This is the second to last chapter. I really haven't gotten any reviews for this story (save for Dreamflower!), and would like to know if anyone else is reading this or has enjoyed this story during the time I've been posting chapters. PLEASE let me know, because this is one of my most favorite fanfics I've written and it'd be nice to know that others have enjoyed it as well. And I'd like to know that writing a sequel wouldn't be in vain. THANK YOU!
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Chapter 19: Taken By Surprise
"Fine day, is it not?"
"Yes, it very much is." Estella froze in mid-clipping then pushed the bed sheet out of the way. "Merry! What are you doing here?"
"I've come for you." He glanced down sheepishly. "I was expecting a warmer welcome."
Estella's shoulders fell, and she stepped up to him. "I'm sorry. This is such a surprise."
Merry smiled brightly. "I like surprising you, which is why I brought you this." He raised a hand to reveal a white daisy, freshly picked.
Estella's face melted. "Oh Merry, how I've missed your daily gift."
Merry tucked the daisy behind her ear, his hand lingering on her curls. "Well, let us hope you will not have to miss them much longer."
Two arms encircled Merry's neck, and chestnut curls rested on his chest. Merry returned the embrace, pulling Estella to him so that no space was left in-between.
"How I've missed you," Estella murmured into his shirt.
Merry placed a tender kiss atop her head. "I believe the only thing keeping me from rushing over here was our letters."
Estella pulled away enough to look him at the face. "But why are you here now?"
"I had a visit from your dear brother. He told me to come retrieve you."
"He did what?" Estella gaped.
A grin formed on Merry's lips. "Let's take a walk as I explain." He released her from his hold, but grasped her hand and they headed off toward Butter Field.
"It seems Fredegar found one of my letters to you, and was not pleased to see it."
"Why that little sneak!" Estella looked indignant. "Why didn't he come to me about the letter?"
"I'm not sure, but he was displeased with the fact that I did not ask permission to court you."
Estella frowned, and stared at the grass. "I should have told him."
"Why would you keep such a thing from your brother?" Merry asked, a bit puzzled. "Pippin, Frodo, Sam, and Rose know about our courtship."
"It has always been hard for Freddy and I to talk of those things. He did not tell me of his courtship with Mel until I saw their exchanges at our father's funeral. I should have told him though. Was he angry with me?"
"No, I don't believe he was. All he wanted was for me to ask permission to court you."
"And did you ask?"
"Yes."
"And what did he say?"
Merry sighed, apparently disheartened. Estella bit her lip and lowered her head at what she thought was bad news. He squeezed her hand and answered, "He said yes."
Estella snapped her gaze up to Merry, confusion on her face. But at the sight of Merry's mischievous grin, she let out a growl. "Meriadoc Brandybuck, don't do that to me!" Merry raised his hands to protect himself from her hand slapping him on the shoulder. He caught her wrists and pulled Estella inches from his face.
"He said yes, Stella." With that, Merry dropped to one knee. "Will you come back with me?"
"I-" Estella hesitated. She had become comfortable again to her childhood home. Though she had made right her relationship with Fred, she wasn't sure if she wanted to leave that just yet. Merry could see the conflict on her face. If there was a time to convince her, it would be now.
"Stella, please," he said desperately. He clasped both hands around hers. "Will you come back with me to Crickhollow and be my wife? I tasted your sweetness and can't live without it much longer." He pressed his lips to the back of Estella's hands then looked up smiling. "A knight needs his lady."
Tears glistened in Estella's eyes. She glanced behind her, catching sight of the tree she loved to sit under as a child. "I want to show you something." Merry stood, and she led him to the tree. It was an ancient oak, it's branches spreading like arms of a giant sea urchin stretching out. They passed the massive trunk and stopped at the edge of the other side. A small distance away were two graves. They stood there for a while in silence until Estella said very lowly, "Mother is on the left, Father is on the right. That's how they use to sleep. They wouldn't have it any other way."
She pulled him to stand before the graves. Though the headstones were clean of all dirt and wear, Estella bent down and swept a hand across each stone. "I think it's time," she said, and Merry knew she was speaking to the ground. He knelt beside her, a hand rubbing gently over her back.
"I'll take good care of her," Merry said and that made Estella smile.
She turned to gaze to Merry, a new light glowing from her as if all her troubles had melted instantly away. "Merry, take me back and make me your bride."