Sweet Surrender

As it turned out, going out clubbing until three in the morning, provided Miranda with some of the best sleep she'd ever had. She rolled out of bed in the early afternoon and stretched quietly. The entire house was silent except for her boyfriend snoring slightly, his arms and legs sprawled across the bed. Her stomach growled loudly and it woke Ben up. "Good morning," she said in a low voice.

"Hey, baby," he said reaching his arms into the air. "What are you doing out of bed?"

"Just stretching and… food." They laughed. "You like cereal? It's all I feel like making." She pointed at him and raised an eyebrow. He nodded. "I'll be back."

Bringing up two empty bowls, a couple of spoons and two boxes of cereal, she put them on the bed. Ben fixed two bowls and cleared his throat. "Oh, shoot, I forgot the milk."

"Aye, I'll get it." He got out of bed. "I need to stretch, too." He walked around to the side of the bed that she was on and leaned down to kiss her. "Good morning."

"Hi," she whispered, touching his face and pulling him in for a longer kiss. He sat on the edge of the bed and they continued to kiss. He wrapped an arm around her body and moved closer to her, sliding his free hand along her thigh. She took a deep breath as his hand travelled upward touching her crotch just as her phone rang and she reached around him and answered it. He sighed and dropped his head onto her stomach. Miranda rubbed his head as he continued to plant kisses all over her body, moving southward. "Hello?"

"Mommy?" Tuck's voice called to her through the phone.

Miranda pushed Ben away so that she could focus. "Yeah, baby?"

"Can you come and pick me up?"

"What's wrong?" Miranda asked standing up.

"Nothing's wrong. I just want to be with you," Tuck said.

"Talk to me. Now," she told him, putting a hand on her hip.

"It's… Jaida. She y-yelled at me and grabbed me by my arm."

"What?!" Miranda screeched. "Where is your father? What happened? I'm on my way over."

"He's here and they're talking in their room and he said he'd talk to me later."

"What were you doing?" Miranda asked putting on her shoes. She was going to go over just like she was, in her pajamas.

"I was in my room, sitting down and playing my game and watching TV. I didn't hear her call me—"

"Did you really not hear her?" She asked her son.

"I did. But I wanted to finish my level," he whined. Miranda took a deep breath and calmed down a little.

"Are you hurt?"

"I'm okay. And I didn't mean it, mommy."

"Just sit tightly." She turned to look at Ben who was putting on his clothes. "I'll be there shortly.

"Okay," he said and ended the phone call.

"That was Tuck, there was a little incident at the house and I'm going over there right now." Ben nodded. "You can stay here or…" Her voice trailed off.

"I'm going with you, Miranda," Ben said. He started to put on his shoes.

"I don't think you should. It's kind of a family matter." She hoped that she wasn't hurting his feelings by saying that. She did want him there, but she also wanted to squash the situation as soon as possible and bringing Ben might escalate it. She didn't want that. "You understand that, right?" He nodded and she walked to him and gave him a kiss on his cheek.

"How about…" he started, kissing the top of her head. "How about you go to Tucker's and get LT and I'll go home, get dressed, pick up some lunch and bring it back here?"

"No. No. No. You don't have to do that," she said picking up the cereal stuff to take back downstairs.

"I know," he said smiling. "But anytime I get to spend with my lady and with her son is time well wasted." She smiled and hugged him one last time.

Miranda pulled out of her driveway and headed to Tucker's house. Knocking on the door, she was greeted by Tucker. "Mandy, you didn't have to come over. I have it all under control."

She shook her head. "Well, clearly, I did because my son called me asking to come home." Tucker started to speak. She held up her hand. "Because your wife yelled at my son and grabbed—"

Tucker cut her off. "She pulled him out of the bed."

"She had no right to touch my son."

"Our son. Her stepson. And she'd called him a bunch of times. I heard her. I didn't drag him out of the bed myself because I wanted to see how it was all going to play out." Miranda sighed. "Jaida also stood at the door and called him and he ignored her. So, she took his hand and pulled him out of the bed."

"Maybe he didn't hear her, Tucker." Even as she was saying it, she knew it wasn't true.

"Or maybe, Miranda," Tucker said speaking softly in the midst of her trying to be angry. He knew that it really frustrated her. "Maybe, our son needed a lesson in manners and respect and my wife was the person who needed to teach it to him." Miranda's mouth dropped open and snapped it shut. Damn it, sometimes, Tucker was right. Sometimes. "Look, Jay's already been crying and apologizing and feeling really bad about it. She's questioning her own motherhood and everything and I think it would be best if Tuck stays here and we work through this."

She sighed. "Let me just see him." He shook his head. "Dump Tuck, I told him I was coming. I'm here. Let me see him. If anything, I'm pissed that I left Ben half-naked because he's being rude."

He laughed and called their son. Tucker went into the house and their son sauntered out. "William George, I could grab you up right now and really, really mean it."

"Sorry," Tuck said putting his head down.

"Well, you should be. Jaida is doing right by you and you do this?"

"I said I was sorry!" Tuck said crossing his arms. It took everything she had not to pick him up by the collar of shirt.

"You know what? I'm going to leave before I hurt you." She waved her hands around to emphasize her point. "I'm going to attribute this craziness to Tami's predicament. Is that right?" Tuck nodded. "Look, don't be rude, okay? You're better than that. And Jaida is pregnant and daddy's working hard and I'm working hard and don't turn into someone we don't like." Tuck nodded again. "And you need to apologize to Jaida."

"Okay," he said quietly.

Miranda made a noise and sighed. "Be good."

"Okay."

"Promise me."

"I'll be great," he said smiling. But Miranda knew that once Tucker started talking to him, he wouldn't be smiling for so long. They always played "good cop, bad cop" against Tuck and the nature of the cop always changed and that kept their son in line.

"Good. I'm going back home. Call me if you need me… if you absolutely need me." She hugged him tightly. She kissed his cheek. "Behave, William George," she called over her shoulder walking to her car.

In her car, she sat with the car idling while she called Ben. "Hello? You're back home?"

"No, I'm in Tucker's driveway. I'm on my way back home now."

"How's LT?"

"He's good. But he's staying with Tuck."

"Everything's okay?"

"Yeah. Everything is good."

"Good. I'll see you in half an hour." She confirmed and left her ex-husband's house.

Quickly, Miranda showered and dressed, putting on a pair of jeans and cute pink top. She pulled her hair up into a ponytail, leaving a few pieces out which fell into her face. She made up her bed and turned on the TV, putting it on mute. She grabbed the novel that seemed to be collecting dust on her nightstand. She continued reading. The protagonist of the story was slowly warming up to a lifestyle different from the one she'd imagined for herself. And she did it because she was in love. Just as the protagonist began moving into her new home, that she would share with her new husband, Miranda heard her doorbell. She put down the book, turned off the TV and jetted down the stairs. She flung open the door and saw Ben standing there. He was wearing a pair of dark blue jeans and a black tee. He was holding two boxes of pizza and a bottle of lemonade. "Lunch?"

"More like brunch," Miranda said as Ben gave her a peck on the lips and stepped into the house, making his way to the kitchen. She locked the door and followed him. "Tell me you got our favorite kind," she commented as he flipped open both boxes to reveal the chicken and broccoli Alfredo pizza. She clapped her hands. "Yay! I am starving!"

"I'm famished myself seeing as how someone didn't let me get anything to eat last night," Ben said with a wink. Miranda's eyes twinkled as she got his sexual innuendo and a short smile crossed her face.

They sat down and attacked the first box. After three large slices each, they sat back in their chairs. "I love that you eat."

"Excuse me?" She said looking at him out of the corners of her eyes. Had she heard him correctly?

"I mean, I don't want to compare you with my ex—"

"Then don't." Miranda tasted her lemonade.

"Hear me out. I like that you eat and that you're not prissy and picky about… Oh man, this is coming out wrong."

"I think you mean that you like that I'm human and I like to eat good food." He smiled and nodded. "We'll end the conversation there."

Ben nodded again. "So, last night?"

"Yeah?"

"Is that something we can do again?"

"I had a great time! I haven't been to a club in a long time. For drinks and fun, the girls and I usually just go to Joe's; so, yes, we can."

"I'm glad that I could put a smile on your face." Miranda smiled at his statement. "Just like that." He scooted his chair closer to her and kissed her softly on the lips. "You know your smile makes me weak, don't you?"

She shook her head. "Tell me more."

"Alright, well, whatever I can do to make your lips part and your teeth show and your cheeks get bright is worth it." He looked her directly in her eyes. She put her hands on his chest. They kissed again.

"I'm glad you took me out last night."

"Get used to it."

"Maybe." With another kiss, Ben's tongue slipped into her mouth and danced with her own. She pushed him away.

"That's the second time you did that today. I understood why the first time, but this time…"

"Because I want to take this," she motioned between the two of them. "I want to take this to my living room, to one of my very comfortable couches."

"Say no more," Ben said getting up and taking her hand. They walked to the living room. He sat on the largest sofa and pulled Miranda into his lap. She grabbed his face and kissed him. "Mmm." Ben put his face into her neck and kissed it passionately, making her moan. His hands were on her butt, squeezing tightly. He pulled her closer. "Take off your shirt," he whispered in her ear. "Now." She bit her lip at his demand. Miranda was very aroused. And she could feel him getting hard underneath her.

"Okay," she said softly. She pulled her shirt over her heard and it fluttered to the floor, showing off her fuchsia bra. "Pants."

"Stand up," he told her and she moved so that he could unbuckle his pants. He slid them off, revealing his blue boxers. "Have you ever had sex on this couch?"

"Do you really want me to answer that?" She said with a smirk.

Ben shook his head: "Doesn't matter. You've never had sex with me on it." Miranda laughed as she, hurriedly, pulled down her own jeans and straddled her boyfriend. She helped him pull off his black tee and white wife-beater and kissed his chest. "Dr. Bailey."

"Yes, Dr. Warren," she purred as his hands massaged her back and she continued to kiss his body.

"That feels good."

"I know." She moved back up his body and kissed his lips. She felt his hands running along her stomach, grazing her stretch marks and along the band of her panties. She moaned in his ear. "You… uh, condoms?"

"My car. Unless you have some." Miranda blushed. "You do! They're upstairs?" She nodded. "Let's go," he said and they raced up the stairs. Jumping into the bed, Ben climbed on top of her. He started at her head and kissed her down to her feet, her body was going wild. She was growing impatient. She wanted him and looking at his body in the pale hallway light, she smiled. She would get him. She touched his abs and counted silently: 1, 2, 3… 6. Six perfect washboard abs. Ben leaned down to kiss her. "You're ready?"

She nodded as he put on the condom and slowly slid into her making Miranda moan softly. She folded into Ben's body, gripping him tightly. Their bodies rocked together. Ben groaned as Miranda scratched his back lightly, pulling him into her deeper. She wanted to feel every bit of him. Ben grunted and kissed her. His hands played in her hair and she could feel her ponytail loosen. He pulled her hair slightly. "Yesss!" She screamed. Ben sped up. They held each other tightly. Thinking about Ben, Miranda realized that she loved him so much and their sexual connection was one thing she could never get tired of. When he held her, it was like she'd never been held before. Every kiss was magical and every penetration left her absolutely weak and wanting more. Ben kissed Miranda's breasts through her bra, biting her nipples, snapping her out of her thoughts and back to the reality. "Yess, Ben!" She screamed as she grabbed his head and climaxed with Ben coming right after her, tugging on her sheets, pulling them off of the bed. After letting their bodies cool off for a minute, they made love again. And again.

When they'd each orgasmed for the last time. Ben rolled on his back and put his hands behind his head. "Thank you, Miranda Bailey!"

"You're welcome, baby," Miranda said turning to him and kissing him. She put her head on his chest and closed her eyes. Ben ran his fingers through her hair, trying to smooth it back.

"Yeah, you made it look like that," Miranda said and they laughed.

When they were quiet again, Ben asked: "Are you good?"

"Yes. I'm really, really good," she assured him.

"Cool. Because I have a surprise."

Her eyes popped open. "Dear Lord, not another one."

"Relax. Relax. It's something small."

"Well, go on."

"I bought a toothbrush," he told her looking down.

"Err, congratulations?" She was so confused. That's a surprise to him? And why would he tell her after sex? Toothbrushes aren't romantic or sexual.

He laughed. "I bought a toothbrush—"

"You said that." She was tired and this conversation was annoying her.

"Lemme talk, Miranda." She pretended to zip her lips and handed it to him. He took it and ate it. They laughed hysterically drunk off of their lovemaking. "Now, I bought a toothbrush that I think I should keep… here." Miranda didn't look at him, she just nodded. "You know, for times when I stay over." Ben said the words quickly, probably thinking that Miranda was going to interrupt, but she didn't know what to say or how to respond. "So… Is it a good idea or am I moving too fast?" A yawn escaped her lips. "Or is this conversation boring you to tears?"

"I yawned because I couldn't help it." Ben made a noise. "A toothbrush? Wow. I m-mean, well, it makes sense." A million thoughts were going through her head. It had taken months before she'd allowed Eli to leave any of his things at her house, any evidence that they were in a relationship. At first, she claimed that it was because she didn't want Tuck to get used to a man that she wasn't sure she'd continue to be with. With Callie's help, she realized that it was because she didn't know if she could get used to the man, being there. He was always there. It scared her. But, this didn't scare her. Ben and his toothbrush. It was another surprise. A good surprise. Just what he promised her.

"Miranda?"

"Yeah?"

"What do you think?" He asked stroking her arm, but she didn't need coaxing.

"Yes."

"Yes?"

"Yes. A toothbrush sounds fine."

Ben exhaled: "Ahh, baby. I told Ange that you would freak out. But, she told me to go ahead and do it. To take the leap and so I did."

She looked up at him. "I'm glad you did. Remind me to thank Ange." Ben nodded and continued to stroke her arm. She closed her eyes again. "I love you," she said quietly.

"I love you," he said. Miranda smiled. She was glad that he hadn't added "too."

"You know, I know it's only five o'clock or something like that, but I need a nap." She turned away from him.

"No, no, no."

"Hunh?"

"Let's go out. Let's do something. We're too young to fall asleep after sex."

"Even when I was young, I fell asleep after sex," she told him. Ben laughed and kissed her back, sending a shiver through her skeleton. "Something like what?" She whined. Her body was exhausted from the practice and scrimmaging the morning before and the dancing and from making love several times. She told him that.

"Me, too, sweetheart, but I still want to go out with you. With our schedules, we may not see each other all week."

"Okay, fine. I get to choose the place though."

"I can get down with that. Let's get dressed."

Walking out of her house, Miranda went to her car and Ben went to his own. "We're taking my car," they each said at the same time. Miranda sucked her teeth.

"I'm the one who knows where we're going," Miranda argued.

"Yeah, but you can drive my car," Ben told her.

"I want. To drive. My car," Miranda said opening her car door and sliding inside. She turned on the engine and tapped the wheel. She looked in her rearview mirror and saw Ben roll his eyes and come to the car. He got in and she smiled. "I love having my way."

"And things have to be your way, don't they?" Ben asked looking at her out of the corner of his eyes. She smirked. "So where are we going?"

"Patience," she told him, picking up speed and going down the street. "You can, uh, turn on the radio." Ben turned it on and they jammed to the music while Miranda drove to their destination. Their destination was a secret spot that she was sure that he'd never been to. It was her favorite chill spot. They pulled up to the place, a medium-sized black building. She turned the car off. They sat quietly in the car. "So, we're here."

"Where's 'here'?" He asked unbuckling his seatbelt.

"It's one of my favorite places. I try to come here at least once a month, usually by myself, but…" He reached out and picked up her hand. She looked through the front window. "I wanted to bring you with me."

"Baby," he said, leaning over to kiss her. "This weekend has been full of surprises." She nodded. "Well, let's go."

Ben put his arm around her shoulder and they walked into the building. Inside, the walls were painted black and there was soft music coming from inside the second door. "Miranda," the guy at the door said. He hugged her. It was Kenny, someone she'd met when she'd first discovered this spot. "I haven't seen you in a minute."

"Kenny. I know. I know. I've just busy. You know how it is." Ben put his arm back on her shoulders.

"How's Tuck?"

"He's good. Really good. Thanks for asking," she said smiling. Suddenly, she became conscious of the man with his arms around her shoulders. "Kenny, this is my… my boyfriend, Ben. Ben, this is Kenny. Kenny's one of my friends here."

"Seriously, Miranda. Where is 'here'?" He laughed nervously.

"Oh! Right. It's, uh, called 'Battery'. It actually has multiple functions, there're poetry readings, film screenings, an art café, a bar—a bunch of stuff."

"'Battery'?" He said looking around. Ben smiled.

"Don't be a skeptic," she said to him.

"I'm not. I just… just show me around, hunh?" He asked kissing the top of her head. She nodded and they waved goodbye to Kenny. The soft music got louder as they walked through the heavy, black doors. Ben looked around in awe. Each section and room was labeled and people milled around, chatting, laughing and smiling. "Something smells so good!" He exclaimed.

"Yeah, it's probably the pastries from the café," she told him.

"Can we go and get one? I'm a little hungry." She nodded and they followed the smell of the delicious baked goods. After getting some food, she steered them towards one of her favorite rooms, the room with the poetry readings.

Miranda stopped just outside of the door and turned to face her boyfriend. "Alright, um, th-this is just a warning, but I can get really emotional listening to the poetry." Emotional was just a surface word as to how listening to the poets read really made her feel. When she found out that she was pregnant with Tuck, Miranda came to Battery, filled with joy and thoughts about her future as a mom and a surgeon and being able to balance both. After the shooting, she'd found herself sitting on a beanbag in the corner of the room, crying silently as a woman described her love for cheesecake and how she felt when it disappeared. The words, although about cheesecake made her heart swell and a lump appeared in her throat as the other audience members laughed and giggled. She remembered one line vividly. It seemed to describe her exact feelings at the time, the gripping terror that she felt when Gary Clark had opened the door: "Pulling off the fruit, cutting into the sweet and savory, swiping into the red sauce, challenging the hunger monster. I needed more time…" It was Kenny who'd held her as she cried into his arms. He was also the one who'd suggested that she go to see her parents. She was on a plane that same day with Tuck in tow. Ben kissed her cheek and tucked some hair behind her ear and nodded. He understood. He put an arm around her waist and pulled her closer, slowly. "You're going to kiss me now?" He nodded again and pulled her in for a sensual kiss. Ben bit her bottom lip gently. She pulled away, grabbed his hand and stated: "Okay, let's go."

Getting back to her house, Miranda and Ben trudged up the stairs. They'd spent the last couple of hours exploring "Battery" and they were tired. "I swear, that place is phenomenal."

"Yeah, it is. But, when we break up… just know that I have dibs on it and you have to find your own hipster spot to hang out at," she said with a laugh, looking over her shoulder at Ben. She saw a darkness in him that she'd never seen before. If she wasn't so turned on, she would have been angry.

There was a long silence. Then, Ben spoke in a low growl: "When?"

"Excuse me?" She said pulling off her top.

"When we break up? What do you mean 'when,' Miranda?" He asked kicking off his shoes.

"Ben, I di— ," she stopped talking and sighed. "I didn't mean it like that." He nodded. "You know I didn't."

"Yeah, I guess," he said. "But that's the second time you've said something like that."

"Don't guess. I was being chatty and trying to be funny. Clearly, that didn't work out in my favor."

"I don't want you thinking about us breaking up."

She turned her back to him. "Let's not be naïve, Ben. There is a possibility that we won't be 'together forever'." Her voice was soft. "It—it's just a possibility."

He was behind her now. "Not for me," he said whispering into her ear. "So, don't even get it into your head. I told you that I'm in this. I am in this."

She sighed and turned around, meeting him face to face. The sensible Miranda would agree knowing that shit happens and she and Ben could all be a distant memory. But the Miranda who was feeling Ben and falling for him just wanted to say: "Fine."

"Fine?" He asked kissing her lips.

"I said fine," she repeated with a smile on her face.

"Ohhh, fine!" Ben kissed her again.

She giggled. "You're crazy, boy."

"Crazy about you," he answered and she giggled, her head falling into his chest.

"You're so cliché."

"You know you love it." He kissed her lips.

"Can we just go to bed?" He nodded and they climbed into bed. "TV or no TV?"

"How about we keep it off? Just in case you wake up in the middle of the night and want to talk, we won't be distracted by the white noise and the lights."

"Well, I won't be waking up to talk to you." She tapped his nose with her finger. "I need to be at the hospital bright and early."

"Yeah, me too." He cuddled behind her and grabbed her hands, resting them on her stomach. "I love how we fit together."

"Mmmm. You noticed that, too, huh?" He kissed the back of her head. "Goodnight, baby."

"'Night, sweetheart."

Within minutes, they were both asleep. Sometime, in the middle of the night, when were both sleeping deeply, not cuddled up, but close enough for them to feel each other's body heat, Miranda heard a ringing that didn't belong to her phone. She opened her eyes. "Ben?" She murmured turning to him.

"Mhhrrmm?"

"Your phone is ringing."

"Answer it."

"N-no. You get up and answer it."

Wordlessly, Ben slipped out of bed. "Hello?" Even in the dark, Miranda could see that his eyes were enlarged. He was wide awake now. "Okay. Alright. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I'm on my way."

Miranda was sitting up now. "What's happening?"

He rushed to put on his clothes. "There, uh... there was an explosion in that small apartment building two blocks from the hospital. A lot of injuries are coming in. They need all hands on deck." She jumped out of bed and threw some clothes on as well. "I bet if you check your phone, you'll see some messages."

Miranda picked up her phone. "Damn it!" He was right. She had 10 missed pages and three phone calls from The Chief. "We gotta go."

They ran down the stairs. "Same car," they said at the same time and hopped into Ben's car.

On the car ride to the hospital, Miranda pulled her hair up into a ponytail. She stretched her arms. She was sad that there was an explosion, but she was the prospect of blood and chances for extreme problem-solving. They pulled up to the hospital and raced inside. Inside of the lock room, they parted ways. Miranda changed quickly and rushed to the ER where she gowned and gloved herself and stood outside of the ER waiting for the next patient. The sirens rang out and the lights flashed everywhere. The EMS specialists hopped out of the van. "What do we got?"

"Tracy Potter, 34-year old female. Blown out abdomen, skull fracture and third-degree burns over 40% of her body."

"Um, okay. We got this," Miranda said gesturing to the interns who'd appeared beside her, Samantha and Stephanie. Their faces showed solemnity, but she knew they were bouncing for joy inside, eager to get their hands dirty and to save a life. She knew that feeling. She was experiencing it now. They rushed the patient into the nearest room and started to work on her. They had to rush Ms. Potter up to the OR, the last available one. After the long surgery, Tracy laid in the bed. Miranda dropped off a chart and saw the woman's eyes flutter. Miranda rushed into the room.

"W-Wha… What happened? What's going on?" She asked panicking. The monitor started to beep loudly and two nurses rushed into the room.

"Mrs. Potter. Mrs. Potter! Please, relax. I'll explain," Miranda said holding the woman's hand and gently forcing her back onto the bed.

"Oh okay."

Miranda pulled up the chair and started to speak: "You got injured in the fire, the shock to your body combined with the… uh," Miranda looked into Tracy's eyes, "drugs that you were cooking in your kitchen exploded, damaged your body and made you go into cardiac arrest while you were in surgery." Tracy began to cry. "You're also bleeding internally and you'll need to stay for observation, which means that you're most likely going to go into withdrawal."

Tracy's hands went to her head. "Oh, God! This can't be happening!"

"And I've told them that you're in no shape right now, but the police will be waiting to talk to you soon."

The woman moaned in pain at the news. Miranda looked away and patted her hand. "Jason?!" She called out. "What about my boyfriend? Jason? Where's Jason?!" The monitors sounded as Tracy tried to get out of the bed.

"Stay in the bed, Tracy." Her voice was calm.

"Where's Jason?" She asked again.

Miranda looked at the woman and shook her head. Jason was gone. "I'm sorry to tell you, Mrs. Potter, but Jason Redder died a few hours ago. His heart couldn't take the damage from the… from the fire."

"No! No, no, no, no, no, no, NO! Please! There has to be something you can…" Miranda shook her head as Tracy sobbed louder. She reached for her tubes and ripped them off of her face. She went for her IVs and Miranda quickly soothed her with a dose of morphine.

Miranda stroked the woman's arm and stayed with her for a while, catching up on paperwork. Ben found her, going over Tracy's chart. He leaned in the doorway, with his arms crossed. Tracy was finally asleep and Miranda looked up smiling. "Give me a second; I'll be out in a bit."

He whispered: "I'll see you in the locker room." She nodded and he was gone.

It was about ten in the morning when they finally returned to Miranda's house. The sun was out and Miranda was starving. "Wanna stop at Dunkin Donuts?" He asked turning to her.

"Sure. I could use a coffee or a tea. Or both."

They pulled into the parking lot and got out. Miranda stretched her legs as she walked. Ben walked behind her and held her waist. Ben held the door open for her and for a woman behind them who was pushing a stroller. "Thank you," the woman said.

"No problem," Ben said.

"Your baby is adorable," Miranda commented.

The woman gushed. "Thank you! This is his first time to Dunkin." The three of them laughed.

After leaving the store, Ben took her back home. "Well," he started as they stood on her porch. "I don't have to be in for a while."

"Me either. But I'll be right back at it." She sighed.

"Stop pretending," he said smiling and yawning at the same time. "You know you love it."

"Yeah, I do," Miranda confessed.

"I know." Ben leaned over and gave her a lazy kiss. "Bye, baby."

She waved wordlessly and went inside.