I... Today... Wow... I still need to process what happened. I probably will not fully process the reality of the situation until tomorrow morning. But for now, I should document this day. It is...a very important one.

I awoke reluctantly as morning arrived. I was so reluctant to actually get up with Fluttershy sleeping beside me. It has been a few weeks since our return to Ponyville and I think I have grown accustomed to being her husband. In all honesty, not much has changed. But I suppose that is a good thing. We love each other, we have healthy social lives with our friends, and we are very happy together. Only now, I feel like our trust in each other is now stronger than ever since we have been bound in matrimony. And I could not be happier with her at my side.

I looked to my right to see Fluttershy sleeping mostly on her back. Her massive distended belly makes it hard to sleep on her side with it pushing out like it does. She was massive. I do not believe she could have been anymore swollen unless she was carrying multiples. I think her lack of energy was seeping into me while we slept together. I have been very doting to her these past few weeks and her little animal friends are constantly on call if she needs extra assistance.

I started to wake up as I rubbed my hand over Fluttershy's beautiful middle from under the sheets. Trying to discourage myself from going back to sleep, I pulled the covers down to reveal my lover's full sleeping form. She was absolutely radiant. Pregnancy really does suit her. Fluttershy was at full term. The time was near. I knew it would not be long before Gladesong would be in our arms.

Love bubbled in my heart. I could not restrain myself. I leaned forward and began to kiss my wife along her neck as my hand continued to caress her belly as it held the precious treasure we had made together. Ever so slowly, Fluttershy began to stir. She began to coo as I tried to rouse her as tenderly and lovingly as possible. Soon, those beautiful eyes slowly opened as she continued to coo and softly moan in response to my tender affections. I saw her smile sleepily as she looked back at me. And as she turned her head, my lips left her neck and found their way to hers as we had our first kiss for the day.

No words were spoken as our lips repeatedly touched over and over in drowsy yet sincere kisses. I think she may have been partially asleep still and was convinced she was still experiencing a wonderful dream with her beloved. My hand continued to rub over her belly as her hoof found its way to my hand. We rubbed over her beautiful belly together as our daughter continued to slumber within.

Such succulent kisses... How I loved her. And how happy I was that we would soon have a child together. Doubts still lingered, but I was still confident all would be well when the moment came. And Fluttershy was certainly less worried than I was. She had no concerns at all as we kissed. And she made it clear by gently rubbing her curvy rump against my hips. She knew what she wanted. She wanted her husband.

I continued to lovingly kiss my wife as I pushed my hips against hers. We grinded them together while my hand slid down her glorious belly to between her hind legs. My fingers rubbed over her heavily swollen teats. The flesh was soft, yet taut. They were so full of milk that Fluttershy moaned in slight discomfort even as our lips never parted. With my growing erection pressing against the fabric of my boxers, my hand began to gently squeeze Fluttershy's teats. My wife moaned joyously into our kiss at the attention and that lovely serenade only grew louder as I finally managed to get them to start leaking. Trickles of warm mother's milk oozed from her underused teats, very slowly relieving pressure as Fluttershy thanked me by rubbing her rump up and down against me.

A haze of love and lust was coming over me as we basked in each other's touch and scent. I held Fluttershy's flank with my fingers pressing against her cutie mark. She never spoke. She only sang with her coos of pleasure while our kisses never ceased. I began to gently thrust against her with my arousal growing in tandem with hers, my boxers preventing penetration as I was acting on instinct. Finally, I could take it no longer. I wanted her. And she wanted me to rut her. I pulled my boxers down to my knees and seconds later, I was inside her.

Fluttershy's moans became more constant as our kisses never ended. No words were needed. We were two lovers madly in love with each other and with a baby on the way. And we wanted to enjoy each other one last time before our child would arrive. My thrusts were firm and deep, skipping my usual slow start as I was already too eager for her. Fluttershy did not object, her hips moving back against mine with every thrust I made as she gladly accepted the affections of the father of her child.

My hand glided over her body as we made love. My eyes were closed, but I was intimately familiar with each curve of her form. Every change. I marveled at the steady transformation my lover had undergone. Both mentally and physically. She was no longer as demure or timid. Shy and soft-spoken, but so much bolder and lustful when in just my company. And I adore her for it. Her body was another story. Always so beautiful, her pregnancy was molding her body to new heights of radiance. Her hips so curvy and broad. Her teats so full and soft. And so many other minute details. She was utterly gorgeous when heavy with child. And I knew that once our daughter left her body, her beauty would not diminish. I was excited to see what the near future holds for us as she would be left permanently transformed by this wonderful experience as Ponyville's newest mother. And the knowledge I did this to her filled me with such a sense of pride.

Our quiet yet passionate lovemaking continued, undisturbed in the sanctum of our bedroom with the hatch to the stairs securely locked. Every thrust into my wife made the flesh jiggle ever so faintly like a ripple on a pond as a pebble falls into it, her strong firm hips coated with a thin layer of healthy maternal fat. Not a sign of obesity, but the subtle softness of motherhood. But as my hand rubbed over that glorious flank, Fluttershy finally paused in our kiss as her hazy eyes gazed at me in need. "James... Give me another foal..."

Her words were music to my soul. Already heavy with child, she wanted me to give her another. Impossible as it may have been, it was a beautiful thought. And I responded in kind as I gazed back into those beautiful eyes. "I will, baby... I'll give you all of my children..."

Our lips returned to each other. Our kissing continued as our lovemaking gained new purpose. No longer were we merely indulging in each other. We were trying to sire another foal together. I marveled at my wife's sincere enthusiasm. Heavy with foal and already wanting another. And I was all to happy to try and make that fantasy a reality with her. And I voiced this happiness to her with the most honeyed words i could think of. "Make me a father again, Fluttershy..."

"Oh, James... Sweet daddy..." She whispered to me between kisses as we gazed at else other in the haze of our love. "I'm honored...to be the mother of your babies..."

As I continued to thrust deep into her, Fluttershy's belly shifted and distended as Gladesong began to stir within. She gasped and cooed as she was caressed from within from two locations. Her hoof rubbed over her belly as she whispered sweetly to our child. "Gla... Gladesong, dear... My baby... Our baby..."

My hand rubbed over my wife's belly as well, feeling our foal squirming within. I felt so determined to give our daughter a baby brother or sister. And there was only one way to do it. I began to thrust earnestly into Fluttershy, the pressure in my loins signaling my nearing climax. "I'm going to give you my foal, honey... Gonna make you a mother again..."

Fluttershy gazed lovingly into my eyes as her hoof and my hand rested on her belly together. I was close. And so was she. "Do it, James... Make me pregnant again... I...want to be a mommy... I want...your babies..."

I trusted hard and fast for the last ten seconds, desperately trying to bring myself to orgasm so I may father another child with my wife. And as I did, Fluttershy soon pulled me into another passionate kiss as we reached the peak of our pleasure. "My husband... My love... Make me a...mother...!"

We groaned and moaned into our kiss. Holding each other in bliss as our bodies locked together. My seed spilled into her while her walls quivered around my shaft. Our climax was tender and quiet, but so fulfilling. What a wonderful start to our day.

The two of us cuddled and nuzzled in bed as I remained inside of my wife, trying to keep our combined juices from spilling out. My hand and her hoof rubbed over her belly in unison as our child began to grow still with our lovemaking having stopped disturbing her sleep. Fluttershy whispered to me with a deep blush lining her cheeks, "I couldn't ask for a better way to start my day... Ooh?"

I felt it too. A tremor through her belly. Not a kick from Gladesong. Just a quiver of sorts. And it was not the first time we had felt something like that together. "A contraction? Or is it another false alarm?"

"I don't know... I've been getting them all week... But..." Fluttershy muttered before looking at me with delight in her eyes. "That just means it won't be much longer."

I felt a thrill flow down my spine. It was almost time. And I was glad we could have one more time before our baby would arrive. "Heh... That's true. I hope we're ready."

"I know we're ready... And I'm glad we could do this again... Pregnant sex feels so amazing..." Fluttershy cooed back to me before kissing me upon the lips. She then gazed at me with lidded eyes as she whispered to me with such tender sincerity, "You're going to be a wonderful daddy."

"And you're gonna be a wonderful mommy." I whispered back with equal passion and faith. At that point, we decided it was time to get up and wash up. Scootaloo would be awake soon and we needed to clean ourselves up after such a lovely lovemaking session. Not to mention we would need to launder the sheets...

I decided to handle the cooking this morning. I fried up some eggs and baked some waffles with chocolate bits mixed in and topped those waffles off with blueberries and strawberries with a touch of whipped cream. Fluttershy was looking a little tired as she entered the kitchen, though Scootaloo trotted in with a chipper smile on her face. She was excited and I knew why. As soon as she sat at the table, she looked at us and asked, "Is Gladesong almost here?"

She had been asking us that question for a full week by that point. Scootaloo was really looking forward to being a big sister. Fluttershy giggled at our daughter's enthusiasm as she said, "Oh, it feels like she'll be...oof... Like any day now."

"Another contraction?" I asked while I took my seat. Still no way of knowing if it was false or not. I was convinced it was just another false alarm.

"Mmhm. Maybe today is the day. Or maybe not. I've had so many false labors lately. She might have another week to go." Fluttershy replied while Scootaloo fidgeted in her seat with those little wings buzzing. She was going to be a great big sister, I could just tell.

For as lacking in energy as she was, Fluttershy was famished. She ate every scrap on her plate. Scootaloo and I even stared for a moment when we saw how fast she was eating. Fluttershy eventually noticed the stairs she was getting and squeaked in embarrassment, but then we all just laughed together at how adorable she was being. It would be one thing if she was just being a pig, but she needed the nutrients for both herself and her child. Eventually, Scootaloo had to hurry off for school. I watched from the window as she buzzed down the path towards Ponyville atop her scooter. I kind of miss walking her to school, but she is getting to that age where she will start being more mare than filly. I wonder when she will start looking the part. The growing process must slow down greatly for years during childhood, because I swear she has barely grown an inch since I first saw her.

I went back over to Fluttershy as she started doing the dishes. While she still had the energy for that, I knew that she was not used to pregnancy enough to not feel any adverse effects. She could not even fly anymore with a full term fetus holding her. But I loved her regardless. I did not mind helping pick up the slack around the place due to her lack of energy. I went up behind my wife and embrace her with my arms over her chest. "You need me to help feed the critters around the place before I go to work?"

Fluttershy giggled sweetly as she turned her head and nuzzled me cheek. "Yes, dear. I'm glad the animals have been so patient these past weeks. I just keep running out of energy too fast... I'm amazed by just how big foals can get before they're born... Will Mr. and Mrs. Cake mind if you're late from feeding the animals for me?"

"Nah, they've been generous with letting me adjust my schedule lately. They know you need my assistance now and then." I replied before kissing her on the cheek while my hand rubbed over her swollen middle. I felt another tremor along her skin as another contraction hit her. "Besides, I'm always happy to help mama. She's always so beautiful like this."

My wife cooed at my touch as she swayed slightly from side to side. "I feel beautiful too... I've never felt sexier... I'm almost sad that I won't look like this for much longer... I never imagined I would love being pregnant this much."

"Well, we could always do it again." I said with a bit of a smirk with my hand starting to rub over her curvy flank with my fingers drawing very near to her cutie marks.

"Ooh...! Honey, please... We just did this barely an hour ago... Let's wait until after you get home before we make love again..." Fluttershy whimpered as I felt her up. Of course, it was too soon for me as well. I was just making sure she knew she was wanted. And she must have known that since she then looked me in the eye and whispered sweetly, "I love you."

"And I love you." I whispered back before we shared a soft kiss. I then left Fluttershy to finish with the dishes before going about my business of feeding the animals that were patiently waiting around the perimeter of the cottage. I had done it so often that I had the entire routine memorized by then.

I always save the chickens for last. Once I was done with everyone else, I went around back to the pen with a sack of chicken feed over my shoulder. And once again, I was left disappointed when I saw the chickens already out in the pen milling about. She was not there. Again.

I let out a long sigh as I stared at the chickens. Not that I was happy to see them. It was who I was not seeing that left me unhappy. There was no sign of Smolder anywhere. I went ahead and dumped out some of the chicken feed in the pen for the little clucking hens, but I could not even bring myself to speak more than a simple greeting to them. I leaned on the chicken coop with one arm resting on the roof and just gazed out at the Everfree Forest beyond the fence.

There was no denying it. I missed her. And I was worried for her. What did I do? What did I say? That look in her eyes when she departed... It ate at me whenever I thought about it. We were just starting to bond. I was just starting to like her. My hand closed into a fist as I felt myself longing for the touch of her own palm against mine. Was she all right? Was she even alive? What happened to that wayward dragon girl?

I knew I could not stay out there long. I had things to do. But I still sighed in longing as I gazed at the forest. We had just come into each other's lives and now she was gone. It would be unhealthy for me to continue dwelling on this. I am not ever expecting to see her again. I am only sorry I was not able to do more for her.

Desperate to get my mind off of my disappeared friend, I went back inside with a pail of eggs in hand and up to the bedroom to find Fluttershy lying down on the bed. She looked like she was trying to doze off for a morning nap. I kissed her on the nose, prompting her eyes to open. "Anything I can do for you before I go to work?"

"Um... Maybe a really good kiss?" She said softly as she gazed up at me. I could not resist. I closed my eyes and brought my lips to hers. That simple kiss quickly became something more as our lips parted and our tongues danced. She was irresistible. And she could not contain her love for me. Roughly a minute went by before we had to cut that wonderful smooch short. We both sighed in delight and disappointment that it could not go on longer. "I love you... Have a good day at work, all right?"

"Will do, baby. Love you too." I whispered back before giving her a brief soft kiss upon the lips. But before I could pull away, Fluttershy reached out with her wing and dragged the longest feather at the tip along my chin like a slender finger. This sent a shiver down my spine as I saw her give me a most lustful gaze. "Whoa... Honey...?"

Fluttershy whispered to me with a sleepy smirk on her lips. "When you get home, mommy will want some of daddy before bed. All right?"

I could not help snickering a bit at just how brazen she was being. She really has gotten bold since roughly halfway through her pregnancy and especially after we tied the knot. "Fluttershy, you're one of the hottest mares in town. There's no way I'd be able to resist some time with you."

My wife giggled in delight before she set her head back down. I then turned to Angela as she perched upon the bed's headboard. "I'm leaving you in charge, Angela. If anything happens, you come tell me. And make sure Angel doesn't slack off."

My pet dove let out a confirming coo and bowed. With some reluctance, I went downstairs and headed off to Ponyville. I was a little behind schedule, but I knew my bosses understood why.

I reached Sugarcube Corner without a hitch and promptly clocked in. Pinkie Pie was quick to greet me when I stepped into the kitchen while looking rather excited. She knew Gladesong's birth was getting close and could not wait to see the little darling. "Morning, James! How's Fluttershy? Is Gladesong here yet?"

"Nah, not yet. She keeps having false alarms and I think we've gotten too used to that. But the new addition is finished, all the furniture has been set in it, and we're about as ready as we'll ever be. And I'm sure all those baby toys you gave her over the holidays will come in handy soon."

"Oh, I was just doing my part as a friend. Lots of experience with babies by now, you know." Pinkie Pie replied with a giggle while adjusting the speed on a mixer. "Anyway, could you start preparing a batch of dough for some chocolate drops? There's a birthday party today and we need some made fresh and decorated with letters in icing."

Pinkie Pie would not stop asking questions as we worked and while I tend to get very focused while working, I managed to multitask well enough to converse while getting my job done. She wanted to know what happened on our honeymoon, what the deal has been with that necklace Rarity has been seen wearing sometimes, and a bunch of other stuff I cannot even remember at the moment. She was quite surprised to hear that Trixie had shown up in Cantercun at the same time we were, especially since she had been at our wedding just a few days earlier. That mare could not have had a better sense of timing.

The questions went on well into my lunch break. I guess Pinkie Pie had been starved for conversation while I was gone because she has been extra chatty these past few weeks. I am kind of surprised it took her that long to ask me about my honeymoon. And I had to laugh whenever I told her about how that seapony necklace works only for her to wish there was one that turns the wearer into an octopus. Just so she had more arms to eat cupcakes with. I have not seen Rarity try using that necklace's functions yet... Perhaps she is waiting for the proper time...when she is alone with me.

Regardless, barely an hour after we got back to work at around 2 PM, I thought I heard a tapping on glass. I glanced around, wondering what it was. "Uh... Pinkie, is that you doing that?"

"Huh?! No, I'm right here. Maybe somepony's at the window?" Pinkie replied while lifting her head up from the other side of the counter. I looked around and focused on the window just behind the kitchen sink. Indeed, on the other side was Angela frantically pecking at the window with her wings spread wide. "Ooh, isn't that your bird?"

"Yep, that's Angela. And it's gotta be serious." I replied before opening the window and letting her perch upon my hand while I took a step back. "What's up, Angela? Fluttershy fall over in the tub and can't pull herself out? Again?"

"Ooh, she did that?! I bet that would be hard to get out of. She's almost as big as a wagon now!" Pinkie Pie replied unexpectedly as I ended up letting out a loud snicker at her interjection. However, Angela rapidly shook her head. "Huh? It's not that? Then what happened?"

Unable to speak, Angela started to gesture with her wings. She folded them in front of her as if rubbing a distended belly. She then adjusted their positions, looking like she was tenderly cradling something in her wings. I watched closely while trying to interpret her actions. "Yes, she is pregnant... And... Cradling a baby...? Wait... It's happening now?! The baby is coming?!"

Angela's only response was to fold her wings properly and nod once. I could only stare in silence for a brief moment as I felt my nerves get set on fire. "Oh crap..."

Pinkie Pie was equally shocked by the revelation as she almost dropped the bowl of batter she was holding. "WHAT?! NOW?! Oh no no no no no, we shouldn't be here! James, we gotta get over there!"

"Uh... Yeah! Get back there and wait for us, Angela. And do whatever you can to make sure she gets what she needs until we get there." I replied before bringing Angela to the window and letting her fly away. I then hurried out into the storefront and found Mrs. Cake minding the register. "Um... Sorry to bother, Mrs. Cake. I just got word that Fluttershy has gone into labor. May I take the rest of the day off so I can be there?"

Being a mother herself, Mrs. Cake knew exactly what Fluttershy was going through. "She is?! Well, of course you can go! Give her my best! And you too, Pinkie. We'll be fine for the rest of the evening, so you go be there for your friend."

"You're the best, Mrs. Cake! See you tomorrow!" Pinkie Pie replied in relief without even having to ask to be allowed to leave early. The two of us hurried outside before Pinkie immediately looked up at me. "You go on ahead! I'm gonna go round up the girls. They aren't gonna wanna miss this!"

"Thanks, Pinkie. I'll see you there!" I replied before we rushed off in opposite directions. I would feel much better about having our best friends there just in case something went wrong. Fluttershy's house is quite far from the hospital, so an immediate response would not be likely.

I ran for as long as I can before I had to slow down for a brisk walk. Before I could fully exhaust myself, I looked up just in time to see Rainbow Dash streak across the sky as she headed west. She was not stopping for anything and her speed carried a sense of urgency. I knew exactly where she was going and was most relieved to see her. "Atta girl, Rainbow!"

Just as I was starting to cross the meadow that separated our house from Ponyville, I started to notice a tremor through the ground at a rapid tempo. Upon turning around, I saw them. Pinkie Pie leading the charge at a full gallop with Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, and Rarity right behind her. Pinkie then called out, "Did Rainbow Dash come this way?!"

"Yeah, she flew west a while ago! Does she know?" I asked as I came to a stop to let them catch up.

"Nice! She was the first I found, so she went on ahead to watch over Fluttershy until we got there." Pinkie Pie replied as the four of them came to a stop.

As we all started walking, Applejack was quick to comment on the situation. "Hoowee, so it's finally happenin', huh? I knew that bun in the oven wouldn't be in there forever, but it's still a big surprise that's it's finally happenin' at all!"

"Look on the bright side, darlings! Gladesong is almost here! And I can barely wait to squeeze the little dear's cheeks."

"Well, she is your goddaughter. I'm just glad I've been reading up on information on dealing with homebirths. Everything's gonna be fine... I hope." Twilight then added before we all came to a stop once Fluttershy's cottage was visible. What a sight. Dozens of Fluttershy's animal friends were surrounding the place as if they were holding a vigil. They knew something big was happening and they were there for their friend. "Wow... We're gonna have an audience."

"Oh, they're just there to give emotional support! I bet Fluttershy's doing just fine with them and Rainbow Dash being there for her." Pinkie Pie retorted as we all jogged ahead and up to the front door. Upon shoving the door open, Pinkie called out. "Rainbow, we're here!"

"In the bathroom, guys!" Rainbow Dash called back from somewhere upstairs. Rather than rush up the stairs together and likely getting boxed in together, we all went in single file with me at the front. There were definitely signs of there having been some wet spots on the floor. Fluttershy's water must have broken while in bed. And when I stepped into the bathroom, there she was. Fluttershy was on her back in the tub with warm water filled to the halfway point. Rainbow Dash was sitting beside her while holding her friend's hoof between both of hers. Even with the stressful atmosphere, Rainbow Dash smiled upon seeing me and glanced at Fluttershy. "Hey, Fluttershy. Daddy's home."

Fluttershy opened her eyes and looked at me while gently panting, a delighted smile spreading across her face. A look of relief filled her eyes as our friends followed in behind me while they too smiled back at her with looks of optimistic worry. "You're...all here..."

"Of course we're here, darling." Rarity said softly as she approached the tub and placed her hoof over Fluttershy's while Rainbow held it up for them. "We would never miss this for the world."

Everyone looked at me, coaxing me to step forward. I still felt stressed, but... Seeing her there... And having all of them with me... The situation had suddenly become that much more bearable. I kneeled behind Fluttershy and put my arms around her the best I could. She looked like she was under duress, but did not seem to be in all that much pain. At least at the moment. "So... It's happening?"

Fluttershy wheezed with a long breath as she placed her hoof on my arm. "Yes... Oof... She's coming... Now."

Terrified and excited all at once, I rested my head against hers. It was happening. And I had no idea how to react. But I was not going anywhere. I was going to see this through. We wanted this. And it was too late to change course. One by one, our friends gathered around the tub. It was time to see this journey through to the end.

Twilight had a book on hand that she frequently skimmed through. It seemed to be a book on medicine. Probably a means to watch for warning signs of something going wrong. What was actually pretty funny was that Pinkie Pie was even more stressed than I was. She was going through bag after paper bag of hyperventilating. It was hard to not laugh at it. "Fluttershy's having a baby... Fluttershy's having a baby... Fluttershy's having a baby..."

"Yeah, we heard you the first twenty times!" Rainbow Dash all but shouted as we all laughed together. Even Fluttershy let out a giggle only to follow it up with a groan. Rainbow Dash turned her attention to her friend and asked, "You holding up fine, Fluttershy? Does it hurt?"

"I... I think it's...just a lot more exhausting than painful..." Fluttershy wheezed as her belly shifted before our eyes. Gladesong really wanted to come out. It would not stay still for more than five seconds. And Fluttershy was doing great. No shrieks of pain or grimaces of agony. She even smiled often while rubbing her belly. She was happy to be finally giving birth to her child and was very excited to meet her. I suppose it helped that she was a pony and not a human since human childbirth is infamously excruciating more often than not, but a mare's hips seem better suited to birthing offspring.

Applejack must have been having similar thoughts since she eventually rubbed her hoof over Fluttershy's belly while casting her a smile. "Yer doin' fine, Fluttershy. You ain't got nothin' ta worry about. Yer gonna be fine. And you've always had the hips for it. Right, girls?"

That got a bunch of smiles and chuckles out of us. I think Fluttershy even blushed a bit from that praise. Lord knows I have complimented her figure many times. I could not help kissing Fluttershy on the ear, but that only prompted her to turn her head and kiss me sweetly on the lips. The tension began to fade as we indulged in each other. We were there together when we needed to be the most.

As the minutes went by, all tension began to fade. The situation was under control and all of our dearest friends were present for this special miracle. Rarity even lit some incense while Pinkie Pie turned on the phonograph downstairs to play some of Fluttershy's favorite albums. Even Angela and Angel were watching from the window right behind the tub with a number of other songbirds. A delightful serene ambiance filled the cottage as that relaxing music played. This was no longer a stressful storm before a following calm. The storm had already been replaced with the soothing zephyr of support from friends.

"I was expecting this to be one of the most stressful days of my life, but... It's been going pretty smoothly ever since we all got up here." Twilight said while closing her book. She must have been very confident that there would be no complications if she was putting the guide away.

"It's all because you're here, girls. You're making this a lot easier on both of us." I replied while continuing to hold and caress my wife to try and make the experience as pleasant as possible for her. No matter what the situation, having the entire gang together always seems to make things better for all of us.

Pinkie Pie just giggled in confirmation. I was impressed with just how quiet she was being. That, or she had no idea of what to actually say to contribute to the situation. But Rarity did. Our beautiful friend stepped forward and rubbed her hoof over her best friend's belly. "That's what friends do, darling. They make everything better... Oh?"

"Hm? What's up?" I asked when I saw that Rarity was distracted. Her eyes were glancing at the water. Or something under the surface.

Rarity's eyes lit up with excitement as she appeared to identify what she was seeing. She glanced at all of us while she said, "You might want to take a look here, ladies. Little Gladesong is finally starting to arrive."

I leaned forward along with Fluttershy while everyone gathered around. Indeed, beneath the water's surface was a new sight beginning to emerge. The clarity was not the best since the water was not entirely still and a little murky due to mixing with the fluids that Fluttershy was leaking, but I could see the foal's head beginning to emerge while cloaked in the pale amniotic sac. Unable to see over her belly, Fluttershy asked quietly, "What is it...? Is she there? Is she coming?"

"Uh... Yeah... Yeah, I can see her... Kind of. The sac is covering her..." I replied as a strange thrill filled my senses. I could see her. Our child was beginning to emerge.

"That's normal for foals. The sac usually remains over them. It can be easily removed." Twilight said as she began to use her magic to hold and gently pull Gladesong from her mother's body. "Don't want to keep her underwater for long..."

Fluttershy's breathing became more erratic as she began to push harder. I kept rubbing her belly and kissing her head to provide emotional support while all our friends took turns barking quiet words of encouragement. Fluttershy was doing fantastic. She was doing everything she needed to do. And with one long groan, it finally happened. Something rose from the water while coated in Twilight's magic aura. "She's out! I got her! Well done, Fluttershy!"

A new sound reached my ears. Quiet weak little whimpers and mewling. All voices fell silent as we beheld the little creature floating before us, soaked to the brim in water as the amniotic sac was pulled from her. There she was. A tiny little filly weakly pawing at the air as she was held aloft. I was at a loss of what to feel or think. Just that morning, she was still nestled away in Fluttershy's womb. And now... She had taking her first breath out in the real world as Twilight gently wrapped her in a towel to keep her warm during her first minutes out of the womb.

My wife panted in shock and disbelief while reaching out with her arms. "Please... Let me hold her..."

Twilight could only smile as she brought the tiny filly to Fluttershy's arms. I watched as she held our child, a look of utter adoration and bliss settling into her face as tears cascaded down her cheeks. She panted weakly, still drained from the process of birthing her foal, but that was the most unambiguos look of happiness I had seen on her in a long time. "Gladesong... My... My baby... Can you hear me...? Can you see me...? Mommy's here... I'm...your mommy..."

Slowly, Gladesong opened her eyes as her initial cries finally came to a stop. And I marveled at what I saw. In my wife's arms was a tiny pegasus filly. And her coat was a creamier shade of yellow than her mother's while her stubby mane and tail consisted of two intersecting colors of pink and brown. But... Her eyes... There was no trace of any human traits, but... She had my eyes. Pools of brown. In all, her colors brought to mind Neapolitan ice cream. This detail was not lost on Pinkie Pie, who then quietly squealed, "Oooooh, she looks like she's made of Neapolitan ice cream! I could just eat her up!"

"Well, I doubt she's that tasty, but I'd reckon she'll grow ta like that stuff." Applejack replied while we all beheld the newborn filly in her mother's arms even as the phonograph downstairs continued to serenade her birth.

Finally, Fluttershy turned to glance at me while smiling most joyously. "James? Would you like to hold her?"

I could not find the words to say. All I could do was reach out for my child as if I was in a trance. Fluttershy helped me cradle the tiny filly properly, looking like an even smaller version of Pound and Pumpkin Cake. She hardly moved as I held the filly with her face still moist. She looked up at me, seldom blinking while I noticed that she was starting to smile. My finger absentmindedly caressed her cheek. But when it drew near her lips, she started to suck on it.

This really got me. My mind was a haze of all sorts of thoughts. This precious little filly in my arms... She was mine. I was a father. And so I did the only thing that I could do. I cried. I held that dear little girl to my chest and just quietly wept for minutes on end. No one interrupted. No one came to my side. They watched and waited while I processed exactly what was going on. I was not upset. Far from it, in fact. I was happy.

Only when I finally stopped sobbing did Rarity come to my side before placing a kiss upon my cheek. "Congratulations, darlings... I'm...so very proud of you..."

It was only then that I finally caught my breath and looked at Rarity. I could not forget her. She named her. She had the right to take part in this. And so I held little Gladesong out to her. "Do you want to hold her?"

Rarity's eyes lit up at the offer before she replied joyously, "Yes... Yes, of course! Just let me..."

She very carefully levitated the tiny filly over to herself before cradling Gladesong in her arms. My daughter seemed happy since she never stopped smiling and even giggled when Rarity placed a kiss upon her head. "Hello, my child... I'm your godmother... I named you, little Gladesong. And we are all so happy to meet you..."

One by one, Gladesong was passed around to let all of our friends say hello. Although I am sure that Gladesong would be viewing them all as aunts at some point. They are like extended family to us after all. My gaze soon wandered to the window and saw Angela and Angel looking just so touched to be seeing the little one in the flesh. The little critters beyond them looked just as delighted. It was a happy day indeed.

Gladesong eventually found her way back into her mother's grasp as I went back to hugging her from behind. Fluttershy and I just silently looked at our daughter while she looked back, quietly imprinting upon us. It was then that Applejack spoke up. "Hey, y'all... Got a minute?"

The two of us looked at Applejack, who had our five other friends standing beside her. She smiled warmly as she said, "Now... This is a big change that's happened to the two of ya, but... We want ya ta know this. This don't change anythin' between us, all right? We're yer friends and we're always gonna be there for ya. Ya need any help, y'all just holler."

"Thank you all... We wouldn't have it any other way." Fluttershy whispered back while Gladesong sucked on her hoof. I just nodded, just hardly able to string words together. Like Applejack said, while this was a big change for all of us, I did not want our current relationships to change. I was elated that things would not change between us.

Minutes later, Rainbow Dash stood up and began to reluctantly make her way to the door. "Well, it's been great being here for this, but I've gotta report in for weather patrol duty. I'll check in again tomorrow to see how the kid's doing, all right?"

Satisfied that Rainbow Dash had done her duty as our friend, we all gave her a happy farewell. She started to make her way out the bathroom door, but then looked back at us. "Oh! I'll go let Scoot know what's happened too! She's not gonna want to miss this!"

Before anyone could comment further, she trotted down the stairs and was gone. And true to her word, not even fifteen minutes went by before we heard the familiar motorized buzzing of a certain pegasus filly's wings. I guess Cheerilee was fine with Scootaloo going home early to meet her baby sister. Pinkie Pie looked towards the door the instant the buzzing stopped and grinned in delight. "Sounds like big sis is home."

The door downstairs flew open and the galloping of hooves coming up the stairs followed. Thankfully, Rarity intercepted the rowdy filly before she could reach the bathroom. Scootaloo's voice came from beyond the door that stood ajar. "Hey! Is she here?! Am I too late?!"

"Yes, she's here, but do keep your voice down. She's a delicate little thing and we don't want to startle her. All right?" Rarity replied before soon entering the bathroom with Scootaloo in tow.

"Hey there, Scoot. Home early?" I managed to say upon seeing a familiar face. She looked around at our friends, trying to locate anyone she did not recognize. I knew what she was looking for and gently tilted Fluttershy towards her, allowing Gladesong to be seen more easily. "She's right here."

Scootaloo immediately sat down before her eyes opened so wide that they sparkled while holding her hooves near her face as she let out a loud gasp. "Oooooooh my gosh.... She's sooooo beautiful.....!"

Fluttershy and I could only try to not chuckle at how utterly enthralled our little tomboy of a daughter was with her newborn sister. And Gladesong was looking right at her. Scootaloo soon noticed this too and reached out to her. "Can I... Please?"

My wife only smiled before very carefully passing our child to Scootaloo. "Be gentle now. And remember to support her head."

"Mmhm..." Scootaloo mumbled before we all watched as she held her baby sister in her arms. She was trying hard to not cry. And she failed. Tears trickled down her cheeks as she whispered to Gladesong, "Hey there... I'm your big sis... The name's Scootaloo... And... I'm... I'm so happy to finally meet you, little sis..."

God, it was hard to not grin or smile at the two sisters bonding like that. I knew Scootaloo was excited to have a little sister, but she was taking the whole thing much more seriously than I ever expected her too. She even nuzzled noses with Gladesong, who just giggled while she nuzzled her back. Twilight smiled sweetly as she said, "I think she knows who you are. Maybe it's because your color scheme is of a similar hue to Fluttershy's."

"Heh... Lucky me that I was born purple and orange, huh?" Scootaloo said with a chuckle while she began to rock her little sister to a lullaby she bean to hum.

As the hours went by, our friends departed one by one for home. With Fluttershy so tired and bedridden for much of the day, I handled dinner. I made it simple and cooked spaghetti with a vegetable Bolognese. Scootaloo would not leave Gladesong's side even while she nursed from her mother. Rarity was the only one who did not leave in a timely fashion, trying to prolong her stay as long as possible so she could be near her goddaughter. Not that we minded.

Once Scootaloo was asleep in bed, I went upstairs to find Fluttershy and Rarity in bed with Gladesong finally out of the towel she had been wrapped in. Despite being a pony, I was not surprised she did not have the strength to stand on her first day. I was sure it would not last though. She would probably be walking inside a week. Fluttershy just watched from one side of the bed with a smile while Rarity rested on the other with our foal nuzzled up to her. She kept whispering soft sweet words to her as if she was her own child. I knew Rarity would make a wonderful mother if given the chance and she was proving it to us.

As I sat across from her beside Fluttershy, I gently stroked my hand over Fluttershy's back. She responded by draping her wing across my own. I had started to come to grips of what was happening. We were finally parents. And to the most adorable little filly I had ever seen. She was going to look just like her mother, I knew it. And yet, my eyes were drawn to Rarity while she was oblivious to us.

As focused as I have been on Fluttershy in recent weeks, I felt the love I hold for Rarity starting to stir in my heart. I remembered the talk we had a couple of months ago. The proposition I was given that I turned down initially. Somewhere in my heart, a voice was telling me that now was the best time to start to act upon it I think Fluttershy knew this too since I caught her looking up at me with a knowing smile. She tilted her head towards Rarity, as if telling me to go to her. And so did.

I went to the other side of the bed and sat beside Rarity. Seeing her with my child like she was every bit Gladesong's mother as Fluttershy is filled with me a sense of pride and adoration. I knew I was not ready. I knew it was too soon to truly attempt such a thing. But... I had to do this. I had to make an exception. Just for her.

My hand tenderly stroked along Rarity's back while Gladesong drifted off to sleep. My friend turned lover gazed at me most lovingly as she whispered, "She is every bit as darling as I expected and then some... Such a wonderful little filly you two have."

Fluttershy grinned and giggled at the praise, still looking exhausted from the endeavor she had just gone through. But she remained silent otherwise. She knew it was I who wanted to speak now. And so I did as I stroked her gorgeous curled mane. "Mmhm... And... Well... I don't know if this is the best time to bring this up, but... That talk we had? On Hearts and Hooves Day?"

Her smile became more somber as she remembered that day. And as I am sure she remembered the day of my bachelor party where we could no longer resist each other. I must confess that since that day, Rarity and I have made love to each other at least once more away from prying eyes. Regardless, she sincerely replied, "I do... What of it?"

"Well... I still have to say I'm nowhere near ready to try something that daring. And I may never be ready... But... Looking at things now..." I began to say before I placed my hand upon her hoof while gazing into her beautiful azure eyes. "I... I have to make an exception for you... Because I love you too much to have you as anything less."

Rarity's eyes opened wide as I could see fresh tears starting to form at the edges of their lids. "Darling... What... Are you implying what I think you are?"

"I am." I whispered back to her while lifting her hoof and holding it between both hands. My gaze never wandered. I knew what we all wanted. And what would make us happiest. "I'm not ready yet. But... I need you... We both want you to be with us... Rarity... Will you be my mare along with Fluttershy?"

She fell silent without ever looking away. But that silence did not last long. Her frozen expression rapidly began to melt away into a display of tearful joy as she tried to not weep too loudly. "Yes... Yes... A thousand times, yes!"

I felt as if a weight had been lifted from my shoulders. Like this was not a mistake. I knew that this was what we both wanted. Rarity immediately threw her arms around me and gave me those most powerful kiss I had received from her in some time. Before that kiss could even end, Fluttershy crawled over to us and wrapped her arms around her best friend before whispering the same words I wanted to say. "Welcome to our family, Rarity."

Fluttershy and Rarity have remained by Gladesong's side all day. Rarity has even insisted that she stay the night so she can be near her goddaughter during her first hours in this world. I think it goes without saying, but Fluttershy was too exhausted after everything to follow through with what she promised us that morning. And I did not fault her at all. During that time, I have been chronicling today's events at my typewriter. God, what a day... I am still not entirely convinced it is all real. Perhaps tomorrow will ground my perceptions once I see my daughter again in the morning.

However, I did go outside at night just to get some fresh air to clear my head. I walked around the cottage's exterior with an oil lamp in hand while just breathing in the night air. I eventually reached the chicken coop with no signs of life as cicadas hissed in the distance. I was suddenly hit with a distracting twinge of hope. Was she there? Had Smolder returned to the chicken coop for a safe spot to sleep in?

I got down on my knee at the entrance and shone my lamp in there to check. I was immediately disappointed. No sign of her. My thoughts once more went back to the last time I saw her. She was so happy to see me at the start, but then...

I set my lamp on the roof of the coop and leaned on it, my eyes directed towards the dark twisted edge of the Everfree Forest beyond the fence. She knew she was welcome at my place... I buried my face in my arms as I came to a painful conclusion. There was only one reason I could think of for why she never came back. She was gone. Something got her out there. I was never going to see her alive again. And I could not help feeling like it was my fault. And what made such a thought even more painful was knowing that she deserved better.

I could not take it anymore. I hurried back inside and went upstairs. I wanted to calm myself with my wife and my equally dear lover by my side. And they were quick to soothe me. They held me and kissed me, so happy to be with me. Even though my thoughts still went to Smolder, they easily soothed my concerns with their love. I had more important thinks to focus on.

I think that is enough. It has been a long day and I need to get ready for bed. I am not certain what the immediate future will bring, but it feels like one journey has ended while another has begun. I think I will leave my typewriter alone for a little while until Fluttershy and I properly settle into a new routine. Gladesong needs us and will being staying in our bedroom until she is strong enough to handle sleeping by herself in the nursery downstairs.

Well, time to finish up and get upstairs. My wife is waiting for me, as is my dear Rarity and our daughter. Whatever the future holds, I am looking forward to it.

This chapter marks the end of Volume 4. Volume 4.5, Birds of Paradise, begins next chapter.

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