Author's note: I know I left many of you hanging after the last chapter and I promised it wouldn't be long. Again, big thanks to you all for your wonderful encouragement and support. Without your feedback I couldn't have continued this story. I admit, I'm stunned you're enjoying this and...wow, I don't know what else to say except that I'm so grateful!
Disclaimer: Of course I don't own Tolkien's characters, only Tansy is my creation.
Rating: PG-13
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Tansy sprang away from his shoulder and stared at him with shock.
"You want to--," she hesitated, throwing her hand against her lips.
"Will you accept my proposal? If not, I'll understand."
Tansy continued to stare at him in shock and disbelief. The only thing she could utter at the moment was something inaudible.
"Frodo..."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Chapter Eight: Changes
**************
Tansy's gaze fleeted away from him and fell onto her lap.
Frodo grew worried. He carefully studied her expression and trying to make sense of what had been going on inside her mind. At first she appeared to be in shock but what was it now, fright or confusion?
*She doesn't want to marry me. Could I have been wrong about my decision?*
Frodo sighed. "Tansy, I'm sorry. Like I've said, if you don't accept my proposal, I'll understand."
She looked at him again and before he could say another word, Tansy threw her arms around his neck.
"Yes," She giggled and then cried.
"Yes?" Frodo asked, as if he didn't hear her the first time.
Tansy nodded against his face.
He pulled away from her. His blue eyes wide with astonishment at her answer.
"Yes!" Frodo repeated and an ecstatic laughter burst from his lungs.
When his laughter subsided, Frodo extended his hand toward her face. His fingers stroked along her cheekbone and tenderly smeared trails of her tears. He wanted Tansy to hold him. Snuggling close to her, he laid his head onto her chest.
Tansy's hand swept lovingly through his hair, caressing the soft brown curls with her fingers.
"Frodo," said Tansy, "Do the Cottons know I'm coming back?"
"I told them if your parents decide to let you leave, they would welcome you back. But...I don't want anyone to know about my proposal to you. Except, Bilbo. He already knows about it. Sam and my cousins don't know. I feel we should tell them at the proper time."
"I agree," she stated.
The tip of Tansy's finger dawdled lightly around the outline of his ear. She peeked to see his reaction and it sent shivers through her spine. His eyes closed, relishing her touch.
________________________________________________________
Rosie sat on a cushioned bench in front of her vanity dresser. She scrunched her golden curls, distracted by three swift knocks on the bedroom door.
"Come in."
She turned to see her mother rushing in. A cheery smile lifting her pink cheeks.
Curious as to what Lily was excited about, Rosie's eyes narrowed.
"Mother, what is it?"
"It's Tansy...she's back!"
_________________________________________________________
Farmer Cotton opened the front door.
"Well," he said seriously and then his face brightened with a lopsided grin. "Welcome back, Tansy."
Tansy graciously smiled back. "Thank you, Mr. Cotton."
"Hello, Frodo."
"Hello, Farmer Cotton," answered Frodo. Holding Tansy's hand, he escorted her into the house.
Farmer Cotton's sons had greeted them. Tansy never thought she would miss them, especially when she remembered the times they teased her with their pranks. Lily also welcomed her. Tansy thanked them all for their kindness with a warm, shy smile. And when Rosie rushed into the parlor to greet her, Tansy raced toward her and collided into Rosie's arms.
Rosie embraced her lovingly. "It's good to see you again, Tansy."
"I missed you Rosie. I missed you all!"
"I did, too," said Rosie. She noticed the necklace Tansy flaunted. Her gaze shifted to Frodo. When he smiled, she knew it was a gift he had given to Tansy. But it was more than just a gift. Frodo wanted everyone to know he was courting her.
Elated about their courtship, Rosie hugged Tansy again and whispered in her ear.
"I'm happy for you."
Tansy wondered what Rosie meant, their courtship or the proposal? But since Frodo told her no one knew except Bilbo, she assumed Rosie spoke of their courting.
Tansy blushed. "Thank you."
"It'll be sundown soon," said Frodo. "I better get back."
"All right, Frodo," replied Farmer Cotton. "Good Evening."
"Good Evening," Frodo answered politely.
Tansy followed him as he left and headed toward the wagon that had been parked near the fence.
Frodo turned and faced her.
"When it's warmer," said Frodo while peeling away a few of her red curls that blew over eyes. "We'll have our picnics again. Until then, we'll see each other at the Green Dragon."
Tansy giggled. "That will be fun!"
Frodo took her hand, gently pulling her against him.
"I missed you at the Green Dragon," he whispered, brushing his nose along her neck, breathing in the scent of strawberries he missed as well. His face left her neck and when his lips edged toward hers, she teasingly pulled back.
Frodo tried a second time. Their lips barely touched, and then Tansy jerked slightly backwards.
He lured her against him again. Their eyes locked in a bold, wild gaze. Tansy grasped his hands and as the sexual tension heightened between them, their hands intertwined in a tight squeeze.
"Is this another game you want to play?" Frodo asked softly, sensually.
Tansy replied in a raspy voice, "One among many."
An impish grin formed in the corner of his mouth. He was delighted at her bold response, of which he knew she meant her fantasies. Then, he jarred himself out of the rapturous moment, holding her hand as he stepped backward.
"I must go."
"I know."
Her hand slipped out of his. She leaned back against the fence, watching him dreamily as the wagon slowly journeyed down the lane.
_______________________________________________________
Every time Tansy visited Bag End, it didn't take long for the folk to know that Frodo was courting her. Often, he would bring her to Hobbiton in the wagon, and those who strolled past had respected them with a nod, or they would be greeted with a, 'Hello, Mr. Frodo and...Hello, Miss Puddifoot', which surprised Tansy. But then she thought they only greeted her because she sat beside Frodo. Both wondered about Lobeila, and though she wasn't seen much lately, Frodo surmised her knowledge about Tansy's return and their courtship from the gossip in Hobbiton.
One evening, during full bloom of spring at the end of April, Frodo rode in the wagon, taking Tansy back to the farm.
"Tansy," he said. "Would you take the reigns for a moment? I need to get something from the basket."
Wary, Tansy grasped the reigns while Frodo leaned toward the back of the wagon. He raised the lid of the basket, rummaging through it.
Tansy stared nervously at the horse, fearing he would go out of control with her leading the way. She wondered what Frodo was doing and when she turned her head slightly, she saw that he sat back, nonchalantly eating an apple.
"Frodo? If you want to eat that apple, shouldn't we stop?"
"Why?" He questioned, crunching the fruit in his mouth.
"Because I--I can't...we'll have an accident if you don't take the reigns!"
"An accident? Hmm...you seem to be doing well so far."
Tansy looked at the road ahead and then she realized the wagon continued on steadily. It didn't veer off course like she feared.
Amazed, she giggled.
As they neared the farm, now Frodo sat in the passenger seat while Tansy guided the horse. He watched her, proud of what she had accomplished.
"I've been doing a lot of thinking," said Frodo.
"About what?"
"My proposal to you. I think it's time everyone should know."
Tansy kept her eyes on the road. Smiling, she nodded agreeably at what he said.
___________________________________________________
Frodo never thought the next day would come. During the night, he slept restlessly, excited about what he wanted to announce to his cousins and Sam.
When mid-day had drawn near, Sam, Merry and Pippin joined Frodo at the kitchen table.
Pippin asked Frodo, "Are we off to another picnic, cousin?"
Frodo grinned, almost mischievously. "Not yet. We have to wait for Tansy."
"Wait for--," Merry faltered, then he went on. "She's coming here, by herself?"
Frodo nodded. "And this time, she's not walking."
______________________________________________________
Tansy let out a deep breath of relief. She could not believe she reached the Mill Bridge while riding in the wagon and arrived safely in Hobbiton. Immediately, Tansy was the center of attention. She wondered if it was the elegant pink and lavender dress she wore--another gift Frodo had given her. Tansy made sure her hair looked as beautiful as the dress. Before leaving the farm, she brushed her curls back, and this time, a vine of roses were wrapped around her ponytail--all blending nicely with the rose necklace she cherished.
On her way to Bag End, hobbits strode by. Some, usually the same group of young lasses whispered to one another and smirked at her. Tansy ignored their jealous antics. Then there were older hobbits, men and women who greeted her amiably.
"Hello, Miss Puddifoot," she heard one say.
"Good-day, Miss Puddifoot," she heard a woman say with a smile.
Stunned by their warm welcome without Frodo, Tansy uttered a soft, "Hello."
_____________________________________________________
Sam peered outside the window. "She's here," he announced and returned to the table.
Frodo walked to the door and before Tansy could ring the bell, the door had already been opened. Frodo stood there, smiling.
"I see you arrived safely. I knew you would."
His gaze drifted down onto her dress. "You look very beautiful."
Her cheeks turned a deep rosy-pink. "Thank you."
He reached for her hand and led her into the parlor. After closing the door behind them, Frodo stood in front of her, unfastened her cloak, then he hung it carefully on the peg.
Tansy reached for Frodo's hand, following close beside him as they headed for the kitchen table.
"Splendid!" cheered Pippin, "She's here. Now we can have our picnic, eh, Frodo?"
"Not yet, Pippin," said Frodo and eyed Tansy with a sly smile.
"Not yet?" muttered Pippin. He shot a puzzled glance at Merry and Sam.
"Before we go off on our picnic," Frodo began, "I have an announcement to make."
When he saw that he had their curious and undivided attention, Frodo continued.
"I proposed to Tansy...and she accepted to be my wife."
Merry and Pippin looked at one another, shocked at first, and then they congratulated them with a delightful grin that sprouted across their faces.
Sam rose quickly from his chair. "You asked her to..." He hesitated, his face ablaze with genuine happiness for his friend. "Mr. Frodo, that's wonderful news!"
"Wonderful news, indeed!"
They all turned in the direction of the perky voice. Bilbo stood near one of the tunneled halls. His hands were hidden behind his back. He unfolded his arms and let them swing to his sides as he walked toward the table.
"So," said Bilbo, stopping a few feet from where Frodo and Tansy stood. "Have you planned the month and day of the wedding?"
"Yes we have, uncle. The twenty-first of June."
"Ah," said Pippin in a dreamy tone and rested his chin onto the palm of his hand. "A perfect day for a wedding."
________________________________________________________
A month before the wedding, Frodo and Tansy sat at the desk inside the den along with Bilbo. They all took turns in writing the invitations, which were an elegant gold-rimmed parchment with a subtle touch of pale lavender.
Tansy tapped the feather part of the quill against her chin, musing about something she wanted to ask.
"What about the flower arrangements? I want lots of roses...pink ones, white ones..."
"Sam is making sure you have all the flowers you want," Frodo assured her as he dunked the quill inside the ink jar.
"And," said Tansy, asking another question. "Who else are we inviting?"
"Hmm..." muttered Frodo while he slipped one of the invitations inside a vanilla creme envelope. "What about Lobeila?"
"Lobeila?" Tansy answered shockingly.
Bilbo chuckled. "You know Lobeila, she detests not being invited to something."
"And besides," Frodo added with one of his impish grins. "I'm sure she will be elated to see us married."
Tansy realized Frodo only wanted to invite her to gloat and then she giggled.
Bilbo watched them laugh together. The smile that graced his lips suddenly faded. He was happy for them and yet, he could not shake the nagging feeling that something was wrong. It had nothing to do with their engagement. He thought Tansy would be a good wife for his nephew.
*The timing...it isn't right...*
And he could not comprehend why.
Bilbo often wrestled with his thoughts about Frodo's hasty decision. But no matter how hard he tried to convince his nephew that he should wait, Frodo was stubborn about what he wanted to do.
_________________________________________________
"Otho!"
Shuffling out of his den, Otho entered the parlor where Lobeila called him.
Irritated, he grumbled, "What is it Lobelia?"
She held up what Otho saw to be a very aristocratic parchment.
"Looks like an invitation," he guessed correctly.
"That's right," Lobeila smirked. "And we have been invited to a wedding."
____________________________________________________
At first it seemed like June had been a distant dream. Now, it was a week before the wedding. In the woods not far from Bag End, Frodo and Tansy found a soothing refuge in the shade beneath their favorite apple tree. He relaxed against it, cradling Tansy under his left arm while the fingers of his other hand twined themselves around a wooden pipe.
Amused, Tansy watched Frodo blow smoke rings into the air. She leapt from the grass to catch them but before she could, the rings grew into such large ones beyond her grasp.
She watched them fade away and a sudden chill crept along her spine. Tansy returned beside Frodo and sank onto her knees.
"Frodo...I can't do this."
It didn't sink in yet while Frodo continued to blow smoke rings. Suddenly her words slapped him out of his reverie. He yanked the pipe from his mouth and sprang toward her.
"You can't do what, Tansy?" He said fearfully, knowing what she meant.
"The wedding..." she bowed her head, unable to look at him.
"Why?"
Very slowly, Tansy shook her head.
"Tansy, look at me." Frodo lifted her chin, insisting she give him her attention.
"Why?"
She shuddered. "I want to marry you but I'm afraid. What if I'm not the wife you want? What if you're not happy with me and..."
He silenced her words with a brief kiss, then his lips lingered, wanting more of her until he broke away.
"I'm very happy with you, Tansy," said Frodo sincerely. "And I know you will be a good wife for me."
Tansy cuddled beside him. She didn't speak and only wanted to enjoy the quiet time they had together, cradled in his arms.
______________________________________________________
When the twenty-first of June had come, Frodo woke to what he hoped was a sunny day. During the morning, well so far, the sun had kept its promise. Frodo, in his nightshirt, stood by the window. He saw several hobbits set up a huge tent on a large field in the back yard of Bilbo's home. A trellis was also set up and Frodo smiled to himself while he watched Sam decorate it beautifully with many roses of which Tansy requested. He turned away from the window and crossed over to the closet. Frodo opened both doors. His eyes roved past an array of clothes until they stopped at one particular suit at the end. A suit he had especially tailored for his wedding day. Since the color scheme was pink, white and burgundy, he wanted what he wore to match Tansy's dress.
Frodo reached inside and gently lifted three hangers off the hook. He held them up in the sunlight that disclosed the satiny beige shirt that hung on one hanger. On the second hanger was a burgundy vest tailored from plush velvet. And on the third, trousers like that of the vest.
He smiled again and still, he could not believe this was happening...something he never expected. Anyone else, yes, but not for him.
_____________________________________________________
Inside Tansy's bedroom, two lasses who knew Rosie were busy priming Tansy's dress, making sure it fit well and everything else was right.
"You look so beautiful!" said one of them and giggled while fastening Tansy's rose necklace. Once it was fastened, it hung gracefully above the pink ruffled collar.
The other lass straightened out the dress until it was smooth, and to their eyes, they marveled at silk burgundy that flowed over Tansy's plump form, then down into ruffles hovering a few inches above her furry feet.
"We're done," announced the lass who giggled.
"Thank you," said Rosie and when her friends left the room, Rosie noticed Tansy's anxiety. "You do look beautiful." She smiled; hoping it comforted her friend.
"Everything will be all right."
Tansy nodded and clenched her fingers together.
Rosie continued on to say, "I have something for you."
Tansy wondered what Rosie had hidden behind her powder blue dress, then her eyes widened at what Rosie revealed--a crown of pink roses and nestled between the flowers were strawberries.
"I made it," said Rosie. "Do you like it?"
"I love it!"
Rosie slid the crown over Tansy's spiral curls that were pinned up and set the crown onto her hair.
Tansy sniffed back her tears. "Thank you, Rosie."
"You're quite welcome. You know that we'll all miss you being here."
"I'll miss you all, too, like I did when I went back home--," Tansy faltered and sadness erased the smile that brightened her face only moments before.
"What is it?" Rosie inquired.
"My parents. I invited them, but I don't think they'll come."
"They'll come." Rosie assured her and when she held out her arms, Tansy slipped into her loving embrace.
________________________________________________________
At elevenses, hobbits from many parts of the Shire gathered under the tent that was a comforting canopy from the stifling heat. Everyone seated themselves at tables and waited for Tansy to arrive. Frodo was very nervous, but he calmed himself by chatting with Sam, Merry and Pippin. He noticed Sam was suddenly distracted, peering over Frodo's shoulder. Frodo turned to see little hobbit girls sprinkling pink and white rose petals from their baskets, signaling to everyone that Tansy had arrived.
The trail of petals stopped where Frodo stood under the trellis.
Musicians began to play a slow, soft melody on their fiddles.
And then Tansy made her grand entrance inside the tent.
He watched her, awed at how beautiful she looked in her dress. She held a pink and white rose bouquet while taking short, nervous steps toward him. At that moment, everything Frodo heard--the murmuring of the crowd and the music had seemed to echo from a vast distance. And when Tansy finally joined him, they were lost in each other's gaze. Even Lobeila's dagger glare could not pierce the reverie between them.
The ceremony had been an hour, maybe longer, though it didn't seem that long to Tansy and Frodo. And when it was time for him to kiss Tansy, he delicately cupped her face in his hands and had taken her lips into his. Everyone clapped and cheered. The tempo of the music had changed to what sounded like a jaunty jig. Frodo and Tansy faced the crowd. Their faces glowed, boasting a light-hearted smile. Many gathered to catch the bouquet and when Tansy had done so, it rained down into the hands of Rosie Cotton.
It thrilled Rosie to be the one to catch it. She also caught something else, Sam's coy smile that didn't go unnoticed.
______________________________________________________
During the late afternoon, the sun retired behind hazy clouds along with its stifling heat, which was fortunate for the hobbits. For now they were able to leave the tent and venture out on the field. Children frolicked about, giggling and playing games. Many tables had been occupied by older hobbits. Only one was reserved for presents and much food for everyone to eat.
Frodo and Tansy walked around, visiting every family at each table. When they stopped to chat with the Bracegirdle family, they overheard Lobeila gossiping at her table.
"Have you noticed something quite odd," she babbled to three other women and to Otho sitting beside her. "Tansy's parents...they're not here. How do we know they even approved of this wedding?"
Despite what he heard Lobeila say, Frodo remained calm. It wasn't easy because without thinking, his left hand rolled into a tight fist. Concerned about Tansy, his eyes fleeted to her standing beside him. He saw the rage on her face and now he was frightened. So far the wedding had gone very well and the last thing he wanted was for Tansy to do something rash.
"Excuse me," said Tansy to the Bracegirdles. She politely turned away and marched toward the Sackville-Bagginses.
"Tansy!" called Frodo.
Tansy heard him but she stormed on until halting a few feet from the table.
Frodo caught up to his bride and whispered in her ear.
"Tansy...don't let her ruin our day."
Tansy wanted to scream at the shrewd woman and if Lobeila had her umbrella, she would grab it from her and show her how it feels to be whacked by her own umbrella. But Frodo's words cleared her thinking that had been clouded by rage. Instead, she forced a smile at the Sackville-Bagginses.
"Having a wonderful time?" said Tansy through clenched teeth.
Lobeila flashed one of her phony smiles. "Miss Puddifoot--oh, I'm sorry. You're Mrs. Baggins now. And yes, we're having a wonderful time."
"Come on," Frodo whispered to Tansy and as they walked away, he fired a seething glance at Lobeila.
"Why did you invite her?" growled Tansy. "I know at first it was fun and all for her to see us getting married but now I wish she wasn't invited!"
Frodo took her hand into his. "Forget about her. Why don't we dance."
Tansy looked anxiously at the crowd.
"I know you're frightened but everyone expects us to dance. You've done it before."
"Yes, but I'm not very good at it."
He tilted his head a little. "No?"
Tansy knew what he was doing and recalled what he had done when he tricked her into riding the wagon for the first time. Now he was up to his tricks again, getting her to feel confident about dancing, and she realized there was no harm in that.
Tansy smiled, allowing him to lead the way onto the middle of the field where they waltzed into a dance. Everyone stopped what he or she were doing and watched them. And as they whirled in each other's arms and hopped about, it surprised Tansy to discover that she was actually in rhythm along with Frodo.
He noticed it too and they laughed together.
Then the other couples joined in, dancing around them.
_________________________________________________________________
As the sun began its descent toward the horizon, the wedding party winded down. Frodo managed to get a free moment to chat with Sam. They faced each other, standing on the field.
"I'm so happy for you, Mr. Frodo. You deserve Tansy and I know she'll be a good wife."
"Thank you, Sam. And I want you to be happy too. When are you ever going to tell Rosie how you feel about her?"
"I'll tell her, Mr. Frodo. Really I will."
Sam wondered what stole Frodo's attention and then he followed his gaze to Tansy. She stood outside the tent. Two people, a man and woman held her in a tight embrace.
"Mr. Frodo, who--,"
"Tansy's parents."
Relieved and touched by what he saw, he could not hide the smile that slowly formed in the corners of his mouth. Then softly he uttered...
"They came."
_________________________________________________
After the party had ended and everyone had gone back to their hobbit holes, Frodo, Tansy and Bilbo checked the many gifts that were stacked in the parlor.
"That's it, uncle. Everything is here. We'll open them tomorrow after a good night's rest."
"Yes, we've all had a very long day," said Bilbo. He looked at Tansy. "Well, this is your new home now." He held out his arms. "Welcome!"
Tansy gratefully stepped into his embrace. When Bilbo let her go, he patted Frodo's shoulder.
"Goodnight," he said to them.
"Goodnight," they replied in unison.
After Bilbo disappeared down the hall, Tansy suddenly felt awkward. They were left alone, alone in her new home.
"It's late," said Frodo sheepishly.
Tansy cleared her throat. "Yes, it is."
"Come, I'll show you my room--I'm sorry, our room."
She followed him down the hall. There, they stopped in the middle of the airy tunnel. Frodo opened the round door. He watched Tansy as she nervously ambled inside.
Her eyes seemed to scan every minute detail of the room, then she turned to face him.
"It's beautiful," she said, noticing it was much more elegant than her room where she once lived--in the marshlands of the Shire.
"I'm happy you like it."
Silence wedged between them. Tansy rolled her sweaty hands into clenched fists.
"Uh, I'll get undressed," she said quickly and hurried out of the room.
____________________________________________________
Frodo had undressed into his nightshirt. He closed the closet doors and pondering for a moment, his brows furrowed.
*Where is she?*
He left the room and heard someone stirring inside the kitchen. When Frodo walked into the kitchen, he halted in his tracks. Tansy, clad in a white, floral nightdress was cleaning the table. And as she cleaned, her reddish-brown curls swayed across her shoulders.
"Tansy? What are you doing?"
"I know it's late, but I figured, well, I better make sure this table is clean," she said incoherently while wiping the table with a cloth.
Frodo studied the way she cleaned it...frantic, circular movements across the wood.
Cautious, he inched toward her. "Tansy..."
"Now," she continued to ramble. "I don't mean no disrespect to Mr. Baggins. I'm sure he keeps the house very tidy. I just want to make sure it's--,"
"Tansy," said Frodo sternly. He grasped her wrist and in the process, stopped her cleaning. It didn't make sense to him at first, now he understood.
"Why are you stopping me? I need to clean this table."
"No. There's no need for that. It's already clean."
Tansy squeezed her eyes shut and when she opened them again, Frodo eased the cloth out of her trembling hand.
"I know you're afraid," he whispered. "I am, too."
His gaze dropped to her ruffled collar that dipped, showing only a tad of her cleavage. Frodo lifted his finger, letting it glide slowly along the ruffles. He hesitated; his eyes leapt from the collar to see her full lips, slightly parted and longing for him.
"It's all right," said Frodo in a soft, reassuring voice.
Tansy nodded. Her hand in his own, she followed him out of the kitchen and down the hall. His words replayed in her mind.
*It's all right.*
The door creaked open.
Now she heard her own voice.
*Yes, it's all right.*
Back inside the bedroom again.
The door closed behind them...
*It's all right.*
****************************************
TBC
A/N: No evil cliffhanger this time...hehehe. Let me know what you think about this chapter :-)
Disclaimer: Of course I don't own Tolkien's characters, only Tansy is my creation.
Rating: PG-13
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Tansy sprang away from his shoulder and stared at him with shock.
"You want to--," she hesitated, throwing her hand against her lips.
"Will you accept my proposal? If not, I'll understand."
Tansy continued to stare at him in shock and disbelief. The only thing she could utter at the moment was something inaudible.
"Frodo..."
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Chapter Eight: Changes
**************
Tansy's gaze fleeted away from him and fell onto her lap.
Frodo grew worried. He carefully studied her expression and trying to make sense of what had been going on inside her mind. At first she appeared to be in shock but what was it now, fright or confusion?
*She doesn't want to marry me. Could I have been wrong about my decision?*
Frodo sighed. "Tansy, I'm sorry. Like I've said, if you don't accept my proposal, I'll understand."
She looked at him again and before he could say another word, Tansy threw her arms around his neck.
"Yes," She giggled and then cried.
"Yes?" Frodo asked, as if he didn't hear her the first time.
Tansy nodded against his face.
He pulled away from her. His blue eyes wide with astonishment at her answer.
"Yes!" Frodo repeated and an ecstatic laughter burst from his lungs.
When his laughter subsided, Frodo extended his hand toward her face. His fingers stroked along her cheekbone and tenderly smeared trails of her tears. He wanted Tansy to hold him. Snuggling close to her, he laid his head onto her chest.
Tansy's hand swept lovingly through his hair, caressing the soft brown curls with her fingers.
"Frodo," said Tansy, "Do the Cottons know I'm coming back?"
"I told them if your parents decide to let you leave, they would welcome you back. But...I don't want anyone to know about my proposal to you. Except, Bilbo. He already knows about it. Sam and my cousins don't know. I feel we should tell them at the proper time."
"I agree," she stated.
The tip of Tansy's finger dawdled lightly around the outline of his ear. She peeked to see his reaction and it sent shivers through her spine. His eyes closed, relishing her touch.
________________________________________________________
Rosie sat on a cushioned bench in front of her vanity dresser. She scrunched her golden curls, distracted by three swift knocks on the bedroom door.
"Come in."
She turned to see her mother rushing in. A cheery smile lifting her pink cheeks.
Curious as to what Lily was excited about, Rosie's eyes narrowed.
"Mother, what is it?"
"It's Tansy...she's back!"
_________________________________________________________
Farmer Cotton opened the front door.
"Well," he said seriously and then his face brightened with a lopsided grin. "Welcome back, Tansy."
Tansy graciously smiled back. "Thank you, Mr. Cotton."
"Hello, Frodo."
"Hello, Farmer Cotton," answered Frodo. Holding Tansy's hand, he escorted her into the house.
Farmer Cotton's sons had greeted them. Tansy never thought she would miss them, especially when she remembered the times they teased her with their pranks. Lily also welcomed her. Tansy thanked them all for their kindness with a warm, shy smile. And when Rosie rushed into the parlor to greet her, Tansy raced toward her and collided into Rosie's arms.
Rosie embraced her lovingly. "It's good to see you again, Tansy."
"I missed you Rosie. I missed you all!"
"I did, too," said Rosie. She noticed the necklace Tansy flaunted. Her gaze shifted to Frodo. When he smiled, she knew it was a gift he had given to Tansy. But it was more than just a gift. Frodo wanted everyone to know he was courting her.
Elated about their courtship, Rosie hugged Tansy again and whispered in her ear.
"I'm happy for you."
Tansy wondered what Rosie meant, their courtship or the proposal? But since Frodo told her no one knew except Bilbo, she assumed Rosie spoke of their courting.
Tansy blushed. "Thank you."
"It'll be sundown soon," said Frodo. "I better get back."
"All right, Frodo," replied Farmer Cotton. "Good Evening."
"Good Evening," Frodo answered politely.
Tansy followed him as he left and headed toward the wagon that had been parked near the fence.
Frodo turned and faced her.
"When it's warmer," said Frodo while peeling away a few of her red curls that blew over eyes. "We'll have our picnics again. Until then, we'll see each other at the Green Dragon."
Tansy giggled. "That will be fun!"
Frodo took her hand, gently pulling her against him.
"I missed you at the Green Dragon," he whispered, brushing his nose along her neck, breathing in the scent of strawberries he missed as well. His face left her neck and when his lips edged toward hers, she teasingly pulled back.
Frodo tried a second time. Their lips barely touched, and then Tansy jerked slightly backwards.
He lured her against him again. Their eyes locked in a bold, wild gaze. Tansy grasped his hands and as the sexual tension heightened between them, their hands intertwined in a tight squeeze.
"Is this another game you want to play?" Frodo asked softly, sensually.
Tansy replied in a raspy voice, "One among many."
An impish grin formed in the corner of his mouth. He was delighted at her bold response, of which he knew she meant her fantasies. Then, he jarred himself out of the rapturous moment, holding her hand as he stepped backward.
"I must go."
"I know."
Her hand slipped out of his. She leaned back against the fence, watching him dreamily as the wagon slowly journeyed down the lane.
_______________________________________________________
Every time Tansy visited Bag End, it didn't take long for the folk to know that Frodo was courting her. Often, he would bring her to Hobbiton in the wagon, and those who strolled past had respected them with a nod, or they would be greeted with a, 'Hello, Mr. Frodo and...Hello, Miss Puddifoot', which surprised Tansy. But then she thought they only greeted her because she sat beside Frodo. Both wondered about Lobeila, and though she wasn't seen much lately, Frodo surmised her knowledge about Tansy's return and their courtship from the gossip in Hobbiton.
One evening, during full bloom of spring at the end of April, Frodo rode in the wagon, taking Tansy back to the farm.
"Tansy," he said. "Would you take the reigns for a moment? I need to get something from the basket."
Wary, Tansy grasped the reigns while Frodo leaned toward the back of the wagon. He raised the lid of the basket, rummaging through it.
Tansy stared nervously at the horse, fearing he would go out of control with her leading the way. She wondered what Frodo was doing and when she turned her head slightly, she saw that he sat back, nonchalantly eating an apple.
"Frodo? If you want to eat that apple, shouldn't we stop?"
"Why?" He questioned, crunching the fruit in his mouth.
"Because I--I can't...we'll have an accident if you don't take the reigns!"
"An accident? Hmm...you seem to be doing well so far."
Tansy looked at the road ahead and then she realized the wagon continued on steadily. It didn't veer off course like she feared.
Amazed, she giggled.
As they neared the farm, now Frodo sat in the passenger seat while Tansy guided the horse. He watched her, proud of what she had accomplished.
"I've been doing a lot of thinking," said Frodo.
"About what?"
"My proposal to you. I think it's time everyone should know."
Tansy kept her eyes on the road. Smiling, she nodded agreeably at what he said.
___________________________________________________
Frodo never thought the next day would come. During the night, he slept restlessly, excited about what he wanted to announce to his cousins and Sam.
When mid-day had drawn near, Sam, Merry and Pippin joined Frodo at the kitchen table.
Pippin asked Frodo, "Are we off to another picnic, cousin?"
Frodo grinned, almost mischievously. "Not yet. We have to wait for Tansy."
"Wait for--," Merry faltered, then he went on. "She's coming here, by herself?"
Frodo nodded. "And this time, she's not walking."
______________________________________________________
Tansy let out a deep breath of relief. She could not believe she reached the Mill Bridge while riding in the wagon and arrived safely in Hobbiton. Immediately, Tansy was the center of attention. She wondered if it was the elegant pink and lavender dress she wore--another gift Frodo had given her. Tansy made sure her hair looked as beautiful as the dress. Before leaving the farm, she brushed her curls back, and this time, a vine of roses were wrapped around her ponytail--all blending nicely with the rose necklace she cherished.
On her way to Bag End, hobbits strode by. Some, usually the same group of young lasses whispered to one another and smirked at her. Tansy ignored their jealous antics. Then there were older hobbits, men and women who greeted her amiably.
"Hello, Miss Puddifoot," she heard one say.
"Good-day, Miss Puddifoot," she heard a woman say with a smile.
Stunned by their warm welcome without Frodo, Tansy uttered a soft, "Hello."
_____________________________________________________
Sam peered outside the window. "She's here," he announced and returned to the table.
Frodo walked to the door and before Tansy could ring the bell, the door had already been opened. Frodo stood there, smiling.
"I see you arrived safely. I knew you would."
His gaze drifted down onto her dress. "You look very beautiful."
Her cheeks turned a deep rosy-pink. "Thank you."
He reached for her hand and led her into the parlor. After closing the door behind them, Frodo stood in front of her, unfastened her cloak, then he hung it carefully on the peg.
Tansy reached for Frodo's hand, following close beside him as they headed for the kitchen table.
"Splendid!" cheered Pippin, "She's here. Now we can have our picnic, eh, Frodo?"
"Not yet, Pippin," said Frodo and eyed Tansy with a sly smile.
"Not yet?" muttered Pippin. He shot a puzzled glance at Merry and Sam.
"Before we go off on our picnic," Frodo began, "I have an announcement to make."
When he saw that he had their curious and undivided attention, Frodo continued.
"I proposed to Tansy...and she accepted to be my wife."
Merry and Pippin looked at one another, shocked at first, and then they congratulated them with a delightful grin that sprouted across their faces.
Sam rose quickly from his chair. "You asked her to..." He hesitated, his face ablaze with genuine happiness for his friend. "Mr. Frodo, that's wonderful news!"
"Wonderful news, indeed!"
They all turned in the direction of the perky voice. Bilbo stood near one of the tunneled halls. His hands were hidden behind his back. He unfolded his arms and let them swing to his sides as he walked toward the table.
"So," said Bilbo, stopping a few feet from where Frodo and Tansy stood. "Have you planned the month and day of the wedding?"
"Yes we have, uncle. The twenty-first of June."
"Ah," said Pippin in a dreamy tone and rested his chin onto the palm of his hand. "A perfect day for a wedding."
________________________________________________________
A month before the wedding, Frodo and Tansy sat at the desk inside the den along with Bilbo. They all took turns in writing the invitations, which were an elegant gold-rimmed parchment with a subtle touch of pale lavender.
Tansy tapped the feather part of the quill against her chin, musing about something she wanted to ask.
"What about the flower arrangements? I want lots of roses...pink ones, white ones..."
"Sam is making sure you have all the flowers you want," Frodo assured her as he dunked the quill inside the ink jar.
"And," said Tansy, asking another question. "Who else are we inviting?"
"Hmm..." muttered Frodo while he slipped one of the invitations inside a vanilla creme envelope. "What about Lobeila?"
"Lobeila?" Tansy answered shockingly.
Bilbo chuckled. "You know Lobeila, she detests not being invited to something."
"And besides," Frodo added with one of his impish grins. "I'm sure she will be elated to see us married."
Tansy realized Frodo only wanted to invite her to gloat and then she giggled.
Bilbo watched them laugh together. The smile that graced his lips suddenly faded. He was happy for them and yet, he could not shake the nagging feeling that something was wrong. It had nothing to do with their engagement. He thought Tansy would be a good wife for his nephew.
*The timing...it isn't right...*
And he could not comprehend why.
Bilbo often wrestled with his thoughts about Frodo's hasty decision. But no matter how hard he tried to convince his nephew that he should wait, Frodo was stubborn about what he wanted to do.
_________________________________________________
"Otho!"
Shuffling out of his den, Otho entered the parlor where Lobeila called him.
Irritated, he grumbled, "What is it Lobelia?"
She held up what Otho saw to be a very aristocratic parchment.
"Looks like an invitation," he guessed correctly.
"That's right," Lobeila smirked. "And we have been invited to a wedding."
____________________________________________________
At first it seemed like June had been a distant dream. Now, it was a week before the wedding. In the woods not far from Bag End, Frodo and Tansy found a soothing refuge in the shade beneath their favorite apple tree. He relaxed against it, cradling Tansy under his left arm while the fingers of his other hand twined themselves around a wooden pipe.
Amused, Tansy watched Frodo blow smoke rings into the air. She leapt from the grass to catch them but before she could, the rings grew into such large ones beyond her grasp.
She watched them fade away and a sudden chill crept along her spine. Tansy returned beside Frodo and sank onto her knees.
"Frodo...I can't do this."
It didn't sink in yet while Frodo continued to blow smoke rings. Suddenly her words slapped him out of his reverie. He yanked the pipe from his mouth and sprang toward her.
"You can't do what, Tansy?" He said fearfully, knowing what she meant.
"The wedding..." she bowed her head, unable to look at him.
"Why?"
Very slowly, Tansy shook her head.
"Tansy, look at me." Frodo lifted her chin, insisting she give him her attention.
"Why?"
She shuddered. "I want to marry you but I'm afraid. What if I'm not the wife you want? What if you're not happy with me and..."
He silenced her words with a brief kiss, then his lips lingered, wanting more of her until he broke away.
"I'm very happy with you, Tansy," said Frodo sincerely. "And I know you will be a good wife for me."
Tansy cuddled beside him. She didn't speak and only wanted to enjoy the quiet time they had together, cradled in his arms.
______________________________________________________
When the twenty-first of June had come, Frodo woke to what he hoped was a sunny day. During the morning, well so far, the sun had kept its promise. Frodo, in his nightshirt, stood by the window. He saw several hobbits set up a huge tent on a large field in the back yard of Bilbo's home. A trellis was also set up and Frodo smiled to himself while he watched Sam decorate it beautifully with many roses of which Tansy requested. He turned away from the window and crossed over to the closet. Frodo opened both doors. His eyes roved past an array of clothes until they stopped at one particular suit at the end. A suit he had especially tailored for his wedding day. Since the color scheme was pink, white and burgundy, he wanted what he wore to match Tansy's dress.
Frodo reached inside and gently lifted three hangers off the hook. He held them up in the sunlight that disclosed the satiny beige shirt that hung on one hanger. On the second hanger was a burgundy vest tailored from plush velvet. And on the third, trousers like that of the vest.
He smiled again and still, he could not believe this was happening...something he never expected. Anyone else, yes, but not for him.
_____________________________________________________
Inside Tansy's bedroom, two lasses who knew Rosie were busy priming Tansy's dress, making sure it fit well and everything else was right.
"You look so beautiful!" said one of them and giggled while fastening Tansy's rose necklace. Once it was fastened, it hung gracefully above the pink ruffled collar.
The other lass straightened out the dress until it was smooth, and to their eyes, they marveled at silk burgundy that flowed over Tansy's plump form, then down into ruffles hovering a few inches above her furry feet.
"We're done," announced the lass who giggled.
"Thank you," said Rosie and when her friends left the room, Rosie noticed Tansy's anxiety. "You do look beautiful." She smiled; hoping it comforted her friend.
"Everything will be all right."
Tansy nodded and clenched her fingers together.
Rosie continued on to say, "I have something for you."
Tansy wondered what Rosie had hidden behind her powder blue dress, then her eyes widened at what Rosie revealed--a crown of pink roses and nestled between the flowers were strawberries.
"I made it," said Rosie. "Do you like it?"
"I love it!"
Rosie slid the crown over Tansy's spiral curls that were pinned up and set the crown onto her hair.
Tansy sniffed back her tears. "Thank you, Rosie."
"You're quite welcome. You know that we'll all miss you being here."
"I'll miss you all, too, like I did when I went back home--," Tansy faltered and sadness erased the smile that brightened her face only moments before.
"What is it?" Rosie inquired.
"My parents. I invited them, but I don't think they'll come."
"They'll come." Rosie assured her and when she held out her arms, Tansy slipped into her loving embrace.
________________________________________________________
At elevenses, hobbits from many parts of the Shire gathered under the tent that was a comforting canopy from the stifling heat. Everyone seated themselves at tables and waited for Tansy to arrive. Frodo was very nervous, but he calmed himself by chatting with Sam, Merry and Pippin. He noticed Sam was suddenly distracted, peering over Frodo's shoulder. Frodo turned to see little hobbit girls sprinkling pink and white rose petals from their baskets, signaling to everyone that Tansy had arrived.
The trail of petals stopped where Frodo stood under the trellis.
Musicians began to play a slow, soft melody on their fiddles.
And then Tansy made her grand entrance inside the tent.
He watched her, awed at how beautiful she looked in her dress. She held a pink and white rose bouquet while taking short, nervous steps toward him. At that moment, everything Frodo heard--the murmuring of the crowd and the music had seemed to echo from a vast distance. And when Tansy finally joined him, they were lost in each other's gaze. Even Lobeila's dagger glare could not pierce the reverie between them.
The ceremony had been an hour, maybe longer, though it didn't seem that long to Tansy and Frodo. And when it was time for him to kiss Tansy, he delicately cupped her face in his hands and had taken her lips into his. Everyone clapped and cheered. The tempo of the music had changed to what sounded like a jaunty jig. Frodo and Tansy faced the crowd. Their faces glowed, boasting a light-hearted smile. Many gathered to catch the bouquet and when Tansy had done so, it rained down into the hands of Rosie Cotton.
It thrilled Rosie to be the one to catch it. She also caught something else, Sam's coy smile that didn't go unnoticed.
______________________________________________________
During the late afternoon, the sun retired behind hazy clouds along with its stifling heat, which was fortunate for the hobbits. For now they were able to leave the tent and venture out on the field. Children frolicked about, giggling and playing games. Many tables had been occupied by older hobbits. Only one was reserved for presents and much food for everyone to eat.
Frodo and Tansy walked around, visiting every family at each table. When they stopped to chat with the Bracegirdle family, they overheard Lobeila gossiping at her table.
"Have you noticed something quite odd," she babbled to three other women and to Otho sitting beside her. "Tansy's parents...they're not here. How do we know they even approved of this wedding?"
Despite what he heard Lobeila say, Frodo remained calm. It wasn't easy because without thinking, his left hand rolled into a tight fist. Concerned about Tansy, his eyes fleeted to her standing beside him. He saw the rage on her face and now he was frightened. So far the wedding had gone very well and the last thing he wanted was for Tansy to do something rash.
"Excuse me," said Tansy to the Bracegirdles. She politely turned away and marched toward the Sackville-Bagginses.
"Tansy!" called Frodo.
Tansy heard him but she stormed on until halting a few feet from the table.
Frodo caught up to his bride and whispered in her ear.
"Tansy...don't let her ruin our day."
Tansy wanted to scream at the shrewd woman and if Lobeila had her umbrella, she would grab it from her and show her how it feels to be whacked by her own umbrella. But Frodo's words cleared her thinking that had been clouded by rage. Instead, she forced a smile at the Sackville-Bagginses.
"Having a wonderful time?" said Tansy through clenched teeth.
Lobeila flashed one of her phony smiles. "Miss Puddifoot--oh, I'm sorry. You're Mrs. Baggins now. And yes, we're having a wonderful time."
"Come on," Frodo whispered to Tansy and as they walked away, he fired a seething glance at Lobeila.
"Why did you invite her?" growled Tansy. "I know at first it was fun and all for her to see us getting married but now I wish she wasn't invited!"
Frodo took her hand into his. "Forget about her. Why don't we dance."
Tansy looked anxiously at the crowd.
"I know you're frightened but everyone expects us to dance. You've done it before."
"Yes, but I'm not very good at it."
He tilted his head a little. "No?"
Tansy knew what he was doing and recalled what he had done when he tricked her into riding the wagon for the first time. Now he was up to his tricks again, getting her to feel confident about dancing, and she realized there was no harm in that.
Tansy smiled, allowing him to lead the way onto the middle of the field where they waltzed into a dance. Everyone stopped what he or she were doing and watched them. And as they whirled in each other's arms and hopped about, it surprised Tansy to discover that she was actually in rhythm along with Frodo.
He noticed it too and they laughed together.
Then the other couples joined in, dancing around them.
_________________________________________________________________
As the sun began its descent toward the horizon, the wedding party winded down. Frodo managed to get a free moment to chat with Sam. They faced each other, standing on the field.
"I'm so happy for you, Mr. Frodo. You deserve Tansy and I know she'll be a good wife."
"Thank you, Sam. And I want you to be happy too. When are you ever going to tell Rosie how you feel about her?"
"I'll tell her, Mr. Frodo. Really I will."
Sam wondered what stole Frodo's attention and then he followed his gaze to Tansy. She stood outside the tent. Two people, a man and woman held her in a tight embrace.
"Mr. Frodo, who--,"
"Tansy's parents."
Relieved and touched by what he saw, he could not hide the smile that slowly formed in the corners of his mouth. Then softly he uttered...
"They came."
_________________________________________________
After the party had ended and everyone had gone back to their hobbit holes, Frodo, Tansy and Bilbo checked the many gifts that were stacked in the parlor.
"That's it, uncle. Everything is here. We'll open them tomorrow after a good night's rest."
"Yes, we've all had a very long day," said Bilbo. He looked at Tansy. "Well, this is your new home now." He held out his arms. "Welcome!"
Tansy gratefully stepped into his embrace. When Bilbo let her go, he patted Frodo's shoulder.
"Goodnight," he said to them.
"Goodnight," they replied in unison.
After Bilbo disappeared down the hall, Tansy suddenly felt awkward. They were left alone, alone in her new home.
"It's late," said Frodo sheepishly.
Tansy cleared her throat. "Yes, it is."
"Come, I'll show you my room--I'm sorry, our room."
She followed him down the hall. There, they stopped in the middle of the airy tunnel. Frodo opened the round door. He watched Tansy as she nervously ambled inside.
Her eyes seemed to scan every minute detail of the room, then she turned to face him.
"It's beautiful," she said, noticing it was much more elegant than her room where she once lived--in the marshlands of the Shire.
"I'm happy you like it."
Silence wedged between them. Tansy rolled her sweaty hands into clenched fists.
"Uh, I'll get undressed," she said quickly and hurried out of the room.
____________________________________________________
Frodo had undressed into his nightshirt. He closed the closet doors and pondering for a moment, his brows furrowed.
*Where is she?*
He left the room and heard someone stirring inside the kitchen. When Frodo walked into the kitchen, he halted in his tracks. Tansy, clad in a white, floral nightdress was cleaning the table. And as she cleaned, her reddish-brown curls swayed across her shoulders.
"Tansy? What are you doing?"
"I know it's late, but I figured, well, I better make sure this table is clean," she said incoherently while wiping the table with a cloth.
Frodo studied the way she cleaned it...frantic, circular movements across the wood.
Cautious, he inched toward her. "Tansy..."
"Now," she continued to ramble. "I don't mean no disrespect to Mr. Baggins. I'm sure he keeps the house very tidy. I just want to make sure it's--,"
"Tansy," said Frodo sternly. He grasped her wrist and in the process, stopped her cleaning. It didn't make sense to him at first, now he understood.
"Why are you stopping me? I need to clean this table."
"No. There's no need for that. It's already clean."
Tansy squeezed her eyes shut and when she opened them again, Frodo eased the cloth out of her trembling hand.
"I know you're afraid," he whispered. "I am, too."
His gaze dropped to her ruffled collar that dipped, showing only a tad of her cleavage. Frodo lifted his finger, letting it glide slowly along the ruffles. He hesitated; his eyes leapt from the collar to see her full lips, slightly parted and longing for him.
"It's all right," said Frodo in a soft, reassuring voice.
Tansy nodded. Her hand in his own, she followed him out of the kitchen and down the hall. His words replayed in her mind.
*It's all right.*
The door creaked open.
Now she heard her own voice.
*Yes, it's all right.*
Back inside the bedroom again.
The door closed behind them...
*It's all right.*
****************************************
TBC
A/N: No evil cliffhanger this time...hehehe. Let me know what you think about this chapter :-)