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.

A/N: Here is the next chapter. Let me know what you think. Happy reading.

Chapter 4

As it turned out, Keisha really was good at her job. She managed to book them in the penthouse suite at the Hyatt Resort downtown with a spectacular view of Cincinnati. Andy thought it was perfect. The suite met Miranda's standards and it was near the interstate which made it easy to drive back and forth to the suburban neighborhood where Andy had grown up.

"If Keisha had been around when Emily and I were at RUNWAY, we wouldn't have stood a chance. Instead of calling us Emily, you have called us Keisha."

"Whatever are you talking about, Andrea?"

"Do you know she prepared a complete itinerary of museums and amusement parks for Alex to visit, including times and tickets?" Andy said flipping through the folder. "There are even references for nanny services in here if we need it."

"Is it not her job to provide assistance to me with anything I should need?"

"If you say so. I'm surprised she didn't find a way to provide you with your daily coffee demands." She laughed as she continued to look through the thick folder. "Oh my god! She did." Andy pulled out another sheet. "The local Starbucks down the street is delivering your coffee to the hotel. I love this chick!"

"If you have finished fawning over my assistant, you might want to get dressed. The car will be here to take us to your mother's in an hour."

Andy stretched and headed off towards the shower. "When are the girls getting here?"

"They sent a text a moment ago. They are actually in route now. If you hurry and shower, you can be finished by the time they get here." Miranda prompted.

Andy bit her lip and grinned. "I might be more productive if I had some help washing my back."

Miranda raised a brow and tried to hide the smile pulling at her lips. "I think that might actually be counterproductive."

Miranda moved away only to have Andy start pulling her towards the large bathroom.

"Andrea, I've already had a shower." Miranda protested feebly.

"You can never be too clean, baby. Haven't you ever heard that cleanliness is next to godliness?" She said trailing a finger down Miranda's neck between her breasts releasing the delicate buttons as she went. She followed the path with soft, wet kisses down Miranda's throat.

Miranda's shivered all over when Andy grazed a sensitive nipple with her teeth. Andy chuckled softly knowing she had her wife right where she wanted her. Miranda was too weak to care. One kiss from this woman and it always put Miranda in a haze of arousal. Andy stepped back and peeled her t-shirt off before making quick work of her jeans and underwear.

Miranda's eyes roamed over Andy's naked body and felt a familiar tightness in the pit of her stomach. She finally gave up protesting and kissed Andy's mouth hungrily. Andy gasped and tried to catch her breath.

"Damn woman. That mouth is about to get you into some serious trouble."

Miranda laughed as Andy quickly started divesting her of her own clothing and moved them into the shower. "Promises, Promises."

"Miranda?"

"Hmm?"

"Shut-up."

Miranda tilted her head back into the spray and smiled as Andy dropped to her knees. "Yes… dear."

Forty minutes later, a very smug Andy was helping Alex tuck his shirt properly while Miranda was getting dressed for the second time. A few minutes later, there was a soft knock at the door.

"I'll get it!" Alex said bolting towards the large entrance.

"Hold it, mister!" Andy said catching him by the collar. "You know you're not tall enough to see through the peep-hole. You have to be sure to ask who it is first."

Alex nodded and turned back to the door as Andy stood behind him. "Who is it?"

"The one and only C&C Music Factory of course!" Came an animated response.

Miranda chuckled as she walked into the room putting her earring on and saw her son practically ripping the door open. "Cassie!"

"OOf! Hey bud! Didya miss me or something?" Cassidy said as her brother barreled into her.

"Hey! What am I… chopped liver?" Said the matching voice behind them.

"Carrie!"

More prepared for the onslaught, Caroline kneeled and hugged him close.

"Wow, Alex. You're growing like a weed, man." She said ruffling his hair.

Alex puffed out his chest and grinned. "Mom said its all fattening food Moms lets me eat."

Cassidy smirked. "I'm sure she did."

"Alexander, allow your sisters to come inside so the gentleman can bring in the luggage please." Miranda said.

The trio made their way inside and over to their parents while the porter took care of the bags.

"Hello Mom. Hi Moms." Cassidy said hugging Miranda then Andy. Caroline followed.

Andy stood back and looked at the girls she considered her own. They were nearly twenty-two years old now and about to graduate from Stanford University this summer. Caroline had majored in design and art history while Cassidy was a journalism major. It had been very difficult for her and Miranda to allow them to move nearly three thousand miles away, but they both agreed that it was the best for them to have a little independence. At least, Andy did; it took a lot of sex to finally get Miranda to comply. It seemed like the years had flown by and their little dragons were all grown up. They had grown into beautiful women much to the dismay of their parents. She and Miranda had been fighting off the boys since they'd hit puberty. Andy didn't even want to think about the boys, as well as girls in Cassidy's case, that were sniffing around them now.

"I told your mother that you didn't have to fly out here. I know it's been hectic with finals and graduation looming." Andy started.

"Moms, have you fallen and bumped your head or something? Of course we wanted to be here." Caroline said sounding a little too much like Miranda.

"Yeah. What she said." Cassidy said making Andy smile. Cassidy had always been the more relaxed twin.

Cassidy pulled Andy down on the sofa next to her while Caroline sat on the other side. They both took one of her hands. "All joking aside, even though things weren't perfect, we know you loved your dad. We also know what you gave up for us. You're our Andy." She grinned at how strange it sound to call Andy anything other than Moms. It had been years since they had stopped saying it. "You're Moms." She corrected.

"Cass is right. You've always been there for us over the years. It's our time to return the favor. It's what you do for family… and that's all."

The familiar dismissal caused them laugh as Miranda rolled her eyes.

"I can remember a time when you two didn't think so highly of me though, especially you." Andy said winking at Caroline.

Caroline and Cassidy both groaned.

Caroline hid her face in Andy's chest. "Come on, Moms. Cut us some slack will you?"

"Yeah, we were only eight." Cassidy added.

"Hey, I'm eight." Alex interjected.

"That you are, little man and you are world's more mature than your big sis and I were at that age." Cassidy said thinking back.

-Flashback: 13 Years Ago-

"But I don't understand why she has to be here!" Caroline said angrily crossing her arms over her chest. "Today was supposed to be our day."

Miranda sighed looking at both her girls. "We have been over this before. Andrea and I are going to be seeing each other. She is spending the day with us because she's Mommy's special friend and I think you two should get to know her better. I think you'd like her if you did."

Cassidy glanced over her mother's shoulder and glared at a slightly nervous Andy. "What is so special about her? She used to work for you."

"Yeah. She was your assistant and not even the first assistant." Caroline added.

Miranda shot the girl a look. "Caroline!"

"What? It's the truth." Caroline shot back.

"Why are you making us do this, Mom? She won't be around that long anyway." Caroline smirked, making eye contact with Andy. "You'll be just like the others. She'll get bored with you too."

"Enough!" Miranda became outraged. She knew her girls could be a handful, but they had never been downright rude before. "You will never speak to Andrea that way again."

Both girls shrank back slightly at Miranda's raised voice. Their mother never raised her voice. As a matter of fact, their mother hardly ever even showed emotion.

Andy could tell that the editor was about to launch into a vengeful tirade. She found herself speaking up in defense of the twins in spite of herself. "It's alright, Miranda. It's no big deal. We can do this another time."

Miranda turned and looked into Andy's big brown eyes. The hurt she saw there made her blood boil even more. "No, it isn't alright, Andrea." She turned back and glared at the twins. "I think my daughters should spend the remainder of the weekend in their rooms with no entertainment what so ever to think about their brash behavior and how they've managed to embarrass me."

"Miranda…" Andy stepped forward and touched her shoulder. "Can I talk to you for a minute? Please?"

The twins watched as the two adults stepped into the kitchen. They smirked at each other when they realized they could still hear their conversation. This was going to be good. "She is so out of here. I knew she wouldn't last. She doesn't really care about Mom,"

"Miranda, please don't punish them. They have a right to their opinions."

Miranda was losing patience. "They have no right to speak to anyone that way especially you and I won't allow it."

"They're just being kids, Miranda." She shoved her hands in her pockets and shrugged her shoulders. "This is new and different and it's a lot to take in. They don't know how they should feel about me suddenly being in your life like this. I can understand that."

Miranda ran her fingers down Andy's leather jacket before dropping her gaze to the floor. Today was not going the way she'd hoped. "I didn't think it would be like this."

"You know, maybe today wasn't such a good idea. They need more time… with you. I think I should probably go."

"I don't want you to." Miranda's voice was even softer than usual. Andy smiled sadly knowing the editor was truly as disappointed as she was. Between both of their busy schedules, they rarely had the opportunity to spend time together. They hadn't even had the chance to go out on a real date yet.

The twins, still watching from the other room, perked up when they saw Andy reach out and take their mother's hand. They couldn't believe their eyes. Their mother didn't allow anyone other than family to touch her. They couldn't even remember their father or Stephen holding her hand like that…ever.

"I don't either, but it's the right thing to do for them. And if I'm going to do this right, I have to put them first too. So… please don't be too hard on them. If there has to be a bad guy in all of this, I'd rather it be me and not you."

"Why?"

"Because they need you. You're their mother." Andy smiled. "Besides, I'm just the former assistant that happens to like you a lot."

Miranda held her gaze intently and shook her head. "You're so much more than that to me."

"I know. Lucky me." Andy leaned forward and kissed Miranda softly on the cheek. Miranda sighed and leaned into the touch. "You can call me later. I'm not going anywhere, Miranda. I promise."

Miranda met warm brown eyes and knew there was a double meaning in those words. "I'm glad."

Caroline and Cassidy were left a bit speechless. They had never seen such a sad look in their mother's eyes as she watched Andy walk out the back door. It made them feel even worse when Miranda finally faced them with unshed tears in her eyes.

"I want you two to know that I am deeply disappointed by your behavior."

"So what's our punishment?" Caroline asked practically rolling her eyes.

"You're not being punished."

"What? Really?" Cassidy asked.

"Andrea asked me not to."

"What?" Cassidy mumbled.

"Yes. Andrea said that you both have a right to your opinions and that she'd rather you think poorly of her than of me." Miranda sniffed. "I happen to disagree with her. I don't really care if you think poorly of me since you have treated me so poorly just now. If it were up to me, you two would be grounded until you were thirty. I was deeply embarrassed by you today, not because you disliked someone I have chosen to befriend, but because you were rude and disrespectful to someone for no other reason other than sport."

Caroline mumbled under her breath earning her an elbow from her sister. "Shut up, Carrie."

Miranda raised a brow at her youngest by two minutes. "You have something to say, Caroline?"

Caroline could feel the intense eyes of her mother on her. Shoulders back and head up, Caroline faced the glare head on. "I said it's no different from how you treat people at RUNWAY."

The statement had stung Miranda deeply; however, the only evidence that she had been affected by her daughter's words was the slight flaring of her nostrils. She turned and gave the girl her full attention.

"When a person has been incompetent or failed to complete a necessary task, I tell them so that they avoid doing so again. It is my job to do so. Poor work performance and failure could cost the magazine millions of dollars; dollars that pay the salaries of countless individuals. There is no room for social niceties in my line of work. I tell my employees the truth because people depend on me to do so not because I enjoy being uncouth and ill-mannered. Can either of you say the same about your actions today?"

Both girls said nothing as they kept their eyes on their shoes.

"I take that as a no." Miranda sighed turning her back to stare out the window. "I am deeply disappointed in you both. Not only did you insult someone who I have come to care a great deal about, but you made me feel like a terrible mother today."

"Mom…" Caroline started.

"That's all."

Cassidy's eyes widened. Their mother had never used that dismissal with them. She swallowed the lump in her throat as she followed Caroline to the door. "I'm sorry, Mom." She whispered.

Caroline kept her eyes to the floor. "Yeah, I'm sorry too."

"Okay, so we were total brats. I'll admit to that." Caroline laughed.

"I'm not sure brat is the B word I would have used." Andy whispered.

Caroline pretended to be hurt. "Hey, we started to come around eventually."

Miranda chuckled. "Yes, but only after I gave you two the cold shoulder for about a week."

Andy laughed. "And even then, they still gave me the evil eye when I took you out the first time."

Cassidy laughed out loud. "Oh man, I remember that day. You were so nervous, Moms. It would have been cute if we weren't still trying to hate you."

Andy laughed in remembrance. "I remember that day like it was yesterday."

Flashback: 13 Years Ago, One Week Later-

"Hi."

Miranda raked her eyes over the young woman standing at her door. She gave an approving nod at the dark denim jeans, white button down, and Prada riding boots. But what seemed to catch her eye the most was the smooth leather jacket. She was growing rather fond of it. The dark brunette was stunningly sexy in it.

"Hello, Andrea. Please, come in."

Andy stepped inside. "Uh… these are for you."

Miranda raised a brow at the lovely flowers pulled from behind the young woman's back.

"No Freesia. I promise." Andy teased.

Miranda found her utterly charming. It had been ages since someone had brought her flowers before a date. Who did such a thing anymore? Apparently, Andy did. She took the flowers and smiled. "Thank you. They're lovely."

"You're welcome."

"Why don't you have a seat in the study while I put these in water then we'll go?"

"Sure."

Before Andy made it to the study, the twins came down the stairs and decided to make an appearance. Andy shoved her hands in her pockets and faced them head on. "Hello Cassidy, Caroline." She said nodding to each twin. It still threw them off that Andy could tell them apart so easily. She liked it.

"Hello." They grumpily said together. Cassidy moved down the stairs and peeked around the corner for her mother. "So… you really like our mom, right?"

Andy nodded. "Yes, I do."

"So you're not just playing around with her or anything, are you?"

"Of course not. I really like your Mom. Really."

"I guess we should like… say sorry for last week. Our Mom said we were rude and she was embarrassed so… sorry." She mumbled. Caroline mumbled something that resembled the word sorry as well.

"Just like I told your mother, you don't have to apologize. I get it. I'd be a little leery of me too, but for what it's worth I accept your apology."

Caroline folded her arms over her chest and looked at her for a long time. Andy could tell that winning Caroline over was going to take a lot longer.

"You're not taking her anywhere weird are you? Mom deserves to go somewhere nice. She likes nice places."

"And exactly how long is this outing of yours going to last?" Cassidy added.

"Mom has to be up early for work, you know…so she shouldn't be out really late." Caroline said without missing a beat.

Andy tugged at her shirt collar suddenly feeling warmer. She couldn't believe she was getting the 'date talk' from Miranda's kids. Well they were Miranda Priestly's kids weren't they?

"Girls, I promise. I like your Mom and I just want to take her out and make sure she has a good time." She swallowed. "And I'm pretty sure that I can have her home at a decent hour." Andy couldn't believe she was actually having this conversation. She felt like a teenage boy talking to her date's father.

"Girls, shouldn't you be finishing your homework?" Miranda's voice floated through the air as she approached. "Say Goodnight to Andrea. I will come and check on you two when I get in… at a decent hour."

Both girls had the good grace to blush as they glared at Andy.

"Goodnight Andrea." They both said in that eerie twin voice together.

"Goodnight girls."

"I'm Caroline. That's Cassidy. We're separate, not a matching set."

"Gotcha. Goodnight… Caroline. Goodnight Cassidy."

Andy and Miranda watched them as they disappeared up the stairs. Andy turned to Miranda and sighed. "Tough crowd, huh?"

Miranda sighed slightly. "Well, they are my daughters."

"That they are."

As Andy helped Miranda with her coat, she noticed the editor's attire for the first time and was instantly pleased. She'd warned the editor several times that she should dress casually; casual for a normal person that is because she would need to be comfortable. Miranda was a bit troubled by this, but went along with her wishes. She was actually wearing a pair of jeans; they were designer jeans of course but still jeans. The dark blue D&G cashmere cowl neck sweater and pair of dark brown riding boots that looked similar to Andy's completed the outfit perfectly. Andy smirked knowing Miranda's boots were from the latest Prada line. Andy shook her head. Miranda's supposed casual outfit undoubtedly cost more than what most people made in a month.

"Um… Wow. You look great, Miranda. I should have told you sooner. I got a little distracted."

"Thank you. You don't look half bad yourself."

When she turned around, Andy was openly looking at her in a seductive way catching Miranda by surprise. She cleared her throat delicately. "So where, pray tell, are you taking me this evening, Andrea?"

Miranda was a little concerned when Andy whispered the directions to Roy. Andy simply took her hand and told her to wait and see as they got into the car.

"So… how has work been?" Andy asked lightly.

"Small talk? Really Andrea?"

Andy laughed and squeezed her hand. "Is it so hard to believe that I am actually interested in how your week has been? How many times do we have to go through this?"

"I guess I'm just not used to someone asking me about things like this."

"Well I actually do care about how you day goes. I'm interested, very interested Miranda."

Miranda stared at her for a moment catching the double meaning. She smiled softly in return. "I know and… work has been the usual string of hours of incompetency. Emily is as neurotic as ever and Nigel is being his usual annoying self by insinuating that I was having a difficult time concentrating."

"And did you… have a difficult time concentrating?" Andy suppressed a grin. She knew Miranda had been distracted. Nigel had called her and spilled the beans.

Miranda huffed. "Of course, I did."

"And why is that?"

Miranda turned and held her eyes intently. "I kept hoping that tonight would get here sooner."

Andy smiled and placed a soft kiss to the back of Miranda's hand. "Me too."

The car stopped at a small restaurant in Chelsea. Andy ignored the raised brow shot in her direction. She opened the door and helped Miranda out then whispered something to Roy through the window. He nodded and drove away.

She held out a hand to Miranda. "Shall we?"

Miranda took her hand and looked at the restaurant with a critical eye as they entered. The owner met Andy at the door and they exchanged a few words in Italian before they were led to a quiet table in the back of the room.

"I wasn't aware you spoke Italian." Miranda was intrigued.

Andy looked up from her menu and looked her in the eyes confidently. "Actually, I mentioned it when we were in Paris, but I think you were a bit preoccupied trying to get away from me." She smiled at the blush that dusted Miranda's cheeks. "Besides, I'm sure there's a lot you don't know about me."

Miranda saw Andy in a completely different light in that moment. Gone was the nervous young naïve girl who wandered into her office looking for a job so long ago. This young woman sitting before her now was confident and sure of herself. Miranda liked what she saw.

"So tell me something then?"

"What would you like to know?"

Miranda ran a finger over her bottom lip and studied her date. "Everything, but you may start with something simple… Tell me about your family."

Andy smiled. "My family is pretty run of the mill. I have a younger brother named Josh. He's in college. My dad, Richard, is a tax attorney. He has a small firm back in Cincinnati. My mom is an orthopedic surgeon."

Miranda's interest was piqued. "Excuse me. I'm not sure having a surgeon for a mother constitutes run of the mill."

Andy laughed. She was used to that response when she spoke about her mother. "I guess not. Her name is Audrey and she works at Cincinnati University Hospital. She's a bit of an overachiever."

"So that's where you get it from." Miranda's eyes twinkled. "And you didn't want to follow in her footsteps?"

Andy shook her head and grinned. "I can't stand the sight of blood and I'm terrible with any kind of bio-chemistry. Now, I almost followed in my dad's career path before I realized it wasn't a good fit for me. I think he's still kind of upset that I turned down Stanford Law to be a writer."

Miranda's eyes widened. "Stanford? That's quite impressive. It seems that you are full of surprises, Andrea. I almost feel as if I don't know you at all."

"But you want to, right?" Andy asked shyly.

"Oh yes."

Dinner was a complete hit. The food, to Miranda's surprise was divine. The service was quite acceptable and the company was beyond compare.

"I take it the owner knows you well. How did you find this wonderful little place?"

"When I started at the Mirror, I had to take the stories that nobody wanted. My editor started me out doing obits and restaurant reviews. When I wasn't writing death notices, I basically had the job of going to all these unusual restaurants around the city. It really just consisted of me talking to the food critics, sampling the food on the menu, and interviewing the customers and owners." She shrugged as she sipped her wine. "It was fun for a while even though I had to run an extra mile every morning. I can't go getting fat again and lose this size four figure, can I?" She finished winking at her.

Miranda looked away for a moment. "You were never actually fat, Andrea."

Andy ran her finger over the rim of her wine glass. She had a twinkle in her eyes when she glanced up through her thick lashes. The look made Miranda swallow hard.

"Really? Because I can distinctly remember you calling me the smart, fat girl."

Miranda could only nod. Sometimes things just came back to bite you in the ass. "Yes, I did say that. But you should know that I never meant it…personally. By RUNWAY's standards, you would have been considered to be a bit… plump. But those are RUNWAY's standards; not considered normal."

By now Andy was laughing at which Miranda rolled her eyes. After her laughter was under control, Andy looked into cool blue eyes and held them. "And what about your standards?" She asked in a low sultry voice that sent a shiver through the editor.

Miranda raked her eyes over the long lean figure seated across from her and smirked. "Perfection. You're a very beautiful woman, Andrea."

"Thank you." Andy felt a heat rise over her entire body from Miranda's intense gaze. She shivered slightly. "On that note, I think we should go. We have somewhere to be."

Miranda watched as Andy took care of the check and again exchanged words in Italian with the owner who kissed both of her cheeks happily. She noticed the effect Andy had on people she came into contact with. It was something very charismatic about her personality. She'd seen it at RUNWAY and she could see it even more now. People were simply drawn to the younger woman and she was no different.

They walked out of the restaurant to find Roy waiting at the curb. Andy gave no hints as to where they were heading next. Miranda was a little surprised when they ended up at the park.

Andy nearly laughed at the look on Miranda's face. "Come on. I promise to keep you safe." She held out a hand to help her out of the car.

Miranda looked around curiously as Roy handed a few items to Andy from the trunk. Miranda looked at her with skepticism. "And what are we going to do with those?"

Andy rolled her eyes and took her hand. "Stop worrying so much, Priestly. Just let yourself have a little fun for a change."

"Fun? Andrea we are in a darkened park." She said looking around suspiciously. "I don't think getting mugged will constitute as fun."

"Oh shut up and come on."

Miranda huffed as they walked down a small sidewalk path. Soon, Miranda picked up the sound of soft music and talking. Her eyes widened when they came upon the large screen in the distance and people scattered throughout.

"When it's warm enough, they show a movie out here a couple of times a month and people come out and watch. That's what these are for." She gestured to the blankets in her arms. "And don't worry. I can almost guarantee that no one will recognize you here; if they do they won't bother you. The press would never expect Miranda Priestly to be here. Come on."

"Obviously." Miranda said dryly. Andy only laughed.

Andy found a spot by a secluded tree and spread out the soft blankets. She placed the remaining blanket aside then sat down with her back against the tree. She looked up at Miranda and held out her hand. "Come on. Sit."

With a final glance around, Miranda finally took her hand and sat down. Andy positioned her between her legs and allowed Miranda to lean back against her. Both let out a soft gasp as their bodies touched. Andy leaned into Miranda's ear when she felt the woman shiver.

"Are you cold?"

The evening air wasn't the cause of the shiver that shook her body, but she nodded just the same. Andy picked up the other blanket and spread it over Miranda then rested her arms around the older woman. Miranda felt her entire body turn to mush as she relaxed into strong those arms.

Once they were settled, the movie started right on time and the park lights were dimmed. Andy smirked when the movie title came up on the screen.

Miranda turned slightly and caught her eye. "You think you're so smart, don't you?"

"No. I just pay attention to the important things."

Andy knew that the original "An Affair to Remember" was one of Miranda's favorite movies. She had mentioned it off handedly while putting together a photo shoot using some of the themes from the old film. When she'd read about it being shown in the park, Andy had known it would be a perfect idea.

Finally relaxed, Miranda leaned back and enjoyed her favorite film while being held in the arms of the object of her desire. She laughed to herself at how it all seemed. It had been so long since she'd sat and watched a movie with someone other than the twins. Andy had even known what her favorite film was; none of her ex-husbands had bothered to care. She suddenly felt like a teenager again; like the schoolgirl out on a date with her crush. They watched mostly in silence; speaking out about something happening on screen or Andy asking a question about the characters every now and then. It was all together a wonderful experience for both of them.

Before long, the ending credits were rolling and the lights were coming up and Andy was a little disappointed. She'd loved the feeling of holding Miranda so close; it was becoming one of her favorite things to do. Miranda helped Andy fold the blankets and they left. Roy was waiting at the curb. Andy handed off the blankets to him and turned to Miranda.

"You think you can walk in those boots, lady? We're actually only a few blocks away from your place."

Miranda gave her a mock glare. "You do know to whom you are speaking, don't you?"

Andy laughed and rolled her eyes. "How could I ever forget? Of course Miranda Priestly can walk in heels." She held out her elbow for Miranda as she waved Roy off. "Go home Roy. We're going to walk."

Roy tipped his hat and returned to the car leaving them alone. Miranda gave her a stern look. "Giving my employees orders already? And just how will you be getting home now?"

Andy started them on a slow stroll. "The same way I got there; I'll take the subway home."

"That's just nonsense. It's late. I will call Roy back and have him…"

Andy silenced Miranda with a soft but thorough kiss nipping her bottom lip as she pulled away. She waited until Miranda opened her eyes. "I'm a big girl, Miranda. I can take care of myself. Now be quiet and let me walk my lovely date home."

Miranda obeyed, leaning slightly into Andy as they slowly walked the few blocks back to the townhouse. Neither saw the point in making small talk; they just enjoyed the silent company of one another. Miranda found that she was more than a little disappointed when they finally climbed the steps to the townhouse.

"Would you like to come in for a drink?" Miranda asked hating that she sounded so cliché.

Andy shoved her hands into the pockets of her jacket and smirked. "It's kinda late and I promised your lovely daughters that I would have you home at a decent hour so you could get adequate rest."

"The little devils." Miranda murmured.

"They're right though. I should probably get going. I don't want to push my luck with them… or us."

Miranda gave her a nod. "I understand." She looked away unsure why she suddenly felt shy. She and Andy had already talked about this. They were both on the same page. They wanted each other; but they wanted to do things right. They needed to take things slow. Simply falling into bed with one another was not an option, but that didn't mean her body didn't want it.

"Thank you for a wonderful night, Andrea. I really did enjoy the evening."

Andy let out a relieved sigh. "Good. I…I'm glad. I had a good time too."

"Well, I…"

Whatever she was about to say was lost when she felt Andy's lips on her own. It was soft yet passionate at the same time. She moaned at the sensation of Andy's tongue teasing her bottom lip seeking entrance which she granted. Her hands automatically found the lapels of Andy's jacket pulling her closer deepening the kiss. She whimpered as soft fingertips caressed the line of her jaw and tickled the hair at her neck. When they pulled apart, Andy pressed her forehead to Miranda's for a moment to catch her breath.

"You are so beautiful." The breathy tone caused a warm blush to wash over Miranda's pale skin.

Placing another quick kiss on her lips, Andy finally stepped back. "I'm gonna go now. Good night, Miranda. I'll call you."

Miranda couldn't hide the smile that spread over her face. She didn't even want to. "Good night, Andrea."

"I must admit, as far as first dates go… you didn't totally screw it up, Moms." Caroline said sagely.

Andy laughed. "Well thank you so much, Caroline. I think I heard a compliment in there somewhere."

"You're welcome."

"When Mom came home with this love-sick look on her face, we knew she was a goner."

Miranda rolled her eyes. "I did not have a love-sick expression on my face."

"Yeah right. You practically floated up the stairs. It was totally gross." Caroline said with a grin. "That's when we knew we had to let the grudge go. You actually started to grow on us after that, Moms."

"Yeah, sort of like one of those rare rashes that you can't get rid of." Cassidy said with a wicked gleam in her eyes.

They all laughed as Cassidy deftly dodged the throw pillow being aimed at her head.

Miranda shook her head at their antics. Alex snuggled into Miranda and laughed. He loved when his sisters were home. To him, they were simply hilarious.

"No. Seriously though…" Caroline said becoming serious again. "We got to know you and fell in love with you too, Moms. It didn't take long for us to want you all to ourselves."

"Yeah, and before long Mom had to send us on play dates just so she could have a play date with you." Cassidy said wiggling her brows, forgetting that her little brother was still in the room.

"What did you and Moms do on your play dates, Mom?" Alex asked innocently looking up at Miranda.

The twins had to bite their cheeks to keep from laughing.

Miranda glared at them before smiling sweetly at Alex. "Chess, sweetheart. We played lots and lots of chess."

"Is that what they're calling it these days, Moms?" Cassidy whispered.

Andy covered her face with a throw pillow and groaned.

"So exactly how good of a chess player are you, Moms? If I recall, I think I remember Mom saying something about you being the best she'd ever played with." Caroline added with that naughty twinkle in her blue eyes. These two were definitely Miranda Priestly's spawn.

Andy met Miranda's eyes and they both smiled. Some things would never change. Even after the twins had warmed up to Andy, dating Miranda Priestly hadn't always been easy. They both had hectic schedules and outside responsibilities making time alone a rarity, not to mention two eight year old terrors cramping their style. But even with all their obstacles, Andy would always remember those times with fondness, especially their first time. They had taken their time and done things right and it had paid off.

Flashback: 13 Years Ago-

It had been two months since their first date; two long, dry, sexless months. Shortly after that perfect first date things had gone to hell in a hand basket. Miranda was dealing with Irv and his ridiculous budgetary demands on top of the strike involving nearly all of RUNWAYS photographers. Andy had been traveling back and forth to Washington D.C. covering the Congressional hearings in addition to her usual duties at 'The Mirror'. They had been able to squeeze in a couple of phone calls a week and a quick make-out session in the study after the twins had gone off to bed which was rare since the two spawns of the devil had decided to like Andy.

When Andy came over for dinner or lunch these days, it wasn't uncommon to find her kidnapped by one or both of the twins. Cassidy had found a kindred spirit in Andy, a mentor who understood her passion of writing. Caroline had found the confidante she'd always needed. Andy would genuinely listen to her talk… about anything. Andy seemed to understand Caroline's need for honesty and security. She never sugar-coated things and she saw beyond Caroline's hard façade. In two short months, Miranda's Andrea had become their Andy.

If she was lucky, an hour or two alone with Miranda was about all she got. To say that Andy was frustrated would have been a huge understatement. Andy was beginning to think she would never experience the joy of making love with Miranda Priestly, but she was determined not to push the editor for more. She had decided to allow Miranda to set the pace.

Miranda, for her part, was just as aggravated by the situation. She found herself completely distracted at work lately. Her thoughts were constantly drifting to a certain reporter. The last two months had been quite wonderful and romantic. She had enjoyed the way Andy had courted her. Their stolen moments were incredibly sweet and tender. However, she had grown irritated with their lack of progress. Sweet and tender was nice, but she wanted more. The world would have been incredibly surprised to know that Miranda Priestly was, for lack of a better phrase, just plain horny.

Miranda looked at the clock. It was almost six o'clock. "Enough of this." Miranda mumbled to herself.

Making changes and notes on the last set of photos before her, Miranda stood and went into her personal bathroom. A quick touch up of lipstick and she headed out the door.

"Emily, coat and bag." She said quietly as she approached the red-head's desk.

Emily snapped to attention and quickly retrieved Miranda's things.

"Have Roy meet me downstairs. I'm leaving for the evening. I will not require the book. I will review it when I come in tomorrow at noon. Push back and reschedule whatever is needed. I do not wish to be disturbed for any reason. Is that understood?"

"Yes, Miranda."

Emily watched her boss step into the elevator. She narrowed her eyes at the now closed-door. In her tenure as Miranda's assistant, she couldn't remember a time when Miranda left early for no reason or didn't review the book every night during the work week. Add the fact that Miranda had just told her that she would be coming in late and the exact time all told Emily that something unusual was going on with her boss. She just didn't know what it was. Shaking her head, she went back to her desk to make a new schedule. "I love my job. I love my job."

Across town, Andy emailed her last article to her editor then decided to settle down on her sofa for a well deserved glass of wine and reruns of Law & Order: SVU. She'd had a long week and all she wanted to do was see Miranda and hold her in her arms but she knew the editor had been swamped earlier in the week and she didn't want to bother her. Besides, Miranda would always call or text if she was free, which she hadn't. Her thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock at the door.

Andy frowned wondering who could possibly be at her door. She smiled when she looked through the peep-hole. Her smile only grew when she opened the door.

"Miranda? What are you doing here?"

"Have I come at a bad time? I know it's rather discourteous of me to just show up unannounced."

Andy shook her head and waved the older woman inside. She frowned. "That's very considerate of you, but you don't have to announce yourself, Miranda. I told you, you're welcome here anytime."

Miranda nodded in return as she glanced around the apartment. This was the first time she had been in Andy's apartment. It was a nice place. The layout was open and airy with dark hardwood floors and warm taupe colored walls. The furnishings were eclectic and modern. She noted a medium-sized flat screen television mounted on the wall across from the sofa. CNN was playing mutely in the background. The opposite wall was composed of two cherry oak wooden bookshelves filled with books and a matching desk facing the large window. Miranda decided that the quaint apartment suited the young journalist perfectly.

"You have a lovely place, Andrea."

"Thank you." Andy responded softly.

They stood in the middle of the living room just staring at one another for a while before Andy remembered how to be a good host. "Sorry, umm…please have a seat. I was having some wine. Would like a glass?"

Miranda licked her lips and nodded. Suddenly, speaking had become rather difficult for her. She had finally allowed her eyes to take in Andrea's attire. The brunette was wearing a pair of well-worn jeans with random holes in them that hung low on her waist and a plain white tank top that clung to her impressive chest and stopped just above her belly button, showing off the beginning of tight abs. Her hair was flowing over her shoulders in thick loose waves and she was barefoot. Miranda declared the sight the sexiest thing she'd ever seen.

"Wine would be lovely. Thank you."

"Okay. I'll be right back. Make yourself at home."

Miranda walked around the room for a moment taking in the little decorations here and there. She perused the collection of books on the shelves and was pleasantly surprised to see she and Andy had very similar taste in literature. She took a seat on the dark leather sofa and couldn't help but moan as her tired muscles relaxed into the comfortable cushions. Andrea might have questionable taste in fashion, but her taste in home furnishings was impeccable it seemed.

Andy walked back into the room just in time to witness Miranda lying back with her eyes closed. The soft moan she released nearly made Andy's knees buckle. She cleared her throat and made her way back over to the sofa. She handed Miranda the glass and took a seat next to her with her arm resting along the back of the sofa just behind Miranda's head. She was close enough to smell Miranda's signature Chanel perfume.

Miranda took a long sip and closed her eyes. "Mmm… I needed that."

Andy felt her head swim hearing that moan again. It was wreaking havoc on other parts of her body as well. "Rough day?"

"Rough week." Miranda corrected.

"So… where are the girls tonight?"

"Impromptu sleep-over. They called earlier and begged to stay over at a friend's house."

"And you let them on a school night?" Andy smiled and felt Miranda's forehead. "Are you coming down with something?"

"Stop it." Miranda took her hand away and kissed the palm. "It's been a long couple of weeks. Work has been crazy and we haven't been able to see each other…"

Andy waited as Miranda trailed off. She could tell the older woman was upset. She lifted her chin and met cool blue eyes. "Hey, what's going on?"

"I know my children were… difficult in the beginning and they can be quite the handful. Dating me probably isn't the easiest thing you've ever done. I just… I don't want you to give up on us… yet."

Andy watched her closely for a moment. "You know… there's something I forgot to do when you got here." She leaned in and captured Miranda's lips putting as much feeling as she could into the kiss.

She pulled back and saw Miranda still had her eyes closed. "I didn't expect to see you tonight, Miranda, but I'm very glad you're here. And just so you know, I don't give up that easy. I happen to like your kids a lot… and I'm kinda crazy about you."

Miranda turned her head and looked at Andy for a moment. She raised her hand and gently ran her finger down her perfect cheek. "I've found that I've grown rather attached to the sight of you. Andrea. I've missed you."

Andy nearly melted into a puddle right there. Miranda Priestly could be just as romantic as she could be deadly. It was an intoxicating contrast.

"I've missed you too." Andy said moving in once again. This time, Miranda met her half way taking claim of the lips she'd been dreaming of for days.

Miranda's pulse went into overdrive. Damn, the silly girl could kiss.

What started out as just a simple kiss quickly grew into much more. One kiss led to another and another until Miranda found herself practically straddling Andy's legs.

Andy ran her hands slowly up the toned legs on each side of her until she met the garters attached to the silk stockings. She licked her lips and looked up at the woman now sitting in her lap. Her index finger kept tracing random patterns along the lace on Miranda's thighs which was driving the older woman insane.

"I love this suit. Was it made just for you?" She asked taking a moment to nibble along Miranda's ear.

Miranda hissed. "Yes. It's… It's Valentino."

Andy smirked. "Of course it is. I love it when you wear black pinstripes. It's so powerful… so sexy… so you."

Miranda swallowed hard as Andy's fingers flicked the buttons opened with amazing dexterity. Before she knew what was happening, her blazer had been removed and white silk blouse was un-tucked. She shivered when Andy's fingertips blazed a trail along her sides stopping just below her bra.

"Miranda?"

"Yes."

Andy pulled her close and buried her face in Miranda's neck. She bit down just enough to make Miranda jump. "If you want me to stop, you need to tell me now."

Miranda pulled back and looked into her eyes. Her eyes were lazy and full of desire. "I don't want to stop."

"Are you sure? I don't want you to ever have any regrets."

Miranda held Andy's head in her hands and kissed her with complete abandon. It was Andy's turn to moan. When she pulled away, they rested their foreheads together and tried to catch their breath.

"I want you to make love to me, Andrea."

Andy tightened her hold on Miranda's hips and arched into her. "Yes, Miranda."

With strength Miranda had never imagined, Andy had easily stood from the sofa with Miranda still in her arms. Miranda locked her legs around Andy's waist and held on tightly. They never broke their kiss as Andy carefully navigated them into the bedroom. Andy laid her gently on the bed before moving away. Miranda mourned the loss of contact. Andy dropped to her knees and carefully unfastened the garters, slowly rolling Miranda's silk stocking down each leg. Miranda moaned as Andy kissed the inside of each thigh before stepping away.

Andy stood at the foot of the bed and slowly undressed, her eyes locked with Miranda's the entire time. Miranda swallowed the lump in her throat. She didn't know why, but the sight of the younger woman's beautiful body brought tears to her eyes. Andy was at her side immediately.

"Hey, what's wrong?"

Miranda caressed that caring face ever so gently. "Nothing is wrong, my darling. Everything is finally right."

"I want to see you, Miranda. May I?"

"Yes."

Andy slowly undressed Miranda, treating each piece of clothing as if it were a priceless treasure. When their naked bodies touched for the first time, it felt like coming home. There were no other words spoken after that. There was no need for words. They communicated through every caress, every kiss, and every stroke until they were both spent.

A couple of hours later, Andy lay on her back with Miranda curled up in her arms. She looked up at the ceiling and she smiled. Miranda was correct as usual. This time, everything finally felt right… except for the ringing coming from the other side of the bed. She immediately recognized the sound of the twin's personal ringtone.

"Miranda. Sweetheart, your phone is ringing."

Miranda let out a soft groan before rolling over to find the offending object. Luckily, Andy had the forethought to retrieve her personal belongings and bring them into the bedroom while Miranda had been sleeping.

"Yes, Bobbsey?"

Andy sat up and listened to one half of the conversation. She could already tell where this was going. She grabbed a pair of yoga pants and t-shirt from the dresser while Miranda finished up her call.

The editor looked at her with sad eyes, seeing the younger woman already dressed. "I'm so sorry. Caroline had a nightmare and they both want to come home."

Andy smiled and handed Miranda her neatly folded clothes. She kissed her lips softly. "It's okay. I understand."

She sat down on the bed and watched Miranda dress and smooth out her clothes. She turned for Andy to give her the once over. "You look great. No one will have any idea that you spent half the evening being ravished by your lover."

Miranda tried to smile but failed. Andy stood and slipped her arms around her slender waist. "Hey, it's okay."

"No, it's not. This isn't how… I wanted this to be."

"I would've loved waking up with you in my arms and maybe bring you breakfast in bed. It's a really nice fairytale." She kissed Miranda on the forehead and pulled her close. "But that's just what it is… a fairytale. I'll take the reality of you over a fairytale any day. There will be interruptions and cancellations. I'm okay with that because I get to have you in the end. I'm in this, Miranda. I'm in this for the long haul."

Miranda tilted her head and kissed Andy deeply. "You're too good to me. I'll make it up to you somehow."

Andy smiled. "I look forward to it. Now, go get your girls. I'll call you in the morning."

As Miranda walked out the door, she turned and flashed Andy a genuine smile. Andy felt her insides melt. And just like that, she knew. She knew that she had fallen head over heels with Miranda Priestly. Little did she know, Miranda had as well.

Andy blinked and tried to catch back up to the conversation going on around her. She met amused blue eyes staring at her from across the room. She knew Miranda knew exactly where her mind had gone. They would have many 'play dates' after that night. Miranda became a frequent guest at 'Casa Sachs' just as Andy started staying over at the townhouse. It had been a little awkward at first, especially when she ran into the twins as she left their mother's bedroom, but they had grown used to it after a while.

Andy looked around at her children playfully teasing her and Miranda and she laughed. She wouldn't trade this life for anything. Catching Miranda's eyes, she mouthed 'I love you.'

Miranda's eyes twinkled. "I love you.'

"Oh god, they're doing the eye thing again!" Cassidy said covering her eyes.

Caroline and Alex fell into a fit of laughter. Andy and Miranda continued to smile at one another, not bothered in the slightest.

TBC…