A/N: Thank you as always for your kind reviews. This chapter picks up the morning after my last one.

Now, if you would, please bear with me for a few minutes. The rest of this author's note will be a little long and more for my benefit. I'll understand if you might want to skip ahead, but this is something I need to do. I thank you in advance for your understanding and indulgence.

Those of you who read the stories on this site regarding AMC in general and Bianca and Marissa, aka Minx, specifically have your own reasons for doing so. Some may be the same, some different. My reason is that I grew up watching AMC. I stopped watching regularly when I got busy with school, work and life in general. When I heard the show was being cancelled, I decided I wanted to see how it would end (I won't be discussing my thoughts on what actually happened. I'm sure we all agree on that topic). I started watching again via DVR (great invention) around April/May. Before I started watching again, I wanted to catch up with what was going on so I went to YouTube and started seeing clips specific to Minx. The story caught my attention because it was beautifully written and acted. That led me to a couple of other websites and eventually here to FanFiction's site. I am not a writer by trade (my day job is in a completely different field), but I did do some writing in college. For some reason, I was compelled to start writing stories about our favorite couple. I quickly found that I really enjoyed doing this and reading your comments about what I've written. I've also enjoyed reading other author's takes on their story.

I know I'm rambling, but I'm getting to my point. We all have favorite stories on this site. While I enjoy reading all of the stories here, one of my favorites is "The Way It Should Have Been" by Fantasinner. If you haven't read it, do yourself a favor and check it out. I don't think you'll be sorry. When I began planning my last chapter, I knew that to do it justice, I needed some advice. I know my limitations. I took a chance and sent Fantasinner a private message here asking for some story help. If you read her story, you know just how talented of a writer she was. To me, it was a logical decision then to ask her for help. I never expected what happened next. She was more than willing to help and flattered that I asked. We soon traded email addresses and began corresponding with each other. These exchanges included thoughts about storylines along with some personal stories of our own. We found we had more in common than we would've thought, and before I knew it, I had a new friend. We both shared more than we thought we would, but I think that happens sometimes when you find a kindred spirit. She told me about plans she had, I was not only thrilled and excited for her but touched that she shared them with me. Still rambling a little, but I need to work my way up to this.

As I put my last chapter together, I was able to share it with her. In fact, I ended up sending her everything that I had written along with telling her about what I had planned for this one. Her feedback was amazing, and I ended up adding a little extra to the last chapter as a result because she was right. In turn, I was able to offer her some advice as well. I enjoyed our "talks" and looked forward to seeing her email pop up in my inbox. What happened next is hard to relate. I was contacted by someone she was very close to and told of her recent passing. I can't begin to tell you how saddened I was to hear she was gone. It is far too soon and a tremendous loss for those who loved her. My heart goes out to them, particularly her fiancée and her family. Please continue to keep them in your thoughts and prayers. I only knew her for a short period of time, but I can tell you that I was lucky to have known her for the time that I did. She was an amazing person. She had been through a great deal in her life. Knowing her and her outlook on life, you would never guess it. The more I have learned about her, the more I am blown away by the truly incredible person she was. I can only tell you that just knowing her made my life richer, fuller, better. I consider myself truly fortunate to have gotten to know her and even more so to have her as a friend even if only for a brief period of time.

I find myself struggling to understand why she's gone. As I've gotten older, I've found that some things just don't make sense. This is one of those times. I liked Fantasinner, and I'll miss her. Someone told me that she was brought into my life for a reason, no matter how brief. I've thought about that a great deal. I think they're right. Knowing Fantasinner has taught me to appreciate life more and the time we are given, to not take for granted those close to us and to celebrate what we have while we are able. I'll try and remember that when things start to get to me. I can tell you I was able to spend time with some of my best friends this past weekend, and I appreciate them more than I have ever have before. Hard to believe that since we've known each other for too many years to count now, but I do. I know why.

Fantasinner told me a few of her ideas for continuing her story, and it turns out that we had similar plans. I'm going to attempt to combine where we were both going and continue to write this story for as long as I have ideas. I think she would be okay with that so I'm going to continue to do my best for all of you and for her. I only hope I can do it justice. Hopefully, she'll be looking down and provide the necessary inspiration. I'd like to think that anyway. This chapter was going to go a bit longer and include a character that I had conveniently shipped out of town for a while. I changed my mind, and decided that this chapter needed to be drama-free. I just can't deal with JR at this time, not in this chapter. I'll deal with him next time. As you know, Fantasinner affectionately called him "Dipshit", and again, I think she was right. Anyway, thank you for "listening" and letting me say what I needed to say.

With the consent of her fiancée and family, I'm dedicating my story in her memory, for Fantasinner.

/

As Bianca lay in that state that exists somewhere between being awake and dreaming, thoughts began to invade her mind. Did I dream what happened? Or was it real? If it was just a dream, I'm perfectly content to lie here and keep on dreaming. Her brain soon shifted into overdrive and sleep was no longer an option. Bianca found herself waking up to two wonderful sensations. The first was the press of the soft, warm skin of Marissa against her own. To be holding the woman she loved with all of her heart was overwhelming and caused her heart to skip a beat. The second one was the feeling in her heart. It was sheer happiness. Both sensations were the result of the woman lying in her arms and her love. Bianca sighed happily, and she couldn't recall ever feeling this way before. It wasn't a dream. It had all happened, and Bianca smiled as the memories of last night came rushing back. Marissa had been nervous about disappointing her. This was something that Bianca knew down to the bottom of her soul wasn't remotely possible. The love they shared was too strong, built on too solid of a foundation, and she was proven right repeatedly last night. Marissa was amazing. She seemed to follow her natural instincts leaving Bianca wanting for nothing and feeling all of the love that Marissa had for her in every caress, every kiss.

Bianca glanced at the clock on the nightstand. They still had some time before they would have to leave to tackle the day ahead, and the brunette was not ready to give up the feeling of holding Marissa in her arms just yet. She felt the redhead begin to stir, and she shifted slightly so she could watch her. Marissa was absolutely beautiful. She looked so peaceful as she lay there sleeping, dreaming. Bianca saw a smile begin to form along the redhead's face, and she could feel the desire she had for this beautiful woman burn inside her yet again.

Marissa stirred as she dreamed of Bianca. She had been dreaming about the brunette ever since she had allowed herself to acknowledge her true feelings for her. These dreams, well, these dreams were unlike any others she had ever had before. They were so vivid and stirred her to the core, and when she woke up, she was left dazed and frustrated each time because it had only been a dream. This time was different though, and she wondered only briefly at first if it was just another dream before realizing it was far from it. The memories of last night soon began to flood her senses. To be completely honest with herself, Marissa had no idea what to expect and was nervous. She only knew that she trusted Bianca completely, loved her completely and wanted and needed her like she had not wanted or needed anyone else before. When Marissa told her how she was feeling, Bianca understood and was willing to wait for as long as she needed to feel comfortable. Marissa didn't want to wait, didn't need to wait, because she knew it was the right moment.

Bianca was everything she had ever dreamt of having in a lover. Every step along the way, Bianca made sure that she was okay with everything that was happening. Marissa recalled Bianca's touch and the feelings and responses it evoked. She had never felt so connected to someone, so close to someone on so many levels, as she did to Bianca. She had never felt so loved, so complete. Marissa had followed the brunette's lead at first but then found her natural instincts take over, needing to show Bianca how much she loved her. She remembered the sensation of entering Bianca for the first time. It was like nothing she had ever felt before, and she knew that she would never get enough of Bianca. Marissa heard Bianca's happy sigh and felt her shift next to her. She could feel Bianca's eyes caress her skin just as her hands had done last night, and it sent a wave of heat coursing through her. Marissa slowly opened her eyes, and they met the brunette's.

Bianca's smile was radiant. "Good morning!"

Marissa's smile matched the brunette's. "I'll say! Good morning, yourself! You're staring again. Is this something that's going to be a regular occurrence?"

"Most definitely since I can't seem to help myself. I'm absolutely in love with the view. In fact, I see it becoming a very bad habit, one that I'm not inclined to ever break."

Marissa found herself getting lost in the warm chocolate eyes of Bianca.

"Who's staring now?" The brunette asked totally amused.

"What? Oh, I'm sorry. Actually wait, let me change that. On second thought, I'm not sorry. You are positively breathtaking. I do believe you're right about this becoming a bad habit, one that I'm incapable of or unwilling to break myself of."

Bianca turned serious, needing to be absolutely certain that Marissa was okay with everything that had happened. "Are you okay? Last night was new, and…"

Marissa leaned closer, placing a loving kiss on the brunette's lips immediately silencing any doubts she may have. "Bianca, like I told you last night, I'm more than okay. In fact, I feel amazing. Last night was unlike anything I've ever experienced before, and it's all because of you, who you are, how much you love me and how much I love you. When I'm with you, I don't feel like some damn possession or prize. I feel loved and wanted like I never have before. I love you, and I'm not going anywhere. I'm yours for as long as you want me. I'll keep telling you that every day we're together, hopefully for the rest of our lives. I just hope that I …"

It was Bianca's turn to silence any doubt from her lover as she kissed her tenderly. "Marissa, I love you, and you did not nor could you ever disappoint me. In fact, uh, I think you were pretty damn amazing."

"Honestly?"

"Most definitely, and by the way, I'm not going anywhere either. I'm yours for as long as you want me, and I'm planning on that being forever because that's how long I want you in my life."

"That's very good to know. As for last night, well, I think I'm learning from the best." A mischievous smile soon appeared. "Of course, I've always been an overachiever so I wouldn't mind some additional lessons, and since there's no time like the present…" Marissa shifted suddenly and was now lying on top of the brunette.

Bianca's breath caught at the unexpected move. "Uh, Mar, Marissa, as much as I would love this to continue, we probably should get up."

Marissa began to trail kisses along Bianca's neck. "Why?"

Bianca stammered. "I, I still need, need to run back to Wildwind, change, pick up my clothes for the fundraiser and come back and get you. We need, we need to start setting up for the fund, fundraiser at the Yacht Club."

"I thought Jan and the rest of the staff were taking care of that." The redhead continued her exquisite torture.

"They, they are. I, I just don't want to have, to have them do all the work." Dear God, I'm so not going to win this point. It doesn't really feel like I'm losing though.

Marissa smiled wickedly seeing and feeling the effect she was having on Bianca and continued the loving verbal and physical assault as her hands made their way to the brunette's breasts and began to slowly tease hardened nipples while she continued her reasoned argument. "You know, they are more than capable of taking care of the details. It's their job. They love what they do, and they're good at what they do. They may start to think you don't trust them if they think you're looking over their shoulders all the time."

Bianca struggled to think rationally but was quickly losing that battle. "I, I do trust them. It's just… Oh my God!" She had been so caught up in the redhead's caresses that she hadn't realized that Marissa's lips had slowly been making their way from her neck until they replaced her hands, and her tongue began to tease where her thumbs had been mere seconds before. Bianca soon willingly surrendered as all thoughts except those of Marissa left her mind.

/

Marissa hummed happily as she fixed a quick breakfast for her and Bianca while the brunette showered. No mattered how hard she tried, she wasn't able to stop smiling. Okay, she wasn't really trying all that hard. She was the happiest she had ever been, and it was all because of Bianca. That woman was simply amazing, and the way she made Marissa feel was equally amazing.

Bianca smiled as she came downstairs and entered the kitchen where she heard Marissa humming. She stood in the doorway simply watching the redhead. This was now her second favorite thing to do in regards to her girlfriend. Bianca quietly made her way behind Marissa wrapping her arms around her waist. "I really need to get going. We're late enough as it is. I just don't have time for breakfast. I would have had I not been distracted earlier."

The redhead leaned back enjoying the feel of Bianca's arms around her. "Ten minutes, I think you can spare that. You have to eat something because it's going to be a long day, and I'm not going to let you get sick on me. Besides, you're not getting your keys until you do."

Bianca sighed and quickly kissed the redhead as she went to sit down at the kitchen table. "Fine, but that sounds a little like blackmail, counselor."

"You can call it whatever you want, but no keys until you have something to eat. Oh, as for being distracted earlier, I don't recall hearing you complain about it. At least, it didn't sound like you were complaining to me." Marissa added with a smirk as she joined her at the table.

Bianca blushed slightly. "No, no. I wasn't complaining at all, and I'm really not now, far from it. You had a very convincing argument for letting my staff handle things. It's just that there's so much to do before tonight."

"It will all get done. In fact, I already took care of a couple of things for you."

"You did? What did you do?"

"I called Kendall and checked on the kids. Everyone is fine, and there are no problems to report. I know neither one of us really thought there would be. Actually, they're still asleep. It seems they had a late night as the result of a video game tournament of some sort that Zach put together. I'm sure we'll hear all about it when we see them. Before you ask, I told Kendall that I was doing the first check on them because I had talked with you earlier, and you were running late. I also told her that you would call her later."

Bianca raised an eyebrow and smirked.

"What? Don't look at me like that. I didn't lie to her. I did talk with you earlier, and you are running late. I didn't think you'd want me to tell her that you stayed over and give her details about everything we did last night and again this morning." The mischievous look that Bianca loved crossed her face. "I know I don't want to have that conversation with her, and I don't think Kendall really wants to know everything her little sister does, especially with her girlfriend. Now, if I had been talking with Greenlee, that's a whole other story. I really wonder about her sometimes."

Bianca laughed. "Ah, no. There are some details that Kendall and I don't need to share. Our sex lives are at the very top of that list. As for Greenlee, you're not alone wondering about her. My cousin does seem to like as many details as possible, but she'll just have to be disappointed. I'm not having that kind of conversation with her. What else did you do?"

"I called Jan and told her basically the same thing I told Kendall. I didn't want anyone worrying about where you were. She said that everything was under control and to tell you to take your time."

"You were certainly busy while I was in the shower. I saw you cleaned up in the living room too. I really wanted to help with that."

"It didn't take that long since I just threw everything away. After being out all night, the food wasn't good anymore."

"It's a shame to have it all go to waste like that, but we had other things on our minds last night." Bianca added with a huge grin.

"Uh, yeah, we did. Taking care of leftovers was the last thing on my mind." Marissa laughed.

Both women gazed into the other's eyes, getting lost there, remembering last night as they reached for the other's hands. Bianca finally managed to pull herself back to the present and glanced at the clock on the wall.

"Okay, we really need to get moving. I'll swing by Wildwind, change, grab my stuff for tonight and be back to pick you up."

Marissa sighed. "You're right. We do need to get moving. That sounds like a plan and will give me time to shower and get my stuff ready for tonight too."

They got up and slowly walked to the front door holding hands the entire way, not wanting to break any physical contact just quite yet. Once they got to the door, Marissa hung back slightly. Bianca could tell something was on her mind.

"Is something wrong?"

"Um, no. I was just thinking about the plan for tonight. I know that the sitter is coming over here later to watch Miranda, Gabby and AJ once Kendall and Zach drop them off on their way to the fundraiser. When it's over you're dropping me off and picking the girls up to head home."

Bianca nodded, wondering how to ask if Marissa might be interested in changing plans. "That's the plan."

"I was wondering. What would you think about changing plans? What if the three of you just stayed here all night? I mean, it just makes sense when you think about it. It will be pretty late by the time we get back here, and the girls will be asleep. I would hate to have to wake them up, and you'd have to do it twice. Once here to get them in the car and again when you got them back to Wildwind. Plus, I don't like the idea of you driving that late when I'm sure you'll be tired, and you know how nuts drivers are on New Year's after partying all night."

Bianca gave her a dazzling smile. Somehow, Marissa knew exactly what she was thinking, what she was hoping. She shouldn't be surprised by that. "I think that is an absolutely brilliant idea. You have the best and most well-reasoned arguments, counselor. I'd hate to have to disturb the girls like that, and that is a long drive to be making late at night, being tired and all, especially worrying about drivers that have done too much celebrating. I think the kids would love the idea of a sleepover too."

Marissa laughed and returned the brunette's smile with one just as dazzling. "Thank you. I thought it was a pretty good idea myself. There's also the added benefit of you and me having our own sleepover again."

"There is that, and I think that's a pretty good benefit. I don't know how much I'll feel like sleeping once we get back here though. I might be too wired from everything to go to sleep right away."

Marissa pulled the brunette closer. "I might be able to help you work off any excess energy you might have. I might have the same problem too. Think you might be able to help me out?"

Bianca laughed. "I think I can handle that. Of course, you'll have to be a little quieter than you were last night."

"Me? I seem to recall you being pretty loud yourself, especially this morning." The redhead smirked.

"Okay, we both may need to keep that in mind, although the kids are pretty sound sleepers." Bianca pulled Marissa to her giving her a lingering kiss. "I really need to go now since I have a little extra packing to do for tonight. I'll be back in about an hour."

Marissa smiled. "And I need to get AJ's room ready for the girls. I'll see you in an hour."

Bianca put on her coat and gave the redhead one more loving kiss. She opened the door and turned back to her girlfriend. "I love you."

Marissa sighed happily and smiled . "I love you too. I'll see you in an hour."