A/N: Sorry this is a very short chapter. It's actually only a bridge for the next part of the story. Things are going to get intense. And I need to write the next three chapters before I post any of them because I need to make sure I don't mess up the continuity of the story. So it may take me some time. Please be patient.

I do genuinely appreciate all of those who take the time to post reviews. I also appreciate those who haven't reviewed but still have this as a story alert. I understand that not everyone reviews (I don't always review), but it's nice to know that you're reading it.

Chapter 28: Rebuilding

Their reconciliation was comfortable and punctuated by sex – lots of sex. Joanne offered to take Emily for a weekend so that they could get away. They had never managed to take a honeymoon, so they decided this would be a good time for one.

They ended up with a long weekend at the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania. They went one of the Caesars' resorts and rented a room that boasted a round bed, mirrors on the ceiling, a fireplace, a swimming pool and a Jacuzzi in the shape of a champagne glass. They rarely made it out of the room. But in between the marathon sex, they also managed to talk and to rebuild their relationship. They came home exhausted from all the sex, but emotionally recharged and ready to start their marriage anew.

Kate convinced House to contact his parents and invite them to visit and spend time with their granddaughter. At first he refused, then he grumbled and complained, but eventually he realized that Emily should get to know her grandparents. And he needed to come to terms with his relationship with his father.

So they spoke on the phone weekly and although House didn't really want to, he managed to have a brief conversation with his father each time.

In September, Kate and House planned a first birthday party for Emily and he invited his parents to spend a few days with them so that they could be there. They came.

The party was a barbecue in their backyard. The same group of people who had attended their wedding were there, but that was all they really wanted. Planning it hadn't been as hard as they had anticipated. Kate had asked Joanne what food to buy and Joanne had taken her friend grocery shopping. They purchased frozen hamburgers, packs of hot dogs, buns, and pre-made potato and pasta salads. Joanne had told her how much to buy.

House had told his team about the party and Cameron had asked about decorations and a theme.

"She's one. Why do we need a theme?"

"Because…you just do."

"What kind of theme?"

"Well, it could be teddy bears or Disney or…"

"Okay, neither Kate or I do Disney. Can it be cars or sports?"

"No!" Cameron was horrified. "Would you like me to get the decorations?"

"Good idea. Get them there Saturday morning."

On the day of the party, House looked at the barbecue grill and pretended to be confused by the controls (even though he and Kate often cooked steaks on it). Eventually, Wilson and John House took over control and soon had burgers and dogs cooking away, while House sat among his guests drinking a beer.

All in all, House and Kate were building a good relationship. Emily was growing and seemed to be inheriting her father's quick mind. House continued to try to avoid work (especially clinic duty), but when he had a case, he seemed to face it with less animosity towards the world. His team were able to relax a bit as his patience increased daily. They attributed the improvement to Kate. And Kate continued with her work, happily putting the bad guys behind bars.

Until she faced a case that stumped her and would be the hardest she had ever known.