“You did a good job,” Simon said, pulling Mal’s shirt back down. “A bigger scar than the ones he’s been used to lately, but it can’t have been easy.”

“No.” Hannah was standing stiffly, her arms wrapped around herself.

“And the cut will heal well. It isn’t deep. Probably not even leave much of a scar at all.”

“I've got enough of those already,” Mal said, smiling a little.

“I know. I've sutured more than I care to consider.” He dropped the detritus of his examination back in his bag.

“Watch it, doctor,” Mal added, the smile growing. “Or I might consider you’re not happy to have me back.”

“There were times I’d rather …” Simon stopped. “No. I am glad.” He pinked up a little. “But I think it’s time we got back to Serenity. Freya’s waiting.” He bit his lip. “Mal, there’s something I need to –“

“Can it wait a minute?”

“Well, I …” Simon began, then saw the look that passed between them. “Of course. I’ll … be outside in the mule.” He hurried out to where Zoe and Jayne were finishing cleaning up.

Mal stood up, pushing his shirt back into his pants. “I’m sorry,” he said, smiling sadly at her. “I wish I could be the man you wanted.”

She nodded. “I know.” A tear slipped down her cheek. “But you’ve got a family waiting for you. You’d best get …” She couldn’t stop the sob that broke out of her.

Suddenly Mal was standing close to her, holding her, his arms about her trembling body. “Shh,” he whispered. “Shh.”

“Don’t go,” she said through her weeping. “Stay here with us. Please, Ben.”

“Ain’t Ben,” he said regretfully. “Never was.”

“But we need you.” She leaned back to look into his blue eyes, so tender. “I need you.”

“Maybe you do.” He pushed the tears away with his fingers. “But I got a wife who needs me too. And more importantly, I need her. I love her, Hannah. With all my soul.”

“Don’t you care for me at all?”

He sighed. “I do. I care a lot. And if Frey wasn’t there, wasn’t waiting for me to come home, maybe …” He stroked her hair b