A/N: Thanks for continuing to read, review, and follow! I appreciate it. Sorry for the late post. I had a bit of a writer's block, and then, I cut the tip of my index finger. That made it a little hard to type. It's healed sufficiently now, and I was able start typing again once I got through my block. This chapter picks up about a week after the previous one. Please read the Author's Notes at the end. Hope you enjoy this update!
/
Marissa glanced up from her desk when she heard the knock on her office door.
Ellie stood in the doorway and tapped her wrist. "It's time."
A quick check of the clock on her desk verified Ellie's statement. Marissa smiled gratefully and immediately began to pack up her belongings. "You're right. That it is. Thank you." When she had come in that morning, Marissa had asked Ellie to remind her of the time so she could wrap things up early in order to make it over to the Miranda Center in time for its big reveal. Both Bianca and Jessica as well as everyone working at the Miranda Center had put a great deal of work into making the day's event a success not only for the Center but more importantly for the community. Marissa wanted to be there for her wife and her friend. She knew this meant a lot to them, and she wanted them to know they had her full support.
"You're welcome. Tell them I said good luck, and that I know it's going to go great."
"I will, and on their behalf, thank you. Okay, I think I've got everything. I just need to get Danny, and then, I'm off. If something urgent comes up, you know how to get ahold of me."
Ellie nodded. "I do. I'll see you tomorrow."
/
"Hey, thanks for the ride today. My car should be ready tomorrow." Jo said as she fastened her seatbelt. She had taken her car in the previous day for repair due to a recall, and with Greg still in New York and Jessica at the Center early for the day's events, Jo was without a car. Marissa was more than happy to pick her friend up. The doctor turned in her seat and smiled at her friend's son as he sat in his car seat. "Hey, Danny."
The redheaded boy grinned and jabbered a greeting to Jo.
"It's not a problem. I know Jessica has her hands full today and couldn't pick you up, and you're on my way to the Center. Plus, there is no way I would let you miss your Mom's big moment." Marissa said as she pulled back out into traffic.
"Yeah, I have to be there for her. Mom's worked so hard on this, and I have to tell you that I'm really proud of her."
"Me too. Your Mom is impressive, a true force of nature."
"And so is Bianca. She took Mom's idea and made it a reality. Not many would or could do that."
"You won't get any argument from me on that. She's one hell of a woman that wife of mine." Marissa stated proudly.
"Greg was hoping someone would record the ceremony for him so he can watch it later tonight."
"That shouldn't be a problem. The media has been invited so there should be pretty good coverage. Plus, Greenlee told me that she'll be there recording as well. So, expect some behind the scenes footage."
Jo laughed. "With Greenlee doing that, god only knows what we'll see."
"I know. I'm looking forward to it though, and she won't admit it but so is Bianca."
"Am I safe in assuming Kendall will be there too then since Greenlee will be?"
"Yep. They're pretty much a package deal. Erica will be there as well."
"I thought she was in California."
"She was, but she got back last night. Erica knew how important this was to both Bianca and Jessica so she moved some things around."
Jo smiled. "Mom's going to be happy to see her. Almost as happy as she will be to have Caleb there. Almost. Mom's just like a teenager when he's around."
Marissa laughed. "True. Caleb's the same with her. I'm really happy they've found each other. They both deserve to be happy, especially Jessica."
"Yeah, she really does. Caleb is a good guy. He treats her really well and is very supportive of her. Most importantly, he makes her happy. I don't recall ever seeing her smile or laugh as much as she has since she started seeing him. I know I wasn't the biggest fan of them being together, but that was just because I didn't want to see her hurt again. Thanks for talking me off the ledge when it came to their relationship."
"You're welcome. You know I would have spoken up if I had thought for one second that Caleb would hurt her, no matter what my relationship with him was. Jessica is family, and that always has and always will come first with me."
"I know. I don't doubt that at all, and I trust you with my life."
Marissa glanced quickly at her friend and smiled. "Same."
"I'm so glad we came back into each other's lives. I really missed you, Rissa."
"I missed you too, Jo. Having you and Jess here has made my life even sweeter. Don't get me wrong, I love Bianca's family. They have welcomed me with open arms, supported me, and treated me like one of their own. You and your Mom though have given me my family, that connection that was missing ever since I moved here. That means more than I could ever say." Marissa said earnestly.
"I know exactly what you mean. For the longest time, it was just me and Mom. I love Greg's family, but you're the sister I always wanted. I've got you back, and now, my family is complete. Plus, I have the world's best sister-in-law in Bianca and the absolute best nieces and nephews." Jo smiled.
Marissa laughed. "Bianca and the kids, hell the entire Kane family adore you and Jess. Don't tell Kendall and Greenlee, but you're the cool Aunt. They're the crazy Aunts. Thank god you're here to balance them out."
"Is that really even possible?" Jo smirked.
"Eh. It's debatable at times. Seriously, how was Jess this morning?"
"Nervous, excited, a bit overwhelmed."
"Well, Bianca will be right there with her, and there's no one better to have next to you than her. Your Mom is also going to have all of us there as well as Gail, Rafaela, Maura, and a host of others."
"Her own cheering section. I tried to tell her that, but I think seeing will be believing for her this time. Greg's disappointed he couldn't make it."
"The dean still giving him a hard time?"
"Yeah, he's such a jacka…" Jo stopped herself from cursing in front of Danny. Since the boy had started jabbering, everyone had been making a concerted effort of watching their language in front of him because kids were like sponges, and once they heard certain words, there was no doubt they would be speaking them at the most inopportune time. "Jerk. He's such a jerk. Greg keeps telling himself that he's down to his last months of dealing with him, and that is what's getting him through this."
"And at the end of that time, he gets you. If you ask me, I think you're more than worth it."
"Thank you. I can't wait until he's finally home for good, and once he is, we're going to start planning the wedding. So, you and Bianca should get your wedding planner hats ready."
Marissa smiled. "I'll let Bianca know, and whenever you need us, we'll be ready."
/
The Miranda Center came into view, and Marissa pulled into the parking lot and stopped at the guard station. When the security guard saw who it was, he leaned down and smiled.
"Good afternoon, Marissa, Dr. Shelton. Hi, Danny. "
The boy jabbered away happily and waved his arms.
"How many times do I have to tell you, Frank? Call me Jo."
The guard nodded. "Jo, sorry."
Marissa simply smiled. She wasn't surprised that he was still addressing Jo by her formal title. It had taken the guard some time before he called her by her first name. "Good afternoon, Frank. It looks like you're going to have a crowd today."
"Yeah, it does. It's a big day. Don't worry though. Bianca had us save you a spot up front. Do you see where Bud is?"
"I do."
"Drive over to where he is, and he'll direct you to it."
Marissa nodded and put her car back into gear. "Thanks, Frank. I appreciate it. Have a good day!"
"You too!"
/
"Hi, Marissa, Jo. Hey, what's up little man?" Bud grinned as he gave Danny a gentle fist bump that had the boy giggle.
"Hi, Bud." Marissa laughed as she greeted the security guard. "Thanks for saving us a prime parking spot."
"For you? Anytime." Bud winked. "You're the first ones here, outside of the press. Bianca and Jessica are inside making sure everything is just right. It's a big day, and this place is definitely buzzing."
"It really is. Let's hope it translates into donations."
"That would be great."
"We should go see if Mom or Bianca need us." Jo said.
"Yeah, we should. Plus, this little one needs a new diaper. We'll see you later, Bud."
"See you later."
/
Marissa spotted Aya as soon as they walked inside. "Hey, Aya. Danny needs a diaper change. Is okay if I use Bianca's office to take care of that? Then, we're hoping you can direct us to Bianca and Jessica."
"Definitely on the first request. As to the second, I think you'll even find both of them inside her office. Hey, Jo. I think you arrived just in time. Your Mom is pretty nervous. Bianca's doing her best to calm her down, but I think you might have a better shot at it."
"I thought she might be nervous even though she doesn't have anything to worry about. Mom's just not used to being in the spotlight like this. I better go see what I can do, and if I can't do anything to help, I have no doubt that Danny can."
"Yeah, he does seem to be able to do that. Bianca and I do our best to make sure he uses his powers for good though." Marissa smirked as she headed to Bianca's office.
/
Bianca glanced over to the door when she heard a knock on it and smiled seeing her wife and youngest son. "Hey!"
"Hey yourself!" Marissa gave her wife a quick kiss and then turned to her friend. "Hi, Jessica."
"Hi, Marissa." Jessica smiled when she saw her daughter. "Hello, sweetheart."
"Hi, Mom." Jo said as she hugged her mother tightly.
"Wow. Someone is ripe." Bianca chuckled as she cuddled her son.
"Yes, he sure is." Marissa said as she pulled out a changing pad from Danny's diaper bag and placed it on the work table. "I'll take care of him. You need to focus."
"Could I change him?" Jessica continued when Marissa and Bianca looked at her. "It will give me something else to think about other than my speech, and I really need that right now."
"Okay, if you're sure."
"I am. Thank you." Jessica smiled as she turned her focus to Danny. The other women could see the tension leaving her instantly.
"You know, Jessica, you don't have to give a speech if you don't want to. I don't want you to get too stressed about it. This day is about you and making your idea come to life. I want you to enjoy this." Bianca said.
"But I don't want to disappoint you."
"You won't. You couldn't. I got this."
Jessica wasn't used to public speaking, and today's event would be big so her anxiety was high. The last thing she wanted to do was mess the announcement up. Too many people had put too much work into this, especially Bianca. Jessica knew Bianca was throwing her a lifeline, and she wasn't too proud to take it. She needed to put this announcement above her ego, and that's exactly what she would do. "If you're sure …"
"I am. Are you still up for standing on stage with me?"
"Yes, I can do that. Thank you for understanding."
"You're welcome." Bianca really did understand that for some, speaking in front of large groups could be rather daunting. Because of her mother, she had the advantage of learning from the master. Bianca had also given countless speeches on behalf of the Center so she was more than prepared to step in and do what needed to be done.
"Hey. How are you all doing?"
"Sam! What are you doing here?" Marissa smiled as she greeted the teen.
"My class is here on a field trip, thanks to Bianca." Sam walked over to Danny and tickled him which caused him to giggle. "Since I work here, Mrs. Maines sent me on a mission. I was trying to track down Jan or Aya to find out where we should sit, but Jasmine said they were busy taking care of some VIP. So, I thought I would check with you, Bianca."
"VIP?" Marissa asked.
Bianca nodded. She had a surprise guest up her sleeve that she knew everyone would enjoy, especially her wife, but she didn't want her to know who it was just yet. "Yes, but don't ask who it is because I'm not telling. Sam, the announcement will be over in the new annex. There are a few rows of seats reserved for your class, and they are marked. Your class will be sitting behind the governor, some other state officials, the mayor, members of city council, and some other dignitaries. There will also be a lot of press here as well."
"So, we need to watch ourselves and behave. Gotcha. I'll tell Mrs. Maines." Same grinned. "I better go. Good luck, and I'll see you all out there." Sam waved and headed back out to find her class.
"Where are we sitting?"
"Well, the three of you are some of the dignitaries I was referring to and will be sitting in the front row." Bianca smiled.
"So, Jo and I have to behave ourselves. Gotcha." Marissa said with a cheeky grin to which Bianca rolled her eyes.
"With those two, that could be harder than you think." Jessica chuckled.
Jo grinned as well. "I can't really argue with her on that."
"True." Marissa nodded as she checked the time. "We should probably go find our seats." She hugged Jessica and then took Danny from her. Marissa then walked over to Bianca who kissed their son. The couple then shared a quick kiss of their own. "Good luck. I know you're going to knock them dead. Love you."
"Thank you. Love you too. I'll see you soon."
"Good luck, Mom. You got this." Jo hugged her Mom.
"Thank you, sweetheart."
/
Marissa and Jo had found their seats and had been chatting for several minutes before they were joined by the Slaters and Laverys. It was the first visit to the new annex for Zach and Ryan, and it had been over a month since Kendall and Greenlee had been there. Marissa explained the Center's need for the annex to Zach and Ryan while they waited for others to arrive.
"Quite simply, they needed more room. With the additional space, they were able to add some more meeting rooms and increase their storage space. While the contractors were designing this, Bianca decided to incorporate Jessica's idea here as well."
Zach looked around the area. He was impressed by not only the layout but by the craftsmanship of the work as well. "They did a great job. I'm not really surprised though. Bianca always seems to bring out the best in people, and as a result, the last thing they want to do is let her down."
Ryan nodded. "I couldn't agree more. You don't want to disappoint her. I can definitely see Bianca's influence in the design of this place."
"She should be very proud." Zach smiled when he glanced at Marissa. "I know it goes without saying that you are, Red."
Marissa laughed. "Ah, you know me well, Zach. I'm very proud of her."
The group's conversation was interrupted by Erica's entrance. As the press and other guests flocked to the diva, Jack joined the smaller group.
"Hey, Jack. Looks like Mom is warming the crowd up." Kendall smirked.
"That she is. Erica asked Bianca what she could do to help out today, and Bianca asked her to simply be herself and charm the crowd."
"Well, she is the perfect person to charm the masses."
"True. I think she already has the governor in the palm of her hand." Greenlee noted.
Jack shook his head clearly amused by his wife. Most men would be jealous, but he knew better and trusted her. It had taken the two of them years to get to where they were now, and he wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. "Fortunately, Erica uses her powers for good."
"Kind of like Danny." Jo looked at Marissa with a smile.
"True. Luckily for us, Erica's on our side." Marissa laughed and then looked around. "Have you seen Caleb?"
"Yes. He stopped by Bianca's office to see Jessica and wish them both luck."
"Good. Maybe he'll be able to calm Mom down."
"Jessica's really nervous?" Zach asked.
Jo nodded. "Yeah. Bianca's put so much time and money into this and has such faith in Mom, and well, Mom doesn't want to screw this up and disappoint Bianca."
"Jessica came up with a great idea, and if Bianca didn't think it was, she would say so. The Miranda Center means too much to my sister to let anyone do something that might damage it." Kendall assured Jo.
Marissa sighed. "That is exactly what I told her. Maybe, she'll believe you."
Before Jo could counter, Caleb arrived. "Hi, Caleb. How's Mom? Any better?"
"Hi, Jo. Still nervous, but a little better, at least that's what Bianca told me on my way out." Caleb glanced around the room and chuckled when he saw Erica. "She does know how to work a room. I'm a little surprised Erica never went into politics."
Kendall shook her head and lowered her voice. "Too many rules for her, and I believe she feels she can do more good on the outside. Don't let that smile fool you for one second though. Mom can't stand some of those people she's talking to. She only tolerates them, barely."
"Oh, I know. Some of those smiles can send shivers down your spine if you know what's behind them, but I've learned that she doesn't give them without merit. You almost feel sorry for those people. Almost." Caleb smirked.
"And just who are you talking about?" Erica asked as she joined the group.
"Who else but you, sweetheart. More specifically, your commanding presence." Jack said as he kissed his wife.
Erica raised an eyebrow, not quite sure whether or not to believe what her husband said, but she decided to let it go. Instead, she turned her attention to Danny who jabbered happily seeing the diva.
Aya approached the group as they chatted. "Excuse me. If you could please take your seats, we're about to get started.
/
The moment Bianca and the others stepped onto the small portable stage, the audience offered their applause. Bianca nodded graciously and then beamed when she saw Marissa smiling brightly and clapping with her arms wrapped around the couple's son who was sitting happily in her lap. With only a little prompting, Danny was clapping along with the others with a proud grin on his face. When the applause died down, Bianca began.
"Good afternoon. I am Bianca Montgomery, and on behalf of myself and the staff, I would like to welcome you to the Miranda Center and thank you for coming to today's announcement. The Miranda Center was created to provide a shelter for those individuals who are abused, to give them a place where they can be safe from their abusers. Over time, our mission has evolved. In addition to providing that safe place, we provide medical and psychological services so those who come to us can heal psychically and emotionally. We also provide educational services and career counseling along with legal services. None of which would be possible without the support of our state and local governments, the District Attorney, the Pine Valley Police Department, Pine Valley University, Pine Valley Hospital, the business community, the law offices of Thompson, Stevens, Montgomery, Cortlandt, and Tasker, and the countless volunteers that provide their time and money, and finally our families. We couldn't do what we do here without your support and love, and for that, we thank you."
The audience applauded Bianca's heartfelt opening statement.
"We are here today because of family. A little over a year ago, I went to Devon with my wife Marissa for her high school reunion. It was there that she reconnected with her childhood best friend Dr. Jo Shelton. Shortly thereafter, Jo's mother Jessica Shelton came back into Marissa's life as well. Jessica had been a single mother for a large portion of Jo's childhood. She was also like a second mother to Marissa, and I couldn't wait to meet her. Now as fate would have it, Jessica had just started volunteering at the Center's New York City branch, and it was when we finally met that she told me about an idea that she had to help others. It was an idea to fill a need in this country that we must do something about. To that end, the Miranda Center is creating a program in partnership with our public and private school districts as well as Pine Valley University to provide meals to students who otherwise cannot afford them. Currently, the schools do provide breakfast and lunch to students who cannot otherwise afford during the school year. This new program will provide meals year round and include dinner. In addition, any current outstanding balances in school meal programs for all students are now paid in full. The meals these students will receive will be the same as those of students who can pay. There will be no distinction between them. This is done to avoid any stigma being attached to the student. Now, I know this is an ambitious program, but it is one that is desperately needed. No child should be hungry or worry where their next meal is coming from, and with the help of our community, we can make that a reality. I will answer your questions now." Bianca smiled and pointed to a reporter. "Yes, Lana."
"Did you forget something, Bianca? You didn't tell us the name of this program. Also, could you tell us what specifically inspired Mrs. Shelton to propose it?"
"Ah, I didn't forget. I was waiting for someone to ask me. Only a handful of people know because I wanted it to be a surprise for someone. The program is called Jessica's Kitchen." Bianca turned and smiled at Jessica who gasped. "Now, Jessica will tell you that we shouldn't name it that, but in all honesty, we couldn't think of a better name for it. As to what inspired her, I'll tell you the story that Jessica told me. A couple of years ago, Jessica was volunteering at a library for a children's reading circle. She overheard a conversation between some of the children. One of them, a girl about seven years old, had just gotten adopted and was absolutely over the moon about her new family. She said 'I can eat every day now'. Hearing something like that from a child not only breaks your heart but sticks with you. It did with Jessica, and when she told me, I knew we had to do something." The room sat in stunned silence, and it was so quiet that you literally could hear a pin drop. It was Bianca who broke the silence and asked for the next question.
"Will you be expanding Jessica's Kitchen to other cities?"
"For each city where there is a Miranda Center, we hope to open a Jessica's Kitchen."
After Bianca answered several more questions, Jan walked over to her boss and whispered something to her. Bianca nodded and turned back to the audience.
"Our surprise is ready. We have a special guest who has graciously agreed to provide a cooking demonstration for us. She appears on several Food Network shows including 'Chopped'. She is also an Iron Chef as well as the executive chef of New York City's Butter restaurant. Please join me in welcoming Alex Guarnaschelli!"
Marissa's eyes grew wide as she saw the chef join her wife on stage. The redhead loved Food Network, and Alex Guarnaschelli was her favorite chef. Marissa would root for her in any competition she participated in.
"Thank you. It is definitely an honor to be here. When Bianca told me about Jessica's Kitchen, I knew that I had to do something to help. So, I made a few calls. On behalf of The Food Network, I have a check for you in the amount of $250,000." Alex said as she handed a check over to a stunned Bianca.
"This is incredible. Thank you, Alex!"
"You're welcome. If you watch any of the shows on Food Network, which I hope you do, you know that when I compete and win that money is donated to charity. For the next year, I will be competing on behalf of Jessica's Kitchen."
"Again, I thank you. In my home, we always root for you, and now, we have even more reason to do so. Are you ready for your demonstration?"
"I am."
"If everyone will walk over to the kitchen area, we have given Alex a basket containing items straight out of 'Chopped' which she will transform into something delicious."
Alex smiled. "Bring it on!"
/
A/N: First of all, I don't own Food Network or any of the shows on it. Alex Guarnaschelli is obviously a real person and my favorite chef. I decided to have her appear for fun. Now onto to something more serious. The quote Jessica overheard a girl say is unfortunately taken from real life. A friend of mine related the story of someone she knew who was taking in her husband's daughter. They had tried for a while to get custody but were unable to because sometimes the system sucks. The girl's biological mother left her with some people that she didn't know. Fortunately, they didn't hurt her in the time that she was with them. I shudder to think what could have happened to her. The mother finally agreed to let her ex-husband and his wife have the girl. Not officially mind you, but they are taking certain steps to ensure the girl stays with them. I actually met the girl before most of this happened, and she is so sweet. She told my friend's friend that she was happy because she could eat every day now. It absolutely broke my heart when I heard that, and that quote stuck with me. It is what inspired Jessica's idea for the Miranda Center. I'll see you soon.