A/N
Only a few chapters left! I'm going to try and push myself harder to update because I leave on a trip in two weeks and will be away from a computer, so my goal is to have this completed by then. Thanks for reading!
Also IDK about this chapter. I'm just starting to like writing Bell a lot.
Chapter 9
amaryllis
Tension was thick in the Gamgee hobbit hole. Neither sibling was acknowledging each other for several hours. Bell managed to steal Clover away to the market, while Hamfast worked in his garden. On the other side of Hamfast's home, inspecting a plot of soil in front of Clover's bedroom window, was Bofur and Samwise. Bofur was doing his best to stay out of Hamfast's sight for the time being, and little Samwise was insistent on following the dwarf around. Thankfully, Bofur did not mind this.
"This a good place, laddie?" The dwarf asked, kneeling next to the young hobbit. He poked at the soil before looking up towards the sky. "Will there be enough sun for them?"
The hobbit nodded, arms folded across his chest as he inspected the plot. "Aye! Sunflowers like sun, and auntie never comes to the side of the house."
"Well, what if she opens her window?" Bofur asked, raising an eyebrow. Samwise frowned. He hadn't thought of that. "We could... spin a tale. Perhaps the shutters stick, therefore the windows will not open."
"We can do that!" Samwise cried, face full of excitement. "Auntie will believe me! And... and sunflowers can grow fast, depending on how well you care for them! And I will give them the best care, I promise!"
Bofur laughed and ruffled the lad's hair. "You're a smart one, Samwise! I appreciate your help with this gift."
Samwise looked as proud as ever.
Clover fussed about her brother as she and Bell shopped through the market, picking out the fixings for dinner for the next few nights. Bell politely hummed in agreement, or nodded, when Clover would ask things like, 'How could he be so rude to Bofur!', and, 'Stubborn ol' hobbit, still trying to control my life!'
When Clover was about to start another tirade, Bell finally spoke up.
"Oh, Clover, ease up! You did bring him here, unannounced!" Bell reminded her, trying to keep her voice calm and low. "There was no letter beforehand, explaining what was going on before you showed up!" Bell closed her eyes and sighed. "Hamfast loves you, Clover. He just wants what is best for you, and for you to be happy. He only reacted that way over the shock of the situation, not because your Mister Bofur is a dwarf or anything of that sort. He... no, we both want to make sure this is the right decision for you, Clover."
"I suppose when you say it like that..." Clover reminded, cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "I am sorry, Bell! I just... I just want the two to get along. This is all still new to me, as well as confusing!"
Bell sighed softly, nodding as she filled her basket with some things. "Do you really wish to marry him, Clover?" She asked, looking to the younger hobbit. "I know that the engagement years ago did not work out in the slightest, but I just hope this isn't some sort of... revenge on your brother for that."
Clover sighed softly and shook her head. "A small part of me is still terrified of the idea of marriage, but..." She frowned a bit, trying to piece her words together well. "It feels right with dear Bofur, the notion of being married to him. I can see us growing old together, whether it's in the mountains or the Shire, or even in Bree!"
Smiling softly, Bell nodded. "Well then, so long as it feels right, you have my blessing."
Clover couldn't help but smile back.
However, Bell added, "Though you still need to get Hamfast's blessing as well."
When the ladies returned from the market, they were surprised, yet delighted, to see Bofur and Hamfast talking to each other. The subject, they weren't sure of, but they were just relieved that they were getting along. As Bell opened the gate, she handed the basket of goods to Clover so she could gather her son up in her arms.
"Samwise! You're covered in dirt!" Bell scolded gently, looking her son over. It was true, as Samwise was covered head-to-toe in dirt. He often dirtied his hands and knees in the garden, but never his entire body. "What ever were you doing?"
Samwise looked like he was about to reply, but when he saw his auntie, he shut his mouth, shaking his head. "Tis a secret!" And that was all he would say, folding his arms across his chest as he nodded.
Clover raised an eyebrow at her nephew, but shrugged it off as she turned to her brother and Bofur. "What have you two been up too? I am pleased to see you are speaking to each other."
Hamfast just shrugged before he went back to his garden. Bofur just smiled at her as he approached her. "Nothing, my dear! Here, let me help you with the basket." He said, taking the basket with one hand while the other went to the small of her back, gently pushing her along. Clover went along with him, grabbing his arm to take his hand in hers as they walked along. Once they were inside, Bell turned to her husband, eyebrow raised in suspicion.
"So, really, what is going on?"
Hamfast shrugged. "He seems like a very nice dwarf, and really seems to care for my sister."
"Mhmm."
"It's a secret, mama!" Samwise insisted. Hamfast ruffled his son's hair and nodded in agreement. Bell rolled her eyes and shook her head, heading inside herself.