One Month Later:
Maddie's recovery has been improving by leaps and bounds. She is up and walking around, and her heart palpitations have gone away except for when she gets worked up, so she's really had to keep her fiery anger at bay. Her parents and David laugh about how she should have always been under doctor's orders as a form of anger management…
Now that she's feeling better and doing more on her own, Maddie decides to talk to David about him moving back to his own apartment…she is still not feeling like working on their relationship is something she has the energy for, but whenever she brings it up he refused to leave saying she needed him there…DJ needed him there…and he was right since once. When Molly knew that Maddie was mending nicely and that David was there for her, she decided to return to her visit with her sister, she hoped that by the time she came back Maddie would have taken David back…so without Molly, it would be hard to keep up with everything around the house plus a toddler while she was still not 100%...she still tired easily but she did want David to at least leave the house once in a while besides when he went to work, she has no time to herself at all!
Maddie: Aren't there things you need to do, David?…Bars that need visited? Drinks that need to be drunk…women that need to be fu…
David: (DJ is sitting on his lap, he covers his ears) Whoa…whoa…whoa…easy…not in front of the kid.
Maddie: (Shrugs) Well, he'll have to find out about it someday.
David: No…I have nowhere else to be. I am very happy…right here with you two.
Maddie sighed and let it go since she really did still need David around.
Weeks passed, months passed...and slowly life started to get back to normal...well, as normal as it can be when your soon to be ex-husband lives in your guest room nursing you back to health after almost being killed in a carjacking accident. David had been dying to talk to Maddie, now that she was almost back to normal and planning on returning to work. She had mentioned him going back to his own apartment lately, but he wanted to plead his case for the two of them moving forward with their relationship and forgetting this divorce nonsense. Much to his chagrin Maddie had been talking to Ron or Roy or Rod…whatever his name was, again, the kid she was dating before the accident. He was flaky, immature and didn't have a clue what she really needed...but she excused his foibles, using his age as an excuse. David was inwardly frustrated, but he resolved to hang in there and just keep proving himself.
Maddie had been feeling better and better with each week. Her heart no longer needed to be monitored, her scars were fading as the doctor promised and she was getting her strength back. She planned to get back to work soon and move away from being under everyone's watchful eye. The great thing was that her parents planned to stay in their rented house in California for a while, so they'd be close to her and DJ...the bad thing was just…that; David. He'd been there for her since the accident...completely devoted and willing to help her in any way possible...but he had ideas of staying in this marriage, working on their relationship and being a family and that's something she wasn't sure she was interested anymore. Of course, she wanted to have a good co-parenting relationship with David, but a romantic relationship was just not something she thought she could put effort into anymore even though she knew she still loved him. Their marriage had been a disaster of Titanic proportions, she and David were completely disconnected and he'd cheated on her, the ultimate betrayal...one she just didn't think she could forgive…how would she ever trust him again? Truly trust him. No, he needed to leave her home and they could work on being business partners and co-parents, but nothing more. She decided to talk to him that night.
Maddie: David…
David: Maddie…I'm leaving.
Maddie: (Surprised) Oh!...Well, that was easy.
David: (confused) What?
Maddie: You're leaving…that's what I wanted to talk to you about and you're going…so that's great…for once, we're on the same page.
David: What!? Ho…No…no, no…I'm not leaving here…I'm not leaving you…I'm leaving L.A….for a few days…I have to go to Arizona for the Mendleson trial.
Maddie: Mendleson? …Oh…No…
David: No? …I mean…yes…that's right, Mendleson, I know it's taken awhile, but they're finally prosecuting the old bird.
Maddie: Good…I mean…No…I mean…David…
David: Maddie? Is there something else you're trying to say…
Maddie: Well…yes, actually…it's about you leaving…
David: (Feels sympathetic) …oh…honey, I'm sorry, are you worried about dealing with everything on your own while I'm gone? I should have talked to you about this first…with all that's happened, maybe I could have gotten out…
Maddie: (interrupts) No! David…It's good that you're leaving…good that you're leaving town for the trial…we'll be fine, but I think, well…what I'm trying to say is…after you get back, you need to leave…
David: Leave where?
Maddie: Here.
David: Here?
Maddie: Leave…the house.
David: Oh…come on, not this again. (He begins to feel hurt and a bit angry. Did he have to walk on water to prove he's changed?)
Maddie: It's wonderful that you've been here for me…and helped me so much…I truly appreciate it, and I know, going forward it will make us closer and better parents and we'll always be family, David…but…
David: Oh…come on, don't but me.
Maddie: But, David…we've done the relationship thing and we both know it doesn't work.
David: I beg to differ…
Maddie: Us? Disagreeing? Why doesn't that surprise me. Case and point as to why we won't work.
David: Look. I agree…we didn't work before…and I take full responsibility for that. I was terrible…to you…to myself…to us. I disrespected our relationship…and if there is anything I could do to go back and change that, I would…trust me.
Maddie: Thank you for reminding me about how bad everything was…and spelling out every reason we would never work. Honestly, David…I could never trust you again.
David: (Getting frustrated) Come on, Maddie…just give me a chance!
Maddie: To undo the past!? It's not possible. You made choices, David…you made choices and those choices have consequences. I'm sorry, but they do. (Maddie remembers the nights she spent home alone in tears and suddenly she hated him.)
David stands looking miserable. The phone rings; David answers it and it's Rod. He holds the receiver out to Maddie as if she has a choice…talk to Ron/Rob/Rod, whoever, or continue fighting it out with David. She takes the call. David races upstairs, throws ten things in a duffle back for his trip to AZ, grabs the bag containing his suit…flies back down the stairs and out the front door, letting it slam behind him.
Maddie listens half-heartedly to Rod talk about how he went skateboarding on Venice beach that morning as she gazes towards the slammed door.
A few days later it's Sunday morning and Maddie woke up feeling better than ever…when DJ is ready to get up they head downstairs and eat cereal in the quiet kitchen. The house is calm…still…boring. No David singing, dancing, whistling and sizzling bacon or swinging his boy around. Maddie thinks of the things she can do that afternoon…and sure, there are plenty of things…but all a little more difficult as a single mom with a toddler…none of them as fun and exciting as they would be if David were there. Surely, he'd suggest going to the zoo to pet the animals…riding the rides at Santa Monica Pier or taking a drive along PCH to find some new lunch spot…maybe even in a rented convertible. Maddie began to get angry…dammit! She was determined not to miss him…she could do this on her own. She called Rod but it just rang and rang, he wasn't up yet…probably wouldn't be up for hours. She takes DJ and they head to the nearest diner…they were going to have a proper Sunday breakfast.
Hours later, Maddie found herself sitting on the floor of her parents rented house in an old robe of her mother's…her top got grease and jam all over it when DJ shoved her breakfast plate onto her lap. She pushes around toy cars with DJ, hoping he'll tire and take a nap soon…he's had unlimited energy all afternoon. In the background, her parents turn pages of the newspapers their reading and drone on about real estate hikes, tax hikes and compare traffic in LA to traffic in Chicago…Maddie wants to die.
As she pulls into her driveway that night, she realizes she is missing David horribly…and couldn't be more upset about it. Why…why was life pushing her together, once again, with this lying, cheating, womanizing piece of human scum!? Although…he was pretty cute. Actually, more than cute – hotter then ever! ARGGGGG! She screams and scares DJ…he starts to cry. Maddie drags both of their miserable asses into the house and rushes to the ringing phone…she picks up the receiver before the ringing stops…it's David.
Maddie: David!
Maddie sounds a little too excited to hear from him and she works to adjust her tone.
David: Maddie! Where have you been!? I've been worried…I've called every five minutes.
Maddie: You did!? That is so sweet…(her voice is sickly sweet…she clears her throat) …We were at my parent's house.
David: Parents house…what were you doing there? I thought you'd at least be out doing something fun…it's the weekend!
Maddie: Yeah…well…we were, but we just stopped by there for a quick bite before coming home (she lied).
David: Ah. Yeah, guess that makes sense. Well, anyway, glad you're ok…just checking in…I'll let you…
Maddie: Don't hang up, David…
David: (Laughs) Ok…
Was it his imagination or did Maddie actually seem happy to hear from him?
David: Why is Deej crying?
Maddie: Oh, he's…a…probably just hungry…
David: But I thought you just ate…?
Maddie: Oh…yeah…we did…but you know, he is a growing boy…
David: Awe…well, I hope he doesn't get too much bigger before I get back…I don't like missing time with him.
Maddie: Well…you're coming home tomorrow…right? (Maddie tried to hide the hopeful tone in her voice).
David: Ah…well…actually, looks like I'll be here a little longer than expected…I was supposed to testify tomorrow morning, but now everything's been delayed…
Maddie: Oh…so…well…um…how long do you think you'll be gone then?
David: Might not be home until Thursday or Friday…but… you know…I knew you wouldn't mind since you want me out of your hair anyway…
Maddie: Right…sure…whenever…
David thought he heard a tinge of disappointment in her voice.
David: you, ok?
Maddie sits up and pretends she's fine…better than fine…
Maddie: Of course…everything is fine. I'm fine. DJ's fine. The house if fine, …
David: (Defensive) Fine.
Maddie: (quieter) Fine.
David: Well…
Maddie: Well…
David: If everything is fine, I'll let you go…
Silence.
Maddie: So…Thursday then?
David: Thursday…Friday maybe…I'll…keep you posted.
Maddie: (almost a whisper) Bye.
David: (pauses) Bye.
They both hang up at the same time and shift their eyes thinking about the conversation…something had changed, they just weren't sure what.
Maddie spent most of the week working, tending to DJ and went out with Rod once on Wednesday while Molly watched the baby. Rod took Maddie to watch Roller Derby and then they walked over to a hot dog stand and ate standing up before Rod offered to ride Maddie home on his bicycle handle bars…she decided this was the end of the road for them and hopped in a cab before he could kiss her goodnight…she wasn't even interested in one last romp in the hay…even though that was always a good time…she knew this fling had been flung.
David didn't end up coming back home until Friday night. He called from the airport to let Maddie know he was on his way. While waiting, Maddie couldn't help but primp and dress and check her face in the mirror a hundred times. She wore a low cut top…but not so low that her scar was exposed, she checked five times to make sure you couldn't see it. She kept looking out the window for the cab…it seemed like the 45 minute ride from the airport was taking forever! She had DJ bathed and ready for bed so David could spend time with him…but wanted getting him off to bed to be easy…so then Maddie could spend time with David. Maddie had to laugh at herself…was she nervous? Excited? Why was she suddenly wanting…needing to see David when he always drove her nuts…he was the bane of her existence…her main source of stress and anxiety…but she missed him terribly… although, he could never know that! She had to play it cool…(she peeks out the window again) now where was that man!?
David pulls up to the house after having the cabby stop so he could pick up some flowers for Maddie and a stuffed baby elephant for his boy. He was missing Maddie and DJ so bad…he couldn't wait to get to the house and give them both a big hug…maybe even a big kiss? If only Maddie would allow it, but he knew that was unlikely. He hadn't heard much from her that week, so he figured any hope of her missing him was just in his imagination, she was probably plotting how to get him out of the house…he just hoped she wasn't going to start in on him again tonight about moving back to his old apartment. He also wondered how much time she'd spent with Ron that week…he knew they were together Wednesday because Molly told him when he called that night. David looked up at the house, it looked very warm and inviting from the empty street below. He saw a curtain waver…was that Maddie looking out?
Maddie peeked out to finally see David's cab pull up and she raced to the living room to recline on the couch and pretend she was reading a fashion magazine…but DJ was ruining her cover…he saw David getting out of the cab when looking out the window and bounced up and down calling his name and reaching for the door. When David entered he heard DJ calling for him and saw Maddie calmly trying to hold the boy near her on the couch…was she calm?
David: Hidey-Ho! I'm home!
DJ: Daddy!
DJ ran as fast as his onesie pajamaed feet would allow and leapt into his father's arms, smothering him with hugs and kisses and hugging the stuffed elephant toy tight.
Maddie: Oh…David, is that you? Home already?
David: I is…home…already, yeah…well, I called you over an hour ago…
Maddie: oh…yeah, well…I know, I just thought there might be traffic…or you'd stop for a drink on the way…
David: Nope…just made a quick stop to get you these…
He met her halfway to the living room and handed her the bouquet of flowers…they both leaned in for a kiss, which was ill-timed and they ended up bumping foreheads.
Maddie: (laughs awkwardly) Oh…well, thank you, David. They're beautiful…and real!
David: You'll never forget that, will ya.
Maddie: (shrugs) No…well…you know…it's just…
David: It's just you can never let go of things from the past…
Maddie: I can so…
David: No…you can't
David pushes past her into the living room and sets DJ down with his toys. Maddie follows…
Maddie: Is this how it's going to be? You, starting in on me the moment you get home?
David: I'm not starting in on you…you started in on me! …it's always like this…it's like…every time I try to start fresh with you…I get my foibles thrown back in my face.
Maddie: I'm not throwing anything in your face, David…besides, take responsibility…you're the one who's done these things, you're the one whose foibles they are…and anyway…what!? I'm just supposed to never mention them, never bring things up…like they never happened?
David: I'm not saying that…I'm saying, let it go…for a minute. The first minute I get home, it would be nice if I wasn't reminded how much I've disappointed you.
Maddie: Disappointed is a very generous way to describe everything that has happened…
David: Oh…for the love of Mike…
David flops down on the couch and covers his face as Maddie moves to the kitchen to get a vase for the flowers.
Maddie: (calls out) we can't just sweep these things under the rug, David…
David: I'm not saying that…I'm saying…
Maddie returned from the kitchen…
Maddie: Forget it…you're saying forget it.
David: (frustrated) Maybe we should forget it…
Maddie: Wait…Forget…it? No, David…I'm saying…
David: You're saying you're never going to forgive me…
Maddie: No, I'm saying you just want me to forget everything that's happened… I'm not saying we should…forget…everything…
David: Well, I am …maybe this really will never work…
Maddie: Really!? You're ready to give up!? Just when I missed you? Just when I'm thinking maybe there's hope!?
David: That's right…you'll never forgive, never forget…never…(he stops) …wait…what!? What did you just say?
Maddie shifted her weight and looked at him. David noticed how nice she looks…she's made herself up…was that for him? He didn't care if she was in sweatpants, but wow, she looked beautiful. Did she just say she missed him?
David: Did you say you missed me?
Maddie: (Shrugs and looks away) Yeah…maybe I did…a little.
David grins ear to ear…
Maddie: But, …now it sounds like you're done with this…So…
David: Done!? No no no…never. I'm just reacting to you.
Maddie: Well…stop it.
David laughs.
David: What do you want, Madolyn?
Maddie: Want? Well…if you asked me out for a date…I…wouldn't say no…we could start there.
David: A date!? Anytime. Name it.
Maddie: Ok…tomorrow?
David: Tomorrow? Great…I'll meet you right here on this couch…7pm.
Maddie smiles a shy smile and David looks around.
David: But…where does that leave us tonight?
Maddie: Well…I rented a movie…thought we could order pizza once DJ goes down.
David: (teases) You rented a movie!? I hate to see what that could be…what am I in for tonight?
Maddie: Thelma and Louise….
David: (Scoffs) Thelma and Louise!?
Maddie: I'm kidding…I'm kidding…I got Cape Fear.
David holds his chest and breaths out…
David: Excellent…I can feel some of my manhood coming back…
Maddie: Alright…you wanna get this kid to bed while I call for the pizza?
David: Sure…
He picks up DJ and starts to head upstairs and then stops and turns around to look at Maddie.
David: Just so we're clear…
Maddie: yeah?
David: Does this mean you are willing…open….ready to make things work between us?
Maddie: (Shrugs and nods) I'm open…ready, willing…
David: What brought this on?
Maddie: I just missed you I guess...
David smirks, kisses DJ on the cheek and happily heads upstairs.
The next night, Molly tends to the baby while David paces anxiously by the couch in the living room waiting for Maddie to come downstairs.
Molly: Relax, Mr. Addison…everything's going to be fine.
David: Fine!? Molly, have you ever met this woman? One screw up and I'm done.
Molly: You guys have come this far…just relax and have a good time.
David breaths out hard.
David: Easy for you to say…why don't I stay here with the kid and you take her out…it's a much harder job, trust me.
After a few minutes, Maddie cascades down the stairs looking beautiful. She was wearing a short silver dress that was molded to her curves. The dress reached mid thigh and showed off her long sexy legs. She knew she looked good and when she saw the look on David's face her blood began to boil. She felt that old familiar ache between her legs and knew she was in trouble.
David's mouth almost dropped to the floor when he watched Maddie walk down the stairs. She was wearing the sexiest dress he had ever seen. He felt the blood rush to his loins and knew he was in trouble.
David: Wow…honey, you look gorgeous.
Maddie: Thanks, fella…you don't look too bad yourself. David was wearing on e of her favorites suits – dark grey- with a pale green shirt and a tie that matched his eyes. He looked good enough to eat. Suddenly, she wasn't so sure this date was a good idea.
David: So…shall we…
He gestures towards the door.
Maddie: Do you have a plan? (Maybe trying to goad him into a fight)
David: (Defensive) Of course I have a plan…
Maddie holds up her hands…She decides to give it a shot.
Maddie: I'm sorry…I'm sorry…I told myself I wouldn't do that. (clears her throat) Yes, David…I'm ready to go.
David leads her out the door and to the car where he opens the door for her. He takes her to a fabulous trendy restaurant where then food is fantastic and the atmosphere is romantic.
After dinner David takes Maddie to the Red Room, which has a live band to dance to. After a few glasses of wine Maddie is feeling no pain and has almost glued herself to David as they danced to their favorite slow songs. David could feel the heat emanating from Maddie and that was making him feel all the things he used to feel when he first held her in his arms. He was a goner.
The drove home in silence each wrapped up in their own thoughts. When they pulled into the circular driveway, David turned the car off and jumped out to open the car door for Maddie. He pulled her in his arms and laughing they danced in the door after a wonderful evening. They were both so happy to be out on the town after a few disastrous months.
They found Molly asleep on the couch. David pulled a blanket over her, turned out the light and tiptoed upstairs…they're sure Molly's cat will be fine alone at home for the night.
At the top of the stairs, David took Maddie in his arms and kisses her soft and slow…her heartbeat quickens, but she feels no pain, only joy. She's yearning for David's touch…it'd been such a long time since she could escape into ecstasy. But when the kiss ends…
David: (smooths her hair back and looks into her eyes) This is where I leave you tonight, my love.
Maddie: You do?
David: I do.
Maddie: But…don't you think…(she gestures towards her bedroom.)
David: (David glances over her shoulder to the open door and sighs.) I think…that'll keep…let's just concentrate on rebuilding this…before we move on to…that. Besides…your health…
Maddie: My health is fine.
David: I know, but….
Maddie: (annoyed) good night, David.
Maddie stomped to her room and firmly shut the door behind her. David is left feeling confused…he thought that's what she'd want, to take this slow.
Maddie stands behind the closed door annoyed and confused…what kind of game is this man playing!? Does he want her or not…if he does, why is he sending her off to bed, alone!?
After a minute she opened her bedroom door and moved directly to the guest room where David had already pulled off his clothes, tossed them on the floor and headed for a long cold shower. He wanted Maddie with every cell of his being but knows it isn't yet time to resume their sex life. Sex had always been fantastic between them and often covered up the bad parts of their marriage. This time he vowed to take things slowly.
Maddie opened the door to David's room slowly and heard the shower running. She moved into the room and sat on the bed waiting. After a few minutes, she heard the shower turn off.
David hung a towel around his waist as he dried his hair with another towel. He stood shock still when he noticed Maddie sitting on the bed still dressed in the sexy dress that had driven him half mad with desire all night. "Maddie!"
"David!" She couldn't drag her eyes away from his toned chest, and that towel that was slung so low on his hips was begging to be pulled off.
David counts to ten as he forces his body to cool down. "Listen babe." He holds up his hands in front of him as if for protection.
Maddie jumped off the bed and pointed her finger at David like a pistol, her eyes were blue daggers, "no you listen BABE," she almost growled, "I don't know what kind of frigging game you're playing but…"
David looked at her stunned, "game? I'm not playing a game. I just think we should take it slow. The great sex always blinded us to the not so good parts of our marriage so I thought we should work on those things before we boinked…" his voice tapered off when he saw the look on Maddie's face.
"Boinked?" She shook her head and headed for the door, "I'm done here. Go boink yourself David Addison!"
"Maddie! Wait!" With two large steps David moved in front of her and stood with his back against the closed door, "listen to me honey."
Maddie just looked at him with her eyes filled with sadness. Those eyes reached into David's soul. "I want you honey. So much." David told her as he tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. "But I don't want to rush things. I love you Maddie and I want to prove it to you without sex." He grinned that grin that made her legs weak, "just for a little while."
Maddie looked into David's green eyes – blue on green- "I think you've proved yourself to me over and over these last few months. I want to give us another try. I still love you." She admitted.
David moved his body against Maddie and pulled her against him. His hands began to run up and down her legs as he slowly began to kiss her lips. "God Maddie. I can't resist you."
Maddie could feel the evidence of David's arousal against her belly and it almost made her swoon. She had almost forgotten the way his kisses made her feel and the way his hands were caressing her legs almost made her knees buckle. She could never feel this passion with anyone but David. The man had a spell on her that could never be broken. She began to move her hips against David and smiled when she heard him gasp with pleasure. "I want you." She whispered as she pulled the towel off his hips with a tug. The towel puddled at David's feet and he kicked it away. And when he felt Maddie's long fingers moving up and down his shaft, he began to moan her name.
"Oh you're gonna get me baby." David purred against her ear, "all of me." His skilled fingers had her naked and squirming against him in no time. His hands petted, squeezed and caressed every part of her but when he began to kiss his way down her body, Maddie pushed him away. She had almost forgotten the scars that marred her hips and chest. She didn't want David to be disgusted by them.
David searched her eyes, "what's the matter honey? Did I do something wrong?"
She shook her head as she covered her scars with her hands.
David shook his head, "wait? Are you worried about your scar?"
"Scars."
"Damn, Maddie I've already seen them and they are almost invisible!"
"Liar!"
David pulled her over to the mirror on the dresser and forced her hands away from her body, "look at yourself Maddie! You're gorgeous! And if I didn't know where they were, I would never even notice you had any scars!" David's fingers stroked Maddie's barely visible scars, "you're always beautiful to me. You're a damn sexy woman." He grinned at her through the mirror. He was happy to see a slight smile appear on Maddie's face.
Maddie realized David was right and her scars weren't terrible. She turned to him and wrapped her arms around his hard body as her lips began to kiss his neck. She pushed David back against the wall. "Make love to me Addison!" She almost pleaded, "please."
"Your wish is my demand." He chuckled as his hands roamed over her curves. He loved how he could still rev her into a fever pitch. David could almost feel the heat coming off her body. "You like this? You missed it huh babe." He crooned. "No man can make you feel like I do." He began to nibble at that spot on her hairline that seemed to be directly connected to her loins. "And no woman can make me feel like you do Maddie." He pulled her over to the bed and gently pushed her down.
David scooted down the bed and began to kiss his way up Maddie's legs. He lifted each leg and caressed and kissed her them with desire, "damn woman these are still the sexiest legs that these eyes have ever seen." His fingers and tongue moved up and down her legs slowly, teasingly.
Maddie was squirming and moaning David's name, "I need you David!" She gasped as she felt his fingers and tongue moving like feathers over her womanhood. Before she knew it, she was catapulted into a mind-boggling orgasm. "David! David! David!" Her cries were loud and frantic as she clung to him almost in desperation. How could she have ever thought that she had found any pleasure with Rod or any of the man she had been with this past year? Before her spasms stopped completely, she felt David inside of her. No man could make love to her like David. Just the way he moved and touched her made her incredibly hot, he could pay her body like a symphony and she had missed his loving.
David loved how he could make Maddie lose her mind. Making her come had become one of his greatest pleasures and he cursed himself for letting so many months pass without hearing her cry out his name and feeling her go to pieces under him. But he vowed from now on he would make this woman happy – not only in the bedroom – but in every aspect of her life. He had almost lost her and had realized he couldn't live a happy life without her. Thankfully, God had given them a second chance and this time it would be forever.
They made love over and over again for the rest of the night. Finally, as the sun began to rise, David pulled Maddie into his arms and sat up with her on his lap. His green eyes were like radiant emeralds as he looked into her eyes still filled with passion.
"I love you Maddie forever and I will do my best to make you a happy woman with a happy life. I know I will never be perfect, but I will try to be the perfect man for you."
Maddie saw the love and hope radiating from David's eyes and was filled with trust and happiness. "I love you too. I want to be happy with you."
That lopsided grin that she adored crawled up David's face, "will you marry me?"
Maddie laughed, "I think we are already married. Remember, you're still my husband and I'm still your wife." She told him with a curious look on her face. "We never did sign those papers."
David nodded as he brushed her hair with his long fingers, "I want to marry you again. Renew our vows." He explained, "really start over."
"Addison, you're crazy!" She smiled her blue eyes shining.
"Crazy about you. And our son. And our life." He told her honestly, "so how about it? Marry me again!"
She nodded her assent with tears in her eyes. "You better be a better husband this time around or I may be in prison for murder. Got me fella?"
David laughed loudly, "Oh I get it." He shook his head, "I'm surprised you didn't kill me the first time around." He admitted sheepishly.
"Don't think I wasn't tempted." She told him with a wicked glare, "but I didn't want to leave DJ an orphan."
David pushed her down onto the bed once again and began to kiss her with the passion and love he felt, "let's look to the future," he crooned as he began to make love to her again…
David and Maddie renewed their vows a month later in front of their closest friends and family. Everyone was thrilled and happy for the couple. It was a beautiful ceremony and a perfect day.
5 Years Later:
The years passed in a blur of love and happiness with some angst and everyday problems mixed in. That Saturday morning Maddie was getting the twins ready for their dance class. Alex and Ginny were born 9 months to the day that David and Maddie had made love for the first time after their separation. They were a happy surprise for the couple. But having identical twin girls and a 4 year-old boy was not easy. Maddie had to stay home from work again but this time with Molly's help and her parents living close by (they had finally sold their home in Chicago and bought a lovely ranch in a retirement village not too far from their daughter.) it was not as hard as it could have been.
Now the girls were 4 and a handful. Both had David's green eyes with Maddie's blonde hair and dimples. But that is where the similarity ended. Alex was fiery, stubborn and temperamental and a girly girl, while Ginny was quick to laugh, quick to anger but quick to forgive and forget (Alex could hold a grudge!) and a tomboy. Ginny loved to play sports and spend time with her dad while Alex enjoyed shopping and tea with her mother. The girls were close and would stick up for one another against anyone else, but they also fought with an intensity that sometimes worried Maddie. David was more laid back about their arguments – but drew the line at either of the twins using her feet or hands on her sister.
"Girls let's go!" Maddie called up the stairs. "We're going to be late!"
DJ ran into the room wearing his baseball uniform and holding his glove. "Dad! Come on! I want to practice before the game!"
Maddie tousled the little boys brown hair. He was a handsome boy. The twins adored their older brother.
DJ was now almost 8 and was still a mini David. Even at his age he was popular with the little girls. DJ also took after his father in personality. He was always laughing and joking and he lit up the room when he walked in. But that often got him into trouble with Sister Francis, his teacher, who tried not to be amused by DJ's jokes but could forgive him almost anything when he smiled up at her with his green eyes. DJ was also smart as a whip and the top of his class. His teachers were urging David and Maddie to put him in a gifted program in the local public school, but they weren't sure if they wanted their little boy to be under too much pressure with homework and schoolwork. They both agreed to keep him at St. Paul's Academy. The twins would be starting pre-k there in September.
Finally, the twins came rushing down the stairs with their dad behind them. David threw his wife that smile that could still make her weak. She smiled back at him.
"So, wife of mine, what's the plan for today?" David wanted to know, "are your parents coming here or are we going there?"
Maddie and David made plans to meet up later at her parents' house. Alex and Virginia had taken 2-year-old Richie the night before. The little boy had spent the night at his grandparents' house. Alex and Ginny tried to spend alone time with each of their grandchildren at least once a month. Sometimes, they took all four to give David and Maddie a much-needed break.
Little Richie had come along when the twins were 2. He was a mixture of both of his parents with Maddie's blue eyes and David's brown hair and of the 4 kids – he was the easiest. As a baby he hardly cried and was happy just to sit in his bouncy chair and watch the world around him. He still was a quiet observer and loved to spend time with his older siblings. And he loved spending time with his grandparents and pretending for a night that he was an only child.
After a quick kiss and a slap on Maddie's butt, David left with his son for the little league game. Maddie had a smile on her face as she loaded the twins into her minivan. Life was good. She had 4 healthy children and a wonderful husband. Her smile broadened. Yes, David had become a terrific husband and had always been a great father. Oh, he wasn't perfect in any form – he still left his dirty clothes all over the house, he left wet towels on the bathroom floor or worse thrown on the bed. David could get annoying with his dumb jokes and non-stop chatter and he loved to spoil the children with lavish gifts but Maddie could put up with those flaws. David had matured and kept his promises and the vows he had made at their renewal ceremony. He no longer drank to excess or caroused at bars. And although he still looked, Maddie was sure that David hadn't touched another woman since they got back together. He wouldn't dare! David had gotten better looking with age and although he was losing his hair it didn't deter from his handsome face and beautiful eyes. Maddie loved him with a passion and intensity that used to frighten her. But now she felt sure of his love and faithfulness.
As David drove to the ball field, he began to count his blessings. 4 great kids and the best wife in the world. Maddie was still the best-looking woman he had ever seen, and he loved her more each and every day. Spending time with his wife and family made him happy. He loved just spending the day playing with the kids, watching TV at night – then making love to his wife. He still hated to think of the man he once was. What a jerk he had been! How could he ever have thought screwing strangers and drinking at bars was more fun than being with the love of his life? Now, he wouldn't trade his life for the world. He knew he was a lucky man to have been given a second chance with Maddie. And this time he would not screw it up! He loved his wife way too much to lose her again!
Time marched on…..