Unexpected Inheritance

14

Ben opened his mouth to argue, but Arizona clapped a hand on his shoulder. "You heard her. Groom duties. Go fix it."

He clenched his jaw, glanced at Miranda—who just raised an expectant eyebrow—then exhaled. "Fine"

It didn't take long for Mr.Fix-It himself to come up with a plan. Ben stood in the yard, phone pressed to his ear, barking out instructions. The moment he hung up, another call came in. Then another. Within an hour, trucks started rolling up the driveway, dropping off chairs, an arch, and decorations. A few of the guys from town showed up, too, setting up the seating while others strung lights along the porch railing.

Callie stepped outside, watching the scene unfold with a confused expression.

She walked up to Ben, arms crossed. "Okay, what exactly is going on here?"

"A compromise," he said simply.

"A compromise?"

He nodded. "I didn't get my barn wedding, and she sure as hell ain't going to the courthouse. We got a beautiful estate right here—so we're having us a little wedding, right here at home."

Callie looked around again, now seeing the vision come together—the arch, the chairs, the way the sun hit just right in the open space. A slow smile spread across her face. "You know what, Ben? This might actually be perfect."

Ben smirked, adjusting his hat. "Thank you, Callie."

"You just threw together a whole wedding in under an hour?"

Ben smirked. "When a man wants to marry his woman, he makes it happen."

Callie rolled her eyes but smiled. "Alright, cowboy, let's see if this works."

As the sun dipped low in the sky, casting a golden glow over the property, Miranda stepped out onto the porch, her dress flowing around her. The last-minute changes didn't matter—this was their home, their land, and now it was their wedding venue. Callie and Arizona stood by her side, smoothing out the fabric of her dress while Rosalind wiped away a tear.

Out in the yard, Ben stood under the arch, hands clasped in front of him, watching her with an expression so full of love that it made Miranda's breath hitch. Tuck stood beside him, straight-backed and proud in his suit, his cowboy hat tipped just slightly.

Miranda took a deep breath and walked down the makeshift aisle, the grass soft beneath her feet. This wasn't the wedding she originally imagined, but as she reached Ben, she realized it was exactly what it needed to be.

They stood together under the arch, hands clasped, as the officiant—an old friend from town—began to speak. The words were simple, heartfelt, and just right for them.

When it came time for the vows, Ben squeezed her hands. "I wanted to marry you in a barn," he said, earning a chuckle from the small crowd, "but this right here? This is better. This is our home, our life, and there's nowhere else I'd rather stand with you. Miranda Bailey you are worth waiting for. Although I'm glad I ain't have to do anymore waiting. I know you don't believe in perfect, but this? Us? Feels pretty damn close."

Miranda let out a breathy laugh, shaking her head as her eyes welled up. "I don't know what made you stay when I pushed you away, but I'm grateful you did. I love you, and I always will."

When the officiant finally declared them husband and wife, Ben didn't hesitate—he pulled her close and kissed her, dipping her back just enough to make the guests cheer.

Tuck shook his head with a grin. "Yeah, I'm never getting used to that."

They laughed joined hands and jumped the broom into their new life together.