A/N: I'm back! Thanks, as always, for continuing to read, review, and follow! I appreciate it. It was a good trip. Thankfully, the weather in Connecticut cooperated and was pretty much like it is at home. We had a 2 hour delay in Detroit due to the fact that we had a plane but no crew. You kind of need them. It was great to finally meet some people that I've worked with for years. The only downside was one co-worker that a few of us don't like. I managed to stay away from her for the most part. When we got home, my one friend's car wouldn't start. Luckily, she called me before I left the airport garage, and I had jumper cables. We got her started, and she made it home with no further problems. I feel like I'm finally back to my normal routine. This includes writing. I didn't write anything for 4 days (I usually write a little something every day), and let me tell you, it was hard to get back in the swing of it. I feel like I have though. So, this chapter picks up where the last one left off. Hope you enjoy this update!

/

Greenlee took a deep breath and was just about to start when Marissa's cellphone interrupted her.

Marissa did a quick glance at the device to see who it was. "Go ahead. It's just Brooke. I can talk to her later."

"No, go ahead and answer."

"Are you sure?"

Greenlee nodded. "Positive."

"Okay." Marissa answered the call. "Hi, Brooke."

"Hi, Marissa. I'm sorry to disturb you. Something has come up that you need to know however, and I wanted you to hear it from me."

"What is it?"

"It's Adam." Brooke cleared her throat. "He passed away this morning."

"Oh, Brooke, I'm so sorry." Marissa could hear the pain in the other woman's voice. Not many people knew it, only those closest to him in fact, but Adam Chandler had been sick for some time. How they had managed to keep it quiet was a minor miracle. It had been done in order to keep his competitors at bay and to give Scott time to learn the inner workings of Chandler Enterprises. Adam and Scott had come to an understanding after the last time JR had left town, and as a result, the two became close. The elder Chandler filled the role of a second father for Scott, and at the same time, the younger Chandler filled the role of surrogate son for Adam since his relationship with JR was strained at best. After numerous discussions, Scott agreed to go back to work at Chandler Enterprises. Adam began to groom Scott to take over for him someday. After Adam became ill, that plan was accelerated while at the same time keeping his illness quiet. Marissa and Bianca had been informed of Adam's illness because of AJ. Prior to Adam becoming sick, the couple had allowed AJ to spend time with his paternal grandfather. Adam was beyond grateful, and loved nothing more than the time he spent with his grandson. For his part, AJ enjoyed the time as well, and the two formed a special and tight bond. When AJ changed his name to Tasker-Montgomery, Adam was less than thrilled to say the least. He'd been extremely upset that AJ was, in the elder Chandler's mind, turning his back on the Chandler legacy. With help from Brooke and Stuart, Marissa and Bianca explained why AJ wanted to change his name. Brooke always brought out the best in the man, and Stuart was a reflection of Adam's other softer side. After he had calmed down, Adam was able to understand it was because of everything JR had done. He had tainted the name for the boy. Adam finally accepted that it was in AJ's best interest. It also helped the Marissa and Bianca had done their very best to assure him that he would still have a place in AJ's life. Marissa knew AJ would be very upset by this news. The redhead herself was having a hard time and could tell Brooke was as well. Even when you know a loved one doesn't have much time left, it still doesn't fully prepare you for when the time comes.

"How are you holding up?"

"I just don't know. I feel … numb. It does help some that he went quietly. I knew you would want to tell AJ so that's why I called as soon as I could."

"I appreciate it. AJ loved him so much."

"I know he did, and Adam loved AJ. Adam realized the mistakes that he had made with JR and did his best not to repeat them with AJ. Your son made him a much better man."

"He did a good job showing his other side to AJ. How is Stuart?" Marissa was afraid to ask but had to know even though she had a good idea.

Brooke choked up. "Honestly? He's almost inconsolable. Marian hasn't left his side, and Scott has only left it to help me. I don't know that I have ever seen Stuart this upset. It's hard."

"Is there anything I can do for you right now?"

"Not at the moment, but thank you. Right now, I need to make several calls and finalize his arrangements."

"How's Scott?"

"He's been a godsend and has been nothing short of a rock for me and Stuart. He is taking care of contacting the Chandler board."

"Scott is a man. If you need anything, don't hesitate to call either Bianca or myself."

"I will, and thank you. You wouldn't happen to know where JR is, would you?"

"I'm afraid not. We haven't heard from him in months. The last address I have is a halfway house in California."

"That's the last address that Scott was able to find for him too, but they said JR had been released. Hopefully, we can find him to let him know. Oh, there is one more thing."

"Name it."

"Erica."

"I'll have Bianca tell her."

"Thank you. I don't think I could handle talking to her right now. I really need to go, and either Scott or I will call when we have everything finalized. Do you think Bianca would be okay if we listed the Miranda Center as the charity to donate to in lieu of flowers? Stuart actually suggested it, and I couldn't think of a better choice."

"She would be honored. Thank you."

"That's what we'll do then. I'll talk to you soon."

"Talk to you later, Brooke." Marissa said before she disconnected the call.

Even though she had only heard Marissa's side of the conversation, it was enough for Greenlee to figure out what had happened. She had talked with Jack not long ago, and he had given her a heads up on Adam's illness. Even knowing that, it was still hard to believe that Adam Chandler was gone.

"I'm sorry about that, Greenlee."

"Don't worry about it. So, Adam?"

Marissa nodded. "Yes."

"Damn. I can't believe it. It's going to be hard on AJ."

"I know. The girls will be upset too, but AJ, it's going to be hard. I'm not looking forward to that conversation."

"Stuart?"

"Brooke said she's never seen him this upset."

"He does have the kindest heart, and Adam was his twin."

"Yeah, he probably feels like he lost part of himself."

"You're going to have Bianca tell Erica?"

"Yeah, Brooke asked if we could do that for her, and I think Bianca's the best one to do it."

"Good idea. The last thing Brooke needs to do right now is deal with Erica. They have a very complicated relationship to say the least."

"Tell me about it. Is it okay with you if I call Bianca? I need to let her know."

"Of course it is. Look. What I needed to talk to you about can wait. Take care of what you need to."

"Are you sure?"

Greenlee nodded. "I'm positive. We can get together in a few days when things have settled down."

"Thank you. I really appreciate it. I would like to tell Bianca in person rather than over the phone."

"I don't blame you. If Brooke needs anything or if you do, just let me know."

"I will, and thanks again." Marissa said gratefully as she hugged Greenlee and left.

/

"Hi, Jan. Is Bianca free?"

"Hi, Marissa. Yeah, she is. Go on back." Even though the redhead had smiled, Jan could tell something wasn't right. So if Bianca had been busy, the assistant would have interrupted whatever her boss had going on for Marissa.

"Thanks."

/

Marissa knocked on the frame of the open door. "Hey."

Hearing her wife's voice, Bianca's head snapped up, and she smiled. "Hey. I wasn't expecting you." She immediately knew something had happened and got up to meet Marissa halfway. "What's wrong? Is it something with Greenlee?" Bianca knew her wife was meeting Greenlee for lunch to discuss something today.

"No, it's not her. Let's sit down."

Bianca did as requested. "You're starting to scare me now."

"Sorry, I didn't mean to. I didn't get much of a chance to talk to Greenlee before we were interrupted. Brooke called."

"No." Bianca knew right away what had occurred.

"Yeah, I'm afraid so. Adam passed away this morning."

"How is she doing?"

"As well as can be expected."

"How's Stuart?"

Marissa shook her head. "Bad."

It nearly broke Bianca's heart to hear that. Stuart was a gentle soul, but he was also stronger than people gave him credit for being. "Does she need anything?"

"She was hoping we could tell Erica."

"Of course. I'll take care of that."

"That's what I told her. She asked if I had an idea of where JR might be. It seems he's not at the halfway house anymore, and they don't have a new address for him."

Bianca sighed. "Of course he's not there. What's Brooke going to do?"

"My guess is that she'll hire an investigator to try and track him down. Brooke did have one other request. She'd like to have donations go to the Miranda Center. She said Stuart suggested it, and Brooke agreed that there was no better choice."

"Really? I'm … I'm honored." Bianca was stunned by Stuart's and Brooke's thoughtfulness while they were grieving although she probably shouldn't be.

"That's what I told her." Marissa paused. "We're going to have to tell AJ and the girls. I want to wait to do that until he's home from school. There isn't much time left in the school day anyway."

Bianca nodded. "I think that's a good idea. We could tell him first and then tell the girls."

"That's what I was thinking. I'm not looking forward to this."

"I know. Me either. AJ really loved him."

"He did, and he made Adam want to be better. He changed so much because of AJ."

"Adam was also good to the girls."

Marissa smiled. "Yeah, he really was. He seemed to like Danny quite a lot too."

Bianca bumped her wife's shoulder. "You know he did. Adam told me once that he could see so much of you in him. So, it seems that Danny charmed him as much as you did."

"I only care about charming you." Marissa sighed and stood. "I need to get back to the office. I want to wrap a few things up so I can get Danny and leave early."

"Okay. I'll call Susan, and tell her I'll pick up AJ, Miranda and Gabby today. We'll just meet you at home." Bianca said as she walked with Marissa to the parking lot.

"That sounds good. What about Erica?"

"I'll call her after I talk to Susan."

"You okay to do that?"

"Yeah, I am. I know Mom and Adam have been divorced for years, but I think it's going to hit her hard." Bianca gave her wife a quick kiss when they reached the redhead's car. "Do me a favor?"

"Anything."

"Stop and get something to eat." Bianca knew her wife hadn't had lunch yet and wanted to make sure she took care of herself.

Marissa laughed. "I will, I promise. I'll see you at home. I love you."

"I love you too."

/

When Marissa got home with Danny, she let Jessica know what was going on. Her friend was saddened by the news and by how AJ would be affected by it. She told the redhead that she would keep an eye on Miranda, Gabby, and Danny while Bianca and Marissa talked with AJ. Jessica also offered some advice on how to break the news to the boy. She, unfortunately, had experience doing that, and still remembered breaking the news of the death of Jo's father to her daughter. There were differences between the two but the same basic situation. Marissa listened and took Jessica's advice to heart.

Bianca arrived home with the older kids and had them start on their homework. After she changed, the brunette found her wife outside with their youngest son. The two redheads were on a blanket with Danny looking like he wanted to take off crawling but not quite sure just yet. Bianca couldn't help but smile at the sight.

"Hey. There are my favorite redheads."

Marissa smiled seeing her wife and picked up Danny. She then spoke for her son. "Hi, Mommy. I missed you."

"I missed you too, little one." Bianca took a seat next to her wife. She gave Marissa a quick kiss before taking Danny and kissing him.

"Kids doing homework?"

"Yep."

"I've been thinking, and I want to tell him after dinner."

"I think that's a good idea."

"I've also been talking to Jessica and got some good advice from her. She did go through something like this with Jo."

"True, she did unfortunately. I've been thinking about how we should do this too."

"Good. Time to come up with a game plan."

The couple then discussed the best way to tell AJ first and later, the girls. After some time, they reached a decision and headed inside to start on dinner.

/

"Hey, Buddy. Would you mind come sitting here?" Marissa patted a spot on the sofa between her and Bianca. Jessica had taken Miranda, Gabby, and Danny downstairs to the playroom to watch a movie leaving the other three family members alone in the family room.

AJ swallowed hard and nodded. He searched his brain for something that he might have done wrong but couldn't think of anything. "Am I in trouble?"

"No, of course you're not. Why would you think that?"

The boy shrugged. "You and Mom wanted to talk to me by myself. You usually do that when I'm in trouble."

Bianca glanced at her wife and smiled. "While that's true sometimes, it's not the case now."

AJ breathed a sigh of relief. "Okay. What did you want to talk to me about then?"

Marissa cleared her throat. She and Bianca had decided it was best to be honest and straightforward with him. This was also the advice that Jessica had given her earlier. "Do you remember how your Grandpa Adam has been sick?"

"Yeah." AJ's mothers had told him a few months ago about his grandpa being sick and that he wasn't going to get better. It had been a difficult conversation for all of them, but Bianca and Marissa explained everything to him to the best of their ability and answered his questions honestly. They let him spend more time with Adam, and it was time that was treasured by grandfather and grandson.

"Well, Buddy, I got a call from Brooke a little while ago. He died in his sleep."

"Grandpa's gone?" Tears started to fill AJ's eyes. "I'm not gonna see him again?"

Marissa's heart was breaking for her son. "I'm afraid not, Buddy."

Tears began to flow, and AJ buried himself in Marissa's side.

Bianca was at a loss. There was nothing either she or Marissa could do to take away his pain. If there was a way, they would do it in a heartbeat. As it was however, they could only be there to hold him and comfort him as best they could. So while AJ clung to Marissa, Bianca scooted closer and wrapped her arms around him as well.

After some time, the tears subsided, and Bianca fetched some tissues to dry his tears and wipe his nose as AJ leaned into Marissa.

"Will … will he be there?"

Marissa knew exactly who AJ was referring to, JR. Her ex-husband had managed to finally stay true to his word and had left AJ alone. It had now been several months since they had seen or heard from him. Even with not hearing from JR in all that time, Marissa wasn't surprised that AJ had asked about him. It was only natural. "I don't know, AJ. No one seems to know where he is right now, but Brooke and Scott are trying to find him to let him know."

AJ nodded. "Okay."

"How do you feel about that? Do you want to see him?" Bianca asked. Losing his grandfather was hard enough on AJ. When you add in the complicated relationship he had with his father, it would be hard on an adult to handle let alone an eleven year old boy.

The boy shrugged. "I don't know. He should be there because Grandpa Adam's his dad. I know they didn't along, but being there is the right thing to do. I think I'd be sad if it were him. I know he's done some really bad things, and I don't like him for doing them. He's still my dad though, and …"

"You still love him, but you're not sure if you want to talk to him yet." Marissa finished knowingly.

AJ nodded. "Yeah."

Bianca rubbed his back. "I know it's complicated, Buddy, isn't it?"

"Yeah, it really is."

Marissa looked at her son. "How about we take things one at a time? Do you want to go to the funeral? If you want to go, we'll be right there next to you the whole time. Funerals can be tough. If you don't want to go, we'll understand. We won't force you. Your Mom and I are okay either way."

AJ thought for a moment. "I think I wanna go so I can say goodbye to Grandpa. I wanna be there for Uncle Stuart, Brooke and Scott too. I know they're gonna miss him a lot."

"They will. That's very thoughtful of you. Your Ma and I are very proud of you. If you change your mind though, you just let us know. Okay?"

"Okay, Mom. What about dad?"

"We're okay with whatever you decide."

"So, if I don't want to talk to him …"

"You don't have to."

"What if he gets mad?"

"You let us worry about that. It's our job." Marissa assured the boy. "Okay?"

AJ breathed a sigh of relief. "Okay."

The three continued to talk for a while longer with Bianca and Marissa answering a number of AJ's questions as well as continuing to comfort and reassure him. Later, they had Miranda and Gabby come up and explained what was going on to them. The girls were sad to hear about Adam because they liked him. Spending time with AJ had mellowed him, and he made sure to invite the girls on their adventures. What had the girls really sad though was seeing their brother upset, and they did their best to try and make him feel better. Like with AJ, the couple talked to the girls about the funeral. They could go if they wanted to, but Bianca and Marissa weren't going to force them. Both Miranda and Gabby wanted to go to be there for AJ. That heartfelt sentiment had them all tear up again and was truly appreciated.

Jessica and Danny along with Max joined the others a short while after that. Max seemed to sense AJ's sadness so he trotted over to the boy and hopped up next to him on the sofa before resting his head on AJ's lap. AJ hugged the loyal dog and petted him. The family spent the remainder of the evening together, and it was exactly what AJ needed.

/