Part I

“Inara, stop fussing.”

“Mal, you’re not the one who’s pregnant!”

Serenity’s captain grinned. “If I was we’d all be fussing.”

“If you were I’d sell tickets,” Simon said, pushing him out of the way. “Let me get Zoe inside.”

“I am perfectly capable of walking.” Zoe shrugged off his hands.

“And it’s icy around here. You either let me help you, or Jayne carries you. Which would you prefer?” The young doctor fixed her with his professional eye.

“Then I’ll graciously accept your arm.”

Serenity had landed on Lazarus as the sun set, segueing into its long period of winter night, and the bright pinks and purples lit the sky in welcome. If the actual touchdown was a little rocky, everyone gave Hank the benefit of the doubt.

Inara was waiting, bundled up in her heavy coat, and in the doorway of the house Mrs Boden and her husband lurked. At the windows were the Reilly girls, noses pressed to the cold glass.

Hank bustled down the stairs from the bridge. “ I’ll help her,” he said, pushing his arms into his coat.

“Thank you, dear,” Zoe said, smiling at him. They walked … rather, Hank walked and Zoe waddled … down the path towards the house.

Mal sighed and looked at Freya, who was sitting on one of the crates in her own brown coat, trying unsuccessfully not to smile. “Hey, it ain't funny.”

“Yes it is.”

“You wait. When you’re looking like that again, we’ll see if you think it is.”

“And you’re not even the father of this one.” They exchanged a look and Mal sighed.

Kaylee walked out of the common area, Ethan toddling next to her holding her hand. “Aw, they gone already?”

“Just this second.” Freya got off the crate and went down onto her heels, holding out her arms. “Hey, there, honey,” she said, and Ethan crossed the bay unsteadily to her.

“Mama,” he said, smiling hugely.

She pulled the collar of his little coat up higher around his neck. “You ready?” she asked.

“Snow?” he asked, waving his arms, the gloves on a string w