A/N: This story idea came from celesse201, there were multiple ideas given which I will incorporate into this request while placing my spin on this.

Disclaimer: As always, I am just fooling with these characters. I do not own or make any money from them. Lauren Weisberger and 20th Century Fox owns them.

Summary: A few years after Andy leaves New York she finds herself pulled back into Miranda's world. Can Andy keep herself and the Priestly's safe from the forces working against the family?

Chapter Twenty-Six:

Andy walked down the busy New York streets, heading towards BLT Steak. As she ambled, having allowed plenty of time, she reflected on the six months she had been away from the City. She walked along the sidewalks with confidence, her eyes hidden behind large sunglasses as she scanned the surrounds carefully.

Andy allowed her thoughts to flitter to the week before she left, something she did frequently. Andy wasn't sure she'd made the right decision about leaving the New York again after Thanksgiving, but she still had decisions to make about her future and needed time to think things through. She'd found herself on a plane to France, ready to continue her therapy and work towards healing.

Andy had found peace after everything and it allowed her to work occasionally. She had made the conscious decision to take small jobs again and had was writing, both of which had brought her back to New York.

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Andy paced the waiting room while Miranda sat regally in an uncomfortable chair. Nurses had rushed P.J and Kate away to a delivery suite hours before and the wait was making her edgy.

The door sprang open and Andy stopped at the sight of P.J. "She wants you." He whispered hoarsely. Miranda stood up and smoothed her skirt. "No, Miranda. She wants Andy. She screeched the bloody room down when the doctor said no to having you both in there." Andy caught the flash of hurt in Miranda's eyes as P.J caught her attention. "You'll need to scrub up, we're close, she's fully dilated."

Andy rushed away and charged towards the nurse waiting with scrubs. "That woman would have a room full if she could get her own way."

"Will you go tell her sister that, Miranda isn't one to wait patiently," Andy smirked.

"Just try to keep her calm, will you? Her poor husband has had his hands full for the last few hours and all she's doing now is muttering how she wants her Andy."

Andy passed the nurse and entered the delivery suite to find Kate on the bed, her hair was stuck to her forehead and her eyes shut tight as she panted through a contraction. Andy moved to the head of the bed. " Breathe, Katie."

Kate exhaled slowly. "You're here..."

"Where else would I be?" Andy grinned as Kate rolled her eyes. "So, will you tell me why I am in here and your husband is soothing Miranda's ruffled feathers?"

"I'm scared, kiddo," Kate whispered.

Andy brushed the hair from Kate's face. "You'll be fine." She tried to reassure the redhead.

Kate caught Andy's eye. "I'm not scared about the baby, Andy. Don't be dense. I'm scared I fucked up with you. I'm sorry." Kate groaned. "Oh God, I want to push." She cried.

"Do you want me to get P.J, he said you were close?" Andy asked, becoming slightly panicked.

Kate nodded. "Yes, but please, Andy, tell me I haven't fucked our friendship up."

Andy bent over her friend and kissed her forehead. "You will always be my best friend, Katie-pie. There's nothing you could do that I won't forgive."

"And Miranda?" Kate hissed. "Have you forgiven her?"

"Yeah, it seems that way, though I still need time. She hurt me, Kate," Andy admitted. "Now, I'll go get that big lug of yours, and the nurse." Andy stood tall and gave Kate a wide smile before leaving the room and getting P.J and the nurses attention. "She's ready."

P.J grinned excitement highlighted in his eyes as he ran back towards his wife's room.

Andy sat down a few seats away from Miranda and closed her eyes. She meant what she had said to Kate, she held no hard feelings towards her or Miranda, but she also knew she wasn't the same person. Irv, Greg and Stephen had left their mark on her. She breathed deeply realising the events of the day had left her emotionally wiped out. Using the techniques her therapist had taught her she focussed on her breathing and felt herself relax. She could sense Miranda's eyes on her and tried to stop the furious beating of her heart at the awareness.

Miranda fidgeted and when Andy opened her eyes and looked at her she caught her eye, offering a small smile. "I had a phone call while you were with Kathryn. Maxwell advised me Gregory has changed his plea to guilty. The case will no longer go to court and he will be sentenced shortly, it could be before Thanksgiving next week, but more than likely after the holiday. I think he has realised, once news of Irving broke, it was unlikely he would win."

"No court..." The news stunned Andy, and relief overwhelmed her, not for her but for Caroline. "Shiiit!" She couldn't stop the wide smile. "It will be a relief for Caroline, knowing he is in a place he can do no further harm."

"And hopefully you too." Miranda clarified. "You can try to move on from all this."

Andy exhaled loudly. "It's not that easy, Miranda. It won't just magically make it all go away."

Miranda frowned and looked away. "You are never coming back to us, are you?" She swallowed a lump in her throat. "I continue to live on hope, but..."

Andy sighed. "I am damaged, possibly beyond repair. I don't know I can give you what you need, Miranda."

P.J walked back into the room a large smile on his face. Andy grinned at his happiness. "A boy." He whooped. "I have a son."

Andy launched herself to her feet and in three quick strides was in front of him and pulling him into her arms, leaning back from the hug she punched his arm. "Congrats, old man."

Andy backed off as Miranda stepped up and kissed his cheek. "A boy." She smirked. "It will thrill Cassidy, it seems Caroline now owes her ten dollars."

P.J and Andy laughed. "Come, it's time for you to meet the new edition to the family." P.J held his hand out for Andy as he led them towards Kate's room.

They walked into the room and witnessed Kate staring down at her son, a small smile on her face, she looked tired and pale.

P.J moved towards the crib and Kate scooted back on the bed with a wince. P.J bent and picked up the bundle carefully. He moved towards Andy as Miranda perched beside Kate, pulling her into her arms.

P.J handed his son to Andy, and she cradled the baby to her chest.

Andy looked down and spotted the shock of red hair. "He's stunning." She stroked his hand, and he gripped her finger tightly. Bending she kissed his head. Her heart clenched, and she knew he would have her wrapped around his little finger. Looking up she noticed Miranda, Kate and P.J were smiling. "So, what's this little one's name?"

"Kiddo, I want you to meet your Godson." P.J licked his lips nervously. "Andrew Miro Emerson."

Andy's eyes teared up. "Hey, little Andy. I promise you, no matter where I end up, I'm always gonna be there for you." Andy husked. A tear escaped and trickle down her face. Turning her back she used the corner of the baby's blanket to swipe at it. Getting her swirling emotions under control she moved carefully to Miranda's side and handed her the baby." Here, your nephew."

Miranda caught and held Andy's eyes. She gasped at the sight of the pain, hope, love and sadness battling in their depths.

"Andréa,", Miranda muttered. "There is no rush for me to hold him."

"It is time for him to meet his other namesake." Andy took two steps back. "I'm gonna go back to the consulate, um, I will catch up with you all, maybe tomorrow."

"Andy, stay." Kate's whisper cut through the air.

"I can't Katie, not right now." Andy stepped from the room quickly and as she moved from the hospital she let her tears flow.

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Andy entered BLT Steak and stalled at the sight before her. Miranda sat next to a handsome man, his hand laid on top of hers at the table. The twins sat between them. Looking across the room she spotted her lunch date and was waved over.

She passed the Priestly table and looked down, the sparkling ring on Miranda's left hand drew her eye. The news the week before, that Miranda would marry Michael Illingworth the Third, had come as a blow. After a sleepless night, she realised it was something she would recover from.

Moving silently past, no one noticed her, and she breathed a sigh of relief as she stalked to the table and sat down heavily, shrugging off her leather jacket.

"We should have done this at the office." Her companion, Amanda, stated upon seeing her frown. "But I thought we should celebrate." She pushed a hardback copy of a book towards her and grinned. "The first copy hot off the press."

Andy's smile spread across her face as she looked down and saw her name in bold print. She looked up at Amanda. "I can't believe I am being published." Andy's voice was light. "And by Bloomsbury too."

Amanda grinned. "You deserve it. It is an amazing story and children all over the world will love it."

Andy glanced over at Miranda's table and caught the blue eyes staring at her in disbelief. "When will I get the rest of my author's copies?" She tore her eyes away and looked at the young woman opposite. Amanda had been the one to read her manuscript after Mia pushed her into submitting it to her. She'd devoured it and pushed for forward for consideration.

"They're being packaged as we speak. They should be waiting at your apartment later." Amanda stated. "So, what now?"

"I continue to work when I'm needed. I have a follow up in mind I've been outlining." Andy whispered. "I've found that I need to create an escape from the madness of the world."

Amanda knew some of Andy's past, she'd been open about her PTSD, and was tossing around writing about it. They ordered lunch and chatted about Andy's travels for work and her new apartment on Central Park South but Amanda knew she only had half the woman's attention as they tumbled into a comfortable silence.

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Andy watched as Mia packed up her things ready to leave for Genovia. They had seen each other only sporadically since the trial. Andy woke up each morning and made her way to Kate's and they spent hours talking and laughing like the old days. Andy was content holding the baby as he dozed or watching him sleep in his bassinet. Her heart was full of fierce protectiveness over the small bundle.

That day she planned to book into a hotel, upon leaving the Genovian Consulate by Mia's side, carrying a small bag and her guitar case, she found Roy waiting. "Hey Roy, what are you doing here?"

"Miranda sent me for you, she'd adamant there is no need for you to book into a hotel." Roy was obviously nervous about breaking such news.

"So, I'm going to Kate's?" Andy asked.

Roy shook his head. "No, the townhouse."

Andy closed her eyes and counted to ten. Looking at Mia she witnessed the smirk. "You knew?" She hissed.

Mia shrugged. "You shouldn't be alone, and Caroline and Cassidy will enjoy seeing you." Mia had acted in Andy's best interests, she had emailed Miranda, which led to a lengthy phone call and plans being made. "You should be with your family for Thanksgiving tomorrow Andy."

Andy huffed, not entirely pleased. "Sorry Roy, I'm fully booked up this holiday. I have a hot date with my bed, my guitar and Netflix."

"Andy, c'mon. You know she'll fire me." Roy pleaded.

"Don't try that shit with me, it was me that taught you that kicked puppy expression. And no, she won't fire you. A good driver's impossible to find." Andy grinned.

Roy groaned. "Okay, okay, but you're telling her, and then I'll take you wherever you want to go."

"Fine." Andy hissed. Turning to Mia she offered her a glare. "No more meddling, Mia."

"Or what?" Mia challenged.

"Or I'll tell your grandmother on you," Andy smirked as Mia huffed before pulling Andy into her arms. "I'll see you soon."

"There's no rush to come back," Mia whispered.

"I'm not ready to stay," Andy admitted.

Mia nodded and brushed a kiss on Andy's cheek before stepping away and sliding into her car, winding the window down she called out to the brunette. "I'll call you tomorrow, Andy and tell you what I'm thankful for."

Andy grinned. "I'm thankful for you, even though you're a pain in the ass." Andy slipped into the town car and as Roy sat behind the wheel, she saw his shoulders shaking with laughter. "I don't understand what you are laughing at, Roy."

"I can't wait to watch you try to deny the Priestly's anything, once the three of them hit you with the baby blues, you are toast." Roy continued to chuckle as he navigated traffic.

"Hey, Roy." Andy caught his eye through the rear-view mirror. "You're a pain in the ass too."

"Yes, ma'am." Roy's laughter filled the car as Andy chuckled. They navigated traffic as their laughter settled and Roy gazed at her curiously. "Do you ever think of coming home, Andy?"

"I don't know if I can, Roy. There's so much happened here and although I'm trying to get over it, it's difficult." Andy was honest, she wanted no one to have false hopes about her return.

"You still love her though, right?" Roy asked.

"Always, but it's not that easy." Andy let out a frustrated breath. "I once told Miranda I hoped neither of said anything that couldn't be taken back. She did that and tore my heart from my chest. And although I tell myself every day the reasons for her words, her fear, guilt and anger, it's not enough for me to forget them. I live with the consequences."

"Did you hear she fired Maria the day you left New York?" Roy asked. "She did that in anger too, and Maria forgave her and came back. They took a while to get back to normal but Miranda has changed. She's softer at home, she thinks before she reacts."

"Maybe Maria is a stronger woman than I am then?" Andy queried.

"Nah, I don't think strength has anything to do with it. You'll see for yourself, anyway." Roy stated as he pulled up outside the townhouse.

"I'm not staying, Roy. So, I won't see anything." Andy was getting frustrated. Why was everyone pushing her? Why could they not give her space to be?

"I'll catch you tomorrow, Andy." Roy grinned as Andy stepped from the car, leaving her things, and moved up the steps of the townhouse.

Miranda opened the door before she knocked and offered a smile.

"I'm not staying, Miranda." Andy almost shouted.

Miranda's smile faltered and her icy mask fell firmly into place. "Hello, to you too, Andréa."

Andy recognised the tone and stepped back. "I'm sorry, good afternoon, Miranda. Thank you for the kind offer but no, thank you."

Caroline interrupted her spiel by barrelling down the stairs, seeing her in the doorway she whooped and ran towards her, almost toppling her to the floor in her enthusiasm. "Andy, I knew you would come. I told Cassi too."

Andy swallowed nervously. "Hey, Caro. How are ya?"

"Better now you are here. Come on, Mom's made Pecan Pie and Pumpkin pie too, but that's for tomorrow." Caroline tugged her hand and closing her eyes she let the little girl drag her to the kitchen as Miranda gestured to Roy to bring Andy's things inside and shut the door firmly with a shake of their head.

As they reached the kitchen, Cassidy greeted Andy with a hug from. Cara gave a small wave. Maria stepped into her personal space and pulled her into her arms, rocking her gently. Andy felt safe with the older woman and tears formed. "You will stay, Corazoncita?"

"It seems, I have no choice," Andy muttered.

"We all have choices, Andréa." Miranda stepped past her with her bag and guitar case, heading to her old rooms on the lower level.

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Andy excused herself as they finished eating and stood up, moving through the restaurant she made her way to the restroom and leaned over the sink. Getting a paper towel, she ran it under the cold water and placed it on the back of her neck, hoping the cold water would help her focus. She had enjoyed lunch, but she had felt Miranda's eyes piercing her. Hearing the door behind her she stared at Cassidy and smiled as her blue eyes filtered with shock and joy.

"Andy, wait for me." Cassidy pushed into the cubicle and Andy rested against the vanity as the young woman did what she needed. Coming out of the toilet, she stood beside Andy and washed her hands. They searched each other's eyes through the mirror and Andy noticed the tears in them. "You don't hate us, do you? Is that why you don't stay? "

"No honey, not at all. Why would you think that?" The question surprised Andy.

Cassidy sniffed back her tears. "We brought you back to New York, and you got hurt because of us."

"Cass, I love you all very much." Andy knelt down and pulled Cassidy into her arms, holding her tightly, "Come on, I'll take you back to your mom." She stood up, settling Cassidy on her hip. "You're getting too big for this, my imp." She brushed her fingers under Cassidy's eyes. "Now, dry your eyes, I'd hate for your mom and Michael to think I've been upsetting you."

"You heard the news, I take it?" Cassidy asked.

"Yeah, I was in Philadelphia when it broke." Andy tried to smile. "Congrats..."

"He's a douche bag. We despise him." Cassidy frowned at her. "It should be you marrying Mom. She still wears your ring on a chain around her neck."

"I told her not to wait for me," Andy muttered, her thoughts flittering to the moment she realised Miranda wore her ring.

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Andy hadn't slept easily that first night, and it was Maria that came to ease her into wakefulness from her dreams, concerned as she was muttering in her sleep.

Thanksgiving had the family all together, Roy, Cara, Maria, Nigel, Kate, P.J, and the baby arrived early. Roy and P.J settled in to watch a never-ending supply of football games with Nigel offering commentary, and the women watched the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

When dinner was ready they sat around the table making a lot of noise and laughter as Andy sat back, stuffed full of Turkey and all the trimmings. She'd eaten two pieces of Miranda's Pumpkin Pie, to the teasing from the adults and amazement from the twins.

After dinner they had settled in the Den and Miranda decided it was time for a new Thanksgiving tradition, a gratitude chain. A way to share what Thanksgiving meant to each member of the family. She and the twins had cut 6x1 slips of coloured construction paper in autumnal colours and each person had to write one blessing they had received this past year or one thing for which they were thankful. Each guest read them as Caroline and Cassidy connected the ends on the first strip of paper with glue and then connected each link to the chain.

"I am thankful for my health, and the health of this family," Nigel stated.

"I'm thankful for Miranda's pumpkin pie." P.J grinned as Kate swatted him. "And for our family."

"I give my thanks to God, for the wonderful blessings he grants us," Maria said.

"I'm thankful for love." Cara grinned at Roy.

"I am thankful for the memories we are creating," Roy stated.

"I am thankful for forgiveness," Kate whispered.

"I am thankful for safety and security," Caroline stated.

"I am thankful for hugs." Cassidy grinned. "And dogs."

"I am thankful for hope, even in the darkest of times." Miranda swallowed and her hand came up to fiddle at her throat.

Everyone turned to Andy, and she looked down. "I am thankful for my pain, without it, it would be difficult to appreciate life's joys. And that joy is discovered in each of you. I am thankful for each of you." Her head came up, and she looked at Miranda as a familiar piece of jewellery came into focus. Her breath caught and Miranda tucked it away quickly.

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"Mom had to take a call. He wouldn't let Caro come to the bathroom with me." Cassidy interrupted Andy's thought's and frowned. "He said there was no reason for it unless we planned on causing mischief."

"Jackass," Andy muttered causing Cassidy to giggle.

"P.J has said the same, Kate said much worse and little Andy doesn't like him either. He cries when douche bag comes close." Cassidy grinned as Andy's smile brightened.

Moving quickly through the restaurant Andy deposited Cassidy on her seat. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw as Caroline made to jump up to greet her, but a firm hand on her wrist and a hiss of words stopped her. She caught the muffled whimper. Bending slightly, she pecked Cassidy on her head. Moving around she loomed over the man's shoulder and saw he had a grip on Caroline's wrist, the one that had been broken. Swallowing her anger, she knelt beside Caroline and kissed her cheek. "Hey, you okay, little imp?" She whispered.

Caroline's eyes held her fear, and she shook her head once and looked down. Following Caroline's gaze, she saw the small wet patch and her heart broke for the little girl. Andy could recognise the tears of mortification sparkling in blue eyes. Standing up quickly she hit the table and sent their drinks flying, ensuring the majority landed on the man.

"You fucking dyke klutz." He jumped to his feet, letting go of Caroline and dabbing his trousers with his napkin.

Andy stepped into the man's space. "Yeah, that's right." She channelled as much of Alexis as she could and glared at him. "A dyke who will kick your ass from here to the Hudson if you ever lay a hand on either of those girls again. And once I am done tearing you, limb from limb I will make sure Miranda wears your shrivelled little gonads as earrings and calls them this season's must-have accessory." She grinned as he turned pale and backed away in the face of her ferocity.

"Andréa, what is the meaning of this?" Miranda's icy voice hit her ears and she spun around eyeing the editor, her anger clear in her expressive eyes. Her heart was pounding furiously.

"Ask him," She seethed quietly, not wanting to make a scene. She watched as Miranda flushed, struggling to keep hold of her own anger. "Or better yet, ask your daughters. I'm all for you playing happy families, it would be beautiful to see if this 'man'..." She turned to him. "...and I use the term loosely, didn't believe he had the right to restrain your daughter physically from greeting me or stop them from going to the bathroom together. Ask yourself how his behaviour affects Caroline when he grips her broken wrist so tightly she has to bite her lip to stop herself from crying out in pain and fear." She bent closer, her voice low enough for only Miranda to hear. "Your daughter peed herself, and I knocked the table and drinks to save her any embarrassment when she has to walk out of her with a fucking wet patch on her skirt." Andy stepped away.

"I...Um...I.." Miranda had no idea what to say. It appalled her. She turned her cold eyes on the man she had agreed to marry and shook her head as she sat down. She made to stroke Caroline's hair from her face and was enraged when she cowered from her touch. "Michael?"

"They are unruly and need discipline." He buzzed furiously. "You saw what they did to the press last week when news broke of our engagement."

"Poster paint balloons off the balconies." Cassidy chirped to Andy.

Andy bit back her laughter and glared at the man balefully. "Jesus Christ, Miranda. Your taste in men is terrible. I thought the last one was bad, but I'm sure you'll need more than a single .357 to get rid of this piece of shit. I'd invest in a shotgun; the bigger cartridges do more damage." Andy knelt beside Caroline as Cassidy giggled. "Hey beautiful, I'm sorry for knocking a drink over you. Do you want to get fresh clothes?"

Caroline nodded quickly. "Please."

"You got a problem with that?" Ignoring the man entirely, Andy looked up at Miranda who now had Cassidy on her knee.

"No." Miranda breathed.

Andy pulled her new book from her bag and handed it to Cassidy. "My first copy. I thought you may appreciate something to read as you wait for Caro. I'll want that one back, but you'll both have a personalised copy later today."

"Really?" Cassidy was stunned and Caroline looked upset.

"Yes." Andy pulled her jacket off and shrugged it over Caroline, helping her with the long sleeves. "I'll be longer than that skirt." She whispered as she picked Caroline up and settled her in her arms.

As she walked away, she heard the man's whine at Miranda. "Surely you cannot believe that...that..."

"Do not even contemplate finishing that sentence." Miranda's tone was icy. "I believe Andréa may be right, my taste in men is deplorable. My taste in women, however, is exemplary."

Andy walked to the table and saw Amanda settling the bill. "Hey, Amanda. I need to dash. I'll phone you later, okay?"

"Okay, Andy. Talk soon." Amanda brushed a kiss on her cheek and waved her away.

Andy headed towards the front of the restaurant. Looking around she noticed Saks off Fifth across the road. Moving quickly, she crossed the road.

"Is that your girlfriend?" Caroline asked.

"No, my little love. That's my editor." Andy grinned as Caroline laid her head on her shoulder. "You know you get something better than Cass out of this lunch disaster. You get to hear the start of the story right from the author's mouth."

"Awesome," Caroline whispered, pleased.

Andy rolled into the start of the story she knew by heart, her thoughts on the moment she walked away, as they entered Saks and went in search of suitable clothes for the little girl.

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Thanksgiving Day ended, with as much noise as it started with. Andy had played her guitar as everyone else sang. She refused all coaxing requests for her to sing but occasionally hummed along with everyone else. Once everyone had left Miranda and Andy stood awkwardly in the foyer unsure of how to proceed now, they were alone. Andy decided for them.

"Thank you for a wonderful day, Miranda. I will try to sleep, goodnight." Andy brushed past the older woman and found her hand being caught and stiffened.

"Thank you for staying, my girls and I have enjoyed your presence again." Miranda squeezed Andy's hand. Getting no response, she let go and her shoulders sagged. "Goodnight, I hope you sleep well." Miranda turned away and made her way slowly up the stairs, her head bowed.

Andy prepared for bed and lay restlessly, unable to settle. Her heart and mind had been battling all day. A creak caught her attention, and she sighed when Caroline's voice cut across the silence.

"Can I lie with you for a while?" Caroline asked.

Andy looked at the little girl and noticed she was wearing her hoody. Pulling the blanket free she nodded and Caroline cambered next to her, wrapping her arm tight around Andy's middle. "Close your eyes and try to sleep, honey," Andy whispered.

They settled together and an hour later Andy shifted as the bed dipped on the other side of Caroline. Opening one eye she saw Cassidy and smiled. Her arm came to wrap around the other little redhead and they settled into sleep.

Andy woke up with a warm body pressed deliciously close. It was too tall to be either of the twins, the figure was slender and shapely. Half asleep her hands roamed, and she felt silk as they trailed over hips. Miranda's moan filled her ears, and she woke up fully, snatching her hands away and moving away quickly from the older woman's warmth.

"Miranda, what the hell?" Andy whispered.

"Mm, it seems there was a sleepover, and they did not invite me. None of you woke when I came to find my Bobbsey's, although you were muttering." Miranda's sleepy blue eyes looked up at her, they held a wealth of tenderness. "Neither Caroline nor I sleep well these days. I must admit it did not surprise me to find her here, sprawled across your chest. It was, however, a shock to find Cassidy curled up against you too."

"So, you climbed on in and..." Andy trailed off at the hurt in Miranda's eyes.

"You muttered my name and whimpered. I wanted to reassure you even if only subconsciously. My apologies for the intrusion." Miranda slid from the cocoon of heat and shivered.

"What do you want from me, Miranda?" Andy asked. "Just tell me, please. Do you want to break me even further because I should tell you that's not possible?" Andy watched as the editor grabbed her robe and shrugged it on.

"I want to love you and to have you love me. I want to see the fire of the love shining deep within your eyes." Miranda stepped forward and searched Andy's eyes. "I do not see that. I see sadness and anger. I feel your pain, and it hurts to know I am the one who put it there."

"I can't do this, Miranda," Andy whispered.

"All I am asking for is a chance, I have hope we can, given time fix this." Miranda took another step towards the bed. "Just tell me how I can fix this, Andréa. To fix you, to bring back the lightness in your eyes." Miranda's tone held desperation.

"You can't," Andy stated sadly, closing her eyes. "There's nothing you can do to fix me, I have to do that myself." Andy sighed. "Let me go, Miranda."

"Unacceptable. I love you, Andréa. I will wait as long as you need." Miranda sat beside her feet.

"I am not worth it. I cannot keep you safe." Andy snorted. "I'm scared of my own shadow, I fear being touched, that when I can bring myself to be intimate with anyone all I will feel is his touch, spoiling the moment. I am so fucking angry, Miranda." Andy's tears flowed. "Do not wait for me, Miranda. It will just be another disappointment, I will end up disappointing you again. Do not wait for me because I have nothing to offer you anymore."

"You will regret this." Miranda sobbed as she stalked from the room.

"I know," Andy whispered.

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They arrived back at the restaurant 30 minutes later with Caroline dressed in jeans and a polo shirt. She had a hoody on and her green converse sneakers matched.

Andy was still telling her the story of the adventurous tales of the vampire twins as they walked hand in hand through the restaurant. When they arrived at the table, Cassidy sat eating ice cream while Miranda drank coffee and read the book to her daughter. They were almost to the same point and Miranda slowed her reading until Andy caught up and they finished the chapter together. Andy smiled.

"Ah man, you got the better deal, Caro." Cassidy grinned and pushed the rest of her ice cream between Andy and Caroline. They took a spoon each and fought over the contents, giggling.

Miranda closed the book and ran her fingers over Andy's name. Andy noticed the ring was no longer on Miranda's finger and welcomed the sense of lightness. "It is a wonderful story, darling," Miranda whispered.

"Thank you." Andy swallowed nervously. "I found it while I was going through the stuff I had in storage. I started it when I was at Runway, all those late nights waiting for the Book. Now, with only working occasionally, I found the time to finish it and Mia encouraged me to send it to Amanda at Bloomsbury, apparently, they went to Princeton together."

The twins looked at each other, communicating silently. "Mom," Caroline was hesitant. "You know how you have that ticket to Adele tomorrow, why don't you invite Andy?"

"I offered it to Kathryn, and she accepted," Miranda uttered the words wanting to kick herself. The last thing she expected was to see the woman that still haunted her dreams. She had so many questions she had no right to answers to.

Andy grinned. "Oh, that's okay. You guys will love the show." Andy had an inkling of an idea forming. Pulling out her cell she fired off a quick text before gesturing to the server watching as he trotted over quickly. "May I have a coffee, please and more ice cream?"

"Of course, Ms Sachs. It will be right out." He glanced at Miranda and saw her nod of acknowledgement.

She would also take coffee to prolong her time with Andy. "What prompted you to go through your stu...things?" Miranda asked curiously.

"Um, well, I got an apartment in the city three months ago, I'm not fully unpacked or anywhere close to being organised, but I want to watch little Andy grow up and cheer him on at Soccer and teach him to throw a punch. P.J needs me pulling my weight with the business. I also need a base, somewhere to call home." Andy stalled as their server brought their drinks and dessert. "My therapist believes it is a positive step."

"It will be good to see you occasionally. Now tell me about this apartment, did you purchase it?" Miranda smiled gently as Andy waxed poetic about the beautiful 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom rental facing Central Park with views of the Pond and horse-drawn carriages from her living room and bedroom. She went into detail about the large living room with the decorative wood-burning fireplace and the large dining area, the imported oak wood flooring, the two master bedrooms with en-suite facilities and ample closet space, and the small full galley kitchen with new appliances.

Miranda sat back, a pleased smirk on her face at the sight of the fire in Andy's eyes as she spoke. Remembering her words from Thanksgiving her smile faltered, and she remembered she would have no place, except on the outskirts of his woman's life.

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