A/N: Thanks yet again for the wonderful reviews! I wish I could come up with a better way to tell you all how much I appreciate them. A simple 'thanks' doesn't seem to quite cut it in my mind, but please know that they are truly appreciated. I will keep doing my best to live up to them and try not to disappoint you all. Now, let's talk about this chapter. I think this is the longest one I've written. I kind of got on a bit of roll and just hung on while letting my muse take me along for the ride. There are bits and pieces that I borrowed from the original story. This picks up exactly where the last one left off. It's still Christmas Eve, and our girls are so close to letting each other know how they feel. Okay, that's enough from me. I've got to start working on the next chapter. I hope you like this latest installment.
/
Marissa stood in front of the door to Bianca's home just staring at it for what seemed like forever, trying to get her courage up. She had been so sure of what she needed to do after talking to Krystal and even on the way over. Now that she was here, just a knock away from Bianca and possibly her future, she started to feel doubt creeping in.
"Whatcha waiting for, Mom? Aren't you gonna knock?"
She smiled at AJ. "Sorry, buddy. I was just thinking." She took a deep breath, said yet another silent prayer that this evening would turn out the way she hoped, and knocked on the door.
/
Bianca returned to the family room with Marissa's present and placed it on the mantle. She looked up suddenly hearing a knock on the door. She took a deep breath and walked over to it. She paused in front of the door with her hand on the door knob. Bianca had been so sure of what she needed to do immediately after talking to Kendall. Now that Marissa was here, just on the other side of this door, she could feel doubt starting to edge its way in.
"Mom, aren't you going to answer the door?"
She looked down at Miranda and smiled. "Yeah, I just got distracted." Bianca took another deep breath saying a silent prayer that her feelings would be returned. She opened the door.
/
The front door opened, and Bianca and Marissa locked eyes immediately, a huge smile broke across the face of both women.
"Hi."
"Hi back."
"Hi, Bianca!"
The brunette looked down at AJ and smiled. "Hey, buddy. Come on inside and get out of the cold. I'm guessing those are the cookies for Santa you made with your grandma."
AJ nodded, handed her the plate and gave her a hug. "Yep, we worked really hard on them. I think Santa's really gonna like them."
As Marissa entered, Miranda ran over to her and gave her a hug. "Hi, Marissa!"
"Hi, sweetie! I hear AJ's going to help you with something for your mom."
"Yep. It's a surprise though so I can't tell you about it."
Marissa smiled. "Okay, I promise I won't ask. Where's your sister?"
Miranda pointed over to the fireplace. Gabby was standing near the edge looking up the chimney.
"Hi, Gabby. What are you doing?" Marissa set down the bag she had brought in with her and walked towards the youngest Montgomery.
The little girl looked up and smiled when she saw the redhead. "Rissa!" She ran over to her and gave her a big hug. "Can I ask you a question?"
"Sure, baby, you can ask me anything."
She gestured to the fireplace and pulled Marissa after her.
Marissa remembered Bianca telling her about Gabby's concern about Santa and the chimney. "Are you worried about Santa Claus coming down the chimney?"
Gabby nodded solemnly and asked, "How? Is he gonna be okay?"
Marissa took her coat off, sat down and pulled the little girl onto her lap. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see the older two children's interest was piqued. "I used to wonder the same thing when I was a little girl. I'll tell you what my mom told me. Santa Claus has magical powers, and they let him come down any chimney in the whole world without getting hurt. Plus, you know you have one of the best mommies in the whole world. She helps people all the time and doesn't like to see anyone get hurt. You think she'd let someone as special as Santa get hurt coming here?"
Gabby smiled brightly and shook her head. "Nope! Thanks, Rissa!" She gave the redhead a big hug, hopped off her lap and skipped off in the direction of the playroom. The two older children had been closely following the conversation and each seemed more than satisfied with Marissa's answer as well and trailed off behind Gabby.
Bianca had witnessed the entire discussion and felt herself fall a little more in love with Marissa if that was possible. She marveled at the bond between the redhead and her youngest daughter. She's amazing. I've been trying all week to make Gabby feel better about that, and she did it in just a couple of minutes.
Marissa glanced up and saw Bianca looking at her. The look in the brunette's eyes made her heart skip a beat and made her swallow hard. She quickly looked away and tried regain her focus. She was amazed how fast one look could make her forget what she was thinking. "Uh, I hope we weren't interrupting anything. AJ said Miranda needed his help with your present."
Bianca managed to collect herself having been shaken by that same moment. "You know that you can come over anytime, day or night."
Marissa smiled, stood and walked to retrieve the bag containing the Christmas gifts she had brought with her. "Um, I wasn't sure what your plans were for tomorrow so I brought over our presents for you and the girls."
"Right now, we're going over to Kendall's. You didn't have to do that, you know. We got something for you and AJ too though."
"I know I didn't have to, but I wanted to. Okay if I put them under the tree?"
"Perfect, unless you want us to open them tonight?"
"No, tomorrow's fine." Marissa was holding her gift for Bianca. "This one is for you. You may want to put it somewhere it won't get bumped by little feet."
"I was going to say the same thing about your's." As they exchanged gifts, their hands touched sending a jolt of heat through each.
They both sat down on the couch in awkward silence for what seemed an eternity. Finally, Marissa stood up. I have to tell her now. I can't keep this inside any longer. "Bianca, there's something I need to tell you, but I need you to give me your word that you won't interrupt me until I'm finished."
Concern washed over Bianca. "Is everything okay?"
"I guess we're going to find out. Do I have your word?"
"Yes, of course. Whatever you want."
From your lips to God's ears because what I want is you. Marissa took a deep breath and started to pace. "I, I don't know where to start. God, I'm so nervous. You'd think I wouldn't have a hard time talking, finding the right words. I'm a lawyer. We talk. That's what we do, but this is different because it's you. I'm not making any sense right now. Okay, I can do this." She stopped and looked at the brunette. "Bianca, you're my best friend, the best one I've ever had. I'm afraid what I have to tell, what I need to tell you, will make you want to leave, will scare you. I have to tell you though because I can't keep this inside anymore, and if there's a chance you feel the same way, I think that would just be a dream come true."
Bianca couldn't breathe. Is she? She couldn't be, could she?
"For a while now, I've had these feelings for you. I don't know when they started because I fought them. It was hard for me to accept what I was feeling because I never had those kinds of feelings before for a woman, but the harder I fought them, the stronger my feelings got. Then I realized that it didn't matter that you were a woman. You were just Bianca, and none of that other stuff mattered. It didn't matter at all because I couldn't stop my heart from feeling what it was feeling. You've been there beside me through so many things, the drama with JR and helping me get my first real home since I moved here. Being there when I went to visit my parents. I don't know if I could've gotten through that if it wasn't for you. I didn't know how hard it was really going to be and how much I needed you there. When you got sick, and I didn't know what was wrong, there was a moment when I was scared to death. I'd never seen you like that, so sick, so fragile. I was afraid that you... I was afraid that I could lose you." Her voice started to break as tears started to fall, but she had to finish because she'd come too far. She knelt in front of Bianca. "I can't imagine you not being in my life. What I'm trying to say, not very well, is that I'm in love with you. In fact, I don't know that I was really in love with anyone before you. I didn't know what love truly was until you. I'm talking too much, aren't I?"
Tears were falling down Bianca's face. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. Marissa's in love with me? "Yeah."
Marissa leaned in placing a soft, tentative kiss on Bianca's lips. As the brunette started to respond, the kiss began to deepen. Suddenly, Bianca pulled back.
"I'm sorry. I just…"
"Bianca, did I do something wrong?" Maybe she doesn't feel the same way.
"It's not you. It's just, are you sure? You really want me? Us? I've been down this road before."
"I know you have, but I'm not them. I would never hurt you like they did just like I know you would never hurt me like JR. I would never put work or anything else ahead of my family, and that's what you, AJ and the girls are. You're my family."
God, I want so much to believe her, but I have to be sure. "This is a big change, and it's fast. People are going to wonder what happened. Why you're with a woman all of a sudden. They're going to talk, and it's not all going to be nice and accepting. It could get ugly. Are you really sure you can handle all of that? What about JR and AJ?"
"I know I can be impulsive, but not this time. I've thought about nothing else for a while now. This isn't sudden. My finally realizing my feelings may be sudden, but not my being in love with you. I've been in love with you for a long time. I finally just listened to my heart. Yeah, people are going to talk, and I know not everyone will be accepting or supportive. I don't care about them or their hate. I can handle it with you there beside me. I can handle anything with you beside me. You remember how I told you that my dad's song made me feel better when I was scared? Well, it also made me feel good about myself. It made me feel like I could do anything or be anything in the world as long as I just had the courage to try. You, you are that song, Bianca. You make me feel the way that song makes me feel. I just don't see how there could be anything wrong with that. Now about AJ, this will be different for him, and I'll have to talk to him about it. I may need some advice from you to come up with the right words on that though. I have a remarkable son if you didn't know that already. I remember how he stood up for Miranda at that birthday party when that other girl was spouting the hate she learned from her parents. God, I was so proud of him. He did it because he didn't see anything wrong with someone having two moms. He loves you and the girls and already thinks of them like his sisters. I think he'll be okay with this, with us, and God, I hope there is an 'us'. As for JR, we've been over for a long, long time. He's needs to accept that I've moved on, and that we were never really good for each. It was almost toxic at the end. I can't live my life worrying about what others, who have no idea who I really am, think about me. Bianca, I've never been more sure of anything in my life. I love you. I want you. I want us. Please believe me."
Bianca could see the love in Marissa's eyes. She could hear the love in her voice. She finally allowed herself to believe and to trust her own heart. She knew she could trust that same heart with the woman kneeling in front of her. She helped Marissa to her feet. "I need you to sit. It's my turn to ask you to listen. Please let me finish what I need to say. Will you do that for me?"
"Always."
"Wow. This really is hard. First, you're my best friend. I've never had a better one. You've been there for me and my daughters too many times to count. You've kept us safe, protected, loved. You've done so much for us. I've asked myself why you would do that. The only answer I could come up with is that it's just who you are. You're just that special, that incredible. I mean when I think of everything you've done. You took care of me when I was sick and too stubborn for my own damned good. I've been trying to think why I didn't tell Miranda to not call you. I think it's because I wanted you to come. I needed you to come. I also knew that you would take care of Miranda and Gabby. I knew that because of that day at Krystal's. I could've lost them. I don't know what I would've done if that had happened, but you didn't let it. You wouldn't let that happen. You love them just like you do AJ. I trust them with you, and they love you. They feel safe with you just like I do. You'd lay life down for them, for me. That's just who you are. You protect the people that you care about, that you love. Personal consequences be damned. You put everyone else first. Then I started thinking about everything else."
Marissa couldn't believe everything she was hearing. Could she really be in love with me?
"You make me laugh and not take myself too seriously, like I tend to do sometimes. You're smart. You listen to me, really listen. You have no expectations of who or what I should be. Given who my mom is, I don't get that from a lot of people. They have this preconceived notion of who they think I am or what they think I could do for them because of her connections. Not you though. You could care less that I'm the daughter of Erica Kane. I have no doubt you can handle yourself with her. Not many people can say that. You see the real me, flaws and all, and you still love me. You're beautiful. You're, you're everything. I hate that I had to ask if you were sure, but that's more me than you. It's just that I've been hurt before by so many others, and sometimes, I just let the fear that it could happen again get the better of me. I know that it's different with you. I know that you're not them. That you would never hurt me or my daughters like they did. It's not who you are. I know that you would and have put our family first. That's what we are. The girls, AJ, us. We're family. I've been having these feelings for you for a long time too, and I've been fighting them. I don't want to fight them anymore. I can't fight them anymore. I don't know when it started. I just know that by the time I realized it, I was too far gone. Talk about not being able to stop your heart. I can't imagine my life without you. I want you, Marissa. I want this. I'm in love with you."
Marissa launched herself forward, unable to hold back any longer, and captured Bianca's lips with her own. This time, the brunette did not pull back. This time, Bianca pulled Marissa in closer. The kiss deepened as both women were free to finally release feelings that had been kept at bay for months. Nothing was held back as both became lost in each other. Neither wanted the earth-shattering kiss to end and reluctantly separated minutes later breathless.
"Um, sorry. I think I interrupted you." Marissa smiled as she blushed, surprised by the depth of her desire.
Bianca laughed and smiled brightly. "Uh, no, I think I was done. If I wasn't, I sure as hell don't remember what else I was going to say. Feel free to interrupt me like that anytime."
As the brunette gazed into hazel eyes, the want to kiss those lips again became overwhelming, and she pulled the redhead in closer to her once more. Rational thought became impossible as bodies melded together and minds were sent reeling. Marissa felt herself drifting backwards on the couch, and she pulled Bianca with her as both became utterly lost in each other. As the need for air yet again became a necessity, they slowly pulled away. It was then they heard the rumble of small feet fast approaching from the other room. They quickly struggled to untangle from each other, become upright and collect themselves before their older children entered.
Both women gazed at each other and started to laugh at almost getting 'caught' by their children. Happiness bubbled up inside as both saw the love they felt reflected in each other's eyes. Neither could hold in the feeling of unbridled joy overtaking them, and it was reflected in their faces.
"Mom, what's so funny?"
Marissa looked at her son's puzzled face and smiled even more. "I'm just really happy."
"Are you happy too, Mom?" Miranda asked.
"I sure am. I'm very happy."
The children looked at each other and shrugged and went to check out the presents that were already under the tree. Marissa looked at the children and then turned to Bianca speaking quietly. "I think we should tell them about us."
"Are you sure you're ready for that? There's no going back once we do."
"Bianca, there's no going back for me now. I'm not changing my mind. You're stuck with me for as long as you want me. I think we need to tell them because I don't know about you, but I'm not going to be able to keep this to myself for very long. I'm not going to be able to be around you without touching you or kissing you or telling you how much I love you. Given how much we're around each and how smart our kids are, they're going to figure it out. Isn't it better if we're upfront with them from the beginning?"
"You are never going to cease to amaze me. There's no going back for me either, and I'm more than happy to be stuck with you for forever. You're right about not being able to keep this in anymore, and we do have exceptionally perceptive children. I'm ready to tell them. You still want that advice on AJ?"
"Yes, please."
"Be open and honest with him. Remember, he's remarkable because he's your son, and you've taught him well."
Marissa smiled at the woman who was now her girlfriend. "Thank you."
"Miranda, let's go find your sister and talk."
Marissa turned to her son. "AJ, I need to talk to you about something."
"Sure. Is it about why you're so happy?"
She couldn't hide the smile caused by her son's intuition. "Yeah, it is. You know I love you, right?"
"Yep, upside down and inside out!"
"That's right. Your dad loves you too. I know you wanted us to get back together, but we won't be, buddy. We won't be happy if we do."
"That's okay. I used to want that, but I can tell you're happier now. I like it when you're happy, Mom. I know you tried to be happy with dad, but you just weren't."
"No, I wasn't. I want you to know that has nothing to do with you, and we'll still be family even though we don't all live together. You know there are all kinds of families. Bianca and I love each other, and we're going to be together now. You, the girls and Bianca and I will be a family."
"Like how Miranda and Gabby had two moms, and Bobby Douglas has his two dads?"
A crooked smile crossed her face. "Yeah, exactly. Are you okay with that?"
The little boy only needed a few seconds to think about this change. "Is Bianca why you're so happy?"
"She is, and so are you and the girls."
"I'm okay with it then. Bianca's awesome, and I love her a lot! So, will Miranda and Gabby be my sisters now?"
"Uh, yeah."
"Cool!"
Marissa was amazed at her son's easy acceptance. "Are you sure you're okay with this?"
"Yep! She makes you smile and takes good care of you and me too."
Tears filled her eyes, and she pulled AJ in and hugged him tightly. "I love you so much."
"I love you too, Mom."
/
Bianca found her youngest daughter in the playroom. Miranda ran ahead and covered something up.
"Hey, Gabby, I need to talk to you and your sister for a few minutes."
"K, Mommy." She ran over to her mother, and they sat on the floor with Miranda joining them.
"You know I love you both more than anything in the whole world."
Both girls nodded.
"You both like Marissa, don't you? You like her being around so much?"
Gabby's head bobbed up and down enthusiastically. "I love Rissa. She's fun and gives good hugs."
"Yes, baby. She gives great hugs. What do you think, Miranda?"
Her oldest daughter thought about her mother's friend, and everything that had occurred over the last several months. "I love Marissa too, Mom. I think she's awesome. She takes really good care of all of us. Like when you were sick, I was scared, but she made me feel better, not as scared. She took really good care of you too and helped you get better. And that day that bad man tried to take us. He was really scary, but Marissa stopped him and made him go away. AJ said she wouldn't let anything happen to us, that things were going to be okay. He was right. She didn't let him take us, and she made everything okay. Kinda like you do. You like her, don't you, Mom?"
Nothing got by her oldest daughter. She was so much like Kendall in that regard. "Yes, Miranda, I do. Marissa and I love each other and want to be together."
"Kinda like you and mama Reese?"
"Yes, sweetie."
"Marissa's not like her though. She's different. She, she wouldn't forget about us."
Bianca's heart broke at that last statement. Reese had forgotten about her daughters, and the pain that caused them still made her so furious that she had to struggle mightily to contain that fury. She looked in Miranda's eyes and saw that pain, but she also saw something else. She saw the trust her daughter had in Marissa, and she knew that her girlfriend would never betray that trust. She hugged both of her daughters, fighting back tears. "No, Miranda, she could never or would never forget you or Gabby. So, what do you think about us being together, about us being a family with Marissa and AJ?"
"So, AJ would be our brother. I like that. Don't you, Gabby?"
Her sister bobbed her head up and down. "I like AJ lots! I like having a brother!"
"She makes you happy, doesn't she, Mom?"
"Yes, she does. She makes me very happy."
"I like that she makes you happy." She thought for a minute.
"What is it, Miranda?" She could tell her daughter still had something on her mind.
"Do you think it would be okay if I asked her a question?"
"I'm sure it would."
"Let's go then."
Bianca followed as her daughters ran back to the family room. Marissa and AJ were finishing up their discussion. Both women couldn't stop the smiles when they saw each other.
"Rissa! Mommy says we're gonna be a family!"
Marissa scooped Gabby up and kissed both of her cheeks. "We sure are! Is that okay with you?"
"Yep!"
AJ ran over to Bianca, and she knelt down. "What about you, AJ? Is that okay with you?"
"Yeah, I think it's great!" He gave her a big hug.
Miranda approached Marissa with a pensive look on her face. The redhead put Gabby down and addressed the older girl. "What's up, Miranda?"
"Can I ask you a question?"
"You can always ask me anything."
"Do you really love my mom? I don't want to see her hurt again and"
Marissa sat down and pulled the solemn child to her. She could tell she had been hurt as deeply as her mother, and she would like nothing better than to go after each and every single person who had hurt them. "Yes, Miranda, I love your mom very much. I know she's been hurt before, and I will do my very best not to hurt her or you and your sister. I promise you that I will do everything I possibly can to make her happy every day, to take care of her, and let her know how much she is loved. The same goes for you and Gabby."
A huge smile broke across Miranda's face, and she hugged Marissa as tight as she possibly could. "Good, I thought so!" I'm glad you and AJ are part of our family! I know you'll take good care of us!"
Marissa swallowed hard at the lump that had formed in her throat and looked at Bianca.
The brunette couldn't get over the thoughtfulness of her oldest child. She had been so worried about her. She wasn't surprised that Marissa had handled that incredibly. Nobody was perfect, but her girlfriend was sure as hell perfect for her and their family.
"Bianca?"
She saw the question in AJ's eyes. "Yeah, buddy, I promise you the same thing. I'm not the talker that your mom is, but I will do my best to be there for both of you whenever you need me, always."
The young boy smiled and hugged her again. "Okay, I just wanted to make sure. I thought you would, but Miranda got me to thinking."
"It's okay. I understand. You're just looking out for your mom, and she's really special and one of the best mom's there is, isn't she?"
"Uh huh, she sure is! When are we going home, Mom?"
Marissa checked the time. "I hate to say it, but we should probably be leaving soon if we're going to get you in bed before Santa gets here."
AJ turned to Miranda. "We should finish what we were working on."
"You're right we should, and I have a really good idea. Come on, Gabby." All three children raced back to the playroom.
Bianca looked at Marissa. "You are amazing, and I really need you to come over here."
"Well, I'm on the couch, and it would be more comfortable for both of us if you came over here."
"Have you forgotten what happened when I was over there before?"
"When I pretty much tackled you?"
"I've got to be honest and say that I didn't mind that at all, but the kids are going to be back out here shortly. The last time I was over there, they almost saw a little too much for comfort. I know they know we're together now, but are you ready to explain to them exactly why I was lying on top of you?"
Marissa gave her a devilish smile. "I suppose you're right about that conversation, but you don't trust me to control myself?"
Bianca cleared her throat and blushed. "It's not that I don't trust you. I don't trust that I can control myself."
The redhead laughed at her girlfriend's confession and fell more in love with her. She couldn't believe she had that effect on this incredible woman. "Okay, if I have to."
"Yeah, you really do."
She got up and walked over to the brunette.
Bianca wrapped her arms around Marissa's waist and pulled her in needing to feel those wonderful lips again.
Marissa sighed contently when they pulled apart and rested her head on Bianca's shoulder. "We have to figure out how to spend some time together tomorrow because I am not going to be able to go a day without this."
"Damn. How do you do that?"
Marissa lifted her head, giving her girlfriend a puzzled look. "Do what?"
"Find the words that express exactly what I'm thinking and feeling."
"That would be another one of my law school classes." The redhead smirked.
Bianca couldn't help but crack up laughing at the quick response. "I'm thinking I might have to check out some of those classes, counselor."
"No need. I'll offer private tutoring." Marissa said before placing a chaste kiss on those amazing lips.
"I'm going to take you up on that. You're right about spending time together tomorrow. I already told Kendall that I'd come over, but I should be able to sneak away after maybe an hour or two. It'll be easier since mom's still out of town."
"When is Erica getting back from her book tour?"
"A few weeks. Are you going to Tad's?"
"Yeah, I might be able to get away early too. Caleb gets back tomorrow, right? We could meet up at my house. We'd have a little more privacy. What do you think about telling the kids not to spill the beans about us? And before you ask, I have a couple of reasons for suggesting that."
"I know. I'm not going to freak out and start over thinking the intention behind every word you say. Caleb will be back early tomorrow. It could be more than a little awkward to have him here and me struggling to keep my hands to myself being around you."
"Well, we can't have you struggle like that. We can't have me struggle like that either."
Bianca chuckled. "True. That would be absolutely awful. I would like to have a little time for just us before everyone knows, and there's still someone else that will need to be told."
"If you're referring to my ex, you're right. I know we have to deal with him, but can we not talk about him until after tomorrow? I really want to enjoy our first Christmas together."
"Our first Christmas!" Bianca beamed.
Marissa's smile matched her girlfriend's. "Yeah, our first Christmas!"
"Done! No talking about exes, and this will just be between us for at least tomorrow."
Marissa sealed the deal by capturing Bianca's lips.
"Do you think they're going to be doing a lot of that now, Miranda?"
"Kissing? Yeah, I think so, AJ. We should probably get used to it."
"I guess you're right."
The women broke apart laughing overhearing their children's conversation. "Sorry, buddy. Miranda's right. Bianca and I will be kissing now. Are you going to be okay with that?"
"I guess that's one of the things that makes you happy, huh?"
"It is. You'll understand it more when you're a little older."
"If you say so, Mom. Are we gonna go home soon? I like being here, but Santa"
"Oh wow, it is late. I guess we should be going. You and the girls need to get to bed so the big guy in the red suit can visit all of you. Grab your coat."
Marissa collected their presents while Bianca helped AJ get bundled up.
"Thanks, Bianca. Are we gonna see you tomorrow?"
"You're welcome, and yes, you will. I'm not sure what time, but the girls and I will definitely be coming over to your house."
"Good!" He gave her a big hug. "Night. Love you."
"I love you too, buddy."
"Night, Rissa. Love you."
Marissa scooped up Gabby. "Good night, baby. I love you too. Make sure you get to bed so Santa can come. I'll see tomorrow." She put the little girl down and turned to her sister giving her a hug. "Good night, Miranda. I love you, and I'll see you tomorrow, okay?"
"Okay. Night, Marissa. Love you too."
Bianca looked at her daughters. "Okay you two, go get ready for bed. I'll be in in a minute."
Marissa finished putting on her coat and grabbed her packages. Bianca grabbed her coat and walked her girlfriend and AJ to car. As the little boy got buckled up, Marissa started the car so it could warm up. She got back out and turned to Bianca pulling her in close for a loving kiss. "Good night. I love you."
Bianca sighed happily and smiled as she watched the redhead get back in the car, buckle herself in and lower her window. "I love you too. Drive safe. I'll see you tomorrow. Oh, Marissa. This was definitely one of the best days I've ever had."
Marissa gave her a brilliant smile as she recalled a previous conversation. "Me too!"