There were many thoughts going on in the mind of Lisa Cuddy. As aways there were good things and bad things. One good thing was that she was beginning to even entertain the thought of having a baby with House, though that could also be the crazy thing. The bad thing was the worry over the adoption finalization.
Another good thing was making plans for Rachel's 1st birthday party and the other bad thing was another DYFS inspection because it was coming up on a year. She remembered how bad her house had been when the social worker had come before and she was determined that everything would be perfect this time around. Considering all the things coming up she had several things to discuss with House. She wanted him to be at Rachel's birthday party and she knew this time he would want to be there for her and for Rachel. The DYFS home visit precipitated her thoughts about their co-habitation. She didn't know why she hadn't thought of it before, but she really shouldn't be living with anyone. House hadn't brought a lot of his stuff to her place, but there was definitely enough to let the case worker know she had a man there. She would have to be tactful in asking House to take some of his stuff back home, though she thought she could hide most of it. She didn't want to do it and hoped he took it the right way. It was over dinner one night when she brought up the subject of the DYFS home inspection.
"So, you're saying I have to move out just for this inspection?"
"No not really move out, just take a few of your bulkier items like your guitars back to your place temporarily. It's only one day the inspection will happen while you are at work and we can go back to normal that evening."
"Sure he said, I wouldn't want to put the adoption at risk."
Cuddy looked for sarcasm but could find none. His words were cooperative in voice and tone but something did not sit well with Cuddy and it was visible in the way she chewed at her bottom lip. House did feel uncomfortable with this and she was sorry.
"House this is no reflection on you. I filed for the adoption as a single person and I can not change in mid-stream."
"Okay, Cuddy I understand the reasons, you don't have to soft soap it. Though I do remember when you went for the adoption for Joy you had Wilson be one of your references. If it was Wilson living with you, would you hide him? I can see the point, who would want to admit they were shacking up with recovering drug addict that was just released from the nut house when they are trying to adopt a child."
"House please don't take this personally, it's not personal and it's just for one day." She said reaching out her hand to put it over his, her eyes begging him not to see this as slam against his moral fiber or anything else.
"It's okay Cuddy, I understand."
"So maybe you can help me start planning Rachel's first birthday party?" Cuddy asked tentatively, hoping he really was okay with lying low for the DYFS inspection.
"A party for Rach?" he said widening his eyes. "Well the last party I planned Wilson was arrested for wondering the streets with no pants, so I don't know if I should be your first choice of party planner."
"It's not that kind of party," she retorted mocking him back. "Instead of strippers think clowns and cartoon characters and instead of alcoholic ice cream think regular ice cream and instead fireball shots think fruit punch.
Other entertainment could be a pony, a bouncy house, Barney, or any other cartoon character."
"Who are you inviting? her friends which is probably two kids at the park the nanny takes her to, or yours? And are trying to impress them or have something fun for her?
"Something fun for her of course. You watch TV with her. What programs does she like? And please don't say Monster Trucks or the WWF." She pleaded with a wry smile.
"Hmmn," he said rubbing his chin and then his hands, he knew this was a test of sorts to see if had the interest and the aptitude to plan for Rachel. "You know she is very musical, he said cocking an eyebrow. And her favorite movie is definitely Happy Feet."
"Oh yes, she really did love that, I remember. I've had to play bits for her over and over again. And I got her a book about Penguins.'
"Leave it to me it will be the best birthday party a one year old ever had." he said.
Cuddy gave him a smile that made him want to jump her.
The day of the DYFS inspection arrived about a week later. She had had special maid service come in to clean, as she wasn't going through what she had gone through the last time, so that when the door bell rang she was much calmer. She did have the nanny there as that was Rachel's regular routine and as she showed the same social worker around the house pointing out the child proofing and showing the nursery she felt confident that everything was under control but she was still nervous, as it turned out, with reason. Mr. Carlton was on his way out of the house when he noticed House's hat. It had been tossed on the highest book shelf between two medical books. Cuddy felt the blood drain from her face and then rush back in leaving her flushed. The shelf had been too high for her to notice the newsboy cap on the top shelf.
"Dr. Cuddy, I'm not going to even ask the question about male visitors versus having someone living here and warn you that of course if you have another member of your household they should be included in the home study. I am sure you are careful about who is around the child and choose your companions wisely, Since there is currently no challenge to the adoption you shouldn't have any problems, but just a warning if something comes up. It's something you might want to think about. Custody fights can get pretty nasty and everything is used whether it is a legitimate problem or not."
"Why are you talking about a challenge to the adoption. Do you know something?"
"No Dr Cuddy, I haven't heard anything and I doubt that I would hear before you. I just wanted you to be aware. So I think this will be the last time we meet and your adoption should be going through in a few weeks. Good luck," he said shaking her hand. "Your daughter is a very lucky little girl."
Cuddy showed him out the door and then leaned against it feeling as shaky as she had after the last inspection. Even though the man seemed nice, he always seemed to pull the rug from beneath her.
From this angle by the door she could he the offending cap and had a brief concern that House had deliberately left the cap there. He wouldn't would he? Not even subconciously she thought with certainty.
House had gotten so into Rachel's party it was hilarious and he was keeping much of the preparation from her. They were having the party at her house so she and Rachel were shooed out the morning of and House got Wilson and Chase to help him decorate. When she walked into the house she was amazed. It was totally a happy feet theme, black and white with colorful streamers that looked like the scarves of the Penguins in the movie. It was adorable. The decorations were rainbow colored and there were bright pictures of the characters from the movie all over. There was a large screen with the video playing and a table with an adorable picture of Rachel that people could sign and leave greetings on in crayon and the picture would be framed later and put in the nursery. In the corner was a mini bandstand and Cuddy looked around amazed that they had managed to transform her living room to a child's magical place. The nanny had taken Rachel straight up into the room and they were going to wait right until guests started to arrive. She had had kept the guest list small her sister and her son Robbie, her parents, Pat Johnson a Cardiologist that had a one year old. And a neighbor from down the street who had a five year old and a two year old. So all together it would be about five kids and about twice that many adults. She had read to keep first birthday parties small and short and she had adhered to that but it seemed like House had gone over the top with the entertainment. Why had she expected anything less.
During the party each child was taught how to play a simple instrument ranging from a triangle to cymbals to drums and at the end three people dressed in Happy feet costumes filled in the band and helped the kids actually play musical numbers from the movie. It was so adorable and it was being recorded. Who knew if Rachel would remember but there was no doubt that she was having the most fun as she was drooling in delight. She seemed to know that House was responsible because she kept calling to him and clinging to him and anyone would have to be blind not to realize that they had a very tight relationship and that it included Cuddy. In fact it was a bit like them coming out of the closet to family and friends especially his team who were looking at each other with smirks and giving thumbs up signs to Foreman. She was sure there had been a bet going. She fully expected to be confronted by her family about House and she was. Her sister was the first and she could tell she felt a little betrayed because they were closer and talked at least once a week, but not about this. House was the elephant in the room. The only positive thing was that her family was able to see the positive influence of House's relationship with Rachel and it was apparent to all, as he taught her to keep beat on the drums.
"Lisa, her sister said coming over to her while she leaned against the door jamb watching House with Rachel. "What's going on here Lisa, why is Dr. House acting like daddy House?" From everything you ever told me about the guy he would be the last person you would want around your daughter. "What gives?"
"You can't deny he's good with her though," Cuddy responded with a calming smile as she avoided answering her sister directly.
"Yes, too good. Like they have lots of bonding time. Lots of live-in bonding time." She added pointedly. "Is there something going on between you and Greg House. I know you liked him back in college, but I thought that was ancient history."
"Yes, there is something going on.", Cuddy admitted seeing her mother had come to join them like a dog that lived on the scraps from the pack leader she always let Linda be the advance inquisitor and picked up on the tail end."House and I are in a relationship," she admitted quietly to her mother and sister."
"How long? Linda exclaimed in shock. In that moment Cuddy looked up and met House's eyes and she realized he knew instantly what was going on.
"Just a couple months." she admitted, trying to keep things light.
"This is very hard to believe dear. I always got the impression that you did not approve of Dr. House's methods even though you admired his genius. Are you sure you should be involving him in your life?"
"Mom, he is involved. We are involved and it's going quite well so far."
"I hope you know what you are doing dear. I would think you want to get Rachel's adoption squared away before you jump feet first into a relationship."
At that moment House actually walked up to her and her family.
"I see you are a little surprised about our relationship, shame on her for keeping me a big secret."
"I think your daughter is an amazing woman. She makes hundreds of decisions a day and doesn't blink an eyelash about million dollar budgets and holding peoples professional lives in her hands. She's quite capable of running her own life and you should let her."
Cuddy looked at him trying to get him to stop defending her. It would not help his case with her female relatives. She was surprised to see it actually ha,d as they were looking at him admiringly.
"You are really good with Rachel," her mother told him practically simpering and Cuddy felt she had just slipped into an alternate universe.
"Thanks Grams, he responded playfully and her mother looked shocked but smiled.
"I think it's cake time. Grab the brat and help her blow out that big number one." House suggested looking at Cuddy.
Cuddy went over and pried Rachel away from one of the costumed Penguins. And everyone began to sing Happy birthday to the the little girl. She held Rachel at the head of the table, holding on to Rachel's hands to make sure she did not touch the flame on the one shaped candle.
"Rachel we are going to make a wish and blow out the candle like this. "Look at Mommy." Cuddy insisted demonstrating to her how to blow. "So, one, two three. Yay, she said patting Rachel's hands together. As she looked up and met House's eyes and knew he read her mind about what her wish was for Rachel.
