A/N: You all are great! I really appreciate the reviews. They mean a lot and make me want to keep going for you all. I had another idea for a couple of future chapters pop into my head. So, they'll be more to come.

Now, let's talk about this chapter. I'm just going to stop speculating when this particular arc is going to be done. Suffice it to say, that it's not in this chapter. Two more characters still have things to say to someone. I'm sure you can figure out who I'm talking about. I was going to do it in this chapter, but I saw how long this one was getting and decided to save that for another one. The reason this one is so long is that it turns out that one character had quite a bit to say. I was asked if Kendall and Greenlee would interact with Reese, and the answer is 'yes', and it's not done in a flashback. I hope I do this scene justice for all of you. With that said, I hope you enjoy this chapter!

/

Marissa was working on the knot in the shoelace for one of AJ's gym shoes as she made her way slowly down the stairs in their home. How does he manage to do this? She was headed towards the sofa when a knock on the door had her change directions, and she called upstairs. "I've got it." Marissa looked in the door viewer and started smiling immediately when she saw who was standing on the other side of the door. The redhead opened the door to see Kendall standing on the front step grinning like a Cheshire cat. That look is nothing but trouble. Damn, this is going to be one hell of a day.

"Hey, Red."

"Hey, Curly. Come on in. You're here early and where's your partner in crime?"

"Greenlee will be here in a few minutes. Bianca wanted us to come over early to go over some ground rules for today with whatshername." Kendall, Greenlee and Marissa had begun to refer to Reese by that name when the kids weren't around because none of them could really stand to say her name. Bianca understood and made no attempts to try and stop them.

"That sounds like your sister. I think she just wants to remind you that you'll be in public, and the kids will be there so you and Greenlee may need to rein it in a little around whatshername."

Kendall grinned. "I suppose I should be hurt by her feeling the need to tell me that, but I'm not really. She is no fun sometimes. Is there anything you want to remind me of?"

"Let's see. You have the numbers for Bianca's cellphone, my cellphone and our home number already."

"Uh, yeah, I do. They're programmed in my cellphone." Kendall replied with a puzzled look.

"Okay, you'll get one phone call from jail. I just want you to know that I will be more than happy to represent both of you, pro bono of course since your family, if you'd like. I want you to remember to not say anything incriminating to the police. In fact, don't say anything to them until I get there." Marissa smirked.

"I'd be happy to have you represent me since I already know you're a kickass lawyer, and I'll make sure I keep all of that in mind and follow your advice, counselor. You can never have too many lawyers in the family, at least not in this one." Kendall laughed.

"Do I want to know what the two of you are laughing about?" Bianca asked after observing the two women who meant the most to her in the world laughing together. Her sister never got along with anyone else she was involved with as well as she did with Marissa. I love that they get along so great. It's also maybe just a little bit scary, but not nearly as scary as Kendall and Greenlee. They really are becoming good friends though.

The two women looked at each other and began laughing again before Marissa finally collected herself enough to respond. "Probably not."

"Hmmm, that's what I thought. Is Greenlee on her way?"

"Yes, she is. I talked to her right before I got here. She's looking forward to this. I mean she's looking forward to today. Greenlee's always liked the zoo." Kendall replied with a grin.

Bianca shook her head and stared at her sister. "Funny. You're really funny, you know that?"

"So, I've been told many times." Kendall smiled sweetly at her sister.

And thus begins the latest Kane sisters' stare down. Marissa thought rather amused by watching the sisters. It wasn't a full blown Kane standoff by any means because they all knew that whatshername just wasn't worth it, and they also knew that this one was being done purely for fun so Marissa could sit back and enjoy the scene playing out before her. A knock on the door shifted her focus. "I wonder who that could be. No, that's alright. I'll get it. Please continue with what you're doing." The redhead soon welcomed Greenlee into their home.

"Hi, Marissa." Greenlee caught sight of Bianca and Kendall. "What's going on here?"

"It's a mini Kane stare down."

"Oh, I love these! What started this one?"

"Actually, you did."

"Me? What did I do now?"

"They were discussing how much you've been looking forward to going to the zoo today."

Greenlee smirked. "I have to be honest. I have been looking forward to going to the zoo since Kendall invited me the other day. Trips to the zoo are always so much fun, and today promises to be even more so. It's been ages since I've talked with whatshername."

"That's pretty much what Kendall said."

"Let me guess. Bianca isn't all that amused."

"I think she is some, just not as much as big sister is. She's trying to maintain a balance for the sake of the girls."

"So, how long has this one been going on?"

Marissa glanced at the clock. "I'm guessing maybe around fifteen minutes."

"Well, my money's on Kendall. She's never let me down yet in one of these."

"I'm betting on Bianca. She's a lot more stubborn than people think."

"This could go on all day, you know. Neither one of them likes to lose especially at one of these. It's some sort of Kane thing. It's like a point of pride for them."

"I know, and yes, it could. That's fine with me though. I kind of like watching Bianca when she does this. I think she's kind of hot when she's in this mode."

Greenlee burst out laughing while Kendall broke the stare down and rolled her eyes. Bianca glanced at Marissa cocking an eyebrow and shaking her head, unable to hold back her smile when she saw her girlfriend's mischievous grin.

"And I think we have a tie! Way to break it up, Marissa! Good job! I thought that was going to go on forever."

"Am I the only one remotely trying to be mature around here?" Bianca sighed.

Kendall smiled. "Red was being very mature before you came down."

The younger sister gave the older one a skeptical look as she recalled seeing Marissa and her laughing earlier. "Really? How so?"

"She offered to represent Greenlee and me if it's needed. She also told me to make sure we don't say anything to the police until she gets there. Keep that in mind, Greenlee."

Bianca rolled her eyes. "Oh, good Lord! I don't know who's worse."

"Thanks, Marissa! It might be a little awkward calling my dad from jail." Greenlee added smirking. "I like having another lawyer in the family."

Kendall nodded. "It is very handy."

Marissa grinned at Bianca. "What? You wouldn't want to leave them in jail without the benefit of legal representation, would you? It's not like they're asking me to help them hide the body. Which reminds me, Kendall, don't tell me where you hide the body. It's probably better if I don't know."

"What about Ryan and Zach?"

"Spousal privilege still applies so you're good telling them. I'll be more than happy to represent them as well. I can see being in this family is going to keep me busy."

"Good to know, and yeah, we will keep you busy. It will be good for your firm though and take some of the burden off of Jack."

Bianca sighed heavily, clearly exasperated by the other three women. "Please, do not encourage them, Marissa. They don't need the help. I thought you were supposed to be on my side, remember?"

Marissa gave Bianca a tender kiss and took her girlfriend's hands in her own. "I'm always on your side, and you know that. We're just trying to deal with whatever you want to call this whole situation the best way that we can. I mean, we could scream and yell at the top of our lungs, but that would freak the kids out. So, we're going with trying to find some humor in the situation. Now, you also know that neither one of them would do anything that would hurt the kids. Think about it. No matter how much Kendall may want to tear into or rip the head off of whatshername, she won't, at least not while the kids are right there. Kendall is going to say something to her. That's just a given, and you know it so just accept it. She's your sister and will go to her grave defending you and the girls. I know she'd do the same for AJ too. That's why I trust him with her, with both of them. Greenlee will also get a couple of shots in. Kendall is her best friend. Any fight of Kendall's is a fight of Greenlee's. Again, you know that as well. You should go ahead and accept that too. I know you can't seriously expect that none of this will happen. If you ask me, I think part of you wants it to happen. Otherwise, you wouldn't have asked Kendall to go today, and you wouldn't have agreed to her conditions the other day. Remember, I was there right next to you when you called her. And let's be honest about all of this, if the roles were reversed with you and Kendall, I would have to pry your hands off of whoever's neck. You know it. I know it. They know it."

Bianca looked at Marissa. There was no smirk, no hidden meanings, and no joking. There was just the plain honest truth and love. Marissa was right about all of it. Bianca knew that Kendall would never do anything to hurt the kids. She never doubted that for a minute. The same went for Greenlee. Her sister would also fight anyone to the death defending them and because Greenlee was her best friend, she would do the same as Kendall. It boiled down to Bianca feeling the need, like she had for most of her life, to be the responsible one, the nice one. She was stuck walking the tightrope of protecting her daughters and giving them the chance to rebuild their relationship with Reese if it was possible. She wanted to make sure AJ was okay during all of this too. A big part of Bianca really wanted Kendall to rip into Reese. She sure as hell deserved it. And if it was Kendall in her place, Bianca would be doing the same exact thing that her sister was doing now. Marissa saw all of this and called her on everything. Damn it. She knows me too damn well. "I have to admit it. You're right about all of it. I'm sorry. I'll back off. It's just…"

"It's just that you can't help being you. I know and so do they. It's just who you are. There is no reason in the world for you to apologize."

Greenlee looked at her friend. "Damn, she's good, Kendall. I don't think even you could get through to your sister like that."

"You're right. I couldn't have done that. Nicely done, Red. I definitely want you representing me if I do get into trouble."

Bianca smiled. "I told you she was good. Look, Kendall, I'm sorry."

"Don't even think about it. Marissa is right. It's who you are, and we all know it. You're just over compensating for the Kane side of you. Somebody has to in this family. No apologies are necessary."

"Okay, do me a favor, and don't get into any trouble, any big trouble at least. You want to make sure you can get out on bail. Whatshername isn't worth even one night in jail." Bianca sighed when she realized what she'd said and saw the amused looks on the other three women. "That's just great. The three of you have me doing it now!"

"Welcome to the dark side, Binx!" Kendall smirked.

Bianca just shook her head. "Seriously, Kendall, I do need to tell you a few things. Gabby doesn't remember Reese at all and isn't really sure of what's going on so she will probably be sticking to you, Greenlee, AJ or Miranda like glue. AJ will be very protective of the girls. He won't be able to help it. He's like his mom in that regard." Bianca smiled at Marissa. "As for your oldest niece, she doesn't miss anything. So whatever you say, make sure Miranda doesn't overhear you."

"I got it. I know how sharp Miranda is. That's partially why Greenlee is coming along. She'll be able to keep the kids occupied when I am no longer able to keep quiet around whatshername."

Greenlee looked at her friend and asked. "Does this mean I'm not going to be able to say anything to whatshername?"

"Oh no, you'll get to. I wouldn't do that to you." Kendall glanced at her watch. "We probably should get going and get this party started."

Bianca walked to the stairs and called. "Kids, time to go."

The three children raced down the stairs smiling once they saw the other two women and greeted them. AJ went over to his mom who helped him put his gym shoes on. "Okay, I managed to get this knot out. It was a tough one. I really don't know how you do it. Next time, buddy, try and be a little bit more careful when you untie them. Okay?" The redhead smiled as she ruffled her son's hair.

The boy gave her a sheepish grin. "Okay, I will."

Miranda looked at her mom. "Why are Aunt Kendall and Greenlee here?"

"They're going to go with you today instead of me. Are you okay with that?"

The young girl thought about this for a second. She always had a good time with the two women and thought they were really funny. More importantly if her aunt and her friend were going with them, this meant that her mom wouldn't be going, and Reese wouldn't be bugging her, trying to get close to her and coming in between her and Marissa. Miranda was more than okay with that. She smiled and nodded. "Yeah, I'm okay with that."

AJ looked at his mom and asked. "What are you going to do while we're gone?"

"Bianca and I are going to meet with the builder and go over final plans for our new house. And that means we're going to give him the ideas you all came up with for your rooms."

When Gabby heard what Marissa said, she got excited and launched herself at the redhead. "Our new rooms, Rissa!"

"Yep! What do you think of that, monkey? Does that sound good to you?"

"Uh huh! Sounds real good!"

"We thought you might like that. Be good for Kendall and Greenlee and listen to what they say, okay?"

"Okay, Rissa."

The children hugged and kissed both women goodbye. As AJ hugged Bianca, he became thoughtful. "Don't worry, Bianca. I'll help keep an eye on Miranda and Gabby. They'll be safe."

The brunette cleared her throat as she fought the lump that was forming. AJ was truly an amazing and thoughtful boy. Bianca glanced at Marissa and saw the pride in her eyes. She gave him another hug. "Thanks, buddy. I appreciate that."

The couple walked with their children outside following Kendall and Greenlee and watched as they drove away.

Marissa looked at Bianca when she heard her sigh. "What is it?"

"A part of me really wishes I could be there to see what happens between all of them. It's going to be a hell of a day. Don't get me wrong. I can't wait to finalize the plans for our new home and focus on our future. It's just that I really like seeing my sister in full Kane mode."

Marissa wrapped an arm around Bianca's waist and grinned. "Atta girl! I knew you felt that way, and I also know exactly what you mean. I'd love to see what they have in store for whatshername too. I have no doubt it will be great. However, we really do need to finalize everything on our new home, and like you said, we're focusing on our future no matter what anyone else may have in mind. Let Kendall and Greenlee have their fun. They deserve it after everything they've done for us. Don't worry though. Those two will be sure to give us a blow by blow account of what happens, no pun intended."

/

Kendall grinned at Greenlee as they saw the blonde approach with a wary look on her face. "It's show time."

"Reese, it's been a long time. You remember Greenlee, don't you?"

"Kendall, yes, it has been a while. Of course, I remember her. How have the two of you been?"

Greenlee smiled. "We've both been good. How about yourself?"

"I've been okay." Reese was clearly uncomfortable and not pleased to see the two women, and she kept looking around.

She wants to know where Bianca is. Well, she's going to have to ask that. I'm not giving her anything on that score. "Oh, this is Marissa's son AJ. I thought it would be okay if he joined us today. AJ, this is Reese." Kendall noticed that the young boy had moved forward, ever so slightly, in front of Miranda and Gabby and had taken each of their hands in his. Bianca was right about him protecting the girls. He did it that day at Krystal's, and he's doing it again now. He really is a great deal like Marissa. She has done such a good job raising him and would be so proud of him right now.

"Hello." AJ gave a small nod. He was going to do his best to be polite to this woman because his mom and Bianca wanted him to. It's what he'd been taught.

"Hello, AJ. Wait, isn't he JR's son with Ba …"

Before she could finish the thought, Kendall shot Reese a look that stopped her cold. AJ and Miranda had caught the exchange and shared a look with each other.

The young boy spoke up. "My first mom died a long time ago. My mom adopted me, and she always tells me that she loves me inside out and upside down. She's the best mom in the whole world." He caught the look Miranda gave him and smiled. "Okay, it's a tie with Bianca."

Miranda returned the smile. "Yeah, it's a tie. They're both the best moms. Right, Gabby?"

Gabby peaked around AJ at her sister and smiled as her head bobbed up and down. "Right!"

Greenlee looked at Kendall and whispered. "Out of the mouths of babes. I guess we know where the three of them stand."

"Yes, we do, and now, so does she."

AJ studied the blonde woman in front of him. He knew who she was. His mom and Bianca were very careful about what they said about her in front of the kids. They didn't want their opinions to influence their children's. They believed it was important for them not to judge people based on what others thought. He understood that and thought it was pretty smart. He didn't want people to do that to him because of what his dad did. AJ and Miranda talked about everything though. Miranda told him the other night about her first visit with the blonde and everything that happened. He knew a lot of things about the girl he considered his sister. The most important thing he knew was that she didn't make up stories. She was like her mom as well as his own and always told the truth. If Miranda didn't trust her, that was good enough for him. Plus, he overheard his mom and Bianca talking last year not long after that man tried to take Gabby and Miranda away. AJ heard them say that the man was this woman's lawyer, that he worked for her. The young boy knew enough to know that the scary man wouldn't have tried to do what he did without her saying so. Yeah, he knew exactly who this woman was and what she was up to. AJ had promised Bianca he would help keep an eye on Miranda and Gabby, and he meant it. Wherever they went today, he was going too. Besides all of that, this woman also had another strike against her in the young boy's mind, and he was really starting not to like her in his own right. She had tried to say that his mom wasn't really his mom, and the one thing that AJ hated the most in the world was when people tried to say that.

Reese cleared her throat not having any response and getting more uncomfortable under what looked like a glare from the young boy. "Uh, okay. Where's Bianca? I thought she was coming today."

Kendall smiled. "There was a change in plans, and she asked if I could take her place."

"Bianca and mom are meeting with the person who's building our new house. It's going to be really cool, and we get to say what we want our rooms to look like."

"Yeah, we do. Marissa thought that it was important that we were part of …" Miranda paused for a second wanting to get what Marissa said right. "The process. She thought it was important that we were part of the whole process."

"Yep, she did. Mom said it was because we were going to be living there a very long time, like a lifetime, and that made Bianca smile a whole lot."

"Yeah, she got what Marissa calls that goofy grin on her face that she really likes, and she always kisses mom when that happens."

Kendall was just barely able to stop herself from laughing out loud at the exchange between the two older children especially when she saw Greenlee struggle to keep a straight face as well. I knew my niece had it in her, but I wasn't sure that AJ did. He sure as hell proved me wrong, and he fits right into this family. God, I do love that little boy. "Why don't we go check out some animals?"

Greenlee smiled. "Good idea, Kendall. I'm thinking that somebody might have better luck with the animals." As they started to walk, Greenlee whispered to her friend. "Wow, way to go AJ."

After checking out a few animal displays, Kendall saw a mischievous grin on her friend's face knowing immediately that it meant trouble. She knew that she shouldn't ask, but Kendall just couldn't stop herself from asking what was on her friend's mind. "What's that look about or do I want to know?"

"I think we should give them a nickname."

"Give who a nickname?"

"Marissa and Bianca, I think they need a couple nickname."

"Why?"

"It's something people do with good couples, the ones they like. Your sister and Red are a good couple. I'd say they're perfect for each other. Plus, they're really cute together."

Kendall couldn't help but be amused by Greenlee's idea, and she could that Reese was clearly bothered by this conversation. Every mention of Marissa and Bianca being together was getting under her skin, and Kendall loved seeing her squirm. "Okay, that makes sense, and I completely agree about them being perfect for each other. You have any thoughts on what we should call them?"

"Give me a second. I'm sure I'll come up with something."

"I have no doubt that you will."

Greenlee snapped her fingers as she was struck by inspiration. "I've got it! We'll use the M from Marissa's name and part of Bianca's nickname of Binx. We can call them Minx! It's perfect and cute just like them!"

Kendall started laughing. "Minx, huh? Oh, they'll love that! It is a good name though, and you're right. I think it suits them perfectly. Good job."

Reese muttered something her breath, obviously greatly annoyed by the pair and walked closer to the kids.

Realizing the kids were still within earshot, Kendall watched her words very carefully as she lowered her voice somewhat. "That was a really good job on the nickname. I think it put her over the edge because I have a feeling she just called us something that rhymes with witch. If it was anybody else, I might be offended."

Her friend had caught what the blonde had muttered and grinned as she lowered her voice as well. "I do believe you're right. I'm not offended. I'm just considering the source. I've been called far worse by far better people. Thanks. What can I say? I was inspired."

"You do realize, Greenlee, that you're not right, don't you? There is something seriously wrong with you."

"I realize that, but then again, neither are you. I think that's why we're best friends."

"You have a point, and you're probably right."

The group continued to check out the various animals with Reese making very slight attempts to talk to Miranda. The blonde was uncomfortable in doing so and had really hoped she would be seeing Bianca today. She had thought if she could get through to her ex and convince her to give them another try then the girls would simply follow along. At the display right before the petting zoo, all hell broke loose, and Kendall and Greenlee were a split second too late to prevent any of it from happening.

Gabby was on her tiptoes checking out the animals. Reese surprised the little girl by attempting to pick her up. Gabby was clearly startled by the actions of the woman who she saw as a stranger and started to yell and struggle against her. "NO! NO! NO! Lemme go! Help me, Mimo!"

Miranda started shouting. "Put my sister down! She doesn't know you! Let her go! Aunt Kendall, help!"

"Put her down now! You're scaring her! Leave her alone! You're not going to take them away!" AJ had joined in the shouting.

Gabby managed to wiggle free of Reese's grasp and ran to her sister. Miranda held her tightly and tried to comfort her while glaring at the blonde.

Reese took a step towards them. "I didn't hurt her. She's overreacting. I just …"

AJ had immediately positioned himself in between Reese and the girls. His hands were clenched into fists, and he glared at the blonde defiantly. "Leave her alone! I don't care what you want! She doesn't want you! She doesn't want you touching her or picking her up or anything! You're scaring her, and I'm not gonna to let that happen anymore! You're not taking them away! You're not taking them away from Bianca or me and my mom! Go away!"

Reese tried to move around the young boy, but every move she made was countered perfectly by him. "Look, AJ, you're being very rude. I shouldn't expect anything else considering who your mom is. I'm just trying to talk to them. After all, they are my dau…"

"Don't talk about my mom! She's a good person and a lot better than you!"

Kendall placed a hand on the boy's shoulder. "It's alright, AJ. Nothing bad is going to happen to them, and the girls aren't going anywhere. I won't let that happen. I promise. Good job in keeping an eye on them. And you're right, your mom is a very good person, one of the best there is. I tell you what. Let me take over for you. I got this. Greenlee, would you take the kids to the petting zoo? Reese and I need to have a word."

"I'm on it. Come on, kids, let's go. Aunt Kendall has this under control."

AJ finally peeled his eyes off of Reese and looked up at Kendall. She was smiling, but he saw a look in her eyes that told him things were going to be okay. He also knew that the blonde was in trouble big time, and that Kendall would take care of her. He nodded and shot one more defiant glare in the direction of Reese before going with Greenlee.

"Look, Kendall, I don't need you and your sidekick or anyone else telling me what I can or can't do with my own daughters. I'm tired of having a babysitter with me while I see them. That little boy was being very rude, and Gabby and Miranda were overreacting. Clearly, Marissa has influenced their opinion of me."

Kendall plastered a smile on her face fully aware that the kids would be watching her. They had already been through too much, and she was kicking herself for not reacting quickly enough. Seeing her losing her composure and temper wouldn't help them. She also remembered what her sister had half-joked about. This woman was definitely not worth a night in jail no matter how satisfying it would be to slap the shit of her. "Are you done? Do you feel better now that you got that off of your chest?"

Reese glared at Kendall. "I don't have to listen to this. I'm taking my daughters and leaving. Tell Bianca I'll meet her later to drop them off."

As she made an attempt to move away from her and towards the girls, Kendall blocked her path. "You're not taking one more step towards Bianca's daughters, and that's what they are, Bianca's daughters. I know legally you're listed as their mother as well, but you haven't been anything remotely like a mother to them in a very long time. If you think for one second that you're taking my nieces anywhere, you have another thing coming. It'll have to be over my dead, and unlike my little sister, I fight dirty."

Kendall blocked another attempt by Reese to get away. "Where the hell do you think you're going? I'm not even close to being done with you yet. I listened to you. Now, it's your turn to listen to me. I don't give a damn what you think, what you want or what you think you deserve. If you take one more step towards those girls, it will be the last step you ever take again. Let's get something straight. I know you won't be surprised by this, but I don't like you. I never have, and I never will. I can't stand the sight of you. I think the world would be a whole hell of a lot better if you dropped off the face of it. As for the kids, they're children, and they're acting a hell of a lot more mature than you. You think that Gabby was overreacting? Seriously? She doesn't have the first clue as to who you are. She hasn't seen you in over two years, and before that, you were hardly around because you were working all the time. How do you expect a child to react when a stranger tries to pick them up? You scared the hell out of her. No, there was nothing wrong with her reaction to what happened. Miranda was looking out for her little sister. She remembers you, what you put them all through before, how upset Gabby was and she doesn't trust you. There is no way in hell she'll let you or anyone else do that to her sister again, not without one hell of a fight at least. If you remembered the first thing about her, you'd know that. There was nothing wrong with what she just did. As for AJ, what the hell do you think you're doing talking about his mother that? How do you expect him to react? Plus, there's not a rude bone in that boy's body. If anything, he's one of sweetest, bravest and most thoughtful boys I've ever known. He was protecting Miranda and Gabby. That's what you do for family, and that's what they are to him. He sees them as his sisters. They were scared, and he jumped to their defense just like he did last year when you had your weasel of a lawyer try and take them. And don't even say that you didn't know what he was up to. I'm not buying it because it's complete and utter bullshit, and more importantly, Bianca's not buying it and sees it for what it is as well. You say you don't need a babysitter to spend time with them, but you're wrong as hell. That little stunt is exactly why you won't be spending any time alone with them any time soon if ever again. Bianca doesn't trust you to not try and pull something like that again, and if you knew the first thing about my sister, you'd know that her daughters are her life. You won't get a chance to do anything like that ever again, not in this lifetime."

Kendall quickly glanced to check on Greenlee and the kids and to make sure they still couldn't hear her. "I'm not positive as to why you're back here and what you're up to. I have a very good idea though. I'm here to tell you that if you think for one second that my sister is going to take you back then you are sorely mistaken. Like I said before, Bianca doesn't trust you at all. If she doesn't trust you to be alone with her daughters, why in the hell would she give you another chance and become involved with you again? You put her through hell before, and somehow, she managed to pull herself through it, and she's better than ever. What you and all of the other little bitches who have hurt her seem to forget or just don't know about her, is that Bianca is one of the strongest people that have ever walked this earth. She's also so damn special, caring and loving. She gives her heart so completely, so willingly, and people like you just toss it aside like it's nothing. You take her for granted, hurt her and don't think twice about it. You don't even deserve to breathe the same air as her let alone say her name. Why would you even think you deserved another chance with her? Bianca deserves so much better than you, and you know what? She's finally found it, and she's moved on. She's finally found someone who gets her, who understands her, who appreciates her, who knows exactly how special she is and how lucky they are to have her in their life. Bianca's finally found someone who puts her first and her daughters first and not themselves or some damn job. She's finally found someone who truly deserves her. That person is Marissa. She'd give up her career for them in a heartbeat and not give it a second thought. I think you know she proved that last year. I think she'd even give up her life for them if it came down to it. There is nothing she wouldn't do for her. She loves her without any reservations or conditions. You want to know something else? Marissa has made Bianca happier than she has ever been in her life. Their worst day together makes your best day with my sister pale in comparison. They have understanding, trust and love. You really think you have a chance against all of that? As for influencing the kids' opinions of you, maybe that's something you would do, but not Marissa. She doesn't need to. Those kids love her, and they're smart too. They know when someone's honest, good and being themselves. The only thing Marissa has ever done is to be there for them. A concept that is so utterly foreign to you that it's pathetic. She's a lot like my sister. There is one difference. Marissa is a little more street smart than Bianca. She knew what you were up to during the divorce and last year. You won't be able to get anything by her, and because Bianca trusts her, you won't be getting anything else by my sister now. You see, they are perfect together. They've fought for what they have together, and they will fight to the death to keep it. You don't stand a snowball's chance in hell against what they have. And I won't allow you to hurt Bianca or the girls ever again, and neither will Marissa. One last thing, don't you ever say anything remotely hurtful to AJ again. He's family and so is Marissa, and you know how we Kane's are about our family. I think you should go now while you still have the chance to walk out of here in one piece. I'll be honest with you, I thought those lions back there looked really hungry, and it wouldn't take much at all for someone to accidentally slip and fall into that display. Don't worry, I think the kids will be just fine without you here. In fact, I don't think they'll miss you at all."

Reese was seething and unable to find any words to respond to Kendall so she simply glared at her before leaving.

Kendall watched until she was certain the blonde was gone before turning back to the children. Greenlee had calmed Gabby down enough that she was now laughing and petting the baby goats. While Miranda and AJ were unable to hear exactly what was being said, they had kept a very close eye on the exchange between the two women, and upon seeing Reese leave, Kendall could see them both breathe a sigh of relief and relax. "How's everybody doing? You okay, Gabby?"

Her youngest niece looked up at her and smiled brightly. "Uh huh, I like the baby goats." She started to giggle as one of them started to pull on her shirttail.

Kendall scooped her up. "It looks like he thinks your shirt is dinner!"

"Where'd she go, Aunt Kendall? Is she gone?"

"I don't know where she went, but she's gone for now, Mimo. I don't think we'll be seeing her any more today. Do you all want to see any more animals? We haven't seen the monkeys yet, and I know they are Gabby's favorite."

"We don't have to see them today. I like seeing them with mommy and Rissa 'cause they make good monkey faces."

"They sure do, but they're not as good as your's." Gabby giggled as her aunt tickled her. "What about the two of you?"

AJ looked up at her. "I don't have to see any more animals."

"I don't either." Miranda agreed with him.

"Well, then how about we get out of here and go to Krystal's for some ice cream? I think we all deserve it." Greenlee suggested.

The kids' smiles told the women they had a winning idea, and they all headed for the car.

/

As the group sat at a table in Krystal's enjoying their ice cream, AJ grew thoughtful and looked at Kendall. "Are you going to tell mom and Bianca everything that happened today?"

"I was planning on it. I know that they would want to know happened, and I think they deserve to know. What do you think, AJ?"

The boy thought briefly before answering. "I think you should tell them. Do you think I'll be in trouble when they find out?"

"Why would you be in trouble?"

"I yelled at that lady and was kinda mean. Mom doesn't want me to be mean, and neither does Bianca."

"I want you to listen to me, AJ. There was nothing at all mean about what you did. You yelled at her to protect Miranda and Gabby, and you were defending your mom. I think what you did was very brave, and your mom and Bianca will be very proud of you. Don't worry. You won't be in any trouble."

AJ smiled. "Thanks, Kendall."

"You are very welcome, AJ."

"Thanks for sticking up for my mom too."

"Any time. I meant what I said about her. She is a very good person, and you are just like her."

AJ sat up straighter and beamed at the compliment. The boy thought for another minute, nervous about the next question he wanted to ask. "Could I ask you something else?"

"You sure can. What do you want to know?"

"Could I, would it be alright with you if I called you Aunt Kendall too like Miranda and Gabby do? It's okay if it's not."

Kendall was deeply touched by the boy's simple request. He really was family, and she really did love him. "It's more than alright with me, AJ. I would be very honored if you called me Aunt Kendall." She gave the boy a tight hug and kissed the top of his head.

She shared a smile with Greenlee who was shaking her head and whispered again to Kendall. "Way to go, AJ. Welcome to the family."