Silver Creek Chestnuts roasting on an open fire [m]

Posted from phone so please excuse any typos or auto corrects.

She was silent, thinking over his words. His heart and future hinged on this moment. If her answer was even the slightest bit unsure a part of him would break. Already he wasn't sure if he'd be able to stay in Silver Creek if she gave such an answer. It would be an honest one, yes, and he wouldn't fault her for that. But it would show that he was getting too close and too attached to think clearly. 

Finally, after seconds that seemed like years, she spoke. He stood still a moment, soaking in what exactly she had said. She was interested, she wanted to mate. Neither of them had said love yet, and when he was thinking clearer he would take that as a good sign. Perhaps this was love, perhaps it was the first buddings. Both were willing to take the chance to let these emotions develop over time. Perhaps it was a fear on both parts, or simply a maturity. Heston would puzzle it later, but now his mind fizzed with many thoughts and then only one: her. 

He had never before allowed his desire to steer him and it was strange for the realization to settle over him that he could now. That it was okay. He had always been a large male, bulky and barrel chested. Now he felt his body draw itself up fully. A display of his attributes, his healthy size and body, all called forth by unconscious decisions. He could muster no words, and instead issued only a pleased rumbling growl and he moved forward to touch Spring. 

He reached to run his muzzle against hers, to nip gently at her neck and ears. All the while his chest vibrated with that same affectionate yet needy growl. Perhaps Spring thought she would take him, but he knew the truth. He would be taking her.