A/N: Thanks for reading, reviewing and following! I appreciate it. Sorry I'm little late with posting. I'm trying to get back into the swing of things as my vacation winds down. I hope those in the States celebrating the 4th of July had a good time and were able to catch some fireworks. I know I did. Okay, this chapter got away from me a bit and became more focused on recent events here in the States than I had intended, but I couldn't help myself. Hope you enjoy this update!

/

While Greenlee was discharged from the hospital after a total stay of three days, Gabby had to stay a full week. Dr. Parrish wanted to play it safe, and even though everyone was anxious for the girl to go home, they were more than willing to accept the doctor's decision with no argument whatsoever. No one wanted to take any chances when it came to Gabby's health.

Before Gabby's release, Bianca and Marissa had split their time between home and the hospital with each catching up on some work while their daughter napped. The mothers delivered get well cards that AJ and Miranda made their little sister which cheered her up immensely, and Danny, who they all noticed seemed to be looking for his missing sister, made one as well, albeit with a great deal of help from Jessica. As for Jessica, the couple didn't think they would ever be able to repay her. Jo had to get back to New York before Gabby had released, but Jessica stayed behind to help the family. She watched AJ, Miranda and Danny while Bianca and Marissa would go to the hospital, and by doing so, she removed a huge weight off the worried mothers' shoulders because there was no doubt in their minds that their children were well cared for in their absence.

Once Gabby was finally home, the family's life slowly returned to normal. She had been greeted with a 'welcome home' banner made by her siblings along with balloons and cupcakes courtesy of Carol Walker. The little girl was under certain restrictions for at least another week before she could begin to be eased into normal activities so she didn't go to day camp, and instead, stayed home. Her mothers knew it would be too tempting for her to want to run around and wear herself out when she still needed time to fully heal. AJ and Miranda went back to camp though. Bianca and Marissa didn't want to limit their fun by keeping them home just because their sister had to watch what she did. Because of that, Bianca and Marissa decided that day camp was the best place for them. They could run around and play with their friends and not worry about having to be quiet while Gabby rested. Danny had been staying home since the accident, and because of that, Bianca and Marissa didn't want to just rush him back to daycare. For that reason, his time would initially be split between home and daycare for a week or two.

While Jessica was more than happy to watch Gabby and Danny during the day, Bianca and Marissa didn't want to take advantage of her no matter how much she said they weren't. That meant that one of them would need to spend some time at home as well. Since Marissa had really just started back to work from her maternity leave right before Gabby's accident, Bianca knew it was better that she stay home and her wife return to the office full-time first. It also helped that the brunette's schedule was more flexible and would allow her to stay home for the most part but interspersed with brief trips to the office while Jessica was there to watch Gabby and Danny.

/

So, slowly but surely things were getting back to normal. This meant Erica and Jack's wedding was now once again being discussed in earnest. The wedding party's attire was done. The venue was still reserved, and the caterer still booked. Most important of all however was the fact that Greenlee and Gabby were home and well on the road to recovery. With all of that in mind as well as Erica and Jack's history with weddings, everyone encouraged them to move forward as planned. Seeing as there weren't really any excuses or objections to be had, they agreed. There was one exception and modification to their original plan however. What was originally planned as a lavish ceremony was now one that was scaled back to a degree. The accident reminded Erica and Jack just how precious life was and how important their family was to them, and while Greenlee and Gabby were okay, they were still healing. Greenlee was still experiencing some concussion-like symptoms, and Gabby tired quickly which required her to take it easy. Those factors led Erica and Jack to believe that a smaller, more intimate ceremony was the best solution for all concerned. Their friends and associates would understand and would be invited to a larger reception to be held at a later date. As for the press, they would be kept at bay by security so as not to ruin the day for anyone.

/

One week prior to the wedding on Friday, June 26th, Marissa was in the office working on wrapping up the Donaldson divorce settlement. Hearing about Marissa's daughter being seriously injured was a wakeup call for them, and they decided to sit down and examine their actions. It was then that they agreed to do what their lawyers had wanted them to do the entire time. They decided to compromise. It was what was truly best for their children. Lisa, with some help from Brian, and the other attorney drafted an agreement that worked for everyone. By the time Marissa returned to work, all that was needed was for the i's to be dotted and the t's to be crossed which is what the redhead was doing that day.

Lisa knocked on Marissa's door and poked her head inside. "Marissa, it's almost time."

Marissa glanced up and knew immediately what the young lawyer was referring to. She motioned Lisa inside to take a seat. The Supreme Court was going to announce its decision on Obergefell v. Hodges that day, and Lisa had a friend who was clerking for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. While he couldn't tell his friend what the decision was when the discussions had been held among the justices earlier in the year, he did promise to give her the ruling prior to its announcement to the world that day. This case would decide if same sex marriage would be legal in every state of the United States, and Marissa obviously had a vested interest in what could be an historic decision. Knowing what was going on, Marissa and Lisa were soon joined by Brian, Sophia, Claudia, Ellie and the rest of their team in the redhead's office.

All discussion stopped as eyes were drawn to Lisa when her cellphone started to ring.

"Hello, Bruce. I'm going to put you on speaker." Lisa informed her friend. "Okay, go ahead."

"With Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Anthony Kennedy, Elena Kagan, Sonia Sotomayor and Stephen Breyer in the majority and Chief Justice John Roberts along with Justices Antonin Scalia, Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissenting, it has been decided that the right to marry is a fundamental right inherent in the liberty of the person, and under the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment couples of the same-sex may not be deprived of that right and that liberty. Same-sex couples may exercise the fundamental right to marry."

A cheer went up in the office, and Marissa just sat back with her eyes closed and a growing smile on her face as she let it sink in.

"Thank you, Bruce!"

"You're welcome. I'll send you a copy of the majority opinion in a few minutes. You really need to read it. Justice Kennedy wrote it, and it is something else. Give me five minutes before you spread the word. I'll talk to you soon."

"Same here. I look forward to reading it. Five minutes, you've got my word."

Marissa glanced over at Sofia, and the two shared a knowing smile. Neither could wait to share this historic news with their other halves. While Sofia and Rebecca weren't married, it was something they had discussed. This decision would definitely lead to more discussions between the couple regarding the topic of marriage. As for Marissa, she and Bianca had discussed the case and everything it would mean. Bianca was nervous, anxious, and didn't want to get her hopes up too high that the Court would make it legal. A lifetime of experience had her cautious. Marissa, ever the lawyer, was more hopeful given the Court's current makeup and knowledge of the arguments being presented to them. Just thinking about her wife's reaction brought a bigger smile to the redhead's face.

"Wow. History was made today." Brian shook his head in wonder and first glanced at Marissa and then Sofia. He saw the big smiles on their faces. He could only imagine how much this meant to them. "This is an amazing day."

"Thank god they got it right. You called it, Marissa. They cited the 14th Amendment." Claudia smiled before checking the time. "I hate to leave, but I've got a meeting with a client."

"Oh, so do I." Sofia glanced at the others. "I'm glad I was able to share this moment with all of you, and I can't wait to talk with Rebecca."

"Same here. I can't wait to tell Bianca." Marissa smiled.

"Give Bianca my best when you call her." Brian winked as he followed the others out of the office.

"I will. Lisa?"

"Yeah, boss?"

"Thank you."

Lisa grinned. "It was my pleasure, truly. I'll send you the opinion as soon as I get it from Bruce. Okay, I better get back to work. My boss can be kind of tough."

Marissa laughed. "Hmmm. Maybe not so much today."

A minute later, Marissa had an email from Lisa that she opened immediately to read. It contained the majority opinion written by Justice Anthony Kennedy. One part stuck with her.

No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice, and family. In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than once they were. As some of the petitioners in these cases demonstrate, marriage embodies a love that may endure even past death. It would misunderstand these men and women to say they disrespect the idea of marriage. Their plea is that they do respect it, respect it so deeply that they seek to find its fulfillment for themselves. Their hope is not to be condemned to live in loneliness, excluded from one of civilization's oldest institutions. They ask for equal dignity in the eyes of the law. The Constitution grants them that right.

/

Bianca heard her cellphone ring and hurried to answer it. She smiled when she saw who it was. "Hey. This is a nice surprise."

"Hey yourself. Where are you?"

"The Miranda Center. I needed to take care of a couple of things here."

"How are our two youngest minions?"

"They're doing great and being spoiled by Jessica."

Marissa laughed. "I have no doubt about her spoiling them. So, you know how you said it was a nice surprise to hear from me?"

"Yes. Always."

"Well, I think I might just be able to up the surprise for you and make it even better."

"I'm intrigued, Counselor. What's up?"

"The Supreme Court has released their decision."

Bianca felt her heart race as she inhaled sharply. "And?"

"Love wins!"

"Seriously?!" The brunette needed to sit down.

"Yep, our marriage is now legal in all 50 states."

Bianca could hear the smile in her wife's voice. "What was the vote?"

"It was 5 to 4, and what you would expect."

"This is real?"

"Yeah, it's real."

"I never thought I'd live to see this day. I just … I hoped, but …" Bianca took a shaky breath as she fought to keep her tears from falling.

Knowing her wife like she did, Marissa was certain she was valiantly trying not to cry. "Those are happy tears, right?"

Bianca laughed. "You know me too well. Yes, they are the happiest of tears. I wish you were here with me."

"Me too."

A knock on the door drew Bianca's attention.

Jan popped her head inside. "Oh, sorry to interrupt."

"That's okay, Jan. I'm talking to my brilliant wife." Bianca could hear her wife snorting on the other end of the line. "Rissa just gave me the best news. The Supreme Court ruled that same-sex marriage is legal."

"That is wonderful news, and would explain all the calls I'm starting to get." Jan added thoughtfully.

"Calls? From who?"

"The press. Phones are ringing off the hook out there."

"Why?"

"Uh, Babe?"

Bianca turned her attention back to her wife. "Yeah?"

"You seem to forget who you are exactly. You're Pine Valley's most famous lesbian. It only makes sense that they would want to talk to you and get your opinion on this."

"You think so?"

"I know so."

"I guess you could be right. Okay, I better go and help take of things here. Oh, do you think they might try and go to the house?"

"Ooh, they might. I'll call Jessica and give her a heads up. I'll see you tonight. Love you."

"Love you too." Bianca smiled as she disconnected the call. She turned her attention back to her assistant. "Alright, let's see what we can do about getting things under control out there."

/

Marissa ended up beating Bianca home that evening. Texts between the couple provided the explanation and had the redhead anxious to talk with her wife about it.

Jessica greeted Marissa with a huge smile. "Hello, Marissa. It's a great day for equality."

"Yes, it sure is, Jessica. It sure is. Have you had any problems here?"

"No, the phone has been ringing, but I've just let it go to voicemail. No one has stopped by though."

"That's good. I really don't want the kids to be bothered. Speaking of …"

"Susan dropped AJ and Miranda off not too long ago, and they are in the family room with Gabby and Danny. Just to give you a warning, there has been talk about going for a swim later."

"Hmmm. That actually sounds pretty good. It's really humid out there, and a swim would be nice."

"What about Gabby?"

"If we keep her in the shallow end and no diving, she should be okay. Oh, Danny loves the water."

"I'm not surprised by that. You always did." Jessica smiled fondly at the memory.

"Yeah, I guess I have. Bianca and I are going to start swim lessons for him soon. You have a suit?"

Jessica nodded. "I got on the other day when I met Erica for lunch. We did a little shopping afterwards, and I picked one up then. I thought it would come in handy while I'm here."

"Think you'll join us tonight?"

"It's awfully tempting so I think I just might."

"Good! What do you think about grilling out tonight?"

"You know me. I'm always up for that. That's the only bad thing about living in New York City. We can't grill, and I know Jo misses it."

"True. I love to grill, and I'm pretty good at it too. Speaking of your daughter, she called me earlier."

"I thought she would."

"I think Jo is almost as excited about the decision as I am."

Jessica laughed. "You know, I wouldn't doubt that one bit."

"What wouldn't you doubt?" Bianca asked as she came through the door.

"Hey." Marissa smiled brightly.

Bianca returned the smile. "Hey yourself."

The couple shared a quick kiss.

"Hi, Jessica. So, what don't you have any doubts about?"

"Hi, Bianca. That Jo is almost as excited about the Supreme Court's decision as either of you."

"She has been nothing but supportive of us. I got a text from her earlier. I don't know about you, Rissa, but my cellphone exploded with calls and texts."

"Yeah, mine too. I talked to Cory, Kendall, Greenlee, your Mom, and Krystal, and Scott sent me a text along with I don't even remember who else after that."

"I talked to Mom, Kendall and Greenlee for a few minutes, and I have texts and voicemails I haven't been able to get to yet."

"Well, you were busy."

"I'll give the two of you a few minutes alone and go check on the kids." Jessica said before she headed to the family room. She could tell the couple wanted to talk.

Marissa leaned against a kitchen counter and glanced at her wife. "So, how did it go?"

Bianca sighed. "Okay, I think. The interview will be on the evening news at 6:00. I was thinking we could watch it with the kids."

"Sounds like a great idea to me. We could talk to them if they have any questions about it. After that, we can all go for a swim and grill some burgers."

"That sounds perfect. Let's go change."

/

The family was gathered in the family room waiting for Bianca's interview to begin.

"Bianca, could I ask why you chose to talk to that specific reporter?" Jessica asked.

"Well, I know her. She's covered the Miranda Center, and she's good and fair."

"Alright, here we go." Marissa smiled as the news anchor came back from the station break.

"As I'm sure you've all heard, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled today that same-sex marriage is legal in all 50 states. Our Kelly Jacobs sat down with Bianca Montgomery for an exclusive interview regarding this topic. Kelly, I know you had a lot to talk about."

"Thanks, Mitch, and you're right. We did. As you all may know, Bianca Tasker-Montgomery is the youngest daughter of Erica Kane, an international superstar who has done it all. Bianca, however, is her own person and has never rested on her mother's laurels. She is the founder of the Miranda Center, an organization that has helped countless individuals who have been abused reclaim their lives and dignity. Bianca is also gay and happily married to Marissa Tasker-Montgomery, a prominent attorney. I had the opportunity to talk with Bianca about today's historic event."

The scene switched to Bianca's office at the Miranda Center, and the brunette appeared on the screen. AJ, Miranda and Gabby clapped seeing their brunette mother on TV.

"Bianca, thank you for talking with us today. This is an historic day."

"You're welcome, Kelly. You're right, it is historic. To be honest, it's a day that I wasn't sure would ever happen."

"How did you find out about the Court's decision?"

"Marissa, my wife, called me with the news. She simply said 'love wins', and I knew."

"She's an attorney."

"Yes, she is. Marissa is a partner at her firm, and being completely biased, she's brilliant. We talked about the case when it was argued before the Court, and Marissa had a feeling that the 14th Amendment would come into play."

"She did?"

Bianca nodded. "Yes, she is an attorney after all and really studied the arguments as well as taking the justices' previous rulings into account."

"Very smart woman. You said earlier that you didn't think this day would ever happen. Why?"

"History, experience. I was always hopeful though, but I didn't want to get those hopes up too high and be disappointed again."

"What does this decision mean to you exactly? You are already legally married in this state."

"Yes, Marissa and I are. In fact, we're approaching our first anniversary in just over two months."

"Congratulations."

"Thank you, and while our marriage is legal and recognized in Pennsylvania, that isn't the case in other states. If we were to move to say Ohio for example, it wouldn't have been recognized, before today that is. Something that isn't the case in non-same sex marriages. All we're asking for is equality, equal rights. Why should our marriage be deemed as less than someone else's? For example, my sister and her husband. Why is their relationship considered more worthy, more valuable than mine and my wife's? The simple answer is, it isn't. Love is love."

The reporter nodded. "Have you heard that some county clerks around the country are stating that they will not issue marriage licenses?"

"I have, and while it makes me sad, I'm not surprised. I've heard they are citing religious objections as their reasoning."

"And you disagree?"

"They are entitled to their opinions and beliefs, but they are elected officials. The governors of those states have instructed them to perform their duties."

"As you said, they have religious objections."

"Yes, and as my wife, the lawyer, has pointed out, we have a separation of church and state in this country. The one should not dictate the other. They want it both ways, and you simply can't have that."

Marissa beamed at her wife proudly. "That's my girl!"

Bianca simply smiled and rested her head on her wife's shoulder. She was proud of the point she'd made.

"Some would say that you're asking for special rights."

Bianca sighed. "They would be wrong. This isn't about special rights. It's about equal rights. We just want to be treated the same as everyone else. We want the same rights to marry the person that we love and have a family, and we want that recognized. Gender, sexual orientation, race, none of that should matter. We should all be treated and seen equally under the law. That's what this decision means. I know this isn't over by any stretch of the imagination. This is just one of the battles that will be fought."

"There's more."

"Yes, there is, and we'll keep fighting."

"Thank you, Bianca, for your time today. And as you, your wife and others have said today, love wins."

"Yes, it does." Bianca smiled. "Love wins."

/

Bianca chewed her bottom lip as she looked at her wife and children. "Well?"

"That was great, Mom." Miranda gave her brunette mother a proud smile.

"Mimo's right." AJ agreed.

Gabby nodded. "Good job, Mommy!"

"I think Danny agrees." Marissa grinned as she bounced their youngest. Danny smiled and babbled happily. Marissa leaned forward slightly and gave Bianca a loving kiss. "That was perfect. I'm really proud of you and proud to be your wife."

"Same here, always."

A moment later, the couple's cellphones started exploding again with calls and texts. They could all wait a bit. Now was about what always mattered most to them, their family. Bianca and Marissa knew the kids would have some questions, and that took precedence over everyone and everything else.

"Let's go start on dinner, and while we're doing that, we'll answer whatever questions the three of you might have. Alright?" Bianca saw three heads bob up and down in agreement.

"I'm proud of you, Mom." Miranda stated earnestly.

"Thank you, Mimo."

Marissa grinned as she and Bianca followed the others into the kitchen. "You know, you keep telling me that you're not a good public speaker, but you keep proving otherwise."

"I think you're rubbing off on me, Counselor." Bianca winked as she slipped an arm about Marissa. Today was a good day, an historic day, and she was celebrating it with the people that mattered most to her, her family.

/

A/N: The excerpts in italics surrounding the Supreme Court's decision are exactly that, excerpts. I didn't write them and don't believe I'm as eloquent as Justice Kennedy. See you soon!