A/N: I'm back! I missed all of you! Did ya miss me? As always, thanks for reading, reviewing and following! I really appreciate it! Vacation was good but over way too fast. I think that's always the case, that and the fact that you spend the week after vacation making up for the time away. I think I've finally managed to dig myself out of the avalanche of emails waiting for me at work.

Miched8, I managed to dodge the rain in Orlando for the most part and enjoyed your city quite a bit! While I was down there, I was struck with an idea and did manage to get some writing done. This chapter is the result. For lack of a better description, I would say this one could fit within the last chapter. Basically, I felt I could add a little more to the last one the more I thought about it, and this was my way to do it. It features a few other people besides Minx. Don't worry, our girls are in here. With that said, I hope you enjoy this update!

/

Erica and Krystal made their way back to the restaurant after witnessing the scene between their daughters in the park. The return trip had been quiet with both women contemplating what they thought was going on with their daughters. Krystal was needed in the kitchen to handle a minor crisis. While the restaurant owner did that, Erica found a seat in a corner near the counter that was hidden from view. This would allow her some privacy which would give her a chance to think. She had every intention of solving this latest mystery. Bianca had finally found a partner that Erica deemed worthy of her daughter, someone who deserved her and who truly had Bianca's best interests at heart, and the diva was damned if she was going to sit idly by while some perceived threat, known or unknown, no matter what size, intruded on and threatened their happiness.

/

"There you are, Greenlee."

"What are you doing here, Kendall? Did you think I got lost?"

"We weren't sure. They were starting to get concerned so they decided a search party was in order. Who better than me to track you down?" Kendall smirked.

Greenlee rolled her eyes at her best friend. "You mean everyone was hungry and wanted their lunch so they sent you to see where the heck it was."

"Well that too. Seriously, what's taking so long?"

"I got sidetracked by a friend who needed a friendly ear to listen to them and a shoulder to cry on until the calvary could arrive."

Kendall was thoroughly confused by that statement and it showed.

"Oh that reminds me." Greenlee punched her friend's arm.

"Ow! What the hell was that for?" Kendall asked rubbing her arm.

"That was for not telling me about what's been going on with Bianca and Marissa. I know you couldn't tell me though since you were probably sworn to secrecy."

It took Kendall a minute before realizing what Greenlee was talking about. "Wait! You know? How? If you know I was sworn to secrecy, which I was, what's with the hitting?"

"Just keeping you in line." Greenlee offered with a quick smile before turning serious. "Marissa was the friend in question."

Kendall glanced around quickly before lowering her voice so only Greenlee could hear her. "Is she alright? What happened? Where did you see her?"

Greenlee held up her hand to stop the torrent of questions. "I think she's going to be okay now. I ran into her in the park. We talked briefly until I could get Bianca there."

"Ah, the calvary."

"Exactly."

"So, what's going on? Why was she upset?"

"She said the procedure didn't work which caused her to have a mini freak out."

Kendall was unable to mask her disappointment for the couple. She knew how much they wanted to have a baby together, how much this meant to both of them. "Dammit. She had to be devastated."

Greenlee nodded. "Yeah, she was. I think she was more upset about how disappointed Bianca would be. We talked for a little bit. I assured her about how nothing would change how Bianca feels about her which is something she knows but …"

"She needed to hear someone else say it, and you're right about there being nothing that would change Bianca's feelings for her. I can't thank you enough for that."

Greenlee waved her off. "No thanks are needed. You know how much I like Marissa, and I think she's perfect for Bianca. She makes her happy. They make each other happy, and they both deserve that. Besides, she really fits in great with this crazy family. I'm just glad I could help some."

"So, you found Marissa and saw she needed help and sent up the Bat Signal for Bianca?"

"Pretty much. I knew she was the one Marissa really needed and the only one who could truly help her."

"Well, I'm sure you helped more than you think you did, but you are right about her needing Bianca the most. Anything else?"

Greenlee shook her head as their carryout order was finally ready. The friends each grabbed a large shopping bag and headed for the door. "Not really. I hung around for a couple of minutes more and heard Bianca mention they should talk to Dr. Roeth and Dr. Abbott. That's pretty much it."

/

Erica peered around the wall from where Kendall and Greenlee had been talking. From her vantage point, she had been able to eavesdrop undetected. That had not been her original intent when she settled in that spot. Her ears perked up, however, when she heard the couple's names mentioned along with the voices of who was discussing them. She then decided to use this position to her advantage. Unfortunately, she couldn't hear much of their conversation because Kendall and Greenlee had lowered their voices. What she was able to glean from the overheard conversation was that Marissa had received some devastating news that she had been reluctant to share with Bianca at first. The exact nature of that news, however, was unknown to Erica at the present time.

The diva had heard Greenlee mention two doctors on her way out, and she had to wonder if Marissa was ill. If that was the case, Erica's mind was already made up to call in the absolute best doctors, bring in whatever specialists would be needed and make sure the redhead received the best care possible no matter what the cost. Bianca had a waited a lifetime to find the right person, and Erica would be damned if she didn't do whatever she could to help them maintain their happiness. The one thing that could be said about Erica was that she took care of her family, and Marissa was family.

"Did you manage to catch any of Kendall and Greenlee's conversation? I saw them talking and didn't want to interrupt on the off chance they might let something slip for you to pick up." Krystal took the seat opposite the diva.

Erica weighed what she had overheard and whether or not she should tell Krystal everything let alone mention the doctors. She may loathe the woman standing in front of her now, but she did believe if something was seriously wrong with Marissa then Krystal needed to know because Marissa would need everyone's support. It was that thought that tipped the scales and helped her make up her mind. "It would seem there is in fact more to the story than what Bianca would have us believe."

"No surprise there. Any idea of what she left out?"

"Possibly. Have you heard of or know who either Dr. Roeth or Dr. Abbott are?"

Krystal thought for a moment. "I have no idea who Dr. Roeth is, but I believe Dr. Abbott is Marissa's gynecologist. Why?" Her concern was starting to show.

Erica took in this new piece of information. The wheels were slowly starting to turn, her thinking beginning to shift. "Apparently, Marissa received some bad news. I don't know what it was however. Whatever this news was is what's responsible for her missing our planning session."

"And those doctors were mentioned? You don't think Marissa is sick, do you?" Krystal couldn't stop her mind from going to that dark place. She had already lost Babe. Was she destined to lose Marissa too after finding her and beginning to rebuild their relationship? Surely this wouldn't be her punishment for all of the wrongs Krystal had committed over the years. She would endure whatever punishment was directed at her but prayed that Marissa wouldn't suffer because of what Krystal had done, that her daughter wouldn't pay for her sins.

Erica shook her head seeing the panic in the other woman's eyes. "I'm not sure, but something's telling me that might not be the case. I do have an idea though of what might be going on. Do you have a computer we can use? I need to check something out."

Krystal nodded. "We can use the one in my office."

/

The pair walked down the narrow hallway to the small office. Krystal unlocked the computer's screen and then moved aside for Erica.

The diva quickly pulled up Google and did a search on Dr. Abbott in Pine Valley. The results produced two entries. The first was Elizabeth Abbott who was an obstetrician and gynecologist. The second was Simon Abbott who was an ear, nose and throat specialist. Given what Krystal had said, it seemed more than likely that Elizabeth Abbott was one of the doctors in question. She then did a search on Dr. Roeth. There were no matches found in Pine Valley. Following a hunch, she tried searching in New York City. Several matches were found. As Erica reviewed the results, she found she could ignore several of the matches based on their specialties. One match though did jump out at her. There was a Sarah Roeth who was an OB/GYN who specialized in fertility treatments. Dr. Roeth was also the director of the Franklin Clinic, a highly respected fertility clinic located in New York City. For some reason, this clicked for Erica and pieces started falling into place.

"I'm not positive about this mind you, but I think they might be trying to conceive. More specifically, I think Marissa might be trying to conceive."

Krystal read the entry that had caught Erica's eye. It did make sense to her as well the more she thought about it. Marissa was a natural as a mother and loved AJ, Miranda and Gabby as if she had given birth to them herself. She knew her daughter had a deep desire to have a child. "Now that I think about it, I remember Marissa quizzing me several months ago about our family's medical history. She did ask about pregnancies, specifically mine and Babe's. Given that with what you've just found out, I think you might be right." Krystal started to relax a little and began to think her daughter might not be ill after all.

The women sat and contemplated the implications of what this latest development meant not only for their daughters but for themselves as well. Sharing a grandchild would bring a whole new dimension and dynamic to their lives and relationship and how they dealt with each other.

/

The ringing of Erica's cellphone broke the silence between her and Krystal. The diva saw that Marissa was the caller. "Marissa dear, how are you? We missed you at lunch earlier."

"I'm fine, Erica. Thank you for asking. I hope you're doing well. I wanted to apologize for missing our lunch earlier. A combination of work and a stomach bug rearing its ugly head were behind my being unable to attend. I hope you can forgive me."

"I'm doing just fine. Of course, dear. You have nothing to apologize for. I do hope you're feeling better now."

"I'm feeling much better thanks to your daughter. Bianca's taking very good care of me, and she tells me that she left you and Krystal in a rush to do so."

"She did, but I expect nothing less from her. It was the right thing to do, and something I'm sure you would do for her. We can reschedule when you're feeling better."

"I would do anything for Bianca. Thank you. I'd really like to reschedule it. I'm sorry, but I need to go now. I really should call Krystal and apologize to her as well."

"Oh, you can do that now. I'm still at the restaurant, and she happens to be right here."

There was a pause on Marissa's end of the line. The redhead was slightly taken aback by the fact that Erica and Krystal were still together. It could either be a good thing or a really, really bad thing. "You are?"

"Yes, I had another meeting after our lunch and decided to have it here." Erica lied smoothly. "I'll give you to Krystal now." The diva handed the phone to Krystal.

"Marissa, are you sure you're okay?"

"I'm fine, Krystal. It was nothing serious, just a stomach bug. I'm really sorry for missing today and having you worry."

"It's not a problem. As long as you're okay, that's all that matters."

"I am. Like I told Erica, Bianca is taking very good care of me. I better go. She's calling me down to the kitchen. I haven't really eaten anything today. I didn't feel like it. Bianca's fixing me something light to eat. She says I need to try and eat something."

"Okay. Feel better. She's right, you do. I know you're in the best possible hands, and I'll talk to you later."

Krystal disconnected the call and finally took a deep, relieved breath. "Based on the conversation we just had, I would say the issue today wasn't a miscarriage. It was that the procedure didn't work, and she's not pregnant. If it was the former and not the latter, I don't think she would have called us. Plus, the tone of her voice didn't indicate it either. If she had miscarried, she would've sounded more upset."

"I believe you're correct. If I were to guess, I would say they are keeping their attempts private for the very reason of what actually occurred, in case it didn't work. They don't want to get anyone's hopes up prematurely and feel like they were disappointing any of us if it didn't."

"That's definitely them, always thinking about others. We shouldn't tell them what we suspect."

Erica nodded in agreement. "No, we shouldn't, and I don't think I'll try to confirm our suspicions with Kendall. She'll go straight to Bianca, and I don't want to add any pressure to them, especially now."

"I think that's a good call."

/

"How'd it go with my Mom?"

Marissa glanced up from her laptop which was on the patio table. She moved the laptop to the side as Bianca set a plate down in front of her and then one in the place next to her. "Thank you. It went pretty well. I told her I wasn't able to make it today because of a combination of work and a stomach bug. I explained my being sick was the reason you left as abruptly as you did, that you wanted to check on me and make sure I was okay. She seemed to buy it. She asked if I was feeling better. I said I was and that you were taking excellent care of me which is true. You're taking very good care of me."

Bianca simply shook her head. "I made you a sandwich, Rissa. It's not that much."

Marissa shook her head. "It's not just the sandwich, and you know it. It's everything else you've done. Erica said she understood why you left and said we could reschedule when I felt better."

"Did you call Krystal?"

"I didn't have to. Your Mom was still at the restaurant. She said she had another meeting and decided to stay there. Krystal was right there with her."

"Seriously?" It was clear that Bianca found this odd.

"Yeah, I'm not really sure what to make of that myself. They weren't fighting though and had to have been pretty close to each when I called because Erica volunteered that Krystal was right there and handed her the phone."

"Huh, I honestly don't know what to make of that. I mean it's good that they're not fighting, but it's weird. Do you know what I mean?"

Marissa chuckled. "I know exactly what you mean. I'll take it though."

Bianca smiled. "So will I. At least it seems like they're making an effort for us."

"Yeah, they are. I feel a little bad for keeping what we're doing from them."

"I do too, but you know how they'll be if they find out."

"Yes, I do. It's bad enough with the wedding planning. Can you imagine what they'll be like with a baby?"

Bianca gave an exaggerated shiver. "Dueling grandmothers! Besides, we're going to tell them when we have good news."

"I know." Marissa made to get up when Bianca stopped her.

"Where are you going?"

"I was going to get us something more to drink."

"I'll get it. I'm taking care of you today, remember? You stay here and finish eating."

Marissa grinned. "Yes, ma'am."

Bianca rewarded her with a quick kiss before grabbing both of their glasses and heading back inside.

/

Bianca's cellphone started ringing as she put the pitcher of iced tea back in the refrigerator.

"Hey, Kendall. What's up?"

"Hey, Binx. I, uh, talked with Greenlee earlier."

Bianca sighed. "Why am I not surprised?"

"How's Marissa?"

The younger brunette could tell her sister was worried because she didn't use Marissa's nickname. "Better. We've talked and have a pretty good handle on things. She's out by the pool now. We're having a late lunch. Neither of us ate earlier. She's also doing some research."

"That's good. What kind of research? On other options? It was just the first attempt. You're not giving up are you?"

"No, we're definitely not giving up. We've already spoken to her gynecologist here as well as Dr. Roeth at the clinic to schedule another procedure."

"I'm glad to hear that. What's she researching then?"

"She's looking into places to stay and things to do in Orlando, Florida. We decided to take a family vacation."

"I think that's a great idea, Binx! It gives all of you a chance to get away and relax. God knows you can all use it. Speaking of which, are you alright? I know how you feel like you have to take care of everybody. You have to make sure you take care of yourself too."

"I'm alright now that I know what was going on with her. Not knowing had me more concerned than anything else."

"Okay. Good. You know to let me know if you need anything."

Bianca smiled. "Yes, I do."

"When's the big vacation then?"

"In a couple of weeks. We have a favor to ask. Could you watch Max for us and keep an eye on the house?"

"Sure, that's not a problem."

"Thanks. This favor entitles all of you to use of the pool, not that you need an invitation."

"The boys will love it. They've been pestering Zach about getting one, and he's thinking about it."

"I can see them doing that." Bianca chuckled.

Kendall joined her sister in laughing at the antics of her sons. "Yeah, they're really not all that subtle about it. I have to admit that I wouldn't mind having one either. Can't you just see me lounging by the pool with a frozen drink of some sort?"

"Yes, I definitely can. Zach would make a great pool boy."

Kendall cracked up laughing. "Oh god, what a great picture! I'm not going to be able to get that out of my head now."

Bianca laughed. "Glad I could help. Oh, I better go. Marissa's waving at me. She must have found something."

"Give her my best, and tell her to save that research. Maybe, I'll be able to convince Zach to take a family vacation of our own. Talk to you later."

"I will. Bye, Kendall, and thanks for checking on us. You're definitely the best big sister ever."

"Anytime, Binx. By the way, you're not too shabby in the little sister department yourself."

/

"I'm guessing by the smile on your face that you found something." Bianca smiled and set down their drinks as she rejoined her fiancée.

Marissa grinned. "I'm pretty sure I did! Who were you talking to?"

"Kendall. She called to check on you."

"Let me guess. She talked to Greenlee?"

Bianca chuckled. "Yeah, she did. Are you okay with that?"

"Yeah, I am. Greenlee really helped me earlier, and Kendall already knows what we're doing anyway. I'm good with her knowing."

Bianca studied Marissa for a moment and smiled.

"What?"

"Nothing. I was thinking about how much I love that you and Kendall get along so great. It really means a lot to me."

"It means a lot to me too. She's a really good friend, and I kind of see her like a sister, at least what I've always thought one would be like."

Bianca smiled softly at Marissa's confession. "I know. Kendall's told me she feels the same way about you." The brunette released a contented sigh, happy about the relationship between her sister and Marissa. "I asked her about watching Max and keeping an eye on the house for us, and she's in. I told her to feel free to use the pool. She said the boys are after Zach to get one and he's considering it."

Marissa started laughing. "Zach could be her pool boy!"

Bianca joined her fiancée laughing. "That's exactly what I said! She loved the image."

"I bet she did!"

"So, tell me what you found."

"I found a condo near everything. It has 4 bedrooms so the kids can each have their own rooms. There's also a kitchen and a family room. The complex has a pool and play area."

"That sounds really good."

"I saved the best part for last, the master bedroom. It has a king-sized bed and a jaccuzi tub. It's not quite as good as what we have here at home, but it looks pretty close. I know how much you enjoy the jaccuzi." Marissa waggled her eyebrows.

Bianca laughed as she thought about how much fun the couple had in their tub. "I'm not the only one. You enjoy it pretty much yourself."

"I'm more than happy to admit that I'm guilty as charged! I was thinking that if we split the driving between us, we could get down there in two days and back home in two at the minimum. We can map out the drive and find a nice hotel to stay at mid-way."

"That should work. We can keep the kids distracted with some DVDs and games. What did you find out about the parks?"

"If we get park to park passes, we can go between them as many times as we want. Now, Disney World has four parks plus two water parks and a couple of other things there. Universal has two parks and a waterpark nearby. Sea World has its park and Aquatica which is its waterpark along with a couple of other things. Obviously, we won't be able to all of that."

"No, we won't. We'll need a vacation for after our vacation. We need to limit what we do."

"Exactly! I figure we can take a day or two and just hang by the pool also."

"I like that idea." Bianca cocked her head. "The kids are home. You ready to surprise them?"

Marissa smiled brightly. "Definitely!"

/

"That waterpark looks really cool. Do you think they'll like it?" Marissa discreetly winked at Bianca having spotted the kids and hearing their less than quiet entrance.

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

Bianca feigned surprise at their kids' appearance. "Oh hi, guys. We didn't hear you. How was camp today?"

AJ tried to sneak a glimpse at the screen of Marissa's laptop to see what his mothers were looking at when they got home, but Marissa was too quick and 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 I 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. He knew about all of the parks down there. "Like maybe Orlando?"

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

"That would be so 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!" She loved that series of books.

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. She could tell their youngest was thinking of what she could do. The redhead knew the perfect thing for her given the girl's love of animals. "You know what else is down there, Monkey?"

Gabby shook her head. "What, Mommy?"

"There's a park called 'Sea World'. They have dolphins, whales and all kinds of other animals that live in and around the water like flamingos and pelicans. We can see if flamingos really stand on one leg."

Gabby's eyes widened. "They do? We can?"

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

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

The kids started talking a mile a minute about what they could do and see down there.

Bianca smiled seeing their excitement. "I think they like the idea, Rissa."

Marissa laughed. "I think you're right, B. I like it too. I'm glad you were inspired."

The couple shared a loving kiss.

"Me too." Bianca sighed happily as the family continued their planning.

/

A/N: The next chapter will focus on their vacation. Who knows? There might be some things in there from my own vacation. See you soon!