A/N: Thanks for continuing to read, review, and follow! I really appreciate it. Yes, it's an update on this story, believe it or not! I apologize for the delay in updating. Life has gotten in the way of writing, and I will admit to having a hard time focusing on writing.

A great deal has gone on in the world since I've last updated this story. First, I hope this finds you all safe and healthy. I know several people, personally and professionally, that have been sick. Fortunately, they have recovered. I know this is not the case for everyone. Please listen to the experts. It looks like vaccines are coming soon, but we're not there quite yet. Hang in there! I know it's hard. I've been working from home since March and haven't really gone anywhere to speak of since a lot of stuff has been shut down. I recommend Zoom calls. I've been having almost weekly ones with some friends, and they really have helped. It's good to see them, even if it's over a video call and not in person.

What else? I have a new job. Well, it's actually a new employer. I'm doing the same job I was as before. Someone new is signing the checks. They moved several of the IT departments over to a new company with the old one being our client and us supporting it, and I was fortunate enough to keep my job. We're going to have a new president in the States come January! Some of you may be happy about that, and others not so happy. If you're going to make any comments on that, I just ask that you keep them civil and leave it there.

I will end this by saying thanks for staying with me! This chapter picks up where the last one left off (if you can remember where the last one ended). Hope you enjoy this update! Stay safe!

/

Kendall stopped Terri before she got anywhere close to the group's table and took care of the check. She left an extremely generous tip as well. When Terri started to argue, Kendall held up a hand.

"Don't even fight me on this because we both know you deserve this for putting up with this crew and taking excellent care of us. Plus, I'm not even talking about that amazing hangover cure. If you ever want to sell that, let me know. I'm being completely serious. Thank you for everything."

Terri smiled. "You're welcome. It's never boring when you all visit. I have the best time with all of you. I'll keep your offer in mind."

With the check taken care of, Kendall headed back to the inn with the majority of the group while Bianca, Marissa and a few others stayed behind to make calls.

/

A short time later, the Pine Valley crew met up again at Shamokin Joe's. Goodbyes were shared with their friends from Shamokin before they headed back home.

"Oh, Terri, you might want to watch 'Good Morning America' on Monday morning." Marissa suggested.

Terri eyed her friend curiously. "Why is that?"

"Well, I can't give you any specific details because I don't have any. I will say that the odds are extremely high that if you watch you will find out a lot more about what's been going on. Make sure you tell Sean and anyone else you want to tune in as well if they're curious."

"I'm intrigued, and I'll definitely be watching. I know Sean will be too. Heck, I'd even say that most of Shamokin will be. Have a safe trip home."

"Thanks, and thanks again for everything. Maybe one of these days, we'll actually have a calm and quiet visit."

The two women looked at each other and then burst out laughing.

"With your crew? That'll never happen. Besides, it'd be boring, and you all are definitely not that." Terri added with a grin.

Marissa chuckled. "I can't argue with you on that. I'll settle for a little less excitement next time though."

"I can't fault you on that. I'm glad everything worked out, and I'll be sure to watch 'Good Morning America' on Monday. You definitely have my curiosity piqued."

They shared a hug goodbye before Marissa joined the others for the trip back home to Pine Valley.

/

"So, what are you going to do about the kids? Are you going to tell them about any of what happened?" Lisa asked the couple as the limo made its way onto the highway towards Pine Valley.

Bianca nodded. "Yeah, we discussed things last night and again this morning, and we agree that it's a good idea to talk to them. I wish we didn't have to, but it's probably going to come up during Nora's interview. Once that happens, it will be all over the place."

"The odds are incredibly good that it will. We would rather the kids hear about it from us instead of from a television program or from someone else. That way, we can answer any questions they might have and reassure them at the same time." Marissa added.

"Sounds like a good idea. It gives you a chance to put a better spin on it for them. I know you don't want to scare them." Kendall said.

"No, we don't. Rissa and I have done everything we can think of to make sure everyone is safe."

"I can't tell you how thankful I am to have Mitch working for me. He's been great." Marissa glanced at Jo. "Okay. Enough about bad stuff. This weekend was supposed to be about Jo. I'm sorry for the detour. I …"

Jo held up a hand to cut her friend off. "No. I'm going to have to stop you right there because I know what you're going to say. So, don't even go there. You didn't do anything wrong. I'm just really glad ... no, I'm extremely grateful that you're okay. None of the other stuff matters. Understand?"

"I understand."

"Good. Besides, you and I both know that you would be saying the same exact thing to me if our roles were reversed. Go ahead. Try and tell me I'm wrong."

Marissa chuckled. "You got me. You're right. I can't argue with you about that."

"Tell me something I don't know." Jo cracked before giving her friend sincere reassurance. "Seriously though, I had a great time. This trip took my mind off all of the wedding …"

"Setbacks." Cory suggested. "We're not going to call them disasters because things have been resolved and are back on track."

Jo nodded. "Very true, thanks in large part to you, Marissa, with assists from everyone here and a major one from Erica. So, setbacks it is. Like I said, I had a great time. I mean, how can you not when Kendall and Greenlee are literally dancing on tables?!"

"What can I say? Greenlee and I have moves!"

"Truth! When you've got it, flaunt it." Greenlee shrugged while grinning.

"I noticed that no one is arguing with that." Kendall smirked and high-fived Greenlee.

"I'll be sending everyone the video of their performance later!" Stef told the others.

"Excellent! I'll add it to the others! We'll have a viewing party in the near future." Greenlee added.

"Definitely. We'll plan something for when Jo and Greg get back from their honeymoon." Bianca agreed.

"Speaking of your honeymoon, where are you guys going?" Natalia asked.

"We went back and forth on several places, but we finally decided on the Caribbean. St. Thomas and St. John to be exact."

"Nice! I'm really jealous. You'll have a great time."

"Thanks. We're both just looking forward to getting away from everything. The last couple of weeks have been pretty damn stressful. I mean pretty much everything that could go wrong with the wedding plans has. If it hadn't been for Mom, Marissa, Bianca, and Erica, I honestly don't know what the wedding would look like. I know it wouldn't be anything like what Greg and I wanted. I'll never be able to repay the two of you." Jo said earnestly to Bianca and Marissa.

"There's nothing to repay. Bianca and I are happy we're able to help. Besides, you're family. It's what you do for family."

"Marissa is right. It is what you do for family. I think the person who's most excited to help is Mom."

Kendall laughed. "Bianca couldn't be more right on that. Helping with the wedding dress is right in her wheelhouse. Although, I think she really enjoyed handing that dress shop owner her ass."

Greenlee nodded. "The one thing I've learned over the years is that you do not mess with Erica Kane or her family. If you do, you will face her wrath every single time. It's really kind of fun watching it directed at other people though."

"I've got to say that watching Erica going all 'Kane woman' on someone is fun and so is watching her daughters do the same." Marissa grinned.

"Well, Kendall and I did learn from the best. If you're going to hand someone their ass, then you need to do it right." Bianca said proudly.

Marissa laughed and kissed her wife. "And you definitely do!"

"That's my baby sister! The 'Kane' is strong in her!" Kendall smiled with pride.

"Damn straight it is!" Bianca said as the sisters high-fived each other.

Jo laughed. "See. This is exactly what I needed. I have the best family and friends anyone could ever ask for. Thank you all for being here for me. I appreciate all of you more than you will ever know."

"We've got your back. I'm being completely honest here. You are going to be a beautiful bride and are going to have an amazing wedding day." Cory said earnestly.

"Thank you." Jo, who was sandwiched in between Marissa and Cory, looked at her best friends. "I'm so glad Mom talked me into going to our high school reunion. Going and catching back up with the two of you was one of the best decisions ever."

"Definitely!" Marissa and Cory nodded with wide smiles before they hugged Jo.

"So, Bianca, do you think your house is still standing with Zach and Ryan there?" Stef smirked.

"If it was just them with the kids, I'm not sure, but Jessica is there. I'm quite sure that she has taken charge. Because of that, I have no doubt that the house will indeed be standing when we get home."

"And I know for a fact that Zach and Ryan are beyond grateful for her. When I talked with Zach earlier, he told me he wants to do something special for her. Do you have any ideas, Jo?" Kendall asked.

"You know that you don't have to do anything for her. Mom sees you all family and loves you. She considers Zach and Ryan her 'boys' and loves them almost as much as she loves Greg."

"Wow. That is saying something because Jessica thinks Greg can do no wrong." Marissa smirked.

"Tell me about it. She spoils him and is always taking his side." Jo rolled her eyes.

Marissa eyed her friend. "Oh, give me a break. Your Mom loves you more than anyone else, always has and always will. You come first with her, always. For all of the important stuff, the things that really matter, your Mom will always take your side. No ifs, ands, or buts. Never doubt that. Got it?"

Jo smiled. "Got it. I know that, but it's nice to hear it. Thank you."

"Any time." Marissa nudged her friend.

"Kendall, let me give it some thought on what to do for Mom. She hates it when people make a fuss over her even though she deserves it."

"You know when you think about it, your honeymoon is kind of like a honeymoon for Jessica and Caleb too. They'll have the place all to themselves." Greenlee added with a wicked smile.

"Stop! You're talking about my Mom!" Jo groaned.

"Not so funny when she turns it around on you, is it?" Kendall smirked.

As the limo continued on its journey back to Pine Valley, the group laughed while Jo scowled playfully. "No, it's not. I take it all back, Kendall." She really was happy her Mom had found someone who made her happy, cared about her and respected her. Caleb was definitely that person. Jo just didn't like to think about her Mom being intimate with anyone. Who does want to think about a parent that way? Jo shook her head to get that thought out of her head and turned her attention back to having a good time with her friends.

/

As the limo came to a stop in front of Minx Manor and the women stepped out of the vehicle, a chorus of "Mom!" rung out from an excited group of children and greeted them followed by their spouses/partners/other family members. The luggage was unloaded from the limo and transferred to the group's various cars while AJ and Miranda grabbed their Moms' bags and took them inside to the couple's bedroom. Gabby took Bianca's hand, and the two swung them between them as they followed behind Marissa and Danny who was happily jabbering away. The others joined them inside while they caught up with each other.

A short while later, Kendall, who had Lexie perched on her hip, pulled Bianca aside. "Could you keep an eye on the boys and Emma for a few minutes? Greenlee and I are going to talk to Zach and Ryan and get any update on what's going on at home. I'm really hoping the main is fixed and the water is back on."

"No problem. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. And if you need to, you all can stay here for as long as you need."

Kendall smiled. She wasn't surprised one bit by her sister's offer. "Thank you."

"You're welcome. Oh, and before you ask, you can tell them what happened this weekend."

"Are you sure? You or Marissa don't want to be there?"

Bianca shook her head. "No, we trust you. I know Zach suspects something happened, and we both know that he won't rest until he finds out exactly what went on. Besides, Danny won't let either one of us out of his sight."

Kendall chuckled. Her youngest nephew had been alternating between his Moms from the second he saw them. Lexie and Bri had been the same with her and Greenlee, respectively. "True, very true. Okay. We won't be too long."

/

Bianca returned to the backyard to find Marissa with Danny while talking with Caleb, Jack, Brian, and Lisa. She wasn't surprised to see the lawyers together. While Marissa had spoken with the firm's partners that morning to tell them everything that had happened, Bianca had known Jack and Caleb wouldn't breathe easy until they had actually seen it for themselves that Marissa was okay. The same held true for Brian, her work 'spouse'. Danny spotted his brunette mother and started to squirm in Marissa's arms to try and get to her. The redhead laughed when she saw the reason behind her son's escape attempt and motioned for Bianca to join them.

"I'm not interrupting anything, am I?" Bianca asked as she took Danny from her wife. "Oh, Kendall asked if we could keep an eye on the boys and Emma. She and Greenlee are going to get an update on the water main break from Zach and Ryan, and they're also going to tell them what happened on our side."

Marissa nodded and quickly spotted where the kids were.

Jack smiled at Bianca. "You're not interrupting anything. We were just making sure that this one was good."

"And we're very glad to see that she is, and you as well." Caleb added.

Brian nodded in agreement. "Definitely. So, what do you think Nora has planned?"

"If I were to guess, which is really all I can do right now, I think several arrests will be taking place, and she'll probably be making an announcement on them occurring in the very near future." Marissa offered.

"Well, I know someone who definitely needs to be arrested and put in jail." Bianca scowled.

"I don't think you're going to find anyone here that will argue with you on that." Brian stated. When Stef had told him what happened, he was furious. While Marissa was his boss and someone he respected, she was also like family to him, and you didn't hurt his family.

Bianca could tell her wife had something else on her mind. "What's going on in that brain of yours?"

"Nothing serious. I just can't help but think that Nora might have something else up her sleeve."

Caleb nodded. "I wouldn't put it past her. She's like you in that she thinks a couple steps ahead sometimes."

"Very true. I'm just glad that she's working on this. She's good and won't quit until she has justice for the victims." Jack added.

"And that is what matters the most. They've been through hell." Before Marissa could continue her thought, she was interrupted by a mini crisis involving Ian and a spill he had apparently taken. "I got it."

"She's not quite as mad as she was earlier." Lisa observed once Marissa was out of earshot.

"No, she isn't. We talked, and that helped." Bianca said.

"How mad was she?" Caleb asked.

"Rissa was beyond furious, and it wasn't about her either. She was more concerned that I could've gotten hurt or anyone in our group could have for that matter, and she also absolutely hated that this interfered with Jo's weekend. Jo's been so stressed because of all of the mishaps with the wedding plans, and Rissa just wanted her to relax and have a good time."

"Jo did have a good time though." Lisa assured

"I know, and Rissa knows too. Part of her just can't help but still feel a little responsible though. She just wanted it to be a perfect weekend for Jo, and she also wants justice for those girls."

"Well, she's definitely working hard to get that for them, and I have no doubt that she will succeed." Jack said.

"That makes two of us." Caleb agreed. "Actually, it's more than just the two of us. The entire firm stands behind her. You know, we were pretty smart making her a partner."

Jack grinned. "Yes, we were. Ah, I don't think we're going to have to worry about extra security for Marissa."

Caleb followed Jack's gaze and chuckled. "I think you're right. It looks like Zach has it covered."

Bianca looked in her wife's direction. Ian had quickly recovered from his fall and dashed off to catch up with the other kids. Zach and Marissa were now engaged in conversation.

/

"Zach, we're good. I promise. You have to know that I would do everything in my power to keep my family safe. I wouldn't put them in jeopardy."

"You're right. I do know that, and I didn't mean to imply otherwise. I'm sorry if I made you think that." Zach sighed. "I just feel … useless. I hate that. I want to do something to help. You're my family, and no one goes after my family without facing the consequences."

"I know, and I appreciate it and feel the same way. I don't want you doing anything illegal though. I couldn't stand it if something happened to you because of me."

"I'm a big boy and can take care of myself."

"And I'm a big girl and can take care of myself." Marissa countered.

Zach chuckled. "Point taken. Is there anything I can do?"

"Check with Mitch and see if he needs any help. Tell him I said it was okay. You might want to call Bo Buchanan and make sure you don't do anything that could impact their case."

"Do you think he's going to make some arrests soon?"

"I do. I don't know for sure, but my gut is telling me yes."

"Well, I trust your gut. It's almost as good as mine." Zach grinned.

Marissa's grin matched Zach's. "I'll take that as a compliment."

"Good because that's what it is. I'll check with both of them. If you need anything …"

"I promise I'll let you know."

"Thank you. That's all I ask. I just want to make sure you're safe."

"I know, and I appreciate it. If our roles were reversed, I'd be doing the same thing you are." Marissa nudged Zach.

"Oh, I know you would." Zach nudged her back. The two were a lot alike in that they would do pretty much anything to protect their loved ones.

"Hey, Zach. Are you helping me out with this or what?" Ryan called out as he pointed to the grill.

"Looks like I'm needed."

Marissa smiled. "You definitely are."

Zach nodded in acknowledgement of the double meaning of his sister-in-law's statement. "We're good?"

"We are. Now, go help Ryan before he burns something because we both know that will happen without supervision."

"Isn't that the truth?!" Zach laughed as he gave Marissa a quick hug before he headed over to the grill.

/

Zach and Ryan manned the grill while a large table was set up to hold the additional food they would be having along with drinks, plates, utensils, and the like. Tables and chairs had been set up before the group had returned from Shamokin thanks to Jessica putting everyone to work as they had arrived at Minx Manor knowing that it would be less stressful for when the women got there. Some games had also been set up in and out of the pool for everyone to enjoy. All the women had to do was to relax and have fun which they and everyone else did.

Greg pulled Marissa aside wanting to talk. "Do you have a minute?"

"For you? I have several. What's up?"

"I just wanted to thank you." Greg continued when he saw the lawyer's confused expression. "For Jo. She's been so stressed out with all the last-minute emergencies with the wedding. We both have. Thanks to you and almost everyone else in Pine Valley, things look to be back under control or at the very least manageable." Greg looked over at his fiancée and smiled as he watched her laughing with Cory and Rafaela. "I love her laugh. It's been missing for a few days. This weekend was exactly what she needed to get it back. So, thank you for helping get that back."

Marissa smiled. "You're welcome. It wasn't just me. I had a lot of help. How are you doing?"

"I'm doing good. As you know, there was a minor issue with my suit, but Erica worked her magic. That woman is something is something else."

"Yes, she is. Erica is truly a force of nature. Speaking of forces of nature, was Zach able to help?"

Greg laughed. He had to agree with Marissa. Zach was someone who could get things done. "He was. Thanks to him, we'll be staying on that private island. I don't know how he did it, but I'm not going to ask."

"Smart man. Sometimes, it's best not to ask. You'll be happy to know that Jo doesn't have any idea of your plans."

"That is good to hear. She's really hard to surprise."

"I know, but it looks like you pulled it off. Your family gets here Wednesday, right?"

"The immediate family, yes. A couple aunts won't be here until Saturday. They love making entrances. All they're doing right now is stressing Mom out. I wonder if they are really related sometimes because Mom is nothing like them."

"You must be talking about your Mom and her sisters." Jo said knowingly as she joined them. She smiled and gave Greg a quick kiss. "Hey."

"Hey, and yeah, we are. Marissa was checking on when they were arriving. I just want to apologize in advance for anything the aunts may say or do, Marissa, and I want you to know that they are in no way reflective of the rest of my family."

This wasn't the first time Greg had said something like this to either her or Bianca, and Marissa had a good idea of what he was alluding to and took the warning to heart. "I will keep that in mind. Bianca and I are both off if you want to bring them over on Thursday so they can check things out here."

Greg lit up at the suggestion. "That would be great. Are you sure?"

"Positive."

"I'll let them know. Mom was a little concerned about not knowing how things are going to be set up."

"I'm glad we'll be able to ease her mind then. We can plan on dinner if you'd like."

"No, you and Bianca have done way too much. We'll take you out to dinner, our treat."

"I couldn't agree more. I told you he was smart." Jo grinned.

"Well, I knew that already. After all, he's marrying you." Marissa winked at her friend.

Jo laughed. "Very true!"

Greg shook his head, clearly amused by the friends. "I need to get used to this, don't I?"

"Yes!" Marissa and Jo answered at the same time and laughed.

"Let's get something drink. I'm going to need it with you two." Greg chuckled.

/

Saturday had been the kind of day they all needed, and everyone had a great time. It wasn't a late night because most were a little tired from the previous day's events, but they did insist on cleaning up before they left. No one wanted to leave that chore for Bianca and Marissa to handle alone, no matter how much the couple insisted it wasn't necessary.

The next day, after breakfast, Bianca and Marissa sat the kids down and talked about what had happened in Shamokin. They didn't go into a lot of detail about the incident but knew they had to tell the kids something because they knew what happened would make the news. When that happened, the kids would hear about it, most likely from classmates and/or friends. It was better if they heard about it from their mothers instead of anyone else. All in all, the kids took it fairly well once they were assured that Marissa had indeed been safe the entire time. Bianca and Marissa answered any questions the kids had, and once everyone felt comfortable, the family spent the rest of the day at home having fun before they prepared for the week ahead.