Chapter 15
The sun timidly pierced through the clouds, casting a gentle glow over the snow-covered landscape on that Saturday morning, December 21st, Rachel's fifth birthday.
Cuddy woke up just minutes before her alarm, the soft rays of dawn casting a warm hue over the room. House lay beside her, still deeply asleep, having woken up during the night when Rachel stirred.
She looked at him once more, struck by the realization of how lucky she was. He had changed, or at least shed the tough exterior he once wore, and had helped her create the family she had always dreamed of—a husband and two daughters. Though not perfect, life seemed to have granted her every wish.
Her phone rang again, jolting House awake this time. Rubbing his eyes, he grumbled at the noise and the dim light filtering through the room. "Okay, Mrs. Andrew, I hope he gets well soon. Yes, yes, tell him not to worry and to take his time. Yes, yes, don't worry," Cuddy reassured the caller before hanging up, feeling exasperated. "Good morning, Cuddles. Isn't it too early?" House murmured, pulling Cuddy closer to him, embracing her and planting gentle kisses on her neck. "What happened?"
"Andrew had a car accident last night. He fractured his leg and his right arm. They'll be on sick leave for quite some time," she sighed. "I have to get up and go to the hospital."
"Andrew is na idiot. Grillow can easily fill in for him," House suggested, referring to another endocrinologist at the hospital. "He can't. Grillow requested a transfer to Houston. Yesterday was his last day at PPTH. I can't run a hospital without na endocrinologist," she explained, frustrated.
House smiled, his trademark smirk playing on his lips. "Good thing the Dean of Medicine isn't na endocrinologist," he quipped, injecting humor into the conversation. "Cuddles, it's about time you got back to practicing medicine."
"I haven't stopped practicing medicine, House. I still do my clinic hours," she retorted.
House made a sarcastic remark about how the clinic could be run by circus monkeys. "You're na excellent doctor, Cuddy. The endocrinology department is in good hands with you, better than Andrew's for sure," he reassured her.
As Cuddy prepared to get out of bed, House tightened his embrace, reluctant to let her go. "Can't we just stay here a little longer?" he mumbled, pressing a soft kiss to her lips.
Cuddy chuckled, gently extricating herself from his arms. "As tempting as that sounds, we have a birthday girl to celebrate today," she reminded him, a fond smile playing on her lips.
House groaned playfully. "Right, the human tornado of excitement," he quipped, running a hand through his tousled hair. "I can already hear her bouncing off the walls."
"Exactly," Cuddy laughed, slipping out of bed and heading towards the bathroom. "And if we don't get up now, she'll be dragging us out of bed in no time."
As they stood under the warm spray of the shower, the conversation turned to their plans for Rachel's birthday. "Did you remember to pick up her present?" Cuddy asked, her voice tinged with a hint of concern.
"Of course I did," House replied, a mischievous glint in his eye. "I even wrapped it myself." He grinned at her incredulous expression before adding, "Don't worry, it's not a rubber duck this time."
Cuddy rolled her eyes, but a smile tugged at the corners of her lips. "Good to know," she teased, reaching for the shampoo. "And did you remember to order the cake?"
House's eyes widened in mock horror. "The cake! How could I forget?" he exclaimed dramatically, earning an amused chuckle from Cuddy. "Don't worry, I took care of it yesterday. It's the biggest one they had."
Cuddy raised an eyebrow. "I hope you didn't go overboard again," she remarked, a hint of amusement in her tone.
"Me? Never," House replied, feigning innocence. "Besides, it's not every day our little girl turns five."
As they finished their shower and got ready for the day, Cuddy couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude for the life they had built together. Despite the chaos and unpredictability of their profession, moments like these—simple, ordinary, yet filled with love—made it all worthwhile.
Meanwhile in Rachel's room
"Happy Birthday, Rachel!" Hope exclaimed as she entered her sister's room, a wide smile lighting up her face. Rachel, already awake and eager to start the day, grinned back at her sister.
"Thanks, Hope!" Rachel chirped, bouncing on her bed with excitement. " I'm five!"
"I know, right? You're practically ancient now," Hope teased, nudging her sister playfully. "But don't worry, you're still my little munchkin."
Rachel giggled "Am not! And I'm going to have the best birthday ever!"
"I'm sure you will," Hope replied, her voice filled with warmth. "Mom and Dad have some surprises planned for you, you know."
"Really?" Rachel's eyes widened with excitement. "Like what?"
Hope leaned in conspiratorially, lowering her voice to a whisper. "Well, I heard Dad talking about a magical unicorn that's going to fly us all to a secret birthday party in a castle made of candy."
Rachel's eyes lit up with wonder. "Wow, really? That sounds amazing!"
Hope chuckled, ruffling her sister's hair affectionately. "Maybe not a flying unicorn, but I'm sure it'll be something just as special."
Just then, House and Cuddy entered the room, their faces lit up with smiles as they joined in the celebration. "Happy Birthday, sweetheart!" Cuddy exclaimed, pulling Rachel into a tight hug.
House ruffled Rachel's hair affectionately. "Five years old already? Where does the time go?" he mused, a hint of nostalgia in his voice. "Well, I hope you're ready for na amazing day, because we've got lots of fun things planned for you."
Rachel's eyes widened with excitement as she looked up at her parents. "Really? Like what?" she asked eagerly.
Cuddy chuckled, exchanging a knowing glance with House. "You'll just have to wait and see," she teased, a playful twinkle in her eye. "But I promise it's going to be a day you'll never forget."
Cuddy gently lifted Rachel into her arms, feeling the warmth of her daughter's small body against her chest. She pressed a soft kiss to Rachel's forehead, her heart swelling with love. "Happy birthday, my baby girl," she whispered, her voice tender and filled with emotion.
House watched the intimate moment between mother and daughter with a soft smile, his eyes gleaming with pride and adoration. "And you, my little monkey," he said, turning to Hope, who stood nearby, still dressed in her pijamas. "You're growing up so fast too."
As Hope headed out the door, Cuddy turned back to Rachel, her heart overflowing with love for both her daughters. "Ready for your special day, birthday girl?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
Rachel nodded eagerly, her face lighting up with joy. "Yes, Mommy!" she exclaimed, reaching up to hug Cuddy tightly. "I'm so happy!"
"Are you excited for your big day, birthday girl?" House asked, crouching down to Rachel's level with a playful twinkle in his eyes.
Rachel's face lit up with excitement as she nodded vigorously. "Yes, Daddy!" she exclaimed, bouncing on the balls of her feet. "I can't wait to see what surprises you and Mommy have planned!"
Cuddy chuckled softly, reaching out to take Rachel's hand in hers. "Well, it's going to be a day full of fun and surprises, that's for sure," she said, her voice filled with love. "But first, let's get you ready for school."
With that, they headed off to help Hope get ready, the anticipation of the day ahead filling the air with excitement and joy. Once Hope was dressed and ready, they all piled into the car, ready to start the day together as a family.
As hours passed by swiftly, Cuddy found herself immersed in a whirlwind of patient consultations and medical decisions. By the time she returned to her office, the lunch hour had already arrived, leaving her with little time to spare before her next appointment.
As she kicked off her heels and sank into her desk chair, the door swung open to reveal House sauntering in, his trademark smirk firmly in place. "Ah, the joys of being a doctor," he remarked dryly, his eyes scanning the room for any signs of sustenance. "Never a dull moment, never a chance to eat."
Cuddy rolled her eyes, knowing all too well the demands of their profession. "Tell me about it," she replied, rubbing her temples to alleviate the beginnings of a headache. "And speaking of which, what's with the lab coat?"
House shrugged nonchalantly, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Oh, you know, just trying out a new fashion statement," he quipped, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Thought I'd channel my inner scientist for the day."
Cuddy arched na eyebrow, a hint of amusement playing on her lips. "Right, because you're known for your adherence to scientific protocol," she retorted, unable to suppress a chuckle.
House chuckled in response, his eyes dancing with mischief. "Hey, even renegade doctors need to protect their clothes from bodily fluids," he replied, flashing her a smug grin.
Cuddy shook her head in mock disbelief, but then her expression softened as a thought occurred to her. "Oh, by the way," she began, her tone turning more serious. "Hope's class is coming by today, isn't she? She's picking up the toys we collected for the doll hospital donation to the orphanage."
House nodded, his smirk fading into a more contemplative expression. "Yeah, she's swinging by after school," he confirmed, his voice softening ever so slightly.
Cuddy couldn't help but smile at the sight of House in his lab coat, knowing full well the sentimental reasons behind his choice of attire. "You're wearing the lab coat because of Hope, aren't you?" she teased, a playful glint in her eyes.
House's lips twitched into a half-smile, his gaze meeting hers with a mixture of affection and amusement. "Guilty as charged," he admitted, his voice tinged with warmth. "I guess I'm just a softie when it comes to our girls."
Cuddy's laughter filled the room, a melodious sound that chased away the tension of the morning. "Well, let's not keep our little softie waiting," she said, rising from her chair with renewed energy. "Lunch is definitely in order before Dr. Cuddy has to dive back into the chaos of clinic hours."
With a shared grin, they headed out of the office together, leaving behind the pressures of their work for a brief respite in each other's company.
As Cuddy, House, and Wilson sat down for lunch in the hospital cafeteria, they found themselves amidst the hustle and bustle of the midday rush. Amidst the clatter of trays and chatter of hospital staff, Cuddy turned to House with a request.
"Hey, House, mind doing me a favour? Could you swing by the bakery and grab Rachel's birthday cake on your way out later? I might be stuck in admin duties till 4 pm," she said, her tone laced with a hint of desperation amidst the chaos.
House glanced up from his meal, a smirk playing on his lips as he responded in his usual sarcastic manner. "Ah, just what I always wanted: a thrilling quest for sugary goodness," he quipped, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Sure thing, Cuddles. But don't expect me to slay any dragons on the way."
Cuddy rolled her eyes at his theatrics, but couldn't suppress a chuckle at his antics. "Thanks you," she replied, grateful for his willingness to help despite his grumbling.
As they continued their meal, a commotion caught their attention from across the cafeteria. A group of children in school uniforms, led by a teacher, were making their way through the crowd. Among them, Hope's face lit up as she spotted her father. "Daddy!" she cried out, running towards him with outstretched arms.
House's smile widened as he scooped his daughter into his embrace, her laughter filling the air. "Hey, pumpkin! Missed me?" he teased, holding her close.
Hope nodded eagerly, her eyes shining with excitement. "Yes, Daddy! I had so much fun at the doll hospital today!"
House grinned, his heart swelling with pride. "That's my girl! Did you fix any broken dolls?"
Hope nodded enthusiastically, recounting her adventures at the doll hospital as House listened attentively, his eyes sparkling with pride.
Meanwhile, Cuddy watched the tender scene with a soft smile, her heart warmed by the bond between father and daughter. She reached out to kiss Hope's forhead affectionately, her love for her family evident in her gentle touch.
Hope returned to her school classmates while her parents finnished their meals, Cuddy couldn't help but feel grateful for these simple moments of joy and laughter shared with her loved ones. In the midst of their hectic lives, it was these moments that made it all worthwhile.
A couple of hours later
House stormed into Cuddy's office just before 3 pm, his usual swagger on full display. However, before he could even settle into a chair, Cuddy cut him off.
"House, it's not even 3 yet. We still have na hour before we can leave," she pointed out, her tone a mix of amusement and exasperation. "And I highly doubt I'll be able to wrap up everything by 4."
Undeterred by her practicality, House dropped into the chair opposite her desk with exaggerated nonchalance. Leaning forward, he fixed her with a determined gaze. "Give me that report," he demanded, his tone laced with his trademark sarcasm.
Cuddy raised na eyebrow, caught off guard by his directness. "Seriously? You think we can finish all this paperwork in na hour?" she questioned, her skepticism evident.
House grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Two heads are better than one, Cuddles," he quipped, the corners of his lips curling into a smirk. "And I happen to be the best head you've got."
Cuddy couldn't help but roll her eyes at his self-assuredness, but there was a hint of admiration in her gaze. "Fine," she relented, passing him the stack of papers. "But if we get caught, you're taking the blame."
"Deal," House replied, his grin widening as he dove into the paperwork with characteristic gusto. "Not a word to anyone, Cuddles," he added, his tone conspiratorial.
For the next hour, the office was filled with the sound of rustling papers and occasional muttered curses as they worked side by side. Despite their banter and occasional disagreements, there was a surprising efficiency to their collaboration. And by the time the clock struck 4, they had made significant progress, much to both of their astonishment.
As they gathered their things to leave, Cuddy couldn't help but smirk at House. "I have to admit, you're not as useless as you look," she teased, a playful glint in her eye.
House chuckled, shooting her a mock-offended look. "Flattery will get you nowhere, Cuddles," he retorted, but there was a hint of satisfaction in his tone. "But I'll take it anyway."House stormed into Cuddy's office just before 3 pm, his usual swagger on full display. However, before he could even settle into a chair, Cuddy cut him off.
"House, it's not even 3 yet. We still have na hour before we can leave," she pointed out, her tone a mix of amusement and exasperation. "And I highly doubt I'll be able to wrap up everything by 4."
Undeterred by her practicality, House dropped into the chair opposite her desk with exaggerated nonchalance. Leaning forward, he fixed her with a determined gaze. "Give me that report," he demanded, his tone laced with his trademark sarcasm.
Cuddy raised na eyebrow, caught off guard by his directness. "Seriously? You think we can finish all this paperwork in na hour?" she questioned, her skepticism evident.
House grinned, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Two heads are better than one, Cuddles," he quipped, the corners of his lips curling into a smirk. "And I happen to be the best head you've got."
Cuddy couldn't help but roll her eyes at his self-assuredness, but there was a hint of admiration in her gaze. "Fine," she relented, passing him the stack of papers. "But if we get caught, you're taking the blame."
"Deal," House replied, his grin widening as he dove into the paperwork with characteristic gusto. "Not a word to anyone, Cuddles," he added, his tone conspiratorial.
For the next hour, the office was filled with the sound of rustling papers and occasional muttered curses as they worked side by side. Despite their banter and occasional disagreements, there was a surprising efficiency to their collaboration. And by the time the clock struck 4, they had made significant progress, much to both of their astonishment.
As they gathered their things to leave, Cuddy couldn't help but smirk at House. "I have to admit, you're not as useless as you look," she teased, a playful glint in her eye.
House chuckled, shooting her a mock-offended look. "Flattery will get you nowhere, Cuddles," he retorted, but there was a hint of satisfaction in his tone. "But I'll take it anyway."
As the four of them gathered in the room, the table set with colorful decorations and a birthday cake adorned with a large pink unicorn in the center, Cuddy couldn't help but feel a swell of emotion. The words "Happy Birthday Rachel" adorned the cake, with five candles matching the cake's hues, flickering softly in the dim light.
As they began to sing the familiar birthday song, Cuddy couldn't help but marvel at how quickly her little baby was growing up. Rachel, now five years old, sat at the head of the table, her eyes sparkling with excitement as her family serenaded her.
With each verse of the song, Cuddy's heart swelled with love for her daughter. She couldn't help but reflect on the joy and wonder Rachel had brought into their lives since the day she was born. Her daughter was growing into such a bright and beautiful young girl, and Cuddy couldn't be prouder.
As the song reached its crescendo, Rachel leaned forward eagerly, her eyes shining with anticipation. With a deep breath, she leaned in and blew out the candles in one swift motion.
The room erupted into cheers and applause, and Cuddy couldn't help but join in, clapping loudly alongside her daughters. It was a moment of pure happiness, watching her girls laughing and celebrating together.
As Rachel's smile lit up the room, Cuddy couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude for the beautiful family they had created together. In that moment, surrounded by love and laughter, Cuddy knew that there was nowhere else she'd rather be.