A/N: I've made two decisions over the last two days. The first, well, I can't tell you about it, yet. You'll have to wait on that for another time. The second decision is one I'm more than happy to share with you now. I figured out what actually happened in the final scene of AMC. It finally hit me on the way to my car for my evening commute. There was no gunshot. Nope, it didn't end that way. The sound we all heard was actually a car backfiring. They sound a little alike and could easily be confused with each other. JR decided to not go all postal and shoot up the place and ran to his car. He was in such a hurry to get out of there that his fast escape caused the car to backfire. Works for me just as well as that mess PP left us with. That's my story at least, and I'm sticking to it!

Thanks for the reviews! I really appreciate them. Hope you like this latest chapter.

/

Bianca pulled into the parking lot of The Miranda Center and was surprised by the number of cars there. She helped the girls out of the car, and they walked inside. She found her assistant and most of the office staff working away inside. "Jan, what's going on?"

"Hi, Bianca, girls. Did you all have a good Christmas?"

"We did. It was great. What about you?"

"It was good. Oh, to answer your question, I stopped in about a half an hour ago to pick up a couple of files. No sooner did I get here when people started showing up to work. It seems we all had the same thought. We knew you'd be in today working, and no one wanted you to be in here spending the whole day doing it alone. Folks figured if everyone came in and pitched in that we could be done early and back home by early afternoon. Although, I'm guessing your friend Marissa will be in to help you, right? She seems like a good friend, and it's something I figured she would do especially after everything she did when you were sick."

"Wow. I can't even begin to thank everyone for this. Uh yeah, Marissa is a really good friend, and she'll be here in a little while with her son." Bianca couldn't hold back the smile as spoke about the redhead. The two had already spoken first thing that morning before she came into the office when Bianca had called her shortly after waking up. She looked at her daughters. "Are you sure you want to go to the conference room. You know you can stay in my office if you want."

Miranda smiled at her mom. "We know, but we can spread out more in there. AJ and me are gonna work on our art project for school so we'll need the room. Gabby has a bunch of coloring books, paper and crayons, and I'll keep an on eye on her. Don't worry, Mom, we'll be fine."

Bianca couldn't believe how grown up her oldest daughter was sometimes. "Alright, if you need anything, you come get me, okay? I'll be back to check on the two of you in a little while, and Miranda, I'm always going to worry about you. I'm your mom. I can't help it. Jan, would you take the girls back to the conference room so they can get settled in there? I'll go talk to a couple of people before I get started."

"No problem. Come on, girls."

"Thank you." The brunette set off to talk with members of her staff.

A few minutes later Marissa entered and was surprised at how busy the office was. Her eyes searched the room and immediately spotted Bianca talking with one of the office workers. She took a minute to admire her girlfriend before approaching her assistant. "Hi, Jan. I thought Bianca gave everyone the day off."

"Hi, Marissa. She did, but everyone started showing up to help her. Between the two of us, we think she's great."

The redhead smiled. "She definitely is something special."

The assistant nodded. "This must be your son."

"Yes, this is AJ. He's going to be working on an art project with Miranda. Are the girls in Bianca's office?"

"No, Miranda wanted to work in the conference room so they're in there."

"Okay, I'll just take him back there and be right back." Marissa headed down the hallway with AJ.

As she walked back to her office, Bianca caught a flash of the redhead and smiled. "Jan, since everyone came in on their day off, I figure the least I can do is take care of lunch for them. Would you mind seeing what everyone wants from Krystal's?"

"I know they'll appreciate it. I'll get right on it. Oh, Marissa just got here. She took her son back to the conference room."

"Oh yeah, I thought I saw her. I'll be in my office if anyone needs me."

Bianca was leaning over a work table with her back to the door concentrating on something she was reading when Marissa quietly entered her office a few minutes later and closed the door. She smiled as she remembered how her girlfriend 'interrupted' her last night while she was cleaning up in the kitchen. Turnabout was fair play, and Marissa couldn't resist wrapping her arms around Bianca's waist and placing kisses along her neck. The brunette moaned softly and leaned back into Marissa for a brief moment. She reluctantly moved away. "You know, someone could walk in on us here any minute."

The redhead smirked. "I'm sorry. I couldn't help myself. I have this problem keeping my hands and lips to myself around you."

Bianca laughed as she recalled a similar conversation from the previous night. "I have that same problem. Maybe, we should start a support group of some sort for that."

Both women quickly glanced up when they heard the office door open and the brunette's assistant entered. She noticed the two women blush but wasn't exactly sure why. "I'm sorry. I hope I didn't interrupt anything."

"No, no. You're, you're fine. Did you need something?"

"I have everyone's lunch orders except for the two of you and the kids." The women gave her their orders along with the children's. "Do you want me to close the door?"

"Why don't you leave it open."

As she left the office, Jan could hear both women bust out laughing. She thought about the smiles that each had when they spoke about each, what she had just witnessed in the office and the brief conversations she had with the rest of the staff as she took their orders. Each person had commented on Bianca's good mood today. She was usually in a good mood, but today, it was exceptionally good. She hadn't stopped smiling since she arrived. She seemed to be glowing. The assistant began to wonder if maybe there was something more going on between her boss and her 'really good' friend. They seemed like a good fit for each other. She shrugged, and decided that while it wasn't really her business, she kind of hoped she was right.

Inside the office, the women couldn't control their laughter and were in tears before Bianca managed to speak. "Do you think she saw anything?"

"I don't think so. I think we're good."

"Okay, you go sit over there and remember the door's open."

Marissa continued to laugh as she moved to the sofa Bianca had pointed to. "Alright, I'll be good. I promise. What can I do for you, workwise that is?"

Bianca sighed. "You really are impossible, but I wouldn't have you any other way. Would you mind reviewing these contracts, counselor?"

"For you, I will do anything. It would be my pleasure to review them for you."

/

Bianca stopped in the doorway to her office, resting her head against the frame as she watched Marissa. The redhead was in complete lawyer-mode and had zoned everything out since she began her work on the contracts only breaking briefly for lunch with Bianca and the kids. The thought and care she put into making sure every 'i' was dotted and every 't' was crossed, making sure the best interests of her client, in this case the center, were completely covered never ceased to amaze Bianca. It was one of the many reasons she felt so protected being in Marissa's very capable hands. The redhead's brow furrowed as she read and found something she obviously disagreed with. She made notes as she mumbled. Bianca found this side of her girlfriend fascinating and could watch her all day, but she then she noticed Marissa was wearing glasses. She couldn't recall ever seeing the redhead wearing them before. The brunette was transfixed as Marissa closed her eyes, removed her glasses with one hand and rubbed her eyes with the other. She was about to put her glasses back on when she glanced up and locked eyes with a smiling Bianca. "How did I not know that you wore glasses?"

Marissa gave her a coy smile. "I don't normally. I just need them when I do a lot of reading like this." She saw her girlfriend's lips twitch. "What?"

Bianca crossed over to a chair near the redhead. "I just think I'm going to love finding out about all of the little details that make you who you are."

The redhead cleared her throat as she saw the look in Bianca's eyes. "I think I'm going to enjoy that myself. Are the kids doing okay?"

"The kids are fine. Miranda and AJ are done with their project, and Gabby has been working on pictures for the both of us. I'm not allowed to see them yet though. Are you okay if I bring them in here so the conference room can be cleaned up? I don't want them to disturb you."

"I'm almost done so I'll be fine. Go get them."

A few minutes later Bianca returned with the kids and settled them at her work table asking them to be quiet so Marissa could finish her work. A promise of going ice skating when said work was done helped seal the deal.

Bianca walked back over to where Marissa was sitting. "How are you doing? I heard you mumbling when I came in earlier."

"I've found a couple of things that will need to be corrected. Come here, and I'll show you what I'm talking about."

Bianca raised an eyebrow in response.

Marissa smirked. "I promise I'll behave myself, unless you don't want me to."

"The kids are just over there and the door's open so we both need to behave ourselves."

"You're no fun sometimes."

The brunette laughed as she joined Marissa on the sofa. "I know. Sorry. I'll make it up to you later. Show me what you were talking about."

About thirty minutes later, the brunette's assistant ducked her head in. "Bianca, everyone else is gone, and I'm heading out myself. I'll see you tomorrow."

"Thanks, Jan. I really appreciate all of your help today. We'll be heading out in a few minutes ourselves so I'll lock up."

Bianca and the kids collected their things while Marissa finished up her work. "Done! What do you all say we go have some fun?"

Her question was met with a round of cheers from the kids and her girlfriend.

Miranda looked at her mom. "Are we still going ice skating?"

"Yep, we sure are. We're going to follow Marissa and AJ back to their place so she can drop off her car and then we're all going skating."

Marissa got the children all bundled up while Bianca checked the entire office once more and turned off lights. When she returned, the redhead handed her coat. "All clear?"

"Yeah, everyone's cleared out."

"Good. I've been wanting to do this all day." She leaned in and stole a lingering kiss. "I'll see you at the house in a few minutes. Let's go, AJ."

Bianca smiled as she watched Marissa leave and shook her head. Damn. "Come on, girls. Let's go."

/

Krystal watched as Kendall and Greenlee entered and searched the restaurant. "They're not here, and I haven't seen them all day."

Kendall walked over to the bar. "You haven't seen them? They didn't come in for lunch?"

"No, I haven't seen hide nor hair of them. From what I've been able to piece together, they were working at the Miranda Center. Bianca's assistant called in a pretty big lunch order earlier and said everyone was working today and that your sister was treating them to lunch. When Billy got back from delivering it, he said he saw Marissa over there."

"Huh, so they were together. Interesting."

Greenlee sat down. "Okay, I need details, people. This is what I know so far. Kendall told me that she talked to Bianca on Christmas Eve. She admitted that she was in love with Marissa, and Curly here had her convinced to talk to your daughter about what was going on with them."

"I talked to Marissa late that afternoon, and she admitted to me that she was in love with Bianca and was going to tell her how she felt. When I left, she and AJ were on their way over to Wildwind."

"Okay, so then what happened? What'd they say yesterday when you saw them?"

"I didn't see her. Tad was sick, and Jenny didn't want to leave him so we stayed there. I called Marissa and told her it was best if the two of them stayed home. I didn't get a chance to ask her how it went the night before. What about you, Kendall? Did you find anything out from Bianca?"

"No, I didn't. Ian woke up with a fever, and I told Binx to stay home with the girls. I called her later though to check on her. I asked her point blank what happened with Marissa."

"And?"

"She avoided the question and said that the girls needed her for something. I could tell something was up by the tone in her voice, but I can't tell you what exactly. She said she would call me today to talk, but I haven't heard from her yet."

"I haven't heard anything from Marissa today either. I only know what Billy reported back."

Greenlee rolled her eyes. "You two are really letting me down here."

"Whatever, Greenlee. I wonder if they're still at the center."

"We could always take a drive over there and see."

"I'm thinking that's what we're going to have to do. We'll give you a call, Krystal, if we track them down."

/

"Are the kids settled in?" Bianca asked as Marissa came back down the stairs and headed over to where she sat.

"Yeah, Gabby passed out as soon as her head hit the pillow. The other two are each playing one of their new DS games. I figure we have at least an hour for ourselves. Good call on the skating earlier. They had a blast and so did I."

Bianca smiled mischievously and pulled Marissa down next to her on the sofa. "I have my moments. Now, I can make it up to you for working you so hard earlier and not letting you have any fun." She closed the distance between them, capturing the redhead's lips with a torrid kiss. Marissa moaned softly and wound her hands into Bianca's silky brown tresses pulling her closer. They slowly separated minutes later, each breathless.

"You certainly know how to make it up to a girl."

The brunette chuckled. "I try my best." As she moved to reclaim her girlfriend's lips, she stopped suddenly. "Did you hear something?"

"I don't think so. What'd you hear? Wait, was that what you're talking about? It sounds like someone's outside."

They got up and walked towards the front windows. "You've got to be kidding me!"

"What is it?"

"It's more like 'who is it'. I just saw Greenlee duck behind a bush. She's out there with someone else. I can't tell who."

"I know who it is. It's my sister. Unbelievable. Do you think they saw anything?"

"I doubt it given the angle. I guess we should let them in before one of my neighbors calls the police although it would be kind of funny to see."

"Yeah, but I really don't want to spend the evening explaining to the kids why the two of them were handcuffed and in the back of a police cruiser."

"Neither do I. Let's make them squirm for just a little longer though." The redhead smiled and pulled Bianca away from the window and out of the sight of their 'intruders' for a lingering kiss.

The brunette sighed happily as she rested her forehead against her girlfriend's. "Are you ready for this, letting some of my family know about us? Judging by this stunt, it's pretty obvious that they can be over the top. I'll understand if you want to put off telling them."

Marissa shook her head. "I don't want to put it off. I'm ready. They're your family and important to you. If you can tolerate Krystal and David after everything they've done, I can handle over the top from those two."

"What about my mom?"

"I'll handle whatever Erica can throw my way."

Bianca smiled as she saw the confidence in the beautiful hazel eyes of her girlfriend. "You are amazing, and you won't have to handle my mom on your own. I'll be there right beside you." She leaned forward and placed a quick kiss on the redhead's lips.

"I know you will. Let's get these two out of the way, and we'll move on from there."

Marissa opened the door. She couldn't see either woman but knew they were still out there. "The two of you want to come in?"

Kendall was the first to come out of her hiding place and glanced back at her friend as she walked towards the door. "I knew they heard you."

Greenlee brushed herself off and headed towards the door. "Hey, sue me. I was trying to get a better look inside."

They tried to enter with as much dignity as they could muster while facing the smirks of both Marissa and Bianca.

"Where are the kids, Binx?"

"They're upstairs. How's Ian?"

"He's much better. Both he and Spike were bummed they didn't get to see you and girls yesterday. I tried calling you today to talk, but you never answered."

"Oh, I turned it off when I went into the office for a little while today. I guess I forgot to turn it back on."

Marissa sat and watched, somewhat amused, as the sisters went back and forth. She knew neither was going to give in and ask or answer the question both wanted to. It was the Kane stubborn streak on full display.

Kendall decided to try another tact. "Marissa, how was your Christmas? Did you go anywhere?"

The redhead was more than up for the challenge. "It was good, really good. No, AJ and I stayed home. We were supposed to go over to Tad's, but he was sick. I'm glad to hear Ian is feeling better. I hope you were able to salvage some of the day."

"We did. Oh, Greenlee and I saw Krystal earlier. She said she was going to stop by later since she hadn't heard from you either today."

"Thanks for letting me know. I was at the center earlier reviewing contracts for Bianca."

Greenlee and Kendall watched the two younger women. They were sitting side by side on the sofa, not exactly touching physically, but a connection was definitely there. There was an ease between the between the two of them now that was not there when they were last seen together. A quiet confidence existed now where nervousness resided before. There was also something else present, some sort of energy between them. Kendall then noticed the music box on the fireplace mantle. Next to it was a picture she recognized only too well. It was of the two women looking at each other and smiling brightly. Kendall had taken it when she met up with them at the zoo earlier in the year. She was struck at the time by how evident it was that they were in love with each other. She smiled inwardly and saw that same look in their eyes now. She knew that they were now truly together, but she wondered why they were being so coy about it. A thought finally struck her. They knew about being set up the week before and were giving her a little payback. She shook her head, and had to admit to herself that she would probably be doing the same thing if the roles were reversed. She wondered which one figured it out. Either way, she admired the way they had each other's backs right now.

Greenlee couldn't stand it any longer. "Okay, I give up. So, what's going on with you two? Are you together or what?"

Kendall rolled her eyes and finally relented. "I give up too. Spill it."

Bianca and Marissa looked at each and couldn't hold back the smile that always appeared when they looked at each other. The redhead held out her hand and her girlfriend immediately took it and slid closer to her.

Bianca looked at her sister. "We're together."

Kendall bolted out of her chair and hugged her sister. "It's about damned time! Congratulations! This is just the best news! I couldn't be happier for you, for both of you!" She released her sister and immediately hugged Marissa. "Okay, Red, I have to say this to you even though I don't think you will, but don't hurt her. I'll have to kick your ass if you do."

Marissa looked at Kendall and grew serious. "I won't hurt her, Kendall. You have my word on that. I love her too much to do ever do that. Believe me, unlike others, I know how lucky I am. I will do everything in my power to make her happy."

Kendall's eyes glistened as she listened to Marissa. She was beyond happy realizing that her sister finally had a partner who truly appreciated her. She hugged the redhead again. "Thank you. I know you will."

Bianca simply beamed as two of the women who meant the most to her spoke. To know that they got along and respected each other meant so much to her.

Greenlee smiled as she watched. She hated to admit it, but she definitely was turning soft as she discreetly wiped a tear away. "Congrats, Bianca. I'm happy for you." The two shared a hug.

"Thanks, Greenlee. I think I'm pretty lucky."

"I'm happy for you too, Marissa. I guess this means you're not as straight as you thought you were, huh?"

Bianca and Kendall held their breath at Greenlee's snarky comment. Each wondered exactly how the redhead would respond.

Marissa simply smiled, pulled her girlfriend close and gave her a loving kiss. "I guess you're right, Greenlee. I'm not, at least when it comes to Bianca."

Kendall started laughing. "Nicely done, Red! So, let's have some details. I'm guessing Christmas Eve was when you told each other."

The women took their seats again. Marissa leaned into Bianca as the brunette placed an arm around her. "Well, Marissa and AJ came over. Things were awkward for a few minutes once the kids went into the playroom. Marissa was the first one to admit it. She told me that she was in love with me and had been for a while. After she did that, I was finally able to admit the truth to her, that I was in love with her too. We talked everything through and decided to tell the kids about us. They were happy about it."

Greenlee smirked. "You 'talked' everything through, huh? That's all you're giving us?"

"We're talking about my sister. I don't need the detail you're looking for."

Marissa leaned forward with a mischievous look in her eyes that told Bianca that she might not want to take that drink of the iced tea that she had been reaching for. "Are you looking to maybe pick-up some pointers to give Ryan, Greenlee?"

Kendall started to choke on her drink and gasped for air. Bianca cracked up laughing as she saw the smirk on Marissa's face.

Greenlee was left speechless for a minute. She was not expecting a response like that at all, and she eyed the redhead. "You know, Bianca, I like this one. You should keep her around. She's definitely going to make things interesting."

Bianca heard a knock on the front door and went to answer, laughing as she did. "Don't worry, I plan on making sure she doesn't go anywhere." She opened the door to find Krystal on the other side. "Hi, Krystal. Come on in."

The older woman walked in and found the others laughing. "Did I miss something? Kendall, are you okay?"

The oldest Montgomery was still struggling to catch her breath but managed to croak, "I'm fine. Thank you for asking. I'm glad someone seems to care. It's more than I can say for the rest of these people."

"Anyone care to tell me what's going on here?"

Greenlee smirked. "You should ask your daughter."

Marissa simply smiled. "Hi, Krystal. We're just discussing my change in status from 'straight' to 'not so straight'."

Her mother looked between Bianca and her daughter, and she then noticed that the two were holding hands and absolutely beaming. "You mean the two of you?"

"Yep, Bianca and I are together."

"Well, finally!" She hugged both women tightly.

Bianca was slightly surprised by the older woman's enthusiastic acceptance. That had never happened with any of the parents of her other partners. "Are you really okay with this, Krystal?"

"Yes, of course I am. I want my daughter to be happy. She deserves to be, and I can tell that you make her happy. I can't think of anyone else who would be better for her than you. So, tell me everything!"

Bianca and Marissa happily related their story again. "I guess we have to thank you and Kendall and probably even Greenlee."

Kendall gave a knowing look to the redhead. "You know, don't you?"

"About the two of you setting us up so we'd see each other with other people, not being able to stand it and finally admitting to ourselves how we felt? Yeah, we know."

"Marissa actually figured it out. I guess we should also thank you for ditching us yesterday. I mean, we're sorry that Tad and Ian were sick, but it let us spend the whole day together. It was our first Christmas."

"I'm about to get a cavity with all this sweetness. Who all knows? Does Erica?"

Bianca sighed. "Well, Greenlee, besides the three of you, just the kids. My mom doesn't know yet. She's been out on her book tour. I wanted to tell her in person, but I might just have to call her."

Krystal looked at her daughter. "What about JR?"

Marissa shook her head. "I'm going to have to tell him. For some reason, I have a feeling it's not going to go over well. I'd like to keep things civil, if I can, for AJ's sake."

Bianca squeezed her girlfriend's hand. "You won't be telling him alone. I'm going to be there with you. If I know anything about him after all of these years, it's that he doesn't like to lose, and he can get mean and lash out."

Kendall nodded. "She's right. JR can get nasty. It's safer if you don't tell him alone. The three of us are more than willing to back you up."

Marissa smiled. "I appreciate it, Kendall, and I'm going to hold you to that." She turned when she heard a noise coming from upstairs. The kids soon appeared and raced down to be greeted with hugs and kisses by Kendall, Greenlee and Krystal. AJ started to speak, but was stopped by his mother. "Let me guess, you're starving!"

The boy giggled and nodded. "Uh huh! We were wonderin' if we could have pizza for dinner."

Miranda and Gabby both added. "Please!"

Bianca received a slight nod from Marissa. "Pizza sounds good to us." She turned her attention to the other women. "You want to join us?"

"That sounds great. Let me give Zach a call, and let him know I'll be a while longer."

"I'll give Ryan a call."

"Let me make sure Opal's still good watching Jenny a little longer. And before you ask, don't worry, I won't tell her. The whole town would know by the time I got home."

Bianca sighed as she watched her girlfriend order the pizza. "Thanks. I love Opal, but the woman can't keep a secret to save her life. Marissa and I want to be able to tell people ourselves."

/

The pizza was delivered a while later, and the group was happily chatting away when Marissa noticed Bianca standing back from the group with a pensive look on her face. She pulled her girlfriend towards the kitchen so they could speak privately. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"Bianca, something's wrong. Tell me what it is."

"I can't hide anything from you, can I? I was just thinking about JR and what he might try to do when he finds out about us. He doesn't fight fair. It could get really ugly."

"I'm all too familiar with JR's tricks. I'm not going to let him walk all over me. I've been thinking about this, and I'm going to get some outside legal advice. I called Caleb earlier, and I'm going to meet with him tomorrow morning. He's going to review the custody agreement and make sure my rights are protected. Would you come with me?"

Bianca smiled as she pulled Marissa closer giving her a quick kiss. "Of course, I will. We're in this together."

"Thank you." The redhead wrapped her arms around her girlfriend's neck pulling her even closer for a lingering kiss.

Kendall cleared her throat. "Sorry to interrupt, but we had a spill in the other room. Where are your dish towels?"

Marissa gave Bianca a quick peck. "I'm on it." She grabbed a towel and headed out of the room.

Kendall saw the smile on her sister's face. "You're really happy, aren't you?"

"Yeah, I am. She's incredible, and I'm probably the luckiest woman in the world."

"I'm a little biased here, but I think she's the lucky one. I'm so happy for you, Binx. You deserve all the happiness in the world."

Bianca hugged her sister. "Thanks, and thank you for helping me see what was right in front of me all this time."

"Anytime. Come on, let's go help her clean up."

/

Sometime later, after the other women had left, Bianca reclined on the sofa with Marissa resting comfortably in her arms.

The redhead sighed contently. "I love this, us, our family."

Bianca wrapped her arms around Marissa tighter. "I do too. I hate to say this though, but I need to get those two young ladies home. The movie just finished, and the kids are about down for the count."

"I know." She lingered in her girlfriend's arms a few minutes longer before finally sitting up. "AJ, time for bed, buddy."

The young boy told Miranda and Gabby good night before moving over to the brunette and giving her a hug. "Night, Bianca."

"Good night, AJ. I'll see you tomorrow."

"I'll be up in a minute, buddy." She watched as her son slowly headed to his room.

They helped the girls with their coats, and Marissa walked them to the door. "Love you. See you tomorrow morning."

Bianca placed a chaste kiss on the redhead's smiling lips. "Love you too. I'll meet you at Caleb's office."