A/N: Hello all! I hope you are doing well and surviving the heat. I know it's been hotter than all get out in a large chunk of the States and I hear it's been unusually hot over in the U.K. I'm not sure about other parts of the globe. Thank you as always for your continued reading and reviewing! I hope I'm still keeping you entertained. Thanks also for the wishes on reaching the 100 chapter/500,000 word mark! Trust me, I did not imagine reaching either of those marks when I started writing this tale. I think I'll just let you all get to this chapter and end my comments now. I hope you enjoy this update!

/

Bianca looked at the list she had made and checked off the remaining items on it as she closed her suitcase. The family's suitcases were now officially all packed. She carried her suitcase into the garage to join the others waiting there. They would be loaded into Marissa's car when she returned from dropping off Max at Kendall and Zach's and a quick stop at the gas station to fill up the SUV's tank. Bianca went back into the kitchen to pack the cooler with drinks and get snacks ready for the family for the long drive ahead. The brunette had to admit that she was almost as excited about this trip as the kids were, almost. Bianca had dreamed of taking a family vacation and road trip for a long time. That desire increased even more hearing Marissa recount family vacation's she had taken with her parents while growing up. They sounded like so much fun and were exactly the kind of memories she wanted her and Marissa to have with their family, the memories she wanted for their children. This type of family vacation was also a far cry from the lavish vacations from her childhood. Those were nice, but they weren't really her, and they were always interrupted by either the press or her mother's fans. Bianca craved the normality of being out of the spotlight. Now, she pretty much had that, and she relished the quieter and simpler lifestyle. This, however, did not mean her family wasn't going to stay somewhere nice along the way. One didn't necessarily preclude the other, and Bianca was a master at finding that happy median.

"Mom, when's Ma getting back?"

Bianca glanced up and saw her oldest daughter. "She should be back very soon, Mimo. Do all of you have the video games and movies you want to watch ready?"

"Almost. AJ's looking for one more game, and Gabby's trying to decide between two movies."

"Could you do me a favor and help your sister out?"

"Sure, Mom." Miranda grinned knowing as well as her mother that if Gabby didn't have any help narrowing her choices down that they wouldn't leave for a very long time.

"Thank you." Bianca continued packing only stopping when she heard the garage door opening.

Marissa opened the door separating the garage from the kitchen a moment later.

"Hi, Honey. You're home!" Bianca grinned.

Marissa stopped and quirked an eyebrow at her fiancée's beating her to the punch on her favorite line. "Cute, you're real cute. Has anyone ever told you that?"

"You have, repeatedly." Bianca grinned even wider.

"Hmmm, I guess I have. It must be true then!" Marissa rewarded her fiancée with a quick kiss.

"How'd it go?'

"Pretty good. Max didn't whine too much. I think the boys will keep him occupied. He's starting off his vacation in Spike's room."

"How did they decide that?"

"By a flip of the coin. It was Zach's idea. He saw a fight starting to brew last night and came up with the compromise. The first half will be with Spike and the second half with Ian. Any problems or complaints and Zach will revisit this decision."

"That makes sense and seems fair."

"I thought so too. Kendall has the keys now and a copy of our itinerary. She said to have a good time and to take lots of pictures. I'm guessing by the mound of luggage in the garage that you finished up the packing?"

"Yep, I'm just finishing up with the snacks and drinks now, and the kids are wrapping up their final decisions on the movies and games they want to bring along."

"Okay, I'll get started on loading the car."

"I'll be out to help in a couple of minutes."

/

"That's the last suitcase!" Marissa shifted things slightly to fit in the last bag before shutting the back of the SUV and making sure the back window was clear."

"I've got the cooler ready along with snacks for everyone. We've also got the games and movies ready for the kids for when they get bored. I've got your iPod ready to go so we'll have some great music for the drive. I've got our tickets for the parks, and our purses are in the car which you filled up on the way back from Kendall's. Oh, and the GPS is programmed for the hotel where we're staying tonight. I think that's it."

"It sounds like it, but I have this feeling that we're forgetting something." Marissa had caught a glimpse of three small heads poking in from the kitchen and winked at her fiancée.

"Hmmm, I think you're right, but I just can't think of what it is." Bianca smiled having caught Marissa's wink and slight nod towards the door. She snapped her fingers as if she was struck suddenly by a realization. "Oh, I remember now! We're missing our Minions!"

Gabby couldn't hold in her laughter any longer. "You can't forget us, Mommy!"

"No, we most certainly cannot and never will! Has everyone gone to the bathroom?"

Three heads bobbed up and down. "Yep."

"Okay then. Let's get you loaded in."

"Oh, Mommy, I need to get Minx!"

Marissa grinned and thought the stuffed monkey she had gotten her daughter last year was definitely worth every penny because of how much Gabby loved it. "I'll get him, Monkey."

"Thanks, Mommy!"

The redhead went back inside the house. She checked the locks, set the alarm and made sure everything else was turned off. When her final check was complete, she retrieved Minx from his current resting spot on the sofa in the family room. Once back inside the garage, she handed the stuffed monkey to a smiling Gabby and helped Bianca finish getting the kids settled comfortably in the SUV. The couple then belted themselves in with Marissa taking the first shift behind the wheel.

Marissa glanced around at her family. "Alright, is everyone ready?"

"Yeah!"

Bianca grinned. "Let's go! Orlando, ready or not, here we come!"

/

"Kendall, have you heard from Bianca or Marissa yet? Did they make it down to Orlando safely?"

The younger brunette glanced up from her desk at Fusion, surprised at her mother's sudden appearance. "Hi, Mom. It's good to see you too."

Erica sighed. "I'm sorry. Hello, Kendall, dear. It's good to see you. Have you by chance heard from either your sister or Marissa as to whether or not they have arrived safely in Florida?"

"Actually, I just got a text from Bianca. They made it to their condo without any problems last night. They were all pretty tired so they crashed right away and slept in a little later today. Bianca said they were on their way to Universal Studios."

"I'm glad they made it there safely. I was worried the drive might take too much out of them, and I wasn't sure how safe it was for them to be driving that far. Bianca and Marissa need their sleep as well, especially now."

A puzzled look crossed Kendall's face. She wasn't sure exactly what her mother was implying with her last comment about the couple needing sleep especially now but decided to let it pass for the moment. "Mom, you know Binx and Red are probably the most responsible people around. There is not a snowball's chance in hell that they would take any unnecessary chances with the kids' safety. They mapped out the drive down and stopped about halfway there. They were taking turns driving and had allowed for stops along the way. They made sure everyone got enough rest before finishing up. It's the same thing they're doing for the return trip. They'll be fine. You don't need to worry."

"I can't help but worry a little. It's just that it's a long drive. Vacations are supposed to be relaxing with people catering to your every whim, and it sounds like they have a great deal planned. It's important that they all get some rest particularly Marissa … and Bianca."

Kendall caught the pause but again decided to let it slide. "I understand, but again, they got down there with no problems. They are going to take their time on the way back too. As for having someone catering to their every whim, you know that's not them. They like doing things for themselves, and having others do everything for them, waiting on them hand and foot, makes them uncomfortable."

Erica paused for a moment. She knew Kendall was right. "You said they were going to one of the parks today?"

"Yeah, Universal Studios. There are a lot of rides there the kids can't wait to try."

"Like what?"

"I'll pull up the site." Kendall soon had the website pulled up for her mother. "There you go. Some of them look pretty fun. Gabby won't be able to ride some of them because she's too young, but she'll ride her fair share since they do have a lot of rides geared towards younger children."

Erica perused the site. Several of the rides looked like they might not be advisable for someone who may be pregnant. "Do you think it's wise for them to go on some of these rides? They look like they could be a little too much for … the children."

It was that slight pause that peaked Kendall's curiosity again. Something was definitely up with her mother. "They're not going to put the kids on something that's not safe or something that's too rough or wild for them. Alright, that's it. What's going on?"

"I don't have any idea what you're talking about." Erica denied a little too vehemently.

Kendall eyed her mother. Erica could deny it all she wanted, but Kendall knew better. "I'm not buying it, Mom. Something's up. Why the sudden concern about long drives, them getting enough rest and the kinds of rides they're going to do?"

"What? I'm not permitted to be worried about their health and well-being? Honestly, dear, I don't understand your suspicion. Your sister has been through quite a lot in her life. I just don't want to see her get ill by overdoing when she is finally happily settled. It wouldn't do well for Marissa to exhaust herself either. She still has her knee to worry about. I don't understand why you wouldn't share my concerns and want the same things for them." Erica finished with a trademark flip of her hair.

The younger brunette knew exactly what her mother was doing. She'd seen this maneuver too many times to count. Erica was trying to deflect and distract her. "Of course I worry about Bianca and the kids and Marissa. Red's knee is just fine. You seem awfully focused on her." Kendall was dumbstruck by a sudden realization. "Oh my god! You know!"

Erica was shocked by Kendall's exclamation. She really was too smart for Erica's good sometimes and she had no idea how she had found her out so quickly. "Know what, dear?"

"Don't give me that, Mom! I know that look. I've seen it way too many times over the years. You know! Admit it!"

Erica huffed. "Fine! Yes, I know they are trying to have a baby. You found me out. Are you happy now?"

Kendall chuckled. "Yeah, I am actually! How did you figure it out? They've been keeping it on the down low."

"I'm smarter than you think, dear. Why did they tell you and no one else and how long have you known?"

"I've never doubted your intelligence. I've known for a while, and don't feel bad or left out that you haven't been included. Binx and I talk about a lot of things, and Red and I have gotten close and talk as well."

"I'm glad that you and your sister are as close as you are, and it's good for Marissa to have you to turn to as well. You do share a common interest in keeping your sister happy."

"You're right, we do. I've helped keep an eye on the kids when they've gone to see the fertility specialist. I gave them the name of one that someone I know used."

"Would that be Dr. Roeth at the Franklin Clinic?" Erica smirked.

Kendall quirked an eyebrow. "I'm impressed. It is. How do you know about her?"

"I was in Krystal's the day you and Greenlee were talking about her. It was the day Marissa was upset about not being pregnant. She missed meeting with Bianca, Krystal and myself to discuss the wedding. Your sister received a text and took off suddenly with no explanation. Krystal and I went to look for Bianca and Marissa. We knew something was going on with them but didn't know what. We spotted them in the park but couldn't hear their conversation. At first, we thought that Marissa might be ill when I heard Greenlee mention two doctors, one being Dr. Roeth. Something felt off with that theory though. If she were truly ill, you would have reacted differently then you did. You would've been more upset. I decided to play a hunch and look the doctors up on the internet. With all of this information, I was able to put two and two together."

"Nice! I really am impressed. I can see where I got it from."

Erica chuckled. "You would do well to not forget that. Why haven't you said anything?"

Kendall shrugged. "I was sworn to secrecy. They want to keep this quiet for as long as they possibly can. You know how fast news travels in this town. Once something is out there, everyone is all up in your business, giving you unwanted or unneeded advice and telling you everything that you're doing wrong. They may mean well, but it's kind of an intrusion. They can take away from how special this time is without meaning too. You're thrust into the spotlight, and you know that Bianca and Marissa prefer staying out of that as much as they can. They like leaving that to you and others better suited for it. Plus, they don't want to jinx anything. They'll tell people when they're ready, and when they do start telling people, you know that you'll be on the top of their list, after me of course." Kendall punctuated that last statement with a smirk.

Erica rolled her eyes. "Of course, after you. You're right. I know that they'll tell me when they are ready. I don't want to add any pressure on them. I do expect you to keep me informed however."

Kendall didn't respond to her mother. There was no way in hell she was going to promise that. She had given her word to Bianca, and she would keep it. Kendall couldn't hide her shock when something else her mother said registered in her mind. "Wait a minute, you and Krystal were working together to figure out what was going on with them?"

The diva cleared her throat. She had been hoping her astute daughter hadn't caught that part of her story. "Yes, this time. You know very well that I can't stand the woman. When I thought Marissa might be ill, I thought the best thing for her would be to be surrounded by all of those that care for her, to have their support. As much as I loathe admitting it, that includes that woman. I don't hold her actions against Marissa. She is nothing like her. They have, however, thanks to your sister, begun to build a relationship. It is for that reason alone that I do my best to tolerate her. I will never forgive her though."

"You know that Bianca appreciates you doing that. She knows that it's hard for you. It's hard for Marissa. You know, I think the reason it's so hard for her has more to do with what Krystal did to Bianca than what she did to her. Bianca convinced her to try so she has. Binx is probably the most forgiving person there is."

"I know your sister can be quite persuasive when she puts her mind to it. I also believe you're right about her. I sometimes think she is a little too forgiving."

"Possibly but it's what makes Bianca who she is. Besides, I think Marissa keeps an eye on that, helps balance it. Anyone that hurts her or even thinks about it? Let's just say that Red more than lives up to the stereotype of redhead's and their tempers. Reese and that reporter are prime examples of that. Bianca's had her share of protecting Marissa as well."

Erica smiled at the memories of the video of Marissa hitting that horrid reporter and of the way she handled her daughter's ex. She also remembered the anguish Bianca went through when Marissa was injured and how she did everything she could to ensure her safety. "Yes, I remember those instances. They are a good fit, aren't they?"

"Yes, they really are."

"Do you know if they've had another procedure performed or when they might?"

Kendall shook her head. "No, I'm afraid I don't have any information on that front. I do know that when they've gone to the clinic before, they've gone over the weekend. It's easier for both of them to do it then since they don't have to take time off work. They're saving up some of that time for later. I've watched the kids a couple of times before when they went up. When we talked the week before they left, they didn't ask me to watch them. I couldn't have anyway since we were so busy we only had time for a quick 'hi and how's everything going'."

"Well if you weren't available to watch the children, maybe they decided to wait until after their vacation."

"Maybe, but they do have Susan. She's watched the kids overnight before so she could have watched them. Bianca and Marissa have both told me they don't want to take advantage of my time and have me watch the kids too much. I told them I don't mind. What they are doing is important. I want to be there for them and help them however I can. You know how they are though."

Erica chuckled lightly. "Yes, I do. They don't want to impose even when they aren't."

"Very true. I can tell you one thing though. This baby, when he or she comes along and I really believe this is going to happen, is going to be the luckiest baby in the world to have them as his or her mothers. Plus, they'll have me as an aunt and you as a grandma."

Erica glared at her daughter. She loved her daughters and their children and would do anything for them, but even all these years later, the diva resisted that title. It implied that she was old, and Erica refused to admit, concede or budge one inch on age related issues. She had an image to uphold after all that was why when she received her AARP card she shredded it immediately. That was a group for senior citizens, and Erica Kane was most definitely not a senior citizen. "When you talk to your sister, tell her I said hello and to have good time." Erica said coolly before turning on her heel and leaving.

Kendall had barely managed to keep a straight face in the wake of her mother's reaction along with the fact that she almost knocked Greenlee over on her way out. When the elevator doors closed, she burst out laughing.

"What in the hell is Erica's problem now?" Greenlee asked slightly amused. Anything that bugged Erica, Greenlee instantly liked.

"I called her 'grandma'."

Greenlee's eyes grew wide not quite believing what she heard. "Shut up! You did not do that! Do you have a death wish? That explains the Kane death glare." Greenlee soon joined her friend laughing.

Kendall was now doubled-over and struggling to catch her breath from laughing so hard. "I just couldn't help it! I have a feeling I'm going to pay for that later, but it was so worth it now!" Kendall started laughing again and wiped tears from her eyes.

/

Marissa pulled into the garage and smiled. They'd had a great time down in Florida, but no matter how great of a time they had, she was happy to be home and couldn't wait to sleep in her own bed. She turned at the sound of Bianca sighing and could tell her fiancée felt the same exact way. They both glanced over their shoulders into the backseat. All three children were sound asleep. Neither woman was surprised since it was late, and long car rides seemed to have a magical effect on children, lulling them to sleep despite the unusual positions they ended up in.

Knowing that neither of them could carry AJ or Miranda any longer, they gently roused them awake. The older two children were ushered inside and straight to their rooms by Marissa while Bianca carried Gabby to her room remembering to grab Minx before heading inside. The stuffed monkey was going to need to be washed but that could wait until tomorrow as could baths for their children.

Marissa helped AJ change into his pajamas and got him quickly settled in bed before going to help Miranda. Bianca took care of Gabby who was still sound asleep. The brunette then grabbed a couple of things from the car, leaving the rest for the next day. By the time she made her way back to their bedroom, Marissa was finishing up in the bathroom. Bianca washed her face and brushed her teeth before joining her fiancée in bed.

"Are AJ and Miranda settled?"

"Yeah, they are. As soon as their heads hit the pillow, they were back out. What about Gabby?"

Bianca smiled. "She never woke up once even when she reached for Minx after I set him next to her. We're going to have to wash him tomorrow. Our one day trip to the beach did not do him any favors."

Marissa chuckled. "Yeah, he was definitely starting to smell a little. I'm so glad to be home in our own bed, not that I didn't have a good time."

"I know what you mean. I had a great time too, but there's just something about being home." Bianca sighed contentedly as she sunk under the covers and pulled Marissa into her arms after they shared a loving kiss. With that, the couple was soon fast asleep.

/

"Mommy, when will Minx be done?"

Bianca smiled at her youngest. Gabby had been waiting patiently for her beloved stuffed animal to be washed and trying her best to hide how anxious she was about being separated from him. "He's almost done, Sweetie. The dryer should be finished in just a few more minutes. You're being very good."

"Yes, you sure are, Monkey." Marissa grinned at her daughter as she joined the two brunettes in the kitchen. "I have an idea of something you could do for us that would be a really big help. Aunt Kendall, Uncle Zach and the boys will be here soon with Max. Would you check with AJ and Miranda and see where they put their gifts?"

Gabby smiled brightly. "Okay, Mommy!"

"Thank you."

"Good save, Honey." Bianca smiled in relief. "That should keep her occupied until the dryer's finished."

"I thought it would. With the exception of the last load in the dryer, everything else is put away."

"That is good to hear. What do you want to do for dinner? I really don't feel like cooking."

Marissa shook her head. "Neither do I. One more meal of takeout before we get back to the routine?"

"I think that's a great idea. How does pizza sound?"

"Sounds perfect to me. Since Kendall and company are coming over, I could see if they want to join us."

"You read my mind, but you always seem to be able to though." Bianca stole a kiss that quickly turned heated.

The couple had not had too much alone time in the ten days they were gone. The condo, while nice, did not allow for much privacy and Gabby had a hard time not being in her own bed. The littlest member of the family had spent a couple of nights in her mothers' bed. The stays in hotels in route to and from their destination also did not allow for any privacy. Both had been too exhausted from the long drive home last night when they got in to do anything else other than sleep, and their morning routines were interrupted by well-rested children.

Marissa moaned as she reluctantly pulled away. "Oh, I can tell you that it's not taking much to read your mind right now."

Bianca grinned wickedly. "Yeah, yours is pretty easy to read right now too. We're going to have to do something about this tonight."

"Yes, we definitely are." Marissa leaned back in for a lingering kiss.

The sound of the dryer signaling the end of its cycle stopped the couple from going any further.

Marissa sighed. "You better get Minx out of there. I have no doubt that Gabby has heard that signal."

"You're right. She has hearing like a bat when she wants." Bianca chuckled. "I'll get Minx and you call Kendall. Later tonight? We're picking right up where we just left off."

Bianca headed to the laundry room with an extra sway to her hips that had Marissa groaning. "I'm going to be counting the hours to that. Maybe, the kids will go to bed early. They really need to catch up on their sleep."

/

A/N: Okay, I was going to go into the vacation here, but I got sidetracked by the conversation between Kendall and Erica and had to end this chapter where I did in order to prevent it from being huge and to post today. There will be a vacation recap in the next chapter and maybe some other stuff. Talk to you soon!