First thing Wednesday morning, Andrea put a call into Carla at NY Mag and asked her to put a meeting on Adam's calendar for her today. This was something she wanted to discuss with him in person, and since his only available time was at 8:30 AM, Andrea headed straight to their offices.
"Andy, what a surprise. What can I do for you?" Adam asked as he shut his office door.
"First," she said, "I want to thank you for your offer. It's an incredible position and I can't tell you how excited I am that you and your team have such confidence in me."
"I'm sensing a 'but' here," Adam said.
"Well, yes. I want to be honest with you. I'm involved in a personal relationship that—although I have yet to see your Code of Business Ethics—I'm sure would be in violation."
Adam's eyes widened. "What, are you seeing Rupert Murdoch's son?"
"Not exactly. Miranda Priestly."
"What about her? She's your—ohh. Oh my god, you're dating. You and Miranda."
Andrea shrugged. "Love is never convenient."
"And look at that, you're actually in love," he said, shaking his head. "You know, I should have known. I've known many former Runway employees, and in all my years you're the only one who ever defended her actions."
"There's a lot more to her than meets the eye. Editor-in-chief is only a mask. But, I didn't come here to talk about her. I was simply going to ask if there was any possibility that you had an opening for a different section—really, anything but Style."
Adam took a deep breath and sat back in his chair. "The only other positions I have are contract writer/reporter. They're hourly, and honestly, I think you can do better than that."
"Well, I'm sorry, but I will have to decline your rather generous offer," she said, standing up and shaking his hand. "And, of course, we would appreciate it if you didn't say anything about our relationship."
"Of course," he said. "I'm sorry we couldn't make it work."
"Me too. Thanks again!" she said, heading out the door. Once in the cab, she texted Miranda. Turned down the offer. Told Adam about us. On my way to the office.
She didn't receive a response from Miranda, and hoped she wasn't upset. When she came into the office, Rachel quickly pulled her aside and asked for help on some disaster in Accessories, but when it finally calmed down, Miranda called her into her office.
"I got a call from Adam Moss this morning," she said.
"What did he want?" Andrea asked.
"To know if I preferred women back in the 80s."
"What did you say to him?"
"I told him it was the second time in nearly three decades that he and I have spoken, and both times he was asking questions about my personal life. I also told him that I don't like labels, so I've never considered myself 'gay'. I also reassured him that I never had any romantic interest in David whatsoever, and that seemed to put his fears to rest."
"Oh my god, I'm so sorry, Miranda. If it wasn't for me, he would never have called and harassed you like that."
Miranda shrugged. "Let's just forget about Adam, okay? I don't want to think about him for at least another twenty years, preferably more."
Andrea smiled. "I'm going to go home to my apartment after work tonight if that's okay. I know we're going to the girls' Awards Assembly tomorrow, and I really want to narrow down these applicants and hire someone by Friday."
Miranda frowned. "I have to sleep by myself?"
"I'm sure the girls would be happy to sleep with you if you want. I can talk to them."
"No, it's alright. They need their sleep. I would only keep them awake with my tossing and turning and going to the bathroom," she said. "I'm sure. I'll be fine."
Andrea nodded and headed back to her desk to check on the Accessories crisis.
Later that evening, Andrea was sitting on her couch with a mug of hot tea, trying to decide between the last three applicants. It was nearly one o'clock in the morning, but she knew if she didn't finish this tonight, she wouldn't have time the following day. Just as she narrowed it down to the top two, her phone buzzed with an incoming text: Are you awake?
Andrea smiled and tossed the folders onto the coffee table as she picked up her phone and called Miranda. "Yes, I'm awake," she said.
"You didn't have to call me," Miranda said.
"I wanted to hear your voice. Why are you awake?"
"Couldn't sleep. The babies were perfectly still all afternoon, and it's like they waited until I climbed into bed to start kicking and doing somersaults."
"Aw, I'm sorry. What about a bath? Would that help?"
"I don't feel like getting up again."
"Are you having more pain?"
"No, not really."
"Would you tell me if something was wrong?"
"Yes, yes, I promise."
"What can I do for you?"
"I don't know. I wish you were here to hold me."
"Do you want me to come over?"
"No, that's absurd. It's the middle of the night."
"It's only a ten minute cab ride."
"No. No. I will be okay," she said quietly. "Can you just talk to me for a while?"
"About what?"
"Anything. I just want to hear your voice."
"Oh, so my voice is going to put you to sleep?" she teased.
"Yes, is there something wrong with that?"
Andrea chuckled. "Not at all. Get comfortable and then put me on speaker."
There was a muffled sound on the other end of the line. Andrea took the opportunity to jump up and grab the closest book from her bookshelf, which happened to be a collection of Kate Chopin's short stories. "Okay, you're on speaker," Miranda said.
"So I spent the evening looking through the resumes of potential new assistants who I was able to interview over the phone. I've narrowed it down—"
"Don't talk about work," Miranda said, interrupting her.
Andrea smiled and flipped open to the first story in the book. "I figured you'd say that. How about I read you a bedtime story?"
"Perfect," Miranda said.
Andrea began to read, and after she finished the first story, she quietly asked, "Still awake?"
"Mm-hmm," was the reply.
She kept reading until there was no longer a response. She looked at the clock and saw that it was nearly three o'clock in the morning, so she turned out her lights and went to bed.
The next day at the office, Miranda stopped by Andrea's desk as she handed her coat and bag to the new girl. "I need you to send me a new copy of your resignation letter, Andrea. I know you set it on my desk last Friday, the 25th, but I need to email HR an electronic copy," she said.
Andrea nodded. "I think it's on my home computer, but I can quickly re-write it. Dalton at 1:30?"
"Actually, we won't need to leave until 2:45," Miranda said. "I spoke with the Vice-Prinicipal this morning, and the awards portion doesn't begin until 3:30. Make reservations for dinner afterwards—I think the girls would enjoy Cantina Familiar. Four of us."
Andrea nodded. A few minutes later, she emailed her resignation letter, then sent Miranda a quick text: Am I invited to dinner or will James be joining you?
"Andrea," Miranda called.
She quickly jumped up and walked into the office, shutting the door.
"Darling, you're the fourth. Me, you, and the girls."
"Oh, okay," she said. "Sorry, I shouldn't have had to ask."
"No, I'm glad you feel like you can ask me those questions," Miranda said. "What time did you end up going to bed last night?"
"Close to three."
Miranda shook her head. "You must be exhausted. I would apologize, but I slept so soundly last night after you called," she said. "Can you stay tonight?"
"You bet," Andrea said, walking around to the other side of the desk. She leaned over and gently kissed Miranda on the lips. "That was your goodnight kiss from last night," she said. She kissed her again, "and this is your good morning."
Miranda smiled and Andrea could see her cheeks turning pink. She glanced at her computer screen for a second. "I wish you could quit today and move in right now."
"I'll start bringing more of my stuff over. Think you can share a tiny bit of your closet?"
"For you," Miranda said, "anything."
Both Caroline and Cassidy received awards this year, and Miranda couldn't have been more proud. It was the first school function she'd been to since she started showing, so of course the other parents were doting on her, telling her how wonderful she looked, offering their seats, etc. Although they were often too catty for her liking, she had to admit that the mothers at school were extraordinarily generous, and on this occasion, kind. No one asked about Andrea's presence, and she suspected that most presumed she was the girls' nanny, especially after the way they ran to hug the young woman afterwards. But for now, that was okay. The fewer questions, the better.
They enjoyed a fun dinner at Cantina, and that night, Miranda and Andrea made love over and over until the sun began to rise. Andrea had to be in the office at 9:00 AM to meet with Abby, who would hopefully be Miranda's newest assistant. Miranda, on the other hand, had no meetings scheduled, so she decided to work from home. The truth is, her bed smelled like sex and she wanted to stay there for as long as possible.
Andrea was delighted that Abby accepted the position. Like herself, Abby was an English major, looking to get her foot in the door in publishing. Both Abby and Rachel were highly competent, and she had no doubt that they would be able to keep the office running smoothly. She did wonder where Emily was looking that she had such a difficult time finding a decent employee, but then she remembered that first and foremost in Emily's mind was having a sense of fashion.
Friday afternoon was fairly slow, so Andrea finished typing up the task lists for Abby and Rachel. They would no longer be "first" and "second." For the time being, they would each be responsible for different things. For example, Rachel was the liaison with Accessories, and Abby would be the liaison for Editorial. Abby would coordinate and take notes at all the run-throughs, and Rachel would be responsible for coordinating meetings and conference calls with new designers.
Eventually, one of them would take on more responsibility with Miranda's personal life—dry cleaning, reservations, the girls' school functions—but she knew Miranda would select one of them when she was ready. For now, she still had Andrea.
Andrea hadn't received any other job offers this week, so she spent the last few hours of her day preparing for her interview on Friday, May 9. Promptly at 6:00 PM, she closed her computer and headed home to the townhouse.
James was out of town on business, so the girls stayed home, and the four of them spent a very relaxing, fun weekend watching movies, television shows, and even some quiet reading. A few times, Andrea caught Miranda wincing as she held her belly, but every time, she reassured Andrea it was just ligament pain because her belly was growing so quickly. By Monday night, Andrea was not happy with that answer, so Miranda promised to bring it up with Dr. Assaf at her twenty-five week check-in on May 12th.
The next morning, Andrea was going over the show requests that needed to be sent out for some of the upcoming Fall/Winter shows while Miranda, Nigel, and Irv were meeting to discuss who would handle what while Miranda would be out. She wasn't due for another three months, but Nigel wanted to have this meeting earlier rather than later so he, Emily, and Serena could prepare as much as possible.
After their meeting, they were casually chatting in the hall outside the conference room. Nigel was commenting on how calm the new assistants have been, and Irv even made a comment about the redhead being "too uptight," which caused everyone to burst into laughter.
Out of nowhere, Miranda reached out and gripped Irv's forearm. Nigel and Irv quickly exchanged glances, and they realized she was holding her breath and wincing. "Miranda, what's going on?" Nigel asked, taking her other arm. She shook her head and bit her lower lip, and Irv began to panic.
"Irv, why don't you head back upstairs?" Nigel said, giving him a dirty look. He knew the last thing Miranda would want would be Irv Ravitz fussing over her. "I'll just walk Miranda back to her office," he said.
As Irv was walking away, Miranda took a deep breath and opened her eyes. Without saying a word, Nigel led her down the hallway and back towards her office. Andrea saw them coming down the hall and Nigel quickly gestured to her to follow them in the office.
"Hey Abby, why don't you shadow Rachel for a while?" Andrea said. "Rachel, I think it would be really great if you could tell her anything you maybe wish you knew your first week," she said, quickly following Miranda and Nigel into her office and shutting the door.
"Miranda, what's wrong?" Andrea said, walking up to her and taking her hand.
"Nothing. I'm fine. Really, now stop fussing and go back to whatever it was you two were doing," she said.
Andrea led her to the couch. "Lay down and rest for a while."
"I will do nothing of the sort. I'm fine, Andrea."
Andrea ignored her and picked up her legs, spinning her so she was laying on the couch. She took Miranda's shoes off and sat on the edge of the couch, resting her arm across Miranda's legs, effectively pinning her down.
"Honestly, let me up, I'm fine," she said.
"Nigel, can you pour her a glass of water? I'd do it myself but she'll escape if I move my arm."
He chuckled and quietly poured a glass of still water from the pitcher on the console. Miranda rolled her eyes as she accepted the water and drank.
"What happened?" Andrea asked.
"Nothing. I just had more round ligament pain. It caught me off-guard. That's all."
"Nigel, what happened?" Andrea said.
"I don't know. She grabbed Irv's arm out of the blue and she was holding her breath for a while."
"Okay, so the pain was a little stronger than it's been in the past few weeks," she said. "I'm fine. I have some emails to send, let me up, Andrea."
Andrea bent over and kissed Miranda softly. "You promised you would tell me if anything was wrong, remember?" she whispered. Nigel awkwardly turned and looked out the window, trying to give the women some privacy.
"Yes, I remember. I promise, darling," she said, cupping Andrea's cheek. "Let me up."
Andrea nodded and stood from the couch. Miranda swung her feet around and sat up. Without bothering to put her shoes on, she got up and walked over to her desk. Andrea was whispering something to Nigel when they heard Miranda gasp.
She was bent over her desk with one hand on the surface and the other cradling her belly. Andrea ran over and wrapped her arm around her shoulders. "Breathe, Miranda. Exhale. In and out," she whispered.
"Should I call someone?" Nigel asked nervously.
"No. Nigel, go back to your office. I'll stay here with Miranda for a while, she'll be fine," Andrea said, hoping Miranda would be able to relax if Nigel left.
Miranda released her breath and quickly inhaled again. Andrea softly brushed her arm. "Are you okay?" she asked.
Miranda took a few deep breaths and shook her head. "I think so. I have to go to the bathroom," she said, squeezing Andrea's arm gently as she headed to the private en suite in her office.
Andrea sighed and leaned against the desk. From everything she read online, it was a little too early for her to be feeling Braxton Hicks contractions. Before she could let her mind wander any further, Miranda called out to her from the bathroom. She ran over and gently turned the knob, cracking the door open. "Miranda?"
"I'm bleeding," she said, wiping the tears from her eyes. "I need clean underwear, please."
Andrea nodded and quickly ran to her desk, fishing a pair of underwear and a slim pad from her purse. Andrea returned to the bathroom and knelt down next to Miranda. She put the pad in the silk underwear and carefully slipped Miranda's pants off from where they were pooled at her ankles. Andrea helped Miranda step into the underwear, then back into her pants. She gently cupped Miranda's cheek and kissed her softly. "Don't cry, it's going to be okay. Let's go have Dr. Assaf check and make sure the babies are okay," she said.
Miranda nodded. "Can you call her now?"
"I'll call while we're heading down to the car," she said. "I already texted Roy."
Miranda slipped into her shoes and grabbed her sunglasses, immediately putting them on. She marched out of the office and paused while Rachel gathered her coat and bag. Andrea quickly followed, grabbing her bag and giving Rachel and Abby strict instructions to postpone all of Miranda's meetings for the remainder of the day. If there was an emergency, she told them to ask Emily what to do. When she heard the elevator ding, she practically sprinted down the hall to join Miranda, who was apparently already on the phone with Dr. Assaf's office.
"Yes…well, I don't know. No. Twenty-four weeks. No. Okay, we're on our way. Thank you," she said, ending the call.
"I'm sorry, I had to make sure Abby and Rachel were—" Andrea began to explain.
Miranda held up her hand. "It's fine. Dr. Assaf wants to meet us in the emergency room," she said. She reached down and squeezed Andrea's hand. "I think I'm having contractions," she said quietly. Andrea could tell by the shakiness in her voice that she was on the verge of tears.
"Okay, we're almost in the car, and the hospital is less than two miles away. Just take a deep breath, and try to stay calm," she said. Judging by the way Miranda was gripping her hand, she was having another contraction.
"How can I stay calm?" she said through her teeth. "It's too early, Andrea. It's too early."
The elevator doors opened and Andrea led Miranda through the lobby and to the car, not caring who was staring at them. "Emergency room," she told Roy. She helped Miranda into the backseat and climbed in right after her.
"It's too early," Miranda cried, running her hands up and down over her belly.
Andrea silently prayed it was only a false alarm. She didn't want to consider the alternative.
In the emergency room, Dr. Assaf was already waiting for Miranda in an exam room. Her nurse hooked up the fetal monitor as she quickly removed Miranda's pants and underwear to do a fetal exam. "We have two strong heartbeats," the nurse announced, "not seeing signs of distress."
"Well, Miranda," Dr. Assaf said, "we have more good news. First, the babies are doing fine and don't seem to be in distress. Second, you're hardly dilated at all. You're starting to efface a little, but at this stage in a twin pregnancy, that's exactly what we would expect, though I suspect it's why you noticed some light spotting. I'd still like to give you some corticosteroids as a precaution to help give the babies' lungs a little boost. It's totally up to you, but I'd like to give you a shot of terbutaline to try and stop the uterine contractions."
Miranda wasn't responding, so Andrea took her hand. "Can you explain the pros and cons of the terbutaline injection?"
"Terbutaline is a beta agonist. Its primary use is for patients with difficulty breathing, as it relaxes the smooth muscles of the lungs and airways. The uterus is also a smooth muscle, so terbutaline will stop—or at least relax—contractions. Side effects can be anything from headache and dizziness to difficulty breathing and palpitations," she explained. "I'm going to give you the steroids now," she said, taking the medication from the nurse and injecting it into the IV in Miranda's arm.
"Miranda," Andrea said, gently squeezing her hand. "Do you want that medication?"
"What would happen if I don't take it?" she asked.
"Your contractions could cause your water to break, and at that point there would be very little we could do to stop labor. Terbutaline will slow down your labor. You may still have contractions, but unless your cervix is dilating or the babies are in distress, we won't really be concerned."
"And is this okay for the babies?" Miranda asked.
"Yes. It could elevate their heart rate, but there won't be any lasting effects."
"Okay, do it," Miranda said.
While the doctor was administering the medication, Andrea sat on the edge of the bed and gently brushed her thumb across Miranda's cheek. "See, everything's fine. The babies are going to be okay," she said.
"Oh god, I was so scared," she said, taking Andrea's hand and tugging her closer.
"Miranda," Dr. Assaf said, "I want you on bedrest for the rest of the week just as a precaution. I'll see you Monday morning for your twenty-five week appointment, and from there we can assess whether we should extend that, is that okay?"
Miranda nodded.
"This means you are not to go into work for the next six days. I want you off your feet except when you're going to the bathroom and showering. No strenuous activity, no orgasms, no lifting anything heavier than a gallon of milk, can you do that?"
"Yes, of course."
"If not, I can arrange for you to be admitted here."
"Absolutely not," Miranda said.
Once Miranda was situated in her bed upstairs, Andrea made a call to Runway to tell Nigel Miranda wouldn't be in for the rest of the week. Nigel was relieved to hear that everything was okay, and he said he would pass the message along to Irv since even he called to check on how she was.
"Nige, do you think Rachel and Abby are okay without me there?"
"Yes, don't worry about anything here. I can spare Emily this week, so I'll have her look in on them. You just stay with Miranda and make sure she gets her rest. I'll call you if there's anything important," he said. "Oh, and Six? Tell Miranda not to worry about anything. I've got it covered."
"Thanks, Nige," she said, ending the call. She headed back up to Miranda's room with a glass of ginger-lemon water and a banana.
"Thank you," Miranda said. "For everything. Andrea, you're giving up so much for me. I don't even know how to thank you anymore."
Andrea crawled up on the bed next to Miranda and laid her head on her chest. "You don't have to thank me. I just want you and these babies to be healthy. I called Nigel. He's going to let Irv know you'll be out this week, and he wanted me to tell you not to worry about anything," she said.
"What about Rachel and Abby?"
"You know their names?"
Miranda rolled her eyes. "Of course I do. I know everything that goes on in my office. You were still training Abby, weren't you?"
"Well I covered the basics. She's been shadowing Rachel, and Nigel said he'll have Emily look in on them. They have my number, and I sent them both emails telling them to call me right away if anything comes up," Andrea said. "It will be fine."
"God, what am I going to do for the next six days in this room? And what if Dr. Assaf thinks I need more bedrest?"
"Then you'll do it. You know as well as anyone that the longer those babies have to grow inside you, the stronger and healthier they will be. And the sooner we'll be able to bring them home."
"I know, it's just…what else am I going to do all day but worry about these babies?"
"Well, let's make a list of everything that needs to get done in the next three months. And we can work on it."
"Are you planning on staying here with me?"
"Absolutely."
Miranda sighed in relief. "I should probably tell you something about it being unprofessional or something, but I'm just relieved I won't be alone."
"I do have to run out to my interview Friday morning, but Cara should be here if you need anything," Andrea said. "So, I'm going to go get my computer and a notepad and we can start making that list."
"No, wait," she said, reaching out and tugging Andrea back to the bed. "We can do that later this afternoon. Right now, I just want you. That's all." She took Andrea's face in her hands and kissed her so hard Andrea was sure her lips would be bruised—not that she cared.
Miranda's lips were so soft and warm against her own, it wasn't until her hand was cupping her breast that Andrea realized what was happening and pushed away. "Miranda, no, you can't," she said.
"I know, but that doesn't mean I can't make love to you," she said with a shy smile. "Unless you don't want it…"
"No, I do," Andrea quickly replied. "I was just concerned about you."
"Don't be. I'll just live in this constant state of arousal," she joked. "I want to taste you, Andrea. Will you let me?"
She grinned and kissed Miranda, careful not to jostle her from her nook on the bed. "What would be most comfortable for you?" she asked.
"How about you undress for me, then come lay next to me?"
"I can do that," Andrea said as she climbed off the bed. She unbuttoned her jacket and tossed it on the chair. She removed her necklace, watch, and rings, and set them on the dresser. Next, she unbuttoned her trousers and slid them down her hips, leaving them in a pile on the floor. She pulled her silk camisole off over her head and tossed it behind her. She reached around to undo her bra, but Miranda stopped her.
"Wait—let me do that," she said quietly. Andrea crawled back onto the bed and kneeled next to Miranda, her breasts practically spilling out of the flimsy lace bra. Miranda cupped her breasts through the lace, then quickly reached around and released the clasp.
Andrea slid the bra straps down her arms and tossed the bra at the growing pile of clothes on the chair. Miranda eagerly licked and sucked Andrea's erect nipples while she slipped her underwear off. Andrea leaned closer, balancing her weight on her elbow as she ran her fingers through Miranda's hair with her other hand.
"No," she said as she pulled Andrea's hair away. "You can't touch me. You cannot touch me like that. I just—you can't," Miranda said.
"Sorry," Andrea said, laying on her back. "I almost forgot."
Miranda sighed and tried to reposition herself to no avail. "Can you turn around? Or something? I can't reach you," she said. "Maybe put your feet up here by the pillows?" she asked.
Andrea repositioned herself and scooted back a little more so her sex was inches away from Miranda's lips. It would have been fine, except this position put Miranda's belly in her face, and she couldn't resist pressing kisses against the smooth, taut skin as she traced her fingers in circles.
"Andrea, stop!" Miranda said, swatting her hand away. "Come back here. Maybe I'll just have to use my fingers," she said, pursing her lips.
"I have an idea," Andrea said. She kneeled next to Miranda. "Can I?"
Miranda eagerly nodded and guided her hips as the young woman straddled her shoulders. As soon as her cool fingers parted her hot folds, Andrea reached out and gripped the headboard.
"Oh god—Miranda!" she cried out as her hips bucked involuntarily.
The editor hummed in pleasure as she slowly dragged her tongue down her slit. She didn't want Andrea to come just yet, so she carefully held her folds open while her tongue darted inside, kissing and licking her everywhere except for her clit.
"Oh god…oh god…oh god…Mirandaaaa," she cried out as she arched her back and rolled her hips, effectively grinding her clit on the woman's nose. She felt Miranda's hands take hold of her hips and still her movement.
Miranda reached up and cupped Andrea's breasts, and began kneading and rolling her nipples between her fingertips, eliciting a low moan from the young woman. "Come for me, Andrea," she whispered before she turned her lips to her aching bud, sucking it from its hood and gently biting down.
Andrea's body trembled as her orgasm spread from her core to the tips of her toes. As heady as it felt to look down and see Miranda between her legs, she ached for the closeness and the intimacy with the other woman. As soon as she was able, she lifted her leg back over Miranda and sank into the bed next to her.
Miranda gently brushed her hair from her eyes and Andrea leaned forward, licking her come from Miranda's chin. "Andrea…darling," Miranda said, gently lifting her chin up. "I know I don't say this nearly enough, but you must know how often it crosses my mind. You are gorgeous and sexy and the most beautiful, kindest, most generous person I know. And I love you with everything I have," she said.
Andrea smiled as she gazed at the woman's sparkling blue eyes. She couldn't find the words to express the emotions coursing through her veins, so instead she leaned down and kissed Miranda as if her life depended on it.
Some time later, Andrea lay with her head on Miranda's shoulder. "I'm going to take a quick shower," she said. "Can I get you anything?"
Miranda shook her head.
When Andrea stepped out of the bathroom, she was glad she had actually put clothes on, as Caroline and Cassidy were sitting on the bed next to Miranda. "Hey girls," she said, joining them on the giant mattress.
"Andy, did the doctor really say everything was okay?" Cassidy asked.
Miranda rolled her eyes.
"Yes, Cass. She gave your mom some medicine to help the babies grow strong, and said your mom needs a lot of rest. She's not supposed to stand up unless she has to go to the bathroom," Andrea said, kissing Miranda on the forehead.
"I told you," Miranda said. "I'm fine. The babies are doing just fine. We just need some extra rest. Why don't you girls fix a snack and then come do your homework in here?"
"Really? I thought you needed rest?" Cassidy said.
"I am resting. I'm laying down and not doing anything. I miss seeing your beautiful faces," she said, softly poking her daughter's nose. "When you come back upstairs, can you bring me some almond butter and crackers?"
"Yep! Be back in a bit," she said, heading down to the kitchen with her sister.
Miranda carefully pushed herself up into a sitting position as she twisted and turned to stretch her back. Andrea was glaring at her. "What? I have to pee," she said, getting off the bed. "Would you mind grabbing some of the extra pillows from the guest bedroom?"
When Miranda returned, Andrea was already sitting on the bed, leaning back against the headboard. "Did you hear my phone ring earlier?" she asked.
"No. Is it something at work?" Miranda asked.
"No. I have a voicemail from my mom," she said, pressing in her code so she could listen to her message.
Miranda crawled up on the bed next to her and gently laid her hand on Andrea's thigh, since she could see how anxious she was. She was relieved to see Andrea smiling before she put the phone down. "Everything okay?" she asked.
Andrea nodded. "My mom said, 'How did everything work out with that woman you're head over heels for?' And then she said she hoped everything was good and that she'd someday get to meet her…you."
"Well I don't see why you can't tell her who this mysterious woman is," Miranda said. "I actually would love to meet your mother—see where you get your charm and good looks."
"Maybe in a few months," Andrea said. "Once she finds out about the babies, she won't let you out of her sight."
"Really?"
"Oh yes. She has been desperate for grandchildren for years. At this point, she will take what she can get."
"What is that supposed to mean?" Miranda asked.
"Oh, well, I think she was expecting me to get pregnant, but now she's worried she'll be old and crippled by the time that happens."
Miranda chuckled. "And your mother's probably my age. Please, let's change the subject," she said. "I was thinking, I should probably call Helen. If she catches wind that I was in the hospital and didn't tell her, she would be a wreck."
"I'm going to run downstairs and grab myself something to eat while you call her then. Did you want anything else besides almond butter?"
"Not right now. Thank you."
Andrea spent the rest of the week keeping Miranda company and ensuring that she was, in fact, keeping to her bedrest. After the first day, Miranda was starting to go stir-crazy, so Andrea grabbed some pillows and made a comfy spot for her on the sofa in the study. They used her desk in lieu of the kitchen table, and Miranda was happy for even the minor change of scenery.
Miranda helped Andrea come up with an organized, massive to-do list for the next three months. When Andrea suggested the idea, she was thinking in terms of decorating the nursery, but Miranda began listing off everything she could possibly think of—so quickly that Andrea had to ask her to pause several times while she struggled to write it all down. In the end, though, it was probably better that she spelled everything out. Andrea was able to type up at least half of the list and send to Rachel and Abby to get started on, while the rest of the items were more personal—things that Miranda would want to do herself, most likely.
Thankfully, she didn't have any additional spotting or contractions, either.
Andrea's interview with The Wall Street Journal was a bit disappointing, as they were only proactively interviewing so they could easily fill a position in the event that one of their reporters left. Of course, she wasn't in a position to pick and choose, but she was still holding out for something…well, better. Miranda had one more idea in mind, and promised Andrea she would work on it first thing next week, as soon as Dr. Assaf cleared her to go back to work.
But, of course, her appointment Monday morning didn't go exactly as planned.
"What do you mean modified bedrest?! And for the next ten weeks? Are you out of your mind?" Miranda hissed.
"Miranda, I know you have a demanding career, but I wouldn't ask you to do this if I didn't think it was necessary. I know you want to deliver two healthy babies, and you and I both know that their chances of survival will only increase the longer you can carry them. Two days a week you can go into the office or run errands, or I don't know, go for a walk. I still don't want you to exert yourself. Try to avoid climbing stairs, you know."
Miranda sighed and stared up at the ceiling.
"The babies are doing great. You haven't dilated, and you're healthy. You are doing everything right, Miranda. I don't want that to change."
"Can you give us a minute?" Andrea asked.
"Sure. I'll go check and see if your bloodwork is back from the lab yet," she said, quietly stepping out.
"Andrea, what am I going to do? I was going crazy after six days," Miranda said.
"Well, this isn't exactly as strict. Let's say you go into the office on Tuesdays and Fridays from 7-4. You'd only be spending Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday at home, and you can work from your couch if you need to. In two weeks, the girls will be finished with school, so I'm sure they will keep you busy at home."
Miranda pursed her lips. "I suppose. Helen did already say she was going to come in for a few weeks instead of me sending the girls out to Boston." She shook her head. "What am I even saying? There is no choice in the matter. I will do anything for these girls, even if it means staying in bed all summer."
Andrea smiled and kissed Miranda on the forehead. "And you know, I'll be there with you every day."
"You spoil me, Andrea," she said, kissing her softly on the lips.
"I can start working with the girls on your schedule—does Tuesday and Friday sound okay?"
Miranda nodded. "I'll work from my home office for a few hours on Mondays and Thursdays, too, so arrange for Rachel to be over from 10 AM – 2 PM. And maybe we can rearrange things and bring the little desk from the guest bedroom into my office for her to use. Or you, when she's not here. Maybe we should order a matching desk?"
"You're getting ahead of yourself," Andrea said. "Since the top of our list is converting the guest bedroom into a nursery, let's just move the small desk so we don't have to put it in storage. If I need extra space, I can take over the dining room table. I can take over that entire room, really. Have you ever used it?"
Miranda rolled her eyes. "Of course. Just, not in a few years. But Andrea, I don't want stacks of papers and books all over my dining room."
"Who said I was going to make a mess?"
"I've seen your apartment, don't forget."
"Well, that's because it's 500 square feet and I don't have anywhere else to put it," she said. "I'm going to call Emily now and explain that you're not coming in today."
"There are some items I need from my office if I'm going to work from home. I'll just be ten minutes."
Andrea glared at her.
"Don't look at me like that. I won't have you making me feel guilty for this," she said. "I know my body, and I'm only going in for some folders, a thumb drive, and my notebook."
"I can run up and get it for you."
"No. You will stay in the car. This is not up for debate," she said, sitting up on the exam table.
The doctor gently knocked on the door before re-entering the room. "CBC came back. Your iron is a little low," she said. "Iron supplements have a tendency to cause constipation, so I'm hesitant to suggest that. Why don't you try to incorporate some extra iron into your diet and see if that helps bring it up—things like spinach, lean red meat, beans, and almonds. I'd like to see you back in 2-3 weeks, then for the remainder of the third trimester we'll probably want to see you on a weekly basis."
"Thank you," Miranda said quietly.
When they were in the car on the way to Runway, Andrea leaned over and kissed Miranda gently on the cheek. "I'm sorry for what I said earlier. I'm just a worrywart. I love you and want to protect you."
"I know. And I don't mean to be unappreciative, really. I love when you're protective. It's been so long since I had someone who loved me like that. I'm just not used to it, that's all. Once these babies are here, I hope you will channel that fierce protectiveness towards them," she said.
"Of course I will," she said tracing her hang gently along Miranda's belly. The car slowed to a stop outside of Elias-Clarke. "I'll be waiting for you," she said.
Miranda nodded. "Two more months and they'll be here," she said. "Maybe I can bring them to work with me while they're still babies."
Andrea rolled her eyes. "Well, then no one would get any work done."
"That's true. Well, I'll just be a few minutes. I'll text you if something comes up," she said.
Andrea smiled and nodded, and quickly sent off a message to Emily as soon as Miranda left the car: She's on her way up. She needs to rest—go easy on the surprise! I'll be up in a few minutes. She waited until she saw Miranda disappear inside the elevator, then climbed out of the towncar and followed her up to the 18th floor.
TBC