A/N: Thanks for continuing to read, review and follow! I appreciate it. Looking at some of stats for this not so little tale, I realized I'm approaching a major milestone and should hit it in maybe two to three chapters. I'll see if you can guess what it is. In the meantime, this chapter picks up where the last one left off. Hope you enjoy this update!
/
The couple had finished their second round of lovemaking and were cuddling, enjoying lying in each other's arms when they heard Danny start to fuss via the baby monitor. Marissa started to get up but was stopped.
"No, let me." Bianca grabbed her robe, and with a quick peck, was off to check on their son.
Marissa couldn't help but smile as she heard the conversation over the monitor between Bianca and Danny. It was pretty one-sided given Danny's limited verbal skills, but the redhead could hear him giggle in response to what his brunette mother was saying. With a fresh diaper on him, Bianca and their son returned to their bedroom to find a grinning Marissa wearing the couple's prized Paul McCartney t-shirt.
"Hmmm, I see you're wearing my shirt."
"I don't believe possession of this shirt is something that has been firmly established. How's our boy?"
Bianca shook her head amused and handed Danny over to his other mother. "Freshly changed and hungry. I'm just going to go grab a bottle for him. You want anything?"
"Some water? I'm a little parched from our wrestling." Marissa winked.
"That makes two of us. I'll be right back."
When Bianca returned, Danny was laying on his back and kicking his legs happily. Marissa spread his arms out as she leaned down to blow raspberries on his tummy. The redhead glanced up when she heard her wife.
"There's your Mommy now, and she's got a bottle for you. You're going to grow big and strong. Danny's going to be sooooo big!" Marissa spread his arms out again, and Danny giggled and kicked his legs some more. "That smile is going to break a lot of hearts and have people do whatever he wants them to."
Bianca joined them on the bed and set two bottles of water and Danny's bottle on the nightstand. "I have no doubt about that. It's just like his Mama's, and she sure has my heart. As for Danny, he already has his Grandma Erica wrapped around his little finger."
"I won't tell her you called her the 'G' word. That's our secret, right, Danny?"
The boy kicked his legs again and gurgled in reply.
"Thank you both. We don't want Mommy to get in trouble." Bianca handed her wife one of the bottles of water and then picked up Danny. He latched onto the baby bottle immediately.
Marissa took a long drink of water and groaned appreciatively. "Thanks." She saw Max at their door and patted the bed indicating for him to join them. The dog trotted over and hopped up onto the bed. Marissa began to scratch behind Max's ear. "It's going to be different for him when I go back to work next week."
"Yeah, it will, but the kids are almost out of school and will be around when they aren't in day camp. How are you doing with going back to work?"
"Part of me is sad and doesn't want to go back. I've loved being home with Danny. A bigger part of me though is anxious and excited to get back to work. I've missed it. Does that make me bad?"
Bianca shook her head. "No, it doesn't, not at all. Some parents stay home and others don't. I went back to work after I had Gabby. You have worked too hard to get where you are and love what you do. I see nothing wrong with you wanting to go back. You're a great mom, no matter what you do or where you are. If anyone says differently, you tell them to talk to me, and I'll set them straight."
Marissa chuckled. She knew her wife meant every single word of what she'd said. "I know you will. Thanks. I am really going to miss him though, but I'm lucky that the firm has that daycare now. I can pop down and see him whenever I need a fix."
"I'm jealous of that but glad that you can do it. Have you heard from anyone about the daycare center and how it's doing?"
"Brian says that Jamie still really loves it, and I've heard the same from others that take their kids there. You can stop by there anytime you want also."
"That's good to hear. I really liked it when we checked it out, but it's always nice to hear from others that are actually using it." Bianca pulled the empty bottle away from her son and began to burp him.
"Definitely. So, what else do you have on the agenda for today?"
/
After getting dressed again, the couple went for a walk. Bianca carried Danny with Marissa right by their side. Max trotted slightly ahead of the three almost as if he was on guard for trouble and ready to protect his family if necessary. The couple talked as they walked. There were still things they needed to discuss, and this was the perfect opportunity for them. After spending some time down by the pond, they headed back to the house. It was lunchtime when they returned, and Bianca insisted on being the one to make them something. Marissa protested, but her wife said she wanted to pamper her, that she deserved it after everything. It wasn't worth an argument so the redhead relented. She sat at the counter with her attention divided between her wife and son. Since it was such a nice day, the couple decided to eat outside. The rest of the afternoon was lazy for the women with time spent cuddling when Danny went for a nap again. It was exactly the sort of day they both needed.
When it was time, they put Danny in the car seat in Marissa's SUV and headed out to pick up the kids from school. Picking them up together was something they hadn't done in a while, and they thought it would be a nice surprise. It turned out that they were right. The kids were happy to see them, and a couple of their friends got a peek at their little brother. Amber in particular really liked that. The couple couldn't help but smile at the change that had taken place in her since she had bullied Miranda. That seemed like a lifetime ago, and now, Amber was one of Miranda's best friends as well as being a pretty good one to AJ.
After getting home, the kids went to their rooms to figure out what they wanted to take to Erica and Jack's. AJ and Miranda did a good job packing, but Gabby needed a little help. The only thing she knew for sure that she wanted to take with her was her beloved stuffed monkey Minx. Marissa helped her decide which pajamas to take as well as an outfit for the next day. With the kids' overnight bags packed, the family decided to grill out. Marissa handled the grilling duties because she was better at it than Bianca. While Marissa kept an eye on the burgers and corn on the cob outside on the grill, Bianca made some macaroni and cheese and a nice fruit salad.
Jack picked up the kids a while later. Bianca couldn't tell who was more excited, the kids or Jack. A couple of hours later, it was time for Danny to go to bed. With that done, the couple decided to make an early night of it themselves and pick up where they left off earlier that day.
/
They didn't panic as much the next morning when Danny slept through the night again for them. While Marissa was sleeping, Bianca crept up to his room to check on him. Seeing that he was still sleeping peacefully, she padded back to their bedroom. Marissa woke up when Bianca was getting back into bed. The brunette was able to assure her wife that their son was just fine. This allowed them to spend some more time in bed together. Not wanting to start something they weren't sure they could finish because they didn't know exactly when Danny might wake up, the couple contented themselves with snuggling in bed together. With only Danny in the house with them, they decided to forgo pajamas, and they relished the feel of naked bodies pressed against each other and limbs entwined.
Later that morning, the couple headed over to Erica and Jack's to drop off Danny. They had planned on dropping him off in the afternoon, but Erica convinced them to do it earlier so they could enjoy a nice lunch out together. The diva even sweetened the offer by having made them a reservation at their favorite bistro. Bianca and Marissa had to admit that having a meal out without having to cut up someone's lunch or fighting with them over eating their vegetables was pretty appealing. They decided to accept Erica's generous offer.
After spending some time checking out the fort that the kids had built with Jack and that by some miracle Erica had allowed to still be standing, the couple headed out for lunch. They had a wonderful time and managed to talk about something other than the kids. Just as they were getting ready to leave the restaurant, Erica called them and told them to take some more time for themselves. Jack had just left with AJ, Miranda and Gabby to go to the movies, and Erica was really enjoying herself spending time with Danny. Bianca had to admit that her mother had mellowed over the years. She was still someone you didn't want to cross, not if you knew what was good for you, but Erica had in fact mellowed some, some. If someone thought they could get anything past this new version of Erica, they would be sorely mistaken and would regret it for a very long time. Receiving her mother's assurance that she was good bonding with Danny and really did want them to enjoy themselves, Bianca suggested to Marissa they check out an art exhibit they had been wanting to see.
The couple decided to stop at Erica's favorite restaurant on their way back so they could pick up dinner for everyone. It was a thank you to Erica and Jack for watching the kids. While Marissa went into a guestroom to pump which she desperately needed to do by this time, Bianca helped clean up. When that was all done, the Tasker-Montgomery family headed back home. They had a busy day tomorrow with their trip to the zoo. Erica was happy to see the smiles firmly back in place on her daughter's and daughter-in-law's faces.
/
Sunday, was a busy but fun day for the family. Gabby was too excited for words and woke her mothers up well before it was time to go. They finally got her to lay down in bed with them for another hour before Danny woke up. While Marissa took care of him, Bianca and Gabby headed to the kitchen to make breakfast for everyone. When they were all done eating and everything was cleaned up, they loaded into the SUV and headed off to zoo after making a pit stop at Krystal's to pick up their picnic lunch. Once it was placed in the cooler that also held some baby bottles for Danny, they were back on the road.
The kids, particularly Gabby, had a great time roaming the zoo and watching the animals. Danny was in his stroller for most of the visit although Gabby did request that one of her mothers take him out of it so he could see the monkeys. Marissa happily obliged her youngest daughter's request. She was beyond relieved that Danny was awake when they got to that particular exhibit because she knew that Gabby would've been crushed if she didn't get to share as she put it 'how awesome monkeys are' with her little brother. Much to Gabby's delight and the surprise and amusement of the others, Danny honestly seemed to enjoy the monkeys. He smiled, cooed happily and even waved his arms. What really caught his attention though were the tigers. For some reason, Danny's eyes widened when he saw them. It could've been because of the baby tigers playing together in the exhibit, or it could've been something else altogether. Whatever it was, he appeared to be fascinated by them, and when the family stopped at the gift shop to pick up souvenirs of their visit and Bianca held up several stuffed animals, Danny reached out for a tiger.
All four kids crashed early that evening which allowed the couple some more time alone and had them turning in early themselves to enjoy that time.
/
Marissa waved to Zach and the boys as they honked in response and drove off. The redhead then smiled at her sister-in-law and moved aside so the woman could come inside. "Good morning, Kendall."
Noting her sister-in-law's smile and the fact that she seemed to be practically glowing, Kendall couldn't help but chuckle. "Good morning. It looks like you had a good weekend, Red."
"I did. It was wonderful. I'll be happy to tell you about it, but I'll have to leave out certain details. There are some things that I don't think you want to know."
Kendall shook her head. "Got that right. Greenlee may want details, but I don't. I'm just glad to see that smile on your face again."
"That makes two of us." Bianca said as she slipped an arm around her wife as she joined the other two women. "Hey, Kendall, how was your weekend?"
"I'm doubting it was as good as yours, but it was pretty good. It was really nice spending Friday with just Zach."
"I'm sure it was. How are you feeling?" Marissa asked as the three headed to the kitchen.
"Tired, anxious and excited. One more week and my daughter will be here."
"Aunt K!"
Kendall was greeted by the three oldest Tasker-Montgomery children as she entered the kitchen. "Hey, gang. What's up? Did you have a good weekend?"
Miranda gave her a summary of the movie and going shopping with Erica. AJ chimed in with their exploits with Jack, especially building the fort they had built in the family room. Gabby then launched into a report from their visit to the zoo. As Kendall listened, Bianca and Marissa glanced at each other with bright smiles and replayed the weekend's activities in their minds. It had been a perfect weekend.
When they kids finished giving their aunt the detailed summary of their weekend, Kendall couldn't hide her amusement. "Wow. It sounds like all of you had a great weekend."
"We all did, and I think they're going to have an even better week." Bianca grinned.
"Oh yes, it's the last week of school." Kendall said knowingly. "The boys were pretty excited this morning."
"The same with our minions. There is field trip to the Children's Museum, a movie day, a field day and a couple of other fun things. They are definitely going to be busy. Best of all for them though is that there is no homework." Marissa added as she saw the grinning faces of AJ, Miranda and Gabby.
Bianca checked the time. "Okay, gang. It's time to go." After the kids hugged and kissed their redheaded mother goodbye, Bianca gave Marissa a loving kiss. "I love you, and I'll see you tonight. Kendall, behave yourself."
"Hey!" Kendall protested.
"I love you too."
/
The next day started off pretty much the same as the previous. There was one exception though. Today, Kendall had her weekly appointment with Dr. Abbott. Zach wasn't able to make the early appointment so Marissa volunteered to take her.
"Are you ready for today?" Marissa asked after Bianca and the kids left.
"Yeah, I just get a little more anxious the closer it gets to her being here."
"I hear you." Marissa heard a knock on the front door. "That's probably Carol. I'll be right back."
To help the redhead out, Carol offered to watch Danny. This way, he could stay home since she didn't have to take him to the doctor's office. It also gave Carol a chance to spend some time with Danny, something she'd been aching to do for a while.
Carol smiled as she entered the kitchen. "Good morning, Kendall. How are you today?"
"Good morning, Carol. Pretty good. How are you?"
"Very well, thank you."
"Is that just because you get to spend some time spoiling Sparky here?" Kendall smirked, seeing that Carol was clearly focused on the baby already.
Carol laughed. "I can't deny that he plays a large part in my mood. Sam and Gail are a little jealous that I get to watch Danny today."
"A fact that I'm sure you didn't rub in at all." Marissa grinned.
"Possibly a little. It's not like they wouldn't do it to me."
Marissa chuckled. "If that's not sound logic then I don't know what is."
"I thought so."
The redhead watched as Carol and Kendall talked while the older woman started fussing over Danny. It had her recalling a time when Marissa had no family around to speak of. Her parents, Roy and Lydia, were gone, and she had lost contact with Jessica and Jo. That had been the extent of her family. Now, the redhead had more family than she had ever thought possible. Not only did she have Bianca and the kids, but Kendall and Greenlee were pretty much surrogate sisters to her now more so than just friends, and Sam was like a little sister to her. Zach was the protective big brother, and Brian was the annoying little brother. Erica and Carol were surrogate mothers to her. In addition to all of them, Jo and Jessica were back in her life and were a vital part of her now rather large family. They all fit together, were all her family, and she loved them dearly. Marissa couldn't help but shake her head in wonder when she thought her and Bianca's children. They had multiple grandparents, aunts, and uncles, and Marissa was beyond grateful that they would never be alone like she had once been.
Marissa jolted back to the present when she heard Kendall saying her name.
"You okay, Red?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. Sorry about that. Is everything okay?"
"I was just telling Carol that we should probably get going."
Marissa checked the time. "Oh, you're right. We should. You don't want to be late." The redhead turned to Carol. "There are bottles in the refrigerator, and Danny will want one of those in probably half an hour or so. You've got mine and Bianca's cell numbers if you need us."
Carol nodded. "Don't worry. We'll be just be just fine."
"I know you will. Try not to spoil him too much though."
"I can promise no such thing."
"That's what I thought." Marissa kissed her son. "You have fun with Carol, and I'll be back soon. I love you."
/
Marissa was sitting in the waiting room and scrolling through her phone checking messages. Kendall had gone back for her exam about 15 minutes ago, and that left the redhead with some time to kill.
"Mrs. Tasker-Montgomery?"
Hearing her name being called, Marissa glanced up and saw a nurse in the doorway.
"Yes, that's me."
"Dr. Abbott would like to see you."
"Is everything alright?" Marissa was starting to feel uneasy.
"I'm sorry, but I don't know. I just got a call to have you go back. She's in exam room 2."
Marissa nodded and grabbed her purse before heading back.
/
Saying a quick prayer first, Marissa knocked on the door.
"Come in."
Marissa stepped inside and found her sister-in-law lying on the exam table with a fetal monitor hooked up to her. Kendall looked slightly dazed and was trying to control her breathing. "Um, hi. What's going on? Is everything alright?"
Dr. Abbott motioned for her to come closer. "Well, it seems that your niece is done waiting and wants to get here now."
"You mean …"
"Kendall is in labor."
/
A/N: Yeah, I left it there. I haven't completely settled on a name yet for Baby Girl Slater so I would be grateful if you would throw any suggestions you may have my way. See you soon!