"Is blood relationship enough?"
The next day Andy was finally allowed to eat, and, to her, boring hospital food tasted like the most exquisite French menu she had ever had. Miranda asked if would be too much for her to eat without making the 'hummm' sound at every bite she took. Andy's response was another 'hummm' after another bite. After that, Andy took a shower and had her C-section scar taken care of. Soon after that, the twin boys arrived so Andy could start breastfeeding them and once again she was on the verge of tears with this new motherhood experience.
"God, he is so handsome," Andy said feeding Mikael while sitting on the sofa with her back leaning on Miranda. "Dad, did Tom call?" she asked about her younger brother.
"He did, honey, but you were asleep. He didn't want me to wake you up. He said he was sorry he couldn't come to see you and the babies because he is very busy with school tests, but he will try to call you later. He also asked me to take lots of pictures of his nephews." Richard informed Andy.
"Andy, why don't you spend some time back home with us, so I can help you with my grandsons", Kate, who was holding Maximilian, said, interrupting Richard.
"Mom, I am home, and I have all the help I need with the boys. Joanna has been taking care of the girls since they were born, she will help a lot. We already have a nanny and Miranda will take some days off as well," Andy looked back for reassurance and Miranda nodded.
"I am just saying that because I worry about you and the boys", Kate insisted.
"Don't worry, we'll be fine, but you and dad are welcome to stay with us for as long as you want," Andy finished, smiling at her dad and at Kate who was not very thrilled about that alternative. Miranda felt the same, but she never would have said anything about it, obviously.
A few hours later, Andy was already back in her bed when a soft knock at the door interrupted their conversation.
"Good afternoon", Sarah said, stepping into the room carrying food bags. "I brought yours and Andy's lunch," she informed Miranda as she put the food on the tray in front of Andy "and the car is waiting so I can take Evelyn, Uncle Richard and Mrs. Sachs out to lunch."
"Thank you Sarah, we would love to," Richard said smiling at Sarah.
"I really appreciate it, but I don't want to go to lunch with you. I would rather eat something in the hospital cafeteria. Besides I don't want to leave Andy and my grandsons", Kate said coldly.
"Honey I think we should go with Sarah while Andy and Miranda have lunch so they can rest a little." Richard was trying hard to convince his wife to go, hoping that maybe she could be civil around Sarah.
"I said no, Richard." Kate said, staring daggers at him, which made him shut up quickly.
"Well I would love to have lunch with this lovely young lady. And we can go shopping after that and buy some goodies for the new mom and my grandbabies", Evelyn said walking out of the room with a happy face.
Sarah only looked over at Miranda who nodded in agreement.
The day passed as smoothly as possible with, once again, Andy and her dad trying to mediate a conversation between their wives. Eventually Evelyn and Sarah returned from lunch with Evelyn having bought enough clothes to dress an entire baby army.
The twins showed up after school, and again complained when Miranda informed them they needed to go home to do their homework and sleep. Their mother asked Evelyn to be in charge of them, which made the girls stop arguing immediately as their grandmother gave them the Look they already knew so well.
xxxxxxx
Later that night, Miranda and Andy were once again alone. Andy was feeding Maximilian and Miranda was holding Mikael who had just been fed.
"My mom seemed edgy today around Evelyn, did something happen yesterday that I don't know about?", Andy started innocently.
"They had a talk, but I don't really know about what," Miranda thought it was better not t get into details. She did not want to upset Andy unnecessarily. "And then Evelyn came to talk to me and in an attempt to be humorous she reminded me of the little incident when she arrived unannounced in the kitchen that day.", Miranda finished, making Andy blush at the memory.
"Please don't remind me of that, I still have nightmares", Andy said laughing.
-Flashback-
Andy was sitting on the counter not even thinking about the contrast between the cold marble and her hot core seeing as all she cared about was Miranda kissing her neck down to her collarbone, her nipples already aching for attention. Andy was touching soft white hair bringing Miranda´s mouth to meet hers in a fierce kiss.
"Fuck me" Andy begged, making Miranda move down to her breasts while her hands started to unbutton her jeans.
Andy was reclining in the sink, enjoying Miranda´s descending assault on her body. They were so absorbed in each other's moans that they didn't notice the footsteps getting closer until…
"Oh my god," Evelyn said putting her hand over her face to cover her eyes but opening her fingers so she could see between them.
"Oh my god", Miranda´s heart stopped for a second. 'What the hell…,' she thought, readjusting her nightgown and covering Andy's bare chest with the blouse she hastily picked up from the floor before rushing to her mother.
"OH MY GOD!" Andy screamed paralyzed almost falling into the sink.
"What are you doing here?" Miranda asked, still petrified.
Evelyn tilted her head to the side to look at Andy, trying to remember where she had seen that familiar face, "Isn't that your..."
Miranda cut her off, grabbed her arm, dragged her out of the kitchen and headed to her study.
"For the love of God, what are you doing here?" Miranda asked once again, still not able to face her mother, as they entered her study.
"I came to surprise you, but judging by what I just saw, the surprise was all mine", Evelyn said trying desperately not to laugh at her daughter´s frantic face. "Where did you learn to do that?"Evelyn asked not able to contain the giggle.
"Evelyn, this is not humorous." Miranda was trying hard to slow her heartbeat down.
"Miranda, that girl can sue you for sexual harassment. You are aware of that, right?" Evelyn reminded her in a serious tone now.
"First of all, she is a woman, not a girl, and second she doesn't work for me anymore and we are dating or something like that"
"Dating? Oh sweet Jesus. When did you plan on telling me that you were a lesbian?", Evelyn asked rolling her eyes at the last part.
"On Saint Never's day would be a good day", Miranda replied.
"Miranda now this is not funny, I have the right to know what is going on in your life. I'm your mother."
"I was planning on telling you, I just didn't find the appropriate time." Miranda lied shameless because she could have found a lot of time to talk about that subject if she was not avoiding Evelyn´s calls.
"What about my grandchildren? Are you hiding this from them too?"
"No, the twins know about us." Miranda answered.
"Why am I always the last person to know about important things?" Evelyn sat down on the love seat before she could continue. "Is this serious? You are not playing with this girl's heart, are you?
"Not that it is any of your concern but no, I am not". She locked eyes with her mother's before continuing, "I'm very aware of my feelings for her and my intentions."
"What do my girls say about all this?", Evelyn asked knowing already that if the girls knew about them, it was because Miranda was certain about her feelings.
"They like her and they are used to having her here." Miranda clarified.
"Is she living here already?" Evelyn asked surprised.
"Not yet, but the girls and I have been talking about that possibility for a while and I was planning to ask her to move in with us tonight, but after what happened just now, I doubt she will ever want to put a foot in this house again", Miranda said glaring at her.
"Please, don't be so dramatic", Evelyn said rolling her eyes at Miranda's overreaction.
Evelyn started to smile brightly.
"What is so amusing?" Miranda asked in her natural tone now.
"You're in love", Evelyn said softy.
"Apparently yes," Miranda purred rolling her eyes. "Happy now?"
"Yes I am and I will leave you in peace now, you can go back to what you were doing", Evelyn said winking at her. "I can't wait to talk with her in the morning", Evelyn finished, clapping her hands and smiling brighter. "I will take her shopping."
"Oh God," Miranda mumbled leaving the sofa. "I will need psychotherapy for the rest of my life now and I'm sure Andrea is still in the same spot, frightened, because of you", Miranda said walking out of her study leaving Evelyn smiling at the memory of Andy's scared face.
xxxxxxx
-Next day-
Dr. Blake arrived after lunch to check on Andy and the twins, and according to the last results of their exams they were all fine and could finally go home.
Andy was already in a wheelchair, waiting for the release papers, when, to make everything harder, Kate insisted on carrying the twin that was in Miranda´s arms. It was yet another move on Kate's part to try and do everything in her power to piss Miranda off.
"Mom, you will have plenty time to be with them when we get home", Andy started trying to make her mother give up the idea.
"And she" Kate said pointing to Miranda, "will have even more time when we leave, I want to enjoy every minute I can with my boys." Kate finished glaring at Miranda.
"It's ok Andrea", Miranda said in advance noticing that Evelyn was about to say something nasty. The editor put Maximilian in his grandmother's arms but at the same time Miranda gave her a glare that was clearly understood by everyone in the room as 'don't push your luck because I'm this close'.
In the hall photographers and reporters were waiting for the opportunity to take the first pictures of Andy and the Sachs-Priestly newborns.
Roy opened the Mercedes door and Andy handed Mikael to Miranda so Roy could help her get into the car. As soon as Roy closed the door, Miranda took a Tylenol pill from the car compartment and quickly swallowed it.
"Honey, do you have a headache?" Andy asked noticing Miranda´s attitude.
"No yet." Miranda answered as she finished the water.
"Then why are you taking medicine?" Andy was intrigued.
"Because we are about to go home and I'm preparing myself for Evelyn and your mother." Andy couldn't help but laugh at such an exaggeration.
They were about to arrive home when Miranda carefully opened her Gucci purse in order not to wake Mikael in her arms and handed Andy a little box.
"What is that?" Andy asked taking the box.
"Open it." Miranda said comforting Mikael who was starting to whimper.
Andy opened the box and found a key inside.
"What is that for? To open your heart?" Andy asked joking as the car turned the corner to the townhouse.
"You already opened that long ago, that is for you to open that." Miranda said looking outside the window to a brand new Porsche Cayenne S. parked in front of their house with a bow tie on top.
"Oh my god, is that mine?" Andy almost yelled in excitement as her eyes shined.
Miranda nodded to her. "With the boys around you will need a family car."
"Miranda, when I said I wanted to drive your car, I was kidding, I wasn't implying I wanted a Porsche myself." Andy shook her head looking at her new car. "Thank you," Andy said kissing Miranda softly, "but you didn't have to."
"I know," Miranda answered through the kiss and looked at her again, "I was planning on giving it to you next week, but you went into labor earlier than we expected so Sarah had to ensure that it was delivered a little early." She explained as Roy opened the door so they could get out.
Miranda exited the car holding her child and Roy helped Andy while the other car pulled up with the rest of the family. They were finally home.
xxxxxxx
Later that night, after a dinner that looked more like a thanksgiving celebration with lots of friends and family members celebrating the new additions of the family, Evelyn knocked on the door of the master bedroom.
"Come on in", Miranda softly said from the chair, in order not to startle the baby that she was holding in her arms while she was putting notes on the Book. Andy was apparently asleep.
"Mimi, I wanted to talk to you and Andrea but I think now it's not a good time." Evelyn said from the door watching Andy on the bed.
"It's ok Evelyn, I was just resting my eyes", Andy said opening her eyes and smiling at her.
"Well it won't take long, I just want to tell you something" Evelyn said walking over the bed and sitting close to Andy. "As you know darling" she continued, "my second husband was a very rich man and when he died I was the only beneficiary of all his trust funds. With the money I have, I could live comfortably for 2 centuries", Evelyn laughed at her own joke.
"I think you could feed a small country for two centuries", Andy said giggling at her.
"Anyway," Evelyn took Andy´s hand in hers, "I already gave Miranda, her sister, the twin girls and my others grandchildren their share and now it's time to give you and the twin boys yours", Evelyn finished looking at Andy, who seemed to be in utter shock.
"I don't think I can accept that," Andy said shaking her head, "the boys, it's fine because they are Miranda´s children, but not me", Andy said and looked over Miranda who remained silent.
"Darling, I love you. My daughter and the girls love you. You're my daughter-in-law, you have the same right as my grandsons, and even if you and Miranda hadn't gotten married, you would still be part of this crazy family, whether you wanted to be or not", Evelyn said smiling at her.
"Evelyn I don't know what to say", Andy still couldn't believe what was happening.
"You don't have to say anything sweetheart, it's done and your wife has already agreed", Evelyn said and Andy looked over Miranda who was trying to hide a smile behind her child´s little hand.
-A few days later-
"Mom, don't do this, don't make me choose between the two of you because you won't like it", Andy said in a serious tone.
"This woman changed you. She made you lose your good sense, your values." Kate continued. "Why didn't she go after someone else?", Kate asked in a whisper.
"Whatever you may think, Miranda didn't come after me, she didn't chase me, she didn't force me to anything. I did. I made the first move, and the second and the third", Andy said smiling at her memories.
"No you didn't." Kate interrupted, she refused to believe those words. There was no way Kate was going to believe that. She refused to consider any other than Andy being the prey and Miranda the lethal predator.
"Yes I did. I shamelessly asked her out because I knew I wanted her. I couldn't stop thinking about her. I couldn't stop myself from thinking I was having a heart attack every time I saw her and now that I have her I will never let her go," Andy paused, "because she is my everything, and you, whether you want to or not, will have to accept that and get used to it." Andy meant every word.
"You are just blinded by this life, darling. I have faith that it is only a phase." Kate riposted, pacing in the room.
Andy let out a long breath trying to calm her nerves. She had been peacefully breastfeeding Maximilian when her mother came into her office and started this crazy conversation.
"Mom, we are married. We have children together. We are a family. Do you really think we would be where we are now if what we have was not serious? I'm not a child anymore, I'm a grow woman and I can take care of myself, make my own decisions. And more importantly, when things are difficult, I have someone that loves, respects and takes care of me the same way I do for her." Andy was hoping the words 'love' and 'respect' would get through to her mother´s heart and finally make her understand, but it was in vain.
"I didn't raise you to be with another woman Andy", Kate blurted out. "I wanted you to find your soul mate in a respectable man and have children and have a decent life. Why didn't you come to me, I could have helped you", Kate said finally sitting on the sofa close to Andy.
"The same way you helped Sarah when she came to you for help?" Andy reminded her. "Do you think I forgot what you said to Sarah when she came out? The way you made her feel small and ashamed of who she was and the poor way you still, after all those years, treat her", Andy said standing up to put Maximilian in his baby seat.
"This is different", Kate started but Andy cut her off once again feeling way more upset.
"Why is it different?" she said looking from the baby to her mother. "Sarah and I have known each other since we were in kindergarten. She is my best friend. We were practically raised in the same house seeing as we used to spend so much time in each other's house. She always called you and dad auntie and uncle because she loved us like a family and you used to love her like a daughter. Why should her being gay change that?" Andy asked with a sad expression, sitting back on the sofa.
"She influenced you…" Kate started but Andy didn't let her finish.
"You know, when I finally accepted that I had fallen in love with Miranda, I was afraid of her reaction. She was my boss and a woman but I was even more terrified of you. I was thinking about the things you could say or do to me, but still, I had faith because you were my mother, you should love me anyway, no matter what. And what really mattered to me at the time was that Miranda was and still is worthwhile", Andy said smiling.
"I tried. I swear I tried for the past week to digest what I have seen in this house and accept your lifestyle but I just can't." Kate said shaking her head.
"You never really tried mom," Andy snapped, "you never gave Miranda a chance, you just decided in your mind you don't like her and she is not a good person. But you're wrong on so many levels because she is. And if she is not my soul mate, I don't ever want to find out who is."
"I'm sorry, Andy," was Kate reply, "for as beautiful as your speech about gay love may be, I can't go against my moral values. I'm sorry but you will have to choose the family you want to be a part of", Kate finished with an ultimatum.
"I'm sorry too, mom", Andy said, the hurt and the pain noticeable on her face.
"If I can't save you from this life, I can't stay and see you drown yourself and not be able to help you. I can't pretend I'm OK with the way you choose to continue ruining your life." Kate felt the hot tears welling up in her eyes but she didn't let them fall.
"I'm your daughter. You should be happy because I am happy, no matter who I am sharing my life with." Andy tried once more.
"Doesn't work that way Andy, she is no good for you, and when you finally realize that, I will be there with my arms wide open to hold and help you."
"That will never happen, mom, and it amazes me that you are cheering for something horrible like that to happen instead of wishing for me and Miranda to be happy", Andy said letting out a tired breath.
"I can't wish this for you, I would be cursing you. It's not right", Kate said shaking her head. "I can't accept my child living in sin and in someone´s shadow like you do with this woman."
"I'm not Miranda´s shadow", Andy replied with emphasis on Miranda´s name, "I never was and I never will. We're together, we're partners, and please don't start your lecture about her money, because frankly I'm done with that." Andy was tired of that sermon.
Kate sighed as she was about to say something but she changed her mind and remained quiet.
"What about your grandchildren?" Andy asked in a sad tone, looking over at Maximilian who was still peacefully asleep.
"Those poor children", Kate started shaking her head once more. She stood up and walked close to the baby; "They are so innocent. They shouldn't pay for you and that woman´s behavior. They were conceived in an abnormal way. They will not have a man figure to help them to become good men and that is why they need me and your father in their lives."
"Stop right now!" Andy´s eyes were blurred by angry tears. She never would have expected her mother to say such hurtful things. "My children were conceived with nothing less than love and there's nothing more natural than that. And they will have two mothers and two sisters and maybe more siblings who will always be with them and I can guarantee you that they'll grow into descent and respectful men who will be loved and raised without prejudices", Andy said wiping the tears which insisted to fall. "I can't believe you are banishing them from your life too"
"Send me pictures of them when you can," Kate finished needing to get out of that room. She couldn't take it anymore. She walked away from Maximilian and turned around to face Andy as she reached the door. "Never forget that I love you and I will be waiting for you to go back to the person you used to be."
"You have a strange way of showing me I'm loved", Andy replied, not bothering to wipe the tears anymore. "I am the person I want to be and I'm happy that way."
"I love you, but I despise your sin." Kate opened the door "I'm doing this for your own good", she finished before walking out of the Andy´s office.
Kate saw Miranda coming in her direction, holding a sleeping Mikael in her arms. Their eyes met like they were in an arena preparing for a battle.
"I hope you are happy with what you did," Kate started as Miranda passed by her, "but I know I won't have to wait long for you to break her heart and for her to come running back to her family for support."
"You have no idea what you are talking about. You are important for her," Miranda said only giving Kate a side look as she kept walking towards Andy´s office, "but if you are not interested, she already has all the family support she needs right here", she finished and knocked on the door, stepped inside and closed the door behind her.
When Miranda spotted the fragile feature of her wife, her heart broke. She wished she could shield Andy from such pain.
"Darling", Miranda said while putting Mikael close to his brother and sitting next to Andy on the sofa.
"I'm ok Miranda, don't worry", Andy replied. She wiped the heavy tears on her face but fresh ones replaced them. "I want to be alone. Please." Andy said, unable to look at her.
Miranda brought Andy into her arms, and she immediately melted. Miranda opened her mouth but for the first time in many years she didn't know what to say to comfort Andy. All she could do was hug her and make her feel protected as well as loved.
"She said she doesn't want to be in my life anymore," Andy whispered after a few minutes, trying to control her sobbing, "that I should choose the family I want to be a part of. How am I supposed to choose between my mother and my heart?" she looked up facing Miranda. "She doesn't even want to be a part of her grandsons' life", Andy leaned into Miranda's embrace again, not able to stop her body from shaking.
"Shh," Miranda cooed in Andy's ear, "she will come around, darling. She is your mother and she loves you", Miranda said and kissed Andy's head desperately trying to bring her some kind of comfort when no words could.
-2 weeks later-
Miranda, Andy, their four twins and Patricia were at central park having a picnic. The idea of spending her free day in a park, enjoying nature, surrounded by annoying kids yelling, eating junk food, was not really Miranda's idea of entertainment, but Andy´s sad face when she had asked to go was enough for all of the reserves Miranda might have had about that matter to vanish. Andy still missed her mother, especially now that she had become a mother herself. Andy very much wanted to share this phase of her life with her. But now, she only heard from her mother during secret phone calls her dad gave her during the week.
Miranda and Andy were sitting on a blanket with the boys, enjoying the fresh air of a sunny Saturday morning, and, even if Miranda would have never admitted it out loud, she was enjoying the fresh air. Meanwhile, the girls were at the North Meadow Center with the nanny, after having begged Andy to convince their mother to let them go climbing.
Miranda had her attention turned to a book while Andy was enjoying watching people strolling around them when she broke the silence.
"Miranda", Andy called, her attention was now on the little crib in front of them.
"Yes darling", Miranda answered but continued to pay attention to her book.
"Do you think they'll hate me because my mother despised them too?" Andy asked lightly.
"What?" Miranda said turning her attention to her wife. "Andrea,"
"I know, you think I'm talking nonsense." Andy snapped back in a low tone.
"Fantastic, you're sparing me the trouble of saying it myself", Miranda said and kissed her cheek.
"At least, they'll always have one crazy grandma who will spoil them." Andy said smiling now.
"Your mother will come to her senses, I'm sure of it. She just needs time," Miranda said, putting the book on the blanket and wrapping Andy in a comfortable embrace. "I know you are upset and I'm sorry I can't change that. I wish I could protect you from getting hurt."
"Everything I need and want right now is right here on this blanket," she started putting her hand over Miranda´s, "and the two other parts are climbing a wall now." She finished in a small laugh and Miranda rolled her eyes to the mental picture of her girls doing that very manly, very sweaty sport.
"We may have ups and downs like every normal relationship", Miranda said looking at her two precious sons, "and we may not have the lifestyle this hypocrite society demands us to have, and personally I don't care," she said giving Andy´s hand a firm squeeze, "but we have each other, and our family is happy, that is all that really matters."
Andy knew Miranda meant every word and she also knew Miranda couldn't shield her from getting hurt or protect her or their children all the time.
"One day at the time." Miranda said with a small smile, releasing her hand.
Just as Miranda finished, they saw Caroline and Cassidy running towards them with Patricia barking as she chased after them and a frantic nanny trying to keep up with all three.
"Are you sure you want to be in this family?" Miranda joked, raising an eyebrow as the girls came closer.
Andy giggled and turned to face her, "I wouldn't have it any other way". She captured Miranda's lips in a lazy tender kiss.
That is what really matters, a future as a family, and hoping for the good winds to breeze good moments into their lives.
THE END…
