DISCLAIMER: Don't own it, never did, never will--just having fun playing.

A/N: A huge thanks to kispexi2 for betaing this, my first multi-chapter effort! Wouldn't want to do it without you!

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Chapter 1 Adult Only!, Chapter 2 PG13

Family--Part 1, Chapter 3 A new crew member arrives.

"Aargh!"

"That's it, Zoë. You're doing fine. One more push, and Eddie's going to have someone new to play with. Come on. Push!"

"Aargh! My hands!"

Moaning slightly as she gave one final push, Zoë squeezed Wash's hands one more time.

"It's a girl! Congratulations, Zoë, Wash." Simon quickly cut the umbilical cord and cleaned the newest member of the crew before handing her to Inara, who was acting as nurse. Inara wrapped her in a blanket, then handed her to her parents, while he finished taking care of Zoë. Once he was done, they stepped into the common room to give the new parents some privacy. And report to the rest of the crew, of course.

"Everybody's fine, Mal," Simon leaned in for a brief hug. "They have a beautiful baby girl, and Wash's hands should be fine by tomorrow. I didn't hear any bones break, but I'll check him out in a few minutes just to be sure." A chorus of laughter met that remark.

"Couldn' believe Zoë was doing all that yellin'," commented Jayne, "didn' seem right, somehow. Makes sense now, knowin' 'twere Wash."

"When can we see her, Simon?" Kaylee was practically bouncing off the walls, she was so excited.

"Let's give them some time alone first, shall we xiăo mèi mèi?" Mal suggested as he reached out to ruffle her hair.

"Sure thing, Cap'n."

"All right, everyone. Back to work. We've still got to get to Persephone for that job. Badger don't wait for nobody, even Zoë." Mal reached out to keep Simon from going back into the infirmary as everyone else scattered. "You're sure everybody's okay?"

"Positive, love. I wouldn't lie to you." Simon snuggled deeper into Mal's arms. It had been a long delivery for a second child, and he was tired.

"I know. I just worry." Mal held Simon for as long as he could, drawing comfort from his presence.

Simon stepped back after a few minutes. "I'd better get back in there and check out Wash. His hands are probably fine, but I should make sure. Wouldn't want the Captain complaining because his pilot couldn't do his job." He kissed Mal before turning to go back into the infirmary. Mal gave him a quick smack on the butt, just to keep him in line. When Simon looked back over his shoulder in mock indignation, Mal smiled and winked at him, then went up to the bridge to relieve River.

"So, Wash, how are your hands?" Simon asked as he walked back into the infirmary.

"Ahh, they're all right," Wash said, a little shame-facedly.

"Why don't you let me take a look anyway. Wouldn't want the Captain saying I'd neglected my duties."

"He wouldn't do that!"

"Wash, honey..."

"Yes, lambie-toes."

"Doc's jokin'. Ain't ya, Doc?"

"Only about the lecture. Come on, Wash. Let me take a look, then we'll get Eddie in here so he can meet his baby sister. Have you thought of a name for her yet?" As he talked, he inspected Wash's hands, which while slightly bruised, really were fine. Zoë was strong, but so was Wash. After all, you couldn't pilot a ship as well as Wash did and be weak. "Here's some cream to help reduce the swelling, but you're right, they're fine. No lecture for me. Now why don't we give Book a shout so he can bring Eddie?"

Book had kindly offered to watch the four-year old while Zoë was in labor since River would be piloting the ship, Kaylee would be watching the engine, and Inara would be assisting Simon. Zoë and Wash had promptly accepted. They hadn't thought Jayne would offer, but they hadn't wanted to take that chance. And, of course, they knew Mal would be busy doing "captainy" things.

Just as Simon was about to comm Book, River came to the door holding Eddie's hand. "Captain's on the bridge. Sent Albatross to bring gē ge to meet mèi mèi. Flew as fast as we could."

"Thank you, River," said Wash as he brought his son over to meet his daughter.

***

Later that evening, after everyone had had a chance to stop by and visit with Zoë and her new daughter, Simon was about to ask Zoë where she'd prefer to spend the night, when she cleared her throat.

"So, Doc, had that conversation with Mal, yet?"

"Hmm? Oh, no. Not yet."

"Plannin' to any time soon?"

"Yes, yes. The timing just hasn't been right yet."

"Don't know that the timin' will ever be right. Just don't put it off too long. If you're thinkin' what I think you're thinkin', you should do it soon, 'fore Mal gets too old. Not that I want to know what you're thinkin', or that I think Mal's too old for anythin', but you know what I mean."

"Yes, Zoë, I know what you mean. Thank you," Simon smiled as he stood next to her. "So, do you want to go back to your bunk, or do you want to spend the night here?"

"If I've got a choice, think I'll stay here, if it's all the same to you. Love my man, and all, but I do believe I could use some rest, and he's just a might excitable at the moment," Zoë gave Simon a slight grin.

"Doctor's orders, then. You stay here tonight with ... What did you decide to name her, anyway?"

"Thought about Simone..."

The shock on Simon's face was priceless as he stammered, "Wha'... Please... Tell me you're joking... The poor girl..."

Zoë laughed outright, "Yes, Doc, I'm jokin'. River said her name was Becca, and we kind of liked the sound of that, so there she is, Miss Rebecca Anne Washburn." At the sound of her name, Becca began to cry, letting it be known that she was hungry and wanted fed, now!

"Guess I'll leave you two to get better acquainted," Simon smiled. "Good night, Zoë."

"G'night, Doc, and thanks."

"You're welcome."

Chapter 4 Adult Only!, Chapter 4A PG13 An Alternate to Chapter 4