CHAPTER 6

The scene opens as: David and Richie are on the back patio smoking cigars and chatting… Maddie's at her tennis lesson.

Richie: So, after all this wedding stuff is done, when are you and the Big Blonde gonna make me an uncle?

David: Maddie and me?

Richie: Yeah…you gonna give parenthood a try or what…at the rate you two go at it I woulda thunk I'd be an uncle six times over by now.

David: (chuckles and ruffles his hair.) Yeah…well…you know...after what happened last time…

Richie nods.

Richie: Right…right…

David: …She's…she's got…hesitations…fears…anxieties about it…and I can't say I blame her. Losing that baby, it was…traumatizing for her… for the both of us, but she's the one that really went through it and…really, if I'd gone through all that myself I think the last thing I'd want to do is…

Richie: Yeah…I get it, I get it Bro…so, maybe it's not in the cards.

David: Maybe it's not in the cards. And you know what…that's ok…I'm…fine with it.

Richie: Fine with it?

David: I'm…I don't know Rich…I always thought I'd be a father…but, I mean, you remember Tess and I Iost our baby and then Maddie and me losing Jr. ...maybe some things just aren't meant to be.

Meanwhile…Maddie comes in the door from her tennis lesson. She's home early because Mac wasn't feeling well so they only played for an hour… she calls out for Richie and David, but they don't hear her…she makes her way into the kitchen area and overhears them talking out on the patio…she listens in…

Richie pats David on the back.

Richie: I'm sorry Dave, this goes deeper than I thought.

David: Yeah…well, you weren't around a whole lot during that time, but after Maddie lost the baby things got really bad between us. I have a lot of regrets, I wasn't there for her like I should have been…like I said I would be. I kinda disappeared and she buried herself in work and we grew apart.

Richie: That was a tough time for you too…I'm sure you did the best you could.

David: No…no, I could have done a lot better…for the baby, for Maddie…for me.

Richie: So, that's it…you're ok with not being a father…giving up that dream?

David: (scratches his eyebrow) Well…what can I do? If I could have the baby myself, I'd go through with it…but I kinda have to count on someone else to do that for me…

Richie: And Maddie isn't willing, huh?

David: (Thinks)…well…I think that it's still up for some discussion…although…it's very rarely discussed.

Richie: Rarely discussed, huh?

David: I don't bring it up much…and she never does…so, yeah, rarely discussed.

Maddie's stomach sinks, David wants a baby and the thought absolutely terrifies her. She takes her things and goes upstairs feeling guilty about listening in. Richie and David continue…

Richie: Maybe you can get some outside help.

David looks at him like he's nuts.

David: Outside help? Whadda mean…outside help? We don't need help in that department…

Richie: No…not that…maybe go talk to a shrink or something with Maddie…maybe what happened with the first pregnancy is some trauma she can get over with help.

David thinks.

David: Wow Rich, this may be the first time you're making any sense…

Richie grabs David's neck.

Richie: Hey, I have my moments.

After a little while, Maddie changes and comes back down…the guys are inside now eating pizza and watching sports.

David: Hey honey…I didn't hear you come in.

Maddie kisses David hello on the lips and Richie on the cheek.

Maddie: Mac and I ended a little early tonight, he wasn't feeling well…I saw you guys were out back, but I just went straight up and took my bath.

David: (gestures to the food.) Grab a slice…you want me to make you something to drink?

Maddie: No thanks David, I'm just going to have tea and read in bed for a while…I don't want to interrupt guys night…

David: It's not guys night…join us.

Maddie looks at the sports playing on TV.

Maddie: Looks like guys night to me.

David: Whadda ya say, Rich? You wanna switch it over to Fried Green Tomatoes?

Richie: What? Watch it again?

They both scoff and laugh.

Maddie: Ha ha ha…it doesn't have to be that, but is there ever a night that there isn't a sports game on that you just have to watch?

David: Nope.

Richie high fives him.

David: (gestures to the TV) …But the game's in its last quarter…and then we can watch a cooking show or something.

Maddie: As tempting as all this sounds…I'm actually looking forward to a little reading time…

David: Go on up honey…I'll bring you some tea in a few minutes.

Maddie: You sure…?

David: Yeah, go…I got it…what do you want, Chamomile?

Maddie: Yeah, thanks, David…

She runs her hand over his shoulders and squeezes Richie's arm on the way out of the room.

Maddie: Night, Addison's...

Richie: Night, Maddie.

David: See you in a minute sweetie.

Maddie nods and makes her way up the stairs and settles into bed with her book. After about ten minutes David comes up with her tea and half a tomato and cheese sandwich.

David: I figured you've got to eat something.

Maddie: Perfect…thank you, David.

David puts the tea and sandwich on the bedside table and sits by her. He pets her hair back on one side.

David: You, ok?

Maddie: Yeah…I'm ok.

He feels her head.

David: You're not catching whatever Mac's got, are you? You seem quiet.

Maddie: No…no, David, I feel fine.

David: Ok…(snaps his fingers.) Oh…I booked the band for the wedding today and arranged for a limo to pick us up and take us back here at 11…just as the shindig ends.

Maddie: Oh…and I talked to the coordinator and they'll be catered food in both the bride and groom's rooms to snack on before the ceremony.

David: What kind of food?

Maddie: (Think) Canapes …tarts…finger sandwiches…

David: What's a canopy?

Maddie: It's a little pastry…

Maddie's voice trails off as she looks at David's face make a disgusted look.

Maddie: What!?

David: Can't we have normal food?

Maddie: What? Cheeseburgers?

David: Yes…please.

Maddie: I'll call Tiffany tomorrow.

He kisses her forehead.

David: Eat your sandwich, read your book…I'll be up in a bit.

Maddie smiles at him…nods and turns her attention back to her book. David heads downstairs and spends another couple of hours watching sports with Richie, smoking cigars and talking about lighter things like which one of the stooges is funniest and why. When he comes back up it's just after 9pm and Maddie is finishing writing a couple of letters to her aunts she's been meaning to send off.

David: You missed it, Maddie…Lakers took it by 1 in the last 2 seconds.

Maddie: (unenthused) Pretty exciting…

David: (Pulls off his shirt.) Yeah, Richie's still watching the re-plays.

Maddie: (Puts down her pen and paper) David, do you have something you want to talk to me about?

David: Me? Talk?

Maddie: You…talk…anything on your mind? Besides cheeseburgers, that is.

David: Mmmm, there might be one teensy, tiny thing gnawing at me…

Maddie: Go on…

David: Richie was talking to me about having a baby…

Maddie: Richie wants to have a baby?

David sneers at her.

David: Richie wants…

Together: Us to have a baby…

David: Well…he doesn't want…he wonders…if we…

Together: Will…

Maddie: Yeah, I may have overheard some of that…

David shrugs and nods.

David: Ok…so?

Maddie: So, the part I heard is that we never talk about it…or you want to talk about it, but don't …but anytime you want to talk about it…talk about it…don't think you're going to upset me.

David: No…well, I…there isn't much to say, really…we have talked about it.

Maddie: Well…sure, we have…but…

David: But…in all honesty…you don't bring it up…

Maddie: Yeah…

David: Yeah…which tells me…you're not interested in the topic…because trust me, I know you well enough to know that if there is something you want…something you need…something on your mind…I'm gonna know about it.

Maddie: Yeah…well…

David: Am I right? Do you ever think about it?

Maddie: A baby?

David: Yeah…a baby.

Maddie: Sure…of course I do…

David: Oh…ok…well…feel free to share your thoughts.

Maddie: Well, I guess I never really think it's necessary because I don't have an answer.

David: I think not having an answer, is your answer.

Maddie: What does that mean?

David: It means you don't want to have a baby.

Maddie: I'm not sure that's true.

David: That's right…you're not sure…and time is ticking, so I'm pretty sure your answer is …

Together: No. (David) Maybe (Maddie)

They look at each other with annoyance.

David: Ugh…Maybe is the worst.

Maddie: …and this is why I don't bring it up.

David senses Maddie is getting frustrated and that's the last thing he wants to make her when it comes to this subject.

David: Ok…ok, let's not get worked up.

Maddie goes back to writing her letter…David sizes her up.

David: So…

Maddie: So…?

David: Richie actually had a pretty good idea for once.

Maddie: Richie? That's a first…

David: He thought maybe we should go talk to someone…

Maddie: Talk to someone?

David: Talk to someone, like a shrink…see if maybe what happened with the first pregnancy…might be causing this ambivalence about trying again…

Maddie looks at him skeptically

Maddie: You're going to go see a shrink…a…a…a therapist…with me?

David: (Hesitant) Well…

Maddie: Sure, right.

David: No…I mean…yeah…sure…why not? If it will help.

Maddie: I think that is very sweet, David…and maybe something we should think about…but after the wedding, ok? One thing at a time.

David: Oh, trust me…I'm not rushing us into it…it's just a suggestion, made by a knucklehead…but you know, you've seen one before…a shrink…so, you let me know if you think it would help.

Maddie: Boy…you really do want a baby if you're willing to do all that.

David: No…no pressure…like I said, I'm fine either way.

Maddie: got it.

CUT TO: The day of Maddie and David's wedding Maddie meets her parents for brunch mid-morning, which she planned because she knew spending one on one time with them would keep her nice and calm.

Alexander: My daughter's wedding day...I can't believe it, really, it's unbelievable...I'm thrilled...as a parent, you picture this day from the time you've got that little baby in your arms...and here we are...where does the time go?

Virginia: It is amazing, isn't it? For a while I wasn't sure this day would ever come...but I am so happy it's finally here. And your father and I just love David, Maddie...we think he's a great match for you...

Alexander: Yes...yes, he has proven himself to be. Forget that nonsense I've said in the past about him not being someone who would stick around...we see how committed he is to you...how much he appreciates being with you after all you've been through...it takes a lot for a person to keep coming back after some really difficult times and I for one, really admire him for that. He's someone who really sticks in there...don't you think, Ginny?

Virginia: I do... very much so.

Maddie: Thank you, mom, thank you, Daddy...it really means a lot to me that the two of you like David, are so supportive of our marriage and especially that you treat him like a son...I really want him to feel like part of our family.

Alexander: Oh...I think of him that way and I'm glad to have him around if only for the fact that I'm not outnumbered anymore.

They all laugh.

Alexander: No...but seriously, he's a great addition to the family...a lot of fun...all of my acquaintances at the club or what have you...that I introduce him to just love him. He's great with people...a real man's man...but takes care of our little girl.

(He rubs Maddie's back as he beams)

Maddie: (teases) All of this makes me very happy, Daddy, just don't start liking him better than you like me.

They all laugh.

Alexander:...I promise you that sweetheart.

He raises his glass.

Alexander: Here's to a beautiful day.

Maddie and Virginia: To a beautiful day...

MEANWHILE…across town at a greasy spoon diner, David cuts into his steak and eggs as he talks to the short-order cook and finishes the punchline to one of his favorite jokes...

David: ...and then the farmer says...but I ain't got a daughter...

The cook breaks out in a burst of cackling laughter and David laughs along with him. Richie is passed out on the diner counter...David looks around coming out of his drunken stupor with a little food.

David: Hey, Louie...what time ya got?

Cook: 9:20...

David chews, nods...and looks around the dimly lit diner…

David: a.m.?

Cook: that's right...

David slaps Richie on the back to wake him up.

David: Rich...we gotta get outta here...

Richie stirs...opens one eye and looks around...

Richie: Where are we?

David: We're at...

David looks at the cook for help...

Cook: Lumpy's Diner

David: We're at Lumpy's...

Richie: Why...how?

Richie grabs his head as if he's got a wicked headache.

David: I gotta tell you it's a bit of a blur, (rubs his face)...whoever deemed it that bachelor parties should be held the night before the big day must have had a very understanding fiancé...but I for one...do not...which is why...we better...

David nudges Richie and points towards the door…

Cook: Whadda ya have someplace to be?

David: I do...I'm getting married in 4 hours...

Louie stops scrambling the eggs he's working on and looks at David in disbelief.

David pays the bill, picks up Richie and they walk arm in arm onto the street shielding the sun from their eyes.

Richie: Bro...how're you gonna do this...? How're I gonna do this? How're we gonna do this?

David: To tell you the truth, I don't know...I'm still seeing two of everything.

Richie: (laughs and slurs) doesn't sound so bad having two Maddie's on your wedding night...

David: Bite your tongue...two Maddie's isn't something I would ever be able to handle.

Richie scoffs and they stumble together down the street towards their hotel.

CUT TO: After breakfast, Maddie and her parents head back to Maddie's house where they meet the wedding coordinator, Tiffany, Maddie's hair and make-up person and Agnes, who is Maddie's maid of honor.

Maddie has her hair styled to the side in loose curls and wears a ring of baby's breath flowers on her head. Her dress is a white, fitted, sparkling floor-length gown with spaghetti straps, which is belted with silver ropes at the waist and silver heels adorn her feet. Her make-up is darker than what she normally wears, but not excessive. When all the finishing touches have been applied, accessories, etc., she turns around and tears spring to her mother's eyes.

Virginia: Oh Maddie...I've never seen you look more beautiful.

Maddie dabs tears that are now flowing since she looked in her mother's eyes.

Maddie: Thanks, Mom...

They embrace in a tight hug.

CUT TO: Across town David and Richie are passed out in a darkened hotel room at noon. Somewhere in the distant reaches of David's dream he hears knocking on a door and a familiar voice...it's Viola...

Viola: Mr. Addison...open the door Mr. Addison...it's me, Bert...you're going to be late for your own wedding if you don't get up.

A barely dressed David lifts himself up off the mattress and looks around the dark room.

David: What the...

He stumbles to the door and pulls it open.

Viola: (stammers) Mr. Addison...I..I am sorry for the unsolicited visit...but I just had a bad feeling after leaving you and Richie at the bar last night that it could get to be a pretty late one and I thought I better come check to make sure that you weren't still sleeping...and...(Bert takes in David's attire, messy hair and sleepy expression)...and, well...sir, I see that you...in fact, are still sleeping, (checks his watch) with less than an hour to go 'til wedding bells, Sir.

David: (rubs his already messed up hair and looks at Bert with one eye closed) Yep...yeah...I'd say I owe you one Bert...we'll be down in 20. Wait for us in the lobby, would ya?

Bert complies and David rushes around the room, throwing open the curtains and pulling the plastic off his white tuxedo.

David: Rich...Rich...1-2-6...get up...get moving...we gotta get outta here.

Richie and David shower, shave and clothe themselves in dapper duds in record time and are down in the lobby looking no worse for wear just as the limo arrives to take them to the wedding...the three of them pile in…they're picking up a few of David's friends along the way. David slaps Bert on the back...

David: Thanks again, buddy...I may not be getting married today if it weren't for this little visit...

Bert: my pleasure, sir...we've all waited too long for this day to have it...

David: (nods and looks anxiously out the front window) I get it...I get it.

David looks at Richie...

David: I blame this on you, ya know...

Richie: Me!?

David: You're my best man and here Bert is saving the day...maybe he should be my best man…

Bert: (smiles) Oh, I'd be honored, Sir.

David: (Holds up a finger without looking at him) It's not happening, Bert…I'm just sayin'

Bert: Yes, sir.

David: (To Richie) you know if things don't go well, Maddie is going to blame you just as much as me. We're going to be back sharing a basement apartment in Hell's Kitchen again if we're not careful.

Richie: You've got my solemn word that by the time my feet touch the ground at Barnsdall she'll think we attended an ice cream social last night and were in bed by 10.

David gives him the OK sign and the limo accelerates towards the wedding venue Barnsdall Frank Lloyd Wright house.

CUT TO: Maddie arrives with her parents and takes in the serenity of Barnsdall...they walk the grounds and view where the wedding will take place in a just over an hour.

Virginia: oh Maddie...it's perfect, it's gorgeous...I love it. So peaceful and lovely. The wedding coordinator leads them all into a comfortable room where they toast with champagne and graze on snacks of fruit and canopies while a violinist plays and a light rain falls outside.

Virginia: oh no...I hope there isn't rain during the wedding ceremony...

The wedding coordinator looks out the window up into the sky...

Coordinator: just a few dark clouds, they'll pass.

Maddie: I like the rain...it'll make everything look a little dewy and fresh.

CUT TO: Halfway to the wedding locale the limo carrying David, Bert and Richie hits a pothole and blows a tire. They all pile out to assess the damage and as they stand there giving suggestions about the best way to repair the damage the skies open up and rain pours down drenching them...but when they try to get back in the car the driver's locked the keys in the car. Bert hails a cab.

MEANWHILE…Back at Barnsdall...

Coordinator: (Nervously looking at her watch) Anyone heard from David today? I haven't been able to get ahold of him and no one from his side is here yet except his father and step-mother.

Collectively: No...

Maddie: I can assure you that David isn't having the organized, peaceful day we're having Tiffany...but he'll be here...he may even be a little late...but he'll be here. Trust me. Not my first go around with this man.

Tiffany nods but has an unamused expression on her face because she has things timed out perfectly at these events. She excuses herself and walks out front to look for the limo…soon she sees a yellow taxi filled with tuxedoed men…

With a couple minutes to spare David and his entourage pile out of the yellow taxi, wet and a bit wrinkled...but in good spirits after being invited to a hookah party in Abu Dhabi for the next weekend by their new best friend, Mohammed, the taxi driver…David leans in the driver's side window and hands him an extra $20…

David: …and remember, if you and the missus wanna stop by for the reception, we're here 'til 11.

The rain has stopped and they head into the groomsman's waiting area and start to devour the provided fries and sliders and toast with beers. The wedding coordinator follows them...

Tiffany: ...alright men, you made it…with (checks her watch) not much time to spare.

David: hiya Tiffany...we're here and ready to wedding.

Tiffany: You're also soaked.

David slicks his hair back, tugs at his shirt sleeves and smooths his coat.

David: don't worry...Maddie's used to me looking a little rough around the edges...in fact, I think that's part of why she's so obsessed...did she tell you she's been arrested a few times for stalking me?

Tiffany looks a bit terrified and isn't sure if David's joking or not…but at the same time she takes David in and sees he looks handsome as hell, even in a soaking wet suit...and understands his point about how the slightly disheveled look adds to his appeal.

David claps his hands.

David: let's get this show on the road…(looks around…) oh, and by the way, Tiffany…have you met my friend, Sean?

Sean smiles from across the room and Tiffany does a double-take.

CUT TO: A few minutes later, music plays...Maddie stands just out of sight of the aisle with her father by her side. David stands at the end of the aisle with Richie by his side and everything comes together. The wedding is simple, sweet and beautiful...there isn't a dry eye in the house when Maddie and David each speak their personalized vows to each other...finally, they get to the good stuff:

Marriage Officiant: You may now kiss the bride...

David raises his eyebrows to the crowd...

David: The moment I've been waiting for...seven years in the making, folks...bear with me, this may take a while.

The crowd chuckles.

David wraps his arm around Maddie's lower back and pulls her close...and they kiss...and when they part...Maddie whispers…

Maddie: You taste like a bar, Addison...

Smirks.

David: May have been a bit of a late night...

Maddie: Mmmm-mmmm.

David: You taste great tho...

He pulls her close and kisses her again.

Everyone applauds.

At the outdoor reception, both Maddie and David's father's make a toast and Richie makes a speech as the best man. Maddie and David dance their first dance to "Since I Fell For You" by Lenny Welch and then Maddie dances with her dad and other's cut in until she's finally back to dancing with David. Stephanie comes up and moves between the two of them with a big smile.

Stephanie: I and so proud of the two of you...welcome to the family, Maddie.

She kisses Maddie on the cheek and then kisses David on the cheek. After a few minutes, Richie tries to cut in...

Richie: Let me dance with the big blonde boss, Dave…

David blocks him with his arm...

David: No...no...no Rich...I'm not standing on the sidelines watching the two of you dance this time...sorry.

Richie: You are one selfish man, bro. ...alright, alright...I'll dance with the two of ya. (They all move together in a circle) So, tell me...bro, sis, are you more excited about FINALLY being married or spending two weeks in Paris?

David: I'm more excited about spending two weeks away from you...

Richie: Ditto – I definitely got some plans for Chez Hayes while you two are abroad.

David gazes at Maddie…

David: Might have to revise the name to Chez Addison now, huh honey?

Maddie: Guess so, I'm officially and Addison...

Richie: (Hugs them tighter) The Addison's...

David nudges him away from them...

David: yeah, only that home belongs to "The Addison's," which includes me and her (gestures between he and Maddie)...not you...in fact, we need to talk about when you're moving out.

Richie: (looks over the crowd) did I hear someone call my name? (He moves away from them)

David pulls Maddie close to him.

David: Knew that would get rid of him.

Maddie smiles and lays her head on David's shoulder as they dance. Soon Mac cuts in and David dances with a woman he knows from work.

Mac: Beautiful wedding, Madolyn.

Maddie: Thanks! It was just what I wanted it to be.

Mac: So, Paris in the morning?

Maddie: Yep - 8am.

Mac: For two weeks?

Maddie: Two whole weeks.

Mac: Remember, go to Monet's garden and eat a croissant each morning...don't worry, you'll walk it all off...

The song ends and Mac hugs her.

Mac: congratulations my dear...I am so happy for you.

The wedding ends at 11pm per the contract and Maddie, David, Richie and his date, Jenny, ride home in the limo together.

David: Never pictured leaving my wedding with you by my side, Rich.

Richie: Sorry, Da-vid...logistically it just made sense.

David: You're not gonna show up on my flight to Paris are you?

Richie: I promise, once we get home this is the last you'll see of my mug until after the honeymoon.

David: Any way we can make it longer than that?

Although David is annoyed that Richie is around so much they all end up having another glass of champagne and talking and laughing about things that happened at the wedding on the way home. Once they get home Jenny and Richie disappear into the garden area for a midnight swim and David takes Maddie's hand and leads her upstairs where the room is covered in rose petals, the tub filled with a bubble bath and Champagne has been opened and poured.

Maddie: Ooooohh. Who do we have to thank for this?

They look at each other...

Together: Bert and Agnes.

David: Those two kids are just too good to us.

David pets Maddie's hair back and looks into her eyes.

David: Wow, you are so beautiful...I can't believe you're my wife.

Maddie: David...

David: No, really...whadda ya doing with a slug like me?

Maddie: Please...

He smiles and she reaches up to kiss him...and they kiss and take their time with each other...slowly undressing and slipping into the bath where they kiss and caress and laugh and get a little tipsy-er on champagne. After a while, they move to the bed where their feelings and emotions overtake them. They have such a special night enjoying each other...reveling in the fact that they are husband and wife...hardly believing it...it almost makes them giddy. David makes love to Maddie so slow and sweet he brings tears to her eyes. Eventually, they drift off to sleep for only a couple hours and then their alarm goes off and they are off to the airport and on their way to Paris.

Maddie and David both sleep most of the way to Paris but once they arrive and check into the hotel David is raring to go explore and Maddie is raring to get David into bed...she pulls off the shorts and t-shirt he's just put on after his shower and kisses him incessantly...

David: Don't you want to see the Eiffel Tower? This is not an innuendo, I promise…

He grins…

Maddie: later...

Later they walk and take in the sights, take pictures and eat dinner at a sidewalk cafe where they people watch and laugh. But soon Maddie's hand makes her way up David's leg...

Maddie: Let's go back to the hotel, David

In fact, most of the trip consists of outings that turn into Maddie devouring David with her eyes, David not being able to keep his hands off her… and them rushing back to the hotel to fulfill their needs.

After one particularly exhausting session, David holds Maddie in his arms.

David: I like "Paris Maddie" she's insatiable.

Maddie: I can't get enough of you...maybe the whole "husband" thing turns me on.

David: shoulda done it a long time ago then...

Maddie smiles.

Maddie: Oh, I think the timing is just perfect now...We've built a trust with time, David...and that makes me feel so safe and secure...which is really the reason I'm so open with you now.

David: well, hearing that makes me really happy...and we're going to continue to build and keep that trust.

Maddie rolls on top of David and arouses him again.

Maddie: I love you husband...

David: love you wife.

To Be Continued...