Peter came back and set down his catch.

He'd done well this morning. He caught two rabbits and a gull. He was quite proud, as he often was when he could provide for his family.

Then he realized Moria was telling a story. He sat amongst the boys to listen.

He wasn't really listening to be honest. He was watching her. Her eyes sparkled as her lips moved.

Her lips.

They were the only things not Wendy and they were driving him crazy with feelings. Feelings he'd never had before. Feelings he liked and longed for every morning when he woke. He had to know if she felt them too.

He set it in his mind to ask.

************************************************************************

"So what happened to Huck Fin mother?" Whirly asked after she was done telling the story.

"He went to live with his aunt and Tom." She said.

"What of Jim?" Mags asked.

"He lived with them too." She said.

"So they all lived happily ever after?" Pib asked.

"Yes they did. They lived happily ever after." Moria said.

"Like you and father?" Whirly asked. Moria's eyes fell on Peter's. They sparkled with such joy that she felt her face burn as she blushed and smiled.

"Yes." She said softly. "Now... go out and play. I want two pieces of treasure from the pirates cove from each of you tonight at supper." She said.

"Yeah!" all the boys jumped up and ran from the home with their bows and slingshots. Peter stood up and smiled at Moria.

"What would you have me do mother?" he asked. She smiled.

"Do as you wish." She replied. "I'm going down to the falls to clean up." She said. Peter nodded.

Then Moria walked out of the home leaving him to his thoughts.