Thank you for all of the support you've given me since the beginning. To you, reviewer who thought the last chapters were a little rushed, I'm so sorry you feel that way. Maybe you are right to a certain point but I certainly did not do it on purpose.
I will finish my other fic because I like to finish what I start, but, for me, this is the end of my 'Ariliza' era. I will remain to watch the show, of course and if there's something new and exciting with Arizona I may write about you.
RIP Ariliza. And Thank you for the inspiration.
Without further due, here's the epilogue.
'Looks like we made it,
look how far we've come, my baby.
We might've took the long way,
we knew we'd get there someday.
They said 'I bet they'll never make it'
but just look at us holding on;
we're still together, still going strong.
You're still the one I run to,
the one that I belong to,
you're still the one I want for life.
You're still the one that I love,
the only one I dream of,
you're still the one I kiss goodnight'
You're Still the One – Shania Twain
EPILOGUE
July 2038
Arizona woke up to the smell of coffee and the beautiful sound of her wife of almost 20 years singing out of tune. It was a sound she would never get tired from. She was singing the newest hit by some poppy teenager. Yeah, she still loved those. Some things never change. Just like the love, passion and devotion she still feels for Eliza. It was everlasting, never changing. Life altering. Incredible. For sure the best thing that ever happened to her. She got up and out of bed and put on her robe to go downstairs and kiss her gorgeous wife.
Arizona got to the kitchen and admired the view for a little while. Eliza, dressed in her usual matching pajamas danced around the kitchen, singing some ridiculous song by some singer that even Taylor had outgrown while she made perfect blueberry pancakes. She was so engrossed into what she was doing that she didn't even noticed the blonde. She kept singing and swaying her hips until she suddenly saw her.
"Hey! You're up!" she said excitedly. She would never get tired of seeing Arizona's face every single morning. It was the best feeling in the world! Now, at 60 and 61, whenever they were asked about it and didn't felt like giving the long answer they simply said they had been together since they were 15. 'You've been together for 45 years!?' people asked shocked. And sure, they may have not been together for that long but they have been in love with each other for that long. When Taylor was around two years old, they finally got the tattoo they wanted. It had been adorning their wrists ever since. 'First, Last and Forever' it said. Again, the answer to the strangers' questions about that was '45 years'.
"I'm up!" she said walking over and kissing her wife's cheek. "But never mind me, keep on singing along to your favorite teenage popstar." She said laughing.
"Oh, shut up, this one's going to stand the test of time. Just like Taylor Swift did." Eliza said matter of factly. After so many years together, they still had a playful banter that they both loved. Every single day, Eliza became more and more in love with Arizona. More amazed by her as well. She never thought it would be possible to love her more than she already did when they were teenagers and became girlfriends for the very first time. And yet, here she was 45 years later; falling in love with her wife all over again every single day.
Arizona simply rolled her eyes. It was also a common joke of theirs to argue about the 'origin' of their youngest daughter's name. Arizona always telling the real story and Eliza almost always saying she was named after Swift. Either way, she was named after a popstar. An 80s popstar who didn't quite stand the test of time like her younger homonym did, but that gave them a beautiful song that helped them get through many hard times.
"Just powder sugar or do you want some maple syrup on your pancakes?" Eliza asked.
"Syrup. And fruit." Arizona said sitting down. "And coffee." she said grabbing her fork and knife. "Oh, and bacon! It is Saturday. And juice."
"Wow, you're really hungry." Eliza said chuckling. "Anything else, my lord?"
"Nope. That's all." Arizona said teasingly. "And yes, of course I'm hungry. You kept me up all night and wore me out." She said arching an eyebrow as Eliza placed their food and drinks on the table.
"And you've yet to high five me for that…" Eliza said. "It's been 45 years since I gave you for very first orgasm, you're welcome by the way, and you still haven't high fived me."
"And I will never high five you for that." Arizona said sticking out her tongue. "Mmm, this is good." She said as she ate her pancakes.
They ate in comfortable silence for a while. They were so comfortable and in love with each other that they didn't even need to talk sometimes. Just being there, next to each other was enough. They were enough, all they needed. Together forever, through great times and through shitty times.
"Taylor called me today." Eliza said, breaking the silence. "That's why I woke up so early.
"Oh! What did she say?" Arizona asked.
"She's coming over later today. Says she wants to talk to us. She sounded serious." Eliza said, buttering a toast. No pancakes for her. She was still not a fan of sweet things.
"What could it be?" the blonde asked. "You don't think she's pregnant, do you?"
"Nah, I don't think so." Eliza said. "We'll just have to wait until she comes over and tells us. She should be here around noon. She'll even buy us lunch."
"Oh, then she's very serious. Either that or she's trying to bribe us into something." Arizona said chuckling. Their little girl wasn't so little anymore. At 20, Taylor was an absolute beauty. The kind of beauty that made guys and girls turn their heads around and stop their cars. She was the spitting image of Eliza except for her lighter skin color and dirty blonde hair. She was also a smart, sweet and witty young lady that charmed her way into things, just like her mommy. She was currently studying medicine at UW.
"I also talked to Sofia." Eliza continued.
"While I was sleeping?" Arizona asked.
"Yeah. She and Cody made it fine to Madrid and are now with Alec and his family." Eliza said.
"Oh, Sofia. Four moms and she's straight as an arrow. Where did we go wrong?" Arizona said mockingly. The 'how are you straight if you have four moms?' or 'you're straight? Where did we went wrong?' jokes were a staple at their household.
"She'll be present via skype when Taylor comes over. I tell you, she's serious."
"Guess we'll just have to wait." Arizona said.
"Yes." Eliza said. "So, you wanna go take a bath together and then wait for Little Bit to arrive?". Sofia's nickname ended up sticking forever. Every single one in her family called her Little Bit. She hated it but loved it at the same time.
"Oh yes." Arizona said, leaving their plates at the sink. "We'll get her to wash those as well, we're her mothers, we can still boss her around." She said, grabbing her wife's hand and dragging her to their bathroom with a huge smile on her face. After 45 years, because she never fell out of love with her, Eliza still managed to make her heart speed up with just a simple touch. Yes, life was definitely great.
"Mothers! I'm home!" Taylor said as she walked into the house she grew up in. Even if she was going to school in Seattle, she had chosen not to commute with her mothers. She was 20 years old and needed her own space. Besides, being a med student took up a lot of her time and driving for at least 40 minutes due to traffic every single day for her morning classes was something she definitely didn't want to do. She still visited them every week though. She often took advantage of the home cooked fresh dinners and washing machine.
"Mothers!?" she yelled up the stairs. She didn't want to go up the stairs just in case. She had already caught them in the middle of undressing each other one time and that was something she never wanted to witness again. "Eliza? Arizona?" she said. "Rocky and Bullwinkle?"
"Baby!" Arizona said, running down the stairs and wrapping her youngest in a tight embrace. "I've missed you so much!" she said peppering her face with kisses. "You look so beautiful! Have you gotten taller?"
"I'm 20, mom, I'm not going to get any taller." She said rolling her eyes. "And I look just like same as I did last week."
"Still! A week without seeing you is too long!" she said, once again hugging her daughter tight.
"Where's Mama?" Taylor asked.
"She's upstairs. She's getting ready."
"Why? It's just me." Taylor said.
"It's never 'just' you Little Bit." Arizona said, squeezing the younger blonde's cheek and giving her one last kiss on her forehead. "What did you bring for lunch?"
"I…uh…" Taylor said blushing and picking up the paper bag she had left on the couch. "I brought everything for Mama to make pierogis." She said grinning just like she did when she was little and asked for her favorite meal.
"Oh." Arizona said. "I don't know, Taylor. Your mama has been working a lot lately and her hands are tired. Perhaps we should—" Arizona was saying but got interrupted.
"Don't speak for me, Phoenix. I will gladly make pierogis for my favorite blonde daughter." Eliza said, walking down the stairs and hugging Taylor.
"I'm your only blonde daughter, Ma." She said, once again rolling her eyes. Her moms were so silly, but she was already used to it.
"Hello, Little Bit." Eliza said kissing her daughter. "Give me that bag and we'll get right to it."
"Thanks, Ma. If you are tired just let me know and we'll order a pizza or something."
"Nonsense. You'll get your pierogis." She said winking and caressing her daughter's cheek. She looked so much like her own mother, Ludwika. Even now, in her 80s, she was a ball of energy that seemed to never age. Taylor smiled and leaned in to kiss her mother's cheek.
Arizona sat down om the couch while Eliza went over to kitchen to place all the ingredients on the counter. Taylor sat next to Arizona and cuddled into her. She had always been an affectionate girl and that hadn't changed now that she was older. She loved cuddling with both of her moms and her sister. Smelling their scent and feeling them close had a calming effect on her.
"Aww, did you missed us too, Little Bit?" Arizona asked.
"A little." She said sheepishly.
"Your Mama says you have something to tell us?" Arizona asked.
"Uh…yes. But, let's wait a little bit. It's only noon and Sofia will be available to skype at 2 pm. Well, 9 for her. Being in Spain and all. She facetimed me from aunt Maca's phone. Madrid is so beautiful; I haven't been there in so long. I might go visit them soon. Maybe next year." She said. When she was nervous she tended to ramble. Just like her mommy. "I don't know. Maybe, you know? I'll start saving for that. Maybe Callie's father could just let me travel on his private jet. I mean, Sofia could ask him, right? I've only met him like twice but who knows? Also, Maia and Gabriel are getting so big. I feel like I'm missing out and—"
"Taylor, you're rambling." Arizona said snorting.
"I'm not. I'm telling you about my plans."
"Yes, you are. I would know. I'm the queen of rambling." Arizona said. "Whatever you have to tell us, it'll be fine. We love you, unconditionally."
"I'm not pregnant nor am I a drug-addict." Taylor said, knowing where her mom was going.
"Thank god!" Arizona said, relieved.
"Leave the girl alone, honey. She'll tell us in a few hours. Now, move your asses, both of you. And help me with the dough." Eliza said from the kitchen. As they both laughed and moved to help her.
A couple of hours later they were having their pierogis in front of the screen of their smart TV, waiting for Sofia to sign in. They were eating when she finally connected and called them.
"Are you eating pierogis? Man, I want some." Sofia said. "Hello mothers. Little Bit." She said.
"Hello, Mrs. And Mrs. Robbins-Minnick. Hello Taylor." A dark-haired guy said, popping up next to Sofia. She had been dating Cody for the last three years and all four of her mothers really liked him. He was sweet and clearly loved Sofia with everything he had.
"Cody! We miss you!" Arizona said. "You two should come visit soon." Sofia had chosen to go to school in Georgia and after that she had just naturally started making her life there. She graduated in business from University of Georgia and was now very successful in marketing.
"Okay, so…Little Bit. What is it that you have to tell us?" Sofia asked, going straight to the point.
"You surely don't beat around the bushes, Sof." Taylor said.
"It has never been my style. Besides, we're going out for drinks tonight." Sofia said smiling.
"Okay…then maybe I should just get to it." Taylor said nervously and stood up.
"I…met someone." Taylor said.
"Okay…" Arizona said. "Go on."
"Someone special."
"That's great, Little Bit. Who is him? How long have you been seeing him? What's his name?" Sofia asked. Wanting to know everything about this.
"Well…" she said nervously. She had no idea why she was so nervous. It wasn't like her mothers were going to disown her for this…she had two mothers for crying out loud. "We've been seeing each other for about three months but we labeled it about two weeks ago."
"You have a boyfriend?" Eliza asked. "When do we get to meet him?"
"Hopefully soon. That's why I arranged this thing. I want you, all of you to meet Audrey next week."
"Oh…" Sofia said.
"Audrey. That's a girl's name…right? Nowadays all names are unisex." Arizona asked confused.
"Last time I checked, Audrey wasn't unisex." Sofia said.
"Yeah, same her. Also, out of the six of us, only Taylor and I have unisex names." Cody said trying to light up the mood.
"So…you're seeing a girl." Eliza asked. "That's…new."
"I know. I know…I just, I don't know. I thought I was straight but then…"
"Then you met her." Arizona said. "I get it. I totally get it."
"So, are you okay with this?"
"Are you seriously asking that?" Eliza said. "You've got two mothers, for fuck's sake."
"Language!" Arizona said.
"Of course it's okay, Little Bit." Eliza said smiling. "I knew you were bisexual! I just knew it!"
"Yeah…I guess I am bisexual. No. I am, I am bisexual." Taylor said smiling. "And Audrey is great. Please don't act all Rocky and Bullwinkle when she comes over. I really, really, REALLY like her."
"Relax baby, we'll just be our usual charming selves." Arizona said.
"Oh, boy." Taylor said.
"We are awesome. And, we have to make sure that she's good enough for our little girl."
"I have way too many mothers…"
"You have way too many mothers? You only have two! Try having four!" Sofia said rolling her eyes. "No, but, Little Bit? If she really, really, REALLY likes you too then a couple of crazy mothers won't scare her away. Cody met all of mine and still wanted to date me."
"True story." Cody said. "Your moms are a little overwhelming at first but ultimately awesome, in Arizona's words." He said.
"Excuse me? Overwhelming?" Eliza asked, arching her eyebrow, teasing the young man.
"Did I say overwhelming? I meant cool and fun."
"Okay so…I'll bring Audrey next week. Saturday so that we can have lunch instead of dinner and Sof can join us via skype." The younger blonde said. "Sof, you're gonna be able to make it?"
"You think I'm gonna pass the chance of seeing mom and ma embarrassing you in front of your girlfriend? Not a chance, Little Bit."
"I think Little Bit may actually be in love this time." Eliza said as they got ready for bed.
"I know, right? I mean she's had boyfriends before but this seems more serious than any other relationship she's ever had." Arizona said.
"Yeah. That's great. I think this could be her first important relationship."
"Yeah, maybe even THE relationship. Who knows?" Arizona said.
"I don't think so."
"Why? You don't know that. I'm just stating a possible scenario."
"Baby, this is her first love. People don't end up actually marrying their first love." She said.
"Seriously?" the blonde asked arching her eyebrow with a questioning look on her face.
"Yeah." Eliza said. "Oh. Well…I guess some people do end up marrying their first love. Whoops. But, hey they're just starting. Don't get all crazy about it." She said as she nuzzled the crook of her wife's neck and wrapped an arm around her midsection. She inhaled her wife's scent and smile. She was exactly where she was supposed to be. Arizona's arms were where she belonged. She realized that form the second she kissed her all of those years ago. "I love you so much, Phoenix. I really, really do." She said, looking up and kissing her softly but deeply.
"I love you too, my beautiful, beautiful Lizzie." Arizona said, running her fingers through her wife's hair and kissing her lips and then her forehead. It was true. She loved her very much. There was a point in her life where she became cynical about love. She thought that 'forever' kind of love only existed in movies. That no one could actually be with someone for over 20 years and still be as in love as they were at the begging…thank God life proved her wrong. Here she was, lying in bed with the one. She knew she was the one back in 1992 and now, after all these years, she was still the one. She would always be the one.
The week went by really quickly and it was already the day when they were supposed to meet Audrey. Taylor had dropped by the house a couple of times to check on their mothers and grab some things from her bedroom. She had also called Sofia multiple times and texted her like crazy asking for advice on 'how to introduce a new love interest to our crazy and embarrassing mothers'. Said mothers, on the other hand, were super excited and had prepared one of Taylor's favorite dishes which was her Mama's Chicken Picatta with a side of lemon buttered pasta with cappers.
"I'm so excited. I can't wait to meet the girl that turned our little girl into a lady lover." Arizona said excitedly.
"You know it doesn't really works that way, Phoenix." Eliza said rolling her eyes.
"I know, I'm just kidding." She said shrugging. "I AM excited though."
"I know you are." The brunette said, grabbing her wife's hand and kissing it. "But, you need to relax. You're starting to act like my mother."
"I'll take that as a compliment."
"It wasn't." Eliza said chuckling. She was about to say something when the bell rang. "That's odd. Why wouldn't she just use her key?"
"Maybe to let us know she's here." Arizona said, straightening her clothes. "Do I like okay?"
"More than just okay." Eliza said, leaning in to softly kiss her lips. "Let's open that door, shall we?" she said, opening the door.
"Hey, Mama." Her daughter said blushing. She looked absolutely gorgeous in her simple blue jeans and green shirt that made her eyes look even greener. She had slightly curled her hair and was wearing light make up with pink lips.
"Hello, Little Bit…I mean, Taylor." Eliza said chuckling.
"Hello, Dr. Robbins-Minnick." A doe eyed brunette said sheepishly. Her daughter sure had great taste. The girl was beautiful. Big, light brown eyes over peachy flawless skin and straight chocolate, almost reddish-brown hair. She was also wearing light make up but was wearing a dark red lipstick that suited her perfectly. She seemed like a sweet and warm person. Eliza instantly liked her. "I'm Audrey, it's very nice to finally meet you."
"Hello, Audrey. It's nice to meet you too. And please, call me Eliza." she said as the girls walked inside the house.
"Little Bit!" Arizona said, practically jumping and wrapping the young blonde in her arms. "I've missed you!" she said kissing her daughter's cheek soundly.
"I was here on Wednesday, Mom." she said, blushing slightly.
"That's much time without my Little Bit." Arizona said, knowing very well that she was embarrassing the young woman. What was the point of being a mother if you couldn't embarrass your children?
"Mom, this is Audrey." Taylor said.
"Hello, Dr. Robbins-Minnick." She said, extending her hand but Arizona hugged her.
"I'm sorry but in the Minnick family we hug." She said, repeating the words that her sister-in-law told her the first time they met. The tall brunette hugged her back and just laughed. "And please, honey, call me Arizona."
"Please, sit down. Lunch will be served soon." Eliza said. "Do you want some wine?"
"Sure, Dr…I mean, Eliza." Audrey said.
"Little bit?"
"Yes, thank you ma."
The wives walked over to the kitchen counter to pour the glasses of white wine and talk a little, away from the younger couple.
"Oh my gosh, I love her already." Arizona said.
"Relax, she has barely said a couple of words."
"I know but her vibe and aura…"
"Right, I had forgotten you're a witch now." Eliza said rolling her eyes.
Sitting on the dinner table, the two young women were also taking advantage of their free minutes away from Taylor's mothers.
"So, Little Bit…" Audrey said teasingly.
"Oh, shut up. I told them not to call me that." Taylor said blushing.
"Why? I love it. It's cute. And it suits you. You are sort of a little bit of a person." She said, taking her girlfriend's hand in hers.
"That's what my sister said when I was born. And the nickname was born. I'm not THAT short anymore, though. You're just really tall." Taylor said sticking out her tongue at the other girl. "They're embarrassing and loud and crazy. Don't let that scare you and walk away." The blonde said, half joking.
"Nothing could ever make me walk away from you, Taylor." Audrey said seriously. "Specially not your moms. They seem lovely."
"Wine's here!" Arizona said as she handed each a glass.
"Thank you, Arizona." Audrey said. "Your house is lovely."
"Thank you." Eliza said.
"And Taylor looks so much like you, Eliza. It's almost crazy." Audrey said before sipping on her wine.
"Does that mean you're attracted to my wife as well?" Arizona asked, pretending to be confused. Audrey choked on her wine a little bit and coughed.
"Mom!"
"I'm sorry, I was just kidding." Arizona said. "Are you okay, Audrey? Do you want some water?"
"No, I'm okay." Audrey said blushing.
"Sorry. I didn't mean for you to choke." The blonde said. "So, are you a med student as well?"
"I am. We're on the same year. I'm not like Taylor here who is already sure she wants to be a cardio surgeon. I'm still not sure whether I want to be surgeon or not."
"Okay. And…so, Audrey…are you a lesbian or a are you bisexual?" Eliza asked.
"Ma!" Taylor said.
"No, it's okay." The young brunette said. "I'm gay. Like the gayest of gays."
"Cool. Us too." Eliza said pointing towards her and her wife.
"You seem to really like our daughter." Arizona said.
"I do. I really, really do." Audrey said, squeezing Taylor's hand. "I love her." she said, leaning in to kiss Taylor's cheek.
"And I love her." Taylor said, blushing.
"So, you're serious about this, then. Right Audrey?" Eliza asked.
"I am. I totally am." Audrey said "You really don't make small talk around here, do you?"
"Oh, baby, this is small talk!" Taylor said looking at her mothers.
They all laughed and then their smart TV let them know that Sofia was calling them.
Later that night, Audrey waited in the car while Taylor said her goodbyes to her mothers.
"Good night, baby girl. I hope we weren't too annoying." Arizona said kissing her daughter.
"Oh, you so totally were. Also, inappropriate with all those questions and embarrassing with the 'Little Bit' and childhood pictures." Taylor said rolling her eyes. "You two are embarrassing and incorrigible." She said leaning in to kiss her mommy's cheek. "But I wouldn't have it any other way. You're also the best moms in the world and I love you. Thank you for being so accepting of Audrey."
"She's a sweet girl, Tay Tay. You found a good one." Eliza said as she hugged the younger girl and kissed her cheek. "Good night, baby girl."
"Good night, Mama." She said kissing her. "Goodnight Mommy." She said kissing Arizona and then walked out the door.
"They grow up so fast." Eliza said. "Look at us, empty nested."
"It's not so bad. Now that we don't work so much anymore, we can have that dog you've always wanted."
"God, handing my department to Jo was the best thing I could've ever done." Eliza said smiling to herself. "What should we do for the rest of the day?"
"Honestly?"
"Yes."
"How about nothing?"
"Sounds amazing." Eliza said, laughing and wrapping her arms around her wife to kiss her deeply.
Life was good. Yeah, life was definitely good. They were young-ish, happy and so, so, in love. They had two beautiful daughters who had grown up to be incredible young women and soon they would be getting a dog to mend their 'we're empty nested' broken heart. But, above all, they had each other. Forever. Endlessly. Arizona looked at Eliza as the broke apart before kissing her again. Her. Her wife. The first woman she ever loved and the last one she'll ever love as well. The one who still made her heart race. She had no doubt in her mind that in another 20 years Eliza will still be the one she runs to, the only one she dreams of. She had no doubt because she knew from the get go that this was it. She always knew she would be her first, her las and her forever.