A month had passed with still no word about 99 getting
pregnant and Max was starting to get a bit depressed.
Sitting at the kitchen table, Max stared into his
coffee cup. 99 noticed his grey mood, walked over and
began to message the back of his neck.
"It takes time, Max," 99 assured him.
"The last three didn't take as long as this," Max replied with a frown.
"We're both a little older now, Max, and our bodies have changed. It'll happen soon ... you watch."
"Maybe it's me, 99. I mean, I'm 50 now and, well, maybe I don't have what it takes to get the job done."
"Max, trust me. You DO have what it takes. That hasn't changed at all."
"You're just saying that to make me feel better," Max pouted.
99 sat on Max's lap. "I thought we'd have this weekend just for ourselves -- no kids, just us. My mom is taking the kids for the weekend."
Max began to perk up.
99 traced her finger across his cheek, "So, you get home early and I'll have a nice romantic evening planned for us, ok?"
Max felt a little more reassured and smiled shyly, "Ok."
Then he looked at his watch, realized he was late, and hurried off to work.
Max arrived home at exactly 5pm with flowers in hand for 99. Before he walked in, he sniffed the roses, smiled and nodded. It was going to be a special evening for both of them. As Max walked in the house, it had a very cozy feel to it. The lights were dimmed low, a roaring fire was in the fireplace, and Max could smell his favorite meal cooking in the kitchen. 99 came out of the kitchen wearing a beautiful new evening gown. She looked extremely sexy as Max's eyes widened.
"Wow, 99, you look so gorgeous. Aahhh, let's say we skip dinner till later," Max winked.
99 smiled, took Max's hand, and guided him over to the couch.
She cuddled close to him and put her head on his shoulder.
"Max, ..." 99 said softly.
"Hmm?" Max asked as he basked in the warmth of 99 next to him.
"We're going to have a baby," 99 quietly announced.
"I know, that's the reason for this weekend."
"No, I mean I'm going to have a baby ... I'm pregnant."
Max's mouth fell open as he brought 99 up to face him, "Oh, 99! Really? But why ... how come ... why didn't you tell me this morning?"
"I wanted it to be a surprise -- without the kids around, just you and me ... alone."
Max couldn't stop beaming. "When did you find out?"
"Thursday afternoon. I'm one month along."
"This is so great, 99. I can't believe it. Oh, and the kids are going to be thrilled, too. Unless Zach already spilled the beans."
"I don't think so. We'll tell them Sunday night." 99 got up and reached her hand out to Max. "Right now, I think we should celebrate. I have your favorite meal cooking, we'll listen to some soft music and then later ..." 99 planted a huge kiss on Max.
Max pulled away rather shocked, "99, you're with child now. I don't think it would be good for the baby if we were to ... you know."
99 looked at him with bewilderment. "Max, that didn't stop you before, with the other three."
"Well, this is different, 99. I mean, given the precautions and all."
"I already checked with the doctor, and he said it would be fine."
"Then, as long as the doctor gave his blessings, ..."
Max gently lifted 99, and carried her up the stairs.
It was a wonderful weekend for Max and 99. They enjoyed each other's company and talked future plans about the new baby. Sunday night, before bedtime, the kids were informed of 99's condition. Zach was proud of the fact that he made good on his promise by not saying anything to anyone. Maxine was thrilled 'cause now she was old enough to help out, and Jimmy was happy he wouldn't be the youngest anymore.
Monday morning came and Max strolled into work with a bounce in his step. Just about everyone he ran into got the good news about him and 99. Max strolled proudly into the Chief's office and stood in front of his desk ready to burst with the news. "I already heard," the Chief said, without looking up from his paperwork.
"Already heard what?" Max asked.
"About the baby."
"How could you? I didn't tell you yet."
"Max, you told just about everyone here at CONTROL. It was just a matter of time before it got back to me."
"Well, you could be right, Chief. You were my last stop."
The Chief stopped writing, and folded his hands. "So, Max, another baby, huh? I don't know how you're going to do it. The different feeding times, the crying, not sleeping on a regular schedule."
"It's not hard, Chief, once I adjust ..."
"I don't mean you, Max. I mean the baby."
"Oh, that. It's only for a little while, then "poof" they grow up."
The Chief could see Max's excitement level was peaking.
"Congratulations, Max. And let 99 know I'm very happy for her," the Chief proudly insisted.
Max walked back to his office to finish some paperwork. He stopped to look at the family portrait sitting on his desk. Picking up the frame, Max started to think back when he was single, and how miserable he was until 99 kicked some sense into him. Nothing could ruin his day. He was a happy, well-adjusted man.
It was just before noon, and Max was heading out to go to lunch when his phone line rang. Max debated whether to pick it up or let the switchboard take the message. After about four rings, he decided to take care of whoever it was on the other line.
"CONTROL headquarters. Maxwell Smart speaking."
There was a hesitation on the other end of the line.
Again Max asked, "Is anyone on the other line?"
"Max?" a woman's soft voice replied.
Max didn't recognize the voice on the other end.
"Who is this? Can I help you?"
"Max ... it's... Christy Mayfield." said the voice nervously.
Max was a bit taken back by this call from out of the blue. Immediately, his thoughts went back to that night they were together. Max tried to shut it out of his mind by being rather formal with her.
"Oh, hello ... Agent Mayfield. It's been a while hasn't it. Can I help you with something?"
Christy expected this type of response from him, but was determined to let him know why she called.
"Max, I need to see you ..."
Max quickly cut her off, "No, Christy, that's not going to happen. I have my marriage back to where I want it, and seeing you again would be ... well, it just wouldn't be right."
Christy shot back, "I am not interested in seeing you for that reason. I need to talk to you about something important. I'm staying at the Harrington Arms Hotel, room ..."
Max closed his eyes and fought not to give in, "Whatever you have to say, you can say over the phone."
"I don't want to talk to you on the phone. Look, we can meet in public if you'd like, but it's important for me to meet with you," Christy said with some urgency in her voice.
Max knew she wouldn't leave him alone unless he agreed. He especially didn't need her calling him at home and having 99 find out she was in town.
"Alright. I'll meet you in the bar at the hotel in one hour. You can tell me what it is that's so important that you can't tell me on the phone, and then I'm leaving. Agreed?"
Christy hesitated on her reply, "Fine, if that's how you want to handle it."
"That's the way I want to handle it," Max insisted sternly.
Max hung up the phone and quickly lit a cigarette. He puffed nervously, wondering why Christy would want to see him. He hoped she wasn't going to do anything to try and win him back. He didn't want to deal with that. He was in a happy time in his life, and she wasn't going to ruin it for him.
An hour later, Max stood outside the hotel. He could see through the window Christy waiting patiently in a corner booth. Max began talking to himself, "Ok, just go in and try not to be too friendly. Just find out what she wants, try to resolve it, and get the hell out." Max took a deep breath, and walked into the bar area. Christy looked up to see Max walking toward her and smiled. "Max," she said, as she reached out to hug him. But, Max kept his distance, and remained stiff and prim.
Christy got the message from his body language that he was not exactly happy to see her.
Max was as nervous as a man meeting his mistress for a weekly tryst. He constantly looked around, and hoped that no one recognized him being seen with Christy.
"What is it that's so important, Christy?" Max said in a curt tone.
Christy was getting tired of Max treating her like some two-bit hooker, and fired back, "I didn't want to come here, you know. I was perfectly happy living my life in Europe, far away from you and everything else that reminded me of that night."
Max shot her a look. "Don't ever mention that night again. It happened, and now it's over. And I never want to be reminded of it again. You understand?"
Max's behavior brought tears to her eyes. "Is that so? Well, you're going to be reminded of it for the rest of your life. I'm pregnant, Max. I'm pregnant, and it's your baby."
His eyes widened in shock as his mouth hung open. Max tried to speak, but nothing was coming out. He couldn't believe what he'd just heard. It was the last thing Max wanted to hear. Now he was the one who looked as if he might cry.
To be continued....
"It takes time, Max," 99 assured him.
"The last three didn't take as long as this," Max replied with a frown.
"We're both a little older now, Max, and our bodies have changed. It'll happen soon ... you watch."
"Maybe it's me, 99. I mean, I'm 50 now and, well, maybe I don't have what it takes to get the job done."
"Max, trust me. You DO have what it takes. That hasn't changed at all."
"You're just saying that to make me feel better," Max pouted.
99 sat on Max's lap. "I thought we'd have this weekend just for ourselves -- no kids, just us. My mom is taking the kids for the weekend."
Max began to perk up.
99 traced her finger across his cheek, "So, you get home early and I'll have a nice romantic evening planned for us, ok?"
Max felt a little more reassured and smiled shyly, "Ok."
Then he looked at his watch, realized he was late, and hurried off to work.
Max arrived home at exactly 5pm with flowers in hand for 99. Before he walked in, he sniffed the roses, smiled and nodded. It was going to be a special evening for both of them. As Max walked in the house, it had a very cozy feel to it. The lights were dimmed low, a roaring fire was in the fireplace, and Max could smell his favorite meal cooking in the kitchen. 99 came out of the kitchen wearing a beautiful new evening gown. She looked extremely sexy as Max's eyes widened.
"Wow, 99, you look so gorgeous. Aahhh, let's say we skip dinner till later," Max winked.
99 smiled, took Max's hand, and guided him over to the couch.
She cuddled close to him and put her head on his shoulder.
"Max, ..." 99 said softly.
"Hmm?" Max asked as he basked in the warmth of 99 next to him.
"We're going to have a baby," 99 quietly announced.
"I know, that's the reason for this weekend."
"No, I mean I'm going to have a baby ... I'm pregnant."
Max's mouth fell open as he brought 99 up to face him, "Oh, 99! Really? But why ... how come ... why didn't you tell me this morning?"
"I wanted it to be a surprise -- without the kids around, just you and me ... alone."
Max couldn't stop beaming. "When did you find out?"
"Thursday afternoon. I'm one month along."
"This is so great, 99. I can't believe it. Oh, and the kids are going to be thrilled, too. Unless Zach already spilled the beans."
"I don't think so. We'll tell them Sunday night." 99 got up and reached her hand out to Max. "Right now, I think we should celebrate. I have your favorite meal cooking, we'll listen to some soft music and then later ..." 99 planted a huge kiss on Max.
Max pulled away rather shocked, "99, you're with child now. I don't think it would be good for the baby if we were to ... you know."
99 looked at him with bewilderment. "Max, that didn't stop you before, with the other three."
"Well, this is different, 99. I mean, given the precautions and all."
"I already checked with the doctor, and he said it would be fine."
"Then, as long as the doctor gave his blessings, ..."
Max gently lifted 99, and carried her up the stairs.
It was a wonderful weekend for Max and 99. They enjoyed each other's company and talked future plans about the new baby. Sunday night, before bedtime, the kids were informed of 99's condition. Zach was proud of the fact that he made good on his promise by not saying anything to anyone. Maxine was thrilled 'cause now she was old enough to help out, and Jimmy was happy he wouldn't be the youngest anymore.
Monday morning came and Max strolled into work with a bounce in his step. Just about everyone he ran into got the good news about him and 99. Max strolled proudly into the Chief's office and stood in front of his desk ready to burst with the news. "I already heard," the Chief said, without looking up from his paperwork.
"Already heard what?" Max asked.
"About the baby."
"How could you? I didn't tell you yet."
"Max, you told just about everyone here at CONTROL. It was just a matter of time before it got back to me."
"Well, you could be right, Chief. You were my last stop."
The Chief stopped writing, and folded his hands. "So, Max, another baby, huh? I don't know how you're going to do it. The different feeding times, the crying, not sleeping on a regular schedule."
"It's not hard, Chief, once I adjust ..."
"I don't mean you, Max. I mean the baby."
"Oh, that. It's only for a little while, then "poof" they grow up."
The Chief could see Max's excitement level was peaking.
"Congratulations, Max. And let 99 know I'm very happy for her," the Chief proudly insisted.
Max walked back to his office to finish some paperwork. He stopped to look at the family portrait sitting on his desk. Picking up the frame, Max started to think back when he was single, and how miserable he was until 99 kicked some sense into him. Nothing could ruin his day. He was a happy, well-adjusted man.
It was just before noon, and Max was heading out to go to lunch when his phone line rang. Max debated whether to pick it up or let the switchboard take the message. After about four rings, he decided to take care of whoever it was on the other line.
"CONTROL headquarters. Maxwell Smart speaking."
There was a hesitation on the other end of the line.
Again Max asked, "Is anyone on the other line?"
"Max?" a woman's soft voice replied.
Max didn't recognize the voice on the other end.
"Who is this? Can I help you?"
"Max ... it's... Christy Mayfield." said the voice nervously.
Max was a bit taken back by this call from out of the blue. Immediately, his thoughts went back to that night they were together. Max tried to shut it out of his mind by being rather formal with her.
"Oh, hello ... Agent Mayfield. It's been a while hasn't it. Can I help you with something?"
Christy expected this type of response from him, but was determined to let him know why she called.
"Max, I need to see you ..."
Max quickly cut her off, "No, Christy, that's not going to happen. I have my marriage back to where I want it, and seeing you again would be ... well, it just wouldn't be right."
Christy shot back, "I am not interested in seeing you for that reason. I need to talk to you about something important. I'm staying at the Harrington Arms Hotel, room ..."
Max closed his eyes and fought not to give in, "Whatever you have to say, you can say over the phone."
"I don't want to talk to you on the phone. Look, we can meet in public if you'd like, but it's important for me to meet with you," Christy said with some urgency in her voice.
Max knew she wouldn't leave him alone unless he agreed. He especially didn't need her calling him at home and having 99 find out she was in town.
"Alright. I'll meet you in the bar at the hotel in one hour. You can tell me what it is that's so important that you can't tell me on the phone, and then I'm leaving. Agreed?"
Christy hesitated on her reply, "Fine, if that's how you want to handle it."
"That's the way I want to handle it," Max insisted sternly.
Max hung up the phone and quickly lit a cigarette. He puffed nervously, wondering why Christy would want to see him. He hoped she wasn't going to do anything to try and win him back. He didn't want to deal with that. He was in a happy time in his life, and she wasn't going to ruin it for him.
An hour later, Max stood outside the hotel. He could see through the window Christy waiting patiently in a corner booth. Max began talking to himself, "Ok, just go in and try not to be too friendly. Just find out what she wants, try to resolve it, and get the hell out." Max took a deep breath, and walked into the bar area. Christy looked up to see Max walking toward her and smiled. "Max," she said, as she reached out to hug him. But, Max kept his distance, and remained stiff and prim.
Christy got the message from his body language that he was not exactly happy to see her.
Max was as nervous as a man meeting his mistress for a weekly tryst. He constantly looked around, and hoped that no one recognized him being seen with Christy.
"What is it that's so important, Christy?" Max said in a curt tone.
Christy was getting tired of Max treating her like some two-bit hooker, and fired back, "I didn't want to come here, you know. I was perfectly happy living my life in Europe, far away from you and everything else that reminded me of that night."
Max shot her a look. "Don't ever mention that night again. It happened, and now it's over. And I never want to be reminded of it again. You understand?"
Max's behavior brought tears to her eyes. "Is that so? Well, you're going to be reminded of it for the rest of your life. I'm pregnant, Max. I'm pregnant, and it's your baby."
His eyes widened in shock as his mouth hung open. Max tried to speak, but nothing was coming out. He couldn't believe what he'd just heard. It was the last thing Max wanted to hear. Now he was the one who looked as if he might cry.
To be continued....