The Happiest Place on Earth, Chapter 31- FINAL
The following is a story that I have been tinkering with for a year and a half. I have gone back and forth on parts of it. It starts off on a rather heavy note, but lightens up to match the title. I can only “hope” it works for you all.
Pairing: Miranda / Andrea - ‘cause I just can’t seem to care about any others.
Caroline and Cassidy are with us on this one.
Disclaimer: I, sadly, do not own anything… really. As I have mentioned before, all I own in this world is a 2003 Toyota Corolla- although it is an LE. Nothing to get out of me if you sue… so don’t. Please, allow us poor folk some fun. We aren’t hurting anyone.
Rating: Have to go with NC-17 Sorry all you “innocents”, I don’t want to harm your virtue or anything. Rated due to SEX and adult only themes.
Which leads to the WARNINGS: I apologize, sincerely if this should offend anyone, but for some odd reason I was motivated, moved, +/or hypnotically commanded to write about a rape. It is not overly explicit, however it does occur. If you are not up to this, for any reason, I am sorry. Rewriting it just wouldn’t work. Again, sorry. I will alert w/ each chapter necessary w/o giving everything away.
Chapter 31: Parents… part 2. And something more.
Rating: R-ish / M-ish (goodness me… again)
FINAL CHAPTER (but an epilogue will be posted)
The Happiest Place on Earth
Chapter 31
“Andréa, I have to go to work. And you have to let me go.”
“Call in sick.”
“Mmm, as decadent as that sounds, I am not at liberty to skip. I only have a half day scheduled. I’ll be home by two.”
Andy tightened her hold a little more, “But you’re so warm.”
“It’s not like we have no heat.”
“Can’t we have just five more minutes?”
“Andréa”
“Four more minutes?”
“I need to get up now.”
“Three more minutes?”
“Darling, remind me to never have you dicker for a high priced item.”
“Fine. Whatever.” Andy pouted, flailing her body out across the bed, and releasing Miranda.
“What time do you expect your parents?” Miranda asked as she pushed herself out of their bed and began preparing herself for the day.
“If they actually show up, you mean?”
“I do not doubt it.”
“In that case, they should be here around six.”
“Are you cooking or ordering out?”
“I’m making a pot roast. It’s dad’s favorite.”
“Wonderful. Will you go make some coffee, dear?”
“Sure. Not like I have anything better to do.”
“Stop pouting.” Miranda laughed. “Just think, I owe you one now.”
“Oh, sweet.” Andy completely lit up. “When can I cash it in?”
“Any time after fashion week.”
Andy saw Miranda out with a strictly controlled kiss. It was only 6:30, and Sunday was normally a sleep in and lounge around day, but Andy was too wound up to return to bed. She opted instead to take Patricia for a walk. The outing with Patricia, including a coffee and paper stop, kept Andy out of the house until ten. By eleven, she was showered, dressed, and climbing the walls. There was nothing to distract her from her own thoughts. The girls weren’t due back until four, Miranda was gone until two, and she had no idea what her parents were doing, or thinking.
Andy’s anxiety had her pacing through the house, browsing through the walls of books, and leafing through magazines. She could not maintain her focus long enough to produce any work and the crossword puzzle merely frustrated her. She just finished running five sets of stair laps when her cell phone rang. Sucking air to try to control her heart rate, she answered, “Hel-lo”
“Andréa? What is the matter?”
“Mir…an…da? Are.. You… ok?” she panted, recovering from her exertion.
“I’m fine. What is wrong with you?”
“Noth-ing.”
“Then why are you breathing so heavily?” Miranda’s voice was a mixture of concern and irritation.”
“I just… ran the stairs.”
“You did what?”
“I ran up and… down the stairs… for five laps.”
“Why would you do such a thing? Our house is not a gymnasium.” Now her voice was confused irritation.
“I don’t know. I needed an outlet. I couldn’t settle down.”
“Oh for… “
“Why did you call? Did you need something?”
“I needed to hear your voice. To be sure you were all right.”
“I’m fine. I’m just going to pop down to the grocery to pick up a few things for our dinner.”
“You haven’t heard from your parents?”
“No.”
“I’ll be home at 1:30. Nigel said he would cover the luncheon in my name and keep me apprised of anything important, so I will leave here earlier than planned.”
“Great. You can help me with dessert.”
“How homey. I can’t wait.”
“Thank you. I do so love your sarcasm.”
“Mmm, yes. Well, I best be going. Vera Wang has some hubbub erupting by her tent. It may actually be some interesting designs.”
“You are on a roll. You go, girl.”
“Andréa?” Miranda’s voice suddenly sounded tight.
“Yes?”
“I love you.”
Andy could not have stopped the grin spreading across her face if she had a gun pointing at her head. “I love you too. I’ll see you later.”
“Yes, you will.”
Andy’s smile softened when she realized Miranda had disconnected. The woman would never master the conventions of social mores.
At one o’clock Andy’s phone rang out again. Thinking it was Miranda updating her arrival time she answered without checking, “Hey gorgeous.”
“Well, hello, beautiful,” Joanna’s voice echoed in Andy’s ear.
“Mom?”
“Yes dear. I assume you were expecting someone else?”
“Um, yeah.”
“Well I don’t want to tie the line up, then. I just wanted to call to confirm our plans for this evening.”
“Oh, great… that’s.. real great.”
“I hope you really think so. We were thinking we should be at the house for 6:30. Will that be all right with you?”
“Yeah, that’ll be fine. We’re having pot roast.”
“Oh, that will make your father happy.”
“I can hope.”
“Don’t fret, sweetheart. I’ve had a talk with your father. He will be better tonight. I promise.”
“O…k” Andy spoke tentatively.
“Andy, I know last night was awful. I’m sorry I didn’t reign your father in, but I was sort of tangled up in the situation.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means I was mesmerized by the obvious connection between you and Miranda. In all honesty, I was distracted by the beauty of it.”
“Um, are you for real? What have you done with my mother?”
“Don’t worry, honey. It’ll all work out. Just give it time.”
“Ok, mom. I’ll see you later?”
“Yes dear. We will be there.”
“Ok. Bye.”
“Bye, Andy. I love you.”
“You too, mom.”
Andy jumped and spun at the feel of hands on her shoulder, shouting, “Hey!”
“I’m sorry, darling. I didn’t mean to frighten you.”
Andy responded by throwing her body against Miranda’s, clamping her arms around slender shoulders and burying her face in the soft flesh of a warm neck.
“Andréa, what…?” Miranda’s arms encircled Andy giving comfort and support.
“Nothing. It’s fine. Really.”
“Oh, good. For a moment I thought something dreadful had occurred.”
“No, not dreadful. That was my mom.”
“Oh?”
“It’s ok. At least I think it will be. She’s ok.”
“And your father?” Miranda questioned, knowing he was the stubborn link in the chain of acceptance.
“She says she spoke to him. I’m not exactly sure what that means, but I think dad got an earful.” Andy breathed in deeply, absorbing Miranda’s warmth and essence through touch and scent. Deciding to give her other senses a treat she brushed her lips across the exposed skin. Nuzzling along Miranda’s jaw, Andy began to blindly lick and kiss her way to the soft shell of an ear. Sucking the lobe between her lips she savored the taste of Miranda. A breathy sigh flipped a switch on in Andy, turning her libido on high drive. Her hands slid down Miranda’s back, molding to her ass, pulling her forcefully.
“Oh!… no,” Miranda straight armed Andy away from her body. “We do not have time for that.” she admonished. “Now, please control yourself.”
Andy’s dark eyes were pleading, begging Miranda to change her mind. Miranda relented slightly, allowing Andy to get closer, but she still held a palm against Andy’s chest in case she needed to push her away. Her lips grazed across Andy’s cheek, trying to calm, not excite. “Dear, Andréa, I promise you, we will allow ourselves time this evening. But, right now, we need to prepare for the girls, and then your parents.”
“Sorry. I sort of lost myself there for a moment.”
“Never apologize for wanting to love me. God knows I want it too. But we have responsibilities. “
“I know. I’ll try to keep my hands to myself, mostly.”
Caroline and Cassidy found their mother in her study, computer open and papers scattered all around. Miranda pushed away from the desk and stood to greet her girls, offering sincere hugs to each of them.
“How was your weekend?”
“Boring, as usual.” Cassidy moped.
“Forget us.” Caroline admonished. “Did you meet them? What were they like? Are they real cool like Andy?”
“I did meet them,” Miranda replied carefully, trying to decide exactly what she should share with her children. “They are very nice. Joanna, Andy’s mother, is very much like Andy. She is very lovely and warm.”
A pause for thought was a huge red flag for the girls.
“What about her father?” Cassidy hedged, her mood dropping in concern.
Guiding the girls to the sofa, Miranda proceeded with her report. “He… seems a bit… obdurate.”
“What does that mean?”
“Obdurate? Why that means to be stubborn.”
“But why that word, specifically?” Caroline pushed.
“Because it is being stubborn in a hard hearted manner.” Miranda confessed.
“That doesn’t sound ‘very nice’.” Cassidy noted.
“Must you two always be so smart? My goodness. I am challenged daily at work. Now I must endure this treatment at home?” Miranda teased.
“Is he really that bad?” Caroline wondered aloud.
“Darling, we can not judge. This is a situation that has been dropped, fully developed in his lap. We have had the luxury of building our relationship with Andréa slowly, over time. He hasn’t had the chance to get to know us. And, honestly, all he has to form an opinion of me has been the information he gleaned when Andréa was working as my assistant. I am sure he is just being protective of his daughter.”
“That can’t be good.” Cassidy sarcastically added.
“I suppose not.” Miranda agreed.
“Yeah, but Andy’s been with us for months. Hasn’t she said good things?” Caroline countered.
“She has spoken wonderfully of you. She has, however, refrained from saying much at all about me, of late. She didn’t know how to tell them we were a family, so she hasn’t really said much of anything.”
“Oh well.” Caroline announced, getting bored with the conversation. “If he doesn’t like us, he never has to see us. He lives in Ohio, for Pete’s sake. What’s he gonna do? Call us every day to tell us he doesn’t like us?”
“Caroline, Cassidy,” Miranda’s tone dropped into the warning zone. “I do not want you meeting them with a surly attitude. You will be welcoming, respectful, and pleasant. It does not matter what they ever think of me, but they are Andréa’s parents. And you will treat them accordingly. I will not have my daughters being anything less than civilized.”
“Yes mom.” They both agreed.
“Good. Now, have you seen Andréa yet?”
“No.”
“Well, go find her and keep her company. I have a little more work to do before dinner.” Dropping kisses to both their heads, Miranda dismissed them from the study. She returned to her desk, but was distracted from her work, considering her choice of action for the evening. She had been reserved and controlled over dinner, but, here, in her own home, she was concerned she would become aggressively protective. ‘Perhaps a drink is in order’ she mused.
The front door bell chimed at ten after six. The sound echoed through the home, freezing all occupants in a moment of foreboding. Suddenly the girls let out a squeal that sounded much like a war cry, and bolted for the front door. Andy put the dish of apple crisp on the stove top and dropped the oven mitts on the counter, wiping her hands across her thighs. She stepped into the front hall, her eyes wide and fearful until they swept around the area and locked onto Miranda’s own cool, focused, and slightly amused expression. Miranda met up with Andy and nodded to the girls waiting anxiously at the door. Cassidy pulled the door open and their adventure began.
“Oh, my. I was expecting someone a bit taller, but this will work.” Joanna’s amused voice rang clearly through the foyer. “So, as they say, who’s who?” She smiled at the twins, her unaffected friendliness easily diffusing the tension.
“You really are just like Andy.” Cassidy announced.
“Shall I take that as a compliment?” Joanna teased, her eyes twinkling with mirth.
“Sure. I’m Cassidy and this is Caroline. Pleased to meet you.” Miranda smiled warmly at her daughter’s attempt of graciousness.
“Well, it is lovely to finally meet you. I’m Joanna, and this is George.”
The girls both turned slightly, warily eyeing George. As was promised, he seemed to be more relaxed and open to the entire situation. Andy stared in disbelief at the change in his demeanor as he greeted the girls. Miranda nudged her with an elbow to shock her back into the moment.
“Oh… right.” she gasped. “Mom, Dad, welcome to our home. Come in, come in.”
The pair stepped further into the house, allowing the girls to help rid them of their coats. George held out a couple of bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon, handing them as a peace offering to Miranda. She smiled and accepted, agreeing to not take up arms for the evening.
“We have twenty minutes before dinner’s ready,” Andy announced “I hope you don’t mind, but I have to be in the kitchen.” George readily followed along with the girls in tow. Joanna held back slightly, catching Miranda’s eye. With a nod from Miranda, Joanna piped up, “You have a lovely home, Miranda. Would you mind giving me a tour?”
“Not at all.” Miranda smiled reassuringly at Andy when she glanced over her shoulder at the pair. She offered her own worried smirk but continued her course with her father and the girls.
Miranda did actually lead Joanna through the entire house, bypassing the kitchen to end in the sitting room. Glancing back at her guest she offered, “Would you care for a drink, Joanna?”
“No, thank you.”
“Do you mind?” Miranda asked, holding up a decanter of amber liquid.
“Oh, no. Please, go right ahead.”
Miranda poured herself a double before taking the chair across from Joanna. Not one to hide from a fight, Miranda directly asked, “What is it you have to say to me?”
Taking a fortifying breath, Joanna disclosed her opinion, “Actually, I wanted to thank you.”
“Thank me?”, Miranda had to admit she was taken by surprise by that confession.
“Yes. Thank you.”
“Whatever for?”
Joanna paused, trying to formulate her words in a coherent explanation. “I don’t know if you are aware,” She began tentatively, “But Andy has never been able to share her failures and disappointments.”
“Really?” Miranda had no idea where they were going.
“Last fall… the… incident… was not something she was able to discuss with us.” Miranda’s eyes widened in surprised disbelief. “Everything we learned, from the actual attack to your involvement with her recovery was relayed to us by Andy’s friend Lily. Now, I know my daughter, and I know she would have looked at the entire event as her own personal failure. She doesn’t like us to be worried and she doesn’t like to disappoint us. So, she chose to ignore it. If we even attempted to broach the subject, she would get off the phone. Knowing that she had a safe refuge was the only reason I did not get on the first plane out of Cincinnati. I was so relieved to hear that she was not withdrawing from her life. I hold you responsible for keeping my daughter from drowning in her misery. And for that, I am eternally grateful.”
“You never need to thank me for that. I couldn’t not help.”
“I know. Obviously, we all understand, now.”
The two women were silent for a few moments, each considering what had been said. Joanna broke the silence, “I expect I also owe you an apology.” Miranda waited on that one. “My husband was nothing less than rude to you last night, and I did nothing to stop him.”
“That’s quite all right. I think I was able to hold my own…”
“Yes. I was a little concerned for his safety for a moment there.” Joanna grinned, stealing Miranda’s breath with the familiarity. Andy really was a replication of her mother. “But, once I found my tongue, I used it to explain to George just how asinine he was being. I believe he will come around, but it will be difficult for him. Andy is his baby, after all. I’m sure you can understand the over protectiveness of parenting.”
“Yes, I do. I also like to believe that I would be open, accepting, and supportive of any decisions my daughters’ make. Especially once they are of age.” Miranda’s voice edged on icy. Joanna winced, despite herself.
“Understood. I just ask that you give us time. I don’t know if we will ever make it as a ’Leave it to Beaver’ family, but I do want to believe we can make it as family.”
“I don’t think you’ll ever find June Cleaver in this household.”
Cassidy poked her head around the door frame, “Mom, Andy says dinner’s ready.”
“Thank you, Cassidy. We’ll be right along.” As Cassidy disappeared again, Miranda rose from the sofa, offering a hand to Joanna. Joanna held Miranda’s hand a moment, arresting her from leaving. With an arched eyebrow Miranda questioned her.
“You really do have a beautiful home, Miranda. I think it’s because of the love.” She gave Miranda’s hand a final squeeze and then stepped past her, heading to the kitchen.
Andy led her father into the kitchen, carrying a feeling of dread. She was not up to the divide and conquer routine her parents loved to play. She hated not knowing if she was going to be faced with the good cop or the bad cop in this interrogation scenario. Although with the twins present, she figured she wouldn’t be in too much trouble.
“It smells delicious in here, honey,” George exclaimed as they entered the kitchen.
“Thanks, dad. Figured you’d like it, since it’s your favorite.”
“Pot roast?” he asked in delight.
“Yup” Andy chuckled. Seeing her father attempting to be playful and silly cleansed her of her fears.
Turning to find Cassidy sitting at the counter to his right, George enquired, “And what college are you attending?”
Cassidy giggled, despite her initial misgivings about this man. “I’m not in college. I’m just in sixth grade.”
“Sixth grade? Really? My, you look so sophisticated, I thought for sure you were at university.” He turned to his left to find Caroline staring at him skeptically. “And what about you?”
“I’m her twin. We’re in the same grade.” Caroline spoke like she was speaking to a three year old.
“Ohhh, riiight. I knew that.” he confided. “Just with the way Andy speaks of you, I figured you were advanced for your age. I just assumed you’d be in college.” Just as Caroline looked at Andy for some guidance in this obscure conversation, Patricia ambled through the room, looking for admission to the back garden.
“Holy cow. You have a pony in your house.” George practically hollered.
“That’s our dog, Patricia.” Caroline corrected over Cassidy’s giggles. Shaking her head she slipped from her stool to let the dog out.
“That’s a dog?” George asked Cassidy.
“Yeah” she tittered. “She’s a Saint Bernard.”
“Oh, good. If we get snowed in she can rescue us.”
Andy was enchanted by her father’s attempts with the girls. Caroline, too wary and protective in her own right wasn’t about to fall for this style of seduction. Catching her dad’s eyes, she nodded toward Caroline with an exaggerated serious expression. He nodded and changed tactics when Caroline settled next to him again.
“So, how old is Patricia?”
“She’s four. Stephen bought her for us when she was a puppy. He was trying to win us over to impress our mother.” Caroline’s voice was sour. She obviously did not think well of Stephen.
“Well, at least you got to keep her.”
“Yeah,” Caroline grinned. For some reason, George understanding that she and Cassidy won something in the divorce made him a new ally. Andy just mentally shrugged. She would never fully understand the workings of a pre-adolescent brain.
“So,” George broke out in a sober voice, “How do you girls feel about Andy living here with you?”
Both of the girls immediately looked to Andy. She smiled encouragingly at them from her spot against the counter.
“Andy’s the best. We never want her to leave.” Caroline defended.
“We love Andy. We don’t want you to take her away.” Cassidy scowled.
“I’m not taking her away.” George tried to alleviate the sudden increase in atmospheric tension. “Just look at her…” They did as told to see Andy with a very determined glare in her eyes. “There’s no way I can even try to go up against that.”
“Then why are you here?” Caroline demanded, her protective streak flaring up again.
“We came to meet the family she chose as her own. And if you decide you like us, then we can welcome you into our family.” Although he was speaking to the twins, Andy knew the words were spoken for her benefit. “I sure hope it works out. We could use a Saint Bernard in Cincinnati with all the snow out there.”
The girls started to giggle. George chuckled along with them. Soon they were all laughing hysterically. Feeding off of each other in the release of emotional stress. Finally able to catch her breath, Andy reached across the counter island, grasping her father’s hand in gratitude. She turned to Cassidy and asked, “Sweetie, will you go get your mom? Dinner’s all set.”
“Ok, Andy.” She hopped down and ran out of the room.
“Thank you.” Andy said to her father, her eyes bright and shining.
George squeezed her hand and smiled. “How could I let my girl down?”, he asked.
“I hoped you would come through, but after last night...”
“I may never understand, but I will do what I need to keep you as my daughter.”
“That’s all we can ask.”
Andy released her father and turned to Caroline. “Come on, Caroline, help me get this on the table.”
Caroline scampered around the island, feeling rather important for assisting with the dinner presentation.
They survived dinner. In the attempt to keep everything non-combative, they avoided the topics of “Andy and Miranda”, politics, and religion and stayed with the safer topics of the girls, work, potential options for Andy’s career, and fashion week. While trying to make a respectable impression on the twins, George was actually able to hold a civil conversation with Miranda, discussing the publication of Andy’s first article.
“You’re going to publish Andy’s work?” George asked in shocked surprise.
“Of course. It is a powerful and insightful piece. She is an outstanding talent. Why would I not?”
“Accusations of favoritism, maybe?”
“I do not make decisions on public opinion.” The words spoke of the magazine, her eyes spoke of another matter altogether. George nodded in acknowledgement to her meaning.
“Hey”, Andy cut in, “who wants dessert?”
“I do” was called out in red headed stereo.
“No surprise there.” Andy teased. “Come on you two. Give me a hand.” Andy’s hand easily rested on Miranda’s shoulder as she spoke. Miranda turned her face up to Andy and raised her almost empty wine glass. Andy squeezed her shoulder in recognition of the request. Glancing at her parents she asked, “Anyone else?”
“No, thank you, dear.” Joanna answered for the both of them. “How about coffee?”
“Sure. Decaf or high test?”
“Decaffeinated, if you have it. Otherwise I’ll be up all night.”
Andy prepared the coffee, set the girls up to serve the dessert, and returned to the table with the open wine bottle. She stepped in to pour and Miranda naturally rested a hand on Andy’s hip. Andy offered a beatific smile at Miranda’s murmured thanks. George’s lips thinned and he averted his eyes, but said not a word. Joanna’s verbal lashing effectively muzzling him.
As often happened when Andy was the recipient of Miranda’s undivided attention, she forgot the world around her and totally focused on the woman sitting by her side. “Do you want any apple crisp?” she offered.
“I’ll just have a taste of yours.” Miranda smirked
“Of course you will.” Andy beamed.
Joanna nudged George, forcing him to look. He glanced back at her, his face turning pink. “That’s what I mean.” Joanna hissed at him.
“Fine, yes, I see it. Happy now?”
“Absolutely.”
The stilted conversation caught Andy’s attention. “What?”
“Nothing.” George muttered.
“It is not ‘nothing’.” Joanna argued. “I just made him see what is so obviously there between the two of you. Undeniable.” Miranda quirked an eyebrow and Andy grinned at Joanna’s observation.
Their evening ended smoothly. George and Joanna left in a small flurry of activity. The girls gave full body hugs, Andy followed suit, adding kisses to warm cheeks. Miranda bussed Joanna’s cheek in farewell, whispering something before pulling away with a shared smile. George offered a hand and Miranda clasped it graciously, bidding him a good night and safe trip home. The door finally closed to a collective sigh of relief.
“That wasn’t so bad” Caroline appraised.
“For an excruciating situation, I would have to agree.” Miranda quipped.
“Right.” Andy announced, “You two need to get ready for bed.”
“But Andy, we have to clear the table.” Cassidy countered.
“I can handle it. You two go on.”
“Fine, whatever.” she pouted.
“It’s not like we’re going to discuss anything with you around.” Andy called after her. A hand on her back redirected her attention.
“Darling, don’t tease them.”
“But it so fun.”
“Come on, Cinderella, I’ll give you a hand with your chores.”
“We going to the ball if I get everything done?”
“I’m not sure I have any glass slippers.”
“S’ok, I’m sure we can find something else to fit somewhere.” Andy leered.
“Can you ever get your mind out of the gutter?”
“Not when you’ve already promised me some action.”
Andy met Miranda in the center of their bed, both naked, both on their knees. Andy’s hands rested on Miranda’s hips while Miranda had her hands cupping Andy’s face. A thumb brushed lightly over a full bottom lip, drawing a smile from a natural pout. “Do you have any idea just how desirable I find you?” Miranda whispered, closing in on red, kissable lips.
“I think I do, but I’m always willing for a demonstration.”
“Hmmm. Shall I schedule you in next week?”
“I’m a slow learner. You may need to schedule me for repeat sessions.”
The kiss that stopped Andy’s inane chatter also momentarily stopped her breath, and maybe even her heart. It was as tender as their first, ever. Light, gentle, teasing, promising. Andy reflexively pulled Miranda’s hips, pressing their bodies together, breasts sliding against breasts, belly against belly. A purr escaped from Miranda’s throat as their bodies began to heat up. Andy whimpered and Miranda responded, intensifying their contact. She shifted slightly so her hip jutted against Andy’s already slick mound, while her tongue slipped past lips to delve into Andy’s mouth.
Miranda took advantage of Andy’s pliable state and guided her to lie on the mattress. She lay her own body over Andy’s, lips continuing their personal conversation, and hands now drifting, tickling against heated skin. Miranda wiggled a bit, wedging her legs between Andy’s, forcing her young lover to open to her. In perfect alignment, Miranda canted her hips and began a slow, almost gentle undulation of her hips. Andy squeaked with the movement, feeling the pressure against her center.
Andy released a wanton moan as she realized what Miranda was doing. It was their first time all over again, sans clothing. She tried to control herself, the memory blending with her growing excitement, exponentially increasing the heat radiating from her soul. She began with small whimpers that quickly morphed to pleading words against Miranda’s talented lips. “Oh…oh…oh..please…I need…just….please…Miranda…”
“Mmm, stay with me, Andréa… come with me…” Miranda directed her, pushing harder, surging into her lover, escalating the tension until with nails drawing red lines down Andy’s side and teeth nipping and tugging at her lip, Miranda leapt with Andy over the edge, screaming out her own release as Andy cried out in rapture.
Chests heaving, trying to replenish needed oxygen, Miranda and Andy remained together, unmoving. Pulses began to slow, breathing evened out, and Miranda nuzzled into Andy’s neck, humming in pleasurable satisfaction. The quiet was disrupted when Miranda muttered, “All I wanted was a kiss.” and Andy exploded with laughter. Miranda placed a chaste kiss to Andy’s lips and rolled away.
“Hey, where are you going?” Andy almost panicked.
“Nowhere, darling. I just need to get something.”
“Oh really?” Andy asked, her interest and libido peaked.
“Not that.” Miranda rolled her eyes, feigning disgust at Andy’s eager sexuality. Miranda dug something out of her night stand and rolled back into Andy, dropping a kiss to the younger woman’s cheek. She moved around, shifting herself so she could get back onto her knees. Her expression became grave as she evaluated her lover. Andy felt a sliver of fear spiral up her spine as she waited for Miranda to do, or say something.
“Darling, I am not going to be able to get away tomorrow evening.”
“What?” Andy asked, trying to catch up to Miranda. “What are you talking about.”
“Tomorrow. I won’t be able to get away from work at any sort of reasonable hour. We won’t be able to have dinner.”
“That’s ok, Miranda. We’ve missed other dinners. I told you I don’t mind. I understand.”
“No, you don’t.”
“What?” Andy was getting exasperated with the cryptic conversation.
“Tomorrow, Andréa, is the 14th.” Miranda paused for a sign of understanding. “It is Valentine’s day.”
“It’s ok, Miranda. It’s just another day. We can say ‘I love you’ anytime. We’ll have a romantic dinner another night.”
“Have you always been so dense?” Miranda was losing patience.
“All right.” Andy sighed. “Spell it out for me.”
“Tomorrow is Valentine’s day and I had planned on giving you this.” Miranda held a small white velvet box trimmed in red in the palm of her hand. “But I won’t be able to, so I would like to now.”
“Miranda?” Andy questioned, disbelief clouding her eyes.
“Andréa, I have never done this, so I do not have a point of reference. At least not from this side of the equation.” She pulled the lid open and removed the ring from it’s enclosure. Dropping the box, she reached for Andy’s left hand, holding it lightly with trembling fingers. “Andréa Sachs, I have found my true self in you. You balance me, enrich my life, give me a happiness I have never experienced and a peace I have never known to exist. Most will consider this ‘too fast’, but in truth, I have loved you for years. I know my mind and, for once, I know my heart. I do not believe we need to wait any longer, although a long engagement is not out of the question. Andréa, will you marry me, will you be mine?”
Salty drops plunged over lashes, falling to their death against inflamed cheeks. Clear mucous seeped from nostrils flared from panting. Eyes rimmed in red stared unseeing at the platinum and diamond ring. Lips were trembling in an attempt to stop the crying. Andréa Sachs never appeared more beautiful to Miranda then at that moment when her head began to nod and she stuttered, “Ye…ye...yes. Oh god, yes. Yes, I’ll marry you.” Andy was shaking so hard, Miranda had trouble slipping the ring onto her finger. Andy drew her hand up to her face, trying to focus through the tears. Miranda’s fingers still lightly clasped across the palm.
Andy dropped her hand into her lap and offered a weak and watery smile before throwing herself at Miranda, arms constricting around Miranda’s ribs, face planted into the side of Miranda’s neck. Miranda’s hand reached out, patting around them on the bed, searching. She grabbed the corner of a pillow and dragged it closer. Finding the end, she shook the pillow out of the pillowcase. Detaching Andy’s python like grasp, she leaned back to better view her love’s face, then began wiping that lovely face clean. When done, she handed the case to Andy and ordered, “Blow.” Andy blew her nose and wiped any residual dampness from her face before tossing the cloth off the end of the bed.
Once again presentable, Andy sat back on her heels to observe her ‘fiancé’. “I didn’t think you were serious the other day. I really was not expecting this.” Andy confessed.
“Well that would explain why you weren’t putting things together.” Miranda chuckled.
“Will you make love to me?”
“As often as possible.” Miranda answered huskily, desire flooding her senses.
The entire family was dragging as they stumbled into the kitchen at the start of their day. Caroline and Cassidy struggled to not pass out in their cereal while Andy stood a silent sentinel by the coffee pot. Miranda passed her girls, leaving kisses on their crowns, and pushed Andy over a step with her hip as she reached for the coffee. Kissing Andy on her cheek she enquired, “Did you show them?”
“What? Oh, no. I wanted you here.”
“Go ahead.” Miranda grinned, unable to control her glee.
“Mmm, ok. Hey, Caroline, Cassidy.”
“What?” came the surly reply.
“Your mom decided to keep me. I’m gonna be your new step mom.” Andy revealed in a sing-song voice.
“What?!” Now they were awake.
Andy held her hand up, displaying the blindingly sparkling rock on her finger.
“Oh my god!” Again with the unison squealing. “It’s about time.“ The girls crushed in around Andy and Miranda, arms squeezing as hard as possible.
“There really is something to twins sharing a single brain, isn’t there?” Andy winced.
“Mmm. Thank god they outgrew the diapers.” Miranda guffawed.
“When’s the wedding?” Caroline demanded.
“A while off.” Andy stated firmly. “We’re going to have a long engagement. Maybe not until next summer.”
“Who gets to be maid of honor?”
“Whose gonna be best man?”
“Whose gonna be the groom? Is there a groom?”
“Girls, settle down.” Miranda broke into their shrill discussion. We will deal with all these questions at a later date. For now, just get used to the idea that Andréa and I are betrothed. Figure out your questions and we will talk this weekend.”
“Ok, mom.” Cassidy agreed.
“Now, off you go. You’ll be late for school, and I am already late for work.”
The girls gave one last squeeze and then ran off to grab their book bags and coats. Miranda turned back to Andy. Taking her hand she brushed her lips across the knuckles. Then she leaned in and left a lingering, wanting kiss on her lips.
“Thank you, Andréa. You have made me extremely happy. I love you.”
“And I, you. Have a productive day. I’ll see you later tonight.”
“Yes, you will.”
Pairing: Miranda / Andrea - ‘cause I just can’t seem to care about any others.
Caroline and Cassidy are with us on this one.
Disclaimer: I, sadly, do not own anything… really. As I have mentioned before, all I own in this world is a 2003 Toyota Corolla- although it is an LE. Nothing to get out of me if you sue… so don’t. Please, allow us poor folk some fun. We aren’t hurting anyone.
Rating: Have to go with NC-17 Sorry all you “innocents”, I don’t want to harm your virtue or anything. Rated due to SEX and adult only themes.
Which leads to the WARNINGS: I apologize, sincerely if this should offend anyone, but for some odd reason I was motivated, moved, +/or hypnotically commanded to write about a rape. It is not overly explicit, however it does occur. If you are not up to this, for any reason, I am sorry. Rewriting it just wouldn’t work. Again, sorry. I will alert w/ each chapter necessary w/o giving everything away.
Chapter 31: Parents… part 2. And something more.
Rating: R-ish / M-ish (goodness me… again)
FINAL CHAPTER (but an epilogue will be posted)
The Happiest Place on Earth
Chapter 31
“Andréa, I have to go to work. And you have to let me go.”
“Call in sick.”
“Mmm, as decadent as that sounds, I am not at liberty to skip. I only have a half day scheduled. I’ll be home by two.”
Andy tightened her hold a little more, “But you’re so warm.”
“It’s not like we have no heat.”
“Can’t we have just five more minutes?”
“Andréa”
“Four more minutes?”
“I need to get up now.”
“Three more minutes?”
“Darling, remind me to never have you dicker for a high priced item.”
“Fine. Whatever.” Andy pouted, flailing her body out across the bed, and releasing Miranda.
“What time do you expect your parents?” Miranda asked as she pushed herself out of their bed and began preparing herself for the day.
“If they actually show up, you mean?”
“I do not doubt it.”
“In that case, they should be here around six.”
“Are you cooking or ordering out?”
“I’m making a pot roast. It’s dad’s favorite.”
“Wonderful. Will you go make some coffee, dear?”
“Sure. Not like I have anything better to do.”
“Stop pouting.” Miranda laughed. “Just think, I owe you one now.”
“Oh, sweet.” Andy completely lit up. “When can I cash it in?”
“Any time after fashion week.”
Andy saw Miranda out with a strictly controlled kiss. It was only 6:30, and Sunday was normally a sleep in and lounge around day, but Andy was too wound up to return to bed. She opted instead to take Patricia for a walk. The outing with Patricia, including a coffee and paper stop, kept Andy out of the house until ten. By eleven, she was showered, dressed, and climbing the walls. There was nothing to distract her from her own thoughts. The girls weren’t due back until four, Miranda was gone until two, and she had no idea what her parents were doing, or thinking.
Andy’s anxiety had her pacing through the house, browsing through the walls of books, and leafing through magazines. She could not maintain her focus long enough to produce any work and the crossword puzzle merely frustrated her. She just finished running five sets of stair laps when her cell phone rang. Sucking air to try to control her heart rate, she answered, “Hel-lo”
“Andréa? What is the matter?”
“Mir…an…da? Are.. You… ok?” she panted, recovering from her exertion.
“I’m fine. What is wrong with you?”
“Noth-ing.”
“Then why are you breathing so heavily?” Miranda’s voice was a mixture of concern and irritation.”
“I just… ran the stairs.”
“You did what?”
“I ran up and… down the stairs… for five laps.”
“Why would you do such a thing? Our house is not a gymnasium.” Now her voice was confused irritation.
“I don’t know. I needed an outlet. I couldn’t settle down.”
“Oh for… “
“Why did you call? Did you need something?”
“I needed to hear your voice. To be sure you were all right.”
“I’m fine. I’m just going to pop down to the grocery to pick up a few things for our dinner.”
“You haven’t heard from your parents?”
“No.”
“I’ll be home at 1:30. Nigel said he would cover the luncheon in my name and keep me apprised of anything important, so I will leave here earlier than planned.”
“Great. You can help me with dessert.”
“How homey. I can’t wait.”
“Thank you. I do so love your sarcasm.”
“Mmm, yes. Well, I best be going. Vera Wang has some hubbub erupting by her tent. It may actually be some interesting designs.”
“You are on a roll. You go, girl.”
“Andréa?” Miranda’s voice suddenly sounded tight.
“Yes?”
“I love you.”
Andy could not have stopped the grin spreading across her face if she had a gun pointing at her head. “I love you too. I’ll see you later.”
“Yes, you will.”
Andy’s smile softened when she realized Miranda had disconnected. The woman would never master the conventions of social mores.
At one o’clock Andy’s phone rang out again. Thinking it was Miranda updating her arrival time she answered without checking, “Hey gorgeous.”
“Well, hello, beautiful,” Joanna’s voice echoed in Andy’s ear.
“Mom?”
“Yes dear. I assume you were expecting someone else?”
“Um, yeah.”
“Well I don’t want to tie the line up, then. I just wanted to call to confirm our plans for this evening.”
“Oh, great… that’s.. real great.”
“I hope you really think so. We were thinking we should be at the house for 6:30. Will that be all right with you?”
“Yeah, that’ll be fine. We’re having pot roast.”
“Oh, that will make your father happy.”
“I can hope.”
“Don’t fret, sweetheart. I’ve had a talk with your father. He will be better tonight. I promise.”
“O…k” Andy spoke tentatively.
“Andy, I know last night was awful. I’m sorry I didn’t reign your father in, but I was sort of tangled up in the situation.”
“What does that mean?”
“It means I was mesmerized by the obvious connection between you and Miranda. In all honesty, I was distracted by the beauty of it.”
“Um, are you for real? What have you done with my mother?”
“Don’t worry, honey. It’ll all work out. Just give it time.”
“Ok, mom. I’ll see you later?”
“Yes dear. We will be there.”
“Ok. Bye.”
“Bye, Andy. I love you.”
“You too, mom.”
Andy jumped and spun at the feel of hands on her shoulder, shouting, “Hey!”
“I’m sorry, darling. I didn’t mean to frighten you.”
Andy responded by throwing her body against Miranda’s, clamping her arms around slender shoulders and burying her face in the soft flesh of a warm neck.
“Andréa, what…?” Miranda’s arms encircled Andy giving comfort and support.
“Nothing. It’s fine. Really.”
“Oh, good. For a moment I thought something dreadful had occurred.”
“No, not dreadful. That was my mom.”
“Oh?”
“It’s ok. At least I think it will be. She’s ok.”
“And your father?” Miranda questioned, knowing he was the stubborn link in the chain of acceptance.
“She says she spoke to him. I’m not exactly sure what that means, but I think dad got an earful.” Andy breathed in deeply, absorbing Miranda’s warmth and essence through touch and scent. Deciding to give her other senses a treat she brushed her lips across the exposed skin. Nuzzling along Miranda’s jaw, Andy began to blindly lick and kiss her way to the soft shell of an ear. Sucking the lobe between her lips she savored the taste of Miranda. A breathy sigh flipped a switch on in Andy, turning her libido on high drive. Her hands slid down Miranda’s back, molding to her ass, pulling her forcefully.
“Oh!… no,” Miranda straight armed Andy away from her body. “We do not have time for that.” she admonished. “Now, please control yourself.”
Andy’s dark eyes were pleading, begging Miranda to change her mind. Miranda relented slightly, allowing Andy to get closer, but she still held a palm against Andy’s chest in case she needed to push her away. Her lips grazed across Andy’s cheek, trying to calm, not excite. “Dear, Andréa, I promise you, we will allow ourselves time this evening. But, right now, we need to prepare for the girls, and then your parents.”
“Sorry. I sort of lost myself there for a moment.”
“Never apologize for wanting to love me. God knows I want it too. But we have responsibilities. “
“I know. I’ll try to keep my hands to myself, mostly.”
Caroline and Cassidy found their mother in her study, computer open and papers scattered all around. Miranda pushed away from the desk and stood to greet her girls, offering sincere hugs to each of them.
“How was your weekend?”
“Boring, as usual.” Cassidy moped.
“Forget us.” Caroline admonished. “Did you meet them? What were they like? Are they real cool like Andy?”
“I did meet them,” Miranda replied carefully, trying to decide exactly what she should share with her children. “They are very nice. Joanna, Andy’s mother, is very much like Andy. She is very lovely and warm.”
A pause for thought was a huge red flag for the girls.
“What about her father?” Cassidy hedged, her mood dropping in concern.
Guiding the girls to the sofa, Miranda proceeded with her report. “He… seems a bit… obdurate.”
“What does that mean?”
“Obdurate? Why that means to be stubborn.”
“But why that word, specifically?” Caroline pushed.
“Because it is being stubborn in a hard hearted manner.” Miranda confessed.
“That doesn’t sound ‘very nice’.” Cassidy noted.
“Must you two always be so smart? My goodness. I am challenged daily at work. Now I must endure this treatment at home?” Miranda teased.
“Is he really that bad?” Caroline wondered aloud.
“Darling, we can not judge. This is a situation that has been dropped, fully developed in his lap. We have had the luxury of building our relationship with Andréa slowly, over time. He hasn’t had the chance to get to know us. And, honestly, all he has to form an opinion of me has been the information he gleaned when Andréa was working as my assistant. I am sure he is just being protective of his daughter.”
“That can’t be good.” Cassidy sarcastically added.
“I suppose not.” Miranda agreed.
“Yeah, but Andy’s been with us for months. Hasn’t she said good things?” Caroline countered.
“She has spoken wonderfully of you. She has, however, refrained from saying much at all about me, of late. She didn’t know how to tell them we were a family, so she hasn’t really said much of anything.”
“Oh well.” Caroline announced, getting bored with the conversation. “If he doesn’t like us, he never has to see us. He lives in Ohio, for Pete’s sake. What’s he gonna do? Call us every day to tell us he doesn’t like us?”
“Caroline, Cassidy,” Miranda’s tone dropped into the warning zone. “I do not want you meeting them with a surly attitude. You will be welcoming, respectful, and pleasant. It does not matter what they ever think of me, but they are Andréa’s parents. And you will treat them accordingly. I will not have my daughters being anything less than civilized.”
“Yes mom.” They both agreed.
“Good. Now, have you seen Andréa yet?”
“No.”
“Well, go find her and keep her company. I have a little more work to do before dinner.” Dropping kisses to both their heads, Miranda dismissed them from the study. She returned to her desk, but was distracted from her work, considering her choice of action for the evening. She had been reserved and controlled over dinner, but, here, in her own home, she was concerned she would become aggressively protective. ‘Perhaps a drink is in order’ she mused.
The front door bell chimed at ten after six. The sound echoed through the home, freezing all occupants in a moment of foreboding. Suddenly the girls let out a squeal that sounded much like a war cry, and bolted for the front door. Andy put the dish of apple crisp on the stove top and dropped the oven mitts on the counter, wiping her hands across her thighs. She stepped into the front hall, her eyes wide and fearful until they swept around the area and locked onto Miranda’s own cool, focused, and slightly amused expression. Miranda met up with Andy and nodded to the girls waiting anxiously at the door. Cassidy pulled the door open and their adventure began.
“Oh, my. I was expecting someone a bit taller, but this will work.” Joanna’s amused voice rang clearly through the foyer. “So, as they say, who’s who?” She smiled at the twins, her unaffected friendliness easily diffusing the tension.
“You really are just like Andy.” Cassidy announced.
“Shall I take that as a compliment?” Joanna teased, her eyes twinkling with mirth.
“Sure. I’m Cassidy and this is Caroline. Pleased to meet you.” Miranda smiled warmly at her daughter’s attempt of graciousness.
“Well, it is lovely to finally meet you. I’m Joanna, and this is George.”
The girls both turned slightly, warily eyeing George. As was promised, he seemed to be more relaxed and open to the entire situation. Andy stared in disbelief at the change in his demeanor as he greeted the girls. Miranda nudged her with an elbow to shock her back into the moment.
“Oh… right.” she gasped. “Mom, Dad, welcome to our home. Come in, come in.”
The pair stepped further into the house, allowing the girls to help rid them of their coats. George held out a couple of bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon, handing them as a peace offering to Miranda. She smiled and accepted, agreeing to not take up arms for the evening.
“We have twenty minutes before dinner’s ready,” Andy announced “I hope you don’t mind, but I have to be in the kitchen.” George readily followed along with the girls in tow. Joanna held back slightly, catching Miranda’s eye. With a nod from Miranda, Joanna piped up, “You have a lovely home, Miranda. Would you mind giving me a tour?”
“Not at all.” Miranda smiled reassuringly at Andy when she glanced over her shoulder at the pair. She offered her own worried smirk but continued her course with her father and the girls.
Miranda did actually lead Joanna through the entire house, bypassing the kitchen to end in the sitting room. Glancing back at her guest she offered, “Would you care for a drink, Joanna?”
“No, thank you.”
“Do you mind?” Miranda asked, holding up a decanter of amber liquid.
“Oh, no. Please, go right ahead.”
Miranda poured herself a double before taking the chair across from Joanna. Not one to hide from a fight, Miranda directly asked, “What is it you have to say to me?”
Taking a fortifying breath, Joanna disclosed her opinion, “Actually, I wanted to thank you.”
“Thank me?”, Miranda had to admit she was taken by surprise by that confession.
“Yes. Thank you.”
“Whatever for?”
Joanna paused, trying to formulate her words in a coherent explanation. “I don’t know if you are aware,” She began tentatively, “But Andy has never been able to share her failures and disappointments.”
“Really?” Miranda had no idea where they were going.
“Last fall… the… incident… was not something she was able to discuss with us.” Miranda’s eyes widened in surprised disbelief. “Everything we learned, from the actual attack to your involvement with her recovery was relayed to us by Andy’s friend Lily. Now, I know my daughter, and I know she would have looked at the entire event as her own personal failure. She doesn’t like us to be worried and she doesn’t like to disappoint us. So, she chose to ignore it. If we even attempted to broach the subject, she would get off the phone. Knowing that she had a safe refuge was the only reason I did not get on the first plane out of Cincinnati. I was so relieved to hear that she was not withdrawing from her life. I hold you responsible for keeping my daughter from drowning in her misery. And for that, I am eternally grateful.”
“You never need to thank me for that. I couldn’t not help.”
“I know. Obviously, we all understand, now.”
The two women were silent for a few moments, each considering what had been said. Joanna broke the silence, “I expect I also owe you an apology.” Miranda waited on that one. “My husband was nothing less than rude to you last night, and I did nothing to stop him.”
“That’s quite all right. I think I was able to hold my own…”
“Yes. I was a little concerned for his safety for a moment there.” Joanna grinned, stealing Miranda’s breath with the familiarity. Andy really was a replication of her mother. “But, once I found my tongue, I used it to explain to George just how asinine he was being. I believe he will come around, but it will be difficult for him. Andy is his baby, after all. I’m sure you can understand the over protectiveness of parenting.”
“Yes, I do. I also like to believe that I would be open, accepting, and supportive of any decisions my daughters’ make. Especially once they are of age.” Miranda’s voice edged on icy. Joanna winced, despite herself.
“Understood. I just ask that you give us time. I don’t know if we will ever make it as a ’Leave it to Beaver’ family, but I do want to believe we can make it as family.”
“I don’t think you’ll ever find June Cleaver in this household.”
Cassidy poked her head around the door frame, “Mom, Andy says dinner’s ready.”
“Thank you, Cassidy. We’ll be right along.” As Cassidy disappeared again, Miranda rose from the sofa, offering a hand to Joanna. Joanna held Miranda’s hand a moment, arresting her from leaving. With an arched eyebrow Miranda questioned her.
“You really do have a beautiful home, Miranda. I think it’s because of the love.” She gave Miranda’s hand a final squeeze and then stepped past her, heading to the kitchen.
Andy led her father into the kitchen, carrying a feeling of dread. She was not up to the divide and conquer routine her parents loved to play. She hated not knowing if she was going to be faced with the good cop or the bad cop in this interrogation scenario. Although with the twins present, she figured she wouldn’t be in too much trouble.
“It smells delicious in here, honey,” George exclaimed as they entered the kitchen.
“Thanks, dad. Figured you’d like it, since it’s your favorite.”
“Pot roast?” he asked in delight.
“Yup” Andy chuckled. Seeing her father attempting to be playful and silly cleansed her of her fears.
Turning to find Cassidy sitting at the counter to his right, George enquired, “And what college are you attending?”
Cassidy giggled, despite her initial misgivings about this man. “I’m not in college. I’m just in sixth grade.”
“Sixth grade? Really? My, you look so sophisticated, I thought for sure you were at university.” He turned to his left to find Caroline staring at him skeptically. “And what about you?”
“I’m her twin. We’re in the same grade.” Caroline spoke like she was speaking to a three year old.
“Ohhh, riiight. I knew that.” he confided. “Just with the way Andy speaks of you, I figured you were advanced for your age. I just assumed you’d be in college.” Just as Caroline looked at Andy for some guidance in this obscure conversation, Patricia ambled through the room, looking for admission to the back garden.
“Holy cow. You have a pony in your house.” George practically hollered.
“That’s our dog, Patricia.” Caroline corrected over Cassidy’s giggles. Shaking her head she slipped from her stool to let the dog out.
“That’s a dog?” George asked Cassidy.
“Yeah” she tittered. “She’s a Saint Bernard.”
“Oh, good. If we get snowed in she can rescue us.”
Andy was enchanted by her father’s attempts with the girls. Caroline, too wary and protective in her own right wasn’t about to fall for this style of seduction. Catching her dad’s eyes, she nodded toward Caroline with an exaggerated serious expression. He nodded and changed tactics when Caroline settled next to him again.
“So, how old is Patricia?”
“She’s four. Stephen bought her for us when she was a puppy. He was trying to win us over to impress our mother.” Caroline’s voice was sour. She obviously did not think well of Stephen.
“Well, at least you got to keep her.”
“Yeah,” Caroline grinned. For some reason, George understanding that she and Cassidy won something in the divorce made him a new ally. Andy just mentally shrugged. She would never fully understand the workings of a pre-adolescent brain.
“So,” George broke out in a sober voice, “How do you girls feel about Andy living here with you?”
Both of the girls immediately looked to Andy. She smiled encouragingly at them from her spot against the counter.
“Andy’s the best. We never want her to leave.” Caroline defended.
“We love Andy. We don’t want you to take her away.” Cassidy scowled.
“I’m not taking her away.” George tried to alleviate the sudden increase in atmospheric tension. “Just look at her…” They did as told to see Andy with a very determined glare in her eyes. “There’s no way I can even try to go up against that.”
“Then why are you here?” Caroline demanded, her protective streak flaring up again.
“We came to meet the family she chose as her own. And if you decide you like us, then we can welcome you into our family.” Although he was speaking to the twins, Andy knew the words were spoken for her benefit. “I sure hope it works out. We could use a Saint Bernard in Cincinnati with all the snow out there.”
The girls started to giggle. George chuckled along with them. Soon they were all laughing hysterically. Feeding off of each other in the release of emotional stress. Finally able to catch her breath, Andy reached across the counter island, grasping her father’s hand in gratitude. She turned to Cassidy and asked, “Sweetie, will you go get your mom? Dinner’s all set.”
“Ok, Andy.” She hopped down and ran out of the room.
“Thank you.” Andy said to her father, her eyes bright and shining.
George squeezed her hand and smiled. “How could I let my girl down?”, he asked.
“I hoped you would come through, but after last night...”
“I may never understand, but I will do what I need to keep you as my daughter.”
“That’s all we can ask.”
Andy released her father and turned to Caroline. “Come on, Caroline, help me get this on the table.”
Caroline scampered around the island, feeling rather important for assisting with the dinner presentation.
They survived dinner. In the attempt to keep everything non-combative, they avoided the topics of “Andy and Miranda”, politics, and religion and stayed with the safer topics of the girls, work, potential options for Andy’s career, and fashion week. While trying to make a respectable impression on the twins, George was actually able to hold a civil conversation with Miranda, discussing the publication of Andy’s first article.
“You’re going to publish Andy’s work?” George asked in shocked surprise.
“Of course. It is a powerful and insightful piece. She is an outstanding talent. Why would I not?”
“Accusations of favoritism, maybe?”
“I do not make decisions on public opinion.” The words spoke of the magazine, her eyes spoke of another matter altogether. George nodded in acknowledgement to her meaning.
“Hey”, Andy cut in, “who wants dessert?”
“I do” was called out in red headed stereo.
“No surprise there.” Andy teased. “Come on you two. Give me a hand.” Andy’s hand easily rested on Miranda’s shoulder as she spoke. Miranda turned her face up to Andy and raised her almost empty wine glass. Andy squeezed her shoulder in recognition of the request. Glancing at her parents she asked, “Anyone else?”
“No, thank you, dear.” Joanna answered for the both of them. “How about coffee?”
“Sure. Decaf or high test?”
“Decaffeinated, if you have it. Otherwise I’ll be up all night.”
Andy prepared the coffee, set the girls up to serve the dessert, and returned to the table with the open wine bottle. She stepped in to pour and Miranda naturally rested a hand on Andy’s hip. Andy offered a beatific smile at Miranda’s murmured thanks. George’s lips thinned and he averted his eyes, but said not a word. Joanna’s verbal lashing effectively muzzling him.
As often happened when Andy was the recipient of Miranda’s undivided attention, she forgot the world around her and totally focused on the woman sitting by her side. “Do you want any apple crisp?” she offered.
“I’ll just have a taste of yours.” Miranda smirked
“Of course you will.” Andy beamed.
Joanna nudged George, forcing him to look. He glanced back at her, his face turning pink. “That’s what I mean.” Joanna hissed at him.
“Fine, yes, I see it. Happy now?”
“Absolutely.”
The stilted conversation caught Andy’s attention. “What?”
“Nothing.” George muttered.
“It is not ‘nothing’.” Joanna argued. “I just made him see what is so obviously there between the two of you. Undeniable.” Miranda quirked an eyebrow and Andy grinned at Joanna’s observation.
Their evening ended smoothly. George and Joanna left in a small flurry of activity. The girls gave full body hugs, Andy followed suit, adding kisses to warm cheeks. Miranda bussed Joanna’s cheek in farewell, whispering something before pulling away with a shared smile. George offered a hand and Miranda clasped it graciously, bidding him a good night and safe trip home. The door finally closed to a collective sigh of relief.
“That wasn’t so bad” Caroline appraised.
“For an excruciating situation, I would have to agree.” Miranda quipped.
“Right.” Andy announced, “You two need to get ready for bed.”
“But Andy, we have to clear the table.” Cassidy countered.
“I can handle it. You two go on.”
“Fine, whatever.” she pouted.
“It’s not like we’re going to discuss anything with you around.” Andy called after her. A hand on her back redirected her attention.
“Darling, don’t tease them.”
“But it so fun.”
“Come on, Cinderella, I’ll give you a hand with your chores.”
“We going to the ball if I get everything done?”
“I’m not sure I have any glass slippers.”
“S’ok, I’m sure we can find something else to fit somewhere.” Andy leered.
“Can you ever get your mind out of the gutter?”
“Not when you’ve already promised me some action.”
Andy met Miranda in the center of their bed, both naked, both on their knees. Andy’s hands rested on Miranda’s hips while Miranda had her hands cupping Andy’s face. A thumb brushed lightly over a full bottom lip, drawing a smile from a natural pout. “Do you have any idea just how desirable I find you?” Miranda whispered, closing in on red, kissable lips.
“I think I do, but I’m always willing for a demonstration.”
“Hmmm. Shall I schedule you in next week?”
“I’m a slow learner. You may need to schedule me for repeat sessions.”
The kiss that stopped Andy’s inane chatter also momentarily stopped her breath, and maybe even her heart. It was as tender as their first, ever. Light, gentle, teasing, promising. Andy reflexively pulled Miranda’s hips, pressing their bodies together, breasts sliding against breasts, belly against belly. A purr escaped from Miranda’s throat as their bodies began to heat up. Andy whimpered and Miranda responded, intensifying their contact. She shifted slightly so her hip jutted against Andy’s already slick mound, while her tongue slipped past lips to delve into Andy’s mouth.
Miranda took advantage of Andy’s pliable state and guided her to lie on the mattress. She lay her own body over Andy’s, lips continuing their personal conversation, and hands now drifting, tickling against heated skin. Miranda wiggled a bit, wedging her legs between Andy’s, forcing her young lover to open to her. In perfect alignment, Miranda canted her hips and began a slow, almost gentle undulation of her hips. Andy squeaked with the movement, feeling the pressure against her center.
Andy released a wanton moan as she realized what Miranda was doing. It was their first time all over again, sans clothing. She tried to control herself, the memory blending with her growing excitement, exponentially increasing the heat radiating from her soul. She began with small whimpers that quickly morphed to pleading words against Miranda’s talented lips. “Oh…oh…oh..please…I need…just….please…Miranda…”
“Mmm, stay with me, Andréa… come with me…” Miranda directed her, pushing harder, surging into her lover, escalating the tension until with nails drawing red lines down Andy’s side and teeth nipping and tugging at her lip, Miranda leapt with Andy over the edge, screaming out her own release as Andy cried out in rapture.
Chests heaving, trying to replenish needed oxygen, Miranda and Andy remained together, unmoving. Pulses began to slow, breathing evened out, and Miranda nuzzled into Andy’s neck, humming in pleasurable satisfaction. The quiet was disrupted when Miranda muttered, “All I wanted was a kiss.” and Andy exploded with laughter. Miranda placed a chaste kiss to Andy’s lips and rolled away.
“Hey, where are you going?” Andy almost panicked.
“Nowhere, darling. I just need to get something.”
“Oh really?” Andy asked, her interest and libido peaked.
“Not that.” Miranda rolled her eyes, feigning disgust at Andy’s eager sexuality. Miranda dug something out of her night stand and rolled back into Andy, dropping a kiss to the younger woman’s cheek. She moved around, shifting herself so she could get back onto her knees. Her expression became grave as she evaluated her lover. Andy felt a sliver of fear spiral up her spine as she waited for Miranda to do, or say something.
“Darling, I am not going to be able to get away tomorrow evening.”
“What?” Andy asked, trying to catch up to Miranda. “What are you talking about.”
“Tomorrow. I won’t be able to get away from work at any sort of reasonable hour. We won’t be able to have dinner.”
“That’s ok, Miranda. We’ve missed other dinners. I told you I don’t mind. I understand.”
“No, you don’t.”
“What?” Andy was getting exasperated with the cryptic conversation.
“Tomorrow, Andréa, is the 14th.” Miranda paused for a sign of understanding. “It is Valentine’s day.”
“It’s ok, Miranda. It’s just another day. We can say ‘I love you’ anytime. We’ll have a romantic dinner another night.”
“Have you always been so dense?” Miranda was losing patience.
“All right.” Andy sighed. “Spell it out for me.”
“Tomorrow is Valentine’s day and I had planned on giving you this.” Miranda held a small white velvet box trimmed in red in the palm of her hand. “But I won’t be able to, so I would like to now.”
“Miranda?” Andy questioned, disbelief clouding her eyes.
“Andréa, I have never done this, so I do not have a point of reference. At least not from this side of the equation.” She pulled the lid open and removed the ring from it’s enclosure. Dropping the box, she reached for Andy’s left hand, holding it lightly with trembling fingers. “Andréa Sachs, I have found my true self in you. You balance me, enrich my life, give me a happiness I have never experienced and a peace I have never known to exist. Most will consider this ‘too fast’, but in truth, I have loved you for years. I know my mind and, for once, I know my heart. I do not believe we need to wait any longer, although a long engagement is not out of the question. Andréa, will you marry me, will you be mine?”
Salty drops plunged over lashes, falling to their death against inflamed cheeks. Clear mucous seeped from nostrils flared from panting. Eyes rimmed in red stared unseeing at the platinum and diamond ring. Lips were trembling in an attempt to stop the crying. Andréa Sachs never appeared more beautiful to Miranda then at that moment when her head began to nod and she stuttered, “Ye…ye...yes. Oh god, yes. Yes, I’ll marry you.” Andy was shaking so hard, Miranda had trouble slipping the ring onto her finger. Andy drew her hand up to her face, trying to focus through the tears. Miranda’s fingers still lightly clasped across the palm.
Andy dropped her hand into her lap and offered a weak and watery smile before throwing herself at Miranda, arms constricting around Miranda’s ribs, face planted into the side of Miranda’s neck. Miranda’s hand reached out, patting around them on the bed, searching. She grabbed the corner of a pillow and dragged it closer. Finding the end, she shook the pillow out of the pillowcase. Detaching Andy’s python like grasp, she leaned back to better view her love’s face, then began wiping that lovely face clean. When done, she handed the case to Andy and ordered, “Blow.” Andy blew her nose and wiped any residual dampness from her face before tossing the cloth off the end of the bed.
Once again presentable, Andy sat back on her heels to observe her ‘fiancé’. “I didn’t think you were serious the other day. I really was not expecting this.” Andy confessed.
“Well that would explain why you weren’t putting things together.” Miranda chuckled.
“Will you make love to me?”
“As often as possible.” Miranda answered huskily, desire flooding her senses.
The entire family was dragging as they stumbled into the kitchen at the start of their day. Caroline and Cassidy struggled to not pass out in their cereal while Andy stood a silent sentinel by the coffee pot. Miranda passed her girls, leaving kisses on their crowns, and pushed Andy over a step with her hip as she reached for the coffee. Kissing Andy on her cheek she enquired, “Did you show them?”
“What? Oh, no. I wanted you here.”
“Go ahead.” Miranda grinned, unable to control her glee.
“Mmm, ok. Hey, Caroline, Cassidy.”
“What?” came the surly reply.
“Your mom decided to keep me. I’m gonna be your new step mom.” Andy revealed in a sing-song voice.
“What?!” Now they were awake.
Andy held her hand up, displaying the blindingly sparkling rock on her finger.
“Oh my god!” Again with the unison squealing. “It’s about time.“ The girls crushed in around Andy and Miranda, arms squeezing as hard as possible.
“There really is something to twins sharing a single brain, isn’t there?” Andy winced.
“Mmm. Thank god they outgrew the diapers.” Miranda guffawed.
“When’s the wedding?” Caroline demanded.
“A while off.” Andy stated firmly. “We’re going to have a long engagement. Maybe not until next summer.”
“Who gets to be maid of honor?”
“Whose gonna be best man?”
“Whose gonna be the groom? Is there a groom?”
“Girls, settle down.” Miranda broke into their shrill discussion. We will deal with all these questions at a later date. For now, just get used to the idea that Andréa and I are betrothed. Figure out your questions and we will talk this weekend.”
“Ok, mom.” Cassidy agreed.
“Now, off you go. You’ll be late for school, and I am already late for work.”
The girls gave one last squeeze and then ran off to grab their book bags and coats. Miranda turned back to Andy. Taking her hand she brushed her lips across the knuckles. Then she leaned in and left a lingering, wanting kiss on her lips.
“Thank you, Andréa. You have made me extremely happy. I love you.”
“And I, you. Have a productive day. I’ll see you later tonight.”
“Yes, you will.”