“Hey...”  Alyssa sat with her back against the wall, next to Cassidy.  She looked around at the small alcove the girl had found.  They were out of sight of the main room. “Nice place to hide.”  She rested her arms on her bent knees, waiting for the girl to respond.

Cassidy looked straight ahead. “She shouldn't have said that.”

“You're right.” Alyssa grinned, “but, if sisters are anything like brothers, it's probably not the last time she's going to make a dumb move.”

“Yeah...” Cassidy sighed. “Probably not.”

“It's... okay, you know?”

“Hmm?”  Cassidy looked at her new friend, “What?”

“Being gay... it's okay.”  Alyssa smiled. “It's not the end of the world.”  She nudged Cassidy with her shoulder. “At least you don't have to worry about Caroline stealing your girlfriend.”

Laughing at that, Cassidy nodded. “True.”  She sighed again and confessed, “I wish you could be my girlfriend.”

Alyssa paused for a moment, then spoke quietly. “I am a girl, and I can be your friend...”

“Just not my...” Cassidy swallowed hard and looked away. “I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said anything.”

“Hey.” Alyssa's gentle fingers on Cassidy's chin turned her head back, so that their eyes met. “You're twelve and in three weeks I will turn sixteen.  Four years doesn't seem like all that long, but right now, it's a lot.  You're just a kid...”

“We get to date when we're sixteen.”  Cassidy grinned. “Mom and Dad were having a fight about it once... and Dad didn't want us to date until we're eighteen, but Mom said sixteen.”  She laughed at the memory. “Mom always won fights like that, the ones about us.”

“Well, okay then.  In four years we can date.” 

“We can?” Cassidy blinked. “I mean... you're... um...”

“Oh yeah, I am most definitely... um.” Alyssa grinned at the astonishment on Cassidy's face. “The term is gay... or lesbian, whichever you prefer.”

“And you would want to date... me?” That part really just blew Cassidy's mind.  She had resolved herself to simply admire 'Lyssa as a friend.

“When you're old enough, I would be proud to have you as my girlfriend.”  Alyssa, grinned as Cassidy's jaw went slack. “Until then... friends?”

“Um... sure.” Shaking her head, Cassidy asked, “Why?”  She asked, “Why would you want to date me, or even be my friend... like you said, I'm just a kid...”

“I think you are an amazing person... and you're just beginning.  Truthfully, so am I.  I can't imagine what we're going to be like four years, or six years, or ten years from now... but if you'll let me we can find out together, as friends.”  Pressing her lips together, Alyssa warned the girl, “The difference in our ages might cause some problems though... I'm probably going to date, other people... you know, high school... college... all that?”

“Yeah, I get that.”

“Well, okay then, Kiddo...” 'Lyssa grinned as Cassidy rolled her eyes. “You wanna get back to the party?  We can't let Ro and Alan have all the fun.”

Nodding, Cassidy began to stand, “Sure.  Just let me go check in with Carmen for a minute...”  She hesitated and then offered, “You wanna come with me?”

“Sure.”  Alyssa grinned and threw her arm around Cassidy's shoulder, as she always had. It felt good to have a real friend.

 ###

Andy's bare feet made no sound as she approached the seated woman.  Andy followed Mary's gaze to the dancers.  Of course Gram Sachs was the object of Mary's intense study.  Kneeling next to Mary, Andy asked, “How is she?”

“She didn't say anything about the confrontation with your father, neither did Dorothy.” Mary sighed. “I could tell she was upset though.”

“Yeah, I saw Mom crying, and I'm not sure all the tears were because of the ceremony.”

Pulling her gaze from Pava, Mary turned to look into Andy's eyes. “It was a lovely ceremony.  You and Miranda both look beautiful.”

“Thanks.”  Dark eyes watched as Mary's gaze returned to the dancers. “Gram is also very beautiful, even now...”

“She hasn't changed a bit...” Mary's eyes softened as the memories of their previous life surfaced. “She was always so... gorgeous.”

“Then what are you waiting for?”  Andy urged the woman to do the right thing. “Dance with her...”  When Mary hesitated, Andy sighed, “You've been apart for a long time...” standing, she quickly released the clasp on the bracelet she wore and dropped it into Mary's hand.

“I...can't...”

“Then that's the wrong charm.” Andy gestured to the small silver heart in Mary's hand. “It should have been broken.”

“I want to...” Mary looked at the bracelet, remembering the moment Pava had given it to her. “You don't know how much...”

“I think I might have an idea...”  Andy shook her head, “Gram continues to ask you, right?”

Mary nodded. “She's so patient.”

Placing her hand on Mary's shoulder, Andy asked quietly, “How much longer are you going to make her wait?” 

“It's so difficult...”

Andy chuckled a little and squeezed the shoulder under her hand lightly. “It's easier than you think.”  She leaned down and whispered in Mary's ear. “Watch.”  Walking directly back to Miranda, she took her bride in her arms and whirled her around the empty space provided by the other dancers.  It was partially for Mary's benefit, but this was exactly where Andy wanted to be.

 ###

Andy loved dancing with Miranda.  Swaying in her arms, or dancing to a faster tempo song just being able to enjoy Miranda's company and knowing that Miranda was also having a great time was amazing.  A glance at the tables at the edge of the dance floor made Andy nod.  One of the guests was checking her watch, probably preparing to leave, so it was time for phase two of Operation New Beginnings.  With a small kiss to Miranda's lips, Andy moved away from her bride toward the DJ's table.

She smiled at Cassidy and gave Alyssa a nod before speaking with Carmen.  “I need you to play a song for me, now.”

“Oh?”  Carmen blinked, but reached for the controls on her board, “Um.. sure.  What song?”

Andy licked her lips and grinned. “Vogue.”

“What?”  Carmen was aware of her two 'helpers' gasps, “But you said...”

“Yeah, I know what I said, but I need it...”  She assured the woman, “trust me.”

“I played it earlier, Andy... on the piano.”  Cassidy's eyes were wide. “Mom got really mad.”

“But it's important... for a reason.”  Andy again assured them, “Trust me.  If Miranda gets mad, I'll take the heat.”  She looked at Carmen. “I need the Immaculate Collection version...”

It was a pretty specific request, but easy to fill. “Sure...”  The song that was playing was fading, so Carmen cued up the song and hit the button.  Madonna's voice immediately sounded through the large speakers.

What're you lookin' at?

The entire room went silent as the tones and finger snapping filled the room.  All eyes watched as Andrea Sachs-Priestly walked across the large space, blew a kiss to her wife, Miranda Priestly-Sachs, editor-in-chief of Runway magazine, the premiere magazine in the fashion industry then walked past her, straight to Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine, Runway's direct competitor and bitter rival.

Andy smiled at the stunned woman and held out her hand. “Care to dance?”

“Are you trying to get me killed?”

One dark eye winked. “Trust me.”

Quirking one eyebrow, Anna took the offered hand and stood just as Madonna suggested for them to “strike a pose,” which they both did, and then moved to the dance floor to begin the dance in earnest.

Emily watched the entire scene, fuming quietly at Andrea but even her quiet, “Bloody Hell.” fell silent as Miranda approached the dancing couple.

Anna spoke through her smile. “She's going to kill me.”

Andy just shook her head and counted, “Five, four, three, two...” A hand on her shoulder twirled her around so in place of “one,” Andy laughed and identified the cutter, “Miranda.”

Locking gazes with her wife for half a heartbeat, Miranda smirked and turned to Anna then smiled and began to dance, perfectly replicating the complicated hand motions and dance moves that Madonna used for the song.

“You know these moves?”  Anna was a little stunned.

Miranda laughed as she continued the dance. “Don't you?”

Grinning at that, Anna also began the complicated motions and matched Miranda in the even more technically challenging footwork.

Andy grabbed a drink from a passing waiter and found a seat with a good view of Miranda and Anna dancing.  She did love to watch Miranda move.  Her eyes flickered to the blue covering over Miranda's shoulders, and a devious smile matched the twinkle in her eye.

“Uh oh...” Pava grinned as she approached her granddaughter, “That looks like Trouble if I've ever seen it.”

“No trouble, Gram.” Andy's expression remained. “Just making plans, for later.”

Pava laughed and patted Andy's shoulder as she walked on past. “In that case, I think it's Miranda who is in trouble...”

Andy returned her gaze to her dancing wife and nodded as she thought, You bet she is.

###

Jo chuckled and tightened the arm she had around Blair's waist as they approached Andy's table. “The Old Lady has some moves...”

Andy grinned up at her friends. “Oh yeah...”  Gesturing to the empty chairs at her table, Andy laughed, “Have a seat.”  She returned her gaze to Miranda. “The song is nearly over...” 

The music faded with a final “Vogue” from Madonna sounding through the speakers.  There was a small exchange between the publishing titans during the nearly deafening applause from the attendees.  Both women smiled at each other and laughed as they parted ways.  Andy knew that they were laughing about the rivalry as it was portrayed in the tabloids.  They were competitors, but aside from wanting to crush the rival magazine into pulp and use it for hamster cage lining all over town, Miranda held the highest respect for Anna and what she accomplished.  Through the “assistant's grapevine,” Andy knew that respect was mutual and the rivalry was just as bitter on Anna's end.  She had heard that Anna had once used issues of Runway to potty train her children's dog.  It's like lawyers, she thought. Daddy used to have the most vicious in-court fights with his opposing counsel but when the trial was over they'd go out for drinks.  Her musings were cut short as Miranda joined them, foregoing a chair in favor of Andy's lap.  Laughing at that, Andy wrapped her arms around her bride. “Having fun?”

“Yes, that was great fun.” Miranda chuckled and nuzzled Andrea's ear. “I must maintain my unpredictable reputation, right?”

“You bet.” Andy captured her wife's lips. “No one would have thought you would even know that dance...”

“Ms. Ciccone knew.” Miranda grinned. “She has graced the cover of Runway several times during her career, Andrea.”

Astonished, Andy's voice was tinged with incredulity. “Madonna... taught you that dance.”

“Of course.” Miranda grinned. “Why do you seem so surprised at that, Andrea?”

Laughing, Andy stole another quick kiss and shook her head. “I have no idea.”  She hugged Miranda slightly tighter. “No wonder you're the reigning champion of Dance Dance Revolution.”

“You will find,” Serena's amused voice turned all their heads toward the approaching woman, “that there are many things you can learn from the people featured in Runway.”

“Madonna taught you how to dance too?”

“I have never met Madonna.” Serena grinned at Miranda. “She was before my time.”

Andy gasped, but Miranda only chuckled. “That was not a dig at my age, Andrea.  Ms. Ciccone has not been on the cover during Serena's tenure at the magazine.”

Serena nodded and smiled at her friend. “There are, however, others that I have met.”

“You believe you can do better?” Miranda's tone was clearly challenging.  The dance she and Anna had just completed was quite strenuous for someone of any age, especially in heels.  “Perhaps a demonstration is in order.”  A decidedly English voice interrupted the moment.

“There you are... I have been looking everywhere...”  Emily stopped suddenly, when she realized Serena and Miranda had been speaking to each other. “Oh... Sorry... I didn't...” Shaking off that line of thought, Emily got back to the reason she was looking for Serena. “I wanted to let you know I was going to leave for a moment...” Emily sighed. “I need to take care of that, problem.”

“Not yet.” Serena held Emily by the biceps and sat her in a chair, with a clear view of the dance area. “I have been issued a challenge and I want you to see my response.”  Standing, Serena gave Miranda a half bow. “I do this, because you requested it, and it is your day.”  She impressed that on them, “I would never do it otherwise.”  Holding up her hand, Serena requested some time. “Give me a moment to speak with the DJ, and find some backup dancers.”

Miranda barely waited for Serena to walk away when she shifted on Andrea's lap to speak to Emily. “What problem are you dealing with?”

“Someone tried to crash the wedding ceremony.  He had a fake invitation.”  Emily sighed, “I figure he's just a overzealous member of the press...”

“Mmmm.. possibly.”  Miranda considered that. “I wish to speak to him.”  She questioned further, “Do you have the faux invitation?”

“I believe Andy's brother still has it.” Emily looked around the crowded room. “I was going to find him next.”

Andy watched Serena grab Doug and Nigel's hands before going to speak with Carmen, but answered Emily. “He was dancing with Gram, but I'm sure you'll find him by the bar about now, surrounded by models.”

“How do you know that?”  It would have been the last place she would have looked.  She would have thought he'd be dancing.  Emily was so busy sending a text to the security people that she barely listened to Andy's answer.

“That's where he always is...”  Andy laughed. “Plus, Caroline gave him a little boost with the clackers earlier... so he'll be taking advantage of that for sure.”  She grinned at her bride, “Eventually, he'll approach us with at least two models on his arms... because they will have cajoled him into bringing them to meet The Miranda Priestly.”

“Really... you think they want to meet, her?”  Miranda's happy expression morphed into her business mask, “I can certainly oblige.”

Disregarding the cold expression, Andy nuzzled Miranda's neck. “Mmmm... My Dragon Lady.”

Emily looked as though she was going to be sick, but luckily the current song faded and Carmen's voice sounded through the speakers.

“Okay, following that fantastic Madonna tribute, we have another performance.”  She manipulated the controls to light a large area of the dance floor. “If you would make room for the dancers...”

 ###

Andy giggled as Serena arranged Doug and Nigel on either side of her, “Oh no...”

Miranda chuckled as Nigel's protest of “This is Dolce!” crossed the distance between them.  Apparently Serena had no regard for the man's suit and gestured for him to stay where he was, the Brazilian's “Just like last night, follow my lead.” instructions carried just as easily in the silence between songs.  Then at a signal from Serena, the music began to thump out of the speakers.

All the single ladies...  All the single ladies....

Emily's eyes widened as she recognized the song.  Serena had been enamored with it for a long time, since she'd first heard it.  Then she had done Beyonce's make up for the cover shoot and the obsession had consolidated.  The lyrics seemed to strike a chord with Serena, describing almost perfectly her relationship with her jealous ex: the main reason Serena had left her beloved homeland.  The pronouns were wrong, of course, but the sentiment was the same.  Now Emily's heart raced in time with the music as Serena moved, perfectly copying the dance the singer had performed in the very popular music video.

Andy held Miranda tighter on her lap as the woman laughed at Nigel's attempts to follow Serena's movements.  The megawatt smile made an appearance at the sound of genuine Miranda-laughs, but also at Doug's less than stellar efforts.

Emily had studiously avoided looking at Miranda on Andy's lap, in Andy's arms, and now her entire attention was drawn by Serena anyway.  The rest of the crowd faded away as Serena caught her eye and Emily was totally fascinated by the glimpses of Serena's legs and the dancer's shaking hips.  From what seemed like far away, Emily heard Miranda and Andy laughing.  But then nothing else registered for Emily as the long lengths of Serena's legs appeared as she undulated to the music, lowering to the ground with one leg extended then gracefully rising to continue the dance.

Andy pressed her forehead against Miranda's shoulder, trying not to watch Doug's hilarious performance for fear of dying of laughter.  She was laughing so hard she was concerned for a moment that she would drop Miranda off her lap!  Miranda was nearly howling with laughter as well.  Andy looked up just in time to see Doug smack himself in the face during one of the more complicated hand motion routines.  That did it.  She totally lost it as tears began to leak out of the corners of her deep brown eyes.  This was priceless!

Emily didn't hear any of the laughter, her heart was pounding so hard.  She couldn't take her eyes off Serena.  The Brazilian was so beautiful, and had been such a rock-solid friend these last few weeks, while they explored the possibility of being more.  Her eyes tracked Serena as she moved around the space so effortlessly until suddenly the dancers were still, posed at the end of the music just like they had been in the official video.  Emily swallowed hard as she slowly came out of her daze and joined in the applause for the performance.   She didn't even see Miranda and Andrea moving from their seat until a hand on her shoulder stopped her applause.  Looking up into clear blue eyes, her heart pounded hard again, for a different reason, or maybe it was the same reason after all.  “Miranda?”

With a deep breath, Miranda released the clasp on the bracelet she wore and dropped it into Emily's hands. “Perhaps a bracelet will do as well as a ring?”

Emily looked at the jewelry in her hand, recognizing the silver strand to be Serena's.  “How...”

Miranda tilted her head and smiled.  “My something borrowed.  Return it to her...”  Leaning back into Andrea's embrace, as her bride moved up behind her, Andrea's voice tickled her ear.

“Ready?”

“Mmmm...”  Nodding, Miranda raised her eyebrows at Emily. “We will take care of the gate crasher later.  Let him sweat in the security office a while longer.  I believe it is time now to cut the cake?”

Emily checked her schedule and nodded. “Yes...”

“Very well.” Shifting away, Miranda slid her hand into Andrea's. “Shall we?”

“You bet!” Andy began to pull Miranda toward the cake table. “My fourth favorite thing of the night...”

Miranda stopped. “Fourth?”

“Mmmm...” Andy leaned in to nibble Miranda's ear and whispered,  “Things yet to come....” Her hands brushed the scarf covering Miranda's shoulders. “The wedding ceremony.... our first dance... cake.”

“I see.”  Reaching up, Miranda guided Andrea's mouth to hers, murmuring, “One must have priorities...” just before their lips touched briefly.

When they parted, Andy whimpered, “Miranda...”

“Soon, my Darling...” Caressing Andrea's cheek with her fingertips, Miranda nodded. “Soon.”

 ###

They made their way through the crowd, accepting congratulations with nods and smiles, until they reached the table holding the large, elegant, cake.  It was, in fact, nine cakes.  Three each were arranged in a step-type pattern alongside the main three tiered cake in the middle.  The intricate decorations were reminiscent of the Greek temple design and the custom-made cake topper made both women smile.  The small figurines standing on top of the cake were both depicted wearing classic fashions.  The white haired figure dressed in Valentino was looking slightly down at the darker haired figure, wearing a miniature version of the famed Little Black Dress, and Chanel boots of all things.  It was almost perfect.  Miranda smirked as she reached up and pushed the top of the Valentino clad figure down slightly into the cake, until the two figures were even.

Andy laughed and nodded. “Now it's right.”

“Of course.”  Miranda took a deep breath and looked around at the gathered crowd.  They had all seen the couple walking toward the cake table.  Grateful blue eyes landed on the members of her family, several members of Andrea's family, and also their closest friends, Donatella, Lillian, Douglas, and Nigel.  She wanted to thank them, all, for being here, but suddenly Miranda was overwhelmed with the very unfamiliar emotion of, gratitude.  It was quickly supplanted by love, as Andrea's voice carried through the crowd.

“Miranda and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for being here.”  Andy smiled at her wife. “We cannot tell you how much it means to us to share this day with so many of our family and friends.”

Nodding, Miranda found her voice.  “We will be planning a series of small dinner parties,”  grinning at her wife, Miranda added, “in a few weeks.”  She looked out among the crowd.  “There are many of you that I feel Andrea should get to know better, now that she has, foolishly, plunged headlong into my world.”  She did not have to look to know that Andrea was smiling.

“Really Miranda...” Andy's hand closed around the handle of the knife they were going to use to cut the cake.  “You shouldn't call me foolish, when I'm about to have some of the most delicious cake on the planet, less than an inch from your face.”

Covering Andrea's hand with her own, Miranda guided the knife through the dessert in the traditional fashion.  “You wouldn't dare.”  They had discussed the appalling “tradition” that some couples employed of smashing the cake on the other's face.  They had both agreed to forgo that particular part of the ceremony.

“I dunno, Miranda...” Andy picked up the small bite of cake with a gleam in her eye, “... apparently I'm 'foolish'...”

“Andrea,” Miranda's voice was low, warning, as she held a bite of the cake they'd just cut, readying it to retaliate any actions her new wife may take. “Be absolutely sure, before you act.”

“Oh... I'm sure...” Andy smiled and gently fed the bite to Miranda. She took the bite Miranda gave her, fingers and all.  It was quick, but Andy's tongue caressed Miranda's fingertip before she released the hand back to its owner.  The cake disappeared from her mouth, almost melting as she chewed and swallowed. “You see... I know what I'm doing.”  Reaching down, Andy deliberately ran her index finger through a bit of icing that was left at the edge of the cake where they had cut it.  Moving as though to lick the icing off herself, Andy switched directions quickly and in a flash a small dab of the sweet stuff was stuck to Miranda's lips.  “Oh... no...” Andy grinned. “Foolish me...”

Resisting the urge to lick the icing off her own lips, Miranda merely looked at Andrea, and waited.  After a few seconds, her eyebrows raised, in a clear what-are-you-waiting-for question.  Her heart rate increased as Andrea's brilliant smile lit the room and the woman moved in to clean up the mess she had made.

Andy only just glanced at her mother with a sort of sorry-Mom shrug and then fully focused on Miranda.  The sugary icing vanished quickly, leaving only Miranda's lips and mouth to explore, which Andy did, with reckless abandon for a long, long moment.

Pulling away slowly, Andy rested her forehead against Miranda's and smiled. “Still think I'm foolish?”

Miranda smirked and pulled Andrea away from the table to allow the servers to finish the cutting and distribution.  In her most amused tone, Miranda asked, “Coffee, Darling?”  Stepping aside, Miranda gestured to a table that had been quickly set up while they had been busy with the cake.

Andy gasped. “Miranda, what have you done?”

Hesitating, Miranda sighed and shrugged. “I wasn't sure what you would be in the mood for so I...”

Andy chuckled and nuzzled against Miranda's ear. “So you just got everything.”  Looking over the array of additives on the table, she couldn't even think of anything else that might possibly be added to coffee.  All the syrup bottles and sprinkles, not to mention the creamers and milk were arranged next to a large coffee making machine, Andy smiled at the nice looking man dressed in the Starbuck's uniform who was standing by for orders.  This was above and beyond, “coffee” and it was so typically Miranda. “I love you.”

“I love you too.”  Miranda smirked, “Go on...”  She had barely released her hold on Andrea before Blair linked elbows with the younger woman and ushered her to the coffee bar.

“You've done it now.” Jo chuckled and bumped her shoulder against Miranda's.  “Neither one of them are going to sleep tonight.”

“I would imagine not.” Miranda's watched the friends each try to outdo the other with the outrageous additives to their drinks then turned her smirking expression on Jo, raised one eyebrow and spoke quietly, “And you're welcome.”

Laughing at that, Jo wrapped her arm around Miranda's shoulders, jostling the older woman slightly.  She opened her mouth to speak but Miranda beat her to it.

“Ain't I somethin'?”  With a wink, Miranda's hand slid around Jo's waist, smirking as Jo's arm automatically wrapped around her as well.

Laughing at her catch phrase passing Miranda's lips, Jo gestured to the coffee bar with her free hand. “Shall we?”

“Mmmm...” Miranda nodded as they began to walk forward. “Indeed.”

 ###

“Hey, Sis.”

Andy's big brown eyes looked over the rim of her third mug of coffee.  Her eyes darted to Miranda for just a moment the I-told-you evident in her eyes. “Hey, Chad.” Glancing at the women on his arms, she asked, “Having fun?”

“You bet I am.” His blue eyes twinkled as he smiled. “I do have some stuff to do later though, so, we gonna do this dance thing or what?”  He knew their dad was in the hotel somewhere, but they had decided long beforehand that the traditional father/daughter dance would be easier if the brothers had the honor.

Miranda chuckled. “Yes, we are going to do this... 'dance thing'.”  She grinned at her new brother-in-law. “It seems we all have other,” glancing at Andrea, Miranda smirked, “stuff ...to, ah, do... this evening.”  She licked her lips, adjusted the blue covering on her shoulders and watched as a lovely blush spread across Andrea's skin. 

Standing, Miranda offered her hand to Andrea then looked at the women standing with Chad. “Heather, Yara,” clear blue eyes crinkled at the corners as the models were startled by her recognition of them, “Andrea will need her brother for a short time.” With a smirk Miranda tilted her head. “I'm sure you won't mind.”

“No, Miranda.”  “Not at all, Miranda.”  Both models released their hold on the young man and moved away.

Asher only took a short backward glance at the two lovely women moving away as he approached the brides, then focused on his sister. “So, we are ready for the dance, yes?”

David walked up to the group, his arm around Josie's waist. “Yes, I believe it is time for Miriam and me to dance.”

“What?”  Asher was astonished “You and Miriam?”  He shook his head, “No... I am the one to dance with her.” He emphatically reminded his brother, “I am the oldest here!”

“Not true.” Tante Louise chuckled as they all turned to look at her. “I believe I am the oldest.”

Miranda shook her head and returned Tante's chuckle before announcing, “I will begin the dance with, Daniel, Asher may cut in after thirty seconds, then I will finish the dance with Tante.”  With a tilt of her head, very much a Dragon Lady move, Miranda asked her family, “Acceptable?”

Andy laughed, “Well, glad that worked out.” She linked her elbow with Chad's and they headed toward the dance floor.  “At least we don't have to worry about anyone cutting in on us.”  Smiling at the people who were making a large space for the traditional dance, Andy turned to face her brother, looking up at him with a wry smile. “Ma and Gram probably have Daddy tied up and locked in a closet somewhere.”

“No.” Chad sighed and took his sister's hand, placing his other hand, formally, on her waist as they began to move to the music.  He took a moment, obviously debating with himself about something then informed her, “He isn't restrained.”

“Oh.” Andy opened her mouth to ask how he knew that, but being her brother Chad knew what she was going to ask.

“He was at the ceremony.”

“what?”

Andy instinctively glanced at Miranda, who was in the process of switching partners from Daniel to Asher.  She amended her earlier thought and wondered if Asher would cut in on Chad after his dance with Miranda was over.

Nodding at his sister, the tall blonde man, quietly explained. “He came in just as you made it to the riser steps.”

“so he...”

“He heard the vows, saw the kiss...” Chad pulled Andy a bit closer, “and yeah, probably heard Nigel announce you as he left.”

“He didn't stop the ceremony...”

“He couldn't, not the way Nigel phrased it.” Chad grinned at his astonished sister. “It's not illegal for you to get married... Dad just doesn't like it very much.”

Andy laughed as the phrase Miranda had told Nate floated through her mind.  She spoke it aloud for Chad. “You have a flair for understatement.”  She grinned at Chad's smile then her expression sobered as her brother's did. “Chad?  What's...”  She blinked as a familiar male voice behind her spoke quietly.

“May I cut in?”

Feeling as if her heart skipped a beat, Andy turned to face the man. “Daddy...”


TBC in Part 58

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