They’d eaten, the tension of the last couple of days all but gone. Everyone was around the table, even Hank, who had insisted on leaving the infirmary. So far most of the talk was about the upcoming baby.

“A boy,” Kaylee repeated for the fiftieth time. “Can’t believe you two are gonna have a son.” She grinned. “Does Inara know?”

“That it’s a boy?” Hank shook his head. “Not yet. Thought we might save that for when we visit.”

“And when’s that gonna be, Cap’n?” The young mechanic turned to Mal.

Mal's jaw dropped. “You just left her a few days since!”

“And look what’s happened in the meantime.” Kaylee pouted. “Got a lot to say.”

“Well, it ain't gonna be for a week or so. Gotta deliver the goods to Paquin, then we’ve got another job lined up on Greenleaf. Can’t say no to work, Kaylee.”

“Not suggesting that,” Kaylee asserted. “But I'm sure there’s some stuff she needs. Be like having a job.”

Mal knew he wasn't going to win. Not with the looks Kaylee and Hank were giving him. Even Jayne looked anxious to get back to Lazarus. He gave in. “Talk to her. See what she might want. Maybe we can swing by after Greenleaf.”

Kaylee grinned. “ Xie xie , Cap’n.”

“Are we going to see Auntie ‘Nara?” Bethany asked indistinctly, sucking her spoon.

“Soon, sweetheart,” Simon said, taking the spoon from her and putting it on the table.

Jayne leaned forward. “Hey, I know a trick you can do with –“

“No.”

“We’ll be going there in a while,” Kaylee added, smoothing her daughter’s hair from her face.

“She got horses?”

“I don’t know. We can ask.”

Bethany grinned. “I like horses. Uncle Jayne lets me ride.”

Uncle Jayne gave her a look to shut her up, but she just smiled sweetly at him.

“Horses or not, we can tell her in person,” Hank said, nodding at Zoe. “Let her know about my son.” He sounded so proud.

“At long as he’s healthy,” Zoe said.

“He is,” Simon agreed. “The stun doesn’t seem to have affected either of you. Although I’d be curious to know h