A/N: Thanks for continuing to read, review and follow, and basically, continuing on this journey with me! I appreciate it. Now, I'm not going to say what it is, but I've written something in this chapter that I hope you catch. Let me know if you do. Readers in the States may find it more easily than those outside. Don't worry though, I'll explain it next time. This chapter skips ahead about a week. Hope you enjoy this update!

/

Marissa opened the door with a huge smile as she greeted the group on the other side. One, she had been expecting. The other two were a surprise but welcome all the same. "Jessica, Jo, Greg! Come on in!" The redhead moved aside so the three could go inside.

"Surprise!" Jo smiled as she hugged her friend.

"I'll say, but it's a pretty good one, I suppose." Marissa smirked as she avoided the nudge from Jo. "Greg, long time no see."

"Definitely. Are you here by yourself? I was swarmed already by this time last week."

"It's just me, Danny and Max at the moment. Bianca ran out to pick up dinner, and the other three wanted to go with her. We opted not to cook tonight so we could spend more time with Jessica when she go here. Do the two of you want to join us?"

"We don't want to cause any trouble." Jo said. In their excitement to get to Pine Valley and surprise the family, the trio forgot all about dinner.

"Too late for that, Josephine." Marissa smirked before laughing when her friend rolled her eyes knowing the redhead was only joking. "It's no problem. I just need to add to the order and call Bianca to let her know what's going on. We're just doing pizza and salad."

"I'm always down for pizza as long as it's good." Greg offered.

"All right, it's settled because it's great pizza. Have a seat, and I'll call Pasquale's to order another pizza. Is one with the works okay with you?"

"Sounds good."

Marissa called the restaurant and placed the additional order. After that was done, she called Bianca to let her know that Jo and Greg were there as well. The brunette was surprised but looking forward to seeing everyone. Bianca decided to make a side trip on the way home to pick up something special for dessert, an idea the kids were totally on board with.

/

Jessica had gone to her room to unpack her things which left the other three alone to talk. Marissa was seated on the floor next to Danny who was getting tummy time on his blanket while Jo and Greg were seated on the sofa.

"So, do you want to tell me what's going on? Not that I don't like seeing either of you, but why are you here in the middle of the week?"

Jo laughed. "Yeah, it didn't take you long at all to get to the point."

Marissa shrugged. "You knew it wouldn't. Spill."

"So, you know that talk you said I should have with Mom about all of this?"

"Yeah."

"Well, we finally did. We pretty much had to because Greg and I both received generous offers to come to Pine Valley."

"And how generous are we talking?"

"Very generous. The kind of generous that someone would be an idiot not to accept."

"How did Jessica take it?"

"She took it extremely well." Jessica answered as she rejoined the group.

"So, you're all moving to Pine Valley then?" Marissa asked hopefully.

Jessica nodded. "Yes, we are."

"Yes!" Marissa leapt up and started hugging the others. "I can't tell you how happy I am to hear that. This is the best news!"

Danny, who was getting better at holding his head up while on his tummy, looked at his redheaded mother and started laughing along with her.

"See! Danny agrees! Don't you?" Marissa scooped the tiny redhead up so he could be part of the celebration.

"What does Danny agree with?" Bianca asked as she entered the family room with AJ, Miranda and Gabby following closely behind.

"Jessica! Jo! Greg!"

The older kids ran to greet the Shelton women first and were rewarded with warm hugs. They then greeted Greg. Bianca patiently waited her turn to welcome their visitors.

"Guess who's moving to Pine Valley?"

Seeing Marissa's smile, Bianca instantly knew the answer. "All of you? That is so great!"

"You're moving here?!" Miranda asked with a huge grin.

"Yes, we are!"

"Yes!" AJ fist-pumped.

Gabby squealed excitedly and hugged Jessica again.

"This definitely calls for a celebration tonight then. Let me just set up things in the dining room, and we can eat."

"I'll help you, B. Jo, would you mind keeping an eye on this little guy?"

Jo smiled brightly and reached for Danny. "I thought you'd never ask."

"Greg, are you gonna stay here with Jessica and Jo?" Gabby asked.

Her mothers paused at kitchen door. Both were eager to hear how he handled the innocent question and ready to step in if he needed them to do so. It was understandable that Gabby assumed Jo would stay with them because she always had up to that point. So, it wasn't that big of a leap for her to wonder if Greg would as well.

The man started to stammer because he was completely caught off guard.

Jo decided to step in and save her boyfriend. "Greg is going to stay at the Yacht Club, and I'm going to stay there too."

"Why?"

"Well, I don't want him to be there all by himself because he could be lonely, and if both Mom and I stayed here with all of you, I think he would be. Also, we both have early meetings tomorrow morning. We don't want to wake you guys up when we leave for them."

Gabby thought about this for a moment before deciding it made sense to her. She patted Greg's arm. "Okay. I don't want you to be lonely, Greg. Jo will take good care of you."

Marissa and Bianca hid their smiles while Jo and Jessica did their best to suppress their laughter.

Greg was stunned momentarily but quickly gathered himself and smiled. "Thanks, Gabby."

/

Jo and Greg had left for the Yacht Club. AJ, Miranda, Gabby and Danny were all in bed, and Max was in for the night. The doors were all locked, and the alarm set. Bianca sensed Marissa and Jessica needed some time alone to talk so she decided to give it to them.

"I'm going to head back. Good night, Jessica. I'll see tomorrow."

"Good night, Bianca."

"Good night, B. I won't be too long."

Bianca nodded and leaned down to give her wife a kiss before padding down the hallway to their bedroom.

/

"You know you have a very smart wife, don't you?"

Marissa grinned. "Oh, I know. So, talk to me. Are you really okay with moving here?"

"Why do you ask that?"

"Because I know you. You have a history of putting your feelings aside for those of others. Don't even try and tell me that you don't because we both know that you'd be lying."

Jessica sighed. She wanted to protest but couldn't. Marissa was right about her having a history in that regard.

"Look, I just want to make sure you're not doing it just to make everybody else happy. For once, I want you to do something because it's what you really want. So, I'll ask again. Are you really okay moving here?"

"You really are so much like your mother, you know? Lydia wouldn't let me get away with anything either." Jessica shook her head remembering her friend. "I'm really okay moving here. To be honest, I'm looking forward to it. I know it's a big change, especially at my age, but it's something I want. Would I have stayed in New York if Jo stayed there? I don't know. Probably. It would be extremely hard to leave her. She may be in her 30's, but she is still my baby and always will be. When she was at Northwestern, it was so hard only being able to see her during the holidays. I don't want to even think about going through that again. I'm in a much different place in my life this time though."

Marissa nodded in agreement. "You are."

"I loved him, you know. William, I loved him very much."

"I know." Marissa just let Jessica talk.

"Life was so tough with him though. I never knew what to expect from one day to the next, and I knew it wasn't good for Jo. I had nowhere else to go though." Jessica closed her eyes as she paused. "I remember that day so clearly. It … it was awful. I thank god that Jo wasn't there, that she wasn't the one to find him. He made her life hard enough. For her to have to live with seeing that? No, just no. I still get angry at him for what he did, and the fact that he didn't seem to care or think about her at all. I still think 'what if'."

Marissa thought back and was quickly able to recall the details of that day. Given what had transpired that day, it wasn't the least bit surprising that she remembered it. She and Jo were halfway home from school when Jo realized she had forgotten one of books. The two went back to get it and then stopped at Marissa's house. Lydia had been off that day and was making chocolate chip cookies for a school bake sale the following day. The girls happily volunteered to do some quality control for her by taste testing the cookies. By deviating from their regular routine just that small bit, Jo had been delayed enough to have avoided finding her dad. Marissa shuddered knowing how devastated Jo would have been. The image of finding her father dead would have haunted her friend for the rest of her life.

"She didn't though." Marissa squeezed Jessica's hand. "I know it was tough on you to find him. Did you ever talk to someone about that?"

"Besides your mother? I did, but I honestly believe Lydia helped me the most. Your mother was an amazing woman."

"Yes, she was."

"I miss her, every day."

"Me too."

"Talking to you is a great deal like talking to her."

"Really?"

Jessica nodded. "Really. You remind me more and more of her all the time."

Marissa swallowed the quickly forming lump in her throat. To the redhead, this was a huge compliment. "Thank you."

"You're welcome, and I mean it."

"This isn't about me, you know."

Jessica chuckled. "Yeah, just like your mother. I don't want to hold Jo back. I want her to live her life and be happy. She deserves nothing less. I think she can have that here and have it with Greg."

"I think you're right, but she's not the only one who deserves to be happy. You deserve it too."

"I'm working on that. I … I care about Caleb, a great deal. I haven't felt like this in a very long time, and it scares me a little. I want to see where our relationship could go, but I'm afraid. What if it doesn't work?"

"What if it does though? Look, it's all right to be scared. I think it's natural. I can tell you that I certainly was. My ex did a hell of a number on me, one that had me questioning everything including my instincts. It took me a while to get over that, but I did. You know, I sometimes wonder what would've happened if I hadn't taken that chance, if I hadn't knocked on Bianca's door that Christmas Eve and told her how I felt about her. Things would be so different if I hadn't taken that leap. There's no doubt in my mind that I wouldn't have the life that I have now or be this happy. Was it scary? Damn straight it was. I don't know that I've ever been as scared in my life as I was that night. But, was it worth it? Hell yes! It was by far and away the best thing I ever did, and I haven't regretted it once." Marissa could see the hesitance in Jessica but wouldn't push her. It would have to be her decision.

Jessica weighed what Marissa had said. "What's the saying? With great risk come great reward. Who said that anyway?"

"Thomas Jefferson."

"Oh, him. I suppose he would've known something about that being a founding father and all."

Marissa chuckled at her friend's response. "Yeah, I suppose so."

"Judging from your experience, I'd say it was an accurate statement. The question is, am I as brave as you?"

"My opinion? You are. You just need to have faith in yourself."

"Caleb is a good man."

"Yes, he is. If he wasn't, I'd let you know. You couldn't keep me quiet on that point."

"I know. He has always treated me well, and there definitely is a spark there. I do enjoy being with him." Jessica's thoughts drifted for a moment, and she blushed slightly at the memories. "Sorry."

Marissa just smiled. "It's all right. It looks good on you."

Jessica started to nod. "I'm willing to take this chance, for me. This isn't for Jo, although she certainly has a part in all of this, but this is for me. Having family, I'm including you in that, and friends here are bonuses for me, welcome ones. I think after all of these years, it's time to do something for me."

"Yes! Good for you! It's about damn time."

"Hush." Jessica laughed. "Thank you."

"You're welcome. Can I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"I love having you stay with us, but why are you here and …"

"And not staying at Caleb's?"

Marissa nodded.

Jessica sighed. "I don't know exactly. It just didn't feel 100% right to me. Maybe it's a generational thing, but I know people would talk. I just don't know how I feel about that, about people knowing that much about our relationship."

"Those who know you wouldn't judge you, and if anyone did, they would have to deal with me."

"I know."

"Good. You know that Caleb respects you and wouldn't do anything to make you uncomfortable."

"I do know that. He told me he understood."

"There's something else though, isn't there?"

"Yes, there is. That house is so big. I don't feel all that comfortable there."

"Wildwind is a little intimidating. Bianca lived there for a little while with Caleb."

"He did mention something about that."

"It never felt quite like home to her or the girls. When we got together, they ended up staying at my house most of the time. Eventually, they moved in. It was a little cramped, but Bianca said they felt more comfortable there. So, it became our first home. Have you mentioned to him about how you feel there?"

Jessica shook her head. "No, I haven't."

"I think maybe you should. Caleb pretty much rattles around that place by himself and has mentioned that he's thought about looking for a smaller place. You moving here might just be the nudge he needs to move. Between us, I don't think it suits him."

"Exactly! It doesn't seem like him. I think you might be right about me telling him why I couldn't stay there." Jessica sat back and smiled. "Talking to you tonight has reminded me so much of the talks I used to have with your mother. You have turned into quite the woman, Marissa, and I know your parents are so proud of you."

"Thank you. Coming from you, that means more than you'll ever know."

/

"Are you sure you're okay watching all four of them?" Marissa asked for umpteenth time. Greg and Jo invited the redhead and Bianca out to dinner, and Jessica had volunteered to babysit so the couple could enjoy a rare night out without kids. While they were looking forward to it, the couple didn't want to take advantage of or impose on Jessica.

The older woman rolled her eyes. "I've lost count how many times you and Bianca have asked me that question, but I will give you the same answer. I'm positive. We will be just fine. Won't we, gang?"

AJ, Miranda and Gabby nodded. "Yep!"

"See. Now, go have fun. We'll be just fine." Jessica patted Danny on the back as the tiny redhead babbled happily. "Danny agrees with us."

Marissa held up her hands. "Okay. Okay. I just wanted to be sure."

"Thanks again for doing this, Jessica."

"You don't have to thank me, Bianca. I'm really looking forward to spending time alone with them."

"Try not to spoil them too much."

"I will make no such promise, Marissa."

The redhead laughed. "Of course you won't. All right, you've got our numbers in case anything comes up."

Hugs and kisses were exchanged between mothers and children.

"Be good. You too, kids." Marissa smirked as she and Bianca headed to the brunette's car.

Jessica raised an eyebrow while Bianca laughed as she slid into the driver's seat.

/

Bianca placed the valet ticket for the car in her purse before she and Marissa headed inside The Celestial Steakhouse, the restaurant where they were meeting Jo and Greg. They gave their name to the maître d' and were informed that the other members of their party were already seated. They were then escorted to their table which was located along the window and provided a spectacular view of Pine Valley. While the maître d' held out Bianca's chair for her, Greg hopped up and did the same for Marissa. The couple's drink orders were taken, and the four were left alone to chat.

"So, you managed to get away from the kids with no problems?"

Marissa shook her head amused. "Oh yeah, I don't think they could get rid of us fast enough. They were all so excited to be spending the evening with your Mom."

"That's because Mom spoils them and doesn't know the meaning of the word 'no' when it comes to them."

"Basically, a grandma."

"Exactly."

"I'm just going to say that it's nice to be at a restaurant that doesn't have crayons or activity sheets." Bianca chuckled.

"True. Although, I am pretty good at the mazes, just saying." Marissa grinned.

"It's good to know that you've gotten better at them, Tasker. It took you long enough." Jo cracked.

"You're just jealous that I've always been better at them than you."

"I thought I was away from the kids for tonight." Bianca smirked.

Greg laughed when Jo and Marissa both turned to the brunette and stuck their tongues out at her. "How about we order an appetizer? We could ask for some chicken nuggets for the two of you."

Jo shot him a look. "If I were you, I'd be watching cracks like that. Otherwise, I'll have to tell them that as your doctor you really shouldn't have any red meat."

"Threatening to take away my steak? Oh, that's just wrong and cruel, really cruel."

"Just something to keep in mind."

Marissa chuckled. "An appetizer sounds good. Their crab cakes are very good."

"Sounds good."

The server returned with Bianca's and Marissa's drinks and took the group's order for an appetizer.

As they studied the menus, Jo glanced at her friend. "I wanted to thank you for whatever you said to Mom the other night. She's been feeling anxious about moving and Caleb. You really helped her."

"I just listened and told her to trust in and believe in herself. That's nothing that I know you weren't doing or wouldn't have done."

"True, but it's different when it's coming from your daughter. While Mom and I talk about a lot of stuff, there are a couple of topics we don't. Let's face it, talking with a parent about either your sex life or theirs is one of them. It's really awkward on both sides."

"Yes, it is. It was definitely awkward on my side. Mom's was front page news sometimes." Bianca sighed.

"Sorry, babe. Guess that's one of the downsides of being Erica Kane's daughter, huh?" Marissa patted her wife's arm.

"Yep."

"Marissa, who is that woman over there? She's been staring daggers at you and Bianca almost since you got here."

The redhead glanced over her shoulder to see who Greg was referring to. Hazel eyes rolled when she immediately recognized the woman. "That would be Tammy Baldwin."

"That's Tammy?" Jo whispered. Seeing her boyfriend's confused expression, she continued. "She's the one who has condemned Marissa and Bianca to the burning fires of eternal damnation because of their relationship."

"Oh, I remember you telling me about her now. Who's she with? That other woman doesn't look happy either. Neither do the men they're with either."

Bianca tried to remember the other woman's name. She recognized her from PTO meetings. "Oh, um, what's her name? Kim something. Kim David? No, that's not it. Kim Davis?"

"Davidson. Kim Davidson. She's Tammy's faithful sidekick and thinks we're evil too."

"That's it! I always forget her name. When I went to pick up some raffle tickets last year to sell for a school fundraiser, she refused to give me them because I was 'unclean' and 'immoral'."

"Don't forget that you 'were living a life of sin by being with the redheaded harlot'." Marissa smirked.

"I didn't forget. That's my favorite one." Bianca waggled her eyebrows.

"Mine too."

"You've got to be kidding me? You reported her, right?" Jo asked, barely keeping her anger in check.

"With Rissa around? Of course I did. She was removed as fundraising chair, and now sees herself as a martyr because of course," Bianca gestured to herself, "the evil lesbian."

"Of course." Greg chuckled. "That's the first thing that comes to my mind when I think of you."

"Oh crap. They're headed this way." Jo warned as she caught sight of the women moving towards their table.