A/N: This is my first attempt at Fanfiction. I woke up with the idea in my head after inhaling so much DWP/Mirandy fanfic. This is not beta'd. All mistakes are my own.
Disclaimer: I do now own any of the Characters belonging to The Devil Wears Prada. These are owned by Lauren Weisberger and 20th Century Fox.
Summary: Andy leaves Paris with final words for Miranda.
A/N 2: I have spent some time since my last update editing this story in the hopes it would coax my muse from hibernation. There are no major changes to the storyline/plot.
xxxxxxxxxx
Chapter Eleven:
Andy and Miranda were wrapped around each other. Miranda had manoeuvred them both towards the head of the bed as Andy recovered from the intensity of Miranda's ministrations.
Stirring Andy moved her hand around where Miranda lay on her side and cupped her ass. "I love this, you wouldn't believe the number of times I watched this as I walked two steps behind you." She whispered as she trailed her hand upwards to her hip. "I love these too, the way they sway as you move, so absolutely delicious." She continued to trail her hand around to her stomach, trailing her fingernails delicately along the faint stretch marks and caesarean scar. "This stomach, which almost hides the fact you carried the lives of two very exuberant girls, so beautiful." She continued her whispered words the reasons she loved each of the areas she touched until she reached the editor's breasts. Cupping one she ran her thumb over Miranda's nipple, smiling as her gentle touch caused it to react and harden. "Your breasts, a perfect handful." She said. "Just waiting for my touch." Her hand moved across to provide the second one with the same attention.
Miranda moaned at the soft touches on her breasts. Andy had touched the outside, underside, and top of the breasts, bypassing the nipples. Gradually she worked her way towards them and paying attention to Miranda's responses she continued pressing and massaging.
Pinching the nipples she watched them becoming harder. Andy increased the pressure as Miranda arched and moaned into her touch. Bending her head she laved her tongue around one nipple, nipping it softly as Miranda squirmed and panted beneath her. Releasing the nipple she blew a warm breath over it creating waves of pleasure.
The build-up of pleasure was gradual but quite powerful. "Oh God I...I'm going to come..." Miranda told her breathlessly. "...I've never..."
"Shh and let it happen," Andy told her as Miranda became tense. "Relax my love!" Andy whispered encouragingly as she continued her gentle treatment. "Breathe in and out and just let yourself feel."
As Miranda relaxed, her orgasm crashed over her in a strong burst leaving her breathless. Her skin was flushed with the signs of her arousal.
Andy allowed the fingers, on one hand, to trace back down to the neatly clipped silver triangle as the other moved around her back. As she cupped her and pulled her close their passion took over. They were all over each other, lips clashing as they intertwined and Andy rolled them so Miranda was underneath her.
When Andy found herself skin to skin with Miranda, it was as if they became melded together. Andy's fingers stroked inside her folds as Miranda moved her hips to allow deeper access.
Miranda experienced a sense of wonder, her entire self-focused on Andy's hand stroking her causing her body to burn with a need fiercer and more urgent than any other she had ever experienced. "Inside please darling." Miranda husked. "I need you inside."
Andy smiled at the woman writhing below her. "Your wish is my command, my love." Andy entered her deftly with two fingers causing the editor to gasp. She alternated between short thrusts of her fingers and deep strokes that caught the older woman's sensitive spot.
"Oh, God..." Miranda's hips moved in time with Andy's thrusts. "Oh, my love..." Miranda called out as her orgasm took over, the inner walls clenching tightly around Andy's fingers as she slowed the thrusts. As Miranda settled Andy removed her fingers gently and hovered over Miranda breathing deeply before moving to her side and pulling Miranda closer. As they lay in each other's arms Miranda ran her nose against Andy's collarbone. "I've never had an orgasm like that." She admitted. "I never concerned myself with the fact that sex left me feeling uninspired, I've always had the feeling like I was missing something, but now I understand."
"What do you understand, my love?" Andy asked sleepily.
"That I was missing you," Miranda told her. "Wrapped up like this I feel loved, happy and secure. I trust you implicitly. I can't get enough of this, of you." Miranda husked.
Andy felt a tear hit her chest as Miranda cried quietly in her arms. "Shh, don't cry, sweetheart. I'm here, I'm not going anywhere."
"Marry me?" Miranda asked quietly.
"What?" Andy was shocked. Leaning back she was wide awake again. She saw the determination in the blue eyes.
"Marry me, Andréa. Make me the happiest person in the world," Miranda asked again catching the brunette's eyes.
"But...but...It's not legal." Andy stuttered.
"Not yet it isn't, but it will be," Miranda told her. "We could go to Massachusetts."
"I...you...You're still married Miranda," Andy said.
Miranda bit her lip. "True, my divorce is not yet finalised but it will be soon. Maxwell advised it should be done by the end of January at the latest." Miranda told her, smiling softly.
"Don't you think it's a bit soon?" Andy asked, nervous about Miranda's reaction to her hesitation. The last thing she wanted was for Miranda to think she was being rejected.
"Maybe you're right about it being a little soon, I am not always so impulsive. I want this though. I want you to be mine always. I know this is forever." Miranda said as she placed a kiss on Andy's collarbone.
Andy moved closer to Miranda, tilting her chin up she caught her eye. "I will always be yours, my love, a bit of paper won't change that." Miranda nuzzled her neck as Andy continued to whisper. "One day I will marry you, my answer is and always be a resounding yes. It would be the greatest honour in the world to call myself your wife." Miranda kissed her sternum as she continued to speak. "I won't rush into this though, sweetheart. I need to ensure this isn't something you'll come to regret. And when it happens, I'll gladly sign whatever prenup you want."
Miranda bounded from the bed a large smile adorning her face. Hurrying to her closet she pulled out a gift wrapped box and held it against her chest before returning to Andy's side. Catching Andy's eye shyly she held out the present. "Merry Christmas my darling. Open it." She whispered.
Andy shook the box with a smile before unwrapping it. Finding the ring box she was amazed. "Miranda?" She questioned hesitantly.
"Just open it and let me explain, please." Miranda said nervously.
Opening the box she found a Platinum French Cut Pavé Eternity band set with Black Diamond's and Morganite. "Oh wow, it's beautiful," Andy whispered enthralled.
"It's not an engagement ring, my darling," Miranda explained hastily. "It's a promise ring. This eternity ring symbolises my never-ending love, a demonstration of my commitment to you and to the life we are building together. Turn it over."
Andy looked closely and saw the inscription in Miranda's familiar cursive handwriting and her tears flowed.
Would you lie with me and just forget the world? M x
"You remembered?" Andy's voice was husky as she became overcome with emotion.
"You told our girls you remembered everything they had shared with you. I remember each moment with you, every word spoken, and every word that has been written. This song, the beautiful love song you quoted gave me a glimmer of hope when I listened to it." Miranda told her smiling gently.
"How did you interpret the lyrics?" Andy asked.
"To me, it was about being scared to say I love you, you want to say it and for it to mean something but the fear comes because you've had it said to you and it came to mean nothing." Miranda took a deep breath. "It's about being frustrated because of your inexperience in articulating your feelings, the insecurity that your words can be misinterpreted, and the terror that perhaps you are spoiling everything. But regardless of all that you also just want them by your side, to forget the world and all the doubt and fear and just be."
Andy smiled. "I think it's about finding a better way to tell someone just how passionate you are about them. Not just that you love them, but you want nothing more than to be with them, to hold them, for the world to shrink down just to you and them. It's more than just 'I love you'." Andy explained. "It feels like a reminder that life is too short. It shows how a person's entire existence and sense of purpose can be encompassed in their love of another, and this love surpasses death. It's forgetting about everything else in the world, all the negativity people have about your relationship and just being, just concentrating on the love and seeing all the beautiful and positive things the world has to offer."
"Will you wear my ring Andréa?" Miranda asked, her nervousness clear in her eyes. Seeing the brunette's nod Miranda took the ring from her and placed it on her ring finger.
"I'll never take it off," Andy whispered as she pulled Miranda in for a kiss.
Miranda deepened the kiss again as she wrapped herself back around the young woman laying them both down. "We should sleep, my love."
"Mm, maybe we should get back in our pyjamas and unlock the door." Andy grinned.
"Later," Miranda told her softly. "I have to be up early to organise the presents."
"Wake me when it's time," Andy asked as she yawned and closing her eyes snuggled into Miranda.
"Of course, my darling. I love you." Miranda told her.
"Love you more," Andy mumbled sleepily.
xxxxxxxxxx
Miranda's alarm woke them at 5 am. Hearing the vibration Andy turned over and put her back to Miranda. Miranda heard the faint grumble under her breath as Andy pulled her pillow over her head, her behaviour causing Miranda to smirk. Switching off the alarm she turned towards Andy and pulled her back to her chest. "Darling, you asked me to wake you." She whispered in Andy's ear. "The twins will be awake in an hour or so. I need to organise their gifts."
"Mm'ok, am awake," Andy mumbled sleepily.
"So it seems," Miranda whispered cheekily as she moved away. Climbing out of bed she grabbed her pyjamas from where they were thrown on the floor the night before and shrugged them on. Making her way towards the door Andy's voice halted her progress.
"Hey, you forget something?" Andy asked her as she rolled onto her back. Miranda looked over her shoulder to see Andy pouting as she stared at the editor.
Smiling she walked over to the bed. Bending over the brunette she brushed a kiss against her lips. "Good morning my love. Merry Christmas" Miranda said.
Andy pulled her closer as she deepened their kiss. Breaking away she said. "Good morning to you too beautiful, I have a feeling this will be the best Christmas."
"I must say, I love our morning greetings," Miranda told her softly as she untangled herself and stepped back. "I will get organised for the day. If you're not down in five minutes, I know where to find you." Miranda grinned at Andy as she watched her scramble out of bed and put her pyjamas back on.
"If you promise to greet me like that every morning I shall be one very happy wife," Andy said lovingly as she looked at Miranda. Miranda's breath caught at Andy's words before she offered her a beautiful smile.
Making her way to her bags Andy pulled out the gifts she had wrapped and filled her arms. "I should really take the time to unpack." She shrugged. "Ah well, I'm ready when you are, sweetheart." She told Miranda with a wide smile.
Miranda led the brunette silently down the hall towards the stairs. As they passed the twins bedrooms Andy giggled at Miranda's exaggerated tiptoeing. Miranda stopped and looking at Andy placed a finger to her lips and smirked. "Shh." She whispered. Feeling Andy nod she continued to move until a floorboard creaked. Rolling her eyes she continued to move steadily down the stairs and into the living room.
Andy smiled as Miranda took gifts from her and placed them under the waiting Christmas tree. Once Andy's arms were empty, she clasped the brunette's hand and pulled her down to her study. Walking them to the desk she pulled a key out of her drawer and moved to a closet at the far side of the room. Unlocking the door she opened it and Andy was amazed to see piles of gifts.
"Wow." She muttered. "How long did it take to wrap those?"
"I have no idea, the two Emily's did some, the others I had Emily organise a professional gift wrapping service," Miranda smirked.
"Ouch, I can only imagine the paper cuts." Andy smiled.
"Yes well, last time I wrapped something the gift fell out of the bottom as I handed it over." Miranda grinned. "It's not exactly my strong suit."
Andy laughed. "Mine's never pretty but at least it's generally secure."
Miranda smirked. "Now if we can move these quickly and quietly we can go back to bed," Miranda promised.
"I'm on it, sweetheart," Andy claimed as she stepped across to grab an armful of gifts.
After four trips between the living room and study, the cupboard was empty. They stood side by side in the study looking at the empty closet.
"Do you want coffee?" Andy asked as she stifled a yawn. Looking down at her watch she saw it was nearly 6 am.
"Bed," Miranda whispered. "Coffee can wait."
Andy grinned widely. "Okay. But no funny business once we're there Priestly." Andy's smile widened as Miranda rolled her eyes and laughed.
"I'm sure I can keep my hands to myself, Sachs." Miranda quipped.
"Good. The last thing I want is to scar my imps with any age-inappropriate images." Andy claimed as she stepped into Miranda's personal space and pulled a sprig of mistletoe out of her pocket. Holding it above their heads she brushed a soft kiss against Miranda's lips.
Miranda sighed into the kiss wrapping her arms around the taller woman. "I love you my darling." She whispered as she broke the kiss and hugged her fiercely. "You have made me happier these last few days than I remember ever being. Thank you for coming home."
"There's no place in this entire world I'd rather be, sweetheart. Thank you for...well...for everything. You're really something special." Andy told her. "Come on upstairs. We can wait for the imps to wake up and I'll make us all some breakfast."
Clasping Miranda's hand she entwined their fingers and pulled her from the room and back up the stairs as Miranda muttered. 'While I may keep my hands to myself, I can't promise to keep my lips to myself."
Grinning widely at the woman by her side she whispered. "Wow, how did I get so lucky?"
"I am unbelievably blessed to have you in my life my darling. You're not like anyone else I've known, you are so much more..." Miranda whispered breathlessly as they reached the bedroom.
xxxxxxxxxx
They were back in bed, cuddled side by side in companionable silence. Looking at the older woman Andy shifted slightly and pulled a ream of papers from the back of her journal. "Here." She whispered nervously. "My other sketches."
Miranda scanned through many of the sketches a small smile gracing her face until she came to an evening gown that captured her attention. Her eyes widened. "Describe this to me?" Miranda asked softly.
"It's a floor length column gown. It would be highly suitable for a petite woman." Andy smiled softly. "It is sleeveless with an illusion bateau neckline bodice enforced by the pleated empire waist," Andy told her.
"And what material would you use and colour?" Miranda asked.
"I believe it would work with either chiffon or charmeuse in navy blue or black."
Miranda smiled. "I would wear this dress."
"I sketched it with you in mind," Andy admitted shyly. "All the evening gowns I have sketched have the women of Runway in mind. This one was done for Serena." She pulled out a sketch and pointed to a floor-length halter sheath dress. "It would be in red lace. And this for Emily in emerald green chiffon and lace. Both would have beading incorporated." She found and showed her a sketch of an empire scoop neck floor-length ruffled dress.
"These are exceptional. What prompted them?" Miranda asked her.
"I missed Runway, the general hustle and bustle, watching designs come to life from the initial sketches and then to the preview and then to what you see on the catwalk. And I can draw, so I thought to myself why not? I never expected them to see the light of day." Andy explained.
"Which one would you wear?" Miranda asked.
Andy looked through her sketches and showed Miranda an A-Line Princess off-the-shoulder asymmetrical dress. "I love this one. it would be layered organza." She held out a different sketch of an A-Line Princess scoop neck Floor-Length dress with a split front. "Or this one which would be made from chiffon and lace. They would be in either purple or burgundy"
"You have thought about the colours, the materials and the shape of the women wearing them. All very acceptable and they would be extremely flattering. You have an eye for this." Miranda told her. "I want you to let me bring these to life my darling."
"No, please Miranda. I have no interest in designing clothes for a living." Andy told her hesitantly. "It's fun to draw them, but the rest...well I really have no idea."
"That's what a tailor or dressmaker is for." Miranda grinned. "Please let me have them made." She asked breathlessly.
Looking into the pleading blue eyes she couldn't resist. "Okay. You can have those sketches, have the dresses made but I have a few conditions. I do not want to see them or hear about them until they're finished and I don't want anyone to know they're mine." Andy told her.
"Acceptable." Miranda exhaled happily as she moved the sketches onto her bedside table and snuggled into Andy further placing a soft kiss on the brunette's lips Andy deepened the kiss pulling Miranda closer before pulling away and giving Miranda a wide beautiful smile. As she settled back onto Andy's shoulder there was a tap on the door. "Come in, Bobbsey's," Miranda called out.
The twins barrelled into the room looking sleep-tousled, their hair in wild curls. Jumping onto the bed Cassidy settled herself against Andy, who pulled her in for a hug, as Caroline walked over hesitantly. She waited for Miranda to pull the covers up and pat the space by her side. Smiling Caroline pushed herself into the bed and snuggled up with Miranda. "Merry Christmas." They said simultaneously. The two women returned their greeting enthusiastically.
Cassidy settled in laying her head on Andy's stomach. "You make a good pillow Andy. You're all warm and soft." She muttered happily.
Snorting out a laugh Andy poked the young girl in her tummy. "Gee, thanks." She chuckled as Cassidy squealed and bounced away almost toppling off the bed,
Caroline looked at Miranda grinning. "Are you sure Cass and I are related, mom? With her behaviour, she could have been Andy's." Caroline smirked.
Miranda sniggered. "I was just thinking the same Bobbsey, they're both incorrigible."
Andy looked over at Caroline and Miranda and smiled widely. "She's my doppelgänger. She doesn't look a thing like me, luckily for her she's like her beautiful mother, but behaviourally she's all me." Andy smiled across at Cassidy.
"Well, there are worse things that could happen than her being exactly like you my darling. However, a little restraint wouldn't go amiss." Miranda quipped.
Andy raised her brow. "Yes, Miranda." She smirked and inched away.
"What on Earth are you doing?" Miranda queried confused.
"I'm giving myself the space required to have a little restraint." Andy quipped.
"Don't you move one more inch, my darling," Miranda warned her with a smile.
Andy returned the smile before pulling Cassidy over her and between her and Miranda. "There we are," Andy said happily as Miranda scowled at her.
Cassidy giggled as Caroline crawled over her mom and settled in between them. "Will you show us your drawings, Andy?" Cassidy asked quietly.
"Sure," Andy said happily. Pulling her portraits back out of her journal she handed them to Cassidy as Caroline watched her flip through them intently.
"Whoa, that one of Nigel is brilliant," Cassidy mumbled causing both Andy and Miranda to smile.
"I'm surprised mom has let you keep the one of us," Caroline told her smiling.
"She hasn't. I'm having it framed..." Andy told them. "It'll go in her office. It means I'll have to do another one." She grinned.
"I'll probably claim that one too," Miranda admitted with a bright smile as she cuddled into her daughter's side.
"When can we go down?" Cassidy asked.
"Well you climbed into bed with us, we would have been up and unwrapping gifts by now if you hadn't used me as a pillow Cass," Andy told the young girl mischievously.
Seeing the twinkle in the brunette's eye Cassidy smiled. "I like seeing you here with Mom. It just seems...I don't know...normal. It's obvious you love her, and you didn't tell me off for coming in here and jumping on you, you pulled me close and let me lie on you. It made me happy." She explained.
Andy teared up at the young girl's words. "Why would I tell you off? You knocked politely and your mom invited you in. This is where your mom is, don't be scared that because I'm here, you cannot do whatever you would usually do."
Caroline spoke. "Well we don't usually knock if Mom's on her own but we know adults need time together, Stephen told us that. It's nice having you here with us, you're not planning on leaving us again, are you? You haven't unpacked."
"No, I'm not going anywhere Caro and you are welcome in here with us anytime, your mom may have different rules," Andy told her.
"Well if we don't want company the door will be locked girls," Miranda told them with a gentle smile.
As Andy wiped her eyes Cassidy's eyes focused on Andy's hand. "What's that?" Cassidy asked pointing to her new ring.
"A Christmas present," Andy muttered nervously.
"But it's on your ring finger," Caroline stated. "Are you two getting married?"
"No" Andy sputtered as Miranda declared. "Yes."
"One day." They both said together and grinned.
The twins smiled at each other before Cassidy wrapped her arms around Andy. "Does that mean I can call you mom now?"
"Well, that would get confusing quickly." Andy giggled.
"Yeah, mom's either mom or mommy." Caroline smiled. "You could be Ma or Mama. Or we could just name you bonus-mom."
"Or Ohm, short for other mother." Cassidy grinned cheekily.
Andy laughed. "No, no. Andy's fine. Now up with you. I promised your mom breakfast and coffee."
"Yes!" Cassidy handed the pictures to Caroline as she jumped off the bed and grabbed Andy's hand in an attempt to drag her from the bed. "Pancakes or waffles?" She asked as she tugged.
"Whichever you all prefer. You've already had my waffles, I can do pancakes too." Andy told her. "And I made a decent omelette."
"Oooh decisions, decisions." Caroline uttered sarcastically as she lay wrapped around Miranda.
Andy grinned and got out of bed. "C'mon my loves, there's food to prepare and presents to unwrap."
Miranda smiled up at Andy. Taking the drawings she leaned over and placed them on her bedside table. Untangling Caroline's arms from around her waist she said. "Come on Bobbsey. It's time to go downstairs now."
Caroline looked at Miranda and pulled her into a fierce hug. "We love you, mom. All we want is for you to be happy."
"I am. I have you and your sister and now I have my Andréa. I love you all very much." Miranda told her young daughter with a smile.
Caroline got out of bed and held her hand out to Andy hesitantly while looking down. Squatting to be at eye level with the young girl she spoke softly. "Caro honey, look at me." At the raising of blue eyes, so much like her mother's, Andy entwined their hands. "Don't be worried about asking anything from me. If you need a hug or want to hold my hand I am here. If you are scared, then I will chase away your fears. I am not just here for your mom but for you and Cass too. Trust me."
"Do you love Cass more than me?" Caroline asked.
"No honey. Why would you think that?"
"Well, she's so much like you. She's lively and artistic whereas I'm..."
"You are perfect the way you are Caroline." Andy interrupted. "Never doubt that. You are beautiful and so crazy smart it blows my mind. You are so much like your mom." Andy smiled and pulled the young girl into a hug.
Caroline wrapped her arms around Andy's neck. Picking her up she held her free hand out to Cassidy. "Come on Cass. I'll need my imps to help make breakfast worthy of my Queen and two Princesses."
Smiling cheerfully Cassidy took her hand and led them out of the bedroom.
xxxxxxxxxx
Breakfast saw the four of them sat in their pyjamas around the breakfast bar. Miranda was picking at a chocolate chip pancake delicately, having already eaten an omelette filled with mushroom, spinach and cheese. Andy was telling them about the chocolate banana pancakes her Grandma used to make for her and her sister on summer vacations.
"Can you make them for us?" Caroline asked.
"I can try it, the banana has to be well and truly ripe though, so you would have to leave me at least one my little monkey." Andy grinned at Caroline knowing she was the fruit lover of the pair, banana's being a particular favourite. Getting up from her seat and cleared the table as Caroline and Cassidy talked among themselves. Walking over to the coffee machine she poured another two cups and handed one to Miranda. "Are you okay?" She asked quietly. Seeing a small smile grace Miranda's face she waited for a response.
"I can't quite believe how fortunate I am, after everything," Miranda told her. "You came home to us, you somehow love us, you've agreed to a future with us. It feels like all this is too good to be true, and I'm just waiting to wake up from this dream. I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop."
"It's no dream, my love, this is real. This is part of your journey, a new adventure. You haven't lost time or wasted opportunities because what you have experienced, including all the pain, has been exactly what has brought you to today." Andy smiled softly. "Come on, the girls have been patient enough to wait for breakfast, let's see what Santa Mom has brought them." Andy grinned down at the editor as Miranda stood and pulled her into a brief hug.
Making their way up to the living room coffee in hand Andy marvelled at the twin's enthusiasm and energy. Sitting on the sofa she sat back with her coffee and watched the twin's unwrapping gifts with abandon. Exclaiming over the games and books received, they had received clothes, accessories and new beauty products. They both had a new Apple iPod Nano and Nintendo DS, Cassidy had received a digital SLR Camera and Caroline a Kindle.
They came across Andy's presents and grinned at each other. Opening these gifts gently they found they had multiple gifts from each country Andy had visited. They both had a Rajasthani puppet and a wire replica of a Rickshaw from India. Andy told them softly about how she found the Rickshaws outside Raj Ghat, the Gandhi Memorial, and how her transaction with the street vendor was overseen by a nearby group of street monkeys. From Nepal she had brought Cassidy a Handmade singing bowl and Caroline had an ornate Prayer Wheel. From Thailand they each had a sky lantern known as a khom loi and she had hand-carved soaps made in their favourite colours. The last gifts found the twin's opening a jewellery box each. Cassidy's held a silver bracelet with a greenstone heart, Caroline's was a silver necklace with the same heart.
"The silver came from Nepal, the charm from New Zealand. The Māori's call this stone Ponamu, it's Mountain Jade. It's all handcrafted." Andy explained.
As the twins hugged Andy and expressed their delight Miranda looked at her in disbelief. "You were in New Zealand? You didn't mention it." She said.
Andy nodded. "I made my way there after Thailand. It's a beautiful country, I was there for almost a week before I came home."
"I want to hear more about your travels, I think you missed out far too much in the letters and emails." Miranda requested softly.
Andy smiled gently at her and whispered. "You'll come to know it all."
The twins looked at the two women. "There's still presents under the tree. They are for you mom."
Miranda looked at Andy who grinned sheepishly. "Open then my love. It's not much but..."
"I didn't expect anything." Miranda was subdued, having seen the care Andy had taken with the gifts for the twins she knew a lot of thought and attention would have gone into gifts for her.
Cassidy and Caroline picked up the four gift-wrapped presents and placed them gently in front of their mom. Leaning forward she pulled a large square package towards her. Opening gently she found an ornate hand carved Sandalwood box.
"The box was made in India. Open it." Andy told her.
Opening the box she lifted out a blue and white Thai silk scarf with a butterfly motif.
"It's a Jim Thompson." She was amazed.
Andy grinned. "I know your signature look is to always have a Hermes scarf incorporated into your outfit but I couldn't go all that way and not get you Thailand's best."
Looking down she saw another Sandalwood carving resting at the bottom of the box. Lifting it out she found an intricate Elephant in full regalia, amazed she turned it in her hands until she spotted a baby elephant at either side, trunks entwined with that of the larger animal. "This is beautiful, so detailed," Miranda said with a smile.
"It reminded me of you and the twins," Andy told her gently.
"How so?" Miranda was curious.
"Elephant families have a matriarchal head. Basically, an older, experienced lady elephant leads the herd. The family usually comprise of a mother, daughters and, when the time comes, their babies, sometimes there are sisters too. Occasionally a non-related elephant joins to form a larger family and strengthen the herd." She points to herself causing the twins to giggle.
Miranda smiled and turned to the next, much smaller gift, and unwrapped it. Seeing a small ring box she gasped.
"This is from Nepal," Andy explained nervously as Miranda opened the gift.
She stared down into the box disbelieving. Inside sat a silver eternity ring with two dragon heads protecting a heart faceted Kyanite gemstone. "It's beautiful." She put it on her ring fingers and looked at it as it sparkled in the sunlight. Opening another small gift Miranda looked down at another jewellery box. This one held silver necklace with a swirling shell pendant of intense blue, purple and green. "Gorgeous," Miranda whispered softly.
"It's a Paua shell, from New Zealand. The symbol is Māori." Andy smiled.
"What does it represent?" Cassidy asked curiously.
"Soulmates," Andy admitted apprehensively.
Miranda's breath caught at the admission and she gave the brunette a breathtaking smile. Pulling the final gift towards her she opened it to find a leather bound journal. "What's this?" She asked
"My journal," Andy told her. "I want you to know what I saw and where I went after I left you in Paris. This seemed the best way to show you. It has an account of everything and it was written just for you." Andy smiled shyly at the look of shock on the editor's face. "I have nothing to hide from you Miranda. This is my way of showing you how much trust I have in us." Standing quickly Miranda stalked from the room.
"What did I do? I didn't mean to make her angry." Andy asked, panic clear in her voice.
"Oh boy." Cassidy grinned. "She's not angry with you, she's overwhelmed by you."
"You should go after her, she'll be on the roof," Caroline advised sagely. "Go give her a hug. They always make me feel better,"
xxxxxxxxxx