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.
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Chapter Twenty-Four:
Miranda woke up alone but sensed her Andréa was nearby and was content to lay a little longer. Stretching leisurely, she couldn't stop the smile that formed from the memories of the night before. She was thrilled to know the woman definitely wanted a future with her and her Bobbsey's, she had agreed to marriage after all, albeit on the proviso they would not rush into it.
She recognised patience was not one of her strongest characteristics and part of her wanted her divorce over so she could whisk the beautiful woman away and take her as her wife, but she wanted to honour the young woman's wishes. She swore she would have the best jeweller create the most beautiful rings, a promise of the future she planned for them, and their children.
The twins had been euphoric the night before and when they settled them into sleep in Jillian's large queen size bed, they had been happily discussing names for their new baby brother or sister. She'd grinned as Andréa laughed and agreed to give any name they came up with due consideration, all she asked was that if it was a boy his middle name be Richard to commemorate her father.
She marvelled over her Bobbsey's easy acceptance of the changes happening. They had never really warmed to Stephen, a fact she hadn't realised until they were tied in marriage, they had also struggled with his extended family, not feeling accepted as his children. The fact they had taken to her Andréa so easily shocked her, like herself they were often wary, but they understood they had also been accepted by the remaining Sachs-West's, and it seemed they were delighted with the extension of their family.
Miranda snuggled into her pillow, warm and content, surrounded by her Andréa's scent. Closing her eyes, she thought it wouldn't hurt if she dozed. Her eyes flew open as the door slammed against the wall. Frowning at the interruption to her thoughts and plans to sleep more, she saw Cassidy barrelling into the room, followed closely by Caroline. She knew her peace was over as they jumped on the bed and pulled the comforter off her.
"Mommy, you've got to come." Cassidy tugged at her hand impatiently as Jill ran past the open door towards Beth's room. She could hear the young woman's quiet laughter.
"What on Earth is it?" Miranda demanded.
Caroline's words were choked out between bouts of silent laughter. "It's Andy...She...come on...You need to see this and...and bring your cell. "
Miranda could not understand the hilarity, pulling her robe on, she grabbed her cell and handed it to Cassidy who pulled the video recorder up. "Come along then."
Caroline grabbed her hand and led her quickly towards the kitchen. She heard the singing before they moved to the open doorway. Andréa's voice was still hoarse, but obviously better than the day before, and she made out the words to the song.
We're one of a kind
Like dip da-dip da-dip doo-wop da doo-bee doo
Our names are signed
Boogedy boogedy boogedy boogedy
Shooby doo-wop she-bop
Chang chang changitty chang sha-bop
We'll always be like one, wa-wa-wa-one
Miranda bit her lip to stop the snort of laughter from escaping when she saw Andy dancing along to the words she sang as she flipped pancakes or used the spatula as a microphone. It was comical but so extraordinarily carefree, and she honestly believed she had somehow fallen in love, just a little bit more, with the captivating brunette.
Cassidy filmed the scene on her cell with a wide smile on her face as Caroline bent over clutching her stomach, her laughter uncontrollable but quiet. Catching the slight shuffle by her side, she turned and looked at Beth, who had her hand clapped over her mouth, her eyes sparkling with laughter. Beth caught her gaze and nodded once. "Thank you." She whispered. "You've made my little girl happy."
"Thank you, for bringing such a beautiful woman into the world." Miranda grinned at her old friend as the song ended and The Turtles Happy Together started to play. She watched as Andy swayed along to the lyrics, still oblivious to her audience. "Although if that is how she dances I may have to rethink the wedding dance."
"Wedding dance?" Jill's screech had Andy's movements coming to a standstill and Miranda could see her embarrassment coming thick and fast with a blush rising beautifully up her cheeks and neck. She spun on her heel, the spatula still in hand and gaped at them.
Glancing at Jill, Miranda rolled her eyes and stepped away from the family towards the woman who had captured her heart. "Good morning, my darling." She pulled Andy into a spin and dipped her low. "Mm, maybe the wedding dance will work after all." She answered the bright megawatt smile with a grin of her own as she pulled the young woman upright, running her fingers along the faint bruising and blush moving up her cheeks. "But I believe we should practice." She whispered. "Often."
"Anytime." Andy grinned down at her. "Breakfast is ready." She gestured to the table with the spatula and Miranda grinned as everyone else sat.
The table was laid with juice, condiments, toast, bacon and a large bowl of scrambled eggs. Andy turned back to her stack of pancakes and dropping the spatula picked the plate up and set it down in front of the twins before moving to the coffee machine. She took the carafe and poured one for Miranda, followed by her mom and herself, raising an eyebrow at her sister she saw the look of abject horror and grinned
"One won't hurt, Jillian. Trust me." Miranda smiled softly. "I had to cut down drastically when I was having the twins. Nigel claims Lucifer himself quaked in terror when I woke each day." Miranda caught Jill's eyes. "I still sent my second assistants out regularly, just so they retained the art of getting my order right, most failed spectacularly."
Jill's loud laughter was a little hysterical as she became overwhelmed. Sitting beside her, Andy pulled her into a loose embrace. "It's okay, Jilly. You're going to be fine." Andy caught her eye and her soft smile was breathtaking. "The twins have already started brainstorming names for the little one. We still have a fair way to go but we will be there at every step." She pulled a napkin free and handed it to Jill. "Now dry your eyes and eat, sis. We have a busy day and Jay and Jenny will be here soon." She got up and moved back to the coffee machine to put on another pot, knowing it would be needed by the coffee addicts of the family.
Jill wiped her eyes gently before catching the twin's eyes. "So what names were you thinking, kiddos?"
Cassidy started reeling off names. "For a little girl, I thought Chloe, Charlotte, Cora, Celeste, Carys, Ciara, Calista, Clea, Cadee, Cait or Chanel."
"For a little boy, I said Caleb, Cameron, Callum, Carter, Charlie, Christopher, Cody, Cole, Conor, Cooper and Cory." Caroline grinned.
Jill chuckled. "I think I'm sensing a pattern."
"Of course, you are, Silly Jilly. The baby will have a C name." Cassidy smirked as she poured herself and Caroline some juice.
"Just like us." Caroline finished happily as she piled pancakes onto their plates.
Miranda and Jill's jaw dropped at the twin responses causing Beth and Andy to laugh loudly. Andy bent over the twins placed a kiss on their heads. Snatching up a pancake, she smiled. "That's my girl's. You have learned quickly the art of teasing the shithead."
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Andy followed Beth to her bedroom and sat down at the vanity. Turning to her mom, as she perched on the edge of her bed, she explained what had occurred the previous night after telling the twins she was going to raise Jill's child, with Miranda's help.
Beth was thrilled and yet a little apprehensive. She knew what Andy and Miri shared was special, she could see it in how they gravitated towards one another and the comfort they found in each other's arms, but part of her worried they were rushing into things. How would they navigate each milestone to move towards marriage if they were already planning a future that wasn't certain?
Andy could see Beth's wariness. "Ma, I know your brain's going a mile a minute. Just say whatever it is you want to say."
"Are you sure about this?" Beth asked.
"Yea...yes I am. Ma, I've never been as certain about anything, and I have told Miranda I will not rush into this. I want to give us a fighting chance, which means setting solid foundations. So, with Miranda's agreement we'll continue to date, and gradually work towards everything else."
"But engaged, baby girl?" Beth bit her lip. "Although it sounds like a wonderful proposal." She grinned. "I can't believe the twins asked."
"Ma, if Caro or Cass hadn't wanted this, I would not have agreed. They have been through too much upheaval and I would hate to cause them any further pain." Andy caught her mom's eyes. "But I believe I am raising this child with the best possible person. Miranda is such a force or nature, a strong, capable, caring and stubbornly infuriating woman. She loves me, Ma, of that I'm certain and I know she will love the child as if it was her own and she will do anything in her power to protect us."
"Well then, how can I do anything but give my blessing for your eventual marriage. You light up because of her. This morning, seeing you so carefree amidst so much turmoil, it made my heart smile. You have always been such an enigma, to both me and your dad, you were always so self-contained and deep, but all we ever wanted was your happiness." Beth smiled sadly. "I am sure if your dad had been well enough to see you like this he would have also given you and Miri his blessing."
"Do you really think so?" Andy whispered.
"I know so, Andy." Beth grinned slightly. "I don't plan on spending the day in my pyjamas, will you help me dress?"
"Sure thing, Ma." Andy grinned. "I suppose I should get used to dressing someone other than myself, it sounds like I'll have my hands full for the next few years."
"You'll be a great mommy, baby girl," Beth stated softly. What her eldest daughter was doing for her little sister was a huge gesture, and showed what a generous heart she had, and it was good they planned to keep the baby in the family. Part of her couldn't believe she was going to be a grandma, was a grandma she corrected internally. She was a little excited yet anxious about the future.
Beth understood the next few months would be hard, and she would miss her Richie, but she'd already had the time to process the fact he was terminally ill. It didn't mean she hadn't tried to talk him into seeking treatment, but after the third opinion, and finding the chance of recovery was still remarkably slim, she had agreed that she would stand by his decision to manage the disease without further treatment and appreciate every moment they had left together. And they had, for a time they had consciously tried to create new memories, but then the bad days started to outweigh the good. Richie's moods became darker and his anger was tangible. He lashed out verbally, unable to control his emotions, and yet she continued to soothe his fears as best she could, standing by his side as he pushed friends and family away, unwilling to share his diagnosis. It had been a heavy burden on her, but it remained his decision.
She watched as her elder daughter moved gracefully around the room, gathering things. Andy entered her closet and chose a pair of loose jeans and a long-sleeved t-shirt. "Do you need to shower?"
"Later." Beth blushed. "I asked your uncle Jay to install a handrail."
"That's understandable, but you know you don't have to be embarrassed with me or Jill, Ma. You gave us life, washed our tushies, cleaned up our bumps and scrapes and supported us as we cried. You raised and nurtured us. Who we are now is thanks to you. So, whatever you need, whatever either of us can do, we will. Because we know you would do the same for us." Andy moved quietly to her mom's drawers and pulled out some sensible underwear.
Beth rolled her eyes and huffed at the sight of the basic cotton briefs and bra her daughter had picked out. "Choose something else."
"Ma, I'm not dressing you in full lingerie. You aren't in court or a boardroom, needing the additional confidence lovely underwear somehow gives you, you're sat at home with us, and trust me, you don't want a thong riding up your ass when you are already uncomfortable."
"You are so like your father sometimes." Beth scolded playfully. "Since you are so resolute, I suppose I have no choice."
"When you can put your own panties on, then you can decide. Until then, it's basic black cotton that covers your ass." Andy caught her mom's eyes and grinned until she saw tears in her mom's eyes. "What is it, Ma?"
"Why didn't you tell me, about the Premature Ovarian Failure?" Beth asked. "I would have...Oh, I don't know...You wouldn't have felt so alone or unworthy. Jesus, Andy. I would have understood."
"How? I mean, if you're menopausal you manage it brilliantly, but I was 23, my whole world, everything I believed would happen 'one day' was taken away from me in the space of thirty minutes, not naturally, as you would expect over time, but because of a random quirk in my genetics." Andy's voice came out harder than she expected, and she let Beth see the apology in her eyes as she helped her out of her pyjamas gently. "It isn't just the lack of children, Ma. It was everything else that came with it that changed me. The lack of a sex drive, the hormone replacement therapy, having to take calcium and vitamin D supplements. It's affected my whole life." She swallowed the lump in her throat. "And the one person I had to tell, he used it as an excuse to find solace elsewhere and to hurt Jilly. That stings more than anything and I want him to know just as much pain. I hope the asshole rots."
"He will get what's coming to him, that I can promise. We will hire the best lawyers." Andy helped Beth into clean underwear and jeans, raising her to her feet and pulling them up around her hips before letting her sit down again. She could see the hint of discomfort in Beth's eyes. "Dammit Andy, if I had my way and it wasn't a conflict of interest, I'd make sure the rat bastard suffers."
"You're not a criminal lawyer, Ma." Andy smiled, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "But I am sure you would give him a run for his money." She eased Beth's t-shirt over her wrist before pulling it over her head. "Now, you need your hair brushed and then you are all good."
"Thanks, Andy. That was surprisingly painless." Beth smirked as Andy knelt and popped her feet into ballet flats.
"Which part, me dressing you or seeing your nudie butt?" Andy sassed.
"Hey cheeky, I don't look half bad for a 51-year-old broad." Beth sputtered.
"Mom, you are stunning. You better watch out though or Gus will be making his move. He always had a soft spot for you." Andy looked away. "Did dad organise things once he realised..." She trailed off, unable to finish the sentence.
"Baby girl, your dad took care of most of his final arrangements when he was first diagnosed. He sat down and chose a funeral home and everything that entails, he decided he would prefer to be cremated rather than buried and his ashes will be laid to rest with Brad. Father Shaw is officiating and hymns and psalms have been selected. All we need to do is sort the flowers and decided on when it will happen." Beth caught her eyes. "Richie had a final request for you and Jill." She licked her lips. "And it is understandable if you say no after the other night. He wanted Jill to give his eulogy and for you to sing for him one last time."
"I dunno if I'll be any good, Ma," Andy muttered.
"You have two or three days to decide, Andy. There's no rush." Beth brushed the hair from Andy's face. "Now, what are you and Miri doing about rings?"
"I have an idea for that. What do you think about..." Andy leaned in and told Beth her idea. As she sat back, Andy saw the look of amazement in her mom's eyes.
"Wow, I think that's...wow," Beth muttered, shaking her head. "You realise it can only go one of two ways? She'll either love it or hate it."
"You best keep everything crossed then," Andy smirked as Beth chuckled.
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Miranda had spoken to James and the decision had been made that he and Amanda would take the twins back to New York so they wouldn't miss out on too much school. The twins weren't pleased by the decision, wanting to stay close to their mom and Andy.
It was Andy who talked them around. Taking the twins for a walk towards the river she discussed what the rest of her week would entail and how boring it would be. She stressed to them that they could return to Cincinnati to visit Jill and Beth but that it would be likely they would be in New York for either Thanksgiving or Christmas, if not both. She was grateful for their love and support and would make sure Miranda returned to them as quickly as possible.
Cassidy was quiet as they headed back to the house. "Andy, do you think your mom would mind if we call her grandma?"
"You should ask her, but I'm sure she'd be tickled." Andy smiled down at the little girl who clutched her hand tightly.
"You aren't just being nice to us because you love Mom, are you?" Caroline asked.
"No, Caro. Even before your mom and I decided to date I adored you two, you should know that." Andy cast a glance at the other little girl and saw her worrying her lip. "Please don't ever doubt that, honey."
"We need to talk to mommy about a ring for you. She will stress herself out over it." Cassidy stated.
"Can I ask you both something?" Andy's voice was tentative but saw their slight nods. "Don't bring the ring thing up just yet. I have an idea forming to show your mom just how much the idea of belonging to the three of you means to me."
Caroline frowned. "How do we know you won't change your mind?"
"Caro, I can't tell you what I have planned, but as soon as I put things into place I can show you, even before I show your mom. You'll see that what I have in mind is permanent."
"Why can't you tell us now?" Caroline demanded.
"Because I haven't quite decided how I can go about what I plan to do. And you may accidentally let slip." Andy grinned. "Let me tell you one thing though. My ancestors were Irish on my dad's side. My great-great-great-grandad was a big old Irishman and when he came to America he met and fell in love with a Native American woman. When he asked her to marry him he gave her a Celtic ring in what is known as a love knot. These knots are complete loops that have no start or finish and are said to represent eternity. It symbolises loyalty, faith, friendship or love."
"You're going to get mom a love knot?" Cassidy skipped by her side, her happiness evident.
"Maybe." Andy grinned as another idea formed. "Now, I need you to keep quiet, my imps."
"Yes, Andy." Their response had her chuckling as she led them onto the porch and through the house.
"Now, what are you three chuckling about?" Miranda asked, a small smile lighting up her face as she saw her three loves.
"Nothing." The simultaneous response had her raising an eyebrow only to bet with three deceptively innocent looks.
"Why is it I do not believe you?" Miranda grinned. "I think leaving you three together is a recipe for trouble."
"I have no idea why you'd think that," Andy smirked. "Now, I'll leave you three to do whatever it is the Priestly's do when they're together. I'm going to find my Ma and Shithead."
"They were in the family room," Miranda told her as she gestured for the twins to follow her into the kitchen where she had Jenny had been talking about Paris Fashion Week as they prepared lunch.
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Miranda watched as Andréa drove off in her Spider thirty minutes after returning with the twins, telling her she had one or two errands to run for Beth and Jill. She kissed the twin's goodbye as she pulled them close and whispered soft words in their ears that made them both smiles. Miranda frowned when Andy brushed a swift kiss on her cheek, she couldn't very well demand to go with her as she needed to wait for James and Amanda. She had offered to meet them in the city but they had insisted on driving out to them. Now almost two hours later, James was due to arrive anytime.
Rolling her eyes, she grumbled under her breath as she stacked the dishwasher. Jenny had joined the others in the family room as they planned the final touches of the funeral, which would be held in three days' time. Jay had spread the word that the family wanted to be left to grieve and the rest of the family were honouring their wishes. The twins were sat on the deck playing their handheld games.
A knock at the door caught Miranda's attention and she moved quickly down the hall, believing it would be James and Amanda. Jill met her at the door, offering her a smirk as she pulled it open. Stumbling back at the sight in front of her, it was only Miranda placing her arm around Jill's waist that kept her steady. She eyed the couple warily as Jill turned into her loose embrace, hiding her face. "Nate's parents, the Coopers." She whispered.
Miranda stiffened as they looked over Jill's shoulder and glared at her. Stepping forward she shielded Jill. "Good afternoon. On behalf of the family I thank you for coming, however, they are not in a position to receive guests at this time." Miranda remained polite. There was no way she was going to be accused of rudeness.
"Who are you to tell us that? Andy may be your new plaything but you are nothing to this family." Mrs Cooper hissed.
Miranda let the words wash over her and stepped forward to answer. She did not realise Beth was making her way down the hall behind her. As she opened her mouth, Beth's usually warm voice hit them. "That is where you are wrong." Beth's tone was cold and concise "Miranda is one of my oldest friends and after 30 years of knowing her, albeit, from a distance, not to mention the care and attention she has given to my daughter, she is in the perfect position to speak for our family."
Miranda smirked at their look of shock. "30 years?" Kelly Cooper seemed stunned by the admission. "But, but..."
"Oh, we only recently reconnected, but I know and trust Miranda with my life and that of both my daughters. I would no longer do that as easily after recent events, which include your son defacing private property in New York before attacking my eldest daughter in her own home." Beth was furious.
"You...you...ca...can't know that's the tr..truth." Jasper Cooper stuttered.
"Jasper, there is video footage of the hate crime committed in New York and Jill, Miranda and half of Cincinnati PD saw Nate with his penis out as he fought to get Andy's jeans off while choking her so viciously she vomited blood. And that act of pure brutality was after he slapped her, was shot in the knee and then was twatted over the head. From all accounts, there was no stopping him in his rage." She looked at Jill who was pressed against Miranda. "We became friends because our children dated, but Nate walked away from Andy and their relationship is over. Frankly, if you cannot see your son's behaviour as abhorrent then our friendship is clearly over. I will, however, suggest you get some psychological help for whatever it is that Nate is going through. Now, as Miranda politely stated, we would like to be left to grieve for Richard in privacy, it has been a rough few days. Plus, I wouldn't want Andy to find you here when she returns from the florist. I cannot be held accountable for her actions after hearing you have been so rude to Miranda."
Miranda caught the crunch of tyres on the gravel and looked up to see James pulling into the drive in his hire car. The Cooper's rushed away from the door and jumped into their SUV. "Come along, Jillian. We shall greet James and Amanda and they can help us usher the twins along. I believe they coaxed the promise of McDonald's from their father before their flight home."
"Okay." Jill agreed. Turning to Beth, she frowned. "I'm sorry this has spoiled your friendship with Jasper and Kelly."
Beth shuffled, obviously uncomfortable. "I'm not, I never really liked them anyway and your dad thought Jasper was the stupidest human on the planet," Beth smirked as Miranda chuckled. "Now where are my grandbabies? Tell them they better not leave without a cuddle."
"I'll go get them," Jill stated, bounding away as James stepped towards the house, offering Beth and Miranda a shy smile.
"James, this is Beth. Beth, this is the twin's father, James." Miranda frowned. "I think you may have met briefly. I seem to remember a night in the Village where James may or may not have been lurking."
"My word, you haven't changed a jot, Beth." James grinned at the woman. Before Miranda had caught his attention and he'd snatched her from under Archer's nose, he had asked the blonde out on a date, only to be met with an instant refusal and then the cold shoulder.
"Still trying to charm the birds from the trees, Jimmy?" Beth asked cheekily.
"Nah, I'm a changed man." James waved towards the car. "The new wife keeps me in check."
"Someone had to," Miranda muttered darkly as the twins charged around the house, laughing loudly as Jill chased them, brandishing a water pistol.
The twins weaved around their parents before hiding behind Beth. "Grandma, tell Silly Jilly to stop." Cassidy squealed.
"Jillian Miriam Sachs-West. Don't you dare..." Beth trailed off as Jill fired the pistol in her direction. Beth groaned as the water hit her. "...Oh, you will pay for that. Just you wait." Beth growled as she shook water from her t-shirt.
Jill squeaked as she looked at her mom who was giving her the glare of doom. "I'm sorry, mom. I was meant to get Caro and Cass."
"Jillian Miriam?" Miranda licked her lips and smirked as Jill blushed.
James and Beth sniggered as the twins peered around their new grandma. Jill huffed as Beth explained. "Well, I wanted my little girls to be named after the strong women I knew." Jill moved away, pulling Amanda into a conversation through the open car window.
"Youthful sorrow?" Miranda queried. James's small chuckle turned into a loud guffaw.
"No, she is named for youthful rebellion," Beth smirked. "I was still unmarried after all. Andrea Ellen was my brave, shining light." Beth looked up as Andy's car tore up the driveway. "And then there was my Brádach Richard for my large-chested, strong leader. He was a loud baby, opinionated and stubborn right from his first breath."
Miranda's smile widened. "Andréa suits her name as does Jillian's." She gestured for the twins. "Bobbsey's, come. Your father is waiting, and I do believe you have been promised McDonald's." She pursed her lips. "Please, James, try to keep the junk food to a minimum."
"Have a hamburger for me." Andy grinned as she stepped beside Miranda. "Hey, James." She knelt on the floor and as she held her arms out to the twins her sleeve moved slightly and Miranda gasped at the sight of the bandage at her wrist. "C'mere my imps." As the twins charged into Andy's arms she caught the whisper. "When you have a sec check your cell. I love you both." She kissed their foreheads before letting go and standing up. She smiled happily. "The flowers are organised, Ma." She turned to Miranda. "I'm just going to freshen up, sweetheart." As she walked through the front door she eyed the twins. "And careful with grandma."
Beth grinned as the twins stepped carefully towards her. She eased herself into a wicker chair and pushed her walker to one side. Holding out her arms, the twins smiled. "Come, give me a hug." Beth declared. The twins were gentle as they each hugged her. She sat back and caught their eyes. "As soon as I am okay to travel, you can expect to see me, okay?"
"Yes, Grandma." Caroline agreed as Cassidy hugged and kissed Miranda and dragged James away to help her with their bags. Caroline stepped towards her mom and held her arms out. As Miranda pulled her into her arms, Caroline placed a soft kiss on her cheek carefully. "I love you, mom."
"I love you too, Bobbsey," Miranda stated as she walked Caroline towards the car. "Now, I need you to behave for your dad and Amanda and give Patricia a big hug from me."
"Yes, Mom." Miranda put Caroline down and she slid into the waiting car. "Go see Andy, she'll be waiting to kiss you hello," Caroline smirked. "See you soon, Silly Jilly."
"I'll be seeing you, kiddos," Jill stated softly. "Thanks for coming." They stepped back as James pulled away carefully and standing side by side, they watched the twin's wave until they turned out of the driveway, heading towards the interstate. Jill caught Miranda's eye. "Go." Miranda spun on her heel and moved quickly into the house in search of Andy. Jill and Beth caught each other's eyes and Beth smirked as Jill shook her head, moving towards Beth she held out her arm for the older woman to take. "God mom, I hope Andy knows what she's done."
"It'll be fine, honey," Beth whispered. "They're meant to be."
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