This is another difficult chapter to write as the words seem to flow easier to me writing a sad chapter than a lighter one. Might be too OOC especially for House but who cares? This is a proposal afterall, right? LOL, we can use all the cheesiness we can get.

There will be some edited Hollywood and local movie references along with edited quote references tweeted by TheNoteboook throughout the chapter. PROPER CREDITS GO TO THEM.

** Also, SMUT ahead of you in between double-lines thanks to the awesome work of a young Sex Guru, SissiCuddles. BIG SHOUT OUT TO HER, #Huddies or you wouldn't have any hot #Huddy "loving" on this story at all. Thanks, Sissi. You're a savior. And you're right. The engagement ring should be worn on the ring finger, not the middle one. My apologies, peeps.

Thank you for the continued encouragements on the comments/reviews, guys. They make my day. Special mention to my dear friend from Greece, ElectraE whom I'm sure will soon give us her amazing #Huddy Tribute Video. So excited to view it. EFHARISTO for your lovely review. In addition, still a big THANK YOU to Anon. You know, I was accused here that I am YOU and that I am posting a review on own my story through you. It's funny really.

DISCLAIMER: I OWN NOTHING. All belong to David Shore and Company.

CHAPTER 20 – TO BE WITH YOU

After her brief talk with Blythe House and her usual visit to her son, Aaron, Lisa Cuddy was on her way back to her office to start her day. It was only 9am in the morning and though, she really eagerly wanted to call House already, she knew that he was still peacefully asleep.

With a naughty smile on the Dean's face, she thought that he needs all the rest he can get as she will drain all his energy later tonight with the plans she had in mind. Opening her office doors, her breathe caught as she saw the flower arrangement waiting for her on top of her desk. There sitting at the center of her desk was a bouquet of a dozen fresh red roses and the room was filled with their natural scents.

Slowly, approaching them, Lisa Cuddy thought how was it possible to love the great Gregory House more and more at each passing moment? Even without reading the card yet, her heart already knew that this gift came from the same man that captured her heart all those years ago. Lifting the card that was placed on one of the stems, she felt happy tears are beginning to once again form in her eyes. Her man is really full of surprises this day as through her cloudy vision, she read the following words, "I have a crush on your mind. I fell for your personality, and your looks are just a bonus. Say YES?"

The words on this note just like the lines on his proposal note made her love Gregory House all the way more if that is even possible. The happiness she's feeling right now is beyond words. The man was never good with his words but through these sweet notes, the hospital administrator knows that he was trying to let her know how much she means to him. Of course, the feeling was mutual.

When she was 15, she remembered what her grandmother had told her when she asked her one day how was it like to love someone with all of one's heart. She was truly amazed by the words her beloved grandma had spoken that day. With her eyes sparkling, she recited to Lisa Cuddy the following phrases; Love isn't all about flirting, hugs, kisses and sex. Love is about taking all those things away and still having feelings for that person. And what she's feeling for the father of her child right that precise moment is exactly that.

With still a smile on her face, slowly putting the card on top of the table, the hospital administrator turned her attention to the lovely arrangement in front of her. She smelled their fragrance as her heart swelled more in happiness thinking about the man that is responsible for this. She needs to hear his voice now. The love she's feeling towards Gregory House as of this moment is threatening to spill out.

Going around her desk to reach for her phone, she dialed his apartment's number. But to her dismay, the phone just keeps on ringing. No one is answering and she just realized that she doesn't have House's new cellular number yet. Sighing in disappointment, she went to put the phone receiver back to its cradle.

Then, the Dean of Medicine glancing at her clock saw that it's now almost 11am in the morning. Well, she did inform the man to meet her for lunch in the hospital so she only has one more hour to wait before she can see the man's face and thinking about her answer to his unique proposal is making the hospital administrator more jittery.

Taking another handful of breathe, the fragrance of the flowers reached her nostrils and her full bloom smile remained plastered on her face as she started to review the various documents in front of her before affixing her signature.

Thirty minutes after, she received a text message from the man himself, "When I first met you, I had no idea you would mean this much to me. Say YES? And oh, I can't meet you for lunch. :( See you here later for dinner? :)"

Cuddy's heart once again flutter upon reading his words but then, she was still a bit disappointed that they wouldn't be able to meet for lunch. This means, she has to wait for another 7 hours before she can actually feel her man's warm lips on hers again. Sending a message back, she typed, "Thank you for the flowers and I'm pretty sure you know my answer already. Can't wait to see you. :)"

Setting aside her cellular phone, she went to grab her office phone receiver again to call her sister, Julia asking her if Rachel can stay with her for the night. Her sister agreed to pick up her daughter at her house only after Cuddy agreed to tell her everything the day after. She loves her sweet little angel with all her heart but for tonight, she wants Gregory House all by herself. Her smile turned into a naughty one as she recalled what she's planning for this amazing man as soon as she comes home.

Looking down at the endless papers on top of her desk, she went on with her day as she wished to end this one as soon as possible.

On the other hand, Gregory House at his old apartment also couldn't contain his rare smile to appear on his scruffy face after reading Cuddy's reply text message. Of course, he knew what his woman's answer will be but he still wants to see her radiant smile and hear her sexy voice as she'll say her yes and her promise to commit herself to someone like him. It's still overwhelming to feel this sense of happiness he is experiencing right now and at the back of his mind, he's still afraid to wake up and realized that all these are just part of his Figment of imagination. That won't be the first time and feeling this now makes him a bit nervous.

His irrational mind couldn't help but to still question why a woman like Lisa Cuddy will choose to be with him, someone who is always in constant pain and misery, someone who doesn't know the real concept of happiness, and someone who doesn't believe he also deserves to be happy after all he'd been through. The woman can have any man she wants and deserves but for some reason, she chose him out of everyone else. There is just no logical explanation to that and the great Gregory House who doesn't settle unless he gets his answers now finds himself in deep thought alone in his old place.

He really is a lucky son of a bitch and knowing that Cuddy deserves all the best, he vowed to himself that he won't screw this up again. Hell, there isn't another soul on this fucking planet who's ever made him half the person he is when he is with Lisa Cuddy. Every moment with her always make him wanna be a better man. He didn't admit it back then to Cuddy before when she told him that he makes her better. In reality, it was the Dean of Medicine who makes him better even back when they were still boss and employee only. She's the only person that can keep him on the line as he himself doesn't know where to draw the line when it comes to his decisions, both personal and medical.

Now that they have little Aaron, their own son who fought for his dear life to bring such joy in his mother's life, he'll make sure that he'll always be there for them, their little angel, Cuddy, Rachel and baby Chris. He wouldn't waste this second chance that he was given to be with his "family" because he knows this is his last chance at happiness.

He knew what it was like to live without Cuddy by his side. His agony was worse than the physical pain brought upon by his damaged leg. Living without having to touch and caress her was like living in a desert and he wouldn't want to repeat that episode of his life. He'll be damn if he'll let the woman go without fighting to be the right one for her. As they say, "A relationship is more than finding the right person. It's also about being the right person."

More than 20 years of knowing Lisa Cuddy, he knew that eventhough he can't be the perfect person for her, with all his might, he can be the right one for her. He knew the woman inside out and knowing all her set of standards, it will be easier for him to try to achieve those for her to keep her and his "family" by his side.

Looking at his clock, he saw that it's now almost 12 noon. He needs to set his plans into action then. Gregory House will start "keeping" his woman tonight with the dinner he plans to give her. Standing slowly at his feet after dry swallowing 2 Vicodin pills, he called a cab to buy the things he needs for his and Cuddy's dinner later tonight.

Meanwhile, Dr. James Wilson, known as the "Wonder Boy Oncologist" as what House used to call him to mock him during their moments of fun is now looking through the office glass doors of the Dean of Medicine. After receiving House's unexpected call the night before, he was expecting to hear from either one of his friends to explain to him what is going on but to his dismay, it seems like the two has no intentions of telling him.

After his last appointment for the day, Wilson seeing that it's now 4pm in the afternoon, decided to give the Endocrinologist a visit in her office. If they wouldn't volunteer to tell him, then, he's gonna forced it out to his girl friend. He's dying to know how House is doing now and for his own selfish reasons, too; he needs to know if his money is safe on the bet he had with Chase. Afterall, he had 500 dollars for his two friends tying the knot within the month. It's time to make sure that his money wouldn't go to waste.

Taking a deep breathe so he'll have the courage he needs, he saw that the Chief Administrator though busy with her mouthful of papers, seems happy as her smile is plastered on her lovely face. Knocking at her door and waiting for his signal to come in, he slowly opened the door and closed it as soon as he saw Cuddy gave him a nod.

The Dean of Medicine knowing the real purpose of the Oncologist's presence in her office decided to play along with him. She was such in a nice mood and she wanted to give her friend a "hard" time first. It's always fun to tease him as what she heard from her man. James Wilson is always a willing victim of Gregory House's pranks.

And so, she decided to use that same tactic with him. "Wilson, anything you need?" Cuddy said with still a smile on her face. She saw her friend approaching her desk and sat down on one of the chairs across hers. She took a sip on the cup of coffee her assistant gave her.

Going straight to the point because he really is dying of curiosity, James Wilson answered, "How was it?"

The Hospital Administrator though prepared to play along with the man in front of her wasn't ready for that direct line of questioning from the ever discreet Wilson. She almost spilled the coffee she was currently enjoying. Composing herself after, she asked, "Excuse me?" Cuddy can feel herself blushing from the obvious implication that question had.

The Oncologist after seeing the reaction from the woman in front of him had the decency to be ashamed by his question. He tried to re-construct his inquiry by saying, "Sorry. I meant, how was House?"

There was no doubt that, that wasn't his original question but Cuddy chose to answer the second one instead, "He's good, Wilson." She left it like that as her smile continued to grow. She wanted to tell her friend about House's unique proposal but she wants to tease him more.

Seeing her teasing smile, Wilson answered in a bit of impatient tone, "Oh, come on, Cuddy. Spill."

The woman only laughed at him as she saw his eyebrows knit together. Then decided to cut him some slack by saying, "We talked last night and decided to give each other one more chance of being happy together." Even just saying it now, Cuddy can still feel her heart beat faster and her happiness was evident in her face as the Oncologist sees the sparks behind those grey orbs that were dull for months now.

Really happy with both his friends, Wilson nodded and also offered his smile. "Good for both you."

Lisa Cuddy also smiled at her friend then added, "Ever notice that the people who hurt you the most are the ones you tend to love more?" Tears were beginning to form in her eyes. "I realized my mistake when I left him, Wilson. I won't make the same one now. For our son, I won't ever let him go." She was looking directly at the Oncologist's brown eyes but in reality, she was making that promise to herself and their son, Aaron.

It's now 6:30pm and Gregory House was getting more and more anxious after receiving a text message from Lisa Cuddy that she's on the way home. It's a great feeling seeing her referred to his place as home. Finally, they are back to being who they were supposed to be ever since they first met all those years ago; two individuals united in a perfect harmony.

The food he prepared for their dinner was all set for two in the dining room as he arranged similar to a five-star hotel restaurant. It was complete with scented candles and a single long-stemmed red rose was placed at the center. He knows that he was properly overdoing it but he doesn't care. He wants this to be one of the best many nights of them together. So, he also bought Cuddy's favorite wine that he left on the ice bucket near the table.

Knowing that it will take Cuddy roughly 15 minutes to arrive from the hospital, he went to wait at his piano playing some tunes he knows by heart. He missed this favorite instrument of his while he was in a foreign land.

He was deeply engrossed with the tunes that he was currently playing that he didn't realize that he was now playing Cuddy's Serenade. The song was written in a sad but hopeful melody. He didn't get to hear the front door opening and the approaching steps of his woman behind him. But, a few feet behind him, his nose once again already registered her own unique scent as he continued pouring out his heart's desire back to that night when he really wanted to be part of the new important chapter of her life. He was playing this for the first time in the presence of the one woman whom his mind and heart considered to be the only recipient of this song.

As the tune of the last note of the song descended within the four walls of the apartment, Gregory House felt Lisa Cuddy's soft body lean on him as her feminine arms wrap around him from behind. He can feel that she was crying that moment when she buried her face at his back as her audible little sobs reached his ears. They were glued like that for a few minutes until he felt that his woman's cries already subsided.

Slowly turning around, he stood up and gently took her arms from around him and held both her hands into his own. Before he can speak, Cuddy spoke with still some traces of her tears in her eyes but with a smile, "It was beautiful."

The Diagnostician brought his right hand to gently wipe the traces of her tears in her smooth cheeks. Then, looking directly at her eyes, he answered, "It was your song." As soon as the words left his mouth, the woman in front of him once again wrap her arms around him and buried her face on his chest.

Gregory House also placed his long lean arms around her petite frame while he heard her say, "Promise me you'll never go away. Promise me you'll always stay."

He wasn't fully aware that he was rubbing soothing circles on Cuddy's back when he gave her his sincere promise and whispered, "I promise."

Then, the famous doctor felt his woman raised her face from his chest to give him her adorable smile. Then, with a childish pout, she took hold of his right hand and let something fall on his palm. House looked down to see that it was the ring he gave her. Before he has the proper time to comprehend her actions, he heard her say, "I want to hear you say it and slip into my fingers."

Her expression looks a bit serious though it was obvious that she was having fun seeing the stunned reaction of the man in front of him. Gregory House felt that he was being hypnotized by the grey orbs of the goddess standing in front of him that he heard himself say, "I want to be your favorite HELLO and your hardest GOODBYE. Marry me?"

Now with a full bloom smile on her face but once again tears were beginning to form in her eyes, Lisa Cuddy without a shadow of a doubt gave her promise, "Yes."

Hearing her sweet answer, Gregory couldn't help it but to smile, too and then, slipped the century old gem into the ring finger of his beloved woman. Still drowning himself into this Aphrodite's intense gaze, he said in a soft voice, "Who cares whether this is a poem or rhyme, I will love you until the end of time."

Lisa Cuddy felt her stomach flutter hearing those sweet and honest words from her man. Her knees go weak when Gregory House flashed his rare but lovely smile on her and hers alone.

They stared at each other for what seemed to be ages. Then, slowly leaning towards each other, their mouths crashed together in a vortex of passion. She grabbed the collar of his t-shirt, dragging him closer, opening her mouth to deepen the kiss. They were lost in each other. They had craved a kiss for so long, way too long. And finally now they were completing each other with this simple gesture. His tongue slipped through her lips, invading her willing mouth with force.

Her hands were dying to touch him, her fingers running up and down his neck, playing with the short hair on his nape, right behind his ears. It was something she had always liked doing and now she was finally able to do it again. His hands moved south to take a firm grip on her hips, then moved down again, squeezing her ass cheeks hard, pulling her pelvis against his. She could feel his arousal springing to life, stoking the fire she felt in her belly. She needed him. He needed her.

Cuddy was the one who broke the kiss; she tugged at the hem of his t-shirt, signaling that said item needed to leave his body immediately. House willingly helped her to take it off, sliding it slowly up his chest and over his head. Her hands immediately stroked the salt and pepper hair on his chest, feeling the muscles tensing under her touch, like a purring cat leaning into the soft touch. He claimed her lips in another toe curling kiss, their tongues battling, teeth biting lips bruising them.

She felt herself getting wet, the arousal increasing, her mound glistening, showing how much she needed him in every sense of the word. He tugged at her skirt, and Cuddy didn't need to be asked twice; she immediately slid off of the garment. Her blouse soon followed the other clothes scattered on the floor.

Upon seeing her body clad in only her matching purple lacy underwear, a touch of elegance made by her stilettos, he felt the need to take her immediately, to make her feel what effect she had on him. Without even thinking, House started sucking on her neck, nibbling and licking her skin, heedless of the consequences of his actions. Cuddy moaned feeling the pleasure her body had been craving for months finally manifesting while in the arms of the man she loves. She was sure she'd end up with a deep bluish hickey, but in that moment she didn't care as long as she could feel him all over her.

She claimed his mouth again, craving the taste of his own personal flavor. She bit his bottom lip, her teeth sinking slowly into his skin drawing a single drop of blood, and then licked the edges of his mouth, tasting him on her tongue. He didn't care if tomorrow he looked like someone had punched him square in the face; he was enjoying the strength of Cuddy's bruising kisses and bites as much as she was enjoying his callous hands roaming all over her body, stroking her skin softly, driving her into frenzy with only his touch.

He kissed her one more time, pulling her body even closer to him, squeezing and caressing her ass gently but firmly. He reached for her hand, and taking hold of it, he leads her to the bedroom.

Dinner was forgotten as both doctors were lost into the feeling of finally being back into each other's arms. She walked slowly behind him, feeling safe holding onto him as they walked towards the bed, the place where everything had started more than a year before. She felt anxious and nervous, but she wanted to give them another shot at happiness. She was sure this time would be different and she knew he thought the same. They were going to be happy together, with Rachel and the two newborn babies. And even though little Christopher wasn't hers, she would love him like her own son.

They are going to be a family, he thought. And he'll try to be there for them every single day, helping and enjoying what those kids and the woman of his life gave him. He wanted to spend the rest of his life with her and those kids, doing his best to raise them the right way. He was going to be a good father, or at least he would try to be one. He had learned from his father's mistakes. He would do well with his family now.

When they reached the bed, he turned around to face her. Cuddy smiled sweetly at him, her hands cupped his cheeks, before kissing his lips softly. They would make love tonight, slow and passionate love. No rush, no instant need of release. They would enjoy the contact of their bodies, the warm feeling in their chest as the arousal grows.

She slowly unbuckled his belt, unbuttoned and unzipped his jeans. First removing both of their shoes, she then slid his jeans down his legs and off. She was staring up at him, his hands finding their place around her waist. She lost herself in his eyes. A tear slid down her cheek, and he wiped it off with his thumb. She smiled up at him and he could read the happiness in those beautiful grey eyes.

"You're gorgeous." House couldn't stop himself to let her know what a real goddess she truly is.

He saw Cuddy smiled at him before he leaned down to kiss her one more time, licking her lips, asking for permission to deepen the kiss, which she immediately granted. His tongue was dancing with hers in a tantalizingly slow dance of passion, love and lust.

Cuddy broke the kiss and once again her smile mesmerized him. She slid off her panties, tossing them on the floor and lay on the bed waiting for him to join her. His eyes roamed up and down her body, admiring her perfect curves, her flat abdomen, enjoying the roundness the pregnancy had given to her features. He slowly took his boxers off and lay down next to her on the bed. Again, his lips moved to hers, slowly, tasting her, tongues playing with each other.

Her hands were on his cheeks, caressing him gently, letting him know she would never let go of him; her fingers played with his short hair, enjoying the smell of his shampoo filling her nostrils. His hands reached behind her back to unclasp her bra. Then, he slowly let his right hand travel downwards to her mound, stroking her clit slowly, feeling her shivering under his touch. His fingers slowly parted her folds, feeling her juices coating his fingertips. She whimpered at the contact and when he thrust a finger inside her core, she moaned loudly. She bucked her hips against his hand, craving for more. He slid another finger inside of her, feeling her walls tightening around him, and then added a third one. She was panting hard against his neck, her mouth leaving sloppy butterfly kisses all over his chest.

"Oh, House." Cuddy can feel herself getting to the edge. He felt her trembling against him while her hands reached for his member, stroking it slowly causing it to harden even more. They kept pleasuring each other with their hands, slowly getting ready for something they had been waiting for months, something they had missed since the last time they were together physically. The tip of his cock touched her folds, eliciting a moan from both of them. She lay down completely while he lay almost completely on top of her, kissing her again, slowly and lovingly. He guided himself inside of her, entering her core slowly, filling her completely. Her back arched under him, her hands embracing his shoulders and dragging his mouth to hers again.

She kissed him open mouthed, gently, barely touching his lips. Her hands stroked his back, up and down from his shoulders to his ass. He was hers. She was his.

He thrust into her slowly, leaving little kisses on her neck and chest in time with his thrusts. She fell more in love with him like she had never been; she felt all the emotions coming back full force into her body, swelling in a weird combination that grew along with her climax. He was being sweet and tender, like their first time as a couple. It was as if they were sealing the deal that this time they would permanently work.

He felt himself getting close to his release, her inner walls massaging his cock slowly, pulsing around him, milking him with her muscles. He felt as if he was in heaven, lying in the arms of his angel, feeling her moaning and gasping for him as he did the same; sending each other into a lust and love induced frenzy. He felt good, almost happy. He was going to be the lucky man who could say she was his wife. He had wanted this for so long, wanted to be with her forever; to finally change his life into something worth living and thanks to her this was all coming true.

She felt her climax growing inside her, burning into her chest and abdomen, feeling it reached its peak in synchrony with him. He whispered her name into her ear, nuzzling his nose into her hair, while releasing inside of her, feeling her walls still clenching onto him. He lay next to her, needing to feel her body as close as possible. She snuggled even closer, kissing his chest and stroking his stomach feeling satiated and content in the afterglow.

House on the other hand kissed her forehead then whispered, "I love you."

Without hesitation, Cuddy also answered back, "I love you, too." They stayed like that for a few minutes while House caressed Cuddy's left shoulders by running his hands up and down.

Then, the Diagnostician's laughter was heard, followed by his words, "We totally forgot the dinner I prepared."

Lisa Cuddy who also laughed just buried her face more on her man's chest and then said, "Who cares? We can re-heat it later."

"Yeah, you're right. We can stay here first. Besides, after that, I don't think I'm hungry." He said it in a teasing tone and he felt Cuddy's hands hit him on his shoulders right after. "That hurts, woman."

"Oh, don't be such a baby." Her voice was so full of joy as she felt House's tighten his hold on her.

Then, she heard him take a breathe and in a now serious tone, House said, "I guarantee that we'll have tough times. And I guarantee that at some point, one or both of us will want to get out. But I also guarantee that if I don't ask you to be mine, I'll regret it for the rest of my life. Because I know in my heart you are the only one for me."

Hearing him say all these, tears begin to form in the Dean of Medicine's eyes and she slowly lifted herself to look directly at his eyes. "I know. House, my life just doesn't work without you. God knows how much I tried but I soon failed. I only feel complete when you're by my side. I can't promise you a perfect relationship without arguments and differences. However I can promise you as long as you're trying, I'm staying."

Lisa Cuddy only rarely saw Gregory House lost his words but right this moment, it made her heart swell all the way more in happiness seeing him stared back at her with an expression full of awe and love. He nodded and still locking his gaze on hers, the man said, "Truth is, I don't want to waste another moment on someone who isn't you."

Amidst the giant tears freely flowing on her cheeks, she gave him a full bloom smile when she felt House's hands once again wiping her tears of joy from her face. She leaned in into his touch then she went to bury her face once more into his broad chest.

They were content to stay in their safe position when both doctors heard a growling sound. It was Cuddy's stomach as she hasn't taken anything for lunch except a piece of apple. Then, House said, "Good god, woman. I think, I really need to feed you now." He tickled Cuddy's stomach before gently lifting her shoulders to force her to stand. "Now, come on. Let's eat before you passed out."

They got dressed before walking together towards the dining room to enjoy what House had prepared for them. There was time for them to talk more. For now, they will just enjoy the peace and serenity they finally found from being back into each other's lives.

The following morning, after her usual visit from her son, the Dean of Medicine was seen with a glowing aura on her way back to her office after hearing from Aaron's doctor that the baby can be brought home tomorrow afternoon. She was such in a jolly mood as everything around her seems to be going great. After dinner last night with House, they watched a movie while being curled up together in bed.

Her smile widens as she recalled that they haven't finished the movie as the man besides her couldn't keep his hands on his side of the bed and off her body. It led to another round of passionate lovemaking. They just couldn't get enough of each other.

Lisa Cuddy was about to open her office doors when Nurse Regina called her attention, "Ahmm, Dr. Cuddy. Someone is here to see Dr. House."

With still a happy smile painted on her face, she turned to see a lovely woman roughly around her age slowly approaching her. For some reason, her heart senses something about the woman who is smiling brightly at her and then she saw her extend her hand to her while saying, "Hi. I'm Lydia Potente."

Hmmp, I sense some trouble for House? Hehe, how was the chapter aside from the "hot" part? Share me your thoughts on the reviews?

Thanks for reading,

Helen