Red Cedar and Rainier sure hit it off at that first rodeo! Rainier’s upbeat attitude was so infectious that it made Cedar a fan of the sport despite her previous disinterest, but most importantly she went to see him more often. He was so fun to be around and could turn even the most sour attitude into sweet summer tea. Just the thought of him made her feel so…warm inside.

She was in love.

Today’s show was a bit different, though. Instead of coming up to greet her afterwards like always, Rainier asked her to go over to the fence to wait for a surprise. It was so unlike him, but he had a twinkle of excitement in his eye as he asked her to go so it must be something good! Then again, everything felt good with him around. What could he possibly have in store?

Cedar’s ears perked up as she heard the familiar gait of her date approaching her.

The rodeo was like a second home to Rainier and his lasso an extension of his arm.

Ever since the day he got his cutie mark he didn’t feel confused or upset like other colts, he felt like Gaia herself had put this plan together for him and it fit perfectly. He never thought he’d feel that way about anything again.

That was until he met Red Cedar.

No matter how bad of a day he was having or how stressful practice was or how bad the game was going, seeing her smiling face in the crowd made it all worth it.

That’s why, on this day when he got some of the best news of his life, he wanted to make sure she was the first one to hear it.

He practically sprinted towards her, his hooves kicking up dust as he forced them into the ground below to stop himself from falling into her. All the while holding an envelope in his teeth.

“How was your day? Might I say you look more beautiful than a sweet red gala apple on a July morning!”

Cedar giggled, her stomach filling up with butterflies at the compliment.

“Even better now that I get to see you! You did great out there, better than a, uh…“

She struggled to come up with a countryism in return.

“…jackrabbit jumping hurdles! Now what’s the news you’re so eager to share?”

He handed her the envelope and waited for her to finish reading it.

In big bold letters at the top it read-

Partial Term Contract

-and under that was a bunch of legal jargon and sports jargon that Cedar had probably never heard before. The gist of it was that he was being offered a summer contract to be a part of the biggest rodeo in Equestria.

He would live temporarily in Appaloosa which wasn’t too far, just to see how he’d like it.

Knowing how big this was he was honestly more nervous about her reaction, which was clear from the sweat running down his brow.

“I haven’t signed it yet. I didn’t want to make such a big decision without my…”

He lowered his head shyly, his cheeks flushing red. Yet he couldn’t hide the sweet smile on his face.

“…special somepony.”

Cedar blushed as well at his acknowledgment. She couldn’t get over how sweet and considerate he was, always taking her into account in his decisions. He was better than she she could ever ask for.

She read over the contract.

“Oh my gosh, this is such a big opportunity for you! This is what you’ve been dreaming of, isn’t it? You should take it!”

He reached out to gently hold the hoof that didn’t have the paper in it, finally showing her his full expression. He looked like a colt who discovered he was getting a puppy on Hearth’s Warming morning.

“It is what I’ve been dreaming of but its not the only thing-”

He pulled her into a surprise hug by her hoof, not an intimate one but the goofy bear hugs he always gave where he’d press his cheek against hers.

“-it isn’t worth leaving my best dream behind for, but if you’re okay with it…Well Red Cedar, I’m in love with you. And I think we can make it work.”

Even he was a little embarrassed by how emboldened he was, but that’s how he felt about her. She made him want to take risks and do crazy things.

Cedar leaned into his hug and grinned. She was ready for whatever adventure he would take her on.

“I love you too Rainier. And you can bet I’ll stick with you every step of the way.”