CHAPTER 19

2 WEEKS LATER

"You look worried." Book remarks as he joins Jayne on the catwalk as the mercenary watches River with the baby on the cargo bay floor.

"She's just... actin weirder than normal." Jayne remarks

"She has been quiet." Book agrees "But this is River."

Jayne chuckles

"Should be glad she's this calm." Book states

"I am... its just you know every time she's calm... somethin happens. Either pullin a prank on me... or someone else. Or somethin worse happens."

Book chuckles "She does tend to find trouble after a few days of good behavior."

"Guess I'm gettin used to it." Jayne shrugs

River smiles at Charlie, enjoying the baby's happy thoughts, 'Going to miss this.' She trails her finger down Charlie's plump cheek, 'Be good for your Daddy and Uncle Simon. And Uncle Captain Daddy... Auntie Inara... Aunt Kaylee... Uncle Book and Uncle Wash... And Aunt Zoë.' She smiles as the baby squeezes her finger. 'Your Daddy loves you so much. He is going to take good care of you. He is going to protect you, teach you lots of things he shouldn't but lots of things he should. Everyone will teach you so much.' She rests her cheek against Charlie's head, 'Doing this to protect you my sweet baby. Won't let them hurt you or the rest of them.' She smiles at the image that flashes through her mind. "Here" she reaches for the rattle handing it to the baby who starts shaking it and laughing. River laughs at her daughter's happiness, 'Going to miss that sound.'

"Someone's happy." Jayne remarks as he crouches beside them.

"Loves her rattle. She likes noise it takes her mind off her mind."

"Makes her smile." Jayne remarks

"Want her always happy."

"She will." Jayne sits beside River.

"Promise?"

"Promise." Jayne looks at River "You shiny crazy girl?"

River smiles at him, "As much as a crazy girl can be." She looks at Charlie who is sucking on her fist. 'I love you Charlie.' She kisses Charlie's head.

Jayne watches River cuddle the baby.

'I love you and