A/N: I can't thank you enough for the great reviews! They are truly appreciated! I'm sorry for the delay in getting an update out here. I had reality come up and slap me upside the head right after I posted the last chapter. I had to make a trip to the emergency room with my mom, and it was a long evening. Luckily, it was nothing major, and she's fine and back home. Needless to say though, I was exhausted the next day and couldn't think straight enough to write two coherent sentences. A good night's sleep helped give me a few more ideas so I'm trying to keep the mind from racing ahead too much. I'll be upfront. I ended this chapter where I did to stretch this out some. Please don't hate me for it. I am working hard on the next chapter. Hope you like this latest installment.

/

It was Christmas Eve, and Bianca and Marissa agreed to a rare break in working on the fundraiser for the Miranda Center for the next two days. The past week had been nothing short of brutal for Marissa. To be so close to the woman she was desperately in love with and not let her know? Brutal. She was relieved to have the short break to decide what she was going to do, and she knew that she needed to do something. She shook her head to clear it. She thought of her son and smiled. AJ had been bouncing off the walls, excited about Santa's visit later that night. Marissa was just as excited but for a slightly different reason. This was her first Christmas in her own home, and spending it with her son just made it all that more special. Krystal had come over to help finish decorating and was now in the kitchen with AJ decorating cookies. Marissa took a quick break to answer the door. She signed for a package and walked over to the couch to open it. It was the present she had gotten Bianca. She had ordered it a few months ago and was starting to think it was never going to arrive. It was a painting she had commissioned of Bianca, Miranda and Gabby. Bianca was in between both girls with an arm around each of them. The children were smiling and resting their heads against their mother who was reading to them. Marissa smiled remembering the moment that had been captured and gazed at Bianca. Her fingers lovingly traced the brunette's image. God, she is so beautiful. She was so caught up in her thoughts that she didn't hear Krystal return from the kitchen.

"What do you have there?"

Marissa jerked back to reality. "You startled me. I didn't hear you come in. It's just something I got for Bianca."

"May I see it?"

"Uh, sure."

"This is beautiful! She'll love it. When did you have this done?"

"Well, it was actually done off of a picture I took when I was staying with Bianca while she was recovering from her surgery. AJ needed to take pictures for a school project. I happened to have the camera when I walked by Bianca's room and saw them. I just had to take it." Marissa had taken the painting back from her mother and was again gently tracing Bianca's face. "I originally thought I would just get it enlarged, but the idea of a painting came to me. You know, something different, special."

"Who did it?"

"I remembered the name of this local artist that Bianca loves so I asked if he would be willing to do something like this. It took a little convincing, but I finally got him to agree. He finally finished."

Krystal watched as her daughter continued to gaze at the rendering of Bianca, still tracing her outline. I don't know that they'll be a better time to ask. "Marissa, is everything okay?"

Marissa looked up and blinked. "Uh, yeah. Why do you ask?"

"It just seems like you have something on your mind. You've been like this for the last week or so. Talking about it might make you feel better."

"I just don't know…"

"I know I'm not Lydia, and we're not as close as the two of you were. You're still dealing with everything that's happened between us, but I do love you. You can talk to me about anything."

Marissa looked at Krystal. Everything she had just said was true. She knew that Krystal loved her, and she was still trying to understand their exact relationship. At this moment though, she needed her. Maybe telling her would help. Marissa nodded. "I don't know how to start."

"Sometimes, it's better to just get it all out at once."

"Where's AJ?"

"He went up to his room to work on your Christmas present."

The younger woman smiled. "He's been working very hard on whatever it is and has been very secretive about it."

"Well, he didn't give me any hints about it. I think we've got time to talk without him overhearing."

Marissa nodded and took a shaky breath. "I, I, I'm in love."

Krystal smiled. "Well, being in love is a wonderful when it's right."

"Before you ask, it's not JR. I haven't been in love with him for a long, long time. This person is completely different. They're honest and would never hurt me. They listen to me, respect me and my opinion, and when I'm with them, I've never been happier in my entire life."

"That's definitely different than JR. I guess you have had a lot on your mine. How long have you felt this way? It seems like I'm still missing something."

Marissa swallowed. "It's been happening for a while now. I couldn't admit it at first because it was just… I just couldn't go there, but I can't deny it anymore. I don't want to. I want to be with them."

Krystal nodded and thought how to ask her next question. Just ask it. "Is this person Bianca?"

Marissa looked at Krystal in complete surprise. "How did you… How did you know?"

"I didn't know for sure. It's just this feeling I got watching the two of you together. I can see there's a special connection between you. You seem to know what the other's thinking or needs without needing to ask. I also saw you last week and your reaction to her, let's just say, her guest."

Marissa let out an embarrassed laugh. "You saw that, huh? It wasn't really my finest hour. I just couldn't stand seeing Bianca with someone else. I guess I got a little jealous."

Her mother laughed. "If that was a little jealous, I don't want to see a lot."

"That's when I really let myself accept the fact that I'm in love with her. I've been keeping myself from believing that things changed between us, that there was more than just friendship."

"Why do you think that was?"

"I was afraid of what that might mean, change who I am. It didn't change who I am though. I'm still the same person. All it means is that I'm in love with an incredible person who just happens to be a woman."

"Well, Bianca is all of that and more."

Marissa smiled brightly. "Yeah, she is. She's the most amazing person I've ever known. I can't remember when I wasn't in love with her. I can't imagine my life without her. I want to be with her, share my life with her." She paused and looked at Krystal. "Are you… How do you…"

"Am I okay with this? How do I feel about it?"

Her daughter nodded and held her breath.

Krystal smiled. "All I've ever wanted is for you to be happy, to be with someone you truly love. If that's Bianca, then I'm just fine with that. It doesn't matter to me if it's a man or woman. As long as you're happy, I'm happy. Have you told her how you feel?"

Marissa shook her head. "No, I haven't. I don't know how she feels about me. She's been hurt by other women not sure of their feelings. She might think I'm like them and not be willing to believe me."

"Are you sure of your feelings for her?"

"I am. I've never been more sure of anything in my life. She's everything I've always wanted, everything I've been looking for."

"Good, I can tell that's true by that smile on your face and in your eyes. Now, I've watched Bianca like I've watched you. I honestly believe that she feels the same way about you, that she's in love with you."

"You really think so?" Marissa's voice broke. The hope that Bianca might feel the same way was overwhelming.

"I really do. My advice to you is to tell her how you feel. Find a way to make her believe you, that you're not like those others. Are you up for that?"

Marissa looked down at the painting, at the image of the woman she loved. She nodded as she filled with resolve. "I am. I need to tell her, but I can't just show up at her house out of the blue on Christmas Eve."

AJ bounded down the stairs. "Mom, we need to see Bianca, Miranda and Gabby before Santa comes tonight."

Marissa looked at her son. "Why's that, buddy?"

"Well, I told Miranda that we were making special cookies for Santa. She asked if we could give her a couple for when he comes to their house. "

"You already told her that you would, and that's why we were making so many cookies, huh?"

The boy gave her a crooked smile. "Yeah. She needs my help with her present for Bianca too. You're not mad are you?"

She pulled him into a big hug and kissed the top of his head. "No, I'm anything but mad. I could never be mad at you, AJ. If you promised her cookies for Santa and help with her mom's present, we can't let her down. Krystal, would you mind helping him pick out some cookies? I have a present to wrap." I also have to figure out exactly what I'm going to say to Bianca.

/

The past week had been excruciating for Bianca. She had spent several hours every day with Marissa. That wasn't a problem. She loved spending time with her, working side by side with her on the upcoming fundraiser for the Miranda Center. The problem was spending time with someone that she was hopelessly in love with and not being able or willing to do anything about it. Bianca had been burned badly by so many others in the past. Those painful memories coupled with the fear of not having the woman who had come to mean so much to her in her life caused her to hold back. She had been close to telling Marissa how she felt too many times to count but just couldn't bring herself to do it. She knew that something would have to be done soon, but what? She sighed and pushed aside those thoughts and focused on her daughters. Miranda and Gabby were buzzing with excitement over Santa's impending visit. Gabby's interest had definitely increased since last Christmas. Bianca laughed seeing the excitement in her youngest daughter's face and the million plus questions she had about him. She was particularly concerned about the fireplace and was adamant about it not being used for the last several days. She didn't want to risk him getting hurt when it was time for him to visit them.

Kendall had stopped by with the boys in an effort to expend some of their excess energy. Bianca had been banished from the playroom so Miranda and Kendall could discuss her present. She had just started to head upstairs when there was a knock on the door. A last minute package was being delivered. It was the package she had been the most anxious to have finally arrive. She made her way to the family room, sat and carefully opened the box. Inside was a beautiful antique music box. She gently removed the lid and turned it on. The calming tones of Marissa's song, 'Forever More', played, echoing in the empty room. Bianca smiled as she listened, and in her mind, she heard Marissa's lovely voice singing with the music. She had been so lost in that moment that she didn't hear Kendall.

"Binx! Bianca!"

She was so startled that she almost dropped the music box. She couldn't hide her irritation at her sister's interruption which had nearly caused a disaster. "Kendall, you shouldn't sneak up on people like that! I almost dropped this!"

"Sorry, I didn't mean to startle you. I thought you heard me come in. What have you got?"

"It's a gift for Marissa, just something I thought she might like." The younger woman tried to downplay the significance of the gift.

"May I see it? I promise I'll be careful."

Bianca handed the music box to her sister and eyed her anxiously.

Kendall turned it back on and listened. "I know this song. This is the one she was humming to the girls that day at Krystal's. It's the same song that Miranda said Marissa taught her when they were waiting for you to get out of surgery. What's it called?"

"The song is called 'Forever More'. Marissa's dad used to sing it to her when she was little and scared. It always made her feel better."

Kendall handed the music box back to her sister. "I didn't know you could find that song in a music box. It's a little obscure."

"Uh, you can't, or at least, you couldn't. I had this made for her."

"Wow. That's an amazing gift. Red's going to love it. It's a one of a kind gift."

Bianca smiled and whispered, "For a one of a kind person."

Kendall watched as her sister carefully set the music box down. No better time than the present to talk to her. "Bianca, I need to ask you something. Is there something more to your feelings for Marissa than just friendship?"

Bianca sat in shock, staring at her sister for what seemed like several minutes. She was finally able to compose herself enough to ask, "Am I that obvious?"

"No, not really. You're my sister, and I know you. So, how do you really feel about her?"

The younger woman sighed. She could never hide anything from her sister. "I'm in love with her. Damn it, Kendall. I did it again. I fell for my straight best friend. I thought I was being so careful this time. I just couldn't stop myself though. By the time I realized what was happening, it was too late. How did you know?"

"I know your heart. I've seen you around her, how you look at her. It's in your eyes when you look at her or just talk about her. I've seen you in love before so I know the signs. I have to say though I've never seen you quite like this before. It's different with Marissa, isn't it?"

Bianca nodded. "It really is. I think it's because of who she is. I've never known anyone like her. Someone who is just as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. She's so caring and honest and smart and funny, and I can just keep going on about everything she is. Looking back, I should've known this would happen because of who she is. Marissa is everything I've been looking for. The one exception is that she's straight."

"Are you sure about that?"

"Of course I'm sure. Why?"

"Well, I've been watching her, and I don't think she's as straight as you think she is, at least not when it comes to you."

"What are you talking about?"

"Just look at everything's she's done for you."

"She hasn't done anything more than what any friend would do."

Kendall could see Bianca was going to fight her on this, but she pushed forward with her strongest arguments. "Okay, what about when you were sick? She could've called me right after talking to Miranda and let me handle everything, but she didn't. She grabbed AJ and ran over here in the middle of the night to check on you. She didn't leave your side until I had to almost force her to get some rest. The idea of staying with you and covering your work? That was pretty much all her. Still not convinced? Let's talk about that day at Krystal's."

"What about that day?" Bianca was losing her fight quickly.

"You didn't see the look in her eyes. She wasn't just looking out for a client or friend. She was protecting what was her's. Marissa was literally shaking when it was over."

"You didn't tell me that."

"I didn't want to add more to what you were going through and neither did she. I found that out later first hand. She wasn't very happy that I told you what she did. She didn't want you to worry about her even though what she did could've come back to bite her. Marissa was thinking only about you and how you would be affected."

"But…"

"But what? Look, Bianca, you know I never want to see you hurt and that I'd never give you advice that would cause you to be hurt."

"I know. The same goes for me."

"Believe me when I say this then. I truly believe Marissa is in love with you."

Bianca looked at her sister and could see that she was being completely serious and had no doubt about what she was saying. She finally let herself hope that just maybe her feelings would be returned. "Do you really think so?"

"I think you finally found her. I honestly think you found the one you're supposed to spend the rest of your life with. You're not going to know for sure though until you take that chance and tell her how you feel."

Bianca tried to take in everything Kendall had said. She knew that her sister would never mislead her on something like this. She trusted her completely. "You're right. I need to tell her how I feel. I can't very well go over there now." The phone rang, and she started to get it when she heard her oldest daughter beat her to it.

A minute later, Miranda darted into the room. "Mom, that was AJ. He made some cookies with his grandma and wants to bring some over that we can leave for Santa. I told him it was okay for him and Marissa to come over. Is that alright?"

Bianca smiled at her daughter and gave her a hug and kiss. "That's more than alright. Did he say when they were coming over?"

"They were getting ready to leave their house so they should be here soon."

Kendall smiled. "Look at the time! I best be getting the boys home. Zach's going to wonder where we wandered off to. Spike. Ian. Time to go home, guys."

The boys ran into the room, and as the two women bundled them up, Bianca looked at her sister and smirked. "Making a quick getaway, huh?"

The older woman smiled. "You got that right. I'll let you tell me how it goes." Kendall headed to the door with her sons and gave her sister a hug. "Good luck!"

"Thanks, and thank you for the talk."

"Anytime."

Bianca walked back to the family room and looked at the clock on the mantle. Marissa would be there soon. Her nerves were starting to get the better of her when she spotted the music box. She carefully placed it back in its box. I need to get this wrapped. Hell, I need to figure out what I'm going to say.

She picked up the box and went to find some wrapping paper. She returned to the room a few minutes later with the neatly wrapped package and placed it on the mantle. Bianca looked up suddenly hearing a knock on the door. She took a deep breath and went to answer it.