Not edited.

Peter and Maggie were unusually quiet through dinner although it could be said that with all the people sitting around the table that they couldn't get a word in edgewise.

At least that's what could be said if there were small glances between the pair. It was obvious without it screaming out that something had happened.

As a quiet observer Tara was used to reading situations and people. Her true self was only ever present with the people she felt comfortable with and right now she was feeling just a little overwhelmed by the power that radiated off Lucas' older brothers. Not that she was afraid, just a little intimidated and because of that she sat back quietly watching and observing.

Peter shifted in his seat again. While joining in on the conversation she was blatantly aware that his mind was elsewhere. That's why she started to watch and see if she could work out what the problem was.

The problem was Maggie. But why? Why was Maggie making him feel uncomfortable?

And Maggie herself? Her eyes basically never left the table unless someone said her name.

Everyone else was oblivious as to what was happening with the two oldest residents of the household. No one realised, no one saw and it was clear that Maggie and Peter wanted to keep it that way.

Except she couldn't accept that. Two people she loved were uncomfortable and that was unacceptable.

Peter picked up the coffee mug and realised that the coffee was long gone. His lips fell to a stern straightness as he looked at the bottom of the mug. He recalled the events of the afternoon and felt like a fool. A pathetic old fool.

Being left in the house with Maggie in their own had started out just fine. They'd sat quietly chatting over a pot of coffee and some of Maggie's special recipe chocolate cupcakes.

Their talk revealed that they had more in common than either of them imagined. They both had a love for reading and as it turned out Peter realised that he, well his pseudonym, was one of Maggie's favourite authors. He knew that sales were going well but to hear that someone like Maggie enjoyed reading his work filled him with an enormous amount of pride. So much so that he almost revealed the truth to her.

He'd chosen not to in the end and let her continue to believe that her favourite writer was a woman and not a guy. It wasn't as if he wrote those silly love stories that women gushed over. No, his stories were more like those of Agatha Christie with just touch of romance. He didn't feel he could write more romantically if he tried. It'd been nearly twenty years since there'd been any real romance in his life.

His wife, his ex-wife, changed almost as soon as the wedding ring was on her finger. Any attempt on his part to romance her was usually met with a very curt 'waste of money' comment. He'd even tried growing his own flowers and picking bunches for her until the day when she told him that picking them ruined the display the neighbours always raved about.

No, he'd never write a full on romance, nor did he believe that romance really existed. That was why this whole situation with Maggie was so confusing.

They'd smiled, joked, laughed and talked about some pretty serious things but after that one awkward moment as they were preparing dinner together he didn't know where things stood.

Now she wasn't really looking at him and everytime she looked she dropped her head and if he wasn't mistaken she was also blushing. What did all this mean?

Would they lose the friendship they'd gained? Would they avoid one another? He bit back a groan of annoyance.

This shouldn't have happened! If only they hadn't both reached up to the cupboard at the same time! If only he hadn't looked down into those beautiful brown eyes. If only... if only he hadn't been a gentleman and stepped back!

Now he was atuck wondering what the hell it'd be like to kiss those perfect pink lips and to hold her gorgeous curves against him.

There were people in the world who'd look at Maggie's body and instantly be turned off by the size of her hips but not him. From the moment he first saw her he felt something, stirrings if you will, within him. She was a beautiful curvacious woman who woke up dormant feelings that he'd thought were dead after his ex-wife told him how disgusting his drive for sèx was.

Hell, at one point he'd even jokingly told Keiran he was considering joining the priesthood because abstinence wasn't a problem.

Not any more. Abstinence was quickly becoming an issue and if he stayed around Maggie too long then it'd be an issue of major proportions. But he wanted to risk it.

What did she think of him? Was she interested? He could only hope!

The final chatter over the dinner table died down and they all drifted to various parts of the house... all except Peter and Maggie who were left in the kitchen.

"Maggie..."

"Would you like a cup of tea Peter? I'm just going to make one before I..."

"No Maggie. I don't want a cup of tea... and neither do you."

She turned quickly from the kitchen counter and jumped as she realised how close he was standing.

"Peter..." he voice was soft and nervous.

"We can't do this Maggie. This thing between us. I know you feel it."

Maggie wrenched her hands shakily and looked to the ground to see Peters' shoes step closer.

"I'm too old for you Peter."

He scoffed.

"Don't make decisions for me Maggie. I don't think your age is a problem. I have no idea where this will go but I won't walk away."

She watched as his hands closed over hers and slowly pulled them apart. He felt so warm!

Tara watched with a grin as Peter pulled Maggie into him. She gasped as he lowered his head and had to slap a hand over her mouth to stop a Keiran style scream from coming out.

It was definitely time for her to leave and as she walked away with an almost spring in her step she stopped suddenly on the stairs. If Peter and Maggie could find happiness then maybe...

Her eyes bulged as a realisation washed over her. When did it happen? Why didn't she see it before this? Sure she was still scared but wasn't that normal? Now as she thought of the one person who made her insides twist into tiny little knots she couldn't push it away. It was there... to stay... and she was frightened.

She moved slowly up the stairs. She didn't want to even think the words let alone say them.

Keiran met her at the top of the stairs and took one look at her face and quickly asked what was wrong.

She looked at him. She couldn't hide anything from him so there was no point in trying. She gulped.

"I love Lucas."

Keiran looked at her in shock before grabbing hold and dancing her around the hallway.

"Dad's kissing Mum."

Keiran skidded to a halt and for the first time in forever he was speechless.

Then he laughed uncontrollably.

"About damn time you both woke up!"