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 5

Andy smiled slightly as the car pulled up into the driveway of her childhood home. It still looked the same. She had always loved this home. It had been in her mother's family for years. The white two-story ranch style home with a large wrap-around porch sat at the corner of the block. The green lawn was large and lush as she remembered. She was glad they had decided to receive guest at her mother's home instead of her father's a few blocks away. Being back home was hard enough right now. She didn't think she could have handled being in her father's personal space on top of everything else.

She spotted her mother's prize roses already in bloom. It was like taking a step back in time. She could almost see her father playing hoops with her and her brother on the basketball goal above the garage as the sound of a once happy family floated through her mind.

"Look Daddy, I made it! I made it!"

"You sure did pumpkin."

"Can I try?"

"Sure champ. Let's see if you can shoot like your sister."

"Andrea… Andrea, darling we're here." Miranda said softly touching her arm.

"Sorry. I zoned out for a moment.

Miranda looked concerned. "Are you alright?"

Knowing her children's eyes were on her, Andy pasted on a bright smile. "Of course. Let's go before my mother comes out here looking for us."

"Too late." Cassidy laughed. "Grams is already on the porch."

"Well let's go before she storms the car." Andy said climbing out followed by the Priestly women.

Andy smiled softly as she walked up the long driveway. Her mother met her halfway and swept her into a warm embrace. She held on tightly, taking in the familiar feel and scent of her mother. Andy realized just how much she had needed this. There was nothing like her mother's loving embrace to make her feel safe and loved.

"Hey Mom."

"Hi baby." Audrey said holding her close. She stepped away slightly and held Andy's hands out between them. "Let me take a look at you. You look beautiful as ever."

Andy blushed. "So do you. You look great, Mom."

And she did. Andy took a moment to really look at her mother. Audrey Westin-Sachs was still a lovely woman. Andy had always known that her mother was beautiful. Throughout Andy's childhood people always commented on her mother's looks. She was the neighborhood MILF with the perfect cheekbones, slender body with dark hair and eyes. Now, people said the same thing about Andy; that she looked just like her mother. Andy took that as a great compliment.

Sometimes Andy wondered what her mother had seen in her father. Andy knew she wasn't the only one who asked that question either. Audrey was beautiful, intelligent, and charismatic. Her father was somewhat handsome, but there wasn't much that stood out about him. He was a simple tax lawyer with a pleasing personality who was content being average. Her mother was just the opposite. She was outspoken, independent, and a little arrogant in her own way. Most surgeons have to be. Audrey had served as the Chief of Orthopedics at University Hospital for over fifteen years before she went into private practice. Even now, she showed no signs of slowing down and her career was still thriving.

It was obvious that Andy had gotten her fierce intelligence and tenacity from her mother. Her mother hadn't even blinked an eye when Andy announced that she wouldn't be attending Stanford Law School, but moving to New York City to pursue her dream of becoming a writer. Audrey simply told her daughter that if she was going to be a journalist, she expected nothing less than excellence and she wanted to be thanked first when she received her Pulitzer. That hadn't gone over well with Richard Sachs who thought Stanford Law was a more suitable career path for their willful daughter.

"You're looking thin, Andy. Are you eating?" Audrey chastised.

Andy rolled her eyes. This would never change. It didn't matter how old she got, Audrey would never stop mothering her. Andy could also tell that her mother was trying to avoid the elephant between them. She took her mother's hands to stop her from fussing.

"I'm fine, Mom. How are you holding up?"

Audrey took a deep breath and tried to blink away the tears gathering in her eyes. "I'm alright, sweetheart. You're father and I hadn't been in one another's lives in a long time."

Andy nodded. "But you spent a huge part of your life with him. I know you still cared about him. You don't have to have that from me."

Before Audrey could respond, she felt small arms wrapping around her legs. She grinned. "Oh my goodness, who is this handsome devil with you, Andy? He looks a lot like my grandson, Alexander, but that can't be. My grandson couldn't possibly be this tall already."

Alex beamed as his grandmother smiled down at him. "It's me Grams! I grew two inches since our last visit. That's why I look so different."

Audrey leaned down and embraced her grandson and held him tightly. "You are growing so fast, young man. You're going to have to visit me more often or I won't recognize you."

Andy couldn't suppress her smile as she watched her mother and son together. Her heart warmed at the sight. It was nice to know that he had at least one grandparent that adored him.

"And my eyes must be deceiving me. These two beautiful women cannot be my granddaughters." Audrey said eyeing the two red-heads approaching. She held out her arms.

"Hey Grams." Cassidy said hugging her tightly.

Audrey pulled back and held Cassidy's face in her hands and kissed her cheeks. "Who gave you permission to become a woman, young lady?"

Cassidy shrugged her shoulders and laughed.

Audrey turned to Caroline and pulled her into her arms giving her the same treatment. "You get more beautiful every time I see you, sweetie."

"Thanks Grams." Caroline blushed deeply as her grandmother fawned over her.

"Andy, how dare you let my grandbabies grow up?!"

Andy stood back and shook her head.

"And where is my dear daughter-in-law?" Audrey asked in a teasing voice looking around the twins.

Andy shook her head. Her mother had a wicked sense of humor and loved to tease Miranda at every opportunity. Audrey loved reminding the editor that she was nearly the same age as her own mother-in-law. Surprisingly enough, Miranda seemed to have grown used to the teasing; giving as good as she got. The two formidable women had formed an odd friendship of sorts over the years. It was their way and it worked for them.

"Hello, Audrey. Good to see you've maintained your sense of style." Miranda said as her eyes roamed over Audrey's plain jeans and button down shirt.

"Miranda, dear, you look as lovely as ever. Terrorizing your minions is still agreeing with you, I see." Audrey said embracing Miranda. She stood back and gave Miranda the same once over that she gave her daughter.

Andy thought it was hilarious that her mother was probably the only woman in the world allowed to critique Miranda Priestly.

"I would tell you that you're too thin as well, but I know it would be a waste of my breath."

"Indeed it would, but I would not dare deprive you of your fun." Miranda said smirking.

"Good to know. At least try to eat some of the food in the kitchen. There are mounds of it. I don't know why people think you instantly turn into hungry savages when a loved one passes. Kids, there's a variety of deserts on the kitchen island. I'm sure you'll enjoy them."

As soon as the word desert was mentioned, the twins and Alex were off and in search of it. Andy and Miranda both groaned.

"Thank you so much, Audrey. Those three in a sugar induced coma is just what we need." Miranda said dryly.

"Oh, a little sugar never hurt anyone." Audrey said with a wicked grin. "Besides, my sister made that raspberry cheesecake that I know a certain someone adores."

Miranda raised a haughty brow. "You don't say."

"I might have put it away in the back of the fridge for that person… who we won't name of course."

They all knew Miranda was obsessed with her Aunt Marie's raspberry cheesecake and her mother made it a point to have some in the house when they visited. Andy thought it was kind of sweet that her mother and aunt did that. She wondered why both sides of her family couldn't be like the Westins.

"I suppose I should go and make sure the kids don't consume too much sugar."

Andy smirked as she watched her wife make her way inside. "Right. Just make sure you leave at least one slice for me this time."

Miranda's only response was a dismissive wave as she entered the house. "Visit with your mother, Andrea. I have this under control."

"You know you're not getting a slice of that cheesecake, right?"

"Do I ever?" Andy said dryly causing them both to laugh.

Andy took a deep breath and released it as she looked around the property. "Looks like you did a little remodeling since our last visit."

"Yes. The house needed a fresh coat of paint and I made a few upgrades. This house has been in my family for three generations. I don't want it to fall apart on my watch."

Audrey looped her arm through Andy's as the slowly strolled up the driveway. Andy noticed a few familiar cars parked along the side. "So… who's all here?"

"The usual suspects; a few of Richard's co-workers and friends. Most of the family has been in and out since yesterday."

"When is Josh getting here?" Andy asked.

"Your brother called this morning. He's flying in tomorrow. He couldn't get anything sooner. And before you say it, I know Miranda offered to send a private jet for him, but you know how proud your brother is."

Andy grunted. "Yeah. He's a lot like Dad."

Audrey sighed. She knew there was a lot of unfinished business between her daughter and son.

"I should also tell you that your Uncle Henry is here too." She said after a long moment of silence.

Andy groaned. Henry Sachs was her father's younger brother. He had shared her father's disapproval of her life and choices. Andy often avoided him at all costs. She had hoped she wouldn't have to deal with him today because she just wasn't in the mood.

"Great."

"Don't worry, sweetheart. I've already given the family notice. I'm not putting up with any nonsense today." Audrey said taking her hand.

"Thanks, Mom."

"I love you, honey."

"I love you too." Andy leaned in and kissed her mother's cheek. "Well, we should probably get in there. I can't avoid it forever."

When Andy stepped into her mother's home, her senses were assaulted with so many memories from the past. Not only were there pictures everywhere, but there were little nick-knacks and items that told the story of a happy childhood. When her eyes landed on a photo of her and her father at the park by the swings, she found herself getting choked up. She lifted the frame and ran a finger over her father's smiling image.

"Higher, Daddy! I want to fly higher!"

"Look Andy! You can touch the sky!"

"I love you, Daddy."

"I love you too, baby."

She felt so conflicted. The happy man staring back at her wasn't the same man she remembered. So many of her happy memories had been tainted and replaced with the angry, judgmental person he'd become.

"Well if it isn't my little niece, Andy-cakes, the famous writer."

The slurred voice made Andy sigh. She turned and saw her Uncle Henry. Andy noticed he was holding a glass of dark liquid.

"Hello Uncle Henry. How are you?"

"So the prodigal daughter returns." He said ignoring her question. "It only took my brother's death to make it happen."

Andy clenched her jaw and glanced around the room. She saw they had drawn a few curious gazes. She reached out to take his elbow. "Why don't we go get you something to eat to go along with that drink, Uncle Henry?"

Trying to pull away from her, he stumbled slightly spilling some of his drink.

"See what you did. Now I have to get a refill."

"Come on, Uncle Henry. Don't you think it's a little early for the hard stuff? Let me help you go lay down for a few."

"My brother just died. I think I'm allowed a drink or two."

"He was my father too."

"Really? You had a funny way of showing it." He said moving into her personal space. She could smell the stench of alcohol on his breath. "You waltz in here parading your little depraved lifestyle in our faces and you have nerve to try to tell me I can't have a drink in honor of my brother. The same brother that you turned your back on when you hooked up with your rich whor…"

"That's it. I think it's time for you to go get some fresh air, Henry." Audrey said snatching his other arm.

Audrey had come out of the kitchen just in time to overhear her brother-in-law's little rant. Alex had been right behind her. Luckily, she was able to send him back into the kitchen on an errand before he heard anything inappropriate.

The two women quickly escorted the drunken man out the side door.

"Come on Aud. I wasn't doing anything."

"I know Richard was your brother and you're hurting, but this is my daughter and this is my home. My grandchildren are in there and you will not spew this hatred in their presence. I suggest you go home and sleep it off or I will personally kick your ass all the way down the street."

Henry wobbled and started patting his pockets. "Fine. I know when I'm not wanted. Where are my keys? I'm outta here."

Audrey rolled her eyes. "You can't drive anywhere like this. I'll take you."

"It's alright, Aunt Audrey. I can take it from here."

Audrey smiled at her nephew. He was Henry's oldest boy.

"Thank you, Pete."

"No problem."

Pete approached and gave his cousin a pat on the back. "Sorry about this, cuz. It's good to see you back home."

"Thanks Pete. We'll catch up later?"

"You got it." He said with a small smile. "Come on, Pop. Let's get you home."

She and Audrey stood in the driveway and watched them drive away.

"Well at least there's one person on Dad's side of the family that doesn't hate me."

Audrey watched her daughter closely. "Andy, are you okay?"

Andy sighed heavily and nodded. "Yeah. I just need a little air."

"You want me to get Miranda?"

Andy was already half down the driveway before she threw up a hand. "I'm just gonna take a little walk. I'll be back."

Audrey watched her worriedly until she was nearly out of sight.

A couple of hours later, Andy stood out on her mother's back porch smoking a cigarette. She was praying that Miranda or the kids didn't see her. She had quit smoking years ago at the twin's behest. She only smoked when she was extremely stressed and her family definitely brought with them a hefty level of stress. Being scrutinized by some of her more conservative relatives who had no problem showing their disapproval for her life choices, not to mention the uncomfortable run-in with her father's brother had worn her down. She knew she was close to blowing up if pushed any further.

Andy's mother had tried to diffuse any more impeding confrontations by making it known that this was her home, not Richard's, and anyone who could not respect it or her daughter was more than welcome to leave. Her mother's solidarity made Andy very thankful that she had at least one parent that loved her unconditionally.

"If Miranda sees you, she's going to kill you."

Andy jumped then relaxed at the familiar voice. "You really shouldn't sneak up on people like that, Mom. You could give me a heart…" Andy stopped before the word left her mouth completely.

Audrey looked at her daughter and smirked. "So ironic isn't it?"

"How so?"

"As a doctor, I personally took care of your father for years. I made sure he ate healthy, exercised. Hell, he didn't even drink when we were married. He was the last person I would have thought would have had a heart attack." Audrey said moving farther out onto the porch. She leaned against the railing and stared out over the spacious backyard with her daughter.

"You know you can't keep hiding out here." Audrey said snagging Andy's cigarette to take a long drag. Andy smirked and raised a questioning brow. Audrey shrugged her shoulders. "Your Aunt Clarice makes me what to break all of her bones… and not put them back into place."

Andy chuckled. "She's your sister-in-law, Mom."

"She's my ex-sister-in-law mind you. Part of me will always love her, but that doesn't mean I have to like her."

"Yeah, I know what you mean." She took the cigarette back. "I'm having a hard time with the questions about what happened between me and Dad."

Audrey glanced at her daughter for a moment and sighed. "So am I. Everyone seems to forget that we weren't actually husband and wife anymore. Your father was a good man when I married him, you know. I had never met a more loving soul. He loved me and he loved you and your brother, but things… changed and I realized we were better off being apart. Even though I still loved him, we weren't happy together."

"Because of me."

Audrey looked at her daughter and frowned. "Honey, is that what you think?"

Andy looked down and scuffed her shoe on the wooden porch. "Why wouldn't I? You two got a divorce after Dad and I started arguing."

Audrey reached out and took Andy's hand. "Oh honey, you weren't the reason Richard and I divorced. Sure, I made it no secret that I was furious about his treatment of you, but you weren't the root cause."

"Mom, I was there remember? You don't have to protect me."

"I'm not. And although you were there, you don't know everything that went on between your father and me. Richard and I had problems long before any of that." She snagged Andy's cigarette again. She flicked the ashes and took a long drag.

"You know, people say you find out if you really love your spouse when you have an empty nest because there's nothing left to focus on but each other. Well let me tell you, it's the truth. After you and Josh went off on your own, I knew. I knew I wasn't in love with Richard anymore but I stayed because it was just easier… It was comfortable." She handed the cigarette back and shrugged her shoulders. "We had nothing in common anymore. With you and your brother gone, there was no hiding that. So… I threw myself into my work and your father was left in the cold. That's my one regret. I owed him more than that. He deserved better."

"Please don't tell me you're making an excuse for him?"

"Of course not. I'm just saying that… he wasn't always that way. The man he became wasn't the man I fell in love with. That wasn't the father you and Josh grew up with. You know that. Your father adored you and you worshipped him when you were a kid. It really hurt him when he lost you."

"And you think it didn't hurt me?" Andy said, anger rising.

"I know it did, honey. I know better than most what that rift did to you. I'm just saying that… the people in Richard's life changed and he didn't. I don't think he knew how."

They stood in silence passing the cigarette between them.

"I don't know how to feel about him." She laughed mirthlessly. "There's a house full of people in there who know exactly how they felt about my father. Just about everyone in there thought he was the greatest guy in the world and they're outraged on his behalf because of me. Hell, even my own brother doesn't really understand what happened. I'm not sure I understand anymore." Andy said quietly.

"Look at me, Andrea. I want to tell you something." Audrey pulled her daughter's hand until they were face to face. "You didn't do anything wrong. However you choose to feel about your father is alright. You don't have to say, do, or be anything other than who you are. You have a beautiful family in there that adores you. It's your father's loss that he never got a chance to be a part of that."

A single tear managed to wiggle its way out of Andy's eye. Audrey gently wiped it away just as she had so many times when she was a little girl. "I for one am so glad that I did. I adore my grandchildren and I couldn't have chosen a better partner for you if I had done so myself."

Andy choked out a laugh. "You're saying you would have chosen Miranda… Miranda Priestly… even from the beginning?"

Audrey feigned ignorance. "I don't know what you mean by that? Miranda and I get along just fine."

"Umm… now you do. But if I recall correctly, you and your daughter-in-law didn't start out on such a good foot."

-Flashback: 12 years ago-

After several months of dating, Miranda and Andy's relationship was stronger than ever and brought them both more happiness than either thought possible. It was also one of the worst kept secrets in New York City. There had been a few stories here and there speculating about their friendship and if there was more to it, but for the most part the couple had been ignored. Of course it had helped that a sex tape starring a very popular young starlet had been leaked and just about every celebrity heiress seemed to be going to jail for one reason or another recently. A picture of Miranda and Andy strolling in the park with the twins with Patricia in tow looking like a happy little nuclear family was just plain boring. But Andy was a journalist. She knew that sooner or later, the news fodder would slow and they would become a subject of interest again. She also knew she didn't want her parents to find out about her relationship with Miranda from a salacious article. So after a long discussion with Miranda and with great trepidation, she had sat alone on the sofa in her apartment and made the call. With little fanfare, she explained to her parents that she was indeed involved in a romantic relationship with her former extremely demanding employer, Miranda Priestly.

Her father, of course was beyond reasonable. He had called everything from her judgment to her values into question and demanded that she leave that immoral city and return home immediately. When she refused, he had answered with his silence which was always his weapon of choice. That was just as bad as the yelling. Her mother on the other hand, was as usual the wildcard in the scenario. To Andy's surprise, her mother didn't seem all that concerned about the fact that her daughter was dating a woman. It was who the woman was that appeared to be the issue.

After several weeks of tense phone calls, angry voice mails, and hurt feelings, all parties had agreed to come together to officially meet which is why Andy found herself sitting at a secluded table at Le Bernardin anxiously awaiting for the other parties to arrive. Andy had been unsure about dinning at such an expensive restaurant, but Miranda had pointed out that if she was to be grilled by her lover's angry parents she sure as hell was going to be grilled where she felt comfortable and could enjoy a good meal.

Unfortunately, Miranda's latest second assistant had called and informed her that the editor was running late. Miranda was furious about it and had even sent two heartfelt apologies by text assuring Andy that she would be there soon. She had not wanted Andy to have to greet her parents alone. They had decided it would be best to present a united front from the beginning. So much for that plan. Andy's parents had just arrived at the table.

Andy smiled tentatively and stood. "Hey Mom." She hugged her mother before turning to her father and kissing his cheek. "Dad."

"Hello sweetheart." Her mother said giving her daughter the quick motherly once over. She had to admit that her daughter looked wonderful and of course she was impeccably dressed which seemed to irritate her knowing who had probably purchased the expensive ensemble. "You look lovely."

Andy blushed and smiled. "Thanks. You do too."

"So, how was your flight?" Andy asked as they all took a seat.

"It was fine, although it wasn't really necessary for our seats to be upgraded to first class." Audrey said evenly eyeing her daughter. She knew she didn't need to say who was responsible for that either.

Richard scoffed rudely as he looked around the posh restaurant. "Look at this place, Aud. Andy can't afford this. This is all that woman's doing. If she thinks throwing her money around is going to make us okay with this…"

"Dad…"

"I can assure you, Mr. Sachs that this is not me…as you said… throwing my money around." Miranda said with a lazy wave of the hand. "This is just me wishing to treat my partner's parents to a lovely meal. However, you are wrong about Andrea not being able to afford to dine here. She can and has on her own accord. She's doing quite well for herself at 'The Mirror' as well as freelance these days." She held his gaze for a long moment. "But I'm sure you already knew how brilliant your daughter is and of her many accomplishments."

Andy cleared her throat and rose from her seat. "Hi honey. I'm glad you're here."

Miranda's eyes immediately softened as she air-kissed her lover's cheeks. "I apologize for my tardiness, darling. The level of incompetence in my office is astounding and steadily rising."

"It's okay. You're here now. That's all that matters." Andy turned to the other woman at the table and smiled. "Mom, this is Miranda. Miranda, this is my mother, Audrey and my father Richard Sachs."

As fake pleasantries were exchanged, Miranda looked into dark eyes that looked so much like her beloved Andrea's and nearly gasped. The older woman was quite stunning. It was obvious where Andrea had gotten her looks. She also saw those same fiercely inquisitive eyes sizing her up. She knew this was a formidable woman seated before her. She couldn't help but smirk. This might actually be fun.

The dinner progressed with slightly stilted conversation about their various jobs and lives all while accompanied with periods of uncomfortable silences until Miranda had had enough and rolled her eyes with impatience. "Should we not go ahead and address the real reason we are all gathered here or shall we continue this farce of a dinner?"

"Miranda, maybe we should just…" Andy said eyeing her parents.

Miranda gave Andy's knee a gentle pat. "No. No. It's time, don't you think dear?"

"I for one happen to agree." Audrey said placing her napkin on the table gracefully. Her eyes were focused on Miranda's. If looks could kill, Miranda would have exploded into a million pieces in that moment. "I think we've beaten around the bush long enough. What exactly are you doing with my daughter?"

Miranda bit back the initial sarcastic remark that came to mind and smiled. Her lover's mother would never be the same if she knew exactly what she did with her young, nubile daughter… nearly every night.

Andy saw Miranda smile and cringed. She recognized it as the terrifying crocodile grin that usually meant that Miranda was about to pounce on her latest prey.

"I believe that we have already established that I am in a relationship with Andrea." Miranda said deciding on the diplomatic answer.

"You call this… this… abomination a relationship?" Richard spat gesturing to Miranda and his daughter.

Miranda only gave him a slight glance before returning her eyes to Audrey's. It was obvious to her that she was the more intelligent parent. "Your daughter and I are both consenting adults. We are both of sound minds and involved in a mutual romantic relationship. What could possibly make our involvement an abomination?"

"She's just a toy to you!" He hissed angrily. "You've turned our daughter into a…a…"

"Take care how you speak of Andrea." Miranda said as her eyes narrowed to sharp slits of blue glass. "She may very well be your daughter, but she is the woman that I love and no one will disparage her reputation in my presence. No one."

Richard's face was red with anger. It was obvious that he wasn't used to being spoken to in such a way. He glared at Andy. "What has gotten into you?"

Andy was sitting completely still. No one at the table other than Miranda would ever know that tonight was the first time the editor had ever said she loved her. Sure, Miranda showed it in a million small gestures and intimate touches, but to actually hear the words was something wonderful. Maybe that was why Miranda chose this moment. Maybe she knew Andy would need to hear it most right then. She smiled softly. Miranda loved her and that was all that mattered. With a calm voice, she turned and addressed her angry father.

"Nothing has gotten into me, Dad. I met someone who cares about me, supports me, and makes me happy. What is wrong with me being happy?"

Richard shook his head and glared at his wife. "I knew it was a mistake to allow her to move here. If you had just agreed with me instead of filling her head with nonsense, she'd have a law degree from Stanford and be practicing law back home where she belongs."

Andy's stiffened. Miranda immediately recognized the change in her lover's posture. She knew they were about to be reintroduced to Andrea's extremely obstinate side. Secretly, Miranda was excited to see this particular Andrea arrive.

"Allow me? Excuse me."

"You've proven that you are incapable of making sound decisions, Andy. You gave up Stanford Law for some pipe dream of being a journalist." He turned an angry glare in Miranda's direction. "And just look what you've gotten yourself into now."

Audrey was about to speak when Andy held up a hand stopping her mother. Her back was as straight as an iron rod. She never took her eyes off of her father. "First of all, you don't allow me to do anything. I'm twenty-eight years old, Dad. I've been living completely on my own for years now. I have a great job that I'm very good at. So, pipe dream or not… I did become a journalist just like I said I would. I may be your child, but I am far from being a child. What I choose to do with my life and who I choose to spend it with… is my choice and mine alone. Let's just be clear about that."

"This is all your doing. This is your influence on her." He hissed at Miranda.

Miranda tilted her head and smirked at her lover. "Oh believe me, if I could take credit for such magnificence, I would."

Not liking the look passing between this woman and his daughter, Richard tossed his napkin on the table as he stood. "I've had enough of this nonsense. I don't care what you say. This woman does not care about you. You're just a play thing to her. When you've come to your senses, you know where your home is. I'm done. Let's go, Audrey."

Miranda and Andy's gazes shifted to the other woman still seated across from them. "I'll meet you back at the hotel shortly, Richard."

Miranda raised a brow in surprise when the woman didn't offer more of an explanation to her husband. They were an interesting pair she thought.

Richard shook his head and stormed out of the restaurant. Andy huffed in frustration and ran her fingers through her hair and waited for more of the same from her mother.

"You must excuse my husband. He's not much of a conversationalist." Audrey said smoothly.

If it wasn't such a tense moment, Miranda would have laughed. "And you are?"

Audrey smiled and Andy cringed again. It was the terrifying smile she remembered from her childhood. It could have rivaled Miranda's. Unbeknownst to others, this was why Andy was never really afraid of Miranda when she worked at RUNWAY. She'd grown up with Audrey Westin-Sachs, M.D. Audrey frightened and terrorized her medical interns just as Miranda did the same to her assistants and clackers. Andy sighed and prepared for round two.

"I'd like to think so. Don't get me wrong, Mrs. Priestly. I don't like you and I won't sit here and pretend to. But… I have questions and unlike my husband, I know that I won't get them if I storm out of here in anger."

The two women stared one another down. "How astute of you. Very well. Ask away."

"What are you doing with my daughter?" Audrey asked again.

"I'm not a person who likes repeating myself, but I will indulge this because you are Andrea's mother. As I have already stated, I am in a relationship with Andrea because I care very deeply for her and I enjoy her company."

"You've been divorced twice already and you're closer to my age than hers, how do you know this isn't some kind of mid-life crisis?"

"Mom…"

Miranda placed a gentle hand over Andrea's before she could interrupt further. "Besides the fact that neither of them were Andrea, I divorced my ex-husbands because we no longer loved one another." Miranda glanced at Andy and smiled a genuine smile. "As for the mid-life crisis part, I'm not sure. But if it is… I hope I can remain in this crisis for the rest of my life."

That's when Audrey saw it. There was a soft almost serene look that crossed the editor's face when she looked at her daughter. The look was so intimate, Audrey found herself needing to glance away. "You love her?"

It was more of a statement rather than a question, but Miranda answered none the less.

Miranda turned and gave Audrey her complete attention. "Mrs. Sachs, there are only three people in this world that I would subject myself to having my values questioned and treated in such a manner as I have this evening. Two of those people are my daughters. The other is Andrea."

Miranda could see the older woman trying to work things out in her head. She figured if this would make her Andrea's life easier, it would be worth it.

"I am a mother as well, Mrs. Sachs. I can only imagine how you must feel about all of this. Considering all of what you know of me is likely what has been written about me in the press or how Andrea may have described me when she worked for me. I can assure you that most of it is probably true. I am demanding, arrogant, and often difficult to deal with. I often wonder what she could possibly see in me."

Miranda felt Andrea's hand slip into her own. She gave it a gentle squeeze.

"But I can tell you what I see in her. You've managed to raise a caring, compassionate, intelligent woman who is just as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. I am extremely humbled that she has chosen to share her heart with me. I know you and your husband have reservations and rightly so. As much as I would like to give you a guarantee, I cannot. What I can give you is my word that no harm will ever come to your daughter if I can help it. That's all."

Audrey simply nodded and looked at her daughter for a long moment. "You're really happy?"

Andy glanced at Miranda lovingly and took her hand. She flashed a mega-watt smile at her mother and nodded. "I really am, Mom. She makes me happy."

Audrey sighed and took a sip of her wine. "Well alright. I guess we'll see just how serious you are about keeping your word then, Ms. Priestly."

Miranda smirked at how the woman said her name with a little less disdain. "Please… call me, Miranda."

"Alright, so we might have had a bit of a rocky start." Audrey laughed. "But you have to give me a break. My only impression of Miranda Priestly was based solely on what you had told me about her when you worked for her. How did you expect me to react? My only daughter was dating the 'Devil in Prada', not to mention she was only a few years younger than me. I think I showed more restraint that anyone in my position."

"Certainly better than Dad, that's for sure." Andy smirked. "We've come a long way since that day. I don't think I ever thanked you for what you said as you left the restaurant that night. You said, 'disagreement does not mean disappointment'. You have no idea what that meant to me."

"Oh honey, I may have been disappointed for you at times… but never in you."

"I appreciate how you stood by me. You know, I've used that phrase a few times myself when the girls got older and they started making their own decisions… and mistakes. That's the hardest thing about being a parent isn't it; standing by and allowing them to make their own choices."

"Oh yes. I really didn't like you being with Miranda at the time. I thought you were making a mistake. I didn't have much faith in you two back then, but it was your choice to make not mine. Besides, Miranda proved me wrong. There was no denying that she adored you. As time went on, I could see the depth of her love for you. And as a mother, that's all I ever really wanted for you. I just had to get over myself." She laughed. "It's strange. I really can't imagine you with anyone else now."

Andy smiled fondly. "Me either."

They both turned their heads at the sound of the screen door opening. Andy quickly stuffed the cigarette butt down into the flower-pot soil beside her before fully turning to face her wife.

"Darling, Alexander has fallen asleep and Cassidy has been constantly on her phone. Now she's complaining about her brother's drool on her shirt. Not to mention, Caroline is being… well Caroline." Miranda said with a frown drawing a laugh from Andy.

"Well, we should probably go before someone gets emotionally scarred then." She said glancing at her watch. "It's getting kind of late anyway."

Audrey stepped closer and hugged Andy tightly. "I'll see you in the morning then, baby." She moved over and gave Miranda a quick peck on the cheek. "Kiss the kids for me and drive safely."

"I will. Good night, Audrey."

"You too, Miranda."

Andy reached out and took Miranda by the hand leading her back into the house. Audrey watched them go. They moved together with the familiarity that came from years of being together.

"That's what you always wanted for her Richard. Too bad you didn't realize she had already found it." She said softly to herself.

"Do I smell smoke, Andrea?"

"Huh… smoke? What smoke?"

"Andrea…"

Audrey laughed softly as Miranda's warning voice drifted away.

TBC…