[Harvest Moon: A New Beginning] Rio to the Rescue

Secrets, Secrets

Spring was a busy, exciting season for the couple; Rio hardly had enough time in the day to take care of everything on the farm, and Neil had more customers than he knew what to do with. Not to mention the fact that he had also taken over the ranching part of Rio's duties so that she could focus on agriculture- it was fulfilling, but it left him exhausted. By the time he got home, he and Rio would quickly make dinner, shower, and fall asleep to a movie; they were too tired to do much else, but neither minded so long as they got to start and end each day with each other.

Although they were busy, Neil still remembered to gift Rio something special for Spring Harmony day. Not only did he bake cookies himself-with no help from Allen this time- but he also purchased her a new pair of boots to wear around town so she didn't have to trudge around in her work boots. She wore them every day- even if there was a different pair of shoes more well-suited to the outfit, she was just excited that Neil had been so thoughtful, and it made her happy to see the gift.

Summer was approaching quickly and both Neil and Rio were making secret plans for their one-year anniversary. Neil was currently in the general store getting a little help and motherly advice from Hanna, who was always a motherly figure for him. He was looking around at the small selection of rings, trying to find one perfect for Rio; it couldn't be too flashy, but it couldn't be dull either.

Hanna pulled one out of a case from the back and he knew he had found the one- it was a rose gold color and the band was braided, making it look elegant; there was a simple pink diamond set in the center in a princess cut. It was beautiful, breathtaking really, and he had to have it. "I think...I think that's the one, Hanna. How much?"

She chuckled and took the ring from the case and placed it into a little black box, "For you dear, not much. Just promise me that you won't take too long in making some cute grandbabies for me to spoil!" Neil flushed a bright red while Hanna laughed at his embarrassment, it sure was fun to tease him!

He coughed, trying to bring his face back to a normal color, "Hanna, you know it won't be for a long time. This is just an engagement, I want to take my time!"

Hanna just chuckled and waved him off, he said that now, but she saw how those two looked at each other. It wouldn't be long until there was the pitter-patter of little feet running around town! She just had a good eye for these things.

Rio was far less successful than Neil in procuring an anniversary present; she thought about buying him clothes or books or maybe a horse but none of that seemed right. More than anything, she just wanted Neil to be happy, but what would make him so? He wasn't one for having a lot of material possessions, and he already had a dog...'hmmm,' she thought, 'maybe I'll just make him his favorite meal for dinner and take him on a trip that weekend.' The more she thought about it, the more she liked it.

She called her cousin Chelsea who lived on an island in the middle of nowhere to make arrangements; luckily, there was a really nice hotel there, and tourism had been booming, so the island had a lot of attractions to offer. After booking the hotel, she went to find Dunhill to make arrangements for taking care of her farm while she was gone- he got a knowing look in his eye and agreed heartily. She knew he was a romantic, especially when it came to she and Neil for some reason, so she knew he would take her up on the offer.

All that was left to do now was pick up the ingredients for the meal. After shopping around for what she needed, she bribed Allen into letting her store the food there so that Neil wouldn't become suspicious- she wanted it to be a surprise and she was bound and determined to keep it that way. Neil had a knack for figuring things out, and this was one thing she wasn't going to take a chance with. Now, if only she could figure out what Neil was getting her...he had been awful secretive lately and it was driving her mad! She secretly hoped it would be something very particular, but the logical side of her brain wouldn't let her dwell on that thought for too long- it would only leave her disappointed in the end if it turned out to not be that.

Neil was trying his best to keep the engagement a secret, unfortunately for him, Hana had blabbed about it to Tina, and now everyone in town save for Rio knew. It had him stressed out because the people of this town were not well known for keeping secrets- and he would be seriously upset if someone were to leak the news to Rio. He could only hope that people would understand the gravity of the situation and keep their mouths shut. Rio was hanging out with the girls tonight, so he prayed to every deity he could think of that the loud-mouthed journalist would keep her lips sealed.

He sighed and laid down on the couch; after flipping the TV on he decided to just forget about it. If the secret was spilled, he would handle it then. For now, it would be best if he just relaxed and waited for his pretty girlfriend to get home. He grinned in anticipation, she always did know just what to do to relieve him of his stress.