Kate had just finished getting Hannah ready for their shopping expedition with Wash, when Hannah started in on the temper tantrum to end all tantrums.

"You want me to what?" Mal asked, over the sound of the screaming toddler.

"She wants you," Kate said, clearly flustered. "I... really I don't see the appeal in spending the day with a grouchy old captain, but, there it is."

"So you want me to babysit?" Mal's eyes shifted back and forth between Kate and Wash and their little girl.

"We need to stock up the kitchen and get the boat fueled," Wash said reasonably. "We can't do either of those things with her hollering her head off, Mal."

Mal scowled. "You don't fool me, you know. I know you're gonna go have a little romantic escapade while I keep the munchkin occupied."

Wash rolled his eyes. "Groceries, Mal. Who better to pick out the food than the woman who cooks it for you? Simon stocks the infirmary, Kaylee shops for engine parts..."

"Fine, point taken," Mal grumbled. "One condition."

"Which is?" Kate asked, relieved.

"Pot roast. Carrots, potatoes, onions, the works."

Kate grinned. "I love my captain."

Mal scooped Hannah up into his arms muttering something about her mama spending too much time with her auntie Kaylee. "I wanna shove off this rock by sundown," he called back over his shoulder. "We got places to go and people to rob."

"Yes, sir," Wash said, with a funny, cock-eyed salute that he thankfully didn't see.

~*~

"We can stop to rest a minute if you need to."

"Kaylee," Inara said for the fifth time since they'd left the boat. "Mei-mei, please. I'm not going to break."

Kaylee looked sheepish. "I know, 'Nara, it's just that I can't help worryin' about ya. Are you sure you oughta be goin' on this job tomorrow?"

Inara smiled warmly. "I have to earn my keep just like the rest of you," she pointed out. "Everything's going to be fine. The Vegas job is going to go more smoothly than you can imagine, and then Mal will relax a little." She hoped she was right.

"What