A/N: As always, thanks for reading and reviewing! It is much appreciated!
So, AMC 2.0 started this week. I don't know if you're all watching it or not, but in the 4th episode, they finally revealed what happened at the mansion. I'm not going to go into any detail in this story about it though. I just want to keep "Things Change" separate. If you haven't watched and want to know what happened, send me a PM, and I'll give you a description of the first week. I'll post a comment on the site for this chapter about what happened for those anonymous readers as it pertains to Minx.
Back to the Minx happy bubble! Okay, last chapter lacked any Minx interaction. I didn't really plan it that way at the beginning. It just worked out that way kinda like the cliffhanger, and by now, you all know me and cliffhangers! This one is all Minx, and I think it makes up for the lack of them in the last update. I'll let you be the judges of that though. The beginning of this chapter takes just a small step backwards to give you a glimpse of a little of what Marissa was up to while Bianca was away in New York and what her plans were. Don't worry. It's just a small step back and I don't skip over anything. It leads right into Bianca getting home and then … Yeah, I'm not going to tell you that when you can read it! That's enough from me for now. Hope you enjoy this update!
/
When Marissa returned home from Krystal's, she placed the chocolate cake in the refrigerator to chill. Not only was it their favorite dessert, it was also the way they both loved it served. It was just one of many things they had in common. The redhead checked the time. Bianca should be home soon. Marissa knew her flight had been delayed when she checked the flight's arrival time with the airline. According to the airline's website, Bianca's plane had finally taken off after a thirty minute delay which meant Marissa had a little more time to get things as perfect as possible. She walked outside to the patio and got straight to work on the last minute touches.
As she was finishing up, she recalled her day. Marissa had raced home from work. She had a lot to do and not a lot of time to do it. She had managed to take the covers off the patio furniture and clean the table and chairs along with hooking up a tank of propane to the grill the night before while the kids were doing their homework. Today, she started marinating the chicken before heading outside again to string up the white Christmas lights she had pulled out of the attic. Marissa thought they would be a nice touch, provide a little extra ambiance. She took a moment to admire her work and enjoy the beautiful spring day. Luck was definitely on her side with the weather, and it looked to be a perfect night for the first cookout of the year. Since they had moved into the house in November, it was actually going to be the first cookout they had there, and Marissa couldn't think of a better way to christen the area. She checked the time and went back inside to finish prep work on the meal.
After things were finished in the kitchen, Marissa headed back to their bedroom to clean up and change into some clean jeans and a t-shirt. She was keeping it low-key and knew Bianca would want to change into some comfortable clothes after meeting with the director of the fertility clinic and travelling right after. Before heading back outside to set the table, she grabbed some candles and the flowers she had picked up earlier and took them with her. The entire time she was doing all of this, she kept going over what she had planned to say. Marissa took the advice her Mom had given her in her dream to heart, and when she got to work that morning, she did a quick search on Elizabeth Barrett Browning, her mom's favorite poet and one of Marissa's as well. The redhead remembered something of Browning's that she had read in college that had been running through her mind since she had woken up that morning. She couldn't remember all of it though so she needed to look it up. Having found and read it, Marissa thought it was perfect and wrote it down. Throughout the day, the redhead went over the words until they were committed to memory.
Marissa fired up the grill and turned the flame on low before placing the chicken on it. She then set up her iPod with the playlist that she made for tonight. After that, she made one final trip inside to grab the ring and a bottle of wine. She opened the wine and placed it on the table and before she tucked the ring away in a spot that she had discovered yesterday and thought was the perfect hiding place. It would be within easy reach for her while still remaining hidden from Bianca. Marissa took a deep breath and couldn't hold back her smile to save her life when she heard the garage door.
/
Bianca left Krystal's determined to salvage some small bit of her plan tonight. The day had started out great but had slowly started to go downhill after getting to the airport. The brunette shook her head. She simply refused to let any of that get to her. Instead of dwelling on what had happened, she was going to focus on what she wanted to happen. She turned her thoughts to what she going to say to Marissa. Bianca recalled happening upon a book that Hannah had been reading in the Center's New York office yesterday. It was a romance novel which wasn't really Bianca's cup of tea, but the receptionist read a line from the book that really stuck with her. The more she mulled over the line, the more she realized it reminded her of Marissa and how she felt about her. She jotted it down and now knew the words by heart.
The brunette turned down the driveway and could feel the tension leave her body as soon as their home came into view. To know that Marissa was there waiting for her meant everything to Bianca and made her heart swell. She still couldn't believe how lucky was to have found Marissa and to be sharing a life with her. Yeah, none of the other stuff that happened today matters, not when I'm coming home to her.
Bianca hit the remote for garage door and pulled in. She grabbed her purse, carry-on bag and the chocolate cake and went inside. 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 the heck is she? Oh, 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 in an instant when she was greeted by Marissa's dazzling smile. "Hey."
"Hey, yourself."
The two moved as one as the distance between them was quickly erased. Lips were captured and arms wound tightly around each other, striving to pull the other closer as the kiss deepened. Minutes later, they slowly pulled away, each left dazed and breathless as they rested their foreheads together.
"Welcome home."
Bianca sighed happily. "It's good to be home." The brunette pulled back slightly to look around the patio. "This is so beautiful. It's perfect. I can't believe you did all of this."
Marissa beamed. "I'm glad you like it. It wasn't all that much work. Besides, that smile makes it all worth it."
The couple shared a loving kiss before slowly separating when Bianca's stomach growled.
"When was the last time you ate something?"
"Breakfast?"
"Bianca." Marissa scolded mildly.
"In my defense, it was a late breakfast and was on the big side."
"Uh huh. Well, you're home now, and I'm going to take care of you."
Bianca grinned. "I like it when you take care of me. Are you grilling chicken a' la Tasker?"
"Yes, I am. I thought you might be tired from the trip and wanted to surprise you."
"Funny, but after that kiss, I'm not tired in the least little bit. In fact, I find that I have all kinds of energy now and lots of ideas of how to use said energy."
Marissa laughed. "Sex fiend."
"Only with you."
"Lucky me! It's lucky for you that I have lots of ideas of my own too, but you're definitely going to need more energy. So, let's get you some dinner. You can work it off later." Marissa flashed a wicked grin.
Bianca's grin matched the redhead's. "You've got yourself a deal. Oh, I stopped by Krystal's on the way home and picked up a surprise for you. I just need to let it chill." The sound of Marissa's laughter stopped Bianca mid-step. "What's so funny?"
"Check the second shelf in the fridge." Marissa added with a wink.
Once inside the kitchen, Bianca opened the refrigerator and immediately spotted the tell-tale carryout container from Krystal's that held the same exact thing the container she was placing inside did. The brunette chuckled and then padded back down the hallway to quickly wash off some of the travel grime and change into some comfortable jeans and a t-shirt like Marissa was wearing. Bianca pulled the jewelry box from Tiffany's out of her bag along with the file from the fertility clinic. She would distract Marissa with the file while she hid the ring temporarily. Bianca took a deep breath to try and contain her excitement before heading back outside.
/
Marissa had a salad and glass of wine for each of them placed on the table by the time Bianca joined her again. The redhead spotted the file. "Is that from the clinic?"
Bianca nodded as she took her seat and handed the file to her. "It is. I had a really great conversation with Dr. Roeth."
"Oh, before we get into that, we have to call the kids. I told Kendall we would call when you got home. Let me go get the phone."
Once Marissa was inside, Bianca quickly hid the ring. By the time the redhead had returned, Bianca had started on her salad. She hadn't realized just how hungry she was until after that first bite. "Sorry, I couldn't wait."
Marissa smirked. "I knew you were hungry."
Bianca rolled her eyes playfully. "You're right, again. It's a good thing I have you to take care of me."
"Yes, it is, and it's a good thing I have you to take care of me too." Marissa leaned in for a quick kiss before dialing Kendall's number.
The couple chatted with their children for several minutes before ending the call so the kids could start the video game tournament Zach was setting up for them.
Once the salads were finished, Bianca cleared the table of those plates while Marissa dished up their main course. Bianca groaned over the first taste of the chicken and grilled vegetables. "This is so good and so much better then I what had planned."
"And what did you have planned?"
"I actually had reservations at Primavista, but because of the weather delay, I lost them. Good thing you had this planned. Don't worry. I still have every intention of taking you there."
"I look forward to it, but I'm glad we're not there. Tonight, I just want to be alone with you."
"That sounds perfect to me. So, do you want to hear about the clinic?"
Marissa nodded. "Yes, I do."
The redhead listened as Bianca told her all about her visit and what she'd found out.
"I have to say that I agree with you. Out of the two, that one sounds like the best."
"I hope you don't mind, but I went ahead and set up an appointment for next Saturday to meet with Dr. Roeth. I figured we could always cancel it if we decided to use the other place, but this way we'd have something set up in case we did decide to use them. Dr. Roeth will be in the office then and agreed to meet with us. Is that okay?"
"That's more than okay. I don't mind at all. What are we going to do with the kids? I know Kendall is always more than willing to watch them, but I don't want to impose."
"Neither do I. We could ask Susan. If we leave early, we can meet with the doctor and be home later that evening before they go to bed."
Marissa smiled. "Sounds like you have a great plan. I'll give Susan a call tomorrow morning." The redhead glanced over at Bianca's plate and saw that she had eaten everything. "Do you want anything more to eat?"
Bianca chuckled. "I'm pleasantly full right now. That was absolutely delicious though. Thank you."
"You're more than welcome, but there's no need to thank me. It's my pleasure. We'll wait on dessert. I'll take these inside if you'll pour us some more wine. I thought we could sit out here for a while and enjoy the evening."
"Deal."
As soon as the redhead was inside, Bianca retrieved the velvet box with its precious cargo. When Marissa returned, the brunette took a sip of wine and began.
/
"Rissa, there's something that's been on my mind for a while, something I've wanted to do for a while. I was waiting for the perfect moment, but then, today taught me otherwise. I had these big plans for tonight, but a weather front threw it all off. And …" Bianca realized she was rambling.
"Bianca, is everything okay?"
"Everything's great. Sorry. I got a little sidetracked. I'm better now."
"Are you sure?"
"I'm positive. There's something I need to say. So, please don't say anything until I'm done, okay?"
Marissa nodded. "Okay."
Bianca cleared her throat and began again. "We both know that I'm not the wordsmith that you are. I have to admit that I struggled for a little bit to come up with the right ones for this. When I was in New York though, I think I found them. I can't take credit for them though. I guess that kind of goes to Hannah, the Center's receptionist there. She was reading one of those romance novels which you know I'm not a big fan of, but she was going on and on about this one and read this line from it. I have to say it made me think of you. Here goes nothing.
'I want you any way I can get you. Not because you're beautiful or clever or kind or adorable, although devil knows you're all those things. I want you because there's no one else like you, and I don't ever want to start a day without seeing you.'
To me, that describes my feelings for you perfectly. I don't want to start a day without seeing you. I don't want to end a day without seeing you. There is no one else in the world like you, and I know there never will be. You're everything to me, and I want to spend the rest of my life showing you how much you mean to me, how much I love you. I want to grow old and gray with you and spoil our grandkids."
Bianca knelt in front of Marissa and opened the velvet box. "I want to call you my wife. There is nothing on the face of this earth that would make me happier than being able to do that. I love you so much. Marissa Lynn Tasker, will you please do me the extreme honor of marrying me and making me even happier than I am today?"
Hazel eyes began to fill with joyous tears as Bianca spoke. Marissa's breath hitched when Bianca knelt in front of her and opened the box. The ring was as perfect as the words spoken to her and the feelings behind them. This was a dream come true for her.
"Rissa?"
Marissa shook herself out of stupor, not realizing she had left Bianca waiting for her answer. The redhead nodded happily. "Yes! Yes! Yes! Of course I'll marry you!"
Bianca beamed as she placed the ring on Marissa's finger. She leaned in to kiss her now fiancée but was stopped by the sound of laughter from the other woman.
"B, there is nothing more I want to do right now then kiss you, but if I do, I know there is not a chance in hell that I'll be able to stop. And there's something that I have to do. Okay, I have to admit that it's something I want to do a little more than kiss you, but it's really close second."
"I don't understand."
"I'm rambling now. I need you to take a seat for me, and I promise it will all make sense in a few minutes. Do you trust me?"
"With my life." Bianca did as Marissa asked and took her seat.
Marissa walked over to the hiding place she found earlier. "You know how everyone teases us about how eerie it is that we're on the same page so much?"
"Yeah, they love doing that. I personally don't think it's eerie at all. I think it's more like great minds thinking alike."
"Me too. This is definitely one of those times." Marissa cleared her throat. "Wow. You say you don't have a way with words, but you are wrong on all counts. That was perfect, and you just set the bar awfully high. I'm going to try my best to match it. You see, there's something I've wanted to do, to ask you for a while now, and I've been waiting for the perfect moment. I realized that there is no one set perfect time or place or moment. What makes the perfect moment is who you're sharing it with. For me, the perfect moment is whenever I'm with you. Once I figure that out, everything else fell into place for me. I knew what I wanted to do. Of course, me knowing what truly makes the perfect moment didn't stop me from trying to make it a little more perfect. So, I worked on setting the right atmosphere with the lighting, candles, flowers, wine, music and menu as well as having Kendall watch the kids. Judging by your smile, you asked Kendall to watch them too."
The brunette laughed. "I did. Great minds." Bianca's breath hitched as Marissa knelt in front of her. At first, she wasn't sure what the redhead was up to, but the more she spoke, the more obvious it became. Bianca could hardly believe her eyes and ears. The moment she had dreamed of was finally happening and her heart was racing.
"Thanks to some excellent advice, I'll tell you about that later, I went a little old school for some help with what I wanted to say. There is a verse from Elizabeth Barrett Browning that I think sums everything up for me
'I love you not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you. I love you not only for what you have made of yourself, but for what you are making of me. I love you for the part of me that you bring out.'
Bianca, you are truly the most incredible person I have ever known or ever will know. Being with you has made me stronger, braver, love harder than I ever thought possible. Being with you has made me better, has made me … more. You bring that out in me. I love you so very much. I want the same things that you do. I want to grow old and gray with you and sit out here on our rockers watching our grandkids run around and us spoil them rotten. I want to be able to shout from the highest mountain that I'm married to the most amazing woman there is. Bianca Christine Montgomery, will you do me the enormous honor of becoming my wife?"
Tears flowed freely from warm chocolate eyes that shone bright with love. "Yes! I will marry you! I love you so much! There's nothing that would make me happier!"
Marissa's smile was dazzling as she slipped the ring on Bianca's finger.
The two could no longer deny themselves and captured the other's lips in an earth-shattering kiss. It deepened in intensity and passion as they both became utterly lost in each other, pouring every ounce of love they had into one kiss. The couple slowly separated, each left dazed and breathless and never happier.
Bianca chuckled. "Wow!"
Marissa grinned. "You can say that again. I have this overwhelming need to kiss my fiancée again."
"Who am I to deny my fiancée anything?" Bianca smiled as the two came together again. "I think we should continue this inside."
"I love how you think and couldn't agree more." Marissa stood and held out her hand which Bianca happily took. Candle flames were extinguished and the remaining wine and wineglasses were picked up along with the iPod. Once inside, they were placed on the counter, the back door locked and home alarm set. The two made their way down the hallway to their bedroom.
/
The couple slowly and lovingly undressed each other. Each was savoring the moment, the feel of the other's touch and the love and happiness they shared. A soft smile was exchanged as the couple moved together and captured willing lips again. What had started out slowly soon deepened as their shared passion and desire escalated. Access was granted willingly and tongues danced. Bodies pressed tighter and were soon melded together. The couple tumbled onto their bed.
Bianca quickly positioned herself on top. Her lips slowly trailed down to Marissa's breasts, and her tongue began to torturously tease hardened nipples while her hands began to caress the wondrous soft curves of Marissa causing the redhead to moan. Marissa knew without a doubt that her fiancée was truly gifted with how she used that tongue.
The throbbing ache between Marissa's legs intensified, and she pulled Bianca closer. As Bianca continued to ravish Marissa's breasts, her hands slowly drifted lower, caressing each delicious curve of the redhead until one eased itself between her legs. As Bianca slid two fingers easily inside Marissa, the redhead moaned loudly as her hips bucked, and she pulled her fiancée up to her, capturing Bianca's lips for a searing kiss as a rhythm was soon set between them. Each thrust deeper than the next, hitting the spot that drove Marissa wild and carried her to a height of sheer ecstasy. Bianca could feel Marissa tighten around her and applied more pressure. Marissa moaned, "Oh dear god, Bianca!" as she was driven over the edge and completely unraveled as a wave of euphoria swept over her.
Marissa's body went limp as her orgasm finally subsided. Her ragged breathing and racing heart slowly returned to their normal rhythms. Bianca gazed at her fiancée. She reveled in the sight of Marissa as she as came down from the heights of pleasure that only Bianca could drive her to, loving the fact that she was one who could do this for her.
Marissa sighed happily as she recovered, a brilliant smile gracing her face. "I don't even have to open my eyes to know that you're staring. That's some habit you have."
Bianca chuckled when hazel eyes finally met her warm chocolate ones. "I'm not even going to apologize for it either. You are so beautiful. In fact, I believe I have the world's most beautiful fiancée."
Marissa shook her head. "I'm going to have to agree to disagree with you on that because I think that I have the world's most beautiful fiancée." The redhead smiled even brighter. "My fiancée, I love how that sounds."
"I do too. It sounds so right, so perfect. I can't wait until the day when we change that and I can call you my wife."
"You're right. That does sound a little better."
Marissa leaned up and found Bianca's lips for a tender kiss that soon deepened as their shared desire and passion again soared. A moan escaped from Bianca as Marissa shifted their positions and rolled on top of her, every inch of their bodies fused together perfectly. Marissa's lips began to roam, soon finding Bianca's pulse point causing a sharp intake of breath. Marissa continued down to Bianca's breasts causing the brunette to moan as her tongue began working its magic. Another moan escaped from Bianca as she grasped copper locks and pulled her fiancée closer. As Marissa paid attention to ravish Bianca's breasts, her hands slowly drifted lower, caressing each magnificent curve of Bianca until one tenderly eased between her legs. A swell of pure pleasure engulfed Bianca as Marissa entered her and drove her higher and higher with each thrust. The brunette cried out "Oh my god, Rissa!" as she tumbled over the edge and became completely undone, convulsing in exquisite ecstasy. Bianca's entire body went limp moments later. She hummed in utter bliss as Marissa kissed every inch of her body as she slowly made her way back up to Bianca's waiting lips. Marissa watched as her fiancée slowly recovered. She knew she would never be able to get enough of Bianca just as she knew she would never see anyone more beautiful than her love.
A radiant smile graced Bianca's face as she opened her eyes and was met by Marissa's. When her breathing finally returned to normal, she was able to speak again. "I love you so much."
"No more then I love you. I have to tell you something, B."
"What's that?"
"This has been the best day ever so far." Marissa's happiness was as evident in her voice as it was on her face.
A happy sigh escaped from Bianca as she pulled Marissa tighter. "Definitely. You know what would be really good right now?"
"Chocolate cake?"
"You know me so well!"
Marissa gave Bianca a quick kiss. "I'll be back before you know it."
Before the brunette could protest and volunteer to retrieve the dessert herself, Marissa was out of her arms. Bianca's eyes raked her fiancée's body as Marissa got out of bed and headed to the kitchen without bothering to put anything on. Bianca was still smiling when Marissa returned with the cake and wine.
Marissa raised an eyebrow seeing the grin on Bianca's face. "Is that look for the cake or the wine?"
"Neither. It's all for you. You are so beautiful."
"From where I'm standing, you're the one that's beautiful."
"Agree to disagree with you, Counselor."
Marissa chuckled and joined her fiancée in bed. The two groaned in unison as they eat took a bite of cake causing both to burst out laughing.
Bianca gazed at her ring and smiled. She thought it was perfect in every way.
Marissa bit her lip anxious about what she was about to ask. "Do you like the ring?"
"No, I don't. I love it! It's perfect and beautiful." Bianca gave her a tender kiss.
"Not nearly as beautiful as the woman wearing it."
Bianca shook her head and grinned at Marissa's response. "You're good. So, you got it at Tiffany's?"
"Yep, I picked it up when we were there around Christmas."
"You've had it since before Christmas? When did you find time to get it? Where did you hide it all this time?"
Marissa grinned. "I had that little break in between my meeting with the Regans and handling the Macy's deal for the Dynamic Duo so I stopped by the store. When I saw that ring, I knew it would be perfect for you. The saleswoman was really helpful. I'll have to email her and let her know I finally popped the question. As to where I hid it, I'm not saying. It's obvious I found a good hiding spot so I'm not giving it up. I think it's going to come in handy in the future."
Bianca scowled playfully. "Hey, who was your saleswoman?"
"Uh, Laura Carter."
"Are you serious? She's the one who helped me. I spotted your ring when we were shopping, but I couldn't do anything about it at the time since you were right there. I looked around here, but nothing was as perfect for you as that one. I knew I had to stop there yesterday and get it. I think she remembered you. She remembered a customer that was there around Christmas who had this smile that stuck with her. We're definitely going to have to tell her how it all turned out. As to your secret hiding place, I have my ways of getting that information from you."
"You do, huh?"
"I do." Bianca grinned wickedly as she moved the empty containers off the bed and took Marissa's glass from her and placed it on the nightstand.
Marissa's grin matched her fiancée's. "Double dog dare you to try your best."
"Oh, it is so on." Bianca pulled Marissa to her for a fervent kiss.
/
Bianca did in fact try her absolute very best, but Marissa somehow managed to keep her secret hiding place just that, secret. Both definitely enjoyed each and every single attempt though, and Marissa happily 'rewarded' Bianca for her attempts.
Both sated and exhausted in the best possible of ways, a tender kiss was shared as the two lay happily entwined, and the couple drifted off to a blissful slumber.
/
A/N: First things first, I have to give proper credit to where it is due. The quote Bianca used is something a friend posted that stuck with me, and I filed it away for this chapter. It is by Lisa Kleypas and from "Tempt Me at Twilight". I haven't read the book so I can't tell you anything about it other than it's a romance novel of some sort. I just liked the quote and thought it would work here. The quote from Marissa is in fact by Elizabeth Barrett Browning and also stuck with me as something to be used in this story so it was filed away as well. I was torn on who would use which one so I flipped a coin. Hopefully, they both worked for you all, and I did the proposals justice. I was also torn over who would propose first. Given the problems Bianca experienced getting home, I decided to let her do it first. I really don't think Marissa minded too much. Writing this chapter gave me another idea for the next one. I'll give you a little hint since you've all been so great and have stuck with the story for quite some time. A momentous event such as our girls getting engaged needs to be celebrated, don't you think? See you soon!