Can't Get Used to Losing You

Miranda Bailey stood in the O.R. Her patience was waning. A simple procedure on a patient, Joan, had now gone on way longer than necessary. The phone in the room rang and Bokhee answered it. "Dr. Bailey." The nurse put the phone up to her ear.

"Yeah… okay… wow. Okay," she said, giving a nod to Bokhee to end the call. "Okay, everyone, listen." All heads and eyes turned to her. "We're locking down the O.R. All non-essential personnel must leave now."

"Was that pathology?" Stephanie Edwards asked.

"It's necrotizing fasciitis."

Heather Brooks' eyes popped open. "The flesh-eating bacteria?"

"In the flesh," Miranda responded, smirking beneath her mask at her own joke.

After finally finishing in the O.R., the three of them walked toward the patient's room. "Dr. Bailey, are we going to have to amputate the leg?" Brooks whispered.

Miranda was quiet as they stepped into the room and delivered the news to Joan's husband, Wade. He paced the floor. "What? Wait, flesh-eating… I mean, this is some kind of joke, right?" Miranda stared at him. "Did Joan put you up to this?"

"No, it's not a joke," Edwards said.

"We may have to amputate," her fellow resident said.

Miranda cut her eyes at the girl. "Brooks," she hissed. "I'm sorry, Wade. I know this… it's scary, but amputation is not the only option."

Wade looked hopeful. "Really?"

"But," Brooks continued. And Miranda wanted to strangle her. "It's the only sane option." Internally, Miranda shook her head. The residents changed, but they never learned how to read a damn room. The girl turned to Wade. "Excuse me, if we don't get this infection under control immediately, she is going to die."

Wade looked between the doctors, begging for answers to questions he hadn't yet posed. "Is there another option?"

Miranda nodded. "Edwards."

The woman made a face and inhaled. "Well, we can try to save the leg by cutting out the infection. It won't be pretty, but we might be able to keep it functional."

"Can I go see her?"

"There's no time really," Brooks responded.

"Wade, by the time we take her out of anesthesia and put her back under… I'm sorry, but you need to make a decision now," Edwards told him.

"Uh, I mean, she runs marathons. We're on our honeymoon. It's… it's who she is."

Miranda nodded firmly. "Then we'll do everything we can to save the leg."

Out in the hall and on the way back to Joan, Miranda faced her residents. "We give our patients and their family every bit of hope that we have to give." She looked from one young woman to the other. "There is no need, no reason to dash the hopes of a family. We give them everything we have and then some." Miranda kept Brooks by her side as Edwards walked off. "And the next time you feel like your opinion on a patient needs to be heard over mine, you'll be finding a new place to do it." Back in surgery, they worked quickly to extract the bacteria from Joan's leg. It was tiring, but rewarding work and Miranda was happy to tell Wade that his wife would be okay, and with therapy, long and painful that it may be, she could return to the thing she loved to do most. Miranda pulled off her scrub cap after stepping out of the room. Browsing through her phone, she found the message from Karev that she'd ignored earlier. Looking at it, she saw that it detailed some of the moving pieces surrounding the Championship game in a couple of days. There was practice the next night. She frowned. Over the last week, their team had played two games, winning both, advancing them to the final round. They were going up against a team they'd played before, "Trauma Drama". And Miranda was sure they'd be harder to beat the second go around. She was happy they'd made it so far, but, in her eyes, the season couldn't be over fast enough. Passing by Callie's office, she stopped in to say hi. Seeing Arizona poking her head up from behind the desk, Miranda's face got red. "Oh, sorry," she said rushing out of the room and almost running into Joshua Moore. She wanted to roll her eyes, but she was just too exhausted to do so. "Sorry about that; guess I wasn't paying attention," he said slipping his phone into his pocket.

"No, you weren't," she responded.

"So, Dr. Bailey, we meet again," he said with a smile.

"It was bound to happen," she told him, continuing on her way. He followed, catching up to her.

"Look, we got off to a weird start." He was right about that. "I know Warren told you about what happened between us."

"He did," she sneered, remembering.

"So, you know."

"Know what?"

"That I tried to have him fired. That I'm…," his voice lowered. "An asshole."

"I knew that before he told me anything."

Moore chuckled. "I'm just saying, I can understand if you don't want to even talk to me."

"I don't." Miranda put her hands on her hips and watched him lick his lips. "What's this all about, Dr. Moore?"

The man hung his head a little, his locks swaying. "It's been a while, but I'm still trying to find my tribe around here, but everyone is already spoken for and…" He sighed and looked at her. "Look, I just need a drinking buddy."

"Might I suggest the morgue," she responded with a straight face.

Moore cracked up, his cheeks rose and hid his hazel eyes. Miranda couldn't help but to join in. "I'm serious though. Maybe you know someone. Or maybe… you?"

"I don't think that's such a good idea."

"Dr. Bailey, you're one of the only people that I can have a real conversation with, even when you're clowning me ninety percent of the time."

She sighed. "Um…" She looked down at her watch, Tucker was picking up Tuck, Ben was finalizing some things before leaving next week and wouldn't be by the house until late. She did have time to possibly grab a drink, but she had made a promise to Ben. "I can't, but maybe I can find you someone to have a drink with?"

"Uh, sure. I guess."

"Beggars can't be choosers."

He nodded in agreeance. "Right," he said muttering. "Thanks."

In her office, Miranda pulled out her phone. She found Shane Ross' phone number. "Dr. Bailey?" He said, sounding like she'd awakened him.

"This is what you're going to do," Miranda told him. After her conversation with the resident, she replied to Alex's message, then she called Ben.

"Hello, my love," he said cheerfully, making her smile.

"Hi, hon," she responded.

"How are you?"

"I'm good. You?"

"Stressful morning, but hearing your voice, I'm better now."

"Aww, cut it out," she said stepping into her office.

"Hey, do you mind if I leave some stuff in your garage? It's not a lot, I just don't have any more room in storage. And I don't really need it in L.A." He'd unofficially moved in with her since giving up his apartment and she wasn't the least bit mad about it. It felt good waking up to his face over the last two weeks. And going to sleep in his arms was something that she knew she shouldn't get entirely used to, but she couldn't help it. His snoring comforted her. His warm body made her feel safe. "Miranda? You can say no, you know."

"What? No, uh, yeah, sure." She laughed nervously. "Yeah, of course."

"Are you sure? You good?"

"I am. I am." She heard a 'ding' on his end and very familiar sounds. "Are you here?"

"Yeah, I'm down the hall, actually."

Miranda ended the call and peeked into the hallway. She saw Ben walking toward her. They moved into her office. "I thought you had a busy day?" She asked him after he kissed her cheek quickly.

"I did. I do." He leaned against her desk. "But I wanted to see you. You're getting off right about now, yes?" Miranda nodded slowly, moving next to him, putting her hands behind her, steadying herself. He pushed himself off of the desk and stood in front of her.

"Yes, I am."

"I'll walk with you."

"No, I have to do a little bit here before I leave."

"Hmmm."

"Listen, I have to tell you something. And don't be mad."

"Okay."

Miranda took a deep breath. "I had a conversation Joshua Moore." She scanned his face to see if there were any traces of anger.

"Really? What did he say?" Ben asked.

"He wanted to get a drink with me."

Ben groaned slightly. "Oh, yeah? And, uh, what did you say?"

She paused. "I turned him down, of course."

"My girl," he said smiling widely.

Miranda saw the relief flash across his face. "You were upset, weren't you?"

"Pissed," he said as they cracked up. "So, why didn't you go for a drink with Moore?"

"There is no winning with you, is there?" He shrugged and kissed her, touching only her lips with his.

"I'm just saying," he whispered against her cheek, "You could have ordered some good alcohol and food and put it on his tab."

"Uh, good idea. Let me call him." The surgeon reached for her phone. Ben grabbed her wrist gently with a sneaky grin on his face. He brought the back of her hand up to his lips. Aroused didn't even begin to describe how she felt. Her body was pounding wondering what they were about to get into. Lately, they'd been having fun everywhere. No place was off-limits. It was as if the two of them were afraid they'd never have sex with each other again and wanted to do it as much as they could before his departure in a week. His arms cradled her butt, lifted her and plopped her down on her desk. She laughed, giddily with the unspoken promise of another orgasm. Ben grabbed her face and they locked eyes. His jaw shifted as she smiled. "What?"

"Nothing, just appreciating your beauty."

"My booty?" She gasped mid-laughter.

"That too." He bit his bottom lip. Miranda held onto his waist and drew him closer. "I know we said that we wouldn't dwell on it, but I'm going to miss you."

She licked her lips, letting him know that she wanted to be kissed. She needed to feel his lips on hers. Her tongue moved in his mouth, exploring a part of him that she'd come to know so very well. Miranda squeezed his body and reached beneath his shirts, touching his skin. "I'm sorry, babe. I have to go."

"What? No." She held on to him.

"I know, I know, but I'll be home tonight, okay?"

"Where are you going?"

"Just having dinner with Curt and Angela."

She gave a half-smile. "Okay."

"Kiss for the road?" Miranda moved from the desk and walked across the room. "It's like that?" She shrugged. "Fine. Be like that. I'll see you later." Ben gave her one more look and left her office. She scoffed. Did he really just leave? In the midst of her pettiness? She sat down at her computer and opened a file. Still frustrated, she opened the door to her office and stepped into the hallway. "I knew you'd cave."

"Ahh!" Miranda turned around to see Ben grinning. "Boy! Don't do that!" She hit his chest. "I thought you left."

"Not without this," he said scooping her into his arms and kissing her intensely. After a minute, they pulled away. "Now, I can go."

Miranda left the hospital and went to get Tuck from school. In the car, Tuck raised the idea of dinner. "How about we get something and take it home?"

"Pancakes and eggs and sausage, please."

She thought for a second and headed to the nearest diner. After getting their food, they went home. "How was school?"

"Good. Me and Tami played dodgeball in aftercare, but we were on different teams."

"Oh, yeah?" He nodded. "So, who won?"

"I was the last person left," he beamed. Miranda reached out and gave him a high-five. "Since my team won, we get to pick the game tomorrow."

"What are you going to choose?"

Tuck gave her a look that she imagined mirrored the one she gave others when they asked her absurd questions. "Basketball, of course."

"Of course," she echoed. Once Tuck was in bed, she gave him twenty minutes to play on his game. "Then it's lights out."

"Yes, ma'am."

Miranda walked into her bedroom and sighed. She looked to her dresser where some of Ben's items had found a home. The chair in the corner of her room that usually held her clothes also had a few pieces from Ben's wardrobe. In the bathroom, she stripped down and glanced at the counter and saw his shaving kit and deodorant. And none of it bothered her. She wasn't panicked. She didn't long for the time when it had only been her stuff. Miranda was happy to share her space with him. Getting out of the shower, she dried off and lotioned quickly. She lay in bed and waited for Ben to return. It was almost 11 o'clock. This was the part that she hated. The waiting. Was he out with his brother and sister? Or someone else? Was he okay? Or in harm's way? Was he coming back? Sometimes it was too much and she worked herself into a frenzy. Miranda heard the familiar click of her door and relaxed. Closing her eyes, she tried to fall asleep before he came up the stairs. No such luck. "Hey, babe, you still up?" Ben asked.

Fluffing a pillow beneath her head, she nodded. "Yes. How was dinner?"

"It was alright. Food was nasty. What did you and LT eat?"

"Breakfast," she smiled.

"Any for me?" He chuckled.

"Check the microwave."

Ben went to the kitchen and came back with a plate full of food. "Thank you. I'm so hungry."

"How's Curt doing?"

"Uh, Curt is actually Rosalind. H—she is doing fine. She's requested a meeting with Jackson Avery."

"Oh! Wow! That's amazing."

"Yeah." He pushed a forkful of food into his mouth. "It is. And I was hoping you would be able to set that up for… her."

"Of course. Of course." She propped her head up. "Wow."

"That face you're making is the face my brain is making."

"This is good. She's comfortable and feeling supported and it's great." Ben ate a little more, offering some to Miranda. She declined. "Um, my mom is having a cookout at Ange's house on Sunday. And I was told to tell you. And make sure you'd be there."

"I wouldn't miss it." She yawned, tired, but wanting to talk some more. "The Championship game is on Sunday, too."

"Yeah, we'll be good on time."

"What do you mean we?" She chuckled lightly. "You're not playing."

"Miranda, I'll be fine. It's only 3-on-3."

"There's no need to stress out your body. I know you want to play, but I don't think it's wise." She avoided making eye contact with him. And she knew it was driving him crazy.

"Well, you're not my doctor."

Miranda kept her voice calm. "So you've said, dear."

Ben cursed softly. "Fine." He leaned over and kissed her nose. "You're not yelling at me, so you must really mean business."

"I mean business when I'm screaming, too," she said.

He squeezed her thigh. "Don't I know it?" She yelped. Ben put his plate on the nightstand. "I'm going to take a shower. If you fall asleep before I come out… Goodnight."

"Goodnight, my love," she said softly.

In the morning, Miranda awoke to Tuck lying on one side of her and Ben on the other side. She checked the time. It read: 8:30AM. Panicking, she gently shook her son's shoulder. "Yes?" He asked, his voice high-pitched.

"You're late for school," she told him, climbing over him and getting out of bed. "If we don't hurry, I'm going to be, ah, late for surgery. Shoot. And I have an hour to get you dressed, fed and there or you'll be marked absent." Tuck turned and pulled the covers up to his chin. She laughed. "Come on, baby." Miranda rushed to his room to pick out an outfit.

"Alright, bud," Ben said, his voice deep and gritty. "Up and at 'em. Tami's probably waiting for you." Miranda heard Tuck's little feet hit the floor and he dashed into his bedroom. As he dressed, she went back into her room and threw something on. "I can drop Tuck off," Ben offered.

Pulling the toothbrush out of her mouth, she said: "You're sure? I mean, you're still in bed. And you'll have to go in the school with him so you can sign him in."

Ben rolled out of bed and walked over to her, kissing her cheek. "I got it."

She turned and kissed his lips quickly. "Thank you!" She walked into the bathroom where Tuck was. "Okay, Ben is going to take you to school. Don't forget your bookbag. Have a good day, baby. I love you."

"I love you, mommy," Tuck responded, hugging her. She took a few extra seconds and held on to him. He'd been a teenager in the blink of an eye. Miranda kissed the top of his head. Once she grabbed her things, she left her house and was gone.

"Made it," she said to herself after collecting her residents for the day. With them behind her, she made her way to her patients' room. "Okay, Geraldine, we will see you in the O.R."

"Thank you, Dr. Bailey." The woman looked from Miranda to Cameron and Ross.

Miranda squeezed her hand and exited the room, two residents following. "Dr. Bailey?" Cameron said. "You didn't say who was scrubbing in."

"Um, you both can scrub in," she answered.

The surgery went well and as Cameron was closing, Miranda found herself holding her breath. "And… done," Cameron said as she tied the last stitch on Geraldine.

And Miranda exhaled beneath her mask. "Not bad," she told the young woman, thankful that all had gone well. Walking out of the scrub room, er phone buzzed and she saw a message from Ben, a selfie of him and Tuck in the school's main office. She texted him back: Thank you for the picture.

He responded: I know my woman.

Smiling, she typed out: I can understand that you think that you do.

A tap on her shoulder made her look up. "Is all that smiling from the lover boy, Dr. Warren?" Callie's familiar voice asked.

"I am on the clock. I don't have a lover boy on the clock."

Callie raised an eyebrow. "Then who is that?" She asked using her chin to point out Ben walking toward them. Miranda blushed and blew air from her mouth.

"Hello, ladies," Ben said hesitating slightly before kissing her cheek.

"Hiii," Callie sang. Miranda threw her a look that told her to stop being so cutesy, but her best friend ignored her. "How are you?"

"I'm good," Ben said. "How are you two?"

They looked at Miranda. When she didn't respond, Callie said, "Well, I'm fine. I'm actually on my way to meet Arizona for lunch in the cafe so I'll see you two later."

When Callie was gone, Miranda reached for his hand and pulled him down the hall and into a supply closet. "Couldn't make it to your office?" He asked pushing up her scrub top and bending down to kiss her stomach. Ben kissed his way up her body. With his lips on hers, both pairs moved purposefully. The kiss was so captivating, her spine shook. She lifted a hand and put it to his lips, pausing the kiss. Passion flowed from one set of eyes to the other. Miranda wanted him so badly, she also wanted to take her time, appreciating his body, every inch of skin and every muscle. Another kiss from him brought her back from the future. As his hand neared the band on her pants, her pager went off. Ben growled against her cheek making her giggle. "I was about…" He bit his bottom lip while shaking his head.

"Later."

Ben pinned her to the wall, kissing her deeply. She wriggled between him and the door, desperate to connect their bodies in a way that would ease the tension within her. When he pulled away, she was left breathless. "Later."

On Sunday, the sky threatened to rain, pushing back the last game of the season. Miranda said a quick prayer that it would only rain after the game so that the tournament would be able to finish properly. By the time she got dressed, the sun was out and beaming through the open window in her room. "Thank God." Miranda was one of the first people to the park. Ben had to help his mom with the cookout and said he'd be there for the tip-off. Tucker was bringing Tuck to the game, so she was all alone. She pulled Tuck's ball from the trunk and made her way over the courts. Only one other person was shooting around—Curly. The man smiled at her and dribbled up and down the court. Miranda stretched while watching him. Once they'd both finished stretching, he asked if she wanted a rebounder. "Thank you." Putting up shots that she normally took in the game felt good. She loved the rhythm and the tranquil sounds of a near empty court. "Fifteen. Your turn." His last shot fell through the net and she grabbed it. "That was good."

"Now you know where my hot spots are," he laughed.

The people in charge of the tournament were arriving and began setting up the tables and chairs. "You know mine, too."

"Bailey!" Alex called out. He dropped his bag on the bench and ran over to her.

"Doc! Your ball!" Curly said and Miranda caught a final pass from him.

"You're here early," Alex said to her.

"I needed time to stretch."

"Right. So, is Warren playing today?"

Miranda shrugged. "I guess you'll have to ask him when he gets here." She turned and walked to her bag, grabbing a bottle of Gatorade.

Jackson came up to them, looking excited. "Last game, guys." Miranda looked at him. "Er, guy and lady."

As the game was about to start, she searched the crowd for Ben. Her eyes landed on a bouncing Tuck with Tucker beside him beaming. Angela and Jaz were in front of them clapping. She sighed and took her place on the court. Halfway through the game, Miranda found herself not only out of breath, but semi-injured. She'd fallen, bumped her knee and scraped her thigh. Sitting on the bench taking gulps of air, Alex stood in front of her. "Look, we're down by eight. We have to go into this next half kicking ass or they're going to take our trophies."

Jackson nodded. "My guy is shit, let me run up the score on him. Get me the ball."

"I can do that," Miranda said nodding. Curly was on her and wasn't letting he do much. She'd burned him last time and she was paying for it this time.

"It's almost over, Bailey. But I really want to freakin' win." He glanced to the crowded bleachers. Miranda followed his gaze and saw Maggie. Alex nodded at the woman and jogged away.

Miranda tossed her water on top of her bag and started to take off to join her teammates. A hand on her elbow stopped her. "What the—?" She turned around and saw Ben holding on to her. "Nice of you to come."

"Okay, you're pissed."

She rolled her eyes. "I lost track of time helping with the set up."

Miranda crossed her arms. "How did Jaz and Ange make it here before you?"

He shrugged. "They were… picking up food or something, I don't know."

Looking over to her teammates, she saw them waving her over. "Forgive me?"

"No," she said getting ready to walk away.

Ben grabbed her arm. "Miranda… Forgive me."

"You said you'd be here."

"I know. I know. I know."

"I'm only here because of you, Benjamin."

Everyone seemed to be looking at them. "I know. And I love you." He kissed her forehead. "Please?"

"Fine." The horn sounded announcing the beginning of the second half of the game and Ben leaned over and kissed her lips quickly.

"You got this."

"You're sure you don't want to play?" She asked.

"That's not funny," he said sitting on the bench.

The ball was put into play and Miranda's game was revived. She felt energized. Still unable to score on Curly, she was able to get the ball to Alex and Jackson. Her team was down by one with thirty seconds on the clock. They needed to score or they'd be hoisting a second-place trophy. Miranda received an inbound pass from Jackson and put the ball under her arm. "That's not going to work this time," Curly said with a smile. He closed in on her making her dribble. She moved around trying to find an open teammate over the man in front of her. It was near impossible. Miranda needed him out of the way. "Code Blue's run is over," he taunted.

Miranda turned and gestured to the referee for a timeout. "Timeout, ref," she said. Jackson and Alex ran over to her and Ben stood up, listening. "One of you has to take the ball."

"What? No, Alex protested.

You're the better ballhandler," Jackson agreed.

"That's why she needs to get off of the ball," Ben said standing behind her, rubbing her shoulders.

"Right," Miranda said with a nod. "Karev, you take it out. Avery can set a screen on your guy, I'll set a screen on his, lob the ball to him for a layup."

The referee blew their whistle. "Eight seconds left!" Ben shouted.

"We can do this," Jackson said hyping them up.

Miranda took a deep breath and hoped her plan worked. When Alex got the ball, everything worked like it was supposed to. On his way up for a layup, Curly left her to defend the basket. "Avery, behind you!" Miranda shouted. Jackson threw her the ball and she launched a three-pointer. Miranda didn't know that she'd scored until she looked at the score. Ben had run over to her hugging her tightly. He kissed her cheek. "You were amazing!" Ben said. Tuck was also squeezing her. Once again, she was trying to catch her breath, this time in a good way. Miranda beamed. Thoroughly weary, she barely knew what was happening as they were given their team and individual trophies.

"Yay, mommy!" She heard Tuck screeching.

When the ceremonies were over and their friends and family were huddled together, Alex said: "Thank you three. I wanted to at least make the playoffs and we won the whole damn thing!"

"Ooo!" Tuck said shaking his head.

"Oh, my bad, LT. Whole darn thing." The adults laughed.

Alex turned to Jackson. "Avery? You want to say something?"

"This was fun," Jackson said. "I'm glad you all had a spot for me."

"Because I had surgery," Ben added conjuring up more laughs. "But good game, y'all." He kissed the side of Miranda's head and he held her up as she leaned into him. "By the way, everyone's invited to my sister's house for a little get together. I'll text the address."

Everyone nodded. "Cool. Thanks. Uh, Dr. Bailey?" Alex asked.

"Um," she started taking a deep breath. "I won't be doing this again, but it was fun while it lasted."

She looked up to see Alex holding on to Maggie. Jackson was standing behind a woman she didn't recognize. Miranda looked around and saw everyone smiling and bubbling with joy. This was one of her happy places. In the parking lot, she stood by her car with Tuck, Tucker and Ben. Ben put his arms around her. "So, you'll go home, change and meet me at Angela's?"

"Yes," she sighed and looked at her son. "You want to come with me?" He nodded.

"Alright, then, I'll see you later," Tucker said hugging Tuck and Miranda and shaking hands with Ben before leaving.

"Should I bring anything?" Miranda asked when Tuck had been situated in the car and her face was pressed against his chest. The comfortableness they had was just becoming normal; second nature.

"Nothing. Just you and Tuck."

"You're sure?"

"Yes. I'm sure."

At home, Miranda showered quickly and eased into a pair of jeans and cute top. On the way to Angela's house, the sky broke open. The raindrops hitting the top of her car brought on a feeling of melancholy. She didn't particularly want to go, but attending family functions was something she'd signed up for when she began dating the man. And he never hesitated to partake in her family stuff, it's who he was and what she'd miss. Arriving at Angela's, Miranda and Tuck dashed to the front door. Tuck rang the doorbell and Jazmin opened it. "Hey!" She said hugging them both. "Come in. Tuck, come meet my cousins!" Tuck looked up at Miranda.

"Go ahead." Miranda heard Angela's voice and followed it to the kitchen.

"Miranda!" She said coming up to her and giving her a hug. Julia came over and hugged her, too. "Everyone, this is Dr. Miranda Bailey, Ben's girlfriend."

Miranda felt her cheeks redden as she waved to the other people in the room. Would she ever get used to the title? She pulled Angela to the side, "Is your brother here?"

"He's around here somewhere. Maybe he's on the grill outside?"

"Thank you." Miranda weaved through the house and saw Ben on the wet patio with a hood on standing over a large grill. She knocked on the window and he turned in her direction, his face glum at first. Realizing that it was her, he smiled and gestured for to come outside. "It's raining," she said through the glass. Ben pointed to his ear. "It's raining, Benjamin." His lips moved and she could see him saying that he couldn't hear her. "Oh, for God's sake." She pulled open the glass window. "It's raining."

"So, you've said," he laughed and picked up an umbrella. Opening it, he stepped to her holding it over her head.

"You're a real jerk."

"But a lovable and huggable jerk," he responded.

"Whatever." He leaned in and kissed her cheek, handing over the handle to the umbrella. "Thank you. What are cooking?"

"Steak, burgers, sausage… Pretty much whatever meat and vegetables they bring out." Ben wiggled his eyebrows. "Want the first taste?"

"Why do you make everything dirty?"

"Is that a yes or a no?" Miranda smiled slowly. "I thought so."

He cut a piece of sausage and put it to her lips. She blew it before eating it. "That's good."

"Mmhmm." Ben gripped her waist as he flipped the food. "You can go back inside. You don't have to keep me company."

"I'm good out here," she told him. Even as tired as she was, Miranda enjoyed the party. She ate and laughed, drank and danced. When his family gave goodbye speeches, she found herself wiping away tears with a napkin. They asked if she wanted to say anything. "No, no," Miranda told them waving them off politely.

"Aw, come on, babe," Ben said walking over to her. "My friends will think you don't like me if you don't say anything."

"Well, they'd be on to something, wouldn't they?" She teased. "Okay, well, I am Ben's… girlfriend. And, to say the most with the least amount of words, I'm a big fan of this man right here. His family has shown my son and I nothing but love. And the feeling is mutual." By the end of the night, Miranda was officially wiped out. She and Tuck were some of the last people left and she had to wake him up so they could go home. Ben carried the boy to her car. "Thank you."

She put her arms around his neck and pulled him down for a long kiss. His hands swiveled up her sides. "Benjamin, let Miranda get home," Julia said. "Say goodnight."

"Aww, you're blushing," Miranda whispered, touching his cheeks.

"Good night, Miranda Bailey."

"Good night, Ben Warren."