“I can't wait until your party!”
Andy grinned at the comment, not knowing which girl in the study group had said it, but agreeing with the sentiment whole-heartedly. Partly because she wanted to see the girls have a great birthday, this was the first one she would attend, but also because with that event over, the next big one would be the wedding. The birthday was first though and she hoped it would be all that the girls had hoped for.
She had agonized over gifts for the girls and had found several things for them, a couple of 'casual' outfits that she'd already gotten Miranda's stamp of approval on, and a charm bracelet with some small icons already dangling from it. Each bracelet had a tiny t-shirt charm, to remind the girls of that first dinner when they tried a switch-a-roo on her, a Cincinnati Red's logo for Andy's hometown, and a small silver sea shell as a reminder of their days spent on Martha's Vineyard. Andy hoped to add more charms as the number of their family trips grew. Cassidy's bracelet also had a musical staff charm, while Caroline's had a tiny book. She also had a very special gift for each girl, individually. She hoped they liked them.
“It must be crazy planning a party for those two.” Hunter's mother, Jane, chuckled, “It's bad enough for just one. I can't imagine two!”
Andy smiled slyly, “Ah... but we have a party planner to do most of it.” She laughed, “Miranda's current First Assistant, Emily, is amazing at stuff like that. She's actually going to be taking over the Event Planning department of Elias-Clarke soon.”
“From assistant to head of the department?”
Andy heard the dubious tone in the woman's voice and explained, “From Miranda's First Assistant to the head of any department in Elias-Clark is almost a demotion.” She was aware from conversations with Serena during their runs that Emily had come very close to turning down the new position had Miranda allowed her to stay on as her assistant.
“Is she really that, powerful?”
“Oh yes.” Andy assured the other woman. “That, and more.” It never ceased to amaze her when another level of Miranda's power and influence was revealed.
“Wow.” Jane was silent for a while.
“Will you be joining Hunter at the party?” Andy smiled at the shocked look on Jane's face, “You're more than welcome to stay. There will be plenty of chaperones, but any of the parents are welcome if they want to stay.”
“I... um...” Jane informed Andy quietly, “Hunter has not received an invitation.”
“What?!” Andy looked across the room at the kids and saw them all smiling and laughing about the upcoming party, all except Hunter who sat quietly. Andy was sure the boy was about to cry. “There must be some mistake.” She caught Caroline's eye and gestured her over. When the girl got close, Andy asked, “Did you invite Hunter to the party?”
“Not me,” Caroline jerked her thumb over her shoulder, “Cass did.”
Andy sighed and motioned for Cassidy to join them. When Cassidy was standing next to her sister, Andy asked, “Did you invite Hunter to the party?”
“I thought Ro did.” Cassidy gasped, “Is that why I had an extra for Dad?!” She groaned, “Oh no... you mean Hunter didn't get one?” She looked at the boy's mom, “I'm sorry. He was supposed to, he really was.”
Jane reassured the girl, “It was just a mistake.” She smiled at the twins, “I would think it would be difficult keeping things like that from happening more often.”
Cassidy looked at Andy pleadingly, “Can he still come, Ma?” Caroline took up the pleading.
“It's just one more person... two if his mom stays...”
Andy shrugged, “Fine by me. The more the merrier I say.” She took out her phone and dialed quickly smiling as the connection was made. “Em, we have a last minute addition to the girls' birthday party guest list. A friend they each thought the other was inviting when in fact neither of them did. His name is Hunter, and his mother will probably remain at the party as well.” Andy waited for a moment, listening to Emily type the information into her computer. “That won't mess anything up will it? Two extra people won't matter that much, will it?” Listening to the answer, Andy nodded and winked at the girls. “Thanks, Em. See ya on Saturday.” She disconnected the call and grinned at the girls, “All set,” Andy looked around them to the other kids, “You better go let Hunter know he's invited.”
Nodding, Cassidy and Caroline rejoined their friends and Andy smiled as she watched them explain to the boy what had happened. His sad expression faded and turned to relief, then joy when he realized he hadn't been excluded after all. Jane's voice drew Andy's attention from the scene.
“Why would two extra people mess anything up?”
Licking her lips, Andy glanced at the girls to make sure they were fully engaged in conversation before speaking softly to the woman next to her. “Have you ever seen the television show Top Chef?” When Jane indicated she had watched it from time to time, Andy nodded and began quietly telling her about the special surprise Emily, via Miranda's connections, had arranged for the twins.
###
Andy walked halfway up the steps to the courthouse slowly as she scanned the crowd. With a grin she readjusted her grip on the thermos and made her way to Miranda's side. Sliding her free arm around Miranda's waist, Andy kissed the editor's cheek and asked. “How's it going?”
“Quite well, actually.” Miranda smiled and asked, “Where are the girls?”
“They're staying at the Hartstone's for a little while. I told them I'd pick them up later.” Andy poured a cup of coffee for Miranda and looked at the group of detectives again. “They seem okay with all this.”
Miranda leaned gratefully against Andrea's solid form as she watched the small group of women standing together on the steps of the building. “They are not professional models, but they take direction well.”
“And they look good doing it.” Nigel walked up beside his boss and former co-worker. “Are you sure they're all police detectives?”
“All their credentials have been verified.” Miranda chuckled at Nigel's dubious expression and verified his suspicion. “One of them was actually a model in her youth...”
“They all have dark hair.” Andy noted absently and asked, “There are no blonde detectives?”
“There was one and a redhead as well, but they were unable to make the shoot.” Miranda watched the group break up in order to have individual photographs taken. “That one almost didn't make it tonight either. She indicated the woman now working solo with the photographer, “She is 'on-call' tonight, which is why she's doing her individual session first.
Nigel opened the folder in his hand and found the woman's picture. “Detective Carolyn Barek, Major Case Squad.”
“Mmm... we have biographies on all of them for the article.” Miranda indicated each of the other police women in turn, Detective Olivia Benson, Detective Stella Bonasera, Detective Kate Beckett...” Her sharp gaze turned to the main reason for this shoot, “and of course, Detective Jo Polniaczek.”
“The ones in suits look very professional, but... um...” Andy's eyes were drawn to the two woman wearing dresses and repeated Nigel's question, “Are you sure they're detectives?”
“Detective Kate Beckett,” Miranda's appraising eye roamed over the women in question, “She's the former model.” She glanced at Andrea and grinned, “Red suits her, don't you think?”
“One shoulder cut out, Atria design...” Andy nodded. “She does look good in it.”
Miranda grunted her approval at Andy's correct identification of the dress and turned her attention to the other detective. She wore an Alberto Makali dress that hugged her in all the right places. “Detective Stella Bonasera... looks quite nice in black as well.”
Andy was more interested in the woman in red. “Kate Beckett... Kate Beckett...” She concentrated on the name, “Why does that name sound so familiar to me?”
“It should...” A smiling, well dressed man joined them, “I can see though that my press agent has some more work to do. You should be able to place the name right away.” He smiled at Andy then turned to Miranda. “Miranda, so lovely to see you again.”
Miranda chuckled as she brushed her cheek against his, “Richard.”
“Rick...” He shook his head and laughed, “No one calls me Richard except my mother...” he paused and sighed, “And you.”
“How is your mother?” Miranda inquired. “I haven't managed to see any of the plays she's been in recently.”
“She's good,” He smiled his most charming smile, “The death of her fiance hit her fairly hard. She's taking some time off.” He turned to Andy and introduced himself holding out his hand to shake, “Hi, I'm Rick Castle.”
“Oh!” Andy shook his hand enthusiastically. “Right... you write the Storm series, and the Nikki Heat books...”
“Guilty as charged.” He politely waited for her to fill in her name, like he didn't know.
Miranda chuckled again. “Richard, this is my fiancee, Andrea Sachs.”
Rolling her eyes at that, Andy bumped her shoulder against Miranda's lightly but spoke pleasantly to the man, “Andy, please.”
“Andrea...” It was Richard's turn to scan his memory. “You write for the Mirror?”
With a tip of her head, Andy grinned, “Guilty as charged.”
“Yo,” Jo ambled over to the trio, “This guy buggin' ya?” She gestured over her shoulder with her thumb, “Beckett says I can arrest him if he is.”
Richard Castle let out a burst of laughter that died quickly as he looked over the deadly serious police detective's shoulder to see an even more serious look on Kate Beckett's face. “Awww... C'mon!”
Miranda chuckled. “He's behaving himself.”
“Well that's good.” Jo grinned at the relieved looking man, “I take the old lady's welfare very seriously.” Blue eyes twinkled at Miranda, “My wife would kill me if anything happened to you while I was here to stop it. Even if it was just you being annoyed...”
“Thank you, Detective,” Miranda smiled tolerantly at the man, “Richard is not annoying enough to bother arresting.”
“Please,” Kate Beckett approached the group and spoke sarcastically. “Give him an hour.”
Rick shook his head and turned a confused look on Andy, “Why do people keep saying that?”
Laughing, Andy dropped her arm from Miranda's waist and gestured to a bench not too far away. “Why don't we go chat while they finish up the shoot? I have a lot of questions about your books.”
“Excellent suggestion.” Rick Castle offered his arm to escort Andy to the bench.
Miranda, in turn, linked her arm in Detective Jo's and gestured for Detective Beckett to follow them as they walked toward the photographer. “Let's get this done, shall we?” Miranda smiled at Jo, “I'm sure we all have people waiting for us at home.”
“Blair had a meeting tonight, and some things to work on, or she would have been here.” Jo glanced over at the woman walking next to them, “What about you, Beckett? Got someone waiting at home?”
With barely a glance in Rick Castle's direction, Kate Beckett's soft smile touched her eyes, “Maybe.”
With a nod, Miranda snuck a look at Andrea earnestly speaking with Richard Castle and smiled. This was the last shoot needed for the July issue, everything else was done. She'd been working ridiculous hours and knew that August's issue was almost complete as well. Everything was falling into place, and at this time next month, Miranda's breath caught in her throat.
I will be married to her.
###
“You can't be serious.” Emily gaped at the dark skinned woman sitting across from her. “Strippers??”
Serena just sat back and watched the exchange with a grin. She could tell that Emily wasn't liking that idea at all. Emily's next sarcasm laden comment confirmed it.
“Can you be any more cliche?” Emily shuddered, “Miranda's hen party will be far more refined than a keg of beer, a bag of Cheetos and some strippers!”
“Oh, don't be silly,” Lily waved off that suggestion, “You can't have Cheetos at a bachelorette party, the orange stuff would get all over your hands... and then all over the strippers!”
Serena hid her smile at the exasperated sound Emily made. “Perhaps separate parties would be in order after all.” The Brazilian beauty asked, “Is that acceptable?”
“It's preferable,” Emily sniffed in her 'of course Miranda wouldn't want to associate with Andrea's friends' kind of way.
“You bet.” Lily nodded and picked up a french fry from her plate. “I intend on showing Andy everything she's going to miss after she gets hitched... one night of pure debauchery. She deserves that.” Lily shrugged and continued, “I guess Miranda does too.”
“Miranda doesn't debauch.”
“Oh she doesn't, eh?” Lily laughed. She knew full well that was incorrect. Miranda had drank them all under the table that night she'd joined them at the bar and, from small comments Andy had made, Lily was fairly certain Miranda was quite adept at debauchery.
Emily stated haughtily, curling her lips as Lily ate the fry. “I will make sure her evening is pleasant.”
“Ohhhh... pleasant,” Lily rolled her eyes, “Now that's a party I wouldn't want to miss... not!”
Emily checked her watch, “My lunch is up.”
“It's only been twenty minutes.” Lily started to protest then stopped, “Oh yeah, Andy told me about the lunch restrictions when she used to work here.” She grinned as she glanced at the couple approaching behind Emily then leaned back in her chair, “It must suck to have such a stuck up old lady for a boss.”
Emily's retort died on her lips when she heard an unfamiliar but instantly identifiable laugh behind her.
“It is a terrible burden when your boss is a bitch.” Miranda completed her journey to the table and glanced at Andrea before she raised an eyebrow at her fiancee's friend. “Hello, Lillian.”
“Hey you two...” Lily smiled at Miranda and Andy's joined arms and she tilted her head in a seated bow to Miranda, “We were just making some plans.” She grinned up at Miranda, “We're gonna miss you at Andy's bachelorette party. I don't think I've ever seen anyone drink as much beer as you do and remain sober.”
Emily's eyes widened. “Beer?”
“Mmmm...” Miranda's eyes twinkled. “The American version of the beverage. Lillian is a lightweight.”
“Ah...” Emily actually understood that. She didn't drink very often herself, the carb count in beer was astronomical, at least for the good stuff, but she knew that even what passed for 'the good stuff' here was almost just colored water compared to what was served in practically any London pub. She only fleetingly wondered how Miranda and Lily had gained this information about each other. Lily seemed to indicate that she had actually seen Miranda drinking, but that would just be ridiculous... Andrea must have been talking about Miranda to her friend. That was not something that endeared Andy to Emily at all. Miranda was very private, that lucky cow had no right to be speaking about Miranda to anyone. The cow in question speaking to her friend interrupted Emily's train of thought.
“We were just headed out to lunch...” Dark eyes scanned the table and the remains of Lily's burger and fries. Andy informed Lily, “I saw you here and wanted to remind you that you have a dress fitting tomorrow.”
Emily smirked at the face Lily made, “That last fry doesn't taste quite so good now does it?”
“Last fry?” Lily looked at the plate in front of her, “That wasn't the last...” She picked up another small strip of potato and popped it in her mouth. “Mmmm....”
Rolling her eyes at that, Emily stood and lifted the tray in front of her up as well. Not that there was anything much on it. Emily's side salad had been deconstructed to the point of ridiculousness, even the shreds of carrots had been set aside in a not-to-be-eaten pile and the dressing packet remained unopened. Andy supposed there were a few pieces of lettuce missing, so that was at least something.
“You shouldn't diet too strenuously from now on, Emily.” Miranda commented, “If you lose any more weight, the dress that was tailored for you will not fit properly.”
“I'm not losing any,” Emily assured her current boss, “This is my normal lunch.”
“I will not let her lose any more, Miranda.”
“Mmmm...” Miranda's gaze landed on Serena, “And you, Serena? Although not participating in the ceremony itself, you will be assisting with the bridal party's make-up requirements and therefore will be in attendance. Have you an outfit chosen for the occasion?”
Serena smiled in her slowest most peaceful way, “Yes, Miranda I have the appropriate clothing set aside for, the event.”
Blue eyes twinkled at the phrasing and her lips fought with the smile that threatened to appear before Miranda spoke, “I will remind you that the ceremony will be on a Saturday... so no jeans.”
With a brilliant grin, Serena nodded, “I shall endeavor not to wear denim.”
“So long as you're wearing something...” Miranda murmured then rolled her eyes and tightened her arm around Andy's, “We have reservations at our favorite place.”
Dark eyes twinkled at Miranda, “You bet.” She continued the comment just so Emily wouldn't freak out any more than the banter Miranda and Serena had already caused. “I made them myself.” And by that she meant she'd hugged the girls goodbye when James came to pick them up earlier today and confirmed that they would be back in time for supper.
“Shall we go then?” Miranda issued a last minute order to Emily, “Push back my afternoon by at least an hour.” Glancing at her companion when Andrea cleared her throat, a wicked grin appeared on Miranda's face. Licking her lips, Miranda changed her order. “Make that two hours.”
A dazzling smile appeared on Andy's face and Lily laughed as Miranda tugged Andy gently toward the cafeteria door.
###
Andy rolled to her back, staring at the ceiling of their bedroom for a heartbeat or two as she tried to control her breathing. She pushed some sweat soaked hair off her forehead then shifted again to rest her cheek against Miranda's bare stomach with a satisfied sigh, “This really is my favorite place.”
“Mmmm...” Reaching down, Miranda threaded her fingers through Andrea's damp hair, “Mine too.”
Although Andy was grateful for James' impromptu 'day with the girls', it had enabled them to indulge in this little afternoon delight after all, she wondered why the man had suddenly wanted to see the twins. “Why do you think James was so keen on seeing the girls today?”
“There is no telling with him. Their birthday is only a few days away, perhaps he wants to take them shopping to get a feel for what he should get them. Or perhaps he wants to ask them about a gift for us, for the wedding. Or perhaps he's just feeling more paternal these days, with the new baby on the way...” Miranda continued to gently massage Andrea's scalp, “Whatever it is, I'm sure we'll hear about it, eventually.” Miranda smiled at her fiancee, “He used to do that when they were younger too. He would call and ask if he could take them for the day, to the movies or a museum. Sometimes he even took them shopping. I believe he was very concerned, for a while, that I would keep him from seeing them.”
That thought frightened Andy as well, “Would you?” Turning her head so she could see Miranda's face, Andy asked seriously, “Would you have kept him from seeing the girls?”
“I was very angry with him.” Miranda licked her lips and stopped playing with Andrea's hair, plucking at the rumpled sheets around them instead. “But no, he is still their father. As I said before, he made a lousy husband, but he is quite a good father.”
“What if...” Andy swallowed hard against the thought, “What if I make you angry, Miranda?” Dark eyes pinned the older woman just as much as the head on her stomach did. “Would you keep me from seeing them? If something were to...happen to you... would James keep me from seeing them?” Andy was terrified of the day that Miranda would be gone, partially because of that very possible possibility. If it happened, before the girls were old enough and James decided that she shouldn't be around them. Andy didn't know what she would do.
“All right, come here.” Miranda shifted and gestured for Andrea to move as well, opening her arms and waiting for the younger woman to settle at her side. With a gentle kiss to the top of Andrea's head, Miranda assured her fiancee that the situation described would never come to pass. “The girls adore you, Andrea. I highly doubt that James could keep them from you. They won't allow it.”
“But..”
“Shhhh,,,” Miranda tightened her grip on the woman in her arms for a moment. “If you do find yourself in such a situation, contact Keith.”
“Your lawyer?”
“Mmmm... yours too, my Darling.” Miranda rested her cheek against the top of Andrea's head. “I have made my wishes regarding you and the girl's guardianship, very very clear to Keith. He is aware of papers in the safe deposit box that specifically address this issue. He accused me of being insane when I had them drawn up.”
“Insane?” Andy couldn't imagine anyone calling Miranda that, to her face.
“Mmmm...” Miranda sighed, “Should something happen to me before they reach eighteen, no matter what our marital status is at the time. You will be their guardian. Keith will help you.”
“I...” Andy's eyes widened, “their guardian?”
“You are, for all intents and purposes, their mother already... I merely made the arrangement, formal.” Miranda smiled, “No one will take their “Ma” from them.”
“Thank you, Miranda.” She wiped a tear of relief, and love, away from her cheek, “I'm sorry.” Andy sighed and snuggled closer. “I don't mean to put a damper on our afternoon.”
“You haven't.” Miranda kissed Andrea's head, “This afternoon has been lovely and I love spending time with you no matter what we are doing.” She grinned at her fiancee, “I will need to be leaving for the office soon though.”
“Yeah...” Peering up through dark bangs, Andy focused on Miranda's lips, “About that...” Andy's hand slid up along Miranda's flat stomach, past her ribs, “I think, you may be a little late...”
“Oh really...” Miranda's eyes darkened, “And what makes you say that?”
“Oh, a couple of things.” Kissing her way down Miranda's neck, Andy's tongue replaced the thumb that had been gently circling the nubbin of pebbled flesh. Smiling against the softness, Andy took great satisfaction in Miranda's gasp as the older woman arched into the touch. Oh yeah, Andy continued the loving contact, feeling Miranda's muscles shift beneath her, she's definitely going to be late.
###
“Andy?”
Looking up from her laptop at that worried call, Andy stood and moved away from her computer to the door of the sunroom. “Here Sweetie... what's up?”
“It's Caroline.... she's sick.” Cassidy wrung her hands together, “It's bad.”
Rushing to Caroline's room, Andy didn't stop until she got to the girl's bathroom and saw Caroline hovering over the toilet. “Awww, Munchkin. Why didn't you say anything?” She gently pulled the girl's curly hair back to hold it at the nape of her neck with one hand as she curled her arm around Caroline's torso. “Easy now. I gotcha.” She could feel the girl's stomach tense and heard the choked sound. She coached Caroline softly, “Cough it out, get it out of your throat so you can breathe.” Bending over, she pressed her cheek against the girl's back, wishing there was something else she could do to help. Not knowing what though, she continued to hold the girl's hair and support her as she heaved and coughed up the entirety of her day's food intake plus some. When the spasms eased, Andy wet a washcloth and wiped Caroline's eyes, mouth and face. A tissue and the customary nose blow later finished the ritual. The girl was pale and clammy, but she got that way when she puked.
Caroline leaned on Andy as they walked back to her bed. “I don't want to be sick... not now. The party is only two days away!”
Andy settled the girl in her bed and reassured her as she tucked her in, “You'll be better by then.” She ruffled Caroline's curly bangs, some of the color had come back to her cheeks and Andy reached for the thermometer. “Here, let's take your temperature.” She waited in silence as the seconds ticked by and the electronic meter measured the temperature under Caroline's tongue. Andy grabbed it when it beeped. “Ninety nine point eight.” She sighed, the doctor wouldn't do anything unless the fever was over one hundred and one. Andy leaned down and kissed Caroline's cheek. “Get some rest, Munchkin.”
“Okay, Ma.” Caroline looked past Andy's shoulder, “Where's Mom?”
“Oh, she uh, had a thing tonight...meeting.” Andy didn't want to think about where Miranda was, or what she was doing. It was an Elias-Clarke board meeting, and Andy knew that Irv Ravitz was most likely giving Miranda a hard time. To have to deal with Irv and then come home to find Caroline sick was just so unfair. Andy sighed as she exited Caroline's room and pulled her phone from her pocket. She stood just outside Caroline's door and sent a quick text to Miranda. Then she dialed a number she kept on her speed dial and waited for the answering service to pick up. It was after eight p.m on a Thursday night; so the doctor obviously wouldn't be in his office.
She left a message for Caroline's doctor and then blinked as the phone buzzed in her hand. Andy smiled at the caller id and took the call, “Hello, Beautiful.”
“What's wrong with Caroline?”
“The usual.” Andy sighed, “She threw up once and then went to bed. She didn't seem to have a fever...”
“She gets clammy when she vomits.” Miranda instructed. “You need to take her temperature now.”
“Miranda, I know that... as I was about to say, she didn't seem to have a fever, but after I put her to bed I took it and it was ninety nine point eight.” Andy heard Miranda's frustrated sigh over the phone and knew why. It was the same reason that frustrated her. “I called and left the Doctor a message anyway.”
“Good.”
She heard the sounds of the street become muffled and the door to the car closing so Miranda's next words were not unexpected.
“I'm in the car now so it won't be too long before I return home.”
“Of course,” Andy smiled into the phone. “I love you, Miranda.” A small grunt of surprise made it through the small speaker.
“I love you too.”
Chuckling at that, Andy took a deep satisfied breath. “See ya when you get home.” As Andy slipped the phone back into her pocket she heard heaving sounds from inside the room and knew that Caroline was again hovering over the toilet. She moved quickly to comfort the girl and offer what support she could.
###
Miranda arrived at the townhouse much later than she'd anticipated. For some reason, it seemed that the traffic and lights were conspiring against her. She went directly to Caroline's room, expecting to find the girl peacefully sleeping. Instead, she found Caroline heaving into her lavatory. Her heart went out to her baby and to her fiancee as Andrea's dark eyes turned to her.
“This is the fourth time tonight.”
“Unacceptable.” Miranda exchanged places with Andrea, handing Andrea her phone in the process. “Call the doctor again.”
“I've left three messages already.”
“Not with my phone. Call his home number.” Miranda soothed Caroline and jerked her chin toward the phone she'd just handed Andrea. “He will answer.”
Nodding, Andy thumbed through the contact information and made yet another call to Caroline's doctor. This time after three rings a woman answered the phone.
“Hello?”
“Yes, hello,” Andy took a deep breath, “I'm calling on behalf of Miranda Priestly. Her daughter, Caroline, is a patient of Doctor Shaw...”
“Oh, hold on.”
Andy heard a rustling through the phone connection and the woman's voice speaking to someone in the room with her.
“It's for you, David, regarding Caroline Priestly?”
Another muffled rustling and the man's voice was crisp in her ear.
“Dr. Shaw here, Caroline having trouble with her stomach again?”
“Yes, sir.” Andy explained, “She's thrown up four times in the last hour.”
“Mmm... She's too thin for that...” He asked, “How's her temperature?”
Andy closed her eyes, “It hasn't gone over One Hundred point Five.” She almost vocalized her thoughts, Please please do something... as she waited through the silence.
“Well, I don't normally worry if the child doesn't have much of a fever, but Caroline dehydrates so easily...” He grunted, “My wife and I were just stepping out for supper. I'll swing by and check her over.”
“Really?” Andy almost fainted with relief. “Thank you, Doctor. We'll be waiting...” She closed the phone and met Miranda's eyes. “He's on his way over.”
Nodding, Miranda bent to match Caroline's pose and pressed her cheek against the girl's shoulder. “Good.” She felt the spasms under the arm she'd wrapped around Caroline's stomach ease and she slowly released the girl asking quietly. “Better?”
Spitting the last of the contents of her mouth, Caroline answered. “Yeah.”
Tenderly wiping her daughter's eyes, face and mouth with a damp cloth, Miranda smiled at Caroline, “Okay then, let's get you back to bed.” Miranda's voice was soft and soothing as she helped the girl back to her bed, “The doctor will be here soon.” She tucked Caroline in and kissed her forehead gently. “Try and rest.”
Nodding, Caroline closed her eyes. “I'll try.”
###
Andy paced back and forth in front of the arrangements of chairs. Her teeth chewed worriedly at her fingernails as she looked up, trying to see through the ceiling. “What's taking him so long?”
“Dr. Shaw will be finished shortly.” Miranda looked over a page in the Book. The same page she'd been staring at since the doctor had arrived. “We will know something soon.”
Pacing a few more times, Andy hugged herself, rubbing her arms briskly. “How do you stand this, Miranda?”
Closing the Book, Miranda set it aside, tossing her glasses on top of it. “It is not easy.” Moving to meet Andrea halfway, Miranda hugged her tightly, “It will be fine. The doctor is examining her and he will help her.” They both turned at the sound of heavy footsteps on the stairs.
“Well?” Miranda spoke before the man stepped off of the stairs. “What is the diagnosis?”
“The same as all the other times before.” Dr. Shaw sat his little black bag down on the table, where the assistants normally left the Book. “Her sinus' are draining, filling her stomach with mucus... that's why she vomits.” He smiled at the women. “I gave her an antihistamine and an injection to stop the nausea and help her sleep.” Reaching out he took Miranda's hands in his own, “She will be fine. She hadn't become too dehydrated yet, but when she wakes up you need to start giving her fluids.”
Andy wanted to be clear. “Water?”
“Water is good, I left a small cup next to her bed in case she wakes up before you realize it.” he nodded, “Gatorade might be beneficial... the original flavor.” He cautioned. “Start small though, her stomach will be tender from the heaving. Use shot glasses at first, if you have them, one every five minutes until she feels comfortable drinking larger quantities. You should probably keep some over the counter children's antihistamine on hand as well. When her nose starts running, give her some, that may head this problem off at the pass.”
Nodding, Andy filed away the instructions in her head. “Okay.” She smiled at the man, “Thank you, Doctor for interrupting your evening.”
“Of course,” David ran his fingers through his hair, “Would you be so kind as to call me a cab? Alicia dropped me off and went on to Le Bernadin... We weren't sure if they will hold the reservations or not.”
Andy shook her head, “I can drive you. I need to go to the store and get some Gatorade anyway.” She knew Miranda wouldn't let her run to the store at this time of night and would insist that she either call Roy or take the Porsche.
“Andrea,” Miranda took a deep breath, “Drive carefully.”
Grinning at the slight dig regarding her driving skills, Andy nodded, “Of course,” After a quick goodbye kiss with Miranda, gestured to the doctor. “C'mon, Doc.”
Miranda watched them leave and reached for her phone, dialing quickly. When the connection was made she spoke in her most commanding voice, “I wish to speak with Maguy, now.” She waited as the call was transferred to the owner of Le Benardin. “Maguy, Doctor David Shaw and his lovely wife Alicia are dining with you this evening. He is my daughter's physician. He put off reservations at your establishment to make a house call. Please treat them as you would if Andrea and I were dining with them, with my compliments.” Smiling, Miranda nodded into the phone, “Thank you, Maguy. I'm sure she will be just fine. Perhaps Andrea and I will bring the girls to dine there soon. You know how much we adore your food.”
Disconnecting the phone, Miranda smiled nostalgically remembering the quaint little restaurant she'd been introduced to in Paris. The subsequent investment to move the establishment to a larger location had proven to be very lucrative as well as gaining a pleasant association with the owner. Miranda knew most of the employees at Runway wouldn't believe it, but the gesture she had just made for Dr. Shaw and his wife was not uncommon. Runway employees would be highly skeptical if anyone even rumored it, but Miranda liked being able to reward people for their kindness.
###
Doctor David Shaw was not a man who scared easily. He was a pediatrician who faced kickers, screamers and at least one biter every day. Therefore, he was shocked almost speechless, when he found himself hanging on for dear life, trying desperately not to be flung out of the Porsche convertible. As Andy zoomed them through the streets of New York, he counted it as a stroke of luck that traffic seemed lighter than usual. He thanked God for that small miracle. Still, his life did seem to be in imminent danger. “Uh... I would like to get to the restaurant in one piece, young lady.”
Laughing at that, Andy shifted gears and pulled up to the curb in front of Le Bernadin. She laughed again as the doctor practically jumped out of the car. “Thanks again for coming to check on Caroline.” He waved over his shoulder as he walked shakily into the building. She chuckled and just shook her head at the grinning valet. “Sorry, Dude. I was just dropping my friend off.” She grinned at his obvious disappointment and pulled away from the curb, leaving the valet with the longing look of Porsche love in the distance. She couldn't really blame him. It was a sweet car and she loved to drive it too.
She hadn't gotten Miranda's car out on a real road yet though, so far all she'd done was drive around New York with it. She thought about her college days and the long drive from Chicago to Cincinnati. She would have loved to make that trip with this car. In this car, Andy bet she could have shaved an hour or so off her drive time, with the right music playing at the right volume of course. One day, she thought, I'll be able to take her out on a real road to really test out the engine and the sound system.
She had always loved to take the drive from college to home and back with the music in her car blaring loud. Driving alone was the only time she could really cut loose and listen to music at the volume she adored, unless she was out at a club, but they didn't always play the right music. With that thought she cranked up the music a bit. With the beat thumping through the seat at her back, she smiled. All she had to do now was stop at the nearest Duane Reade to get some Gatorade and antihistamine then she could get back home to Miranda and the girls.