Miranda saw what was happening and began to move toward Andrea, only to be stopped by her dance partner.
“She is his daughter.” Louise held tight to her niece's hand. “That will not change.”
“She's my wife!” Her low, intense tones emphasized the words for Tante alone.
The older woman's nod and calm response also soothed Miranda. “And that will not change either.” She continued to sway to the music with her youngest niece. “Give them a moment.”
###
Dorothy had been standing with her arms crossed in front of her, smiling, as she watched her children dance when she noticed her husband lurking on the edge of the hardwood floor. Dropping her arms to her sides, she moved to intercept the man before he made a scene. An iron grip on her elbow stopped her.
“Let him be.”
Pava looked down into Dorothy's hard eyes and shook her head. “He needs to resolve this, and so does Andy.” She released her hold but repeated her previous statement. “Let him be.”
“He's my husband. I can't let him make a fool out of himself...”
“He's my son...and I can.” Sighing, Pava only glanced once at Mary before she directed her comments to Dorothy again. “What Andy said about choices, is true. We all make them, we all live with them. This is something Richard has to do. Whatever choice he's made for himself, he will have to live with the place it takes him.”
“Do you think...” Dorothy blinked. “Do you think telling him about, yourself... helped?”
Pava swallowed hard and shook her head. “I don't know, Darlin'... I hope so.”
They watched as Richard cut in on Chad, and began to dance with his daughter. Dorothy wasn't surprised to hear Pava echo herself quietly.
“I hope so.”
###
Richard danced with his daughter for a few awkward moments before he sighed, “You look beautiful, Baby.”
Despite herself, Andy smiled, her eyes shining at the praise, “Thank you, Daddy.”
They danced for a few more moments before he sighed again, “It wasn't supposed to be this way you know...” Shaking his head stopped her response and he continued speaking, “You weren't supposed to grow up.”
Now Andy was exasperated, “Daddy....we all grow up.”
Pulling her close, he whispered in her ear, “According to my mother, I haven't yet.”
“Well...”
Putting some distance between them, he acknowledged, “I suppose she thinks I have been acting like a baby lately. But I think I'm acting like a father, trying to keep his child from making a huge mistake...”
“It's my mistake to make, Daddy.” Andy smiled sadly. “But it isn't. This is exactly the right choice, for me. I'm just glad you don't hate me for it.”
“I could never hate you!” He swallowed hard, but continued moving slowly to the music, “I... don't know if I will, ever be able to... understand or approve of,” he glanced toward Miranda who was glaring at him, “...this.” He spoke again, quickly before Andy was able to respond. “But I told you before... you're my daughter, no matter what. I'll always love you, no matter what.”
Andy pressed her lips together and felt the tears in her eyes on the verge of spilling over the edge. “Thank you, Daddy.” Wrapping her arms around his neck, Andy buried her face in his neck and whispered, “I love you too.”
“I'm still going to need...time, though.” He felt her head moving against his shoulder and knew Andy was nodding, accepting that things weren't all resolved.
They stayed in the hug until the song ended. After only a few seconds of silence, Andy felt a soft touch on her back, and heard Miranda's voice.
“Is everything.. alright?”
“Yes!” Shifting her hold, Andy released Richard and moved to Miranda's side. Pressing her forehead lightly into Miranda's temple, “Everything is just fine.” Another slow song began to play, giving them enough breathing room to continue talking, even while standing at the edge of the dance area.
“Good.” Miranda held Richard's gaze for a moment before dismissing the man by merely turning toward to Andrea. “I have sent the girls to fetch the throwaway flowers from our dressing rooms. We must toss out our bouquets and then we will be able to make our escape.”
Andy laughed and played with the edge of the blue covering on Miranda's shoulders. “Sounds good to me.” She was completely ready to be alone with Miranda but reminded her wife of another obligation that needed to be resolved before they left. “You also need to talk to the gatecrasher.”
“I have requested that the Good Detective handle that situation on my behalf. She should be doing so now.” At Andy's puzzled expression, Miranda smirked. “She and I had plenty of time to chat while you and her wife were debating the health benefits of adding soy milk to your coffee.”
With a million watt smile, Andy chuckled, “Silk is great in coffee. It's really creamy and delicious. I don't know why Blair is so against it.”
“Excuse me.” Richard widened his eyes when he realized that the women, Yes, he thought to himself, Andy is a woman now, someone's wife, had forgotten that he was there. “Gatecrasher?” That didn't sound good to him. He thought Miranda had said she would keep Andy safe.
Miranda waved off the question. “They happen at nearly every wedding. This is most likely a member of the press wanting a closer look at the ceremony.”
The lawyer in him heard the tone of Miranda's voice. “But maybe not... what else would it be?”
Andy sighed and gestured to an empty table near them. “Let's sit.”
Miranda was amused at the sudden popularity of that table. As they found their seats, Dorothy, Chad, Pava and Mary all gathered around and took seats of their own.
Looking around the table, Andy glanced at Miranda then she began to speak, to her father. The others at the table listened closely and Andy was glad that the music was not blaring.
“Someone has been sending manipulated photographs... of me... to us,” Her attention was drawn by Miranda clearing her throat and Andy sighed and corrected the statement, “... to Miranda. We think they wanted us to break up, before the wedding.”
“Doctored?” Chad shrugged, “Aren't all those magazine photos airbrushed and stuff?”
Miranda sniffed, “Not always and not usually to the point of putting the subjects naked in bed together.” She saw Andy's father pale, but the rest of the family were instantly incensed, all of them nearly shouting at the outrageous accusations. Miranda held up her hand for the rest of the table to quiet. From the corner of her eye she saw Jo and Blair re-enter the room and gestured for them to join the table. When the couple reached them, Miranda turned to Richard, asking, “You have something to say?”
“I thought it was a joke.” He shook his head and gathered his thoughts, “Some time ago, I received a phone call. The caller did not identify himself, but asked me how much I was willing to risk and possibly lose, to prevent you from marrying Andy.” Richard shrugged. “At that time I was pretty angry with the situation and told them in a fairly sarcastic tone that the number was pretty high as was my...” Richard lowered his eyes from Miranda's, “hatred for you.”
Used to that sentiment, Miranda waved it off. “Continue.”
“He went on to outline a plan for several non-related people to slowly buy up as much Elias-Clarke stock as possible, then at a designated time, everyone was supposed to sell the shares they had accumulated.” He pulled his phone from his pocket. “This message came in yesterday morning.”
“Tomorrow, 5 pm”
“Mmmm... set to coincide with the wedding ceremony.” Miranda tapped her finger against her lips. “So there would be no doubt as to the cause of the drop...”
“Did you?” Andy's quiet voice was choked. “Did you sell, Daddy?”
He shook his head and met his daughter's dark eyes, “No... I never even bought any.” He admitted, “I thought about it though.” Tearing his gaze away from Andy, he looked at Miranda. “Do you think that has anything to do with the... pictures?”
Jo spoke up. “Doubtful.”
“That sounds familiar though...” Blair thought back. “When Daddy finally gave me a chance at running the company... Warner Industries stocks took a big tumble.” She shook her head. “I thought it was because Daddy was stepping down, but if it was orchestrated...”
“It happened before...” Andy realized and tangled her fingers with Miranda's. “When you appeared on the TV shows with me.”
“It was a rather dramatic drop, but it didn't last...” Miranda tried to put together pieces of the big picture, unsure if they all went to the same picture or not. She asked Andrea's father, “When were you contacted regarding the stock manipulation?”
“Only a few days before the television appearances...” He hesitated, “Just after you visited me, that's why I was so angry, angry enough to consider the plan,” He glanced at Dorothy. “Angry enough to keep quiet about it.”
“Not long enough lead time to be effective.” That puzzled Miranda more than anything.
“Someone jumped the gun!” Blair laughed. “They must have sensed an opportunity and the members of the group with large numbers of shares went for it.”
“But everything wasn't in place yet.” Jo grinned at her wife, “so when the sold stock was quickly repurchased... the maneuver failed.”
“There was no fluctuation at all when we appeared in the Pride Parade.” Miranda was looking at her phone's screen. Her eyebrows raised as she looked at the rise and fall of the stock on today's chart, “There was a significant amount of activity today, just after five p.m.” She handed the device to Blair. “It doesn't seem to have lasted very long.”
“Nope,” With her blue eyes twinkling past her dark blonde hair, Blair returned Miranda's phone to her. “There must have been someone buying up the shares as soon as they were sold.”
“Yeah, no kidding.”
They all turned to see an unfamiliar tall man approaching their table.
“Ah,” Miranda stood and hugged the man, kissing his cheeks. Usually a socially appropriate gesture, Miranda now made it seem more like old friends greeting each other. “Archie... just the person I wanted to see. May I introduce you to my wife.. Andrea.”
Andy stood and held out her hand, “Andy, please.”
“Pleasure to meet you.” He bowed slightly as he shook her hand. “When you have a chance we should talk...”
Miranda chuckled. “Always working...” She smiled as she returned to her seat and Archie pulled up a chair beside her. “It seems you have already been very busy this evening.”
He laughed, his bright-white teeth contrasting with his ebony skin. “Yes. You were too, but while your endeavor was for pleasure, a stock brokers work is never done. There is always a market open somewhere in the world.” He held up his mobile device and grinned. “Thank goodness for wireless internet.”
“I take it I have made money today...” Miranda's eyes glittered at the mock hurt Archie displayed.
Placing his hand over his heart, Archie chuckled. “Oh ye of little faith... I'm crushed.” Winking, he dropped his arm to his side. “Of course you did...” His eyes flickered to Andy. “As did many of my other clients.”
“Excellent!” Miranda nodded. “I assume you are happy with your usual commission?”
“Extremely.” His deep dark eyes crinkled with amusement. “Why do you think I work so hard for you?”
Lily wandered over to the table and leaned down to hug Andy from behind, whispering, casually but not so quietly, in her friend's ear as she looked over the unfamiliar man at the table, “Who's your friend?”
Miranda chuckled, “Lillian, my I present Archie Wilson. He's my money manager.” She grinned. “Archie, this is Andrea's friend, Lillian Goodwin. She runs an art gallery in Manhattan.”
Smiling at the introduction, Lily chuckled and moved to shake the man's hand. “Most people call me Lily. Pleasure to meet you.”
“The pleasure,” Archie grinned and stood to reach out and take Lily's hand, “is all mine.” He kissed the offered hand and winked then returned his attention to Miranda,.“I will forward the reports to you, so that you may look over the information at your convenience.”
“Thank you, Archie.” Miranda knew the man was now ready to go enjoy the, festivities. “I believe it is nearly time to put my original request into play, is it not?”
“Yes, it is. It's all in the reports.” Bowing slightly to his biggest, best and most favorite client, who he also considered a friend, Archie smiled then looked at the woman he'd just met. “Would you care for a drink?”
“That sounds great.” Lily flashed a little, wow-this-guy-seems-cool, grin at Andy and linked elbows with the man as they walked to the bar.
“So, Detective,” Miranda pinned Jo with a cool blue stare. “You don't believe the gate crasher had anything to do with the photographic mischief?”
“That's not what I said.” Jo grinned, “I said he didn't have anything to do with the stock manipulation.” She shrugged. “I think he had a lot to do with the photos.” She informed them, “Hotel security searched his room, they found a laptop with a lot of photos on it, of different people, in compromising positions... you two aren't his only targets.” She nodded at their astonished expressions. “I also don't think he worked alone. There is a trail via email connecting him with several people.” She assured them, “The tech guys on the police force here are on it; tracking down everyone he has contacts with.” Catching Andy gazing at Miranda's covered shoulders, Jo smirked. “I took the liberty of putting them in touch with your lawyer. He's with them now. When the police are finished with their investigation, they'll inform him of their findings.”
“Excellent.” Miranda nodded. “I will contact Keith in a week...” she glanced at Andrea, “or so, to see what our options are regarding any legal action we may wish to pursue.” She squeezed the fingers in hers slightly. “Well, now that all that has been settled, shall we get on with this...”
“You bet,” Andy grinned and stood with Miranda. “Let's do this thing.”
###
The assembled crowd didn't need the DJ's announcement that the bouquet toss was about to happen. They had all seen the Devil's Spawn carrying the flowers through the room and knew what it meant. All the women who wanted to participate gathered quickly on the large open area of the dance floor. Miranda smirked at the crowd. “This is a non-traditional wedding, therefore the bouquet toss should be non-traditional as well. Any man who may want to join in this part of the ceremony is welcome to do so.”
Only a couple of men joined the group, and they stood in the back. Miranda looked over the assembly and leaned in to whisper to Andrea. “You take left. I'll take right.”
Glancing at the crowd, Andy smiled a million watt smile and nodded. “You got it, Boss.”
###
Emily glanced up at all the women, and the few men, standing anxiously on the hardwood floor. “They can't be serious...” Why anyone would participate in this ridiculous part of the ceremony was beyond her comprehension. They actually wanted to be the next person to get married? Even Serena was there. That hadn't actually been a surprise though, the woman had mentioned marriage and weddings, in passing, with more and more frequency. Emily shook her head and assumed that is what one did when their pseudo-girlfriend was planning one of the biggest events of the social season.
Now that it was nearly over, Emily had a lot to do to prepare for her new job. It actually started on Monday, but there would be a week that Joan would be there with her before she left for London. Then Emily would be on her own in the position. This e-mail was actually for Joan. It was a list of realtors and what Emily considered better neighborhoods for the woman to consider while searching for a flat. Until she found a place, Runway would have temporary housing for her. Emily wondered if she should think about looking for another apartment as well, but she rather liked the place she was in now, so that could obviously wait. One thing was perfectly clear to Emily, there were too many things she needed to do and consider before ever taking part in some silly superstition, too many things to think about besides some long outdated tradition of choosing the next people to get married. Marriage, Emily shuddered, horrid business, that.
###
Mary shook her head, resisting Pava's pull to join the group.
“Don't you wanna be next, Darlin'?”
“I...” Mary pulled her hand out of Pava's grip and remained seated, “...am far too old to be participating in those kinds of shenanigans.” She gave her friend a stern look. “And so are you!”
Pava chuckled and stopped trying to persuade her friend to join in, happy that at least the seed of the idea had now taken hold in Mary's mind. Keeping her smirk to a minimum and feeling Mary's eyes on her back, Pava moved to mingle with the others, putting herself in the line of fire.
###
The surge toward the flying bouquets was brief. The models that caught them smiled, uncharacteristically, and stepped aside to wait and see who they would be paired with after the garters were caught.
Miranda could tell that a few people in crowd had been disappointed at the direction of the bouquet throws, some more than others, and now she smirked at the low chanting that was coming from the group.
“Garter... garter... garter...”
There was some shifting among the assembled people. Some of the women left the group, several more men joined in, their eyes on the models who were standing on the sidelines holding the flowers they'd caught. Miranda looked at her bride and raised one perfectly sculpted eyebrow in question. Andrea's large eyes reflected the lighting in the room, and allowed Miranda to see the internal mischief the young woman was obviously feeling.
Andy grinned and moved to sit at an empty table behind them. It was easy to get to her garter because, although not normally visible, there was a slit down the side of her dress. So she sat and took a deep breath as Miranda pulled the fabric aside, revealing a long length of leg. Miranda knelt and only had to slide her hand halfway under the top of the opening to reach the decorative garter.
Andy's gaze was solidly on the Miranda-blue eyes looking into hers, but she did feel the band make its way down her leg and heard the cheer when it was totally removed. As Miranda stood, twirling the item on her index finger, she spoke quietly. “My turn.”
Switching places, Andy now found herself kneeling in front of Miranda. The fashion icon's dress did not have convenient access to her target and Andy swallowed hard as she realized what she was going to have to do, in front of all these people.
Miranda smirked and she chuckled. “Really Andrea, you know how I love to be kept waiting.”
Andy rose to the challenge and gently slipped Miranda's shoe off then made full contact with Miranda's toes and slowly slid her hands up Miranda's leg, feeling every inch of the luscious skin that she would be kissing later this evening. “I know exactly what you love, Miranda.”
Higher and higher her hands went, her arms disappearing under the dress. It would be so easy, right now to divert the path, bypass her target and go to where her hands truly wanted to be. Miranda's eyebrow, raised over dilated eyes, was all the indication she got of the woman's feelings on that subject. But, doing that, in front of all these people wasn't something Andy was ready for. That Miranda, the one Andy drew out during their intimate times, was not for public consumption, that Miranda was for her alone. The thought was intoxicating. My wife.
The crowd let out another cheer as Andy's hands emerged from under the dress with the garter from Miranda's thigh. With a laugh and a smile Andy slid Miranda's shoe back on her foot and offered her hand to assist Miranda up. To her surprise, Miranda took the hand before she stood and Andy felt a tiny bit of pressure in the grasp as the woman rose from her seat. It wasn't needed. Miranda was perfectly capable of rising out of the chair on her own, but Andy felt her heart do a double beat as Miranda accepted the assistance, accepted that they would help each other from now on. The thought that had been echoing in her brain since the ceremony took an even more enthusiastic tone in her head. My wife!
Miranda squeezed the hand in hers. “Ready, Darling?”
Andy turned around and nodded. “You bet.” She asked, “You?”
Also turning her back to the crowd, Miranda winked. “Naturally.”
On the quiet count of three, they both whipped the garters over their shoulders. They heard the surge of people as the garters flew toward the crowd.
###
Emily was livid. “Whatever possessed you to do that?”
“What?” Serena was slightly taken back by the venom in Emily's tone. “It's a wedding, this is what you do at a wedding, yes?”
“Why would you even want to catch those things?” Emily shuddered at the thought and consulted her mobile for the next tasks in the queue.
“I was merely enjoying the festivities that you have so carefully planned.” Serena sighed and admitted. “I had hoped that you would also participate and that perhaps we could dance together.”
“I've got so much to do...there's no time...”
“No.” Plucking the device from Emily's hand, Serena insisted, “The reception is nearly over. You can spare the time for a dance.”
“Hey!” Emily grabbed her planner back. “Nearly over or not, there are still things I must do!”
“Fine!” Serena ground her teeth at the rebuff, “I'll just find someone else to dance with then.” The tall woman turned and took a step before Emily's soft voice stopped her motion.
“Serena.” Waiting for Serena to meet her gaze, Emily pressed her lips together then slowly closed down the electronic device. “Perhaps, I have time for... one, dance.”
Nodding, a small smile crossed Serena's face. “One will do, for now.”
###
“Are you finished making a fool out of yourself?”
Pava chuckled and shook her head. “Doubtful.” Sitting next to her friend, she asked, “What's so foolish about trying to catch the bouquet?”
“You're three times as old as most of them!” Mary was exasperated. “What did you expect?”
“Well, I was hoping to catch both the flowers and the garter.” Pava grinned. “Then I could have given you the bouquet and we could have danced together.
That explanation didn't fly with Mary. “Then after you missed the flowers, why'd you still go for the garter?”
Waving off that, Pava laughed, “Oh I figured I could make a trade with one of the gals who had caught them... so I could still give them to you and we could still dance.”
Humphing at that, Mary crossed her arms. “Why do you want to dance with me so badly anyway?”
“Because I love you.” Pava smiled as Mary's gaze locked with hers. “And I...” Swallowing hard against the thoughts in her head, Pava looked away, out toward the dancers. “I just do.”
“Pava?” Mary blinked when she realized there was a tear, falling unhindered down Pava's cheek. Before she knew it, she was kneeling, somewhat painfully, in front of the crying woman. “Pava... talk to me.”
“Talking to Richard brought up so many memories.” Pava sighed. “I used to watch you, you and George, dancing.” Searching Mary's face, Pava's eyes crinkled at the corners. “You seemed so happy in his arms. I just...” Wiping the tears from her face, she shook her head. “I want to make you that happy.”
“You do.” Mary smiled softly. “You always have, that and more.”
“We've never danced.” Pava raised her eyebrows at Mary's shock.
“Of course we...”
“No, not together...” Reaching out, Pava stood gently helping Mary to her feet as well. She smiled as her fingertips gently traced over Mary's prominent cheekbones and jaw. “Only in my dreams.” She looked out at the dancers to see that other couples were beginning to join the winners of the tosses. “I would never have made you though, never have forced you to dance, when you really don't want to.”
“How long are you going to make her wait.”
“What?”
“Andy asked me how long I was going to make you wait, for me, to make up my mind... to not be, afraid anymore.”
“Doesn't matter.” Pava assured her. “I'll wait as long as you need me to.”
“What if I take too long?” Mary frowned. “What if... you...”
Mary didn't need to finish the thought. At their age it was a very central theme. Pava had meant it though, she would wait, however long it took. “If I am on my deathbed, drawing my last breath and I hear your voice whisper in my ear, “I'm not afraid,” then my last breath will be a happy one and it will have been worth the wait.”
Too long... Unlike many of the women here this evening, Mary had chosen a dress that utilized pockets. Now she reached into her pocket, her hand closing around the keepsake that she had loaned to Andy for the ceremony. “It...” She began, trying to calm her racing heart, “It's not a garter, but...” producing the bracelet, Mary looked into Pava's eyes, “maybe it will do just as well?”
Pava felt her jaw go slack as she recognized the jewelry in Mary's hand. “I... thought you had thrown it away.”
Shaking her head against the mere thought of that, Mary denied the possibility, “Never.” She watched as Pava took the bracelet from her palm. “Sometimes, it was the only thing that kept me...sane.” She held out her hand for Pava to fasten the chain around her wrist and shook her arm to settle it in place before she looked up into the eyes that had haunted her dreams for so long. Andy's words echoed in her mind, It's easier than you think. Mary held out her hand again, this time with a request. “Dance with me.”
“Are you sure?” Pava's heart fluttered as Mary nodded.
“I'm sure.” Stepping forward, Mary leaned in close and whispered, “I'm not afraid, anymore.” Mary blinked and smiled as Pava suddenly smiled a very familiar smile then led the love of her life to the dance floor.
Mary stopped their motion for a moment. “What would you have traded?”
“Hmmm?”
“You said you would have traded the models something for the bouquet, if you had caught the garter. What would you have traded?” Mary couldn't fathom what Pava could possibly trade with the women for that prize.
Pava laughed and twirled Mary around in time to the music. “That's easy.” She smiled another million watt smile and answered, “Chad.”
Laughing at that, Mary allowed herself to be swept away, practically floating in Pava's arms.
###
“So that's where you get it,” Miranda grinned at her bride, “I hadn't figured out where your smile came from, yet.”
Andy chuckled as she watched the newly paired couples dance. Miranda resumed her seat on Andy's lap and Andy squeezed her slightly. “I love you.”
“Do you?” Miranda wrapped her arms around Andrea's neck. “That's good, because you're stuck with me...”
Andy whispered a cheer, “Yaaaayyy.” She moved her lips closer to Miranda's, very nearly touching them when someone clearing their throat stopped that action.
“Sorry to interrupt...” Louise grinned, “but I would like to speak with Miriam for a moment...”
“Oh!” Andy nodded, “Sure...” She released her hold on Miranda, allowing the woman to stand, then she followed. Leaning in to finish what she'd started a moment ago, Andy pressed her lips against Miranda's and murmured as she pulled away, “Be right back.”
Miranda's hand raised involuntarily to her lips, as if to hold in the kiss they'd just shared. “I'll be waiting. It will be time for us to go soon. Find the girls, would you?”
One dark eye winked. “You bet.”
Both older women watched as Andrea walked away then took seats at the table. Miranda saw a bit of seriousness sweep over Louise's features. “What is it, Tante? What can I do for you?”
“It's... I...” Louise shook her head. “It was a beautiful ceremony.”
Miranda smiled. “You told me that before, when we were dancing.”
“Mmm.. yes, well...” The older woman looked her niece in the eye and spoke quietly. “There was one part in particular that was especially interesting, to me.”
“Oh?” Miranda waited for it. Tante had been very understanding about her relationship with Andrea, but Miranda was still slightly worried about the denouncing of her faith.
“Your new name...” The older woman pressed her lips together. “You took my name as your middle name.”
“I...” Miranda nodded. “Yes... It was really the only link I had, back to my... my family.”
“Well,” Louise smiled, her eyes glistening. “I'm honored. Thank you.”
Smiling, Miranda nodded, almost sighing in relief. “You're very welcome.”