Unexpected Inheritance

11

"I'll pick you up tomorrow?" he asked as he loaded his tools into the truck.

Marina nodded, still smiling. "I'll be ready."

As the weeks passed, Ben and Marina's connection grew stronger. What had started as casual conversation and small work projects around her cabin had slowly turned into something deeper, more comfortable. They would spend long hours together—talking, laughing, and just enjoying each other's company.

One afternoon, as the sun hung high in the sky, Tuck made his way up the path to Ben's cabin. He hadn't seen much of Ben since his mom came back, and while he wouldn't admit it outright, he kind of missed him. But when he knocked, he was met with a surprise.

The door swung open, and standing there, barefoot, was Marina—wearing what was unmistakably Ben's old button-up and a pair of loose shorts. Tuck took in the sight, the implication settling immediately.

Marina, unfazed, gave him a friendly smile. "Hey there. Can I help you?"

Tuck, feeling suddenly mischievous and, quite honestly, over his mom and Ben running around with other people, shoved his hands in his pockets. "Yeah, I was looking for my dad."

Marina tilted her head, her smile never fading. "Your dad?"

"Yeah," Tuck said with a straight face, waiting for her reaction.

Realization dawned, but instead of the flustered response he expected, Marina chuckled. "You're Dr. Bailey's kid, right?"

Tuck blinked. "Uh, yeah."

Marina leaned against the doorframe. "Ben talks about you. A lot, actually."

Tuck frowned slightly, not expecting that.

"I guess you called him your dad thinking I'd freak out or something," Marina added, her tone light and amused.

That didn't go the way he thought it would. He was hoping for a little shock, maybe even a moment of panic, but she wasn't fazed at all.

"You want me to get him?" Marina asked.

He shook his head, stepping back. "Nah. Just tell him I stopped by."

"Will do," she said, still smiling as she watched him turn and walk back down the path.

Miranda and Rosalind strolled through the store, Miranda keeping close to Roz like she always did these days. It wasn't like she was scared—she refused to call it that—but sometimes the store made her chest feel tight, like the walls were just a little too close. Roz got it. That's why they walked and talked, taking their time.

They were rounding the end of an aisle when Marina Daley appeared, holding a bag of chips in one hand and scanning the shelves. She glanced up, spotted them, and smiled.

"Oh, Rosalind, do y'all more of the honey barbecue ones? They're Ben's favorite"

Miranda felt Roz go still beside her. Not much, just a fraction of a second. Just enough for Miranda to feel like she was being tested somehow.

She folded her arms and lifted an eyebrow. "Oh the ones I put him on to? Before me he only ate the plain ones"

"They're out," Rosalind said, glancing at the shelf Marina had just been eyeing.

Marina sighed. "Figures."

Miranda shrugged "Just get him the off-brand ones. He doesn't seem to mind knockoffs."

Marina tilted her head slightly at Miranda's words, her smile staying in place but her eyes sharpening just a bit. Rosalind, caught in the middle, let out a small sigh but wisely kept quiet.