A/N: Thanks for continuing to read, review and follow! I know I say this every week, but I mean it. I really appreciate it. I would like to thank Miched8 for the input they gave me. It really helped and gave me the burst of inspiration I needed. This chapter picks up where the last one left off. Hope you enjoy this update!

"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." Marissa remembered standing back and watching Bianca rip Kim up one side and down the other for that comment. The couple could laugh about it now, but at the time the comment was made, Bianca brought down the full Kane wrath down on the judgmental woman. It was a sight to behold and left the mouths of those witnessing it hanging open in shock. The others were not used to seeing the normally calm and collected brunette go off on someone else. That's what happens though when someone goes after her family. While others around them were shocked, Marissa wasn't for one minute. In fact, the redhead found it pretty damn hot, and the couple enjoyed a long night of lovemaking when they got home.

"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 saw 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.

Marissa and Bianca both sighed as they prepared themselves for yet another round with Tammy. Truth be told, they were getting tired of dealing with the woman, but they were not going to back down from her.

"What are you doing here?" Tammy hissed.

"Oh, hello. We're having dinner. I'm sorry, but do I know you?" Greg feigned confusion.

Jo decided to take another tact and glanced between the other two women. "You know, I'm not even sure why you're asking us that. For one, it's a restaurant so the answer is pretty obvious. For another, why do you care what we're doing? I've never met you so why are you disturbing us?"

"I wasn't talking to you! I was talking to them." Tammy snapped at Jo before sneering at Bianca and Marissa.

"I'm sensing some hostility."

Tammy glared at Jo while Kim looked extremely uncomfortable.

Bianca started to stay something but saw Marissa shake her head ever so slightly. There was a glint in the redhead's eyes that her wife recognized. It told Bianca to just sit back and watch, and that she would get her chance but just be patient a little while longer.

"How can you even sit with someone like them? They are disgusting and immoral. What they are doing together is against the law." Tammy spewed.

"It is? Sitting here is against the law? I'm confused." Jo shook her head.

Tammy grit her teeth and wondered if this woman was really that stupid. "No. The two of them being together as a man and a woman should be together. It is not right."

"Um, how do you know that? Are you spying on them? Because if you are, that is illegal."

Kim looked contrite and pulled on her friend's arm. "Tammy, please stop. What you're doing isn't right." Her plea went ignored, and Tammy pulled her arm free.

Tammy huffed. "I'm defending good, god-fearing people, Kim. Christians like us."

"But a Christian doesn't attack …" Kim's protest was cut off with a deadly glare before Tammy turned her focus back to Jo to continue her rant.

"No, I'm not spying on them. What kind of pervert do you think I am? That's disgusting. What they are doing is illegal. Claiming to be married? I don't think so."

Greg decided he couldn't let Jo have all the fun. He had an idea of where this was going and a quick glance at Marissa had him thinking they were on the same wavelength. The man saw that Marissa had written something down and struggled to keep from grinning as he read it. That small note confirmed his suspicions, and he knew this was going to be fun. "Correct me if I'm wrong here, but the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that it isn't illegal. Same sex marriage is legal as part of the 14th Amendment."

"Well, you're wrong, and those court idiots are wrong. They don't have the authority."

"They don't? How do you know, and who has given you the authority to say that?"

"I'm acting under god's authority."

"Ohh. I guess it's a good thing the law says otherwise. Marissa, what is that called again?"

"Separation of church and state."

"That's it." Greg snapped his fingers.

"It doesn't matter what the court says. It is still wrong in the eyes of god and man, and should not be legal." Tammy snapped.

Greg chuckled. "It's funny that you say that. Is that man over there your husband?"

"Yes, he is. What of it?"

"About 50 years ago, the Court handed down a decision in Loving v. Virginia stating that laws prohibiting interracial marriage were illegal. So, if they hadn't done that, your marriage would be illegal in some places. As a result, both you and your husband could be jailed. It seems to me that you should be thanking the U.S. Supreme Court for declaring those prohibitions on interracial marriage unconstitutional. That's exactly the same thing they did with same sex marriage."

"That … That's just … ridiculous. It's … it's not the same. Not the same at all. What they are doing is against nature. The harm they are causing to their children is just cruel. Their marriage will never last. They flaunt their depravity and push it down others' throats. No one wants to see that. You can't even believe the arguments they have caused as a result of their actions."

"Ah."

Tammy looked at Jo, confused as to why she said that and was nodding. "What do you mean by that?"

"Nothing really. I just realized the issue. It sounds like someone is projecting."

"What? What does that mean?"

"In layman's terms, it's called blame shifting. It's a psychological theory where a person projects their own vulnerabilities, insecurities, and desires on someone else because it's easier to blame someone else for their unhappiness rather than take responsibility themselves."

Tammy stood slack-jawed while Marissa, Bianca and Greg smirked. As for Kim, she had no idea of what to do or say.

"What … what are you? Are you some kind of psychiatrist or something?" Tammy sputtered.

"As a matter of fact, I'm a psychologist."

"Well, you … you can't analyze me! I didn't give you permission to do that! Plus, I don't need it!" Tammy gestured towards Bianca and Marissa. "They are the ones that need it. Not me!"

"Sorry, but it's kind of hard not to when I really see the need for it."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

Bianca could tell Marissa was really enjoying watching her friend. She had to admit that it was pretty amusing.

Jo shrugged. "Bianca and Marissa have a happy, healthy and loving marriage." The doctor glanced over towards the table Tammy had vacated and saw a very unhappy looking man glaring at Tammy. "Someone that feels they themselves don't have a marriage like theirs may project their own dissatisfaction and inadequacies onto Bianca and Marissa's. Take a look at their children. AJ, Miranda, Gabby and Danny are all happy, well-adjusted and have no doubts in their minds that they are loved and cherished. Marissa and Bianca are well-respected and excellent role models not only for their children but for the community."

"And your point?!"

"Well, it's pretty obvious. If all of those other people hold them in such high esteem, it's easy to see they don't find them disgusting or depraved. Maybe, it's you that has the real problem."

As Tammy struggled to come up with some sort of response, Kim jumped into the fray. "I should have done this a long time ago, but I didn't. I was ashamed, and my pride got in the way. Anyway, I would like to apologize for my actions last year. I was wrong in so many ways. I had no right or any legitimate reason to say what I did or act the way I did. It was quite simply wrong of me. I listened to someone else and allowed myself to be swayed by them when I should have listened to my own heart. I don't understand homosexuality and personally find it against nature, but it is not my place to judge or condemn those who feel otherwise. Your friend is right about both of you. You're nice and very good people. Bianca, I've seen the work you've done for the community through the Miranda Center. It's inspiring and has helped many people, one being a very dear friend of mine. I thank you for that. Marissa, I've also seen your compassion in action, particularly at church."

Kim saw the redhead's surprise. "Yes, we go to the same church. At first, I avoided you because of a few others and what they might say if they found out I spoke with you there, even though they don't go there. Then, I avoided you because I was, as I said, embarrassed and ashamed of my actions. Reverend McSherry has been helping me come to terms with that. While you haven't seen me, I have seen you and was amazed at how you were able to help the Wilson children when they lost their parents. You were able to get through to them when no one else could. That was incredible, and given your own loss, I can only imagine how hard that must have been for you. I am truly sorry for the loss of your parents when you were younger. As for your children, you both have done a wonderful job with them. They are lovely, bright and kind. You must me so proud of them."

Marissa smiled. "Thank you. We are. I'm sorry I've missed you at church."

"Like I said, it's my fault for avoiding you. I let my pride get in the way, and I shouldn't have. When I think back to last year, I can't even begin to tell you how upset I am with myself, how sick I feel at the memory of those hateful words."

As Kim was speaking from her heart, Bianca caught some movement out of the corner of her eye. Tammy had pulled out her cellphone and couldn't hide her giddiness. It looked like she had won the lottery, and her confidence came roaring back.

"Why are you apologizing to them, Kim? They're the ones who are wrong, not you and certainly not me."

"You're wrong."

Tammy shushed her friend. "Whatever. I'll take it from here." She turned to address Jo. "How would you feel if you found out that Marissa was going behind your back and not as much of a straight-shooter as you think she is? Oh wait, maybe she is." Tammy couldn't hide the fact that she was so pleased with herself.

Kim could tell where her friend was going with this. She had tried to get Tammy to delete the photos when she had first showed them to her and convince her that the situation was innocent, and more importantly, that no good could from them, but her friend was not going to be deterred. "Please, Tammy, don't do this. There is nothing to gain from this. You are only going to hurt people and make yourself look bad in process." Kim was again ignored.

"What are you talking about?" Jo asked. She knew something was up.

"Well, I'm guessing he's with you. You should know that it seems Marissa has her eye on your man." Tammy turned her phone around and showed a picture of Marissa and Greg embracing.

That was enough for Bianca. She was done being silent. "Really? That's what you have? You're implying that my wife is having an affair with him? Let me ask you something. What exactly are you planning on doing with that?"

"I think the PTO or the Inquisitor might be interested in this and another picture I have. If these get out, that wouldn't do much for your standing in the community then now would it?"

"There's a flaw with your thinking and your big plan."

"Yeah, what's that?"

"It's not true. I knew all about them meeting for lunch that day and so did Jo. In fact, Marissa stopped by my office afterwards, and later that night, she told me all about it."

"Well, others won't know that. It will still accomplish what I need it to."

"Are you really that stupid? I've got you for slander now, and I've got plenty of witnesses for it. And if you don't think I'll take you to court and sue you for everything you've got, you are in for a rude awakening. I will take you for everything you're worth. I will make your life a living hell. If you think I can't or won't do it, think again. I have the truth on my side which, according to my lawyer, beats your slanderous allegations every time. I also have the money and the resources to take you down. Do you want to know something? I'm really going to enjoy it because I am sick and tired of having to listen to the hate you spew. You've called us every name in the book, spread lies, and have tried to hurt us physically. We haven't done anything to you, but you can't seem to help yourself time and time again. Tonight is a perfect example. We were just sitting here enjoying a night out with friends. Yet, you took it upon yourself to come over here and attack us. In particular, you decided to attack my wife again. I'm starting to think the good doctor here might be right. When you think about it, you do seem awfully obsessed with my wife. I'm going to have to disappoint you though. Marissa has much better taste than you."

Bianca kept her voice even and demeanor calm, but there was a fire in her eyes. Greg was stunned. In the short time he had known Bianca, he had never seen her like this. On the other hand, Jo had gotten a glimpse of this side of the brunette at the class reunion in Devon. Jo glanced over at Marissa and saw all that she needed to know. The redhead's eyes were focused on Bianca and appeared to have darkened considerably, and there was a smile on Marissa's face that Jo couldn't recall ever seeing before. She had a very good idea of what it meant though, and it made her glad that she wasn't staying at Minx Manor tonight because she could only imagine what was going to be happening there later tonight between the couple. She knew Marissa would feel the same way if the roles were reversed.

"You wouldn't dare …" It had finally begun to dawn on Tammy that she had bitten off more than she could chew and had clearly overestimated her leverage.

"I wouldn't, huh? Try me. Please try me." There was a steely edge to Bianca's tone that left no doubt that she meant every word she had said. Throughout it all however, the brunette never raised her voice which made it all the more chilling.

"I've told you and told you not to do this. That it was wrong. That you were wrong, but you wouldn't listen." Kim admonished her friend.

"You heard her, Kim! She just threatened me!"

"It's not a threat. It's a promise. I will defend my family, no matter what it takes." Bianca stated with absolute conviction.

Kim shook her head. "What did you expect her to do? You attacked her first. They haven't done anything wrong. This is all on you. Do I agree with them about being with someone of the same sex? No, I don't. I just don't understand it, but that's beside the point. According to the law, they are married and entitled to the same rights as everyone else, and I believe that's all they want. They just want to be treated like everyone else."

"But the bible says …"

"Don't tell me what the bible says. I know full well what it says. If you want to follow it word for word, then I would advise you to rethink that position. You are not above sin yourself. You forget I know many of your transgressions, and I know for a fact that you wouldn't like the punishments the bible says would apply to you for them. What you need to do is follow the golden rule and not the rules that you have perverted with your hate. That is what a good Christian would do. Unless you can do that, I'm sorry, but I cannot stand idly by in silence and have you interpret it as some form of support. If you do what you're threatening to do with those pictures, you will leave me with no other choice but to tell everyone what you're doing. I'll tell them that you are lying and doing this purely out of hate and irrational fear."

Before Tammy could muster any type of response, the maître d' returned.

"I'm sorry, but I need you to please keep your voices down. If you don't I will have to ask you to leave. We've had complaints from several patrons."

Tammy gave a smug smile. "I knew I wasn't the only one that had a problem with them."

"Oh no, ma'am. I haven't received any complaints about the Tasker-Montgomery party."

"You haven't? Well who then?"

"I'm afraid it's you. There have been complaints that your behavior has been disruptive and particularly hostile to those at this table. If you could please return to your table …"

"Excuse me?! People are complaining about me?"

"Yes, ma'am, they are."

"And exactly what have I done to disturb them?"

"As I stated before, ma'am, you have been somewhat loud and …"

"Oh, I have, have I? Well, you don't know how loud …"

"That's enough, Tammy."

The woman whipped around and saw her husband standing behind her alongside Kim's husband.

"Doug, can you believe this man? He's saying that people are complaining about me being too loud."

"Actually, yes, I can believe that. You've been over here for almost 20 minutes and have been so loud that Bernie and I could hear you from our table."

"I'm sorry, sir …"

Doug Baldwin waved the maître d' off. "You're just doing your job. We're leaving now anyway."

"What?! Why are we leaving? They should …"

"That's enough. We're leaving because you haven't been at our table for 20 minutes and are more intent on trying to start a fight with Bianca and Marissa than spending a nice night out with our friends." Doug looked over at the couple in question. "Bianca, Marissa, I'm sorry for disturbing your dinner. Come on, Tammy. We're leaving."

"But I'm not done!"

"Yeah, you are, and so am I. I am so tired of this. This has gotta stop. Why can't you just let them be? They weren't doing anything." Tammy started to say something, but her husband stopped her. "No, don't. It's always about you and what you want, but you never take responsibility. You're always blaming someone else. Hell, you had our daughter so twisted around that she was starting to act like you. Thank god for those counseling sessions. Bernie, Kim, the two of you should stay and enjoy yourselves."

"I wouldn't feel right staying." Kim said, and her husband nodded his agreement.

"She's right. We're leaving too. I've got your purse, Kim. We've already taken care of the bill."

Doug pulled his wife towards the exit as she continued to make a scene. The man just kept shaking his head as they walked out. Bernie followed right behind while Kim paused for a moment.

"I really am sorry about all of this. Don't worry about the pictures. I'll tell Doug, and I know he'll make sure they are deleted."

Bianca nodded. "Thank you. You know you don't have to leave."

"I know, but I really do feel like we have to. Again, I apologize for how I acted before and hope you will accept my apology."

Marissa spoke this time. "We do, and thank you for doing it. I hope I see you Sunday."

Kim smiled warmly. "I believe you just might and maybe we can talk. I hope all of you can get back to enjoying your evening." With that said, Kim followed the others out.

/

The four looked at each other for a moment before Greg broke the silence.

"Well, that was … something. I don't know what exactly, but it was something."

Marissa sighed. "Yeah, it was." The redhead turned to Bianca. "Are you okay?"

"I am, especially now that Tammy's gone. I have to admit that I was surprised by Kim, but I appreciated what she said and tried to do."

"Me too. It sounded like she had been doing some counseling with Reverend McSherry. I know Kim doesn't agree with us, and that's her right. The difference between now and last year with her is that while she may not agree with us, she is at least willing to respect our right not to agree with her."

"And is doing it in a respectful manner. That's all I want."

"You and me both, B." Marissa glanced at her friend. "You were pretty impressive, Dr. Shelton."

Jo grinned. "I have my moments. I'm pretty impressed with this guy." The doctor nodded to her boyfriend.

"Excellent job, professor." Marissa raised her glass towards Greg.

"Thank you, and thanks for that Supreme Court case. I knew it but couldn't remember the name."

"I keep telling everyone that Rissa is a kickass lawyer."

"Speaking of kickass, I'd say you were pretty much that yourself." Marissa leaned over and whispered to her wife so no one else could hear. "And damn hot."

Bianca gave her wife a mischievous grin. "You'll have to show me how hot later, Counselor."

"Looking forward to it." Marissa glanced at Jo and Greg. "Still want to move here?"

"Definitely. It sure isn't boring." Greg grinned.

"That leads us to something we wanted to ask you. Do you know a good realtor?" Jo asked. "We really should start looking for a place."

"We can put you in touch with the one who helped us. She did a great job."

The foursome continued to talk and were soon able to put the earlier unpleasantness behind them and enjoy their dinner and the time spent with good friends.