Unexpected Inheritance

25

Miranda groaned, but she couldn't help laughing. She shook her head, stepping up onto the porch so everyone could see her. Ben stood beside her, grinning, with Meadow perched happily on his hip.

"Alright, alright," Miranda said, raising a hand to quiet the crowd. "If I don't give a speech, you all aren't gonna let me live it down, are you?"

The crowd cheered.

She sighed playfully. "Fine."

She looked out at the sea of familiar faces—people who had trusted her as their doctor, their friend, their neighbor. She cleared her throat, suddenly feeling the weight of the moment.

"When I first moved here, I never imagined this," she began. "I came here as a doctor, but this town made me a part of something bigger. You all have supported me every step of the way, through every decision, every challenge, and now, through this next chapter." She paused, glancing at Ben, then at Meadow, before looking back at the crowd.

"This clinic isn't just mine—it's ours. It's for the mothers, the families, the future of this town. I believe in this work, and I believe in the people here. So, thank you for believing in me."

The crowd erupted in cheers and applause, and for a brief moment, Miranda let herself take it in.

Ben leaned in, his voice low enough for only her to hear. "Told you they'd love it."

"That you did Mr.Warren"

He just grinned.

Meadow, sensing the excitement, clapped her little hands and shouted, "Cake now?"

The crowd laughed, and Miranda shook her head. "Yes, baby girl. Now we have cake."

As the party wound down, Meadow—now fueled by cake and excitement—was still going strong, chasing after Tuck with boundless energy.

"Come onnn, Uck" she called, her little legs pumping as fast as they could. "Play,"

Tuck groaned dramatically but kept running just ahead of her. "I am playing with you. You just never run outta energy"

Miranda watched them with amusement, shaking her head. "That girl's gonna keep us young forever."

Ben, standing beside her, chuckled. "Yeah, well, when she makes me play horsey, I definitely don't feel young."

Miranda turned to him with a smirk, slipping her arms around his waist. "How old do you feel exactly?"

Ben slid his hands to her hips, his grip firm but easy. "Hmm." He tilted his head, pretending to think. "Old enough to know better, young enough to keep up."

She arched a brow. "Never too old for what I'm thinking, then?"

His smirk deepened. "Not even close."

Miranda leaned in just a little, her voice lower. "Later. The cabin. Just you and me."

Ben let out a soft chuckle, pulling her even closer. "Sounds like my kind of celebration."

Tuck, still running from Meadow, caught sight of them and made a face. "Hey, you two. There are still people here."

Ben smirked, not letting go. "And?"

Tuck groaned. "Forget it. Meadow, come on."

Once the last guest had left and the cleanup was mostly handled, Ben and Miranda exchanged a knowing look.

"You good here?" Ben asked, already knowing the answer.

Tuck, sitting on the couch with Meadow sprawled across his lap, gave them a flat look. "If I said no, would it stop you both from sneaking off like a couple of kids?"