Unexpected Inheritance

22

He chuckled, setting the plate aside. "Guess I'm making an exception today."

Tuck watched them quietly, hands resting on his knees. "So... how do we know when it's really time?"

Miranda let out a slow breath. "When the contractions get stronger and closer together."

Just then, another contraction rolled through, and she inhaled sharply, gripping the blanket. Ben immediately moved closer, rubbing slow circles on her back. "Breathe, baby. In through your nose, out through your mouth."

She did as he said, closing her eyes and focusing on the pattern. When the contraction passed, she exhaled and leaned back.

"Like how that one was stronger," she muttered.

Ben nodded, checking the time. "Getting closer?"

She glanced at the clock. "Yeah. I think so."

Ben filled the tub with warm water, checking the temperature before helping Miranda in. The moment she sank into the water, a sigh left her lips, her body finally finding some relief. He climbed in behind her, settling her between his legs so she could lean against his chest.

She rested her head back against him, closing her eyes. "This was a good idea," she murmured.

He smirked, wrapping his arms loosely around her, his hands resting just above her belly. "I have my moments."

For a while, they just sat there in comfortable silence, the water lapping gently around them. Another contraction came, and Miranda tensed, gripping his thigh. He held her closer, murmuring soft encouragements in her ear, waiting it out with her.

When it passed, she exhaled, resting her head against him again. "I forgot how much work this is."

Ben chuckled. "You're doing amazing." He couldn't resist—he leaned down, tilting her face just enough to kiss her. Slow, soft, lingering.

She smiled against his lips. "Thought you were here to help me relax, not rile me up."

He chuckled. "Can't help it."

She let out a breathy laugh, then winced as another contraction hit. Ben immediately switched back to coach mode, holding her steady, whispering reassurances in her ear.

"You're doing good, baby. Just keep breathing."

Ben quickly set up the birthing pool in their room, filling it with warm water while Miranda paced, breathing through another contraction. Tuck stood by her side, holding her hand like the supportive son he wanted to be.

"Mom, you're crushing my fingers," he winced, shifting his stance.

Miranda let out a sharp breath. "You'll live."

But when the next contraction hit, her grip tightened even more.

"Okay, okay—switch. Pop, tag in" Tuck yelped, prying his hand free and shaking it out.

Ben chuckled as he took over, lacing his fingers with Miranda's. "Tuck, grab a wet rag for your mom."

"Gladly," Tuck muttered, flexing his sore hand as he hurried off.

Ben focused on Miranda, brushing damp hair from her forehead. "Alright, sweetheart, let's get you in the water."

She nodded, letting him guide her, the warmth surrounding her as she settled into the birthing pool. Ben stayed close, keeping his hands on her, anchoring her as another contraction rolled through.

Chloe arrived, calm and prepared, though she knew Miranda would be the one calling most of the shots. "You've got this, Doc," she said, setting her things down.

Miranda gave a tight nod, too focused to respond as another contraction hit.

Ben sat behind her in the birthing pool, his strong arms supporting her as she leaned back against his chest. He pressed a kiss to her damp temple. "You're doing amazing, baby."

Tuck sat close by, clutching a cool rag, dabbing at his mom's forehead every so often. "You're almost there, Mom."

Miranda let out a breathless chuckle. "Almost doesn't feel close enough."

Chloe smiled as she monitored the progress. "You and this baby girl are lucky to have these two looking after you."

Miranda exhaled, gripping Ben's hands. "I know."

Ben squeezed back. "Alright, sweetheart, let's meet our girl."

She clenched her teeth as the pain reached an unbearable peak. She gripped Ben's arm with one hand and, without warning, latched onto Tuck's wrist with the other.

"Ring of fire," Chloe said "Baby is crowning,"

Tuck's eyes widened in surprise, but before he could yelp, Ben shot him a firm look. "Stay put."

Tuck swallowed hard but nodded, letting his mom hold on as tight as she needed.

Ben brushed his lips against Miranda's temple. "Baby, I can see her head."

Through gritted teeth, Miranda groaned, "Damn, must be big as hell... like yours."

Ben just chuckled softly, knowing better than to respond. "You're almost there. Just one more push."

Miranda sucked in a deep breath, glared ahead with sheer determination, and bore down with everything she had.

The moment their baby girl slipped into the water, Chloe let out an excited, "She's here"

Tuck, still holding onto his mom's arm, glanced down out of curiosity. But the second he saw the water tinged deep red, his face went pale. He barely had time to mumble, "Oh, that's, wow—" before his eyes rolled back and he crumpled to the floor.

Ben barely had a second to react before Miranda, exhausted but amused, huffed, "Some cowboy he is."

Chloe laughed. "I'll check on him—y'all handle your little one."

Ben kissed Miranda's forehead, his voice thick with emotion. "You did it, baby."

Miranda let her head rest against him, exhausted but relieved. "Yeah... now get my son off the damn floor."