A/N: I apologize for the day's delay, but I was out all day yesterday and didn't have a chance to edit. I also did a little rewrite of this chapter. The more I thought about something I had written in it, the more I wasn't 100% sold on it. Basically, I talked myself out of it. I think this works better and hope you do too.

Here's a quick update on what I've seen on Twitter regarding AMC 2.0 (again, I'm not watching it anymore, but I thought this was an interesting tidbit). PP already shelved One Life to Live to focus on AMC. The speculation now is that PP is going to shelve AMC as well. There was supposed to be a big announcement on Friday about this, but that didn't happen. Hmmm, PP not responding on rumors of shelving AMC? To quote NY Yankee great Yogi Berra, "this is like déjà vu all over again".

Thanks as always for reading, following and reviewing! I owe another big thank you for the input on what to do chapter-wise for the wedding! I really appreciate it all! I was leaning towards one big chapter, but I was swayed by your comments so it will be broken up. As for this chapter, you will see that we are getting really close to the wedding. I have a quick question for you, dear readers. What are your thoughts are items Bianca and Marissa can use as 'something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue'? I have ideas on a couple of the items, but I'm not really sold on what I have for the others. If you have any suggestions, please feel free to drop this as a review or PM me. It will be greatly appreciated!

Okay, that's enough for now. Hope you enjoy this update!

/

Thursday

Marissa sighed as she looked at the clock on her desk. She didn't think it was possible but time seemed to be both flying and dragging at the same time. Both she and Bianca had taken tomorrow off so this was their last day of work before the wedding. Marissa had been working non-stop since getting into the office that morning. This included working through lunch and having Lisa run out and grab them something. Her paralegal had been even more of a godsend today than usual. She had fielded calls, grabbed needed files or research and ran to the clerk's office to file several briefs. Marissa wanted to clear her desk so she wouldn't have anything hanging over her head while she was gone or anything pressing when she got back from their honeymoon, and by pitching in like she was, Lisa was helping make that goal a very real possibility. A smile slowly spread across Marissa's face as the thought of being alone with Bianca for a whole week had her mind wandering, again. It was something that had happened a handful of times during the day. As much as she tried, it couldn't be helped. Luckily for her, Lisa was there to help get her back on track and re-focused on the matters at hand.

The paralegal chuckled softly as she walked back into the office and spotted Marissa behind her desk. The redhead had that dreamy look on her face which could mean only one thing, she was thinking about Bianca, again. Lisa cleared her throat causing Marissa to snap out of her daydream and blush.

"I was doing it again, wasn't I?"

Lisa grinned and nodded. "Afraid so. I've got that research for you, and I know you won't be surprised when I tell you that you were right. There is a precedent."

Marissa did a little fist pump as she took the law book from the paralegal. "Yes! This is great. Thank you, Lisa."

"You're welcome. I think I can help you with your other problem."

"What problem?"

"The daydreaming one."

"Ah, that one. What'd ya got?"

"Once you get that brief written up, you're done and can go home."

Marissa couldn't hide her surprise at the unexpected news. "Really? Don't mess with me, Lisa. That's not cool to do to someone getting married in two days."

Lisa laughed. "I know, and I wouldn't do that to you. That's honestly the last piece of work you've got to do. After that, you are free from this place and don't have to be back for 11 days."

"That's best news I've gotten all day. Let's get this done. There are a few more things I need to take care of for the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner."

Brian knocked on the door. "Hey, I don't mean to interrupt. I know you want to get out of here, but I have a delivery for you." He smiled as he handed a box to Marissa.

The redhead grinned as she opened it to reveal a single red rose.

"It's amazing to me that the two of you are still doing this. Am I ever going to get to read any of the cards?"

Marissa shook her head as she plucked the card from the box eager to read what Bianca came up with this time. "Nope. It's just between Bianca, me and I guess our florist, and none of us are talking." She pulled the card out and laughed as she read the sentiment because it was just another example of Bianca and her being on the same page.

M,
Wife, and I do love how that sounds. I can't wait to call you mine and to be called yours.
All my love,
B

"Judging by that smile, it must be a good one."

"The best! Thanks for delivering this. Now, get out of here. I've got to finish this up and then I'm outta here."

Brian chuckled. He understood how she felt. He had felt the same way before his wedding. "You got it. I'll see you Saturday."

"I'll see you then!" Marissa smelled the rose before placing it back in the box. Normally, she would put it in the vase she kept on her desk, but she wouldn't be doing that today. This one, she was taking home. "Okay, Lisa, let's get back to work so I can get outta here."

/

"Thank you for your donation, Mrs. Holmes. It is truly appreciated and will be put to good use here."

"You're welcome, and thank you for taking the time to give me this tour. You have done wonderful work here and everything you have accomplished here is simply amazing. I had no idea of everything that the Center did, the services that it offered and all of the people touched by it."

"Unfortunately, abuse doesn't discriminate. It doesn't care about your age, the color of your skin, your sexual orientation, your gender, your nationality, whether or not you are religious and if you are what religion you practice, the level of your education, your social standing or the amount of money you have. None of that matters."

The older woman nodded solemnly. "Yes, I'm afraid this is something I'm learning."

Bianca had a feeling Mrs. Holmes was alluding to a personal experience of some sort but was choosing not to reveal it just yet. The brunette knew not to press. "In that same vein, the Miranda Center doesn't discriminate either. We don't judge. We simply try to help. Please believe me when I say that I don't do this by myself. We have an excellent staff, and everyone here is vital to the success of the Center."

"Bianca, I'm sorry to interrupt, but the computer techs have compiled that report for you and need your answer."

The brunette nodded. "Thanks, Jan. I really need to take care of this, Mrs. Holmes. We're looking to upgrade our computer system, something we haven't done in quite some time and it's needed very badly. Thank you again for your donation. If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask any member of our staff. They are more than willing and able to answer any questions you might have."

"Thank you, Ms. Montgomery, for your time." When Bianca returned to her office, the older woman turned to Jan. "Excuse me, but would Ms. Montgomery have time to speak again say tomorrow or early next week?"

Jan shook her head. "I'm afraid not. Bianca is off tomorrow and all of next week. She'll be unavailable."

"Are you quite certain of that? I'm sure she would be able to make some time if you told her I needed to speak with her."

The assistant could see the determination in the other woman's eyes and knew there was only one way to deter her from her goal of meeting again with Bianca next week. Jan wasn't one to reveal personal information regarding her boss, but she felt it was necessary to reveal a small bit this time. Besides, it wasn't something that was a secret. "I am. Bianca will be on her honeymoon."

The older woman seemed surprised by this. "After everything that she's seen here and that she deals with day in and day out, she's getting married?"

"Yes, she is. There is one thing I know about Bianca. She has this amazing ability to see the positive side of life despite dealing with its darker side every day. She's found someone that has that same ability, and they are incredible together, an inspiration to the rest of us, and in particular to those that the Center helps. For them to see that love and happiness is possible, it gives them hope, something that they really need especially at a time in their lives that brings them here."

Mrs. Holmes thought for a moment before agreeing. "I suppose you're right. That is inspiring. Good for her. Ms. Montgomery told me she had an excellent staff, one that she couldn't do all of this without, one that she trusted completely. It looks like she was right. Perhaps you and I could talk next week?"

Jan nodded. "I can arrange that, and if you still want, I can set something up for you to talk to Bianca when she gets back."

"Thank you. I'll call you tomorrow, and we can set something up. Have a good day, and please, tell Ms. Montgomery congratulations for me."

"I will." As Mrs. Holmes left, Jan saw the delivery boy from the florist making his weekly appearance. "Hi, Nolan."

The teen grinned. "Hi, Jan. I have a delivery for Bianca."

Jan chuckled. "Of course you do. Grayson Florist has to love her and Marissa." The assistant removed some money that Bianca had set aside for tips for these deliveries and handed it to Nolan.

"Thanks! Yeah, they have been good for business between these weekly deliveries, all of the special ones they come up with and the wedding. Charlie's working on their bouquets, and they are pretty special. They're going to love them. I better get going. If Bianca asks, the delivery to Marissa's office has been made. Maybe I'll see you Saturday when we're setting up for the wedding. Have a good one."

"You too."

Bianca appeared a minute later. "Jan, I'll be in the conference room if anyone needs me. Nick has something set up in there about the upgrade he wants me to see."

"Okay, but first, this is for you." Jan smiled as she handed the box to Bianca whose eyes lit up.

"Thank you." Bianca opened the box to reveal the perfect red rose. The brunette opened the card and read the heartfelt sentiment from Marissa.

B,
This rose is brought to you by the letter 'W'. 'W' stands for wife and in two days, my dream will come true when I become yours and you, mine.
With all my love,
M

Bianca smiled brightly as a giggle escaped. Judging by that first line, I think Rissa watched a little too much Sesame Street with Gabby earlier this year. The brunette laughed at the memory of the two of them watching the show together and Marissa imitating the Count perfectly much to the delight of their youngest.

Jan had to admit that she was a little shocked. Her boss had actually giggled. She couldn't recall Bianca ever doing that. The brunette was practically radiating happiness and Jan couldn't be happier for her. "It must be a really good message."

"Yep! It definitely is. I'm going to go put this in my office and then head to the conference room."

"Alright. Oh, Bianca, when you're done with Nick, you can go. That's your last meeting of the day."

"Really?! That's the best news you could've given me, Jan. Thanks!"

/

Marissa made it home first and sighed happily as she pulled into the garage. While she was at work she hadn't been sure if the day would ever end. After a brief moment of solitude, she headed inside and found Susan and the kids gathered around the kitchen table.

"Hey, guys."

The four looked like deer caught in the headlights. Susan recovered first and quickly hid whatever they were working on.

"Hi, Ma."

"Hi, Mommy."

"Hi, Ma."

"Hey, Marissa. How was the last day of work for a while?"

"Long. It's definitely good to be home."

"I bet. Well, I better go. So, 10:00 tomorrow morning, right?"

"Yes and thank you. You're watching these guys tomorrow is a really big help for Bianca and me."

"It's no problem. I'm glad to help. I'll see you all tomorrow." Susan smiled and left, taking whatever it was she and the kids had been working on with her.

"Okay, my minions, I'm going to go change and then we'll work on our plans for tonight." Marissa grabbed her stuff and headed back to the master bedroom.

/

Once she had changed from her work clothes into something more comfortable, Marissa returned. "I was thinking since it's so nice outside that we could grill something for dinner. What do you think?"

AJ's eyes lit up. "Could we have hamburgers, Ma?"

"We sure can."

"That sounds like a great idea to me."

Marissa turned and saw Bianca. "Hey, you're home early."

After sharing a quick kiss with her fiancée and greeting the kids, Bianca replied. "So are you. I think Jan and Aya couldn't wait to get rid of me. It seems I kept daydreaming."

"Ha! I had the same problem. I don't know what I would've done if Lisa wasn't there to keep me focused. My mind kept wandering."

"It's weird. The day seemed to both drag and fly by at the same time."

"I know what you mean. I felt the same way."

"Well, we're done with work for a while and tonight is just about the five of us. So, what's the plan other than grilling out?"

"Could we play some games and maybe a movie?" Miranda asked hopefully.

Bianca nodded. "I like it."

"I do too. Okay, why don't you go change, and I'll start working on dinner."

"Don't move the grill without me." Their grill had been moved from its regular location to allow for more room for the wedding and reception. Its current location wasn't the best for using it so a move was needed. Even though it had wheels, the grill was definitely heavy, and Bianca wasn't going to take a chance on Marissa hurting herself or the baby by trying to move it on her own.

Marissa smiled. "I won't. I promise."

/

After dinner, the family played a few games as well as watched, per Miranda's request, 'Beauty and the Beast'. The movie was Miranda's favorite. It was Gabby's turn to pick a bedtime story, and tonight, she asked for one that wasn't in a book. Bianca grinned at the idea of being treated to a 'Marissa original' story. The redhead agreed, and after a few minutes, told the story of two princesses who met, fell in love, endured a few trials and tribulations, but remained steadfast. In the end, their love had triumphed over all of the obstacles that had been thrown into their path. As their reward, they were married and lived happily ever after. The other four were mesmerized by Marissa's tale and silently agreed to have her tell an original story again.

The kids were tucked in after the story, and the couple retired to their bedroom. Bianca was going over the list of things they needed to do tomorrow.

"I was talking to Kendall earlier, and she thinks it's a good idea to take Max home with them tomorrow after the rehearsal."

"Well, we owe the idea to my brilliant fiancée. It only makes sense because it's one less thing for them to have to deal with on Saturday. So, we'll pack the kids bags tomorrow and have those ready to go. I think Zach may want to inspect them before letting them into the house."

Bianca snorted. "I think you're right. He doesn't want a repeat of the tea party incident."

"Can you blame him? Although, compared to Ryan, he got off lightly."

"Well that's because of Greenlee's bribe."

Marissa laughed. "Yeah, that's true." The redhead slid under the covers and pulled Bianca close for a loving kiss.

The brunette grinned. "Not that I'm complaining, but what was that for?"

"That was me thanking you for my rose. I loved the card that came with it."

Bianca hummed her approval of Marissa's method of thanking her as she moved her tablet to the nightstand. "You're welcome and thank you for my rose. You kind of outdid yourself on the card."

"I try." Marissa moaned as the brunette's lips found purchase on her pulse point.

"You succeed." Bianca murmured as the redhead wrapped her arms around her and pulled her closer.

"Enough talking. Have your way with me, woman." Marissa grinned.

"As you wish."

/

Friday

In just a little over 24 hours, Marissa and Bianca would be married. It was the first thought both women had when they woke up that morning. It was a thought that had them linger in bed and enjoy their 'morning routines'. Since the kids were off school for a teachers' in-service day, they didn't have to rush around getting them ready for it. Whey they were finally able to pull themselves out of bed, they padded down to the kitchen to start on breakfast. While Bianca finished getting everything ready, Marissa woke up the kids.

Gabby, ever the morning person, bounded into the kitchen and happily greeted Bianca. AJ and Miranda, on the other hand, stumbled in and mumbled a 'good morning'. Bianca chuckled, amazed at the differences in the three's personalities, and set their breakfasts in front of them. In the center of the table, there was a small, crystal vase that held two perfect red roses. The kids noticed the roses the night before but didn't say anything. Roses were not that uncommon in their house because their mothers had a habit of sending them to each other. Gabby chattered away, and AJ and Miranda finally began to perk up as the family ate breakfast.

The plans for the day were discussed while everyone ate. There were errands that needed to be run and a lot to do around the house before the rehearsal and dinner later that evening. Susan was coming over to watch the kids while Bianca and Marissa did their running. The kids were tasked with picking up their rooms while they were gone. During this time, the couple had a cleaning company coming over to take care of the areas that would receive the largest traffic tonight and tomorrow. Both women were loathed to do this, but they simply didn't have enough time before the wedding to do it themselves. The company would be back in the morning to take care of what needed to be done outside. A check of the weather for the umpteenth time indicated a sunny day with temperatures in the 70's, perfect weather for a perfect day.

When breakfast was finished, the dishes were rinsed and loaded into the dishwasher, and everyone got ready for the day ahead. As soon as Susan arrived, the couple was off.

/

Marissa walked into Krystal's with a smile that could only be described as blinding.

"Would you just look at that smile. It's like the sun just burst into this place and lit it all up."

The redhead laughed. "Hey, Opal. How are you doing today?"

"Well, I'm good but not as good as you judging by that smile on your face."

"It seems that I just can't stop smiling today."

"I have a feeling that will be even tougher for you tomorrow."

"I do believe you're right."

"Good morning, Marissa dear."

Marissa turned and saw Erica and Kendall. "Good morning my soon to be mother-in-law and sister-in-law!"

Erica chuckled. "I don't have to ask how you are this morning, my soon to be daughter-in-law. I assume my daughter shares this mood."

"Yup!"

Kendall grinned at the redhead. She was practically bouncing on her heels with excitement. "So, dear soon to be sister-in-law, where is Binx?"

"She's running a few errands right now, but she'll be here in a few minutes."

"Good morning, Marissa."

"Morning, Krystal."

"Let me guess. You're checking to make sure everything is set for tonight?"

Marissa grinned. "I'm that obvious, huh?"

"Just a little, and I don't mind. In fact, I'd be surprised if you didn't. Everything is set. We're closing the restaurant at 5:00 and packing everything up. The servers know what they need to do and will have things ready once the rehearsal is over."

"Thanks. I feel bad that you're closing up tonight. That's …"

Krystal cut her daughter off. She was thrilled that the couple agreed to let her cater the rehearsal dinner. Krystal was footing the bill for this, including paying the servers. It was something she wanted to do for them. So when they agreed, she talked to her staff and told them of her plans to shut down the restaurant for the evening and asked if anyone would be interested in working it. Since they knew and really liked the couple, all of them volunteered. Krystal picked her best servers and went over the details with them several times. While the restaurant was closed tonight, it would be open tomorrow for business as usual, just without Krystal and Opal. Krystal had mentioned the idea of catering the wedding to Bianca, but the younger woman politely declined. She wanted Krystal to enjoy the day and knew she wouldn't if she was worried about making sure everything was perfect for the wedding dinner. In the end, Krystal realized that Bianca was right. "It's nothing. I'm more than happy to do this for you and Bianca."

"Thanks."

"You're welcome. And before you ask, yes, we've got the chocolate cakes baked and will be icing them shortly."

Marissa grinned. "That's good to know. Bianca will be relieved. She's really looking forward to it."

"Right, only Bianca will be relieved and she's the only one looking forward to it." Krystal chuckled knowing that all of the members of the Tasker-Montgomery family loved the dessert.

A few minutes later, Bianca entered with a smile equal in brilliance to Marissa's. "This looks like the place to be."

"Well, you look just as happy as this one here." Opal cracked.

"Why wouldn't I be? I get to marry her tomorrow after all."

Marissa grinned. "Oh yeah, that! Ditto."

"Ah, if it isn't the happy couple!"

"Hey, Tad."

"Ladies. Are you sure there's nothing I can do for you for tomorrow?"

Marissa nodded. "We're sure. We just need you to bring your charming self and your girls."

"I think I can manage that. So, what are you doing today?"

"We're just checking on some last minute details. Did you get everything on your list done, B?"

"Yep. What about you?"

"Everything's taken care of. And Krystal said she's all set for tonight including the dessert."

Bianca grinned. "Thank you, Krystal." The brunette checked the time. "Ooh, we need to get home."

When Marissa saw how late it was, she nodded. "Oh, you're right. We do."

"We'll see you all in a few hours."

/

Tad watched the couple leave. "I don't know that I've ever seen either of them happier."

"I do believe you're right, Tad, and I don't know two other people who deserve that happiness more."

Erica nodded, agreeing completely with her daughter's sentiment. "I agree, and we're going to make sure nothing changes that, especially tomorrow."

"My gal pal here is right. Thaddeus, what does JR have to say?"

"And where is he?"

"He's still out in California, Krystal."

"Are you sure?"

"I'm positive. I have a contact out there, and he's been keeping an eye on JR. As to your question, Mama, I talked to JR yesterday."

"And?"

"And he's really accepted that things are over with Marissa. He still struggles a little bit with the fact that she's with Bianca, but he knows how happy AJ is with them. JR doesn't want to do anything to mess that up. He said if that means working harder to get over those feelings he has about their relationship then he'll do it. He knows that if does anything to try and wreck their relationship that AJ would never forgive him. He's definitely right about that."

"That's all well and good for him to say that, but you'll have to excuse me if I'm a little skeptical. JR doesn't have the greatest of track records when it comes to honesty."

"Mom's right. I want to believe him, but I just can't. I'm not going to take any chances with their happiness."

"So, you talked to Zach?"

"Yeah, I did, Krystal. With Mom's help, Zach was able to get a couple of security guards placed with both the caterer and the valet service they hired to take care of the parking in addition to a few others that we won't see."

Krystal was able to breathe easier with this knowledge. "Do you think either of them have any idea about any of this?"

"If they do, they're not saying. They have told me that they refuse to let him get to them again. This isn't about JR. It's about the two of them as well as the kids. They said that if he tries something, they'll deal with it. He doesn't have any power over what they do or their lives."

Erica smiled proudly upon hearing the couple's thoughts. She had no doubt that they meant every word of what they had told Kendall. "They're right, and I'm very glad to hear them say that. Even so, it doesn't hurt for us to be prepared just in case."

The others nodded.

/

"It seems like they're having a meeting of the minds in there." Bianca smirked.

"It does. I'm sure they're planning something, but I don't think it's anything we need to worry about." Marissa offered matter-of-factly as she fastened her seatbelt.

"I agree. They have gotten better about behaving themselves. Let's get home. We have a lot to do for tonight."