A/N I'm sorry it's taken so long to post this chapter. I had it almost finished and then my hard drive crashed. Of course I hadn't backed the chapter up on a flashdrive. While spending insane hours at work, I've had to rewrite the entire thing. To make up for the long wait, I added smut at the end. And, it's almost twice as long as any of the previous chapters. I hope no one minds. Since we never found out Julia's husband's name, I decided he looks like a Tom. Please send me suggestions for names for their three kids.
I haven't had time to respond to all of the wonderful reviews for the last chapter. Consider this a thank you to all of you. Also, you probably won't hear from me again until after next week. Friday is the big day. After that, I'll finally be able to catch up on reviews and reading everyone else's stories. Without further ado, I give you over 10,000 words of Huddy fluff.
WARNING: This chapter is rated M for adult content. If you aren't old enough to read it, then please, go away.
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Lisa Cuddy strode briskly down the hospital corridor. The tapping of her heels echoed off the tile floor. She opened the door to House's conference room and took a quick peek around. Foreman was reading a medical journal. Chase was surfing the net on his laptop. Taub and Masters were updating patient files.
"Is he here yet?" Cuddy asked the team.
"It's not even eight," Chase told her with a grin.
"Good. I wanted to talk to all of you," Cuddy said as she let the door close behind her. She crossed to the table and sat in the chair House usually occupied. "This Saturday is House's birthday. I want to throw him a surprise party at our house. All of you are invited."
"I'll be there," Chase was the first to respond.
"Count me in," Forman told her.
Taub and Masters also indicated they would attend the party. Frankly, it surprised all of the younger doctors that Cuddy had invited them. Chase and Masters were especially grateful that their boss's wife seemed to be including them in the House family events more and more often lately.
"Is there anything we can do to help?" Taub asked.
"No, but thanks. I've called the caterer and I've ordered a cake. I've called House's mother. She's flying in Saturday morning," Cuddy told them.
"House mom? That will be a surprise," Foreman quipped.
"Tell her to let me know when her flight is scheduled to land. I'll pick her up and get her to your house," Chase offered. The younger man had enjoyed spending time with Blythe over the wedding weekend. He had no grandparents of his own to talk with and he had been thrilled to listen to the older woman talk about her son.
"I'll watch Rachel for a few hours before the party if that would help," Masters volunteered. She and the toddler had gotten along well on moving day. Masters had been surprised to find that she had fun interacting with the inquisitive little girl.
"Thanks. I'll take both of you up on that." Cuddy leaned back and smiled. "Wilson's getting him out of the way that afternoon. Wilson convinced him that he needs House's help picking out a new car."
All heads swiveled as the connecting door to House's office opened. He limped through in his usual grouchy, morning mood. He was wearing his usual attire of jeans and dress shirt over a graphic t-shirt. His spirits lifted considerably when he realized his wife was sitting with the team. He couldn't stop a smile as he leaned down to kiss her.
"Don't you have a hospital to run?" he asked as he stood up.
"Our appointment is at 8:30. I thought I'd wait for you here. I was afraid if I stayed in my office, I would get distracted by some catastrophe," Cuddy told him with a grin.
House checked his watch. "Good. You have time to buy me breakfast."
Cuddy groaned. "I don't think so. Your offspring decided I shouldn't even smell food this morning."
"You have to eat," House told her as he frowned. It might be his imagination, but House thought she had lost weight.
"And, I will. As soon as I'm sure it will stay down." Cuddy reached up and patted him on the back. "Don't worry. Headaches and nausea are part of being pregnant."
"Our coffee doesn't bother you, does it?" Foreman quickly questioned her.
"No. So far, the smell of coffee doesn't bother me." Cuddy smiled wryly. "The eggs that Marina was scrambling for Rachel nearly did me in though."
House checked his watch again. "Why don't we head on down. Maybe they'll work the Dean of Medicine in early."
"You just want to get this over with so you can go eat," Cuddy teased him.
"I don't want to do this at all. I don't really want to sit there and watch some other man groping my woman." House frowned down at her.
Cuddy snorted. "He's a doctor, House."
"Doesn't matter," House ignored her reassurances. "He's still a man."
"He's almost seventy," Cuddy protested with a giggle.
"He's still alive," House shot back.
"You're pitiful." Cuddy rose and took his hand. "Come on. And, you better be on your best behavior."
"You have met me before, right?" House smirked.
The younger doctors watched and listened as their bosses bantered. Chase and Foreman were especially surprised by how relaxed House was when Cuddy was around. The sarcastic wit was still there, but his remarks were no longer cold or cruel. They had never expected to see this more mellow side of the usually grumpy diagnostician.
House allowed Cuddy to tow him to the door. "Troll the clinic and the ER. Find us a patient," he ordered his team. "We wouldn't want the Dean of Medicine to think we're a bunch of slackers."
As they walked, hand-in-hand, down the hall, the couple couldn't miss the stares and whispers that followed them. Apparently, the news had spread to the members of the staff who had missed the events in the ER. Cuddy chose to ignore the curiosity of her staff. House just returned the looks with a smug, slightly conceited grin.
As they waited for the elevator, House quipped, "Maybe I should make another announcement from the balcony."
Cuddy pulled him into the elevator. "I could just send out an email. It would be faster."
True to House's prediction, the obstetrician's staff ushered them straight back to an exam room. After the nurse weighed her and took her vital signs, Cuddy changed into the ridiculous hospital gown and ignored House's leering stare. House sat in a chair next to the exam table and tried to not fidget. Cuddy sat on the table and fiddled with the hem of her gown. They both flinched when the door opened.
Dr. Millard Hayes strode in and shut the door behind him. The elderly doctor was to obstetrics what House was to diagnostics, albeit with a better bedside manner. Hayes had been an early pioneer in the field of high-risk pregnancy. He had treated patients for over forty years beginning back in the days before the phrase "high-risk" was even used. In looks and temperament, he reminded Cuddy of the doctor from 'Gunsmoke.' Cuddy was thankful that she had managed to lure Millard Hayes to her hospital.
"Well, I guess the rumors are true," Dr. Hayes said with a smile.
"Apparently. Good morning, Millard," Cuddy greeted the older doctor.
"Morning, Lisa." Dr. Hayes turned to the expectant father. "House."
"Hayes," House returned with a curt nod.
Dr. Hayes sat on the rolling stool and slid Cuddy's chart onto the counter. He was no fool. He knew this particular couple would test every ounce of patience he possessed.
"They say that doctors make the worst patients. In my experience, spouses who are doctors are worse. I'm in the unenviable position of having a patient and a spouse who are both doctors." He gave each of them a frank, appraising stare. "Are you two going to trust my judgment or are you going to fight me every step of the way?"
Cuddy shot a warning look at House, which he chose to ignore. House had spent quite a few hours over the past several days researching Millard Hayes. He had to admit that he was impressed with what he had found. The man's results were extraordinary.
"My only real experience with obstetrics was as an intern. You're the expert. I can't promise I won't do my own research, but you're the boss. My job is to make sure she follows your orders." Even though it dug at his ego, House knew his forty-three year old wife need the expertise of this particular physician.
Cuddy studied him with a look of shock. "Who are you and what have you done with my husband?"
"I figure if he's worth the outrageous salary you pay him, he must be the best," House told her.
Dr. Hayes was surprised by House's words. He had dealt with the usually unpleasant diagnostician. He hadn't expected to receive such a ringing endorsement from his colleague.
"Well, let's get this show on the road," Dr. Hayes said as he rolled the stool closer to the exam table.
Dr. Hayes completed a thorough, initial exam. House held Cuddy's hand and watched every move the obstetrician made. For her part, Cuddy tried to ignore the discomfort and twinges of embarrassment. Like every woman who had ever lived, she had no great desire to spread her legs for another man's perusal while her husband watched. She figured she better get over the feelings quickly. Pregnancy and then childbirth meant her privacy and her dignity would soon fall by the wayside.
When he finished the exam, Dr. Hayes jotted a few notes in Cuddy's file. She sat up and tried to look relaxed. The death grip she had on his hand told House that she wasn't as calm as she appeared. For his part, House just tried to keep his mouth shut and not say something stupid.
"First, let me say, everything looks good," Dr. Hayes told the expectant parents. "Lisa, you're healthy and in great shape. I didn't find anything that would led me to believe you'll have any problems."
"But?" House, ever the pessimist, asked.
"But, Lisa, your blood pressure is a little high. I don't need to tell either of you the possible complications that can cause. From this point forward, I want you to reduce your stress level. I know the insane hours you work. That has to stop. You need to hire an assistant to take over some of your duties. This is an order from your doctor. It's not negotiable. House, I expect you to keep her as relaxed and stress free at home as possible."
"Millard, I've already thought about an assistant. I'll start the process today. And, despite what you may think, living with House is pretty laid back." Cuddy smiled at her husband. "I will let you handle my mother."
"I suppose hiring a hit man is out?" House smiled up at her.
"Let's save that as the last resort." Cuddy laughed and then looked back to her doctor. "Any special instructions?"
"Keep eating healthy, take your prenatal vitamins, get plenty of rest…although pretty soon you won't have much choice about that. Your body will demand more sleep than usual. I see in your chart that you do Yoga. You need to talk to an instructor about modifying your routine. Some of those poses aren't appropriate for a pregnant woman." Dr. Hayes patted her knee. "I'll have my nurse give you a package of material I expect you to read."
"She's a vegetarian. Is that a problem?" House asked and ignored her frown.
"It shouldn't be." Dr. Hayes made a note in her file. "You'll need to add more protein to your diet. And, I'll want to do regular blood tests to make sure your iron levels are acceptable. I suggest you talk to a dietician. Any more questions?"
"What about the morning sickness and the headaches?" Cuddy asked.
Dr. Hayes took off his glasses and cleaned them with an old fashioned handkerchief. "It might be an old wives-tale, but I see the morning sickness and the headaches as a positive sign. They tell me that your body is behaving as it should. Both should go away by the end of the first trimester. If the nausea becomes severe, I can prescribe something for that. Keep taking acetaminophen for the headaches."
Cuddy hoped her cheeks weren't as red as they felt when she asked, "What about sex?"
"Considering that's what got you here in the first place, I assume you don't need me to tell you how it's done," Dr. Hayes teased.
House couldn't suppress a strangled snort. Cuddy knew her face was flaming as she clarified, "I know it's okay for pregnant women to have intercourse. I meant is it safe for me?"
"I wouldn't suggest you go swinging from the chandeliers, but, yes, it's fine for now." Millard Hayes gave the pair a knowing smile. "You don't have to abstain until I tell you that you should. Just take it easy and stop if you experience any pain."
When neither of them had any more questions, Dr. Hayes sat back and leaned against the counter. "Because of your age and past history, you are definitely considered high risk. I want to see you every two weeks. If either of you have any questions, I don't want you to hesitate to call me. Remember, there's no such thing as a stupid question. I know you've both treated pregnant patients. But, this is the first time either of you have faced pregnancy as the parents. I expect there will be times when you'll be nervous, scared, worried, and just plain freaked out. I'm here for you."
When the older doctor finally left them alone, Cuddy squeezed House's hand. "Are you okay?"
House looked up at her with a slightly dazed expression. "Yeah, I think so. He's right. It's different from this chair."
"Yeah, it is." Cuddy agreed.
She climbed down from the table and stood in front of him. She ran her fingers through his graying hair. The diamonds in her ring caught the overhead light and sparkled at her.
"It's hard to think like a doctor when I'm thinking like a mother." She leaned forward and placed a kiss to the top of his head. "I never thought we would be here. But, I'm glad you're the one going through this with me. I've very thankful that you're the father of my children."
House placed a soft kiss on her still flat tummy. "I'll remind you of that when you're in labor and threatening to remove parts of my anatomy with a butcher knife."
At the sound of her laughter, House looked up and smiled. He knew what she needed to hear and for once, he wasn't afraid to say it.
"I wouldn't want anyone else to be the mother of my children," he admitted quietly. "I love you, Cuddy."
"I love you, House," Cuddy managed to say around the lump in her throat. She knew she had to lighten the mood or she would be a puddle of tears. "Let's go get you fed before you starve to death."
"I'm not the one who's lost weight," House said with a frown. The nurse's initial exam had proven that Cuddy had indeed lost five pounds since her surgery.
Cuddy picked up her clothes and shook her head. "I'll gain it all back and then some."
She pulled on her thong panties and caught House giving her butt an appraising stare. "Don't tell me you're picturing what my ass will look like when I'm huge and waddling around like the Goodyear blimp."
House tried to look offended but the twinkle in his electric blue eyes gave him away. Cuddy rolled her eyes and announced, "You are such a pervert."
As he watched her shimmy into one of those ridiculously tight pencil skirts, House wisely kept his mouth shut. He knew she wouldn't appreciate comments about her future wardrobe options. Despite his many character flaws, Greg House wasn't stupid.
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At 5:30 that evening, Lisa Cuddy let herself in through the back door of their house. She dropped her purse on the dining table and kicked off her high heels. For the first time since her surgery, Cuddy had left the hospital on time and without a briefcase full of files. She hadn't felt one twinge of guilt at what, in the past, would have seemed like dereliction of duty.
Cuddy leaned against the flagstone column and watched her family. House was at the stove, stirring what smelled like a pot of his spaghetti sauce. He was also keeping an eye on Rachel. The toddler was perched on her knees atop a barstool. She was chopping a paper plate full of mushrooms with a plastic knife.
"Mommy!" Rachel squealed when she finally caught sight of her mother.
Cuddy crossed to her daughter and gave her a hug and a kiss.
"I help Daddy," Rachel announced.
"I see that, Baby. You're doing a great job." Cuddy gave her another hug and then smiled when House limped over receive his own hug and kiss.
"You about finished with that?" House asked Rachel.
"Yep," the little girl said and nodded.
House wrapped an arm around her waist and carried her to the stove. Rachel kept a two-handed, death grip on the plate of mangled mushrooms. House let her dump them into the pot. He dropped a quick kiss to the top of her head and then let her slide to the floor.
Rachel looked up at him with an adoring smile. "More Daddy?" she asked.
"No. I think that's enough," House told his eager assistant.
House watched his daughter scamper towards the living room. He looked to Cuddy and found she was watching him with the sappiest look on her face he had ever seen.
"Dinner will be ready in a few minutes. Why don't you go get changed?" he asked and then turned to stir the pot of sauce. He grinned when he heard her mutter the word "Marshmallow."
Dinner was a noisy affair. House told Cuddy an edited account of his latest patient. Cuddy surprised him with the news that Wilson had agreed to take the position as the Assistant Dean. Rachel regaled them with a convoluted story about her trip to the park. Their daughter was especially gleeful in her recounting of the tale of a boy who had been afraid to go down the slide and who had latter thrown up on the merry-go-round.
"She has your twisted sense of humor," Cuddy told House.
"As long as she thinks boys are nasty creatures without good sense, I'm fine with that," House informed her.
"I can tell her dating years are going to fun," Cuddy observed drolly.
"Who said she gets to date?" House shot back.
Cuddy laughed and then looked at Rachel who was currently slurping up a huge string of noodles. "With table manners like that, we won't have to worry about second dates. Rachel, take smaller bites."
After dinner, House shooed Cuddy and Rachel into the living room. He cleaned the table and put away the leftovers. Rachel asked for and received permission to play the piano for her mother. Rachel only knew how to play 'Twinkle, Twinkle' by herself but she played it twice. House joined her at the piano and they played a duet of 'Chopsticks.' Rachel talked him into playing 'Be Our Guest' for her.
Cuddy applauded and tried not to cry at the scene. She knew her hormones were out of control; but, each time she watched the pair together, her heart melted a little more. She had never expected House to allow a toddler to touch his piano. She would certainly never have believed how wonderful he was with the little girl.
Finally, House looked to Cuddy and raised an eyebrow in question. She nodded and moved to the sofa. House and Rachel joined her. House helped Rachel climb up and sit between them.
"Rachel, there's something we need to tell you," Cuddy said.
The little girl leaned against House's chest and looked up at her mother. She waited with the all the patience a three-year old could muster.
"Rachel...I...we...that is..." Cuddy fumbled to a stop and looked at House.
"Oh for crying out loud," House groused. He turned Rachel around so she was facing him. "Rachel, remember when you told me you want a baby?"
"Yeah," she answered.
"Well, you're getting what you asked for. Your mom's having a baby." House made the announcement with his usual bluntness.
Rachel's head whipped around to face her mother. "Really?" she squealed.
"Yes, really," Cuddy told her.
"We go get her now?" Rachel asked.
"No, Honey, we can't go get it just yet." Cuddy answered.
Rachel turned back to House. "When, Daddy?"
"Not for a long time," he replied. "It's not ready to be born yet."
Rachel wrinkled her nose as she thought about what that might mean. "Daddy, where is she?" she finally asked.
"She in your mom's tummy," House chose what he thought would be the simplest explanation.
Rachel looked back at Cuddy. She narrowed her eyes and studied her mother. Cuddy could see the wheels turning and knew with absolute certainty what was about to come out of her daughter's mouth. A distraction was in order.
"Rachel, would you like to call Gramma and tell her?" Cuddy asked.
Rachel's eyes lit up with excitement. "Yeah." She turned to House. "Daddy, phone," she demanded.
"Oh, you're good," House told Cuddy with a grin.
The second the words had left his mouth, he too had realized what Rachel's next question would be. House dug his cell phone out of his pocket. He scrolled through his contacts and dialed Arlene's number. He handed the phone to their little girl and then sat back to watch the show.
"Hi, Gramma," Rachel greeted her grandmother.
"Rachel?" Arlene asked with more than a little confusion.
"Yeah, Gramma," Rachel answered her.
Now Arlene was worried. "Rachel, why are you calling me? What's wrong? Where are your parents?"
"They here," Rachel told her. "Mommy said I call you. Guess what Gramma. We having a baby!"
"A what?" Arlene was certain she hadn't heard correctly.
"A baby!" Rachel enthusiastically repeated. "I gettin' a sister."
"Rachel, give the phone to your mother," Arlene demanded.
Rachel handed the phone to her mother and then crawled up onto House's lap. House wrapped an arm around her and settled back to carefully monitor Cuddy's stress level. He wouldn't hesitate to intervene if it seemed like Arlene was getting out of control.
Cuddy took a deep breath and pressed the phone to her ear. "Hi, Mom," she said.
"Lisa, what is your daughter talking about? Are you and Greg adopting again?" Arlene demanded more information.
"No, Mom. We don't have to do that." Cuddy gave House a quick look before she forged ahead with the news. "I'm pregnant."
After almost a full minute of stunned silence, Cuddy asked, "Mom? Mom, are you okay?"
The first thing she heard was a strangled sound that was half laugh, half sob. "Lisa, are you sure?" Arlene finally managed to ask.
"Yep, we're sure," Cuddy told her. "I had my first doctor's appointment today."
"Oh, Lisa, I'm so happy for you," Arlene told her daughter. "A few months ago, I didn't think I would ever get you married off. Now you're finally having a baby."
"I already have a baby, Mom," Cuddy quickly told her mother. She ignored House when he leaned over and held out his hand for the phone.
"I know that, dear," Arlene defended her hasty comment. "But, last time it all happened so suddenly. This time I'll have time to plan and shop. And, I'll get to spend months bragging to all my friends."
"Knock yourself out, Mom," Cuddy told her. "Just don't plan on driving me nuts. My blood pressure is running a little high. The doctor says I have to stay as stress-free as possible. For the next seven and a half months, you'll be dealing with your son-in-law."
"You know how to suck all the joy out of everything," Arlene huffed in irritation. "Other than your blood pressure, how are you doing?"
"I'm doing great. I've had a few headaches and a little nausea. But, the doctor says everything looks fine," Cuddy happily reported.
"Lisa, I really am thrilled about this," Arlene told her. "Now, put Greg on the phone."
"Why?" Cuddy asked.
"Oh, don't be such a worry-wart. Let me talk to him," Arlene demanded.
House took the phone with a frown. "Yeah?" he asked.
"Congratulations, Greg," Arlene told him.
House wasn't buying the congenial mother-in-law routine. He knew what Arlene thought of him. There was no way he expected her to be pleased that he had fathered her future grandchild.
"Thank you," he replied hesitantly.
"Greg, I expect you to take good care of my daughter. You know what a workaholic she is. See to it that she cuts back on her hours at work. She needs to get more rest. And, that vegetarian diet of hers can't be healthy. You need to see to it that she eats real food, not just that tofu crap she lives on." Arlene lectured him.
'Here we go,' House thought as he felt his blood pressure rise a good ten points.
"Arlene, in case you've forgotten, I am a doctor," House stated. "I don't need you to tell me how to take care of my wife. And, before you get any ideas of lecturing Cuddy or taking over, you need to remember, this isn't Julia's husband you're talking to. I won't let you upset her and I won't let you run our lives."
House was shocked when Arlene laughed at him.
"Greg, I have no intentions of upsetting Lisa," his mother-in-law told him. "I just had to make sure you're up to the challenge."
"Just remember, old woman, I'll be helping pick out your nursing home," House snarked.
Arlene laughed at him again. "Greg, I couldn't be happier about this baby. I know how long Lisa has waited for this. I don't want to do anything to cause her any problems. You have my permission to kick my ass if I get out of line."
"I'll keep that in mind," House told her.
When he disconnected the call, House looked at Cuddy and grinned. "We've reached an understanding," he told her.
Cuddy just rolled her eyes and shook her head. She figured she was better off not knowing what her mother had said to him. She really did have every intention of letting him deal with her cantankerous mother. Her money was on House winning any arguments. Arlene had finally met her match.
"Do you want to call your mother?" Cuddy asked him.
House sighed. "Not really, but I guess I have to."
He dialed the number and waited for her to answer. He happened to glance down at Rachel who was smiling up at him. He tickled her lightly on the ribs and smiled when she squirmed and giggled.
"Hi, Mom," he greeted as soon as the call was answered.
"Greg?" Blythe House wasn't sure she had heard correctly.
"How many other people call you mom?" he asked. "Yeah, it's me."
"Honey, it's just such a surprise to hear from you. How are you? How are Lisa and Rachel?" Blythe was quick to smooth over her verbal gaff.
"We're all fine. How was your cruise?" House inquired.
"It was wonderful. I had a great time. We toured all of the islands. I got to ride in one of those canoe things and I took Hula lessons. I got Rachel the cutest outfits. I hope she likes them. They're all pink and purple. And, I got Lisa the most exquisite necklace. I liked it so much, I went back and got myself one. I'm not telling you what I bought for you. It's a surprise." Blythe was more than happy at her son's apparent interest in her life.
"How is Aunt Sarah?" House stalled and ignored Cuddy who had her hand over her mouth to muffle her giggles. Greg House didn't do small talk.
"She's doing great. She sold the shop. She's talked me into another cruise this summer. We're going to Alaska. We plan to cruise up and then come back by train. I want to go whale watching. Sarah hopes we get to see some of those good looking crab guys from the tv show." Blythe giggled. "I told her she should be ashamed of herself. We're old enough to be their grandmothers."
House made what he hoped was an appropriate noise of amusement. Blythe saw right through it. Her reserved son never just called to chat. She knew he was avoiding the real reason for his call.
"Greg, just tell me what's going on," Blythe ordered. She hoped he hadn't found out about the party. She was afraid he was calling to tell her not to come.
"Um… well...the thing is…." House swatted at Cuddy who had her head buried in a throw pillow. He knew it was ridiculous to be so nervous. He was acting like a teenager who had to confess he had knocked up his girlfriend.
House took a deep breath and blurted out, "Lisa's pregnant." He whipped the phone from his head when she screamed in his ear.
"Jeez, Mom, you didn't have to bust my eardrum," he complained when she stopped screeching at him.
"Oh, honey, I'm sorry," Blythe apologized. "I'm just so excited. This is so wonderful. How is she? When is it due? Do you know what it is yet? Have you picked out any names?"
House rolled his eyes. "Here. Talk to Cuddy. She'll fill you in on all the details."
Cuddy took the phone and greeted her mother-in-law. Cuddy waved him away when he said he was going to put Rachel to bed. House helped Rachel off the sofa and then stood. He looked around and frowned. It was Rachel who found his cane leaning against the wall beside the piano.
He ushered Rachel into the elevator and then to the bathroom. Marina had given the toddler a bath after their trip to the park. All he had to do was supervise teeth brushing and a final use of the potty. He had her changed into her pajamas and in bed in record time. When Rachel was snuggled under the covers, House sat on the side of her bed.
"Do you want me to read you a story?" he asked.
Rachel shook her head. "Nope. Want to talk."
House leaned back against one of the turrets and stretched out his legs. "What do you want to talk about?"
"The baby," she replied.
"Of course," House muttered and then asked. "What do you want to know?"
"Can she sleep with me?" Rachel smiled up at him.
"Not for a long time," House told her. He really hadn't thought about the logistics of having a newborn in the house. "When the baby is first born, it will probably sleep in our room. Then we'll turn the guest bedroom into its room."
"She not an it, Daddy," she informed him.
"Rachel," House knew this was going to be unpleasant, "the baby might not be a girl. You might get a little brother."
"No, Daddy," Rachel refused to entertain such a horrific possibility. "I want a sister."
"I know, Kid. But, we have to take whatever we get. We don't get to chose." House knew she wasn't ready for a discussion of X and Y chromosomes.
Rachel wrinkled her nose in thought. House saw the exact moment she connected with a long-ago conversation.
"Nuugh, Daddy. We can to choose," Rachel smiled up at him. "Mommy picked me. You said."
House sighed. That was what he had been afraid of. "Rach, your mom didn't have anyone to help her have a baby back then. She searched through all the babies who needed a mother until she found you. This time, she's having the baby herself. When you have a baby, you don't get to decide what it will be."
"Can we just pick one?" Rachel asked.
"We're already having one. We can't go pick another one, too." House tickled her ribs. "That would just be greedy."
Rachel giggled and squirmed over onto her side. She looked up with that too adorable look that never failed to get her what she wanted. "I need a sister, Daddy."
House shook his head and sighed. He made a big production of looking around the room as if to make sure they were alone. Rachel already knew the signs of a conspiracy. She blinked up at him and waited in anticipation.
House leaned closer. "Can you keep a secret?" he whispered.
"Yeah," she whispered back.
"I think it would be kind of neat if it's a boy." House saw her frown and explained, "That way you would still be my only little girl. You wouldn't have to share all the special stuff we do together."
Rachel wrinkled her nose as she thought about that. "I still be special, Daddy?" she asked.
"You will always be special. You know why?" House asked her.
When she shook her head, House answered, "Because I picked you to be my daughter, too. With the new baby, I just have to settle for what we get."
A megawatt smile lit her face. "I pick you too, Daddy," the toddler told him just before she launched herself into his arms.
House wrapped her in hug as she snuggled into his chest. He honestly couldn't imagine loving the new baby any more than he did this tiny person. He felt a connection to her that went deeper than biology ever could. He wasn't sure if was because she was older when she became a part of his life. He supposed part of the reason could be because he was determined to not repeat the mistakes John House had made with a child who wasn't biologically his. Whatever the reason, House was certain that Rachel would always have a special place in his heart.
"Think you can go to sleep now?" House asked her.
Rachel nodded and House tucked her back under the covers. He made sure Mr. Rabbit was snuggled next to her. He brushed her bangs out of her eyes.
"I love you, Daddy," Rachel said around a yawn.
House leaned forward and kissed her on the forehead. "I love you, too, Kid."
He turned on her night light and was about to close the door when Rachel called out to him.
"Yeah?" House asked.
From the glow of the nightlight, he saw her smile up at him. She pointed to the object leaning against her bed. House rolled his eyes and limped back over to grab his cane.
"Smarty-pants," he teased.
Her giggles followed him out the door and down the hall. When he entered the living room, he detoured to the kitchen to turn off the lights. Cuddy was slumped on the sofa. When he sat next to her, she plopped a throw pillow on his lap and lay down. He stretched his legs out and propped his feet on the coffee table. Cuddy smiled when his right hand rested on her tummy.
"How did it go?" she asked.
"Fine," House told her. "She wanted to talk about the baby. She's convinced she needs a sister."
Cuddy sighed. "She's going to be very disappointed if it's a boy."
"I know." House laughed at a sudden thought. "You get to explain when she asks how the baby got in your tummy."
"Gee, thanks a lot." Cuddy groaned. "I was hoping to put off that discussion for another ten years or so."
"How did it go with my mother?" House asked as he ran the fingers of his other hand through her hair.
"It was great. She's so excited about the baby, I bet she doesn't get any sleep tonight." Cuddy peeked up at him. "It would be nice if she lived closer."
"You're right." House leaned his head against the back of the sofa. "I wish she could spend more time with us."
Cuddy wasn't sure how to phrase her question diplomatically, so she said, "I'm surprised you feel that way."
"Why?" House looked down at her. "I miss not being able to see her more often."
Cuddy looked at her hands as she toyed with his cell phone. "Given all you went through growing up, I didn't think you would want to spend time with her."
House laid his head back again and thought about his answer. "I love her. And, I don't blame her. Oh, I did when I was younger. Then I grew up and I realized she did the best she could."
Cuddy knew her feelings about her mother-in-law were conflicted. Some of her thoughts about the older woman were downright hostile. She knew it was because of the sometimes overwhelming need to protect her husband, but Lisa Cuddy definitely blamed Blythe for the damage that had been done to House.
"I don't understand how any mother could just stand aside and let her child be abused," she told him.
"She grew up in a different time. Girls graduated from high school, got married, and had babies. Divorce was almost unheard of and in her family, it was this huge taboo." House continued to play with her hair as he stared up at the ceiling. "If she had left him, my grandparents wouldn't have helped her. She didn't have an education. She couldn't have supported us. And, back then, there wasn't a support system for victims of domestic abuse. Everyone knew it happened; but, it wasn't talked about like it is now."
House took a deep breath. "In those days, the Marine Corps was an extremely insulated community. He was a decorated war hero. He was an officer with a rising career. We moved so often, she never had a chance to develop a network of friends. Who would have taken her word over his? And, she wouldn't have talked about it anyway. Gossip like that could have gotten him in trouble with the brass. John House was a vindictive bastard. If she had caused problems with his command, he would have taken it out on me. And, if she had filed for divorce, he would have gotten custody. As bad as my life was, it would have been a hundred times worse if I had been forced to live alone with him."
Cuddy sat up and faced him. "I never thought about it like that," she admitted.
"I know you have a protective streak a mile wide. You look like a momma grizzle bear when you think Rachel or I are threatened." House turned his head to look at her. "But, I don't want you to see my mom as the enemy. She was hurt just as much as I was. I wish she would have left him once I went off to college. I wouldn't have had to spend the last thirty years avoiding her."
"I'm sorry." Cuddy looked down at her hands and then met his gaze. "I've had some pretty ugly thoughts about her. I guess I jumped to some hasty conclusions. I'll try to adjust my attitude about her."
House was still serious when he told her, "She really likes you. And, she's already crazy about Rachel."
Cuddy felt her lower lip begin to quiver. "I already feel awful. You don't have to lay on the guilt trip."
House ran a hand up and down her arm. "I'm not trying to make you feel bad. I just want you to give her a chance. I had a lot of time to think in Mayfield. Since we've been together, I've realized I've still been punishing her. I don't want to do that anymore."
Cuddy took his hand. "Your mother is welcome here anytime. I want to get to know her. I hope she and I can become friends. We already have one thing in common. We both love you."
House was about to respond when his cell phone rang. Cuddy looked at the caller id and smiled.
"Julia," she told him before she answered. "Hey, Jules. What's up?"
"What's up? What do you mean 'What's up?'" Julia was seriously miffed. "I just got off the phone with Mom. I can't believe you haven't called to tell me."
"I haven't had time," Cuddy tried to explain. "I just got off the phone with House's mother."
"That's no excuse," Julia complained. "I'm your sister. I should have been the first person you called."
Cuddy laughed. "And spend the rest of my life listening to Mom complain? I don't think so."
"Congratulations, Lisa. I'm happy for you." Julia then asked, "How are you doing?"
"I'm fine. I've had a few headaches and some morning sickness. Other than that, I'm doing great." Cuddy smiled at House. "Someone has been already been pampering me."
"How's he doing?" Julia had trouble wrapping her brain around the image of Greg House as a solicitous spouse.
"He's been perfect." Cuddy squeezed House's hand. "He seems pretty relaxed about the whole thing. He hasn't freaked out yet."
"Just wait until you go into labor. He'll panic just like the rest of them." Julia hoped her brother-in-law could handle the pressure of a hormonal wife. "Where is he now?"
"He's sitting here," Cuddy told her.
"Let me talk to the randy, old goat," Julia demanded.
Cuddy laughed and handed him the phone. House raised an eyebrow as he took the phone. He was worried about what Julia wanted to say to him. He knew he wasn't exactly her favorite person. He had always gotten the feeling that Julia didn't think he was good enough for her big sister.
"Yeah?" he asked hesitantly.
"Congratulations, big brother," Julia told him sincerely. House heard a masculine voice in the background and then Julia laughed. "Tom said to tell you he's impressed. You're definitely his hero now."
House chuckled. "Tell him to call me if he needs any pointers."
"We have three kids. We're done." Julia snickered. "It's up to you to provide Mom with future ancestors."
House smiled at Cuddy when she lay back down with her head in his lap. "She'll have to settle for one more. Cuddy's getting a little old to go through this again."
Julia laughed at him. "Seriously, Greg, congratulations. You've given Lisa what she's always wanted. You have my eternal gratitude for that. And, if you need any help with Mom, just let me know. I can usually rein her in when she gets out of control."
"I'll take you up on that," House told her. He pretended to ignore the hand that was wandering its way up under his t-shirt. "I'm pretty sure I'm going to have my hands full with your sister."
When Julia said goodnight, House disconnected the call and looked down at his wife. "You lose something?"
"Nope," she gave him a naughty grin as she ran a finger over a flat nipple. "I think I found what I was looking for."
"You're playing with fire," House warned her. "Don't start something you can't finish."
"I always finish what I start." Cuddy continued to smile as those talented fingers roamed to the other side of his chest. "I had to spread my legs for another man today. All I've been able to think about since then is how much I need to feel you inside of me."
House groaned at the image. "You'll have to get up. We can't do this here where the kid might catch us."
Cuddy rolled off of the sofa and stood. House scooted to the edge of the cushion and climbed stiffly to his feet. He had to take a second to adjust the erection that was already painfully trying to fight its way out of his jeans.
"You are evil," House told her. He took her hand and led her to the elevator. "You damn well knew how hot that would sound."
"Yep," Cuddy agreed with a cheeky grin. "I knew my alpha male would have to mark his territory."
"Damn, Cuddy," House growled as he bent and gave her a toe-curling kiss. The elevator opened and House dragged her inside. "Your hormones are going to be the death of me."
Cuddy pressed her palm to the hard ridge in his pants. "I think you're up to the challenge."
House led her to their bedroom and locked the door behind them. Before he could move, Cuddy had him pressed against the door. She wound her arms around his neck and ran her fingers through his hair. House wrapped his arms around her and pulled her even closer. Cuddy moaned when she felt his hard length pressed against her stomach.
House kissed her once. She rubbed against him and his control shattered. He plundered her mouth. Their tongues dueled in an erotic dance as their hips rocked together. Cuddy finally tore her mouth from his.
"I need you now, House," she gasped.
He swiftly pulled her tank top off over her head and flung it to the side. His t-shirt flew in a different direction. Cuddy ran her hands over his chest as he fumbled with the front closure of her bra. His hands were shaking with arousal when he finally freed her. Before the red satin and lace hit the floor, he had already cupped her breasts in his palms. Cuddy unbuttoned and unzipped his jeans as he rolled her sensitive nipples between his thumbs and forefingers.
Cuddy shivered and then freed him from his pants. She stroked the velvet soft tip with her thumb and House was afraid his legs would buckle. He leaned back against the door and watched her wrap her fingers around his straining penis.
"Naked. Bed. Now!" he growled.
Cuddy released her hold on him and moved far enough away to strip off her yoga pants and underwear. When House didn't move fast enough, she pulled his pants and boxers down. He kicked managed to kick them to the side without falling. Cuddy took one look at the feral gleam in his cobalt blue eyes and quickly backed up to the bed. Three limping strides brought him to the edge of the mattress. Cuddy scooted to the middle of the bed and looked up at her very aroused husband.
She had never seen him look sexier or more aroused. His hair was mussed from her fingers. His eyes were dilated to the point the blue was almost lost in the black. He was breathing in harsh pants. Cuddy surveyed his broad shoulders and muscular chest and felt a thrill at how powerful he looked. She ran her gaze lower and took in the sight of the massive erection that was twitching at her. She had wanted him hot and hard and out of control. She was about to get what she wanted.
House ran his eyes over her and nearly came from the sight. She was laying on their bed with her hair spread out in a wild tangle of curls. Her nipples had hardened to stiff peaks and her skin was flushed. She moved her left leg to the side and House groaned at the sight of her open and ready for him.
House knelt on the mattress and slowly made his way up and over her. Cuddy shivered when she had the mental image of a mountain lion stalking its prey. House leaned on his elbows and kissed her. Cuddy whimpered when she felt the hot tip of his erection nudge against her moist folds. House stopped breathing when she moved her other leg and opened completely for him.
One roll of his hips and House was slid into her liquid center. He moved again and was buried to the hilt. Cuddy wrapped her legs around his waist and drew him in farther. Her hips rose to met his and House moaned as her inner muscles held him in place. He broke off the kiss and laid his head on her shoulder.
"Not gonna last long," he whispered.
"Me either," she answered him.
House began a slow rocking motion. He would pull almost all the way out so that only the tip remained inside of her and then plunge back in. Cuddy quickly caught the rhythm and was soon meeting him as they came together. The pressure built and House fought for control as she continued to grasp and then release him. The delicious friction of her inner walls sent sparks of electricity running through his body. Cuddy felt the same electricity each time he rubbed against her swollen, sensitive nub.
House's strokes picked up speed and he was soon driving into her. He was breathing in great, heaving gasps. Cuddy wrapped her arms around his ribs and held on for the ride. House bit down lightly on her shoulder as Cuddy ground her hips against him. That was all it took to push her over the edge. She vaguely wondered who was screaming and then realized it was her as wave after wave of release shook through her. Her thighs tighten around him as she rode out the crest of a bone-crushing orgasm.
House felt the familiar tightening at the base of his cock. He gave one last thrust and then groaned as the rhythmic contractions of Cuddy's inner walls drew him in deeper. His own orgasm tore through him with the force of an earthquake. His back bowed as he filled her over and over and over. When the final aftershocks began to subside, he withdrew and fell to the side.
House lay on his back in a boneless heap of sated contentment. Next to him, Cuddy was trying to drag air into her starving lungs. He knew he should draw her close and hold her. He found he couldn't make his muscles cooperate with his brain.
"Wow!" Cuddy finally managed to whisper on a shaky exhale.
"I think my heart stopped," House mumbled.
Cuddy snickered and rolled over on her side. She wasn't too graceful when she flung an arm across his chest and a leg over his hip. She snuggled her head on his shoulder and could hear the rapid beat of his heart.
"Are you okay?" he asked as he ran a hand lightly up her back.
"No," Cuddy snickered again. "I think I'm definitely a long way past okay."
"I don't think that's what Hayes had in mind when he told us to take it easy," House told her.
"That probably wasn't the best way to lower my blood pressure either." Cuddy kissed his shoulder. "But, I needed this. Slow and easy wasn't going to cut it. On some primal level, I needed you wild and out of control."
"Any more out of control and I would have had a stroke." House drew her over so that she was lying on top of him. "I think I just discovered that I have a new fetish."
"Care to share?" Cuddy asked him with a grin.
House drew her down for a gentle kiss before quietly admitted, "Sex with my pregnant wife."
Cuddy blinked back tears and then buried her head on his shoulder. "House, you have no idea how much I love you," she whispered.
"Hmmm…" House placed a kiss the side of her head and wrapped his arms around her. "It couldn't be half as much as I love you."
After she wiped her eyes on the pillow case, Cuddy leaned up on her elbows and smiled down at him.
"Proposing to you was the best idea I've ever had." She ran her fingers lightly over his scruffy jaw. "You were definitely worth the wait."
"I still don't understand why you were willing to settle for a screwed up, drug addicted, old, cripple, but I'm glad you decided to take one more chance on me," House told her and then yelped when she smacked his shoulder. "Dammit, woman, that hurt."
"Good. It was supposed to." Cuddy glared down at him. "I won't have you talking about my husband and the father of my children that way. Every time I hear you say such things about yourself, I hear the voice of John House reinforcing all the negative crap you heard as a child. I won't stand for it."
Cuddy's gaze softened and she tried to convey all the love she felt for her amazing husband in her next words. "You are a brilliant doctor. You're a genius with an IQ that puts the rest of us mere mortals to shame. You are a gifted musician. You're a talented chef and a better-than-average video game player. You have a wicked sense of humor that never fails to make me laugh. You're an attentive, devoted father and a wonderful husband. And, let's not forget, you're the most amazing lover since Casanova. I plan to spend the rest of my life reminding you just how special you are."
House felt his eyes fill with tears. No one, not even his mother, had ever voiced such staunch support of him. Cuddy was the first person who placed such incredible value on him as a person. She alone had taken the time to look past the carefully erected defenses of sarcasm and hostility to find the frightened, lonely, little boy that still lived inside of the adult Gregory House, MD. He was humbled by the way his wife defended him even from himself.
"You are the only person who has ever loved me for who I am. Being with you is the first time in my life I've felt safe enough to open up and be myself. " House admitted around a sniffle. "And, you're right. I still fall back on the negative stuff to protect myself. I think I keep dwelling on my faults so neither one of us will be surprised when I finally do something that disappoints you."
"Why do you think you will do something to disappoint me?" Cuddy quietly asked.
"Because I know me." House wiped his eyes on the sheet. "Honestly, I still don't trust myself enough to think I won't screw up at some point."
"You probably will," Cuddy told him with a small smile. "But, what if I do something that disappoints you? I know I'm not perfect. As you've pointed out, I'm a control freak. I'm not a patient person. I expect perfection from myself and I've always felt the need to prove myself. Look in the dictionary for the word 'driven' and you'll find my picture. What will happen when I do something or say something that makes you angry or hurts your feelings? Will you stop loving me? Will you decide I'm not worth the effort and kick me out on my well-formed ass?"
House chuckled at her description. "No, of course not," he told her. "I meant the part about for better or worse."
"Then believe me when I say, you're stuck with me for the rest of your life," Cuddy told him with absolute, unshakable conviction. "I know we'll have some disagreements. Everyone does. And, we're both too stubborn and opinionated to agree about everything. But, nothing you could ever say or do could make me love you any less than I do right now."
Cuddy's violet eyes twinkled as she rubbed her thumb across his lower lip. "I meant it when I said I won't let you run yourself down. From this point forward, every time I hear you say anything derogatory about yourself, you will owe me twenty bucks. Don't forget, I know where you keep your checkbook and your credit cards."
"Couldn't we make it ten?" House asked with a grin.
"Nope," Cuddy shook her head. "Mess with me and it'll be a hundred. I know how cheap you are. You'll change your attitude just to keep your money."
"You're one tough broad," House told her with a smirk.
He pulled her down for a long lingering kiss. Cuddy finally snuggled her head against his throat. She rubbed her right foot against the outside of his left calf. House lightly ran his hands over the satin skin of her back and down over her back. For the moment, they were content to just lie there together.
"Best lover since Casanova, huh?" House asked with a hint of smugness.
Cuddy giggled. "Trust you to pick that out as the most important point of the conversation."
"I'm just trying to figure out what standards you would use to arrive at that conclusion." House felt her shaking with silent laughter as he continued to muse aloud. "I mean, would you base the final score on quantity or quality. I suppose you would have to consider inventiveness and dexterity. You would have to factor in the duration and intensity of each event. And, then there's the whole question of equipment. It would be like judging an Olympic sport. I should earn extra technical points for conception."
Cuddy couldn't hold back a shriek of laughter. "Do you want me to get you a gold medal?"
"And, one of those crowns made out of fig leaves," House told her with a superior air.
Cuddy ran her hand down a muscled bicep. "What do I get for being your partner?"
"The privilege of bearing the fruit of my loins," House responded and then snorted.
When she finally quit laughing, Cuddy sat up astride his stomach. "The fruit of your loins has decided that I need to go pee. And, we really should put some clothes on and unlock the door."
House ran the back of his hand across her tummy. "For future reference, all you have to do to turn me on is remind me about what's going on in here."
"In a few months, I won't have to remind you. It will be pretty obvious." Cuddy laid her hand against his. "I never would have guessed that the thought of your wife being pregnant would be an aphrodisiac."
"I wouldn't have either." House looked at their hands and grinned. "I wouldn't have guessed that pregnancy hormones would turn you into a raving, sex fiend."
"I didn't hear you complaining," she told him as primly as a naked woman sitting on top of her husband could manage.
"I was too afraid to complain." House grinned up at her. "You looked like you were prepared to tie me to the bed if I had refused."
Cuddy shivered at the image that popped into her head. She looked at the headboard and considered her options. House narrowed his eyes and scowled.
"Don't even think about it," he told her.
"It was your idea," she reminded him.
"Do you have any more kinky fantasies you want to tell me about?" House asked.
"Well," Cuddy pretended to think for a few seconds. "I have always been fond of whipped cream and chocolate sauce."
House's laughter shook both of them. "I'll be sure to add them to the grocery list."
Cuddy was still laughing when she not so gracefully climbed from the bed. Her legs still weren't steady and her muscles didn't seem to want to cooperate. House felt his mouth go dry and his heart rate kick up when she bent over to pick up her underwear. He folded his arms under his head and watched the sight of her naked rear as she padded to the closet. She was wearing one of his t-shirts when she reappeared to toss him another t-shirt and a pair of pajama pants.
By the time she crossed to unlock the bedroom door, House was decently dressed and under the covers. Cuddy flicked off the light and then slid in next to him. He immediately drew her closer and wrapped his arms around her. She laid her head on his shoulder and an arm around his waist. Cuddy closed her eyes and was just about to drift off to sleep when House's voice came out of the darkness.
"Can I ask you a question?" he said.
"Hmmmm?," was all she was able to manage.
"Why did you decide your side of the bed is on my right side?" House asked quietly. He had wondered about that ever that first night at his old apartment. She had spent every night since curled up against his damaged right leg.
"Because, when I'm on this side, I can keep your leg safe. Nothing's going to hurt you while I'm here." Cuddy snuggled closer and placed a soft kiss to his scruffy cheek. "Does it bother you?"
"No," House admitted and then cleared his throat. "It feels nice. I don't think I could sleep without you there."
Long after the sound of her even breathing told House that Cuddy was asleep, he lay there staring into the darkness. It wasn't his usual insomnia that kept him awake. No one had ever managed to make him feel so cherished and worthy of being loved. The warm feeling of being protected followed him as he finally succumbed to a peaceful, nightmare-free sleep.