A/N: Thank you as always for your reviews. They are greatly appreciated. This chapter picks up immediately after the last update. Hope you enjoy it!

/

"How's the expansion going, Krystal? Have you heard anything back on your offer yet?"

"Marissa …" Bianca warned.

"What? I'm just asking a question."

The brunette chuckled. "Fine, but I'm keeping my eye on you. Remember Dr. Torres said no work related issues for at least two weeks. That brilliant mind of your's needs a break."

Marissa rolled her eyes. "She didn't say I had a brilliant mind."

"It was implied. Besides, are you doubting my assessment of your brilliance?"

"You're not exactly unbiased, you know."

"True, but it doesn't make it any less of a fact. Help me out here, Krystal. She's brilliant, isn't she?"

Krystal laughed. "Well, I have to admit that I'm a little biased myself so I'm going to agree with Bianca."

Marissa snorted. "Whatever. I'm just making conversation. I'm allowed to do that, aren't I?"

"You're right. You are. I'm sorry. I'm just …"

"Worried about me. I know, and I get it. Maybe you weren't all that far off with some of my motives before." Marissa smiled sheepishly. "I promise I'm just curious now."

Krystal smiled at her daughter. "As long as you're just curious, I'll answer you. No, I haven't heard anything yet. I'm supposed to hear something by the end of the week though. I don't want you to worry about it and think you have to do anything. Your friend Brian called and is taking over for you. He's not as good as you, because who really is, but he's doing a good job. He's taking care of me. He told me that he knew you'd kick his butt if he didn't."

Marissa laughed. "He's right. I would, but I know he'll do a good job. I'm glad he's working on it for you. Other than Jack or Caleb, I can't think of anyone else at the firm I'd trust more working on this. I'll have to thank him. I know he has to be swamped."

"Hey, don't worry about that. Uncle Jack and Caleb are sorting through all of your cases and contacting your clients. Your cases are being divvied up among some of the other associates until you return. Other than the expansion of Krystal's, I know the two cases you're worried about the most. Caleb is handling Sam's case, and Uncle Jack said he was going to handle anything regarding Colleen's case."

"I do feel better knowing that. So, Krystal, what else is going on? How's Jenny?"

"She's good and growing like a weed. Oh, I almost forgot." The older woman reached into her purse. "She made this for you and can't wait to see you."

Marissa smiled as she looked at the get well card made by her little sister. "I love it. Tell her I said thank you. Maybe you can bring her over tomorrow afternoon for a visit."

"She'd love that." Krystal checked the time. "I better get back to the restaurant. You take care of yourself, and if you need anything, you let me know. That goes for both of you."

"We will, and thank you for dinner and dessert." Marissa smiled as Krystal gave her a hug.

Bianca walked Krystal to the door. "Thank you."

"You're welcome."

"Don't worry. I'll take care of her. I love her so much."

Krystal smiled. "I know you do, and my baby girl feels the exact same way about you. I meant what I said. If you need anything, don't hesitate to ask."

Bianca gave her a hug. "I won't." The brunette opened the door only to be greeted by her sister and cousin. "Kendall! Greenlee! Come in."

Krystal smiled. "Looks like it's time for the next round of visitors. I'll see you ladies later."

"Hi, Krystal. Bye, Krystal." Kendall looked at her sister. "She's not leaving because of us, is she?"

Bianca shook her head. "No, she was here for a while and needed to get back to restaurant." The friends followed her into the family room. Bianca took the seat she had just vacated next to Marissa while the other women sat down.

"How are you holding up, Red? You're not too tired for a visit, are you?"

"No, I'm good, Curly. I had a nap a little earlier so I think I can handle the two of you. It's good to see both of you."

"No offense, but I have to say that you both look a heck of a lot better than the last time I saw you."

Bianca laughed. "No offense taken, Greenlee. It's amazing what having Rissa home will do."

"Yeah, I know being home has done wonders for me. I want to thank you guys for everything you've done for us. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it. If you ever need anything, just ask."

"It's not necessary, but we'll keep it in mind. We come bearing gifts. Kendall, if you wouldn't mind."

Kendall produced a bag. "We figured you'd be getting inundated with flowers. It turns out we were right. So, we opted for something more fun."

Marissa pulled out a bottle of wine and a card. "That's a very nice bottle of wine." She read the card and laughed. "An evening of babysitting."

"Yes, that includes an overnight for them, and it's to be used only when you're healed."

"Thank you both."

"Yes, thank you. A romantic evening with Rissa sounds amazing." Bianca smiled.

"We thought you'd like it. Do the kids know you're home?"

"Not yet. We didn't want to risk them being disappointed in case Marissa couldn't come home for some reason."

Greenlee nodded. "That makes sense. Plus, it probably would've been next to impossible to get them to go to school if they knew for sure."

Kendall snickered. "That's an understatement. I could tell how much they missed you. This way you get to rest up for them and give them a great surprise when they get home."

"That's pretty much what we thought. I can't even begin to tell you how much I've missed them. I know it's only been a couple of days since I've actually seen them, and I'm not talking about over a computer screen. I mean actually seen them face to face, but being so close to them and not being able to hug them, it's been so damn hard."

"I'm sure it has, but you're home now. You might want to consider getting some earplugs. I have a feeling there's going to be lots of squeals and screams when they get home."

Marissa grinned at Kendall. "I suppose you're right. The kids might even scream some too."

Kendall chuckled and then paused as she weighed what she wanted to discuss with the couple next. "So, Zach tells me he stopped by this morning."

Bianca nodded. "He did. Marissa called him for his advice about security."

"I need to make sure your sister and our kids are safe."

Kendall smiled seeing how protective Marissa was of Bianca and their family and just how well she knew her. If it was left up to her sister, she wouldn't give her own safety a second thought, but now, she had someone who put it at the top of the list. "I'm glad you called him. It saved us from calling you about it. We talked about this last night, and neither of us liked thinking about that jackass running around and all of you not being safe. If you gave me a hard time about it, I was going to play the big sister card and insist you let us do something to help. I was even prepared to call Mom if I needed to."

"Well, you don't need to call Mom. I spoke with her after Zach left."

"Good. I'm glad I didn't have to deal that. What did she say?"

"She was relieved that I agreed to the bodyguard. She'd been afraid that I would dig in my heels and be stubborn about needing one. Mom was glad I was listening to Marissa and being reasonable about everything. It seems she thinks Marissa is a very good influence on me, and she thinks I should listen to her more often."

Marissa grinned. "Your Mom is very wise sometimes."

Bianca rolled her eyes. "You're only saying that because she agreed with you. It's a different story when she doesn't."

"Like I said, Erica's a very wise woman, sometimes." Marissa added with a wink.

"I have to say it's a little disturbing to see Erica get along so well with someone you're involved with. Nothing against you, Marissa, but I just never thought I'd live to see the day." Greenlee smirked.

"It would seem Mom has, to a lesser degree than my little sister here, fallen victim to the Tasker charm." Kendall laughed.

"How could she not?" Bianca smiled brightly.

Marissa gave a cheeky grin in return. "I promise to only use my powers for good."

Kendall chuckled before turning sober. There was a reason she brought up this topic, a promise she needed from her sister. "Seriously though, Binx, I'm glad you're doing this. It doesn't matter why, just that you are. This guy is unpredictable, and I don't want you to take any changes. Promise me you won't."

Bianca looked at her sister earnestly. "I promised Marissa, and I promise you. I'll be good and won't take any unnecessary risks. I'm too happy with my life, and I have way too much to lose not to do this. You have my word."

Kendall seemed placated by her sister's promise. "I'm going to hold you to that. The same goes for you too, Red. You guys are so good for each other, and there are too many people that love you both and count on you, particularly those three amazing kids of your's."

"We know, and we're going to keep each other in line. Right, Bianca?"

Bianca smiled and gave her partner a quick kiss. "You're right, Rissa. We will."

"I'm glad that's settled. I was thinking, Marissa."

"Well, that's something you should be afraid of." Kendall smirked.

Greenlee shot her friend a glare. "Did you mean what you said before about us asking if we need anything?"

"Of course I did. Is there something you need?"

"Well, I do have one thing I'd like."

"Name it, and it's your's, Greenlee."

"The next girls' night out, let me plan it. I don't know about you, but spending the night in the hospital drinking cold coffee instead of having margaritas at a nice bar is not my idea of a good time." Greenlee grinned.

Marissa laughed. "I can't say that I don't agree with you so deal! You're in charge next time. I happily relinquish my planning duties to you, Greenlee."

"I don't know if you want to give her complete control, Red. She could come up with something really scary. "Besides, you can't say it was a boring night. You two always manage to keep us on our toes."

Bianca laughed as she watched the three women. She knew she could count on her sister and Greenlee to relieve any tension and find the humor in any situation when it was needed the most. "I think that's kind of like the pot calling the kettle black."

"Truer words were never spoken. We've got nothing on the two of you when it comes to trouble."

"They've got a point, Kendall. You do attract trouble." Greenlee smirked.

Kendall rolled her eyes. "Oh please. You're a trouble magnet! I think it's your middle name. You're the one always dragging me into things."

A knock on the door interrupted Greenlee's reply.

Bianca answered the door and returned with a beautiful bouquet of fall flowers. "Rissa, do you have a secret admirer you want to tell me about?"

"Those are for me?"

"That's what the card says. Besides, we've been getting flowers for you all day."

"You can start your own florist shop, Red."

Marissa read the card and smiled before handing it to Bianca.

"Who are they from?" Greenlee inquired.

"Adam."

Kendall started choking on her drink. "Adam? As in Adam Chandler? Your ex father-in-law? That Adam?"

"One in the same. He just wanted me, actually he wanted Bianca and me to know that if we need anything to let him know."

"Wow. I didn't see that coming, especially with everything Dipshit put you through."

"I think that's exactly why he's offering, Greenlee. He finally realized that AJ was the one being hurt by everything JR was doing so he's trying to rectify some of that, with Brooke's help of course. I'm not going to let myself be taken in by him by any means, but he did agree to my request to have Bianca be AJ's legal guardian if something happened to me."

It was Greenlee's turn to choke on her drink this time. "Seriously?"

"Seriously." Bianca nodded. "He's been very supportive and reinstated the trust that had been set up for AJ, the one that JR was dipping into. Adam also named both of us as its executors."

"I don't know what to say, Binx. That's huge."

"Yes, it is and generous too."

"Has there been any word from Dipshit?"

Marissa shook her head. "No, there hasn't, Kendall. I have to admit I'm a little torn on that for AJ. He misses his Dad still, but he hasn't been around for so long. When I say that, I'm not just talking about him being in prison. I'm referring to who JR used to be before he let his hate and bitterness get the better of him. AJ doesn't need that in his life so the bigger part of me is glad JR's not around. Seeing what he'd become hurt AJ way too much, and I won't have that. JR won't get that chance ever again."

Bianca took Marissa's hand. "No, he won't. We'll make sure of that." The brunette smiled when there was another knock at the door. "Hmmm, anyone want to take bets that's the florist again for Marissa?" She came back carrying a small florist box and automatically handed the card to Marissa without even looking at it.

"That's not for me." The redhead grinned and handed the card back.

Bianca read the card. A goofy grin crossed her face when she pulled out a single red rose.

Kendall grabbed the card. She read it and then passed it on to Greenlee.

B,
Everything
M

The friends shook their heads. They weren't exactly sure what was going on with the rose and card and decided to leave it at that given the way the couple was gazing at each other. "I think it's time for us to go."

"I think you're right, Kendall. Besides, the kids will be getting out of school soon. Emma and I are meeting Ryan for a night out."

"Yeah, Zach and I are taking the boys out for pizza. We'll see you both later. Good to have you home, Red."

"Thanks, Kendall. You too, Greenlee."

Bianca walked her sister and cousin to the door. "Thanks for stopping by and for the gifts."

Kendall hugged her sister. "You're welcome. I'll check back later, and we'll work something out for Marissa's surgery on Friday."

Bianca closed the door behind them and set the alarm. She walked back over to the sofa and sat down next to a smiling Marissa. "When did you manage to arrange my rose?"

Marissa shrugged. "I had a few minutes alone earlier and made a call. Everyone is sending me flowers, and I figured you deserved to know just how special you are. You're my everything, B. I wanted to make sure you know that. I love you."

Bianca's breath hitched, and she struggled for words before saying the only three that mattered and always came to mind when she looked at Marissa. "I love you."

The two met halfway and then captured each other's lips. The kiss deepened, and as Marissa pulled Bianca closer, she released a small gasp. Bianca pulled back and saw Marissa wincing in obvious pain.

"I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault. That was all me. I'm okay. I was just a little over eager and forgot about the ribs. I tend to lose control around you." Marissa grinned.

"You're not the only one who has control issues. I forgot too." Bianca matched her lover's grin. "Seriously though, we both need to exercise some control until you're healed. I don't want to risk any setbacks with your recovery. I want you fully recovered when I have my way with you."

Marissa laughed. "Yeah, I want to be recovered enough to enjoy myself when I have my way with you. It's going to be awfully hard though."

"Yes, it will, but we'll do what we need to do for you to get better. Until then, I'm just happy you're home."

The couple turned when they heard a car pull into the driveway. They looked at the clock on the mantel and then smiled.

"Are you ready?" Bianca asked as she helped Marissa sit up.

"Yep! Bring 'em on! I'm ready." Marissa smiled brightly at the prospect of being able to actually hold her kids.

Bianca gave her a quick kiss and headed for the door. She wanted to make sure the kids were careful when they greeted Marissa.

Miranda entered first. "Hi, Mom. Why are you home? How's …" The young girl stopped in her tracks. The biggest smile spread across her face when she saw Marissa. "Rissa!"

AJ followed Miranda inside and almost ran into her when she stopped suddenly. "Mimo, what are you doing?" He then glanced in the direction of where his sister was looking and beamed. "Mom!"

"Mommy, what's wrong with AJ and Miranda? Why'd they stop?" Bianca picked up her youngest so she could see over her brother and sister. Gabby lit up like a Christmas tree when she saw Marissa. "Mommy!"

The kids started to rush forward, but Bianca stepped in front. "I know you're excited to see her, but remember to be gentle. Okay?"

The three nodded in unison. She set Gabby down and moved out of the way. Marissa held out her arms, and the kids raced forward. After hugs and kisses were exchanged, the kids settled on the sofa. AJ and Miranda were on either side of Marissa, and Gabby had climbed up and was sitting on the redhead's lap. She'd been hesitant at first, but once she was reassured it would be okay, she happily took her usual spot.

Susan leaned over and gave Marissa a light hug. "It's good to see you home, Marissa. I know this crew is happy you're here if you couldn't tell."

Marissa laughed. "Yeah, I could tell, but I'm just as happy to be here with them. Thank you for everything."

"You're welcome. I'm going to head out. I'll see you guys tomorrow."

Bianca walked Susan to the door. "Are you sure you're comfortable with helping out? If you're not, we understand."

"I'm happy to do it. You need the help, and I know I'm safe with the security that's been arranged. So, I'm good."

"Thank you. I'll see you tomorrow." Bianca headed back to the family room.

"I missed you, Mom.

"Me too, Rissa."

"Me three, Mommy."

"I missed you all too."

"Are you feeling better, Mommy?"

Marissa smiled and squeezed Gabby. "I sure am, Monkey. Why wouldn't I? I had your get well cards and Minx. Thank you again for him. I returned him safe and sound. He's on your bed waiting for you."

"He really helped?"

"Yes, he did, more than I can tell you."

Gabby beamed, very proud of what she'd just been told.

"Well, you were right, and thank you, AJ and Miranda. Bianca tells me that the two of you have been helping her out a lot. I really appreciate it."

AJ smiled proudly. "You're welcome, Mom."

"Do you hurt much, Rissa?"

"A little, but it's getting better. I just have to remember to take things slow and do what the doctors told me. Before you know it, I'll be good as new."

"We told Mom that we would help make sure that you that. She said she might need our help keeping an eye on you." Miranda grinned.

Marissa quirked an eyebrow clearly amused. "She did, huh?"

"I might've said something along those lines." Bianca knew she was busted. "Look at the time. I need to start dinner."

"Chicken. We're going to talk about it later. You know that, don't you?"

"Yes, I do. Okay, what is the deal with homework tonight?"

AJ and Miranda groaned. They wanted to spend more time with Marissa.

"I know you want to spend time with Rissa, but you still have to do your homework."

"I tell you what. Get your homework, and you can do it in here. I'll help you."

"I think that is an excellent idea. You start on that, and I'll start on dinner. Krystal brought us over lasagna and dessert."

Gabby had been snuggled comfortably against Marissa. At the mention of dessert, she perked up. "Chocolate cake?"

Marissa laughed seeing her youngest daughter's eyes light up expectantly. "You're just like your Mom. Yes, she brought us some chocolate cake."

"I'm not the only one she's like. I seem to recall you having pretty much the same exact reaction." Bianca smirked.

"You might have a point." Marissa chuckled. "Go get your books, and let's get started on your homework. Gabby and I will help. Won't we, Monkey?"

"Uh huh!"

AJ and Miranda rolled their eyes not convinced at all by their sister's 'help', but they did as they were told just happy to have Marissa home and to see Bianca smiling.

Miranda resumed her seat next to Marissa. "Mom really missed you, Rissa."

"She's really happy you're home, Mom."

"I know, and I really missed her too. I'm really happy I'm home."

/

When dinner was ready, Miranda grabbed Marissa's crutches for her while AJ held the kitchen door open for her. Once his mom was through the door, he quickly pulled out her chair for her as well. After dinner, the family gathered in the family room to spend some time together. Marissa and Bianca explained Marissa's surgery on her knee that was scheduled for that Friday to them. The mothers reassured their children that everything would be fine and that Marissa had the best doctors taking care of her. They told them that she would be home later that same day but would probably be tired and sore from it. The couple went on to explain that she would need some physical therapy to help her knee regain its strength, until Marissa was fully recovered. They would have someone helping them out by driving them around. The couple thought this was the easiest way to explain the presence of the bodyguard without telling them the real purpose for having someone else around. The kids asked several other questions, and the couple answered each of them.

"Does anyone have any more questions?" Bianca asked.

"Nope."

When there were no more questions coming from the kids, Marissa decided to pose one of her own. "Well, I have a question for AJ. What story do you want to hear tonight?"

AJ looked surprised. "Huh?"

"If I remember correctly, it's your turn to decide on a story, Buddy. So, what's it going to be?"

"You're not goo tired, Mom?"

"No, I'm not. I will always have time for our bedtime stories as long as you want to hear them. Okay?"

AJ nodded. "Okay."

The redhead looked at Miranda and Gabby. "The same goes for you two as well. So, what story will it be tonight?"

AJ thought for a minute and then a big grin spread across his face. "How about Shrek?"

"Why Shrek, Buddy?"

"Well, Princess Fiona is really tough and kinda kick butt like you, Mom." AJ grinned.

Miranda nodded as her grin matched her brother's. "She really is, Rissa."

"Mommy's tougher then Fiona." Gabby smiled brightly.

AJ and Miranda nodded. "Gabby's right. You are."

"I have to agree with them. I think you're much prettier than her to though, especially when she's an ogre." Bianca snorted.

The kids laughed.

"Gee, I'm glad to hear that." Marissa smirked. "What about first thing in the morning?"

"Oh, especially first thing in the morning." Bianca leaned in for a quick kiss and then turned to the kids. "Okay, time for you all to get ready for bed and then story time."

The kids raced upstairs. Marissa stood up, and Bianca took the crutches and slid her arm around her lover's waist.

"You don't have to help me upstairs, B. I can do it on my own. In fact, I have several times today."

"I know you can, Rissa. This isn't about you. I'm doing this for me. I like the way you feel in my arms."

Marissa sighed happily and gave the brunette a loving kiss. "And you always say I'm the charmer. That's pretty good, Montgomery."

Bianca grinned. "I try my best. Come on. The kids are waiting to hear how you kick butt. Oops, I mean how Princess Fiona kicks butt."

"Funny. Very funny."

/

"Thank you for helping me out tonight. I appreciate it. I appreciate even more how much you helped Bianca out while I wasn't here. I'm so very proud of you, Buddy."

AJ smiled. "You're welcome, Mom. I'm glad you're home. I missed you an awful lot. We all did. It's not the same without you here. Love you. Goodnight, Bianca. Love you too."

Bianca pulled the blanket up to cover her son and kissed him lightly. "Goodnight, Buddy. I love you too."

"Goodnight, Mom."

Marissa kissed her son. "Goodnight, AJ. I love you too."

The couple closed the bedroom door and made their way to the girls' room.

"Night, Mommy." Gabby smiled sleepily at Marissa as the redhead tucked her in.

"Goodnight, Monkey. Thank you again for loaning me Minx. He helped me feel a lot better. That was very, very sweet of you."

"I knew he'd help you. He always makes me feel better."

"Well, you were right." Marissa smiled softly as she brushed a stray lock of brown hair from her youngest daughter's face.

"Yes, you were, and I'm very proud of you. It's time to go sleep now. Goodnight, Baby. I love you." Bianca kissed her youngest softly.

"Night, Mommy. Love you too." Sleepy brown eyes found Marissa again. "Love you, Mommy."

Marissa kissed her goodnight. "I love you too, Monkey."

Gabby snuggled with Minx the monkey under her blanket and was soon fast asleep.

The couple made their way over to Miranda's bed where their oldest daughter was waiting patiently for them.

"I'm really happy you're home, Rissa. We missed you so much, especially Mom."

"Well, I'm really happy I'm home too."

"Are you sure you're okay?"

Marissa smiled. She could sense Miranda was nervous about her upcoming surgery. "You are so much like your Mom it's scary sometimes. She's worries too much too. I'm sure I'm okay. I promise. Do you believe me?"

"Yes, I do."

"Good. Want to hear a secret? It's something I haven't even told your Mom yet."

"Really? What is it?"

"You know our song?"

Miranda nodded. "Yep, Forevermore."

"When I first woke up in the hospital, I hurt some and was scared. I wasn't really sure of where I was. I could sense that your Mom was right there next to me though, and you know what she did?"

"No. What?"

Marissa smiled first at Bianca and then her daughter. "She sang Forevermore to me, and it made me feel better and safe. I knew I was going to be okay. I had too many reasons not to. I have your Mom, AJ, Gabby and you, and I plan on being here with all of you for a very long time, until I'm old and gray."

Miranda smiled. "That's like what you did for her when she was sick last year."

"Yep, it sure is. So, I don't want you to worry about my surgery on Friday. I'll have your Mom with me so I know I'll be more than okay."

Miranda felt relieved, like a weight was lifted off of her. "I'll try."

"That's all I can ask. Okay, it's time for you to go to sleep. I'll see you in the morning. I love you." Marissa placed a kiss on Miranda's forehead.

"Love you too, Rissa." Miranda shifted under her blankets, and Bianca tucked her in. "Goodnight, Mom. Love you."

"I love you too, Mimo. Goodnight." Bianca kissed her daughter gently.

/

Bianca grinned as she closed their bedroom door behind her and Marissa. "Rissa, want to know a secret?"

"Sure. What?"

"Well, it's really not a secret, but I think you are amazing."

Marissa laughed as she sat down on the bed. "So you've told me over and over again. Why do you think I'm amazing this time?"

"It's Miranda. You were so good with her. You knew she was worried, and you were able to reassure her, make her feel better. Like I said, you're amazing."

"And you're biased. I just told her the truth."

"You heard me sing when you woke up?"

"Yeah, I did, and it did make feel safe. I knew you were there and that I was going to be okay. I had to be because I don't break my promises, especially the ones I make to you." Marissa held out her hand to Bianca. "Come on, B. I know you're exhausted."

Bianca eased into the bed next to Marissa and gently wrapped her arms her lover. "I love you, Rissa."

"I love you, B."

Both women sighed contently and drifted off to sleep.

/

A/N: Yeah, it's a little on the fluffy side, but the kids needed their time to welcome Marissa home. There's more to come!