The second Arizona walked away with her father; Callie sent a text to Jordyn to tell her Arizona was on her way up, then started to go back to the presidential suite to get ready for their wedding, but decided she needed to see Arizona's face when she walked into the room to see their bridal party. She had yet to see them as well, unless you count the brief glance she got at Bailey and the mishap with Yang and the dress, so she quickly hopped on the nearest elevator and hoped she beat them there. She didn't hear a single peep coming out of the room, so she hoped that meant Arizona wasn't there yet. She flashed her key card across the panel and quickly slipped inside and was greeted with an enthusiastic, "Surpri…what are you doing here?" Callie turned to her friends that she hadn't seen in over two years and replied, "It's nice to see you too. Thanks for coming to MY wedding." They all laughed and quickly surrounded her and hugged her, then she explained she just needed to see Arizona's face when she saw them for the first time then she would leave. But she was starting to wonder where her bride to be was.
Arizona had a death grip on her father's arm with one hand while she stared down at her engagement ring, blindly allowing him to lead her to wherever she was supposed to be going. Her mind and heart were in overdrive and that type-A part of her that needed to be in control, that needed order, was struggling to keep up. The last hour was replaying on loop at warp speed in her head and the only thing she could grasp was Calliope proposed and they were getting married…today…right now. She was vaguely aware that her father was guiding her into the elevator to take her to put on her wedding dress…to get married…to Calliope. Her sweet amazing Calliope who took her on a romantic carriage ride through Central Park and proposed to her in a butterfly conservatory and told her the sweetest story about how she felt when they first met and gave her a ring that belonged to her grandmother, a family heirloom that her mother of all people insisted she have. Her sweet amazing Calliope who did all of this for her because she ended their marriage and needed her to know how much she regretted it, how much she wanted her. Calliope ended the marriage, but she was the one who destroyed it. Snapping her head up, she ordered, "Stop! Stop the elevator." Daniel reached out and engaged the emergency stop button then looked down at his daughter in concern.
Arizona started pacing the tiny car and finally declared, "I can't do this. I…I can't…daddy you have to tell her I can't." Daniel watched as his daughter became unraveled before his very eyes. This was not a side of her he had seen often and he wasn't sure what was going on in her mind, but he knew she was on the verge of a panic attack. Assuming she was worried Callie would walk away again, he started, "Arizona, that woman loves you, she's admitted her mistakes, she…" Arizona threw up her hands and exclaimed, "I know! She's amazing and spent all this time on our house and my leg and this proposal and planning a surprise wedding and she's just been…she's been everything daddy! But I can't…what if I hurt her again? What if I…what if something happens and my PTSD comes back and what if I shut down on her and…" Daniel was starting to understand now and he smiled, realizing exactly how much his daughter had grown and changed over the past couple of years and how she had truly taken responsibility for her actions. Finally he asked, "Were you worried about that last week?" Arizona stopped her pacing, stared at her father and answered, "Of course not!" He nodded his head and asked, "Were you worried about that yesterday?" Arizona shook her head. She was getting frustrated. She had no idea what her dad was talking about and she was in the midst of a meltdown. The older man looked at her and asked, "What about this morning? Were you worried about any of those things this morning?" Arizona thought about their morning and how they woke up in each other's arms and talked about making a baby and how excited they were and ran her fingers through her hair, wincing when something tugged at it.
Daniel reached out and gently untangled his daughter's hair from the admittedly gorgeous engagement ring, held his daughter's delicate hand in front of her face and said, "Then this doesn't change that. This ring is here because Callie isn't worried about those things either. You've both admitted your mistakes, you've healed, you've forgiven each other and yourselves, you've been discussing your future, planning on spending your lives together, eventually getting married again, and none of those things crossed your mind. So the fact that it's happening today, that shouldn't matter. Yes, you are going to fight and you are going to hurt each other and you are going to talk about it and get over it because that is who you are now. Hell, just last week, your mom and I didn't speak for two days straight and she left me on the couch and didn't help me into the bed." Arizona furrowed her brow in concern and asked, "Why?" The older man chuckled and said, "I asked for apple pie and she was already making a peach cobbler so I refused to eat it. She told me I was a stubborn old bastard and if I wanted apple pie I could get up and make it myself. I reminded her I couldn't walk so she dumped all the ingredients in my lap."
Arizona couldn't help but laugh, then she sobered and argued, "But our fights…" Daniel put his hands on his daughter's shoulders and said softly, "Are all in the past where you need to leave them. You can 'what if' until the cows come home and it won't change the fact that Calliope Torres loves you with all her heart, nor the fact that your heart beats for her and just the mention of her name puts that smile, right there, on your face. Even after everything. So we are going to start that elevator, you are going to go upstairs, put on your wedding dress and vow to spend the rest of your life with the woman you love and then spend every day after that grateful that you were given another opportunity to do so." Arizona smirked and asked, "Is that an order?" The old Marine looked to his daughter and declared, it's a strong suggestion from someone who's spent the better part of 50 years with the woman he loves and had his share of war wounds as well. You are the person I raised you to be Arizona, you made a grave mistake and the fact that you are afraid to hurt the woman you love again is the first thing that crossed your mind tells me that you won't make it another time." Arizona threw her arms around her father's neck, hugged him tightly, and whispered, "Thank you daddy." She stepped back, smoothed out her dress, nodded her head once, and Daniel knew she made up her mind by that small gesture and reached out to start the elevator again.
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Barbara Robbins watched as her future daughter-in-law did her best not to look nervous and worry about why Arizona hadn't made it up to the room yet, but she wasn't fooling anyone. Stepping up behind her, she said quietly, "Callie?" The brunette turned to look at her once and future mother-in-law and hummed in response while chewing on the inside of her cheek and arching her brow in question at the older woman. She looked into blue eyes much like those she loved and saw a hint of a dimple and started to relax instantly. Barbara took her hand and reminded her, "You know my daughter better than she knows herself." Callie nodded, it was true, she did, even more so since they got back together. The older woman continued, "You just proposed and sprung a surprise wedding on her in the span of an hour." Callie furrowed her brow; she was well aware of that fact. When she opened her mouth to respond, a gruff voice from behind her cut in with, "Dude, what she's saying is, you just dumped this big thing on the most anal retentive person we all know. Robbins takes 20 minutes to pick out toilet paper and chooses the same brand every time. Give her a minute, she will be here." Callie scowled and asked, "Did you just call me toilet paper Karev?" The man shrugged and declared, "You're always on her ass and she keeps coming back to you, so…" Callie punched him in the chest and ordered, "Shut up!" The older woman laughed at the interaction and turned back to Callie and said, "She will be here, but yes, she needs a minute to let it all sink in and you know this about her." Callie took a deep breath, nodded, then broke into her mega-watt smile when the door opened and she saw the pure joy on her fiancé's face when everyone yelled surprise, and in that moment, nothing else mattered.
Arizona had no idea what to expect when she opened the door to the luxury suite where she was sent to get ready for her wedding, but this wasn't it. Before she could even step inside, she saw a flash of red and was instantly enveloped in a tight hug by whom she assumed was her best friend. Looking up, she saw a line of people waiting to greet her, tapped her friend's back and moved on to Richard who she couldn't believe had become one of her closest friends when just the mere sight of him used to make her cry, as it did now but for completely different reasons. She moved on to Miranda who ordered, "Don't wrinkle my dress, or make me cry, she just finished my make-up." That comment brought her back to the reality of the day and she looked around the room and saw April, Jordyn, Miranda, Maria, Lorraine, Meredith, Addison, Christina, and Nicole all wearing the bridesmaid dresses she picked out and noticed for the first time that Stevie, Richard and Karev were in black tuxedos with matching pink cummerbunds and bow ties. She wiped at her tears, shook her head and asked, "What are you all…how did you…I don't…" Alex groused, "I'm the maid of honor." April pouted, "Only because you won the coin toss!" Richard added, "I'm a bridesmaid." Christina tossed back a shot and in the same high-pitched voice she used earlier, declared, "I housekeeping. You need mint?" Arizona shook her head and laughed out, "Oh my god! That was you?" She looked around with tears in her eyes and proclaimed, "You're all here! I can't believe you're all here…and in the wedding." For the first time, she realized Callie was standing next to her and stared at her fiancé in awe while shaking her head in disbelief. Callie took her hands and declared, "You wanted a big wedding, this is our bridal party." Arizona pulled her into a tight hug and gave her a deep searing kiss, then pulled back and whispered, "I love you so much." Callie rested their foreheads together and murmured, "I love you too."
Karev coughed, "Still gross!" causing everyone to laugh. The two women pulled apart and Addison declared, "Since you're both here, we have exactly 15 minutes for your bridal shower and bachelorette party before you two need to start getting ready." Barbara and Daniel looked at one another and the older woman declared, "Okay, all junior members of the bridal party come with us for a little snack." She looked at the two women and informed them, we will be in our room, when you come down to get ready, I will bring them back." Arizona tilted her head and asked, "Junior bridal party?" Callie nodded her head as Bella and Jess ran out of the adjoining room in pink satin dresses the same color as the bridesmaid's dresses followed by Sofia and Zola in the flower girl dresses Arizona had chosen, then Henry and Bailey in their little black tuxedos and pink bow ties." Sofia saw her mommies, ran up to them and asked, "Did you say yes mommy?" Arizona bent to kiss the top of her daughter's head and responded, "Of course I did baby girl. Don't you look beautiful." Sofia kissed her mommy's cheek and responded, "I bet you will look beautifuller!" Arizona and Callie both chuckled and corrected, "More beautiful." Then Callie added, "She most certainly will." Addison cut in and declared, "No one is going to look beautiful and there won't even be a wedding if you two don't hurry up and sit down." She directed them to sit next to one another on the couch and plopped a tiara on Arizona's head and a crown on Callie's. Barbara shooed the kids out the door and Alex and Richard followed, declaring they didn't need to be a part of this and would also be waiting in the other room.
Christina, of course, passed out shots to everyone while Meredith dropped a load of presents on their laps. Addison discreetly switched shots with Arizona knowing she needed to limit her alcohol consumption. The blonde winked at her gratefully and April started, "To the happy couple." Miranda lifted her glass and added, "It's about damn time!" To that, everyone laughed and knocked back their shots. Jordyn ordered, "Open your presents, hurry." As the two proceeded to rip through their presents, they noticed the majority of it was rather risqué lingerie or gag gifts. Nicole informed them, "If the black lace thing is crotchless panties, it was from me, if it was a hat for someone with a mohawk, no idea where it came from." Everyone broke into laughter and Callie whispered to Arizona, "She's funny when she isn't busy being scary." Arizona laughed and nodded. When they got toward the end, they noticed Maria and Christina were still holding their gifts and the boxes looked to be about the same size. Christina handed over her box and declared, "I lived with you, I know how you roll, but I'm warning you, the Swiss…pretty kinky." Arizona held her head in her hands and muttered, "Oh God." Callie carefully lifted the top, peeked inside and hollered, "YANG!" Arizona looked at her fiancé who lifted the lid so she could see and the blonde was so shocked she asked aloud, "A bondage kit for beginners?" Maria tossed her box on the couch and muttered, "Damn it!" Arizona looked to Callie and asked, "Where do you find these people?" Callie just chuckled and replied, "Asked the girl who accosted me in a dirty bar bathroom." Everyone laughed and Miranda looked at the time and in her most chiefly voice, declared, "Okay, everyone not helping this bride get ready, out! You have your own bride…" She stopped, looked at Torres' clothes and continued, "Or groom or whatever to get ready."
Callie leaned over, pulled Arizona into a deep searing kiss, then whispered, "I'll see you soon, I love you." Arizona brushed their lips together again and responded, "I love you too." Addison and Christina pulled Callie off the couch and shoved her out the door while Maria looked to Meredith and asked, "So they've always been this gross?" Meredith nodded and responded, "When they didn't want to kill each other. Even then, the sexual tension was ridiculous." Stevie and Lorraine laughed at the comment and followed the women out of the room. Jordyn pulled Arizona off the couch and ordered, "You, out of that dress, into the robe in the bathroom and wash off your make-up. I have less than an hour to make you perfect." Arizona smirked and responded, "Good thing I'm already halfway there." April laughed, Miranda snorted, and Nicole muttered, "I need another drink. You owe me Robbins; I told you no pink. Tomorrow I start the lessons with your kid." Arizona rolled her eyes and retorted, "In two hours it'll be Robbins-Torres and if you teach my daughter one bad word, I'll mix up all your slides for your classes and give Shep dog treats while he's on duty." The older fetal surgeon laughed and just shook her head.
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Once Callie and her bridal party returned to the presidential suite, the kids and Barbara went back to be with Arizona; and Daniel, Richard, and Alex excused themselves as well. While Callie was taking off her suit coat in the main living area, there was a knock on the door and Addison opened it to find two women, one older and one who appeared to be about her age, both resembling Callie and she could only assume this was her mother and sister. It was confirmed when her friend greeted, "Mami, Aria, come in and meet everyone." Once they were all introduced, Christina, being Christina, asked, "So, what's with the fancy suits and new haircut, are you like a dude now?" Meredith shoved her friend and scolded, "You can't ask that!" Christina shrugged and looked at her friend expectantly, waiting for an answer. Callie looked to Stevie who nodded their head, then to Maria, Lorraine, and Addie who all smiled at her and responded, "This is who I am now, after I got my head on straight, things just didn't feel right, so after a lot of soul searching and talking with Arizona, I realized I was struggling with my gender identity and now I identify as non-binary and feel more like myself like this." Meredith smiled, got up and hugged her friend and responded, "I think that's great Cal and I gotta say, this cut, it looks totally hot on you." Addison laughed and warned, "Don't say that too loud, Robbins nearly took my head off when I told her that." Christina still hadn't said anything and Callie looked to her waiting for some smart ass comment and was shocked when all she said was, "Cool." Stevie clapped their hands together and suggested, "Let's get you ready shall we?" Callie nodded and went in the other room to change.
Aria and Lucia watched the entire interaction between the group of friends and neither could help the guilt they felt gnawing at them for their reaction and absence in Callie's life for so long while these people who weren't her blood but were clearly her family just accepted her for who she was. Lucia recalled the last time she saw her daughter the day before her wedding and how happy she was, how excited she was to be starting her life with Arizona and her own reaction, her own unwillingness to just allow her daughter to be happy. Excusing herself, she went to the master suite where Callie had just entered and knocked on the door. Callie stood in just her bra and black trousers and called out, "Who is it?" Though it's not like it really mattered to her since everyone out there was her family. She was slightly shocked and couldn't help the churning of her stomach when she heard her mother's voice respond, "Calliope, it's me." Callie took a deep breath to center herself and replied, "Come in mami." Lucia carefully entered the room and closed the door behind her. She felt her heart sink when she saw the fear in her daughter's eyes.
Walking toward the closet, she pulled out the garment bag and unzipped it while she explained, "It's every mother's dream to help their daughter get married on their wedding day. It's a memorable moment that both mother and daughter cherish for the rest of their lives." Callie really wanted to say something, she could feel the anger building within, but held her tongue hoping she wasn't wrong in letting her mother back into her life. Lucia watched her daughter fight her inner battle and rushed to continue, "I still remember the day my mami helped me prepare and she couldn't stand your father at first. Even though it didn't work out, I remember the happiness Aria and I shared on her wedding day as well." She shook her head, sighed heavily and admitted, "I allowed my own ignorance and bias to cheat the both of us out of that experience before. If you'll permit me, I'd very much like that opportunity now. It can't make up for…" She was cut off when Callie pulled her into a bone crushing hug and declared, "Yes mami. I'd love nothing more than to have you help me get ready for my wedding. I know it's not the vision either of us had when I was growing up, but it won't make it any less special." Lucia wiped the single tear from her daughter's face and whispered, "I know mija and I'm so sorry I…" Callie shook her head and declared, "No more apologies remember? This, you being here and asking to be a part of this, giving me the ring for Arizona, this is all I need." Lucia smiled, kissed her daughter's cheek and replied, well then let's get you ready to marry the love of your life, shall we?" Callie could only smile at her mother and continued to undress.
Lucia opened the garment bag all the way and gasped when she saw her daughter's outfit, exclaiming, "Oh Calliope, it's perfect." Callie looked up and smiled as she revealed, "I had it tailor made. My friend Jo had pictures of both Arizona's and Sofia's dresses and designed this based on those." Lucia took out the white tuxedo made of charmeuse fabric and noticed the lapels and side stripes on the trousers were covered in a pink lace floral applique just like the dress her granddaughter was wearing. The front of the coat was slightly shorter than the vest which was pink satin covered in the same applique in white with tiny pearls sewn in which she assumed was like Arizona's dress. When she took the coat off the hanger, she saw that it was lined with pale pink silk and had long tails that would extend to just above the back of the knee. The tuxedo shirt was also pale pink, a tad lighter than the rest of the suit and the necktie was made of the same white charmeuse fabric. She removed the trousers from the hanger and handed them over to her daughter. Once Callie had on her shirt and pants, they allowed the photographer to come in to take some shots of her getting ready. Lucia expertly tied her tie and heard the camera click and Callie already knew she would want that picture framed. Her mother helped her into her vest and buttoned it up and just before she put on her coat, Callie remembered, "Oh, my cufflinks and tie clip." She went to the dresser, put on the same butterfly cufflinks from earlier and added the matching tie clip. Lucia waited for her to put on her pink socks and white and pink leather oxfords, then helped her with her tuxedo coat. Once she was finished, she looked at her daughter with a tear in her eye and murmured, "Exquisite. You look very dapper and gorgeous mija." Callie smiled, kissed her mother's cheek, heard the camera click again and decided THIS would be the photo she wanted framed.
When they were all finished, Lucia looked to her daughter and said, "Now, if you will excuse me, there's something else I need to take care of. Callie looked at her mother with a confused expression on her face and Lucia assured her, "It won't take long. I'll be right back." Callie nodded then called Stevie in to help with her hair. Christina followed along and asked, "Are you sure you don't want me to do your hair?" Callie glared at her and responded, "If you ever go near my head with a pair of scissors, you will be extracting them from your own heart." Christina thought about that for a minute then replied, "I could probably do that with a local." Callie chuckled, pointed to the door and ordered, "Out Yang!" While Stevie was doing Callie's hair, they asked, "What was that all about?" Callie relayed the story of Christina cutting her hair after Arizona left for Africa and what a fiasco it was. Stevie chuckled and responded, "That one is a handful and with Maria…" They shook their head and asked, "Is she in town long." Callie thought about Christina and Maria spending too much time together, visibly shivered and said, "God I hope not." They both chuckled at that and Stevie finished Callie's hair.
Once Callie stepped into the main room once again, Addison let out a low whistle and remarked, "Damn!" Callie smirked and went to look in the mirror, she looked pretty damn good if she did say so herself. She frowned as if she felt something was missing, reached inside the collar of her shirt, pulled out her silver chain and fixed it so it hung right and could be seen over her tie. Christina shook her head and asked, "You still have that?" Callie smirked and answered, "It's part of who we are." Meredith laughed and said, "Those babies won me 500 smackers." Callie's jaw dropped and asked, "Seriously?" The blonde nodded and assured her, "Don't worry, I bought your wedding present with it." Callie laughed out loud and declared, "Man I've missed you." Just then, there was a knock on the door and Alex informed them it was time to go.
As they were walking out, Carlos was coming in. He looked at his daughter in her tuxedo and while it was a far cry from the dress he had seen her in several years ago, to him she looked no less beautiful and she was still the child he raised from an infant. Walking toward her, he took her hands and said, "Mija, you look absolutely stunning." Callie smiled brightly and replied, "Thank you daddy." Clearing his throat he stated, "I uh, I don't know how this works now." Callie scrunched up her nose in confusion and he continued, "It's always been my dream to walk you down the aisle and I…I didn't get to do that…but now…how does this…do I still…Calliope may I please walk you down the aisle?" Callie smiled her brilliant smile at her father and declared, "I would be crushed if you didn't." The older man smiled and opened his arms to his daughter. Callie immediately went to him and whispered, "I love you daddy." Carlos pulled her tighter and responded, "I'm so proud of you mija. You just keep being you and I will always love you."
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Arizona quickly took off her white gown, carefully hung it on a hanger, changed into the pink silk robe that said bride on the back, no doubt courtesy of her new sneaky friend and started washing the make-up off her face. She couldn't help but smile again when she saw her ring shimmer in the mirror. Once she was in the chair and Jordyn started doing her hair, everyone filled her in on the lengths Callie went to in order to pull this off. Miranda told her, "Oh there was a whole conference call about it." Nicole added in, "After what she did to the center and the cake tasting thing, she owes me big time!" Arizona laughed and declared, "I can't believe I had no clue. I actually thought I was choosing a cake for the grand opening." Nicole waved her hand and answered, "I did that weeks ago." Arizona looked in the mirror at Jordyn and accused, "And you! You are good. I honestly believed your cousin was the worst bride ever, not even choosing her own colors for her wedding." Jordyn laughed and admitted, "I was shitting my pants the entire time, I swear I thought you would catch on." April shook her head and asked, "What happened?" The two women told the others about their outing at the bridal shop and they were almost in tears laughing at how she didn't figure that out. Bailey offered, "Well, I almost blew it today. We got a text from Torres telling us y'all were on your way and I forgot something in the rental car. I was just about to walk out the door when you pulled up. She sent me that Torres glare and I swear it put the Bailey stare to shame and to think I taught her that move." Arizona laughed and asked, "You taught her to stare people down?" Bailey nodded her head and told them the story about how Torres was trying to get Shephard to look at a patient so she told her the secret.
April shook her head and responded, "I nearly cried every time she looked at me when I was a resident." Arizona laughed and replied, "I never knew that." Bailey snorted and answered, "Better than Robbins over there, she used to cry when Richard would look at her funny." Arizona admitted, "I grew up with a Marine Colonel as a father, I had authority issues." Nicole snorted and muttered, "Had my ass, you still get nervous around me and I'm your business partner now." Arizona huffed and answered, "You were a monster." Nicole defended, "I was dying!" Arizona muttered, "What's your excuse now?" The older fetal surgeon retorted, "You." Arizona shook her head and immediately got reprimanded by Jordyn for moving. She looked at Arizona and commanded, "Hold still." Then she looked up and asked, "So I've heard the stories from these two, but what were they really like?" Bailey howled with laughter and responded, "We don't have that long. But to sum it up, they were sickening, I swear this one turned Torres to mush. They had a rough go of it, but we knew, even if they didn't, that this day would come again." Arizona smiled and shared, "A huge part of me gave up hope, especially after she moved here, but there was this little piece, I just…I couldn't let go. Apparently she didn't either."
Barbara returned with the kids shortly afterward and Sofia asked, "How did mama ask you to marry her? When did she tell you the surprise?" Arizona narrowed her eyes at her daughter and asked, "How long have you known about this?" Sofia answered, "Oh, mama only told me on the way to Maria's, she said she wanted me to be surprised too, but I think she didn't trust me not to tell you." Arizona laughed and replied, "I think that was an accurate assumption." Sofia nodded and declared, "I totally would have blown it." She then jumped around excitedly and asked, "So tell us." Arizona told them about how Callie asked her to take a walk with her after Jordyn sent her message telling her she would be late and Jordyn laughed and declared, "I was right here in this room the whole time doing everyone's hair." Arizona squealed, "Oh my god!" She continued her story, telling them all about the horse drawn carriage, the tour through Central Park then told them how Callie told her the story about the butterflies and actually got on one knee. By the time she was finished with the whole story, both Barbara and April were in tears and Bailey reiterated, "See, she's mush."
Jordyn finished and said, "Okay, all that's left is the dress and shoes and you are set to walk down that aisle." Arizona took a deep breath and waited while April brought her dress to her. When she unzipped the garment bag, she fell in love with it all over again and declared, "I almost forgot how beautiful it was." Barbara gasped, wiped away more tears and gushed, "Oh Arizona, it's just…it's perfect." Arizona smiled and responded, "I thought so too." She laughed then and said, "We'd discussed getting remarried one day and I swear I almost put a deposit down on this dress that day in the bridal shop but I didn't want to jinx it." The other's laughed and Arizona took her robe off to put the dress on and forgot about the white sheer lace front thong she had put on earlier until her mother scolded her, "Arizona Robbins! What do you have on?" Miranda leaned over to see what the older woman was talking about, snorted and responded, "Not much and from the looks of it, you two found a Ukrainian woman with postage stamps out here too." Arizona glared at her former chief, stuck out her tongue and almost bit it when the shorter woman responded, "Save that for after the wedding." Barbara shook her head at the nonsense, took the dress and ordered, "Cover yourself up!" Everyone except Nicole, of course, assisted Arizona in putting her dress on.
Though both April and Miranda noticed the realistic looking prosthetic Arizona was wearing, they had learned a long time ago not to say anything about Arizona's leg, so neither asked about it. That was until she lifted the dress to put her shoes on and asked Jordyn to pass over her phone. They watched whiled she tapped a few keys and the foot moved and formed the shape of the shoe allowing her to easily slide it on. Miranda pointed at her leg and asked, "What the hell is that?" Arizona beamed and chirped, "Callie finished my leg." The shorter woman just shook her head and asked, "Torres? That's Torres' work?" Arizona smiled, bent her leg up and put her foot on the chair, then lifted the bottom of her dress up so the two surgeons could get a better look. April furrowed her brow and asked, "You, you're okay with this?" Arizona nodded and responded, "It took me a long time, but yes, I'm okay with talking about my leg and I'm proud to show off Callie's talent." Miranda just shook her head again and said, "Well, I'll be damned." Arizona put her leg back down and walked over to look in the mirror while her mother helped her with her accessories. She started to take off the heart necklace and Arizona's hands instantly flew up to stop her and she declared, "This stays." Bailey snorted, "I remember the day you two gave each other those damn necklaces for Valentine's Day. Running around showing me and giggling like lovesick teenagers." Arizona smiled at the memory and informed her, "They are a part of us." Miranda muttered, "Made me lose a damn bet too." Arizona chuckled and shook her head at her friend.
Within a few minutes, there was a knock at the door and April opened it to find Richard on the other side telling her the wedding coordinator was asking for the wedding party. April and Jordyn rounded up all the kids and they all waited while Sofia went to talk to her mommy. Sofia went to her mommy, took her hands and tugged lightly so Arizona bent down to see eye to eye. The little girl looked at her and declared, "You look beautiful mommy. Are you nervous?" Arizona shook her head and Sofia responded, "I'm so happy you are happy now too. I know you said you would be happy if me and mama were happy, but I knew you were sad. You're happy now right?" Arizona fought back the tears and answered, "Oh sweet girl, I'm happier than I've ever been." Sofia leaned in to kiss her mommy's cheek and agreed, "Me too. Thank you for saying yes and making us a real family again." Arizona pressed her cheek against her daughter's, not wanting to smear her lipstick and get it on her little cheek and whispered, "Thank you for being the best daughter in the world." Sofia smiled, then ran off to get ready for the wedding.
As soon as everyone left, Arizona was alone in the room with her mother and they were both fighting not to cry. Barbara put her hand on her daughter's cheek and proclaimed, "I am so proud of you sweet pea and thrilled you are getting your happy ending." Arizona smiled and admitted, "I had a little freak out in the elevator." Her mother nodded and informed her, I figured. Callie was about to go into panic mode wondering where you were. Are you sure about this dear?" Arizona nodded and explained, "It wasn't about Callie. It was about me. I was just…I was afraid I'd hurt her again. Daddy talked me down." Barbara kissed her daughter's cheek, gave her the once over and said, "Oh goodness, I almost forgot." Arizona tilted her head at her mother in question and she declared, "You need something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue." Arizona knew this was coming and was surprised she hadn't brought it up sooner. She held up her ring and declared, "This is old, it was Calliope's grandmother's but it's also new, so there's two down." Barbara walked across the room, reached into her purse and pulled out a small piece of blue fabric and a safety pin. She held it up and shared, "Well this is borrowed, because I want it back, but it's also blue." Arizona looked down at the stiff square of blue material and couldn't stop the tears. Barb carefully pinned the swatch inside Arizona's dress and stated, "I cut that little piece from Timothy's dress blues and when I need to feel close to him, I pin it just above my heart. I know he would want to be here today sweet pea and he would love your girls." Arizona dabbed at her eyes, hugged her mother and whispered, "Thank you." She looked at the time and said, "You'd better go take your seat."
Barbara nodded, crossed the room, opened the door and was surprised to see who was on the other side. She looked back at her daughter who nodded, let the other woman in and quietly left the room. Arizona turned to see Lucia and blushed when she said, "Arizona, you look breathtaking. Calliope will be awestruck." Arizona smiled brightly at her and replied, "Thank you. Calliope told me about the ring and what you said about it belonging on my finger. It means so much to me that you feel that way and even more to Calliope." The older woman let out a relieved breath and asked, "May I see it?" Arizona walked toward her future mother-in-law and held out her hand for her to see. She realized then that the older woman was holding a mid-sized white box. Lucia saw where the blonde was looking and started, "Your first wedding, Calliope had a veil made to resemble the one I wore in my wedding to her father. I saw how excited she was, how special it was to her, yet…I…I broke her heart and said some awful things to her. She's not…well, it wouldn't suit her to wear a veil now, but I would be honored if you would wear this veil, the same one I wore, I'm hoping it's still special to her. Arizona was absolutely floored. She held Callie for hours that night while she cried over her mother. She still wore the veil to their wedding and she knew it would mean everything to her fiancé if she wore it today. She couldn't say no even if she wanted to, it was beautiful and it complimented her dress. Looking up, she could see the nerves and the unshed tears in the older woman's eyes, reached for a tissue for both of them then asked, "Would you put it on me?" Lucia smiled and answered, "It would be my pleasure."
XXXX
While she still had a few minutes, Callie went to the back entrance of the main ballroom where the wedding ceremony would take place and let out a sigh of relief when she saw that everything was exactly as she requested. The decorations were pink with a few black and gold accents, large bouquets of orchids and pink gerbera daisies were spread throughout the room, two white candles were on the makeshift altar waiting to be lit, and she could see nearly every seat was filled which meant there were approximately 100 guests made up of the spouses of her wedding party, those who were married at least, several of her family members, which shocked her, some people from Arizona's family she recognized, and many of their current colleagues and employees. Feeling a tap on her shoulder, she turned to see her father who smiled softly and declared, "It's time." Callie nodded and followed him to a small room near the main entrance of the ballroom. When she saw the wedding coordinator she asked, is the music all set up? Will she be able to hear it all where she is? The young woman nodded showed her the list to make sure it was in the correct order and at Callie's nod of approval, spoke into her earpiece for the mothers to be seated.
Following the directions of the wedding coordinator, Miguel, who was an usher, walked Lucia and Aria down the aisle to their seats, then returned to walk Barbara to her seat. Once the doors were closed by the hotel staff, Callie and Carlos were escorted out of the room they were in and directed to the main doors of the ballroom. When the first notes of 'I Won't Give Up' by Jason Mraz started to play, the doors were opened and the guests stood and turned to watch Callie walk down the aisle. Once they reached the altar, Carlos took his seat by his wife. The guests sat down and the music transitioned into 'Perfect' by Ed Sheeran and Callie watched as Alex and Addison walked down the aisle and each went to their respective side of the altar, followed by April and Maria, Jordyn and Stevie, Miranda and Meredith, Nicole and Christina, and finally Richard and Lorraine. The music slowly faded out and 'Lucky' by Jason Mraz began to play and a collective aww was heard when Bella and Bailey began their trek followed by Jess and Henry, then Zola on her own dropping colorful gerbera daisy petals, then Sofia spreading beautiful orchid petals of various colors. Once all of the children were in place, the doors were closed once again and the music stopped.
Arizona was in a side room with her father and was able to see her attendants walk in and was nearly in tears just listening to the music Callie had chosen. She had no idea what song she had chosen for her but was certain she was going to cry. She was so nervous that she didn't even realize she didn't have a bouquet until the woman she learned was the wedding coordinator walked up to her and handed her a bundle of flowers wrapped in pink and gold ribbon. Her heart leapt when she looked down at the bouquet of flowers and saw that it nearly replicated the blossoms she gave Callie on their second first date. This bouquet only contained one each of a blue and yellow orchid surrounded by a double ring of white and a double ring of pink. She squeezed her father's arm, nodded to the coordinator, stepped up to the doors, and wasn't sure if she wanted to laugh or cry when she heard the music start. Just as the doors opened, she heard the first words of 'Just the Way You Are' by Bruno Mars and when she looked up to the end of the aisle, her heart nearly stopped when she saw the love of her life and her soulmate standing there in her white tuxedo. She felt a tug on her arm and realized she was frozen in place. She slowly made her way up the aisle hoping like hell her father was watching where he was going because she could only see the brown eyes that were staring straight into her soul.
The minute those double doors opened revealing Arizona in her wedding dress, Callie let out an audible gasp. She was convinced she stopped breathing and knew the only thing that was keeping her upright was looking into those stunning blue eyes that were shining with so much love and happiness. When Arizona was only mere feet away, Addison had to discreetly reach out with her right hand and hold Callie's coattails to keep her from going to meet her bride. Once they reached the altar, Daniel took Callie's left hand and placed Arizona's hand in hers. He kissed both women on the cheek and went to join his wife. Callie reached out for Arizona's other hand and blinked when she noticed the veil she was wearing for the first time. Callie whispered, "Is that…" Arizona smiled and nodded and they both glanced toward Lucia who blew them a kiss. They looked at one another again and whispered "I love you" then turned inward to face Father Kevin who stood at the altar and asked everyone to be seated.
Father Kevin began, "On behalf of Callie and Arizona, I would like to thank everyone for joining them on their special day. While they are grateful for your presence, they are also saddened by those who could not be here today and ask that you join them in a moment of silence while they light a candle in memory of Captain Timothy James Robbins and Dr. Markus Everett Sloan." Arizona looked at Callie and could no longer hold back the tears. She wanted to light a candle for Timmy at their first wedding and her father wouldn't make time in the schedule and she turned to Mark because she needed just that one opportunity to grieve and remember him on her special day. Both women turned to Sofia, took her hands in theirs and walked her to the altar. Father Kevin handed Arizona a candle lighter and Callie and Sofia both covered her hand while she lit the candles and Father Kevin recited, "May we always remember Captain Timothy James Robbins beloved son and brother and Dr. Markus Everett Sloan, beloved father and friend. Please cherish the memories of these friends and family and all others who live on in our hearts. Amen."
When they returned to their positions, Father Kevin asked, "Who gives their blessing for Arizona to join Calliope in holy matrimony?" Barbara and Daniel both stood and responded in unison, "We, as her parents bless this union." Father Kevin then asked, "Who gives their blessing for Calliope to join Arizona in holy matrimony?" Carlos, Lucia, and Aria all stood and recited, "We, as her family bless this union." When both families were seated once again, Father Kevin began, "We have come together today in the presence of God to witness and to bless the joining together of Arizona Robbins and Calliope Torres in marriage. Marriage is a very special spiritual connection of two people united for a common purpose, bringing love and trust together in a single focus. Arizona and Callie join together today in a union founded upon friendship, hope, forgiveness, respect, honesty, loyalty, and most importantly, love." Callie and Arizona smiled at one another and tightened their grip on each other's hands.
Father Kevin looked to Callie then Arizona and said, "True marriage is the strongest of all earthly unions. It is to be entered into reverently, consciously and with full understanding of its significance. There are no ties on earth so sweet, none so tender as those you are about to assume. There are no vows so solemn as those you are about to make. Marriage is a great adventure when it is the outward expression of a great love; such a love is characterized by compassion, passion, and courage. There is no institution on earth so sacred as that of the union you will form, for the true home is not only the place in which you will live but is also the dwelling place where each lives in the heart and mind of the other. At this time, Callie has asked to say a few words."
Arizona looked to Callie, slightly surprised she chose to speak in front of all these people and didn't look to be nervous at all. Callie wasn't nervous because she could stare into those cerulean blue eyes and see her future, she saw the words she needed to speak reflecting back at her, she knew she would cry, but it didn't matter, all that mattered was the woman in front of her. She took a deep breath and started, "You once told me that I fall in love with the idea of being in love and you were right. I had no idea what true love was until I met you. I never understood what it meant to give your heart to another person, to love them with everything that you are and everything that you have, and to have them return that love, to put their heart in your hands, until I met you. More than that, I didn't know it was possible to give another person a part of your soul. I've always believed in soulmates, as a theory, but never understood the reality of it, until I met you. From our very first meeting, I understood what it meant to get butterflies in your stomach yet feel more relaxed and at ease in your presence, I understood that a smile could light up a whole room, make your day better, and your heart feel lighter, I understood that just a touch or a look could set your whole body on fire, and I understood the true meaning of home. We've been here before and we both learned what it meant to lose those things, to break the heart of the one person you vowed to never hurt, to have your heart ripped from your chest, to lose the other half of your soul. But during that time, we learned not to take those things or that person for granted, we learned to listen and to share, we learned to admit to our weaknesses and mistakes, we learned that when love isn't enough, it still never dies, we learned that our hearts were not full, our souls were incomplete and no other could fill that space. When you came back into my life, I knew what it felt like to be able to breathe again, I learned the meaning of true forgiveness, I felt your unconditional love restore my heart and complete my soul. Arizona Robbins, you hold my heart in your hands, you have for the last ten years and you will until my dying breath. You are the keeper of my soul, you are my best friend, my lover, my home, my everything."
Arizona knew she was a blubbering mess. Callie didn't give heartfelt speeches often, but when she did, she laid her entire heart down for the world to see. She closed her eyes and felt her whole body relax when strong tan hands caressed her cheeks and wiped her tears away. When she looked up, she could see Callie was also in tears and lifted her hands to wipe them away as well. She inhaled deeply and said, "I don't know if I can follow that and this was kind of sprung on me, so, I'm going to have to wing it." Alex leaned forward and none too quietly assured her, "We've all been on the receiving end of an impromptu Robbins speech, you'll be fine." Everyone chuckled then laughed even harder when nearly everyone in the wedding party and both sets of parents raised their hands and nodded their heads. Arizona smiled at Callie and saw her whole world standing in front of her.
Linking their hands together, Arizona proclaimed, "Growing up in a military family, I never knew what it meant to have a home, to belong somewhere, to even commit to a relationship of any sort because I knew at some point, I would be leaving. I never had dreams of a home or a family or a marriage because I never understood the concept of loving someone so deeply. When I met you, all of that changed, from our very first kiss, I knew you were different, I knew you would make me want things I never even dreamed of, things I never thought I could have. I fought it, I fought it because I knew you would change my life, you would change my mind and my heart and you did. When I allowed myself to let you in, my love for you consumed me and I dreamed of things I never knew I wanted, I found my home in your heart, in your arms, I saw babies and weddings and an entire future and it scared me. You scared me to death Calliope because you not only took over my heart, but you also became part of my soul. You taught me what it meant to be the other half of a whole, you gave me the family, the child I was too afraid to hope for, you loved and cherished me and became my calm in the storm, my safe place, and my world. I've made mistakes, we both have, we got lost in the storm for a long time but I understood what it meant to have your life ripped out from under you, to lose everything because of one bad choice, to break the person you love, and I will never regret anything more in my life. When I lost you, I learned the true meaning of homelessness and hopelessness, but I also learned the true meaning of love, of loving someone so much you want them happy, you want them to thrive and fulfill their dreams even if it isn't with you. I know there was a piece of me, that tiny part of my empty soul that hoped and dreamed we would find our way back to each other. It took us a while, but I think we needed that time to learn from our mistakes, to grow as individuals, to achieve our dreams so when we met again, we would be whole as individuals and we could complete each other as soulmates. We've found each other again, we've learned to love better, to compromise, to communicate, and to appreciate everything we lost and everything we've gained. Calliope Torres, you hold my heart in your hands, you have for the last ten years and you will until my dying breath. You are the keeper of my soul, you are my best friend, my lover, my home, my everything."
Callie sobbed and choked out a laugh when Alex whispered, "See, I knew you could do it." Arizona and Callie once again reached out to dry each other's tears then linked their hands together in front of them. Father Kevin looked to the two women and said, "Callie, Arizona, I want you to think about the hands you are holding. These are the hands of your best friend, holding your hands on your wedding day. Promising to love you and to work together as you build your future as one. These are the hands that will give you strength when you need strength, tenderness when you need tenderness, and love when you need love. These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes, tears of sorrow, yes, but also tears of joy. These are the hands that years from now will still be searching for your hands, still seeking the love, encouragement, and support that you each gain from the other. These are the hands that today, become an extension of yourself making two become one as you walk the path of life together in love and marriage. Today, your separate lives, each with your individual memories, desires and hopes merge into one life – a new dimension."
He looked to Callie and asked, "Calliope, do you reach out in love to receive Arizona and choose to share your life with her? Will you promise always to give her your ever growing love; will you comfort her, be sensitive to her needs, express your feelings with her, listen to her, put your trust in her, and forsaking all others, be her intimate companion and honor her as your equal partner?"
Callie looked into Arizona's eyes, smiled her brilliant million dollar smile and exclaimed, "I will."
He then looked to Arizona and asked, "Arizona, do you reach out in love to receive Calliope and choose to share your life with her? Will you promise always to give her your ever growing love; will you comfort her, be sensitive to her needs, express your feelings with her, listen to her, put your trust in her, and forsaking all others, be her intimate companion and honor her as your equal partner?"
Arizona looked into the endless brown pools of emotion, unleashed her best super-magic smile and proclaimed, "I will."
Father Kevin requested, "Please say these words to each other together, I give you my love, my heart, my hope, my joy. These I offer to you freely, to delight in your soul, to nourish your mind, to celebrate love with you, to share my joy, to console you in sorrow. I choose to go with you always. I promise to listen to you, to express my innermost feelings, to labor with you, to believe in you, even when you doubt yourself, to be the mirror of your highest value, and to hold myself beside you for the rest of our days." Both women repeated his words and he looked to Addison and Alex and asked, "The rings please." Arizona had almost forgotten about wedding rings and looked down at the exquisite white gold band with the infinity knot made of small diamonds with one slightly larger black diamond in the center and knew it was perfect for them.
Father Kevin looked to Callie who reached out, lifted Arizona's heart charm from her chest and received a smile and a nod, she then took Arizona's left hand in hers, held an identical ring with the same infinity knot with a small pink diamond in the center and began, "Ten years ago, when I first placed that necklace around your neck, I told you I never knew what it meant to love or be loved until you came into my life. I never knew what it meant to look into someone else's eyes only to see my past fade away and my future to become so clear. Before you, I was treading water, gasping for air, when you followed me into a dirty bar bathroom and placed your lips on mine, you breathed life into me, you touched my soul, you stole my heart. When I first gave that to you, I told you I was giving my heart to you freely, I promised to love you until the end of time, I promised that as long as you held my heart, I would only see my future in your eyes. After you, I was drowning in despair once again. I lost sight of our love, I fought it for a long time, but those words never failed to hold true, I will love you until the end of time, I will only ever see my future in your eyes because you are the only person who has ever held my heart. I was made for you, I belong to you Arizona Robbins, heart, body, and soul and this ring is also my symbol to you that I always will." She placed the ring on Arizona's finger and whispered, "I love you."
Arizona wiped the tears from her eyes, lifted her hand to the small heart resting on Callie's tie and declared, "When I placed this heart around your neck for the first time, I promised to love you for the rest of my life, I promised you were then and always would be the only person to ever truly hold my heart, I promised that as long as you wore this, as long as you held my heart near yours, I would protect you, give you strength, encourage you, and support you. Since then, I have broken many promises, even our wedding vows, I have stretched your patience, tested your love, and lost you time and again, but those promises I made that day, they will always remain true. I will love you for the rest of my life, you are still the only person who has ever held my heart, and as long as you hold my heart, I will protect you, strengthen you, encourage you, and support you. I belong to you Calliope Torres, heart, body, and soul and this ring is also my symbol to you that I always will." She slid the ring on Callie's finger and whispered, "I love you."
Father Kevin smiled at the two women, then looked up to the guests and proclaimed, "By the power vested in me by the State of New York and the Catholic Church, I now pronounce you wife and wife. You may kiss your bride." Callie and Arizona smiled at each other and Arizona let out a little squeal when Callie pulled her into her arms and held nothing back as she captured Arizona's lips in a long slow, sensual kiss that reflected their love for one another, their future together, and the joining of their souls once again. When they finally ended the kiss to cheers and hollering, Father Kevin announced, "Esteemed guests, I happily present to you Dr. and Mrs…Dr. and Dr. Robbins-Torres."
When the song, 'From This Moment' by Shania Twain rang out through the speakers, the two women joined hands and walked down the aisle ready to begin their new lives together as New York Callie and Arizona, knowing very few people are ever lucky enough to have this second chance.
A/N: I hope I did this day justice and it was what you have been waiting for. I felt like very few of the weddings that took place on GA gave the couples their moment and wanted to capture the entire process. You may notice that their vows at the very end are the same words they spoke in chapter 34 when they put on their necklaces. That was my intent all along. Many of you even mentioned that it sounded like a renewal of their vows.
Please do not freak out, I know that seems like it could be the end of the story, but there is still more to come. It just fit there so I had to do it. Trust me, the wedding night is next.
I am an officiant and have performed wedding ceremonies so some of the content of this chapter came from one of the weddings I performed along with bits and pieces from the internet. A large part of Father Kevin's words are not my own, though I did change many things to refer to their relationship. I know that part seems long, but if you read the words, it is the theme I have tried to carry throughout the story.
Also, I know some of you may be disappointed that Teddy was not there nor mentioned. I struggle with the importance many people place on her friendship with Arizona. Teddy left the same night of the plane crash and didn't even really say good-bye and there's no way she didn't know the plane was missing before she left Seattle (I know script writers, blah, blah, blah) but she also didn't return to Seattle until the day Arizona left for New York so…six years. I know they could have stayed in contact, but in my mind, April and Alex and later Richard became her people when she needed them most.
Also, I need help here. In the fifth season of Private Practice when Addison adopted Henry at birth, it was 2011, the same year Sofia was born which would make them both 8 years old at the time of this story (Season 15ish). But when Addison returned to GA in season 18, she said Henry was 8 years old. Can anyone help me clarify? That's part of the reason I didn't place a lot of focus on him yet.