Summary: Striker and Serenity pick their baby's name.

Striker stepped inside to find Serenity laying on the couch affectionately rubbing her baby bump. It'd been a couple days since they'd seen the ultrasound and found out they were having a little girl; it was hard to believe but at the same time, they were thrilled.

"Hey, darlin." he smiled at her.

"Hey yourself." she smiled back. "How's everybody at the ranch?"

Striker chuckled, "They missed ya. Sallie wouldn't stop pestering me about when you're gonna bring her over."

"Yeah, that sounds like her alright." Serenity laughed. "Well, next time you see her, let her know it'll be another couple months till everyone gets to meet your bundle of joy."

"Don't you mean our bundle of joy?"

"It's pretty obvious you're her favorite. She's not even born yet and she kicks whenever you touch my stomach."

"Now, don't short credit yourself, doll." Striker squeezed her hand reassuringly. "You're the one who's bringing her into this world, remember?"

"I know, but I never would have made her without you." Serenity looked at him lovingly, stroking his hand her free one. "I mean, what would I do without you?"

Striker returned the loving gaze. "I suppose you're not wrong. And don't worry, she's gonna love her mama just the same."

They touched foreheads for a moment with content sighs. Striker could already imagine the look on Serenity's face when he'd show her the ring he picked but he'd wait for the perfect moment. Right now, there was a much more important matter.

"Have you picked a name yet?"

"Oh yeah, I made a list while you were gone." Serenity reached back and handed him a piece of paper. "I wasn't sure if any of these work for you, I hope they're good."

Actually, these were some really good ideas: Sarah, Elizabeth, Jennifer, Holly, Isabelle; just to name a few that is.

"Damn, these are pretty good. Although..." Suddenly, one caught his eye. "Oh, we have a winner!"

Serenity's curious look turned into shock when he started ripping the paper and tossing parts of it aside. "Why the hell did you do that?!"

"Because..." Striker grinned handing her the little strip he'd saved. "I think this one's all we need."

Her eyes widened when she read it. "Are you sure?"

"You should have the final say." he smiled. "You're the one having her after all."

"She's just as much your daughter as she is mine, Striker. If you like it, then I do too."

"That's all I need to hear, doll." Striker caressed her face while placing his other hand on Serenity's pregnant belly. As he did, he felt something touching his palm, as if... his baby... no, their baby was touching him.

"Hi, sweetheart." He kissed her belly. "I can't wait to meet you."

"Neither can I, Striker. Neither can I."

Striker wrapped an arm around as she snuggled into his chest. In her hand, a little strip of paper with only one thing on it: Maria.