Midnight

The church clock in the middle of town had just finished tolling twelve, the sound bouncing back off the factories and rolling through the streets. A dog barked, chained to a kennel, just testing to see if it was worth a volley, then turned around twice and laid down, snuffling around his rear end with clipper teeth.

Everywhere was dark, quiet, except for one house, where lights burned back the night.

“Do you think it’s enough?” Ellie Frye asked, standing back and looking at the bed they’d made up in the downstairs parlour, softly padded with a number of mattresses, as well as comforters and pillows.

“It’s fine,” her husband, Eddie, said. “Besides, I’m sure Kaylee’s going to want to give birth back on Serenity.”

“No, she won’t.” His wife was adamant. “She said. That’s why she’s coming.” Her eyes narrowed. “You think maybe it needs another blanket? I mean, it’s pretty cold outside, and if she’s coming from a warm ship she might be –”

Eddie pulled her into his side, holding her tightly. “Ellie. Stop.”

She looked up into his face. “She’s my baby, Eddie. My little girl. And she’s coming home to have her son. Our grandson.”

“You’ve already got grandkids,” he reminded her.

“Oh, I know,” she said, swatting gently at him. “And I’d never let anything happen to Bethie, or Hope. But this is ... you know what I mean.”

He moved her around so he could embrace her properly. “You’re getting broody again.”

“No, I ain’t!” She tried to wriggle free, but only half-heartedly, after only a moment letting him comfort her as she wanted to be comforted. “We’re too old for more children, Eddie. But grandkids ... that’s the best of both worlds.”

He smiled and kissed her nose. “Reckon maybe it is. Get to hand ‘em back when they need changing.”

“Changing ...” Ellie’s face changed. “I’d better make sure there’s enough in the way of diapers.” She slipped out of his arms.

“I’m sure she’ll be bringing plenty.”

“That’s not the point.” She paused in the