A/N: Excuse me for a moment, but I have to get this out. It's a great day in Kentucky, home of the 2012 National Champions! The Wildcats came through, and the sun is shining bring on my old Kentucky home!

Thanks for letting me get that out! Back to Minx! Thank you, as always, for the wonderful reviews. Keep 'em coming, and I'll keep writing! Okay, it's the next day from my previous chapter. You know what that means, right? Time for Marissa to come home! Hope you enjoy!

/

Marissa woke up early that morning. She had a lot to do and little time to do it in. She packed her suitcases after getting ready for the day and then called Bianca.

The brunette grinned when she saw Marissa's number appear on the caller id. "Good morning, beautiful!"

"Hey, that's my line! Good morning, yourself!"

Bianca laughed. "I think it more than applies to you, and I don't recall you having a trademark on it. So, I believe that makes it free and open in the public domain."

"Listen to you throwing around the legalese!"

"It seems all of the private tutoring lessons I've gotten from my kick-ass lawyer girlfriend have paid off!"

Marissa laughed. "Yes, they have and quite nicely too! Of course having a star pupil like you, one so willing to put in long hours of studying, makes the tutoring very rewarding!"

"Speaking of star pupils, you're quite the dedicated student and overachiever yourself!"

"Having an instructor like you takes the learning experience to a whole other level!"

Bianca sighed. "How many more hours until you're home? I can't wait to see you."

"Too many for my liking, but I'll be there as soon as I possibly can." Sooner than you think! "I can't wait to see you too."

"I know. So, what are the plans for today?"

"There are a few more lectures before we wrap up. A few of us have talked about going out to a late dinner. Then, back to the hotel for me to pack and call my beautiful and amazing girlfriend. What about you?"

"Meetings, meetings and more meetings and in between, I'll be attempting to dig myself out from under a mound of paperwork. It's definitely the part of my job I like the least. Before I know it though, it'll be time to pick the kids up from school. I was thinking that when they get home I'll have AJ and Miranda start on any homework they may have just to get it out of the way."

"Good idea. That way we can focus on having fun the entire weekend once I get home. While I'm talking with them …"

"I'll pack their bags for their sleepover at Kendall and Zach's." Marissa's chuckle had Bianca wonder what was so funny. "What?"

"Nothing, you're just reading my mind, again. I'm thinking that conversation will be a little longer since I have a feeling they'll be too busy and having too much fun later tonight to talk to me or even think about me."

"I don't know how true that is. You know they love you and miss you."

"I know, but I'm a realist. Video games with their cousins and being spoiled by their aunt and uncle win over me reading them a bedtime story."

"I don't know. Kendall and Zach might enjoy story time as much as we do. You do have a way of spinning a tale."

Marissa laughed. "I'm not even going there with them. The boys, maybe. Kendall and Zach, not a chance! Speaking of them, what time are you dropping the kids off at their house?"

"I figure around 7:00. That will give them a chance to do homework, talk with you and have dinner."

The redhead thought back to her conversation last night with Kendall. Brian had decided to surprise Stefanie as well so he had only told his sister-in-law who was staying with his wife while he was out of town. Marissa and he were to be at JFK at 4:30. Their flight was scheduled to depart at 5:00 and be on the ground in Pine Valley by 6:30. Kendall had arranged for a car to be waiting to take them both home. Marissa and Bianca lived 20 minutes away from the airport. Brian lived closer so he would be dropped off first. By her calculations and barring any unforeseen circumstances and allowing for a slight cushion, Marissa figured she would be home no later than 7:30. Kendall agreed to do her best to stall Bianca for as long as she could. The trick would be to do it in a way in which Bianca would not get suspicious. "What are you doing after that?"

"I'm not sure." Bianca sighed. "If my gorgeous girlfriend was home, I'd have all kinds of ideas, but since she's not, I guess I'll do a little work."

"Bianca, don't tell me you're going into the office! I don't like you being down there by yourself late at night, even with the new security."

"Don't worry. I'm not going into the office. I'll just do some work at home. I have a motive for it. By getting some work done tonight, I can pick you up at the airport tomorrow and give you a proper welcome home before the kids get home."

Marissa grinned. Talk about great minds thinking alike! "A proper welcome home, huh?"

"Yes, I didn't get to give you a proper sendoff. So, I think the very least I can do is give you a proper welcome home!" Bianca grinned.

"Well, when you put it like that, who am I to argue with you?"

"I thought you might see it my way. You are so easy sometimes."

"I'm only easy whenever you're concerned. Of course if you're complaining, I could change that."

"Let me think about that. No! I don't want you to change a thing! You are absolutely perfect!"

Marissa laughed. "I'm hardly perfect."

"You're perfect for me and that's all that matters."

"And you are perfect for me. Dammit, I have to go."

Bianca sighed. "Me too. I'll talk to you later. Love you!"

"Love you too!" Marissa disconnected the call. She briefly replayed their conversation. Had she done as good as she thought she had hiding her excitement when talking to Bianca? Marissa really wanted this surprise to work. I think I did. I honestly don't think she has any idea. I'll be home in less than 12 hours! She smiled at that last thought and then headed down to the front desk. She had spoken with the manager last night and had arranged to check out early. They agreed to keep her luggage locked up for her until she left later today. Marissa knew these steps would save her valuable time, and when she told Brian what she was doing, he quickly followed suit, anxious to get home himself.

/

Marissa checked the time, again, unsure of how many times she had checked it. The day was definitely dragging, and she was having trouble focusing on the day's activities. The redhead was definitely distracted and could only concentrate on one thing, getting home. Marissa couldn't wait to get home, couldn't wait to see the kids and give them countless hugs and kisses, couldn't wait to give them their presents and see their reactions. I can't wait to surprise Bianca, to see her smile and those beautiful, warm chocolate eyes of her's, to touch her, to hold her, to kiss her, to get lost in her. Marissa shook her head as she snapped out of her daydream. Focus, Tasker! You'll see her in a few hours, just hang in there for a few more hours.

The redhead was able to concentrate for a short while before her mind wandered off again. There's one more call I need to make. I'll have to do it on my next break.

/

Bianca looked at the clock. Marissa will be home in a little over 24 hours. Why won't the time go faster? She replayed her earlier conversation with Marissa and smiled. She meant every word she had said about giving Marissa a proper welcome home. God, I miss her so damn much! I miss everything about her. I can't wait to see her smile, and those beautiful eyes of her's and how her smile reaches up to them. I really need to hold her, touch her, feel those amazing lips of her's against mine. Bianca shook herself out of her daydream, and looked at the stack of paperwork on her desk and her calendar for today. I need to snap out of it! If I don't, there's no way I'll be able to get through all of this and leave early tomorrow to pick her up, or at least feel less guilty about leaving early. Okay, I've got a goal now or at least some motivation. She took a deep breath and dove into the mound of paperwork.

That trick worked for maybe about an hour, and then, Bianca's mind was wandering back to Marissa again when she saw the time. Just under 24 hours until she's home. Kendall said she'd keep the kids for a little while after Marissa gets home. So, I'm thinking we'll have a couple of hours for just us to have some alone time. Bianca smiled. That should be enough time to welcome her home properly, at least until the kids go to bed. This is ridiculous. I really need to think about something else other than Marissa, how soft her skin is, how ..."

"Bianca."

The brunette glanced up and saw her assistant standing in her office. "Jan, I'm sorry I didn't hear you. What can I do for you?"

Her assistant smiled when she saw the faraway look that had been in Bianca's eyes and knew she was thinking about Marissa again. It was something that her boss had been doing a lot of for the last two days. "When does Marissa get back?"

"Am I that obvious?"

Jan laughed. "Just a little bit."

Bianca rolled her eyes. "She gets back early tomorrow afternoon. Alright, I'll get back to work. What did you need?"

"We just got the latest donation request letters back from the printer."

"Judging from the look on your face, I'm going to say there's a problem with them."

"Yes, there is, and they're being a little stubborn about fixing it. It's nothing major. I can take care of it and them. I'm on my way over there now to straighten them out. I just wanted to let you know what was going on and where I'm going to be in case you needed something. Aya is going to cover my desk for me."

Bianca shook her head. "I think I'd be lost without you to take care of things here. I tell you what. I have some time before my next meeting. I'll go with you. I think a change of scenery and focus is just what I need right now. Staring at the clock isn't helping me at all so maybe this will."

"Are you sure?"

"I'm positive. Do you mind?"

"Not at all. I always like watching you handle less than cooperative people."

"It's a skill I learned from my mother. She has a knack of getting people to do what she wants. I just tone it down a little. Let's go."

/

"Miranda Center, Aya speaking. How can I help you?"

"Hi, Aya. It's Marissa Tasker."

"Marissa! How are you? How's New York?"

"I'm okay and so is New York. It'd be better if Bianca were here, but maybe next time. How are you?"

"I'm good. Speaking of Bianca, you just missed her. There was a problem with the printer, and she went to straighten them out with Jan."

Marissa laughed. "She did, huh? I almost feel sorry for them. There's nothing like a little glimpse of Kane woman to straighten anyone out. That's okay. I actually didn't want to talk to her, and I would really appreciate it if you didn't let her know I called."

Aya was a little confused. "Okay, can I ask if everything's alright?"

"There's nothing wrong. Everything is great. I just need your help with a couple of things. I want to surprise Bianca so I'll need to swear you to secrecy."

"You want to surprise Bianca? Of course, I'll help. Whatever you need, I'm in. You have my word. I won't say anything to anyone. I promise."

"Fantastic! Okay, I need you to check her schedule for tomorrow. What does she have on tap?"

"Hold on a second while I pull it up. We have a staff meeting at 9:00, and she has another meeting at 10:00. After that, she was having Jan clear her schedule. Bianca had mentioned she was leaving early to pick you up. She hoped to be out of here no later than 11:00."

Marissa paused. I really hope Bianca's okay with me doing this. I have a feeling she will be though, or I can at least take her mind off of being bothered by it too much. "Is there any way you all could handle those things without her?"

"Well, let me think. Jan's run the staff meeting before when Bianca's been off. So, that shouldn't be a problem. As for the other meeting, it is something that Bianca really likes to handle herself, but I might be able to move it to next week. You want me to check?"

"Oh, I would really appreciate it if you could. Here's why. I'm actually flying back early and will be home later this evening. It's a surprise. Bianca has no idea, and I was hoping I could get her schedule cleared for tomorrow."

"Say no more! I'm on it. Give me a second, and I'll just IM them to see if they can reschedule. Since Bianca has already moved the meeting for them twice, they should. They're responding, and it's done. I've got it moved to next week. Bianca is free and clear tomorrow!"

"Thank you!"

"It's my pleasure. She deserves the day off. Oh, I just wanted to thank you for calling the troops and arranging all that help for us. It made the cleanup go so much faster for us."

"You're welcome, but I didn't do that much. I just made a couple of phone calls. Bianca is exaggerating my help. Trust me, I would like to have been there myself pitching in with the cleanup."

"I know you would've been here if you could and so does everyone else. To hear Bianca tell it, you did more than just make a few calls, and I don't think she was exaggerating. The others were backing her up on that. Krystal had meals and snacks for everyone all day, and we had so many people here helping that the staff was able to actually focus on some work so we weren't too far behind. So, please, on behalf of all of the staff, let me thank you again."

"You're welcome. I'm glad I could help. So, Bianca's covered for Friday?"

"Yep, she is. She is all your's tomorrow. If she asks why the one meeting was moved, I'll come up with some excuse, and I'll tell Jan about covering the staff meeting when we leave for the day. Is there anything else I can do?"

"No, that'll do it! Thanks! I really appreciate it!"

"You're welcome. Anytime. I know she'll be over the moon with your being home a day early. Have a safe trip home. Bye."

"Thanks again. Bye." Marissa smiled brightly as she headed back inside the meeting room. That was easier than I thought. Yep, Bianca is all mine, and I couldn't be luckier! I'll be home in just a few more hours. Then, we will have each other's undivided attention!

/

Only after the Fusion corporate jet had finally taken off and was winging its way back home to Pine Valley did Marissa finally allow herself to take a breath and relax, a little. She wouldn't truly relax until she was back home, especially after how the day was going so far. The redhead had been in constant motion since early that morning, and that was after a late night the night before. The day had started out good. Of course, it had started with her talking to Bianca, and that was always the best part of her day. Well, the second best part of her day. It seemed to go slightly downhill after that. Several of lectures ran over, including her last one of the day. Then, she and Brian had to wait for the desk clerk to locate the key to the room to where their luggage was stored. Fortunately, Kendall was true to her word and had a car waiting to take them to the airport. Things appeared to be back on track until an accident on the highway caused a huge backup and tied up traffic for a few miles. Marissa called the dynamic duo, and Greenlee contacted the airport to make sure the jet did not leave until they arrived. Luckily, they had allowed for plenty of time to get there, but it was 5:00 by the time they got to the gate for the plane. The flight was then delayed for 30 minutes before being allowed to depart. Now, they were finally in the air and headed home.

Marissa checked the time. It was almost time to make her scheduled call home which was going to have to be made it from the plane. The redhead hoped things would go smoother from here on out. Marissa asked the flight attendant when she could make a call from her cellphone, and was told she would be able to do so in five minutes. She thanked the attendant and thought back to her conversation with the kids last night.

They were excited to talk with her again, and they loved hearing about her lunchtime adventure of walking through the city and seeing some of the street performers. Marissa was careful not to mention her shopping excursion. That was a surprise she wanted to spring on them in person. There was one thing that had nagged at her during that conversation, and she mentioned it to Bianca during her second phone call and took place after story time.

"Is everything okay with Miranda? She seemed a little quiet earlier, like something was going on with her."

"You know her too well."

"Well, she's a lot like you. She loves to process things, and when she does, she gets very quiet. So, what's going on with our oldest girl?"

"I'm not quite sure. I talked with her after school. She said she was fine, but I wasn't buying it so I checked with AJ. He knows something, but he's not talking, for now."

"That's our boy, acting just like a protective brother. Whatever's going on with her, if it was something really bad, I think he would tell us."

"I think you're right on all counts. If I were to guess, this has something to do with you not being here. She perked up after your call, like it reinforced or confirmed something for her. She doesn't doubt you. It's something else, and I just can't put my finger on it. That reminds me, there is something I've noticed her doing since you left."

"I'm really glad I called then. What have you noticed?"

"Miranda's been coming into our bedroom and listening to your music box."

"Ah, I can explain that. I asked her to keep an eye on it for me while I'm gone."

Bianca smiled. Marissa never failed to amaze her. That was the one thing that she could think of that would reassure and comfort Miranda. They all knew how much that music box meant to Marissa. For her to trust Miranda with something that special to her had to mean the world to their oldest daughter. "That explains a lot, like the little change in attitude she had and being okay with you going away. You are amazing."

Marissa laughed. "I don't know about that. I know that Miranda still has some trust issues, and I thought that might help with them. I also know how much she likes the music box and listening to it. It's kind of our thing."

"See, you are absolutely amazing and know her very well. That was the perfect thing to do for her."

"So, you don't think it's anything major, what's going on with her right now?"

"Not right now, I don't. We'll keep an extra eye out on her though."

"Okay. I think I'll talk with her privately when I get home though, just to be on the safe side. I want to make sure she knows, that no matter what, I'll always come back home and never leave any of you. You and our kids are my whole world."

"There you go saying the perfect thing again and saying exactly what I'm thinking."

"It's the whole mind reading thing we've got going on, at least that's what the dynamic duo would say."

Bianca laughed. "Yes, they would. So, tell me about your day."

"Well, I ran into Lori Jensen. She did the conflict resolution lecture."

"How is she? It's been a while since we've talked."

"She's good and says 'hi'. We had dinner, and I filled her in on the latest with you and the kids. I told her about the break-in. She hated hearing about that and told me to tell you to let her know if there was anything she could do to help. I then picked her brain as much as I could about her lecture."

Bianca smiled. Marissa was like a dog with a bone when she found a topic that interested her. She was always learning new things that would help her do a better job for her clients. It was just one of the many things Bianca loved about her. She listened as Marissa went on about what she had learned and was happy just to hear her voice. It helped just a little with missing her.

Marissa stopped talking and laughed. "Sorry. I was doing it again, huh?"

"Doing what?" Bianca grinned.

"Going on and on like I do when I pick up some new information. I'll stop. How was your day? Has there been any progress on finding out who broke in?"

"I love hearing you go on and on about something that excites you. I could actually follow it more this time. You're a little distracting in person. Your eyes light up, making them even more beautiful which I never thought would've been possible. Then, you start talking with your hands which makes we just want to grab them and hold them. Once that happens, I want to hold you, and all bets are off after that about what I want to do then!"

Marissa laughed. "I didn't know I was so distracting. I'll try and tone it down next time."

"Don't you dare! I love watching you like that."

"Okay, I won't, but please, feel free to grab my hands or whatever anytime you want! Now, back to my question, how was your day and any updates?"

"It was busy. The new security will be in place tomorrow. Jesse has a lead on the break-in and thinks he might be able to make an arrest soon."

"That's great! I want whoever is responsible to be punished. They hurt the center which hurts you, and you know how I feel about that."

"Yes, I do. It's the same exact way I do when someone hurts you."

"Precisely!"

The pair continued to talk late into the night with neither willing nor quite able to sever that lifeline to the other. The call ended only when they realized they were dozing off on each other again.

"I love you, Rissa."

"I love you, B."

"Excuse me, Ms. Tasker."

Marissa was brought back to the present and looked up at the flight attendant. "Yes?"

"The pilot as informed me that it's fine for you to use your cellphone now."

"Thank you! How are we doing on time? When does he think we'll be landing in Pine Valley?"

"We picked up a nice tail wind so it looks like we're going to make up some of our time. Right now, our estimated time of arrival is 6:45."

"That's great!"

"Oh, Ms. Slater and Ms. Lavery arranged for dinner to be served for the two of you. We'll have that out in just a few minutes." The attendant headed back to the cabin.

"Thank you!"

Brian shook his head a little in disbelief. "Your family thinks of everything, don't they?"

Marissa grinned. They really are my family, and I love every single one of them no matter how crazy they are or how much they love to tease Bianca and me. I couldn't have asked for a better one, and I'm damn lucky to be a part of it. They've been there whenever they've been needed, and I'll be there for them. "Yeah, they do. They are the best." She pulled out her cellphone and called home.

/

Bianca finished cleaning up after dinner as Miranda finished carefully loading the dishwasher. Her daughter definitely seemed in better spirits after talking with Marissa. I can't say I blame her. I'm always in a better mood after talking with her. I'm still not sure what's going on with Miranda though. Something's up. "So, Mimo, is everything okay?"

"What'd you mean, mom?"

"You just seem like you have something on your mind. I just want to make sure you're okay. You know you can talk to me or Marissa anytime about anything."

Miranda smiled. "I know, mom. Everything's okay. Somebody's just being a big pest at school."

"Who is it? Are they giving you a hard time?"

"It's just somebody being stupid because they don't know what they're talking about."

"Are you sure it's nothing more, Miranda?"

"I'm sure, mom. It's nothing I can't handle. Don't worry."

"I'm always going to worry about you, Mimo. And you shouldn't have to handle anything. I'll help you with whatever is, no matter what, and so will Marissa."

"I know. If it gets bad, I promise I'll let you both know."

Bianca studied her daughter for a moment. She recognized that look in her eyes. It was one she had seen in Kendall's eyes. Miranda wasn't going to budge, at least not yet. "Okay, I'll let it go, for now."

"Thanks, mom. Plus, I miss Marissa too. I'll really be glad when she's home tomorrow."

"That makes two of us. Actually, it's more than that. You know that Marissa misses us just as much as we miss her."

Miranda smiled. "Yeah, I know. I like knowing that. It makes me feel good. Is that bad?"

"No, it's not bad at all. It's perfectly understandable with everything you've been through. I'll let you in on a little secret. It makes me feel good too knowing how much she misses us. I think we're pretty lucky that we found Marissa. What do you think?"

"I think you're right!" Miranda thought for a second. "When are we going to Aunt Kendall's?"

"We'll be leaving in about half an hour."

"That should be enough time. Is it okay if I get our art supplies out? I thought of something I'd like to make for Marissa, and I think AJ and Gabby will want to help."

Bianca smiled. "It's more than okay. I'll get the supplies out and put them in the dining room while you go get the other two."

Miranda headed out to the family room to get the other kids while Bianca took the art supplies to the dining room. All three children soon entered the room and were hard at work. In no time at all, they had created a welcome home banner for Marissa.

"Do you think she'll like it, Bianca?"

"I know she'll love it, buddy. Let's go hang it up." The four walked into the family room, and Bianca hung the banner up. "I think it looks perfect. What do all of you think?"

The question was met with enthusiastic nods of agreement as the children were extremely proud of the finished product. "Good. Now, we've got to get going. Aunt Kendall and Uncle Zach will wonder where you are. I'll clean up everything when I get back. Everyone grab your bag and head out."

/

Kendall checked the time. Marissa had just called. Her flight had landed, and they would be leaving the airport in a few minutes. Bianca was on her way over with the kids and should be there any second. She would have to stall her sister for at least half an hour to give Marissa time to beat Bianca home in order for the surprise to work. You can do this, Kendall. Red is counting on you, and after everything she has done for Bianca and our family, this is the least I can do for her.

She heard Zach answer the front door as Bianca and the kids arrived. Kendall walked into the room to greet them. "Hey, Binx, kiddos!"

"Hi, Aunt Kendall!" With that short greeting, the three youngest arrivals disappeared with Zach, Spike and Ian into the family room.

"I suppose I'm lucky I got a 'hi' from them." Kendall smirked.

Bianca laughed. "Hi, Kendall. I think you're right. They were excited to get the video games started. Well, I'm going to run."

"You're leaving already? You just got here, Binx"

"I know, but I want to take care of a couple of things before I talk with Marissa later."

"Oh come on, you can spare a few minutes to talk."

"I really want to get home, Kendall. I want to finish up some work that I brought home, and I need to clean up the dining room. The kids made a welcome home banner for Marissa, and you know Gabby and glitter."

Kendall laughed. "My niece does seem to like it a lot. You can tell that by every art project she does. Come on just stay a few minutes. You can help me get the sundaes ready for the kids. It's obvious I'm not going to get any help from the biggest kid of all. Zach couldn't wait to get the games started." She could tell her sister was wavering so she played her trump card. "Besides, I promised Red that I would make sure you didn't work too hard while she was gone. You don't want to make a liar out of me, do you?"

Bianca rolled her eyes and sighed. "Fine, I'll stay but for only 15 minutes. You know, that's really not fair using Marissa like that. I have the sneaking suspicion that you are one of her confidential informants and filling her in on everything I've been doing."

"Hey, a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do. As for the confidential informant thing, on the advice of my legal counsel, I can neither confirm nor deny that." Kendall added with a smirk.

Bianca laughed. "The advice of legal counsel, huh? I'm guessing that legal counsel would be a certain redhead that I live with."

"Again, on the advice of legal counsel, I can neither confirm nor deny that."

Bianca saw the amusement in her sister's eyes. "I'm really wondering just how much I like the two of you being friends."

"You love it. Don't even try and deny it. Besides, it's really great to have someone else helping to keep an eye on you and keep you in line. You're quite a handful."

She saw the smirk on her older sister's face and rolled her eyes again. "Keeping me in line? I'm a handful? If that's not the pot calling the kettle black, I don't know what is!"

"You keep rolling your eyes like that and you'll sprain something." Kendall pulled Bianca with her to the kitchen. Once they were there, she started pulling out supplies for making the sundaes. "Don't be mad. I'm only half serious. You're a handful because you tend to do too much for others at the expensive of taking care of yourself, and whether you admit it or not, that part is true."

Bianca shook her head. "While I don't agree with you about me, Marissa probably would so I'll let it slide for now, but I don't think I'll forget it."

"I tell you want, Binx. I'll make it up to you with your own sundae. The banner sounds like a nice touch. Whose idea was it?"

"It was Miranda's. She's really looking forward to Marissa getting home. The other two couldn't wait to help. It's now hanging in the family room, all ready to greet Marissa tomorrow afternoon. I know she'll be home tomorrow, and I know I'm going to catch some grief from you on this. I can't help it though. I really miss her, Kendall. I'd like nothing better than for her to be home tonight. I know it's not going to happen, but I can hope and wish."

She looks so sad. I want to tell her that her wish will be coming true and that Red will be home in a matter of minutes. No, I can't do it. It will ruin the surprise. Keep a straight face for just a little while longer. "No, I won't give you any grief, any more at least. I miss Red too, not the same way or quite as much as you, but I miss her. She's become a good friend. There's also the fact that she is crazy about you and the girls and makes you happier than I've ever seen you. I really like that in a person."

"So, do I." Bianca laughed. "Are we all set for the kids?"

"Yep, go get 'em."

Bianca nodded and went to fetch Zach and the kids. While she was gone, Kendall got a text from Marissa saying she was five minutes from home. The older woman smiled and sent a text back saying the coast was clear.

"Who's that on the phone?" Bianca asked as she came back into the kitchen quickly followed everyone else.

"Oh, it's just Greenlee about work. What kind of ice cream can I get you, Binx?"

Bianca checked the time. "Speaking of work, I've got to get going. I need to do a little tonight so I won't feel so bad about playing hooky tomorrow. I'll take a rain check on the ice cream. Are you okay with that?"

Kendall smirked. "Yes, I'm okay with that. I'm sorry for trying to help you have fun."

"You're forgiven." Bianca turned to the kids and gave each one a hug and kiss. "Okay, guys, I'm going. I want you to be good, and don't beat Uncle Zach too badly in the video games."

"Hey, I resent that. Alright, I really don't. I can use all the help I can get against them, but I've been practicing so bring it on."

Kendall shook her head. "Sad thing is that he really has. I'll call before I head over with them."

Bianca laughed. "That sounds good. I'm thinking around 3:00 or so depending on whether or not Marissa's flight is delayed. Thanks again. Love you guys, and Marissa and I will see you tomorrow afternoon."

Zach whispered in Kendall's ear. "So, I'm guessing since you let her leave that means Red is home."

"She should be by now. I better send her a text to let her know Binx is on her way."

/

It was just beginning to get dark when Marissa rushed into the house and reset the alarm. The only light that had been left on was a lamp near the recliner. She opted to leave the remaining the lights off after she read Kendall's text not wanting to give her girlfriend any advanced warning of her being home. Just a few more minutes until I see Bianca. She didn't have as much time as she'd like to get settled so she opted for taking her carry-on to their bedroom before racing back downstairs and moving her larger suitcase out of the sight. It was then that Marissa saw the banner the kids had made hanging in the family room and smiled. Home. It is so good to be home. She turned towards the front door when she heard her girlfriend's car in the driveway and smiled brightly.

/

It was dusk by the time Bianca pulled into the driveway. The brunette sat in her car and looked at the home she shared with Marissa. It looked so dark and lonely, and she was not looking forward to spending the long night ahead in it alone. Maybe, I should take Kendall up on her offer. It's not too late. I could be back over there in no time at all, grab a sundae and watch the kids beat Zach. It might take my mind off of Marissa not being here at least for a little while. I could be back home before she calls in a couple of hours, and the work can wait. It would be fun, and God knows that I could use that right now.

/

Marissa was anxiously waiting inside their home for Bianca to enter. What is taking her so long?

/

A/N: I'm such a tease, aren't I? I just couldn't help it because cliffhangers are fun. I have this slightly evil side that I just can't seem to shut out sometimes, like now. Okay, it's more than slightly evil. I did get Marissa home though. Does that help? Probably not, huh? How about if I told you that I already started the next chapter, and I promise to make it up to you for teasing you all so shamelessly now?