Summary: The developing of a Love Affair in Years with ups and downs - Huddy.
Disclaimer: I do not own House, nor do I make any profit.
A Co-writing by Klara Papkin and Miss Mila
Chapter 14 – Wedding and Family
In her office, Cuddy is getting ready for the ceremony. She still can't believe that this is all happening to her. Sure, they'd been engaged for a while, but a certain date had never been mentioned.
And to think, she'd been the one afraid of forcing House into something he wasn't ready for, and now he was the one making the steps forward! He really had changed for the better. She always knew that he was a good man, after all. He just needed a bit more time than others to prove that fact. And God knows how much patience it took with him…but in the end, it was worth it. She has no doubt that he loves her.
Now her hair and makeup are perfectly done. The only thing left to do is get the tailor to adjust the waist of the dress a little, and to have it ironed; everything else was fine. House had already replaced her veil with a new one. The one he chose was even better than the original.
She hears a knock at the door.
"House! You know that seeing the bride before the wedding brings bad luck!" She yells at the door.
"It's not House. It's Rachel and me." Michelle says through the door.
"Ok, come in girls."
The two girls enter wearing identical lilac dresses.
Rachel claps her little hands in excitement. "Mommy, you look beautiful!"
Cuddy smiles down at Rachel. "Thank you, Sweetheart."
Michelle nods, agreeing with Rachel. "That dress is simply amazing. Where did you buy it?"
"It's a long story," Cuddy admits, remembering the auction, and the fight that House had with tedious Mr. Taylor. She can't keep herself from smiling, "You two look beautiful, too."
"Thanks." The two girls say in unison, laughing afterwards.
"When will the wedding start?" Michelle asks excitedly.
Cuddy shrugs. "I don't know anything. I'm watching this unveil like a member of the audience."
"Cool." Michelle says smiling. This was unlike any wedding she'd heard of before.
There are a few more knocks at the door; it's Wilson's turn to come in. "May I greet Miss Cuddy before she becomes Mrs. House?"
Cuddy laughs. "Come on in, James. I'm not wrong when I say you had a part in this too, am I?"
Wilson shakes his head, "My part has gone on throughout the years, definitely. But I admit, I myself was surprised when House involved me in planning the wedding. I know how much he loves you, but I guess that knowing him, I wasn't prepared for what he had in mind."
Cuddy smiles, "Frankly, sometimes I think that if he hadn't been a doctor he could've made his career as an excellent actor."
Everybody laughs at this.
"You look beautiful." Wilson adds, looking her over.
"Thanks." She is trembling with excitement, "I'm nervous," She admits.
Wilson shrugs, "That's understandable. You've waited for this moment for so long."
"I can't believe this is really happening. It's…it's like a dream. Are my parents really here?"
Wilson smiles and nods. "Yep. I personally picked them up at the airport. They are already waiting in the chapel, along with House's mother."
"So. Everybody knew everything except for me. What a man…"
Wilson agrees, "That's obvious."
Rachel, however, interrupts them, "Mum, can I go say hello to Grandma and Grandpa?"
"Of course you can, dear. But don't stress them out darling. Mick, you can go with her if you'd like. They consider you part of the family, just as we do."
The two girls leave, smiling and giggling amongst themselves.
Cuddy spun around in front of the mirror. "I'm getting married. To House. After all these years…like two normal human beings. Life really is amazing."
Wilson nods, "It is, isn't it?"
Cameron enters the room shortly after. "Lisa. Everything is ready. And I'll be happy to inform you that you have another surprise," she adds, smiling.
"Another? What?"
Cameron laughs. "House isn't gonna be late. In fact, he's already in the chapel, and waiting there is driving him crazy."
Cuddy smirks, "So he finally understands what the meaning of waiting for someone is." She closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. "Anyway, I'm ready. Cameron, can you just help me with the veil?"
Cam nods, happy to help, "Sure."
A few minutes later the three make their way to the chapel.
Meanwhile, House is waiting at the chapel; his mother is standing next to him.
"You look nervous, Greg."
"I am." House says, keeping his eyes forward, towards the door.
"Any doubts?"
House turns to her and shakes his head. "Doubts? No. She's the one. Always has been."
She smiles, "Good. Just take a few deep breaths…everything is going to be alright. I'm sorry your father isn't here."
"I am too." He says frankly.
Blythe hugs her son.
Wilson is the first to arrive; he says that Cuddy is ready. Everybody stands as the Wedding March starts, and Wilson takes his place next to House. All the people who are close to them are there: Foreman, Wilson, Taub, Thirteen, Chase, Cameron, Blythe, Cuddy's family, and even the nurses and members of the commission.
Michelle and Rachel are the first to come out. The girls take their place at the left side of the chapel. And then there she is: the bride. Cuddy makes her entrance, holding her father's arm. Even though the veil covers her face everybody can still see the bright smile radiating off her face. She slowly approaches the altar, wanting to remember every moment of this day. She doesn't see anyone else other than her future husband, who looks handsome, even for him. He's wearing a new tuxedo and even bought a new cane for the occasion. His beard and hair are well done.
And, while everyone is looking at the beautiful bride, Michelle is looking at House, who has a glowing smile on his face; a look of pure happiness.
The church itself is breathtakingly beautiful. The main decorations are roses, roses scattered everywhere. He knows little things like that about her; like that they're her favorite flower.
Cuddy finally reaches the altar. Before Mr. Cuddy gives his daughter away he kisses her forehead and whispers, "God bless you, darling." He makes his way over to his wife; Tears of joy are streaming down her face, as they had since her daughter made her entrance.
And thus the wedding begins.
The priest makes the usual speech for the occasion, one that mentions the valor of marriage, family, children, etc. House and Cuddy are holding hands, their eyes speaking volumes. Wilson and Cameron read the lectures, and it's time to exchange vows.
House begins, "I, Gregory House, take you, Lisa Cuddy, to be my lawfully wedded wife, and I promise, before God and these witnesses, to be your loving and faithful husband, in plenty and in want, in joy and in sorry, in sickness and in health, as long as we both shall live." House's voice is trembling with emotions now. Cuddy understands, her own emotions starting to show. She squeezes his hand.
Cuddy takes it from there, "I, Lisa Cuddy, take you, Gregory House, to be my lawfully wedded husband, and I promise, before God and these witnesses, to be your loving and faithful wife, in plenty and in want, in joy and in sorrow, in sickness and in health, as long as we both shall live."
But this joyful moment is interrupted by a strange noise, then a scream. And in the confusion of the moment Cameron and Wilson figure out what's wrong. "Michelle!" They scream in unison. The little girl is lying on the floor, suddenly unconscious. House and Cuddy run to her side, looks of shock and fear etched on their faces.
House places his fingers on her neck, checking for a pulse. "Her heart beat is faint, but it's there," he said, swallowing his emotions and letting his doctor side come through, "we have to hurry and intubate her before it fades completely, hurry! Get everything ready!" While the team quickly goes to get a room ready House takes Michelle in his arms, and with all the strength he has he runs down the length of the room, despite the pain radiating from his leg. "Mick, wake up! Please, don't give up now! We're gonna save you, please." He's speaking and crying and praying at the same time.
Cuddy runs to his side (a feat made no easier with the heels she's wearing), "Greg, wait! Take a stretcher; she's too heavy for you alone. And it'll be faster. Please, Greg. House! Listen to me!"
Luckily by the time they make it out of the chapel Wilson is already there with a stretcher. They quickly reach the room.
"Give me the damn paddles! Come on, Mick, you can do it." House almost pleads. "Charge."
The assistant nods to him, "Clear!"
They shock her, and she flatlines. She looks to be technically dead.
But House won't give up, "Again! Charge!"
"Clear!" The assistant says again, deciding it's worth another shot.
No such luck. "Again! Charge."
The assistant's mouth pulls back into a tight line, this was pushing it. "Clear!" He says anyway.
"Damn it. Again!"
"Doctor-"
"I said, again. Charge!"
"Clear."
"Come on, Mick, stay with me. Stay with us, we love you!"
"Greg. Stop it! There's nothing else we can do for her." Cuddy says, tears streaming down her face.
"There has to be. I need to save her, there's still hope."
"What hope, House?" And her voice shakes as this realization dawns on her. She couldn't find any hope anymore, and that scared her.
"I can't let her die, Lisa, and you know it!"
And she does know it. Because if she dies now a small part of them will die too. And frankly, she doesn't know if either of them can afford that. "I know," she whispers, "I understand. But…it's too late."
"You know that I can't give up. We-we haven't even had the time to foster her."
"I-I know." Cuddy looks at the girl, brushes the hair out of her face. "But…try to be reasonable."
He ignores her, instead trying CPR, but nothing happens. His strength is slowly leaving him. He finally stops, dropping his head in his hands. The mark of a defeated man.
Cuddy puts a hand on his shoulder, "We should put her under by pass and then say g-goodbye to her." She says, voice breaking.
"It…it's not human. Not right."
"We can call for the judge and do the procedure right here, in front of her."
House sits down in the chair near Michelle's bed, slumped down like a wilting flower. "I'm a failure," he states, and his tone leaves little room for argument.
Cuddy wraps her arms around him in a tight embrace. "No, no you're not." And then House starts crying, this incredible, strong man is crying, and it's all she can do to not fall into pieces beside him. "Shhh, don't cry. I'm here," she says, voice breaking.
House sniffs and clears his throat, turning to his best friend he says, "Wilson. Please get Stacey. She's in the chapel. I'm sure she has all the documents to foster Michelle with her."
"I'll be right back." Wilson replies shocked at how quick the day's events were to turn.
"Stacey's here?" Cuddy questions, needing to focus on anything else than the state of the girl in front of her.
"I-I asked her to help with the procedures of adopting Michelle. She's the only lawyer who's still willing to help me out." He says, a sorry attempt at being funny.
Cuddy nods, he wanted this day to be known both as their wedding day, and as the day that they adopted the little girl. Apparently fate had different thoughts though.
In the mean time, Thirteen and Foreman are putting Michelle under bypass, letting their doctor senses rise above the emotions they are feeling.
"Tell me when you're ready…I-I'll wake her up." Chase says, clearing his throat.
House nods, "Fine."
At that moment, Stacey and another man, presumably the judge, enter the room.
Stacey takes the scene in with sadness and a hint of curiosity. The somber mood of the rooms' occupants is noticeable. "Greg, what's going on?" She asks, concern seeping into her voice.
"She's technically dead." House answers in a whisper.
"So everything you were planning was useless."
"No," House says firmly, "Cuddy and I are going to wake her up and adopt her. Let her at least know that she isn't an orphan anymore, that she has a-has a family. We wanted her to live in a world where all her dreams came true…now at least we can let her die knowing we did are best to make it like that."
The judge interrupts, "That is very noble of you, Sir, but…"
"Is there a problem?" Cuddy snaps, aware that precious moments are going by.
"You and the lady are supposed to be married before any such procedures can take place."
"We almost are," House answers coolly.
"Almost isn't what the law is looking for, I'm sorry."
"Damn the law!" House yells, having had enough of this man. "What difference does it make? A wonderful girl whose only dream was to have a family and become a ballet dancer is lying there practically lifeless! Look at her, Judge! I know that I can't make both her dreams come true, but I have a chance to make at least one of them come true! Don't tell me the law is going to stop that from happening! She looks like an angel," House says, and his voice softens, "She always has been an angel. Can't you just forget about the law for once?"
"Greg, calm down." Cuddy says halfheartedly. She agrees with him completely.
"I can't stand this nonsense."
"Wait. I have an idea, Judge. The ceremony hasn't been cancelled…just…interrupted. Can't we finish it here? And conduct the procedure after we become man and wife…by the law's standards?"
"Well…"
"Please?" She asks, giving him a hopeful look.
"Fine."
And so it goes. They get everything ready and signal to Chase to wake Michelle up.
She blinks and sees everybody around her, a concerned look on their faces. She realizes that something is wrong, and that she isn't at the wedding anymore. In fact, she's in one of the hospital beds, in a room full of machines. And she doesn't feel her best.
"I…I, um, need a drink." She says hoarsely, wondering what exactly is going on.
Thirteen hands her a cup of water and helps her take a drink.
"Mom, Dad, I'm sorry."
"Oh, darling, what are you sorry for?" Cuddy asks, trying to keep the tears at bay for the little girl.
"I ruined the wedding."
"No, no, you haven't ruined the wedding, honey. It's all fine. In fact, we have a surprise for you." She says, voice trembling.
"A surprise?" There is a hint of excitement in her voice as she asks this.
"Yes, Swan, you see this lady and this man?" He indicates Stacey and the judge. He waits for Michelle's nod before continuing, "Well, Mick, this is a lawyer, and this is a judge. Have you any idea what they're here for?"
Michelle shakes her head, "No."
"Mick, Lisa and I love you so much, we decided to adopt you."
"You what?"
"Aren't you happy?" He asks, confused.
Michelle tries to sit up, but she's unable to move. The girl can't keep herself from crying. Cuddy quickly goes to her side and embraces her.
Wilson can't stand to watch, he faces the wall, tears in his own eyes. This moment reminds him of the night he lost Amber.
"Are you okay?" House asks once Cuddy manages to calm her down.
"No!" Michelle says firmly, "I'm dying, aren't I?"
House looks at Cuddy for help, but she's at a loss for words as well.
"You can tell me the truth, Dad." Michelle says, placing a cold hand on his arm.
"Yes, darling," House says, putting her hand between two of his own, "Yes you are. I'm sorry."
Michelle managed to muster up a small smile for his benefit. "I just wish I could see you two marry before I…go."
"You will." House says determinedly, "The ceremony will be finished right here."
"Thanks."
They convince the judge to let them sign the adoption papers first. He's quick to agree after watching this scene unfold in front of him.
The priest is brought into the room, and he announces that he's ready whenever they are.
House and Cuddy take their places at the foot of the bed. They start from where they stopped, vows and rings. Michelle is staring at them, a sweet smile on her face.
"I now pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss the bride."
House lifts the veil up from Cuddy's face, revealing tears. They kiss more passionately than they ever remember. And when they're done, their faces turn in the direction of Michelle. She's slipping away and manages to say, "Thank you, Mom. Dad. I love you…" Just like that, she was gone.
Chase switches off the machines with a sorrow that he's never shown for any other patients.
"Can we have a moment alone?" House asks quietly. Everyone respects his wishes and leaves, including Wilson, but he's quickly stopped by House's voice. "Wilson?"
"Yes?"
"Can you tell my mother to take care of Rachel this evening…and to please not tell her anything? We'll tell her tomorrow…but today, now, we can't."
Wilson nods, "Don't worry. I'll take care of everything."
"Thanks, Jimmy."
"You're welcome." His tone suggests he wishes there was something else he could do to help ease their pain.
Now that the two are alone they stare in Michelle's body in silence. They're beyond tears now.
"I wonder…" House starts, but ends up trailing off.
"What?"
"I wonder if she knew how much I loved her. How much I love her."
"She knew." Cuddy says with an edge of certainty.
"How do you know?"
"You would never marry me if you weren't capable of loving her."
"I'd never marry you if I wasn't capable of loving you."
They stare at each other, and he understands what she meant. This wasn't what they expected from their wedding day at all. But they would look back at this day with both sadness and joy. Their love was stronger now, and now, more than ever, they could find strength and comfort from each other.
"Greg."
"Yes, darling?"
"Let's-Let's go home."
He nods and stands, taking one more look at Michelle. "The limousine is waiting for us."
"We can take my car if you prefer."
"No." He insists, softly but firmly. "It's our wedding night."
She nods and kisses his cheek. "Okay."
They make their way to the hospital exit, each step laced with joy and sorrow. Because one can't exist without the other.
At home, they comforted each other throughout the night.