A/N: Thanks for continuing to read, review and follow! I appreciate it. I apologize for not updating last week. I spent some time with my core group of friends last week baking. It was the first time we had gotten together to make cookies for Christmas, and it was really fun but also tiring. The cookies and other treats turned out pretty good, and we're probably going to do it again next year. I also had to finish up some last minute holiday shopping. I believe I'm as ready as I can be for Christmas. I'm also now off work for the year! Woohoo! This chapter picks up where the last one left off. Hope you enjoy this update!
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
/
"Ma! Help!" AJ called out to Marissa.
The redhead in question appeared in the doorway of her oldest son's room. "What's wrong, Buddy?"
"Danny grabbed my sweater, and now, it's got a sticky spot on it. I know he didn't mean to, but …"
Marissa smiled at her oldest son as she walked into his room. 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 really surprised her however was how calm she and Bianca still were at the moment. "Come here, AJ, and let me take a look and see what I can do."
"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. "Danny and his sticky fingers struck. I think we might have to go to the backup sweater."
AJ's shoulders slumped. It had taken him awhile to decide what to wear. At first, he thought about a suit and tie but quickly decided against it because he thought it would be too formal. Should he wear a tie with a sweater? No, that was still too much. He needed to ditch the tie. Then, it hit him. He would wear what he considered to be his lucky sweater. It also happened to be his favorite one. AJ knew it would give him the confidence he needed, and he also thought it would help everything go right that evening for him. Now, it was ruined, at least for the dance.
Bianca saw the disappointment in her son's eyes and hated it. "Why don't you try your blue sweater? It looks good on you."
"Really?" AJ liked it okay, but it wasn't his favorite.
"I think your Mom's right. It does look good on you. It matches the blue in your eyes perfectly."
"Yeah?" AJ started to think that maybe the blue sweater might work after all and pulled it over his head.
Bianca nodded. "Definitely. You look very handsome. I'm sorry. You look very dapper." Bianca corrected herself because she knew that AJ preferred dapper to handsome for some reason.
"Very dapper indeed." Marissa agreed as she helped straighten the sweater. "You might want to brush your hair again." She knew AJ was getting a little particular about his hair.
AJ looked in the mirror and did as suggested. "What time is it? Is it time to leave yet?"
"Not yet. We still have some time before we need to leave and pick up Amber." Bianca said after she checked the time.
"I was wondering if I could ask one of you for something."
"Of course you can. What do you need?"
"Could I maybe have a refresher on dancing?" AJ bit his lip as he waited for a reply.
Marissa smiled softly. "Slow dancing?"
AJ nodded. "Yeah." He had heard there would be a couple of slow dances that evening. To prepare, AJ had asked his Moms for help prior to that day, and they had been more than happy to help their son.
"You don't even have to ask. Who would you like to dance with?"
"Would it be okay if I danced with you, Ma? You're closer in height so it's a little easier with you. Is that okay with you, Mom?" The last thing AJ ever wanted to do was hurt either of their feelings.
Bianca smiled and was quick to reassure her son. "Don't worry. It's okay, AJ. I understand. I tell you what, I'll go get your Ma's iPod and find a good song for you to practice to."
"Thanks, Mom."
"You're welcome. I'll meet both of you in the family room." Bianca winked as she left the room.
/
Bianca stopped by Gabby's room on her way to retrieve Marissa's iPod and poked her head inside. "Almost packed?"
Gabby looked up and nodded excitedly. While her sister and older brother were going to the school dance, she was going to a sleepover at her friend Sarah's. It was something Gabby had really been looking forward to all week. "Yep. I think I've got everything."
"Want me to double check?"
"Yeah, if that's okay."
"I'm happy to." Bianca did a quick check of her daughter's overnight bag. "I think you've got everything. Good job! We'll be heading out in a little bit."
"What are you doing now?"
"Your Ma and I are going to give AJ a dancing refresher."
"Can I watch?"
"Sure. I'm just going to check on your sister, get your little brother, and grab your Ma's iPod."
"I can get Danny if you want." Gabby volunteered.
"That would be very helpful and nice. Thank you."
"You're welcome. Where? AJ's room or the family room?"
"The family room. I'll meet you there."
/
"Do you need any help, Mimo?" Bianca asked as watched her oldest daughter from the doorway of her bedroom.
"I think I've got it. How do I look?"
"You look beautiful. When did you get so grown up?"
Miranda grinned. "You know, it was bound to happen someday, Mom."
Bianca sighed wistfully. "Oh, I know. Are you excited for tonight?" She knew her daughter had gone back and forth on going to the dance.
"Yeah, I am. I'm really glad I decided to just go with my friends. I think we're going to have fun. Plus, there's less pressure."
"I think you'll have fun too. What about AJ? What do you think about him going with Amber?"
Miranda shrugged. "I'm okay with it. I know they like each other. I mean, it's pretty obvious when they're around one another. And Amber's changed a lot. She's really a good person. I think she always was. It's just that her mom was always riding her and filling her head with hate and other garbage. Amber told me that she was really glad that she had to go to counseling. It really helped her see things clearer and understand them. Amber and AJ kind of get each other because her mom is a lot like his dad. So, I think that makes them good for each other. Of course, if Amber would ever hurt AJ, all bets would be off."
Bianca nodded. The kids were very protective of each other, and if anyone hurt one of them, that person would have to deal with all of them. It was the same way with her and her family. No one would be safe from her wrath. "I have no doubt about that. Your Ma is going to give AJ a dancing refresher. Are you interested in one?"
"Maybe. Let me see how AJ does before I decide."
"Fair enough. We'll be down in the family room."
"Okay. I'll be down in a minute."
/
Bianca found Marissa and AJ sitting on the sofa and talking when she entered the family room. "I'm sorry it took me so long, but I was checking on our other minions. Gabby is all packed for her sleepover, and Miranda is just about ready for the dance. They'll be down in a few minutes. We don't need to wait for them though. I'll get this set up."
While Bianca set up the iPod, Marissa and AJ moved a chair and the coffee table to the side to give them room.
"Ma?"
"Yes."
"I'm going to apologize now for possibly stepping on your feet when we dance, again, and I'm sorry for stepping on them so much before." AJ said sheepishly.
Marissa gave her son a gentle smile. When AJ first started to learn how to slow dance, he had stepped on the feet of whoever was teaching him too many times to count. He apologized profusely and wanted to throw in the towel, but neither Bianca nor Marissa would give up. They endured the sore feet without complaint and encouraged him to keep trying. Eventually, he did get better and stepped on their feet less and less. In the end, seeing the smile on AJ's face when he finally got it was more than worth a few stepped on toes and sore feet. "Don't you worry about my feet. They are just fine. Besides, you have gotten really good."
"Yeah? I have?"
"Yes, you really have. Amber is going to be very impressed."
AJ blushed and hoped that more than anything that his mother was right. He really wanted to make a good impression.
"Okay. We're ready." Bianca queued up a slower song and pressed play. As she watched the mother and son dance, the brunette pulled out her cellphone and began to record the scene. Bianca couldn't help but smile when she saw just how far AJ had come from that first dance lesson. She winced slightly as she recalled the number of times he had stepped on her feet. Looking back now, Bianca wouldn't change any of it, and she knew Marissa wouldn't either. Each session had been recorded for the couple to watch later and be treasured. Maybe they would do that tonight while the kids were out.
"Looking good, AJ!" Gabby cheered on her brother as she and Danny joined them.
AJ smiled a little at the encouragement but maintained his focus so he didn't mess up.
Marissa could feel the tension in her son's arms. "Relax, AJ. Dancing is supposed to be fun. You can't enjoy yourself and feel the music if you focus too much. Trust me, you're doing great."
The boy glanced up at his redheaded mother and released a sigh when he saw her smile. He began to feel the tension ease and started to feel the music like his Ma said. Slowly, a genuine smile spread across his face, and he started to have fun. "Thanks, Ma."
"You're welcome, AJ."
"How's it going, Mom?" Miranda whispered to Bianca as joined her family.
"I'd say it's going pretty good."
Miranda watched Marissa and AJ for a moment before turning to Bianca. "Could I still take you up on that offer of a refresher?"
Bianca smiled. "Of course you can." She walked over to Gabby and handed her the cellphone. "Would you mind taking over for me?"
Gabby grinned and nodded happily. "Just leave it to me! I got you covered, Mom!"
"Thank you." Bianca turned to Miranda and winked. "Ready, Mimo?"
"Yeah, I am."
Gabby skillfully moved the cellphone and recorded the others' movements. Danny was sitting next to her on the sofa and seemed enthralled by what was going on around him. When the music ended, the two youngest members of the Tasker-Montgomery family clapped wildly while the others took a bow.
"Excellent job, AJ. You as well, Mimo." Marissa said proudly.
Bianca nodded. "I couldn't agree more. The two of you are definitely going to be impressing everyone."
"Thanks for teaching me." AJ said. He was feeling pretty confident after this refresher.
"I appreciate it too. Thanks." Miranda grinned when she heard the next song begin to play. She knew how much both of her Moms loved this song. "Why don't you two dance and show us how it's really done?"
AJ immediately caught on to his sister's suggestion and agreed wholeheartedly. "Yeah, I'd like to see that too. What about you, Gabby?"
"Definitely, and I'm pretty sure Danny would like to as well. Right, Danny?"
The tot clapped and giggled in reply.
"Well, what do you say, B? Dance with me?" Marissa held out her hand.
Bianca smiled brightly and happily took the offered hand. "I would love to dance with you. Besides, we can't very well disappoint the kids, now can we?"
"No, we can't."
The two began to sway perfectly in time as they held each other while Ed Sheeran's voice filled the room. The lyrics to 'Perfect' seemed written just for them.
"I found a love for me
Darling just dive right in
And follow my lead
Well I found a girl beautiful and sweet
I never knew you were the someone waiting for me
'Cause we were just kids when we fell in love
Not knowing what it was
I will not give you up this time
But darling, just kiss me slow, your heart is all I own
And in your eyes you're holding mine
Baby, I'm dancing in the dark with you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favorite song
When you said you looked a mess, I whispered underneath my breath
But you heard it, darling, you look perfect tonight
Well I found a woman, stronger than anyone I know
She shares my dreams, I hope that someday I'll share her home
I found a love, to carry more than just my secrets
To carry love, to carry children of our own
We are still kids, but we're so in love
Fighting against all odds
I know we'll be alright this time
Darling, just hold my hand
Be my girl, I'll be your man
I see my future in your eyes
Baby, I'm dancing in the dark, with you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favorite song
When I saw you in that dress, looking so beautiful
I don't deserve this, darling, you look perfect tonight
Baby, I'm dancing in the dark, with you between my arms
Barefoot on the grass, listening to our favorite song
I have faith in what I see
Now I know I have met an angel in person
And she looks perfect
I don't deserve this
You look perfect tonight"
AJ watched his Moms dance together and marveled at how easy they made it seem. He hoped he had just a fraction of their ease and confidence that evening.
When the song was over, the couple shared a quick but loving kiss before turning to take a bow in acknowledgement of their children who were cheering them loudly.
"Thank you!" Marissa then turned back to her wife smiling brightly. "And thank you, B."
"You're welcome. It was my pleasure, Rissa. Thank you too and thank you to our lovely audience." Bianca loved dancing with her wife and knew that Marissa enjoyed it just as much as she did.
Marissa checked the time. "It's just about time for us to head out. AJ, Miranda, grab your jackets, and Gabby, I'll take your little brother while you go get your overnight bag and jacket."
The kids nodded and hurried off to do as they were told.
"I'll get the camera and our jackets." Bianca said.
"Perfect, and I'll get Danny ready."
A few minutes later, the family was gathered back together and headed out.
/
The couple had carefully planned the logistics for the evening's activities. First, Gabby would be dropped off at her friend Sarah's for her sleepover. Next, they would take Miranda over to her friend Jessica's to meet up with her friends. Once all of the girls were there, pictures would be taken of all of them together. After they had taken some pictures of the girls, Bianca and Marissa would take AJ over to Amber's. The friends would spend some time at Jessica's before they headed back out. It had been decided among the girls' parents that Jessica's mom would drop the group off at the dance as well as pick them up afterwards and take them home.
Bianca and Marissa would drive AJ over to the Baldwin's for a few pictures, and then, they would drop their son and Amber off at the dance. Once that was done, Bianca and Marissa would finally head home and spend a quiet evening with Danny. When the dance was over, the couple would split up their responsibilities. Marissa would pick up AJ and Amber and drop the girl off at her home while Bianca would stay at home with Danny because it would be too late to take him back out and wait for Miranda. Doug had been more than willing to take part in the pick-up and drop-off, but Amber asked if Bianca or Marissa could handle it. The girl just felt a little more comfortable with the women being around that night. This was due in large part to her fear of her dad hovering and making her and AJ uncomfortable. Bianca and Marissa agreed and so did Doug, albeit reluctantly. His reluctance had nothing really to do with AJ. Doug knew that AJ was a good young man. Bianca and Marissa were raising him well. No, his reluctance had more to do with the fact that his little girl was growing up, and he was struggling a little with it. Doug supposed that was normal, but it didn't make it any easier. For that night, he would let it go because he trusted Bianca and Marissa, and he knew they wouldn't let anything happen to Amber.
Now, it was true that the evening would require a good deal of driving for Bianca and Marissa, but given that it was AJ's and Miranda's first dance, there was no way they were going to miss pictures. This wasn't to say that they couldn't get pictures from one of the other parents because they could. It just wasn't the same as being there in person. The couple could have also split the drop-offs between themselves, but that would leave them with the quandary of who would go with who. How do choose between your children? You can't, at least they couldn't. They wanted to be there for both of their children, to see Miranda off with her friends and AJ on his first date. Picking up after the dance was different. They knew it would be too late to bundle Danny up and go back out, and they also didn't want Miranda to come home to an empty house. So, they split up their responsibilities. Besides, Bianca knew Marissa would tell her what happened when they dropped Amber back home. The redhead was very sly and would be able to watch AJ and Amber without them knowing, and Bianca was counting on just that.
/
A/N: I don't own the song that Bianca and Marissa danced to. The honor of owning "Perfect" goes to Ed Sheeran. I also know the song came out this year (2017) and not in the timeframe of this chapter (2016). I just really like the song and wanted Minx to dance to it. See you soon!