A/N: Thanks for reading and reviewing! I appreciate all of you so much. First, I want to give a shout out to those that read and reviewed "I'll See You in My Dreams". Thank you! Again, I'm sorry for any angst or tears that it caused. Trust me, I had tears of my own while I was writing parts of it.
Now for this story and happier thoughts, I knew you all would know what the section in italics was about. This chapter picks up where the last one left off so you'll find out right away who was behind the door. Hope you enjoy this update!
/
Marissa heard a noise that caused her to sit up in bed. The redhead immediately glanced over to Bianca's side of the bed to ask if she heard something too. Marissa only found her lover's pillow bunched up from when she was snuggled into it inhaling Bianca's scent that still lingered on it. That was when she remembered that Bianca wasn't home. She was still in New York. Marissa heard the noise again and decided that she needed to check it out before it woke up the kids. She got up and padded down the hallway in the direction of the mysterious noise thinking maybe Max had gotten into something since the alarm hadn't gone off. She paused on one side of the kitchen door and could've sworn she heard voices. The redhead slowly opened the door. Hazel eyes widened in surprise at who she found on the other side.
"Hi, Marissa."
"Hi, Rissa. It's been a while."
"Mom? Dad?" Marissa blinked, confusion and surprise showing in equal parts across her face.
"Ah, she does remember us!"
"Stop teasing her, Roy. You knew darn well she would."
"You're right as always, Lyd. Well, aren't you going to come in and join us?"
Marissa nodded and stepped into the kitchen. Roy and Lydia Tasker were seated at the kitchen table with a box of donuts and three small bottles of orange soda. The familiar scene before her made her smile.
"Why are you here? I mean, don't get me wrong. I'm really happy to see you, but I don't understand."
Lydia gave her an understanding smile. "Well, you're the one who called us here, so to speak. So, I would say that means you really know the answer to that question."
"I tell you what. Why don't we come back to that question?" Roy suggested helpfully.
Marissa nodded, still confused.
Roy smiled. "Okay then. So, Rissa, tell us about your family."
Marissa smiled brightly. "Well, I have a feeling you know all about them."
"We do, and we know everything that's been going on. Your Mom and I will always be around to keep an eye out on you. We just want to hear about them from you."
"Okay. Who do you want to know about first?"
"How about you start with our grandkids?" Lydia smiled.
Marissa chuckled, not at all surprised that her mother's first question was on the kids. "They are amazing! They are all so smart, sweet, kindhearted, thoughtful and funny. First, there's Miranda. She is Bianca in miniature form. Gabby is like her too, but Miranda even more so. She is just so giving and loving. I see her and I see what Bianca was like when she was that age. She is so protective of her family, particularly Bianca. There is just this special bond between them, and Miranda is wise beyond her years." Marissa paused before continuing with even more pride in her voice if that was possible. "Miranda has also expressed an interest in becoming a lawyer."
"I can tell you like that."
"I really do, Dad, but I'll be okay with it if she changes her mind. I just want her to be happy. Now, AJ is very much the protective brother. He always thinks about his sisters and wants to make sure they're safe. I think he wants to be an architect. He's got a great eye, and he loves to draw and build things. He's very creative."
"What about the little one?" Lydia asked.
"Gabby, she is something. She is curious as all get out and doesn't miss anything. She's so funny and loves entertaining us. The jokes are a little on the cheesy side so you'd get along with her really well, Dad. I can see the two of you coming up with some sort of comedy routine."
Lydia rolled her eyes. "Lord help us."
"Hey, my jokes are not cheesy!" Roy protested.
Mother and daughter glanced at each other before busting out laughing.
"Yeah, they really are. Gabby is just so cute when she tells them though so she gets away with it, kind of like you. She's loves animals and is obsessed with monkeys for some unknown reason. I can easily see her working with animals when she gets older, maybe becoming a vet."
"They sound like great kids." Lydia smiled.
"They are. They're the best."
"What about your friends?" Roy was curious about who his daughter confided in.
"Well, there's Scott. We're really good friends. He's JR's cousin, but he's nothing like him. They are like day and night, just like their fathers. He's sweet and there when I need him. He's finally getting some happiness of his own with Madison. Then, there's Brian. I work with him. The joke around the office is that we're each other's work spouse. His wife Stef is great and is a pretty good friend as well. They have a little boy named Jamie, and they made me his godmother! He's the sweetest little boy."
"Anyone else?" Lydia knew her daughter always had a lot of friends back in Devon. There was just something about Marissa that attracted people to her, made them like her.
"There's the Dynamic Duo of Kendall and Greenlee. Greenlee is Bianca's cousin and Kendall's best friend. She's got a wicked sense of humor. Some people might not take her seriously, but there's more to her than meets the eye. She's smart. She cares and is loyal. She's willing to do whatever needs to be done to help out. Kendall is Bianca's big sister so she's very protective of her. If anyone ever crosses or hurts her little sister, they'll face the wrath of Kendall. I've seen what happens to those that do, and it's not pretty. The two of us just kind of hit it off. It's probably because we both knew the other was looking out for Bianca. We've gotten really close, and now, she's more than just a friend. She's family, like the sister I didn't have."
"I'm glad to hear that. How is everything with Krystal?" Lydia watched their relationship from afar but needed to hear from her daughter how things actually were between them. While she herself could never imagine selling her child, Lydia would be forever grateful to Krystal for Marissa. She was everything to Roy and Lydia, a true gift.
"Complicated but getting a little better each day, I suppose. It's hard to put what she did to me behind us, but it helps when I remember that she gave me to the two of you. I realize how lucky I was, and I couldn't have asked for better parents. The hardest thing for me to forgive is what she did to Bianca. I'm trying, in large part because Bianca asked me to. If she can forgive her, then surely I can try. Bianca's mom, however, will never forgive her."
Roy smiled. "Ah yes, the legendary Erica Kane. What's she like?"
"Erica is Erica. She is formidable, dramatic, a little on the self-centered side, fierce, a little intimidating and definitely protective of her family. You do not want to cross her. I have to be honest though. I like her, and we get along pretty well. It took some time to convince her, but she knows how much Bianca and the girls mean to me. She knows that I wouldn't do anything to hurt them, and that we share the common goal of keeping them safe and happy. She was really there for me during the whole JR debacle."
Roy shifted in his seat, his easy smile gone in an instant at the mention of man who hurt his little girl. "What's going on with him?"
"Don't worry, Dad. He's sober, at last word, and travelling around Europe trying to find himself after his stint in prison. He emails AJ every now and then. Bianca and I are monitoring that to make sure he stays in line and doesn't say or do anything to hurt AJ. So far, so good. He seems to be trying to change which would be good for AJ. Don't worry though. We're not letting our guard down. There's always more behind JR's actions than he says. We've both learned that lesson the hard way."
"I'm very glad to hear that. Now, tell us about Bianca." Lydia smiled when she saw her daughter's face light up at the mere mention of the other woman's name.
"I don't even know where to start. Bianca is the most incredible person I've ever known. She's intelligent and funny. Gabby gets her sense of humor from her so you'd like that, Dad."
Lydia chuckled at Roy's playful scowl.
"She's generous to a fault and really cares about people. I can't even begin to tell you about all of the people she's helped through the Miranda Center. It's such an incredible place. For her to have found something positive out of what happened to her is simply amazing. Most people wouldn't be able to do anything like that, but then again, she's definitely not most people. Her ability to forgive is indescribable. For her to be able to forgive Krystal, David and Babe for what they did, is … There are no words for that. She's encouraged me to forgive Krystal and try and build a relationship with her. Bianca's beautiful, inside and out. And the way she took care of me after I was hurt? I can't even begin to tell you about that. After the mess that was my marriage to JR, I never thought I would find someone to love again, that I could love again, that I would want to share my life with. I was wrong, and I've never been so happy to be wrong in my life. She's turned it all around. Everything's better with her there beside me. She's a true partner in every sense of the word. I mean just knowing that she's there and part of my life is the most precious gift." Marissa stopped and saw the amused expressions on her parents' faces. "What? I'm talking too much, huh?"
Lydia smiled and took her daughter's hand. Marissa always talked a blue streak when she was excited. No, it was when she was passionate about something, and Lydia had never seen her this passionate about someone. "No, not at all. I just can't tell you how happy it makes me, makes us to see you this happy and content with your life, this at peace with yourself, this in love."
Roy nodded, his smile matching his wife's. "I know I said that there wouldn't be anyone ever good enough for you, but …"
"But you were wrong." Marissa grinned, beating her father to the punch.
Roy laughed. "But I was wrong. Bianca is a remarkable woman."
"Yes, she is! It doesn't bother you that I'm in love with a woman?"
Lydia smiled gently. "Oh honey, that doesn't matter one bit to us. How could it? I mean, it's obvious that she makes you happy, loves you and takes good care of you. Who can ask for more for their child? I know that's all your Dad and I have ever wanted for you."
"Your Mom, as always, is right. That smile of yours tells us everything we need know. I can't think of anyone better for you, anyone else who would deserve you. The two of you are planning on adding to your family?"
Marissa nodded happily as she wiped a tear from her face. Having her parents' blessing of her relationship with Bianca meant everything to her. She never really thought they would have a problem with it because of the type of people they were and how they raised her. It was just good to hear it. "Yeah, we are. If all goes as we hope, I'll have our baby."
"That's wonderful, Rissa. You are a natural as a mom. I'm glad you're going to experience that miracle. Any other plans that we should know of?" Lydia smiled knowing full well what her daughter had on her mind.
"As a matter of fact, yes." It was then, in that moment, that Marissa realized why her parents were there. "I want to marry Bianca, and I plan on asking her when she gets home from New York."
Roy grinned. "And you're a little nervous?"
Marissa nodded. "Yeah, I am. I don't want to mess it up. I just want everything to be perfect."
"I understand that. I was shaking like a leaf when I asked your Mom. It wasn't that I was afraid that she would say 'no' because let's face it, she was crazy about me."
Lydia rolled her eyes. "All these years and you're still that cocky and full of yourself. Amazing."
"But you were crazy about me." Roy smirked.
"Yes, I was, and I still am."
"Don't worry. I'm crazier about you. Anyway, I was nervous because it's a big step, and you can't help but want it to be perfect. I just need to ask you one thing. Are you sure?"
"I've never been more sure of anything in my life."
"I believe you so I'll tell you this. It will be perfect because it's right, because of how much you love each other, and nothing would make us prouder then to call Bianca our daughter-in-law."
"What if I can't find the right words?"
"My daughter not find the right words?! Perish the thought! You are incapable of not finding the words to express your feelings. Seriously, just speak from your heart and you can't go wrong."
Lydia laughed and nodded. "He's right. You'll find the right ones. It's something you got from your Dad. Would you like a little suggestion though?"
"Yes, please. That would be great."
"Do you remember my favorite poet?"
"I do."
"I think she'll be able to help you come up with something. She had a way with words that was even better than your Dad's."
"Thanks, Mom. Thanks, Dad. I love you both."
Roy hugged his daughter tightly and kissed her cheek. "I love you too. I'm so proud of you and the woman you've become."
Lydia wiped the tears from Marissa's eyes and kissed her other cheek before hugging her tightly. "I love you too, Rissa. I'm so happy for you. I'm so happy you have the family and life that you've always wanted and more than deserve. You make us so proud. Don't worry. Everything will be just fine."
Marissa sighed as a smile crossed her face as her parents' words echoed in her dream state, and she pulled Bianca's pillow closer to her. The 'visit' from her parents was just what she needed. Now, she was ready for tomorrow.
/
Bianca sat in the waiting room of the fertility clinic waiting for her name to be called. She'd arrived for her appointment early. As soon as she was done here, she would swing back by the hotel, pick up her belongings and head to the airport. Bianca had called the airline and had them put her name on a standby list in hopes of catching an earlier flight home. If everything went well, she would be back in Pine Valley early enough to swing by Krystal's to pick up dessert for later that evening, run home, change and then be waiting when Marissa got home from work to surprise her and take her out for a romantic dinner. Bianca planned on popping the question when they got back home.
She couldn't help herself from smiling when she thought of her plans for tonight. She just hoped that everything went as planned. Bianca chuckled slightly to herself when she thought of Marissa. The redhead provided her with her wake-up call this morning. Bianca had placed a request for a call with the front desk last night, but Marissa beat them to the punch. When the brunette answered her cellphone, she was greeted with her lover serenading her with Stevie Wonder's 'I Just Called to Say I Love you'. Given the fact that they were separated by many miles at the moment and Marissa wasn't able to perform her 'morning routine', it was the perfect way to wake up. After talking for a few minutes, Marissa had to get ready before waking up the kids.
Bianca was jolted from her thoughts when she heard her name.
The nurse at the clinic read off the next name on the sign-in sheet. "Bianca Montgomery?"
"Yes, that's me."
"The doctor will see you now. Please follow me."
Bianca followed the nurse down the hallway to the doctor's office. The brunette stepped inside and was greeted by the clinic's director who was also still practicing and highly respected in her field.
"Good afternoon, Ms. Montgomery. Please have a seat."
"Thank you, Dr. Roeth. I can't tell you how much I appreciate you taking the time to meet with me."
"It's my pleasure. I thought we would talk a little and then go on a tour of our facility, if that's okay with you?"
"That sounds just fine to me."
"Very good."
The two chatted with the doctor asking Bianca about her and Marissa, their lives together, their children and professions. Dr. Roeth wanted to get a feel of the women. She understood Marissa couldn't be there for this first meeting due to staying home and caring for the children as well as preparing for a trial. They discussed Marissa's health when Bianca informed the doctor that her partner would be the one carrying their child. The brunette provided the doctor with Marissa's charting of her cycle and basal temperature for the last four months.
Then, it was Bianca's turn to question the doctor. When she and Marissa began their discussions about adding to their family, they sat down and created a list of questions. Having undergone artificial insemination before with Gabby, Bianca was familiar with the procedure, giving them a great starting point. They had since added to the list in the months that followed. Bianca now asked about the facility, the staff, the various types of treatments, the donors and the cost of the procedure. These were the same questions that Marissa had asked the facility in Philadelphia.
With the questions asked and answered, the two went on a tour of the facility. Once that was concluded, Dr. Roeth walked the brunette out after a few last questions. Bianca was very impressed with all of it and couldn't wait to get home and tell Marissa about it.
/
Throughout the day, Kendall had checked in on both Bianca and Marissa to see how they were holding up. The couple was doing surprisingly well. It probably helped that they were both keeping themselves too busy to think about tonight, Marissa with work and Bianca with her visit to the fertility clinic. Kendall had invited Marissa to lunch when she spoke with her in hopes of giving her moral support, but the redhead declined. She was working through lunch in hopes of leaving early to get things set up for later. When Kendall called her sister to check on her, she found Bianca was at the airport hoping to catch an earlier flight home.
Kendall had picked up her children along with the couple's and dropped them off at home before heading to Krystal's to pick up some carryout for dinner. It was there that she ran into Marissa. The redhead appeared calm, but Kendall could sense some excitement with a hint of anxiety.
"Hey, Red, fancy seeing you here."
"Hey, Kendall. I'm guessing Zach drew the short straw and is watching all five kids while you're 'cooking' dinner."
Kendall laughed. "Yes, he did. There were calls for Krystal's chili cheese fries, and there's no way I'm going to attempt to recreate them."
"Hi, Marissa. I missed seeing you here at lunch today."
"Hi, Krystal. I worked through lunch. I've got a trial that starts on Monday that I'm prepping for. Don't worry. I grabbed something for lunch."
"Okay, as long as you're taking care of yourself. Is everything alright?" Krystal sensed her something was off with her daughter.
"Everything's fine. Why do you ask?" Marissa had been doing pretty well all day with keeping her nerves in check. She'd gotten a lot of work taken care of, even managing to leave early, and had everything set up at home. She just needed to pick up dessert and wait for Bianca to get back. The closer it got to the time when she was planning on proposing, the more her nerves threatened to make an appearance. It seemed like Krystal was picking up on that now, and Marissa was really hoping to avoid a lot of questions.
"You just seem a little antsy, maybe a little anxious or pre-occupied. I just want to make sure everything is alright."
Kendall sensed the redhead's anxiety at being pressed. She knew Marissa had a lot on her mind and really didn't need any extra questions about what was going on. Kendall decided to step in and help her out. "Oh, you heard her, Krystal. She's good. If anything, I think she's just missing Bianca."
Krystal seemed to accept that answer. "I understand. When will she be home? How did the trip go? She was up there for the Miranda Center, right?"
Marissa felt a little better, having received help from Kendall. "She should be home in a little while. The trip went great. She was able to get commitments from the mayor and several others in the way of financial assistance for it."
"That's really good to hear. Do you have big plans for tonight? I know Kendall is watching the kids so I could treat you both to dinner if you want. You wouldn't have to cook." Krystal suggested with a smile.
Marissa thought of the best way to politely decline without raising suspicions. "That's very nice of you, but we're just going to have a quiet dinner at home. I know Bianca did a lot of running when she was in New York so I know she's going to be a little tired when she gets back. I think a relaxing evening at home is on tap for her. To help with that, I want to pick us up a treat for which she gets here. Maybe we could take you up on that another time?"
"Of course. I more than understand. So, what can I get you today? I have a pretty good idea though."
"I would like two slices of your chocolate cake."
Krystal chuckled. "I figured as much. Let me get that for you while Kendall is still deciding what else to order."
When the coast was clear, Kendall was finally able to check with the redhead. "How are you doing, Marissa?"
"I'm doing okay. When I see Bianca though, I'll be a lot better. Thanks for helping with Krystal."
"No problem, anytime. There really is nothing to worry about. It's all going to work out."
Marissa smiled. "Thanks, Kendall. I appreciate it."
Krystal reappeared and handed a carryout bag to her daughter. "Here you go and enjoy."
"Thank you. We will. I better get going. I'll see you tomorrow morning, Kendall. Tell the kids we'll call when Bianca is home."
"See you tomorrow. I'll let them know." Kendall's back was to Krystal so she mouthed 'good luck' to Marissa who nodded slightly in acknowledgment before heading out.
Krystal suspected something was up with her daughter and was about to quiz Kendall on what she knew when she was called back into the kitchen. "I'll be back to get your order in a few minutes."
/
Bianca walked into Krystal's and headed immediately to the counter, surprised to see her sister. "Hey, Kendall."
"Hey, Binx. I'm surprised to see you here. I thought you'd be home by now."
Bianca sighed. What had begun as a great day with Marissa serenading her and followed by a very successful visit to the fertility clinic went downhill after she had gotten to the airport. A seat was available on an earlier flight, but mechanical problems delayed that flight. Then, a small weather front came through New York and delayed that flight even more. By the time the weather had cleared, the plane's crew wasn't permitted to fly because of FAA requirements regarding the amount of time they had already been on duty. Bianca was back on her original flight with a slight delay because of the weather delay. The only thing in her favor was that she didn't have any checked bags to worry about.
"That was the plan but there were mechanical and weather issues. Because I got in late, I lost our reservation at Primavista and can't surprise Rissa with that. The only thing I can do now is surprise her with dessert. I thought about taking dinner home, but I don't want to wait that long. I just want to see her and …"
"Bianca, I'm surprised to see you. I thought you'd be home."
"I'm on my way. I just wanted to surprise Marissa and pick up a treat. It would be great if you could box up two pieces of chocolate cake for me."
Krystal was confused. "Marissa was …"
"Missing you a lot even though you've only been gone a day." Kendall shot Krystal a look that silently pleaded with her to not say anymore.
Krystal took the hint. "Right. My baby girl really missed you. I will go get that cake for you. Kendall, your order is almost ready."
Bianca's cellphone rang, and she sighed when she saw who it was.
Kendall saw her sister's expression. "Who is it?"
"It's Mom. I just can't deal with her right now. She'll want to talk about her trip to Europe, and I won't be able to get her off the phone which means I'll have to delay my plans. I don't want to do that, Kendall. I can't. I've waited too long."
"Alright. Alright. Calm down. I've got this." Kendall grabbed her sister's phone and swiped the key to ignore the call. She then turned it off. "All taken care of. Now, why do you think she was calling about her trip?"
"Thanks. I suppose I could've done that myself." Bianca scowled seeing her sister's amused look. "Fine, you're right. I have a hard time ignoring Mom. She called earlier when I was on my way to the clinic and wanted to talk then. I managed to put her off. There's no way I could do it twice."
Kendall smiled. She knew better than anyone that their mother was hard to avoid. It was then that Kendall's cellphone rang. She smirked seeing Erica's name pop up. "I'll take care of her, but you owe me. There's nothing to worry about. It's all going to work out. Now, go get your girl."
Bianca hugged her sister and went to pay Krystal as she heard Kendall greet Erica.
"Hi, Mom. What's up? Binx? Really? There was no answer, huh? It's probably because they're landing, and you know that electronic devices have to be turned off. I know you're anxious to talk to her, but why don't you call her tomorrow? I mean, she's just getting home, and I'm sure her and Marissa want to spend some time together. Good. Oh, my order's ready. I need to get home myself. I'll call after dinner, and we can talk more then. Bye, Mom."
Krystal looked at Kendall. "Okay, spill it what's going on? Marissa was in here not half an hour ago getting the same dessert that Bianca was, but you didn't want your sister to know that for some reason. Then, you just lied to your mother about Bianca. Is something going on with her and Marissa?"
"I'm just helping them so they can spend a night alone together. They deserve it."
"I can tell you're not going to say anything else so I'll let it go, and I won't interrupt them tonight."
"Thank you. I better go. I have a house full of hungry kids. See ya later."
/
Bianca walked into the kitchen and called out. "Rissa, I'm home. Sorry I'm late." The brunette placed the bag from Krystal's on the counter. She headed into the family room, still not seeing Marissa. She knew the redhead was home because her car was in the garage. She padded down to their bedroom, dropping her bag by the closet. Where is she? Maybe she took Max out.
To say Bianca was surprised when she opened the back door would be an understatement. All of the hassles she had endured that afternoon trying to get home melted away when she was greeted by Marissa's dazzling smile. "Hey."
"Hey, yourself."