A/N: Thanks for continuing to read, review, and follow! I really appreciate it and all of you. Happy anniversary! Things Change has been going for just over five years. Can you believe that? I know I can't. If you told me when I started writing this story that I would still be doing so five years later, I would have thought you were crazy. Here we are though, and it's because of all of you and your support. I don't think it's possible for me to fully express just how much your reviews and messages mean to me. You've given me support as well as inspiration, and you've helped me power through bouts of writer's block. I truly couldn't do this without all of you. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. This chapter picks up where the last one left off. Hope you enjoy this update!

/

Saturday morning had the Tasker-Montgomery family up and moving before the other members of their party. The reason for their early rising was they were going to visit Marissa's parents. Bianca had told Kendall and Greenlee about their plans the night before, and the Dynamic Duo understood and decided to stay behind to give the family privacy. As for Jessica and Jo, Marissa had informed of what her family was going to do, but they didn't have to be told about her plans. They knew she would be paying a visit to the cemetery just as Marissa knew that they had plans to do the same. Everyone had decided they would meet up for breakfast later that morning at the Pancake Pantry.

"Good morning. Did you all sleep well?" Clay Miller greeted the family as they entered the lobby. He was setting up drinks for all of the guests.

"Good morning, Clay. We did. Where's Nancy?" Marissa asked.

"She's in the kitchen. Her world famous muffins should be ready soon if you're interested."

"We don't have time right now. Do you think she could save us some for later?"

"I think that can definitely arranged. How about some coffee and milk to go? I've got chocolate milk if that helps with your decision." Clay smiled at the kids.

Bianca chuckled when she saw the eyes of the couple's older children light up. "That sounds wonderful. Thank you."

"You're welcome. So, three chocolate milks to go then?"

Gabby nodded happily. "Yes, please."

Clay smiled. "I'll be right back. Marissa, Bianca, please help yourselves to the coffee."

/

The family was quiet as they drove into the cemetery and made their way to where Roy and Lydia were buried. Marissa put the SUV in park and turned it off when they reached their destination and then turned to the backseat. "Are you guys okay? Are you sure about this?"

All three nodded, and Miranda answered for them. "We're okay, Ma, and we're sure."

Bianca glanced over at her wife. "How about you?"

"Yeah, I'm good. Let's go."

While Marissa held a passenger door open for AJ, Miranda, and Gabby, Bianca released Danny from his car seat. Miranda and AJ carried the flowers the family had purchased from a local florist on their way over to the cemetery. They had opted for two beautiful Christmas bouquets, one for Roy and one for Lydia, rather than more traditional flowers. Marissa knew her parents would've loved them. Both of her parents loved Christmas, but it was by far and away her mother's favorite holiday. That love was one of the many things they had passed onto their daughter. As the family started to walk, Gabby grabbed Marissa's hand. Their eyes met as the redhead glanced down at her youngest daughter. Marissa gave the hand a gentle squeeze and smiled. The gesture meant everything to her, and she understood the silent message that Gabby was sending her by doing it.

When they stopped at her parents' graves, the first thing Marissa saw were the fresh poinsettias they had been placed there. The redhead knew in an instant who was responsible for them and quickly glanced over to her wife.

"I hope that's okay."

Marissa smiled and gave her wife a quick kiss. Bianca's thoughtfulness never ceased to amaze her. "It is more than okay. Thank you."

"You're welcome."

AJ looked at Marissa. "Ma, should we do it now?"

The redhead nodded. "Yeah, go ahead."

Miranda and AJ placed the flowers by the headstones.

"Hi, Mom. Hi, Dad. Merry Christmas. I hope you like the bench. It seemed like something you would appreciate, and well, it reminded me of the two of you. I didn't get to tell you when it was put in that a friend of mine made it. He does beautiful work."

Several months earlier Marissa had asked Alex Walker if he would be interested in carving a bench that would be placed beside her parents' graves. She thought it was something they would've liked if one had survived while the other hadn't. It would be a place to sit during a visit where one could reflect and remember. Alex readily agreed, and at first, he refused to take any money from her for the work. After some negotiating, he agreed to let her pay for the materials, but only the materials. Marissa, however, was able to make an adjustment to their agreement. As luck would have it, Alex's scroll saw broke before he started work. After talking with Gail and Carol, Marissa found out which one Alex had his eye on to replace it with and bought it. When it was delivered, he called to thank her and also tell her that he would pay her back. With some assistance from Gail, Carol, and Sam, Marissa was finally able to get him to accept it as a gift. When she finally saw the finished product, the redhead was nearly brought to tears. It was beautiful and more than she could have ever hoped for. Marissa and Alex drove up the weekend after it was finished to meet with some workers from the cemetery to have it installed. Unfortunately, she hadn't been able to stay as long as she had wanted due to a nasty stomach virus which was making the rounds at school and had been brought home, and it had hit the residents of Minx Manor full force. Bianca encouraged her wife to take as long as she needed in Devon, but Marissa had noticed that her wife was a little paler than she had been the day before which gave the redhead a sinking suspicion that Bianca had picked up the bug and was next on its list. It would turn out that Marissa was right. By the time she returned home, Bianca was white as a ghost and shivering. The redhead sent her straight to bed and took over caring for the family. They had made it through the weekend, somehow. After everyone had recovered, Marissa asked Bianca if she thought Erica would like something similar for her mother's grave. Bianca loved the idea and helped come up with the design for it which Alex was currently working on.

"It's okay. Go ahead and have a seat, guys." Marissa encouraged the kids to have a seat on the bench. "I have some very special people with me that wanted to come and meet you. I know you remember Bianca."

"Hi, Lydia. Hi, Roy."

"We brought our minions with us for Winterfest. Bianca arranged everything and surprised me with this trip. I'm really lucky to have someone as thoughtful as her to share my life with."

"You're not the only one who's lucky. The two of you raised an amazing woman."

"Speaking of amazing, this is Miranda, AJ, Gabby, and Danny. I know I've told you about them before so I'll just give you an update this time. Miranda played soccer this year and did really great. More importantly, she has straight A's so far this year."

"Hi, Grandma. Hi, Grandpa. I'm really glad we were able to come see you. Ma's going to take us on a tour around town later today. We can't wait to see where she grew up. She's right. I do like soccer, and if the women's national team comes close to Pine Valley, Ma said we're going to go see them."

"That's right, Mimo. We will." Marissa smiled. "As for AJ, he has excellent grades as well. He is also a great second baseman, and you'll be happy to hear, Dad, that he is a Reds fan."

"Hi, Grandma. Hi, Grandpa. Ma's right. I really like the Reds, and Brandon Phillips is my favorite player. They didn't have a great season this year and have been trading players. I think next season is going to be rough because it's going to be a rebuilding year, but I'm sticking with them."

"Looks like I must be doing something right, huh? Now, Gabby is equally as smart as her brother and sister, and she is our basketball player. She also entertains us nightly with her jokes. Don't you, Monkey?"

Gabby nodded proudly. "I do. Hi, Grandma. Hi, Grandpa. Ma says that you used to tell jokes like me, Grandpa. I got a new one. What do you call a fake noodle?"

"I don't know, Monkey. What?" Marissa asked.

"An impasta!"

While AJ and Miranda groaned, Gabby's mothers couldn't help but chuckle. Marissa watched her family and smiled. This was not the kids' first visit to a cemetery. AJ had been to Babe's grave, and Miranda and Gabby had been to their great-grandmother Mona's so they weren't uncomfortable or afraid being there. The redhead knew it also helped that she and Bianca had talked to them about today. They really were amazing kids.

"And last, but certainly not least, we have Danny. He's already showing signs of brilliance like his brother and sisters. He called Bianca and me 'Mama' yesterday. Like I said, brilliant!"

Bianca chuckled. "I can't argue with any of what you said, Rissa."

Marissa smiled and then spoke to her parents again. "See, Bianca agrees with me. Did I mention that she's really smart too?"

The kids giggled as Bianca rolled her eyes.

"But more than that, I have the most thoughtful wife. Not only did she arrange for us to come here, but she also staged an invasion of Devon by a large contingent from Pine Valley. Oh, that includes Jo and Jessica. They moved to Pine Valley not long ago. Jo's engaged to a pretty nice guy. I think you would approve of him. I think you would also approve of who Jessica is seeing. His name is Caleb. He's a good friend to both Bianca and me, and he was my mentor when I started working at the firm. Most important of all though is that he treats Jessica really well and makes her happy. She definitely deserves that."

The family continued their visit for several more minutes before they decided to wrap it up. Marissa glanced at Bianca, and the brunette instantly understood the unasked request.

"Let's head back to the car and give your Ma a couple of minutes."

"Are you okay, Ma?"

"I'm good, Mimo. I just want a minute or two to say goodbye. When I'm done, we'll go get breakfast."

When she was alone, Marissa took a seat on the bench. "I'm pretty lucky, huh? I really do have a great family, and I know that you would absolutely love them. We're all doing really well. We're happy and healthy, and like you used to say, Mom, everything else is just icing on the cake. I love you both, and I'll see you soon."

/

"Wow. I've got to say that was amazing. I am absolutely stuffed. I really hope we don't have to walk very far because I don't know if I can." Greg said as the group exited the Pancake Pantry.

Jo shook her head at her fiancée and chuckled. "I'll try not to make you waddle too far."

Ryan nodded in agreement. "I know what you mean, Greg. I feel like I could use a nap right about now."

"Red, you were right. Those were definitely the best pancakes I've ever had."

Marissa grinned at her brother-in-law. "I'm glad you enjoyed them. Oh, and Ryan, I'm afraid you're not going to be able to take a nap anytime soon."

"Rissa's right. We all promised the kids that we would take them ice skating."

"You did, Dad." Emma smiled at her father.

"That we did. I might not be able to get up if I fall down though."

"You can roll around on the ice, Ryan, or better yet, we could just use you as a hockey puck. I have to admit that I kind of like that last idea." Zach smirked.

"Thanks, Zach, I really appreciate that."

Kendall laughed. "Now, boys, play nice. Besides, Zach, we can't use Ryan as a puck because we didn't bring any hockey sticks."

"We can always go to the sporting goods store here and pick a couple up if you really have your heart set on it."

"Stop being so helpful, Cory."

"Just trying to be hospitable, Ryan." The teacher laughed.

Greenlee leaned in closer to Cory. "I've got to say that I like your style. If he keeps whining, I may need you to show me where that store is."

The group continued their banter as they made their way to the skating rink with Bianca, Marissa, and Kendall bringing up the rear.

"Hey, Kendall, have you heard from Mom or Uncle Jack yet?"

"Let me check my cell. Oh, looks like I missed a text from her. She says they will be here in maybe 45 minutes and wants to know where they should meet us."

"Just tell her to meet us at the rink. That's easy enough to find." Marissa offered.

"Sounds good." Kendall said as she typed out the text.

/

"I believe they are over there, Jack."

Following her gaze, Jack nodded. "I think you're right."

The couple followed the path and stopped when they reached their destination.

"This is a lovely spot." Erica said as she noted the location Marissa had chosen for her parents to be buried. "Bianca mentioned Marissa had a bench made for here. This is beautiful. Alex did an amazing job."

"Yes, he did."

Erica looked at the graves and noted the displays on them. "It would appear that Marissa and Bianca have been here."

Jack nodded. "Yes, it does. They chose beautiful displays for them."

"Roy, Lydia, hello. I'm Erica, Bianca's mother and your daughter's mother-in-law. This is Jack. Not only is he my husband and Bianca's uncle, but he also works with Marissa."

"Yes, and might I add that we're lucky to have her not only in our family but also at the firm. She has a brilliant legal mind and an extremely big heart, and I have no doubt that you would be very proud of her and the work that she has done. She really cares about her clients as well as those that work for her. I'm being completely honest when I say that she reminds of why I became a lawyer. What I like most about Marissa though is how happy she makes Bianca."

Erica smiled at her husband. "Jack is right. I don't ever recall Bianca being as happy as she has been with your daughter. I have to admit that I wasn't sure about Marissa at first. Bianca has been through a great deal and has suffered too much. Marissa, through no fault of her own, is connected to those individuals that have caused a great deal of Bianca's pain. It was for that reason that I was reluctant at first to fully trust Marissa and her intentions towards my daughter. She has, however over the time that I have come to know her, changed my opinion. Marissa is nothing like her birth parents, and I suspect very strongly that she is everything like the two of you. I have no doubt whatsoever that Marissa loves Bianca, and there is nothing she wouldn't do for her. You should also know that Marissa has been there for my other daughter as well as Jack's daughter.

Speaking of my oldest daughter, I had a very interesting conversation with her last night concerning your daughter. Someone overheard a conversation between Marissa and the mayor, and they relayed it to Kendall who in turn told me. It seems the mayor wanted to use my celebrity to his advantage and was pressing Marissa to use her influence on me to agree to what he wanted. I know that it will come as no surprise to either of you that your daughter refused, and in the process of refusing his so-called request, she gave him quite an earful. It seems she was not going to let me be used by him or anyone else. I have a strong suspicion that she won't tell me about this incident either, and Kendall believes this as well which is why she told me. I won't say anything to Marissa about it though unless she says something to me first. Knowing her, I believe she would feel guilty or responsible when she is neither. You should know that I respect Marissa a great deal and love her just as much as I do my own daughters. She is a wonderful wife, mother, sister, and daughter-in-law. I can't imagine our family without her, and I consider all of us extremely lucky to have her as part of our family. I want you to know that I will protect her with everything in my power should the need ever arise. You have my word." Erica turned to Jack. "We should go. I'm sure they will be wondering where we are."

Jack nodded. "I'm sure you're right. I'm glad we stopped by."

"So am I. Goodbye, Lydia, Roy."

/

"She's staring at us again." Cory said.

Jo glanced over her shoulder and sighed. Shelly was on the other side of skating rink with two other women. The three of them were watching the group from Pine Valley as they talked. Actually, two of the women were watching while Shelly glared. There was no way for either her or Cory to know what was being said, but the doctor had a pretty good idea. Jo glanced over to where Marissa was sitting. The redhead was holding a bundled up Danny while they watched Bianca and the kids skate. The couple switched between watching Danny and skating with their older children. Jo could tell that while Marissa never glanced her way she did know that Shelly was watching them. "Yeah, I know. I'm also almost positive that she's talking about Marissa and Bianca. God only knows about what though."

Cory nodded. "Oh, I'm sure she's saying Marissa wronged her in some way, and that she is completely innocent. You know, the usual."

The friends laughed and knew they were both right.

"Hey, I need a favor." Marissa said as she joined her friends.

Neither had seen Marissa push the stroller with Danny in it over their way.

Jo nodded. "Sure. What do you need?"

"I'm going to get some hot chocolate for Bianca and the kids. Could one of you watch Danny while I run over to the stand and get some?"

"I suppose so, if we have to." Cory feigned being put out, but her attempt quickly failed as a big smile spread across her face as her eagerness came through. She quickly bent down and picked Danny up from his stroller. The boy giggled as he was tickled. "See, he loves his Aunt Cory. Go ahead, Mama. Danny and I are going to see what kind of trouble we can get into."

"Thanks. Danny, you're in charge." Marissa laughed as Cory stuck her tongue out at her. "Do you want anything?"

"Would you mind getting some hot chocolate for me and my guys?"

"No problem. Jo?"

"That sounds good. Not as good as if it was yours though."

Cory nodded. "Very true."

"I'll come with you and help." Jo offered. "Are we getting some for anybody else?"

"Everybody else actually. I thought they could use something to keep them warm. What about your Mom? Do you think she'd want some?"

Jo raised an eyebrow at Marissa's knowing grin. The doctor turned and saw her mother and Caleb sitting on a bench and seemingly absorbed in each other. "Yeah, we should get her and Caleb some even though I think she's good."

"Yeah, I think her and Caleb are doing a really good job of keeping each other warm." Marissa smirked.

"Shut up, Tasker, and move." Jo playfully shoved her friend towards the booth. She couldn't help but smile however as she glanced over her shoulder for another glance of Jessica and Caleb.

Marissa laughed and glanced back at Cory. "If you play your cards right, there might be some Tasker family recipe hot chocolate in your very near future."

Cory pumped a fist. "Score! Danny, your Mama is the best. You probably already knew that though, huh?"

/

"I don't know why the two of you are surprised. How many times have I told you over the years that she's not as nice as you or everyone else thinks? This just proves it!"

"Are you sure though, Shelly? It just doesn't seem like Marissa. Who told you that?"

Shelly sighed heavily at her friend Carla. "Ginny told me. She was the one who overheard Cory and her mother talking about Marissa's mother-in-law coming to town."

Carla exchanged a look with their friend Veronica. "Seriously? You're believing Ginny Williams? You know the woman loves to gossip and make up stories."

"Wait! You mean to say that Erica Kane is coming here to Devon?!" Veronica asked excitedly.

"Yes, she is. Keep up!"

"So, let me get this straight. You think Marissa was trying to convince Fitz to replace you as grand marshal in the parade this afternoon with her mother-in-law?" Carla wasn't buying it. Something just didn't sound right.

"Yes! Ginny saw Marissa and Fitz talking last night and said she overheard them mentioning Erica and the parade. Grand marshal is my role. They appointed me to do it."

"Well, you have already done it once."

"That's not the point, Carla! It was mine. Why would they even consider her?"

Veronica looked at Shelly like she had two heads. "You're kidding me, right? She's Erica Kane."

"And your point?"

"Erica Kane is world famous. She was one of the first supermodels and has done everything from acting to having her own talk show to being an author. She's pretty damn amazing, and if you ask me, it makes perfect sense to ask Erica Kane because of the publicity she could bring to Devon."

"Well no one asked you, Veronica." Shelly snapped.

"Actually, you just did when you asked what my point was."

"Shut the hell up! You can be so stupid sometimes! You're completely missing the point, as usual. Marissa, yet again, is trying to take something away from me that was rightfully mine."

"Rightfully yours? You've got to be kidding me. You were only made grand marshal because your family basically paid for it. Oh, and don't talk to Veronica like that. She's not stupid, far from it. She's also your friend, and you don't have many of them. Besides, Veronica's right. You did ask her. As for this belief you have that Marissa is plotting against you, let it the hell go already because I'm pretty sure you're not on her radar. In fact, she probably doesn't even give you a second thought, that is not until you start something."

"I've never started anything with her! It's always been her! Marissa is the one that always does!"

"Marissa is the one that always does what?"

The three women turned around slowly.

Veronica's eyes grew wide with excitement. "Oh my god! It's Erica Kane!"