Zoe simply nodded her head as she rested against her husband, sweat dripping off the ends or her hair onto Wash’s shoulder.

“Am I too heavy?” she asked, concern etched on her face.

“No, you’re fine. I didn’t hurt you did I?” Wash’s turn to be concerned.

“No. You were great, husband. Wonderful in fact. I’m glad you invited me up here. You had this planned all along. The card, the paper flowers, the invitation to see the stars. That’s why I love my husband, always full of surprises.” Zoe finished, giving Wash a long kiss.

“I aim to please. We needed some time. The baby will be here at any time. What two, three weeks?”

“Four actually. I can’t wait to meet him. I know it’s a boy, he feels different than Zoe did.”

“She’s Amber now, remember? How does it feel different?”

“I’m not sure but something is just different about him and since he’s given me so much trouble, I think I’ll name him after his father.” Zoe teased getting more comfortable on Wash’s lap. If he kept rubbing her back, the way he was, she would soon be asleep.

“Hey! I’m no trouble. I do my part on this ship and fly us everywhere Mal wants to go and stay out of your way when you want to throw things. How is that trouble?”

“Wash, I said I was sorry for that. I didn’t mean to hit you with that chair that time.” Zoe was rubbing Wash’s arm where he got hit with a chair on one of Zoe’s bad days.

“I know sweetie. All is forgiven. Are you ready to go to bed now? Mal is due to come in here about now.”

“Yeah, I think he’s running a little late. Come on let’s go. We don’t want to give the captain a free show.” Wash and Zoe gathered their discarded clothing and left the bridge, Wash leading the way in the darkened corridors. When their door was securely fastened, Mal walked out of the shadows where he had been hiding since leaving Inara’s shuttle.

“I will never understand my crew. I will never understand my crew.....I will never....” Mal continued this mantra as he headed to the bridge.

The next day came in bright and shiny. M