A/N: Once again, thank you for the wonderful reviews. They really do wonders for the ego. I decided to go to my Minx happy place for this chapter and give our girls a break from all the drama. I figured they deserved it after dealing with Dipshit. They are moving forward with their lives together. There will be a few bumps in upcoming chapters but not this one. Hope you enjoy!

/

The past few months had been filled with the drama of fighting for custody of AJ. That issue had finally been settled two months ago with Marissa receiving full custody. AJ had been upset at first when told about his dad going to jail. He was a smart little boy though and understood why. He loved his dad, but he had begun to be afraid whenever he had to see him, never knowing what would set him off or why he was so angry with his mom or Bianca. He had overheard JR saying awful things about the two of them, and this caused AJ to grow afraid for them. He just couldn't understand any of JR's reasons behind that hatred and wanted to avoid the conflict as much as possible so he had started to come up with excuses for avoiding his visits. Early in the custody battle, Marissa noticed that AJ had become slightly withdrawn and was concerned. She knew Bianca had seen a counselor in the past, and they discussed her experience. They quickly agreed that AJ could benefit from it, and Marissa had found an excellent one for her son. The caseworker had sited this as yet another reason for AJ to stay with his mother in her report to the court. As a result of the early intervention, AJ had adjusted well, and the smile that had dimmed somewhat during the heat of the custody dispute had now returned.

Bianca and the girls stayed over with Marissa and AJ almost every night now and only returned to Wildwind on the rarest of occasions. It seemed when it was time to head back to Wildwind at the end of the evening, no one wanted that to happen. Someone would come up with some sort of excuse, and they would end up staying. On several occasions, it was determined that it was not safe to drive in storms that were raging outside. Another time, Gabby couldn't find one of her shoes. The house was searched top to bottom with no luck. By the time the search was called off, it was too late to make the drive back to Wildwind. The next morning, Marissa had found the missing shoe under Gabby's pillow. Not knowing who had placed it there, coupled with the fact that the two women were more than happy with the outcome of the sleepover, Marissa and Bianca had decided to let the incident pass and not call anyone out on it. After that, it had become a common occurrence for someone to not find something needed to make the trip back to Wildwind. Marissa had even once caught Bianca hiding her keys in the kitchen junk drawer. During the search for the missing keys, the redhead discreetly moved them from their hiding place to another one that she felt was more secure and offered little chance of someone accidentally finding them. It seems that Marissa just wasn't ready for them to leave that night either. The next morning, the brunette had planned to miraculously find them. When she went to her hiding place, the keys weren't there. They were gone.

Marissa had walked into the kitchen and was observing Bianca. "You still can't find your keys?"

"No, and I've got a meeting I can't be late for."

"Hmmm, and you checked the back of the junk drawer?"

"Yes, of course I did. That was the first place I checked." She saw the smirk on Marissa's face and knew she was busted. "Is there somewhere else you think I should check?"

Marissa grinned. "Call it a hunch, but why don't you check that cabinet."

Bianca checked the cabinet that her girlfriend had indicated and found the keys in the very back of it. She cocked an eyebrow and smiled. "I wonder how they got back there."

"I have no idea. I guess we'll have to keep better track of them." Marissa gave her a quick kiss. "I'll see you tonight."

Eventually, Bianca and the girls had more clothes and other personal items there than they had at Wildwind, and it was a given that they were simply going to stay. For all intents and purposes, they had unofficially moved in and were living together. While there would be more room for everyone at Wildwind, they were more comfortable at Marissa's. It just felt more like home for all of them. It was a little on the crowded side sometimes and required some adjusting on everyone's part, but their family had settled into a very comfortable routine and was very happy. Now that things had settled down, their long awaited trip to New York for Bianca's birthday was finally planned for the next weekend.

/

Bianca slowly opened her eyes and checked the time. For a brief second, she thought she and Marissa had overslept, but she quickly remembered it was Saturday. She relished the days when she could just stay in bed with Marissa for those extra couple of hours. The kids would sleep later, and there was no rushing off to work for them or school or camp to drop off the kids. Today, however, she had important plans, and she wouldn't get the chance to spend that extra leisure time in bed with Marissa like she wanted. Lost in the middle of everything that had occurred recently was Marissa's birthday. They had held a quiet celebration with just the five of them at the time because Marissa didn't want to take any chances and possibly jinx the ongoing proceedings with a big celebration. Bianca understood but still wanted to do more for her love. She deserved more, and the brunette was determined to make sure that happened. She remembered a long ago conversation between the two of them. Bianca couldn't remember exactly how the topic had come up, but they had recalled past birthday celebrations. Marissa's had not been on the grand scale of Bianca's while growing up, but they had been filled with love with her parents putting so much thought into them. Marissa cherished those memories. Since they had passed away and with little family around, that day always passed quietly. Bianca had filed that conversation away, as she had with every one the two had ever had, with every intention of changing how the day was celebrated. Things were different now, and Marissa had the family she had always dreamed of having. Since everything had finally calmed down, Bianca had been planning a belated surprise birthday party for her for the past two weeks.

Today was the day of the party, and she had invited their families and friends over. The kids were in on the surprise party. They were beyond excited about it but struggled with keeping the secret. In spite of that struggle, they were doing a great job of keeping it secret. Bianca had told Marissa that she had to go into the center for a couple of hours to wrap up a few things before their getaway next weekend. Her girlfriend readily accepted this excuse, and the two decided that Marissa would take the kids to the zoo later that morning with Bianca meeting them for a late lunch at Krystal's. In reality, the brunette would head over to Krystal's to pick up the birthday cake, a double chocolate cake of course. Once Marissa and the kids left, Bianca would head back home to set things up. She would call her later with a change in plans asking her girlfriend to pick her up at the house instead. Kendall and her sons were to accidentally run into Marissa and the kids at the zoo to keep her occupied and ensure that she didn't leave early. That was plan, and she hoped it would go off without a hitch.

Bianca quietly got out of bed, pausing briefly to gaze at Marissa. The brunette smiled as she watched her girlfriend sleep peacefully. Bianca sighed happily and headed off to shower and dress quickly. She was downstairs in the kitchen readying breakfast for everyone when the redhead entered the room.

Marissa wrapped her arms around Bianca and gave her a lingering kiss. "Good morning. You're up early."

"Good morning. The sooner I get started, the sooner I can get done and spend time with you and the kids."

"I wish you didn't have to work at all today."

"I know. That makes two of us, but I'll be able to sneak away earlier from work on Friday. That way, we'll be able to head to New York early."

"When you put it that way, I guess it's okay. I was thinking that maybe the kids and I can just stay here instead of going to the zoo."

"Why?"

"Well, the kids could sleep in more. Plus, we go to the zoo quite a bit."

"Gabby was really looking forward to seeing the monkeys today, and you know those are her favorites. I know you don't want to disappoint her. Besides, you know you'll cave as soon as she gives you that look of her's."

Marissa sighed. "You're right. I will. She's just like her mother in that regard."

Bianca smiled innocently. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Sure you don't."

"I'm not the only one here that knows how to get what she wants you know. You're pretty good at that yourself."

A mischievous grin crossed Marissa's face. "Oh yeah, I guess I am. I only use my powers of persuasion for good though, and I haven't heard you complain yet."

Bianca smiled giving her a quick kiss. "No, you haven't, and you never will. Now, finish up your breakfast. I'll go get the kids dressed so they can get started on breakfast, and we can get this day started."

/

Marissa laughed as she watched the kids imitating the monkeys when she heard a familiar voice behind her.

"I think Gabby does a pretty mean monkey."

"Kendall, I wasn't expecting to see you here. Hey, guys!"

Spike and Ian said hello as they ran up to the cage next to the other three children. "Well, the boys woke up this morning begging me to bring them here today. Since Zach had a few repairs to take care of around the house that would be easier to do without the boys help, I figured, why not. Where's my sister? When I saw you, I thought for sure that I'd see her."

"She's working for a few hours so we head up to New York early Friday."

"Ah yes, the weekend getaway. Wait, that's next weekend?"

"Please tell me you're just pulling my leg. You didn't forget that Bianca and I are going away, and you're watching the kids for us, did you?"

Kendall laughed unable to keep a straight face seeing Marissa's expression. "Relax. I didn't forget, Red. I'm watching the kids, and the two of you can enjoy some time to yourselves."

Marissa breathed a sigh of relief. "Don't do that to me! Bianca and I have been looking forward to getting away for a while. We love our kids, don't get me wrong, but..."

"It's nice to have some private time with no interruptions. I get it, trust me. The two of you deserve it. You've been through a lot the last few months, and a little time away will be good for both of you. I just have one request."

"What is it?"

"Make sure my sister relaxes and has a good time."

"You have a deal! That is one request I am more than happy to fulfill!"

"I figured that you'd be up for that."

"Well, it is for Bianca. Seriously, Kendall, you know that I would do anything for her."

"I know you would, and she would do anything for you."

"I know, and she has. She was amazing during the whole mess with JR. I don't know what I would've done without her."

"Well, you know my sister. There was no way in hell she was going to let you go through that alone. She's in love with you."

Marissa beamed. "Yeah, I know, and just so you know, I'm absolutely head over heels in love with her. To be honest, I can't remember when I wasn't in love with her."

Kendall grinned. "Tell me something I don't know. You're a little on the obvious side there, Red. You light up whenever you see her or even just talk about her. My sister is the same way where you're concerned."

"Bianca is the most amazing person I've ever known. She is just so special. She is the kindest, most generous, strongest…"

Kendall listened as Marissa went on and on about her sister. You're not telling me anything that I don't know, Red. I know exactly how special she is. When they made my little sister, they smashed the mold. Wow, I don't know that I've ever heard anyone literally gush over Bianca like this. There is no doubt in my mind how much you love her.

"Kendall, are you okay?"

The older woman wiped a tear away. "I'm good. It's wonderful to know there is someone else who appreciates my sister as much as I do, who knows how incredible she is."

"I do. She's everything to me. I know how lucky I am."

"Don't let this go to your head, but I think she's lucky too. You're pretty special yourself, Marissa."

Marissa struggled to swallow the lump that had formed in her throat. "Thank you. That means a lot to me."

Kendall cleared her throat. "Okay, that's enough of the sappy stuff. Has Bianca decided which play the two of you are seeing yet?"

"Not yet. There are a lot of good ones playing right now."

The two continued to chat about the plans for the upcoming weekend as they followed the kids from one exhibit to the next. Kendall finally received a text from Bianca telling her everything was set and to head over for the party. "That was Zach. It's all clear at our house. Spike, Ian, it's time to go. I'll see you later this week, Marissa, and we'll work out the plans for the kids."

"That sounds good. We'll see you later." Marissa checked the time. Bianca should be calling soon. "Okay, gang, we probably have time to check out one more exhibit before we have to leave and meet Bianca." The kids giggled as they shared a look between the three of them.

Marissa, however, didn't catch the looks between the children. Something Kendall said had her slightly distracted. She had said 'our home'. A thought that had been buzzing through her mind a lot lately once again came to forefront. Our home. God, I love the sound of that. I know we have never really discussed it let alone said it, but face it, Bianca and I already live together, along with the kids. They stay over almost every night. She only goes back to Wildwind to get her mail or pick up something that isn't already here, which isn't much. I don't consider it just my home anymore. It's our home, and I'm positive Bianca considers it the same way too. It's still rented though, and it is a little crowded sometimes. I wonder what Bianca would think about actually buying a place together. If we did, it should be bigger. The girls could have their own rooms again, and it could have a bigger yard for the kids to play in too. They would love that. Bianca and I could get a bigger bedroom, one that's maybe not right next door to the kids' rooms and with thicker walls. Our home. Marissa smiled at the thought. I'm definitely going to have to talk to her tonight about this.

/

"Why don't you sit down for a few minutes, Bianca? You've been working non-stop since this morning. Everything looks perfect. The only thing left to do is call Marissa after Kendall gets here."

Bianca looked around, making sure everything was indeed perfect. "I guess you're right, Krystal. Thanks for your help with everything."

"It's more than my pleasure. Thank you for asking me to help and for doing this for Marissa. The last few months have been hard on everyone but especially for her. I've wanted to do something for her, but it's hard given everything in our past, my past. JR's threats of dragging up all of that during the custody battle didn't help things between us at all. It definitely put an added strain on our relationship."

"I know. Things are getting better though, aren't they?"

"Yes, they are, and it all thanks to you. I know you're the reason Marissa's been trying so hard. I can't even begin to tell you how grateful I am to you for that."

"Marissa is an amazing person with a forgiving nature. I know she would've eventually come around. I just gave her a nudge."

"Call it a nudge if you want, but I know you did more than that. You're the only one who could give her that nudge and have her listen. My daughter thinks the world of you and is so completely in love with you that there isn't anything she wouldn't do for you."

Bianca gave her a brilliant smile. "I'm completely in love with her too and would do anything for her."

"I know. You were great with everything that happened with all of the mess with JR."

"I can't help but think sometimes that some of that was my fault."

"If Marissa were here right now, she would tell you the same I'm going to tell you. None of that was your fault. It wasn't my baby girl's fault either. All you and Marissa did was fall in love. There is nothing in the world wrong with that."

"You are getting to know your daughter." Bianca smiled. "She said the same exact thing to me. She refuses to let me feel responsible in any way for anything that happened."

"Well, she's right, and you should listen to her."

"She's told me that too." Bianca smirked.

Krystal smiled as she looked at her daughter's girlfriend. Bianca was truly special, and she couldn't think of anyone better for her daughter. She could see the love between the two of them. It was evident every time they were together. They simply glowed, and it was a wonderful site to behold. Both Marissa and Bianca had been through a lot in their young lives, and if any two people deserved to be happy, it was them. "The two of you have created a wonderful and loving home. I'm so happy for both of you."

"Thank you. I think we have too, and I'm very lucky to have her in my life. I'm not letting her go unless she wants me to."

"While I may not know my daughter as well as you do, I can tell you that that is something that is never going to happen." Krystal turned as she heard Scott call her from outside. "I better go see what he needs."

Bianca nodded as she thought about the conversation that had just occurred. It was something she had already been thinking about for a while now. Marissa and I do have a wonderful and loving home. Our home. That sounds so incredible. We haven't really talked about it, but the girls and I have pretty much moved in here. This has become more of a home to us than Wildwind has ever been, and I know Marissa thinks of this as our home now too. I can't remember the last time we stayed at Wildwind. I only go back there to pick up my mail or the rare item that we don't have here. I wonder what Marissa would say about the two of us buying a place. We could get a bigger place so the girls could have their own rooms again, and it would definitely have to have a big yard for the kids to play in. A bigger bedroom with thicker walls would be a must for Marissa and me. Our home. Bianca smiled. I'm definitely going to have to talk to her later about this.

Kendall and the boys arrived, and she called out to her sister. "You're up, Binx. Bring on the birthday girl."

Bianca stepped outside and smiled as she dialed her girlfriend's cellphone.

Marissa smiled as she saw the name appearing on her caller id. "Hey."

"Hey, yourself. Surviving the zoo? They haven't asked to keep anyone, have they?"

Marissa laughed. "No, I get to bring all three kids home." She looked down at the little girl whose hand she was holding and winked. "Although, the monkeys looked like they may have wanted Gabby to stick around. I wasn't going to let that happen though." Gabby looked up and giggled. "Are you done with work?"

"I am. I was thinking it would be better just to pick me up at the house instead of meeting at Krystal's."

"That makes sense. We're heading to the car now. Oh, remind me to talk with you tonight about something."

"Is everything okay?"

Marissa could hear a small amount of worry in her voice and wanted to kick herself for being the cause. "Everything is good, perfect in fact. There's just something I've been thinking about for a while that I want to talk to you about."

Bianca paused. "Okay, as long as you're sure there's nothing wrong."

"I wanted to wait to bring this up face to face, but I kind of blew that, huh? Now, you're worried, and I don't want that." She paused and took a deep breath. This was a big step, but Marissa thought it was one they were ready for. It was the right time. She lowered her voice so the kids couldn't overhear. "What would you think about us getting a new place, together?"

Bianca couldn't hide the goofy grin appearing on her face. Yet again, the two of them were on the same exact page. A happy sigh escaped from her.

Before she could answer, Marissa asked, "That's your happy sigh, isn't it? The one that comes with that goofy grin of your's that I absolutely love."

Bianca chuckled. "It is, and let me check. Yep, the goofy grin is there too."

"So, you like the idea?"

"I love the idea. I was just thinking the same thing myself and was going to bring up the idea of buying a bigger place tonight."

A broad smile lit up Marissa's face. "Seriously?"

"Yep!"

"Okay then! Any thoughts on our new place other than bigger?"

"Well, I was thinking it should have at least four bedrooms with a big yard for the kids and a bigger bedroom for us…"

"With a little distance between it and the kids' rooms with thicker walls maybe."

Bianca snorted. "You really are reading my mind."

"I try my best, but you make it pretty easy sometimes. Okay, the kids are loaded in the car. Let me get off of here so I can concentrate on the road."

"Alright, I will, and we will definitely be talking more about our new home tonight. Drive safe, and I'll see you soon. I love you."

"We'll be home in about ten minutes. I love you too."

Bianca turned around with that same goofy grin on her face to see her sister and Greenlee standing behind her smirking.

"So, Kendall, how does a call that should only take a few seconds turn into one that takes nearly fifteen minutes?"

"You know, Greenlee, I'm not really sure, but the two of them don't seem to be able to just say Hi, come on home. Bye like the rest of us."

"It just proves what I've been saying about them. They are both completely whipped."

"I have to agree with you. They are. Aren't they just so cute though?"

Bianca rolled her eyes at the pair's teasing. She knew they were right, but she didn't care. "You two should really consider stand up, you know? Marissa will be here in a few minutes so get back inside."

/

Marissa pulled into her driveway and eyed the three children in the backseat. "Okay, what's up with the three of you? You haven't stopped giggling since we left the zoo."

The older two children gave her their best innocent look and shrugged. She wasn't buying it and looked at the youngest child. "Gabby, do you know what's going on?"

"It's a surprise, Rissa." Gabby quickly clamped both hands over her mouth as AJ and Miranda rolled their eyes.

"A surprise, huh? What kind of surprise?"

All three shook their heads. "Hmmm, no one is going to spill anything else, huh? Alright, let's get Bianca so we can go have some lunch."

The children darted from the car to the front door and waited for Marissa to unlock it. She could tell something was definitely up but decided to let it go since she loved surprises, and the kids were obviously trying awfully hard not to spoil whatever surprise may be in store for her. She unlocked the door and stepped inside.

"Surprise!"

Marissa jumped slightly. The startled look on her face had everyone laughing. "What's going on?"

AJ hugged Marissa. "It's a surprise birthday party for you, mom!"

Miranda smiled and gave her a hug as well. "Are you surprised, Marissa?"

"Yeah, I am."

Gabby hugged her tightly. "We fooled you, Rissa."

"You sure did. Bianca, what's going on? My birthday was a while ago."

Bianca gave her a quick kiss. "I know, but there was a lot going on at the time so we couldn't really celebrate it the way it should have been back then. The kids and I decided we owed you a party, that you deserved one."

Friends and family rushed forward to wish the still slightly shocked Marissa a belated happy birthday. She couldn't get over how lucky she was to have so many wonderful people in her life, in particular the one who was behind all of this, Bianca.

/

As the party continued into the evening with everyone having a great time, the young couple finally found themselves alone for a few minutes. Marissa gazed at Bianca and smiled as she wrapped her arms around her. "I can't believe you did all this. You're incredible."

"Well, I had lots of help. When I told people what I was planning, there was no shortage of offers to pitch in."

"You know I was perfectly happy with my earlier celebration."

"I know, but I wanted to do something special for you, something more."

"You do something special for me just by loving me and being in my life, making it richer, fuller."

Bianca blushed. "You really are quite the charmer, counselor. Talk like that will get you absolutely anywhere."

"You inspire me, and I'm definitely going to take you up on getting anywhere with you later." Marissa gave her a mischievous grin before planting a quick kiss on Bianca's smiling lips.

The brunette cleared her throat seeing the look in her girlfriend's eyes. "Speaking of inspiration, I love the idea of us getting a new place."

"Me too. I've been thinking about it for a while, but when I was talking with Kendall earlier today, something she said made me realize that I needed to stop thinking about it and actually talk with you about it. By the way, nice job of having Kendall as a diversion. I had no clue something was up."

"Good! I thought she could handle the job. What did she say?"

"She made a reference to our home in regards to her and Zach's place. I've thought of this as our place for some time now even though we never really discussed it."

"I have too. I can't remember the last time the girls and I stayed overnight at Wildwind. I like the place, but it's always felt temporary and like something was missing. I finally figured out what that missing piece was. It's you, your love, your warmth and every wonderful thing that you are." Bianca leaned in for a loving kiss.

Marissa's breath hitched. "It seems that I'm not the only charmer around here. So, when do you want to start looking for a place?"

"Is tomorrow too soon?" Bianca's eyes seemed to dance with excitement.

"Tomorrow is perfect. Now, I love everyone here and don't want to sound ungrateful, but when do you think they're going to leave?" Marissa gave Bianca that mischievous grin that she loved. "I'm feeling the need to turn in early."