A/N: First things first, thanks as always for reading, reviewing and following! I really do appreciate it. Next, I'm getting ready to go away on vacation. I'm really looking forward to it. I need the break from work. It's been crazy. This, however, means there won't be an update next week. I'm sorry about that. While the laptop is staying home, I do plan on taking a notebook with me to do some writing old school when I get the chance. I'll just have to type up whatever I come up with when I get home. Hopefully, this means just one week without an update.

Okay, this chapter picks up where the last one left off. Hope you enjoy this update!

/

Erica and Krystal exchanged a look. The two older women, surprisingly enough, had actually been getting along as they chatted about the wedding. Each threw out ideas and tried their very best to show Bianca that they could be in each other's company without any verbal or physical threats or assaults. It was clear, however, to both women that Bianca wasn't really paying attention to them. It was evident that she was distracted and had been so ever since she had returned from trying to reach Marissa which had been 30 minutes ago. There was definitely something going on and Bianca was trying to cover it up. Neither of the other women had completely bought the excuse Bianca had provided about Marissa being hung up in depositions. There was just something about the way she told them coupled with how distracted she was now that made them believe something was off. Bianca was worried about Marissa, and she was trying and failing to hide that worry.

"Sweetheart, are you sure everything is okay?"

"You and Marissa aren't having any problems, are you?"

Bianca's head snapped up from her cellphone. She'd been keeping a constant eye on the device ever since she had spoken with Marissa's paralegal Lisa, silently willing it to ring and have Marissa be on the other end of the line, safe and sound. "I'm sorry. What were you saying?"

Erica shook her head. "Bianca, it's obvious that something isn't right. You're clearly distracted. What is going on?"

/

Greenlee had been in meetings all morning long and needed a break. She eagerly volunteered to pick up lunch from Krystal's. At this point, she would've gladly done just about anything to get out of the office. She decided to take the scenic route to Krystal's and enjoy the beautiful summer day. Greenlee stopped and closed her eyes breathing in the sweet smelling air. The sound of a soft cry had her opening her eyes and look around to find the source. She was shocked at who she found.

"Marissa?"

The redhead glanced up and saw the small brunette nearby, concern etched on her face. Marissa hurriedly wiped her face to rid it of the tears she had shed.

Greenlee was taken aback at seeing the usually smiling lawyer. Her hazel eyes were rimmed with red. It was clear she had been crying for some time. Greenlee moved to the bench and sat down. "Marissa, what's wrong?"

"I'm … I'm … Nothing … It's noth …"

"No, don't tell me that. I know something is wrong. You've been crying. Is it Bianca, the kids, work?"

Marissa closed her eyes and silently cursed her luck. She had thought she had found the perfect hiding spot to allow her time to think, and she desperately needed to think. When she abruptly left home that morning, she found it impossible to go into the office and concentrate, but she knew she couldn't go back home because Bianca and the kids were still there. Knowing that Opal and Krystal would start questioning her appearance at the restaurant, Krystal's was out of the question. That's when it hit her. She could go to the park. She could go to the spot she and Bianca had staked out as theirs early on in their relationship. It was secluded and the odds of anyone she knew finding her there in the middle of the day were pretty low. Greenlee finding her there proved how wrong she was on that count, and it was obvious that the small brunette wouldn't stop with the questions until she had answers. It was something she had in common with Kendall and probably one of the reasons why they were best friends. Marissa shook her head trying to clear her thoughts. She needed a good story to placate Greenlee but none was forthcoming. The only thought that came to mind was that she had failed. She had let Bianca down and Marissa couldn't stop thinking of how disappointed her fiancée would be as a shared dream slipped through their fingers.

"I'm not …"

"Marissa, I can't help you if you don't tell me what's going on. Does Bianca know what's wrong? I could call her for you."

"No! Don't call her! I don't know how to tell her. She'll be upset and disappointed. I don't know what to do."

"Believe it or not, I'm a pretty good listener. Maybe I can help you figure something out. I promise I won't say anything."

"I thought for sure I was until this morning."

"You're losing me. I need you to start at the beginning."

Marissa took a deep breath. Maybe Greenlee would be able to help her. She had in the past. Before she could stop herself, she began pouring her heart out. "Bianca and I decided that we want to add to the family."

"You mean as in have a baby, not adopt?" The redhead's nod cleared up a few things for her. Greenlee smiled at the thought.

"Yes."

"That explains the trips to New York and the conversations that stopped suddenly. You're going to a clinic there."

"Yeah, we wanted to go somewhere outside of Pine Valley."

"Expand the current gene pool. I can understand that. It's a good idea. So?"

"I'm the one undergoing treatment. I've never been pregnant and would like to experience it so we decided that I would be the one."

"Bianca's had the girls so that makes sense. I can completely understand why you would want to since you really haven't had that chance before."

"No, I haven't. JR and I hadn't really talked about it that much because he was sick and then Annie happened. I don't have to tell you about any of that."

"No, you don't. She's not a pleasant topic of conversation for either of us."

"Well, I was starting to think that maybe I was pregnant. I was a few days late which I never am. I've always been right on schedule."

"But?" Greenlee knew the answer. She also knew that that Marissa needed to get this off of her chest, to talk about it.

"This morning I realized that I'm not. I started my period." Hazel eyes began well with tears again.

"I'm really sorry. It's pretty obvious how much you're looking forward to it."

"I am. I want this so much and so does Bianca."

Greenlee realized the reason for Marissa's distressed state. "You haven't told her yet, have you?"

"No, I haven't. I don't know how to. I just know she's going to be disappointed. She knows what it means to me, and she wants so much to give me everything. She'd move heaven and earth for me if need be. Given that, I know how much she wants for this to happen for me, and I just can't help but feel like I'm letting her down."

While Marissa's head was turned away, Greenlee tapped out a quick text sending it an instant before the redhead turned back. She wasn't breaking her promise not to call Bianca because she wasn't. Texting someone really wasn't the same as calling them at least in her mind. Besides, she honestly believed that Marissa would be okay with it once she talked with Bianca. "I want you to listen to me, Marissa. I've known Bianca for a long time. We haven't always had the easiest of relationships. I'll be honest that I'm the reason for that. I've come to respect and care about her a lot. I've learned a good deal about her over the years, and I can tell you without a single doubt in my mind that you could never disappoint Bianca or let her down. She loves you, Marissa. I've never seen her happier. I'm not just saying that either. I really mean it. If for some reason you don't get pregnant, it wouldn't change any of that. You have to know that, don't you?"

Marissa nodded. "I do. I know she loves me, and I love her. I want to be able to do this, to give this to her, and I really thought I was. I just feel like a …"

/

Bianca had no idea how to answer her mother or Krystal for that matter. How could she when she didn't know herself? As she struggled for an answer, her cellphone alerted her that she had a text. She quickly looked and saw the message was not from Marissa like she had hoped but from Greenlee.

"I'm in the park with Marissa. She needs you. We're at your bench."

"I'm sorry. I have to go. I'll call you both later to reschedule." With that, Bianca was gone, not giving either woman a chance to question her further.

Erica called after her daughter. "Bianca, what is going on?"

/

"I know. You feel like a failure."

Marissa nodded. "Yeah, I do."

"Having children of my own is out of the question for me."

"I'm so sorry, Greenlee. I didn't mean to bring up something painful for you."

"Don't. It's okay. I know you didn't. It's something I've come to terms with over time. Not being able to have a child though doesn't make me a failure. That being said, it doesn't mean that I didn't feel that way. Why can't I do that? Why can't I experience that miracle? Here's the thing. It doesn't change how Ryan feels about me. I know that he loves me and that won't change because I can't give him a child. I've seen how Bianca looks at you, how she lights up when you walk into a room or when she talks about you or someone just says your name. That's not going to change. There's something else I know about Bianca. She is the most understanding person I know. Talk to her. Tell her what you're feeling. She'll understand and help you through this."

/

Bianca raced across the park as fast as she could. She didn't know what was wrong. She only knew that Marissa needed her and getting to her was the only thing that mattered. They would figure out whatever was going on. She was positive of that. Marissa and Greenlee came into view, and Bianca came to a stop when she overheard part of their conversation. Everything started to click into place for her. She kicked herself for not figuring it out earlier. Greenlee was the first to see her, and it was her reaction that caused Marissa to turn. Bianca felt her heart break slightly seeing the tears in her fiancée's eyes. It killed her to see the pain on the face of the woman who owned her heart.

"Hey." Bianca smiled softly as she moved to the bench.

Marissa attempted to quickly wipe away her tears. "Hey."

Greenlee looked back and forth at the couple and nodded to herself. She had definitely done the right thing by texting Bianca. "I think I'm going to go now. I need to pick up lunch for everyone back at Fusion. I'll see you both later." She glanced down at the redhead. "If you ever need to talk, you know where I am."

"Thank you."

As Bianca and Greenlee passed each other, the taller brunette whispered. "Thank you."

"Anytime. Good luck."

Bianca took a seat next to Marissa. "Will you please tell me what is wrong? I know something is. I could tell something was off this morning when you practically ran out of the house."

Marissa took a deep breath and saw the concern and love in warm chocolate eyes. She knew that Bianca loved her, and she knew that she needed to tell her what was going on. Hiding never solved anything. It only made things worse, and she didn't want that to happen with Bianca. "I'm sorry. I didn't know what to do."

"About what? Rissa, please tell me."

The redhead took a breath and spilled everything. "The procedure didn't work. I'm not pregnant. I started this morning. I really thought I might be because I was late, but I'm not. I felt off this morning when I woke up. I guess part of me knew that I was going to start. I realized what was going on or not going on after you and the kids started having breakfast. I didn't know how to tell you. I knew you would be disappointed, and I didn't want to do that to you because you've had a bad week at work fighting with donors. I didn't want to add to everything, at least not yet."

"Shhh, Rissa. It's alright." Bianca pulled the tearful redhead into her arms, holding her tightly while starting to gently rock her.

Marissa shook her head and mumbled into the crook of Bianca's neck. "No, it isn't. I let you down. What makes it worse is that I panicked and ran and hid from you which ended up making you worry even more. I'm so sorry, B. Will you forgive me?"

Bianca pulled back slightly, dropping a kiss on Marissa's forehead. "No, I won't because there is nothing to forgive. Look at me, Rissa." Bianca waited until Marissa raised her eyes to meet the brunette's. "First, I love you."

"I love you too."

"Good. I'm glad we're on the same page with that. Second, you could never disappoint me. You could never let me down. While I am disappointed that you're not pregnant, I am definitely not disappointed in you. It didn't happen this time. Okay. We'll try again. We'll keep trying for as long as it takes or until you don't want to try anymore. Do I want a child with you? Of course I do, but we already have three of the greatest kids ever. Adding another child will simply be the cherry on top. If for some reason we can't, I'm okay with that. My life is already better than I ever thought possible, and you are a very large reason why that is. Got it?"

Marissa gave her a watery smile and nodded. "Got it."

"Good! Now if you remember, both Dr. Roeth and Dr. Abbott said they saw no reason why you couldn't get pregnant. You're young and healthy with no history of issues with pregnancies in your family. They did say that stress could affect how well this procedure works. I think JR coming back and you're thinking that you could disappoint me threw things off. JR is gone now and getting help. You don't have to worry about him or losing AJ. So, that's all taken care of. Now, do you believe me about you never disappointing me and that there is absolutely nothing that will ever change how I feel about you?"

Seeing only love, understanding and honesty reflecting in warm chocolate eyes, Marissa nodded. "I do."

Bianca smiled. "I gotta tell you that I really love hearing you say those two little words. This will happen. I know it. What else can we do about the stress?"

Marissa shook her head. She really should've known better. Talking with Bianca had made her feel better, about everything. It was just what she did. God, I love her. "I'm sorry. I should've told you everything earlier. We don't keep things from each other. I was an idiot."

"You kind of were, but you're my idiot." Bianca teased.

Marissa laughed for the first time all day, and it felt really good to do so. "Yes, I am. I deserved that."

Bianca leaned in and captured her fiancée's lips for a loving kiss. "I have a great idea!"

"You do, huh?"

"Yep! Funny how kissing you always gives me ideas."

Marissa grinned. "Kissing you always gives me ideas too. So, what is this great idea?"

"We need a vacation, a family vacation to be exact. Think about it. We really haven't had a chance to take one with everything that's been going on for over a year. I think getting away from everything for a week is just what the doctor ordered for all of us."

"You're right. It is a great idea. Any thoughts as to where?"

"We could go anywhere. If I'm being honest though, I would love to go somewhere with a beach. I'd love to see you in that bikini as much as possible." Bianca grinned.

Marissa's laugh was even louder this time. She was amazed at just how quickly Bianca made her feel better. "Well, I could definitely go for a beach and the chance to see you in your bikini. We might have to plan something more exciting for the kids. They could get bored. How about Florida, Orlando to be exact?"

Bianca smiled and nodded. "I like it. We could drive and do the whole family road trip thing. We could go to some of the parks down there a few days, and it wouldn't be that far of a drive to a beach. We could stop at one on the way down or spend a day and go over to one. I think the kids will love that."

"I think you're right. The kids will love it, and it is what we need. You're also right about one other thing. I want to keep trying. If I don't get pregnant this next time, we'll try again. It's going to happen."

"That's my girl! So, you're feeling better?"

"Yeah, I am. Thanks to you. I'm not sure how I got so lucky to share my life with you. I want to promise you that I won't do this again."

"Thank you. I'm here and not going anywhere. We're in this together. So?"

Marissa knew the question without it being asked. "I'd like to try again before we go away on vacation."

Bianca nodded. "That's what we'll do then. We'll have time to talk to the kids about the trip and do some planning."

The redhead suddenly remembered. "Planning?! Oh no! We were supposed to meet with Erica and Krystal about planning the wedding."

"Yeah, we were. That's where I was before I came here." Bianca made a face thinking about the planning session and her actions during it. "I wasn't really paying that much attention though because I just kept thinking about you. I just couldn't concentrate on everything they were saying. When I got Greenlee's text, I just left. I'm sure they're wondering what the heck is going on."

"So Greenlee texted you. I had a feeling. She said she wouldn't you, and technically, she didn't. Way to split hairs. Remind me to thank her for that. She really helped me, and I'm glad she got you here. As for your Mom and Krystal, we need to tell them something about my no-show and your abrupt departure."

"You're right we do. I mentioned something about you getting hung up with some depositions. I don't know how much they believed me though because of how I ran out of there."

"That could work for us though. We can always say that I had a stomach bug and needed you to pick me up."

"And since I wasn't exactly sure how sick you were, I wanted to get to you as soon as I could to see and then get you home. They might buy that. I'm guessing you're not going back into work."

"No, I'm not. The day's half over with so I don't really see the point. What about you?"

Bianca leaned in for another loving kiss.

Marissa sighed happily when they separated. "Not that I'm complaining about you kissing me because that will never happen, but what was that for?"

"Inspiration. I get my best ideas when I kiss you, remember?" Bianca grinned. "I think it worked because I'm thinking we should play hooky the rest of the afternoon."

"I really do love how you think, and I'm happy to be able to provide inspiration to you."

"What do you say we go home, change and just relax? Actually, I'm going to fix you something to eat while you change because I have the sneaking suspicion that you haven't eaten anything all day because you were upset. Am I right?"

Marissa scrunched her face. "Yes, you are."

"I thought so. Okay, home, lunch and relax. We don't have to worry about getting the kids either since Susan is dropping them off later. We'll have plenty of time to talk some more if you want and plan our vacation."

"That sounds perfect, kind of like you. I'd like to call Dr. Roeth and set up another appointment if that's okay with you."

"As long as that is what you want, then it is more than okay with me." Bianca stood and held out her hand. "I'll walk you to your car."

Marissa smiled and took the offered hand, and the couple left the park to head home.

/

"Well, it looks like they're okay." Krystal watched as her daughter and Bianca left holding hands. She and Erica had left the restaurant several minutes after Bianca. The women were positive something was going on with their daughters and were concerned about them. They had decided to try and track them down starting with Marissa's office. As they were passing the park on their way to it, they spotted both of the couple's cars. It was then they decided to take a chance at finding them in the park. After wandering around, they finally found the couple engaged in what looked like a serious conversation. The mothers resisted the urge to approach their daughters, deciding instead to stand back and let things unfold.

Erica nodded. "Yes, it does. I guess they've resolved whatever was wrong. There is something going on with them."

"You don't think they're having problems, do you?"

"Judging by their interaction with each other, I honestly don't think so. There's something else though. I think they are keeping something from us. I'm not sure what it is or why, but I'm going to find out." Erica knew the couple had recently made several trips to New York. She didn't know exactly what they were doing there, but did know that neither was the type to make frivolous trips out of town instead of spending time with their children. Family mattered to them above all else. Erica knew without a doubt that the couple wasn't going to New York for shopping or to catch a play. No, there was something definitely going on, and the diva was determined to find out what it was. "Perhaps my other daughter will be able to shed some light on what is going on with them."

"That's a possibility. I know the three of them have been thick as thieves lately."

"Yes, I've noticed that. The thing with Kendall is that she is very tough to crack and very protective of Bianca. She's also equally protective of Marissa now. I'm not sure that we'll be able to get anything out of her, but it's worth a try."

/

AJ, Miranda and Gabby burst through the front door and headed towards the kitchen for the promised snack from their babysitter. They saw their mothers sitting next to each other at a table outside by the pool with a laptop open and looked back at Susan. The surprise at finding their parents home early was clearly evident as was their curiosity over what their mothers were looking at on the computer.

Susan nodded. "Go ahead. I'll fix you something and bring it out before I leave."

With a quick 'thanks' given, the kids headed outside.

/

"That waterpark looks really cool. Do you think they'll like it?" Marissa asked Bianca.

Miranda's ears perked up as she approached her mothers. "Waterpark? Where?"

The couple shared a brief but knowing glance. They had heard the kids open the backdoor but decided to act like they hadn't.

Bianca feigned surprise. "Hi, guys. We didn't hear you. How was camp today?"

AJ tried to catch a glimpse at the laptop's screen to see what his mothers were looking at but Marissa had closed it. "It was okay. What waterpark?"

Gabby climbed onto Marissa's lap. "Hi, Mommy."

"Hi, Monkey. Did you have fun today?"

"Uh huh. Whatcha looking at, Mommy?"

"Well, Monkey, your Mommy and me were talking and thought it might be fun for all of us to go on vacation somewhere."

"Really?!" Miranda was started to get excited at the idea.

Bianca smiled seeing smiles spreading across three small faces. "Yep! Think you might like that?"

"Yeah! That would be fun! Where?"

"We were thinking Florida."

Things started clicking for AJ. "Like maybe Orlando?"

Marissa nodded. "Maybe. What do you think?"

"That would be awesome, Ma! We could go to the park where they have a bunch of superheroes!"

Miranda chimed in. "They have Harry Potter down there too!"

Bianca chuckled. "They do. They also have Shrek, Dr. Seuss, the minions from 'Despicable Me', a really cool waterpark and a lot of other rides."

Marissa squeezed Gabby. "You know what else is down there, Monkey?"

"What, Mommy?"

"There's a park called 'Sea World'. They have dolphins, whales and all kinds of other animals that live in the water."

Gabby's eyes widened. "They do?"

Bianca nodded. "They do. They also have a new penguin exhibit, and you can see how they live."

"Oh, I'd like that, Mommy!"

"I think they like the idea, Rissa."

Marissa laughed. "I think you're right."

"It sounds like a pretty fun vacation." Susan smiled as she set snacks for the kids down on the table.

Bianca nodded. "Hey, Susan. Thanks for dropping the kids off and getting the snacks together. That's definitely above and beyond."

"You're welcome, and it's not that big of a deal. I better get going. Have a nice night."

"Bye, Susan!"

"What else is down there?"

"When are we going?"

"What about Max? Can he come with us?"

The couple smiled at their children's excitement.

"This was definitely a good idea, babe."

"What can I say? I was inspired." Bianca grinned.

Marissa laughed as she opened the laptop and pulled up the site the couple had been reviewing when the children came home and began to answer the barrage of questions flowing from them. "Max can't come with us because he wouldn't be allowed in the parks. Don't worry about him though. We've already called Aunt Kendall, and they're going to take care of him while we're gone."

/

Bianca watched as Marissa finished getting ready for bed. The redhead's mood had improved significantly after getting home. The couple talked some more before calling the fertility clinic. After speaking with Dr. Roeth and being reassured by her, they set up another appointment. It was decided that Marissa would undergo another procedure the week before the family went on vacation. The time away would allow not only her but the whole family time to relax, have fun and get away from everything. Bianca had to admit that she felt better herself. They worked through the issue and were stronger for it.

"Penny for your thoughts."

Bianca hadn't realized her mind had strayed albeit briefly. "I was just thinking about today. You look like you're feeling better."

Marissa smiled. "That's because I am, and it's all because of you. You helped me realize that I wasn't really thinking clearly. I was just so disappointed and a little depressed that it didn't happen this time. It's because I know how much we both want this."

"We do, but it's doesn't define our relationship."

"No, it doesn't. It doesn't even come close to doing so."

"It's going to happen, Rissa. You just have to keep having faith that it will."

"I will. Thank you for loving me and being here for me."

"It's no more than you've done for me, and it's kind of our thing."

"Yeah, it is, isn't it?" Marissa smiled and gave her fiancée a loving kiss before settling herself in Bianca's strong and loving arms. "I love you."

Bianca smiled softly. "I love you too."

/

A/N: Now, I thought about having Marissa miscarry, but I didn't want to go there. Not having gone through something like that, I think it would be tough for me to write. I decided to not have the procedure work this first time because that happens in real life. No matter how much it's wanted, sometimes it just doesn't work the first time. I thought a mini freak out is something that would happen when you have your heart set on something so much and it falls through. I wanted Greenlee to be the one to find Marissa. It helps them bond a little more. Greenlee has been supportive of our girls and their relationship. I wanted to give her a little more depth and not just have her around for comic relief (although I do like writing her and Kendall in those moments). I also thought this gives Bianca the chance to step up and be the strong one this time. I see them switching those roles without any problem or thought because they are partners and friends and that's what you do. One person can't be the strong one all the time, and Bianca is definitely a strong character. That is something that's been proven time and time again. As for Marissa getting pregnant, keep Bianca's words in mind. It's going to happen. Okay, that's enough from me for now. I have lots to do before leaving tomorrow. Oh, if you didn't guess, I'm going to Orlando for vacation. I have a feeling the next chapter will feature the Minx family vacation! See you soon!