A/N: I'm back! First, thanks as always for the reviews. They do wonders for my ego. Second, thanks for the kind words and thoughts about my mom. The surgery couldn't have gone better, and she's now in rehab and on the road to recovery.
I've spent the last few days writing when I can and trying to flesh out my plans for what I have in store for our girls next. I hope you like what I have planned for them. This chapter is laying a little groundwork for it. I had to break the chapter up again because it was looking like it was going to be long. What can I say? Minx inspires me! Hope you enjoy this one!
/
Marissa was anxiously waiting for Bianca at 'their' spot in the park. She had mixed feelings about the news she was about to share with her girlfriend. It was good news, exciting news, but it involved something she wasn't looking all that forward to. The two hadn't planned on meeting for lunch today since both of their schedules were packed with meetings, but Marissa didn't want to wait until evening to discuss this with Bianca. She called her girlfriend to see if there was any way she could get away for a quick lunch. Bianca immediately agreed sensing something was up. A few things were quickly moved around and a late lunch date was set. They decided on meeting in the park today for a little more privacy. Even though it was a public park and they would be out in the open, it wasn't their regular lunchtime meeting spot, and by switching up their normal routine, it gave them the small hope that they would be able to avoid Kendall and Greenlee and their incredible timing. It would also give them the chance to enjoy the beautiful summer day since they were cooped up inside all day. Bianca was swinging by Krystal's and picking up lunch on her way over to meet the redhead. Marissa opened the folder she had next to her and read its contents again as she sighed.
"What are you reading there, counselor?"
Marissa glanced up and smiled brightly as Bianca leaned in for a quick kiss before taking her seat next to her on the bench. "Hey, I'm glad you could get away."
"You know I will always make time for you, and I could tell you needed to talk about something. So, what's up? Is everything okay?" Bianca couldn't hide the concern in her eyes, and Marissa was quick to address it.
"I didn't mean to worry you. Everything's good. I just had something I wanted to discuss with you and didn't want to wait until tonight. Caleb called me into his office this morning and gave me this. I need to give him an answer first thing tomorrow morning." The redhead handed her the folder, and Bianca began to read what was inside. While she was reading, Marissa unpacked their lunch.
When she had finished reading, Bianca looked up and beamed at her girlfriend. "The firm wants to send you to a conference in New York! This is great news! This is big for you, Rissa. It means that they think you're doing a great job by sending you. You know, I'm not really surprised that they asked you to go. I always said you were a brilliant, kickass lawyer. You're just finally getting the official recognition for it. I'm very proud of you." Bianca leaned in for a congratulatory kiss.
The redhead sighed happily as she basked in her girlfriend's praise. "Thanks! Yeah, you always do say that. I think you may be a little biased." Marissa smirked.
"I only speak the truth! Okay, I'm a little biased, but you really are good. This proves it."
"It really is a nice boost for me and the others that were selected. The seminars and workshops they have scheduled look pretty interesting too, particularly the workshop on conflict resolution."
"That one could come in handy for family gatherings." Bianca quipped.
Marissa chuckled. "You're right. It's sad but true."
"Something's up though. Why aren't you more excited? I mean, this is a great opportunity for you." Bianca knew the answer to her question before she even asked. She noticed it as soon as she read it, and her heart sank a little. It was something she was dreading herself.
"I know it is, and I am excited. It's four nights away though, four nights away from you, and I'm not looking forward to that at all. In fact, I hate it."
Bianca took Marissa's hands in her own. "Yeah, I noticed that. I'm not thrilled with that part of it myself. It'll be the first time we've been apart from each other for any substantial amount of time since …"
"Since we got a clue and realized that we were in love and perfect for each other."
Bianca grinned. "Yeah, since then. We knew one of us would probably have to go out of town for work eventually though. So, you leave Sunday evening."
"I haven't said that I'm going."
"Of course, you're going. It's too good of an opportunity for you not to go. I'm not going to hear otherwise."
Marissa smiled and shook her head. Bianca is always so supportive of me, and she didn't think twice about me not going. "Are you sure you're okay with it? You'll have all three kids by yourself."
"Oh yeah, you're right. Those three are such a handful. How will I ever be able to handle them on my own?" Bianca smirked.
Marissa rolled her eyes and sighed. "You're right. We have the three greatest kids in the entire world, and you are amazing with them. I know that you won't have any problems with them while I'm gone. I also knew that we'd have to spend some time apart when one of us would eventually have to go out of town for work, and I know we'll get through it, somehow. I'm just going to miss you like crazy."
"You're pretty amazing with them yourself. I know exactly how you feel. I'm going to miss you so much." Bianca smiled and leaned closer to Marissa. "I'm really going to miss that morning routine of yours."
Marissa laughed. "Yeah, groping a pillow isn't going to be nearly as fun or as satisfying as groping you first thing in the morning."
"I'm very glad to hear that!" Bianca laughed and gave her girlfriend a lingering kiss. "So, what else is bothering you about this trip?"
Marissa sighed at the fact that Bianca knew her too damn well. "Do you think the kids are going to be okay with it, that they'll understand?"
"By kids, you mean Miranda specifically, don't you?"
"Yes, I do. I think AJ and Gabby will be okay with it. I still worry about Miranda though. I mean, whatshername has gone back to Paris and hasn't bothered to try and contact them since before she left and you handed her ass to her. With everything that went on with that whole mess, I don't want Miranda to get the situations confused in the slightest and think I'm leaving and not coming back."
"To be honest, I don't believe Miranda will think that at all. She might be a little hesitant, but she trusts you and knows that you are nothing at all like whatshername. There is absolutely no comparison between the two of you and the situations. Whatshername couldn't run away fast enough, and with you, it's like I'm practically having to force out the door for just a few nights. Plus, we'll talk to her and make sure she understands that you are only going away for a few days. It will be okay, I promise. We'll talk to them tonight. Better?"
Marissa smiled. "Yeah, I am. You always seem to make everything better."
"Good then I'm doing my job! You do the same for me. So, as soon as you get back to the office, you'll tell Caleb that you're going."
"If I didn't know any better, I'd say that you're trying to get rid of me. You probably won't even know that I'm gone." Marissa smirked.
"You know that's not true so don't ever joke about that, okay? You have become such a big part of my life and my heart. I don't know what I'd do without you here. Trust me, I know when you aren't around."
"I'm sorry. I can only joke about that because of how sure I am of your feelings for me and mine for you. I honestly don't know how I got through even a day before without having you in my life. You make it brighter, more complete."
"Well, me not being in your life is something that is never going to happen. You are stuck with me."
"Have I told you recently how utterly happy I am to be stuck with you?" Marissa gave her a quick kiss.
"I don't think you've told me that yet today, well until just now that is." Bianca smiled brightly. "Now, tell me all about this conference."
/
The couple decided to discuss Marissa's upcoming trip with the kids over dinner. After listening to the kids' exploits from earlier in the day at school and daycare, Bianca broached the subject. "Marissa got some really good news at work today."
"What was it, mom?"
"Well, AJ, they asked me to attend a conference in New York next week along with three other people from our firm."
"Is that good?"
"It is, buddy. It means they think she's doing a really good job. Something that I've known for a long time, and I, for one, am very proud of her." Bianca beamed at Marissa.
"I'm proud of you too, Rissa!" Gabby chimed in.
"So am I! What will you be doing?" AJ asked.
"Thank you! I'll be going to seminars and workshops learning lots of things to help me do an even better job for the people I help."
Her son made a face. "That sounds like school."
Marissa laughed. "I guess it is a little."
Miranda had been sitting quietly since hearing the news, trying to sort out how she felt about it. She finally broke her silence and asked. "How long will you be gone?"
"I was supposed to leave Monday evening, but when I got back to office, I did some checking and was able to change a few things around. Now, I'm going to fly out early Tuesday morning and be back home Friday afternoon."
"Wait, you changed that?" Bianca was happy about this change in plans but surprised by the news. "Why did you do that?"
"Why do you think? I didn't want to spend any more time away from all of you than I had to. When I looked closer at the schedule, I saw that Monday night's activities were optional, more of a social thing, so I don't need to attend. I'll take the red eye Tuesday and be there in plenty of time to check in and register."
"That's a really long day for you. You'll be exhausted. Are you sure you want to do that?"
"B, spending one less night away from all of you is more than worth losing a little sleep. I'll be just fine, and before you ask, Caleb was fine with the change. So, you get me for one more night, unless you don't want me here. If that's the case, I can probably change things back and leave Monday." Marissa joked.
Bianca grinned. "Oh no, I'm more than happy with the change! I can definitely handle you being away for one less night!"
Miranda smiled at the exchange between the two women. She could tell Marissa was teasing her mom because of the way she smiled at her and the look in her eyes. Her mom had that goofy grin that she always seemed to get around Marissa too. Miranda really liked it when they joked with each other like this because she could tell just how happy they were together. What she liked most of all was that Marissa changed her schedule without anyone asking so she wouldn't have to be away from home as long. The fact that she did that made her feel really good. "So, you'll be gone for three nights?"
"Yes, I'll only be gone for three nights, and I'm giving Bianca a copy of my schedule."
"Which I'm going to put it on the refrigerator so we'll know what Marissa is doing each day."
"I'm going to call you all every night to check on you and see how school went, how the rest of your day went, so I expect a full report from each of you. If you need to talk to me, you just have to call. It doesn't matter what I'm doing, okay?"
AJ smiled and nodded. "Okay, mom."
"Okay. I'm proud of you too, Marissa." Miranda added with a smile.
"Thank you! And thank you all for understanding."
"What about story time, Rissa?"
The redhead pulled the little girl on her lap. "Oh, I plan on calling for story time, Gabby. I wouldn't miss that for anything. I guess that means I'll be calling at least twice a day. I might have to call you all more than that since I'm going to miss you so much. Does that sound okay to you?"
Gabby smiled brightly and nodded happily. "Yep!"
/
Marissa hurried home from work early the following Monday. She had a lot to do and just a little time to do it in. She was taking the red eye to New York tomorrow morning for her conference and wanted to pack early before everyone got home so she could spend as much time with them as she could tonight. She checked the time as she finished packing. Bianca would be home with the kids soon. Marissa smiled just thinking about her girlfriend. She sighed as she thought about the next few nights without her. While she knew this conference was a great opportunity for her, she was dreading being away from Bianca. Marissa shook her head and laughed. I was never like this in any of my other relationships, of course none of them were anything like what I have with Bianca. Kendall and Greenlee are right. I am whipped. I never thought I would be that person, the one so totally head over heels in love with someone that the thought of spending just three nights away from them would literally make my heart hurt. I am though, and I really don't care because I've never been happier. Marissa pulled herself from her reverie and scanned the contents of her suitcase.
There was one last item she wanted to pack, and her eyes quickly rested on her music box that she always kept on the nightstand on her side of the bed. It truly was the most amazing and thoughtful gift she had ever received. She sat down and reached for it. Marissa turned it on and smiled as the familiar strains of the song she shared with her father filled the room. I really wish mom and dad had a chance to know Bianca, to know AJ, Miranda and Gabby, to see the wonderful life we're building together. They'd be so happy for me, for us. They would be spoiling the kids rotten and bragging about them constantly to all of their friends. As for Bianca, they would simply adore her. Marissa laughed as she imagined Bianca and her dad together. They would've bonded immediately since they have the same sense of humor, one that was both goofy and twisted. Mom had the same optimistic attitude that Bianca does and was just as giving. Mom would be taking her side in any arguments. I can easily see her thinking that Bianca could do no wrong, and they would constantly be ganging up on me. Marissa quickly wiped a tear away. Enough of that, Tasker. They wouldn't want any tears. I was blessed to have them for the time that I did, and I am equally blessed to have Bianca and the life we have. Suddenly, the solution to something that she had been pondering for the last few days popped into her head.
"Rissa, we're home!" Bianca called from downstairs.
The redhead quickly closed her suitcase and headed downstairs.
As soon as Marissa appeared at the top of the stairs, a huge smile broke across Bianca's face. She quickly noticed a hint of sadness in those hazel eyes that she loved so much as she gave her a quick kiss. She was doing her best to hide it as she smiled and cheerfully greeted the children, but Bianca saw it.
"So, what is the homework situation for tonight?" Marissa asked the older two children.
"We just have a spelling test tomorrow." Miranda answered.
"That's all? Well, I think we can proceed with our plans for the evening then. What do you think, B?"
"I think you're right. Everybody upstairs and change into some play clothes. We'll study spelling outside since it's too nice of an evening to be cooped up inside."
"What are we doing?" AJ asked.
"We're going to have a picnic in the park. How does that sound?"
"That sounds great, Bianca!"
"Are you going to change your clothes too, mom?"
"Yep, I'll be up in a minute, Miranda. I want to talk to Marissa for a second."
Bianca was leaning against the back of the sofa. As soon as the children were out of earshot, she pulled Marissa to her. "What's up? Something has you sad."
"There's no reason to worry about me. I'm okay. I really am."
"Rissa, you forget who you're talking to. I know you, and I can tell something's going on. Tell me what it is, please."
Marissa started to protest but knew it was useless once she saw the concern in those beautiful chocolate eyes. Bianca knew her too well. "I really am okay. I was just thinking about my mom and dad."
I thought it might be something like that. "What about them?"
Marissa smiled. "I was thinking how much I wish they could've known you and the kids. They would've spoiled the kids so much that they would be impossible to live with. And you, they would have absolutely loved you. I was thinking how happy they would be for me to have found someone as incredible as you. So, I'm really not sad just a little reflective or wistful I guess. It was probably a combination of things that started me thinking about them. I was packing, and I started thinking about how much I love you and the life we have and how much I'm going to miss you even if it's for just a few nights. I went to pack my music box and had to listen to it. That got me thinking about my parents, and one thing led to another causing me to be in my current state."
"I wish I could have known them too, but in a way, I think I do know them some just from listening to you and knowing you and the kind of person you are. I know they had to be incredible people as well as parents to have raised someone as amazing as you. They would be very proud of you." Bianca pulled Marissa closer for a loving kiss.
The redhead sighed happily. "Thank you."
"For what, telling you the truth?"
"For simply being you."
"It's nothing."
Marissa rolled her eyes when she saw the expression on Bianca's face as she tried to deflect the praise from the redhead. The woman cannot take a compliment to save her life. "You're impossible. Go on up and get changed so we don't keep the kids waiting. They'll be down here any minute chomping at the bit to get to the park."
Bianca gave her a quick kiss and headed upstairs relieved to see a genuine smile on Marissa's face.
/
After spending a fun evening together, the family returned home. Marissa ushered the children upstairs for baths while Bianca took a call from the Miranda Center. When the redhead had finished Gabby's bath and had helped her get into her pajamas, she had gotten AJ started on his while Miranda studied her spelling a little more waiting for her turn. Marissa returned downstairs to see a troubled Bianca just getting off the phone.
"What's wrong? Did something happen at the Center?"
"Yeah, there was a break-in at Center's offices."
"There wasn't anyone there, was there?"
"No, thankfully, everyone was gone for the day, but there was some damage. The police are down there now."
Marissa knew that Bianca wanted to get down there to check things out for herself, but she could tell the brunette was torn about leaving. "Go on and check things out over there." Marissa stopped Bianca before she could protest. "Don't say you don't want to. You forget who you're talking to. I know you want check things out for yourself."
"You're right, I do want to see the extent of the damage, but we only have a little bit more time together before you leave tomorrow. I want to spend it with you."
"I want the same thing too, but I know you. You'll be distracted until you know exactly what happened. We'll still have some time together when you get back home. Besides, this will give me a little time alone with the kids before tomorrow."
"Are you sure you're okay with me leaving? What about our plans?"
"So, our plans have changed a little. It'll be fine, and I'm more than okay with you checking things out over there. I know how much the Center means to you. You know, the sooner you stop fighting me on this, the sooner you'll be back home."
Bianca smiled. "You're right. I will feel better if I see things for myself. I'll be distracted until I do, and I want to give you my undivided attention later. I'll be back as soon as I can." She grabbed her keys and purse and paused to give Marissa a quick kiss.
"I do like the thought of having your undivided attention later. Be careful, and I'll see you in a bit."
Before heading back upstairs to check on the kids, Marissa paused and decided to make a quick call.
"Hello, Red. I didn't think I'd be hearing from anyone over your way tonight."
"Hi, Kendall. I hadn't planned on calling, but something came up that I wanted to get your and Zach's help with."
"Okay, what can we do for you?"
"There was a break-in at the Miranda Center offices tonight. It happened after hours so no one was hurt. Bianca just headed over there to see the extent of the damage."
"I hate to hear about the break-in, but I'm glad no one was hurt. What do you need from Zach and me?"
"Well, I'm not sure how long the police will be on the scene, and I don't like the idea of Bianca being down there by herself late at night anyway. Throw in the fact that someone just broke in, and I downright hate it."
"I can't say I blame you. Would you like some additional security set up as soon as possible?"
"You read my mind. I figure Zach could use his connections to get something set up faster than I could."
"You're right, he can and will. Hang on a second." Marissa could hear Kendall telling Zach what happened. "Okay, he's on it, and will have some people down there within the hour."
Marissa released a sigh of relief. "Thanks, Kendall. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it."
"Hey, there's no need to thank me. We're talking about my little sister. I want to keep her safe just as much as you do. Thanks for letting me know what happened and thinking of arranging the extra security."
"There's no need to thank me for that. We're talking about the love of my life, the woman I plan on spending the rest of my life with. I'll do whatever I need to do to keep her safe."
Kendall smiled hearing those heartfelt words from Marissa. She would never be able to express how happy she was that Bianca had finally found someone who knew how special her sister was and that loved her the way she deserved to be loved. "You know that she won't be happy about the added security."
"I know. She doesn't like the idea of people going out of their way for her, but she'll just have to deal with it now, won't she? Could I ask you for one more favor?"
"Sure, what do you need?"
"Could you keep an eye on her for me while I'm away in New York? Make sure she's not working too much and get her out for lunch. I have the feeling she'll want to work through lunch and not take any breaks."
Kendall chuckled. "You really do know my little sister. I'll be more than happy to keep an eye on her for you. Try and have a little fun while you're away, and don't worry about her and the kids so much. They'll be fine. You have my word."
"Thanks, I appreciate that. Speaking of kids, I better go check on them and get Miranda started on her bath. I'll talk to you soon. Good night, Curly."
"Good night, Red."
/
"Okay, I just got another text from Bianca, and it looks like she's going to be a little longer. That means it's just us for story time tonight. Before we do that though, I want to talk to you all for a minute. Now, I know that you are the three greatest kids in the entire world, but I need you to be extra good for Bianca while I'm away for the next few days. That means doing your homework as soon as you get home from school, doing your usual chores and helping her out however you can. I also want you to keep an eye out for her for me. Can I count on all of you?"
All three children nodded while Miranda spoke for the group. "We will, Marissa. You can count on us to do whatever we need to for mom. Don't worry. We'll take good care of her."
Marissa smiled. "Thank you. I have no doubt that you will. Now, tomorrow is AJ's turn to pick a story and my turn to read."
"You're still going to read to us tomorrow even though you're reading tonight, mom?"
"If it's okay with you, that's my plan. So, I need you pick out a book tonight, and I'll take it with me and read it to you all over the phone when I call tomorrow night. How does that sound?"
All three children smiled liking her plan a great deal. "That sounds really good, mom. I know exactly what book I want!" AJ walked to the bookcase, pulled out 'The Lion King' and handed it to his mom.
"Ah, 'The Lion King', a very good choice!"
"I really like when you do the hyenas' voices, mom, especially Ed!"
"I like it when you do Rafiki!" Miranda added with a big smile.
"What about you, Gabby?"
"I like Pumbaa!" The little girl started giggling at the sound of the warthog's name and was soon joined by the others laughing.
After a few minutes, Marissa looked at Gabby. "Okay monkey, it's your turn to pick for tonight. What will it be?"
Gabby thought for a minute, walked over to the bookcase and pulled out several books checking the pictures on the covers to make sure she picked the right one. She climbed onto the bed and settled on Marissa's lap before handing her the book with a big smile on her face.
Marissa chuckled when she saw the book. "Okay gang, it's time for 'The Little Mermaid'."
/
When the story was over, Marissa got AJ and Gabby settled in the night. The redhead paused before tucking in Miranda. "Mimo, I have something very important I need you to do for me if you would while I'm away."
"What is it, Rissa?"
"Come with me." The two walked to Marissa and Bianca's bedroom. "Have a seat." Marissa picked up her music box from her nightstand. "You know how much I love this music box. It's the most amazing gift I've ever received. Whenever I used to hear the song it plays, it reminded me of my dad. Now, whenever I hear it, it also reminds me of your mom. It tells me how much she loves me and how much I love her. I was going to take this with me on my trip, but I don't want to risk it get stolen or broken because it's too precious to me. I was wondering if you would take care of it for me while I'm gone."
Miranda could hardly believe what Marissa was asking her. She knew exactly how much the music box meant to Marissa. It was a really big deal for her to ask Miranda to take care of it for her. "You want me to keep an eye on for you?"
"I do. Would you do that for me?"
Miranda nodded and whispered, "I will. I promise to take really good care of it while you're gone." The young girl thought for a minute. "Is it okay if I leave it in here? I think it will be safer. Gabby won't try and play with it that way. She might want to if it's in our room."
"If you think that's best, that's what we'll do. Thank you for doing this for me."
Miranda nodded. "You're welcome."
"Now, let's get you tucked in."
/
"How much damage is there, B?"
"There's quite a bit. Several windows have been smashed, and some of the offices have been trashed. Whoever did this tried to steal some of the computers, but I think the alarms scared them off before they could. We're trying to see if they hacked any of them and were able to access some of the personal information we have on our clients and the locations of our safe houses. Nick just got here and is checking that out. It looks like I'm going to be a bit longer than I thought. How's everything there?"
"Don't even worry about that or us. Everyone here is fine. The kids are all tucked in and sound asleep. How are you doing?"
"I'm doing okay. I just hate that someone did this. It's senseless. The extra security Zach arranged for us has been a big help and a load off my mind. Did you even wait for me to get out of the driveway before calling them?"
Marissa chuckled. "I think you might have just pulled out before I did. You're not upset about me doing that?"
"Normally, I would be because I don't want to bother anyone if it's not necessary, but I'm not tonight. Once I saw all of the damage, I was grateful for the extra help, and I know why you did it. You were just looking out for me and wanted to make sure I was safe. I would've done the same thing for you myself. I will simply say thank you."
"Wow. Talk about making progress!"
Bianca rolled her eyes hearing the amused tone in Marissa's voice and imagining her smirk. "Yes, I'm making progress on accepting help from others. Are you happy?"
"Extremely and not just because of that! You also don't have to thank me for wanting to make sure you're safe. You are way too important to me to have anything happen to you."
"The same goes for me where you're concerned. I should get off of here because the sooner I do, the sooner I can get home. You should probably try and get some sleep. You've got that early flight."
"I'll be okay so stop worrying. I just want you to be safe. I know you have to be exhausted so please be careful. I'll see you when you get home. Love you."
"I will, and I promise to leave soon. Love you too."