The next few days passed quickly for Braeburn, he had everything planned out in his head. It was their last night in Ponyville & he & White were going to eat at "L'auge D'or" The fanciest restaurant in town later that night. Braeburn had made reservations during his "walk" days ago, among other things. He could hardly contain his enthusiasm while talking to anypony in the last few days. White got along with his family spectacularly, especially Applebloom which was a bit surprising considering how they had met. White had even helped out the CMC one day but decided that it was best left to them after he had somehow gotten glued to a tree while they were trying to start a campfire.
Braeburn made them leave early so that he could take White on a romantic walk through Ponyville park which was blanketed in a fresh layer of snow. Braeburn knew White loved Winter & was taking advantage of the fact that the scenery here was much nicer than at home. White was overjoyed at the miniature winter wonderland, he was so happy he didn't feel the need to bombard his love with snowballs for once. They stopped at the pond for a moment to watch other couples ice-skating, neither of them knew how to do so but were content to watch. The walk continued on for a time until they needed to be at "L'auge D'or".
White had to admit the place was beautiful, all decorated in deep reds, golden candelabras sitting upon each table & wonderful music played in the background. This was to say nothing of the cascade of wondrous smells that wafted from the kitchen. The stallions approached the pony behind the podium at the entryway who was dressed in a suit you would expect from a Canterlot native.
"Do sirs have a reservation?" The stuffy pony asked.
"Braeburn Apple, party of two." Braeburn said in his best attempt to rid himself of his country accent.
"Right this way." The stallion said after glancing at the list on the podium.
The couple was shown to a cozy table near the center of the room. Menus were already there & the waiter left to fetch the wine the pair had ordered from his recommendation. While awaiting his return the pair perused their menus but they eventually decided upon the couple's special as neither of them was being very decisive. The waiter poured each of them a glass & was instructed to leave the bottle by Braeburn to White's surprise. White wondered why Braeburn would add the bottle to their bill when he was not much for anything more sophisticated than Applejack (the drink). The waiter nodded & placed it upon the table before jotting down their joint order. There would be a slight wait due to the nature of their meal but neither had any problem with this as they always enjoyed one another's company. Braeburn listened to White tell him about what he & bloom had done that day while Brae exclaimed how good it felt to be of some use around the Apple's farm after not being employed since the Applooosan harvest had ended.
After a fair bit of chat their meal arrived, A fair sized pumpkin that had been cleaned out, roasted & refilled with a hearty vegetable stew. It came with individual bowls & a ladle to be better consumed by the pair. The pair took a good long while to finish the dish but it had been wonderful & filling. Despite this Braeburn motioned for the waiter & asked for him to bring them each the house dessert special.
"Are you sure Brae? I'm not sure I could really eat anything else." White stated.
"Don't worry about it, ah hear the dessert here is something you'll never forget." Braeburn replied to which White merely shrugged.
The waiter returned in a few moments carrying two covered serving trays which he placed on the table before lifting the lid over Braeburn's revealing a slice of red velvet cake. Instead of doing the same with White's he merely trotted off.
"Well that was rude." Braeburn said flatly.
"Don't worry about it, I'll just get it myself." White said before grabbing the handle atop the lid & pulling. However much to White's surprise the lid didn't budge, White tried several more times to the same result. Despite his best efforts the platter wouldn't budge & the lid would not lift.
"Would you mind if I give it a try Angel?" Braeburn asked to which White nodded
Braeburn got up from his seat & trotted over to his lover's side & placed a hoof on the lid's handle & lifted it with no effort whatsoever. What White saw beneath the lid was not cake, but a small red velvet box sitting in the center of the platter. White's eyes widened considerably as he realized what was happening. He turned to his coltfriend to find him grabbing the box & opening it with the contents facing White. Inside was a single simple but beautiful silver earring with a bright shining diamond set in it. White lifted his gaze from the box to Braeburn. Braeburn had the biggest smile White had ever seen upon his face. As soon as their eyes locked Braeburn began speaking.
"White, you are my angel. You brought light into my life when I needed it most, you never complain that I don't like the fancy drinks you're so good at making, & you reunited me with my family & set me straight when I fall. I know you've been through lots in your life but you always put more value in my happiness than yours, I want you to become a permanent part of my life & share in each other's happiness till the end of time. Come what may I want us to face it all together. White Night, will you marry me?" Braeburn said with tears in his eyes & the smile still upon his face.
White was unaware that there was anything in the universe other than him & Braeburn for a moment after hearing those beautiful words meant only for him. When he returned to reality he was fully aware that all eyes in the room were upon them & he didn't care if it was the whole world staring at them.
"Yes! Yes! Yes!" He yelled out as he grabbed hold of his newly gained fiance with tears of happiness streaming down his eyes now as well. The room bust out into fits of applause that the couple paid no heed to, they were the only things that mattered in this moment.