A/N: Thanks again for the great reviews! I always appreciate hearing from you, and you inspire me to continue this story. I ended up splitting this chapter. I went off on a small tangent with our girls. What can I say? I tend to do that where Minx is concerned. It seems they have that effect on me. Anyway, the thread in this chapter will continue. I hope you enjoy this update!

/

Bianca slowly opened her eyes. It was early morning, and the sun was just beginning to rise. The brunette smiled when she felt Marissa's soft warm body against her's. Bianca sighed and lay in bed for a few minutes longer. She knew she should probably get up and start the day because there was a lot to do today, but she just wasn't willing to part with this feeling quite yet. If the truth be told, this was her favorite time of the day. The kids were in their rooms, safely tucked in their beds and sound asleep. That left just her and Marissa in the peaceful quiet of their bedroom. An entire day with all of its promise, hopes and dreams lay ahead waiting to start. Sometimes, they could put that day on pause and relish this time alone together, the time when it was just the two of them. Other times, it seemed as if everything was on fast forward, and there was no time to enjoy this time together. Bianca sighed again and finally gave up. She wasn't going to be able to go back to sleep. There was too much on her mind and too much to do today. So, Bianca carefully got out of bed, doing her best not disturb Marissa, before ducking into the bathroom.

The two had been up late going over every aspect of the state's law and the school district's anti-bullying policy. They had discussed their course of action and what to tell the kids to do when they saw Amber next. They had gone over every detail of Marissa's alternate plan of attack should the bullying continue. The redhead was leaving nothing to chance and was pulling out all the stops to keep Miranda and AJ safe. Bianca knew that Marissa would move heaven and earth to protect their family, and she trusted her girlfriend completely. Some might say having that much faith in one person was unwise or just downright foolish. There was a time when Bianca herself would have agreed with them, a time when she doubted that she would ever or could ever trust someone again, let alone like that. Time and time again, she had been proven wrong in the past. She had placed her trust in someone only to have it broken or more accurately shattered. That, however, was before Marissa became part of her life, before they started sharing their lives.

Marissa had been burned badly herself and had been hesitant at first as well, but once she had made up her mind, that was it. There was no going back for her. Bianca saw Marissa as fearless. She had been so sure of things, so positive and took it upon herself to prove to Bianca that she was different from the others and that anything worthwhile was worth whatever the risk. It had taken a good deal of work on both of their parts, but Marissa was right. Bianca had finally opened her heart up to that level again and accepted that this time was truly different. She knew without a single, solitary doubt that she could trust Marissa completely. Bianca smiled ruefully as she remembered last night's conversation. Marissa knew her so well. She knew that Bianca trusted her, but she still took that extra moment to reassure her, to let her know that no matter what anyone else said, nothing would change how she felt, and the same was true for her when it came to Marissa. The brunette came back into the bedroom and watched as her love slept. This wasn't the first time she had done this, offered her that reassurance. It was something Marissa had done repeatedly, particularly at the beginning of their relationship after it had changed, and something she continued to do even now, like last night. She didn't need it anymore. Bianca had told her girlfriend that several times, but that didn't stop Marissa from doing it. Bianca remembered the day it had finally sunk in for her, the day she finally released the last remnants of that fear and doubt and allowed herself to truly believe, to trust Marissa without any reservations.

/

Bianca decided to surprise Marissa at work and take her to lunch. They had cancelled their lunch at Krystal's that day due to Bianca having an offsite meeting, but it had been postponed at the last minute and gave Bianca time to kill before her next meeting. She couldn't think of any better way to spend her now free time than with Marissa so she thought she'd take a chance and see if her girlfriend was free. As she reached the edge of the doorway to Marissa's office, Bianca stopped suddenly when she realized her girlfriend was in a meeting with Caleb. She was about to turn around when the tone in Marissa's voice made her stop. Something was definitely bothering her girlfriend.

"I can't tell you how sorry I am about this, Marissa."

"I know this isn't your call, Caleb. I'm not going to tell you that I'm happy about this, but it is what it is. I can't do anything about it, and even if I could, I wouldn't at least not what they might want."

"I understand. I tried to get them to change their minds. They're wrong and are losing not only a great lawyer but a great advocate for their daughter. You've done a tremendous job on her case. I know it. Jack knows it. The other partners know it. I would even go so far as to say that Beth Weber and her parents know it. They just won't admit it. I was really hoping I could convince her to stay with you as her counsel. I actually thought I was pretty close, but …"

"It's not going to happen, but thank you for trying. As long as her parents are footing the bill for her divorce, she'll do what they want. I get that they don't want to take any chances when it comes to their daughter keeping custody of her children, their grandchildren. My living situation makes them uncomfortable, and the Regan's believe that it could be detrimental to Beth's case. That's their call, and they're entitled to their opinion no how misguided I think it is."

"They haven't said anything to you, have they? If they have, I'll take it up with the other partners. I don't care how big of a client the Regan's are for the firm."

"No, they've never said anything derogatory to me. They've been very nice actually. I can tell they're uncomfortable though, and if they're not comfortable with me, I really wouldn't be able to help them."

"You're right. I have to say that I honestly think it has more to do with Beth's husband or soon to be ex-husband than with you. He's so over the top in many of his beliefs. I think he and his lawyer would pull your personal life into this and drag you through the mud. I don't want to see that."

"Well, this shouldn't be about me, but I know how it works. I think you're right about him. I know opposing counsel and wouldn't put anything past him either. Again, they don't want to take any chances. I've been there myself."

"I just wonder how Beth and her parents found out about you and Bianca."

"I told them."

"What? You told them? I have to say I'm surprised by that. Why would you do that? Ever since I've known you, I've found that you're pretty private when it comes to your personal life."

Marissa shrugged. "I suppose you're right. That's how I used to be. Look who I was involved with though. That was all before Bianca. She's changed everything. She has this way of getting you to talk about yourself and opening up and of seeing everything better and brighter."

Caleb chuckled. "You're right. She does. It can be a little irritating sometimes."

"What you call irritating, I call endearing and irresistible. I'm also utterly incapable of refusing her anything." Marissa grinned.

"So, I've noticed. However, I also know that you like to keep your personal life separate from your professional life. That leaves me to wonder why you told them."

"I do like to keep the two separate. Ever since I began practicing law, I found it was easier to keep it that way. Beth and Mrs. Regan were in here waiting for me, and they saw this picture." Marissa turned around the frame AJ had made her for last Christmas that contained the picture of her and Bianca from the zoo over a year ago.

"Ah yes, that's a great picture of the two of you, and it pretty much speaks for itself. How the two of you feel about each other is written all over both of your faces."

Marissa smiled as she turned it back around to look at it. "Yes, it is. Anyway, Mrs. Regan asked who the woman was, and I told her." The redhead held up her hand to stop Caleb from saying anything. "I'm not going to hide my relationship with Bianca, not from Mrs. Regan or anyone else for that matter. If someone asks me, I will tell them, proudly. I've waited too long to find someone as special as Bianca, too long for someone who makes me feel like she does. If it costs me a client or several clients, so be it. They are not worth me losing the person I was meant to share my life with, the person who makes me happier than I have ever been or had hoped to be. I'm not giving her up. It's just that simple."

"I would never ask you to. It's not who I am. Don't let it get around, but I care about the two of you a great deal, and I only want the best for you because you both deserve it and nothing less. You and Bianca deserve all the happiness in the world. You're perfect for each other."

Marissa smiled. "You're secret of being a big softie is safe with me, and you're right. I think we're perfect for each other too. But the client wants what the client wants."

"Even when they're wrong, like now."

"Thanks for that. I'll have everything sent over to Tom and go over it with him."

"Thank you. He's good, but not nearly as good as you."

"I'll help him however I can. Beth is a good mother, and her children are much better off with her than with the husband."

Caleb nodded and got up. "I appreciate that, and I expected no less from you. Bianca's pretty lucky to have you."

Marissa shook her head. "I'm the lucky one, and believe me when I tell you I know exactly how lucky I am. That's why it doesn't matter to me what others think or say. As long as I have Bianca and our kids, I pretty much have it all."

Caleb smiled. "I wish I had what you two have. Who knows? Maybe one day, I will. We'll talk again soon."

Bianca quickly took a few steps down the hall and around the corner when she heard Caleb leaving the office. She hadn't meant to eavesdrop but her concern for Marissa had made her stay and listen. The last thing she wanted was for anyone to get the wrong idea that she was spying on her girlfriend.

As Caleb turned the corner, he saw the brunette and smiled. "Bianca, it's good to see you again. How have you been?"

Bianca smiled. "Never better, Caleb. How 'bout you?"

"I'm doing okay. The girls?"

"They're great. You should stop by and see them sometime. They'd love it."

"You know what? Maybe, I will. Wildwind is very quiet without them around. I just left your other half. She's a very impressive woman, exceptional even. We're lucky to have her here."

Bianca smiled. "You won't get any argument from me on that. You are lucky, and so am I."

"Well, you didn't come here to talk to me. She's alone in her office so I'll leave you to it. See you later."

"Bye, Caleb." Bianca headed back down the hallway towards Marissa's office. The brunette really did consider herself lucky. Her girlfriend was exceptional in every way. Bianca paused in the doorway and watched Marissa as she leaned against the frame. Suddenly, everything was so clear to her. She had said the words before, had told Marissa that she trusted her to not be like the others who had broken her heart and shattered the trust both she and the girls had placed in them. She believed it too, but there was still this small part of her that still had doubts. That part of her refused to believe that Marissa could possibly be as sure as she was about them. That she was just saying the words to her to ease her mind. After overhearing her conversation with Caleb, Bianca now knew better. They weren't just words. Marissa truly felt that way and meant every word she said. That part of Bianca who had doubted her girlfriend was silenced, forever, and she was left wondering why it had taken her so long to let that fear go. Whatever the reason was no longer mattered, and she vowed to make it up to her girlfriend. "Hey."

Marissa glanced up and beamed when she saw Bianca standing in the doorway to her office. "Hey, yourself! To what do I owe this wonderful surprise? What happened to your meeting?"

Bianca entered the office and closed the door behind her. A bright smile graced her face as she crossed the room. "It was cancelled. I was hoping I could get you to join me for lunch."

"You could get me to go anywhere with you, B. You just have to ask."

Bianca sighed happily. "You really know how to pour on the charm."

"I'm just stating the facts." Marissa grinned.

Bianca came around the desk and swung Marissa's chair slightly. She placed a hand on either side of the chair and leaned down capturing her girlfriend's lips for a fervent kiss.

Marissa's eyes remained closed a few seconds after Bianca pulled away slightly. A slow smile formed as she opened her eyes. "Wow. Uh... I, uh… Wow!"

Bianca grinned. She loved the fact that she could manage to fluster the usually unflappable lawyer. "You already said that."

Marissa laughed. "I guess I did. What did I do to earn such an amazing greeting? I really want to know so I can make sure I do it again! Because, wow!"

"You were simply being you. Think you can manage to keep doing that?"

"I will most certainly try my best!" Marissa pulled Bianca to her causing the brunette to land on her lap. The redhead kissed her with an intensity that rivaled Bianca's from moments before. Both separated with big grins and simply gazed into each other's eyes.

Bianca broke the silence. "I finally get it, you know."

Marissa arched an eyebrow. "Get what?"

"Everything. Everything you've been telling me these past months. I get it, all of it. I'm sorry it took me so long."

Marissa gazed into those warm chocolate eyes and understood the meaning behind the words. There was no longer any fear or doubt. It was gone. She quieted Bianca with another kiss. "There's no need to apologize. I understand. I always have. What changed?"

Bianca sighed. "The short version is I stopped being an idiot. Don't say anything. I just couldn't accept that I could be so lucky to have someone as amazing as you in my life. I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. I finally realized that it's not going to happen, not this time, not ever with you. I know you're not going anywhere. I get it."

"Good. Will you tell me the long version sometime?"

Bianca nodded. "Yes, I will. Just so you know, it's kind of embarrassing for me."

Marissa grinned. "Did I ever tell you how adorable I think you are when you're embarrassed?"

"You are absolutely impossible sometimes. Yeah, I know. It's just where I'm concerned." Bianca chuckled as she got up and pulled Marissa with her. "Let's get out of here. Hopefully, we can still get our table at Krystal's."

Marissa grinned mischievously, and she stopped Bianca before they reached the door. "What would you say to us going home for lunch today? I'm really feeling the need to be alone with you right now."

Bianca gave Marissa the goofy grin that always made her heart skip a beat. "I think that is a brilliant idea! I'll drive!"

/

Bianca shook her head and snapped back to the present when she saw her girlfriend shift onto her side. Marissa never ceased to amaze her, and she knew that would always be the case. No, I'm not quite ready to get this day started. Bianca got back in bed and took her previous position next to Marissa, spooning her. The redhead's body immediately reacted to feeling Bianca's body next to her again, leaning back into her girlfriend more. Bianca smiled and was overcome by an irresistible urge that caused her to drop a soft kiss on her girlfriend's shoulder resulting in a contented sigh from the redhead.

A sleepy smile slowly formed across Marissa's face and she tilted her head giving her girlfriend better access. Bianca grinned and accepted the unspoken invitation as she trailed kisses from her girlfriend's shoulder to her neck, finding that one spot behind Marissa's ear that caused the redhead to inhale sharply and release a soft moan. Marissa quickly shifted and was lying on top of her girlfriend. Bianca grinned when she saw the look in the redhead's eyes. No words were needed. Each saw the love and desire the other felt, and Marissa leaned down capture Bianca's lips for a searing kiss.

/

"I'm thinking of starting a morning routine of my own. I can't let you have all of the fun. What did you think of what I came up with?" Bianca smirked.

Marissa laughed. "Well, I have to say I enjoyed it a hell of a lot, but I'm thinking if you do that, we may never get out of bed, or at we'll never get out of it in time to get the kids ready for school or for us to get to work at the very least."

"Hmmm, and you say I'm no fun sometimes."

"I take it back! You are extremely fun. Please feel free to make that part of the morning, afternoon, evening routine, whatever and whenever you want. I'll be more than happy to indulge you." Marissa grinned.

"Good morning, beautiful." Bianca sighed happily.

"Good morning, yourself."

"I'm so glad you're willing to indulge me."

"Hey, what can I say? I'm a giver." Marissa smirked.

Bianca laughed. "Yes, you most certainly are. Oh, I really don't want to get out of bed."

"That makes two of us, but we have a lot to do today." Marissa smiled when she heard a small knock on the bedroom door. "Ah, I think the youngest one has arrived to give us a short reprieve."

"Well, you did tell her that you'd finish the story for her this morning."

"Yes, I did. Come in."

Gabby opened the bedroom door smiling and holding her new stuffed monkey. "Morning, mommy! You told me you'd tell me the rest of the story today."

"Morning, monkey! That I did! Come on up." Marissa lifted the covers and helped Gabby climb into bed.

Gabby snuggled in between her mothers and turned to Bianca. "Morning, mommy!"

"Good morning, baby. Did you sleep good?"

"Uh huh, I'll be sure to stay awake now. Miranda and AJ are still asleep."

"I guess I better get started on the story then, huh?"

/

Bianca looked around the kitchen table and smiled. This was how breakfast was supposed to be, noisy, fun and full of love and laughter. AJ and Miranda were talking a mile a minute about what they wanted to do today. As soon as the zoo was mentioned, Gabby chimed in. Bianca made a mental note to make sure to thank Krystal again for the late Christmas present of the family pass there. It had certainly been a wise investment and had been worth every penny she had spent on it. The brunette was grateful to see and hear the happiness return to their oldest children now that they no longer had to carry the burden of their secret. Bianca glanced across the table and saw Marissa was looking at her and sharing the same thoughts. The two still had to discuss their next steps with their children but had decided they would do that after breakfast and before they headed out for the day. They also needed to call the other parents.

Marissa checked the time. "Okay, gang. Time for us to get this show on the road. Gabby, would you head on upstairs and pick out what you want to wear? We'll be up in a few minutes to help you get ready. We need to talk to AJ and Mimo."

"Okay. Can I bring my monkey with us today?"

"Yes, you can." Marissa smiled as Gabby hopped off her chair and skipped out of the room. "It looks like the monkey is a hit."

"I think you're right. It is." Bianca turned to the older children still seated at the table.

AJ spoke up first. "I guess you guys have talked now, huh?"

Bianca smiled. "Yes, we have, and now, we have to talk with the two of you for just a few minutes. We need you to tell Ms. Evans what Amber's been doing and saying."

Miranda looked a little worried. "Do we really have to tell her?"

"Yeah, you do. Do you remember when school started and your mom and I went over that promise you and AJ made to not bully any other students?"

Miranda nodded. "I remember that, Rissa. We had to sign it and turn it in."

"That's right, you did. Well, there's something else that goes along with that, a process or better yet some rules we have to follow."

"Like telling Ms. Evans what happened?"

Bianca smiled. "That's right, buddy. Do you think you can do that?"

"Will it get her to stop saying that mean stuff to Miranda?"

"I'm pretty sure it will, AJ."

"I can do it then. I want Amber to stop. I don't like it when someone makes Miranda sad or hurts her."

Miranda smiled. "Thanks, AJ. I don't like it when someone does the same to you. I shoulda listened to you before and told them sooner. Sorry."

"That's okay. Guess you'll listen to me more, huh?" AJ grinned.

Miranda rolled her eyes and smirked. "Maybe." She turned to her mother. "I'll tell Ms. Evans, mom. What happens after we talk to her?"

"Last night, Marissa did some research on what happens next. Before we get to that though, we both want you to know that we'll be right there with you during all of this. You're not alone."

"Bianca's right. We will be with you every step of the way. If someone picks a fight with one of us, they're picking one with all of us and have to take all of us on, okay?"

Both kids smiled and nodded. "Okay."

"What happens next? Ms. Evans should separate Amber from you and anyone else who reports that she bullied them. The school will have someone keep an eye on all of you to make sure nothing else happens. Ms. Evans will talk with everyone involved and decide what to do."

"Anyone else who tells?" Miranda asked.

"Yes, anyone else who tells. That brings us to the next thing we're going to do."

"Marissa and I are going to call Jessica's and Bobby's parents and let them know what's been going on."

"You are, Bianca?"

"We have to, AJ. What's been happening to all of you is wrong. Jessica and Bobby are getting hurt. Their parents need to know so they can help them feel better."

"Like you and Rissa are helping us?"

"Exactly like Rissa and me. After we talk with them, we'd like to meet with them, maybe tomorrow, so we can all work together to stop this."

"Are you worried about Jessica and Bobby might say to you or think about you because you told us?"

"A little, mom." AJ nodded.

"If they are the friends that I think they are, I think they'll be okay with what you guys did. They might even thank you."

"Rissa, what happens if Ms. Evans doesn't believe us? Amber could keep saying stuff."

Bianca smiled and answered for the couple. "If that happens, and that's a very big 'if', but if that happens, Rissa came up with a plan that I think will definitely stop it. You know how good she is at that stuff. Has she ever let us down?"

Miranda shook her head. "Nope, she sure hasn't!"

AJ grinned. "Like Greenlee and Aunt Kendall say, she's kick butt, and you want her on your side in a fight!"

"Yep, and they say they've been in a lot of fights so they should know!" Miranda added smiling.

Bianca chuckled. "Yes, they have been in more than their share of fights, and they're right. I definitely always want her on my side."

Marissa grinned. "That's such high praise from the dynamic duo! I hope I can live up to it. I'm always on your side, B, and I'm always on both of your sides and Gabby's!"

"We know. So, when do we have to talk to Ms. Evans?"

"Your mom and I are going to try and set something up on Monday, Miranda. The sooner we get started on all of this, the sooner we can get this to stop. When you talk with Ms. Evans, we just want you to tell her the truth, like you have with us."

"So, we're going to school on Monday?"

"Yes, Miranda, you are. We talked about it and think it's best if you do."

"If you see Amber on Monday and she says anything mean to you, we want you to walk away and tell someone what's happening."

"You want us to walk away, Bianca?"

"We do, AJ. Normally, we'd want you to stand up to her and not back down just like you have been, but sometimes, the best thing to do is to walk away. Do you think the two of you can do that for us?"

The kids looked at each other and then back to their mothers. They knew the couple wouldn't ask them to do something unless they really believed it was the best thing to do. AJ and Miranda looked back at each other and nodded.

"We'll do it, and we'll help each other do it, won't we, AJ?"

The boy nodded. "Yeah, we will."

"Good. We expected nothing less from you both. Did we, Marissa?" Bianca smiled.

"No, we didn't. Do you guys know how proud we are of you?"

"You're really proud of us, Rissa?"

"We sure are! You stood up to someone who you knew was wrong and saying some pretty mean stuff. You've stood up for each other. Even though you should have told us sooner, you did tell us what was going on. We do understand why you didn't tell us right away. You were looking out for your family. Now that we know, you're doing everything we're asking you to do. It takes a lot of courage to do all of that. I'd say you both are pretty awesome, wouldn't you, Bianca?"

"Most definitely! I don't think we could be any prouder!"

Both children beamed at the praise from their mothers.

"Do you have any other questions for us on any of this? You can ask us anything."

"Can we think about it and maybe ask you something later, mom?"

"Of course you can, buddy. You can ask us anything anytime. Okay, give us both a hug and then go get ready for our trip to the zoo."

The kids were happy to oblige that request and started to head upstairs.

"I'll help Gabby some, mom."

"Thank you, Mimo. We'll be up in a few minutes."

Marissa grinned. "I know I'm totally biased, but we have some pretty amazing kids."

"Well, I'm biased too because I agree with you completely. They are absolutely amazing." Bianca checked the time and took a deep breath as she looked at Marissa. "I think it's time to call Ms. Evans."

/

A/N: I'm sure you have figured out that I'm just getting to the good stuff in this thread. There's definitely more to come.