A/N: As always, thanks for reading and reviewing! It is much appreciated! Sorry on where I ended the last chapter. What can I say? My evil love cliffhangers and sometimes, I just can't stop her. For this update, there is a flashback, and it's in italics. That's enough from me for now. I'll let you get to reading. Hope you enjoy this update!

/

Monday, early afternoon

"I think the Yacht Club will be the absolute perfect place for your reception. There is more than enough room for a band and a dance floor. Guests arriving from out of town will be able to stay there as well. They could hold a block of rooms for you. Some guests may want to stay at the Pine Valley Inn, but honestly, everyone knows the Yacht Club is much nicer. And you have an excellent relationship with them from your dealings with the Miranda's Center New Year's Eve Gala. I am positive the owner will make sure you are well taken care of. As for the food, you have your choice of caterers since this will be the event of the year. I believe, Krystal, you have some thoughts on that."

"Thank you, Erica, I do. I know several that are wonderful and that I would trust with your special day. They are working on menus and will have a tasting for you whenever you'd like. As for the cake, these particular caterers also do wedding cakes. There is also another option with that. As you know, Mrs. Jackson who owns the bakery across the street does excellent work. We were talking the other day, and she told me that she would be honored to do your cake. It would be her way of thanking you for all of the legal advice you've given her. I don't think you'll be interested in this, but she also volunteered her nephew Mike's services for creating your invitations. She said he's working at a design firm and has access to a lot of tools. I thanked her and politely declined the offer. I hope that's alright."

Bianca stiffened slightly at the mention of the man's name. Erica and Krystal didn't notice it, but Marissa did. It had been quite some time since the couple had seen him, but they both remembered him all too well. The memories were mixed with some of them not being all that pleasant.

Marissa remembered him for the painful and awful jokes that he told about lawyers which he seemed to have a never ending supply of as well as spilling his drink on her. It was excruciating. That, however, was not the worst part of the evening for her. The worst part was seeing Bianca with someone else that evening, Sienna. She had been a little too handsy with Bianca for Marissa's liking. She could tell that Bianca wasn't too thrilled about it either, but the redhead had her own hands full with her 'date' and wasn't able to help. The sheer mention of the other woman still grated on the redhead, and Marissa could see that Bianca was experiencing the same thoughts regarding the mention of Mike.

For her part, Bianca remembered Mike all too well. He was a little too touchy-feely with Marissa after he spilled his drink on her. A part of the brunette still wondered if he had done that on purpose so he could get closer to Marissa. Bianca had been unable to help her because she was saddled with Sienna. Both were part of Krystal's and Kendall's grand plan to get Bianca and Marissa to see that the person each had been looking for was right in front of them. True, it ended up working, but they still didn't like to think about the other two players involved in their scheme that night.

"No, we really aren't interested in his help. You didn't overstep."

Again, Marissa was the only one noticing the tone of Bianca's voice. She reached across and squeezed her hand and winked. Both gestures had the necessary effect, and Bianca relaxed.

"I guess the comedy thing didn't pan out after all since he's back to graphic designing." Marissa smirked which caused Bianca to snicker.

"Good, I'm glad I didn't overstep."

"I spoke with Vera, and she would love to design both of your dresses. You'll have to go to New York for her to measure you though. My assistant is gathering the portfolios of three exceptional photographers as well as two extremely talented videographers."

/

"This looks like the place to be." Kendall smiled as she entered Krystal's with Greenlee. The friends spotted Bianca, Marissa, Erica and Krystal seated together. The table they were seated at had pads of paper and pens as well as a laptop. It was obvious that the wedding planning had begun in earnest. Bianca had told her that the couple would be meeting with their mothers to go over plans.

Greenlee eyed the couple. It looked like they were listening to the older women, but something told her that they really weren't. She whispered to her friend as they moved to another table to observe the foursome. They hadn't been noticed just yet so they decided to use this time to their advantage. "Is it just me, Kendall, or do you think that your sister and Marissa really aren't paying too much attention?"

Kendall shook her head. "No, it's not just you. I see it too. Binx told me she wasn't really looking forward to today. It seems that she and Marissa have their own ideas for their wedding, ones that Mom and Krystal may not like too much."

"Did she say what they were?"

"No, she didn't. I told her we would stop by for backup if they needed it."

"They just might with those two."

/

The couple listened to their mothers go on and on about the plans they had for the wedding. They had attempted several times to stop the older women and tell them what they had in mind but were drowned out each time. Truth be told, both Marissa and Bianca were slightly distracted and having a hard time concentrating on what was being said. The mention of Mrs. Jackson's nephew snapped them back to reality. They realized they needed to step in now more forcefully to get their point across.

"We need to reserve the church and the Yacht Club as soon as possible. I can call the Yacht Club and Krystal can call the church if you'd like, but first, you need to decide on a date. We were thinking a December wedding."

"Thanks, Mom, but that won't be necessary. We have that taken care of."

Erica was somewhat surprised by that response. "I didn't realize you had picked a date and had made the reservations. That's wonderful, sweetheart."

"Yes, Mom, Rissa and I have picked a date, but we won't be needing the church or the Yacht Club."

"Really? So, where do you intend on holding the service and reception?"

"Our place!" Marissa answered happily.

"What do you mean your place?" Erica and Krystal exclaimed in unison causing restaurant patrons to turn in their direction.

Erica lowered her voice and hissed. "I'm afraid that is just not acceptable. There are a great many people that should be invited, and there is simply not enough room."

"I have to agree with Erica. The guest list is pretty long, and you don't have enough room at your place."

"Yes, we do. There is more than enough room for everyone that we want to invite." Bianca stated firmly.

Marissa held up a hand to stop the protests starting to come from their mothers. "Bianca's right. Look, we both really appreciate everything that you've done. We honestly do. It's just that neither of us wants a big wedding or one that will be the social event of the year. It's just not us. We want something with just our families and our friends. Those are the people we want help us celebrate our wedding. If I'm completely honest, I just need Bianca and the kids there to make it perfect for me."

Bianca's goofy grin was all the reply Marissa really needed to know she felt the same way. "That makes two of us."

"Whose idea was this?"

"We both made this decision, Erica."

"But it was my idea, Mom."

"And one that I wholeheartedly agree with. It may have been your idea, but I'm completely onboard with it. It's what I want too."

"I don't understand. Why didn't you say something earlier to us? All of this planning was for you." Krystal asked.

"Did either of you really stop to ask exactly what they wanted? From everything that I've heard about the planning, you both jumped right in and took off. They asked you to help not take it over and plan everything." Kendall added thoughtfully. She and Greenlee had made their way over to the foursome's table.

Greenlee nodded. "She's right. They just wanted your help. I know you may not want to hear it, but it's their day and should be about what they want. If you look in their eyes, you can see how right their decision is for them."

"It's true. There is no way you can say that it isn't."

A thousand arguments were racing through Erica's mind but all fell flat when she saw the way the couple was gazing at each other. All Erica wanted was for her daughter to be happy, and she most definitely was. They were presenting a united front. Neither was backing down nor were they letting the other take the heat from either her or Krystal. Erica saw the smile on Bianca's face and knew what she needed to do.

"You're right, Kendall. Whatever the two of you want is what we'll do."

Krystal was somewhat taken aback by Erica's response. She wasn't expecting her to fold like she did. The others were right though. This was about what Bianca and Marissa wanted, and she needed to accept that there would be no big wedding for her to plan. "Yes, we will."

Erica smiled. "It's settled then. The service and reception will be at your home. What date have you decided on?"

Bianca sighed in relief at her mother's acceptance. Marissa had done her best to assure her that Erica would support them and be okay with what they wanted. She wasn't sure why she'd thought that, just that she did. It turns out that her fiancée was right, and the look on her face said I told you so.

Marissa grinned. "Thank you! It's going to be September 23rd."

"But that only gives us just over two months!" Krystal said in disbelief.

"We've already spoken with Reverend McSherry. She is available and willing to conduct our service."

"She's also more than happy to come to our home to do it." Bianca finished up for Marissa.

"But what about the dresses, the invitations, flowers, caterer, photographer …"

Erica had been quiet trying to wrap her head around this change. There was something she was curious about though. "May I ask why you chose that date?"

"We looked at our schedules as well as the kids. I'm free that week and the week after at the Center, and Marissa's free at work."

"The courts will be closed a few days for furloughs due to budget cuts so I'm able to hold off on my cases as a result. The kids' school has in-service days the Thursday and Friday beforehand. It really works the best for us."

"Having it around the holidays would be nice, but they're already hectic enough as it is. I can only imagine what it would be like with a wedding added. As for everything else, we'd like to keep it simple."

"Something that represents you." Erica's wheels were turning. She loved a challenge. "I understand. Given the time, I know Vera won't be able to do your dresses, but I have a feeling that while that would be appreciated, you both are looking for something not that extravagant. Let me make a few calls. I know a few designers who I think we'll be able to help you. As for the rest, we will divided and conquer. You have four of us ready and willing to help, if that is alright with the both of you."

Kendall, Greenlee and Krystal all nodded indicating their willingness.

The couple shared a smile before Bianca responded. "That would be perfect and more than alright with us. Thank you."

"You're welcome, sweetheart. Now, I suggest we get to work."

The next 45 minutes were spent identifying tasks and assigning them. At the end of that time, they had a pretty good handle on what needed to be done.

"We definitely should meet again. Perhaps, we could meet tonight?"

Bianca froze briefly at her mother's question.

Marissa was quick on her feet though and quickly covered. "We can't tonight. We already have something planned with the kids."

"Rissa's right. We do. If all of you are free tomorrow though, you could come over for dinner, and we could plan more then. Does that sound okay?"

"I think that will give us all a chance to get some information together." Marissa and Bianca didn't really have plans that evening but didn't want the others to know. The couple had the afternoon off. When they were done with this planning lunch, they were headed to an important meeting. Again, this was something they didn't want the others to know, just yet. The outcome of that appointment would determine their moods for the rest of the day, and they both knew they wouldn't be able to hide their feelings from the others, especially Kendall.

"Red does have a point. We probably won't have much to report today. Tomorrow works for me. Zach and the boys can do some male bonding." Kendall checked the time. "We need to get back to the office, Greenlee."

"Rissa and I need to get back too. Thanks for understanding and helping."

"We really do appreciate it more than you know."

After the couple left, Erica turned to her oldest daughter. "Did they seem alright to you?"

Kendall thought about it for a few moments. She had picked up on something but didn't know what it was. She didn't think it was anything serious though and wasn't going to worry the others with it. "They might have been a little nervous, but I think that might be because they weren't sure how either of you were going to take the idea of having their wedding at home and pairing down the size of it and the guest list."

"You don't think there was anything else?" Krystal asked.

Greenlee shook her head. "No, I think Kendall's right. It was just nerves over the wedding. I don't think there's anything to worry about."

/

Bianca and Marissa walked to the brunette's car. The couple had driven in together that morning so they only had one car to deal with later. After their seatbelts were fastened, Bianca turned to her fiancée. "That went better than I thought it would. I honestly thought my Mom would be upset, but she wasn't."

Marissa simply grinned. "And?"

Bianca rolled her eyes. "You were right. Feel free to say you told me so."

"Hmm, I think I'll give you a pass this time. I'm glad both she and Krystal understood."

"Me too. We better go. We don't want to be late. You ready?"

Marissa nodded nervously. "Let's go."

/

Sunday, the day following the cookout

Marissa woke up early the morning after the impromptu cookout. It was Sunday, and normally, the couple would sleep in a little later on the weekends. That was not going to happen today though. She had a test to take and was anxious about what the results would be. The redhead was surprised they had actually managed to fall asleep since they were both anxious to find out whether or not she was pregnant. A huge grin spread across her face as she thought of the ways they came up with to wear themselves out the night before. Marissa started to turn so that she could begin her morning routine but was stopped when she felt Bianca's hand. The brunette had her hand splayed on Marissa's stomach, protecting both her and hopefully someone else. The thought had the redhead's heart skip a beat. She hoped that she was pregnant, but knew if she wasn't they would still be okay. Marissa decided to stay right where she was, in Bianca's arms, for a little while longer.

Bianca woke up and a sleepy smile graced her face. She loved nothing more than waking up with Marissa in her arms. The brunette dropped a soft kiss on her fiancée's shoulder causing Marissa to sigh contentedly and tilt her head allowing better access. That was all Bianca needed to continue her morning routine as she trailed kisses from her fiancée's shoulder to her neck, finding that one spot behind Marissa's ear that caused the redhead to inhale sharply and release a soft moan.

"Good morning."

Marissa turned and was greeted by a grinning Bianca. "Good morning, beautiful. How did you sleep?"

"Well when I managed to actually fall asleep, I slept very well. You wore me out. I think the student is surpassing the teacher."

"Never, you, my love, are the master and more than wore me out." Marissa met Bianca halfway as their lips came together. "As much as I would love to continue your morning routine, I …"

Bianca nodded. "Me too. Are you ready?"

"Yeah, let's find out." Marissa got out of bed and padded to the bathroom, pulled out the home pregnancy test, read the instructions and followed them. When she was done, she returned to the bedroom and found Bianca waiting for her on their bed.

Marissa sat down next to her fiancée. Bianca set the timer on her phone and then took Marissa's free hand. They waited for the required amount of time to pass revealing the results. A ding indicated it was time to check.

Chocolate eyes met hazel as Bianca squeezed Marissa's hand. "No matter what the results, I love you."

"I know. I love you too."

The redhead took a deep breath and turned the test stick over. Two sets of eyes immediately zoomed in with laser like focus on the test's small window to see if it would be a plus or minus sign that appeared.

Marissa beamed as a plus sign appeared. "I … I … I'm … We're pregnant! We're going to have a baby!"

Bianca couldn't contain her happiness as she swooped in and kissed Marissa. She then kneeled in front of her fiancée and placed a reverent kiss on her stomach. "Hello, little one. I'm your Mommy. I can't wait to meet you. Neither can your Mama, but we don't want that to happen too early. We both want you to be healthy so no coming before it's time. We are so lucky and blessed to have you joining our family. You have a big brother named AJ and two big sisters named Miranda and Gabby. They're going to so excited when we tell them about you, but we're not going to do that right away. We're going to wait a little bit. Right now, it's just going to be a secret between your Mama and me. Let me tell you about your Mama. She is amazing. She is smart, funny, kind, talented and as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside. I'm blessed to have found her and be sharing my life with her. She is an incredible mom and will fight for and protect you with everything she has and so will I. You have made us so happy. I love you, little one." Bianca placed another kiss on Marissa's stomach.

Marissa swallowed the lump that formed in her throat. Having Bianca kneeling in front of her softly caressing her stomach and talking to their unborn child made her heart swell. Marissa knew she fell even more in love with Bianca, and she didn't think that was possible. With Bianca though, the redhead knew anything was possible. As she listened to her fiancée talk, Marissa loving ran her fingers through Bianca's soft locks while happy tears flowed down her cheeks.

Bianca gazed up and flashed a magnificent smile at her love.

Hazel eyes locked with warm chocolate ones. "I love you so much, Bianca."

"No more than I love you, Rissa." Bianca gently wiped Marissa's tears away. "Thank you for making me happier than I ever thought I could be."

Marissa's breath hitched and she leaned down to capture Bianca's lips for a fervent kiss. As the kiss deepened, both women moaned as they felt the intensity of the love behind the kiss. Bianca rose from her knees and ever so gently laid Marissa back onto the bed. The couple reluctantly separated but did so only to make fast work of their pajamas. Bianca quickly recaptured Marissa's lips for an achingly tender kiss that conveyed every ounce of love she had. Her lips then moved and slowly trailed along the redhead's jawline and neck and down to Marissa's breasts, and her tongue began to torturously tease hardened nipples while her hands began to caress the soft curves of Marissa that were emblazoned in her memory causing the redhead to moan. Marissa was becoming incapable of rational thought as the growing ache in between her legs screamed in need and want of Bianca and began to overwhelm her.

Bianca slowly continued her torturous journey to Marissa's stomach where she placed loving kisses as her hands slowly drifted lower, caressing each magnificent curve until one gently eased between Marissa's legs. As Bianca slid two fingers easily inside Marissa, the redhead moaned loudly and pulled her fiancée up to her, capturing Bianca's lips for a searing kiss as a rhythm was soon set between them. Each thrust drove Marissa to a height of sheer ecstasy. Bianca could feel Marissa tighten around her and applied more pressure and curled her fingers hitting that spot that caused the redhead to lose control. Marissa cried out as she was driven over the edge and completely unraveled as a wave of euphoria soon enveloped her.

As Marissa slowly recovered, she felt cherished and loved as she had never had before with anyone else other than Bianca, and she needed and wanted Bianca to feel exactly what she was feeling. A brilliant smile graced her face as she opened her eyes and met Bianca's loving gaze and beaming smile. "I love you and thank you for making me happier than I've been. I'm blessed to have found you and be sharing my life with you. Thank you for being there for me in every way."

"I love you, and I always will be." Bianca sighed happily and leaned up for a loving kiss. She yelped in surprise when Marissa quickly flipped positions with a wicked grin.

Marissa's lips began to roam, soon finding Bianca's pulse point causing a sharp intake of breath. Marissa continued down to Bianca's breasts causing the brunette to moan as her tongue began working its magic. Another moan escaped from Bianca as the throbbing ache between her legs intensified, and she pulled her fiancée closer. As Marissa continued to ravish Bianca's breasts, her hands drifted lower, travelling lovingly over soft curves that were etched into her very soul. Marissa reached her final destination as she heard Bianca's plea for release. She slowly slid two fingers through her fiancée's soaked outer folds and into her aching center. Bianca's head snapped back as her hands grasped copper locks, pulling Marissa closer as her back arched. She began to unravel under the ecstasy being brought on by Marissa's magical tongue and fingers. A rhythm was set and soon waves of ecstasy swept over Bianca and exploded inside her. The brunette's entire body went limp moments later, and Marissa watched as Bianca slowly recovered. She didn't think she'd ever see a sight more beautiful than Bianca as she was in the moments like this.

A brilliant smile formed along Bianca's face as she opened her eyes seeking Marissa's. "You're staring."

"It's this bad habit that I picked up from you." Marissa replied with a cheeky grin before lying back in Bianca's loving embrace.

The couple lay entwined, basking in the afterglow. Neither could wipe the beaming smiles from their faces if they tried.

"We're having a baby." The awe clearly evident in Marissa's voice as reality began to sink in.

"Yes, we are." Bianca smiled as she made a solemn vow silently to herself to do everything in her power to make this pregnancy as stress-free and as easy as possible for Marissa. Her fiancée would want for nothing. Whatever she wanted or needed, Bianca would provide it for her. She knew Marissa would fuss and say she was going overboard, but that would not dissuade the brunette. Marissa was carrying their child, and Bianca saw it as her primary responsibility to help her, take care of her and be there for her throughout this entire pregnancy. This would mean making a few changes in regards to some upcoming plans. Bianca didn't consider that a sacrifice at all.

"I know what you're thinking, and I'm not going to let you do it."

"What are you talking about?"

Marissa grinned and pulled back to look at Bianca. "You are not dropping your class this coming semester."

Bianca chuckled. Of course Marissa would know what she was thinking. "Yes, I am. I should be home with you and not in a classroom."

"It's your dream, B. I'm not having you giving it up for me when I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself. I'm pregnant, not an invalid."

"I know that. But you, this baby and our three other amazing children are my dream."

"And you say I have a way with words. Getting your master's degree is one of your dreams too. Look, I know you want to be here, but I don't want you to give that up. You'll be done with the class in December. I'm not sure exactly how far along I am yet, but I know I probably won't be due until sometime late winter or early spring. That gives you plenty of time to take this class with no problems. In fact, you could probably even take one the next semester if you …"

"No. That won't be happening. I won't be taking any classes in the spring." Bianca's tone indicated there was no swaying her from that stance.

"Okay. How about a compromise?"

"And what would that be?"

"You take your class this semester as planned and take the next one off. That way you know you'll be here when the baby arrives. You can start up again next fall."

Bianca eyed her fiancée. She knew what Marissa was doing and could see the lawyer in her peeking out from underneath those hazel eyes. Well, Bianca had picked up a few things from her fiancée as well as her mother. Erica was a master at getting what she wanted. "I have a counter offer. I'll take my class this fall, none in the spring along with no more classes until the following spring. Plus, I drop this year's class if anything should happen."

Marissa considered the counter offer for a moment. She had expected Bianca to give her a hard time about school if the redhead got pregnant. She could be stubborn but so could Marissa. Bianca didn't have too many more classes to take to get her degree, and Marissa didn't want her to stop when she was so close to achieving that goal. "I have a counter to your counter. Fall class is on for this year with the stipulation that you can drop it if something happens. No classes in the spring, and we will revisit next fall's classes next year closer in to registration. Deal?"

"I suppose I can live with that. Deal."

"Good! Should we seal it with a handshake or a kiss?"

"Definitely with a kiss. You don't settle all of your negotiations this way, do you?" Bianca grinned.

Marissa laughed. "Nope. I only settle them this way with the person I am hopelessly and desperately in love with."

"Lucky me!"

The couple sealed their deal with a lingering kiss.

Just a few minutes later, the couple heard their children, not so quietly, making their way downstairs.

"It always amazes me how much noise they can make when they're trying so hard to be quiet." Marissa chuckled.

"It is kind of amazing, isn't it? I'll go start breakfast." Bianca kissed Marissa, got out of bed and quickly put her pajamas back on before heading to the kitchen.

/

While the kids started on their breakfasts, Bianca went to back to let Marissa know breakfast was ready. She paused outside the bedroom door when she heard her fiancée talking to someone. Bianca poked her head inside and found Marissa sitting on the window seat of the bay window and gazing out at the small pond and the woods behind their home as she absently caressed her stomach.

"This is your Mama, little one. I can't even begin to tell you how happy I am to be having you and how much I love you. Everything your Mommy said about me fighting for you, protecting you and being there for you is true. I will. Whenever you need me, I'll be there and so will your Mommy. Let me tell you about your Mommy. She is simply incredible. I've never known anyone like her, and she turned my life upside down. No, scratch that. She turned my life right side up. Everything is better and brighter with her. I have to admit that she's not my first love, but she is my best love. She's taught me what love really is all about. I can't imagine my life without her and can't remember a time when I wasn't in love with her. She loves you so much already and is the best Mommy in the whole world. Your brother and sisters will back me up on that. She has given me so much. I have a home and a family of my own which you complete. She's helped give me you, and you along with AJ, Miranda and Gabby are the best gifts I could ever ask for."

Marissa glanced towards the door and saw Bianca with a radiant smile and glistening eyes. "Hey."

"Hey. You and our little one …"

"We're getting acquainted, and I'm just telling them a little about you."

"So I gathered. Breakfast is ready."

"Good because I'm starving. You had me working up quite an appetite." Marissa grinned as she took the hand Bianca offered.

"Ditto you with me." Bianca kissed her lightly.

"Moms!"

The couple chuckled. "Let's go find out who's doing what to whom."

/

Monday afternoon

Bianca and Marissa held hands as they sat in the waiting room of their OB/GYN. They had called her the day before, and she agreed to squeeze them in for an appointment. She knew they were anxious to have the results confirmed. While home pregnancy tests were fairly accurate, it wasn't the same as hearing it from a doctor.

"Marissa Tasker?"

"That's me."

The nurse smiled. "Dr. Abbott will see you now."

Marissa nodded, and she and Bianca followed the nurse down the hallway to an exam room.

/

After a quick exam and having some blood drawn in addition to taking a urine sample, Marissa was dressed and sitting with Bianca in the doctor's office.

Having reviewed the results, Dr. Abbott entered and took a seat behind her desk. She smiled because this was the definitely one of her two favorite parts of her job. "Congratulations, ladies! You're pregnant!"

The couple's laughter was a combination of happiness and relief.

"We're going to have a baby, B!" Marissa beamed.

Bianca pulled their clasped hands to her and kissed Marissa's. Her smile matched the redhead's. "Yes, we are, Rissa! Yes, we are."