This chapter is really long, because I couldn't find a good cliffhangery place to cut it before where I did. As a result, the next chapter will be shorter, but there is an epilogue.

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“Have you lost your mind?” Gabriel turned on his wife, eyes hard.

“I invited them because I think if they see Simon and River home, safe, where they belong, they can help convince them their place is here.” Regan stared, exasperated, at her husband.

Gabriel’s eyes narrowed. “River already wants to stay. Simon – doesn’t, for whatever true reason he’s keeping to himself. I can’t believe he turned down the position at General after what I went through to get it for him.”

Regan shrugged. “He is old enough to make his own decisions.”

“Oh, yes, and he’s done a remarkable job over the last few years, hasn’t he?” Contempt dripped like venom from Gabriel’s lips. “Turning himself and his sister into fugitives. Giving up a career that he’d spent his entire life working toward.” Gabriel paced anxiously. “There isn’t anything wrong with River.”

Regan glanced at her husband. “She is different, Gabriel.”

“Of course she is. She’s three years older than when we last set eyes on her.”

Regan could tell he was becoming exasperated with this conversation.

“That’s not all and you know it. You listened to the same story Simon told us about –“

“He’s too attached to his sister.” Gabriel stated matter of factly.

“Oh, Gabriel. They’ve always been close. This is different. Simon is –“

“Remarkably stubborn.”

Regan grinned wryly. “Well, I wonder where he got that trait?”

Gabriel scowled at his wife, annoyed that she appeared to be taking his son’s side.

Regan walked to the window and glanced out at the grounds below, seeing Simon and River outside by the koi pond. “I think inviting them will shed some additional light on Simon’s true reasons for not wanting to stay.”

~*~

“Welcome to our home.” Regan extended her hand to Mal as he, Inara and Kaylee entered the front room.