A/N: Thanks for continuing to read, review, and follow! I really appreciate it. This chapter is a direct result of a review from kutee. Thanks for the idea! I apologize for the delay in updating. Work has been rough and not left much time for writing. Thanks for staying with me! This chapter picks up during the time of the last one. Hope you enjoy this update!

/

Bianca and Marissa kissed the kids and made them promise to be good for Jessica. The couple knew that last part wasn't necessary because they were always good for Nana J, but it was reflex.

"We'll be just fine. I'm frankly more worried about you having your hands full with those two." Jessica smirked indicating Kendall and Greenlee.

The women in question glanced at each other and shrugged.

"She's not wrong." Greenlee said, her tone matter of fact.

Kendall chuckled and nodded. "No, she's not. We really can't argue with that."

Bianca rolled her eyes. "Oh, I'm well aware, but we've got reinforcements."

"Thanks for watching the kids, Jessica." Marissa kissed Jessica's cheek.

"You're welcome. Thank you for arranging this for Jo. She needs the break more than she knows."

Marissa winked. "I know. I'm just glad we were able to get things back on track for her and Greg. Okay, we better go. You have our numbers if you need anything. Love you all."

"Love you guys." Bianca added before she followed the others into the limo.

"Love you too." The kids called out as they waved goodbye to their Moms.

Once the group drove away, Jessica looked at the kids. "Okay, who's ready to make some brownies?"

"Me!"

/

After several batches of brownies were made along with some sampling of them (naturally), Jessica and the kids went out to the pool for a while. It was when they were talking about what to have for lunch that the call came.

AJ climbed out of the pool and raced for the phone. "Hello."

"Hi, AJ."

"Hi, Uncle Zach." The boy immediately recognized his uncle's voice. "Aunt Kendall's not here. They left a couple of hours ago."

"Yeah, I know. I was hoping to talk to Jessica."

"Okay. I'll get her for you." AJ walked over to the pool. "Nana J, it's Uncle Zach. He wants to talk to you."

"Oh. Alright."

"We'll keep an eye on Danny." Miranda assured the older woman and held her arms open for her little brother, who was wearing swimmies.

"Okay. Thank you." Jessica knew that not only would Danny be in safe hands but that she would be only steps away with her eyes on them the entire time. She got out of the pool, wiped her hands on a beach towel to dry them, and took the phone from AJ who got back into the pool to help keep an eye on his little brother.

"Hello, Zach."

"Hello, Jessica. I've got a problem, and I'm hoping you can help bail me out."

"I certainly will if I can. What's up?"

"There was a water main break on our street, and we don't have any water. The same with Ryan."

"That's awful."

"Yes, it is, and they don't know when it will be back on. I hate to impose, but I was wondering …" Zach didn't have a chance to finish his thought before Jessica jumped in.

"All of you are coming over here."

"Are you sure?"

"Of course I am. I'm sure the kids are getting a little stir-crazy, and with little ones, you really need water."

Zach chuckled. "You're definitely right on both counts. I can't thank you enough."

"Don't even worry about it. We were just thinking about lunch."

"Ryan and I will take care of that. We could grill some burgers and hotdogs."

"That sounds perfect."

"I'm not sure how long the water will be out. Should we think about dinner too?"

"Well, we were going to make our own pizzas. I could give you a list of ingredients if you're interested in that."

"I think the kids would love that. It sounds good to me too."

"Oh, we have dessert already taken care of. We made brownies earlier."

"I think we have everything covered then." Zach said after he wrote down the list of ingredients that Jessica had rattled off.

"I think you're right."

"I'll call Ryan and let him know what the plan is. We'll pack up the kids, stop by the grocery store, and be on our way."

"That sounds good. Don't forget your swimsuits. Just come around the back when you get here. We'll be by the pool."

"Will do. Thank you again. You're a lifesaver, Jessica."

"You're welcome. We'll see you soon."

Jessica disconnected the call and set the phone down. "How do hamburgers and hotdogs sound for lunch?"

"Sounds really good to me!" Gabby smiled.

Miranda and AJ agreed with their sister.

"Good. We're also going to have some company."

"Who? Uncle Zach?" AJ asked as he put the pieces together.

"Yes, and the kids. Ryan and the girls are coming too. There was an accident on their street, and they don't have any water. So, they're all coming over here. Are you all okay with that?"

Miranda nodded. "Yeah, it'll be fun. How long will they be staying?"

"I'm not sure. It could be a few hours at least. I told Zach we were making pizzas for dinner, and he's going to pick up some stuff for them to join us in making them."

"Maybe we can all watch a movie later."

"That sounds like a plan. I guess we're going to have a pool party and then a movie night!" Jessica said as she got back into pool.

The kids grinned and started discussing what movie to watch when the others got there.

/

"Hello!"

Everyone turned when they heard Ryan call out to them. Emma, Spike, and Ian led the way followed by Ryan who was carrying Bri, and Zach who was carrying Lexie. The kids were wearing their bathing suits and eyeing the pool eagerly.

"Hello, Slaters and Laverys!" Jessica stood from her chair in the shade where she and Danny were taking a break and greeted the families. She noted that Zach and Ryan as well as the older kids were carrying grocery bags.

Zach smiled. "Hi, everyone. Jessica, should we go ahead and put this stuff in the kitchen and get started on lunch?"

"I think that works. AJ, Miranda, and Gabby are starving." Jessica took Lexie who was reaching for her.

"Yeah, so are Spike and Ian." Zach laughed. "It shouldn't take us too long to get them fed. I meant what I said earlier. Ryan and I are taking care of lunch. You're not doing any of the cooking."

Jessica nodded. "All right. I'll leave you to it then. I'll keep an eye on the kids while the two of you cook."

"Deal. If they get to be too much though, let us know."

"I will, but I think I can handle them."

"I have no doubt that you can, but I don't want to take advantage. Besides, you've really bailed us out by letting us come over. So, thank you."

"You're welcome. It's what family does however."

"Yes, it is." Zach smiled and then clapped his hands. "Okay. We've got some cooking to do. Let's go Ryan. Spike and Ian, keep an eye on Lexie for me."

The boys nodded and handed the bags they were carrying to their Dad.

"Right behind you, Zach. Emma, could you keep an eye on your sister while we work on lunch?"

Emma nodded and took Bri from her Dad. "I got her, Dad."

"Thank you!"

/

"That was a wonderful meal, gentlemen. Thank you."

"You're welcome, Jessica. It was the least we could do."

Ryan nodded. "Zach's right. Thanks again. You really saved us. Zach was also right about going with paper plates. It makes cleanup much easier."

"It also gives us more time to spend with the kids and less time imposing on Jessica." Zach wanted to make sure Jessica knew that they weren't taking advantage of her kindness and had something in mind as a way of thanking her for bailing them out. He wanted to give it some more thought and then run it by the others.

"You're not imposing." Jessica assured him before she glanced at the kids. "We should probably cleanup so we can all go swimming."

Zach smiled when he saw the way the kids were eyeing the pool. "I think you're right. They're getting a little restless. Ryan and I will clean up though."

"Yes, we will. It shouldn't take too long." Ryan agreed. "You all stay here and behave for Jessica. Zach and I will clean up and then change into our trunks. We'll all go swimming when we get back."

The kids nodded and continued to talk and plan what various games they could play.

/

Zach sighed as he disconnected a call and rejoined the others. Jessica, Zach, and Ryan were watching the older kids playing in the yard while Danny, Lexie, and Bri were taking a nap.

Jessica turned her head and could tell he wasn't happy. "Everything okay?"

"No, the water is still out, and they don't expect it to be turned back on tonight."

"I'm sorry to hear that, but it settles the fact that all of you are staying here overnight. Don't even think about arguing with me on that."

Zach nodded. "I know better. Marissa has told me there is no winning that fight. We do need to get a few things though to stay."

"You're right. We do. Let's see. We have pack 'n plays for Bri and Lexie. So, we have their sleeping situation taken care of. What do you think, sleeping bags for the older kids?" Ryan asked.

"They might like the idea of 'camping out'. Let's ask them." Jessica suggested and called the kids over.

"Okay. Here's what's going on. The water is still out at our homes. Jessica has offered to let us stay here." Zach explained and chuckled when he saw the excited looks on the kids' faces. "What do you think of camping out but inside?"

"Like with sleeping bags, Dad?" Spike asked.

"Yes, with sleeping bags."

"That'll be really fun."

"Nana J, could we use our sleeping bags too?" Gabby asked hopefully.

"I don't see why not. You'll have to help me find them."

"We can do that!"

"Could we sleep downstairs, like in the game room? It has the most room for us to all sleep together." AJ suggested.

"That sounds like a good idea. We'll have to find a sleeping bag for me."

"No. You are not sleeping on the floor. Ryan and I will camp out with them. You are sleeping in a bed." Zach cut Jessica off before the protest could leave her mouth. "Jo would kill us, then Marissa, and then everyone else, including Caleb and Erica. For our sakes, please sleep in a bed."

Jessica chuckled and held her hands up in surrender. "Okay."

"Thank you. Do you want to make the run to our homes and get the stuff, Ryan, or do you want me to go?"

"I'll go. I just need you to tell me where things are."

While the kids went back to playing, Zach and Ryan made a list of needed items for the impromptu sleepover. When it was done, Ryan headed out to get everything.

/

"I have to admit, that was the best pizza I've ever had. My compliments to the chefs." Zach said, and the kids, who had helped the adults make their pizzas (with some help from Jessica), grinned proudly.

"Thanks, Uncle Zach!"

"Thanks, Dad!"

Everyone, with the exception of the littlest ones, pitched in to clean up. Once that was done, the older kids headed down to the playroom and picked out a game to play while Jessica, Zach, and Ryan changed Danny, Lexie, and Bri.

/

After some time, everyone gathered in the family room to watch some movies. Popcorn was on hand for the first one, and brownie sundaes were enjoyed during the second movie. While the older kids enjoyed a third movie, the younger kids were put to bed. Zach and Ryan then configured a sleep area in the game room. The men absolutely refused to let Jessica sleep on the floor or a sofa, and they insisted she sleep in 'her' room. They would be responsible for the kids. Ryan didn't think it would be all that bad. He figured the kids would get tired and go to sleep early since they had been swimming and playing most of the day. Jessica simply smiled and patted him on the arm when she heard what Ryan thought. Experience told her that was simply wishful thinking on Ryan's part. She reluctantly agreed to their plan, but she did have them promise to get her if things got to be too much for them. The one thing Jessica absolutely insisted on doing was helping to get the youngest ones ready for bed. As she was putting Danny's pajamas on him, Miranda approached her.

"Nana J?"

"Yes, Miranda."

"I was thinking. Why don't you sleep in my room tonight?"

The offer caused Jessica to raise an eyebrow. "Why?"

"Well, let's be honest. It'll probably be quieter. I'm not saying we'll be up late or that we'll be loud, but you never know. I just want to make sure you get some rest. I also think the Moms and Jo would appreciate it."

Jessica chuckled. "Well, I have to admit that I am a little tired."

Sensing that Jessica was almost sold on the idea, Miranda presented her final argument. "We could the pack n' play's for Danny, Lexie, and Bri in your room then. That way, they can go to sleep, and we wouldn't keep them up. Plus, there would be more room for everyone else."

"You make a convincing case. Marissa would be very proud. Okay. I will sleep in your room. Thank you."

Miranda beamed at the compliment. "You're welcome. I'll go tell Uncle Zach and Ryan so we can move things around. Oh, I'll grab your bag for you too so you don't have to worry about that."

/

The next morning, Jessica opened the door to Miranda's bedroom and listened for any other signs of life. Not hearing anything, she decided to take a peek downstairs. She had slept surprisingly well and was grateful that Miranda had suggested the change in her sleeping arrangement. Jessica quietly made her way to the game room and had to bite her lip to keep from bursting out laughing at the sight that greeted her. The kids were sound asleep, snuggled comfortably in their sleeping bags, with peaceful expressions on their faces. Zach and Ryan were snoring as their bodies were contorted in positions that Jessica knew had to be uncomfortable. Their pillows were gone, and by the looks of it, they were in the possession of Emma and Ian. As for the men's sleeping bags, they didn't appear to fare any better with their feet poking through.

Jessica simply shook her head and tiptoed to the room where the youngest were asleep. She opened the door to find Danny, Lexie, and Bri standing up in their pack n' plays and jabbering away. They turned their heads when they heard her enter and grinned.

"Well, it looks like the three of you slept pretty well. How about I get you some breakfast while the others sleep?" Jessica chuckled softly when she was answered with grins and nods. "Okay. We have to be quiet because everyone else is sleeping."

Again, all three seemed to understand what she was saying, and Danny even put a finger to his lips.

"Danny, will you be okay while I take the girls up first? I promise I will be back for you."

The boy nodded and sat back down. Jessica shook her head at how much he reminded her of Marissa. She then reached down and picked up Bri first before she lifted Lexie out of her pack n' play.

/

Jessica carefully made her way upstairs and into the kitchen. She sat Lexie on the floor while she secured Bri in a highchair. Jessica turned her attention back to Lexie and looked up when she heard a soft knock on the patio door. A smile spread across her face as she walked to the door and opened it.

"Good morning, Sam. This is a nice surprise."

"Morning, Jessica. Miranda texted me last night and told me you were having some overnight guests. I thought you might need some help."

/

A/N: I actually decided to cut this here so I could get this update posted today. See you soon!