A person walked out.

"Hey, it's MacGilicuddy here. The author decided to let me live and gave me this introduction. She said I'm not going to appear in the story after this, but thanks to other fanfiction writers, I appear in other stories keeping my untimely demise away for many more years. Anyway, the author wants to thank everyone who read, reviewed, and followed this story, and she hopes she can keep you entertained longer. She does not own Moonlighting, but is watching more and more of the show so the characters should be in character. Reviews are always welcomed, while criticism and suggestions are necessary, such as saying you want to see more of a blond Irishman.

"Now, to keep myself alive for a little longer, I will be singing for your amusement. Additionally, I do not own this song and neither does the author. *clearing throat* I am not dead yet/ I can dance and I can sing/I am not dead yet/I can do the Irish jig/I am not dead yet/No need to go to bed/No need to call the doctor/Cause I'm not yet de–"

MacGilicuddy was pulled out of the spotlight by a long hook. Bert stuck out his head with a big smile on his face and the hook in his hand. "See, this is why I need to do the introductions from now on."

"I see… yes… alright… I understand… really?... Alright, thank you, Judge Couper." Maddie hung up. She was silent.

David waited and waited. Finally, when he could not take the silence any longer, "What?"

Maddie jumped and looked at him, "Oh, sorry. Well, I'm surprised this room's not filled with rice."

David tried not to show any excitement, "It's legal." He then looked outside the page, "You knew that was coming."

Maddie tried to act nonchalant as she said, "It's legal."

He was ready to jump for joy, but contained himself. "So what now?"

Maddie shrugged, "I guess we go along with your suggestion. Try to start over again, see if we can be a couple before we allow ourselves to be married."

"Great." David was a little disappointed that Maddie was not more enthusiastic.

She noticed his reaction. "What's wrong? It was your suggestion."

David was trying not to start another argument. "I know it was, but I also know that you're not happy right now."

"It's not that I'm not happy, it's that –"

"You're not happy. I've heard that before. Why? To tell you the truth, I'm doing everything I can to not act as excited as I feel that I'm finally married to the woman I'm in love with."

Those words were a blow to Maddie. "David, I'm in love with you as well, but is this really a way to start our lives together after everything we've been through?"

"Do you want a divorce because we know it can't be annulled?"

"No, I don't and especially now knowing everything about Tess. Did you ever ask Gillian?"

"No, it never crossed my mind. I loved her in a way, but she can't hold a candle to you. You're the first, the only girl I wanted to marry for all the right reasons. You know I never would have married Tess if she hadn't been pregnant."

Maddie hated that she had to bring this up, but she had no choice, "And Annie?"

David sighed, "Look, when I first got involved with her, I didn't know she was married until after it happened and I hate to admit this, but seeing your eyes turn green meant something to me. I'm so sorry I hurt you, but I don't think I can say I never meant it. The whole 'pals' speech, thanking me for the pearls then turning me down for a date, Paris when I thought we could be couple again and the magic left when we left, and then when I offered to take you out dancing more often and you said no, I just felt raw. Then, things happened with Annie, and that I didn't mean to happen. I saw you getting jealous and I decided not to stop it because you showed some feelings towards me, even if it was hatred and hurt. It also helped my pride because, believe it or not, Annie was the first since the… pals thing."

Maddie was a little surprised because she knew David meant that he had not been with anyone since his indiscretion while she was in Chicago, which was about a year and a half before Annie. She wondered if he had meant it as waiting for her, which, of course, she screwed up. However, it did not change what happened. She spoke, "I understand what you're saying, David, but it was the whole Annie thing that makes me wonder if I can trust you. You lived with a married woman. What's to stop you from getting bored of being married to me and having a fling with someone else?"

"Maddie, first of all, I love you, which is very different from Annie. Besides, even before your cousin, you painted me as the bad guy during that month together. You were warning your cousin about me when it was she who seduced me. My question is what did I do to you that made you distrust me? I've always tried to protect you – either teaching you how to blend in with a tough crowd, going to Buenos Aires when you faced your accountant, and countless other things. When I tried to date you to make you more comfortable with our relationship, you thought I was trying to sleep with you, felt ambivalent about the date, and then, ran away to Chicago. Maddie, I loved you then and I really wanted it to work. We've been given a second chance and I want it to work now, but that's not going to happen unless we talk out everything from the past and trust each other."

Maddie was silent and David decided to let her think. However, he knew she would think best without any pressure, so he suggested, "Why don't you take a walk and buy me a shirt? I think you owe me and when we get back to L.A., I'll buy you a new bra."

She just nodded in response and grabbed her purse leaving without a word. Twenty minutes later, she was back with a gift store bag. "I know it's not something you would typically buy, but when I left, I realized I wanted to be back here with you quickly."

She handed David the bag and he pulled out a colorful "Viva Las Vegas!" shirt. He smiled at her, "It works," and he had put it on.

Maddie sat on the bed, "I was thinking about everything you said and you're right, you've never done anything to hurt me purposely until I drove you to it. And I'm sorry for that. I really didn't want to hurt you, but I think I did what I did to make you as confused about us as I was. You seemed so sure we could be together and make it work despite our differences. My parents are very similar and I guess I thought that's the way a relationship is supposed to work."

"Even though we're different, Maddie, we have a lot in common. What about all those times we say the same thing at the same time? When we do that overlapping dialogue, we can actually understand what we're saying, when we want to. Personally, I think the main thing we need to have in common is that we love each other. Now, are we ready to move on with our lives?"

Maddie slowly nodded.

"You sure?"

She nodded with more enthusiasm.

David smirked, "Alright then." He knelt in front of her, "Madolyn Hayes, will you go out with me when we get back to L.A.? On a proper date?"

Maddie gave her shy smile, "Yes."

David looked as if he was wrestling with something internally. "What, David?"

He looked at her, hesitantly. "I am having a little problem with this arrangement."

She tried not to react, "How so?"

"I know we're taking everything slowly, but there's still the knowledge that we're married legally. And I want the world to know, or at least to know that you're unavailable."

"David –"

He pulled a ring box out of his pocket and opened it showing a small old-fashioned engagement ring, "Will you wear this?"

Maddie was in shock. The small diamond was real, which was surprising, but what was more surprising to her was that he had it. "David, where did you get it?"

David knew what she was thinking, "It is from my mother's side of the family, which accounts for it being real."

She smiled at him, "That's not what I meant, although the thought crossed my mind."

"Honestly, I don't know how it came to Vegas with us. But the little I can recall from last night, it was used as your wedding ring, and I think you took it off because of last night's festivities either because you thought I would get hurt or it would get broken. Considering what we know, either way, it was a good choice."

Maddie buried her head in her hands at the mention of their wild night.

David had put his hand under Maddie's chin and lifted her head up, "Maddie, don't be shy. If our relationship works out, we'll be doing millions of encore performances."

"David!"

"Fine, I'll let it go. Now back to the ring, will you wear it?"

She could not help but smile, "Yes." She held out her left hand and raised her ring finger slightly. David had the biggest smile on his face as he slid the ring on. They both looked at the ring on her finger for a few seconds thinking, This is meant to be. Then, they turned towards each other and leaned in. The kiss was different from their past ones. This was a kiss that promised a future.

Strangely enough, their relationship had been running smoothly. They were keeping to their year agreement – they spent their mornings, afternoons, and nights together talking and really dating. Around midnight, David would go back to his new apartment and both would dream about each other. Neither had to work due to the extravagant sums they obtained from ABC (David signed his agreement two days after they got back from Vegas), which allowed them to take everything step by step. Of course, there were arguments, but none that threatened what they had.

Two weeks later, Maddie, unfortunately, had to break their plans as she dressed in all black. Right before she had to leave, David, looking casual, arrived.

"What's shakin', Blondie?" He took in her appearance, "Why are you dressed like you're going to a funeral?"

"I am going to a funeral, David. I just got the call this morning that an old friend of mine died and the funeral is in an hour."

He knew that tone in her voice, "An old friend? You mean an old boyfriend?"

Maddie turned her back towards him, "I'm not having this conversation with you."

"Why can't you tell me?"

"I just don't want to talk about it."

"Why not? Was he married or something? That's only reason I can think of why you're being so secretive."

He looked at her and realized he was right. "So you dated a married guy?"

"I didn't know he was married at the time."

"Really? So how did you find out and why are you going to his funeral?"

"David, it was a painful time for me. I was young and naïve."

"So this was while you were modeling. Was he an agent or photographer?"

"You're not going to let this go."

"Nope."

Maddie sighed, "Fine, he was my second agent. His wife was the one who told me."

"Told you he was married or told you he died?"

"Both."

"Wait a minute, this guy was married, his wife was the one who told you he was married, and his wife now invites you to his funeral?"

"That sums it up, Columbo."

"Am I missing something?"

"Tons. Look, David, I have to go."

"Fine, let's go to my apartment, I'll get changed and go with you."

"Go with me?"

"Go with thee."

"Why would you want to go?"

"Why do you want to go?"

"His wife asked me to attend."

"Well, why can't your husband attend with you?"

Maddie rolled her eyes, "Fine, David, you're curious. You can come with me. Now, let's go quickly. I don't want to be late."

They arrived at the church just in time. When the funeral was over, there was a brunch in a hall nearby. Most of the attendees knew Maddie and said hello, not once stopping to ask about the man standing right beside her. She suddenly remembered why she gave up modeling – the long work hours and superficial people.

David murmured into her ear, "So these are your friends from the good old days."

"Some of them. The only reason I'm, we're still here is to pay respects to his widow."

"I still don't get why you wanted to come when Jungle Jones lied to you and made you the other woman."

"David, Tyler Jones changed a year after we broke up. He had a daughter who went into modeling, got caught up in the wrong crowd, and was found dead – accidental drug overdose. He realized that his behavior with the younger models led to a downhill spiral, so he changed his agency's focus to younger models to prevent that type of thing from happening again."

"So he never did the horizontal mambo with one of his models again?"

"No."

"How do you know?"

"I kept in contact with his wife sporadically. She always knew when he was having an affair and with whom."

"Why did they stay married if he was having a clam bake with everyone else?"

"It was a marriage of convenience. She had her affairs as well."

"A match made in heaven."

"David, I'm not passing judgment on them. It was not a good marriage, but it worked for them. I probably would be thinking the same thing as you if I had not been involved."

At that moment, Mrs. Jones came up behind them, "Maddie."

Maddie turned around, "Bobbi, I'm so sorry."

The two women quickly hugged. Roberta spoke, "It's alright, My Dear. We both know that Tyler wasn't a saint, but I'm sure he's happier now that he's with his daughter."

Maddie just nodded. Roberta looked at her, "You still don't believe. I would have thought after seventeen years, you'd change your mind."

"What can I say? There's no proof."

"Ye Maddie of little faith."

David watched the exchange intently. Roberta noticed him, "And who is this handsome young man?"

Maddie was a little embarrassed, "Excuse me for being rude, Bobbi, this is, I mean, was my business partner, David Addison. David, this is Roberta Jones."

David was disappointed at being introduced as her former business partner but managed to be his charming self in front of Mrs. Jones. "Mrs. Jones, it is nice to meet you, although the circumstances are sad."

"It's nice to meet you as well, Mr. Addison."

"Please, call me David."

"As long as it's Roberta or Bobbi. Maddie and I haven't spoken in five years, not since her accountant stole her fortune. I didn't know she had such a charming and attractive partner. Although, I sense you two are more than partners."

Maddie spoke up, "Yes, well, David is also… my husband." David's head snapped towards her.

"Husband? Little Maddie Hayes married? Well, congratulations. I thought I saw the looks of love in both of your eyes."

Maddie was slightly embarrassed while David was beaming. He said, "You're eyes work very well, Roberta."

"Thank you. Well, I guess I need to speak to both of you. Let's sit down."

They walked to a table in the corner and sat. Maddie asked, "What can we do for you?"

"Well, it's more what can I do for you. My husband's will was rewritten three days before he died. I, of course, cosigned it. The will will be read in two days and when it is, my husband's agency will be given to you, Maddie."

"Me?"

"Yes, my husband and I were very impressed with the way you ran your detective agency. When I heard about your accountant, I didn't contact you mainly because I wanted to see how you pulled yourself out of that. I always knew you were meant to run your own business. When we heard you had to sell the agency, my husband decided that you should be the one to take over his legacy. There's not much to running the business. There are five agents under you so you can spend as much or little time as you want. So, what do you say?"

"I don't know. I mean, this is sudden and I need to discuss it with David."

"What do you say, David?"

David was still trying to get his mind to work, "I don't know. Ultimately, this is Maddie's decision."

Maddie was semi-touched, "But, David, this will affect you too."

"Honestly, Maddie, I think you should do it. Right now, we're relaxing since we don't have a business, but we'll get antsy wanting to do something more. I know I have thought about taking my settlement money and creating a new business."

"You mean, you're thinking about opening your own bar."

"Hey, people get thirsty."

"I know and believe it or not, I think that's a great idea for you, David. However, it's only been two weeks since we had to close Blue Moon."

"I know, that's why I was thinking about making it a reality in about two years. But if you want to take over the modeling agency, maybe I can work with you or look over your shoulder to learn more about running a business in general. I mean, if I open my own bar, I will need chefs, bartenders, waiters, etc., so I'm willing to learn more. You did most of the paperwork at Blue Moon, so I guess I need to learn more about that."

"Are you sure, David?"

"Yes, Maddie."

She smiled at him and turned to Roberta, "Alright, Bobbi. Send the paperwork to my lawyer and myself, I'll look it over and decide from there."

Roberta nodded, "I know you'll join, Maddie."

Maddie looked at David, "I am sure."

A month passed. Maddie did take ownership of the Loretta, named after the Jones' daughter, Modeling Agency, but she mostly worked from home. The current models were comfortable with their agents, so she did not interfere, and Maddie checked in to make sure it stayed that way. The agency brought in a lot of money, so she decided to create a college fund to help any model who wanted a higher education. The agents got raises, and two more were hired. She was able to bring in even more business with some of her former contacts and some parents who were reluctant to let their teenagers go into modeling felt more comfortable with the agency having watched Madolyn Hayes grow up with them on magazine covers.

David was by Maddie's side every step of the way and he fell more in love with her. She seemed more comfortable than she did at Blue Moon, but he knew it was because it was a world she had spent fifteen years with. While she mostly worked at home, she would show up for the first hour of a shoot concerning one of her models. She had great attention for detail, and that was probably what made her a good detective at Blue Moon. She knew about cameras, the impact of their angles, and if a photographer was getting too touchy-feely, he had better watch out. There were times she acted like an ice queen, but it always got the job done. For the first time, David began to doubt his abilities of leadership because he knew he could not do exactly what she did to run a business. At night when they were snuggled together and watching television, occasionally, their conversations would include the future and Maddie tried to ask David about his ideas for his bar. Those times, David would answer in one word or one sentence, never telling Maddie what was wrong. She figured that it was the fact that she practically ignored him whenever she was working on business, even though he was with her. She soon made sure to introduce David to the people she worked with and even called him her husband. By now, Maddie knew she never wanted to divorce David and every time David left for his own apartment, she wanted to scream "Forget the year and stay!" Strangely, David had more willpower than she did because every time a "necking" session became too passionate, it was David who pulled away.

Two months since they were married and six weeks after she obtained the modeling agency, David came over to Maddie's for breakfast as usual. Sometimes, he brought something over, and sometimes, he cooked. He rang the doorbell, just to be polite, although Maddie told him he could use his key.

He had finally let himself into Maddie's house when she did not answer. Lately, he noticed she seemed more tired than she did when she ran Blue Moon and considering that she only went to the Loretta Modeling Agency twice a week for a couple of hours, he worried about her. He called out, "Maddie!" When he heard nothing, he debated if he should cook breakfast or check on her. Something in his brain nagged at him and so, he went upstairs and knocked at her bedroom door. "Maddie, are you alright?"

There was no sound of movement. "Alright, Maddie, keep your underwear on or you can take them off because I'm coming in."

He opened the door and entered. Maddie was not in the bedroom but he heard the sound of a toilet flushing and headed towards the bathroom. The door was open but David decided to respect her privacy and stayed outside. "Maddie, are you alright?"

Maddie's voice was shaking, "Go away." Then, he heard the sounds of retching. He quickly went inside and saw that Maddie's head was above the toilet. He knelt by her and held her hair as she continued to be sick. When she was dry heaving, David grabbed a glass by the sink and filled it with water handing it to her. "Sip slowly."

Maddie did not look at him as she took the glass and drank. David sat back next to her and rubbed small circles on her back relaxing her. When she finished, David asked, "Feeling better?"

Maddie nodded slowly but continued looking at the floor.

David then asked, "Do you think you can get up?"

She nodded again but made no effort to move.

"Do you want to get up?"

Another nod but no other movement.

"Do you want me to draw you a bath to feel better?"

This time, she shook her head.

"Want something to eat, bland like toast?"

Another shake of her head.

"Maddie, look at me, please."

She slumped in response and buried her head in her hands. David shrugged to himself and got up on one knee. He knew that what he was about to do would get a response out of her –

"David, put me down!"

David carried Maddie out of the bathroom and towards the bed. "No can do, Blondie Blonde. You're going to spend the rest of the day in bed and I'm going to take care of you."

Maddie fussed a little but was too tired for a real fight, "I'm fine! It's probably something I ate last night or a twenty-four-hour bug."

David reached the bed and lowered her on it. "Now, I want you under the blankets and while you're getting comfy, I'll go downstairs and get some ginger ale." He turned to leave.

Maddie made one final attempt, "David, I'm sure it's nothing. You don't have to fuss over me. I'm a big girl and can handle myself."

David turned back to her, "I know you can, but maybe you should let someone else take care of you for once." He then walked to the bed and sat beside her. "I know you like your independence, but, damn it, Maddie, we're still legally married even though we don't act on it. And that's what married people do – they take care of each other, look out for each other… in sickness and in health." He leaned in closer to her. "I'm taking my responsibilities as your husband seriously. Please, let me take care of you."

Maddie thought David was going to kiss her and she lost the ability to breathe. He suddenly pulled back and left the bedroom. Her head was still whirling from how close he had been to her. Then, she heard a movement and looked back at her bedroom doorway.

David's head poked in, "By the way, thank you for letting me have the honor to take care of you." With that, he disappeared and reappeared eight minutes later with an empty glass and a bottle of ginger ale. He poured it for her handing it to her, but she did not look at him.

When she finished the glass, David took it and put it on her nightstand.

There was silence for a few seconds, and then, David spoke, "So, when were you going to tell me you're pregnant?"

Maddie's head snapped up. It took her a minute to find her voice, "I don't know if I'm pregnant, yet."

"What about the three tests near your sink?"

"I never opened them."

"Maddie, this is your health we're talking about. You need to know, we need to know. Ignoring it won't prevent it from happening as your morning sickness is pointing out."

"We don't know that it's morning sickness."

"How long have you been getting sick?"

Maddie looked away, "This is the fifth day."

David rolled his eyes, "Maddie. Just take the tests and then, we're getting you in to see your doctor whether they're positive or negative."

She did not move. David then asked, "Are you afraid that you are pregnant or not pregnant?"

She whispered, "Both. I can't go through that again! It would kill me. But at the same time, if not now, then I've lost my chance."

"Maddie, if you're pregnant, we won't lose the baby this time."

"How do you know? You can't know that. There's no way you can know that."

"You're right, Maddie, I can't know for sure, but I have faith. I think our son is watching over us and if we're going to have a baby, he is watching over his little brother or sister."

Maddie sighed, "It's a nice thought. I wish I could believe that."

"What happened? I remember when you spoke with Roberta at the funeral and it seemed like you lost faith while you were a model."

"David, forget it. I don't want to talk about it. I was never a religious person in the first place and things just happened that made me realize there is no higher power."

"Fine, but one day, I'm going to make you tell me."

Maddie ignored that comment and remained silent. David knew that she would not move without him coaxing. "Okay, Maddie, time to get out of that bed, do the tests and while that is happening, I'm calling your doctor." He added, "Please," when he saw her about to protest.

Silently, she stood up and went to the bathroom shutting the door behind her.

Twenty minutes later, they were on pins and needles waiting. They decided to wait until all three tests were ready before looking at the results. The last timer went off and Maddie became rigid. David saw her expression and asked, "Do you want me to look at them?"

She nodded. David stood up and went into the bathroom. It seemed forever to her before he came out. He took a deep breath before saying, "One positive, two negative."

Maddie was numb not knowing how to react.

David just said, "Get dressed, you're doctor's appointment is in an hour and a half. I'll go downstairs and make us something to eat."

She mumbled, "I'm not hungry."

"I know, but if you are carrying a bambino, our bambino, you need your strength."

"Fine." She did not move. David came over to her and held her tight, "It will be alright no matter what happens. I won't leave you this time even if you try to push me away. I love you too much, Maddie."

She relaxed in his arms, "I love you, too. I just don't know how to feel. It's been over a year since… and…"

"I know and either way, we'll talk to the doctor about that."

"What if there is something wrong with me? David, I know how much you want to be a father, but what if I can't provide that?"

"Alright, Maddie, listen carefully, first, I'm almost positive that you are pregnant even though two tests were negative. We'll have the doctor do the blood test just to be certain. Secondly, when we feel solid in our relationship again, because it's apparent that you're not, and I'm not saying that's a bad thing, but when you are comfortable, we can try again. If we can't, then there is always adoption, if we decide we really want a baby." He knew he was babbling but he could not help it. It would take him some time to feel that their relationship was solid as well.

"How do you know about the blood test?"

"I still remember everything I read from the last time." Out of everything that he said, he was happy that Maddie asked about how he knew about the blood test considering he talked about them remaining married and having a family. He now knew for certain that they would be together, truly together, within the year.

He then slowly pulled away, "Now, Madolyn Hayes, are you able to get ready or do you need some help getting out of your pajamas?"

She just glared and he smirked back at her. "Did you expect anything less of me?" She continued glaring. David raised his hands in surrender, "Alright, I give up. I'm going downstairs for real this time and I hope to see you down there in twenty minutes, beautiful as always." He walked out quickly.

When she was sure he was gone, Maddie had let a small smile creep onto her lips.

Breakfast, the drive to the doctor's office, and waiting in the waiting room were unusually silent. David did not want to upset Maddie even if she was not pregnant and Maddie still had no idea how to react either way. She was also sure that she was pregnant, but her fears about another miscarriage prevented her from being happy at the thought.

Finally, a nurse called, "Madolyn Hayes."

Maddie stood up and David asked, "Do you want me to go with you?"

Her first thought was, No, thank you, I can handle this myself, but then she remembered David mentioning the marriage vows and thought, knew, that he should be a part of this. She also was not sure if she could handle it. She just took his hand and lightly pulled him up. He squeezed her hand in response and they walked to the back into an examining room.

Maddie changed into a paper gown and the nurse did the preliminary checkup. She took the blood sample before she left. A few minutes later, Dr. Weed entered.

"Hello, Maddie, David."

David stood up to shake Dr. Weed's hand. Maddie still could barely move.

Dr. Weed spoke again as she looked through Maddie's chart, "Well, Maddie, everything seems to be in order. I'm still waiting on the test results, but if you are pregnant, you are very healthy. It seems that you gained a couple of pounds from your last checkup four months ago."

David saw that Maddie was not reacting and decided to ask the questions, "If Maddie is pregnant, our fear is that… it will happen again."

Dr. Weed knew exactly to what David was referring. "Well, there's always a chance with every pregnancy, but the last time was a placental abruption. There was nothing that could be done, but they are rare and since it happened once, it would be rarer for it to happen again. However, there are a few more risks considering that Maddie is thirty-eight, but this time, I think that if she is pregnant, the baby will be born healthy. If you are really worried, there are tests, such as amniocentesis."

Maddie finally spoke up, "I'm not willing to risk it. I'm not going to do anything that can cause a… it again."

David took an inward sigh of relief. He remembered reading about the test and did not want Maddie to risk it either.

Dr. Weed nodded, "That's fine." There was a knock at the door. Dr. Weed answered it and stuck her head out whispering with a nurse and then, she closed the door.

"I'm sorry, Maddie, but there is a backup at the lab. I won't have the results for a few hours, maybe not until tomorrow. However, until we know for sure, I'm going to make some recommendations as if you are. Because both of you are worried about another miscarriage, my first suggestion, especially because all couples ask me this question, no intercourse for the time being."

David and Maddie did not look at each other. Dr. Weed took no notice and continued, "If you are pregnant, I'll want to see you every week for the time being. We'll probably reduce them to every other week once you enter your second trimester and then increase them again when you enter your third. For the morning sickness, it is important to remain hydrated but according to your chart, it was over when you entered the second trimester and that should be the case again. No heavy lifting and stay off your feet as much as possible. I saw that you are a part of a new business, but try to delegate the responsibilities as much as possible to others so you're not overworked. Any other questions?"

Maddie and David shook their heads. Dr. Weed then said, "Alright, Maddie, you can get dressed again."

Maddie got off the examining table and left the room to get dressed.

Dr. Weed was about to leave when David spoke, "Dr. Weed?"

She turned towards him. He took a deep breath, "I have a few things. You see, um, Maddie's last pregnancy was not, well, um, I mean –"

Dr. Weed interrupted, "David, relax. What do you want to ask?"

"I'm not sure if Maddie told you, but the last time, she was not sure if I was the father. After… everything, the baby's blood type made it apparent it was mine. However, I was married over eleven years ago and my wife either had a miscarriage or an abortion. The doctor and she told me it was a miscarriage, but during our divorce, she told me she had an abortion. I guess what I'm saying is –"

"You're wondering if something might be wrong because you were the father."

"Um, yeah."

"Well, David, I can tell you that what happened last time had nothing to do with genetics. However, I will look through all the information on the previous baby to see if there was something that could be an influence this time. I cannot say about your ex-wife unless I see those charts. If she would be willing to release them to us, then I would have a clearer picture."

David looked away. He knew that if he called Tess, she would want to talk and he definitely did not feel like it. However, Maddie's and his potential baby's health were more important to him than anything. "I'll see what I can do."

"All right."

David spoke again, "Additionally, um, well, Maddie and I are together, but not living together right now. If she is, do you think it would be better for her?"

"I think that the less she has to do, the better it will be."

Maddie came back dressed.

Dr. Weed said, "Well, within twenty-four hours, you will be hearing from me." She shook their hands and noticed the ring on Maddie's finger. "Oh, congratulations on your engagement."

Maddie looked at David and then turned to Dr. Weed, "Thank you, but actually, we're married."

Dr. Weed looked at them, "Well, then congratulations on that. You two were always… complicated." Then, she left.

Maddie looked at David, "What was that about?"

David shrugged, "It might have something to do with me asking if I should be living with you during your pregnancy."

Maddie buried her head in one hand.

The next day, they got the confirmation and even though they were nervous, they were excited. David picked Maddie up and twirled her around when she gave him the news. Thankfully, it was long after Maddie's morning sickness was over for the day or else they would have been celebrating with her head over a toilet. David had a hard time convincing Maddie to let him move in or, more specifically, move into the guest room. Maddie actually wanted him to move into her room and David was surprised and touched. However, since they both had doubts and insecurities they still needed to work out, he argued that their year-long arrangement would be the best thing for them in the end. He wanted their baby to be born into a family that dreamed about the future instead of harping on the past. After a few door slams, which had not happened since the morning after they married, she agreed. Some nights though, they fell asleep on the couch and spent the whole night together in each other's arms.

David was very attentive to Maddie and while it drove her crazy sometimes, it also made her feel guilty since the last time, she had doubts about David's ability to be a father. She took a few naps throughout the day and every time she woke up, she found David reading over some book about pregnancy, birth, or fatherhood. However, his reading led to some awkward discussions, even more awkward than the one he tried to have with Agnes while Maddie was in Chicago last time. Maddie realized she was learning things about her body that she never wanted to know.

Maddie still kept up with work, although it was more by phone. A few times when she wanted to go out to shoots but was definitely too tired, David went in her place. His confidence in his business abilities started to build when problems arose and he was able to fix them in his own way. And if a photographer was starting to get too friendly with the models, David was just as intimidating as Maddie when he needed to be. He was happier when he got home and Maddie offered for him to buy in and become a partner with her, but he refused. He loved being by Maddie's side and that is all he wanted. She helped him make some small investments with his money and it grew. Half of the money he earned went into an account for the bambino's or bambina's college fund. Maddie added as well, but David never had money before and he wanted to do something that he never thought he would be able to do and paying for college was one of them. He took a couple of courses when he first came to Los Angeles, but never could afford enough to go for a degree.

Three weeks after they discovered Maddie was pregnant, David finally got up the courage to call his ex-wife.

He heard, "Hello," and took a deep breath before speaking, "Hello, Tess. This is David… Addison."

Tess was surprised, "David? Wow, I never expected to hear from you again."

David could not help himself as he said sarcastically, "Yeah, I wonder why."

Tess sighed, "David, don't be like that. It's been twelve years. I missed you at Jimmy's funeral."

David was struggling, "Yeah… well… I'm… sorry. I did come to New York, but something came up."

"I know you were in New York. The guys mentioned how you were at the bar the night before. They were all hung over and I thought you got too hung over at the thought of seeing me to attend."

"I never got that drunk when we were together."

"I know, but I heard about your exploits after our divorce. I was surprised when I heard you moved to Los Angeles, but I guess the drinks were free. But, David, I don't want to start a fight. I really wanted to talk to you about what happened and clear the air. I know I did some things that hurt you, but I-I was scared about what my family would think."

"Tess, I didn't call you to talk about what happened between us. I called because I need you to release some of your medical records. I'm remarried and my wife is pregnant. I wanted her doctor to look over the charts from when you and I were… expecting."

"Well, congratulations on your marriage, but I don't see why you need to see my charts."

David was gripping the phone tightly, "Because we were expecting once before and it ended in a miscarriage. I want to make sure that… something isn't wrong with me."

"David, you know what I did to end it. Obviously, that wasn't your fault."

"No, but you ended up in a hospital after it happened and it could have been that something was wrong with the baby. I just need to make sure."

Tess heard something in his voice, "You really love your wife. I've never heard that tone from you before."

David did not respond.

Tess finally said, "Fine, David, I'll send those records to Blue Moon's fax."

"Actually, Blue Moon closed. Maddie has a personal fax at 818-555-2345."

"Maddie?"

"My wife."

"Is her last name Hayes?"

"Yes."

"Wow, I remember there was something about her when she mentioned you. I'm glad you married her. She seemed to care about you a lot."

David froze, "What do you mean? You met her."

"Yes, at the gathering after my brother's funeral. It was pretty late and she was worried about you."

"How do you know?"

"She came asking to speak with me and then said she was hoping to find you there."

"She spoke to you? What did you tell her?"

"I only corrected her misconception that my partner was a man. Nothing else. Frankly, I was surprised you told her that I was with someone else in the first place. I know what I did to you was unfair."

"I like how you use words that really understate what happened, especially the part where you almost got me arrested for beating you."

"I'm sorry, David. My parents thought you were a good man, especially how you took responsibility after I got pregnant and I needed a reason so they wouldn't ask me why I let you go. It was the first thing I thought of."

"Yeah, and it took me three years to get out of New York because of you."

"I told you, I'm sorry. I didn't do it to hurt you, I did it to help me."

"Yeah, well, anyway, if you can get me those charts tomorrow, I'd appreciate it."

"David, do you forgive me?"

"Look, I can't offer forgiveness, but I will say everything is now behind me. The charts?"

"Of course."

David just responded with, "Goodbye," and he hung up. His mind was racing. Maddie had met Tess and never told him. Another hurt to add to the list. However, another thought crossed his mind, She was curious and maybe even jealous. She probably wanted to know if she could compete with Tess. Come to think of it, he could not remember telling Maddie's Tess' name. He was sure he never mentioned it when he told Maddie what happened all those years ago and yet, Maddie knew her name when they were in that hotel room when they got married. The question now was should he bring it up with Maddie? He wanted them to be honest, and to be truthful, he did a crummy thing to her by dropping the bomb he was married and then running to New York. If he remembered correctly, when they came back from New York, his desk drawers at Blue Moon were not quite the way he left them. Could Maddie have looked through them to see if he kept a picture of Tess? In the end, he decided that he already told Maddie the whole truth about Tess and the only detail that she had that he didn't tell her was what Tess looked like. Although, now it made sense why things had changed between them, why Maddie even, dare he say it, admired him after New York. She did not harp on his behavior as much and he no longer felt the need to go out partying like he did previously. To tell the truth, the last time he went partying before the Big Bang and then everything fell apart was the day he found out about Jimmy's death. He was going to let this go. Besides, he did not want to do anything that would upset Maddie.

"Hey, wait," yelled David.

Maddie came out, "David, we need to let the author go so she can write the next chapter and let the readers go so they can write their reviews."

"I know but we didn't break the fourth wall in this chapter and I have to complain. The author is slipping."

"First, you did when we found out we were married. Secondly, it's not exactly the fourth wall here since there are no walls on paper."

"Then what do you call it in fanfiction?"

Maddie shrugged, "I don't know. Talking to the readers?"

"Nah, it needs to have more of a flair. How about… fracturing the reading frontier?"

Maddie decided not to argue, "Alright, you… fractured the reading frontier more. Are you happy now?"

He nodded, "Yeah."

"Good. Now, say goodnight, David."

"Goodnight, David."

David spoke again, "But what about people who are reading this during the day?"

Maddie rolled her eyes, "Then, say good day, David."

"Good day, David."

David opened his mouth to speak again, but before one syllable could come out, Maddie pushed him off the page. She looked outside the page, "That's all folks… for this chapter at least."

Then, she left.