Unexpected Inheritance

2

"Why? You think you'll miss me if I'm not?"

Miranda gave him a quick shrug, her tone teasing. "Well, you do come with the property, don't you?"

Ben grinned, shaking his head. "Fair enough. I'll be around. This place is home after all, and I reckon it'd fall apart without me keeping it straight."

Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of music blaring through the speakers. A lively, country tune had started up, and a group of people began to gather in the open space near the porch, clapping and stomping to the beat. Someone had set up a country-style line dance, and the crowd quickly fell into rhythm.

Tuck, who had been standing off to the side, perked up immediately. Without hesitation, he joined the group. Miranda watched, a small smile of pride tugging at her lips.

Ben noticed too, nodding toward the dance floor. "Looks like Tuck's fitting in just fine. He's got some moves."

Miranda laughed, shaking her head. "That's news to me. He barely moves off the couch at home."

Ben leaned closer, his voice dropping playfully. "What about you, city girl? You know how to cut a rug, or are you gonna let these country folk show you up?"

Miranda crossed her arms, arching an eyebrow. "I'll have you know, I'm no stranger to a dance floor. But cut a rug? That might be pushing it."

Ben smirked, holding out a hand. "Come on. Let me show you how it's done. It's all about rhythm, and I know you've got plenty of that."

Miranda hesitated, glancing from his hand to the dance floor. The crowd was laughing, clapping, and having a good time, and Tuck was already fully immersed. With a resigned sigh and a grin creeping onto her face, she took Ben's hand.

"All right, Ben. But don't expect me to be any good at this."

He led her toward the dance floor, weaving through the crowd until they found a spot near the edge. Ben positioned them in line with the others, gently guiding her movements as the dance began.

"Just follow me," he said with a wink. "It's easy. Step, step, kick, and turn."

Miranda tried her best to keep up, stumbling at first but gradually falling into the rhythm. Laughter bubbled out of her as she tripped over her own feet, and Ben caught her arm to steady her, his own laughter infectious.

"You're a natural," he teased, his grin wide.

"You're a terrible liar," she shot back

The grand opening faded into a memory from a few months ago as Miranda settled into her new routine at the private practice. Each day brought new patients, new stories, and new challenges, but unlike the grueling hours and high-pressure environment of the OR, this felt different. She was more connected to her patients, their families, and the community they shared.

What surprised her most was how much she enjoyed it. She had always thought the OR was where she belonged—cutting, stitching, saving lives in high-stakes moments. But here, in this quiet countryside town, she was finding fulfillment she hadn't expected. The slower pace allowed her to be present, not just for her patients but for herself and for Tuck.

One evening, Tuck came bounding into the house, a wide grin on his face. He was wearing a cowboy hat, a shiny belt buckle with an intricate design, and a pair of boots that looked brand new.

"Look what Ben got me" he announced, spinning in place to show off his new look.

Miranda stared at him for a moment, then burst out laughing. "Well, look at you. A real country boy now. Should I start calling you Cowboy Tuck?"