This is the last chapter. I've really enjoyed writing this, my first fanfiction. It's been interesting to work things out, and writing with characters I already knew has given me a little more leeway in my writing style. I hope you've enjoyed reading this as much as I've enjoyed writing it.

Chapter Ten – The Family Grows

By the time Mal arrived at the hospital it had been hours since Kayleigh had told him Zoe was in labour. Always the way, just as you were trying to do something important all hell breaks loose in the engines, then with parking the shuttle, arguing with the parking attendant... Well, now he was here.
"Zoe Washburne," he said to the nurse as he skidded into the reception. Seeing his expression, she gave him directions and he ran off down the hallway.
"Hey! No running!" she called after him. He slowed to a fast walk, trying not to break into a sprint.

He caught his breath as he stood outside the door. He took a deep breath in and opened the door. He wasn't met by the hellish scene he was expecting – he was too late to see the birth. Instead when he walked in he was greeted by a different view. Jayne was sitting propped up in a chair, while River was fanning him with a bit of paper. He murmered under his breath, "That ain't nothing I ever need ta see again." Simon was standing with his arm around Kayleigh, who was fawning with a huge smile on her face. Inara sat beside Zoe, a small bundled-up baby in her arms and a smile on her face. Zoe was lying on the bed, and Mal was surprised to see another bundle in her arms.
"Twins, Sir," she beamed as she saw him. "I got twins."

Emily and Jack ran through the corridors screaming and giggling.
"Verse's sake, Zoe! Keep your kids under control!" Mal said as he was almost thrown off balance as they ran around his legs.
Zoe smiled. "You know what kids are like, Sir."
Mal sighed and touched the cross that hung round his neck, "That I do..."

The cause of all the running became apparent as Jayne bounded around the corner and almost crashed headlong into the Captain.
"Sorry Sir!" he shouted back as he kept running. "I'm gonna get you two!"
"One big happy family," Mal smiled.