Chapter Rating: PG-13 (mild het. sexual situations, mild language)
Chapter Title: Fatherhood
Disclaimer: This chapter has a Frodo/OC (other character) liaison as well as Sam/Rosie interaction. If you're not into non-canonical situations, please skip ahead to the next chapter. If you want more detail about the Frodo/OC liaison, please read "The Swimming Hole" story, which takes place immediately prior to this chapter. It's Subject=Humor, Rating=R, Main Character=Frodo B. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
July 21st
Frodo awoke to the sound of pots and pans clanging in the kitchen. Rosie was busy with second breakfast already. Sam was all ready out in the vegetable garden working. Frodo had slept late. His sleep had been disturbed by nightmares and he was not rested.
He had again dreamed of being attacked by Gollum on Mount Doom. They were struggling at the stony ledge leading to the river of molten lava. Gollum appeared as a grey specter of lust and desire for the Ring, fighting Frodo with unnatural strength. His hand! Gollum had him in a deadly grip and was slowly bringing his hand up to those sharp teeth! He tried to resist, but even with the power of the Ring his physical strength was completely spent. Gollum had him! The Ring had him! There was no escape from either of them. Now Gollum had Frodo's ring finger splayed away from the other fingers on his right hand. Snap! Aaarrrggg! The pain! It's gone! And he suddenly awoke in a sweat. Frodo was actually surprised to find his right hand was not bleeding when he opened his eyes. It seemed so real. At least he hadn't awoken screaming like the last nightmare.
"Perhaps if I write about this I can get it out of my head and onto paper," he thought as he got dressed and went into the kitchen.
"Good morning, Rosie" he said.
"And a good morning to you, Mister Frodo," she replied, mentally noting the dark circles under his eyes. "You're several hours too late for first breakfast, but Sam will be here shortly for second. Care to join us? I've some nice muffins and jam. There's a pot of fresh tea on."
"Thank you," he absentmindedly said. "I shall take my breakfast in the study. Rosie, you know I am never going to get used to your early hours. A farmer's schedule is not for me."
"I know, Mister Frodo," she smiled. "We're still farmers and gardeners and will always be up with the roosters and to bed with the sun. You're one for bein' the night owl here. It just takes me a bit of gettin used to your late night stirrings and all."
"Oh! I am terribly sorry if my wanderings are disturbing you and Sam at night," Frodo said as he picked up a muffin and a mug of tea. "I shall try to keep it quite." He was concerned that Rosie suspected there was more to his late-night wanderings than just keeping late hours. If Rosie was awakened, then Sam would be too. Frodo knew that once Sam got suspicious, he would track it down the source of his suspicions until he was satisfied with an answer. "I shall have to be more circumspect," he thought.
"Oh, Mister Frodo," Rosie said, "I didn't mean you were disturbing us. I'm just not used to folk staying up that late. You know, me being a farm lass and all. I always expect everyone to rise early. Pay no mind to me. Now eat your breakfast, love, before it gets cold." She always mothered him, even though she was at least fifteen years his junior. Truth be told, he rather enjoyed the attention.
The day was already warm and muggy with a thick layer of grey clouds coming in from the south. But hobbit holes stay a fairly constant cool temperature year-round. Frodo settled into the comfortable chair at the writing desk. He set the muffin and tea aside and took up a stack of papers. But his thoughts were not on writing.
Yesterday was so wonderful. He and Iris were out on their usual Friday afternoon walk, and they ended up making love under a secluded tree. It made him feel so young and alive. He could see how Sam was satisfied and fulfilled, having a loving wife and a family on the way.
"What?" he suddenly thought. "Where did that idea come from? Is Rosie pregnant?" Frodo stopped and set down his papers. "Yes, I am certain she is pregnant. How do I know that? Sam does not know. I do not even think Rosie knows. How do I know that?" he wondered. Perhaps carrying the Ring for so long had effected him in more ways than he realized.
Then another, more distressing thought occurred to him. "Gad! What if Iris is pregnant? How could I have been so stupid?" At this thought he actually stood up out of his chair spilling papers everywhere. "I have got to see her right away!"
He quickly put aside any thought of breakfast or work, grabbed his coat and headed out the door. Not paying any attention, he literally ran into Sam at full speed as Sam was coming up the walk. Carrots and pea pods went flying everywhere. Both hobbits were clinging to each other, trying to not fall from the force of the impact.
"Bless me, sir," Sam exclaimed, "You're in a bit of a hurry."
"Sorry, Sam," Frodo apologized. "I am in a hurry, but I should pay more attention to what I am doing. Here, let me help you gather these up."
The two friends gathered the scattered vegetables into the large basket Sam was carrying. As they finished the hunt for the peas, Sam said, "I was just coming in for second breakfast with Rosie. Where are you off to this morning?"
"Ummm. going in to Hobbiton," Frodo improvised. He didn't want to tell Sam the real reason why he was in such a rush to see Iris, but he couldn't think of a better answer to Sam's question right then. "Damn," he thought, "Sam's going to see right through that one."
Sure enough, Sam's expression turned suspicious. "Well, if you say so, all right. But it's somewhere specific you're going. like maybe to see Miss Proudfoot again. You two are thick as thieves these days, if ya catch my drift. Not that that's bad, mind you."
"And not that it's any of your business," Frodo replied tartly, then grinned.
"Now, now, Mister Frodo, that was hard," Sam protested, shaking his head and lightly snickering. They both grinned at each other, understanding their private joke. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do."
"Sam, I am in a hurry," Frodo said as he started down the lane. "I will talk to you later. Give Rosie a kiss for me. And make sure she does not do any heavy lifting." He disappeared around the bend.
"Now what's that supposed to mean?" Sam pondered as he went into the kitchen.
Frodo picked up his pace walking down the Hill to Hobbiton. The day was getting hotter and more muggy. A storm was brewing somewhere and would mostly likely produce a thunderstorm later in the day. He was getting warm in his coat and vest, but his vanity prohibited him from removing either while in public.
Frodo had never been totally comfortable in just shirt and breeches like most of the inhabitants of the Shire, including Sam. Frodo always tried to look his best at all times, patronizing the tailor, selecting the richest cloths he could afford, and imitating his Uncle Bilbo's more formal style of dress. That, plus the rumor of Bilbo's ill-gotten dragon's gold secreted up at Bag End had produced much speculation about the riches of the Bagginses throughout the years. The truth was that Bilbo and Frodo had given away most of their wealth and Frodo had abandoned all of his possessions to go off on the Quest. It was ironically only through the kindness of Lobelia Sackville-Baggins that he had Bag End and its gardens again. Good friends Fatty, Merry and Pippin had ensured his furniture and belongings from Crickethollow were returned to him. Otherwise Frodo would have been a pauper.
Hobbiton's market was active in the mid-morning air. Farmers, gardeners and craftsmen were selling their seasonal crops and goods out of the back of carts. A few ponies were patiently awaiting shoeing outside the new blacksmith shop. Hens clucking at their chicks coupled with squeals of delight from young hobbit children playing tag amidst the market stalls mingled into a cacophony of typical everyday rural life music.
The Apothecary and Physician's Office door was open letting in the breeze. Tandy was helping a couple of young hobbit lasses in their tweens select perfumes. They stared at Frodo as he entered, then giggled and whispered behind their hands while continuing to stare.
"Now girls," softly admonished Tandy. "Will that be all? That will be five pence please."
The girls paid for their perfume and left the shop still giggling. Tandy rolled his eyes, shook his head and said, "Tweens. You never know what's going on in their little heads either. Especially the lasses. What can I do for you Mister Frodo?"
"Is Iris around?" Frodo asked.
"No, I'm sorry Mister Frodo, but my cousin's out at a patient's place right now. She said she would be back around lunch time. Would you like to leave her a message?"
"Oh," Frodo stammered. "Uh. yes, please. If you have a quill and paper, I will leave her a short note. Thank you Tandy." It had never occurred to him that she wouldn't be in when he got here. What should he write? He had to see her face-to-face. Frodo ended up asking Iris to meet him at the Green Dragon Inn after supper. That seemed to be a nice neutral ground for a meeting - away from Tandy and away from Sam's well-meaning snooping.
It was an uncomfortable walk back to Bag End. The day was getting more muggy and hot, and his mind was equally muddled. He came into the coolness of his study and put away his coat. Taking up his now-cold tea and stale muffin he let his tangled thoughts wander.
What to do? Should he continue pursuing Iris romantically? What in the name of Elbereth was he thinking? Frodo knew in his heart that settling down to a normal quiet country life was out of the question for him. But he so craved peace and understanding and healing, and Iris represented all of those things for him.
What was the best thing to do about Sam? Sam seemed to have made the transition from Traveler and Adventurer to respected gardener, husband and, soon, father. He and Rosie were incredibly happy together at Bag End. Frodo could see that every day. Rosie adored her famous husband, even if Sam was oblivious to his elevated standing in the Shire. There was one hobbit child on the way, and many more would follow. Bag End would be filled with children and love and laughter, but not from Frodo's own issue. Perhaps the best thing for Sam would be for Frodo to leave Bag End. That way Sam would finally be out from Frodo's shadow and would be free to grow into the generous and great leader he truly was.
How did he know these things? It was a sure knowledge, not just a guess. It was as if some part of him was able to see things the way Elves perceived them. Time was a road, and he could glimpse further down the road that others. Gandalf and even Saruman had sensed this in him as well. It was confusing but it didn't feel at all unnatural.
Frodo sipped the tepid tea. The house was silent save for the faint ticking of the clock on the fireplace mantle. Rosie and Sam were out working the vegetable garden, he supposed.
With a start Frodo realized what he had just thought. He would have no children. He couldn't have children. This was a fact in his mind. He was as sure of this as he was sure that Rosie was pregnant. Why couldn't he have children? Was it because he was the Ringbearer and the Ring had changed him? But Sam also carried the Ring for awhile, and Sam certainly was capable of fathering children. "Samwise Gamgee - stud of the Shire," chuckled Frodo.
Maybe it was the fact that Frodo carried the Ring for so long and so far - maybe it was this which had changed him. Sam only carried it for part of one day, and so escaped this evil. Frodo sighed. Maybe it was the poison still in his body. He would probably never know the full answer. But he was certain beyond any doubt that he would never father any children.
There was a soft knock at the door. There stood Iris. Somehow she immediately sensed his melancholy. She stepped inside the hallway and into his arms. A hug was what was most wanted and most appreciated. Frodo took her hand, leading her into his study.
"I got your note," she said, "but I didn't want to wait until tonight. I assume your visit was of a personal nature, considering yesterday."
He smiled. Sometimes she could be so formal. He like that. It was his way as well.
"I wanted to make sure you were all right with what we did yesterday," he said, stroking her brown curls. "I never intended to cause you distress. And I want you to know if we made a baby yesterday, I will marry you in a heartbeat."
She smiled and kissed him. "Frodo Baggins, you are the kindest person I've ever met. I've thought a great deal about us since yesterday. And no, we didn't make a baby, I'm sure of that."
"Would you like to try again?" he asked with a subtle smile on his face. She chuckled and stepped into his arms. As their lips united, Frodo's hands slipped down her back to caress her buttocks. She wiggled up closer to him, her hips pressed against his. Both his hands were now massaging her bottom.
At that exact moment Sam and Rosie walked through the front door. Iris and Frodo were both startled. They quickly moved apart, but not before Rosie had walked into the room. She was carrying a large basket full of raspberries.
"Oh, goodness gracious me," Rosie stammered. "I'm so sorry. I should have. umm. oh, please pardon the intrusion."
Sam was standing at the entrance to the study leaning against a post. He had a smirk on his brown face. "Rosie, my dear," he said, grabbing her by the hand, "let's get lunch ready." Rosie was blushing beet red under her tan as Sam pulled her back out of the room. Frodo and Iris were also blushing furiously. As Sam turned to go into the kitchen, he caught Frodo's eye and winked. Frodo gave him a look that clearly said "Get out of here, you jerk."
Frodo turned to Iris. "Will you stay for lunch?" he asked, clearing his tight throat.
"Not if my life depended on it!" Iris replied. She was quite embarrassed to be caught like that. "How do you manage to live with Sam and Rosie under the same roof?"
"You and your cousin Tandy live together and he is engaged," he pointed out. "And besides, I am actually quite used to multi-family dwellings. I grew up at Buckland Hall with about twenty families all under the same large roof. Granted, each family has its own entrance to the Hall, and each family has its own living area. But we shared communal kitchens, play areas, studies and bathing rooms. You get used to being discrete. Ummm, guess we weren't very discrete just then, were we?" He smiled and took her hand.
"No, we certainly weren't," Iris said. "I would feel so awkward sitting down to lunch now with Rosie."
"Come on," he said, pulling her into the kitchen. "Rose is no prude. It won't be that bad, I promise."
They walked into the kitchen. Sam was sitting at the table, drinking a large mug of cold water and chewing on a wedge of cheese. Rosie was stirring a pot of something fragrant on the stove top. Both pointedly avoided looking at Frodo or Iris.
Frodo placed himself between the table and the stove. "Rosie? Sam?" he asked. "I want to apologize to you and to Iris also, for putting us all in an uncomfortable situation. Please accept my apologies. We will try to be a bit more discrete in the future."
Sam snorted so badly he spewed water out of his nose. Rosie put her hand up to her mouth and started giggling. Iris got tickled and started giggling too. Frodo suddenly grinned, crossed his arms and said, "Well, guess that settles that. What's for lunch?" He went over behind Rosie and peeked into the simmering pot. Sam roared with laughter.
"Get your nose out of there, you nasty rascal you!" Rosie pretended to swat at him with the wooden spoon. "I bet you haven't even finished second breakfast, now have you? And have you brought the plates back to the kitchen? No. You may be fifty-one but you act like a tweenager."
"Ah, Rosie my love," Sam said, "leave the poor old hobbit alone. He couldn't have brought the breakfast dishes in, now could he? Didn't you notice he had his hands full?"
Another wave of laughter rang out from the kitchen. Frodo hugged Rosie from behind and gave her a quick kiss at the nape of her neck. He deftly ducked, but she still managed to whack his leg with the spoon.
"Beggin' your pardon, Mister Frodo, sir," Sam continued the jest, "but keep your roving hands off my wife, or I'll have to send a Sheriff over to re- arrest you for lewdness." Sam quickly snuck over to the stove and gave Rosie a grope on the buttocks, which caused her to whack him playfully with the spoon. He was nonplused and continued by reaching around and fondling her breasts. Rosie giggled some more and gave up trying to cook. Sam had both hands firmly cupping her breasts and she was trapped in his embrace. Sam kissed her neck as she laughed and tried to reach him with the spoon.
"It is not the Shirriffs I am worried about, Sam" laughed Frodo. "It is your wife who is to be reckoned with. Rose is mighty fierce with that spoon. Maybe the Shirriffs aught to arm themselves with soup spoons in the future?"
"Oh, you are all just too silly," Iris laughed, coming over to the stove. "Rosie, can I help with lunch, seeing as you're occupied at the moment?"
"Sure, now that the lads are finished squeezing the melons for the morning," Rosie teased. She shot Sam a look which clearly indicated that further antics were expected later that night. Sam snickered and returned to his seat at the table. He had a smile on his face brighter than any of Gandalf's famous fireworks.
After lunch Frodo escorted Iris back to Hobbiton. Even though the sky was now heavy and threatening with rain, and his stomach was giving him weird little pains, his spirits soared as on eagle's wings.
Disclaimer: This chapter has a Frodo/OC (other character) liaison as well as Sam/Rosie interaction. If you're not into non-canonical situations, please skip ahead to the next chapter. If you want more detail about the Frodo/OC liaison, please read "The Swimming Hole" story, which takes place immediately prior to this chapter. It's Subject=Humor, Rating=R, Main Character=Frodo B. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
July 21st
Frodo awoke to the sound of pots and pans clanging in the kitchen. Rosie was busy with second breakfast already. Sam was all ready out in the vegetable garden working. Frodo had slept late. His sleep had been disturbed by nightmares and he was not rested.
He had again dreamed of being attacked by Gollum on Mount Doom. They were struggling at the stony ledge leading to the river of molten lava. Gollum appeared as a grey specter of lust and desire for the Ring, fighting Frodo with unnatural strength. His hand! Gollum had him in a deadly grip and was slowly bringing his hand up to those sharp teeth! He tried to resist, but even with the power of the Ring his physical strength was completely spent. Gollum had him! The Ring had him! There was no escape from either of them. Now Gollum had Frodo's ring finger splayed away from the other fingers on his right hand. Snap! Aaarrrggg! The pain! It's gone! And he suddenly awoke in a sweat. Frodo was actually surprised to find his right hand was not bleeding when he opened his eyes. It seemed so real. At least he hadn't awoken screaming like the last nightmare.
"Perhaps if I write about this I can get it out of my head and onto paper," he thought as he got dressed and went into the kitchen.
"Good morning, Rosie" he said.
"And a good morning to you, Mister Frodo," she replied, mentally noting the dark circles under his eyes. "You're several hours too late for first breakfast, but Sam will be here shortly for second. Care to join us? I've some nice muffins and jam. There's a pot of fresh tea on."
"Thank you," he absentmindedly said. "I shall take my breakfast in the study. Rosie, you know I am never going to get used to your early hours. A farmer's schedule is not for me."
"I know, Mister Frodo," she smiled. "We're still farmers and gardeners and will always be up with the roosters and to bed with the sun. You're one for bein' the night owl here. It just takes me a bit of gettin used to your late night stirrings and all."
"Oh! I am terribly sorry if my wanderings are disturbing you and Sam at night," Frodo said as he picked up a muffin and a mug of tea. "I shall try to keep it quite." He was concerned that Rosie suspected there was more to his late-night wanderings than just keeping late hours. If Rosie was awakened, then Sam would be too. Frodo knew that once Sam got suspicious, he would track it down the source of his suspicions until he was satisfied with an answer. "I shall have to be more circumspect," he thought.
"Oh, Mister Frodo," Rosie said, "I didn't mean you were disturbing us. I'm just not used to folk staying up that late. You know, me being a farm lass and all. I always expect everyone to rise early. Pay no mind to me. Now eat your breakfast, love, before it gets cold." She always mothered him, even though she was at least fifteen years his junior. Truth be told, he rather enjoyed the attention.
The day was already warm and muggy with a thick layer of grey clouds coming in from the south. But hobbit holes stay a fairly constant cool temperature year-round. Frodo settled into the comfortable chair at the writing desk. He set the muffin and tea aside and took up a stack of papers. But his thoughts were not on writing.
Yesterday was so wonderful. He and Iris were out on their usual Friday afternoon walk, and they ended up making love under a secluded tree. It made him feel so young and alive. He could see how Sam was satisfied and fulfilled, having a loving wife and a family on the way.
"What?" he suddenly thought. "Where did that idea come from? Is Rosie pregnant?" Frodo stopped and set down his papers. "Yes, I am certain she is pregnant. How do I know that? Sam does not know. I do not even think Rosie knows. How do I know that?" he wondered. Perhaps carrying the Ring for so long had effected him in more ways than he realized.
Then another, more distressing thought occurred to him. "Gad! What if Iris is pregnant? How could I have been so stupid?" At this thought he actually stood up out of his chair spilling papers everywhere. "I have got to see her right away!"
He quickly put aside any thought of breakfast or work, grabbed his coat and headed out the door. Not paying any attention, he literally ran into Sam at full speed as Sam was coming up the walk. Carrots and pea pods went flying everywhere. Both hobbits were clinging to each other, trying to not fall from the force of the impact.
"Bless me, sir," Sam exclaimed, "You're in a bit of a hurry."
"Sorry, Sam," Frodo apologized. "I am in a hurry, but I should pay more attention to what I am doing. Here, let me help you gather these up."
The two friends gathered the scattered vegetables into the large basket Sam was carrying. As they finished the hunt for the peas, Sam said, "I was just coming in for second breakfast with Rosie. Where are you off to this morning?"
"Ummm. going in to Hobbiton," Frodo improvised. He didn't want to tell Sam the real reason why he was in such a rush to see Iris, but he couldn't think of a better answer to Sam's question right then. "Damn," he thought, "Sam's going to see right through that one."
Sure enough, Sam's expression turned suspicious. "Well, if you say so, all right. But it's somewhere specific you're going. like maybe to see Miss Proudfoot again. You two are thick as thieves these days, if ya catch my drift. Not that that's bad, mind you."
"And not that it's any of your business," Frodo replied tartly, then grinned.
"Now, now, Mister Frodo, that was hard," Sam protested, shaking his head and lightly snickering. They both grinned at each other, understanding their private joke. "Don't do anything I wouldn't do."
"Sam, I am in a hurry," Frodo said as he started down the lane. "I will talk to you later. Give Rosie a kiss for me. And make sure she does not do any heavy lifting." He disappeared around the bend.
"Now what's that supposed to mean?" Sam pondered as he went into the kitchen.
Frodo picked up his pace walking down the Hill to Hobbiton. The day was getting hotter and more muggy. A storm was brewing somewhere and would mostly likely produce a thunderstorm later in the day. He was getting warm in his coat and vest, but his vanity prohibited him from removing either while in public.
Frodo had never been totally comfortable in just shirt and breeches like most of the inhabitants of the Shire, including Sam. Frodo always tried to look his best at all times, patronizing the tailor, selecting the richest cloths he could afford, and imitating his Uncle Bilbo's more formal style of dress. That, plus the rumor of Bilbo's ill-gotten dragon's gold secreted up at Bag End had produced much speculation about the riches of the Bagginses throughout the years. The truth was that Bilbo and Frodo had given away most of their wealth and Frodo had abandoned all of his possessions to go off on the Quest. It was ironically only through the kindness of Lobelia Sackville-Baggins that he had Bag End and its gardens again. Good friends Fatty, Merry and Pippin had ensured his furniture and belongings from Crickethollow were returned to him. Otherwise Frodo would have been a pauper.
Hobbiton's market was active in the mid-morning air. Farmers, gardeners and craftsmen were selling their seasonal crops and goods out of the back of carts. A few ponies were patiently awaiting shoeing outside the new blacksmith shop. Hens clucking at their chicks coupled with squeals of delight from young hobbit children playing tag amidst the market stalls mingled into a cacophony of typical everyday rural life music.
The Apothecary and Physician's Office door was open letting in the breeze. Tandy was helping a couple of young hobbit lasses in their tweens select perfumes. They stared at Frodo as he entered, then giggled and whispered behind their hands while continuing to stare.
"Now girls," softly admonished Tandy. "Will that be all? That will be five pence please."
The girls paid for their perfume and left the shop still giggling. Tandy rolled his eyes, shook his head and said, "Tweens. You never know what's going on in their little heads either. Especially the lasses. What can I do for you Mister Frodo?"
"Is Iris around?" Frodo asked.
"No, I'm sorry Mister Frodo, but my cousin's out at a patient's place right now. She said she would be back around lunch time. Would you like to leave her a message?"
"Oh," Frodo stammered. "Uh. yes, please. If you have a quill and paper, I will leave her a short note. Thank you Tandy." It had never occurred to him that she wouldn't be in when he got here. What should he write? He had to see her face-to-face. Frodo ended up asking Iris to meet him at the Green Dragon Inn after supper. That seemed to be a nice neutral ground for a meeting - away from Tandy and away from Sam's well-meaning snooping.
It was an uncomfortable walk back to Bag End. The day was getting more muggy and hot, and his mind was equally muddled. He came into the coolness of his study and put away his coat. Taking up his now-cold tea and stale muffin he let his tangled thoughts wander.
What to do? Should he continue pursuing Iris romantically? What in the name of Elbereth was he thinking? Frodo knew in his heart that settling down to a normal quiet country life was out of the question for him. But he so craved peace and understanding and healing, and Iris represented all of those things for him.
What was the best thing to do about Sam? Sam seemed to have made the transition from Traveler and Adventurer to respected gardener, husband and, soon, father. He and Rosie were incredibly happy together at Bag End. Frodo could see that every day. Rosie adored her famous husband, even if Sam was oblivious to his elevated standing in the Shire. There was one hobbit child on the way, and many more would follow. Bag End would be filled with children and love and laughter, but not from Frodo's own issue. Perhaps the best thing for Sam would be for Frodo to leave Bag End. That way Sam would finally be out from Frodo's shadow and would be free to grow into the generous and great leader he truly was.
How did he know these things? It was a sure knowledge, not just a guess. It was as if some part of him was able to see things the way Elves perceived them. Time was a road, and he could glimpse further down the road that others. Gandalf and even Saruman had sensed this in him as well. It was confusing but it didn't feel at all unnatural.
Frodo sipped the tepid tea. The house was silent save for the faint ticking of the clock on the fireplace mantle. Rosie and Sam were out working the vegetable garden, he supposed.
With a start Frodo realized what he had just thought. He would have no children. He couldn't have children. This was a fact in his mind. He was as sure of this as he was sure that Rosie was pregnant. Why couldn't he have children? Was it because he was the Ringbearer and the Ring had changed him? But Sam also carried the Ring for awhile, and Sam certainly was capable of fathering children. "Samwise Gamgee - stud of the Shire," chuckled Frodo.
Maybe it was the fact that Frodo carried the Ring for so long and so far - maybe it was this which had changed him. Sam only carried it for part of one day, and so escaped this evil. Frodo sighed. Maybe it was the poison still in his body. He would probably never know the full answer. But he was certain beyond any doubt that he would never father any children.
There was a soft knock at the door. There stood Iris. Somehow she immediately sensed his melancholy. She stepped inside the hallway and into his arms. A hug was what was most wanted and most appreciated. Frodo took her hand, leading her into his study.
"I got your note," she said, "but I didn't want to wait until tonight. I assume your visit was of a personal nature, considering yesterday."
He smiled. Sometimes she could be so formal. He like that. It was his way as well.
"I wanted to make sure you were all right with what we did yesterday," he said, stroking her brown curls. "I never intended to cause you distress. And I want you to know if we made a baby yesterday, I will marry you in a heartbeat."
She smiled and kissed him. "Frodo Baggins, you are the kindest person I've ever met. I've thought a great deal about us since yesterday. And no, we didn't make a baby, I'm sure of that."
"Would you like to try again?" he asked with a subtle smile on his face. She chuckled and stepped into his arms. As their lips united, Frodo's hands slipped down her back to caress her buttocks. She wiggled up closer to him, her hips pressed against his. Both his hands were now massaging her bottom.
At that exact moment Sam and Rosie walked through the front door. Iris and Frodo were both startled. They quickly moved apart, but not before Rosie had walked into the room. She was carrying a large basket full of raspberries.
"Oh, goodness gracious me," Rosie stammered. "I'm so sorry. I should have. umm. oh, please pardon the intrusion."
Sam was standing at the entrance to the study leaning against a post. He had a smirk on his brown face. "Rosie, my dear," he said, grabbing her by the hand, "let's get lunch ready." Rosie was blushing beet red under her tan as Sam pulled her back out of the room. Frodo and Iris were also blushing furiously. As Sam turned to go into the kitchen, he caught Frodo's eye and winked. Frodo gave him a look that clearly said "Get out of here, you jerk."
Frodo turned to Iris. "Will you stay for lunch?" he asked, clearing his tight throat.
"Not if my life depended on it!" Iris replied. She was quite embarrassed to be caught like that. "How do you manage to live with Sam and Rosie under the same roof?"
"You and your cousin Tandy live together and he is engaged," he pointed out. "And besides, I am actually quite used to multi-family dwellings. I grew up at Buckland Hall with about twenty families all under the same large roof. Granted, each family has its own entrance to the Hall, and each family has its own living area. But we shared communal kitchens, play areas, studies and bathing rooms. You get used to being discrete. Ummm, guess we weren't very discrete just then, were we?" He smiled and took her hand.
"No, we certainly weren't," Iris said. "I would feel so awkward sitting down to lunch now with Rosie."
"Come on," he said, pulling her into the kitchen. "Rose is no prude. It won't be that bad, I promise."
They walked into the kitchen. Sam was sitting at the table, drinking a large mug of cold water and chewing on a wedge of cheese. Rosie was stirring a pot of something fragrant on the stove top. Both pointedly avoided looking at Frodo or Iris.
Frodo placed himself between the table and the stove. "Rosie? Sam?" he asked. "I want to apologize to you and to Iris also, for putting us all in an uncomfortable situation. Please accept my apologies. We will try to be a bit more discrete in the future."
Sam snorted so badly he spewed water out of his nose. Rosie put her hand up to her mouth and started giggling. Iris got tickled and started giggling too. Frodo suddenly grinned, crossed his arms and said, "Well, guess that settles that. What's for lunch?" He went over behind Rosie and peeked into the simmering pot. Sam roared with laughter.
"Get your nose out of there, you nasty rascal you!" Rosie pretended to swat at him with the wooden spoon. "I bet you haven't even finished second breakfast, now have you? And have you brought the plates back to the kitchen? No. You may be fifty-one but you act like a tweenager."
"Ah, Rosie my love," Sam said, "leave the poor old hobbit alone. He couldn't have brought the breakfast dishes in, now could he? Didn't you notice he had his hands full?"
Another wave of laughter rang out from the kitchen. Frodo hugged Rosie from behind and gave her a quick kiss at the nape of her neck. He deftly ducked, but she still managed to whack his leg with the spoon.
"Beggin' your pardon, Mister Frodo, sir," Sam continued the jest, "but keep your roving hands off my wife, or I'll have to send a Sheriff over to re- arrest you for lewdness." Sam quickly snuck over to the stove and gave Rosie a grope on the buttocks, which caused her to whack him playfully with the spoon. He was nonplused and continued by reaching around and fondling her breasts. Rosie giggled some more and gave up trying to cook. Sam had both hands firmly cupping her breasts and she was trapped in his embrace. Sam kissed her neck as she laughed and tried to reach him with the spoon.
"It is not the Shirriffs I am worried about, Sam" laughed Frodo. "It is your wife who is to be reckoned with. Rose is mighty fierce with that spoon. Maybe the Shirriffs aught to arm themselves with soup spoons in the future?"
"Oh, you are all just too silly," Iris laughed, coming over to the stove. "Rosie, can I help with lunch, seeing as you're occupied at the moment?"
"Sure, now that the lads are finished squeezing the melons for the morning," Rosie teased. She shot Sam a look which clearly indicated that further antics were expected later that night. Sam snickered and returned to his seat at the table. He had a smile on his face brighter than any of Gandalf's famous fireworks.
After lunch Frodo escorted Iris back to Hobbiton. Even though the sky was now heavy and threatening with rain, and his stomach was giving him weird little pains, his spirits soared as on eagle's wings.
