A/N: First order of business as always, thank you for reading and reviewing! I don't know if you all know how much it really means to me so thanks! I'm glad you all liked the last chapter. I wanted it to be special for our girls. To those that asked for an update on AMC 2.0, I hope I was able to help you out.
To Maggie C in Mexico, I couldn't send you a PM because you didn't have a FanFiction account or at least it didn't show on your review. If you check out the reviews for this story, I have a quick summary of the first week that I hope will fill you in. If you have an account on this site and want a little more detail, please send me a PM, and I'll send you something.
Now for this chapter, it is the morning after, and Minx is pretty happy as I'm sure you can all guess they would be. I think that's enough from me for now. Hope you enjoy this update!
/
Marissa awoke slowly to her favorite feelings, Bianca's soft, warm body pressed into her's while her arms were wrapped around the redhead coupled with a soft puff of air on her neck as her fiancée slept peacefully made this the perfect way to wake up. Marissa smiled as she reveled in the feelings her fiancée evoked within her. Bianca is my fiancée! I really love the sound of that! What did I ever do to deserve her? I am so damn lucky. Marissa was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't realize that said fiancée had begun to wake up.
A sleepy but brilliant smile graced Bianca's face as she woke up. Feeling Marissa in her arms always brought about that reaction. Even after all this time, it never failed to amaze her at just how perfectly they fit together. Bianca's smile grew even more when she remembered last night. Marissa is my fiancée! That sounds so right and so perfect. I really am the luckiest woman alive! Bianca couldn't resist any longer and gently pressed her lips to Marissa's shoulder.
Marissa hummed with pleasure feeling Bianca's soft lips as they trailed from her shoulder to her neck and snuggled even closer until Bianca found that one spot always sure to get a rise out of the redhead. Marissa twisted around quickly to meet Bianca's amused expression. The brunette knew exactly what she was doing, what it did to Marissa and the repercussions of her actions. The redhead captured Bianca's lips for a fervent kiss that proved that she too had her own power over the brunette when Bianca moaned and pulled Marissa even closer.
When they finally separated, Marissa flashed a radiant smile. "Good morning, my beautiful fiancée!"
Bianca's smile matched Marissa's in brilliance as she sighed happily. "Good morning to you, my beautiful fiancée! God, I love how that sounds!"
"You're not the only one! Yeah, I definitely need another kiss from you."
"Ask and you shall receive!"
The happy couple separated a few minutes later when air became a necessity.
"So, what do you want to do today, B?"
A wicked grin from Bianca was all the answer she needed to give Marissa to let her know exactly what she wanted to do.
Marissa laughed. "Besides that, sex fiend."
"Takes one to know one. We have to tell the kids. What time are they coming home?"
"Kendall is dropping them off just before lunch so we have plenty of time for the first thing you want to do since we're up so early."
"That is so good to hear." Bianca leaned in to capture those waiting lips again but stopped short. "Max!"
"Huh? What about him?"
"We need to let him outside. He hasn't been out since before we went to bed."
Marissa chuckled. "You're right. I'll go …"
"No, I'll do it. You stay right here." Bianca gave her a quick kiss and got out of bed.
Marissa's eyes raked Bianca's body as the brunette headed out of the bedroom bypassing her robe and pajamas. An extra sway of her hips as she left the room elicited an appreciative groan of approval from Marissa having Bianca smirk as she padded down the hall.
/
Bianca opened the back door and watched as Max darted outside. She filled his bowls with food and water and measured some coffee and water for the coffee pot before turning it on to brew. The sun was just starting to come up and a ray of early morning light reflected off of the diamonds in her engagement ring. The bubble of happiness that Bianca felt escaped, and she giggled as she watched how the light was refracted by her ring. She glanced up when she heard Max scratch at the backdoor waiting to be let back in. Bianca opened the door and scratched behind his ear. The puppy scampered over to his food while she padded back down to the bedroom to finish what was started several minutes ago.
When she entered the bedroom, Marissa was nowhere to be seen. It was then that she heard the water being turned on in the bathroom. Bianca found Marissa inside brushing her teeth.
"I thought I told you to stay where you were." Bianca smirked.
Marissa rinsed her mouth out and laughed. "Sorry, but nature called. I thought it would be a good idea to brush my teeth since I was up."
"Hmmm, I suppose that would be a good idea for me too. Give me two minutes and I'll be right out."
"Two minutes then I want you out there and back in our bed." Marissa grinned.
True to her word, Bianca exited the bathroom two minutes later to find Marissa waiting for her. As Bianca walked to her side of the bed, she was pulled down to it by Marissa causing the brunette to yelp in surprise.
"I've waited long enough so I thought I'd give you a shortcut back here. Don't worry. It's the only shortcut that will be taken this morning."
Bianca chuckled. "That's really good to hear."
"I do aim to please." Marissa grinned mischievously. "Now, where were we?"
/
"What's so funny?" Bianca eyed Marissa as the redhead started laughing for no apparent reason.
Marissa swallowed her sip of coffee before answering. "I was just wondering what the kids would say if they caught us eating chocolate cake for breakfast."
The couple having been slightly worn out from their early morning activities and neither feeling like cooking chose to eat the remaining chocolate cake for breakfast. Both had gone to the kitchen to retrieve the cake and mugs of coffee before returning to bed with the items.
"I won't tell them if you won't."
"Deal! We do have to tell them about our engagement though."
"Yes, we do. I can't wait to see their reactions. I think they're going to be so excited."
"I think so too. You know who else is going to be excited?"
Bianca thought for just a beat before answering with a knowing grin. "Kendall. She knew you were going to propose, didn't she?"
"Yeah, we talked, and I have to tell you that she's been really great and very supportive. I didn't tell her exactly what I was going to do though. I wanted this to be just between the two of us for now. We can share with her later. I'm guessing you confided in her too."
"I did. Like you, I didn't give her any particulars either for the same reason as you. I want to let her know what happened. Heck, I want to let everyone know. I'm going to have to tell Mom before we tell anyone else though but after Kendall."
"About Erica."
"What about her?"
Marissa scrunched her face. "She kind of already knows."
"What do you mean? How is that possible?"
"I had lunch with her a couple of weeks ago. I told her I wanted to marry you and asked for her blessing."
Bianca's eyes widened in surprise. "You asked my mom for her blessing to marry me?"
Marissa shrugged. "I did. I know how important your mom is to you, and I know how contentious her relationships with those that shall remain nameless from your past were."
Bianca snorted. "Contentious? If that's not an understatement, I don't know what is. You're being really generous."
"I'm feeling generous because I find that I'm in an exceptionally good mood today." Marissa grinned.
"You're not the only one. So, you asked my mom for her blessing. How did that go?"
"It went really well. She listened and asked me what I would do if she refused."
"And?" Bianca questioned already knowing the answer.
"I told her that while it would be wonderful to have it, I would still ask you if she didn't give it to me. This is our relationship after all. I know how much she means to you and how much it would mean to you to know that she is on board with us getting married, but I'm not going to let her or anyone else stop us from being together and being happy."
"That makes two of us. What happened next?"
"She gave me her blessing and told me that she trusted me with the happiness of both you and the girls and said it would be a pleasure to have me as an official member of the family."
Bianca grinned and leaned in for a quick kiss. "You're incredible. I don't know that there was anyone else that I was ever involved with that took my relationship with my family into account as much as you. I wish I could've done the same and asked your parents. Do you think they would've given me their blessing?"
Marissa smiled softly at Bianca's thoughtfulness knowing that she was referring to Roy and Lydia. "There's no thinking about it. I know they would. They kind of did."
"Huh?"
"At least in my mind they did. I had this dream the other night. I heard something in the kitchen and went to check it out, and there they were just waiting for me. We talked about you and the kids. They wanted to hear all about all of you. They said they were proud of me and happy for me. I told them I was going to ask you to marry me, which you beat me to punch on by the way."
Bianca smiled. "Sorry I stole your thunder and popped the question before you."
Marissa simply smiled in return and shook her head. "Like I told you last night, I am more than okay with that. I've never been happier to have someone beat me to a question."
"Tell me more about this dream. What did they say when you told them you wanted to marry me? I remember your dad telling you in your home movies that no one would ever be good enough for you."
"He admitted that he was wrong and couldn't think of anyone more perfect for me than you, which is exactly what I think."
"I seem to recall you telling me that before. I happen to think that you're perfect for me too."
"There's more. I was having a hard time trying to come up with the right words to propose. My mom suggested that her favorite poet might be able to help me. The next morning, I hunted down that verse. As soon as I read it, I knew she was right."
"It was a really good verse."
"So was your's. I loved it. I know it was a dream and just my subconscious telling me what I already knew. It's just that it was so real, and it felt good to talk to them again. It was a really good dream and helped me not miss you so much."
"I'm glad you had the dream then." Bianca kissed Marissa tenderly. "I still can't believe you asked my mom for her blessing. I have no doubt that you scored big points with her. I mean she already loved you anyway, but to go out and do that, you're going to have a fan for life. Okay, we're pretty sure Kendall knows what we were going to do last night, and she's probably dying to know exactly what happened. Mom's probably anxious wanting to know when you're going to actually ask so you know we have to tell her right away."
"We have to tell a lot of people. Krystal will want to know. If Erica knows and she doesn't, she's going to be hurt. No matter how complicated our relationship is I can't hurt her especially not like that. She has been very supportive of us."
Bianca smiled. "Hey, you don't have to convince me. I understand. She's your mom. If we tell them and Greenlee finds out that she didn't know, she'll be fit to be tied. I've got an idea. Why don't we have everybody over? We can have an impromptu cookout and tell them then. Of course, we'll tell the kids first."
"Yeah, we're going to have to tell them as soon as we get them alone. Won't Erica want some extravagant party for that announcement?"
"Probably, but this isn't about her. This is about us, and I think this is more us."
Marissa grinned. "You're right. It is. I like it. I really like it. We can tell everyone that we love and care about all at the same time. If we're going to pull this together for this evening, we need to get to work."
After both were showered and dressed, the couple got to work on a list of who they wanted to invite and what they would have for dinner. Once that was complete, they headed over to Kendall and Zach's to pick up the kids.
/
The couple pulled up into the driveway of the Slater home. They shared a quick kiss before getting out of the car and heading to the front door.
Kendall answered and smiled brightly at the couple as they followed her inside. "Good morning! You two are out and about early this morning. I wasn't expecting you for a while." Kendall noted the smiles on the faces of the couple. They seemed to be glowing. "So, how did last night go? Anything I should know?" Kendall was not so discreetly attempting to check out the couple's hands hoping to catch a glimpse of engagement rings. Neither woman was cooperating however. Marissa had her left hand in her pocket while her right one was holding Bianca's left hand obstructing her view. She had no doubt that they were doing it on purpose.
Bianca smiled knowing full well what her sister was attempting to do. "It was great. Rissa had dinner waiting for me when I got home, and it was such a nice night that we ate outside. After …"
"Mommy!"
Bianca barely had enough time to brace herself before Gabby practically jumped into her arms. "Hi, baby. Did you miss me?"
"Uh huh! We had fun here, but I missed you and story time with you and Mommy." Gabby kissed Bianca before reaching for Marissa.
"Good morning, Monkey."
AJ and Miranda soon followed their little sister in greeting Bianca.
"Kendall, could the five of us have a couple of minutes? We promise to talk with you when we're done." Marissa knew the last part would appease the older brunette's curiosity.
"Sure. I'll get their stuff together."
"What's up, Mom?" Miranda could tell her moms were excited about something, what it was she didn't know.
The couple exchanged a smile before Bianca started.
"We have what we hope you'll think is good news. Last night, I asked Marissa to marry me, and she said 'yes'."
"You're gonna get married! That's the best news ever!" AJ exclaimed as he hugged Marissa first and then Bianca.
As he was hugging Bianca, AJ whispered. "Thanks for making Ma so happy. Love you, Mom."
"I love you too, AJ." Bianca whispered as she wiped away a tear.
"Really?! That's awesome! I'm so happy, Mom, Ma! Can we be in the wedding?" Miranda asked excitedly as she hugged Bianca tightly before moving on to Marissa.
"Ma, thanks for loving Mom and making her so happy and taking care of her and us. You're not like any of the others and I know you won't hurt her or leave her. Love you, Ma."
Marissa looked Miranda in the eyes knowing what the girl hadn't said. "Thank you. I won't ever leave her or you, Gabby and AJ. The four of you are my life, my world and I'm not ever going to give any of you up. I love you, Miranda." The two hugged tightly.
"I knew it was gonna happen." Gabby declared proudly.
"Oh you did, did you? And just how did you know that, Monkey?" Marissa asked.
Gabby rolled her eyes and answered as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "In the fairy tales when people meet and fall in love, they get married. It's part of their happy ending!"
Marissa laughed as she scooped up her youngest and tickled her. "Well, I can't argue with that logic!"
Bianca chuckled and kissed Gabby. "Neither can I. And, Mimo, it wouldn't be a wedding without the three of you in it. You guys are an important part of it."
Miranda grinned. "Are you happy?"
"Very! Something else happened last night." Bianca smiled.
"What?"
Marissa answered this time. "Well, I didn't know your Mom was going to ask me so I had plans of my own. Right after she asked me and I said 'yes', I asked her to marry me. She said 'yes' too."
The kids laughed and couldn't remember a time when they saw their moms as happy as they were right now or a time when they themselves were happier.
"Does anyone else know?" AJ asked.
Marissa shook her head. "Nope, you guys are the first ones to know. We've got something really important to ask you."
"Rissa and I thought it would be fun to surprise everyone else and tell all of them at the same time. So, we're going to see if everyone can come over to the house this evening for a cookout."
"That's gonna be so fun!"
"We're glad you think so, Buddy. What we need the three of you to do is keep this secret until then. Do you think you can do that?"
The kids looked at each other and nodded happily. This was the kind of secret they liked to keep.
"Don't worry, Mom. AJ and me will help Gabby keep it."
The couple laughed at Gabby's confused expression. After a moment, the little girl shrugged and continued to play with Marissa's engagement ring.
"Okay, we need to go. We have a lot to do before tonight. Let's get your stuff and head out." Marissa smiled as they headed to collect the kids' overnight bags.
/
Kendall overheard the cheers from her nieces and nephew and knew instantly her suspicions were correct. She was smiling when she saw the family again.
"Hey, we need to get going, but we wanted to find out what all of you were doing tonight." Bianca asked her sister.
"We're free. You have something in mind?"
"Well, we were thinking that since it's such a nice day and everyone hasn't gotten together in a while why not have a cookout?" Marissa smiled.
"Sounds perfect. Do you need any help?"
"We're going shopping now and start making phone calls. If you want to help with the calls, that would be great." Bianca suggested.
"You've got it. I'll think of something to bring too."
She walked the family to the door where the couple exchanged a look.
Marissa addressed the children. "Would the three of you go get in the car and we'll be right there?"
Once the kids were busy getting settled in the car, Kendall finally asked. "Okay, spill it! I know something good happened last night. It's written all over your faces. What happened?"
Bianca smiled brightly. "I think you know what happened."
Kendall leapt forward and hugged both women and squealed with excitement. "Yes! I knew it! I'm so happy for the two of you! This is the best news! Congratulations! Red, I hope you know what you're getting into having Erica Kane as a mother-in-law."
The couple laughed.
"Thanks, Kendall! Yeah, having Erica as an in-law will be an adventure, but I'm pretty sure I'm up to the challenge. I'll be sure to get some pointers from Zach though."
"You are definitely up for the challenge. I don't have any doubt that you can handle Mom." Bianca smiled and gave the grinning redhead a quick kiss. "Thanks, Kendall, for everything."
"You're both more than welcome. Am I safe in assuming that this impromptu get-together is to announce the happy news?"
"Yes, that is a safe assumption." Bianca nodded.
"Okay, I won't say anything to anyone about this. I expect details about the proposals."
"You got it, Curly. Show up early, and we'll tell you everything."
"Deal! We'll be over in plenty of time to help you set things up and for you to fill me in."
Marissa headed over to car while Bianca hung back so the sisters could have a private moment.
Kendall pulled her sister into her arms for another hug. "Congratulations, Binx! I really am so happy for you. I don't know that I've ever seen you happier than you are right now. That smile on your face is blinding."
"I've never been happier, Kendall. Last night was so perfect. I'm still pinching myself to make sure I'm not dreaming."
"You're not dreaming. This is real and you deserve this and so much more. That woman over there loves you and will move heaven and earth for you to make sure you stay that way. And before you even say it, I know you'll do the same for her. Now, get out of here. There's a lot to do before tonight." Kendall called out to her sister as she started to walk away. "And keep that smile on your face. It belongs there and looks perfect."