A/N: Thanks for continuing to read, review, and follow! I appreciate it. So this week, I get to go to Chicago for the day for work, just for the day though. It's going to be a long day. We fly in early that morning, and will fly back home later that night. I'm a little bummed because I like Chicago and wouldn't mind spending the night, but not going to happen this time. The trip shouldn't prevent me from updating next week. See my Author's Notes at the end. This chapter picks up where the last one left off and then has a small jump in time at the end. Hope you enjoy this update!

/

"So, Alex, are you ready for your demonstration?" Bianca asked.

"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!"

Jan led everyone over to the state of the art kitchen area while Bianca caught up with Marissa and Danny.

The boy reached out for Bianca as soon as he saw her again, and she took him happily. She began to sway as Danny played with her necklace.

Marissa gave her wife a quick kiss. "You were amazing, as always. I am so proud of you."

"Thank you. Not too much?"

"No, it was just right. You explained everything perfectly and really had them when you told them about Jessica's inspiration. Her reaction to the program's name was priceless. She was really surprised."

"Well, like I said, we couldn't think of a better name for it."

"I agree. When you told me, it just felt right."

"So, what do you think of my other surprise?" Bianca asked with a knowing smile.

"Oh my god! Alex Guarnaschelli! You got Alex Guarnaschelli here, and she's cooking! Even better, she has a donation from the network, and she's going to be competing on behalf of Jessica's Kitchen!"

"That was totally unexpected. Do you want to meet her?"

"Are you kidding me? Do I want to meet Alex Guarnaschelli? Of course I do!"

"Come on. We've got a spot up front for her demo." Bianca held out her hand which her wife took immediately.

"It's good to know someone with connections." Marissa laughed when Bianca rolled her eyes.

/

"You knew, didn't you?" Jessica asked her daughter.

"Knew what, Mom?" Jo feigned innocence but her mother wasn't fooled for one minute.

Jessica rolled her eyes. "Don't give me that innocent act, Josephine Lorraine Shelton. I'm your mother and know you better than anyone else, with the exception of Marissa. You knew that Bianca was going to name this program after me."

Jo sighed. "Fine. Yes, I knew."

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"Why? I didn't tell you because I knew you wouldn't want it to be named after you because you would think you didn't deserve it which is completely wrong. I also knew you would try and talk Bianca out of it."

"Did you …"

"Did I suggest the name? No, I didn't. I was all Bianca's idea. I was having lunch with her and Marissa when she told us both her idea and asked us what we though. We both thought the same thing, that you deserved it but would put up a fuss about it. So, we talked and decided not to tell you about it until now, to surprise you. That way, you couldn't really couldn't do anything about it. You seem to forget, that with the exception of Marissa, that I know you better than anyone else too." Jo smiled softly. "Mom, this is a good thing. You deserve to have this program named after you. You came up with such an amazing idea that is going to help so many children. I can't even begin to tell you just how proud of you I am. Please don't put up too much of a fight about the name. Bianca really wants to do this for you, and she can be very stubborn when she needs to be, kind of like her Mom and her wife."

Jessica sighed. She knew she would be fighting a losing battle against not only her daughter but also Marissa, Bianca, and Erica. "Okay. I'm still not sure that it should be named after me, but I'll go along with it for you as well as Marissa and Bianca."

Jo knew that was as good as it would get and decided to take the win and not push her mother further. "Thank you. Let's go see the demo. Maybe, you can give Alex some tips."

"Now, you're just being ridiculous. I do want to see her cook in person though. I'm almost as big a fan of hers as Marissa is." Jessica smiled as she saw Caleb. He had gone ahead and saved them a spot while she talked to Jo.

/

When the demo was over, Bianca approached Alex. "That was definitely impressive. Thank you for doing that."

"You're welcome. I really love doing those kinds of dishes. Who do we have here?" Alex smiled at the boy in Bianca's arms as well as the redhead standing beside her.

"I'd like to introduce my wife, Marissa Tasker-Montgomery, and this little guy is our youngest son, Danny."

Alex shook Marissa's hand. "It's nice to meet you, Marissa. It's nice to meet you too, Danny. He is absolutely adorable. I remember when my daughter was this little." The chef sighed wistfully.

"It is so great to meet you, Alex. I am a huge fan. How old is your daughter?"

"Ava will be 9 later this year. It's always nice to meet a fan."

"Ah, she's in between AJ, Miranda and Gabby. Those are our other children."

"You have four children? You both have careers too? Now, I'm impressed."

"Marissa is a partner at Thompson, Stevens, Montgomery, Cortlandt and Tasker, the law firm that represents us."

"I heard you mention Tasker in your speech. It makes sense now. So, your kids are around Ava's age."

Bianca nodded. "Yes, AJ and Miranda just turned 12, and Gabby will be 8 later this year."

"You have your hands full."

"We do, but they're really good kids."

"Bianca's right. They are. They're going to be sorry they missed you, especially AJ. We all love watching Food Network. 'Chopped' is our favorite show. AJ really got into cooking as a result of watching it, and he's gotten pretty good. He's a big help in the kitchen."

"That's wonderful. Ava is my best helper. I really love cooking with her."

The women continued to talk about their children along with a variety of other subjects when Bianca had an idea.

"Alex, are you going back to New York tonight?"

"No, I'm not. Ava and my husband are visiting his parents so I'm on my own. I decided to stay over, and I got a room at the Yacht Club. There is still a little bite to air still, and it's putting me in the mood for some chili. Do you know of a good chili place around here?"

"As luck would have it, I do. It just so happens that we're having chili tonight. How would you like to join us for dinner?" Bianca asked and quickly continued. "Only if you want to though. We planned on having a few people over, our family and close friends. Like my Mom, sister, Jessica, and a few others."

Marissa joined in on the invitation. "We have two kinds of chili, mild and spicy, as well as a variety of items to go with it, like hotdogs and such."

Alex raised an eyebrow hearing that. "Hmmm. That sounds good. You wouldn't happen to have any fries, would you?

Marissa glanced at her wife and grinned. "Yes, chili cheese fries are mandatory in our home. They are Bianca's guilty pleasure, along with chocolate cake."

Bianca chuckled. "She's right. They are. I don't know why, but I just love them. And Marissa makes the best. As for the chocolate cake, who isn't a fan of that?"

"Really?" Alex asked.

The redhead shrugged. "Everyone coming tonight likes them. The chili recipe has evolved over time. I've taken parts from different recipes and combined them to make it my own.

"I'll be honest. Chili cheese fries are a guilty pleasure of mine too." Alex admitted.

"I knew there was another reason I liked you." Bianca smiled.

"Are you sure I wouldn't be putting you out or anything?"

Bianca shook her head. "Not at all. It would be our pleasure to have you there."

"She's right. We would love to have you. What do you say?"

"A night of no cooking and making new friends? Sounds good to me. Count me in."

/

"And the kids don't know who the surprise guest is?" Jo asked as she retrieved some plates and bowls from a cabinet for Marissa.

The redhead shook her head. "Nope. They don't have a clue. They think it's pretty much just the regular crowd."

"They are going to freak out, especially AJ."

"I know. We've got Greenlee on standby to record his reaction."

Jo laughed. "Is she going to stake herself out by the coat rack?"

Marissa cracked up with her friend. "I wouldn't put anything past her."

"Speaking of AJ, big date next week, huh?"

"Yes, and he's doing okay. I expect more nerves the closer we get to it though."

"Are you talking about AJ or you and Bianca?" Jo asked knowingly.

"Both, I suppose."

"Don't worry. AJ's a good kid. You and Bianca have done a great job, and you have each other to get you through it."

Marissa smiled. "Yes, we do. Bianca and I make a great team, and I honestly believe that we can get through anything together."

"I feel the same way with Greg."

"He's a good one, and I'm glad he makes you happy. If he didn't, I'd have to have a talk with him."

Jo chuckled. "Trust me, I know you would."

"How is Jessica? I haven't had a chance to talk to her since the announcement. Is she okay with the name?"

"You know Mom. I mean, we called it exactly right. She doesn't think she deserves to have it named after her, but after a little persuasion on my part, she's willing to accept it."

"Let me guess. She called you Josephine Lorraine, didn't she?"

Jo rolled her eyes. "Yes, she did, and when you do finally talk with her, I'm sure you'll get called Marissa Lynn."

Marissa laughed. "I have no doubt about that. I'm glad you were able to convince her that she deserves this."

"Me too. You know, there was a time when I wasn't sure if she would be happy again, but she is. She's truly happy."

"And why wouldn't I be?" Jessica asked as she joined the two younger women. With a loving smile on her face, she continued. "You, my darling daughter, have made me so proud. You are intelligent, kind, caring, compassionate, and beautiful inside and out. As a mother, I couldn't have asked for more."

"You forgot funny." Jo teased.

"Eh, that's debatable." Marissa smirked and easily caught the dish towel Jo threw at her in response to her quip.

Jessica chuckled at their antics before she continued. "And funny."

Jo looked at Marissa and stuck her tongue out.

"She's a Mom. We have to sometimes exaggerate truths to make our kids feel better." Marissa teased.

"Mom!"

Jessica sighed. "Behave, Marissa Lynn."

"Yeah, Marissa Lynn, behave." Jo smirked.

"Josephine Lorraine …"

Marissa simply chuckled and moved to a pair of large crockpots to check on the chili that had been cooking in them throughout the day.

Jo winced hearing both names.

"What am I going to do with the two of you?" Jessica shook her head, clearly amused by them. "As I was saying, you have made me very happy, Jo, just by being you. You are a strong, independent woman, and you have a very successful career where you have helped countless others. As for your personal life, you have found someone that I believe is worthy to share it with you. I love Greg. He is wonderful man, and he treats you well and makes you happy. I see a long and happy life for the two of you. Now, I know that you worry about that, but you shouldn't. You only have the best parts of your father. He was a good man, but he was troubled. Perhaps if the help that is available now was available back then, things would have been different. That is the past however, and I won't have either of us living in it. Am I clear?"

"Yes, ma'am." Jo knew there was no arguing with her mother on that point. "There are other things that have made you happy though."

Jessica smiled and nodded. "Yes, there are. I'm in good health, and I am truly enjoying my retirement and am able to do the things I have always wanted to do. I enjoy my photography, my volunteer work, and experimenting in the kitchen. I'm not forgetting about Caleb either. I know he can seem gruff to some, but he has always treated me very well and makes me happy. We both have suffered losses in our lives and understand each other. There are times when we each of us needs our space, and we accept that and know not to push which is everything. You know, I didn't think at my age that I would be meeting someone, especially someone who makes me feel like a school girl sometimes, but I have. I know who I have to thank for that too." Jessica turned to the redhead. "Thank you, Marissa. I wouldn't have met kept Caleb if you and Jo hadn't met back up at your reunion. I am so very lucky to have you back in my life. I missed you."

"I missed you too, Jessica."

"You know that you have always been like a second daughter to me. I loved your parents so very much, and not a day goes by that I don't miss them."

"Me too. I wish they could be here."

"I do too. You make that loss easier though. I know they weren't your biological parents, but when I look at you, I see them in you. You have their goodness, intelligence and humor. They loved you so much. You were their world, and while they may not have shared your blood, never forget that they chose you."

"I don't. Knowing that means more than I can say. You've been like a second Mom to me, and having you here is like having them here too."

"I'm very glad to hear that. You've also given me a wonderful extended family. I can't say enough about Bianca and your children. The two of you are doing an amazing job with them. Oh and then there is Kendall and Greenlee. While they definitely liven things up and make it interesting, there is not a doubt in my mind that there is nothing they wouldn't do for those that they love. And who would have ever thought that I would be friends with Erica Kane?!" Jessica shook her head in wonder at that fact. "I'm blessed, and I know it. So with all of that, why wouldn't I be happy?"

Jo hugged her mother. "I can't argue with any of that, Mom."

"Neither can I." Marissa added.

Bianca walked in and looked at her wife. "Is everything okay?"

Marissa nodded. "Yes, it is. We're just counting our blessings."

"Okay." Bianca placed a bakery box on a counter. After the announcement at the Center, she had stopped at the family's favorite bakery on her way home and picked up several treats she had ordered. She knew that Marissa would tell her later about whatever was going on with Jessica and Jo. "I got a call from Alex, and she should be here soon. Is there anything else that we need?"

"I think we have everything." Marissa was interrupted by a knock on the front door.

All four women smiled when they heard AJ call from the other room that he would get the door. Not wanting to miss the boy's reaction, they all quickly headed to the family room.

/

AJ's eyes nearly bugged out of his head when he saw who was on the other side of the door. "You're … you're … you're Alex Guarnaschelli!"

The chef smiled. "Yes, I am, and I believe you are AJ."

The boy nodded. "How did you know that?"

"Your Moms were telling me about you and your sisters earlier."

"Earlier?"

"Yes, Alex came to the Miranda Center today. She did a demo for us, and presented the Center with an extremely generous donation on behalf of the Food Network. Your Ma and I invited her for dinner. Do you want to take her coat and hang it up?" Bianca prompted.

AJ snapped out of his daze. "Oh yeah, I'm sorry. Could I take your coat, Chef?"

"Yes, you can, but only if you call me Alex."

AJ grinned and nodded immediately. This was probably one of the coolest moments of his young life. "Okay, Alex."

Marissa chuckled at her star-struck son and then called to her daughters who were upstairs. "Girls, come down and meet our special guest."

/

The evening was a success with everyone enjoying themselves. Alex blended in well with everyone in attendance and even had her own star-struck moment when she met Erica. She had seen her earlier at the Center, but with the large crowd, she didn't have the opportunity to actually meet the diva. Alex had been extremely flattered when Erica told her that she had been to Butter several times and loved it. Unfortunately, Alex hadn't been there when Erica had. She told the diva to let her know the next time she was in New York so she could cook for her at the restaurant. Since Bianca had her number, it would easy for Erica to contact the chef.

When it began to get late, some of the guests started to head home. AJ, who had not left Alex's side for most of the evening, rushed to get her coat and helped her on with it.

"Thank you, AJ."

"You're welcome, Alex. It was really nice meeting you. Thank you for the cooking tips. I can't wait to try them out." The boy said shyly before leaving to retrieve someone else's coat.

"You're very welcome." Alex turned to his mothers. "He is quite the gentleman."

"Yes, he is." Marissa said proudly.

"Let me know how the dance goes?"

"Definitely. Thank you coming tonight, and thank you again for earlier. Please pass on my thanks to everyone at the network." Bianca said.

"You're welcome, and I will. I'll also let you know when I win for the Center. Whenever you open up the next Jessica's Kitchen, just let me know, and I'll be more than happy to help out again."

"I will definitely take you up on that offer."

"Thanks for inviting me over tonight. I had a really good time, and Marissa, that was honestly some of the best chili I've ever had."

Marissa beamed at the compliment. "Thank you."

"The next time the two of you are in New York, let me know. You'll always have a table at my restaurant."

Bianca chuckled at her wife's proud expression at what Alex had said about her chili. She loved it and always complimented Marissa on it, but she had to admit that it was different when the compliment was coming from an Iron Chef. "We will."

"And I was serious about what I told Jessica. If you can convince her to compete, I'll get her a spot on 'Chopped'. That woman has some serious cooking skills."

Marissa nodded. "Yes, she does. We'll try, but no guarantees. We know she's good, but she thinks we're biased."

"Well, if we can't get her on 'Chopped', maybe I can get you tickets to a taping of 'Beat Bobby Flay' when I'm on there again."

"Now that, we could probably get her to." Marissa smiled. "Have a safe trip."

"Thank you. Good night."

Once Alex was gone, AJ came up from behind and hugged both of his mothers. "Thank you for inviting Alex! This was one of the coolest nights ever!"

"You're welcome, Buddy." Bianca chuckled at her son's excitement.

Marissa leaned in and kissed her wife.

"Not that I'm complaining, but what was that for?"

"Just my way of saying thanks and that I agree with AJ that this was one of the coolest nights ever." Marissa grinned and lowered her voice. "I'll thank you more later."

"I can't wait!" Bianca smiled brightly and glanced around the room. It was mainly her family that remained. "I suppose it would be really rude if I told them to get out now, huh?"

Marissa chuckled. "Probably. Don't worry though. We have all night for me to thank you."

"And for me to thank you right back, Counselor."

/

AJ called out to Marissa. "Ma, help! Danny grabbed my sweater, and now, it's got a sticky spot on it. I know he didn't mean to, but …"

"Come here, AJ, and let me take a look and see what I can do." Marissa smiled at her oldest son. It was the night of the dance, and the closer it got to the time for him to leave and meet Amber, the more nervous AJ got. She wasn't really surprised by that. What surprised her the most was how calm she and Bianca still were.

"How is everything going in here? It's almost time." Bianca said anxiously as she joined them in the family room.

Marissa shook her head amused by her wife and thought to herself that maybe she had spoken too soon.

/

A/N: I'm thinking I'll update "Kegs & Eggs" next. I haven't updated it in a while, and I can't wait for the Taskers to come to Pine Valley. See you soon!