Prompt: Grow

Spring always seemed to bring new life to Thisby. With the harsh winter storms and Scorpio Races passed, the island could finally relax and turn back into what it was meant to be. I always forgot the spring until it arrived. And it did the same way every year.

To my surprise, the first buds began pushing their way up from the ground in Dove's pen. The flowers, dune or sand pansies, always made their presence known that same way. In the spring, the colors were usually purple, though I have found the orange-gold colored petals.

At the first bloom, I rush to shoo Dove away from the plants, not wanting her to eat them all. Soon we're chasing each other around the yard and I'm laughing more than I thought I could. Dove stops every few steps to turn and shake her head at me. She throws her mane back with glee. I continue giggling as I tackle her neck in a hug. While we both pant in the embrace, I hear the gate open.

"Morning, Puck," Sean says with a smile. Dove gives him an indignant whinny. "And you, Dove."

"What are you doing here?" I ask, taking a step away from the horse to greet him. Sean takes me in his arms and laughs. Our embrace is no longer awkward, but welcome. The connection we formed since the races those few months back remained as strong as ever. It doesn't hurt that we no longer have for what we need anymore.

"I have some news," he murmurs, the smile never leaving his face. Sean liked to share any bit of news, good or bad, this way: face to face.

I give him a questioning look. "And?" I go on, wanting to hear what he has to say. There's only been so much that could happen since the last I'd seen him, which was the day before.

"Fiona, Holly's mare, has finally taken to that Uisce stallion. She's going to have a foal!" Sean was beyond ecstatic; which I don't blame him. He'd been working with Mr. Holly since the races ended trying to make a match with the ruddy grey stallion, whom he named Bourbon. Holly had made a special arrangement to have his best mares shipped to Thisby this winter, even though all boats were supposed to stop. Sean met the horses at the dock, ready to make selections and move them up to his father's home.

He worked all winter with those mares, trying to figure out who could withstand the stallion he had purchased from Malvern. After much scrutiny, he brought the number down to three mares: Fiona, Torch, and Hollow. I guess Fiona had what it takes.

"That's great, Sean!" I matched his enthusiasm. Things were finally in place for Sean since his father's death. No more Malvern, no more races, no more poverty and wanting. Sean had what he always needed: the sky, the sand, the sea, and Corr…only those weren't all he had now.

Face still beaming, Sean took my hand. "I can't believe I will finally have my own herd to train. This is something I never thought I'd have." His eyes softened even more and he leaned down to kiss my cheek. "I have you to thank for that."

"I didn't do anything, Sean." Blush rose to my cheeks.

"Aye, but you did." Sean reached down and picked one of the pansies. He twirled it between calloused fingers and then tucked it gently behind my ear.

It was several months later that I truly began to notice the difference in Fiona. Her abdomen swelled slightly on both sides and if I felt in just the right spot, I could feel a small kick. Every time I did feel it, the surprise made me laugh and mutter sweet things to the foal on its way to us.

Sean kept a watchful eye over Fiona, doting on her as if she were his pregnant wife. It was funny to me all the same. His concern for the animals he loved never ceased to amaze me.

Or warm my heart.

Because that's exactly what it did. And the love I felt for him grew a little bit every day. It grew in the moments he worked around Corr. Or when he fussed over Fiona's food. Or even when the two of us sat quietly in the grass outside his father's house, eating and talking. All the moments added up to the feelings I had for this man I had known for really only a short time.

But that's how love worked. All it has to do is grow.

Short, sweet, fluffy. If you want more, let me know in a review. And send me one word prompts! I like working off them. Thanks for reading!

-Missy