Guess who is coming to visit

It was Thursday night, Miranda was at her study going over some material when Andy arrived with 2 glasses of wine and handed one to Miranda.

"Thank you," Miranda accepted and put the glass on the table.

"You're welcome my love," Andy replied sitting on the arm of the loveseat facing Miranda. "Have I told you lately that I love you?" Andy asked kissing her forehead.

"Yes you did," Miranda answered trying not to break her thoughts with her work.

"And you know you mean everything to me?" Andy kissed her nose now.

Miranda closed her notes and glared at her. "Ok Andrea, what did you do?"

"What? Why?" Andy inquired innocently, "I can't shower my adored wife with love and affection for no reason?" she pretended to be hurt.

Miranda continued to look at her. "What do you want?"

"I don't want anything, Miranda" Andy said leaning back, "I'm really hurt that you think I could do such thing."

"Andrea, spare me your bad acting performance," Miranda said and pursed her lips, studying her face, "what do you want me to do then?"

Andy stared at Miranda; Miranda stared right back.

"Ok ok, you win," Andy sighed raising her hands in surrender, "this Saturday is my mother´s birthday as you know and she just called me to ask if it's ok that she and my dad arrive tomorrow to spend the weekend with me." Andy said in a row and then bit her bottom lip. "With us," she completed.

"And you said no right?" Miranda asked expectantly.

"Miranda!" Andy exclaimed.

Miranda shook her head and sighed heavily.

"I know what you are thinking," Andy took hold of Miranda´s hand.

"I don't mind your parents come to visit you, you know that," Miranda said looking at Andy once again, "but your mother…" she muttered and Andy knew good and well what she meant.

"I promise you she will behave, it's just for the weekend and besides we can go out to dinner and my friends will be there to entertain her."

"We'll see if this plan of yours will work as you expect." Miranda said opening her notes again.

"It will don't worry," Andy said leaning over to kiss her. "Thank you."

"You own me for this," Miranda said in her mouth and Andy smiled.

"Well, what do you say we go to bed and I start to repay you right now?" Andy proposed and bit Miranda´s bottom lip.

"I like the way your mind processes information," Miranda whispered and put the notes aside.

Andy stood up and took Miranda´s hand, "if you like my mind than you will love what the other parts of me will do to you," she finished guiding her to their bedroom.

xxxxxxx

The next day Andy´s parents arrived; Andy took the day off so they could spend the day shopping and visiting all the typical NY tourist attractions that her parents wanted to see and than that night Andy took them and the twins to a play but Miranda couldn't go since she was still stuck at Runway. Andy didn't believe that was the true reason that Miranda was still at work at 9:20 pm on a Friday night, but decided not to argue with her since she knew Miranda was trying to avoid confrontation with her mother. When Miranda arrived home at almost 1 am, she found Andy already asleep in their bed; she quickly took a shower and snuggled with Andy falling asleep immediately.

Saturday morning came and Miranda had to go to Runway. She stayed there the better part of the day in board meetings. When she finally walked in the townhouse was around 4 pm, she and Kate only exchanged a few words and Miranda went straight to her bedroom to rest. Which only lasted for an hour before the twins crawled in bed with her so they could spend some time together watching a movie.

Later that night Andy was at her office when Kate came in.

"Darling, did you call Nate and invited him to have dinner with us?" Kate said as soon as she walked in.

"Mom, why do you insist on having my ex boyfriend at your birthday dinner?" Andy said, as she stopped typing and put her glasses on the table.

"Because I like him and want him there," Kate said innocently, when all she really wanted was a reason to upset Miranda.

"I don't even know if he can make it," Andy said glancing at her watch, "it's late already and besides he has a two months old baby to take care of." Andy said in an effort to put some sense in her mother´s head.

"That should be you Andy," Kate said, "giving me a grandchild by now."

"Well mom," Andy said with a smile, "maybe you won't have to wait for long." She said and stood from her chair.

"What do you mean?" Kate asked surprised.

"Miranda and I are trying to get pregnant," Andy said her smile getting bigger.

"You're what?" Kate asked; as if she had misunderstood her daughter, "how is that possible?"

"I'm doing artificial insemination, we have been trying for a few months now." Andy said as she sat on the sofa.

"And who is the father?" Kate asked sitting on the sofa as well.

"Miranda and I chose the donor, perfect genes," Andy said and paused, giving her mother time to digest the words, "he is intelligent, athletic, healthy, dark hair but with Miranda´s kind of blue eyes, so our child can be physically related to both of us." Andy explained and her mother put her hands of each side of her head.

"So you will have a baby of a frozen father?" Kate asked bitterly still not looking at her. "This is the end of the world," she muttered under her breath.

"It's a donor mom, not the father, we don't need a man to have a child, or to raise him or her, with family values." Andy explained.

"You think its right to forbid a child to know his father?" Kate asked shaking her head looking at Andy now, "this is wrong Andy; you should not even consider something as absurd as this."

"Mom, I want to have a child and want to have one with my wife…" Andy was becoming upset with the way that chat was going, but a knock at the door cut her off. "C'mon in."

"Andy, mom is calling, she said Roy will be here in 30 minutes," Cassidy informed, "Doug, Tony, Lily and her boyfriend just arrived too," she said and sit close to Andy.

"Thank you darling, I will be right there." Andy said putting an arm over her shoulder.

"Who is Tony?" Kate asked.

"Its Doug´s boy…" Cassidy started but Andy cut her off.

"Friend. Doug´s work friend, you will like him, and he's so funny." Andy said and brought Cassidy closer.

"I still can't understand why we can't go to dinner too, it's not that late." Cassidy said moping.

"Because it's my birthday we are celebrating and it's for adults not children like you who should be in bed by now," Kate said impatiently.

"Mom," Andy stared at her and turned to Cassidy, "baby, I promise we will do something fun tomorrow ok." Andy kissed her head.

Cassidy, her focus still on Kate, struggled to hold back what she really wanted to say because although she was just a child her veins ran thick with Priestly blood. "Thanks Andy," she said instead, "can we go to central park?" She asked as she turned her attention to Andy.

"Whatever you and your sister decide," Andy said and Cassidy smiled.

"Andy, we are only here for the weekend, you should spend time with me and your father," Kate said and stared at Cassidy who simply stared back.

"Mom we have the whole day," Andy said wanting to please both, "we can go to central park in the morning and later we can go do whatever you and dad feel like, your flight isn't until 10 pm." Andy finished trying to mediate.

"Whatever you want darling," Kate said faking a smile and Cassidy did the same.

-Daniel Restaurant-

"Good evening, welcome to Daniel," Maite Montenegro, a maitre for the restaurant greeted them, "Mrs. Priestly, nice to see you both again," she said to Miranda and Andy, who were holding hands.

"Good evening," Andy said and Miranda just nodded not paying much attention.

"Your table is waiting for you and your guests." She said smiling walking them through the private area.

They were finishing ordering the appetizers and the Daniel Cuvée 1998 wine, Miranda always had when she came to the restaurant, when Daniel walked over to the table.

"Bonsoir," he said to them. "Miranda, nice to see you again," he greeted her by kissing her hand.

"Daniel," Miranda said back.

"This must be the delightful Mrs. Priestly," he said now kissing Andy´s hand. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

"Yes, Andrea," Miranda said. "This is Daniel Boulud the owner of the restaurant."

"Nice to meet you too and you can call me Andy," Andy said smiling at him.

"When I was told you would be here tonight I decided to personally cook for you and your guests." He said smiling at Miranda once again.

"It's my mom´s birthday," Andy said to him looking over to her mother.

"Perfect, another reason then," he said nodding at Kate who was sitting in front of Miranda, "happy birthday madame."

"Thank you," Kate said smiling radiantly.

"Well enjoy your night," he finished and walked away to the kitchen.

The night was passing without incident, and the music that was being played in the background was the perfect complement to the friendly chat they were all having, but of course Kate was using every opportunity she could find to provoke Miranda. Andy however was rather upset with the situation, and therefore she had drank a little bit more wine that she was used to having.

The main courses were served and as usual Andy had to taste some of Miranda´s food.

"Oh God, that is so good," Andy said taking a small piece of the lamb off Miranda´s plate.

"The cod you chose must be delicious as well," Miranda said with a smirk.

"You wanna have some?" Andy offered.

"No thank you, when I ask for something I have full intention of eating only that," Miranda said and looked at her.

"Ha-ha very funny," Andy faked a smile and leaned over and placed a quick peck on her lips.

Kate was watching the scene and opened her mouth to say something but decided to stay quiet and started to eat the lobster she had ordered. She just glared at Andy making sure she understood the message.

They continued to enjoy the night, laughing about a story Doug and Tony were telling, sometimes Miranda even laughed like she meant it. They ordered the dessert and Daniel sent a small cake with Happy Birthday written on the plate for Kate.

Andy took a bite of Miranda´s honeycrisp apple confit, since she didn't feel like having one just for herself, she leaned her head on Miranda´s shoulder and suppressed a yawn, the wine was relaxing her.

"Are you tired darling?" Miranda asked.

"A little," Andy said and intertwined their hands together. "But I'm sure you can make me fully awake if you use your imagination." Andy whispered joking and Miranda shook her head at Andy´s comment.

"I will keep that in mind." Miranda said back trying to cover a smile.

"Cassidy asked if I can bring them the chocolate bombe," Andy said and took another bite with Kate watching with disapproving eyes while the men and Lily were talking about the next week exhibition at her Gallery.

"Is there any thing they can't convince you to do?" Miranda asked in teasingly tone while sipping on her wine.

"What can I say; I'm weak to the Priestly charming blue eyes." Andy chuckled, bringing Miranda´s mouth to meet hers.

"Andy, behave yourself." Kate said in a tone that got the attention of the whole table causing the guy's conversation to come to an immediate halt.

Andy raised her head from Miranda´s shoulder. "Mom I'm not doing anything wrong," she said in a low voice.

About that time Daniel was coming closer to ask if everything was perfect and if they were enjoying the night.

"Yes you are, this is not a place for that," she pointed between Andy and Miranda, "we don't have to be forced to see that when we are having dinner."

Miranda looked around the room for a sharp object she could use on Kate right then.

"At least respect me and your father." Kate said not lowering her tone.

Andy looked at her father who was busy staring as his plate, unable to say anything to help and at Daniel, who was paralyzed at the side of the table. Not knowing what to say or do, she stood from her seat.

"Andrea, sit down," Miranda said in her usual icy tone.

Andy looked down at her, said nothing and left.

Miranda smoothly stood up as well, flicking her napkin to the table. If a looks could kill, Kate would be drawing her final breath by now. "Excuse me," she said and went after Andy, leaving all the others in an awkward silence.

"That wine is a fantastic choice," Daniel said as soon as he stopped to curse himself to why he had to come into that room just then.

Miranda reached Andy when she was almost at the bar.

"Stop," Miranda said and took hold of her arm. "I'm too old to run after you anymore." She finished making Andy turn around to face her.

"I'm so sorry, I just can't," Andy said and looked to the ground in effort to not to cry.

"What was that about, Andrea?" Miranda asked as she pushed Andy into a corner where no one would notice them.

"I'm weak, I keep letting my mom say and do horrible things to us and I do nothing to make her stop."

"You are not weak," Miranda said, "and even when you feel that way Andrea, you can't ever let people see that, don't you ever look down," Miranda said putting a hand on her chin making Andy look up at her, "you are the owner of your life, don't let your mother make you feel otherwise."

"I wish I could be stronger, to be the person you deserve, I don't want to disappoint you, and it's all I do when my mom is around." Andy said feeling it harder to hold back the tears.

"Andrea, stop with the nonsense, you don't have to prove anything to me, or to any other person besides yourself."

"She doesn't think that way, and she keeps trying to make me feel like I have to be ashamed of who I am," Andy raised her hand to the hall like she was waiting for her mother to come and say sorry for what she said. "She was never like this before."

"She was never like this, when you were living by her rules." Miranda replied.

"I´m such an idiot," Andy said letting a few tears run down her face. "It kills me when she is mean to you."

"Andrea you should know by now, you mother has no control over me, what upsets me is to know how she affects you to this level." Miranda said gently and placed a soft hand on Andy´s cheek wiping a tear.

"I have never been as happy as I am when I'm with you" Andy said blinking the tears. "And the girls" the thought of the twins made Andy try to smile.

"Your happiness depends on you and the choices you make." Miranda said never breaking their gaze. "You chose me and my girls as your family and we are proud to have you as well."

"Why is so hard for her to accept us?" Andy asked exhaling, in allusion of her mother once again. "Sometimes I think she only feels happy when I'm miserable and alone."

"You have to make her see who you truly are, you are not a little girl anymore darling, you´re a woman, and she will never stop until she sees that and start to respect you."

"I know," Andy sighed, "I just don't want to be forceful and hurt her feeling."

"But its ok when she hurt yours?"

Miranda was desperate to make Andy understand that as long as she continued to give her mother the power, she would always use it against her and it drove Miranda nuts that Andy couldn't see that. Miranda knew that Andy was capable of protecting herself and making her own decisions without anybodies interference, especially not her mothers.

"No its not," Andy answered, "Especially when it affects both of us."

"Sometimes attitudes can't be as sweet as we want in order to make things happen the way it should." Miranda said raising an eyebrow.

"I will keep that in mind," Andy smiled nervously using the same phrase Miranda used a few minutes ago.

Miranda leaned over and placed a kiss on Andy's cheek. "Let's go back, you still have half of my dessert to eat," she said and Andy giggled wiping a few more tears.

"I love you," Andy declared and melted into Miranda´s embrace. "So much." Andy finished breathing the unique scent in Miranda´s neck.

Miranda rested a firm hand on Andy´s back, and whispered quietly in her ear, "I love you," Miranda wiped the last tears from her face, "ready?" She asked.

Andy nodded yes breathing deeply.

"Perfect, now smile," Miranda said and leaded them back to the private area.

Kate sprawled down in her seat a little uncomfortably when she saw Andy and Miranda coming back to the table hand in hand, like nothing had happened, and it killed her to see how Miranda had such an influence over her daughter. In her polluted mind, Miranda is nothing more than the devil that bewitched her innocent child. True love could never be the right answer to that.

Andy sat and Miranda sat at her side, Miranda´s stare burning into Kate's skin. Daring her to say something 'God help you, if you do.' Miranda thought. Lily caressed Andy´s arm and she just smiled back that she was fine. The nervous silence remained at the table until when Tony asked George, Lily´s boyfriend, something about soccer and it seemed to help to clear the air for a while.

A few more minutes later, they were finishing the special tea Daniel sent and the conversation was again back to normal. The maitre came with the bill and handed it to the older man of the table, in this case, Andy´s dad, who was sitting in front of her. He opened the bill case and looked like he had seen a ghost, his face becoming pale, his eyes growing wild, he looked at his side to Kate and looked back at the bill. Andy, who was once again resting her head on Miranda´s shoulder, stood and took the bill from his hand.

"It's ok dad, it's on me tonight," she said smiling at him.

"No darling lets share at least," he said and all the others took their wallet to pay the share.

"There is no need to share a simple bill," Miranda finally said annoyed, she is not used to such a fuss over a bill, "Andrea can pay alone." She finished and Andrea took her credit card to handle to the maitre.

"That is not necessary," Kate said taking the bill case from Andy´s side of the table "I don't want you to pay," she looked at Miranda, completely ignoring Andy´s presence or the others around her. Convinced that her daughter was simply living off of Miranda's money, she was not about to let Miranda pay for dinner. It never once occurred to Kate that Andy did have her own well paying job and could afford the dinner herself.

"Kate it's a two thousand dollar bill," Richard whispered to her.

"It's my birthday and I can take care of that," Kate said glaring at him as she took her credit card from her purse and handed it to the maitre.

A few minutes later the maitre came back and stopped close to Kate.

"I'm sorry madam but your credit card was declined." The maitre said quietly to her.

"What? That's impossible." Kate said. "Try it again!"

"I tried 3 times ma'am," she said as Kate snatched the card from the woman's hand; while the others once again opened their wallets to pay the bill.

"Leave it" Miranda purred rolling her eyes and opened her purse. She put her American Express Black Card and a hundred dollar bill on the table and nodded at the woman to take it.

Kate didn't have other thing to do except swallow her pride and recognize she lost the battle. The maitre took Miranda's card and the money and exited once again.

After the whole bill incident, Daniel thanked them for their presence and they headed outside the restaurant. Andy´s friends were saying the goodbyes and congratulating Kate once more for her birthday and Miranda and Andy for providing a wonderful night.

While they were waiting for Roy that was in line behind the cabs that would take home Lily and George and other to Doug and Tony, Andy leaned in Miranda's embrace and rested her head in the crock of her neck, she was feeling even more tired now after the emotional drained dinner and the vast amounts of wine she had consumed were not helping.

Doug and Tony were stepping into the cab when Andy started to moan in her skin.

"Are you not feeling well?" Miranda asked gently.

"No, my head is killing me, I feel like a truck hit me." Andy said and chuckled.

"We will be home soon and you can sleep until late tomorrow." Miranda said with her hand in the small of her back.

Kate turned her attention to them.

"Andy, you are doing this to provoke me, aren't you?" Kate asked trying to walk over to them but Richard took hold of her wrist. "I don't like to be provoked."

Andy left Miranda´s neck but was still in her protective embrace, "No I'm not mom" Andy smiled at her and Miranda remained quiet. Now was the time, she hoped.

"Well you better stop doing that, we are in public." Kate said.

"I don't see why I should stop, I'm doing nothing wrong or different than any other person hugging her partner," Andy said back.

"If you don't stop this embarrassing scene right now I will take a cab and leave you here." Kate threatened her.

Andy closed her eyes and regained her strength again. Enough is enough. "That would be great mom," Andy said smiling even more, "are you sure you don't mind?" Andy continued.

"What?" Kate stared back at her daughter in disbelief.

"You know," she leaned towards her mother and started to whisper, "what I want to do with my wife right now I don't think I can wait until we get home, you understand right?" Andy said giggling and Kate opened her mouth perplexed.

Roy parked and exited the car to open the door to them. Andy pushed Miranda into the car and handed Roy the small bag with the twin's dessert and took her place on the leather seat with Miranda by her side.

"Let's go home Roy," Andy said starting to kiss Miranda furiously and Roy immediately closed the door, totally confused.

Kate was still standing on the sidewalk with her mouth wide open when Roy pulled away from the curb. Richard on the other hand was trying desperately to muffle a laugh.

Fin.