Roses. The earth pony was sick of roses. For the last two weeks, she had been flooded with orders for roses. She knew the culprit, of course. Hearts and Hooves day. She hated the holiday. Stallions would rush in, handing over whatever bits were owed and rush out to find their mare. It was the same every year. She was sick of the holiday and all the happy couples.

Oh, Roseluck, stop being so cynical. Stallions noticed her, she knew. She would notice when she was shopping or took a day off. It was just that none ever approached her. Besides, it wouldn't matter if they did; Roseluck had her heart set on one particular stallion.

It didn't help that every single mare in Ponyville wanted this stallion as well. Big Macintosh was just so rugged. Not being seen off the farm he ran with his sister helped in the allure as well. Shaking her head, Roseluck sighed. It seemed this year he had found a special somepony, because he had ordered flowers. At least they aren't roses. He had ordered a bouquet of blue daisies.

The bell above the door chimed, Roseluck looking up expecting to see Big Mac. Her smile slipped a little as she saw Time Turner. "I almost forgot to pick up Derpy's flowers." He let out a nervous chuckle as Roseluck smiled. She turned and found the bouquet of sunflowers, trading Time Turner for bits. "Thanks Roseluck. Happy Hearts and Hooves!" he called as he walked out the door.

The day progressed in much the same way, slowing as evening approached and everypony began their dates. It was nearly time for Roseluck to close shop when she noticed a few orders had not been picked up.

"Noteworthy...roses. Oh, but he and Rainbow broke up, so he probably won't come for them...and Big Mac?" The only order of blue daisies were still behind the counter. She picked them up, examining them. "I'll just take them to him, I suppose."

She walked through the shop, watering the flowers and making sure everything was put away for the day. She put the two orders of flowers that hadn't been picked up in her saddlebags and walked out of the shop. She was just locking up when she heard loud hoofsteps approaching.

"Rose...Roseluck!" She turned, startled to see Big Mac standing in front of her. "Ah'm sorry Ah'm late. Can Ah still get my flowers?" He reached into a saddlebag and drew out a bit pouch.

"Of course, Big Mac, I was just bringing them to you." She handed him the flowers as he sighed in relief. Taking the bits, she smiled at him. "Big date tonight?"

"Nope."

Roseluck furrowed her brow in confusion. "Then who are the flowers for?"

Big Mac smiled. "Ah very special somepony."

"I don't understand...and it's none of my business. Sorry." Roseluck blushed as Big Mac chuckled.

"They're for Apple Bloom. Ah'm taking her to dinner tonight. She's very excited." Big Mac nodded toward a little filly coming toward them. He smiled as the little filly bounced up to the pair.

"Hi Roseluck. Hi Mac. Oh, are those for me?" Apple Bloom grinned, eyeing the flowers. "Those are my favorite! I bet you knew that though."

"Eeyup." Big Mac reached the flowers to his little sister. He tipped his head to Roseluck as he and the little filly walked down the road.

Roseluck smiled as she watched them walk away. She could hear Apple Bloom chattering away to the colt, obviously excited. Couples seemed to be all over Ponyville as she walked home by herself. Laughing, kissing, giggles...and yet, no single stallion in sight.

She turned right onto her street, walking up the dirt path to her door. Tomorrow would be business as usual. There wouldn't be nearly as many ponies in her shop, she would have time to restock on the flowers she had sold out of, and maybe she would take the afternoon off and just walk around the town.

Her head was hanging down, so she didn't notice the flowers at first. But she he looked up to open her door, there they were. A deep brown, nearly looking like a wreath, sitting in the mailbox next to her door.

Gingerly, she pulled them out. Chocolate Cosmos were extremely rare flowers, but they were her favorites. She closed her eyes, breathing in the sweet scent of the flower. Her lips curved into a smile as she looked for a note. Surely, these weren't for her.

When it was apparent a note wasn't attached to the flowers, she looked in the mailbox. A single letter was there, which she picked up and took inside. She bruised herself with finding a vase and water for the flowers, setting them on the coffee table before sitting on the couch.

She held the letter in her hooves. On the front of the envelope, in a neat script, was her name. She traced the letters, trying to remember if she had ever seen the writing before. She turned the envelope over and carefully opened it, gently pulling the letter out.

Dearest Roseluck,

I heard you say these were your favorite flowers in the market one day. I hope they bring that beautiful smile to your face. There is so much I want to tell you in this letter, but that would be better left in person. Soon, I shall tell you how I feel. And then we shall take it from there, one step at a time.

Roseluck read the letter three times before turning it over. He hadn't signed it. She looked at the flowers on the table, trying to remember when she had mentioned them being her favorite, and to whom, but nothing came to mind.

She read the letter again with a sigh. It was much too elegant for Big Mac to have written, but she didn't know who it could be from. Still, maybe her love life wasn't as hopeless as she thought. Humming and smiling to herself, Roseluck made her way to her kitchen. She opened a bottle of Merlot, pouring herself a glass, and picked up a few chocolates before settling back onto the couch. Even if it wasn't Big Mac, somepony was interested.

Looking at the flowers, she grinned. Maybe Hearts and Hooves day wasn't so bad after all. Next Chapter: "%i%" Precious Estimated time remaining: 1 Hour, 30 Minutes