A/N: Thanks for continuing to read, review and follow! AMCGL7 thanked me for my dedication to writing this, but all of you are equally dedicated to keep reading this. For that, I am extremely grateful. I also would like to thank you for your suggestions about what Minx can do for Miranda. You definitely got me thinking. While I can't use all of them (at least not at this time), I am going to use a few of them. You will find one of them mentioned in this chapter, and there is a shout out for the reviewer who suggested it at the end. Some of the others will be revealed in a chapter or two. This chapter picks up where the last one left off. Hope you enjoy this update!

/

Bianca went to check on what was keeping Marissa from returning to the kitchen to have her dinner. She entered the family room quietly and smiled at the sight that greeted her. Marissa had removed her shoes and jacket and was sitting on the floor with Danny situated between her legs babbling happily as he looked up at his redheaded mother. AJ was sprawled on the floor with Max right next to him near Marissa's feet. Gabby and Miranda were curled up on either side of Marissa who had an arm around both. While Gabby was still watching the movie, Miranda was having a quiet conversation with Marissa. Bianca couldn't help but chuckle softly before heading back into the kitchen to get her wife's dinner. She would be eating in the family room that evening because there was no way Bianca was going to disrupt anything happening between the kids and their Ma, especially what was going on between Marissa and Miranda.

/

Marissa ate while the family watched the movie and just enjoyed being with each other. When the movie was over, the older kids went to their rooms to change into their pajamas, and Bianca changed Danny's diaper and fed him. While that was going on, Marissa padded down to the couple's bedroom and quickly changed her clothes before finally getting a chance to pump. Having finished that, the family assembled in Miranda's room for a bedtime story. The oldest daughter requested an original bedtime story. Marissa happily obliged and regaled them with the story of the brave Princess Mimo. When the story was done, the couple tucked their children in and padded back to the privacy of their bedroom. They had a lot to talk about.

/

"So tell me exactly what Miranda said earlier." Marissa asked when Bianca returned from the bathroom.

Bianca joined her wife in bed. "While she was helping me with dinner, she asked if you were working again, and I told her you were. That's when she said she had hoped to spend some time with you because with everything that's been going on lately that hasn't happened. She also said that she had a really good time when the two of you were making Danny's blanket, and she just missed you. I told her it was my fault though that you were working late because Rafaela and Maura had come to me with a problem, and I called and asked you to help. That is the truth about it being my fault.

Marissa leaned back against the bed's headboard and sighed. "I guess we really haven't spent a lot of time with Miranda recently, have we? We had all of that drama with JR trying to take AJ, and then, we had to make sure AJ was okay. Then, Danny came along, and he obviously requires a lot of time. Finally, Gabby was in that accident, and all of our focus was on her and her recovery. Miranda, well, we haven't had any problems with her, and I guess we just took that for granted, which was completely wrong on our part."

"You're right, we didn't see it, but don't kick yourself on this. Like I said, we didn't see it. I'm just as responsible for this as you are, and I have to admit that I'm a little surprised that she didn't call me on anything."

"I'm not."

"Really? Why?"

"You're her Mom."

"So are you."

"I know, and I couldn't love her any more than if I had given birth to her myself. Let me finish. You're her constant. You have been there as long as she can remember. She knows that you will always be there for her no matter what. There's no doubt in her mind about that, and she's never had any reason to doubt it because it's something you've shown her time and time again. It's simply a given for her. The issue is with the other parental figure that's been in her life. Miranda had Reese for a little while, but that's just it. It was only for a short period of time. Their relationship lacked consistency, and ultimately, Reese let her, well let all of you, down. While Gabby doesn't remember that time very well, Miranda does."

"But she has you now and knows that you would never leave her." Bianca protested.

"True, but there's probably a part of her, and it could be just a small part, that's still kind of waiting for the other shoe to drop. She probably still struggles too with feeling like she's not good enough for another parent to want to stick around or want her around. She doesn't want to feel that way, but she can't help it. Miranda was burnt badly, and that kind of scar can take a long time to heal."

Bianca knew her wife wasn't just talking about their daughter. "This is something you know firsthand, something you can unfortunately relate to."

"Yes, I'm speaking from experience. It takes time and patience, on both sides, to heal."

"I hate this. I hate that Reese's actions still haunt Miranda and still manage to cause her pain, and I hate that you suffer from it too. It's just not right, none of it. I swear if I ever see her again …" Bianca took a deep breath to calm herself down. "You have to know that Miranda loves you without question though and doesn't think that you are anything like Reese."

"I do, but these doubts could still linger and sneak up out of nowhere with no warning for some time to come. I don't take any of this personally though. This is something we have to be more aware of going forward."

"Oh and we will. I'm amazed at how much insight you have into this. Have you been reading my psychology books again?" Bianca teased. The couple had an inside joke that Bianca read Marissa's law books given the insight she had into the law at times.

Marissa chuckled at their shared joke. "Nah, I somehow managed to soak up some this knowledge just by being around my brilliant wife."

Bianca snorted. "I seriously question your use of the word 'brilliant'."

"Well, that's what I told Jo when she asked me a similar question last week. Protest all you want, but you're not going to change my mind about you being brilliant."

"I'm not the only reason though."

"My Mom and Dad get some of the credit too. They really were the best. They were so giving, kind and generous, but cross someone they love and all bets were off, especially with Mom. She would've hunted Reese down."

Bianca laughed. "I would've loved to have seen that. It's easy to see where you got that fire from."

"I'd like to think that nurture definitely over nature in my case."

"It did, trust me on that. So, what do we do about Miranda?"

Marissa sighed. "That is the question. We need to do something special for her, but I don't want AJ and Gabby to feel left out."

"I agree, and I don't really want to leave Danny for too long either."

"Exactly. We could do a long weekend somewhere kind of close."

"Yeah, we could. I kind of like that idea. You know in addition to wanting to follow in your legal eagle shoes, Miranda's really into history."

Marissa smiled. "I think I got it. There is a city really close to us that is steeped in this country's history."

Bianca nodded happily when she saw exactly where her wife was going. "Of course! Philadelphia. Is it bad to say that I haven't really checked it out myself? I've always wanted to, but I just never have."

"I went there a long time ago with my parents. I guess I was around Miranda's age when we went. We had a really good time. Do you think she'd like it?"

"I think she will love it and so will AJ and Gabby. There's a lot to do there. We could even go to Gettysburg and maybe Hershey?"

Marissa laughed at her wife's hopeful expression when she mentioned that latter city. "Definitely Hershey. I have no doubt that everyone in this family would be up for going there. What do you think about Miranda helping to plan the trip?"

"Yes! That's a great idea! Do you think we should do something else with just Miranda too though? I know the trip will be fun for her, but it includes the whole family. It's not just her, and I think she deserves something special just for her."

"I think you're right. We could spring her from day camp and do something with her. I need to give that some thought."

"Me too. I know we'll come up with something though. Okay, now tell me what happened after you left the Center earlier."

"Well, Mike and Jesse agreed to start an investigation right away. Jesse took the photos and letter to the crime lab along with a copy of the security footage."

"Did you see it?" Bianca asked.

"Yes, Mitch was there and had the footage queued up for us to review once everyone arrived. It was pretty good quality, and provided us with a good shot of the guy."

"Did Rafaela recognize him?"

"No, unfortunately. Jesse is going to have the crime lab run it through their facial recognition program, and hopefully, they'll get a hit. Mitch is going to help with the investigation. Jesse trusts and respects him, and they've worked pretty well together in the past. Then, we talked about the blackmail itself, and everyone agreed that it shouldn't be paid. The blackmailer is supposed to reach back out to Rafaela tomorrow afternoon. We've already decided that she's not going to pay so we're going to delay as much as we possibly can. The desk clerks have been instructed not to take any deliveries for guests by anyone other than U.S. postal carriers, FedEx, UPS or anyone like that. She can't pay the money if she doesn't get the demand. The same goes with Maura. She called her staff instructed them not to take anything from someone not authorized. That will definitely stall them."

"I like it."

"That should give us enough time for part two. Mike liked your idea of giving an interview, and he agreed that Kelly Jacobs was the best person to do it. Once that was decided, we discussed what Rafaela and Maura could and couldn't say regarding the blackmail and ongoing investigation during the interview. After that, Mike, Jesse and Mitch left to get started on their assignments. We then placed a call to Kelly to have her come over. She had made sure she wasn't followed. Oh, we gave her the cover story that she was there to interview Evelyn."

"That's smart in case the blackmailer has someone on the inside."

Marissa nodded. "Exactly. We don't think anyone on the staff is involved, but it's better to be safe than sorry. We laid down the ground rules to her for this interview."

"Ah, you promised her an exclusive for when this is all resolved."

"Beauty and brains. How did I get so damn lucky?" Marissa winked.

"Flattery will get you just about anywhere, Counselor. How did the interview go?"

"It went really well. Kelly was able to put them both at ease, and everyone seemed happy with the results. It's going to air during tomorrow evening's six o'clock news."

"I know what we're watching tomorrow night then. Did you call Greenlee and Kendall?"

"We did, as well as Rafaela's people and Joe. We wanted to give them a heads up. Everyone was onboard and very supportive."

"Good. I'm very glad to hear that. It was a long day for you, wasn't it? I'm sorry."

"Yes, it was, but it was something that needed to be done. I'm glad I was able to help them so there's nothing to be sorry about."

"Let's get some sleep. We can talk more tomorrow about everything. Hopefully, we'll have some good ideas for Miranda."

"Don't forget, I'm meeting Greg for lunch tomorrow." Marissa reminded her wife.

"Yes, I remember, and he's coming over for dinner tomorrow night. Is Jo nervous about you interrogating him?"

"A little. I won't do anymore to him than she did to you, maybe. I do want to talk with him a little more though since he and Jo have become more serious." Marissa said before giving Bianca a loving kiss.

Bianca turned off the lamp, and Marissa settled herself in her wife's arms. Both women were exhausted. It had been long, emotional day, and as such, they drifted off to sleep in a matter of seconds.

/

"Good afternoon, and welcome to the Bistro."

Marissa returned a smile to the young woman greeting her. "Good afternoon."

"How many are in your party?"

"There will be two of us, and I have a reservation under Tasker-Montgomery."

"Ah, there it is. The other member of your party hasn't arrived yet, but I can seat you now if you'd like."

"That would be great. Thank you."

After making a note, the young woman grabbed two menus. "If you'll follow me please."

Marissa did as asked and was handed a menu when she was seated. The other was placed in the setting opposite her.

"Could I get you something to drink while you wait?"

"A water with lemon would be wonderful."

The younger woman nodded and returned a minute later with the requested beverage.

"Thank you."

"I'm sorry, but you look really familiar. Have you dined with us before?"

"As a matter of fact, I have. My wife and I love this place. Your French onion soup is like seriously to die for. There was more of me the last time I was here. I was eight months pregnant at the time."

"It's definitely my favorite thing here." The younger woman confided. She finally put the pieces together. "Oh, I remember you now. Bianca and Marissa."

"That's us. I'm Marissa, and Bianca is my wife. It's Ivy, right?"

"You have a great memory. So?"

Marissa smiled brightly. "We had a healthy baby boy named Danny."

"Congratulations! Do you have a picture I could see?"

"Of course!" Marissa pulled out her cellphone, found the latest picture she had of Danny and handed the device to Ivy.

"Oh my gosh! He's adorable. I love his red hair, and that smile, he's going to break some hearts." Ivy was being genuinely sincere.

Marissa took the cellphone back and smiled proudly. "Thank you. We think so too."

Ivy saw a server waving to her. "I better go see what she needs. I'll send the other member of your party over when they get here. Your server will be Mindy, and I'll have her check on you."

"Thank you." Marissa turned her attention to the menu to decide which sandwich to go with the soup she had been craving ever since she and Greg set up their lunch date. The redhead couldn't help but chuckle when she remembered Bianca pouting when she heard where they were going. Marissa had already decided that she would get an order of the French onion soup to go and drop it off at the Center as surprise for Bianca.

"Hi, Marissa."

The redhead looked up and was greeted by a handsome and fit African-American man who had a killer smile. There was a definite charm, intelligence and kindness about him as well. "Greg Murphy. It is so good to see you again."

He held out his hand. "The same here."

"Oh no, I am not shaking that hand. You're like family, and Jessica would kill me if I just shook your hand."

Greg laughed, and the two hugged before taking their seats.

Neither saw that their interaction had drawn the attention of another patron. That's very interesting.

"You're right. Jessica would have both of our hides. Shaking hands is for strangers. Families, they hug."

Marissa laughed at his spot on imitation of Jessica. "Wow, you've got her down perfectly. I can't believe this is only the second time we've met in person. I feel like I've known you for a long time."

"I feel the same way. I suppose that Skype has helped with that, but I think it's mostly from listening to Jo and Jessica."

"Yeah, I think you're right. They both kind of like you."

Greg laughed. "Yeah, they both kind of like you too."

"Good afternoon. My name is Mindy, and I'll be your server. Could I get you something to drink, sir?"

"I'll just have water with lemon for now."

"Very good. I'll be right back."

"So, what's good here, Marissa?"

"They have a great steak sandwich."

Greg smiled. "Jo told you about my weakness, huh?"

"Yes, she did."

He found the item on the menu and read the description. "Well, I'm sold."

The server returned with Greg's drink and refreshed Marissa's. "Are you ready to order or do you need more time?"

"I'm ready if you are, Marissa."

"I'm ready." The redhead nodded and placed her order.

Greg placed his order, took a drink and looked at the lawyer. "So, do you want to get the interrogation out of the way while we wait for our lunch?"

Marissa chuckled. "Sounds like a plan. You know, I have questioned you before."

"True, but Jo was in the next room so I have a feeling you took it a little easy on me. She's not here now."

"I know. So, how did the interview go at PVU?"

"It went pretty well. I like the department chair. She's very smart and has a really good vision of the political science department as a whole. Naturally, I had done some research beforehand, and her reputation is spotless. She doesn't put up with any of the drama or crap I've had to deal with in my current position."

"Jo said you haven't been happy at NYU for a while."

"She's right. I haven't. There's too much stuff going on there, and it's taking away from I really want to do which is teach. I'll be able to do that again at PVU."

"Would you be happy living in Pine Valley though? You're use to New York City, and the hustle and bustle there. It dwarfs Pine Valley. This isn't the kind of place that is open 24/7. It's a small town which can be good and bad. People like to get up in your business here."

"Are you trying to scare me away?" Greg inquired.

Marissa shook her head. "Not at all. I'm speaking from experience. A lot of it could be because of who I'm married too though. Plus, I just want you to be sure because this decision doesn't impact just you."

"I know. It impacts two very special women who we both love dearly."

"Precisely."

"It's a change for Jo and Jessica as well."

"Somewhat, yes, but they are originally from Devon which is smaller than Pine Valley."

"You know, I've never visited there."

"While there are some good memories for them in Devon, there are also a great many painful ones."

"Yes, there are, and I hate that for both of them. I hate that they had to go through all of that." Greg had been pondering the question of moving to a small town since he and Jo discussed interviewing at places outside of New York City. Well, pondering that as well as another question. It was that second question he wanted to talk with Marissa about, and it looked like there was no better time than the present.

/

A/N: I would like to thank cariss50 for the idea of having the family visit Philadelphia. It had me smacking my head and thinking 'of course Philadelphia'. I went there myself a couple of years ago along with stops in Gettysburg and Hershey so I'm throwing in something about those cities too. Stay tuned, and I'll see you soon.