AN: Thank you Inge for working with me on that MSN convo. I hope the Mal/Inara bits throughout the story are to your satisfaction. Direct continuation from previous chapter.

AN2: Those of you wondering if my sisters pregnancy inspired the story, it really wasn't what did. I found an interview on the net where Jewel was asked what she wanted to happen in the future for Kaylee and she had said plain out that she wanted Kaylee to have a baby. And for some reason this story just started shaping.

*** Dilemma ***

After what felt like hours of crying, of begging herself to get the strength to finish what she started, there was a knock on the door. She knew immediatly it wasn't Mal, as out of everyone on this ship, he was the only one who didn't have the courtecy to knock before entering a room. Her reflection was a mess. Eyes red and puffy, her cheek showing clear traces of the salt from all the tears that had run down her cheek.

- Inara, Simon called from the other side of the door. - Are you there?

Out of everyone on the ship, she hadn't expected the doctor to pay her a visit. She quickly tried drying her face from the fresh tear streams, as well as stretching out the crumbled parts of her dress. When she looked presentable enough, she went and opened the door.

- Hey, she said, gently. - Anything I can help you with?

- It's Kaylee.., he started.

This immediatly worried her.

- Is anything wrong? Is Kaylee allright?

- She's having Braxton Hicks contractions.

- She...she's h-having contractions, the usually calm companion stuttered. - Now!?!

- Braxton Hicks... They're false labor, Simon explained. - Often caused by stress.

Inara sighed in relief.

- Yes, she muttered. - She hasn't had a shortage of that lately.

- I'd be feeling much better if someone sat with her, Simon continued. - Keep an eye on her.

- I thought you would want to do that yourself, Inara stated, surprised.

- I don't think she wants me there.

- What makes you so sure, she puzzled.

- On account that