Halflings

Chapter Sixty Four

~ Chapter Sixty Four: The Little Miracle ~

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         Seven months later, Esmeralda was sitting on the couch. Her curly red hair was messily tied in a bun, and her face was tired. Her hand lazily rested on her large stomach, as she tried to fall asleep.

Suddenly, Frodo walked in the door.

"Hi, love." He greeted, as he walked over to her.

He bent down, and pecked her on the lips, before sitting down next to her.

"Hey, Frodo." She said, with a cracked, sleepy voice.

He grabbed her hand, as she rested her head on his shoulder. "How are you feeling?"

"Tired, fat, ugly and useless."

Frodo frowned, before planting a soft kiss on her forehead. "I still think you're perfect."

Esmeralda snorted, then rolled her eyes. "Yeah right."

Frodo sighed, before she let out a gasp.

"What's wrong?" He asked, frantically.

She lifted her head off his shoulder, as she grabbed his hand. She placed it on her stomach, as they patiently waited. Suddenly, he felt a small movement on his palm, and his blue eyes lit up. Esmeralda smiled, as he gave a quiet laugh.

"The baby's kicking!" He exclaimed.

She nodded and bit her lip, keeping in a giggle.

"Hey, baby." Frodo said, bending his head down to her stomach. "I love you."

The baby kicked again, making him smile brightly. Esmeralda giggled, as he sat up to face her.

"I love you too."

She smiled weakly, as he reached in to kiss her. Their kiss lasted for a few seconds, before they were interrupted by the sound of her stomach growling. Frodo parted, and look at her worriedly. She looked down sheepishly, before trying to stand.

"What are you doing?" Frodo asked, watching her struggle.

"I need to cook some dinner."

"No, I can do it. Stay there."

Anger flashed in her eyes, and she spoke in a stern tone. "Frodo. I can still walk and do things. I'm pregnant, not disabled."

He thought for a moment, then decided to agree instead of facing the fury of his wife. "Alright."

"Now help me up."

He chuckled, before standing up and grabbing her hands. Once she was standing, Frodo brushed a few strands of hair from her eyes.

"At least let me help?" He begged, using his big, blue eyes.

She thought for a moment, then sighed. "Take a shower first. You've probably worked up a sweat helping Merry today."

Frodo laughed, then let go of her hands. "Alright, love. I'll be out soon."

- Three Months Later -

            Esmeralda suddenly stopped, placing a hand on her stomach, and doubling over.

"What's the matter?" Frodo asked frantically, grabbing her arms to steady her.