Eight months after we returned home, Rosie Cotton became Rosie Gamgee. The two were married on a beautiful summer's morning, surrounded by all those who loved them. The ceremony was concluded with a kiss, and everyone clapped at the newly weds. Pippin and I had been married in a quaint ceremony by the lake a few weeks after we returned home. It was nothing major - but it was a very special day for us. In fact, it was the second most special.

I watched Rose slowly walk around in circles, clapping her tiny hands together, mimicking everyone else. I giggled as I watched her, before noticing a lady smirking at Pippin, who looked rather uncomfortable. I took a hold of him, pressing my lips to his softly. He chuckled, pulling me in for a hug. I looked over his shoulder, sticking my tongue out at her. She grumbled angrily, looking away. I then pulled back, allowing him to kiss my forehead and lift a hyper Rose up from the grass.

She snuggled into her father's warmth, looking up at him after a few seconds and clapping her hands "yay!". Everyone giggled, including Sam and Rosie. Rosie ended up giving birth to thirteen children...which I don't know how! That must have been very painful! Me, on the other hand...Rose was my pride and joy..until...

"Mrs Took...it appears you are pregnant".

The Shire doctor grinned at me through shiny teeth. I gasped, unsure of how to feel about it. Rose was only three years old at this point, how could I bring another baby into the world! Though I did. Nine months later, I gave birth to a very healthy baby boy...which we named Faramir due to Pippin's request.

Everything was happy - and everyone was content. That is, until we received the news that Frodo was to go far away. We stood by the dock. Frodo was ready to leave...and he was quite happy to. He called upon us one by one, telling us everything he wanted us to hear. When it was my turn, I felt the tears prickling my eyes straight away. I carried Faramir to him, who was eight months old. Rose toddled along beside me, being four.

"My dear Layla" he said, smiling at me happily. "Frodo.."I cried "must you go?". His smile faded, and he nodded slowly "I must". I looked down, crying hard. He bent down to Rose's height "little one, I love you". "I love you too uncle Frodo. Will you be back soon?" Rose asked. "No" he shook his head "but I will always be with you, and someday we will meet again".

She tilted her head to the side, not really understanding, but accepting his response nonetheless. He then stroked Faramir's head, giving him a small kiss. I gazed into his blue eyes and for a moment, I felt like he wouldn't leave me because he looked so heartbroken. He then held out his arms, and I practically jumped into them, sandwiching Faramir between us.

"I'll love you forever Frodo. Please remember that" I said, whimpering. "I will love you forever too" he responded, his voice breaking "and the kids, and the boys. Please remember that too". "I will" I sobbed "I will never forget you in my heart. You helped me through so much pain. You and papa". I then turned to Bilbo, who was standing behind him and hugged him tightly "I love you papa". "And I love you, my dear princess" he mumbled, tears streaming down his cheeks "you will forever be my little girl".

I sobbed into the fabric of his clothes for a few minutes, before Gandalf announced they had to go. Papa stroked Faramir's head gently, giving him one last kiss, before he kissed Rose's very rosey cheeks. "Grandpapa, are you going too?" she asked, tilting her head. "Yes my sweet" he said, brushing her curly blonde hair out of her eyes "but never too far from you. Remember that, won't you?".

She nodded "I'll remember". He chuckled, standing up and kissing my forehead "remember that too, my love". "I will papa" I sobbed "I'll always remember". I stepped away from them, guiding Rose off the dock and back to her father, Merry and Sam. Frodo turned, glancing back at us with tears in his eyes. We all sniffled, feeling our hearts ache for him - and he wasn't even fully gone yet.

He smiled brightly at us, which gave me a glint of hope in my heart. Hope that I would see him again one day. The ship sailed away, and I watched it until it disappeared over the horizon. The sun gleamed brightly down upon us. Pippin took the kids back to our home, while I went with Sam to bag-end. We cleaned up a little bit together, since nether of us would be calling it home. It would be my last time stepping foot through the doors, at least for a while, since it only brought back memories which were too painful to think about. Dancing. Singing. Papa. Frodo. The warm hearth. Papa's armchair. The reason I became who I am today...the reason I stopped being mute.

"Right" Sam said, huffing a little as he carried the last of my things outside "I'll bring these to your house. Take your time". He left the door open behind me. I glanced around the living room, smiling tearily. Papa's armchair sat unused for years now, collecting dust. I stepped over to it, and was tempted to brush the dust off it, but I did not. I giggled as I pictured him sitting there, smoking his pipe and telling stories to me - the little mute girl who loved to listen.

I then stepped into the kitchen, remembering all the tasty food he cooked for us. Family dinners where we sat around the dining table, laughing. joking. Eating a lot. We were healthy and happy. I giggled again, feeling happiness wash over me at the memories. Then I stepped into my old bedroom, remembering all the nights I slept in there, feeling happy and content with my family and my life. I was all grown up now - and Frodo and Papa were gone.

I then spotted something on my bed. I tilted my head, approaching it. A letter. Addressed to me. I ripped open the envelope, scanning through the words until I reached the bottom. It was from papa.

My dear Layla,

When I took you in I knew I would love you forever, and love you forever I shall. I knew that one day, you would speak. I knew you were very strong to see that happen to your parents and live. Layla, you are the bravest of them all. You came to me, and you loved me for the old man that I am. You loved Frodo - and looked at him like a brother. He will always remember that...as will I, and we will always cherish you within our hearts.

the tears started rolling down my cheeks, as I closed the door and stepped into the hall, walking back towards the front door.

I will remember you until the day I die and beyond. You are my special little princess. I will always think of you as that small little girl who came to me frail and broken...but grew into a shining star which brightened up my day...and Frodo's. Make sure that Peregrin Took takes good care of you..or someday, he will have me to answer to! You already are, but be a wonderful mother to Rose and Faramir, they are a blessing to you and Peregrin...they are simply beautiful.

Remember Layla. Band-end is your home. If you ever want to return, it is there for you. Also remember that I love you. I love you with all my heart. Remember me not for leaving, but for being your papa.

Love you forever,

Papa.

I stood in the doorframe, certain that Bang-end was my home. While I was a Took by law, I was a Baggins by heart. I smiled, pressing the letter to my heart.

"I'll remember, Papa. I'll remember".

THE END.