A/N: Is it safe to come out? It is? Okay, good! I'm back! Thanks, as always, for the great reviews, and I pretty much thought I would get the reactions I did from the last chapter. You all said to update soon, and this was as soon as I could. First, I feel like I guess I should apologize again for the way I ended the last chapter. It was a little bit cruel. I just couldn't help myself though. I was driving home from work and dealing with the evening rush hour when my evil side came out and told me to end the chapter that way. Don't worry. I've tied her up and put her in time out, for this chapter at least. Speaking of this chapter, it marks two milestones. The first one is my birthday is this week! In honor of Minx, I will be celebrating it with some killer chocolate cake. Okay, it's not just because of them. I really like it too. The second milestone is that it has been six months since I put pen to paper and fingers to keyboard and began this story! To be honest with you, I didn't see me still writing it six months later. I knew that Minx was the end game and had several ideas for what I wanted to do. This story soon took on a life of its own and things changed. My creative side woke up and took off on this journey, and it has definitely been an interesting one. A couple of the things that have happened along the way, I didn't see coming, but I'm really glad they did and will be eternally grateful that they did. I'm glad I've taken this journey, and that all of you have joined me on it. I'm not sure when it will end. I can only tell you that we're not done yet! The wheels are still turning so there's more to come. That's down the road though. As for the present, I've picked this chapter up exactly where I ended the previous one. I hope this one makes up for how I ended the last one and that you enjoy it! Happy Easter!
/
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 and their children. 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 some ice cream and watch the kids beat Zach. It might take my mind off of Marissa not being here, at least for a little while. It'll be a couple of hours before she calls, and I could be back before then. Plus, the work can wait. It's not really that pressing. It could be fun, and God knows that I could use that right now.
/
Marissa was anxiously waiting inside their home for Bianca to enter. She was starting to get a little nervous. What is taking her so long?
/
No, I should really stay home and just get it done. It's the right thing to do. It's not fun, but it is the right thing to do. Bianca sighed as she got out of the car and walked to the front door. The brunette unlocked it and was talking to herself when she walked inside. She faced the door to lock it before stopping and resting her head against it, a small groan escaped from her. "Dark and lonely. Maybe if I left more lights on, it wouldn't feel like this. No, it doesn't matter how many lights I would've left on. This place would still look and feel lonely. Just a little while longer though and Marissa will be home. I just need to stick it out for a few more hours. I'll do some work to take my mind off of things, and before I know it, I'll hear her voice."
"Bianca, please tell me you aren't planning on going back into the office tonight."
"I'm not. I told you this morning that if I catch up on some work here tonight that I can spend time with alone with you tomorrow when you get home. I can give you a proper welcome home that way." Bianca paused and blinked in shock. "Wait! Either I'm completely losing it, or …" Bianca quickly turned around and saw Marissa sitting in the family room, clearly amused by her reply. The brightest of smiles graced Bianca's face. "Marissa! You're home! I'm not losing it or dreaming? You're actually here? You're actually home?"
Before Bianca could overcome her surprise, form another coherent thought or even move one inch from the door, Marissa had shot out of the chair, crossed the room and had her girlfriend in her arms, crashing her lips into the brunette's. Bianca moaned and instantly wrapped her arms around Marissa's waist pulling her even closer. The redhead quickly had Bianca pressed against the door. After several minutes, the pair reluctantly separated, breathless. They rested their foreheads against each other as they gasped for air.
"You're not losing it, and you're not dreaming. I'm really home. God, I missed you so much!" Marissa smiled brightly as she leaned in for another kiss.
Bianca's smile matched her girlfriend's when they pulled apart again. "I missed you too, more than I can tell you. I knew it would be tough, but I didn't know it would be that tough. How, how are you here? You're not supposed to be home until tomorrow."
"Want me to leave and come back then?" Marissa grinned and started to step back.
Bianca grabbed her. "Hell no, not on your life! I'm not letting you go! It was torture without you here. I know it had to be worse for you since you were there all by yourself, and I at least had the kids to keep me company. They were great, but it's just not the same without you here. I missed you, every single inch of you."
"Bianca, you're talking way too much."
"I guess I …" The redhead cut her off as she captured her lips again for a searing kiss. Marissa grasped the silky brown locks, pulling Bianca closer still and deepening the kiss. Her hands then began to roam and slowly made their way under Bianca's shirt at the same time her tongue had gained entrance into the brunette's slightly open mouth. Bianca felt her knees begin to buckle as her desire began to escalate. Marissa's lips then began to roam and were soon trailing kisses along the brunette's neckline as she held Bianca tightly to keep her steady. A nagging thought made its way through the fog that was quickly forming in Bianca's mind. "Marissa, I really should lock the door and set the alarm. I would hate for someone to interrupt us right now."
"You have a good point. Go ahead." Marissa's lips continued their journey and soon found Bianca's pulse point.
The brunette moaned. "You are not making this easy."
"I'm not doing anything to stop you."
"The hell you're not. I can barely focus, and if I don't enter the code correctly, we'll have Pine Valley's finest over here to see what's going on. That's not a show I want to give them."
"Do you want me to stop?"
"No! I mean yes but just for ten seconds, until I enter the code. After that, I'm all your's. I promise."
Marissa sighed and stepped back. "Alright, you have ten seconds."
Bianca turned to face the door, took a shaky breath, entered the security code and turned back around. Her girlfriend was nowhere in sight. "Marissa?" Where is she? She was just here! Dammit! Why did I stop her? The damn code could have waited, and now, I've spoiled that amazing moment all because I think too much! Bianca looked around the family room and didn't see her. Suddenly, she caught a glimpse of something on the stairs and quickly made her way over to see what it was. She grinned when she saw that it was Marissa's shirt. Bianca started to unbutton her own shirt as she made her way up the stairs when she noticed that her girlfriend had it half undone already. When did she manage to do that? I sometimes forget just how fast her hands are when she's motivated. She chuckled shaking her head and removing her shirt as she entered their bedroom.
Marissa grinned wickedly when Bianca entered their bedroom. "I believe that was longer than ten seconds."
"Well, it would have only been ten seconds, but when I turned back around after setting the alarm, you weren't there."
"You said I was distracting you, and I didn't want to keep doing that."
Bianca laughed as she crossed the room to where Marissa was standing. "You are the very best and most welcome of distractions, and don't ever think otherwise." She paused and noted the amused look on the redhead's face along with her darkening eyes. "I'm talking too much, aren't I?"
Marissa smiled and nodded as she pulled Bianca to her, capturing her lips. Both women moaned as they felt the intensity of the love behind the kiss. The days of longing for each other soon became a distant memory, and their remaining clothes were quickly discarded as they tumbled onto their bed. Marissa's lips slowly trailed down to Bianca's breasts, and her tongue began to torturously tease hardened nipples while her hands began to caress the wondrous soft curves of Bianca that were emblazoned in her memory causing the brunette to moan.
"Oh dear God, Marissa!" Bianca was becoming incapable of rational thought as the growing ache in between her legs screamed in need and want of Marissa and began to overwhelm her.
Marissa slowly continued her torturous journey over Bianca's stomach and slowly downward as her hands continued to caress every inch of her girlfriend.
A deep moan escaped from Bianca's throat along with the plea, "Oh dear God in heaven! Please, Marissa!"
Marissa reached her final destination as she heard Bianca's plea. She slowly slid her tongue past her girlfriend's soaked outer folds and into her aching center. Bianca's head snapped back as her hands grasped copper locks, pulling Marissa closer as her back arched. She began to unravel under the ecstasy being brought on by Marissa's magical tongue as her girlfriend drank in all of her. Bianca convulsed wildly when Marissa slowly moved her tongue upward to her throbbing hub and worked its exquisite magic there. "Oh God! Oh dear God! Marissssssaaa!" Waves of ecstasy swept over Bianca and exploded inside her. The brunette's entire body went limp moments later, and Marissa slowly made her way back up Bianca's body kissing every inch of it along the way. She watched as her girlfriend slowly recovered, and a brilliant smile formed along Bianca's face as she opened her eyes seeking Marissa's. "You're staring."
"Sorry, but it's this bad habit I picked up from you. You are absolutely breathtaking. So, did you miss me? Are you happy I'm home?" Marissa grinned mischievously.
Bianca gave her a dazzling smile. "Let me think. Yes and yes! Dear God, yes! What about you? Did you miss me, and are you happy your home?"
Marissa chuckled. "Well, if you have to ask, I obviously didn't make myself clear a few minutes ago."
"Oh, you were definitely clear, crystal clear! Trust me on that!" Bianca laughed. She gazed into those hazel eyes that she loved getting lost in and brushed a lock of copper hair behind Marissa's ear. "I love you."
Bianca was rewarded with a radiant smile from Marissa. "I love you too." The redhead leaned down and gave her a tender kiss.
The kiss soon deepened as their shared desire and passion escalated. A moan escaped from Marissa as Bianca shifted their positions and rolled on top of her, every inch of their bodies melding together perfectly. "I think I need to show you just how much I missed you." Bianca's lips began to roam, soon finding Marissa's pulse point causing a sharp intake of breath. Bianca continued down to Marissa's breasts causing the redhead to moan as her tongue began working its magic. Another moan escaped from the redhead as the throbbing ache between her legs intensified, and she pulled her girlfriend closer. As Bianca continued to ravish Marissa's breasts, her hands slowly drifted lower, caressing each magnificent curve of Marissa until one gently eased between her legs. As Bianca slid two fingers easily inside Marissa, the redhead moaned loudly and pulled her girlfriend up to her, capturing Bianca's lips for a searing kiss as a rhythm was soon set between them. Each thrust drove Marissa to a height of sheer ecstasy. "Oh… God… Oh… God… Bianca… Oh… God…" Bianca could feel Marissa tighten around her and applied more pressure. Marissa cried out, "Biannnnnnccaaa!" as she was driven over the edge and completely unraveled as a wave of euphoria soon enveloped her.
The two lay entwined and gasping for air. Neither was able to speak for several minutes as they basked in the love they shared. The long, lonely nights they had endured away from each other were now an unpleasant and distant memory.
"Welcome home!" Bianca grinned.
"You really did miss me!" Marissa sighed happily as she was enfolded in Bianca's loving embrace.
"Was there ever any doubt that I did?" Bianca chuckled.
"None whatsoever! I love you."
"I love you."
Both women drifted off to the blissful slumber that had eluded them the last two nights spent away from each other.
/
As Marissa turned on her side, her right arm instinctively draped itself across Bianca's stomach, drawing her girlfriend closer to her. Marissa began to softly caress the wondrous curves of Bianca, loving both the feel of her velvety soft skin that she had craved to feel the last two days and the reaction Bianca's body had to her touch as she felt a shiver go through her. Marissa smiled when she heard a happy sigh escape from Bianca, and the redhead raised her head, quickly finding and enjoying the taste of her love's waiting and intoxicating lips. Marissa finally opened her eyes to a sight that always took her breath away, and she gave Bianca a dazzling smile. "Good morning, beautiful!"
Bianca sighed happily again and smiled the goofy grin that always made Marissa's heart skip a beat. "Good morning, yourself! God, I missed this so much. I missed you so much." She pulled the redhead closer for a tender kiss.
"Judging by last night, you liked your surprise."
"No, I loved my surprise!" Bianca glanced at the clock. "I can't believe the alarm didn't go off. I'm going to be late. I really wish I didn't have to go in. If I had a little more warning, I could have cleared my schedule."
Marissa grinned as she stopped Bianca from getting out of bed. "The alarm didn't go off because I turned it off, and you're not going to be late."
"I'm not? Rissa, what did you do?"
"Well, I hope you're not too mad, but I called your office yesterday. You were out with Jan taking care of something at the printers. I asked Aya to see what she could do about clearing your schedule to give you the day off."
"Wait, you mean she knew you were coming home early?"
"Yep, she did."
"Huh, she didn't let on at all. So, you were conspiring with my staff?" Bianca smirked.
"Yeah, I was. So, are you okay with that?"
"Hmmm, let me think a second. Instead of going into work and sitting through a long and boring meeting, I get to spend several hours alone with my beautiful and amazing girlfriend. Uh yeah, I'm more than okay with that! Remind me to give her a raise." Bianca kissed Marissa tenderly and started chuckling when a thought crossed her mind.
Marissa gave her a puzzled looked. "Care to tell me what's so funny?"
"Well, I almost didn't come in when I got home from dropping the kids off. I was really close to turning around and going back to Kendall's for some ice cream!"
Marissa laughed. "You're kidding me? I almost lost out to ice cream!"
"Hey, I didn't know you were here! If I did know, I would've broken down the door because it's no contest!"
"Hmmm, speaking of doors …"
Bianca rolled her eyes. "I'm never going to hear the end of that, am I?"
Marissa smirked. "Nope, you sure aren't!"
"Yeah, I should've let you rip my clothes off right then and there, but my brain got in the way like it does sometimes. Given another opportunity like that, it won't happen again, trust me!"
"I'm glad to hear that!"
"I'm sensing you don't quite believe me. I have a great idea." Bianca smiled wickedly as she shifted and rolled on of Marissa. "What's the saying? Actions speak louder than words!" Bianca leaned down to claim Marissa's lips for a fervent kiss.
A soft moan escaped from the redhead as her arms wound tightly around Bianca. When they separated gasping for air, Marissa smiled mischievously. "I think I might need a little more convincing, if it's not too much trouble."
"It's no trouble at all and completely my pleasure!" Bianca quickly closed the distance between them for a searing kiss.
/
When Bianca stepped out of the bathroom, she noticed Marissa was no longer in bed. The brunette heard her downstairs in the kitchen and set off to find her girlfriend. Bianca stopped in the doorway and smiled brightly. She found Marissa with her back to the door, preparing breakfast. She was wearing pajama shorts along with Bianca's t-shirt, and she was singing.
You're better then the best
I'm lucky just to linger in your light
Cooler than the flip side
Of my pillow, that's right
Completely unaware
Nothing can compare to where
You send me, lets me know that it's okay
Yeah, it's okay
And the moments where my good times start to fade
You make me smile like the sun, fall out of bed
Sing like bird, dizzy in my head
Spin like a record, crazy on a Sunday night
You make me dance like a fool, forget how to breathe
Shine like gold, buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild
Oh, you make me smile
Even when you're gone,
Somehow you come along just like
A flower pokin' through the sidewalk crack
And just like that
You steal away the rain, and just like that
You make me smile like the sun, fall out of bed
Sing like bird, dizzy in my head
Spin like a record, crazy on a Sunday night
You make me dance like a fool, forget how to breathe
Shine like gold, buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild
Oh, you make me smile
Marissa turned around and saw her girlfriend watching her, smiling. The redhead gave her a dazzling smile and continued to sing as Bianca crossed the room to her, placing her arms around the brunette's neck.
Don't know how I lived without you
'Cause every time that I get around you
I see the best of me inside your eyes
You make me smile
You make me dance like a fool, forget how to breathe
Shine like gold, buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild
You make me smile like the sun, fall out of bed
Sing like bird, dizzy in my head
Spin like a record, crazy on a Sunday night
You make me dance like a fool, forget how to breathe
Shine like gold, buzz like a bee
Just the thought of you can drive me wild
Oh, you make me smile
(Oh, you make me smile)
Oh, you make me smile
(Oh, you make me smile)
Oh, you make me smile
When Marissa finished singing, Bianca captured her lips. "Your voice is almost as beautiful as you are, almost. I love hearing you sing. I can't tell you how many times I played your voicemail. I was thinking of making it my ringtone, a Marissa Tasker original. Now, I'm thinking I like this song better. Do you think I could get you to sing that for me again?"
Marissa laughed. "I think you are completely biased, but thank you. With the right incentive, I might be convinced to sing it again for you."
Bianca gave her a wicked grin. "The right incentive, huh? Let me give that some thought." The brunette looked down at what Marissa was wearing. "I see you're wearing my shirt."
"I believe that would be my shirt. Remember, B, possession is nine-tenths of the law." Marissa smirked.
"I'm sensing a challenge there, counselor." Bianca's eyes darkened.
"So, what do you plan on doing about it?" Marissa gave her a mischievous smile, hoping Bianca would accept the challenge.
The brunette arched an eyebrow. "Alright, you asked for it!" Bianca pulled Marissa in for a fervent kiss. The redhead moaned as she was pressed against the counter, and she instantly pulled Bianca closer and deepened the kiss. The brunette's lips began trailing kisses and quickly found that spot she loved that she loved behind Marissa's ear, the one that made her powerless. Marissa moaned loudly and clothes were again discarded as Bianca pulled them to the floor.
/
Marissa sat across from Bianca at the kitchen table and chuckled. Her girlfriend was humming and had a very self-satisfied smirk on her face. There's something that nobody else gets to see. I am so damn lucky. "Someone's very pleased with themselves."
Bianca flashed a brilliant smile. "I don't know what you're talking about. I just really love chocolate chip pancakes."
"Uh huh, it's the pancakes." Marissa laughed and shook her head. Yeah, it's not the shirt I covet. It's definitely Bianca and everything single thing about her.
"Oh, you think it's because I got my shirt back. I told you I would. In fact, I promised it, and you know me and promises!" Bianca was definitely very pleased with herself, and her smile showed it.
"Yeah, I do. You always keep your promises! I can't bring myself to fault your methods." Marissa laughed.
"I didn't think you would. Besides, I literally gave you the shirt off my back." Bianca smirked.
"Yes, you did. Of course, that was after taking the one off of mine!"
"A woman's gotta do what a woman's gotta do! Speaking of, how exactly did you pull off getting home early? I'm not complaining, mind you. I'm just curious."
"Ah, the dynamic duo came to the rescue."
"What did Kendall and Greenlee do?"
"Your sister called me the other day. She said that Fusion jet was in New York being serviced and was scheduled to fly back here yesterday. They offered it to me for an early flight home. Well, me and any other homesick lawyer itching to get home."
"Let me guess. Brian jumped at the offer."
Marissa laughed. "Yeah, he did. He was really anxious to get home with Stefanie basically due any day now."
"She didn't say anything when I talked with her yesterday."
"That's because it was a surprise for her too. Kendall and Greenlee took care of everything. They arranged for a car to get us to the airport in New York and another one here to get us home. They even arranged for dinner for us. We need to do something for them."
"I agree. We really do, and we will. So, when you called home last night …"
"I was calling from the plane which thanks to Greenlee was waiting for us. Lectures got out late, and we ran into traffic. I called her, and she made sure the pilot didn't leave without us. Kendall had the extra job of stalling you so I could beat you home to surprise you. She almost did too good of a job from what you told me earlier!"
Bianca laughed. "Yeah, she really did! I was dreading spending the entire evening here alone and was really close to going back to her place. I wonder what she would've done if I showed back up there. Actually, what would you have done if I left?"
"I would've jumped in my car and chased you down!" Marissa grinned. "So, tell me about the kids. How were they last night?"
"They were excited about staying over with their cousins, but before they left, they had to finish your banner. Oooh, I need to clean up the dining room in a little bit. Gabby went a little crazy with the glitter."
"I love that banner! It's perfect! We're going to fold that up and keep it. I could see Gabby's pre-occupation with glitter all over it! Let me guess. AJ mapped it out, and Miranda supervised, came up with the details and gave final approval. Gabby listened and tried to do what was said, but the power of the glitter proved too much for her. Our oldest rolled their eyes, and then succumbed to the power of Gabby's smile and big brown eyes and let her do what she wanted."
Bianca laughed. "That's exactly what happened!"
Marissa smiled before turning serious. "So, what's going on with Miranda? How worried should we be?"
"I talked to her again about what was going on with her after you called. All she would say is that someone at school was being a big pest. I asked if they were giving her a hard time. She said, and I quote, it's just somebody being stupid because they don't know what they're talking about."
"Somebody not knowing what they're talking about, huh? That means someone is saying something to her and possibly AJ. He's okay?"
"Yeah, he seems fine, just worried about her. What are you thinking in that gorgeous brain of your's? I can see the wheels turning."
"Hmmm, someone is definitely going after Miranda, targeting her, for some reason. Did she say anything else?"
"She said it wasn't anything she couldn't handle and not to worry. She promised to let us know if she needed our help."
Marissa chuckled and shook her head.
"What?"
"Like mother, like daughter! Miranda is exactly like you. Trying to handle something on her own and not wanting to worry anyone else is classic Bianca Montgomery."
Bianca made a face. She didn't want to admit that Marissa was right about her. "I'm choosing to ignore that. Look, I don't want her to be dealing with whatever is going on by herself. She's 8 years old and shouldn't have to handle anything on her own."
"I agree with you. She shouldn't, and neither should you by the way. I'll talk with her when she gets home. Maybe, I can get her to open up using my kick-ass lawyer skills."
Bianca felt some of the tension she had been feeling about their oldest daughter ease. Marissa always had a way of doing that. "You think she might open up to you?"
"She might. Miranda has this need to protect you. It's something that she's felt she's had to do for a long time. I think she's trying to do that now."
"She wants to protect you too, or do you forget her blocking whatshername for you?"
Marissa laughed. "Oh no, I remember that quite well. It's different with me though. I can't quite put my finger on why, but it is. Maybe, it's because she's felt the need to protect you for so long that she just can't help it, or maybe, it's because you were here by yourself and she didn't want to add to everything you had going on. I'm not sure, but we will find out what is going on. We'll make sure our girl is okay."
Bianca sighed, happy to have Marissa home to help her, to reassure her. "Yes, we will. Okay, I'm going to grab a quick shower."
The redhead groaned in protest. "Why? We still have a few hours before the kids are home. I can think of something much more fun to do until they get home."
"You just want this shirt back! We have to clean up the dining room and now the kitchen. We can have some more fun when that's done."
Marissa made a face. "Fine, you go grab a shower, and I'll start cleaning up in here."
Bianca gave her a quick kiss. "I won't be long." The brunette headed out of the room.
Marissa remained seated and smirked. Wait for it.
Bianca was passing through the family room when something sitting on the coffee table caught her eye and made her freeze in place. It was a small bag the color of a very distinctive blue, light medium robin egg blue to be exact. This color was associated with one store and one store only so Bianca didn't need to see the name on the bag to know where it was from. What did she do? "Rissa!" She didn't get a response. "Marissa! Marissa Tasker, would you get in here!"
Gotcha! Marissa smiled brightly and headed into the other room. Bianca was sitting on the sofa staring at the bag. The redhead could see the excitement in her eyes. "Did you need something, B?"
"What is that?" Bianca pointed to the bag.
"That would be a bag."
Bianca rolled her eyes. "Cute, Tasker. I can see that. Would you like to tell me where it came from?"
"Hmmm, according to the name on the bag, it came from Tiffany's."
"Yeah, I can see that too! Let me rephrase, counselor. What is a bag from Tiffany's doing here in our family room?"
"Oh, it's a gift for you."
"Rissa, we talked about this before you left. I told you not to get me anything, and you agreed. You even said that you didn't get me anything when we talked the other day."
"Actually, you would be incorrect on all counts. I never agreed to not get you anything. If you recall our conversation from last week, I never said Okay, I won't or anything along those lines. My exact words were I hear you. That was it. Moving forward to this week, you asked if I was done shopping, and I said that I was, which is true. I was done. Your present was already bought at that point." Marissa's smile was a challenge to Bianca to prove her wrong.
Bianca rolled her eyes. "I hate when you do that, go into super lawyer mode and find the loopholes. How do you remember the exact conversation we had?"
"B, I remember every word you've ever said to me."
Bianca knew she was toast and had lost the debate at that point. There was no way she could ever counter that, especially when she remembered everything Marissa told her. Her girlfriend was right about their conversations. "Me too, but you still shouldn't have gotten me anything. You didn't need to get me anything. It's too much. You know I don't need anything fancy or expensive. That's not me. I also don't need anything like that to know how you feel about me, to know how much you love me."
"Bianca, don't you think I know all of that? Don't you think I thought about all of that when I was getting this for you? I know you don't need me to buy you anything to show you how I feel about you, how much I love you, just like I don't need you to buy me anything to know how you feel about me, how much you love me. This is something I wanted to get you, something that I've wanted to get you for a while. It's something that I think you'll like. Besides, it's engraved."
Bianca knew Marissa took all of that into account, and she could tell her girlfriend really wanted her to have this gift, that Marissa loved nothing more than to surprise those that she loved. She said it was engraved. What could she have gotten me? "It is?"
Marissa could see Bianca's curiosity was really starting to get the better of her. "Yep, it sure is. I can't really return it. I suppose I could try and sell it online if you don't want it."
"No! I mean, no, that's okay. While you shouldn't have gotten me anything, it would be kind of rude for me to refuse it, especially after you went to all of this trouble. I mean, you got it engraved and all. I know you put a lot of thought into it as well. I really wouldn't want to hurt your feelings by not accepting it."
Marissa couldn't hide the amused look on her face. I swear I just saw a tiny glimpse of Erica. "Uh huh, I see. Are you sure? I wouldn't want you to accept it if you're not comfortable about it. I'll understand." You are so busted!
"I'm sure. I'm good with accepting it." Bianca saw the amused look on the redhead's face. "Alright, I give. What did you get me?"
Marissa beamed and took a seat on the coffee table in front of Bianca and handed her the bag. She was just as excited as Bianca was. "Why don't you find out?"
The brunette looked inside the bag and pulled out a box the same exact color. She removed the ribbon and lid of the rectangular box, revealing a slightly smaller felt covered box. Bianca glanced over at Marissa and could see her smiling in anticipation. The brunette opened the box. Inside was a platinum locket. It was simple and elegant, and exactly something Bianca would've picked for herself. "It's beautiful."
"Open it."
Bianca did as she was asked. On one side, she saw a picture of their family. She remembered the day it was taken. They had gone to a fair, and a student majoring in photography at PVU was taking candid photos of the crowd for a class project. She had snapped a series of shots of their family just laughing and being themselves. The student caught up with them and shared the photos, sending them copies of their favorites, including the one that graced both of their offices as well as their home and now her new locket. On the other side, it was engraved B, Forevermore, M. Bianca's eyes began to glisten, and she gave Marissa a dazzling smile. "It's perfect! I love it! Do you know how much I love you?"
"I believe I do, but I wouldn't mind a refresher!"
"Well I suppose I can manage that!" Bianca leaned in giving Marissa a lingering kiss. It quickly began to intensify, and Bianca pulled the redhead closer to her. The quick movement caused Marissa to fall to the floor with the brunette landing on top of her.
"Ow!"
"Are you okay, Rissa?" There was concern instantly in Bianca's eyes as she started to get up.
Marissa grabbed her. "Where do you think you're going?"
"That had to have hurt. I'm sorry."
"I'm good, honestly! I was just a little startled. Really, I'm great! You have me just where I want you to!" Marissa grinned mischievously.
Bianca laughed. "Oh, I do, do I?"
"Uh huh, exactly where I want you."
Bianca leaned down and gave the redhead a loving kiss. "I love you more than I ever thought it was possible to love someone, and just when I think I couldn't possibly love you anymore than I already do, you do something amazing like that locket that makes me fall in love with you even more."
"Kind of like what you're doing right now. There doesn't seem to be any end to just how much I love you."
Bianca captured Marissa's lips. When they separated for a breath, Marissa grinned. "What about cleaning up the dining room and kitchen first before we had more fun?"
"It can wait. I need to thank you properly for my gift." Bianca smiled wickedly.
"I do love your good manners!" Marissa sighed happily.
"Rissa, you're talking too much!"
/
A/N: The song Marissa sings is "Smile" by Uncle Kracker. I don't own the rights to it. He does along with those who wrote it. I just really like the song and thought it worked for them and their story. So, am I forgiven for how I ended the last chapter?