Murphy crashed, she was so tired. She knew it hadn't registered with Greg that she was moving into her house. She felt a little sad for him when he came home and found that she had moved out.
The next day Murphy started unpacking and getting the house put together. She was in the living room when she heard the motorcycle pull up. He walked in and pulled his helmet off while looking around. "Please tell me you didn't do all of this yourself."
"No I had a friend help. How was the jazz festival?"
"You didn't tell you were moving this weekend. I take it this means you aren't moving back in with me."
"I'm going to need the extra bedroom for the baby. I did decide to have the baby."
"What about us?"
She sat down, exhaled and put her feet up. "Greg, sit down."
She grabbed her key ring and took a key off and threw it at House. "That's the key to my house."
He put it on his key ring and then asked her,"Do you need any help?"
"Sure, I need someone to help unpack the kitchen stuff." She got up and started to go into the kitchen. He followed her and then looked in the refrigerator, pulled out a beer and smiled. "Yeah, I got in some beer for you."
"Thanks."
"Want to tell me now about the festival?"
He went into details about the jazz festival and told her he bought her a cd but left it at the apartment. He reached around from behind and pulled Murphy to him. He hugged her and smelled her hair. She was starting to get round and bigger in her breasts, abdomen and thighs. He marveled at her body and the changes. Until now he had never really thought about the process a woman's body went through to bring a baby into the world. He tried not to be romantic about it but he couldn't help but love to feel her and watch her. She didn't know it but she already stood differently and she snored a little when she slept. She got upset when her face broke out and she had to buy shoes in a bigger size. She slept more often and couldn't go an hour without running into the bathroom. He had noticed all these things but hadn't shared them with her. He didn't know why but he thought if he articulated his true feelings then he would have to admit to himself that he was starting to like the idea of having a baby.
She leaned back into him and wondered why he wanted so hard to be so cold when he could be so sweet? He just held her and felt her tummy, she placed her hand over his and closed her eyes. After a moment she turned around gave him a quick kiss and got back to work.
"Who was the friend that helped you?"
" A friend from the student union, you don't know him. We talk when I go over for my smoothie. He's a widower and really funny. We spent more time laughing than moving. You would really like him."
"No thanks, I've already met one of your "boys on the side.""
House ran as fast as he could with his cane to the elevator to stop the door from closing. He caught it with his cane and was relieved when the doors opened. He got in and pushed the buttons to go down but the elevator went up. He didn't see the light on the outside indicating the elevator was going up. Ughhh, he was going to be late.
When he finally got to OB/GYN he saw immediately that she wasn't in the waiting room. "Where's Dr. Morrigan?" He asked the charge nurse. She pointed to the exam room down the hall. He ran in and both Murphy and Dr. Virtue looked at him. She was just about ready to put the fetal heart monitor on Murphy.
"Dr. House, glad you could join us. Would you like to hear your baby's heartbeat?"
He said nothing but nodded affirmatively.
"This is where I usually cry." Murphy said to House.
He snickered and came over to hold her hand. Dr. Virtue put the monitor on her and moved it around on her belly to find the heartbeat. She was having trouble finding it and Murphy was getting nervous. Finally she went lower and the gushing sound started flowing through the microphone in a fast monotonous rhythm. He started laughing to himself and Murphy started crying as usual. He squeezed her hand.
"Baby's heartbeat sounds great. Looks like you are on track for an October 15th delivery date. Greg, are you going to be in the delivery room with Murphy?"
"Of course."
"Then you need to go to our birthing class."
He gave them both a look of distaste, like he didn't want anything to do with it. "I'm a doctor, I don't need birthing classes. I've delivered babies."
"Oooo, good for you. But you still need to go through the class if you are going to be in the delivery room."
"Ahhh, we'll talk about that later."
The doctor talked to them about the baby's development and laughed when House feigned concern that the big brain on the kid was going to give Murphy problems in the delivery room.
When Murphy and House left Murphy was excited and chattering away like mad. House couldn't believe that anyone could talk that fast and still make sense. She was so happy and excited that she missed the office door because she was talking so much. House turned and went into his office as Murphy kept walking forward talking to thin air. He laughed as he watched her just carry on as if he was still walking next to her. Murphy turned around to hear House's response to her question and realized he was no longer there.
She went running back to the office and stepped inside, looked at House and they both started laughing. "You are pathetic!" He said.
"I'm just excited." House got up to go take a leak . Murphy reached out and grabbed his arm. He looked down at her hand on his arm and then up to her eyes. "Why don't you move in with me? It wouldn't work in your apartment, we need the extra bedroom."
"I'd never be able to get my piano and half my stuff into your little house."
She was devastated. It had taken a lot for her to admit to herself that, yes , she wanted him back in her life, in her bed, in her bathroom, living room...and he said no. He saw the look on her face and realized she thought he was dismissing her gesture. He had an alternative solution.
"Look, hold that thought, I really do have to pee. I'll be right back." He went to the restroom and came back. She was gone. He couldn't find her, he looked around the entire hospital, called all of the desks and she wasn't in.
She wanted to get out of the hospital, it was closing in. She could breathe again outside. She took off across campus to get a smoothie. When she got her smoothie she collapsed into the sofa, Jack wasn't around and she wished he was. She could have used some cheering up. Just as she was done and ready to go back and face work again, Jack came in.
"Murphy, hey how's the unpacking going?"
"Fine."
"You don't look too good. What's up?"
"Oh Jack, it's nothing."
"Come on, what happened?"
"My boyfriend turned down my offer to move in together."
"I'm confused, I thought he kept asking you to move in with him?" Jack was shaking his head.
"He can't get all his things in my house."
"Well, maybe he's telling the truth. Maybe you two just need to find a bigger place."
She looked at him like he was a Martian but then she realized that he was probably right. "You know, maybe you're right, maybe he really did mean it was just a logistics problem. I'm going back to the hospital. Thanks Jack."
When she got back he was really pissed at her and launched right in, "You couldn't wait a friggin' minute so I could go pee? You had to take off and leave me flapping in the wind? You moron, you just keep insisting that I'm the bad guy, I just want...ahh." He stopped out of sheer frustration. "I can't do anything right with you. I was going to suggest we find a bigger place." He grabbed his helmet, his keys and his cane and walked as fast as he could out the door.
She ran out of the office and down the hall to the elevator and jumped into the elevator before it closed. "Ok, where are we going to look for this place? Plainsboro or Princeton?"
"I'm mad at you." He said as he kept going.
"Boo hoo, get over yourself." She said. House stopped in the middle of the hospital entryway, turned around and looked down at her. The side of his lip curled up. She asked him, "Are you trying to decide whether to slap me or kiss me? I'm voting for the kiss."
He reached down and put his hand under her chin, lifted it and kissed her very gently. "You'll get more when you apologize."
"Who says I want more?" She said smiling. He grabbed her by the rear and pulled her into his groin and french kissed her. She started laughing and pulled away. "Ok, I'm sorry. Now should I bend over and let you punish me?"
"Not unless Cameron's around to watch. Let's get out of here."
"I need to get my things." She disappeared upstairs to the office and got her purse and jacket.
They left and drove to her house teasing each other with looks and touching. They were disrobing before they even got to the front door. They didn't make it to the bedroom but they did make it to the sofa. It was fast, it was rough and it was over almost as quick as it started. They were both laughing and joking when Murphy collapsed on House. House was getting used to having Murphy around and worried about her and what would happen to them when her year was up.
"You're butt and thighs are like tree trunks. It won't be long and I won't be able to get my arms around you with that belly."
"Honey, you're so romantic and irresistible when you flatter me."
"You find a place, we'll move in together." He informed her
"Are we talking about buying or renting?" She asked.
"Since we're getting married why don't we buy?"
"Oh, now that was a leap." She shook her finger at him.
That weekend House was at his apartment doing laundry while Murphy was looking for a house. Greg talked Murphy into buying a home and they decided that they would each put in the same amount for the deposit and mortgage. Together they had a nice sized budget.
Greg was folding his clothes when there was a knock on the door. He got up without his cane and hopped to the front door. There were two men, two Princeton detectives that House was very familiar with, Jefferson and White. Both had been assigned to try and catch Moriarty, the man who had shot him.
"Detectives, come on in."
"Dr. House, we've got good and bad news and we're afraid they're both the same. We have word that Moriarty is back in Princeton which means we think we can get him this time, but that's also the bad news, we don't know why he's here and if he is going to come after you. He's been sited by someone who used to know him. It was only one siting but we also got wind that a man on a videotape in the airport in Phoenix looked a lot like him. The face recognition software gave it a 72 match and he was in the airport when three flights were taking off for the east coast. So be careful and if there is something out of the ordinary, call us."
"Great, I'm expected to look over my shoulder wherever I go." House was annoyed.
"Sorry, but we think he has been back for some time. Since he hasn't gone after you, then maybe he hasn't come back for you. We do know that his brother has terminal cancer, he may be back east for that."
House said in a sarcastic voice "Thanks for your time. I need to get to KMart, there's a gun I have to purchase."
They left and House poured himself a whiskey. When Wilson stopped by to bring him back his golf clubs, he was surprised to see House almost drunk at 4:00 in the afternoon.
"What's wrong?" Wilson asked. House told him about Moriarty. "Are you going to tell Murphy?"
"No, why worry her?"
"Well, in case she sees something."
"Let's wait and see if they find out anything more." House said.
"Yeah, let's wait until he caps your ass and she gets to bury you. Have you thought about changing your will and insurance beneficiaries? Your child is going to need it."
"Great, you've got me dead and buried already."
Wilson and House sat and started watching the Phillies. Wilson had brought tortilla strips and fire roasted salsa, their favorite. One of their rituals was to drink Samuel Adams, eat tortillas chips, watch the Phillies and have belching contests. It was their usual baseball Saturday.
House's birthday was June 11th and it was the day of Murphy's first sonogram. She had scheduled one earlier but they had a patient in House's department and Murphy had to cancel. The hospital only had one 4D sonogram and that's what Murphy wanted. She was very excited about it. House was a little leery about it. Seeing the baby was just going to make it even more real to him. Fatherhood was rapidly approaching and life as he knew it would be over soon.
Dr. Virtue had decided to do the sonogram herself. She put the jelly on Murphy's stomach and rubbed it around. House was sitting on a stool watching the screen and sucking on a See's sucker. House's Mom always sent him See's candy and suckers as one of his birthday presents. As she prepared the test she lectured them, "The baby is probably close to a pound and very thin but very developed. The eyelids and eyebrows are now formed, and the brain is starting it's rapid growth. If your baby is a boy, his testes have begun their descent from the pelvis to the scrotum."
"That is if he has balls." House said, "What if he's gay?"
Murphy rolled her eyes. "Greg, button it."
She started the machine and Murphy held her breath. She could see the side of the little face and the hair! Not much hair but some wisps. She looked at House who was watching her and she started crying again. "I can't help it, I can't help it."
House started shaking his head and laughing at her. He looked back at the screen. The doctor continued, "Your baby looks healthy so far. Let's see." She brought the scan around. she started talking to the baby, "Come on, move just a little and let's see your tummy.Let's show Mommy and Daddy what you've got."
Murphy was getting anxious and wanted the baby to turn around. She poked her stomach and pushed it around. The baby started to move. Dr. Virtue nodded, "Here we go, that did the trick." The baby moved and flailed it's little arms and legs revealing the umbilical cord and to the surprise of everyone, a nice sized penis.
Murphy squealed, "Wow, hung just like his Dad."
House had stopped sucking on the sucker and was just staring at the screen. A boy was difficult for him to swallow. For some reason he had always thought that it would be a girl. A boy meant he had to make sure he didn't make the same mistakes his own father had, but how could he do that? His whole life had been based on those mistakes.
When they were done they were given a DVD of the sonogram and Murphy handed it to House, "Happy Birthday honey!"
House just smiled and said "Gosh just what I wanted, but the plot's a little thin."
They went back to the office and everyone wanted to know the sex. "Let me show you!" Murphy piped up. She popped the DVD into the machine and it appeared on the screen.
"Oh wow! Finger and toes...eyebrows. These 4D sonograms are awesome." Chase said.
"I can't believe the baby is so clear." Cameron said.
"Now, watch as all is revealed." They got to the point where the baby turned around and there was full frontal nudity.
"Ah! A boy. Congratulations House." Foreman quipped, "Now you get your chance to screw up fatherhood."
"Thanks." House shook his head.
"I know today is your birthday. I have something for you." Cameron reached into her satchel and brought out a present and shyly handed it to House in front of Murphy.
House opened it and it was a book on medical oddities along with a dvd that contained a narrative and photos of them. It was right up House's alley. House nodded at her, "Thanks."
When they went into the House's office, Murphy looked at House and shook her head, "House, do you know how hard it is for anyone to buy anything for you? You need to go in there and let Cameron know that you appreciate the effort and time she took to pick a gift that is perfect for you. You know you love that book. Now get your ass in there and tell her."
"No, she'd know that it was forced."
"I don't care if it is forced. You need to do this."
"Are all big ass women bossy or is it just big ass pregnant women?"
"You better be careful, I have some quips I could make about someone's thinning hair and leather skin. Ooooo, zing. And Happy Birthday you old fart." He pretended to pout but he grabbed his cane and went into the next room.
"This book and dvd are awesome, incredible, marvelous, ingenious and the best damn present I've ever had except for that blow job Murphy gave me the other night." Cameron was taken aback and didn't know what to say. "Ok Murphy, have I used enough metaphors?"
"You, darling, will be lucky if you get any more blow jobs after that."
"Hey, I complimented you and your prowess."
That night Cuddy, Peter, Wilson and Murphy went to the Brewery to celebrate House's birthday. They were watching him blow out the candle on a sundae as the waitresses all sang Happy Birthday. Murphy gave him his real present. It was a collection of Mose Allison's best works. Allison was one of House's favorite jazz pianist. House hugged her and kissed her.
"A son. I can't believe that you are going to have a boy. Murphy, how are you going to handle a miniature House? And you? How are you going to keep from screwing with the kid's mind? Calling an adult a moron and calling a child a moron are two different things."
"What? Do you think I'm a moron?" House asked.
They all laughed. "How is the house hunting, no pun intended, coming?" Peter asked.
"I found a house and we've made an offer. We should hear back at the end of the week."
"Details, details?" Cuddy begged.
"Princeton, four bedrooms, three baths, nice sized kitchen, big back yard. It's really nice. The master bedroom is large and on the first floor."
"Yeah, for the cripple." He said seriously.
"House, what happened with Moriarty? The cops came to my office to warn us that he's been seen around Princeton."
Murphy's face fell and she looked over at House. "When were you going to tell me?"
He Hymned and hawed, "Ahhhhh, didn't think you needed to know. They weren't sure if he was here or why."
For the rest of the evening things were strained between them and when they got home, Murphy went straight into her bedroom closet, rummaged around and pulled out a gun. House, who was getting ready for bed took one look at her and said, "What the hell do you think you're doing?"
"Foreplay darling...it's my service revolver and I'm getting it out to clean and load it."
"Murphy, you aren't going to need that, put it away and come to bed."
"This guy walks in and shoots you in your carotid artery and colon without provocation and you don't think there is anything to worry about?"
"Let me worry about it. You just come to bed."
"No. I'm going to go clean and load my weapon." She grabbed her cleaning kit and went into the dining room. As she was cleaning the revolver House came out and sat at the kitchen table.
"Hey, it's my birthday, I want some sex. I have to admit this is kind of erotic...you cleaning the barrel out like that, but I'd rather be cleaning your barrel if you know what I mean." he winked at her.
"Go to bed, I'll be there in a minute."
"I hate pregnant women with guns, they're so bitchy." He went back to bed.
When she was done she brought the weapon in and placed it in the drawer next to her. She ducked under the blankets and gave him the best part of his birthday gift. After she was done he said, "Damn, that brought tears to my eyes."
He closed his eyes as he recovered and Murphy got up to get a glass of water. House thought about Moriarty and the entire shooting incident played over in his head. By the time Murphy got back in bed he just wanted to hang on to her and not let go. Murphy was a little stunned at how tight House was holding her.
"Honey, are you ok?" She asked.
"Do you know how to shoot that thing?"
"We had target practice almost every day in Iraq for fun and on occasion I had to use my AK47, so don't worry, I know how to shoot."
"It's just that most guns in the house get used by the attacker against the owner more than the other way around."
"Not this one. Oh wow, the baby just gave me a flutter, he moved, right here, can you feel it?" She put his hand on her belly but he shook his head no. "Oh well, you go to sleep, you look a little out of it. Happy Birthday sweetie, I love you."
"Thanks, I had a great time."
A few weeks later, after escrow closed, House was packing up and getting ready to move into the new house. Murphy was also packing at her place. Most of the furniture was going to be moved by paid movers but Murphy had asked Jack if she could borrow him and his truck to move the things she didn't want the movers to touch. He had been a real sweetheart and agreed.
House was on the phone to Murphy, "Hey, I need a truck to move my musical instruments and some of my art. I'm going to go down and rent one. I'll swing by and pick your stuff up too."
"Oh wait." Murphy put a hand over the receiver, "Honey, Jack is here and he said he would swing by there in a few minutes to pick your stuff up in his truck and then he'll come back to get my stuff, ok?"
"Fine." House hung up and went into the kitchen to get some water.
Within half an hour House heard a knock on the door. "Just a sec." He yelled and then opened it, "Hey thanks..." House stopped in his tracks.
"Hello Dr. House, remember me?" Jack Moriarty stood at the front door with a gun in his hand. "Aren't you going to invite me in?"
House said nothing but opened the door for him to come in and then Moriarty motioned for him to close it, which he did. House felt a cold sweat develop. His palms were clammy and his stomach was knotted. House assumed that this would be his last moments on earth. He sat down on the arm of the leather chair. "What do you want?"
"First things first. Sit down in that chair over there and stick your wrists out." House got up and went to sit in the chair and then Moriarty tied his wrists together and then his legs. After that he tied House to the back of the chair."I think you're pretty secure." Moriarty seemed pleased with himself.
"I take it by the fact that you're tying me down that you aren't going to shoot me?"
"No Dr. House, if I shoot you dead you won't feel the pain that I do, the loss. I lost my wife, now you're going to lose what's most precious to you, Murphy. I don't feel good about this, I really like your girlfriend. We've become friends over the last few months. She's smart, funny and lovely. And she's even more lovely pregnant. I hate to kill a pregnant woman, but maybe then, if you lose her and your boy, you'll suffer like I did."
"Look, you want me to suffer right? Then kill me or maim me, but Murphy has done nothing but good in this world. She doesn't deserve to be a part of this. Besides, I don't really love her, I'm just playing her for the sex. Hurting her won't really do me any harm. Oh, I'll feel bad about it at first, but it's not like losing the love of your life...you know what I mean? She's nice, but I won't lose sleep over her or the baby a year from now." House tried to sound nonchalant.
"Good speech, but I don't buy it. I've been watching the two of you and I've seen how you look at her when she isn't looking and I know that you value her more than your own life...sorry Dr. House, but your Achilles heel is Murphy. Gott a go. Murphy's expecting me back in a few minutes. Moriarty cranked up House's stereo, smiled at House and left.
House was yelling for him to come back as he tried to rock the chair over to the phone. The chair fell over and a pain shot through his bad leg but he continued to rock the chair back and forth on it's side to get to the phone. He was having no luck. He was screaming at the top of his lungs but the stereo was masking his voice. Finally there was a knock and then Wilson entered with a tray of coffee.
"House I got you...what the...??" He ran to House.
"Wilson call the police and tell them to get to Murphy's house. 1245 Gulfstream Drive. NOW! Moriarty is going after her." Wilson called as he tried to untie House. After he hung up he ran into the kitchen, grabbed the biggest knife he could, came out and cut the ropes.
"Let's go for God's Sake." House grabbed Wilson's keys from him.
Murphy was glad to see Jack's truck pull back up, he walked up to the porch. She was about to go out to greet him when the phone rang. "Hello?" She held up a hand and signaled for Jack to come in while she answered the phone.
"Murphy this is Wilson."
"Oh hi Wilson. What's up?"
"Jack ...Jack Moriarty, is he there with you?" Murphy didn't understand at first but then it registered and she was sure that she had lost all color in her face.
"Yeah, uh we'll be done soon and you can come over ok?" She tried to remain cool so as not to alert Jack.
"The police are on their way and we're only a few blocks from your house. Be careful Murphy, he wants to kill you and the baby."
"Ok Wilson, I'll see you tonight and tell that jerk when you see him that I love him." She wanted House to know that she loved him, just in case they were her last words to him.
"Murphy, be careful." He hung up and then held on as House did his 'French Connection' impression through the streets of Princeton.
Murphy turned to Jack, "Jack, I found the neatest photo of me in Iraq. I wanted to show it to you, it's in my room, I'll be right back."
"Maybe next time Murphy, I really need to come in and get your stuff and get it moved over to the new place. I have some place to go."
"It'll be quick and besides one of the boxes I need moved is in the hall by the bedroom."
"Well, ok...where's the box?" he asked.
"Over there..." she nodded to a box in the hall, "My photo is in the night stand...just a sec and I'll get it."
Jack looked around to make sure there was no one else in the house and then he started for her bedroom. He felt a little sad because he had grown to really enjoy Murphy's company. Murphy was going to climb out the window but she knew the bedroom window was stuck and made a lot of noise when you tried to open it. So she walked to the drawer, reached in and felt the cold metal of the gun barrel. She grabbed the handle and tried to lift it without giving him reason to suspect. She started to turn around but stopped when she heard his voice in the doorway.
"Murphy, I really enjoy your company." Jack said sincerely. He saw her pausing over the drawer and suspected that something was going on. He took his gun and aimed it at the back of her head.
Murphy's service revolver rested in her hand but she couldn't get the safety off without alerting Jack that she had the gun and that would give him the edge. There was a noise out in the living room and Jack turned and went to see what it was. Murphy, undid the safety, came around the bed and looked out the bedroom door. She could see that Jack was holding the gun on someone and she suspected it was House and Wilson.
Wilson had never been this close to death and he could understand how people claimed that their lives past before them. He was starting to mourn the fact that he had never found love, not real, lasting love. He felt this in the split of a second and then realized that it was silly to be thinking about love while looking down the barrel of a gun.
Murphy was quiet and as she got closer to Moriarty she picked up speed. He swung the gun around at her and she stopped in her tracks with her revolver aimed squarely at him. He backed up a couple of feet and then trained the gun back on House. He figured that she would be less likely to pull the trigger if it meant House might die. But when he took the gun off of Murphy, she put her gun to his temple and then cocked it.
"I'll shoot your boyfriend before you can shoot me dead." Jack said.
"Yeah, but you'll be dead. Put the gun down."
"You'd let me shoot Dr. House?"
"Considering your aim last time, you're a lousy shot. I'm faster and better at killing..much more practiced at shooting people than you."
Moriarty looked at House. "You don't deserve to be happy. To have Murphy, the baby, a life. You made my wife so miserable she killed herself." he paused and thought about Murphy. He had no doubt that she would take him out if he even flinched. "Ok, for now it's over, but you wait Dr. House, I'll spend my time in jail for shooting you and then I'll be back." He bent down and put the revolver on the floor. Murphy backed up about ten feet. They could hear the sirens getting closer.
"Murphy?" Wilson wasn't sure what she was doing and he didn't like the look in her eyes.
When Murphy started to talk the tenor of her voice scared both House and Wilson, "You hunted me down, you almost killed the man I love, you wanted to kill my baby and now you vow to come back for us?"
Jack was nervous, "I'm unarmed, if you pull that trigger it would be murder." He said with the confidence that she would be sensible and not want to go to jail.
"Yeah? And you really think they're going to send a pregnant Silver Star and Navy Cross decorated officer to jail for killing you? Sorry Jack, you played the wrong woman."
She felt the trigger against her finger and pulled it the quarter inch that was the difference between life and death. The report of the gun was stunning. It was one bullet, between the eyes. Moriarty probably never felt it. Jack Moriarty collapsed lifeless to the floor with his eyes open in shock. She walked up and kicked his gun away from his body.
Wilson looked at her and then at House. Murphy knew that Wilson was the wild card. House would have no problem lying to the cops but if Wilson told them that Moriarty had put the gun down before she shot, they would probably charge her with manslaughter, maybe second degree murder.
The cops ran in and Murphy put her hands up and then laid down her weapon on the table. Detective White looked around and then kicked Moriarty lightly with his foot to see if there was any reaction. There wasn't, the guy was as dead as Ted Bundy.
"He was about to shoot Dr. House and me when Dr. Morrigan came out of her bedroom with the gun. He turned to shoot her but she shot him first." Wilson was talking as fast as he could to the detectives and he could see immediately that they were buying it...because they wanted to buy it. The bad guy was dead and the pregnant woman was ok. It was a perfect ending to a bad story.
The detective turned to Murphy and said, "Great aim lady. You're one helluva shot."
House walked over to Murphy and held her to him and whispered in her ear. "I never, ever want you angry at me again." He paused and then said, "I'm so sorry for bringing this into your life. Are you ok?"
She had started shaking. It always surprised her how steady and calm she was during a stressful situation but then she would turn to putty and melt when it was over. It was nice to melt into House's arms. "You're ok, the baby is ok and Wilson is ok...I'm ok."
They were all separated and interviewed but the stories remained similar enough that the detectives recommended to the D.A. that it be ruled justifiable homicide. The case was wrapped up within forty-eight hours.
House was amazed at how calm Murphy had been. How she made the decision to end this once and for all and then executed it without blinking. It was a whole new side of her that he had never seen. It was a little scary, but also kind of an aphrodisiac...he was in love with a woman who could take out an opponent without batting an eye. That was hot.
Wilson was surprised with his own reaction. He was fine with what had transpired. After having a gun pointed at him and thinking these were his last minutes on earth, he wanted that son-of-a-bitch dead and now he was. When she was standing there with the gun against Moriarty's temple, Wilson had seen a look in Murphy's eyes that was cold, calculating and without mercy. It was the look of a lioness protecting her family. He told Murphy later. "Thanks for saving my life, I owe you big time."
"No Jim, by calling me and then you and House risking your lives by coming inside when you could have waited outside for the cops was what saved me, you distracted him long enough for me to be able to do what I did. You are my hero."
The day they moved into the new Craftsman style house was Murphy's birthday. She was excited and exhausted from the heat. It was sapping her energy and making her cranky. She turned on the a/c and stood in front of one of the vents. House was staying clear of her and hoping that his birthday present to her, which he had planned to give her that night, would soften her.
"FUBAR! Ow. Greg, where are you?" Murphy had sliced her finger on a piece of packing paper.
"Here." House came out of the family room. "What can I do for you Mrs. Attila?"
"Just because your leg is screwed up and you're in horrible pain doesn't mean you can't help...I need for you to unpack your books instead of laying on the floor listening to your IPOD. Think you can handle that assignment or should I tape instructions inside your Hustler Magazine?"
He rolled his eyes and gave her a look of disdain. He sulked as he walked back into the family room and began tearing open the boxes that had his handwriting on it. House started putting the books on the shelf. She walked in an hour later with a burrito and a beer for him. He turned around and looked at her. She was now in her seventh month and waddling yet she wasn't that big and carried most of the baby up front. From the back you couldn't tell she was pregnant. She sat down on his leather chair and watched him eat at the little table she had set up in the family room.
"You need to eat." House said with a full mouth.
"Don't talk with your mouth full."
He snickered and took a drink of his beer. He motioned for her to come over to him. She got up by pushing off the arm of the chair, her belly coming out of the chair first. She waddled over to him and he pulled up her top to expose her belly. House rubbed her belly and kissed it. "Is he moving?"
"When I move he tends to sleep. When I get quiet and I'm not rocking him in the womb, he kicks butt."
"Hey dude, I know it's nice and warm in there but don't get comfortable, I have some leaves for you to rake when you get out of there." House finished chewing his burrito, put the top down and looked up at Murphy, "Let's make love in our new house before we go out tonight. We haven't had sex in a week."
"I had to go to Philly for my duty weekend, so three of those nights don't count. If we're going to do this, we better do it now...because the more work I do around this house, the less I feel like bending over."
He got up and gave her a sweet kiss and then a great open mouth one. He felt her breast and pulled her into him with his hand on her butt. The belly got in the way but House was used to it by now.
"You're lucky, I just made the bed up." She smiled.
"Let's do it in here." House motioned to the floor.
"Yeah, dream on. I get down on this floor I won't get up. You're just going to have to have sex in a boring bed."
They went to their new bedroom, which was as large as their two old bedrooms combined, and she sat on the edge of the bed undressing. He watched from the doorway as she took off her top, her shorts, her bra and then looked up at him.
"Well, am I doing this all by myself?" she asked.
"When are you going to marry me?"
She rolled her eyes and covered her breasts with her arms. "When do you want to get married?"
House took his fist and pulled it through the air in a show of victory, "YESSS. Tomorrow. I don't care as long as it is soon."
"We need a license. I want your folks to be here when we get married."
"You know, sitting there like a naked Buddha, you re absolutely beautiful. I always thought that when they said pregnant women were beautiful it was a load of crap, but you really are."
"Ok, we can go back in the family room and have sex on the floor. If you're going to flatter me like that it's the least I can do."
He laughed, walked in and started taking off his shorts, t-shirt and boxers. They laid down looking at each other. He took his right hand and he slowly traced the curves of her skin, her breasts and her hips. They made love slowly and softly with Murphy on top.
When they walked into the restaurant Murphy just about had a heart attack. There in front of her were about two dozen people she knew from PPTH and the Navy. But the best part of House's birthday present was standing in the corner. He had flown Pick out just for her birthday.
She ran for Pick and gave him a big bear hug. "Oh God I missed you!"
"Well you can get on a plane and come see me you know. San Diego is a beautiful city."
"Yeah, don't forget I was raised there. Wow, let me say hi to everyone and we'll talk."
Murphy went around and said hi to her guests. When she found out that House had made the arrangements for Pick to fly out she went over to him and gave him a big hug and kiss. "I really do love you even if you drive me insane most of the time."
Later that evening the guests started hitting their water glasses and bottles of wine with their forks, demanding a speech from the guest of honor. Murphy stood up and looked around.
"I am a lucky woman. I live in a great country," a big 'hooh ah' rang out from the sailors and Marines, she continued and as she spoke she looked straight at Cameron, "I have great friends, a challenging man, a lovely home and good health. I want each of you to know how much I appreciate and love you, " she began to sit down when she popped back up, "Oh, and this afternoon I accepted a proposal of marriage."
There was a great amount of laughter and shouting at this announcement. House grinned and Wilson, who already knew for once, patted his back. The biggest question of the night was "When?"
On the way home Murphy was really happy. She would get to see Pick tomorrow but then he had to get back to San Diego. House was tired from all the unpacking, sex and drinking. "You gave me the best day today. I am always amazed at how thoughtful you can be when you want to be..or when you want something. Thanks for today."
He looked quickly over to her and gave her a brief smile. "When are we getting married?"
"It's 8:30 a.m. in San Diego, let's call your parents when we get home and tell them everything. They are going to be so excited. I feel guilty about not telling your Mom and Dad before this."
House shrugged his shoulders. He knew that, until he told his parents, he wasn't going to get married. House was sure that had he married Stacy, they would have tried harder in the end to make it work. He didn't want that to happen with Murphy. He wanted her and, yes he hated to admit it, he wanted their baby in his life.
Murphy handed Greg the phone and he grimaced and dialed. "Mom?"
"Greg! Honey, it's good to hear from you. John, Greg is on the phone. What's up? How's Murphy?"
"She's here, but we have a lot to tell you and Dad. To start off with, it was my idea not to tell you until now, so don't blame Murphy."
"You two are getting married?"
Greg smiled to himself, his mother always had a second sense. "Yes Mom, and we'd like for you guys to come out for the wedding."
"When is it?"
"September 22nd. "
Murphy had the extension phone in her hand and walked out to House, put her hand over the mic and said to him, "IT IS???? You should have asked me." she took her hand off the mic and said, "I guess it is the 22nd. We've bought a house and we'd love for you to stay with us."
House covered the mic, "You should have asked ME."
Murphy just gave him a wicked smile.
"Oh, how wonderful for the two of you. John isn't that great."
"Yes, I'm very happy for both of you."
The conversation went on for awhile but there was no mention of the baby. Murphy kept pointing to her bump and House kept ignoring her. When they were off the phone she asked him why he didn't tell them.
"Let it be a surprise."
Murphy was still unpacking and putting the house together and now she had to plan a wedding. She was stressing out and House could see it. Since he was her boss, he gave her light duty and let her leave early. Of course the other moaned and groaned but House pointed out that PPTH didn't pay Murphy's salary, the Navy did. So if they wanted to find someone to pay their salaries, then fine, he'd cut the some slack too.
The commercial places available with just two month's notice weren't very appealing to Murphy so it was decided that they would have a small intimate wedding at the military church on McGuire Air Force Base. They invited 50 friends and family to the wedding. There would be a reception at the house afterwards. Murphy found a caterer who didn't bother her with any of the details, she told him what she liked and he went off and made it happen.
Murphy found a wedding dress and had it altered making sure it would accommodate a larger bulge and she asked Lisa to be her maid of honor. Lisa agreed as long as she got to pick out her dress. Murphy could care less what she picked as long as it wasn't too frou-frou, she had never envisioned a matchy-matchy wedding anyway. Lisa picked out a lovely royal blue cocktail dress and Murphy was pleased with it. The Thursday before the wedding, the Houses flew in. Murphy and House met them at the airport. Murphy was eight months pregnant and uncomfortable standing very much.
The Houses made their way towards House and then saw Murphy push herself out of the airport seat to greet them. Blythe just about burst at the seams. John was a very shocked.
"You're very pregnant! Oh my God, when are you due?" Blythe rubbed Murphy's belly.
"October 15th."
John looked at House, "I'm hoping it's yours."
"Yep. My kid."
"I am so excited! Do you know the sex?" Blythe was smiling and giggling.
Murphy looked at Greg and he told his Mom, "A boy."
"Oh no Murphy, you're going to have your hands full!" They were picking up the luggage at the baggage carousel. "As a baby, Greg insisted on being held and carried everywhere. We used to say that his middle name was "Entertain Me." I was always jealous of those women that could put their babies down on a blanket and the babies would just smile and look around. Put Greg down and he howled."
The Houses were genuinely pleased to be getting a daughter-in-law and a grandson all within a matter of weeks. Blythe offered to come out and help when Murphy had the baby and Murphy said, "I'm no fool, that's the best offer I've had...except, of course, the offer to get married."
The day of the wedding Murphy was constantly experiencing Braxton-Hicks contractions and it was driving her nuts. She was just praying that during the ceremony she didn't have one. She put her hair, which was a little longer than shoulder length into a chignon and the only thing on her head was a ring of little flowers. Her dress was a white empire with a deep v in the front and in the back. It had chiffon and lace straps about one inch wide going over her shoulders and the entire gown flowed gracefully, it wasn't stiff at all, not like most wedding gowns.
House actually started to laugh as she walked up the aisle. He couldn't help think that she looked like a very, very pregnant fairy princess, the operative word being very pregnant. The idea of a pregnant fairy just cracked him up. He tried not to laugh but the more he tried to contain it the more he laughed. Wilson didn't have a clue what had gotten into him. At first Wilson tried to make him behave but then it was obvious to Wilson that House was trying desperately not to laugh and having no luck. This caused Wilson to start cracking up. Murphy, who had finished the walk down the aisle, had been presented to Greg by John House. Murphy was looking at a laughing House and the look on her face was one of hurt feelings. Greg was now doubled up and trying hard not to laugh but half the church had been infected by his laughter and was laughing too. He saw how hurt Murphy was and tried to get out some reassurance, "You..oh God...you're really ...you are really beautiful ah,ha, ha,ha..."
Now the entire church was laughing except Murphy. She felt like Carrie at the prom, she even looked up to make sure there wasn't a bucket above her head. House saw her sad little face and reached out. She tried to pull away but he was too quick. He pulled her to him and hugged her. He said it loud enough for everyone to hear, "You are my little pregnant fairy princess and you are so beautiful...it's just I haven't ever seen a pregnant fairy before..." More waves of laughter. House wouldn't let her go because he knew she'd probably kick him...with her right foot. He kissed her ear and said, "I love you so much. You are so lovely." He started to get control over himself and then he motioned for the chaplain to go ahead. He wouldn't let Murphy go though...he knew she might engage that foot. She was trying to pull away. The Chaplain decided that he better get on with it or Murphy might bolt. When they finally got to the part where they exchanged vows. House looked at Murphy as if to ask, "Can I let you go?" She exhaled and nodded yes. He let her go but as he did, he hopped backwards almost backing into Wilson. He was trying to avoid what he was sure would be a kick in the groin from Murphy but the kick never came. Murphy was just standing there watching in disbelief as her betrothed laughed and jumped around on the altar.
House walked cautiously back to Murphy's side and the Chaplain had him place the ring on her finger. The Chaplain added, "Greg has written his own vows."
Murphy blinked and was obviously in a state of shock. His own vows? Oh, no!!!
House began in his best Dr. Seuss voice:
"Yes, I'll love through good and bad,
Whether we're happy or sad,
Yes, I will have and I will hold
Just as I have already told,
Yes, I'll love her if we're rich,
And I will love her in a ditch,
I'll love her through good times and bad,
Whether we are happy or sad,
Yes, I will have, and I will hold
(I could have sworn this has been told!)
I promise to love all my life
This woman, as my lawful wife!
I'll love her when we're fit,
And when we're hurt, and when we're sick,
And I will love her when we're rich
And I will love her in a ditch
And I will love through good and bad,
And I will love when glad or sad,
And I will have, and I will hold
Ten years from now a thousandfold,
Yes, I will love for my whole life
This lovely woman as my wife!
Yes, I'll love with all my heart
From now until death do us part,
And I will love her when we're rich,
And when we're broke and in a ditch,
And when we're fit, and when we're sick,
(Oh, CAN'T we get this finished quick?)
And I will love through good and bad,
And I will love when glad or sad,
And I will have, and I will hold,
And if I might now be so bold,
I'll love her my entire life,
Yes, I WILL take her as my wife! "
When Greg was finished the entire chapel burst into applause. Even Murphy was laughing...it was so...so HOUSE.
The Chaplain turned to Murphy, "Murphy do you have anything you'd like to say?"
"I do?"
"I now pronounce you man and wife, you may kiss the bride."
House looked at her and chuckled. She smiled back and they gave each other the sweetest of kisses, PG rated. They turned to the guests to be introduced and the chapel jumped to their feet in cheers and laughter. Even the Houses were roaring.
The wedding was a hit. Everyone who was there said it was the most humorous wedding they had ever attended. The reception started on a high note with everyone jovial and having a good time.
The food was delicious and the cake was Chocolate inside with fudge filling and a chocolate icing. "I hate white icing." Murphy had told Lisa. "It's chocolate or I'm not eating it." House could care less.
There was dancing outside on the patio. Although it was warmer than usual for a September night, Murphy had hired several outdoor heaters and so a lot of the guests had chosen to stand or sit outside. House and Murphy had hired a DJ and he played, "I Fooled Around and Fell in Love" for their dance together. Neither of them had selected it, but it seemed appropriate enough. House wasn't the best dancer with his leg, but Murphy could care less whether he could dance, they mostly just held each other.
After the dance she went in the house to use the bathroom. Lisa was slightly drunk and grabbed her as she walked by. "I think Peter is going to ask me to marry him. What should I do? I mean, he's not even circumcised! I'm a Jew and he's...well, he's not Kosher."
"Lisa, this is the first guy in your life that you've really, really liked. He bright, he's famous and he's good looking. Is he willing to stay in Princeton?"
"Yes."
"Then get your butt back in there and say yes when he asks you."
Murphy went into their bedroom to use their bathroom. She had to pee so badly it was starting to hurt. As soon as she sat down she had a Braxton Hicks contraction. She felt something strange. When she got up she looked in the toilet and realized that she was staring at the "Show", the mucous plug that helps keep everything inside the womb. She had to get House, the show meant her cervix was dilating and it wouldn't be long now. She was worried, she was three weeks early.
She saw House in the family room making some cutting remark about the Navy v. the Marines. John House was laughing at his drunk son, who was standing up for the Marines. Murphy started to tug on Greg's sleeve. He finally looked down at her worried face.
"What is it my pregnant fairy?" he asked.
"I...Oh God..." Murphy looked down and picked up the skirt of her gown to reveal a puddle of water all over the tile and her dress.
A very drunk House threw his arms into the post position and yelled, "Goooooaaaaal! Houston, we have lift off. I think I'm gonna be a Daddy soon."
It was Blythe that got to Murphy's side and started to help her to her bedroom to get out of her gown and into some clothes that were more comfortable.
Everyone stopped to look at House. "Hey...keep partying, it's a first pregnancy, it's going to be awhile. But could someone help clean up this puddle?'
The caterer actually came over and mopped up the mess and House gave him a little salute. The rest of the crowd were having a good time and so they kept on partying. Blythe and Murphy were in the bedroom and Murphy was getting out of her wedding dress. Lisa walked in and asked if she could help.
It was obvious that Lisa was very tipsy too. "Don't worry Lisa, we have it under control." Blythe said. Lisa smiled and left.
"Blythe, I think we're the only ones sober."
"Sweetie, I think you may be right! Oh well, you have time before you have to worry about getting to the hospital. First labors typically take a long time."
"Yeah, well I'm worried about my obstetrician. She's the one in the family room that was yelling, "Tequila! Tequila for my friends."
"Oh dear, we do have a problem then."
At that very moment Dr. Wilma Virtue came in and tried desperately to look sober. Murphy and Blythe looked wearily at each other. Wilma asked her, "Murphy? Your water broke?" Murphy nodded yes. "Then we're fucked." And then Dr. Virtue fell face down on the bed. Murphy and Blythe exchanged looks and started to laugh.
Murphy had put on clean underwear and a loose fitting pair of sweats and a sweat shirt. House came in...and gave her a serious, but drunk, look. He sat on the edge of the bed and slapped Wilma Virtue on the butt. "I see you wanted a threesome, but I don't think it's a good idea on our wedding night." He said to Murphy.
"GREG!" Blythe swatted her son's ear.
"Owww, Mom!" House got up. "I'm going where I'm appreciated!" He said indignantly as he left the bedroom.
"If it's going to be awhile, maybe I should go out and enjoy my guests." Murphy looked for approval from Blythe.
"You might as well, you aren't going to need to get to the hospital for awhile. Hopefully your obstetrician here can sleep it off by then."
"Just my luck that my obstetrician gets so drunk at my wedding she can't deliver my baby."
"Early days yet dear...she may make it, just wait."
Murphy bent over with a contraction. "Ahhhh. That hurt...oh wow."
Murphy had such a strong contraction that Blythe had to ask, "Have you been having contractions today?"
"Yes, but I think they were just Braxton Hicks contractions...do you think they were real and I was in labor? I'm new to this...ahhhhhhhhh." Murphy bent over again.
"Your contractions are coming closer together. Have you got a plastic sheet to put down on your bed? Just in case."
"The mattress pad is waterproof and I do have some of those diaper changing pads for the baby. I'll go get them...ahhhhh."
"I'll get them, you wait here."
Blythe went out to the guests and started asking around, "Are you a doctor? Are you sober?"
Finally she found one sober doctor, Allison Cameron. "Could you come with me?"
Allison followed her into the master bedroom only to find Dr. Virtue passed out on one side of the bed and Murphy squatting by the other side of the bed and panting.
Allison immediately took charge, "Ok,ok..Murphy, let's get you on the bed so I can check you. It's probably fine and we'll have time to get you to the hospital but let's check first.
"Ahhhh." Murphy was screaming her head off and trying to get up on the bed. "Have you delivered babies before Allison? Ahhhhhhhh."
"Yep, I did two rotations in obstetrics...but I decided against it because I took it hard when one of the babies ...forget it. Let's get you in bed."
They got her into bed and Cameron asked Blythe to bring her a spot lamp that she saw in the family room. Blythe ran to get it while Cameron helped a screaming Murphy get her sweats off. Murphy looked at Cameron, "Oh my God, I'm going to throw up." Murphy turned and puked into the trash can next to her bed.
"Murphy, you just went through transition. We need to get you to the hospital. But first I better check to you to see if you'll make it."
Blythe brought in and plugged in the spot lamp. They got Murphy's underwear off and Cameron's eyes bugged out. "Murphy, you're over 7 centimeters dilated, 100 effaced and I think I see the baby's head."
"Blythe, I need towels, warm water and have someone call the hospital. Oh and you better get House in here or he's going to miss the birth of his son."
Blythe ran to the phone called the ambulance first. She grabbed the nice newly cleaned towels out of the linen closet and brought them in. Then she went into the kitchen and got a couple of pans of water heating.
She ran out to the family room and yelled at Greg. "Greg, Greg, GREGORY!" House stopped laughing and turned to his Mom. He saw that she was scared. He went over and smiled at her.
"It's ok Mom, we were just joking."
"Greg, Murphy is in labor in the bedroom."
He was very tipsy, "Ah, well I know but she should chill out, first labors take forever."
The music stopped and Blythe was yelling at the top of her lungs, "The baby is coming...right now, this minute. Get your butt into the bedroom or you're going to miss out on the delivery of your son."
House looked at his Mom, his face dropped and he said like a little boy, "Well you don't have to shout."
House went quickly into the bedroom and saw Cameron with towels ready to catch the baby. It went quiet in the house as everyone tried to hear what was going on in the bedroom.
"I'll need scissors eventually." Cameron told Blythe.
Blythe went out and found Chase and had him carry the pans of water into the bedroom. House sat down at the bottom of the bed where Cameron was standing. He was watching like it was a television program.
The next contraction was horrible as the baby's head was leaning on a nerve in Murphy's pelvic area. The pain was intense. There was a string of obscenities from Murphy's mouth that could be heard all over the house.
John House looked at one of the Marines and said, "You can tell she's a sailor."
The baby's head came out and Cameron checked to make sure that the cord wasn't wrapped around his neck. He was pink and his face was scrunched up.
House looked at him and said, "Ah so you're what all the fuss is about. Hello, welcome to MY world."
Cameron chuckled and then told Murphy to really push the next time. Murphy's contraction was hard and she pushed, the baby's shoulders slipped through and Cameron caught him in the towel. She handed the baby to House while she checked the cord and constricted it to make sure the baby was getting oxygen before she cut the cord. He was and so she tied off the cord and let House do the cutting. Murphy was stretching her arms out for the baby.
"House let Murphy have the baby try to nurse so that her system releases oxytocin to help expel the placenta."
House handed the baby to Murphy who was crying her heart out. Blythe was also crying. The baby tried to nurse and within minutes the placenta and the paramedics had both arrived.
The paramedics wanted the baby so they could check it out, but House said, "You can have him after I do my King Mufasa and Simba thing."
Blythe looked at Cameron and mouthed, "Simba?"
House took the baby out to the living room and held him up and said, "Behold, my son. At least I hope he's mine, since I AM going to be paying for his education."
There was a lot of laughter and cheering. House took him back to the paramedics and they looked the baby over but it was pretty clear to the sober doctors and paramedics that the baby was scoring high on the Apgar scale...he was screaming his head off. Blythe put a little cap on his head and slipped him into a warm gown for the ride to the hospital. Murphy was exhausted but grateful that it was a short labor. She had heard a lot of nightmares about two day labors that had ended in a C section.
As they were preparing her for the ride she kept saying over and over, "Thank you Allison, thank you...thank you."
Cameron was a little overwhelmed. She hadn't delivered a baby in a long time and had forgotten what a high it was. In addition, it had meant a lot to her to deliver this baby. She really did want to see House happy and he seemed genuinely happy, or as happy as he could get, with Murphy. She could see that Murphy didn't cut him much slack and that House needed a woman who could push back like Murphy. "It was an honor Murphy. I was happy that I could do it."
The ride to the hospital was entertaining too. House was regaling the paramedics with some bawdy English Rugby Songs. Murphy was just rolling her eyes and laughing at him. He leaned down at one point and said, "Don't think you get extra privileges just because you managed to produce a healthy son. This doesn't mean you can just lay back and think of England from now on...if you know what I mean." and he winked at her. The paramedic shook his head.
House let Murphy name the baby, he couldn't be bothered, at least until he found out what his son's name was going to be.
House yelled when he saw the birth certificate, "Maccoy Cornelius Morrighan-House? Oh God, you might as well tie a sign around his neck saying,"Beat me.' Why?" He asked.
"Maccoy is my father's name and Cornelius was your grandfather's name. Maccoy is Irish Gaelic, Cornelius is Scottish Gaelic."
"And what do they mean" House knew that Murphy, the 'Sea War Goddess' would know.
"Maccoy means, "Son of Hugh," and Cornelius means "horned. Don't you know anything about your heritage?" she asked.
"Excuse me if I chose to learn Italian instead of a dead language."
Allison visited Murphy in the hospital and then several times when Murphy and Mac went home. Allison doted on the baby and between the Allison and Murphy they had a good laugh over the events. Within weeks they had finally developed a solid friendship.
Cameron came to Murphy a month later with a serious face. "Murphy, I think I need to go back and do a residency in obstetrics. I wanted to be an obstetrician before but I fell apart the first time a baby died in delivery. I'm older now and I think I could handle it. And it's truly what I want to do. What do you think?"
"Allison, you already have your answer. Whenever the words," it's truly what I want to do" come out of your mouth it's a no brainer. You were so calm and patient during the labor, you would do well. I'd choose you to deliver my baby, even if you weren't sober!"
Within a month Cameron had transferred out of Diagnostics into a residency program at PPTH in obstetrics. House lambasted her, yelled, swore and even made fun of her but she stood her ground. It was what she really wanted to do. And while she was single and young she thought it was the best time for her to make the change. Murphy chewed House out and told him to get a life, "Someone leaving your department isn't a defection, it's growing up."
House and Murphy were on pins and needles to find out where her next orders would take her. She had one year left and then she would get out with 20 years in the Navy. The orders came back for Pensacola, Florida which was a relief for both of them. It meant a lot of flying between Princeton and Pensacola, but it was a fairly quick flight and they would be able to see each other often. House drove down to Florida with Murphy and the baby to find her a house to rent and get them settled. On the day that House had to leave the two of them, Mac turned 9 months and, as House commented, he was just 'starting to get a personality.' House not only loved his son but had become very fond of him. He liked to torment the child with his goofy faces and biting remarks, but Mac took it in stride. Blythe was amazed, she said that Mac was curious like his Dad and sometimes easily frustrated, but that he wasn't in need of the attention that House had demanded as a baby.
"You got lucky!" Blythe told Murphy.
Blythe frequently made trips to Florida to help Murphy and take care of the baby. When Blythe wasn't staying with them, Murphy had a nanny come in. Occasionally, House would take some time off and come down and watch Mac. When Murphy had time, she'd fly with Mac up to Princeton. House brooded when Murphy and the baby were gone. He wanted them to come back to Princeton for good.
Murphy never thought that she would hear herself say that she would be glad when she got out of the Navy, but it was true. She wanted so much just to be with Greg and Mac in their home and not have to fly back and forth. When it came time for her to get out she was given a small party and a pat on the back. She was sad but they all reminded her that she could get called back up over the next ten years if the President needed her.
When Murphy drove up the driveway to their home, House came out to meet her. He went to the back seat where Mac was strapped in to his car seat. House unlatched him and balanced him on his hip. Once Mac was secure, he grabbed the diaper bag in the back seat, put it over his shoulder and then grabbed his cane. He had learned how to gracefully balance everything even with his bad leg. Mac was still asleep in his father's arms as they went inside.
Murphy was tired and ready to collapse from the long drive. House took Mac up and put him in his crib. He went into the kitchen and watched her get out a bottle of water from the frig and turn to face him.
"Wow, I just realized that I'm home for good!"
"Are you ok with it?" he asked.
"I'll miss it, but I'm still in the reserves, I'll get to go on kiddie cruises and play sailor once a month...it's ok."
House came over to her and gave her a hug. "You'll always be my sea warrior." He kissed her on the mouth and she hugged him back. She grabbed his hand and said, "I need a nap...ok maybe more than a nap. Let's make hay while the Mac is asleep."
They went into their bedroom, undressed each other and then pulled back the covers. They made love quickly, in the hopes that Mac wouldn't start crying for them until they were done. House fell back on the pillow and looked over at Murphy who was breathing hard herself. They smiled at each other until a little cry came over the baby monitor. House got up, went upstairs and got his son, brought him down and put him in bed between them where they could play with him until it was time for dinner.
THE END