“Why do you tease me so, Mr. Brandybuck?” Estelle Bolger looked at Merry with disdain.

“I am not teasing you. I know you can change for the better.”

“My brother was right– you shall be a bachelor for the rest of your long days,” Estelle turned away with a huff.

Merry followed her closely, touched her arm, and whirled her around. “I do not know why you’re angry- I mean well, did you not know?”

“Then prove it.”

The outside snow glistened and mistletoe surrounded them.

“Did you not know I love you?” Merry bent in to kiss Estelle tenderly.

A/N- for the tolkien100 "Under the Mistletoe" challenge