1. Never take your eyes off of any of them, not even for a second. They are small and fast.

Wash ran his fingers through his hair and took a deep breath and started looking frantically around the cargo bay again. Thoughts of his beloved wife strangling him danced in his head. Why would anyone think it was a good idea to leave him alone with 3 10 month babies was a good idea, even if the babies were his? This was the first time that he was ever alone with his children and he did the unthinkable. He lost one of them. Wash had only taken his eyes off of Mally for a second then he was gone. He looked in every storage, secret compartment, box, nook, and cranny but no sign of his eldest son. He went to check to see if the other two were where he left them. Amina stretched out her hands for him to pick her up.

“Poppa can’t pick you up right now sweetie. He’s gotta find your brother before your Momma comes back, and strangles, Poppa.” Wash kissed her on the head and continued his search.

Wash looked in every cabinet in the kitchen. There was still no sign of his son. He looked under the table and instead of the boy he saw his wife’s legs. Normally Wash would enjoy this moment staring at his wife’s legs, but not today.

“Sweetie…you’re back.” He grinned nervously. “And so soon.”

Zoë had Amina and Gabe in her arms. “Husband, is there a reason why our children were sitting in a box in the cargo bay? And when I left we had three children. Annnnd I count only two. Where’s the third?”

“Gorramit!” Jayne yelled.

Wash smiled. “Jayne’s got him.”

They went into the common’s area the source of Jayne’s cursing. Jayne came out the bathroom holding Mally at arm’s length.

“He’s a baby not a bomb, Jayne.” Zoë stated.

“Damn critter was in the john. And he smells funny.” Jayne handed the baby over to Wash. “Here take’m and keep him out of the john. Man can’t take a shower with another man looking at his bits and pieces.” Jayne stomped out the room.

Wash laughed nervously. “I’m gonna clean him up now.”

“Try not to l