Summary: (Y/N) won't settle for a simple proposal, so Calum blows the bank to make sure he gets her to say yes.
(Words: 2.8k) (Part 1: Can I Have This Dance?, Part 2: 90 Days, Part 3: 280 Days)
--
"I always knew that you would look even better holding a baby." I mumble as I take in Calum singing lullabies to our daughter.
"I do?" He asks me, cocking an eyebrow as he rocks Stella softly. I hum approvingly, wrapping my arms around his waist.
"Well, Stella is almost out, so, maybe daddy and mommy can have a little fun." He murmurs; I can hear the smirk in his voice.
"Mmm, no, actually. (Y/B/F/N) and I are going for some last-minute shopping for the tour." I plant a kiss on his shoulder blade.
"Uh, come on... Be a little late." He whispers as he places Stella on the crib.
"Are you kidding me? I'll be back in like 3 hours." I roll my eyes at him as pulls me close by my hips.
"Come on... please, just postpone it for an hour. I need you." He groans, leaning down to kiss my neck.
"Mmm, interesting proposal, but I have to say no. I need this, Cal. I need to get nice clothes and maybe something extra for me and you. I need to feel confident again." I state and he sighs.
"Ok, baby. We'll wait for you here, daddy and Stella will have so much fun while you are gone." He shrugs his shoulders and I smile at him.
"Don't try to guilt me. I'll be back before you know it. You are capable of being alone with your own daughter, right?" I ask him and he groans.
"Oh, please, don't question my ability to take care of my daughter. Stella and I will be fine. Go have fun." He whispers, pecking on my forehead.
"I will. I'll bring some take-out for dinner. Any preferences?" I ask him, standing on my tiptoes to peck on his lips. He places his hand on the side of my face, holding my face in place to pepper my lips with kisses.
"You..." He whispers, stroking his thumb over my cheek.
"Well, that was a given... But is Korean ok with you? I am really craving some daktoritang and manduguk..." I suggest and he smirks at me.
"Maybe I can text Luke to come over with Andy, and you and (Y/B/F/N) pick up the food so we can hang out while the babies have a playdate. Stella could really use some company since she doesn't have any other siblings to play with..." He says with a pout.
"Cal, she is 7 months old. She doesn't need a sibling yet."
"Yeah, but that doesn't mean we shouldn't start trying for one... Or maybe practice a bit..." He chuckles and tilts my head to the side to have access to my neck. He kisses my sweet spot, grazing his teeth as he moves lower.
"I am not opposed to practicing... You are so good at... practicing. But I don't think we are ready for one more Hood..." I let a moan slip from my lips.
"I am good at practicing, huh?" He mumbles and I nod.
"Well, in that case, maybe you should call (Y/B/F/N) and raincheck the shopping spree, and stay in here with me and practice." He tries to convince me.
"Nice try... I'll go do my makeup now, and maybe you should go pack our luggage since we are leaving in 3 days... And I will see you again tonight, along with our friends." I say, moving away from him as he groans.
"Ugh, Stella will look so good in this..." (Y/B/F/N) says, handing me a tiny dress with roses. I gasp as I see it, feeling the mesh skirt.
"It's amazing..." I say, putting it in the basket.
"I can't believe our babies are about to go on our first tour..." She sighs, bringing a smile to my face.
"I can't believe we are moms... Seems like yesterday I watched you get married to Luke." I coo, shaking my head.
"Since you mentioned that, when are you going to finally marry your man?" She asks, nudging me.
"I don't know. Probably when he gets the proposal right and stops stuffing Stella's diapers with jewelry boxes." I reply, tilting my head to the side while looking at her smugly.
"Come on, he is trying his best." She groans.
"I need more than that. After everything we've been through, I deserve a great proposal." I state and she rolls her eyes.
"Hey, don't roll your eyes. You are supposed to be on my side." I protest and she side-eyes me.
"I am... I just know that it is hard for you not to say yes to those lame proposals." She chuckles. I hand her a t-shirt for Andy, trying to get her to shut up.
"Anyway, Calum will have to rack up his brain to get me to marry him." I state, wiggling my eyebrows.
"What's left of it, you mean... Because, between you and your daughter, the poor guy has lost his mind." She teases me.
"We both deserve it." I stick my tongue out and she giggles.
"We need to get you something nice for Paris. I am sure Cal will take you on a romantic day, on a posh restaurant with a view of the Eiffel Tower..." She nudges me again.
"I don't think that Calum is that romantic." I mumble, stopping in front of some onesies.
"Do I need to remind you about your first date? And how he asked you on that first date?" She asks me, cocking an eyebrow.
"No, I remember exactly how it happened. I just don't think he is still romantic." I reply, shrugging as I pick up an onesie.
"Need I remind you he is putting on serious effort to convince you to marry him?" She asks again, her voice becoming teasing.
"Mrs. Hemmings, can you shush for a moment, please?" I ask, observing the patterns on the fabric in my hands. Or at least pretending to observe it.
"Of course, Mrs. Hood. Your wish is my command." She snickers.
I feel my cheeks heat up a bit, my stomach twisting in happiness as she calls me Mrs. Hood. It sounds nice, fitting; I've never thought that would sound that good.
"Cal, we are home." I shout as I unlock the door. I get nothing in response, so I place all of the bags on the island and motion (Y/B/F/N) to follow me. I guide us to the backyard, where we find both Luke and Calum along with the kids in the pool, splashing around.
"Hey, guys..." I cheer, kneeling at the edge.
"Mommy is back, Stella." Calum coos at the cheering baby.
"Mommy." Andy shouts, reaching for (Y/B/F/N).
"Hey, princess. Did you have fun with daddy?" I ask in my baby voice as I reach to pick up Stella. She babbles, giving me a gummy grin.
"Of course you did... You should see what mommy got you for the trip..." I sing, pecking on her forehead.
"Did mommy get anything for daddy?" Calum asks, climbing out of the pool.
"Maybe..." I wink, holding Stella a little better.
"But I brought food for everyone, so maybe (Y/B/F/N) should give the kids a bath and you can take a shower before we make the table." I suggest, stroking my daughter's chubby cheek.
"I can make the table while Luke is showering so we can save time." Calum suggests and we all nod.
"I'll also feed Stella and prep her for bed. Do you guys want to stay in here tonight, in the guest room?" I ask.
"We'll see. Now, let's move and get cleaned, I am starving." Luke groans, making (Y/B/F/N) chuckle.
(Y/B/F/N) and I walk upstairs to the master bathroom to give the babies a bath.
I fill the tub with warm water and throw in Stella's bath toys as (Y/B/F/N) sits our kids on the little bench to prep them.
"Stella is such a calm baby. I don't think I've ever heard her cry." (Y/B/F/N) comments, turning to look at me as I test the water temperature.
"I know. I am so lucky..." I state, getting up to pick my giggling baby up.
"We are going to clean this stinky girl." I cheer, bouncing her around.
"Wanna clean Andy first?" I ask and she nods.
"Sure... Let's go, big boy." She picks up Andy and walks to the tub. I sit on the bench, setting Stella on my lap to play with her while we wait.
"My baby girl... You are going to take your first trip! You are going to see so many things, so many people, it's going to be so amazing. And you are going to see daddy sing and play music and do all the things he loves. And you are going to meet daddy's fans, lots and lots of them. And you are going to see one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Mommy bought you so many cute outfits for the trip, you are going to be the most fashionable baby in the world. And you are going to see Aunt Mali." I purr, playing with her hands. She giggles at me as I make my funny faces at her.
"Ok, we are set and I refilled the tub for you. Andy, what do we say to godmommy?" (Y/B/F/N) asks as she bounces Andy on her hip.
"Thank you, god mama." He whispers, blowing me a kiss.
"You are welcome, baby." I blow the kiss back, getting up from the bench.
After we put the kids to bed, we walk in the living room where Calum has set the table and Luke has picked the movie.
"They are off." I state, sitting on the floor comfortably. Calum pours me a glass of wine as I take a look at all the food in front of me.
"What did you buy today?" Luke asks, handing their glasses to Calum.
"Mainly clothes for the kids, little somethings for Calum and you... A fancy dress for (Y/N) for when Cal will take her on a hot date in Paris. And some other stuff." (Y/B/F/N) jumps in before I could open my mouth.
"I see... Speaking of it, when are you two getting married?" Luke asks, giving me a side look before he takes a sip from his wine.
"Thank you! When are you going to marry me?" Calum asks, poking my shoulder.
"And I was wondering why you haven't asked me this far today. When he gives me the proposal I deserve." I state, picking up a dumpling.
"Just give him a clue... Look at the poor guy." Luke advocates and I chuckle.
"Nah, he is a songwriter, he is creative... He can figure it out..." I state and stick my tongue out.
"You are killing me..." Calum groans, pressing a kiss on my cheek.
"At least you'll go a happy man." I reply, grabbing his chin to turn his head and kiss him on the lips.
-
"Why are you so hellbent on not marrying me? You were just as stubborn about not dating me and you were totally wrong about it. And for God's sake, we have a child together..." Calum exasperates, planting a kiss on my shoulder as I rub lotion on my hands.
"Because, I want an extra as fuck proposal and the most extra you can come up is stuffing ring boxes in Stella's diapers, and that sir, is not enough." I reply, shrugging my shoulders.
"So, if I make the proposal extra, like nothing before, you will say yes... Right?" He asks me, raising an eyebrow.
"I will absolutely say yes." I reply, kissing his chin before I lay on my back.
"Ok then. I bet you 100 bucks you will say yes to marry me by the time we are back from tour." He smirks, laying on his back as well.
"Deal." I smile, nestling up to his chest.
--
"How many times have I said that I love waking up in Paris?" I ask Calum as I look outside the window, a mug of coffee in my hands.
"We are here 3 days now and you've already said it like 10 times. So I really think you like waking up in Paris." He comments, walking behind me to wrap his arms around my waist.
"Can we move to Paris? Like, start living here? Stella will grow up speaking French and in a city known for its cultural environment..." I state and he chuckles.
"Maybe in the future... When we are old and wrinkly and Stella is married with kids, and we are grandpas. Because for now, I love my job and I know you love yours, so for now, we have to stay in Los Angeles." He murmurs, picking up my mug to sip on my coffee.
"If you had said yes to moving to Paris now, I would have said yes to marrying you." I sing and he chuckles.
"You are lying and you are manipulating me." He giggles.
"Now you'll never know." I shrug and lean my head on his shoulder.
"I can live with that." He whispers.
"I really like those mornings... Stella is asleep, we have coffee, I am in your arms... I love these mornings." I state and he hums. He takes a deep breath, moving my hair to the said to kiss the base of my neck.
"I love them too." He whispers and I smile as I look outside the window.
"So, what's today's schedule?" I ask, reaching to take one of his hands in mine.
"Hmmm, concert and then I've booked us a private tour in Louvre because Stella needs to see art early on, it's good for her brain. And then I am taking you for dinner, so dress nicely..." He replies and rubs his thumb over the back of my hand.
"I always dress nicely..." I protest.
"I will need you to dress even nicer..." He states and I hum.
"So you will dress nicely as well?" I ask.
"Of course... Shirt and blazer and all." He replies and I gasp in surprise.
"Come on, don't act surprised... I dress nicely all the time." He replies, turning my head to kiss my lips.
"I am just messing with you." I whisper in between kisses.
-
Louvre looks even more beautiful without all the people in it. When Calum said private, he meant private...
"Look how beautiful it's in here. I can practically live inside a museum, for the rest of my life." I comment, looking at the sculpture of Psyche and Eros like a kid in a candy store. Stella looks just as mesmerized, even though it might be because her dad is holding her.
"All this art in this room, still can't take my eyes off of you..." Calum whispers, planting a kiss to my temple.
"Cheesy." I whisper under my breath but feel my smile widen and my blush creep up my cheeks.
"I mean it. You are the most beautiful woman I've seen, I can't take my eyes off of you." He states, stopping us from walking.
He gestures Ashton over, who smilingly approaches us and picks up Stella.
"What are you doing?" I ask Ashton who walks back where he was standing before. Calum moves in front of me, taking my hands in his, without breaking eye contact as he opens his mouth.
"It took me almost 6 months to convince you to go on a single date with me, then 3 months to get you to trust me. And then it took me 2 years to screw it up, which was one of the things I will never forgive me for that, but you did... You did forgive me because you have the biggest heart in the world. God, you are stubborn sometimes, if something gets in your brain, you don't stop until you get your way. But this is something I wish our daughter gets from you. You are the kindest, smartest, most incredible person in my life, and all I want is to spend the rest of my life with you, have a dozen children and become a better person next to you because that's what I am becoming next to you. So, for the 5th or 6th time this year, (Y/F/N) (Y/M/N) (Y/L/N), will you make me the happiest man and say yes to becoming my wife?" Calum kneels down in front of me, opening the ring box and presenting a new ring to me. I let out a squeal and bring my hands to muffle me.
"Yes, yes... Yes." I cry out. Calum sighs relieved, taking the ring out of the box and sliding it on my finger. Everyone around us cheers, clapping and hollering.
"See, it wasn't that hard to come up with something..." I tear up as he gets up from one knee and pulls me in for a kiss.
"Thank God you said yes, it cost me a fortune to book this..." He giggles, pecking on my lips. I giggle as well, not fully parting from his lips.
"I love you..." I state, biting my lip as I rest my head on his chest.
"I love you." He states as well, rubbing my lower back.
"Good, cause I just agreed on marrying you." I laugh and he chuckles.