort of highlight of the night. Lifting her hoof she tapped her chin in thought. She was going to need a dress.

Caramel returned, with several plates of food balanced on his back, along with two glassed of punch. The meal was simple but delicious, and Goldie was surprised that Caramel had found her a slice of cheese cake to bring back with the meal. Looking up from her plate she eyed Caramel thoughtfully, as he ate some chocolate covered strawberry's.

"Caramel? What would you say that when we get back home, you come over and have dinner with my family." Goldie asked, out of the blue.

Caramel froze mid chew, as his ears shot up and quivered. Swallowing his mouthful, Caramel looked up and met her eyes, and the moment their eyes met he knew that what she was asking of him, was very important to her. And that this was more then just a mere dinner to her. This was her offering to bring him into her life. Caramel thought about what he wanted to say, as he struggled to put his feelings into words.

"I'm tired." Caramel said. Goldie's ears lowered down. "I'm tired of hiding from my feelings, and the constant need to push others away. I hate how my fear has held me back from being close to others. Your father is one of the biggest ponies I know, and he guards his fillies with the ferocity of a grizzly bear. And I know that In all his scariness, he is but a simple father that loves his children. Since you are dear to my heart, just as you are to his heart. I should not fear him, but instead I should join him, and guard those that are precious to us. So in answer to your question, yes I will have dinner with your family."

Goldie felt her eyes tear up. "That makes it the forth time."

Caramel blinked as he tried to make sense of her comment, but before he could ask, Goldie shut her eyes and shook her head as she wiped at her eyes. "Never mind, I'll tell you latter. I need to find the little mare's room, excuse me." Goldie got up and hurried away.

What he said was very profound to her. He was the first stallion to understand her father, and he had expressed his desire to be included in her life. She knew that Caramel had a big heart, and that he was learning quickly to open up and accept others into it, despite the pain that it may cause him. Goldie would be there for him, and use everything in her being to make sure to protect the heart of the colt she fell in love with all those years ago. She knew the moment when she gazed into his eyes after they had kissed for the first time, that she loved him. And earlier that night, after they kissed on the swan ride, when they gazed once again into each others eyes. She knew that after all this time, she still loved him.

Goldie needed to hurry. She had lied when she said she was going to the little mare's room. Rushing down the street, she neared her destination. Turning the last corner, she galloped down the street and right up the front steps, into The Sleepy Traveler. Rushing up the stairs she went into her room, and opened her saddlebag. Inside, folded neatly on the bottom was what she had come for. She had packed a simple dress to use when she had the meeting with the owners of the restaurant in Fillydelphia.

She quickly slipped her dress on, and looked at herself in a nearby vanity mirror. Her dress was a simple white dress with green highlights and borders. At the neck of her dress a small yellow bow hung down. Pulling out a brush, she quickly brushed out her mane. Finishing that, she pulled out a small bottle of perfume and spritz herself.

She was done, but now she worried what to do about Caramel. Stepping out into the hall, she noticed Caramel's door was open, and she could hear, somepony inside. Moving over to his door she looked inside. A older Stallion was over by the wall, putting together a crib.

"Excuse me, but are you Mrs. Swan's husband?" Goldie asked, as she took a few steps into the room.

The stallion looked up from his work, and his eyes widened as he looked at her, obviously taken in by her beauty. "Why yes I am. The name's Bentleaf. Is there something I can do for you?"

Goldie felt a little awkward asking him for this, but she couldn't think of anywhere else to get one. "Yes, um... I hope you don't mind, but may I be able to borrow something from you?"

A little while latter Goldie happily trotted down the street with her prize draped over her back. Bentleaf was such a kind stallion to let her borrow one of his suits, and now she needed to get back to Caramel. Arriving back at town square, she found him right were she left him, though it looked like he had gotten a bit bored and was using olives and crackers to reenact some battle, on the table.

"So who's winning?" Goldie asked as she stepped up behind him.

"The olives at first, but then the crackers managed to assassinate their king, and now the olives are fractured and fighting among themselves for the crown. Right now, the black olives have a secret alliance with the crackers, but they are unaware that the crackers are selling the green olives arms under the table, playing both sides against each other. But secretly hiding behind the scene and pulling the strings is an unknown power, and soon the cheese balls will be ready to strike, and finally get the long awaited revenge that they have been seeking, since the murder of their kings beloved wife and daughter."

"Hmm, and who are the grapes?" Goldie asked, as she noticed a disorganized cluster of grapes hiding behind his punch glass.

"The grapes are a mercenary group that were hired by the crackers king's older brother, the evil duke of cheddar, to raid the crackers lands and sow chaos so that he can make a move on his brother the king, and steal the throne for himself."

"So ah... what's going to happen in the end?" Goldie asked curiously.

"I have no idea. I'm just a spectator in all of this, and I'm just as curious as you." Caramel said as he looked around the table.

Goldie smiled and shook her head. While she was away, Caramel had somehow regressed to the age of a toddler. "Well, I'm sad to say we can't stay to see the outcome."

"Oh, that's too bad, I was looking forward to seeing..." Caramel turned and his eyes fell on Goldie and her dress. "Whoa!..." His eyes widened, as his ears shot strait. Quickly Caramel stood and turned to her. "Goldie! You look so.... so... wow."

Goldie gave him a smile as she swept her mane back. "You really think so?"

Caramel gazed at her for a moment before he suddenly stepped closer and lifted her hoof with his. Bending down, he planted a kiss to her pastern. "Your Grace, I am but a humble knave to your beauty."

"Well, lets do something about that then." Goldie said as she took Bentleaf's suit off her back and presented it to Caramel. "Here, put this on."

"What's this?" Caramel asked as he took the suit.

"Well, if your going to dance with me at the Midnight Dance, then you are going to need to look presentable." Goldie explained, as she urged Caramel to follow her to a secluded part of a nearby shop.

The suit was a simple grey suit and tie. Caramel struggled with the tie until Goldie tisk at him and stepped in and tied it for him. Once they were done, Goldie moved around and admired him.

"You look really handsome." Goldie complemented him, as he strutted about puffing out his chest. Reaching out, she hooked her leg with his and tugged him along. "Now we need to find where to sign up."

As they walked together, Goldie couldn't help pressing herself against Caramel's side. He was just so adorable looking in his suit.

"So what is this Midnight Dance thing? I think I remember Mrs. Swan mentioning something like that." Caramel asked.

Goldie stopped rubbing her cheek against Caramel's neck for a moment to answer. "Apparently its a special dance that happens at midnight, and only unmarried couples are allowed to do it. It just sounds so romantic, I just need to do it." Goldie said excitedly.

Caramel smiled at her exuberance. "Well, if it means that much to you, then it means that much to me. You mentioned that we needed to sign in, where do we do that?"

"I'm not sure, hold on I'll ask." Goldie moved off and asked a nearby mare. Returning, Goldie pointed. "She said that it's just in front of Town Hall over that way."

They walked together until they arrived at Town Hall. In front of it, a table had been set up, and about a dozen couples were waiting in a line, to sign in. They joined the line and waited their turn. Midnight was aproching and they didn't have a lot of time, the full moon would soon reach its zenith. As the line shortened and their turn approached, Goldie noticed that whenever a couple finished and moved off, they were giving a long red ribbon.

Midnight was only a few minutes away when they finally stepped up to the table.

"Ahh, our final pair!" The mare behind the table said as she slid a sheet to them. "Here, sign your full names on the bottom."

Taking the quill that sat in a nearby inkwell, Goldie signed her name. Passing the quill to Caramel, Goldie watched as he signed. Finishing, Caramel put the quill back into the inkwell.

The mare took the sheet and passed over a long red ribbon, just like all the other red ribbon they saw the other couples get. "There you go. The dance area is just over there. You'll see that its been roped off. When you walk out onto the floor, find a spot you like, and then tie his left leg to your right leg. Make sure you tie it securely, because you don't want it coming undone during the dance. Once your ready, move close to each other and when the music starts, then go ahead and dance together. Oh! Its about to start, you'd better hurry or you'll miss it!" The mare said, as she shooed at them.

Grabbing the ribbon in her mouth, Goldie and Caramel trotted to the dance area. There was a large crowd that had formed around a roped off area, and inside was filled with close to what looked like about thirty couples, most of which already had their legs bound together. Hurrying in, Goldie and Caramel found a spot, and began tying the ribbon round their legs. It was a little awkward, and it required that both of them work together, and in short order they managed to finish in time.

Now that they had bound themselves together, Goldie looked into Caramel's eyes. Feeling herself flush, Goldie pressed herself up close to Caramel so that their chest were joined together. Wrapping their necks around one another, they both rested their cheeks on their partners withers. Around them, many of the other couples had taken the same positions.

"You smell really nice." Caramel complemented her as he took in her scent.

Caramel wasn't wearing any perfumes or colones, so when Goldie breathed in, she smelled the musky scent of a stallion. She found it rather exciting, as her body started to respond to his strong masculine scent. She felt an urge to drag him off somewhere private, where they could... Goldie had to force her thoughts back to the situation, before she embarrassed herself by lifting her tail and flagging.

Suddenly, the orchestra started playing. Closing her eyes, she let Caramel take the lead, as she felt him move his free leg to the right. She followed with him, and when he moved their bound legs, she was ready and moved with him flawlessly. She could feel his heartbeat through her body, and she knew he could feel hers. His warm breath on her withers sent a thrill through her body, as she snuggled her cheek against him.

Goldie was suddenly surprised when Caramel suddenly stepped back and swung his rear to the side, but Goldie was quick to move with him, as she stayed in sync. Distantly, she heard a mare cry out, followed by the sound of ponies falling to the ground. The gathered crowd let out a collective sound of disappointment, but she took no notice of it, as she remained totally focused on Caramel, for at that moment he was her world, and together they moved through the heavens, as the stars witnessed their union.

There came more sounds of ponies stumbling and falling, followed by moans from the crowd. Caramel's dancing was growing more elaborate as time passed. He would side step and spin around, followed by a sudden reversal. Goldie followed him every step of the way, never faltering or hesitating. They were one. Time meant nothing to them now, the only thing in that moment that mattered, was each other.

A searing fire moved up from their bound legs, and permeated their bodies, leaving them feeling tingling all over. Caramel suddenly felt his entire being laid bare to Goldie. All his pain and failures open for her to see with nothing hidden or held back. All that he was, was now hers. And with a tenderness of a lover, she embraced him and accepted all that he was. In return she shared all she was with him, filling him with the warmth and comfort of her love. Everything faded from around them, and they found themselves alone, in their own world. Their body's melted away, and their hearts joined together as their spirits soared and danced through the night sky. Their lives now forever joined, as their fates became one.

Slowly, their awareness returned, and their body's felt like they were on fire. Their steps slowed until they came to a stop, just as the music ended. All around them was dead silence. Opening their eyes they looked around and found that many of the couples around them were now kissing, and many in the crowd were starting to cheer. Unsure what to do, Caramel stepped apart and met Goldie's eyes. Her eyes once again drew him in, and he found himself moving forward. Their eyes slipped shut, as their lips joined together. Their bodies became one, and Caramel felt the fire inside him become a furnace, that threatened to burn him to ashes. Her soft lips felt divine, as he felt her free hoof wrapped around his neck as she pulled him in tighter for a long moment, before she relaxed and with a wet pop, their lips broke apart.

Around them the crowd was now hooting and hollering as they cheered. Many of the couples had already untied themselves, as they moved away.

"Wow, that was amazing." Caramel said meeting Goldie's eyes.

"Yes, it certainly was." Goldie breathlessly agreed, as she felt like her body was overheating.

Together they both reached down and slipped the knot that bound them together. Strangely, after the ribbon came off, Caramel could still feel it. Like it was still there, binding him to Goldie.

"Caramel! Golden!" A voice called out.

Star Watcher and Honey Clover rushed over to them, smiling. Honey Clover had a red ribbon hanging down from around her neck.

"What are you doing here? Did you just do the Midnight Dance together?" Star Watcher asked as they both come to a stop before them.

Caramel and Goldie looked at one another. "Well yeah, we did. We got in at the last moment." Goldie answered.

Honey Clover was suddenly dancing in place. "Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! I am so happy for you two!" She suddenly rushed forward and hugged Goldie. "I knew you two were meant for each other!"

Star Watcher held out his hoof to Caramel. Confused, Caramel hooked his fetlock with his as they shook. "Congratulations." Star Watcher said.

"For what?" Caramel asked, feeling puzzled.

"For getting married of course!" Star Watcher said, slapping Caramel on the shoulder. "The Midnight Dance is a marriage ceremony! You just got married!"

Caramel felt a ringing in his head like somepony just rang a giant bell, and suddenly everything felt far away, as it all faded to blackness.

Author's Notes:

--I decided to start referring to Golden Harvest, as Goldie, to show a renewal of their old relationship.
--I have been wondering where they keep their money when they aren't wearing clothes or bags. So I thought about a coin purse that can be clipped into the mane of a pony to carry it around and keep it from sight. I thought it solved that question quite handily... hoofdily??
--Now shut up and dance with me.{Yep, I went there. Sue me.}
--I hope the Cheese Balls come out on top, those black olives are just pricks.

Find any Typo's let me know.