Hushed Hearts in Waters Unknown (4/4)
TITLE: Hushed Hearts in Waters Unknown
AUTHOR: merylandrebafan
CROSSOVER: The Devil Wears Prada/The River Wild
PAIRING: Miranda/Gail
RATING: Eventually M
DISCLAIMER: Don’t own them, wish I did!
A/N: I had this idea a while back while I was watching The River Wild. I have had the first part done for some time now but I have had no time to work on it so I did not post it. I now have time and hope to have the whole thing done rather soon. I'm still working on Killer Heels and Prada so not to worry!
A/N2: I have listed that this is 4 parts, it might be a little more, not certain yet.
A/N3: thanks to surena_13! She saved my ass by still having a copy of my first part after my computer crashed!
SUMMARY: Since her divorce from Stephan Miranda has gone through several boyfriends, none of them lasting long, with her latest boyfriend the twins con Miranda into a bet on how long the boyfriend will last. They win and Miranda gets stuck on a white water rafting trip with her very attractive female guide, Gail. They are both attracted to each other and have both kept their hearts out of harm’s way for a long time. They are both treading in unknown waters with this attraction, will they be able to face it and give in to what they so desire? Or will they keep their hearts pleas hushed?
ALRIGHT EVERYONE HERE IS PART 4 OF 4 BUT BEFORE YOU SHOOT ME WHEN YOU COME TO THE END I WILL GO AHEAD AND TELL YOU THAT I'M ADDING AN EPILOGUE TO THIS STORY SO TECHINCALLY IT WILL BE 5 PARTS IF YOU INCLUDE THE EPILOGUE. SO WHEN YOU COME TO THE END DO NOT KILL ME!!!! THERE IS AN EPILOGUE IT WILL NOT END LIKE THIS AND I ALSO APOLIGIZE FOR THE DELAY!!!!
PART 4
The next morning breakfast was an awkward affair, Miranda didn’t make eye contact with Gail, and Gail understood why. The twins finished their food, and went to start packing everything up so they could continue the trip.
“Figures, Mom would be stubborn about this.” Cassidy said
“Your preaching to the Choir Cass, Gail looks like she really wants to talk to her and explain things, but Mom is being Mom and putting her walls up.” Caroline said.
“Yea, so how do we fix that?”
“I’m sure we will think of something.” Caroline said grinning.
The twins quickly began to finish packing as Miranda entered the tent to help them take their bags out and take the tent down.
“Come on my darlings, get moving” Miranda said looking at the twins. “The sooner we get going the sooner this trip and this nightmare will end.” Miranda thought.
Soon they were headed down the river, Cassidy and Caroline sat and made conversation with Gail. They all saw a huge fish jump out of the water and Gail turned to the twins
“You two wouldn’t happen to want to learn how to fly fish would you?”
Cassidy shook her head no immediately but Caroline just rolled her eyes at her sister
“Sounds interesting!” Caroline said.
“Great, when we stop for lunch I can teach you, and if Cassidy changes her mind I can show her too, What about you Miranda? Do you want to learn?”
Miranda was shaken from her thoughts at the comment and glared at Gail
“Not a chance in hell.” Miranda said.
Gail looked hurt and turned back around to guide the boat along the river and Caroline did her best not to glare at her mother, choosing to turn back around and ask Gail about the paintings on the rocks they had been seeing.
“Those were made by some of the Indians who lived around here, it was when a boy or girl about your age would go off alone on a vision quest in search for their guardian…”
The twins were so enthralled with the story that they didn’t realize Gail had rowed the boat up to a bank for them to stop and eat lunch, and after lunch as promised, Gail started teaching Caroline to fly fish, once she realized the close proximity that they had to be in for her to learn it Caroline suddenly knew how she was going to get Miranda and Gail together. After she had gotten the hang of it she called Cassidy over to come and try it.
“Why would I want to learn how to catch a smelly fish?” Cassidy asked.
‘It’s fun!” Caroline said and then looked from Gail to Miranda quickly.
Cassidy instantly realized what was going on and lowered her voice “you came up with an idea didn’t you?”
“Yes I did, go try it and you will understand it too.” Caroline said.
So Cassidy went over to where Gail was standing and felt Gail come up behind her and extend her arms around her to help her out and give instructions and just as Caroline had predicted the light bulb went off, and Cassidy realized the plan and smiled to herself and listened to the instructions Gail gave and let her guide her hands.
“Ten, two, ten, two, release!” Gail said moving their arms back and forth.
“Mom this is so much fun you HAVE to try this!” Cassidy said with excitement.
“Yea Mom it really is a lot of fun and it’ super easy!” Caroline said running over to her mother and pulling her up off of the log she was sitting on.
“Bobbsie, Mommy doesn’t want to try fly fishing.” Miranda said gently.
“PLEASE!” both of the twins said at the same time and gave Miranda that longing look that she couldn’t resist and she relented. Walking over to Gail and standing in front of her. Caroline and Cassidy backed away from the two and went to sit down over where Miranda had been only moments before.
“Okay, first we are going to get ready to cast.” Gail said and pressed herself up against Miranda from behind so she could reach around her and gave Miranda the rod and then placed her hands over Miranda’s. Miranda’s breath caught in her throat and she wasn’t sure she could remember how to breathe. As soon as their hands touched Gail had stopped giving instructions and was having the exact same problem Miranda was. Gail gently turned Miranda around to face her.
“Miranda, there’s something I have to tell you, and it can’t wait. I’m sorry about what I said to you yesterday, I know that you are a hardworking woman and that’s why I snapped at you and for that I am extremely sorry. I have never felt this way before, and I’m scared of getting hurt.” Gail paused and took a deep breath, grateful that Miranda wasn’t pulling away but was in fact listening to her. “After our conversation the twins snuck into my tent after we were asleep.”
“They did what?” Miranda asked confused.
“They said that they had heard the entire conversation and then they proceeded to put me in my place quite effectively. Informing me that you never missed birthdays, and that the one time you missed their recital you missed it because a hurricane changed its course and then they told me about how you tried very hard to get there, and how you always put family first. I’m sorry I snapped, but I am very happy that your daughters showed me the light. If I had listened to you, and not gone off on a rant, then I would have known already.” Gail said
Miranda shook her head “You were right, I come home late, I leave early, I cancel dinners. I can see why you wouldn’t want to have anything to do with me for those reasons.” Miranda said.
“The twins also informed me that you only canceled when it was necessary, and never on anything important. I also remember telling you that I didn’t mind the getting up early and working late, if your job requires that I can handle it, as long as you still put the people most important to you first.” Gail said and paused. “I also am trying to figure out how we went from one kiss to talking about spending the rest of our lives together.” Gail said and chuckled.
‘That was all you. You’re the one who blew up and started talking about life long plans; all I had done was confess that I had feelings for you.” Miranda said and smiled.
“I just don’t know what will happen with this trip is over, you will go back to New York and I will be left here.” Gail said.
“I tell you what, why don’t we cross that bridge when we come to it shall we?” Miranda said and leaned in and captured Gail’s mouth in hers. Gail responded immediately, and let Miranda’s tongue in. Their kiss was interrupted however, by the cheers of Caroline and Cassidy. Miranda rolled her eyes and separated herself from Gail.
“Get over here now, you two have some explaining to do!” Miranda called and the twins came running. “What’s this I hear about you sneaking out of our tent and into Gail’s?” Miranda asked raising an eyebrow
“Come on Mom, we knew you two were acting weird around each other and when we heard that conversation it all made sense! You guys really liked each other!” Cassidy said
‘So being the fabulous daughters we are we intervened.” Caroline added and Miranda’s eyebrow shot higher.
“You two don’t have a problem with this?” Miranda asked.
No, not as long as you’re happy, you do so much for us, you don’t think you do, but you do and we just want to see someone make you happy.” Cassidy said
“I totally agree, although Ms. Hooked on phonics could have worded it a little easier. What she really wants to say is we both love you very much, we don’t always show it but we do, we also know that you would move heaven and earth for us if it would make us happy, we just think it’s high time the favor was returned.” Caroline said, and Cassidy glared at her briefly before nodding her head in agreement.
“Thank you both very much my darlings.” Miranda said.
‘Well I hate to break up this moment but we really must get back out on the river if we are to stay on schedule.” Gail said and everyone nodded and loaded what little they had taken out for lunch back into the boat and resumed their journey.
The day flew by, and all awkwardness between Miranda and Gail had gone and they all laughed and talked, and Miranda and Gail watched as the twins screamed in delight as they came across their biggest rapid yet. All too soon they had to stop for the day and set up camp for the night. The twins flew threw dinner.
“Mom, Cass and I are beat, we are going to go ahead and get some sleep.” Caroline said and kissed her mother as did Cassidy.
“Alright my darlings, sweet dreams.” Miranda said and hugged her girls.
“Good night Gail” both twins said and then to Miranda’s and Gail’s surprise they kissed her good night as well, and then they headed off into the tent.
“That’s a lot earlier than usual and something tells me that my daughters are not tired.” Miranda said and Gail chuckled and put everything from dinner away.
“Do you want to take a walk?” Gail asked standing up and holding her hand out to Miranda. Miranda smiled and accepted the hand allowing herself to be helped up, and was pleased when Gail kept holding her hand as they started along. After walking a short distance and turning a corner they were just out of sight of the tents, but still within hearing range should they be needed.
“It’s beautiful out here.” Miranda said and Gail nodded.
“It’s beautiful alright, but not as beautiful as you.” Gail said and stepped forward and gently pushed Miranda against a large tree behind them. Miranda smiled and then tugged Gail closer to her and kissed her, gently at first but then Miranda traced her Gail’s bottom lip with her tongue and moaned when Gail parted her lips willingly and let Miranda slip her tongue inside, and Miranda tangled her fingers in Gail’s blonde locks as they continued to kiss. When they finally parted for air they were panting and both of their eyes were darkened with desire.
“I want you.” Miranda whispered in Gail’s ear. “I have wanted you since I first set eyes on you.” Miranda nibbled on Gail’s ear causing her to moan.
“I want you too.” Gail said and then kissed Miranda again hard. Miranda began to pull Gail’s t-shirt over her head but was stopped.
“What’s wrong?” Miranda asked her voice husky.
“I want you, but not here, not like this.” Gail said and saw the confusion in Miranda’s face. “You know how we said we would cross that Bridge when we came to it?” Gail asked and Miranda nodded. “Well we’re there, we are ahead of schedule, and late tomorrow afternoon we will be pulling into the take out at Bridle Creek, and then you will be going home, back to New York.” Gail said. Miranda felt her eyes filling with tears.
“All right, let’s talk.” Miranda said and Gail took her back up to where the tents were and led Miranda into her tent so they could sit and talk comfortably.
“As I have said, I feel something for you that I have never felt for anyone else.” Gail said and Miranda closed her eyes. “I don’t think that one night of lovemaking with you would ever be enough, and we have no idea if there would be other nights when we would be together. I want you so much it hurts. But if this is the only time I can have you, then I would rather not have you at all because I don’t want to miss your touch any more than I’m already going to.” Gail said and a tear fell down her cheek.
“I understand what you’re saying, I feel the same way.” Miranda said and moved closer to Gail. “I have my life in New York, and yours is here and in Boston.” Miranda said. Gail nodded.
“That’s exactly what I’m talking about” Gail wrapped her arms around Miranda’s waist. “You were right to stop me Gail.” Miranda said. “My children are going to hate hearing this. They are going to think it’s something I’ve done” Miranda said and rested her head on Gail’s shoulder.
“I don’t think so, not if you explain everything to them, they are teenagers, and they love you desperately.” Gail said. “Will you sleep in here with me tonight?” Gail asked and Miranda nodded her head and they laid down together falling asleep in each others arms.
Upon awaking the next morning Miranda found herself alone and got out of the tent to find Gail making coffee.
“Good Morning” Gail said and Miranda smiled sadly remembering the conversation they’d had the night before. “Of course it would be my luck that I would fall for someone I’m not allowed to have.” Miranda thought and looked over to see the twins getting out of the tent, and Miranda realized she needed to get changed. She was grateful the twins were more occupied with filling their growling stomachs then they were at asking how everything had gone last night after they had gone to bed. “They will want to know sooner or later” Miranda thought and stepped inside the tent to get dressed for her last day on the river.
As soon as Miranda came up out of the tent and Gail looked up at her longingly the twins knew something was wrong. Miranda saw the twins look to each other and she sighed. Here came the questions.
“Mom, are you two alright? You both seem I don’t know anxious.” Cassidy said in slight confusion.
“My darlings Gail informed me last night that we are ahead of schedule and we will be pulling into Bridle Creek sometime this afternoon, and we will be headed back home for the last couple of days of our vacation.” Miranda said and smiled sadly and looked over at Gail and Caroline immediately knew.
“Both of your lives are too separate for you guys to have a proper relationship.” Caroline said and saw her mother nod.
“Yes my darling you are right. I feel as though I must apologize to both of you. As much as I care for Gail and as much as she cares for me it will not work. She is a river guide here, and she teaches in Boston. She cannot just throw her career away and I cannot throw mine away. We cannot be together as much as we would like.” Miranda said and waited for the screaming to come, to her immense surprise and relief it never did.
“We get it” Cassidy said. “We should have thought about that, but I don’t think anybody was thinking about it that way.” She said and Caroline nodded.
With the difficult conversation over Miranda sat down and tried to eat something, but found her appetite lacking as did Gail. So they silently got up and began packing everything up for the last time, and were soon on their way. The ride down the river was no longer filled with excitement but the reality that the fun had almost come to an end.
As promised at around 4 p.m. they pulled into the take out at Bridle Creek, and arrangements were quickly made to get Miranda and the twins back on their jet to New York.
“I have a car; I can take you to the airstrip so you don’t have to bother with a driver.” Gail offered and Miranda nodded her head and accepted, not willing to say goodbye just yet.
“That will be fine; the jet will be ready in 20 minutes so we better get going.” Miranda said and Gail nodded and led Miranda and the twins to her jeep and they all climbed in and headed towards the airstrip. Upon arriving the pilot was there and immediately put their bags in the plane and informed Miranda that he was ready to leave when she was and he got on the plane.
“Goodbye Gail, thanks for the trip it was awesome.” Caroline said and hugged Gail, and Cassidy joined in on the hug.
“Yeah, it was a lot of fun.” Cassidy said
“You are both very welcome.” Gail said and hugged them both. Cassidy nudged Caroline and they both climbed on board the jet so Miranda and Gail could say goodbye in private.
“Thank you for everything you have done for us, you truly gave my children a trip to remember and I will always be grateful for that. You gave me one to remember as well, you will be missed.” Miranda said and kissed Gail’s cheek.
“It has been m y pleasure Miranda, you will be missed as well, always.” Gail said and returned the kiss on the cheek and then smiled sadly as Miranda turned and boarded the plane. Gail stood there and finally let her tears fall freely when the plane took off. “Goodbye Miranda, in the short time we knew each other you made me the happiest I have ever been, and I will always love you.” Gail watched until the plane was out of sight and then turned and got in her jeep and headed back to her life, knowing it would now no longer be enough.
Miranda watched them lift higher into the air and speed further away from the love she had come to know in just a few short days. Miranda looked over at her twins who had their headphones in and looked like they could nod off any second. Miranda got up and walked into the jets spacious bathroom and locked the door and finally let her tears all freely down her cheeks. In just a few short days Miranda Priestly had found the kind of love she had never believed existed and as suddenly as she found it; it had been taken away. Miranda leaned against the door and slid down it, curling her knees to her chest and sobbing. “Why does everything wonderful that happens to me end?” Miranda cried. She was headed back to her life in New York, and the snow queen would return, this time with heartbreak on her shoulder. “Nothing ever changes” Miranda whispered Yes, she was heading back to where she reigned, and only her children and a beautiful blonde would ever be aware of the fact that for what seemed to be the millionth time, the snow queen of fashion had once again been denied her happy ending.
REVIEWS?!?!?!?!
AUTHOR: merylandrebafan
CROSSOVER: The Devil Wears Prada/The River Wild
PAIRING: Miranda/Gail
RATING: Eventually M
DISCLAIMER: Don’t own them, wish I did!
A/N: I had this idea a while back while I was watching The River Wild. I have had the first part done for some time now but I have had no time to work on it so I did not post it. I now have time and hope to have the whole thing done rather soon. I'm still working on Killer Heels and Prada so not to worry!
A/N2: I have listed that this is 4 parts, it might be a little more, not certain yet.
A/N3: thanks to surena_13! She saved my ass by still having a copy of my first part after my computer crashed!
SUMMARY: Since her divorce from Stephan Miranda has gone through several boyfriends, none of them lasting long, with her latest boyfriend the twins con Miranda into a bet on how long the boyfriend will last. They win and Miranda gets stuck on a white water rafting trip with her very attractive female guide, Gail. They are both attracted to each other and have both kept their hearts out of harm’s way for a long time. They are both treading in unknown waters with this attraction, will they be able to face it and give in to what they so desire? Or will they keep their hearts pleas hushed?
ALRIGHT EVERYONE HERE IS PART 4 OF 4 BUT BEFORE YOU SHOOT ME WHEN YOU COME TO THE END I WILL GO AHEAD AND TELL YOU THAT I'M ADDING AN EPILOGUE TO THIS STORY SO TECHINCALLY IT WILL BE 5 PARTS IF YOU INCLUDE THE EPILOGUE. SO WHEN YOU COME TO THE END DO NOT KILL ME!!!! THERE IS AN EPILOGUE IT WILL NOT END LIKE THIS AND I ALSO APOLIGIZE FOR THE DELAY!!!!
PART 4
The next morning breakfast was an awkward affair, Miranda didn’t make eye contact with Gail, and Gail understood why. The twins finished their food, and went to start packing everything up so they could continue the trip.
“Figures, Mom would be stubborn about this.” Cassidy said
“Your preaching to the Choir Cass, Gail looks like she really wants to talk to her and explain things, but Mom is being Mom and putting her walls up.” Caroline said.
“Yea, so how do we fix that?”
“I’m sure we will think of something.” Caroline said grinning.
The twins quickly began to finish packing as Miranda entered the tent to help them take their bags out and take the tent down.
“Come on my darlings, get moving” Miranda said looking at the twins. “The sooner we get going the sooner this trip and this nightmare will end.” Miranda thought.
Soon they were headed down the river, Cassidy and Caroline sat and made conversation with Gail. They all saw a huge fish jump out of the water and Gail turned to the twins
“You two wouldn’t happen to want to learn how to fly fish would you?”
Cassidy shook her head no immediately but Caroline just rolled her eyes at her sister
“Sounds interesting!” Caroline said.
“Great, when we stop for lunch I can teach you, and if Cassidy changes her mind I can show her too, What about you Miranda? Do you want to learn?”
Miranda was shaken from her thoughts at the comment and glared at Gail
“Not a chance in hell.” Miranda said.
Gail looked hurt and turned back around to guide the boat along the river and Caroline did her best not to glare at her mother, choosing to turn back around and ask Gail about the paintings on the rocks they had been seeing.
“Those were made by some of the Indians who lived around here, it was when a boy or girl about your age would go off alone on a vision quest in search for their guardian…”
The twins were so enthralled with the story that they didn’t realize Gail had rowed the boat up to a bank for them to stop and eat lunch, and after lunch as promised, Gail started teaching Caroline to fly fish, once she realized the close proximity that they had to be in for her to learn it Caroline suddenly knew how she was going to get Miranda and Gail together. After she had gotten the hang of it she called Cassidy over to come and try it.
“Why would I want to learn how to catch a smelly fish?” Cassidy asked.
‘It’s fun!” Caroline said and then looked from Gail to Miranda quickly.
Cassidy instantly realized what was going on and lowered her voice “you came up with an idea didn’t you?”
“Yes I did, go try it and you will understand it too.” Caroline said.
So Cassidy went over to where Gail was standing and felt Gail come up behind her and extend her arms around her to help her out and give instructions and just as Caroline had predicted the light bulb went off, and Cassidy realized the plan and smiled to herself and listened to the instructions Gail gave and let her guide her hands.
“Ten, two, ten, two, release!” Gail said moving their arms back and forth.
“Mom this is so much fun you HAVE to try this!” Cassidy said with excitement.
“Yea Mom it really is a lot of fun and it’ super easy!” Caroline said running over to her mother and pulling her up off of the log she was sitting on.
“Bobbsie, Mommy doesn’t want to try fly fishing.” Miranda said gently.
“PLEASE!” both of the twins said at the same time and gave Miranda that longing look that she couldn’t resist and she relented. Walking over to Gail and standing in front of her. Caroline and Cassidy backed away from the two and went to sit down over where Miranda had been only moments before.
“Okay, first we are going to get ready to cast.” Gail said and pressed herself up against Miranda from behind so she could reach around her and gave Miranda the rod and then placed her hands over Miranda’s. Miranda’s breath caught in her throat and she wasn’t sure she could remember how to breathe. As soon as their hands touched Gail had stopped giving instructions and was having the exact same problem Miranda was. Gail gently turned Miranda around to face her.
“Miranda, there’s something I have to tell you, and it can’t wait. I’m sorry about what I said to you yesterday, I know that you are a hardworking woman and that’s why I snapped at you and for that I am extremely sorry. I have never felt this way before, and I’m scared of getting hurt.” Gail paused and took a deep breath, grateful that Miranda wasn’t pulling away but was in fact listening to her. “After our conversation the twins snuck into my tent after we were asleep.”
“They did what?” Miranda asked confused.
“They said that they had heard the entire conversation and then they proceeded to put me in my place quite effectively. Informing me that you never missed birthdays, and that the one time you missed their recital you missed it because a hurricane changed its course and then they told me about how you tried very hard to get there, and how you always put family first. I’m sorry I snapped, but I am very happy that your daughters showed me the light. If I had listened to you, and not gone off on a rant, then I would have known already.” Gail said
Miranda shook her head “You were right, I come home late, I leave early, I cancel dinners. I can see why you wouldn’t want to have anything to do with me for those reasons.” Miranda said.
“The twins also informed me that you only canceled when it was necessary, and never on anything important. I also remember telling you that I didn’t mind the getting up early and working late, if your job requires that I can handle it, as long as you still put the people most important to you first.” Gail said and paused. “I also am trying to figure out how we went from one kiss to talking about spending the rest of our lives together.” Gail said and chuckled.
‘That was all you. You’re the one who blew up and started talking about life long plans; all I had done was confess that I had feelings for you.” Miranda said and smiled.
“I just don’t know what will happen with this trip is over, you will go back to New York and I will be left here.” Gail said.
“I tell you what, why don’t we cross that bridge when we come to it shall we?” Miranda said and leaned in and captured Gail’s mouth in hers. Gail responded immediately, and let Miranda’s tongue in. Their kiss was interrupted however, by the cheers of Caroline and Cassidy. Miranda rolled her eyes and separated herself from Gail.
“Get over here now, you two have some explaining to do!” Miranda called and the twins came running. “What’s this I hear about you sneaking out of our tent and into Gail’s?” Miranda asked raising an eyebrow
“Come on Mom, we knew you two were acting weird around each other and when we heard that conversation it all made sense! You guys really liked each other!” Cassidy said
‘So being the fabulous daughters we are we intervened.” Caroline added and Miranda’s eyebrow shot higher.
“You two don’t have a problem with this?” Miranda asked.
No, not as long as you’re happy, you do so much for us, you don’t think you do, but you do and we just want to see someone make you happy.” Cassidy said
“I totally agree, although Ms. Hooked on phonics could have worded it a little easier. What she really wants to say is we both love you very much, we don’t always show it but we do, we also know that you would move heaven and earth for us if it would make us happy, we just think it’s high time the favor was returned.” Caroline said, and Cassidy glared at her briefly before nodding her head in agreement.
“Thank you both very much my darlings.” Miranda said.
‘Well I hate to break up this moment but we really must get back out on the river if we are to stay on schedule.” Gail said and everyone nodded and loaded what little they had taken out for lunch back into the boat and resumed their journey.
The day flew by, and all awkwardness between Miranda and Gail had gone and they all laughed and talked, and Miranda and Gail watched as the twins screamed in delight as they came across their biggest rapid yet. All too soon they had to stop for the day and set up camp for the night. The twins flew threw dinner.
“Mom, Cass and I are beat, we are going to go ahead and get some sleep.” Caroline said and kissed her mother as did Cassidy.
“Alright my darlings, sweet dreams.” Miranda said and hugged her girls.
“Good night Gail” both twins said and then to Miranda’s and Gail’s surprise they kissed her good night as well, and then they headed off into the tent.
“That’s a lot earlier than usual and something tells me that my daughters are not tired.” Miranda said and Gail chuckled and put everything from dinner away.
“Do you want to take a walk?” Gail asked standing up and holding her hand out to Miranda. Miranda smiled and accepted the hand allowing herself to be helped up, and was pleased when Gail kept holding her hand as they started along. After walking a short distance and turning a corner they were just out of sight of the tents, but still within hearing range should they be needed.
“It’s beautiful out here.” Miranda said and Gail nodded.
“It’s beautiful alright, but not as beautiful as you.” Gail said and stepped forward and gently pushed Miranda against a large tree behind them. Miranda smiled and then tugged Gail closer to her and kissed her, gently at first but then Miranda traced her Gail’s bottom lip with her tongue and moaned when Gail parted her lips willingly and let Miranda slip her tongue inside, and Miranda tangled her fingers in Gail’s blonde locks as they continued to kiss. When they finally parted for air they were panting and both of their eyes were darkened with desire.
“I want you.” Miranda whispered in Gail’s ear. “I have wanted you since I first set eyes on you.” Miranda nibbled on Gail’s ear causing her to moan.
“I want you too.” Gail said and then kissed Miranda again hard. Miranda began to pull Gail’s t-shirt over her head but was stopped.
“What’s wrong?” Miranda asked her voice husky.
“I want you, but not here, not like this.” Gail said and saw the confusion in Miranda’s face. “You know how we said we would cross that Bridge when we came to it?” Gail asked and Miranda nodded. “Well we’re there, we are ahead of schedule, and late tomorrow afternoon we will be pulling into the take out at Bridle Creek, and then you will be going home, back to New York.” Gail said. Miranda felt her eyes filling with tears.
“All right, let’s talk.” Miranda said and Gail took her back up to where the tents were and led Miranda into her tent so they could sit and talk comfortably.
“As I have said, I feel something for you that I have never felt for anyone else.” Gail said and Miranda closed her eyes. “I don’t think that one night of lovemaking with you would ever be enough, and we have no idea if there would be other nights when we would be together. I want you so much it hurts. But if this is the only time I can have you, then I would rather not have you at all because I don’t want to miss your touch any more than I’m already going to.” Gail said and a tear fell down her cheek.
“I understand what you’re saying, I feel the same way.” Miranda said and moved closer to Gail. “I have my life in New York, and yours is here and in Boston.” Miranda said. Gail nodded.
“That’s exactly what I’m talking about” Gail wrapped her arms around Miranda’s waist. “You were right to stop me Gail.” Miranda said. “My children are going to hate hearing this. They are going to think it’s something I’ve done” Miranda said and rested her head on Gail’s shoulder.
“I don’t think so, not if you explain everything to them, they are teenagers, and they love you desperately.” Gail said. “Will you sleep in here with me tonight?” Gail asked and Miranda nodded her head and they laid down together falling asleep in each others arms.
Upon awaking the next morning Miranda found herself alone and got out of the tent to find Gail making coffee.
“Good Morning” Gail said and Miranda smiled sadly remembering the conversation they’d had the night before. “Of course it would be my luck that I would fall for someone I’m not allowed to have.” Miranda thought and looked over to see the twins getting out of the tent, and Miranda realized she needed to get changed. She was grateful the twins were more occupied with filling their growling stomachs then they were at asking how everything had gone last night after they had gone to bed. “They will want to know sooner or later” Miranda thought and stepped inside the tent to get dressed for her last day on the river.
As soon as Miranda came up out of the tent and Gail looked up at her longingly the twins knew something was wrong. Miranda saw the twins look to each other and she sighed. Here came the questions.
“Mom, are you two alright? You both seem I don’t know anxious.” Cassidy said in slight confusion.
“My darlings Gail informed me last night that we are ahead of schedule and we will be pulling into Bridle Creek sometime this afternoon, and we will be headed back home for the last couple of days of our vacation.” Miranda said and smiled sadly and looked over at Gail and Caroline immediately knew.
“Both of your lives are too separate for you guys to have a proper relationship.” Caroline said and saw her mother nod.
“Yes my darling you are right. I feel as though I must apologize to both of you. As much as I care for Gail and as much as she cares for me it will not work. She is a river guide here, and she teaches in Boston. She cannot just throw her career away and I cannot throw mine away. We cannot be together as much as we would like.” Miranda said and waited for the screaming to come, to her immense surprise and relief it never did.
“We get it” Cassidy said. “We should have thought about that, but I don’t think anybody was thinking about it that way.” She said and Caroline nodded.
With the difficult conversation over Miranda sat down and tried to eat something, but found her appetite lacking as did Gail. So they silently got up and began packing everything up for the last time, and were soon on their way. The ride down the river was no longer filled with excitement but the reality that the fun had almost come to an end.
As promised at around 4 p.m. they pulled into the take out at Bridle Creek, and arrangements were quickly made to get Miranda and the twins back on their jet to New York.
“I have a car; I can take you to the airstrip so you don’t have to bother with a driver.” Gail offered and Miranda nodded her head and accepted, not willing to say goodbye just yet.
“That will be fine; the jet will be ready in 20 minutes so we better get going.” Miranda said and Gail nodded and led Miranda and the twins to her jeep and they all climbed in and headed towards the airstrip. Upon arriving the pilot was there and immediately put their bags in the plane and informed Miranda that he was ready to leave when she was and he got on the plane.
“Goodbye Gail, thanks for the trip it was awesome.” Caroline said and hugged Gail, and Cassidy joined in on the hug.
“Yeah, it was a lot of fun.” Cassidy said
“You are both very welcome.” Gail said and hugged them both. Cassidy nudged Caroline and they both climbed on board the jet so Miranda and Gail could say goodbye in private.
“Thank you for everything you have done for us, you truly gave my children a trip to remember and I will always be grateful for that. You gave me one to remember as well, you will be missed.” Miranda said and kissed Gail’s cheek.
“It has been m y pleasure Miranda, you will be missed as well, always.” Gail said and returned the kiss on the cheek and then smiled sadly as Miranda turned and boarded the plane. Gail stood there and finally let her tears fall freely when the plane took off. “Goodbye Miranda, in the short time we knew each other you made me the happiest I have ever been, and I will always love you.” Gail watched until the plane was out of sight and then turned and got in her jeep and headed back to her life, knowing it would now no longer be enough.
Miranda watched them lift higher into the air and speed further away from the love she had come to know in just a few short days. Miranda looked over at her twins who had their headphones in and looked like they could nod off any second. Miranda got up and walked into the jets spacious bathroom and locked the door and finally let her tears all freely down her cheeks. In just a few short days Miranda Priestly had found the kind of love she had never believed existed and as suddenly as she found it; it had been taken away. Miranda leaned against the door and slid down it, curling her knees to her chest and sobbing. “Why does everything wonderful that happens to me end?” Miranda cried. She was headed back to her life in New York, and the snow queen would return, this time with heartbreak on her shoulder. “Nothing ever changes” Miranda whispered Yes, she was heading back to where she reigned, and only her children and a beautiful blonde would ever be aware of the fact that for what seemed to be the millionth time, the snow queen of fashion had once again been denied her happy ending.
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