Unexpected Inheritance

3

Ben nearly dropped his hammer. He turned to face Tuck fully, narrowing his eyes. "What you wanna know about moonshine for?"

Tuck shrugged. "Some kids at school were talking about it. Said it was a country staple."

"Uh-huh. And what exactly did these kids say?"

"That it's, like, the real deal. Not like the weak stuff you buy in stores."

"Boy, you better watch your mouth talkin' about things like that. Your momma hears you, she'll have your head—and maybe mine too just for listenin'."

Tuck's eyes went wide, and he quickly apologized. "I didn't mean anything by it."

Ben studied him for a second, then grinned. "Relax. I ain't gonna snitch." He leaned against the fence, crossing his arms. "Now, is it strong? Strong enough to put a grown man flat on his back if he ain't careful."

Tuck's brows lifted. "Have you had any?"

Ben chuckled. "Had some once when I was younger. One sip, and I thought I'd gone blind." He shook his head at the memory. "Good moonshine burns like fire all the way down. Ain't for kids, that's for damn sure."

"So, basically, I should stay away from it?"

Ben nodded. "That's exactly right. Stick to sweet tea and lemonade, kid. Won't get you in trouble."

Tuck sighed. "Yeah, I figured."

"Good man. Now, help me hold this post up before your momma comes out here wonderin' why we're talkin' about illegal liquor instead of workin'."

Tuck laughed and grabbed the post.

Later Miranda walked up, holding out a cold glass of lemonade. "Figured you could use something to drink," she said, watching as Ben took it with a grateful nod.

"Appreciate it," he said before taking a long sip.

Tuck wiped his hands on his jeans. "I'm gonna go start my homework. Thanks for letting me help, Ben."

"Anytime, bud. You did good out here."

Tuck grinned before jogging off toward the house, leaving Miranda and Ben standing by the fence.

She glanced after her son, then back at Ben. "You know, he really admires you."

That made Ben pause, his grip tightening slightly around the glass. He let out a slow breath, then smiled. "That means a lot. He's a good kid. Smart. Got a strong head on his shoulders."

Miranda nodded, watching him for a moment. "Yeah, he is."

Ben set the glass down on a nearby post and turned toward her. "You think he'd mind me takin' his mama out again?"

"You worried about my son's opinion?"

"Well, I was thinkin' about switchin' things up this time. Maybe have you over at my cabin. Let me cook for you."

She folded her arms, considering it. "Tuck's going with his father this weekend."

Ben nodded. "So it's a date?"

She let the moment stretch just long enough to make him wonder before she finally said, "It's a date."

His grin widened. "Good"

Miranda just shook her head, sipping her own lemonade, trying not to look too amused—or too excited.

Before the date Miranda sat on the edge of her bed, phone pressed to her ear.

"Soooo," Callie said, drawing the word out. "You and Ben. Things seem to be going real well."

"Yeah... it's been nice. He's—" She hesitated for a second, then admitted, "I haven't felt like this in a long time."