" Hush, little baby, don't say a word,

Papa's gonna buy you a mockin' bird.

If that mockin' bird don't sing,

Captain's gonna steal you a diamond ring.

If that diamond ring turns brass,

River's gonna find you a lookin' glass... "

Mal turned to face River in the co-pilot's chair. She gazed out peacefully at the stars as she continued to hum.

"You know that ain't funny," he warned. She nodded. He looked back at the consul in front of him, trying to forget the way Inara had looked when he had left her shuttle.

"It wasn't meant to be," River replied. He sighed heavily, knowing River couldn't often help reading people, but still felt this was none of her business.

"This is none of your concern," he said softly. "You'd be doin' me a kindness if you left it alone."

"Pushing dust under a rug doesn't make it go away," she returned, still looking out at the darkness.

"River," he said sternly, turning to her again. "Leave it."

"Yes, Captain," she nodded. She looked at him, then, with those eyes that saw too much. He fought the urge to look away.

"I mean it," he insisted. She nodded again and turned back to the stars. He returned his gaze to the workings before him.

It had been several weeks since Mal and Inara had talked. The next day, she had taken on a client for a week. When she returned from that engagement, she explained she was going to have a full schedule for some time. She needed Mal to keep to his schedule.

Mal had agreed. Things ran smoother when she wasn't around and the jobs had been almost regular lately. He stuck to his schedule with only a few small changes that didn't concern Inara's dealings and spoke to her only at the few meals she attended.

He had almost forgotten about the child that never was...and never would be.

Today, however, Simon and Kaylee had announced their happy news. Inara had smiled and congratulated them. She had hugged Kaylee and the newly announced Aunt River. Mal watched her face light up and the joy that almost bubbled ou