House walked with Wilson over to Cuddy's room. She was finally being discharged. He stopped at her door, preparing himself, bracing himself for the worst.
"Good luck." Wilson patted him on the back.
"Encouragement doesn't work on me," and he slid the door open, then shut leaving Wilson in the hallway.
Wilson just stood by, watching from the window as they talked. House talked first. Cuddy had a shocked yet slightly saddened face. She turned around and faced away from him. And it changed to anger. She looked like she was yelling now. Not screaming, but at an upset tone.
House remained motionless in his arrogant pose. He just stared at her and stood by, as she gave him what for.
Cuddy was almost stifling her anger by the time she was done. All House did was look outside the window. Then he spoke something.
She didn't say anything. She just averted her eyes away from him. So he just stormed out, without another word.
"She said no?"
"She doesn't want me around either."
"She said so?"
"She chose so."
"You gave her the option? Why? Why, why, why, why, why, why. Why."
"We fought first. She started it, trust me, I was prepared to drop on my knees. But she gave me her spiel. Saying things like how incapable we are of having anything farther than a fling and this and that. I know she's just scared. Commitment is a scary feeling. But I never thought I'd be seeing it in her."
"So what'd you say to her?"
"I asked her if she wanted me around. For everything. She gave me a look. Appeared very angry and sad so I just walked out of there."
"I don't understand. I bet you anything she's just hormonal."
"Of course she's hormonal."
"Ask her again. Not now. Not tomorrow, not next week, not next month but when the baby comes. She should be back to normal and come to her senses and--"
"And the next eight or so months are going to be the hardest of my life."
"Wh--?"
"I want to be with her and I want to be there."
"Yes?"
House walked into an opening elevator as he left Wilson behind.
"So for the next eight months, I have to be there, without actually being there."
And the doors closed on Wilson's slightly satisfied face.
______________________________________________
Over the next few months, House strived to keep his promise. He had Wilson go with Cuddy to all the appointments and sonograms to keep him updated. Around about the seventh month, Cuddy decided to get the furniture for the nursery. Not only the furniture but all the other necessities. So she called up Wilson and he came over to help her with the stuff. They had gone out for about two to three hours looking to almost all the stores, but they were all closed. They decided to do it another day and just go earlier. By the time they got back to Cuddy's, they were both exhausted.
"Have you painted the room yet?"
"I just had it finished yesterday. Come look."
After they took off their jackets, they made their way into the tiny nursery. Cuddy had left Rachel in her car seat on the sofa, fast asleep.
Cuddy and Wilson stood at the doorway of the nursery. A light was on in the room. But a light from a lamp.
"I thought you didn't have any furniture in here?"
"I don't--"
And she slowly opened the door to find the nursery, filled with everything they could possibly need.
Cuddy's mouth dropped as Wilson's eyes widened. She slowly began walking around the room looking at all the newly bought things.
There was a mahogany crib across the room with yellow bedding and sheets with a mobile twirling a moon a comet and a star overhead.
Besides the crib was a changing table. Your classic white changing table.
A small shelf, carrying the light they had seen resided by a rocking chair. The shelf carried many different children books and some small toys.
The rocking chair was covered in a child-like cushion, with a fleece blanket, hanging over its back. And finally, opposite of the crib, there was a small drawer, filled with clothes. Diapers, bibs, bottles, pacifiers, bonnets, shoes, socks, t-shirts, shorts, pants, and a one suit that said, "Mommy's the Boss" threaded in red.
Cuddy just looked at Wilson, almost accusingly.
"This was not me. I'm pretty sure I can't find decent stuff like this in a baby store."
She just looked away and went back to her beautiful room.
"So you painted it yellow huh? It's nice that the stuff matches.."
She was so overwhelmed tears of joy filled her eyes. She left the room smiling, going for some Kleenex.
Wilson, being very suspicious of this looked around the room. He studied every bit....And there it was, hiding in the shadows as an inconspicuous figure, lying against the wall behind the light.
He walked over, smiling slightly, showing a great deal of satisfaction before heaving a sigh. He grabbed House's cane and held it tightly in his hand. He gave it a squeeze as he shut his lips together, almost biting them.
"Well done House."
With that said, he walked over to the door and laid the cane behind it. He walked a few steps into the arch of the doorway and took a last look at the room.
"Well done."
And he shut the door, going for Cuddy, leaving the light on, and leaving House's cane to reside as a part of the room.
____________________________________________
Around a month after that Cameron and Wilson had thrown Cuddy a baby shower. They threw it in the doctors lounge, filled with streamers and balloons. Everyone had came. Foreman, Thirteen, Chase, Taub, and a few doctors and nurses from the hospital. Cuddy's younger sister Lauryn had also come. Lauryn looked a lot like Cuddy. Wavy hair, great smile, same shaped face. The only difference was the eyes. Cuddy had her fathers eyes as opposed Lauryn with her mothers. Lauryn acted completely different than Cuddy however. She was more lively and upbeat, and definitely more hyper. She was almost like House, without however, that one special quality of House.
Speaking of House, he out of all the people there, was expected most to come by Cameron and Wilson. In spite of their spat they had, they both had a feeling he would come anyway. But as the minutes passed, and the end of the party neared and neared, Cameron and Wilson threw each other looks, surprised and suspicious.
By the time everyone besides Cuddy, Lauryn, Wilson and Cameron had left, the lounge was completely trashed. All the gifts had been opened and the streamers had begun to fall on all their heads.
"Some wild party." Lauryn commented.
"Yeah, you two should be glad you don't have to clean it up," Cameron added.
"I'll help. Lisa, you go home. When I get back, you have to show me that nursery you keep talking about."
Wilson had bowed his head, forming a smile. Then he said,
"Lauryn's right. Go home. Rest."
"It'd do you some good. If I were you I'd hate being stuck in an extremely tight office all day."
"It's not tight."
"Compared to what I'm used to yeah."
"Wait Cuddy you missed something." Cameron was beside all the presents. She was bent down looking at a present. In fact, the only one un-opened.
"Bring it here." Lauryn was apparently more interested than Cuddy was.
"Looks like a--" Wilson stopped himself. He was suspicious. And yet, he had a feeling he already knew.
Cameron brought the gift to Cuddy. It was wrapped in a metallic blue. There was a small card taped to what appeared to be as the front.
A gift for you and the kid. He can't wear it though.
Now Cameron found herself as sure as Wilson, Lauryn, still clueless, Cuddy, still curious.
She tore apart the wrapping paper and opened the white box beneath. As she pulled the cover away it revealed a necklace. A silver necklace, with a picture of Cuddy about six to eight months pregnant with the little guy. It looked like a recent picture. She was apparently laughing in the picture and the room surrounding her appeared to be her office. But it was all black and white. She picked it up and held it in her hands. Suddenly she looked at the back of the picture and read aloud the engraving.
"Friday November 14, 2009. First time you felt the baby kick."
She looked up at Wilson.
"Was this from you?"
"Again, with the accusations. All I did was take a picture. Because, you told me to."
She looked back down at the necklace. She grasped it tightly in her hand and then got up and left.
"Who's it from?" Lauryn asked eagerly to them.
"House." Cameron uttered. Then she looked at Wilson, who looked at Lauryn.
"Gregory Mason House. The father of your nephew and the guy who's in love with your sister."
______________________________________________
House was sitting at the piano. He played ever so gently as he watched the phone. He was waiting. Just patiently waiting.
______________________________________________
An hour and a half prior to
"Who cares if she doesn't want you there. Your the father, and you need to be here for this."
"I'm respecting her wants. She clearly doesn't want me there. She told me so, eight months ago."
"Just--she needs you, here, with her. She wants you here with her. NOW."
"Just tell her I'm sorry."
He hung up the phone, in total regret.
______________________________________________
The phone rang. It was Wilson. Again.
"When are you coming down here?"
"How is she?"
"She's fine. So is junior."
"Junior?"
"Yes G.M.H. Senior."
House smiled.
"I know your smiling. Now get down here. She really wants to see you. So does he."
House hung up the phone, shot back the last remaining of his scotch, grabbed his cane and shot right out of there, in the blink of an eye.
---
Christmas music was playing over the P.A. Decorations were all over the place, all thanks to Dr. Wilson. Everyone was smiling as he walked past them. How could he blame them, it was the happiest time of the year.
He finally made his way to her room. He looked through the window. She was still in a sweat. Her head was pushed back against the pillow, from her deep exhaustion. On her side, there was a small baby, waving its arms around, will a blue bonnet and a blue blanket on him.
House slowly opened the door making sure he wouldn't wake her up.
He walked in and sat down beside both of them. He brought Junior closer to him to take a better look.
Looked exactly like him. Only difference was, he had Cuddy's eyes. At the thought of this, he gave a smile, and looked back at her.
He put both his hands overlapping the handle on his cane, and then finally resting his chin down. He stared at her, until she awoke, moments later.
"This was all your fault."
"It's good to see you too."
Her voice was flat, and weak. But she could still break a smile.
"When did you get here." It didn't sound like a question. More like a statement.
"Not too long ago."
"I take it Wilson called you."
"And I was waiting. So. Greg Jr?"
"Ha--I just--Nothing else--seemed to--fit."
"Guess that's what I'm here for right?"
"Gregory Mason House Jr.,. It just fits that way."
"Mm. A lot of things do. Puzzle pieces. Keys to doors. People to other people."
"Boy that was discreet." She said sarcastically. She then again, pulled another smile.
"I never thought things could end up this way."
"Now your referring to our current state?" He asked.
"Never thought we'd go this far. Never thought I'd have my DNA mixed with yours to create another human being, roaming around the Earth."
"Brings a good feeling though doesn't it?"
"Not at first, the feeling is definitely painful," she laughed. "but it's nice to know it's your own." She paused. "You carry him yet?"
He shook his head.
"I don't do well with things like this."
"How would you know? Wait. You've had another baby with another woman? Your just selling your oats all over the place aren't you?"
"If I carry him will you shut up?"
She nodded. Then sat upright in bed as he gently picked little Greg up. He cradled him and sat back down next to her. This time he was closer; She had pulled the chair.
"I think it's easier for us to bond. Mostly because were both dudes."
"And because he's your biological son?"
"We don't know until a paternity test."
Cuddy's mouth dropped.
"You think I cheated on you while we were going out?"
"Pssh. It's not you I don't trust. With all the single guys out there, any guy could've gotten you drunk and kidnapped you somewhere behind my back and put junior in there."
She gave him a look.
"Okay. Out of the question."
Little Greg cooed. He started falling asleep so House put him back into his baby cart. He turned back to her and began to sweep his hand from the top of her head down to the back. He did this several times. Then he stopped and held her hand.
"I'm sorry I wasn't there."
"You should've been."
He paused. He looked away from her at first and then breathed in.
"Look. Life's been a matter of right and wrong in my life. There's never been real choices. I knew it was right to become a doctor. I knew it was right to focus on my school. Despite the fact I flirted with a good amount of girls in high school and college. All I knew was right. It was programed in my mind. By my alleged 'father'. But when it comes to these things, I have a choice. I may not have the choice who I'm going to care about or--who to even love. But I do have the choice if I want to pursue that care, that love, that compassion. I didn't ask you to marry me because it was the right thing to do. It wasn't the right or wrong thing to do. It was a matter of choice. And I chose to surrender. I was surrendering my life, for you and to you. And by that, I mean, nothing else matters. But you. My life is lived for you and for only you. I was surrendering my life. I am surrendering my life. Because, my debt to you, is my life. And as long as I'm living, I repay that debt."
He spoke with all the gentleness and seriousness left in his voice.
"So, it won't matter if you marry me or not. It makes things a little easier but, no matter what, I am still going to repay that debt. That I can promise you. This is my surrender."
He grabbed his bottle of vicodin, opened it up and spilled out all the pills on the floor. He grabbed a heroin needle out of his jacket pocket and threw it on the floor and finally he threw his cane on the floor. She just stood by, taken aback at his his actions. She just stared at the pills, the needle and the cane.
"Hey, look at me. Okay? Look at me right now. You don't have to love me, you don't have to do or say anything. I, me, I am giving you the choice. Stand by and let me love you, or let me be apart of your life and let me give you everything I've got. Don't base your decision on what's best for me, for the kids, for anybody okay? What do you want. What do you want."
Outside, Wilson walked by. He saw them talking. This alone made him smile.
"Happy birthday junior, Mazel Tov Cuddy, Merry Christmas House."
Cuddy couldn't find her words. She was lost, for them all.
"I can't--I could try but I--I can't live without knowing if you still love me."
He paused again. She was still speechless.
"Do you love me?"
"--Yes." She struggled for only a few letters, but they meant a lot.
"Do you love me enough to want to marry me?"
"I--"
"Just give me yes or no. Do you love me."
"Yes."
"So then, is it enough for you to marry me?"
---
"Good luck." Wilson patted him on the back.
"Encouragement doesn't work on me," and he slid the door open, then shut leaving Wilson in the hallway.
Wilson just stood by, watching from the window as they talked. House talked first. Cuddy had a shocked yet slightly saddened face. She turned around and faced away from him. And it changed to anger. She looked like she was yelling now. Not screaming, but at an upset tone.
House remained motionless in his arrogant pose. He just stared at her and stood by, as she gave him what for.
Cuddy was almost stifling her anger by the time she was done. All House did was look outside the window. Then he spoke something.
She didn't say anything. She just averted her eyes away from him. So he just stormed out, without another word.
"She said no?"
"She doesn't want me around either."
"She said so?"
"She chose so."
"You gave her the option? Why? Why, why, why, why, why, why. Why."
"We fought first. She started it, trust me, I was prepared to drop on my knees. But she gave me her spiel. Saying things like how incapable we are of having anything farther than a fling and this and that. I know she's just scared. Commitment is a scary feeling. But I never thought I'd be seeing it in her."
"So what'd you say to her?"
"I asked her if she wanted me around. For everything. She gave me a look. Appeared very angry and sad so I just walked out of there."
"I don't understand. I bet you anything she's just hormonal."
"Of course she's hormonal."
"Ask her again. Not now. Not tomorrow, not next week, not next month but when the baby comes. She should be back to normal and come to her senses and--"
"And the next eight or so months are going to be the hardest of my life."
"Wh--?"
"I want to be with her and I want to be there."
"Yes?"
House walked into an opening elevator as he left Wilson behind.
"So for the next eight months, I have to be there, without actually being there."
And the doors closed on Wilson's slightly satisfied face.
______________________________________________
Over the next few months, House strived to keep his promise. He had Wilson go with Cuddy to all the appointments and sonograms to keep him updated. Around about the seventh month, Cuddy decided to get the furniture for the nursery. Not only the furniture but all the other necessities. So she called up Wilson and he came over to help her with the stuff. They had gone out for about two to three hours looking to almost all the stores, but they were all closed. They decided to do it another day and just go earlier. By the time they got back to Cuddy's, they were both exhausted.
"Have you painted the room yet?"
"I just had it finished yesterday. Come look."
After they took off their jackets, they made their way into the tiny nursery. Cuddy had left Rachel in her car seat on the sofa, fast asleep.
Cuddy and Wilson stood at the doorway of the nursery. A light was on in the room. But a light from a lamp.
"I thought you didn't have any furniture in here?"
"I don't--"
And she slowly opened the door to find the nursery, filled with everything they could possibly need.
Cuddy's mouth dropped as Wilson's eyes widened. She slowly began walking around the room looking at all the newly bought things.
There was a mahogany crib across the room with yellow bedding and sheets with a mobile twirling a moon a comet and a star overhead.
Besides the crib was a changing table. Your classic white changing table.
A small shelf, carrying the light they had seen resided by a rocking chair. The shelf carried many different children books and some small toys.
The rocking chair was covered in a child-like cushion, with a fleece blanket, hanging over its back. And finally, opposite of the crib, there was a small drawer, filled with clothes. Diapers, bibs, bottles, pacifiers, bonnets, shoes, socks, t-shirts, shorts, pants, and a one suit that said, "Mommy's the Boss" threaded in red.
Cuddy just looked at Wilson, almost accusingly.
"This was not me. I'm pretty sure I can't find decent stuff like this in a baby store."
She just looked away and went back to her beautiful room.
"So you painted it yellow huh? It's nice that the stuff matches.."
She was so overwhelmed tears of joy filled her eyes. She left the room smiling, going for some Kleenex.
Wilson, being very suspicious of this looked around the room. He studied every bit....And there it was, hiding in the shadows as an inconspicuous figure, lying against the wall behind the light.
He walked over, smiling slightly, showing a great deal of satisfaction before heaving a sigh. He grabbed House's cane and held it tightly in his hand. He gave it a squeeze as he shut his lips together, almost biting them.
"Well done House."
With that said, he walked over to the door and laid the cane behind it. He walked a few steps into the arch of the doorway and took a last look at the room.
"Well done."
And he shut the door, going for Cuddy, leaving the light on, and leaving House's cane to reside as a part of the room.
____________________________________________
Around a month after that Cameron and Wilson had thrown Cuddy a baby shower. They threw it in the doctors lounge, filled with streamers and balloons. Everyone had came. Foreman, Thirteen, Chase, Taub, and a few doctors and nurses from the hospital. Cuddy's younger sister Lauryn had also come. Lauryn looked a lot like Cuddy. Wavy hair, great smile, same shaped face. The only difference was the eyes. Cuddy had her fathers eyes as opposed Lauryn with her mothers. Lauryn acted completely different than Cuddy however. She was more lively and upbeat, and definitely more hyper. She was almost like House, without however, that one special quality of House.
Speaking of House, he out of all the people there, was expected most to come by Cameron and Wilson. In spite of their spat they had, they both had a feeling he would come anyway. But as the minutes passed, and the end of the party neared and neared, Cameron and Wilson threw each other looks, surprised and suspicious.
By the time everyone besides Cuddy, Lauryn, Wilson and Cameron had left, the lounge was completely trashed. All the gifts had been opened and the streamers had begun to fall on all their heads.
"Some wild party." Lauryn commented.
"Yeah, you two should be glad you don't have to clean it up," Cameron added.
"I'll help. Lisa, you go home. When I get back, you have to show me that nursery you keep talking about."
Wilson had bowed his head, forming a smile. Then he said,
"Lauryn's right. Go home. Rest."
"It'd do you some good. If I were you I'd hate being stuck in an extremely tight office all day."
"It's not tight."
"Compared to what I'm used to yeah."
"Wait Cuddy you missed something." Cameron was beside all the presents. She was bent down looking at a present. In fact, the only one un-opened.
"Bring it here." Lauryn was apparently more interested than Cuddy was.
"Looks like a--" Wilson stopped himself. He was suspicious. And yet, he had a feeling he already knew.
Cameron brought the gift to Cuddy. It was wrapped in a metallic blue. There was a small card taped to what appeared to be as the front.
A gift for you and the kid. He can't wear it though.
Now Cameron found herself as sure as Wilson, Lauryn, still clueless, Cuddy, still curious.
She tore apart the wrapping paper and opened the white box beneath. As she pulled the cover away it revealed a necklace. A silver necklace, with a picture of Cuddy about six to eight months pregnant with the little guy. It looked like a recent picture. She was apparently laughing in the picture and the room surrounding her appeared to be her office. But it was all black and white. She picked it up and held it in her hands. Suddenly she looked at the back of the picture and read aloud the engraving.
"Friday November 14, 2009. First time you felt the baby kick."
She looked up at Wilson.
"Was this from you?"
"Again, with the accusations. All I did was take a picture. Because, you told me to."
She looked back down at the necklace. She grasped it tightly in her hand and then got up and left.
"Who's it from?" Lauryn asked eagerly to them.
"House." Cameron uttered. Then she looked at Wilson, who looked at Lauryn.
"Gregory Mason House. The father of your nephew and the guy who's in love with your sister."
______________________________________________
House was sitting at the piano. He played ever so gently as he watched the phone. He was waiting. Just patiently waiting.
______________________________________________
An hour and a half prior to
"Who cares if she doesn't want you there. Your the father, and you need to be here for this."
"I'm respecting her wants. She clearly doesn't want me there. She told me so, eight months ago."
"Just--she needs you, here, with her. She wants you here with her. NOW."
"Just tell her I'm sorry."
He hung up the phone, in total regret.
______________________________________________
The phone rang. It was Wilson. Again.
"When are you coming down here?"
"How is she?"
"She's fine. So is junior."
"Junior?"
"Yes G.M.H. Senior."
House smiled.
"I know your smiling. Now get down here. She really wants to see you. So does he."
House hung up the phone, shot back the last remaining of his scotch, grabbed his cane and shot right out of there, in the blink of an eye.
---
Christmas music was playing over the P.A. Decorations were all over the place, all thanks to Dr. Wilson. Everyone was smiling as he walked past them. How could he blame them, it was the happiest time of the year.
He finally made his way to her room. He looked through the window. She was still in a sweat. Her head was pushed back against the pillow, from her deep exhaustion. On her side, there was a small baby, waving its arms around, will a blue bonnet and a blue blanket on him.
House slowly opened the door making sure he wouldn't wake her up.
He walked in and sat down beside both of them. He brought Junior closer to him to take a better look.
Looked exactly like him. Only difference was, he had Cuddy's eyes. At the thought of this, he gave a smile, and looked back at her.
He put both his hands overlapping the handle on his cane, and then finally resting his chin down. He stared at her, until she awoke, moments later.
"This was all your fault."
"It's good to see you too."
Her voice was flat, and weak. But she could still break a smile.
"When did you get here." It didn't sound like a question. More like a statement.
"Not too long ago."
"I take it Wilson called you."
"And I was waiting. So. Greg Jr?"
"Ha--I just--Nothing else--seemed to--fit."
"Guess that's what I'm here for right?"
"Gregory Mason House Jr.,. It just fits that way."
"Mm. A lot of things do. Puzzle pieces. Keys to doors. People to other people."
"Boy that was discreet." She said sarcastically. She then again, pulled another smile.
"I never thought things could end up this way."
"Now your referring to our current state?" He asked.
"Never thought we'd go this far. Never thought I'd have my DNA mixed with yours to create another human being, roaming around the Earth."
"Brings a good feeling though doesn't it?"
"Not at first, the feeling is definitely painful," she laughed. "but it's nice to know it's your own." She paused. "You carry him yet?"
He shook his head.
"I don't do well with things like this."
"How would you know? Wait. You've had another baby with another woman? Your just selling your oats all over the place aren't you?"
"If I carry him will you shut up?"
She nodded. Then sat upright in bed as he gently picked little Greg up. He cradled him and sat back down next to her. This time he was closer; She had pulled the chair.
"I think it's easier for us to bond. Mostly because were both dudes."
"And because he's your biological son?"
"We don't know until a paternity test."
Cuddy's mouth dropped.
"You think I cheated on you while we were going out?"
"Pssh. It's not you I don't trust. With all the single guys out there, any guy could've gotten you drunk and kidnapped you somewhere behind my back and put junior in there."
She gave him a look.
"Okay. Out of the question."
Little Greg cooed. He started falling asleep so House put him back into his baby cart. He turned back to her and began to sweep his hand from the top of her head down to the back. He did this several times. Then he stopped and held her hand.
"I'm sorry I wasn't there."
"You should've been."
He paused. He looked away from her at first and then breathed in.
"Look. Life's been a matter of right and wrong in my life. There's never been real choices. I knew it was right to become a doctor. I knew it was right to focus on my school. Despite the fact I flirted with a good amount of girls in high school and college. All I knew was right. It was programed in my mind. By my alleged 'father'. But when it comes to these things, I have a choice. I may not have the choice who I'm going to care about or--who to even love. But I do have the choice if I want to pursue that care, that love, that compassion. I didn't ask you to marry me because it was the right thing to do. It wasn't the right or wrong thing to do. It was a matter of choice. And I chose to surrender. I was surrendering my life, for you and to you. And by that, I mean, nothing else matters. But you. My life is lived for you and for only you. I was surrendering my life. I am surrendering my life. Because, my debt to you, is my life. And as long as I'm living, I repay that debt."
He spoke with all the gentleness and seriousness left in his voice.
"So, it won't matter if you marry me or not. It makes things a little easier but, no matter what, I am still going to repay that debt. That I can promise you. This is my surrender."
He grabbed his bottle of vicodin, opened it up and spilled out all the pills on the floor. He grabbed a heroin needle out of his jacket pocket and threw it on the floor and finally he threw his cane on the floor. She just stood by, taken aback at his his actions. She just stared at the pills, the needle and the cane.
"Hey, look at me. Okay? Look at me right now. You don't have to love me, you don't have to do or say anything. I, me, I am giving you the choice. Stand by and let me love you, or let me be apart of your life and let me give you everything I've got. Don't base your decision on what's best for me, for the kids, for anybody okay? What do you want. What do you want."
Outside, Wilson walked by. He saw them talking. This alone made him smile.
"Happy birthday junior, Mazel Tov Cuddy, Merry Christmas House."
Cuddy couldn't find her words. She was lost, for them all.
"I can't--I could try but I--I can't live without knowing if you still love me."
He paused again. She was still speechless.
"Do you love me?"
"--Yes." She struggled for only a few letters, but they meant a lot.
"Do you love me enough to want to marry me?"
"I--"
"Just give me yes or no. Do you love me."
"Yes."
"So then, is it enough for you to marry me?"
---
