The autumn air was crisp as Vannah and Andy stood outside the service dog training facility, each holding a leash connected to their new companions. Vannah's dog, a sturdy German Shepherd named Dallas, sat alertly at her side, his eyes constantly scanning their surroundings. Andy's dog, a gentle Golden Retriever named Sunshine, leaned slightly against her leg, providing both physical support and emotional comfort.

"Well," Vannah said, her voice thick with emotion, "I guess this is the start of a new chapter for both of us."

Andy nodded, reaching down to scratch Sunshine behind the ears. "Yeah, it is. I never thought I'd need a service dog, but..."

"But here we are," Vannah finished for her daughter. "And we're going to be okay."

The past few weeks had been a whirlwind of training sessions, bonding exercises, and adjusting to life with their new four-legged partners. For Vannah, Dallas was primarily a mobility assistance dog, helping her navigate with her still-healing knee. For Andy, Sunshine was trained in PTSD support, able to recognize and interrupt anxiety attacks and provide deep pressure therapy when needed.

A few days later, Vannah decided to surprise Miranda at work. She had visited Runway offices once or twice, but this would be her first time bringing Dallas along.

As the elevator doors opened onto the Runway floor, Vannah stepped out, Dallas at her side. She immediately sensed a shift in the atmosphere. Heads turned, whispers erupted, and a young woman in impossibly high heels rushed towards her, a look of panic on her face.

"Excuse me," the woman said, her voice high and stressed, "but you can't bring that... that dog in here."

Vannah blinked, taken aback. "This is Dallas, my service dog. He's allowed to be here."

The young woman, Vannah guessed was a clacker – shook her head emphatically. "I'm sorry, but Miranda has very strict rules about animals in the office. I can't let you in."

Vannah felt her chest tighten, a familiar anxiety creeping in. Dallas, sensing her distress, pressed closer to her leg. "Listen," she tried to explain, "I'm a friend of Miranda's. If you just call her—"

"Miranda doesn't have friends," the woman cut her off dismissively. "Now, I'm going to have to ask you to leave before—"

"Before what, exactly?"

The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees as Miranda's icy voice cut through the tension. She stood in the doorway of her office, her gaze fixed on the scene before her.

"M-Miranda," the young woman stammered, "I was just explaining to this... person that dogs aren't allowed in the office."

Miranda's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Is that so?" She turned to Vannah, her expression softening slightly. "Vannah, dear, are you alright?"

Vannah nodded, though her hands were shaking slightly. "I'm okay, Miranda. I just... I wanted to surprise you with the lunch that Cara made."

Miranda nodded, then turned back to the young woman, her voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "Let me make something perfectly clear. This is Vannah St. Claire. She is not just 'some person.' She is my dear friend, Andrea's mother, and a decorated Marine. That 'dog' is Dallas, a highly trained service animal who assists Vannah with her mobility needs. Service animals are legally allowed in all public spaces, including this office."

The young woman paled, realizing her grave error. "I-I didn't know—"

"Clearly," Miranda cut her off. "Your ignorance is only surpassed by your rudeness. You're fired. Leave your ID with Emily and get out of my sight."

As the now ex-employee scurried away in tears, Miranda turned her attention back to Vannah. She could see the tension in her friend's shoulders, the slight tremble in her hands.

"Come," Miranda said gently, guiding Vannah into her office. "Sit down before you fall down."

Once inside, Miranda closed the door and knelt in front of Vannah, not caring about wrinkling her designer outfit. "Are you alright?" she asked softly.

Vannah nodded, but tears were forming in her eyes. "I'm sorry," she whispered. "I didn't mean to cause a scene."

"You have nothing to apologize for," Miranda said firmly. She reached out, taking Vannah's hands in hers. "That girl was ignorant and rude. You have every right to be here, with Dallas."

As Vannah's tears began to fall, Miranda did something that would have shocked her employees – she pulled her friend into a tight hug. "It's okay," she murmured. "You're safe here. You're always welcome here."

After a few moments, Vannah's tears subsided. She pulled back, offering Miranda a watery smile. "Thank you," she said softly. "I don't know what I'd do without you, Miranda."

Miranda smiled, a genuine, warm expression that few ever saw. "Well, let's hope you never have to find out." She stood, smoothing out her skirt. "Now, how about we introduce yourself and Dallas to the rest of the team? I think it's time they met Andy's remarkable mother."

Vannah nodded, feeling stronger with Miranda's support and Dallas's steady presence at her side. As they walked out of the office together, Miranda's voice rang out.

"Everyone, gather round. I'd like you all to meet someone very special..."

As Miranda introduced her to the Runway staff, Vannah felt a sense of belonging wash over her. She might not have chosen this path, but with friends like Miranda, her daughter's love, and Dallas by her side, she knew she could face whatever challenges lay ahead.

And as she watched Miranda effortlessly command the room while simultaneously ensuring Vannah's comfort, she couldn't help but smile. The 'Ice Queen' might have a reputation for being cold, but Vannah knew the truth – Miranda Priestly had one of the warmest hearts she'd ever encountered. It was just one of the many reasons she was proud to call Miranda her best friend.