A/N: Thank you, as always, for the wonderful reviews! They really do help make my day so please keep them coming! This chapter is a little on the fluffy side. I'm giving our girls a little break. I figure they deserve it. There's more stuff to come for them though. With that said, I hope you enjoy this update!
/
Aya stopped in the doorway of Bianca's office, her hand poised to knock. She stopped when she noticed the expression on her boss's face. It was one she had noticed from time to time, not all the time mind you, but one she saw every once in a while when she was covering for Jan, one that hadn't started appearing until not quite a year ago when Bianca's relationship with a certain redheaded lawyer changed. Aya's boss was daydreaming. She recognized the telltale signs immediately. Bianca was gazing at the picture of her and Marissa that she kept on her desk. Her left hand was toying with the locket she had worn daily since Marissa returned home from her trip to New York while she was idly twirling her pen in her right hand. There was a smile on her face that was a combination of sheer happiness, contentment and love. Her eyes, while gazing at Marissa's picture, began to take on a faraway look. It was clear that she would rather be with the redhead wherever her mind had wandered to than stuck in her office. Aya shook her head and smiled. Yep, Bianca's definitely daydreaming again.
She glanced down at the package in her hands that had been delivered to her boss. I have a feeling that this isn't going to help with that one little bit. Aya recalled Jan telling her about Bianca's reaction to a similar delivery she received not only last week but the week before that. Their boss was unable to hold back her delight either time, and the younger woman had a sneaking suspicion that she would be the same way today.
Aya hid her amusement from observing her boss and knocked on the door. "Bianca, sorry to interrupt."
The brunette snapped back to the present and blushed, slightly embarrassed at being caught daydreaming. "Oh, Aya. Hi. Come in. Sorry about that. I guessed I zoned out there for a minute. What can I do for you?"
"This just came for you." The woman handed her boss a narrow box that was from her favorite florist.
Bianca grinned as she took the box. "Thank you!" She opened the box. Inside was one perfect red rose. The brunette recognized the writing on the envelope that had been tucked inside the box right away, and she couldn't wait to see what was written on the card. The message was simple but caused Bianca to grin even more.
B,
Captivating
M
Bianca sighed happily as she picked up the rose.
Aya cleared her throat and struggled to stifle an amused laugh. She noted the rose that was already on Bianca's desk, delivered the previous week. It was still holding its bloom. "I'll go get another vase for this one."
Bianca glanced up, blushing yet again. "Uh, thanks." She knew that her staff was dying to know what was written on the card, but she wasn't going to share that with anyone. It was too special and only meant for her and Marissa. Bianca gazed at the rose again and then the picture of her girlfriend. Marissa was a hopeless romantic, and she loved her even more for being that way, if that was at all possible.
/
Marissa was reading over a case file when there was a knock on her door. She smiled when she saw her friend Brian. He looked tired but happy.
"Hey, Brian. Come on in and have a seat. You look like you could use a break to take a load off."
"Thanks, Marissa. I really could."
"Is my godson still waking you up in the middle of the night?"
"Yeah, Stef and I are just wondering when the sleeping through the night thing will kick in."
"I don't know what to tell you on that. From what I've heard, it varies." That is something that I definitely can't wait to find that out for myself with Bianca when we have …
"Earth to Marissa! I lost you for a second there." Brian chuckled, suspecting where her mind had wandered off to briefly. It was definitely something he wanted for her and Bianca.
"Sorry about that. How are Stef and my godson doing?"
"Give it up. You really just want to know how he's doing. Stef and I are just afterthoughts now. It didn't take us long at all to figure that out."
Marissa grinned. "I guess I'm busted. Seriously, how are they both doing?"
"They are doing great, and your godson is perfect, except for this sleeping thing."
The redhead laughed. "Maybe he'll get it down one day soon."
"I'm sure hoping so. Oh, this was just delivered for you. I told them at the reception desk I'd bring it back to you." Brian smiled and handed her a narrow box.
A wide grin crossed Marissa's face as she recognized a package from her and Bianca's favorite florist. She opened the box up, and inside, found a single, perfect red rose. She read the card inside and grinned even more.
M,
Cherished
B
He looked at the rose she had received last week, still in full bloom, and remembered a similar delivery the week before that. "Yeah, I thought as much. If you think I'm telling Stef about this, you're sadly mistaken. You two are going to give me a bad name if she finds out about this." Brian chuckled as he got up to leave. "I'll talk to you later. Tell Bianca and the kids I said 'hi', and yes, I'll tell Stef and your godson the same from you."
Marissa laughed. "Thanks!" The redhead knew her friend was curious about what Bianca had written, but there was no way she was going to share something that meant so much to her with anyone. No, this was something only to be shared by her and her girlfriend. Marissa looked at the picture of Bianca on her desk. I swear I'm the luckiest person on the face of the earth. All thoughts of the case file she had just been reading quickly left her mind, and she was soon daydreaming about the captivating brunette.
/
Marissa checked the contents of the refrigerator and sighed. She couldn't find anything that appealed to her for dinner tonight. Bianca was meeting with a possible new donor and had just called to inform her that she wouldn't be home for dinner. Marissa looked outside and watched the kids playing. She made a quick decision as she walked to the back door and called to them.
"I'm not feeling inspired for dinner. What do you all think about going to Krystal's to get something to eat?"
"Can I get chicken nuggets, mommy?" Gabby asked excitedly. If it was up to her, that's what she would have for dinner every night.
"May I get chicken nuggets, and yes, you may. You're going to turn into a chicken nugget, monkey." Marissa chuckled as she tickled the smallest reflection of Bianca.
Gabby giggled and squirmed. "Nuh uh, mommy says you're just pulling my leg when you say that."
"She does, does she?" Marissa continued to tickle the adorable little girl.
"Uncle! Uncle!"
Marissa laughed and stopped her 'torture'. "Well, if she says that, it must be true then, huh?"
"Uh huh, she's always right." Gabby grinned still giggling.
"She's right a lot of time. All right, chicken nuggets for you." Marissa turned to AJ and Miranda. "What about you two monsters? Are you up for dinner at Krystal's?"
The birthday twins smiled and nodded in unison. "Yeah!"
"Okay, so let me guess. AJ will want to get a cheeseburger, and Miranda will be having the individual cheese pizza, right?"
"How did you know that, mom?" AJ asked surprised.
"I'm a mom. We have superpowers. Plus, I know my kids." Marissa grinned.
Miranda made a face. "Mom always says the same thing too. Is she gonna be real late tonight?"
"She wasn't sure when I talked with her. What do say we bring her home some dessert?"
The kids all nodded, liking that idea of a little surprise for Bianca.
"I know! Let's get her chocolate cake!"
Marissa chuckled. "That is a great idea, monkey! I think she'll really like that. Come on. Let's go get some dinner."
/
Bianca walked into Krystal's as she continued listening to Kayla Dawson going on and on. This meeting was taking much longer than it really should have. For some reason, this particular potential donor needed extra hand holding. Since this was for the Center, Bianca was willing to do it, but she had to admit that the woman was starting to get on her nerves a little bit. She had originally hoped that the meeting would've been over in time for her to make it home for dinner, but then, Kayla wanted to ask her more questions and suggested they go for a drink back at either Confusion or the Yacht Club where she was staying. Bianca countered with coffee at Krystal's, hoping the woman would get the hint about making it an early night.
"I think the work you do at the Miranda Center is just wonderful! You are truly inspiring!"
"Well, thank you, again, but it's not necessary to say that. It's work I really enjoy. It's very fulfilling, and I'm just glad I can help others." The woman's need to keep complimenting her was beginning to grate on her nerves.
"Mommy!"
Bianca turned and grinned. She couldn't hide her surprise and delight in seeing Gabby hopping off of her seat and running towards her. She scooped her youngest up in her arms. "Hey, baby! This is the best surprise! What are you doing here?" Bianca glanced over her shoulder at Kayla and excused herself briefly as she made her way to her and Marissa's table. The woman nodded and headed towards the ladies room.
Before Gabby could say anything, Miranda answered for her sister as her mother approached the table. "Hi, mom! Rissa said she just wasn't inspired by what we had at home so we decided to come here."
Bianca smiled as she gave her oldest daughter a kiss. "She wasn't, huh? Well, coming here for dinner makes sense to me then. Hey, buddy."
"Hey, Bianca!" AJ grinned at the brunette as she gave him a kiss as well and lightly ruffled his hair.
Marissa was seated against wall and watched the brunette making her way to 'their' table. The redhead smiled brightly when hazel eyes met warm chocolate ones. The pull towards each other felt even stronger than normal since they had not seen each other since early that morning. Bianca leaned in for a quick kiss. Both wanted nothing more than to pull the other closer the instant their lips touched, prolonging the wonderful sensation, but they resisted the urge for two reasons. One, they were in public, and while very supportive of their relationship, Krystal might not appreciate them making out in the middle of her restaurant during the dinner rush. She wouldn't appreciate anyone doing that. And two, Bianca was conducting business. It was best to keep it short but sweet rather than give into temptation.
"So, you weren't inspired by anything at home, for dinner?" Bianca grinned.
"Nope, I sure wasn't. My inspiration for many things wasn't at home, yet." Marissa grinned. She glanced over her girlfriend's shoulder and lowered her voice. "How's it going?"
Bianca rolled her eyes and lowered her voice as well. "She needs extra attention. This should've been over an hour ago, but she keeps dragging it out."
"How so?" Marissa's curiosity was piqued. Bianca rarely, if ever, complained about donors. They were a vital part in keeping the Miranda Center going.
"Basically, she keeps asking the same questions over and over again. I can only answer them so many times without losing my mind. She also wants a personal tour of one of the safe houses which will not happen."
"No, it won't. You don't give that information out to just anyone. You always guard that with your life. There's something else though. What is it?"
"She only wants to talk with me. Jan and Aya both volunteered to give her a tour of our main offices earlier, but she refused. So, I had to rearrange my schedule to accommodate her. Plus, she keeps complimenting me, telling me how inspiring I am. That's nice, but you know how I feel about that, how I feel when someone seems to be fawning over me."
Marissa chuckled. "Yes, I'm well aware of that. You'd rather have a root canal than accept a compliment."
"Well, they make me uncomfortable. I don't do what I do to be complimented or receive any awards. I do it because it's important work, and I'm helping fill a need. Besides, it's just the right thing to do."
"I know, and that's what makes you even more special."
Bianca sighed happily. She had learned long ago to stop 'complaining' about receiving a compliment from Marissa. She knew it wouldn't do any good to argue with her. The lawyer used her logic to end that practice by simply pointing out that she would stop when Bianca stop complimenting her which was something the brunette would never be able to do. She had to admit that receiving a compliment from Marissa was different than receiving one from anyone else. Bianca knew it was always heartfelt with never any motive behind it. Even the smallest word of praise had her basking in the warm glow of her girlfriend's love that seemed to touch not only her heart but her soul as well. One word, one look, one touch from Marissa had the most amazing effect on Bianca, and it was simply like nothing she had ever felt or would ever feel with anyone else.
"Thank you!"
Marissa grinned, happy that she had worn down Bianca's defenses on this subject. To get Bianca to accept a compliment without complaining was indeed a triumph. It also pleased her to no end that she was the only one who her girlfriend allowed to do it. "You're welcome! So, did you change this to a dinner meeting?"
"No! Sorry, that came out a little too forceful, didn't it? No, this did not get changed to a dinner meeting. If I do that, it will prolong this evening, and that's something I don't want."
Marissa knew Bianca had to be starving because she had seen her snag one of Gabby's chicken nuggets. "Well, what are you going to do about dinner? You need to eat something. I can't have the love of my life getting sick on me now, can I?"
Bianca rewarded her with the grin that always made her heart skip a beat. "I'll grab something on the way home when I finish up with her."
Krystal appeared with a small shopping bag and some carryout boxes. "Good evening, Bianca. Is this no longer a carryout order?" The older woman asked.
"Is what no longer a carryout order?" Bianca asked, a knowing smile forming on her face. Her girlfriend was always thinking of her.
Marissa smiled as she boxed up the remainders of the kids' meals. "Your favorite pasta dish and some dessert."
"Chocolate cake?" Bianca asked hopefully as her eyes lit up.
Marissa laughed. She loved seeing this side of her girlfriend. "Is there any other kind?"
"Nope! You really do spoil me."
"Well, someone needs to because you certainly deserve it, doesn't she, gang?"
The kids answered in unison. "Yep!"
Krystal couldn't help but laugh and agree as well. "You're right. She definitely does. So, is this to go or for here?"
"It's definitely to go. It gives me another reason to wrap this meeting up even quicker and to get home to my family and the love of my life."
Marissa grinned and sighed happily. She glanced up at Krystal and saw the amused look on her face. "Sorry, Krystal. A little too much on the sappy side, huh?"
"No, not at all. I love seeing you both so happy. You deserve it. You can get as sappy as you want around me."
Marissa saw the donor appear again and did a double take when she noticed the woman clearly checking Bianca out. The redhead raised an eyebrow as she watched the woman.
Krystal noticed the slight change in Marissa and glanced over her shoulder. She noticed the woman's reaction to her daughter's girlfriend.
Bianca followed Marissa's eyes and saw Kayla returning. "Let me get this wrapped up so I can get home as soon as possible."
Marissa shifted her focus back to Bianca and nodded. "Good idea. I'm starting to get annoyed by her myself." She glanced around at the kids. "Okay, gang, let's head out, and let Bianca get back to work."
"Will you be home in time for our story?"
"I will try my very best, buddy. You know how much I love hearing Marissa tell them."
Bianca hugged each of the kids. While that was going on, Krystal whispered to Marissa. "I'll keep an eye on her, make sure that other woman doesn't try anything funny."
Marissa smiled sheepishly. "Thanks. You noticed that too, huh? I'm not worried about Bianca. I know I never have to worry about her. That other woman though …"
"You didn't like the look in her eyes. I get it. I'm not particularly fond of it myself."
Marissa picked up the bag and turned to Bianca. "I'll see you soon."
Bianca nodded and watched her family head towards the door. She suddenly felt compelled to call out to her girlfriend and follow her. "Rissa, hold up."
The redhead turned around. She was holding the bag of food in one hand and Gabby's hand in the other. "What's up? Did you forget something?"
"Uh huh, I did. I forgot this." Bianca cupped Marissa's face gently and leaned in for a lingering kiss. "Love you. I'll see you at you home, soon."
Marissa was left standing there with her own goofy grin on her face. It had Bianca making a mental note of making sure she saw it again and often. The redhead simply nodded before managing to finally speak. "L, love you too."
Bianca winked before heading back to where the other woman, who was now a little in shock, was waiting for her. It wasn't often that the lawyer was at a loss for words, and Bianca loved that she had succeeded in doing just that.
"Come on, mommy!" Gabby tugged on Marissa's hand, pulling her attention from Bianca.
"Huh? Oh okay, monkey. Something's telling me that your mom will be home very soon."
/
Bianca arrived home just a little over an hour later after running into her family at Krystal's. After getting the reaction she did from Marissa, she couldn't think of anything else other than wrapping up her meeting and getting home as fast as she could to finish what she started. Bianca found AJ and Miranda in the family room watching the end of a program on the Disney channel. Both had finished their baths and were in their pajamas. Bianca smiled as she put her things down. "Hey, guys. Where's Marissa?"
"Hi, mom. She's finishing up Gabby's bath."
"Hi, Bianca. You made it home just in time for story time."
"Yes, I did, buddy. I told you I'd try my best. So, homework is done?"
"Yep, mom checked it already."
"Okay, guys. Gabby's done with her bath. It's time to turn off the TV." Marissa said as she appeared at the top of the stairs. As soon as she saw Bianca, her face lit up. "Well, that was quick. I'm glad you're home."
Bianca climbed up the stairs behind AJ and Miranda, smiling just as brightly as her girlfriend. "What can I say? I was inspired to wrap that meeting up and get home as fast as I could." When she reached the landing at the top of the stairs, Bianca pulled Marissa to her for a tender kiss that quickly became a little more.
After a minute or so, the couple could hear their oldest children giggling and feel them begin to tug on them.
"Come on, mom. It's story time."
Bianca grinned and whispered. "To be continued."
Marissa's hazel eyes had begun to darken as she nodded. "Most definitely."
The brunette looked at their two oldest. "What is the story for tonight?"
"AJ picked Shrek."
"Ooh, good pick, buddy. I really like that one. Princess Fiona is feisty like another redhead we all know and love."
Marissa laughed. "So, I'm a cross between Ariel and Fiona now, huh?"
The other three laughed and nodded in agreement.
"Let's not keep Gabby waiting." Bianca said as she held out her hand for Marissa.
/
After story time was finished and the kids all tucked in, Bianca started to grab Marissa as soon as the doors to the kids' bedrooms were closed. "I really missed you today."
The redhead quickly sidestepped Bianca and smirked. "You saw me at Krystal's not that long ago. If I seem to recall correctly, other than the chicken nugget that you swiped from our youngest daughter, you haven't had anything to eat since probably noon. You have to be starving, and I can't have that."
Bianca grinned mischievously. "I am starving, for you."
Marissa burst out laughing. "Wow! Bianca Christine Montgomery! You have the nerve to say that I'm the charmer! Where in the hell did that line come from?"
"I guess I was inspired. Come on, Rissa, please, just one little kiss."
Marissa was about to give in, knowing there would be nothing little about it once it started and it wouldn't be just one, when she heard Bianca's stomach growl. "Nope, sorry, that settles it. Let's get you some dinner." She pulled Bianca behind her and couldn't resist adding over her shoulder. "You're going to need your energy for later."
Bianca smiled brightly when she saw the look in Marissa's eyes at that comment and happily followed her down to the kitchen.
/
When they got to the kitchen, Bianca sat down at the table as instructed and watched Marissa get the pasta dish she had purchased for her out of the refrigerator. The redhead began to hum as she warmed up Bianca's dinner.
The brunette couldn't wipe the grin off of her face if you asked her to. Never in her wildest dreams would she have guessed she would be this happy, this lucky, especially after everything she had been through. "I think I should probably apologize to you."
Marissa turned and gave her a puzzled look. "Apologize? For what?"
"For earlier at Krystal's."
"I'm still not getting what you have to be sorry about."
"I should have introduced you. I should have told her, you know Kayla the donor, who you were."
Marissa chuckled as she placed Bianca's plate in front of her and sat down at the table. "I have a feeling she figured that out when we left."
"Yeah, she did. I saw how you looked at her earlier though. I could tell you were kind of bothered that I didn't. I just didn't get the chance, but that's no excuse. I'm so damn proud and lucky to be with you."
"I wasn't bothered by that. What bothered me was how she was looking at you. I don't like anyone looking at you like that."
"You know you don't have to worry about that."
"I know that. I trust you completely. There are simply no doubts where you're concerned. I just don't like it when someone else looks at you the way that she was."
Bianca grinned. "Is it bad that I like seeing you a little jealous even when there is no reason for it?"
Marissa laughed. "No, it's not. I like it when you get a little jealous myself."
"I had no idea she was interested in me. I really don't know why she would be. It wasn't until after you left that I found that out. She actually apologized. She didn't know I was in a committed relationship with anyone. She had read my profile on the Center's website. It only mentioned that I was a single mother of two girls, and she took that as me being available. I'm having Nick update that profile first thing tomorrow morning. If you're okay with it, I want it to include you and AJ."
Marissa sighed happily. "I'm more than okay with that. You know you don't have to do that though."
"I know I don't have to, but I want to. I want any and every one to know that I'm sharing my life with you."
"Ditto. And you don't honestly believe that someone wouldn't be interested in you?"
Bianca shrugged. "No, I don't. Why would they be?"
Marissa stared at her girlfriend in disbelief. "You really don't see it, do you? Wow, I can't believe that."
"See what?"
"That you don't see how amazing you are, how beautiful, how incredible, remarkable, gracious, how …"
"Are you going to go through the whole alphabet, Rissa?" Bianca smirked.
"I could, you know. I could think of a word for each letter to describe you, several times over."
"Don't you think that's a little much?"
"No, I don't. You need to know how other people see you, how I see you. If you don't, then I'm not doing my job."
"I know how you see me, how you feel about me. I see it and feel it each and every time you look at me."
"Good and I don't ever want you to forget that. And I know I've said your beautiful many times before, but I want you to know that when I call you beautiful, I'm not just referring to the outside. God knows that you are beautiful on the outside. You're drop dead gorgeous. When I say you're beautiful though, I'm also talking about the inside. I'm talking about your heart and your soul. I have honestly never met anyone like you. When I see you with the kids, I just can't describe it. I can tell how safe and loved they feel just knowing you're there. Then I see you with the rest of your family, with Kendall and your mom. You are the one person who somehow seems to get through to Erica Kane and bring out her best. I see the work you do at the Miranda Center and how you are with your clients. These women are at their lowest point, and you give them a place that is safe and allows them to heal and rebuild their shattered lives. You are so giving and kind. You think of others at the expense of yourself repeatedly. You do inspire those women whether you believe it or not. You give them hope, something to strive for. You show them it is possible to survive. All of these things are done quietly, no glitz, no glamour, no fame or glory. They are done with heart and are done so effortlessly. It's as natural to you as breathing. It is simply who you are, and that is what makes you truly beautiful."
Bianca took a shaky breath as she gazed into loving hazel eyes. She never considered herself beautiful. The reason for that was because she compared herself to her mother who had been called one of the most beautiful women alive. How could she compare herself to that? Looking in Marissa's eyes though, she felt beautiful. How could she not feel that way when she saw such love, devotion, honesty from Marissa?
"Damn you."
"What?" Marissa was thoroughly confused by Bianca's reaction.
Bianca smiled. "How am I expected to follow something like that? It's not fair, you know. You say these wonderful, heartfelt things to me that take my breath away and leave me without a proper response. You say what I feel for you. You find the words that I can't. For some reason, I just can't find all of the words that describe how you make me feel, and I want so badly to be able to. I don't want you thinking for one minute that I don't feel exactly the same way."
"B, I know exactly how you feel about me. I don't need you to say the words. I hear them loud and clear without you saying anything. I hear them when I look in your eyes, when I feel your touch."
Bianca grinned. "You did it again."
"Sorry. I can stop if you want." Marissa said playfully.
"Not on your life! You know, I'm feeling a little inspired because I really want you to hear those words. You deserve to hear them. I can do the same thing to describe you, go through the alphabet too."
Marissa grinned. "You could, huh?"
"Oh yeah, I definitely could. You don't know how mesmerizing, how irresistible you are." Bianca leaned in and stopped a centimeter from her girlfriend's lips. "I cleaned my plate and have my energy up. May I have my one little kiss now? Please, Rissa."
Marissa gazed at the darkening chocolate eyes of her girlfriend. There was no way she could possibly deny Bianca anything in that moment. "You most definitely may."
/
Bianca sat in her office two days later reading over a number of reports. Her eyes were beginning to cross and she needed a break. Jan knocked on the door, holding a box from the florist in her hands.
"Sorry to interrupt, Bianca. This just came for you."
"Come on in, Jan. Really? I wonder who's sending me something." Bianca opened the box and found a single, perfect red rose. She opened the card carefully tucked inside, her eyes lighting up as she recognized the handwriting and read the message.
B,
Adored
M
Bianca sighed happily as she picked up the rose. She had spent the last two days trying to come up with a way to surprise Marissa, to show her how she felt. Her girlfriend beat her to the punch again. Well, two can play this game.
"Jan, I need to run a quick errand. Could you hold down the fort for me?"
"Of course, no problem. Take your time." She watched her boss dash from the office. She smiled knowing Marissa had struck again. Jan went to look for a vase for her boss.
/
Marissa sat in her office when her phone rang. The receptionist informed her there was a delivery for her. The redhead couldn't hold back her smile as she carried the box quickly back to her office. Once back at her desk, she opened the box up, and inside, found a single, perfect red rose. She read the card inside and grinned even more.
M,
Alluring
B
She sighed as she held the rose and gazed at the picture of her and Bianca. The brunette had accepted her challenge. This was going to be fun.
/
The next week, flower deliveries were made again to the law offices and those of the Miranda Center. Marissa's word for Bianca that week was beguiling while Bianca chose bewitching for Marissa. Those working with the couple noted a pattern beginning to form. They didn't know what the cards said, only that whatever the sentiment that was written on them made the women beam. If you asked anyone witnessing what was unfolding before them, they would admit to being slightly envious but very happy for them.
/
Marissa was brought out of her reverie by the ringing of her cell phone. She answered without looking at the caller id, not happy at all to be disturbed.
"Marissa Tasker."
"Hey, beautiful!"
"Hey, yourself! I was just thinking about you!"
"Were you now? Fancy that! I was just thinking about you! How's your afternoon going?"
"Better now than it was minute ago. So, are you still able to get out early?"
"I am. What about you?"
"Yep, it helped working through lunch. The only downside was not seeing you."
"Tell me about it, but it's for a good cause. The kids have been looking forward to the school fair all week. Now, they'll get a little extra time there, and we can start our weekend a little early. We couldn't ask for better weather for it."
"I know. I like that they'll be able to have it outside. I also like that we don't have to work this one. What booth is the dynamic duo working again?"
"I'm not sure. I can't remember what Kendall told me. We'll find out soon enough. What time are you heading out?"
Marissa checked the time. "I'll start wrapping things up now and leave in half an hour. Are you sure you're okay getting the kids? I can easily pick up Gabby."
"I'm sure. I'll pick them up and meet you at home. So, I'm captivating, huh?"
Marissa grinned. "You most definitely are. And I'm cherished?"
"More than you will ever know." Bianca smiled hearing the hitch in her girlfriend's breathing.
"You're giving me a pretty good idea. Brian's been teasing me. He's refused to tell Stef about the flowers. He says we'll give him a bad name with her if she finds out."
Bianca laughed. "I very seriously doubt that, but I won't tell her if you don't. You should see the looks I'm getting around here from some of the staff, particularly Jan and Aya. They are highly amused. After making their delivery, they roll their eyes and laugh just a little."
Marissa chuckled. "I'm glad we can amuse them. Let me get off of here so I can get home, changed and ready to help the kids get changed for the fair when you get home with them. I'll see you soon. Love you."
"See you soon. Love you too." Bianca smiled as she disconnected the call.