A/N: This was 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 read. All mistakes are my own. I want to thank those that continue to provide encouragement by commenting on my fics, each one of them is appreciated and they keep me smiling. Thank You!
Disclaimer: I do not 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.
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Chapter Twenty-Three:
They had spent the day of New Year's Eve quietly, watching movies and playing board games with the twins until late afternoon when Roy arrived to take the twins to a friend's house for a slumber party.
Miranda led Andy up the stairs to their bedroom and they lay together and napped peacefully in each other's arms.
Upon waking up a few hours later, Miranda moved downstairs to make coffee before heading back to the brunette. She found Andy sat up against the headboard, pencil and sketch pad in hand, her brow furrowed in concentration as she drew. Miranda saw it was a rough sketch of the roof space and knew given time the brunette would bring the drawing to life.
Miranda offered Andy the coffee and the pad was closed firmly as she took the mug from Miranda's outstretched hands.
Sitting in companionable silence, they finished their hot drinks before Miranda tugged Andy from the bed and showed her the dresses she believed would be suitable for their evening.
Andy gasped at the sight of the Alberta Ferretti white Grecian Goddess gown, her eyes showing their pleasure immediately. "That one is stunning." She whispered.
Miranda smirked. Nigel had been wrong in his assumption she would choose the Azzaro and would no doubt show his disappointment over the fact he did not know his Six as well as he thought. "You will look stunning, my darling."
They prepared for the night, taking their time to relax. Miranda ran them a bath and got in first, laying back as Andy tied her hair in a messy bun before stepping between her legs and sitting, stretching her legs out as her head fell back onto the older woman's shoulder. "Can't we just stay like this?" Andy asked quietly when Miranda placed a soft kiss on her cheek.
"Is that what you really wish?" Miranda asked. Andy hummed. "If so, that is what we will do." She was happy to do whatever, as long as she was with the woman in her arms.
Andy moaned as Miranda massaged her shoulders and her eyes fell closed. "Mm, it would be a real shame for either of those dresses to go to waste, and I know you have a Valentino gown prepared."
"They will be there for another time." Miranda grinned. "I was looking forward to showing you off though, my darling."
"Showing me off?" Andy spun around quickly. "It is I who will be the envy of all, Miranda. I mean...just...you are you and I am just me..."
Miranda chuckled. "I am aware of who I am and who you are, my darling." She teased. "And I refuse to argue with you about which one of us will generate the most envy."
Andy repositioned herself opposite Miranda, her feet coming to rest over the older woman's hips. She grinned at Miranda's pursed lips. "Tell me about tonight. Why a black and white ball?"
"The famed Black and White Ball was a masquerade ball held in 1966 at the Grand Ballroom of the Plaza Hotel. It was hosted by Truman Capote in honour of Katharine Graham of the Washington Post." Miranda grinned. "A gesture to cheer her up. Capote was at the height of his popularity as an author following the publication of In Cold Blood, but he couldn't very well make himself the guest of honour, it would have been deemed vulgar by the society he coveted a position within."
"And why are they holding a black and white ball tonight?" Andy asked. "It's not like it's a major milestone from the original, which would have been last year."
"The idea had been recreated many times throughout the years, my darling." Miranda licked her lips. "Tonight's soiree has been organised by Elias Clarke Publications, to commemorate another year of growth." Miranda rolled her eyes and Andy knew there was more to it. Raising an eyebrow at the older woman she saw her inhale deeply and closed her eyes. "It is primarily for the fact Runway has been voted the Number One fashion magazine in the U.S for the 20th year running," Miranda admitted quickly. "And I am, for all intents, a guest of honour."
Andy sat up quickly splashing Miranda in her haste. Miranda's eyes blazed open as she swiped bubbles off her lower jaw and neck. She watched as Andy's jaw dropped as she took in that titbit of information.
Andy had no clue of the importance of the night. "And you were willing to miss it? For me? Miranda, no!" She became flustered. "You are Runway. You are the reason for its success over the years."
"Balderdash, my darling. I simply surround myself with extraordinarily talented people." Miranda sighed and gestured airily in Andy's direction causing her to grin. "At least the executives listened, it will not be a masquerade."
"Because God forbid you'd have to cover that iconic hair." Andy teased. Miranda rolled her eyes but grinned back at her. "Tell me there are no stairs at this blasted thing?"
Miranda chuckled. "No, Andréa. I'll be sure to have you in no more than two-inch heels should that ever be the case." She drawled.
"What's it like, making that kind of entrance?" Andy was curious.
Miranda lay back, settling into the warm water and described the moment she descended the staircase leading to the lobby of the Natural History Museum at the first benefit they attended. She admitted a few things that surprised Andy. Miranda knew every pair of eyes were on her, and the fact she could garner such attention still left her amazed, she often marvelled at it, but nothing was more shocking than the awareness of Andy's eyes on her, caressing her. She admitted she spotted Andy almost immediately and had taken pleasure in her appearance, knowing it wasn't the first time she had been overcome by her beauty nor would it be the last.
Andy spoke afterwards of how her eyes had trailed over Miranda as she descended the stairs, focussing on the bare shoulders and deep v of her décolletage in her dark, shimmering Valentino gown. She had found the editor mesmerising, with her hair swept behind her ears and a small smile on her face. Andy claimed she exuded sexiness and a presence that not just anyone could acquire, claiming it had to be something Miranda was born with.
The bath cooled rapidly as they spoke and when Andy shivered they made their way out. Miranda heard Andy's stomach rumble and grinned before advising her that dinner would be provided as part of their night.
Miranda wrapped Andy in a large towel and they started to get ready for the evening. She sat her down at the vanity to assist with her makeup and hair. She smiled softly as she did what she did best, highlighting someone's beauty. This wasn't just anyone though, it was the woman she recognised she would love forever.
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Miranda glanced at herself in the full-length mirror as she adjusted her necklace. For a woman in her early fifties, she still maintained a slim figure and a pleasing countenance that would hopefully complement her beautiful partner.
She had chosen a vintage Valentino multilayered, chiffon and georgette, strapless, empire silhouette gown with a back train. She smoothed the gown over her ribs and adjusted the ruched bra, nodding once. She supposed, upon reflection, she looked acceptable.
Although many would believe she should have concerns over the almost twenty-five years difference in age separating her from Andréa, she would not let her herself consider life without the younger woman. She did not want to imagine life now she'd had a taste of what it could be like.
Fastening her diamond tear-drop earrings into place, she made the decision they would celebrate their first anniversary by travelling to Australia, a country she sensed from Andréa's journal, she wished to explore. She would give the younger woman the world, travelling it by her side.
Glancing one final time. In the mirror, she spotted the focus of her thoughts hovering in the doorway separating the closet from the bedroom. She caught the expressive eyes in the mirror and held them. In those eyes she saw every emotion Andréa felt for her and her heart clenched at the pure love and desire she could see in her eyes.
"Will I do?" Miranda asked. She was not usually one to seek reassurance but there was something about the young woman's eyes trailing over her that left her feeling vulnerable.
"Oh, yes. You look glorious." Andréa's eyes continued to trail over her, taking in the vintage black gown before coming to rest on her lips. "No lipstick yet?" She queried breathlessly
Miranda shook her head and turned to face the brunette. "Not yet, no. There was one thing I wanted to do before I completed my makeup." She took the three steps and cupped her jaw, snaring her lips in a quick kiss.
"If you continue like that, we'll never get out of this room." Andréa's smile was bright. "You look beautiful, my love, truly."
Miranda stepped back and her breath caught in her throat at the sight of the brunette in the blue silk robe she had given her for Christmas, with her flawless smoky eyes and her curls framed her face, she looked heavenly. Her eyes came to rest on the two generous mounds. The robe covered Andréa fully but Miranda knew what lay under the blue silk.
"I'll go pour us some wine," Andréa stated softly. "And then I will get ready."
"Acceptable." Miranda husked, watching as Andréa stepped away.
Looking back in the mirror, she put her lipstick on and took a tissue to blot the excess away. Unable to stop her smile she sashayed from the bedroom and tripped her way quickly down to the kitchen to find Andréa pouring two glasses of wine. Stepping behind the brunette she slipped her hands around her waist before moving them under her robe, pushing aside the thong she was wearing and trailed her fingers over her outer lips.
Andréa gasped and held on to the counter tightly, she was soaking wet. Miranda inserted a finger and started to thrust into her slowly. "I cannot seem to stop wanting you." Miranda breathed in her ear. "I need to have you right now," Andréa responded by leaning against the counter and sticking her ass higher for easier access, teasing Miranda.
"I don't think we have time for this, my love." Andréa whimpered as Miranda added another finger and thrust harder. She pushed herself further onto Miranda's fingers.
"Mm, we will always have time for this." Miranda twisted her hand causing the brunette to whimper as she clenched around her.
"Oh, you...you...I have no self-control with you." Andréa cried. "Oh, God. Mm, harder, pl...please..." She moaned. "I'm com...oh, fuck! I'm coming..." Andréa called out breathlessly as her orgasm crashed over her.
"You are so very beautiful, my darling," Miranda whispered. Pulling her hand away from the brunette, she brought her fingers to her lips and sucked Andréa's essence from them. Closing her eyes, she hummed in pleasure before they blazed open to see Andréa still tensed over the counter. "Now, how about that wine?"
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They sat side by side in the town car, barely moving through busy traffic, with their hands entwined. "Tell me about your last New Year?" Andy asked. "I'd worked for you for a month by then but you hadn't really made that much of an impression."
Miranda frowned. "As usual, the time crept up on me quickly as I pushed the issue toward the print deadline. The twins decided to stay with Gregory for the week. Stephen and I made promises to try to work on our personal relationship while the twins were away." Miranda pursed her lips. "I had an inkling he was being unfaithful but was too fearful of the consequences of raising it with him."
Andy squeezed Miranda's hand. "You don't have to tell me this, Miranda. I don't want to cause you any undue pain."
"It's okay. We will soon be in a new year again, it is a new beginning of sorts." Miranda stated. She thought back to the year before.
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December 31, 2006:
"You promised, Miranda," Stephen whined, the scotch glass trembling in his hand.
"Stephen, it was just one hour, I was needed at a Runway event. I have never hidden how important my work is to me." Miranda brushed her hand through her hair in frustration as she paced the study. She was over having the same tired argument. Why couldn't he understand? When they first entered this relationship he seemed to.
"What about me? I suppose I am just not important enough?" Stephen yelled. His arm shook and the contents of his glass spilt on the hardwood floor.
Miranda covered her eyes and pursed her lips. "Maybe if you hadn't spent the last week drowning yourself in alcohol, I may be more amenable to spending time with you. I may have asked you to escort me tonight rather than you showing up, pissed as a newt and making a fool of us both." Miranda let her frustration get the better of her. "You are just like your father, Stephen, a foolish, drunken bore." As soon as the words left her mouth she regretted them, knowing they would sting, but there was no taking them back.
Stephen shook his head and laughed darkly. She had just thrown his deepest fear at him. Knocking his drink back, he gulped the amber liquid until the glass was empty then threw it against the wall. "Fuck you, Miranda. Fuck Runway and all that is precious to you. Which obviously doesn't include me."
"Stephen, I..." The apology wouldn't come no matter how much she willed it to escape from her lips.
Stephen staggered from the room and thundered up the stairs. She heard the guest bedroom door slam and winced. She was aware that he would rage within the four familiar walls with his hidden bottle of Johnnie Walker until he passed out.
Moving to the kitchen, she pulled a bottle of wine from the cooler and poured herself a glass, she supposed she could use the time to work, there was always so much work to do. She hoped both Emily's were prepared for the coming year. It was imperative, with Irv moving to replace her, for it to run smoothly.
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Andy listened as Miranda spoke, stunned by the raw honesty of her words as she described what had occurred the year before. She listened as Miranda explained that she always struggled with the festive season, fighting against the ennui of the season.
Regardless of how truly blessed Miranda knew she was, how lucky she was to have her children, enjoy good health, to be doing what she loved for a living and having freedom and flexibility very few enjoyed, the holiday period always made her feel sad and alone. It was the one time she missed her family, all gone except for a sister who resented her success. She reflected on the past, sometimes lamenting about another year passing by too quickly. She considered all she hoped to achieve and didn't.
The period in the run-up to Christmas this year had seen her ruminating over her failed marriage and pending divorce, slightly concerned about facing 2008 as a single mom and wondering if she could ever persuade incentive enough for Andy to come home to her.
"But you did come home, for me and our girls, you have made me happier than I could ever possibly have imagined," Miranda smiled as she finished speaking. "Now, tell me, what did you do, before me, to see in the New Year?"
Andy grinned. "I usually stay home, eat ice cream in my pyjamas and watch the ball drop on TV, but last year was different."
"How?" Miranda was curious.
"Nate was working, Lily was on a date with her stud of the month and so Doug and I got drunk on boxed wine at his small loft and sang on his home karaoke machine. I was wearing your favourite jumper and a pair of Levi's, jumping barefoot on his sofa as the clock struck midnight." Andy giggled and started singing softly.
"I'm too sexy for my shirt
Too sexy for my shirt
So sexy it hurts
And I'm too sexy for Milan
Too sexy for Milan
New York, and Japan."
Miranda's laughter rang out and Andy found it infectious. "Ridiculous." She breathed through her laughter. "I suppose it could be worse. It could have been that preposterous Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie song."
"It was a good night," Andy admitted, chuckling at her memories.
"You miss him," Miranda stated. "And you still cherish the memories, savouring the highs in life. It is a good trait, a positive. It will be beneficial for our girls to see it." She looked at Andy. "Our children will learn much from you, I am grateful for that, for you."
"They will learn much from you, too," Andy reassured her. "They will learn to be strong and independent, and they will carry your beauty into the world. Thank you for giving me a chance to be a part of your lives."
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Miranda looked across the room at her lover, who was laughing loudly with Nigel and Charles Elias. They had enjoyed dinner and her Andréa had garnered much attention but seemed oblivious to it. She watched as the young woman charmed everyone she spoke to and noticed she was at her most confident and comfortable around those she knew, including Diane, Amy, Charles, Tom and all those from Runway attending the ball.
Andréa's dark, shining curls, bounced as she nodded at whatever Charles's wife, Ellen, was telling and Miranda smiled softly. Miranda concentrated on the inane chatter of the Auto Universe editor as he expounded on his love of the Aston Martin DB9, a car she made the mistake of saying she considered buying over her Porsche.
Her attention was taken away from the conversation and she felt a jolt of pure rage upon spotting some unknown young man snaking his arms around her Andréa's waist and pulling her off her feet.
Andréa's squeal showed her shock and she spun around with her fists clenched as she was put back on her feet. "You stupid...Doug? What are you doing here?"
Miranda released a breath and excused herself. If the young man reacted badly to Andréa she wanted to offer her support. Moving quickly her hand came to rest on the brunette's lower back as she stepped to her side and she was treated to a wide grin.
The young man, Douglas, offered them both a smile. Miranda shook her head, those beaming smiles must be a product of the Midwest or something. She looked the young man up and down and he stepped back quickly, straightening his bow-tie self-consciously.
"Um, I start work in the accounts department next week. My new boss invited me, to introduce me around and..." Douglas looked at the small group surrounding them. "...well, I saw you at the head table at dinner and...well, I wanted to say hello...Hello, Andy." He ended lamely.
Miranda rolled her eyes but her lips twitched in amusement. "That was some hello." She muttered.
She watched Andréa closely as she closed her eyes and clearly counted to ten. Andréa's eyes opened and her arm snaked around her waist, pulling her close. "Miranda, this is my old friend, Douglas Campbell." She licked her lips nervously. "Doug, this is Miranda Priestly, my..." She trailed off. They had never officially put a label on what they were.
"Future wife." Miranda clarified. "Although it is not official, yet." She couldn't stop herself from winking at the young woman in her arms. "But one day, she'll make an honest woman of me, I'm sure. Andréa agreed to wear her promise always." Her finger ran over the eternity band on Andréa's finger. "For now, if we must label this, then I suppose partner will simply have to suffice."
"Yeah, that..." Andréa grinned.
Miranda stepped from Andréa's embrace and stepped away to join in with the conversation between Charles and Ellen Elias and Nigel, while half-listening to the conversation between the two former friends.
"Long time no see, Andy. How's life been treating you?" Douglas asked.
Miranda couldn't help the roll of her eyes at the awkwardness. She caught sight of the brunette's frown as she answered. "Good, um, hectic. I start work again on the first of February. Some amendments to my contract were approved and my start date was confirmed just a few moments ago."
A sense of pride washed over Miranda and she caught her loves eyes. "Well done." She mouthed silently.
"Thank you." Andréa's smile at her was blinding and she felt an immense sense of joy.
"I'm glad to hear you're doing well. Sorry that we...you know...um, lost contact and everything." Douglas stammered "I realise I'm not...you weren't at fault, Andy...the three of us, we didn't support you and we should have. I heard what happened at the park...I want to make it up to you if you allow..." The young man grew more flustered. "...aren't you going to say anything?"
"And miss you stammering like a nincompoop? Not a chance Dougie." Andréa's tone was teasing and Miranda bit back a smile. "However, if you think I'm going to make this easy on you, you have another thing coming. You're on babysitting duty, and soon." Miranda snorted out a bark of laughter that had everyone looking at her, she was certain her Bobbsey's would make the young man rue the day he offered to make it up to their Bonus Mom. "And as you know from previous conversations, my impish daughters are full of mischief."
The emphasis on the title provided for her Bobbsey's had Miranda's smile widening and Nigel caught her eyes. "Her imps?" He leaned in and whispered.
"She's adopting them." Miranda breathed. "The paperwork is ready to be lodged in the New Year."
"Yo...your daughters?" Douglas whispered. "You're serious, aren't you?"
"Deadly." Andréa countered. "Come, have a drink with me. I can fill you in, that is unless you have a problem with this?" Her tone was firm, she would not accept him back in her life if he had an issue with hers.
"Uh, no. No problem at all." Douglas seemed honest as he looked over at her and met her eyes directly. His own green eyes expressed his awe as well as his acceptance. She nodded once at him and he seemed to breathe easier.
Miranda watched them head to the bar with Andréa grabbing two glasses of champagne from a passing waiter. She focussed her attention back onto her companions but couldn't stop herself from stealing glances at the brunette and her friend.
Charles and Ellen excused themselves and moved away to mingle while Nigel followed Miranda's gaze to where she was watching Andréa show Douglas some photos on her cell.
"I do hope you will introduce me to that young whippersnapper," Nigel smirked as Miranda rolled her eyes. "He's quite handsome in a clean-cut Midwestern way."
"I will introduce you if all is well, you will not chew him up and spit him out though." Miranda wagged a finger at him.
"Aw, where's the fun in that. You are such a spoilsport, Priestly." Nigel teased as he sipped at his glass of champagne. Miranda swatted his arm causing him to sputter. Their laughter filtered through the room as they both laughed happily.
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Andy finished talking to Doug and they made plans to catch up before Serena stepped up and pulled her off to a corner. Serena spoke quietly about her progress with Emily. Although no specifics were provided, thankfully, Andy learned that Emily had softened enough to let Serena kiss her goodbye as she dropped her home after a light supper the evening before. Serena was absolutely delighted by the encounter, hoping to revisit it soon.
Andy felt Miranda step beside her and saw Emily take two further steps to stand beside Serena. She had to admit they would make a striking couple if Emily unbent enough to allow it. She realised Emily was wearing one of the dresses she had picked up in Paris and offered her a wide smile. "You look great, Em. I had a feeling that Westwood would look amazing on you."
"You...At least I didn't have to take this one in." Andy could see that Emily tried biting back the bitchy comment and it was only her continuing to speak that stopped Miranda expressing her ire as she bristled beside her. "It was exactly my size," Emily muttered. Realisation dawned on the redhead and she caught Andy's eyes. "You picked up various things tailored specifically for me?" She swallowed hard. "After I was such a bitch to you? Why?"
"Because Paris was your dream," Andy explained gently. "And in part, I dashed it, although being hit by a cab didn't help." She looked towards Miranda and saw the gentle knowledge the Editor still believed she had made the right choice in taking her to Paris over Emily.
Andy looked down to see Miranda extending her hand. "Come, dance with me, my darling" Miranda asked. Andy caught the opening strains of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Can't Take My Eyes off You.
"Really?" Andy queried breathlessly. Miranda rolled her eyes. "I know, I know. You don't say or do things you do not mean." Andy smiled. "Okay, but I can't promise I won't step on your toes."
The dance floor already held numerous people, swaying to the music the D.J played. Miranda pulled her hand and dragged her on the dance floor, moving through a maze of people before she turned around and threw her arms around Andy's neck and started to dance. Andy held on to Miranda's waist, glancing down into the older woman's eyes she became enraptured by the love she found in the depth of blue.
When happy, Miranda's eyes were the bluest she had ever seen. Tearing her eyes away she continued to let her own roam over Miranda's features, once again amazed by such beauty. Her eyes fell on Miranda's lips, which seemed to beg to be kissed. She wanted to feel those lips on her, floating over her skin.
Miranda's subtle cough caused Andy's eyes to snap again to hers. She saw the editor's smirk. "The music and dancing will ramp up in the lead up to the countdown, but I insisted on some oldies and Motown, music one can dance to," Miranda explained. Andy nodded and smiled and they finished the dance in silence. When it was over, Andy was loath to let her go. Miranda sensing it, kept a grip on the brunette." One more." She whispered as Dobie Grey's Drift Away played.
They danced around the ballroom, lost in their own thoughts. Both thinking about the year ahead and the changes that would come and in many ways grateful for the year that had passed.
As the song ended, Miranda extracted herself gently and saw Andy's pout. "My darling. I need the restroom." She led Andy from the dance floor and deposited her by the bar. Leaning up she kissed Andy's cheek and whispered in her ear. "Give me a few minutes and then come find me."
Andy's eyes widened as Miranda tapped her foot, waiting for a response. Andy nodded quickly. "Yes, of course, my love."
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She caught Andréa's eyes as she washed her hands at the vanity and watched as she slipped the lock on the door into place. Miranda turned and stepped into Andréa's embrace, her nose nuzzling at the crook of her neck as she inhaled. Lifting her head her lips brushed against Andréa's, and their passion increase as their tongues touched and began to duel for dominance.
Andréa's hands tangled into her hair, gently tugging her head back to trail her lips down the column of on her neck. Her fingers swept along her scalp as her mouth migrated from the hollow of her neck to her the rise of her breasts enhanced by the sweetheart neckline of the ruched bodice.
Her soft moans seemed to urge Andréa on. She moved gracefully onto her knees and gently pushed Miranda's gown up over her hips. Looking up into her eyes, Andréa spread her legs with her warm hands. She shuddered as the young woman hummed as she inhaled deeply, before exhaling a warm air over the drenched silk covering her.
Pushing her thong aside, Andréa's tongue slid slowly against her clitoris and Miranda moaned deep in her throat as she continued to tease her with her tongue. Miranda's whole body trembled as waves of pleasure crested over her and her climax built and until she shuddered violently against Andréa's lips.
Giving herself a few moments to recover, Miranda eventually looked down to where Andréa's forehead rested against her stomach. Miranda's hands were running unconsciously through Andréa's hair soothingly.
She knew she had made the right decision to allow Andréa into her life but they had taken a risk by being intimate in such a public setting, a risk that was both exciting and awe-inspiring. Miranda had never contemplated needing someone with such intensity, but dancing with the brunette and seeing the love and desire in her eyes had left her feeling invincible.
Helping Andréa up onto her feet, Miranda snared her full lips in a scorching kiss, loving the mix of flavours. She tasted herself, the champagne they had sipped and Andréa's usual intoxicating flavour.
"We should go out there." Miranda husked. "It's just an hour until midnight."
"Okay," Andréa responded lightly. "I just need to clean up and..."
"Good idea, my darling." Miranda reapplied her lipstick and viewed herself in the mirror. Smoothing down her hair, she pulled her dress down, letting it settle at her feet and nodded. She looked at the brunette and saw her reapplying her own lipstick and brushing her hand down her own gown. "You are perfect, Andréa. Are you ready?"
"Just give me a sec, I'll be right out," Andréa stated.
"Acceptable, I will get us a drink." Miranda stepped on her tiptoes and brushed a kiss against Andréa's cheek before stalking out of the bathroom and heading towards the ballroom.
Hitting the bar, Nigel sidled up to her. "Well, where's Six?"
Miranda shrugged. "I'm sure she's around somewhere."
Nigel leaned in. "You may want to move the trail of lipstick on your neck." He stroked the hollow of his own throat and Miranda felt herself blush.
She grabbed a napkin and dabbed at her throat. "Will you do me a favour, my friend?" Miranda asked. Seeing the man nod she pushed herself closer into his space and told him what she wanted from him. His loud laughter rang out through the room.
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Andy walked from the bathroom to find a queue forming. Looking away, she spotted Serena heading towards her, a large smile gracing her face.
"Querida, come, dance with me." Serena beamed when Andy started to shake her head. "Miranda won't mind, Andy. When I came to find you she was cutting the floor with Nigel and then Tom Clarke cut in, there seems to be a queue of men waiting for a dance."
Andy couldn't stop her own smile, this she had to see. Nodding her agreement she offered her arm to the tall Brazilian and they moved back to the ballroom.
As they stepped onto the dance floor, Diane let go of Amy and tapped Tom on his shoulder. They switched dance partners and Miranda was twirled around the dance floor by the beautiful businesswoman as Amy and Tom laughed.
Serena and Andy joined the throng and cut their way through the other dancers and Andy was aware of them passing Miranda and Diane when suddenly Amy cut loose from Emily and extended her arm to Andy.
Pulling Andy close, Amy whispered in her ear. "Your future wife was giving Serena her death glare. No wonder her minions are so fearful."
Andy giggled. "Aren't you fearful?" She asked.
"Oh no, honey. My Diane is for me, what Miranda is to you. My world." Amy spoke softly, a small, beautiful smile formed on her face at the thought of her wife. "That photo of her with you was shocking, but I am not the jealous type and I trust my wife."
"You're a lucky woman, Amy," Andy stated.
"That luck goes both ways, and I believe, more than anything, you and Miranda will continue to build an unbreakable bond." Amy smiled at someone over her shoulder and the air crackled as Andy felt the tap on her shoulder.
Spinning around, Andy met the gentle eyes of Diane and looked over her shoulder at Miranda. She stepped to the side and let Diane sweep her wife away as she stepped back into Miranda's arms.
The music thrummed through their bodies as they moved against each other on the dance floor. Andy decided it had been the most perfect night.
They danced in silence until the D.J announced they were only minutes from the countdown. "Five minutes until the New Year everybody!" The DJ announced.
Some of the crowd cheered and the music was cranked even louder. Miranda and Andy paused, their eyes meeting. People around them also stopped dancing as servers weaved their way through the crowds offering drinks to those who wanted them.
Looking around, Andy saw her friends and colleagues pairing off. Serena had her long arms wrapped around Emily's slight waist, Diane and Amy were laughing together and follow following their eyes, and her own landed on Nigel and Doug who were making out in a secluded corner. She nudged Miranda and waved in the direction of her two friends. "Well, would you just look at that?" Andy breathed.
"It seems my introduction is not remotely necessary." Miranda chuckled throatily.
The music was lowered and the voice of the DJ could be heard clearly across the ballroom as he started to count down with the crowd. "10, 9, 8..."
It seemed the world stopped as Andy looked into Miranda's eyes and they moved closer to each other.
"... 7, 6, 5..."
Andy brushed her fingers through the front of Miranda's hair and offered her a megawatt smile.
"...4, 3, 2..."
Miranda smiled up at her, taking Andy's breath away as their fingers entwined.
"...1..."
Their lips joined and Miranda's free hand came to entangle itself in Andy's hair as they kissed. Their tongues dancing around each other.
"...Happy New Year..." The D.J hollered across the room.
A few moments passed as Auld Lang Syne played before they broke away from each other. "Mm, Andréa, my darling." Miranda breathed, looking up into her eyes again. "I want to ask you again, and if your answer is what it was at Christmas, I will wait until you are ready..." She trailed off, and let the younger woman see the hope in her eyes. "...Marry me?"
Andy saw her past, present and future in the depth of Miranda's blue eyes and could no longer think of one good reason not to give the older woman what she asked for and, if Andy was honest with herself, what she also wanted. Cupping Miranda's face in both palms, Andy shook her head and offered her a wide smile. "Sweetheart, this is the beginning of anything you want. You're on, I will marry you."
Andy let herself reflect on the final words of her journal for Miranda.
12/22/2007 - New York
Dear Miranda,
I watched you cross the busy restaurant, with your eyes flashing such an array of emotion at my presence and in the moment you met my gaze, I felt so much hope.
In your eyes, I found my peace.
In your arms, I found my home.
I love you, Miranda.
Always x
Miranda's eyes blazed with satisfaction before she snared Andy's lips in a gentle kiss. "You are my happy new year." She whispered. "My happily ever after."
FIN