Chapter 24
It was nearly six in the morning, the soft hues of dawn seeping through the curtains, painting the room in gentle shades of pink and orange. Cuddy stirred from her slumber with a sense of purpose, her mind already focused on the tasks that lay ahead. She moved gracefully around the room, the floorboards creaking softly beneath her feet, as she silently prepared for the day.
With practiced efficiency, Cuddy selected outfits for Hope and Rachel, choosing clothes that would keep them comfortable for the journey ahead. Each garment was carefully folded and placed in their respective bags, a testament to Cuddy's meticulous nature and her unwavering attention to detail.
As she approached the bed, she couldn't help but smile at the sight of her daughters nestled under the covers, their faces peaceful in the early morning light. House must have been in the bathroom, as only Hope and Rachel slept in the bed.
"Hope," Cuddy called softly, gently nudging her daughter awake. "Rachel," she called to the younger girl, who only grumbled and tried to bury her face in the pillow. But Hope whispered something to her sister, prompting Rachel to open her eyes.
"More cooperative," Cuddy remarked with surprise. "Let's get you dressed for the day" she said, lifting Rachel out of bed just as House emerged from the bathroom, already dressed in a white shirt and jeans.
"Daddy," Rachel called from her mother's arms, and House wordlessly kissed the top of her head. He and Cuddy shared a brief kiss before they both turned their attention to the girls.
"Daddy," Hope said, walking over to her father and wrapping her arms around him. House lifted her up, finding solace in the embrace of his daughter. "I love you, Daddy," Hope whispered.
"I love you too, Hope," House replied, holding her tightly. In that moment, surrounded by his family, House felt a sense of gratitude wash over him. Despite the uncertainty of his father's condition, he found strength in the love and support of his wife and daughters.
An hour and half later House glanced at his daughters, ensuring they were securely buckled into their car seats. "Are you sure you want to drive?" Cuddy asked again as she settled into the passenger seat beside him.
"Yeah, I need to focus on something else," he replied, pulling out of the driveway. "We can switch halfway if you want."
"For me, you can drive the whole way," she said.
"Girls," Cuddy turned around to address them, "we're headed to Lexington, Massachusetts, which is about a five-hour drive. So, we've got coloring books and games back there."
Hope's exasperated expression at the sight of children's books and coloring pages indicated that they weren't her preferred choice of entertainment, but Cuddy smiled. "You can read this, Hope," she handed her a hefty book - Netter's Atlas of Human Anatomy.
"I've been dying to read this!" Hope exclaimed excitedly. "You're the only one who gets excited about reading Netter," House quipped, trying to lighten the mood. "I want to see too!" Rachel chimed in upon seeing the hefty book her sister had. "We can read it together, Rach," Hope affectionately offered to her sister. "Awesome," she said. "A road trip with Netter," he said, and Cuddy smiled. "Five hours, girls, okay?" They nodded, and he began the journey. It would be five hours during which he would leave his life in Princeton behind to return to Lexington, a place he never thought he'd desire. He glanced at her by his side and placed his hand on her leg, and they shared a smile. Looking in the rearview mirror, he saw his daughters once again, now immersed in the vibrant images of the book.
Halfway through their journey, the midday sun cast warm rays into the car, painting the interior with a golden hue. Hope's voice, sweet and innocent, filled the air as she flipped through the pages of the Netter's Atlas of Human Anatomy, eagerly explaining the intricacies of the human body to Rachel. The rhythmic hum of the tires on the asphalt provided a soothing background to their journey, lulling the two girls into a peaceful slumber.
Cuddy stole glances at her daughters in the rearview mirror, her heart swelling with love and gratitude. "Sometimes it still feels like a dream when I see the two of them," she confessed softly, her gaze lingering on the sleeping forms in the backseat.
House, his eyes fixed on the road ahead, couldn't help but smile at the sight. "Soon we'll have three to look after," he remarked, his hand instinctively drifting to rest on Cuddy's belly, where their unborn child softly kicked.
Cuddy placed her hand over his, feeling the warmth of his touch and the reassuring movements of their baby within. "At least we'll be able to tell your parents in person," she said, her voice tinged with anticipation.
"Assuming my dad lives long enough for us to tell him," House interjected, his tone laced with worry as he navigated the winding roads.
"He'll make it, House," Cuddy responded with unwavering certainty, her eyes reflecting her conviction. "We have a team waiting for him at PPTH," she reassured him. "It's your decision. If you think it's best, there's a team waiting."
House nodded, his jaw set in determination as he contemplated the weight of their choices. "The decision is ours," he affirmed, stealing a glance at Cuddy, his eyes full of resolve. "We'll be there in no time."
As the car came to a stop in front of his parents' house, House felt a wave of unfamiliarity wash over him. It had been nearly 15 years, if not more, since he last set foot in Lexington. Taking a deep breath, he knew his mother would be waiting for them.
"Daddy," Rachel's voice broke him out of his momentary trance. "I'm hungry," she declared, her stomach rumbling. It was well past noon, and both she and Hope would have typically had lunch by now on any other day.
"We've just arrived, girls. We'll get something to eat soon," Cuddy explained reassuringly. "Is your mom home?" she asked House, who nodded in confirmation. "Do you want to go in first, and we'll wait here?" she offered, but he declined.
"They need to stretch their legs, and so do I," House said, unbuckling his seatbelt. "And frankly," he lowered his voice, "I'd rather have you with me." His words elicited a smile from Cuddy.
Exiting the car, House helped Hope and Rachel out of their seats. They were still getting out when the front door of the house swung open.
"Oh, Greg," his mother exclaimed, but House said nothing and embraced her warmly.
"Better come in," Blythe said, and couldn't help but smile when Cuddy greeted her. "We wish we could have shared the news in a different way," Cuddy said, as Blythe's hand was placed on her belly.
"I'm so happy," Blythe said, her eyes filled with joy. "So happy, Lisa."
"Nana!" Rachel exclaimed happily, rushing to hug her grandmother. "Hi, baby," Blythe said, embracing Rachel. "Hi, Grandma," Hope added, joining the hug. Blythe kissed the tops of their heads affectionately.
"Your room is ready, Greg," she informed her son, who carried the bags upstairs to his old room. "And the guest room is ready for the girls," she explained. "You didn't need to worry, Mom," he assured her, but still went to take care of things.
Fifteen minutes later, when he returned, Cuddy was in the kitchen with Blythe, while the girls were eating something. "Do you want anything to eat, Greg?" his mother offered, but he shook his head. "Cuddy and I wanted to go to the hospital to check on my father's condition," he explained as his mother nodded. "Go ahead, I'll stay with the girls," she offered, and he agreed.
"Rach, Hope, Mom and I are going to the hospital," House told them as they listened attentively. "You'll stay here with Grandma, okay?"
"yes daddy," they said in unison. "As soon as we know something, we'll let you know," he assured his mother.
-/-
When House and Cuddy arrived at Mount Auburn Hospital, they headed to the reception where they were greeted by a friendly receptionist.
"Good afternoon, my name is Dr. Gregory House, and my father, Jonathan House, is admitted here. We would like to speak with the attending physician," House said politely.
The receptionist smiled and replied, "Dr. House and Mrs. House, I assume?" House shook Cuddy's hand in agreement. "Dr. Cuddy," he corrected.
"Of course," the receptionist said, smiling, and made a call. "You can go up to the first floor; Dr. Zimmer is waiting for you."
They thanked the receptionist and followed the instructions, heading to the first floor of the hospital in search of Dr. Zimmer. The hallway was bustling, with nurses and doctors hurrying past. Upon reaching the door to Dr. Zimmer's office, House and Cuddy knocked lightly before entering.
"Dr. House, Dr. Cuddy," a middle-aged man dressed in a white coat greeted them at the door of his office. "Dr. Zimmer," House shook the man's hand, as did Cuddy. "I didn't know John was your father," he said, referring to House. "We came from Princeton today," House explained. "What's my father's condition?" He asked. "Unfortunately, I don't have the best news."
Dr. Zimmer proceeded to describe John House's critical and unstable health condition. He explained that as a hospital, they lacked the necessary resources to provide further treatment, and due to his unstable condition, they deemed it unsafe to transfer him.
"We have a team ready to receive him at Princeton-Plainsboro," Cuddy interjected, but the doctor inquired, "May I still initiate discussions with the Dean of Medicine at PPTH today?" He offered, but she smiled, "There's no need; I've already authorized everything," she explained, revealing herself as the Dean of Medicine. "Anyway," he handed her the medical file and extended, "We don't usually provide patients' medical records to family members, but as a professional courtesy, I made this copy for you," he said. "We need to try to stabilize him first; otherwise, I don't believe he'll withstand a five-hour transfer to Princeton."
"Thank you for the copy," Cuddy said, taking the medical file. "We appreciate your professionalism."
House furrowed his brow, absorbing the gravity of the situation. "What are his chances?" he asked, his voice laced with concern.
Dr. Zimmer hesitated before responding, choosing his words carefully. "It's hard to say at this point," he began. "Given his current condition, it's a delicate situation. We're doing everything we can, but I won't sugarcoat it – it's going to be na uphill battle."
Cuddy placed a reassuring hand on House's shoulder. "We'll do whatever it takes to help him," she said firmly, her gaze unwavering.
House nodded, a determined glint in his eyes. "Let's get to work, then," he said, his voice tinged with resolve. "We won't give up on him."
-/-
Hope sat on the soft cushions of the sofa, her legs swinging back and forth as she engrossed in the pages of the book her mother had given her. The weight of worry lingered in the air, casting a shadow over her usual bright demeanor, she felt a little nervous inside, like butterflies flapping around in her tummy, She traced her fingers over the intricate illustrations, her mind drifting between the lines of text and the uncertainty that loomed over her grandfather's health.
Meanwhile, Rachel sat at the nearby table, her tiny hands gripping a set of colorful markers as she brought the pages of her coloring book to life. With each stroke, she poured her innocence and optimism onto the pages, oblivious to the weight of the situation surrounding her.
Their grandma was there too, sitting close by and giving Rachel little tips on how to color inside the lines. Grandma's voice was soft and comforting, like a warm blanket wrapping around Hope's shoulders. Hope found solace in her grandmother's presence, her soothing voice providing a sense of reassurance amidst the turmoil.
When the distant chime of the ice cream truck reached their ears, Hope's eyes lit up with excitement. The promise of a sweet treat offered a brief respite from the heavy atmosphere, and she eagerly followed her grandmother outside to the backyard.
"Would you like some ice cream?" Grandma asked, to which Rachel beamed and exclaimed, "Yes! Chocolate, please!" Hope nodded eagerly and added, "I'd like strawberry, please." Their preferences noted, Grandma returned with the frozen treats, the sweet aroma wafting through the air as she handed each of them their chosen flavors.
As they settled on the lush grass beneath the shade of a towering tree, Hope savored each delicious bite of her ice cream cone. The cool sweetness melted on her tongue, momentarily transporting her away from the worries that plagued her mind. In that fleeting moment, surrounded by the comforting embrace of family, Hope allowed herself to forget the weight of the world and simply enjoy the simple joys of childhood.
Hope sat next to her grandma on the porch steps, the spring sun casting a warm glow as it neared the horizon. Despite the approaching sunset, there was still plenty of time for her and Rachel to play outside while they waited for their parents.
When House and Cuddy finally returned to his parents' house, it was already nighttime. He had a key to their house, but he opted to knock on the door. It was Hope who answered. "Daddy! Mommy!" Hope hugged House tightly. He didn't realize how much he needed to have his daughters in his arms until he did. Holding Hope close, he embraced her tightly. The scent of her childlike shampoo was like a soothing balm for his soul. It had been a day of intense emotions, emotions he struggled to accept: returning to his parents' home, seeing his father fighting for his life in a hospital bed, all the confusing feelings he experienced, the memories of childhood he'd rather forget. So, the embrace of his daughter, stepping into the house, it was exactly what he needed, even if he didn't know he needed it.
He set Hope down and kissed the top of her head. Rachel ran to him, and he hugged his younger daughter while Hope hugged her mother.
"Greg, Lisa," Blythe called. Her tone conveyed concern, but House's expression showed they weren't bringing good news. "Let's eat first," Blythe suggested, indicating it would be better to talk after the girls had gone to bed.
Blythe had made a meatloaf for everyone and had taken care to prepare a vegetable stew for Cuddy, considering her vegetarian diet. "Can Rachel eat without the highchair now?" She asked, worried. "She's taking her first steps," Cuddy explained. "Sometimes it's a bit challenging, but she's much better." She reassured. Rachel grinned proudly. "Mommy, today I had a chocolate ice cream!" She told her mother. "I hope that's not a problem," Blythe said, trying to explain herself, but Cuddy immediately said, "She eats everything, moderately. It's okay." She smiled.
"Mom, Hope's was strawberry, but she let me taste it!" Rachel said excitedly. "And we played in the garden! And I colored the pictures, and Hope read to me!" She said in one breath, with a huge smile.
"It sounds like you had na amazing day, Rach," House said, picking up his daughter. "Let's wash off the sticky ice cream from our hands and have dinner, okay?"
"Yes, Daddy," Rach said, and they went to wash their hands with Hope. Cuddy couldn't help but notice Blythe's maternal happiness at seeing her son in the role of a father. "He's amazing with them," Cuddy said to Blythe, who was still looking down the hallway where they had gone.
"Greg is very special," Blythe began, her voice tinged with a mixture of nostalgia and pride. "He's always been a bit different, you see. Even as a child, he had this remarkable way of looking at the world. He questioned everything, challenged the why of the world. It made him a handful to raise, I won't lie, but it also made him who he is today."
She paused, reflecting on her son's journey. "For a long time, I wasn't sure if Greg would ever settle down, if he would find someone who truly understood him. He had his demons, his struggles, and he wore them like armor. But then you came along, Lisa," she said, turning to Cuddy with a warm smile. "And everything changed."
"I always prayed that Greg would find happiness, that he would find someone who could match his wit, his intellect, his passion for life. And when I see the way he looks at you, the way he lights up when he's with you and the girls, I know that my prayers were answered," she continued, her eyes glistening with emotion.
"And now, seeing him as a father, seeing the love and care he pours into Hope and Rachel, it's like witnessing a miracle. He's become everything I ever hoped he would be, and more," Blythe said, her voice filled with genuine affection.
"So, thank you, Lisa, for bringing so much joy into my son's life, for giving him the family he always deserved. You're a blessing to us all," she concluded, reaching out to squeeze Cuddy's hand tenderly.
"I'm the lucky one, Blythe," she said. "He's my dream come true."
The dinner passed without major incidents, and it was already past the girls' bedtime when House and Cuddy finally tucked them into the guest room bed. "Mommy, I'm not sleepy!" Rachel protested as her mother placed her on the bed next to Hope, who was clearly on the verge of falling asleep. "Rachel!" House scolded her, frowning. "Let's do this: you lie down and let your sister sleep too," suggested House, trying to calm his daughter. Rachel glanced at Hope, but instead of complying, she decided to disturb her: "Hope, wake up!"
"RACHEL!" The parents reprimanded her simultaneously. "That's not nice!" Cuddy scolded her firmly, seeing tears begin to well up in the girl's eyes. "Let's try to sleep and let Hope rest too," House insisted, trying to calm Rachel down. "Close your eyes and cuddle your bunny," suggested Cuddy, handing her the stuffed bunny. Rachel might have thought she wasn't sleepy, but it didn't take more than five minutes for her to fall into a deep sleep. They kissed both girls on the forehead, smiled, and closed the door softly.
"Greg," his mother called from the living room, where she was seated on the couch. House approached and enveloped her in a hug. "What did the doctors say?"
"Mom," he began as he sat beside her, "Dad isn't stable. He's having successive heart attacks, and without ventilation, he can't hold on. The hospital here doesn't have many resources, so we're trying to expedite everything for him to be transferred to Princeton, where we have a team waiting for him."
As House spoke, Blythe's expression betrayed a mix of concern and pain, though she remained composed and collected. "Blythe, we have a team ready for him in Princeton, and we're assisting the medical team here in stabilizing him," Cuddy explained reassuringly. "As soon as he can be taken off the ventilator, we'll transfer him immediately."
"At PPTH, we have more resources and better conditions," House added, but his mother pressed him for more information. "Greg, what are Dad's chances?"
"It's hard to say," he replied truthfully but vaguely. "The chances, Greg?"
"50%, maybe less," he admitted frankly. "It depends on how he responds tonight."
-/-
He hadn't slept in that room for many years, nor had he set foot in it for a long time. Since leaving high school, it hadn't been his room… He never imagined that many years later he would be sharing the room with his pregnant wife, with their two older daughters sleeping in the room across the hall.
But there he was, the bed they they were now sharing was significantly smaller than their usual one. However, this meant she would sleep nestled against him, and he didn't mind at all. He enjoyed having her in his arms, and she enjoyed being being in his arms.
"I left the door slightly open in case Rachel or Hope wake up and feel confused, and want to be with us," Cuddy told him, and he nodded. "Your childhood room is quite unique," she commented, trying to lighten the tense atmosphere.
House's lacrosse gear, including his helmet and stick, was proudly displayed on one wall of his room, serving as a reminder of his athletic achievements. Posters featuring action shots of lacrosse players in mid-game adorned the surrounding walls, capturing the intensity and excitement of the sport.
A lacrosse trophy sat prominently on a shelf, a testament to House's skill and dedication to the game. The room exuded na air of competitiveness, with lacrosse equipment serving as both decoration and a source of inspiration for House's own aspirations.
Despite his academic pursuits, House's love for lacrosse was evident in the meticulous care with which he preserved his gear and the pride with which he displayed it in his room. It was a reminder that he was not only a brilliant mind but also a skilled athlete, capable of excelling in multiple arenas of life.
Cuddy settled into the bed beside him, allowing him to wrap his arms around her. "You should teach the girls how to play lacrosse," she suggested, smiling at them. "Do you think they'd enjoy it?" he asked.
"With Rachel's adoration for you, she'll definitely love it," she said, snuggling into his embrace. "And Hope loves sports, so she'll likely enjoy learning too," she concluded, and he smiled. "We can give it a try tomorrow," he said, "if my dad improves."
"What do you think of his clinical condition?" she asked.
"There's no point in sugarcoating it for you," he said. "You know as well as I do, if he was my patient, I'd say that his situation was very critical, and he'd likely pass away in the coming days," he said seriously, and unfortunately, she couldn't disagree with him.
"But we're giving him medication to stabilize him," Cuddy referred to the medication they had introduced. "They'll contact us with any updates."
"Yes," House agreed. "I couldn't do any of this without you, Cuddles. I love you," he said, kissing his wife.
"I love you too," Cuddy replied, kissing him back. "Na na na," she said, feeling his hand slide down the side of ger sleep shirt. "Oh, Cuddles..."
"Your mom is sleeping two rooms away from ours," she reminded him.
"She's a heavy sleeper," he argued.
"Our daughters are across the hall," she countered.
"They're heavy sleepers too," he replied.
"House, I just can't," she said.
"This is torture," he argued. "And if they hear us, forget it." Cuddy told him.
"At least one goodnight kiss," he requested, and she obliged. "Goodnight, Cuddles," he said, and she nestled into his embrace as he rested his hand on her belly.
"Goodnight, House," she whispered, looking down at her belly. "Goodnight, baby girl " she murmured softly.
And with that, they drifted off to sleep, wrapped in each other's arms, finding solace in their love and the anticipation of the new life growing within Cuddy's womb.
Throughout that night, sleep seemed to elude House, who watched the hours pass by on the old bedside clock: 3 am, 4 am, 5 am, and as it reached 6 am, he thought a walk around the house might help clear his mind. Gently parting from Cuddy, who slept peacefully beside him, he silently left the room and made his way to the one across the hall.
The blinds were slightly open, allowing the dawn's light to trickle in. Hope and Rachel were still sound asleep, and he stood there, watching his daughters, while his mind wandered through the changes of the past two years.
He could still feel the calloused grip of his right hand, a remnant from years of using his cane, which now lay unused and tucked away. Two years that had reshaped his priorities and perspectives. The loneliness that once consumed him now felt distant, as did the pain. He yearned for the simple moments of family life: the girls' laughter, Cuddy's voice, warm embraces, cozy movie nights, Sunday strolls, family dinners, and car rides from school where conversations flowed freely.
More than medical cases, puzzles, or solved mysteries, he longed for those moments. As he observed his daughters sleeping peacefully, a smile crept onto his face, reveling in the joy that their presence brought him.
Unbeknownst to him, Cuddy silently entered the room, approaching him and intertwining her fingers with his. Resting her head on his shoulder, he placed a tender kiss on the top of her head. No words were exchanged, but the silence between them spoke volumes. It was the love and deep connection they shared, a bond that transcended the need for words.
-/-
A few hours later, Rachel and Hope woke up, their minds buzzing with energy as they greeted each other with sleepy smiles. "Good morning, Rach," Hope chirped to her younger sister, who was already wide awake. "Morning, Hope," Rachel replied, her grin widening. "Where are Mommy and Daddy?" she asked, her eyes darting around the room.
"They're probably downstairs with Grandma," Hope explained, gesturing for Rachel to follow her. Still dressed in matching white pajamas, the two girls descended the stairs hand in hand, their anticipation palpable.
"Daddy!" Rachel called out, reaching her arms out for her father as he turned towards them, a warm smile on his face. "Morning," she greeted him, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Good morning, sweetie," Cuddy said, enveloping Hope in a hug. "Did you sleep well, Hope?" she asked, her motherly concern evident in her voice. Hope nodded eagerly, her face lighting up at the attention.
"Morning, Daddy," she said as her father kissed her forehead while still holding Rachel in his arms.
"Where's Grandma?" Hope inquired, turning her attention back to her father as he settled Rachel into one of the kitchen chairs and handed her a peeled banana to munch on. "She went to early morning mass. She should be back soon, probably with some bread for breakfast," he explained, a smile playing on his lips. "And Grandpa?" Hope pressed further.
"He's still in the hospital, sweetheart," her mother explained. "But he's getting better," she added, her eyes reflecting a glimmer of hope.
Hope beamed at her parents. "Fruits or cereal?" her father asked, and she opted for cereal. He handed her a bowl of cereal and explained, "We won't be able to go to the hospital until late afternoon, so let's make the most of the morning and explore the city, okay?"
"Yeah!" Rachel exclaimed eagerly, her excitement bubbling over.
"Are you sure, House?" Cuddy questioned, but he nodded confidently. "He's stable now. There's no point in us staying cooped up at home waiting for the time to pass," he reasoned. "I need to see something other than the walls of this house."
One hour later
Rachel and Hope were dressed in matching white overalls with pink shirts and collars, a charming amd warm ensemble chosen by Cuddy for their outing to a nearby park. Rachel dashed straight for the swings with her father in tow, while Hope lingered by Cuddy's side.
"Mommy," Hope began as they settled on a garden bench in the park near her grandparents' house, "I wanted to ask you something."
Cuddy glanced at her daughter, seating herself and welcoming Hope onto her lap. She could see House playing with Rachel on the jungle bars in the distance. "What is it, sweetheart?"
"Daddy said you are Jewish," Hope said, uncertain of how to broach the topic.
Cuddy marveled at Hope's emotional intelligence. "That's true, Hope. Do you know what that means?"
"It's like me, right? Just different," Hope replied, meeting her mother's gaze with earnest curiosity. "I'm Catholic," she added, searching her mother's eyes for any sign of discomfort.
Cuddy knew this was a question that would inevitably arise sooner or later. "That's right, Hope. You grew up in a Catholic convent, you believe in what you were taught, and you're a wonderful girl. You have a big heart, capable of forgiveness and love for others. You're everything I've ever dreamed of," she said, brushing a blonde lock of her daughter's hair behind her ear and planting a kiss on her cheek. "Your grandparents are Catholic too, and that's perfectly okay."
"And you?" Hope inquired.
"I was raised to believe in another religion," Cuddy explained, meeting her daughter's gaze. "And because of that religion, my mother committed the worst of crimes – she took you away from me," Cuddy continued, her voice tinged with sorrow. "My faith right now is complicated, because it's been shaken. If I ever decide to profess my faith again, it will be my decision."
"Can I be me?" Hope asked.
"You should always be true to yourself," Cuddy affirmed, looking into her daughter's eyes with a warm smile.
"I think you're amazing, Mommy," Hope said, gazing at her mother. "You're the best mommy in the world to me, Rachel, amd you will be to Paige, and you take such good care of your patients, and everyone around you" Hope continued. "Even if your faith isn't okay right now, I know you're amazing," she said, embracing her mother. "I love you."
"I love you too, so much Hope" Cuddy wiped away the tears that had fallen and hugged her daughter again. "We still have to decide what the baby will be named," she chuckled, but Hope persisted. "And if one day you want to, Mommy, I'd like you to teach me about your faith."
Cuddy kissed her daughter once more and smiled. "One day I will baby, I promise."
"Now I think your sister is calling for you, baby," she said, pointing to Rachel and House playing on the swings.
As she watched Rachel and Hope frolic with their father, Cuddy felt a profound sense of gratitude for her family and the love that bound them together.
"Nana is here," Rachel said, her eyes lighting up with a warm smile as they settled into their seats at a cozy restaurant nestled near the playground where her granddaughters had been playing.
Hope's face lit up with excitement as she spotted her grandmother approaching. "It's grandma!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with joy as she waved enthusiastically. "I hope I'm not too late," she chimed in with a bright smile, her youthful energy contagious. "I just got back from the hospital," her grandmother responded, her smile reflecting relief. She glanced over at Greg with a reassuring nod. "Dad is doing better," she announced, her voice filled with optimism, and Greg nodded in agreement, his expression reflecting a sense of relief.
"They called me too," Greg confirmed, his voice steady and reassuring. "We're transferring him to Princeton tomorrow," Cuddy added, her tone conveying a mix of determination and relief. "Everything's ready for him there," she continued, casting a grateful smile towards Blythe. "House will be the attending who will accompany him during the trip just to be safe," she explained, her gaze shifting towards her husband with a look of gratitude and solidarity. "And I'll take the car with the girls. Blythe will ride with me as well," she concluded, her voice filled with assurance and readiness for the tasks ahead.
"Oh darling, I need to make a few phone calls first," Blythe said, her smile warm and gentle. But it was House who interjected, "You're not staying with Aunt Anna. She depressed everyone, she can even depressed na multi depressed person prescribed with Prozac," he said, feigning na exaggerated horror.
"You're staying with us, Blythe," Cuddy explained, her smile unwavering. "And we won't take no for na answer."
"But I don't want to impose," Blythe protested, but Cuddy smiled reassuringly. "It's no imposition at all. Rachel will sleep with Hope, and you'll have Rachel's room," she insisted.
"I don't want to disrupt Rachel's routine," Blythe persisted. "My sister lives near Princeton, it's much easier than changing things up for Rachel."
"Mom, if all goes well, it's just for a few days," House reassured her. "And you can always spend some time with Hope and Rachel," he offered, eliciting a smile from Blythe. "That's true," she said, smiling.
"So it's settled," Cuddy declared. "You're staying with us." Blythe smiled warmly in agreement.
"Mommy," Rachel called out, tugging at her sleeve. "I'm hungry."
"I bet you are, Rach," Cuddy replied, her tone affectionate. "Daddy already order for you."
House and Cuddy had only spent 20 minutes at the hospital, checking vital signs, confirming test results, and deciding, along with the medical team, that his father should remain in induced coma due to his fragile state, despite the favorable progress.
Returning home, they found Hope and Rachel playing in the backyard, and House thought about what Cuddy had mentioned the night before—teaching lacrosse to their daughters.
For years, the idea of having children hadn't crossed House's mind. As a teenager, it wasn't a consideration, and during his early medical career, pediatrics rotations led him to ponder a distant future with children. However, life unfolded differently, and the prospect of fatherhood never quite aligned with his personality. Then came Stacy, and neither of them desired children.
The prospect remained dormant until Cuddy, until she became pregnant with Hope. He grew accustomed to the idea that maybe having a child wouldn't be so bad. But then the dream died when Hope supposedly passed away, and he never properly mourned. Until they decided to try again, until he and Cuddy attempted to make room for love once more, and then Rachel came along—whom he chose to love, even without knowing. And then Hope returned, and now those two little beings were the most important people to him, soon to be three. Three daughters, three treasures he never knew he needed but were now his most precious possessions. He didn't know what it was like to love outside of his chest, to feel such a strong and strange, intense emotion. Those two little beings were his.
Hope had inherited his intelligence, his dimpled smile, his determined gaze, and from Cuddy, the color of her eyes, the delicate features, the kindness, the love for others. She was the best of both worlds.
Rachel... it was funny how everyone said Hope resembled Cuddy, with the same features, and how Rachel was more like him, with her light blue eyes, dimpled smile, and the undeniable bond they shared. Rachel wasn't his biologically speaking, but if he believed in the supernatural, Rachel was destined to be his daughter, to be their daughter.
"Hope, Rach," he called out as he entered the garden. "Who wants to play lacrosse?"
House then proceeded to explain the basics of lacrosse to his daughters, demonstrating some moves and techniques, immersing them in the sport with enthusiasm and patience. He showed them how to hold the stick, how to cradle the ball, and how to pass to each other. As they practiced, House's heart swelled with pride and joy, grateful for this unexpected opportunity to share his passion with his daughters.
While House played with his two daughters outside, Cuddy sat at the kitchen table with a cup of tea, chatting with Blythe. The two women watched from inside, observing House playing with the girls, unaware of their gaze.
"It's always a blessing to see him so happy," Blythe remarked. "Seeing him with the girls is like a dream come true."
"He's a great father," Cuddy confessed, watching her husband and daughters affectionately. "He's amazing with them, and they adore him," she said.
"And soon there will be three," Blythe said, and Cuddy looked at her, smiling. "How's the pregnancy going?"
"Very well, much better than I expected," Cuddy replied, resting her hand on her prominent belly. "I'm 22 weeks along, and so far, everything is going well with the baby," she said, taking a sip of tea.
"Have you chosen a name?" Blythe asked, smiling.
"We haven't even talked about it yet," Cuddy replied, laughing. "Rachel and Hope have already decided that the baby will be named Paige."
"It's a beautiful name," she said, smiling, but Cuddy chuckled.
"Rachel watches cartoons with House, and one of the pirates is named Paige. I think that's where the reference comes from," Cuddy said, smiling. "But House and I haven't decided on a name for our baby yet."
"Whatever it is, I'm sure it will be a lovely name," she assured her.
"I know I'm not your mother, Lisa," she said, trying to find the right words. "And I know your relationship with your mother has its challenges, but if you ever need help after my granddaughter is born, please tell me. I'll be more than happy to help you," she offered.
Cuddy had always had a somewhat distant relationship with her mother. She knew her mother favored Julia over her, that she was harsher and more uncompromising with her than with her sister. But what Arlene Cuddy had done to Hope was a crime, and she never wanted her mother to come near her daughters. Nor her family. And having her mother-in-law, House's mother, treating her so well showed that she was missing something in her life.
"Thank you so much, Blythe, not just for this but for everything," she said, touching her mother-in-law's hands. "You'll always have a place in our home," Cuddy assured her.
She smiled tenderly but remembered something she had prepared. "Wait a moment, my dear," she got up and fetched a box she had packed away. "I saved this to one day give to a grandchild of mine, it was Greg's when he was born."
Cuddy opened the box tenderly, inside she found na old and well-kept plush rabbit with a purple bow around its neck. "It meant a lot to me to be able to give this to a grandchild of mine, and nothing makes me happier than seeing my son happy, with a family of his own that loves him so much"
"I have no words to thank you," Cuddy said. "Thank you so much, Blythe. It means a lot to me and to House as well"
The two women smiled and returned their full attention to the lacrosse game unfolding outside. Soon, they would have another player on the team.