Bilbo surprised himself at how easily he could smile to all sitting around the table, even at Sara, though he did not tempt fate by walking near the man. Rory sat at one end, Gilda at the other. None of the children were to be seen, though a general mess on the table to either side of Sara indicated that Merle and Merry had already eaten and departed. He loves them so, how could he? Frodo had not shown up. Bilbo paused by Gilda’s chair long enough to greet her and kiss her good morning, then found a seat next to Esmie.