A/N: First, thanks for continuing to read, follow and review! I appreciate it. Second, sorry I'm late posting today. I got sidetracked by friends and family. This chapter picks up where the last one left off, and you won't have to wait to find out what's going on with Sam. Hope you enjoy this update!

/

As the others chatted, Sam pulled Marissa aside. "Could we talk?"

Marissa could tell the teen was nervous. "Of course. What's up?"

"You're still my lawyer, right?" Sam bit her lip waiting for Marissa to hopefully give her a positive response.

"Yes, definitely. As long as you need me to be, I'll be here. Is everything alright?"

Sam nodded. "Yeah, it is. It's nothing bad. I was just wondering … I know you're not working as many hours right now because of the baby … but I was wondering if you could do something for me, as my lawyer."

"You know I will if I can. What do you need?"

After taking a deep breath, Sam plunged forward. She'd come this far and knew it was too late to turn back now. "What's it take for somebody to change their name? For me to change my name?"

Marissa smiled. "You want to change your name?"

"Yeah. I'd like to change my last name to Robinson-Walker. What do you think? Do you think Gail, Alex and Grandma would be okay with that?"

"I think Gail, Alex and Carol would be thrilled by that, and if it's what you really want, then I think it's a great idea."

"You'll help me then?"

"Of course I will. You don't even have to ask."

"What about my Mom and Dad? Or …"

Marissa paused. She wanted to find the right words. The redhead knew what Sam was asking without actually asking it. The teen was worried her parents might see it as replacing them or forgetting them or that others might see it that way. "I honestly think your parents would give you their blessing. They wouldn't want you to stop living. They would want you to be happy, and knowing that you are and that you've found a family who loves you and has taken care of you and been by your side, would give them peace. They're still your parents. Changing your name doesn't change that fact. It just shows that you're opening up your heart to let others in, and I think that's something they would want you to do. You're not replacing them and not forgetting them. As for anybody else, don't worry about them. You know the truth, and that's what matters."

Sam released a relieved breath and hugged Marissa tightly. The teen had always felt a connection with the lawyer, that they were kindred spirits. Her opinion meant a great deal to Sam. "Thank you."

"You're welcome. Now to change your name, it's just a matter of filling out some forms and filing them along with paying a small fee. The whole process doesn't take very long. Have you talked to the Walkers about this?"

"Not yet. I'm going to do it tonight."

"When you're ready, you call me, and we'll take care of the legal side."

Sam smiled brightly. "Okay. I'll call you right away. I have some money saved …"

Marissa waved her off. "This one's on the house."

"Are you sure? I don't want …"

"I'm positive."

"Thank you. You've done so much for me. I'll never be able to repay you, but whenever you need someone to watch Sparky, I'm there."

"You've got yourself a deal. Okay, so what did you guys get us?"

Sam shook her head and laughed. "You're just going to have to wait, but I think you're really going to love it. I'm going to get something to drink. You want anything?"

"No thanks. I'm good."

Bianca walked over to her wife after Sam left. "Is everything okay with Sam?"

"Yes, everything is more than okay. I have a feeling we're going to be getting a call later tonight from four very happy people."

/

Jan and Aya arrived carrying two large packages which were deposited with the now rather large pile of gifts. After greeting the guests of honor, they caught up with Lisa and Ellie who were happily talking with Gail, Sam, Jo and Cory. Jessica and Carol were chatting and getting along famously. Angie, Stef and Claudia were talking as they got something to drink. Madison was sitting on a sofa laughing with Natalia and Randi. Kendall and Greenlee were back in the kitchen checking on the appetizers which were going to be out shortly. Bianca smiled as she looked around the room seeing their friends having a good time. Krystal and Erica had yet to show, but she knew they would be there soon. From where she was standing, Bianca saw her wife and Sofia huddled over Marissa's cellphone. Whatever they were reading on it had Marissa nodding and smiling. The redhead glanced up, and her gaze met Bianca's. She whispered something to Sofia who nodded before walking over to get a drink. Marissa headed over to where Bianca was after closing whatever webpage she had been sharing with Sofia.

"Do I want to know what that was about? You weren't working were you?"

Marissa shook her head. "No, we weren't working. There's a case we've been tracking that's before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. We thought we might hear when a decision would be handed down but nothing definite yet. There might be something next week."

Bianca quirked an eyebrow. "So, it's nothing you're working on, none of your current cases?"

"Nope."

"You're just tracking it …"

"To satisfy my curiosity. Sofia's too."

"Can there be lawyer nerds? Because if there are, you're definitely one of them." Bianca smirked.

Marissa glared playfully back at her wife. "I'm not a nerd. I told you I was cutting down on work, and I am. I've been delegating more and more to my team. They are more than capable of handling things while I'm off. I don't want to be in the middle of a case and then need to take off because I'm in labor. That wouldn't be fair to my clients. I'm going to miss court because you know how much I love a good fight, but it's temporary and something I need to do."

"I'm proud of you, and I'm doing the same thing. Jan and Aya can run that place without me."

"True, but you are the heart and soul of the Miranda Center. It's not quite the same without you. That being said, I'm glad you're taking time off once Sparky gets here."

"Me too. I don't want to miss that time because it's so special, and luckily, I'm in a situation where I won't have to."

The couple shared a chaste kiss, and Marissa sighed happily watching everyone. "They seem to be getting along and having a good time."

"Yes, they do." It was then they saw Amanda arrive. The woman waved at them and then made a beeline for Madison.

Not a minute later, Krystal was welcomed inside by Greenlee who took her coat and gift. Krystal made her way over to the couple and greeted them with hugs.

"Hello, you two. You look good. How are you feeling? I've missed seeing you both around the restaurant."

"I'm feeling pretty good. I'm a little tired, but that's to be expected. Bianca's taking very good care of me though."

"Yes, you're right. The further along you get, the more tired you will be, and I have no doubt about Bianca taking excellent care of you."

"It's nothing more than Rissa does for me. We've both been busy wrapping things up at work before our little one gets here. I'm glad you could make it today. I know Opal is coming."

"Which makes us wonder, who's watching the restaurant?"

"Nadine. She's done a good job when she's been in charge before."

"Good. I'm glad you have somebody you trust to keep an eye on things for you. It's good for both you and Opal to have time off."

"Speaking of time off, when do you plan on taking some?"

"Dr. Abbott says she sees no problem with me working as long as I'm comfortable doing so. I am cutting my hours and not taking any new cases on myself. I'm also going to be working from home more. That's the plan for now."

/

Jessica who was chatting with Carol glanced over in Marissa's direction and saw her and Bianca engaged in conversation with an older woman. "Who's that talking with Marissa?"

Carol glanced over her shoulder and lowered her voice. "That's Krystal Carey. She is Marissa's …"

"Birth mother. She and Bianca told me about her last night." Jessica studied the woman and saw a few physical similarities between the older woman and Marissa. She was curious what the woman was like beyond her outward appearance and what she had learned from the couple the previous evening. That curiosity was not going to be satisfied with them on opposite sides of the room. "Will you excuse me?"

"Of course." Carol recognized the look on the companion's face. From their conversation, she could tell how protective Jessica was of Marissa, just like herself. Carol knew a little about the relationship between birth mother and daughter but not everything. She had a feeling there was more there than met the eye and that Jessica might had been made privy to some of that information. Carol knew it could be dangerous ground Jessica was treading by talking with Krystal.

Jessica chuckled at the matriarch of the Walker family. They were definitely kindred spirits. "I promise I'll behave. I won't do anything that would put Marissa or Bianca in an awkward position or could ruin their day, no matter how tempting it may be."

Carol laughed at that last part because it was something she would say herself. She really liked Jessica and hoped they would be seeing each other more in the future. "I'll talk to you later then and good luck."

"I'll let you know what I find out." Jessica winked before walking across the room.

/

Jo glanced over and saw her mother walking towards Marissa, Bianca and an older woman who bore a slight resemblance to her friend. The expression on her mother's face was reminiscent of one she had seen countless times while growing up. It was just like the one she wore to meetings with teachers and counselors who didn't even bother to try to bring themselves to understand what Jo was going through in the aftermath of her father's death. It was easier for them to believe that she was being difficult and seeking attention for attention's sake, that she was a problem child. She called it her mother's 'mama bear look', one that said 'you best not be hurting my child or cross me if you know what's good for you', and seeing it now prompted Jo to intercept her.

"Mom, where are you going?"

"If you must know, I'm going to talk with Marissa, Bianca and it would seem Krystal."

"So that's Krystal." That explains the resemblance I saw. Jo shook her head in an attempt not to sidetrack herself. "I know that look, Mom. It usually means there could be trouble. What are you going to do?"

"I'm just going to talk to them. Don't you trust me?"

"Of course I trust you. I just …"

"Josephine, I'm adult and know how to conduct myself as such when out in public. You know I wouldn't do anything to hurt or embarrass Marissa, especially in front of her family and friends. The same holds true for Bianca. Don't you think I'm able to control myself enough to not do that?" Jessica asked her daughter pointedly, eyebrow raised.

Jo sighed knowing she had no other option then to back down. She knew her mother was right. "I'm sorry. I believe you, really. Can I go with you?" Jo asked and quickly added to that question. "I'm curious about her."

"Mmmhmmm. Come on."

/

Marissa saw Jo and Jessica walking their way and knew she had to act quickly. "Krystal, I'd like you to meet some special people. This is Jessica Shelton and her daughter Dr. Jo Shelton. Back in Devon, Jo was my best friend growing up, and Jessica was good friends with my Mom and Dad. Another friend of ours, Cory, is around here somewhere. Jo, Jessica, this is Krystal Carey."

"Nice to meet you." Jo interjected before her mother could say anything.

Krystal understood what Marissa was telling her about the other women without actually saying it and was grateful for the heads up. "It's nice to meet you too."

"Jessica was one of my surprises. You see, I didn't think she was going to be able to make it. It turns out they were just faking me out to surprise me."

"With help from Bianca of course." Jessica stated.

The brunette shrugged. "I figured Rissa would be okay with it."

"Well if anyone could get away with that, it's Bianca." Krystal paused. "Roy and Lydia were good people and did an excellent job raising Marissa. I know they would be very proud of her."

"Yes, they were the best, and you're right about Marissa. When it comes to their daughter, they would be extremely proud of the woman she's become."

"What can I say? I'm awesome." Marissa gave a cheeky grin which helped break the tension.

"And modest too." Jo smirked. She knew exactly what her friend was doing.

"Just like Roy." Krystal and Jessica stated at the same time, each with a smile on their face. Both women glanced at each other and nodded.

"Binx, Red, could you come over here for a minute?" Kendall called out to them.

Sensing her wife's hesitance to leave Jessica and Krystal with only Jo to referee any dispute that might arise. "Why don't you stay? I'll go see what Kendall needs."

"You both can go. We'll play nice. Besides, I don't think you could pry my daughter away from here if you tried."

Upon receiving Jessica's reassurance, Marissa nodded. "Alright. I trust all of you. We'll be around." With that, she and Bianca headed over to see what Kendall needed.

/

"They are a special couple." Krystal observed as Bianca and Marissa walked away.

"Yes, they certainly are. While I haven't been around them together that long, I can see that clear as day. I'm happy they found each. Marissa deserves to be happy. Roy and Lydia would have loved Bianca."

"Yes, they would have. Bianca is very special and loves Marissa deeply." Krystal turned to the older of the other two women. "Marissa told you about me."

"As it pertains directly to her, yes. She shared that with us last night." Jessica acknowledged.

"Like I said before, Roy and Lydia were good people and did a phenomenal job with Marissa, far better than I ever could have. That's why I chose them."

Jessica merely raised an eyebrow.

Krystal continued. "I don't expect you to understand what I did. How can I? Looking back now, I don't understand it myself. I was not in the best place in my life and did what I thought was the best for both of my daughters at the time. It's something I deeply regret. I've done a lot of things in my life that I'm not proud of, things that unfortunately have hurt both Marissa and Bianca. If you were to ask some, what am I saying, if you were to ask anybody that knows what happened, they would say what I did was unforgiveable, and I couldn't argue with them because it was. Somehow, Bianca found it in her heart to forgive me. I'll be honest. If our roles were reversed, I don't know that I could do that. Marissa has been equally generous with her forgiveness. It's not been easy, but we've come along way. You're right. She does deserve to be happy, they both do. They are perfect together and have my complete support. I will do whatever I can to encourage that happiness, to be there for them no matter what."

"Marissa mentioned that you've been helpful when it came to her ex-husband."

"That snake. He can't accept that Marissa's moved on and is happy with Bianca. It was a hit to his manhood. When he found out that she was pregnant, he tried to poison AJ against them. Luckily, they found out what was going on and were able to stop it."

Jessica listened to Krystal. She was right. Jessica would never understand what she had done. Selling one baby to keep another, it was something she just couldn't fathom. She couldn't help but wonder what Krystal had done to Bianca that could possibly be worse but knew this was neither the time nor was it the place to question her about it. Jessica weighed what she did know. As a result of Krystal's actions concerning Marissa, her friends had the child they dreamed of and one they cherished, and Marissa was raised in a good and loving home. If she and Bianca were forgiving and building a relationship with Krystal, then, for their sakes, she would try to get along with the woman, but she would damn sure keep her eye on Krystal. She would not hurt either Marissa or Bianca ever again on Jessica's watch.

For her part, Krystal was a having a hard time getting a read on Jessica. What she could see however was the fierce protectiveness the woman had for Marissa. Part of her was slightly taken aback by it, but a larger part of her was grateful that her daughter had someone looking out for her. From what Jessica had said, the couple hadn't shared the sordid details of what she, Babe and David had done to Bianca. If they had, Krystal knew she still wouldn't be standing there in one piece. It would be up to the couple as to whether or not they shared that information. Krystal, for her part, would not be sharing it. If the couple ever did reveal what happened, she would deal with it then. No matter what, she knew it wouldn't be happening today.

Jo felt the tension surrounding the women and decided it was time to step in and diffuse the situation. "Marissa tells us that you own a restaurant and that they have their own table there, nameplate included."

"Yes, they do. Before things changed between them and they became more than friends, they would meet there nearly every day for lunch. Just watching them, you could see it evolving, becoming more. Once they finally realized how they felt about each other …"

"This was after the fake blind dates, right? Kendall told us about them."

Krystal chuckled. "Yes, after them. They were disasters, intentionally and unintentionally."

"Greenlee told us she had to 'fix the mess that Kendall and Krystal made'. That's a direct quote from her." Jessica smiled, finally relaxing somewhat.

"Of course she did." The restaurant owner smirked. "We decided to permanently reserve that table for them. No one else is allowed to sit there. The staff sees to it. The kids got a kick out of it. I'm assuming you've met them?"

Jessica nodded. "Yes, we have. They are something. Marissa and Bianca are very good parents. Sparky is going to be one very lucky baby."

Krystal smiled. "That is very true. I see Marissa has you on the Sparky bandwagon."

Jo laughed. "Yeah, she does. Despite what she says, I think Bianca likes it."

/

Following their conversation with Krystal, Jessica and Jo were talking with Lisa and Ellie and getting the lowdown on their favorite redhead from two of her co-workers.

"She did that? Stepped in front of you like that?" Jo asked as she listened to Lisa relate the time Marissa saved her from Robert Brennan attacking her.

"Yeah, she did. I honestly don't know what he would've done to me if she hadn't jumped in like that. I was scared to death and couldn't move but not Marissa. She just reacted and saved me. She told me later that she didn't realize she was hurt until much later on."

"It was probably adrenaline. It can have that effect." Jo noted.

"That's what she thought. What scared me even more though was when he tried to kill her." Lisa shook her head at the memory.

Jessica shivered at the thought of Marissa almost dying. "That's incredible. Bianca must have been beside herself."

"She was, but she's strong and held it altogether. From what I heard, David, that's her …"

"We know who he is."

"Someone from the hospital contacted him, and he wanted to pursue a really aggressive treatment. Marissa and Bianca had medical power of attorneys for each other. Bianca exercised it and chose the right one. She knew what Marissa would want done, and she did it. She refused to back down to him. He knew better than to take her on. Then, Bianca volunteered to be used as bait to catch Brennan. That was beyond brave."

"That's just incredible."

The group's attention was suddenly drawn to a conversation occurring near them between Amanda and Madison.

/

"So, do you think they're going to get a nanny?" Amanda asked.

Madison was confused. "Why would they?"

"They'll have four kids. That's a lot. I don't see how they can take care of them all by themselves. It only makes sense that they would get help. It's not like they can't afford it."

"What are you talking about?"

"Between the two of them, they're loaded. Bianca is a millionaire several times over, and not only does Marissa make a boatload of money as a partner in her firm, she has that huge settlement from JR."

"What huge settlement?"

"JR said she took him to the cleaners and that's why he's struggling financially."

"You've been talking to JR? Why on earth would you do that?" Madison asked incredulously.

Kendall, who had been walking by and heard the last comment from Amanda, stopped dead in her tracks. "That is an excellent question and one I would love to know the answer to."

Amanda swallowed hard under Kendall's glare. "I … I haven't talked to him in almost a year. It was something he told me before he was run out of town."

"Run out of town?" Madison shook her head at her friend. Amanda seemed to have a soft spot for bad boys, JR in particular. "First of all, JR wasn't 'run out of town'. He chose to leave, and he did so to avoid going to jail because of something he did and no one else. Second, the reports of his settlement with Marissa are highly exaggerated. He didn't pay any alimony, never has. You know why? It's because Marissa never asked for it. He was only ordered to pay child support, and the amount that was ordered was not that much considering how much JR made at the time. Since then, he has either refused to pay or asked to have it reduced repeatedly which it has been significantly. JR's 'financial struggles' have nothing to do with Marissa and everything to do with JR throwing his money away by drowning his sorry ass at the bottom of a bottle."

"Who told you that?"

"Scott and he would know. I'll take his word over JR's any day of the week. If you're smart, you will too. I'm sure Jake would appreciate it."

Kendall patted Madison on the back. Her fondness for the blonde just increased tenfold. "Very well said, Madison, and 100% accurate. Trust me, I would know."

"Well, what about them getting a nanny?"

"Why on earth would they do that?" Kendall's confused expression matched Madison's earlier one.

"They'll have four kids, and Marissa has never been a mother before …"

Kendall's expression hardened and her voice was lowered to a dangerous timbre. "Don't you ever say something so idiotic and uninformed around me, Bianca and especially Marissa. She is AJ's mother and has the papers to back it up. Even if she didn't have them, she is still his mother. Marissa has raised that boy for well over half of his life. AJ is who he is because of her and not that sorry ass excuse for a father. AJ is a bright, loving and kind-hearted little boy who loves her and sees her as his mother. She would lay down her life for him which is more than I can say for the dipshit of a paternal figure. Biology doesn't make you a parent, and you of all people should know that. If I ever hear you say anything like that again, I'll make you sorry you …"

Madison abruptly flung her drink on Amanda. "Oops. Sorry about that."

"What the hell, Madison?!"

"I'll help you clean yourself up, Amanda. Kendall, I'm sorry for the mess."

Kendall took a deep breath realizing what Madison did and why. The brunette smirked. "No problem, Madison. Accidents happen. The restroom is just down the hall and to the left."

Madison nodded and pulled Amanda, who was oblivious as to how close she had come to serious bodily injury, away.

Amanda wasn't letting what happened go and continued as she and Madison walked down the hallway. "That was no accident. You did that on purpose."

"Damn straight I did, and you're welcome."

"Why would I thank you, and why did you do that?"

"To save you from getting the crap beat out of you, something you deserved by the way. How stupid are you to say that Marissa isn't AJ's mother? How stupid are you to defend JR?"

Kendall's eyes met Jessica's, and the two women nodded in silent understanding. Both knew Kendall had Marissa's back and would defend her with everything she had.

/

"I still don't understand why you had to spill your drink on me."

Madison sighed. Sometimes, it was exhausting being Amanda's friend. "For the last time, I was saving you from Kendall."

"I'm not afraid of her."

"Well, you could've fooled me, and if you're not, you should be."

"She's pregnant. She can't do anything to me right now when she's supposed to be taking it easy. That brings me to another question. Should Kendall even be having this baby?"

Marissa happened to be walking by when she heard that last remark and stopped suddenly hearing her sister-in-law's name. "What do you mean by that exactly?"

Madison groaned. She could see Marissa gearing up for a fight.

"I mean, it's a big risk for her to be pregnant with her heart condition. How can she even consider carrying a baby knowing that and knowing that she has two young sons to take care of? Isn't that irresponsible of her? She obviously isn't thinking clearly."

Marissa took a deep breath. "The only one not thinking clearly is you. Do you honestly believe that Kendall and Zach haven't thought this through, haven't considered every possibility and aren't thinking about their children? Do you honestly think they aren't taking every precaution to ensure the baby's health as well as Kendall's? Do you honestly think she isn't under the care of the best doctors and isn't aware of each and every risk and that she knows far better than you what's going on? The last thing she needs is someone who knows absolutely nothing about what's going on criticizing her decisions in her own home. If you even think about saying any of that crap to her …"

"Oops." Madison flung yet another drink on Amanda. Her need to do this in order to save Amanda from herself was getting old.

"What the hell?!"

Madison shrugged. "Sorry. I'm just clumsy today I guess."

Marissa raised an eyebrow and saw the glare being shared between the two blondes. She had the distinct impression that what Madison had done was no accident and relaxed somewhat. It wouldn't do for her to lose her temper, which she was dangerously close to doing, right now. It would bring attention to what Amanda had been saying, and the redhead didn't want that for her sister-in-law or Bianca.

"Come on, Amanda. Let's get you cleaned up." Madison said as she once again pulled Amanda to safety.

/

Hazel eyes watched as they walked away before turning and meeting the slightly amused brown one belonging to Jessica. The older woman saw firsthand the bond between the sister-in-laws and solidified her belief that Marissa truly had found a family, one that would fight tooth and nail for each other, and she knew Roy and Lydia were smiling down on their daughter.

Marissa walked over to the older woman. "What?"

Jessica shook her head. "Nothing."

"I know that look. What?"

"Kendall's more than a friend or sister-in-law, isn't she?"

"Yes, she is." Marissa smiled. "She's pretty much the sister I always wanted."

"So, that woman …"

"Her name's Amanda. She's married to Jake Martin, and he's a friend. Sometimes, Amanda doesn't think, and things like that come out of her mouth. I don't know that she necessarily means anything bad by it or is trying to hurt anyone. She's just thoughtless. She also has a history with JR and has been in touch with him."

"You know about that?"

"Of course I do. Bianca saw them talking a while ago. We just keep an eye on things."

"Do people underestimate the two of you? Because if they do, it would be a huge mistake on their part."

"Some have. They seem to forget who Bianca's mom is. Over the years, she's picked up a few things from her as well as her sister and some things on her own."

Jessica chuckled. "Speaking of her mother, I haven't seen her here yet."

"She'll be here soon. Erica likes to make an entrance. This one time we were out for lunch, she made this grand entrance that reminded me of that scene from 'Hello, Dolly'. I was half expecting some of the wait staff to break out into song." Marissa added with a grin.

Jessica was just about to respond when someone caught her eye. "Who is that?"

/

Marissa turned to see who her friend was looking at and couldn't help but laugh. "That is Opal."

/

A/N: I had every intention of wrapping the shower up in this chapter, but it obviously didn't happen. One more chapter will do it. Oh, Amanda's character on the show bugged me if you couldn't tell by reading this chapter. Plus, I needed somebody who doesn't think before they speak. See you soon!