Ch. 12:

Wow, 60 reviews! Thank you all! Wilson has been annoyng many of you but don't worry too long. We need to make sure everyone in this triangle is serious about their motivations. Huddy is the goal! Please keep sending those reviews and much thanks to those of you who give long feedback and detail. You've got me thinking!

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Wilson passed House's office on his way to his own. Their eyes met through the glass wall, neither willing to break the stare. House glared and Wilson glared back harder.

"That ass!" Wilson whispered under his breath as he strode to his office. Arriving to his door, he hesitated at turning the doorknob and suddenly spun around on his heel heading back to House's office. House had turned away and was bouncing a large tennis ball off his wall repeatedly.

Wilson blasted through the door. "Hey!"

"What?" House retorted without looking at Wilson. The ball bounced off the wall annoyingly.

"I hear congratulations are in order," Wilson spat out. "Turn around, I'm talking to you!"

House slowly turned on his chair's axis and faced Wilson who looked a little wild-eyed.

"Cuddy showed you the ring?"

"Yeah, you didn't waste any time getting that on her finger."

"Nope. Not when my former best "friend" is after my woman." House drawled.

"Your woman? Man, you are unbelievable! Since when did Cuddy become your woman? As I recall, you've had plenty of chances to treat her right you constantly screwed it up! We both know you only popped the question BECAUSE I asked Cuddy out on a real date." Wilson gloated.

"How could you think Cuddy could want you?" House sneered.

"How could you possibly think Cuddy wanted to be treated like crap?" Wilson countered. "Cuddy is an amazing woman who's married to her job. You treat her like a spare tire."

"What?" House ridiculed.

"Yeah, like something you need after shit happens. Until then, you ignore her, even abuse her verbally. She deserves better and I'm amazed she even tolerates your crap."

"Yeah, I know. I'm a lucky bastard, and you're not!" House said pointedly.

Wilson stared at him for a moment, debating whether to punch him or turn around and march down to Cuddy's office and grab her and shake her until she came to her senses about this insensitive ass. He struggled with his next few words.

"Here's the deal, House. You've got a chance at real happiness with a woman you clearly don't deserve. You treat her right and I'll back off but if you make her miserable, I swear I'll take her away from you! I don't give a damn if you're married or not." Wilson meant it. House studied him for a full minute.

"You got one thing right. I don't deserve her but neither do you." House answered. "You know, it really doesn't matter what you or I decide because Cuddy isn't going to do whatever we want."

Wilson smiled a little. "Well, there is that! We can fight it out all we want but Cuddy's going to do what Cuddy's going to do." House grinned in agreement.

The two men were silent for a moment. Wilson took a seat in the chair across from House's desk. He sighed and his shoulders sank.

"Don't hurt her or you'll lose her," Wilson cautioned. "I mean it. I've watched you two for five years. You either man-up or get the hell out of the way."

"What, so you can make her the fourth ex-Mrs. Wilson?"

"I mean it, House. You make her happy or I will."

House stood up and leaned forward over the desk. Wilson took the cue and stood up as well. House extended his left hand to Wilson who haltingly took his hand and shook it in an unspoken understanding that pursuing Cuddy would stop – for now. "Deal," House said slowly.

House was put on notice. Both men wanted her and both men wanted to protect her from the other. Make no mistake, these two weren't buddies at this moment. They were adversaries, with one rival luckier than the other – for now.

Dr. Taub watched from the room next door to House's office. Taub felt himself tense up as the two men grudgingly came to a truce. Dr. Cuddy's happiness was on the line and even Dr. Taub wanted her to get a break from the tortuous teasing and ogling House had put her through. Everyone knew House wanted more from Cuddy than just a night inside her panties. It was a classic case of grade school boy-likes-girl, boy-taunts-girl, girl-taunts-back, boy-stunned-and-clueless.

The men seemed to have come to an agreement. What was wrong with these guys? How hard was it to behave like adults and communicate for god's sake? Women were so much more evolved when it came to relationships. Men were still slogging through the muck and mire of the primordial soup while women glided over them telepathically comprehending emotions, needs, desires.

Wilson left House's office and Taub exhaled suddenly, happy to see both men remain civil. Taub's eyes never left House's face. House watched Wilson leave before turning back to his computer screen just as his screen saver popped up: a close photo of Cuddy's smiling face. Why hadn't Taub ever noticed that before?

House picked up his phone and punched in Cuddy's extension. Cuddy picked up after the third ring.

"What are you wearing under that tight skirt?" House asked huskily.

"Like you'll ever get the chance to find out!" Cuddy teased.

"Ah ha, you've gone commando! You naughty little minx, you…."

"Maybe I have and maybe I haven't. Play your cards right tonight and I may let you find out…" Cuddy flirted.

House grinned and closed his eyes, "oh yes, please!"

Wilson returned to his office and sat down heavily. He leaned back and looked up at the ceiling. Was he really going to back off? Could House keep his word and make Cuddy happy? Not hurt her? It was possible if House opened up to her for good and let her in.

Wilson sighed. Opening his desk drawer and pushing past the sticky note pads, Wilson retrieved a photo taken of him and Cuddy at their last hospital social event. Cuddy was stunning in a deep blue velvet strapless dress, Wilson looking dapper in a tux with his arm around her shoulders. House was in the background, glaring as usual. Wilson stared at the photo. "A deal's a deal."

Wilson put the photo back in his desk and tried to focus on his stack of patient files failing miserably at ignoring the large painful lump in his throat and the miserable burning in his eyes.

Cuddy realized she need to hit the grocery store for a few items before going home to Rachel and the nanny. She planned for a simple meal and a short shopping list before packing up her briefcase.

She called House's cell phone and left a message for him to arrive around 7pm instead of "naked-o'clock."

Cuddy ducked out of her office at 4:30 departing for the grocery store.

Meanwhile, House tried to kill the time wondering about the evening ahead. Would he and Cuddy actually move their brand new yet 20-year-old relationship to the next level? Would she actually invite him to sleep over? House had to admit he was excited at the prospect of caressing her body and making love to the woman he'd fantasized about for years. Everyone believed the two of them had slept together at some point but the truth is, that never actually happened.

They had gone out but not really dated, they had made out once but not actual done the "deed." Had they, House would have never left Michigan despite being kicked out for cheating at the University. There would have never been a "Stacy" and likely, never been a Dean Cuddy. Instead, perhaps a Mrs. Cuddy-House (as if she'd ditch her maiden name for his only!) would have had his kid or two. But then, they were different people back then, much the same as they are now but still somehow different enough.

House let his mind wander over the possibilities for the evening ahead and wondered what Cuddy expected of him. His thoughts turned to Cuddy's little girl. Truth be told, House had nothing against Rachel. She was a perfectly beautiful little baby who had stolen Cuddy's heart and somehow made his own importance diminish somewhat. Cuddy was meant to be a mother. She was a tigress about that child and her heart was so loving that Rachel would have the best possible childhood. Unlike his own mother, Cuddy had focused on her child's happiness. Had his own mother done this, House would never had to endure the abuse of his supposed "father." He could never hate his mother but he could resent her inability to see what was happening to him. Cuddy was the kind of mother every child deserved. House couldn't begrudge her that role. He would find a way to open his heart to the baby.

Cuddy arrived home at 5:34 pm and greeted Rachel before relieving her nanny. Cuddy realized Rachel needed her attention and Cuddy decided House would have to help with the meal prep. Rachel hadn't seen her all day. First thing Cuddy did was to show Rachel her beautiful new ring. The child couldn't be bothered. She just wanted to be held and tickled and loved by her mother which Cuddy complied with immediately.

House arrived a few minutes before 7 o'clock and peered into the living room window before knocking. He had seen Cuddy pass by in the open space between the sheers and he leaned forward to watch her pick up her daughter from the baby quilt laid out on the floor amid a few baby toys. Cuddy cuddled Rachel and nuzzled her neck making the baby giggle and Cuddy laugh. He couldn't hear them but felt a smile spread across his face. This was a side of his boss he rarely got to see, an unguarded Cuddy, relaxed, uninhibited and pure Lisa, the girl. His heart felt fuller.

House knocked on the door and heard Cuddy approaching. Rachel was perched on Cuddy's hip and House took in the sight of the beautiful woman at home in her element. Cuddy had changed out of her suit and pumps and was wearing a clingy pale blue sweater that wrapped across her shapely body exposing a hint of cleavage and a pink bra strap. Below it she wore dark tight jeans that outlined her slim thighs neatly.

"Right on time!" She said warmly.

"Hey," House said as he entered and closed the door. He leaned in and pulled her to him as he kissed her gently. Rachel babbled and House stepped back and looked at her, "hey, kiddo, trying to get in on the action?"

Cuddy watched him talking to her daughter directly for once. "I think she likes you."

House glanced at Cuddy with raised eyebrows. "Really?" he said a bit sarcastically. "How do you know?"

"She's not screaming at you," Cuddy teased.

"True but give her time, like mother like daughter!"

Cuddy laughed and led the way into the living room. "Dinner's going to be ready in about 15 minutes. Would you like a glass of wine or …?"

"Wine, huh? Why not," House acquiesced.

"Follow me," Cuddy said as the three headed to the kitchen. "Could you open the wine for me or hold Rachel so I can?

House knew his reaction would set the tone. "Gimme" he said and reached for the child. Cuddy beamed and eased the baby into his hands. Rachel stared at House. House stared back. "Be cool, drool-puppy and I'll let you have a sip when Mom's not looking," House fake whispered. Rachel reached up and pulled his bottom lip.

Cuddy laughed and House played along. "I'm going to need that back soon!" Rachel let go and patted his face lightly. House smiled at the infant and bounced her a little in his arms. Cuddy's eyes widened at the ease between the two. She hadn't realized she'd been holding her breath until she released it slowly.

Cuddy set about checking on the meal and locating the corkscrew. She poured two glasses of red wine and handed one to House. He lifted it and toasted her, "to sexy, hot MILFs!" Cuddy chuckled and sipped her wine. House turned to address Rachel. "Your mommy's a MILF. Do you know what that is? No of course you don't but I'll corrupt you and tell you just the same. A MILF is a mother I'd like to fu…"

"House!"

"..fornicate with" House zagged neatly. Cuddy grinned and shook her head.

Rachel yawned and grabbed House's chin. "She can't stop grabbing you!" Cuddy observed.

"I have that affect on women." House nodded. "Something you've been oddly immuned to. Hmmm, we'll have to fix that somehow….more wine, Cuddles?"

"You wouldn't know what to do with me if I did grab you!" Cuddy countered playfully.

"Oh I think I have an idea or two…" House wagged his eyebrows innocently.

Rachel yawned again. "Here, let me take her and put her down. She's just finished eating and had her bath so she's ready to sleep, aren't you my little girl?" Cuddy finished as she cuddled the child to the crook of her neck. House envied the infant that warmth and softness.

"You want me to do anything?"

"Uh…sure, keep an eye on dinner and don't let it burn. I'll be out in a little bit," Cuddy said as she headed to the baby's room.

House looked around at the warm kitchen, sauce pots steaming, the table partially set in the dining room and the timer set to go off in 8 minutes. He began looking through her cabinets to find the rest of the table setting items and carried them to the dining room. He noticed some candles on the buffet table and searched drawers until he found a book of matches and lit them.

About ten minutes later, House had the dining room table completed with glowing candles, the wine bottle on the table and had moved into the livingroom to locate her stereo. Finding some suitable CDs, House loaded up the machine and turned it on low but just loud enough to complete the mood he hoped would impress Cuddy.

He pulled the chicken out of the oven and set it on the stove, snooping through the pots and stirred a couple. After a minute or two, he had to go see how Cuddy was doing with the baby and walked softly down the hall, peeking between the door and the frame watching Cuddy lean over the crib and rubbing the child's back. She was entranced in her daughter's nighttime ritual and unaware of House gently opening the door to gain a better view.

House watched his "fiancé" and allowed his eyes to roam over her figure settling on her profile and seeing the profound sense of contentment on her face. Cuddy slowly stepped away from the crib and began her exit stopping just as she glanced into House's amused eyes. She was a little startled to see him here in Rachel's room. She waited. He smiled and reached for her hand. She took his and they walked out quietly closing the door halfway behind them.

"I could get use to this hand holding stuff," House said softly. Cuddy seemed surprised.

"You're just trying to charm me out of my pants!" Cuddy said knowingly.

"Is it working?" Cuddy rolled her eyes. "Guess you'll have to wait and see," she replied flirtatiously.

"Dinner's ready, are you hungry?" House asked her. "A little," Cuddy answered. "Well I'm starved and it smells good!" House responded. "Come on, woman, serve me my supper!"

Cuddy cocked an eyebrow at him, "With or without spit?"

House rolled his eyes. "Oh, you're one of them newfangled women who don't cotton to servin' her man dinner, huh?"

Cuddy knew he was teasing her. "like I said, with or without spit?"

"Fine! Just my luck I'm engaged to Gloria Steinem who now has a surprisingly amazing rack!"

Cuddy brought out some serving dishes and began transferring the food from the pots and pan. "Would you bring the water pitcher in the fridge?" House obliged and the two carried the meal into the dining room.

They sat and went about serving the meal like any couple might do. House noticed Cuddy's wine glass had gotten a little lower and refilled it. Cuddy smiled knowingly at him. He laughed. "What?"

House noticed Cuddy's left hand in her lap. "Can I see the ring?" Cuddy placed her hand on the table and House pulled it to him. "Yep, just what I thought."

"What?" Cuddy asked.

"Almost as sparkling as your eyes."

"Oh, you're good," Cuddy pursed her lips in a smile and winked at him. "I didn't realize you were such a romantic."

"You don't remember all the sweet nothings I whispered in your little co-ed ear back in the day?"

"Yes, some of it but I have to say, you've improved over the years," Cuddy decided.

"I was just about to tell you the very same thing, Cuddles." House kissed her hand and held it on the table while he began eating his meal. Cuddy was overwhelmed. She had wondered if House would ever open his heart to her and let her inside the walls he'd built around himself emotionally. It was truly a wonderful place to be. House was romantic and sweet, sweeter than she remembered. Of course his sardonic with and acerbic banter made the contrast maddeningly attractive and challenging but that was part of what drew her to him like a magnet.

They relaxed and barely spoke just watching each other. Their eyes barely leaving the other's. Cuddy had barely touched her meal, she was too nervous to eat knowing that what lay ahead would take them to a very new level of intimacy. She wanted it as much as he did and having his engagement ring on her hand gave her the confidence to know this was more than just a ruse to get her into bed.

House cocked his head as if reading her mind. She looked down at the ring and back up to his eyes. The phone rang. "Don't answer it," House said.

Cuddy looked at him but rose to get up, "It could be the hospital."

House leaned back in the chair, waited and listened.

Cuddy answered to find James Wilson on the other end of the line. "James, ….oh, uh no not exactly. Yes, he's here. Did you want to speak to him?" Cuddy paused for a while as House eavesdropped with baited breath. "Thank you, James. Yes, I know. I love him too. What?"

House stood and ambled over to the door frame to the living room and watched her. She turned and looked at him with a luscious smile on her face. "Well, that's very nice of you, but you don't have to worry about that because I can kick his ass if I need to," Cuddy taunted. House realized the other half of the conversation had to do with the same one he and Wilson had earlier. House faked a light cough to get her attention before rolling his eyes dramatically. Cuddy shook her head slightly, playfully, "Thank you for checking on me. The wedding date is sometime soon but I'm not exactly sure when. I'll let you know. …..Yes, I want you there. You're my friend, and his but maybe not right now. Okay then. I'll talk to you tomorrow. Good night, James."

Cuddy hung up the phone and smiled slyly. "Well, that was James wanting me to know he's there for me if you screw this up." House waited. "Are you going to screw this up, Greg?"

"Not on his life," House countered. "Are you going to screw this up, Lisa?"

"Not a chance in hell," she said without missing a beat. "I won't really believe this is happening until we're actually married but until then, I promise to be on my best non-neurotic behavior if you will?"

"Pinky swear?" House asked.

"Pinky swear!" Cuddy laughed.

"Wait there," House said and darted back into the living room. He walked in with the bottle of wine and their glasses and set them on the coffee table before taking her hand and pulling her to the couch.

"Now about that dessert you mentioned this morning…" House said quietly as he leaned towards her neck and kissed the soft warm silky smooth place below her left ear lobe. Cuddy relaxed instantly and softly sighed. "Greg, there is one thing…."

House's eyes fluttered open as his mouth paused kissing along her neck and throat.

"What?" He hadn't meant to snap but he felt the fear in his stomach trying to ruin this moment of bliss from him.

"It's nothing," Cuddy said instantly. "Really."

House didn't buy it. "Yeah, no. What is it."

Cuddy shifted in her seat on the sofa and leaned forward into his space, gently kissing his cheek, then his mouth, then his throat. "What if we didn't get married this Saturday?

"What if we did?"

"No, I mean if we had more time, we could invite more of our family to be there with us." Cuddy murmured as she continued to kiss his face slowly and languidly. House would have agreed to anything under her spell but his brain registered a false note in her breathy voice.

"What is it Cuddy, having second thoughts?" House asked clearly.

"No, not for a split second!" She exclaimed sitting back on the sofa from her position of leaning over him. "It's just something Taub said that got me thinking…"

House pulled back and looked into her lying eyes.

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Boy would I love some reviews! Please send your thoughts and feelings. Like you, I can't STAND waiting for season six. I fear the time House is in Mayfield that Cuddy will find someone else to take her life forward to a level that House may no longer be able to offer. Ideas? Gimmme some reviews and I promise to make you happy.

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