David came storming out, "Wait a minute, wait a minute."
Maddie followed him, "David, what's wrong?"
"Did you see that last chapter?"
"Yes, I was in it as were you. We even commented on it at the end because of the lack of fracturing the reading frontier."
"Yeah, well, I have a few complaints."
"Oh, brother. The author better not bring me into whatever punishment she will give for this."
David kept going, "First of all, what kind of ending was that?"
Maddie shrugged, "I thought it was kind of sweet that you called your ex-wife for me and then, you decided not to call me out on my lie, which I am sorry for."
"But with how long that chapter was, it should have had a big dramatic finish like… you going into labor."
"David, I was entering my second trimester. I don't think the baby was ready."
"The author could have sped up time."
Maddie rolled her eyes, "Says the one who doesn't have to give birth."
"Hey, I offered to carry the baby for you once."
"Right, during our first Christmas. You know what? I may take you up on that offer."
David was confused, "How?"
Maddie used a grand hand gesture, "This is fanfiction land where anything can be. I'm sure I can make a deal with the author that David Addison can become pregnant and give birth instead of me. And considering that you're complaining, she may take me up on that request."
He gulped, "You're right, the ending was sweet. And my other thing wasn't really a complaint so much as a clarification."
Maddie nodded smugly, "I thought so. Fine, address your clarification."
"Well, it just seems like I was… I mean, the readers might have had a few wrong notions when it stated that Annie was after a year of celibacy, but I don't want to give people the wrong impression or make it seem like I'm lying."
Maddie rolled her eyes again, "David, I know you're not a saint and that you fooled around after my stupid pals speech. You just didn't run all the bases."
"You mean hit a home run?"
"Whatever, I don't know baseball. Either way, I'm sorry and I understand. Now, I guess we're giving the introduction to this chapter. Can we move on to this task?"
"Sure. Do you want me to start?"
"Doesn't matter."
"Alright. Hi, I'm David Addison."
"David, they know that."
"Right. Okay, Readers, welcome to this chapter. The author does not own anything… yada yad–"
"David! Do it right. Never mind, I'm taking over. The author does not own Moonlighting, although some original characters appear will appear and as you guess, the time is coming for the baby, which would be considered an original character. If you are looking forward to seeing the Violas, Walter, and Terri, they are all here, or at least mentioned. However, I want to warn you that a tragedy will occur, but it is not what you might think. Additionally, this will be the last chapter in 1989/1990s/2000s before we move forward to your year of 2012."
"Smooth sailing was never our forte, was it?"
"Never, David."
"Want me to start the projector now?"
"David!"
"Just joking."
Maddie rolled her eyes, "Please spare us. Anyway, the author also wants to thank everyone who read, reviewed, and followed this story. And please, review again since they help either motivate the author or give her some constructive criticism."
"It also lets the characters know when something is wrong, such as saying that I was celibate for a year and a half. Seriously?"
"According to our year agreement, you're going to be celibate for a full twelve months. And remember, that was your decision to keep it that way, not mine. I asked you to move into my room."
"Are you kidding? The author saved the readers from a long argument full of overlapping dialogue in the last chapter and now, you want the whole world to know?"
"I just don't understand it."
David looked outside the page, "Maddie, let's talk about this when we're not in front of all these nice people who want to read the story. If they actually want to hear our argument, they can request it in their reviews and the author will post it separately either as a story or in a chapter."
"Fine. Readers, go ahead and start the next chapter."
Dr. Weed called David a week after receiving Tess' charts. "David Addison, please?"
"This is he."
"Hello, David. This is Dr. Weed. I looked over your ex-wife's charts and you were right. There was something wrong with the baby that caused the problems she experienced, but with her family history, it seems it came from her side, not yours."
David was relieved, "So Maddie is doing well?"
"Maddie is perfectly healthy and I did not see any problems with the other baby so this should be a healthy pregnancy. When she came in yesterday, she said her morning sickness had been gone for a few days."
"Yes, but she is always exhausted."
"It takes a lot of energy to carry a little one. Anyway, do you want me to call your ex-wife's doctor and tell him the news? She should be aware of it."
"Um, well, I don't think she plans to have children, but if you think it's best…"
"I'll take care of it."
"Thank you, Dr. Weed. Goodbye."
"Bye."
David hung up with a huge weight off his shoulders. He looked over at his sleeping wife on the couch. He still could not see the baby bump but he could feel the slight swell whenever he touched it. It was amazing to him that Maddie was carrying their child inside. He prayed hard everyday that the baby would be healthy because he knew that if it ended like last time, they wouldn't survive it. He even went to church every week and to his surprise, Maddie came with him once. She sang the hymns and while David knew she could sing, he didn't know she could read music. Apparently, she had taken piano lessons and singing was her talent at the Miss Teen Chicago pageant that led her modeling career. After that one service, though, Maddie decided not to attend again mainly because she fell asleep during the homily and actually snored. David did his best to wake her up, but it wasn't until they stood for the creed and petitions that she finally awoke.
Slowly, he saw Maddie stirring. When her eyes opened, he said, "Hello, Gorgeous."
Maddie could not help but smile, "Hello."
"Are you hungry?"
She nodded. David went over and kissed her on the forehead. "I'll be right back," and he went into the kitchen.
Maddie watched him leave the room. He seemed more lighthearted in his steps than he had in the last week. She asked him about it, but he blew it off as being a figment of her imagination. However, she knew him and when he was ready to talk, he would talk.
David came back with a bowl of soup that was left over from last night. Maddie took it and began to eat quickly. He was happy to share Maddie's pregnancy and thankfully, she had not gotten any weird cravings. The only thing that was weird was what times she wanted to eat. He always heard her moving around somewhere between two and five in the morning, and so, he made her get back into bed while he got her something. And then, two hours later, she would be hungry again. David thought of it as good practice for when the baby arrived.
When Maddie finished, she looked up, "David, aren't you hungry?"
"I ate while you were taking your nap. I figured I need my strength to take care of you just like you need your strength to take care of the little Hayes-Addison junior."
Maddie wanted to glare, but she could not help the smile that appeared on her face. She was still amazed at this second chance – to be a mother and a partner for David.
David smiled back and asked, "Do you want me to take that," pointing to the bowl.
Maddie instead had put it on the coffee table and moved over on the couch to make room for him. He took the hint and sat next to her with his arms around her.
She said, "You seem more relaxed today."
David knew he could not hide anything from Maddie so he did not respond.
She started again, "So?"
"So what?"
"So, do you want to tell me about it?"
"What can I say, I'm just happy."
She turned to him, looking at him in the eye, "David."
"I'm just relieved at some news."
She continued looking at him.
He sighed, "I called Tess for her to send her medical records to your doctor."
"Tess? Your ex-wife?"
"Yes, and it turns out it was good I did. Apparently her side of the family has a medical condition that led to her being hospitalized from the abortion."
Maddie became nervous wondering if Tess told him about her crashing the gathering after Jimmy's funeral. She never wanted to lie to David, but she did not want to hurt his pride after he told her about Tess.
She asked, "Was there anything else," while trying to keep her voice steady.
David knew what was in her head. "Nope."
Maddie looked closely at him and realized he knew but that he had forgiven her for not telling him. Besides, she knew if she called him out on it or apologized aloud, he would tease her for being jealous of his ex-wife. Instead, she sent him a silent apology and he held her closer giving her a quick kiss on the lips.
They sat quietly for a few minutes before Maddie spoke again, "David, I've been thinking."
"Better you than me."
"That's true considering some of your hair-brained schemes in the past, not that you have much."
"Hey! What's with the hair jokes? First, the critics, then Rona Barrett, the fanfiction writers and fan websites, and now you."
"David, you have to admit how strange it is that you had a full head of hair five years ago and now, it's noticeably gone."
"Do you want me to shave my head?"
"Then, the webmasters, fanfiction writers, and I would have to switch to bald jokes."
"I'll never win, will I?"
"Never."
"Fine, Blondie, fine. Now, what's going on in that pretty little hormone-filled noggin' of yours?"
"Do you really want to go there with the hormones or calling my brain small?"
David swallowed, "What I meant to say was what is happening inside that gigantic brain under that beautiful head of hair?"
"Better, I think. Anyway, since we're in the second trimester, I think it's time to tell our family and friends. I mean, we haven't talked to anyone outside of the modeling agency and Dr. Weed's Office. We should tell our parents, Richie, the Violas, and maybe reconnect with Walter and Terri."
"What about the nonspeaking extras from the office?"
"Agnes probably knows where they are, and, David, we should do something nice for them. We commemorated Blue Moon a little too much, although some real good things have come out of it, but we should take them out for a dinner or something."
"Good idea. If some of them don't have jobs, could you…"
Maddie shook her head, "David, as much as I would want to, probably the only ones I could hire are the Violas since they are willing to work, but either way, you know I can't. I can try to help them find other jobs if they don't have one after these last four months."
"Fine."
"Besides, didn't the network have to negotiate with them when we were canceled?"
"Just Jamie because she had lines in the last episode. The networks don't know how to appreciate nonspeaking extras. And before you ask how I know that, I asked your lawyer when I signed the papers with ABC."
"And MacGilicuddy?"
"Didn't you see the intro to the last chapter?"
"No."
"Well, in your free time, go and read it."
"I will then. Now, about our families?"
"Do we have to? Why not just your parents?"
"Why don't you want your father, Stephanie, and Richie to know?"
"You know how things are. It also might give Richie a chance to stick around when he comes to visit."
Maddie sighed, "David, I know things are awkward between you and your family, but I think your father would be happy to learn he's going to be a grandfather."
David looked away, "I know he would be, but I feel I would have to explain more to him."
"You mean us being married?"
"Even beyond that."
Maddie realized he meant the miscarriage. She knew the subject would come up with her parents because they knew everything, well, except the whole Walter-marriage-fiasco. Hopefully, her mother would steer the conversation to more pleasant things, but she knew her mother would ask the details of the wedding, something Maddie still did not know herself.
"David, the only things you'll have to explain to him are our marriage and having a baby. I'm figuring out how I explain to my father that I had a drunken wedding."
"Your father's going to kill me."
Maddie shook her head, "No, he actually likes you and he told me he ran into you when you were having lunch with a client. He said you kept the business running smoothly and that he had never seen a man love a woman more than you. I wish now I had listened to him then. If I had…"
"Maddie, first of all, it's in the past. We're talking about having a future so your crazy period does not matter anymore. And secondly, your father did not quite tell the truth. Maddie, don't get mad at him, but he came to Los Angeles to use the fatherly shotgun."
"He tried to force you to marry me?"
"It was more along the lines of taking responsibility for my actions. He was wondering how I planned to take care of you and… the baby. Unfortunately, I had just gotten out of a two-week gig in prison and a check went missing."
Maddie was trying to keep calm, "What? Prison? David?"
"I was on my way to Chicago and a prisoner being transferred managed to get me to trade places with him. It took two weeks to clear the mess up. When I got back, it looked like it did when we were canceled and that's when daddy dearest decided to enter. The truth is that I was a shadow moping around when you left. After seeing your father, I realized that I wasn't doing you or myself any good so I changed. I decided to show you I could be the best business partner and partner in life that I could be. Now, before you continue to feel guilty about the past, how about if I call my father?"
Maddie smiled at him and nodded. David stood up and walked to the phone dialing Philadelphia.
"Hello, Dad… I know it's been a while… Yeah, well, the settlement money makes up for a lot of the pain… Well, I'm thinking of starting my own business but it'll take time… Maddie? She's doing fine… Yeah, I still see her, actually I see a lot of her… Not really, we're married… We had some issues in the past and we wanted to keep it simple. It was only the two of us and a judge… I don't know, we've never talked about it… Yeah, married life is great… She was given a modeling agency and now runs it. I help her out from time to time… No, nothing else new, except you're going to be a grandfather… Yes, in about five months… Um, four months… Yeah, a honeymoon baby… Thanks, Dad. I know Maddie would want to see you again… We'll let you know… Yeah, love you too, Dad… All right… Goodbye."
David hung up. Maddie smiled at him, "That wasn't so bad, was it?"
"No and he's very happy that we're married. He wondered what took us so long."
"I can answer that. Now, what have we never talked about?"
David sighed, "A reception or some kind of vow renewal in front of our family and friends since we eloped."
"It's not a bad idea, but I think we had better discuss it after the bambino enters the world."
"It'll keep for a couple of years. Now, your parents."
"What about Richie?"
"He's going to lunch with my dad so Dad will tell him. Now, it's your turn."
David brought the phone over to Maddie. She picked up the receiver and dialed, "Hello, Mom… How are you… How's Dad… Really… That's great… Anyway, Mom, I called with a purpose… Yes… Well, I wanted to tell you that you two will be grandparents in five months… David… Tell Daddy not to worry, we're married… I know, I know, but we needed to keep it simple… Right after we were canceled… Well, we tried but the priest would not let us… You never know… It occurred right after we went out together to commemorate Blue Moon… A little… Well, it was simple, nice, beautiful… All right, so you know everything. Does it matter… I agree we wasted much time… Yes, Mom, very happy… I would love that and I know David would love to see you… Sounds fine… All right, I love you and give my love to Dad... Goodbye."
Maddie hung up. She looked at David and said, "I hope I'll have that mother's intuition. It'll be easier, although my mother having it makes life difficult."
"She figured out we didn't get married under usual circumstances?"
"Of course. I hope you don't mind, but she wants to come out and help during the last month."
"Never. You know how I feel about your mother. And your father's a great guy too, just a little intimidating. I can't wait to hear his reaction to us."
Maddie grabbed his hand, "It will be fine. Although, since we told my mother we're married, you're going to have to move in the master bedroom. I only have three bedrooms and with the baby's room, I only have one guest room that you are occupying."
"Then, I'll move in. I was going to during your last month anyway. When you go into labor, I don't want you to move around anymore than you have to."
Maddie rolled her eyes, "My hero."
The doorbell rang. David got up to answer it and Agnes ran in giving him a big hug with Bert following.
Agnes was jumping, "Mr. Addison, I didn't expect to see you here, but it's so good to see you."
Bert and David shook hands. David commented, "So the newlyweds are back from the open seas. Glad to see you didn't run into any pygmies."
Maddie got up to greet them. "How was the honeymoon?"
Agnes ran to Maddie and gave her a hug, "Oh, Miss Hayes, it's so good to see you."
"Agnes, you don't have to call me 'Miss Hayes' anymore. I'm not your employer."
Agnes pulled away, "I know but you'll always be Miss Hayes to me. I'm so glad you and Mr. Addison are still friends."
Maddie looked over at David, "I don't think friends is the word."
David just shook his head in response.
Maddie looked back at Agnes, "So, tell me all about your honeymoon."
The girls walked into the living room as Agnes chatted on about the world cruise the network gave them in exchange for the Violas to never contact ABC again to ask for their own spinoff along with a sizeable cash sum.
David and Bert watched them chat. David asked, "Will you look at them, Bert? The hens clucking away."
Maddie heard that and turned to him, "Maybe, but we can still cut the head off the cock."
David's eyes widened, "You ladies talk all you want."
The girls went back to their conversation.
Bert looked at him, "You two still bantering?"
"It never stops Bert."
The guys walked into the living room and listened to Agnes still talking with Maddie asking a question every so often. After two and a half hours of Agnes giving every single detail of her four-month honeymoon, minus certain details, she finally asked, "So, how have you and Mr. Addison been doing?"
Maddie looked over at David, "We've been fine. Nothing as exciting as a four-month world cruise, but I acquired a modeling agency and David's been helping me run it. He's talking about running his own business some time."
Agnes turned to David, who along with Bert, was sound asleep. Bert was slightly snoring. Maddie rolled her eyes, "Addison!"
David jumped up, "Is it time?! Keep breathing, I'll call the doctor!" Bert jumped up too and did a salute.
"David!"
David stopped and looked at Maddie, "What?"
"You missed their honeymoon story."
"No, I didn't." He looked at the clock, "Well, not the first two hours."
Maddie shook her head, "I'm sorry, Agnes, that David is still David."
"Hey, you love me! I remember once when you tried to change me and decided you were in love with me warts and all."
"David, you just combined three different conversations from three separate years. And I said I accept you for who you are."
"What about love?"
Maddie rolled her eyes, "Fine, David. In spite of your many flaws, I love you."
Agnes' and Bert's eyes widened. Maddie decided to respond by putting her head on top of her left hand with the ring proudly showing. Agnes saw the ring, "Miss Hayes?"
She smiled, "Technically, it's Mrs. Addison, although for work, I'm keeping Hayes."
Agnes gave her another hug while Bert shook hands with David. "Congratulations, Sir."
"Thanks, Bert."
When Agnes pulled back, she spoke very fast, "Oh my gosh. It's about time. How did it happen? How long? Where? When? Church? Priest? Judge? What was the proposal like? Oh, I need honeymoon details, please!"
Maddie knew that Agnes wanted them to be together since day one and she was happy that her friend was excited for them. "Slow down, Agnes. First, we got married three days after the cancelation. There wasn't a proposal, exactly. David and I went out for dinner to discuss our agreements with the networks and somehow, we came to the conclusion that we should be married and we did it that night. It was a simple ceremony in front of a judge. We haven't been on a honeymoon yet because we've been so busy."
"But you two need a honeymoon, especially after everything."
David stepped in, "Agnes, it's been a honeymoon for us in a different way. Just being together is enough for now."
Bert said, "Wait a minute, when we woke up, you yelled something about a doctor."
Bert looked at David while Agnes looked questioningly at Maddie. Maddie and David looked at each other. David nodded and Maddie smiled before they looked back at their questioners.
Maddie spoke, "Well, I was wondering if you'd notice. Yes, I am pregnant, about four months along."
David added, "Which means, we're going to need a set of godparents."
Agnes was touched, "You're asking us to be the godparents?"
Maddie answered, "I can't think of anyone else who could care about a baby or children as much as you, Agnes. No one has a bigger heart."
"And Bertie here with his long-winded speeches can help with putting the kid to sleep if we ever need it."
Maddie rolled her eyes at David, although it was a true statement.
However, Bert replied, "Thank you, Sir."
Agnes was almost in a trance, "Oh, wow, Miss Hayes and Mr. Addison having a baby. I'm so happy for you both."
She gave Maddie another hug. When she pulled back, she asked, "So, do you need any help with anything? Your office, the house, anything?"
Maddie shook her head, "It's fine. David's been helping with the office and we decided that within the next two weeks, we'll decorate the baby's room. So far, everything's been moving smoothly."
Agnes replied, "Well, you make sure to let us know if we can do anything. And when the baby comes, we'll be happy to babysit for you."
"Thank you, Agnes, but aren't you and Bert planning on a family."
"Yeah, but we want to wait a little while."
Bert spoke up, "I hate to interrupt, but, Snookums, if we don't leave now, we'll be late for our house appointment."
Maddie asked, "You two are buying a house?"
Agnes gushed, "Oh yes, the network offered to buy us a house within a million dollars. I think they're afraid of Bert and I pitching our own series again. We're not, but we don't have to tell them that. Once we get a house, then we're going to look for new jobs. I want Bert as far away from the detective business as possible."
David said, "Good id– ouch!" Maddie had elbowed him. "I mean, let us know if you need anything."
"Yes, David makes a great moving man."
Agnes replied, "We will. Thank you so much."
The Addisons walked the Violas to the door. Each said their goodbyes and Bert and Agnes took off. Before they did, Agnes said she would get in touch with the other Blue Moon workers for the get-together that Maddie and David wanted.
Maddie felt a little melancholy. David noticed her expression, "What's wrong, Maddie?"
"Nothing really. I was just wondering what it would be like to have an uncomplicated life like them."
"Do you really want to be like Bert and Agnes? And besides, what's so complicated now? We're together having a baby, you own your own business. Seems simple to me."
"But it won't be for long and I don't mean the baby. It just seems like we have test after test, and they never did."
"Maddie, do you even remember Season Three? Agnes threw Bert on a desk, attacked him with her lips, and he ran away from her. Then, Agnes tried to get him fired, then offered to resign. They started dating, although I don't remember how –"
"I think it had something to do with that case they took on their own. Life and death experiences can change things."
"It never did for us."
"That was different. Besides, when the people died we found the bodies after, none of them died while we were inside the house."
"What about the few chase scenes on roofs?"
"They all got electrocuted or fell. It's a little different than being trapped."
David shrugged not wanting to argue and continued, "Anyway, once they started dating, Bert thought that MacGilicuddy was hitting on Agnes and that she felt the same way. While you were in Chicago, Bert tried to run MacGilicuddy over with his car. I only managed to stop him in the nick of time."
"How did you manage that?"
"Well, I'll tell you. I saw Bert ready to go and I jumped in front of the car just as he pushed on the gas and I grabbed the car and pushed it back with my own two hands."
Maddie rolled her eyes, "Was the car even running?"
"Yeah, I heard it."
"Was it in drive?"
"I… don't know."
"Let me guess, he revved the engine, and forgot to lock the door. You opened the door before he put it in drive and forced him out."
"I think my story is better."
"It's also full of fertilizer."
"Fine, have it your way. My point is that they didn't come without their ups and downs and it's the same way for us."
Maddie shrugged, "I guess you're right."
David smirked, "How do those words taste coming out of your mouth?"
"Like vinegar, but you were bound to finally be right after years of being wrong."
"You said I was right about spontaneity."
"Actually, I was right. MacGilicuddy did get divorced."
"True, but can you imagine where we could have been if we had acted on our dream sequences."
"Oh please."
"Maddie, you had a dream sequence too and yours was first. You attacked me much like Agnes attacked Viola when they first met."
"I did not!"
"You threw your purse and briefcase on the ground."
"Remember, it was a dream sequence! I would never do that!"
"Fine, although what about that Christmas? You pushed me on a desk and then decided to copy Bert's and Agnes' first meeting."
Maddie turned bright red as the memory hit her. Even though it was a little embarrassing, it almost made her smile, but she had to contain that smile so David would not have the satisfaction.
David knew Maddie was working very hard to maintain that scowl on her face and he decided to reward her. He quickly took her in his arms and their lips locked.
Slowly, they moved towards the couch without untangling from each other. David made sure to seat her down gently before climbing on top of her. Normally, he would be able to do this and still keep his sanity, but after everything today, like knowing that there was nothing wrong with him and speaking with their parents, he was too far gone.
Maddie, on the other hand, was happy that David was not stopping them. She needed this as she had been starting to feel unattractive due to her pregnancy. It was not noticeable unless she was undressed, but she knew that every time David held her, he could feel the slight bulge. When her first trimester was over, Dr. Weed had given her the green light to allow relations with her husband and boy, did she want to. However, she wondered sometimes if David was still attracted to her. Well, all the evidence at this moment gave her her answer. Slowly, her arms moved towards David's front and she began unbuttoning his shirt without losing contact.
Suddenly, the phone rang and they untangled. David got up to answer it while Maddie threw a pillow at the floor in frustration.
David smirked before answering, "Hello… Richie…"
Maddie mumbled, "I'll kill him."
David just smiled more as he continued talking to his brother. Richard offered his congratulations, especially at the thought of being an uncle, but David thought his brother was a little hurt because he got married without asking Richard to be his best man. Still, they had a pleasant conversation for once even with Maddie sending death glares at the phone.
Finally, David knew he was teasing Maddie enough so he said, "Listen, Rich, I need to go. The little woman is having some mood swing problems and you know I gotta keep her happy… Yeah, fun times with the hormones… All right… Bye."
He knew what he said would get him in trouble, but he also relieved that Richie's phone call interrupted them. He wanted to maintain their year agreement, not because of the initial reason that they needed to get their relationship back on track – that was moving smoothly, but because he wanted to show Maddie that he was a man of his word and that he could be trusted. Maddie needed to be able to trust him and that was the hardest thing for her to do.
Maddie growled, "I can't believe you told Richie I am hormonal."
"It's true, isn't it? I'm betting that right now you can't decide whether to yell at me or push me down on the couch and have your wicked way with me."
Maddie hated that David knew what she was thinking, "Get over yourself, Addison!"
"And of course, there was the threat towards Richie's life when he first called."
"Enough! Tonight, you're sleeping on the couch."
David raised an eyebrow, "Maddie, in case you haven't noticed, I've been sleeping in the guest room."
"You're not good enough for the guest room. You are rug dust."
"Rug dust? Sweetheart, you're pregnancy is making you lose your touch. My favorite was navel lint. Remember when you called me that?"
Maddie gave an exasperated yell and stomped up the stairs slamming her bedroom door. David just shrugged. He cleaned up the living room and washed Maddie's dish. He knew that she would probably forgive him by dinner when he brought it to her so he didn't worry. With her pregnancy, instead of worrying about hypertension, in Maddie's case, the doctor warned about hypotension. Well, that got the blood flowing.
Two hours later, David went to Maddie's bedroom with a tray of food in hand. He knocked and heard, "Come in."
He entered and said, "Dinner time! I'm sure that the bambina is hungry and waiting."
Maddie smiled and accepted the tray. "Thank you." She paused before continuing, "David, I'm sorry about earlier."
"Hey, don't sweat it, Blondie. I knew you would be calm by the time I came up here."
Maddie looked down. David saw her expression and asked, "What's wrong?"
"I guess I am hormonal. I feel like… I guess I… I-I…"
David looked at her and started to realize what was going on. Thank God, he read all those books two years ago studiously or else, he would be lost. He sat on the bed next to her. "Hey, Maddie, you don't ever have to worry about that. I'll love you no matter what and I have to say, there is nothing more attractive to a man than the woman who is carrying his child. It's just that we made an agreement and I want to show you I can stick with an agreement."
She nodded. Then, something had hit her, "Did you call the baby a bambina?"
"Yeah. I know we decided not to learn the gender, but I have a feeling it's going to be a girl. If it is, I know I'd better watch out because a little girl that looks just like her mother will have me wrapped around her little finger."
"How do you have a feeling about what the baby is when I don't and the baby is inside of me?"
"I can't help it if I was born with magical powers."
Maddie rolled her eyes.
David smirked and then changed the subject, "Anyway, tomorrow is a Saturday, and I remember what you said today about people to tell, so do you want to get back in contact with Walter and Terri?"
"I remember the last time I spoke to Walter that he said he was seeing Terri. I wonder if they're still together."
"Well, I'll make that call to Terri tomorrow. Now, Little Mother, you should eat your dinner before it's ice cold and the bambina complains."
Maddie shook her head and began to eat. Suddenly, she stopped and looked down at her stomach. David quickly became worried, "What is it, Maddie?"
She looked up and smiled at him, "I'm not sure but I think I felt our child move. It's a couple of weeks earlier than last time but it feels the same."
She took his hand and placed it on her stomach, "I'm not sure if you'll be able to feel it since it's so light."
They were silent for a couple of minutes and David thought he felt a slight fluttering. He looked at her and she nodded. They hugged tightly and began a new affection session, although David was now able to keep his mind intact. When he felt that Maddie was starting to become too far gone, he broke away. He saw disappointment in Maddie's eyes so he kissed each one and said, "I love you, Maddie, so much."
She smiled brightly, "I love you too, David, so much."
David then pointed to her food and she began to eat sneaking glances at him. When she finished, he took the tray to go downstairs and she followed him. They spent a relaxing evening talking about what they wanted to do with the nursery. Maddie fell asleep on the couch and David did not want to wake her so he fell asleep there too. They held each other all night.
The next day, David got in touch with Terri and that night Maddie and David went over to her apartment and Walter was there. Walter and Terri had been married for about a year and Wally was an active two-year-old. They had a small ceremony and Terri explained that they wanted to invite David and Maddie to their wedding, but they got married around the time of Maddie's miscarriage. Getting ready for the wedding was the reason that both of them were unable to attend the baby shower that ended in tragedy. Both were very excited that their friends came to their senses and finally were having the happy life they deserved. Maddie and David were also pleased that Walter and Terri got together. Maddie still felt guilty about the short marriage to Walter, but her mind eased at the thought that if she had not married Walter, then Walter would never have met Terri. The five of them enjoyed a pleasant visit. Wally especially took to David and so, Maddie and David offered to babysit if Walter and Terri ever needed a night out together.
Two months later, Maddie's pregnancy was still going well and David could never resist touching her stomach. She was starting to get nervous about becoming a mother, but knew that David would be a great father and help her whenever she needed it.
Her modeling agency was doing well and while she was always tired, it was not quite as bad as it was earlier in her pregnancy so she was more involved. And again, if a photographer was too friendly towards her models, an irate Maddie on hormones had the photographer running across the Pacific Ocean. David would take over when Maddie became too tired and he would do it discreetly so no one realized what was going on. The only way that the photographers, models, agents, and anyone else business related who interacted with the agency could tell that Maddie was pregnant was her bulging stomach.
However, their happiness was interrupted. One day when Maddie was taking a nap, the phone rang and David answered it.
"Hello… Mrs. Hayes… What… Yes… Of course… Yeah, Maddie and I will be out there immediately… Two days at the most… Of course… Will do… Thank you… Goodbye."
David hung up and looked at Maddie. He knew the news he had to tell would not be good for her health or for the baby. He quickly dialed Dr. Weed.
"Dr. Weed, please… This is an emergency… Madolyn Hayes… Thank you… Hello, Dr. Weed… I need to ask you some questions… Maddie's mother called me with some news about her father… He had a stroke… I know… Yes… Well, I want to know if plane travel will be safe for her… Chicago… Depends on how he's doing… Thank you… I'll do that… Thank you… Bye."
David hung up and then dialed Maddie's modeling agency. He had set up a plan all ready for Maddie when she went into labor, and had put the plan into action. They needed to get to Chicago immediately. He called the airport and made reservations to fly out in twelve hours, which would give him enough time to pack. He took another look at Maddie who was sound asleep and he went upstairs to start packing. He packed his things within fifteen minutes, but Maddie's took over an hour since she needed clothes, makeup, and accessories. He also wondered if he should pack some of the baby's things because Dr. Weed suggested that if they were not back in Los Angeles by the beginning of her third trimester, then she should have the baby in Chicago. He quickly dialed the Hayes' residence, but there was no answer. Then, he dialed the operator and asked for the phone number of the hospital where Mr. Hayes was. He finally talked to Mrs. Hayes again and asked her if she still had some of Maddie's baby things in case she had to give birth there. Mrs. Hayes affirmed that she had some things and that she wanted to go shopping for her grandchild anyway, so everything would be taken care of. Before hanging up, he asked Mrs. Hayes who Maddie's doctor was when she was in Chicago. She told him and even gave him the phone number. After hanging up, David called the doctor and had set up an appointment for Maddie in two days to make sure the stress that was sure to come would not harm her or the baby.
David then had to wake Maddie and tell her. It was not easy. When she heard her father had a stroke, she almost started to have a panic attack. David had to calm her and remind her that he was there for her. He told her he took care of everything, including the agency and a doctor in Chicago. While she calmed down from a panic attack, she started crying uncontrollably. David knew there was nothing he could do except hold her and be there.
Within twenty-four hours, they were in Chicago. Mrs. Hayes met them at the airport and the two women started crying. David offered to drive as long as they gave directions to the house. David and Maddie settled into her old room and he was able to make her laugh for a minute when he teased her about her James Dean poster. He then forced her to take a nap before they went to see her father. She protested but realized David was not going to budge. While she was napping, David and Mrs. Hayes talked. He always liked Mrs. Hayes and she expressed how happy she was that her stubborn daughter came to her senses. By the end of the conversation when Maddie woke up, Mrs. Hayes asked David to called her either "Virginia" or "Mom." David was touched that she accepted him as part of the family considering that he knew he was not what the Hayeses expected for their daughter and he told her so. Mrs. Hayes just laughed and said that he was better than she ever expected. David had a feeling that he would be calling her "Mom" before this visit was over.
The three of them headed over to the hospital. Before they entered, Mrs. Hayes finally told them that the stroke had him paralyzed and that the only communication he had was with his eyes. Maddie became pale and David held her closely knowing that she was either ready to faint or be sick. He was very happy that she had a doctor's appointment tomorrow and he prayed that everything would be all right. When David saw Mr. Hayes, he had a flashback to his childhood. His grandfather looked the same way before he died. David was five at the time and just realized at this moment that his grandfather had a stroke all those years ago. He held Maddie tighter as he saw the tears streaming down her face. He knew that this was not going to turn out well.
Maddie could not walk anymore. This was not the father she knew hooked up to millions of machines and the beeping coming from the equipment. Her father might be at a retirement age, but he was too young in spirit to do that. He was too still. Maddie was grateful for David holding her up or else she would be on the floor starting a flood in the hospital with her tears. David slowly brought her to a chair that was still some distance away from the hospital bed and helped her sit down. He knew there was nothing he could or say to make it better.
Instead, David squeezed Maddie's hand and then left her to walk to the bed. He spoke, "Hi, Mr. Hayes, it's your son-in-law. Maddie's here too and the baby decided to tag along. The baby's not born yet, another three months, but she's developing great. We actually don't know for sure if it's a she, but we have a feeling it will be. We've also decided on names. If it's a girl, we're calling her Alexandra Matilda Hayes Addison and if it's a boy, it'll be Alexander David Hayes Addison. Maddie is a little stubborn on the boy's name because she wants it to be David, but I'm all ready a junior and I have to thank you for what you did two years ago. How you looked out for Maddie and how you brought me to my senses when I was at my worst. Believe me, I've changed and I'm trying to take care of your daughter and I'll take great care of your grandchild. I love Maddie and I hope I can make you proud. I'm sorry that Maddie and I didn't get married in the traditional way so you and Mrs. Hayes could have attended, but believe me, your support when we told you meant a lot to us."
At the end of his speech, there was slight eye movement towards him and David knew that Mr. Hayes heard every word he said and even approved of him. Maddie was very touched at David's words. She finally got some of her strength and walked to her father standing next to David.
"Hi, Daddy. I also want to apologize for not having you at our wedding and for the many stupid things I did during my last visit here. You should know that David has made good on his word to love me and take care of me, even more than I would ever have thought, just like you. I love you, Daddy, and I'm thankful for how you raised me, how you put up with me."
Mrs. Hayes watched this scene from the doorway since only two people were allowed at a time. She knew her husband wasn't going to be around long, but she knew it meant a lot to him that his daughter, son-in-law, and grandchild, even if it was not born yet, came to visit him. She saw Maddie take his hand and place it against her stomach. David grabbed Maddie's other hand and they looked at him. A nurse came up to her and told her that visiting hours were over. She gave the couple another minute with her husband before she relayed the message. The three of them left together silent and each lost in their own thoughts.
Three weeks passed. David and Maddie officially decided she was going to give birth in Chicago and Mrs. Hayes could not have been happier. She spoiled her daughter and son-in-law buying maternity clothes and baby supplies, and giving David some family heirlooms to show him how much he was part of the family, such as an antique watch that belonged to Maddie's great-grandfather. They had also set up a crib in Maddie's old bedroom for when the baby arrived. Mr. Hayes was not doing any better or worse, but the three of them visited everyday.
However, the day finally came when they received the call that Mr. Hayes was in a coma. They all knew it was a matter of time before they received the final call. Mrs. Hayes stayed at the hospital every night insisting that Maddie needed to be in a comfortable bed so Maddie and David went back to the house.
Another five days passed and they began planning Alexander Hayes' funeral. Maddie was barely speaking, but David made sure that each day since they heard about the coma that she went to see her doctor to make sure the stress was not affecting the baby. Still, everything was healthy with her pregnancy and David believed that now, Alexander with his first grandson was watching their baby. Mrs. Hayes agreed when he told her a day after Alexander's death that Maddie was doing well despite the stress she was imposing on herself. She was surprised to hear that Maddie was an atheist, even though she was not very religious herself. Still, Alexander's funeral was a Protestant ceremony. Many of his business associates and the Hayes' neighbors came. The family of course came, including Annie. Mark was there but he sat separately from his ex-wife. Annie was four months pregnant by another man.
Maddie was silent during all of it – the ceremony, the family gathering, and even at the house. She shook hands and mumbled thank you when someone offered her condolences or a congratulations on her marriage and impending arrival, but other than that, she did not react. David knew that Maddie was ready to break down at any moment and he began to fear that she would push him away. He told Mrs. Hayes one night everything that happened the day that Maddie had left for Chicago and when she came back, about their complicated relationship, and even told her of his fears. She supported him and admired him more as she learned the idiotic things her daughter had done and yet, he stayed by her through it all. When he came to the subject of Annie, she listened and did not pass judgment. She loved Annie when she was younger and still loved her because she was family, but Annie had changed. She was especially disappointed in Annie's behavior and the fact she was pregnant by another man. During his story, she realized how beaten David felt when he got involved with Annie. He told her about letting Annie go because he knew Mark loved her while she was just someone that could take care of his frustrations. Mrs. Hayes promised David that she would help him if Maddie did push him away. She even offered to fix her will so that the only way Maddie would be able to inherit anything would be if she was still with David and if not, then David would inherit everything. David refused as he would never do that to Maddie.
David was happy each night as Maddie still had let him hold her, but he knew she needed more whether it was talking to someone or something else, he did not know. The day that Maddie's father died and since, she never cried. She cried when she heard about the stroke, she cried when she first saw her father, but she had not cried since. He knew she was tense, she tossed and turned at night, but as long as the doctor said Maddie was healthy, he did not want to press the issue as he was afraid of losing her.
Maddie, on the other hand, was numb. She thought about her childhood, her modeling days, seeing her parents after she retired from modeling, the time when she found out her father had an affair, staying in Chicago, and then, him lying in the hospital bed. She wanted to cry, but she could not. She also knew David was worried about her, and she knew of his fears. She did not want to push him away and she was happy that he stood by her side and held her at night. Besides her father's death, she knew that she needed Lamaze classes again, but her father's death reminded her more than ever of her miscarriage. The doctor's appointments did not help, if anything, they increased her fear of having another miscarriage because everything was going well, and last time, the baby was very healthy growing at a normal rate, she had long passed the first trimester when a miscarriage was most likely to occur, and yet, she lost the baby. She longed to talk to David about her fears, but her voice failed her. At night lately, she dreamed about the baby shower. She was happy, happier than she had ever been with everyone supporting her and David's eyes shimmering with love, but then came the pain and the blood, David shouting for her to remain conscious as they waited for the ambulance. That day was the worst day of her life as a nightmare that she never knew existed became reality. The scene dissolved into David shouting at her for lying about the child not being his and accusing her of losing it on purpose and then leaving her in the cold. She knew that the real David, her David, did not blame her for either of those things and if she told him, he would hold her tight and kiss her fears away.
Mrs. Hayes worried about her daughter as she watched her lack of interaction with the world. Finally, she suggested Lamaze classes and David was interested while Maddie froze. Both noticed her expression. Finally, Maddie asked, "Do we have to do it so soon?"
Mrs. Hayes looked at her daughter, "Maddie, you are seven months along. You probably should have started a little sooner. Besides, don't you want to get ready for the baby?"
Maddie did not react. David knelt in front of her, "Maddie, Honey, what's wrong? I know your father's death has been difficult, but there's something else."
Finally, the dam broke and Maddie sobbed into David's arms. He made sure she stayed on her seat because, if she came off, she would have problems getting up. She cried for over an hour and while David's knees were in great pain, he would not have it any other way than her being in his arms. He wished that he could take away Maddie's pain, but being there was what she needed right now. After her sobs quieted, he realized Maddie fell asleep in his arms. He along with Mrs. Hayes helped lean Maddie back on the chair where she remained asleep.
Mrs. Hayes looked at David, "It's about time."
He just nodded in reply.
"Does she have a doctor's appointment tomorrow?"
He nodded again. Finally, he said, "I don't know how to help her. I don't know what to do."
She smiled at him, "You're doing a lot. I remember when Maddie was in high school, her classmates and friends began to move away from her as she got into modeling. I don't know what happened, but her classmates did something horrible to her. I heard her crying in her room and she wouldn't accept comfort from her father or me. Two weeks later, we decided to get her a tutor as she wanted to model more. David, Maddie being able to cry in your arms is a big deal for her. It shows how much she needs you and you are there when she needs it. You might not know what's wrong specifically, but you know Maddie will turn to you when she's ready."
David gave her a kiss on the cheek and sat next to Maddie taking her hand in his.
When Maddie woke up, she felt refreshed, not happy but not despairing. She looked over at David who had fallen asleep holding her hand. Looking at him, her heart finally allowed her to believe that David would be with her through it all, no matter what happened. Maybe she needed to break before she could heal. She leaned towards David and began to passionately kiss him. Slowly, he woke up and responded. Her hand squeezed his as they continued.
Mrs. Hayes walked in and smiled. David told her about their unconventional marriage and their initial agreement, and so she debated if she should interrupt them. When their hands began to wander to more exotic places, she knew she should stop them before the neighbors had them arrested for indecent exposure inside her house. She cleared her throat and they continued. She did it louder and they still continued. She then coughed loud enough that it had hurt her throat slightly and the couple jumped apart. Both became the brightest shade of red.
She smiled at them and just asked, "So about Lamaze classes?"
David responded, "I think we'll begin next week. The Thursday class looked good. We used to be in rare form on Tuesdays, but some things change, and Sundays were the worst day for us. The six-to-seven timeslot should work."
Maddie nodded. Mrs. Hayes then said, "I'll register you both today," and then, she walked away.
The weeks passed and Lamaze classes were going well. Finally, it was two weeks before Maddie's due date and she felt she could finally relax over her fears of a miscarriage. The doctor said it could be any day now and she felt excited. She was not too scared of the pain considering the pain that came with her miscarriage, both physically and emotionally. She and David talked a little more about that time and cried about it together, but they felt even closer than ever. She did not get much sleep because the baby was so active, which made her think that David was wrong and the baby was a boy. David said it was a daughter who could not sit still just like her mother. When they were told it could be any day, David was nervous and yet not nervous at the same time. He hovered around Maddie like a typical husband, but he was not jumpy every time she moved like a typical husband. He and Maddie hoped the birth would be soon since David was not able to sleep when she was not able to sleep. Mrs. Hayes commended David on how well he took care of her daughter and grandchild and for how calm he was.
It was February. There was snow outside and a threat of a storm when Maddie's water broke. David and Mrs. Hayes got her to the hospital in good time. David acted as the perfect Lamaze coach despite a few curses that came his way. David and Mrs. Hayes went into the delivery room, each holding a hand. That was probably good for David, since Maddie was ready to break his hand, but having two hands on which to concentrate distracted from that particular goal. Maddie spent fifteen hours in labor and she was exhausted. There was some worry about her not being able to dilate properly and the doctor got the equipment ready to perform a C-section if she did not give birth within the hour. Finally, and without a C-section, Maddie gave birth to a daughter. David could not believe it and had cut the cord as if in a daze.
After the six-pound-ten-ounce girl was cleaned up, she was handed to her parents. Maddie started crying tears of joy along with David. They were both shocked at the emotions that were hitting them. They never thought this day would come. Maddie, at the age of thirty-nine, was especially surprised that she was now a mother. She looked at David holding his daughter and knew that his premonition of being wrapped around her finger was all ready coming true.
Maddie and David enjoyed every moment of Alexandra (Lexi) Matilda Hayes Addison's life. Maddie still worked at the modeling agency when they got back to Los Angeles, but she made sure to have her husband and daughter with her whenever possible. David decided to be a stay-at-home-dad while Lexi was growing up. Once she entered kindergarten, then he would open his bar. However, fate decided to bring them a surprise. Three and a half years after Lexi's birth, Maddie discovered she was pregnant again. This time, her pregnancy was complicated. It was lucky that Mrs. Hayes moved to a condo in Los Angeles because David had to run the modeling agency and Maddie was too sick to take care of Lexi. Mrs. Hayes watched over both girls when David had to be away. He felt guilty about Maddie's pregnancy and how ill she was, but she told him she hoped she would have another child and was excited about it despite being tired, sick, and bedridden.
Maddie finally got her way with the name as David Richard Hayes Addison came into the world in May 1994. Davy was premature by three weeks and had to be in an incubator, but he did well. After Davy's birth, Maddie had to have a hysterectomy as his birth caused too much damage. David was secretly happy that she did because he did not want her to get pregnant and go through that again. Again, David decided that he was not going to start his bar until Davy went to kindergarten. Together, Maddie and David taught their children the basics they would need to know for school. Their children played with the Bishops' and the Violas' children. All of them were close like cousins and the adults became known as Aunts Maddie, Agnes, and Terri, and Uncles David, Bert, and Walter. Romantic interests between the children sometimes would develop, such as a teenaged Alexandra Matilda fell for an almost college-aged Wally, but it did not disrupt the families.
In 1996, little Lexi became obsessed with a movie called Matilda and she thought the movie was named for her. From that time on, she refused to answer to her first name and became known as "Mattie." It was a little confusing when David called for "Maddie" and Mattie answered or vice versa, but the family decided to make her happy and she never went back.
In 1999, both Addison children were in school and David finally opened his own bar with Maddie helping to invest in it. She used her contacts to hire excellent chefs and good service staff so that within two years, the joint was a success. The family worked well together, although not without their own squabbles. Sometimes, they would argue about big things and sometimes it would be about little things. They argued about work, punishing the children, chores that needed to be done, dealing with their investments, etc. The children quickly learned how to banter like their parents, which led to some amused looks between Maddie and David.
Maddie asked David, "Were we ever that bad?"
"No, worse."
It seemed that every time David and Maddie were about to go in for it, the children between the ages of seven and fourteen started up first distracting David and Maddie. It did not last as they got older with one of them being out of the house with a friend. In other words, David and Maddie did not change from how they were twenty years before except they were happier.
The only disaster for the family came in 2005 when Richie was involved in a major car accident and did not survive. The family mourned, but they stuck together through it. David had the hardest time, but Maddie was there for him just like he was for her when her father died.
Mattie graduated top of her high school class in 2008 and went to a college in New York City with an almost full scholarship. She also began modeling in the east and Maddie became her agent.
This is where the real tale begins as it seems that David and Maddie lived happily ever after, but it is important to remember that nothing lasts forever. Love is the most powerful force on Earth, but it does not come without pain and/or confusion.