The morning of Morgan’s birthday, the three mares had plans for an early breakfast. Walking into the kitchen, Morgan was surprised when Ammie and Peach sang Happy Birthday while holding a molasses and raisin oatcake, topped with a burning candle. Morgan laughed and blew out the candle.
As they finished up their meal, Peach stepped out of the kitchen. She returned to the table a few moments later, carrying a small, wrapped box and a thick envelope. Sitting between the two younger mares, she reached out and held one their fore hooves in her own.
“I have a surprise for both of you today,” Peach said as both looked at her expectantly. “Long before we three were born, your great-grandmother on your mother’s side had two sons—my father, Buck, who was the oldest, and your grandfather, Charles. I know this comes as a shock, that neither of you knew we were related.”
“But, Peach,” exclaimed Ammie, “why did nopony tell us we were family?”
“I know it’s confusing,” Peach sighed. “I will explain. Growing up, the brothers were practically inseparable. Their friends called them Buck and Chuck, and if there was trouble, it was a safe bet those two were at the center of it somehow. Nopony really knows why, but when my parents married, there was some sort of falling out between the brothers. Your granddad refused to come to the wedding, and they never spoke or saw each other the rest of their lives. So bitter were both brothers that my father moved us to Baltimare so they wouldn’t run into each other. Both families were forbidden to speak of or see anyone from the other side as long as the brothers lived.
“Before my mother passed,” Peach went on, “she told me this story and gave me the box to save for her eldest grandfoal. She also asked me to find Charles’s family. I searched and finally found your grandmother, Bea, not long before we lost her. This was not long after Opal married your father, Morgan.
“As much as your father dislikes your mother’s folks, Bea saw right through Mr. Bigshot and despised him. Fearing that he would mistreat your momma, Bea suggested that I move in as housekeeper. She knew that he would never allow me to be there if he knew I was family, and so Bea made both of your mommas and me promise to keep our family connection a secret.”
“As much as I love knowing you are really family, Peach,” said Morgan, “why share the secret now?” Ammie nodded in agreement.
“Well, my dears, Morgan is now an adult. Since she is the oldest grandfilly, I am to give her these gifts today,” said Peach. “As I said, the box is from my mother. The envelope is from your grandmother.”
Morgan took the box as Peach handed it to her, gently unwrapping it. Finding a beautiful, old velvet box, she pushed the button to open the lid. Both Morgan and Ammie gasped as the light fell upon a necklace. Its sapphires sparkled in their elegant, antique settings. “It’s beautiful,” breathed Morgan, barely able to talk.
“I need to explain one more thing,” said Peach solemnly. “In this envelope are forms you need to take to the bank. Bea left you an inheritance, but there is one stipulation.” Peach paused. “You must leave your father’s home and move away from the circle of his influence.”
“It’s funny you should mention that,” said Morgan. “I was thinking last night that I needed to make some changes. If you hadn’t been here for me, Peach, I think I would have wanted to move long ago.”
“Well, my dear, we will both be making some major changes,” said Peach, smiling broadly. “Since you are moving, so am I!”
Ammie giggled, and both Morgan and Peach glanced at her. “This is perfect! I happen to have two spare bedrooms in my home.” With that, the three mares laughed together and made their plans.
The next few days were busy. Ammie went home to get things ready for her new housemates. Morgan went to the bank and filled out the necessary forms for her inheritance, which she found to be quite large. It feels weird, she thought, to suddenly be wealthy. Both Morgan and Peach packed the belongings they wished to keep and arranged for their shipment by the Unicorn Moving Company to Ammie’s home in Ponyville the following week.
Morgan went to MPD headquarters and met with Sergeant Stan Brumby, who had been her superior officer during her career as a police officer. Sergeant Stan had been tough on her when she was a rookie, after she had completed her training at the Manehattan Police Academy. He, like most of the other officers, had thought that, since she was the daughter of their chief, she would be given breaks due to nepotism. They had soon found out that her father showed no favoritism and, in fact, he made it harder for her. Coming up through the ranks, Morgan had quickly become the brightest of Sergeant Stan’s officers. She had taken the toughest assignments and had worked as much as they would let her. It hadn’t been long before even the toughest macho cops not only respected her, but knew she would have their backs if there was trouble.
When Morgan told Sergeant Stan that she was moving, he was sorry to see her go. Knowing how “the old stallion”—as the chief was known—usually ignored his daughter, or made her life miserable, Sergeant Stan understood her need to move on. He gave her letters of recommendation and told her that, if she ever needed his help, she could just call. Touched beyond words, Morgan hugged the pony who had been more of a father than the stallion who should have been.
Two days later, Morgan and Peach set out on the Equestria Express’s morning train for Ponyville. After checking in, they were escorted to a private car. Morgan told the conductor she had purchased tickets for a double compartment.
“There’s no mistake, ma’am,” said the kind conductor. “Here’s a note for you.”
Hope you knock ’em dead in your new job. Best of luck from your family in blue, the note read. Unable to speak, Morgan smiled her thanks to the conductor as she and Peach walked into what would be their rolling home until the next day. On the table, there was a large basket with fruits, muffins, and other sweets. There was a card tucked into the basket, signed by most of the officers Morgan had ever worked with.
Morgan realized that, although she had spent her time feeling so alone, her life was blessed with so many who cared for her. She vowed to begin this new chapter in her life focusing on the happier side of things.
* * *
Ammie Kindheart happily made her way toward Ponyville’s train station. She had received a ponygram the day before that her cousin, Morgan, and their Aunt Peach would be arriving on the afternoon train. Knowing that she had time to make a quick stop, Ammie crossed to Sugar Cube Corner. After requesting three cherry and three blueberry muffins, she visited with Pinkie Pie for a few minutes, waiting for her order. As Ammie turned to leave, Applejack abruptly rushed into the shop.
“G’mornin’, sugar cubes,” she blurted breathlessly. “Have y’all seen any new youngin’s runnin’ ’round here this mornin’?” At Ammie’s and Pinkie’s headshakes of denial, Applejack continued, “Ya see, we’ve had some extra help the last few days. This fam’ly of ponies by the name Grimes was travelin’ through an’ their wagon broke down. Well, Big Mac an’ the Grimes father, Jay, went ta fixin’ their wagon. Granny Smith, she had Mrs. Grimes an’ the oldest four youngin’s help in the sortin’ house. Apple Bloom’s been keepin’ an eye on the two littlest colts.
“Ev’rything was goin’ fine ’til this mornin’. When we got up, we heard the biggest commotion. We all ran out inta the yard ta find Mrs. Grimes jus’ a-weepin’. Well, I’ll tell ya what, it was near imposs’ble ta make out a word she was sayin’. Fin’lly, Jay said that their three colts were missin’. We’ve all been lookin’ since sun-up an’ haven’t found a scrap,” Applejack finished. She wiped away the sweat that had collected around the rim of her hat. “Guess I’d best get back at it,” she sighed, and Applejack rushed out the door as fast as she had entered it.
Pinkie Pie and Ammie could only look at each other in amazement as the door slammed shut.