Grass Green Paradise

Chapter 9

Miranda

"Nathalie Grayson. Will you marry me?"

My eyes widen in surprised. I couldn't even breathe. I watch my daughter's face light up like the sun before she jumps up and down in excitement, "Yes. Yes. I will marry you."

Rose eye widen, "Really?"

"What?" I say to myself and swallow the rest of the champagne. I then watch Rose stand up and pull Nathalie into a hug before kissing her deeply. She then slide the ring onto Nathalie finger and it's like I fell into my worse nightmare. My baby girl is getting married. She wasn't going to be my baby girl anymore. I stand paralyzed. A flash of images go through my head. I didn't want to sound old but dammit.... Nathalie was just learning to walk and now she's getting married.

Marriage. What's next? Children?

I touch my forehead as everything becomes blurry. I will be a grandmother. I'm not ready to be a grandmother just yet.

"Miranda? Miranda? Mira?" I snap my eyes up and Sam is standing directly in front of me. Yes. Yes. This is better. I needed her right here. I throw my arms around her neck and she slide her hands around my waist. "Breathe." She whispers in my ear. "It's okay. She's not going anywhere. Nothing will change." Sam kisses the side of my neck and then say, "Now. Let's go over there and tell them both how happy we are."

I bury my face in her neck and mumble, "I'm not happy, Sam."

"Pretend." She chuckles. "For Nathalie."

"Fine." I pout with a roll of my eyes.

Sam gives me a wide smile and say, "You know you're excited. You get to plan your daughter's wedding."

I give her a small smirk, "Maybe."

"And you know deep down you love Rose." She pushes.

I arch my eyebrow. "I think you've smacked your head on the pavement."

Sam squeezes my hip and I giggle. It still amazes me that someone could get these type of reactions out of me. Sam knows me well. It's frightened. Sam kisses my forehead and mutter, "You don't have to say it out loud. But, I know you." She then pull away and basically drag me over towards Nathalie and Rose. I look at the ring on her finger and it's beautiful. I have to give it to Rose. The ring is classy, elegant and encircled by a double row of diamonds. It fit Nathalie perfectly. I put a huge smile on my face and Rose stand next to Nathalie with confidence but I could see the nervousness in her eyes. "Congratulations." I pull Nathalie in my arms.

The night goes by in a blur as we open a bottle of champagne to celebrate Rose and Nathalie engagement. I walk into the main room to see Piper and the twins playing a video game that I didn't think Joy would approve of. Delilah pauses the game so I couldn't see what they were playing. I furrow my eyebrow at her. She was too good for her own age. "Come on Piper. It's time to go."

"Can she spend the night?" Delilah ask. "We have to get through this mission together."

"What game is this?" I walk around the table and pick up the case. I squint my eyes in confusion. "Grand Theft Auto?"

"It's about stopping the gangsters from stealing cars. It's a good lesson for children our age?" Delilah rushes out her mouth. Piper just nod her head and Lily chooses not to say anything. I shake my head in disbelief. I could tell from the man with a gun and a woman in a bikini on the cover that whatever Delilah was preaching is a lie. "Turn off the game. Bedtime."

"Ugh." Delilah protest but I give her a strict eye. "Okay." She mutters. She then hurries and hug Piper. "Bye." She waves before running up the steps. Lily gives Piper a hug before following close behind her sister. Piper walk towards me while rubbing her eyes.

"Sleepy?" I ask.

She nod her head and yawn. "I don't wanna go back? I want to stay here."

My heart pause before it begins to beat wildly against my chest. Piper yawn again and I pick her up. I go back into the kitchen to find my purse while trying to keep Piper in my arms as she becomes dead weight because she's asleep.

Sam comes up from behind me and chuckle. I can tell from her blush cheeks and eyes that she is a little tipsy from the champagne. "I have her." She pulls Piper out of my arms and I grab my purse before we head to the car. Sam puts Piper in the back seat before strapping her in safely. She then lean on the door and ask, "Will I see you tomorrow?"

"You wish to see me tomorrow?" I cock my head to the side curiously.

"Yeah." Sam grins. "I'm taking you out but wear something comfortable. We are not going to a fancy restaurant."

I smirk playfully, "I get the feeling you're not trying to impress me."

"Oh." Sam grins her eyes sparkling mischievously. "You'll be impressed." She then lean over and kisses me on the lips. "Goodnight, baby."

I'm paralyzed again for the second time tonight. She was obviously drunk but I couldn't wipe the smile off my face at hearing baby.

***

The next day I get through work quickly. I wanted to be ready for whenever Sam called me. She hasn't text me all day but I figured she was asleep from a long eventful day yesterday. Austin comes into my office and hand me a few folders. "I need this wedding to be perfect."

"I'm on it." Austin nod his head. "I'm in the process of looking for a wedding planner."

I arch my eyebrow. "Nonsense. We already have a wedding planner."

"Really." Austin pause. "I didn't know. Sorry."

My phone begins to ring and I wave him away. Austin hurry out of my office. I roll my eyes. It's not Sam. "Hello, Frank." I greet my ex-husband.

"Your assistant emailed me. You could have just called." He say.

I roll my eyes again. Annoyed. "Your daughter is getting married."

"Married..."

I cut him off before he could speak, "Yes. Marriage. You will be there. Call my office in a few weeks to get more information. Also, there will be a tux personally sent to your home."

"Who is she marrying?" Frank ask. "I should know of this man."

I snort. "Try calling your daughter more often and maybe you would know who she is spending the rest of her days with. Do not upset Nathalie, Frank. I will destroy your reputation personally."

"There is no need for threats Miranda." I can picture him frowning through the phone.

I pause and my phone begin to chime. I put Frank on speaker and ignore him as he continue to speak about morals and how this man should have asked for his permission to marry his only daughter. I ignore him and smile at the message I have received from Sam.

I'll pick you up at 8p.m. Remember, wear something comfortable.

-Sam.

I smile and my phone vibrates again.

No heels :)

-Sam

I pout. And begin to tap on the screen.

"Miranda." Frank calls my name though the speaker of the phone. "Are you listening to me?"

"I have to go. Call my assistant for more information. Goodbye, Frank." Click. I put my phone down and begin to wrap everything up for work. I walk out the office and stop. The assistants look up at me but my attention is only on Austin.

"I need a selection of gowns and dresses on my desk tomorrow afternoon." I tell him while continuing to walk out the glass doors. He jogs behind me and ask with confusion in his voice, "Okay. Where can I find the wedding planner. I'll get with them right away."

I step into the elevator. "I'm looking right at them." The elevator doors then shut before Austin can say anything more.

***

I stand in my walk in closet for mostly one hour just staring at the massive clothes that is line up in order. I huff annoyed. I pace back and forth and think. How could she tell me not to wear heels. I didn't have any shoes that weren't heels. I run my fingers through my hair and walk deeper into the closet towards the back. Most of these things is Sam clothes that she has left over here in the past. I smirk and begin to go through her things.

It was chilly tonight so I grab one of her black leather jackets, I then pair it with some dark blue jeans, and finish it off with a long white blouse and some knee high riding boots. I look myself in the mirror and begin to add accessories before running my fingers through my hair again.

Someone knocks on the door and I hurry and grab my clutch before opening the door. Sam stands there wearing a pair of jeans, some branded sneakers, and a light jacket. Her red hair is pulled away from her face up in a high and sassy ponytail. I lick my lips at the image. She was wearing a pair of silver hoop earrings and a long silver necklace that fit perfectly with her v-neck blouse.

"Hey." She smiles widely. "You ready."

"Yes." I reply.

We walk towards her jeep and she opens the door for me before hurrying to her side. I smile because I can tell she rushed and clean the jeep today. Not that it was ever dirty but it had a freshly cleaned aroma to it. She cranks it up and squeezes my thigh before driving off. She talks the whole ride and the music is playing lowly. She talks about school and her new part-time job.

"When did you get this job?" I ask her.

"Umm." She pause. "When you were away. It's nothing. Just something to do for some extra cash." She smiles.

I nod my head. Nathalie didn't tell me about this. Nor did Austin. I roll my eyes. I should have just hired Rose. I swear. "You look really good." Sam tells me. I smile. "Thanks." She gives me her beautiful grin again before looking at the road.

We arrive at this old warehouse. Honestly, it looks sketchy but I try to stay positive. Sam laughs, "Come on scaredy cat."

I furrow my eyebrows and frown at her. I get out of the car and she looks me up and down again. "I said no heels." She chuckles. I lift my leg and show her the bottom. "Anything under six inches is not even consider a heel."

Sam chuckles again and she grab my hand and we walk towards this old building. "I didn't expect anything less, babe." She beats on the door and it opens before revealing a tall man. "Tickets." He mutters. Sam dig inside her purse and hand him two tickets. The man move to the side and we walk in. Darkness is the first thing I notice but Sam pull me closer to her side.

We walk down the long hall before turning corners and walking up a few steps. Then we walk through another door and we enter a open room. My eyes widen in amazement. It's an art gallery. We both continue to walk forward and the hard floor turn into grass. I look down shocked. Sam smiles and pull me forward. We walk around and there is paintings, photographs, crafts, designs, sculptures, and even performance arts. Everything is uniquely its own but they all deal with nature in some form.

We stop at another painting and it's a huge tree and there is two women standing underneath it about to kiss. Sam squeeze my side affectionately and ask, "What do you think about this one?"

I step closer and run my fingers over the art. I ignore the sign that says, "Don't touch."

"It's beautiful." I say out loud. The vibrant colors and the cool greens mix together well and the small couple under the tree stands out perfectly.

"Just as yourself." Someone says approaching us. I look to the side and it's a woman smiling towards me. "It tells a story."

"What kind of story?" I ask curiously.

"A very sad one." She smiles. "Diane." She throw her hand out and I take it. She squeeze softly and I can feel someone behind me. Diane look toward Sam and I'm not sure what silent conversation they have but Diane step back a few paces. "This is your friend, huh?" Diane ask Sam.

"Yes." Sam laughs. "So, take your flirty antics somewhere else." She wave at her playfully.

Diane laughs and it shows off her attractive features. She's slim, tall with longer fingers, and dark black hair that is pulled up in a elegant bun. There is jewerly everywhere and her blue eyes is striking and difficult to not get lost in.

She is a beautiful.

"Miranda. This is Diane." Sam introduces the two of us.

"I apologize." Diane shake my hand again. "I figured Sam lover was younger..." She pause and run her eyes up and down my body and I arch my eyebrow. Her voice becomes low and husky. "Age is doing you well."

Sam groan next to me and push Diane away playfully. "Off limits." She roll her eyes. "Seriously."

Diane chuckles and gives me a playful wink. I almost blush. Sam grab my waist possessively and the three of us begin to walk around and discuss the other work. Diane gives us a introduction of each piece and tells us something about the artist. She's playful and witty. But, she continues to flirt back and forth with me and Sam.

"Shut-up." Sam roll her eyes. "You're horrible. That was one time."

Diane smirks and squeeze Sam upper arm before pointing at something else. I arch my eyebrow at their relationship. I become silent as certain jokes begin to go over my head. "Are you okay?" Sam ask me as Diane speak to someone about a certain piece.

"Who is she, exactly?" I ask.

"Umm." Sam pause. "She's an artist."

"Where did you two meet?" I ask while examining the sculpture in front of me. I tap my chin wondering if the piece would work well in a photoshoot.

Sam glance at me curiously, "Coffee shop."

"When?" I push.

Sam roll her eyes, "When you were away Miranda."

I finally look at her and then I glance back at Diane. "She's pretty."

Sam chuckles, "She's beautiful. Yes." I frown at her opinion. "But. She's a friend. Nothing more." She lean forward and kisses my forehead. I relax immediately. We continue to walk around and Diane pops up at the end of the gallery with a fur coat on her shoulders.

"Let's go get dinner." Diane say.

"Umm." Sam pause and shift awkwardly.

Diane look between the two of us and smirk, "Ah. I see." She winks again. "Some other time then." She then give a wide smile before pulling me in a short hug and then Sam. She then wave goodbye and disappears. Sam grab my hand and we head back through the dusty warehouse leaving the grass green paradise. We get back into her jeep and Sam ask, "Are you hungry?"

"Yes."

"Cool." Sam grins. We then drive for a short ten minutes before arriving to this fancy Italian restaurant. It doesn't take long before we are sitting, drinking wine, and ordering food. We talk and it feel like old times and I'm loving every moment. I can see that Sam is different but still also the same silly and carefree woman. After dinner, Sam snatches the tab and pays for it and then we're heading back to my place. It's late but I don't immediately get out of the car. Sam drum her fingers on the wheel nervously.

"Do you wish to come up?" I ask her.

"Sure." She smiles.

We walk up together and Sam walks in behind me. I shut the door softly before locking it. She bury her hands in her back pocket and rock back and forth on her heels. I squeeze her shoulder. "Relax. Make yourself comfortable." I take off my boots and her leather jacket. I then go into the kitchen and grab champagne. I come back into the dining room and we sit and talk some more. I tell her about my close relationship with Piper.

"She helps me." I explain. "I try to see her at least three times a week and she calls whenever she wants to talk."

"That's good." Sam smile while sipping her third glass of wine. I can tell she's getting tipsy. "She's a sweet girl and the twins love her now."

"They do." I reply. "Delilah is a hand full."

"I can tell the twins love you very much. You're around often." Sam say.

"Yeah. They seem to call whenever they please also." I chuckle. "When I stay the night they force me to watch disney movies."

Sam giggles and her hair is falling in waves over her shoulder because she decided to let her hair out of her pony-tail. She bite her nail and I can tell that our conversation is about to shift to something serious. She put down her wine glass and say, "I'm sorry about how I reacted towards Joy." She pause. "I should have been more understanding but I was so jealous that I never once asked if you were okay... I should have been more supportive."

"I want you to be happy." She say and shift. "I missed you so much but... I just wish you would have stayed or just told me where you went. I don't know maybe things would have been different."

I open my mouth to finally admit where I went but she cuts me off. "It's okay." She smile. "Only when you're ready. I wasn't supportive before but I am now."

I stand and approach her. She looks up at me with uncertainty. I stand in front of her and she grab my waist and pull me forward. I fall onto her and laugh. She chuckles along with me and I straddle her waist. Her hands run up my thighs leaving a trail of fire. I take this time to touch her face and guide her to look at me. She smiles and her teeth is sparkling white, her eyes shining brightly, and her cheek blushed. I lean down and kiss her softly on the lips. Her hips instantly grind upward and she pull my bottom lip between her teeth. I moan against her and my body begins to heat up rapidly.

Our tongues begin to dance together in sync and I'm loving every moment. Sam pulls away and I pout in protest before her lips trail down my neck. I gasp as her hand run underneath my shirt and connect with my skin. She then pause and pull away. "Sorry." She pull back. "I'm drunk." She run her fingers through her hair.

"I am too." I laugh on top of her.

"We shouldn't yet." Sam say while still running her hand up and down my stomach.

I shift on top of her. "You're right."

Sam chuckles and in this moment everything is perfect. She lean up and peck me softly on the lips. Soon, the both of us is eating strawberries and grapes and watching episodes of that show that has dragons and a throne. Sam explains while we watch the show and honestly I'm not that interested but I take advantage of this time alone with her. She frown, smile, laugh, and shout in anger as we approach the last episodes of the season. I continue to watch her and my eyes begin to blink tiredly.

I wake up the next morning in bed alone with a blanket on top of me and I'm only left in a huge t-shirt and panties. I pull at the shirt I would never get caught in and quickly notice it is Sam's. I grab my phone and there is a message.

You fell asleep :) I'll see you tomorrow. I made it home.

-Sam

I smile like a love sick teenager and pull the sheets over my head before falling back asleep.

***

Nathalie paces the floor and she cannot stop herself from looking at her ring. Austin sit on the other couch and click through a powerpoint that is hooked up to the huge curve television. There is options of different colors, locations, and dresses. Nathalie chew on her bottom lip and say, "I don't like any of it."

I sigh. I figured making one of her closest friend the planner would be a cheaper and more effective plan. Austin run his hand over his face. He pack up his things and say, "I'll have some new things in a week."

"A week." Nathalie shrieks. "I need to make a decision soon. What are we going to do for my engagement dinner."

Austin roll his eyes. "The engagement dinner is in a week. I've already made the guest list." He passes it to me first and I skim through it. "Look over it and tell me if you approve or not."

"No no." I point at a certain name. "Tessa will not be there."

Austin smack his forehead again. He look up at Nathalie for confirmation. "I'm your boss." I sneer.

"Yeah." Austin replies. "But, this is about making Nathalie happy."

"I'm paying you to work for me."

Austin pause. "You're not paying me."

I roll my eyes. I then dig through my purse and hand him an envelope. He open it up and his eyes widen at the check. "Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. This is a lot of money."

"Nonsense." I wave him off. "I do not want Tessa there."

Austin puts away his check and rapidly mark off Tessa name but Nathalie stop him. "No. That's mean. She's invited, mother."

I clench my jaw.

"I thought you and Sam was better." Nathalie say.

"We are." I smile and then I frown. "Tessa will pop up and bring a hurricane of problems. Sam and I are on good terms. I will not allow her to mess that up."

Someone knock on the door and Austin hurry to the door. "I think that's Viv." He say. "I'll see you guys later."

I look at Austin and say, "Do not disappoint me."

Austin swallow and hurry and race out the room. Nathalie and I talk some more over colors and she ask, "Where did you go when you disappeared?"

I look up at her in confusion.

"All the places I thought of and you weren't there. I thought I knew you but I don't. I'm an awful daughter." Nathalie admits.

"No." I stand and sit down next to Nathalie. "No one would have found me. It's not your fault or Sam's. This is all my fault."

Nathalie lean her head on my shoulder and I run my fingers through her hair. "I went and stayed with Paul."

Nathalie lift up and she look at me with wide eyes. "Are you serious." She hisses.

I run my fingers through my hair. "I know."

Nathalie stand up and paces the room. "You know! I was scared and Sam...let's not speak about how distraught she was and you were with Paul the whole fucking time." Nathalie pause and I eye her. She then swallow and breathe. "You have to tell Sam." She say.

"I was...."

"No no." Nathalie shake her head. "You have to tell Sam, mother. You cannot keep this from her."

"I tried but she stopped me. She said whenever I'm ready..." I explain.

"You're ready." Nathalie put her hand on her hip. "Tell her."

My heart begins to beat against my chest. "We just got back on good terms."

Nathalie clenches her jaw. "You can do whatever you please mother but this will destroy you and Sam relationship forever if you don't tell her."

Before I could get more out of my mouth something knocks and it gets Nathalie and I attention. We then hear the door and Nathalie sigh. Sam walk into the room with a huge grin on her face. "Hey." She approaches Nathalie and give her a hug. "Austin told me you were being a difficult brat and sent me over."

Nathalie pushes Sam playfully. "Shut-up." She then come over my way and kisses my cheek before sitting down next to me. The door shut again and I look at Sam in question. "It's no one important." She waves off the noise. "So." She pause and grin widely at me and Nathalie. "I think I want to adopt a kitten."

"No." I say.

"Aww. Really." Nathalie face lights up.

I sigh. Sam and Nathalie begin to scroll through some pictures and I sit on the couch thinking of ways to tell Sam the news without her exploding in anger. She told me she would be understanding but how will I explain myself. "You're okay?" She squeezes my thigh.

Nathalie gives me the eye and stand. "I think I'll go. Rose been calling me."

"Sure." Sam replies. Nathalie soon leave but not before scolding me with her eye. I swear I woke up this morning still the parent. The door shut and I fumble with my fingers. "I have something to tell you." I start. Maybe it was best to just blurt it out and explain everything else later. Sam gives me her full attention. "I..." Sam phone begins to chime and she quickly locks it. I arch my eyebrow at this and then suddenly someone is knocking on the door.

Sam rushes to open it and I silently follow behind her. "Hey. I think I left my keys in your room." I frown. It's Tessa. Sam leaves the door open for Tessa to walk in. Sam then walk down the hall to search for the lost keys. Tessa walk further into the room and I make eye contact with her.

"Miranda." She frown in surprise.

I lean against the wall in confidence. I was wearing my pant suit and my heels. "Tessa." I say. "It's been awhile, hmm."

Tessa roll her eyes and Sam rushes back down the hall and hand Tessa her keys. She look between the two of us nervously and Tessa leaves. Sam shut the door and she turn around to look at me with a small nervous smile, "You were going to say?"

"Why is her keys in your room?" I hiss.

"We have a project together. We were studying late." Sam explains.

"Studying late." I repeat. "So, she stays over?"

"Sometimes." Sam explains. "But. I sleep on the couch."

"And you give her free access to her bedroom? Your clothes." Everything then clicks. "Were you with her after you left me last night?"

"What no!" Sam frown.

"I'm not stupid, Sam." I hiss. "She was in your sweater. I know that hideous thing from anywhere."

Sam roll her eyes, "I'm gonna ignore that. You're flipping out for no reason. If I can be understanding when it comes to you sleeping over Joy's house and playing mom with her family then Tessa can stay here and help me with my projects."

I pause and Sam smack her forehead. "Miranda..."

"No. You're right. You've been very understanding of my choices." I hiss sarcastically. "So, I'll sleep over at Joy's tonight and play mommy and tuck the twins in."

"I didn't mean it that way." Sam frown. I try to walk past her but she blocks my way. "Move." I tell her with a aggressive tone. "No." She say back. "Are you not tired of arguing?"

I instantly calm down. She is right. This wasn't going anywhere. "I'm sorry for what I said." She say. "I didn't mean it. You just... dammit, Miranda. You drive me crazy."

I smirk and she roll her eyes playfully, "I told you before. Tessa helps me with my work and my grades are looking better. She's good help."

I groan. "Fine."

Sam smile and kisses me on the lips quickly, "And she's invited to Nathalie engagement party. It'll be rude and tacky to not invite her." She hurries and walk past me before I can argue further. "Come on. Game of Thrones will be on soon."

I huff annoyed but follow her to the couch and cuddle into her side before falling asleep.