A/N: Thanks for continuing to read, review, and follow! I really appreciate it. Sorry for the late post, but I have an explanation.
So, this is what's been going on in my life. I got an alert from my credit card company asking about a charge at a Barnes & Nobel across the country. Yeah, not my charge. The company locked my card and credited my account. I had to wait several days for a new card. Next up, work. I moved to a new work station. I went into the office the week before I'm supposed to move to find someone else in my current cube. Lines got crossed somewhere along the line, and she was moved early. Threw off my entire day. I decided to finish up the day working from home and made the executive decision to just work the rest of the week from home. That will show them! On my way home, I narrowly avoided an accident when someone decided to pull out in front of me and across three lanes. They looked at me like I did something wrong when I laid on my horn after slamming on my brakes, of course. Finally, I was just about ready to eat dinner when I got a call about a production issue with something we just put in. We determined where the problem was (not us) and helped them as much as we could. Yep, that was definitely a Monday! The no good, very bad week continued to Friday with another production issue for a different project, and it was our fault this time. We moved to our new cubes, and I'm not happy. It's not officially 'my' cube. Anyone can sit there because of the new workplace strategy. This means that I have to unplug my keyboard, mouse, and headset for my phone at the end of everyday and put them in a locker. I then get to hook them up every morning. It's just ridiculous. The two major projects I have continue to cause me headaches. Our team is coming into town this week for meetings so that throws things off. I also confirmed that I'm going back to Norfolk, VA in two weeks. It's definitely a busy time. Enough of that. Thanks for letting me vent! Oh! On the up side, I got my tickets to see "Hamilton" when it comes to the area in February! For those in the States, I hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving.
That all being said, I'm always torn on if I should post a short chapter and give you updates more frequently, or if I should give you a longer chapter with not as frequent updates. Which do you prefer? To make up for not posting for three weeks, I'm giving you a long chapter. This chapter picks up where the last one left off. Hope you enjoy this update!
/
"Great! We can even take Max with us. He loves going out there. Don't you, boy?" Marissa chuckled when Max barked in reply.
"Yes, he does. We can order lunch from Krystal's and pick it up on the way home." Bianca suggested.
"Sound good to you guys?" Marissa asked the kids.
"Yep!"
"It sounds like we have a plan then!"
/
The next morning, Bianca got up early. AJ, Miranda, and Gabby wanted to surprise Marissa with breakfast in bed, and they asked Bianca if she would help them. Even though it meant getting up early, there was no way she could refuse. So, even though she was tired and a little sore (but in the best possible way) from being up late the night before from thanking Marissa for her birthday present, Bianca carefully got out of bed early to meet the kids in the kitchen. She put on her robe and quietly closed the couple's bedroom door. When Bianca entered the kitchen, she found AJ, Miranda, and Gabby already hard at work.
"Morning, Mom." Miranda said as she continued to gather ingredients from around the kitchen.
AJ smiled and greeted his mom as he pulled out the cookware they would need. "Morning, Mom."
Gabby finished getting Max his breakfast as she happily greeted her mom as well. "Morning, Mom."
"Good morning. What time did the three of you get up?" Bianca asked as she kissed the tops of their heads.
"Not too long ago. We wanted to get started." AJ shrugged.
Gabby nodded as she washed her hands. "Yep. We started the coffee for you." Either Bianca or Marissa would set the coffeemaker up the night before, so all that needed to be done the next morning would be to hit a button.
Bianca smiled when she saw the coffee was almost ready and that her mug was next to the coffeemaker just waiting to be filled. "I see. Thank you!"
"Go ahead and have some, Mom. I almost have all the ingredients together." Miranda said.
"You're just here to supervise, Mom. You know, make sure we don't burn anything like the food or the house." AJ smirked.
Bianca laughed. "I'm glad you asked me to supervise then. I also think you've been around your Aunt Kendall and Aunt Greenlee a little too much."
AJ grinned. "Nah. You can never be around Aunt K and Aunt G too much."
"That's what they would say. Let's focus on breakfast."
"Good idea. I also think AJ's right though." Miranda added with a smile.
"I suppose you agree with them, Gabby."
"Yup! I think you think that too."
"Sometimes, but not one word to them. Got it?" Bianca scowled playfully at her kids.
"Got it!" The kids giggled knowing their mom wasn't serious.
Bianca rolled her eyes. "Do you want to cook the bacon in the oven?"
Miranda nodded. "Yeah, we like when you and Ma cook it that way. Plus, we can make more at one time. Will you help us with that?"
"Of course." Bianca took another sip of her coffee before lining a large cookie sheet with aluminum foil. When that was done, she helped Gabby place the bacon on it and put it in the preheated oven. After that, Bianca enjoyed her coffee, answered any questions the kids had on what they were making, and made sure there were no fires.
/
The kids decided to change their plans slightly. Instead of surprising Marissa with breakfast in bed, they decided to surprise her with breakfast in the kitchen. They would all be comfortable that way, and Bianca knew Marissa would prefer that with the kids. The new plan would involve Danny waking Marissa up, along with a big assist from Bianca. The three would then make their way to the kitchen where AJ, Miranda, and Gabby would be waiting. While the kids finished up in the kitchen, Bianca went to get Danny up.
/
Marissa was just starting to wake up when she heard the bedroom door open. Before she had a chance to do anything, she heard Danny jabbering away and Bianca doing her best to get their son to lower his voice which wasn't going to happen no matter how hard she tried. Marissa bit back the laugh that threatened to escape and schooled her expression to hide the corresponding smile as well. A minute later, the redhead felt the bed dip with the combined weight of her wife and son. Danny was soon calling her name as he climbed over to her. Marissa knew she was fighting a losing battle at this point. She laughed and quickly scooped up Danny and covered him in kisses and blew raspberries on his belly causing the boy to giggle loudly.
"Good morning." Bianca kissed her wife when Marissa paused her playful assault of Danny and allowed him to catch his breath.
"Good morning, Bianca, and good morning to you, Danny."
"Mama!" Danny said as he gave his redheaded mother a sloppy kiss.
"This is quite the wake-up. It's definitely much better than any alarm clock. What time is it?"
"Don't worry. You haven't overslept. The rest of us got up early."
"The rest of you? What's going on?"
Bianca shook her head and smiled as she took Danny so her wife could get up. "I'm not saying. I'm not allowed."
Marissa raised an eyebrow. "Really? You're not allowed?"
"Nope. I just need you to grab your robe and slippers, and then follow Danny and I to the kitchen. Oh, you can brush your teeth first." Bianca added with a smile.
"Okay. I guess I better get a move on." Marissa hopped out of bed, kissed Bianca and Danny, and then headed to the bathroom.
/
Bianca opened the door to the kitchen and proceeded to hold it open for Marissa who was carrying Danny.
"Surprise!"
A bright smile quickly spread across Marissa's face as she was greeted by the couple's three older children. "Oh my gosh! What do we have here?"
"We made you breakfast, Ma!" Gabby said excitedly.
AJ smiled. "It's for your birthday."
"We know you said you didn't want us to do anything special for it, but we wanted to because you deserve it." Miranda added.
Tears threatened to fill Marissa's eyes when she heard what Miranda said. She glanced at the kids and then Bianca. They were all smiling at her expectantly, each waiting for her reaction.
"I love it. Thank you. This is definitely one of the best surprises I've ever gotten. I love you all so much. Come here."
The kids raced forward and hugged Marissa as she kissed each of them.
"So, let's check out this feast!"
"We made waffles, bacon, scrambled eggs, coffee, and orange juice. What would you like, Ma?" Miranda asked.
"It all looks so good. How about a little of each?"
AJ nodded. "What about you, Mom?"
"I'll have what she's having. Have a seat, Rissa. I'll get your coffee."
"Thank you. I'll get Danny settled." Marissa had the youngest member of the family in his highchair before Bianca returned and placed a mug of coffee in front of her. The redhead hummed her approval as she took her first sip of coffee, made exactly how she liked it. For his part, Danny mimicked his mama as he drank his milk from a sippy cup. He fluctuated between a bottle and a sippy cup at this point in time with the bottle being his favorite when he was tired.
Miranda dished up the food while AJ and Gabby delivered their mothers' plates to them.
"Thank you, Gabby." Marissa said as her youngest daughter set her plate down on the table.
"You're welcome, Ma!"
"Thank you, AJ."
"You're welcome, Mom!" AJ replied before going to get his own plate.
Marissa and Bianca waited for the kids to sit down before they started to eat.
"This is very good. Who made what?" Marissa asked.
"I made the bacon in the oven, with some help from Mom."
"Good job, Gabby! It's just the way I like it."
Gabby beamed proudly at her Ma's praise.
AJ piped up next. "I did the scrambled eggs, with some help from Mom."
Marissa quickly picked up on the theme of Bianca helping the kids, not that she was surprised. "Good job, Buddy. They are just right."
"I did the waffles. I used the mix that both of you always use, and Mom helped me too." Miranda added.
"That's not all Mimo did. She pretty much organized it all." Gabby said.
"That doesn't surprise me." Marissa smiled at Miranda. "Good job, Mimo. This is all very tasty, and again, one of the best surprises I've ever had. Thank you, chefs and supervisor."
"You're welcome, Ma. Thanks again for helping us, Mom."
"Yeah, thanks for making sure we didn't burn down the kitchen." AJ grinned.
"You're welcome. I was glad to help, especially on that last one, Buddy." Bianca chuckled as she helped Danny with his breakfast.
Marissa raised an eyebrow. "I really feel like I'm missing something, but I'm also very glad for that last one too."
The kids laughed, and the family continued to enjoy their breakfast. A check of the time a while later indicated it was time for everyone to get ready to head to the stables. The clean up was minimal since Bianca cleaned up as the kids were cooking. While Marissa headed upstairs to get Danny changed, the rest of the family loaded the dishwasher and cleaned the counters and table.
/
Bianca caught up with her wife in their bedroom. Danny was in the center of their bed while Marissa was just finishing getting ready herself.
"Hey."
"Hey yourself."
"Are you sure you're okay going to the stables today?"
Marissa eyed her wife. "Why do I have the feeling that you have more planned for me today than just breakfast?"
"Why do you think that?"
"Because you keep asking me if I'm okay with going to the stables." Marissa said knowingly.
Bianca rolled her eyes. She should have known that her wife would suspect something. "Fine. You caught me, but don't let on for the kids."
"You know that I won't. So, what's up?"
"I promise nothing big. We're just going to spend the day together doing things you like. It's your day."
"Well then, going to the stables is what I want to do. Oh, I need to bring my camera. We're going to get lots of good pictures!"
Bianca smiled when she saw how excited Marissa was. "Okay. The stables it is. Could I ask you something else?"
"You can ask me anything."
"I was just going to have the day be us and the kids. I know you love Mom, Kendall, Greenlee, and everyone else, but I will be the first to admit that they can be a little too much sometimes."
Marissa grinned. "Maybe, but you're right, I do love them."
"Since this is your day, I was wondering if you would want to invite more of your family over for dinner tonight. You know, Jo and Jessica. Not that I don't consider them family too. Just like you consider Mom, Kendall, Greenlee, and the others family. It's just …"
Bianca rambling was one of Marissa's favorite things because she was adorable when she did. Marissa decided to take pity on her wife and stop her.
"I know what you mean, and thank you. I'd like that as long as your okay with it and it doesn't disrupt any of your plans."
"Need I remind you that it's your day, and yes, they will fit in perfectly with our plans. Let me give them a call and see if they are up for joining us. Do you know when Greg is getting in?"
"Yeah, he's getting in late tomorrow morning."
"Okay, I'll call them now."
"While you're doing that, Danny and I will check on the other kids." Marissa scooped Danny up and kissed Bianca before heading out.
/
"Good morning, Bianca."
"Good morning, Jo. How are you doing?"
"Doing good. How are things at Minx Manor?"
"Not bad. We're enjoying the calm before the birthday storm that is coming tomorrow."
"Ah, yes, the birthday event of the year."
"I don't know about that. It would be different however if Mom was doing the planning."
"Of that, I have no doubt." Jo laughed. "Are you checking up on the cake?"
"No, nothing like that. I trust your Mom implicitly. I'm calling for another reason. I know it's last minute, but what are you and Jessica doing for dinner tonight?"
"Nothing that I know of. What's up?"
"Well, the kids and I are having a little late celebration dinner in honor of Rissa's birthday. Nothing big, per Marissa's wishes. It's just us and you guys if you're up for it."
"Oh, I think we can do that. I know she didn't want to do anything to take away from Danny's big day. Hang on while I check with Mom real quick."
"Okay." Bianca waited while Jo spoke with Jessica.
"I'm back. Count us in."
"Great! You don't need to bring anything but yourselves."
"Well, that's just not going to work. I mean, you've met my Mom."
Bianca chuckled. "True. What does Jessica want to bring?"
"Dessert, specifically something for the birthday girl. That is unless you have that covered already."
"I don't. I was going to stop at a bakery and pick something up."
"Well, you won't need to make that trip now."
"Are you sure it's not too much trouble?"
"Positive. Mom's in her baking groove. Plus, I'll be helping her. We're good. What time do you want us to be there?"
"How does six o'clock sound?"
"Sounds perfect. We'll see you then."
"Thanks, Jo. We'll see you later."
/
Marissa opened the front door and happily greeted who was on the other side. "Hi, Jessica. Hi, Jo. Come on in. Her eyes lit up when she saw Jessica holding a white box the older woman typically used to transport her baked goods. "Ooh, what's in the box?"
Jessica, with a smile on her face, moved the box away from Marissa. "Never you mind right now. Where is Bianca?"
The redhead rolled her eyes. "In the kitchen. She's working on dinner. I've offered to help, but I'm not allowed tonight."
"That's because it's your day." Jessica said.
"Nana J! Aunt Jo!" The kids ran over to greet the women.
"Hey guys." Jo smiled.
"How are my babies doing?"
"Good, Nana J. What's in the box?" Gabby asked.
"Just like her Ma." Jo laughed.
"Not just me. That's Bianca too." Marissa smirked.
"It's a surprise for later. I'm just going to take this into Bianca and see if I can give her any help." Jessica said as she headed to the kitchen.
AJ was a little confused. "But I thought Mom said she didn't need any help."
"She might have said that, but it won't stop my Mom from trying." Jo chuckled. "So, what's on the menu tonight?"
"One of Ma's favorite dinners. Steak, baked potatoes and salad. Mom's grilling the steak since it's nice outside." Miranda offered.
"Ooh, that sounds great. It's one of my favorite meals too. So, since you're not allowed to help with dinner, what are you doing now?"
"We're playing 'Clue'. Want to play, Aunt Jo?"
"I'd love to, Miranda! I used to give your Ma a run for her money when we played growing up."
/
"That was amazing, B, truly amazing." Marissa said as she rewarded her wife with a kiss. The family had enjoyed a leisurely dinner with everything cooked to perfection thanks to Bianca's hard work along with an assist from Jessica.
"Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed it." Bianca smiled brightly, happy that her wife was enjoying her day. "I'm going to clean up in here real quick. We'll have dessert in a little while."
"Let me help."
"No, not today."
"Come on, B."
"Did you let me clean up when it was my birthday?"
"No, I didn't." Marissa sighed.
"There you go."
Jo laughed at the couple. "Let me help, Bianca. You cooked. Mom brought dessert. I need to do something to earn my dinner."
"That's not necessary, Jo."
"I know, but I want to help."
Bianca relented. "Okay. Thank you. Why don't the rest of you go into the family room?"
"Alright. We'll look for a movie we can watch. But first, I think Danny needs a new diaper." Marissa released the couple's youngest son from his highchair.
/
Once everything was cleaned up in the kitchen, Bianca and Jo made their way to the family room to join the others. Bianca carried a large plate filled with cupcakes, one with a lit candle in it. Jo followed behind with plates and napkins for everyone. When the kids saw their Mom, they started singing 'Happy Birthday' with Bianca, Jessica, and Jo joining in.
"Make a wish, Rissa." Bianca prompted when the singing was finished.
Marissa closed her eyes, made her wish, and blew out the candle when she opened her eyes.
"These look amazing, Jessica." Marissa said as she accepted the beautifully decorated cupcake from Bianca. The redhead moaned appreciatively when she took a bite. "Yep. They taste just as good as they look. Thank you so much!"
"You're welcome. Happy birthday, Marissa Lynn!" Jessica smiled softly. She then pulled a card out and handed it to Marissa. "Now, I know you said you didn't want anything, but Jo and I think you might like this."
Marissa shook her head and took the envelope. She smiled as she read the sentiment inside. When she was done with that, Marissa opened up the paper that had been tucked inside. "Jess. Jo. This is very generous. Thank you."
"What is it, Ma?"
"Well, Gabby, this is good for a weekend of watching the four of you. So, your Mom and I could maybe go away for a couple of days, and all of you get to be spoiled by Nana J and Aunt Jo even more than you already are." Marissa winked at that last part. The kids were really anything but spoiled.
Bianca's eyes lit up. "So, this is really a gift for all of us. Thank you!"
Jo laughed. "I suppose you're right. That includes us too." Jo and Jessica loved spending time with the kids.
"Is that okay with all of you?" Jessica asked the kids. She was fairly certain what their response would be, but it didn't hurt to be sure.
AJ, Miranda, and Gabby nodded happily while Danny, who wasn't exactly sure what was going on, smiled and clapped upon seeing his brother's and sisters' reactions.
"I think it's unanimous. Thank you both. This is perfect." Marissa hugged both women again. Once she was settled back on the sofa again, Marissa looked at Jo. "Wasn't there something you wanted to talk about?"
Jo nodded. The two friends had talked earlier and decided that Jo would bring something up that evening. "Yes, there is. As you all know, Greg and I are getting married Labor Day weekend. We decided to keep the wedding small. Marissa has agreed to be my matron of honor, and Bianca is going to do a reading. Greg's brother will be his best man, and his sister will do another reading. He has several nieces and nephews, but they are all a little on the young side, 3 years old and under. Miranda, we were hoping you would do us the honor and be a junior bridesmaid."
"Really?!" Miranda nodded excitedly. "Yeah, I'd love to, Aunt Jo! Thanks!"
"No, thank you." Jo then turned to AJ and Gabby. "AJ, would you consider being our ring bearer?"
AJ smiled. "I'm your man, Aunt Jo!"
"Thank you! Now, Gabby, we need a flower girl, and I hear you have some experience. Would you be our flower girl?"
Gabby grinned and hugged Jo. "Yup! I'd be happy to. I'm pretty good. You can ask Aya and Kate. I was theirs."
"I know. They recommended you, along with your Moms. Thanks, guys. I really appreciate it, and I know Greg will too when I talk with him later." Jo and Greg had made great progress with their wedding planning. They had the church, the venue for the reception, the caterer, and the photographer booked. Marissa and Bianca had been a godsend with recommendations for the couple. When it was time for Jo to start looking for her wedding dress, Marissa and Bianca were there as well and helped make a day out of it. Jessica went with them as well, and Kendall and Greenlee were invited too. The Dynamic Duo were invaluable that day. Not only did they offer style tips, but they also helped relieve any stress and tension that popped up. While weddings were joyous occasions, the planning leading up to it could be quite stressful, and Kendall and Greenlee knew exactly what to do to help ease it. Jo did find what everyone deemed to be the perfect dress that day, and with that accomplished, the hunt for dresses for Marissa and the girls would be next on the agenda. Erica volunteered to take Jessica shopping for her dress, and the diva planned to surprise her friend with a trip to New York City for it. The trip had Jo's blessing. She felt her Mom deserved it, and she trusted Erica to take good care of her Mom.
The group continued to chat for a while and then decided to watch a movie. Marissa glanced around at her family before her eyes found Bianca's. The couple was sitting next to each other.
"Happy birthday, Rissa." Bianca whispered.
Marissa leaned in for a quick kiss and rested her head on Bianca's shoulder. "Thank you."
/
Bianca and Marissa were up early the next morning. It's was Danny's birthday, and there was a lot to do before his party later that afternoon. They picked up around the house and started on breakfast before they heard Danny stir. Both Bianca and Marissa went up to his room to get him.
Danny was standing in his crib with a grin on his face when his Moms entered his room. "Mama! Mommy!"
"Good morning, Birthday Boy!"
"Happy birthday, Danny!"
Danny held his arms up for one of his Moms to free him. Marissa picked him up, and then both she and Bianca smothered him in kisses which had the boy giggling, especially when they blew some raspberries on his belly. After a few minutes spent focused completely on Danny, Bianca went to wake up their three oldest while Marissa changed Danny's diaper. They would wait until after breakfast to change his clothes. Danny liked to try and feed himself sometimes with varied results. More times than not, he wore more than he managed to get in his mouth.
The family gathered in the kitchen and sang 'Happy Birthday' to Danny. The boy grinned and clapped when they finished. Bianca placed a blueberry pancake in the shape of a tiger cub in front of Danny. His eyes grew wide with excitement as he recognized the animal. Bianca then cut it up in bite-sized pieces. Danny reached for a piece and happily munched on it. Everyone else enjoyed their breakfasts, maybe not as much as Danny however. When they had finished and the kitchen was cleaned up, Marissa showered and changed. She would be picking up a few last-minute items for the party with Jo's help. While Marissa was doing that, Bianca and the kids would decorate the house.
/
Marissa and Bianca were in the kitchen setting up the food when they heard someone at the front door followed by Jo calling from the family stating that she would get it. A minute later, Jo entered the kitchen with Jessica and Caleb following close behind. Jessica and Caleb were carrying white bakery boxes.
"Good afternoon. We come bearing birthday cakes." Caleb said as he and Jessica placed the boxes on a counter.
"Good afternoon." Bianca greeted them.
"Oh, Jess! This is perfect! You have outdone yourself." Marissa said as she opened the box that held Danny's cake.
Bianca peeked inside. "Rissa's right! This is amazing. You are amazing."
"I don't know about that, but thank you. I'm glad you like the cake."
"I agree with them. You are amazing." Caleb said as he kissed Jessica's cheek causing her to blush.
Jessica cleared her throat in an attempt to cover her embarrassment. "Where is the birthday boy?"
Marissa smiled knowing exactly what her friend was doing. "He's taking a nap."
"Yeah, we don't want him to be overtired and cranky by the time everyone gets here." Bianca added.
"Good idea. So, you really like the cake?"
"Yes, we do. We love both of them." Marissa assured her.
"I told her you would, but she didn't want to listen me. What do I know?" Jo smirked.
"Hush, Josephine. I just wanted to be sure. This is an important cake. It's for his first birthday after all."
"Well, you should listen to Jo because she's right, this time at least." Marissa winked at Jo who stuck out her tongue.
Bianca shook her head at the banter between her wife and Jo. "Jessica, Caleb, would either of you like something to drink?"
"I would love something." Caleb said, clearly amused by what was happening around him.
/
"What is it about babies and balloons?" Kendall asked amused as she watched Danny, Lexie, and Briana. They were all sitting on a blanket on the family room floor with matching grins on their faces while each gripped a brightly colored balloon.
Greenlee winced expecting one of the balloons to burst at any second with the way they were being gripped. "I don't know. Maybe it's because they can hold them easily enough, or it could be the colors. It was smart to get them in primary colors."
Kendall saw Jessica approach. "Jessica, I can't believe those cakes. The level of detail you put into them? I mean, they look just like model firetrucks. Danny's cake is absolutely adorable."
"Thank you, Kendall. We all know how fascinated Danny is with firetrucks right now. So, when Marissa and I were discussing cake themes for him, it was pretty much a no-brainer as to what his should be. I had to have the one for everyone else match his. I'm just glad I did them justice."
"You certainly did that. Do I have to guess as to the flavor of cakes?" Greenlee smirked.
Jessica chuckled. "Considering who his mothers are, I highly doubt that you do."
"So, chocolate. I can handle that." Kendall smiled. It wasn't a secret that the whole family was partial to chocolate. "Could I ask you something, Jessica?"
"Of course."
"Would you be interested in doing Lexie's birthday cake?"
Jessica smiled. She loved baking, and when she saw the smiles on the faces of those who she baked cakes for, it made it all worth it. While Marissa and Bianca's children held a special place in her heart and she considered them grandchildren, she did love Kendall's and Greenlee's kids as well. "I would be happy to."
"Really? Thank you so much. The baking gene is non-existent in our family."
"Could I convince you to do Bri's cake?" Greenlee asked hopefully. "Believe it or not, but the baking is even worse in my family."
Jessica laughed. "I would be honored to bake Bri's as well."
"You are the absolute best. Thank you!"
"Speaking of the best, hi, Marissa!" Kendall said when her sister-in-law joined them.
Marissa rolled her eyes and handed a glass of wine to first Kendall and then Greenlee. "Yeah, yeah. Whatever. We all know you're just saying that because I'm bringing you wine."
"I will neither confirm nor deny that." Kendall laughed.
"My favorite sister-in-law!"
Marissa turned when she heard Zach and rolled her eyes at him as well. "I should hope so. Let me guess. You want to check out the car."
"What my wife just said." Zach grinned.
Marissa laughed. "Go ahead. You know where it is. Remind me before you leave today, and I'll give you my salesman's card."
Zach darted away after giving her a quick kiss on the cheek. "Thank you! I'm just going to look."
Kendall shook her head seeing how excited her husband was. "You wouldn't believe his reaction when he heard about your car. I have no doubt we'll be getting one soon ourselves."
"I know I was pretty excited. When are we going for a ride, Rocky?"
"After this weekend."
"Sweet. Oh, before I forget." Greenlee handed Marissa an envelope. "This is from the Laverys."
"Oh, and this is from the Slaters." Kendall said as she also handed an envelope to her sister-in-law. "And before you say anything, did you really think we wouldn't get you anything for your birthday? Have you not met our family?"
Marissa didn't put up a fight because she knew it would be futile. "Thank you."
"Oh, Mom has something for you too that goes with these gifts."
"Did I hear my name?"
"Hi, Erica. Glad you could make it. Could I take your jacket?" Marissa asked. Erica had been traveling again and had just gotten back from California that morning.
Erica smiled and handed her jacket to Marissa. "There is absolutely no way I would have missed this. All birthdays are special, but first birthdays cannot be missed for anything."
"I couldn't agree more." Jessica said. "Where's Jack?"
"Oh, he saw Zach, Ryan, and Greg heading for the garage to look at Marissa's new car. He couldn't resist joining them. You didn't give them the keys, did you? You may not see your car again if you did." Erica smirked.
Marissa laughed as she hung Erica's jacket up in the closet. "No, I didn't. I knew better than to do that."
"Smart woman. Where is Bianca?"
"Right here, Mom. No problems with your flight?" Bianca asked as she handed her mother a glass of sparkling water with lemon, Erica's current drink of choice.
"Thank you. No, we didn't have any problems. It helps to have your own plane." Erica and Jack purchased a private jet about a year ago. With the amount of traveling the diva did, it only made sense and had proved to be a wise investment. Erica saw the envelopes in Marissa's hands and glanced at Kendall and Greenlee. "You gave her the gifts already?"
Kendall held up her hands in defense. "We just gave them to her. Red hasn't had a chance to open them yet."
"I gave her our gift yesterday."
"Wait. What?" Marissa looked at Jessica.
"Our gift goes with these." Jessica explained.
"Oh, gift time! Open them, Rissa." Jo was excited to see her friend's reaction.
"Alright. Whose should I open first?"
"There's no certain order. Like Jessica said, they all go together." Kendall said.
Marissa opened the card from Greenlee first and laughed. "Good card, Greenlee. Not that I'm surprised. I don't think we should let the kids read this one just quite yet." Marissa handed the card to Bianca who laughed.
"I think you're right." It was a little off color but nothing that wasn't expected from Greenlee. Marissa and Greenlee loved getting each other cards like that.
"Oh my gosh, Greenlee! This is wonderful." It was a certificate good for a suite at the Ritz-Carlton in New York City for a weekend.
"You're welcome."
Marissa then moved on to Kendall's card and laughed at it as well. Like Greenlee's, the humor was pure Kendall. "Seriously, Kendall? Wow. Thank you." It was a certificate good for dinners at several New York restaurants, including Alex Guarnaschelli's restaurant 'Butter'. "I'm sensing a theme."
"You're welcome. Atta girl! I knew you'd get it."
"And last but not least, from Jack and myself." Erica smiled and handed a card to her daughter-in-law.
Marissa gasped and looked at Bianca. "It's tickets to 'Hamilton' and another Broadway show of our choice along with use of their jet! Thank you, Erica! This is …"
"Don't you dare say it's too much. You've been working very hard on an extremely difficult and important case. You deserve this. Besides, I heard what you gave Bianca for her birthday. You used your inheritance from Adam on her. So, this is the least we can do for you."
"Thank you." Marissa said as she hugged each of the women for their gifts.
"Now, you'll notice that there are no dates. You tell us when you're ready to go, and we'll make the arrangements. Oh, this also includes a car and driver to take you to wherever you're going." Kendall added.
"It's also for two. We're assuming that you'll want to take this one." Greenlee smirked as she indicated Bianca. "But if you don't want to take her, just know that I'm free."
Marissa laughed. "I'll keep that in mind, Greenlee, but you're right, this is something I want to share with my wife."
Bianca grinned and whispered. "I'll make sure you have something special to unwrap that weekend."
"I look to forward to it."
Kendall shook her head. "I don't even want to know what my baby sister just said."
"G-ma!"
Erica turned and saw her youngest grandson grinning with his arms out-stretched. Danny adored Erica, and she felt the same way about him. This was the first time that he called her by that name, and everyone present took note and held their breath as they watched to see what her reaction would be. Erica smiled lovingly and scooped up the boy. "Well, hello to you too, Danny. Happy birthday!"
"Unreal." Greenlee was slack-jawed.
"I never thought I'd live to see the day." Kendall was incredulous.
"It's that Tasker charm." Jessica chuckled.
"Don't I know it." Bianca grinned and kissed Marissa.
/
The birthday cakes were a hit, particularly with Danny who grabbed fistfuls of cake that went straight into his mouth. Briana and Lexie followed their cousin's example when they were given pieces of cake much to the amusement of everyone. Danny received books, toys, and clothes from his family and had the time of his young life. When his mothers put him to bed that night, Danny had a smile on his face and was clutching the stuffed tiger he had gotten for Christmas along with his favorite toy from his birthday, a toy firetruck from his brother and sisters. Gabby had seen it when they were shopping a few weeks prior and knew it was the perfect gift for him. The three had pooled their money together to buy it for their little brother and beamed when they saw his reaction. Danny squealed with delight and didn't set it down the entire day. When it was time for bed, Bianca and Marissa didn't bother to try and take it away from him. It just wasn't worth the fight. Besides, it had soft, rounded edges and no loose parts to tempt him. After several pictures of their peacefully sleeping son, Bianca and Marissa kissed him and left him to dream.
/
A/N: I think I might update "Kegs & Eggs" next. See you soon!