A/N: Thanks for continuing to read, review, and follow! I really appreciate it. I apologize for the delay in updating. Things have been really busy at work, and I kind of lost focus on writing. I actually ended up reading some earlier chapters of this story. Thanks for staying with me! I am fully vaccinated and am starting to do things with family and friends again. It's definitely helped my mood and outlook. I hope all of you are staying safe and healthy. In other news, we're dealing with the cicada invasion here. They are so loud! I met up with a friend yesterday to pick something up from her. The cicadas were dive-bombing us, and one flew down her shirt! I can't wait for them to be gone, and after yesterday, I know she can't either! Although, the birds and squirrels seem to be enjoying them. Enough of that. Let's talk story. I originally planned to wrap up Jo and Greg's wedding in this chapter, but as the title of this story says, "Things Change". This chapter picks up where the last one left off. Hope you enjoy this update!

/

The day following her interview on 'Good Morning America' Marissa decided to take some well-deserved time off. She had been putting in long hours at the office concerning the gymnasts' abuse case as well as her other duties as a partner at the firm and needed the break mentally. If any issues came up with the case, she had every faith that her team could handle them, and if they couldn't, she knew they would reach out to her at that point. To that end, Marissa shifted her focus to Jo's wedding which was coming up that weekend. She also wanted to spend some time with her family. That morning, Marissa had actually slept a little later than she had been recently. Not wanting to disturb Bianca, she quietly slipped out of bed and padded to the kitchen. Max, having heard movement downstairs, trotted down from one of the kids' bedrooms to investigate. He rotated whose room he slept in almost nightly.

"Good morning, Max. Want to go outside, boy?"

With a soft bark, Max wagged his tail and then headed over to the back door where he waited patiently.

Marissa chuckled as she patted Max on the head and then let him outside before she set about starting up the coffeemaker. She paused as she looked in the refrigerator. "I think we'll do waffles and bacon this morning." She quickly gathered the necessary ingredients and got started. With the bacon in the oven and the batter for the waffles made and resting, Marissa grabbed two mugs and then turned her attention back to the coffeemaker. She smiled when first the sugar container and carton of milk were placed on the counter beside the mugs quickly followed by two arms wrapped around her from behind.

"Good morning."

"Good morning. I woke up and you weren't there." Bianca kissed her wife as she turned around in her arms.

"I wanted to let you sleep in a little. You deserve it. You've been carrying the load with the kids in the mornings, and I hate that. I feel like I'm taking advantage, and I don't want you to feel that way. I just want to show you how much I appreciate and love you."

"Hey. Take a breath. I get it. I want you to listen. Okay?" Bianca continued when Marissa nodded. "This lawsuit? It's important, and I know that probably more than anyone else. Those girls need your help. You believed them before a lot of other people did. What you're doing matters so much, and our kids understand that. They're really proud of you, and so am I. Now, you're not taking advantage of me."

"But …"

"Let me ask you something. When I'm taking a class and have to study for a test or work on a paper, you carry the load with the kids. Do you think I'm taking advantage of you when that happens?"

"No, of course not."

"Of course not. And why is that? Oh yeah, it's because it's what we do. We have each other's back because we're a team. A pretty damn good one too. Look, I get it. You're feeling a little guilty. I know the feeling, trust me. How about this? No less than two days during the week, you don't go into the office at the crack of dawn, and you have breakfast with us and drop the kids off at school. I'll take care of the other three days. If you do that, I promise to let you know if I start to feel taken advantage of. The same holds true for me in the evenings once my class starts back up."

"No less than two days during the week, you're not working on papers or studying into the middle of the night, and you have dinner with us. And I'll promise to let you know if I start to feel taken advantage of."

Bianca smiled. "Exactly. Do we have a deal?"

"Almost. I'd like to add one more condition."

"I'm listening."

"Once a month, at the very least, we have a date night. Just the two of us, no kids. I don't care what we do other than the two of us spending time alone together. What do you say? Deal?"

"You drive a hard bargain, Counselor. Okay, deal!" Bianca grinned and leaned in to kiss her wife. "I will plan our first date. In the meantime, why don't you go wake up the kids? I'll finish getting breakfast ready for us and Max."

"Are you sure?"

"I'm positive."

Marissa smiled brightly. "Okay." She paused at the door leading out of the kitchen. "I love you."

"I love you too." Bianca said sporting a goofy grin.

/

Breakfast was a happy and noisy affair. Bianca and Marissa explained to the kids the agreement they had reached that morning regarding family time and were very happy about it. Danny didn't really understand what was going on, but when he saw everyone else was smiling and laughing, he was on board and joined in.

"What are you going to do today, Ma, since you're off?" Gabby asked.

"While I'm not going into the office, I'm not exactly off. There's lots of stuff to do with the wedding. Let's see. We've got people coming over to cover the pool with the dance floor. Others are delivering the chairs, tables, and linens. The florist will be by to install the framework for the arch as well."

AJ made face. "That's not exactly a relaxing day off, Ma."

"No, it's not, but it's for Jo."

"And you do stuff like that for the people you love." Miranda added before either one of her Moms could.

Marissa chuckled. "Exactly, Mimo. She gets that from you, B."

Bianca smiled proudly. "I'd say she gets that from both of us. What time are Jessica and Jo coming over?"

"Around 9:00. I told them to take their time since the deliveries don't start until a little after that."

"Since I'm only working half a day, how about I stop at Krystal's and pick up lunch?" Bianca suggested.

"That sounds great."

"Maybe just some sandwiches and a couple different salads?"

"Perfect!"

"Okay, gang, it's time to head out."

The kids took their plates to sink before going to get their backpacks. They met Marissa back in the kitchen where she gave them each a hug and kiss.

"Have a good day! Learn lots!"

Bianca kissed Danny. "Be good for your Mama. Love you."

Marissa smiled at her wife as she made her way to the door. "Have a good day."

"You too. I'll see you in a little bit. If you need anything, let me know."

"I will. I'll see you soon. I love you."

"I love you too." Bianca said before she headed to the car to take the kids to school.

Marissa glanced down at Danny. "What do you say we clean ourselves up and change before Nana J and Aunt Jo get here?"

/

"Nana!" Danny grinned as he reached for Jessica.

"Whoa! Hang on there for a second, Sparky. I don't want to drop you." Marissa laughed as the boy lunged forward to get to one of his favorite people.

"Come here, baby. Come to Nana J." Jessica happily took Danny from Marissa.

"Good morning, Jo."

"Good morning, Marissa. Isn't it nice that we're completely forgotten about?" Jo smirked.

"Eh, I'm used to it by now. Let's be honest. We can't compete with that cuteness."

"True. You know, your son doesn't play fair. Nana was, like what, his second or third word?"

"His third word. He's smart. He knows how to work it."

"The two of you just hush. Good morning, Marissa."

"Good morning, Jessica. Would the two of you like something to drink?"

"I would love some coffee."

"I would as well."

"Okay. Let's head to the kitchen, and we'll review our lists. Oh, since Bianca is only working a half day today, she's going to stop at Krystal's and pick up lunch for us."

/

By the time Bianca arrived back home, Minx Manor was abuzz with activity. She found Marissa, Jo, and Jessica in the kitchen reviewing items on their list.

"Hey, things are really coming along out there." Bianca said as she glanced out the windows and into the backyard.

Marissa walked over to her wife and relieved her of a couple of bags. "They really are. The floor is almost done."

As the couple unpacked the takeout bags from Krystal's and grabbed some plates and utensils, Jo and Jessica cleared the table.

"Are Greg's parents here yet? James and Dorothy, right?" Bianca asked Jo once the group was seated.

"Yes, those are his parents, and their flight gets in in about an hour. He and his brothers are probably on their way to the airport now to pick them up."

"How are his brothers? Eddie and Ron, right?"

"Right. They're doing good. They had a great time last night. His sisters-in-law are really nice too."

"Viveca is with Eddie, and Courtney is with Ron?"

"Right again."

"Eddie and Ron told story after story about Greg when they were growing up. The only other people I know that can make me laugh that hard are Kendall and Greenlee." Jessica chuckled.

Marissa raised an eyebrow. "That is high praise indeed. I can't wait to meet them and hear some stories and get some inside scoop on Greg. The rest of his family gets in over the next two days, right?"

Jo nodded. "Yes. He has aunts on both sides plus their husbands and a few cousins, that Greg is close to, coming. His aunts wanted us to invite everyone, but it's not what we want. Those were some fun conversations. Thankfully, Greg's parents intervened and helped smooth things out for us."

"I'm glad they were able to help. Weddings can be stressful, and sometimes, people forget that it's not about them and what they want. It's about the people getting married." Bianca said.

"You've got that right. Now, if I could just get Mom to stop being such a diva about everything." Jo joked.

Jessica just looked at her daughter with an unimpressed expression while Marissa and Bianca laughed. They all knew nothing could be further from the truth.

"Sorry, Mom. I couldn't help myself. Love you." Jo grinned and squeezed her Mom's hand.

"Mmmm hmmm." Jessica rolled her eyes at her daughter before cracking a smile. "Anyway, his aunts will be here Friday."

"Yeah, I'm just going to apologize right now for them. It's their attitude more than anything else that gets to me. It's clear that they don't think I'm good enough for Greg."

"You're a doctor, and one that's well thought of in your field." Bianca argued.

"That doesn't matter to them. Especially since they don't consider me to be a 'real' doctor. I'm just a psychologist. A MD trumps a PhD in their eyes."

It was Marissa's turn to roll her eyes. "Do any of them have a PhD or MD?"

Jo shook her head. "No, and none of their kids do either. It doesn't matter to them though. They also love to complain and comment on any and everything. If it were up to Greg and me, they wouldn't be invited, but we couldn't do that to his parents. I'm just afraid they will bring everyone down."

"Well, it just so happens that we can counteract them and their attitudes."

Bianca grinned knowing exactly where her wife was going. "Yes, we can. We have the Queen of Divas on our side. We'll put Mom on the case. She'll take care of them."

"Seriously? I don't want to cause any problems, or …"

Marissa held up hand to stop her friend. "Just put them out of your mind. Don't think about them anymore. If they don't appreciate you for the amazing person you are, they are not worth your time. Erica will simply be Erica and handle them without causing a scene. Face it, you are family, and Erica takes care of her family. Besides, it'll be fun for her."

"Rissa's right. Mom eats people like them for breakfast without batting an eye. Plus, you have the Dynamic Duo on your side as well."

"Yes, you do. I have to admit that I'm a little disappointed that you made me promise to behave. I get it though. I mean, I will have my hands full with you and Jessica, and that is a lot!" Marissa smirked.

Both Shelton women rolled their eyes at the redhead's teasing. They did, however, feel better knowing that they didn't have to worry about Greg's aunts. They knew Erica, Kendall, and Greenlee were more than capable of handling the other women.

"So, I want to make sure I have this straight. Greg's parents are James and Dorothy. Viveca is married to Eddie, and they have 2 kids. Courtney is married to Ron, and they have 3 kids. James's sisters are Sylvia who is married to Simon Voss, and Beth is married to Marvin Hutchins. Dorothy's sisters are Regina who is married to Nelson Richards, and Laraine who is married to Alan Sherman. Do I have that right?" Marissa asked.

Jo nodded. "You've got it. I have to say that I'm impressed."

"Well, that's as far as I can go. Don't ask me about the kids' names or the cousins."

"I'll give you a pass!" Jo laughed. "Greg's immediate family will be over early tomorrow to help with whatever is needed. They also want to take the two of you out to dinner tomorrow night."

"They don't need to do that. Bianca and I are just happy we can help."

"I know, but they insist. Besides, you'll probably get some good stories about Greg from his brothers."

"Well, in that case, we accept!" Marissa laughed and then checked the time. "Okay, we should get back to work. You've got a dinner with the soon-to-be in-laws which you don't want to be late for."

"And you and Bianca have a family evening planned for later which I know both of you and the kids are looking forward to." Jo added. "The kids still don't suspect anything?"

Bianca shook her head. "No, they don't. I have to tell you that Rissa's idea of having an outdoor projection screen and system installed was pretty inspired."

"I have to admit that it was a pretty good idea. We get to have our own drive-in experience without the hassle of packing up a car."

Jessica nodded. "It was a very good idea." Like Bianca, Jessica knew that night was a dry run for tomorrow. Marissa had been working on a surprise for Jo and Greg that entailed using the new system at their reception. "Okay, enough of that. Let's get to work on these wedding favors."