A/N: Hello all - I am back from vacation and ready to finish up this series so we can start on the last part of the trilogy - A NEW DAY.

Thanks to Leiasky for the beta and the never-ending encouragement.

Please read and respond - it's the best part of fan fiction.

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A NEW BEGINNING, ch. 26: More to See

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Regan found River and Jayne sharing a quiet meal and while she was loathe to interrupt them, she had been avoiding this discussion for the past week. Entering the almost empty dining room, Jayne caught sight of her first and smiled in her direction, even as he nudged River with an elbow.

Turning shining eyes to her mother, River stood, as did Jayne, at her approach and gave her mother a hug before the older woman took a seat. “Are you hungry, mother?” River asked, looking about for the waiter. It was late, but the hotel they were staying at had quickly learned to lavish as much attention on these very important guests as possible, so while no one else was eating, the kitchen was still open to the Tams.

Shaking her head quickly, Regan smiled her thanks to her daughter, and told her, “No, sweetheart. I’m fine.”

Silence fell between them as Regan felt her unease growing. Picking up on it, River took one final sip of her drink and then grabbing for Jayne’s hand, she turned all of her attention to Regan. “What is it, mother?” As the older woman cocked a curious eyebrow in her direction, River frowned knowingly and told her, “I’m a reader, remember?”

Chuckling a bit, Regan answered her, “Yes, of course, how could I forget?”

“I know I can’t,” Jayne grumbled, getting a playful poke in the ribs from his wife. He grinned widely at her and pressed a kiss to her temple before leaning back in his seat, still keeping River’s hand in his. Regan smiled at their interaction, glad to see her daughter so happy.

“I wanted to come and ask you about those files,” Regan finally admitted, her eyes staying focused on River’s sweet face.

As she took a deep breath, Ri