Stay With Me

A voice came over the intercom: "Ladies and gentleman, please have a seat and buckle up for safety, we're about to land." Ben quickly switched places with Tuck. Miranda fastened his seatbelt and her own and the plane landed smoothly.

She rented a car from the airport and drove to the address that she had for the hospital. They found her father's room. "You must be starving. I know I am," he said and he leaned in to kiss her cheek. She didn't stop him. She asked him if he could take Tuck with him while she talked with her parents and the doctors. He said of course and off they went.

Miranda milled around outside of the room and prayed to God for a bit before pulling the door open and going in. "Daddy," she said as she looked at him in the hospital bed. William Bailey was a tall man with a larger than life personality, but he looked frail in the bed.

"Hey, baby" her parents said at the same time. Her mother rushed to her and hugged her tightly. Miranda went to her father and asked if he was okay. She spoke slowly and told her that he was fine and that she didn't have to come. She asked about her aunts and uncle and her father told her that he'd told them not to come. It wasn't necessary.

"Dad, stop. Of course I came."

"Where's Little Tuck?" Her mother asked.

"He's with a friend of mine. The one who got us such a quick flight. Tucker was going to come, but Jaida's pregnant, so… yeah. Don't tell Little Tuck that. And he's at the cafeteria with him."

"Him who? Tucker?" Her mom was confused and her father looked confused as well.

"No, Tucker's back in Seattle. My son, is at the cafeteria with my friend."

Elena snapped her fingers: "Eli?"

"No, Ben."

"Who's Eli?" Her father asked at the same time that her mother said: "Who's Ben?"

"Eli is my ex-boyfriend, dad. We're done. And Ben is a good friend of mine. He works at the hospital, too." They nodded to signal that they understood. "So what did the doctors say? Did they run tests? Where did you have the attack? Did they do blood work?" Elena and William answered their daughter's questions to the best of their ability. Eventually, the doctors came in and talked to Miranda. The heart attack was mild, but they were going to keep him for a few days for observation. Before they left, Tuck and Ben came back. "Mom, dad, you remember this young feller, right?" She said as Tuck ran into his grandmother's arms and then went to his grandfather's bedside. "And this is Dr. Ben Warren. Ben, these are my parents, Elena and William." Ben walked over and shook hands with her mother; then, he hugged and kissed her cheek. Taking a step forward, he shook hands with her father.

"Nice to meet you both," Ben said stepping back beside Miranda. He put an arm around her waist. She made no effort to move away, but put her head down and blushed. Tuck sat on the bed next to his grandfather. They chatted quietly. Tuck giggled. Elena walked towards Ben and Miranda and gently pulled her daughter away.

"Okay. I like this one. We're meeting him already and we haven't even met the last one." Miranda rolled her eyes. It was just like her mother to be thinking about her daughter's love life when something more serious was going on. Miranda shook her head.

"Momma, it just worked out this way. Tucker, like I told you, so also coming. So, this wasn't a getaway weekend with Ben. I just broke up with Eli. That was heartbreaking. And Ben has just been a good friend."

"Like… how good of a friend?" She asked raising her eyebrow. She smirked devilishly.

"Ugh, momma, like we play basketball sometimes. Like we've worked together on a few patients. Remember that stool I told you about?"

"The one that 'mysteriously' appeared?" Her mother said putting finger quotes around the word "mysteriously".

"Yes. That one. Ben was… actually the one who got it for me."

"Wow. That's very sweet, Miranda. So, does he like you?" Miranda walked to an empty chair and sat down. Her mother followed. Miranda took a deep breath and told her mother the whole story, well 75% of it. Starting from the first time she actually noticed Ben. Her mother gasped and laughed in all of the right places. When she was finished talking, Miranda sat there and waited for mother to speak. "He seems really nice, baby."

"Yeah, he is," Miranda said.

Tuck, Ben and Miranda left Elena at the hospital. She couldn't bring herself to leave William's side. She felt guilty for being at the hairdresser when William collapsed on floor of their newly renovated kitchen. Miranda drove to the twenty miles to her parent's house. Tuck fell asleep in the car. And she and Ben didn't talk much. When Callie called and asked where she was, Miranda gave her the shortest version of the story. Callie got the hint and told Miranda that she'd send her a text message.

When they got to the house, Ben gently pulled Tuck out of the car. Miranda opened the door and led him upstairs to one of the five bedrooms. She tucked her son in and kissed his forehead. Ben held the door open for her as she walked out. They went back downstairs. Ben went outside to get the bags. Setting them down, he said: "You know, Miranda, you didn't eat your food."

"I know. I just… I'm really hungry now and so, I'm paying for it."

"I can whip something up for you."

"Ben, it's okay," Miranda said. "You've done enough. Seriously."

"I'm going to say this to you and I'll never get tired of telling you this. I don't mind doing things for you. If you need it and I can help, consider it done." Miranda was speechless. She turned to face Ben. He reached out and grabbed her hands. He pulled her to him. He dropped her hands. "I'm going to kiss you now." Ben leaned in and put his lips to hers. Still shocked, she didn't kiss him back. But, he kept the contact. Finally, she gave in. They shared a long, passionate kiss. "Such. Soft. Lips. I've been waiting so long to do that."

"I guess I have, too," Miranda said wiping the corners of her mouth. "We, uh, never got to finish our date."

"I was just about to say that. So, do you want to continue it? I can cook?" He asked again. Miranda took in his smile and formed her own. She was… glad. Glad that he'd invited himself on the trip. Glad that he liked her, glad that she was able to express her feelings, to the best of her ability. And she was extremely glad that their shared kiss had been amazing. Perfect even. She looked up to see that he was waiting for her answer. She nodded. Miranda sat down on a chair in the kitchen and watched him work. He moved effortlessly around the kitchen like he'd done it before. He seemed to be making gourmet sandwiches. She offered help when she could. Fatigue was starting to take over. She tried to hide her yawn, but Ben saw her. "Tired?"

"A little. It has really been a day," she said taking a sip of the white wine that Ben had just placed in front of her.

"I understand. So is this the house you grew up in?" Miranda thought about it for a second. This was the house that she'd really grown up in. When Miranda was born, the three of them, she and her parents were living in a different house in another part of town. But, Miranda didn't know much about that one, but this house, the large brick house, was the one she remembered. She'd learned how to ride her bike and Double Dutch and swim all while living in the house. Miranda told all of this to Ben. "I love listening to you speak. You're very poetic." Ben blushed.

"Why do you say stuff like that?" He raised his eyebrow. "You're saying the kinds of things I would expect a boyfriend to say or something. That wasn't too poetic was it?" Miranda laughed nervously.

"No, not really. But, I know you're tired, exhausted even. And as soon as we finish eating, we can get some rest," Ben said grilling four pieces of bread and forming the sandwiches. When Ben finally put the sandwich in front of her, she quickly said a prayer and started to eat. She ate fast before realizing that Ben was right there and she slowed down. "Don't slow down on my account."

"This is so good," she said picking up a stray piece of bacon.

"Thank you. You can cook for me tomorrow. How about that?"

"We'll see." Miranda and Ben finished their sandwiches. She stood up and reached for his plate.

"I got it." Ben picked up both plates and put them in the sink. "I'll wash them later."

"Ben, seriously. If you're just being nice to me because of my dad… don't. I can manage without the pity," Miranda said.

"This is not pity. This is a friendship and this is me showing you that I like you." He took her hand and helped her stand up. He put her arms around his neck and he wrapped his arms around her waist. He kissed her again. When they pulled apart, he said: "I plan on doing that a lot."

"I won't get used to it," she said smiling. "Ben, I have something to ask you, but I don't know how."

"Just… start."

Miranda looked up into his eyes. He really cared. And for the first time, she was feeling okay about Eli ending things. "I don't often do this—"

"What's this?" He asked pulling her body into his.

"Dating," she said exasperatedly. "I don't date. And when I do, it's every 10 years like a hermit." They laughed.

"Where's the question, Miranda?" Her heart fluttered when he spoke her name.

"Can you sleep with me tonight? I know you've done so much already. And I know that it sounds weird and you're probably tired yourself, but I'd really like the company. Ben Warren, say something."

"You're not giving me a chance."

"Oh."

"Well, I would love to spend the night with you." He smiled slowly.

"Ben Warren, don't give me that look. I'm actually talking about sleeping." Both of them started to laugh.

"Lead the way?" He said.

"I actually need to get my bag," she said and she went back out into the large foyer.

She reached down to get her bag and she felt Ben's body press up against hers. "I can get that for you," he said into her ear. Miranda's body was going crazy. She closed her eyes and tried to breathe steadily.

"Thank you," she whispered. Miranda turned around. Ben leaned down and they kissed again. This one was different. It was passionate and longer than the last ones. Ben slipped his tongue into her mouth and Miranda did the same. She threw herself into him, knocking him back a little. He held her tight and rubbed her back. She pulled away suddenly and he held on to her, kissing her neck and her ear, any part of her that he could get his lips on. She felt heat all over her body. "Ben."

"Yes," he said hungrily. "Yes, Miranda?"

"Are you ready to go upstairs?" She asked and he picked up the bags. Miranda walked up the stairs turning lights on and off as she went. She checked on Tuck who was still asleep. Miranda couldn't use the room that she'd grown up in; it was the one that Tuck was using. Miranda walked down the hallway and around the corner to a spare room in the back of the house. "We can stay in here for tonight and then you can go to another one. If you want." She said that last part quietly. She hoped that he wouldn't. Maybe she was rushing it. Maybe he wasn't expecting everything that she was dishing out. She'd have to control herself around him.

"I want to be in the room that you're in," he said firmly. And that was that. While Miranda was changing into her pajamas, blue, oversized pajama pants and a black t-shirt, she heard him say: "You didn't tell Torres that I was with you."

"I didn't. But, I will. She's my best friend," she responded as she came out of the bathroom and he went into it. But not before kissing her cheek. That small gesture turned her on. She had to keep her mind busy so she wouldn't think about him in their stripping down and putting on pajamas.

"I know. I asked about you," he called from the bathroom. "Did she tell you what that?"

"She's my best friend, Ben," Miranda told him. She laughed.

"Is that your way of telling me that I'm an idiot if I think that I could ask your best friend about you and she wouldn't say anything?" Miranda only nodded. Ben emerged from the bathroom wearing a white t-shirt and black pajama bottoms. "I just bought these," he said when he caught Miranda staring. "I usually sleep naked." Miranda made a noise and smiled widely. Ben climbed into the king-sized bed. "Oh, my goodness! This bed feels amazing. Come and lie down, Dr. Bailey." He patted the space next to him. She swallowed. Miranda climbed into the spacious bed. "I can stay on this side if you'd like." She didn't speak. That's not what she wanted at all. She wanted to be wrapped in his arms, with her back against his chest. She felt the bed move. Then, he was behind her and whispering in her ear: "Or, I can hold you." Miranda was glad that he couldn't see her biting her bottom lip. "Whichever you prefer." He was still holding her, so she didn't answer. "Are you asleep?" When she shook her head, a tear fell. She sniffed. "Miranda?" She didn't trust herself to speak. He'd know at once that she was crying. And he'd ask why and she really didn't have an answer. She tried to wipe away the tears inconspicuously. "Baby, I know you're crying." She heard him groan at his slipup. She smiled. "I mean… I did not mean to call you that. Well, I did, but I didn't. Sorry. What's the matter?" She smiled and shook her head. He climbed over her and they were now face to face. "I knew it." He wiped her face. "Are they happy or sad tears?"

Looking into his eyes, she was finally ready to talk. He winked at her. "It's probably a combination of both. I'm, obviously, still worried about my father. But, I'm happy that you're here. I'm glad we're friends."

"Well, the way you put that kiss on me earlier and the fact that we're lying in the same bed, I'd say we are friends, but we're also on our way to starting an intimate relationship." She gasped. "Don't say anything. We can talk more in the morning." Ben kissed Miranda on her lips and then again on her cheek. He climbed back behind her and held her. Soon, they were both asleep.

A piece of sun was beaming in Miranda's face. She opened her eyes and also felt the presence of her son in the doorway. "How long have you been standing there?" She asked him. Ben still had his arms around her and was snoring in her ear. It wasn't an unpleasant sound. She slowly removed Ben's arm and got out of bed. She ushered Tuck downstairs. "Good morning, Tuck."

"Morning, mommy. Can I make us some cereal?" he said. "And can I have some juice?" She nodded and he pulled orange juice out of the refrigerator. She was glad that even at seven, she could trust him to pour his own juice and fix his own easy breakfast. "Should I make one for Ben, too?" The question snapped Miranda back to her reality. She'd kissed Ben last night. They'd slept together and they were… what was the word for it? Becoming lovers? Falling in love? She didn't believe in there being a such things as "more than friends". Friends was the goal, anything else was extra and stemmed from friendship. Tuck was waiting for an answer.

"Well, he's not up yet, so you can make it when he gets up."

"I'm up," Ben said walking into the kitchen. His voice startled her.

"Good morning, LT," Ben said putting out his fist for Tuck to bump with his own fist.

"Hey," Tuck said smiling.

"Morning, Dr. Bailey," Ben said and he walked towards her. She gave him a quick smile and he leaned down to kiss her cheek. She felt the blood rush to her cheeks.

"Hey… Ben. Can I talk to you for a second?" She asked him. Before they left the kitchen, she turned on the TV so that the sound of the impending conversation wouldn't alert Tuck and have him listening in. In the foyer, Miranda turned to Ben. "Look, um, last night was…" She searched for the right word.

"Nice?" He offered. Ben put his hands on his hips. Miranda took note of how his muscles flexed. She also took note of how he didn't have on any shoes or socks. He had nice feet.

"Better than nice. It was amazing and idyllic. And it's something I-I-I'd like to do again and often if possible, but I can't have you kissing me in front of my son. It's not you. It's that I was just in a relationship. He'd just gotten used Eli being around and sleeping over and picking him up. And, now, that's all gone. Done. That's both here and there, but I can't have him getting attached to another guy so soon. And he already likes you and he'll be devastated when or if it ends. So—"

"Damn, Miranda," he laughed and shook his head. "You're already thinking about the end and we haven't even begun?" She started to speak, but he held a hand up. "I like LT. I liked him before I even knew about you." Ben took a step forward. "Look, me and Tuck, we're good. And I won't touch you inappropriately when he's around. Or look at you in a sexualized way." She grabbed his hands. "But a kiss, on the cheek in the morning, is not a bad thing. Also, I don't think it hurts Tuck to see that someone cares about you and really likes you. And—"

"Okay. Okay. Fine."

"You know what you need?" He asked suggestively.

"Ben Warren. Choose your words carefully."

"I was just going to say that you need a hug." Miranda agreed and she allowed herself to be wrapped in Ben's arms. "Morning, Dr. Bailey," he repeated.

"Good morning, Dr. Warren."

After breakfast, Miranda's phone was ringing. She was in the room that they'd used last night. Ben went to another room to shower and change. Although he told her that he didn't mind using the same room, Miranda demanded that he use another room. Her phone was still ringing in her hands when she picked it up. "Yes, Chief?"

"Mandy!? How could you not tell me about William? I had to hear it from Robbins."

"I'm sorry, sir, it was all so sudden. Tucker, Ben and I came to Baltimore yesterday afternoon."

"What's his diagnosis? And who is Ben? When are you coming back? And Elena?"

"There're going to keep him for a few days, run more tests and labs. You probably know Ben. Dr. Warren, an Anesthesiologist Attending. I don't know. Maybe a day or two. I told Grey to take my cases and she's going to be up to her elbows in work, so help her please. And my mom's fine."

"Okay, okay. Well, keep me posted. And, why is my Anesthesiologist Attending with you?"

Miranda sighed. "You're going to hear about it one way or another. And I don't like putting my personal business all over the hospital, but Eli and I broke up. Well, he broke up with me. Are you happy?"

"Are you happy?" He asked and Miranda was taken aback, but she just made a dismissive noise. She thought he'd be ecstatic and saying I told you so. "So, Ben is there because…"

"I think that—Well, it's possible that Ben and I might be a—"

"Mommy!" Tucker called to her.

"Yes, baby?" She answered, taking the phone away from her ear.

"I'm ready to see Pop-Pop."

"Okay. I'm almost finished."

"Chief. I just know you're relieved that Eli and I are no longer dating."

"I can't say I'm surprised. He wasn't right for you, Bailey. And he proved that by breaking up with you. Now, Ben, he seems like a good one." Miranda rolled her eyes and smiled. Of course Richard would like Ben.

"Thanks, Chief. I have to go. I will definitely keep you in the know."

Miranda filled a bag for her parents and they went to the hospital. Sitting at her father's bedside, while her mother was showering down the hall in the guest shower room and Ben and Tuck were lying on the empty bed on the other side of the room watching a game, Miranda received a text message from Callie. Miranda walked out of out of the room, telling her dad that she'd be back. And she called Callie. "Hey, Torres."

"Mandy, what's up? How's Poppa Bailey?" Miranda told her the same thing she'd told The Chief. "Oh, sweetie, he's going to be just fine."

"Is Tucker with you?"

"That's what I wanted to tell you," Miranda started. Then, she spilled the entire story to her best friend. When she was finished, Callie said: "Yasss, honey. So you like him and he likes you. That's cool, Miranda. Is he a good kisser? A nice guy?"

"He's a really good guy and a fantastic kisser," Miranda swooned. Ben walked out of the room and sat down next to Miranda. "Hey, Callie, I gotta go."

"He's in the area?"

"Yeah. Yep. Keep an eye on Grey, please."

"HELLOOO, DR. WARREN!" Callie shouted into Miranda's ear. Ben smiled and waved to the phone.

"That's my ear! Dang, girl. Goodbye." Miranda hung up the phone.

"You could have told her I said 'hello."

"I know," Miranda said and she put her phone back in her pocket. "What's Tuck doing?"

"Watching 'Transformers'," Ben said and he put an arm around the back of her chair. Miranda turned to face him. "We need to talk."

"Okay, but not now." Miranda's mind went back to last night when he'd called her baby. It had shocked and delighted her. She knew exactly what he wanted to talk about: Them. She wondered if she was ready. "When we get back to the house." Ben nodded. They sat and talked outside of the room comfortably and when Elena came back from the showers, she made eye contact with Miranda, but didn't speak. Elena opted to stay at the hospital again. Miranda didn't think it was a good idea, but she couldn't get her mother to see it her way. The three of them decided to go out to dinner. They talked easily and laughed like they'd done at Rogelio's. Getting back to the house, Tuck ran upstairs shouting something about a game. She flopped down in one of the brown leather sofas in the living room. Miranda took off her shoes and stretched out her legs.

Ben sat in a matching reclining chair. He stared at her. "Every time I look at you, I get this feeling right up in here," he said rubbing his chest.

Miranda giggled. "Well, come over here and let me take a look at it." Ben lifted himself off of the chair and strode over to her sofa.

He picked up her legs, sat down and put her legs in his lap. "You're beautiful." His voice comforted her.

"Thank you, Dr. Warren." They were quiet for a while. "So what did you want to talk about?" Her heart raced. He didn't answer.

She didn't have to worry for long because Ben started to talk: "Oh, right. Um, last night, it just slipped out. I apologize."

"No need to apologize," Miranda told him softly. "It was nice. Unexpected, but nice." Ben nodded. "I think my parents like you."

"Yeah? I like them, too." They were both quiet before Ben spoke again: "So, I talked to LT yesterday at the cafeteria."

"And?"

"And I asked him what he would think if I started to spend more time with you."

"You did what?!" Miranda shouted. "Why would you do that? You have no right to ask him about that. He's seven. He's my child!" Miranda stopped shouting and lowered her voice. "Ben, thank you for everything, but I think it's time you left. I can handle it from here." Miranda stood up.

Ben grabbed her arm and gently pulled her back down next to him. "Don't do this, Miranda. Don't push me away." Miranda closed her eyes. "I talked to him because although we've concluded that he likes me, I wanted to hear it from him. And I wanted to know if it was okay if I started to date you, you know; if you agree, and take up some of your extra time. I was trying to be, I don't know, polite." Miranda didn't speak. "I intend to date you, Miranda." He leaned over to kiss her, but instead he whispered into her mouth: "I intend to make you happy." Miranda inhaled sharply.

"Are you saying that I should just give in and let you have your way?" She asked putting her arms around his shoulders.

Ben kissed her cheek. "No. I told you we'll go at your pace. So whatever you decide to do will be fine with me."

"Is that right?"

"Yeah. But I'll have you know that I also talked to your dad and he was really pleased when I asked him if I could date you."

"You're doing the most, Ben Warren. Did you also talk to my mother?"

"No, not yet. But I will," he said with a wink. Miranda shook her head. "So are you going to kiss me or what?"

"Do you want me to?" He smiled and nodded quickly. Miranda laughed and leaned in to kiss Ben. She moaned in satisfaction. He really was a good kisser. His lips moved with hers and his tongue delved into her mouth. Ben's hands were on her waist now. She felt him run his hands along her hips. He lifted her shirt a little bit and touched her bare skin. "Oh, God!" She said softly. Ben took his mouth off of hers and put it on her neck. He nibbled on her neck, taking small bites and kissing the places he ventured. "Hold up. Hold up. Hold up. Shit." Miranda pushed him away and popped off of the sofa. "Hold up." She was hot. Hot. Every inch of her body was warm. She fanned herself and looked down at Ben. He had a little bit of her lipstick on her mouth. She started to laugh. He asked what she was laughing at and that made her laugh even more.

"You're scaring me," he told her smiling.

"You scare me," Miranda responded. The honesty in her statement frightened her. He did scare her. She liked him at this point, she feared, more than she did Eli for the entire seven months. And that scared the hell out of her. It freaked her out.

"I don't want you to be scared. I want you to be comfortable." He moved closer to her. "I'm not smooth-talking you. I'm being flat-out honest. I'm into you, Miranda. I know you just got out of a relationship, but this one will be different."

Breathe, Miranda, she thought. This was a good thing, right? This is kinda what she wanted. Someone who wanted her and he was sitting right in front of her. "How?"

"Because it will be me and you."

"Oh."

"Oh?"

"Do you want me to say something else?"

"Say, yes. That you want to date me." Miranda grinned. She didn't say anything. "Or we can…" His proposal was cut off by Miranda kissing him again. "Is that a yes?" She kissed him again, casting her body onto him and he fell back onto the sofa. She was on top of him now. "We should probably move to the bedroom," Ben said in her ear.

"Oh gosh, yes, yes, we should. I don't know what has come over me, making out like some horndog of a teenager." Ben laughed and said that it was okay. They stood up and were walking hand in hand up the stairs when they saw Tuck at the top of the stairs. Miranda dropped Ben's hand. "Hey, Tuck. Your game is finished?"

"Yes. But, I was wondering if I could have some pie and ice cream. Pop-Pop said I could."

"Sure. Sure," Miranda answered. "Can you get it or do you want some help?"

"I can get it."

"Don't overdo it," she told him, shaking a finger at him. He ran down the stairs and gave her a hug and dashed into the kitchen. She and Ben made their way up the stairs and into the bedroom they shared last night. Miranda took off her sweater, Ben helped her.

"So, you never answered my question."

"What question?" Miranda asked sitting on the edge of the bed. Ben walked to her.

"Miranda Bailey, you know exactly what question I'm talking about."

"Yeah, I do," she said as he leaned down to kiss her. She grabbed his face, pulling him down to her.

"Wait, let me, close the door," he said getting up and rushing to the door. Miranda head was spinning. What in the world was she doing? She couldn't make out with Ben with her son right downstairs and her father in the hospital.

"No, um, we can't do this now. My son is right downstairs."

"Do what?" Ben asked raising his eyebrow and crossing his arms.

"Whatever it is that we were going to do?"

"Did you think we were going to have sex?" He chuckled.

"Isn't that what you want to happen? What you thought would happen?"

"Miranda, we haven't even had a full date yet. And your heartbreak is still fresh and I doubt that you're looking for anything trashy." Miranda confirmed. "Neither am I."

Miranda ran a hand through her hair. "I've never had sex with anyone other than my ex-boyfriend and my ex-husband."

"So, it's not something you get into lightly?" Ben asked uncrossing his arms and putting his hands in his pockets. "Neither do I. What else?"

Miranda stared at him staring at her. She felt like he could see right through her. She broke the gaze by sliding back on the bed a little. "When do you think is the right time?"

"I like to think we'll know it when we see it," he said coming towards her. "Probably somewhere between date 8 and date 12, though." He smiled a little. Miranda could see the nervousness on his face. She was feeling the same way.

"No concern we'll end up… just friends?"

"Is that what you're looking for?"

"No."

"Me neither," he said sitting down on the bed next to her. He smiled again and moved in really closer to her. "Look, um, I don't wanna be your friend. I have enough friends." Ben leaned in and waited for Miranda to do the same. She searched his eyes before putting her lips on his. Miranda placed her hands on his chest and his hands were back on her waist. They fell back on the bed. "Does this make you uncomfortable?"

"My son is downstairs," she repeated. "I make it a point to never engage in adult behavior when there's the slightest chance that he could come into this room."

"I feel you. Um, how about we go back downstairs and watch a movie?" Ben offered.

"That's a great idea, B-Ben." He got off of the bed and grabbed her hands. He pulled her up and off of the bed, right into his body. They kissed once more. Ben put their hands in the air and he twirled Miranda around. He hugged her from behind and they walked downstairs.

The next days of the spontaneous visit to Baltimore flew by. And, soon, the trip was over. Her father would be fine, his diet and exercise regime would have to change, but he'd be okay. That's all she needed to hear. Ben, Tuck and Miranda got on a plane and went back to Seattle. Tuck had missed the first two days back from Spring break, but Miranda had emailed his teacher and gave him the details of their family situation. On the plane, Miranda and Tuck sat together and Ben was put on the other side of the plane. She'd wanted to sit next to him, but she also needed this small window to think about everything. She needed to put it all into perspective and she couldn't do that while he looked at her that way or while he held her or kissed on her neck. So, she was able to think. she smiled when Tuck nodded off and put his head on her arm while she read.