Chapter Six

The Runway offices were buzzing with excitement as the team prepared for the upcoming Milan Fashion Week. This year, Elias Clarke was hosting the closing party, so there were a million extra preparations, all of which Emily was handling brilliantly.

Miranda realized she would soon be facing the prospect of having two entirely new assistants—about the same time she would have two newborns at home. That was certainly not an ideal situation, so she made note to discuss this with Andrea later. After the she got through this day.

This morning was the semi-annual meeting of the Elias Clarke board of directors. The March meeting always includes the editors of all the various EC publications, while the October meeting includes the heads of finance. Today, Miranda was dressed to kill in a pencil skirt, a low-cut blouse displaying her swelling bosom, and tuxedo-cut blazer. From the front, it was nearly impossible to tell Miranda was pregnant because of the way the blouse was tucked in, although there was no mistaking her profile when she turned.

"Andrea?" Miranda called.

She quickly jumped from her chair and hurried into the office, walking in just as Miranda was swapping her 2" wedges for a pair of 6" Prada patent pumps.

"Wow," Andrea said.

Miranda looked up. "Excuse me?"

"I said wow. You look incredible right now."

Miranda grinned. "None of them have seen me since before Christmas. I need to work the sympathy vote today."

"You mean, they don't even know you're pregnant? But surely, the photos from a few weeks back—?"

"No, I don't think so. Everyone thinks it's a doctored photo because of Nigel," she said. "Isn't that funny? Who would have thought all I needed to do to hide my pregnancy for a few months was to be photographed with a middle-aged gay man."

"Well, good luck today. Anything I can do?"

"Help Emily. She's overwhelmed with that damn party in Milan on the 28th. She won't ask for help, so you need to step in."

"Got it. Will do."

"I want to get up there before everyone else," she said, standing to her feet. "That way, they won't really see me until the meeting's over, or probably until I need to get up and pee." She grabbed her portfolio, her cell phone, and a bottle of Fiji water. "Are you sure this looks okay?"

"Emily!" Andrea called. "Serena, you too."

They both came running in. "Yes?"

Andrea pointed to Miranda. "Tell her she looks good in that outfit."

"She's right, you do," Serena said. "It accentuates your glow."

Miranda practically blushed. "Thank you, Serena," she said.

"You look amazing, Miranda. Really, that blouse is, well, perfect, and I would have never thought that a pencil skirt could look so, so—"

Miranda smiled and walked past her. "Watch your mouth, Emily. I hear Brazilians can be quite possessive," she said, walking out to the elevators.

Emily and Serena were left speechless, and all Andrea could do was laugh.

"Does she know?" Emily asked.

"Miranda has a way of knowing everything, Em," Andrea said.

"Bloody hell! You don't think she'd fire me or anything, do you?"

"No, I wouldn't worry. She's got a lot to deal with right now. Your love life is low on her list of priorities," Andrea reassured. "In fact, give me Nigel's schedule for Milan. I'll figure it out while you focus on the party."

Emily's eyes widened. "A-are you sure?"

"Yes, Em. Just don't get hit by a cab in the next three weeks, okay? I don't want to go to Milan."

Emily smiled before painting on her haughty exterior. "Really, Andrea, I don't know what you're talking about," she said.

Three hours had passed and Miranda still wasn't back from her meeting. Andrea sent a quick text message asking if she was okay, and Miranda replied with a simple "yes." At least there was that.

After making a few phone calls to security and Irv's assistant, Andrea learned that they had a catered lunch delivered just over an hour ago. Just when Andrea was about to send another message, the elevator dinged and Miranda and Irv stepped off.

Before she could even begin to speculate why on earth Miranda was sharing an elevator with him, Miranda led Irv straight into her office.

"Make yourself comfortable," she said. "Andrea, some green tea for Irv and my lemon ginger water when you get a second," she said.

Andrea nodded and headed to the kitchen to prepare Miranda's water: a glass of Pellegrino with one thin slice of lemon and a disc of fresh ginger. For Irv, she dipped a teabag in hot water, in Miranda's least favorite Oscar de la Renta tea cup. When she entered the office, she was surprised to see Miranda sitting on the sofa. Irv had pulled one of the armchairs closer, and from what she could hear when she brought in the drinks, it sounded like they were talking about Miranda's pregnancy.

Andrea closed the door on her way out—not because Miranda asked her to, but because she didn't want to hear Miranda's fake laugh all afternoon. Instead, she focused on Nigel's schedule for Milan.

"Andy, what will you do while we are in Milan?" Serena asked.

"Oh, I'll just answer the phones and what not. It will be nice and quiet."

"Do you know if Miranda is taking the girls anywhere?" Emily asked.

"No, why?"

"Well, it's their spring break. They were supposed to go up to Boston, but I thought with Miranda staying home, she would do something else with them," Emily said.

"Maybe. I don't really know."

"I thought you said you were friends with her, no?"

"She's my mentor. She's helping me find a job. We don't talk about things like what she's doing with the girls for Spring Break," Andrea said. "Do you know if Nigel has any other meetings scheduled?" She needed to change the subject.

"Not sure. Ask him."

After work that day, Andrea had Roy drive her to the townhouse. It was practically a ritual: book, dry-cleaning, or empty-handed, Andrea always stopped at Miranda's on her way home from work.

"Hello?" Andrea called out as she set her bag down. The house was unusually quiet.

"Hey Andy, we're in here," Cassidy called from the kitchen.

She walked into the kitchen and saw the girls doing their homework at the breakfast bar. "Where's your mom?"

"She said she wanted to rest for a while."

"Is she okay?"

"Yeah, I think so. She was trying to lay on the couch, but said she was stiff. So she did some stretches and stuff and went upstairs."

"Got it. You two okay down here?"

"Yep."

"Okay, I'm going to run up and talk to her. Come get me if you need anything," she said.

She quietly made her way into Miranda's room, not wanting to disturb her if she was sleeping.

"Andrea, is that you?"

"Yes," she said, sitting on the bed next to Miranda. "How are you?"

"Everything hurts," she said. "Can you massage my feet?"

"Sure." Andrea took her rings and watch off, setting them on the dresser. She grabbed a container of whipped argan oil and began massaging it into Miranda's swollen feet.

"Ohh thank god, that feels wonderful," Miranda said. "Those heels were too tight today. I should have never tried to wear them."

Andrea smiled. "Did the meeting go well at least?"

"Yes. Actually, it went perfectly. I didn't have to pee until they brought lunch in, but by that time, everyone was getting up. Felicia saw me first in the bathroom, then when we returned, the others all noticed, too, and they were all very congratulatory."

Andrea continued massaging her feet and ankles. "What did you and Irv talk about for so long?" she asked.

"Everything. He's reassured me that I can take as much time as I need off, and my job will be here when I return."

"What? How did that happen?"

"Mm, don't stop, keep rubbing," Miranda said, flexing her toes. "First, I invited Irv back to my office so we could catch up. I showed him the sonogram and told him I was having twins again, and that my doctor expected them sometime in July. Then, I got teary-eyed and told him how I was alone and didn't have anyone except for Nigel, who would no doubt be busy running the magazine."

"What?"

"I had to earn his sympathy…and it worked like a charm. He told me to call him or his wife if I needed anything. He was very supportive, really. I was surprised. It's been a while since I've had a somewhat normal conversation with that rat."

"Do you really feel alone? Am I not supportive?"

"No, no, no. I need him to think I need his support so that he doesn't replace me while I'm on maternity leave. Darling, you are beyond supportive." Miranda said. "When you texted me earlier to see how I was doing, that was so thoughtful I almost started crying. Come here," she said, patting the bed. She extricated herself from her pillow and curled up against Andrea. "I couldn't do this without you, darling," she said.

"Don't say that," Andrea said. "You're the strongest, most capable woman I know, and I have no doubt that you could manage anything you set your mind to. Can you turn over to your other side?"

Miranda turned and positioned herself against her pillow while Andrea pressed up against her.

"Is this better?" she asked.

"I can't see you, but yes, it's more comfortable," Miranda said.

Andrea wrapped her arm around and rested her hand on Miranda's belly. "What are the girls doing for Break?" Andrea asked quietly.

"Shoot. That's what I was going to do today," Miranda said. "I totally forgot."

"It's the same week as Milan, isn't it?"

"Yes. The girls were already planning on visiting Helen and George, and I don't want to interfere there. But I was wondering if you might want to take a trip with me," Miranda said.

"I thought you couldn't travel—that's why you sent Nigel to Milan."

"No airplanes. Car and train is fine. I was thinking of heading to the Hamptons for the week, just for a change of scenery."

"Isn't your place rented out for the season?"

"No, only through February 28th. Would you want to come?"

"Yes, I'd love to, but, Miranda, I don't know if I have enough time off."

Miranda rolled her eyes. "You took one day off in the entire time I've known you. You're entitled to five paid holidays and four sick days each year."

"Oh, um, won't it look suspicious if we take a vacation together?"

Miranda paused for a moment. "I think it will be fine. Will you come?"

"Okay." Andrea leaned forward and kissed Miranda's cheek. "The girls are probably getting hungry," she said. "I'll go make them some pasta."

"You still owe me a back rub," Miranda said.

"Is it that bad?" she asked with concern.

Miranda shrugged. "I'm sure it's just from sitting in those awful chairs in the conference room all day. I'll take a hot shower tonight. Let's go downstairs, I need to get moving," she said as she climbed from the bed and gently stretched her shoulders.

Andrea stayed over that night. Though she didn't want to admit it, she was a little worried that Miranda was so achy. She wasn't really complaining, but that could be due to the fact that Andrea's hands were massaging and caressing her for the better part of the evening.

As was becoming the norm these days, Miranda woke around two o'clock, needing to use the bathroom. Surprisingly, her bed was empty. She could have sworn Andrea spent the night. She quickly did her business in the bathroom, then pulled on her silk robe and crept out of the bedroom. She began to head downstairs until quiet voices on the staircase caught her attention.

"Cassidy is that you? Bobbsey, what's the matter?" Miranda asked, sitting next to her and Andrea on the step.

"I'm sorry I woke you up, Mom," Cassidy said, wiping the tears from her eyes.

Miranda exchanged a worried glance with Andrea. "Sweetheart, you did not wake me up—not at all. You know mommy has trouble sleeping because of the baby. Why are you crying?"

"I had a nightmare," she said. "You went away so the baby could be born, and you never came back."

Miranda's eyes widened, and Andrea just shrugged. "I told Cass that you weren't going away anywhere, and that even if you had to stay in the hospital, she and her sister could come visit you every day, isn't that right?" Andrea said.

"Yes, baby, of course," Miranda said as she pulled her daughter onto her shrinking lap. "Cassidy, I love you and your sister so much, I could never leave you. Remember when we went to Mexico for Christmas and I wouldn't let you out of my sight? Never, baby."

"But what about Milan and Paris?" she asked. "Sometimes you go away with Uncle Nigel for weeks."

"Not anymore, sweetheart. Uncle Nigel is going to Milan by himself this year. I didn't go when you and your sister were babies—I didn't go until you were almost six years old, did you know that? I didn't want to leave you."

"Why did you change your mind?"

"Well, Mommy and Daddy weren't living together anymore, and we worked out our schedules so that you would be visiting with him or your grandma and grandpa when I went away for work," Miranda said. "And now, when the babies—when this baby's born, I'm going to be spending a lot more time at home." She exchanged glances with Andrea.

"Andy said you are going to take a whole month off work. Is that true?"

Miranda smiled at Andrea. "Yes, sweetheart. It will probably be more like two or three months because the doctors want to make sure that I rest, and that I am healed before I get back into my stilettos."

Cassidy giggled and hugged Miranda tight, then whispered something in her ear.

"Of course, baby, here," Miranda said, taking the girl's small hands and placing them on the left side of her belly. "He or she has been pretty active," she said. "Just hold still."

After a few minutes, Cassidy's eyes lit up. "Was that the baby?"

Miranda smiled and nodded.

"Can I talk to it?"

"Sure, if you want. I don't think the baby's ears are fully developed yet, but they say it can be soothing for them, and that they will react to your voice quicker once they're born," Miranda said.

"Baby brother or sister, I'm your big sister Cassidy, but you can call me Cass. Don't kick mommy too hard in the middle of the night, okay? The doctor said she needs to sleep," Cassidy whispered.

Miranda smiled and kissed her daughter on the forehead. "Thank you, Cassidy, I think that calmed the baby down," she said. "Why don't you let Andrea tuck you back in bed, and I'll see you in the morning."

Once Andrea helped Cass back into bed, she found Miranda still sitting on the stair. She reached out her hand and pulled Miranda to her feet, and they walked in silence back to the bedroom.

"They look up to you," Miranda said as she curled against Andrea. She slipped her hand beneath her nightgown and began stroking her belly. "Did you ever want children?"

"Sure, I did. I knew I didn't want to start a family with Nate, and honestly," she said, "I never really pictured myself as having a traditional family at all. I mean, the thought of a husband just never appealed to me."

"You grew up wanting to be a single mom?" Miranda asked with a smirk.

"No, no. It wasn't like that. I mean, some girls start planning their weddings when they're like twelve. I was never like that. I want kids, but I never really wanted to make a baby with a husband. Sorry. I never thought about the logistics."

"Well," Miranda said softly. "I guess you lucked out with me."

"Miranda, you know I wanted this before I even knew about the babies, right?"

"Mm-hmm. How could I forget New Years, or celebrating my divorce?"

"Why did you really come after me in Paris?" Andrea asked.

"What? I needed you to finish out the day."

"No, you really didn't. Everything was set. Nigel was with you at the last show. Your bags were mostly packed, too. There was something else."

"You were different. You cared, and I could feel it. I don't know how to explain." She reached and took Andrea's hand and placed it on her cheek before kissing her slowly and deeply.

It was Monday, March 24th, and Miranda was exactly eighteen weeks.

"Will we find out the sex today?" Miranda asked the nurse who was taking her blood pressure.

"Hopefully so, if they decide to cooperate," she said. "How are you feeling?"

"Wonderful," she said as she laid back on the table.

"You look great. I'm sure I don't need to remind you that you'll see a lot of growth over the next few weeks."

Miranda smiled. "As long as they're healthy," she said, folding her hands over her belly.

"Hello, Miranda," Dr. Assaf said as she walked in. "How have you been feeling? Back pain, swollen ankles, dizziness, constipation, gas, heartburn, sore breasts? Any of that."

"I've been fine, really," Miranda said. "My back is a little sore, but it's nothing that a hot shower doesn't soothe."

"Good. Make sure that if you use heat, you're not placing heating pads directly on your belly. If you need to use heat for relief, I would suggest a warm—not hot—bath, or wrapping the heating pad in a blanket before placing it against your body," Dr. Assaf said. "Or, a shower as you said. Is there any other discomfort?"

"No."

Andrea quietly coughed.

Miranda rolled her eyes. "I am not telling her about that," she hissed.

"About what, Miranda?"

"It's nothing."

"You should probably tell me everything," Dr. Assaf said. "This is a high-risk pregnancy. You're over 40 and it's twins. I can assure you there's nothing I haven't heard yet."

"Fine," Miranda said. "Ankles are fine, except for the day I tried to wear six-inch heels. No heartburn. I was dizzy when I got up once or twice. I was constipated last week and took a laxative, then altered my diet to reduce gas, as it was becoming bothersome." She turned and looked at Andrea, "Happy?"

"And then last weekend, there was something with your eyes," Andrea said. "Remember, you said you thought you needed new glasses?"

"Oh, right. That's nothing. It was just eye strain—happens whenever I'm using that iPad for too long."

"See how easy that was, Miranda?" Dr. Assaf asked with a smile. "Did the laxative relieve you?"

"Yes."

"Okay, good. I trust you are getting a proper, balanced diet?"

"Yes."

"How often does the blurred vision occur?"

"I don't know, every day or so. It only lasts for a few minutes, and I can usually blink it away."

"Have you had your iPad for a while now?"

"Not really, just for the past few months."

Dr. Assaf made a note in the chart. "Okay, it's important that you tell me everything. We just want to take every precaution we can, here, because I want you to deliver two healthy babies," she said as she pulled the ultrasound machine closer. "By the way, have you thought at all about your birthing plan?"

"No, not at all."

"That's fine, it's still early. Of course if there are any complications, we may be forced to deliver via Cesearean."

"I'm sorry, but can you remind me what a 'birthing plan' is? It's been a few years," Miranda said.

"Oh of course. Actually, during your last pregnancy they really weren't doing this that much. But of course, now, we have so many women seeking natural deliveries with the assistance of midwives or doulas—I'll have Lauren give you some info before you leave, and you can review everything at your leisure. It's basically a list where you can state your preferences for anything and everything during the labor and delivery."

"Wonderful, thank you." Miranda reached down and squeezed Andrea's hand while Dr. Assaf adjusted the ultrasound device. "We can work on that during our trip," she said.

"Oh, taking a vacation, Miranda?" the doctor asked.

"Yes, just to the Hamptons for a week."

"That sounds lovely. My husband's family has a place in Sag Harbor. Where are you staying?"

"I have a place in Sagaponack. I haven't been out there in a while, so it will definitely be nice and relaxing."

"Lots of leisurely long walks, yoga at the beach, right?" she asked with a chuckle.

"Yes," Miranda laughed. "That's the hope, anyway. How are the babies?" Miranda asked. She was looking up at the ceiling, and Andrea could see the concern in her face.

"They are both doing very well, Miranda. Both have strong heartbeats, and it looks like they are both very active. Take a look," she said, turning the monitor towards her.

"Which one is on my left side?" Miranda asked. "I can feel that one more."

"This one. It's a mirror image," the doctor said as she pointed to the screen. "She's a spunky one."

"She?"

"She?!" Miranda and Andrea gasped.

"Yes," Dr. Assaf said with a chuckle. "We have a good view today. You're having twin girls, Miranda."

Miranda clasped her hand over her mouth as tears streamed down her cheeks.

Andrea squeezed her other hand. "Can you make two prints of the ultrasound?" she asked.

The doctor nodded. "I'm just going to take a closer look at their anatomy and development. This is routine at eighteen weeks, so you have nothing to worry about, but it will take a few minutes."

Miranda looked back up and wiped at her eyes. Andrea grabbed a tissue and stood next to the exam table, gently dabbing at the tears, careful to stay out of the doctor's way. She gently tucked a lock of hair behind Miranda's ear, and Miranda kissed her hand.

"Twin girls," Miranda whispered. "I didn't even think that was a possibility."

Andrea smiled and gently kissed her on the lips.

"Miranda," the doctor said, "everything is looking absolutely perfect. This is the type of pregnancy we see in a thirty-year old, so you should be very grateful. Both twins' skulls are within 0.02 cm of one another, and their organs all show normal development. Twenty fingers, twenty toes, four arms and four legs—they're perfect."

Miranda smiled and squeezed Andrea's hand.

"I do need to check your cervix, though. Sometimes we see early effacement and dilation, so we want to make continue to monitor that as well. Rest assured, we have ways to keep you closed down there if we need to. I'll step out while you get changed—"

"No, wait," she said, quickly unbuttoning her trousers and slipping them down. Andrea grabbed them from her ankles. "This is hardly the place for modesty," Miranda said with a shrug.

Dr. Assaf nodded and lifted Miranda's legs into the stirrups. "Again, everything is looking good. Have you been doing any other sort of activity other than the yoga you mentioned?"

"Climbing some stairs, and walking a little, but that's it."

"I only ask because you're already measuring almost ten weeks ahead. That's great for the babies, but with your petite frame, it could become a bit too much. I expect you'll begin feeling some round ligament pain soon if you haven't already. If it lasts more than a few seconds at a time, give us a call."

"Doctor, I just have one more question," Miranda said quietly.

"Mm-hmm?"

"Um, what about sex? Is it still okay for the babies?"

"Certainly, Miranda. This should go without saying, but don't do anything that causes you discomfort. Some couples find that penetration is more difficult as the pregnancy progresses, so you may need to adjust your positioning, but it's safe to engage in intercourse until your water breaks."

"Good."

"Miranda, I'd like to see you back in two weeks. In the meantime, keep doing what you're doing, and please call the office if there's absolutely anything you can think of. I'll make sure Lauren has the birthing plan paperwork for you at the front desk."

Miranda smiled and thanked her.

Once they made their way back to the town car, Miranda asked Andrea why she wanted two prints of the ultrasound.

"I was thinking that we could put one in a frame and give it to the girls as a sort of getting-to-know-their-little-sisters gift or something." When Miranda didn't respond, she started to backtrack. "But I mean, that's up to you. It doesn't hurt to have a second copy, especially for a scrapbook or something. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to push-"

"Andrea," Miranda said, interrupting. "I think they would love that. It's a wonderful idea and I'm touched at how thoughtful you are when it comes to my girls," she said, kissing Andrea softly on the cheek. "Darling, do you think the girls will be disappointed?"

"What? Why?"

"Well, they won't be the only girls anymore," Miranda said.

"No, just the opposite, actually. I think they'll be very excited to hear they're going to have two little sisters to take care of and boss around. Very excited."

"Are you serious?"

Andrea nodded. "God, Miranda, I love you so much."

Miranda smiled. "Are you sure it's not just because I let you slather platinum cream on my belly?"

Andrea's eyes widened, and they both laughed as Roy quickly pressed the switch for the privacy screen. "You've scared him off," Andrea said.

"He'll get over it," Miranda said. "Andrea, touch me, I want to feel you," she said.

"Here?"

"Don't make a horny pregnant woman ask twice, Andrea."

"Okay, okay," she said, carefully undoing her blouse and smoothing her hands over her belly. "You're so beautiful," she whispered. "So sexy, god. I want to devour you," she said as she placed wet kisses all over her belly. She slid her hand under the waistband of Miranda's pants and plunged her fingers inside the hot wetness. "You know what I love about these maternity clothes?" she said. "It is so easy to get in your pants."

"Mm, then I should start…wearing them…for you," she said as she choked out her orgasm.

Andrea caught her lips in a passionate kiss. "We're almost at Runway," she whispered.

"You go on up. I'll be around in a few minutes."

Andrea dug through her bag and quickly reapplied her lip gloss. "Did you mean it—that you would wear these pants for me?" Andrea asked.

"Of course, darling."

"No, seriously. I mean, if I asked you to wear something for me—at work—you would?"

"Yes. Andrea, there isn't much I wouldn't do for you right now."

Andrea practically leapt across the backseat, hugging Miranda tightly.

"Andy!" Cassidy called, running to greet her at the door. "Mom, Andy's here!"

"Hey, Cass. What's got you so excited?"

"Mom said you were bringing a present for us. Did you forget it?"

"Nope. Why don't we all sit on the couch, okay?"

Cassidy nodded and ran upstairs to find her sister. Miranda suddenly appeared in the hallway. "You found a frame? I really want to tell them," she said.

"All taken care of," she said, pulling the frame out of her bag. She wrapped it in some tissue paper and a bow.

"Caroline, Cassidy," Miranda called, "we have something for you."

They came running down the stairs and eagerly ran to the couch. Miranda handed them the gift as she wrapped her arm around Andrea.

The girls eagerly tore at the paper and their squeals filled the living room as they fought to get a better look at the photo.

"TWINS!?" Caroline cried.

"Oh my god, they are so cute!" Cassidy said.

"Cass, you can't tell that yet," Caroline said.

"Doesn't matter. I know they're going to be. I mean, Mom is really pretty."

"Are they boys or girls?" Caroline asked.

"Girls," Miranda said.

"Wow, there are going to be six of us now," Cassidy said.

Miranda squeezed Andrea closer and laid her head on the young woman's shoulder. "I'm going upstairs to rest for a while," she said, "and maybe I can even convince Andrea to give me another foot massage," she said with a wink. "Do you girls have a lot of homework left to do?"

"I just have science."

"I have to write three more sentences, then I'm done."

"Okay, why don't you take it up to your room, and maybe after you're all finished, we can watch a movie or something," Miranda said. They nodded and went back upstairs to their rooms.

"Another foot massage?" Andrea asked.

"No. I actually need to finish looking through the book, but I was going to do it in bed. Will you lay with me?"

Andrea nodded and followed Miranda up the stairs.

TBC