A/N: Thank you so much for all your reviews, I just love reading them. We are getting really close to the end, only one chapter left after this one. I hope you enjoy the second part of House and Cuddy's wedding!
Chapter Ten- …Down the Aisle
"That kiss is going to bite you in the ass later," Cuddy whispers and watches the gears turn in House's head. She of all people knows what that look means.
"Go solve the case House, I will be here waiting." Cuddy tells him and gives him a kiss.
"I will be right back. Foreman, Chase, Thirteen and Shorty, let's go." House yells and points toward the exit.
The team look at each other and then to House in confusion. Why is House leaving his wedding?
"House, where are we going?" Taub asks from his seat.
"To solve the case, now let's go so we can get back. I still have the reception to suffer through," House says and receives a jab to the side from Cuddy.
"We have been married for less than five minutes and you are already abusing me? Nice," House says sarcastically.
"You haven't seen anything yet. Now go before I change my mind," Cuddy says.
"You would let my patient die just to teach me a lesson?" House asks as the team is getting ready to leave.
"As your wife, yes, but as the Dean of Medicine, the board might be a little pissed if I did that." House smiles at her and turns to the team who has gathered near him.
"Alright, let's get this show on the road," House says.
"Why don't you just tell us what the patient has and we can treat him so you can stay here." Thirteen says.
"There is no fun in that. I like to see the look on the idiots faces when they are snatched back from the brink of death," House retorts and breaks through the team's circle.
"That makes sense," Chase mumbles and trails behind House with the rest of the team.
House and his team burst through the doors of PPTH determined to treat their patient. All the staff that couldn't make it to the wedding and patients in the lobby is wondering why there are four men in tuxedos and a girl in a bridesmaid dress. House is used to people at work staring at him, his relationship with Cuddy has made him the talk of PPTH. House tunes out the whispers and jabs at the elevator door.
They land on the third floor and walk into the patient's room. The father of the patient sees House and immediately stands up from his chair.
"What the hell are you doing here? Dr. Cuddy threw you off the case!" The father yells and takes a step towards House. Chase and Foreman take a few steps closer to House, prepared to deck the guy if they have to.
"That was opposite day, now can I tell you why I am here?" House insists, not having the patience to deal with this idiot anymore.
"No, I want you to get out of my sons room now, before I call security!" The man yells and points to the door. House would usually fight harder, but he just wants to get back to the Four Seasons so Cuddy doesn't kill him.
"Fine," House grumbles and steps outside. He sees a nurse walking by and snatches a notepad out of her hands. Then, House goes to the nurses station, grabs a pen, writes WEST NILE VIRUS in big letters on it and slams it against the glass of the patient's room. Taub excuses himself and steps outside of the room to talk to House.
"There's no treatment for that, we can only treat the symptoms and hope it doesn't kill the kid."
"Interferon is being considered for treatment, it's experimental, but the only shot this kid has." House says.
"I'll get consent and start it," Taub says and grabs a consent form from the nurses' station before stepping back into the patient room.
Within a half an hour the father signs the consent form and treatment is started. House and the team drive back to the Four Seasons hoping that the experimental treatment will work.
"House, you are just in time for pictures!" Cuddy says as soon as she sees him.
"I never agreed to pictures," House protests.
"Too bad, I got a photographer for the day and I don't want the money to go to waste,"
"Fine, but I am not smiling," Cuddy rolls her eyes and decides that that is as much as she can get from House.
"Follow me," Cuddy says and grabs House's arm. The rest of the team follow the couple outside to a gorgeous wooded area complete with a pond.
"Now I see why you insisted on this dump," House comments as he looks around. The rest of the small wedding party is having their pictures taken in small groups already.
"Well that and the reception area is gorgeous," The photographer finishes up with the Wilson family and gesture to the House, Cuddy and the team to come over towards the pond.
The photographer gets shots of House and Cuddy, House and Wilson, House and the team, House, Cuddy and their two mothers, House, Cuddy and Wilson and House and Cuddy with their children. Cuddy manages to get House to smile a few times, especially when they are taking pictures with Emma and Ian. Cuddy's favorite picture is of House giving her a kiss on the cheek and her flashing her signature lopsided smile in return.
Lacey, the person in charge of events at the Four Seasons appears outside and announces that the reception area is now ready. All of the guests take their seats and House and Cuddy are told to wait outside of banquet hall until they hear their name.
"Where are we going for our honeymoon?" Cuddy asks to pass the time.
"Be patient woman, you will find out soon enough," House tells her. Cuddy narrows her eyes at House,
"Why are you stalling?"
"You practically threw me out of the house this morning; I forgot to grab the tickets. I sent Wilson back to our place to get them. He should be here soon," Cuddy shakes her head and smiles at her husband.
"Typical," Cuddy whispers and wonders what is taking them so long.
"Why are we waiting for them to call our name anyway? This is our shindig," House questions.
"You will see, if they ever get this show on the road," Cuddy taps her foot impatiently.
"…Now presenting Mr. and Mrs. Gregory House!" The DJ yells into the microphone from inside.
"You have got to be kidding me," House whispers. Cuddy grabs his hand and yanks him into the room and to the table set up just for them. All of the guests are clapping and cheering for them. House rolls his eyes and sits down, dragging Cuddy to her seat as well.
"You just love to being the center of attention, don't you," House whispers in Cuddy's ear as the crowd settles down.
"I was taking a page out of your book, I thought you would be pleased that everyone is clapping for you," Cuddy whispers back.
Dinner is served and clusters of people come over to congratulate House and Cuddy. House hates this part, but tries to be gracious for Cuddy. Stacey comes over and hugs both House and Cuddy.
"It's about damn time," Stacey says in a southern accent.
"Thanks Stacey," Cuddy says with sincerity, having put their issues in the past.
"This is my boyfriend Phil," Stacey says as a blond man in his early forties wraps an arm around her.
"Be careful with her," House warns playfully.
"Hi, I am Lisa Cuddy…House," Cuddy corrects herself and smiles.
"She is a little slow," House teases and wraps an arm around Cuddy.
"Shut up, you should be honored that I took your last name," Cuddy says back.
"Don't pretend that your name isn't hyphenated, we all know," House banters back. Cuddy blushes and looks away.
A couple nurses that Cuddy invited appeared behind Stacey and Phil waiting to say their congratulations.
"It looks like my next condolence call is arriving," House mutters. Stacey laughs and lets her boyfriend guide her back to her seat.
"Be nice," Cuddy whispers heatedly.
While Cuddy is chatting with a Nurse Brenda, House sees out of the corner of his eye, Wilson slip into the reception. Wilson meets House's eyes and flashes the tickets that are hiding in his suit coat pocket. Dinner passes by uneventfully and the DJ announces that it is time to cut the cake.
"I swear to god if you shove cake in my face I will divorce you right now," Cuddy says in a dead serious tone.
"Is that a threat or a promise there sweetcheeks?" House asks.
"Don't tempt me," Cuddy says.
The chefs working at the Four Seasons bring out the impeccably designed cake. Cuddy originally picked out slices of cheesecake and tiramisu for the guests, but changed her mind when a friend of a donor referred her to a cake decorator and paid for the tab in full after House cured his daughter. Cuddy chose to do a marble cake with white frosting and blue flowers intermittently placed on the cake to tie in the color of the wedding.
"If the bride and groom could come to the middle of the dance floor so the cake could be cut, that would be great," The DJ says into the microphone.
House and Cuddy stand up and walk to where they are told. Emma, who is seated by the Wilson family, sees the cake and races over to her parents.
"Mommy! Daddy! Cake!" Emma says excitedly and points to the biggest cake she has ever seen.
"Yeah baby, we have to cut it first so you can eat it," Cuddy explains. Emma looks to her father for confirmation and goes back to her seat to wait.
"I suppose we should hurry up and cut it then," House says.
"Just remember what I told you," Cuddy warns.
"Don't worry, I will behave for now. Our honeymoon is a different story though,"
"I actually don't mind you misbehaving on our honeymoon," Cuddy winks at him and takes the knife off of the table.
"Don't stab me in front of all of these people, too many witnesses," House jokes and puts his hand over hers on the knife.
"I'll just throw you overboard on our honeymoon,"
"There won't be any water…oh I see what you are trying to do! Very clever Cuddy!" House exclaims and guides her hand to the cake.
"HURRY UP SO WE CAN EAT CAKE MOMMY AND DADDY!" Emma yells over their parents banter. The guests laugh at House and Cuddy's beautiful three year old daughter. Cuddy looks over at Wilson's table and notices that Kim, Ian and Sophia are gone.
"Where's Kim?" Cuddy mouths over to Wilson.
"Nap," Wilson mouths back.
"Can we cut this cake before our daughter has a coronary?" House asks.
"Right," Cuddy whispers to herself and allows House to cut the cake for them. The reception area bursts into applause, half of them shocked that House didn't try to pull something with the cake.
"I think Cuddy threatened him or something," Wilson overheard a nurse say to the other.
"Definitely, he never behaves," The other nurse whispers back. Wilson has to bite his tongue in order to stop himself from defending his two best friends. Kim slips back in with the two kids as the cake is being distributed.
"I think Ian is ready for a nap," Kim whispers to Wilson as she bounces Ian on her lap.
"I agree with you, I'll go get Cuddy," Wilson puts one of the twins into a seat next to Daniel and Emma who are happily babbling away at each other. Wilson smiles at them and heads over to the bride and groom table.
"Hey Wilson," Cuddy exclaims. House is too busy shoving cake in his mouth to respond.
"Ian is looking really tired and Kim was wondering where you wanted him to sleep."
"I rented a hotel room just for the night; if Kim would give Ian to House's mom she said that she would stay with him until he woke up." Cuddy reaches into her pocketbook, pulls out a room key and hands it to Wilson.
"Where are my mom and your mom? I haven't seen them since that awful picture you made us take together," House says with his mouth full.
"They have been seated at my families table behind Wilson's the entire time talking. They really have become such great friends," Cuddy says.
"My mother can become friends with anyone, even your old hag of a mother," House snarks. Cuddy hits him and accidently knocks his fork full of cake down.
"I can see that marriage hasn't softened you at all House," Wilson comments and leaves the couple to argue in peace.
"Give Ian and this room key to Mrs. House, she is going to watch Ian while he takes a nap," Wilson instructs and hands over the key card to Kim.
"I have a better idea, why don't we take Ian upstairs and have a quickie while everyone is still eating?" Kim whispers in his ear while holding a passed out Ian.
"I like the way you think, but I have to give a speech in ten minutes."
"I can watch Ian for a while, it's no problem, now come on, we only have nine minutes." Kim grabs Wilson's hand and leads him out of the reception area. House sees them and the look on Wilson's face.
"I think Wilson is about to get laid," House whispers to Cuddy who is busy talking to her mother.
"Watch your language you schmuck, your daughter is right over there," Arlene says.
"Nice to know that you haven't lost your hearing in your old age," House comments.
"House," Cuddy warns.
"Oh for the love of God, he is your husband Lisa; call him by his first name," Arlene says to her daughter.
"Trust me she does, she screams it actually if you know what I mean," House says. Cuddy's eyes widen and Arlene furrows her eyebrows.
"Of course she does, you never listen to her," Arlene says. House finds it incredibly hilarious that Arlene obviously doesn't get the sexual reference. Cuddy stomps on House's foot in order for him to know not to go any further.
"You are right mom; I sometimes have to scream at him to get my point across." Cuddy says disarmingly.
"Just like your father," Arlene mutters and leaves. House bursts into laughter and Cuddy glares at him.
"I can't believe you said that to my mother," Cuddy hisses.
"Oh relax, she didn't even know what I was talking about," House says and grins.
"Luckily for you,"
The waiters come out and clear the cake plates while House scopes around the room to see if Wilson has returned yet. He doesn't see Wilson anywhere and notes that he only has about a minute before Cuddy wants to start the speeches since it is getting pretty late.
"Where is Wilson?" Cuddy asks House.
"You were the one who have him a room key figure it out,"
"They better not be doing anything in front of my son," House sees Cuddy's protective look rise in her face and quickly calms her down.
"First of all, he is one so he wouldn't know what was going on anyway. Two, you know that he sleeps through anything, just like Emma. Three, I am sure Wilson and Kim get their freak on when Ian and Emma sleep over anyway."
"I really don't want to picture Wilson and Kim having sex. Wilson better get back here soon, Julia wants to put the kids to bed," Cuddy checks her Blackberry in her purse and notes that it is approaching eight.
"I am guessing that Wilson will be back in about two minutes," House says.
"You couldn't possibly know that," Cuddy says. House shoots her a "you've got to be kidding" look back.
"Fine, two minutes then," Cuddy says and sips her champagne waiting for Wilson to grace her with his presence.
Five minutes later Wilson stumbles into the banquet hall and readjusts his tie.
"HEY WILSON!" House shouts over the crowd. Wilson blushes as all eyes turn to look at him. Wilson smiles and walks over to House's table.
"Do you always have to do that?" Wilson asks.
"Wilson, you should know the answer to that question by now," House states. Wilson shrugs and Cuddy notices that he has lipstick on his cheek.
"Hey Wilson, you have some lipstick right there," Cuddy points to her own cheek and hands Wilson a mirror. Wilson takes it graciously and wipes the lipstick off with a nearby napkin.
"That was a long quickie, is little Jimmy okay?" House asks. Wilson rolls his eyes and gives the mirror back to Cuddy.
"Ian woke up and we decided that we shouldn't traumatize your child until he is old enough to remember it," Wilson jokes back.
"Thanks Wilson, you are a good best friend," House says.
"Now that you are here, we should start," Cuddy says and nods to the DJ.
"Everyone please direct your attention to the best man and maid of honor as they are about to give their speeches." The DJ says and the crowd quiets down.
"I'll go first," Wilson says and approaches the DJ booth to receive a microphone.
"Hi, I am James Wilson, House's one and only friend." Wilson pauses for the polite laughter, "I have known House and Cuddy for over ten years and I couldn't imagine two people more perfect for each other. They challenge each other and aren't afraid to call each other out on their crap. I was annoying House into admitting his feelings for Cuddy and I am so glad that he did. I know you two will continue to argue, banter and love each other for a long time to come. To House and Cuddy!" Wilson exclaims and raises his glass of champagne. The room erupts with applause. Wilson passes the microphone over to Julia and takes his seat.
"Lisa, ever since medical school you have been talking about House. Even though you told me a million times that you didn't have any feelings for him, I knew you were lying. I could tell that you liked him driving you insane because he keeps you on your toes. You guys have two wonderful children and I wish you nothing but a lifetime of happiness together." Julia also raises her class to toast to the newlyweds. Cuddy wipes a few tears away and mouths "I love you" over to her sister who says it back to her. House sighs and passes her his napkin because Wilson used hers.
"Hey! I wanna say somethin," Emma yells.
"What's that Emma?" Cuddy asks.
"You guys are bitchin!" Emma yells. The guests are torn between laughing at Emma's cuteness and being shocked by her boldness. Cuddy looks mortified and House looks proud.
"Emma thank you, but that's a bad word. Please don't say that again," Cuddy says.
"Kay, I not say dat bad word," Emma says and winks at House.
"Thanks Emma." House says and excuses himself to go talk to Wilson.
"I want to give her those tickets," House says and holds his hand out. Wilson slips them into his hand along with their passports.
"Oh shit! I totally forgot about those,"
"Yeah, you may need those to leave the United States."
"Good thinking Wilson, this is why are my best friend," House says and sneaks back to his own table. House clears his throat to get the guests attention,
"If I could have your attention I need to give something to my wife," House says, takes the ticket and passport out of his suit jacket and hands it to Cuddy. Cuddy sees where they are going and looks at House with a mixture of gratitude and bewilderment. Everyone claps and return to their conversations.
"Why Paris?" Cuddy asks. House is a little offended, but he can tell that Cuddy genuinely wants to know.
"The screensaver on your computer," House says.
"My screensaver is a picture of you, me and the kids."
"Mont-saint Michel," The realization dawns on Cuddy and she grins at House.
"That was from ten years ago, I can't believe you remember that," Cuddy kisses House.
"I can't believe you forgot about that," House says.
"I am not a genius like you,"
"Not many people are,"
"How long are we going to be gone?"
"Well, we have two weeks off so I think that a week in Paris and a week at home should be enough to make us not want to go back to work."
"Unlike you I actually like my job,"
"I like the fact that you are my boss and occasionally let me do what I want so I am good."
"Who is going to watch the kids?"
"Don't worry your pretty little head off, Wilson and Kim will watch them,"
"House, we can't just dump the kids off and run."
"Why not? Besides, it gives Emma some more time to spend with her boyfriend." Cuddy rolls her eyes.
"Emma is three and doesn't know what a boyfriend is. Danny is a cute boy who happens to be our best friend's son."
"I will leave it alone for now because of her age, but not in ten years."
"And we will talk about it then. For now, I am going to talk to Kim and check on Ian." Cuddy stands up and leaves the room. She bypasses her guests in the lobby and takes the elevator. Quickly, Cuddy heads to the room and knocks on the door. Kim answers and ushers her in. Ian is watching TV in his pajamas; Kim must have changed him out of his tuxedo.
"Mommy!" Ian runs over and hugs Cuddy. Cuddy lifts him up and hugs him tight, never getting tired of hearing that from her children.
"Hi baby, did you have a good nap?" Cuddy asks Ian.
"Yup! TV," Ian points and Cuddy throws Ian on the bed. He giggles and focuses back on the TV.
"What brings you up here?" Kim asks.
"House surprised me with tickets to Paris!" Cuddy practically squeals.
"Wow, I am impressed, I thought you were going to a three day monster truck rally for your honeymoon," Kim jokes.
"I thought so too, but he can be romantic at times. Sadly, they are few and far between. Anyway, I was wondering if you could watch the kids for a week. I know we ask all of the time, but we don't trust anything else."
"Of course I will watch them; I love your kids like they are my own. I do have a favor to ask though,"
"Sure, anything," Cuddy says.
"James and I are going to Tahiti next year for our anniversary, can you watch the kids?"
"Of course, Emma will be thrilled to have her 'buddy' at the house for a while."
"I am sure House will love that,"
"He doesn't have a choice in the matter,"
"Care to join the rest of us downstairs? Ian, come on we are going by daddy," Cuddy turns off the TV and picks Ian up. Kim opens the door for them and they head back downstairs.
"Your sister's family left with your mother," House tells Cuddy when he sees her walk in.
"Okay, it's getting late anyway, but Emma still seems to be wide awake." Cuddy says and looks at her daughter talking to Wilson.
"Let's do the first dance," Cuddy says and tells the DJ to play the song she picked out. Josh Groban's "You Raise Me Up" blares through the speakers.
"What's next, 'Wing Beneath My Wings'?" House snarks.
"Shut up and dance with me," Cuddy whispers. Emma sees her parents dancing and grabs Daniel's hand. They dance along side of House and Cuddy. Cuddy can feel House tense up,
"Let them be, it's cute," Cuddy tells him. House momentarily decides to let it go and focus on his wife.
"How does it feel to be married to a stud like me?" House asks her.
"Nice to know your ego hasn't changed at all,"
"I'm like fine wine, I just get better with age," House says and Cuddy laughs.
"At least I know we will never get tired of each other,"
"Of course not, I keep you on your toes remember?" The song comes to a stop; House and Cuddy stop dancing but are still talking to each other on the dance floor.
"Buckle up, baby," Cuddy jokes.
"Are you sure you want to go down the cutesy name path with me? You won't win,"
"In order to stop you from embarrassing me completely at anytime, I take back my comment."
"Good choice Cuddles,"
"Our marriage is going to be fun, I promise,"
"I am just excited for our honeymoon, tons of sex all the time,"
"Isn't that the reason why you married me?"
"Well that, and sandwiches."
A/N 2: That is it for House and Cuddy's wedding, I hope you enjoyed it! The last chapter jumps ahead to September. One more chapter left! Please review and thanks so much for reading.