Although our visitors are still here, we're back from our trip to the Grand Canyon. I didn't have much time to write, but here's a short chapter for my patient readers.

Chapter 67.

The big day was finally here. I looked around at all of the boxes on the living room floor, waiting for the movers to load them on their truck for the five mile drive to the condo. Jess handed me the last beer in the refrigerator, even though it was only ten on a Saturday morning.

"I'll follow the moving van," she said. Her eyes were sparkling with excited anticipation, while I was clinging to the image of the shock on everyone's faces when I showed up an hour later.

I stood to the side, watching as three burly men lifted box after box and took it out, then moved on to the furniture. At least they were wearing furniture lifting belts to protect themselves, a sign of professional movers. I didn't want to have to treat one of these guys if he developed a hernia or worse.

The piano would be taken separately by a company that specialized. I sat down on the bench to play some appropriate music, beginning with Billy Joel's 'Moving Out'.

Finally, the men, the boxes and the furniture were gone. Jess came over and kissed my cheek. "See you in an hour or so," she said, and then she, too, left. While I waited for the piano people, I wandered through the empty apartment. So much history, so many memories, both good and bad. I felt my heart begin to race, but the anxiety attack was short-lived as the doorbell rang.

A tall, slim man stood in the doorway. "You wanted a piano moved?"

"Yes. It's over here." Of course, it was the only thing left in the apartment, besides me, so I guess I was stating the obvious.

He nodded once, then left, but returned moments later with another guy and some dollies, pads to wrap around the piano, and straps to tie them on. They took their time preparing my baby for transport, and I was glad I'd picked this particular company. One possible problem avoided.

When they were gone and my living room was completely empty, I knew I couldn't dawdle any longer. I took one more look around the place, opening every closet and kitchen cupboard to ensure we hadn't left anything behind. For the last time, I walked out and locked the door behind me, saying a silent good-bye to one part of my life as I set off to begin another.

–

I had a problem finding a parking space near the condo. Between the moving truck, the piano transport van, and everyone who'd come to help Jess move in, every possible spot was taken along the curb. I ended up parking two blocks down and walking. That gave me time to rethink how I should announce my presence.

Jess had suggested that, when I walked in, she'd say something like, "Here he is now!" and come over for a hug and a very public kiss. Much as I knew that would work, I wasn't sure I was as comfortable with it as she was.

No, it had to be something even more dramatic. Unfortunately, when I arrived in front of the building, Wilson arrived from the other direction and I didn't have a chance to plan anything else.

"Guess you decided to join the party," he said. "Or were you as curious about Jess' boyfriend as the rest of us?"

As we walked side by side to the front door, I didn't answer him. Instead, I turned the knob and walked into chaos, calling out in my loudest voice, "Honey, I'm home!"

Jess came over immediately from the room where the movers were uncrating the piano. She grinned at me, and delivered the line she'd rehearsed with even more enthusiasm than I expected, adding, "Welcome to Grand Central Station!"

"I should have waited until everyone left," I said, sliding my arms around her.

"You can't get out of helping that easily." That's when she kissed me. I was so caught up in the kiss that I never saw the expressions on those who were there to witness it.

"We're going to have to do that again, so I can watch how everyone reacts."

"I wouldn't mind that." She kissed me again, an even deeper one, but I was able to look out of one eye and see the gaping mouths and wide eyes we'd hoped to achieve. And then the comments started.

Foreman rolled his eyes as expected, but he also told Jess, "I hope you know what you're getting into."

It was Thirteen who said, "I knew it all along!", rather than Chase. "I saw the spark between the two of you right off the bat."

"But...but...you were always arguing." Wilson's eyes narrowed. "House, you said some pretty harsh things about Jess."

"And she wasn't your biggest fan, either," Chase said with a grin. "Well done!"

I smiled at him. At least some people approved.

"So, House is the mysterious boyfriend?" Taub smirked. "I guess we should have all seen this coming."

Petey appeared in the doorway from the kitchen. "Whatever happened to everyone? I don't know where you want anything to go, Jess. Oh, hi Dr. House. Here to help?"

"I'm mostly here to supervise," I told him, following him back to the kitchen, and leaving the others to discuss what they'd just learned.

"I'll come with you," Jess said, taking my left hand, much to her brother's puzzlement.

There were boxes all over the floor and counters, each with Jess' neat handwritten note: Kitchen. We had to open them, though, to see what was in each. I quickly found the coffeemaker and a few other essential items, and put them out on the counter. The rest of the unpacking would have to wait. Time to check on the bedroom furniture.

Wilson was already in the master bedroom, instructing the movers where to place the bed. It was a good thing I showed up when I did. "No, we want the headboard against that wall, so we're facing the windows, not the door."

They looked at Wilson for confirmation. He shrugged and told them., "It's his place, whatever he wants." He turned to me. "You never wanted your bed to face windows."

"So? I can change. I'm moving here, aren't I, with Jess."

He grudgingly admitted I had a point. "Frankly, I never thought I'd live to see this."

"There you are!" Jess said, entering the room. "I wondered where you'd gone off to." Her arm linked with mine. She was grinning, having the time of her life. "The caterer's here. Where should I have them set up lunch?"

"They can put it out on the counters and the butcher block in the kitchen, and everyone can help themselves."

I'd decided on something simple, just some deli meats and bread with all the fixings. Seeing that the movers were making progress in the bedroom, I followed Jess and Wilson back to the kitchen. Moving was hungry work.

But before we could reach the food, Taub stopped us to ask, "Where do you want the book boxes?" There were built-in shelves in the living room so I told him that's where they should go. I'd probably move some of them to other parts of the condo, but we could start there. Then Chase showed up with a wooden box, but before he could ask about it, I told him, "Hall closet." No need for him to know what was in it, or why I had it.

I finally reached my goal. Jess was already making a roast beef sandwich for me. I figured everyone would find the food when they realized there was some, but she insisted on making the rounds and letting them all know. Munching on my lunch, I followed. For once I was glad Jess had befriended my entire team. If they ever gave up medicine, they could take a job in furniture arrangement.