A/N: Sorry for the delay in updating. It's a holiday weekend here in the States, and I'm having a few people over and needed to get the house ready. The small gathering doubled in size so a round of cleaning was in order. Since that's out of the way, I finally have time to finish this update before people start to arrive. Thanks for the reviews! I appreciate them so please keep them coming. I got nothing else. Hope you enjoy this update!

/

Marissa sighed happily as she felt the warm body she knew every inch of press into her's from behind and pull her closer. Soft lips dropped a kiss on her shoulder and began to inch their way up to her ear where Bianca whispered.

"Good morning, beautiful."

"Good morning, yourself. I do love this morning routine of yours."

Bianca laughed. "It's just a spinoff of yours which I love quite a bit. Did you sleep well?"

"In your arms, how could I not?"

"Wow. Talk about a line. Where did you pull that one from, counselor?"

Marissa grinned and turned to face Bianca. "What can I say? You inspire me." She leaned in for a loving kiss. "I can't think of a better way to wake up. What time is it?"

"It's still early, but you know who will be in here in a few minutes so don't get any ideas."

"You wake me up like that and then tell me not to get any ideas? That's just not right at all."

"Sorry, I just can't help myself. My lips have a mind of their own where you're concerned. I promise to make it up to you later." Bianca grinned.

Marissa smiled and settled back into Bianca's arms. "You better because I'm gonna hold you to that. You know we really need to start teaching Gabby the joys of sleeping in on the weekends, especially in her own bed. Then maybe, we can sleep in more ourselves."

Bianca chuckled. "I think that is an excellent idea. I'm going to have to think about how we can do that. So, do you have any thoughts on how we should spend the day, other than lying in bed all day and ravishing each other? While I love that activity and would like to do nothing more, we have three kids to think about which makes that out of the question today."

Marissa laughed. "Yeah, I know. I do have an idea. I was thinking we could have breakfast at Krystal's, pick up a picnic lunch for later and head over to the house to check it out, let the kids explore some. It's been a couple of weeks since the two of us have seen it and even longer for the kids. I spoke with the builder yesterday and almost all of his work is done which means Trish and her crew will be able to take over soon. He stopped by when I was getting ready to leave the office and dropped off one of the garage door openers so we can get in."

"I think that's perfect. The kids have been dying to see it again, and I've gotta admit I want to see it and explore it myself."

"It's settled then."

The couple heard a soft knock on the bedroom door and sat up in bed making a space for their expected visitor. "Come in, Gabby."

Gabby poked her head in and grinned. "Morning, mommy."

"Good morning, sweetie." Bianca smiled.

Gabby scampered into bed and took her favorite spot. She turned to Marissa and grinned. "Morning, mommy."

"Good morning, monkey."

/

A short while later, the Tasker-Montgomery family made their way into Krystal's and immediately headed to their table. They weren't sure how she did it, but Krystal somehow always made sure that table was ready and waiting for them even when she had no idea they were coming in, like today. The kids were bouncing with excitement over the thought of seeing their new home. It was a far cry from AJ's and Miranda's initial reactions at having been woken up a little earlier than normal for a Saturday by Gabby. When Marissa and Bianca told her what they had planned for the day, she was so excited that she began jumping up and down on their bed. Once she had settled down somewhat, she jumped off the bed and ran to wake up her brother and sister. After their initial grumbling was over and they could understand what Gabby was actually trying to tell them, they quickly forgave her and joined in with her excitement. They hurried up and got dressed and were soon trying to get their mothers to move faster so they could head out and get the adventure started.

"Well, if it isn't my favorite family! How are the Tasker-Montgomery's this morning?"

"Good morning, Krystal. We're doing just great. How are you?" Bianca smiled.

"I'm doing pretty good. What brings you all out this early on a Saturday?"

"We're going to check on the new house, grandma!" AJ said barely able to contain his excitement.

"You are? That sounds like fun. It's coming along then?"

Marissa nodded. "Yep, it sure is. It won't be too much longer before we're moved and settled in. The kids haven't seen it in a while so we thought it would be fun to let them explore especially while the weather is nice. I was hoping we could get a picnic lunch to take with us after breakfast. That way, we'll have plenty of time to explore."

"I think I can arrange that. I'm on pretty good terms with the owner, and I have it on good information that she likes this family a heck of a lot too. So, you're happy with your builder? They're doing a good job for you?"

"He's doing a great job, and his crew does wonderful work."

"I'm glad to hear that. Do you think I could get his name and number from you?"

"Why? Are you thinking of building a place?" Bianca asked.

"I'm actually thinking of expanding."

Marissa smiled. "Really? That's great! So, business is that good? Not that I'm surprised, this place is always busy."

Krystal nodded. "It really is. It's a little surprising when you think about it."

Bianca smiled. "Give yourself more credit. With the food, the service and the atmosphere, you have it all. Like Marissa said, I'm not all that surprised that you're doing that well."

"Well, thank you, but you're both being way too kind."

"I'm going to agree to disagree with you on that. We'd be more than happy to get you his contact information. No one will be around the site today or we'd give him your number."

"No, that's fine. I'm only thinking about it for now. I've been talking to Mr. Taylor who owns the shop next door. He's planning his retirement and asked if I'd be interested in buying his place."

Bianca saw the look in the older woman's eyes. It was one she had seen in Marissa's on several occasions. "And I can tell that you are."

"I am. I have to say that I could really use the space. I could expand the kitchen and add more seating in here and even a dining area outside. There's a lot involved though, and I want to make sure I have all my ducks in a row before I start discussing details with a builder."

"Well, if you need any legal help, you know I'm here. You just have to ask, and I'll be happy to help." Marissa told her earnestly.

"Oh, I don't want you to think I was asking for anything other than his information. I know you've got a lot going on right now."

"Krystal, I wouldn't have offered if I didn't want to help. You seem to forget that I have the world's greatest partner, and I know without a doubt that she'll be okay with me making time in my schedule to help you."

"She's right about me being okay with her helping. While I can't give you any legal advice like this one can, I'm here for any other help you need, just let me know."

"Thank you both so much."

Marissa noticed someone she knew at another table. "Would you excuse me for a minute? I see someone I need to get an update from. Bianca, could you go ahead and order for me when the kids are ready?"

"No problem. Tell them I said 'hi'."

Marissa had started to walk towards the other table when she stopped and turned around. "You're welcome, Krystal. Besides, it's what family does for each other, right?" The redhead smiled and headed towards the other table.

Krystal took a shaky breath, truly touched by her daughter's words and the sincerity behind them. She watched as Marissa walked over to a family of three and was greeted warmly by them. Krystal smiled as her daughter's words echoed in ears. It's what family does for each other.

"Krystal, are you okay?"

"I am more than okay, Bianca. Thank you."

"For what?"

"For Marissa offering to help."

"I can't take credit for that. That was all her. You have an amazing daughter. I think you already know that though." Bianca smiled.

"I do. She is quite a remarkable individual, just like her partner." Krystal knew there were four people responsible for that. The first two were her friends, Roy and Lydia Tasker. There wasn't a day that went by that she didn't regret giving Marissa up, selling her. She had realized over the years, however, that she had made the right decision. She shouldn't have sold her, and she'd never forgive herself for that. No, the right decision was in choosing Roy and Lydia. They gave Marissa everything she couldn't. They gave her a loving and stable home. They had instilled in her a strong set of values and sense of right and wrong that couldn't be shaken or influenced by anyone along with the innate desire to help those in need.

The third person was Bianca. She was simply the most forgiving woman on the planet, had the kindest of hearts and the most beautiful soul Krystal had ever encountered. Despite everything she had been through, Bianca survived, endured, came out stronger and never gave up hope. She turned her darkest moments into triumphs and had helped countless others as a result.

The fourth person was Marissa herself. Despite everything she had been through, her daughter had not allowed life's adversities to defeat her, to change or define who she was. She listened to the better angels in her life and set a path for herself that was truly her own. It was a path that she could be proud of and one that finally led her to the life and family that was worthy of her.

"Do you see the people she's talking to?"

Krystal nodded. "The man looks familiar. Oh wait, that's Alex Walker and his wife, and that girl is …"

"That's Sam. Marissa was able to put things together and realized they could offer each other something they all wanted and needed. Sam needs a home, a true home. Alex and Gail have been trying for years to have a child. Thanks to Marissa, it looks like both of those dreams are about to become a reality. I mean, it's not official, but it looks really good. Marissa is guiding them through the process. You should be very proud of her. I know I am." Bianca beamed.

"I had no idea she was doing all of that."

"That's because she doesn't like to toot her own horn."

"It's a very good thing she has you to do it for her then, and rightfully so." Krystal smiled.

"I try. She deserves it."

"Bianca, could I have French toast?" AJ asked having finally made up his mind.

"Of course, you can, AJ."

"I guess I should get these orders in so you all can get on with your adventure." Krystal took the remaining breakfast orders along with the one for the picnic lunch and headed to the kitchen.

Marissa rejoined her family a few minutes later.

"How's it going over there?" Bianca inquired.

"It's going pretty good. The three of them are going to spend the day together, and they've cleared it so Sam can stay overnight. They said to tell you 'hi' by the way."

Bianca couldn't help but smile at that news. "Rissa, that's great to hear."

"Yeah, it really is. They've really hit it off. It's hard to believe it's only been a week since they first met. They just clicked. Gail asked me if she and Alex could meet with me on Monday."

"And of course you said they could. So, you think they're going to apply to be Sam's foster family?"

"It's really looking like it, B. I'm glad I had Lisa do all of that research for me on the foster care process."

Bianca grinned. "You're always thinking ahead, aren't you? That's one of the reasons of why you're so good at what you do. Another one is because you care so much. The three of them couldn't be in better hands."

Marissa shook her head and chuckled. "You're completely impartial, right?"

"Completely! Sam told me that Alex was helping her build something for a school project she has coming up, and Gail offered to help her with a paper she has. Have you talked to Carol recently about Sam?"

"I have. She stopped by the office yesterday. I think it's safe to say that Carol adores Sam. She's wanted to be a grandmother for so long. I think she's finally getting her wish. Her visit reminded me of something I want to discuss with you. It's something we should've discussed a while ago."

Bianca grew concerned. "What is it?"

Marissa smiled. "Don't worry. It's nothing bad. I promise. She just got me to thinking about something, and you know how I get when that happens. We'll talk about it tonight when we get back from our adventure."

Bianca nodded. She took Marissa at her word. She also understood that the redhead wanted to have this discussion in private and away from little ears. "Alright, we'll talk about whatever she got you thinking about later."

A server brought their food, and the family ate and planned their day. When Krystal returned a short while later to check on them, Miranda had an idea. "Krystal, do you have any stale bread you wanna get rid of?"

The older woman smiled at the question. "I think I can find some. Why?"

"I was thinking we could feed the ducks that come to our pond."

AJ smiled and wished he had thought of that. His sister was always coming up with the best ideas. "That's a great idea! Gabby really likes feeding the ducks, don't you, Gabby?"

The littlest brunette bobbed her head up and down and smiled brightly. "Uh huh, I do. I like them better than the geese."

"Well then, I definitely need to get you some bread. I'll be right back."

Bianca turned to Marissa. "You know, that meant a lot to Krystal before."

Marissa gave her a puzzled look. "What did?"

"You're offering to help her with the expansion."

The redhead shrugged in response to the proud smile on Bianca's face. "It's nothing really, and I'm glad to do it. She's been very supportive of us so I figure I can return the favor. I guess you're a good influence on me."

"I can't take credit for that. That was all you. I'm proud of you."

Marissa beamed. "Thank you."

"Here you go." Krystal returned with a foam cooler and a bag of bread. "I found some bread for you to feed your ducks. I thought packing the lunch in the cooler with a couple of ice packs would keep it better for you since I wasn't exactly sure when you planned on eating."

"Thanks, Krystal." Bianca reached into her purse for her wallet.

"Put that away. Your money is no good here."

"If you're going to expand, you're going to need all the money you can. As your lawyer, I insist we pay." Marissa grinned.

Krystal chuckled. "Fine, I guess I can't go against my lawyer's advice now, can I? But you get the family discount."

"I can accept that." Bianca smiled and placed some money on the table. "Ready, gang?"

Everyone nodded. Marissa picked up the cooler. "Thanks for taking care of this for us."

"Anytime. Have fun."

/

Marissa turned down the long gravel driveway that led to their new home. She glanced in the rearview mirror and smiled as she saw the kids peering through the tree lined drive and straining to catch a glimpse of the house.

"Did they tell you when they plan on paving the driveway, Rissa?"

"They're planning on starting it on Monday since they're finished with the heavy construction equipment. They wanted to wait until they didn't need it anymore, no sense in tearing up the new driveway and having to redo it."

"That makes sense. I'm glad we decided to pave it. It'll make it easier for us in the winter."

Marissa followed a small curve in the road, and the two-story redbrick house came into view.

"I see it!" Miranda exclaimed.

"It looks so cool!" AJ said excitedly.

"It's really pretty, Mommy!"

Bianca and Marissa just grinned and took in the view of their new home. The modest exterior belied the true size of the home. Marissa followed the driveway around to the side of the house to garage, hit the opener button and pulled in. The kids started taking their seatbelts off but stopped when Bianca began to speak.

"We know you're excited and want to check everything out, but we don't want you to wander out of the house, particularly the woods, without letting either one of us know. Okay?"

"Okay."

"Bianca and I promise to take you all on a little hike through the woods before we leave and go feed the ducks. Now, let's go check this place out!"

The kids jump out of the car and waited while Bianca opened the door in the garage that lead into the kitchen. While the kitchen appliances wouldn't be delivered and installed until closer in to the actual move date, the other fixtures were already in place. Bianca ran her hand over the granite countertops and couldn't help but open some of the cabinets.

"Mom, where are our bedrooms?" AJ asked.

"There upstairs, Buddy, remember? But …" Before she was able to finish, the kids had raced upstairs. "I think they're a little excited."

"You think?" Bianca chuckled. The women waited for the inevitable call from upstairs.

Miranda called from the top of the steps as the couple walked into the family room. "Mom? Our rooms aren't done. How do we tell who gets what room?"

The couple climbed the stairs and joined their children in the hallway. "That's what Marissa was trying to tell you before you all raced off. The three of you need to decide who gets which room. We'll let Trish know so she and her crew can start decorating them."

Gabby furrowed her brow. Something wasn't adding up for her. "Mommy, I thought she told us your bedroom was downstairs."

"It is."

"There're three of us but four bedrooms up here. What'd we do with that extra one?"

Marissa looked at Bianca who nodded. "That's something we want to talk with you about. Let's go in here and talk for a minute." The redhead took Gabby's hand and led her into one of the bedrooms. AJ, Miranda and Bianca followed, and everyone took a seat on the floor. "What would you think about adding someone else to our family?"

"You mean like a little brother or sister?" AJ asked.

"Yes, a little brother or sister." The couple held their breath while the children pondered the question.

Gabby grinned. "I'd be a big sister like Miranda!"

Bianca nodded. "Yes, you would. Do you think you'd like that?"

"Uh huh, I would. I'd be a good big sister."

"You would be a great big sister, monkey." Marissa looked at the older two children. "What do you think?"

"That's cool. Do we get to pick which one?" AJ asked hopefully.

Bianca chuckled. "Well, it doesn't quite work like that, Buddy. We just want a healthy and happy baby."

Miranda smiled. She liked the idea of adding to their family. "I like it. When's this gonna happen?"

Marissa released the breath she'd been holding. "We're hoping sometime late next year or early the next one. Here's the deal though. We don't want to tell anyone else just yet. So, this is going to be our secret. Do you think you guys can do that?"

The three nodded in unison.

"The baby would get the other room then." Gabby reasoned since that made perfect sense to her.

"Yes, the baby would get the other room, and we won't decorate it until they get here." Bianca smiled.

"There's one more thing we need to tell you. We want to make sure you all know that a new baby won't change how much we love each of you. Nothing will ever change that. We love you all very much and equally." Marissa added looking each child directly in the eyes.

"Inside out and upside down, Mom, right?"

Marissa smiled brightly. "Exactly, AJ, inside out and upside down!"

"So who gets what room?"

"Well, Mimo, we'll let the three of you talk about that for a little bit. Marissa and I will be downstairs looking around. Sound good to you guys?"

"Yeah, it does, Mom."

/

Marissa grinned at Bianca as they made their way back to their bedroom. "That was a lot easier than I thought it would be."

"I know. It was, and I'm very happy about it." Bianca opened the bedroom door.

Marissa's eyes immediately focused on the huge bay window. She crossed the room and took in the view of the woods and the pond. The leaves on the trees were a brilliant mix of red, gold and orange. She sighed happily when she felt Bianca's arms wrap around her. "It's beautiful."

"Yeah, it is, and it's all our's. Think you'll be happy here?"

Marissa shook her head. "There's no thinking. I know I'll be happy here. What about you?"

Bianca sighed happily. "Oh yeah, I'll definitely be happy here."

The couple continued to gaze out on the landscape outside for another minute before something caught there attention.

"Gabby's going to be happy that the ducks have decided to visit today." Marissa chuckled.

"Yes, she is. Come on. Let's check the rest of this place out."

The women ventured into the walk-in closet and then into the master bathroom. Marissa grinned seeing the walk-in shower and jacuzzi tub. "Bath time just got a whole lot more interesting."

Bianca laughed. "I couldn't agree with you more."

"Mom?"

"We're in here, Miranda."

The kids entered the bathroom and took in the shower and tub.

"Whoa! Look at the size of that bathtub." AJ walked over.

"Have you guys figured out who gets which room?" Marissa asked.

Miranda nodded. "Yep, AJ and me will have the rooms on the left, and Gabby and the baby will have the rooms on the right."

"Sounds good. We'll make sure we leave Trish a note before we leave." Bianca smiled. "Have you checked out downstairs yet?"

"The playroom! We forgot about the playroom!" Gabby squealed and took off in the direction of the room followed closely behind by AJ and Miranda.

Marissa and Bianca checked out the room that would become their home office followed by the spare bathroom before wandering into the dining room with its hardwood floors. They then headed downstairs into the basement. The kids were discussing how they wanted the room set up while their mothers listened amused and ducked into the guest bedroom and bathroom.

"Anyone interested in checking outside?" Marissa asked.

"Yeah!" The kids raced upstairs with their mothers close behind. Bianca unlocked the sliding glass doors that led from the kitchen to the backyard. Slightly off to the side were the patio, in-ground pool and wooden jungle gym.

"Where's the slide, Mommy?" Gabby asked.

"Don't worry, Monkey. We're still going to have a slide for the pool. When we open the pool next year, they'll install it."

"Mom, can we check out the jungle gym?" Miranda asked hopefully.

"Go on." Bianca smiled and watched the three kids run over to the gym set. They began to climb, slide and swing.

Marissa put an arm around Bianca's waist. "I think it's a hit."

"I do too." They let their children play for a bit longer while they checked the outside area in more detail. Bianca noticed the time and realized it was later than she thought. "Hey, do you think we should set up lunch?"

"Works for me. I'll go grab the stuff from the car and be right back."

A few minutes later, Marissa was back with the cooler containing their lunch and a blanket. The couple spread out the blanket and unpacked the lunch. Bianca called the kids over and handed each a wipe to wash their hands before eating. After lunch, everyone pitched in to clean up before loading the cooler back in the car and heading off for a short hike through the woods. They headed back to house after stopping at the pond to feed the ducks. They piled into the car a short while later and headed back to their current home, each eagerly awaiting the day when the move to their new home would arrive.

/

"I think that's the first time in I don't know how long that I didn't have to convince Gabby to lie down for a nap. She was worn out." Bianca joined Marissa on the sofa.

"I wouldn't be surprised if AJ and Miranda don't join her for a little one. They really loved the jungle gym. Throw that in along with the hike, and we have some tired kids." She'd been making notes on a legal pad when Bianca came back downstairs.

"So, do you want to discuss what your visit with Carol got you to thinking about?"

Marissa nodded. "Yeah, we really should. Carol is updating her will."

"Is she okay?"

"She's fine. It's been a while since she looked at it, and there have been some changes that she wanted to account for in it. That got me to thinking. It's something I should've done a long time ago. I want you to have my power of attorney and my medical power of attorney. If anything happens to me and I can't make any necessary decisions regarding my well-being, I want you to be the one making those decisions for me. The medical power of attorney is the most important thing I want you to have right now. As things stand currently, it's possible that you wouldn't be able to see me if I was injured and unable to speak for myself. Krystal and David would have the power to decide that since they are my closest living relatives above the age of 18. Nothing against them, because I don't think they would stop you, but I want, no I need to know that your rights are protected. There's also no one else I trust more than you to make any decisions needed for my care. I also want to draw up papers making you AJ's legal guardian. Again, there's no one else I trust more than you with him, and I don't want to see him separated from his family."

Bianca listened quietly. Marissa was right. These things needed to be discussed no matter how much they didn't want to think about the other never being there. "What about JR and Adam?"

"JR lost his parental rights with all of the stunts he pulled. As for Adam, I spoke with him late yesterday via Skype. He agreed with me."

"Wait, Adam Chandler agreed to give someone else the responsibility for raising his grandson? What did you say to him?"

Marissa chuckled. "I didn't really have to say a lot. He knows you. While he may a problem with Erica, he's never had a problem with you. He adores you and knows how much you love AJ and how much he loves you. He knows that AJ has never been happier and that living with you, me and girls has given him a loving and stable home. Adam loves his grandson, and everything that happened with JR showed him the mistakes that he made with his own son. He doesn't want to risk making them again. Plus, Brooke has been a very good influence on him. I did promise that he could still visit and talk with AJ no matter what happens. If all of that's okay with you."

"I don't want to think about you not being here, but you're right. We need to do this. Anything you want or need me to do, I'll do. That you trust me this much means so much to me. I want you to have the same rights in regards to me and the girls. Reese gave up her rights, and while I don't believe Mom or Kendal would make a decision I don't agree with or prevent you from seeing me, it's not something I want to leave to chance. I want to know for sure that you are the one responsible. I know that you will do exactly what I want done." Bianca leaned for a loving kiss and rested her forehead against Marissa's when they separated. "So, what's our next step, counselor?"

"We have someone draw up the papers for us. If I do it, that could raise all kinds of questions, legally, and I want everything done so that doesn't happen."

"That makes sense. Do you have someone at the firm in mind?"

Marissa nodded. "I do. Tracey owes me a couple of favors, and she's the best in estate planning. She'll make sure we have everything covered, all the i's dotted and t's crossed. Does that sound okay to you?"

"Yeah, it does. We should probably do this sooner rather than later. So if you can set it up for Monday, I'll make sure my schedule is free."

"I'll call her in a little while and see when she's available." Marissa made a face. "This isn't the most enjoyable conversation to have, and we should've done it a while ago. I just don't like to think of life without you so I let the lawyer in me keep quiet."

Bianca sighed. "You're right, it's not the most pleasant conversation to have, but it's one we needed to have. I'm glad you waited until after we got home to bring it up. Now that we've had it, we can both rest easier knowing that everyone's taken care of. We should probably have someone else in place in case something happens to both of us."

"I was thinking Kendall and Zach. Do you think they would be willing to do it?"

"Well, I already have them tapped as the girls' guardians prior to this discussion. You're okay with them watching AJ?"

"Besides you, I can't think of anyone I trust more. AJ loves his Aunt Kendall and is in total awe of his Uncle Zach."

Bianca laughed. "Zach has that effect on people. I think they would be honored with the fact that you entrust AJ to them. I know I am. You're always thinking about our family and how to protect us. How did I get so lucky to find you?"

Marissa smiled. "I told you before. I'm the lucky one. I have the family I've always wanted, always dreamed of."

Bianca smiled as she leaned back on the sofa and pulled Marissa into her arms. "So do I."