A/N: Thanks as always for reading, reviewing and following! To still be getting new followers and favorites after all this time is truly flattering and very much appreciated. Thank you. Sorry for the late post. The site wasn't letting me login to load this. I'm not sure what was going on with that. This chapter picks up where the last one left off. Hope you enjoy this update!
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Once Danny was in his car seat and his mothers buckled in, Bianca put the car in gear and pointed it towards home. As reported, the roads were vastly improved from when they had traveled on them just the day before. The resulting drive home took them a fraction of the time it had taken them to get to the hospital. As they approached Minx Manor, they were greeted by a snow family. It was complete with 2 snow moms, one snow boy and two snow girls. One of the snow moms, the one a little shorter than the other, was holding what looked like a snow baby. It was clear that Jo had helped them, but Bianca and Marissa knew the idea for said creations came from AJ, Miranda and Gabby. Bianca stopped while Marissa rolled down her window and took a picture with Bianca's cellphone. Marissa had left hers at home because it wasn't like she was going to be using it. After getting to the hospital, Bianca had left hers on either silent mode or turned it off altogether. When the brunette did turn it on or checked it, she had found it had been flooded with texts and voicemails congratulating the couple. They would get back to everyone to thank them for their kind thoughts and wishes, but it would be in a few days.
Marissa laughed when she caught sight of a glitter-covered homemade sign on the front door that read 'Welcome home, Danny!' with balloons on either side of it. The redhead knew that Gabby had been in charge of glitter. She pointed the sign out to Bianca before taking a picture of it as well.
"Our minions have been busy."
"Yes, they sure have." Bianca laughed and pulled the car around to the garage.
/
AJ, Miranda and Gabby were anxiously awaiting their mothers' homecoming. The couple had called as they were getting ready to leave the hospital to tell them they were on their way home. Along with Jo and Jessica, the kids had sprung into action and put the signs they had made up on the front door as well by the fire place. The balloons they had bought on their way home from the hospital were put up as well. With the decorations up, the kids were now stationed in front of the family room's bay window watching and waiting as patiently as they could for their mothers' return home with their new baby brother in tow. As soon as the SUV appeared coming down the driveway, the kids shouted excitedly, "They're home!" Everyone scrambled to the kitchen to greet them. Jessica made sure to leave enough room so they could actually get inside, and she also reminded the kids not to yell because Danny could be sleeping and that would wake him up.
/
Bianca pulled into the garage and hit the opener's button to close the door. She then hurried over to the passenger side to help Marissa out of the vehicle before going to the back and retrieving Marissa's bag and the balloons Caleb had gotten them. While Bianca did that, Marissa went to the backseat and released Danny's car seat from the base and removed it to carry their sleeping son inside. Bianca opened the door leading to the kitchen, and they were immediately greeted by Jessica, Jo, AJ, Miranda and Gabby, all smiling and excited to welcome them home.
"Welcome home!"
"Hey, guys. It's so good to be home." Marissa smiled brightly as she set the car seat carefully on kitchen table before hugging the others.
Bianca set down the balloons they had gotten from Caleb and Marissa's bag before hugging everyone. "This is the best welcome home we could ask for."
"Where did you get the balloons, Mom?" AJ asked.
"Caleb brought them over when he visited us."
Jo and Marissa glanced at Jessica who smiled at the mention of the man's name.
"Hmm, that was mighty thoughtful of him, don't you think, Mom?"
Jessica rolled her eyes at her daughter's teasing tone and felt compelled to defend him. "Caleb is a very thoughtful man so I'm not surprised that he did something like that at all."
Marissa smiled. "You're right, Jessica, and I'm not surprised either."
"Why don't we all get comfortable?" Bianca suggested.
Everyone agreed and headed into the family room.
/
Marissa joined the others after she lifted Danny from the carrier and removed his coat.
"Great job on the snow family! Your Mom and I loved them."
"Really?!"
"Yep. Your Ma took a picture of them. She also got one of the sign on the front door."
"I'll have to get a picture of that one too." Marissa pointed to the sign above the fireplace. The kids beamed as they crowded around to get a good look at their brother.
Bianca glanced around the room. "Where did all the flowers and other balloons come from?"
"I think the better question is 'where didn't they come from'. The delivery people were kept busy yesterday just coming here. Mom and I didn't read any of the cards though. The two of you will definitely be busy doing that." Jo answered.
Max, who had been asleep when the couple arrived home, lifted his head when he heard Danny gurgle slightly. He moved from his spot by the fireplace over to where Marissa was with the baby. With his tail wagging, he sniffed Danny and then sat at Marissa's feet. A soft woof indicated his approval of the family's newest addition.
Gabby grinned. "Max likes him!"
"I think you're right, sweetie." Bianca smiled and scratched their dog behind his ear causing his tail to thump on the floor happily. She had been on alert and ready to pull Max away from Danny if need be and could tell Marissa was ready to do the same with Danny. They didn't think there would be a problem with Max, but it was nice to know for sure.
"Who is interested in lunch?" Jessica asked. "I'm making some soup and thought we could have some sandwiches with it. With the weather, it seemed like a good day for that."
"You didn't need to do that, but it sounds wonderful." Marissa noticed Danny getting fussy and checked the time. "I better change his diaper and should probably feed him first. I'll do that in his room and give the rocking chair a try. I don't want you all to wait on me though."
"Don't worry. The soup has a little longer to cook."
"Thanks, Jessica."
"Ma?"
"Yes, Mimo."
"Could I help you with Danny?"
"Sure."
"Could we help too, Ma?" AJ asked as Gabby nodded along.
Marissa smiled. She would just make sure she covered herself and Danny when she started to feed him. "Yep. Come on, minions!"
"If we've got some time then and you don't need me, I'm going to call Greg."
Jessica chuckled. Things were definitely getting serious between Jo and her boyfriend, and Jessica was happy about it. She liked Greg. He was smart, funny and kind, and most importantly of all, he treated her daughter extremely well. "Go right ahead, and tell Greg that I said 'hi'."
"Will do."
With the others out of sight, Bianca looked at Jessica. "Could I talk to you for a minute?"
"Of course. I was hoping to get a chance to talk to you too."
"Okay. Why don't we go into the kitchen, and I'll help you with lunch?"
Jessica nodded and followed Bianca out of the room.
/
Once they were in the kitchen, Bianca and Jessica began talking.
"So, as you know, Rissa's birthday is tomorrow."
"Mm hmm."
"Before Danny arrived, Rissa really wasn't up for a party. She was getting tired pretty easily."
"I remember going through that myself. It didn't take much to feel completely exhausted."
"I know. So, we were just going to do something small with us and the kids tomorrow. Now with Danny here and people wanting to see him, I was thinking we could have a small party next Saturday, just immediate family and a few really close friends. You know, nothing too big."
"That makes sense."
"Here's the thing, I was hoping you and Jo could be here tomorrow, or if you can't make it then, at least on Saturday. It would mean a lot to Marissa and all of us. I completely understand though if you can't since it's the last minute."
"While I can't speak for Jo since I'm not sure of her schedule, I can tell you that my calendar is pretty much wide open, one of the perks of being retired, and I would love to attend both. There's no place else I would want to be."
Bianca chuckled. "I suppose that is a very nice perk. I'm glad you feel that way and really glad you want to be here."
"I'm touched that you want to include me."
"Why wouldn't I? You're family after all."
"Thank you, and I feel the same way about you." Jessica hesitated a moment before continuing. "This leads to what I wanted to talk to you about. I was wondering how you would feel about me staying for a few more days. I completely understand if you don't want me under foot here and can always stay at a hotel. I wouldn't mind that at all. It's just that I missed out on so much of Marissa's life after Roy and Lydia passed away, and now that we're back in each other's lives, I feel …"
"An obligation to make sure she's okay, help her however you can, and spoil their grandchildren for them in their place?" Bianca asked with a knowing smile.
Jessica chuckled. "Am I that obvious? Yes, out of obligation to them and my own love for her. Marissa is like a second daughter to me. I missed having that connection with her and don't want to lose it again. I know we haven't known each other all that long, but I also feel the same way about you, AJ, Miranda, Gabby and now Danny. And well …"
Bianca stopped the older woman. "Jessica, I think you staying here for a few more days or for however long would be wonderful, and I know without a shadow of a doubt that Rissa would be thrilled to have you around. Yes, she has my Mom who has become one of her biggest fans, and Krystal is here too although their relationship is strained at times and probably always will be to some degree. You and Jo are her connections to her Mom and Dad, to her childhood, to what help make her the incredible person she is today. You're family to her and us, and we want you here. You said Rissa was like a second daughter to you. Well, you're like a second mother to her and Jo is a sister to her, and we all love you and Jo and want you here. You will always be welcome here and have a place here, you and Jo."
"Thank you. That means a great deal."
"What about me?" Jo asked as she joined the two women.
"Bianca and I were just talking about Marissa's birthday."
"Oh yeah, it's tomorrow. I brought something for her, but obviously, I haven't had a chance to give it to her. She's been a little busy, you know with having a baby and all." Jo grinned. "Oh, Greg says 'hi', Mom. So, back to Marissa."
"I want to have a small party tomorrow for her with us, the kids and hopefully you and your Mom. I'll have something a little bigger on Saturday with family and close friends. If you can't make it tomorrow, I'm hoping you can make it Saturday."
"Really? You want me and Mom here tomorrow?"
Bianca laughed. "You really are like your Mom. Yes, we want you here."
"When you came in, Bianca and I were talking about that in particular."
"Jessica had the same reaction that you did, not that I'm surprised."
Jo smiled. "I know I'm free tomorrow, but I'll have to check my schedule for Tuesday. That will determine when I need to get back. As for Saturday, I'll definitely make the drive back here. What about you, Mom?"
"I'm going to stay for a few days if you're okay with that."
"I'm great with it. I'll check my schedule now then." Jo paused. "Would it be alright if I asked someone to come with me?"
"Before Bianca answers, I have a few questions of my own." Marissa grinned having just entered the kitchen.
"Bring it, Counselor." Bianca's grin matched her wife's.
Marissa sat the baby monitor on the counter. "Mrs. Tasker-Montgomery, were you planning a birthday party for your wife?"
"Yes, I was, two of them actually, and before you start, let me explain. Tomorrow will be just us, the kids, Jessica and hopefully Jo. Jessica is a definite, but Jo still has to check her schedule for Tuesday."
"Which I just did, and I'm good to go for tomorrow. I can leave here Tuesday after the morning rush hour and be home early that evening which will give me plenty of time to get everything ready that I need for work on Wednesday."
"Isn't your Mom going home with you then?"
"Mom's staying for a few days."
"If that's okay with you?" Jessica asked.
Marissa's face lit up. "Seriously?! You'll both be here for my birthday, and you're going to be staying for a few days more, Jessica?! Of course I'm okay with that! This is definitely one of the best gifts."
"You mean it's not the best?" Jo asked, teasing her friend to see if she could bait her a little.
The lawyer wasn't fooled for one minute though. "Sorry, but as much as I love you, nope. The best gift is a tie between having Bianca and the kids in my life. Our new little guy just makes it all even better."
Seeing Bianca's goofy grin had Jo chuckling. "You are good. I was hoping to trip you up, but no such luck."
"There was a time when I didn't think I'd have any of that. Now that I do, it makes me appreciate it even more. That includes having the two of you around, well Jessica more than you." Marissa smirked.
Jo scowled playfully. "I see how it is."
"Seriously though, I'm glad you both can be here. So back to my lovely wife, you said two parties. You know I don't want …"
Bianca rolled her eyes. "Yeah, yeah, I know. Saturday is just going to be family and close friends like Brian, Jan, Aya and Caleb."
The younger women all turned to look at Jessica at the mention of the Caleb's name. As expected, Jessica blushed.
"Well if Caleb is included, I pretty much have to say 'yes'."
"Thank you for that! Lord knows they both need a shove to get things moving."
"Josephine Lorraine! I'll have you know we're moving just fine, thank you very much."
"Mom, a snail moves faster than either of you."
Marissa laughed at the mother and daughter. She knew that Jo had a point, but she also understood why Jessica was taking things slowly. "As long as it's not a big party, I'm good with it. Plus, it will give us a chance to show off Danny and talk to Brian and Kendall."
"My thoughts exactly." Bianca smiled. The couple had an important question for Kendall and Brian.
"Alright, back to Jo's question of whether she can bring someone. Would that someone happen to be a certain college professor?"
Jo rolled her eyes. "You don't miss a thing do you, Tasker?"
"It's my mad lawyer skills." Marissa smirked. "May I take your non-denial as a 'yes', meaning we're finally going to meet Greg?"
"Yes, I don't know if he can make it for sure, but if he can, I'd like him to meet all of you, well Bianca at least. I don't think she'll interrogate him or embarrass me like some redheaded lawyer I know."
"I wouldn't be too sure of either. You forget who her wife and sister are. Plus, she's always given as good as she's got. You know the saying, it's the quiet ones you have to worry about." Marissa grinned.
"Maybe it's not too late to reconsider this."
"Oh no, you don't, Josephine. If I have to take it, so do you." Jessica smiled.
Jo sighed and rested her head on the table as the other three women laughed.
/
With the exception of phones calls from Erica, Kendall, Greenlee and Krystal, the Tasker-Montgomery family had been left alone to bond and rest. Both Bianca and Marissa made sure to spend some time with their older children. They didn't want them to feel left out or overshadowed by their little brother in any way. Jo and Jessica made sure to give the family space, making every effort not to intrude on their time. Having them there did however allow Bianca and Marissa to have the needed time with AJ, Miranda and Gabby since Jo and Jessica could tend to Danny if needed.
On Monday, it was clear that the couple had been up several times during the night to feed, change and soothe Danny. Marissa was still going to watch her caffeine intake while she was breastfeeding, but she gratefully accepted the cup of coffee Bianca handed her before helping herself to one of her own. In a few weeks, Marissa planned on pumping so Bianca could help with the late night feedings. Seeing how tired the couple was, Jo volunteered to drop the kids off at school, an offer which was truly appreciated and accepted.
Mid-morning, Erica, Kendall and Greenlee stopped by to wish Marissa a happy birthday and of course spend time with Danny. Each woman came bearing gifts for the baby having spent the previous day doing some serious shopping. Among their gifts were several onesies that came with bow ties and suspenders. Danny was definitely going to look very dapper when he started meeting his public. It was then that Bianca and Marissa shared the news of Bianca being listed on Danny's certificate as his mother just like Marissa. Erica and Kendall saw how much that meant to the couple, especially Bianca, and it meant a lot to them as well because after years of suffering Bianca was getting everything that she truly deserved, and Marissa was making sure of that. When Bianca told them about the plans for Saturday, they readily agreed to be there.
The more time Erica, Kendall and Greenlee spent with Danny, the more all three were all enamored by him, especially Erica who stayed after Kendall and Greenlee headed back to the office. While Bianca and Marissa took a nap, Erica, Jessica and Jo talked and kept an eye on Danny. Shortly after Bianca and Marissa woke up from their nap, Erica had to leave. They weren't alone for long.
Jan and Aya stopped by to see the couple and their newest family member around lunch. They gushed over Danny and went over a few work-related items with Bianca since her leave started a little sooner than planned. The brunette was taking off two full weeks and then working from home the following week before returning to the office.
After Jan and Aya left, Marissa ducked back into the couple's home office to place a call to the firm's human resources department. She knew Caleb and Jack had contacted them, but she had to call them herself and finalize the details of her maternity leave. Marissa was taking a slightly longer maternity leaving opting to take off eight weeks instead of the standard six. After getting off the phone with them, she realized that her team would be holding their weekly meeting shortly. On the spur of the moment, she decided to surprise them. Marissa headed to the family room and told Bianca her plan. Her wife was completely onboard with the idea so Marissa headed back to the office and called Ellie. The secretary was surprised but happy to hear from her boss. Ellie agreed to help with her request and headed to the conference room where the team would be meeting to set things up. A few minutes after having done that, the others started to file in.
Before Claudia started on the agenda, Ellie asked if she could add an item and lead off. Claudia agreed and turned the floor over to the secretary. It was then that she pressed a few keys on the laptop she had connected to the room's large video screen. A beaming Marissa appeared and was greeted warmly by her team. Her welcome was nothing compared to the one Danny received when Bianca brought him back. After about 10 minutes, Marissa let the others get back to work and promised to bring Danny in for a visit soon.
/
Saturday rolled around, and guests for Marissa's birthday party arrived in the afternoon. Cory and her family had been invited, but her son and husband had come down with a bug and weren't feeling well so they weren't able to make it. She and Marissa had caught up earlier in the week however, and Cory was able to see Danny via a skype session. The teacher promised to visit as soon as she could, anxious to see her friend's new baby in the flesh.
Jo returned with Greg in tow. It didn't take long for him to fit right in. After talking with him for a few minutes in private, Marissa gave him her seal of approval. Although it wasn't needed, Jo was happy to have it. She wanted her friend and boyfriend to get along, and it was clear that they did. Greg, who taught political science, was impressed by Marissa and was soon a fan of both her and Bianca.
Guests brought gifts for both Marissa and Danny, and the redhead was perfectly fine with that because her newborn son was the best birthday present she could've asked for this year. The most memorable gifts were from her brother-in-law. Zach had gotten the entire Tasker-Montgomery family, including Danny, Philadelphia Flyers' jerseys with their names embroidered on them. Danny had a little bit growing until he could fit into his, but that was just fine with the family. Zach's thoughtfulness and excitement over the gifts were truly appreciated by both Bianca and Marissa, and the family put them on immediately. Jessica took a picture of the newly decked out family.
With the party in full swing, Bianca and Marissa pulled Kendall and Brian aside to talk with them in private.
"What's up, Binx?"
"Marissa and I have something we wanted to ask both of you. I tried to come up with this great speech, but I couldn't find the right words. Sometimes, I think it's better to just cut to the chase. Kendall, I love you. Rissa loves you."
The redhead smiled brightly and nodded in complete agreement with her wife.
"And you know that we trust you completely. So much so that this was a no-brainer for us. We would be honored if you would agree to be Danny's godmother."
Kendall beamed and hugged her sister and sister-in-law tightly before wiping away the tears that had escaped from her eyes. "It's my pleasure and honor. Thank you."
"You're welcome." Marissa turned to Brian. "I'm guessing you might have an idea of what we want to ask you. Brian, a lot has happened since we've known each other, and we've had each other's backs through it all. When Bianca and I started this discussion, there were two names that immediately came to mind, Kendall and you. Would you consider being Danny's godfather?"
"Are you kidding me? You're making me an offer I can't refuse."
Marissa rolled her eyes. "I told you he would quote the movie."
Brian laughed. "How could I not? You know that's one of my all-time favorites. I'd be honored to be Danny's godfather." After hugging Bianca and Marissa, he high-fived Kendall. "Best godparents ever."
Kendall grinned and rubbed her hands together in anticipation. "Definitely. This just gives me even more of an excuse to spoil him. This is going to be so much fun, Brian."
Bianca sighed and whispered to her wife. "We are so screwed."
Marissa nodded with a smile. "Yeah, we are, but I'm okay with it and so are you."
"Yeah, I am."
/
A/N: I know this chapter was all fluff, but as the title of the story says, things change! Mwhahahahahaha!