Sunday's child

Kaylee sat at the table, munching on a protein snack. When her Captain walked in, followed by Simon and the rest of the crew. "We havin a meetin Captain?" She asked brightly. They were all smiling and looking at her- like they had a secret. Even Jayne looked genuinely pleased. "Well we've got a little surprise cooking for out favorite mechanic- how would you like a trip home?" Kaylee sprung out of her seat and lunged at Mal. Throwing her arms around his neck, with a beaming smile plastered on her face, she then went and hugged the other crew members- mainly just because they were there but also because of the suprise.

Mrs Frye liked telling the story of the day her only girl was born. How in the middle of a freezing cold and unusually harsh winter the day of her labour had been laden with warmth and sunshine, about the ease of the birth and how eight hours later she'd been presented with biggest smile in the verse- attached to the bonniest little baby that the town would ever see. She would tell the story to anyone who would listen and at this point of time it was the crew of Serenity. She had the entire crew's attention- even Jayne's, what little attention he had to give. Kaylee had noted as she sat next to her ma, blushing fiercely. Simon held her hand, squeezing it when her mother reached the end of her tale. "I knew that you had been born beautiful, bao-bei" He whispered, kissing her cheek as he handed her another strawberry.

That evening in the Frye's warm and cozy sitting room, with Kaylee asleep in Simon's lap, like a house cat in her favorite chair. He and Mr Frye spoke frankly on many topics, including Simon's intentions with Kaylee. Simon looked down at Kaylee his eyes glowing as he spoke of how much he cared for her but as usual it wasn't what Simon said it was the expression on his face as he spoke. "I know sir," said Simon as he watched Kaylee with love shining in his eyes "that I may never be able to give her the stability that she could have here, but I promise you that I can give her all of the love- and then some." There was a small hitch in his voice as he thought of all the things he probably wouldn't be able to give the effervescent, loving young mechanic. All the things she deserved. "Son, I've saved this speech for someone special- the one who I know my Kaylee would spend her life with. From the day she was born her ma and I have seen her smile. We've been waiting for someone to come along and see all of the specialness in that smile and want to keep it safe. I see that in you, so does Kaylee's ma- are we reaching an understanding?" Simon smiled. "I think we are sir."