Freya stood in the doorway of the galley and watched Hank and Zoe on the bridge, being so polite to each other, and felt annoyance wash through her. “They’re no further on,” she said, shaking her head and coming back to the table.

“They’re going out today,” Kaylee said, jiggling Bethany over her shoulder.

“Yes, but with the rest of us.”

“No, they’re going out out.”

“ Out out? As in date out?”

“Well, I'm not sure about a date …”

Freya sat down. “And who told you?”

“Hank. He sort of wanted permission so he and Zoe could slip away. In case I got upset.” She smiled. “As if I would.” Bethany burped satisfactorily.

“Are you sure that’s Simon’s baby?” Freya asked. “Only she sounds a lot more like Jayne.”

Kaylee looked scandalised. “Are you suggesting –“

“No, no,” Freya said quickly. “I’ll hold off on that until she says her first word.”

“She is not gonna grow up cussing,” Kaylee said firmly. “Ain't gonna happen.”

“Right,” Freya said, nodding unconvincingly. “On this boat. With this crew. All so gentlemanly and ladylike that they never say a rude word.”

Inara giggled slightly. “Of course they don’t,” she agreed. “It’s all in Kaylee’s imagination.”

“And of course Kaylee never swears.”

“Never.”

Kaylee looked from one to the other then laughed. “You two oughtta be ashamed of yourselves.”

“Nope, that ain't gonna happen either,” Freya promised, smiling.

River glanced up towards the bridge. “He’s doing it again.”

“Doing what, honey?” Inara asked.

“Thinking about her. In bed. But he’s not saying anything.” She looked at the others who were staring at her. “Well, he’s so loud .”

“So he pussy-foots,” Freya said in disgust. “Doesn’t he know that’s the one thing she can’t abide?”

“He’s hoping so hard,” River replied, picking up a coloured pencil. “He wants it so badly but he’s scared.” She touched the picture gently. “And they did kiss last night.”

The women stared at her.

“They did what?” Freya asked, leanin