Unexpected Inheritance

25

Three Years Later

Tuck ran ahead in the yard, slowing just enough so Meadow could keep up, her tiny legs pumping as fast as they could. She let out a delighted squeal as she chased after him, her hair bouncing with every step.

"You gotta be quicker than that" Tuck teased, dodging to the side as she reached out for him.

Meadow huffed and stomped her foot before putting on an exaggerated burst of speed.

Tuck laughed and let her tag him, falling back dramatically onto the grass. "You got me"

Meadow climbed onto his chest triumphantly. "uck slow" she declared.

"Wow, okay," he said, sitting up and poking her side. "You tag me once, and suddenly I'm slow?"

She giggled, but before she could respond, a gust of wind sent a string of ribbons flying across the yard.

Ben, standing on the porch, groaned. "Damn it Miranda, the banner's not staying put."

Miranda, balancing on a stepstool, let out an exasperated sigh. "I told you to nail it"

"I'm not putting nails in my nice wood finish."

Meadow turned to look at her parents and their mess of decorations. "Mama mad?" she asked, head tilting.

Tuck smirked. "Nah, just stressed. They wanna make the clinic all nice for the opening."

Miranda had spent the last few years balancing clinic work, raising Meadow, and completing her accelerated program. Now, with her official licensing in hand, the final step in her vision for the clinic was about to come to life—a fully realized reproductive health center, including a dedicated birthing space.

Meadow ran toward the porch. "Mama"

Miranda turned just in time to catch Meadow as she barreled into her legs. "What is it, baby?"

Meadow looked up at her, then at the decorations. "Mama happy?"

Miranda's face softened, and she bent down, brushing a curl from Meadow's forehead. "Yeah, baby. I'm happy. Just busy." She kissed Meadow's forehead. "Thank you for checking on me, sweetheart."

Meadow beamed.

Ben, scooped her up. "Alright, baby girl," he said, tossing her in the air just enough to make her giggle. "You ready for a party?"

Meadow gasped. "Cake?"

Miranda laughed. "There's always cake."

The grand opening was a success. The entire town had turned out, excited to see the new clinic and support Miranda's latest venture. The porch and yard were filled with people, chatting, laughing, and congratulating her. Meadow ran between clusters of familiar faces, getting attention from just about everyone, while Tuck took full advantage of the food table.

Miranda had spent the afternoon answering questions, giving tours of the newly renovated basement area, and receiving endless praise.

"Everything you touch turns to gold, Dr. Warren," one of the older women in town remarked, patting Miranda's hand.

Miranda shook her head, chuckling. "I don't know about that, but I do work hard."

"That's why we love you," another person added.

Just as Miranda was about to slip away for a moment of quiet, she heard Ben's voice cut through the crowd.

"Speech. Speech"

She turned, giving him a warning look, but it was too late. The chant caught on, spreading quickly through the party.

"Speech. Speech. Speech"