Unexpected Inheritance

22

Ben rubbed a hand over his face before shifting into action. He grabbed her hand, squeezing it as he helped her sit up a little. "Okay, let's breathe through them."

Miranda leaned into him, focusing on his steady presence. He timed them, keeping count on his watch. They weren't close enough to panic, but real enough that they knew the clock had started. He kept a hand on her back, rubbing slow, soothing circles, his voice calm and steady as he whispered reassurances.

After about an hour, the contractions spaced out just enough that they were able to lie back down. Ben propped pillows behind her, making sure she was as comfortable as she could be.

"Try to rest," he murmured.

She sighed, relaxing against him. "Easier said than done."

But exhaustion eventually won, and Miranda dozed off, Ben's arm draped protectively over her.

When Ben got up, Miranda was still in bed, curled on her side. Her eyes were closed, but he could tell by the way her fingers twitched against the sheets that she wasn't asleep. He leaned down, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

"You need anything?" he asked softly.

She shook her head slightly. "Just pacing myself," she murmured.

Ben straightened and headed to the kitchen. He put on some tea for her and started making breakfast, something light but filling—eggs, toast, and some fruit. The smell filled the house just as Tuck shuffled out of his room, stretching and yawning.

"Morning," Tuck greeted, rubbing his eyes.

Ben glanced up from the stove. "Morning, kid."

Tuck grabbed a seat at the table, still half-asleep. "Where's Mom?"

Ben set a cup of tea on the counter, pouring himself some coffee. "Still in bed. We think she's in labor."

That woke Tuck up real quick. "Wait—what?"

Ben gave him a calm but knowing look. "Yeah. She had contractions in the middle of the night. It's starting, but we're taking it slow."

"So... like, the baby could come today?"

"Maybe. Maybe tomorrow. We just have to see how things go."

"Damn. I mean—dang."

Ben smirked. "Yeah, you better clean that up before your mom hears you."

Tuck grabbed a glass of juice, shaking his head. "So, what do we do? Do I need to do anything?"

Ben set a plate aside for Miranda and leaned on the counter. "Right now, we let her rest and stay ready. She wanted a home birth, so everything's already prepped. But we gotta keep an eye on her, make sure she eats, drinks, and doesn't overdo it. You good with that?"

Tuck exhaled and nodded. "Yeah. Yeah, I got it."

"Good man. Bring in her breakfast."

Tuck took a deep breath, then headed toward his parents' room with the tea and plate, giving one last glance toward the quiet morning outside

He sat on the edge of the bed while Miranda slowly worked through her breakfast. She finished her tea but only picked at the food, eventually setting the plate aside with a sigh.

Ben noticed as he took the plate from her nightstand. "Not hungry?"

Miranda shook her head, adjusting the pillows behind her. "Tried, but I just don't have much of an appetite."

Ben frowned but didn't push. "As long as you're drinking and keeping something down, I won't fuss."

She smirked. "Since when do you not fuss?"