A/N: As always, thanks for reading, following and reviewing! It's really appreciated. I'm glad I went back and changed the last chapter. I figured the discrepancy would be caught, and it was. I'll be honest, that part slipped my mind, and I remembered almost as soon as I posted it. I had to change it because that was a key moment between Marissa and Greenlee, at least in my mind. Thanks for keeping me honest. Okay, our girls are back from their honeymoon, and it's time to start telling people about their little one. Hope you enjoy this update!
/
The Sunday after their return from their honeymoon was the day Bianca and Marissa decided to tell the kids that Marissa was pregnant. They had briefly thought about telling them the night before when the kids returned home, but they were so excited seeing their mothers again and telling them about everything that had happened while they were away that the couple knew it wasn't the right time. Instead after they opened their gifts from their mothers, they ordered pizza, watched movies, had popcorn and enjoyed a slightly longer than normal bedtime story.
A leisurely breakfast was enjoyed by everyone the next morning, and they continued their conversations from the previous night with the kids monopolizing the majority of it. When they were finished eating, the kids rushed off to change while their mothers cleaned up the breakfast dishes and went to change their clothes as well. They all met in the family room a short while later.
"Rissa and I have something we want to talk with you about."
"Is everything okay, Mom?" Miranda asked. It wasn't that she was really worried because she'd never seen either woman as happy as they were now, but you could never tell in Pine Valley. It was something she'd learned even at her young age.
Bianca smiled as she looked across to the sofa where AJ, Miranda and Gabby were sitting. "Everything's good. There's nothing to worry about. We just have something we want share with you. Before we do though, we need you to keep it a secret for just a little bit."
"A secret? You mean we can't tell anybody?" AJ was trying to figure out the reason for that.
Marissa nodded. "Exactly. We want to keep this just between us for a couple of days. It's nothing bad. Bianca and I think it's actually really, really good, and we hope you do too."
"Do you remember when we were getting ready to move in here and Rissa talked to you about adding to our family?"
Three heads nodded in reply.
"Well, it's going to happen. I'm going to have a baby."
Eyes widened before smiles spread across faces and the three rushed over to hug their mothers.
"You're gonna have a baby?!" Miranda could hardly believe it. This really was good news, and she was really excited.
AJ had to know. He couldn't help but hope for a little brother. His sisters were great, but they needed another boy in the house. He and Max were really outnumbered. "Is it a boy or a girl?"
"We don't know yet, Buddy. We know that some people find out in advance, but we're going to wait until the baby is here to find out. Rissa and I just want this baby to be healthy so it doesn't matter to us what we have." Bianca answered.
AJ thought about what his Mom said. He could see her point and so he decided he would be okay with another sister.
"I'm gonna be a big sister!" Gabby exclaimed excitedly.
Marissa laughed as the kids settled back on the sofa. "Yes, you are, Monkey, and I know you're going to be a good one because you've got some good examples of what it means to be an older sibling."
"When's the baby gonna be here, Ma?" Miranda asked.
"The baby will be here next year, either the end of March or the beginning of April. So, what do you all think?"
"I think it's great!"
"Me too!"
"Me three!"
"Are you happy?" Miranda looked at her mothers. She pretty much knew the answer just by the smiles on their faces.
Bianca took Marissa's hand. "We're very happy."
"Why can't we tell anybody yet then?" Gabby asked. She was a little confused.
"Come here, Monkey." Gabby happily complied and settled herself on Marissa's lap. "Your Mom and I want to tell Erica, Jack, Aunt Kendall, Uncle Zach, Krystal, Greenlee and Ryan first. We want them to know before we tell anyone else. They're family and deserve to know before everybody else does."
"You mean Aunt Kendall doesn't know yet?" That was hard for AJ to believe because he knew his moms shared everything with her.
Bianca shook her head. "Not yet. You three are the first to know, the only ones to know right now."
Miranda grinned. "We won't tell anybody else, will we?" She looked at her brother and sister who shook their heads.
"Thank you. We promise that you won't have to keep it secret for very long. We plan on telling the others this week."
"Now, we need your help."
AJ's ears perked up. "What do you need, Ma?"
"Bianca and I need ideas for decorating the baby's room. You had such good ideas for your rooms that we figured who better to ask than the three of you."
Miranda and AJ looked at each other and grinned while Gabby bounced in her seat. This was going to be fun.
/
Everyone was finally able to synch up their schedules Tuesday evening. So instead of lunch at Krystal's, it was dinner at Minx Manor.
Per usual, the Slaters arrived first. Spike and Ian joined their cousins downstairs in the playroom while their parents talked. The Laverys arrived next with Emma heading downstairs to be with the other kids.
"Who all is coming tonight, Binx?"
"We're waiting for Mom and Uncle Jack. Krystal's coming as well, and we invited Caleb too."
"He's been there a lot for me, for both of us. I also might need to pull him and Jack aside for a few minutes."
"Why is that?" Greenlee asked.
"I've been offered a partnership in the firm."
Zach smiled. "Well, I'm glad they've finally come to their senses. It's about time. Congratulations, Marissa. You deserve it."
"Thanks, Zach. That means a lot. I haven't had a chance to talk with them since we've been back."
"I have to agree with Zach. You've done a great job for them. I know Greenlee and Kendall couldn't be happier with all of the work you've done for them." Ryan added.
Greenlee nodded. "He's right. We wouldn't have switched firms if we weren't. Congratulations."
"You are taking this, Red, aren't you?"
Marissa laughed at her sister-in-law. "Yes, I am. Bianca and I have discussed this, and it's the right move and time. So yeah, I am."
Kendall leapt up from her seat and hugged her sister-in-law. "Congratulations! I agree with everything that they've said. I'm really happy for you."
"Thanks!" A knock at the door grabbed her attention. "I'll get it."
The redhead opened the door to find Erica and Jack on the other side. "Erica, Jack, I'm glad you could make it tonight. Please come on in."
"Marissa, dear, it's good to see you and thank you for having us." Erica hugged her daughter-in-law before stepping inside to join the others.
Jack followed suit. "It's good seeing you out of the office. I know we haven't had a chance to talk yet this week."
"No, we haven't, but I'm hoping we can rectify that later tonight for a few minutes."
"That's sounds like a plan to me."
Before Marissa could shut the door, she was stopped by the sight of a pair of headlights coming down the driveway. The redhead was mildly surprised at seeing Krystal and Caleb arriving together.
Krystal smiled seeing her daughter. "Look at that smile. I can tell married life agrees with you."
"Hi, Krystal. I have to agree with you. It does."
"You had a good time?"
"We had a great time. It was perfect from our suite to the resort itself and the area around it to the spa. It was all simply amazing. We were so pampered."
"I'm so glad you had a wonderful time. You and Bianca deserved it."
"Caleb, I'm glad you could come tonight."
"Thanks for inviting me. I'm told by some that it's good for me to get out and socialize. It also doesn't hurt that I'll be surrounded by beautiful women. Are we going to get a chance to talk soon?"
"Yes, we are. Hopefully a little later tonight?"
"Sounds good."
After Caleb walked inside, Krystal stopped. "Before you ask, we just came together as friends. There's nothing more to it. I'm actually interested in someone else."
"I didn't say anything. I'm just glad you could make it, and you definitely have to tell me about this other person. Come on inside."
/
Bianca and Marissa went into the kitchen to check on dinner and get drinks for their guests. Before taking their seats again in the family room, they handed out the gifts they had gotten their family and friends.
Their guests were all impressed with the wine they had received. The Bradford Winery had an excellent reputation, and everyone couldn't wait to taste the vintages the couple had chosen for them.
"This is for the girls." Marissa handed over another bag to Krystal.
"You got them both something?"
"Well, we couldn't get Jenny something and not Kathy. She's like a little sister to me too."
Krystal smiled at her daughter's thoughtfulness. "They will be thrilled. Thank you."
"You're welcome."
"And this is for Emma." Bianca handed a gift bag to Ryan and Greenlee.
"Thanks, but you really didn't have to." Ryan said.
"We know, but she's family too. This was something we wanted to do."
Marissa looked at Bianca who nodded. The couple stood with the redhead taking the lead. "Dinner will be ready in a few minutes. Bianca and I just wanted to take a little time to thank you all for coming tonight. We know it was kind of last minute so thanks for making the time and joining us."
"We also wanted to thank you for all of the support that you've given us, and we're not just talking about everything you did for the wedding. You all mean so much to us."
"With that in mind, we have some news that we wanted to share with all of you first. Actually, I guess it's second. We had to tell the kids first."
Kendall and Greenlee looked at each other with grins having a pretty good idea of what was coming next while Erica and Krystal glanced at each other quickly as well.
"A few months ago, Marissa and I began to look into adding to our family. With Kendall's help, we went to a clinic in New York. As a result of those visits, we are extremely happy to tell you that we're pregnant! Well, Rissa is, but …"
"No, you had it right the first time. We are pregnant. I just happen to be carrying the baby."
Kendall leapt from her seat and hugged the couple. "I'm so happy for both of you!"
Greenlee was next. "This is great news! Congratulations!"
Erica hugged Bianca and then Marissa. "This is wonderful news. I'm very happy for you both and this new addition to our family."
Krystal nodded as she hugged her daughter, thrilled that Marissa was realizing her dream of having a baby. "Congratulations! I can't think of a luckier child in the world. The two of you are amazing mothers." She hugged Bianca as well before allowing the men their turns in congratulating the couple.
"When are you due, Red?"
"Late March, early April. We wanted to wait until I was in my second trimester before we started telling people."
The women nodded in understanding. The odds of miscarriage were greatly reduced after the first trimester.
Marissa looked at Jack and Caleb. "I wanted the two of you to know as soon as I could because …"
"Because of the offer Jack and I talked to you about the day of the wedding."
Krystal looked between the three lawyers. "What offer?"
"The partners have made an offer to Marissa to become a partner herself." Jack held up a hand before Marissa could say anything else. "The offer still stands. We want you to become a partner no matter what."
"That's amazing, Marissa. Congratulations." Krystal smiled proudly at her daughter.
"Jack's right. We'd be fools to let you get away, and we're not fools. When the subject of the partnership offer was discussed, we took a lot of things into account. Jack mentioned there was a good possibility of the two of you trying to have a baby. Don't let it go to your head, but you were pretty much the main reason for the daycare center."
Marissa chuckled. "You're making it very hard to turn down your offer."
Jack smiled. "Good. Our plan's working."
"Yeah, it is. After dinner, the three of us will talk?"
"Definitely."
"Speaking of dinner, it should be ready." Bianca smiled relieved that everything was going well. "Let me go check on it real quick."
"I'm helping. Does anyone need another drink? We plan on serving some of the wine that we picked up in Bradford. Well, all of you are having the wine so you'll have to enjoy it for me." Marissa followed Bianca into the kitchen after the others declined refills on what they were currently drinking in favor of the aforementioned wine.
/
"I think that went really great, and you were the reason for the daycare center. I had an idea you might be." Bianca smiled brightly as she and Marissa carried serving dishes into the dining room.
"Of course you did. It was a nice boost to the ego to hear it though. Are you okay with me talking to Jack and Caleb for a few minutes tonight?"
"Yes, I am. Have I told you lately how proud I am of you and how much I love you?"
Marissa grinned. "It has been a couple of hours since you have. I feel the same exact way about you by the way. I love you and am so proud of you and am so proud to be your wife."
Bianca gave her wife a loving kiss.
"You'd think they would've gotten that out of their system last week."
Marissa rolled her eyes before smirking. "Yeah, that's never happening."
"We've had this conversation too many times to count." Kendall sighed.
"And your point?" Greenlee smirked.
"It's useless. We came to see if you need any help."
Bianca blushed slightly. "Sorry, we got a little sidetracked. Actually, we're ready. If the two of you wouldn't mind getting the others, I'll get the wine."
"And I will get the kids and make sure hands are clean."
"Actually, that's already taken care of. Come on, Greenlee, let's get everybody."
/
The kids chatted away happily while they ate at the kiddie table. AJ, Miranda and Gabby were thrilled they were finally able to talk about their new brother or sister. While they did that, their adult counterparts peppered the expectant couple with questions.
"Are you going to find out in advance what you're having?"
"No, we want it to be a surprise."
"Do you have a preference, boy or girl?"
"No, we just want our little one to be healthy. We'll be happy with either a boy or a girl."
"What about names?"
"We've started making a list. We haven't really settled on any yet though, but we do know that Minx will not be one of the names."
"You're loss." Greenlee smirked.
"What about the baby's room?"
"Eventually, their room will be upstairs, but for the first few months, we'll use the guest room by us as a nursery."
"We've asked the kids to help with ideas for decorating, but we plan on keeping the colors and design gender neutral. We'll also decorate the temporary nursery."
"How are the kids handling the news?"
"They're really happy about it. Before we moved in here, we talked with them, and they liked the idea. When we told them about this the other day, they were thrilled. Gabby's happy as can be about being a big sister."
"There was something I wanted to ask either Caleb or Jack."
"What is it, Marissa?"
"I did some research, and unfortunately, I can't have Bianca added to the baby's birth certificate. I'd like one of you to have adoption papers drawn up and ready to file as soon as our little one arrives."
This request brought a smile to Erica's face. It was yet one more example of how different Marissa was from the others.
Caleb looked at Jack who merely nodded. "That is definitely something either Jack or I will be more than happy to take care of for you."
"Thank you."
Kendall raised her glass. "I'd like to propose a toast."
The others followed suit and raised their glasses.
"To my sister, sister-in-law and their family, including my new niece or nephew to be. I think I speak for everyone here when I say we couldn't be happier for all of you, and we can't wait for your new addition to get here so we spoil them rotten just like the other kids in this family. To the Tasker-Montgomerys!"
"The Tasker-Montgomerys!"
"Here, here!"
/
After dinner, Marissa, Jack and Caleb went back to the couple's home office to discuss the firm's offer. The others either helped Bianca with the clean up or entertained the kids.
"Everything is good with Marissa then? The doctor says everything is fine?" Krystal asked Bianca.
"Yes, everything is just fine, knock on wood. They are both doing great. I have to say that you all didn't look 100% surprised by our announcement."
"Truth be told, we're not. We noticed that Marissa had cut back on her caffeine and wasn't drinking any alcohol recently, not that she drank that much to begin with. The day of the wedding, she only had the one glass of champagne." Greenlee noted.
"Which her doctor said she could have."
"We figured as much. Neither of you would take any chances." Kendall smiled. "We also noticed Marissa would have a hand protectively guarding her belly every once in a while. The day of the wedding, I saw you place a hand there yourself. Before you ask, I didn't say anything to Mom or Krystal. They had their own suspicions."
Erica nodded. "Yes, we did. I happened to overhear a conversation between Kendall and Greenlee that put the idea in my head and then we did some research of our own."
"I just wanted to thank you, Greenlee, for being there for Marissa." Krystal said gratefully.
"I was glad I could help. So, you obviously tried a second time."
"Yes, we did, and the second time was definitely the charm."
"You all know what this means, don't you? We're going to need to plan a baby shower!" Kendall grinned.
/
Marissa was at the firm's offices bright and early the next morning for a meeting with the partners to officially accept their offer. An impromptu office meeting was scheduled for 9:00 at which time the announcement would be made to the entire firm.
When everyone was gathered, Jack stepped forward. "Good morning. I want to first assure you that this isn't one of those meetings, the kind where bad news is given, quite the contrary in fact. This one is all about good news. For some time now, the partners have been discussing expanding a segment of the firm. With this expansion in mind, we were keeping an eye on one associate in particular for heading it up. We made an offer to them to become a partner, and as of 7:00 this morning, they accepted that offer. We now have a new partner and a new name for the firm. We are now Thompson, Stevens, Montgomery, Cortlandt and Tasker." Murmurs ran through the crowd as they realized who Jack was referring to. "Without further ado, ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor and pleasure to introduce you to our newest partner and head of our family law department, Marissa Tasker!"
Cheers broke out as all eyes focused on the redhead in question.
Marissa stepped next to Jack and waited for the applause to die down. "Thank you all very much. I'd like to thank the partners for this opportunity, and I promise not to let you down. I am honored to oversee the expansion of our family law department and will be counting on all of you to help make it the success I know it will be. I just have one more thing to add and then you can all get back to work. My open door policy remains in effect. If there's anything I can do to help or if you need to talk, you know where I am. Again, thank you!"
/
After being congratulated by countless firm employees, Marissa finally made her way back to her office. Inside, she found a smiling Brian and Lisa. "I was wondering where you two were hiding."
"We couldn't get to you through the crush of your adoring public." Brian smirked.
Marissa rolled her eyes. "Whatever. I'm glad the two of you are here. There are a couple of things I wanted to talk with you about."
"First things first." Lisa set a bagel and a steaming cup of coffee on Marissa's desk. "Congratulations, boss! We would've gotten you something else if we had more notice."
The redhead gazed longingly at the coffee, wanting nothing more than to drink it, but she'd already had her one cup earlier. "Thanks. This brings up the first thing I wanted to talk with you about. While I appreciate this more than you know, I can only accept the bagel. I'd really love to accept the coffee, but my doctor won't let me. I'm only allowed one cup a day."
"Why is that?"
"I'm pregnant."
The pair leapt up and rushed over to hug Marissa.
"Congratulations! This is even better news than you being made partner. Okay, so there is a limit on your caffeine. Got it. I'll find some healthy options for you and boss junior."
Marissa laughed. "Thanks, Lisa. Bianca will be very happy to hear that."
"Congratulations, Marissa! I'm really happy for you and Bianca, and I know that Stef will be too. I can tell her, can't I?"
"Yes, you can. I'm 3 ½ months so we're letting everyone know."
"We're talking a Spring baby then! Oh wait, you were pregnant during the bachelorette party, weren't you? That's why you weren't drinking."
"Yeah, it's a good thing too."
Lisa grinned. "Yes, it was."
"Okay, I need to speak with Brian for a few minutes. Don't go too far though because I need to speak with you also. While I'm talking with him, could you check with these associates and see when they have some free time to meet with me?"
"You got it, boss."
"Thanks!"
After Lisa left, Marissa had Brian take a seat. "I'm happy to have this as one of my first official acts as a partner. Brian, the partners are very pleased with your hard work and would like to make you a full associate."
"Seriously?! Oh wow! This is fantastic. Stef's going to be almost as happy for me as she is for you having a baby." Brian laughed. "So much for me being cool about this."
Marissa grinned. "Well, I think you might lose your cool a little more when you see the increase." The redhead laughed as Brian's eyes grew wide as he read the offer sheet she handed him.
"Damn, I'm looking at this right, right? I mean I don't need to get my eyes checked?"
"No, you don't. That is the correct amount. So, what do you say? Do you need to talk to Stef?"
"No, I don't. We talked about this maybe happening one day. We didn't think it would be now though. I say yes! Thank you!"
"You're welcome. Now, I have one more thing to ask. I would like you to join me in family law."
"Seriously?! I would love to. It would be my honor. I love working with you."
"Thank you. It means a lot to have you on my team."
"I can't tell you how much it means to know you have this kind of faith in me. I won't let you down."
"I know that you won't. Now, go give Stef a call. I know you're dying to tell her. Oh, could you send Lisa in if you see her?"
"You got it, and thanks again!"
/
Lisa knocked on the open door to Marissa's office and poked her head inside. "Brian said you're ready for me."
"Yes, I am. Come on in."
Marissa smiled brightly seeing the bouquet the blonde was carrying.
Lisa set it on the desk. "This just arrived at the front desk for you."
Marissa pulled out the card.
Rissa,
Good luck today. You'll do great. They're almost as lucky to have you as I am. I love you and am so proud of you.
All my love,
B
She sighed happily and enjoyed the beautiful fall flowers that made up the bouquet before turning her attention back to Lisa. "Thanks for bringing this back."
"You're welcome. I can see that Bianca has struck again."
"Yes, she most certainly has."
"Before I forget, I spoke with everyone on your list and have 30 minute meetings with each of them set up for you. Here are the times."
Marissa reviewed the scheduled and nodded. "Thank you. This is perfect. I have to say I'm going to miss how well you handle these things for me. I'll be getting a secretary, and I hope they do this stuff half as good as you do."
"Thanks. I thought you might be getting one given your new position. I'm guessing you'll be moving to that bigger office down the hall."
"Yes, I will." Marissa grinned. This was the perfect segue for her. "What do you think of this office?"
"Oh, I've always loved this office. It's in the perfect location for everything. Too bad it's not bigger. You wouldn't have to give it up."
"True. You wouldn't mind taking it over for me then?"
"Not at all, wait. What? Only associates and junior associates get offices."
"I know. Do you think this office will suit your needs?"
"Huh? I'm confused. What are you saying exactly?"
Marissa laughed. The look on Lisa's face was priceless. "I'm saying that the partners would like to make you a junior associate, and as such, you would get this office."
Lisa's eyes bugged out slightly as things started to sink in. "Seriously? You want me to be a junior associate?!"
"Yes, we do. You've done excellent work here, and now that you've passed the bar exam, I'd say this move is long overdue. Here is your offer sheet."
As the blonde read, her eyes grew wider seeing her salary and benefits. "Oh my god."
"Would you like some time …"
"No! I mean, no. I don't need time. I accept. Wow. This is amazing. My folks are going to freak when I tell them. They're coming over tonight for dinner. They won't believe this. Thank you so much."
"You're welcome and congratulations. You deserve this. As for your parents, I think they will be even prouder of you than they already are. I need to tell you that you are in high demand. Everyone knows just how good you are, and I have a list of departments that want you to come and work for them. I would like to throw my hat into the ring. If you're up for it, I would love to have you in family law and help me with the expansion. Review these offers, and let me know your decision so we can get everything set up for you."
"I don't need to review the other offers. I know exactly where I want to work. I'd like to work with you in family law. I've learned so much from you and really feel like I can learn a lot more. We really make a difference with what we do, and I want to continue doing that."
Marissa smiled. "I'm glad you feel that way and am very glad to have you on my team. Okay, you will report directly to Brian who has been made an associate. My door is always open to you though."
"That's good to know, and that's great news about Brian. He deserves it."
"I couldn't agree with you more. After I speak with these folks, I'll set up a meeting with our new team. Would you mind helping me with some of the administrative tasks until I have a secretary in place?"
"Not at all, whatever you need. Just let me know."
"Great and thank you." Marissa was interrupted by her office phone ringing. She checked the caller id and recognized the number. "Excuse me a minute. This is the private investigator working on the Walkers' case."
"No problem."
Marissa spoke briefly with the investigator and was not happy with what she heard. She set up a time to meet with him in person. When she hung up, Marissa muttered under her breath. "Dammit."
/
A/N: Yeah, I ended it there. My evil side is cackling right now. I have to do something about that. I never did find that number for employee assistance from work. Of course, I really didn't look that hard. I probably should if I'm hearing cackling, huh? See you soon!