Conversations after …

“Did you know about this?” Simon asked, cornering Freya as everyone surged around the tables piled high with the wedding breakfast, despite it now being gone noon.

“What?”

“The tattoos.”

“No, I didn’t. But I think it’s entirely appropriate.” She smiled. “And it’s kinda nice.”

“Nice?”

“It’s a commitment, Simon. They love each other, and to them it’s going to be forever.” She glanced down at her own hand, at the two rings Mal had placed there so often. “And tattooed rings just go to prove it. You know Jayne’s going to spend the rest of his life making sure your sister’s happy, don’t you?”

“However long that is?” He couldn’t help asking. Jayne was still a gunman, and their lives were still dangerous at times …

“However long.”

He looked at her, into her clear hazel eyes. “Can you … see?”

She shook her head. “No. I don’t have that ability. River can, to some degree. Possibilities, at least, if not certainties.”

“She was certain Jayne was going to die.”

“Just goes to prove she’s not always right. But we all do. In the end. Just not today.” She smiled. “But they’re together now , and River will keep him alive as long as she can.”

“I suppose.”

“I know it’s hard for you. Having given up everything for River, and now having to let her go, to give her to someone else to look after, it‘s hard. But she’ll still be the same young woman tomorrow as she was yesterday. And she will always be your sister.”

He finally grinned. “You mean I can’t stop her calling me a boob?”

“I doubt it. Boob.” She pushed him gently. “Go on. Your wife’s looking for you.”

“Too late,” said the woman herself, coming up behind him and kissing his neck. “Have you seen your daughter lately?” she asked, nibbling on a strawberry. “Either of them?”

“Why, have you lost them?” Simon asked, looking around.

Kaylee shook her head. “Not lost. Mislaid.”

Freya laughed. “Oh, I don’t think they’re too far away.” She leaned down and lifte