A/N: As always, a big thank you to all of you for reading, following and reviewing this story! It means a lot and really makes my day when I get notices from this site about this story. We are now in part two of the Tasker-Montgomery Family Thanksgiving, and it picks up right where the last chapter left off. As I was writing it, I noticed it was getting longer and longer, and by page 15, I realized that I wasn't quite finished with it but wanted to get something up rather than make you wait and give you an epically long chapter. I then made the decision to split it up into three parts. The good news is that the last part is almost done. I'm hoping to have it up in just a couple of days after tweaking it like I usually feel compelled to do. After that, the family will be heading into Christmas. Okay, enough from me for now. I need to finish up some Christmas shopping, get my cards out and wrap presents. I hope you enjoy this update!

/

When Marissa and Zach left the room, Bianca turned to her sister. "Okay, spill it. How did Mom take it when you told her about the changes for today?"

"You mean about her having to spend Thanksgiving with Krystal?" Kendall smirked.

Bianca rolled her eyes. "Yes, that's exactly what I mean, and you know it."

"She is … okay."

"She's okay? Come on, Kendall. You know as well as I do that Mom doesn't do okay. What'd she say?"

Kendall shifted slightly. She really didn't want to relay the conversation to her sister. "You don't want to know, Binx."

"I may not want to know, but I need to know. What'd she say?"

The older brunette finally relented and glanced around to make sure no one else was listening in. "You know how Mom is, and you know how she feels about Krystal and why."

"I do. Look, I'm fully aware of the fact that they will never be friends and of the reason why. I made the decision years ago to forgive her though. I didn't do it for her. I did it for me. I had to."

"I know. I don't necessarily understand it completely though. I'm not sure I could do it, but I'm not you. Your ability to forgive is indescribable. It's what makes you, you."

"But you try with Krystal. Let's face it, if it wasn't for the two of you working together and your not too subtle shove last year, along with the assist from Greenlee, Rissa and I may never have taken that final step towards each other. We wouldn't have the happiness we have now."

"For you, I do try. I also try for Marissa. You know that I would do anything for the two of you and your kids."

"I know and so does Marissa. That's why she suggested having you and Zach as AJ's guardians. It wasn't just because you're the girls. She trusts, respects and loves you."

"Well, we both love her too. As for you not taking that final step towards each other without help, I like to think that that's not true. It's clear to me that the two of you are meant to be together. You would've found a way. It might have taken you a bit longer, but you would've gotten there, eventually."

Bianca chuckled at her sister's teasing. She quickly regained her composure. "So, tell me exactly what Mom said."

"She said, and I quote, 'There is no way on earth I will allow that woman to keep my family away from me ever again'."

Bianca winced even though she had expected something like that.

"Don't worry. I made her promise to at least try not to cause a scene. It was the best I could do. She said she would try for both you and Marissa." Kendall paused to look around again. "She doesn't consider her Krystal's or David's daughter. She considers her a Tasker. She said it was an unfortunate happenstance that Marissa shared their DNA, but it was a circumstance that she had risen above."

"Well, that's definitely something Mom would say."

"Yep, it definitely is. The good news is that she really likes Marissa."

Bianca grinned. "Yeah, she does."

"Who really likes me?" Marissa asked as she joined the sisters.

"My Mom." Bianca grinned again.

"Well, that's good to know. I like her too." Marissa saw the look on Kendall's face. "What? I do like Erica."

"That's a first. One of your partners actually likes Mom, Binx." Kendall chuckled. "It seems Mom and Red have a mutual admiration society going on, kind of like the one Mom has with Zach. She's definitely a keeper, if you didn't know that already. I have the feeling you do though."

"We're not dwelling on the issues of Bianca's former partners. There's not enough time in the day for that because we all know they had too many issues to name."

Both Kane women snorted.

"You can say that again, Red!"

"I've never had a problem with Erica. Granted, the woman may be small in stature, but she can be intimidating as hell. My Mom and Dad taught me to never back down from a fight especially if it's for someone you want, someone worth it, and quite simply, that is Bianca." Marissa smiled softly at her lover. "You are worth any fight. I'll take on any and every one. It doesn't matter who they are. Bring 'em on."

Bianca couldn't help but give her lover the goofy grin she loved. "Even my Mom?"

"Even your Mom. I don't think I'll have to fight her though because we share the common goals of making sure you are happy and know that you are cherished and loved. How can I have a problem with anyone who wants that for you? Besides, your Mom has always been great to me especially with the whole …" Marissa lowered her voice so no little ears could overhear. "Dipshit thing. She also hasn't held Krystal and David and their dubious connection to your family against me either." A cheeky grin spread on the redhead's face. "Plus, you just said that she really likes me. Again, I can find any fault with the woman's taste."

Bianca gave Marissa a quick kiss. "That she does, and who wouldn't?"

Marissa sighed happily. "Okay. How did it go when you told Erica that Krystal was stopping by later? I'm sure she wasn't thrilled."

"She handled it as only Erica Kane could." Kendall smirked.

Marissa laughed. "Enough said. I don't need to know anything else, except that we have enough wine."

It was Kendall's turn to laugh this time. "Don't tell me that you're worried about spending the holiday with them. Remember, you volunteered to have Christmas saying that you thought they could get along for a few hours."

"Yeah well, they've got time to work up to the idea of having to spend some of Christmas together. This was sprung on them at the last minute. They haven't had any warning, no time to wrap their minds it, to process it."

"It's going to be okay. I promise." Bianca wrapped her arms around Marissa's waist and gave her another quick kiss.

"Geesh again with the kissing! What is it with the two of you?" Greenlee teased.

"I should've known you'd be showing up about now, Greenlee. You know if you weren't always bursting into rooms looking to find something going on, maybe you wouldn't." Bianca smirked at her cousin.

"What can I say? I'm good. Zach let us in. Ryan's helping him with the dining room set-up, and Emma is down with the kids. Last but not least, here is my contribution for today's feast. Hah! Look at that! I rhymed! Damn, I'm good!"

The other three women groaned as Kendall took the dish from her friend.

"Before I forget, I brought this too."

Marissa raised an eyebrow. "Popcorn?"

"Yeah, popcorn is always good when watching TV, a movie or whatever may occur at a Kane family gathering." Greenlee smirked.

Bianca rolled her eyes. "So not helping, Greenlee."

"I'd apologize, but you know I don't mean it." Greenlee laughed. "Oh, I have something else for you."

The couple groaned in unison.

"Do we really want to see it?" Bianca asked warily.

"It's a housewarming present."

Marissa laughed when she opened the box. "I love it! Okay, you're forgiven for the popcorn." She handed the contents of the box to Bianca who groaned.

"Let me see what she got you, Binx."

Bianca held up a large wooden plaque and turned it so her sister could read it.

"Minx Manor! Oh my god, Greenlee! That is great! You should put it right by the front door."

Bianca sighed. She knew she was fighting a losing battle over the unofficial name of their new home. The kids had even started referring to it by that name. "Thank you, Greenlee, I guess."

Greenlee laughed at Bianca's expression. "You're welcome."

Marissa gave Bianca a quick kiss. "I'm going to see how this looks by the door and then I'm going to check on the kids."

/

Marissa set the plaque down on a table near the front door and was get ready to head downstairs to the playroom when the doorbell rang causing her to switch her course back to the door. "Happy Thanksgiving, Erica, Jack!"

"Happy Thanksgiving, Marissa, dear." Erica accepted the redhead's hug.

"Happy Thanksgiving, Marissa. It was very nice of you and Bianca to have everyone over here at the last minute." Jack hugged the younger woman as well.

"You're welcome. Bianca and I are happy to do it." Marissa took their coats and hung them up in the hall closet.

"Marissa, what exactly is that?" Erica pointed to the plaque.

"It's a housewarming present from Greenlee."

"Minx Manor?"

"It's the unofficial name she gave this place."

Jack laughed while Erica rolled her eyes. "Of course she did."

"Erica, I want to thank you for being so understanding about later today. I know this wasn't what was planned, and I know this is far from ideal or how you wanted to spend this holiday …"

Erica stopped the redhead from continuing. From their previous discussions, she knew Marissa was in an uncomfortable position in her own right, having her own very personal issues with Krystal to sort through in addition to those that involved Bianca and the wishes of Bianca to try and forgive Krystal for her own sake. "It's not necessary, dear. No one could have planned on this happening. As Jack said, it's very good of you and Bianca to rearrange your plans and have everyone over. Thank you.

Marissa smiled. "You're welcome. Your daughters are in the kitchen. Zach and Ryan are in the dining room rearranging things in there so the kids and adults can eat in the same room. Speaking of the kids, I'm going to go check on them if you'll excuse me for a few minutes."

"Of course, dear."

/

"So, when's Red getting a new car?" Kendall asked.

"We're going to check cars out this weekend. We wanted to wait until things calmed down a little before we looked."

"You should wait until Christmas." Greenlee suggested.

"Why?"

"You could buy her one for a Christmas present and put a big bow on it like they do in the commercials, and poof, perfect present!"

"That's not going to happen. I brought up the idea of maybe doing that, but Rissa said she didn't want me to. She was pretty adamant about it. She has the money the insurance company gave her when they totaled her car as well as money she had set aside for a new one."

/

Erica smiled as she stood outside the kitchen door listening to the conversation. Marissa never failed to surprise her. Bianca had generously offered to buy her a new car. It only made sense when you thought about it. Marissa needed one, and Bianca had more than enough money to buy it for her and wouldn't think anything about doing it. The redhead was having none of it though. It was just one more example of why she was perfect for her daughter and that she was in this relationship for love and for no other reason.

/

"So, do you have any idea of what to get her for Christmas then since a car's out?" Kendall asked.

"Actually, I have the perfect idea for her. It's something that I know she'll love." Bianca grinned. "It's … Marissa."

"What's this perfect gift then?" Greenlee's curiosity was killing her.

"Nope, I'm not telling."

"Oh come on, Binx. You can't say something like that and just leave us hanging."

"Sorry, Kendall, but I'm going to have to. This is something that Rissa will be the first one to know about."

"You heard Bianca. Stop pestering her about it." Erica glided the kitchen smiling brightly. As she greeted Bianca with a hug, Kendall stuck her tongue out at her little sister who merely smirked in reply. Erica caught the exchange as she went to hug her oldest daughter and rolled her eyes. "Honestly you two, I think your children are more mature than you are sometimes."

Bianca smiled at her mother. "Happy Thanksgiving, Mom."

"Happy Thanksgiving, Sweetheart."

"Hello, Erica. Happy Thanksgiving."

Erica smiled wryly at Greenlee. "Happy Thanksgiving. That was quite the unique housewarming gift you gave Bianca and Marissa. I wasn't aware that you had christened their home."

"The name just seemed to fit. Marissa and the kids like it, and I think it's growing on Bianca." Greenlee smirked.

Kendall snorted. "Yeah, I think Binx is outnumbered on that. When you think about it, it's kind of cute, just like them."

Bianca rolled her eyes. "Keep telling yourselves that. I'm going to go say 'hi' to Uncle Jack and see if Marissa needs any help with the kids."

/

Kendall waited until her sister had left the room before questioning her mother. "So, how much did you hear?"

"Enough. Marissa just keeps proving that Bianca has finally found someone worthy of her. She is most definitely an impressive young woman."

Greenlee shook her head in disbelief. "I never thought I would hear those words come out of your mouth."

"Things change, dear. I've gotten to know Marissa, and I see how she is with Bianca and the girls, everything that she's done for them, everything she's done to protect them. I have no doubt that she will keep them safe and do everything in her power to make Bianca happy."

Kendall smiled. "You're right, Mom. She will. Bianca has finally found someone who deserves her."

/

The Thanksgiving feast was enjoyed by all. Everyone pitched in with the cleanup and leftovers were divvied up amongst the three younger families. Erica didn't do leftovers, but Bianca did make sure to set aside some turkey for Jack to take home so he could have his traditional post-Thanksgiving turkey sandwich the next day. Everyone was settled in the family room happily chatting as they waited for the next round of guests to arrive for dessert.

The ringing of the doorbell announced the arrival of a set of expected visitors. Marissa went to open the door and smiled brightly as she greeted the Walkers. Bianca quickly joined her to take their jackets.

AJ, Miranda and Gabby raced forward to hug Mrs. Walker and then Sam.

"Hello, my dears, how are you?" Carol smiled as she greeted the children.

"We're good, Mrs. Walker." AJ grinned.

"Welcome to Minx Manor!" Miranda and Gabby chimed in.

The Walkers gave each other a confused look.

Marissa laughed. "It's a long story."

"It sounds like an interesting one." Gail chuckled.

"Oh, here is our contribution for today's feast." Alex handed over two pies to Bianca. "Mom made a pumpkin pie and her world famous pecan pie with Sam's assistance."

"They look delicious. We're just waiting for Krystal and Opal to get here along with Tad and the girls."

"You have a full house. I'm glad we brought these as well." Gail handed over a huge plate of assorted cookies to Marissa.

"Wow. You didn't need to go to all of this trouble. Krystal's bringing her double chocolate cake."

"We could take them back home then." Gail playfully reached for the plate.

Marissa quickly moved the plate back and laughed. "Not on your life! There is no way I'm refusing these cookies! These will be perfect for the kids and us later. Come on into the family room. You know everyone here. Bianca and I will put these in the kitchen and then will give you the grand tour of the place when we get back."

"That sounds lovely, dear." Carol smiled.

/

The couple set the pies and cookies on the kitchen counter. Bianca grinned at Marissa. "You've got it?"

"Yep! I can't wait to see Sam's expression."

"I can't either. Let's go."

/

"Before we get started on the tour, there's something Bianca and I would like to do." Marissa announced when they rejoined everyone in the family room.

Bianca cleared her throat and chose her words carefully since the kids were in the room. "As all of you know, there was some unpleasantness recently. Marissa was injured in that car crash, and we were trying to find the person responsible for it. It took some time, but thanks to a valuable tip by Sam, the police were able to find him and put him in jail. Sam, we will never be able to thank you enough for that."

Sam blushed. "I'm glad I could help. You guys have done so much for me. It was the least I could do, and all I did was tell Zach."

"You've done so much for us too. You helped Sam and us find each other." Gail smiled.

"Well, we were more than happy to help with that, but what you did, Sam, really was something."

"Marissa's right. Your tip led directly to him and his arrest. In case you weren't aware, there was a reward for information just like that. Rissa, if you would."

"It's my pleasure!" Marissa grinned as she handed an envelope to Sam.

"I don't need a reward for what I did."

"We insist."

Sam opened the envelope and took out the paper inside. The teen gaped when she read. "$25,000?"

"We set up a college fund for you as your reward." Bianca grinned.

"I can't. It's way too much. I just told Zach what I saw. I don't deserve this."

"Yes, you do, Sam. Bianca and I know you want to go to college, and this should give you a good start. The money's not just from us. Erica, Kendall and the Miranda Center chipped into the reward fund as well."

Alex managed to finally to recover from his shock. "Oh my, this is very generous of you. Are you sure about this?"

Bianca nodded. "We are. Without Sam, it's very likely that he'd still be out there. Like I said before, we insist."

"I set this up so you and Gail are in charge of the fund. Bianca's financial advisors found a very favorable interest rate for you and will help with whatever investments you may want to make with it so it grows."

Tears started to form in the teen's eyes. No one had ever done anything like this for her before, made this type of investment in her future before, and now thanks to the couple, she had a future. A few months ago, she didn't believe she had one, but now, she had a family again and was going to be able to go to college. It was overwhelming. Sam raced forward and hugged both women tightly. "Thank you! You won't regret this. I'll make you proud. I promise."

"We know." Bianca smiled.

Marissa squeezed the teen tightly again and whispered. "We already are proud."

Sam then thanked Erica and Kendall while Carol, Alex and Gail thanked the couple.

Carol smiled as she hugged Marissa. "Something told me renting to you was a wise decision. I just didn't know how right I was. Both of you are very special, and we're very lucky to have you in our lives."

"We're lucky too." Marissa grinned. "Now, how would you like a tour?"

Gail chuckled as she asked curiously. "Do you promise to tell us why this place is called Minx Manor?"

"I promise Bianca and I will reveal that great mystery along the tour." Marissa grinned as she and Bianca led the adults away.

Gabby took Sam's hand. "Come on, Sam. You gotta see our rooms."

Miranda and AJ nodded excitedly.

"Did you really help find the guy who hurt my Mom?" AJ asked.

"I guess I did a little." Sam acknowledged sheepishly.

AJ smiled. "Cool! Thank you!"

Miranda smiled broadly. "Thank you! I'm glad you helped find him. Mom was really worried about Rissa."

"You're welcome. Your moms have done a lot to help me, more than I'll ever be able to thank them for. They're really special." The kids grinned even more at the teen's sincere words. "Let's go see your rooms. I heard a little about them from your moms, and they sound really cool."

/

The doorbell announced the last set of expected guests. Erica opened the door to find Krystal on the other side.

/

A/N: Yep, I left it there! It was probably a little mean to do it, but did you really think I would put Krystal and Erica together here after I said I was adding a third part? It's that pesky evil side of me that makes me do stuff like this. I'll see what I can do about her. See you soon!