Unexpected Inheritance

14

As Miranda handed the patient a prescription, the older woman, Mrs. Carter, glanced between the two of them. "So, Dr.Warren, when's this town gonna see some youngins from you two?"

Miranda paused, her pen hovering over her notepad. Ben chuckled, running a hand over his beard. "Well, we haven't really talked about youngins much," he admitted. "Been pretty happy with the life we've got. Guess it just never came up."

Mrs. Carter clicked her tongue. "Well, it ought to come up. You know Eleanor would've wanted this place full of youngins, carrying on her legacy. Otherwise, she left all this to you for nothing."

Miranda raised an eyebrow. "I'm not sure about filling this place with children, Mrs. Carter," she said lightly, though there was a flicker of discomfort in her tone.

Ben, ever the steady presence, spoke up. "I think Miranda's doing Eleanor mighty proud already, keeping this practice running. Making sure everyone around here stays healthy and kicking."

Mrs. Carter huffed but nodded. "That's true. But a new marriage is supposed to bring a life with it. That's just how it is."

Ben looked over at Miranda, his expression unreadable at first. But as their eyes met, she saw the faintest trace of amusement in his gaze. He didn't have to say a word—his expression said it all: Told you these folks are stuck in their ways.

Miranda let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. "Mrs. Carter, I think you've spent too much time worrying about other folks' business."

The older woman grinned, unrepentant. "That's what I'm here for. Keeps me young."

As the patient left, Ben moved closer, slipping an arm around Miranda's waist "Are you satisfied with you inheritance Dr.Warren" he teased, pressing a kiss to her temple.

Miranda rolled her eyes. "Don't you start, too."

Ben chuckled. "Seriously though Miranda, I'm glad you're here and we have this life."

"Yeah, me too"

The more the townsfolk talked, the more Miranda had something to say about it—at home, at least.

"They were fine with me just being the town doctor," she said one evening as she chopped vegetables in the kitchen. "But now? Now, all of a sudden, all I'm good for is baby-making."

Ben sat at the table, sipping his drink, wisely keeping quiet.

She huffed, shaking her head. "Do they not realize I'm not in my twenties? It's like they expect me to just pop out a baby like I don't have a full schedule and a damn near grown son who still eats me out of house and home."

Ben scratched his goatee. "To be fair, they probably just—"

She shot him a look, and he immediately stopped talking.

She set the knife down with a sharp clack against the cutting board. "It's exhausting."

Ben stood up, wrapping his arms around her from behind. "I know," he murmured against her shoulder.

She sighed, leaning into him for a moment. "It's not that I hate the idea," she admitted. "But I hate that it's expected. Like my value just shifted overnight."

He kissed the side of her head. "You're valued for a lot more than that."

She turned to face him, searching his expression. "You sure?"

He grinned. "Pretty sure I married you for your stubbornness and your ability to boss me around."

She smirked. "Damn right."