Merry and Pippin drank heartily as they celebrated the birth of the new Gamgee baby. This was the third child born to the Samwise and Rosie.
Sam joined the celebration, but only had one drink. He intended to go home shortly and help Rosie with children, and knew he wouldn't be much help drunk.
"Congratulations, Mr. Mayor," people would say as they passed by the trio's usual table.
Sam smiled with delight every time he was reminded of his new baby, but something was on his mind. It didn't take long for Merry to notice.
"Sam, what's wrong? You look unhappy." Merry asked.
"Oh, nothing. I was just… thinking."
"About what?" Pippin asked, also concerned.
"Nothing important." Sam said, putting on a smile and taking a sip of ale.
"Well," said Merry, "I have to say that you and Rosie have very good taste in names." Same and Pippin began to laugh. "I mean, Elanor is such a beautiful name. And Frodo, I can't think of a better name for your first born son. And for your second son, you picked the greatest name in all the Shire!" Merry exclaimed as he raised his mug of ale.
Sam and Pippin raised their mugs as well, but Pippin piped in, "Though not as great as mine!"
Sam chuckled. "Maybe we'll name our next son Pippin, just for you," he joked.
"Or their next daughter!" Merry said, as he stood up to get more ale.
"Hey!" Pippin shouted, offended.
Just then, an elderly hobbit came by.
"Mayor Gamgee, how are you doing sir?"
"Very well, thank you."
"And how are Rosie and little Merry Gamgee doing?
"They are just fine, thank you."
"Congratulations, sir. You are a lucky hobbit!"
"That I am. Thank you, sir."
"You have a good evening, now." The elderly hobbit said with a slight bow.
"Goodnight, sir." Sam replied.
Merry sat down at the table with a new mug of ale.
"So, Sam, what were you thinking about that made you look so forlorn?" Merry asked.
Sam sighed. He didn't see any point in hiding his thoughts from his friends.
"It's just that," he started, but fished for the right words. "I, I, I miss him."
There was a silence and Merry and Pippin showed only sympathy for their friend.
"I understand," Pippin said, "I miss him too."
"Me too." Merry agreed.
"I just wish that he could be here with us, like he was when Elanor was born. He doesn't even know that I named my son after him. He doesn't even know that I have a son. Now I have two, and there's no way for him to know, for him to be happy for me. I miss him so much!" Sam said, tears welling up in his eyes.
Merry and Pippin were at a loss for words. Despite the chaos of the tavern around them, the three sat in perfect silence for a few moments, unsure of what to say.
Then, Merry raised his mug, "To Frodo," he said softly.
Pippin did the same, followed by Sam. "To Frodo," the two said in unison. The three drank, and Sam wiped a tear from his eye.