The wedding
BigMac gently pushed open the door to Rarity's workroom. She had moved into the Apple family home recently so her absence at this late hour was something that hadn't gone unnoticed. After Rarity had failed to make it home for dinner BigMac at left for the Carousel Boutique. Rarity sat by her drawing desk struggling with a design concept. Her hair was unkempt and she mumbled to herself in frustration.
Rarity jumped slightly as BigMac placed a hoof on her shoulder.
"Oh! BigMac darling it's just you." She breathed.
"Eyup." He replied.
Rarity looked over at the clock and noticed the time. "Is it that late already? I'm so sorry," She apologized. Exhausted she sat back in her chair resting a hoof over her swollen stomach.
"I've just been struggling with a good design for the gown," She confessed. "Don't want to look like a blimp on my big day." She sighed. She smiled but her eyes looked a bit sad.
"Darlin' you'll look lovely in whatever ya'll decide to wear." BigMac assured as he helped his pregnant fiance to her feet.
"Oh your just saying that," Rarity dismissed playfully.
"Ah mean it," BigMac insisted as they made their way to the door. "If it's really so difficult why don't ya'll get one of yer designer friends to make the dress for ya?"
"What? Oh no, BigMac this is my wedding! Besides, I don't want to be a bother." Rarity stammered a bit as the walk down the stairs left her a bit winded.
"Ya'll can't keep stressing yerself like this it ain't good for the baby," BigMac insisted. "Why don't ya'll let me worry about the wedding. Ya need to take it easy."
"But-" Rarity stammered.
"Ya trust me don't ya?" BigMac said with a tone of sternness.
"I do," she replied worriedly.
"Alright then it's settled." He said with conviction.
In the moons that followed Rarity kept to her promise despite herself. As her belly grew she seemed to become more and more impatient. AppleJack did her best to try and keep her sister'n'law-to-be off her feet. Meanwhile BigMac got in touch with some of Rarity's friends in the industry including one CocoPommel who was more than happy to take charge of the project. Arranging a wedding was nothing short of stressful but thankfully he had plenty of help. Pinkie, and her husband CheeseSandwich, worked together to help arrange the reception while Twilight would preside over the ceremony. The Cakes were immensely helpful having catered a fair deal of weddings in their day. Even Fluttershy, Discord and RainbowDash offered their assistance.
"Oh darling I don't know how you do it," Rarity huffed as she fanned herself from her seat on the front porch. AppleJack was working out in the yard on a hot summer day. Rarity had been kept out of the loop regarding the wedding plans in the hopes that she wouldn't waste energy fretting over the details.
"It ain't that bad," AJ rolled her eyes, "Ahv'e worked in worse."
Rarity grumbled slightly as she took a sip of lemonade. "How's Mac doing with the wedding arrangements?" Rarity probed.
"He's got everything under control." AppleJack assured.
"Oh come on! I haven't even seen my wedding dress yet. Surely you can tell me more than that! The ceremony is in a week!"
"Ah'd tell ya sugarcube but then it wouldn't be a surprise." AJ replied.
"Uhg you ponies are killing me!" Rarity moaned with her typical theatrics.
"Ya'll are just gonna have to be patient." AppleJack assured. "I will say," She turned back to shoot Rarity a knowing look to which Rarity shot up and listened intently. "Ah heard ApplePie's coming ta Ponyville ta be the flower filly."
"Oh how cute!" Rarity squeed as she thought of her soon to be step daughter. The last time she saw ApplePie as on her sixth birthday. Every year her mother, aunts and grandmother would have a small celebration on her actually birthday before bringing her to Ponyville to have her aunt Pinkie throw her a proper bash. She was a precious little thing and Rarity knew how much BigMac missed her. Then a sudden though struck her like a brick.
"Does that mean Marble will be there as well?" Rarity inquired.
"A-Ah recon, yes" AJ stuttered awkwardly as she realized the awkward position that put Rarity in.
Rarity sat back for a moment to consider the situation.
Sure enough MarblePie and her daughter arrived in Ponyville late in the evening a few days before the wedding. AppleBloom had moved out after her graduation and was presently renting an apartment in town so her old room was given to their house guests. Rarity had been sewing in the living room when BigMac came in with his daughter riding atop his shoulders and his ex-wife following behind. ApplePie chattered excitedly with her father. Rarity smiled and stood up to greet them. BigMac set ApplePie down and she rushed over to hug Rarity.
"Rarity you got so big!" She enthused.
Rarity strained to bend down and return the little ones hug while trying not to be offended. "It's good to see you too dear."
Rarity looked up at Marble whose face was unreadable. "C'mon princess lets get you and yer Ma set up in the guest room." BigMac directed as he scooted the excited filly up the stairs. Rarity walked over to Marble who was holding most of the bags.
"Need some help dear?" she asked.
"uh-uh" Marble shook her head lightly as she drudged up the stairs leaving Rarity alone in the living room.