Billa rose from her sleep when she heard the sound so tiny feet scurrying to her room. Her heart sank when she realized she had slept in and Frodo once again had to make not only himself something to eat, but her as well. She tried to shrink into her bed at the thought. Again, this wasn't hobbit like behavior, nor that of a woman who was to be a mother. She had taught Frodo to cook and it wasn't unheard of for hobbits to settle into doing such things at a young age, but still it was her job to care for him, not the other way around. Tears started to creep into the corners of her eyes, when there was a knock on her door. The hobbit quickly whipped her eyes and forced a smile.

"Come in." She said trying to sound cheerful.

A small boy ran in with a mop of curly black hair and sharp blue eyes, "I made breakfast so it's time to wake up!" He said happily as he jumped onto the bed.

Billa pulled her nephew in for a hug, "Thank you my sweet boy. I will dress and be out shortly."

Frodo kissed her cheek and nodded before he ran out of the room, closing the door behind him.

Billa took a few deep breaths and mustered the strength to get out of bed and dress herself. Everything she did, even breathing felt like it was more effort than it was worth. She also had to force herself to eat, or else she would wither away. What she wouldn't give to just fall asleep wake up somewhere else or not at all. Still, she knew she couldn't let that happen, Frodo needed her and she wouldn't abandon him.

After she dressed she looked herself up and down in the mirror. Her vest pulled tight over the now showing swell of her belly. She ran a hand over it and felt like she might vomit. She knew she was going to need new clothes soon, but that would mean having to go into town and face the stares and whispers. The tears started to comeback and Billa fought them back. She couldn't afford to get lost in such weighty thoughts. Frodo needed her up and running.

Frodo was waiting for her excitedly for her in the dining room, clearly proud of his small breakfast he had made for the two of them. Billa was proud too. As soon as she sat down the small hobbit started piling food onto her plate.

"Sorry there isn't any sausages or ham. I still can't cook those." Frodo said as he scooped some grits onto her plate.

The older hobbit grabbed Frodo and pulled him into another hug and kissed him on the forehead, "Don't be! I am so proud of you and the eggs smell delicious."

Frodo perked back up and give his aunt a big hug of his own, "I am proud of you too!"

Billa felt her throat tighten up. She loved that boy more then he would ever know. That he was the main reason she hadn't just let herself kill over.

"I made sure I put enough on the plate for both you and the baby." Frodo said as he nodded in approval of his actions.

Billa chuckled and thanked him before she started eat. Though she wasn't hungry and the thought of eating everything on her plate made her feel a little ill, she had too. Not only for the baby, but so Frodo thinks she is doing better.

As they finish their breakfast Frodo speaks up again, "Auntie, do you think we can work in the garden today?"

It dawned on Billa they hadn't started a new garden yet, "Of course! That sounds like a splendid idea."

Frodo wiggled joyfully in his chair. It did lighten Billa's heavy heart to see her nephew smile so.

"I will take care of the dishes while you go get the tools, okay?" Billa offered.

There wasn't even an answer Frodo flew from his chair and out of the dining room. Billa chuckled as she grabbed the dishes. Maybe today wouldn't be so bad.

Billa and Frodo got most of the flowerbeds done before Samewise came over asking if Frodo could play. After assuring Frodo she would be fine the young hobbit ran off to play with his friend. Billa decided this was an opportune time to go make herself some tea. She stood and brushed her skirt and knees off before she headed back into her home.

The water was just starting to boil when there was a knock on her door. Billa froze for a moment fearful of who it might be. Since Frodo was out playing with Sam, she didn't think it was Hamfast for his wife. No one came to visit her except them or…

"Billa Baggins, are you home?" a voice boomed, though still sounded gentle.

The hobbit smiled and quickly made her way to the door.

"Gandalf!" She beamed as she opened the door.

The old wizard greeted her with a tip of his hat and a warm smile, "Billa Baggins I am glad to see you up and about."

"I am about to pour some tea, would you like some?" She asked stepping aside so he could walk in.

The wizard frowned, "I am afraid I can't stay long. I came because I have to ask a dire favor of you."

"Anything." Billa piped up without thinking.

Gandalf was one of the few people who has been there for her and hasn't judged her for the state her life was in. Sometimes he would even bring different foods and spices from the human settlements just for her and Frodo. Also he on more than once occasion stayed late telling Frodo stories of myth and legend. It was because of him Frodo longed to venture out of the shire to see elves.

"A friend of mine has fallen on a rough time and needs a place to stay. His nephews also seem to have followed him," Gandalf knew asking Billa is three men who are complete strangers to her, stay in her home was a lot, "They will do anything you ask and are hard workers. My friend is a kind sort, despite his cold demeanor."

Billa felt a knot in her stomach and placed a hand over her small swell. If this had been anyone else she would have said no instantly. However, this was Gandalf, and he wouldn't just let some vagabonds into her home. He also did say this man was a friend, but she wasn't sure how well a human or an elf would fair in her home. Yet, if he thought she could help, she didn't want to pass up the chance to be useful. It was un-hobbit like to not help a friend in need.

"Of course they can stay, and for as long as they like." Billa said finally answering.

The relieved look Gandalf gave her put her at ease a little.

"I must head back and tell them of this. Thank you Billa, I am sure you are just what he needs. They will be arriving tonight sometime; more than likely around super." Gandalf said before tipping his hat and seeing himself out.

Billa barely caught what he said and when she did he was already gone and she was one confused hobbit.

Billa spend the rest of the day trying to tidy up her hole and getting the guest bedrooms ready. When Frodo returned with Sam asking if he could stay over at his place for dinner, Billa said no and explained they were having friends of Gandalf over. The small hobbit was first saddened he missed the wizards visit, but it quickly passed and turned into excitement that friends of his would be staying.

He said good-bye to Sam and helped Billa prepare something for dinner. She decided a simple roast would do for the first time meeting them. However, all this movement and excitement was taking a toll on her. As time drew on and the sun sat behind the hills she felt like her bones were turning into jelly and she her heart was racing.

There was a heavy knock on the door that seemed to kill all noise. Billa paled a bit and told Frodo to wait in the kitchen. He was sure it was Gandalf's friends, but Billa wasn't so sure. She was trembling by the time she reached the door. As she opened the door there stood three dwarves. Her heart seemed to stop. Two looked ruggedly handsome while one had a baby face. She had heard how rambunctious dwarves were and greedy. She also heard they were as cruel as humans. Billa didn't wait for them to get a single word out she slammed the door on them and locked her door. Panic started to grip her.

What do three dwarves want with me? What if they are Highwaymen?

Billa fell to her knees in fear.

Thorin looked at the door that was just slammed on him and his nephews. He would be outraged if Gandalf didn't explain a few things to him. He wished the wizard hadn't been so vague though, but perhaps it was the hobbit's story to tell and not his. He looked back at the entry to the property and saw Gandalf walking up.

"She slammed the door on us." Kili pouted.

"Oh dear, that might be my fault." Gandalf said with a small frown, "Billa Baggins, it's alright this is my friend and his nephews." Gandalf said loud enough for her to hear him through the door,

A moment later the door opened again, however Thorin didn't get a real chance to look at his future host. Kili and Fili blew past him grabbing the hobbit as they entered the house. The two went on about how cute and doll like she looked. He also caught some muttering about keeping her.

Thorin walked in and got the first real look of Billa. He wished she didn't look so scared. Her caramel colored curls bounces as she moved her gaze from one nephew to the next. Her hazel eyes were breathtaking. The former prince noticed her vest pulled tightly around her belly. He was sure is idiotic nephews didn't notice, but he did. She wasn't just round like the other hobbits. Thorin felt like he swallowed a rock. He didn't want him and his family to burden her.

"Stop it you two!" Thorin growled.

Billa jumped with his nephews and the older dwarf frowned. He didn't mean to scare her.

"Introduce yourself proper to her." Thorin scolded.

"Kili."

"Fili."

"At your service." They said together and took a deep bow.

Before Thorin could introduce himself a small child ran out of one of the rooms. His black curls bouncing as he ran.

"I am Frodo Baggins," Frodo said as he ran up, "Gandalf are these your friends?"

"Yes my dear boy they are." Gandalf said with a smile.

Kili and Fili quickly stole the child's attention with their admiration for something small and cute. As the two played with Frodo and introduced themselves to him Thorin thought this would be the perfect time to greet Billa properly.

When he looked back over at her though, she looked pale and like she was barely standing, her body trembling, "Lady Baggins, are you feeling well?"

She tried to answer him it looked like but no words came out and her composure was crumpling.

"Maybe you should sit down." Thorin said worriedly as he moved towards her, fearful she was about to fall.

When he reached her he asked if the babe was alright. The look he got was on of terror and humiliation. She mumbled something and then collapsed. Thorin was thankful he was right there to catch her.