A/N: Thanks as always for continuing to read, review and follow! I appreciate it. This chapter puts me firmly over one million words for this story. It's really hard for me to imagine that I've written over 1,000,000 words for a story that I thought would only be a few chapters. I never thought in my wildest dreams that I would get to this point. I would like to just take a moment to thank all of you again. Without you, this story would've ended a long time ago. So with that in mind, if you keep it coming, I will too. This chapter picks up where the last one left off. Hope you enjoy this update!

/

Bianca put her cellphone down when she had finished reading Marissa's text reporting on how their son was doing at daycare. She was relieved to hear that everything was going well with Danny. The brunette knew how hard it had been for Marissa to leave him there. It was hard on her too, but she had previous experience to prepare her for today. Knowing that, Bianca knew that actually seeing that their son was okay and doing well was a huge relief for her wife, as well as herself.

The brunette turned back to her laptop and focused on the report she had received from the Center's New York office. Things seemed to be going well there which meant her upcoming trip there would only have to be for the day, something that made Bianca very happy. She really didn't want to have to spend more than that short period away from her family right now. Danny seemed to be changing every day learning and doing something new, and she didn't want to miss a minute of it if she could help it.

Bianca heard a beep from her cellphone notifying her that she had a new text. The brunette picked it up and smiled when she saw who it was from. Bianca opened the text up and read the three words from Marissa that always had her heart skipping a beat. She knew her rose had been delivered and had received the reaction from her wife that she had hoped for. With an even bigger smile on her face, Bianca put the device down and got back to work.

/

Rafaela paused. "I was hoping you could help me with two other things."

"I won't promise anything, but if I can, I will. What's up?"

"Fair enough. The first is that I would like to make a donation to the Miranda Center."

"Oh, that should be easy enough to take care of. All you have to do is call Bianca and tell her. She's always happy to hear about donations."

"Given the nature of what she does and the need for it, I'm sure she is."

"Could I ask why you felt you needed to ask me?"

"I didn't want you or anyone else to get the wrong idea. After all, we didn't exactly get off on the right foot, no thanks to me."

Marissa waved her off. "That's water under bridge."

Rafaela smiled, clearly relieved. "Good. I would like to make the donation in honor of my aunt. She had been in an abusive relationship and wasn't able to get out of it before she was almost…" The model paused. "Before she was almost killed. She was in a coma for over a week."

"I'm sorry. How is she?"

"Now? She's … okay. She's permanently blind in one eye, but her other injuries have healed though. It took her a long time to get where she is now, and I am so proud of her."

"I'm sure having you helped her a great deal."

"I tried my best. My mother has been amazing and deserves more credit than I do. So, what do you think?"

"I think it's a wonderful idea, and Bianca would be honored to accept your donation. Call her whenever you're ready."

"I will. Thank you."

"So, that's one. What's the other thing?" Marissa could swear the model blushed.

Rafaela could feel her cheeks grow warm and was sure her face was beet red. This feeling was something new to her. Gone was the confident supermodel, and in her place was a shy, vulnerable young woman. "Um. When … um … when I saw you … at the hospital, you … you were talking to … to a doctor. Uh … she had auburn hair …"

Marissa smiled knowing exactly who Rafaela was talking about, and decided to take pity on the woman and help her out. "Oh, you mean Dr. Abbott, Maura Abbott. She delivered Lexie, Kendall's daughter. She also delivered Danny."

"She did?"

"Yeah, she did. She's a brilliant doctor and funny, very kind and caring and pretty."

"Beautiful. She's very beautiful."

The redhead noted the look in Rafaela's eyes. She had it bad. "What about her?"

"What?" Rafaela jolted out of her mini daydream.

"What did you want to know about Maura?"

"Oh, um. Do you know … do you know if she is seeing anyone?"

"Well, our relationship for the most part was doctor/patient, but we talked a little. As far as I know, she's not seeing anyone."

"Do … do you know … do you know if she …"

"Is she interested in women?"

"Yes. I googled her, but everything I found about her only dealt with her professional life." Rafaela blushed at her admission. This was definitely new territory for her.

"I suppose that's understandable since she's not a public figure. I'm not 100% sure, mind you, but …"

"But?" Rafaela asked hopefully.

"Something tells me you should give her a call. I just have a good feeling about it."

"You do?"

"I do." There was no way Marissa was going to tell her the reason for her good feeling was the fact that she and Maura had had a very similar conversation when Marissa had gone to visit Kendall and Lexie while they were still in the hospital. The good doctor had been there examining her sister-in-law and asked to speak with Marissa privately when her visit was over. Maura quizzed Marissa about Rafaela. Talking to the model now confirmed that the interest was definitely mutual.

"Would you, by chance, have a number for her?"

Marissa grinned. Maura had given her permission to pass on her number to Rafaela on the off chance that the model happened to ask for it. "I can give you her office number."

Rafaela's smile lit up the room. "I would like that very much. Thank you."

Marissa found the number on her cellphone and jotted it down while doing her best to keep her poker face. I can't wait to tell Bianca about this. The redhead noted a hesitation in Rafaela after taking the slip of paper. "What's wrong?"

"It was something you said before. Maura isn't a public figure, but I am. The paparazzi loves to follow me around, and my pictures are constantly in the tabloids. If Maura was to go out with me, there is a very good chance that she would lose her privacy. I mean you would be amazed at the lengths some people go to for a story."

"Oh no, I wouldn't be. You forget who I'm married to. Bianca has been in the headlines for her own right. There is also the fact that my wife is Erica Kane's daughter. My mother-in-law is the consummate professional when it comes to dealing with all of that."

"I suppose she is."

"When things changed between us and turned romantic, Bianca and I talked about what it would mean for me to be involved with someone who was famous. It can be hard, and she wanted me to know that upfront. There have definitely been some not so pleasant incidents. We even had someone try to crash our wedding."

"Oh no!"

"She wasn't successful, thanks in large part to Kendall and Greenlee. That's a long story, and I'll tell you some other time. What I'm trying to say is talk to Maura, and if you both feel there is something worth pursuing, then make that decision together. Don't make that decision for Maura. For me, Bianca has most definitely been worth it all. I don't regret a thing."

Rafaela took Marissa's words to heart. "Thank you. I appreciate that more than you know."

/

Bianca opened the door for her sister, brother-in-law and their children. It was only fitting that Lexie's first outing be to her aunts' home. "Come on in. Mom and Uncle Jack aren't here yet."

"Aunt Bianca, where're AJ, Miranda and Gabby?"

"They are downstairs with Max, Spike."

The boys turned to their parents expectantly.

Zach smiled. "Go on down."

With permission given, the boys dashed off in search of their cousins.

Marissa entered the family room carrying a freshly changed Danny. "Hey, good to see you. Boys are downstairs already, huh?"

"Yeah, it didn't take them long to ditch us." Zach grinned when he saw his nephew. "I knew that Flyers jersey would look good on you, Danny!"

"Judging by the amount of drool he produces when he wears it, I think it's his favorite." Marissa chuckled.

"He's a very smart boy."

"I couldn't agree more." Bianca added proudly before turning to her niece. "And how is Pine Valley's newest little diva?"

Kendall sighed as she took a seat. "She's good. Me, on the other hand, I miss sleep." She glanced at her daughter. "Oh, of course she sleeps now."

"Oh, we can relate. I'm so glad Danny got the hang of sleeping at night. I have to tell you that I was so scared the first time Danny slept through the night." Marissa shook her head.

Bianca chuckled. "I was too, but I didn't want to say anything."

"So, do you have any idea what Mom wants to talk to us about, Binx?"

"No clue. She just asked if everyone could meet here for dinner. We said sure."

"Yeah, you really don't turn down Erica if you don't have a good reason. Of course, it's hard to refuse a Kane woman in general." Marissa winked at her wife.

"You can say that again, Marissa, especially if you know what's good for you." Zach grinned.

"And don't you forget that, my dear husband."

A knock on the door had Bianca walking over to answer it. "Any bets on who it is?"

"My money is on Greenlee and Ryan. It's still too early for Mom's grand entrance."

Bianca opened the door. "Oh look, it's the Laverys. Come on in."

Greenlee raised an eyebrow seeing the others laughing. "Do I want to know?"

"We were taking bets if it would be you or Mom and Uncle Jack."

"Ha! It's still too early for Erica to be here."

"That's what I said."

"Hi, Emma." Marissa noticed the girl looking around. "They're downstairs."

"Is it okay if I go downstairs?"

Ryan nodded. "Yes, it is."

Emma raced downstairs to where the kids were.

Greenlee took a seat next to Kendall. "So, why were we summoned?"

"We don't know, but it gives us a chance to get together."

"Alright. Well, while we're waiting, what's the latest on Rafaela and Maura?" Greenlee grinned as she looked at Marissa.

"Why do you think I know anything about that?"

"Oh please, we all know you gave them both the nudge they needed, Red."

"Kendall's right. Spill it, Rocky."

Marissa chuckled. "I honestly don't know much. Rafaela's been working to sever ties with that agency."

"Liz told me it's going pretty well. That lawyer you recommended has been having a good time kicking their butts."

"Sandy loves those kind of fights. She can't stand scum like them. They took advantage of a young girl so damn straight they deserve to have their asses handed to them." Marissa glanced down at Danny. "You didn't hear Mama say any of those bad words."

Bianca raised an amused eyebrow at her wife. "You know …"

"I know. It slipped out. Anyway, Rafaela has been working on that, and it's been taking up a lot of her time. I do know though that they've gone out once."

"And?"

"From what Rafaela said, it went really well, and they've made plans to see each other again when she's back in town next week."

"Yes! I knew it. There were sparks flying between them when they met." Greenlee smiled.

"I would've liked to have seen that."

"You were a little busy at the time, Kendall." Bianca laughed.

"Yes, I was. I heard it was pretty obvious since Red's gaydar picked up on it."

Marissa rolled her eyes. "Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know I don't have the best gaydar. Whatever. I've made up for it."

Bianca gave her wife a quick kiss. "Yes, you definitely have."

Kendall and Greenlee glanced over at each and simply shook their heads as Marissa and Bianca were momentarily lost in each other, again.

Danny made a noise, and Marissa gazed down at their son and saw he was asleep. "Kendall, I'm going to put Danny down for a nap. His crib is big enough for two if you want to put Lexie down for one too."

"Sounds like a great idea to me. You know we're going to have to get a picture of them, right?"

"Duh!"

After their other parents gave their youngest children a kiss, the two women padded down the hallway.

/

With all of the kids otherwise occupied, the adults were able to speak freely and did. Finally, a long overdue topic came up.

"Binx, you never did tell me about Mom."

"What about her?"

"I don't know. When I was in the hospital, you said you had something to tell me about her."

It finally dawned on Bianca. "Oh wow, I can't believe I forgot to tell you. Sorry. When Maura came out to tell us how you were doing and get us so we could go back to see you, she called Mom 'grandma'."

"No! Get out! Oh my god! What did Mom say?! I bet she blew a fuse!"

"Nope!"

Marissa and Greenlee started to laugh.

"Mom didn't correct her. She just thanked her and let her continue talking. It kind of seemed like she accepted the title and even liked it."

"You can't be serious! Mom acknowledging being a grandmother?"

Marissa nodded happily. "Yep! I swear Bianca's telling the truth. I honestly think I saw the tiniest of smiles on Erica's face."

"You saw that too?!" Greenlee asked surprised. "I thought it was just me."

"Nope. I saw it too. It took everything we had not to say anything." Bianca added.

"I'll be damned. Who would've ever thought that?" Zach shook his head in wonder. "I would have loved to have seen that."

"You and me both. Wow. She almost slipped with Danny not too long ago. So, are you going to have the kids start calling her grandma?" Kendall asked her sister and sister-in-law. She had a good idea of what their answer would be.

"Nope. No way, no how. We don't think Mom would say or do anything to them if they did, but we're not going to put them in that situation."

"Bianca's right. Besides, at this point, it might be too weird for them to start calling her that."

"You have a valid point, Red. Wow. I can't believe you forgot to tell me that, Binx."

"Sorry. There was a lot going on at the time."

A knock on the door had all three couples glance at the door.

"I guess it's time for Erica's entrance." Marissa grinned as she went to answer the door.

/

Once everyone was settled, including the kids, the floor was Erica's.

"First of all, we would like to thank Bianca and Marissa for agreeing to host everyone today on such short notice. Jack and I would have had it at our place, but it seems that it's gotten too small for our growing family. So, thank you both."

"You're welcome."

"We're happy to do it."

"Second, we would like to thank all of you for coming today. Like I stated before, it was short notice so thank you for finding the time to come. As you know, Jack and I have been engaged for a short time."

"Seriously? A short time? Guinness Book has called and is looking to add you to the newest edition for longest engagement." Kendall smirked.

Erica eyed her oldest daughter. "Be that as it may, that will be changing. Jack and I have set a date."

Eyes grew wide as Erica's words sunk in. Kendall and Bianca jumped out of their seats and embraced their mother while Greenlee did the same to Jack. Congratulations were then shared with the others. When things calmed down, the questions started pouring forth.

Jack held up his hands. "Erica and I will be happy to answer all of your questions, but first, we have some for all of you. My beautiful fiancée will go first."

"Thank you. Kendall, Bianca, would you do me the honor of being my matrons of honor?"

"Of course, Mom!"

"Mom, you don't even have to ask! Yes!"

"Thank you. Greenlee, I know we have had our issues in the past, but they are, I strongly believe just that, in the past. I would like nothing more than for you to be part of the bridal party as well. Would you be a bridesmaid?"

Greenlee glanced at her father and saw the hopeful expression on his face. There was no way she could refuse and dash those hopes. At the same time, she also had to admit that Erica was right. The two were getting along much better now. It was as if they had come to a mutual understanding that they were stuck with each other and would be in the other's life no matter what. Erica was the love of Jack's life, come hell or high water, and she was also her best friend's mother. Greenlee had come to accept both of those truths just as Erica had accepted that not only was Greenlee Jack's daughter but she was also Kendall's best friend and wasn't going anywhere. Greenlee also played an important role in Bianca's and Marissa's lives, and again, Erica couldn't see that changing anytime soon.

"It would be my pleasure, Erica. Thank you." Greenlee then turned to Kendall, Bianca and Marissa and smirked. "What do you think? Should we take her to Shamokin for her bachelorette party?"

The women answered in unison. "No!"

"You know, one of these days, I'm going to find out exactly what happened there." Ryan state. He had tried to pry information out of his wife, but she never broke.

"Yeah, that's not happening." Greenlee stated confidently.

"Now, it's my turn." Jack addressed Zach and Ryan. "Would the two of you stand up with me?"

Ryan nodded. "I'd be honored."

"Most definitely. I have a feeling we won't have to worry about you running." Zach smiled and shook Jack's hand.

"Not a chance. Marissa, you are just like a daughter to Erica and myself."

Erica nodded. "Jack is right. We couldn't love you more, and we honestly believe that we've grown closer as a family since you've become part of ours."

Marissa was deeply touched by her mother-in-law's statement. "Thank you both. That means more than you know."

"I'm hoping you'll do me the honor of being my grooms-woman. I know it's not exactly traditional, but as Zach has stated before, since when have we been traditional?"

"I would love to be your grooms-woman, Jack. Thank you. One question. Will I be needing a tux?"

Bianca leaned forward and whispered in her wife's ear so no one else could hear. "I think you would be pretty hot in a tux."

Marissa chuckled.

"Thank you, and I believe Erica has an idea on that."

"I do, and I think you'll like it very much. We'll be getting back to that." The diva then turned to the children. "Jack and I want all of you to have a part in this as well. Miranda, I would like you to be a junior bridesmaid if you would be okay with that."

"Really?! I'd really like that! Thank you!"

"You're welcome, sweetheart. Gabby, Emma, I need some flower girls. What do you think?"

The two girls in question smiled brightly and nodded quickly, thrilled to be included.

"AJ, Spike, we need two ushers so you would be in charge of showing the guests to their seats. It's very important. Do you think you could do that?"

The two boys puffed out their chests and nodded.

"Spike and me …" AJ quickly corrected himself before either of his mothers could. "Spike and I will have it covered." The boys then shared a fist bump.

"Thank you. Ian, we need a ring bearer. Do you think you could do that for us?"

Ian grinned. "Uh huh!"

"Thank you. Danny and Lexie, you just need to look as handsome and beautiful as you do right now."

"Oh, that's easy." Marissa grinned.

"So, Mom, what about Opal?" Bianca asked. She knew the woman would be crushed if she wasn't part of her 'best gal pal's' big day.

"Oh, don't worry about her. She will most definitely be a part of this wedding. We have something special in mind for Opal."

"When's the big day, Mom? And where?" Kendall asked curious for details.

"Jack and I reserved the Yacht Club, and we have set the date for July 4th."

"The 4th of July?! You reserved the Yacht Club for the 4th of July? Wow." Kendall didn't even want to think about how much that cost. She knew they could afford it, but still. That was usually the Yacht Club's busiest day. How her mother pulled this off was beyond her.

"Wait! That's only in a couple of weeks!" Greenlee looked at her father and soon-to-be step-mother in shock. "How are we going to get everything done in that short period of time?"

Erica simply smiled. "I've made quite a few calls already, and things are well in hand. Vera will be handling dressing the bridal party and has come up with designs for everyone. She is sending someone to Pine Valley on Monday to take our measurements and has assured me that everything will be done in plenty of time. I was thinking she could start off with the children then since their schedules are more open compared to everyone else's."

"What time are you thinking, Mom? Miranda has a birthday party for her friend Paige, and I believe Emma was invited too. I have a meeting with a major new donor, and Rissa has court."

"Oh, that's right. It's your first case since you've been back. How is that going?" Jack asked.

"Yes, it is. It's the Donaldson case, it's turned into a nasty custody dispute. Neither one of them wants to budge no matter what their legal counsel advises. I'm going to try one more time with my client before court starts on Monday."

"I could take the girls. Like you said, Bianca, Emma's going too so I could just drop them off after they've been measured." Greenlee volunteered.

"Can I come with you too, Aunt G?" Gabby asked with her best puppy dog eyes.

Greenlee had to admit the girl was good and turned to Bianca and Marissa. "What do you say, Moms?"

"Are you sure it's not a problem?" Bianca asked after her brief, silent conversation with Marissa.

"I'm positive, and I like hanging out with Gabby. I'm sure we'll come up with something to do after we drop off Miranda and Emma."

"Alright."

Gabby smiled brightly. She loved hanging out with her Aunt Greenlee. She thought she was really funny. "Thanks, Mommies! Thanks, Aunt G!"

Arrangements were made for everyone else, and the other wedding plans were shared with the group.

While the others were talking, Erica pulled Marissa aside. "I wanted to ask if it was alright with you if I invited Jessica and Jo. I'd really like for them to be there."

"Really?"

Erica nodded. "Yes. They are a part of your family, and I see it as only right that they be included. Plus, Jessica and I have become friends."

Marissa smiled. "Thank you. You don't need my permission. It is your day after all, but thank you for asking. You can most definitely ask them."

"Thank you, dear."

"You're welcome. Oh, are you alright if Jessica brings Caleb? I'm pretty sure she'll want to."

Erica chuckled. "Of course I am. Jessica has said they've grown closer."

It was Marissa's turn to chuckle this time. "Yes, they have. Jo can attest to that."

/

"Come on, girls. It's time to go." Greenlee called up the stairs. They were going to be late if they didn't leave soon.

"Coming, Aunt G." Miranda called back.

"Are you ready, Gabby?"

"Yep!"

"Carol, are you sure you're okay watching the boys?"

The seamstress commissioned for Erica's wedding was doing the measurements for the kids at Minx Manor. With all the juggling of schedules that day, Carol Walker had volunteered to come over and watch the boys while Greenlee took Miranda and Emma to the birthday party. "I'm positive. As soon as they are done getting their measurements taken, we're going outside so they can burn off some of that excess energy. We'll be just fine."

"Alright. Thanks again."

"Ready, Greenlee."

"Ready, Aunt G."

"Let's go then. Go on out to the car. Boys, I know your moms already told you, but I'm going to say it again. Be good for Carol. See you soon."

/

Greenlee pulled up to the Davies' home, and the girls scrambled out of the car. The four were greeted at the door by Judy Davies, Paige's mother.

"Hello, Greenlee, girls."

"Hi."

"Hello, Judy. Oh, I wanted to let you know that Ryan will be picking up the girls."

"Okay. Thanks for letting me know."

"Alright, girls. Go have fun. I know Gabby and I are going to."

With a wave, Miranda and Emma were off to join their friends.

Gabby skipped back to the car and stopped before getting back in.

Greenlee noticed the girl's frown. "What's wrong, Gabby?"

"I wish I didn't have to sit in the back in a booster seat and could sit in front with you. It's boring back there when it's just me."

"Oh, I know it is, Sweetie, but you have to. See, you have to at least weigh a certain amount and be a certain height to sit in front. If you're not, you have to sit in a booster seat. It's the law, and if we don't follow it, we could get in trouble. You don't want that, do you?"

Gabby shook her head. "No, I don't want that, Aunt G. I'll be okay in back."

Greenlee smiled. "I know you will be. I have an idea. How about we go get some ice cream?"

"I'd like that a lot!" Gabby's eyes lit up.

"I thought you might. Let's get you in your seat and buckled up."

With Gabby settled and safely in her seat, Greenlee got into the driver's seat and fastened her seatbelt. "Ready?"

"Yep! Let's go, Aunt G!"

Greenlee chuckled, turned on the radio to a pop station and then pulled out onto the road. As the two drove, Greenlee quickly glanced into the rearview mirror before moving her eyes back to the road. "Are you excited about being a flower girl for Erica and my Dad?"

"Yep! I'm gonna be one for Aya and Kate too. So is Miranda. AJ's going to be a ring bearer for them too."

"That's cool. When are they getting married?"

Gabby thought for a moment. "Close to Halloween. Aya said that's her favorite holiday."

"I like it too."

"Are you happy that Erica and Uncle Jack are getting married, Aunt G?"

"Yeah, I am. My Dad's really happy, and that's what matters the most to me. You know what I think, Gabby?"

"What?"

"You are going to be a very pretty flower girl."

Gabby beamed. "Thanks! Aunt G?"

"What, Sweetie?"

"Could I get a sundae?"

Greenlee laughed. "Sure. Why not? That's sounds really good. You know, I think I'm going to get one ..."

She saw a flash on the right in her peripheral vision, but it was too late for Greenlee to react. A car ran through the light and slammed into the side of the car flipping it over once sending it across the road and into ditch where it came to a rest on its side.

/

A/N: How much do you all hate me right now? I warned you in the last chapter that my evil side was wanting to come out and play, and well, she did. I couldn't stop her. Trust me and try not to hate me too much. See you soon!