A/N: Thank you all again for the reviews! I really appreciate them. I know I cut the flashback short in the last chapter, but I could only let Marissa get so far with it with Bianca's mom there. I will try and make it up to you in a future chapter. No promises, but I will try. Speaking of future chapters, I'm not sure when I'll have my next update. My mom is having hip replacement surgery this coming week so my writing time may be a little limited dealing with everything involved with that. I do have plans for more chapters though so stay tuned. Hope you enjoy this one.

/

"Kendall, would you please watch what you're doing."

Marissa was jolted back to the present hearing the rise in Erica's voice. She saw that Kendall had knocked over a stack of files. Crap. What'd I miss? The last thing I need is for Erica to see me not paying attention to her.

"Sorry, Marissa, I didn't mean to make a mess."

Both women knelt down to pick up the files. "It's okay. I got it."

Kendall whispered. "Are you sure, Red? It looked like you kind of drifted off there for a little bit."

Marissa blushed as she made a face and whispered back. "I guess I kind of did zone out there for a minute. Erica didn't notice, did she?"

"No, she didn't. You're fine. Trust me, you would know if she did. And it was for more than a minute. Are you okay?"

"Uh yeah, I'm good. I'm just a little distracted."

"Do I want to know why?"

Marissa grinned. "You probably don't want to know since it involves your sister, and you've said there are certain details you don't want to hear about regarding our relationship."

"Okay, gotcha. Enough said. We'll just let it go then. Are you able to focus now? You really should try and stay with us in the present and pay attention to mom. I don't want to destroy your desk any more than I have to in order to get your attention." Kendall smirked.

"Gotcha and I'm better now. Thanks."

Erica huffed. "What are the two of you doing down there? It shouldn't be taking you this long to pick up some files."

Marissa stacked the files back on her desk and took her seat as Kendall did the same. "Sorry, Erica, you were saying?"

"I was saying that you should be there with Bianca, at the very least, when she sees that woman. Bianca shouldn't be alone with her. She knows how to manipulate any situation, and she shouldn't be trusted. By not doing anything it seems like you're just rolling over and giving up. I thought you loved my daughter more than …"

"Stop right there, Erica. Let's get one thing straight. I love Bianca with all of my heart. I never thought that I would find someone like her to share my life with, and I can't imagine my life without her. She's everything to me. I'm not rolling over. There's no way in hell that I would ever just roll over and give up when it comes to Bianca. Now, you can question all you want how smart you think my handling of this situation with whatshername is. Feel free. I'm fine with that. The one thing you can never question, however, is how much I love Bianca and what she means to me. Don't ever doubt that for one second. Do we understand each other?" Oh shit! Did I just do that? Did I just say that? Judging by the fact that Erica's not blinking and the expression on her face, I would have to that yes, I did. Well, I'm not backing down from it. I meant every word. Don't question my feelings for Bianca. I really wish Erica would blink though.

Erica was stunned. Not many people have the nerve to interrupt me like that, to speak to me like that in that tone of voice. Judging by the look in her eyes, she's not going to back down either. She really is different. Yes, she must love Bianca a great deal to do something like that. I suppose I shouldn't doubt that. "Yes, I suppose we do understand each other. I'm sorry that I misspoke. I can see how much you love her."

Kendall eyes widened as she sat in shock. She didn't know who shocked her more, Marissa or her mother. Red did not just say that to mom! I don't know anyone outside of Bianca, Zach and me that has ever stood up to her like that, used that tone with her and lived to tell the tale. And did I just hear mom apologize for something and actually back down a little? It's official. The Mayans had it right. The world is definitely coming to an end.

"Thank you. Look, I didn't mean to snap at you like that. When it comes to your daughter though, I can't seem to help myself. I get very protective of her and our relationship. I don't want anyone to question my feelings for her. As for that woman, I don't trust her, not for one second. I do, however, trust Bianca. I trust how she feels about me, that she loves me as much as I love her and I trust the strength of our relationship. Look, do I like the idea of Bianca seeing her alone? No, I don't. I don't like it at all, but your daughter feels that she needs to do this face to face and on her own. I understand that. I've told her that I would back her up, and that's what I'm going to do. I appreciate your concern and all of your advice. I really do. It means a lot to me. I just think that the best thing to do in this situation is to do what Bianca wants and let her handle this her way. I've had my say. It's time for Bianca to have her's. She's not going into this blind. Her eyes are wide open, and Bianca sees her for what she is and doesn't trust her one bit either. Who knows, maybe, your daughter will be able to get through to her and she'll give up and leave. I don't know. I do know that I'm not telling you anything that you don't know when I tell you that Bianca is one hell of a strong woman. Someone would be making a very big mistake by underestimating her."

"Marissa has made several good points, mom. Bianca knows what she wants, who she wants, and she has never been happier. I think we should trust her to handle this."

Erica studied the two women. Marissa was right. Her youngest daughter was strong, stronger than probably all of them combined given everything she had been through in her life. To underestimate her would indeed be a very big mistake. She had also never seen her happier in her life, more secure in a relationship than she was with Marissa. "Fine, we'll play it your way, for now. The minute that woman does anything to hurt Bianca or the girls, however, we'll handle it my way."

"Trust me, Erica. If she does anything to hurt Bianca, Miranda or Gabby, we'll handle it my way."

Erica saw the look in Marissa's eyes and knew the meaning behind those words. Someone underestimating this young woman would be making a very big mistake as well. "Alright, I'll trust you to handle this, but I want you to come to me if you need any help with that woman."

"I will. Thank you."

"Good. I have another appointment I have to get to. We'll talk again soon." Erica got up and left.

Kendall looked at Marissa. "I guess that's my cue to leave as well since I'm her ride. Nice job of handling mom, Red. It's not something that is easy to do."

"Tell me about it. Oh Kendall, thanks for calling Bianca yesterday and letting her hear everything that happened."

"You're welcome. I told you I had your back. I'll see you later."

Marissa sat alone in her office after the women left thinking about everything that had happened that morning. She just shook her head and checked the time. It was almost time to leave and meet Bianca for lunch. She looked at the stack of files that she really should work on and then at the photo of Bianca. Talk about a no-brainer. She grabbed her purse and keys and headed out to meet her girlfriend.

/

Bianca had arrived at Krystal's early, unable to focus on work. She was sitting at their usual table when she saw Marissa arrive early as well. Both women saw each other immediately and couldn't hold back the smiles that overtook their faces. Marissa walked quickly over to their table and leaned in giving the brunette a lingering kiss before sitting down.

"Hey you, you're early." Bianca took the redhead's hands in her own.

"Hey yourself, and it looks like I'm not the only one who's early."

Bianca sighed happily with that goofy grin that Marissa loved so much. "Well, I wasn't getting anything accomplished at work. I was pretty useless actually. I just couldn't concentrate so I figured why stick around there. I thought I'd take a chance that you might show up early. It looks like it's my lucky day."

Marissa shook her head and smiled as her stomach did a little flip seeing Bianca's grin. "And you say you don't have a way with words. I was pretty useless myself. Every time I would look at that photo of you on my desk, my mind would wander off, and I couldn't think of anything else but you."

"Well, if it isn't my two favorite customers. Good afternoon, ladies. I'd ask how you're doing, but from those smile on your faces, I think I know."

"Hi, Krystal. We are doing just great. How are you today?" Marissa asked.

"I'm doing good, not as good as the two of you, but good and busy. What can I get the two of you to drink, two iced teas?"

Bianca looked around the restaurant. "You really are busy today. It's a good thing I got here early so I could get our table. And two iced teas would be perfect."

"Oh, don't you worry. I'll always make sure this table is available for the two of you. I'm thinking of getting a little plaque for it and maybe roping it off. I'll go get your drinks and send someone over for your orders." Krystal headed off to find a server to take care of her daughter and her girlfriend. Those two are amazing. I've never seen two people more in love, and they both deserve it so much.

Marissa laughed. "You know, I kind of like the idea of a plaque here. It marks it as our spot."

Bianca joined the redhead laughing. "We'll need one for the park too if we're going to start marking our spots around town."

"I've been thinking."

"About what?"

"I've been thinking about what you can do to make it up to me for laughing at my nearly choking to death earlier." Marissa flashed her a mischievous grin.

Damn, I do love that grin. Bianca took a shaky breath loving the things that grin was making her think and feel. "You have, have you?"

"Yes, I have. I've given it a great deal of thought. Would you like me to tell you what I've come up with?"

Bianca cleared her throat. "Please do."

Marissa leaned in closer lowering her voice so no one else could hear them. "Well …"

"I told you they would be here, Greenlee."

"You were right, Kendall. I should've known better."

The couple looked at each other as they both released a frustrated sigh.

Marissa whispered. "B, you know I love your sister, but …"

"Her timing is the worst sometimes." Bianca whispered in reply.

Both women started laughing.

"What's so funny, you two?"

They both replied "Inside joke" and started laughing again.

The friends looked at each other and just shook their heads.

"Ooookay. Is it alright if we join you? The place is packed." Greenlee asked.

"Sure, have a seat. Long time no see, Kendall." Marissa smirked.

"About that, Red. That's why I wanted to find you. I am really sorry about that surprise visit. You have to believe that I would've called to give you a heads up if I had been able to. Mom just showed, and before I knew it, we were on our way to your office."

"What surprise visit?"

"It's fine, Kendall. I know you would've called or sent a text if you had the chance. Your mom and Curly here showed up at my office earlier to surprise me."

"Do I want to know why?"

"I was going to tell you about it later. I don't see why you wouldn't want to know. I'm sure you can probably guess without thinking about it too much."

"Mom just got in and had heard about whatshername being in town. She wanted to know what Red had planned to do to handle the situation."

"A surprise visit from Erica will certainly get the blood pumping in the morning." Greenlee smirked.

Bianca shook her head. "I'm not surprised. What did she say?"

"She was giving me some advice regarding whatshername and what she would do if it was her."

"You missed a little of that conversation, Red. Remember when you zoned out?"

"You zoned out on mom? Why?"

"Oh yeah, I did do that. I was a little distracted." Marissa glanced at Bianca who blushed slightly at her girlfriend's mischievous grin.

Greenlee just missed the brief exchange between the couple since she was addressing Kendall. "Erica didn't notice that, did she? There would be hell to pay if she did."

"Red lucked out there."

"Thanks to you! So, what did I miss Erica saying?"

"Basically, she ranted about whatshername and what she would do to her or have done to her if she saw her. It was actually kind of entertaining and nothing I hadn't thought of doing to her myself."

"What else happened, Kendall?"

"Well, mom wasn't completely sold on Marissa's approach to this situation."

"Which is for me to meet with whatshername and deal with her on my own."

"Exactly, you know that mom's a hands on person. More take charge and take no prisoners."

"That's putting it mildly, Kendall."

Her sister laughed at Bianca's response. "True. We're in public though so I'm trying to tone it down some. Don't worry, Binx. Red listened and then made some valid points in response. Mom seemed okay with everything by the time we left."

"You're getting good at handling Erica. I'm impressed."

"No one handles Erica, Greenlee. You know that. We both want what's best for Bianca. We just have different ways of going about that."

Bianca's cellphone rang, and she saw that it was the day camp calling. "Bianca Montgomery. Hi, Susan, what's up?" There was a pause as she listened. "Okay, one of us will be right there."

Marissa was on instant alert. "Is everything okay?"

"The kids are sick. It seems they finally caught that stomach bug that's been going around the camp. We need to go pick them up."

"All three are sick?"

"I'm afraid so." Bianca could see the wheels turning in Marissa's brain.

"Well, I don't have any more meetings and no court dates, but don't you have another meeting?"

"Yes, I do, but I can very easily turn that over to someone else to handle. Since it was a nice day though, I walked over and left my car back at the office."

"Okay, I'll drop you off at the center and then go get the kids. You take care of things there, and could you stop by my office and pick up a few files for me? Maybe I can do a little work if they start feeling better."

Bianca nodded. "It sounds like a plan." She turned to the other two women while Marissa went to pay for their drinks. "We'll have to do lunch another day, and I hope you don't get a similar call. See you both later."

Marissa waved to the friends as she headed out the door with Bianca.

/

Bianca was headed over to Krystal's to meet with her ex. She was torn. Part of her wanted to just get it over and be done with it. Part of her wanted to put it off for another day. The reason for putting it off was simple. She was still worried about her family. The kids were feeling better than they were yesterday and were finally able to keep a little something down. Marissa, however, was another story. Bianca was afraid that she had picked up what the kids had.

"Are you sure you're feeling okay, Rissa? You're looking a little green."

"I'm fine, B. I'm just a little tired. The kids are in bed for the night so I'll probably just take a nap while you're gone. I want you to go. I know how much you want to get this over with. You're tired of having this hanging over us and just want it to be done with. I get it, and I want you to get this over with too. So, go and give her hell. Don't worry about me. I'll be fine, and I'll be patiently waiting to hear all the sordid details from you."

"I just don't feel right leaving you when I know you don't feel well. It doesn't matter how much you protest. I know you and know when you're not feeling well."

"You're not going to be gone that long, and I will be just fine for that short period of time and so will the kids. Go and get this over with. The sooner you go, the sooner you can get back and take care of me to your heart's content."

"Alright, I'll go. You're right. I do want to get this the hell over with. I want you to promise me that you'll call if you start feeling worse."

"I promise. Now, go give whatshername hell! Love you."

"I will. Love you too." Bianca gathered her purse and keys and gave Marissa a quick kiss on the cheek as she headed out.

Bianca walked into the restaurant and looked around. She didn't see her ex so she headed to an empty table. Krystal walked over to greet her.

"How are the kids? Are they feeling better?"

"Yeah, they are. I think the worst is over for them. Your daughter is another story. I think she picked up what they had. I wanted to stay home, but she wouldn't budge. She wants me to get this over with as much as I do."

"Do you want me to check on her for you?"

"Thanks but no. She was going to take a nap since the kids are down for the night, and I don't plan on this taking very long. Have you seen whatshername?"

"I haven't, but I've been back in the kitchen. You need anything?"

"I'm good, thanks."

"Alright, I'll be around if you need anything, and I do mean anything." Krystal headed off and left Bianca to wait.

The brunette saw Reese enter the restaurant a few minutes later and head over to where she was sitting.

"Bianca, I'm glad you called. I've wanted to talk with you alone for a while now. I think we have a lot to talk about, a lot of catching up to do."

"We do have some things to talk about. Why don't you start?"

"I've been doing a lot of thinking since I've been back in town. Seeing you and our daughters has been great. I would like to try again. I'd like us to try again. I'd like us to be a family again."

Marissa called that right a long time ago. "Why?"

"I've realized a lot of things lately, seeing you, spending time with you. Namely, I realized how much I missed you, how much I missed us. I know I made some mistakes. We both did, but I think we could work things out."

"What about Marissa? I'm with her now. We live together, have a life together."

"About her, there's something I think you should. It's about what happened the other day."

"What happened?"

"Well, the other day I happened to be by the day camp that the girls attend. I thought I could just see them for a minute. You know, see how they were doing, try and reconnect with them. I think there was a misunderstanding. That girl at the desk got confused and overreacted. Marissa showed up then and was told that I was there to take them without your permission."

"So, that's what happened."

"Yeah, that's all it was, just a misunderstanding. I just wanted to say hello to our girls for a minute and then leave. I should have run it by you first, but it was a spur of the moment thing."

"Wow. That's nothing at all like what I heard."

"That's what I thought so I wanted to explain. Are the girls okay?"

"Why wouldn't they be?"

"Well, I have to be honest. I was a little concerned. Marissa seemed worked up when I left. I was a little worried about her being around the girls being like that. I was going to say something to her, but I didn't want to take the chance of making things worse."

"Marissa was that worked up? You thought she might have done something to jeopardize the girls' safety? You were this concerned, and yet, you're just telling me this now."

"Like I said, I didn't want to take the chance of making things worse. And to be completely honest, yes, I did. I worry about her being around them and the influence she has over them. I didn't want to tell you this, but she pretty much attacked me verbally and threatened me physically. And it was all unprovoked. I don't know that anyone like that should be around our daughters. I just don't think it's a good idea. I think we can agree on that."

Bianca took a deep breath. Both her patience and her control over her temper were at their tipping points. "You're right. Someone like that shouldn't be around my daughters. It's a good thing Marissa is nothing like that."

"What do you mean? I told you exactly what happened."

"No, you didn't. I know that's not what happened. I can't believe that you would think for one minute that I would buy any of that. Do you really think I'm that gullible? After everything that's happened, everything you've done, you really think I would just believe whatever load of crap you decided to unload on me? You are unbelievable. I know everything that happened."

"I'm sure Marissa's told you some story …"

"Marissa has only told me that she saw you trying to see Miranda and Gabby, without my permission, and that Susan, who was doing her job by the way, stopped you. She also told me that she escorted you away from the area. She didn't have to tell me anything else because I heard it all myself."

"I didn't see you …"

"You didn't see me? No, you wouldn't have because I wasn't there. Kendall called me and put me on speakerphone. That let me hear everything."

Reese muttered. "That bitch."

"What did you call her? Kendall is my sister! You don't ever talk about her like that! You don't ever call her that again! Am I clear?" It took everything Bianca had not to smack the hell out of the blonde. First, you lie about and insult Marissa and now Kendall. Don't lose your temper, just get this the hell over with.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. You're right. I shouldn't have said that, but she's never liked me."

"No, she hasn't, with good reason. Kendall's always been a really good judge of character, and she's always looked out for me, whether I want her to or not. I do the same for her. That's what family does, and my family means everything to me. It always has, and it always will. I love them. You know, I think Marissa said it best the other day. We're a package deal. Kendall and my mom are two of the most important people in my life. There's no way in hell I'm giving them up, and I shouldn't be expected to. I need them in my life. If you knew me at all, you would know that. Marissa does, and you know what's great? She really likes them, and the feeling is mutual for them.

You know who else is important to me? Miranda and Gabby. Marissa was right when she told you that my daughters are my life." Bianca took another deep breath and fought the tears that were forming in her eyes as her voice broke. "You've tried to take them away from me multiple times. I will never forgive you for that. I don't even know why you think I would. What I really don't understand is why you tried to do that. There is no logical explanation that you could ever give me that would explain that away. From everything I've seen here and when we were together, you don't want them. When we were together, you didn't spend any time with them. You were never there for them because you were always working or doing something else that you thought was more important than spending time with them. Since you've been here, you haven't made any real effort to get to know them. What you've done is scare Gabby and then blame her for being scared because she doesn't know you. That would be your fault because you disappeared from her life, and she doesn't remember you. As for Miranda, she thought she had done something wrong or wasn't good enough. She thought that was why you didn't want anything to do with her, why you forgot her and Gabby. I don't know how you can live with yourself for letting her think something like that. Miranda also had a problem learning to trust others after you, never knowing when someone might leave her again for no reason. And you would want me to do the same thing to them by sending them away if I were to be stupid enough to even consider for one second getting back together with you! Why would you think I would ever give that idea even one shred of consideration? What kind of mother do you think I am? How could you even begin to think I would consider something like that? And you have the nerve, the audacity, to sit there and say that Marissa is a bad influence!

The two other people important to me are Marissa and AJ. Let me tell you a little bit about her. She loves my daughters like they are her own. She loves them just as much as she does AJ, and contrary to what you think, he is the most amazing little boy I've ever known. He's only guilty of loving Miranda and Gabby, trying to protect them and me and defend his mother. I think that's pretty damn amazing for someone so young. You know why he's like that? It's because of Marissa and everything that she's taught him. As for my daughters, Marissa is there for them any time they need her, and they know that. They don't have to think twice about going to her for something. Marissa would do anything for them, and they know that. They love and trust her, and she would never do anything to hurt them or betray their trust. Marissa always makes time for them, always, because family is as important to her as it is to me. Whether it's helping them with their homework or a project for camp, teaching Gabby to tie her shoes, reading a bedtime story, holding them when they've had a bad dream, taking care of them when they're sick or just listening to them, she always makes time for that. She's amazing with them, and I can't think of anyone better to be in their lives.

I can't think of anyone better to be in my life, and I love her so much. Marissa is my best friend, and I can tell her any and everything. She knows me, better than I know myself sometimes, and accepts me just as I am, flaws and all. It's because she listens to me. She cares about me, cares about what I think, cares about what I want. Marissa knows what's important to me, my family, my friends and my work, and she wouldn't even begin to think about asking me to give any of that up. She is one of the most caring and selfless people I've ever known. She does so much for me without even thinking about it. She knows that it's the little things that matter the most. Marissa always asks how my day went, and it's because she cares and really wants to know. If she gets up before I do, she always has coffee waiting for me. She's the first one there to celebrate the good things that happen and the first one to help pick me up if it's a lousy day. She lets me know how much she loves every day and doesn't take anything for granted for one second. Marissa's also the most honest person I know. She would never try and pull something like you just did, lie to me right to my face! Doing something like that would never occur to her. It's because she's values honesty as much as I do. She is so willing to fight whatever battles need to be fought for me, so willing to fight them with me, beside me. Marissa is one of the best things that has ever happened to me, and her love is one of the most amazing gifts that I've ever received. She doesn't know how incredible she is, how special she is. I am so damn lucky to have her in my life. I can't even begin to image my life without her. She's not perfect, but she's perfect for me and ourfamily, and I love her with all of my heart. Just when I think I can't love her any more than I already to, she'll do something to prove me wrong, and I fall in love with her even more. You want me to just give all of that up and run away with you because it's convenient for you, because it's what you want. This has all been about you and what you want. You haven't once asked what I want. It's not even on your radar. I deserve better than that, and I have it. I have everything that I've always wanted, my family, a home and someone who loves me, wants only the best for me, and would do anything for that to happen. No, I would never betray her love or trust for someone like you. Why in the hell would I? Given the choice between the two of you, it's no contest. You don't have a chance in hell against her." Bianca got up. "You know what, I'm done here, and I'm done with you. Any further contact between us will be handled by my attorney. I'm going home, to my family."

/

When Bianca got home, she found her girlfriend curled up and asleep on the sofa. As the brunette watched her, Marissa stirred. "I'm not asleep, and you're staring again."

"Bad habit, I just can't help it."

"I just checked on the kids, and they're fine and still asleep."

"What about you? You're looking a little better not as green as before, although, you somehow manage to carry it off."

Marissa chuckled. "You're good. I've felt better, but I did get a little rest and that helped."

"Okay, let's get you to bed." She held out her hand for the redhead to take, and they headed upstairs. Bianca could tell Marissa still wasn't feeling all that well because she wasn't putting up a fight.

"There you are, trying to get me in bed and have your way with me again. You are insatiable." Marissa smirked.

Bianca laughed as she helped her into bed. "Only with you and you know me too well. How about I have my way with you when you're feeling better that way you can have your way with me too?"

"You're on. How did it go? Did you kick whatshername's ass?"

Bianca got into bed and took Marissa in her arms. "I'd like to think I did. I'll tell you all about it tomorrow when you're feeling better. I think you'd be proud though."

"That sounds good. I always am proud of you, you know. I love you." Marissa drifted off to sleep.

Bianca gazed down at Marissa and smiled. "I love you too." This is exactly where I want to be and who I want to be with, no contest.