Two Years Later….
Arizona awoke to the sound of chickens clucking. It didn't upset her, the way they disturbed her sleep. Every morning, at the crack of dawn, they announced themselves to the world and her saying, "Hey, I'm here and I've got a lot to say today." Their chitter-chat made her smile even though this particular morning she was up earlier than she'd liked. Regardless, she untangled herself from arms and legs, slipped out of bed gently as to not disturb, and padded softly to the kitchen.
It was going to be a sunny morning in Seattle. She'd take morning coffee on the back patio. She sifted through yesterdays mail as she waited for the kettle to boil. More paperwork from the LGBT Host Home Program had arrived. She looked at it compassionately, held the envelope to her lips gently, and appeared to be mulling things over.
Once settled outside, squarely in the morning rays, facing east, and on cement steps instead of the lounge, Arizona looked around. She loved her backyard. It was the perfect place for Sofia to play safely. The privacy fence was high, but it didn't take away from any of the charm of their home or the homes around them.
Arizona looked to the left. She saw her favorite yard in the neighborhood by far. Miss Linde was an avid urban fruit farmer. From Sofia's bedroom window, she and her Mama could watch trees bloom, grow awesome fruit, and give up their vibrancy and fight to Old Man Winter. Miss Linde loved to teach Sofia where food came from and she often left baskets of her most recent harvest on their back stairs.
Sofia thanked her with pictures. She was particularly skilled at drawing different trees and the ever changing scenery. Each picture included chickens pecking for worms and tilling the soil. (Like her mother, Sofia had an unusual fondness for chickens.)
Many of the pictures Sofia drew included Miss Linde, but some they included herself, her mama and LoLo laughing, holding hands, playing games and growing things like Miss Linde did. Lately, Sofia's drawings have included a puppy. She didn't have one, but clearly was making a case for how much she'd like to.
Arizona sipped slowly on her strong brew and let her mind go over the events of the last few years. As had become custom since Life Wellness, she tried to spend a little time each morning counting her blessings, sometimes in her journal, but most times during moments like this.
Gratitude for Sofia and the way Callie had had risen to the terms of joint custody was at the top of her list. She couldn't be more pleased with the way Callie understood how much Arizona wanted to take Sofia to the Outer Banks next week, for the entire week, on a first ever-family vacation. She was relieved when Callie agreed with no fuss or fight. It would be just the three of them for an extended amount of time and Arizona was beyond elated. They'd have a whole week, no work, no being on call, just a fun in the sun getaway from the dreary shades of Seattle.
Arizona's thoughts had just turned to Lauren when the lithe Dr. emerged though the sliding patio door wearing a perfectly fitted V-neck and low riding linens. She elegantly sat directly behind Arizona. Out of habit, but with absolute mindfulness, she reached forward and massaged Arizona's shoulder with her free hand, holding tightly to her coffee cup with her other.
Arizona had always loved Lauren's touch. Just like that first night in the ER, she felt the power in it and their physical connection to each other. They had gone though so much to get to this place.
The blonde Goddess closed her eyes slowly; something else she reverently placed at the top of her gratitude list was the fact that even though she and Lauren had a relationship born through infidelity, it had never been an issue for them. They were monogamous and committed to a future together.
"Good morning," Arizona whispered quietly before turning to capture eye contact. The golden amber of Lauren's eyes sparkled in the Seattle sun. Arizona would never get past the way her orbs changed color with nearly every change of scenery.
"Morning," Lauren replied, her voice raspy and ringing with content.
"More paperwork came from Avenues, yesterday," Arizona offered still holding eye contact.
Lauren nodded slowly.
Arizona pulled Lauren's arms around her more tightly and whispered, "We'll be able to make a decision soon, I promise."
Lauren nodded again, adding a smile this time. She was all for them taking in an emancipated trafficked youth who had been sold by his absent mother's boyfriend. Her heart was "in" from the moment she was approached with the option. She only hesitated because she knew it would be best to take time and prioritize what Sofia would need before a new family member was incorporated into their home.
"I can't wait to go on our trip," Arizona offered changing the subject.
"Yeah, me too," Lauren rasped into her ear as the sound of clucking next store becoming louder and louder. "Sounds like someone is kicking up a fuss over there," she added looking over.
Arizona nodded and said, "That poor little red one. They just can't stop ganging up on her."
"Bullies!" Lauren added quickly.
The two simultaneously pondered chicken behavior, sipped more coffee, and enjoyed more of their morning. Neither stopped touching the other. Both vibrated with love.
After several minutes of comfortable silence, Arizona injected, "Did you ever think we'd get here?"
"Here?" Lauren asked raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah, here, to this place, us, together, peaceful, calm, committed, about to go on our first family vacation together."
Lauren held Arizona closer and softly replied, "I'd hoped we could get to this place one day."
Arizona turned and restored eye contact once more before whispering, "I love you, Dr. Boswell, or should I say Ms LoLo?"
"I love you too, Dr. Robins," Lauren said lightly while swiping a rogue curl away from Arizona's eye.