A/N: Thanks for continuing to read, review, and follow! I appreciate it. This chapter picks up where the last one left off. Hope you enjoy this update!

/

Marissa woke up and started to stretch before she stopped due to the weight in her arms. She realized it would disturb her wife, and that was the last thing she wanted to do. Marissa glanced down and smiled. Bianca was sleeping peacefully in her arms. It had been a long night for the couple. After everyone had left and the kids had gone to bed, they locked up, went back to their bedroom, changed into their pajamas, and then talked. Bianca admitted that the discussion with Nora had brought up some painful memories. Not many people knew that she still had nightmares from what had happened many years ago. Luckily, they were few and far between, but they did still occur. Marissa obviously knew this and was afraid that the discussion might serve as a trigger for her wife. To avoid that, the couple took a page out of the book of the psychologist that Bianca used to see. They set time aside and talked. Well, Bianca talked, and Marissa listened. This went on for a few hours, but it worked. When they finally went to sleep, the couple was able to sleep peacefully, and for that, Marissa was extremely grateful. Bianca had been running on fumes by the time everyone left and definitely needed the rest.

The redhead glanced at the clock. She knew that she wouldn't be able to get back to sleep, and it wasn't worth fighting it. Marissa placed the lightest of kisses on Bianca's forehead and carefully got out of bed. She didn't want to wake her wife up just yet because the last two days had been exhausting for her. Marissa grabbed her robe and put on her slippers before she left the room and quietly closed the door behind her. As she reached the family room, the redhead was greeted by Max.

"Hey, boy. Come on, I'll let you out." The dog wagged his tail and followed her to the kitchen where she opened up the door to let him outside. She took a minute to watch Max romp in the snow and couldn't help but laugh. He loved the snow. The redhead was pretty sure the family would be out playing in it with Max later that day.

Marissa sighed before she set about to make coffee. While it was brewing, she grabbed her cellphone, and placed what was probably the most important call she would make that day. It was a little early, but Marissa knew Jackie well enough to know that she would be up.

"Good morning, Marissa."

"Good morning, Jackie. I hope I didn't wake you up."

"No, you didn't. I was getting a workout in before the kids woke up. I doubt very seriously that they'll be up as early as they were yesterday."

Marissa chuckled. "Somehow, I don't see them being up as early here either."

"Funny how that works, isn't it. So, why are you up this early?"

"Work."

"Oh. You have an answer for me then?"

"I do. I would've called last night, but we finished things over here late."

"I understand. You went over everything with Greenlee and Ryan then?"

"I did. We had a pretty in-depth conversation with some friends of mine from Llanview."

"Ah, interesting. Did that affect Greenlee and Ryan's decision?"

"Not really, no. They had pretty much made their decision as soon as they saw her picture. Greenlee and Ryan would very much like to adopt her."

Jackie sighed in relief. She had hoped that would be the answer she would here today. "That is great news. So, no issues with what your friends told you?"

"None. They know the baby is innocent and so is Alicia. The two of them are extremely grateful to her. They are not judging her for what she's doing. She's in a tremendously difficult situation, and they know. It's one that's hard for most of us to even fathom. Ryan and Greenlee want her to know that they promise to give this baby all of the love they have. They wanted to pass on their thanks to her for giving them this precious gift. They want her to take care of herself and hope that she is getting the help that she needs."

"I will pass that on to her. And she is getting help. Thank them for me for their concern for her."

"I will."

"Alright, back to business. Unfortunately because of the holidays, we won't be able to finalize things until next week."

"That's what I figured and told Greenlee and Ryan that too. This gives them the chance to get things ready at home for her. In fact, they're going shopping today because they need pretty much everything."

Jackie chuckled as she flipped through her planner. "I can imagine so. How does January 2nd sound to you?"

"It sounds good. We are more than willing to come to you."

"That was my next question, and it makes everything easier for us. I will get working on things here and send you the details for next week. Please pass on my congratulations to them."

"I will. Thank you, Jackie. This was pretty much the best Christmas present that they've ever gotten, and I'm pretty sure Emma will say the same thing. She was really hoping for a sister. Have a good day."

"You too."

/

"Marissa, good morning! How are you doing? Have you talked to Jackie yet? If not, are you calling her soon?"

The redhead smiled. She could hear the nervous excitement in Greenlee's voice. "Good morning, Greenlee. I'm good. How are you doing?"

"Good. Good. I'm good. You're killing me here, Rocky."

"Yes, I just got off the phone with Jackie."

"What did she say? Nothing changed, right? Nobody changed their mind?"

"Greenlee."

"Yeah?"

"Breathe."

Greenlee did as requested. "I'm sorry. I'm just …"

"No need to apologize. I understand. Nothing has changed. Jackie was thrilled that you and Ryan agreed to adopt the baby. She's already starting on the paperwork, and we have a date. We'll be going to Llanview on the 2nd. I don't have a time yet though. Jackie's going to get back with me on that and the other details later today. When I have that, I will let you know. For now, block out next Tuesday. We're going on a road trip."

"That's … that's wonderful! Ahhhhh!" Greenlee laughed for a second and then stopped. "We're going to need a car seat!"

"I would suggest getting two, one for your car and one for Ryan's car."

"You're right! We need two! Oh my gosh! We need like everything! I've been working on a list ever since I got up."

"Don't get everything on it. Leave something for us to get her. We've got some spoiling to do."

Greenlee laughed. "That's the same thing Kendall said. We talked last night after the kids went to bed."

"Speaking of kids, how did Emma take the news?"

"She's thrilled. You know that she's wanted to be a big sister forever, and now, it's happening. Plus, she's getting a sister. She would've been okay with a brother, but she really wanted a sister. We talked for a while last night, and Ryan and I answered her questions as best we could. Her plans for today are to help us with shopping for the baby's room and to work on a list of names."

"Sounds like a busy day."

"Yes, it does. Oh, I almost forgot. When Kendall got home last night, her neighbor came over."

"Which one?"

"The one with the house that I absolutely love and I tell her to let me know if she and her husband ever want to sell it."

"Oh yeah, I like that house a lot. Don't tell me."

"They are moving to Florida and want to sell! They are giving us first look. Ryan and I are going to go over there tomorrow and check it out."

"That is great news! I know you and Ryan have talked about getting a house for a while."

"Yeah, it is, and you're right. We have been thinking about it. Emma loves it when she goes over to your place or to Kendall's and can go out in the backyard. The condo is great and all, but she wants that. With the baby, it just seems like the right time. If this place doesn't work out, we'll look someplace else."

"Something tells me that it's going to work out."

"That sounds awfully optimistic and a great deal like your wife. I think Bianca is rubbing off on you."

"Oh, you don't even know the half of what she does to and for me."

Greenlee laughed. "Thank you. I needed that. You know that Kendall would be cringing right about now."

"Yeah, I know. She would. It's fun getting a rise out of her sometimes. I don't know that if that neighborhood will be able to handle the two of you being neighbors. There's not a neighborhood association you'd have to deal with is there?"

"No, there's not. Do you really think Zach or Kendall would live someplace where there's one of them? Neither of them likes being told what they can and can't do."

"Very true."

"Hey, how's Bianca? I know she said she was fine last night, but is she really?"

"Yes, she really is. We talked last night after everyone left, and Bianca's doing okay." Marissa was startled when a pair of arms wrapped around her from behind and a voice whispered in her ear.

"I'm doing more than okay. Morning."

"Morning."

"Good morning, Bianca!"

"Greenlee says good morning too."

"Good morning, Greenlee." Bianca said after she gave Marissa a quick kiss. The brunette then walked to the laundry room to grab a towel before she walked to the backdoor. She opened it and called for Max. The dog stopped what he was doing when he heard his name and ran to greet Bianca. She laughed as she dodged his kisses so she could wipe off his paws. Once that was done, she let him go after closing the door. Max headed straight for his food and water.

Marissa couldn't help but smile at the scene.

"I'm going to go and give Ryan and Emma the good news. Then, I have to call Jack, and of course Kendall. Oh, Ryan and I talked about what you suggested last night, and we're going to talk with Jo so I need to call her later as well. I'll talk to you soon."

"I'll let you know as soon as I hear back from Jackie. Bye, Greenlee. Happy shopping!"

"Bye, Marissa. Yeah, we're definitely going to have fun shopping. Oh, and Marissa, thank you for everything."

"You're welcome."

/

"Are you done?" Bianca asked.

"One quick text, and then, I'm all yours." Marissa sent a message to Ellie telling her that she wouldn't be in the office on the 2nd. She told her that she would be travelling to Llanview for Greenlee and Ryan's adoption, and if any emergencies came up then, to call or text her. With that done, Marissa placed her cellphone on the counter and turned to her wife. "Done."

Bianca smiled, wrapped her arms around her wife, and pulled her in for a loving kiss. When they separated, both women sighed happily. "Good morning."

"Good morning, my beautiful wife." Marissa grinned. "How are you today?"

"Much better now. I missed you. I woke up, and you weren't there. Imagine my surprise when I come in here and find you working."

Marissa could tell by the tone in Bianca's voice that she wasn't upset with her. "I'm sorry. I woke up a little while ago and couldn't get back to sleep. I didn't want to wake you up. You looked so peaceful. So, I came out here and made a couple of quick calls. I figured if I got those out of the way, I would have the rest of the day for you and the kids."

"I like that. So, good news for Greenlee then?"

"Yes, I called Jackie, and everything is a go for the adoption. We have a date, January 2nd. The three of us will be going to Llanview to pick up the baby. Wait. I have an idea. Want to play hooky next week and go to Llanview with me?"

"Really?"

"Yeah. I don't have a time yet, but after we're done, maybe we could meet up with Vikki and Nora. We can check with Susan, see if she can pick up the kids and watch them until we get home."

"I like that idea. Okay. Once you get the time, we'll call them. Now, I need coffee."

Marissa laughed. "As you wish." The redhead retrieved two mugs and filled them while Bianca grabbed the milk and sugar.

The two sat silently while they enjoyed their coffee and the quiet of the house for a few minutes.

Bianca finally broke the silence. "How's Greenlee?"

"Nervous, excited. She has about a thousand things on her to do list that she needs to take care of between now and next week. They're going shopping later today, and then, they are going to look at a house tomorrow."

"What? They found something?"

"Maybe. Kendall's neighbors are selling their place and moving to Florida. The Laverys get first dibs."

"Wow. Kendall and Greenlee as neighbors. It's like their dream come true." Bianca chuckled.

"It is, isn't it?"

"How's Emma doing with it?"

"Excited and working on names for her little sister as well as helping to decorate her room."

"I'm really happy to hear that. So, Counselor, what's on the agenda for today?"

"Absolutely nothing. Thanks to Zach, your car is taken care of. We have plenty of leftovers which means that lunch and dinner are pretty much taken care of as well. So, we just have to worry about breakfast, and that's it. The Tasker-Montgomery family can do whatever we want to today."

"That sounds perfect." Before Bianca could say anything else, her cellphone rang. She chuckled when she saw who it was. "Good morning, Kendall."

"Good morning, Binx. How are you today?"

"Good, and you?"

"I'm doing good. I'll get straight to the point. I just heard from Greenlee that adoption is a go. That means we have to have a baby shower for her."

"You're right. We do. I'm sure she needs everything. Do you want to start planning it today?" Bianca really hoped that wasn't the case because she was looking forward to doing nothing with Marissa and the kids today.

"No. With everything you've gone through the last couple of days, you deserve a break. We can start planning later this week. I just wanted to put it out there for you and Red."

"You got it. Oh, I hear you may have a new neighbor."

"Yes! My fingers are crossed. It's going to be great if it works out. Okay, I'm going to go. I'll talk to you soon, and tell Red 'hi' for me."

"Will do. The same with Zach." Bianca disconnected the call and shook her head with a smile. "If Ryan and Greenlee move there, that neighborhood isn't going to know what hit them."

/

Adoption Day arrived, and a small contingent made its way from Pine Valley to Llanview. Jackie had gotten them an early time with the judge for the adoption hearing. Marissa and Bianca were in one car and led the way with Ryan and Greenlee in another. Before they had left, the car seat in Ryan's car had been checked and rechecked. Bianca had shown Ryan and Greenlee how to install it their cars. It had been a while since they had needed one for an infant. Once they were satisfied that it was secure, they made the one hour drive to Llanview. When they arrived in town, Marissa dropped Bianca off at Llanfair, and Ryan and Greenlee followed them there. The couple then followed Marissa to the courthouse. Bianca and Vikki had arranged to meet and catch up while the adoption hearing took place over at the courthouse. When it was done, Marissa would head back to Vikki's, and then, the three women would meet up with Nora for lunch. For their part, Ryan, Greenlee, and the baby would head home to Pine Valley. They wanted to get the baby settled in and spend some time with just the three of them for a few hours before they picked Emma up from school and took her home to meet her new sister. Others would be invited over in a few days to meet her, but for now, they wanted it just be the four of them. They needed and wanted the time to get acquainted.

Jackie met Marissa, Greenlee, and Ryan at the courthouse and escorted them to a small conference room before she went to meet up with another representative from Llanview Social Services. That social worker had picked up the baby from her foster family and was bringing her to the courthouse for the day's proceedings. This left the trio from Pine Valley alone to wait.

Marissa sat back and observed Greenlee and Ryan. While Greenlee paced around the room, one of Ryan's legs bounced up and down repeatedly. It was clear to her that the couple was nervous, anxious, and excited all at one time. The redhead knew that all of those nerves would go away the instant the baby was brought in.

Greenlee stopped her pacing and checked the time, again. It was something she had been doing since she had woken up that morning. "What's taking so long? Where are they?"

"I would tell you to relax, but we both know that wouldn't do any good. They'll be here."

"But what if someone changed their mind, Marissa? What if they decided to back out and this doesn't happen?"

"I talked to Jackie, and she assured me that that's not going to happen. The adoption is going to go through, and you will be taking your little girl home very soon."

Greenlee sighed. "I'm sorry. I'm just … I'm just afraid that something's going to happen to stop this from happening. I mean, we're so close."

"I understand, but try and have a little bit more faith. This is going to happen."

"She's right, you know." Ryan held out his hand. "Come here, and please, have a seat. You're going to wear a path out in that rug."

Greenlee smiled and took her husband's hand as she took the seat next to him. "Okay, I'll sit, but you have to stop with the leg. It's like a jackhammer."

"Deal."

Marissa chuckled as she watched the couple. She hoped their faith in her wasn't misplaced, and that everything would go as they had planned.

/

"Mrs. Buchanan!"

Nora stopped and turned. She smiled when she saw a young African-American woman approach. Nora was surprised to see her today and wondered what brought her there. "Alicia, hello. How are you?"

/

A/N: Yeah, I left it there. My evil side made me do it. See you soon!