Calum's PoV

*A few months later*

Everything had gone by in a blur; recovery, hospital appointments, medications, cancelling tour dates, flying back to Australia. It had been mad and in a completely different way to normal. As always, Poppy had taken it in her stride as she battled the uneasy beginning to her pregnancy, morning sickness and heartburn lasting for a couple of months before it settled, all whilst still supporting me as I improved. Once again she was my fiancée, my nurse and a blooming mum to be but didn't complain once. I was in awe of her. Yet somehow, something in her eyes was always tinged with sadness as she looked at me. It was like underneath her strength still lay something upsetting but I never knew the right time to bring it up.

"Morning Cal." Poppy greeted me as she placed my breakfast and a myriad of tablets in front of me. I sighed as I looked down at them, wishing that this recovery had been over and done with and that I could stop taking these and watching everything I ate.

"Thank you beautiful." I responded as I looked down at the delicious breakfast. Poppy sat down beside me with her breakfast and decaf coffee. Her belly was growing and was now visible in what she wore but it only made me more excited. The baby was growing well and the checks that we had been to had shown everything was fine which just showed me that this baby was just as strong as their mother.

"I've got to pop down to management today with the doctors plan that they sent through. Did you want to come with me?" She asked me, hope in her eyes. For the last few days she had tried to get me out of the house every day but I always declined. She must have thought it was because I didn't think I had recovered enough to go all the way out - but the truth was it was because I was planning something big and I needed her out of the house for me to do it. She let out a small nervous smile as I took her in, a smile on my face as I thought about just how lucky I am.

"I'm sorry babe. I'm just not feeling like it. Thank you though. Maybe in the next few days?" I offered, hoping to break the news with a little gentle positivity added at the end but as I watched her shoulders drop, I knew it didn't work. She faked another smile as she looked back at me.

"Yeah. No problem. I'm just worried you're going to get anxious about going out if we leave it too long." She said honestly as she finished her breakfast and downed her last sip of coffee. "I'll see you later." She kissed me on the cheek as she grabbed her bag and left, shutting the door behind her and letting me know that I had the place to myself for the next hour or two. I got up as fast as I could and grabbed my phone, dialling a number I'd had sitting in my contacts for a while. As I waited for them to pick up, I went into our bedroom and pulled out some papers from the bedside table, sifting through them until I found the right one.

"Hey Calum. Everything okay?" They asked but I was quick to shut down the pleasantries.

"Sorry no time. Is it all set?" I quizzed, they let out a laugh.

"Calum Hood worrying about plans? And planning something secret in advance? You're definitely a changed man." I huffed to show I was irritated with their small talk. "Alright, yes it is. Set for the evening, location is sorted. Decorations just need the final payment and you're all good to go." I smiled to myself as the plan sounded like it had all come together.

"And the food?" I questioned, interrogating them.

"All done other than the cake, they'll be in touch as soon as it is made ." They continued, realising it was better when they stuck to the facts.

"Great. Thank you. Outfit?" I went through my checklist, crossing off everything they said was sorted.

"Should arrive with me today. Jewellery too before you ask." They said confidently. "As I told you already, all in hand." I let out a breathy laugh, relaxing a little.

"I know. I'm sorry. It's just so I don't look like an idiot when I realise I forgot something really important." I ran my free hand through my hair. "It's been tough trying to sort this out and focus on my recovery at the same time." It was their turn to sigh.

"About that. Are you sure you'll be okay to do this at such short notice? Will you be able to handle it?" I hadn't really thought about it to be honest. The whole plan was focussed around Poppy and I hadn't even stopped to consider the possibility that I wasn't going to be able to get all the way through it. We still couldn't tour, not until I got signed as fit again which my doctor reckoned would be within the next couple of weeks. I couldn't wait to be touring again but equally, after everything we had gone through over the last few months - I was grateful for the rest and calming environment.

"I'll be fine. I need to let the guys know. Speak soon." I hung up swiftly and brought up the group chat.

Losers

Me: hey guys, everything is set. When we call to ask if you can make it just say you're busy. Come up with some random excuse then she won't expect you guys.
Me: really hope this goes well 😩
Ashton: it'll be fine.
Michael: What's the worst she could do? Say no?
Luke: MIKE SHUT UP
Ashton: nice one doofus
Michael: what?? It was a joke?
Calum: idiots. I'm surrounded by idiots.
Calum: wait she's back ttyl

I shut my phone off and into my pocket as the keys rustled in the door, Poppy walking in with a few bags of shopping too.

"Babe? I'm back. I got some more fresh stuff for lunch." She called out to me. It was unreal just how lucky I was to have someone like her. I shuffled into the front room and lit up as soon as I saw her, going over to give her a large hug.

"Hey, I was thinking we should meet up with the guys for a meal on Friday night? Just to catch up and for me to thank you for all of your help. You've been amazing this whole time." I said as I kissed her, keeping my arms around her waist. She smiled as she looked away shyly.

"Cal, you don't need to-" I held my hand up to silence her. I pulled my phone out and dialled each of my band mates, who all came up with an excuse as to why they couldn't come for a meal on Friday. I pretended to look dejected for a second before a smile lit up on my face.

"Right. That's settled it then. Friday night, date night, just you and me. I'll have everything ready for you, just follow my instructions on the day."

Authors note: sorry for the long delay in updating but thank you so much for still being here and reading! Love you all!! What do YOU think Calum is planning?