* * *
*Three more days,* Frodo thought for what felt like the fiftieth time. *Three more days, then you'll know for sure…*
He sighed, putting down his fork, which he'd been using to absently push his food about his plate. Bilbo glanced up at him from his own meal.
"You're not going to make the time go by any faster by not eating, you know," he informed Frodo, raising one eyebrow.
Frodo sighed again. "I know," he said, "but I'm not hungry anyway, so why try to force food down my throat?"
Bilbo laughed. "Frodo Baggins, turning down food? You may be the odd sort, my lad, but I've never know you to turn down mushroom casserole." He laughed again.
Frodo gave him a look bordering on hurt. Bilbo's eyes softened, and he reached out to pat his nephew's hand. "Come then, Frodo-lad, you know I didn't mean anything by that," he said quietly. "But I do believe you're getting yourself worked up for no reason. Sam will come! I know it. Gandalf knows it. Everyone knows it, except you, and you knew him better than any of us did!" he put his fork on his plate. "I wish you would stop worrying. Just enjoy the anticipation, and know that in a few days you'll be looking at eternity with your best friend at your side. Who could ask for more?"
Frodo looked down at his food. "I know, Bilbo," he whispered. "I just wish I felt that sure."
Bilbo shook his head and resumed his meal. After a moment or so of chewing thoughtfully, he pointed at Frodo with his fork. "If it turns out I'm wrong," he said around a mouthful, "then I'll personally do all your laundry for the rest of eternity. Deal?"
Frodo had to laugh. "You're on!" he cried, "And for your sake I hope you're right!"
Bilbo gave him a hooded look. "I'm always right, Frodo my boy."
"What's this?" came a voice. "Are my old ears hearing correctly? Bilbo Baggins, always right? Has all that's decent in the world come to an end?"
Frodo could hardly control his laughter as Bilbo turned around to glare at Gandalf. "I was just telling Frodo that I was certain Sam would be on the ship, Gandalf," he said in mock-icy tones. "But if you'd care to contend with that…?"
"No, no!" cried Gandalf, raising his hands in self-defense. "I relent! Bilbo is wise and all-knowing!"
Frodo raised a hand to wipe away tears of mirth. "Oh, all *right* then!" he exclaimed exasperatedly, picking up his fork. "I'm eating, okay? That make you happy?"
"Ecstatic," Bilbo intoned, taking another bite.
Frodo shook his head, still chuckling. He was really very glad to have old Bilbo here, and Gandalf too. The Elves were wonderful, but it was nice to have some familiar faces.
There was only one more person he'd like to be here with him…
*Three more days,* he told himself again. *Three more days…*
* * *