Author: hisgoodgirl

We Was A Family

Disclaimer: All belongs to Joss.

Pairing: References to Jayne/Kaylee, Mal/Inara

Rating: PG-13. Set long after the BDM; some characters have deceased.

Word Count: 1,614

A/N: Dedicated to my twin sons and to my own dearest bigbadman who stepped into our lives and became such a wonderful husband and father. Consider it a sequel to “Flesh To Clay”, although it was written long before. Comments are sincerely appreciated. Thanks!

X-posted from my LiveJournal

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My Dearest Son,

I hope you can understand me on this recorder. It's old an’ I don't know how good the sound will be. Thanks for your most recent recording. I know writin' is sometimes hard for you.

I'm glad to know that you’re well an’ that the job is working out for you. It's hard for me to realize you’re eighteen now an’ a grown man. I'm sorry I wasn't with you to celebrate your birthday, but it sounds like you an’ your buddies had a rare good time.

To be honest, I wasn't surprised when you asked about your daddy. I'd always figured that there'd come a time when you'd ask about him. I hope you can forgive me for not talking more about him all along. Truth is, it was just too hard.

But you deserve answers, son, an’ it's time I gave 'em to you.

Do you remember him at all, Matthew? You was such a little fella when we lost him. I do wish you couldda knowed him, an’ that he was here to see what a fine young man you've become. He'd be so proud a you, son.

When I look at the capture you sent me, I see so much of your pa, especially since you stretched out. Same blue-gray eyes an’ thick, dark hair. When you fill out a little more, I think you'll be nearly as big a man as he was, too.

We met when I was just a slip of a girl, not much older than you are now. I was working as a mechanic on a cargo ship an’ our captain hired this great big hunk of a fella as a mercenary. We both took t