A/N: First things first, a great big thank you to all those who read, follow and review this story! I appreciate more than you know. I have to admit that I'm glad I cut the last chapter when I did because this update went a little longer than I thought it would. Here is part three of the Tasker-Montgomery family Thanksgiving. I'm glad I got it done before the world is supposed to end on Friday. If the Mayan apocalypse does not occur, as I suspect will be the case, the next updates will be focusing on Christmas. Any guesses on Bianca's gift for Marissa? Okay, enough about that for now. Hope you enjoy this update, and in case I don't update before, Merry Christmas!
/
The Tasker-Montgomery's were giving the Walkers the grand tour of their new home. While that was taking place, the last of the expected guests arrived. Erica, being the closest to the door, answered it.
"Well, Happy Thanksgiving to one and all!" Opal announced loudly as she burst into the home. She quickly hugged her favorite gal pal.
Tad followed with Jenny and Kathy with Krystal trailing behind.
Erica and Krystal warily eyed each other and merely nodded to acknowledge the other's presence. Both were doing their best to keep their word to their daughters about maintaining a peaceful holiday but the ever present tension that existed between them was felt by all those witnessing their greeting. If truth be told, they were all surprised and not just a little bit that Erica didn't accidentally let the door slip from her grasp slamming it in Krystal's face. The most likely reason that didn't happen was that Opal was the first one through.
Kendall popped up quickly and greeted Krystal. "Binx told me they had put in a request for your double chocolate cake."
Krystal chuckled. "Yes, Marissa said 'the kids' were asking for it."
Greenlee laughed as she joined the women. "Would that be the big ones or the little ones?"
"She didn't say, but I'm thinking it's probably both."
"I think you're probably right." Kendall smiled. "The moms love chocolate just as much as the kids."
"Where are they?" Krystal asked as she looked around the room.
"They are giving the Walkers a tour of the place."
"Did they give Sam the reward yet?"
"Yes, they did, and she was speechless. They wanted to wait until you got here, but they were too excited."
"We would've been here earlier, but someone wasn't quite ready yet." Krystal smirked in Opal's direction.
"Like I told Tad earlier, I'm not a natural beauty like Erica. All of this …" Opal waved her hands in front of herself. "Doesn't just happen. It takes some time and work and can't be rushed."
Several of the others choked on their drinks and struggled to collect themselves under the scrutiny of Erica's glare.
Kendall cleared her throat. "Why don't we put your cake in the kitchen and get you something to drink?"
Krystal nodded and began to follow her into the kitchen. "Do we have enough desserts?"
"Yeah, Mrs. Walker made a couple of pies and some cookies."
/
A short while later, the tour was concluded and everyone was gathered together again in the family room.
"You have a beautiful home." Gail told the couple.
"She's right. You do, and I absolutely adore the kids' rooms." Carol agreed.
"Marissa!" Jenny shouted and ran to her sister.
"Thanks." The redhead hugged her little sister. "Hey, Jenny! When did you all get here?"
"Not that long ago. Mom brought chocolate cake for you and Bianca."
The girl's statement was met with laughter from the others.
"It's not just for me and Marissa. It's for everybody." Bianca protested.
"Sure it is, Binx."
Bianca rolled her eyes at her sister and joined Marissa in greeting the rest of their latest guests.
/
After dessert, the kids wanted to feed the ducks so Marissa and Bianca took all of them on a small hike to the pond with Sam, Gail and Alex tagging along.
Krystal and Carol were in the kitchen putting away the remnants of the desserts.
"That pecan pie was absolutely delicious, Carol." Krystal found a full gravy boat on the counter that someone had forgotten to put away earlier. She picked it up to take care of it.
"You're welcome. It's an old family recipe." Carol peered through the kitchen window and watched the couple laughing as they held hands and walked with the kids towards the woods. "You must be so proud of Marissa. She's such a wonderful young woman and has done so much for my family. She and Bianca are such a lovely couple. I'm really going to miss having them as tenants. I know whoever the next ones are won't even compare to them."
"I am very proud of her."
Erica glided into the kitchen. "Carol, your pecan pie was simply divine."
"Thank you, Erica. I'm glad you liked it. I was just telling Krystal that she must be proud of Marissa just like I know you must be so proud of Bianca. They really are perfect for each other."
"I am very proud of my daughter, both of them. They've been through a great deal in their lives, particularly Bianca." Erica stared pointedly at Krystal. "I can't tell you how much it means to see them so happy in their lives. You are right about Marissa too. She is lovely. Marissa was very fortunate to have the parents she did. They did an amazing job with her. She's a very loving woman and would never do anything to hurt anyone particularly someone as special as Bianca. They compliment each other so well."
Krystal glared at Erica. "We do agree on something. Bianca is special, extremely sweet and kind. It makes one wonder where she got it."
Erica responded with a mirthless laugh. "Yes, I'm well aware of my reputation. Luckily though, I don't have to look far to determine why Bianca is like she is. I can at least say that it's genetic. She gets it from my mother. My daughter is kind to a fault. Some might say she forgives too easily, and I would be one of those people. As for Marissa, I would say she must get it from Roy and Lydia. It seems they were a very good influence on her. She was lucky to have them."
Carol Walker shifted uncomfortably between the women as they glared at each other and traded barbs. She wanted nothing more than to get out of there but escape was not a possibility given her current position. The older woman knew a little of the history between the two even though she refused to follow gossip magazines and websites. You'd have to have lived under a rock to not know what had occurred in Pine Valley years ago. To this day, it was something that she couldn't wrap her mind around, but Bianca was somehow able to forgive. If Bianca, the person wronged more than anyone else, could forgive, it wasn't her place to question it.
As for Marissa, Carol only knew that she had been adopted. Marissa had told her that much herself several months ago when they were talking one day, having a good old fashioned heart to heart. The redhead would only say that she was adopted by Roy and Lydia Tasker. She didn't know why Krystal didn't keep the young woman, but Marissa was obviously raised in a loving home and had turned into an amazing woman. She admitted that she still struggled with her relationship with her birth mother but was working on it for Bianca. If Carol knew anything about Marissa, it was that she would do absolutely anything for Bianca and vice versa. It was what made them perfect for each other.
Obviously, Erica and Krystal had a long way to go in their relationship, if you could call whatever they had that. Clearly, they loved their daughters and were happy they had found someone that made them happy and was perfect for them. It was equally clear that Erica approved of Marissa for her daughter just as Krystal approved of Bianca for her daughter. Carol could only hope that whatever ill feelings the mothers still held for each other would not affect their children and grandchildren.
"Isn't it about time for you and Jack to break up again? How many times are you going to break that man's heart?"
"Why? Are you under the misguided impression that you have any type of chance with him? Do you really think he would stoop that low? He's not going to switch to chopped liver when he's used to having caviar or move from the penthouse to the trailer park." Erica stated with a flip of her hair.
Krystal slammed down the gravy boat she had been holding.
/
A scream could be heard in the family room. Everyone in the room froze and looked at each other, not saying a word as they made a note of who was missing. Marissa, Bianca, the kids including Sam, Gail and Alex were down by the duck pond. Opal was checking out the grounds outside for landscaping ideas for Tad's home. That left Carol Walker, Erica and Krystal as the only ones who could be in the kitchen.
Kendall ran into the room having just left the bathroom. "What was that?"
"I'll give you three guesses even though you really just need one." Greenlee smirked.
Kendall groaned. "Great. I promised Bianca I would keep them in line." She started towards the kitchen before turning back to the assembled group. "Isn't anyone going to help me?"
"I'm not going in there. I value my life too much." Zach smirked.
"Me either." Ryan agreed.
"Jack? Tad?"
The men laughed.
Tad shook his head. "Not a chance in hell, Kendall. Sorry."
"I'm with Tad on this. I learned a long time ago not to get in the middle of them."
Kendall rolled her eyes. "And they say women are the weaker sex. My ass we are."
Greenlee chuckled. "Well, I'm coming. I wouldn't miss this for the world. Hey, where'd Marissa put the video camera and the popcorn?"
Kendall shook her head and headed back towards the kitchen muttering as Greenlee trailing behind her.
/
"Look at what you did! You've ruined my blouse!" Erica shrieked.
"I'm sure Krystal didn't mean it, Erica. It was an accident, wasn't it, Krystal?" Carol asked hopefully as she tried to help Erica clean up the mess now all over her. It was even in her hair a little. "I think if we get some club soda that might help."
Krystal stood there mutely. While she enjoyed seeing Erica covered in gravy, she knew this could cause problems for her daughter. She finally found her voice. "Relax, Erica. I'll buy you a new one. I didn't mean to do it. It really was an accident. I've got gravy on me too, but you don't see me losing it."
"Do you have any idea how much this cost? Oh wait, you wouldn't. You think a trip to the local strip mall is the same as a trip to finest boutiques in Paris. This was designed exclusively for me by Vera Wang. You cannot possibly replace something like this."
"What happened in here?" Kendall asked as she and Greenlee walked in to find Erica's blouse covered in gravy. Carol was trying to help clean up the mess on Erica. Krystal had some gravy on her as well and was cleaning up the mess on the counter. Did I just see some gravy dripping from Mom's hair?
Carol sighed in relief seeing Kendall. Thank god! "Krystal was holding the gravy boat when it slipped out of her hands and spilled on your mother."
Kendall could tell the woman was frazzled and smiled. "I've got it, Carol. Why don't you go in the other room and take a break?"
"Are you sure?"
"I'm sure."
The relief and gratitude were evident in the older woman's face as she made her long awaited escape.
Kendall waited until the other woman left before speaking again. "Okay, who wants to tell me what the hell happened in here?"
/
The group outside made their way back to the house. The kids raced ahead to the jungle gym.
"Well, you have a lovely home. I know you will be very happy here. Carol's really going to miss having you as tenants. She's happy for you, but the next ones have some awfully big shoes to fill." Gail smiled.
Marissa grinned. "Thank you, and you're right. We're going to very happy here."
Bianca glanced at the sliding glass door that led into the kitchen. Something happening in there caught the brunette's eye. From the looks of it, it was nothing but trouble, and Bianca discreetly excused herself to see what was going on and put a stop to it if she could.
/
Bianca stepped inside to see the women bickering loudly and having to be restrained by Kendall and Greenlee. She heard a few choice words being thrown around. She glanced outside to make sure Marissa and the kids weren't aware of whatever the hell was happening inside. Thankfully, they were otherwise engaged. Bianca turned back to the group inside. "What the hell's going on in here?"
The actions of the other four women abruptly came to a halt, and they turned to face Bianca. Erica and Krystal began talking over each other, casting blame on the other woman.
Bianca heard more than her fill from them. "That's enough!"
Krystal and Erica froze again at the hard tone in the younger woman's voice. The look on her face told them instantly that it was in their best interest not to continue their verbal assault of the other.
"You know, I changed my mind." Bianca continued coolly as she addressed both women. "I don't want to know. I don't care whose fault it is or who started it because there's really no excuse for it. You were asked one thing, try and get along with each other for just a few hours today. Marissa and I thought that just maybe you could do that for us and for your grandchildren. Obviously, we were wrong."
She held up her hand to stop the protests the older women were starting to form. "I said I didn't want to hear it. The two of you need to realize that you're going to be spending lots more holidays together, a lifetime of them whether you like it or not because Marissa and I want to spend the holidays with our families. That includes both of you. I suggest you suck it up and deal with it because if you can't then you won't be spending Christmas with us."
"What do you mean?" Krystal asked.
"Marissa wants a nice, big family Christmas. You know, the kind where there's no fighting and everyone gets along in the spirit of the holiday. I intend on making sure that happens. If you can play nice with each other, you can join us. If you can't, I don't want you there to ruin the day for Marissa and our kids. We'll celebrate without you."
"Bianca, you can't be serious." Erica uttered in disbelief.
"I am, Mom. Do I want to do that? No, I don't, but I will do it. I have to do what's best for my family. While that's you, Kendall and the girls, it's also Marissa and AJ. Whether you like it or not, Krystal is part of her family, and she should and will be included. As for you Krystal, while I want you there for AJ and Marissa, you have to know that my Mom will always be in my life. Marissa cares for her too and wants her included in our lives as well. She's done a lot for us just like you have. The two of you need to accept all of that. If you can't, as much as I hate to say it, I don't want you there to ruin the day for my family. It's time for you to start acting like adults. Do I make myself clear?"
Both women nodded numbly while Kendall and Greenlee looked on a little in awe of the younger brunette.
"Good. Kendall, would you please help Mom get cleaned up, and Greenlee, will you help Krystal?"
"No problem, Binx. We'll clean up in here after that."
"Thank you." Bianca addressed the older women again. "If you can behave yourselves, it would be nice if you would stay, but only if you behave yourselves. Oh, somebody's buying us a new gravy boat. I don't care who does it, but you're replacing the one you broke." With that, Bianca headed back outside.
It was a struggle for Kendall and Greenlee to not burst out laughing at the chastised looks on the older women's faces.
"Come on, Mom. We'll go back to master bathroom and get you cleaned up."
"We'll take the guest bathroom downstairs, Krystal."
/
Bianca stepped outside, still out of sight of the others, and took a deep breath. When she opened her eyes, her gaze immediately fell on sparkling hazel eyes.
"Hey."
"Hey yourself." Marissa grinned
"What?" Bianca couldn't hide the confused look on her face as she wondered what caused Marissa to be so amused.
"I have such a badass for a partner, and the Kane death glare is hot as hell." Marissa pulled Bianca to her for a heated kiss.
When they separated, a goofy grin spread across Bianca's face. "You … you heard that?"
Marissa laughed. "I did."
"How? I … I … I didn't want you to hear any of that."
"I figured as much. I could tell something was up by the way you hurried inside. I followed you to see what was going on. I didn't catch all of it, but I caught most. Thank you."
"You're … you're not mad at me?"
"Why on earth would I be mad at you? They're acting worse than the kids and needed to be set straight, which is exactly what you did. You're just looking out for me and the kids and trying to give us the best possible holiday. Like I said, badass and hot as hell."
Bianca laughed and captured Marissa's lips again. "You really are messed up. I keep telling you that look is supposed to instill fear in others and have them quaking in their shoes."
Marissa shrugged. "What can I say? I pretty much find everything you do and everything about you hot as hell. When you get all protective of me? I find you utterly irresistible." The redhead pulled Bianca closer for yet another kiss that left her lover breathless.
Bianca sighed happily and gazed into Marissa's eyes, losing herself in them. "I love you."
"I know. I love you too."
The couple reluctantly separated when they heard Gabby shouting excitedly. "I found them!"
They looked down at their youngest, her face shiny and expectant.
"Hi, Mommies!" Gabby giggled.
"Hi, Monkey. Were you looking for us?"
"Uh huh! We were wondering if we could some cookies." Gabby paused for a beat before remembering the magic word. "Please!"
Bianca grinned. She knew the others had put Gabby up to asking. "I suppose that would be alright since you asked so nicely. Go tell the others it's okay, and we'll head inside."
Gabby skipped off squealing happily. "Mommy said we can have cookies!"
The brunette smiled as she watched Gabby spread the good news. She heard Marissa chuckling at their daughter's excitement and turned to her. "Do you think the coast is clear inside?"
"If our mothers know what's good for them, it will be. Otherwise, they'll have to deal with 'Bianca the Badass'." Marissa responded with a cheeky grin.
Bianca snorted. "You are impossible sometimes."
"Yeah, I know. It's just one of the many reasons why you love me." Marissa gave her a dazzling smile.
Bianca sighed happily and gave her favorite redhead a quick kiss. "Yes, it is. And?"
Marissa grinned wickedly as she tugged Bianca away from the side of the house. She knew the question without the brunette needing to ask it just by seeing the glint in her lover's warm chocolate eyes. "Yes, we will definitely be finishing this later tonight."
/
The couple trailed the others inside. While the Walkers and the kids headed into the family room to join the other guests, Marissa and Bianca checked out the condition of the kitchen. It was spotless, not even a speck of gravy remained.
"Mom and Krystal cleaned it up with Opal's help before taking care of themselves." Kendall informed the couple as she joined them in the kitchen.
"They apologized to me as well." Mrs. Walker added.
"You? Why would they need to apologize to you, Carol? What did they do?" Marissa asked warily.
"I guess you could say I happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time."
Bianca groaned, completely mortified. "I am so sorry for that you had to witness them at their worst and get caught in the middle of it, Carol."
Carol smiled. She saw the remorse in the couple's eyes. "There's no need for you to apologize for something that they did. You're not responsible for them. Besides, like I said, they apologized. You have nothing to worry about. I can even laugh about it a little now that I'm not right in the middle of it anymore."
"You're being way too nice about this. I'm amazed you can laugh about it." Marissa replied.
"All families have their quirks." Carol could tell by the expressions of the women's faces they really weren't buying her description.
Kendall chuckled. "I've never heard it described quite that way before."
"What I'm trying to say is that your families are unique, colorful. They hold some very strong opinions, and the holidays can bring those out more. That's normal."
"If normal means it's literally a struggle for them not to come to blows and send someone to the hospital or have the police haul any of them away, then I guess you can say they're normal." Bianca smirked.
Marissa laughed. "Kendall and Greenlee have said the family would keep me busy on the legal front."
"That they will, Red, that they will."
Greenlee entered the room. "There you guys are. Your mothers are all cleaned up and have rejoined everyone else in the family room. Before you ask, they're being good. They're not talking, but they're not going after each other either."
"I guess we can consider that progress, B." Marissa said hopefully to Bianca.
"Yeah, I guess you're right. We'll have to take what we can get." The younger brunette agreed.
"Hey, Marissa, you should've seen Bianca in action. It was pretty impressive the way she handled Erica and Krystal." Greenlee added with a chuckle.
Marissa grinned proudly. "I know. I caught a little of it. She's a badass."
Kendall couldn't help but laugh at the expression of pride on Marissa's face and the blush on her sister's. "We should probably get in there. The guys were absolutely no help when things started happening in here."
"Are you really surprised?" Greenlee asked.
"Not really."
Bianca sighed. "Okay, let's go keep an eye on them. They should be able to control themselves around the kids, but I …"
"Will feel better making sure." Marissa finished her partner's thought as they headed to the family room.
/
Erica and Krystal were on either side of the room. Their eyes met by accident, and the heat from the glare they shot each other would have disintegrated anyone caught in the middle. They quickly broke eye contact and thought no one else had caught the exchange, but Marissa and Bianca saw it. When the older women realized they had been caught by their daughters, they had the common sense to look contrite.
Gabby walked over to Erica and tugged on her shirt sleeve. Kendall had found something of Marissa's for her to wear. It was a little big on her, but it suited her purposes for the time being. In Erica's mind, there was no way in hell she would give Krystal the satisfaction of leaving early.
"Yes, Sweetheart?"
"Why are you wearing Mommy's shirt?"
Marissa and Bianca held their breath.
Erica smiled at her granddaughter and her innocent question. "I got something on my blouse and needed to change. Your Mommy was nice enough to lend me something to wear."
The couple released their breath in unison and relaxed. While they were a little apprehensive, they knew they really didn't need to worry about her. Erica wouldn't do anything that would purposefully hurt her grandchildren.
"Don't feel bad. It's okay. I get stuff on me sometimes too." The little girl said as she patted her grandmother's arm.
She is just like her mother, so thoughtful and sweet. Erica chuckled and scooped Gabby up. The little girl giggled as Erica tickled her. "Thank you, Gabby. I feel much better."
Gabby smiled happily at her accomplishment while her mothers beamed. The tension that had existed lessened considerably after that. It also helped that Gabby and Ian started entertaining everyone by telling them of their visit to the pond and hardly letting anyone else get a word in edgewise. It wasn't like anyone wanted to interrupt them though. The children had everyone laughing as they talked a mile a minute about their adventure and informing the others of the names they had given each of the ducks.
/
The youngest started winding down some time later, and Ian started yawning. Shortly after that, his head started to droop against Zach's chest.
Kendall whispered. "We should probably go and get this one in bed. It's kind of been a big day for him."
Tad saw his daughters had started to yawn. "We should probably get going too."
Krystal nodded in agreement. "You're right. These two look like they're about to drop."
The guests started to make their way to the closet to gather their coats.
Sam and the Walkers left first, and thanked the couple yet again for the reward. Marissa and Bianca assured them that it was well deserved.
They were followed by Krystal, Tad and the rest of their contingent. As Krystal hugged the couple, she spoke to them softly. "I really am sorry about earlier. I hope you'll be able to forgive me, and I promise I'll try harder." That woman knows how to push my buttons, and I swear one of these days …
Bianca and Marissa shared a look between them before the redhead spoke. "Thank you. That's all we ask."
"Are you sure you don't want to take any cake home?" Bianca asked.
"I'm sure. The kids can enjoy it later." Krystal smiled.
Marissa chuckled at the inference. "I'm sure they will. Thanks for changing plans and coming over here."
"It's no problem at all. I wouldn't miss the chance to spend the holiday with all of you for anything so thank you for including us."
/
The Lavery's followed next. As Ryan loaded Emma into the car, Greenlee paused to say goodbye to the couple.
As Bianca hugged Greenlee again, she noted the gleam in her cousin's eyes. "Thank you for all of your help earlier."
"You're welcome. I'm glad I could help. I had a good time. Say what you will, but this family is never dull and never boring." Greenlee smirked. "Marissa seems more than up to the challenge of handling us."
Marissa grinned. "Coming from you, I consider that a great compliment. Oh, thanks for the housewarming gift. I don't care what she says. Bianca likes it too."
Bianca rolled her eyes. "I'm just accepting the fact that I'm out-numbered on this."
Marissa snorted, not believing her lover's protest at all.
Greenlee laughed at the couple. They really were perfect for each other. "I'll see you next week."
/
Jack gave the couple a warm hug and glanced over at Erica who was saying goodbye to AJ, Miranda and Gabby. "I'm not sure what you said to your mother and Krystal earlier, but it seemed to do the trick with the two of them."
"Bianca just laid down the law for them. Basically, she told them to shape up or ship out." Marissa stated proudly.
"Is that right? Well, good job. It sounded like it was something they both needed to hear." Jack shifted gears as Erica made her way over to the door after saying goodbye to Kendall, Zach and their boys. "Thank you for having us."
"Yes, thank you. It was very generous of both of you to have everyone over at the last minute. Thank you, Marissa for the use of your blouse. I'll have it back to you as soon as I can."
"Take your time, Erica. I'm just sorry you needed to borrow something."
"Don't think about it, dear. You had nothing at all to do with it. I apologize for any problems resulting from the incident earlier. It wasn't something that was planned. I promise that I will do what I can to make sure something like that doesn't occur again." At least, I'll make sure it doesn't occur again in your home and that neither of you are around. I can't promise anything more than that no matter how I feel about the two of you and the children. That woman is insufferable and she is not keeping me away from my family again …
"Thank you, Mom. That means so much to me, so much to both of us." Bianca smiled at her mother.
"Thank you for trying. I know it's an understatement to say that it's hard for you." Marissa added thoughtfully.
Erica nodded slightly at the couple. "Well, I will do anything for family. Thank you again for having us. Let's have lunch next week."
"That sounds great, Mom. We can discuss Christmas."
Erica smiled. "I'd like that very much." She hugged both women and headed out.
"Nicely done." Jack winked at the couple and followed Erica.
/
"I better get these guys in the car. I'll stop by tomorrow and pick up the table. Thanks again. It was interesting. Fun but interesting." Zach smirked. He was carrying a sound asleep Ian. A sleepy Spike stood next to him.
Bianca and Marissa kissed their nephews and gave Zach a light hug so not to disturb Ian before he walked to the car.
"Well, thank you both for bailing us out today. All things considered, it actually went better than I thought it would." Kendall grinned when she saw the looks on the other two women's faces. "There was no bloodshed, no runs to the emergency room and the police weren't called. I'd call that a successful holiday."
"As Kane family gatherings go, I guess you're right. It was fairly mild." Bianca laughed.
Marissa joined Bianca in laughing. "It was pretty tame by Chandler standards too."
"That's the spirit, Red!" Kendall joked as she hugged Marissa.
"Kendall, if the smell's too bad at home, we meant what we said earlier. We want you to all come back here. We have plenty of room for you here. Promise me you'll do it." Bianca said as she hugged her sister tightly.
"I promise. Thank you again for everything. If I don't see you later tonight, I'll talk to you tomorrow. Oh, do you need me to watch the kids while you go car shopping?"
"No, they want to go with us."
Marissa grinned. "AJ's been doing some research for us so we promised to take them all with us. He wants me to get something cool like in the movie 'Cars'. Miranda has been explaining to him that something like that really wouldn't work for us."
"Yeah, there's really nothing in there for a family of five or maybe more." Kendall gave a knowing smile. "Don't worry. I haven't told anyone, not even Zach, about your plans. I have to tell you though that I can't wait for a mini Red running around here. I bet you were something else when you were little." Kendall loved the look she saw in the couple's eyes as they thought of the prospect of a baby.
Marissa shrugged. "I had my moments. My Dad would've told you I was perfect. My Mom would've given you a different answer depending on what day it was."
"Sounds about par for the course."
Bianca just grinned. The thought of adding to their family, of having a baby with Marissa, made her happier than she ever thought was possible. "Thanks for not telling anyone. We want to keep it to ourselves for now."
"Well, I'm here for whatever help you may need. Are you looking at the clinic here?"
Marissa shook her head. "We haven't done a lot of research yet, but we have decided that we're going to use a clinic in New York. We thought it might be a good idea to expand the pool."
Kendall laughed. "I think that's a very wise decision." She turned when she heard Zach calling her. "Okay, I gotta go. If you change your mind about tomorrow, the offer still stands. I'll talk to you tomorrow if not before." She exchanged quick hugs with the couple again before joining her boys.
/
Bianca closed the door behind her sister and turned to eye the kids. She had caught Gabby nodding off and AJ and Miranda yawning. "Okay, time for bed."
There were grumbles of protest from the three, but Marissa was there to back her up. "Bianca's right. It's time for you guys to go to bed. We have a big day of shopping ahead of us tomorrow so you need to get a good night's sleep. I'm counting on you to help me pick out a new car tomorrow."
"I'm thinking they can start on their letters to Santa as well." Three young heads snapped to attention. Bianca smiled knowing the guy in the red suit up at the North Pole was an excellent motivational tool particularly this time of year. "You can get your baths tomorrow."
The kids headed for the stairs.
"Whose turn is it to pick out tonight's story?" Marissa asked even though she already knew the answer.
AJ grinned. "It's mine! Could you read us 'Cars', Mom?"
"Ah, I see you're getting ready for tomorrow." Marissa's grin matched her son's. "I think that is an excellent choice."
Bianca nodded. "I agree, Buddy. Everyone change into their pajamas and meet in Lightning McQueen's, I mean AJ's room."
The kids giggled as a second wind hit them and they raced up the stairs.
Marissa slid an arm around Bianca's waist. "After story time, we're meeting right back here with some wine and a fire."
Bianca sighed contently. "That sounds perfect."