Unexpected Inheritance

20

As soon as Miranda saw her father, she grinned and hurried over, wrapping her arms around him in a tight hug. "Dad. It's so good to see you."

Bill chuckled, hugging her back just as tightly. "Good to see you too."

Tuck wasn't far behind, wrapping his arms around his grandfather in his own embrace. "Hey, Grandpa"

Bill ruffled Tuck's hair. "Look at you, getting taller every time I see you."

Ben leaned against the kitchen counter, watching the reunion with a small smile. "Gave him the grand tour already," he said. "Now I'm treating him to some homemade sweet tea."

Tuck made a face. "You always make it too sweet."

Bill chuckled as he took the glass from Ben. "I don't mind a little sweetness," he said before taking a sip.

Miranda narrowed her eyes. "Mind your blood sugar drinking that."

"A sip or two won't hurt."

The room filled with warmth and laughter as they settled in.

"So how long are you staying, Grandpa?" Tuck asked, looking hopeful.

Bill smiled, setting down his glass. "Long enough to catch up and enjoy some time with y'all. We'll see how long your mom can tolerate me before she kicks me out."

Miranda smirked. "That depends on how much trouble you plan on causing."

Bill held up his hands innocently. "Me? Trouble? Never."

Ben shook his head with a laugh. "Uh-huh. We'll see about that."

That night, as they got ready for bed, Ben sat on the edge of the mattress, watching Miranda rub lotion over her arms. "So, you gonna tell your dad about the baby?"

She paused for a moment, thinking. "Not immediately," she admitted. "I wanna wait a little."

Ben nodded. "Then we better let Tuck know so he doesn't accidentally spill the beans."

Miranda smirked. "You think he can keep that secret?"

Ben chuckled. "Mmm, probably not. Kid gets excited." He stretched out, resting a hand over her stomach. "You hear that, baby? Gotta keep things hush-hush for now."

She shook her head, but before she could say anything else, she caught a strong whiff of his cologne. The scent hit her hard, and her stomach twisted. She immediately took a step back, covering her nose.

Ben frowned. "What's wrong?"

She pressed a hand to her stomach and made a face. "Your cologne. I can't stand it right now."

He lifted his arm and sniffed himself. "But this is the one you like. You bought it for me."

"Ben, please" she said, waving him away.

He chuckled, standing up. "Alright, alright. I'll go shower and wash it off before I make you sick." He leaned in to kiss her but thought better of it when she wrinkled her nose.

"Good call," she murmured, flopping onto the bed.

Ben laughed as he headed to the bathroom. "Pregnancy's gonna be a long ride, huh?"

She sighed dramatically. "For both of us."

After his shower, Ben climbed into bed and slid an arm around Miranda, pulling her close. But just as he was getting comfortable, she groaned and shoved at his chest.

"You're too hot," she muttered, shifting away from him.

Ben smirked. "I know, but what does that have to do with cuddling?"