Chapter 4:

Trying to be silent, Serena entered the dimly lit bedroom. Emily was apparently asleep and luckily she wouldn't have to face the redhead, who would obviously demand explanations. Earlier, when they were researching the spell, Emily seemed disappointed, maybe even hurt. Doubting Emily could harbor any feelings for her, Serena assumed the other woman was too shocked at finding out about Serena's intentions.

At some point during the research, Emily became serious and monosyllabic and had left for the bedroom as soon as she could. Serena would have preferred to sleep elsewhere, but unfortunately the only vacant bed was in Miranda's bedroom and crossing that boundary would be even worse than facing a disappointed friend. At least knowing the other woman had no interest in her would serve to keep Serena's feet firmly on the ground.

She would move on and, if everything worked out for Andy and Miranda, be happy knowing that the amulet had brought two hearts together. Sighing, she took off her pants and jacket, leaving the rest of her clothes in place.

Careful not to disturb her companion, she lay on the bed, looking up at the ceiling. Emily shifted under the sheets and when Serena turned, bright eyes were looking intently at her. Serena shivered. Not knowing what to say, she kept silent. Should she apologize? Leave? She was confused when a single tear escaped Emily's eye.

"If you had asked my opinion about the amulet, I would have told you Andy was in love with Miranda and you wouldn't have deluded yourself."

Serena blinked, confused, and reached up to touch Emily's wet cheek. "What are you talking about?"

Emily closed her eyes at the soft touch, her words coming in a broken whisper. "I thought we were friends and you would come to me if you had a problem. You should have told me you were in love with her. I could have helped you, given you some advice or…at least warned you she was a lost cause. Andy has loved Miranda for as long as I remember and I'm surprised you didn't realize it."

Serena sat up in the bed and looked down at her companion. "Wait a second. You think I brought the Muiraquitã for Andy?"

Embarrassed, Emily looked away, bringing her body up against the head of the bed. "You don't need to be shy about it; I understand. She is the sweetest person I know and I don't blame you. Everybody loves her: Miranda, Nigel, Jocelyn…"

Rolling her eyes, she concluded, "Bloody hell, even I am charmed when she smiles. If I had realized you felt more than friendship for her I would have…" Closing her mouth abruptly, Emily blushed. "My point is: I never imagined you were in love with her."

Heart pounding, Serena knelt on the bed. "Emily, the Muiraquitã was not meant to be hers. The amulet is around the wrong neck due to a terrible misunderstanding."

Emily raised her eyebrow, confused. "I don't get it. If it was not meant for her…how did she get it?"

Taking a deep breath, Serena crawled closer, extending a tentative hand toward Emily's face. "I put the necklace on your desk. After I left it there I imagine she picked it up, maybe attracted by its beauty. Maybe she simply tried in on, not imagining the consequences."

Emily gasped, taken aback by Serena's words.

Serena covered her face and sobbed. "I have loved you for so long, but I was afraid that you would never return my feelings, so I did this stupid thing. I meant no harm!"

Gazing at Emily, she finally voiced her fears. "Now, look at this mess. What if they never come back?"

The redhead gasped. "Did I just hear you say you love me?"

Ignoring Emily's words, Serena kept crying. "You don't understand! I always knew I had no chance with you, but I saw the Muriaquitã and I had this crazy idea and look what I did to them!"

Emily rose to her knees and hugged Serena fiercely. "Oh, sweetheart, don't cry. I love you too. Everything is going to be all right, I know it."

"But Andy is one of my best friends and Miranda… Oh God! Miranda is a mother and our boss and…"

Emily interrupted the outburst with a kiss, holding Serena's head in both hands. The other woman gasped, but kissed back, holding Emily tight. After a while, they parted, needing air. Serena eyes were wide as she processed Emily's words.

"Emily, did you say you love me?"

Her answer was a nod, an eye roll, and a smile so bright that Serena's heart stopped for a second. They reached for each other. After that, nothing made sense anymore.

...

Nigel woke up disoriented when a pair of little fingers deliberately opened his eyes and children's giggles echoed in the room. Blinking in an attempt to find his bearings, he found himself looking at two young girls very much awake and eager for company.

Miranda smiled and whispered in Andy's ear, "Uncle Nigel snores like a bear."

Andy gave a hearty laugh and without ceremony jumped on the bed. "Wake up, Uncle Nigel! We want to play! It's a beautiful morning! Wake up, wake up!"

Grumbling, Doug turned on the sheets. "My God, is there a fire somewhere? What time is it?"

Miranda's face was serious as she climbed on the bed on Doug's side. "Time for you to wake up and make us breakfast! We are children, so you adults must take care of us and take us to the park as you promised yesterday. We're wasting time because you're lazy. C'mon!"

Doug laughed at the girl's demeanor. Even as a child Miranda clearly couldn't stand the thought of wasted time.

Andy approached him and her bright smile melted Doug's heart. "Uncle Nigel snores like a big bear, don't you think, Uncle Doug?"

He definitely couldn't argue with that. "You're right, sweetheart; he snores like a bear."

The art director's eyes widened and he sat up on the bed. Snarling, he held his hands as if they were animal's claws. Advancing toward the giggling girls, he growled, "I'll show you now who is a bear!"

In one swift motion, he jumped up and started chasing the two girls, who were screaming and running and giggling. Stretching, Doug smiled and got up to join his partner and the children for breakfast.

Downstairs he could feel the energy and joy of a house full of children and wondered if the conversation about adoption would come sooner than he had expected. The young man had never been so happy since Nigel had come into his life and marriage and children seemed the next logical step. If only he could talk to his good friend Andy… She would have the best advice.

Doug halted at the kitchen door when he noted the four girls were petting a huge St. Bernard that he did not recall being in the house the previous night. The fluffy dog was insistently licking Miranda's face, to the girl's evident delight.

Entering the kitchen, he grabbed a cup of coffee and whispered to Nigel, "Tell me something, sweetheart, was I so hysterical last night that I didn't see the dog? I've never seen such a big animal in my life and if I did not notice it a few hours ago, I need medication."

Nigel smiled, giving a peck on his lips. "Don't worry, darling, this is Patricia, just another victim of the spell. She was at the vet yesterday and Miranda had no time to warn Emily that she should be picked up. The poor thing slept in a cage and just because of that I think she deserves to join us in Central Park."

Observing the interaction, Doug tilted his head. "Look at her. She acts as if she recognizes Miranda."

Nigel sat at the table, sipping from his mug. "She must be a little confused as to why the smell of her mistress is on a child, but it seems she likes the general idea of having the attention of so many girls."

Turning to the children, Nigel continued softly, "A few moments ago a strange thing happened. The necklace was shining."

Doug tilted his head. "Really? What do you think it means?"

"I don't know, but maybe it's a good sign. Andy was afraid of Patricia, so Miranda took her hand, encouraging her to pet the dog. That was the exact moment when the thing came to life. As soon as they were not touching each other anymore, it stopped."

Both men were pensive during breakfast, unable to take their eyes off of the youngest girls.

Once the children were fed, Nigel teased, "I believe we promised a day in the park to someone, but I don't remember who it was. Do you remember, Doug?"

"Hm, let me see. It's hard to say; there were so many girls in the house last night."

Andy and Miranda immediately rushed up to him. Excited, Andy climbed onto Doug's lap. "You promised all of us! Are we going to the Central Park? Can we take Patricia with us?"

Doug thought about their childhood, when Andy used to persuade everyone with those beautiful eyes. It was impossible to deny her anything when she was so adorable.

"Well, if I promised you, we must go right now and of course you may take Patricia. But you need to go up and change! C'mon!"

Doug and the four girls went upstairs while Nigel wrapped sandwiches and grabbed some juice boxes. He heard Andy's little voice greeting Serena in the hall.

"Good morning, Aunt Serena!"

"Good morning, sweetheart."

"We are going to the park. Do you want to come with is? You can bring Aunt Emily, because I know she is your best friend!"

Nigel looked up from his task as Serena, blushing, knelt in front of the girl.

"Thank you so much for inviting us, but I will wait for you here with Aunt Emily, okay?"

Andy thought for a moment and replied, "Of course! If Aunt Emily stays here you must be with her. Everybody should be with their best friends, so I'll take Miranda with me to the park. Is that okay?

"Of course, sweetie. Have fun."

Serena kissed the child before she ran toward the stairs. Standing up, she approached Nigel with a very happy grin on her face.

"Good morning, Nigel. Isn't it a beautiful day?"

Nigel raised an eyebrow. "Good morning! It looks like someone had a fantastic night."

"Oh, Nigel. You have no idea."

"Spare me the details, please. I assume you lovebirds will stay in bed all morning."

"That's the plan. Breakfast in bed."

They worked in silence for a while, organizing the food on the counter, until Serena said, "You were right, you know."

"About what?"

"I didn't need any spell; she already loved me."

"Of course, honey. That was as obvious to me as the love Miranda and Andy had for each other."

When the table was set, Serena sighed. "I am very sorry for this mess."

"Serena, if it all works out, in the end it will have been worth it. Let's hope for the best; it's only been a few hours."

Serena sipped her coffee thoughtfully. "True, but it is amazing how connected they are already, don't you think?"

"Yes, and I must admit I never thought I would use the word 'cute' and 'Miranda' in the same sentence, but it is wonderful to see the two little ones holding hands all the time. It's probably the most adorable thing I've ever seen."

Serena smiled. "I just want all this to be solved, because I don't know if I can bear the thought of..."

"Shh. Don't even think about it. And please, stop blaming yourself. It was an accident and we must have faith; after all, the research indicates it is reversible."

"Yes, but—"

"No buts. Let's continue with the plan of keeping them together all the time. I'm sure this mess will be solved in good time."

Looking at her, he winked. "But let's pray that the right time is before Monday or we are really screwed on that magazine."

Serena smiled and surprised her friend hugging him tightly. "Thank you."

He was a little embarrassed, but returned the hug. "You're welcome. Now go, because I have a long day ahead entertaining those little ones."

...

The ride to the park was very pleasant and it was obvious the girls had fun. Even Patricia radiated happiness, running around the children and barking. In the middle of the morning, Doug gave up playing with them, leaving the girls under Cassidy and Caroline's supervision. Exhausted after mediating an argument about who would be leading their hide and seek game, he sat beside Nigel and simply observed. The twins had a wonderful way of dealing with Miranda's stubbornness as well as with Andy's sullenness when she was denied. Despite the differences in personality, both girls had a strong temper and could be very challenging, forcing their "uncles" to exercise enormous patience.

A couple of hours later, a blanket was unfolded on the grass and the children were invited to take a break and eat some snacks. The twins were hungry and sat side by side, accepting the sandwiches and the juice. Miranda and Andy, however, were still running together, followed by Patricia, not caring about anything around them, happy in each other's company.

Nigel stood, ready to call them once more, but changed his mind when he saw the amulet shining brightly above Andy's heart. She was smiling as she ran toward Miranda with her arms outstretched, her little hands full of flowers.

Miranda halted, blushing self-consciously as Andy offered her the little bouquet and kissed her cheek. She took the flowers and smiled, pulling Andy by the hand, as they ran together again. The four witnesses under the tree looked at each other, silently agreeing to let the magic happen.

Later that night, the house was silent as most of its inhabitants slept.

"Miranda? Are you awake?"

"Yes."

"I can't sleep. I'm afraid of the dark."

A ruffling noise preceded a soft light and Andy blinked when she saw Miranda's face. "Where did you find a lantern?"

Miranda sat in the sheets beside the brunette. "In Caroline's bedroom. I borrowed it in case you were afraid."

Andy giggled and sat up in the bed. In a swift move she took the edge of the blanket, covering them both. "I made a tent for us, so we're protected."

Miranda smiled, striving to make Andy happy. "I'm here for you. You don't need to be afraid anymore."

Andy's nodded and hugged her friend. "Thank you, Miranda! You were right about Alicia. I don't need her anymore!"

Miranda blushed and looked away. "Do you want me to tell you a story so you can go back to sleep?"

"Yeah, please! You promised to tell that story about two little princesses who would be friends forever."

Andy lay her head in the other girl's lap, surprising Miranda, who began to caress the long dark hair, thinking that nothing was more beautiful than her best friend.

"So, tell me, Miranda. What's the end of the story?"

Miranda thought for a bit and cleared her throat. "One of the princesses was very sad because no one cared about her. So she was always trying to escape and make new friends. Then, one day, she met another princess who was so beautiful, so very beautiful, that all the animals of the forest loved her."

Andy sat up again, very close to Miranda, her eyes showing how captivated she was by Miranda's words. "And this other princess was also sad?"

"No, she was very happy and everyone loved her because her smile shone like a rainbow."

"Oh, I bet she was so beautiful!"

"Yes, she was very beautiful. More beautiful than all the princesses of all the stories that have ever been told."

Taking Miranda's hand, Andy smiled. "And what else?"

"Then, one day, the happy princess met the sad princess and they became best friends, doing everything together."

Andy signed in wonder. "They should be so happy playing together."

Miranda knelt in front of the other girl. "They were. And the sad princess realized that she was no longer sad, so she asked if the happy princess would like to be her friend forever."

"And the little happy princess accepted?"

"Yes, and they lived happily ever after."

Andy smiled and clapped. "Oh, Miranda, this is the best story I've ever heard."

"See, I told you that they did not need a silly prince."

"And you were right. You are always right." Andy thought for a moment. "Miranda, do you think we can be like the princesses in the story and become friends forever? I want to be your friend forever and never let anyone make you cry."

A warm smile lit Miranda's face. "Yes, you can stay with me forever and I won't be sad anymore."

Andy hugged her friend, kissing her on the cheek.

Miranda gasped. "Andy, why is your necklace shining so much?"

"I don't know. I don't remember how I got this necklace around my neck."

Andy looked down and realized the light emitted by the necklace was stronger than that of the lantern, illuminating their small tent. Miranda removed the sheet and the whole room lit up.

They watched fascinated as Andy turned off the lantern and laughed when the green light seemed to pulse even more strongly. Miranda touched Andrea's neck, her fingers encircling the stone.

"This necklace is so beautiful, Andrea."

Andy smiled as her little fingers pulled the chain from her neck. She offered it to her friend. "Take it as a gift. It's yours now."

Miranda was surprised. "For me? But is so beautiful."

"Yes. And you are the most beautiful girl I have ever seen so I want to give it to so you will remember me forever."

Andy put the amulet around Miranda's neck as the girl's eyes brightened with tears. "I could never ever forget you, Andrea."

Miranda looked from the necklace to Andy and for a moment the light shone so brightly it became unbearable and the girls closed their eyes.

When it dimmed, they opened their eyes again.

Gone were childish looks, replaced by the depths of a lover's gaze – two souls connected by a deep bond. From their lips no words were heard other than sweet murmurs following light touches, starved kisses, and consuming passion. Finally, the undeniable magic of their bodies bound their spirits forever.

When the light was at last extinguished, Miranda held Andrea in her arms, their breathing slowly returning to normal as the first light of morning filled the window. Andrea's eyes, always so beautiful and pure, showed all the love that overflowed from her chest.

In turn, Miranda's face had never been so beautiful and open, radiating tranquility and a sincerity that would be exclusively offered to the beauty lying in her arms. Even though she was confused by the circumstances, she knew that nothing was as important as this surprising intimacy.

The smiles that lit up their faces came from the purest melody within their hearts and they recognized the silent vows in each other's expression. Promises would be made, a new life would begin, but nothing and no one could ever separate them. Miranda was the first to break the silence, her breath caressing Andy's lips.

"I don't want my question to sound like a complaint, because I have never felt this happy in my entire life." To emphasize her words she delivered a tender kiss to Andrea's mouth. "But I must know if you finally found the courage to drug and kidnap me, because, darling, I have no idea how I ended up here in your arms."

Andy traced the soft lips with her fingers, smiling broadly at her lover's light tone. "Considering I don't even know where I am, I suppose I could ask you the same thing."

Miranda rolled them over, her naked body fully pressed against her young and delicious lover. She didn't give a damn as how she got where she was, as long as she could stay here forever.

"We are definitely in my house. This is one of my guest rooms."

Andy's hands traced the contours of Miranda's back, her eyes shining with happiness. "Really? Well, it doesn't seem the work of a kidnaper then. Maybe some kind of love fairy decided to bring us together?"

Pulling Miranda's head toward her, she captured the older woman's lips, kissing her deeply and slowly. When they came up for air, Miranda raised an eyebrow. "So, do you believe in fairytales?"

Andy pecked her lips once more. "That, or Nigel finally found the courage to lock us together as he promised to do a few months ago. You were driving him mad with your temper, you know?"

Miranda seemed distracted by Andy's lips. "Well, whoever did this deserves my gratitude for getting you where you belong – right here in my arms."

Kissing Andy's neck, she murmured. "You can continue to believe in fairytales if you must, as long as I can show you again how much I love you."

Andy closed her eyes as Miranda's lips made coherent thought impossible. "Right now, I only believe in the magic of being in your arms, my love, and I never want to be anywhere else."

...

The next morning, a sleepy Nigel opened the door, only to discover that the magic of love had finally happened.

The End