A/N: This one is for the reviewer who said that they could use some good news now after the elections results. You motivated me to crank out a chapter to help many like you through this tough time. Hope yall enjoy.
Chapter 35
Arizona leaned against the doorway of Callie's home office, her figure silhouetted by the soft light, dressed in a daring set of black and red lace lingerie. It had only been two weeks since they officially moved in together, a big step that had already started to feel like the most natural part of her life. She couldn't help but smile, watching Callie engrossed in her work. The brunette's hair was tousled, her tie abandoned on the floor, flung somewhere in the midst of an intense call or maybe out of frustration with this mysterious project she'd been so dedicated to. The project was still a secret, despite Arizona's attempts to get her to spill the details. It was like being told a tantalizing secret was just out of reach—and it made her all the more curious.
Arizona took a deep breath, feeling a blend of excitement and mischief, as she undid the belt of her robe. She let it fall, pooling on the floor beside Callie's discarded tie, revealing her lingerie. As she approached, Callie finally looked up, her tired eyes lighting up as she took in the sight of her girlfriend.
With a smirk, Callie swiveled her chair towards Arizona, who was now close enough to place herself on Callie's lap, wrapping her arms around her neck. "I missed you," Arizona murmured softly, leaning in, letting her lips brush against Callie's just enough to feel her shiver in response.
"Well, you missed dinner too," Arizona teased, running her hands gently through Callie's hair, her fingers massaging the back of her neck.
"I know. It's just that…" Callie started, her eyes glancing back to the mountain of documents on her desk.
Arizona raised an eyebrow playfully, "It's just that this is about the 'big secret' I'm not supposed to know about yet, right? The one you'll finally reveal at the press conference tomorrow?"
Callie chuckled, looking away in mock guilt, before letting her lips find their way back to Arizona's. "Partially," she admitted between kisses, her hands sliding to rest on Arizona's hips, "But mostly, I'm trying to wrap up this deal that just won't close."
"Well," Arizona whispered, tightening her arms around Callie's shoulders, "you still need to eat." She pulled back, giving Callie a teasing look, "Is that why you're here, to make sure I eat?"
Callie's eyes sparkled with a mix of amusement and admiration. "Maybe," she murmured, "but I'm not sure I'll be able to focus on food if you're the one feeding me."
As they leaned closer, lips barely touching, they were interrupted by an unexpected voice from Callie's laptop. "Ladies…" Mark's voice chimed in, sounding both amused and embarrassed. Arizona practically jumped out of Callie's lap, reaching for her robe in a panic, cheeks flushed.
"Calliope, the camera's off!" Callie reassured her quickly, holding back laughter. She turned her gaze to the laptop, unamused. "And Mark," she added with a pointed look, "I thought our meeting was over five minutes ago."
Mark grinned, clearly enjoying the show. "And miss this? Not a chance—" But before he could finish, Callie reached over and closed the laptop firmly.
Callie chuckled, shaking her head. "I swear, he's worse than a teenage boy sometimes."
Arizona, robe now securely back on, returned to Callie's lap, laughing. "He sure knows how to kill a moment."
"Doesn't he?" Callie muttered, her arms wrapping protectively around Arizona's waist. She tilted her head up, her face softening. "Now, where were we?"
Arizona leaned down, her fingers tracing along Callie's jaw as she spoke softly, "You were just about to take a break, eat something, and maybe share a little preview of tomorrow's big announcement with me."
Callie smirked, pressing a soft kiss against Arizona's neck. "I promise, tomorrow you'll be the first to know everything. But for now…" She paused, pulling her closer. "Let's just take this moment. The work will still be there tomorrow."
As their kiss deepened, Arizona felt Callie's arms tighten around her, drawing her closer. The weight of the week, the late nights, and endless work began to melt away in the warmth of their shared embrace. For a moment, they both forgot about deadlines, press conferences, and secrets, savoring the rare stillness that seemed to settle around them.
Pulling back just slightly, Arizona brushed a strand of Callie's hair from her face, her eyes lingering over Callie's features as if seeing them anew. "How did I get so lucky?" she murmured, a soft smile playing on her lips.
"Lucky?" Callie whispered, her voice tender. "I think I'm the one who hit the jackpot here. You make everything I'm working for worth it."
They shared a smile, both feeling the magnitude of this quiet but profound moment. Arizona gave her a gentle nudge, the playful glint in her eyes returning. "Alright, Miss Torres, you promised me dinner. Now I'm going to make sure you eat something before I lose you back to those contracts."
With a chuckle, Callie gave in, letting Arizona guide her out of the office and down to the kitchen. She was still wearing her slightly wrinkled shirt from earlier, but the sight of Arizona moving gracefully around the kitchen, preparing some leftovers for them to share, made her forget all about her disheveled state. Callie leaned against the counter, watching as Arizona moved with an ease that only came from the comfort of being fully at home.
Arizona caught her watching and flashed a smile. "You know, for someone who's supposed to be exhausted, you're looking at me like it's the first time you've ever seen me."
Callie grinned, moving over to pull her in by the waist. "It feels like that sometimes. Seeing you here… with me, just us. It's something I don't take for granted."
Arizona tilted her head, a mix of love and mischief in her eyes. "Good," she said, plating the food and pulling out a bottle of wine. "Because you're stuck with me now."
They sat down at the small dining table, clinking glasses as they shared bites of food, laughter, and little stories about their day. Time seemed to slow down, the quiet intimacy of their late-night dinner making everything feel special.
Just as they were finishing up, Callie leaned back, looking at Arizona thoughtfully. "You know, I don't say this enough… but thank you. For being patient with me, for understanding that I can be stubborn and impossible to read sometimes. I'm not sure anyone else would have stayed through it all."
Arizona reached across the table, taking Callie's hand in hers. "I'm not here because it's easy, Callie. I'm here because I want to be. Whatever you're working on, however long it takes, I'll be right here. And when you're ready to share it with me, I'll be ready to listen."
Her words seemed to sink in deeply, and for a moment, Callie felt a lump rise in her throat. She hadn't realized just how much she needed that reassurance until now. They held each other's gaze, the room quiet but filled with an unspoken understanding between them.
Finally, Callie stood, offering her hand to Arizona with a soft smile. "I think it's time for that no-clothes movie night we talked about."
Arizona was already straddling Callie's lap, her fingers tracing the edge of Callie's open shirt when her eyes drifted to the desk, landing on a sticky note that had Callie's handwriting scrawled across it, something about an offer. She pulled back, her eyes narrowing. "Is this what's been keeping you up all night? The deal that wouldn't close?"
Callie looked away sheepishly, her cheeks flushed. "I was close," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper, clearly torn between wanting to let go and being utterly wrapped up in the stress of the contract.
Arizona raised an eyebrow, pulling Callie's phone out of her pocket before Callie could protest. "What are you doing, B?" Callie asked, her brows knitting together.
"Getting things done," Arizona replied, holding up a finger as she found the number and dialed. Callie barely had a chance to react as Arizona pressed the call button and lifted the phone to her ear.
A voice answered. "Hello, Ms. Torres? Like I said before—"
"No, this is Ms. Robbins," Arizona interjected smoothly, catching the attention of the voice on the other end. "And you're about to know who I am by the end of this call."
There was a pause, followed by a condescending tone. "Listen, lady, whoever you think you are, we're not budging. Tell Ms. Torres we aren't moving on our price. Give us what we want, or the deal's dead."
"Actually, you're in luck," Arizona said, her voice sharp with authority. "I called to let you know that Torres Corporation will be pulling out of this deal."
"What? You're serious? You've invested millions in acquiring our company and our competitors—" The voice grew frantic.
Arizona held Callie's gaze, steady and confident. "Exactly why we're done. No sense sinking another hundred million into this." Callie's mouth fell open in disbelief. She was on the brink of speaking, but Arizona touched her cheek, her eyes softening. "Trust me," she whispered.
Arizona turned her attention back to the call. "Torres Corporation will no longer be moving forward with your company. You'll receive an official letter by morning."
"You're crazy! Why are you even calling me?"
"To keep up appearances," she replied, her tone ironclad. "It was nice doing business with you." She hung up, leaning back with a satisfied smirk, counting down on her fingers: three… two… one.
Callie's phone immediately lit up with the same number calling back. Arizona answered, barely concealing her grin.
The voice was more desperate now. "Name your price."
"Half of what you initially demanded," Arizona said coolly.
"Half? That's impossible!"
"Oh, you could've had more if you hadn't played games. This is our new deal. Take it or leave it."
There was a long silence. Then, begrudgingly, "Fine."
"Perfect. Our legal team will be in touch first thing in the morning. Good night." Arizona ended the call and tossed the phone onto the desk with a satisfied smile.
Callie sat there, utterly speechless, her jaw hanging open. But Arizona simply laughed, throwing her arms around Callie's neck as she leaned in, her eyes sparkling. "Now, where were we?"
Without another word, Arizona pulled her in, their mouths meeting in a deep, fervent kiss that seemed to chase away every bit of stress lingering in Callie's mind. She let her hands roam over Arizona's back, savoring the feeling of lace and soft skin beneath her fingertips. Arizona pressed herself closer, her warmth intoxicating as she deepened the kiss, their breath mingling in the charged air.
They barely made it out of Callie's office, stumbling toward the bedroom, too wrapped up in each other to care about anything else. The deal was finally sealed, in more ways than one, as they lost themselves in each other, the tension of the day melting into the passion they had for one another.
In the soft, intimate confines of Callie's car, the early morning light filtered through, casting a warm glow around them. Callie's hand gently rested on Arizona's thigh, her touch lingering, a reflection of the closeness they'd just shared. Arizona leaned into her, her breaths still uneven as a satisfied smile played on her lips. "So... after today," she murmured, meeting Callie's gaze, "no more secrets?"
Callie smirked, brushing a stray hair from Arizona's face. "After today, no more secrets," she promised, her voice warm and steady.
"Are you nervous?" Arizona asked, her fingers grazing Callie's hand softly.
Callie shook her head, giving a half-smile that held both excitement and relief. "Not really. This has been a long time coming. And honestly, I'm just supposed to sit and clap." She let out a laugh, self-assured but with that subtle hint of vulnerability Arizona loved so much.
Arizona chuckled, rolling her eyes playfully. "Yeah, but you'll be sitting and clapping on a stage with millions watching. No pressure."
Callie sighed, glancing out the window as the car began to slow down. "True, but it's all part of the job. I'm used to it," she replied, her voice steady but with a glint of anticipation.
As they finally pulled up to the grand event venue, the building alive with energy and anticipation, Callie looked over at Arizona, her expression softening. "Well, here we are," she murmured, fingers trailing down Arizona's cheek in a final, tender gesture. "Best of luck... not that you'll need it," Arizona replied, her smile bright with encouragement. "I can't wait to finally learn what this secret is."
The venue buzzed with the low hum of excitement, the kind that fills the air before something monumental is about to happen. Arizona stepped inside, blinking as her eyes adjusted to the grand space around her. The room was an elegant mix of modern and classic design, with high ceilings adorned with soft chandeliers that cast a warm glow over rows of seats filled with elegantly dressed attendees. It felt almost surreal, and Arizona let out a slow breath, feeling both proud and slightly out of place among the crowd.
Her gaze soon found Callie, who was weaving her way through the sea of people, stopping occasionally to greet familiar faces. The elegance of Callie's black suit, simple yet breathtaking, complemented her confidence as she moved, her smile lighting up her face. She seemed entirely in her element. Arizona noticed how Callie's eyes crinkled as she laughed with someone, then softened as she spoke with another. Her charm and warmth seemed to envelop the room, making her presence magnetic. Arizona admired her from afar, feeling a pang of wonder at how Callie could command attention so effortlessly.
Callie glanced over and caught Arizona's eye, sending her a soft, reassuring smile. Arizona felt her heart skip a beat; there was so much love in that look. She'd assumed this was a charity event based on what Callie had vaguely mentioned — "Little Ones" sounded like the kind of initiative aimed at community welfare or maybe a fundraiser for an important cause. But Callie had kept tight-lipped about the exact details, insisting Arizona would find out along with everyone else. The secrecy had piqued her curiosity, but she'd trusted Callie enough to come without probing further.
Finally, as the conversations quieted and guests took their seats, Callie excused herself from the group she'd been speaking with and made her way backstage. Arizona's curiosity grew stronger; she'd seen Callie invest in causes before, but never with this level of secrecy. She settled into her seat, shifting slightly as she took in the venue once more, noticing that the branding for "Little Ones" was elegantly displayed on stage in shades of blue and white.
A man in a suit soon took the stage, his voice booming through the microphone as he began to introduce the evening's program. He spoke with a certain gravity, thanking the audience for their attendance and expressing gratitude for the support they were about to witness. As he delved into the mission of "Little Ones," Arizona felt a shiver of anticipation.
Then, the man's words took an unexpected turn. He began to speak about medical research into stillbirth, the pain of losing a child, and the mystery surrounding the causes of infant mortality. Arizona's heart started pounding. It was as if the world narrowed down to that moment, each word striking a deep, familiar ache within her. Her breath caught as the man described how the organization aimed to prevent others from suffering the same fate, using cutting-edge research to understand why babies sometimes lose their fight before they even have a chance to take their first breath.
It hit her all at once. This was why Callie had been so secretive. This wasn't just a charity event. It was a tribute. A mission. A gift.
Memories flashed through Arizona's mind — the quiet, heart-wrenching hospital room, the doctors' sympathetic faces, the unbearable silence that had filled the air. She remembered the profound, incomprehensible loss that had gripped them, how they had clung to each other, searching for solace in the midst of unbearable grief. She hadn't realized how deeply Callie had carried that pain, how profoundly it had shaped her actions.
The room erupted into applause as Callie took the stage, but Arizona barely registered it. The realization was overwhelming, and she felt hot tears prick her eyes. She hadn't known Callie was still holding onto this, that she'd gone so far as to create an entire initiative to prevent others from experiencing the same loss they had endured. Arizona's vision blurred as she tried to hold back the flood of emotions, but it was too much. She rose from her seat quietly and slipped out of the room, her steps quickening as she made her way to the nearest bathroom.
Inside, she braced herself against the sink, trying to steady her breathing. The tears flowed freely now, and she didn't bother to stop them. She felt both a sense of awe at Callie's strength and a fresh wave of grief for the child they had lost. Her shoulders shook as she thought of everything Callie must have gone through, working in secret, pouring herself into this project. She'd done it all without asking for support, just quietly carrying the weight on her own.
The door opened, and Arizona barely had time to compose herself before she felt warm arms wrap around her from behind. She didn't have to turn around to know it was Callie. That familiar scent, that comforting presence — it was unmistakable.
"Hey," Callie whispered, her voice soft yet steady, her arms tightening around Arizona. She didn't say anything more, just held her close, letting Arizona feel her love and support.
After a moment, Arizona managed to catch her breath, resting her hands over Callie's. "This is… for us, isn't it?" Her voice trembled. "All this time, you were doing this… for us."
Callie took a deep breath and nodded, her eyes glistening as she met Arizona's gaze in the mirror. "Yes," she murmured, her voice choked with emotion. "For us, for our baby, and for anyone else who might go through this. I couldn't bear the thought of anyone else feeling that kind of loss if we could help prevent it." Her fingers intertwined with Arizona's, grounding them both.
Arizona's heart swelled as she looked at Callie, struck by the fierce determination in her expression. "You're… amazing, Callie. I don't even know what to say."
Callie smiled softly, brushing a tear from Arizona's cheek. "You don't have to say anything. I just… I wanted you to know that this wasn't just for me. It was for us. For what we lost. I needed to do this, to try to make something meaningful out of our pain. It's the only way I could make sense of it all."
Arizona felt a warmth settle in her chest, her earlier tears turning into something softer, something filled with love. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "Thank you for doing this, for being so strong."
Callie cupped her face, her thumb gently stroking her cheek. "I couldn't have done any of it without you, Arizona. You are my strength. I wanted this to be our legacy, something that could bring hope to others. But more than anything, I wanted you to feel loved, to know that even in our darkest moments, I was thinking of you, of us."
Arizona leaned into her, feeling the weight of Callie's words settle over her like a balm. They stood there in silence for a while, lost in the comfort of each other's presence.
Finally, Callie reached into her pocket, her fingers brushing against something. Arizona watched curiously as she pulled out a small velvet box, holding it out between them. Her eyes sparkled as she took a deep breath, the hint of a smile gracing her lips.
She opened the box to reveal a beautiful diamond ring, its delicate design catching the light just so. Callie's voice was barely above a whisper as she looked into Arizona's eyes, her love clear and unwavering. "Marry me?"
A/N: Cheers, I hope you all enjoyed this as much as I did writing this. Next chapter would be the last an epilogue of sorts. And with that I thank you for reading and reviewing. I hope this brought a little joy. I probably wont be starting a new one any time soon, just been in a rut lately or maybe I need to be inspired. But, I'll hit y'all with the epilogue in a week or so.
Once again, thank you.