The sun was just peaking over the horizon as Night Light gazed lovingly into his wife's eyes. Twilight Velvet looked exhausted. There were bags under her eyes, her hair was a mess, and her fur was matted with sweat. And yet, as the first rays of light shone through the hospital room window, she'd never looked quite so beautiful. She was definitely one of the two most important mares in his life.

The other mare was currently nestled against his wife's barrel, a splotch of purple standing out against her off-white coat. The newborn's chest rose and fell gently as she slept through her first morning. 

“Night Light, Shining, meet the newest member of our family, Twilight Sparkle.” Velvet smiled lovingly at her family.

“She's so small!” Night Light barely registered Shining's excited exclamation, his focus solely on his daughter.

“Hello darling. I'm you're daddy. And I'm going to love and protect you forever.” He whispered as he gently nuzzled the tiny filly.

[hr]

“… and then, whoosh! The sun came up! That was so amazing! Do you think...”

Night Light smiled tiredly at the little filly bouncing in excitement next to him him. It was the morning after the Summer Sun Celebration, and despite being up all night, Twilight Sparkle was filled with exuberant energy and chattering up a storm. 

Beside him, Velvet caught his eye and smiled.

“She'll collapse as soon as we get home, I'm sure.” She whispered with a grin. 

Night Light just nodded, careful not to wake Shining, already fast asleep on his back. He was tired, bordering on exhausted. Spending all night wrangling two rambunctious foals had taken its toll. Still, he smiled.

This, this right here, right now, surrounded by his family…

This was happiness. 

[hr]

Night Light took a slow sip of his coffee, his eyes staring blankly out the window. Across the kitchen table his wife listlessly shoveled a spoonful of oatmeal into her mouth. Silence reigned.

For the first time in years, the couple had awoken to an empty house.

Velvet sighed, breaking the silence. 

“I knew we'd be empty nesters someday, but I never expected it to be so [i]soon.[/i]”

Night Light nodded in agreement, gaze still distant. 

“Velvet... Did we do the right thing? Letting her go?”

“She's going to be Princess Celestia's personal student. It's a great honor!” Velvet insisted, but there was no fire in her voice. 
 
“But she's still just a child! Shining is practically a stallion, but Twilight is still our baby girl!” His eyes never left the window, staring at Canterlot castle in the distance. 

“How can I protect her when she's so far away?” He whispered softly

Twilight Velvet didn't say a word. She just moved to stand beside her husband, placing a hoof on his shoulder.

The couple sat in silence, staring at the distant castle. 

[hr]

Night Light stared blearily at the unfamiliar ceiling above him. Still half asleep, he glanced around the opulently furnished bedroom he found himself in. It took him a few moments to remember where he was, and why.

It was the morning after the coronation. 

His baby girl. His little purple filly. The tiny ball of fluff he'd promised to love and protect forever.

A princess.

An [i]alicorn[/i] princess.

A quiet yawn drew him from his thoughts, and he turned to give the lovely mare beside him a kiss.

“Good morning dear.” Velvet murmured. 

“Morning love.” 

The two of them snuggled together, content to enjoy the warmth of the sheets, and of each other. Together they stared at the ceiling, both lost in thought.

“Do you remember when we first saw her?” Velvet asked suddenly.

“Of course.” A smile crossed his muzzle. “She was so small and fragile looking. Even smaller than Shining was.”

“She was always so energetic though. Do you remember her first Summer Sun Celebration?”

“I remember [i]you[/i] saying she'd fall asleep as soon as we got home.” He chuckled wryly. “She was so excited, she was up for [i]hours.[/i]”

Velvet giggled at the memory.

“Do you think we did right by her, Velvet?” Night Light asked suddenly, a worried note in his voice.  “Letting Celestia take her so young? Did we visit often enough? Give her enough hugs? Tell her we loved her enough? She grew up so fast without us...”

“She's healthy, happy, successful, and loved.” Velvet smiled softly. “I'd say we did okay.” 

“She's still our little baby girl though.” Night Light muttered. Velvet smiled and nodded.

“Yes. Always.”