"And they lived happily ever after," Ryoko said softly.
"The pirate and the fighter never had any more problems?" the little silver-haired girl asked, doubtfully.
"Well, of course they did," Ryoko said. "But that is for another night."
"Awww, Mom," the little girl complained.
"Quiet you," Ryoko said with obvious good humor. "Remember, Minagi, we have to be up early tomorrow." She was never really certain why she had suggested naming the girl that, it just seemed right. Perhaps, she wanted to atone for her part in the bounty hunter's fall from grace, she did not know for certain.
"Yeah!" the girl declared excitedly. "We're going on a trip!!"
"Yes," Ryoko said. "We're going on a trip to see Akane graduate the academy." Her own daughter, a cop, imagine that.
"And we're all going right?" Minagi asked.
"Right," a voice said from the door. "Your grandparents, your Aunt Ranko and Uncle Kaneda, all your Aunties, even Auntie Ayeka is meeting us there. But Mommy's right. You need to get some sleep so you can wake up early tomorrow."
"Okay," Minagi said reluctantly, settling down in bed. "Oyasumi, Mommy and Daddy."
"Oyasumi, kid," Ranma and Ryoko said almost together as they shut the door quietly behind them.
"How're the twins?" Ryoko asked as they walked away from their youngest child's room.
"Nodoka and Yosho are sleeping like logs," Ranma said. "I think even Tenchi got to bed early."
"Oh," Ryoko said. "Of all the miracles. We might even all be awake when whatever happens this trip happens. Ayeka said she had a surprise for us as well, I hope its what I think it is."
"Who knows," Ranma said, shrugging. "This time, we might even get there without trouble." Ryoko gave him a sidelong glance. "We can always hope."
"Right," Ryoko said, amused. "There is always hope." She turned toward him and they kissed quietly in the doorframe. Then Ryoko smirked as they reluctantly broke off. "Such as I hope we can afford another mouth to feed."
"Wha...oh..." Ranma said, laughing nervously as Ryoko watched him still smirking.
Life is good, Ryoko thought.