I don't own anything…all credit goes to ABC/Shondaland

Hope you enjoy!

Arizona's POV

"You like it, Noah?" I call out to my son.

"Totally!" Noah yells back. He's been test driving the toy race car we got for his party for the last ten minutes. With only a few minutes before people start arriving, the finishing touches are being put on the event. There are balloons, streamers, outdoor activities, drinks, and lots of food spread out all around the house and backyard. Sofia is currently getting her face painted by an artist we hired and my mom standing right beside me, watching her joyous grandson laugh and giggle.

"I still can't believe he's five, Arizona. It was just yesterday you were telling your father and I that you were pregnant."

"Ha! That was crazy forty-eight hours. Me in the hospital, telling you guys, walking down the aisle to marry Callie and then leaving for our honeymoon the next day."

"I remember your father telling me at the wedding reception that he was concerned that you were moving too fast." Turning my attention away from my mom to my son, I'm curious to this news. "In his eyes, it all happened so fast. You moved to Seattle and got a job, met Callie who already had Sofia, got engaged, then pregnant, and married. He was just worried, that's what parents do. But we watched you dance with Callie and you had such a big smile on your face, we knew nothing we said would stop you from being with her."

"I'm not so sure she feels the same way now." I joke offhand.

"She's still upset about the Lucia situation?"

"Yeah, we haven't talked about it. We haven't talked much to each other in the last week. She uses the kids as a distraction, which is smart because they need so much attention and I can't argue with that. When I try to talk to her at night about it she just rolls over and goes to bed."

"I'll be honest, I could sense the tension between you two. I do think you should've at least mentioned it to her, but I can also see your side. Callie probably would've never agreed to it otherwise."

"Callie talks a big game about family, but when it comes to hers she can be so weird about it." Letting out a sigh a running my hand through my hair, I shake my head at this conversation. "Speaking of my wife, where is she?"

"She's up in the twin's room getting them ready for today."

"Alright, I'll be back."

"It'll be okay, Arizona." My mother says rubbing my back. "I'll listen for the door in case some people show up early."

"Thanks, mom." I walk through the grass and back through the house before I reach the stairs and go up. I can hear my wife's voice as I get closer and closer to the twin's room.

"Are you excited to see everyone today? They are just going to eat you and your brother up, aren't they? If it becomes too much just let out a cry and mama will be right there. Got it?" Callie baby-talks to an excited Gabriel who's on the changing table. Mateo is nearby in his crib.

"Need any help?" I ask coming into the room. Callie glances at me, but quickly returns her attention to Gabriel.

"No. Just finishing up with Gabriel. I already changed Mateo." Picking up the eldest twin, I give his little fat cheeks a kiss. "They are fed, changed, and ready to party."

"I see." I walk over to Callie, who still won't look me in the eye. "Calliope, it's been a week and you're still giving me the cold shoulder."

"Am I? I didn't notice." She mockingly replies. "Next time maybe you'll ask me before you make one-sided decisions."

"I'm sorry for not telling you, but I'm not sorry for inviting your mom."

"You know I don't want to get into this right now." She assertively states, looking me straight in the eyes, finally. "It's Noah's party and today is his day. And since you love my mother so much you can be the one to entertain her when she arrives."

"Okay seriously, this act you've been putting up needs to end. You're acting childish, Calliope." I state firmly.

"Mommy just doesn't get it, does she?" She rhetorically asks Gabriel. She finishes buttoning Gabriel's onesie and lifts him into her arms. "Let's go see how it's looking downstairs. Excuse me." As she tries to get around me, I step in front of her hoping that we can talk this out, but neither of us say anything so I move to the side and let her walk out the room.

"Chip refill!" My mom states coming into the kitchen with an empty bowl. "How's it going in here?" Inside the house is mostly parents mingling while the kids are enjoying all the activities out back.

"Good. I think we're going to cut the cake in a few minutes. I sent dad and Tim to the store for some more drinks and ice cream. I can believe I forgot to pick up ice cream, it was the only thing I had to do."

"Well with everything going on, something was bound to be forgotten. Is Lucia here?"

"Nope." Looking around the kitchen and dining room, I notice my mother-in-law hasn't arrived yet and I'm starting to wonder if she is going to back out and not show.

"And Callie?"

"She's in the living room with the boys and a few friends from the hospital. It seems we're always in different rooms."

"Can I get a quick photo please?" The party photographer asks. My mom and I stand side by side and pose for a quick snap. "Thanks!"

"And we're back!" Tim proclaims coming into the kitchen and plopping down six containers of ice cream. "You didn't say which flavor to get so I got basically one of everything."

"The kids are going to be jumping off the wall for sure." My dad adds. "This is a fabulous party, sweetie. It's almost like a mini carnival."

"Yeah well we like to do parties big in this family. Can you do me a favor and help me gather everyone outside for the cake cutting? Tim can you grab the cake from the basement? It should be sitting on the pool table in a pink box."

"On it." I head into the living room where Callie and her friends are to get their attention.

"Hey, so we're going cut the cake now."

"Is it that cake you had for Sof's party? That was awesome." Karev boasts. "Are there any more beers?"

"Jeez Alex, it's a kid's party not a tailgate." Jo comments. She's got her hands full with Mateo.

"It's okay. There's plenty of beer in the basement along with other alcohol. I got tequila just for you, Grey." Callie adds.

"You know me so well." The surgical doctor replies. "We'll be right back." Meredith and Karev head towards the basement followed by Jo and Kepner, who's holding Gabriel.

"Make sure you bring back that baby, April."

"Don't worry, I'll make sure of it." Jo replies.

"Can we at least act like we love each other in front of everyone please?" I ask my wife as she stands up.

"Oh Arizona I do love you." She smiles sweetly. "But I'm pissed as hell at you right now." She pats me on the arm and walks around me.

Once everyone is finally gathered outside we begin singing to Noah. "Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Noahhhhhh. Happy birthday to you!" Everyone claps, cheers, and whistles as the birthday boy blows out his candles. Callie and I pose for a picture around Noah and his cake for the photographer before Tim takes the knife and begins cutting up pieces for everyone.

"If you don't mind, can I get a few more family pictures please?" The photographer asks us. We happily oblige and move to another area of the backyard. We do multiple combinations of pictures with Noah, Sofia, the twins, my mom and dad, and even Tim when he finishes his cake cutting duties. "Can I get one of each of on the side kissing Noah's cheek?" Once we finish the picture, Noah turns to Callie and me and pushes us together.

"Mommies kiss!"

"Good idea. Can I get a quick snap of you two, please?" One look at Callie and I can tell she's not into the idea of us kissing and hugging right now, but she's always been one to put on a smile and go along with it so she does. The photographer takes a quick snap of us kissing and hugging before finally giving us the thumbs up that he's done. "Perfect. Thanks you two!"

"Can I eat cake now?"

"Go head buddy." Noah runs back to the table and his friends and out of the corner of my eye I see Lucia standing in the kitchen looking on.

"Oh look, your VIP guest has arrived." Callie cheekily mentions looking towards the kitchen. "Perfect time for me to take the twins upstairs and put them down. They've had a busy afternoon."

"Calliope, babe, come on." I plead with her. "At least say hello to your mom."

"You invited her, she's your problem. Besides, I don't want her meeting the twins until I know why she's really here. No ulterior motives or anything. I don't want the first time Mateo and Gabriel meet my mom to be a quick hello in passing." She walks off towards Tim who's happily holding his two new nephews.

"Honey, wait." I call out. My wife turns around with her arms folded across her chest waiting for me to speak up again. I glance around the backyard and notice kids and parents everywhere, so I take a couple steps closer to Callie. "I really am sorry. I hate you being mad at me. I love you, I never meant to hurt you, you know that."

"You've been saying that a lot lately." I let out a sigh and rub my forehead, it seems like I can't watch a break with her. She notices and takes a step closer to me, dropping her arms and softening her facial features. "I hate being mad at you. It's no fun."

"Calliope…"

"Look, I don't want to have this conversation right now given the circumstances." She says looking around at everybody. "I hear you, Arizona, I really do. You don't have to keep apologizing. Like I said, I'm going to take the boys upstairs and then I'll be back down. We can wrap up the party and go from there. I suggest you talk to my mom because she clearly looks out of place."

"Does this mean you're still mad?"

"Arizona."

"Okay, okay. I'll drop it." I throw my hands up. "I love you."

"I know you do." She pauses. "I love you too." She places a small, quick kiss on my lips and it immediately warms my heart. It's the most intimate thing we've done since I told her about our special party guest last week. She turns around and continues toward Tim while weaving in between kids running all around. I watch Callie and Tim do a baby exchange before she heads inside, not going near the kitchen. I look at my mom who was obviously already watching me and she nods in the direction of Lucia.

"Excuse me Noah's mom, can I have some more cake?" A friend of Noah's nearly crashes into me as I begin walking.

"Of course you can, we have plenty. You can go ask Noah's uncle Tim for a piece. He's wearing that red shirt."

"Cool." The young boy smiles and runs towards my brother. I briefly chat with a few mother's before finally walking inside.

"Arizona." Lucia grins at me. "Your home is lovely."

"Thanks, I'm so glad you could make it. We weren't sure if you were coming."

"I'm so sorry about that. Carlos took the private jet so I had to fly commercial and when I got here I realized I hadn't ordered a car service. So I had to rent a car, which took forever, and put your address in the GPS to figure out my way through Seattle streets." She apologetically answers.

"Oh you should've called. We could've picked you up."

"I didn't want to worry you. I knew you had the party to focus on." There's a quick moment of silence before she just wraps me up in a big hug. "I got your letter in the invitation, it was so sweet and I know I probably didn't deserve that considering our history, but it's the reason I'm here. I know we have a lot to discuss."

"We do, I was thinking you could stick around and after the party we can talk."

"Yes, of course. I came with gifts!" Lucia picks up two blue bags stuffed with tissue paper. "I wasn't sure what Noah is in to, but the man at the store insisted that boys his age love building things, so I got a big Lego set and a kid baseball set." It's clear that this is a new and improved Lucia, and she's more genuine than I've ever seen.

"That's perfect. He loves Lego's. He'll love it."

"Great, well I don't want to take you away from your guests. I'll be here."

"Feel free to enjoy the party, we have food, drinks, the wine and stuff is downstairs. My mom, dad, and brother are outside and I know they'll love to see you."

"Uh, it looks like you have some company." She points to a something behind me and I quickly turn around. Noah is walking to me completely drenched in water, tracking it all through the house."

"Noah, what in the world? How did this happen?"

"I asked uncle Karev to spray me with the water hose." He nonchalantly answers. "I need a towel."

"Go upstairs and ask mama for one. She's in the twins room." He nods and smiles brightly when he sees the two gift bags Lucia brought.

"Are those for me?!"

"Is this?" She looks at me for confirmation and I nod. It hits me that this is their first official time meeting.

"Yep, I'm the birthday boy! I'm five." Noah proudly holds his hand up.

"Well happy birthday, Noah. These are for you, but maybe you should dry up first."

"Excellent idea." I clap my hands together. "You can play with them later, so thank you to your grandmother."

"Grandma?" He looks at me confused.

"This is mama's mom, Noah."

"Ohhhhhh. I've never seen you before."

"I, uh…well I'm sorry about that." Lucia replies.

"It's okay." Noah smiles and heads towards the stairs.

"He's a beautiful boy. He looks so much like you."

"People say it's the eyes." I smile. "Callie should be down soon. Make yourself comfortable."

Forty-five minutes later the house is finally empty except for my family. My dad and Tim are collecting trash outside, my mom is chatting away with Lucia as they snack on some cake out back, and Sofia and Noah are in the basement watching a movie, completely worn out from the party. I just put away the last of the leftover food when Callie comes back into the kitchen.

"Another successful party done. We're getting really good at this." She states, grabbing a bottle of water from the refrigerator.

"We are. Are the boys still down?"

"Yep." She holds up the baby monitor for me to see. "So how long have they been talking?"

"At least twenty minutes. They seem to be getting along well. Your mom says she has some things to tell us."

"I know, she told me earlier. I guess we should get it over with." She reluctantly replies. "Before we talk with her, I just want to say I forgive you." She hops up on the counter with her feet dangling. "I know you had good intentions. You always have my best interest at heart as well as the kids."

"I always will." I move to stand between her legs with my hands resting on her jean-clad thighs. "I want to put this behind us. I think she's truly changed, of course only time will tell, but she deserves a chance. You don't have to have a relationship with her, but I want our kids too. Heaven forbid something happen to us, you know?"

"I get it."

"So you ready?"

"Yep." She says letting out a deep breath. I can only imagine what's going through her head. She's been on emotionally rollercoasters with her mom for as long as I've known her and before that. "I'll go get her. Let's talk in the living room." She hops off the counter and goes out to where our mothers are sitting. I walk into the living room and fluff a few couch pillows. A few minutes later I hear footsteps before the mother and daughter duo enter the room together. Callie sits next to me and Lucia sits across from us in a chair.

"First, I should give you these. Carlos said it was best to deliver them in person." She removes two envelopes from her purse and passes them to Callie. "It's the trust fund information for the twins. The same as Sofia and Noah."

"Thanks." Callie answers without thinking much of it. "So you said you wanted to talk to us, I mean that's why you came, right?"

"Well yes and for Noah's birthday. I'm not sure how to begin, but I guess it's best to say sorry and apologize. Between my father dying, Aria's pregnancy, and hearing about the birth of your boys, a lot of emotion has hit me in the last few months. I realized my actions and words have been hurtful and wrong for many, many years now."

"I'm sorry, mom, but I'm not buying this. You just had an epiphany all of a sudden?"

"Calliope, just listen." I put a hand on her leg to help her calm down.

"Yes, in a way I did, Calliope. From the moment your father and I found out about Sofia, it caused some issues in our relationship. Your dad wanted to be there for you, but I let my faith get in the way and I basically made him choose. Eventually he pulled away and he started reaching out to you more. For the sake of our marriage we thought it was best not to talk about you because I couldn't listen to what he was telling me. At first I was embarrassed, but I became ashamed of myself for acting that way and had too much of an ego to give in. Then it was Arizona, the wedding, and Noah, so much was happening and I wasn't prepared. Your dad was thrilled and I resented him for it. Whenever he spoke of you he was so happy and I was jealous. When my friends asked about you all I could say was that you were married and happy, that's all I knew and wanted to let myself know. After losing my father, family took on a new meaning to me. Once I heard about your pregnancy and Aria's I knew I had to change. Don't get me wrong, I was upset about Aria's situation, but I realized I was holding on to anger for no reason. Being involved in my grandchildren's life is important to me. I want them to know me. I'm not sure about our relationship, Callie, but I'd like to work on that too. Arizona, I want to apologize to you as well and mend our relationship. The last time I was in this home I was rude to you and your mother and neither of you deserved that."

"I'm up for a fresh start if you are."

"I'd really like that. Thank you." We both look at Callie who is still processing everything. Lucia seems honest and sincere to me. Whatever it took for her to come around paid off and I'm happy she's here, it's what I wanted when I sent the invitation.

"So you're completely okay with my marriage to Arizona and us raising kids?"

"Yes. Do I understand homosexuality, no not completely, but I don't understand a lot of things. I do know that who you choose to spend your life with isn't any of my business. You're happy and who am I to argue with that. Both of you are mothers and you know from the moment you become a mom you promise to do anything for your kids and always be there for them. I felt the same way with you and Aria, but I let you down Calliope. I wasn't by your side when you needed me most. I failed you as a mother and I'm sorry."

"I'm real tired of apologies these days." Callie answers, clearly annoyed.

"I understand. I'm staying at our hotel until tomorrow. My flight is at five-thirty in the evening. I'll be there all day if you want to talk. Thank you for inviting me today." She says getting up and gathering her belongings.

"Wait." She pauses. "Are you sure you want to leave before meeting your new grandsons?" Callie asks stands up. "They're sleeping right now, but you can see them if you want."

"I'd really love that." Lucia and I share matching smiles and eventually my wife joins in with a wide grin of her own.

Unlike most weekend nights in our home, the house is very quiet tonight. Sofia and Noah were both exhausted from the party that after dinner and baths they went right to bed with no argument to stay up longer. My mom went out to dinner with my dad and brother, and Callie and I had a quiet evening with the twins.

"So I was thinking we invite my mom over for brunch tomorrow so she can see the kids again before she leaves." My wife says breaking the comfortable silence we had in the twin's room, while continuing to rub Mateo's back as she tries to get him down for bed. I'm sitting in the gliding chair next to them with Gabriel in my arms doing the same thing.

"Yeah, of course. I think she'll really like that."

"Me too." Callie answers softly.

"So are you buying everything she said earlier? Cause I think I am. She seemed very sincere."

"I know, but I just think it's going to take some time for me. I was glad to hear what she had to say though. I was surprised to hear about the marriage troubles. I didn't think it would impact them that much."

"I kind of get it though. If one of our kids did something and we had completely different views on it, I'm sure it would cause tension between us."

"It's not like I just got a tattoo or dropped out of school, she's been upset about who I am as a person for years."

"Sometimes it takes a while for people to come around, honey. It sucks that it took this long, but she's here and she's trying. She knows she can't make up for what happened between you two, but she has a clean slate with the kids."

"That's why I didn't try and rehash the past and just let her see them. What's done is done and truthfully I'm tired of being mad at her." Callie gets up and places a sleeping Mateo in his crib. "I'm going to go take a bath."

"You haven't don't that in a while." I reply a little surprised.

"Trust me, I know, but after the long day we've all had I could use one." She comes over to place a kiss on Gabriel's head. "He's been a fidgety all day."

"I picked up on that too, I'll sit with him for a few more minutes. You can turn the light out on your way out, it might help him."

"Okay." She shuts the light off and closes the door behind her. I sit with Gabriel for a few more minutes and I find myself getting more tired with each passing minute. The sound of the front door opening and closing alerts me and I realize my mother is home. I get up and place the youngest member of the Torres family in his crib and go say goodnight to my mom.

"How was dinner?" I lean against the threshold of her room.

"It was lovely. We missed you all though. How did it go here?"

"Fine, Sof and Noah went down easy and I just put Gabriel down."

"And how about the conversation earlier with Lucia?"

"It went well. I definitely think she'll be in our lives more." I answer honestly. "Callie is willing to put everything aside."

"That's wonderful, dear! I could tell from our conversation out back that something was different about her. I showed her all the pictures of the kids I have on my phone. She apologized to me too."

"There's been a lot of apologies going on lately."

"Speaking of, how are you and Callie?" She asks, taking a seat a on her bed. "Everything better?"

"Yeah, we're good."

"I'm glad." She reaches for her bag and pulls out a folded piece of paper. "So, I've been compiling a list of potential nannies. I found a website that has certified nannies, they are the best of the best. I wrote a few down that I think will be a good fit and added their contact information and a few lines from their online biographies."

"So you're really leaving us, huh?" I sit down beside her and take the list from her.

"It's time, dear. You know I'll be back to visit, but I have things I need to get back to. To be quite honest, I do miss home too. I think it's best if you and Callie develop a routine."

"I know and we appreciate you being here and helping out." I lean in for a hug and she wraps her comforting arms around me.

"Before I leave I'm going to give you and Callie a night off. I'll watch all the kids and you two go out. Watch a movie, go shopping, get something to eat, anything. It's important to get away and remember why you love being married to each other."

"Mom, are you sure? I mean I haven't watched all four kids by myself yet. They're a lot to handle."

"Trust me, I got it. Just don't be gone too long." She chuckles. "I think I'm going turn in. Love you."

"Love you too." I leave her room and make my way down the hallway to my room. When I enter, I notice the bathroom door cracked open so I go check on my wife. The first thing I see is bubbles up to her neck and her head resting back against the tub with her eye closed. "How's it going in here?"

"Mmmm, great." She mumbles. "Care to join?" She sits up and opens her eyes.

"Seriously?"

"Well yeah, you're my wife aren't you?" She reluctantly asks with a smirk. "I promise I don't bite."

"Oh, but I kinda of like it when you do." I flirt back.

"What's that?" She asks pointing to the paper in my hand.

"It's a list of possible nannies my mom made." I pass it to her and begin undressing. "I guess she's been doing some research for us."

"Hm, let's see what we got here….Erin twenty-six, she's been a professional nanny for four years and was with her last family for two and a half years. She's CPR certified, available all days during the week and has a flexible weekend schedule."

"That's good, right?" I get in the large tub across from my wife and immediately relax in the warm, soapy water. "Who else is on the list?"

"Tiffany, she's twenty-five and has been a nanny for three years. She's CPR certified, can prepare lunch and dinner, oh and she speaks Spanish."

"What's her availability?"

"Monday through Thursday all day, and occasional weekends." She reads off. "Next is Sasha. She's thirty-one and been a nanny for eight years. She's CPR certified, she cooks, cleans, and does laundry…."

"We got ourselves a triple threat." I interject.

"…and she knows Spanish and French. She's available all-day Monday through Friday. She even listed three references. I know we won't need to hire anyone until we go back to work, but I like her. We should find out more about her."

"How much are we supposed to be paying these people anyway?"

"I'm not sure." Callie replies, placing the paper to the side. "Like $1,500 a week?"

"Doesn't that seem like a lot?"

"Maybe we should ask them what their rate is."

"That's probably better." I nod. "My mom said she'll watch the kids so we can have a night out."

"A night out…I almost forgot what that was." She laughs.

"It's basically a date. Remember those? We had them all the time." I reach out and pull on her hand to bring her closer to me. "We'd dress up, although we did keep it casual sometimes, and we'd usually get something to eat, some nights we went to a movie, other nights we walked around downtown. Oh, remember when we went bowling with Teddy? That was fun!"

"For you, you kept beating me." She pouts, straddling my legs under the water.

"Who knew I was such a fantastic bowler?" She narrows her eyes at me. "Okay, so I knew I was good, but it was still fun!"

"Yeah, yeah whatever."

"Okay, so maybe we scratch bowling off the list, but think of something else."

"We'll see." Callie quietly pulls away and goes back to the opposite end of the bathtub, it's obvious through her facial expression that she isn't as thrilled about our plans as I am.

"We'll see?"

"Arizona, if you want to go out then that's fine. I just…I don't know." She lets out an exasperated sigh. "Can I at least think about it?"

"Yeah you can think about it," I reply, slightly taken back by her abruptness. "Is everything okay, Calliope?"

"Of course it is." She says unconvincingly. "I think I've been in here five minutes too long." She gets out of the water and grabs her towel, circling it around her body. "I'm going to go peak in on the kids."

"We just put them down." Getting out of the tub, I grab my towel as well. "Hold up, what just happened?"

"Umm, nothing."

"No, something's up, Calliope. Anytime I've brought up something fun to do for us you don't even seem interested anymore. I feel like I have to convince you to do stuff."

"That's not true…" She softy replies shaking her head.

"This whole week you were anxious about the party and going over everything two or three times. Even after my mom confirmed things. You just haven't been like yourself lately. Sometimes I don't know which Calliope I'm waking up to each morning."

"Are you serious?" She scoffs. "You're pretty damn lucky your mom is sleeping in the guest room cause that's where you would be tonight."

"I'm sorry you feel that way, but I'm just trying to help and understand what's going on."

"Well you have a weird way of showing it." Callie walks towards the door and turns around to face me again. "And I swear if I hear you apologize to me one more time, I may actually lose it." Callie walks out of the bathroom an I'm pretty sure if it wasn't as late as it was she would've slammed the door. Something is definitely up with her.

Thanks for reading! Some stuff is brewing….