9
Miranda and Andrea sat eating in silence, glancing at each other and smiling. When they finished Andrea spoke, "that was really good. Thank you.'
"I'm glad you enjoyed it." Miranda stood to clear their dishes but Andrea grabbed her hand to stop her motion. The older woman looked at her confused.
"I want to talk to you," She turned then so they faced each other, "about something, and I don't want you to get upset. Just hear me out."
Miranda was worried.
Andrea leaned over to kiss her cheek softly, "I'm not," she took a deep breath, "I'm not ready to make love with you yet."
Miranda tried to pull away, her heart shattering, but the singer held tight.
"Let me explain, please."
The older woman sat back, hurting and apprehensive.
"I can't imagine being with you tonight and then not being able to touch you again for weeks. We'll know what we're missing and I don't want that stress between us this early in our relationship. Me being away is going to be hard enough." She held Miranda's hand tighter. "It's tearing me up now, thinking about you and imagining us together."
All Miranda could hear was 'I don't want you', so she began to build up the walls she had let down for this woman. "If you do not wish to have a physical relationship with me, all you have to do is say so. I am an adult." She said it coldly and with as much venom as she could muster. She was hurt.
"STOP! Right Now!" Andrea said using a commanding tone to get Miranda's attention. Miranda glared at her. "That is NOT what I said!" the younger woman put her arms around Miranda's waist. Her body was stiff and rigid.
"Now listen to me." Andrea stood in front of her. "I am so emotionally, mentally and physically attracted to you I think I may lose my mind."
That did it, Miranda visibly relaxed and lowered her walls again.
"This is a very new relationship for both of us, with feelings that are stranger than either of us has ever experienced." She cupped the other woman's chin. "I want to know every single part of your body," she smiled, "mind and soul."
Miranda laid her face into the crook of the singer's neck, "I want that as well." She sighed.
Andrea tipped her head and kissed Miranda's forehead. "I can't wait to get my hands all over you, kiss your body, and watch you move beneath my touch."
Miranda shivered in her arms.
"And if I start now," Andrea took a very deep breath, "I will not be able to leave for my tour. We have a lifetime to love each other in every way. I don't want to waste the first few months of our relationship dwelling on what I'm missing and can't have." She smiled, "when we can enjoy what we do have and anticipate more to come."
Miranda sighed and looked at her.
"Does any of this make sense? Do you understand how I feel about you? This is so much more than just sex to me."
"It makes sense darling, I do understand. I just, I guess I'm worried you'll change your mind about that while we're apart. I'm not as young and beautiful as the other women you will come into contact with."
"But I want you. You have something no one else can ever have" She pulled her in to kiss her but paused, "You have my heart." She kissed her deep, hard with passion.
They separated, both breathless.
"I have never wanted anyone so badly in my life." The older woman admitted.
"Trust me, I know exactly haw you feel." Andrea leaned in to kiss her again. They stood there kissing and holding each other for what felt like ages.
"Do you think, since this is our last night together for the next few months," Andrea looked at her pleadingly, "do you think we could sleep together. I want to fall asleep holding you."
"I would like that very much."
The women placed their dishes in the sink, turned out the lights and made their way to Miranda's bedroom. Once there, Miranda moved to the bathroom to shower and change. "I know you are exhausted, why don't you climb into bed. I'll only be a little while then I'll join you."
"Okay, but don't take too long."
"I won't. Get into bed." The older woman smiled.
When Miranda opened the door to the bathroom, after her shower and changing into her satin sleeping gown, she was taken aback by the beautiful creature curled up in her bed. The light from the bathroom was casting a heavenly glow on Andrea. Miranda's heart was so full of love and feelings so new to her she thought it might explode and that she might faint. She caught her breath and turned off the light and headed to her side of the bed. She hadn't shared a bed with anyone in the years since her divorce. Miranda stood next to the bed looking down on her sleeping beauty. Andrea looked so peaceful, she didn't want to disturb her. Just as she thought that, an arm lifted the covers to invite her in. Andrea didn't open her eyes, she just smiled softly, holding the bedding, waiting.
Miranda slid into bed and moved close to Andrea with her back to the younger woman. Andrea spooned up next to her, not at all surprised how well their bodies fit together. She draped her arm over Miranda's waist and nuzzled her face into the beautiful soft white hair in front of her. She took in the scent that was Miranda, imprinting on her mind.
"I love you."
Miranda had taken hold of the arm around her and tightened her hold, "I love you too."
For the first time in many, many years they both had a very restful sleep.
Andrea woke to find herself alone in the large bed. She stretched happily feeling completely rested. She got up and made her way to the bathroom for her morning routine. After brushing her teeth and washing the sleep from her eyes she headed downstairs. When she opened the bedroom door she smelled breakfast and heard laughter. "Could it get any better that this? Well," she smirked, "It will in about six months."
The singer entered the kitchen to find her girls at the table. "Now this is what I want to wake up to every day for the rest of my life." She walked over and kissed each girl on the top of the head.
"Morning Andy" they said together.
"Morning Bach, morning Mozart." She moved to Miranda, leaned in and kissed her softly on the lips, "Good morning beautiful."
Miranda blushed, "Good morning to you too. How did you sleep?"
"Like a rock. You?" They were staring into each others eyes.
"The best I have in years."
"Okay" Cassidy said, "we're totally happy you two finally 'woke up'"
Caroline continued, "But do you have to be mushy in front of us?"
"Get use to it ladies." Not breaking their gaze, Andrea said, "I plan on being mushy and kissing your mother every chance I get for the rest of my life."
"Ewe" they sang in unison.
Both women laughed, then kissed again. "So what's for breakfast, I hope it's not omelets." She winked at Miranda.
"Mom made waffles." Cassidy said
"She hasn't made them since we were little." Caroline finished.
"Sounds great!"
Miranda and the girls sat and waited for Andrea to finish breakfast. When she was getting close, the girls could no longer contain their excitement.
"So what are we going to do today?" Caroline asked
Andrea smiled around her mouthful of waffles. When she finished chewing she spoke. "Well" she took a drink of coffee, "your mother and I do have something to ask you."
"What?" they both asked
"How would you like to meet up with me in about eight weeks." She was getting ready to place another bite in her mouth. Miranda sat quietly drinking her coffee, allowing Andrea to enjoy her surprise for her babies. "In Colorado" she took the bite.
"Really?" Cassidy squealed
"No way" Caroline chimed in.
"Yes, really way." Andrea finished chewing. "I have a cabin there and we could spend about twelve days together. What do you think?"
"It sounds awesome" Caroline said
"Will we get to go skiing?" Cassidy asked.
"Sure. Skiing, snowboarding, ride snow mobiles, everything snowy, even making snow angels."
"Yea!" the girls yelled
Andrea smiled at Miranda who was also grinning. She ate her last couple of bites while the girls planned what they would need for the trip.
"Well, you'll probably need some summer clothes too."
She had the twins attention, "Because after I do another six week run we'll meet up at my ranch in Tennessee, if that's okay."
By this time both girls were up and dancing around her.
"This is so, so cool" Cassidy sang to her sister as they danced around.
Miranda and Andrea were laughing out loud. The townhouse hummed with happiness.
Andrea's phone rang, "Excuse me" she walked away from the noisy kitchen to hear Amelia. "Mornin' Amelia. Did you get some sleep?" … "Good. I'll need those items delivered to Miranda's as soon as possible. I also need you to make the arrangements for Colorado and Tennessee and get the info to Emily ASAP. Call Ben and see what the ETA is on the concert recordings I asked him to make for me then make sure they are delivered here as well. I'll be returning late tonight but expect everything to be ready to leave for California by six a.m. tomorrow."
"Thank you Amelia, talk to you later."
Miranda was leaning against the door jam watching the younger woman pace while she spoke to her assistant, giving her directions for the day. She truly enjoyed watching the singer work. She was so accomplished in so many areas of her business. Andrea looked up and smiled at Miranda and walked over to her and caressed her cheek while she talked. When she hung up, Andrea looped her arms around the older woman and pulled her in to kiss her.
"Mmm. Your lips taste so good. Where'd the girls disappear to?"
"To call their friends, where else. Girls" she called to them, knowing they would return immediately.
"So what would you like to do today?"
"Anything, as long as we are together." Miranda looped her arms around Andrea's waist and kissed her.
"I know you're dying to get a look at the BOOK and I need to do a small amount of work as well. I'm sure the girls," she looked at them as they appeared, "have school work to do from yesterday." They frowned "Why don't we get dressed, spend a little time getting some work done then plan from there." She turned to face Miranda again
"That's a very acceptable idea." The older woman looked at the girls. "The sooner you get started, the sooner you will finish."
They slowly walked up to their room to change and start on their homework.
Andrea laughed, "They are adorable when they pout." She looked back at Miranda, still in her arms. "Are you that cute when you pout?"
"Andrea, I do not, or will I ever pout." She tried to be icy in her tone but looking at the singer's face failed.
Chuckling, "Really" she kissed her nose. "Looks adorable on you too."
"For heaven sake" Miranda turned and started to move toward the stairs.
"Yep, you're cute."
"Humpf" They walked to the bedroom to change then headed to the den to get some work done.
They sat working quietly for some time, Miranda's attention continually being drawn from the BOOK to look at Andrea sitting in one of the chairs working. She typed on her laptop while listening to music Miranda couldn't hear through the headphones in her ears.
Andrea spoke "You'll never get any work done if you keep watching me work." She smiled but never turned to look at the older woman.
Miranda blushed at being caught staring. "I can't help it" she spoke in a soft voice.
It was however, loud enough for Andrea to hear, she turned to look at Miranda, "I love you too."
Just then the doorbell rang and Miranda got a puzzled look on her face, she went to stand, but the singer interrupted her.
"That's for me, I'll get it. "She stood as the fashionista settled back into her chair.
She could hear the singer talking to someone in the hallway and a rustle of movement. Curiosity getting the better of her, she stood and walked to find Andrea standing next to several boxes, bidding someone good bye as she closed the front door. She turned to face Miranda smiling.
"What is all of this?" the older woman asked motioning to the boxes.
"You'll see" the younger woman grinned as she walked passed Miranda to the stairs. "Mozart, Bach, could you come down here please." There was chaos on the stairs as the girls bounded down them.
"Yes Andy." They said together.
She turned to Miranda, "How 'bout we all go into the sitting room." The four moved to the next room. Andrea remained standing while the girls took seats on the couch and Miranda in her wing back chair.
"Okay, so," Andrea began, "I have some things I wanted you all to have before I leave." The twins looked at their mother, all three confused. Andrea had stepped back out into the hallway only to return with the largest box. She held up a finger, went out of the room again and returned with several smaller boxes. The singer pulled a small pocket knife out of her jeans pocket, which amused Miranda, and cut the tape from the boxes. She folded the knife closed and stuck it back in her pocket.
Miranda could see the excitement radiating from the younger woman.
She reached into the large box and pulled out one then another smaller, yet still good sized boxes. Andrea handed one to Cassidy and one to Caroline. "These are for you." Andrea beamed. The girls slid themselves and the boxes to the floor while Andrea took a seat on the arm of Miranda's chair, putting her arm over the back of it.
The girls opened their boxes with twin unison developed over the years to keep from spoiling one another's surprises.
"Oh my" Cassidy
"God" Caroline
They both jumped to their feet and ran to tackle Andrea before removing their gifts for their mother to see.
"Thank you Andy"
"Thank you so, so much" they hugged her
"You are so welcome" she kissed each girl on the head. "Show your mother, see what she thinks."
The girls went back to their boxes and each lifted out a guitar to show their mother, who sat with a look of wonderment on her face. She could tell by looking, they were not your basic guitars.
"They are beautiful Andrea." She watched as the girls pulled personalized straps over their heads and lifted the instruments into playing position. Cassidy's was black with a mother of pearl pick guard and Caroline's white with a black onyx pick guard.
"I'll need to tune them for you, but we'll take care of that later."
"Andy these are so awesome" Caroline started to frown, "but how are you going to teach us?"
Cassidy chimed in, "we'll have to wait til your tour is over won't we."
"Nope" Andrea moved to two smaller boxes. She handed one to the girls but held on to the other one. "Open it."
They did. Inside they found a brand new MAC. "It has a built in web cam." she smiled, "and I have one on the bus. One click and we're connected." She then handed the other box to Miranda. "We may not be able to physically be together, but at least we can see and talk to each other."
Miranda clenched the box to her chest and tears began to form in her eyes.
Andrea cupped her chin, "I told you, you couldn't get rid of me." She smiled and bent down to kiss the older woman softly, causing her tears to fall.
Their connection was interrupted by the sound of two very out of tune guitars being strummed. Their lips smiled together before parting to chuckle and turn their attention to Cassidy and Caroline, who stood with devilish grins on their faces.
"Nice," Andrea grinned at them. "Okay, last but not least." Andrea handed each of her three girls a smaller box.
Miranda raised an eyebrow to question her.
"Just open it." The singer replied
Inside each box was a new, top of the line touch phone.
"Andray-ah" Miranda cooed, "this is not necessary."
"I disagree. I want any of you to be able to reach me at ANY time. All of my numbers and Amelia's are already programmed in."
"Cool" the girls cheered
"Now" she looked at the girls. "I want your word that you will not abuse these. They are to be used responsibly. I'm trusting you."
Caroline and Cassidy looked to their mother who was looking at Andrea. They turned their eyes to the singer.
"We promise Andy" they said together, "we won't let you down" finish Caroline.
"How will we know if we will be able to get you though?" asked Cassidy
Andrea turned to look at Miranda then back to the girls. "The only time I will not be able to answer is when I'm on stage performing, but it will roll over to Amelia who will tell me as soon as possible."
"Wow" said Caroline
"You really, really love us don't you." Cassidy said
"Yes, I really, really do." Andrea smiled, brightening the whole room and Miranda's heart.
"We don't want you to go Andy" Caroline removed her guitar and went to Andrea's side.
"Yeah, we just got you" Cassidy followed her sister
"I know. A big, big part of me doesn't want to go either. But I have obligations and responsibilities." She cupped both girls chins. "Think about all those people you met yesterday. If I don't go, they don't have jobs to take care of their families." She smiled at their frowning faces. "I promise, it won't be so bad. We've got the computers and you can call me anytime you want. The time will fly by. Before you know it we'll be together in Colorado." Miranda had begun rubbing small circles on her back. The singer took comfort in the act.
"So, how 'bout we get these guitars tuned. I want to make sure you're ready for your first lesson tomorrow night. Andrea stood and moved to the couch, picking up Cassidy's guitar. She placed her fingers on the neck for a C chord and glided the pick over the strings. "Ouch" she flinched at the sound.
The singer tuned the guitars, showing the girls how it was done. Miranda sat and watched, enthralled by the younger woman's talent. Once Andrea was finished and happy with the sounds coming from the strings she moved to have the girls put them away in the cases she had also supplied for them. Before Caroline could retrieve hers from Andrea Miranda asked "Will you play something first?"
Andrea looked at her surprised, "sure, if you'd like. She put the Caroline's strap back over her head. "What would you like to hear?"
"You choose." Miranda replied. She tucked her feet up under her and clutched the laptop to her chest again.
"Alright." The girls seated themselves on the floor in front of her to watch. Andrea closed her eyes running through songs in her head. When she opened them again they met majestic blue ones. She played the first chords of the song, then Miranda heard that beautiful voice.
"Love me tender, love me sweet, never let me go. You have made my life complete and I love you so. Love me tender, love me true, all my dreams fulfill. For my darling I love you and I always will." She played a few chords. "Love me tender, love me dear, tell me you are mine. I'll be yours through all the years, til the end of time. Love me tender, love me true, all my dreams fulfill, for my darling I love you, and I always will." She sang stronger, "Love me tender, love me true, all my dreams fulfill. For my darling, I love you…And I always will. Always will" She finished the song with tears in her eyes.
Miranda wiped her eyes "That was lovely darling. Thank you."
"My pleasure"
Cassidy moved to sit on the couch next to Andrea. "Enough mushy," Caroline sat on the other side, "yeah something fun now."
Andrea laughed "Okay" Her fingers began to move quickly over the neck and a version of one of her songs was recognized by the twins who began to sing along.
Miranda sat and watched her family. Yes, she realized this was her family now. Andrea was going to be apart of their lives from now on. At that moment she vowed she would do whatever it took to keep this, her family together and give Andrea all of her dreams.
