A/N: Thanks for reading and reviewing as always! It is much appreciated! A little bit of business to take care of. The site seemed to have problems with the email notifications last Saturday. I did post a chapter during that time. If you didn't read the chapter entitled "Party Prep", you may want to give it a read before you continue this one because this chapter takes place right after it.
Okay, I've got nothing else to say. I'm going out with some friends today to a new casino in the area. Here's hoping Lady Luck is smiling on me. Hope you enjoy this update!
/
Bianca walked into Krystal's and immediately found the owner herself behind the counter.
"Well, good morning, Bianca. You're out early. What can I do for you this fine morning?"
"Actually, I'm here to extend an invitation."
"An invitation to what?"
"A cookout. What are you, the girls and everyone else in your house doing tonight?"
"Nothing right now."
"Well, now you are. Marissa and I decided it was the perfect day to christen our patio and have everyone over for a cookout. We know it's last minute, but we thought it would be nice to get everyone together."
"It sounds good to me. What time?"
"We're thinking 5:30. Could you let Tad and Opal know?"
"I'd be happy to. Would you like me to bring anything?
"You don't have to. Marissa's at the store right now shopping for it. The kids are helping her."
Krystal chuckled. "I was wondering where they were. I didn't think she'd let you out of her sight so easily after you being away for a couple of days."
"We decided to divide and conquer. The kids wanted to go with her, and I'm going to make some calls. She's going to pick me up when she's done."
"The kids didn't want to sit around while you do that."
Bianca smiled. "Nope, it's a little on the boring side for them. Your daughter has a way of making a trip to the grocery store an adventure."
"She's something else. I know you don't need me to bring something but I want to. I could bring some dessert, say like my chocolate cake?" Krystal chuckled.
Bianca rolled her eyes. "Yeah, who knew that we were both thinking the same thing? I'm glad you didn't ruin her surprise."
"I almost did accidentally, but Kendall stopped me. I'm glad she did. What are you doing for dessert?"
"Carol Walker is bringing over cupcakes. Luckily for us, she happened to be experimenting with some new flavors this weekend. I also placed an order for some other treats over at Mrs. Jackson's bakery. She needed some time to put it together."
"Good choices on both accounts. I love it when Carol 'experiments'. It's always a good thing. Now I understand why you're hanging out here."
"I also wanted to invite you."
"Well, thank you. How about I bring my homemade mac and cheese?"
"That sounds perfect. All of us love it. Thanks."
"You're welcome. Why don't you go have a seat at your table and start making your calls? I'll bring you over some coffee."
"Thanks, Krystal. I appreciate it."
/
"Okay, Kendall says that everyone she called can make it." Bianca announced as she hung up with her sister. "Zach, her and the kids will be over in about half an hour, and she wanted to remind us both that we owe her the full story about last night."
Marissa laughed. "I'm not surprised by that last part at all. I think it's safe to assume she'll want an edited version. I don't think she wants to know everything that happened."
Bianca grinned in reply. "Yeah, I'd say that's a very safe assumption. It looks like we're going to have a full house. Thankfully, everybody is going to bring something. Do you think we have enough hamburgers and hotdogs?" Bianca stopped and turned when there was no response from Marissa. She smiled as she caught her fiancée with a dreamy look on her face as she was admiring her ring. Bianca walked up behind Marissa and wrapped her arms around the redhead and whispered in her ear while she rested her chin on her fiancée's shoulder. "Earth to Marissa."
Marissa sighed happily. "Sorry. What can I say? I love my ring. But as much as I love it, it doesn't even come close to how much I love you."
"Charmer."
"It's easy with you." Marissa turned and captured Bianca's lips.
When they separated, the couple rested their foreheads against together.
Bianca sighed. "As much as I want to continue this, we have work to do."
"I know. We will be continuing this later."
"You're not going to get any arguments from me on that."
/
Marissa opened the door and welcomed the Slater family inside. She bent down to Spike and Ian and smiled. "Your cousins are outside with Max and the jungle gym is open for business."
"Thanks, Aunt Marissa!" With that said, the boys dashed outside.
"Where's Binx?"
"She's in the kitchen. Come on, we'll take this stuff outside." Marissa grabbed some of the folding chairs that Zach had deposited before heading back to the car to grab some folding tables. "Thanks for coming over early."
"No problem. This gives me a chance to get the inside scoop before everyone else." Kendall grinned.
Marissa shook her head. "We told you we would tell you, and we will. Should we wait for Zach? I'm guessing you told him we're engaged."
"Hey, Binx. Yeah, I did. I had to. He kept asking why I really wanted to come over so early."
"Told you she would." Marissa smirked.
Bianca rolled her eyes. "Yeah, you did. Hey, Kendall."
Zach entered the kitchen. "Ladies, I hear congratulations are in order." Zach smiled as he hugged Bianca before turning to Marissa. "I'd say welcome to the family but you already are part of it. Instead, I'll say welcome to the ranks of having Erica as a mother-in-law."
A chuckle escaped from the redhead. "Thanks, Zach."
"It should be interesting to see Erica's reaction. Although, it shouldn't be too bad since I hear you asked for her blessing."
"I wanted to be upfront with her. Given Bianca's history …"
"I understand. It's good that you did that. I can tell you that it means a lot to both of them. It's going to be nice having a fellow in-law to help in handling the Kane women. If you didn't know it already, they are quite the handful."
Kendall and Bianca simply stared at Zach with raised eyebrows in a modified version of the Kane glare.
Marissa grinned and shook her head as she pulled Bianca into her arms. "You won't hear me complain about my Kane woman, and I am more than happy with my handful. Besides, I got the best one out of the three of them. No offense, Kendall."
"Don't let my Mom hear you say that." Bianca grinned.
"Let her. I'm only being honest, and she'll know I'm right." Marissa kissed her fiancée tenderly.
Kendall looked at her husband and smirked. "You might want to consider taking some tips from her."
Zach chuckled and kissed his wife. "I think I'm doing pretty good."
"Yeah, I guess you are." Kendall turned to the couple and saw that the tender kiss had deepened and that she and Zach were long forgotten. She cleared her throat loudly. "Alright, that's enough. You've got a lot of people that will be here soon. We've got to get tables and chairs set up, and you still have to tell me about last night."
Bianca looked at her fiancée. "She's right."
"I know. Come on. We'll tell you while we work. Zach, will you help me pull the picnic tables out of the shed?"
"You got it, Marissa."
/
Kendall, Zach, Bianca and Marissa had finished setting things up and were sitting at one of the picnic tables while their children played on the jungle gym. The four adults earned the small break before the guests arrived. Marissa and Bianca had filled them in on the proposals. Kendall was still smiling over her small role in things. More than anything else however, she was thrilled for the couple. They were truly blissfully happy and deserved every bit of it.
"So you knew we were both planning on proposing last night and somehow managed to keep it quiet? That had to be really hard for you, Kendall." Marissa chuckled.
"You have no idea, Red. It was even harder when you both stopped by Krystal's. I had her wondering why I didn't want her to tell Binx you were just in there getting the same thing she was. Then, our Mom called and my little sister here was ducking her call so she could get home to you. The only thing I didn't know was which one of you would actually ask the big question first. I'm kind of glad it was Bianca. Oh, and I'm not forgetting that you owe me for dealing with Mom." Kendall gave her sister a playful glare.
"You ignored Erica's call? Does she know?"
"No, she doesn't. I'm guilty as charged, but in my defense, Counselor, I had a hell of a time getting out of New York. By the time she called, I just really wanted to get home to you, and I knew I would never get off the phone with her if I didn't ignore it. Plus, there was the matter of a certain question I wanted to ask you."
"Well as your attorney …"
"My kickass attorney."
Marissa grinned at Bianca's correction. "As your kickass attorney, I'd say those are strong mitigating factors, especially that last one, which let you off the hook. With that being said however, I would still strongly advise not telling her you ignored her call. It's better to be safe than sorry."
"Good call and wise advice." Zach chuckled.
Bianca grinned. "Duly noted, Counselor. I will definitely be taking your advice."
Kendall checked the time. "People should be arriving soon. Before they get here, I have one small piece of advice for you. If you want to tell everyone at the same time, you might want to hide those rings."
The couple looked at their hands and then at each other. As much as they hated it, they knew Kendall was right. Neither had even thought about having their engagement ring on. It felt like it had always belonged there.
Bianca sighed. "She's right. These are a dead giveaway. We're going to have to take them off."
"Yeah, I know. It's just for a little bit though, and it's the last time we'll be taking them off."
"I couldn't agree more."
They removed the rings with each putting theirs in the pocket of their jeans, both with the intent of putting them back on the second their announcement was made. It wasn't a moment too soon either as the first guests started to arrive.
/
Marissa smiled as she greeted Brian and Stef before turning her attention to Jamie. The toddler beamed when he saw the redhead and immediately started to reach for her.
"Hi, Jamie. How is my godson doing?" Marissa gently spun around with the delighted little boy held tightly in her arms.
Bianca smiled seeing her fiancée interact with Jamie who was clapping his hands wanting to spin more.
Kendall whispered in her sister's ear. "She is a natural, isn't she?"
"Yeah, she is."
"Hopefully soon, you'll have a new addition of your own."
"Let's hope." Bianca walked over to greet the family and see if they wanted something to drink.
/
Kendall turned around in time to see Greenlee, Ryan and Emma arrive. After getting permission, Emma raced off to join the other kids.
Greenlee started to make a beeline for Kendall, but saw her friend was being summoned by Erica who had just arrived. It was then that Greenlee saw Krystal and thought she would see if she knew anything about today's gathering.
"So, what do you think the real reason for this get together is, Krystal?" Greenlee asked. She was suspicious about the reason that had been given for this last minute event by Kendall. She had a feeling there was more to it and she was determined to find out what was going on. She was hoping maybe Marissa's mother might have some inside information.
"Hey, Greenlee. I only know what Bianca told me. She said it was a nice day, and they thought it would be fun to have everyone over. I can only go with that."
"You don't think there's something else going on like maybe an engagement?"
Krystal shrugged. "If there is, I don't know. Neither is wearing a ring, and I don't see them acting any differently. The kids haven't said anything, and surely they couldn't keep something that big a secret."
"I suppose, but I just don't buy what they're saying."
/
"Kendall, dear, how are you?" Erica asked as she kissed her oldest daughter.
"I'm good, Mom. Hi, Jack. How are both of you?"
"Hello, Kendall. We're doing pretty well. I hope we're not too late."
"No, you're fine. They're still a couple of people not here yet."
Erica glanced around. "Where are our hostesses?"
"Do you remember Joanna Gallagher?"
Jack nodded after placing the name. "Her sister is Colleen Brennan."
Erica recognized the sister's name. "Oh yes, she was married to that horrid excuse for a man."
"Yes, she was. They invited Joanna and she wanted to speak with privately."
"Is everything okay?"
"As far as I know, yes. I think she wanted to give them an update."
Erica breathed a little easier. "So then, Kendall, what can you tell me about what is going on today?"
"What do you mean, Mom?"
"Dear, you don't expect me to believe they just decided to have everyone over on a whim, do you? If you couple this last minute gathering with your behavior last night, it can only lead me to believe that something is going on."
"Oh look, the Walkers are here! Bianca wanted me to be on the lookout for them and help Carol. She happened to be baking this weekend when Bianca called to invite her. I'll talk to you later." Kendall walked off, grateful to have an excuse to escape her mother's questioning.
Erica huffed as she watched her daughter head off without answering her.
/
"How's Colleen doing, Joanna? I haven't had a chance to catch up with her since her divorce became final."
"Honestly, Marissa? She's doing really well, thanks in large part to the Miranda Center's follow-up services. Both she and Will are still seeing a counselor and will be for some time, but they've both made great strides since last year. They've moved into a new house and are happy. I can never thank the two of you enough for everything you've done not just for Colleen but for our entire family. We owe you so much and won't ever be able to repay either of you. I …"
"Joanna, it's okay. Bianca and I are fine. My knee is almost back to 100%. Look, Colleen has apologized repeatedly, and I'll tell you exactly what I've told her. It's not her fault. It's not your fault. The only one responsible is Robert. He's in jail and is going to be there for a very long time. Colleen's healing, and she and Will are safe."
"Aya tells me that Colleen has asked about volunteering at the Center."
"She really wants to, Bianca. She sees it as way to give back for all of the help she's received."
"Well, we can always use the help, and Colleen is an excellent example to others. She's proven that it is possible to take your life back. You should be proud of her."
"I am, very much so. So, tell me how things are going with the two of you. It's been a while since we've had a chance to talk."
Marissa smiled brightly. "Things are going great, never better."
Joanna chuckled. She loved seeing these two together. It was clear to anyone with half a brain that they were crazy about each other and perfect together. "I can tell how happy the two of you are. You're practically glowing."
"That's because I've never been happier." Bianca smiled.
"We've never been happier." Marissa corrected her fiancée.
"Well, I'm very glad to hear it. And thank you for inviting us today."
"We're glad that you, Steve and Craig could join us. It means a lot to have you here." Marissa smiled.
/
"Carol, let me help you with that."
"That's okay, Kendall. I've got it."
"Sorry, Bianca's orders. My sister told me to help you, and if she finds out I didn't, I'm going to be in trouble. You know how she is." Kendall added with a knowing grin.
Carol Walker chuckled. "Alright. I can't have you get in trouble with her now, can I?" She raised the hand still holding a container. "Where are they going?"
"Bianca said to take them inside and to make sure they are out of sight of the kids for now."
Gail smiled. "Your sister is a wise woman. It's not just the little kids we have to worry about though. We had to keep an eye on Alex to make sure he didn't eat them all."
Alex eyed his wife. "Hey, I wasn't that bad. Besides, I was only trying to help by making sure they were up to Mom's standards."
Sam rolled her eyes. "Seriously? You have to come up with a better excuse than that. Everyone one knows that Gran can do no wrong when it comes to baking, or pretty much anything else."
"I couldn't agree more, Sam." Marissa smiled as she joined the group. "Bianca and I are glad you all could make it on such short notice."
"We're glad you invited us. It's a perfect day and also the perfect chance for me to use everyone as guinea pigs for my newest creations." Carol grinned.
"You're going to have lots of willing guinea pigs. Let's get these inside, Kendall. The rest of you, please help yourself to something to drink."
/
Marissa walked down the path to Bianca's garden where the brunette was waiting for her.
"Hey, everyone's here. Are you ready?"
"More than ready." Bianca smiled and took her ring out of her pocket. She handed it to Marissa. "Would you put it back on for me?"
"It would be my pleasure. Would you do the same for me?"
"It's my pleasure as well."
The rings were placed back where they belonged. The couple shared a tender kiss.
"Time to get this show on the road." Marissa grinned.
"Definitely!" Bianca held out her left hand which Marissa happily took.
/
Marissa and Bianca glanced around the backyard and saw all of their friends and family gathered. The couple shared a meaningful look. This was perfect.
Bianca cleared her throat and started to speak but failed to garner anyone's attention over the chattering.
A piercing whistle sounded and cut through the noise.
Marissa laughed. "Thanks, Greenlee!"
"Yeah, thanks, Greenlee. Marissa, the kids and I would like to thank all of you for being able to join us today on such short notice. It means a great deal to us so thank you. We'll be firing up the grill in just a few minutes. Scott and Jake have graciously volunteered to be our guest grillers for tonight. Don't worry. Jesse is on standby with the fire extinguisher, and Angie and Frankie have the first aid kits at the ready should they be needed."
"Hey! It wasn't our fault! The grill got too hot." Jake protested.
Scott chimed in. "We're never going to hear the end of it, are we? It happened one time at your old place, and the grill wasn't the best. This grill though is a beast. Madison, we're getting one of these."
"Good plan in being prepared though, ladies. You never know what's going to happen with these two." Tad joked.
The crowd laughed at the men who were practically drooling over the new grill.
"As Bianca was saying, thank you all for coming and for pitching in with all of the wonderful side dishes. Never fear, there is dessert provided by Carol. We do have an ulterior motive for inviting you."
Marissa and Bianca grinned at each other as the brunette continued.
"Last night, this wonderful woman agreed to become to my wife!"
"And after that, this incredible woman agreed to become my wife!"
The crowd cheered and rushed forward to congratulate the beaming couple.
"Congratulations! It all makes sense to me now. That's why you were working me to the bone yesterday. I knew you were up to something, Marissa." Lisa smirked.
Marissa simply shook her head at her paralegal's teasing. "You know if you think I'm working you too hard, I could always loan you out to one of the other lawyers."
"No, I'm good."
Aya and her girlfriend Kate hugged the couple. "Congratulations! We couldn't be happier for both of you. We wish you all of the happiness in the world."
Jan and her boyfriend Chris were next to wish the women well. "Hannah said you disappeared for a little while when you were in New York. Now, I know where you went. That ring is gorgeous. They both are."
Caleb smiled as he approached the couple. He had a soft spot for both of them and was glad they found the happiness they both deserved. "Congratulations, ladies. You've definitely got it right this time."
"Thanks, Caleb. I couldn't agree more." Marissa grinned and hugged the lawyer.
Bianca followed suit. "That makes two of us. Thank you, Caleb."
/
Kendall and Greenlee watched as the couple was engulfed by well-wishers, waiting their turn to congratulate the happy couple.
Greenlee turned and glared at Kendall. "You knew about this before now, didn't you?"
Kendall's sheepish grin was all the answer that was needed. "Ow! What was that for?" Kendall asked as she rubbed her arm where Greenlee had punched her.
"That was for not telling me!"
"I wanted to tell you, but I couldn't. They made me promise not to tell anyone. I didn't even tell Zach, well not until this morning at least."
Greenlee scowled at her friend, not wanting to let her off the hook.
"Look, in all the time that they've been together, there's been one overriding theme with them. You don't cross them. Need I remind you what they did to that reporter, especially what Red did to her?" Kendall smirked.
Her best friend finally relented and laughed. "Alright, I'll let you off the hook this time, and of course I remember that. I recorded it. Ooh, remember what they did to whatshername? I wish we could've seen your sister in action or that Krystal could've recorded it. That would've been so great. We could've put it together with the recording featuring the reporter, and made them a Minx greatest hits video."
"Oh wow. I so wish we had recorded the PTA smack-down with Tammy the shrew. The Minx greatest hits video would be epic." Kendall cracked.
"In other words, it sounds like we're always going to need to be at the ready to record them. I can do that." Greenlee added with a wink. "Let's go see them. I need to see what kind of rocks they got each other."
"You're going to be impressed. Uh oh, Mom and Krystal look to have them cornered. Bianca's got that look like she's in need of a rescue."
/
Erica kissed and hugged first her daughter and then her future daughter-in-law. "Congratulations, my darlings! I was beginning to wonder when it would happen." Erica threw a sly glance towards Marissa who smiled in silent reply.
Krystal congratulated the women after Erica. "I'm so happy for the two of you. I don't know that I've ever seen smiles that big and bright in my life. Now, I understand why you were hiding your left hand when you stopped by this morning."
Bianca smiled sheepishly. "I forgot that I had the ring on until I was inside the restaurant. I couldn't let you see it because it would give it away and ruin our surprise. The only ones that knew were Kendall and the kids."
"Kendall knew?" Erica huffed just slightly before something else Bianca said registered. "The children knew and didn't say anything? I'm definitely surprised by that, especially by Gabby."
Marissa chuckled. "We asked them to keep it a secret for us, Erica. They said that because it was a happy secret and they wouldn't have to keep it very long, they could do it. As for Kendall, don't be mad at her. She figured it out. It seems Bianca and I were using her separately as a sounding board and for pep talks. She was great at both by the way. As a result, she was able to piece things together."
"Yeah, we put her out of her misery this morning when we picked up the kids. We hope you're not mad, but we figured we owed it to her after everything she's done for us." Bianca added hoping that Erica wasn't too offended.
"Don't worry, sweetheart. I understand. Your sister has been there for both of you. I'm glad that you have each other to confide in." Erica smiled seeing the relief in the couple's eyes. "So, do you have thoughts as to a date? You need to decide that right away."
"Erica's right. You also need to figure out where you want to have it." Krystal supplied.
"She's right. Do you want a church service or somewhere else?"
"What about the reception?"
"We could easily reserve the Yacht Club. I know the perfect caterer."
"Mrs. Jackson could do the cake. She does excellent work."
"Does she own the bakery across from you? She's very good. I'm sure Kendall can give you the names of several photographers."
"I know a really great florist. She actually handles all of the arrangements at the Yacht Club."
"I'm impressed, Krystal."
"Thank you, Erica. What about the announcement."
"That is a must. I know the editor of the society page. I'll give her a call first thing tomorrow. This will be quite the coup for her."
"There's the matter of the wedding dresses. I have to admit, Erica, that that is your area of expertise."
Erica nodded pleased by the compliment. "I could place a call to Vera."
"Vera? You mean Vera Wang?!"
"Of course I do. She's a good friend, and I know she'll do it for me. Vera will love designing something for both of them."
Bianca and Marissa watched their mothers in silent awe. They were actually getting along and planning. It was that thought that began to overwhelm them. Erica and Krystal were already planning their wedding, and the couple had only been engaged less than 24 hours. It also was sounding like they were intending it to be the social event of the year with no thought as to what their daughters wanted. A feeling of panic started to set in.
"Alright, I need to check out the rings, and I think we could all use something to drink too." Greenlee suddenly appeared out of nowhere with Kendall right behind her.
The couple was relieved to see the pair and jumped at the escape they were offering.
"Well, we can definitely help with both." Bianca smiled.
Marissa nodded. "Yes, we can. Why don't we go inside and do both? We need to get the hamburgers and hotdogs out for our guest chefs."
"That's a great idea, Red."
Bianca and Marissa led the way towards the house with Kendall and Greenlee following leaving Erica and Krystal to continue discussing wedding plans.
/
Marissa returned to the kitchen joining Bianca, Kendall and Greenlee again after taking the platter containing the hamburgers and hotdogs out to Jake and Scott to be grilled.
Greenlee had just finished checking out Bianca's ring. "Very nice, Marissa. You did a great job. It's beautiful. Now, let me see your's."
The redhead shook her head clearly amused. She sat down and presented her hand to the smaller brunette.
"Wow, you did a great job too, Bianca. So, tell me what happened. Who proposed first?"
"Bianca did. I had this great plan all in place, but then at the last moment, she beat me to the punch."
"Funny how you don't seem all that upset about it, Marissa."
"Well, Greenlee, I'm not. How could I be when I have Bianca as my fiancée?" Marissa beamed.
Bianca responded with the goofy grin that Marissa always evoked. "You should've seen it. Rissa had the area lit up with the white Christmas lights along with music and flowers. She fixed my favorite meal. It was perfect. I had to ask her then. I couldn't wait any longer. After I proposed, my fiancée turned around and proposed to me."
Greenlee and Kendall watched silently as the couple got lost in the other's eyes.
After a minute, Kendall broke the silence. "And now Mom and Krystal …"
"Yeah, am I the only one scared that they're actually getting along right now?" Greenlee joked.
"No, I'm afraid not. Of course they're already planning the wedding. Erica's handling the dress, the reception hall, the caterer, the announcement for the society page …"
"And Krystal's got the florist, the cake and a line on the invitations. Oh, Kendall, you're in charge of the photographer."
"I'll handle the bachelorette party!" Greenlee volunteered happily.
Bianca rolled her eyes. "Oh god, I don't know if we could handle that."
The friends looked at the couple and laughed.
"Mom going into 'hyper mother of the bride mode' is better than the alternative."
"You're right. It is a whole lot better. I just wish they'd let us enjoy being engaged for a little while. It hasn't even been a full day yet."
Marissa took Bianca's hand in her own and squeezed. She was about to reply when Erica entered the house.
"There you two are. We need to talk about the wedding. There is so much to do. You need to pick a date, a venue …"
"Erica …"
"We need a formal photo of you for the society page …"
"Erica …"
"We need to decide on a menu for the reception …"
"Erica!"
The diva blinked at Marissa's raised voice.
"Thank you for everything. I mean that. Bianca and I both do. We will be more than happy to listen to your suggestions for the wedding, but later not today. Please don't take this the wrong way. It's just that Bianca and I want to enjoy being engaged for a few days before we start planning. I hope you can understand."
Bianca smiled in awe of her fiancée. Marissa was stepping up yet again and looking after her. She couldn't let her take the full brunt of the blame from Erica on this though. "Please, Mom. Give us at least a week. We can have you over for dinner, and we'll listen to all of your plans. I promise."
Erica nodded after a moment. "Of course, Sweetheart. I have to admit I got a little carried away. I'm just so thrilled for both of you. Let's enjoy this night and celebrate this happy event before we move on to the next one."
"Thanks, Mom."
"Thank you, Erica."
"You're welcome. You really should get back outside and speak with your guests. I just have a small request."
Marissa and Bianca shared a grin.
"Yes, Mom, you can arrange for a formal engagement photo and call the editor of the society page."
Erica smiled brightly before nodding and heading outside.
Kendall chuckled. "Nicely done."
"Thanks. Erica's right. We should get back outside." Marissa stood and held her hand out for Bianca.
"God, I do love them as a couple. Put them together and I think Erica might've met her match." Greenlee grinned.
/
Krystal sat back and watched as Marissa ran around chasing the kids. She had to admit that she was slightly concerned her daughter might be overdoing it given the fact that the injury to her knee was still healing. Her concern must have been reflected on her face.
"She's okay you know. Her knee is almost completely healed. The doctor removed all of her restrictions. Plus, you have to know that I would be stopping her if I thought it was going to damage it any."
Krystal smiled and scooted over so Bianca could join her at the picnic table. "You're right. I know you would. You take excellent care of my daughter." Krystal laughed when Marissa caught Jenny and swung her giggling little sister around. While her relationship with Krystal remained and would always remain complicated, there were no such complications between sisters. They adored each other. "She's such a great big sister. Jenny idolizes her."
"And I know that Marissa would do anything for Jenny."
Krystal nodded knowing the same thing. Marissa next moved on to Miranda and Gabby. She had Miranda hoisted up into the air with Gabby clutching her uninjured leg tightly. Both girls were cracking up. "If it's possible, I think she's an even better mother."
"You won't get any arguments from me on that. Rissa is a natural. She's incredible."
Krystal pondered Bianca's words as she watched Marissa lifted first Gabby and then Ian up onto the jungle gym so they could use the slide. Krystal knew what Bianca had said was true, but she also knew there was more to it. Lydia set a good example for her as well. Her friend was special and she loved Marissa as if she were her own child. So did Roy. Krystal knew they would take better care of her daughter than she could and she was right. She also knew there was absolutely no justification for what she had done, and a day hadn't gone by that didn't regret it. She was also far from proud of what she had done. The same could be said for many other things in her life that she'd done. When she looked at Marissa, Krystal knew exactly who was responsible for her being the woman, the person that she was, and it definitely wasn't her. Somehow though, she had been given a second chance to be in Marissa's life, and for that, she would be forever grateful to the woman seated beside her.
"Thank you."
"For what?" Bianca asked confused about what the older woman was thanking her for.
"For making Marissa so happy, for taking care of her, for loving her and for giving her the family that she deserves. AJ too. You said that Marissa is incredible, and she definitely is. She's not the only one though. You're pretty damn incredible yourself. So, thank you."
Bianca took a deep breath, clearly touched by Krystal's words. "You're welcome. I promise to take care of her, of both of them."
Krystal smiled. "I have no doubt about that at all."
"Hey."
Bianca grinned when Marissa suddenly appeared in front of her. "Hey."
"Am I interrupting something?"
"No, not really. It looks like you have your hands full out there." Krystal smiled.
"Yes, I do. That's why I'm here. The children have requested your presence for a game of tag, Bianca."
"Oh, they have, have they? Are you sure they're the only ones requesting it?"
"Nope. I won't lie. I need it too. They're wearing me out. Plus, I like having you out there with me."
Bianca laughed. "Well, how can I refuse then?"
"That's exactly what I was hoping. Oh, did you ask her?"
"I forgot. We got distracted watching you and the kids."
"Ask me what?"
"Bianca and I told Erica we needed a few days to enjoy just being engaged before we started planning the wedding and listening to her suggestions. We told her we'd set up a dinner to discuss things. Would you like to join us for that?"
"I would … Yes, I'd like that very much. Thank you."
Marissa smiled. "Great, we'll set something up."
Calls of 'Mom' and 'Ma' could be heard from the kids.
"You better go. It looks like they're getting restless out there."
"You're right. We'll be back."
The couple headed towards the group of children anxiously waiting for them.
/
Bianca turned off the light in the hallway and joined Marissa in their bedroom.
"If you ask me, I would say that tonight's party was a rousing success."
"Judging by the kids passed out in their beds and the equally worn out puppy, I would say you're right." Marissa grinned.
"Everyone seemed to have a good time, and they all were happy for us."
"Yeah, they did. You know we're going to have a hard time keeping Erica and Krystal in check regarding the wedding plans."
Bianca sighed not looking forward to the outlandish plans her mother was sure to come up with. "I know. Don't remind me. I need you to do something for me."
"Anything."
"No more talk of wedding plans for tonight."
"That's easy."
"That's not all. Now, I would like to make love with my beautiful and incredible fiancée." Bianca grinned.
Marissa sighed happily. "Who am I to refuse my gorgeous and amazing fiancée her request? Yeah, I'm not going to get tired of being called that or calling you that."
"That makes two of us."
The couple's lips met for a searing kiss as all further discussion ceased.
/
A/N: Sorry, this chapter seemed to get away from me, and I couldn't figure out a good place to break it. I hope that this story, along with the others on this site, are helping take the sting out of what the reboot did to Minx. Rest assured that Minx will live on here. See you soon!