Monty and his crew had gone, leaving Mal watching the departing ship with something like happiness running through his veins. It had been a good few days with them, and he felt rested. The fact that he’d also managed to get more time alone with Freya was a big part of it, of course, but he felt ready for most anything that the ‘verse could throw at him.

He should have known better, at least if the look on his first-mate’s face was anything to go by. She’d come up behind him on the bridge, watching him intently.

“What?” he asked, getting Serenity ready for flight.

“Sir …”

“Zoe, it ain't exactly been often I’ve seen you lost for words, so I’d appreciate it if you didn’t start now.” He glanced up at her. “Is there a problem?”

“Sir … I'm … I'm pregnant.” She waited for the explosion.

“Really.” Mal flipped a switch above him, then two more.

She stared at him, sitting in the pilot’s seat. “Sir, did you hear what I said?”

“I heard.” He turned to look at her, just the hint of a lift to his lips.

“You know.” She could hardly speak.

“That you were pregnant?” He shrugged, the lift getting higher.

“Did Simon tell you?”

Mal shook his head. “Doctor/patient stuff. No. Zoe, it wasn't that difficult to figure out.”

“What?” She closed her jaw with an audible sound. “How long?”

“Have I known?” He was smiling now. “A few days. And you shoulda told me before.”

She sat down next to him, unable to take her own weight. “Right.”

“Why didn’t you tell me before?” Mal asked, looking out into the bright sunlight, giving her a moment to compose herself.

“It … this baby … changes things.”

“Surely does.” He glanced at her. “Were you thinking on leaving me?”

“No.” Zoe was surprised. “I can honestly say that never entered my mind.”

“Good.” He relaxed a little. “Not sure I could take that.”

“But … another baby on board …”

He turned his seat to gaze at her. “Zoe, you’re my best friend. You’ve seen the worst of me, helped me when I was at my lowest,