Calum's PoV

It was all go go go as soon as I arrived back. I dragged the boys, reluctantly, into helping me decorate the house for when Poppy was due to come back. Today was finally that day. Of course, the girls were more than happy to assist me as they asked me about balloon arches and donut walls (who knew?!) But to be honest I was grateful for any help. I need to pull this off and I needed to pull it off well. No one knew the plan, no one knew the massive reason behind this decorating - they just thought I was going mad because I was so happy to have her back. I had gotten a cake, balloons (which were now in a lovely arch over the table), tablecloth and paper plates which were neat on the table whilst I made and warmed up some food for everyone. I hadn't invited many people, just the guys and their girlfriends, Dave and Jack, a few of her friends from the hospital like Mavis and Mr Shine. I kept it small. I'd spoken to Jack this morning and made some crappy excuse as to why I couldn't come to the hospital to pick her up, I knew that would disappoint her but hopefully when she saw this place and what we'd done for it, she would understand and forgive me.

"Seriously Cal, go to the hospital and collect her - we can finish this off!" Sierra nudged me as I laid out some crisps and sweets in bowls on the table. "We've made it a hundred times better already, we'd hardly screw it up now!" I liked her confidence and to be honest she was right. From what I'd voiced that I wanted, they'd blown it out the bag and made it look professional and perfect. I just couldn't sort myself out. My mind was all over the place.

"Yeah, she'll be gutted if she doesn't see you there!" Ashton said as he walked past with a banner.

"Jack has already asked me, he's making his way over there from his house and-" with that, the doorbell rang and interrupted me. I glanced at the time, 11:45am. No way could that be Poppy. They'd already said she'd be discharged from 12pm. What if it was? I'm really not ready. I feel sick. This is more nerve wracking than performing on stage has ever been. I feel giddy.

"Cal, are you going to get the door or just stare at it?" Crystal called as she directed Ashton and Michael up and down until the banner hung perfectly above the table in a straight line.

"Right. Yeah." I said as I shook the thoughts from my mind and headed for the door, opening it quickly to reveal Jack. I let out a huge grin. "Hey! I thought you were-" once again I was interrupted. It was becoming a habit today!

"They told me to stop by and get you. You look like crap Cal, this is meant to be a happy day. You look like you haven't slept in about a year and you're worrying about something." Of course I was, but I couldn't tell them now, we'd come so far!

"I don't know, just worried she's not going to be well enough or something. I need to think more positively!" I lied quickly, offering him a smile in the hope to save my attempt. He smiled back.

"I know, it probably is a worrying time, but if Mr Shine has said she's alright then go with that. It's his job! Now come on." Jack practically grabbed my arm and pulled me out of the door, closing it behind us as we headed to his car. The short journey was a quiet one, I was so nervous I could barely string thoughts together in my head, let alone speak. We arrived at the hospital and parked around the staff exit, getting out and heading through the staff entrance of the hospital. When security questioned us, Jack just showed them his badge and explained the situation. They nodded us through and showed us to her door. Jack gestured for me to go before him and I knocked loudly, opening the door cautiously afterwards. There, perched on the edge of the bed, was Poppy, looking just like her normal self minus her tired eyes. She grinned at me brightly and shot off the bed, rushing over to me and throwing her arms around me to give me a hug. She buried her head in the crook of my neck as she spoke.

"I'm so happy to see you! I can't wait to go home!" She said, although it came out slightly muffled. She pulled away from me before heading over to Jack, hugging him too. "And thank you for everything you did. Mr Shine filled me in." He looked away, almost embarrassed, before he hugged her back and smiled.

"We're just happy to have you back! Now, let's get out of here!" Jack grabbed her bags and we left the room, the security guard leading us back down the corridors that took us to the car park. We loaded her stuff in the car as she strapped herself in and we jumped in the car, taking off seconds later. Once again, nerves had eaten my ability to talk which I knew was going to make her suspicious. I needed to try and look normal.

"Everyone's so excited to see you. They've been talking about it for days." I said, smiling at her as best I could when nerves wanted to eat me alive.

"I can't wait to get back into the old swing of things. I honestly missed everyone so much." Before I knew it, we were back home again. My stomach started to twist in anxiety. Come on Calum, get yourself together! I took Poppy's hand as I led her back into the apartment, heading up to the floor and unlocking the door, slowly pushing it open for dramatic effect. As soon as she stepped in, everyone cheered and ran to her, enveloping her in hugs. Jack came through and put her bags to the side, closing the door quietly behind him. She chatted happily to everyone, oblivious to what was about to happen. I headed over to the kitchen and popped open a bottle of champagne, pouring a glass for everyone in the room. I began to hand them out, making out we were going to toast to her coming back. Everyone grinned and nodded as I made my way around, the final one being given to Poppy.
This was it Cal.
It was time.
I dinged my glass with a spoon to attract everyone's attention and stood nervously at the table as everyone drew their attention to me.

"Right everyone, sorry, it's just a quick one." I said nervously, receiving some laughs from the boys. "I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who helped me put on this fancy spread for Poppy. I never felt fear like I had then, but the joy I feel now she's back with me is more than I could have ever imagined." Everyone aww'd my speech and I knew I was doing well so far. In front of me, Poppy stood, holding her glass daintily, tears beginning to form as I spoke. "Poppy, I just wanted to raise a toast to welcome you back home, back to me and to your friends."

"To Poppy!" Everyone cheered as they clinked their glasses together and took a sip of their champagne.

"And finally, Poppy, I just wanted to say something. Since we met, it's been a rollercoaster of every emotion I could think of, but it always fell back into place perfectly and I couldn't imagine being without you. You've done so much for not only me, but my friends, and there's no easy way for me to say how thankful I am. But what i did want to say was..." I put my drink on the table as I pulled a small black box out of my pocket, got down on one knee and opened it. Everyone gasped in shock. "Poppy, will you marry me?"
I looked around the room, full of open mouthed people who were all just as shocked as each other at my sudden proposal. I finally looked back up at Poppy, her eyes wide and her mouth open in surprise. I bit my lips together as I awaited her answer. She changed her gasp into a grin and nodded.

"Of course I will Cal. Yes!" She ran at me and jumped into my arms, our hug one of the tightest and most emotional we'd ever had. She smothered me with kisses before I put her down, finally slipping the ring on her finger, receiving cheers and claps from everyone in the room. Once again, everyone crowded us to hug us and congratulate us and in that moment, it felt like everything was right in the world. It was never going to be smooth sailing all the time, but I knew what I wanted and she was right here with me.