Chapter 37
"I just don't know Arizona. I mean, no matter what I choose, I still don't think it will be the right choice."
"Calliope. We don't have all day."
"You don't think I know that? I know. Trust me. That's why this is so important. I mean, what I choose now will impact the rest of my life."
"No it won't. You are being dramatic. Kind of like that time in junior high and you couldn't decide if you wanted a white paper bag or a brown paper bag to put your lunch in. It was just a bag and nobody cared. Instead, you put it in a plastic bag from the Piggly Wiggly."
"This, is not, the same. If I wear flats, he will think I'm more 'mom' material. Heels might be more professional looking but also, they might make me look a bit like a…" looking around to make sure Zac couldn't hear, she whispers, "you know… slut."
"Oh my gosh. They are just shoes. The judge isn't going to make a decision based on which shoes you are wearing. But apparently, it is your turn to be crazy today. I knew it was coming, but I hoped it wouldn't hit on the day we go to court. Seriously, pick a pair. You look like a wonderful mom in either pair. And the heels do not make you look like a slut." Taking a second to think, Arizona raises a finger. "However, I found a pair at the mall the other day, and if you want to play the part one night, I would be more than happy to go pick them up. It makes my mouth water just thinking about you in those heels. Bright red. I can see your legs wrapped around my head and I would take you…"
"Arizona!"
"What? I'm just saying… Thinking of a slutty Callie does… things to me," Arizona says dreamy eyed. "Why did you have to mention shoes making you look like a slut? Today of all days. I can't be in court and thinking of you dressing all slutty. Calliope... I'm going to the mall tonight and buying you those shoes," Arizona says, licking her lips.
"What's wrong with you! We are going to court and you are acting all… all.. drunk. Seriously," Callie glares at her. "You want me to look like a slut. I have to say, I'm a little offended."
"I know! I'm sorry. I'm… sorry. I just, my hormones Calliope. They are in overdrive or something. But you aren't one to talk. Going all crazy over a stupid pair of shoes," Arizona says, waving her hands about.
Arizona stops as she watches Callie pucker up. "You think I'm crazy because I want to look good for the judge?"
"No. I think you are crazy because you will look good in anything. Really. I don't think this is you talking… I think it's hormones. Actually, I think they are speaking for both of us. I can't wait to get knocked up with your baby. I don't know how much more of this we can take." Arizona sits down and starts shaking her head.
"I'm going to wear the flats."
"It's probably a good choice. I think even your regular heels would turn me on today," Arizona says, smirking at Callie.
"Ok, let's go, please. Before I have another meltdown," Callie pleads, holding her hand out for Arizona to take.
"Ok," Arizona stands up and takes Callie's hands. "But for the record, I only like you looking slutty for me, behind closed doors. And I am going to buy you those shoes later."
Callie just shakes her head. "Let's worry about getting through the day. We might not be in the mood to celebrate. And really, isn't sex a weird way to celebrate this?"
"No. I mean,we will celebrate with Zac before we come home. Have a nice dinner or something. Wherever he wants to go. Then, after he is in bed, I think it's a natural way for us to show each other how in love we are, and how happy we are. I'm just, really looking forward to that part tonight."
"Wow These shots are going straight to you head... or rather, straight between your legs. But, like I said, we might not be in the mood to celebrate."
Arizona stops and takes both of Callie's hands in her own. "All sexy talk aside, you need to listen to me. I'm not worried about today Calliope. I love you. Zac loves you. And you love both of us. I know, without a doubt, this is just a formality. And I know you are nervous, but don't be. You are a wonderful mom already, and the judge will see that. Ronnie spent time with us, she spent some time with just Zac on her visits, she talked to some friends and family. It will be fine. The judge has no reason at all to not let this happen."
"Thank you. I know you are probably right, but I just want this so bad."
"I know. So do I Calliope. All my dreams keep coming true. Just when I think they all have, something else happens and I realize there were dreams I didn't even know I had. Today, if for some unknown reason, things don't go as planned, I need you to remember something though," Arizona says, making sure Callie is looking at her. "No matter what that judge says, you are his momma. Papers are not what make you his momma. Your love does that. Ok?"
"Ok. Let's get Zac and get going. I told mom we would drop him off in..." looking at her watch, "fifteen minutes."
"Let's go." Arizona smiles and leans in to give Callie a quick kiss. "I love you."
"I love you too."
They received a call two weeks ago that today was the day. Between hormones and nerves, both women have been basket cases.
Callie sits down by her lawyer with Arizona right by her side. She knows Arizona is right. If for some reason, this doesn't go her way, she knows she is still his momma. But she really wants this piece of paper. Six months ago, she would never have thought that she and Arizona would be back together, let alone have a son and be getting ready to try for another child.
She looks at Arizona and receives a wide smile and a wink, as Arizona reaches over and grabs her hand. Right his second, Callie realizes she has nothing to be worried about. Their lawyer assured them after they came in, that even if the adoption is turned down, they can resubmit the request.
Callie is about ready to say something when the judge enters the room. Their lawyer told them this should only take a few minutes and to expect it to be quick.
"Good afternoon. We are here because of a petition filed for second-parent adoption of Isaac Daniel Robbins-Torres by a Calliope Torres."
"Yes, your honor," her lawyer states.
"Would Calliope Torres please rise and state your name."
Callie looks at Arizona and squeezes her hand, as she lets go and stands up."
"Calliope Torres, your honor."
"Thank you. You may be seated."
Callie sits, and Arizona reaches for her hand under the table.
"Mrs. Torres, do you understand that you are requesting to have legal rights over Isaac Robbins-Torres?"
"Yes sir," Callie nods.
"Do you understand that this means you will also have a financial responsibility as well as being responsible for his well being?"
"Yes, your honor."
"If Arizona Torres is in the room, can you please stand?"
Arizona lets go of Callie's hand and stands.
"Please state your name and relationship to Isaac Robbins-Torres."
"Arizona Torres. I am Isaac's biological mother."
"Are you in support of this petition, for Callie Torres, to be the adoptive parent of Isaac Robbins-Torres?"
"Yes, your honor." Arizona replies with a firm nod and smile.
"Thank you. You may be seated."
"I have read over and reviewed all the documents and interview transcripts provided by Veronica Myers, the case worker. In looking over everything, I do have to say I am a bit concerned about the length of time that Callie has been in Isaac's life. Having seen that you once left for an extended period of time, and have just recently became a part of Isaac's life, I did have a slight hesitation to grant this petition."
Arizona immediately reaches over and grabs Callie's hand as she watches Callie's head drop slightly.
"I reached out to Mrs. Myers personally this week for a heart to heart discussion. After further consideration, and hearing about the relationship you now have with Isaac, I have concluded, that it is absolutely within Isaac's best interest, for me to approve this second-parent adoption."
Callie let's out a breath she wasn't aware she was holding as Arizona does the same.
"Now, I see that a request has been made to drop the hyphenated last name and replace it with only Torres. Is this correct?"
"Yes, your honor." Callie and Arizona both day at the same time, causing the judge to smile.
"Then I hereby grant the second-parent adoption of Isaac Daniel Torres. Congratulations ladies."
Walking out of the court room, Callie stops just outside the door and reaches for Arizona, breaking down in tears.
Arizona holds her, with tears welling up in her own eyes. After a few minutes, Arizona pulls away and wipes the tears falling down her face. "Are you ok?"
Callie nods, still trying to stop the tears that are falling.
"I was so afraid he was going to say no there for a minute."
"I know. I was too," Arizona days with a sad smile, only to be replaced by a big, genuine smile. "But he didn't. You are officially his momma."
"I can't believe it!" Callie's tears clearing and making way for a breathtaking smile.
"You ready to go get our boy? I think we need to celebrate." Arizona says, nodding, waiting for Callie to agree.
"I am so, so ready!"
As they get into the car and pull out of the courthouse parking lot Arizona feels Callie's hand snake its way into hers. "I love you Mrs. Torres, Callie says.
"I love you too. What do you say, we grab our son and head out to celebrate. Maybe a nice pizza and games at Chuck E Cheese?"
"I can't think of anything better Arizona," Callie smiles.
"Then, after that, we are going shopping." Arizona nods as if to put a period at the end of her sentence.
"Why? What for?"
Arizona looks at her like she is crazy. "Um, I have shoes to buy. I'm buying that pair of red heels."
Callie busts out laughing. "Arizona!"
"What? They are just shoes. Ad that is all I want you to be wearing tonight after we get Zac to bed."
"I would tell you no, but when you said you wanted them wrapped around your head, and..." Callie is interrupted by her phone ringing. "Hold that thought. I don't recognize this number.
"Hello?"
"Callie... How did it go?"
"Addie? Hey! The adoption was granted!"
"Oh my goodness! Callie, that is just fantastic! I knew it would go through. Congratulations! We need to celebrate!"
"I know. We will the next time you are in town. I can't believe it. I have been so worried. But now, we can both relax. We are actually going to take Zac out to eat at Chuck E Cheese this afternoon."
"I know he will love that. Hey, I hate to ask this, I know you are probably heading to get Zac, but can you do me a favor?"
"Um, yeah, I guess..."
"Can you run by April's. I can't get ahold of Teddy and I dropped my phone in the, um, toilet. I'm using someone else's for the time being. I know she is there but she isn't answering her phone. Can you swim by and let her know that my phone is out of commission, but I will be getting a new one later, and then I'll call."
"I'll just text her."
"No, I already tried and she will kill me if she tries to call and I don't answer. She has been really clingy lately. Ouch!"
"Addie, what's wrong with you?"
"Nothing. Just stubbed my toe. Anyway, just stop and tell her so I know she gets the message and she won't kill me. Ouch!"
"Seriously... what is wrong with you?"
"Nothing. Just, uh, stubbed the other toe."
"Whatever, we'll run by and tell her. You better be glad I like you. We have some celebrating to do, so we will head there first."
"Thank you so much Callie. I'm happy for you guys."
"Thanks. Talk to you later."
"Bye, Callie."
Callie hangs up and looks over at Arizona. "We need to run by April's. Teddy dropped her phone in the toilet and she needs me to tell Teddy. She said Teddy has been really clingy lately and doesn't want her to get mad if she can't get ahold of her. I guess she has tried to call her and can't get her."
"Are you kidding me? Doesn't she realize we are in a hurry to get Zac?"
"I think she does. But it is on the way."
"Ugh. I don't like our friends sometimes."
Laughing, Callie says, "Me either."
A few minutes later, they are walking into April's on the search for Teddy. As they walk in, they hear a loud "Surprise!"
Looking around, they see all their friends and family. It is late on a Friday afternoon, but here in the middle of April's, are their parents, Tim, Teddy, Mark, Meredith and Addie, along with several other friends. Then, the ladies hear the sweetest little sound... "Mommy! Momma!" Zac comes running towards both of them with his hands up.
'We're having a party!" Zac yells. "With cake!"
Callie picks Zac up with tears in her eyes, while Arizona reaches around and put her arms around both of them. Everyone gives them a second and then Addie breaks the moment by yelling, "We need a toast!"
Addie walks over carrying two champagne classes and a small plastic one filled with juice for Zac. The ladies take their glasses, as does Zac.
"I can't believe you Addie!" Callie says, smiling.
"Well, it took a little work to keep Teds quiet, but I managed to bribe her," Addie says winking. "Anyway..." Addie clears her throat, turning around looking at everyone gathered around.
"I'd like to make a toast. We are all so happy for you guys. I can't tell you how happy we all are for you. You have been blessed with an amazing, wonderful, smart little boy. Today marks the beginning of their rest of your lives. I think I speak for all of us in saying we couldn't be happier for you. So, from all of us, to the three of you, congratulations," Addie says, as she raises her glass. "To Callie, Arizona, and Zac Torres... Congrats!"
"Congrats!" Everyone yells as they drink to the happy family.
"Mmm, that's good juice!" Zac yells, with it dripping down his chin, causing everyone to laugh.
"Yeah, buddy. That's some Juicy Juice right out of the juice box," April says, laughing.
Callie starts shaking her head, smiling. "Addie, I can't believe you. Did you do all this?"
"No, she just got volunteered to talk because she has the biggest mouth," Teddy says, walking up behind them.
"Hey," Addie says.
"Just kidding. Yes, it was her idea. She just needed a little help getting everyone here. We hope you guys don't mind..." Teddy says, somewhat sheepish.
"Are you kidding?" Callie asks. "This is wonderful. I mean, I don't even know how you got everyone here. You even brought Meredith! On a weekday no less."
"Well, it was an easy sale. Everyone loves you and wanted to be here."
"Thank you, you guys. This is... amazing."
Callie and Arizona continued to mingle among their guests. Callie and Arizona couldn't believe everyone that made it. Addie invited people from the new office and everything.
Several hours later, Callie and Arizona are walking into Zac's room, carrying a sleepy little boy. "Come on buddy, let's get your shoes off and momma will get you some jammies on," Callie says.
Arizona hands the jammies to Callie and she gets them on Zac and lays him down. She reaches down to give him a kiss goodnight as he says, "I love you momma."
"I love you too Zac. So, so much."
Arizona leans over, smiling, giving Callie a kiss on the cheek, then leans down to give Zac one as well. Mommy love you buddy. We will see you in the morning."
"I love you too mommy."
Callie and Arizona turn and stand in the doorway, turning the light out, watching his eyes close.
"I still can't believe he's mine now too." Callie says, smiling.
"Believe it," Arizona says smiling.
As they walk into their room, they talk about how amazing it was to have everyone there to help them celebrate. It wasn't the evening they had planned, but it was even better. Knowing you have that many people supporting you, is amazing.
They go about their bedtime ritual, getting ready for bed. When they are both ready, Arizona sits and pats the bed beside her, wanting Callie to sit down. Arizona pulls a small box out of her bedside drawer and hands it to Callie.
When she opens it, she sees a silver necklace with the word 'momma' on it.
"Arizona, it's beautiful," Callie gasps.
"I saw it the other day and thought you needed it."
"I love it. Thank you, so much," Callie says, pulling Arizona in for a kiss.
"I love you, Calliope. And I am so glad that I get to raise him Zac with you."
"Me too. Thank you, for giving me this opportunity. I won't let you two down. I love you both. So much."
"We love you too." Arizona says, pulling Callie closer so she can put Callie's necklace on her. After the necklace is on, she pulls Callie in for a kiss. After it deepens, she suddenly pulls back. "Oh... shoot!"
"What? What's wrong?" Callie asks, worriedly.
"The heels! We didn't get to buy the heels!"