A/N: Thanks for continuing to read and review! I really appreciate it! You all seemed pretty happy to find out that our girls are expecting in the last chapter. I'm glad you liked it. The baby isn't expected for a while so if you'd like to take a guess on whether it's a boy or a girl along with the little one's name, please feel free. I meant to put the following question in the author's notes at the end of the last chapter but forgot. Would anyone care to take a guess as to why that wedding date was chosen? It was picked for a reason. Okay, this chapter picks up where the last one on left off. Hope you enjoy this update!

/

After a quick exam and having some tests done, Marissa was dressed and sitting with Bianca in the doctor's office. The couple held hands as they waited for the doctor to reveal the results.

Dr. Abbott reviewed the results of the tests, entered the office and took a seat behind her desk. She smiled because this was the definitely one of her two favorite parts of her job. She didn't make the couple wait because she knew how anxious they were. "Congratulations, ladies! You're pregnant!"

"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."

The couple shared a chaste kiss before turning back to the doctor.

Marissa's smile said it all but she still wanted to say the words. "Thank you, Dr. Abbott."

"I didn't do anything, Marissa. I just gave you the happy news."

"You squeezed us in today so we didn't have wait. Having the home pregnancy results confirmed takes a huge weight off our shoulders. I'd say you did a lot."

"Plus, you're going to be taking care of Rissa for the next … Wait, how far along is she?"

"I can't believe we forgot to ask." Marissa smiled sheepishly.

The doctor laughed. "Don't worry. I was going to tell you. Going by the first day of your last menstrual cycle, you are five weeks along. Your estimated due date is March 26th. We'll probably tweak that the further you get into your pregnancy and when we do an ultrasound."

Marissa's free hand went to her stomach. "Five weeks. March 26th." It was all becoming so real now.

Bianca smiled and squeezed Marissa's hand. "You're going to be taking care of Rissa for the next eight months so consider it a thank you in advance."

"You're welcome then. Now, it's time for me to give my standard speech. I know Bianca has been through this twice before and that you have done a great deal of research, but I still have to go over this with you. I know you don't but no smoking. You do need to limit your caffeine. No alcohol. Have you set a wedding date yet?"

Marissa grinned and nodded. "As a matter of fact, we just did. We set it before we took the test. It's September 23rd."

"Well, I guess it's double congratulations for you then. I will allow you to have one sip of champagne on your wedding day but that's it."

Marissa laughed. "Got it and thank you."

"I'm going to give you a prescription for some prenatal vitamins. Take them as instructed. I want you to continue following the instructions I gave you prior to you being pregnant. Watch your diet, get plenty of rest and you can keep up with your exercising, just nothing too strenuous. I'm pretty sure Bianca will make sure you follow all of those instructions."

Bianca nodded with a smile still firmly in place. "Yes, I will."

Dr. Abbott chuckled. "I thought as much. If you experience any spotting or cramping, contact me right away. That is a standard warning I give all of my patients. Based on your family history and how healthy you are, I don't foresee any problems at the present, Marissa. What questions do you have for me?"

Marissa asked several questions as did Bianca with the doctor answering all of them.

When they were done, Dr. Abbott smiled. "I want to see you back here in a month. If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to call."

"Thank you, Dr. Abbott. We'll see you in a month." Marissa shook the doctor's hand as did Bianca.

As the couple was about to leave the office, the doctor stopped them. "Congratulations, you two. I'm very happy for you."

The couple smiled happily. "Thank you!"

/

When the couple arrived back home from the doctor's office, Marissa headed back to change while Bianca took Max outside. The brunette headed back to their bedroom after letting their dog back in. Marissa wasn't there though so she decided to change her clothes before she started looking for her fiancée. She had a pretty good idea where the redhead might be.

Bianca found Marissa sitting on the floor in the room that would soon become their baby's bedroom. One of the redhead's hands was resting on her stomach while she was humming a familiar tune. Bianca smiled as she settled on the floor next to Marissa.

When she finished the song, she turned to Bianca with the smile that had been present since the day before. "Hey. How's Max doing?"

"He's happy as can be. He had an early romp outside and is happily chewing on a fresh rawhide bone while he waits for the kids to get home from camp. How are you doing?"

"I've never been better or happier. I think it's finally sunk in. We're having a baby."

"Yep, we sure are. Hearing it from Dr. Abbott has made it real. Oh, we should call Dr. Roeth and let her know that we hopefully won't be needing her services anymore."

"Yeah, we should." Marissa paused to knock on the wood baseboard. Seeing the amused expression on Bianca's face, she shrugged. "It won't hurt."

Seeing the logic behind Marissa's action, Bianca quickly followed suit and knocked on the baseboard as well. "No, it won't. So, what are you doing?"

"Thinking."

"About?"

Marissa grinned. "What do you think?"

Bianca laughed. "Yeah, I guess that's pretty easy to figure out. Anything in particular you want to share?"

"Of course. Well, I think we should wait until I'm at least through the first trimester before we tell anyone, especially the kids."

"I agree 100%. Once we tell them, everyone will know. I don't see the three of them being able to keep this secret, and it wouldn't be fair to ask them to. As for everyone else, we'll tell them after we tell the kids. Getting through the first trimester is an important milestone so I'm with you on waiting until we get through it. After the kids, who do you think we should tell first?"

"Kendall, definitely."

"You're sure?"

"Yeah, I am. She deserves to know first. She has helped us so much. I know she'll be happy for us."

"She'll be beyond happy for us. Thank you for wanting to do that."

"You're welcome. Then, we should tell Greenlee, your Mom and Krystal. After that, I think we should just tell Opal so she can let everyone else know."

Bianca snorted. "That would sure save us time. There's no way she'll be able to keep quiet. What else is on your mind?"

"My wedding dress. Erica's got it into her head to get us a designer, and well, we don't know how big I'll be in a couple of months."

"I haven't thought about that. You should be around three months pregnant when we get married so you probably won't be showing that much if at all. We probably should let the designer and seamstress know though just in case. We'll just ask them not to say anything to anyone, kind of like a designer/seamstress/customer agreement."

Marissa grinned. "You mean like doctor/patient confidentiality or lawyer/client privilege?"

"Precisely!" Bianca smiled"

"It's worth a shot. We'll ask."

"Okay. What else?"

Marissa looked around. "This room and the one downstairs."

"Ah, thinking about how we should decorate them and when."

"Yep and that leads to the question of whether or not we want to find out the sex of our little one in advance."

"What are your thoughts on that last question?"

"Honestly, I'd like to wait. I know it would make things easier for decorating and getting clothes if we knew, but I've always thought it's more fun to wait. What do you think?"

Bianca smiled. "I want to wait too. I really like the idea of not knowing until we see our little one in person. As for decorating, there's a whole plethora of choices that are not gender specific."

"You're right. We just have to figure out which one. I know when we had the house built we talked about having the spare bedroom by us serve as a temporary nursery, and I still think we should do that. What do you think about decorating both but using the same furniture? We would just move it up when we move little one here."

"I like that and it makes sense. It won't be much work to repaint the other room when it's time. I think we should decorate at maybe 6 or 7 months. If we start then, we still have plenty of time to finish before little one's arrival, and …"

"We're not jinxing ourselves."

Bianca sensed there was more that was on her fiancée's mind, something heavier. "There's something else. Tell me, please."

Marissa shook her head and chuckled. Bianca knew her too well. She couldn't keep anything from her. Of course the same could be said about the brunette. "There is. I have to do some research on this since I'm not sure."

"Rissa, what are you talking about?"

"Your rights concerning little one here. I want to see if it's possible to have your name added to the birth certificate. If we can't, then I'll have adoption papers ready and waiting to be signed and filed as soon as we can. You are as much little one's mother as I am, and I want your rights established and protected."

Warm chocolate eyes glistened and Bianca's breath hitched. "You really want my name on the birth certificate?"

Marissa smiled. "Yes, I do. Like I said, you're this baby's mother too so why shouldn't it be."

Bianca kissed her fiancée softly. "Thank you. If it's not possible to do that, adoption is just fine with me. You know that we'll have time to do that after."

"I know, but I want to do it right away. It's the lawyer in me. The sooner it's done and established, the better. Plus, remember last year when I was in the hospital."

A cold chill ran up Bianca's spine at the memory. "I remember."

"If something should happen and I can't get there, I want you to be able to make those decisions without anyone questioning your right to do so."

Bianca simply smiled. It was a combination of Marissa the woman who loved her like no other and Marissa the lawyer making this decision. "Alright, we'll have the papers ready and packed in the bag we take to the hospital when you go into labor. Is there anything else?"

Marissa sighed happy to have that topic settled. "There is one more thing. We need to come up with names for little one. As much as I love the name you gave them, it might be awkward for them when they're a teenager."

Bianca laughed. "You're right. It might be. Since we're not going to find out in advance what we're having, we'll need names for both boys and girls. Do you have a preference? Do you want a boy or a girl?"

"No, I really don't care what we have. I just want little one to be healthy. You?"

"I don't have a preference either. As long as our little one is healthy, I'll be happy."

"The kids may have a different opinion, however. I think AJ would like a brother to even things out for him."

"Probably. I think Miranda might like another little sister. As for Gabby, I think she'll be happy either way. She just can't wait to be a big sister."

"Personally, I think she is going to be a great big sister. She's had a great example."

"Yeah, she has. So, we need names. The logical approach is to start at the beginning of the alphabet and work our way down. We could pick a few girls' names and a few boys' names each day."

"I like it and I just happen to have my tablet here. Want to get started?"

"Sounds good."

Marissa went to Google and did a search on baby names. "Let's go to boys first. Aaron, not bad. Abba?"

"Seriously? Abba? Like the band from Sweden? Dancing Queen? That Abba?"

Marissa laughed. "Yep. Judging by your expression, I'll take that as a 'no'."

"You would be right. You don't look like you're sold on it either."

"Yeah, I'm not. Abe. He is my favorite president, but it seems a little old for a baby. Ace."

"Ace? I don't think so."

"Achilles. Sorry, but I'm going to pass on that."

"I don't know Achilles Tasker-Montgomery kinda has a ring to it." Bianca chuckled.

"Adam."

The couple looked at each other, and at the same time, gave the same response. "Hell no." They busted out laughing.

When they collected themselves, Marissa shook her head. "We couldn't use it because of AJ. Besides, I think we have more than enough other 'Adam's' in our lives."

"Yes, we do. Maybe we should try some girls' names?"

"Okay. Abigail, Abby for short. Oh wait, that sounds way too much like Gabby. Can't do that one."

Bianca leaned in closer and read some names. "Adele. I love her. We'll have to play some of her songs at the reception. I don't know naming our little one that though."

"I think you're right on all counts."

"Alexandra. We could do Alex or Lexie for short."

"I kinda like that one. That's on the list. We could always use Alexander for a boy."

"We'll add that too. Anna. No wait, I take that back. Forget I even said that name. Nice name, but way too close to something else. Forgive me?" Bianca bit her lip.

Marissa gave her a quick kiss. "I'm good. Don't even worry about it, but you're right. We're not using the name. This is going to take a while."

"Well, we've got about eight months to figure it out."

/

"Hey, Binx."

"Hey, Kendall. Thanks for coming over."

"No problem. I'm happy to help with my little sister's wedding. Where is everybody?"

"The kids are downstairs watching a movie. Everybody else is in the kitchen. You're the last one to arrive."

"Is everyone playing nice?"

Bianca nodded. "Yep, they are."

"Will wonders never cease. Well, let's not keep them waiting."

/

"Shall we discuss the music?" Erica glanced up and saw her daughters enter the kitchen. "Kendall, how are you, dear?"

"I'm good. Sorry I'm late. What have I missed?"

"Hey, Curly. We've decided on a designer for the dresses, flowers and have a meeting set up with a photographer."

"That's definitely a lot of progress." Kendall paused and noticed the huge matching smiles on the couple's faces. "What's up, Red?"

"What do you mean?"

"You and my little sister just can't seem to stop smiling. What gives?"

"We're planning our wedding. It's the day I'm going to marry the person I'm meant to spend the rest of my life with. What's not to smile about?"

Bianca's smile increased even more. Not only was she grateful that Marissa was quick on her feet with an explanation that would not reveal their news about the baby, she couldn't help but smile when Marissa said something like she just had. Bianca knew without a doubt that every single word was meant. "I feel exactly the same way." With that said, the couple shared a quick kiss.

Greenlee shook her head and laughed. "Marissa really does have a way with words. I can't wait to hear what your wedding vows will be like."

Krystal smiled. "You can definitely tell who your dad was. Roy had a way with words just like you do. Lydia said he would always find just the right thing to say to sweep her off her feet. He definitely was a charmer and had the gift of gab. I see that in you."

Marissa grinned. To be compared to her Dad was one of the greatest compliments she could receive. "Thank you. Why not learn from the best? Besides, I meant every word."

Kendall had no doubt that Marissa meant what she said, but she couldn't help but wonder if there was something more, something not being shared, behind those blinding smiles. She decided to accept the redhead's answer though, for now. "I'm with Greenlee. We could be in for a treat. Care to tell us what the vows are going to be like, Red?"

"We're looking into it. We could go old school with the traditional vows or do our own." The redhead wasn't giving anything up.

"Rissa and I spoke with Reverend McSherry, and she gave us some excellent advice. I guess you're just going to have to wait until the big day to hear what we come up with." Again, Bianca's smiled matched her fiancée's. The couple had agreed to keep the details of their vows to themselves.

"Hmmm, I suppose we will. As long as you are both working on them, that will have to do for now." Erica was slightly miffed by the couple's silence on the subject of their vows, but she decided to move on. "Let's get back to the music, shall we? There is a lovely string quartet that could be used for the service and a larger band for the reception."

"Mom, we were thinking of having a DJ for the reception. That way we could have anything played for us and the guests. We have someone in mind that we think you'll like."

"I'm listening."

"Do you remember the DJ that has worked the New Year's Eve Gala for us?"

Erica paused to remember the young man. "I think so. His name is Matt?"

"Yes, that's him. How do think he did?"

"He was a very nice young man and did do quite a nice job. He did find that one song that I love. I'm sure he'll do a wonderful job. What about the processional, your walk down the aisle?"

"Speaking of your walk down the aisle, do you have any ideas what you want to do regarding that?" Krystal asked. She didn't see Marissa asking David to walk her down. Their relationship had been contentious for a while given some of his past actions. He loved to push the envelope and often crossed the ethical line which is why he was still fighting for reinstatement of his medical license. Marissa was nothing if not highly ethical. She would not put the welfare of her clients in jeopardy to feed her own ego. This was in stark contrast to David and his god-like complex. Krystal also knew her daughter still harbored some resentment for his attempts to circumvent Bianca and dictate her medical care when she was injured last year going against her wishes.

"Bianca and I talked. We're going to walk down by ourselves and not have anyone give us away."

"Perhaps now that Kendall is here, you can tell us who is in the wedding party?" Erica asked. The couple had put the discussion on hold until her oldest daughter arrived.

"Well, we're going to have the kids stand up with us, obviously. AJ is going to be the ring bearer, and Gabby and Miranda are going to be flower girls. You won't believe how excited they are." Marissa smiled as she remembered their reactions when she and Bianca told them about the wedding and asked if they wanted to be a part of it.

Krystal chuckled. "I can just imagine. Who else?"

Bianca turned to her sister and her friend. "We've asked Kendall and Greenlee to stand up with us, and they agreed."

"We're happy to do it, Binx. Nothing would make me prouder."

"I have to admit that I was little surprised, but I'm honored."

"Greenlee, you and Kendall have been there for Rissa and me too many times to count. It only makes sense to have both of you part of that day."

Marissa grinned. "And don't worry, we're not doing the traditional ugly bridesmaid's dresses."

"Thank god for that. If you did, I would seriously have to reconsider." Greenlee joked. She had been extremely touched when the couple had asked her to be in the wedding. She and Marissa had been close for some time but had grown even closer since that afternoon in the park when Greenlee helped the redhead deal with her disappointment of not being pregnant.

Erica had to admit that she was only mildly surprised by Greenlee's inclusion. She had noted the closeness of the four younger women for some time. They were there for each other, no matter what, and it was very good to see.

Krystal was also happy to see the relationship amongst the younger women. They were friends in the truest sense of the word and had each other's backs. She also couldn't help but laugh at the way they joked with each other.

"Getting back to the processional, we plan on having the DJ play it. We have a very specific song in mind and the same for the recessional. We know what we want. Neither is traditional, but they're us." Bianca added simply.

Erica couldn't find it in herself to argue over this point, not when she saw how happy the couple was. "What do you plan on doing for a dance floor?"

"The pool makes it a little awkward so we are up for any suggestions on that, Erica."

The diva smiled. "You happen to be in luck. I have an idea that I think will solve that issue. The pool will be drained by that point?"

"Oh yeah, we'll definitely have it closed up for the year."

"Good, then my idea should work. I found a company that will install a temporary floor that will safely cover the pool and give you a very nice dance floor without any damage to the pool or concrete."

"Seriously? That's great, Mom. How long will it take for them to do that?"

"They'll need a day to install it."

"That shouldn't be a problem."

"Do you want me to make a call then?"

"Yes, please do, Erica. I think you're right about having tents in reserve just in case it decides to rain that day."

"It's better to be safe than sorry, but Marissa dear, it won't dare rain on your and Bianca's special day. I simply won't have it."

Marissa laughed at the amused look on her soon-to-be mother-in-law's face. "Erica, if anyone could dictate the weather, I know that it's you."

"Thank you, dear. Now, have the two of you created your guest list?"

Bianca nodded. "Yes, we have, and we really like the printer that Greenlee found. I'm calling him tomorrow to set up a time for us to meet with him."

"We also like Krystal's top pick for a caterer, but we want to do a tasting before we make that final decision. We're happy with Mrs. Jackson doing our cake too. I've already called her, and we're going to meet with her in a couple of days."

/

The women continued their planning for another hour before wrapping up for the evening. Plans were made to meet in a week's time and go over everything again, but they would stay in touch in between on the progress made. Bianca walked the others out while Marissa went to get the kids started on their baths. After she went back in to help Marissa, the other four women continued to talk before getting in their cars and heading their respective ways.

"Okay, I've got to ask. Does anyone know if Marissa is pregnant? I'm asking because I really can't tell." Greenlee asked as she looked at the other three women. Her question was met with the others shaking their heads.

"No, Binx hasn't said anything."

"Did anyone notice that Marissa didn't have any wine?" Krystal asked.

"I caught that. I know she stopped when they started the whole process. Binx told me they didn't want to take any chances. The same goes with caffeine. Red's been slowly cutting that back too. Binx is cutting both out as well. She feels it's another way to support Red during this time."

Erica nodded. "That does sound exactly like your sister. Perhaps when they go see the designer about their dresses, we'll find something out."

"There's a thought. Oh well, I've got to get home and help Zach with the boys."

"Good night, dear. If anyone finds something out in the meantime, we let the others know."

While the others agreed, Kendall remained silent and made no such promise. She couldn't. She had given her word to Bianca that she would keep the results secret whenever she knew something. She had yet to hear from her sister whether or not the couple was pregnant, but when Bianca did reveal the results to her, Kendall would keep her word to her sister, no matter what.

/

A/N: This was kind of a filler chapter and a little tough to write in parts. That is mainly because work has been rough this past week. It just doesn't seem like there is enough hours in the day sometimes. Anyway, I wanted Bianca and Marissa to talk about the baby and their plans. I also wanted them to get started on the planning of the wedding. I actually started writing some of that already. Any suggestions or thoughts anyone has on the big day are welcome. See ya soon!