A Fork in the Road (2/?)
Title: A Fork in the Road
Pairing: Arizona/Callie, Mark/Lexie
Rating: R [Just to be safe]
Summary: What if Arizona had chosen another path?
Disclaimer: I own nothing. I do not intend to profit in any way, shape or form by posting this story. It's for fun, nothing more, nothing less.
A/N 1: A special thanks to greysaddictj for helping me and being an awesome person in general.
A/N 2: I just want to thank everyone that left comments for me again. It's really bolstered my confidence. So much so that I've had a jolt of inspiration and written even more on this story. Enjoy part 2!
Arizona walked out of Chief Webber's office with a huge smile on her face and let out a deep breath in relief. Chief Webber hadn't contracted anyone to take her place yet and he actually seemed thrilled that he wouldn't have to replace either doctor now. He was even more thrilled that "his Dr. Robbins" was not only staying, but was also still leading the project she had won the grant for. Now, he had a bright star with a huge grant and amazing surgical skills remaining on his staff. Arizona chuckled to herself knowing that Chief Webber felt she and Callie staying was going to improve the hospital’s rank. He mentioned a possible raise for both of them, should the ranking improve, but Arizona really couldn’t care less. Money was money. She had plenty of money. Callie had tons of it and she rolled her eyes with that thought. But there was only one Callie in this world and that Callie owned Arizona's heart. Arizona knew Callie would be gentle and caring with it, she only hoped that her own insecurities wouldn't force Callie to crush it.
Arizona slipped into the attendings’ lounge to get changed and head out, since her last surgery of the day had been canceled. She opened her locker and blinked in confusion before smiling brightly. In her locker were a red rose and a white lily, next to them was a picture of herself and Callie in bed together. She grinned and giggled when she realized that Callie had held the camera up from herself in order to snap the picture. She turned the picture over and saw a note from Callie. I love you, Arizona! You look so cute in your afterglow. ;)
"Wow, she is whipped!" Arizona blinked and turned when she realized Teddy had read the note over her shoulder. She blushed bright red and turned to hit Teddy on the arm. Teddy laughed and held her arms up to protect herself. "You must be doing something right. Flowers and cute notes, it's like high school again. Ah, young love." Teddy made a face at Arizona and then blinked her eyes playfully.
"I'm gonna do it. I'm gonna do it today, Teddy." Arizona hopped on the balls of her feet and giggled in excitement.
Teddy blinked and offered Arizona a look of pure confusion. Then she lifted her shoulders slightly and held her hands out at her sides. "Uh, do what? What are you planning, Arizona?" Teddy crossed her arms, unsure whether or not to be concerned.
"I'm going to go and buy the biggest rock out there for my woman and I'm going to ask her to marry me! BIG. ROCK. I mean, carats and carats of diamond and really pretty platinum or gold or I don't know, but it's going to be expensive and beautiful and perfect." Arizona was out of breath at this point, but still grinning ear to ear and exuding excitement.
Teddy's eyes widened as she listened and watched Arizona. On one hand, she was just as excited, but on the other she was worried.
"I know that look, Teddy. I know it well." Arizona chuckled and crossed her arms. She leaned back on her right leg and relaxed her stance. "Teddy, I'm happy. And we've been together for so long and I finally just said to myself, what the hell are we waiting for? Honestly, what am I waiting for? She is the love of my life! Love. Of. My. Life. There will never be another for me and it's about time I made an honest woman out of her, right?" Arizona's grin widened even further as she tilted her head toward Teddy and then laughed again. "This is the right time. I love her, Teddy. I love her and I want to be with her, forever. She promised me forever and I want to promise it to her also."
Teddy smiled and opened her mouth to reply, but was cut off when the door opened with a thud as it banged against the wall from the force it was pushed with.
"No, Mark! I'm spending the evening with Arizona. I'm so SORRY that Lexie is out of town and you're all alone, but no, please, just go find Dere--," Callie blinked as she realized she and Mark were not alone in the lounge. "Hey baby!" Callie's face brightened considerably when she realized Arizona was there and she immediately went over and gave her a soft kiss on her lips. She then glanced over at Teddy and smiled. "Hi Teddy." Teddy gave a slight wave and chuckled as Callie gave Arizona her attention again.
"I see you got the flowers and the picture?" Arizona nodded and raised her right hand to gently caress Callie's cheek. She glanced at the best friends and giggled, "I don't care that you're both still standing there." And then she leaned into Callie and kissed her with as much passion as she could muster in front of their best friends without going too far. Callie sighed happily.
Mark chuckled and grabbed Teddy's arm. "We should leave these two alone, or at least get a camera and sell the videos on the internet. Imagine the money we could make!" Teddy couldn't help but laugh and smack Mark's arm. Mark winked at the two women and then turned back to Teddy. "Hey! Wanna go to Joe's tonight and watch the game?" Teddy nodded while following him out of the room. "You know, that actually sounds like fun."
Alone now, Arizona backed Callie against the locker next to her own and pressed her tongue between Callie's lips. Her hands slid down to Callie's hips and gripped them firmly and then pressed her own hips against Callie's. Callie grunted and sucked Arizona's bottom lip into her mouth as her hands slid to Arizona's backside and gripped each cheek. Arizona leaned her forehead against Callie's. "We need to stop now," she whispered breathlessly, "...or I won't be able to stop at all."
Callie chuckled and kissed Arizona again. "And that would be such a bad thing?" She looked into Arizona's eyes and saw that Arizona was actually considering; she felt a rush of pleasure surge straight to her core. Before Arizona could reply, the sound of a pager broke the silence in the room. Callie groaned as she checked the page and then frowned in disappointment while looking at Arizona.
"Aw, you're so cute when you're horny and disappointed." Callie chuckled and shook her head before kissing Arizona again. "I'll see you tonight. Your turn to buy dinner." Arizona laughed and Callie winked before heading down to the ER to answer her page. "I should really take some gourmet cooking classes just to make her eat those words one day." Arizona said to herself while taking the flowers out of her locker and shutting it. She decided to get changed at home after going ring shopping. Ring shopping. She couldn't help the huge smile on her face as she turned and literally skipped out of the lounge.
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Arizona was fiddling with her phone nervously while her mind raced. She knew the number, Callie had programmed it into her phone when she visited her father for his birthday. She wanted to make sure Arizona could get a hold of her for any reason, even in case her phone died or something happened to it. Arizona thought it was cute of Callie, but pretty much decided there and then that she would never actually use the number.
But here she was now, her hands shaking slightly, dialing that number of her own volition. She held the phone to her ear and listened to the ringing tone twice and then heard his voice. "Carlos Torres." It was a statement and it was strong and Arizona almost lost her nerve and immediately hung up, but no, she steeled her nerves. "H-hello, Mr. Torres. This is Dr. Robbins.. Uhm, Arizona, Calliope's g-girlfriend."
She heard a warm chuckle on the other end of the phone and rolled her eyes, cursing her fear for authority. "I know who you are, Arizona. You are the woman who loves my daughter and protects her, even though she doesn't need it." Arizona smiled and sighed softly with a soft giggle, remembering her words. "What can I do for you, dear? Is Calliope okay? Please don't tell me something has happened!" Arizona blinked, realizing that Mr. Torres went right to the logical conclusion for this conversation and gasped softly.
"No, nooo! Calliope is wonderful! I mean, really super awesome! She's been working on her research and knocking out surgeries like the super star she is, she really makes me proud." She realized she was rambling and sighed to herself when she heard Mr. Torres laughing on the other end of the line.
"Arizona, calm down. If everything is okay with Calliope, I have to assume you have another reason for calling me. Not that you need a reason, dear."
Arizona felt her heart swell. She never thought in a million years after everything that happened between Callie and her very religious father that he would not only accept her, but like her enough to talk to her. It just solidified her decision to make everything with Callie real. "Mr. Torres..."
"Carlos." Mr. Torres chuckled again, "I'm pretty sure every time we talk, I remind you to call me Carlos."
Arizona grinned, despite the fact she knew Mr. Torres couldn't see it, "Maybe one day it will stick, but I doubt it." He laughed again and she joined in with him. "To be honest, sir, I'm calling on my own to ask you something. And before I ask you, I need you to know that I need you to keep this between us."
She heard silence and it lingered for several seconds before Mr. Torres sighed deeply. "So, you're keeping something from Calliope. You better have a good reason for this. It's not about money is it? Are you in trouble?"
"No! No!" Arizona laughed breathlessly and shook her head before placing her hand above her right temple and rubbed it in a slow circle. "Mr. Torr--, Carlos. No, I'm calling you for a good reason. At least, I think it's a good reason. It feels like an awesome reason, I just hope that you'll feel the same way about it, because this really feels like the right time and I just know that Calliope feels the same way. And you know, we've been together for a long time, close to two years! And I am totally, completely and utterly in love with her..."
"Arizona. Arizona!" Mr. Torres was laughing and found Arizona to be absolutely adorable. He can see why his daughter was so smitten with her and he was definitely feeling the same way. "Calliope has told me about your tendency to ramble when you're nervous, so why we don't we skip ahead to the point of this call."
Arizona sighed and wiped her brow. "Sorry, sorry. And yeah, she's right." She laughed and then decided he was right and she should get to the point. "I know Calliope and I don't exactly have a traditional relationship, but I just felt this was the right thing for me to do. Mr. Torres.. Carlos, I love your daughter and I want to spend forever with her. I want to love her for the rest of my life and I want your blessing to ask her to marry me."
There was silence again. And it lingered even longer than the last one. She felt it creep into her heart as it dropped to her stomach. Suddenly, Arizona wasn't so sure this was the best way to go about things. She couldn't think of what to say or if he needed more time to stew about the question she asked. Her next thought was that perhaps she should have done this in person and not over the phone. And just as that thought entered her mind, it flew away with the loud laughter and clap on the other end of the line.
"Of course you have my blessing, Arizona! She's going to be so excited, I'm excited!" He continued laughing and shook his head slightly, his voice dropping slightly, but still sounding just as excited, "Would you mind if I tell her mother?"
"Oh, not at all, especially if you think she'll be as excited as you are! Just don't tell Calliope until I've had my chance to propose to her. I'm heading to a jewelry store right now, as we speak. I want to find her the perfect ring, something that is as perfect as she is and shows her how beautiful she is to me."
"I'm sure you'll find the perfect ring, Arizona. If you need any monetary help, I'm here for you. And you know, once Lucia finds out, she's going to want to be part of the planning and I'm sure you and Calliope will both be tortured for weeks until the date comes." He was still laughing and felt so happy for Calliope. She finally found the one and he was now certain that Arizona was it for her.
"She hasn't even said yes yet," Arizona said meekly. "And don't worry about paying for anything, being the best pediatric surgeon in the country has its benefits. Besides, I'm sure Calliope will insist on helping."
"Arizona, don't you worry, Calliope loves you. She will say yes and you both will be so happy and then you'll have Lucia and I asking you about grand children before you know it."
"Oh, you mean like now? I see what you did there."
"Don't hate me for that. You and Calliope will have beautiful children, it's hard not to get excited for the future."
"Thank you, Carlos. You have no idea what this means to me. Truly. And Calliope! When she finds out that I called you and got your blessing, I'm pretty sure she's going to fling a Spanish ramble at me so fast I might get whiplash." Arizona's lips spread into a wide smile at imagining Calliope's reaction to all this and it made her chest swell with pride.
"You are most welcome, mija. Welcome to our family. Go and buy a ring and make my daughter happy. Let me know when you've asked her."
Arizona had tears in her eyes and she couldn't hold a slight sniffle before replying. "I'm sure you'll be the first call she makes. Thank you again. Have a good night." She ended the call and wiped the tears from her eyes. Mija. He called Arizona his daughter. She couldn't help but feel emotional at that. Calliope would be so proud of her father and she, herself, felt pretty damn proud of him as well.
She made her way into Samuel's Jewelers, a local joint she's known for a while and smiled when she saw Samuel behind the counter. She'd known the man for a while, as she shopped there quite often when getting gifts for the family or herself. When she wanted something special, this was where she went. She winked at Samuel as he held his hand out to her and they shook hands before he leaned in and gave her a quick peck on the cheek.
"Dr. Robbins! It's been a while since you've last come in. I've got a ton of new stuff if you want to browse." Samuel smiled and raised his hand to scratch through his scruffy beard.
"I'm actually on a mission, Sam. I need an engagement ring and I need it to be perfect, just like the woman I'm about to propose too." Arizona grinned when she saw realization reach Samuel's eyes.
"Congratulations! I'm so happy for you. Is there something in particular you'd like to look at?"
"I want a simple band. Nothing really fancy and I want it in platinum. I'd like a really beautiful diamond. I don't really care about the cost, but I don't want it to be gaudy and look terrible on her hand. She's a surgeon, so it's not likely it will be worn while she's working, but the band is something I particularly want. I was once in a retail store and they had a wedding band called a butterfly band. I really want two of those bands, matching. Once I've given her the engagement ring, we can work on some engravings for the bands."
"Ah, I know what you're talking about. Just write down the size information and I'll get to work on them immediately. And as for the diamond..." Samuel turned around and opened a drawer, pulling out a small blue bag. He turned around while opening the bag and pulled out the most perfect princess cut diamond she'd ever seen. "There we are. It's a little under two carats. I've had this for a while, I've been waiting for the perfect person to buy it and I think you're it." He smiled at her and placed the diamond in her hands. "I mean, there are bigger out there, but the clarity on this one is amazing."
"It's perfect. I'll take it." She giggled and bounced on her feet while handing him the diamond back. "I really wanted simple and I think that will do it." She handed him her credit card after fishing it out of her bag. She really didn't care about the price, but in looking at the diamond, she estimated it would cost about fifteen grand. Knowing Samuel, he'll give her a discount of some sort, but she wasn't worried about that. "Just put half on now and I'll pay the rest when I pick everything up, will that be okay?"
"Yeah, that's how we usually do it. I'm not really interested in buying you the retail versions of those butterfly bands, so would it be alright if I make something similar? It will likely cost you a bit more, but I guarantee, it will be worth it. The solitaire band and diamond will be twelve thousand dollars and I'm sure I can do the bands for about four thousand each."
"That's fine, Sam. How long until everything will be ready?"
"Give me a week and you'll be my happiest customer." He winked at her and wrote a receipt for the half she put down. "I'm really glad you chose me to do this for you."
"I wouldn't have gone anywhere else!" She giggled and put her receipt away before heading out of the store. She hadn't felt this giddy in a while and she really felt like she had energy to burn. She frowned when she realized Callie was still at work for another hour, at least. She wandered into the Hallmark store across the street and made her way to the stuffed animals. Giggling at herself she picked up a small stuffed ape which was holding a heart in one hand and a banana in the other and in the center of the heart it said 'you drive me bananas!' "Oh, she'll love this." After purchasing the ape, she made her way into the coffee shop next door and ordered two coffees. She added sugar to both and a little cream to her own and then made her was to the hospital.
Arizona headed straight to the lab, where she knew Callie would be hard at work. She walked in and saw Callie writing some notes in a pad. "Hey baby!" She smiled when Callie looked up and her entire expression lit up. She went directly to her and pressed a soft kiss to Callie's lips and then handed her the coffee with no cream. "Thought you could use a pick me up and some company." She winked at Callie and kissed her cheek while flopping into the chair next to her.
"You. Are. A. Goddess." She took a long drink from the coffee and sighed happily. "I really needed that too. I'll be done here soon and then we can go home together, if you'd like."
"I'd like that a lot. Oh hey, I bought you something!" She giggled and pulled out the stuffed ape from the bag she was carrying and then made some monkey noises while jumping with the toy before handing it to Callie.
"Oh wow, you are such a dork." Callie was giggling as she took the stuffed animal and watched Arizona act like a monkey. She shook her head and leaned back in her chair and then chuckled when she realized what the heart on the toy said. "You really are an awesome dork."
"And don't you forget it! I suppose it's just my turn to be crazy today." She laughed softly while Callie played with the stuffed animal for a few minutes to appease her, chuckling the whole time. Callie then looked up and smiled at Arizona before she whispered, "I love you, my crazy dork." She pressed a soft kiss to Arizona's cheek and then went back to her work, jotting down important notes while Arizona watched and then the both walked home together, hand in hand.
Pairing: Arizona/Callie, Mark/Lexie
Rating: R [Just to be safe]
Summary: What if Arizona had chosen another path?
Disclaimer: I own nothing. I do not intend to profit in any way, shape or form by posting this story. It's for fun, nothing more, nothing less.
A/N 1: A special thanks to greysaddictj for helping me and being an awesome person in general.
A/N 2: I just want to thank everyone that left comments for me again. It's really bolstered my confidence. So much so that I've had a jolt of inspiration and written even more on this story. Enjoy part 2!
Arizona walked out of Chief Webber's office with a huge smile on her face and let out a deep breath in relief. Chief Webber hadn't contracted anyone to take her place yet and he actually seemed thrilled that he wouldn't have to replace either doctor now. He was even more thrilled that "his Dr. Robbins" was not only staying, but was also still leading the project she had won the grant for. Now, he had a bright star with a huge grant and amazing surgical skills remaining on his staff. Arizona chuckled to herself knowing that Chief Webber felt she and Callie staying was going to improve the hospital’s rank. He mentioned a possible raise for both of them, should the ranking improve, but Arizona really couldn’t care less. Money was money. She had plenty of money. Callie had tons of it and she rolled her eyes with that thought. But there was only one Callie in this world and that Callie owned Arizona's heart. Arizona knew Callie would be gentle and caring with it, she only hoped that her own insecurities wouldn't force Callie to crush it.
Arizona slipped into the attendings’ lounge to get changed and head out, since her last surgery of the day had been canceled. She opened her locker and blinked in confusion before smiling brightly. In her locker were a red rose and a white lily, next to them was a picture of herself and Callie in bed together. She grinned and giggled when she realized that Callie had held the camera up from herself in order to snap the picture. She turned the picture over and saw a note from Callie. I love you, Arizona! You look so cute in your afterglow. ;)
"Wow, she is whipped!" Arizona blinked and turned when she realized Teddy had read the note over her shoulder. She blushed bright red and turned to hit Teddy on the arm. Teddy laughed and held her arms up to protect herself. "You must be doing something right. Flowers and cute notes, it's like high school again. Ah, young love." Teddy made a face at Arizona and then blinked her eyes playfully.
"I'm gonna do it. I'm gonna do it today, Teddy." Arizona hopped on the balls of her feet and giggled in excitement.
Teddy blinked and offered Arizona a look of pure confusion. Then she lifted her shoulders slightly and held her hands out at her sides. "Uh, do what? What are you planning, Arizona?" Teddy crossed her arms, unsure whether or not to be concerned.
"I'm going to go and buy the biggest rock out there for my woman and I'm going to ask her to marry me! BIG. ROCK. I mean, carats and carats of diamond and really pretty platinum or gold or I don't know, but it's going to be expensive and beautiful and perfect." Arizona was out of breath at this point, but still grinning ear to ear and exuding excitement.
Teddy's eyes widened as she listened and watched Arizona. On one hand, she was just as excited, but on the other she was worried.
"I know that look, Teddy. I know it well." Arizona chuckled and crossed her arms. She leaned back on her right leg and relaxed her stance. "Teddy, I'm happy. And we've been together for so long and I finally just said to myself, what the hell are we waiting for? Honestly, what am I waiting for? She is the love of my life! Love. Of. My. Life. There will never be another for me and it's about time I made an honest woman out of her, right?" Arizona's grin widened even further as she tilted her head toward Teddy and then laughed again. "This is the right time. I love her, Teddy. I love her and I want to be with her, forever. She promised me forever and I want to promise it to her also."
Teddy smiled and opened her mouth to reply, but was cut off when the door opened with a thud as it banged against the wall from the force it was pushed with.
"No, Mark! I'm spending the evening with Arizona. I'm so SORRY that Lexie is out of town and you're all alone, but no, please, just go find Dere--," Callie blinked as she realized she and Mark were not alone in the lounge. "Hey baby!" Callie's face brightened considerably when she realized Arizona was there and she immediately went over and gave her a soft kiss on her lips. She then glanced over at Teddy and smiled. "Hi Teddy." Teddy gave a slight wave and chuckled as Callie gave Arizona her attention again.
"I see you got the flowers and the picture?" Arizona nodded and raised her right hand to gently caress Callie's cheek. She glanced at the best friends and giggled, "I don't care that you're both still standing there." And then she leaned into Callie and kissed her with as much passion as she could muster in front of their best friends without going too far. Callie sighed happily.
Mark chuckled and grabbed Teddy's arm. "We should leave these two alone, or at least get a camera and sell the videos on the internet. Imagine the money we could make!" Teddy couldn't help but laugh and smack Mark's arm. Mark winked at the two women and then turned back to Teddy. "Hey! Wanna go to Joe's tonight and watch the game?" Teddy nodded while following him out of the room. "You know, that actually sounds like fun."
Alone now, Arizona backed Callie against the locker next to her own and pressed her tongue between Callie's lips. Her hands slid down to Callie's hips and gripped them firmly and then pressed her own hips against Callie's. Callie grunted and sucked Arizona's bottom lip into her mouth as her hands slid to Arizona's backside and gripped each cheek. Arizona leaned her forehead against Callie's. "We need to stop now," she whispered breathlessly, "...or I won't be able to stop at all."
Callie chuckled and kissed Arizona again. "And that would be such a bad thing?" She looked into Arizona's eyes and saw that Arizona was actually considering; she felt a rush of pleasure surge straight to her core. Before Arizona could reply, the sound of a pager broke the silence in the room. Callie groaned as she checked the page and then frowned in disappointment while looking at Arizona.
"Aw, you're so cute when you're horny and disappointed." Callie chuckled and shook her head before kissing Arizona again. "I'll see you tonight. Your turn to buy dinner." Arizona laughed and Callie winked before heading down to the ER to answer her page. "I should really take some gourmet cooking classes just to make her eat those words one day." Arizona said to herself while taking the flowers out of her locker and shutting it. She decided to get changed at home after going ring shopping. Ring shopping. She couldn't help the huge smile on her face as she turned and literally skipped out of the lounge.
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Arizona was fiddling with her phone nervously while her mind raced. She knew the number, Callie had programmed it into her phone when she visited her father for his birthday. She wanted to make sure Arizona could get a hold of her for any reason, even in case her phone died or something happened to it. Arizona thought it was cute of Callie, but pretty much decided there and then that she would never actually use the number.
But here she was now, her hands shaking slightly, dialing that number of her own volition. She held the phone to her ear and listened to the ringing tone twice and then heard his voice. "Carlos Torres." It was a statement and it was strong and Arizona almost lost her nerve and immediately hung up, but no, she steeled her nerves. "H-hello, Mr. Torres. This is Dr. Robbins.. Uhm, Arizona, Calliope's g-girlfriend."
She heard a warm chuckle on the other end of the phone and rolled her eyes, cursing her fear for authority. "I know who you are, Arizona. You are the woman who loves my daughter and protects her, even though she doesn't need it." Arizona smiled and sighed softly with a soft giggle, remembering her words. "What can I do for you, dear? Is Calliope okay? Please don't tell me something has happened!" Arizona blinked, realizing that Mr. Torres went right to the logical conclusion for this conversation and gasped softly.
"No, nooo! Calliope is wonderful! I mean, really super awesome! She's been working on her research and knocking out surgeries like the super star she is, she really makes me proud." She realized she was rambling and sighed to herself when she heard Mr. Torres laughing on the other end of the line.
"Arizona, calm down. If everything is okay with Calliope, I have to assume you have another reason for calling me. Not that you need a reason, dear."
Arizona felt her heart swell. She never thought in a million years after everything that happened between Callie and her very religious father that he would not only accept her, but like her enough to talk to her. It just solidified her decision to make everything with Callie real. "Mr. Torres..."
"Carlos." Mr. Torres chuckled again, "I'm pretty sure every time we talk, I remind you to call me Carlos."
Arizona grinned, despite the fact she knew Mr. Torres couldn't see it, "Maybe one day it will stick, but I doubt it." He laughed again and she joined in with him. "To be honest, sir, I'm calling on my own to ask you something. And before I ask you, I need you to know that I need you to keep this between us."
She heard silence and it lingered for several seconds before Mr. Torres sighed deeply. "So, you're keeping something from Calliope. You better have a good reason for this. It's not about money is it? Are you in trouble?"
"No! No!" Arizona laughed breathlessly and shook her head before placing her hand above her right temple and rubbed it in a slow circle. "Mr. Torr--, Carlos. No, I'm calling you for a good reason. At least, I think it's a good reason. It feels like an awesome reason, I just hope that you'll feel the same way about it, because this really feels like the right time and I just know that Calliope feels the same way. And you know, we've been together for a long time, close to two years! And I am totally, completely and utterly in love with her..."
"Arizona. Arizona!" Mr. Torres was laughing and found Arizona to be absolutely adorable. He can see why his daughter was so smitten with her and he was definitely feeling the same way. "Calliope has told me about your tendency to ramble when you're nervous, so why we don't we skip ahead to the point of this call."
Arizona sighed and wiped her brow. "Sorry, sorry. And yeah, she's right." She laughed and then decided he was right and she should get to the point. "I know Calliope and I don't exactly have a traditional relationship, but I just felt this was the right thing for me to do. Mr. Torres.. Carlos, I love your daughter and I want to spend forever with her. I want to love her for the rest of my life and I want your blessing to ask her to marry me."
There was silence again. And it lingered even longer than the last one. She felt it creep into her heart as it dropped to her stomach. Suddenly, Arizona wasn't so sure this was the best way to go about things. She couldn't think of what to say or if he needed more time to stew about the question she asked. Her next thought was that perhaps she should have done this in person and not over the phone. And just as that thought entered her mind, it flew away with the loud laughter and clap on the other end of the line.
"Of course you have my blessing, Arizona! She's going to be so excited, I'm excited!" He continued laughing and shook his head slightly, his voice dropping slightly, but still sounding just as excited, "Would you mind if I tell her mother?"
"Oh, not at all, especially if you think she'll be as excited as you are! Just don't tell Calliope until I've had my chance to propose to her. I'm heading to a jewelry store right now, as we speak. I want to find her the perfect ring, something that is as perfect as she is and shows her how beautiful she is to me."
"I'm sure you'll find the perfect ring, Arizona. If you need any monetary help, I'm here for you. And you know, once Lucia finds out, she's going to want to be part of the planning and I'm sure you and Calliope will both be tortured for weeks until the date comes." He was still laughing and felt so happy for Calliope. She finally found the one and he was now certain that Arizona was it for her.
"She hasn't even said yes yet," Arizona said meekly. "And don't worry about paying for anything, being the best pediatric surgeon in the country has its benefits. Besides, I'm sure Calliope will insist on helping."
"Arizona, don't you worry, Calliope loves you. She will say yes and you both will be so happy and then you'll have Lucia and I asking you about grand children before you know it."
"Oh, you mean like now? I see what you did there."
"Don't hate me for that. You and Calliope will have beautiful children, it's hard not to get excited for the future."
"Thank you, Carlos. You have no idea what this means to me. Truly. And Calliope! When she finds out that I called you and got your blessing, I'm pretty sure she's going to fling a Spanish ramble at me so fast I might get whiplash." Arizona's lips spread into a wide smile at imagining Calliope's reaction to all this and it made her chest swell with pride.
"You are most welcome, mija. Welcome to our family. Go and buy a ring and make my daughter happy. Let me know when you've asked her."
Arizona had tears in her eyes and she couldn't hold a slight sniffle before replying. "I'm sure you'll be the first call she makes. Thank you again. Have a good night." She ended the call and wiped the tears from her eyes. Mija. He called Arizona his daughter. She couldn't help but feel emotional at that. Calliope would be so proud of her father and she, herself, felt pretty damn proud of him as well.
She made her way into Samuel's Jewelers, a local joint she's known for a while and smiled when she saw Samuel behind the counter. She'd known the man for a while, as she shopped there quite often when getting gifts for the family or herself. When she wanted something special, this was where she went. She winked at Samuel as he held his hand out to her and they shook hands before he leaned in and gave her a quick peck on the cheek.
"Dr. Robbins! It's been a while since you've last come in. I've got a ton of new stuff if you want to browse." Samuel smiled and raised his hand to scratch through his scruffy beard.
"I'm actually on a mission, Sam. I need an engagement ring and I need it to be perfect, just like the woman I'm about to propose too." Arizona grinned when she saw realization reach Samuel's eyes.
"Congratulations! I'm so happy for you. Is there something in particular you'd like to look at?"
"I want a simple band. Nothing really fancy and I want it in platinum. I'd like a really beautiful diamond. I don't really care about the cost, but I don't want it to be gaudy and look terrible on her hand. She's a surgeon, so it's not likely it will be worn while she's working, but the band is something I particularly want. I was once in a retail store and they had a wedding band called a butterfly band. I really want two of those bands, matching. Once I've given her the engagement ring, we can work on some engravings for the bands."
"Ah, I know what you're talking about. Just write down the size information and I'll get to work on them immediately. And as for the diamond..." Samuel turned around and opened a drawer, pulling out a small blue bag. He turned around while opening the bag and pulled out the most perfect princess cut diamond she'd ever seen. "There we are. It's a little under two carats. I've had this for a while, I've been waiting for the perfect person to buy it and I think you're it." He smiled at her and placed the diamond in her hands. "I mean, there are bigger out there, but the clarity on this one is amazing."
"It's perfect. I'll take it." She giggled and bounced on her feet while handing him the diamond back. "I really wanted simple and I think that will do it." She handed him her credit card after fishing it out of her bag. She really didn't care about the price, but in looking at the diamond, she estimated it would cost about fifteen grand. Knowing Samuel, he'll give her a discount of some sort, but she wasn't worried about that. "Just put half on now and I'll pay the rest when I pick everything up, will that be okay?"
"Yeah, that's how we usually do it. I'm not really interested in buying you the retail versions of those butterfly bands, so would it be alright if I make something similar? It will likely cost you a bit more, but I guarantee, it will be worth it. The solitaire band and diamond will be twelve thousand dollars and I'm sure I can do the bands for about four thousand each."
"That's fine, Sam. How long until everything will be ready?"
"Give me a week and you'll be my happiest customer." He winked at her and wrote a receipt for the half she put down. "I'm really glad you chose me to do this for you."
"I wouldn't have gone anywhere else!" She giggled and put her receipt away before heading out of the store. She hadn't felt this giddy in a while and she really felt like she had energy to burn. She frowned when she realized Callie was still at work for another hour, at least. She wandered into the Hallmark store across the street and made her way to the stuffed animals. Giggling at herself she picked up a small stuffed ape which was holding a heart in one hand and a banana in the other and in the center of the heart it said 'you drive me bananas!' "Oh, she'll love this." After purchasing the ape, she made her way into the coffee shop next door and ordered two coffees. She added sugar to both and a little cream to her own and then made her was to the hospital.
Arizona headed straight to the lab, where she knew Callie would be hard at work. She walked in and saw Callie writing some notes in a pad. "Hey baby!" She smiled when Callie looked up and her entire expression lit up. She went directly to her and pressed a soft kiss to Callie's lips and then handed her the coffee with no cream. "Thought you could use a pick me up and some company." She winked at Callie and kissed her cheek while flopping into the chair next to her.
"You. Are. A. Goddess." She took a long drink from the coffee and sighed happily. "I really needed that too. I'll be done here soon and then we can go home together, if you'd like."
"I'd like that a lot. Oh hey, I bought you something!" She giggled and pulled out the stuffed ape from the bag she was carrying and then made some monkey noises while jumping with the toy before handing it to Callie.
"Oh wow, you are such a dork." Callie was giggling as she took the stuffed animal and watched Arizona act like a monkey. She shook her head and leaned back in her chair and then chuckled when she realized what the heart on the toy said. "You really are an awesome dork."
"And don't you forget it! I suppose it's just my turn to be crazy today." She laughed softly while Callie played with the stuffed animal for a few minutes to appease her, chuckling the whole time. Callie then looked up and smiled at Arizona before she whispered, "I love you, my crazy dork." She pressed a soft kiss to Arizona's cheek and then went back to her work, jotting down important notes while Arizona watched and then the both walked home together, hand in hand.