Unexpected Inheritance

7

Ben nodded, stepping closer again. "Well. Where were we?"

Miranda smirked. "You were telling me how lucky you are."

Ben grinned. "That's right."

And then he kissed her again.

Miranda's phone buzzed again just as Ben's hands settled on her waist. She sighed, resting her forehead against his chest before pulling back to check the screen.

"It's Tuck," she said, already answering.

Tuck's voice came through the line, hesitant. "Hey, Mom... I, uh, just wanted to say sorry. For whatever my dad might've said."

Miranda's expression softened. "Tuck, you don't have to apologize for him."

"I know, but I could tell he was worked up when he got off the phone, and I just—" He sighed. "I know how he gets."

"Yeah, I know too."

Ben leaned against the wall, arms crossed, listening without interrupting.

Tuck continued, "I told him it wasn't a big deal, and that I'm fine, but you know how he is. He's got it in his head that Ben's, like, throwing me off horses or something."

He hesitated, then added, "I told him Ben's a good guy. That he looks out for me. And that he makes you very happy"

Miranda glanced at Ben, who was pretending not to eavesdrop but was obviously listening.

"You did?" she asked.

"Yeah," Tuck said. "He didn't say much after that, but... I think he heard me."

"You don't worry about grown folk business,"

"Of course Ma'am,"

"But I appreciate the call. That means a lot."

Tuck chuckled. "Don't get all mushy, Mom."

She smiled. "Alright, alright. love you."

"Love you too,"

Miranda set the phone down and turned to Ben.

"You look out for him, huh?" she teased.

Ben shrugged. "Tuck's a good kid. And he's important to me."

She shook her head with a small smile. "Now, where were we?"

Ben stepped closer, tugging her gently by the belt loops of her jeans. "Somewhere about here"

She laughed as he kissed her again.

Miranda barely had time to melt into Ben's kiss before her phone rang—again. She groaned, dropping her forehead against his chest.

"You have got to be kidding me," she muttered.

"Should I just assume the universe doesn't want me kissing you tonight?" he teased.

She shot him a glare before checking the screen. "It's my dad," she muttered, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Lord, give me strength."

"This oughta be good."

She swiped to answer. "Hey, Dad."

"Miranda," William's voice came through, calm but firm. "I just got off the phone with Tucker."

Of course he did.

"And?" she asked, bracing herself.

"He seems to think this Ben fella is playing cowboy with my grandson and nearly got him killed. Now, I know better than to take Tucker's word as gospel. I also know my daughter wouldn't let just anybody around her child."