Unexpected Inheritance

14

Ben just chuckled and kissed her, knowing better than to push the conversation any further.

They focused their energy on other things besides babies. Ben was busy with larger projects—fixing up homes, building new ones, and helping with anything that needed a man's touch around town, and the work kept him occupied. Meanwhile, Miranda had been diving deeper into her role at the clinic and volunteering her time at the hospital. She found satisfaction in being able to give back to the community in a way that felt more fulfilling than just running a clinic. And time just seemed to fly by.

One evening, Miranda walked into the house, greeted by the colorful balloons floating around the living room. She smiled. Ben, standing near the couch with a proud grin on his face.

"You really are Mr. Romantic, huh?"

Ben chuckled, walking over to her and gently taking her hands in his. "Well, you've been Mrs. Warren for a whole year now," he said softly. "I thought it was a good time to ask—how does it feel?"

Miranda glanced at the balloons and then back to him. She loved how thoughtful he could be, even in the little things, and how he managed to make every moment feel special. Her smile softened.

"I think I'm still getting used to it," she said. "It's been a year, and sometimes it still feels like it happened yesterday."

Ben nodded, squeezing her hands. "I get that. I still look at you sometimes and think about how lucky I am to have you. We've been through a lot, but we've built something beautiful together."

Miranda's heart fluttered at his words. "I know," she said, her voice softening. "I feel the same way. It's not always been easy, but it's been worth it."

Ben leaned in, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face before kissing her forehead. "And we've got a lot more ahead of us. Whatever it is, we'll face it together."

Miranda couldn't help but feel the weight of that truth. She looked at him with a loving gaze, feeling the love they had shared deepen every day since they'd first reunited. They had their bumps, their disagreements, and even moments of doubt, but in the end, they were stronger for it.

"Happy anniversary, Mrs. Warren," he said, pulling her into a tight embrace.

Miranda rested her head on his shoulder, thinking how lucky she was to have found a man like Ben—someone who, despite everything, had been there for her, and loved her in a way she never expected.

"Happy anniversary, Mr. Warren," she whispered, savoring the moment,

Tuck walked through the front door, dropping his bag by the entrance before noticing the balloons floating around the living room. He raised an eyebrow, then spotted Ben and Miranda standing close together.

"Oh," he said, realization dawning. "It's your anniversary."

Miranda turned to him with a smile. "It sure is."

Tuck exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Uh... sorry for being home, then."

"Why are you apologizing?"

"I figured y'all probably wanted to do... stuff."

Miranda's eyes widened before she grabbed a couch pillow and launched it at him. "Boy, get out of my sight," she said, shaking her head.

Tuck caught the pillow, laughing. "What? I was just being considerate"

Ben chuckled, stepping back and folding his arms. "You're lucky she only threw a pillow."

Miranda shot Ben a look before turning back to Tuck. "You live here, too. You don't have to apologize for being home. But you do have to apologize for whatever that was."

Tuck smirked. "Fine. I'm sorry for acknowledging that y'all are married adults."

She grabbed another pillow, and he took off toward the stairs before she could throw it. "Happy anniversary" he called over his shoulder before disappearing to his room.

Miranda sighed, shaking her head, while Ben just laughed. "You know, he's got a point, I did want to do...stuff with you" Ben murmured, slipping his arms around her waist.

She rolled her eyes but didn't pull away. "You keep talking, you're getting a pillow thrown at you next."

Ben smirked, leaning in close. "I'll take my chances."

They went out to dinner to together and rather than head back in the house Ben led Miranda out to the cabin, his hand firm but gentle on the small of her back. She hadn't been inside since they got back together, and as soon as he opened the door, she hesitated.

Ben sighed, stepping in first. "I know how you feel about this place" he admitted, watching her carefully. "But I really wanted to enjoy my anniversary with my wife. And let's be honest, our teenage son doesn't need to hear us."

Miranda exhaled through her nose, stepping inside slowly. "You could've just booked a hotel," she muttered, crossing her arms.

Ben chuckled, shutting the door behind her. "I could've. But this place is my home too just as much as the house is our home."

Miranda looked around again. It smelled different, cleaner. The bedding was new, and there were no lingering traces of another woman. Just Ben.

"You really cleaned up in here."

Ben came up behind her, resting his chin on her shoulder. "Wanted to make sure my wife was comfortable."

"That right?"

"You know it."

She chuckled softly, the tension from earlier melting away as she leaned into him. "Alright, Mr. Romantic. You've got me."

Ben kissed her neck, smiling against her skin. "That's what I was hoping you'd say."

"Can I tell you a secret?" she turned so they were face to face

"Yeah?" He leaned in, his lips brushing against hers. "What were you thinking?"

"I was thinking about how lucky I am," she whispered, pecking his lips "To have a man who loves me just the way I am."

Ben's hands tightened on her waist, pulling her closer until their bodies were pressed together, heat radiating between them. "Miranda, you're an amazing woman, the whole package. You are smart, you are incredibly passionate, and you have an amazing body to boot," he said, his voice rough with longing. " And I'll never get tired of showing you just how much I love you."

"Show me right now?"

"Show you all night long,"