“Ma?” Jayne couldn’t believe his eyes. If his jaw could have dropped any lower it would have been dragging on the ground. There, large as life and twice as beautiful, stood his mother, her white hair gleaming. His feet began to move of their own accord until he was running to her. “Ma?”

“Jayne!” She threw her arms around him. “Thought I’d not see you again,” she whispered, fighting back the tears.

He still couldn’t quite take it in, even as he hugged her tightly, not even able to take in the fact that Matty and Gilford were behind her. He lifted her up off the ground, her toes dangling. “Ma!”

It was a surprise , River’s voice sounded in his head as she walked behind to him. So she can see you being an honourable man.

“Put me down,” his mother insisted.

“Ma …” Jayne did as he was told and held her at arm’s length so he could look into her face. “You okay?”

Mrs Cobb laughed, sniffing slightly. “Don’t I look okay?”

“Only …” He glanced at Matty, who shook his head slightly, and Jayne’s gut tightened.

“I'm fine, Jayne,” Fionnula Cobb-Gilford insisted. “All the better for seeing you two, though.” She held out her arms. “And come here, girl.” She looked down at River’s belly. “Though not a girl no longer,” she said, smiling.

“Nearly a mother,” River said softly, stepping forward to let herself be enveloped, her eyes closing as she revelled in the closeness.

Kaylee, up on the ramp next to Simon, had to remember to close her mouth. And breathe. “I don’t believe it,” she whispered.

“Didn’t know that either?” her husband said, somewhat amused by the look on her face.

“No.”

“Neither did they, by the looks of things.” He nudged her so she’d look at Zoe and Hank who were equally amazed.

“I think it’s wonderful,” Inara said.

“Oh, me too,” Kaylee quickly agreed.

“Well, now,” Mrs Cobb said, letting go and straightening her dress. “This isn’t polite of me.” She smiled at Mal. “And how are you, Captain?”

“Shiny, and it’s still Mal, Mrs Cobb. M