18

Two weeks had flown by. All preparations for the shoot were ready down to the last detail. Miranda had decided to schedule it all at the beginning of their visit, allowing she and the girls the remainder of the trip to spend with Andy uninterrupted.

By now everyone on Miranda's staff closest to her new about the relationship she had with Andrea. So it came as no surprise when the singer was there to meet the plane. What did have her staff taken aback was the immediate change in her and her daughter's demeanor when they saw the singer approaching them. Even Nigel, who had been through two husbands, then divorces and forgotten lovers, was awed by how his iconic boss and friend melted into the relaxed state.

The girls yelled in unison as they threw themselves into Andy's arms.

"Andy!"

"Mozart! Bach!" She returned as she hugged him both tightly and kissed their heads. "I missed you guys!" Then squeeze them to ensure her words.

"We missed you too." Cassidy said.

"We hate it when we can't see you." Caroline followed.

"Me too girls," then looked up into the most beautiful face she knew she would ever know and repeated, "me too."

Nigel, Emily and Serena were witness to one of Andy's famous 100 watt smiles. Then she released the girls and they parted to her sides to allow their mother to take their place in the young woman's arms.

They stood arm's length from each other. To hell with it they both thought and saw it in each other's eyes. Both women stepped forward in into a wonderful hug. They did refrain from kissing each other, as hard as it was. No sense in giving everything away to the snappers, but being in each other's arms, was all they needed to sink their hearts into the single beat being together caused.

Miranda whispered into her lover's ear, "hello darling."

Andy tightened her hold and brushed her lips over the editors ear, "hi sweetheart."

A chill ran down the older woman's spine at the contact so she stepped back, taking a quiet breath. With a wink to her lover she replaced her iconic mask for the benefit of her staff. "It was kind of you to meet us."

Andy smirked. "You're on my stompin ground now, so I thought it would be the polite thing to do."

"Indeed." Miranda grinned." Well, lead away."

Caroline and Cassidy immediately took each of Andy's hands, again to Miranda's staff's amazement. Nigel mumbled to Emily and Serena, "this is going to be a very interesting experience," as the three followed the leading quartet.

During the ride in the limo to Andy's home Nigel, Emily and Serena watched their iconic boss and the country singer watch each other while the twins chatted about everything they wanted to do during their visit. Caroline and Cassidy fell silent as the car passed through the gates of Andy's estate. Emily actually found herself holding her breath in anticipation.

Andy smiled as Miranda's eyes grew incredibly large and sparkled with pride. "Welcome to Cerulean Dreams Ranch." She took Miranda's hand. "Welcome to my home."

The older woman squeezed the fingers wrapped around hers." Thank you Andrea."

The visitors took in all of the beautiful scenery along the entrance drive that led to Andy's house. When the car got closer, the singer chuckled at the chorus of gasps when six pairs of eyes settled on her home.

"Holy" Cassidy

"Shit" Caroline

"Indeed." Miranda couldn't find it in her to correct her daughter's expletive when it's exactly what she was thinking.

The car stopped. Andy got out and extended her hand to her lover. The girls opened the door on the other side and hurried out.

"Andy, this is amazing!" Caroline squealed.

"Thanks Mozart." She stood, still holding Miranda's hand as her lover's staff exited the car and stood gaping in amazement.

"This place is huge." Cassidy said as she made her way with her sister in tow to stand next to Andy and their mom.

"Hmm." Andy released her hold on Miranda and move to the front door. "Two big sometimes." Amelia opened the door before she could reach it. She stepped out to stand next Andy.

"Hi Amelia." The girls said together.

"Hello Caroline. Hello Cassidy." She looked at each girl as she welcomed them. She looked up to meet Miranda's eyes. "Miranda," she nodded, "it's wonderful to see you again."

"Thank you Amelia. It's good to see you again too." The editor turned to her staff. "I'd like you to meet my staff. Nigel, Serena and Emily." They each nodded to the girl. "This is Amelia, Andrea's assistant." Emily thought to herself as strange as it was she like this friendly side of her boss.

Amelia move to shake each one's hand. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you all. It's nice to have faces to put with names." She turned to Andy. "The caterer's set up on the back. Everything is ready for you."

Andy put her hand on Amelia's arm and squeezed. "Thanks Amelia. Will you please have someone see to the luggage, then please join us out back for lunch."

"Of course Andy." She stepped back after opening the door for everyone to enter the house.

The girls headed in followed by Emily, Serena and Nigel. Andy held Miranda back until everyone was well within the house, and out of view. Then pulled her into her arms and looked into her shining blue eyes. "Hello gorgeous." And leaned in to lay her lips on her lover's waiting smile.

They separated due to the need for air. "Now that's the way I wanted to be greeted by you. Hello darling." Miranda responded. "I've missed you."

"Oh baby, I've missed you too. I can't wait to get you alone." She leaned in and lightly kissed her lips again. "But now we'd better get inside and catch up with everyone."

Miranda blinked slowly, the thought of them being alone together again sending shivers through her. She took a deep breath. "Yes. Let's go be the bosses we are." She squeezed her tightly. "Until later my love."

The two women made their way into the house. Andy followed the older woman, enjoying the view of the ass she knew she would be worshiping in only a few hours. A few long hours she sighed.

The group was standing in the center of Andy sunken living room, looking around in awe. Even Miranda gasped when she entered. It made Andy smile when she heard it.

The center of her home was a large open room with furniture set in several small groupings around the room. An enormous fireplace took up one whole wall and Andy's gold and platinum albums hung on the wall surrounding it. On the opposite side of the room, and exquisite grand piano flanked by two smaller baby grands stood covered with photographs. It was missed by no one that the most predominant photos were those of Miranda and her daughters.

The editor made her way over and picked up the picture Andrea had taken of the three of them and ran her elegant fingers over it lovingly. She set it back in its place and returned to the group, giving Andy a sweet smile. Andy smiled back.

"So," she headed to one of the three sets of French doors on the back wall leading outside. "I thought you all might be hungry. I took it upon myself to give you a down-home meal." She opened both doors to the patio stepped back so everyone could see out and grinned at their faces, "Tennessee style."

The view that greeted the group of New Yorkers was something no one had ever dreamed they would see. The enormous backyard was a world unto itself. The patio was an outdoor kitchen and dining room covered by what with looked like the roof of an old log cabin. To the left of the cooking and dining area was a beautifully landscaped pool that looked more like a hidden oasis with a waterfall that doubled as a natural rockslide. The girls and Emily squealed when they saw it.

To the right of the outside area was a small corral with four horses munching on the grass. The sight cause Cassidy and Caroline to jump up and down and Emily to squeeze Serena's arm in excitement.

Even Miranda was taken back by the beautiful grandeur of it. She slipped her hand into Andy's, linking their fingers. "It's breathtaking darling."

Andy turned to smile at her, lifting their hands to kiss her lover's knuckles gently without thought. "Thank you sweetheart. I'm glad you like it."

Mark cleared his throat gingerly, snapping the women back into the world around them. He grinned. They smirked at each other and dropped hands. Andy coughed, turning to face her friend. It was then that Caroline, Cassidy and Miranda realized he and his wife were standing in the outdoor kitchen at the huge barbecue pit.

"Mark!" Cassidy yelled.

"Amy!" Caroline choired with her sister, as they made a beeline to the adults, wrapping arms around them. In a habit long unused Mark swept both girls up into his arms and swung them around to their great delight.

The editor had followed her excited daughters at the much more reserved pace but pulled Amy into a very uncharacteristic hug to her staff's surprise. "Amy. It's wonderful to see you again." The older woman felt a bond with the younger woman she hadn't in her life experienced. A shared loss, (though Miranda knew in comparison hers was less) that was fueled by her empathy for the couple.

A bit shocked, but still accepting, Amy returned the embrace. "Good to see you too Miranda." They separated and when Mark sat her girls down she extended her hand to the big man. "Mark." She said affectionately and placed her other hand on top of his as they connected.

"Miranda, welcome." He smiled.

"Thank you." She squeezed his hand with hers and smiled. Anyone who showed such honest affection to her daughters immediately landed a place in her heart.

He turned "Annie Marie, you going to introduce us to these fine folks so we can sit down and eat?"

The singer grinned at him. "Are you sure you're done assaulting my girls?"

"Ha. Yours?" He picked up each girl again to their giggling delight. "Possession is 9/10." He grinned back.

Everyone, including Miranda laughed. Nigel was sure he'd never heard such a glorious sound. Andy moved to the editors employees. "Amy, Mark, this is Nigel, Emily and Serena." She turned to them. "Guys, this is Mark and Amy my oldest friends." They all exchanged pleasantries.

"Now." Andy beamed. "Let's eat!"

Amelia had joined them and she and Emily fell into a comfortable conversation about working for such demanding women. Nigel's secret love for cooking lent to a serious conversation with Amy about the different ways to prepare pork. Mark sat between Caroline and Cassidy with Serena across from them discussing music. The girls were delighted to find out that Serena played the violin, or as Mark called it a fiddle, and agreed to play with them later.

Standing in the doorway to the house, Miranda watched as her two worlds, her two families melded together comfortably like it had always been that way. She felt too long arms slide around her waist and her lover's chin rested on her shoulder. There was no need for words, both could feel the other's happiness and sense of calm settled on them as they stood there together.

Andy lifted her chin and whispered into the editor's ear, "I love you." She kissed her cheek and rejoined her family, families. Miranda leaned into the gentle caress of Andrea's lips and sighed contentedly as she watched her walk toward the group.

"And I love you my darling. More than I knew I could love anyone." She spoke softly to her lovers retreating back. She walked over and kissed each smiling daughter on top of her head and took a seat to Andy's right and began filling her plate. When she looked up at everyone around her, her friends, family, employees Miranda knew in her soul this was how her life was meant to be. This was what all of her hard work and devotion had resulted in. This was what she wanted, for the rest of her life.

After the wonderful lunch and enjoyable conversation, it was decided everyone would take the rest of the free afternoon to do what they wanted. Nigel immediately agreed to help Amy plan and prepare supper for the group. Amelia, Emily and Serena plan to sit by the pool basking in the sunshine. Mark, Caroline and Cassidy headed to the corral. The girls couldn't wait to go for a ride. Miranda and Andy followed along. The singer was excited to finally introduce her new family to her dearest friend.

As they approached, Andy put her fingers into the corners of her mouth and whistles loudly. Miranda raised a brow and surprise. She was even more surprised when from the other side of the building next to the corral a gorgeous paint wild Mustang came trotting to Andrea's side, stopped and nuzzled her neck with her nose.

"Hello baby girl." Andy crooned as she rubbed the horses cheeks. She turned to look at her girls." Miranda, Mozart, Bach, I'd like you to meet Gracie, the only other woman in my life I love as much as the three of you." She smiled broadly then turned to Gracie. "Gracie, please say hello to our girls."

All three gasped when the graceful animal bent one knee to the ground, dipped her head and bowed to them.

"Amazing!" Both Caroline and Cassidy whispered.

Miranda was speechless. Andy smiled at the response from them all and chuckled.

Gracie rose and moved to each girl to sniff their hair. They giggled with delight. The horse then moved to Miranda. The two stood silently, staring at each other's eyes. Finally, the editor nodded, almost imperceptibly. Gracie tossed her head back, whinnied and stomped her left foot. Miranda's brows rose to her hairline.

Andy beamed, patted her horse as she spoke to her ladylove. "In Gracie speak," she grinned, "that means acceptable."

The girls laughed out loud, tears streaming down their faces. "She's just like you mom." Cassidy said between breaths.

"Indeed." Miranda smiled at the horse. "I believe we'll be getting along nicely." Andy walked over to the older woman and gently kissed her cheek as the girls began to pet the beautiful horse.

"I never had a doubt." She whispered.

Gracie snorted causing Andy to turn and look at her. "Fine. Fine." She walked to the corral gate and opened it, the mare walked in, toward the other horses to say hello. Andy walked back over to her family. "Now she's just being a brat. She can open that gate by her self just fine." The horse whinnied again. Andy turned to her direction, "you are too a brat." She snorted again and stomped her right leg before trotting off.

"She is totally amazing Andy." Caroline said.

"Thanks Mozart. I'm kind of partial to her."

"How did she learn to do all that stuff?" Cassidy asked. The girls had climbed the bottom rung of the corral fence and were hanging on to the top bar watching the horses with a longing.

Andy and Miranda moved up behind the girls and stood while they watched Mark saddle the horses they would soon be riding.

"No one really. She just sort of knew how. She is the smartest horse I've ever known."

"Wow." The girls choired.

"Where did you find her?" Miranda was curious how her lover happened upon such an incredible animal.

"Actually, she found me." She grinned.

Mark approached, leading three beautiful horses. One with a shiny black coat and two smaller, chestnut brown with matching marks on their faces.

"Poor girl should've turned and run in the opposite direction." He smiled.

"Hey!" Andy frowned.

Everyone chuckled.

"I was out walking the back 40 one afternoon several years ago. Drowning myself in self-pity," she rubbed her trademark wrist wrap Miranda noticed, "I stopped at the edge of the lake." Andy turned to look at the older woman, giving her a knowing look. "I was lost in my thoughts and didn't hear her come up behind me. Somehow," she gazed out at the beautiful horse, "it was like she knew what I was thinking." Andy smiled at the next statement. "The damned horse pushed me into the water then stood there, watching me, like she was waiting to see what I'd do. After a minute I climbed back up to the bank." The singer turned to look at Miranda. "She raised her head, whinnied and stomped her foot." She looked back out at Gracie. "She saved me." She smiled and raised her voice a little, "and I've been stuck with her ever since."

They all watched as the incredible animal reared up on her hind legs and whinnied loudly.

Mark laughed, "I think she seems to think it's more like she is stuck with you."

"Maybe. But I wouldn't have it any other way."

"Neither would she Annie Marie." Mark squeezed her shoulder. "Now then," he turned his attention to the girls, "I'd like to introduce you young ladies to Ginger and Cinnamon."

"Seems I can't escape look-alikes." Andy grinned as the girls jumped down and headed towards Mark.

He proceeded to hand a walkie-talkie to Andy and help each girl onto her horses back before mounting his. Miranda was beaming inside with her daughter's excitement. They loved to ride, but in the city, it was hard to get the chance. She knew they would be in heaven the whole time they were here.

"We'll head back to the pool." Andy waved the walkie at Mark and he nodded. "Have a good time you guys, try not to wear the old man out." She laughed.

"We won't." They spoke as one.

"Have fun darlings, be careful."

"We will mom." Cassidy answered.

"You two have fun too." Caroline grinned.

Andy and Miranda watched as Mark led the girls away from the house and the corral. Once they were a ways off in the distance Andy took her lover by the hand, intertwining their fingers, to lead her back to the house.

Everyone had been relaxing by the pool when the walkie-talkie next Andy squawked. "Andy! Andy! Can you hear me?"

Andy grabbed it up recognizing Caroline's panicked voice.

"I'm here Caroline. What's wrong?"

"It's Cassidy!" Miranda was by Andy's side with the rest following. Andy looked at Amelia who was already dialing her phone.

"Calm down baby." Andy spoke calmly into the radio. Miranda gripped her arm. "Tell me what's going on."

They could hear Caroline trying to take a breath between sobs. "A snake spooked Ginger and she threw Cassie. She rolled into the lake and Mark went looking for her."

As soon as Caroline said Cassidy had been thrown she wolf whistled loudly which brought Gracie galloping to the pool at full speed.

"I'm on my way sweetheart. Hang on." She grabbed Gracie's mane and threw her long leg over the horse's back. She tossed Amy the walkie saying "get Miranda there." She glanced at Amelia who gave her a thumbs up, meaning the ambulance and fire and rescue were on the way.

With one last look at her lover she said, "Gracie get me to the lake, fast as you can and they were off, literally in a cloud of dust.

Amy handed the walkie-talkie to Miranda, telling her to keep talking to Caroline. She led the distraught mother to a covered pad that held an ATV. The two women climbed in and they were off. "We're coming baby. Mommy and Andy are coming. Just hang on darling."