Chapter 9

The day started out like any other, Callie woke up as the sun came up. Looking at the clock she groaned. Not falling asleep until a few hours ago, she rolled over wrapping herself in Arizona's arm, she closed her eyes and tried to go back to sleep, however her body would have none of it. She was restless, and couldn't figure out why, deciding that her tossing and turning would wake up Arizona, she wiggled out of the hold Arizona had on her and climbed out of bed. Standing next to the bed she looked at the sleeping form, watching her chest rise and fall, she knew Arizona was in deep sleep, when she saw Arizona move then heard her moan, she let out a giggle. Arizona was so adorable when she slept, she moved grabbing Callie's pillow, pulling it closer, she saw a smile appear across Arizona's lips and knew what she was dreaming about. Finding her clothes, Callie pulled her shorts on, then a shirt, making her way to the bathroom. The smell of fresh coffee ran through the house, as she smiled shutting the bathroom door. Walking into the kitchen she paused in the door way. Looking at the only man she had ever loved sitting at the kitchen table, reading the paper, which he'd done so many times in that exact spot, Callie couldn't help but smile as the memories of her childhood came flooding back. She smiled as he looked up with "hi honey"

"morning daddy"

"you're up early" he said setting the paper down and standing up

"yeah" she said as she made her way to the table.

"coffee?"

"please" Callie said sitting down, in the spot she had sat at so many times, as she ran a hand through her messy mane, letting out a sigh.

"is everything alright?" he asked, the concern was evident in his voice, as he set the cup in front of her.

Nodding her thank you, she let out another sigh "honestly I don't know?" she looked up at him "so much is going on I don't even know where to start"

"how about at the beginning" he said sitting down in the chair giving his daughter his undivided attention

"well, Arizona's going to LA on Monday, for an interview with The Voice"

"she's going back on it?" Carlos asked confused, she was already a big hit he didn't understand why she would have to go back on the show that didn't give her the time a day 4 years ago.

"no, well yes, but not as a contestant" she said taking a drink of her coffee "as a judge"

"wow, that's a big honor"

"I know it is and I'm happy for her" she said looking down at the coffee mug she was now playing with

"what's the problem then?"

"I don't want to go" she said looking him in the eye "I have my job, I can't leave for however long it takes to film the season"

"I'm sure it can't take that long"

"I don't know daddy" she sighed again

"there's something else bothering you isn't there"

"well" she said getting herself ready for the conversation she was about to have "I had an interview with an editor from Minneapolis a couple weeks back"

"that's good honey"

"you'd think I'd be excited, but I just can't find it in me. They loved my book, and we are in the process of getting it bound, but I just don't know if that is what I want to do" she said looking up at her dad.

"Callie, you're still young" he said putting his hand over hers "you have the rest of your life ahead of you. Make it clear to them that you don't know if you can write another book"

"I haven't signed anything long term, they just want to get this book bound, honestly they didn't sound too promising" Callie sighed

"I guess I'm confused, I don't understand what you are worried about?"

"Richard is selling The Coffee House" she blurted out

"that I did not see coming" Carlos looked down

"neither did I"

"who is he selling too?"

"well, he hasn't made up his mind yet, but some big-name franchise has been after it for a while"

"wow, you think he'll sell out?"

"I want to say no, but I don't know" Callie said looking up again "Arizona and I talked to him about buying it"

"that'd be good for you"

"so, she wants to go do The Voice, crunching the numbers, we'd be able to do it right now, but that would drain our savings"

"wow" Carlos said sitting back in his chair
"and we don't want to take out a loan, Arizona wants it to be ours out right, no strings attached."

"can't blame her there" Carlos smiled looking up when he heard a noise to see Arizona standing in the doorway

"hi" Arizona said shyly, not wanting to interrupt a father daughter moment

"morning baby" Callie said softly looking at her wife who was still standing in the door way

"I didn't mean to interrupt" Arizona said softly as she walked to the counter for a cup of coffee

"you aren't" Callie said looking at her dad who smiled and nodded

"are you excited for today?" Carlos asked trying to change the mood in the room

"I am" Arizona said walking over to Callie as she placed a kiss on her cheek "I'm going to step outside for a smoke"

"ok" Callie said with a smile as they watched Arizona head outside.

"she really loves you"

"I know, and I love her"

"let her go, she'll be back before you know it"

"you sure?" Callie said looking at her dad

"yes, I'm sure" he said standing up. "I have somethings I need to take care of before the party so I'm going to go get cleaned up"

"alright daddy, thanks for the talk"

"anytime" he said leaning down to kiss his daughter, then left the room. Callie let out a sigh, as her she looked out the patio door watching Arizona outside.

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"we want to thank everyone for coming out and celebrating with Callie and I" Arizona said in the mic

"yes thank you" Callie smiled looking at Arizona

"I do have a surprise for Callie" Arizona said meeting Callie's eyes "if you'd go sit with the rest of the family" she added motioning to where everyone was sitting. As Callie nodded with a smile Arizona ushered her off the small stage they had set up. Standing back in front of her band she turned to them, smiled and nodded as the music started she turned around singing.

When I am sitting in traffic some afternoon
Or bored to death in some waiting room
I am gonna close my eyes and picture you
Today

You keep brushing that hair back out of your eyes
And it just keeps falling and so do I
I'm feeling like the luckiest girl alive
Today

And I don't know about tomorrow
Right now the whole world feels right
And the memory of a day like today
Can get you through the rest of your life

I know it won't always be like this
Life can change as quick as a kiss
It's not over yet and I already miss
Today

And I don't know about tomorrow
Right now the whole world is right
And the memory of a day like today
Can get you through the rest of your life

And as the seasons change and time goes by
When your hair is gray and so is mine
I know for sure that you're gonna be
Just as beautiful as you are to me
Today

Bring on tomorrow
I've got today
Bring on tomorrow
I've got today
Bring on tomorrow
Right now the whole world is right
Bring on tomorrow
Because the memory of a day like today
Can get your through the rest of your life

As she sang she locked eyes with Callie, watching her close as she sang the words from her heart. She saw the tears start to flow, trying hard not to start crying herself. Singing and crying didn't go well together she found that out first hand a few years ago, blinking the thoughts away a smile appeared on her face. Arizona knew she didn't want to be anywhere other than where she was at. Callie was her world and she would do anything for her. As the song came to an end she just stared at Callie, replacing the mic on the stand she hopped down off the stage wrapping a still sobbing Callie in her arms she whispered, "I love you" before placing a kiss on her lips.

"I love you too, that song was amazing"

"I wrote it for you" Arizona pulled back, so she could look Callie in the eye

"I figured, I've never heard it, and I have all your albums" Callie said shyly, as she admitted her secret, as Arizona held her tight.

"hi everybody" a voice came over the speakers "those of you who don't know who I am. I am Arizona's manager April"

"you're also my wife" Teddy hollered from the table, in her not so sober state

"what? wife?" Arizona asked confused throwing Teddy a look

"shit" Teddy said softly looking up at April

"Arizona let me finish and we'll explain" April said into the mic

"you damn well better" Arizona said not looking happy

"sit down sissy" Teddy said motioning to the chair next to Callie. Arizona did just that but not before giving her sister a dirty look.

"alright, um, as it was just pointed out, I'm also Teddy's wife" April said looking at Arizona, sending up a prayer to whatever god was listening that she wouldn't be too pissed at them for not telling her sooner "I just wanted to say I'm honored to be part of your life, and I wish you the best in whatever the future has in store for the two of you. Callie you're one lucky lady" she said holding up her glass "to Arizona and Callie"

"to Arizona and Callie" the crowd said joining in on the toast

"thank you" Arizona and Callie both said with a smile kissing each other "alright" Arizona said looking at Teddy "spill"

"spill what?" Teddy asked acting innocent, lifting her glass taking a long drink

"Theodora, do not play dumb with me, I am the one person who knows you better than you know yourself" Arizona said looking at her sister, Teddy sat there staring at her, knowing that was the truth.

"when did you get married?" Callie asked knowing she had to have some part in this

"um" Teddy said looking for April who hadn't quite made it back to the group yet

"we're in trouble, aren't we?" April asked seeing the distressed look on Teddy's face

"well maybe, if someone doesn't start talking" Arizona said looking between the two

"Arizona, honey calm down" Barbara said over the table "they have a good reason as to why they didn't tell you"

"you knew about this?" Arizona almost yelled

"we just found out a few days ago" Barbara said feeling ashamed that she kept the secret

"so I'm the only one who didn't know my sister and my best friend got married" Arizona scoffed shaking her head.

"I thought I was your best friend" Teddy said trying to lighten the mood, but knew it wasn't working when Arizona gave her the look "whoa shit" she said stepping back. She knew that look, it was the same one her dad gave whenever she was in trouble

"Arizona, we didn't tell you because we didn't want to take away from this" April said finally coming to Teddy's rescue

Looking at Callie who gave her the I'm ok with it look she shrugged her shoulders and said "hey, we already had our day, this is just a party celebrating"

Taking a deep breath, she let a smile appear on her face "I'm not mad you got married, I'm happy for you two, what I'm mad about is that you didn't tell me, and I wasn't there" Arizona paused walking up to her sister "I'm your sister, I would have loved to be standing next to you"

"I'm sorry Zo" Teddy said looking in Arizona's eyes

"we wanted to tell you" April said walking up behind them "but we didn't want to take away from this" she added waving her hand around

Taking a deep breath Arizona said with a smile "you sure you can handle her?"

"I sure as hell want to try" April said looking at Teddy the same way Callie looks at Arizona

"I'll be good" Teddy said returning the look that Callie had seem many times on Arizona's face.

"I think they're good baby" Callie said leaning on Arizona's shoulder

"I think so too" Arizona said kissing Callie's cheek, turning to her and saying "I have an idea I'll be right back" as she jumped up on the stage again talking to the band for a minute as they all gave her hugs, after all it was her band. She wanted them to celebrate with them, but they insisted on playing. Agreeing to take a lot of breaks to party. Grabbing the mic "can I have everyone's attention" as everyone's eyes were glued to Arizona she began "I was just informed that my sister, who has always been my best friend, got married last week. Now that the initial shock has worn off, I just wanted to say congrats. April, I don't know how you did it but you're one lucky lady, and I want to say welcome to the family officially" she said holding up her glass "too Teddy and April" as everyone repeated Arizona's actions. As Arizona handed the mic to the singer the band hired for the night. She hopped off the stage, as the band started playing. "this song is for you, Arizona and Callie"

As the music started Arizona took Callie's hand and led her onto the dance floor. Nodding to Teddy and April to come join them. After all the song was meant for a first dance. Arizona recognized the song as her favorite Keith Urban song and smiled, she had always said she wanted it to be their first dance song, April must have told the band, or maybe she did, she couldn't remember. Dancing around in circles she softly sang in Callie's ear.

There were nights where I was sure
I wouldn't see the morning sun
And there were days that seemed so dark
I couldn't wait for night to come
I couldn't stand to think about how
My life used to be
And how without a single warning
It all slipped away from me
Like a fool I thought I could fight
The shadows on my own
To the dark I was no stranger
But this was stronger than I'd known
And by the time I knew that I was in too deep I'd gone too far
And the light that used to guide me
Had faded from my heart
And I found myself in places I thought I'd never go
Surrounded by strangers I was so far away from home
And I don't know how you found me
All I know is I owe everything to you
Yes I do

And I thank you for my heart
I thank you for my life
And I thank god for grace and mercy
And that you became my wife
I'm seeing for the first time
The stars, the sun and moon
But they've got nothing on the power
Of this love I have for you
And I thank you, thank you

Now people say they'll stand beside you
They swear they'll never leave
But when the rain started falling
You know it only fell on me
And it was hard to keep believing in myself
When all I felt was so much pain and guilt and shame
I couldn't even ask for help
I don't know if I believe in other lives
But when you came
There was something so familiar
About the way you said my name
And the whole world started turning
And I swear that I'd been born again brand new
And it's all because of you

And I've seen so many things
That I just can't explain
But the miracle of miracles is how
With your love I was saved

And I thank you for my heart
I thank you for my life
I thank god for grace and mercy
And that you became my wife
The day I started breathing
Was the day you took my hand
And 'til the day I die
Baby
I'll forever be your friend
And I thank you, I thank you

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"Zo, can we give you our present now?" Teddy asked excitedly

"we were wanting to wait until tomorrow to open them" Callie said looking at Arizona who nodded and said, "sure why not"

"ok" Teddy said looking at April who had the envelope tucked under her arm

"here you go, this is from all of us" April handed it to Callie

"go ahead open it" Arizona smiled

"holy shit, baby look" Callie said excitedly

"I see" Arizona said smiling looking up at her sister

"baby, we're going storm chasing" Callie said excitedly

"yes, you are" Teddy said almost as excited as Callie

"how did" Arizona was cut off by Teddy

"I said it was from all of us, me and April, mom and dad, and Carlos"

"so literally all of you" Arizona said looking around at the crowd that had gathered

"thank you" Callie said wrapping her arms around Teddy and whispered "I know it was your idea" Teddy smiled "I just wanted it to be perfect"

"it was, now get off my wife" Arizona said pulling Callie off Teddy

"you are so funny; I have my own now remember" Teddy said putting her arm around April

"how could I forget" Arizona said looking at them with a smile. "I expect details later, but right now, let's party" taking the envelope out of Callie's hand and handing it to her mom for safe keeping, she grabbed Callie's hand and led her onto the dance floor.

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"oh my god, I'm so beat" Callie said plopping down on the couch once they got home

"yeah, I'm drunk" Arizona said almost falling on top of her but managed to somehow not land on Callie.

"yeah you are" Callie said brushing a strand of hair out of Arizona's face "but you're still beautiful"

"so are you" Arizona said as she placed a soft kiss on Callie's lips as she pushed Callie back on the couch and climbed on top of her, kissing her

"mm" Callie said pulling away "we should finish this upstairs don't want to give dad a heart attack" Arizona whined not wanting to stand up "come on" Callie said pushing her off on to the floor, giggling as she stood up reaching out for Arizona's hand

"fine" Arizona said taking Callie's hand she knew she wouldn't be able to get up on her own. Grabbing her ass as they climbed the stairs making Callie yelp. Once the door to their room was closed Arizona had Callie pressed up against it. "now you're mine"

"I've always been yours" Callie said pulling Arizona closer with a hot and heavy kiss, that led them to the bed, ripping off each other's clothes on the way. Callie pushed Arizona on the bed climbing on top of her. "always" she whispered just before their lips met again. It was a kiss of love, and passion. Callie slowly moved from Arizona's mouth to her neck, stopping at her pulse point, feeling Arizona's heart racing, marking Arizona as hers, she didn't care that she left a mark, she felt Arizona whimper under her. As she moved, taking a nipple in her mouth, her tongue swirling around the hardened nub. She felt Arizona moan and say a few noncoherent words. Callie smiled to herself, she loved the effect she had on Arizona, even after all this time. Arizona was the one person who completely understood her, she knew there wasn't any other woman out there for her, then the blue-eyed beauty she was making love to. Callie paused pulling back, looking up at Arizona who had her eyes closed, she smiled, as she went for the other nipple, making it hard, she kissed her way down Arizona's quivering stomach. "I can't believe after all this time you still give me butterflies when you kiss me" Arizona said "mm, especially right there" she moaned and bucked, as Callie ventured lower, kissing her way down Arizona's right leg, then up her left, slowing down when she got to her thigh, the musky smell coming from Arizona's wet folds making her mouth water. Callie thought there was no better taste than having her wife come in her mouth. She moaned as she moved higher, taking Arizona's clit in her mouth, alternating between licking, and sucking, she heard Arizona's breathing get quicker, feeling her muscles tighten, she moved herself lower sticking her tongue, as deep as she could inside Arizona, as Arizona fell over the edge, letting the sweet nectar Callie had been waiting to taste flow out of her, as she called out Callie's name.

Songs in this chapter are Today by Brad Paisley and Thank you by Keith Urban.