Signed, Sealed, Delivered
This story will be eight chapters long and begins at the end of my story "My Kind Of Town". This is an unapologetically happy alternative to the remainder of Seasons 4 and 5. We Moonies never got enough happy, in my humble opinion, and this is my way of making that right. Let's see what happens to Maddie and David after their engagement in Chicago…
Like a fool I went and stayed too long
Now I'm wondering if your love's still strong
Ooh baby, here I am, signed, sealed, delivered, I'm yours
Then that time I went and said goodbye
Now I'm back and not ashamed to cry
Ooh baby, here I am, signed, sealed, delivered, I'm yours
Here I am, baby
You've got the future in your hands
I've done a lot of foolish things
That I really didn't mean, yeah, yeah, didn't I?
Seen a lot of things in this old world
When I touch them, they mean nothing, girl
Ooh baby, here I am, signed, sealed, delivered, I'm yours
Ooh baby, you set my soul on fire
That's why I know you're my heart's only desire
Ooh baby, here I am, signed, sealed, delivered, I'm yours
Stevie Wonder
Chapter 1: Signed, Sealed, Delivered
It was a sunny, late spring Thursday morning in Los Angeles. The elevator doors opened on the 20th floor of their Century City office building and David Addison and Maddie Hayes emerged, holding hands. They walked down the hall towards the Blue Moon Investigations office.
David and Maddie had just flown home to LA from Chicago the day before. In what had turned out to be a whirlwind of a long weekend, Maddie learned that she was pregnant – and so did David, through Agnes and Bert. David immediately flew to Chicago, befriended Maddie's father – with whom he drank entirely too much whiskey – and ended up serenading Maddie in front of her parents' house. Maddie and David got back together and spent one of the best times of their lives together in Chicago, culminating with their engagement. Maddie's parents were thrilled beyond words when they found out, as were David's dad, stepmother Stephanie, and brother Richie when Maddie and David called them in Philly to tell them the news.
David: "Welcome back to Blue Moon, Goldilocks." He brought her hand to his lips and kissed it. "I called Agnes to let her know to expect us today. Are you sure you want to walk in together? We can go in separately if you feel uncomfortable."
Maddie: "I'm not uncomfortable, David. We're starting our new life together. The Wobblies may as well be some of the first ones to know about us. I mean it's not like we haven't been office gossip for a long time now. Especially after you told them you loved me..." Maddie looked wistful thinking of that day before she left for Chicago. "And I'm sure Agnes suspects something happened this weekend. Sometimes I think she knows more about me than I know about myself. Almost as bad as my mother!"
David laughed, opening the door to Blue Moon. He held the door open for Maddie.
Agnes: "Ms Hayes! Mr. Addison! It's you! You're really here!" She jumped up and down excitedly and shouted: "Okay everyone! Party stations!"
The Wobblies jumped up from their desks and put on party hats. O'Neill and Simmons held up a "Welcome Back!" banner. Bert rolled out a red carpet. Jamie, Kris, MacGilicuddy, Inez, and Jergensen blew party horns and threw confetti. Everyone shouted "Welcome back, Ms Hayes!" Someone popped open a bottle of champagne. There were cheers and hugs all around. David stuck his hands in his pockets, shook his head, and smirked. Maddie looked down shyly and smiled. They were both truly touched.
Agnes noticed the sparkly bauble on Maddie's left ring finger: "Ms Hayes! Mr. Addison! Does this mean what I think it means?" Agnes ran over to Maddie, holding her hand and admiring the beautiful diamond and sapphire ring. "I can't believe it! This is great news! Better than great! It's great great! The betterest!"
Agnes hugged Maddie and whispered "Congratulations about everything, Ms Hayes. I'm really sorry for how the news got out. I've learned my lesson about who can keep a secret – and who can't." Agnes looked over at Bert and made a grumpy face. Maddie smiled and patted Agnes' arm. "It's all right, Agnes. All's well that ends well." Agnes gave David a hug as well, and he kissed her cheek and whispered: "You've always been here for us, Agnes. Ms Hayes and I both appreciate it."
Bert walked over and said: "It looks like congratulations are in order, Ms Hayes and Mr. Addison. And I would like to formally welcome you back to the office, Ms Hayes. As far as Blue Moon goes, the man does not exist who could adequately fill your pumps. And if I may say so, sir, you are looking especially happy this morning. I'm glad to see it!" Bert shook David's hand and gave Maddie an awkward hug. The Wobblies all gathered around to admire her ring and offered their congratulations.
David: "Agnes, I'm going to catch Ms Hayes up on the business. Can you make a reservation for us for lunch? Say, L'Orangerie? Say, 12:30?"
Agnes: "Say no more!"
David: "We'll be in Ms Hayes' office. If anyone calls, comes in, or otherwise wants to see us – shoot 'em." David made a gun-shooting gesture with his left hand and whispered "Pow!"
Maddie and David walked into her office and closed the door.
Maddie: "It feels weird to be here, David. This feels different – but the same."
David: "I thought it would have been the other way around. Come here…"
Maddie walked over to David and put her arms around his neck, running her fingers through the back of his hair. He put his arms around her waist and pulled her close to him, then kissed her gently, moving one hand up to stroke the back of her hair. They stayed like this for a few minutes before assuming their usual positions – Maddie sitting in her mauve office chair and David perched on the edge of her desk.
David: "So, got a lot of catching up to do. Want me to fill you in on the cases we cracked while you were out? Go over the books?"
Maddie: "Yes, but first – I don't think I'm feeling so great…" Maddie ran to her office bathroom and closed the door and there was the audible sound of her throwing up.
David: "Honey, you okay in there? Need anything? A wet washcloth? A glass of water?"
Maddie: "I'll be okay, David. It kind of comes and goes. Mostly just in the morning. You've seen me the past few days. I think it should only last a few more weeks - I hope! Which reminds me, I need to make a doctor's appointment with an OB/GYN here in LA. I'll take care of that today. Do you want to come with me?"
David: "You betcha." He smirked and winked at Maddie.
David caught Maddie up on the cases they had solved and the new cases they had still open. They also went through the books. Maddie was pleasantly surprised by how organized David had kept everything while she was out. David walked back to his office to return a few client phone calls. Maddie called and made a new patient appointment with an OB/GYN who was highly recommended to her, Dr. Debra Weed, and was happy to be able to get in to see her the following week – Friday at 3pm.
Maddie and David went out for a long lunch at L'Orangerie, one of the most romantic restaurants in Los Angeles. Maddie opted for the blandest, healthiest thing on the menu, a Salade Niçoise, and David had Steak Frites. She was touched that he was taking her to a beautiful French restaurant – Maddie was absolutely certain that this was not his personal first choice of places to eat – and despite her queasiness earlier, she found that she was suddenly very hungry and really enjoyed her meal. David was regaling Maddie with tales of crazy cases they'd solved while she'd been in Chicago along with stories about the Wobblies, including a barrage in the garage with Viola and MacGilicuddy that he had to personally break up. She smiled and laughed – it was nice to spend time with David. Despite her earlier reservations about how their relationship was either white hot or icy cold, Maddie felt nothing but pure happiness being here with him, having a nice lunch and talking. She didn't know why she had fought this for so long.
David drove Maddie home to rest, and he went back to the office to meet with a client, finish some case work, and follow up on a stakeout that Bert had been on. After work, David drove back to Maddie's house and they spent the evening together. Maddie had changed into a pair of her soft, silky pink pajamas. David took off his jacket and tie, rolled up his shirt sleeves, and made them a light dinner. They sat on the couch in her living room, eating and talking about their future together. Maddie started reading a new book – Pat Conroy's "The Prince of Tides" - while David watched the evening news and "LA Law". She fell asleep leaning against him, with her head on his shoulder. David looked at Maddie sleeping peacefully, and smiled. He never thought he would have this kind of calm with this woman.
David picked up Maddie's book and put it on the glass coffee table, then put his arms around her and carried her up the spiral staircase to her bedroom. He laid her gently down on her bed.
Maddie: "David, please don't go." She sleepily held her hand out and touched his arm.
David: "I'm not going anywhere, baby. I'm just going to get a shower."
David went into Maddie's bathroom and turned on the shower. He waited for the water to get warm, then slipped off his clothes and got in. The warm water felt soothing against his tired skin. He closed his eyes and washed his hair, then grabbed the bar of soap. He washed his face and put his head under the warm water stream to rinse it off. He heard the shower door open and rubbed and opened his eyes. Maddie was standing there naked, facing him.
Maddie: "Here, let me." She ran the soap over his chest and arms, and reached up and kissed him, opening her lips and touching her tongue to his. They kissed passionately for a while, his hands in her hair, and hers in his. She moved behind him and rubbed the soap across his shoulders and back. She put the soap down and moved her arms around him from behind, touching his shoulders, and chest, and belly. She leaned in and whispered in his ear "I want to make you come." She slid her hand lower, then took him in her hand, moving up and down until he came hard, screaming her name. David looked at Maddie and gave her a smirky smile, then brushed her cheek with his hand: "I love you, Maddie." Maddie and David dried off and got into Maddie's bed together. David rolled on top of Maddie and made love to her, gently but passionately. They fell asleep, naked in each other's arms.
The next Friday afternoon, Maddie and David left work early and told Agnes, Bert, and The Wobblies to do the same. David drove Maddie to her first appointment with Dr. Weed in Beverly Hills.
David: "Dr. Weed? What kind of name is that?! I guess it's better than Dr. Dope or Dr. Doobie or Dr. Pot!"
Maddie: "David!" She slapped his arm and laughed. "She's supposed to be the best in LA and has all the latest technology. I was lucky to get in to see her so quickly. I might have done a little name dropping to get this appointment - apparently, she was a fan of Blue Moon Shampoo." They laughed together.
Maddie checked in at the front desk and she and David sat together in the waiting room, filling out health questionnaires and insurance forms. David looked around - there were black and white framed photos of cute babies on the walls and turquoise and hot pink chairs in the waiting room, filled with a lot of pregnant women, some with partners, some alone. Maddie was nervous and kept crossing and uncrossing her legs. David sensed her anxiety and put his arm around her. "It's going to be okay, Maddie. Better than okay. It'll be great." Maddie gave him a small smile.
A nurse walked out and called out: "Madolyn Hayes!" Maddie and David followed the nurse through the door. The nurse brought David into an examination room to wait while she took Maddie's temperature, blood pressure, and weight in the common area. Afterwards, Maddie went into the exam room, sat on the examination table, and waited with David for Dr. Weed. David was engrossed in a pamphlet titled "Your Guide To Breastfeeding" with his mouth slightly agape.
Dr. Weed walked into the exam room. She was a pretty petite woman, about Maddie's age, with light brown, wavy hair and a kind face: "Hi Maddie, I'm Dr. Weed. It's nice to meet you." She shook Maddie's hand and smiled at her. "Dr. Hill faxed over your records from Chicago. And you must be the dad?"
David: "David Addison. Nice to meet you." He reached out and shook Dr. Weed's hand.
Dr. Weed: "Well Maddie, it looks like Dr. Hill has already done blood work and a full exam in Chicago so we can skip all of that for today. We'll do an ultrasound today to determine your due date and confirm that everything looks good with the baby. An ultrasound is a non-invasive imaging test that uses sound waves to create pictures inside of your body – in this case, your uterus and the baby. The way the test works is I'll apply a gel to your lower belly and move something called a transducer over it. It emits sound waves into your body and converts what it hears into an image. A sonogram is the actual image produced by the ultrasound."
Maddie looked down at the manilla folder chart with her name on it that Dr. Weed was holding. It had the letters AMA written in large bold Sharpie on the front of it: "What does AMA mean?"
Dr. Weed: "Advanced Maternal Age." Maddie looked at David and rolled her eyes. Dr. Weed saw Maddie's look and smiled: "I know that sounds insensitive, but it just tells us to keep an extra close watch on you. Pregnancies can be higher risk for moms over the age of 35. Let me get the ultrasound equipment and we'll take a look."
Dr. Weed left the room and came back in a few minutes later, wheeling an ultrasound machine on a cart. She had Maddie unzip and roll down her skirt and squeezed a little gel on her lower belly, then rubbed the transducer over the gel. The room was suddenly filled with a loud thump-thump, thump-thump, thump-thump sound.
Dr. Weed smiled: "That's just what I like to hear. The baby has a nice, strong heartbeat." Dr. Weed clicked some buttons, took some measurements, reviewed some paperwork, and carefully studied the images she was looking at. "Well, Maddie and David, everything looks perfect. Would you like to see?"
Dr Weed turned the machine around and David and Maddie could see a black and white image on the screen – a blurry triangle with an oval image in the middle, and a little bean-shaped figure in the middle of that oval. David grabbed Maddie's hand, kissed it, and rubbed it against his face. There were tears in both of their eyes. Dr. Weed: "You can see your uterus, here, and the gestational sac, and the embryo. He – or she – is about the size of a grape right now. You are measuring right at 8 weeks. Based on this sonogram and your last menstrual cycle start date, I would estimate your date of conception was April 9 and your due date is December 28. A Christmas baby. Or, since first babies are often late, perhaps a New Year's one."
Maddie and David both breathed a sigh of relief. They'd first slept together on March 31. There was no way this was Sam Crawford's child.
Dr. Weed clicked a couple more buttons and printed out three copies of what she saw on the screen onto thermal paper and handed them to Maddie and David: "Here are a few first photos of your baby for you to put on the fridge, or in a frame, or share with the grandparents! Congratulations, you two. Maddie, I'll see you again in a month. I'll see you monthly at first, and then visits will get closer and closer together, down to weekly towards your 9th month. There will be a few standard tests for all new moms, and a couple of other tests we recommend for moms over the age of 35, but we can talk about that at your next appointment. Everything looks great and you're very healthy. You can continue with all of your normal activities – exercising, working, traveling – just take good care of yourself, eat healthy, and get plenty of rest."
David: "And sex? What about sex?"
Maddie: "Addison!" She slapped his arm – hard – and gave Dr. Weed an apologetic look.
Dr. Weed laughed: "No restrictions there! You've got a funny one on your hands here, Maddie. He's something else."
Maddie rolled her eyes and shook her head: "He's something else all right!"
Maddie and David checked out, made her next appointment for 4 weeks later, then walked together back to the BMW. David scooped Maddie up into his arms and kissed her passionately. He looked at the photos he was holding in his hand.
David: "Wow, Maddie, can you believe it? Look at this – we made our very own jelly bean! Are you happy?"
Maddie: "I couldn't be happier." And she meant it with every fiber of her being. "What about you, David? Are you happy? I know all of this kind of came out of left field…"
David: "I'm all in, Madolyn. Signed, sealed, delivered – I'm yours. You and our baby – I'm just over the moon. Honey, I don't think I've been happier in my entire life." They smiled at each other and cherished this moment for a few minutes.
David and Maddie went back to her place and made love in Maddie's bed in the late-afternoon sunlight, then fell asleep together. Maddie woke up with David's arms around her. She watched him sleeping peacefully for a while, thinking how much she loved him and what a great father he was going to be. Maddie quietly slipped out of bed, put on her silky peach robe, and walked downstairs. The sun was starting to set and her living room was filled with a pink and orange glow. Maddie picked up the three sonogram photos and put each one on her refrigerator with a magnet. She stood there for a long time, looking at the photos of their baby and wondering what he – or she – was going to look and be like. She couldn't believe she was going to be a mom.
Maddie made herself a cup of peppermint tea and picked up the phone on the wall in her kitchen to call her own mother: "Mom, how are you?" There was a pause "I'm good. We're good. We had my first appointment today. I'm due around Christmas time – December 28. I'm just so happy, mom…"
"Moonlighting: A Cookbook and Culinary History - Recipes, Restaurants, Clubs, and Cocktails Featured in the Iconic 1980s Series" coming August 2025!
