A/N: Happy Saturday! March Madness has descended upon us again in the States. My bracket was perfect until the first game. So much for winning the billion dollars Warren Buffett was offering. Could've given Minx a proper send off with that. Oh well, I guess I'll have to stick to this story. Thanks for reading, following and reviewing! It feeds the creative beast. This chapter picks up where the last one left off. Hope you enjoy this update!

/

Bianca lay in that semi-conscious state that existed between sleep and wakefulness, not quite sure which she preferred. It was at that precise moment that her body made up her mind for her. Actually, it was her body's response to her wife that decided things for Bianca. The brunette felt an arm draping itself across her belly. Then, she felt Marissa draw closer as she burrowed herself against Bianca's side. Soon after that, a loving hand began to administer soft caresses along her body. Those gentle touches sent a shiver of delight throughout her whole being. It was then that soft and intoxicating lips captured her own for a slow and sensuous kiss. It was only when the need for air overrode the desire to further deepen the kiss did they separate. Bianca slowly opened her eyes and was met with a glorious site, Marissa's dazzling smiled and hazel eyes filled with love and want.

"Good morning, beautiful."

Marissa's smile grew even brighter. "Good morning."

Bianca hummed as soft hands continued their exquisite torture. "Damn, I have missed this routine so much. I don't know of a better way to wake up. This sure as hell beats any alarm clock ever made."

"You're not going to get an argument from me on that. You feel so good and are so beautiful. You never fail to take my breath away."

The brunette felt a hand drifting lower and moaned. "You're killing me."

"I can stop, if you want." Marissa grinned wickedly.

"Don't you dare." Bianca quickly captured Marissa's lips for a kiss so torrid that it left her wife panting when they separated and the brunette smirking.

"Guess you're not sleepy anymore."

"Nope, I'm wide awake now. I think we should we do something with that fact."

Marissa grinned. "I couldn't agree with you more, and I have the perfect idea."

"Oh really? And what would that be, Counselor?"

"We never really did settle our debate last night. Up for another round?" Marissa asked coyly.

Warm chocolate eyes darkened with desire. "Oh yeah, I'm definitely up for another round, at the very least."

/

The couple lay in each other's arms, both sated and enjoying the love they shared and the warmth of each other's bodies.

"What do you say we call this particular debate a draw?"

Marissa sighed. Both were spent but neither was going to complain. "Deal."

Bianca slid from her wife's arms and ducked under the covers.

"What are you doing?" Marissa laughed feeling soft lips brush against her belly as she lifted the covers.

"I'm just going to talk to our little one for a minute, if that's okay with you."

"By all means, don't let me stop you." Marissa pulled the covers all the way off of herself so she could observe her wife. Bianca's conversations with their little one were one of Marissa's favorite things to witness.

"Good morning, little one. This is your Mommy. How are you this morning?" Bianca pressed her ear to Marissa's belly and listened. After a moment, she glanced up at her smiling wife. "Our little one is doing very good today."

"I'm very happy to hear that."

"That makes two of us." Bianca turned her attention back to her wife's belly. "Your Mama and I are very happy that you're behaving yourself lately and not making your Mama sick. You're having her eat some … different food combinations. I wouldn't have thought of them, but your Mama says they're good so I'm going to take her word for it. Today, we're going to go the zoo with your brother and sisters. Gabby loves the zoo. So don't worry, once you join us next year, we'll be going a lot, and I know Gabby can't wait to show you everything there. You know what else is going to happen this weekend? Your Mama and your sister Miranda are going to start working on making a special blanket for you. I know it's going be amazing because it will made with so much love."

Marissa's cheeks were hurting from smiling so much, but she couldn't help it. Her wife was just so adorable.

Before Bianca could continue her conversation, there was a knock on the bedroom door. The couple glanced at each other knowing who was on the other side. Bianca quickly kissed Marissa's belly one last time.

"That would be your sister Gabby. I'll talk to you later, little one. I love you." Warm chocolate eyes met hazel. "And I love you, Rissa."

"I love you too." After exchanging a quick kiss with her wife, Marissa covered her belly back up. "Come in, Monkey."

"Morning, Mommies!" Gabby bounded into the room and onto her mothers' bed.

"Good morning, Sweetie." Bianca knew without a doubt what her daughter was going to say next.

"Is it time for us to get ready to go to the zoo?"

/

Marissa walked into Krystal's Monday morning on her way into the office to grab some coffee. It was going to be a busy morning for her and the boost of caffeine would be needed. She had set up a meeting with Ellie first thing and was going to offer her the job. The redhead had also called each of her team members Sunday evening to set up a quick meeting with them after her meeting with Ellie. While this was going on, Human Resources would inform the other applicants of her decision. They would also inform the other secretaries of what would be expected of them during this transition. Marissa had also set some time aside on her schedule later that day to go over Ellie's new responsibilities with her.

There was another reason for this visit besides picking up coffee. She was going to ask Krystal if she had time to meet with her tomorrow to go over some of the questions she had for her.

"Marissa, it's good to see you. To what do I owe the pleasure this morning?"

"Hi, Krystal. I'm on my way into the office and am in desperate need of some coffee. Yours is much better than what we have in the office. And before you ask, this is my first cup of the day."

"I didn't say anything." Krystal chuckled. "How was your weekend?"

"It was good. We went to the zoo on Saturday and spent a good chunk of the day there. The kids pretty much collapsed when we got home. I ran to the fabric store on Sunday with Miranda and started on her and Gabby's Halloween costumes while Bianca kept AJ and Gabby entertained."

"What about Miranda?"

"Oh, she asked if I could teach her to sew so she helped me."

"That's really nice. I'm sure the two of you will enjoy that a great deal."

"Yeah, I think we will." Marissa took the cup of coffee from the older woman and started to reach into her purse to get some money to pay her.

"Keep your money. This one's on the house."

"Thanks. Um, Krystal, would you be free tomorrow to have lunch with me? I'd like to talk."

"Of course."

"Great. I was thinking we could go somewhere else a little more private, maybe the Yacht Club. It's my treat."

"That's not necessary."

"No, I insist."

"Okay, you're sure."

"I am. I'll get with you later on the time. Thanks and thanks for the coffee."

"You're welcome, for both. Have a good day."

"You too."

/

Ellie was fielding a phone call when Marissa arrived at work. The two nodded at each other before the redhead walked by. Once Marissa reached her office, she pulled out her laptop and various files. While she waited for her laptop to finish booting up, she sipped her coffee and pulled out the file containing Ellie's offer, reviewing its contents one final time. She had just finished going through her email when there was a knock on her door.

"Good morning, Marissa. Are you ready for me?"

Marissa glanced over at the door and motioned the young brunette in. "Good morning, Ellie. Yes, I am. You're right on time. Please come in and have a seat."

"Thanks. How was your weekend?"

"It was good. Bianca and I took the kids to the zoo."

"Oh, I always love going there. It makes me feel like a kid again whenever I go."

"Me too. How was your weekend? Did you do anything fun?"

"I got together with some friends to help another friend move. It was a lot of work, but we managed to have fun."

"Let me guess. Were you reimbursed with pizza and beer? That's the standard reimbursement and what Bianca and I did when we moved."

Ellie chuckled. She was nervous but definitely feeling better. Marissa just had a way of making her feel comfortable. "Yeah, we were. It's how I paid them for helping me move."

Marissa could see the young brunette was anxious but doing her best to hide it. "Okay, enough with the small talk. Let's get down to business. Ellie, I was really impressed with you during our interview. Actually, I've been impressed with you for a while. You run that reception area better than anyone I've ever seen and manage to keep everyone in line. It's a tough job, but you do it really well. I have to admit that I was glad to see that you had applied for this position. And you did nothing to change my opinion during our interview. I think you'll be a great fit with this team, and if you're willing, I hope you'll accept the position of becoming my secretary."

"Seriously?! Yes, yes, I accept! Definitely!"

"Great! Would you like to see your new salary and benefits?" Marissa handed the offer sheet over to Ellie.

The brunette's eyes grew wide as she read. "This is my new salary?"

"Yes, it is. You're going to have a bigger role and more responsibilities. Your salary reflects that. There's something else I wanted to talk with you about. You know about the firm's tuition reimbursement program?"

"Yes, I do. I looked into it once but didn't qualify."

"I talked with Human Resources, and they agree with me on this. If you'd like to pursue your bachelor's degree in social work and you meet the grade requirements which I have no doubt that you will, you'll qualify for reimbursement. I know you mentioned an interest in law as well so that's something to keep in mind also."

Ellie was stunned. She had hoped she would be offered the job and was thrilled that she was. This though was more than she could've ever hoped for. "I don't know what to say. Thank you. This is incredible. I … wow. Thank you. I can't believe I'll be able to go back to school. My folks are going to be thrilled. Thank you."

"You're welcome. It honestly makes sense to me, and it's something I see as an asset. When you're ready to start some classes, let me know, and we'll work on a schedule for here."

"I can't thank you enough for this. You know, I honestly thought you might pick someone else. I know there were others that have more experience, you know like Meredith."

"While they might have more experience in one aspect of the position, you had it in others. I also took other factors into consideration. I truly believe you are the best fit and person for this position. I wouldn't have offered it to you if I thought otherwise."

Ellie beamed. "Thank you. That really means a lot to me. Um, when do I start and what about the receptionist position?"

"Well, the receptionist position will be posted immediately, and we're going to ask you to help train the new person. Actually, there's something you'll find interesting. You coming to work for me brought to light a need that has existed for a while and is finally going to be addressed. The firm is actually going to be hiring two receptionists. We saw all the work you did, and you were quite honestly kind of doing the work of two people. What you did was tough, and again, very impressive. So, you may be training two people depending how quickly we fill the positions. You think you're up for it?"

"Yeah, I am." Ellie smiled proudly.

Marissa nodded. She knew she had made the right decision. "Good. So, you are going to be really busy here for a bit. We're going to transition you from the receptionist desk to my secretary over the next two weeks. Human Resources is going to be working on a schedule with the other secretaries to cover the desk for a few hours each day while you're working with me. I know they may not be happy about it, but they will be getting some extra compensation for it as will you. Do you have any questions for me right now?"

"I can't think of anything right now."

"Okay. I know this is a lot for you to take in so if you think of something, please let me know. I want to introduce you to the team so we'll meet back here in half an hour. Oh, I'll be moving to my new office next week. You'll have an office right outside of mine."

Ellie nodded. "That's great. I can't thank you enough for this opportunity. I won't let you down."

"I know you won't. Welcome to the team!"

/

Brian, Lisa, Claudia, Sofia and Brandon along with the latters' paralegals Robin, Mark and Riley filed into Marissa's office exactly 30 minutes later. Upon entering, they were greeted by the redhead and Ellie.

Marissa smiled. "I'd like to thank all of you for meeting on such short notice. I promise to make this quick because I know everyone has a lot of work to get back to. I also know that when a meeting is called at the last minute, 9 times out of 10 it's bad news. That is definitely not the case this time. In fact, it's quite the opposite. As you are all aware and as a result of my new position, I've looking for a secretary. I'm extremely happy to announce that Ellie has agreed to join our team in that role and keep us all in line."

Everyone clapped and laughed.

"Congratulations!"

"Welcome aboard!"

"Are you sure you want to do this, Ellie? I mean keeping Marissa in line is going to be tough." Brandon smirked.

Lisa grinned. "He's got that right. The boss is a real handful."

Marissa rolled her eyes. "Yeah, considering the sources on that, I think you should take that with a grain of salt."

"I have a feeling you're right. I've seen them in action. I'm pretty sure I can handle them."

Brian laughed. "That's the spirit, Ellie. My money's on you."

Marissa smiled. "Alright. While Ellie is transitioning over to her new role, I'll need you to continue to help me out until she's fully onboard, Lisa, okay?"

"Whatever you need, boss."

"Thank you. Okay, I have two other items to go over real quick. First, Bianca and I would like to invite all of you over to our house for dinner not this Saturday but next Saturday. Significant others and kids are invited as well, and it's completely casual. We just thought it would be nice to get everyone together outside of the office so we can get to know each other better. I really hope you all can make it but will understand if you have other plans. I'll be sending something out later today with the details."

"That sounds like fun. I'm looking forward to it. Do you need us to bring anything?" Sofia offered.

"No, just bring yourselves. If you could let me know by the end of the week if you can make it and how many you will be bringing with you, I would appreciate it. Now, the second thing is a lot more formal. As you know the firm has a big anniversary coming up. While all of us haven't been here that long, the firm in its many configurations has been around for 15 years. The partners have decided to do this anniversary up right and have a celebration. I'm sure you've all heard something was going to happen." Seeing the smiles and nods from her team, Marissa continued. "That's what I thought. I'll give you a few details now. Obviously, you are all invited along with your significant others but no kids for this one. This is a date night, at least that's how Bianca and I are taking it."

"Stef will definitely be happy for a grown-up night out."

Claudia nodded. "So will Rob. I'm guessing it's formal?"

"You guess right. It's going to be held at the Yacht Club, and there will be dinner, dancing and a few other surprises. Expect your invitations sometime this week."

"Is there any truth to the rumor that you will be officially announced as a partner at this shindig?"

Marissa sighed. "You're going to have to tell me your source someday, Brandon, because they're good. Yes, but it will be more of a formal introduction then. There is an article in tomorrow's paper though making an official announcement, and all of you are mentioned in it as well, including Ellie. We called them with your name after you accepted. I won't be the only one being introduced at the party. You all will be as well. Plus, they'll be some other things taking place that night. There will some clients there as well as some politicians and other movers and shakers in Pine Valley and throughout the state. In other words, you need to be on your best behavior, especially you, Brandon."

The others cracked up catching the teasing tone of their boss while Brandon attempted to look offended. "I'm hurt."

"Give it up, Brandon. Nobody's buying it for a minute." Sofia smirked.

Marissa smiled. "Alright, that's it for today. Everybody back to work."

/

"Aya, did you hear from Mrs. Holmes this weekend?" Bianca and her office manager had been missing each other all day. This was the first time they actually were able to talk.

"I'm afraid not, Bianca. There hasn't been any word from her."

"Alright, thanks. Let me know if you hear anything."

"I will. Oh, Sam just got here and wanted to speak with you."

"Send her in please."

"Is she okay? She didn't come in last week and seems a little down."

"She's got a lot on her mind right now. There are some things going on that I can't tell you about. Just be there for her, and when's ready, I know she'll talk to you."

Aya nodded. "Alright. I'll get her."

Bianca glanced up at the knock on her office door a minute later. She smiled softly at the teen standing in the doorway and moved towards her. "Hi, Sam."

The greeting was subdued in its return. "Hi."

"Let's have a seat over here. It's more comfortable." The brunette motioned her inside.

Sam nodded and joined Bianca on the sofa in her office.

"How are you doing?"

The teen took a deep breath. "I … I don't really know. I know Gail and Marissa have told you everything."

"Yes, they have. Are you okay with that?"

Sam nodded. "Yeah, I told them they could. I mean, you've helped me a whole lot so I don't mind you knowing. Why shouldn't you? I … I just want this all to go away. I'm scared, Bianca. I finally have a family again, and now, it could all go away. I don't want to lose Gail and Alex and Grandma. I can't. I can't lose another family." Sam's voice cracked with emotion as she wiped tears away.

Bianca's heart was breaking for the teen, and she pulled her into a hug. "I know, Sam. Here's the thing though. This time, you don't have to go through all of this alone. You've got Gail, Alex and Carol there for you. You also have me, Marissa, everyone here at the Center especially Jan and Aya and in Marissa's department at the firm along with a whole lot of other people. We're all on your side and fighting for you."

Sam sniffed and nodded once. She did know that.

"I know I don't have to tell you this, but Gail and Alex see you as their daughter. As for Carol, there is not a prouder grandmother out there. They love you. You're part of their family, and they are going to fight tooth and nail for you. Rissa is the same way. She's the best person you can have in your corner. She's definitely a fighter. Do you remember how she fought for you when you met?"

Sam nodded. "Yeah, I was really scared and didn't want to go back to that foster home. I was really afraid what would happen if I got sent to juvie. I still don't know how she did it, but she stopped that all from happening."

"That's right, and that was when she'd just met you. Now, she knows and loves you. You're part of our family too. There's a couple of things I'll tell you about my wife. First, she's a kickass lawyer. She doesn't give up or back down. She'll fight to the end. Second, she fights for her family harder than anything or anyone I've ever known. You couldn't be in better hands"

"She is pretty good, isn't she?"

"There's nobody better. So, what do you want?"

"I want to stay with the Walkers, more than anything."

"Do you want to get to know him?"

"The guy who might be my uncle?"

Bianca nodded.

"I don't know. From what the investigator found, he knew about my Dad but never tried to see him. He didn't seem all that interested in me so why would I want to know him? I really don't have any connection to him at all. Besides, there's more than blood that makes somebody family."

"Well, that's true. To Rissa, the Taskers are her parents."

"So, you don't think it's wrong if I don't want to know him?"

Bianca had to make sure she chose her words carefully. "I think you should do what you feel is best for you. This is pretty complicated all the way around, and I know it's tough on you. No one can tell you what to do though. You have to make that decision for yourself. Gail mentioned you were thinking about talking to one of the counselors here."

"Yeah, I made an appointment with one of them."

"I think that's a really good idea. It's good to talk things through with someone that's objective."

"It doesn't make me weak?"

Bianca shook her head. "Not at all. I've had some things happen in my life and have needed to talk to someone to help me work things out."

"Really?"

"Yeah and it really helped me. I don't want you to worry about anything you tell a counselor here getting back to me. They are on your side and will keep your discussions with them private. They won't tell anyone, including me, unless you give them your permission, okay?"

Sam breathed a little easier upon hearing those words of reassurance. There wasn't anything wrong with her talking to somebody especially if Bianca had done it. Next to Marissa, the brunette was probably one of the strongest people she knew. Sam respected her, looked up to her. If someone like Bianca had gotten help, then she didn't see anything wrong with her asking for it. She also felt better knowing for sure that whatever she told the counselor would be kept private. "Okay."

"This doesn't mean that you can't talk to us. I'm here if you need me, and you know that Marissa is as well. Aya and Jan are around also. You're special to them, and they'll help you however they can. You just need to ask, but only when you're ready. There's no pressure."

"Thanks, for everything." A slight smile was on Sam's face. She really was feeling better.

"You're welcome and anytime."

/

The following morning.

"Son of a bitch!" Pete Taylor flung the newspaper he'd been reading across the room. His morning had been going okay so far, not great mind you but at least okay until he'd read the article announcing that Marissa Tasker had been made a partner at the law firm of Thompson, Stevens, Montgomery and Cortlandt. "Of all people, they make Marissa Tasker a partner! What the hell?! She's not half the lawyer I am, and they made her a partner?! Unbelievable!"

Pete thought back to his dealings with the redheaded lawyer. She'd made him look like a fool. It was because of her that he'd been fired from the District Attorney's office. His boss said it was because he wasn't doing his job properly and didn't have the temperament for it, that several complaints had been lodged against him. Pete knew better though. It was because of her, her and Bianca Montgomery and that bratty punk. Montgomery refused to testify against that brat who was one of the people that broke into the Miranda Center. Who the hell does that?! That brat had to have conned her somehow. That was the only rational explanation for it. What the hell was that bratty punk's name anyway? He glanced around the slightly dingy office. It was a far cry from his former office and the one he aspired to have one day when he ousted Mike Jensen as District Attorney. It was because of those three that he was stuck in this hellhole and not living remotely close to the life he'd been used to. His father could've helped him out and used his connections and influence but he refused to and cut him off. He said Pete embarrassed him and was a disgrace to the family name. A knock on the door pulled Pete from his thoughts.

"Mr. Taylor?"

"Yes and you are?" Pete looked at the dark-haired man in front of him. He had a wiry build and looked slightly unkempt, but there was nothing remarkable or memorable about the man, other than the fact that he looked like he didn't have two nickels to rub together.

"Russell Payne." He held out his hand and Pete shook it.

"Have a seat, Mr. Payne. What can I do for you?"

"Well, I'm in need of a lawyer."

Beggars can't be choosers. Pete thought. "What kind of case?"

"It's a custody case."

Pete rolled his eyes internally. Great, like those pay anything and will get me anywhere. "I don't really handle custody cases. Sorry."

Russ didn't pay any attention and plowed ahead. "This one's different. It involves my niece. She's my brother's daughter. Him and his wife died a while ago. I just found out about it. It turns out that she's been living with a foster family, and now, they want to adopt her. I don't feel right about it. I mean, she's blood and blood stays together. Do you know what I mean?"

The lawyer would be lying if he said he wasn't a little interested. He wasn't completely sold on it though. "I can see where you're coming from. What's her name?" Pete asked idly as he sipped his cup of coffee.

"My niece? Her name's Samantha Robinson."

Pete's eyes grew wide as he choked on his drink.

/

A/N: My evil side is back! Do you hear her cackling?