Epilogue

Almost five years later

It was a sunny, late Saturday afternoon and House walked into his house. He brought the bag of take out to the kitchen and set it on the counter, took out some ice cream and put it in the freezer before going to look for his wife. He started for the small sitting room slash library that she had claimed for her own when they had moved in three years ago. He got to the door and looked in, seeing that he was correct. Melony was sitting in a rocking chair and facing the window. She was rocking gently while singing softly and rubbing her pertruding stomach. House stood in the doorway and watched her thinking back to their four year anniversary and when she told him that she was pregnant which was almost nine months ago.

House walked into their home and saw that Melony had set the diningroom table elegantly with their fancy dinnerware, flowers that he had delivered to her earlier in the day and candles. He heard her in the kitchen and went to see how their dinner was going. Melony had wanted a quiet dinner at home this year for their anniversary. He couldn't have agreed faster. It had been hectic the past seven months for both of them at work and with the wedding of Alexis and Foreman, the engagement party for Chase and Cameron and the births of Jessica's fourth child and second daughter and Cuddy and Wilson's first child, James Jr. House was looking forward to a night in alone with his wife without any interruptions. He walked up beside Melony who was cutting up vegetables for the salad and gave her a peck on the cheek. "How was your day?"

"It was good. I ended up having to go to three shops until I found all of the ingredients for dinner. You're lucky that I love you enough to schlep all over New Jersey so that I can make this dinner for you." She said teasingly. House gave her another kiss and grabbed a carrot to munch on. "And I do appreciate it, which I'll show how much later tonight! So when's dinner going to beready?"

", twenty more minutes or so."

"Good.I'm going to grab a quick shower." House walked out and headed to the master bath, listening to Melony start singing one ofher favorite songs. When he returned, refreshed and changed into a more dressy outfit, atleast for him, Melony was just bringing their plates of food to the table. The lights were low, candles lit making the crystal wine glasses and china plates shimmer in the light. They both sat down and started on their meal.

"This is really excellent. Thank you for making it."

"Your welcome. I am just glad that we're finally having an evening to ourselves. Oh and I made sure of that to. I unplugged the phones and turned off the cells. I did keep the beepers on, though I am hoping that no one beeps us from the hospital.I have plans for you tonight!"Melony winked at him.

"Good. I'm wasn't planning on taking any calls tonight I am difinitely planning on taking you!"

"Oh Greg, you are such a romantic. I swoon."She put the back of her hand to her forehead and mimed fainting.

"Yep that's me! Mr. Romantic." House responded with a laugh.

They continued with their meal and light conversation that did not involve work, weddings, engagements and new arrivals. They laughed and started to make some plans for their next trip. Twice a year they go on a week long vacation. That was actually part of how they ended up being married. House, Melony, Wilson, Cuddy, Foreman, Alexis, Jessica and Sean were having dinner at Jessica's one evening. They had all been sitting around the the living room and chatting away when Jessica said that didn't House and Melony think it was about time for them to get married? Everyone started ribbing on them and making scenerios on how House would propose. Melony had seen that he was a bit uncomfortable and made a smart alleck remark to distract everyone and move them on to another subject. House didn't forget it though. He had been thinking about asking her to marry him for awhile. Then a couple weeks later they had started to discuss taking a vacation together. They finally had agreed on going to St. Lucia and had departed two weeks after had arrived in the late afternoon and Melony had taken a nap and House said he wanted to check out a few things. What Melony didn't know was that he was finalizing a surprise for her. Their package deal had included a welcoming dinner and beach party. While they were having dinner and listening to a local band play lively island music, House ordered them both the Carribbean Crème Brulee for dessert. When the desserts arrived at their table, Melony said that it was too pretty to eat. On top of the custard was a dome of swirled sugar that had a goldish tint to it and sparkled in the lights. House had told her she better dig in or he would eat it himself. So Melony had removed the dome so that she could start on the custard and in the middle of the dish sat a diamond ring. She had stared at it in surprise before looking up at House's expectant face. He had simply asked her, "Will you marry me?" and her reply had been a simple "yes". House had then taken the ring, dipped it in his water glass, wiped it dry with his napkin and put it on her finger. Whiile he had been doing this a few people had approached their table. Melony had looked up and jerked back in surprise. Wilson, Alexis and Jessica had stood there smiling at them. House then had informed her that he asked their friends to also come to the island so that they would be there for the wedding. Melony was again surprised. House had gone on to tell her that he was hoping that they'd be married there the next day. He had set up a small weddig that was going to be held on the beach the following afternoon. Melony had started to say that she didn't have a dress and what about her father when Jessica had spoken up. She told Melony that needent worry, it was all covered. She and Alexis knew the type of dress that Melony had always wanted and had it all ready for her. They had also told her father about the wedding and he was to arrive the next day in time for it. Melony had been so happy. The next day they had all met on the beach. They had the small wedding, Melony in an ivory colored slim floor length dress that was in the favorite style she used in her dresses for her old show at the bar. She had her hair up with some curls that surrounded her face and also went barefoot. House was in a white open collared shirt and linen pants. After they said their vows, they had an early dinner on the beach that the hotel had set up and then they went out dancing. The next day after having breakfast all together and doing a little bit of site seeing together, Wilson, Alexis, Jessica and Melony's father went back home, leaving House and Melony to have their honeymoon alone.

After they ate their anniversary dinner and Melony went to get the dessert that she made special for House, he set a box on the table where her plate had been. She came back with their dessert, and stopped short when she saw the box on the table. She smiled at House and put the bowls on the table and then reached for the box. When she opened it she found a white gold diamond bracelet.

"Oh Greg it is absolutely beautiful. I love it. Thank you!" She leaned around the table dressings and gave him a kiss. She then sat back in her chair, leaned down toward the floor and brought up the gift she got House. She handed it to him shyly and he took it.

"Hmmmm, too small and light to be a new gameboy DS. Darn."

"Oh haha. Just open it!" He took the wrapping paper off and then looked up at Melony in confusion. "You got me cigars? Why would you get me cigars?"

Melony had just raised an eyebrow and him and looked pointedly at him. He looked down at the cigars again and then quicky looked back at her.

"Wait. Does this mean…?" Melony smiled and nodded at him. He then got up and went to her side and pulled her into a big hug and kiss and she said, "We're going to have a baby." They then kissed again and then headed to their bedroom, the dessert on the table forgotten as they thought of another "dessert" that they wanted more.

House broke from his thoughts and approached Melony. He went up behind the rocking chair and leaned down to kiss the top of her head as he put his arms around her shoulders and rubbed her stomach. Melony stopped singing and leaned her head so that she could look up at her husband and give him a kiss back.

"Singing to the baby again huh. Does he like it?"

"Oh I think that she likes it a lot. Earlier I was singing a song from the musical Gigi and she kicked like she was trying to dance."

"Or he was kicking because he wanted something more manly."

"Yeah whatever. So did you get the food?"

"Yep. I got a double order of the lo mein for you so you'll have leftovers when you get hungry in the night."

"Did you remember to get the ice cream?"

"Of course I remembered the ice cream. Do you think that I want to have to go out late at night to get it when you get a craving? I got three pints of Phish Food for you."

"Oh that's great! Thank you sweetie. Now when do we eat?"

House laughed and helped her up and brought her to the kitchen. He helped her to dish out the food and they took their plates to the table. They ate and discussed the coming of the baby which was supposed to be any day now.

"I can't wait to welcome this little one into the world." Melony said as she finished up her lo mein.

"Me either. I have a lot of money riding on the sex of this kid and when he or she will be born."

"Yeah I know. I'm in on the pool to. I have a good amount of money on it also. I felt guilty at first gambling on the arrival of our child but then I figured that I can use the money on getting something special for the nursury."

"Don't bet on winning just yet. I think that I have a pretty good chance at getting it."

"We'll see about that! Now, where's my ice cream?" House chuckled and got up to get the ice cream. He grabbed two pints and two spoons. As he limped back into the dining room, he started to say, "So Mel, when do you want to…"

he broke off when he saw his wife's face. She had gone pale in the short time he was in the kitchen and was breathing hard.

"Mel, what is it?"

"What do you think? It's time Greg. I'm having contractions." He then rushed as well as he could on his leg, put the ice cream away and grabbed her bag and started to help her to the car. They arrived at the hospital and she was brought immediately to the maternity ward. As Melony was getting settled into the room, House called Wilson to tell him that it was time. He then posted a call to Alexis who called Jessica. Wilson was in charge of letting the team know and Jessica was to call Melony's father. House finished his calls and went back to Melony.

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Twelve hours later, House and Melony welcomed their 7 lbs, 8 oz and 22 ½ inch long baby boy into the world. House rubbed his sons head gently and then bent to kiss Melony's forehead and said, "I'm proud of you."

She smiled up at him before looking back down at their son. Several minutes later, their friends came in with flowers, balloons, and gifts for Melony and the new arrival and coffee for House. As they stood around Melony and the baby, oohhing and aahhing, Wilson asked, "So what is the little guys name?"

"He's going to be Greg Jr." Melony answered him.

Jessica spoke up and asked, "So what is his full name?"

"Gregory Philip. We decided that we're going to have his nickname be Phil so there won't be a lot of confusion when I'm trying to get Greg's attention."

Just then, Melony's father walked into the room and approached the bed saying, "Where is my grandchild?"

"Hi dad. Meet your grandson, Gregory Philip Jr." Her father took the baby into his arms and looked down at him. He smiled at Melony and House and said, "You two sure do know how to reproduce."

"Dad!" Melony laughed.

"Well, it's true." Her father then looked back down at the baby and started talking to him. "Well little guy, welcome to the world. I'm going to make sure that not only do you learn how to pitch like DiMaggio and bend it like Beckham, you are going to be able to blow like Louis and sing like Old Blue eyes. That's for sure! Of course your mom and dad will help with that. I bet you'll be able to sing and play piano before you can walk." Everyone just looked amusedly at him and then Wilson piped up, "Hopefully he will have his mothers disposition." Everyone laughed and in mock offence, House said, "Hey. What is that supposed to mean. I'm a ray of sunshine that brightens each and every one of your days."

Again everyone laughed. The nurse came in and announced that it was time for mother and son to rest. Everyone said good bye and that they'd be back in a couple hours to visit again. House and Melony said good bye back to them and watched the door close. House then turned to Melony and gave her a light kiss on the head.

"You rest, Mom. I'll be back soon to check on you."

"Alright. I am pretty tired." House picked up his son and held him for a moment before giving him a kiss and handing him back to Melony.

"Sleep well you two."

"See you soon, Dad." House winked at her and she settled back into the bed and closed her eyes.

House gave his wife and son one last look and then walked to the door and out into the hall, a huge smile spreading across his face. He may have won the pool but he didn't care about the money. He felt like the biggest winner because he had Melony and now his son in his life.