A/N: This prompt came from Facebook's DWP Mirandy Page. I have been trying to coax my muse out from her winter hibernation by feeding her a particular nutty chocolate bar. Anyway, the prompt I was given is as follows;

Andy catches Miranda having a Snickers and almost dies of shock.

Disclaimer: As always, I am just fooling with these characters. I do not own or make any money from them. They are owned by Lauren Weisberger and 20th Century Fox.

NOTE:

I want to apologise for the delay in updates. My muse fled and I've tried to coax her back so I can hopefully finish this biopic (still have no idea how to end it) This may continue to be slow to update, but I promise I will not leave any of my WIP's unfinished. I continue to appreciate everyone's comments/follows/favourites/kudos.

Thanks for your ongoing patience.

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Chapter Twenty-Three:

Drinking coffee, Andy outlined a plan for the afternoon with Miranda and the twins, jotting down places they could go.

Borrowing Beth's Camry Solara to head out with Miranda and the twins. She hit I-71 South heading towards Louisville as Miranda chose music and chatted happily with the twins filling them in on the time they had spent in Cincinnati so far. Miranda didn't notice when Andy took I-65 but looking up she noticed the signs for Nashville. "Please tell me we are not driving into Nashville?" Miranda smirked as Andy shook her head and the twins laughed.

"I want to go to Dollywood." Cassidy chirped happily.

"Shepherdsville today, Dollywood tomorrow." Andy grinned.

"We are not going to Dollywood." Miranda was laughing. "I cannot imagine anything worse."

"Aww." Cassidy pouted and Andy chuckled.

"So, what's in Shepherdsville?" Caroline asked.

"Zappos," Andy stated. Her throat ached, and she winced as she swallowed.

Miranda noticed the wince and placed her soluble pain relief in an icy bottle of water from the cooler at her feet and handed it to the young woman. Pulling her cell out of her purse she started Googling. "Zappos offer authentic brands and a huge variety of fashion footwear, apparel and accessories." She told the twins."

"Oh, we're clothes shopping?" Cassidy seemed disappointed.

"Well, Andréa believed you may want a pair of indigo Converse hi-tops and Caroline a pair in green, if she was mistaken we can turn around." Miranda turned and frowned at her daughters. "I also need more casual clothes. I do not believe Andréa meant for me to wear all of hers."

Andy swallowed water and grimaced. "I don't mind..."

"Hush, my darling." Miranda took the sting from her words by taking Andy's hand in hers and placing a soft kiss on it. "It will be good to give Beth the space to settle. We did not account for my twin tornadoes making an appearance."

"Oh," Caroline muttered.

Andy observed the flash of sadness in Caroline's eyes. "Caro, it means a lot you wanted to travel all this way to make sure I was okay. Your mom and I are glad you are both here."

"Promise?" Caroline whispered.

"I promise, honey. I know just how much your mom hates to be away from you." Andy told her. "You will always be welcome wherever I am. I think the absolute world of you guys. And by the look of things, you are family now. Once the Sachs and West family make you one of their own, there's no escape." Andy grinned as Miranda rolled her eyes.

They continued their drive with the twin's dancing in their seats to Andy's choice in music as she tapped her fingers on the steering wheel and Miranda sat back and relaxed. She took out the list of things Andréa had written.

Zappos in Shepherdsville
Hyde Park Square
Oakley Square
O'bryonville

"From the little I have read regarding Zappos, I envision a sea of hideous shoes reminiscent of those you wore when you first worked at Runway." Miranda gave Andy a mischievous smirk and laughed when the brunette rolled her eyes.

"Nah, Jill shops at Zappos, my usual fare is Target and when feeling lavish Walmart." Andy chuckled at Miranda's look of horror. "I promise there will be no hideous cerulean sweaters in sight."

The twins laughed remembering how their mom had told them about her words, spoken off the cuff, about the history of the colour.

After almost two hours after they left the house, Miranda was stunned when they pulled into the carpark of the large Amazon Fulfilment Centre that housed the outlet store. As they looked around at the shoes, in the clean, well-lit store, she realised they were at least 50% off the retail price. There was plenty of merchandise to look at and keep them busy.

Miranda looked through the shoes from Stuart Weitzman, Betsy Johnson, Burberry, Vince Camuto, Badgley Mischka, Sam Edelman and Tory Burch, but the pair she took an instant liking to a pair of BCBG Max Azria shoes with a price tag of $30 from the clearance section. Some items looked like someone had worn them and she took great care to ensure the pair she had chosen were new.

Andy led the twins straight over to Converse and Vans and searched through the options, easily finding what they wanted. Cassidy chose her indigo hi-top converse and a pair of black and red checked slip-on Vans and Caroline her green hi-tops and a pair of white and red checked Vans. Andy picked herself up a pair of Vans too with a black and grey check, and it thrilled the twins they would match.

"I like shopping with you, Andy," Cassidy trilled happily. Caroline nodded emphatically at her sister's words. "We will go look in the kid's section." The twins ran off quickly, dodging a few other shoppers.

Andy walked over to Miranda balancing the five shoe boxes and Miranda smiled at the sight before taking two of the boxes on top of her own.

As they moved further into the apparel sections, Miranda saw everything from slacks and jeans, swimsuits, golf wear, yoga wear, prom dresses, jackets and even a few wedding dresses. Focussing on jeans, Miranda chose a pair of dark-wash NYDJ and black True Religion jeans, both at 70% off. "Many of these items are acceptable, my darling," Miranda whispered to Andy as she hunted the rails for t-shirts, blouses and sweaters, pulling out items from BCBG, DKNY, Michael Kors and Ralph Lauren.

Andy snagged herself a bargain, finding a beautiful Ralph Lauren wool overcoat for $60. She grinned at Miranda. "Be glad it's not one of their wacky Wednesday Sales or the weekend, it's bedlam." Andy smiled when Miranda pulled a long-sleeved DKNY sweater onto her pile and she found herself a few Levi's, Nike, Adidas, Converse and Vans t-shirts and a few shirts and sweatshirts.

Moving to the underwear section, Andy checked out items from La Perla, Agent Provocateur and Wacoal. Miranda found socks for at 70% off the usual price which she grabbed. Looking over at Andy she watched her handling a cerulean modal chemise carefully. "That is beautiful." Miranda's words had Andy jumping.

Turning to look down at the older woman Andy bit her lip. "Well, buy me cute underwear and I will let you see me wearing it."

"If I buy you nothing, can I see you wearing that?" Miranda's eyes twinkled with amusement as Andy blushed bright red.

"Um, yeah," Andy whispered. "Anytime."

Miranda leaned around the brunette and saw the size of the chemise. "My darling, this is not your size."

Andy pulled the item from the rack and winked at the older woman. "Nope, but it is yours." Miranda's laughter hit her back as she made her way to where the twins were squabbling. "Hey, what's up?"

"I want one of those too," Caroline muttered, pointing at the white long-sleeved Colours Ignite t-shirt by Adidas Cassidy held.

"Oh, okay. Let's see what we can find." Andy searched the racks with growing despair as Caroline stood by her side shuffling from foot to foot.

"Can I help you?" A gentle female voice hit Andy and Caroline stiffened.

"Um, maybe." Andy turned and looked at the young woman who worked at the store. "The little one here wants the same t-shirt as her sister has found, now I know that isn't always possible, but..." Andy bit her lip as she felt the woman's eyes trailing from the bruises on her face to her neck. She detected the spark of recognition in her eyes. Her eyes flittered away searching until they landed on Miranda. Caroline huffed impatiently.

"We may have one or two out back, what size?" The woman asked.

Andy gestured for Cassidy's t-shirt and looked down as she handed it to her. "Medium, 10 to 12 kids." Andy husked.

"Okay." She moved away quickly as Miranda stepped close.

"Is everything okay, my darling," Miranda asked.

"I think we may have been recognised by staff." Andy husked. "If you want to pop everything in the trolley, I'll sort it. You can go wait in the car, I think we are nearly done here."

"Unacceptable," Miranda stated, softly. "Once we are done here, we need to get you a new cell. Do you have a preference?"

"I thought the new iPhone or a Blackberry," Andy stated.

"Acceptable. I may upgrade too." Miranda smirked. "Now, the iPhone interests me greatly."

"We can head up to Kenwood Towne Centre Mall when we are done here," Andy told her.

"Perfect." Miranda smiled as the shop assistant rushed over with a black t-shirt in the same style as Cassidy's.

"Will this suit?" The assistant asked nervously.

"Caro?" Andy raised an eyebrow as Caroline looked at the t-shirt and gave them all a wide smile.

"The same but different, it's perfect." Andy felt the rush of relief as Miranda led them over to the cashiers.

After some tussling, Andy gave her card to the cashier. Miranda frowned. "My darling, this is unnecessary..."

Andy shook her head. "I have money and I want to spend it on those I love. Is that going to be a problem?"

Miranda couldn't do anything but shake her head, knowing how stubborn the young woman could be. She would. however, be the one that paid for their new iPhone's.

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Their return to Andy's childhood home had Andy's eyes stinging with tears as she spotted the cars parked up outside the house. She understood people would want to pay their respects, but she wasn't ready to face the questions that were sure to come. Trying to swallow her panic she parked Beth's car and gripped the steering wheel.

Jill came to the door and looked out. Stepping towards the car she knocked on the window catching the twin's attention. "Hey imps, come on in, we have Aunt Jenny's cupcakes to eat and Hot Chocolate." She nodded once at Miranda and gestured for the twins. They launched themselves out of the car and wrapped themselves around the blonde telling her about their new cell phones and the clothes they had found.

Unbuckling her seatbelt, Miranda turned toward Andy. "My darling, should we take a walk?"

"I should go in," Andy muttered. She looked at Miranda. "Chuck's here, he won't be happy once he realises you are here as my...well..."

"Girlfriend," Miranda stated, entwining their hands. "Don't trivialise this, my darling."

Andy swallowed and winced. "I'm not, I would never trivialise us. It's...I...They'll have questions about Nate that I don't know how to answer."

"Surely those people in there will not be insensitive enough to ask?" The idea appalled Miranda.

Andy chuckled darkly. "They aren't bad people, not really. Nate and I were together a long time."

"Well, you have a valid excuse not to talk, Andréa." Miranda leaned forward and brushed a light kiss against her lips as someone yanked Andy's door open.

A red-faced older man peered at them, disgust in his eyes. "I see the big city has allowed you to become depraved." He pulled Andy by her bicep away from Miranda and out of the car as a small crowd formed. "You should be ashamed of yourself Andy Sachs." He shook her slightly.

Miranda slid out of her seat and rushed around the car. Giving the man her best glare he let Andy go before stepping back. "It is you that should be ashamed. How dare you lay one hand on this woman? Who do you think you are?"

"I'm the head of this family." The man thundered.

"Well, fuck that." Miranda hissed. "With family members like you, it is not surprising she sought to make her own elsewhere in the world. And she has that with me."

"And who the hell are you." He roared.

"Your worst fucking nightmare if you ever lay a finger on Andy again." Miranda glowered, her tone deadly.

"Miranda, please, drop it." Andy husked. "Chuck's just being Chuck. An ass." Andy looked at him. "No wonder my dad fucking hated your guts, you're an ignorant piece of shit," Andy growled. "Why don't you fuck off back to Dayton?" Andy looked at him and shook her head. "If I find out you have, in any way, upset my mom, I'll punch your teeth so far down your throat you'll have to brush them via your asshole."

Jill and Jay's chuckles reached them from the porch. Looking around Miranda saw Jay and Jill smirking. She took in the other people watching the altercation and shook her head. Not one of them had stepped in to help. Beth and her twins were nowhere to be seen. Miranda turned and focussed her glare on the man as she held her hand out to Andy. As Andy gripped it, she gave it a tight squeeze of reassurance.

"Miranda?" Chuck was furious. "Priestly?"

Miranda smirked and bowed her head once in acknowledgement.

"You're bringing that woman into my brother's home?" Chuck was apoplectic, his face growing even redder.

Jay bound down the steps of the porch and onto the gravel and looked at the man. "Chuck, just back off. You haven't spoken to Richie since your mom passed, and then it was to spew your bitterness at him because Ellen left her 'bastard' grandchildren an inheritance. It was you who cut all ties with your parents when they supported their youngest son and my sister's decision not to get married. It was you that pushed your brother away when you told him his son's death and his daughter's fight to live was Gods way of punishing them for the sin they committed when they had children outside marriage. What gives you the right to come here and judge, now? You are far from perfect." Jay pushed Chuck back. "Richie wouldn't want you here, Chuck. Beth certainly doesn't. You came in here and upset my sister, Jill and now Andy and her girlfriend. Just leave."

"You upset my mom?" Andy's anger flared, and she took a step towards her uncles. "You motherfucker." She snarled, her fist clenching. Miranda held onto her hand tighter fearing the woman would launch herself at the man.

"Andréa, no. He is not worth it." Miranda stated softly. "You are better than him because you have nothing but love and acceptance in your heart for those who don't quite fit into the mould society expects. People like Doug, Nigel and even, in some ways, me. It is thanks to your father, mother, Brad, Jill and your grandparents." Miranda turned Andy and brushed her hair from her face. "Don't forget who you are in the face of this man's ignorance, my beautiful Andréa."

"You're right." Andy breathed, letting go of her anger. "Just leave, Chuck. You may be the elder Sachs now, and you can lord it over your own family all you want, but the Sachs-West's aren't interested in anything you have to say."

Untangling her hand from Miranda's, Andy made her way towards the side of the house towards the workshops. Making to follow a warm hand on Miranda's wrist halted her progress. She looked into Jill's eyes. "Just leave her for a few, let her calm down. We'll make coffee and then I'll point you in the right direction."

"Acceptable." She glared balefully at Richard Sachs brother. "Are you still here? I believed you may be sensible enough to skedaddle, I would hate for Andréa to find you still here upon her return, she broke my ex-husband's nose for much less than the insults you have provided today." Miranda brushed past the man and moved up onto the porch and entered the house.

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With two travel mugs and a warm jacket in hand, Miranda followed the trail Jill past the workshop and between two trees. Walking carefully through a wooded area she stepped out into a clearing beside a fast-flowing river. Miranda saw Andy, her head on her legs as her arms encircling her knees. "My darling," Miranda's tone was hesitant, she didn't want to disturb the young woman if she needed to be alone.

Andy looked up as Miranda placed the travel mugs down and settled the jacket around her shoulders. "This is where Brad...we pulled Dad's old canoe down here, he'd finally agreed we were old enough to come on to the river, but he was called into the city and we decided not to wait for him...the canoe rolled but Brad mustn't have been prepared and smacked his head...he...he didn't surface. I jumped in, I was always the better swimmer, but the current was strong. I got to Brad, but we were swept downstream until I hit something, I think a branch. I somehow inched us to shore but Brad wasn't responding and his lips were blue." Andy took a staggered breath. "I wrapped myself around him, trying to keep him warm, whispering in his ear that dad would find us, he always came when we needed him, but he...it was too late."

Miranda wrapped her arm around Andy and held her close. "You are not to blame."

Andy's shoulders shook. "Chuck said...I heard him when I woke up in the hospital...he said it was God's punishment, taking his only son and leaving him with me, and Dad...I used to think maybe he felt the same, we were always at loggerheads."

"Chuck is a fool." Miranda hissed. "The letter proved how much your father adored you all. A thirteen-year-old girl, rushing into icy water to save her brother shows a sheer level of bravery that is astounding. It was, as you said to the twins, a tragic accident, my darling. You did all you could."

"I wasn't strong enough, I should have been firmer with Brad. Dad told us to wait. I argued with him and refused to get on the water." Andy admitted. "If I'd been tougher with Brad, he might have listened."

"Did he listen often?" Miranda was curious about the boy, wondering if he was like his sister.

Andy snorted out a bark of laughter. "No, he was always so pig-headed." Andy nuzzled into Miranda's shoulder, seeking her warmth. "I think he'd have liked you and the girls, he'd probably be doing his best to charm the three of you. He had a way with the ladies, his smile lit up the room. Lily used to say he was swoon-worthy."

"Much like his sister then." Miranda placed a kiss on Andy's cheek.

Andy turned her head and caught Miranda's lips in a soft kiss and Miranda deepened it, bringing her hands up to cup Andy's face lightly. Pulling away, Andy smiled sadly. "Sweet talker."

"I mean every word, don't think I am the only one who is charmed by your beautiful smile. Nigel, the most sceptical person at Runway, melts in a puddle of goo at the mere sight." Miranda smirked as Andy blushed. Miranda picked up her coffee and sipped, sighing at the warm drink slipped down her throat.

Andy did the same, humming her delight as it soothed her throat. "I shouldn't have reacted like that with Chuck, word will spread through the family and they 'll make me out to be the bad guy."

Miranda pulled Andy closer. "Those that matter will know you were right in your reaction. Your mom locked herself in her bedroom, Jill and the twins were trying to coax her out when I left."

"I want to rip his head off." Andy's tone held her frustration.

"I wish there was something I could do, to make all this better," Miranda admitted.

"You being here, is enough, Miranda. Do not sell yourself short. I could not have got through any of this without you." Andy's spoke quietly but emphatically.

"You are not alone, Andréa. You will always have my love and support and that of our children." Miranda ran her hand through her hair hoping had not spoken too soon.

"Jesus, I almost forgot about Jill and...Oh God, we haven't spoken to the twins." Andy panicked.

Miranda tightened her hold. "Shh, my darling, we will speak to them tonight. It will surprise them but I doubt it will displease them. They want you in our lives."

"I hope you're right." Andy husked.

"I will be, you'll see." Miranda placed a kiss on Andy's head as they watched the river flowing.

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The evening settled into quietness as Andy's extended family left the family home for their own.

Jay had stayed beside Beth as Andy's cousins arrived and paid their respects while his wife, Jenny, and their children provided hot drinks and an array of snacks.

No-one mentioned the bruising on Andy's face and neck or the reports that Nate was heading to jail, no-one batted an eyelid when Miranda sat beside Jill and they talked softly or that the twins cuddled into Andy as if she belonged to them and no-one mentioned Chuck Sachs rapid departure from the house as if the Devil was chasing his tail.

Miranda could see that Andy was getting tired, she barely spoke to anyone, sitting deep in thought as people came and went, and while they ate dinner. It was only once the six of them were alone that she seemed to shake herself from her funk.

"So, kiddos, where did you dump your stuff? Andy asked. There was the guest room or Jill's room free now her sister was in the basement. They could even have a room each.

Caroline grinned. "We are in Jill's room, it's further away from you and mom so we won't disturb you..."

"...Or vice versa." Cassidy smirked.

Miranda blushed at her daughter's words. "Bobbsey's?" She asked for an explanation gently.

It shocked Andy, surely, they were too young to know what adults did together?

The twins giggled at their mom and Andy's reaction.

"Mommy, you've gone bright red," Cassidy stated.

"Andy, close your mouth, it's not pretty." Caroline grinned as Andy's mouth snapped shut.

Andy raised an eyebrow at Miranda, who shook her head.

Jill's interruption broke the moment. "The twin's thought, if Andy had a nightmare, it would be better to be further down the corridor. Caroline explained that they had a few bad dreams just before Stephen left. They hung a dream catcher over your bed and my old one."

"Yes, things became a little tense at home, it affected both my babies." Miranda was stunned they had admitted such to an almost stranger. "Andréa was the one to get them the dream catchers."

"That sounds like something my hippy-dippy big sis would do." Jill sassed trying to lighten the mood, she grinned as Andy flipped her the bird. She turned to see her mom yawning. "C'mon Mom, I'll help you to bed."

Beth sighed dramatically. "If this is what old age will be like, kill me now." She muttered as Jill grabbed her walker and eased Beth to her feet.

Andy and Jill caught each other's eyes and grinned.

"Ma, you'll still be running rings around me and Jill when you're eighty," Andy smirked as Beth perked up.

Beth grinned and gazed at her daughter affectionately. "You bet your little ass, I will." She stated.

Andy and Miranda stood up and Andy swooped down to place a kiss on her mom's cheek. "I love you, Mom."

"I love you too, baby girl." Beth smiled at Miranda. "See you tomorrow, Miri."

"Yes, you will. Sleep well, Beth." Miranda smiled.

"Cass, Caro." Beth looked pointedly at the twins. "Andy's on pancake duty tomorrow." The twins whoop followed the woman from the room as she made her way slowly towards her bedroom with her youngest daughter by her side.

Andy sat and gestured for the twins to sit beside her again. "Kiddos, your mom and I have something we need to talk to you about."

"Are you splitting up, already?" Cassidy asked, her eyes sparkling with tears. Caroline frowned.

"No. Bobbsey's." Miranda sat down and Caroline moved from the far side of Andy to sit next to her mom and sister.

Andy pulled Cassidy on her knee while Miranda did the same with Caroline. They sat close together and Andy found she did not know how to start the conversation. Closing her eyes, it shocked her when Miranda spoke and her eyes blazed open.

"You know the one regret I had in my life, Bobbsey's, was never having more children," The twins nodded at Miranda's words. "Well, as you know it was not possible for me to do so after your birth, not without putting my life and the life of the unborn child at risk." Miranda sighed. "Andréa found out, a few years ago, that she could not have babies of her own." She looked into Andy's eyes to see glistening tears. "Someone has offered Andréa an opportunity to raise a child, biologically, it will be Andréa's niece or nephew, but she will raise it as if it were her own..."

Cassidy interrupted. "Andy will have your help though, right? You'll be the baby's other mommy?"

"Is it Jill's? She doesn't look pregnant." Caroline asked.

Miranda answered Caroline first. "Yes, it will be Jillian giving birth to the baby, but it is still very early days in her pregnancy. She does not feel like she can raise this child. Jillian is still young, and she has not yet finished her studies." She looked across at Andy and Cassidy. "And yes, I will help Andréa raise the child if she is willing and if you are happy for us to extend our family further."

"Will you get married, so we are all Priestly's?" Cassidy asked.

Andy hiccupped as she laughed. "Kiddo, we are literally less than a week into this relationship, I don't think..."

"Yes, once again, if Andréa is willing." Miranda interrupted.

Andy looked at Miranda, catching her eyes. "Sweetheart..."

"Think about it, my darling," Miranda murmured, once again interrupting. "You do not have to answer right now."

"Yes, you do." The twins chirped in unison, bouncing where they sat on the women's laps.

"That's no proposal, Miranda," Andy stated, chuckling at the twin's exuberance.

Miranda bit her lip and frowned, realising the young woman was right. Leaning down she whispered in Caroline's ear and smirked as her eldest daughter caught her sister's eye and they communicated silently. Cassidy smiled at her mom as she slid from Andy's lap, while Caroline mimicked the movements. Each grabbing one of Andy's hands they looked into her eyes and spotted her confusion.

"Andy, will you do mom the honour of becoming her wife?" Caroline asked.

"And our other mom?" Cassidy reiterated.

"And let us all love you and the baby, too?" Miranda asked, stepping between her daughter's and placing a hand on their shoulders.

Andy looked up into three pairs of beautiful blue eyes, each pleading with her for an answer. "So, this is how it will be, you three ganging up on me?" Andy couldn't stop the twitch of her lips, showing her amusement. Andy rolled her eyes at the three warm smiles bestowed on her as Caroline and Cassidy nodded. "Weeell," Andy teased. She saw the anticipation in Miranda's eyes. "How can I refuse the three of you anything?" Andy asked. "My answer is yes, to it all. But this will not happen overnight." She looked at Miranda and wiggled her finger. "And I'd like a ring, even if it's a Ring Pop." Her smile stretched as Miranda's eyes widened at the words.

"You...you..." Miranda's mouth open and closed as she processed the fact Andy agreed.

"Close your mouth please Miranda, we are not a codfish." Andy laughed as Miranda pursed her lips before stalking forward and leaning over Andy.

"If you were words on a page, you'd be what they call fine print," Miranda whispered, her words tickling Andy's ear.

Andy couldn't help but burst into laughter at the pick-up line and pulled Miranda into her lap. The twins jumped on the sofa with them with squeals and after a few minutes, they settled into their happy moment.

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