A/N: Again, thank you for the wonderful reviews! It's moving day for Marissa and AJ. I'm bringing the kids into the story. It had to be done because let's face it, they're pretty adorable. Enjoy!

/

It was moving day, and Marissa was starting to feel a little overwhelmed. Why did I tell Bianca 'No' when she offered to help today? I did it because she needed a weekend with just her and her daughters. She's been working night and day on the fundraiser, and this weekend was a rare break for her. Krystal will be over in half an hour to help, and Tad and Scott will be over later as well. So, I have plenty of help on the way. It's just that Bianca has a way of making everything seem easier, of knowing exactly what I need or want. Sometimes, she even knows before I do. I just miss her. Stop whining, Tasker. She has a life of her own no matter how much you hate to admit it.

Marissa sighed and headed over to the staircase at Tad's. "AJ! Let's get a move on, buddy! The furniture will be delivered soon, and we have to be there to let them in."

Her son bounded down the stairs, his eyes glowing with excitement. "I'm ready, Mom! Let's go!" Marissa laughed as AJ pulled her out the front door.

/

Marissa and AJ continued with the task of moving boxes from her car to the house. She was getting a little irritated because the rest of her help had yet to show up.

"Where is everybody, Mom?"

"I don't know, buddy. I'm sure they're on their way, but you are being a big help!"

AJ smiled and held the door open for his mom. She placed a box on the kitchen counter and looked up when the doorbell rang. "I'll get it, AJ. You go start unpacking that box in your room." Marissa walked to the door and opened it without looking up. "It's about time you got here."

"Well, I got here as soon as I could." Bianca was standing there holding a box with Miranda and Gabby right beside her. The three had big smiles on their faces, and Miranda and Gabby were each holding bags from Krystal's.

"Bianca! Girls! What are you doing here?"

"I'm going door to door selling boxes. Could I interest you in one?" Bianca said with a smirk, and Miranda and Gabby started laughing.

"Funny. Have you ever thought about giving comedy a try?"

"I'll think about it. Are you going to let us in? This is getting heavy."

"I'm sorry. You can put it over in that corner. Not that I'm not happy to see you, but what are the three of you doing here?" Marissa gave both Miranda and Gabby each a big hug as they entered the house.

"We stopped by Krystal's to get an early lunch. I was surprised to see Krystal still there since I thought she was helping you. It turns out that she had a cook and a server call in sick, and she was swamped. She tried to call, but you weren't answering your cell. She won't be able to make it for at least a few more hours."

"She did? I didn't hear it. Oh no! My cell! I left it"

"At Tad's. I know. He answered Krystal's last call. He won't be able to make it because he's having car trouble. I stopped over his house to get it and the rest of your boxes." Bianca pulled out Marissa's cell and handed it to her. "Looks like you missed a call from Scott too."

"I can't believe I left it over there. I swear I'd forget my head today if it weren't attached." She checked her voicemail. "Scott won't be able to make it. He got stuck picking up supplies for the gatehouse."

"Well, it's a good thing the girls and I decided to come over and help. We also come bearing lunch!"

"What about the movie and your day together?"

Miranda smiled and answered. "Mom always says helping those you care about is the most important thing you can do. You and AJ need our help. So, we decided to come here and do the movie later. Plus, we have lunch! Where's AJ?"

"He's in his room. It's at the top on steps and to the right. I'll take those bags, ladies. We'll do a picnic on the floor here. You two want to go get him? "

The two girls nodded and headed up the stairs.

Marissa turned to Bianca. "Thank you! What would I do without you?"

"Hmmm. I'm not sure. I guess it's best if you never find out. Where do we start?"

"We start with lunch. You want to grab that blanket and spread it out on the floor and get the food out? I'll get us something to drink."

As soon as the two women had everything ready, Marissa walked to the bottom of the stairs. "Kids! Let's eat!"

The three children came running down the stairs and over to the blanket.

"Hi, Bianca!" AJ gave her a big hug.

"Hey, buddy! Are you hungry?"

"I sure am! Moving is hard work!"

Miranda was excited. "AJ's room is pretty cool, Mom! He says he's getting a bunk bed!"

Marissa smiled at the girl's excitement. "He is, and it should be here in just about one hour."

The five sat down to lunch. Marissa and Bianca laughed listening to their children. Miranda was giving AJ advice on how to arrange his room.

Marissa leaned in and whispered to Bianca, "Did Gabby just roll her eyes at Miranda?"

Bianca nodded. "She thinks her sister can be a little too helpful sometimes."

"Wow. Already. They're going to be fun as teenagers."

"I know, and I really don't want to think about it yet."

Marissa laughed and checked the time. "Okay. The delivery men will be here soon. AJ, I need you to make sure you don't have anything on the floor in your room that will block them when they get here."

"Got it! Miranda and Gabby, will you help me?"

The two girls nodded, and three children headed back upstairs.

"What do you need me to do?"

"Let's get this cleaned up, and would you mind unpacking the boxes for the kitchen?"

"I'm on it."

The furniture was delivered and assembled. The cable company arrived and completed their installation. Boxes were unpacked, and before anyone knew it, it was close to 6:00.

Bianca looked over at Marissa. "How about we take a break?"

"I think that's a great idea. Time to take a break, kids. Let's go outside and stretch our legs."

AJ approached Bianca. "Bianca, would it be okay if Miranda and Gabby stayed all night?"

Miranda chimed in, "Yeah, Mom. Could we?"

"I don't, Miranda. It's their first night, and I know Marissa has got to be tired."

"What if she's okay with it? Please!" She had seen the look AJ was giving her before. It was the same look that his mother gave her when she wanted something. It was a look that said 'you know you're going to say 'yes' so you might as well not bother arguing'.

Bianca looked at the boy and sighed. I can't say 'No' to your mother when she looks at me like that either. "If your mom is okay with it, I'm okay with it too."

The children smiled and ran over to Marissa. "Mom, could Miranda and Gabby stay over tonight?"

"Mom says it's okay with her as long as it's okay with you."

Marissa looked at Bianca who shrugged and offered a nod in reply to the unasked question. She felt a tug on her hand and looked down at the Gabby. She knelt down next to the adorable little girl. "What is it, Sweetie?"

"Can we stay? We promise to be good. Please, Rissa."

Marissa looked into a pair of beautiful big brown eyes that looked just like her mother's. If Gabby's plea didn't do the trick, those eyes certainly did. She couldn't refuse her mother when she looked at her that way so there was no way she could refuse her daughter. Marissa looked over at AJ and Miranda who were giving her their best innocent looks and failing miserably. Gabby may be the one playing her, but they were the brains behind this plan. She looked up at Bianca again and saw a smirk on her face. They both knew she was going to agree.

"Okay. You can stay."

Gabby beamed and hugged her tightly. "Thank you!"

"You're welcome." The older two children ran over to hug and thank her as well. "So, what's the plan, a campout in AJ's room?"

The three nodded excitedly and ran over to hug and thank Bianca too.

"Well, I guess we need to get pajamas, sleeping bags and toothbrushes for the two of you. Why don't you make me a list of what else you want me to bring you from home." Bianca turned to Marissa. "Are you sure you're okay with this? You've got to be tired."

"I'm fine. It'll be fun. Are you okay with them staying?"

"Yeah, I am. I know they'll be fine with you. I trust them with you like I would with Kendall."

"How long do you think they had this planned?"

"Oh, I'd say they started planning when they went to AJ's room the first time."

"I like how they had Gabby be their closer."

Bianca laughed. "Yeah, she has you wrapped around her little finger. The 'Please, Rissa' was a nice touch. I knew you were toast when she said that!"

Marissa rolled her eyes. "Yeah, I know. There was no way I was going to be able to tell her 'No' once she said that."

"So, if I want to get you to do something for me, I just have to say 'Please, Rissa'?"

"Take that smirk off your face. Don't think I didn't catch Miranda saying, 'Mom says it's okay with her if it's okay with you'. Was it AJ that played you?"

"Yeah, pretty much. He's his mother's son. You've taught him well."

Marissa smirked. "You should talk. We really do need to watch out for the triple team in the future."

Miranda gave her mother a list of things that she and Gabby would need for the night. Bianca looked it over and nodded. "Let me go pick this stuff up. Do you want me to pick up something for dinner while I'm out?"

"I was thinking pizza. How does that sound?" Marissa could tell from the kids' reactions that she had picked a winner. "I'll order if you'll pick it up on your way back then."

Bianca nodded and headed out the door. "I'll be back soon."

"Who wants to help me get our picnic blanket ready for dinner?"

Gabby jumped up. "I will Rissa!"

"Thank you, Gabby! Alright, AJ and Miranda, you are in charge of picking out a movie for us to watch."

/

After dinner, the children brushed their teeth and put on their pajamas before settling down to watch a movie. AJ and Miranda stretched out on the floor. Marissa and Bianca sat on the couch with Gabby sitting on Marissa's lap. Pretty soon the smallest Montgomery was snoring softly. Bianca smiled as she watched as her youngest child slept in Marissa's lap amazed at how crazy her daughter was about her friend, and how much her friend adored her daughter. It was a sight that tugged at her heart. Bianca wiped a tear that had escaped from her eyes. She whispered, "You should feel honored. The only other person she has asked to stay all night with is Kendall."

"Really? I didn't know that. I do feel honored." Marissa choked up slightly before managing to smile. She continued to lovingly stroke Gabby's back. She thought about the day, about how Bianca was there for her yet again without her asking, about how well all three children got along. This is what was always missing with JR. This is what family is.

It wasn't long before AJ and Miranda were nodding off. Bianca helped them upstairs while Marissa carried Gabby. After getting the children settled and giving each one a kiss goodnight, the women headed downstairs. They quickly cleaned up the family room and kitchen.

Bianca checked the time. "I should head home."

"Are you okay to get home? I know you're exhausted. You're welcome to stay. I have a guest room."

"I'm fine. It's not that far of a drive. I'm glad it's late. Maybe I won't miss them as much. No, that's a lie. I'm going to miss them. I know it's only for one night. I know they're safe here, and you'll guard them with your life. It's just that"

"It's just that you love them. They're your children, and when they're not around, you miss them. I get it. You really can stay too, you know."

"I know, but I'm going to go. I'll be fine."

The two walked to the door. Marissa hugged Bianca tightly. "Thank you for today. It was a great day. One of my best. We'll see you tomorrow morning at Krystal's. Call me when you get home. I just want to make sure you get there safely."

Bianca smiled at Marissa's concern for her. "You're welcome, and I'll call when I get there. See you in the morning." She stopped in the doorway and turned. "It was one of the best days I've had too."