The fires had finally died down, and once in a while a log broke open to release a haze of sparks into the night sky.

“Fireflies,” River said softly, cradled against Jayne’s chest. She’d had a couple of drinks, just to be sociable, and now felt decidedly fuzzy.

“’Cept those ones last only a second.” He grinned. “Aw, hell, he can’t play.”

“What?” She glanced up into his face. “Who?”

Jayne nodded towards the musicians. “That feller on the guitar. He keeps hitting bum notes.”

“Maybe you should take over.”

“Nah.” A chuckle rumbled through him. “Sure couldn’t do as bad, though.”

“No, I mean it. Why don’t you play?”

His hand, which had been stroking her shoulder, paused. “Ya think?”

“Sing for me, Jayne.”

“What’d ya wanna hear, moonbrain?”

“ A Maid A’Roving .”

“That’s too sad.”

“Would it make you cry?” she teased.

“Might. Wouldn’t do my rep any good if anyone saw me burst into tears.”

“Then what about Come Lay With Me ?”

“You suggesting I sing it, or do it?”

“Both.”

“Which first?”

“Song first, Jayne. Then we’ll see.”

He got to his feet and grinned. “Best offer I've had all day.”

---

Kaylee was watching Bethany as she played with some of the younger Frye cousins, her cousins, it took her mother a moment to realise.

“She’s a beauty,” Ellie said, coming up and putting her arm around her daughter. “Just like you.”

“I ain't beautiful, Momma.”

“Of course you are.”

“You have to say that. You’re my ma.”

“I don’t have to say anything, Kaylee.” She stroked her daughter’s shiny brown hair out of her face. “And you are.”

They stood together in companionable silence until Kaylee spoke again. “I wonder sometimes, if’n Bethany shouldn’t be with kids her own age.”

“And what’s that?”

“What?”

“Her age, Kaylee. She may not be three yet, on a calendar, but she’s older’n that. Ain't she?”

“Simon says she’s very advanced. And I can see it, course I can, and I’m proud’a her. But it worries me too.”

“That