Grey's Anatomy: Out Here on My Own

TITLE: Grey's Anatomy – "Out Here On My Own"

SUMMARY: Doctor Arizona Robbins has finally come to a decision after years of attempting to regain the love of her ex-wife. She didn't have the epiphany on her own; it was ungraciously shoved in her face by others. Is it finally time to move on and find some happiness or is she preordained to be alone?

Pairings: Arizona Robbins & OFC; Callie Torres & Penelope Blake.

RATING: M for mature readers.

DISCLAIMER: The television characters are owned by Creator Shonda Rhimes, ShondaLand, The Mark Gordon Company and ABC Studios. I have merely taken them out to play and will return them unscathed once my Muse is done. All original characters belong to the author. No copyright infringement is intended and no profit is gained from this storytelling.

A/N: Please feel free to review, follow or favour.

Chapter 10

Friday 29th April

Walking out of her office for the day, Arizona made her way out of the hospital and approached her car moments later. Callie was waiting by the driver's door holding Sofia on her hip. "Hey Baby Girl," Arizona said.

"Mama, love you."

"I love you too, hey Callie."

"Hi."

"Do you need me to take Sofia for the night?"

"No, she wanted to ask you something. Apparently she had a visitor at day care this afternoon."

Nodding her head, Sofia gushed, "Jaimie played with me. She want me to ask you and mommy if we all go to zoo morrow."

"She did?" inquired a flabbergasted Arizona. There had been no contact between herself and Jaimie the whole week and the invite was totally unexpected.

Callie tilted her head to the left, "Jaimie spoke to me first while you were in surgery."

"Wow, okay. How do you feel about that?"

"After I got over the shock, I accepted. She even included Penny, which I thought was really nice."

"And what did Blake have to say?"

"She's all for it since our lengthy conversation."

"I'm glad to hear that Cal."

"Me too and Jaimie will call you tonight about arrangements. It's great she had involved me."

"Yes it is and I guess I will see you both tomorrow."

"Yay mama," screeched Sofia.

"Yay indeed sweetie."

After farewell hugs and kisses, a buoyant Arizona drove home.

-o-

It was a little after eight when Jaimie phoned and Arizona was quick to answer, "Hello."

"Hi, I hope I haven't called at a bad time."

"No, I was just going over a surgical plan for tomorrow."

"The Randall case?" inquired Jaimie.

"That's the one. Meredith is scrubbing in with me."

"Not anymore, she isn't"

"I beg your pardon?'

"I happen to overhear her refuse a dinner invitations due to the six am start time on your kidney transplant and small intestine resection and I offered to find a replacement."

"Hold on, Mer has a date?"

"Yes with a friend of mine, Will Thorpe."

"The Major from Bauer she gave her phone number to?"

"That's him."

"That's awesome. She has been putting him off for weeks and it's about time. Who is assisting then?"

"Yours truly; I'm reading your plan as we speak."

"Wow, I get to observe your skill in person."

There was a chuckle on the other end, "Likewise Doctor Robbins."

"Listen, I really want to thank you for inviting Sofia to the zoo."

"Think nothing of it and I'd like to think Callie and Penny can understand I'm all about doing what is best for Sofia. I know we haven't spoken all week, but we've both been slammed at work and I didn't want you to think I had forgotten about you."

"To tell you the truth I was a little worried and I did drop by your office a few times."

"I ran past yours several times and that's what got me thinking about a double date. After you told me about Callie's problem with Penny, I thought having family time would help."

"You are really awesome for making plans with everyone in mind."

"Thanks, but I just want everybody to get along and allow Sofia to be a happy child."

"That's a nice wish and I'm all for it."

"Barring any unforeseen complications we should be done at the hospital no later than eleven, so I told Callie you and I would meet them outside the zoo entrance at twelve."

"Sounds good to me and I'd like to cook you dinner in appreciation."

"If it means spending more time with you, then I accept."

Arizona's confidence soared and her heart performed a series of backflips as the pair continued to discuss the upcoming surgery for over an hour before saying goodnight.

-o-

Saturday 30th April

Callie gently pulled Arizona aside while the others fed the giraffes and asked, "How did your transplant go?"

"It went well and did you know Mer is dating?"

Grinning madly, Callie pleaded, "Please tell me she finally said yes to yummy Doctor Thorpe?"

"She did and Jaimie took her place this morning. She is very talented and thorough."

"So I've been told. Kepner used the words brilliant and magical to describe her experiences in the OR with her."

"She's extremely focused and sat in recovery until the tiny human woke. It was amazing to work with her."

"Miranda said the same thing, so did Amelia, Riggs and Maggie."

"She's got great eyes," blurted out Arizona.

Giggling, Callie noted, "The rest of her is pretty hot too."

Slapping her ex on the shoulder, Arizona joked, "Eyes off or I'll snap your fingers."

"You could probably do it since adding some muscle to your arms."

"Why have you been checking out my physique?"

"Honey, we may no longer be a couple, but that doesn't mean I don't think you are still beautiful and incredibly sexy."

Blushing, Arizona was genuinely embarrassed, "I don't know what to say."

"Just accept the compliment and work your charm on Jaimie. Not that she needs any encouragement; she is smitten with you."

"Did she tell you that?"

"No. It's written all over her face and particularly those eyes you like so much."

"Yay for me," cheered Arizona gleefully. "Penny seems to be enjoying herself."

"We had another long talk and she understands Sofia and I are a two person deal. She apologised for her behaviour and I'm willing to give her one more try."

"I'm happy for you Cal."

"Time will tell if it was the right choice and Sof is very accepting of her being around more."

"She takes after you in believing everyone is entitled to a second chance."

"I think she gets that trait from the both of us."

"I'll accept that and I really am enjoying this day out."

"So am I and we have Jaimie to thank for it."

"We do and she is a strong believer in honesty and being upfront."

"There's a lot to like about her and I'm elated that you found her."

"Webber is taking full credit for us meeting."

Roaring with laughter, Callie nodded, "He does have a point."

"I didn't argue with the man and we better join the others."

-o-

Jaimie followed Arizona into the house and closed the door, "Is your housemate home?"

"No. Andrew is on nightshift."

"Great, we won't be disturbed then."

Turning around, Arizona's dimples deepened, "I like the sound of that."

"I thought you might and instead of cooking, how about we order in pizza?"

"Okay," assented Arizona while placing hands on Jaimie's hips, "That will give me more time to do this." Moving in, she captured smiling lips in a tender kiss.

The contact turned into a series of short pecks before Jaimie threaded long fingers through the back of Arizona's hair. Tongues danced together and Arizona's hands began a slow journey along the contours of jeans encased buttocks.

A moan escaped Jaimie's mouth and was rapidly swallowed by Arizona. The blonde's fingers caressed firm flesh as she lost herself to the talented kiss upon her lips. Her building arousal was instantly doused when her pager went off.

Taking a step back, she apologised, "Sorry, but hopefully it's only an update on Jonathan Sparks."

"Not a problem sweetheart."

The term of endearment caused Arizona to have a temporary loss of motor skills and she almost dropped the pager. Jaimie chuckled and planted a kiss on her cheek, "A flustered Arizona Robbins is adorable."

Reading the screen, Arizona bought herself some time to come up with a snappy retort. She bombed it and said instead, "Thanks and I have to call the PICU."

"Go ahead and I'll order dinner."

"Take out menu is on the fridge and I don't do anchovies."

"We have that in common and you have a great arse."

Arizona didn't have time to form any words as Jaimie disappeared into the kitchen. Contacting the PICU Head Nurse, Arizona received a pleasing report before joining Jaimie at the counter.

"Jonathan's vitals are still stable and urine output is excellent."

"That's bloody good news and pizza will be here in thirty."

Pulling the brunette into her embrace, Arizona snuggled into the side of her neck, "Are you on shift tomorrow?"

"No. What about you?"

"I'm on-call and will go in to check on Jonathan in the morning."

"Would you like to have dinner at my house then?"

"Yes I'd like to see where you live."

"It's a date and when do you have Sofia again?"

"I'm off duty next weekend and will be picking her up from day care Friday afternoon."

"Beauty, I'm off too and would like to take you both to meet my parents. Apparently Teddy is flying in Friday and staying with Luke. The folks have organised a get together for Saturday afternoon and mum mentioned inviting you and Sofia."

"She knows about us?"

"Of course she does and dad is excited to meet you too."

"Wow and that's a yes from me."

"I know it's only early days for us, but I'd like to think we are more than just dating."

"I would too."

With a cheeky grin, Jaimie inquired, "Can I actually refer to you as my girlfriend?"

Arizona answered with a passionate kiss that lasted until the pizza arrived.

-o-

"Would you like a beer or water?" Arizona asked while Jaimie took the cardboard box, plates and napkins to the living room.

"Water thanks."

Joining her guest on the couch, Arizona handed Jaimie a bottle, "Teddy just messaged about her visit."

"Luke is a complete goner where she is concerned."

"Teddy is no better, but is concerned about the age difference."

"My brother has no problem with it and it's only five years anyway. Teddy has already explained about her deceased husband Henry and Luke is very sympathetic."

"Their love story was heartbreaking."

"Luke and I both agree. I really like Teddy and she is good for Luke."

"Needless to say, she is a big fan of yours too and admires you."

Swallowing a mouthful of water, Jamie nodded, "We have a lot of respect for one another."

"Will you stay with the Reserves once you retire from the Army?"

"I haven't decided yet. The past couple of tours were hard mentally, but on the other hand, I enjoy the command role and serving with extraordinary people."

"Have you experienced battle?"

"Surgeons don't normally see action as we are usually stationed at a base hospital or a Battalion Aid Station. Most medical facilities are in a green zone and don't engage in enemy combat. As a Field Surgeon with a Combat Support Hospital, I have been involved in several conflicts. We are fully deplorable soldiers and are prepared for battle if caught up in an attack. My last role was with a Forward Surgical Team stationed in Irbil, Iraq and we were fortunate to remain out of any insurgent situations."

"You have my respect and gratitude for your service."

"Thanks Arizona. I think April was seriously contemplating volunteering for another tour before she discovered she was pregnant."

"I think she was too and now that she has decided to exclude Jackson from the pregnancy, she is more settled. She matured greatly while serving with the Army."

"She is an excellent Surgeon and soldier."

"And friend," contributed Arizona with a smile.

"Yes she is and it was nice to see Blake interacting with Sofia today."

"It was and you were amazing as always."

"Sofia is a great kid Arizona."

"She is, but I am super bias."

Jaimie asked questions about Sofia and her grandparents before assisting Arizona with cleaning up then saying goodnight.

-o-

The following night's dinner date was cancelled when Jaimie was called into the ER to cover the nightshift. Arizona ended up having dinner with April instead and the two friends chatted about everything and anything related to babies while decorating the nursery.

-o-

Friday 6th May

Running into the Pit, Arizona was met with utter chaos. Gurneys were being pushed into the ER Reception Area while Doctors and Nurses rushed everywhere. Approaching the Head of Trauma, Arizona asked, "Where do you need me?"

Pivoting, Jaimie pointed to Meredith, "Go with Grey. We have a five year old female with multiple abdominal injuries and a partial amputation of the lower left leg. Ambo is three minutes out. Ortho has been paged, but everyone is already in theatre."

Closing her eyes for a brief second and pushing back memories of her own limb loss, Arizona looked into concerned green eyes, "What the hell happened?

"A bridge collapsed onto Highway 5."

Arizona was not prepared when Jaimie pulled her into her arms and whispered, "I know this is a tough one for you and if you want to take a step back I'll fully understand and not judge."

"Thank you, but I've got this."

Letting go, Jaimie gave her a force ten smile, "Go be amazing Doctor Robbins." She was gone before Arizona could push down the lump that had formed in her throat and speak.

-o-

Callie came rushing into OR 6 and immediately asked, "What do you need from me Doctor Robbins?"

Looking up from her position beside the leg of Bernice Walker, Arizona replied, "Incomplete amputation of the lower left leg through the tibia and fibula. Injuries were sustained thirty minutes ago. We have re-established good blood flow to the foot and nerve endings were preserved on scene. I have completed reattachment of the majority of those as there was no Vascular Surgeon available. Stats are holding steady after being under for two hours."

Stepping in to inspect her ex-wife's work, Callie praised her, "Excellent job Doctor Robbins. I'll construct a fixator and prepare to pin the two bones while you continue. Doctor Grey, where are you at?"

"I'm about the close the last abdominal wound after resection of the lower bowel and ileum and removal of the appendix and spleen."

Nodding, Callie set to work on the metal frame and titanium parts arranged on a table behind Arizona, "Exceptional work Doctor Grey and how was your date?"

"It was nice; he's a nice guy."

"When are you seeing him again?"

"We didn't make any plans."

"You are hopeless," scoffed Callie while winking at Arizona.

The good natured banter continued for twenty minutes then Meredith stepped out. Arizona and Callie continued to work like a well-oiled machine as they reattached muscles, ligaments, tendons, blood vessels, and skin and pinned bones over the period of another four hours.

-o-

While scrubbing out, Jaimie raced into the room, "Doctor Torres, I require you in OR 4. Patient has severe crush injuries to his ribs, right hip, right shoulder and right femur."

An enormous grin befell Callie's face and she fist punched Arizona, "Time to rebuild more bones Rock Star."

Arizona laughed as Jaimie moved in closer and brushed blonde curls off her shoulders, "How are you doing?"

"I'm okay and I do appreciate you asking."

Green orbs shone brightly, "You are welcome but move that gorgeous arse of yours out of my OR. Doctor Bailey and I are scrubbing in next."

Grabbing Jaimie by the front of her scrub shirt, Arizona quickly kissed her, "Bossy much?"

With the corners of her mouth curving into a grin, Jaimie retorted, "Only when I need to be and no fraternisation at work Doctor Robbins."

"Sure thing," Arizona replied before kissing her again. She let go of the top and added, "I didn't notice any resistance from you."

"Get out of here before I forget the rules and devour your intoxicating lips."

"Oh, don't tempt me, see you later."

"Check the surgical board sweetheart; I just wrote your name down for OR 1 on an abdominal laceration and internal bleed from the liver on a six year old boy. Chart is on the counter for you and the parents are waiting outside. Karev is still in OR 3 and the tiny human needs the best. Doctor Edwards is prepping him now."

"It's going to be a long day, isn't it?"

"Yes and expect the surgeries to creep well into the night."

"If I don't see you for a while; do you want to grab a bit to eat at my place when we are done?"

"I would and I'll call when I am on the move."

"I'll do the same, bye."

"Bye Arizona."

-o-

Six operations later, Arizona had finally showered and dressed in denim jeans, boots and a light blue blouse. Leaving the Attending's Lounge, she called Jaimie and headed towards the elevators while waiting for an answer.

"Doctor Miller's phone, Nurse Debbie Jones speaking."

"Oh hey Deb. I assume Doctor Miller is still in surgery?"

"Yes she is. Can I take a message Doctor Robbins?"

"Can you please inform her I am on my way home?"

There was a series of awws in the background and Jaimie telling the Nurse to say she would be at least another two hours and their date would have to wait. Before Debbie could relay the information, Arizona said, "I heard and tell Doctor Miller to call me when she is done."

"Yes Doctor Robbins."

Pocketing the phone, Arizona grinned with the realisation she had just announced she and Jaimie were involved. No doubt news would be rampant throughout the hospital before Arizona returned for work on Monday. She had no issue with that and considering Jaimie's words; she didn't appear to either.

-o-

A soundly sleeping Arizona was startled into consciousness by the ringing of her phone. With one eye open, she reached for the device and placed it over her left ear without reading the caller ID, "Hello, Robbins."

"Hi sweetheart, sorry to wake you."

Fully alert, Arizona huskily replied, "It's fine babe. Are you home?"

"No, just taking a five minute break before stepping back into the OR."

"Oh, what time is it?"

"It's eight past four, but you did say to call before you left."

"I'm glad you did, but I thought all the surgeries from the bridge collapse had been completed."

"They had, but the ER was slammed with two burst appendixes and four broken limbs that required pinning. Callie and I are actually due in OR 5. She is doing a femur stabilisation while I perform a Decompressive Craniectomy on a right epidural hematoma. Our patient suffered a traumatic brain injury after being struck by a car. Bloody idiot walked out into the traffic without looking while out with drunken mates."

"Well good luck and try not to impress Callie too much with your skill."

"Why is that?"

"She once told me she was a little in love with you and hoped to work with you soon."

Jaimie guffawed and Arizona grinned at the adorable sound. "In that case I better bring out the big guns and keep her as a Plan B in case you and I don't work out."

"Crap, don't tell her that or she'll sabotage our relationship and dump Blake's ass."

"I will remain silent on the subject and concentrate on wooing you. I have to scoot sweetheart, but I'll see you this afternoon at five."

With her heart all a flutter, Arizona cooed, "I look forward to it Jaimie, bye."

"Bye."

Placing her phone back on the bedside table, Arizona drifted into slumber once more.

-o-

A tired looking Jaimie dressed in three quarter length grey/green camouflage shorts, a navy blue polo and adidas slides, greeted Arizona when the front door opened.

Attired in jeans, a short sleeved floral print shirt and sandals, Arizona pecked her girlfriend on the lips, "Hello, you look exhausted."

"I'm running on two cans of Coke. I didn't leave the hospital until an hour ago."

"Holy crap, was there a complication with your Craniectomy?"

Handing over the keys to her SUV to Arizona, Jaimie answered, "The TBI caused too much damage to the skill, so I couldn't preserve the bone. A prosthesis will have to be fitted once the brain swelling abates and Mister Rogers should make a full recovery. It was his leg that extended the operation. Callie needed to harvest a two centimetre section of bone from the patient's hip due to not being able to salvage part of the shattered femur. Your ex is a bloody genius."

Grabbing her shoulder bag, Arizona secured the door and followed Jaimie down the steps, "She is and should I be worried?"

Displaying dimples that could go on for days, Jaimie snaked an arm around Arizona's waist, "I only have eyes for you sweetheart." Opening the driver's door, she added, "I hope you don't mind driving, but I'm too knackered to trust my ability to get us there safely."

"I'm going to assume knackered means tired and I don't mind at all babe."

"Yes you are correct and thanks. I've programmed the address into the navigation system in case I doze off and by the way, where is Sofia?"

"We have to pick her up from Meredith's. She called this morning and asked to stay and play with Zola, so I took the opportunity to sleep in."

Closing the door, Jaimie ran around to the other side and settled on the passenger seat, "I'm glad you got to rest because my mother is going to ask you a million questions."

Tittering, Arizona dipped towards Jaimie, "If I could survive the inquisition I received from Callie's parents, I can overcome anything."

"That's my girl," cheered Jaimie prior to seizing pink lips. Deepening the kiss, Arizona ran fingers through the back of Jaimie's silken locks. In no rush to end the contact, she sucked on the other woman's bottom lip and totally surrendered to the passion emitting from Jaimie's response.

Six minutes elapsed before Arizona pulled away, "I really do enjoy kissing you."

"I have no complaints, but we better get a move on."

"Yes ma'am."

"You look gorgeous Arizona," stated Jaimie as the vehicle reversed out onto the street.

"Thank you," returned Arizona before shifting into drive. "You look pretty."

Jaimie giggled, "You are so bloody adorable."

"You are going to make me blush."

"Would that be a bad thing?" questioned Jaimie.

"No."

"Then expect more compliments. I received an e-mail from Owen late last night and quickly read it while gulping down a drink."

"How is he?"

"Terribly busy and expect to hear from him soon. He was in the process of e-mailing everyone and catching up."

"Awesome. Did you have the chance to speak much to Callie during surgery?"

"Actually, she was extremely open and informative about herself."

"It's good that the two of you are amicable."

"I like her and she even apologised for popping up every time I was with you or planning an outing."

"Callie is a wonderful person and she is trying to work out her problems with Blake."

"Do you think Penny is ready for an already made family?"

"I'm not sure, but at least she is making a better effort with Sofia this time around."

"Yeah, Callie mentioned that," noted Jaimie as she placed her hand on Arizona's thigh. With slow circular motions, she caressed the firm limb, "You have excellent muscle definition."

"I've always loved to run and since being fitted with the latest bionic leg, I returned to my morning practice of a three mile run."

"It shows and I'd like to go for a run with you one morning."

"I'd like that," responded Arizona while pulling up in front of Meredith's house.

"I'll go get Sofia sweetheart," offered Jaimie.

"Thank you." Arizona watched as Jaimie alighted from the vehicle and ambled up to the front door. "Good god that woman is hot," she thought as Meredith opened the door and passed Jaimie a purple backpack. A pink dress attired Sofia wrapped her arms around Jaimie's legs.

Arizona waved to Meredith and her daughter took hold of Jaimie's left hand. The child gave Meredith a one armed hug then kissed her cheek. Arizona couldn't help but grin at the sight of Sofia and Jaimie walking towards her.

Once Jaimie buckled the youngster in, Arizona turned to her, "Hey Baby Girl, did you have fun?"

"Yes mama, we played and baked cookies?"

Jaimie took her seat and put on her seatbelt.

"We go to your parents Jaimie?"

"Yes and Teddy and Luke will be there."

"Yay, me happy to see them."

Arizona put the SUV into gear and Jaimie reached for the DVD player controls, "Would you like to watch Dora?" she inquired.

"Yes pwease."

Altering the navigation coordinates, Jaimie returned her hand to Arizona's leg.

"Mama."

"Yes sweetie?"

"Jaimie your girlfriend?"

Swiftly glancing to her right, Arizona received a grin and nod, "Yes she is. Is that okay with you?"

"Yes, me love her. She fun and plays with me."

Twisting in her seat, Jaimie looked into the back, "I love you too Sofia." She fortified the statement with a squeeze to Arizona's thigh and the sweetest of smiles.

Arizona's breath hitched and she wondered if she'd ever hear those same words spoken to her. She was hauled from her daydream when Sofia softly mumbled.

"Me no love Penny."

"You don't have to sweetie," soothed Arizona.

"Mommy love her, me heard her say it."

"That's okay Sof."

"You no sad mama?"

"No Baby Girl. I want your mommy to be happy."

"Jaimie make you happy?"

"Yes she does," Arizona braced herself for the question she knew was coming. She was spared the awkwardness when it didn't arrive. Looking into the rear view mirror, she sighed when she saw Sofia was engrossed in the TV monitor. The slight compression she felt on her leg caused her to look towards Jaimie. The raven haired beauty was asleep and oblivious to the conversation. Concentrating on the road, Arizona smiled and told herself it was way too soon to contemplate her feelings for Jaimie. Sure, she enjoyed spending time with her. She was in awe of her surgical prowess and there was no doubting she was extremely attractive and possessed a magnificent physique. The fact Jaimie was wonderful with Sofia and making a genuine effort to be friendly with Callie couldn't be ignored nor could the arousal Arizona felt course through her body whenever Jaimie was near. The way she felt when they kissed was another positive attribute. Oh crap, who was she fooling? Love was always on the fringe of her thoughts every time Jaimie was with her, but she'd promised herself not to fall until she knew her better. The smile on her face remained in place until the voice on the navigation device announced they had reached their destination; Antona Avenue, Green Lake.

Turning into the vast driveway behind a gold Ford Mustang, Arizona put the car into park and pulled on the handbrake. Switching off the engine, she took hold of Jaimie's hand, "Babe, we're here."

Long lashed eyelids fluttered open accompanied by a brilliant smile, "Okay."

"Mama, get out."

"Hold on Little Miss."

Arizona and Jaimie exited the car and Arizona helped her daughter. Jaimie went to the rear compartment and raised the tailgate. Collecting a carton of beer and a bouquet of roses for her mother, Jaimie caught Arizona's eye and explained, "It's for dad and Luke. Teddy and my brother are staying the night. I have no intention of drinking, so if mum offers you some wine, feel free to indulge. I have you and Sofia covered."

"Thanks for the thought, but I don't feel like drinking either. I'll drive home and you are welcome to stay at my place. I can loan you some sleepwear and you can use the guestroom."

"Sounds good to me and let's get inside before mum comes looking for us."

-o-

Arizona held Sofia's hand as they followed Jaimie down the hallway of the Georgian styled house then into the living room. A tall grey haired man sporting a broad smile stood up from a black leathered armchair.

"Hello Kiddo, glad to see you make it." Hugging his step-daughter, he kissed her temple, "Your mom is upstairs showing Luke and his girl to the guestroom."

"Hi dad it's great to see you." Stepping of the clinch, she turned to Arizona and Sofia, "I'd like to introduce you to Doctor Arizona Robbins and her amazing daughter Sofia."

Going down on one knee, Joel Miller addressed the young girl, "Pleased to meet you Little Lady. Jaimie has told me all about you. I believe you like Frozen, is that true?"

Brown eyes lit up like a carnival ride, "Yes Sir, me love Elsa and Anna."

"My favourite is Olaf."

"Oh me love him too, he funny."

"After dinner we can watch it together, if you like."

"Yay, mama and Jaimie too?"

"If they want," returned Joel before straightening up and extending his right hand to Arizona. "You have a lovely child and it's a pleasure to finally meet you. Jaimie here hasn't stopped extolling your skill and beauty since she met you."

"Thank you Colonel Miller and Jaimie may be a tad bias."

"She is an excellent judge of character and doesn't hand out accolades unless they are deserved, so trust her assessment of you. You can dispense with the formalities around here; I'm just plain old Joel."

"All right and you have a marvellous home."

"Thank you and I'll take that beer and flowers off your hands Jaimie."

A striking jet black haired woman in her late fifties entered the room as Joel exited. She made a bee line for Jaimie, "Welcome home love."

Wrapping her arms around her mother, Jaimie said, "Hi mum." She had barely been kissed on the cheek when the older woman let go and turned to Arizona.

"Hello, you must be Arizona and Sofia. I'm Beverley and it is nice to meet you both. Jaimie has nothing but praise for you and your daughter."

"It's lovely to meet you too," responded Arizona, already taken with Jaimie's parents.

"Hello," added Sophia. "Me love Jaimie."

Ruffling the girl's hair, Beverley retorted, "I love her too and would you like to help me ice a cake?"

Looking to her mother, Sofia asked, "Can me mama?"

"Yes Baby Girl, just follow Beverley's instructions and I will be there in a minute."

Holding out her hand, Beverley noted, "That's a pretty pink dress you are wearing Sofia. Is pink your favourite colour?"

"Yes ma'am, me love it."

The pair left for the kitchen and Arizona took a hold of Jaimie's hand, "Your parents are awesome and I can see where you got your looks from; your mom is stunning."

"Thank you and Sofia was so polite."

Arizona was about to lean in for a kiss when Luke and Teddy waltzed into the room.

"Hey Sis, Arizona."

"Hello Luke," returned Arizona and Jaimie simultaneously while Teddy hugged her friends.

"Hey you two."

Stepping back, Jaimie inquired, "How was your flight Teddy?"

"It was a really smooth trip and I have to say your folks are very welcoming."

"They are and let's go out onto the deck for drinks."

Arizona stayed in the kitchen for a moment until Joel fired up the barbeque. She sat beside Jaimie at the elongated outdoor table and smiled when a hand rested on her right knee.

"How's work Jaimie?" Joel asked.

"Bloody busy."

"It must be a change of pace, right?"

"Indeed and the high tech equipment is fantastic."

"Arizona, Jaimie told us you are Doctor Torres' ex-wife."

"Yes I am."

"She is an extraordinary Surgeon."

"She a rock star," squealed Sofia as she ran up to Arizona.

Chuckling, Joel gave her a nod, "I have no doubt of that Little Lady."

Climbing onto the chair beside her mother, Sofia confessed, "Me licked the spoon, it was yummy."

"I hope you left room for dinner?"

"Yes mama, me hungry."

Jaimie stood and took her leave, "I'll go give mum a hand with the salads." Leaning over, she pecked Arizona on the head, followed by Sofia.

-o-

Sofia was halfway through a burger when she looked at Joel and asked, "Do you have a pony?"

"No Little Lady."

Letting out an exaggerated sigh, Sofia remarked, "Me no have one. Mama said yard too small."

"That's very smart of your mother. Horses need lots of room to run around in."

"Jaimie, you have big back yard?"

"It's bigger than your mum's, but still not even space for a pony. I do have a pool though."

"Yay, we go there mama?"

"One day sweetie."

"Morrow?"

Jaimie took pity on Arizona, "You can use the pool anytime."

"How about tomorrow?" suggested Luke, eager to help move along his sister's romance.

"I have to check on a patient in the morning, but everyone is invited for lunch," answered Jaimie.

"Love you Jaimie," celebrated Sofia with raised hands before eying Arizona.

"Love you too mama."

"Hey, what about me?" complained Luke.

With a coy grin, Sofia replied, "Me love you and Teddy."

Everybody seated at the table joined in her laughter and the rest of the meal consisted of a gamut of questions directed at Arizona and Teddy.

-o-

Jaimie carried a sleeping Sofia into her bedroom while Arizona secured the front entrance. Arizona joined her and collected a pyjama set from the chest of drawers.

"Would you like me to grab you a bottle of water?" offered Jaimie as she moved towards the door.

"Yes please. I'll meet you in the living room."

"Okay sweetheart."

Several minutes passed before Arizona ducked into the bathroom and brushed her teeth. From the way Jaimie had continually stroked her thigh on the journey home, she got the impression there was some serious making out about to occur and Arizona wanted fresh breath for that particular pastime. Grabbing a new toothbrush from the bottom drawer of the vanity, she made her way to her girlfriend.

Jaimie was sitting on the couch drawing a mouthful of water from the bottle and ogling Arizona. Putting the drink down on the coffee table, she got to her feet. "Listen, I think it would be best if I went home. I have to be at the hospital by seven and I don't want to disturb you or Sofia."

"Okay, but are you right to drive?"

"I'm fine and in keeping with the honesty policy; I want to tell you that if I stay it wouldn't be in the spare room. I'm more than ready to be with you intimately but I don't want our first time to be with your daughter two doors down the hallway. I'm nervous enough as it is and don't want the added pressure. You're an incredible woman Arizona and I won't be able to be quiet while making love with you."

Arizona's chest tightened, "Wow, I'm kind of flattered and admire your candour and the respect you have for Sofia."

"Arizona, I haven't been with anyone for some time and I refuse to rush. You deserve to be revered and trust me; I plan on worshipping your body when the time is right."

"You really are someone special Jaimie Miller and I hope that day is soon."

"I do too and on that note, I'll see you and Sofia tomorrow." Moving in closer, Jaimie kissed Arizona tenderly.

Breaking the contact, Arizona ran her hands down Jaimie's back and huskily said, "I really enjoyed meeting your parents and please drive home safely."

"I will and they absolutely adored you and Sofia. Goodnight sweetheart. I'll let myself out."

"Goodnight honey."

-o-

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