'After the loss of our father, it took some time for things to settle down. As the new don, it was difficult for me to get a handle on things. It was a miracle that no other ponies tried to threaten the family in the next nine months... though there was that mess with a bolt gun wielding psycho named Anton Chickoruh, but we put him away eventually. Either way, I was so busy with my responsibilities that I found myself having less and less time to spend with Sandy, who was nearing the final stages of her pregnancy. Naturally, Sandy wasn't happy, and she let me know so.'
One evening, after Grimoire returned from a meeting with the Stabliani family, he walked into the study, and slumped, exhausted, into the chair.
"Busy day?"
Grimoire jumped in surprise. Sandy was sitting in the corner. He had been so tired, he hadn't noticed her. She was currently in her eleventh month of pregnancy, with the doctor predicting she would give birth at any time.
"Oh, sorry, darling." He apologized. "I didn't see you there."
"Big surprise." Sandy said sourly.
"Say what?" Grimoire frowned.
"Ever since you became the don, you've been spending more and more time working." Sandy declared. "You leave the house or hold meetings right after breakfast, and you keep coming back later and later. I know it sounds like I'm whining, but I barely even see you anymore, and I miss you."
"I'm sorry, Sandy." Grimoire apologized. "But being the don is a lot of work. It's me who's keeping this family afloat now."
"And it's you who should be supporting your pregnant wife." Sandy countered.
"Well, it's not as if you're alone all day." Grimoire pointed out. "You have the servants, my brothers, and mom to keep you company."
"It's not the same." Sandy sighed. "Look Grim, the foal should be coming any day now, and I want you there when it happens."
"I want that too." Grimoire agreed. "Don't you think I'd love to see our foal enter the world with my own eyes?"
"Then take a few days off." Sandy urged. "I'm sure your little mafia family could survive a few days without you at the helm."
"It's not that simple." Grimoire declared. "Somepony has to be in charge, otherwise everything would collapse on itself."
"Melodramatic, much?" Sandy snorted. "Just appoint a substitute, then. What, there isn't anypony else you can trust to take the reins for a day or two? What about your brothers? I'm sure one of them is fit to hold the fort for you."
"My brothers?" Grimm frowned, "Sandy, I love them and all, but I can't trust them with something like this. They would try and fight over who gets to be in charge, and they would try to do things their own way. Bottom line, I'm the only one with the training and the know hows in being a don. Nopony else can do it, it has to be me."
"...Fine." Sandy huffed. "Put your career ahead of your family. But don't think you'll be sharing the bed with me tonight."
"Sandy, wait..." Grimoire called, as she left the room.
Sandy answered by slamming the door.
"I'm sorry..." Grimoire whispered, as he sat on his flanks, "Buck."
'Not a good start for this chapter, wouldn't you agree? I would soon face the dilemma of work vs. family again. Read on, in a chapter I call...'
Chapter Five: A New 'Speck' Of Life
'After my unfortunate conversation with Sandy, I was feeling quite low, as you can imagine. Fortunately, help was at hoof, from somepony well-versed in the subject of being pregnant and married to a don...'
Bonnie entered the study, shortly after Sandy left.
"I just saw Sandy, and she was in a seriously bad mood." She remarked. "And I have a feeling mood swings weren't the reason. What happened?"
"We had a fight." Grimoire sighed.
"I figured that was the case." Bonnie deadpanned. "What was it about?"
"About my work as a don keeping me so busy." Grimoire declared. "I think she's feeling neglected."
"You can't really blame her, can you?" Bonnie pointed out, "The mare practically craves affection from you."
"I don't mean to be so busy." Grimoire admitted. "It's just... being the don is so hard! There's so much to do, ponies to see, operations to oversee... just the other day, I had to organize an execution of Ukreinian bio-terrorists via firing squad. I had to spend all that afternoon trying to give a last rite in proper Ukreinian language. How did dad do it?"
"Well, it wasn't exactly easy for him, too." Bonnie declared.
"And as I recall, you and dad never argued about his work cutting into family time." Grimoire added.
"Of course not." Bonnie nodded. "Though your father put a lot of stock into being the don, he always made sure to leave time for me."
"I wish I could do that..." Grimoire groaned.
"Why can't you?" Bonnie asked.
"Because I have to make sure our work goes on." Grimoire stated. "Things were so fragile after dad died, if I take my focus off the mafia, things may fall apart entirely!"
"I know you want to do right by your father's memory, and keep things going smoothly..." Bonnie smiled. "But your agents can handle a few days without you. Most of them were hoof-picked by your father. He trusted their drive and initiative, and knew he could count on them to handle themselves."
"Maybe..." Grimoire sighed.
"Definitely." Bonnie said firmly. "Sandy is your wife. You owe it to her to support her during this time. Especially given how this foal was what got you two together in the first place."
"Maybe you're right..." Grimoire sighed.
"Of course I am." Bonnie smiled. "What's the point in running the family business if you neglect your actual family in the process?"
Grimoire lowered his head in shame.
"I know you'll do the right thing, son." Bonnie said as she left the room.
'Mom's words gave me a lot to think about, as I slept (or tried to, at least) on the couch that night. By the next morning, I had come to a decision...'
At breakfast, everypony was enjoying their food. Sandy was doing her best to ignore Grimoire, despite him sitting next to her. With a fleeting look at his wife, Grimoire cleared his throat.
"I have an announcement, everypony." He declared. Everypony, including Sandy, glanced at him. "It has been brought to my attention that in trying to fix up the empire after Killsquad's onslaught and other matters, I have been neglectful in my husbandly duties."
"Well, it's hardly your fault." Lars declared. "Being the don is hard work."
"Besides, that Killsquad really made a mess of our operations." Sonny added.
"I know that." Grimoire nodded. "But it's no excuse for leaving Sandy alone."
"Yeah, on her own, in this big fancy mansion, with servants to attend to her every whim..." Vinny snorted.
Sandy glared at Vinny.
"Which is why, that in light of Sandy's pregnancy coming to a close, I've decided to take a brief break from my duties as don, so I can support her for when the foal arrives."
"You have?" Sandy smiled.
"You have?!" The brother chorused.
"But Grim... you're the don!" Murray gaped. "You can't just take time off!"
"Can't I?" Grimoire countered.
"No, you can't!" Salt pointed out. "All our boys-"
"Will be just fine." Grimoire declared. "Or are they so incompetent that they can't operate on their own for a few days?"
"He does have a point." Lars admitted.
"Of course he does." Sandy stepped in. "They're not children. Grim doesn't have to hold their hooves every step of the way."
"But what if there's... y'know, a problem?" Sonny asked.
"I'm sure one of our senior members can handle it." Grimoire declared. "Or failing that, one of you guys can take care of things."
"No sweat, Grim!" Caboose smiled. "I'm great at handling things!"
"Since when?" Slot snorted.
"No offense Grim, but I kinda think you're letting us down here." Vinny frowned. "What would dad say?"
"He'd say that Grimoire is being a good husband." Bonnie said sternly. "Your father took time out from being don to support me when I was pregnant with each of you, and now Grimoire is doing the same."
Vinny sat down, sufficiently cowed. Meanwhile, Grimoire turned to Sandy.
"Sandy, I swear I will stay by your side until that foal is born." He pledged. "I wouldn't want to miss the birth of our child for anything."
"Thank you, Grim." Sandy kissed him. "I know how hard that must have been for you."
"Not as hard as having you disappointed in me." Grimoire smiled. "I won't be making that mistake again."
Grimoire kissed Sandy back.
"Aww..." Bonnie smiled.
"Ew." Slot gagged.
"I tuned out." Caboose said suddenly. "What's happening now?"
"But Grim, which of us should be trusted to head all the operations and stuff?" Salt asked.
"As of now, I don't care." Grimm shrugged, as he took Sandy's hoof, "You guys will have to figure it out for yourself. As for me and Sandy…I believe some light snuggling in is order."
"Light, huh?" Sandy chuckled. "We'll see about that..."
The two left the dining room, leaving the brothers and Bonnie in the room.
"Well, obviously, I should take charge." Murray declared. "I am the next oldest, after all."
"Oh, please." Salt snorted. "What are you gonna do when a problem comes up, shoot at it?"
"Oh, and I suppose you'd just punch it?" Murray asked.
"If I have to!" Salt snarled.
"Clearly, I should be in charge." Lars said pompously. "I am the smartest, after all."
"Jeez, ego much?" Sonny snickered.
"This coming from a glorified baker?" Lars sneered.
"You guys are all nuts." Vinny smirked. "I should be in charge."
"Sez you, ya lush!" Slot spat. "I'm the best choice!"
"Oh right, because all great leaders have anger management issues." Vinny declared.
"I keep telling you, don't have 'anger management' issues!" Slot roared, smashing his plate under his hoof.
The brothers (save for Caboose) started arguing amongst themselves for the position. Bonnie sat in her chair, unfazed by all the friction
"Oh, I've missed days like this." She smiled. "Just like old times..."
"I still don't have a clue what's happening." Caboose shrugged.
'For the next few days, I was true to my word. I stayed by Sandy's side day and night. I was quite jumpy at the time, fearing that any out-of-place sound or movement on Sandy's part meant the foal was coming. Oh, so many false alarms... Why, I almost wrenched my back from standing up too quickly. On the sixth of my 'sabbatical', things went by as usual...'
Sandy was sitting out in the garden, reading a book. Grimoire walked over, carrying some ice tea, cookies and a parasol with his magic.
"Everything okay?" He asked. "Are you hungry, thirsty? Too much sun, too little sun?"
"I'm fine, Grim." Sandy rolled her eyes. "Though I wouldn't say no to a cookie."
"Coming right up." Grimoire levitated one over to her.
"Mmm." Sandy enjoyed the cookie. "Lemme guess; One of Sonny's macaroons?"
"Of course." Grimoire nodded. "I know how much you love his baking."
"I don't know how to thank you, Grim." Sandy smiled. "You've been so sweet and attentive these past few days."
"Only the best for my special gal." Grimoire beamed, stroking her stomach with his hoof. "And her precious cargo."
"It shouldn't be too long now." Sandy chuckled. "You ready to be a dad?"
"I hope so." Grimoire said earnestly. "I've never exactly received training, but if dad could do, so can I. How about you, ready to become a mom?"
"As read as I'll ever be." Sandy responded, a somewhat worried tone in her voice. Grimoire failed to notice it.
"Come on, let's go inside and read in the study." He suggested. "We just got a fresh batch of books."
"Sounds great." Sandy smiled.
Taking Grimoire's hoof, Sandy was led back into the house. Just as they were about to enter the study, Sandy suddenly stopped.
"What's wrong?" Grimoire asked.
"I think... I think..." Sandy suddenly winced. "I-ahhh!"
Warm liquid suddenly poured down Sandy's leg.
"I think my water just broke." Sandy said redundantly.
'I'd like to say I handled things with a cool, calm head... but that would be an utter lie.'
"Oh Faust, it's time!" Grimoire gasped, hopping on the spot in shock. "Don't panic! Everything's going to be okay! Don't panic!"
"I'm not." Sandy gritted her teeth. "I'm just in a lot of pain at the moment. I would appreciate if you got me to the hospital... like NOW!!"
"Right, right!" Grimoire snapped out of his panic. He turned to a Griffon servant. "Quickly, bring the carriage around!"
"Yes, sir!" The Griffon nodded.
"And you, inform the rest of the family!" Grimoire told an Earth Pony maid.
"At once, Mr Napoleon!" The maid raced off down the hall.
At that moment, gathering up as much strength as he could, Grimoire lifted Sandy up with his magic.
"Whoa!" Sandy yelped.
"Hang on, Sandy!" Grimoire declared. "We're on our way!"
Grimoire carried Sandy out into the driveway, placing her into the carriage.
"Hospital, now!" He told the two Pegasi pulling it.
"Yes, sir!" The Pegasi chorused. They spread their wings and took off, dragging the carriage with it.
Meanwhile, the Griffon servant found the rest of the family in the lounge. The brothers had indeed took it upon themselves to cover for Grimoire, and were quite tired for it.
"Boy, what a week." Murray groaned.
"No kidding." Salt agreed. "Those Ridellis were tough customers, huh?"
"How about those investors from Japony?" Vinny added. "That was rough, huh?"
"It would've been a little less rough if Caboose hadn't asked them to show us their samarerai swords." Slot glared at Caboose.
"Can you believe they didn't even have one between them?" Caboose pouted. "Some Japonese ponies they were..."
"And the less said about the Cloppolas, the better." Lars groaned.
"Boy, who knew being in charge was so hard?" Sonny asked.
"I think you boys are doing pretty well, all things considered." Bonnie smiled.
"Thanks, ma." Murray beamed.
The Griffon entered the lounge.
"Sirs, madam, Miss Sandy has gone into labor." He announced.
"What, now?!" Sonny gasped.
"Yes." The Griffon nodded. "Master Grimoire is taking her to the hospital as we speak."
"Oh, at last!" Bonnie cheered.
"We'd better follow." Lars noted. "Grim and Sandy will be needing some moral support."
"Not to mention we'll finally get to meet our new nephew!" Murray added.
"And what makes you think it'll be a colt?" Bonnie asked.
"'Course it'll be a colt." Slot snorted. "Look around, ma. Only colts have ever been born to this house."
"Hey, less talkin', more boltin'!" Vinny said impatiently.
"Vinny's right." Salt nodded. "Let's move!"
"Woo-woo!" Caboose cheered, as they raced to their back-up carriage.
Meanwhile, Grimoire and Sandy arrived at the hospital. Once again carrying Sandy with his magic, Grimoire raced inside, only to find his way blocked by a gauntlet of charitable and religious ponies seeking donations.
"Excuse me, I represent the church of Megan." One stallion approached, holding up a flower. "Please accept this flower-"
Grimoire walked past the stallion, ignoring him.
"A moment of your time, please?" Another stallion stepped forward, holding a pamphlet. "Would you-" Grimoire pushed him aside.
"Donations to the society of the moon?" Another asked. Grimoire kicked him in the stomach.
"Homes for Hydras?" Another stepped forward. Grimoire brought him down with a karate chop.
"Ever read about Jehoovah's Witnesses?" Yet another stallion asked. Grimoire vaulted over his back, taking down another. "How about Foodhism?" Grimoire flipped the stallion onto his back. "Uhhh!"
"Help Jerry's Kids?" Another stallion stepped forward. Grimoire punched him out.
"Sorcerolog-eee!" The stallion was flipped by Grimoire mid-sentence.
"Sunstone power?"
Grimoire kneed the stallion, then struck him in the back of the head, bringing him down. Stopping only to adjust his tie, Grimoire carried Sandy over to the reception.
"Was all that violence necessary?" Sandy frowned.
"Sorry. Got ripped off once by some charity called "Save the Bushwoolies' after months of them pestering me. Can't really help it." Grimoire sighed.
"Oh, I'm not saying it's bad. It's actually kind of a turn on... if I was not in complete agony right now!" Sandy howled.
"Alright, alright." Grimm soothed, as he approached the reception desk. "Excuse me, but my wife is about to give birth." He said curtly. "Where is the maternity unit?"
"Third floor, sir." The receptionist mare answered.
"Third floor?" Sandy wheezed. "Whose stupid idea was that? I'm dying over here!"
"Don't worry, there's an elevator over there." Grimoire pointed out.
"Um sir, that lift is-" Grimoire raced off before she could finish.
Grimoire eased Sandy into the elevator before entering himself.
"Okay, it won't be long now." He smiled, as he hit the "3" button.
"Good, because I'm starting to feel like Michael Flouncely's doing the riverdance in my stomach."
The elevator started to rise up. Suddenly, there was a grinding sound.
"What th-" Grimoire frowned.
Without warning, the elevator dropped down to the basement, crashing with a loud thud.
"Are you okay, Sandy?" Grimoire groaned, a tad shaken.
"I'm fine." Sandy cringed. "Good thing we were already on the ground floor..."
Grimoire pushed the button to open the doors, but nothing happened.
"Oh, no..." He spluttered, tapping the button repeatedly. "No, no, no, no...We're stuck!"
"Ah!" Sandy yelled loudly.
"What's wrong?" Grimoire asked.
"Contractio-ahhh!" Sandy screamed. "Getting worse!"
"Just relax." Grimoire told her. "Remember your breathing exercises..."
"Buck my breathing!" Sandy yelled. "This bucking hurts!"
"Don't worry." Grimoire stroked her mane. "I'm here for you..."
"Yeah, I know." Sandy nodded, gasping again as she grasped her stomach, trying her best not to cry. "I know…"
"Sandy, is something wrong?" Grimm frowned. Sandy blanched at him. "Aside from the obvious, of course."
"It's nothing." Sandy sighed, panting a bit from her contractions. "It's just... I'm just worried. About the future."
"The future?" Grimoire repeated.
"Yes... Grim, I really appreciated all the efforts you made to make up for all the time you spent trying to be the don, but I know you can't shirk them off forever just for me." Sandy cringed. "You'll be back to work, and... I'll hardly see you again... me... and our foal."
"Hey, I won't let that happen." Grimiore declared. "Things have been going well so far with the family. I might be able to get away with just checking in and making sure something hadn't burn down or something..."
"But in doing so, you'd be neglecting them." Sandy murmured. "I know how important the family business is to you, and I wouldn't want to stand in the way of that... it's just..."
"Just what?" Grimiore frowned.
"My mom was just some regular nopony that got involved with a unsavory politician. The second I was born, they dumped me on the doorstep of the nearest orphanage. Mom couldn't afford me, while dad didn't need the stain on his reputation. They both saw me as nothing but an inconvenience." Sandy whimpered, unable to fight the tears. "I practically grew up my entire life without a father... and I don't want our foal to grow up the same way... I know you're nothing like him, but the fear is still there... you know?"
"I do." Grimoire nodded. "Fear is a powerful thing. I still remember how afraid I was at following in dad's footsteps. I once swore never to be anything like him. How things change."
"But your dad was essentially a decent stallion, deep down." Sandy admitted. "Mine wasn't. I've always hated him for abandoning me in favor of his career. And I don't want our foal to feel the same way about you."
"That won't happen." Grimoire pledged. "I promise you, I'll never let anything come between any of us. I'll be there for you, just as I'm here for you now."
"Thanks, Grim." Sandy smiled tearfully, in spite of the pain. "But now I am concerned, what if something goes wrong, and we need a doctor? We'll be out of luck!"
"Not exactly." Grimoire smiled. "I watched mom give birth to Caboose, and I think I got the gist of it."
"'The gist'?" Sandy cringed. "Oh, boy..."
Meanwhile, the brothers and Bonnie arrived at the hospital. They rushed past the wounded, groaning stallions on their way in, and headed to the reception.
"Excuse me, miss- hubba, hubba." Vinny stared at the receptionist. "Hey, pretty lady, you doin' anything tonight?"
"Step aside." Lars shoved Vinny aside. "Have you seen a gray Unicorn stallion and a heavily pregnant Earth Pony mare?"
"Yes, they were looking for the maternity ward." The receptionist nodded. "They got into the out of order elevator by mistake, and I'm afraid they're stuck."
"Oh no!" Bonnie gasped.
"We gotta help them!" Murray declared.
"We've already called the fire department." The receptionist told them. "They should be here shortly."
"Not soon enough!" Salt said firmly. "Point us to that elevator!"
"Um... over there!" The receptionist pointed.
The family raced over to the broken elevator.
"Anypony got a crowbar?" Sonny asked. Slot, Vinny, and Salt pulled out one each. "I know, silly question..."
With gusto, the trio jammed their crowbars into the elevator doors, prying it open. They looked down the shaft, seeing the car below.
"Okay, we'll have to lower somepony down to get them out of there." Murray declared. "Which one of us weighs the least?"
"That'd be Caboose." Slot pointed out.
"You callin' me not-fat?" Caboose pouted.
"Just get in there." Lars groaned, tying some rope around him.
While Caboose was being lowered, he heard Sandy's screams, as the grueling process of birth continued for her.
"Sandy never was the best singer..." He cringed.
Inside the car, Grimoire was helping Sandy as best he could.
"Okay, just push... push..." He urged.
"What do you think I'm do-AAARRRGH!" Sandy screeched. "Why did you do this to me, you Bitalian scum?!"
"Um... sorry?" Grimoire gulped.
"'Sorry' isn't good enou-AAARRRGH!" Sandy yelled.
"I think I can see the head!" Grimoire gasped. "Just a little harder, and..."
"AHHHH!" Sandy let out one final roar of pain, which was soon replaced by the cries of a newborn foal. The young one had a brown coat and mane, and green eyes, and was a Earth Pony, just like her mother.
"Is... is it...?" Sandy wheezed breathlessly, as Grimoire cut the umbilical cord with a knife.
"Absolutely fine." Grimoire smiled, handling the little one to her.
"Oh, my darling foal..." Sandy embraced the newborn.
Grimoire smiled, taking in the moment.
'That was quite the significant moment in my life. I was finally a father. I felt all sorts of emotions; Relief, pride, joy, a little bit of worry, and an overwhelming urge to protect my foal. As I looked upon that little bundle of new life, I told myself I would always be there for her, always provide for her, and always give her a shoulder to cry on.'
Suddenly, the ceiling door to the elevator opened up to reveal Caboose.
"Need a hoof, bro?" Caboose smiled.
"Wouldn't mind the assist." Grimoire grinned with relief.
Caboose eased himself into the car.
"Ohhh, you had the foal." He smiled, taking a close look. "And it's a colt... and what a colt! Men, he looks just as big as Slot does right-"
"That's the umbilical cord, Caboose." Grimoire rolled his eyes. "It's a filly."
"Oh, right." Caboose said sheepishly.
"Hey, 'Boose!" Murray yelled down the shaft. "How about a progress report?"
"How are Grim and Sandy?" Vinny added.
"Forget them, how's the foal?" Slot asked. "It's a colt, right?"
"We got a filly, guys!" Caboose called up the shaft.
"Say what?!" Murray gaped.
"No way!" Salt frowned.
"It's supposed to be a colt!" Vinny added.
"So much for our family's streak..." Sonny frowned.
"It flies in the face of all previous outcomes..." Lars shook his head.
"Great, another sissy filly in the house." Slot sneered.
"What was that?!" Grimoire said threateningly.
"I mean, yay!" Murray said unenthusiastically.
"Great!" Salt added.
"Terrific!" Vinny whooped.
"Superlative!" Lars forced himself to say.
"What he said!" Sonny sighed.
"Guess it's not the end of the world..." Slot sighed.
Moments later, Grimoire, Sandy and their filly was pulled out of the shaft.
"She's beautiful." Bonnie cooed at the newborn, "Just like her mother."
"Thanks... grandma." Sandy beamed.
"Y'know, she's kinda cute." Murray admitted.
"No doubt." Salt agreed. "Maybe it won't be so bad having a filly around."
"Look at that sweet little face!" Sonny cooed.
"A truly lovely little one." Lars agreed.
"Yeah, I guess..." Slot shrugged.
"We're all uncles now." Vinny cooed. "What a feeling..."
"So what are you going to name her?" Sonny asked.
"I wanted to call her Dust." Sandy smiled.
"Dust?" Grimoire frowned. "Why?"
"It was my best friend's name, back when I was a kid. We spent years playing together." Sandy declared. "Then one day, she got adopted, and I never saw her again. I still think about her sometimes..."
"I suppose it'll do." Grimoire nodded. "Dust Speck-Napoleon. Maybe... 'Dusty' for short."
"Coochie-coochie-coo!" Caboose tickled Dusty. "Hi, Dusty! I'm your uncle Caboose!"
Dusty giggled loudly.
"Hey, can I pick her middle name?" Caboose asked. "Please?"
"Of course, Caboose." Sandy smiled. "It's because of you that she even exists. Its the least I can do."
"Okay... I pick... Donut!" Caboose smiled.
"Donut?" Vinny frowned. "Isn't that the name of the stallion you thought was a mare?"
"Oh, I remember." Slot snickered. "You asked him out, and he slugged you!"
"Well, could ya blame me?" Caboose shrugged. "He was pink! Still a nice name, though..."
"If you're born in a bakery..." Sonny frowned.
"I think it's a wonderful name." Sandy nodded.
"So do I." Grimoire agreed. "Dust Donut Speck-Napoleon. Our daughter."
The proud parents cuddled together with their filly.
"As lovely as this scene is, we'd better get Dusty checked out." Lars noted. "Who knows what filth was in that elevator..."
"Good thinking, Lars." Grimoire smiled. "Let's go, darling."
"Of course." Sandy grinned.
"Let's take the stairs." Murray declared. "Just in case..."
"Smart thinking." Salt agreed.
"Watch your step, guys." Caboose told Grimoire and Sandy. "There's a bunch of unconscious ponies on the floor."
That evening, Grimoire and Sandy looked at their daughter, as she slept in her new cot.
"Hard to believe we could make something so beautiful." Grimoire smiled. "Then again, look at her mother."
"Oh, you." Sandy smiled. "She's amazing, isn't she?"
"I know." Grimoire nodded. "And I meant what I said back there. I'm going to be the best dad I can to her."
"I know you will." Sandy kissed him.
Grimoire suddenly yawned.
"What a day." He remarked. "I'm about ready for bed."
"Me too." Sandy smirked. "Speaking of which, maybe we could get to work on making Dusty a sibling, so she really doesn't get lonely..."
"We'll see..." Grimoire chuckled, as they climbed into bed together.
'And that, dear readers, is the story of how my beautiful daughter came to be. Dusty brought me all sorts of joy over the years. She had given me so much that I would never had had me and Sandy not conceive her that fateful day in the Palomino Canals, and brought me all manner of pride as she grew into a mare that would come to marry a prince and have two wonderful foals of her own. But I will never forget that first day, when she was but a little filly, so tiny, so vulnerable, so adorable. If there is one thing in my life I have no regrets about, it's being a father. And now, with my second wife Zecora expecting my second foal in a couple of months' time, I look forward to that day when I become a father all over again...'