This is it. The final chapter of this story. I hope I wasn't speeding up Frodo and Amee's relationship too much. I did my best to slow it down. Anyway, we're here and thanks goes to the readers for sticking with this story. Cheers. :)
*.*.*
The painting was nearly finished. The splashes of blues, greys, and greens, with the added white shores, gave the painting more freedom than it deserved. For it was the lush green island of Tol Eressëa that Amee was painting. She still retained her youth, but with her children now grown and off on their own adventures, nothing could bring her much joy than being at home, at the Baggins home, with her adoring husband by her side.
"Amee," Frodo spoke up, his voice deeper than it was when they first met. Amee smiled up at him for a brief moment, even as he kissed her head so softly in the next moment. His hands wrapped around her, watching her paint, "I know you missed."
Amee chuckled in warm delight. "Our children are grown up. Drogo and Primula send us messages every day… or close enough, as far as the mail goes." She said, calmer and more serious, "My parents wonder if I'll see them again this summer. It's been too long."
"I'm sure we will visit sometime," Frodo said, grinning. "Ah. You needn't worry so much. We see your family as much as you come and stay here."
"My parents have grown used to you, you know," Amee said, careful with her words.
"I know. Your family is just as good as mine is," Frodo said, sitting down next to her. "You know we can visit them anytime you wish."
"Thanks," she said, smiling, "for always being there for me, caring about me, and seeing what is right and what is wrong."
"I have good instincts," he said, caressing her hand. "I love you. I always and I always will." He sighed, admitting freely, "Maybe we can visit your family. I wouldn't mind bringing some more hobbit dishes to them. It might cheer you up."
"I loved that. Thank you," she said, grateful.
It was decided. As soon as Frodo readied the few dishes they would bring to the nursing home, Amee prepared for the portal back. She took a breath and walked through. And there she was with Frodo inside her mother's room. It was so peaceful with the flowers, but like what she was used to before, the walls were plain and beige colored. But with the television on to Little House on the Prairie, it couldn't be better.
"Mom. Oh, it's so good to see you!" Amee said, greeting her mom with a few fresh tears. She missed her so much, and yet she was glad her own family decided to come and see her and Frodo on the island. Somehow, in some way, Eru Ilúvatar was good to her, and even looking at Frodo, she knew she was right.
"Tell me everything," Her mother said, joyously. She turned to Frodo, extending her hand, "And it's good to see you, Frodo."
"Pleasure, ma'am," Frodo said, shaking her hand.
Amee was pulled in close to her mother, who whispered in her ear, "You have a good man, Amee."
"Thank you, mother," Amee said, glad to see someone appreciating her decision to stay on the island with Frodo.
"Now, tell me everything that's happened, since the last time we met," Amee's mother said, delighted to hear a good story.
Amee chuckled. It seemed everything had fallen into place. She was recovering, after all these years. The voices were still around, hovering at times. Frodo could hear them, too. And they always seemed to share dreams together… well, not often, but just enough so that they were still connected in more than one way.
And here, being with family again, Amee was certain of one thing: she had found home at last. And that was all there was to it. Nothing more to be said. For with every battle, there's always a victory. Amee had found her victory, through Frodo, and that was all she needed to go on until the end of her days.
The End.
*.*.*
Thanks for reading. :D