Excerpt from What If: (Sam's POV)

I sat smiling while my dear family thought about what I had said. Frodo was a brave hobbit, and one who I admire, even to this day. He was my friend. He is my friend.

"I want to hear more about Sam."

I stood, startled at the voice. I knew that voice. I quickly turn to see who it was. And there, standing in the doorway, leaning on the door post with a smile, was one I'd thought I never see again.

Through tears of joy I exclaimed in a whisper, "Mr. Frodo!"

Narrative POV:

Frodo Baggins could not help but let out a laugh at the look of surprise and happiness on his dearest friend. He had hoped to surprise Sam, and it was a grand success.

"It's me, Sam." Frodo said happily as he moved to embrace him.

The joyful tears streamed down the old hobbit's face as he returned the hug. Rosie and the family watched with gladness.

"Mr. Frodo, I thought you were gone for good!"

"So did I. Elrond said I am fully healed and could return home."

Sam wiped a tear away. "Master Lord Elrond, bless me. Aye Frodo, you look as healthy as I've ever seen!"

Then Sam seemed to remember his family and turned to them. The joy and mirth Sam radiated was so plain to see, it would have made the most grumpiest dwarf smile.

"Rosie, you remember Mr. Frodo Baggins? Children, this is the most famousist of hobbits! Frodo, the Ring bearer!"

Sam did not notice it, but Rosie saw that Frodo slightly tensed up at the sound of his former title. It was clear that not all wounds could heal with time.

"Frodo, are you hungry? We had a large spread for supper; plenty left over." Offered Rosie.

Frodo, as any natural hobbit, eagerly accepted the offer and before he knew it, he was sitting at the kitchen table with a plate overflowing with delicious food. While in the other room, Rosie and Elanor were putting the little ones to bed. Fastred, Elanor's husband, had taken a pipe outside to smoke.

Sam sat close by Frodo and was smiling so much it seemed his face would freeze that way. His mind was a buzz with the two of them talking of memories gone by.

"It is good to see you. And you haven't changed a bit!" He spoke.

Frodo swallowed a bite of a roll and said. "I'm glad to see you too. You and Rosie seem to be well off."

Sam nodded. He agreed their hobbit hole had to be one of the more homey and comfortable homes in all of the Shire.

"Now, which of those little ones is Elanor?"

Sam let out a laugh. "Why, all those little ones are Elanor's children, my grandchildren. The oldest is Elfstan, wouldn't believe he is in his twenty second year, would you?

Frodo seemed to stare off into the distance, a thoughtful look on his face.

"It has been a long time then, hasn't it?"

Sam dropped his smile. He wished only to see his former master happy, nothing else. For too long, Sam had witnessed his dearest friend fall hopeless and depressed under the weight of that ring.

"Fifty six years since you left." He replied softly.

Frodo shook his head and tore off another piece of roll. "It seems like only yesterday. Gandalf warned me that time stops over Sea."

Sam smiled at the mention of the old wizard. "And how is Mr. Gandalf?"

"He is well. He spends most of his time talking to elves of the Elder Days."

Sam stared in surprise. "The Elder days you say?"

Frodo swallowed a bite of the baked chicken and nodded. "Yes, all the old tales and songs are true. Eärendil, Oromë, Elwë, all of them."

Sam could only shake his head in disbelief. Such things, a humble hobbit, could not fathom. And to think his best friend had been in the company of these legends. There was a peaceful silence while Frodo ate his fill and Sam soaked in the joy of having his friend back. Until a small voice came from the door.

Sam turned in his seat to find one of the grandbabies standing in the door. A look of pure awe on the little girl's face as she stared at the famous Frodo Baggins.

"Poppie! You're still awake?" Asked Sam with a smile.

"I wanna say goodnight to Mr. Frodo."

Sam looked over at Frodo and grinned. Frodo turned in his seat to face the tot and held out his arms, inviting the girl to come and receive a hug. Poppie burst out into a giggle and rushed to the hobbit. Her little figure was hidden beneath Frodo's arms.

"Goodnight Mr. Frodo." Poppie whispered.

"Goodnight dear one." Returned Frodo.

The embrace soon ended and Poppie started to leave the kitchen, until Sam cleared his throat loudly. Poppie turned at the noise.

"No goodnight hug for your old grandpa?" He asked in mock disappointment.

Poppie smiled and rushed into the arms of Sam.

"Goodnight Grandpa."

"Goodnight Poppie. I love you."

Sam watched as the little girl hurried out of the room, on her way to bed. Frodo turned back to his half empty plate and said,

"I'm glad for you Sam."

"Pardon?"

"I'm glad you have a family. A nice family."

Sam nodded but couldn't help wonder if there was more to that statement than what Frodo was saying. After a moment of silence, Frodo clapped his hands on his knees.

"I suppose I shall be going." He said suddenly.

Sam opened his mouth in protest. "But- you just got here, where would you go?"

"I should like to see Merry and Pippin."

Sam gave his friend an odd look. "At this hour?"

"Don't they usually spend the evenings at The Green Dragon?"

Sam was quiet as he studied Frodo. "Not for a long time. They have families now of their own. Besides, they are traveling to Gondor for a visit."

Frodo did his best to hide his surprise. "Of course." He said matter of factly.

"Stay the night here, Mr. Frodo. We have an extra guest room."

Frodo let a smile of gratitude show. "Thank you, but I do not wish to impose."

Sam frowned. "I insist you stay with us."

Frodo nodded. "Alright Sam."

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Frodo let the warmth of the blanket and softness of the pillow take over his tired body. The window in the guest room was open and the warm summer air drifted through. The Shire was alive with the sounds of crickets chirping. Frodo was home and fell asleep instantly.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The smell of smoke was what woke Frodo. The scent grew stronger and made the hobbit cough. The door suddenly opened and Sam came hurrying in, clearly alarmed.

"Mr. Frodo! Wake up!"

"What is it Sam?" Frodo asked, instinct warning him of danger close by.

"Fire! The Shire's all ablaze!"

A/n
Who doesn't love cliffhangers?

OK so I apologize for this late update but I'm kind of taking my time on this to make sure the history is pretty accurate.

I'm so ready for some serious feedback so I highly encourage comments throughout this story.