I don't own anything…all credit goes to ABC/Shondaland

Chapter Sixty-Five

Hope you enjoy!

Arizona's POV

"Calliope, wake up…"

"No…still sleeping…" My wife says snuggling further into her pillow.

"Fine, but you're missing out on Noah cuddles." I say returning to my side of the bed with our three-month old son. "Mama rather sleep then hang out with us, Noah." I state kissing Noah's forehead, hoping Callie takes the bait.

"I didn't hear him." She says rolling over and opening her eyes. "Of course I want some Noah cuddles."

"I was up getting everything ready for today and when I peaked in his room he was up." Sofia and Noah are going to daycare today. It's my first day back at school and I'm a little nervous. Sof seems to like daycare, but this will be Noah's first time there. I've been away from him before, but something about him going to daycare has me a little anxious.

"I told you before we could just hire a babysitter if you're going to be this paranoid."

"I'm not paranoid, Callie, I'm just…I don't know. I guess it's all happening so quick." I say passing Noah over to Callie, who lets him rest on her chest with a protective arm under his little bottom. "I'm not ready to leave him everyday for eight hours a day. Besides, I don't want some random person in our house watching our kids, at least at the hospital you can check on them whenever you want."

"There are plenty of trusted sitters out there, babe."

"I know…"

"And don't think of it as leaving him, just think of it as going back to teaching. You love to teach."

"I do…I miss it a little. I think that's why I was up early, couldn't really sleep. Both Sof's and Noah's bags are fully packed. I bottled some milk for Noah this morning."

"Okay…" Callie says a little distracted while playing with Noah. "Look, he's starting to hold his neck and head up on his own."

"I know. He's getting so strong!" I say looking down at Noah pushing his little tan arms up against Callie's chest like a mini push-up. "I miss when he was smaller, like when we first brought him home. I swear he grows out of a new onesie every other week."

"Must be all that good milk mommy is providing, huh?" Callie playfully questions talking to Noah.

"Callie, I want another one."

"Me too…it'll happen one day." She says still mesmerized by our son's face.

"No, I'm serious Calliope. I want another baby." I say with a serious tone. Looking up at me, she can tell that I'm serious so she sits up in the bed with Noah.

"Arizona…"

"I mean look at Noah, he's already three months." I state taking him from my wife. "I want a big family and you've said you wanted more kids, so let's have more. We can do it; we've got the room and means to take care of more. It probably won't happen right away, we may have to wait a year or two, but we could at least start the process."

"You're only saying all of this because you're emotional about leaving Noah and Sof in daycare today. I get it, you've had weeks of it just being you and them, and today that's all changing. You are right though; I do want more kids, but not right now. Some days we can barely manage two, adding another one – or starting the process – will be a lot to handle right now. Sof and Noah need all of our attention at the moment, so let's just hold off for a few months. We can talk about again, in fact I insist we talk about it again because I can't wait to be pregnant with your baby."

"I like the sound of that." I say placing a kiss on her lips. "Speaking of kids, we have our second appointment with our social worker today." A few weeks ago when Meagan Blue showed up we were obviously surprised. She didn't really talk much with us, but instead just looked around the house and watched how we interacted with Noah and Sofia. Then last week she called for a follow-up interview and said this would be a more formal, sit-down interview. "She said she could meet us at the house around four, will that work for you?"

"I'll make it work. Anything to speed up the process, but since I'll most likely have to leave work early I should get up and get ready."

"Okay, I'll get start to get Sof up. I'm sure that's going to be a hassle considering how much she hates having her sleep interrupted, and I'll get breakfast started."

"Sounds good. I'm just going to take a quick shower, I'll be down in a minute." She gives Noah and I kiss before getting out the bed and going into the bathroom.

"Let's go wake up your sister, Noah. Hopefully she won't be too cranky." Thirty minutes later, Sof is full of eggs and fruit while Noah finished his usual morning bottle.

"Smells good down here." Callie says walking into the kitchen.

"Sof and I had some eggs."

"Oh is that so?" My wife says pressing her front into my back with her hands on my hips and kissing my neck from behind.

"Yeah…I can make you some if you'd like."

"Mhmm…I'll get something quick at the hospital. Besides, you taste kind of good right now." She says switching to the other side of my neck and nipping at my skin. As much as I love having my wife nip and kiss at my skin, this isn't the time or place, and if she keeps going I won't be able to control myself.

"Must've been a good shower." I say turning around to face her.

"It was alright, although I wish you were in there with me." Callie says lowering her voice and giving me a deep kiss.

"You do realize Sofia can see us?" I ask looking over my shoulder where our daughter is seated in her high chair and babbling to herself.

"I do, and that's why I stopped myself from a morning quickie right here in the kitchen."

"Callie!"

"It wouldn't be the first time, babe." She says giving me a knowing look while going over to pick up Sof. "I can't help if I love your mommy so much Sof that I just have to kiss her all the time." She says giving Sof a few kisses of her own on the cheek. "You ready for daycare?"

"No."

"No? Don't you want to see all your friends again?"

"No. Me, mommy, and NoNo."

"NoNo is going to daycare too."

"And mommy?"

"I'm going to work, Sof, but I'll be here when you come home." I say moving to stand next to Sof.

"Noooo." She begins to whine.

"Don't cry, baby girl. You'll have NoNo there with you."

"Noooooo. I want mommy." She says reaching for me.

"You try and calm her down, I'm going to put Noah in the car." Callie says passing me our daughter and picking up Noah from his sleeper on the kitchen counter.

"How about I put a ribbon in your hair, okay? Let's go up to your room and pick a color." After re-doing her little pig tails with orange ribbon the she picked out, she's calmed down enough for me to buckle her in her car seat in Callie's car.

"She okay?" Callie asks.

"For now. Give her a day or two and she'll be excited to be back in daycare. You have their bags right?"

"Yep, we have to get going." Callie says getting into the drivers seat.

"Let me give Noah a kiss goodbye." Opening his side door and double-checking his buckles, I give him a kiss goodbye that earns me a toothless smile. "Be a good boy today. Mommy loves you."

"Sof tell mommy bye." Callie instructs.

"Bye mama, wuv you." She waves to me. I didn't think it would be this hard to leave them, but it is. A minute longer and I'll be a puddle of tears.

"Love you too, so much Sof. Watch after your brother, okay?"

"Kay mommy." Closing the car door, Callie puts down her window so we can say goodbye.

"They'll be fine. I'll send pictures if I get a chance to see them during the day."

"Send me a picture when you drop them off."

"I will. Have a good first day, go educate the minds of our youth and tell Teddy I said hi."

"Will do. I love you." I say planting a chaste kiss on her lips.

"Love you, too…see you at four."

"Four!" I echo. Putting the car in reverse, I watch as she carefully backs out of the driveway. With my entire world packed in my wife's black Range Rover, they are off down the street to the hospital. Stepping back into the house, I clean up the kitchen before going up to take a shower and begin my day.

"So how was the morning?" Teddy asks finishing up her lunch in the teacher's longue.

"Really good. I have some really god students." I answer positively. Something about the first day of school is thrilling and exciting for me; you would think I was a student all over again. Everyone is on his or her best behavior and most times it sets the tone for the school year.

"It's the first day, everyone is nice on the first day. Just give them a week, their true colors will show soon."

"Way to be optimistic, Teddy." I sarcastically snicker.

"Is it hard being away from the kids?"

"Gosh, don't remind me. Sof had a little meltdown this morning and I'm positive I cried in the shower."

"Geez, that rough?"

"Yeah, I was just so used to hanging out at home with the family all the time, and when Callie went back it sucked, but I was still at home with the kids. It was exhausting, but I really liked it. I even thought about quitting my job for a second and just being a stay at home mom."

"Seriously?"

"It crossed my mind, but I love teaching and I just got promoted, plus I think I'd start to get bored. I mean my mom did it and Tim and I turned out great, but I just don't think it's for me."

"I'd miss you for sure." Teddy states. "So I've had a few run-ins with Trevor. I totally picked up on the innocent vibe. It's almost like he's too nice and friendly. It's always the ones who you least expect who end up shocking you."

"You're being dramatic, Teddy. He's probably just excited about his first day. Seems like a good guy."

"I'm sure he is. He's kind of cute too. I'm sure he'll be a big hit with the students. Attendance won't be an issue for his class." She says matter-of-factly. "Anyway, I have to go, last minute wedding stuff I have to take care of on my lunch break."

"I can't believe you're getting married this weekend!"

"Gosh, me too, although I have to say I'm anxious to see what you have planned for my bachelorette party."

"Don't worry, I totally have this handled. Callie is watching the kids, so I'm one hundred percent yours the entire night. You might even see flashes of graduate school Arizona."

"Oh, well I'm definitely intrigued now." She says laughing. "I have to go, but I'll see you later." Teddy says dismissing herself. With a few spare minutes I decide to Callie to see if she's available.

"Hey you..." Callie purrs. "How's your day going?"

"Better now that I'm talking to you." I flirt back.

"Well don't I feel special? What's up? I don't have much time to talk, I have surgery in a few."

"Nothing in particular, just wanted to hear your voice. How was drop-off?"

"As good as you would expect. Had to fill out some paperwork for Noah, but by the time I left Sof was already playing with someone. I sent you a picture."

"I know I got it. Thanks for that. How's Noah?"

"I saw him maybe an hour ago and he was fine. One of the daycare workers said he was crying a little, but it didn't last long. I just think because of all the new surroundings he was a little shaken."

"Aww…now I feel bad. How did you handle this because I just keep thinking about them?"

"It helps that whenever I have some free time I can just run up and see them, but I just try and focus on my work. Otherwise I'll just drive myself crazy thinking about them. It'll get easier. How's your day going?"

"Pretty good, getting back into the swing of things. Are you nervous about our interview?"

"Ehh, not really. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or bad thing. The social worker seemed nice when we first met her. I'm sure it's not an easy job judging people to be suitable parents by just a couple of interviews."

"Yeah, you're right. I'm sure you'll do fine. Regardless Noah is and will always be yours. You'd think you gave birth to him by just looking at him." His tan skin and brunette hair are almost identical to Callie's. If I didn't know any better I'd think him and Sofia were biological siblings. It makes no difference to me what he looks like. He's Callie and I's son and that's all that matters.

"That's debatable, I'm pretty sure his dimples are a Robbins exclusive. Not to mention his blue eyes, I'm certain he got those from you. I'm sure this afternoon will go well, but I've got to scrub in. I'll see you at home."

"Okay, go save lives and be amazing. Love you."

"Love you, too. Bye." Callie says hanging up the phone.

"Was that the husband?" Trevor asks taking a seat at the table across from me.

"Ahh, no. It was actually my wife." I don't really talk too much about my personal life at work, but he already knows I'm married and have kids. I'd like to think people wouldn't care whom I'm married to, but there are people out there who don't agree with how Callie and I live our lives. It's nothing I'm ashamed of, I absolutely have no problem telling people about the wonderful, loving woman I'm married to, it's how people react that's hard to decipher.

"My apologies, I didn't know…guess I shouldn't have assumed. What does she do?"

"She's a orthopedic surgeon at Seattle Grace."

"That's cool."

"Yeah, she's pretty awesome." I say with a huge smile on my face. "How were your morning classes?"

"To be honest a little intimidating, but I got through it."

"I get it. You know, it's a tradition that after the first day of classes some of the teachers get together afterwards for a celebratory drink. Kind of a kick off to the new school year. Drinks and appetizers at a restaurant downtown. You should go."

"Are you going?"

"I would, but I have something to do this afternoon. It's a great way to socialize with the teachers. You never know when you're going to need someone to substitute for you."

"Very true." Trevor says nodding his head in agreement. "I'd like to, but I actually have a second job. Just trying to earn some extra money, those flights back to Maryland aren't cheap."

"Tell me about it. Any place I know?"

"I doubt it. It's kind of a small place, a friend suggested it." Trevor and I chat for the reminder of the lunch period, mostly just about our respective upbringings and I answered a few questions about he had about teaching. To be honest, I'm still figuring some things myself. It's only my second year teaching, but any words of advice I can pass on I do so freely.

"We should've cleaned up more." I say pacing the first floor of the house with Noah in my arms. Megan should be here any minute and I'm a little nervous. I mean she basically holds the power on whether or not Noah is officially Callie's. To us it won't change anything, I know she's a great mother I see it everyday, but having her name on a legally binding piece of paper does make a difference in the eyes of the law.

"If the house is spotless it would seem like we're trying too hard." My wife counters while feeding Sofia a snack.

"Or it would mean we're just really clean people."

"But we're not…"

"Yeah, but she doesn't have to know that." I quickly respond. "Fine, dirty house it is."

"Not dirty…just thoroughly lived in. Alright Sof, ready to go watch a movie?" Callie asks our daughter. We thought putting on a movie would keep her occupied while we have our interview with Megan.

"Mhmm. Movie time, mama!"

"Gotta go to the bathroom?" I question. Usually Callie or I have to ask her about the bathroom otherwise she won't go on the toilet, but use her diaper instead.

"No pee-pee, mommy." She says shaking her head.

"I'm going to set her up in the playpen in the living room." Callie goes about getting Sofia comfortable and the doorbell rings.

"I guess I'll get the door." Smoothing out my top and wiping Noah's face, I go to the front of the house to greet Ms. Blue.

"Ms. Blue! Welcome, please come in."

"Please, call me Megan." She says stepping inside. Dressed in a pants suit, she carries a briefcase along with her. "It's good to see you again, Arizona. You too, Mr. Noah." Megan utters while tickling Noah's stomach. "The man of the hour."

"We can move into the dining room. Callie is helping Sofia at the moment. Would you like something to drink?"

"I'm fine, thank you though." Once at the large table, she takes out a pad of paper and a large file. It's clear she's done this many time before. Sitting across from her, I continue to bounce Noah in my lap, trying to keep his little slobbery hands out his mouth.

"Should we get started, or?"

"We can just wait for Callie." She says diplomatically. A few seconds of awkward silence pass, but soon enough Callie joins us at the table next to me.

"Sorry I'm late, Sofia couldn't decide on a movie."

"No worries. I guess we can begin now. First and foremost, don't be nervous. I know it's kind of useless of me to say that, but just be yourselves. I'm not here to take Noah away from you, I just want to make sure he will have the best life possible with you two." Looking at both of us, we give her smiles of encouragement. "Callie, I'll begin with you since you are the one looking for the second-parent adoption. I always ask the same question with each family to start. Why do you want to adopt Noah?" Callie looks to me and I give her a supportive nod.

"I want to adopt Noah because in the eyes of the law he's not mine. Even so, I know with every fiber in my being that he is my son. I've been there every step of the way with him and Arizona. He may not be my flesh and blood, but he's mine. I love him like I love Sofia. I would do anything for them. Every time I step in his room and he's awake in his crib waiting to be held, I see nothing but my wife and myself in him. Each sound and smile he makes makes me the happiest person in the world. His conception may not have been the most romantic scene considering doctor's office, but he was made from absolute love. Something I regret everyday I can't say the same about Sofia. Sofia loves him too so much. She's the best big sister in my opinion. Watching my wife with him makes my heart grow three sizes because she's just so good and attentive with him. It's beautiful to watch and I'm thankful everyday for having them in my life. We're our own little family anyway, and adopting Noah will just further cement that. I don't need the paper, I know he's mine, that he's my son and I'll continue to raise him regardless of the outcome, but the state of Washington needs documentation to make it real." When Callie finishes the only sound is the light noise coming from Sof's movie. I have to say I wasn't expecting all of that. Just a couple of sentences would've been enough; I had no idea that Callie would give a small, eloquent speech. I've never doubted my wife's way with words, but hearing her confess everything was perfect. I don't I could have said it better myself.

Megan writes down a few notes before looking up at us again. "That was quite a speech, Callie. Very beautiful."

"Thank you."

"I'm not sure how to follow that," Megan says with a light laugh. "But I'll try. When speaking with your mother-in-law briefly last time she mentioned you guys had a winter wonderland theme wedding in December, but in your file it's noted that you guys got married a few months before December."

"We actually got married in September. It'll be a year soon. We just went down to the courthouse and got married before a judge. It was actually the day I found out I was pregnant with Noah." I answer.

"That's very cute. If I may ask, why did you decide to go to the courthouse and have a wedding?"

"Umm, it just felt like the best thing for us at the time. I kind of went through a traumatic experience and Arizona had some issues trying to see me and make sure I was all right. We'd been engaged beforehand for some time, but we decided not to wait any longer." As much as I hated what happened to Callie, I did clear my mind and make me realize what I had right in front of me. I didn't want to put off being her wife any longer.

"I see…well I'm glad everything is good. I also did financial background check. It's standard and it just to make sure you are able to provide for Noah financially as well. I got to say, it's not everyday I come across the daughter of the owner of one of the most exclusive hotel chains in the country. You'd imagine my surprise when I came across your numbers."

"Yeah…" Callie says blushing.

"It's safe to say that you're more then capable on that end. I mean just being a surgeon alone means you make a pretty decent living. You too Arizona, you both should be very proud of what you've accomplished."

"Thank you. We're fortunate the position we've been put in." I say kissing the top of Noah's head.

"I know my bank numbers can seem like a lot – and to be honest they are – but Arizona and I leave within our means. We don't splurge much or surround ourselves with the latest and greatest. A nice gift every now and then, but nothing outrageous. I think the most expensive thing I've brought was her engagement ring…and probably this house. Besides that, we live paycheck to paycheck so to speak."

"I believe you, Callie. You don't have to explain yourself to me. It's just one less thing I have to worry about. You two are very capable for provide for Noah. It should be pointed out that I got a letter of recommendation from your father. Usually we don't accept letters from family because they tend to be biased, but when I read your father's it moved me. Without saying too much, he kind of explained your situation and I can see that you've come a long way. I know family is very much important to you."

"It is. I had no idea about the letter, although I wouldn't put anything pass Carlos Torres."

"I promise you it was all good. Now Arizona, I see that you have guardianship over Sofia? Is that correct?"

"Yes it is. Sofia's biological father is still alive and very much present in her life. So I didn't need to file for an adoption, but I have guardianship and she lives with us full-time."

"I see…and you're one hundred percent on board with the adoption?"

"Oh of course! Callie is a great mother to Sofia and Noah."

"Good…Callie listed your brother and her sister as emergency contacts, are they in Noah's life much?"

"My brother, Tim, was actually here for his birth and Aria came to visit Noah soon after. We don't see them as much as we'd like, but they are both loving people and I'm sure they'd raise Noah and Sofia well heaven forbid something happen to Callie and I."

"Great, I'll do a follow-up interview with each of them over the phone. Next question. Callie, how is your health?"

"Um recently I've had some health concerns, but for the most part I'm better now. I plan on being around a long time." She says giving me a smile.

"Life-threatening situation?"

"Thankfully no. I just need to take my medication and everything will be fine."

"I'll need a letter from your doctor clarifying everything and a list of medication your on." Continuing to look jot down notes she flips a page and ask her next question. "How's your marriage?" She asks plainly with direct eye contact.

"It's great. Still feels like the honeymoon phase. We work out everything with one another. Callie's my rock. I love waking up beside her and going to sleep next to her." I say sincerely.

"I love Arizona very much, I'm the luckiest person in the world to be married to her. I love coming home to her everyday."

"So no counseling or arguments in front of the kids?" Megan asks glossing over our previous answers.

"No, nothing like that. We usually discuss any serious family matters in our bedroom at night. That being said, we haven't had many."

"Any plans to expand your family?"

"We'd love to have more kids." Callie happily answers. "We're very open to the idea." Thinking back to our discussion this morning, I can't wait for the day we have more kids, but right now just isn't the time.

"Are your kids in daycare?"

"Yes, they come into work with me. The hospital provides round the clock daycare service for its employees."

"What do you all do as a family?"

"Umm, family dinner is important. We go out to eat, the park, play with the kids in the house as much as we can. Both are young so our activities are pretty limited." Callie replies.

"Understandable. Well, I'd like to chat with each of you individually. Arizona if I could talk with you first that would be great."

"Sure." I pass Noah to Callie who gets up to leave the table.

"This won't take long. After you I'll talk with Callie and then my portion will be done. I'll complete a write up and give an official evaluation. That will be passed on to another social worker that will interview both of you at a later date. Then it's up to a judge to sign off."

"Sounds good."

"Great! These questions will be a little personal and invasive, but it's all for the benefit of Noah."

"I'm an open book. Ask away."

"Very well then. So let's start off from the beginning. Tell me about your childhood."

"It's safe to say I'm exhausted." I state sliding into bed next to Calliope, who puts a comforting arm around me. After being personally interrogated for twenty minutes, followed by dinner, bath time, and getting both kids down I'm totally spent. My first day back really wore me out.

"Me too, babe. It felt like a therapy session. What did she ask you?"

"The same stuff she asked you. Childhood, past relationships, values, morals…I hope the next social worker is nice."

"I doubt it. There's always one good cop and one bad cop. Megan seemed like the good cop."

"Well then bring on the bad cop! I can handle them."

"Oh I'm sure you can." Callie says amused. "I wonder what my dad wrote in his letter?"

"Yeah, me too. Maybe you should ask him."

"Hmmm, maybe…Did I tell you today how much I love you?"

"I think so, but that doesn't mean I don't want to hear it again."

"In that case, I love you Arizona Robbins."

"I love you, too Calliope Torres." We share a kiss that's interrupted by a crying Noah. "Wait, maybe he'll stop on his own." Sure enough the baby monitor goes silent. "Good job, Noah." I whisper in praise.

"I think you jinxed it, babe." Callie says getting out the bed to go tend to Noah, who's wailing even louder now. A minute later, Sofia is crying too. She usually sleeps through the night, but she still has her moments. Being as exhausted as I am, a mother's job never stops so I pull myself out of bed to soothe my baby girl.

"Coming Sof, mommy's coming."

Thanks for reading!

AN: I hope to have an update before the New Year, but if not have a happy New Year. Hopefully there will be happy Calzona times on Grey's in 2016!