Peter still had chores to do in the Goldberg Manor, which he quickly remembered that he had been neglecting since he had found Wendy. He excused himself from the family and went to dress in his work clothes. When he emerged from his room, he saw Wendy waiting for him in the hall.

"Would it be alright if I come with you? I can help you complete your chores."

"I wouldn't want you to work, sweetheart but I'd be glad of the company." She followed him to the barn and immediately the smell of horses and hay reached her. One of her first 'customers' had taken her in a barn…against her will. She shuddered and mentally slapped herself. Would there be a horrible moment for every place she went? No wonder Peter hadn't proposed to her. She was a mess. A horrible mess. Peter overturned a milk bucket for her to sit on and immediately set to grooming the horses. They talked quietly but Peter noticed the conversation was slightly forced. He wanted to ask her what was wrong but he didn't want to bring up any more painful memories. Stroking Nightingale's neck, he glanced at Wendy and asked her if she had ever been riding before.

"I used to go when I was a little girl. Father wanted me to learn the proper way but I loved it when I went with my brothers and I rode like they did. I haven't ridden in ages though."

"I give Victoria lessons every Tuesday and Thursday, I'll take you riding as well if you'd like."

"I would like that. Where did you learn to ride?"

"I'm not sure, to be frank. I might have known it when I was a boy, before I came to Neverland. I don't remember ever doing it in Neverland but I found out I could ride quite well when I came here and that's when Mr. Goldberg asked me to give Tori lessons. She's very patient and she's getting very good. She's like a little sister to me. If I had a sister. I don't know if I did or not." Wendy had never heard him talk of his family before. She wanted to ask him more but wasn't sure if that was a good topic for him or not. Instead, she stood and retrieved a brush from the hook on the column and started to brush Nightingale. The horse whinnied its approval at her tender hands and Wendy laughed.

"Seems like she likes you."

"Well good. I like her too. You're very good with the animals."

"That's how I got this job. Hook…well, he brought me to the Goldbergs and got me the job. Don't ask me why…I suppose he thought my memory would never come back and I would be away from Neverland forever."

"Hook thought he had gotten rid of me forever so there was no one to rescue you. He thought he had defeated us."

"He never will. He will never win, Wendy. I'll remain by your side forever. I promise." She smiled and he thought about the ring he was carrying in his pocket. He felt this was a good time as any but Victoria's words nagged at him and he looked down at his dirty work clothes. Deciding this was not the perfect time after all, he went back to brushing the horses then set to milking the cows. One of the dogs came into the barn and pawed at the bucket that Peter sat on. Laughing, he lifted one of the cow's teets and squirted some milk into the dog's hungry mouth. The cow mooed, as if she knew he was wasting her milk and he patted her hide.

"Don't worry, Gisele, it was a tiny bit." The cow mooed again and turned her head to continue munching on the hay in her bin.

"Wendy, do you want to do me a favor? Go ahead and open that bag of feed for me, there by the wall? Scoop out a bowl and put it in the bin for Bess. She's next and she won't give up her milk unless she's well fed." Wendy obeyed and completed her task quickly. Peter moved among the cows quickly, completing his chores with ease. Finally he stood up and brushed himself off.

"Well, my sweet. Shall we head back to the house?"

"Is this your life now, Peter? Chores, then dinner, then sleep?" Peter's smile faded slightly.

"I've changed, Wendy. A man has to work for a living. He has to learn to provide for his family."

"And will you continue this life, now that you know who you are?" Peter's brow furrowed. He knew what she was asking but he didn't know how to answer. She watched him, waiting for an answer.

"I'm a man now and Neverland won't change that. Yes, I'll continue to work for a living. To provide for you and give you all of the things that you deserve."

"I'm not your wife, you needn't provide for me." Peter was surprised at her tone and studied her face.

"I know that…but perhaps one day you will be?" It was more of a question than a statement and one that Wendy couldn't answer. Without a word, she turned in the direction of the house and a bewildered Peter followed her. He watched her walk up to her bedroom, his brow furrowed. What had he said that had upset her so? Sighing, he walked to his room and quietly changed for dinner. He caught his reflection in the mirror and sighed. So much had changed. Could things ever be the same for them? He didn't think so. He felt the ring in his pocket and he drew in a sharp breath. It didn't sound as if she wanted to marry him…should he even ask? He opened the box and stared at the perfect ring inside. Had he really found Wendy or was she still lost to him?

In her bedroom, Wendy leaned against the door and did her best to contain her tears. She knew he didn't mean it in the way she had interpreted but it sounded as if she would be a burden. His burden. She didn't want it to be that way. She could work and earn her keep too. He needn't work his life away just to make her happy, but could she convince him of that? She stared at her reflection and tears filled her eyes. Too much had changed. She was so messed up, she didn't think things could ever be the same between them. Something had broken inside her and she didn't think it would ever be healed. And Mrs. Goldberg had mentioned this morning that he was going to propose…could she really ask THE Peter Pan to settle down and live the life of a man? Once again thoughts of leaving in the dead of night crossed her mind but she knew she couldn't do that to him. She knew it would hurt him deeply. But she couldn't stay here and live off the hospitality of the Goldbergs. And she couldn't let herself become Peter's burden for the rest of his life. She flung herself on the bed and succumbed to her tears.

Victoria pressed her ear against the door and her eyes widened when she realized the snuffling sound from inside was crying. Why was Wendy crying? She wanted to go in and comfort her but she knew that was Peter's job and she knew Wendy would want him instead of her. She walked down the hall and knocked quietly on Peter's door.

"Oh Tori. I'm sorry, this really isn't—"

"Peter, I think Wendy needs you." He opened the door a bit wider, looking concerned.

"Why? What's happened?"

"I just hear her crying in her room. I think she needs you to comfort her." Peter rushed past her, quickly buttoning his shirt as he walked and stopped in front of Wendy's door. He raised his hand to knock but then leaned in to listen and sure enough he did hear her crying. He hesitated for a moment, wondering if he should really go in there or give her some privacy. He stood there in a silent battle with himself until Tori gave him a little push and he slowly opened the door and peered inside. Wendy was draped across her bed, her face buried in the pillows. He closed the door as quietly as he could and approached her still form. Wendy had developed excellent hearing and she jumped to her feet and spun around. He held his hands up in surrender and stopped in his tracks.

"It's just me. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to sneak up on you."

"What are you doing in here?"

"I…I heard you crying and thought…" he trailed off, looking down at the floor. Ugh why had he become such a spineless git? He looked back at her and moved toward her, reaching out to cup her face. Surprisingly, she did not push him away.

"Wendy. I'm so sorry if I upset you." She stood where she was, allowing him to caress her cheek, secretly desiring more of his touch.

"You didn't upset me."

"Then what's wrong? Please, Wendy, tell me. You can tell me anything. Nothing has changed between us. I know a lot has changed but not between us. Why have you closed off from me?"

"I…I can't explain." Peter's finger went underneath her chin and he forced her to look into his eyes.

"Yes, you can," he said gently but firmly. Tears welled up in her eyes and she tried to look away but he held her in place. She tried a different tactic and attempted to shuffle to the side, to move away from him but his hands went to her arms and pinned them against her side. Stunned, she stared at him and his face was resolute.

"I'm not releasing you until you tell me what is wrong. The truth." His grasp slackened and his face softened. "Please."

"Peter…it's complicated."

"Then uncomplicate it," he said simply. He almost looked like the little boy she remembered so well.

"I'm a mess, Peter. An utter failure. I know, I know you said last night that I was the only one you want and all of that but the fact is…I'm damaged. Something inside me is broken. What if it can't be fixed? What if I'm too damaged to be loved? You deserve someone whole and healthy and happy. Unbroken. I know you told me not to say that but it's true. Even the way you spoke about providing for me. I don't want to be your burden, Peter. Your responsibility. No wonder you don't want to marry me, if that's all I'm going to be. Please…Please, Peter, don't feel obligated to stay with me. If things have changed so much between us that you might not feel as strongly as you once did, tell me now and—" she stopped, for her mouth had been covered by his as he ran his hands up and down her arms. She whimpered against his mouth, wanting to continue her explanation but needing to be with him. He continued his passionate conquest of her mouth and slowly backed her up against the bed, until she felt the backs of her legs meet the ledge and she fell back onto the soft surface. He followed her down, never breaking their kiss and his hand gently stroked down her body. Her fingers intertwined in his curls and he lowered his head to the edge of her dress where he nuzzled at the neckline with his nose. Finding her hardened nipple through the cloth, he leaned down and took it in his mouth, his growing need for her need pressing against her lower region. She arched her back and groaned as he fought to get to the flesh underneath the material. In minutes he had her dress off and was straddling her, still fully clothed. He stared down at her with a loving gaze, his hand brushing her cheek.

"You're wearing too many clothes," she remarked and he grinned.

"Should we fix that?"

"I think we should," her nimble fingers made quick work of his clothing and they joined hers on the floor. Their flushed skin together once more, he leaned down and adorned her face with kisses as he rode out his passion. Keeping their moans to a minimum lest Victoria (or anyone else) was listening at the door, they reached their peak quickly and rested in each others' arms, not wanting to break their intimate embrace. Peter pushed himself up and pushed a strand away from her face.

"Wendy…I don't know how you can continue to think I don't love you. I love you with all my heart and soul. I don't think I can say that enough. There is nothing inside you that is broken beyond repair. And I fully intend to fix anything that needs mending. It just needs time. I didn't mean to upset you with the talk of marriage but why in the world would you think that I don't want to be married to you?"

"Mrs. Goldberg mentioned that you were going to ask me last night. And after my little emotional breakdown in bed…I didn't think you would want to be married to me. I'm in such emotional turmoil." Shaking his head, he smiled and gently touched her lip, then leaned down to kiss her.

"Victoria said I had to wait until the perfect time and do it in a very clever way. But since I don't know anything about marriage or how a proposal is supposed to go, I think this is the perfect way." He slid off of her and reached for his trousers and brought out a small velvet box, making her eyes go wide. She sat up and his gaze captured hers.

"It may not be the perfect place but I think this is the perfect moment. In the afterglow of our lovemaking, in your arms- the most perfect place there is- I ask you to be mine forever. Never feel like you're not enough for me. Never feel that you are taking something away from me. Give me all of your love and your heart and I will be the happiest boy in the world. Your love will make me crow again. Wendy Darling, say that you'll be my wife." He opened the box and she stifled a cry at the ring inside. It was truly remarkable and her eyes filled with tears as she looked back at him and nodded emphatically. Leaning forward to kiss her again, his hand crept up behind her neck and pulled her close. He took her hand and slid the ring onto her finger and she wound her arms around his neck and pulled him down on top of her. They lay there, in each others' loving embrace for what seemed like a sweet eternity. A sudden knock jolted them out of their basking and they heard a voice whispering, "Peter, Daddy's coming!" Peter jumped out of the bed and dressed more quickly than he had ever done. Wendy wasn't quite as quick but she made sure she looked presentable as the moment they heard a knock on the door, Peter flung it open to greet Mr. Goldberg.

"Peter, m'lad. I'm sorry to bother you but I've just had Mister Miles stop by with his horses and I'm afraid I don't have your eye when it comes to picking from those animals."

"Of course, sir," Peter stood up proudly and made to follow Mr. Goldberg but stopped and turned back to Wendy.

"Would you care to join me, dearest? You may find a mare you like as well." Wendy put her hand in his and together they followed Mr. Goldberg out to the barn.

The two men haggled and discussed while Peter, Wendy, and Tori walked among the horses. Wendy thought they were all marvelous but Peter was lifting their legs, studying their hooves, running his hand along their flanks. Tori fell in love with a chestnut mare and begged her father to purchase her. Peter quietly pointed out to Mr. Goldberg which horses looked the strongest and the fastest. Wendy couldn't tell but her eyes fell on one particular mare near the end of the line. She was as black as night but her coat was faded and dirty and she looked like she had been through some rough times. Wendy started to walk toward her and the man cleared his throat.

"That one there won't do you any good, Miss. Been through the mill, this one. She's bound for the factory any day now, it seems. Shame, that. She looks like she would have made a fine horse." Wendy ignored the man and hesitantly approached the mare. The mare was skittish and she stomped her hooves nervously. But Wendy put out a kind hand and stroked her muzzle and the mare calmed down. The men watched her with wide eyes. Wendy's soft hands ran up and down the mare's coat, noting her unique markings of a white star on her forehead. Her black mane was tangled and Wendy noted how skinny she was. She didn't notice that Peter had come up behind her until he lay a hand on her shoulder.

"She seems quite taken with you. Mr. Miles says she won't last much longer."

"That's not true," Wendy said, never taking her eyes off the horse, "she just needs some care to return her to her former glory. She's been through some ordeals but love will help revive her and make her young and beautiful again." Peter stared at Wendy's face, which was turned toward the horse and a smile crossed his face.

"Add this one to the list, Mr. Goldberg," Peter said, turning back to the men. Mr. Goldberg, smiling, paid Mr. Miles and shook his hand. Peter helped Mr. Miles load the rest of the mares into the trailer and watched them drive off. Tori took charge of her chestnut,hvg which she quickly named Penny. She and Mr. Goldberg led the other horses inside and showed them their stalls. They had four new horses in total, three mares and one stallion. Peter and Wendy led the black mare into the stall and Wendy set to grooming her immediately. Peter could only watch her; something had seemed to come over her and she couldn't tear her eyes away from the horse.

"What will you call her?" Finally, she turned to him, her eyes wide.

"I'm allowed to pick a name?"

"I do believe she's yours," he said with a smile. "So?"

"Epona," Wendy said quietly, turning back with the brush in hand. "She was the moon goddess in Celtic mythology, as well as the goddess of fertility and dreams. Epona fought long and hard for her family and when she finally triumphed, the battle had taken so much out of her. But the love of her family kept her strong and happy." Peter walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, resting his chin on her shoulder. Her hair smelled of honey and sunshine, a smell that had taunted him when he had first taken her to Neverland.

"I think it's perfect," he whispered against her skin. He unwound his hands and picked up a brush as well. Wendy was determined to show the beauty underneath the dirt and grime and sure enough, when Tori and Mr. Goldberg came around the corner, Epona's coat looked blacker than ink. She now had a glossy look to her and her mane looked softer than a raven's wing. Mr. Goldberg whistled.

"My goodness, Miss Darling, you have that mare looking brand new. I hardly recognize her. I think I should hire you around the barn to groom the animals while I find Peter some more serious work." Wendy blushed but looked pleased.

"She has a kind hand to go along with her sweet heart, Mr. Goldberg. I'm sure she would do a wonderful job tending to the animals." Wendy looked quickly at him and he hid a smile.

"Yes, well, let's discuss it over dinner, shall—" he stopped in midsentence, his eyes catching a gleaming on Wendy's finger as she lifted her hand to brush her hair away from her face.

"By George! Let's see that ring, Wendy! Peter, you old rascal, why didn't you tell us?"

"I haven't had the chance to, sir," Peter said, going red. Wendy lifted her hand for him to examine the ring and he nodded in approval.

"Eleanor will want to congratulate you. And scold you for not telling her immediately." His eyes twinkled as he gestured for them to follow him back to the house. Wendy gently kissed Epona's muzzle before she took Peter's arm and followed them.