A/N - Once again, your lovely comments spur me on to post another chapter...even when I'm running out of written chapters. Time for BBQ with the parents...

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Previously..

They kissed tenderly. Hands softly caressed the others skin. They moved together and just as they brought one another to the brink of release, they found eachothers eyes. That night they experienced one of the most intensive moments of all the time they'd been together. It was that night they knew for sure...

She was the one.

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Chapter 26

Just after lunch on Saturday, Callie and Abbey headed to the airport to pick up her parents. Arizona had stayed behind as her parents had set off in their car early that morning and were due around the same time the Latina's parents were. Mary had been thrilled at the idea of meeting the vets parents after her daughter suggested it earlier in the week. Both Arizona and Callie had arranged to take Monday and Tuesday off work so they could head in to town, separately with their respective mother's and officially get the ball rolling with wedding preparations.

They had also confirmed with Mark that they would love for his farm to be the setting for their special day. It would surely be a busy few months for the people of Sand Springs but hopefully, it would make it all worth it on the day.

Finishing up the sandwiches, Arizona covered them over and put them in the fridge ready for later that afternoon. The BBQ was going ahead and aswell as their parents, they had several of their friends coming along to enjoy the day too. Various meats were piled up in the fridge along with just as many packs of buns. With her own fridge full, all beers and wines had been keeping cool in Callie's fridge next door. It was at times like this, they were glad they had the 2 houses. Putting the house on the market had been put on the back burner until after the wedding. There was going to be far too much going on with making Sloan's land and barn wedding ready that adding to that heavy work load seemed an unnecessary move right now.

After Erica's death, through their life insurance, the mortgage had been paid off. Once Callie eventually sold her house, she'd buy into Arizona house, making it both their rightful home.

Hearing a knock at the front door followed by Coco's excited barks, Arizona headed to the front of the house. Her parents were the first to arrive. "Hey mom...dad.." She let them in, giving them a quick kiss on the cheek as they passed. "How was the drive?"

"Fine dear. Traffic wasn't too bad. Have the Torres family arrived yet?"

"Not yet. They shouldn't be long though."

"How about my little angel?"

"She went with Callie while I finished up with the food here. People aren't coming for another couple of hours. I thought that would give you, Isabella and Carlos time to meet first."

It was only 20 minutes later that Callie arrived back with her parents. Abbey felt like a kid at Christmas at all the attention she was receiving. Not only that but both sets of grandparents had come armed with gifts for the little girl. After the initial meet and greet, with their belongings stored away in the guest bedroom for now, they all went out the back to enjoy a cold beverage in the sun. Conversation started out light as the couple's got to know more about each other's work and family.

"You know, my great grandfather owned a hacienda" Carlos said to James. "He raised many farm animals in Mexico until his death. My grandfather took over but ended up selling it to the highest bidder. It wasn't really his type of work. He bought a hotel which turned in to several over the years. He handed it over to my father who in turn got me in to the business."

James nodded. "It's good to keep businesses in the family. My father owned our land. He had me out there working before I could barely walk" he laughed. "I was the same with our son." He looked at his wife who shook her head but a small smile graced her lips. "Much to the dismay of my wife. It's hard work but you reap what you sow."

Carlos smiled at the man. "My words exactly, James."

On the other side of the table, Isabella took a quick sip of her wine. "So Mary, what do you make of Sand Springs?"

"Oh I love it, Isabella. Everyone is so friendly. It's been a wonderful move for Arizona." She looked at her daughter who was sat next to her. "New York is fine if you're one of those people who like everything on the go all the time. I know she enjoyed it for a time but when you get to a certain age..."

"Mom, I've only just turned 36" the blonde protested.

"You know what I mean, honey. You were getting to a stage in your life where you were ready to settle. I never saw that happening while you were in New York.. with that woman." Arizona rolled her eyes but luckily her mother said no more about her ex. "Coming here, meeting your beautiful daughter and the most adorable little girl I've ever seen has been exactly what Arizona needed. I've never seen her so happy."

The blonde looked at the vet after hearing her mother's words, receiving a wink in return. "I'm a small town gal at heart" she smiled.

As their parents continued to talk and Abbey made herself comfortable on Isabella's knee, Arizona and Callie headed inside to finish final preparations on the food. They stood inside the kitchen, watching from the window as the older couples laughed along to eachother. "So far so good huh?"

Arizona took a step to the side, wrapping her arms around the Latina's waist. "Better than we could have hoped I'd say.." She leant in, brushing their lips together.

"You think I should head next door and get the drinks? People will start to arrive in the next half or so."

The blonde nodded. "Sure. I'll get the buckets of ice ready."

"I'll go see if my mom wants to go pick up my abuela now too." With a final quick kiss, they separated and went about their tasks.

Two hours later and everyone was enjoying the atmosphere in the doctors house. Teddy, Owen and Ben arrived first, followed shortly by April and Matthew. Addison and Mark had arrived last and were armed with alot more drink.

Carols and James had took it upon themselves to man the BBQ once everyone had arrived. People had scattered themselves around the garden, locked in various conversations. Seeing Callie walk back towards the French doors, Addison followed. Closing the fridge, Callie noticed the red heads presence. "Alright?"

Addison nodded. "I'm gona do it."

Callie looked at her. "You're gona..?"

"I'm gona out me and Mark."

Callie smile wide at her friend. "Yea? Though really Addison, you guys have been so much more obvious than me and Arizona were so it's no great surprise to anyone."

"I know. I think I'm just ready to jump in with both feet. It's gotten pretty tiring trying to deny how I feel about him."

"Can I hear wedding bells..?" Callie joked.

Addison rolled her eyes. "Oh shush. Let's just get yours and Teddy's out of the way first before we think about anything like that."

Leaning in, Callie embraced her friend. "You're a good match, Addy. I'm really happy for you."

Smiling, the redhead looked outside. "Your parents seem go be getting on like a house on fire with Arizona's."

"Its like they've known eachother for years. Abbey's in her element with all the attention" she laughed, looking out to the little girl who was now showing Mary one of her favourite books.

Over by the BBQ, Mark and the 2 older men were discussing the wedding that was to be held on his farm at the end if the year. "Arizona is my only daughter" James started. "We may have helped her through medical school but she's always been such an independent woman. Always fended for herself and she's done extremely well. She deserves her special day to be unforgettable."

Carlos nodded. "I agree completely, James. Calliope and Erica paid for their small wedding alone. I objected but it was their, or should I say Erica's choice at the end of the day. I still have the funds set aside for Calliope and I'd like to be able to use it. No expense spared. We shall make this a day they'll never forget."

"Well if you men are free sometime, we could use your help getting the old barn into a more tasteful state."

James looked at Carols before looking back to the farmer. "We'll be there tomorrow."

Mark grinned and clicked his beer against James'.

"Tell me Mark" Carlos asked whilst flipping some burgers on the grill. "Have you found yourself a nice woman yet? Every time I come here you're always saying you're not ready to settle. I hate to say it but you're not getting any younger. You're a hard working man and not bad on the eyes, if I do say so myself. "

Mark laughed before looking across the garden to where Addison was coming out of the house. He smiled before looking back at Callie's father. "This old bachelor may have found himself a special woman, yes. It's a slow burner but...completely worth it."

Carlos hadn't missed the smile aimed across the garden. He raised an eyebrow. "Ms Montgomery?" He queried. Mark didn't answer so Carlos went on. He knew some of what the redhead had been through after hearing Callie talk of her friend many times in the past. "She's a special woman, Mark."

"That's putting it mildly, sir."

Matthew had been listening to the conversation as he stood next to James. Carlos turned his attention to the young officer. "How long have you and Miss Kepner been together, Matthew?"

"5 years.."

Carlos looked at him wide eyed. "And you haven't made an honest woman of her yet?" Matthew shuffled from foot to foot uncomfortably under the man's stare. Carlos continued. "She's a beautiful woman, intelligent and from what Callie tells me, a fantastic vet."

"Its not that I don't want to, there's just never been the right moment. But..." he looked over his shoulder before leaning in. "...Can you keep a secret?"

Taking her godson into her arms, Arizona stood, bouncing the little boy lightly in her arms. What she didn't realise was that Callie, Isabella and Mary were now watching the interaction.

"She's a natural, isn't she..." Isabella said to them as she smiled. Callie nodded but didn't reply. "Have you talked about having a baby together?" Her mother looked at her hopefully.

Ofcourse they'd spoken about it. Quite alot over the last couple of weeks or so but the vet didn't want to get their parents hopes up incase it wasn't as simple as they were hoping. She decided to play it safe for now. "We'd like to. Maybe one day mom."

Mary smiled. "I think Abbey would love to have a little brother or sister one day."

Callie smiled as blue eyes met her own from across the garden. They shared a moment before Arizona looked back at Ben in her arms. One day that woman is going to make one beautiful little baby Callie thought.

A few hours later, their friends thanked their hosts for the afternoon before heading off home. Carlos walked his mother in law back to her place while everyone else began to clear up the garden. With all hands on deck, it didn't take long to do.

"Why don't you both go out for a drink tonight" Isabella told the two younger women. "We can stay in and look after Abbey and Coco. In fact.." she looked at Mary. "..we can both stay here tonight. One of us will take your room and the other the guest room. You can have a child free night and head next door when you get back."

The couple looked at one another. "Are you sure?"

Isabella laughed. "Am I sure I want to look after my precious little granddaughter tonight with her other grandparents? Ofcourse I am. Since I'm retiring soon, hopefully it will be a more regular occurrence."

Not one to look a gift horse in the mouth, Callie and Arizona headed next door a short while later. They mulled over whether or not to head to the Lazy Dog but in the end, they opted for some time alone together in Callie's house.

After taking a bath together, they spent some time taking turns to massage each others back. Callie's expert fingers kneaded the tissue deep inside the blondes shoulder blades. Arizona felt like she was on cloud 9. The release of endorphins swam through her veins giving her that natural high.

"Maybe we should go shopping tomorrow. Find something to wear for Teddy and Owen's wedding."

Arizona sighed contently, her eyes remaining closed. "Sure."

Teddy had revealed earlier that afternoon that she and the bar owner planned to tie the knot in a month. They'd opted for a small ceremony at the town hall followed by a big old fashioned knees up at the Lazy Dog. She'd asked if Abbey could be a bridesmaid, which ofcourse the little girl was thrilled about.

"I can't wait to see you on our wedding day" Callie said softly. "I don't know if I'll ever be prepared for how breath taking you'll look."

A lazy smile grew on Arizona's lips. "I'm probably going to cry when I see you."

Callie laughed. "Me too." Spreading her hands along the back of Arizona arms, She leant her body down, kissing at the exposed flesh of her shoulders.

Arizona protested slightly. "I was enjoying those fingers.."

"What if my fingers make you feel good in a different way now?"

Arizona slowly opened one eye. "I'm listening.."

It wasn't long before those expert fingers went exploring, caressing and pleasing the body beneath them. Her mouth soon joined in the action too. The blonde turned around, lying naked on her back before her wife to be. Callie hovered above her. "Have I told you lately how much I love you?"

Arizona's hands came up, cupping around the Latina's cheeks. "Yes, but I never tire of hearing it."

Resting her body down on top of the doctors, she left a quick kiss on her lips. "I love you not just for who you are but for who I am when I'm with you. I love you, for the part of me that you bring out." She stopped for a moment and moved her lips against the blondes. Pulling out of the kiss, she moved her head down to whisper into Arizona's ear. "Nobody has ever given me the love that you have given me in only a year." Her lips kissed behind the blondes ear. "You make me feel like I'm worth something. You've got that...nurturing nature and you take care of me. I love you because you made me smile when I'd almost forgot how to. I love every little thing about you." She pulled back and saw tears welling up in blue eyes.

Arizona fought hard to keep her emotions in check. No one had ever made her feel as special as Callie did every single day. "I didn't know what love was, until I met you. I.. I just fucking love you, Calliope Torres."

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