Disclaimer: The Devil Wears Prada does not belong to me. No infringement intended. The characters belong to Lauren Weisberger and 20th Century Fox. I own nothing.

Chapter 2

Miranda paced the length of the entire living room for the twentieth time still clutching her cell phone in her hand. She had sent a text to Andy asking her to skip the banquet and return home as soon as possible. She felt guilt weighing on her chest for deceiving her wife moments before. They'd made a vow to never mislead or lie to one another about anything major and she had never broken that vow… until tonight. When Andy texted back asking if something was wrong, Miranda's response was a simple no and that she just needed Andrea home. It wasn't a complete lie, Miranda reasoned. She did need Andy; she didn't want to give such troubling news to her wife via cell phone. That just would not do.

As she waited, she wandered over to the wide fireplace across the room. A plethora of framed photos rested along the mantel. Most were candid snapshots of the kids with Miranda and Andy over the years, as well as a few extended family members and friends. The focal point was of course, the large black and white portrait of her and Andy that hung on the wall above the mantle. It was taken on their wedding day. The photographer had caught them in a private moment; their foreheads touching as they gazed lovingly into each other's eyes. It was Miranda's favorite photo of them together.

The newest addition to the mantle was their son's most recent soccer picture. Miranda ran her fingers over the image, her heart instantly warming at the thick mop of brown curls and wide eyes of the smiling eight year old boy staring back at her. Alexander Paine Sachs-Priestly was the mirror near image of her wife. He was their little miracle in more ways than one. 'Thank god he's at a sleepover tonight.' Miranda thought to herself.

Her cell phone vibrated in her hand again.

'Be home soon. U better be ready for me. Luv u.' -A

Despite the circumstances, Miranda almost smiled. It was still an altogether surprising situation she found herself in. If someone had told her years ago that she would end up happily married to not only a woman, but to her wayward former second assistant who was twenty years her junior, she would have laughed them out of the city. Yet, here they were over a decade later and still together. For this fact alone, the tabloids were still enthralled by them. The Ice Queen had finally managed to have a lasting relationship. Her marriage to Andrea had lasted longer than her previous two combined. Who would have ever guessed that the 'smart, fat girl' she hired on a whim years ago would alter her life forever. Her eyes twinkled and she smiled wistfully as the image of a familiar grin flashed in her mind. It reminded her of the first time she realized she felt more than she should for Andrea Sachs.

-Flashback: 14 years earlier

Andy stepped off the elevator balancing Miranda's lunch order from Smiths & Wollensky as well as the skirts and scarves she had picked up from Saks 5thAvenue. After working at RUNWAY for nearly six months, she had gotten used to the organized chaos… or so she thought. She paused and watched with a raised brow as Emily started her 'I love my job' mantra while typing furiously on her computer. Serena walked by speaking frantically in what Andy assumed was Portuguese. Jocelyn was sobbing as she headed back down the hallway and an extremely pale looking Nigel didn't even lift his eyes as he used his silk handkerchief to wipe his sweaty brow.

Andy glanced at her watch. She knew she had only been gone for half an hour, but she knew better than anyone the wrath of destruction Miranda Priestly could leave in her wake in that limited amount of time. What surprised Andy, however, was the fact that her boss had clearly been in a good mood (a good mood for Miranda that is) that morning. She had even mumbled a soft thank you when Andy delivered a center-of-the-sun hot coffee to her desk before she even had the chance to demand it. Andy knew the only thing that would put her boss in that awful of a mood was a terrible run-through that had completely wasted her valuable time or… her ex-husband.

"Andrea?"

Andy's head snapped up at the soft icy voice that floated out into the outer office.

"Is there a reason why you are holding my lunch hostage? Is fetching my meal and delivering it in a reasonable amount of time beyond your level of competence? Am I reaching for the stars here?"

Andy bit her lip and ignored the smirk Emily was throwing her way. She walked briskly into the dragon's lair. "Sorry Miranda. I have it right here."

Miranda raised a brow. "Well, am I to wrestle it from your hands or do you plan to allow me eat today?"

Andy shook her head slightly and quickly went about preparing Miranda's lunch on her signature plate and setting out the utensils.

Out of nowhere, Miranda began to talk which had happened more and more lately. She would have these often one-sided conversations with Andy at random times when they were alone. It was obvious that Andy wasn't meant to respond. It was like the older woman just needed a sounding board to expel her anger. It never happened with anyone else, not even Nigel. Andy had checked. Nope, this only happened with Andy and something about that knowledge made Andy happy.

"I cannot believe him! How dare he disappoint my girls like this? I truly believe I must have been high on narcotics or at the very least seriously intoxicated on our wedding day."

Okay, this was definitely about the ex-husband, Andy thought.

"That would be the only plausible excuse for marrying a complete and utter idiot. Not to mention, spineless. The bastard doesn't even have the courage to tell them himself."

The twin's father was definitely the culprit. Andy mentally rolled her eyes. Seventy-five percent of the time, James VanHousen was harmless, but there was the other twenty-five percent when he could be a bona fide pain in the ass. He would frequently cancel plans with the twins at the last-minute or unceremoniously demand to cart them out for a photo-op when he was running for some public office or another which drove Miranda crazy thus making their lives at RUNWAY a nightmare. Andy continued preparing Miranda's lunch while Miranda finished up her rant expelling the last of her anger until she was calm again.

"You will need to cancel my three o'clock meeting and have Roy waiting to take me to Dalton. I will speak with the girls and clean up his mess once again."

After pouring the chilled Pellegrino into a glass, Andy stepped away and looked Miranda in the eyes. She really did feel bad for Miranda at times like these. The press could say a lot of things about her boss, but there would be no doubt that she was a good parent if they saw how protective the woman was about her children.

"Is there anything else I can do for you, Miranda?"

Miranda blinked at the sincerity staring back at her. It was a little unnerving. "That's all."

Andy made her way towards the door preparing to leave her boss in peace when that cool voice stopped her again.

"Andrea."

Andy paused at the door and slowly turned, smile firmly in place. "Yes, Miranda."

"Is there a reason why I'm not having steak? I don't recall asking for this."

"Umm… yes. Remember your doctor said last week at your appointment that… that you needed to cut back on the red meat. So I got you the salmon you like instead."

"You? You took it upon yourself to decide for me?" Miranda's asked in a very quiet tone.

Andy swallowed hard. She knew the quieter that Miranda spoke, the more deadly her bite.

"Yes."

"You? My second assistant? What on earth gave you the right to choose anything for me?" Miranda continued rounding the desk, her anger rearing its head again.

Andy took a tentative step back. "Umm… your… your daughters."

"Excuse me?" Miranda's eyes narrowed and her lips pursed.

Andy knew she was at Def-Con 5 and needed to handle the situation very carefully.

"Yes, your daughters."

"What could my daughters possibly have to do with my lunch, Andrea?"

Andy stood up straight and squared her shoulders. "They asked me to make sure you were eating properly." Andy managed to say without stuttering. She didn't know where her little bout of bravery came from but she was going to use it. "I know you're not going to like this, but… the twins sometimes come down to talk to me when I deliver the Book."

Andy tried to ignore the storm brewing in those icy blue eyes.

"You speak to my daughters?" Miranda asked crossing her arms.

"Yes. It would be impolite of me to ignore them. As I was saying, they talk to me. They usually just ask me about you and how your day went."

She noticed Miranda seemed to calm slightly. Maybe she wouldn't be fired after all.

"They're really great kids and they love and worry about you, Miranda. They just want to make sure that you're okay. So yes, I promised them that I would take care of you when they couldn't and I happen to take my promises very seriously. Thus… why you are having salmon and vegetables for lunch today."

Miranda didn't know what to make of this little display from her assistant. Running a finger over her bottom lip, she eyed Andy closely. It was very rare to have someone challenge her. She found the experience both annoying and invigorating. She wouldn't dare admit that she was a little touched by the concern as well. She was not ready to admit to that yet. She sent her most scathing glare in the girl's direction only to see the brunette smile confidently and blink her impossibly large doe eyes back at her.

Miranda swallowed and merely nodded. "Very well. I expect you will present me with these alternate options for lunch immediately. Tell Nigel that we will leave for the Galliano preview at one. That's all."

"Of course, Miranda. Enjoy your lunch." Andy said flashing a grin as she turned to leave.

And there it was… that damn grin. If Miranda were honest, that was the beginning of her downfall. That cocky little grin had invaded her thoughts at the most inopportune times. It was sexy and damn near erotic and it made the usually unflappable Miranda Priestly a little weak in the knees. It was only when Miranda caught a reflection of herself in the mirror next to her desk that she realized she was blushing. She couldn't believe it. Miranda Priestly did not blush! Miranda suddenly had a sinking feeling that something had just shifted between them and she wasn't sure that was a good thing.

The sound of the front door opening and closing shook her out of the memory. Taking a deep breath, she turned just as Andy strolled in. Miranda's lips curled into a near smile. Damn, she loved to watch that woman walk into a room. The years had only made Andrea more beautiful, even if the brunette had no clue how stunning she was to others. Andy had grown into her own as a woman both physically and professionally. Now, one of the most sought after freelance writers around and an award-winning author with several New York Times best-selling titles under her belt, Andy had taken on a more confident persona while still managing to remain humble. Miranda was immensely proud and intoxicated by Andy's success and it didn't hurt that brunette still had that fabulous size four physique. Miranda unconsciously felt her body respond and she quickly pushed those swirling emotions aside. Now was not the time for such thoughts.

"Hey babe. Miss me?" Andy asked slipping off her heels.

"Of course." Miranda said softly. Her Andrea was the only lover she had ever allowed to call her pet names.

"I have to admit your text sort of surprised me." The brunette said removing her blazer as she made her way across the room. "I was sure you'd be too exhausted after the week you've had, but I am… so…so glad you called. I've missed you, baby."

Andy licked her lips as she slipped her arms around Miranda's slender waist and pulled her close. The kiss that followed was so passionate; Miranda nearly forgot her own name. She moaned at the feel of Andy's toned body against her own. She knew these arms had been made to hold her. Knowing how easily a simple kiss between them could quickly lead to something more, she had to remind herself to stay focused. She pulled back and used her hand to gently push against Andy's chest.

Andy smiled that impish grin Miranda loved so much and raised a brow. "You're not really going to play hard to get with me tonight are you?"

"Darling, we have to talk."

"Uh… you wanna talk… now?" Andy pouted. Miranda fought the urge to kiss it away.

"You know, I could think of a much better use of my lips and I know you'll like it." Andy whispered as she searched for the sensitive spot near Miranda's ear only to be pushed away. She let out a low growl.

"Andrea, darling…. It's important."

Andy saw the serious look in Miranda's eyes and took a step back. "What's wrong?"

Miranda took Andy by the hand and led her to the sofa. She caressed her fingers gently, unconsciously running her fingers over the matching diamond band on Andy's ring finger.

Adept at reading her wife's moods, Andy knew something was amiss. "Miranda, you're scaring me a little. What's going on? Is it Alex or the girls?"

Miranda shook her head. "I'm sorry, darling. The kids are fine."

"Then what is it?"

"Sweetheart, your mother called earlier. She said…" Miranda paused to swallow the bile rising in her throat as she looked into those big trusting eyes. She wanted to curse Richard Sachs for making her have to do this. "She said that… your father had a heart attack. Darling, I'm sorry… but he didn't make it."

Miranda sat holding her hand waiting for the outpouring of grief that she was sure to come. They sat in complete silence for long minutes until Andy finally cleared her throat and finally spoke.

"When?" She asked calmly.

"I'm not sure. Your mother just said it happened earlier today. Our call was brief."

"How was she?"

"She seemed... alright, but somber of course."

"Did she say if I needed to make any calls or do anything? I should probably help her with…"

Miranda reached out and stopped Andy before she stood. "No. She said she would call back with more details tomorrow morning. There's nothing to be done tonight, Andrea."

"Oh… okay." Andy nodded slowly and stood. "Well then… we should get some rest. I imagine the next few days will be… busy."

Miranda felt Andy pulling her from the sofa. She followed; extremely troubled by her wife's aloofness. Andy had been estranged from her father for some time now so Miranda expected her wife to be conflicted, but she had at the very least expected Andy to show some emotion. This was so unlike her Andrea.

Once upstairs, Miranda sat on the side of the bed and watched Andy undressing and going through her nightly rituals just as usual as if nothing was wrong.

"When is Alex coming home?" Andy suddenly asked.

"I called and spoke with Douglas. He's going to drive him home first thing in the morning. I didn't think there was a need to drag him home tonight. I thought we could wait to speak with him tomorrow."

Andy nodded in agreement as she slipped into bed. "No, you're right. Alex has been talking about his 'guys only weekend' with his Uncle Doug for weeks now. I'm glad you didn't disturb him."

Once Andy had joined her, Miranda switched off the bedside lamp. Andy stared absently at the ceiling trying to think of anything other than her father, but her psyche kept betraying her. Her mind started drifting over her childhood years and how she had adored her father. Richard Sachs had always been her hero… that is until he wasn't. She also recalled the later years and how the man she had once idolized had turned his back on her because of who she had chosen to love. His rejection had nearly devastated her. Sleep eluded her as bits and pieces of their last words to each other replayed in her head like a broken record.

'Don't you see, Andy? This was all God's plan. It was a blessing in disguise. You can still have the life you were meant to have.'

'How dare you! This was no blessing and no plan of God's."

"You can come back home and your family will help you through this"

"I want you to leave… I never want to see you again!'

Miranda turned and watched her wife worriedly. She laid her hand on Andy's stomach causing the younger woman to blink out of her thoughts. Finally Andy turned on her side and faced Miranda. They lay there staring into each other's eyes through the dimness of the room. Miranda could see a lifetime of memories flashing in those big brown eyes. After a long moment, Miranda simply opened her arms and Andy shifted into them.

Miranda held her close, gently running her fingers through the long brown tresses. The silence of the room engulfed them; only the sounds of their gentle breathing could be heard. Andy moved her head down to Miranda's chest allowing the steady beating of her love's heart begin to lull her to sleep. Just as Miranda was about to drift off she heard Andy's soft voice.

"Miranda?"

"Yes, sweetheart?"

"My dad died." Andy whispered.

"I know, darling. I know."

TBC…