A/N: Thanks, as always, for reading, following and reviewing this story! I really do appreciate it! This chapter finds the Tasker-Montgomery family at Christmas Eve. Hope you enjoy this update!
/
It was Christmas Eve, and the Tasker-Montgomery household was buzzing with excitement. Today, the family was going to make Christmas cookies for tomorrow's festivities and more importantly, for Santa's visit later that evening. While Bianca, AJ and Miranda ran to the grocery store to pick up a few last minute items for tomorrow's dinner, Marissa and Gabby stayed behind to begin prep work for baking the cookies. This gave the pair plenty of time to talk, and Gabby had an important question that needed answering.
"Mommy, are you sure Santa will find us?" Gabby was concerned that the jolly old elf wouldn't be able to find them this year since they had moved.
"I'm very sure, Monkey. In fact, I'm positive that he knows exactly where we live."
"How do you know?" The little girl didn't really doubt her mother, but this was important so she wanted, no she needed to be sure.
"Do you remember when your Mommy and I went to New York a couple of weeks ago?"
Gabby nodded. "Uh huh."
"And do you remember that picture we showed you of us with Santa?"
"Uh huh."
"Well, we had a nice long conversation with him. We gave him your letter along with AJ's and Miranda's and made sure he had our new address. It turns out that he already had it. I'm not really surprised by that since Santa always has been on top of things."
"He does?"
"Yep, he knows where we're living now. He also said that he knew how good you and your brother and sister have been this year. He told us that you had been especially good, not that your Mommy and me were surprised by that."
Gabby began giggling as Marissa tickled her.
"Uncle, Mommy, uncle!"
Marissa stopped her tickle assault and settled her daughter on the kitchen counter. "Okay, Monkey. Are you feeling better now?"
"Uh huh! I feel lots better."
"Good. What do you say we finish getting things ready so we can start making cookies as soon as the others get back home?"
"'K, Mommy."
/
Bianca, AJ and Miranda returned home to find the other two members of their family in the kitchen. Gabby was sitting on the counter and chatting happily with Marissa while Christmas music played in the background.
"Hey, you two look like you're having fun." Bianca set her grocery bags on the counter opposite Gabby.
"We are. Gabby was a big help. How was the store?" Marissa took the bags that AJ and Miranda had carried in and started to unload them.
"It was nuts, but I had the best two helpers around. I'm glad we went early because I'm sure it will only get worse the later it gets. We now have everything we need though for tomorrow and can spend the rest of the day having fun."
"That sounds good to me." Marissa turned to the kids. "Why don't the three of you go wash up while Bianca and I put this stuff away? We'll start on the cookies when you get back. Oh, do any of you remember where we put Santa's special cup and plate?"
"I remember, Mom." AJ piped up.
"Could you bring that back with you please?"
"Yep."
Bianca lifted Gabby off the counter and gave her a quick kiss before setting her on the floor. "Could one of you help Gabby wash up too?"
"I got it, Mom." Miranda smiled. "Come on, Gabby."
"Thank you."
The couple unloaded the grocery bags and began putting the contents away. Marissa was closing the pantry door when the chords of the next Christmas song began. She immediately knew which song it was, and when her eyes fell on Bianca across the room, the redhead knew every word applied to her.
Marissa crossed the room slowly as she began to sing with the track now playing.
I don't want a lot for Christmas
There is just one thing I need
I don't care about the presents
Underneath the Christmas tree
Bianca turned, a goofy grin spreading across her face as her lover approached her slowly.
I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
All I want for Christmas is …
You
Marissa took Bianca's hand and spun her around quickly before pulling her lover back into her arms to dance.
I don't want a lot for Christmas
There is just one thing I need
I don't care about the presents
Underneath the Christmas tree
I don't need to hang my stocking
There upon the fireplace
Santa Claus won't make me happy
With a toy on Christmas day
I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
All I want for Christmas is you
You baby
I won't ask for much this Christmas
I won't even wish for snow
I'm just gonna keep on waiting
Underneath the mistletoe
I won't make a list and send it
To the North Pole for Saint Nick
I won't even stay awake to
Hear those magic reindeers click
'Cause I just want you here tonight
Holding on to me so tight
What more can I do
Baby all I want for Christmas is you
Ooh baby
AJ, Miranda and Gabby poked their heads into the kitchen and witnessed the scene before them. It was one they were familiar with and one that they loved to see. Marissa was singing to Bianca who was beaming. They watched their mothers swing and sway in perfect time to the music, and it was easy to see how much their moms loved each other, how happy they were together. A single unspoken thought was shared by the children. This was gonna be the best Christmas ever.
All the lights are shining
So brightly everywhere
And the sound of children's
Laughter fills the air
And everyone is singing
I hear those sleigh bells ringing
Santa won't you bring me the one I really need
Won't you please bring my baby to me...
Oh I don't want a lot for Christmas
This is all I'm asking for
I just want to see my baby
Standing right outside my door
Oh I just want you for my own
More than you could ever know
Make my wish come true
Baby all I want for Christmas is...
You
All I want for Christmas is you... baby
When the song stopped, Bianca pulled Marissa closer for a loving kiss. Before it had a chance to deepen, they were interrupted by the sound of their children giggling from the doorway.
"It seems we have an audience." Bianca nodded in the direction of the door.
Marissa grinned mischievously and quickly spun Bianca and pulled her back, dipping her lover when she was close enough. A quick kiss was given to a surprised and delighted Bianca before she slowly helped her back to her feet.
The kids started clapping as they rushed into the room.
"That was really cool, Mom." AJ gushed.
"I'll teach you how to do that when you're a little older." Marissa winked at her son.
Miranda giggled as she watched her mom. She had that goofy grin on her face that only Marissa could give her. "Did Rissa surprise you, Mom?"
"Yes, she most certainly did. She managed to take my breath away, but she always does."
Marissa grinned and whispered to Bianca. "Just wait until later tonight."
"I'm holding you to that, Counselor."
Marissa laughed. "Come on, my little elves. It's time to make some cookies."
/
The family made all varieties of cookies from sugar cookies to chocolate chip to snicker doodles to gingerbread. They were in all shapes and sizes, some with icing and others without. It was decided that those being left for Santa would be ones in the shape of a snowman, a Christmas tree and Santa himself, all with icing. Everyone had a good time with only one slight incident involving the icing. It had happened when the kids were first learning how to apply the icing to the cookies after they had cooled. Somehow, they ended up having more on them than on the cookies, but it was nothing a quick clean-up couldn't take care of.
After dinner, the family decided to watch 'A Christmas Story' which was being run continuously on a cable station. When it was over, the kids changed into their pajamas and were still buzzing with excitement. They were tracking Santa's progress on the NORAD website. The closer he got to Pine Valley, the more excited they got. In an effort to settle them down somewhat, Bianca suggested reading a story. Both she and Marissa knew it was a long shot, but it was one worth taking. They needed to get the kids to bed soon in order to pull out their presents and possibly get a few hours of sleep themselves tonight. The couple knew they weren't alone. Parents around the world were going through the exact same thing they were.
One story actually became three. Marissa first shared with them a Christmas story her parents had told her when she was around the same age as AJ and Miranda. The story had become a Christmas tradition for them. Her mother had written it down, and it was one of the things Marissa cherished most. Even though she knew it by heart, Marissa pulled it out to read to her children tonight. She had shared it with AJ before, and now, it was time to share it with the Bianca and the girls. It was the tale of a redheaded girl who had been magically transported to the North Pole to help Santa save Christmas. Marissa had happened upon it while packing for the move and set it aside to work on a sequel to it that would have two brown-haired girls and a blonde-headed boy picking up the mantle and helping Santa with his latest adventure. She hoped to have it finished by next Christmas as a surprise for the kids. Marissa had a feeling her parents would be more than happy with the new story and including her children, their grandchildren.
That story was followed by How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The kids enjoyed their moms doing the voices. They were surprised when Marissa tackled the Grinch so well, and were surprised even more when Bianca did a perfect Cindy Lou Who. The couple could tell the kids were beginning to lose their battle with sleep and figured one more shorter story would do it. The night was finished up with Twas the Night Before Christmas.
By the time it was over, Gabby, who had been nestled on Marissa's lap since the stories started, was nodding off. Miranda and AJ were on either side of Bianca, leaning against her with drooping eyelids of their own.
"It's time for bed." Bianca said quietly.
Miranda shook her head. "We can't go to bed yet, Mom. We have to put out Santa's cookies and milk."
"Okay, you can do that, but then, it's bedtime. Santa won't come if you're still up, and according to the website, he should be here soon."
Gabby mumbled something which caused Marissa to smile.
Bianca gave the pair a questioning look.
"She said not to forget the carrots for the reindeer."
"Got it."
Marissa stood holding a half asleep Gabby while Bianca helped AJ and Miranda set up Santa's snack of cookies and milk as well as adding a bundle of carrots for his reindeer. Everyone headed upstairs where the kids were tucked into their beds and soon drifted off to sleep.
/
The couple went back downstairs to the family room and settled on the sofa together enjoying the fire along with the peace and quiet. They knew that would change early the next morning.
"Do you think we waited long enough?"
Bianca cocked her head to listen for any sounds from upstairs. Hearing nothing, she nodded. "Yeah, I do. They couldn't be this quiet for this long, especially tonight. It's time."
Marissa grinned. "Let's get started. When are you calling Simon?"
"I'll call him now. It won't take him long to get here."
The presents were soon surrounding the tree and stockings filled.
There was something Marissa needed to take care of for her present for Bianca. "I'll be right back."
"Where are you going?"
"There's something I need to take care of, and you'll find out soon enough."
Bianca quirked an eyebrow. "I will, huh?"
"Yep but only if you're good." Marissa winked before grabbing her coat and heading out the back door.
Bianca was tempted to follow her but thought better of it. She had her own present for Marissa to get ready. She dashed to the garage to retrieve the carefully wrapped present from the trunk of her car. Once that was in hand, she headed back to their bedroom and stashed it under the bed on her side. Bianca's phone buzzed letting her know her friend Simon was outside.
The couple met back in the family room and took the special package from the brunette's friend. After thanking him repeatedly, they wished him a Merry Christmas and hid the bundle safely in their office where everything was all set up.
Marissa then pulled Bianca back down the hallway. "You know how we decided to exchange our presents tonight in private?"
"Yes."
"Well, I can't wait any longer to give you your's. So, I need you to come with me now. You'll need your coat."
"For a kiss, I'll go anywhere with you." Bianca grinned mischievously.
"That's a pretty steep price for your cooperation, but for you, it's one I'll gladly pay." Marissa leaned in for a quick kiss which Bianca began to deepen as she pulled her closer. The redhead reluctantly pulled away. She would love nothing better than to stay in that moment, kissing Bianca. God, this woman can kiss. No, I have to give Bianca her present. Then, we'll definitely be getting back to this. "Back you temptress! I want to give you your present. You can thank me after."
Bianca gave her lover a playful pout. "It better be some present to stop this."
"Come on." Marissa tugged the brunette to the back door which she slid open. She stopped Bianca just outside the door before flipping a switch. The backyard was bathed in soft light. White Christmas lights adorned the trees and shrubbery as well as the covered outside furniture and the kids' jungle gym.
"Rissa, this is beautiful. You didn't do this all by yourself with your knee, did you? You don't need to be climbing on stuff."
Marissa chuckled. "No, I didn't. I promised you I wouldn't do anything reckless. Brian and Lisa came over during lunch the other day to help."
"We've had these lights up for that long and I didn't notice them?"
"Well, they weren't turned on, and we've been pretty busy the last couple of days so it would be easy to miss them."
"I can't believe you did this. It's beautiful."
"This isn't your present. It's down this way." Marissa held out her hand which Bianca happily took and led her down a path not far from the house. "You'll be able to see better in the daylight, obviously, and it will look much better in the spring. This is kind of a placeholder for you.
"See what better? What are you talking about?"
"I know how much you like to garden and that it's your favorite way to relieve stress after a particularly rough day."
Bianca shook her head and grinned. "It's my second favorite way to relieve stress. You're my favorite."
Marissa laughed. "That's very good to know. You're my favorite too." The couple came to a stop. "Well, this is your spot. I spoke with the landscaper, and this is the best spot for you to set up your garden. It has the right amount of sun and shade so you'll be able to grow whatever you want."
In all of her planning for the new house, Bianca neglected to allow for the garden she had always wanted. Marissa, however, remembered her lover telling her how much she wanted one, how much it grounded her, how much it helped her deal with the ugliness she saw through her work with the Miranda Center. So, the redhead decided not to mention anything in order to surprise her. She doesn't forget anything. I wonder if she'll ever stop surprising me. Bianca looked at the area Marissa was indicating that had been blocked off with paver stones. The space was not too big but not too small and was close to the house but not too close. It was the perfect place to give her a little getaway when she needed it. Bianca saw a large basket in the middle of area with a big bow on it. Thanks to the Christmas lights, there was enough light in the area for her to see its contents. It contained everything she would need to start and care for her garden. When Bianca turned to Marissa, she noticed one other surprise, a beautiful, hand-carved wooden bench which was the perfect size for two. She walked closer and could see some writing on the top of the back. She read the engraving, her fingers tracing the words inscribed on the wood,
Marissa + Bianca
Forevermore
Bianca sat on the bench, a goofy grin on her face. She held her hand out for Marissa who took it and joined her lover on the bench. "It's perfect. I love it. Thank you." She cupped Marissa's face and kissed her tenderly. The couple sat back with Bianca resting her head on Marissa's shoulder. "I know exactly how I want to lay everything out."
"You do, huh?"
"Yep, I do. I can't believe you remembered me talking about wanting this."
"B, I remember everything you've told me."
Bianca's breath hitched. "I love you."
"I love you too."
The couple sat there, enjoying the quiet and the warmth from each other. Bianca smiled and gave Marissa a quick kiss before standing up. "Come on. It's your turn. I hope you like it."
"It's from you. I know I'll love it."
/
Coats were hung back up in the closet, the house locked up and all lights turned off before heading back to their bedroom. After changing into their pajamas, Bianca had Marissa settle on their bed while she retrieved her present. "Merry Christmas."
Marissa unwrapped the package and found several DVDs inside. She gave Bianca a questioning look.
"The artwork was delayed for the cases, but it will be in next week so I'll have everything put together the way it should be. When we were moving, I found a box of video tapes that you had."
It suddenly hit Marissa what she was holding, her voice almost a whisper. "These are my home movies?"
Bianca nodded. "That's what the labels said they were. I didn't watch them. I didn't want to do that without your permission because I know those are private. It's your life before Pine Valley. I'm guessing your Mom and Dad are on them, and going by what you've you told me about your parents, I'm sure there are plenty of scenes with you too. In fact, you're probably the star of them. Video tapes only last for so long and there aren't many VCRs around anymore. I had the tapes transferred for you because I didn't want you lose what was on them. If the labeling was correct on the tapes, they should be in order on the DVDs."
"Mom labeled them so the order will be correct. She puts my organizational skills to shame." Hazel eyes glistened due in equal parts to remembering what the tapes held and because of the thoughtfulness of Bianca. "I haven't watched these in a few years. It was hard to see my parents, hear them after the accident. I know when some people have home movies of their loved ones they can't stop watching them, but I was the opposite. It felt like I was barely keeping myself together. I thought if I watched them at that point that I would completely lose it and not be able to get myself back together again." She saw the concern in Bianca's eyes, knowing instinctively that her lover thought she had stirred up painful memories for her. Marissa took a deep breath. "That was then. I'm ready now. It's time. Would you watch them with me?"
"Are you sure? I more than understand if you want to watch them by yourself first. You said it's been a few years, and the last thing I want to do ..."
Marissa shook her head. "I want you here, please."
Bianca smiled softly and took the first DVD from Marissa. She turned the TV on and placed the DVD in the player before grabbing the remote. Marissa situated herself under the covers and held them up for Bianca to join her. Marissa then settled back in Bianca's waiting arms. The brunette kissed her tenderly before starting the movie.
/
A/N: I do not own 'All I Want For Christmas Is You'. Mariah Carey does. I just like the song, and the idea of Marissa singing it to Bianca popped into my head a while ago. So, what do you think of Bianca's present to Marissa? Now, I'm not just leaving Marissa's home movies there. I have every intention of writing them into the next chapter. They could appear in later ones too. I'm still playing around with what I want them to show. If there's a particular scene/memory you would like to read about, please feel free to let me know either via PM or review, and I'll see what I can do. See you soon!