A/N: Thanks for continuing to read, review and follow! It is always appreciated. Sorry for posting a little late today. Work has been rough lately, and the never ending winter hasn't helped. It's taken me a bit to kind of get back in the groove with this story. I feel like I started to towards the end of this chapter. Hopefully, you think so too. This chapter picks up where the last one left off. Hope you enjoy this update!

/

Kendall turned to the redhead. "Okay, Red, what's on the agenda?"

"I'm glad you asked. First, I was just going to have some hot tea. Can I interest you in anything to drink?"

"You're still watching your caffeine, right?"

"Yeah, I am as long as I'm breastfeeding your nephew."

"I'll have what you're having then."

Marissa shifted her son slightly and headed towards the kitchen. "Alright, follow me."

/

After Marissa secured Danny in his carrier, she set about making their tea. While she did that, Kendall occupied herself playing with her nephew. She was easily able to make the baby smile and laugh. Danny was a happy baby, and in his few short weeks, he had readily formed a bond with his aunt. In short, he had her wrapped around his little finger.

"How's Sparky doing? Is he sleeping any better at night for you yet?"

"A little but still not great. When does that start to happen again?"

"Anywhere from three to twelve months. Sorry."

Marissa sighed. "Wonderful. Thanks. How are you feeling?"

"A little tired but better. I know it's only been a couple of days, but I do feel like I have a little more energy, at least I think I do."

Marissa handed Kendall a mug and sat down. "I can't tell you how glad I am to hear that. You had us all worried."

"I know. I was pretty worried myself." Kendall paused. "Thank you again for doing this for me. I really didn't want Zach to take off and hover over me or have him hire someone to watch me. I didn't like the idea of having a stranger in my house. That really would've made it feel like I had a babysitter."

"You're welcome. I know you would do the same for me, and it's nice to have the company of an adult."

"Danny's not big on conversation, huh?"

Marissa laughed. "Not yet."

"So, what's on our agenda? How are we going to keep ourselves occupied all day? We both know I can't go anywhere which means you can't either since you're keeping an eye on me."

"Very true. I do have an idea of something I could use your help with. We'll be tapping into our creative sides."

Kendall raised an eyebrow. "This sounds like it could be interesting. I'm definitely intrigued. Does Bianca know what you have planned?"

"We've talked about it and shared ideas, but we just hadn't gotten around to doing it before she went back to work. So, while this isn't a complete surprise, it kind of is. I think it will be a nice one for her."

"And this is something I'm allowed to do? Because you've seen the list of things I'm not allowed to. It's really long, too damn long. I think Mom or Bianca bribed Dr. Abbott to add some stuff on there."

"Yeah, I've seen that list. Sorry. As to the bribing, I honestly can't say one way or the other. I will say that you are definitely allowed to help me with a good chunk of this."

"Alright, I'm sold. Count me in. So, what is it exactly that we're doing?"

Marissa pulled out her tablet and fired it up. Once it had finished booting up, she went to a page she had bookmarked and handed it to Kendall. "This is what we're going to do."

Kendall looked at the screen. "I really like this. I think we might have to do this at my house when we're done here."

"I'm up for it if you are. Alright, let's go in the family room so we can be a little more comfortable while we work."

"Sounds good. I'll get Sparky."

"Ah no, you won't. You have a limit on how much you can lift, remember? You can carry the tablet and your mug."

"Gee thanks." Kendall pouted. She hated feeling or being treated like an invalid. Zach wouldn't let her do anything after she was released from the hospital.

Marissa smiled at her scowling sister-in-law. "Don't worry. You can still play with Sparky once we get settled. You can hold him too. He just weighs too much for you to carry. You did just have surgery a couple of days ago. I promise I'm not going to baby you, alright?"

Kendall nodded. She respected what Marissa was saying and knew it was true. "Okay."

/

By the time Bianca returned home later that day after picking the kids up from school, Greenlee had joined Marissa and Kendall.

Marissa was sitting on the floor next to the couple's youngest son. Danny was getting some tummy time. When he heard the voices of his brother and sisters, he smiled and tried to move his head to where the noise was coming from.

The kids were happy to see their redheaded mother and brother but even more so to see their Aunt Kendall. They had been worried about her and were extremely relieved to see her smiling and laughing.

"Aunt K!"

"Hey, gang."

While hugs were exchanged between the kids and Kendall, Bianca entered the room. When Danny heard her voice, his smile grew brighter, and he started kicking his legs and bobbing his head in an effort to see his brunette mother.

Bianca leaned in to give Marissa a quick kiss and then picked up the tiny redhead. "Hey, Danny! How are you? Did you have fun today with your Mama and Aunt Kendall?"

"That's some welcome home you got there, Binx."

"Yes, it is, and I love it." Bianca smiled brightly as she cuddled Danny. "How are feeling, Kendall?"

"Good."

"Hey, Greenlee."

"Bianca."

"So, how did everything go today?"

Marissa stood. "It went pretty good. Kendall behaved herself and spent lots of time spoiling Danny."

"Yeah, he doesn't need that."

"Too bad. It's one of the few things I'm allowed to do right now so I'm definitely going to be doing more of it."

"Hey, minions. Why don't you go start on your homework?"

"Okay, Ma." Miranda said while AJ and Gabby nodded in agreement.

/

After the kids had left, Greenlee turned to Bianca. "Do you have a couple of minutes, Bianca? There's something I wanted to talk to you about."

Bianca sat down. "Sure. What's up?"

"Do you know who Rafaela is?"

"Of course, she's the supermodel from South America."

"Brazil to be exact. That would be her. Fusion has been looking for a spokesperson for some time now."

"Yeah, I remember you and Kendall talking about that before. Wait. Are you telling me you're going to get her? That would be huge if you did."

"Tell me about it. We don't have her yet, but it turns out that we do have a pretty good chance of signing her."

"That's fantastic! I'm guessing by their lack of reaction that these two know already."

"Greenlee told us when she got here." Marissa smiled.

"So what am I missing? Kendall doesn't look too happy."

"That's because she's not able to help out with this right now." Greenlee said as she glanced at her pouting best friend. "I could use your help. Feel free to tell me no."

"Oh trust me, I will. What do you need?"

"I know everything about Fusion and am perfectly capable of handling the negotiations with Rafaela's people. Being a valued and trusted member of the board and one of our larger shareholders, you know almost as much as we do about Fusion."

"Yes."

"Rafaela relies on her people to handle all of the early negotiating and steps in when it's time to finalize everything, but she will be in Pine Valley though while all of the talks are going on. She likes to get a lay of land and the people. So, here's what I need. I need someone that I can trust to keep Rafaela informed and entertained. Basically, I need someone to answer her questions and show her around so I can focus on the other. You know, divide and conquer. It's what Kendall and I usually do. She can't right now, and you're the first person I thought of that I could trust enough to handle that piece."

"How much time are you talking about exactly and when would you need me? I've got a lot going on at the moment. We've got Danny now, and I've got the Center."

"I know, but it really wouldn't take a lot of time. I'm thinking maybe some lunches and dinners. She's going to be here in two weeks, and I would need you then. If you can't do it, I understand, but I'll need to know as soon as possible so if I need to I can make other arrangements."

Bianca glanced at Marissa. "Can we …"

The redhead nodded. Her wife didn't have to finish the sentence for her to know she wanted to talk in private. "Would you guys mind watching Danny while we talk for a minute?"

"Of course. We've got it covered." Kendall smiled and carefully took her nephew, laying him down on her lap.

As Kendall and Greenlee started cooing over Danny, Bianca and Marissa ducked in to the kitchen.

/

Marissa leaned against the counter while Bianca got herself something to drink. The redhead waited for wife to start.

"What do you think?"

"No, the question is 'what do you think'."

Bianca sighed. "I know I'm busy, but I really feel like I should help. They've both done so much for us, and if they could land Rafaela as their spokesperson, that would be huge for them."

"Yeah, it would."

"But it would leave you on your own with the kids which is a helluva lot to ask. Plus, I don't know that I want to be away from all of you. It's also more to take on for me, and I'm just getting back into the swing of things at work."

Marissa could see her wife was struggling to make up her mind and decided to try and help. "Let's put all of that aside for a minute. Would you like to do this?"

"But …"

"Just answer the question, please."

Bianca thought for a moment. "Well, I do like helping out there sometimes. Don't get me wrong. I love what I do at the Center and wouldn't trade it for anything, but working at Fusion is completely different. It's nice to change things up every once in a while."

"Yeah, it is. So?"

"I'd like to help them out."

"Okay. Now, let's figure out the other stuff."

/

"That baby smell is like crack. Well, at least what I think crack is like. You just can't get enough of it."

Kendall nodded as her nose hovered over Danny's head and she inhaled deeply again. "It really is. I'd forgotten how much I loved that smell from when Ian was a baby. The good thing about Red watching me is that Danny is here, and I can get an almost daily fix. In another month, I'll have my own supply though and won't have to take 'hits' off my nephew. And before you ask, yes, you can stop by for your fix."

Greenlee was holding Danny and Kendall was next to her friend leaning in close to Danny when the couple returned. They both heard a throat clearing and glanced up looking like a pair of deer caught in headlights.

Both Bianca and Marissa wore highly amused expressions on their faces observing the scene before them.

"Seriously? We leave you alone with our son for like fifteen minutes, and this is what you do?" Bianca smirked.

"Do they have rehab programs for something like this?" Marissa asked as she tried her best not to bust out laughing.

Kendall and Greenlee gave sheepish smiles as they apologized. "Sorry."

"In our defense, this should be considered a compliment to you."

"Uh huh." Bianca was clearly not buying what her sister was trying to sell.

Greenlee glanced hopefully at Bianca. "So, have you come to a decision?"

Marissa spoke first. "My client will agree to help you, but she has certain conditions."

"Seriously?"

Kendall couldn't hold back a snort and gave her friend an amused look. She expected no less from the lawyer. "You can't really be surprised, now can you?"

Greenlee rolled her eyes and sighed. "You're right. What are the conditions?"

Marissa indicated for Bianca to take the floor.

"You get two lunches and one dinner, and the dinner will be here. Those will also be during the week. That's it. No more than that. I'm not a tour guide. If Rafaela wants to see Pine Valley, then you're going to need to find someone else to do that. It can't be me. I'm sorry, but I'm not going to leave Marissa alone to handle everything here by herself during the weekend when I've been gone during the week. My time with my family is precious to me. I cherish it, and no matter how much I want to help, I'm not going to put that above them. During my time with Rafaela, I will answer any questions that she has and promote the heck out of Fusion for you. Those are my conditions."

"What would you like in exchange for doing this?"

"Nothing. I don't want or need anything in exchange for doing this. I'm happy help, but I just can't devote a huge amount of time to do it. That little guy you're holding is a big reason. Rissa and I waited a long time for him, and I don't want to miss anything if I have any say in the matter, which I do."

Greenlee nodded as she continued to rock a sleeping Danny. "I understand, and you have a deal. I will gladly take whatever help you can give. Thank you."

"Thanks, Binx. I really appreciate you doing this for us. You too, Red."

"You're welcome. I'm glad I can help." Bianca turned to take a seat and quickly spun around hearing her wife.

"Oh my god! You're sniffing him again! Give me Danny." Marissa gently lifted her son from an abashed Greenlee. "You two are starting to develop a problem. I'm going to go put him down for a bit, somewhere where he's safe from the likes of the two of you." The redhead stopped by Bianca so her wife could give him a kiss and take a discreet sniff of that wonderful baby smell. Marissa winked before leaving the three to take Danny to his room.

/

"Wow! Look at you. You look incredible." Marissa took in her wife's appearance and noted the outfit she was wearing. "That's new. When did you get it?"

"Thank you. I picked it up yesterday at lunch. Greenlee finally wore me down and convinced me to get something new for my first lunch with Rafaela."

"Ah, that makes sense." Marissa circled Bianca and took in her wife's appearance. "I have to say that I really like it. Anytime I can admire those of legs of yours is a good time for me. I have to say that I'm really loving your booty too."

Bianca turned and caught her wife admiring her bottom. "My eyes are up here, Counselor."

Hazel eyes forced themselves up to meet warm chocolate ones that held a twinkle in them. "Yeah, I'm not even going to pretend that I'm sorry because we both know that I'd be lying. That is one fine ass, Mrs. Tasker-Montgomery."

"Thank you, Mrs. Tasker-Montgomery. You're not so bad yourself."

Marissa rolled her eyes. "We both know that's not true. I haven't been able to drop much of my baby weight."

"Rissa …"

"So, what time are you meeting her?"

Bianca wanted to say more about what Marissa had said but decided to let the subject drop for the moment. "I'm going over to Fusion at 10:00 to meet with Greenlee for one more review. Rafaela and her people will be there at around 11:00. We'll figure out lunch from there." Bianca had been prepping with Greenlee almost daily since agreeing to help and had been brought up to date on the company's latest products as well as future ones. She pretty much had Fusion's line committed to memory by this point. It was somewhat grueling and had temporarily shifted some of her focus. "What about you? What do you have planned for today?"

Marissa was taken back a bit by the question. Today was her follow-up with Dr. Abbott. If all went well, the doctor would be giving her the 'all clear' to resume sexual activity. Bianca knew this. They had discussed it just last week and were both looking forward to this particular appointment. Marissa knew Bianca wouldn't be able to go with her to this doctor's visit and understood. The redhead had arranged for Carol to come over and watch Danny and keep an eye on Kendall as well. Before Marissa had the chance to answer, a knock at the front door interrupted them.

"That's probably Kendall. I'll get that if you can get the kids moving. We really need to leave."

"Sure."

/

Kendall joined Marissa in kitchen while Bianca gathered her things in the family room. The redhead was helping the kids with their backpacks when she saw her sister-in-law.

"Morning, Red." Kendall could tell something was off with her sister-in-law. "Is everything alright?"

"Huh? Oh yeah, everything's fine."

"Okay, if you're sure."

"I am."

"Alright, Susan's going to pick the kids up after school today because of a couple of meetings I had to shift around. I might be a late little too." Bianca stated as she rushed into the kitchen.

"I know." Marissa turned to the kids, giving them each a hug and kiss. "Have a good day at school and learn lots. Your Mom and I are counting on you in our old age."

"Bye, Ma." With that, the kids giggled and headed to the car.

"Do me proud, Binx, like you always do."

"I'll do my best, Kendall."

"Good luck today. You'll do great. Knock 'em dead." Marissa smiled as she held out a travel mug of coffee for her wife.

"Thanks." Bianca gave the redhead a quick kiss as she headed out the door.

When Kendall and Marissa were alone, the older woman turned to her sister-in-law. "Are we ready to start today?"

"Definitely. Carol will be here soon and then I'll head to my appointment. As soon as I get back, we'll start."

"I bet Bianca is looking forward to your results."

"Uh, yeah. Are you okay for a few minutes while I go change?"

"Sure, Danny and I will be fine." Kendall noted Marissa's furrowed brow as she hurried by. There was definitely something going on with her sister-in-law. For the past two weeks, Kendall had picked up snippets of conversation between the couple and knew they were counting down the days to when they could resume certain activities. She really didn't want to know about her little sister's sex life, but she had been there herself. Kendall knew how frustrating it was to not be able to engage in that activity. Hell, she was going through it now because it was on her list of restrictions. So, why was something feeling off between the couple, today of days, the day they were scheduled to get the green light. Kendall couldn't help but think she was going to have to keep an eye on this.

/

Carol glanced up as Marissa returned home. "How did everything go at the doctor's, dear?"

"It went well. Everything's healed the way it should. How was our troublemaker?"

"Kendall was just fine." Carol smirked.

"Hey!"

Marissa laughed. "I can't help it if she knew who I was talking about. I'm glad to hear she didn't give you any trouble. How was my boy?"

"Good as gold, as if I expected anything else."

"Of course." Marissa kissed her son. "I'm going to go change, and I'll be right back."

"Okay, I'm ready when you are."

Carol watched as Marissa walked down the hallway. "Is she alright?"

"You noticed it too, huh?"

"Yes, I did. Her eyes looked a little red, like she'd been crying."

Kendall nodded. "That's what I saw too."

"Do you think she was telling the truth about what the doctor said?"

"I think so. I was seeing something before her appointment, when I first got here."

"What do you think it is then?"

"Damned if I know."

/

Marissa sunk down on her bed. Everything had gone great at her appointment, and Dr. Abbott had lifted all of her restrictions. She and Bianca could begin having sex again. Marissa was happy about that. She really was, but something was gnawing at the back of her mind and preventing her from completely believing that. When she left the doctor's office and checked her phone, there were no voicemails or texts from Bianca checking on her and asking how everything went. Maybe Bianca had gotten too busy at work and wasn't able to check, but part of Marissa couldn't help but wonder if her wife had simply forgotten. If that was the case, that was something that truly hurt. Marissa shook her head to get her out of her funk. "Suck it up, Rissa. Everything will be okay. Sitting around feeling sorry for yourself won't help one damn bit." Taking a deep breath, Marissa got up and began to change her clothes. She knew working on this surprise was just the thing she needed to take her mind off of things.

/

"I was wondering if it would be okay if I stuck around for a little while longer." Carol asked Marissa when she returned from retrieving the needed supplies from downstairs.

"I told her what you had planned, Red, and she liked the idea. Besides, I could use a little help on my part."

Marissa thought about it for a second and smiled. "Sure, I don't see why not. Would you be okay helping with Danny if needed? That way I won't have to constantly be cleaning up before I get him. I'm an okay painter, but I know want to get anything on him."

"Let me think. You want to help take care of that perfect angel? Oh fine, if I have to." Carol couldn't keep a straight face if she tried. She loved spending time with Marissa, and now with Danny, it was like having another grandchild. In her mind, Carol would never have too many grandchildren nor would she ever tire of spoiling them.

"As long as I'm not asking too much." Marissa grinned knowingly. "Okay, let's get started."

/

Bianca was running late. The morning had started off okay, but then, another crisis happened with one of the residents at the Center which pushed back her getting to the Fusion offices at the planned time. There was something else that had been bothering her all day, but she couldn't quite put her finger on what it was. It was like she was forgetting something important. She was sure she would remember what it was eventually. Bianca hurried into the conference where Greenlee and the others were surely waiting for her by now.

"Hi, I'm sorry I'm late. There was an incident at the Center." Bianca offered the quick explanation seeing the irritated look on Greenlee's face.

Greenlee gave her a tight smile. She wanted to be mad but knew she really couldn't be. Bianca was helping her out, and Greenlee knew if could have been there earlier she would've been. The woman was nothing if not reliable. "It's fine. We were just talking. Bianca, I'd like you meet Liz Saunders, Ashley Lewis and last but certainly not least Rafaela. Ladies, this is Bianca Tasker-Montgomery."

Bianca shook hands with each of the women with Rafaela being last. The photos of the supermodel did not do her justice. The woman was drop dead gorgeous with raven hair, tanned and flawless skin, perfect teeth that made her smile seem to light up the room and piercing blue eyes that were quite captivating. She would be an absolutely perfect spokesperson for Fusion. "Rafaela, it is a pleasure to meet you."

"The pleasure is all mine. I have heard many good things about you. Ah, I can see the resemblance to your mother. Erica is a beautiful woman, and the apple has not fallen far from the tree at all." Rafaela's English was perfect, and her accent only to her charms.

Bianca blushed. Who wouldn't at receiving such a compliment? "Thank you. I do apologize for being late."

"It is not a problem. This Center you were talking about. Is that the Miranda Center?"

"Yes, it is. You've heard of it?"

"Of course I have. It is unfortunately something that is needed not just here but in many places. I hear wonderful things about it. Perhaps, I could visit during my time here?" Rafaela asked.

Bianca smiled. "Perhaps. I'm sure I could arrange something."