“So you're Andy's Mom.” James smiled down at his dance partner. “Somehow I thought you'd be taller.”
Dorothy laughed at that, “She takes after her father's side of the family for that.”
“Mira says she's stubborn,” he grinned, “Does she get that from you?”
It took a moment to register that “Mira” was Miranda. She couldn't possibly imagine using any sort of nickname for the formidable woman her daughter was going to marry. Shrugging as much as she could while in the loose dance embrace, Dorothy acknowledged that possibility, “Stubborn-ness, is something I think she never had a chance of escaping. Her father and I both carry that trait in vast quantities.”
Nodding, James licked his lips and spoke a little lower, “I understand her father isn't too pleased with the direction Andy's life has taken.”
“He...” Dorothy sighed, “He's having difficulty with the concept.” She narrowed her eyes, “How did you...”
“The girls.” James' eyes twinkled, “They talk about Andy all the time when they're with me. They worry about her. They love her.”
“She loves them.” Dorothy smiled, “They're good girls.”
“When they want to be, yeah.” James had no illusions regarding his offspring. They had been spared the worst of 'rich girl' spoilage, but they were fiercely protective of anything they perceived as 'theirs'. They took after Miranda in that respect. He wondered how much like Miranda they would be when they were older. A picture formed in his mind of sitting down at a table with three Mirandas.
“Whoa,” Dorothy felt a shudder run through the man, “Do you need to sit down?”
He chuckled. “No. Just thinking.” The song was about to end and he made an offer quickly. “Do you think it would help if I were to speak with your husband?” He shook his head slowly, “I've known Mira for a long time and I've never seen her this wrapped up before. I think it's the real thing. She loves Andy.”
“No.” Dorothy shook her head sadly, “I know, but telling Richard that won't help. He just can't wrap his mind around it. He may never be able to. What I'm hoping is that he'll find a way to be able to look past his own misgivings and at least start speaking to Andy again.”
The song ended and they returned to their seats, along with most of the other adults. Andy and Serena, however, returned to the dance floor as a lively song began to spill from the speakers.
###
Detective Jo Polniacek entered the building with two uniformed officers trailing behind her. She spotted Andy dancing to some crazy techno dance mix with the tall Brazilian woman who had done her make-up at the photo shoot. Miranda was seated at a table near the dance floor watching intently.
Jo walked directly to Miranda and placed a hand on the older woman's shoulder as she leaned down nearer to Miranda's ears, “Did someone call the police?”
Miranda ignored Emily's squeak of protest at Jo's familiarity toward her and smiled, reaching up to pat the hand on her shoulder. “You're too late. The problem has already been resolved. He won't be bothering us again.”
“Uh oh...” Jo knelt next to Miranda's chair and laughed, “Where'd ya hide the body?”
Putting on her haughtiest demeanor, Miranda sniffed, “As if I would reveal that to you.” Blue eyes twinkled past a lock of white hair, “One must have some secrets after all.”
Jo laughed and stood, “Lady, you're somethin' else.” The music changed and Jo offered her hand to Miranda, “Care to dance?”
Miranda regarded Jo for a few seconds then accepted the hand. “That would be lovely.”
Emily sighed as Miranda began to dance with the newcomer and wondered how difficult it would be to actually switch her hair to brunette.
###
“Mom, finally!” Alyssa met her mother as the woman walked toward the tables. “I thought you were going to miss everything!”
Lara laughed, “Sorry, but the client had some concerns about the design for his office building.” She looked around the large space. “What did I miss?” Several kids were dancing to a fast paced song, but she pointed out the most important thing she saw. “There is still some cake...” Her feet automatically turned toward the table holding the remains of the cake.
Rolling her eyes, Alyssa allowed her mother to get a piece of cake then guided her to a seat and began telling her everything that had happened at the party. She'd pretty much recapped the events when a new song began.
“Oh, I love this one.” Jumping up, Alyssa headed toward the dance floor.
Lara laughed at Alyssa's antics and looked at a stunned woman sitting at the table next to her, “Seems as though I did miss everything.”
Blinking, she nodded, “You and me both.” She laughed, “I just got here ten minutes ago. I haven't even gotten a piece of cake yet.” Gesturing to the dancing girl, Priscilla explained, “I'm grateful to your daughter for the recap. My son would never have told me all that.” She chuckled, “He's a good boy, not much of a talker.” Reaching across the space between the tables, she smiled. “I'm Priscilla Bateson, Hunter's mom.” She pointed out the boy in question.
“Ah, Lara Hartstone.” Lara shook the offered hand and laughed, “Not much of a talker eh? Well if you can tell me how to get my daughter to ever shut up, I'd be much obliged.” Her eyes twinkled with amusement, “Although, my son isn't exactly Sir Gabsalot either.” Lara gestured to the attendant dressed in a caterer's uniform and he approached the table.
“Yes, Ma'am? What can I get you?”
Gesturing between herself and Patricia, Lara quickly told him her needs. “Two slices of cake and two cups of the punch.”
“Yes, Ma'am.” He bowed and left the table quickly.
Priscilla returned to their conversation. “They all have different personalities, I guess.” She relaxed a bit. She, much like her son, was not exactly comfortable in social situations. She always felt way out of her league in this kind of setting because she knew that everyone here was far above her social status. She and her husband weren't exactly destitute, but her husband worked very hard for what they had. Priscilla knew that many of the children her son was friends with were beyond rich and that neither they nor their children would have to work a day in their lives if they so chose. Hunter was going to have to work and Dalton was going to give him the education he needed to be successful. She wasn't sure who knew, but Hunter went to Dalton on a financial scholarship. She never mentioned it because she didn't want Hunter to be embarrassed about it. During the study group sessions, Priscilla had spoken easily with Andy because she'd known that the younger woman was also not in the same social stratus as most of the children's parents. But now, Lara's easy smile and laughing eyes put Priscilla at ease. The cake and drinks were delivered and they began talking, letting the rest of the party go on, as it had earlier, without them.
###
“C'mon Cassidy,” Mark asked for the third time, “Dance with me...”
“No,” Cassidy held her ground. He was only asking because Alan had jumped at the chance to dance with Caroline. And all their other friends seemed to be paired up already, “Cut in on Allison and Devon if you want to dance so badly.”
Mark grinned, “But I don't want to dance with Devon, he's taller than me.”
Despite herself, Cassidy laughed, “Well I don't...”
Cassidy's protest was cut off as Alyssa swept past, grabbing her hand without a word and leading her to the dance floor. Mark watched as Cassidy smiled and began to dance with the older girl. He sighed to himself, “Now why didn't I think of that?”
-----------
Serena held Emily in her arms and swayed to the music, “Thank you for agreeing to stay.”
“Of course,” Emily smiled shyly, “Caroline asked me and...”
“I don't mean for the party.” Serena held the smaller woman tighter, “I know you miss your home. You could have gone to London and you chose to stay here.”
“London isn't going anywhere.”
Serena stopped their motion and pulled back slightly to look directly into Emily's eyes, “Neither am I.”
“Serena, I...”
“Shhh...” The tall woman twirled Emily around and smiled, “We can talk later.”
###
“So,” Andy wrapped her arms around Miranda's waist and swayed with her. “Did you have fun dancing with Jo?”
Miranda smiled, threading her fingers together behind Andrea's neck, “The Good Detective is an excellent dancer.” Chuckling at the growling sound of disapproval Andrea made, Miranda explained, “I used the time to relate the encounter with Stephen to her.”
“Ah,” Andy grinned, “And to berate her for being late...”
“Andrea... really,” Miranda scoffed, “I did that prior to dancing.”
Throwing back her head to laugh, Andy pulled Miranda closer then kissed her cheek. “Of course you did.” Her sun-rivaling smile continued for the rest of the song.
###
Miranda surveyed the room. Most of the guests had all left, the DJ had packed up her equipment and gone, the remaining cake and punch had been removed and the tables had been cleared. “Emily,” She waited for her long time assistant to approach before speaking to her. “The party was a great success. The girls enjoyed it immensely. Thank you.”
“You're welcome, Miranda.” Emily beamed at the approval then glanced at Serena, who was waiting near the door. “Was there anything else you needed?”
“Yes, set up an appointment with the DJ sometime next week. I wish to speak with her.” Miranda gestured to the remaining guests, “We are going to go home now. It is time to present the girls with their gifts.” Tilting her head, Miranda extended an offer. “You are welcome to join us.”
“Um...” She glanced at Serena, still waiting patiently, “I'm afraid I must decline.” In the past she would have jumped at the chance to be in Miranda's presence, in Miranda's home, but not now. Now Serena was waiting for her.
Emily had been impressed when she'd seen the text for the girls' birthday invitations. No gifts expected. What child didn't want gifts? But it certainly wasn't like they needed anything. She did wonder what Miranda, and Andrea, had gotten for the girls who had everything. “I will see you in the office on Monday then?”
“Yes.” Miranda's lips twitched slightly, “That's all.” She watched as Serena held the door for Emily to exit then smiled as a familiar arm snaked around her waist.
“You ready to go?”
“Yes, I'm sure the girls are ready to receive the rest of their gifts.”
“Miranda,” Andy whispered, “What if they don't like what I got them?”
“They love you, Andrea and they will appreciate anything you give them.” Miranda was more concerned that the girls would not be impressed with her remaining offerings. The Top Chef surprise was the biggest of the gifts, but there were other things as well. Through the door, Miranda saw the car pull up to the curb and gestured to the women that remained sitting at one of the tables. “The car's here.”
James stepped forward, “I'll meet you there.” He ran his fingers through his hair, “Candice is sorry she had to miss the party, but her doctor's appointment is over in twenty minutes so I'll pick her up and then we'll swing by your house.”
Caroline and Cassidy also moved up next to them, one on each side. Miranda wrapped her arm around Cassidy's shoulder and squeezed it slightly as she spoke. “Of course. We can wait for your arrival if you wish.”
“No,” James was entranced by the sight of Miranda, Andy and the girls standing together. “They should enjoy some private time with their family.”
Miranda sighed, “You are their family too, James.”
“Thank you, Mira.” James' eyes twinkled, “Maybe I should have said that the girls should enjoy some time with their Moms?”
“Thank you, James.” Andy's eyes sparkled and she grinned down at Caroline, jostling the girl slightly, “You ready?”
“Yeah, Ma... Whenever you guys stop gabbing.”
Andy studied the girl's eyes for a moment. The excitement of the party had sustained her but now that it was over, Caroline's recent bout with her sinus/stomach condition was obviously taking its toll. With a cheery smile, Andy ruffled Caroline's hair, “Then let's go!”
###
Dorothy watched as the children opened their gifts from Miranda. Box after box, outfit after outfit, Dorothy wondered how many clothes one child needed. They seemed appreciative of each thing but sometimes commented on the brand name of the item and how their friends would be “so jealous” that they had received it. But, she supposed that any pre-teen girl would do that. Most girls just wouldn't have quite this many items to brag about.
Glancing at her daughter, avidly watching the girls open their gifts, Dorothy wondered what Andy could possibly have gotten for the girls that they didn't already have. The idea of getting a present for the girls had worried her for a while, but Andy had assured her that her presence was enough. The girls didn't expect anything from anyone other than their parents. Apparently James' mother did not give them birthday presents either. She grinned as she eyed the unwrapped boxes from her, and remembered the girls' delighted squeals when they saw the contents. The memory of the thank you hugs was enough to bring a smile to her face and Dorothy thought about that other grandmother's no gift policy, Well poo on that... grandparents give gifts! It wasn't much, but she had gotten each girl a kitchen kit, everything they'd need except the wet ingredients, to make cookies. There were even child sized aprons and oven mits.
Dorothy saw Andy's interest peak, and looked back just in time to see each girl open a small box. They both pulled charm bracelets from their resting place and spoke to each other excitedly about the small icons dangling there. Dorothy realized that each of the charms held some significance to the children. Chuckling to herself, Dorothy berated herself silently, You should have known, Dot. Andy has always been so thoughtful. She watched as the children approached Andy and asked for her help putting the jewelry on their wrists. After a round of heartfelt hugs, Dorothy spoke up.
“You know, I think the whirlwind trip and party are starting to catch up with me.” She stood slowly. “I believe I might need to go to bed early tonight.”
Pava and Mary also stood. “Yes, it's been a long day.” Pava looked at the girls, “I'm glad you have had such a nice birthday.”
“Thanks Gram!” Caroline and Cassidy took turns hugging all three of the older women before returning to the remaining gifts in their respective piles.
Andy stood and hugged the women too, “Get some rest...” She told her Ma.
“Thank you, Sweetheart.”
Pava grinned at her granddaughter, “We'll see you tomorrow, Darlin'”
Dark eyes twinkled at the couple, “Sure, Gram. Rest well.”
###
Andy sat with Miranda on the couch in the Entertainment Room. Dorothy, Gram and Mary had gone to rest a few minutes ago. The girls were sitting on the floor, surrounded by mountains of couture, provided by Miranda. The charm bracelets Andy had given them dangling from each of their wrists. The charms brushing the gifts as they continued opening their remaining few presents. The smiles they exchanged when they saw the outfits Andy had picked out for them warmed Andy's heart. She sat forward a bit when they got to the special gifts she'd managed.
Cassidy opened her oversized envelope first. She didn't know what to make of the piece of paper and CD she found. Unfolding the page she scanned it quickly and looked at Andy. “Loft performance?”
Nodding, Andy explained. “There is a group that I fell in love with, quite a while ago...The October Project. The original lead singer is gone, but the others are still together, they're called the November Project now. I put some of my favorite songs on that disc for you, your copies of the albums are on backorder. They do special performances at their loft... there is room there for about ten people.” She grinned at Cassidy's stunned expression and continued, “Their keyboard player is also a composer. His name is Emil Adler and he writes all the songs for the group with his wife, Julie Flanders. She does the lyrics.” Dark eyes twinkled, “They've agreed to talk with you about composing music, after the performance.”
Cassidy jumped up and practically attacked Andy, hugging her tightly, “Thank you, Ma!”
Chuckling, Andy's sun-rivaling appeared, “You're welcome, Sweetie. I'm glad you like it.”
Caroline opened her envelope and looked at the contents. “Um... How did you?”
Andy winked at the girl, “Your mom isn't the only one with connections.”
“What is it, Caroline?” Miranda wasn't able to see the contents of the envelope.
“Tickets.” Caroline pulled the small pile of papers out of the envelope and looked through them, smiling wider as she named off the shows, “Four each for, Mama Mia!, Mary Poppins, The Lion King, and Wicked.” Her smile faded as she continued to inspect the gift. “Uh...”
“What is it, Ro?” Cassidy peered over at the papers in her sister's hands and gasped.
“Caroline?” Miranda asked, “What other shows?”
“None...” Caroline whispered, “But... Two backstage passes for the ones that there are tickets for...”
Andy grimaced a little, “Yeah, I couldn't manage four backstage passes, but I thought you and a friend could...”
Jumping up as her sister had done, Caroline also hugged Andy tightly, “Thank you, Ma!”
Wrapping her long arms around Caroline, Andy laughed, “You're welcome, Munchkin.”
Pulling away, Caroline looked into Andy's dark eyes, “You'll go with me to the shows right?”
“If you want me to,” Andy's trademarked sun-rivaling smile reappeared, “I'd be happy to go with you.”
“Will you come too, Mom?” Caroline looked over at Miranda and grinned, “We can have family outings!”
Normally hard blue eyes softened as Miranda melted in the warmth of Caroline and Andrea's gazes, “That sounds lovely. I would love to join you.”
“Great!” Caroline kissed Miranda on the cheek then went back to look through the stacks of clothes she'd just received, already planning what she would wear to each performance even though the first one wouldn't be until after her Mom and Andy got back from their honeymoon.
###
Andy watched, with shining eyes, as the girls looked excitedly through their presents again. Miranda's hand sliding into hers refocused her attention to the woman at her side.
Miranda spoke quietly. “Thank you, Andrea.”
“No need to thank me...”
“The true gift was of family time, something that I will benefit from as well.” Miranda squeezed the hand in hers lightly, “So thank you.”
“They're good girls, Miranda.” Andy snuggled closer, “You done good...”
A tiny smile pulled at her lips as Miranda relaxed into the embrace and chuckled. “You're so ridiculous sometimes.”
“Yeah,” Andy laid her head on Miranda's shoulder and spoke quietly, even as she continued to watch the girls happily mixing and matching their new clothes. “But you love me anyway.”
“Yes I do.” Miranda pressed her cheek against the dark head resting on her shoulder, “Always.”
“I've missed so much of their lives.” Andy wondered again what the girls were like when they were younger, their little happy faces digging into their presents on their birthday, at Christmas and all the other gift giving events she'd missed.
Miranda was about to reply to that when the doorbell echoed through the house. “That will be James and Candice.”
Disengaging from Miranda, Andy stood, “I'll get it.” She straightened out her dress, “Be right back.”
Miranda watched the sway of Andrea's hips as the young woman walked away. Caroline's voice pulled her attention back into the room.
“Mom?”
“Yes, my Darling?” Miranda smiled at her oldest daughter.
“You don't have to come with us... to the shows...” Caroline wrung her hands in front of her, “I know you're busy, with Runway...”
Exhaling softly, Miranda gathered the girl into her arms and gestured for Cassidy to join them. Quickly settling the children on either side of her, Miranda spoke to them in no uncertain terms, “I will always have time for you, I will make it if I have to. You are the most important people in my life and I love you dearly.”
“We know you love us Mom.” Caroline laid her head on Miranda's shoulder, “But we know that you love Runway too.”
“I do love Runway, but I love you more. I will attend the performances with you, if you wish me to. If you would rather take a friend with you, that is acceptable as well. They are your tickets, your birthday present to decide what to do with as you please.” Blue eyes twinkled down at the girls and she chuckled, “If you want me to attend, simply call my assistant and have her put it on my schedule.”
Rolling her eyes at that, Cassidy giggled, “Of course.” She grinned at her sister, “Why didn't we think of that before?”
They all heard footsteps on the stairs and the girls shifted away from Miranda, moving to greet their father and his fiancee.
###
“You okay, Darlin'?” Pava bent her knees slightly to catch Mary's down-turned gaze. “You've been kinda quiet today.”
“Travel catching up to me, I guess.” Mary sat on the edge of the bed, still not looking at Pava.
“You're lying.” Pava grinned when that accusation snapped Mary's head up. Pava held up her hand, “Don't bother denying it, we both know what's what...”
“I'm sorry.” Mary resumed her study of the rug pattern, “I just couldn't dance with you, not in front of all those people.” She drew in a deep, shaky breath and asked, “Are you angry at me?”
“I am angry.” Pava admitted. She sat down on the edge of the bed next to Mary and put her arm around the woman's shoulders, “But not at you.” She pulled the willing woman closer and smiled as Mary's head fit perfectly on her shoulder, “I'm angry that things are so messed up in this world. I'm angry that two people who love each other have to be brave to display that love in public. I'm angry that being in love puts people in danger. I'm angry that there are people in this world, stupid people, who would hurt you, or me, or Miranda, or Andy... just because we love someone they don't think we should. And I'm angry, because if I had been just a little braver, back then... maybe Andy wouldn't be having so many problems with her Daddy today.” Pava sighed, “So yes, I'm angry.” She kissed Mary's temple, “But not at you.”
“It isn't your fault...” Mary nodded and sighed, “but I understand.”
“Good.” Pava jostled the woman next to her and pointed to the pillows, “C'mon then, Darlin'... it's been a long day.”
Obediently Mary reached into her overnight bag and pulled out a nightgown. “Sleep does sound good right about now.”
Pava nodded, “Yeah, it sure does.” Pushing herself up off the bed, the elder Sachs smiled, “I'll leave ya to it then.”
“Pava...” Mary reached out to take her companion's hand. “Don't leave.”
Squeezing the hand in hers, Pava bent down and kissing the back of Mary's hand she winked, “I'll be right back, Love.”
###
Andy smoothed out her dress as she walked down the stairs and stopped at a mirror in the hall to check that her makeup hadn't run from the few happy tears that had escaped her earlier.
Opening the door, Andy smiled and gestured for the couple to enter. “Come in, please.” She stepped back to allow them to pass and closed the door behind them. “The girls are upstairs in the Entertainment Room.” She smiled at Candice, wincing inwardly at the woman's completely casual outfit. The pants looked almost like pajamas. Miranda was not going to like it, at all. “Nice to meet you.”
Narrowing her eyes as she gave Andy, and her dress, a long appraisal, Candice hugged James' arm a little tighter, “Likewise.”
The young blonde woman looked around the immaculately decorated house and Andy could almost see little dollar signs in her eyes. The woman was practically drooling at the wealth the interior of their home represented. Then Andy blinked and appraised Candice's figure again, finding it much too slim to be as pregnant as the girls said she was.
She noticed James having some difficulty figuring out what to do with the large gift bags he was trying to hold while dealing with the clinging woman at the same time. Covering her suspicion regarding Candice's pregnancy, Andy smiled and relieved James of one of his burdens, leaving him only one gift bag and a clingy fiancee to deal with. She gestured to the stairs with her free hand, “Follow me.”
When they reached the TV room, the girls were waiting for them just in front of the door. They hugged their father exuberantly and also gave Candice an awkward welcoming embrace. Andy handed off the gift bag to one of the girls and immediately moved to Miranda's side. When she saw Miranda's gaze turn to Candice, Andy slipped her hand into Miranda's, whispering softly, “Be nice.”
Miranda's evaluating gaze didn't take long, the fashionista's lips pursing almost instantly but it was the nearly subvocal comment that caught Andy's attention.
“No glow.”
So, Miranda didn't think Candice was pregnant either. How someone could fake that Andy had no idea. They might be able to fool regular people for a while, but how could you fool a doctor? There was only one basic reason to do it though, money. The thought of using a child, even a fake one, to con money out of anyone was just reprehensible to Andy. Children were so innocent, they needed the love of their parents. “Oh...” All eyes in the room turned to her and Andy blushed a little. “Sorry, I just remembered something I need to do, for work.” She released Miranda's hand slowly, “If you would excuse me for a little while?”
“It can't wait?” Miranda wondered what was so important as to miss the twins opening their gifts. Then she realized that Andrea was making an excuse to get away, to give the girls time with their 'real' parents. It was a sweet, and unnecessary, gesture that made Miranda impossibly, love Andrea just a bit more. “Try not to be too long.”
“I won't.” Andy assured Miranda and the girls. “I just have to send out a few email queries about a story I'm doing, and I forgot to file my last story with Greg. I want to send that to him before I forget, again.” Placing a quick kiss on Miranda's cheek, Andy left the room.
Candice looked confused, “Who's Greg?”
“Greg is her boss. The editor-in-chief of The Mirror, the newspaper where Andrea is employed as a reporter.” Miranda gestured to her guests to have a seat as she resumed her place on the couch. “And what is it that you do, Candice?”
“Well I was a waitress, but now,” She giggled and placed her hand on her tummy, “I'm having some trouble with being on my feet, so I'm currently between jobs.”
Nodding at that, Miranda smiled her faux smile, “I see.” The understanding was as fake as the smile on her face. Miranda had worked at Runway practically up until the time she had to go to the hospital to have the girls.
“Can we open our presents now?” Cassidy asked, “Or should we wait for Ma to get back?”
Miranda smiled, a genuine smile, “You may open them now. Andrea will see what you've received when she returns.” Blue eyes twinkled at the children as they both began to burrow into the oversized gift bags.
###
Andy leaned against the curve in the kitchen counter and took a sip of her club soda. It hadn't seemed like a lot at the time, but the amount of food she'd eaten at the party now all seemed to be swelling up inside her. After she'd done a bit of research and sent her emails, Andy had gone to the kitchen hoping the fizzy drink would help. Her eyes widened slightly when one of their visitors walked into the kitchen. “Candice?”
“Oh!” Putting her hand on her chest, the blonde laughed, “Sorry, you scared me.” She waved off the formal name, “And most people just call me Candi.”
“Um... Can I help you with...something... Candi?” Oddly, Andy didn't like the idea of this woman walking around the house by herself. It was a strange feeling. The only other person she'd disliked so quickly after meeting them was Judy and that was with good reason.
“Yeah,” Candi looked around, “Miranda said there was a bathroom down here I could use...”
“Ah...” Andy nodded and pointed to a door across the room from her, “There.”
“Thanks!” Candi headed for the door.
Andy sipped her drink while she waited for their guest to finish. She was just beginning to wonder how long it would take Candice to figure out there was no medicine cabinet in there to snoop through when the woman returned.
“There's no bath or shower in there.” The tiny room only contained a toilet, small sink and a mirror flat against the wall above the sink.
“No.” Andy shrugged, “It doesn't need one. We very rarely even use it, I believe it was a part of the floorplan for the servants to use.” She suppressed a grin as Candice began to frown at the thought of being sent to the servant's toilet, “Since there aren't really 'servants' here, it mostly just comes in handy, when we have a houseful of guests and all the other bathrooms are spoken for.”
Andy didn't blame Miranda a bit for sending the woman down here instead of upstairs to the bathroom in the big guestroom. That one was far too close to their bedroom for the woman to be roaming.
“All the other...”
“Mmm...” Andy took another sip of her drink then dumped the rest and put the glass into the dishwasher, “With my mother, Gram, and Mary all staying with us the bathrooms attached to those bedrooms are... spoken for.” Candice did not need to know that there was still one empty guest room upstairs.
“Oh.” Shaking her blonde head, Candi sighed, “This is a huge house. We only have one guest room. The girls each have their own room there though, if they would share on the weekends they stay then our house could have two guest rooms.”
“Umm...” Our house? Andy wondered if James knew Candice was that possessive of his property. “Yeah, I doubt they'd want to share. I know I wouldn't want to share a room with my sister, either... if I had a sister.” Andy shrugged and looked around, “A big house does take some getting used to.” She gestured to the narrow stairway that led from the kitchen to the second floor and took a step in that direction. “Shall we rejoin the others?”
“Sure...” Candi hesitated, “Um... Jimmy wants me to sign a pre-nup...”
Andy stopped mid-step, horrified at what Miranda would do if she heard the nickname for her ex-husband falling from Candice's lips, and turned slowly to face their guest. “Yeah... I, um... think that's fairly standard for people in James'... tax bracket.”
“I guess so.” Her hand dropped to her stomach, “Dr. Goldberg says I shouldn't have to worry about financial stuff right now.” Candi asked, “Does Miranda want you to sign one?”
“I want one.” Andy left Miranda's feelings out of the discussion. “The press is bad enough now, at least with a pre-nup I can point to the fact that I'm not a gold-digger like a lot of people are claiming.”
“Oh.” Candi seemed to think about that, “I guess that makes sense.” She began walking toward the stairs. “Thank God, I don't have any reporters to deal with.”
Andy said nothing, but followed the woman up the stairs and watched with narrowed eyes, as Candi obviously mentally inventoried the artwork that lined the walls to the Entertainment Room. Miranda's phrasing in Andy's inner voice whispered softly through Andy's mind. Candice was incorrect in her last statement. She does have one reporter to deal with. Andy nodded to herself, because James was the girls' father, which meant he was family. One of Andy's favorite mantra's expanded to include James in her protection.
Nobody messes with my family.