A/N: So here it is- the epilogue is finally finished! Sorry for the wait!

I want to thank everyone who took the time to read this story, and special thanks to those who followed and/or favorited! And a very special thank you to my reviewers!

Disclaimer: I do not own Harvest Moon.

Cucumber: Epilogue

The Starry Night Festival

The cold winter wind sent chills down my spine as I crossed the field back toward the house. The land that had once been filled with rows of various fruits and vegetables was now empty and covered in snow, which crunched beneath my feet as I marched on. I had simply been checking up on the chickens in the henhouse- it was important to make sure that they were all safe and warm, as winter could be harsh.

My fingers were practically numb with cold as I approached my cottage, but I managed to wrench the front door open, and was immediately blasted by a wave of comforting warmth.

"Claire! You back!" Kappa sat at the dining table in the center of the room. Over on the rug in front of the television, our daughter sat playing with a coloring book and crayons.

"Kappa!"

I darted toward him, all my weariness melting away at the sight of him. We met in an embrace, and he brushed my hair back with his fingers as I held on, my head against his chest.

"I came to surprise you. For Starry Night Festival!" He gestured at the plates of cucumber that filled the table in front of him, and I couldn't help but laugh.

"Oh, Kappa... it's wonderful!"

He cocked his head at me. "Festival is tonight, right?"

"Yes! I'm so glad you remembered!"

He grinned again and ruffled my hair. "Of course I did! Could never forget Claire's favorite holiday!"

"Mama!"

I turned to face my beautiful baby girl Chelsea, who had toddled up to meet me at the table, her face filled with glee at the realization that I was back home.

Chelsea was just three years old, and the absolute love of my life. Other than Kappa, of course. Though her fingers and toes were webbed, and her skin had an slight greenish tinge, she was perfect in my eyes. Her soft brunette hair covered up the small water-filled hole at the top of her head, and her eyes were large and a clear sapphire blue, just like my own.

Laughing, I scooped Chelsea up into my arms and swung her around as she let out a high pitched giggle. Still chuckling, I sat down in the chair directly across from Kappa, plopping Chelsea into the chair between us. Together as a family, Kappa, Chelsea, and I dug into the plates of cucumber that Kappa had prepared.

It may have only been sliced cucumber, but it was still one of the best meals I had ever eaten.

Eventually, Chelsea began to doze off in her seat at the dinner table, and I ushered her over to the bed we shared. I tucked her in, being careful not to spill her tiny head bowl as I wrapped the covers around her and elevated her head on a pillow.

Kappa approached as I turned to face him. "Go to the hill now...?"

It was a Starry Night custom to visit the summit of Mother's Hill at night with your loved one. I remember my first Starry Night Festival with the Kappa. After explaining the idea of the festival to him, he seemed intruigued by the concept, and urged me to take him to the hill. I warned him that it might be dangerous for a Kappa, but he insisted, so together we marched through the snow toward the very top of the hill.

The view was absolutely amazing. Brilliant snow sparkled around our feet, and coated all the treetops down in the valley. Above us, thousands of stars glittered in the night sky, like diamonds scattered on a pitch black blanket. Kappa was enthralled by the sight, and I admit, so was I.

Tonight was just as gorgeous, if not more so.

I produced a quilt from the small rucksack I had packed and spread it on the ground, kicking away the dusting of snow with my feet. Kappa and I sat down on the blanket in silence, hand in hand, watching the stars.

"It's so beautiful." I broke the silence with a whisper.

"Like you."

Suddenly, a movement caught my eye, and I glanced up. "Kappa- look!"

He looked up just in time. A shooting star blazed across the sky, lighting a trail that slowly faded out of sight. My eyes widened as I followed the star's path, and I turned to smile back at Kappa.

"Make a wish."

Kappa narrowed his eyes in thought for just a moment, then grinned back at me. "I already have everything."

I felt a blush beginning to creep across my face as he continued. "Claire, I... so glad to have met you. You and Chelsea... you gave my life meaning, and I'm happy."

My eyes began to tear up at his touching statement, and I snuggled up against his shoulder for a minute before finally replying.

"...I love you, Kappa."

Kappa raised a hand to stroke my hair. "I love you too, Claire."

"Forever and always?" I asked, lifting my head to meet his eyes.

He smiled, and leaned in to give me a light kiss in the nose.

"Forever and always."

A/N: So how was it? And yes, Claire and Kappa's daughter Chelsea is, in fact, the Chelsea from Island of Happiness/Sunshine Islands! I was originally going to make Jill their daughter, from Another Wonderful Life/DS Cute, but decided that Chelsea and Claire look more alike (they have the same blue eyes). And in response to some of my more recent reviews from Chapter 3:

silentbunny17:

In regards to Claire and Kappa's daughter- Chelsea lives on land with her mother because sheis half-human, after all, but she has to keep water in her head or else she'll faint. Her head bowl is more difficult to spill than her father's, though, since it's a lot smaller. She just has to be careful, no cartwheels or headstands or things of that nature. XD

As of this story, none of the other villagers (excluding Carter) know about Kappa, since Claire is extremely careful to keep him and their child a secret. Well, they do know Claire has a child, but they don't get to actually see her up close.

Did Kappa wear a tux to the wedding? Gosh, I didn't even think of that! I guess that in my mind he didn't, but I'll leave it open to your imagination. I can see Claire forcing him into one though, he would probably look adorable!

MarlinMarlen:

I'm glad you like the story! So you're a Kappa fan? I've seen your fic "Son of a Kappa!" (would recommend to any fans of "Cucumber," by the way). And I can definitely see Kappa as a tsundere, but in this case, I decided to take a different approach. It just seemed to work better.

Also, I just started working on a new story, "Cursed," so if you like supernatural mysteries, friendship, a bit of romance, and slight horror, you should check it out! See my profile for a full summary- I would seriously appreciate feedback on it so far!

Thanks again!

-Cotton Candy Mareep