A/N: Thanks, as always for the great reviews! You all are the best! Sorry, but I warned you about my evil side. I had no control over her in that last chapter. What can I say? She loves those cliffhangers. While watching election results roll in last night, I was able to finish this chapter up. Hope you enjoy this latest update!
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Eight days earlier
Bianca and Marissa quietly entered the girls' bedroom and walked to Gabby's bed with each sitting on either side of the sleeping girl, smiling as they watched their youngest child. Gabby stirred and opened her eyes.
"Good morning, Sweetie."
"Good morning, Monkey."
"Rissa, do you know what today is?"
"Hmmm, it's Saturday."
"Yes, it is, but I can't help but think there's something big happening today that I'm forgetting."
"I know what you mean, B. There's something going on today, something special but I can't quite put my finger on it."
"It's my birthday!" Gabby shouted excitedly, knowing full well that her mothers were teasing her.
Bianca snapped her fingers as she grinned. "That's it! It's Gabby's birthday, Rissa!"
Marissa gave an exaggerated sigh in relief. "That's right! It is! I remember now! She's four years old today!"
"Uh huh! I'm a big girl, Mommy!"
"Yes, you most certainly are. Happy birthday, Sweetie!"
"Happy birthday, Monkey!"
Gabby giggled as her mothers each kissed a cheek.
Bianca smiled brightly. "What would you like for breakfast today, birthday girl?"
"Chocolate chip pancakes!" Gabby said without hesitation.
"Just like her mom, a chocolate chip off the old pancake." Marissa chuckled.
"Funny. Very funny."
Miranda started giggling from across the room.
Bianca glared playfully at her oldest daughter. "You think that's funny, huh?"
"Yep, I do! Rissa's right too, Mom. Gabby's just like you." Miranda bounded out of bed and crossed the room. "Happy birthday, Gabby!"
"Thanks, Mimo!"
"We're just missing one other person." Marissa smiled at the knock on the door and seeing a blonde head pop inside the room.
"Happy birthday, Gabby!" AJ smiled.
Gabby grinned. "Thanks, AJ!"
"AJ and Miranda, would you keep the birthday girl entertained while Bianca and I start on breakfast?"
"Sure, Mom. Let me guess. We're having chocolate chip pancakes."
Bianca laughed. "You know your little sister pretty well, Buddy. Okay, Rissa and I will go start on the pancakes. After breakfast, we have a couple of surprises before we need to decorate for Gabby's party."
/
Bianca stood behind Marissa with her arms around her waist. The brunette peered over her lover's shoulder before resting her chin on it. "Where did you find a pancake mold in the form of a monkey?"
"I have my sources." Marissa smirked.
"You do, huh? I have ways of making you talk, you know." Bianca smiled slyly as she kissed the redhead's neck.
Marissa sighed happily. "I'm very aware that you do, but our kids will be down here any minute." Seeing Bianca's devilish grin, Marissa relented. "Fine, Carol found it when she was looking for the decorations for Gabby's cake. When she told me about it, I knew I had to get it."
Bianca chuckled. "Of course you did."
Marissa glared playfully at her lover. "Aren't you supposed to be helping me with breakfast?"
"I am helping you."
"No, you're distracting me, and you know it. You should get the bacon started. And where's my coffee, woman?"
Bianca gave an exaggerated sigh and reluctantly released the redhead after giving her a quick kiss. "Fine, I'll get to work, woman." The brunette playfully swatted Marissa as she set about her tasks. "It's really sweet of Carol to make Gabby's cake."
"It really is, but I'm not really surprised. You know how she feels about the kids. She absolutely adores them. They're like surrogate grandchildren for her, and Gabby has her wrapped around her little finger."
"True, very true. I'm glad they can make it today."
"Me too. They're part of our family. Carol said that Sam helped her make the cake."
"Yeah, Sam was really looking forward to it from what Aya told me. She kept talking about it at the Center. How did Krystal take it when you told her she didn't need to make the cake? I know she was looking forward to it. Was she upset?"
"I wouldn't say she was upset. She was a little disappointed at first though because she thought we were getting it from a bakery or worse yet that it would be bought from the grocery store."
Bianca gasped in mock distain. "The grocery store? Perish the thought. We couldn't have that now, could we?"
Marissa chuckled at Bianca's faux overreaction. In all honesty, neither of them cared too much where they got the cake as long as Gabby was happy. "No, we most certainly couldn't. Just think of what your Mom would say! When I told Krystal that Carol volunteered to make it, she was okay." Marissa cocked her head hearing the approaching noise. "Here comes the thundering herd now."
"It never fails to amaze me how much noise they can make for being as small as they are." Bianca finished placing glasses of milk on the table as the children appeared in the kitchen. After taking their seats, Bianca placed Gabby's plate in front of her.
"It's a monkey!" Gabby squealed in delight.
"Yep! Rissa was able find a mold just for you."
Gabby beamed at her redheaded mother. "Thanks, Mommy!"
Marissa gave her youngest a peck on her nose. "You're welcome, Monkey."
AJ and Miranda were quickly served with Marissa and Bianca soon joining them. A quick chorus of 'Happy Birthday' was sung to Gabby who joined in as well. The family chatted happily during breakfast. After the dishes were cleared, the family gave Gabby their birthday presents. They wanted to share a private moment with just the five of them before everyone else got there. After that, the family changed out of their pajamas and decorated the house in preparation of the guests that would soon be arriving.
/
The Walkers and Sam were the first to arrive. While Alex and Gail entered from the front of the house, Carol and Sam snuck around the back to bring in the cake. Bianca and Marissa wanted to keep it a surprise for Gabby.
Bianca snapped a picture of the cake and shook her head in wonderment. "Carol, this is amazing. Gabby is going to love it. Thank you!"
Marissa gave the older woman a hug. "Bianca's right. She will love it. Thanks so much!"
"You're both welcome. Sam and I had a great time making it."
"Yes, your assistant!" Marissa gave the teenager a hug. "Thank you too, Sam. This means a lot."
Bianca gave Sam a hug as well. "It really does. Thank you."
The girl blushed. She was just happy to be able to do something to show the couple her appreciation for everything they had done for her. To her it wasn't much, but it was something. Bianca and Marissa had faith in her, took a chance on her when no one else would. She was happier than she had been in a very long time and it was because of them. Sam was part of a warm and loving home, and she was finally feeling part of a family again. She didn't know if she would ever be able to repay them for everything they'd done for her. "You're welcome. I was glad I could help. Carol did most of the work though."
"Don't listen to her. Sam drew a detailed sketch of the zoo that laid out everything perfectly for me. I couldn't have done it without her help." Carol added proudly.
Marissa chuckled. "Sorry, Sam, but if Carol gives you credit then you just have to deal with it."
Sam smiled softly and then realized something. "You don't have your crutches or your brace."
Carol checked Marissa out as well. "She's right! You don't. When did this happen?"
Marissa laughed. "I was starting to think you would never notice. The doctor gave me a clean bill of health yesterday. I just need to use them if my knee starts to bother me."
Bianca nodded happily. "She starts therapy on Monday, and her doctor predicts a complete recovery."
"That is wonderful news, dear." The older woman gave Marissa a hug.
Sam smiled. "That's really great, Marissa!"
Kendall joined them in the kitchen. "What's wonderful news?" When she spotted the cake, she stopped. "Wow! That is an amazing replica of the Pine Valley Zoo. Where did you get that?"
Bianca greeted her sister. "The wonderful news is about Marissa not needing her crutches or brace. As for the cake, Carol and Sam get the credit for it."
"That really is great news about Red, isn't it?" Kendall continued to study the cake. "Hmmm, do you think you would be interested in doing birthday cakes for the boys?"
The older woman smiled and glanced at Sam who nodded. "I think my assistant and I might be interested. We'll talk later."
"I see the monkeys are prominent in your zoo display." Kendall smirked.
"You know how much Gabby likes monkeys." Marissa smiled.
"Yes, I do. Why exactly is she so fascinated with them?"
Bianca shrugged. "I'm not sure, but she loves them, so she gets monkeys."
Krystal entered the kitchen carrying a crockpot. "Good afternoon, Ladies. Where would you like this?"
Marissa pointed to where it should be placed. "Over on the counter is great, Krystal. Thanks."
"What are we having for lunch?" Kendall asked.
"Gabby asked if she could have sloppy joe's so Krystal was kind enough to make them for us."
"I was happy to do it. Oh my, look at that cake! Mrs. Walker, you did a wonderful job. That is so detailed. I could never do anything quite like that."
"Thank you, but I had help from Sam. And please, call me Carol."
"Bianca, Sweetheart, how are you?" Erica greeted her youngest daughter.
"Hi, Mom. I'm great."
Erica smiled and greeted Kendall as well before turning to Marissa and hugging the redhead. "I can't tell you how happy I was to hear that you no longer need your crutches or brace, Marissa. I'm so glad you're recovering so nicely, dear. Oh, that cake is precious. Gabby will love it. Carol, you did an absolutely wonderful job with it."
"Thank you, Erica. That means a lot. While I'm at it, Bianca and I want to thank all of you for all of the help you've given us. I honestly don't know how we can ever repay you."
"We didn't do that much, Red, and certainly nothing more than the two of you would do for any of us."
Bianca moved next to her lover and put her arm around her waist. "Marissa's right and so are you, Kendall, partially. We would do whatever we could to help any of you out. I hope all of you know that. But, Kendall, don't discount what you've all done." She glanced at Carol and Sam. "Whether it was cleaning our house." She then turned to Krystal. "Or dropping off countless meals so we didn't have to worry about cooking." She smiled at Erica next. "Or stepping in and taking meetings with donors so I could stay with Marissa and making sure she had the best doctors possible." She finally turned to her sister. "Or most importantly of all watching our children and keeping them safe. It's not nothing. It's everything so thank you."
The moment was broken by a call from the living room. "Mom, Bianca, Uncle Zach's not playing fair."
Marissa laughed and gave Bianca a quick kiss. "Coming, AJ."
Kendall rolled her eyes. "I better come with you, Red, and see what my biggest kid is up to and try and get him in line. I swear he's worse than the boys sometimes." Kendall stopped and gave her sister a quick squeeze. "You're welcome, Binx."
/
The weather was unseasonably warm. So much so that it was decided that some of the party games could be held outside. This allowed the kids to burn off some excess energy. Sam watched the kids running around and having a great time, especially Gabby. Sam grew distracted after a few minutes. Something had been gnawing on her mind for a while now. She couldn't shake the feeling that there was something important she wanted, no needed, to tell Marissa and Bianca, but she just couldn't figure out what it was. She shook her head and decided to head inside to get something more to drink.
The teenager wandered into the kitchen and found the couple placing the candles on Gabby's cake.
Marissa glanced up and smiled. "Hey, Sam. Are you having a good time? The kids aren't getting on your nerves, are they?"
Sam shook her head and smiled. "Nah, I'm having a good time, and the kids are great. Gabby's cracking me up. She's having a really good time."
"Good, I'm glad. Did you need something?" Bianca asked noticing a questioning look on Sam's face.
"I just wanted to get another soft drink."
"Help yourself. Are you sure there's nothing else?"
"I have this feeling that there was something I wanted to tell you, but I can't remember what it was."
"Is it about school or the Center or that cute boy you've told me about?" Marissa grinned.
Sam blushed and shook her head. "No, it's none of those things. It's really bugging me."
"Hmmm, well, my only advice is not to think about it. That's usually when I remember something like that. When you remember, let us know." The redhead offered.
"Yeah, you're right. Need any help?"
"Actually, yes if you don't mind. Would you mind gathering everyone and telling them it's time for cake?" Bianca asked.
"Sure, I'll take these out too." Sam took her soft drink and grabbed plates, napkins and utensils before heading outside.
"Thanks, Sam."
Marissa grabbed the ice cream and turned to Bianca. "Are you ready?"
"Yep, let's go." Bianca carried the cake while Marissa led the way holding the door open for the brunette.
Gabby was seated at the table. When the cake was placed in front of her, she beamed in delight. "It's just like the real zoo!"
"Mrs. Walker and Sam made it for you." Bianca smiled seeing how happy her daughter was.
"Thank you, Mrs. Walker and Sam!"
The pair laughed. "You're welcome."
Bianca lit the candles and everyone sang 'Happy Birthday'. Gabby couldn't stop grinning while Marissa took several pictures. Gabby made her wish and blew out her candles while everyone cheered.
Sam offered to help pass out cake. As she was handing plates to Ryan and Zach, she overheard the younger man ask Kendall's husband if he had an update on Robert Brennan.
Oh my god! That's who I saw. I need to tell Bianca and Marissa, but I don't want to ruin their day. She started searching for Gail and Alex to get their advice. She located the couple and pulled them aside. "Hey, do you guys have a couple of minutes? I need to ask your advice."
"Sure, Sam. What's up?"
"Jan and I were delivering some donations to the homeless shelter yesterday. When we were there, I saw this guy who gave me the creeps. There was just something about him. He looked familiar, but I just couldn't remember who he was. I kept thinking that I should tell Bianca and Marissa about it for some reason though. I finally figured out who he was when I heard Zach and Ryan talking. The guy at the shelter was the guy that hurt Marissa."
"Are you sure, Sam?" Gail asked.
"I'm sure. I know I should tell them, but I don't want to ruin Gabby's birthday. What'd you think I should I do?"
Alex thought for a minute. "I have an idea. Wait here."
They watched as Alex made his way over to Zach and pulled him aside. The men spoke for a minute and then headed back to where Sam and Gail were waiting.
"Sam, Alex tells me you saw Robert Brennan, the man who hurt Marissa. Is that right?"
The teenager nodded. "Yes, it is, Mr. Slater."
"First, call me Zach. Second, tell me everything you remember. Where did you see him?"
"I saw him at the shelter on Court Street yesterday afternoon. He smelled really bad, kinda like he was sick. He kept one hand on his side, like he was protecting it too." She proceeded to tell Zach everything she remembered and was surprised that she remembered more than she thought she did under his expert questioning. "Should I tell them?"
"You let me worry about telling them. I'll take care of it from here. You did the right thing telling me, Sam. Thank you." Zach pulled out his cellphone as he walked away.
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Marissa finished saying goodnight to Miranda while Bianca tucked Gabby into bed. The redhead soon joined them.
"Did you have a good birthday, Baby?" Bianca asked as she gently tucked a lock of hair behind her daughter's ear.
Gabby nodded sleepily and yawned. The excitement of the day's events were finally catching up with the little girl. "Uh huh, I had lots of fun."
"We're very happy to hear that, Monkey. You've been such a good girl. We're very proud of you and love you very much."
"Love you too. Are we still going to the movies tomorrow?"
"Yes, we are, but now, it's time for the birthday girl to go to sleep."
Gabby yawned again and clutched Minx tightly. "K, Mommy. Night."
"Goodnight, Baby." Bianca kissed Gabby's cheek.
"Goodnight, Monkey." Marissa gently kissed her daughter's other cheek.
The couple made their way back to their bedroom, quickly collapsing onto their bed and crawling under the covers.
"I'm exhausted."
"Me too. How's your knee?"
"Not bad, really. Gabby had a great time."
"Yeah, she did." Bianca smiled as she kissed Marissa softly. "Goodnight, Rissa. I love you."
Marissa settled into her lover's arms. "I love you too, B. Goodnight."
/
Six days earlier
Susan had just picked up the kids to take them to school when Zach and Kendall showed up. Bianca and Marissa shared a questioning look wondering exactly why the couple was there. The two couples settled in the kitchen.
"Okay, I give. What's up?" Bianca asked.
"To be honest, I'm not really sure, Binx. Zach wanted me to come with him. He said he had something to discuss with the two of you. I kind of have this feeling I'm running a little interference for him though."
"Is Kendall right, Zach?" Bianca inquired.
Zach decided it was best to let the question slide for the time being. "I do have an update. Brennan was spotted at the homeless shelter on Court Street."
Bianca grasped Marissa's hand. "He's here? In Pine Valley?" A chill ran down her spine when she immediately realized what Zach said. "He was spotted. That means he's still out there."
"I'm afraid so. By the time we got there, he wasn't anywhere around. The police have been contacted. They asked us to help them with scouring the shelters and every other place we can think of. Jesse and I both agree that my people have a better chance of getting information at the shelters than the police because the people there don't trust them."
"How sure are you? How do you know it's him?" Bianca asked.
"The information came from a very reliable source who was positive it was Brennan at the shelter. I believe them."
Marissa had been quiet throughout the entire conversation. She squeezed Bianca's hand when the brunette reached for it and offered her a reassuring smile. Other than that, she sat, listened and studied Zach. He wasn't telling them everything. He was holding something back. She knew he had, what he thought at least, was a very good reason for it, but Bianca and Marissa needed to know all of it, no sugarcoating it or holding anything back. It was their lives after all, and they deserved to know. Marissa's eyes narrowed on Zach. "Who's the source, Zach? More importantly, how long have you known about Brennan being back in town?"
Zach's eyes met those of the redhead sitting across from him and smiled. I should've guessed Red would ask those questions. She's not going to like the answers. Neither is Bianca. They're really not going to like what else I'm going to say.
/
A/N: Damn evil side! I just couldn't control her again. I decided to fill in what happened in the days leading up to what happened in the previous chapter. Along with that, I made the decision to split the chapter up because it was getting pretty big. I've started the next chapter though and hope to have it up soon for everyone. Oh, it doesn't seem to matter whatever party or gathering I'm attending. We always manage to spend a chunk of time in the kitchen talking, so that's what happened here. See you soon!
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