Hello everyone! I know I truly have let you all down in finishing this. My life has really been hectic since I went back to school. Fireworks always remained in my mind and I really wanted to stay true to the story, which is why I have just finished it now. I hope you all enjoy but here in it's entirety are the final three chapters.
-Onyx
It seemed like time stood still but finally House turned to her.
"I need to do something. See you in an hour."
"Wait, House where are you going?"
"I'll be back. You can help Father Happy Hour sort bingo cards." He saw the uncertainty in her eyes and leaned in to kiss her.
"Yeah ok."
Quickly he limped out.
"Come here dear one. He lucked out because that was supposed to be his job. Oh you don't mind do you?'
"No not at all." She walked beside him through the side door of the sanctuary.
"I appreciate the help. Typically Clara does them for me but I give her a week off and my world falls apart."
Cameron felt a different type of sadness in his voice but affection nonetheless.
"Something tells me you care for her more than just your secretary." Cameron probed.
The priest smiled keeping his eyes trained on his task. "The heart has a will of its own Allison. I consider myself truly blessed. Clara has been in my life for thirty-two years. Not an improper word or action has passed between us. Yet we are closer than most married couples. She's truly a Godsend and for that I truly thank the Lord for her. I need nothing more than her presence here and I suppose she feels the same."
"It sounds like a beautiful love story."
"Thank you for your kindness my dear."
They continued in their silence and worked efficiently.
"So just a question. Did you know that he was going to uh, open himself to you like he just did?"
"Not at that moment no. But I know the anger he's held for his father for some time. I don't know if you being here in Margaretville was the winning combination dear Allison but he stopped running. He must have or he'd never have brought you here. God's plans don't always unfold the way we expect. We either fight ourselves and follow Him or we do what we want and we close our hearts until He disappears."
"So Greg never talked about his dad?"
"No, but I knew it was in there. Being the shepherd of this flock carries its burdens. I use to talk to those closest with him after his parents left and they'd tell me how withdrawn he was. But I was the last person he'd ever confide in. I prayed many years for him to allow the Lord in. He has a long road still but the darkness isn't as heavily upon him anymore."
Cameron nodded her agreement.
"May I ask you a question?" He said turning to face her.
"What made you love him? Why did you stay?"
"I don't know what made me love him. He never made it easy. I lost my first husband to cancer and he knew that so he figured I was just trying to rescue him. Part of me will always try to do that anyway. What I saw was this fierce determination behind him being a doctor. Sure he's a genius and does it partly for amusement but there is that drive behind it. It makes him takes risks that save lives. He never gives up and he put that mentality in me too I guess."
Father Auggie took Cameron in his arms and said a silent prayer of thank you for who she was.
"You have such a gentle spirit. God bless you Allison."
House still hadn't returned by the time they finished so Father Auggie took Cameron on a tour of the sanctuary and then down through the halls and into the nursery.
Greg painted the children's room himself. Locked himself in here for two days and wouldn't let anyone in. This was what he created."
It wasn't a typical nursery with pink rabbits or little blue teddy bears. The room was filled with lion cubs. They were all different colors and sizes playing baseball or delivering mail. There was even a doctor with spectacles. The bright blue carpet had paw prints all over it. The rest of the equipment was setup to entertain little children but the murals captured the eye.
"Greg has such vision and he discovered a talent in another young man. Come down here to the prayer room."
The room was dimly lit but Cameron could see the stained glass windows were rich with color. At the front of the room was a wooden altar and in the center, set into the wall was a beautifully lit cross all made out of stained glass. The room gave her another sense of peace.
"Who did all of this Father Auggie?"
He beamed at the question. "Look here."
He pointed to the wooden frame by the window in the back. Cameron read it out loud. "C.K. Stone?"
"It's Charlie."
"Stone? I thought Ruthie's last name was McGlover?"
"It is until the wedding then it will be Stone."
"I'm confused. I thought it was going to be Brady."
"Brady is Dan's first name. His mother named him Daniel Brady Stone. Dan Brady is his first name."
"Oh! I just thought he really liked the sound of his own name!" She laughed.
"You think that's bad, my name is Augustine Frances Donatello Medici Tortoni."
"Holy cow! No wonder you go by Father Auggie."
"We used to call him Auggie the doggie until Aunt Virginia threatened to send us to the all boys seminary summer camp." House said surprising them both.
"She should've done it too.' He chuckled.
"Braeden and I are headed down to Michaelangelo's for pizza and Pac-man. You coming with us?"
"I got a better offer. Aunt Virginia invited Cuddy and Wilson over to have meatball subs with us. Remember I wasn't supposed to see you until tomorrow." She replied.
He growled at her response and rubbed the back of his neck. "Man! B-man will never forgive me if I don't let him loose on those ghosts. All right I'll drop you off at the Marsico's Deli. Aunt V will be there getting her hard salami and pepperoni for the week. She either eats it or beats people up with it."
Father Auggie laughed. "Only you Gregory, only you."
"I warned her not to leave that pie in the window."
Cameron laughed as the image appeared in her mind of a young House. "Father Auggie thank you for everything. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Thank you child."
"See you tomorrow Pops." House quipped.
He nodded and waived them away.
When they were in the truck, House shook his head. "I'm not getting any sleep tonight."
"Why is that?"
"You're sleeping in my old bed less then a mile away."
"The stallion is trying to break out of his barn."
"Uh yeah!" He scoffed.
"Is that your way of saying you miss me?"
"Braeden's been whining about when you're coming to see him. I guess he's wearing on me."
"You'd never make it in the Army. You never answer a direct question."
"Green isn't my color."
House walked Cameron inside and looked genuinely happy to see Wilson and Cuddy.
"The restaurant looks fabulous when we drove by. Did Bruce take my advice on the three quarter shelves?" Wilson asked excitedly.
"Wilson you are the only straight man I've ever heard that uses the word fabulous. Are you sure you haven't dropped the soap around Carter or Abrams?"
The smack was hard and sudden.
"Watch your mouth." Uncle Cappy said. This earned him a wink from Aunt Virginia.
"The shelves gave us room to extend the baking block. So your inane measurements paid off." House corrected.
The jaded comment was typical but the smile was new and it caught Wilson off guard. The women were all bunched in the kitchen and not paying attention.
"You're happy aren't you? I mean you have your pocket arsenal to hide it but you're really happy." Wilson asked.
"Don't get excited I just bought a new bike and I used your credit card for eleven grand."
"I said you were happy not honest. But really I'm happy for you. Cameron's great."
"Knock it off Mary Poppins."
It was another hour before House began to head for the door. The sun was beginning to set. Cuddy and Aunt Virginia were rolling meatballs. Wilson had joined Uncle Cappy, Bruce, Charlie, and Joey in the shed. They were all gathered around birdfeeders painting and sanding them to hang off the back roof of the restaurant. Bruce and Charlie finished painting the arches for Dan Brady and Ruthie's wedding.
While everyone was distracted with their tasks, House pulled Cameron onto the porch.
"Sure I can't convince you to chase ghosts and demolish a big Sicily?" He said.
"And give up meatball subs? No way I've been waiting weeks for those famous meatballs. Are you sure you can't convince Braeden to eat here?"
"Not a chance. Pac-man is in his blood. He's like a vampire to blood."
The darkness was starting to creep around them. He tossed his cane on the porch swing. Cameron felt her pulse quicken. He entwined his fingers in hers and folded them behind her back.
"If you need a blood sample now would be the time."
"I don't have my needle."
"Be creative Dr. Cameron."
He leaned down and captured her lips. He was painfully slow and if her hands weren't locked behind her she would've taken full advantage. The roughness of his face teased her smooth skin. She could feel his tongue on her lower lip and it was breaking her resistance. Then maddeningly he pulled back. He looked at her face, she could barely make out his eyes.
"Hey." He whispered closing his eyes so he was completely in shadow. "I love you. I can't promise the beast won't rear his ugly head but I think I can control it. If that's good enough for you and you can buy into what the village people are all saying, would you be willing to marry me? Braeden needs a mom and let's face it I'm not into kissing scraped knees."
She laughed quietly.
"It won't be perfect Al but all I can promise is that I love you and Braeden and it will be enough for us. Will you marry me for real?"
"You know House if you had asked me that the first time we came here and had meant it then I would have gotten it annulled the day we got home. Aunt Virginia said that Uncle Cappy wasn't the right one for her either at first. All he could promise was that he'd make it up to her and that he'd always love her. It's clear to me that he's kept that promise."
"So?" He trailed off.
"So I asked if you were like him and she said yes. So who am I to mess with tradition?" She said.
He moved to kiss her but before he could music started from out on the lawn.
Never thought I'd fall
But now I hear love's call
I'm getting sentimental over you
In the dark Cameron could just about make out a large figure standing by the truck. She giggled into House's shirt.
"Thanks a lot Fat Boy!" He bellowed.
She saw the figure turn and walk back down to the shed. House wrapped his arms around Cameron and kissed her deeply as they swayed to Frank Sinatra.
I thought I was happy, I could live without love
Now I must admit love is all I'm thinking of
Won't you please be kind and just makeup you mind?
That you'll be sweet and gentle
Be gentle with me, because I'm
Sentimental over you.
They danced in the dark through that song and then "Strangers in the Night" followed. A truck pulled into the driveway.
"Crap!" He said.
A moment later Braeden bounded up onto the porch.
"Uncle, why are you and Auntie Alice standing here in the dark? You hunting frogs or something?"
"I'm hunting you up a mom Popcorn."
"You are? But where will Auntie Alice go?"
"How about if Auntie Alice is your mom?"
"Yay!" He squealed and ran to hug Cameron.
Dan Brady stepped up on the porch with Ruthie on his arm.
"Married? Well it's about time Fuzzball!" He said slapping House on the back and shaking his hand. Ruthie hugged Cameron.
"What are you doing here? I thought I was picking B-man up?"
"You were until Aunt Virginia called us for meatball subs."
"How did she get him to give up P-A-C-M-A-N?" Cameron asked.
"I'm sharp as a Sicilian's vendetta." Aunt Virginia said from the doorway.
House chuckled. "Oh you bribed him."
"You better believe it. I spent the evening make him Peanut Butter Canoli's."
"That boy has the biggest sweet tooth." Ruthie giggled.
They all crowded into the house and cheers and shouting ensued. The women were all crying the men jabbing at each other and teasing House. The food seemed endless. Aunt Virginia came from a family of six brothers and four sisters so she was used to cooking for an army. There were two mountainous tables of meatballs, pasta, deli rolls, salads, and drinks.
"Uncle Cappy guess what?" Braeden announced.
"What's that my bambino?"
"Auntie Alice is going to be my mommy."
The table went silent like someone had hit the mute button. Aunt Virginia looked from House Uncle Cappy's guilty eyes. House nodded simply.
"Corrado, go get the Sambuca!"
She hurried out of the room and was back in within a minute.
"Here sweet baby." She said to House.
House opened the small box. The ring shimmered like the sun and slid perfectly on Cameron's finger.
"You've been planning this haven't you?" He said looking at Aunt Virginia suspiciously.
"What?" She laughed.
"This ring belonged to Aunt Virginia's great grandmother. The stone is alexandrite which means if you lose it big boys named Guido from Hoboken show up to cut off your hand." He turned back to Aunt Virginia. "I know you used to wear this ring all the time Aunt V. Your fingers are bigger than Al's." He accused.
"There's a reason he's a good doctor sweetheart." Uncle Cappy said to his wife putting another whole meatball in his mouth.
"I might've had it cleaned an adjusted while I was with your Uncle in Rye last weekend."
"It's so beautiful. It's hard to stop looking at it." Cuddy remarked.
"They don't make them in nipple rings." House chided.
Aunt Virginia back handed him across the back of the head.
"Two points." Dan Brady laughed.
"When's the wedding?" Wilson asked.
"Monday." Dan Brady said quickly. "It makes sense partner. Ruthie and I already discussed it and since the town will already be decked out we might as well do it together."
"I'm happy with that." Cameron said surprising House.
Without warning Aunt Virginia began to sob uncontrollably. All the men in the house were instantly at her side. Uncle Cappy looked fearful.
"Whatsa matter baby?" He asked.
"I can't believe this is happening. You know how long I've wanted this for our Greg. "
"I know how many nights of sleep you gave up to pray for him. God listens angel." He wrapped his massive arms around her and kissed her head while she cried. He looked at House and silently mouthed, Get over here.
Braeden who was sitting on House's lap was in a panic. "Uncle Danny why is Aunt Virginia crying?"
"Well buddy sometimes adults cry when they get happy. Why don't you go give her a hug."
Braeden didn't delay because Aunt Virginia was his hero. He climbed into her lap and patted her head, which made her cry harder. House under scrutiny from Uncle Cappy went and held on to both of them.
By nine o'clock Aunt Virginia started to kick everyone out. She stood at the front door kissing and hugging people and sending them off with healthy helpings of leftovers. Braeden had fallen asleep in Uncle Cappy's recliner watching Blue's Clues on DVD. Cameron walked House outside.
"You know the B-man is sound asleep and my cabin's occupancy requires two bodies in the house at all times." Cameron laughed. It's a good thing you have Lusha and the puppies."
"Nothing I hate worse than a woman pretending to value some reclaimed virtue." He grumbled.
"I value my life. If I'm not here for breakfast Aunt Virginia will chase me with a rolling pin." Cameron said.
"No she won't."
"Yes she will!" They heard her shout from inside.
"Goodnight House."
"You know at some point you will have to call me by my first name if for no other reason than it sounds better in ecstasy."
Cameron laughed. "Go home before you get in trouble." She kissed him and they hung on a long time in silence before he finally descended the porch.
The next morning Cameron was stretched out on her back fast asleep when something cold and wet hit her face. She sat up quickly and noticed House and Braeden hiding inside the closet with water guns. When she got up to chase them, House hit her with another stream of cold water. Before she could recover, they were out. But revenge was sweet as House let out a yelp from the hallway. Then she heard Braeden squeal with delight. A moment later Aunt Virginia arrived with a big wooden spoon in her hand.
"Are you all right? Those boys are so ornery!"
"Thank you for rescuing me."
"Of course angel. Are you hungry?"
"Not really I still have half a stomach full of meatballs."
"I figured as much. Corrado brought bagels back for the deli."
"From Marsico's?"
"The very place."
"I think I suddenly have room. Let me take a shower and I'll join you in a few."
By the time Cameron got to the table, all the men had left to start work on the restaurant. She was a little disappointed that she didn't see House but he was a distraction. Ruthie came over with Vivian and the four discussed the wedding. Around 10:00am the ladies got in Vivian's Explorer and headed down the hill to the restaurant. The sun was shining brilliantly through the trees. The men were setting up tables, chairs and the stage for the band. The women began working on the cooking. The only man allowed in the kitchen was Uncle Cappy as he headed the menu. As he headed into the kitchen he turned on the jukebox newly loaded with all the classics he loved. Everyone from Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin to Patti Page and Ella Fitzgerald took their turn crooning through the new speakers.
At 1:00pm work came to a halt as everyone headed over to the church for the wedding rehearsal. The rehearsal lasted for an hour. Then they all piled back in the cars to head back to the restaurant. Cameron had no idea how it happened but by 5 o'clock the entire town was gathered in the courtyard of Al's House of Italian. The crew assembled outside with the crowd in front for the ribbon cutting ceremony.
Johnny Dakota handed the microphone to Aunt Virginia. "On behalf of my family and friends we welcome you to Al's House of Italian. We'd like to thank all of you for coming out and all the time and donations put into erecting this lovely restaurant. For the rest of the month everyone gets free dessert with their meal. Except for you Dan Brady, I saw you eat that canoli behind the kitchen doors!" Everyone laughed and Dan Brady smiled sheepishly. "Now before my little bambino cuts the ribbon today, I'd like to introduce to you a special guest all the way from Los Angeles. Please give a round of applause for our Yankees Skipper, Joe Torre!"
As Joe made his way to the front, Cameron watched Uncle Cappy's excited expression. He reminded her of a ten year old with a brand new oiled up baseball glove. House shoved Uncle Cappy forward.
"Welcome everyone and thank you for such a warm welcome. I've been in Los Angeles for nearly two years and coming back here makes me homesick. My wife and I were saddened to hear about the old restaurant. We had a lovely romance in that place. When I got the call from Corrado's nephew Greg asking me to be master of ceremonies I knew it was truly an honor. May your new restaurant be blessed with all the love and happiness that you gave to me and Allie and may a Red Sox toe never lay foot through its doors."
There was a great applause from everyone. Only a few people booed the Red Sox reference but it was all in good fun.
"Where's my little Braeden?" Aunt Virginia
"Here I am!"
"Oh he's my baby! Braeden, you are going to help Mr. Joe cut the ribbon." She said
Joe put his hands around Braeden's and together they cut the ribbon. Uncle Cappy beamed with pride.
"Corrado, can you follow us into the restaurant for the unveiling of a special gift?" Joe said.
As many people as could fit filed in behind them. Uncle Cappy had been waiting weeks to see what was behind the curtain. Charlie and Bruce took the rope in each hand.
"On behalf of your town, and my former team the Bronx Bombers, we present "The Corrado Hall of Fame."
The curtain was pulled down and gasps and sounds of amazement echoed through the room. The mural, which was 10 feet high and twenty feet long, featured everyone who had worked on the restaurant in full Yankees uniforms standing in the middle of Yankee stadium. Uncle Cappy himself held a big bat in one hand. Braeden stood between Dan Brady and House in the mural. He had a glove and baseball. The people were so real they could've easily stepped out of the painting. Beneath each player was their name autographed and printed neatly. Joe Torre stood in his infamous number 6 jersey, wearing sunglasses and standing in the dugout. Above the player's heads were Babe Ruth, Joe DiMaggio, Lou Gehrig, and Thurman Munson standing on a cloud watching over the players. Above them was a big banner that read "Al's House of Italian presents Corrado's Hall of Fame."
Cameras flashed and there were great amounts of chatter in the room. Uncle Cappy stood staring at every detail, tears streaming from his eyes. He ran his hand over every detail that he could reach. Braeden's sweet face brought him to tears but it wasn't until he got to the bottom that the tears really fell. There was a dedication written in blue in the bottom corner.
Legends are born with blood running blue
Destined by God before anyone knew
Pinstripe legacy awaiting their pitch
Fingers awaiting the ball's rounded stitch.
Yankees are heroes to a little boy's heart
A team standing tall and set there apart
But a legend was birthed right here in this place
Blood of a hero, Compassion on his face
One man standing with the strength of ten
He took all us boys and made us men
Pride of the chef that graces this kitchenMeatballs and magic is what he's pitching
Timeless love for one special dame
Heart of a slugger wins the game
A legend was born to make Margaretville happy
A glass lifted high for the great Uncle Cappy
Under the poem were four signatures, Dan Brady, Johnny Dakota, Joey, and House. Beneath that was a small handprint. He knew that was Braeden's. He turned and looked at the faces. People he had know all or half his life. But it was House he finally settled on.
"Come here son." He said trying to keep his emotions safe. He wrapped his arms around House and the big man cried. House bit his lip. He could withstand any emotion but not a man who had been his hero. Braeden hugged Uncle Cappy's leg which only served in affecting him worse. Cameron and Aunt Virginia stood and watched their men happily.
"SPEECH SPEECH!" Dan Brady shouted and then the crowd followed.
Uncle Cappy wiped his eyes and took the microphone from Joey.
"My father used to tell me this story about a little boy who wished to hold a star from the sky in his hand. His older brother told him stars were too big to hold but the boy persisted. When he turned 25 and he held his first child, he knew God had picked the star himself and placed it in his arms. Today God has handed me my star. I look at all of you's guys and I think I've really hit the big time. This place is not just a restaurant it's my legacy and it is my honor to cook for you. You all mean so much and that, well that is just the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. You made me this pudgy paisan feel like a million bucks and I wanna thank you all."
The crowd went wild. Hugs and kisses went all around and Cameron soaked up every minute. The crowd filtered out to the tents in the back where food and music were being provided. The menu consisted of lasagna, chicken catatorri, baked ziti, chicken alforno, variety of sauces and salads, fresh baked Italian bread, and more desserts than Braeden could ever hope to devour.
The music was provided by a band that Uncle Cappy knew from Brooklyn called "The Holy Cannoli's" They played Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney, Perry Como, and many others. The dance floor was never empty.
Since everyone had showed up for the grand opening, the two couples decided to make it their reception also. Soon both couples were called to the floor.
House was close to Ruthie and dragged her on the floor before Dan Brady and Cameron got there.
"Offer's still good Ruthie. We're still single till tomorrow. We could hole up in Mountain Creek Motor Lodge and burn the place down." House teased.
"I guess we better hurry up then." She said with a smile.
House was so stunned he stopped in mid sway. He was speechless as Ruthie tugged on his arm. "Well are you coming with me or not?"
Before he could speak Dan Brady put his arm around House's neck. He put his knuckles to House's scalp and rubbed really hard. "Not if you were the last monkey on earth. Keep dreaming." He said.
House smacked Dan in the back of the head. "I kissed her first don't forget that."
Ruthie blushed crimson. "I was thirteen!"
House smiled and reached for Cameron's hand.
"She played you like a violin." Cameron teased.
"She may have thought she did but I still hold ultimate power over her so she won't have that for long."
"So you've been playing Superman in my absence. Who would have thought it possible? You really made Uncle Cappy so happy."
"He needed somewhere to get away from Aunt V."
Cameron laughed. In many ways he had changed but he'd never be sappy. Uncle Cappy got up to the microphone and began to sing "Some Enchanted Evening." It surprised Cameron because she'd heard him singing quietly in the shed but she had no idea that he had such a lovely voice. The two couples danced both enamored with their mates. Ruthie cried throughout most of the dance as Dan Brady whispered words of love into her ear.
"So you're sure you want to do this?" Cameron asked after a minute.
"Dance in circles? Not really but I'm getting good at pole dancing." He said lifting his cain.
Cameron shook her head. "I meant marrying me."
"You're jumping in shark infested waters with a dead steal strapped to your back. But that's how you swim so yeah I'm sure."
"I'm really quite shocked at all that has happened. I'm really starting to believe there is a God."
"Shh don't say that too loud. Father Auggie will have you doing Bible pushups in a week."
Dan Brady laughed behind them. "Now why would you ruin a good song with a memory like that?"
Uncle Cappy finished and the couples retreated to their shared table. As if on cue, Father Auggie appeared at the table. Dan Brady was laughing so hard that House sucker kicked him under the table. He yelped.
"What happened Uncle Danny?" Braeden asked.
"I got a Charlie horse buddy."
Braeden's face lit up and House knew why but there was no stopping him. He raced to Charlie.
"What got into him?" Dan Brady asked confused.
"Whip out your wallet big mouth."
"Why?"
Cameron and Ruthie burst into giggles. Father Auggie smiled as well.
"You told B man that you got a Charlie horse. In his mind you got Charlie a horse." Ruthie laughed.
"You're still just a dumb jock!" House shouted as Dan rushed off.
Dakota came to claim Cameron for a dance and Father Auggie asked Ruthie. House went to seek out cannoli's.
"You always got your grubby hands on the last of the cannoli's." the voice said.
"Better then my grubby hands on your wife." House said without turning around.
"Bob!" Aunt Virginia squealed.
Cameron was pulled out of her dance and across the crowd. The man hugged Aunt Virginia with his back to Cameron. He turned and Cameron's breath caught.
"Oh Mylanta!" She said with her eyes the size of pepperonis.
"Allison meet Bob." Aunt Virginia said.
"It's ok Allison. I'm just a guy. I'm not made of gold. I'm no one special. It's a pleasure to meet you. You're absolutely as lovely as Aunt Virginia said."
"T-t-thank you."
He turned and held out his hand to the woman beside him. "This is my wife Gracie. I can't believe a schmuck like you is getting married. You get tired of the Sicilian Sizzle here chasing you with hard salami?" Bob teased.
"It's not the salami I worry about; it's the shoes she can throw blindly around corners."
"Only when I miss with my wooden spoon!"
"Which ain't often." Bob laughed. "Where's your Uncle Cappy?"
"Over there schmoozing real celebrities." House said.
"I outta belt you in the mouth. But outta respect for your lovely bride to be, I will refrain. Hey is that Joe Torre?"
"Yeah. You wanna meet him? Maybe you'll get an autograph that's worth something."
House felt a hard slap to his rear end.
"Hey you stop giving Bob a hard time or he'll never come visit me over the holidays. And you ain't going anywhere. You start up the boy's club and you forget about the ladies. Now stay! Gracie come with me I want to show you the china pattern we settled on. Bob you go see the boys but if any of you is late to that ceremony tomorrow none of you is walking straight out of the ceremony."
"Yes ma'am." Bob laughed bowing slightly. "I believe you mean that."
"And you tell Dakota and Dan Brady if they're late I'm banning cooking for a month!"
"I think you mean that one too. You're still so saucy." He winked at her.
Cameron waited till her and House we alone. "You know Robert DeNiro? Are you for real?"
"You could say I know him inside out. His family owns property up here. We used to run together. I gave him an emergency appendectomy when I was here for Christmas one year."
"And you never mentioned this to me why?"
"He's just some guy with a script. He's not a celebrity around here. He's not the only one I know either but I'm not going to mop up your drool to tell you the others."
"Hey Cowboy, can I borrow your lady. Mom asked her to come over." Dakota said.
"You better take her in the Bronco, she'll wear out the springs in your old Dodge." House replied.
"Forget it you scoundrel! I'm not bringing her back! We're going to elope so she knows what a real man is like!"
She reached up and kissed House. He held her a little longer then she expected. His blue eyes were tender.
"I've gotta find my kid. If I load him up with sugar Dan Brady and Ruthie won't start the honeymoon early." He said mischievously
Dakota and Cameron drove down to the two-story house off Lincoln drive. Cameron liked Johnny's parents. They were quiet gentle people who seemed at home with everyone. Rita hadbtaken an instant like to Cameron. Johnny looked just like his dad with jet-black hair and dark eyes.
She met them at the door unable to control her excitement.
"Hi sweetie! You all ready for your big day?"
"I think so. I think Aunt Virginia is the one who's most excited though. Why aren't you qat the party?"
"We're going but I wanted you to try on your dress first."
"My dress? I thought Aunt Virginia already bought one?"
"She did, from me."
Cameron followed her into the den. "Close your eyes please."
Cameron complied.
"All right open them."
Cameron felt instant tears burn her eyes. The dress was a traditional flowing lace gown. At the bottom were soft blue silk ribbons end to end. It added to the flow of the gown. There was also a matching blue ribbon that encircled the waist.
"That's mine?"
"Yes honey it is. Do you like it? I have time to make adjustments if you'd prefer."
"I wouldn't change anything. I would've never imagined something so beautiful in my life."
"I'm so happy you like it. I've been working on it for two months."
"Two? Oh right the original date. I don't know what to say, it's so elegant."
"Your face was all I needed."
"Rita are you back here?"
"Back here Virginia." Rita called.
"Oh Rita, e' bella!" She said in Italian when she saw the dress. "It's so lovely!"
"Thank you." She said modestly.
"The ribbon matches Greg's tie. That dress looks like you poured your soul into it. There is no one in all of New York who makes dresses as beautiful as you Rita." Aunt Virginia gushed. "I bet Ruthie's is just as elegant."
"Would you like to see it?"
Rita pulled the closet door open.
"A silver dress?" Cameron said mystified.
"Mmm it's her dream dress from when she was a little girl. But she thinks this is her dress." She said pointing to the simple white dress.
"So she doesn't know?"
Rita smiled and gave Aunt Virginia the floor.
"You know Dan Brady loved Ruthie since grade school and it was the same for her."
"But she was married before right?"
"Yes, because Dan Brady announced like a fool that he was marrying Lisa Ellensworth from Syracuse. He left for six months. Ruthie began dating and married Winslow. Dan Brady returned six months later calling Lisa a harlot in cheap shoes. He was crushed that Ruthie was married but he was too honorable to rock the boat. The Lord was kind to her because she had Charlie. When Winslow found out that Charlie was mildly autistic he ran off. Greg was furious because Ruthie was devastated. He and Dan Brady followed Winslow to Pennsylvania and threatened him within an inch of his life if he returned."
"What a jerk."
"Yeah and even though Ruthie hadn't been married that long, she felt she was a failure. Even though it was obvious that Dan Brady loved her, he knew she needed time to mend. They became friends but never crossed the line. He really helped Charlie as well. You can tell that he is a bit autistic but Dan Brady helped him and taught him. He never told him that he couldn't do anything."
"I always knew I liked that guy." Cameron said.
"The entire town does too. Anyway one day Ruthie wrote a story for the town's journal "Ordinary Town Folk." She wrote about a young woman who falls in love with an angel. The angel couldn't stay with her because God needed him back. So as his promise that one-day they'd be together, he gives her an elegant silver gown. Ruthie was pretty elaborate about the dress. Dan Brady kept the story and he and Charlie began to sketch drawings of the way it would look. This lovely lady brought the drawing to life. It's been a work in progress for five years."
"Yes and we started a secret society called The Bogey and Bacall Club to discuss our favorite couples at length. It's been a joy." Rita said.
"I think you have made two very happy brides." Cameron beamed and so did Rita.
"You and Ruthie meet here in the morning and we'll get you all dressed up."
"Good, now let's get back to our men at the party." Aunt Virginia said.
As Cameron walked down the hall to use the bathroom she stopped dead in her tracks. There on the wall was a portrait painted of a young woman. It was the same woman that Cameron had seen twice. Rita noticed that she'd stopped.
"That's my daughter the way she would look now. Charlie painted this. He found a program that does age progression. The police use it to find missing people. Anyway, this was my birthday present last year. I miss my Marguerite so much."
Cameron dared not utter a word. She'd seen the girl when she was young. It was the reason she'd looked familiar to her but not recognizable. She would tell Aunt Virginia later.
The men were gathered around the dessert table when the ladies returned. More dancing and music ensued and then the cleanup began. Braeden practically attacked Cameron on her return.
"Guess what Auntie?"
"What's that kiddo?"
"Uncle Cappy has Pac-Man." He pulled Cameron into the restaurant.
House was leaning over the game. Cameron hadn't seen a game like that since she had been in a pizza chain in New York City. Uncle Cappy, Dakota, Dan Brady, Joey, and Charlie watched like little boys.
"I can tell by the perfume that Dr. Cameron has returned. Popcorn, you wanna come and take over. I have something better to chase then ghosts."
House let Braeden slip in and House pulled Cameron to an empty booth in the back.
"I think all of you aren't more than 10."
"We need some form of entertainment when the wives get uppity." He said.
"Well noted that I'm locking up your video games when you're in the dog house."
House shook his head. "I think we better get a pre-nup. I don't want you to steal my Battletoads."
"That's to protect you after the marriage not during."
"I can make better use of my time during." He pulled her down in the booth and ran his fingers over her belly while he kissed her slowly and deliberately. The desire in his eyes was unmistakable. "To hell with the wedding, let's start with the honeymoon now. Ow ow ow ow!" He hollered.
Aunt Virginia grabbed his ear and pulled him out of the booth.
"Greggory." She said slow and evenly.
"Crap, my full first name."
"Greggory." She repeated. "Do you remember Cucchiaio?"
Cameron enjoyed watching House squirm.
"Cucchiaio was a wooden spoon that was especially made by my grandfather to make large meals for a large family. There was eleven kids in my mother's family. So Cucchiaio, which is Italian for spoon, was a foot and a half long and made from solid oak. My grandmother gave me the spoon when I got married. I used to-"
"She used to chase me, Uncle Cappy, and Joey with it. My as- ugh my rear end look like a peanut butter cookie."
"You were an ornery bunch. I am a little lady after all."
"No one believes that Aunt V! I believe I took a few wallops to my backside as well." Dakota said.
"Cucchiaio met an untimely death at a pirate bonfire." House said.
"Oh no. What did you do to him for that?" Cameron asked.
Dakota began to laugh hysterically. "She had Bruce and my father remove the ragtop from his Chevelle. It was the middle of November. It snows here almost all month! That was a classic! Paulina Maurfino was so mad that she had to endure that that she broke up with him."
Everyone had a good laugh over that. "A Sicilian never forgets a vendetta." She said.
Uncle Cappy arrived on the scene. "Greg, my boy you look like you need to be rescued."
"She's turned into Haggatha. See the smoke from her nostrils?"
"Mama, leave the boy alone. He's getting married tomorrow." He said shaking his hands at her.
In return he got an evil look. Uncle Cappy pulled her to him and kissed her deeply. When he finished Aunt Virginia glowed. "There you go. She's purring like a kitten. She won't bother you anymore my boy. Come on everyone out to the parking lot."
Everyone went outside and looked up as Uncle Cappy pointed. The band played and fireworks played all around. House and Cameron sat in the back of Dakota's truck with Braeden nestled between them.
Cameron watched the fireworks in silence. She held House's hand. She reflected on all that had happened. He was still House in many ways but the rough layers had peeled down. Cameron was meant to be a part of the entire cosmic explosion in his life but what was left was a colorful glow. He squeezed her hand as if acknowledging it all.
Rita decided it would be easier if Cameron and Ruthie stayed at her house that night. She sent Hector to sleep over at House's cabin with the men. Aunt Virginia threatened all of the men with death if they even thought of drinking and put Charlie in charge of spying.
The night ended with good ole' boys around the fire pit and the ladies talking about their men.