Though he started in the direction of home, Cloudfire didn't go there right away. He meandered and got side-tracked, enjoying a quiet walk all by himself, away from the noise of everything... away from the epicenter of Ponyville. He walked quite a distance, a distance that he and Derpy would normally be taken by bus -- to a nearby park the two had cleaned once -- and just walked the trails. There was hardly a pony there and he was happy for that, yet without even thinking he picked up a can of cider he found and attempted to put it into a white bag he didn't even have... he realized what he was doing after a couple of seconds and laughed. He threw it away in a proper trash bin, which was on his way. One could never escape his job, especially lately as he'd frequently find himself going on auto-pilot while there... it was boring, but secure. Without Derpy, he'd have moved on long before.

He did not eat lunch, and without much for breakfast his stomach growled and gurgled almost as loud as a Timber Wolf on his walk. It hardly distracted him from his thoughts of Derpy, however... even after all this time together, he was still inclined to much introspection, unlike his Special Somepony who was carefree nearly all the time. He laughed, as by now he was hoping some of that would have rubbed off on him... but of course not. He'd mentioned his plans to Daddy Hooves a couple months before, to have him nod in approval and respect. He never needed Daddy Hooves' permission for anything involving Derpy, he simply told him where his Bits were going:

"I'm proud to see that what you say about my daughter is not just empty words," Daddy Hooves said as he nodded. "Though anypony can tell that by the way you both look at each other..."

Cloudfire continued walking the trails for hours, playing everything in his head over and over, that had happened over the past few months...

It was late afternoon now and Cloudfire was nearly home. Though famished, distracted, and nervous, he still had a bounce in his step that all ponies could see that he passed. Pinkie Pie saw him again while on break, as did Twilight while out on a stroll... his head was down, so he didn't see either of them until they made their presence known by wishing him luck. He smiled and walked with a raised head after that. He noticed as he got closer to Derpy's, out of the corner of his eye, a rainbow blur flying in the clouds overhead, writing "Good Luck" in the sky. This filled him with all the more energy. He was determined now.

Once he was able to see the house he noticed both Dinky and Derpy out in the front yard playing.

"Uncle Cloudfire!" Dinky exclaimed, running up to him and hugging his legs. "You're home! You're home!"

"Yup," he said, patting Dinky on the back, while looking at Derpy. "How're you guys?"

"I'm okay." Derpy quietly said, looking at the grass.

"Sorry to have been out so long." He smiled, approaching Derpy once Dinky let go of him. "It's still a big day. I promise."

He nuzzled the Pegasus, giving her a kiss to the forehead.

"It's okay." Replied his Special Somepony.

Cloudfire shifted uncomfortably on his feet, a concerned look in his eye. Derpy was still not looking at him, avoiding his gaze when he tried to peek at her... she was clearly upset. He sighed. He had to keep moving... keep the Pegasus's spirts up for later:

"What'd you say we all veg on the couch for a bit... I'll grab a sandwich and read to you two..." he looked at both Derpy and Dinky, who looked respectively slightly interested and really excited. "How's that sound?"

"I'd like that." Both Derpy and Dinky said at the same time.

Cloudfire chuckled, ruffling both their manes. Derpy peered at him briefly, beaming a small grin.

After grabbing something to eat, the ivory Earth Pony sat for a good 30 minutes on the couch reading to both Derpy and Dinky. He captivated them both with a fairytale while snacking on some bread. His reading helped distract his own mind, as well. The little Unicorn seemed more interested in his reading than the older Pegasus, who seemed preoccupited in thought just like him. Cloudfire had her looking forward to the whole day, but now it was approaching evening... this wasn't right of him. He didn't even have to think that through. Although this was the first time he'd ever done anything like this this, and he had a reason... she didn't know that. He'd make it up to her. Once the tale was over, he closed the book and glanced up at his slightly disappointed-looking Special Somepony:

"Time for your surprise, Derpy," he said with a smile. "Let's go for a walk."

"What surprise?" Asked Dinky, as the two Special Someponies got up. "Can I come?"

"Not this time, Dinky," said Uncle Cloudfire. "This is just for me and your sister."

Dinky looked disappointed, but understood.

Derpy again looked up at Cloudfire, smiling weakly.

Slowly she went with him, trailing behind. His pace was much brisker than her's and he looked back as they approached the door to see her head was down. They exited the house... tention mounting in his gut.

It was about 5:30. The sun was beginning to recede in the sky as Celestia retired it for the evening. The moon shone high above, barely starting to wane into view. Below the nightly spectacle, the two ponies walked the mostly empty streets of Ponyville on their way to a special place in the middle of town.

"Derpy," said Cloudfire, as they walked along. "I... uh... I'm sorry I was out all day."

"It's okay," replied his Special Somepony, a second time to the statement. She still kept her head down and wasn't looking at him.

"I was preparing for the surprise... it's going to be big." He winked at her. "Really!"

She raised her head and looked directly at him:

"I can't wait... I just wish you'd told me you were going to be out all day. I'm tired now 'cause I was looking forward to this since we got up."

"I'm sorry, Derpy... when ponies get really nervous they can forget to do things like that and sometimes they do foolish tihngs... it wasn't right of me. I hope you understand."

"Yeah. I do," replied the gray Pegasus, grinning. "Why're you so nervous, Cloudfire? You're the calmest pony I know!"

The Earth Pony just smiled, nuzzling her:

"I wouldn't say that... Derpy, look... I love you... when we get there, I think it's gunna make sense."

They trotted along at a brisk pace, the corner now in sight. Derpy's spirits were now better and she was felt mostly eager now... instead of just mostly annoyed. She looked at him with a bright grin on her face, despite the approaching twilight and most of the day being behind her.

Cloudfire opened the door to the Corner and Derpy stepped inside...

"Hi guys!" Exclaimed Pinkie from behind the counter. She darted behind a cabinet, disappearing completely. Cloudfire waited for it... "Right this way!" She was now beside the ivory Earth Pony. At least he didn't jump this time.

"Pinkie, HOW do you do that?"

She gave no asnwer, just giggled and bounced along the way to the table with the two Special Someponies trailing behind her.

"I'm so happy you're here tonight! Take a load off! We're preparing a special meal for you two in the back!" Pinkie turned to Derpy. "It's a secret... I'll be back with in a flash!"

The two sat down as Pinkie quickly zoomed off. As planned, Cloudfire had his back to the counter.

[Perfect... He thought, grinning.

"This is nice," Said Derpy, as she looked around. "We've never sat here before."

"That's because I wanted some privacy," Cloudfire replied, going through his saddlebag. He grabbed the undamaged yellow rose and presented it to Derpy. "Pour vous!"

Her eyes immediately lit up as she took it:

"Thanks!"

The Pegasus's Special Somepony beamed a warm smile at her:

"Let's eat our meal first... then we're going to move on to the next part of the evening, if you like."

"Is it the surprise?"

"Yes."

Derpy grinned ear-to-ear for the second time as Pinkie came back in an overly dignified fashion with a fancy covered dish and two glasses of water:

"Dinner is served!"

The pink mare set the dish in front of the ponies and removed the lid. It was the spaghetti seasoned with, as he had ordered, Cloudfire and Derpy's favorite spices. The moment Derpy smelled it her mouth started watering:

"I didn't know you guys made this!" She exclaimed, as Pinkie was serving up the meal on two plates.

"We don't!" Replied their pink server, giving them both a plate and bouncing off. "Call me back if you need anything!"

She left the two to their meal. They both enjoyed it, silently looking into each other's eyes... save Derpy said a few words:

"What's the surprise?" She asked twice during the meal.

"Patience, patience," Her Special Somepony would reply, projecting an image of confidence. "Let's just eat and enjoy the meal..."

In reality, his insides were churning like butter, but he never let it be known. He forced himself to appear smooth as silk. He wanted to give it to her right then and there... but it was best to wait just a little bit longer. He also wanted to throw up, but no pony around would ever have guessed that.

After a good ten minutes their meal was gone and, as if on cue, Pinkie came out to take their plates. Derpy noticed Mrs. Cake peering out from behind the counter. She smiled and waved at her... Mrs. Cake nodded back. She was actually there to keep an eye on Pinkie, to make sure she was containing her antics. Pinkie casually took their plates, offering them some light desert in the form of the couple's favorite muffins made fresh. The two naturally took them and ate them in literally one bite. Cloudfire enjoyed his, too, not expecting it to be prepared fresh since he only arraigned for Derpy's muffin... Pinkie winked at him:

"I remember what you like, Cloudy!" She said, again bouncing away, leaving the two in peace.

I was almost time...

The ivory Earth Pony slowly looked up at the gray Pegasus, who still had bits of muffin on her face:

"Are you ready for the surprise, Derpy?" He asked, chuckling as she cutely wiped her mouth clean.

She nodded slowly, still chewing.

He went into his bag and took out both the card and the box, putting each in one hoof. Turning towards the Pegasus, he kept the package hidden below the table:

"I want you to look at this card," he said, passing it to her.

She picked it up and looked at the picture on its outside (which was only half of it)... she didn't open it yet.

"It's really pretty!" She said, looking it all over.

"I had a friend's help in making it... she knows her stuff." His eyes went wide from the tension he was feeling, yet his voice remained calm. "Please, open it."

Derpy did as Cloudfire asked, and found herself staring into the card... silently at first. She was quiet for a good minute.

"I don't understand, Cloudfire," she finally said, looking genuinely confused. "It says 'Will you do me the honor...?' What's it mean?"

Cloudfire finally brought the box above the table, feeling immense tension as he opened it and showed Derpy it contents. It contained two pieces of jewelry which Derpy immediately identified, her eyes going wide.

"Do you understand what I'm asking you, Derpy?"

She nodded, tears instantly welling up in her eyes.

"... will you?"

She nodded again, sniffling silently.

"I'm scared," she said, her voice quaking, despite the fact that she was smiling ear-to-ear. "Th- this is something I never expected... I-I'm really scared, but I'm really happy at the same!"

"It's okay!" Replied Cloudfire, taking her by the hoof. "You don't have to now..."

"But I want to!"

A silent moment passed as Derpy sat there, nodding her head again and again. She glanced up at him, her eyes teary but relaxed. He knew in his heart she meant what she had said... The teary-eyed Pegasus looked closely into the box... and her Special Somepony took that as his cue:

In the box there were two pieces of jewelry: he took the one meant for Derpy, a ring encrusted with gray and yellow crystals on a strong silver chain, and held it up. She lowered her head, shutting her eyes as he placed it around her neck. He then took the ring meant for himself on a similar golden chain, this one encrusted with darker gems of red and blue, and placed it around his own neck.

"We're two Fiancées now," he said, sticking his tongue out at her. "Doesn't mean we're not going to have fun anymore, though. I'm still the same Cloudfire I always was, and you're still the same fun, innocent Derpy Hooves you always have been. I love you Derpy."

Derpy didn't answer. She just sat there as she had been.. not moving and just looking into his eyes... tears still forming in her own. He was blurry, but that didn't stop her from knowing he'd always be there. They were to be married... and she didn't know how to respond to that.

Pinkie and Mrs. Cake quietly observed the proposal from across the bakery. Mrs. Cake smiled proudly, having watched their relationship germinate at a distance from the first day, and Pinkie... Pinkie had a few tears in her own eyes. She started in their direction...

"Don't go out there yet, Pinkie," Mrs. Cake said, putting a hoof on her shoulder. "Give them a few minutes... I've seen a lot of proposals in my time, but never one that needed this few words." Pinkie looked up at her. "They're always much more dramatic than this... 'will you marry me?' 'YES!' it's nice to see two ponies who are this in sync and this in love. They don't need Equestria to know it. They're both wonderful kids, with beautiful souls... I hope they're happy together."

The pink mare did not move, but nodded her head in response, looking over at the two in awe.

Mrs. Cake gave them both their space, insisting Pinkie stay behind the counter unless called. Their meal had already been paid for and they didn't request anything else. It was an hour before they left and the Corner was almost completely deserted by then, save a few foals out with an older sibling treating them to ice cream. The mares closing up shop nodded as their friends passed the counter and walked through the door, their new Engagement rings swinging loosely from their necks.

The streets of Ponyville were completely empty, save the two lovebirds on their walk home. Looking over at her new Fiancée, Derpy found herself giggling as she clutched her brand new ring while looking down at his in awe as it sparkled in the lamp light:

"Yup." He said, with a smug grin.

The Pegasus's eyes were now dry. She wore a bright smile along with the ring, though she was worn out on the inside and very sleepy.

"What'd I tell my folks?" She asked, yawning.

"I already ran this by your dad," Cloudfire replied, chuckling. "He's going to be very happy... I don't know about your mom, though. Whether or not she knows, that is. Something tells me she's going to be very happy, too."

"Part of me wants to tell the world," Derpy said, still clutching the ring. "Another part of me wants to keep this to myself... like a secret."

"I understand what you mean." Again, the Earth Pony chuckled. "You can do what you want, but I don't know if keeping this a secret is going to work..."

"Why not?"

Cloudfire put his hoof on Derpy's chain, laughing:

"Because if you don't take it off ponies are going to ask 'hey, what's with the nice Engagement Ring?'."

"Oh... yeah."

"It's okay." He gave her a kiss. "You know that this is more than just jewelry. That it's extra special."

"Yeah." Derpy yawned. "I don't wanna take it off."

Cloudfire chuckled:

"It's been a long day... longer than if should have been. Let's go home and go to bed."

"Okee!"

The two continued on their merry way to the house. Mommy and Daddy. Hooves were both up, relaxing in the living room, when Derpy bounded in, still bright-eyed despite being very tired:

"Mom! Dad! You're not going to believe this. Me and Cloudfire are going to get married!"

Both of her parents looked at each other and nodded, Daddy Hooves being the first to speak up:

"I hate to disappoint you but it's not that much of a shock to either of us, Derpy." He got up and hugged his daughter tightly. "I am happy to see you this excited, though... very happy!"

"Have you guys talked about the big day yet...?" Asked Mommy Hooves.

Derpy looked back at Cloudfire, breaking away from the hug with her father:

"I don't think it's going to be for a couple of months at least... I can't provide anything great for you in terms of a wedding, Derpy, but I'll have something nice."

Derpy laughed, trotting up to Cloudfire and snuggling against his flank.

"I'm just happy now."

"That's great," replied Cloudfire, snuggling her. "I know I am... I'm also tired. Let's go to sleep."

They trotted upstairs, both ready for bed, leaving Derpy's parents in their chairs below... happy for them.