The day was warm and golden, and Merry and I had just settled ourselves on the fence by Bag End, enjoying the easy breeze and plotting our next bit of fun. The unmistakable sound of clattering wheels interrupted our plans, though, and I looked up to see Gandalf’s old cart rolling down the path. My heart lifted; the wizard’s visits always promised a little excitement, maybe even a firework or two if we were lucky.

Gandalf spotted us and gave a friendly but gruff nod as he pulled his cart to a stop nearby. His sharp gaze settled on us both, a warning in his eyes. Ah, there would be no mischief near his cart today, it seemed.

"Good afternoon, Peregrin Took," Gandalf said, his voice laced with mock severity. "And you too, Meriadoc. *Stay away from my wagon—and my fireworks, especially*." He raised a bushy eyebrow, making it clear he wasn’t in the mood for any of our usual tricks.

I opened my mouth to respond, but then I saw her—a figure beside Gandalf on the cart, someone I’d never seen before...

She was... breathtaking. Truly, I could barely think of a word for it. The hood of a traveling cloak framing fairest face I'd ever laid eyes on, like she’d walked out of one of Bilbo’s tales of Elves.

I was struck in a way that left me entirely speechless, a novelty in itself...

I could feel my heart hammering in my chest, and for once in my life, I didn’t have a single clever thing to say. My thoughts jumbled together, and all I knew was that I had to meet her. Somehow, I couldn’t imagine a day going by without hearing her voice or seeing that soft gaze settle on me.

As Gandalf made to flick the reins and move along, I jumped off the fence, practically tripping over my own feet in my haste. “Wait, Gandalf, please!” I blurted, louder than I meant to. “You haven’t—well, you’ve got to introduce us, don’t you? It's only polite, sir!”

Merry snorted beside me, elbowing my side. But I didn’t care. My heart was racing, and I felt a strange, sudden fear that if I let her leave now, I’d never see her again.

Gandalf rolled his eyes, sighing as though I’d asked him to recite the history of Middle-earth backward. "Oh, very well," he muttered, though he looked distinctly impatient to be on his way. He turned to her, waving a hand in our direction. “Peregrin Took, Meriadoc Brandybuck—this is a traveler of mixed heritage, part Fallowhide and part of the race of Men. Quite a rare mix, I assure you.”

I barely heard his words, still stunned as my gaze met hers.

Warmth flooded my chest, a feeling so intense it was almost unsettling. My mind whirling at the intensity of the feelings welling so suddenly within me.

Oh, how I adored her—though I couldn’t say why. All I knew was that the Shire suddenly felt brighter, livelier, and I couldn’t imagine it without her in it.

Gandalf was already moving on, his words hurried as he explained they would be staying only a few days here in the Shire before continuing their journey. Only a few days—that was all the time I’d have to win her over, to convince her that the Shire was where she belonged... with me.

“Welcome to the Shire,” I managed, my voice unsteady as I spoke. “If you need anything—anything at all—well, I’m at your service.” I flashed her a crooked grin, hoping my nerves didn’t show too much.

I wouldn’t waste a single second.

I had to show her all the beauty of the Shire, every hidden grove and winding path, and every last corner of Hobbiton worth exploring. I had to convince her Hobbiton was meant to be her home- and I was meant to be at her side... and only a few days time to do it in!