Jayne had trouble sleeping that night. He was consumed with thoughts of his "wife" River. Things had never gone smoothly for him in regards to womenfolk. With her however, everything felt natural and not forced. He was comfortable with her and comfortable showing affection with her in front of the crew. These were powerful signs that his Momma had warned him of. She'd always told him, that "he'd know when the right gal came along." When he'd asked her how, she'd just laughed and told him "He'd just know." Now that was all kind of making sense to him.

He thought about the upcoming New Year and realized how ready he was for real change. Celebrations and making resolutions and that kind of go-se had never really meant much to him in the past, but now, as he reflected on the huge change in his life, after just a week, he realized he wanted it to last.

He used to go out on New Years Eve, if they were on planet, get good and drunk, have some fun with the ladies of the evening and come home and usually pass out, puke or both. Now, he was conjuring up a special way to spend the evening with his girl. And, wasn't that something. He'd never really talked with her about it, but they both just assumed she was his girl now, end of story. And, it was time to make that more official like.

--

They were due to set down on a small rim planet that was close to the much larger core planet, Londinium. Jayne knew that a good core planet, like Londinium, would have its share of nice stores. And he was in the mood to do some shopping. In fact, he was in the mood to spend more on one special item than on anything else he'd ever bought in his life. He walked into the infirmary to find Simon. He needed to have a proper chat with the man. He found Simon seated at the small counter studying a medical text of some sort.

"Doc, I need a word."

Simon set the book down on the counter and pushed the chair back so he was facing Jayne. Jayne leaned against the med-bed and took a deep breath.

"I did what ya said."

Simon looked a tad perplexed but then realized his last words to Jayne the previous evening had been to think things over.

Simon fought the urge to grin and decided Jayne deserved his full attention so he listened carefully as his friend sighed and then spoke.

"I want her, Simon. I'm in love with her. It hit me like a ton a bricks, but I know what I want to do."

Simon noted that Jayne appeared slightly vulnerable and could tell what was coming next. If he was honest with himself, he knew it would happen. He knew River was in love with Jayne and he knew Jayne and she kept growing and evolving into what they'd become. The animosity and mistrust that was long gone had slowly gotten them to where they were now.

"And, what is it you want to do?"

Why was he feeling so uncomfortable, he'd made up his mind and he and Simon got along fine so what the hell was making him feel like a twelve year old?

"Well, I want-" he coughed and cleared his throat and continued. "I want to marry her Simon."

He waited for his friend to lose his shit. He refused to step back and figured if the Doc came after him with a knife, he'd let him get a few good swings in and then disarm him. He waited for Simon to yell at him or at least throw something his way, but nothing happened.

"What do you have in mind?"

Jayne just stared at Simon, so Simon spoke again.

"What's your plan, Jayne?"

"What do ya mean, what's my plan! I ain't got no plans, Simon, I ain't up to nothing but good with her. You should know that by now!" he defensively replied.

"Yes, I understand that Jayne. I just meant, what are you going to do? Buy her a ring, propose, what?"

"Oh, well, sorry there Doc, thought you was questioning my intentions towards her."

Simon smiled up at friend and Jayne relaxed and lowered his voice as he told Simon his plan.

Next, Jayne walked to the bridge to find Mal. He approached the bridge and noted the door was slightly ajar and he heard sounds coming from within that reminded him of an animal in pain. As he got closer, he realized it was just Mal warbling some song.

"Cap, can I have a minute with you?"

Mal stretched and waived Jayne in to sit in the copilot's chair.

"What'cha need, Jayne?"

"Well, it's kind of a big request, but I was wondering if you and Zoe can handle the job tomorrow on your own?"

"Suppose we could. Why?"

"Well, I want to go to Londinium for the day with Simon, Kaylee and River."

"Oh, Doc's invited you along for another ballet outing? You're starting to like that fancy dancing eh?"

"Nah, I actually got some business I need to take care of with Simon…and before you get your panties in a twist, it ain't no heist or noting like that. It's personal. I need Kaylee along to take care of River for a bit then we's gonna split off and Simon and Kaylee are going to do their own thing and River and I, well, that's the other thing I need to talk to you about."

Mal nodded his head for Jayne to continue. And watched as his Merc actually smiled and hunkered down and laid out a plan like nothing Mal had ever heard before.

"So, what do you think? Are you okay with this?"

"I gotta admit, if you'd a asked me this a year ago, I'd a shot you right where you sit, but now, I can actually see it."

"So, you alright with it then?"

"Yeah, Jayne, you do what you gotta do. Take the shuttle but be careful. Londinium's an Alliance planet. You lay low and watch out for that girl, her brother and little Kaylee!"

"I will Cap, I will."

"One more thing, Jayne-"

Jayne stopped and turned back to face the captain.

"Don't disappoint me and hurt her. I believe that this is your destiny and hers, so I have faith in you. Don't make me regret it."

"You won't, Cap, you won't."

Jayne headed off to find his girl. Today was the last official day of his Christmas gift, and tomorrow was the start of a whole new gift for them both. But, right now, it was all about the Eve of the New Year.

--

"Hey, Little Ornament, want ta help me get out the frozen goods from cold storage. I figure we'll need to defrost it all so's everyone can enjoy it tonight."

River smiled and headed over to where he was standing. "She would love to help you defrost and heat up," she cooed.

She was almost blinded by his smile. And took his hand in hers as they headed for the cargo bay. Jayne set out the large folding table again and River had brought the green tablecloth out and swept it over the tabletop. They placed the remaining trays of pastries, meat and cheeses, sandwiches and cookies and candies out for their celebration. Kaylee came down with plates, cups and glasses and Simon followed carrying their best glassware. Jayne had set out an array of alcohol that would serve its purpose as the crew partied and welcomed the New Year.

Later that evening, everyone had dressed in their best and enjoyed the festive meal, while drinking and dancing the night away. Jayne enjoyed slow dancing with River, feeling her body against his as he held her, which had more of an effect on him than all of the alcohol he'd drank that night. Once the clock struck midnight, everyone kissed and cuddled and happily wished each other salutations. The midnight hour found Jayne and River dancing in the far corner of the cargo bay. As they shared a kiss to welcome the New Year, both felt exhilarated at the sparks that flew between them. River had never felt anything like it, nor had Jayne. They continued to dance and hold each other close. Jayne ran his hands through her silky locks and held her face in his large hands. More kisses led to more hugging, which led to small moans and sighs as they began to grind and rub against each other.

Through his haze of lust, Jayne looked up and noticed it was now one thirty in the morning and they were completely alone in the bay. The music was still playing and the food was still out on the table, but everyone else had departed to their bunks. River was now running her hands up and down his strong back, as she'd managed to somehow tug his shirt out from where he'd tucked it into his best pants. She sure was tricky when she wanted something and it appeared she had an appetite for his skin. Her hands felt all kinds of wonderful as they caressed his back and ran over the taught muscles on his shoulders. She looked up at him with those wide brown eyes that shimmered with her intent as she began unbuttoning his dress shirt. They grazed across his nipples causing him to suck in a deep breath. She squealed as he suddenly swept her up in his arms. He'd never kissed her while holding her like this and it did strange things to her insides. The feel of his strong arms cradling her back and thighs and the rush of being cocooned in the warmth and strength of his upper body while he worshipped her mouth was too much, and she heard herself respond to him with a low, sensuous moan. She noticed he intensified the kiss, as she grew more responsive. Her hands that were at his neck, trailed through his hair as she held onto him and she twisted her chest so that it was pressed as tightly to his as she could manage. Her tongue danced with his until both felt they would burst. Jayne knew he had to exercise control with her. His body wanted to make love to her all night long, but his mind knew he must temper his urges and his lust. He carried her to her room and sat her on the edge of the bed. Without words, he took off the delicate sandals she wore on her tiny feet, and unzipped the pretty purple dress she was wearing that was part of her Christmas bounty. He removed her bra and briefly gave each firm breast a quick kiss, not trusting himself to touch them. He left her panties on and then stripped his own clothes off, leaving just his boxers on and pulled back the covers to her bed. She looked at him with questioning eyes as he lay down, and pulled her gently down next to him.

"Now, before you go and get the wrong idea here, little ornament, I want ya to know that I ain't gonna be sexing you tonight."

She gave a whimper as he continued. "Nope, you yerself said that sexin' don't come with your gift and I agree. No sexin' tonight. But, that don't mean I can't lay down with my girl and cuddle you off to dreamland now does it?"

"I've changed my mind and want the sexin'!"

Jayne chuckled and kissed her. "No, no sexing, baby, not tonight."

What he heard next, was a first, she was whining. Actually whining at him.

"But, Jayne! I want to feel you-"

"Nope, not tonight, girlie. There'll be plenty of time for that. I got a busy day planned for us tomorrow; so, we need to hit the hay now. Time to sleep, honey."

Jayne hoped he'd made himself clear, because, he knew that if she persisted and decided to get frisky with him again, his words would become meaningless and he wouldn't be able to restrain himself. He'd been mighty aroused just a few short minutes ago and was now calming down and decided to just lay next to her and shut his eyes in the hope that she would nod off as well.

River let out a little huff and wiggled her bottom against his groin, on purpose he wondered? And then settled in for sleep.

He held her tight and quickly fell asleep himself.