I'm looking at a rainbow Way out across them hills And my baby's love is with me And I know that it's for real

Simon hesitated outside the room he shared with Kaylee, nervously running his hand over the small velvet box in his pocket. He knew that she was waiting for him, she had promised she would be when he got back to the ship.

The whole way back, Jayne had teased him, until Zoe finally told him to shut up. Nearly seven months into her pregnancy, Zoe barely had to give Jayne a look to scare him into behaving, not that the man-ape would ever admit it.

"Still think she's gonna laugh when she sees it." Jayne muttered to Simon in the cargo bay, while Zoe was distracted talking to Mal.

Simon would have had something to say to that, if it hadn't been for the fact that, for quite possibly the first time, he agreed with Jayne.

I ain't got no diamonds Girl, you know I ain't got no gold I ain't no rich man But girl, I got you here to hold

"You comin' in or what?" Kaylee called from behind the closed door.

Taking a deep breath, he slid the door open and stepped into the room, closing and locking the door behind him.

"Hey you." Kaylee greeted him cheerfully. She was reclining on their bed, barefoot, with her hair down. She was still in her jumpsuit, although she had unzipped it all the way down to her navel. The two halves were parted just far enough to reveal that she wasn't wearing a shirt or a bra underneath.

"Hey you." Simon managed a smile, hoping he didn't look as nervous as he felt.

"What you got there?" Kaylee asked, indicating the hand that was still in his pocket.

"It's just...I, uh..." Simon stammered, inwardly cursing himself.

"Relax, honey." Kaylee giggled. She rose from the bed and stepped over to him, winding her arms around his shoulders. "Your sister told me you were going to see that jeweler Inara told ya 'bout."

"Of course she did." Simon groaned.

Kaylee smiled and leaned up to kiss him. The movement cause her jumpsuit to slip off her shoulders, and he could feel the heat of her bare skin through his shirt. "Don't worry, we can think of some way to get back at her later. Meanwhile, I promise I'll act surprised."

Simon had a feeling she would be surprised. He just wasn't sure it would be a good surprise. He took Kaylee's hand and led her over to the bed to sit down. "Kaylee, you know - at least I hope you know - that I love you with all my heart. You're everything I never knew I wanted and needed in my life. I wish that I could give you everything that you want."

"You give me everything I need, Simon." Kaylee whispered, kissing him softly. "I got you, don't I? I'm gonna be your wife. That's all I want."

We dance out in the moonlight But it pales beside her light She puts her arms around me Hey, I tell her it's all right

"You deserve so much more." Simon told her. He reached into his pocket and pulled out the small box. When he opened it to reveal a small ring, a bright ruby set in a delicate silver band, Kaylee gasped.

"Oh, Simon..." She said, covering her mouth with one hand. "It's so..."

"I know, it's all I could afford." Simon said. "I wanted to get you something bigger, or at least gold."

"No." Kaylee's eyes were shining as she held out her hand for him to put the ring on her. "Simon, it's so beautiful. Besides, gold don't look as good on me, and something bigger might snag and get broke on an engine part while I'm working or something."

I ain't got no diamonds Girl, you know I ain't got no gold I ain't no rich man But girl, I got you here to hold

"I wish I could have at least given you a diamond." Simon insisted as he slid the ring onto her finger.

"This is better." Kaylee said, moving into his lap and hugging him tightly. "It's different, and special, just like you and me." She held up her hand so the red stone caught the dim light and sparkled. "Reminds me of strawberries."

"You're sure it's all right?" Simon asked.

"It's perfect." Kaylee grinned, kissing him again. "Honey, you worry too much. I don't need fancy things. I need you."

"I can't help it if I want to spoil you." Simon admitted.

"Just bein' with me, holding me and lovin' me the way you do is plenty of spoiling." Kaylee giggled.

When you find what really matters In that moment you will see Far beyond our selfish wonder Love is simple, love is free

"Well, I can definitely give you that." Simon chuckled, feeling an overwhelming sense of relief. Now that he thought about it, he had been stupid to worry that she wouldn't like the ring. Kaylee wasn't like the women he had known before. She didn't need expensive gifts and grand gestures to know how much he loved her. And she made it so easy for him to express his love.

Still, the way she made him feel, the love and comfort that she gave him, made him want to give her the entire 'verse laid out on a silver platter. No matter what she told him, the desire to pamper her like the queen he saw her as was hard to shake. "I'll get you a proper engagement ring someday, I promise."

Kaylee giggled and swatted his shoulder. "That damned 'p' word again, you know it's got no place out here in the Black. And don't bother ever gettin' me another ring. I'm never taking this one off. I love it. And I love you."

Simon kissed her, then took her left hand and kissed the ring. "I love you, too."

I ain't got no diamonds Girl, you know I ain't got no gold I ain't no rich man But girl, I got you here to hold

"Well then," Kaylee murmured, pushing him back onto the bed and stretching out on top of him. "Stop frettin' so much and let me thank you properly." With that, she covered his mouth with her own, kissing him deeply, until he'd forgotten what he'd even been worried about in the first place.