A/N: As always, thank you for the reviews. I thought I was done with a certain character a few chapters ago, but I decided that I was wrong. When I started thinking about this particular thread of the story involving this character, I came up with several ideas to follow so I'll devote at least one more chapter to it. Thanks for the comments regarding Kendall and Greenlee. I do like writing them too so I'll try to keep them around to interact with our girls as well. Hope you like this chapter.
/
It was a beautiful summer day as Marissa and Bianca laughed watching AJ, Miranda and Gabby run around the park playing a game of tag. As the couple watched their children, they were also reviewing real estate listings in search of their family's new home. One would read a listing while the other kept their eyes peeled on the kids.
Bianca sighed after reading her latest listing. "I have to say I'm getting a little discouraged by this latest round from the realtor. I haven't been impressed by any of them so far."
Marissa nodded. "I haven't either. The same goes for any of the places we've actually visited. Do you think we're being too picky, looking for too much?"
"I don't think so. We are talking about our future home so we need to make sure we're comfortable there and have all of the things we want because…"
"We will be living there a very long time." Marissa added with a brilliant smile.
"Precisely!" Bianca's smile matched the brilliance of her girlfriend's.
"So, we'll keep looking until we find exactly what we want and…"
"And no settling. This house will have everything we want."
Marissa gave Bianca a quick kiss. "Exactly what I was thinking!"
The two quickly turned around when they heard a familiar voice behind them.
"Kendall, wouldn't you think they would've gotten some of that out of their system the other week in New York?"
"One would think so, Greenlee, especially since the two nights away were stretched to five nights. It's hard to be too mad at them though. They really are so cute. Don't you love the way they finish each other's sentences?"
"About that, I think it's a little spooky myself. I don't think I've ever done that with anyone."
"I guess that's because you haven't been with anyone as amazing as Bianca." Marissa added smiling broadly.
"Or as amazing as Marissa." Bianca added with a quick kiss to her girlfriend.
"Okay, it's official. I need to get myself to the dentist. All of this sweetness is giving me a cavity." Greenlee smirked.
"Wow. I'm going to have to agree with Greenlee on this one. You two are bordering the line of being too sweet."
"I'm sorry, Kendall. You're just going to have to deal with it. I just can't seem to help myself around your sister."
"And I'm not inclined to stop Marissa or myself around her for the matter."
"Good point! I won't be stopping Bianca either. That would be rude, and my parents taught me better than that." Marissa added as she gave Bianca a quick kiss. The couple laughed at Kendall's and Greenlee's reactions.
The two older women looked at each other and shook their heads. While they were happy for them, they thought the young couple really was bordering that line, but they didn't seem to care. Kendall and Greenlee couldn't get over the connection between Marissa and Bianca. They had never seen anything like it, and if the friends thought about it and were honest with themselves, they were just a little jealous, but they would never admit it to them. They were both happily married, but what those two had was definitely special. They simply rolled their eyes and joined them on the bench.
"What are the two of you reading?" Kendall asked.
"Are those real estate listings? Are you looking for a new place?"
"Yes and yes, Greenlee. Marissa and I are looking for a bigger home."
"You're finally making it official that you're living together! Well, it's about damn time. Anyone have today in the pool, Kendall?"
"I'll have to check."
Marissa rolled her eyes. "You should probably see who had sometime in the spring if you want to be accurate."
Kendall laughed. "Where are you looking? Found anything interesting yet?"
The young couple sighed and shook their heads as Bianca added, "Not yet, and we're looking pretty much everywhere."
"We'll help. Hand us some of those. Greenlee loves spending other people's money."
"She's right. I really do. If you're talking a house, you're talking some serious money. I will have you know, however, that I'm good at finding bargains too. Let me see what you have. How was the extended getaway?"
Bianca and Marissa couldn't hold back their smiles. "Bianca and I had very good time. Thank you again, Kendall, for keeping the kids a few extra nights."
"Like I was going to be able to tell my sister no when she called. It's not like she ever asks for anything so it was the least I could do. Besides, the two of you will just owe Zach and me."
"This is the best that your agent can find? I'm sorry, but I'm not liking any of these." Greenlee handed the papers back to Bianca. "There has to be something better out there."
Kendall nodded in agreement. "She's right. I can't believe there aren't any better homes available."
The young couple sighed and looked at each other. It really was discouraging. A thought suddenly struck them both at the same time as they said in unison, "Why don't we just build our own home?" Bianca and Marissa burst out laughing.
"Seriously? You're kidding me, right? They did not just do that again."
"Okay, I'm with Greenlee on this. You two need to stop that whole reading each other's thoughts thing. It really is kind of spooky. How do you that?"
Bianca was the first to collect herself. "Sorry, Kendall, it just happens. We really have no control over it."
"We really don't. I can't explain it either."
Greenlee rolled her eyes. "Whatever. You're both right. If these are the best places that are available, you should build."
"I don't know why we didn't think of it earlier, Bianca. It makes perfect sense. We can design it anyway we want."
"You're right, we can. We can make it perfect for us with no settling on any of the details. It does make sense. Now, we have to figure out where we want to build and find a builder. We need to start working on a more detailed list of everything we want too."
"We've got a pretty good start on some of the must haves." Marissa saw Gabby approach and motion to her. "What is it, sweetie? Did you need something?"
Gabby nodded and gave her a big hug. She smiled innocently at the redhead. "Rissa, you're it!" Gabby quickly ran toward AJ and Miranda as all three children started laughing.
"Did I just get played by a four year old?"
Bianca snorted. "I think you did."
"If you'll excuse me, there are some children I have to show how this game is really played." Marissa ran off after the kids as they squealed with delight.
Kendall laughed as she watched Marissa chase after the kids. "Gabby sure has her number. She has Red wrapped around her little finger."
"Just like her mother does." Greenlee smirked.
Bianca ignored the snarky comment and addressed her sister. "Yes, Gabby does, and Marissa knows it. The two of them have always had this special connection."
"What about Miranda?"
"Their connection is a little different. It took a little more time to form, but they definitely have one. Miranda loves her, is crazy about Marissa in fact. It just took her a little longer to completely trust her."
"Because she's older and remembers more of what happened with she who shall remain nameless?" Kendall asked.
"Yeah, she was definitely a little hesitant to trust anyone else. With everything that's happened though, Miranda firmly believes that Marissa will be there for her, us, no matter what. She's one of her biggest fans."
"I'm glad to hear that. Since you're going to build a home now, Binx, I can get you the names of a couple of builders if you want. Do you have any thoughts as to where you might want to build?"
"I appreciate that, Kendall. Actually, I have an idea, but I need to run it by Marissa first."
Greenlee saw Marissa approach the bench from behind. "Speak of the devil. Did the kids wear you out already or maybe you're still recovering from the getaway?"
The sisters rolled their eyes at Greenlee's comment. Marissa merely cocked an eyebrow as she wrapped her arms around Bianca and smiled. "Oh no, I have plenty of energy left." She kissed her girlfriend's cheek and whispered in her ear. "Tag, you're it!" Marissa ran off in the direction of the kids who were cracking up.
"Oh, it is so on, Tasker!" Bianca chased after her family leaving the friends behind.
Kendall watched the happy scene play out before her. She was thrilled that her sister was so happy and was resolved to do whatever she could to ensure she stayed that way.
A familiar figure standing some distance away caught Greenlee's eye. She hoped she was wrong but had a sinking feeling that she wasn't. "Kendall, that's not who I think it is, is it?"
Kendall turned to see who Greenlee was talking about, and her smile disappeared immediately. The person had turned away and was quickly headed out of the park. The glimpse was enough for Kendall to confirm her friend's suspicions. "Reese. What the hell is she doing back in Pine Valley?"
"I was afraid that was her. What do you think she wants?"
"I have no idea, but it can't be good."
"They obviously haven't seen her yet. We should let them know. Give them a heads up so they can brace themselves and the girls for when they do see her."
"I know. We'll tell them later today. Look at them. They're all having too much fun right now. Let them have that for a little while longer."
"Okay, you're right. She didn't look happy seeing them together. She's never met Marissa, has she? Do you think she knows that's who Bianca's with now? I don't see that going to go over well."
"No, the two of them have never met. I don't know if she knows what Marissa looks like, and you're right. I don't see her being thrilled about the two of them especially after Red basically handed Reese her ass last year. All of which tells me that she's going to be a problem for them. I'll be damned if I let her hurt my sister or nieces again. They're happy with Marissa and AJ. In fact, I've never seen the three of them happier. I'm not going to let her ruin that. I really like Marissa too, and AJ is just the most thoughtful little boy I've ever known. No, there is no way in hell I'm going to let her ruin what they've all found together."
"Well, whatever you're planning to do, count me in."
/
Bianca paced back and forth, her hands clenched into fists as she did. She recalled what had happened just one hour earlier. Kendall and Greenlee had followed them home from the park. Once the kids were upstairs and out of ear shot, the pair told them about seeing Reese at the park. Bianca hadn't reacted at first upon hearing this news. She was more stunned than anything. Any contact her ex had attempted with the girls had been sporadic since she had her lawyer attempt to take the girls without her knowledge a little over a year ago. I don't know that I've ever been as scared as I was that day. I was so close to losing them. Thank God, Marissa was there in time to stop that from happening and sent her lawyer back to France with his tail between his legs. By the time I got to Krystal's, Marissa had somehow managed to calm the girls down. That is the day her relationship with Miranda changed. She'd always liked Marissa, but she actually started trusting her that day and let Marissa into her heart. Miranda hadn't been able to do that with any adult other than me, Kendall or mom. Marissa risked so much for me and the girls that day and didn't give it a second thought, and we weren't even together then. We were still just friends. Now that we are, I know there isn't anything she wouldn't do for me or our family. That's the biggest difference between her and Reese. Marissa values family as much as I do and makes us her number one priority. She loves being a lawyer, but she never puts it first, never puts it above our family. Bianca paused and looked at Marissa. She had been sitting and watching her quietly as the brunette tried to process the information they had received. Bianca could feel her blood pressure lower, and her tension begin to lessen. She took a deep breath and sat down next to her. "I can't believe she's back. What do you think she wants? Do you think she's going to try and take the girls again?"
Marissa had been trying to wrap her head around the news of Reese being back in town since Kendall and Greenlee had told them they had spotted her watching them and what it all meant. "I'm honestly not really sure why she's back here or what she may want. I can tell you that she is not going to take the girls from you. There is no way in hell I'll ever let happen."
"Is that from my girlfriend or my lawyer?"
Marissa smiled. "It's both. From a legal standpoint, she doesn't have a case. You have full custody. She gave up her joint custody when your divorce was finalized. While she has visitation rights, she has chosen not to exercise them. I don't consider a handful of phone calls in over a year's time as an attempt to re-establish a relationship with the girls. I don't believe the courts will either. Now, let's talk about what's on both of our minds. She's tried to have the girls taken back to France without your knowledge or consent. The courts do not look favorably on that kind of activity either. She is their mother though, and I know you would like the girls to have some sort of relationship with her if it's possible."
"If it's something the girls want and are safe and Reese is willing to work on it, yes, I think they should have a relationship if it's possible."
"Okay, I don't think we should let her visit with them alone then. Somebody needs to be there to keep an eye on things and make sure she doesn't try anything. I'll be honest with you. Given her track record, I don't trust her. I don't trust that she won't try to take them again. I'm also not sure what the girls' reaction to her will be."
"I really can't trust her either. I agree about not letting her see them alone. I'm not sure how they'll react to her being back here either. Since Gabby's so young, she may not remember her too much to be honest. Miranda is another story. I know part of her loves Reese and still misses her, but that incident last year really damaged what relationship they had. We're going to have to talk to them."
"Yes, we will. There's something else we need to talk about. I think either Jack or Caleb should handle any legal proceedings from now on. Let me explain. When we were just friends, I could separate myself somewhat, although I wasn't all that professional with my last interaction with her and especially her jackass lawyer. Now that we're together, I have a huge conflict of interest where you are concerned. I don't want my feelings for you to jeopardize any challenges."
Bianca smiled. "Your feelings for me are a conflict of interest, huh?"
"Yes, they are. As you have pointed out a number of times, I am desperately and hopelessly in love with you, and that doesn't really allow to me think very clearly where you're concerned." Marissa smiled as she leaned in for a loving kiss.
"If you think that's best, then I'll talk with Uncle Jack. Are you okay?"
"What do you mean?"
"I think there's something else bothering you. What is it?"
Marissa sighed. She should've known that she couldn't keep anything from Bianca. She knew her too well. "I can't help but think that Reese is back here for more than just to see the kids. I have this feeling that she's back here for you, that she may want you and the girls back."
"If that is the case, then she's going to be disappointed because it's not what I want. She's not who I want. You are. I want you and every wonderful thing about you. You are my present and my future. You, me and the kids have built an amazing life together. It's not something I'm willing to give up. I'm in love with you, and I am not going anywhere, okay?"
Marissa smiled. "I'm not either, not without one hell of a fight at least. I trust you, and I know you love me and our life together."
"I do. Look, I may not have listened to you where Reese was concerned before, but that's not the case this time around. My eyes are wide open where she's concerned, and that's the big difference this time. Well, make that the second biggest difference. The biggest difference is that I love you, and I will be more than happy to keep telling you that as often as you need or want to hear it." Bianca added before pulling Marissa close for a lingering kiss.
/
On Monday, Bianca was sitting at their usual table at Krystal's waiting for Marissa to arrive for lunch. They had yet to hear from Reese in regards as to why she was in town. They had decided to not let her presence or whatever plans she may have dictate their lives. Today, they were meeting Kendall and Greenlee for lunch. Kendall had compiled a list of builders for them to review. Bianca and Marissa were moving forward with their plans to build their new home. As Bianca reviewed the menu, she heard a voice that she hadn't heard in a very long time.
"Bianca, it's been a long time."
The brunette looked up and saw her ex-wife for the first time in what seemed like a lifetime. "Reese, yes it has."
"You look great. How have you been?"
"Thank you. I've never been better or happier. How are you?"
"I'm good. How are the girls?"
"They're great." If her ex wanted to know more, she would damn well have to ask.
"You don't seem to be surprised to see me. I guess Kendall and Greenlee did see me the other day in the park and told you."
"Yes, they did. What are you doing back here?"
"I guess we're done with the small talk. Do you mind if I have a seat?"
"Actually, I do mind quite a bit. I'm expecting someone."
"Would it happen to be the redhead I saw you with? Who is she?"
"Why do want to know?"
"I'm just curious, making conversation." Reese saw that Bianca wasn't going to answer. "I'm in town for work. With JR out of the picture at Chandler, the board is reorganizing and holding meetings for a few weeks to decide the future of the company."
Bianca saw a smiling Marissa enter and head her way. When her ex-wife saw the smile on her face, she turned and saw the redhead walking towards them.
"Hi, I'm not late, am I?" Marissa asked as she leaned in for a quick kiss.
"No, you're right on time as usual."
Reese recognized the other woman's voice immediately. "You're Bianca's lawyer and JR's wife, Marissa Chandler."
"It's Marissa Tasker, and that would be his ex-wife. You would be Bianca's ex-wife, Reese Williams." Bianca smiled as she watched the exchange. She knew how Marissa felt about her ex, but she had promised Bianca that she would be on her best behavior for her no matter what.
Reese gave her a cold stare. "So, you two are seeing each other. Wouldn't dating your client be considered a conflict of interest?"
"If Bianca was still my client, it would be. Jack has taken over as her lawyer. I'm more than happy with my current role as Bianca's girlfriend." Marissa simply answered with a smile that said she wasn't backing down.
Bianca finally broke the silence that had descended on them. "I'm more than happy with that role myself, and you're much more than that." Marissa gave her a dazzling smile in reply.
Reese cleared her throat. "Since I'm going to be in town, I was hoping to see the girls."
"I'm sure we can work something out, but after what your lawyer pulled last year, I'm not going to let you see them by yourself."
"I had no idea you didn't know he was coming. He told me his office had contacted her office."
"Whatever, it doesn't really matter. My decision is still the same." I'm not buying that lame ass excuse for one second.
"Okay, I'll call tonight to set something up. Are you still living at Wildwind?"
"No, we're not. I'll talk to the girls tonight to let them know you want to see them. Give me a call at the Miranda Center tomorrow, and we'll look at everyone's schedule."
"That's fine. I guess I'll talk to you tomorrow." The glare Reese shot Marissa before leaving was met with another smile.
"Well, that wasn't awkward at all." The couple turned to see Kendall smirking.
"I was hoping for a good old fashioned smack down myself." Greenlee added.
"Thank you, Marissa. I know that was hard for you."
"Bianca, I told you that I would control my temper around her even though I did want to rip her head off. I don't think Krystal would appreciate having to clean that mess up."
"See, Kendall, that's what I was hoping for, a little action. I think Krystal would be okay with it in this case. We'd be more than happy to help you hide the body."
"That would've been fun. My money would be on Red if a smack down happens. Bianca made you promise to not go off on Reese, huh?"
"I told her I wouldn't for now. I decided to go with the killing her with kindness route for the time being. As long as Reese behaves herself and doesn't cross the line where Bianca or the girls are concerned this visit, I'll be good and play nice. The instant she does anything I perceive as the slightest of threats to any of them in any way, all bets are off, and she'll know exactly how I feel about her and what she can do with herself."
The friends exchanged a look after seeing the glint in Marissa's eyes and knew she meant exactly what she said. "Remind me to never get on your bad side, Red. I have to say I like how you think. The killing her with kindness thing was really ticking her off, and you know it was too. Nicely done. Do me a favor though, if you can. When you do go off on Reese, let me know so I can watch. Don't get me wrong, Binx, I know you can handle yourself and won't hesitate to let Reese know exactly how you feel or let her do anything to harm Miranda and Gabby. I have a feeling that Red here won't be as easy on her as you might, and you know full well how I feel about her."
"Ah Kendall, I can see why Erica likes her as much as she does. That look is right up there with the Kane death glare. There is definitely a devious side to you, Marissa. You're right about your sister when it comes to her daughters, Kendall. She is a force to be reckoned with, but something in Marissa's eyes tells me she won't be as nice as Bianca. I know nice isn't the right word, but you know what I mean. Give me a heads up on the smack down too."
Bianca smiled. "Yeah, she really does have a slightly devious side. It's just one of the many things I love about her. Just so you know, I promised Marissa that I won't stop her from letting Reese have it, if and when she feels she's crossed that line and she just can't keep quiet any longer. I won't do that to her. Yes, I can take of myself and my daughters, and I won't hesitate to let anyone know my feelings on hurting them. It is very nice, however, to have someone so willing to defend them and me. Right now though, we're going to try and take the high road, for the girls' sake. Now, can we please stop talking about my ex-wife for a while and discuss something much more pleasant."
"I think that is a great idea. It's not really my favorite subject." Marissa smiled. "Do you have that list of builders for us, Kendall? I think discussing our new home is a much better topic of conversation."