Chapter 1

Cameron smiled tenderly at Ben, watching him take another bite of his mashed potatoes. It seemed like yesterday when the boys were smearing food everywhere and each meal ended in tantrums. Now, she was just grateful all three were using their spoons and that most foods were being directed into their mouths rather than onto their faces.

It was Sunday afternoon and Drs. Allison Cameron and Robert Chase were enjoying a late lunch with their good friend, Dr. Lisa Cuddy and her daughter, Rachel. Dr. Chase worked as a member of the famous Dr. House's diagnostic team and Dr. Cuddy was dean of medicine at Princeton–Plainsboro Teaching Hospital. Dr. Cameron had recently ended a short-term contract with a free clinic in a neighbouring town, and was looking forward to some quality time with their sons before starting her job search in earnest.

"All done!" Ben announced, unceremoniously dropping his spoon to the ground. Rachel frowned at him and began scolding him while his brothers looked on in amusement. Cameron tried not to laugh at the scene playing out at her table. Just a few short years ago this family life was a distant dream and now, now it was a reality. Still, with her own meal yet to finish, she was reluctant to get up just yet.

"Come here you rascal," Cuddy grinned, scooping the toddler up, careful to avoid the gravy and peas trailing down his shirt. "Why don't I clean these guys up and put them down for a nap? I'll be back in 20".

Cameron and Chase gratefully accepted and finished their meals listening to the squeals and babbling coming from the boys' room. As much as they loved their children, they had to admit that it was a rare thing indeed that they could enjoy a quiet meal without their two-year old triplets.

Cuddy had just returned, looking a bit frazzled with her hair pulled from her braid when Cameron's cell rang. Rolling her eyes and sighing dramatically, she surrendered her dessert and answered.

"Allison Cameron." Her brows knit together and she glanced at the two sitting across from her. "Yes, I recently finished a contract with the free clinic. Yes, yes, I suppose I'm looking for work." Pausing, she said "just a minute please" and, covering the receiver with her hand, whispered, "it's House".

Chase's eyes bugged out of his head and Cuddy ran her hand over her face. "What does he want and how did he get your number?" Chase whispered back. Cameron shrugged and turned back to the call.

"I'm sorry, Dr. House? Who are you and how did you get my number" she asked, trying her best to seem as if she'd never heard of him, when in fact she heard long complaints about him nearly every day from Chase. She put the phone on speaker, knowing that wherever this was going, they all would enjoy listening in.

House's voice could be heard loud and clear. "I'm the head of Diagnostic Medicine at Princeton–Plainsboro Teaching Hospital. I take on unsolvable cases and save countless lives."

Winking at Chase she responded, "how intriguing. I've heard of hospitals beginning to open diagnostic departments. They do great things, but I've heard they can be a significant drain on hospital resources." At this, Cuddy did her best to avoid snickering.

"Ah well, my costs are high because I am the best at what I do. And because I order the most comprehensive tests, carried out by my staff. Speaking of which, you are looking for a job and I'm offering you one. Be in my office by 7am Monday morning and wear your most low-cut blouse."

"House," Cameron cut in quickly before he could hang up. "I didn't agree to work for you and"

House interrupted, sounding so self-assured that Cameron almost hung up on him herself. "You are ambitious. You received high grades in school while also captaining the debate team. You just finished a term contract with the free clinic, so you are compassionate and practical. You have no criminal record, you have no life outside your work, and you probably cry watching Bambi."

"House" Cameron tried again, but he steamrolled right over her again. "Your old boss says you were always at work early, so I know the 7am start time won't be a problem. If you aren't in my office tomorrow morning, I'll assume you aren't interested. Otherwise, wear something low-cut." And with that he hung up.