A/N: Because I don't want to jinx anything, March Madness is still in full swing, and my Wildcats are still dancing and on their way to the Final Four!

Sorry, I had to get that out of the way. As always, thanks for the great reviews! I really love reading them! This chapter starts the next day from where the previous chapter left off. Marissa is still in NYC, and Bianca in Pine Valley. Both are still missing each other. They're going to get some help though. I hope you enjoy it!

/

Bianca was just getting out of the shower when she heard her and Marissa's home phone ring. She quickly threw on her robe and sprinted from the bathroom to answer it before it could wake up the kids. She glanced at the caller id and didn't recognize the number. "Tasker-Montgomery residence, can I help you?"

"Good morning, beautiful!"

Bianca beamed. "Good morning, yourself!"

"Did I ever tell you how much I love the way you answer our phone? Tasker-Montgomery residence just sounds so perfect. It rolls right off the tongue. There's just one thing I'm not sure of." Marissa grinned.

"And what would that be?"

"Which sounds better, Tasker-Montgomery or Montgomery-Tasker residence?"

Bianca laughed. "Hmmm, you know, I'm not sure. They both sound pretty damn perfect!"

"Yes, they most certainly do! So, I get top billing, huh?"

"Well, I did happen to be thinking about you when I woke up this morning and ever since then. So yeah, you get top billing! What number are you calling from?"

"I'm calling from the phone in my room. My cellphone is in desperate need of recharging after last night. The battery was completely dead this morning when I woke up. It seems that happens when you don't disconnect a call, and it's on all night."

"What a coincidence! Mine was dead this morning too! Now that you mention it, I do seem to recall hearing that can happen. I'm really glad we have unlimited minutes!"

Marissa laughed. "That makes two of us! How did you sleep?"

"Better than I thought I would without you being here, lying in my arms. I guess sheer exhaustion and a long, late night call with a certain gorgeous redhead did enough of the trick to get me through the night. What about you? How did you sleep?"

"From what it sounds like, the same as you did, better than expected with the help of talking to certain beautiful brunette. I missed being in your arms. I was right about something."

"You were, huh? What's that?"

"Groping a pillow was not nearly as much fun as groping you would have been this morning! It also doesn't grope back!"

Bianca chuckled. "I'm very glad to hear that! I can't even begin to tell you how much I missed waking up to your morning routine. Waking up to the alarm blaring doesn't even begin compare to waking up with you and that routine of yours, and holding a pillow instead of holding you, well there is just no comparison."

Marissa sighed happily. "Well, I'm very glad to hear that myself. What can I say? My hands have a mind of their own when you're around me."

Bianca laughed so hard she snorted. "Your hands have a mind of their own?"

Marissa grinned. She loved hearing Bianca laugh so much. It was like music to her ears. "What? They do! I have no control over them whatsoever whenever you are within reach."

"Hmmm, I suppose I can understand that when I think about it. You see, whenever I'm around you, my lips seem to suffer from the same lack of control as your hands!"

"Well, I guess it's a good thing that we've found each other and are so tolerant of each other's afflictions!"

"Yeah, we very lucky indeed, and they are such terrible afflictions." Bianca laughed. "So, you're up early. You don't have any workshops or seminars for a while."

"No, I don't. I'm meeting Brian for breakfast downstairs though, and we're going to map out our strategy for today."

"You don't think they who shall remain nameless will cause any problems, do you?"

"No, I don't. I think I'm done having to deal with them, and I refuse to hide in my room because of them and refuse to give them another thought."

"Good! I was going to tell you the same thing, and remember, if they give you any problems at all, they will be answering to me. That is if there's anything left of them once you get done with them again."

"Between the two of us, they don't stand a chance in hell." Marissa laughed. "No, Brian and I are going to get out at lunchtime. He wants to get the baby something from FAO Schwartz."

"Stefanie mentioned he was wanting to do that. And I suppose you're just tagging along out of the goodness of your heart, right? You wouldn't dream of getting the kids anything from there, would you?"

Marissa laughed. "I won't even try to deny it. You busted me. You've got to admit that they're such good kids, and …"

"Yes, they are, and they've been great for me. It seems they are taking your directions very seriously and following them exactly as you asked. Homework was done without any complaints. They helped with the dishes. Gabby picked up all of her toys, AJ took out the trash, and Miranda helped get Gabby ready for bed. This was all done without me asking. I suppose they deserve some sort of small reward for all of that."

"My directions, huh? Who ratted me out? I'm guessing it was Gabby since she hasn't quite grasped the concept of keeping a secret yet."

"You would be right on both counts. She is an open book." Bianca heard a small knock on the door and knew instantly who it belonged to. "Speaking of our youngest, here she is now." The brunette opened the door, and the little girl entered giving her mother a hug. "Good morning, Gabby. Would you like to talk to Marissa on the phone while I finish getting ready?"

"Morning, mommy! Yep, I sure would!" She smiled as she settled on the bed and took the phone from Bianca.

"Okay, don't hang up though until I get a chance to talk to her again."

"Alright, mommy. Hi, Rissa!"

"Good morning, monkey! Did you sleep good?"

"Uh huh, I've got a new joke! Want to hear it?"

"You know I do! Let me have it!"

"What is a monkey's favorite cookie?"

"Hmmm, I don't know. What?"

"Chocolate chimp!" Gabby started cracking up laughing.

Marissa laughed at both the joke and at Gabby's reaction to it. The little girl's laugh was infectious, and Gabby was laughing so hard she even snorted. Just like Bianca, inside and out! Marissa laughed even harder when she heard Bianca snorting in the background. Yep, she's a mini Bianca! We are going to have to keep an eye on her. She is going to break quite a few hearts when she's older.

"Did you like it, Rissa?"

"That was a good one, monkey! I loved it, and it sounds like you mom did too!"

"Uh huh, she's laughing kinda hard!"

The two continued to talk for several more minutes with Gabby telling a few more jokes before Marissa noted the time. "Okay, monkey, I've got to go. Would you put your mom back on the phone, please?"

"Uh huh, love you, Rissa! Miss you."

"I love you too, Gabby, and I miss you too."

Gabby handed the phone back to Bianca and settled back on the bed. "I think we have the makings of a great comedian on our hands."

"I think you're right." Marissa sighed. "I hate to say it, but I've got to go."

"I hate hearing it, but I know and so do I. I've got to get AJ and Miranda up and ready. Call me later?"

"You know that I will. Love you, B."

"Love you too, Rissa."

/

Kendall and Greenlee walked into Krystal's to meet Bianca for lunch. The pair spotted her where expected, at the table she regularly shared with Marissa, looking more than a little miserable.

"Hey, you two. Do you think you can do anything to cheer that one up over there?"

"Hi, Krystal. How long as my little sister been like that?"

"Pretty much since she got here about fifteen minutes ago. It's like she's missing part of her."

"Well, she kind of is without Red here."

"True, it makes me wonder how the other one's doing right now, how my baby girl is holding up without Bianca."

"If I were to hazard a guess, I'd say she's probably in the same sorry state. Who's she talking to on her phone? Is it Marissa? I can't quite describe the look on her face. I'd expect a bigger smile if Bianca was talking to her." Greenlee added.

"Well, in a way, she is. I overheard a little of what she was listening to when I went to get her order, and I heard Marissa's voice. It appears she's listening to a voicemail of my daughter singing to her."

The friends looked at each other, then Bianca and then each other again. "Are you serious, Krystal? Marissa was singing to her?"

"She sure was, Kendall. I only caught a part of it so I can't tell you the song, but she was definitely singing."

"Well hell, Kendall! I've never had anyone do that for me, have you? Did you know about this serenading your sister thing?"

"Binx mentioned that Red loved to sing and that she had a beautiful voice, but I had no idea she serenaded my sister. And no, I've never had anyone do something like that for me. Those two are killing me with how adorable they are and how much they love each other."

"You know, I have to admit I'm a little bit jealous of her. I mean damn! Marissa sings to her! This would be the perfect thing to tease her about, but I just can't do it, not right now. She looks pretty miserable. I can't stand it. We've got to do something about this."

"Wow! You really are getting soft!"

"Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know, but look at her. You would have to be completely heartless, like a certain Chandler who shall remain nameless."

"You're right. Let's go see if we can cheer her up, and we'll start thinking of what we can do for them because I can't stand seeing her like that."

The pair walked over to where Bianca was sitting. Upon seeing them, she quickly disconnected her voicemail and gave them a small smile. "Hi, Kendall, Greenlee. How are the two of you doing today?"

"Hey, Binx. We're good. How about you? It looks like you got a little more rest last night."

"I'm hanging in there, and I did get some more sleep. I think I was just so exhausted that I kinda passed out. I didn't even talk to Marissa as long as I wanted to before falling asleep on her."

"You talked to her at bedtime, huh?"

"Yeah, of course, I did. She called a couple of times actually. The kids talked to her after school. They were so excited to talk to her. They really miss her."

"So, they're doing okay? I know you were a little worried about Miranda."

"The two of them talked before Marissa left. I'm not exactly sure what was said, but whatever Marissa said did the trick. AJ and Gabby are doing okay too. In fact, Gabby talked with her this morning."

"You already talked to Marissa this morning?"

"Yeah, she was just checking in before heading out." Bianca's phone rang, and anyone knowing her and seeing the smile on her face knew immediately who was calling. "Sorry, guys, but I have to take this. I'll be back." Bianca got up, and as she hurried outside, the pair could hear her answer. "Hey, Rissa!"

"Judging by the way she sprinted out of here and by the smile of her face, that could only be one person, Marissa!" Krystal smiled as she had returned with Bianca's lunch order.

"You've got that right. You can probably change that to a carry out order." Kendall glanced outside, seeing her sister laughing as she sat on the bench in front of the restaurant. "I don't see her coming back in here until they're done talking. Look at her smile."

"Just hearing Marissa's voice had her doing a complete 180. That's the fastest mood turnaround I think I've ever seen. I've never seen anything quite like that."

"I hear you, and you're preaching to the choir. We've got to do something for them. Any thoughts?"

"Actually, I do have a pretty good idea." Greenlee smiled.

/

"So, what are you doing, B? You're not working through lunch, are you?"

"No, I'm not. I'm actually at Krystal's having lunch with Kendall and Greenlee, or I was until you called."

"Ah, tell the dynamic duo "hi" for me. I won't keep you long. I have a quick question for you."

"Keep me as long as you want. I'm sure they can use the break anyway. I just kept talking about you and how much I miss you. I'm sure I'm sounding like a broken record. What's your question? Ask me anything you want. I'm all your's!"

"Do you know how happy I am that you're all mine?"

Bianca grinned. "Just as happy as I am that you're all mine. Is that your question?"

Marissa laughed. "No, it isn't. I just sent you a picture of something that I think would be perfect for Gabby's new room. Could you take a look, and let me know what you think?"

"No problem. Hang on." Bianca pulled up the picture and burst out laughing. "You can't be serious, Rissa. That thing is huge. It's bigger than Gabby!"

"Well, it's a little bigger than her, but I wouldn't call it huge."

"It's twice her size!"

"I don't know about that. Okay, it is, but it's almost as adorable her, almost. It would go perfect with the zoo theme she picked out for her room. You know how much she loves monkeys. Tell me that wouldn't be perfect!"

Bianca shook her head and smiled. She could hear the excitement in Marissa's voice and knew she really wanted to get the giant stuffed monkey for Gabby. It really is next to impossible to say 'no' to her when she's like this, and she's right about it looking good in Gabby's room. "You're right. It would be perfect, but how do you propose to get it home? You'll need to buy an extra plane ticket just for it. And where are we going to keep it here? You can't let her have something like that and not do the same for the other two. If we hold it back now, then you have to get her something else because I'm sure you have something for Miranda and AJ already."

Marissa grinned. "I'm way ahead of you on all counts. I checked, and they can ship it to us. We don't want this particular one anyway. It's the floor model that has been, shall we say, well loved by every kid walking in here. So, they can ship a new one to us on a specific date, like when we are moving in. I also found a much smaller version of it for Gabby to have now. See, problems all solved!"

"Why am I not the least bit surprised by that? Alright, I can't say 'no' to any of that. She'll love it. What about our other two?"

"Great! I'll order it now! For AJ, I found some amazing Lego sets that he will love."

"He does love to design and build things. I'm thinking we just might have a future architect on our hands."

"I think you're right. Now for Miranda, I didn't find anything for her here, but I did find something perfect for her in another store." Marissa told Bianca what she had found.

"I think that is perfect! She will absolutely love it. So, you're done shopping, right?"

Marissa smiled getting the hidden meaning in that question. I already got you something on the way here. I'm just waiting on them to finish engraving it for me to pick it up. "Yes, I'm done shopping. Oh, we have to get back. I'll call you later. Love you!"

"Love you too!" Bianca remained outside for several more minutes, replaying their conversation. I'm not surprised at all that she's put so much thought into getting the kids something from her trip. Marissa told me her dad always did the same thing for her growing up whenever he traveled for work. If she's like this now, I can only imagine what she'll be like for our first Christmas. Bianca sighed. Two more days and she'll be home. Two more long days, that is. I really do wonder what I did before Marissa started sharing my life.

/

"Greenlee, you my friend, are a genius! I'll call Red and get the details of when she's done exactly. If I recall the schedule posted on their refrigerator correctly, she's actually done tomorrow. We can work out the specifics as soon as Bianca leaves."

"What about the kids? Those two really need some alone time which I don't see them getting Marissa's first night back with their little ones around."

"There's an in-service day on Friday, remember? The kids are off school so I could suggest a sleepover at my house tomorrow night. The kids should be up for that."

"I like your thinking. Here comes, Bianca."

"Hey, Binx, good of you to join us. So, how's Red?" Kendall smirked.

Bianca blushed slightly. "Sorry, but I really wanted to talk to Marissa. I know, Greenlee. You don't have to say it. I'm whipped. Anyway, Marissa told me to tell the two of you 'hi', and she's doing okay. She was actually out shopping and picking up something for the kids."

"Speaking of the kids, Spike and Ian were wondering when those three of your's could come over for another sleepover. I was thinking tomorrow would work since they're off school the next day. Zach could set up another video game tournament for them. What do you think?"

Bianca paused before answering. She knew the sleepover would be fun for the kids, but the house would be awfully lonely without Marissa and the kids there. What would she do with herself? Suck it, Montgomery. Marissa is without us right now and doing it for three nights so I can do it for one night. Plus, I could get some work done so I can spend more time alone with Marissa on Friday. "I don't see it being problem. I'm sure the kids will have a blast. I'll mention it to Marissa when I talk with her tonight. Are you sure it's not too much for you and Zach?"

"I'm sure. Your kids are no problem at all."

"So, what are you going to do with a night all to yourself?" Greenlee asked, giving Bianca her best poker face not wanting to ruin the planned surprise.

"I really have no idea. It'll be weird with no one there. It'd be different if Marissa was there, but I guess I'll probably get some work done so I can take Friday off to pick her up and spend some time with her then."

"Sounds like a plan. Are you going to work from home or the office?" Kendall inquired. I need you to work from home tomorrow night for this to all work.

"I guess that depends on when you want the kids over at your house. I could bring them over after dinner if that works for you?"

Kendall did a quick calculation in her head. "That'll work. You can spend some time with them that way. Maybe you won't miss them as much."

"That's doubtful. I'll probably just work from home tomorrow evening then." Bianca checked the time and realized she had been talking to Marissa longer than she had thought. "I didn't realize it was this late. I need to get back to the office."

"Not without your lunch, you don't." Krystal returned with Bianca's lunch, having changed it to a carry out order for her. "Marissa would never let me hear the end of it if I let you leave here without making sure you had lunch. Put your money away. It's no good here today. It's on the house."

Bianca smiled. "Thanks, Krystal. I appreciate it. I'll make sure Marissa knows you're keeping an eye out on me. Well, I've really gotta go. I'll talk to later you, Kendall, to work out the specifics for tomorrow night. Bye, Krystal. See you later, Greenlee."

"Talk to you later, Binx." Kendall watched her sister leave before turning back to Greenlee. "Okay, let's get more of this plan mapped out before I call Red."

/

"Marissa?"

The redhead glanced up from the conversation she was having with several others and smiled. "Hi, Dr. Jensen, I mean Lori. How are you?" The two women shook hands.

"I thought I saw you in the audience! I'm good. I didn't know you were going to be here. It's always nice to see a friendly face at one of these things. How are you doing?"

"I'm good. I wasn't expecting you either. You weren't the scheduled speaker for the conflict resolution seminar. I really enjoyed it and got a lot out of it."

"There was a last minute change, and I'm filling in for a colleague. How are Bianca and the kids? It's been a while since I've been back to the Miranda Center."

Marissa smiled at the mention of her family. "They are all doing great. Bianca is as amazing as ever, and the kids are good and growing like weeds."

One of the other lawyers interrupted. "I'm sorry, but are you talking about Bianca Montgomery and the Miranda Center?"

"Yes, we are. I serve as a consultant for the center." The doctor added.

"I've heard of it, and they do amazing work there." The lawyer turned to Marissa, looking very impressed. "You know Bianca Montgomery? She sounds like an incredible person from everything I've read about her."

Marissa beamed with pride. "Yes, I know Bianca very well. She is my partner, and yes, she is an incredible person, even more so in person than anything you've read." I'm completely biased though! The redhead listened proudly as the others spoke about Bianca and the wonderful and inspiring works done by both her and the center. Marissa had been tempted to gush about her girlfriend but found it wasn't necessary as the others had obviously heard of her and were suitably impressed. So, she just stood back and listened. As much as she loved extolling the wonderfulness of Bianca, Marissa loved hearing others do it just as much. The others were close in their descriptions of Bianca, but Marissa knew that there were no words that would ever truly do her justice.

Dr. Jensen had known Bianca for a few years through her work with the center, and the two had become friends. She had admired and respected the younger woman who had been through a great deal in her lifetime. When she heard that Bianca was involved with someone earlier in the year, she had been a little leery for her friend, not wanting her to be hurt yet again. Then, she met Marissa and saw the pair together a few months ago, and the special connection between them was as plain as day. Seeing that and getting to know Marissa, the doctor was happy not only for Bianca but for the redhead as well. Both seemed to have found the long overdue happiness they so deserved. She had been observing the redhead since the seminar ended and had to chuckle. Seeing Marissa as she beamed with pride over Bianca, she could easily see the connection between the pair was even stronger now. "Marissa, what would you say to dinner tonight? We could catch up, and you can fill me in on the ever amazing Bianca."

The redhead caught the teasing tone in the doctor's voice. It was something the couple was quite used to by now. "That sounds great, Lori. I can pick your brain some more regarding your lecture."

"Pick my brain more on my lecture? Oh that's right, you specialize in family law."

"Yes and I think it could help with some of the custody disputes and divorces I handle. I'm sure you know they can get pretty ugly." Marissa's cellphone rang. As she looked at the caller id, she was immediately worried. "Excuse me. I need to take this."

Marissa stepped away from the group. "Kendall, is everything alright? There's nothing wrong with Bianca or the kids, is there?"

"Everyone is just fine, Red. There's no need to worry. Sorry to give you a scare. Can't I just call you up to say 'hi' and see how you're doing?"

The redhead released a huge sigh of relief. "Sorry, I guess I overreacted a little, huh? I just miss them, and I'm going a little nuts not being able to see them."

"No need to apologize. I understand I get a little like that myself about being away from Zach and the boys." Not as bad as you and my sister though.

"So, Bianca's doing okay then?"

Kendall smiled and shook her head, happy in the knowledge that Marissa was in the same sorry state as her little sister. She'd had a hunch that would be the case, but it was good to have her suspicions confirmed. "Outside of missing you, moping around and being a little on the miserable side without you here, Binx is fine. How are you doing?"

Marissa couldn't help but grin. While she didn't like the fact that her girlfriend wasn't in the best of spirits, it made her just the teeniest bit happy that Bianca was as miserable as she was right now, that she missed her just as much. "I'm hanging in there, counting the hours until I can be back home. How are you? And yes, you can call just to say 'hi' anytime you want. I just have a feeling there's another reason behind this call."

Greenlee was right, not much gets past this one. "I'm good, and you got me. I do have a question for you. When exactly are you getting home?"

"Not soon enough." Marissa quickly added with a laugh. "The conference is over tomorrow afternoon, but I couldn't get a flight out until early Friday so I'll be home that afternoon. Everything's booked, and trust me, I've checked a half dozen times for another flight."

Kendall's wheels were turning at full speed. She hated seeing Bianca like this, and she didn't like knowing Marissa was feeling the same way as her sister. Time for a little fairy godmother action! This could actually work. "So, if I can find you a flight later tomorrow afternoon …"

"I'd be forever in your debt and would owe you big time! Do you really think you could?"

"Hmmm, let me check. Can you hang on a minute?"

"I'll hang on as long as you need." Marissa held her breath and crossed her fingers as she heard Kendall talking to someone in the background. She listened closely and made out Greenlee's voice as the one she was talking to, but she couldn't quite make out what was being said between the two. Leave it to the two of them to help.

Five minutes later, Kendall was back on with the redhead. "Okay, do you think you can get to JFK by 4:30 tomorrow?"

Marissa thought for a minute. "Yes, I can! I'm done by 2:30."

"Great, I'll take care of everything on this end and call you later with the details."

"Seriously? How did you get a flight that fast? What did you guys do? Do I want to know?"

"Relax, Red. We didn't do anything illegal. The Fusion corporate jet is in New York getting serviced and is scheduled to depart JFK at 5:00 and return home. Is there any other homesick lawyer that wants an early flight?"

"Kendall, I love you and Greenlee too! You guys are the absolute best! I can never thank you enough! If it's not too much trouble, I'm sure Brian would be thrilled to get home early."

"You are more than welcome! It's no trouble at all. Brian's the one whose wife is due at the end of the month, right? She helped out at the center yesterday."

"That's him. How can I ever repay you?"

"Just keep doing what you're doing and make my little sister happy, that's all the repayment I need."

"You know I'll do my very best on that!" Marissa paused. "Kendall, would it be too much if I asked you one more favor?"

"It's been taken care of, Red. I've already made plans with Bianca to have the kids stay over tomorrow night since there's no school on Friday."

"Call it a hunch, but I'm guessing that she doesn't know about this, does she?"

Kendall grinned. "No, she doesn't. I didn't want to mention anything in case we couldn't work it out. Since you happen to mention it …"

"You think it could be a surprise for her, right?"

"Well, you can decide if you want to surprise her or not, but if you ask us, we'd go with the surprise."

Marissa grinned imaging the look on Bianca's face by her getting home a day early. "I'm with the two of you and all for surprising her."

"A surprise for my sister, it is then! I'll call you later with the details."

"Kendall, I've said it before, and I'll say it again! You and Greenlee are the absolute best!" With that said, the two ended the call, and Marissa rejoined the group smiling brightly. Her mind was already racing ahead to tomorrow evening, being back home and spending some time alone with Bianca. She was so distracted that she didn't hear someone saying her name.

"Marissa, is everything okay? I hope there's nothing wrong at home?" The doctor asked.

"Huh? Sorry, Lori, I was a little distracted. No, everything's great at home. I just got some very good news."

"I'm glad to hear that. So, are we on for dinner?"

"Do you mind if we make it an early one?"

"No, early actually works for me too. I want to check in with the family before it gets too late."

"Great. I have a few things I have to take care of before tomorrow." She checked the time. The kids would be home from school soon and expecting her call. "I need to make a call. I'll meet you in the lobby in an hour." The redhead found Brian and asked if he would be interested in an earlier flight home. As expected, he was thrilled and eagerly accepted. After that, Marissa found a quiet spot to make the first of her two nightly calls home. Now, comes the hard part. If I want to surprise her tomorrow, I can't let Bianca know something's up! Marissa took a deep breath to calm her excitement and called home.

/

A/N: Okay, I promise to have Marissa home next chapter! I swear!