The Best Day

And now, I know why all the trees change in the fall

I know you were on my side even when I was wrong

And I love you for giving me your eyes

For staying back and watching me shine

And I didn't know if you knew, so I'm taking this chance to say

That I had the best day with you today

Taylor Swift

It was Saturday morning, and Maddie and David were in the kitchen of their Bel Air home. They had arrived home from their New York trip about a week earlier. Maddie was making a cup of tea and David was sitting at the kitchen table, on his MacBook, sipping a Nespresso and combing through his social feeds and reading the LA Times online.

David: "Richie just texted. You wanna grab dinner with him and Elizabeth tonight? That new place in Beverly Glen?"

Maddie: "Sure, David."

David: "Steph just emailed. She's headed back from that girls' trip to Morocco. Says she hopes to be back before the baby arrives and that she'll definitely be here for our Sayonara Somma Way Party. She picked up a bunch of spices for us. Well, for me. She knows what kind of cook you are!"

Maddie: "David! I resent that. I really am a much better cook than I used to be."

David gave her a look: "Whatever you have to tell yourself to get through the day, Blondie Blonde. Remember that time when we had everyone over for Thanksgiving when kids were little? That turkey disaster? You didn't realize you had to take the plastic packages out of the turkey cavity and the entire house filled with toxic smoke."

Maddie: "Don't remind me. And David, that was a long time ago!"

David laughed: "Another year in a series of Addison Family foil-tray turkey TV dinners. Although over the years, I've grown to enjoy them."

Maddie: "David! I do always enjoy our Chinese take-out on Christmas. Our regular spot here in Bel Air is gonna miss us. We'll have to find a new place in Brentwood – or New York. Depending on where we decide to spend Christmas this year."

David: "New York, baby. We can go to Rockefeller Center and see the big tree, go see the Rockettes, go to one of them Christmas pop-up Miracle bars. Take the kids ice skating in Central Park. Maybe it'll be a White Christmas. Alex and Abby never got to have one of those growing up here in LA, except when we visited dad and Stephanie in Philly. Your parents were always here for cold weather!"

Maddie: "You're not gonna catch me on ice skates. I'll let you and Alex and Josh do that. But the rest sounds magical. I want to take the girls to breakfast at Tiffany – that new Blue Box Café. Get dressed up for it."

David: "Let's just hope we don't run into Sammy Boy in LaGuardia again. I say we fly into Newark next time."

Maddie: "Oh, I know! I mean, what were the odds? I could have lived my whole life never seeing him again."

David: "We see him all the time on TV, and in the news, and on social media. But seeing him in person hits differently. You could've been a Senator's wife, baby. Any regrets?"

Maddie walked over and touched his face: "David…"

David: "Rat Bastard. There's rumors he plans a presidential bid in '28. He sure has had a lot of plastic surgery. And he's so TAN. Leathery, almost."

Maddie laughed: "David!"

David: "His wife is pretty, but I bet she's younger than Abby. What is she – number four?"

Maddie: "Five."

David: "Wow."

Maddie: "I don't want to think about it. Hey David, I know mom is getting older and more fragile but I think we can get her to New York and back, don't you think? Between Ubers and elevators and our one-level place, I think she'll be fine."

David: "I think so too, honey. It'll be great great, as Agnes would say." He continued scrolling online. "Hey Maddie, speaking of Agnes, check out Instagram at all of these new photos she and Bert posted. Looks like their new bonsai business is really taking off. I think their llama and alpaca rescue is still booming too."

Maddie: "Gotta hand it to them, they are keeping busy in their retirement. We should try and get together with them soon. I think the boys would love to visit their farm. Maybe over Spring Break in a couple of weeks when Abby and Josh and the girls are here too? Make a day of it? We can pick up a bonsai for the new place."

David: "Sounds good, Goldilocks. And they said they'll be here for the Sayonara Somma Way Party." David continued scrolling online. "Hold the phone, Maddie, hold the phone! Check out this article in the LA Times today: 'Cold Blooded Murderess Jillian Armstrong Back In Prison'. Speaking of a blast from the past! '67 year old Jillian Armstrong, who had previously served a 25 year sentence for the murder of her husband, Harlan Armstrong, has been sentenced to prison for a second time in a cryptocurrency and money laundering scheme.' Wow."

Maddie: "I never trusted her David, and I don't see what you ever saw in her. I always thought you were a better judge of character. I mean she was beautiful, and I'm sure she had, um, other qualities, but..."

David raised his eyebrows and smirked at Maddie: "Not as beautiful as you, Blondie Blonde. And you've got other qualities. In spades. C'mere." He reached out to Maddie and pulled her onto his lap. She put her arms around his neck and they sat there for a while, kissing, with David's hands in Maddie's hair. Their kissing quickly became more and more passionate and heated. Maddie ran her hands through the back of David's hair, and he ran his lips and tongue along her chin and jawline, to the back of her neck, to that spot that still drove her wild, even after all these years. She moaned loudly in pleasure.

They were interrupted by the sound of someone clearing his throat.

Alex was standing in the doorway to the kitchen, giving them a questioning smirk. He'd certainly seen worse: "I texted when we pulled in but I guess you were, um, busy. I came over with the boys to drop off all these empty moving boxes we had in the attic. Didn't you hear me knocking? I thought maybe you'd gone out and I let myself in with the front door code. I was just gonna leave the boxes but then I, um, heard you here in the kitchen. Sarah's at home – still very much overdue and feeling miserable and ready to have the baby. She sends her love."

David: "Alex! Great to see you son!" David and Maddie stood up and David adjusted himself. Alex pretended not to notice.

Maddie looked at David and Alex standing next to each other. They were almost identical in appearance. Alex was a couple of inches taller than David and had Maddie's nose and blonde hair – a full head of hit, but spiky and all over the place like David's had been. The rest of him was all David – his build, his swagger, and his charm, with the same dimples, sideways smirk, and sparkling green eyes. She smiled at their similarities. Alex had always been a bit wild too, like David had been, until he met Sarah. Alex was now running Blue Moon and, like Maddie and his grandfather Alexander Hayes, had a real head for business. The agency was doing better than ever.

Three little boys came running through the front door, each carrying a box - seven year old Davey, five year old Daniel, and three year old Dylan. Maddie had to smile at the sight of them. They all looked just like their father Alex, who in turn looked just like David. Three little miniature David Addisons, with dark hair like Sarah's – and David's – and Alex's and David's green eyes, dimples, spiky hair, and smirky smiles. They all dropped their boxes in front of the spiral staircase and came running to Maddie and David, giving them hugs.

Davey had many things to say, like his grandpa: "Grandma! We missed you guys! Daniel lost his first tooth while you were gone and the Tooth Fairy came and he got $10! I got an A on my project about reptiles. We had a chocolate milk drinking content and Dylan won but then he decided to dance and spin around to celebrate and then he threw up on the new rug!"

Maddie: "Wow, that's a lot going on, Davey. We missed you too!"

Daniel: "We wore our bathing suits if you want to go swimming with us!"

Maddie: "You know I'd love to. Let's work on your backstroke. You're getting so good at it!"

Dylan: "We brought lots of boxes."

Maddie: "You sure did, Dylan. You are such a great helper!"

David: "Boys! Who's up for throwing the football around the yard with your old grandpa, then some pool time?" Davey, Daniel, and Dylan squealed with excitement. David opened the package of strawberry Pop Tarts that was sitting on the kitchen counter and popped one into his mouth as he went outside with the boys.

Alex: "Dad and his Pop Tarts! I don't know how he stays in such great shape. He's constantly eating!"

Maddie: "Oh yes, well don't let him fool you. You know he secretly works hard at it. He's still got that Pec Deck from the 80s in the sunroom. Not sure where it's gonna go in our new place. We'll figure it out. And you know, he's always moving around – always into something, like a shark. I'm perfectly content to lay around and read a book but he's always on the move. I mean look at him now."

Alex and Maddie smiled. David was outside in the backyard, holding a football, running around with and being tackled by the three little boys.

Alex: "How's the packing coming, mom?"

Maddie: "To be honest, we've barely started. Whenever we start packing, we find something to go through and reminisce about. And we have 37 years of memories here together. More, for me. I bought this place in 1979 and there's just so much to go through. But we've got to do it. I think we've figured out what furniture is coming with us and what we're selling or donating."

Alex: "Well, you've got to keep all of those framed modeling photos, mom. You're just so gorgeous. I remember Abby and I staring at those photos when we were little, just mesmerized. Excited about the new house?"

Maddie: "I think we're going to be really happy there. It's a beautiful, open, modern space and I'm so glad it has a pool, too. I still can't believe how much money this house is selling for - $25 million! It's just unreal to me. I honestly didn't think we'd ever sell it but it just makes sense. Your dad keeps joking that one of us is going to end up breaking a hip falling down that spiral staircase! It's really not funny but I definitely understand his concern – I mean, we aren't getting any younger. I'm sad about leaving here though - so many memories, in every corner of the place."

Alex: "Just think of all of the new memories you're going to make, mom."

Maddie: "You sound just like your dad. That's exactly what he said. You're both right."

Alex: "I'm gonna bring in the rest of the boxes and then go out there with them. Looks like too much fun to miss out on. Love you, mom." Alex leaned down and kissed Maddie on the cheek.

Alex brought the rest of the moving boxes inside and Maddie went upstairs to change into her bathing suit, then they both went outside with David and the boys. Alex and David played football with the boys, and then Maddie got in the pool with them, working on their backstrokes and breaststrokes – she had, after all, been an award winning swimmer when she was young. David looked at Maddie and thought just how gorgeous she was in the one piece black halter suit she was wearing – long and lean with a perfect hourglass figure.

David went inside to change – he came back out wearing black Hawaiian print board shorts. Maddie smiled – he was still so sexy and fit, even at his age. David did a running cannonball jump into the pool, getting everyone soaked. The boys squealed with delight.

Maddie: "Addison!" But she was laughing too.

David played Marco Polo with the boys in the pool and Maddie sat on the edge and dangled her long legs in the water. Alex's iPhone started ringing.

Alex: "Mom, dad, I've got to head out. Sarah's water just broke. Can the boys stay here with you guys?"

Maddie: "Of course, sweetheart. That's always been the plan! We've got them. We'll plan on having a sleepover here with them tonight. I think we have some extra clothes for them here and if not, we'll run by your place. Text us any updates, okay, and if there's anything else you need. Love you both and we can't wait to meet him."

Maddie and David had a great day with their grandsons. They hung out by the pool and then made sandwiches for lunch. Dylan took a nap while the older boys played Mario Brothers with David on the Nintendo Switch and Maddie read a new book, "Intermezzo" by Sally Rooney. Maddie and David took the boys for a ride in Maddie's arctic blue 430i BMW convertible with the top down and went out for pizza for dinner. Richie and Elizabeth joined them.

At dinner, Maddie and David got a phone call from Alex that the new baby had arrived and that everyone was doing well, immediately followed by a text to the family group chat with photos.

From: Alex, To Group "AddFam": "He's here. Introducing Dane William Addison. 7 pounds, 12 ounces. 18 inches. Sarah is doing great. Love u all."

Maddie: "Oh, David, would you look at him? He's just beautiful. And Sarah looks far too good to have just gone through labor."

Richie: "He looks just like you, Bro. They all do. A seriously strong gene pool there."

Elizabeth: "Congrats, Maddie and David! A toast – to another Ad Man!" She held up her wine glass.

David: "Cheers to that!"

They clinked wine glasses and beer bottles and the boys clinked their glasses of Shirley Temples. There were congratulations and hugs all around. Maddie showed the boys the pictures of their new baby brother on her iPhone.

After dinner, Maddie and David had a slumber party with Davey, Daniel, and Dylan in the living room. David got out sleeping bags and helped them make a pillow fort. Then, they made popcorn and watched a double feature of "Spider Man - Across The Spider-Verse" and episodes of "The Three Stooges".

The next morning, Maddie and David drove along Sunset Boulevard in David's Tesla Model Y with their three grandsons in the backseat, on their way to the hospital to take them to meet their new baby brother, Dane. The car was on full self-driving mode, allowing the driver, David, to play with all of the Tesla gadgets as they accelerated towards the hospital.

Daniel: "Do it again, grandpa!"

David tapped on the application launcher on the center touchscreen and turned on "Emissions Testing Mode", aka "Fart Mode". He clicked on various options to make whoopie cushion noises from various seats in the car, including Maddie's. They boys – and David – were delighted – and giggling uncontrollably. It didn't help that they were all fueled with a sugar overload breakfast of chocolate milk and donuts, also thanks to David.

Davey: "Do the Short Shorts Ripper one, grandpa. Then Ludicrous."

Dylan: "Again! Again!"

Maddie: "David! WOULD YOU STOP. I hate this car."

David: "But the boys love it, Maddie. Just wait until Christmas when we can put it in Santa Mode."

Maddie: "Great."

Davey: "Your BMW is cool too, grandma. We love riding with the top down. Convertibles are lit."

When they got to the hospital, David let the Tesla self-park and he and Maddie took the boys into the hospital and upstairs to the maternity ward to see Alex and Sarah and meet the new baby.

Sarah was in a hospital bed holding baby Dane and Alex was standing next to her. The boys instantly climbed into the bed with Sarah and started looking at and touching their new baby brother.

Maddie: "Oh, Alex and Sarah, we're so happy for you two!" She hugged and kissed them both. "The boys have been so good for us, and they were so excited to come and visit this morning."

David: "Son! Congratulations!" The two men hugged. David leaned over and kissed Sarah on the cheek and looked at his new grandson. "How are you doing, sweetheart? Boy, that's another Addison if I've ever seen one. He looks just like Alex."

Maddie was just as excited to meet Dane as she had been to meet all of their other grandkids – not unlike how Virginia had been the first time she met Alex, over 37 years before: "Oh, Sarah, let me hold him. How are you feeling?"

Sarah: "I'm doing great, Maddie. We're supposed to be released to go home this afternoon. It was a quick, easy delivery."

Maddie: "Well, just let us know what you need from us to make things easier on you and Alex. We're happy to keep the boys, or help with meals – well, that's probably more David's department than mine - or anything, really."

Maddie leaned over and picked newborn Dane up out of Sarah's arms.

Maddie: "Hi sweetheart! Oh Sarah, he looks so much like Alex did as a baby. Well, goodness, they have all looked just like Alex. Those Addison genes are something else. I know that feeling. I took one look at Alex when he was born and thought well, he's got my hair at least – but not much else! Oh, that new baby smell…"

Sarah: "Abby looks like you, Maddie."

Maddie: "She does, but she still has so much of David in her. That smirk. And charm."

David: "Let me hold him. Hey there, buddy!" The other boys and Alex gathered around David and looked at new baby Dane.

Maddie looked at the six of them – David, Alex, Davey, Daniel, Dylan, and Dane –and her heart melted. Three generations of Addison men, all sporting that same smirk. She shook her head and smiled – what a life she and David had made together. She took a photo with her iPhone and sent it to the family group chat.

From: Maddie, To Group "AddFam": "Three generations of Addison men. Heaven help us, LOL."

Maddie and David took several more family photos and texted them to the family group chat. They took the boys out to In-N-Out Burger for lunch, then helped Alex and Sarah get home and settled in with the boys and the new baby, then went home themselves.

Maddie: "I'm beat, David. I forget how much work it is having little ones around all the time. They're adorable and so sweet – well, usually - but there's just so many of them! We only had two to deal with – I can't imagine four. We're completely outnumbered!"

David: "I hear you, Goldilocks. Remember when Alex and Abby were both in diapers? I don't think I've ever been so tired. Tell you what - let's order some UberEats, stream a movie, and call it a night."

David ordered UberEats on his phone while Maddie soaked in a bubble bath. She came back downstairs wearing a pair of pink monkey Roller Rabbit pajamas – a gift from Abby - and they ate a light dinner on the couch and argued over what to stream on Netflix before finally landing on "His Girl Friday" on TCM. Maddie sat with her feet on the couch, leaning against David's shoulder.

Maddie: "David, do you ever think about where we'd be if we'd never met each other? If that accountant hadn't stolen all my money and I hadn't ended up at Blue Moon? I can't imagine my life without you."

David was touched. He held Maddie's hand, rubbed it against his cheek, and kissed it: "I think everything happens for a reason, honey. I think there's a divine hand in everything. I feel like we were destined to be together. Truly."

Maddie: "Remember the first time we made love, David? Right here in this room. It seems like yesterday but also like a million years ago. I was so in love with you but also really scared. I mean, we worked together, and what if things didn't work out?"

David: "How could I ever forget? Plus, I don't think my jaw has ever recovered from those slaps!"

Maddie: "David!"

David: "I have never wanted anyone or anything as much as I wanted you in that moment. I had loved you and wanted you for so long. When you were finally in my arms, I felt like my heart might explode."

Maddie leaned in and kissed David on the lips, lightly at first, and then more passionately, touching her tongue to his. She ran one hand through his hair and touched his chest with the other. She brushed her lips along his jawline to his ear and whispered: "I love you, baby. What an amazing life we've built together." She pushed him down onto the living room couch and made love to him. Afterwards, they held each other, thinking of the first time they were together in this very room, all of the memories they'd made together over the years, and all of the new memories they would make together in the future. They fell asleep together there on the couch, exhausted from the day and their lovemaking, black and white movies playing quietly in the background on the television.

To Be Continued.

"Moonlighting: A Cookbook and Culinary History - Recipes, Restaurants, Clubs, and Cocktails Featured in the Iconic 1980s Series" coming August 2025!