She looks up with a half-surprised glance -- that last poem was a good one, and she'd thought he was just picking out another choice poem -- that says she knows she's been caught watching the baby like practically nothing else exists. And that she's not the least bit ashamed about it.

It's her daughter, still so damn new.

The smile she flashes Spike is all thinly veiled appreciation, and her fingers creep up to do a few of her shirt buttons

"I've got her this time. You just sit right there."

She stands slowly and takes little Beth over to her basket, placing her inside and making sure she's cozily tucked in. Then she leans down, tucking her hair back behind her ears, and kisses one baby-soft cheek.

"Now where were we?" Turning back to Spike, she's pretty ready to curl up beside him and... not sleep, but just relax.

Relaxation's been an exciting idea all week, really, and things are just getting started.