Summary: A bookstore was where it all began, from there, it lead to much more. He was her friend, confidante and love of her life. Gregory House was her everything, and she was his. It started out playful and unexpected, but there's one thing that can change everything. The island.

- steps in the sand -

Chapter Twenty-Nine/Epilouge

"You know the agreement," House internally rolled his eyes at Kristen Cuddy's as he waited by the bag check in Logan Airport, both his and Cuddy's bags at his feet. He had their plane tickets to Trenton tucked in his pocket and her coffee in one hand, his eyes scanning the crowd. "I want you to stay with Greg's family for a few days then you need to come back so we can continue our usual New Years tradition."

"I know," Cuddy replied, grinning widely, "I already let Greg's parents know that too, and I've got my flight back." She stepped forwards as the loudspeaker called out the last boarding call of her and House's departing flight to Trenton and hugged both her parents quickly, then Julia, before turning towards the gates. Giving her family a wave, she and House both headed towards the bag check and planes.

- steps in the sand -

"You nervous at all?" House leaned over after they were about half an hour into the flight, balancing an ancient looking book, the airplane-provided bottle of water, and the complementary bag of chips. "It's not like I've told you a whole lot about my family."

"A bit," Cuddy couldn't help but crack her usual nervous smile, even under House's gaze, "I think it's mostly your dad..." she twirled a strand of hair around her finger. "I mean, you rarely talk about him."

"Exactly," House nodded, almost in approval of her words, "You should be worried about how he reacts to meeting you, and about our relationship. He might not be too keen about the idea of us dating..." He stopped, glancing out the window, not too keen on finishing his sentence.

"Why do you think that?"

"Because he's who he is," House replied, as if he was closing the discussion. "You'll see when you meet him, I assume." He passed the empty bag of chips and Cuddy's empty bag of pretzels to the flight attendant, before tucking his bottle of water away in his backpack. "He's not the most welcoming guy when it comes to meeting my friends. I'd say that Wilson and Katheryn are really the only two that he's ever 'accepted', so to speak as being my friends."

"Well, it's not like you are the most outgoing person and have hundreds of friends Greg," Cuddy gave a quiet laugh, "You have your close friends and that's it."

"And you," House took Cuddy's hand, "You're more than just a close friend Lisa." He kissed her forehead lightly, and looked her in the eyes, "You mean everything to me, and nothing my dad says is going to change that. He has his eighteen years where he could screw up my life as much as he wanted, but that's over. Besides, I never treated him like a father, so why should I have to listen to him anyways?"

"Good point," Cuddy nodded,knowing how much House still hated his mother's insistence to come and visit them, and to bring her along with him. "But you're right, it's not their problem anymore."

"Of course not," House gave a sniff of disdain, "It never should have been. I'm not stupid, I can make my own decisions." He leaned forwards and kissed Cuddy's forehead again, "Right?"

"Exactly," Cuddy smiled, "And the same goes for me and my family, you know that." She laced her fingers through his and held his hand tightly, leaning into his side. Relaxing, she closed her eyes, making herself comfortable for the next hour of the flight.

"Hey Lisa," House whispered quietly in her ear, just seconds after she had made herself comfortable. His lips brushed her ear gently, his voice just above a whisper. "I love you."

Cuddy smiled to show that she had heard him and squeezed his hand, allowing herself to nap quietly for the rest of the flight.

AN: Okay, guys, sorry if it's a bit of a cliff-hanger at the end, but I've grown tired of this story and had I not decided to finish it, then where would be two more parts that follow this. But if you want to read more stuff by me, then feel free to.

Thanks,

KM