Unexpected Inheritance

26

"Yep pregnant,"

Miranda groaned, dropping her head into her hands. "Damn it."

Chloe smirked, leaning against the exam table. "Not the reaction I was expecting."

Miranda lifted her head just enough to glare at her. "Our night in Ben's cabin had consequences."

Chloe bit back a laugh. "I mean... that's usually how it works."

Miranda exhaled heavily, rubbing her temples. "I just—ugh. I just got the OB clinic open. Meadow's starting school next year. Tuck's damn near off to college, and now I gotta tell Ben I—" She stopped, suddenly cursing under her breath. "That man."

Chloe raised a brow. "You're mad at him?"

"It's his fault."

"Pretty sure it takes two."

Miranda waved her off. "Details."

Chloe chuckled. "So, how are you gonna tell him?"

Miranda groaned again, tilting her head back toward the ceiling. "I don't know. Maybe I'll just drop the test in his lap and let him figure it out."

Chloe grinned. "Romantic."

Miranda sighed, finally standing. "I need bourbon. Neat and generous. Oh wait, no, I don't because I can't have it." She cursed under her breath again.

She didn't bother with a big reveal. No planning, no buildup—she just said it.

"I'm pregnant."

Ben nearly dropped Meadow. He caught her just in time, holding onto her like she might float away, eyes wide as he stared at Miranda. "You're what?"

Tuck, sitting on the couch, opened his mouth, but before he could get a word out, Miranda smacked him with the magazine she picked up.

Ben blinked, still trying to process. "But—how?"

Tuck turned to him, his expression unreadable. "Seriously? You two are worse than rabbits"

Miranda hit him with the magazine again.

Ben shook his head, still looking bewildered. "I mean—you were complaining about menopause"

Miranda crossed her arms. "Well, apparently, your swimmers don't care about menopause."

Ben exhaled, shifting Meadow on his hip. "So you're telling me that—"

Miranda cut him off. "Yes, Ben Warren, despite our age we are having another baby."

Tuck muttered, "Guess ya'll still got it."

Miranda hit him again.

Ben was quiet for a moment, looking between Miranda, Tuck, and the giggling toddler in his arms. Then, to her surprise, he started grinning. "Well... guess I should start fixing up the nursery again."

Miranda groaned. "I can't believe this. You surprised me with Meadow and now again?"

Ben shrugged. "What can I say? I like making babies with you."

Tuck immediately stood up. "Nope. I'm out."

"Baby?" Meadow looked at him

Ben kissed the top of her head, grinning. "That's right, baby girl. You're getting a little brother or sister. Isn't that great?"

Miranda sighed, rubbing her temples. "I swear, Ben..."

He just winked at her. "You love me."

"Yeah, yeah. And that's exactly the problem." Miranda groaned, shaking her head. "Ben, you are not beating the 'keeping me barefoot and pregnant' allegations."