"Do you have your dress and tights for the grand opening tomorrow?" Arizona asked Sofia while putting her clothes for Maria's house in the tiny rainbow travel suitcase. Sofia laid the dress on the bed next to Arizona and whined, "Do I have to wear tights?" Callie stood in the doorway and shook her head at the everlasting tight debate and suggested, "How about we compromise? You wear the dress and tights for the ceremony, then you can change afterward when you go to the day care." Arizona sent her girlfriend a grateful smile then turned to her daughter and asked, "How's that?" Sofia sighed heavily, she knew her mommy was already nervous about the opening and it was just a stupid pair of tights. Plodding to her dresser, she took out the scratchy, uncomfortable, stupid tights handed them to her mommy and agreed, "Okay, but only for the ceremony." Arizona kissed the top of her daughter's head and murmured "Thank you, big girl." She put the tights in the small suitcase, zipped it up and handed the case and the dress to Callie and whispered, "Thank you." Callie winked and responded, "Crisis averted." She turned to her daughter and declared, "Okay, your ride leaves in ten minutes, make sure you have everything else you need. Grab your toothbrush and…" Sofia huffed again; both of her parents were acting weird today. She tried not to sound frustrated so she didn't get into trouble, smiled and said, "We already packed it. Can we go now? I'm ready." She needed to get away from this craziness.
Callie looked to Arizona and offered, "I'll be right back." She bent down to kiss her cheek and whispered, "There's a little present for you on the bed. Make sure you pack it." She winked, grinned mischievously then called to their daughter, "Let's go little miss." Once they were in the garage, Callie unlocked the doors, placed the dress and the suitcase in the backseat and when Sofia started to climb in as well, she looked to the little girl and suggested, "Why don't you ride up front today?" Though she was of legal height and age, both women felt safer with their daughter in the backseat, but once in a while they allowed her to ride in the front. Today was one of those days because Callie had to talk to her daughter and her stomach was already in knots. Sofia's smile was huge and she asked, "Really?" Callie nodded and the little girl ran to the other side of the car before her mama could change her mind. She didn't mind riding in the back seat when she had a friend or both of her parents were in the car, but it felt weird with just one of them.
Once they were on the road, Sofia noticed her mama kept glancing at her and biting her bottom lip. She knew that meant she was nervous or worried about something. Maybe she had some bad news to tell her and that's why she asked her to sit in the front seat. She couldn't help but have a sick feeling in her tummy. Both of her moms were acting strange, but she knew they weren't fighting because she caught them kissing in the kitchen earlier and mama's hand was on mommy's butt. She knew by the way they jumped apart she wasn't supposed to see that. But even if they weren't fighting, something was happening. The last time her mama looked nervous like this, she told her they were moving to New York with Penny. After her mama looked at her for the bajillionth time, Sofia reached out and took her mama's hand in her little hand like she'd seen her mommy do and asked, "Is something wrong mama?" Her mama seemed to relax when she asked that and she smiled, not her big happy smile, but a real smile and it made her relax too. Callie held her daughter's hand and declared, "No baby girl nothing's wrong, in fact everything is amazing. It's just…mama's been keeping a secret from you and mommy and well…today's the day I'm going to tell mommy, but I think you should know first so you can help." Sofia furrowed her brow and asked, "Is it a surprise?" Sofia noticed that this time her mama smiled her really special smile when she revealed, "It's a huge surprise." Sofia had a bad feeling about this, shook her head and declared almost scolding, "You know mommy doesn't like surprises." Callie nodded and replied, "I know, but something tells me she will like this one." Sofia felt a little upset that her mama didn't even tell her the secret, tilted her head and asked sadly, "Why didn't you tell me the secret?" Callie heard the tone in her daughter's voice, she was worried she'd feel left out so she said honestly, "I didn't tell you because I wanted it to be a surprise for you too and it's SO BIG and I think you would be super excited and you'd want to share the secret or let it slip by accident."
Sofia thought about what her mama said for a minute and knew she was right, sometimes she just couldn't hold her secrets in, especially the good ones and she was a really bad liar. Looking up towards her mama she asked, "So are you going to tell me now?" Callie nodded and asked, "Do you know that party mommy and I are going to tonight?" Sofia nodded her head and answered, "Yes, the one where you have to wear black and white." Callie asked, "And do you remember that day you went to try on dresses with mommy and the lady measured you and let you try on a dress too?" Sofia smiled, she really liked that, it made her feel special and she excitedly responded, "Yes, that was really fun and the dress was so pretty." Callie explained, "Well the party we are going to isn't really a party. Well, it is, but it's not the kind of party mommy thinks it is. I have planned a surprise wedding for mommy and the dress you tried on is your flower girl dress for the wedding." Sofia's jaw dropped and she stared at her mama. This was a HUGE surprise. Now she was really happy she didn't know about it. There's no way she couldn't tell someone. Sofia really couldn't think of what to say. She was so happy and so excited but one thing stuck out and she asked, "I…I get to be in your wedding?" Callie smiled, squeezed her daughter's hand and answered, "You do." Sofia shook her head and asked, "It's today? You're getting married today?" Callie nodded, "This evening, but yes, today." Callie pulled into Maria's driveway and furrowed her brow, she wasn't getting much from her daughter and worried she was upset by the idea.
Putting her car in park, she glanced over to see Sofia holding her hands over her mouth and tears running down her face. She quickly unfastened both seatbelts and pulled her daughter into her lap and asked, "Why are you crying? I thought this would make you happy." Sofia looked up at her mama, her eyes glistening with tears and she asked, "We…we're going to be a real family again? Mommy will be your wife? Nobody's moving?" Callie pulled her daughter even closer to her chest and fought the pang of guilt she felt and promised, "We are going to be a real family again. Nobody is ever moving or walking away unless we choose to go together." Sofia let out a shrill shriek and threw her arms around her mama's neck hugging her tightly. Not sure it was real, she pulled back, grasped both of Callie's cheeks in her hands and asked, "Today? You're getting married today?" Callie nodded her head as best she could and Sofia wiggled out of her arms, jumped out of the car and started dancing around Maria's front lawn yelling, "My mommies are getting married!"
Callie laughed at her daughter's antics and Maria came out of the house proclaiming, "I'm sorry she took it so poorly." Both women laughed and Callie sucked in a deep breath and responded, "Let's just hope her mommy takes it well." Maria could see Callie was struggling to stay calm, grabbed her by the shoulders, looked her in the eyes and said, "Cal, since the day we met, you have been talking about this woman. Just the look on your face, the smile, the sparkle in your eyes, when you hear her name or think about her, tells anyone who knows you that you are head over heals in love with her. You have loved her for ten years. When she first said she was coming, I won't lie, I was scared to death your heart would be broken and we'd find you drowning in a bottle again. But the moment I laid eyes on her, heard the way she defended you, watched how she cared for our patients, and saw the way she looked at you, I knew. I knew because she has the same look, she gets the same smile, just like yours, her love never died. If ever two people belonged together, it's you two. You've both finally figured it out at the same time. This is your time. She will love everything about this day and will be so in love with you for doing this that she won't even think about it being a surprise. So get your ass in your car, go get your girlfriend, make her your fiancé, then marry her!" Callie took a deep calming breath, looked at her friend and said sincerely, "Thank you. You're right." Maria nodded and agreed, "I'm always right. Now go before you're late for your own surprise." Callie's eyes bulged as she looked at her watch, took Sofia's things out of the car, then called her daughter over for a hug and told her Maria would explain everything to her and make sure she was all ready for the wedding.
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Not wanting to appear too anxious, Arizona waited until she saw Callie's SUV pull out of the driveway then rushed to their bedroom to find her present. She already figured what it would be but couldn't help but smile when she saw two small boxes from a high end lingerie boutique sitting on her side of the bed. Opening the first box, she almost gasped at the sheer beauty of it. She reached down and carefully lifted the garment by its thin silk straps and revealed a white baby doll lingerie set with a plunging neckline, silk and floral lace cups that flow seamlessly into a sheer mesh nighty with a floral scalloped lace bodice that forms the shape of a 'V' to accentuate her curves perfectly and ends at the top of her thighs with silk and floral lace trim. Looking into the box, she felt a little thrill when she saw the matching G-string. This was slightly different than their normal taste, but it was certainly gorgeous and made her feel just a little bit dirty. Running her fingers over the soft fabric once more, she carefully placed it back in its box.
Reaching for the next box, she wondered what it could be. She was almost certain Callie hadn't chosen lingerie for herself. When she opened the top, she realized how wrong she was and could feel the moisture pooling in her center at just the thought of seeing Callie in this. Apparently she was continuing the black and white theme for their evening together. Arizona lifted the black sheer silk and lace longline bustier and set it aside to inspect the matching boy shorts and felt a little shiver run down her spine when she realized they were crotchless. Callie was most definitely going for sexy as well as romantic. Her entire body tingled just thinking about their after party activities. With all the hormones she'd been taking, her libido had skyrocketed and when she and Callie were in the same room, all she could think about was stripping her naked and having her way with her…times ten, since that's usually what she thought about anyway.
Arizona added both boxes to their combined overnight bag, double checked it to make sure she had extra hosiery, they both had undergarments, and an extra outfit for after the ceremony. Though she would be changing directly into scrubs, she knew she wouldn't want to change back into her dress after a long day of mingling and surgery. Once she zipped up the bag, she went into the closet to pull out the garment bag that already contained their shoes and outfits for tomorrow and laid it on top of the suitcase. She immediately relaxed when she felt soft lips graze her neck and strong arms wrap around her from behind and leaned into the toned body. She tilted her head so plump lips could continue their exploration of her neck and let out a soft moan. Just that little touch had her on edge. Callie licked up the side of Arizona's neck and lightly sucked at the sensitive spot right behind her ear taking extra care not to leave a mark. She swayed them back and forth and asked, "Did you find your little surprise?" Arizona rolled her head to the other side indicating she wanted her girlfriend to continue her ministrations and responded lazily, "Mmm they are gorgeous. How about we just skip the gala and go straight to the baby making?" Callie arched her brow in interest, knowing in any normal situation, she would be all for it, but not tonight. Callie continued kissing and nipping at the sleek pale neck and suggested, "Or, we could go early, take a long hot bath in that amazing double-size tub, maybe get a little practice in before we get ready." Arizona turned in her arms, kissed her softly on the lips and agreed, "Mmm, that sounds even better. I just need to grab our toiletries out of the bathroom." Callie nodded, tapped her on the hip when she went to walk away and watched her wince in pain.
Instantly dropping to her knees, Callie kissed the tender spot and offered, "I'm so sorry baby. Is it still sore?" Arizona pulled Callie to her feet and answered, "Just a little, but it's so worth it." Callie pulled Arizona closer, kissed her forehead and said sincerely, "It is worth it, I just hate the idea that I hurt you with that trigger shot." Arizona smirked and retorted, "Well if this works, I'm going to be in a lot more pain than this before we're done." Callie frowned for a minute thinking about the pain Arizona would be in, then realized she meant childbirth and her gorgeous mega-watt smile bloomed across her face. Arizona knew why her girlfriend was smiling like that, but reached down, pinched her hip, and teased, "I don't think I like the fact that you are smiling at the idea of me being in more pain." Callie shook her head and instantly assured her, "No, no, I don't want you in any pain, I was just…ah thinking of the end result. After the pain." Arizona wrapped her arms around Callie's neck and soothed, "I know what you meant. I just had to give you a hard time. Just the thought, the idea that it could be tonight and by this time next year, we could be holding our baby, it makes me smile so much."
Callie started to say something, then shook her head as she thought better of it. Arizona furrowed her brow and asked, "What? Tell me." Callie blushed and explained, "I just…I read this thing once that some religions or cultures, they believe that our loved ones who have passed on guide new souls into the world and I was thinking that maybe he's up there with our baby's soul…I don't know you probably think it's silly or ridiculous." Arizona tilted her head to contemplate what Callie said. She knew this was important to Callie it wasn't just a theory to her, but she also knew she couldn't lie to her, and honestly admitted, "I believe that you believe that the moment a baby is conceived it has a soul and if I was a woman of faith, I'd like to think that theory was true. I'd like to think that Tim or Nick or Mark or Derek or Lexie are up there caring for our tiny human until it's time to send them to us." Callie smiled, kissed her cheek and replied, "It's a comforting thought." Arizona just hummed in agreement and responded, "I just…I have this feeling. It's like I can see it." Callie wrapped her arm around her girlfriend and murmured, "I can see it too. Thank you…for believing in me…for trying to understand my beliefs." Arizona took both of her hands and declared, "I've always believed in you. I haven't always shown it, but I do." Callie kissed her softly, pulled her close and could only think how this evening couldn't come fast enough because she needed to know this woman was hers for the rest of her life.
Arizona pulled back and said, "I'll go get that bag." Callie nodded, quickly pulled out her phone and sent a mass text message giving their ETA and warning everyone to make themselves scarce. Callie doublechecked everything Arizona had packed and picked it up to carry it out to the car. Fortunately, when Arizona agreed to spending the evening in the hotel, they decided to have their outfits and accessories sent to the hotel to make things easier. She just hoped everything got to the right place. Which reminded her to have Jordyn check the dresses and see that they were in the correct rooms. She had just shoved her phone back in her pocket when Arizona came out of the bathroom with their bag of hygiene products and attached it to the handle of their small suitcase declaring, "That's everything except the special box on the table." Callie nodded and exclaimed, "We definitely can't forget that." Both women smiled softly at one another and Arizona led the way through the house, stopping to pick up the package from the Cryobank along the way.
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It was just past 2:00 pm when they pulled in front of The Aria and Callie internally patted herself on the back for both sticking to her timeline and not going into full-blown panic mode. She was 99.99 percent sure Arizona would agree to marrying her again, but she was only about 50 percent sure she would love this surprise. She couldn't think about that though because if she did, she'd freak out and she absolutely couldn't freak out today. Seeing the bellhop exit the lobby, Callie popped the rear door of her vehicle and was immediately greeted, "Good afternoon Dr. Torres. Your belongings will be in The Presidential suite as you requested." Callie turned to the young man and asked, "Could you leave that box there please? We will carry it up ourselves." The man nodded and agreed, "Sure thing, Dr. Torres." He closed the rear door and Callie turned to say something to Arizona when she locked eyes on a short African American woman who was walking through the lobby. She saw the panic in the woman's eyes and watched while she turned and scurried away. Worried Arizona would turn her head and see her, she did the only thing she could think of and pulled the blonde into a long sexy kiss, keeping one eye open to make sure the coast was clear.
Once she broke the kiss, Arizona blinked a couple times to clear her head and whispered, "Wow!" Callie blushed, lifted her hand to the back of her neck, and admitted, "I uh…it's just…you turned and the way the sun hit your face and hair…you just glowed and looked so gorgeous and I couldn't stop myself." She glanced into the lobby, saw that it was empty, then asked, "How about we just leave the car here and I'll drop the keys at the front desk? I can think of a much better way to spend our time." Arizona nodded and she leaned forward to connect their lips again and they both jumped when they heard a tap on the driver's side window. They chuckled at themselves, got out of the car, Callie took the box from the back, handed the valet her keys telling him to park in her reserved spot since she will be staying, and they made their way inside.
Deciding they didn't need anymore close calls; Callie chose to take the private elevator that would take them directly to their room. As they rounded the registration desk, Arizona noticed a tall golden colored easel holding an enlarged sign that was a perfect replica of the invitation they received sitting outside the main ballroom and realized that was probably where they were holding the event. Callie not only noticed the sign but also noticed that Arizona was looking at it and sent a silent thank you to the event coordinator for that little touch, though she knew when they returned, it would say something completely different. Once they finally got to the elevator labeled Presidential, Callie swiped her key card to open the door, guided Arizona inside, and was surprised when she was pulled in and instantly pushed up against the back wall. When the doors closed, Arizona ran her hands up Callie's abdomen, cupped her breast with one hand, while sliding the other up and wrapping it around her strong tan neck, pulling her down to brush their lips together. She sucked and nibbled on a full red lip before gliding her tongue across Callie's, making her moan and wrap her free hand around Arizona's back wasting no time in caressing her firm ass. Both women groaned when they heard the ding of the elevator and as the doors opened, Callie lifted her head in time to see a flash of black, holding a white garment bag running into another room. Arizona was none the wiser until they both heard a crash and a muffled curse.
They stepped out of the elevator and Arizona called out, "Hello, is someone here?" Arizona furrowed her brow in concern and Callie arched her brow in confusion when they heard a woman with a high pitched voice and an unbelievably bad Asian accent respond, "Housekeeping, I fluff pillows, drop box of mints." Arizona started for the room where they heard the noise, but Callie pulled her back, leaned down to suck on her pulse point while unbuttoning her shorts dipping her fingers just inside the waistband of her panties, and suggested, "Let me deal with that and I'll meet you in the bathtub." Arizona was really in no mood to deal with a clumsy maid, especially after Callie just had her hands in her pants and she would much rather focus on getting her girlfriend naked as quickly as possible. She pulled her into a searing kiss and whispered, "Hurry back." Callie nodded, waited until Arizona was in their room and the door was firmly shut then rushed to the other room. Stepping inside, she closed the door and asked, "What the hell are you doing in here?" The other woman looked at her and responded, "Covering your ass as usual." Callie furrowed her brow and asked, "Why do you have two dresses?" The other woman responded, "Because someone fucked up and I had to swap them out while creepy hair-cut girl finishes everyone's hair." Callie breathed a sigh of relief, held out her hand and ordered, "Give me the one that's supposed to be in here." The brunette checked both bags, handed one over and said, "You know this would have been a lot easier if…" Callie cut her off pushed her out the door and said, "Yeah, yeah, yeah. Thanks, now get the hell out of here." The woman smirked and retorted, "I missed you too Torres." Callie looked back into the room then hissed, "Your Asian accent sucks Yang. But I missed you too." Both women smirked at one another and Callie burst into laughter when she heard, "Don't let mama Robbins take your eyebrows!" She shut and locked the door and hurried into the master bedroom while yanking her clothes off along the way.
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Callie stepped into the steaming hot water, lowered herself next to Arizona and rested her head on the plush pillow that was built into the end of the massive tub. As soon as she was settled, Arizona curled into her, resting her head on her chest, stretching her residual limb across her thighs, and slowly tracing circles on her abdomen. Both women sighed in relief as they felt their bodies begin to relax. Callie kissed the top of Arizona's head and asked, "Are you nervous about tomorrow?" Arizona watched mocha nipples begin to pucker as her hand inched further upward and asked, "Which part?" Callie lowered her hand to massage Arizona's thigh and asked, "Any of it? All of it?" Arizona traced one breast then the other and shrugged, "I'm not crazy about giving my speech, but I've practiced it enough, so I think it will be alright. Every minute I haven't spent putting out fires, I've been practicing for Erin's surgery on the silicone womb and fetuses and I'm comfortable enough with the procedure, but I still worry about everything that can go wrong. It's enough pressure to do the surgery within itself, but to do it on opening day with cameras and other surgeons watching…It makes me uncomfortable." Callie could feel her body start to respond and her own hands began roaming and she assured her, "I'll be right there in the first row, cheering you on." Arizona smiled at that and admitted, "I think that's why I'm not as nervous as I normally would be. You'll be there. All I need to do is look at you and I begin to relax." Callie knew the feeling, even now when her nerves were on end, she felt calm and peaceful in Arizona's presence.
Callie lowered her head, brushed their lips together, and asked, "Are you nervous about tonight?" Arizona shook her head no and explained, "Not nervous, excited, overjoyed, but not nervous because I refuse to let any negative energy into my head where that is concerned." She tilted her head and asked, "Are you nervous?" Callie shook her head and quickly answered, "Nope, because we are strong and ready, and this is our time." Arizona brought her finger up and started drawing smaller circles spiraling toward the ever hardening nipple and inferred, "I guess we don't need to practice then." Callie nipped at her lip and murmured against her mouth, "Practice makes perfect Dr. Robbins." Arizona nodded and agreed, "So it does Dr. Torres. Maybe, you know, just so we get it right." She slipped her tongue into Callie's mouth at the same time she pinched at the hardened nipple that she had been teasing for the last several minutes. Callie arched into the touch, slid her hand forward and massaged the outer folds of Arizona's sex, smiling into the kiss when she bucked her hips at the simple act. She knew Arizona's sex drive was a little higher than normal and had absolutely no complaints about that. But she was also very tender and Callie tried to keep that fact in mind.
Arizona pulled back far enough to murmur, "Together" then captured Callie's lips, instantly deepening this kiss while lowering her hand to cover Callie's mound. Arizona followed Callie's lead and was only milliseconds behind her in her ministrations. Callie parted Arizona's lips with her first and third finger and swiped her middle finger through the warm slick arousal that was already pooling at her core. Arizona ground down on Callie's hand then mimicked her movements. Callie carefully circled Arizona's clit three times, flicked it with the tip of her finger three times, and circled it again. They were barely aware of the water sloshing over the side of the tub and continued with the same pattern until both of them were breathing heavily and needy for more. Callie lowered two of her fingers, circled Arizona's opening, waited for her to catch up then broke their kiss to say, "Now." They cried out in unison as their tight pulsating channels were penetrated by two fingers and they began a fast and hard rhythm of thrusting fingers and rolling hips. They had worked each other to the edge and it took no time at all for them to feel the familiar signs that their bodies were preparing for orgasm. Callie broke the kiss, stared into Arizona's eyes and just that peek into her soul, the intensity of the love she saw there threw the blonde into convulsions as she screamed and curled her fingers into Callie's g-spot pulling her into her own orgasm as she hollered out, "Fuck…fuck Arizonaaa."
They each grasped for the other and held on tightly while their breathing calmed and their bodies relaxed. Arizona tossed her head back on the pillow on the edge of the tub, still slightly breathless and asked, "How do we keep getting better at this?" Callie chuckled and repeated her earlier words, "Practice makes perfect." Arizona turned her head, kissed her shoulder and agreed, "It most certainly does." After holding each other and sharing several steamy kisses, they felt the water start to cool and Arizona suggested, "I guess it's time to get out and get ready." Callie nodded, stood from the tub, helped Arizona up and leaned her against her body while she wrapped one of the heated towels around her and tucked the edge in right over her breast and grazed her overly sensitive nipple. Arizona steadied herself so Callie could cover her own body then squealed when Callie stepped out of the bath and scooped her into her arms. She wrapped her arms around Callie's neck, nipped at her earlobe and proclaimed, "You are my night in shining armor just like Dee said." Callie turned her head, brushed their lips together and replied, "I know you don't need one, but I will always be your knight, your protector, your…" "Everything." Arizona finished, "You're my everything." Callie kissed her again and carefully sat her on the end of the bed.
Callie unwrapped the towel from Arizona's body, gently dried her off, then walked across the room, retrieved their toiletry bag, took out the bottle of Cherry Blossom body lotion she knew her girlfriend packed and squeezed a generous amount in her hand, rubbed her two hands together, started with Arizona's right leg and slowly massaged the thick cream onto her skin, from the top of her thigh all the way down to her toes. She added a little more lotion to her hands and moved to her left leg kneading and massaging while she applied the lotion. She moved on to her right arm from shoulder to fingertips, then to her left. Arizona was in absolute heaven. She was reveling in the attention she was getting and loved how caring and gentle Callie was with her. While her actions were sensual, they weren't sexual, but that didn't stop her body from responding. Once she was finished with her limbs, Callie helped Arizona lie on the bed and gently rubbed the lotion over her torso from her collar bones to her pelvis. Arizona moaned in disapproval when Callie asked her to turn over then rolled her eyes in pleasure as those strong ortho hands kneaded and massaged all the kinks from her back while applying the lotion. When she was finished, Callie placed a soft kiss on the flawless baby soft skin between her shoulder blades, tapped her on the ass and ordered, "Okay, time to get dressed." Arizona moaned again, rolled over, sat up, grabbed Callie's hand and asked, "What about you?" Callie bent down, kissed her nose and whispered, "Tonight is all about you my love."
She turned around, took her garment bag from ENBY Jo's off the hook and gathered the rest of the items she needed and said, "Now hurry up and get dressed because I can't wait to see you." Once Callie left the room, Arizona looked at the time and saw she only had about 20 minutes before Jordyn came to do her hair. She smirked as she unzipped the front pocket of the suitcase and pulled out the small pink and black bag. Callie wasn't the only one who could buy sexy lingerie. She debated on whether she should put her dress on before she did her make-up and decided since it was all white, it would probably be best. When she put the dress on, she found that it fit even better than it did at the bridal shop. It showed off all her curves and made her feel sexy and attractive, most importantly she knew it would drive Callie absolutely crazy. She added all of her accessories and finally sat down to do her make up. She decided to go with a smoky look to off-set the dress.
When Callie reached the other bedroom, she unzipped the garment bag and sighed in relief when she saw both of her suits in the same bag and was happy to see that Jo was able to pull off her special request. Taking out the one she would need for the 'Black and White Gala', she laid it on the bed and put on the white silk boy shorts and matching bra. She was going to go with black, but decided it was less that she'd have to change later. She could almost feel her heart pounding in her chest. Arizona wasn't the only one who had prepared a speech and practiced all week. She's almost convinced their bedroom mirror thinks they are engaged. Taking slow deep breaths, she pulled on the black pleated front tuxedo pants with the white silk stripe down both legs, took the black silk tuxedo shirt from the hanger, put it on and quickly fastened the tiny black buttons, fastened her pants, then dug in the shoe box she also had delivered to find the small blue velvet box and took out the silver butterfly cufflinks and fastened them to each sleeve. She wrapped the white silk cummerbund around her waist, then sighed when she saw the bowtie sitting next to her suit jacket. That damn tie that she had been practicing for weeks. After two failed attempts, she went into the en-suite bathroom, closed the door, and found a you tube video giving step by step instructions. After three more attempts, she was finally happy with the outcome. She picked up the black tuxedo jacket with white silk lapels, and her outfit was complete…almost. She sat down, put on her socks and shoes, and took a few minutes to just breathe. She glanced at the clock and sent Jordyn a text telling her it was time.
Once she felt more centered, she looked in the mirror and nearly forgot all about her hair. Thank goodness she had Stevie and Jordyn come in and stock the room with everything she needed earlier today. She went back into the bathroom, put a little pomade in the palm of her hand and styled it just like her friends suggested. Walking back into the bedroom, she looked in the full-length mirror, turned from side to side, took another deep breath and tried to tamp down the panic she felt when she remembered the majority of her guests haven't seen her like this. She stared at her reflection and she could almost feel the confidence rise from within the moment it hit her that the image in the mirror didn't just show who she was on the outside, it also reflected who she was on the inside. When she started for the door, she muttered, "Shit!" and rushed into the walk-in closet, moved the small panel in the wall, opened the safe and pulled out the little black velvet box her mother gave her last week. She stuck it in her pocket, took her phone off the dresser, and walked into the living space to pour a glass of wine. These next few minutes were make or break for her entire proposal. Lifting the glass to her lips, she smiled when she heard the muffled, "Damn it!" coming from the master suite.
Arizona had just finished applying her make up and straightening her hair like Jordyn requested when she heard her phone buzz with a text message. She walked to the dresser to get her phone, opened her messages and wanted to cry when she read her text from Jordyn.
Jordyn: Hi. Please don't kill me. I have about 20 minutes left on this client then we can leave. I can be there by 5:00 pm. I know your thing starts at 6:00 pm, I promise you will look gorgeous.
Arizona put her phone down a little too roughly and cursed, "Damn it!" She turned to look in the mirror when she heard Callie knock on the door and ask, "Honey, is everything okay?" Before she could respond, Callie opened the door and she's certain she forgot her own name because she certainly wasn't answering when the exquisite, hot, sexy, erotic figure in front of her repeated, "Arizona, honey?" Arizona could only stare as she took in Callie's appearance. Though her suit resembled the one she wore on their date, this was clearly a tuxedo and the white trim on the lapels and trousers along with the white cummerbund and bow tie were a perfect match to the color of her dress. Arizona blew out a puff of air and nearly wanted to fan herself. She was convinced the room just got 20 degrees hotter. Trying to remember the question her girlfriend asked, she could only manage to stammer, "What…ah…huh?"
When she stepped further into the room Callie lost all ability to speak. Arizona stood in front of her wearing a white silk dress she could swear had to have been sewn on her because there wasn't a curve she couldn't see. The pure white of the dress contrasted perfectly with her lightly tanned skin and the soft touch of her straight golden hair made her look like an angel…a hot, sinful, fallen angel who she wanted to do very bad and naughty things to. Callie shook her head and asked, "What?" Both of them stared at each other for a moment longer before they were pulled together like magnets. Taking both of Arizona's hands, Callie whispered, you…you look…I can't even…I don't think there is a word for how amazingly, breathtakingly beautiful, stunning, gorgeous…you just…" Callie stopped on a sigh; she literally had no words. Arizona lifted her hand to caress Callie's face and replied, "I honestly think I forgot my name when you walked in." Callie chuckled and finally remembered why she was here and supplied, "I uh…I thought I heard you say something. Are you okay?" Arizona huffed, glanced at her phone across the room and answered sadly, "Jordyn won't be here until 5:00 pm, if there isn't traffic, that's almost another hour." Callie caressed her arms and replied, "Well, I would suggest we practice a little more, but then we'd have to get dressed all over again. I guess we did get ready a little early, why don't we take a walk, get some fresh air?" Arizona furrowed her brow at the suggestion, they weren't exactly wearing walking the streets of New York attire.
Callie took her hand and started guiding her out of the room as she revealed, "There are some sights around here I want you to see and we have the time so..." Arizona hesitated for only a moment when Callie waved her hands between them and added, "We look absolutely amazing and I really don't want to waste all this on a room full of stuffy doctors." Arizona smiled brightly, wrapped her arms around Callie's neck and agreed, "Mmm you talked me into it, but only because I want the world to know the hottest person on the planet is all mine." Callie smiled, brushed their lips together, and argued, "Nope, second hottest, the first hottest person is all mine." Arizona smiled and declared, "It's a tie." Callie nodded, stepped back, and held out her arm for Arizona to take and declared, "Then let's show the world what they are missing shall we?" Arizona looped her arm through Callie's and they stepped into the private elevator.
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Once they arrived on the main floor, instead of going through the lobby, Callie led them down an empty hallway to the side entrance. As soon as they stepped outside, Arizona gasped when she saw the gorgeous black and white Clydesdale horse attached to a shiny black carriage with pale pink interior and gold pinstriping along the door. A man in a black top hat and tails gracefully stepped from the carriage, opened the door and declared, "Dr. Robbins, Dr. Torres, your carriage awaits." Arizona's head snapped toward Callie, she narrowed her eyes and accused, "You planned this." Callie guided them closer to the carriage, held out her hand to assist Arizona and reminded her, "You planned the last date. It's only fair." She smiled her brilliant mega-watt smile and Arizona couldn't help but be charmed. She took Callie's hand, kissed her cheek, murmured, "Thank you," and climbed into the carriage. When they were both seated, Arizona snuggled up to Callie and asked, "Do you know how long I've wanted to ride in one of these?" Callie wrapped her arm around Arizona, kissed her forehead and answered, "At least since I've known you." Arizona nodded and answered, "I think it was since the first time my parents brought me here when I was Sofia's age." Callie pulled her closer and suggested, then let's enjoy the ride shall we?" Arizona nodded and the two listened while the second man in the carriage told them about the history of some of the surrounding buildings.
After riding through the city for a few blocks, the man told them they were about to enter Central Park, gave them a brief history, then informed them they could ask to make stops for photos. Arizona was nearly bouncing out of the seat with excitement. She had been to Central park a few times, but only in specific sections like the zoo, she had never had the time or opportunity to explore as much as they were seeing today. As they traveled through the park, Callie shared, "I've never been all the way through here. But there are a couple of places I'd like to stop. Arizona replied, "I haven't either, but there is one place I haven't gotten to see yet that I'd really like to share with you." Callie kissed her softly and asked, where's that?" Arizona replied, "Bethesda Fountain." Callie nodded and answered, "That was one of my places too." She then looked up to the tour director and asked, "Can we stop at Bethesda Fountain?" The man nodded and the driver led them to their first photo destination.
When they stepped from the carriage, Callie and Arizona were both struck by the beauty and elegance of the structure. They held hands as they walked toward the water and though many people surrounded them, it felt like just the two of them in their little bubble. Callie was well aware there were hidden photographers and videographers preserving their memories so she did the best she could to discretely provide them with plenty of photo opportunities. Once they reached the fountain, Callie reached in her pocket, pulled out two coins and offered one to Arizona. When Arizona reached out to take the coin, Callie held her hand and said, "I'm pretty sure we are going to wish for the same thing, so…on the count of three?" Arizona smiled and nodded; she knew they were both wishing for a baby. Callie put her coin in her left hand, Arizona held hers in her right hand, they both intertwined their free hands and Arizona counted, "1, 2, 3, wish." and they both closed their eyes and tossed the coin into the water. Once they opened their eyes, Callie pulled Arizona into her arms and the two shared a long sensual kiss. Knowing they didn't have much time and she might run out of courage, Callie suggested they continue with their tour.
While they traveled along, Arizona snuggled into Callie's side and they pointed out things they each thought the other would like, talked about bringing Sofia for the movie in the park one night, and shared little stories about their lives from before they met and after they split up. Once they neared the back of the park, Callie's stomach was in knots once again and she did her best to hide it. She knew it would not be good to do the pee dance nor throw up during one of the most important times in her life. When the carriage came to a stop, the tour guide stepped down, opened the door and helped Arizona out first, then offered a hand to Callie. Arizona looked around to try to figure out where they were but saw nothing but plants and trees. When they rounded the front of the carriage, the driver held out a carrot and an apple and asked, "Would you like to feed Destiny?" They each took a piece of fruit and fed the gentle animal then wiped their hands on the towel that was offered. Oddly, hearing the horse's name, Callie felt a little more confident as she took Arizona's hand and led her to the path and into the gardens.
They were only a few yards in when they saw the first butterfly flit around in front of them. At first, Arizona thought nothing of it until she continued to see several different varieties of the beautiful winged creatures fly all around them. She looked at Callie curiously and listened as she spoke quietly, "The first time I really understood what it meant to have butterflies in your stomach, this gorgeous blonde came up to me and just started talking and the more she talked, the more my stomach felt this odd flutter. When she was done talking, she pressed her lips to mine and it felt like…well, like this." Callie stopped and held her hands toward the sky and Arizona gasped when she saw dozens of butterflies hovering over them. Callie took her hand again and continued, "Every time I saw her, I turned and ran because the minute my mind registered that it was her, my stomach did that thing." She snorted then and offered, "One day, I'm checking out the OR board and she rolls past me and the only thing I notice, aside from the rolling, is this pink scrub cap with butterflies all over it and the most amazing super-magic smile with these deep sexy dimples." Arizona could feel the tears welling up in her eyes, she had never heard Callie's impression of the time they first met.
Callie smirked and said, "It bugged me. I'm this badass ortho surgeon, I break bones for a living, I wear black leather jackets, drink tequila straight from the bottle, I don't get butterflies. I don't even like butterflies. But the hot surgeon with the sexy dimples who has the guts to kiss strangers in bar bathrooms, has butterflies on her scrub cap and she's perky and happy and everything I'm not. But those damn butterflies, they were everywhere. In my stomach, in the OR, in the halls. So yeah, I asked God to help me get over the butterflies so I could ask you out. In my head, I was thinking the ones on the scrub cap. I needed to get over the perky." Arizona giggled and asked, "How'd that work out for ya?" Callie turned to her, took both of her hands and answered honestly, "I never got over the butterflies. I fought it and I tried so many times. But every time I saw you, even when I didn't want to, I felt them. From the very first flutter, I knew, somewhere deep in my soul, you were it for me and I would never get over the butterflies. Here we are ten years later and so much…so much good, but so so much bad has happened to us and it nearly destroyed us time and time again. We survived it and the butterflies were still there. I still had them that day Arizona, that day I made the biggest mistake of my life and walked away from my wife. They were still there." Both women were crying now and Arizona was almost positive where this was headed and she could feel those butterflies fluttering around in her heart and in her stomach.
Callie sniffled and continued, "There are so many things I wish I could change and will always regret about our past and I know we talked about it and we finally found peace within ourselves and with each other and I know I can't change the past, but I can correct it and make a brighter future." Arizona watched as Callie reached into her jacket pocket, pulled out a small black velvet box, bent to one knee, and proclaimed, "Arizona Robbins, I have loved you for ten years and I will continue to love you for the rest of my life. You are the keeper of my heart and the other half of my soul. I can't promise you that we will never fight or argue, I can't promise that there won't be days that we want to strangle each other, but I can promise you that even on those days, I will still feel the butterflies, I will still want you, I will still need you, I will still love you, and I will never walk away again." She opened the box and revealed a pink opal with two pink diamonds on either side surrounded by what had to be 40 or more small white diamonds set in white gold. She looked up into watery blue eyes and asked, "Arizona will you marry me? Will you become my legal wife and spend the rest of our lives giving me butterflies?"
Arizona stared down at the gorgeous ring, a ring that couldn't be more perfect for her if she designed it herself, then up into tear-filled dark chocolate eyes looking at her with all the love, hope, and desire she was feeling inside and started nodding her head before she could get the words out and finally exclaimed, "Yes, yes Calliope Iphigenia Torres, I will marry you." Callie's hands were shaking and she was scared to death she was going to drop the ring in this sea of flowers. Very carefully, she took the ring from the box, slipped the box back in her pocket, held Arizona's trembling left hand with hers and slipped the ring on her finger as both of them whispered, "Perfect." Arizona pulled Callie up, they both wiped each other's tears and it finally dawned on Callie, "You said yes?" Arizona smiled her super-magic smile complete with dimples and answered, "I said yes!" Callie let out a loud whoop, grabbed Arizona by the waist and hoisted her in the air spinning her around in circles. When she came to a halt, Arizona slid down her body and their lips met in a long sensual kiss as their tongues slid against one another and their arms held each other tight. When they finally pulled apart, they realized they had drawn an audience and Callie announced, "She said yes!" The random strangers clapped for them, calling out their well wishes and the happy couple thanked them and started to walk back to their carriage.
Just before they reached the end of the trail, a black and purple butterfly landed on Arizona's bare left shoulder just above her heart. Callie slowly pulled out her phone and recorded the rare sight then watched as it flitted away and came right back to land on the blonde's stomach before flitting away. When they turned to continue toward the carriage, an older woman approached the couple and proclaimed, "You've just been blessed." Arizona and Callie smiled and thanked the woman, assuming she was talking about their engagement until she continued, "It's rare that a butterfly land on a human and many believe it is a sign from the spirits. When a butterfly lands on the chest or the belly, it means a new soul is coming." As quickly as she appeared, the woman was walking away. Arizona looked to Callie and asked, "Is it silly that I hope she's right?" Callie kissed her softly and answered, "Let's be silly together then." When they approached the carriage, both the tour guide and the driver congratulated them on their engagement and after thanking them, Callie asked if they could return to the hotel.
Once they started moving, Arizona held out her hand to admire her ring and asked, "Where in the world did you find this? It's perfect. I've never seen anything like it." Callie took her hand, linked their fingers and stared at the ring while she explained, "It belonged to my Abuela Iphigenia Torres. When abuelo first proposed to her, all he could afford was this single opal. He chose pink because it was her favorite color. When they came to America, the only jobs they could find were housekeeping, maintenance, farm work, but they took everything they could find and scrimped and saved and long story short, he started working at a hotel, bought it from the owner when he retired and it grew from there. On their 25th anniversary, abuelo took the ring and had it reset. The two pink diamonds are supposed to represent my dad and my tia and these little diamonds, there's 50 altogether, 25 for the number of years they'd been married and the others to represent the next 25 years they would spend together." Arizona wiped the tears from her eyes and said, "That's beautiful. How did you get it? I don't remember…" Callie shook her head and asked, "Remember when mami said she had something for me?" Arizona nodded and Callie explained, "That night, we walked out to the rock garden and she gave this to me. She said my abuela told her when I find the right one, make sure they have this to put on my finger. Mami told me I've found the right one but this ring was more suited for your finger than mine."
Arizona stared at the ring again then looked up at Callie and asked, "Your mom…your mom gave this to you…to give to me?" Callie smiled brightly and responded, "She did. She knew I was looking for the perfect ring and this…this ring belongs right here on this finger." She lifted Arizona's hand and kissed the ring. Arizona pulled her in for another long kiss and neither of them realized the carriage had stopped until they heard a gentle cough coming from beside them. They looked up and blushed, then they both stood and exited the carriage. Callie tipped the carriage driver and the tour guide and was informed the photos and video would be sent to her home address. When they pulled away, Arizona shook her head at Callie and declared, "I can't believe I had no idea. How long have you been planning this?" Callie started to explain but Arizona cut her off and asked, "Wait! Was Jordyn in on this?" Callie nodded and said, "She may have helped just a little." When they walked into the lobby, Arizona looked around and furrowed her brow. Callie asked, "What's wrong?" Arizona looked at the clock and answered, "The gala is supposed to start in 30 minutes, I just thought, I don't know, there would be people…did we have the time wrong?" Callie shrugged and replied, "I don't know, I think I saw a sign earlier, let's go check it out." As they walked toward the sign, Callie nodded at the tall grey-haired man standing in the corner and he winked at her.
When they approached the easel, Arizona furrowed her brows when she saw the sign. This wasn't the same sign that was posted earlier. It looked remarkably similar in design, but this sign was black on one side and light pink on the other with gold writing. Callie stepped up behind her, wrapped her arms around her and asked, "What does it say?" Arizona focused on the sign and read aloud, "A Night of Hope, A Celebration of Love, Along with their families, Dr. Calliope "Callie, Cal" Torres and Dr. Arizona Robbins invite you to join them as they celebrate their wedding day, July 31st at 7:00 pm." As the words registered in Arizona's brain, she stopped talking and turned to look at her girl…fiancé and asked, "What?" Callie smirked, she had to do it. Arizona rolled her eyes but couldn't keep the smile off her face when she heard, "Marry me. I love our life now. I love you more than…anything, but I want rings, I want commitment, so…marry me. Today." Arizona looked down at the ring on her finger then back at the invitation then over to Callie who was nervously biting her lip and starting to do the pee dance. Her mind was racing. She wanted to marry Callie more than anything in the world, but she wanted to do it right this time, legally, with all their friends and family and…and she had to say these things, not think them.
Taking a deep breath, she took Callie's hands in hers and said softly, "Calliope, I want to marry you more than anything in this world. I would happily marry you today, but…but I…I want it to be legal, and I want a proper dress, and I want our families here, and I want bridesmaids and Sofia to be our flower girl…this time, and…we haven't picked out…colors…or…a…menu, or…a…cake…" Arizona stopped and tilted her head as she put different events from the last two weeks together and looked at Callie who was grinning like the Cheshire Cat. Arizona narrowed her eyes and asked, "The papers Miguel had me sign?" Callie responded, "Deed to the house, application for marriage license, and two legal name change applications…before you ask, Robbins-Torres." Arizona pursed her lips and asked, "Jordyn's cousin's wedding?" Callie nodded and answered, "Our wedding colors, bridesmaid's dresses and flower girl dresses. Oh and uh, the dress you said you'd pick if you got married again." She quickly added, "I haven't seen it. Jordyn had my credit card." Arizona shook her head, chuckled and said, "I wondered what kind of bride would let her bride's maid pick her colors and dresses." Putting her hand on her hip she asked, "The cake tasting?" Callie nodded and said, "Our wedding cakes." Arizona shook her head and asked, "So the tasting menu with your parents…" Callie just nodded.
Callie took Arizona's hand and explained, "I know you hate surprises and this is big…huge…monumental, but…I walked away Arizona and I needed to do this for you, so you will know, without a shadow of a doubt…" Arizona put her finger over Callie's lips to make her stop talking, unleashed her super-magic for Calliope only smile and proclaimed, "You had me at 'marry me.'" Callie breathed a sigh of relief and answered, "Good, because you have a room full of bridesmaids waiting on you to help you into your dress and we have between 75 and 100 guests who will start arriving any minute now." Arizona took Callie's hand and said, "We're getting married." Callie nodded and repeated, "We're getting married." She leaned in, brushed their lips together softly and said, "I'm going to leave you in this gentleman's capable hands and the next time I see you, you'll be walking down the aisle." Arizona turned to see who Callie was talking about and squealed with excitement when she saw her dad standing upright without casts, wearing his dress blues. Daniel winked at Callie then held out his arm for his daughter and declared, "Let's go get you ready sweet pea." Arizona nodded and started walking with her father then turned around, ran back to Callie, threw her arms around her neck, kissed her passionately, pulled back, caressed her cheek and whispered, "I love you so much Calliope Torres and this is the most amazing surprise ever. Thank you." Callie rested their foreheads together and said, "I love you too." The two women brushed their lips together and started to deepen the kiss when Daniel cleared his throat and ordered, "Both of you, to your rooms, now." Both women jumped apart, mumbled, "Yes Sir" and went their separate ways to prepare to marry the love of their life.
A/N: I hope I didn't disappoint. Thanks for all the love and continued support and suggestions.
Mooredeanne, you read my mind.
To the guest reviewer who apologized to me for a previous review. It wasn't you but thank you for your apology and support. I've received several reviews from guests that I delete and don't allow to be posted.