A/N: Thanks as always for reading, reviewing and following! I appreciate it. This chapter picks up where the last one left off. Hope you enjoy this update!

/

This had Jessica's attention and had her wondering why this other person would even be invited. "Who is it, and if I could ask, why are they coming if it could cause a problem?"

"Well for starters, it's my birth mother, and there are some things I really should tell you about her." Marissa paused as she tried to determine the best place to start. "I guess the best place to begin is with Bianca's family. As you know, her Mom is Erica Kane. She's definitely formidable, and you wouldn't want to be on her bad side. I've been lucky in that I haven't had any problems with her. I respect her, and quite honestly, like her. We both want the same thing, and that's for Bianca to be happy."

"I am, and Mom knows it. She likes and respects you too. Now, she'll deny this part if anyone was to ever ask, but Mom likes that you stand up to her, that you don't back down from something you believe in, that you've gone to great lengths to protect me and our family." Bianca knew that not many people had the courage and inner strength to do that around her Mom.

"She's definitely been there for me and has been nothing but supportive of me and of our relationship. Now, Erica is engaged to Jack Montgomery. He's a partner at my firm and Bianca's uncle, her Dad's brother."

The three women looked a little confused.

Bianca chuckled. "Yeah, I know. It's complicated and would take way too long to explain. Mom and Uncle Jack love each other very much and are happy. Whether they ever actually get married this time is anyone's guess though. It really doesn't matter. Their relationship works for them."

"Yeah, it really does. Bianca's sister is Kendall, and she's married to Zach. He's a good guy, tough yet caring. She has two sons, Spike and Ian. I don't whether or not you'll see them tomorrow, but in case you do, Spike has a cochlear implant. Kendall is also expecting."

"Even though she's throwing the shower along with Greenlee and it's at her and Zach's home, you won't see her doing a whole lot, at least you better not. Kendall had a heart transplant a few years ago."

"So, she has to take it easy." Cory put the pieces together easily enough.

"Exactly. Now, Greenlee is Kendall's business partner, best friend and frequent partner in crime. She's also Jack's daughter. Greenlee's married to Ryan, and they have a daughter named Emma. Ryan is also Spike's biological father." Marissa explained.

"So that makes Greenlee Bianca's cousin and if their parents ever get married, her step-sister, and she's also Kendall's son's step-mother? I think I need a flowchart or something." Jo shook her head trying to make sense of the various connections.

Marissa laughed. "Oh, Jo, if you think you're confused now, just wait. I think you're going to like Kendall and Greenlee. They're obviously smart given the success of Fusion and have a wicked sense of humor. They have also been there for us too many times to count."

"Yeah, if wasn't for them not minding their own business, Rissa and I might still be denying how we feel about each other. They did butt in though, and now, we're married with a baby on the way."

"Ain't that the truth. Like I said, you may or may not see their kids tomorrow. Zach and Ryan, along with a couple of other guys, are going to watch the kids, including our three, during the shower. This brings us to my biological connections here. First and foremost, I still consider Roy and Lydia Tasker to be my parents. They are my Mom and Dad and always will be. Period. They raised me and helped make me the person I am today. They taught me right from wrong and showed me what love was. That being said when I moved to Pine Valley, I met my birth parents, Krystal Carey and David Hayward."

"Hayward. Dr. David Hayward?" Jo asked. Even though she was a psychologist, she was friends with many medical doctors. As such, she was fairly familiar with happenings in that community. That name in particular had come up a few times recently, and it wasn't positive or flattering.

"That would be him. You've heard of him then?"

"Yeah, he has quite the reputation."

Marissa chuckled. "You're being nice, but trust me, I'm well aware of his reputation. When Krystal found out she was pregnant, David was no longer in the picture. It turns out that I'm twin, fraternal twin. Krystal had two girls, me and my sister. Her name was Arabella, but everyone around here called her Babe."

"Was?" Jessica noticed the past tense used.

"Yes, she died during the tornado that came through here a few years ago. I never had a chance to meet her. She was raised by Krystal."

The couple could see the other women attempting to process this information and them trying to reach the correct conclusion.

Bianca squeezed her wife's hand knowing this next part was the toughest and hurt her the most.

Taking a deep breath, Marissa continued. "Yes, you would be correct. Krystal kept her, and I was adopted by my Mom and Dad. She found she couldn't take care of two babies and knew how much my parents wanted a child, but they couldn't have one of their own. So, Krystal reached out to them and offered to … sell me to them."

"She what?!" Jessica had to struggle to keep her temper in check. She wanted to do nothing more than rail about this, but caught herself. The last thing she wanted to do was wake up the children. "Your parents never said a word."

"Well, in their defense, it's definitely not the easiest topic to bring up. I just think of how much they had to have struggled with it. There was no way I can see them ever telling me the ugly details. I mean, how do you tell someone that your mother didn't want you enough to keep you but sold you instead so she could keep your sister? There is no easy way to sugarcoat that."

"I'm sorry. I didn't …"

Marissa shook her head and smiled sadly. "I know you didn't mean anything, Jessica. You were a good friend to Mom and Dad, and I know this is a pretty big shock."

"Yes, it is, but it speaks volumes about Roy and Lydia. They loved you so much. You were their world, and they obviously didn't regret what they did. They chose you because they wanted you. You were their daughter, plain and simple. Knowing them and how much they loved you, they would do the same thing over and over again. You were worth every sacrifice they had to make, not that they would ever consider anything they did for you a sacrifice. Nothing was when it came to you."

"No, they wouldn't. Even though I still struggle with what happened, I know that being adopted by my Mom and Dad was the best possible thing to happen to me. Like I said before, they helped make me who I am. My morals and ethics came from them. I never wanted for anything, and I never once doubted their love for me. I was lucky to have them, and I know it."

"They would be so proud of you, the woman you've become, the life you've built. It's easy to see that you've built a wonderful life here. You have a wonderful wife and three pretty adorable children. Sparky is going to be so lucky to have you as a mother, both of you as mothers. You're great parents, just like Roy and Lydia."

"Thank you, Jessica. That means a great deal to me. I obviously never met Rissa's parents, but knowing her like I do, I feel like I know them somewhat."

"I really wish you could have met them, B. Speaking of the kids, AJ, as you know, is my son through adoption. His father is my ex-husband. He's not made it easy and has tried repeatedly to take AJ away. He likes to throw the fact that I'm not AJ's birth mother in my face."

"That's not something that would matter the least bit to you of all people." Cory noted.

"You're right. The thing is, I do have a biological connection to AJ. I'm his aunt. It turns out that my sister was AJ's mother, and she was married to JR."

"Say what?"

"Excuse me?"

"You have got to be kidding me."

"No, I'm not. No matter how bad the marriage was at the end or whatever awful things JR tries, I can't regret any of that because it gave me AJ, and he is such a great kid and a true joy. I can't imagine my life without him. I love AJ as if he were my own and so does Bianca. If we have to keep dealing with JR, so be it. AJ is worth the fight."

"Your ex is causing that many problems?" Jo asked.

"Yes, he is. His latest stunt has gotten him six months in jail for custodial interference, and after he's completed that, it's back to court ordered rehab. Plus, he has a restraining order in place regarding AJ."

"Rehab?"

"He's an alcoholic, and a pretty ugly one at that."

"How are your relationships with your birth parents then? I'm assuming there is contact of some sort because of them being AJ's grandparents." Jessica observed.

"Yes, there's more interaction with Krystal than with David, and there are reasons for that. But we're trying for AJ. Also, Bianca has asked me to try, particularly with Krystal. She has been very supportive and accepting of my relationship with Bianca, and before you ask, Jessica, Bianca only asked me to try. She didn't want me to become consumed with negative feelings over the past and wants me to focus on forgiveness if I feel like I can. What you should know about my wife is that she is the most forgiving person you will ever know. If she can forgive those people who caused her immeasurable pain, then I can work on it for what I went through." Marissa wasn't going to offer any details on what Bianca had gone through at the hands of her biological family. For one, it wasn't her story to tell, and for another, she would never have Bianca tell it to people she wasn't familiar with. While Marissa knew the three women before them extremely well, Bianca didn't so imparting such a personal story would not be something she would understandably be comfortable with.

Jo, Jessica and Cory knew Marissa well enough to know she wasn't telling them everything and that she had a very good reason for it.

"So Krystal and Erica?" Cory ventured.

That had the couple smile.

"Like Rissa said earlier, it all depends on their moods. I have a feeling they'll play nice for the most part since they'll be others around outside the family. There's no guarantee on that though. At the very least, expect some snarky comments."

"They can be both awkward and entertaining. Greenlee and Kendall said they would try and keep an eye on them to make sure they behave themselves. They could have their hands full." Marissa smirked.

"Anyone else we should know about there?"

"Hmmm, I think everyone else is almost boring. B?"

Bianca grinned. "Compared to them, who wouldn't be? Let's see. Who else will be there?"

The conversation continued on into the night with the couple telling them about the others that would be there and fielding questions from Jo, Jessica and Cory. This included more detail being given about JR and all of the stunts he tried. Needless to say, it was a good thing he was locked up and not anywhere that Jessica could reach him.

/

Bianca woke up early the next morning to find Marissa snuggled against her. The brunette had gone to bed a little earlier than her wife giving her the chance to have alone time with her friends. Bianca was half asleep by the time the redhead had come to bed and quickly drifted off once Marissa slid under the covers and draped an arm over Bianca. After watching her wife for a few moments, Bianca placed a soft kiss on her forehead before quietly getting out of bed, being careful not to wake Marissa. The brunette slipped on her robe and slippers and padded down the hallway towards the kitchen to start on breakfast.

While the coffee was brewing, Bianca pulled out ingredients for breakfast. Pancakes were a weekend breakfast staple in the Tasker-Montgomery household, and their guests, when informed of this by the youngest members of the family, were more than happy to partake in this tradition.

"Good morning, Bianca."

The brunette turned to the voice entering the room and smiled. "Good morning, Jessica. Did you sleep well? I hope I didn't wake you."

"I slept surprisingly well for being away from home, and don't worry. You didn't wake me. I tend to get up early when I'm not home. I've always been that way. My daughter, on the other hand, can sleep like the dead."

"I've got three upstairs like that. Would you like some coffee, tea, orange juice?"

"Coffee would be wonderful."

"Coming up." By the time Bianca had gathered mugs, milk and sugar, the coffee was ready. She poured them each a mug, and afterwards, each fixed their drinks the way they desired. They took an appreciative sip and sighed.

"Thank you. This is very good. Where's Marissa?"

"She's still sleeping. The further along she gets, the harder it is for her to get comfortable. When she finally does especially when it's the weekend, I don't have the heart to wake her and just let her sleep as long as she can."

"Oh, I can remember that, even after all these years. Is there anything I can do to help?"

Bianca shook her head. "No, I've got it. Besides, you're a guest. Please have a seat and keep me company, or you can ask some of the questions I know you want to."

Jessica laughed. "Am I that obvious?"

"Eh, your daughter had the same look in her eyes when we were alone at the reunion. Guess I know where she got it from." Bianca added with a smile.

"I hope she didn't …"

Bianca held up a hand. "I wasn't offended. It was quite the opposite actually. It showed me how much she cares about Rissa, and I can't even begin to tell you how much that means to me. The same applies to you. I can see how happy she is to have you both back in her life, Cory as well. Feel free to ask away."

"Thank you. How is she, really? Her life seems to have changed so much since she moved here, and some of those changes, like finding out about her biological family, are huge to say the least."

"I'll admit it was a little rough for her at first. How could it not be? But she's so damn strong and has such a beautiful heart and soul." Bianca smiled softly like she always did when talking about her wife. "Rissa doesn't give herself enough credit for that."

"That sounds exactly like Roy and Lydia. They had the biggest hearts and were there for me when I needed them the most. Jo told me she told you about my husband."

"She did, and I'm so sorry you both had to go through that."

"Thank you. I think that's why I felt so drawn to the Center." Jessica grew serious. "I should have been there more for her."

"She understands, trust me. The reason you lost touch? It's not all on you. Life got in the way. It happens. The important thing is that you've all found each other again, and I don't see any of you letting each other go a second time. Those are Rissa's words, not mine, but I completely agree with them."

"I agree as well, 100%. Now, we've added more members to our extended family." Jessica raised her mug.

Bianca smiled and touched her mug to Jessica's. "Yes, we have."

"So, her ex sounds like a real piece of work."

"JR? Oh yeah, he definitely is. We go way back and were even friends at one point. He's changed over the years and not for the better. When they were together, he hurt Rissa by lying, cheating, destroying her trust. She made it through though, stronger than ever."

"I have the distinct impression he hasn't done that again on your watch."

"There's not a chance in hell that he will either."

Jessica noted the steely resolve in Bianca's eyes and could tell she meant every word. She knew she could trust this woman to take care of Marissa. "Thank you."

"For what?" Bianca was confused.

"For being there for Marissa, taking care of her, loving her, giving her a home and a family."

Bianca smiled. "She's done exactly the same thing for me. Before we became involved romantically, she was my lawyer and handled my divorce."

"Jo mentioned that."

"Rissa kept my ex-wife from taking the girls on more than one occasion. I tell you, she is something to see in action."

"She's good?"

"She's kickass." Bianca grinned. "She fights tooth and nail for her clients. I can't tell you how many people she's helped."

"I'm not surprised."

"And just so you know, I'm not the only one watching out for her. She has my Mom, sister, brother-in-law, Greenlee and a lot of friends as well as Caleb."

"Who's Caleb?"

"He's one of the other partners at the firm. He kind of took her under his wing and served as a mentor to her and almost like a father figure to her. He adores her. Caleb's also her primary counsel when it comes to dealing with her ex. He loathes JR and really enjoys sticking it to him and making him pay dearly for any trouble he gives her."

"You don't say? I just might have to meet him."

"Meet who?" Marissa padded over to Bianca and gave her a quick kiss. "Morning, beautiful."

Bianca smiled. "Morning. I was just telling Jessica about Caleb."

"Morning, Jessica."

"Morning, Marissa. Bianca was saying this Caleb likes to torment your ex-husband."

Marissa chuckled. "He does. He really does, and he's very good at it. I think you'd like him." Marissa looked around. "I see Jo and Cory are still asleep."

Bianca handed her wife a mug filled with coffee just the way she liked it. "Here you go."

After giving her wife another quick kiss, Marissa took a sip and sighed happily. "Thank you. I'll start on the bacon."

Jessica watched as the couple worked together in what was a well-choreographed dance between them and smiled. They really fit well together.

"So, Jessica, how do you like working at the Center?"

"I love it. The staff there is wonderful, and I really feel like I'm making a difference."

"Well, I can tell you that I hear nothing but good things about you. The office manager told me about your outreach idea, and I love it. If you're up for it, I'd like you to speak with Aya Kostas and Jan Calipari about it sometime. Oh, Jan is my assistant, and Aya is the office manager here."

Jessica was speechless for a moment. She honestly hadn't expected anything like this when she presented her idea to the New York branch's office manager. "I would be happy and honored to."

/

"So this is where the party is, and it smells great in here." Jo stretched before kissing her mother on the cheek. "Morning, Mom. Morning, Marissa, Bianca."

"Good morning, baby. Let me get you some coffee."

"I'll get it, Mom. You sit."

"You both sit. You're guests. I'll get it. Morning, Jo. Sleep okay?" Marissa washed her hands quickly and filled a mug for her friend.

"I did. Thanks."

"Morning, Jo. Is Cory still asleep?" Bianca asked as she pulled out the griddle. The two friends had shared the guest room with the two twin beds, insisting Jessica take the bedroom with the larger bed.

"No, she's up and talking to Chris and Matt. Chris could only hold off Matt so long from needing to talk to his mom." The doctor took a sip of coffee and sighed. "Thanks. I needed this. So, what have I missed?"

"Bianca was just telling your mom how impressed she was with her outreach idea. I heard the idea, and if you want my opinion, she's right. It's a pretty awesome one and will help a lot of people."

Jo smiled proudly at her mother. "You won't get any argument from me. Mom is pretty awesome." Jo then sat back and listened to the others talk. The psychologist in her couldn't help but study her friend. After going to bed last night, she stayed awake for a little while thinking about what was and wasn't said by Marissa regarding her biological family. Jo couldn't shake the feeling that they had done something to hurt Bianca and hurt her badly. What it was, she didn't know and doubted that she ever would, but it was the only thing she could think of that could cause, for lack of a better description, the controlled fury in Marissa's eyes last night when she mentioned how forgiving her wife was to some that had caused her immeasurable pain. Jo knew her friend and her parents. She knew how her friend was brought up, the values that were instilled in her and the importance of forgiveness. Whatever was done to Bianca had to have been unspeakable for Marissa to react that way. Jo knew her friend well enough to know that she would never do something like whatever they had done. In her mind, Jo believed her friend to be a true example of nurture over nature. The love, guidance and nurturing she had received from the Taskers clearly overrode the nature of her biological family. If it hadn't, she wouldn't have the family she had now, the family she deserved.

"More coffee, Jo?"

The doctor snapped back to the present and saw Marissa smiling knowingly at her. Jo knew she had been caught analyzing. "Uh, yes please."

/

After breakfast, everyone dressed warmly, and the guests were given a tour of the outside of Minx Manor which included a short hike to the pond that had been led by AJ, Miranda, Gabby and Max. They returned to the house to warm up and relax before heading over to Kendall's for the shower later that afternoon. Kendall and Greenlee had asked the couple if they wouldn't mind coming over a little early with Marissa's friends so they could meet Jo, Jessica and Cory before everyone else got there. The out-of-town guests were equally intrigued by the prospect of meeting the 'Dynamic Duo' and readily agreed.

The adults were settled and chatting in the family room when there was a knock at the front door. Bianca walked over to it, smiled when she saw who it was and greeted them.

"Hi, Scott."

"Hi, Bianca. Are the kids ready to go?"

"Oh, they're more than ready. The real question is are you ready?"

"Yeah, I think so. I'm looking at this as practice." Scott stopped when he saw Marissa. "Wow. You look great and really are glowing."

Marissa smiled and hugged her friend. "You're sweet and maybe a little full of it."

"I'm being serious."

"Thank you. So, practice huh? Does that mean that you and Madison have had the 'family' talk?"

Scott grinned. "Yes, we have, but it's still early."

Bianca hugged him. "Scott, that's great! We're happy for you."

"She's right. Good for you. Oh, you're making me forget my manners. I'd like you to meet some very good friends of mine from my days before Pine Valley. Dr. Jo Shelton, Jessica Shelton and Cory Jacobs, this is Scott Chandler."

"Hello, ladies. It's a pleasure to meet you. Marissa's talked about all of you since she got back from the reunion." Scott noted their expressions upon hearing his last name. "I can tell you've been brought up to speed on my cousin."

Jessica nodded. "It's nice to meet you as well, and yes, we've heard a few things."

"Scott is nothing like JR and is a very good friend. His father Stuart is the sweetest soul you will ever meet."

"I may be biased, Marissa, but I couldn't agree with you more about my dad. He's the Chandler I strive to be like."

"You're doing a good job on that." Marissa cleared her throat and decided to change the subject seeing Scott's eyes begin to glisten. "So, I can't believe Zach and Ryan roped you into helping them today."

Scott took a breath, grateful for what Marissa was doing. "I think it will be a blast."

Bianca chuckled and patted his arm. "Keep telling yourself that while you're running around the Fun Zone and wrangling kids."

Marissa grinned. "My money is on the kids outlasting all of you. I think you're going to sleep good tonight. I'll go get our minions. They had a very good night's sleep and are anxious to get going. There's so much to see and do there, and they've said they want to do it all."

"You want to hand me your keys? I'll put Gabby's booster seat in your car." Bianca added, unable to hide her smile thinking about what Scott was in for that day.

Doing as asked, Scott watched as the couple set out on their tasks. He turned to the other women. "They're pulling my leg, right?"

Cory laughed. "I don't think so. Sorry."

"Scott!"

AJ bounded down the stairs and raced over to his cousin where they exchanged high-fives. "We can play laser tag, right?"

"Of course!"

"Cool! AJ and I are going to be a team." Miranda's smile had a distinctive Kane woman quality to it that had Scott raise an eyebrow.

"I wanna do the castle though. I had fun in there with Ian before."

"But laser tag is cooler. The castle is for …"

"AJ."

The boy stopped and gave his redheaded mother a sheepish smile. They both knew he was going to say it was for little kids. He didn't mean anything bad by it, but as soon as his Ma stopped him, he knew Gabby would be hurt by it because she didn't see herself that way. Gabby had been there for him during the latest incident involving his dad too. He wouldn't hurt her on purpose for the world. "It's more for you because I bump my head in there."

Marissa winked at her son and mouthed 'thank you' and AJ beamed.

"Oh, you better not go in there then. I don't want you to get hurt."

"Well, maybe I can try it for a few minutes. I'll just be real careful."

Gabby smiled brightly in return. "Okay!"

Bianca had caught enough of the exchange to get a pretty good idea of what was going on and shared a proud smile with Marissa. "Alright, the seat is in and is secure. Have a good time and try not to wear the guys out too much."

The kids giggled in response and hugs were then shared. Miranda hugged Bianca last.

"Don't worry, Mom, I'll keep an eye on them for you and Ma."

"No, we want you have fun. That's the only job you have today. Scott will watch them. You enjoy yourself and kick butt in laser tag."

Miranda grinned widely. She couldn't help but try and be the responsible one. Her mothers never asked her to do that. They wanted her to have fun and be a kid, telling her that growing up would come soon enough. "Okay, I will! Love you! Love you, Ma!"

"Love you too."

Scott looked at the couple. "I'll take good care of them."

"Thanks, Scott, and good luck."

After they left and Max was settled, the women left for Kendall's.

/

Greenlee opened the door with a huge smile on her face and called to her friend over her shoulder. "Our guests of honor are here, Kendall." She turned back to the arrivals. "Come on in and get warm."

Bianca, Marissa and the others handed a waiting Greenlee their coats who went to stash them in a spare bedroom.

Kendall appeared, happy to see the others. "Binx." She hugged her sister and then Marissa. "Red, feeling okay?"

"Not bad. What about you, Curly?"

"A little tired but good overall. And don't worry, Binx, I haven't been overdoing anything. You can ask Greenlee."

"Ask me what?"

"That my sister has been behaving herself."

"She has been. I promise."

"Good."

"Cory, Jo, Jessica, I give you the Dynamic Duo of Kendall Slater and Greenlee Lavery."

"Please have a seat. It's nice to finally meet you. Greenlee and I have been looking forward to it."

"Yes, we have. Now, what can you tell us about Rocky that will embarrass her?"

Marissa rolled her eyes. This was going to be a long day, not that she was surprised one bit.