Disclaimer: Joss, Fox, Universal Own em’. (Except for Allan. He's mine) I’m just playing. No money being made.

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This story takes place four and a half years after Serenity (BDM) and has the established couples of Simon/Kaylee, Mal/Inara, Zoë/Allan and Jayne/River. Follows after Birthday and Recollections.

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A/N: New story arc! Gonna be a slow ramp up to action but I promise some before too long.

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Thanks again Chris for the Beta.

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The Bash

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Chapter One

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Zoë hadn't felt quite right for a few days. She had already gone through one round of false labor a week ago. As she undressed for bed, she felt a twinge in her belly. She paused for a moment...

“Nah,” she said out loud before crawling into bed.

Rubbing his eyes, Allan entered the bedroom. His wife was already asleep. Zoë was the strongest woman he had ever met and the pregnancy was kicking her behind big time. The morning sickness had lasted nearly five months. Zoë's mood swings had been few and far between (thank god) and in her third trimester, she had finally adapted to things and tried to forge on.

She succeeded for the most part. Other than the cramps, waddling when she walked and having to run to the bathroom every thirty minutes.

They spent time planning the baby's room, shopping for toys, clothes and supplies. Zoë began 'nesting' She took charge of the decoration of their new house. Allan was amazed at the transformation.

Zoë who was at all times the cool collected warrior woman. Found another calling as an interior designer. And Allan even liked the style. He suggested he liked the 'Hunting Lodge' style and Zoë took it and ran (well, waddled). Soon their new home had plush leather and hand hewn wood furniture. Outdoor scene wall hangings and even a real bear skin rug in front of the fireplace.

As he slipped into bed behind his wife, Allan was more amazed by Zoë every day.

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Zoë awoke with a start. The pain in her abdomen both unfamiliar and sudden. A panicked thought ran throug