A/N: Thanks as always for reading, following and reviewing! It's really appreciated. I also appreciate the ideas I received in reviews and via PM. You definitely gave me some ideas and also guessed something I had in mind.
I have a small update on AMC 2.0. It has officially been cancelled. I'm torn because the show will most likely not come back ever again. That being said, I wasn't happy with the direction they took. So, I've decided that the reboot never happened. As much as I hated the cliffhanger, I hated that they burst our Minx bubble in the reboot even more. The bubble will continue in this story for as long as I have ideas! You have my word on that!
I have a small favor to ask if you wouldn't mind. I applied for another job in my group that would basically be a promotion for me as well as a bump in pay. I don't think I'll know anything about it for a couple of weeks. Would you all keep your fingers crossed for me? Thanks! I'd appreciate it!
Okay, that's enough for now. This chapter focuses on the wedding rehearsal. Hope you enjoy this update!
/
"Mitch, Bianca and Marissa said to pull around to that side of the house. We'll park by the garage and carry everything in through there into the kitchen. It's closer for us. We'll have that be our staging area for getting everything ready for the dinner."
The man nodded and followed his boss's directions. "You got it, Krystal." Mitch and Krystal were driving in the restaurant's delivery van while the other servers followed behind in a different car.
As the van headed in the direction indicated, Krystal caught a glimpse of Aya and Sam talking to Bianca and Marissa. The couple spotted the restaurant's van and waved to them. Krystal waved back. She saw Marissa say something to the pair before giving each a hug and walking towards the direction Krystal and her servers were driving. She couldn't help but wonder why they were there tonight. She shook her head as they parked and were greeted by Marissa.
"Hey, you're right on time."
"Hi, Marissa. Krystal says we'll be setting up in the kitchen?"
"Yeah, follow me, and I'll show you where everything is."
"Go ahead, Mitch, I'll bring the others in."
/
"Sam, I think that's our cue to leave."
The teen nodded to Aya. "You're right, it is."
Bianca eyed the pair. "Are you sure you don't want to stay? You know that you're more than welcome, and knowing Krystal, they'll be more than enough food."
Aya nodded. "We know, but we both have plans tonight."
"Besides, if we stay, everybody's gonna wonder why we're here, and you and Marissa won't be able to keep what you have planned secret."
"Sam's right. You won't. We both know that the two of you have only been able to keep a few of the things you want to do for the ceremony and reception secret, and that you want to surprise the others. I think they're really going to like it."
Bianca conceded the point. "Okay, you're both right. Thank you again for doing this, and you're really great. Marissa and I couldn't be happier to have you both a part of our wedding."
"We're honored to be a part of it." Aya hugged Bianca.
"Yeah, we really are. And after everything the two of you have done for me, this is the least I can do."
Bianca hugged the teen. "You don't owe us anything, Sam. You've come a very long way and have worked hard to be here. We're very proud of you."
"Thanks. That really means a lot to me."
"Alright, I need to get her home and then meet Kate. We'll see you tomorrow."
Bianca watched Aya and Sam walk to the car before heading inside.
/
"Could I ask you something, Marissa?"
The redhead looked at her mother and shrugged. "I don't see why not."
"I'm just curious. What were Aya and Sam doing here? There's nothing wrong is there?"
"No, nothing's wrong. They just stopped by to take care of something for Bianca and me."
Krystal nodded in relief. That made sense to her because both worked at the Center with Bianca and Marissa was handling the legal issues Sam that had brought the teen into their lives.
"Could I ask you something?"
"Of course you can." Krystal smiled.
"What did you all talk about after Bianca and I left the restaurant earlier? Wait, let me guess. You were talking about JR."
Krystal sighed. She should've known that her daughter would've figured them out. "Yes, we were. We're just worried about you and Bianca and want to make sure he doesn't try anything to ruin your day."
Marissa smiled softly. She and Bianca had thought it was something along those lines. "Thank you. That means a lot to both of us. We're not worried about him though."
"Worried about whom?" Bianca asked as she joined them.
"JR. It seems we were right. It was a meeting of the minds earlier about him."
"Ah, if I know my Mom and sister, plans are in place for whatever all of you came up with."
Marissa chuckled. "Yeah, I have no doubt about that. We appreciate your concern, but like I said before, we're not worried about him. There's nothing that he can do to us, not anymore. Bianca and I refuse to give him any power over us or our lives. This isn't about him. It's about the two of us, our family and our future. It's really that simple." Marissa glanced away when she heard someone at the front door. "I'll get it."
After her daughter left, Krystal looked at Bianca. "Is she really okay? Are you really okay?"
"Yeah, we're both okay, really. She meant everything that she just said about JR not running our lives and so do I. We're focusing on our wedding and future. And we don't need to know whatever you all have planned. We'll let you guys handle that, and we'll take care of the ceremony and making sure that we don't flub our vows. Deal?"
Krystal smiled. "Deal. So, David's coming tomorrow?"
Bianca started to answer but was interrupted by Marissa who was followed by Kendall, Zach, Erica, Jack, Greenlee and Ryan who had all arrived at the same time. Spike, Ian and Emma had joined AJ, Miranda and Gabby downstairs in the playroom.
"Yes, he is, thanks in large part to Bianca. We made him promise not to cause any trouble. That reminds me, Zach, would you mind keeping an eye on him? You know, make sure he doesn't start anything with Kendall, Erica, Tad, Krystal, Greenlee, Ryan and well pretty much all of our other guests?"
Zach chuckled. "It looks like I could be busy tomorrow, but you got it. David will not be a problem for either of you. You have my word on that."
"Thank you. I know it's a lot to ask, but we both would appreciate it. And before the rest of you say anything, Bianca and I know that you are all perfectly capable of taking care of yourselves and then some, but for the kids' sake, please let Zach handle it tomorrow. We really don't want Jesse or Brot to have to interrupt the reception by hauling people away." Marissa smirked.
The redhead then spotted the photographer waving to her from outside. She had come over to find the best spots for her shots tomorrow as well as to take some photos of the rehearsal. "It looks like Brenda needs me. I better go see what she wants. Zach, if you need more help to keep an eye on David, you could always ask whoever you have planted in with the caterers or the valets that will be keeping an eye out for JR to help."
All but Bianca stood in shock by the comment Marissa had tossed over her shoulder as she went outside. While the others were left with their mouths hanging open, Bianca laughed. Judging by their reactions, the brunette knew that her fiancée had guessed exactly what they had planned.
Greenlee shook her head. She had been filled in on the plan by Kendall. "How in the hell did she know that?"
"In case you've forgotten, my fiancée is brilliant so you really shouldn't be surprised she figured it out. When you stop to think about it, it's the only logical plan. I mean it's what I'd do if our roles were reversed." Bianca heard someone at the front door and checked the time. "That should be Reverend McSherry. Continue with your planning."
After Bianca left, the others burst out laughing. They could tell by the amused expressions on the couple's faces that they weren't upset but merely accepting and that Bianca was right. They would do the same thing for any of them if the need ever arose.
"You called that right, Kendall, when you said you thought they probably had an idea that something was going on." Krystal stated plainly.
"Yeah, I guess I did. I've learned not to underestimate them. They're both pretty sharp as it is, but when you put them together, it's damn near impossible to get something over on them."
"Well, Marissa's right about having the security stationed with the caterers and valets help out with David. It's a really good idea, and I'll mention it to them tomorrow."
"Excellent. Now, I believe it's time to put this particular discussion on hold for the moment and get started with the rehearsal." With that said, Erica headed outside. The others looked at each other with smiles on their faces, shrugged and followed. The diva had spoken.
/
Reverend McSherry was introduced to everyone upon her arrival and immediately put everyone at ease. They could easily see why the couple liked her and chose her to perform the ceremony. They could also see how much she liked the family. She addressed photographer first. "Will you be able to find a stationary position for taking pictures during the ceremony? I'm only asking because I'd rather you not be running around while it's going on."
The photographer nodded. She understood exactly what and why she was being asked. She knew that Bianca and Marissa were the focus. "Yes, that won't be a problem. I've found spots for both me and my assistant to shoot from during it. We won't be in the way. This is all about Bianca and Marissa."
The minister smiled. "Thank you. Believe it or not there are some photographers who don't feel that way. Alright, the ceremony will be conducted here, correct?" Reverend McSherry was standing on the patio near the sliding glass doors that lead inside the house.
Bianca answered. "Correct. We're going to have a drape covering the doors. Marissa and I will enter from opposite sides. Kendall will be with me, and Greenlee will be with Marissa. The kids will come down this middle section."
"That sounds perfect. The music for them?"
Marissa spoke up. "We have it on my iPod for today. The DJ will be playing it through his system tomorrow."
"Very good. Let's get started then shall we?"
As the others took a seat, the kids walked back to their starting point. Their mothers had rehearsed this part with them a few times last night. Bianca and Kendall headed around the right side of the house and Marissa and Greenlee to the left side.
Jack had cued up the song the kids would be marching down the aisle to on Marissa's iPod. Miranda glanced towards Erica. Upon receiving a nod from her grandmother, she, AJ and Gabby walked down what would be the center aisle once the chairs for the guests were lined up.
AJ, as the ring bearer, was carrying the pillow that tomorrow would hold his mothers' wedding rings. He was a little nervous and afraid he might trip causing the rings to go flying and become lost. The couple assured him they would be secured to the pillow and not to worry. They trusted him. That was all the assurance the boy needed to hear to boost his confidence.
Gabby, as the flower girl, held a basket and pretended to sprinkle rose petals as she walked. She would have real petals tomorrow. She was taking her role seriously and practiced her technique many times since she had been asked by her mothers. Gabby was a little nervous as well about tomorrow but felt better knowing she would be beside her brother and sister.
Miranda was a junior bridesmaid and walked proudly holding a practice bouquet. Like her brother and sister, she would have the real deal tomorrow. Bianca and Marissa discussed what roles the kids could have in the ceremony. AJ and Gabby were pretty much no-brainers for them, but Miranda was a different story. Both agreed that she was too old to be a flower girl and felt that it would take away from Gabby if they had the same role as well. After doing a little research, the couple decided on the role of junior bridesmaid. Miranda was beyond thrilled when her mothers asked her and readily accepted. With Marissa's guidance, she went online to see what the typical responsibilities were for junior bridesmaids and eagerly embraced them. When Miranda attended the bridal shower her grandmother threw, she felt so grown up and beamed when her Aunt Kendall asked her to document who gave what gift to her mothers. The shower thrown by Kendall and Greenlee was a different matter altogether with its decidedly more adult theme and wasn't shared with the kids. What they didn't know in this case didn't hurt anyone. Miranda had proven to be a big help, a fact which didn't surprise her mothers one bit.
After the kids reached their final destination, they were joined by Kendall and Greenlee moments later as the music stopped.
Reverend McSherry then spoke. "At this point, Erica and Krystal will rise indicating for the guests to follow suit." The women did as instructed. "The song for Bianca and Marissa will start. You have your music timed out?"
Bianca answered. "Yes, we do."
"Okay. Whenever you're ready, ladies."
The couple began walking with their wedding tune playing in their heads. They smiled as soon as they saw each other, both imagining what the other would look like tomorrow. They met in the middle and walked hand in hand until they reached the minister.
"Nicely done. At this point, I'll ask everyone to be seated. I'll offer a greeting, and then ask 'who supports this couple in their marriage' to which you all will respond 'I do'. This is indicated in the program. I will then say a few words about Bianca and Marissa. After that, they will recite their vows. When they're done, I will ask for the rings. Bianca and Marissa will hand their bouquets to Kendall and Greenlee, and AJ, you're up. You know what to do?"
AJ nodded. He held up the pillow, and the minister then went through the motions of removing the rings.
She winked at the boy. "Good job. I'll say a few words. Bianca will take Marissa's ring and place it on her finger as she repeats after me. Marissa will then do the same with Bianca's ring."
The couple followed their instructions and pretended to place wedding bands on the other's finger.
"A few more words and then my favorite part. By the power vested in me, I now pronounce you married. You may kiss."
Bianca and Marissa exchanged a loving kiss.
"I think they've got this part down. They've probably been practicing." The reverend mused, and the others laughed. After the couple separated, she continued. "I present to you Bianca and Marissa."
Those gathered stood and clapped and cheered loudly. "No prompting needed very nice, people. Bianca and Marissa will then take back their bouquets and walk down the center aisle followed by Kendall and Greenlee and then AJ, Miranda and Gabby." After those in the wedding party did just that, she spoke again. "The programs instruct the guests to remain in place for a few minutes following the ceremony. Bianca and Marissa and the rest of the wedding party will loop their way back as they are doing now. I'm told there is no receiving line so guests can congratulate them during the reception. There will be pictures taken in the garden and by the pond. Did I miss anything?"
"Nope, you've got everything covered." Marissa smiled.
"Good. Why don't we run through it all one more time?"
/
The second walkthrough went a little better than the first one. Erica offered a few suggestions that helped with the flow of things. When they finished, Marissa and Bianca spoke to the minister about a few items. While they were doing that, Erica was speaking with the photographer. There were certain shots that she wanted and was going over them in detail with the woman. Erica had mentioned this earlier to the couple, and they were perfectly fine with what she was requesting. In the meantime, Zach, Ryan and Jack pitched in and moved tables and chairs into place for everyone. When everything was in place, Krystal's team served dinner.
It was very relaxing with various conversations taking place. Bianca and Marissa told the kids how proud they were of them and how good of a job they did. They toasted their family and friends, thanking them for their help with everything. During the lull between dinner and dessert, Erica and Krystal managed to corner the couple. There was something they wanted to discuss with them, something they were hoping to change their minds about, and they were going to give it one more try.
"Bianca, Marissa, we really think you should reconsider."
"Reconsider what, Mom?" Bianca was confused about what her mother was talking about.
Erica sighed. "Both of you staying together this evening. You really should consider sleeping separately tonight. You could stay with Jack and me, or I know that Kendall would love to have you."
"Or, Marissa, you could stay with me. We have plenty of room."
The redhead shook her head. "Why? What's the big deal?"
"It's bad luck to see the bride before the wedding."
Bianca rolled her eyes. "That's an old wives' tale and has no bearing on how the marriage will be."
"You know, B, I was wondering. Does that still hold if it's two brides? I mean, the saying is actually 'it's bad luck for the groom to see the bride'."
Bianca cracked up laughing. Leave it to her kick-ass lawyer of a fiancée to come up with a loophole. "Rissa has a point. That is the actual saying. So, two brides don't make a wrong."
Marissa joined her fiancée laughing. "God, I love you. That was absolutely brilliant."
Erica rolled her eyes at the highly amused couple. "The two of you need to be taking this seriously."
"We are, Mom. Rissa and I are not superstitious. Our marriage will not be dictated by the fact of whether or not we see each other tomorrow before the wedding. Our relationship is a helluva lot stronger than that."
"Bianca's right. It is. Look, we appreciate your concern, but we're both staying in our home tonight. We're not tempting fate or anything along those lines. If anything, we're being practical. Who would stay with the kids, and how would we really explain that we're sleeping apart? And you can't expect one of us to get all three ready tomorrow. If it were a regular school day, sure, that wouldn't be a problem, but tomorrow, they're going to require some extra attention."
"Exactly. Besides, we have things planned already with them tomorrow morning. It's our last chance to spend some time alone with them before we go away for a week. So, we're not going to change those plans."
Krystal turned to Erica. Both knew there was no changing their daughters' minds. "I give up. I can't come up with any argument that will match that."
"I suppose I do as well. Fine, we won't bring it up again. You win. Are you happy?"
"Yes, blissfully so!" Bianca grinned.
Marissa's grin matched the brunette's. "That makes two of us!"
Erica observed the couple and couldn't help but smile at their reactions. She didn't mean happy in the way they were taking it, and she knew the couple knew that. Erica also knew dwelling on it would be useless. "Both of you are impossible."
"That's Rissa's fault. She's a bad influence on me." Bianca smirked.
"You love it, and you know it."
"Yeah, you're right. I do."
Any further discussion was interrupted by Gabby.
"Mommies, can we have dessert now?"
Bianca smiled. "May we please have dessert now."
Gabby somehow managed not to roll her eyes. She knew her moms were only correcting her to help her, but it got old sometimes, just like AJ and Miranda had said it would. "May we please have dessert now?"
Marissa grinned. She could see their youngest was a little exasperated by the grammar correction. "Yes, Monkey, we may since you asked so nicely."
Gabby lit up. "Thanks, Mommies!"
Krystal chuckled. "I guess that's my cue."
Bianca nodded. "Yep, I believe you're right."
A signal was given by Krystal, and her team sprang into action and began serving again.
/
Sometime later, after everything was cleaned up and packed away, everyone began to depart. They had an early day tomorrow, and they all needed a good night's sleep. AJ, Miranda and Gabby scampered up to their rooms to change into their pajamas while Bianca and Marissa walked the others out.
Erica eyed the couple seriously. "I want you both to get some rest. I don't want to see dark circles under your eyes in the morning."
"I don't think you'll have to worry about that too much, Mom. I think the smiles they'll be wearing will distract from the dark circles if they have them." Kendall smirked.
The diva huffed in reply, knowing her oldest daughter was most likely right. "I don't want to take any chances. I'll see you tomorrow morning." She hugged both women as did Jack before they left.
Krystal hugged the couple as well. "I'll be here early tomorrow too."
"Thanks and thanks for tonight. Everything was delicious, as always." Marissa added.
"You're more than welcome." Krystal then headed off with Mitch who had waited to drop her off at her home.
While Ryan and Emma waited in the car, Greenlee said her goodbyes. "I'll be here tomorrow at 10:00 to help out. Rocky, you'll be in good hands."
Marissa laughed. "I don't doubt that at all, Shorty. See ya tomorrow."
"Binx, Red, if you tell her I said this, I'll deny it until my dying day and even after that, but Mom is right. Try and get some sleep tonight. You have a big day tomorrow, and it's going to be long too. I'll be here at 10:00 with Greenlee. Binx, I've got you covered tomorrow."
"Thanks, Kendall. Don't worry. Your secret is safe with me. I won't tell Mom." The sisters shared a hug while Zach loaded the boys and Max into their car.
The couple headed inside leaving the others to head off.
Greenlee stopped Kendall before she could get into her car. "Now, as casually as you can, look over to your right and into the woods. Let me know if you see anything."
Kendall did as instructed. "I see a light over there."
"That's what I thought."
"I know they have a state of the art security system and set it religiously, but I'll tell Zach right away. He'll have someone over here before we leave."
"Let me know what you find out."
"You know that I will."
With that said, the friends parted.
/
Bianca sighed happily as she slid under the covers, and Marissa nestled into her arms. "Just think, this time tomorrow, we'll be married!"
Marissa grinned, equally happy with that realization. "This is our last night as single women. It's hard to believe it's almost here. I can't wait!"
"Me either. I love you so much."
"I love you too, more than I can ever say."
The couple shared a loving kiss before both succumbed to sleep with dreams of their wedding day calling them.