A/N: Thanks, as always for continuing to read, review and follow! I appreciate it and all of you. I received some questions in reviews which I've answered in my author's notes at the end. This chapter picks up where the last one left off. Hope you enjoy this update!

/

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

Marissa shook her head. "Not at all, and I hope I'm not. I'm only speaking from experience. In my case, a lot of it could be because of who I'm married to. 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. They're my family, and I don't want them hurt."

"Moving here would be a change for Jo and Jessica as well."

"Somewhat, yes, but they are originally from Devon which is smaller than Pine Valley so they know all about small towns."

"You know, I've never visited there. Your class reunion was the first time Jo went back in years, and I'm honestly not sure the last time Jessica visited."

"I'm not surprised. 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. From what they've told me, your family was really there for them. I can't tell you how grateful I am for that."

"Like I said earlier, Jo and Jessica are family. I honestly can't think of anything that I wouldn't do for them. So back to my original question, do you think you could live in a small town?"

Greg thought for a moment before answering. This was one of questions he had been pondering since he and Jo started discussing the pursuit of their careers outside of New York City. There was another question he had been pondering as well, one even more important, one that he wanted to talk with Marissa about. "As I'm sure Jo's told you, I was born and raised in New York, and I still have some family there. My folks moved out of the city a few years ago because they wanted some place quieter and a little slower paced. At the time, I just didn't understand it. I mean, how could you leave that place? It's got everything. That was before I met Jo though. I realized that home isn't a place. It's a person. Jo is my home. So, it doesn't matter to me if I live in New York City or Pine Valley or even Timbuktu. All that matters to me is that Jo is there."

Marissa studied the man as he talked. It was evident to her that every word he spoke about Jo was from his heart, and for that, she couldn't be more grateful. Jo deserved nothing but the best, and it was clear that Greg felt the same way. Marissa reached across the table and squeezed his hand. "Good answer, professor."

Greg laughed and squeezed the redhead's hand in return. "So, do I pass?"

Across the room, someone eagerly snapped another photo of the two. It was getting interesting for them.

"Almost." Marissa withdrew her hand and leaned back in her chair before she proceeded with her last line of questioning. "What about Jessica?"

Greg sat back as well and smiled. "Ah Jessica. She's like a second Mom to me. I know full well just how important she and Jo are to each other, and my Mama didn't raise no fool. There's not a chance in hell that I would even begin to think of trying to come in between them, not that I ever could. I can't tell you how glad I am that Jessica has found someone who makes her happy and treats her like she deserves to be treated. Seeing her Mom so happy has made Jo ecstatic. She just wants her Mom happy, and she is with Caleb. There's someone else who's in their lives now that's made them really happy. You. When Jo got back from the reunion, she was so damn thrilled that you were there and that the two of you had reconnected. Jessica said she had her other daughter back and couldn't wait to see you again and meet your family. I don't think I've ever seen either of them that happy before."

"Having them back in my life has been so great. Like I said before, they're my family. It's made everything even better."

"It's because of you that Jessica met Caleb. I know you know that things have gotten serious between them."

"Yes, I do."

"Jo and I talked, and we both believe that Jessica would really like to see where their relationship would go."

"I get the same feeling from Caleb as well as Jessica."

"To do that, they need to see each other more than maybe once a month. The easiest solution to that would be for Jessica to move here. She's not tied down to New York like Caleb is here. We don't think she would do that though because of Jo. She wouldn't want to be that far from her again. It just so happens that both Jo and I are looking for changes in our careers, and by happy coincidence, that's led us both here. Both of which are great opportunities. It also really helps that Jessica would be here as well as you and your family. It's like this is what's supposed to happen. From what I've seen of it, I do like Pine Valley. Jo loves it here and so does Jessica, and if the mother-in-law is happy, Jo's happy. If Jo's happy, I'm happy."

Marissa caught Greg's slip of the tongue and raised an eyebrow. "The mother-in-law?"

Greg realized what he said. "Uh … I said that out loud, didn't I?"

"Yes, you did. Is there something you want to share?"

"Well, besides moving here, I've been thinking of another change. I'd like to ask Jo to marry me, and I would really like your opinion of that."

"My opinion? Why?"

"Because you're her sister. I know you're not related by blood, but you're sisters all the same. Even though you weren't in touch for a few years, you know her better than probably anyone else does with the exception of Jessica, and I can't really talk to her about this right now without giving other things away."

"I understand that. I'm just wondering about the timing."

Greg nodded. "I know it looks a little suspect, but actually, it's just everything coming together perfectly. I've thought about proposing to Jo for a while now. I love her and can't imagine my life without her. She makes me want to be a better man, a better person. She's my home."

Somehow, Marissa managed to keep a straight face for several moments as she studied Greg. He had a hopeful expression on his face, and she found she couldn't keep him waiting any longer. A smile spread across her face, and she began to laugh. "That's the answer I was hoping for. Jo deserves the best. She deserves to be happy, and I think you just might be the one to accomplish that and give her that happiness. I think it's a great idea."

"Really?" Greg sighed in relief. "You had me worried there for a minute. Jo's always said you had a good poker face, and she was right. I promise you that I will do my very best to make her happy."

"Good. Because if you hurt her, I will have to hurt you. Considering that you're twice my size, it probably wouldn't be physically, but I'm a damn good lawyer so I could hurt you in other ways."

Greg held up his hands. He could see both the humor and truth behind those words. "Oh, I have no doubt about that."

The server returned with their lunches, and Marissa placed an order of the French onion soup along with a sandwich to go. As the two began to eat, they continued to talk.

"So, when do you plan on popping the question?"

"Well, I have some ideas, and I was hoping I could run a few of them by you?"

Marissa smiled brightly. "Definitely! What do you have?"

Greg laughed and shared his ideas with the redhead. Marissa listened intently and really liked what he had come up with, and she offered some suggestions here and there. For his part, Greg took those suggestions to heart and knew he could incorporate them into his plan.

When the discussion of the proposal was finished, they moved on to discuss the position at PVU. It sounded very promising, and Greg and Jo had a lot to discuss when he returned to New York. Marissa and Greg parted with a hug and a reminder of when he was to come over to Minx Manor that evening for dinner.

/

"Hey, Jan."

"Hey, Marissa. Is she expecting you?"

"Nope. I come bearing lunch from the Bistro for my amazing wife."

Jan laughed and spotted something else in the redhead's hand. "That doesn't look like lunch."

Marissa glanced at the rose she had picked up on her way to the Center and shrugged. "Oh, look at that. It's a rose. Go figure. I know Bianca has meetings all day and probably won't stop to eat like she should. Your job is to make sure she eats this."

"Yes, ma'am." Jan gave her a small salute. "I'll take this back to her now and make sure she eats it."

"Thank you. I need to go. I have a deposition."

"Any message for her?"

"It's all in the card. See you later." Marissa waved as she left.

/

Jan just shook her head at the retreating redhead before she picked up the carryout bag, rose and card and headed to Bianca's office. Her boss had been in back to back meetings all day long and had only been able to manage to squeeze in a couple of quick breaks that allowed her to run to the ladies' room. Jan had been getting ready to call in a lunch order for her when Marissa had shown up. The assistant knew this surprise would be just the thing her boss would need to get her through the rest of the day. This wasn't the first time Marissa had done something like this, and Jan knew it wouldn't be the last. She also knew that Bianca had done the same thing for the redhead. It was those little things that made their relationship special.

The door to Bianca's office was open so Jan poked her head inside. Her boss had just hung up the phone and slumped back in her chair.

"Call ended early?"

"Yes, thankfully."

"I would say this is perfect timing then."

Bianca spied a carryout bag in her assistant's hand, but couldn't make out the name of the restaurant it was from. "You got me lunch? Bless you."

"I wish I could take credit for this, but I can't. In my defense, I was about to order something when this was dropped off. I have a feeling you would really like the delivery girl though. Oh, she threw this in."

A goofy grin spread across Bianca's face when she saw the rose. "Is she still here?"

"I'm afraid not. She mentioned something about a deposition."

"Oh, that's right. She had one this afternoon."

"She made me promise that you would eat this so I'll leave you to it." Jan placed the bag on Bianca's desk and then checked the time. "Look at that, you actually have some time before your next meeting. Do you need me to get you anything to drink?"

"I'm good. I've got something in my fridge. Thanks though."

"No problem. Enjoy your lunch."

/

When she saw where the bag was from, Bianca immediately knew what was inside and smiled. She nodded to herself and decided to read the card before digging into her lunch.

B,
B is for because. Because you make me happier than I ever thought I could be. Because just thinking of you makes me smile. Because you mean everything to me. And finally, because I love you.
Always,
M

Bianca sighed happily and pulled out her cellphone. While she wanted to talk to Marissa, she knew her wife was driving and didn't want to distract her while she was on the road. So, she would have to settle for text knowing that Marissa wouldn't read it until she was back at the office.

Thank you for my rose, for my lunch, for our family, for the light you bring to my life, and for your love. I love you, always.

With the text sent, Bianca opened up the bag and pulled out a container of French onion soup and a chicken salad sandwich on a freshly baked croissant. Quite simply, this was her favorite lunch, and it was just what she needed.

/

Marissa pulled into the garage and saw her wife's car parked inside. From their discussion over breakfast that morning, she had known Bianca would be home before her today. The redhead opened a rear passenger door and detached Danny's carrier from its base. Her son was babbling happily to her as she did so. Marissa smiled and continued her 'conversation' with the boy.

"So, you had fun at daycare today?" Marissa simply smiled as Danny babbled back in reply. He honestly looked like he was answering her.

"Yeah? Good. What was your favorite part?" The two redheads continued to talk as they entered the kitchen.

Bianca smiled brightly when her two favorite redheads came through the door. She had been working on dinner but stopped when she heard the garage door.

"Hey."

"Hey, yourself. Danny was just telling me about his day and how much fun he had." Marissa gave her wife a quick kiss before setting down their son's carrier.

Before she could do anything else, Bianca pulled the redhead to her for a fervent kiss.

Marissa was breathing hard when they separated. "Not that I'm complaining, because I'm sure as hell not, but what was that for?"

Bianca released and then lifted their son out of his carrier and gave her wife a mischievous grin. She reveled in the effect she had on Marissa. "That was my way of thanking you for my surprise earlier and helping to make my day a lot better. Better yet, just because."

The redhead laughed. "Just because is good for me. I'm going to go say 'hi' to our minions and then change. I'll be right back to help with dinner. Oh, I've got big stuff to tell you about my lunch with Greg."

"Sounds interesting. I can't wait to hear about it. Danny and I will be here waiting, won't we?" Bianca laughed when Danny babbled back.

/

"Wait! Are you serious?" Bianca asked as she stopped cutting the tomato for the salad. She wasn't sure she had heard her wife correctly.

Marissa simply grinned. "Yep. He's not exactly sure when, but Greg is definitely going to ask Jo to marry him."

"Wow. That's great! And he asked you. How hard of a time did you give him?"

"Not that hard of one. I just wanted to make sure that he knew what he was getting into by moving here. It's a lot smaller and a lot different than New York."

"Very true. And he convinced you of that and more?"

"Yes, he did. This isn't just a reaction to him being fed up with NYU or anything else. The timing has just worked out for him. He honestly loves her, and has thought about proposing for a while."

"And he asked you to help him."

Marissa nodded. "I gave him a few suggestions. He's hoping to pick your brain tonight for some thoughts on engagement rings too."

Bianca immediately had idea. "I know the perfect thing for him to do. He should talk to the saleswoman at Tiffany's who helped us."

"I was thinking the same thing, but didn't have her name or number with me during lunch. I obviously wasn't expecting to need it today."

"Obviously. Don't worry. I've got her number and other info back in our office."

"Good. I know he'll appreciate it."

/

"Do you need any help?" Miranda asked as she joined her mothers and baby brother in the kitchen.

"You can keep an eye on Danny for us while your Ma and I keep working on dinner if you wouldn't mind." Bianca suggested.

"Okay." Miranda nodded. She took a seat and started to play with Danny.

"Do you want something to drink?" Seeing Miranda nod, Marissa grabbed a glass and filled it with some juice. She quickly glanced at Bianca, silently asking if she thought now was a good time to talk with their oldest daughter about their planned trip.

Bianca nodded. There hadn't been enough time that morning with everyone rushing to get ready for work and day camp. The couple agreed that when they talked to her they wanted some time to go over things. This seemed like a good time.

Marissa sat the glass down on the table and pulled out a chair for herself. "So, your Mom and I were talking. As you know, school is going to start in just a few weeks."

Both mothers chuckled seeing the heavy sigh from their daughter. It wasn't that she didn't like school, because Miranda really did like it. It was just the thought that summer would soon be over.

"We know it's been crazy around here with Danny being born, me going back to work, Gabby and Greenlee being hurt, Kendall having Lexie, and Erica's wedding. With all of that going on, we haven't have a lot of time for just us so your Mom and I were talking last night about what we could do to fix that. What would you think about all of us going to Philadelphia for a few days?"

"Really?"

"Yep. There is a lot to see and do there. So much so that we could really use your help in planning the trip."

Miranda's eyes grew wide with excitement, and her smile took over her whole face. "You really want me to help?"

"Definitely." Bianca nodded with a smile. "You're kind of our resident history expert, next to your Ma of course. So, who better to help?"

The young brunette smiled proudly at the compliment before she bit her lip. Her brain was racing a mile a minute with the possibilities of what they could do. "There's Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Betsy Ross's house …" Miranda paused for a second. She didn't want this to be all about her. "Do you know when we're going to go?"

"We need to figure that part out still. Your Mom and I need to clear our work schedules. Did you have something particular in mind?"

"I was thinking that maybe we could go when the Phillies are in town, and we could go to a game. AJ would like that a lot. We could go to the zoo there too. It's supposed to be a really good one, and Gabby would like that."

Bianca and Marissa looked at each other and smiled. Neither was really surprised that Miranda was coming up with ideas for activities that her brother and sister would like. It was simply her nature to be that thoughtful.

"Those sound like fun things to do. Your Ma thought of a couple of other things too."

"Yep. I was thinking we could go to Gettysburg and Hershey."

Miranda nodded excitedly. "Those are great ideas. We read a little about Gettysburg in school, and I think it would be neat to go there. Mom will like going to Hershey. She can get her chocolate fix." Miranda said the last part with a cheeky grin that had Marissa laughing.

Bianca gave her daughter a playful glare. "Hey. I'll have you know that I'm not the only one in this family who likes chocolate." She poked her daughter who started to giggle.

"She's got us on that. We're all guilty. There is also an amusement park there we can check out too."

"Okay! When can we start planning?"

"Well, Jo's boyfriend Greg is coming over for dinner in a little bit. So, we really can't look stuff up while he's here. You can come up with some ideas though, and we'll start making plans tomorrow when I get home from work. Sound good?"

"Yep!"

"Oh, how would you feel about going into the office with me on Friday?"

"Really, Ma?!"

Marissa nodded. "Yep, I'm going to need help with some research, if you're up for it."

"Yes! That sounds great! I can't wait!" Miranda sprung from her seat and threw herself into her redheaded mother's arms.

"That makes two of us." Marissa hugged her oldest daughter tightly and glanced up at Bianca whose smile matched her own. "Your Mom has another pretty awesome idea too."

Miranda looked up at her other mother. "What is it?"

Bianca walked over to the table and sat down. "I was thinking that the two of us could spend some time together too. Since school is starting soon, you're going to need new clothes, and your brother and sister aren't really into shopping so …"

"We wouldn't have to hear them complain if it's just us." Miranda said knowingly.

"Exactly."

Miranda hugged Bianca with the same amount of enthusiasm that she had Marissa. "I'd like that a lot."

"It's a date then." Bianca glanced over at Marissa, and both knew they had done the right thing.

/

"Good evening, Bianca. I'm not late, am I?" Greg asked as Bianca greeted him.

"Good evening, Greg. "No, you're right on time. The interview won't air for another 10 minutes. Come on in and be prepared to be swarmed."

"Greg!" AJ, Miranda and Gabby all rushed to greet the man.

"You weren't kidding, were you?" Greg laughed. He loved kids and was really good with them. Among his nieces and nephews, he was definitely the favorite uncle. Even though he had only met Bianca and Marissa's kids once before, they had hit it off with him, and Greg quickly became a favorite with them as well. "Hey, gang. How is everything?"

/

A/N: In this story, Bianca and Marissa have been together going on 4 years. Yes, their first wedding anniversary will be coming soon. School will be starting soon for the kids. It's like mid to late July in this chapter. AJ and Miranda are both 11 years old. Gabby is 4 years younger which makes her 6 going on 7 in my head canon. How do I keep things straight? I have some notes that I keep with what I consider to be canon details such as the ages of the kids and names of characters I've created. When I'm not sure of something in this story's history, I search through the chapters. Also, you, my wonderful readers, help. You keep me honest with your comments and questions, and for that, I am extremely grateful. To Everybutnone, your English was just fine! Le he entendido perfectamente. Gracias por sus amables palabras. See you all soon!