"The proposal story."

"Oh!" Barbara exclaimed, making all three women jump. They'd had no idea she'd been lurking so closely behind them. "I want to hear the story, too! I bet it was wonderful. Arizona can be such a romantic when she wants to be."

Callie arched an eyebrow in amusement at her statement, catching sight of the scowl that had briefly crossed the younger Robbins woman's face. "Oh, she really can. It was so romantic. Why don't you tell the story, babe?"

"No, you tell it so much better, honey." Arizona shot back challengingly.

"Alright, then." Callie shrugged and grinned. Suddenly Arizona wished that she was telling the story after all. "I mean, where do I even start? Well…" The brunette glanced up and was suddenly very aware of just how many people were looking at her. She swallowed thickly, hating the amount of attention that was trained solely on her. "Uhhh… well… we'd been dating for a while… almost a year and then…"

"I could tell that Calliope was working up to asking me something important." Arizona cut in, a smirk twisting her lips. "She does this thing when she's trying to figure out how to say or suggest something where she just stares at me like some weirdo."

"I do not."

"You so do."

"Right, well, so I was trying to figure out the best way to ask Arizona to marry me, but before I could she got in there first." Callie announced slightly smugly. "I was packing to go to a business meeting in New York and Arizona insisted on helping. She was so annoying and persistent – you must know how she gets? Like a dog with a bone? – that in the end I just gave in and let her."

"Anyway," Arizona frowned at her, "I was packing her bag and I turned around and saw that Callie was–"

"Not doing what she had told me to do. I got distracted watching the TV, instead of finding the right shoes to go with the dress I was planning on wearing. So Arizona got all huffy and told me that she'd get them if I got my stuff from the bathroom. When I got back I saw that there was an open ring box sitting on top of my case and–"

"I asked her to marry me. She said yes. The end." The blonde blurted out, guessing that Callie was going to make up some mushy, overly romantic ending to the story that she really didn't want to deal with. "That's it, that's what happened."

There was a pause before anyone spoke. Then Barbara let out a soft sob, Teddy wrapping an arm around her shoulders and grinning at the two women who were standing awkwardly in front of them. Callie glanced sideways at Arizona and spotted the slightly wary expression in her eyes. As she turned back to look at the older woman on the couch, she bit her lip anxiously.

"That's such a lovely story." Barbara hiccupped. "It's so like Arizona to make sure she got in there before you. She's so bossy. I can completely imagine the whole scenario."

"Uhh, thanks, Mom?"

"Give her a kiss!" Someone shouted from the other side of the room.

Arizona turned to fix whoever it was with a glare, deciding that there was absolutely nothing that she wanted to do less at that moment. Realising that the shout had come from one of her old school friends, Cristina, she narrowed her eyes and scowled at her threateningly. The other woman simply laughed and took another gulp of her drink.

"Oh, come on, girls. You don't need to be embarrassed. You're engaged, for goodness sake!" Barbara agreed.

Glancing at Callie for a moment, Arizona chuckled in embarrassment. "OK…"

Grasping the brunette's hand, she raised it to her lips and pressed a quick kiss against the soft skin. At once her mind was filled with questions about how soft the rest of her skin might be and how it would feel to press her lips to other places. Shaking her head slightly, mentally chastising herself for her thoughts, Arizona smiled at her mother.

"Oh, Arizona, honestly." Barbara rolled her eyes.

"Yeah, come on, sis." Timothy joined in teasingly. "Kiss her like you mean it."

As he started up a chant of 'kiss her', his eyes flashing with glee at his sister's obvious embarrassment, Arizona huffed. "Fine!"

A quickly and clinically as possible, the blonde placed a chaste kiss on the other woman's lips. Callie avoided her eyes as they pulled apart and Arizona arched an eyebrow challengingly at her brother, as though daring him to complain.

"Oh, come on, Robbins." Cristina called from across the room again. "That was lame. I know you can do better than that."

"Yeah, listen to Yang." Timothy agreed. "Kiss her properly!"

Arizona huffed again and turned to face Callie, her eyes seeking out the brunette's and silently asking permission. Seeing a similar wariness to how she was feeling reflected back at her, Arizona stepped closer. She tentatively placed one hand on Callie's waist and used the other to cup her jaw, bringing her face closer to her own. Their breath mingled between them for a moment before Callie closed the gap and sealed her lips over Arizona's.

After a split second the awkwardness melted away and Arizona realised that she was enjoying the kiss more than she'd enjoyed a kiss for a very long time. She had to almost force herself to step backwards, her eyes meeting Callie's as they pulled apart. If she wasn't very much mistaken, the brunette hadn't entirely hated it either.

"Oh, girls!" Barbara pulled them both into a hug a split second later, holding them tightly and muttering about how happy she was for them.

By the time they'd managed to extricate themselves from Barbara's grip and done the rounds of congratulations, the party was starting to wind down. Leaving Callie with Teddy – pretty sure that her friend wouldn't embarrass her or her fake fiancée too much – Arizona went in search of her daughter. She knew that Sofia had been playing with some of the local children and wasn't too concerned about her whereabouts, but it was getting late and it had definitely passed her bedtime.

"You completely stole my thunder in there, little sis." Timothy groused teasingly, making his sister jump as she stepped out onto the porch. "I was totally going to propose to Teddy this weekend."

"What?" Arizona's eyes lit up in delight at her brother's admission. "You were? That's awesome Tim! You have to do it anyway."

"What? No! I can't propose to Teds after you announce your engagement… that's like… like she's a second thought."

His sister rolled her eyes and dropped down beside him on the swing seat. "No it's not. Besides, you and Teddy are couple goals. You need to put a ring on that before she manages to get away from you."

"Rude." There was a long pause. "You sure you know what you're doing, Z?"

"What?"

"With this girl? She seems…" Timothy sighed. "She seems nice and all, but…"

"She's… honestly, Tim, she's hard work." Arizona admitted. "But she's amazing. I know everyone thinks that she only got her job because her dad is CEO, but Callie works so hard to earn her position. She genuinely loves her job and she puts everything she has into it."

"Mmm… that's what I'm worried about."

"Huh?"

"Arizona, her job clearly means everything to her… does it mean more to her than you do?"

His sister blushed. "No, of course not."

"Really? I just don't want to see you and Sof getting hurt."

"We won't."

"You sound pretty sure of that."

"I am." Arizona assured him. "I know what I'm doing, Tim."

"If you say so."

"So… you're still going to propose to Teddy this weekend, right? That would be so awesome. Can you imagine how happy Mom would be?"

"What would I be happy about?"

They both glanced around, matching guilty expressions on their faces, as Barbara stepped out onto the porch with Callie and Teddy in tow. The blonde arched an eyebrow at her boyfriend and his sister, an amused smirk tugging at her lips, while the brunette just looked completely bemused by everything that was going on around her.

"I was suggesting that Tim and Teds started thinking about kids." Arizona announced, shocking everyone. "Sofia needs some cousins and you'd love more grandchildren, right, Mom?"

"I'd love some!" Barbara gushed, her face lighting up in delight. "You and Callie could think about giving Sofia some siblings, too."

At that comment, Arizona's smirk dropped immediately from her face and Callie looked at little green. Timothy laughed, nudging his sister in the shoulder and muttering something about karma, before getting up and moving to throw an arm around Teddy's shoulders. They said goodnight and headed into the house, leaving the fake couple alone with Barbara.

"Sofia's fast asleep." The older Robbins announced, apparently not noticing the tension that had suddenly descended. "She was exhausted – must be all the travelling and the excitement. Come on, I'll show you to your room."

"I remember where it is, Mom, it hasn't been that long." Arizona muttered, rolling her eyes.

"Don't get all huffy with me, young lady." Her mother warned, before turning to Callie. "She still gets grouchy when she's tired, then? How do you cope with it?"

"It's a nightmare." Callie replied, smirking at the blonde behind her mother's back. She looked around at the room they'd been ushered into. "This is lovely, Mrs Robbins."

"Barbara, please. Now, there are extra towels and linens in the closet over there if you need them. Oh and there's this, too…"

"Mom, no!"

"We call this the baby maker." The older woman chuckled, holding out a brightly patterned blanket in her daughter's direction.

Arizona pulled a face and gingerly took hold of a corner between her thumb and index finger. "Yeah, pretty sure the magic will not work here. Either way…" She flung the blanket into the far corner with a look of complete and utter distaste. Then something seemed to occur to her. "Hey! Why didn't you give that to Tim and Teddy?"

Her face lightening up at the idea, Barbara scooped it up and folded it neatly over her arm. "Excellent idea, Arizona!"

"Umm…" Callie rubbed the back of her neck awkwardly. "Where's Arizona's room?"

Barbara laughed. "Oh, Callie, dear. We're under no illusions about the fact that you and Arizona share a bed. Just make yourselves at home and we'll see you in the morning."

She backed out of the room, waving cheerfully at the two women. They exchanged a look, before mumbling about getting ready for bed and silently going about their night time routines. Arizona waited impatiently for Callie to finish in the bathroom, folding her arms over her chest and staring up at the ceiling bad temperedly. It had been her idea to be chivalrous, offering to sleep on the floor and let Callie have her bed, but that didn't mean she had to like it very much.

"Umm… I'm coming out, now." Callie announced, peering through the crack in the bathroom door.

"Great, get on with it. I wanna go to sleep."

With a huffing sound, the Latina slipped out of the bathroom and made her way quickly across the room. Arizona arched an eyebrow at the almost indecently short, silky pyjama shorts and matching cami that Callie was wearing. The cream colour showed off her flawless tanned skin beautifully and it really didn't leave a lot to the imagination. Arizona felt herself growing hot at the images that flashed through her mind and she mentally kicked herself yet again.

"You really chose to bring those pyjamas?"

"I was supposed to be in a hotel room on my own." Callie pointed out grumpily.

"Can we just go to sleep, please?" Arizona muttered.

"Fine."

For a little while there was just the sound of Callie tossing and turning on the bed. Arizona stared up at the ceiling and wondered how long it would take for the brunette to mention the fact that the drapes were still open and light was streaming into the room. Hearing Callie huffing loudly and muttering something in Spanish, Arizona wasn't disappointed.

"Looks like I'm not going to be getting much sleep tonight, then. It's way too bright in here, how do you even–?"

Smirking, the blonde pressed a button on the remote beside her and the drapes automatically began to close, blocking out the light completely. She waited for a moment, until a begrudging thank you met her ears. Then she turned over and closed her eyes, wondering what fresh hell tomorrow would bring.

The morning came all too soon. Arizona groaned as the sound of ringing met her ears, along with Callie hissing her name and asking where her cell phone was. Reminding her that it was in her bag where it always was, the blonde pulled the blanket up over her head and groaned loudly, making it very clear that the other woman should take her call somewhere else and leave her alone.

Callie frowned at the blanket covered, Arizona-shaped lump on the floor as she tiptoed out of the bedroom and down the stairs. Securing the belt around the robe she'd found on a chair in Arizona's room, she pulled on some boots as she did her best to placate the man on the other end of the call.

"Yes, Derek, I know. It's a very big event… I know!" She did her best to keep her temper under control. "I did organise it so I know what's at stake. Yeah, I just… I'm stuck in the middle of nowhere Alaska until Monday morning… yes! Please just try and keep Ms Johansson happy. I have no idea either, but…"

"Callie?"

The brunette let out a small scream at the sight of the little girl standing directly in front of her. "Sofia… oh… hi?"

"Why are you outside?"

"I'm on an important phone call, sweetie." Callie smiled at her, forcing herself to stay calm. "Give me ten minutes and I'll–"

"Who are you talking to?"

"Someone I work with. It's important, so–"

"Do they work with Mommy, too?"

"Uhhh yeah?"

"Will you come inside and play that princesses game with me again? You're the best at the voices… even better than Mommy. Don't tell her though or she'll be upset."

"When I'm done here I'd love to play with you, I promise, Sof."

"When are you and Mommy getting married?"

Callie inhaled sharply. "Listen, honey, I need to take this call and then I'll–"

"Can I be flower girl?" Sofia asked, not getting the hint that the woman didn't have time to speak to her at the moment. "Mommy said I could, but it's your wedding too, right?"

"Sofia! Not now!"

There was a moment of silence and then the five-year-old's face crumpled. Callie felt absolutely terrible as she started to cry, her tiny body shaking as she sobbed. Biting her lip, the Latina quickly ended the call, promising Derek that she'd phone him back as soon as she could, before turning her full attention on the little girl. She floundered for a moment, not sure what to do to make the situation better.

"Sofia? Sofia, honey, I'm so sorry I shouted." She apologised quickly, crouching down to her level. "I really am. I didn't mean it."

"Mommy never shouts at me."

"I'm so, so sorry." Callie told her, tentatively reaching out to rub her arm. She was taken aback when Sofia threw herself at her, knocking her onto her butt on the grass. "Hey, it's OK, sweetie."

It took a moment for Callie to realise what had just happened. As Sofia had barrelled into her and sent her flying, she had accidently launched her cell phone across the lawn. Before she had time to do anything about that, an eagle had swooped out of nowhere and scooped it up in its talons.

"No, no, no!" Callie was on her feet at once, running across the grass after the bird. "Come back you little shit! I need that! Give it back!"

Sofia, tears forgotten immediately, laughed delightedly and pointed at her. "You said a naughty word!"

Eyes widening, Callie turned to look at her quickly. "Maybe you could not mention that to your mom? She'll kick my ass…"

The little girl put her hands on her hips and narrowed her eyes. "What's in it for me?"

Callie blinked, shocked by her response. "Uhhh… you can be flower girl?"

"I'm already flower girl. What else?"

"I'll take you for ice cream?"

"All the flavours?"

"Whatever you want." Callie promised.

"Yay!" Sofia launched herself at the older brunette again.

This time Callie was ready for her and caught the five-year-old easily in her arms. She swung Sofia onto her hip and smiled, unable to help herself being drawn in to the child's infectious laughter. Despite her colouring being the complete opposite of her mother's, Sofia really was the image of Arizona – right down to the dimples that popped in each cheek when she beamed as brightly as she was doing at that moment.

"Hey? What's going on out here?" Arizona asked, padding towards them across the lawn and looking between the pair in bemusement.

"Hi, Mommy!" Sofia immediately wiggled so that Callie would put her down and ran towards her mother. "Callie promised she'd take me for ice cream… all the flavours!"

"Did she now?" Arizona fixed her eyes on the older brunette, her head tilted slightly to one side. "Well, you'd better go and see Grandma quickly because she's got breakfast started."

While Sofia cheered and rushed away to do as she was told, Arizona continued across the grass to join Callie. The brunette was scowling up at the sky and muttering under her breath in rapid Spanish. It was incredibly hot – not that Arizona was about to admit that.

"What was all that about?"

"Hmm? Oh… just a bit of bonding."

"Callie, I thought I made it perfectly clear that I wouldn't have Sofia dragged into all this. I don't want her getting attached to you and then getting upset when–"

"I know. I'm sorry. She just… she's adorable, Arizona. She's such a great kid and she asked me and… what was I supposed to do? Say no?"

"Well…" The blonde looked a little uncomfortable for a moment, before shrugging.

"Also, an eagle stole my cell phone."

Arizona couldn't help a snort of amusement escaping at that bizarre comment. "I'm sorry?"

"It flew out of my hand when Sofia jumped on me and some scrawny, flying asshole stole it." Callie continued to scowl at the sky, missing the way Arizona desperately bit her lips together to stop herself laughing at the situation. "What the hell am I going to do? I need that phone!"

"It's fine, calm down."

"How am I supposed to calm down? You know how much–"

"We'll just order you a new phone, same number, then go collect it from town tomorrow." Arizona informed her evenly. "It's not a problem, Calliope."

The brunette opened and closed her mouth a couple of times, clearly looking for the issue in her assistant's plan. "Well… can't we collect it today?"

"Not today, no."

"Why not? I need–"

"Well, A, because there's no way we can get same day delivery of a cell phone to Sitka. And, B, you've got plans for today."

"I do?" Callie frowned in bemusement. "What plans?"

"Mom and Teddy have arranged a whole, wonderful day out for you."

As her face fell and she gazed at the blonde nervously, Arizona was amused to see that her boss actually looked a little afraid. "Doing what? Arizona, I'm not sure this is a good idea. What are they planning? You can't leave me alone with them!"

She laughed in response. "They're not going to do anything terrible to you, Calliope. They actually, for some strange reason, seem to like you."

"Well, thanks for the vote of confidence."

"You'll be fine." Arizona waved her hand dismissively.

"Arizona…"

"Now, come on, give me a hug." She ordered, stepping into the Latina's personal space and holding out her arms. "They're watching us from the kitchen window, so we need to make them think this isn't totally weird and fucked up."

Grudgingly, Callie allowed her to wrap her in a tight embrace. After a moment, she found herself melting into Arizona's arms, unable to ignore how natural it felt to be wrapped around the blonde. She closed her eyes, allowing herself to forget that this was fake for a moment. It had been so long since anyone had held her like this and Callie almost wanted to believe that Arizona truly loved her like she was pretending she did.

"Uhhh… well I think that's long enough." The blonde murmured, her breath hot on Callie's ear as she tried to extricate herself.

Callie shivered slightly but stepped backwards, pointedly avoiding meeting the blue eyes that were watching her with something that was close to bemusement. Neither of them said anything for a long moment and Callie was sure she wasn't the only one who felt the crackle of something between them. Her mouth went dry and her breath caught. Biting her lip, she was just considering saying something to break the tension, when Arizona ripped her eyes away, fixing a bright smile on her face and holding out her arms.

A second later, Sofia had thrown herself into them and was beaming between the two women happily. "Grandma made waffles! Do you like waffles, Callie?"

"I love them."

"Oh good." She nodded sharply. "You would have had to eat them anyway, 'cos I told Grandma they were your favourite."

Both women laughed and Arizona started walking back towards the house with her daughter in her arms, leaving Callie to trail behind them. Apparently Sofia knew all about Barbara and Teddy's plans for her and was doing her best to talk her mother into letting her go with them. The fact that Arizona was refusing to be swayed on the matter was deeply concerning Callie. If there really was nothing to worry about, why wouldn't she let the five-year-old accompany her? If nothing else, with Sofia in tow they couldn't get her into anything too terrible.

"Ah, Callie, dear." Barbara beamed at her, doing nothing to stop of feeling of dread rising up inside her. "Eat up… we've got a big day ahead of us."