A/N: Well, it looks like the Mayan Apocalypse didn't happen after all and the world didn't end! Go figure. With that being said, let me start by thanking all of you again for your continued support of this story! I've said it before, and I'll say it again. I really appreciate it! Keep those reviews coming, and I'll keep writing! We're definitely in a fluffy period in this continuing saga. I think it's due in large part to the season. The tree is decorated, presents wrapped and I'm enjoying some time off of work!
As I was writing this chapter, I started down one path but then changed course when I struck by what I thought was a fun idea for it. I hope you like what I came up with. I'll continue this Christmas thread for another chapter or two since I have a few ideas that I didn't get to here because of my slight detour. I have to tell you that I got on a bit of a roll with this update and had a lot of fun writing it. I was also inspired to try and get a new chapter up for all of you before Christmas. I hope you enjoy this update! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
/
Now that Thanksgiving was over, the residents of Pine Valley could turn their full attention to Christmas. The Tasker-Montgomery family was no exception. The day after Thanksgiving, the family headed out to several car dealerships in order for Marissa to purchase a much needed new car. As part of her preparation for this purchase, Marissa had been pre-approved for a loan prior to shopping so the financing part was already taken care of. The kids offered their opinions on what she should get. They had seen a tricked out minivan that one of their friend's parents had that they thought was cool and were pushing for one just like it. Marissa, however, steadfastly refused to even consider that as an option. While in college, she had endured a road trip from hell one spring break in one. The redhead claimed that she still suffered from flashbacks from it from time to time. She had Bianca in tears as she related the story. After that trip, she made herself a promise to never own one. It was a promise she had kept so far and one that she had every intention of keeping going forward.
The couple had a pretty good idea of what they were looking for having done research of their own online before going shopping. What they needed to do now was actually see the cars in person and take them for a test drive. Several test drives later, they decided on a nice sized SUV that would accommodate the five current members of their family plus a hoped for sixth addition in the near future. The kids had given it their enthusiastic approval. After some savvy negotiation, a deal was struck.
While Marissa was handling the paperwork with the car salesman, Bianca kept the kids occupied with starting on their Christmas lists. AJ and Miranda were working on theirs while Bianca helped Gabby.
When Marissa exited the salesman's office, she stopped and simply smiled as she watched her family. The kids' faces would scrunch up as they thought. AJ and Miranda would quickly write something down as an idea came to them. Gabby would think of something and tell Bianca who would dutifully write it down for her.
Bianca glanced up and saw Marissa watching them. "All done?"
Marissa nodded. "All done. We can go now."
AJ looked around confused. "Where's your new car, Mom?"
"It's not ready yet, Buddy."
"What about the one you drove earlier?" Miranda asked.
"That was just a floor model and it wasn't the color we wanted. Ours will be delivered next week."
Bianca saw the kids were a little disappointed but taking it in stride. "Why don't we go to Krystal's for lunch? We can do a little shopping after we've had something to eat."
"I think that's a good idea. I'll need to get a new booster seat for the Monkey here." Marissa said as she helped Gabby with her jacket.
"I'm a big girl, Mommy. I don't need a booster seat." Gabby pouted.
"I know you're a big girl, but we have to get you one. The law says we have to and we could get in trouble if we don't. You wouldn't want that, would you?"
The little girl shook her head. "No, I don't. Okay, I'll use it."
Marissa kissed Gabby's cheek. "Thank you, Monkey. Don't worry. I promise that we'll look for some fun stuff too."
Bianca chuckled as the kids scrambled to gather their things hearing Marissa's promise. "Come on. Let's go."
/
After lunch, the family headed out for a little shopping. They purchased a booster seat for Gabby that would go in Marissa's new car. The kids got some more ideas for their Christmas lists and jotted them down. They left the toy store behind and headed to some of the smaller shops for Christmas decorations. While they were packing for the move, the couple evaluated their combined existing decorations. As a result, they came to a conclusion. They would definitely need more for their new home. Marissa had a few from her life before Pine Valley. She had left most of the ones that had been purchased and accumulated during her marriage to JR at the Chandler mansion. The redhead had only taken those that were special to her and AJ which included the ones he had made for her in school. Bianca had left the majority of hers at Wildwind. Like Marissa, she had kept the ones that were special to both her and the girls and the ones the girls had made her along with a few special ones from her parents and her Grandmother Mona.
They also decided it was the perfect time to get a few items they could use for starting their own new traditions. Bianca found Christmas stockings that would be perfect for them and look great being hung by the fireplace. Marissa found several ornaments the family agreed they all loved. They discussed the merits of a real tree versus an artificial one. The five of them opted for a real Christmas tree with the verdict being unanimous. They didn't want to get the tree too early though because otherwise it wouldn't last until Christmas. The tree would be bought in two weeks which would give them plenty of time to decorate it and enjoy it before the big day arrived. The next decision was what to put on top of it when they actually brought the tree home. Should they get an angel or a star? Miranda found a star made of wire that had been coated in glitter and shimmered whenever even the smallest ray of light hit it. It wasn't fancy by any definition, but there was something about it that made them all feel like it was perfect for them.
With their purchases for the day made, the family headed home. Shortly after arriving home, Bianca snuck downstairs to the basement to retrieve the box she had marked during the move that contained the items she would need for Marissa's gift and quickly placed it in the trunk of her car. She would start work on it the following week. It was important that Bianca got it out of the house undetected so the surprise wouldn't be ruined. She would also have to work on it at her office. As for Marissa, she figured out what to get Bianca while they were out shopping that day. Her partner gave her the idea when they were in a store looking around. Marissa had to do some work on it as well, but she knew that Bianca was more than worth any effort that was needed.
Marissa was in the kitchen when Bianca came back in from the garage. The redhead noted the expression on her partner's face. She looked just like one of the kids did when they got caught trying to sneak a cookie from the cookie jar. Bianca was definitely up to something.
"Hey, what were you doing in the garage?"
Bianca quickly scrambled for an explanation. "Oh, I couldn't find a bag. I thought that maybe we left it in the car, but it wasn't there."
"Which bag?"
"The one with the star." It was lame, but it was the only thing Bianca could come up with at the moment.
Marissa smiled to herself. Yep, she's definitely up to something. As much as I want to look or press her on it, I won't. "I brought it in and set it on the mantel. I thought that was the best place for it for now."
"Oh, okay. Good. The kids would be disappointed if we lost it."
The redhead simply nodded in agreement and gave Bianca a quick kiss as she headed towards the family room. "Yes, they would. Come on. Let's get the rest of the decorations out."
/
One week later.
It was time for Marissa to pick up her new car. They decided to plan a small surprise for the kids so they asked Susan to drop the kids off at school. Bianca had a meeting with her sister at Fusion that morning so Kendall swung by on her way into the office to pick up both her little sister and Marissa. She dropped the redhead off at her office while the sisters continued on to Fusion. Brian volunteered to drop Marissa off at the dealership when her car was ready while Kendall would drop off Bianca. The couple decided to take a half day off work since both had put in some extra hours at the office a few days that week, and by having the others drop them off, they wouldn't have to deal with an extra car and could get on with enjoying their afternoon off.
Marissa's car was ready at lunch so Brian decided to surprise Stef with a longer lunch after he dropped off Marissa. The friends chatted on the way to the dealership.
"I need to step up my game since Stef found out about the whole rose thing between you and Bianca and the fact that it's still going on. You're making me look bad, Marissa." Brian joked.
The redhead laughed at her friend. "Sorry, Brian, but I just can't help myself when it comes to Bianca. She brings out the romantic in me. Besides, Stef is the mother of your son and my godson so she deserves a reminder of how crazy you are about her."
"I can't argue with that. She does. I can't tell you how excited we are about your godson's first Christmas. It's not like Jamie's really going to be into anything that we get him this year other than the paper and the boxes."
"That'll change soon enough. The kids are already bouncing off the walls and have gone through several rewrites of their Christmas lists."
"I can't wait for that." Brian smiled as his car came to a stop.
"Yeah, they are being particularly adorable right now. Thanks for the ride and tell Stef and my godson I said 'hi'."
"I will. I'll see you on Monday."
/
As Brian pulled away, Kendall and Bianca pulled up.
"Hey, Red. I have delivered my sister as promised." Kendall smirked.
Marissa opened the car door for Bianca and greeted her with a quick kiss. "Thanks, Curly."
"Thanks, Kendall. I appreciate the ride."
"No problem. Good luck with the shopping." Kendall waved as she drove off.
The couple walked to the receptionist's desk to locate the salesman to let him know that Marissa was there. While they waited for the receptionist to finish a call, the couple discussed their plans for their afternoon together and evening with the kids.
"I was thinking we could grab lunch at home and change before heading out to do a little shopping without the kids around. We'll never be able to get them anything with them around. We'll pick them up at school to surprise them with the plans for tonight." Bianca suggested.
"That sounds good to me. You're right. We need a couple of hours without them helping us. What do you think about the gift they each have on their lists? Should we do it?" Marissa asked.
"I'm torn but leaning towards it. What do you think?"
Marissa smiled. "I'm thinking the same as you which sounds like we're going to get it."
Bianca chuckled. "Yeah, it does. I know someone who can probably help us out with it so I can check it out."
"That sounds like a plan."
"I'll go call them now and get started on it." Bianca stepped away and took a seat in the waiting area while Marissa continued to wait for the receptionist to finish up her call. From her seat in the waiting area, Bianca watched as Marissa fidgeted a little. She could tell the redhead was excited about the new car, almost as excited as the kids. It was her first new car. Okay, it was but it wasn't. The car she had been driving prior to the crash had been purchased for her by JR in much happier times, and she had kept it as part of the divorce settlement because she needed something to drive. The car wasn't exactly what she had wanted though since it had been picked out for her without any consultation as to what she might like. Marissa had wanted to get something new after the divorce but had just gotten too busy with life in general to take the time to look. This time around though, she was the one who picked it out, getting all of the features she wanted. When Bianca offered to buy her a new car for Christmas, the brunette asked what she wanted, down to the color of the floor mats. While Marissa truly appreciated the generous offer, it was important for her to be the one to make this purchase. Bianca understood, and it was that understanding that made Marissa love Bianca even more, if that was even possible.
As she watched her partner, she noted that someone else was watching her too. While Marissa occupied herself browsing some of the promotional materials for other cars, Bianca noted that the receptionist was eyeing the redhead. Her eyes were grazing up and down Marissa's body. The other woman's thoughts were evident in her eyes, and a wave of possessiveness surged through Bianca. She wanted to pluck the other woman's eyes from her head. Her thoughts were interrupted when she was taken off hold and her call was put through to her friend.
"Bianca! It's been a while. How have you been? How are Marissa and the kids?"
"Hi, Simon. It has been a while. I'm doing great and so are Marissa and the kids. How are you and your family?"
"We're all doing good and gearing up for Christmas. It's a busy time for us."
"I'm sure it is, and that's partially why I'm calling. Marissa and I are thinking of a present for the kids that is right up your alley."
"Really? That's fantastic. Tell me what you're thinking of."
/
The blonde receptionist quickly averted her eyes when Marissa glanced back in her direction when she heard the woman finally end her call. "Good afternoon and welcome to Pine Valley Motors. I'm sorry to keep you waiting. My name is Shelly. How can I help you, Ms.?"
"Tasker, Marissa Tasker. I'm here to meet John and pick up my new car."
"Let me page him for you." The receptionist made the announcement for the salesman while Marissa turned her attention back to Bianca curious how her call was going.
The receptionist followed the redhead's gaze. She huffed slightly, not used to not being the focus of a customer's attention. Some would say she gained some sort of perverse pleasure in causing problems for the couple's that came in by turning one of the heads of one of the partners. Maybe that was partially true, but she also really liked the attention. The redhead, however, was not cooperating. It was time to turn up the heat. She adjusted herself to more prominently display her cleavage and ample breasts, a tactic that never failed in the past to garner the desired attention, and cleared her throat. "John will be right with you. Could I get you something to drink while you wait?"
"No thank you. I'm fine. I'll just wait for him over there." Marissa smiled and pointed to the waiting area before starting to walk away.
Shelly grabbed Marissa's arm and leaned forward. "So, what kind of car did you get?"
/
Bianca saw everything the receptionist was doing. She was practically shoving her breasts in Marissa's face. The brunette tightly gripped her cellphone as she tried to listen to her friend on the other end of the call and control her temper. The actions of the receptionist were over the top, and it was plain as day to Bianca that the woman was clearly interested in Marissa. For her part, Marissa appeared oblivious to the flirting and fawning of the other woman.
Marissa was a smart woman and usually on top of things, but when it came to recognizing when someone was flirting with her, she rarely, if ever, saw it. This was something that never failed to surprise Bianca. She didn't see how her partner could be so dense about this aspect of her life. When questioned about it, Marissa would simply respond that it didn't matter what the other person thought because she wasn't now nor would she ever be interested in anyone else. Why would she be when she had Bianca?
/
"Oh, I'm getting the SUV. I'm not really a minivan type. The kids wanted one, but it's not happening."
"Why is that?"
"I took a bad road trip in one once. It's a long, boring story."
The receptionist gave her a wide-eyed look as if she was fascinated to hear the story. "I'd love to hear it. I'm sure it's not boring at all."
Marissa was beginning to get uncomfortable by the woman's attention. Where in the hell is John? "No, it really is, trust me. I'll just say that it soured me on them for good."
The receptionist laughed loudly and playfully slapped Marissa's arm. She leaned in even more. "Now, you have to tell me. You can't just leave a girl hanging like that."
/
Seeing the receptionist playfully slap Marissa's arm and lean in even more to speak to her as if conspiring with her had Bianca seeing red. That the receptionist had the gall to so blatantly hit on Marissa while Bianca was just a few feet away was the final straw for her. "Simon, I have to go."
"No problem. I'll do some checking, but I think I have exactly what you're looking for. I'll call you back later."
"Thanks." Bianca disconnected the call and began to walk back to the desk.
/
"Could you page John again for me? I really want to get going. We have plans." Marissa asked as she removed her arm from the blonde's grasp.
The blonde flashed her best come-hither smile. "You seem nervous. Don't you want to be alone with me?"
Marissa sighed. She had been trying to be nice, but enough was enough. "I'm not nervous. I'm just not interested. I'm taken by that stunning woman over there, and you know that."
The receptionist huffed, clearly not happy by the response and the fact that she'd been caught. "What does she have that I don't?"
Marissa smiled. "The kindest, gentlest and most loving heart and soul there's ever been. She also has me. Now, would you please page John again?"
"I'll be …" The receptionist's voice faltered and a look of what Marissa could only describe as fear crossed her face.
Marissa turned in the direction that the receptionist was looking. It took everything she had to stop a smirk from spreading across her face as she saw Bianca walking towards the desk with the Kane death glare turned on high and focused fully on the blonde behind the desk. Damn! The redhead threw a quick glance back at the receptionist and saw that all color had drained from the woman's face and that she was struggling to even swallow.
"Marissa, I'm sorry to keep you waiting."
"I was starting to think you forgot about us, John." Marissa smirked.
"Not possible. Hi, Bianca. It's good to see you again."
Bianca smiled and shook the man's hand. "It's good to see you again too, John."
The salesman glanced at the receptionist. "Are you okay, Shelly? You look a little pale."
"I … I … I'm f… fine." The blonde managed to stammer in reply.
"Okay." John shrugged. "Marissa, you want to come with me, and we'll get the keys?"
Marissa nodded and gave Bianca a quick kiss before whispering to her. "I'll be right back."
Bianca nodded and watched Marissa and the salesman walk away before turning her attention back to the receptionist. The blonde looked like a deer caught in the headlights and fumbled for the phone when it started ringing. The brunette kept her steely gaze focused on the receptionist as she stammered and stuttered her way through the call. The receptionist could feel herself beginning to sweat under the intense glare of the brunette.
A warm hand on the small of her back caused Bianca to break the one-sided staring contest.
Marissa smiled and held up the car keys. She handed a set to Bianca. "We're all set! Let's go home."
Bianca returned the smile. "I'll be right behind you. I left something in the waiting area."
Marissa nodded and headed towards the door.
Bianca hadn't left anything behind. She just wanted a second longer to make the blonde sweat some more. Bianca waited a beat before following her lover. While she wanted to slap the shit out of the woman, Bianca thought better of it. As she walked by the desk, she carefully reached over it and tipped the woman's coffee cup spilling its contents down the front of the blonde. The receptionist made no move to respond to the brunette's action. She had the distinct impression that it was in her best interest not to do so.
/
The ride from the dealership to their home was relatively quiet. Bianca was still fuming about the receptionist's actions as well as her own actions for losing her temper to a small degree. Truth be told, she was a little embarrassed that she knocked the woman's drink over on her. In her mind, it was a little immature, but the woman really pissed her off.
For her part, Marissa wore an amused look on her face. She had seen what Bianca did, and she had to admit that she liked it. She enjoyed witnessing that flash of jealousy from her lover.
As they turned down the driveway to their home, Bianca glanced over at Marissa and saw the amused expression on her face. "What's so funny?"
"Honest?"
"Yes." Bianca nodded.
"You back there at the dealership. I can't say that I feel sorry for the receptionist though. If you ask me, she deserved it and even more."
As the garage door shut behind them, Bianca blushed. "You … You … You saw that?"
Marissa got out of the car and walked to door that led into the house from inside the garage. She grinned as Bianca followed her. "Uh huh, I most certainly did."
"And you're okay with that?"
"Yep. Like I said, she deserved it. She was out of line. She knew that we were together, but she kept hitting on me. It was making me really uncomfortable."
Bianca gave her an incredulous look. "Wait a minute. You knew what she was doing?"
Marissa scowled seeing her lover's look of disbelief. She had teased the redhead before about her gaydar or lack thereof. "Yes, I knew what she was doing, and yes, it took me a while but I finally figured it out."
It was Bianca's turn to be amused. "You did, huh? What clued you in?"
"It was when she started laughing at what I was saying. I know I'm pretty darn funny and can tell a story with the best of them, but her reaction was kind of over the top. Then, she kept touching my arm and not letting go." Marissa cringed.
"Hmmm, if I had known about the not letting go part, I would've slapped the hell out of her."
"I think I would've liked to have seen that. You know that you don't have anything to worry about."
Bianca smiled softly. "I know, and I trust you. I just didn't like her groping you."
"It wasn't exactly groping, but yeah, it really wasn't a highlight for me either. I finally had enough being polite to her, and right before you walked up, I basically told her to back off."
"You did, huh?" Bianca grinned.
"Yes, I did."
"And what did she say?"
"She wanted to know what you had that she didn't. I told her that you had the most loving heart of anyone that I've ever known and that you had me and always would. In case you need to be reminded, you're the only one that I see, the only one that I ever will. You're the only one that has my heart, and the only one that ever will have it." The truth behind those words shone through those hazel eyes she loved so much.
Bianca's breath hitched. Marissa could always take her breath away. "You're the only one that has my heart too. The only one I ever want to have it."
Marissa flashed her a brilliant smile. "I finally get it by the way."
"Get what?"
"The Kane death glare and its full effects on others. I thought she was going to lose it right there. I could see her shaking and starting to break out in a cold sweat."
Bianca grinned. "See, I told you that's the reaction people are supposed to have to it."
"That you did." Marissa grinned wickedly as she slowly advanced on her lover. She gently pushed her onto the bed. "And I told you that I find it hot as hell. Today, it was off the chart."
Bianca laughed as she looked up at her lover. "What am I going to do with you?"
"Oh, I have lots of ideas of what you can do with me, and we've got plenty of time to go over a few of them." Marissa waggled her eyebrows.
/
Gabby was settled happily in her booster seat in the back of Marissa's new SUV as she waited with her moms for her brother and sister outside of their school. Big smiles crossed AJ's and Miranda's faces when they saw them waiting. The older kids raced to the car and handed their backpacks to Bianca who stored them in the back of the vehicle. The kids then climbed into the car.
"You picked it up today!" AJ was finding it hard to maintain his excitement.
"Yep, Bianca and I picked it up earlier and thought we'd surprise you."
Bianca fastened her seatbelt. "We also have a little adventure planned for today if you're up for it."
Miranda grinned. The couple always planned the best adventures. "We're up for it. Where are we going?"
"You'll find out soon enough. Put your seatbelts on and we'll get going." Marissa smiled.
/
"We're going to the Zoo!" Gabby exclaimed and clapped her hands as they pulled into the parking lot.
"We sure are, Monkey."
Bianca chuckled seeing the excitement play across the faces of all three children. "We thought it might be fun to see all the lights they put up for Christmas. They also have the train open, and we can see Santa."
"We can tell him what we want for Christmas!" Miranda grinned.
"Yes! I know exactly what I'm going to tell him I want!" AJ was practically bouncing up and down.
The family was greeted by a 35 foot tall Christmas tree adorned with thousands of lights, and Marissa snapped a picture of the kids in front of it with Bianca who then traded places with the redhead to take her picture with them. A passerby offered to take a picture of all of them together which they happily thanked them for and returned the favor for them.
Thousands upon thousands of lights blanketed the zoo and its various exhibits. They stopped to see the colder climate animals that were enjoying themselves since they were more in their natural element with the colder weather. The polar bears in particular were having a good time. A special trip was also made to see the reindeer.
Gabby tugged on Marissa's hand. "Why are the reindeer here, Mommy? They should be at the North Pole."
"Santa brought them with him while he visits here so they're on loan for a little bit. The Zoo will help make sure they're back at the North Pole in plenty of time for Santa on Christmas Eve."
That answer made perfect sense to Gabby so she nodded and skipped closer to the exhibit joining AJ and Miranda. The family took a small break to grab a light snack deciding they would stop for pizza later. After their break, they started off again to catch a light show. No trip would be complete without paying a visit to the monkeys. Gabby beamed and raced to their exhibit. She had been worried that she might not get to see them, but Bianca assured her that they were in a heated exhibit and available for visiting.
The only thing left for them to do was visit Santa. They found the village that had been constructed for him and joined the line. While they waited, Bianca noticed Gabby had gotten a little quiet. She knelt down next to her youngest daughter. "Sweetie, are you okay?"
Gabby shrugged. "I dunno."
Bianca smiled quickly figuring out what was wrong. "Are you nervous about seeing Santa?"
Gabby nodded. "A little."
"It's okay. It can be a little scary seeing him. I know I was a little scared to see him when I was about your age."
Gabby's eyes grew wide hearing her Mommy's confession. "You were, Mommy?"
Bianca nodded. "Yeah, I was, but I knew I was going to be okay. I was with my Mom, and I knew more than anything else that she would make sure that nothing would happen to me."
"Just like you and Mommy."
"Exactly like me and Mommy. Now, you don't have to talk to him if you don't want to or sit on his lap. We'll do whatever you want. Okay?"
Gabby nodded. "Okay, Mommy." She watched as all of the other kids took their turns with Santa, all looking happy and excited to see him. Her brother and sister seemed really excited too and were talking really fast to her mommies. As the line slowly moved along, Gabby tightly clutched both of her mommies' hands still unsure of what she would do.
Marissa felt the added pressure and knelt down next to Gabby. "Are you okay, Gabby?"
"I wish I had Minx. He makes me feel better."
"I know he does, Monkey. I tell you what." Marissa reached into the bag of items purchased at the gift shop that she'd been carrying and pulled out a stuffed elephant. "I know she's not Minx, but maybe she'll make you feel better."
Gabby smiled sheepishly and took the elephant, holding it tightly. "She? It's a girl?"
"Yep and you know what her name is?"
Gabby shook her head. "What is it?"
"Her name's Ella."
The little brunette smiled brightly. "I like it!"
"She has a last name too."
"She does?"
"Uh huh, it's Phant. Her full name is Ella Phant. Get it? Ella Phant the Elephant." Marissa grinned.
Bianca snorted at the bad pun while Gabby started to giggle. Soon, the little girl was cracking up, and Marissa chuckled. She knew Gabby would love the cheesy joke, and it seemed to have its intended effect and eased her daughter's fears.
The line inched forward, and it was soon their turn. AJ hopped on Santa's lap and proceeded to tell him what he wanted after Santa checked that he had been a good boy this year.
Miranda quickly followed her birthday twin and took her turn on Santa's lap. Confirmation was received of her being a good girl this year as well, and she told Santa what she wanted.
Gabby watched AJ and Miranda as they spoke with Santa while tightly clutching both her new stuffed elephant and Bianca's hand. Her brother and sister seemed okay talking with Santa and her mommies would be right there, and now, she had Ella too. Plus, she really wanted to tell him what she wanted. She thought if she told Santa she wanted the same thing as AJ and Miranda that they would be sure to get it. She wondered if she would be brave enough.
"Do you want to talk to Santa?" Bianca asked.
Gabby decided she would be brave and nodded.
Marissa smiled. "We'll be right here."
"I know, Mommy." Gabby paused in front of the jolly old elf still clutching her elephant.
"Well, hello there young lady. What is your name?"
"Gabby."
"Hello, Gabby. Would you like to sit on my lap?" Sensing the little girl's hesitation and being very familiar with the reaction of the younger ones, he offered another suggestion. "If you want, you could just stand next to me so my elf can take your picture, and then you could tell me what you want."
Gabby considered her options and turned back to her mommies and brother and sister. "I'll sit on your lap."
One of the elves helped her onto Santa's lap. "Have you been a good girl this year, Gabby?"
The girl glanced at her mommies who nodded. "She's been a very good girl, Santa."
"Well, I'm very happy to hear that your mommies agree with what I've seen. That puts you right at the top of my nice list."
Gabby smiled brightly hearing this and relaxed.
"And who is this little fellow you have?" Santa asked as he pointed to the stuffed animal.
"It's a girl elephant, Santa."
"My apologies. Does she have a name?"
"Uh huh! Mommy Marissa named her. Her name's Ella. Guess what her last name is."
"Hmmm, I'm not sure. What is it?"
"It's Phant. Her full name is Ella Phant. Get it? Ella Phant the Elephant." Gabby started cracking up again.
Santa and the elves couldn't help but join in her infectious laughter as the little girl seemed to transform right before their very eyes. She was no longer scared or nervous. Now, she was animated and completely charming. She was by far their favorite visitor this season.
"I saw your reindeer earlier, Santa. Where's Rudolph?"
Santa laughed. It was a question he hadn't heard so far tonight. "I left him back at the North Pole with Mrs. Claus so he can rest up. Leading my sleigh is hard work so he needs lots of rest."
"Last year, I was scared that you'd get hurt when you came down the chimney."
"You were, were you? Well, you don't need to worry about that."
"I know. My Mommy Marissa, that's her with the red hair standing next to my Mommy." Gabby pointed to her mommies and waved to the beaming couple who waved back. "My Aunt Kendall calls her Red because of her red hair. Last year, Mommy told me that you have magical powers that lets you come down any chimney in the whole wide world and not get hurt."
"Well, your Mommy is very smart."
Gabby nodded in agreement. "Uh huh, she's really smart. My other Mommy says she's the smartest person she knows, but Mommy's pretty smart too."
Santa chuckled as he was completely enchanted by the little girl. "I'm sure she is. What would you like for Christmas, Gabby?"
"Mommy's helping me with my letter to you."
"I look forward to reading it. Since we're here, would you like to tell me a couple of things you want?"
Gabby nodded. "Okay, Santa."
Bianca and Marissa watched in wonder as Gabby happily chatted with Santa.
The brunette chuckled. "You'd never know that she was nervous about seeing him just a few minutes ago."
"He's Santa." It was the only answer Marissa could come up with in reply at their daughter's turnaround.
Gabby finished up her discussion with Santa and hopped off his lap. She quickly turned back to him. "Santa, don't forget we moved. So, you have to come to our new house."
Santa laughed heartily. "I won't, Gabby. Now, you keep being good for your mommies."
Gabby nodded solemnly. "I will, Santa. I promise. Bye, Santa!"
Marissa scooped Gabby up. "You did great, Monkey!"
Bianca kissed her daughter's cheek. "Yes, you did! We're very proud of you!"
"Just like we are of AJ and Miranda. How about we get your pictures and then go get dinner?"
The three children nodded happily as the family started to make their way to the photo kiosk. Bianca was stopped by Santa. "Excuse me, Miss?"
"It's Bianca, Santa."
The jolly old elf nodded. "You have three wonderful children, Bianca. You and Marissa must be very proud of them."
"Thank you, Santa. We are."
"And Gabby, well she is something else. I enjoyed her visit more than any other child I've seen this year."
Bianca grinned. "Yes, she definitely is something."
"You know what they all want for Christmas?"
"We do and are strongly considering it."
"Very good. I just wanted to be sure you knew. Sometimes, they just tell me when they see me and don't think to write it down so their parents don't know. Merry Christmas, Bianca."
"Merry Christmas, Santa." Bianca joined her family at the kiosk. After their photos were selected and paid for, the family made their way back to the car.
"Mom?"
"Yes, Mimo." Bianca answered.
"This was a really good adventure! I had lots of fun!"
Marissa smiled. "Good. We had fun too."
"Mom?"
"Yes, Buddy."
"Do you think Santa will bring us that one thing we all want?" AJ questioned.
The couple shared a knowing look. "He gets lots of requests for that particular gift so we'll have to wait and see. If you don't get it, it doesn't mean that you did anything wrong though. Okay?"
"Okay."
/
A few days later.
Kendall was taking an extended lunch to get a little Christmas shopping done. As she walked down the street, she spotted her sister outside a jewelry store. Hmmm, that's interesting. Something seems to have caught her eye. I wonder what it could be. Kendall slowly crept up behind her sister. "Whatcha looking at, Binx?"
/
A/N: Now, don't worry. Marissa will get her turn at being jealous. I actually had something planned for her before I was inspired to write about Bianca's little display. Also, I hope I didn't offend anyone with Marissa's thoughts on minivans. I'm sorry if I did because I certainly didn't mean to. I just happen to share that opinion, and yes, it's because I did survive a road trip from hell one spring break when I was in college. Surprisingly, everyone made it back in one piece. See you soon! Oh, I hope to have an update before the end of the year, but on the off chance that I don't, Happy New Year!