Unexpected Inheritance

3

Tuck was a teenager, observant, and Miranda knew she couldn't keep this from him forever. She just wanted to tell him when the time was right.

So they were careful especially around Tuck. Ben never stayed over when Tuck was home. They kept their moments brief and casual in front of him. No lingering looks, no accidental touches.

At least, that was the plan.

The steady hum of the lawn mower filled the warm afternoon air as Ben worked , the heat of the day causing sweat to glisten on his skin. His shirt had been discarded earlier, leaving him in just his jeans, boots, and hat. He didn't notice the man stepping out of the car right away.

Tucker stood by his vehicle, as he took in the scene. The sight of a shirtless man cutting the grass outside his ex-wife's house made his brow furrow. Without hesitation, he headed over to Ben, who paused to shut off the mower as Tucker approached.

"You work here?" Tucker asked, his tone clipped, his eyes narrowing as he gave Ben a once-over.

Ben leaned on the mower handle, wiping his brow with the back of his hand. His easygoing demeanor didn't waver as he replied, "You could say that. And you are?"

"Tucker Jones," he said, straightening his posture. "Miranda's ex-husband. Looks like you're keeping busy."

Ben gave a small smile, sensing the underlying challenge in Tucker's words. "Always plenty to do around here. And you're here for...?"

Before the tension could thicken, the front door swung open, and Tuck came bounding out.

"Dad" Tuck yelled, running toward Tucker with a wide grin.

Tucker's face softened immediately as he pulled his son in a hug. "Hey. Look at you—what's with the cowboy gear?"

Tuck laughed, stepping back to show off his hat and boots. "Ben got it for me. Cool, huh?"

Ben chuckled, tipping his hat in acknowledgment. "Figured he ought to blend in a little."

Miranda appeared in the doorway then, her gaze flickering from Tuck to Tucker to Ben. Her expression shifted subtly when she saw the tension still lingering in the air. She walked over to them, her steps calm and deliberate.

"Tucker," she said evenly. "I didn't know you were coming."

"Wanted to see Tuck, check out this new place of yours. Thought I'd stop by. Seems like you've made quite the life for yourself out here."

Miranda glanced briefly at Ben, who gave her a small, reassuring nod before stepping back toward the mower, giving them some space.

"It's been an adjustment," Miranda said, folding her arms. "But it's working out."

Tucker looked around, his gaze lingering on the house, the land, and then Ben again. "Seems like it. So, who's the cowboy?"

"Ben," Miranda said simply, her tone firm. "He's been helping with the property and the practice. And he's been a great influence on Tuck."

"Dad, Ben's gonna teach me how to ride a horse next weekend"

Tucker raised an eyebrow, looking from his son to Miranda. "That so?"

Miranda nodded. "It is. Tuck's been adjusting really well here, and I'd like to keep it that way."

The underlying message wasn't lost on Tucker, who held her gaze for a moment before nodding. "All right. I'm glad he's doing well. I just wanted to stop by and see for myself."

Tuck nudged his dad. "Dad, you gotta see the horses. Ben showed me how to feed them"

Miranda watched as Tucker smiled at their son, but she didn't miss the way his jaw tightened when Tuck mentioned Ben again. She folded her arms, keeping her tone even. "Why don't you spend some time with Tuck? I'll be inside if you need me."