AN: If the guest who reviewed my Calzona fic reads this, I haven't planned on continuing A Flower's Power at the moment. I'm simply not feeling the Calzona-vibe anymore. But thank you for your interest in my writings :)

Now… on with this fic. I hope you enjoy next chapter! Thank you for all your crazy good words, I appreciate them a whole lot :)

I can't say I'm complaining. Not at all, actually. It would just be cruel considering that the woman I love has accepted my request to move in together… and my daughter's back in town this very evening. To say I'm thrilled would be an understatement. I'm excited beyond beliefs.

I'm cleaning Sofia's room, wanting to make her stay as perfect as could be. I know she doesn't care at all, but I do. Placing her stuffed animals neatly in line on her bed, rearranging her books into a straight line as well, I nod at my work and head back down. Eliza's not here, it's already becoming very evident. The entire atmosphere changes whenever she's here which also means the lack of her does the exact same thing. She's at work creating good surgeons out of residents. She can't be with me all the time, I know, even though that would be great. I know, I'm such a goner but that happens when you happen to date the most wonderful woman placed on this Earth. And yep, that's me… dating Eliza Minnick. Yep, yep. I smile smugly at the thought as I once again check my fridge to hold all the things my little girl loves. Turning on the kitchen radio, I nod my head following the beat of the song. I'm alone, so I'm perfectly good blasting alongside the lead singer who happens to be Ryan O'Neal from Sleeping At Last.

I could be the ghost
that haunts only to claim your love… to claim your love
'Cause all I want to be is whoever you want me to be
this Halloween

I'm happy, simple as that. Nothing can get me down today, not even the thought of seeing me ex-wife again. It doesn't matter, she doesn't matter. She's dropping of my daughter… our daughter. The child I gave up because I thought it was the right thing to do. But who decides what's right and what's wrong here? I don't know. All I know now is that I want my daughter home with me… with me and Eliza. I can perfectly see this… us… the three of us… together as a family. Our own little family. Nothing wrecked here, only us becoming a family built on love and trust and genuine feelings. I cannot contain my emotions now. I spin around, pressing the button that makes the soda-stream brew as I continue my karaoke session.

All I want to be is whoever you need me to be
this Halloween
'Cause everything you are is better than make-believe
this Halloween

Oh, how I want to be everything Eliza needs me to be, everything Sofia needs me to be. I want it all… both of them, together. Under the same roof, eating at the same table, cuddling on the same couch. I need that, I want that, I pursuit that. And nothing can get in the way of that. Not anymore, not again. Not even Callie Torres and her puppy-dog eyes. I'm done with that. I need my happiness now. It's my time to get a happy ending. I sip at the sprinkled water, enjoying the lemon taste on my tongue as I hum alongside my good friend O'Neal.

All I want to be is everything you want me to be
this Halloween

I make sure to shut off the machine, taking my glass out on the porch where I sit down, basking in the late afternoon sun. As the sun hits my face, I savour the feeling of my hot skin and the cold drink in my hand. The excitement of having my daughter home filling my entire being. The only think I'm not so happy about is the fact that Eliza's working all night. She won't be home to meet Sofia. I've been battling myself whether or not to ask Eliza to sleep at my house tonight. I can't quite figure out if it's too much for Sofia to handle… or Eliza? I don't know. On the one hand I really want them to meet each other, but on the other hand I don't want to rush things, you know. I don't want their first meet to be centred around the breakfast table. That's not common, right? You don't do that? Well, I haven't done this before… I've never introduced my daughter to anyone since I've never had the need to, because I knew they wasn't going to stick around. I've never even wanted to introduce someone to my daughter because, frankly… they weren't special enough or even settled enough, they were just a good lay or something. No one I felt the need to show off my very important person to. But now… that's a big issue. This is big, this is rather huge actually. This is the moment where my two worlds collide… but not in a bad way, it's actually the very best way possible.

I take a glance at my watch. 5:30am. Sofia's on her way! I'm trying to keep my legs from bouncing and my heart from beating out of my chest. I feel my phone buzz in my pocket, quickly pulling it out, I watch my girlfriend's name on the display. My heart skips a beat just because it's Eliza thinking of me as she sent the text.

Just checking in. Hope you didn't overstrain yourself by cleaning ;) I stuffed your freezer with goodies yesterday. You two go nuts. Lots of love! - E

Could this woman be any more awesome? I think not. I can't wait for her to live here… like permanently and not just her living here with her overnight bag. It sucks whenever she pulls the bag over her shoulder and leaves. I hate it, like really hate it. It's like she takes a piece of me with her whenever she leaves for her own place. It's stupid is what it is, but I know things are a little hectic right this moment, so the moving in part has got to wait just a little. I shouldn't make it a big deal, though, she's almost here every day and night anyway… but it's just, it's the feeling of her not really living here that stings a little, only because I really want her to. But all things in good time, I know. And now my daughter's on her way. I'm good, I'm actually better than good. As the sun hits my face once again as I turn my head out on the road before my house, I text my girlfriend back.

You know I love you, right? - A

Food's the way to your heart, I know ;) - E

It's one way, yeah. Hey… I miss you - A

And I miss you! Gotta go, just checking in before surgery. Cozy up with S :) 3 - E

I don't know if I should let Eliza in on my thoughts of her dropping by, spending the night? I don't know if it's a good idea. I'm completely thorn, and I continue being so as a car pulls up at the curb right in front of my heart. I quickly place my glass and phone on the small table before taking the three steps down the porch, kneeling down as a black haired beauty bolts out from the car and running towards me, arms and legs going hundredth miles an hour.

"MOMMY!"

"SOFIA!"

Sofia throws herself into my arms, her heart beating just as fast as mine does. I take in all of my little girl, my arms hugging her tight into my chest. The feeling of finally having her in my arms is almost unbearable, but it's oh so good. Sofia nuzzles her little head into my neck, burying her nose in my loose hair.

"I missed you so much, Mommy," she whispers, and my heart practically breaks by her words. How can I ever let her go again? I don't ever want to. I can't, I just can't. I need her here with me.

"And I missed you, love. So much, so so much."

Sofia pulls back just a fraction to look at me. She narrows her eyes, trying to figure out just how much I really mean. "So much," I repeat, showing her by my hands how much I indeed did miss her. She squeals in delight, throwing herself at me again, her tiny arms around my neck as I lift her up. Her legs going on both sides of my hips, our noses nuzzling. Oh my God… I've missed this little creature more than I thought I did. This is inhumanly…

"Mama…" Sofia calls over her shoulder, still looking at me, her toothy grin making me smile at her from ear to ear. "Mommy missed me sooooo much," she giggles, one of her fingers finding my cheek which she lightly taps.

"That's a lucky coincidence, huh?" I hear my ex-wife chuckle as she makes her entrance up the pavement leading to my porch. "Because you've been telling me this whole trip that you missed Mommy soooo much, too."

"I did!" my little girl eagerly nods her head. "I really did, Mommy."

"Awww, Sof. I really missed you, too," I say smooching her cheeks which causes my daughter to squeal again. I love that sound… it's one of my favourite sounds in the entire world. "Hi Callie," I politely greet my ex-wife with a kind smile. I don't want us to fight, not today, not in front of our daughter.

"Hi," Callie returns my smile with one of her own. She places Sofia's bag on the porch, leaning against the frame. "So I'll just pick her up, say Sunday?"

It takes all of my strength to keep my mouth shut. It takes all of me not to call her out on her shit and demand my daughter to stay with me. But I can't, not now… it's not fair to Sofia. She shouldn't watch her mothers fighting over her… again. So I swallow, I tighten my grip around Sofia and kisses her cheek once more. Sofia goes back to place her head in the crook of my neck, her favourite spot to cuddle.

"That sounds good," I smile at Callie, stroking the back of Sofia's head. "Um…" I don't know if I should invite her in for coffee? That'd be the polite thing to do, right? It would, it really would, I know… but somehow I really don't want to spend my time with Sofia with Callie. I could think of another woman I'd rather have beside me, but that's beside the point. "You want to-"

"No, thank you. I'm going straight to the hospital," Callie cuts me off with a smile and a shrug. Pheww…! "Bye, baby, bye," Callie coos to our daughter, coming to stand right in front of me, Sofia's face still buried in my neck. Callie strokes her back. "You be good to Mommy, okay?"

Sofia just shakes her head while mumbling a content "Of course."

"Say goodbye to Mama, honey," I encourage our daughter. She obliges and turns her head to smile at her other mother.

"Bye, Mama. I'll be good," she grins.

"I bet you will," Callie chuckles, leaving a kiss on her cheek. "You two have fun," she says, placing a chaste kiss on my cheek, too… whoa, that was odd!... the look on Callie's face mirrors the shocked look I've got on my face. She really didn't do that on purpose, old habits, I guess. "Um, um-"

"I'll see you on Sunday," I nod at her once again being all polite and grown up about this crappy situation. Callie gladly takes the hint and waves at us as she walks the ails to her car.

"Bye, byyyye," Sofia calls after her Mama, then turns her head towards me yet again. "Mommy?" her little eyes beaming with joy.

"Yes, love?"

"What's for dinner?" Sofia asks bouncing in my arms. I squint my eyes at her, her little face turning into one of pure joy. She jerks her head a little and then we grin at each other before…

"TOOOOTS!" we both shout, our faces towards the sky. Our joined laughter heals everything that has ever been broken inside of me. Sofia can't stop giggling, her fingers combs my hair… a little violently, but okay… she loves my hair, always has… so I let her, well… because I can't get enough of her and I won't ever deny her what she wants. Okay, as long as it's in the reasonable area. But still…

"Awesome!" Sofia says when our laughter subsides, her eyes locking themselves onto mine.

"Exactly, Sof, awesome!" I kiss her nose causing my daughter to giggle.

I place her back on the ground and carry her bag in my one hand, her hand immediately grabbing the other of my hands as we walk into the house. The feeling of having my house filled with love once again appears as we step over the threshold. Sofia lets go of my hand, running towards the kitchen where she pulls her little stool towards the kitchen counter. My heart is about to explode from sheer happiness. This is it, this is why I need her with me! I place her bag next to the chest of drawers where it'll be dealt with later on.

"C'mon, Mommy. Let's get started," she eagerly suggests as she climbs the two steps and places her knees at the wooden surface. "I prep veggies. You cut'em."

I can't suppress my laughter, this little girl clearly having surgeon parents. It's adorable and it's absolutely incredible how much she picks up.

"Yes, doctor," I salute her, gaining me a chuckle.

"Scalpel?" she continues, stretching her hand out towards me as I come up next to her at the counter.

"Nuh-uh, missy," I shake my head no, giving her a sad smile, "You scrub and wash, I cut. Deal?"

"O-kaaaay, Mom," she sighs but quickly forgetting when she climbs down the steps of her little stool and pushing it towards the fridge. "Just looking, just looking…" she says as she opens the fridge and climbs the stool again.

I watch my daughter as she roams through the veggies, a concentrated look adorned to her face. She's mesmerizing. I could watch her all day. I lean back against the counter, just observing her every move while my smile explodes on face.

"Mommy?"

"Yeah?"

"Where da corn cobs?" Sofia screws up her face in confusion, looking at me.

"You want corn cobs to your tots? Isn't that a little weird, Sof?" I raise my eyebrow, chuckling. The look she shoots back at me is priceless. "Okay, okay, corn cobs it is then," I surrender, helping her down from the stool and closing the fridge. "They're not in the fridge, though, honey."

"You've got corn cobs?" Sofia's eyes light up causing my heart to once again spill all over. "How did you know I love corn cobs?"

"I'm your mom, I know things," I state, slowly nodding my head causing Sofia to chuckle out loud.

"You do!" she laughs, capturing me in her arms as she hugs my hips. "I love that."

"What, sweetheart? What do you love?" I kneel down, combing my fingers through her dark hair.

"That you're my mom," Sofia elaborates, her hair bouncing around her beautiful face as she nods.

"I love that, too, very much indeed," I clarify, bopping her nose with my finger. She smiles at the action, I kiss her forehead. "Now now, let's get this party started."

"Awesome!" Sofia pumps her little fist in the air and hurries her stool back to the counter.

Two hours later we've eaten… potato-tots, chicken and corn cobs with butter. I know, it's no gourmet… especially not like my girlfriend would've just so easily mixed something up and Bibbidi-bobbidi-boo had something crazy Masterchef-like dish… I'm no Masterchef but I know what my daughter likes, what makes her little heart sing when it comes to her favourite dishes, and that's all I need.

When I return from the bathroom, I hear Sofia talk, I assume she's on the phone with someone… even though I didn't hear the phone go off. Nonetheless, I enter the living room, smiling at the sight before me. Sofia's upside down, sprawled out onto the couch. Her little legs bouncing up in the air above the back of the couch. It seems like it's a very serious conversation due to the tone my daughter's sporting. I bite down on my lip, trying to suppress my chuckle and be as quiet as I can. I lean against the doorframe, eavesdropping.

"Sooo… what kind?" Sofia asks seriously, twisting her legs in the air, the arm not holding the phone to her ear punching up in the air as well. I quickly grab my iPad, wanting to get a picture of this. "Oooh. I love that…. You think? Really?" Sofia exclaims surprised. "Yeah, I'll ask."

I place myself in a chair around the dining table, waiting for my daughter to finish up the call. I can't really get the hang on who's on the other end or what they are conversing about. I just know whoever it is just got themselves some good points.

"I know. I don't like um, Pom… um, Pomeg-nata anyways," Sofia explains. "'Cause it's gross is what it is," she says, doing her duh-attitude with sass. Then she laughs… that laugh I'm constantly missing. That laugh I really need to be around me all the time.

"Nooo, Eliza, nooo."

Wait a minute… this gets my attention! I bolt up from my chair causing it to squeak. Sofia quickly pulls back her legs and puts herself into a sitting-position, very well knowing that it's not quite legal to sit on the couch like she just did. Her little face screws up in surprise then she puts on her charming features, working them A+. She's too good, simply. The grin plastered to her face melts me and for a moment I forget about the woman on the line.

"It's just Mommy. Yeah, yeah, I'll tell her," Sofia speaks kindly into my phone. "You wanna talk to Mommy?"

I move towards my bold daughter, giving her a glare as I take the phone from her hand. She shoots a toothy grin my way, and I crumble just like that. Stroking my other hand on her cheek, I whisper. "It's almost time for bed. Go pick a book." And with that she's off the couch, running up the stairs to her room.

Then I put the phone to my ear. "Um, hi?" I say surprised.

"Hi honey," Eliza's voice fills my stomach with butterflies… again. "Before you go on and on, I just want to say something…"

"Mmmh?" I draw into the device. "Go on."

"She called me!"

"What?" I exclaimed. I didn't see that one coming. "Why? And why would she want to call you?"

"Ouch."

"I'm sorry, babe," I apologize because, yeah… it was kind of harsh. "Well, it's just… it's very odd, don't you think?"

"I can't say I wasn't surprised when I picked up my phone expecting to hear your voice but instead I got a child voice."

"I bet," I smirk.

"Well, but she did. I just played along, you know. Answering her questions and questioning her back."

"So I heard," I chuckle which causes my girlfriend to do just the same. "What did she ask you?"

"If I was her Mommy's friend."

"How did you answer that one?" I quip, very intrigued to how my girlfriend went about that question.

"I didn't tell her anything, if that's what you mean," Eliza says, her voice all covered by the smile I know is on her face right this instant. "I just told her that I love spending time with you, and you know what?"

"What?" I ask, my heart speeding up by the thought of my two favourite girls interacting.

"She loves spending time with you too, so… we're already finding things we've got in common. That's good, right?" Eliza chuckles. What I wouldn't give to get to kiss her right now… God, I miss her.

"I love you," I blurt out.

"That's good, too," Eliza teases me.

"Shut up!" I snap in reply. "You suck."

"But you love me, don't forget that," she states smugly.

"Well, I'm not so sure anymore," I groan at her, knowing very well that she knows I'm just momentarily teasing her because… well, I miss her.

Eliza laughs… that beautiful laughter. God. This is killing me. I want both of my girls with me. But all things in good time. It will happen. It has to happen.

"MOMMY!"

"Gotta go, gorgeous. Someone's being impatient," I sigh, chuckling.

"I would be, too," Eliza tells me sweetly. "And Arizona?"

"Yeah?"

"I love you, too."

"That's good," I smirk at my girlfriend, echoing her words from just before. "I'll text you later when Sof's down."

"Bye, baby."

"Bye," and with that we end the call. I place my phone on the dining table as I pass it on my way to the stairs.

I make sure to cover Sofia's shoulders with her duvet, just like she loves it. When I place a soft kiss on her forehead, her little hand comes to hold onto my collar.

"Mommy," she mumbles, her tiny eyes trying to stay open.

"Sshhh, love. Go to sleep," I soothe her in a whisper, caressing her cheek.

"I know I'm not a-allowed to… to use your phone, but…"

"But what, sweetheart?"

"I saw the heart," Sofia reveals, her eyes fluttering as she stifles a yawn.

"What heart?" I ask my daughter in confusion.

"On your phone."

"I don't follow, Sof. Just go back to sleep," I try again, kissing her cheek this time.

"Eliza's heart," Sofia yawns.

"Huh?"

"In the text," she continues. "I just wanted to check…"

I snicker at my daughter's revelation. She's quite the little snoop-around. "And what did you find out, then?"

"Two things."

"Oh…"

"One… I think she likes you."

"Okay, Sherlock," I whisper as I pull up the covers once more.

"And two… she sounds like a superhero-woman."

"A heroine?"

"Exactly!"

"And what makes you think that?" I can't keep my chuckle from erupting. Sofia's all kinds of amazing.

"I think she looks like Brave, you know."

"Brave?... Oh, the girl with the bears?" I chance. I'm clearly getting my Disney-knowledge checked this instant.

"Yep. Merida," Sofia yawns once more. "I think she looks like that. Does she, Mommy, does she?"

"You'll just have to wait and see, sweetie. But now you have got to go to sleep, okay?" I smile at my daughter.

"Okay," she gives in, her eyes fluttering. "Nighty-night."

"Goodnight, love," I go by my usual routine when Sofia's here. Kissing her on the forehead, the cheek, backing out of the door and make sure the tiny Ariel-lamp is on.

When I get back down I tidy up the room that's somehow gotten all messed up. I don't mind, though. If tidying up every night means having my daughter around, I'll gladly do so. As I relax into the couch, I can't keep myself from smiling by my daughter's comment on Eliza looking like Merida. She couldn't be more wrong in the looks, but what bravery concerns… she's got that one down. I can't wait for them to meet. I'm sure it'll be all kinds of magic. Thankfully it's tomorrow. Hopefully it'll be forever. I flick through the channels, stopping when seeing Masterchef on one of them. I smile thinking of my girlfriend. And then it starts pouring down, the windows covered in drops of rain running down in quick lanes. It's one of the best things about living in Seattle… one of them!

AN2: The song featured in this chapter is Masquerade by Sleeping At Last. Give it a go, it's awesome! :) … now let me know what you think of this chapter!