A/N: Thanks as always for reading and reviewing! It means a lot and is much appreciated! Christmas Day has finally arrived in this little tale. Sorry it's taken me a bit to get here, but the mind wandered. That's enough from me for now. Hope you enjoy this update!
/
The couple groaned hearing a knock on their bedroom door. Although it was still dark outside, a quick glance at the clock confirmed it was, in fact, morning. Even though it was way too early to be up, especially after their late night, both women knew going back to sleep today of all days was not an option. Christmas morning had arrived early at Minx Manor, and judging by the excited whispers on the other side of their bedroom door, their three children were more than ready to start the day. The kids were actually showing remarkable restraint because they had to pass by the family room where their Christmas presents were to get to their Moms' room.
Marissa reluctantly removed herself from Bianca's arms so both women could sit up and brace themselves for the onslaught of excited children. A quick kiss was exchanged along with a knowing smile that it was time to greet their awaiting children.
Bianca cleared her throat to lessen the usual morning croak. "Come in."
The door was flung open, and AJ and Miranda burst into the room with Gabby trailing behind.
"Santa was here!"
"You should see all the presents!"
Gabby, while somewhat excited, was still a little sleepy. She hadn't quite gotten the memo on waking up at the crack of dawn like her brother and sister. She climbed onto the bed, settled into her usual spot between her mothers and yawned.
AJ and Miranda scrambled onto the bed as well, literally bouncing with excitement.
"I thought I heard something on the roof last night when we were going to bed. I guess it was Santa." Marissa said with a grin.
"He left a bunch of presents, huh? I suppose you want to check them out and open them." Bianca's tease was met with AJ and Miranda rolling their eyes as if to say 'Duh, ya think?'
Marissa chuckled. "Well, I guess we should probably open them since Santa went to all of that trouble."
Bianca nodded. "I think you're right, Rissa."
The kids cheered, even Gabby who was more awake now after hearing the phrase 'open them'. Before they could dash back into the family room, they were stopped by Bianca.
"Wait a second. Before any presents are opened, we all need to brush our teeth first. I have a feeling some people might forget in all of the excitement and then what will Grandma Erica say when you greet her with stinky breath?"
The response from the kids was a combination of a grumble for having to wait longer and a giggle picturing Erica's reaction to being greeted with stinky breath.
"I'll brush mine real quick and then I'll help you guys. Rissa can get the camera ready after she's done. We want to make sure we record everything." Bianca headed to the master bathroom while Marissa retrieved her new video camera.
"Is that new?" AJ asked.
"Yep, it sure is. Bianca got me a new one since my old one wasn't working all that great. Do you guys want to see it?"
The question was answered with heads bobbing up and down. Marissa showed them her new camera while she got it ready. It was enough of a distraction to give Bianca time to finish up in the bathroom.
The brunette entered the bedroom again and scooped Gabby up and headed upstairs with AJ and Miranda following closely behind. Marissa dashed into the bathroom and then made one quick pit stop before making her way into the family room. The timing was perfect as all five gathered there at the same time.
/
After the couple settled on the sofa, the kids were given the all clear to start opening presents.
Soon, the floor was covered in wrapping paper, and the kids were happily showing off their new toys to their smiling mothers.
Miranda got the attention of her brother and sister. The three shared a smile and gathered the presents for their moms. Gabby went to hand the package she had to Bianca, but Miranda stopped her.
"Wait, we have to make sure that's the right one for Mom." She checked the tag and shook her head. "The one AJ has is for Mom."
Gabby smiled and handed the gift she held to Marissa.
"Thank you!" The redhead froze when she looked at the tag reading,
To: Ma
Love, AJ, Miranda and Gabby
Hazel eyes started to glisten as she looked at her three children.
"Rissa, is everything okay?"
Marissa's voice was thick with emotion. "Oh yeah, it's more than okay. I think that maybe you should look at yours."
Bianca looked down at the gift that AJ had handed her. Her tag read,
To: Mom
Love, AJ, Miranda and Gabby
The brunette took a shaky breath and struggled to keep her tears at bay.
Miranda, being the children's designated spokesperson, cleared her throat. "The three of us were talking, and we were hoping, if it's okay with you, that we could call you Mom and Ma." She felt Gabby tug on the sleeve of her pajamas. "Well, AJ and me wanna call you that. Gabby still wants to call you both Mommy."
AJ spoke up to help his sister. "Is it okay if we do that?"
Marissa was able to speak first. "Yes, it sure is. I can't think of anything that I would love more."
Bianca finally found her voice. "I can't either. You're sure you want to do this?"
"Uh huh! We already think of you both as our Moms so why not call you that?" AJ reasoned.
"Yep, we do! I mean, Gabby's already been calling you both Mommy for a while now. When we got to thinking about it, it just sounds right."
"All of you come here!"
The kids scrambled onto the sofa and were smothered with hugs and kisses from their two very happy mothers. When the giggles died down, Gabby spoke up. "You gonna open your presents?"
"I forgot all about it. Do you want us to open them at the same time, Monkey?"
"Uh huh!"
The women unwrapped their presents and revealed digital picture frames.
"Aunt Kendall helped us load all kinds of pictures on them when you were in New York." Miranda told her mothers excitedly.
"She did, huh? You all are really sneaky." Bianca smiled.
The frames were turned on and pictures flashed across the screens.
"These are great and mine will look perfect on my desk at work. I know it will great on your Ma's desk too."
"Your Mom is right. We love them. Thank you all so very, very much."
Something was on Miranda's mind. "I know Mom got you the video camera, Ma. What did you get her?" The young girl smiled hearing herself call Marissa 'Ma'. It felt natural, and she was glad she was finally able to call Marissa that because Miranda really did see the redhead as her other mother. She also liked the way her Ma's eyes lit up when she called her that.
Marissa beamed hearing her new title from Miranda. To know that the girl thought of her that way after everything she had been through meant the world to her. The redhead cleared her throat in an attempt to stave off the emotions she was feeling, not wanting them to overwhelm her. "My gift to her is outside."
"Outside?"
"Yeah, it really wouldn't fit in here, and I think it's pretty awesome. You all can check it out after we've had breakfast and everyone's changed. It's cold outside."
"Speaking of awesome presents, the camera isn't the only thing your Mom got me. When we were moving, she found my old home movies and had them transferred to DVD so I wouldn't lose them."
"She did? Can we watch them?" Miranda was excited hearing this. She had always been curious about what Marissa was like as a little girl, and now, she just might get that chance.
"Of course you can."
Bianca snorted. "You should see what she did to her first chocolate cake. I have an idea. I'll pick up in here while the three of you help your Ma with breakfast. After we're done, we'll change, check out my present from Marissa and then watch some of her movies."
AJ grinned as his stomach started to growl. Breakfast sounded really good to him. "Okay, Mom. You sure you don't need any help in here?" He really liked the smile on Bianca's face when he called her that. It felt really good to see her so happy hearing it.
Bianca blinked and then smiled brightly when she heard AJ call her 'Mom'. She loved how that sounded and the fact that he thought of her as a second mother. "Thank you, Buddy, but I'm sure."
AJ nodded and followed the others into the kitchen.
"Can we have pancakes, Mommy? The ones with chocolate chips?"
"Are there any other kind, Monkey?"
Bianca hurried up and gathered the spent wrapping paper off the floor and headed back to their home office to get the kids' last present. She and Marissa had planned this part. Her lover would keep the kids occupied by slowly preparing breakfast while she retrieved their present. She gently placed it in the large box they had gotten and went back to the family room.
The brunette carefully set the box down and tilted the lid so it was barely on. She then called into the kitchen. "Kids, I think you forgot a present."
The kids looked at each other. They were sure they had opened everything, but if their Mom said they missed something, they must have.
Marissa glanced down at her children. "Well, I guess we better see what you missed." She set the batter aside and helped Gabby off the counter where she was sitting and helping Marissa while AJ and Miranda stopped setting the table. The four then headed back into the family room.
/
The kids immediately spotted the box near the Christmas tree. Bianca and Marissa stood next to each other while the redhead recorded the moment. The children approached the mystery box curiously. They were inches from it when a black nose appeared out of the top of the box causing the kids to jump back and their mothers to chuckle. The nose disappeared briefly before being replaced by a golden furry head.
"It's a puppy!" Miranda exclaimed.
AJ was just as excited as his sister. "We got a puppy!"
Gabby just grinned and rushed over to the box. "He's the bestest puppy ever!"
Bianca came over and carefully lifted the puppy from the box. It was set down on the floor and began sniffing around. His tail began wagging wildly seeing the kids.
"Remember to be gentle with him. He's really still a baby. He also belongs to all three of you so you're all responsible for him." Bianca reminded them gently.
The kids nodded and sat down on the floor as the pup checked them out. Soon, he was licking the giggling children.
"What's his name?"
Marissa smiled. "Check out the tag on his collar, Miranda."
The girl read the tag and grinned. "His name is Max!"
Gabby looked up, recognizing the name instantly. "That's what we told Santa we'd call him! We told him that we'd name him after the Grinch's dog."
"I know. Funny how that worked out, huh?"
"What kind of dog is he? How old is he?" AJ asked as he patted the pup.
"He's a golden retriever. They're very good dogs. He's four months old." Bianca smiled.
Miranda grinned. "You got him for us, didn't you?" Seeing the smiles on her mothers' faces was all the answer she needed. She rushed over to them, hugging them tightly. "Thanks, Mom. Thanks, Ma."
"You're welcome."
AJ and Gabby realized the puppy was indeed from their mothers and quickly followed Miranda's example in thanking their mothers repeatedly.
"Where'd you keep him?" Miranda was curious how they missed a puppy being in their house.
Bianca chuckled. "Max spent the night in our office. We've got a bed for him along with a few toys and his own bowls for food and water. Check inside the box for a couple of the toys."
Gabby looked in the box and pulled out a ball. The little girl rolled it towards Max. The puppy bounded after it. The balled rolled from his grasp and the kids giggled while AJ retrieved the ball.
"I'll go get his bed if you want to keep recording."
Marissa nodded. "Sounds good. We'll start on breakfast when you get back.
/
"I think Max is a hit. You'll have to let Simon know that he did an amazing job for us."
Bianca pulled her head back from the door. She'd been checking on the kids in the family room, making sure everything was still going well. "Yes, he did. Hey, where did you put Max's food? We need to feed him soon."
"Top self in the pantry. I knew the kids wouldn't find it up there."
The bag of puppy food was retrieved and a bowl filled and placed on the floor next to one containing water. Bianca then washed her hands and helped Marissa finish preparing breakfast.
The kids were called into the kitchen with Max trailing behind. He found his bowls and started to eat while the family had their breakfast. When everyone was finished, they changed clothes and headed outside with Max following to see Marissa's present to Bianca.
"Mommy, why's Max gotta be on a leash?"
"Well, Monkey, we need to keep him on one until he becomes familiar with his new home. We don't want him to get lost in the woods, do we?"
Gabby shook her head. "Nope." The little girl giggled as she swung the joined hands of her and her redheaded mother as they walked down the path to Bianca's garden.
The kids really liked the planned garden and the bench, especially Miranda. She could see how much it meant to her Mom as she traced the words carved on the bench.
Bianca was able to finally see the garden area in the light of day and knew instantly Marissa had indeed picked the perfect spot for her. The family decided it was time to head back inside and get ready for their guests expected in a few hours. AJ took the leash from his Ma, and the couple lagged behind while the kids walked on ahead.
Marissa grinned when Bianca pulled her in for a loving kiss. "What was that for?"
"I just wanted to thank you for my gift."
"I seem to recall us thanking each other last night."
"It doesn't mean we can't thank each other again."
"And again and again and …"
"Rissa, less talking and more thanking." Bianca smirked before capturing her lover's lips again."
/
The home phone rang and Miranda jumped up to answer it. She smiled when she read the caller id. "Merry Christmas, Aunt Kendall!"
"Merry Christmas, Miranda! How's your Christmas going so far?"
"It's going really good. We got a lot of the stuff we wanted. Best of all, we got a puppy!"
"You did? That is great. I can't wait to meet him. Is your Mom or Marissa around? I just wanted to check with them about later today."
"Mom and Ma are outside. We were checking out what Ma got Mom. It's really cool. She made it so Mom can have the garden she's always wanted, and she got her a bench with their names on it. It made Mom really happy."
Ma? Did I hear that right? Is she calling Marissa 'Ma' now? "That sounds great. I know your Mom has wanted something like that for a long time."
"Tell her what Mom got Ma!"
Wait! Did AJ just call Bianca 'Mom' and Marissa 'Ma'? Kendall was exactly sure what was going on over there, but if it was what she thought, she knew there would be two of the happiest women around today.
"Oh yeah, Mom got Ma a new video camera, but the best part was she had Ma's old home movies made into DVDs! We're going to watch them soon!"
"That's what your Mom was getting her! I knew it was something special, but didn't know that it was that. I know that meant a lot to Red."
"Yep, it sure did! I'll go get them for you. Gabby, you want to talk to Aunt K?"
The little girl nodded excitedly and took the phone from her sister.
/
Miranda looked outside but didn't see her Moms anymore. She had an idea of where they would be so she grabbed her coat and headed back outside in the direction of her Mom's future garden. The girl smiled when she found the couple sitting on their bench.
"Mom. Ma. Aunt K's on the phone and wants to talk to one of you."
Marissa groaned as she lifted her head from Bianca's shoulder. The two had been sitting and quietly enjoying the other's company and warmth. "I love your sister, but her timing leaves a lot to be desired."
Bianca chuckled. "Tell me about it. We should probably go in and see what she wants though. Besides, everyone will be coming over in a few hours." She stood up and held out her hand which Marissa happily took. The couple walked back holding hands.
"What did you do with the phone, Mimo?"
Miranda grinned. "I gave it to Gabby."
Marissa laughed. "Kendall doesn't stand a chance!"
/
The trio entered the house to hear Gabby talking a mile a minute to her aunt.
"He's the bestest puppy in the whole world, Aunt K. He's a gold triever."
Kendall paused for a moment to figure out what her niece was telling her. "Oh, you mean he's a golden retriever."
"Uh huh, that's what I said. His name's Max. That's what we told Santa we wanted to name him. Do you know why we wanna call him Max?"
"I'm not …"
"It's the Grinch's dog's name, and he was a really good dog. He helped the Grinch be good again. We thought it was good name for a dog. AJ thought of it."
"He did? Well, he's pretty smart, isn't …"
"AJ's really smart. You think Greenlee will like the name? She's really good at thinkin' up names."
"I'm sure she will, and you're right …"
"Max is home broke already. Mommy's gotta friend that works with animals."
"Home broke? Oh, Max is house broken. That's really good to hear. I'm sure …"
"When we take him outside, we gotta put him on his leash. That's just so he doesn't get lost since he's new here. We're not allowed to feed him people food. Mommy said we gotta feed him puppy food since that's what's best for him. If he eats people food, he could get sick. Oh, we can't feed him chocolate either. Did you know that's really bad for dogs?"
"I might have heard that be ..."
"When you come over later, make sure nobody feeds him any chocolate, 'specially Spike and Ian. They might not know about that."
It took a lot for Bianca and Marissa to not laugh. Gabby wore a serious expression as she went over all of the rules with Kendall that they had gone over with them earlier. Judging by the side of conversation they were hearing, Kendall was struggling to get a word in edgewise.
"I'll be sure to tell …"
"He's got lots of toys and his own bed. I'm not sure where we're gonna put it 'cause we have to share. He belongs to all three of us, and we're all 'sponsible for him. You should get Spike and Ian a dog. They'd really like it."
Marissa had to turn away to hide the tears resulting from holding in her laughter.
Bianca decided it was time to save her sister. "Are you talking to your Aunt Kendall, sweetie?"
"Uh huh! I'm telling her all about Max!"
"Well, she'll be able to see him for herself in a few hours. Could I talk to her for a few minutes? You could go back and join your brother and sister and play with him."
"Okay, Mommy! Aunt K, I'm gonna go play with Max! See ya soon!"
As soon as Gabby left the room, Marissa burst out laughing.
Bianca was laughing too when she greeted her sister. "Merry Christmas, Kendall!"
"Merry Christmas! Oh my god! What was that? I'm not sure that she even took a breath! I think she's a little excited about the dog."
"Yeah, just a little bit. All three of them are. I'm glad Gabby was giving you instructions about Max. At least, Rissa and I know that they were paying attention."
"Ask her when she's getting the boys a dog." Marissa cracked.
Bianca burst out laughing at her lover's comment.
Kendall rolled her eyes. "You two think you're really funny, don't you?"
"Sorry, Kendall." Bianca was nearly in tears from laughing so hard.
"Don't give me that. I know better. Neither one of you is sorry. Tell Red that she's a horrible influence on you."
Bianca turned to her lover and smirked. "Kendall says that you are a horrible influence on me."
Marissa grinned and kissed Bianca before speaking into the phone. "That's the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me! Thanks, Curly!"
Bianca snorted and rewarded her lover with another kiss. "I guess that's just one more thing I have to thank you for."
Kendall sighed. "The two of you are just not right sometimes. You know that, right?"
"Yep! So, what time are you coming over?"
"We'll be over in two hours and help you get things ready. Oh, you should have Simon's number ready for me. I have a feeling Zach and I will probably need it."
"I'll see then, and I'll have the number for you guys."
"See you soon." Kendall disconnected the call to her sister's and Marissa's laughter. She sighed and chuckled at the couple. They were quite the pair and truly deserved each other and the life they were building.
/
The camera zoomed in on a five year old Marissa. She was in flannel Christmas pajamas and sitting by the fireplace. Every few seconds, she would stand up and walk over to the fireplace and glance up the chimney. She would then go sit down with a puzzled look on her face.
Her mother's voice could be heard off screen. "Roy, what on earth is she doing?"
"I'm honestly not sure, Lydia. She's been doing that ever since she came downstairs after her bath. You can tell she's got something on her mind though."
"Oh wait a minute. I think I know what's going on." Lydia suddenly appeared on screen and sat on the floor next to Marissa. "Is something bothering you, Rissa?"
"A little, Mommy. How's Santa gonna get down our chimney? It's kinda small, and …"
"Santa's got that belly, huh?" Marissa nodded while Lydia pulled her daughter onto her lap. "Well, Munchkin, that's true, but you're forgetting something really important."
"What's that?"
"Santa's magic. He has magical powers that let him fit down chimneys all over the world. It doesn't matter what size or shape they're in. To Santa, one size fits all so he can make his way down any of them."
Marissa seemed to take this in. "So, he won't get stuck or hurt?"
"Nope, he'll be just fine."
"What about the places that don't have chimneys? How's he gonna get in? Becca doesn't have one."
"Santa has a special key he can use so you don't have to worry about Becca. Santa will be able to visit her."
Marissa smiled brightly, her relief evident having been assured by her Mom.
"Do you feel better now?"
"Yep, thanks, Mommy!" Marissa hugged her mother tightly.
"Good. How would you like to help me get Santa's milk and cookies ready for him?"
"K! Don't forget carrots for his reindeer. They need a treat too."
/
Gabby, who was sitting on Marissa's lap while they watched some of her home movies, turned to grin at her redhead Mommy. "That's what you told me, Mommy!"
"Yes, it is, Monkey. My Mom was pretty smart, wasn't she?"
"Uh huh."
"Who was Becca, Ma?" Miranda asked from her spot on the floor next to AJ and Max. She was curious to know why her Ma was worried about someone else.
"Becca was my best friend growing up. Her family had moved to town earlier that particular year, and they were living in an apartment until their new house was ready."
Miranda smiled. That was definitely like her Ma to worry about someone else and not wanting them to miss out.
The family heard a knock on the door, and Bianca got up. "I'll get it. It's probably Kendall and her clan."
The brunette opened the door to her sister and her family. "Merry Christmas!"
"Ho, ho, ho! Merry Christmas to one and all!" Zach answered his sister in law in greeting.
"Merry Christmas, Binx! Merry Christmas, Red!"
Marissa smiled as she greeted Kendall, Zach and the boys to help Bianca with their coats. "Merry Christmas! Hey guys, was Santa good to you?"
The boys nodded happily. Spike spotted the puppy right away. "Is that a puppy?"
Ian's eyes widened in surprise.
Kendall and Zach sighed and looked at each other. They knew it wouldn't take long, but this was faster than they both had thought it would be.
Bianca chuckled. "Yes, it is. You can go see him if you want."
The boys rushed over to see their cousins and the new puppy.
"Don't worry. I have Simon's number for you."
Kendall rolled her eyes. "Gee thanks, Binx. I owe you one. Seriously, I owe you one." The movie playing on the television caught her eye. "Oh my god! Is that you, Red? You are so adorable! How old were you?"
Zach smiled. "She's right. You are pretty darn cute."
Marissa sighed. "Yes, it's me. I was almost six."
"Is that some sort of play? Are you a tree? You're very convincing." Kendall grinned as she moved closer to the television to get a better look.
The redhead eyed Kendall knowing full well the other woman was enjoying teasing her. "It was a kindergarten play, and don't be dissing the tree. My Mom worked really hard on that costume. It was the best one there. Now, don't we have to get ready for everyone?"
Bianca smiled at the blush on her lover's face making her even more beautiful. "You're right. We do." The brunette looked at the kids. "Why don't you guys go downstairs and play down there for a little while. Take Max with you." Bianca then stopped the video and turned off the television.
"Hey, I was watching that. I like seeing Red when she was little. I bet you were hell on wheels." Kendall smirked.
Marissa rolled her eyes. "I had my moments. Fine. You can watch them later, alright? Let's get to work. Everybody's going to be here soon." Marissa headed into the kitchen with Zach and Kendall right behind her.
Bianca had a sudden thought. "I'll be right there." After the others left the room, she quickly ejected the DVD, put it back in its case and placed it in a spot where it would not readily be found by just anyone. It had occurred to her that Krystal might find it hard to see Marissa's missing years and her daughter actually calling someone else 'Mom'.
Marissa came back into the family room to find Bianca hiding the video. "Hey, have I told you today just how amazing you are?"
The brunette turned to see her lover smiling at her. "As a matter of fact, you have. I have to ask why you feel the need to tell me that this time."
"You're hiding the video so Krystal doesn't see it and won't be uncomfortable. You're thinking of her. There are a lot of people that wouldn't do that, especially given everything you've been through. That's what makes you amazing."
Bianca smiled knowingly. "I'm guessing you had the same idea since you're back in here. From where I'm standing, that's pretty amazing, especially given everything you've been through."
"I didn't want things to be awkward today. Let me rephrase that. I didn't want things to be any more awkward today than they will be when Erica and Krystal get here. Besides, it doesn't compare to what you've been through."
"Rissa."
"I'm not going to say anything more about it." Marissa held out her hand for her lover who smiled as she took it before heading back to the kitchen.
/
"Merry Christmas, Mom! Merry Christmas, Uncle Jack!" Bianca hugged Erica and Jack as they entered.
Erica smiled at her daughter. "Merry Christmas, Sweetheart. Where are Marissa and the children?"
"Rissa's in the kitchen with Kendall and Zach getting things ready. The kids are downstairs with Max."
"Merry Christmas, Princess." Jack pointed to the bags he and Erica had set down when they entered. "Would you like me to put these under the tree?"
"That would be great, Uncle Jack. Thanks."
"Sweetheart, who is Max?" Erica asked as she sat down.
Bianca smiled. She hadn't told her mother that she and Marissa were getting the kids a dog. Just at that very moment, all five kids bounded upstairs from the playroom with Max trailing behind. "He's the kids' dog."
Erica raised an eyebrow as the puppy happily trotted over to her and dropped a ball at her feet. Max sat and looked up hopefully at the older woman with his tail wagging.
"Exactly what does he expect me to do?"
Miranda smiled at her grandmother. "He wants you to play fetch with him. You just throw the ball and he'll go get it. He's really good at it. We were playing that with him downstairs."
"I'm not touching that ball. It's filthy."
Gabby sat next to her grandmother. "Please. He's the bestest puppy."
Max whimpered slightly and nudged the ball closer to Erica.
The older woman huffed and gently kicked the ball away from her. It was the closest she would come to playing with the hairy little beast. Erica did not do dogs. Max scampered after it happily.
Bianca managed to stifle a laugh watching her mother interact with the adorable puppy. She turned to help Jack unload the presents before heading to the kitchen to get the couple something to drink.
/
Shortly after Krystal, Tad, Opal and the girls had arrived, Bianca pulled Krystal aside and asked to speak with her privately. She wanted to go over the ground rules of the day with both her and Erica. The three women discreetly headed back to Bianca and Marissa's home office.
"Would both of you please have a seat?"
The women eyed each other before reluctantly doing as requested.
"Thank you. I just want to take a few minutes to talk with both of you privately."
"Sweetheart, is something wrong?"
"I suppose that's up to you and Krystal, Mom." Bianca cleared her throat. "I need the two of you to get along today. I don't care what you have to do to make it happen, but it will happen. This day is to be drama free, no fights, no little digs at the other, no snarky comments. In short, there will not be a repeat of what happened on Thanksgiving. Today is all about getting along and making this as special of a day as humanly possible for the kids and Marissa. They deserve no less. Marissa has put a lot into this day. It means so much to her to have her family and friends here to celebrate. So if this is too much for you to do, then as much as I hate to do it, I'll have to ask you to leave. I'm not going to have anyone ruin this day for my family. Do you think you can do this?"
The older women glanced over at the other. Spending the holiday with their children and grandchildren meant a great deal to each of them, and both could tell that Bianca was very serious about what she was saying. As much as they disliked each other, they loved their children and grandchildren more and knew they would have to find some way to at least tolerate being in the other's company.
Krystal nodded. "I will do whatever you need me to."
"Thank you, Krystal." Bianca turned to Erica. "Mom?"
"Of course, Sweetheart. For you and your family, anything."
Bianca smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Mom. Now that that's settled, we should get back out there. I know the kids are getting anxious about their other presents."
Erica and Krystal nodded at each other and left the room.
Bianca turned off the light and took a relieved breath. That went better than I thought it would. Suddenly, she felt arms embrace her from behind and soft lips on her neck. The brunette turned with a goofy grin on her face to meet hazel eyes full of love. "Hey."
"Hey yourself. Thank you."
"You … you heard that?"
"I did. There aren't many people who would do what you just did. I know how much you love your Mom and want to spend the day with her."
"You're right. I do, but I meant every word. There's nothing I wouldn't do for you and the kids. I know how much this day means to you, how much effort you put into planning this and were looking forward to it. I'm going to do whatever needs to be done to make sure those two behave themselves. We have more than enough kids present without those two being added to the mix."
Marissa sighed happily. "You take such good care of me." The redhead leaned forward and captured her lover's lips.
"Seriously? We have a room full of kids waiting to open presents, and you two are back here making out. I thought you were coming to get Bianca to bring her back to the family room, Marissa, not corner her and have your way with her." Greenlee smirked.
The redhead rolled her eyes and pointed above them to where a sprig of mistletoe was hanging. "I'm merely following long the established Christmas rule about mistletoe. When you meet someone under it, you are obliged to kiss them. Actually, I think it's more like a law, and as an officer of the court, I am required to follow the law."
Bianca giggled at her lover's quick response. It sounded good even though she knew Marissa was making it all up.
"Riiiggght. I hope you're not too offended if I don't buy any of it. About the mistletoe, I noticed you have an awful lot of it around. Was it on sale?"
Marissa grinned. "I'll try and not take it too personally. Bianca and I are just getting in the spirit. You and Ryan are free to find a doorway and your own mistletoe."
"I might just have to take you up on that."
"Is there a reason why you were looking for us?"
"Kendall sent me. The natives are getting restless seeing all of those presents under the tree and not being allowed to open them."
"I suppose we should get back out there. They've been very patient." Bianca smiled and pulled Marissa with her down the hallway.
"Oh before I forget." Greenlee playfully smacked the couple.
"What was that for?"
"Emma wants a dog."
The couple snickered as they followed their friend.
/
Presents were exchanged and opened among the family members gathered with everyone loving their gifts. Soon after, the house was crowded with friends joining them and laughter and warmth filled the air. Everyone agreed it was one of their best Christmases, and discreet comments were made about how well Erica and Krystal were getting along. The reason was obvious to those in attendance. Their daughters were responsible for what Greenlee quipped was a Christmas miracle.
Marissa was standing in a doorway watching her family and friends having a good time when Bianca embraced her from behind.
The brunette rested her chin on her lover's shoulder. "So, have you had a good Christmas? Has it been what you were hoping it would be?"
Marissa turned around and faced Bianca. "It's perfect. It's all that I was hoping for and then some. Thank you."
"I'm glad that it is and that you're happy."
"I am. Just when I think I couldn't be any happier, you do something that proves me wrong. Have I told you today exactly how much I love you?"
Bianca's face was again alight with her goofy grin. "As a matter fact, you have. It's just as much as I love you, but please feel free to tell me as often as you want."
Marissa chuckled. "It will be pleasure."