A/N: First and foremost, thank you for your wonderful reviews! I love them so please keep them coming!

There was a question on how old Bianca and Marissa were/are. According to what I found on Soap Central's website, Bianca's birthday is February 9, 1984 (it was changed from February 8, 1988), and Marissa's birthday is April 10, 1983. Based on my storyline which is currently in October of 2012, Bianca is 28 and Marissa is 29. Bonus information, Miranda and AJ are 8 (March 19, 2004). Gabby is 4 or maybe she will be turning 4 since the site has her birthday as October 21, 2008. Hmmm, I might have to do something with that little tidbit. Themes for her birthday? What to do with that? Sorry, the mind wandered off a little bit there.

Back to business, this update takes place shortly after the last chapter. Hope you enjoy it!

/

Monday morning finally arrived. It was decision day. If all went as Marissa and Bianca hoped, the redhead would be heading home today after Dr. Torres examined her and gave her permission for Marissa to be released. It all depended on that exam and Marissa's latest test results. It was a five-way tie as to who was more excited by the prospect of her being home. The five members of the Tasker-Montgomery family were looking forward to all being together again and couldn't wait for that to happen.

Bianca had spent the previous evening at home with the kids. While she wanted nothing more than to stay with Marissa, they both knew it was important to get the kids back into their normal routine. That meant them going home and sleeping in their own beds. This did allow Bianca time to get things ready there for Marissa's expected return. While being escorted by a security guard as she promised her lover, Bianca ran to the grocery store and pharmacy to pick-up a couple of prescriptions for Marissa that her doctors had given Bianca in anticipation of her release. After getting home from running those errands along with several others, the brunette picked up around the house. In all honesty, she didn't need to do much in that respect. The Walkers had gone over earlier to clean for the couple. Kendall dropped the kids off, and they proceeded to hang up the welcome home banner they, along with their cousins, had made for Marissa the night before.

After that was done, they called Marissa and talked with her. The kids wanted to Skype with her again, but Bianca had brought her laptop home. She thought it would be too big of a temptation for Marissa to have it there, and she needed her rest. They hadn't told the kids of the possibility of Marissa coming home the next day. Neither wanted to get their hopes up and then have them be disappointed if something happened to delay her release. They also knew it would be hard for them to concentrate at school if they thought the redhead was going to be home. After Bianca put the kids to bed, she packed a few things for Marissa including a pair of sweats. The redhead would need something comfortable to wear that would accommodate the brace for her knee. Bianca then called Marissa again, and the couple talked for a few minutes before ending the call for the evening. Bianca could hear the exhaustion in Marissa's voice. The brunette finished a few last minute preparations before admitting that she was also in desperate need of sleep and succumbed herself.

The next morning after dropping the kids off at school and daycare, Bianca headed to the hospital. Marissa wasn't in her room when she arrived, and the nurses informed her that Dr. Torres was running one more test. Bianca decided to keep thinking positive that Marissa would indeed be going home with her today and began packing the belongings her partner had at the hospital.

Marissa smiled brightly as she was wheeled into her room and spotted Bianca. "Hey!"

"Hey yourself!" Bianca walked over and gave Marissa a quick kiss before addressing the nurse. "I'll take it from here, Emily. Thanks."

The nurse nodded. "You're welcome. Good luck, Marissa."

"Thanks, Emily."

Bianca locked the wheelchair and handed the redhead her crutches.

Marissa carefully stood and walked over to her bed. "How'd it go at home? Any problems with the kids?"

Bianca shook her head. "No, they were good. I'm glad we didn't tell them about you maybe coming home today. It would've been impossible to get them to go. How'd it go with Dr. Torres?"

"I think it went okay. She seemed pleased. She wanted to check one other thing before making her decision. Whatcha doing?"

"I'm thinking positive and packing your things. This way when Dr. Torres says you come home, we can get out of here right away."

"I like your thinking." Marissa scanned the room. "Oh, don't forget my cards please."

"Don't worry. I won't forget them."

"Did Kendall ever tell you how much damage the five of them did to her dining room making them?"

Bianca chuckled. "No, she didn't. I think Zach was able to take care of most of it before she got home. It did take her some time to get Ian cleaned up though. I'm still not sure about what happened with him and the glitter. Oh, I brought you some sweats to wear home. I think they'll work best with your brace."

"Thank you. I can't wait to wear something other than a hospital gown. Why don't you relax a few minutes? I know you probably went to bed late last night and have been running around since early this morning. You have to be exhausted. I'm not the only one who needs to take care of themselves you know."

Bianca made a face knowing Marissa had busted her. "Okay, but I haven't done as much as you think. The whole Walker family cleaned the house for us."

"They did? That was really sweet of them."

"Yes, it was. Carol said it was the very least they could do for us given everything you've done for their family."

"We've done, and I'm glad everything's going well for them."

"Me too. Oh, Carol also brought over a huge plate of her chocolate chip cookies. Sam helped her make them. I was able to limit the kids to just two each so you'll be able to have some when you get home."

Marissa smiled. "She did? She makes the best cookies. I tried to get her recipe once, but she's not talking." The redhead checked the time. "Where is Dr. Torres?"

"She'll be here, Rissa. She's probably just running behind." Bianca was trying to remain calm, but she was just as anxious as Marissa. "We have to make sure we don't forget Minx."

"That's not even possible. Gabby would never forgive me if I didn't bring him home. I still can't get over her sending him here for me. She is so amazing and is growing up way too fast. All of them are."

"I know. I can't believe our baby is going to be starting kindergarten next year."

"Bianca, good morning. How are you?"

"Good morning, Dr. Torres. I'm okay. I'll be much better if you're here to us that Marissa can come home today."

The doctor chuckled. "Well, I won't keep you in suspense any longer. I'm very happy to say that Marissa is free to go home today. We just have to finish up some paperwork and then she's all your's."

Damn straight she's all mine, but I always love hearing that.

Yep! I definitely am all her's, and she's all mine. Marissa grinned. "Thank you! Let's get this paperwork started."

"You sound anxious to leave us, Marissa."

The three women glanced over to the door and saw Angie Hubbard enter.

"Well as much as I like you, Angie, and Dr. Torres and everyone else here, I want to go home and see my kids. Please don't take it personally. Plus, I also know that Bianca will rest more if I'm home. She's running herself ragged."

"I'm fine. I told you not to worry about me. I have to agree with her on one point though, Angie. As wonderful as all of you have been, I want her home. The kids want her home too."

Angie sighed. "Don't worry. We get it from a majority of our patients and don't take it personally. Alright, let's not keep you here any longer. I've already given Bianca your prescriptions which I'm assuming you've gotten filled."

"Yes, I did. We won't have to make any stops. Thanks again for that."

"You're welcome. I figured it would be easier for you to pick them up in advance."

Dr. Torres spoke next as she handed Bianca a paper containing instructions. "We've gone over everything you need to be on the lookout for regarding symptoms of the concussion. The remaining ones should be cleared up in the next week. If you notice any reoccurrence, contact me right away. Do you have any questions for me?"

Bianca shook her head as she scanned the paper "I can't think of any right now."

"Call me if you think of anything. Oh, Marissa, thank Krystal for the breakfast spread."

The redhead cocked her head. "What are you talking about?"

"Krystal sent over enough food to feed an army as a thank you for taking care of you. She didn't need to, but it's really appreciated."

Marissa smiled. "I'll tell her."

"Take care, and I hope to see you both again soon under better circumstances and far away from here." Dr. Torres smiled and left.

Angie began speaking again. "Dr. Lawson tells me that she has gone over her instructions for you and is planning on performing surgery later this week."

"She said that my ribs shouldn't interfere with it."

"She's right. They won't. I'm very happy to say that they are just cracked and not broken as originally thought, and they're healing nicely. Bianca, I've shown you how to wrap Marissa's ribs to give them more support and the breathing exercises she needs to perform."

Bianca nodded. "We'll do them three times a day."

Angie turned to Marissa. "You know the limits on what you can lift and your activities. Don't push yourself or you'll just set back your progress. Plus, you need plenty of rest. Your body is still healing. Listen to it." The doctor smiled seeing the expression on the redhead's face. "I know it's frustrating, but in the end, it's the best for your recovery."

Marissa sighed. "I know you're right. I have a feeling Bianca will keep me in check. Anything else?"

"No, I just need your signatures and then you're free to go."

Bianca signed the paperwork after Marissa and handed it back to the doctor. "Thank you for everything, Angie."

"Thank you, Angie." Marissa added.

"You're more than welcome. I'll let the guard know you'll be ready to leave shortly. Brot is also on duty as well. Take care of yourselves."

Bianca helped Marissa change out of her hospital gown and into her sweats and began gathering her things. The guard knocked on the door and informed the couple the car was waiting for them. Bianca smiled and helped Marissa into the wheelchair. An orderly carried the crutches and bag for the couple while Bianca pushed the wheelchair. "It's time to get you home."

Marissa sighed happily. "Music to my ears."

/

Bianca set Marissa's bag near the door and held it open for her while her partner made her way into the house. The brunette set the alarm as soon as Marissa was safely inside.

Marissa spotted the banner immediately and laughed. "I think I know what happened with Ian and the glitter. It looks like an explosion of some sort happened."

Bianca began laughing as well. "I don't know how I missed that last night. I really have to wonder what damage they did to Kendall's dining room now."

Marissa sat down on the sofa and smiled softly at Bianca. "I know why you missed it. You are beyond exhausted. You've been running around taking care of me and the kids and everything else. Maybe now that I'm home, you'll be able to get some more rest. I'm worried about you."

Bianca shook her head in wonder at her lover. "You shouldn't be worrying about me. I'm not the one who was injured and in a hospital if you don't remember."

"Oh, I remember. I'm always going to worry about you. I can't help it. Come on. Sit down and relax, please, for me." Marissa grinned.

Bianca laughed. "How can I possibly say 'no' to you when you ask so nicely?"

"That's what I was counting on. We need to talk."

"I know we do."

"We need to think about what we're going to do regarding Robert Brennan. I'm worried, not for me but for you."

"Me?"

"Yes, you. I can't help but have this feeling that he's going to come after you."

"Why would you think that?"

"Think about it. The news reported on our relationship so he knows exactly who you are to me. He blames me for him not being with Colleen. He's wrong, but in his mind, it's my fault. He has yet to take any personal responsibility for anything that he's done. He doesn't see his behavior as abusive or that he did anything wrong. It's all on me. If you follow his line of thinking then, he'll need to strike back at me where it would hurt me the most. What better revenge could he think of than to take the person I love away from me?"

"I hate to admit it, but you're right. If someone wanted to hurt me, hurting you would be at the very top of the list of what to do. What about the kids? Do you think they're safe?"

"I do. We never leave them alone. Someone is always with them. After JR's stunt with taking AJ without permission from school, they've increased security for the whole school. They don't take the bus to school. There really isn't an opportunity to get to them. That being said, however, I made a call earlier to someone for their advice and expertise." She was interrupted by a knock on the door. "That would be him now."

Bianca gave her lover a puzzled look before heading to the door. She smiled after checking the viewer to see who was on the other side. "Hi, Zach. Come in. It seems Marissa's been expecting you."

Zach gave her a quick hug before heading over to Marissa and leaning down for a gentle hug, not wanting to cause her further injury. "Red, it's good seeing you."

"Hey, Zach. Thanks for coming over."

Zach took a seat in a chair across from the redhead. "I'm more than happy to. I made a couple of calls, and someone's watching the school."

"I should've known that not even a concussion would stop you from thinking of everything." Bianca smirked as she sat next to Marissa. "That was pretty quick, Zach."

"Marissa called me earlier and told me what was on her mind, and I have to agree with her. This Brennan character is capable of anything. He's proven that a few times, and this was way too close for me."

Bianca sighed. "You're telling me. I don't want anything like that happening again."

"And I want, no, I need to make sure that Bianca is safe."

"That's exactly what we're going to do. I'm not going to let anything else happen to either of you. You're family, and I protect my family."

Marissa smiled seeing the glint in Zach's eyes. She knew he was a man of his word. "I know, and I'm counting on that. It's pretty obvious that I'm not going to be running around any time soon, and I don't want Bianca carrying the burden of doing everything and I certainly don't want her running around unprotected." Marissa turned to Bianca. "I know you think you'll be okay, but I can't take that chance. Brennan's too unstable. I want someone with you."

"Marissa, I don't need a bodyguard."

"No, Bianca, you're wrong. You do. You're so worried about me that you forget about yourself, and I'm not going to have that. Remember, you just told me you agreed with me that the best revenge would be to go after you. The best way to protect you is to have a bodyguard. Do this for me, please. I'd never forgive myself if something happened to you because of me."

Bianca saw the pleading look in Marissa's eyes. She knew if their roles were reversed, she'd be making the same request. "What do we tell the kids?"

"We tell them that we've hired someone to help out while I heal. The bodyguard?"

"Yes, I'll agree to it."

Marissa sighed in relief. "And you promise to not go out without them?"

Bianca smiled. The lawyer in her lover was closing any loopholes. "Yes, I promise. I'll be good." Her promise was rewarded with a quick kiss.

"Thank you. Okay, Zach, I want the best person watching her."

"That's exactly who I'll get. Kendall will be very happy to hear about this. She's been worried about you, both of you. I've also hired some investigators to look for Brennan. My gut is telling me he's in the area, either here or Center City."

"Center City?"

"It's easier for him to hide in some of the seedier areas there. He probably doesn't have a lot of cash, and many of the places he could hide there don't need a lot of it. My resources will be able to gain access to places that the police can't so readily. Many of the residents there may not be as forthcoming with the police either. They don't trust them having had their own dealings with them."

Marissa nodded. "That makes sense."

"Don't worry, Red. We'll turn him over to the police when we find him." I can't say what condition he'll be in when that happens, but we'll turn him over to the police nonetheless. Zach knew as an officer of the court that Marissa couldn't be party to anything that might be suspect, but he also knew he was going to make the man pay for the pain the couple was going through right now.

Both women saw the look in his eyes, and neither decided to press him. The less they knew the better all the way around.

"We'll need to let Susan know what's going on. She's offered to help with the kids even with everything that's happening." Bianca noted.

"I'll have someone make sure she's safe as well. I'm going to go and make a few calls, and I'll have someone over here as soon as possible. They'll be discreet but very good. Trust me." He gave Marissa a quick hug.

"We do. Thanks, Zach."

Bianca walked her brother-in-law to the door and hugged him. "Thank you, Zach."

"You're welcome. Don't worry. I'm on this."

Bianca walked back to join Marissa and saw her smiling.

"What?"

"Thank you for agreeing to a bodyguard. I know you didn't want to, but you did, for me."

"You should know by now that I would do anything for you."

"I do know that. The same goes for me where you're concerned. I just have one small regret."

"What's that?"

"I want to be the one guarding your body." Marissa grinned and waggled her eyebrows.

Bianca laughed and leaned in for a loving kiss. "You do a very good job of guarding my body. God, I'm so glad you're home."

"So am I." Marissa leaned back on the sofa.

"Tired?"

"Yeah, I just seem to get tired so easy."

"Angie said that's normal. It's going to take you a few days to get your strength back. Why don't you take a nap? We'll have lunch when we you get up. Then, we'll take things from there."

"That sounds good but only if you promise that you won't do too much."

"I promise. I'm just going to make a few calls. I need to check in with the Miranda Center and then give Mom and Krystal a call. They wanted to know when you got home. I'll make us some lunch after that. I have nothing else planned. Scouts honor." Bianca smiled. "You'll probably be more comfortable upstairs in bed."

Marissa grinned. "There you are, trying to get me in bed and have your way with me yet again. You really are insatiable."

Bianca chuckled. "Damn, you found me out. Are you good doing the stairs on your own or do you need some help?"

Marissa looked at the stairs. It would be the first time she tackled them. "I could use some help if it's not too much to ask."

"Of course it's not. It gives me an excuse to put my arm around you."

"People don't realize just how handsy you are, Montgomery, and now, you're taking advantage of my condition to feel me up."

Bianca grinned. "Girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do, Tasker. Besides, I can't keep my hands to myself around you. I don't really hear you complaining though."

"Nope. No complaints from me at all. I'll return the favor when I get my strength back."

"I can't wait!"

/

"I'm glad you came to your senses and are letting Zach get you a bodyguard, Sweetheart. I know you loathe to admit it's needed, but it is. Thank goodness Marissa was able to get through to you."

Bianca rolled her eyes, thankful she was on the phone with her mother and not face to face with her. She wouldn't have to hear her mother admonish her like she always did whenever she or Kendall rolled their eyes at her in exasperation. "Yes, Mom, Marissa told me how important this was to her so that's why I'm doing it."

Erica smiled. She was grateful for the influence Marissa had on Bianca, making her see how important she was and that she needed to think about her own safety. The redhead had a knack of getting through to her stubborn daughter when no one else could, and Erica would be eternally grateful for that. "How is she doing, really?"

"She's doing good. She's moving slow, but isn't in as much pain as she was earlier. The doctors are very happy with her progress. Other than a slight headache and some sensitivity to light, her symptoms from the concussion are gone."

"That's very good to hear. What about her knee? Surgery was mentioned, wasn't it?"

"Yes, she has an appointment on Thursday. If all goes well, they'll do surgery on Friday, but she won't have to stay overnight. She'll get to come home late Friday afternoon. She'll have to be on the crutches for a little while, but she won't be laid up in bed. I think she'd go nuts if that was the case."

"No, Marissa doesn't strike me as the type that would be able to lie around and not do something. I know that you'll make sure she doesn't overdo though. I'm sorry, Sweetheart. I need to go. I'll stop by tomorrow. If you need anything, let me know. Give Marissa my love, and tell her I'm very glad she's home. I love you, Sweetheart."

"I love you too, Mom, and I'll let Marissa know." Bianca disconnected the call. She couldn't help but smile at her mother's last comments. She never thought she'd see the day when her mom would send her love to someone that Bianca was involved with. Of course Marissa wasn't just anyone, and was in no way shape or form like the others. To have Erica's support, to know that her mother believed that Marissa had more than earned her place in their family as well as her love and respect, it was a dream come true for Bianca. A knock on the door brought the brunette from her musings.

"Krystal, it's good to see you. Come in."

"Hi, Bianca. I just wanted to see if Marissa made it home okay."

The brunette smiled. "I was just getting ready to give you a call. She did. She's actually resting right now. This morning took a lot out of her."

"Well, it's going to take her a little while to get back to normal. I won't stay then. I just wanted to drop this off." Krystal handed over a bag.

Bianca opened the bag, removed a dish inside and peeled back the foil. "You brought us over your lasagna?"

"I figured you could use the break and not have to cook tonight. You can all just enjoy Marissa being home."

"Thank you. That's very nice of you. You didn't need to do it, but I'm more than happy to not have to cook." Bianca pulled out another dish and smiled hopefully. "Is this what I think it is?"

Krystal laughed. "Yes, it is. I thought everyone could use a treat as well so I threw in a chocolate cake. I better get going."

"No, please stay. I was just to start on lunch for Rissa and myself, and I'd like for you to join us. I know she'd like to see you too."

"Are you sure? I wouldn't want to intrude."

"I'm positive."

"Okay but only if you let me help." Krystal smiled.

"You've got a deal. Come into the kitchen. I'll put this away and then we can start on lunch."

/

Marissa woke up and looked at the clock. She'd been asleep for about an hour. I must have been more tired than I thought. She stretched gingerly and then sat up. She carefully reached for her crutches and headed for the stairs in search of Bianca. Marissa slowly made her way down the stairs and heard voices coming from the kitchen.

"Hey. Something smells good in here."

Bianca smiled and pulled a chair out for Marissa before giving her a quick. "Hey, yourself. You made it down the stairs okay."

"Yep, I just took it slow and steady. Hi, Krystal. I hope you haven't been here too long. I didn't think I'd be asleep as long as I was."

"I haven't been here that long, and don't worry about it. You need your rest. Are you feeling okay?"

"I am. I can't tell you how good it is to be home."

"Well judging by the smiles on both of your faces, I can guess how happy you both are."

"Krystal brought us over dinner and dessert for tonight, lasagna and …"

"Chocolate cake?" Marissa's eyes lit up in anticipation.

Krystal laughed and shook her head. "Yes, it's chocolate cake. Bianca had pretty much the same reaction. I think you're worse than the kids sometimes."

Marissa grinned. "Bianca has excellent taste."

"Yes, I do. I'm with you, aren't I?" Bianca gave her a quick kiss. "Okay, I don't know about you, but I'm starving."

Krystal smiled as she watched the couple. Bianca was fussing over Marissa who was acting as if she didn't like it when it was plain as day that she did. It reminded Krystal of a similar situation last year when their roles were reversed and before they realized they were in love. Bianca was recovering from having her appendix removed, and Krystal stopped by Wildwind to drop off a care package for her and the girls. Marissa had practically moved in to take care of the brunette and fussed over Bianca making sure she didn't overdo and followed doctor's orders. Krystal could tell that Bianca liked having someone take care of her for a change and appreciated everything Marissa was doing for her. It was also the first time Krystal noticed a shift in their relationship, an indication that it was changing, evolving from friendship into something more, something deeper. Krystal dismissed the thought as soon as it crossed her mind thinking she was mistaken, but looking back now, she thought that seemed to be the turning point in their relationship to her. It was the moment they realized how much they cared about and needed each other even if the couple themselves hadn't admitted it consciously yet. Even with everything going on right now, the love and caring was between them was so evident, so strong. She had no doubt whatsoever that as long as they had each other, they would survive this and anything else life threw at them.

/

A/N: No, sightings of Brennan in this chapter. He's still out there though. I needed to lay a little groundwork in this one. See you next chapter!