Unexpected Inheritance

2

"What do you wear on a date with a cowboy who will be ready to go by seven?"

Silence.

"You're going on a date? A cowboy? Wait a minute—are we talking about Ben? As in, Ben Warren?"

Miranda exhaled. "Yes, that Ben Warren."

Then, Callie practically screeched, "What"

Miranda winced, pulling the phone away from her ear. "Damn, woman, I still need my hearing."

"You've been resisting this man for months, and now you're calling me asking for fashion advice? That means you care about this date."

Miranda rubbed her forehead. "Lord, help me."

Callie ignored her. "Okay, so, cowboy date... Hmm. Are we talking a steakhouse? A bonfire? A ride into the sunset on horseback?"

Miranda exhaled. " He just said dinner."

"Okay, okay," Callie said, her voice light with amusement. "You want to look cute but not like you're trying too hard, right? Maybe a casual dress? Or just jeans and a blouse? Something that says, 'I'm comfortable, but I'm still wearing this because I want to look good.'"

Miranda nodded along, taking mental notes. "Got it."

"Right. You're gonna be outdoors, so probably nothing that'll get caught on something or ruin by the end of the night." Callie paused. "And don't wear heels. Ben's gonna be in boots, and that's just a disaster waiting to happen."

Miranda chuckled, grateful for her friend's practical advice. "Okay, that makes sense."

Callie paused. "Wait, hold up—how does your living arrangement even work?"

Miranda frowned, flipping through her wardrobe. "What do you mean?"

"I mean, you live on this big ol' countryside estate, right? Does he just... stay in the house with you? Are y'all playing house already?"

"No he lives in a cabin on the property," Miranda answered absently, pulling out a blouse before shaking her head and putting it back.

Silence.

Then, Callie said, "So still close enough for easy access?"

Miranda immediately cut her off. "Callie, no."

"I'm just saying—"

"I know what you're saying, and we're not going there. It's not like that."

"I mean... isn't it, though?"

Miranda groaned. "Lord, give me strength. Calliope Torres we are not discussing this"

"I'm just saying—"

"I know what you're saying, and I'm not entertaining it," Miranda cut in. "Now, are we picking out an outfit, or are we analyzing historical land ownership?"

Callie chuckled. "Fine, fine. But I just want it on the record that I did point it out."

"Noted." Miranda shook her head, amused despite herself. "Now, back to the important part—how's my hair supposed to survive this country air?"

Callie laughed. "Girl, you're on your own with that one."

Miranda took one last glance in the mirror, smoothing her hands over her top before heading downstairs. As she reached the door, she caught sight of Ben standing on the porch, his hand raised mid-knock. Wearing a crisp button-down and well-fitted jeans. His cowboy hat sat comfortably on his head. He looked good—too good, really— and Miranda would be lying if she said the sight of him didn't turn her on.