AN: I apologize for the REALLY long time between updates, but I hit a bit of a writers block on this story. I promise that this story will be completed, but I'm not sure when the next update will be. Thank you to my amazing readers!

All For Love

(a.k.a. The Tale of Merry and Estella)

Chapter 14

As time passed, Fred finally came and apologized for his behavior and gave his approval. Odo, however, still had his misgivings but he reluctantly approved to let Estella court Merry. Melilot of course wrote to tell Estella "I told you so" and Mentha and Rosa couldn't be happier for the new couple. There was one last hurdle though to make things totally official and that was having dinner with Merry's parents.

For the next few weeks Estella and Merry continued to spend time with each other, most times talking long walks along the Brandywine. Fred was still fairly upset about the whole thing, but Mentha had a long chat with him and afterwards he apologized. As for Odo

Estella had met Saradoc and Esmeralda Brandybuck of course, but then it was a simple greeting and nothing more. This time they would be talking, and Estella assumed they would ask her many questions. This made her a little intimidated, knowing she would be spending time with her possible future in laws. It really made her nervous to think about it.

Merry of course told Estella not to worry about it as he picked her up to take her to Brandy Hall for the evening. She wondered what the Brandybucks even thought of her. Would they actually think her suitable to be courting their son? She hoped so, as if they didn't life would once again become more complicated.

Saradoc and Esmeralda Brandybuck were waiting outside as their carriage pulled up. Merry stepped out first and helped Estella down. Then taking her hand Merry led her to his parents.

"Father, Mother, let me present Estella Bolger," he said formally.

'Wonderful to meet you dear," Esmeralda said with a smile shaking her hand.

"So you are the lass that has stolen my son's heart," stated Saradoc simply with a chuckle.

Estella was speechless at that statement, Merry's face turned a tad red but Esmeralda rolled her eyes at her husband. "We are both very happy to welcome you back to Brady Hall; shall we adjourn to the dining room?" Esmeralda said politely.

"Of course mother," Merry said and they all walked inside Brandy Hall. Estella was happy for one thing, they were not going to be eating with the rest of the family in the large dining hall; instead they were at a small private one reserved for the Master's family.

Estella was seated next to Merry across from Esmeralda and Saradoc, Estella still feeling a bit nervous. Merry squeezed her hand to reassure her. "So Estella, tell us about yourself," Saradoc said.

"Well," Estella started, choosing her words carefully. "I like to read and ride my pony Star. I used to be a waitress at the Bridge Inn," she said, not sure what the Master wanted to know.

"Now it all makes sense! You are that lass my son helped defend against that Proudfoot fellow," Saradoc exclaimed.

"That's me," Estella replied.

"He is a horrible man, I'm sorry to hear you were employed by him for however short a time," Esmeralda said.

"He treated Estella horribly," Merry said a bit annoyed.

"I bet he did," Saradoc said honestly.

At that moment the servants began serving the meal. Estella began to eat slowly, feeling a little better about her meeting with the Master and Mistress of Brandy Hall. They both seemed to be genuinely wonderful people. She wondered once more if she would be able to follow in Esmeralda's shoes someday should she get married.

The Brandybucks were wonderful hobbits; there was no doubt about that. Estella still felt a bit self conscious, but Saradoc and Esmeralda were trying their best to make her comfortable. During the meal she felt as though she was opening up more and finally when it was time to leave Estella felt sorry to go.

Merry, always the gentlehobbit already had the carriage waiting for her return trip when she walked out the great doors of Brandy Hall. He helped her in the carriage and slid in beside her. The carriage started to move and Merry turned to Estella with a wide grin.

"So I take it you enjoyed your evening," Merry asked her with a wide grin.

Estella nodded. "Very much. I see so much of you in them," she replied.

"Really?" Merry asked.

"Of course," Estella replied. "You have your father's sense of humor."

"Glad to hear it," Merry answered and then suddenly pulled her in a deep kiss that took both their breaths away.

"I told you my parents would love you, and they do," Merry said.

"I still worried despite your warning Merry, but now I feel so much better," Estella replied.

"And that is one of the many reasons I love you," Merry replied. "You care so much." And then he kissed her again.