Fall 1991
The Addison household is hosting a birthday party! Tripp Addison is turning three!
The Addison Family has enjoyed a calm and happy existence since Maddie and David married shortly after Tripp's birth in the spring of 1989. They managed to pivot back from the Terri and Walter sidetracks (both remain good family friends) as well as the Chicago doctor's declaration that Sam was Tripp's biological father. Maddie and David decided against a paternity test when he was born, not wanting to delve into the issue any further. To them, biology didn't matter. Tripp is their son, even named after David, David Addison III. Most people don't even know there was an issue with paternity and those who did, assume it was resolved in David's favor. It hasn't been thought of or mentioned since.
Maddie and David continue to run Blue Moon together and have a happy, strong, intimate marriage. They also have a three-month-old daughter Emily. David would like one more, maybe two, if he can talk Maddie into it. Maddie has worked through all of her fears and doubts about David and freely expresses her deep love for her husband. She is an excellent mother and credits David for opening her up in that way. Maddie marvels how honestly happy she is, chaos and all! But recently, she harbors a nagging feeling that a very heavy shoe is about to drop.
Maddie's House Day
Maddie stands on the edge of the living room assessing the carnage of party aftermath. Empty cups, plates, discarded wrapping paper… The Wobblies left a while ago along with Terri, Walter, and Tripp's little friends from school with their parents. A few stragglers remain, as do Maddie's mom (she and Mr. Hayes live part time in Los Angeles) and Richard who has relocated to LA from Phili.
David: Hey Blondie Blonde.
David gives his wife a sidearm squeeze and quick pec on the cheek. He's fresh from the pool, it seems. Swim trunks, Hawaiian shirt hanging open showing off the chest hair that's still damp.
Maddie: Hey yourself. The lifeguard is finally off duty huh? Who won Marco polo?
David: (Shrugs) I dunno, ask Viola. Last I saw, he was splashing around the pool by himself with his eyes closed. Everyone else cleared out when they heard the call for cake.
Maddie: Speaking of which, I left you a piece. I thought you could use some sustenance after your fatherly heroics today.
David: That's okay. Figure I'll grab some dessert later…. if you know what I mean?
Maddie: Addison…I've never known you not to want dessert.
David: (chuckles) You're one to talk.
Maddie looks away but she feels David's eyes on her like he's sizing her up – he takes her shoulder and turns her towards him.
David: You okay? You look a little… down
Maddie: What's wrong with how I look?
David: Nothing! It's just, like right now, you're standing by yourself over here so thought I could chat you up. (He hands her a glass of chardonnay he had hidden behind his back and gives her a very seductive Addison once over) How long until these people leave? I just put our baby girl down and I'd like to show my gratitude to the party's host in private.
Maddie Emmie's asleep already? How did that happen?
David: What can I say? I'm a man with a plan. Speaking of which, how much fun do you think we can have with that extra frosting you have stashed in the fridge? (wiggles his eyebrows)
Maddie: Wouldn't you like to know. (Re the wine) You know I can't have this, right? It gets in my milk.
David: You've pumped enough for a week and we got formula if we need it. You'll be fine. It's a party.
Maddie takes a sip and David still watches her closely
David: Seriously though you look a little preoccupied. Something you want to tell me?
Trip: Daddy! Daddy look!
They both look down at the little blonde, blue-eyed cherub, Tripp Addison. He's dressed in a Blues Clues (Blues Clues in the 90s?) bathing suit and matching party hat and proudly holds up a green and white football. David scoops him up and kisses him on his rosy cheek.
David: Wow! Where'd ya get that, buddy?
Tripp points over to his uncle, Richard Addison who sits on the couch working on the remnants of a slice of pizza.
Richard: I figure you're grooming him to be an Eagles fan, so I got him his first official size football.
David: That's perfect. Dad and Stephanie sent him out a jersey.
Maddie: (rolls her eyes and pats David on the chest) You two, and your sports. I'm going to say goodbye to my mom. She's spending a few days at Uncle Ralphs in Long Beach. He's pretty lonely since Aunt Ruth passed away, I guess.
Maddie leaves the boys to go do their thingsand heads to the door with her Mom.
Virginia: It's such a shame your dad couldn't make it out here this trip. But his dealings in Hong Kong he just could not reschedule.
Maddie: Next time. You're here every few months anyway and the holidays are coming.
Virginia: This party was delightful. I feel terrible I'm not helping you clean up.
Maddie: (Scans the other room) It's not that bad. It won't take me long, I promise.
Virginia: I don't want you to wear yourself out though, sweetie. The kids and the office. At least tomorrow is Sunday, you'll have time to recover. Forgive me, but I'm a little worried about you.
Maddie: What? Why?
Virginia: You just seemed a little tired today which is understandable of course.
Maddie: It's like you said, I have a lot going on, a lot on my mind.
Virginia: I don't have to go to Long Beach. I can just stay here with you.
Maddie: Really, Mom. It's fine, David and I have everything under control.
Virginia brings her in for a long hug.
Virginia: It warms my heart to see how happy you and David are. I just remember where you two were before Tripp was born…
Maddie: Don't think about it, mom. That's ancient history.
Virginia: I know, I know. It's just you two have worked so hard and built such a wonderful life for yourselves. I'm so proud of you.
She pats Maddie's cheek and says her last goodbyes. She's half-way down the walk when she stops…
Virginia: Oh! By the way, did you ever get that gift that was delivered earlier? I brought it in and put it on the kitchen counter.
Maddie: What gift? I never saw anything.
Virginia: You couldn't miss it! It's huge and it's beautifully wrapped. The return address was somewhere in Florida. I figured it was from Davids side of the family or something.
Maddie watches her mom drive away as a sudden panic comes over her. Florida. She doesn't like the sound of that.
Maddie wanders into the kitchen and drinks a little more of her wine before dumping the rest in the sink. The package in question sits in front of her on the kitchen island.
It IS beautifully wrapped. Red paper, white bow. Her heart sinks, all instincts telling her both the gift and the person who sent it could cause the upheaval and heartache she was worried about. Not wanting to ruin the night she knows David is planning on, she leaves the package where Virginia left it.
Finally, the remaining guests leave and Maddie meets David upstairs. He offers to check on Emily and put a very sugar-charged Tripp to bed while Maddie chooses a very skimpy nightie but then decides on no nightie at all. She turns on the baby monitor and the fireplace and waits for her husband in bed.
She lays in the darkness listening to David with Tripp through the baby monitor. They're singing songs and laughing. Their closeness warms her heart. Her happy thoughts drift back three months earlier….
Maddie's House Day
Maddie comes through the door with three-day old Emily in her hands and David trailing behind with a suitcase. They are both dressed casually, Maddie in a peach sweatsuit and David in a lavender t-shirt and jeans. Virginia greets them with Tripp, fresh from the pool running up behind her.
Virginia: Yay! The happy family has returned!
Maddie: We made it!
They all hug
Tripp: Mommy! Daddy! Sister! Sister!
Virginia: (behind her hand like sharing a secret) Tripp's been very worried since the hospital about Baby Emily not having any arms.
Maddie: Noted. That's why we didn't swaddle her for the big homecoming. (Maddie kneels so Tripp can look her over.) Hi, my baby boy. You're a big brother now, remember? This is Emily. Isn't she pretty?
Tripp looks her over. He will need to be convinced both of her beauty and why bringing her home was a good idea in the first place
Tripp: Can she swim?
Maddie: Not yet. She can when she gets bigger and learns how. You can teach her.
Tripp: Can she fly?
Maddie: Absolutely not.
Tripp: Can she roll down stairs like a ball?
David: Hey, my man, how about I get my suit on and we head out to the pool?
Virginia: That's a good idea. Have a swim before we sit down and eat. I figured you two would be starving.
Maddie: The hospital food has actually improved since the last time I was there.
David: I'm not sure that's true, but I just stick to the Jello and ice chips anyway. What are you cooking, Ginny? It smells really good.
Virginia: It's a pot roast. And chicken nuggets for the new big brother. (Virginia rubs the top of Tripps head.)
Maddie: That sounds good. I think I'll run upstairs and take a shower while this little one sleeps.
David: Let me help you, honey. I don't want you walking up the steps with her by yourself until you're more steady on your feet.
Virginia smiles at the proud dad.
David: Hey Trippy, go find your swim toys and I'll meet you by the pool in five. I'm just gonna put your sister down.
Tripp runs off in the direction of the back yard and Virginia follows. David heads up the stairs with the baby and Maddie in tow. She watches him place little Emily in her crib and for a few minutes they stand over her, marveling at her tiny features. To the both of them, it all feels so right. Their relationship, the house, the business, Tripp and now this wonderful addition to the family they both cherish so much...
David wraps an arm around Maddie and kisses the side of her head.
David: We done good, baby.
Maddie: Yeah, she's pretty perfect, isn't she?
David: Look at the gene pool she's working with. What would you expect?
Maddie: I feel so many things when I look at her. We're just so lucky.
David: (smiles and whispers playfully in her ear) Kind of makes you wonder how much luckier we'd be if we went ahead and added a few more.
Maddie: (Laughs) We just walked in the door with a child I gave birth to three days ago and you're already thinking about more? Maybe you're the one who needs to take a shower. A very cold one.
David: A six to eight week-long one if I remember correctly. (He kisses her quickly and heads out the bedroom door.) I'm going to go swim with our boy. You know, make sure he knows he's still the first tomato in this garden. See you in a bit.
Maddie turns on the monitor and heads back to their room. On the other side of the nightstand, she sees the fast blinking of lights on the answering machine. She figures they're well-wishers calling about Emily's birth. Maddie smiles to herself and pushes the button to play the messages.
Just as she suspects. Agnes, Herbert, The Wobblies. Some of David's family, some of hers. She's just about to grab a towel and head into the bathroom. When she hears a familiar man's voice that stops her in her tracks.
Sam: (on machine) Hello, Maddie. Long time. I'm just calling because I hear congratulations are in order. Funny, I never got a birth announcement. Of course, now it would be 3 years too late, wouldn't it?
It's come to my attention that you and I have something to discuss. I'm currently in Florida, back with NASA. Anyway, I'd like to talk to you, amicably of course. Sam leaves the phone number, but Maddie doesn't write it down. She stands there in shock for a moment, but quickly erases the message.
Back to present
Maddie wipes a tear from her eye as she continues to lay there. Through the monitor, she hears David say his final good nights to Tripp then comes through the door still smiling at his antics. David peels off his clothes and preps for bed, Maddie watches him full of love but now with a ball of fear that's growing in the pit of her stomach.
David: (Brushing his teeth in the bathroom in his boxers) Man is that kid hilarious. He stole a pair of my sunglasses and was doing a comedy set for his dinosaurs. Great news though, it looks like the sugar high has worn off and he's ready to crash.
Maddie: That's what happens when you feed him three pieces of chocolate cake.
David: Why not? It's his birthday.
David snaps off the light, rids himself of his boxers and climbs into bed. When he realizes she's naked too, he flashes his trademark smirk. He rolls on top of her and kisses her nose.
David: So you wanna hear his new big joke?
Maddie: Shoot
David: What's a cat's favorite dessert?
Maddie: (laughs) Mice Cream. And that's not new. You taught him that one last week. It's his closer. The triceratops seem to love it.
David: Sounds like he needs new material then. So, Miss Know- it-All. Riddle me this. What's MY favorite dessert?
Maddie: I can guess.
David slips to her side, props himself up one his elbow and gives her the same kind of once over he was earlier in the living room, but this time it's carnal. Deeply intimate. And this time, his hand moves with his wandering eyes. He runs his fingers through her hair, down her cheek, her neck and shoulder until he gently cups one of her breasts.
David: God I've been thinking about this all day. You know how good you look in those sun dresses of yours.
Maddie: I wear dresses almost every day at work. You don't seem to be too distracted there.
David: Really? I feel like that would be one of your many beefs on my performance review.
Maddie: I have no complaints about your performance in here, Mr. Addison. Isn't that what matters most?
David laughs and meets her in a slow sensual kiss before he sits back up straddling her and continues his playful tease of touches over her body. Maddie arches her back, realizing how much she adores how he adores her. He looks amazing in the firelight. Broad shoulders, muscled physique. She reaches up and holds her palm to his stubbled face.
David' s forehead wrinkles in question.
David: What is it, Baby. What's wrong?
Maddie shakes her head and forces a smile.
Maddie: I was just thinking about how happy I am. How lucky we are to be with each other and how hard we worked to get here. How beautiful our kids are…
David: Aww honey don't cry. (David wipes a tear she didn't know she let fall.) Happiness is a good thing, remember?
Maddie: I know.
David: I love you, Boss. Always have, always will.
Maddie looks into her husband's green eyes and is suddenly overwhelmed by everything she feels for him. He's her rock and her partner in every way. A wonderful father, loving husband. She wonders what she was ever so afraid of but sometimes thinks she over compensates her past aloofness by depending on him too much now. Another wave of impending doom washes over her. She wipes a tear from her cheek but smiles anyway.
David: You're sure you're okay? There isn't something you're not telling me, is there?
Maddie: (nodding convincingly) Just that I love you, too. And I never want this to end.
David looks down at her quizzically. She can see his wheels turning but she doesn't want to draw more questions. Instead, she pulls him close and kisses him, then wraps her legs around him. He understands what she wants and gently eases himself inside of her.
Maddie: (whispers) Go slow
David: What's wrong, am I hurting you?
Maddie: No, just go slow. I just want it to last.
David smiles and does what he's told. He moves carefully and completely, exactly how he knows she sometimes needs. He peppers with kisses on her cheeks he doesn't fully understand why are wet. They come together like they always do and fall asleep in each other's arms.
A few hours later, Maddie awakens to Emily's cries. She removes herself from David's lovelock and puts on a robe. Remembering the wine she had at the party requires her to use breast milk in the refrigerator, she goes downstairs to the kitchen.
There on the counter is the gift. She feels like it's a timebomb. Her heart begins to race because she realizes she can't just let it sit there. She gazes over her shoulder, making sure she's alone, and reluctantly opens the card.
Dear Son, Gotta make up for lost time. Love, Daddy
Maddie feels the breath hedge her chest. She looks at the return address inside the box. Just as he figured, Sam Crawford.
Not wanting to alert David by opening the door outside to the garbage, she stashes the box in the pantry. She'll throw it out in the morning when David isn't around.
Emily cries louder, and she rushes up the stairs. She doesn't want her men to wake up. All of this can wait until the morning. It will have to.
Scene Two:
Early Evening Eclipse Parking Lot
It's the Thursday evening after Tripp's 3rd birthday party when David reluctantly pulls into Eclipse parking lot. Eclipse is his brother Richie's new nightclub. Over the past few years, Richie got an apartment in LA, earned his PI License and helps out with the office and even the kids. He's now decided to branch out into the nightclub business. Richie is in the process of buying into his friend Steve's new venture. Steve is an old friend of both Addison's from Philly. He's a chubby bald guy who likes to have fun.
David unbuckles himself and checks his watch. 8pm. He and Maddie worked all day at Blue Moon, but a case with Viola downtown made David miss dinner with her and the kids. A bartending shift until 2:00 AM is the last place he or Maddie wants him to be, but they know it's short term, and it's helping family out. These days, he's weirdly reluctant about leaving Maddie alone at night. Lately, she's seemed out of sorts. Overtired. He's been chalking it up to postpartum exhaustion, but he knows his wife. He worries that there's something else.
He thinks back on their almost three years of marriage and how surprisingly easy and drama free it's been. Each day, he realizes he loves Maddie more than the day before and thanks God for the path they're on. Maddie is a wonderful mother. He's not surprised by that but what does surprise him is how open she now is showing her love and need for him. She lets him feel like he's her hero and protector, even though he knows a strong woman like her needs neither.
He realizes he has a minute to check in with her before he starts his shift. He picks up the car phone and calls home.
Maddie: Hello?
David: I can't stop thinking about you and what you're wearing.
Maddie: I'm sorry, who's this?
David: (laughs) the guy who wishes he was home with his family right now.
Maddie: Oh yeah, him! Well to answer your question, I'm wearing the same thing you saw me in for the past eight hours at work, except now it's covered in spit up. Incidentally your daughter doesn't like peas.
David: Or carrots either. She does like to gum pizza though, so maybe try some of that. That should come in a jar, by the way. Maybe we're on to something. Give up private detection and start a baby food business.
Maddie: Your mind never stops, does it, Addison? Let's keep the family business to private investigation and of course now seedy nightclubs. You're going to be out all night, aren't you?
David: I'm thinking 2am. I made a deal with Steve and Rich that if I close tonight, I get the rest of the weekend off. Besides, word on the street is the new partner is coming in tonight. I'm curious who this Third Stooge is. The good news is, if you leave me enough milk, I'll feed Emily on the night shift and you can sleep the whole night.
Maddie: I might take you up on that. So, what time you think?
David: 2:00 AM. Maybe 3? That's the downfall of being an exceptional mixologist. Patrons hang on to the bitter end.
David pauses. Something else is on his mind.
David: Listen don't think it's stupid, but I feel kind of bad because I told Trippy we were watching the Eagles game tonight and that he could wear his new jersey and toss his football around...
Maddie: It's okay, David. He'll probably forget all about it.
David: The kid's smart. He might remember. It's just…I don't want him to think his Dad blew him off, you know?
Maddie: He doesn't think that, David. I promise you, it's fine. You'll watch football all Sunday with him. He'll love that.
David: (Nods to himself) Listen honey, I'm sorry I'm not there. You sure you're gonna be OK?
Maddie: Sure. The kids are fine, I'm fine.
David: Fine, huh? Well don't be too fine without me…
Maddie: Never… (a pause) I love you, David.
David never gets tired of hearing those words. He smiles to himself.
David: I love you too, Blondie. Get to bed early and I'll try not to wake you when I come in.
Maddie: Easy, Addison…remember, we have an early morning client.
Addison: (chuckles) Alright, honey…
Maddie: Don't work too hard. Bye, David.
He hangs up reluctantly and misses her instantly. With regret he heads on inside.
Eclipse Night Club
Eclipse is aspiring to be the new "face place" in town, rivaling Metropolis and other trendy clubs in LA. Big dance floor, good lighting, a nice long bar with a brass rail and potent drink selections. David's a master mixologist and since business has exceeded Steve and now Rich's expectations, David's pitching in until they can hire more help. David's very popular. The men like him for his sports knowledge and camaraderie and the ladies like to watch him make drinks in his tight shirts and well-fitted jeans.
David strolls through the door in a white tee and faded jeans, not in a rush to spend the next six hours schlepping drinks. He nods to patrons that greet him on his way behind the bar.
Steve: Hey man, you made it!
David: Practically kicking and screaming but yes, I'm here.
Rich: Where you been? Everyone's been asking about you.
David: That's the thing about free labor. I get here when I get here.
David pushes around Rich and Steve behind the bar who are half-ass serving drinks to the patrons. David grabs an apron off the bar and ties it around his waist. The place is already hopping. He looks over a stack of drink orders and gets to work on a gin and tonic.
David: You know I'm missing watching The Eagles game with my boy tonight for this.
Steve: We have it on here.
David: Not the same.
Rich: Come on, he's three years-old. He won't know the difference. And they're playing the Browns. Eagles will run right over them. Besides, aren't you interested in the gossip around here?
David: Gossip? What are you two, middle school girls?
Rich: Seriously man. I'm talking about the new silent partner.
David: Actually, lay it on me. I was just saying to Maddie I'm kinda curious who would want to get dirty and hop in bed with the two of you.
Steve and Rich share a piggish, conspiratorial look.
David: (Looking at them both) What?
Rich: Believe me, either one of us would be ready and willing to hop in bed with this partner any day.
David: What the hell does that mean?
Steve: The new silent partner is a lady (Steve nudges Richie in the shoulder)
Richie: Correction. A very sexy lady
Steve: She's hot, Dave. Like really, really, smoking hot…
David: (Rolls his eyes and serves a beer to a guy behind him) You two need to down shift.
Rich: See, I told you he wouldn't understand. When you're a ladies man extraordinaire...
David: Retired
Rich: When you're the top-cat prowler that always brings home a catch.
David: I take all my meals at home now, thanks…
Rich: When the woman you go to bed with every night is every other man in the worlds dirty little Blue Moon Shampoo fantasy…
David: …Watch it, Asshole. That's my wife and your Sister-in-law you're talking about…
Rich: All I'm saying is Lil Bro here HAS hot. Everything else is lukewarm to him.
David: Richie speaks the truth, Steve.
Steve: (opens a bottle of water and takes a thoughtful gulp) I think it's those long legs that got me first. I almost passed out when she walked in the door.
Rich: Yup, he's not kidding, Dave. Incredible legs.
David: (Scoffs and he wipes down the bar) Believe me, I've seen the Holy Grail of legs, which incidentally I'm sure are more than knee deep in dirty diapers and spit up right now.
Steve: I guess she used to be a model.
David: You two knuckleheads are ridiculous. Let me tell you a couple things. One, (he uses air quotes) "former models" are high maintenance and they're far out of both of your leagues. Second, this woman is now your business partner. You know how many problems that causes you getting involved in a sexual relationship?
Rich: Seemed to have worked out well for you, Dave.
David: You think that was easy? You know how many seasons, guest stars and writing staff we've burned through trying to figure out this relationship? Believe me. Keep your pen and everything else out of the company ink. Capeesh?
Steve: Fine but look at her and then tell us that.
David follows Steve's gaze toward the office door on the other side of the bar. A tall blue-eyed blonde with long legs chats it up with Richie's accountant, who evidently has stopped by to meet her. She's dressed in a professional black dress, high heels with her hair pulled back in a long smooth ponytail.
David looks her over. Meh. Yeah, she's pretty but she gives off a cheap air of a woman trying too hard. A lot of makeup, clothes too tight. David smiles at himself. Sometimes he wonders if Maddie ruined his ability to appreciate other beautiful women. Even in his fantasies, all he wants is his wife.
David: She's alright, I guess.
Steve: Did you see the ass? And those tits?
David: (Shakes his head) You two even know her name?
Rich: Gretchen. Even the name is seductive, isn't it?
David: Whatever you say. What she want with a place like this, anyway?
Steve: It's her husband that does. He's some, scientist businessman or whatever. He's interested in moving here to Los Angeles. They're diversifying a portfolio or something.
David: Seems like a weird thing to add to the list.
Rich: Rich people do that kind of stuff all the time, right? Isn't that how your wife acquired you, Bro?
David (slings a dish rag over his shoulder) Damn straight, she acquired me. I'm the best tax write off she ever had.
David winks and fixes a dirty martini for a brunette on the other end of the bar. For the next hour or so, David busies himself with conversation and drink slinging. At the end of his shift David goes to leave but Gretchen heads him off at the bar before he can.
Gretchen: I like what I see.
David looks up from cleaning the slop sink. He recognizes the kind of smile she's flashing. A former player can spot game anywhere, but he's not interested in playing.
David: (Indifferent) Yup, Thursday night football is a good draw.
Gretchen: So is a good bartender. I'm Gretchen Singer, by the way. New part owner.
She extends her hand. David wipes his hands off on the dishrag he's holding and politely shakes hers…
David: Dave. Good to meet you.
Gretchen: I'm sure you've heard but my husband and I are buying in on this place. We just moved out to LA and we're looking to settle down, start a family. Anyway, we're also on the hunt for sound business investments.
David: Well, I don't know how family friendly a bar is, but it'll make you some pocket money I suppose. So far, had a consistent crowd here since the opening…even got some regulars.
Gretchen: Female regulars it seems. Looks like you have a fan club around here.
David: (Smirks. He's heard it all before) I'm just the guy who fetches the drinks.
Gretchen: And looks good doing it. Keep up the hard work
She throws him a wink as she breezes by and pats the backs of Steve and Rich as she heads to the office. Rich and Steve appreciate the view of her walking away - their jaws are on the floor.
Rich: Wow. What a dish.
David: A married one too, boys. Remember that.
Steve: Do we have to?
David (he's heard enough) I'm out. See you two clowns next week.
David drives home trying not to fall asleep at the wheel. He knows in a few hours he has to wake up and see clients at Blue Moon and is cool with that. Yeah, the bar scene single life offered its fun, wild moments, buts he's very happy that part of his life is behind him.
He walks in the house and it's quiet. He checks the fridge to see if he missed Emily's middle of the night feeding. When the milk still there, he realizes his little girl might sleep through the night for the first time. He's happy, but also sad that it means she's getting bigger. He loves having a baby in the house and laughs to himself, wondering if it's too soon to knock Maddie up again.
He checks in on Emily. Fast asleep, on her back in her crib with her little thumb in her mouth. He brushes his finger over her rosy cheek. She's beautiful, a complete and perfect combination of all the best parts of Maddie and him. He fights the urge to pick her up and hold her. Maddie would kill him for waking a sleeping baby, so he reluctantly says good night then heads into Tripp's room.
Tripp is nestled in his racecar bed in his Spiderman pajamas with his football tucked beside him. David feels a pang of guilt. His Dad wasn't around much for him or Rich when they were kids. He wants to be different for his son. David nudges his fine blonde hair aside and marvels how much he looks like Maddie. He's thankful for that. He tells himself that biology doesn't matter. It never has and it never will. But there is a small part of him that reveals itself in vulnerable moments, that makes him wonder if Tripp looked a little less like Maddie and more like someone else, would it be a constant reminder of realities he's done a good job denying. He pushes the intrusive thoughts from his mind. Tripp is his boy in every way. Nothing would ever change that.
David (Whispers) I love you, little man.
And then he heads to the bedroom. There, in her peach silk night gown and the sheet draped loosely over her is his beautiful wife. His whole world. He wants nothing more than to take her in his arms and make slow love to her, that's been her preference lately, but he knows she needs the sleep more than he needs the release. So he strips down and climbs in bed beside her, unable to resist spooning her tightly. When she stirs, he coaxes her back to sleep with the soft stroke of his hand over her chilled arm. He's home. To him there's no place like it.
Scene Three
Maddie's Office. Blue Moon
The next morning Maddie sits behind her desk looking extra rested in a sleek grey dress with her hair curled and makeup perfect. Sleeping through the night for the first time in months she figured would make her day…that is until Burt and MacGillicudy came in with their latest drama. The two men stand in front of her looking disheveled in yesterday's clothes. The sight reminds her of two schoolboys called into the principal's office for fighting. Or weirdly, a toxic couple enroute to a breakup.
Bert: Ms. Addison, please know that I've made every concerted effort to put mine and Mr. MacGillicudy differences aside and bridge the immense divide between us. But it is now painfully apparent that this relationship made in the seventh level of hell cannot be saved!
Maddie: (bewildered) But all you two are doing is pet sitting. How much discord between the two of you can there be?
Bert: With all due respect, it's a lot more than that. This is a prize sphynx cat. Careers have been made, fortunes built on the furless back of this creature…
MacGillicudy: Oh please, all we have to do is keep the litter box clean and give it a saucer of milk here and there…
Bert: Milk? She's not supposed to have milk! She's lactose intolerant!
MacGillicudy: Ms. Addison, bottom line, he's crazy.
Bert: I'm accountable! We were hired as bodyguards! To protect her body! Princess Pussy has a very regimented care plan. She has specific dietary restrictions…
MacGillicudy: Oh, you wanna talk offensive digestion? Ms. Addison, do you know what my car smells like? Night after night of pastrami sandwiches with sauerkraut and ketchup.
Maddie (wrinkles her nose) I'll take your word for it.
MacGillicudy: (shakes his head at Bert) You're a real piece of work, ya know? It amazes me that a tasteful woman like Agnes would let you get close enough to her to touch her with a 10-foot pole, much less knock her up.
Maddie: (admonishing) Mr. MacGillicudy…
Bert: See Ms. Addison. He lashes out.
Maddie: I thought you two were working out your issues. Mr. Addison and I stressed to you both how important communication and mutual respect is in a relationship.
MacGillicudy and Bert: We know.
MacGillicudy: We did the active listening exercises the other night on stake out. It's useless.
Bert: You weren't trying! You were never trying! All you were doing was going through the motions!
Maddie: (Hands in the air) Okay! That's it! I've heard enough. I'm going to send you both back to your desks to think about your behavior. When Mr. Addison gets in, I'll leave him to deal with the two of you. But you should know, that if you two can't get along…
MacGillicudy: (whines and rolls his eyes) Come on! We can't be grounded again!
Maddie: (shrugs) That's up to Mr. Addison.
Maddie picks up the phone and buzzes Agnes. She peeks in the door.
Agnes: Yes, Ms. Addison?
Maddie: Can you escort these two back to their desks? And make sure their heads are down and no talking until Mr. Addison arrives.
David: I'm already here.
David strolls in the open door with his jacket off, sleeves rolled up, ready to dive into the day. The men straighten themselves. Fix their ties, run hands through messed hair and clear their throats. David stands next to Maddie's chair with his arms folded. Dad is home and ready to roll heads.
David: So what did I miss exactly? Sounds like another mind-numbing installment of "Can this Marriage Be Saved Enough To Do The Work We Don't Want To."
Maddie: (rolls her eyes) Irreconcilable differences. Again.
MacGillicudy: It's over between us. We've tried and it just doesn't work.
Bert: You never wanted this to work out. You've always had a foot out the door. Admit it!
MacGillicudy: Quit projecting, Viola. You're smothering me!
David: (holds his hand up) Ho ho ho! Time out!
Maddie: Maybe if you both take a deep breath. Screaming over each other makes it impossible to solve any problems… well for most people anyway. (She side-eyes David and he winks at her back)
Bert: I'm sorry. I guess I have some unresolved feelings…
David: That at this point are better left kept to yourself, Bert. Now, not to speak for the beautiful blonde boss here, but this seems like a problem that neither of us care about. The bottom line is, if you want your allowance, you do your chores. You two can't handle it, we have other kids around here who can.
MacGillicudy and Bert: (heads hanging) Yes, sir.
David: Now, how about you two go back to your desks while Ms. Addison and I discuss your punishment and your futures otherwise.
Bert and MacGillicudy: Yes, Sirs.
The men leave and Agnes returns.
Agnes: Remember your 10:00. Miss Sims will be here any moment.
Maddie: Thank you, Agnes.
Maddie leans back in her chair and shares a smile with David.
Maddie: Morning.
David: Sorry I'm late to school. Mom didn't wake me up in time for the bus.
Maddie: (Plays along) That's probably because she had to get the kids to daycare downstairs and herself to work before our 9:00 AM client, which I pushed to 10 by the way.
(David gives her a quick kiss and perches himself on the corner of her desk)
David: I woke up and you were gone. You could have given me a good shove. I would have dragged myself with you.
Maddie: I thought I'd let you sleep. I know you didn't get home until really late. What time did Emily wake up, anyway?
David: She didn't. She slept the whole night.
Maddie: Wow, really? You never fed her?
David: She never requested to dine. Although, I can see why. My presentation is not as good as yours.
Maddie (A hint of sadness and pouts.) Our little baby…she's getting so big so fast, David.
David: I know I was thinking the same thing. Makes you wonder if it's time to add another.
Maddie: (smiles) David, she's three months old. Don't you think that's a little soon?
David: Well, for you, maybe. You're the one with their body on loan out, after all. While we're on the subject of babies, what's going on with Bert and MacGillicudy?
Maddie: (Maddie gets up with files and brings them to her open briefcase on the coffee table) The Anderson cat case has them at odds. I told them that if they can't work together, their assignments will be few and far between.
David: Teamwork does make the dream work. But they're willing and able to work the night shifts, so we should go easy. Once Agnes pops out the Viola offspring were down another soldier in the field. It's getting harder and harder to find anybody to work off hours.
Maddie: That's true.
Maddie closes her briefcase and sits on the couch.
Maddie: And speaking of late nights Mr. Addison, how was yours?
David: (Sees her raised brow and hears the hint of tease in her voice. He smiles.) Well, you know, Thursday Night Football. It was busy. Made some good tips though.
Maddie: Just a room full of beer bloated men, huh? (Folds her arms against herself and eyes him playfully.) That's funny, because I could have sworn when you climbed into bed last night you smelled like Magic Night.
David: Magic Night? You mean the Browns stuffing the Eagles 42-7… I call that a Magic nightmare…
Maddie: No, I mean the perfume, Magic Night. You know, the number one choice of girls on the make? Coming to a bathroom near you soon? That ring a bell?
He smirks and comes toward her on the couch. He loves when she gets jealous.
David: Oh yeah… the brand my Blue Moon girl was too good to attach her gorgeous likeness too? Someone must have brushed up against me.
Maddie: (Plays along) I bet, like a Pussycat on the prowl, huh? Well, if she's sniffing around my husband, she can back off.
David: Nothing to worry about. The only woman that was anywhere near me last night was Richie and Steve's new silent partner. And you're right. She definitely had the scent…
Maddie: …Stench is more like it
David: …of a woman in the market.
Maddie: And she's aware that you're off of it, correct?
David: (flashes his wedding ring at her and leans over to quickly kiss her.) I'm spoken for, baby. Forever shackled to my beautiful ball and chain.
They both turn to a knock and Agnes at the door
Agnes: Your 10 o'clock here. Miss Sims.
Maddie: Thanks, Agnes. Show her in.
Leslie Simms. Is in her young 20s long dark hair, blue eyed casual jeans and T shirt look of a college kid. She sits down on the couch while David and Maddie take a seat on the edge of Maddie's desk. Leslie relays her story…
Her mother recently passed, but before she did, she revealed to Leslie that she was a product of a sperm donor and not her father she has known and loved her whole life. Leslie is surprised and a little angry she's been lied to, but at the same time curious and sympathetic to the situation. Leslie's mom has left the name of the sperm bank but no other information. Leslie wants Maddie and David help her find both her biological father and the long lost siblings she might have. She also understands the search is expensive. Fortunately, her mother left her a small fortune. It's worth it to her to spend what she has to on this.
David glances over at Maddie and recognizes the unease in her eyes. This is the expression she gets when a case hits close to home. David understands. He doesn't like cases like this either about custody battles or broken homes, but they take them all the time. It's part of the business, after all.
Maddie: Miss Sims, please know that Mr. Addison and I both sympathize with your case, but we're going to have to check and assess our staff availability. Isn't that right, Mr. Addison?
David: (politely goes along) We'll talk it over and let you know.
Leslie: (stands and heads to the door) Of course, I understand. When I've told my situation to people, they all have strong opinions about it. There's some who think it's a disrespect to my father who raised me to reach out to someone who's merely a logistic. Believe me, the man who raised me is my father in every way. It's just, I feel like I have the right to know who I'm related to biologically.
Maddie hangs back while David walks Leslie out. Maddie has already made up her mind. Disrupting families and unearthing secrets are things she would rather not traffic in, especially now. She thinks about the Sam situation and all the things she has kept from David the past few months. There's no way she can take this case and not think about how a scenario like this might upset her own family.
David comes back in the office fanning himself with a check.
David: She just handed me a $3500 retainer. That's a lot of money for a girl her age. She must be really serious.
Maddie: And really naïve. You can return it. We're not taking this case.
David: Excuse me? No discussion? No argument? You can't do this to the viewers out there. I think we should take the case.
Maddie: Why?
David: Because I think you're right. This is a sensitive and touchy situation, and who better to take a case than people who might understand…
Maddie: Absolutely not. I don't want to get involved.
Maddie walks around her desk and sits back in her chair.
David: I'm surprised you wouldn't want to help the girl. You're sucker for these stories of long-lost loves and reunions.
Maddie: That might be so, but in this instance all I see is heartbreak and disappointment. She already has a father, David. A wonderful one who loves her and is very supportive by her account. What makes her think she'll find something better? Special sauce in a Petri dish doesn't a father make.
David: It's not about finding something better, Maddie. It's about a girl who just wants questions about who she answered.
Maddie: I can't believe you're against me on this. Why ruin her own life?
David: She's not looking to ruin it, Maddie.
Maddie: How could this NOT end badly? Who knows what kind of pandoras box finding this man could open? And what would he want with her? Money? Maybe upset her life for sport? And what about these other "siblings?" She's opening herself up to all sorts of danger.
Davis is perplexed about the fervor of her argument. He again sits down on the corner of her desk.
David: You at least have to feel for the girl. She just lost her mother and she wants to know her place in the world. You can't fault her for that.
Maddie: Yeah, but what about her father who raised her? Isn't that a disrespect?
David: But…
Maddie: All I'm saying is that it sounds like her home is a happy one. She's well adjusted. Who knows what we could turn up finding this man? Resentments. Agendas. I don't think we should go find anyone for her. As a matter of fact, I'm wondering if she needs protection from being found.
David is surprised by her last statement. David knows his wife, and in this instance, his business partner. Something is affecting her objectivity and he's pretty certain he knows what it is.
David: Look, I'm going to ask you a question and not so much as my business partner but as my wife. I could tell you we're a little unsettled when she was telling us her story…
Maddie: I wasn't unsettled.
David: This is about Tripp. Isn't it?
Maddie looks straight ahead.
Maddie: What are you talking about? What would our son have to do with this?
David: Sounds a lot like a situation he could be in when he's older...
Maddie: (Snaps) He would never be in that situation because his father is right in front of him and neither of us are going anywhere!
David: That's true, I am and we aren't but that doesn't mean when he's older he won't wonder and have questions.
Maddie: That won't happen because he won't have any to ask! YOU are his father, David! He's named after you for goodness sake. And why are we even having this discussion anyway?
Maddie jumps up from her chair with more files and tries to blow past David, but he grabs her arm on the way by.
David: (Softly, like sharing a secret) You and I both know there's a possibility…
Maddie: That's the point David! We don't know. But what I do believe is that this case is not something we want to involve ourselves in.
David realizes they've actually never had this conversation before. For a split second, he considers if the lack of discussion is because it doesn't matter, or straight up denial.
David: (Gently) Honey, I agree with you this case has nothing to do with Tripp but…
Maddie: We're not taking the case, David. Or at the very least, I won't. I want nothing to do with breaking up a loving family.
David sees he's not going to outright win this battle, so he's going to settle for a compromise. After all, they have to pay the bills…
David: OK, tell you what. Why don't I throw this to Bert and MacGillicudy. If they need help, I'll go with them. You don't have to get your hands dirty. You just get the cash the check.
Agnes knocks and peeks in the door.
Agnes: Burt would like to know if he can have a bathroom pass. The pastrami sandwiches are not sitting well with him, I guess.
David: Well, tell him to load up on the Pepto because I have some legwork for him to get moving on.
Agnes: Okay, I'll let him know.
Agnes leaves. David turns back to Maddie.
David: So what do ya say? We send some foot soldiers into this battle or what?
Maddie: Fine. I just don't want to be involved.
David: Noted. I'll take care of it.
Maddie watches him head out the door. This case is leaving her with a really bad feeling. How does he manage to talk her into so many things…
Scene Four
Later that Night at the Addison Homestead
That night they go home. Maddie feeds Emily by the pool with her mom while David plays with Legos on the living room floor with Tripp. They've been working on a big pirate ship and David realizes that in his haste cleaning up the night of the party, the directions might have been thrown out. Like a good dad he goes to the garbage to dig for them.
He opens the garbage and digs around the party refuse still awaiting pickup from last week. Near the bottom of the bin, he finds a large red and white unopened present. Why it would be in the garbage? He sees there's a card attached that's been ripped in half. He pieces it together… He reads it…
Meanwhile Addison Poolside
Maddie and Virginia sit in lounge chairs by the pool. Maddie is shaded by an umbrella and Emily is now laying on a towel between her legs cooing away and blowing bubbles. It's early in the evening and they're enjoying some down time before dinner while the boys are inside playing.
Maddie: I'm so glad Uncle Ralph is doing better. Aunt Ruth's death was so hard on him. I know how close they were.
Virginia: I know. I think he's very lonely. He keeps trying to talk your father and I into moving out here full time.
Maddie: I'd love it if you did that.
Virginia: But we're just so ensconced in Chicago still, all our friends, activities, the club. Oh, by the way, that gift from the Crawfords. What did they send anyway? It was so out of the clear blue, and strange.
Maddie: You could say that.
Virginia: I mean, we're cordial with Gail and Don. We have to be since we run in the same circles. And it's not like you've have had any contact with Sam in years, have you?
Maddie: Well…
Virginia: I can't imagine you would… after everything that happened in Europe and that girl in New York…
Maddie: Mom…
Virginia: Between you and me. I think he was mentally unstable. I mean jealous and vindictive yes, but a man like that… he could be scary.
Maddie: Mom, please. I need to talk to you about something.
Maddie takes a moment to prepare herself to disclose some of what she's been keeping from David to her mother. She lifts her sunglasses to her forehead so she can look her mom in the eye. Virginia does the same, sensing what her daughter is about to say is serious.
Maddie: Mom, do you remember when I was in Chicago and I found out I was pregnant with Tripp?
Virginia: Yes.
Maddie: I told you that there was a question about who the father was. That it was an either/or situation.
Virginia: Well, yes, you told me that David was one of the options. (eyes widen) Maddie are you telling me…
Maddie: The other possibility was Sam Crawford.
Virginia is stunned. Speechless.
Maddie: I know it's hard to believe and I'm not proud of it.
Virginia: Sam Crawford? I can't believe you would let that man in your zip code much less in your bed. How could forgive him for what he did to you?
Maddie: Mom, please…
Virginia: You tell me what kind of man leaves a woman stranded and penniless a continent away, tries to sabotage her career and takes up with some harlot who was supposed to be a friend…
Maddie: Please don't lecture me on this…
Virginia: He tried to ruin your life, Maddie. All because you were a successful woman who refused to be controlled. Don't you remember that?
Maddie Of course, I remember all that. Look, he happened to show up in LA at a vulnerable time in my life. He apologized and one thing led to another. Anyway, we had a very short thing that ultimately made me realize how much I was in love with David.
Virginia tries tor wrap her head around all this crazy turnabout.
Virginia: Okay… well… so you had an affair with Sam and you thought back then that he might be the father, but I assume that's all cleared up now, isn't it?
Again, Maddie heaves a deep breath.
Maddie: Sort of. Doctor Hill in Chicago told me the date of conception lines up with when I was with Sam. When I came back to Los Angeles, David assured me that it didn't matter so we just didn't question the paternity after that. Not knowing for sure made it so we could always just sort of hold on to the possibility that Doctor Hill was wrong.
Virginia: That is possible. Him being wrong…
Maddie: That doesn't matter. Anyway, I tried to contact Sam and tell him I was pregnant, but he never responded. It was a moot point anyway when Tripp was born, David signed the birth certificate and then we got married. It hasn't been an issue since.
Virginia: Until that gift showed up.
Maddie: Well, that's not exactly true.
Maddie puts her sunglasses back on and glances over her shoulder to make sure they are still alone.
Maddie: Mom, Sam's been leaving me messages the past couple months wanting to talk to me about Tripp. I ignored them and maybe I shouldn't have but…
Maddie's voice trails off and tears well in her eyes.
Virginia: What's going on Maddie?
Maddie: About a month ago Sam sent a certified letter I had to sign for. He's putting me on notice that if don't respond to him he'll pursue legal action.
Virginia: What do you mean, legal action? Like a custody suit?
Maddie: Who knows! But you know Sam and his power trips when he doesn't get his way….
Virginia: Does David know?
Maddie: No, and I want to keep it that way.
Virginia: But you can't lie to him, Maddie.
Maddie: I'm not lying, I'm just… protecting him. Us. I'm just scared, Mom. I don't know how far Sam will go. You see David and I together. We're happy. He loves me, he loves the kids and I never thought we could be this way. This easy. I just don't want anything to destroy everything we've worked so hard to build.
Virginia: But Maddie, clearly Sam's not going to stop trying to get in contact with you. What are you going to do?
David: Maddie, what is this?
Both women turn with expressions like their hands were caught in the cookie jar. David stands over them holding the red present Maddie threw out a day before. Despite his relaxed garb of white t-shirt and gym shorts, David's intense glare tells Maddie he's anything but. He taps his right foot like he usually does when he's trying control a building anger.
Maddie: (treads lightly) What do you mean?
David: I thought I'd thrown out the directions to Tripp's Legos by mistake, so I went out to the garbage. I found this buried under some wrapping paper. (David holds the card pieces in his hand and looks at it, scoffs and shakes his head.) Do you know anything about this?
Maddie looks at her mother, then back up at David.
Maddie: Yeah, I threw that away.
David slowly nods, taking that in…
David: Can I talk to you in the kitchen, please?
David strides back toward the house. Maddie gets up slowly, hands Emily to her mother, pulls on her cover up and follows him.
When they get into the kitchen, Maddie can tell by David's expression he's now at medium boil. Maddie leans against the counter and watches her husband gather himself. The gift now sits between them on the kitchen Island, exactly where Maddie found it a week ago.
David: (Softly, trying not to sound like a police interrogation but that's how it's going to come out) Where did this come from? And why was it in the garbage? Unopened.
Maddie: (Just as softly) It was delivered to the house. The day of the party. My mom signed for it.
David: (Opens the card again and holds it up to her.) Sam Crawford. Sending a gift to his son. Don't you think this is something I should have known about?
Maddie: David, I was going to tell you about it. I didn't want to worry you and I didn't want to upset the party.
David: Upset the party? Maddie, the party was a week ago.
Maddie: I know.
David: And you had all this time to tell me about it but didn't. Even your mom knew, but not me? For a whole week!
Maddie: I asked her not to say anything.
David: You gotta be kidding me!
Maddie: David, please don't yell. And I know how this looks…
David: Yeah, it looks like you were planning on hiding this. Hoping the trash would take this away before I was any of the wiser!
Maddie: David, I promise you, I wasn't trying to go behind your back about anything.
David heaves a deep breath to check himself and blows it out in a huff.
David: Look, it's not like didn't think there was a possibility Sam would pop up. I just don't get why you would keep it from me.
Maddie: I know, I'm sorry. I just…. didn't want to bother you with it.
David: Bother me with it? Maddie, this is our family. That's our son!
Maddie: (shushing him) David please the yelling! Tripp can hear you!
David paces the kitchen and runs his hands through his hair. She sees David's in full-on Alpha mode. He's rigid and red faced and she can tell no longer listening because he's wrapped up in his own thoughts. Maddie feels nervous. She knows she's not coming completely clean but doesn't want to anger him further, especially with the kids in the house and Tripp being in the adjacent room. Maddie goes to him and touches his arm. He's not responsive.
Maddie: Please don't be angry with me about this. This has been eating at me for a week. I'm trying to protect all of us…
David: By keeping me in the dark.
Maddie: David please…
He turns to face her and just glares, but as if he's also staring right through her. Finally, David nods and exhales loudly. He takes her in his arms but she can tell it's more to appease her than to comfort.
David: Maddie, you can't just make decisions like this for the both of us. I thought we realized that a long time ago.
Maddie: I know.
David: And I can't do anything about this unless I know it's happening.
Maddie: That's the scary thing. I don't know if there's anything we can do.
David: Now, are you sure you haven't had any other contact? He hasn't tried to see you or talk to you…
Tripp: Mommy! Mommy! Look what me and Daddy made!
Tripp comes barreling into the kitchen holding a pirate Lego figurine. Cleary, he did not use the directions but it's still quite a feat for a three-year-old. He pushes his way between the two of them and with his spare hand, pulls on Maddie's cover up.
Tripp: Mommy look! By myself!
Maddie: Wow! What a good job you did! (She picks him up and holds him on her hip.) Let me see that!
Virginia breezes into the kitchen having changed her clothes. She has her purse over her shoulder.
Virginia: I just put Emily down for a snooze. How about I go and pick up some Chinese for all of us.
Maddie: Mom, you don't have to do that.
Virginia: It's no bother. That way the two of you can finish your conversation and spend time with Tripp before Emily wakes up. She pauses before she leaves and looks at the three of them. Maddie holding Tripp and David with his arm around them both.
Virginia: The two of you are wonderful parents with a wonderful partnership. This family is everyone's first priority.
David: Damn right it is. Thanks, Ginny.
Maddie and David watch Virginia go.
Maddie: Don't be mad at my mom, David. I asked her not to say anything to you.
David: I'm not mad at her. Besides, she's right. This family is my first priority.
Just then they are interrupted by Emily crying. They can hear her over the kitchen monitor wailing away.
Maddie: That was short-lived. I should go grab her.
Maddie tries to hand Tripp to David, but he's got a death grip around Maddie's neck.
Tripp: No, no, I stay with mommy!
Maddie: Looks like we have a mama's boy tonight.
David: (still aloof) There's milk in the fridge so I'll top off Emily. I'll meet you both back down here when Grandma gets back.
David ruffles his sons blonde head before grabbing the milk from the fridge but Maddie catches his cold shoulder…
Maddie: Hey, David.
David stops in the doorway and turns around
Maddie: I really am sorry.
David offers a half smile and heads upstairs to his daughter.
Later that night…
Maddie, David, Ginny and the kids enjoy dinner together. Things seem fine. They laugh, tell jokes. Finally, Maddie and David put the kids to bed and Ginny goes up to her room. Once everyone is dispersed David sits in front of the TV watching the last innings of the Phillies game. Maddie comes out of the kitchen and lingers beside him. Usually, they go to bed together. David can tell Maddie is anxious and on edge and he's trying real damn hard not to be pissed about all that transpired earlier.
Maddie brushes her hand over his shoulder. He feels his eyes flutter closed at the sensation of her touch. It never ceases to amaze him how something as simple and subtle as that can affect him so deeply, he's too distracted to totally give in to it.
Maddie: You coming to bed? We got an early day tomorrow and you should get your rest.
For some reason he can't look at her. Can't quite say he's angry, or sad but he's something. He takes her hand from his shoulder and kisses her fingers.
David: You go up. I'm going to finish watching this game.
Maddie: David, I just want you to know I really am sorry. I was just…
David: I know.
Maddie opens her mouth like she wants to say something more but doesn't.
David: I promise I'll be up in a bit.
Maddie nods and kisses him softly before heading up the stairs. David sits in the darkness. He stares at the TV but isn't watching. He takes a swig from his beer and his throughs drift back to three years earlier. The night of the baby shower...
David runs up a hospital corridor to the obstetrician who just emerged from the operating room. Agnes and Bert hang back with some of the Wobblies. Dr. Weed looks tired, her scrubs bloodied. Her poker face only causes David more alarm.
She sees David coming and holds out her hands to calm him.
David: Hey Doc, is she alright?
Dr. Weed: Mr. Addison…
David: She's going to be okay, right? She just, wasn't very responsive in the ambulance and um… there was just so much blood and she was in so much pain…
Dr. Weed: Mr. Addison…
David: And the baby? What about the baby? It's too early to have the baby, right?
Doctor Weed: The baby should be fine…
David: Oh good. That's good. That's a relief. But Maddie? I mean, if the baby's okay she's okay too, right?
Doctor Weed heaves a breath to gather her thoughts.
David: Well…right?
Dr. Weed: (She hesitates) Mr. Addison, she's lost a lot of blood. And it was touch and go for a while. She's in recovery, she'll probably be asleep for a bit….
David: Can I see her? I don't want her to be alone.
Dr. Weed: Once the nurses get her situated, you can go sit with her if you like. As far as the baby, he needed a little oxygen, but he seems to be stable otherwise.
David: Wait a minute. HE? And are you saying the baby was born? And he's a HE? I mean… a boy?
Doctor Weed: Yes, and healthy as far as we can tell. You'll be able to see him in a few minutes. As a matter of fact, you might be his primary caregiver for the immediate future until Maddie is more stable. The nurses will help you.
The thought of having a son brings instant tears to David's eyes. But he's struck with a fear that he was born too soon…and God help him, at the expense of the woman he loves more than life.
David: (barely holding it together) I need to see Maddie.
Nurse: This way, Mr. Addison.
A nurse appears and leads David down the hall to a dimly lit, quiet recovery room. Maddie lays motionless in her bed, tucked tightly between her sheets with tubes and wires spilling over the sides. He's both terrified and relieved. He recalls the instant she collapsed in his arms at the shower and that moment in the ambulance when he thought he would lose her forever...
He walks up to the bed and brushes of blonde hair from her pale face. Yeah, this was the universe sending him a message. There was no way he could live the rest of his life without her and Maddie was just going to have to accept that fact. That she was his, forever and always and that included the baby that came along with her.
He sits there watching her chest rise and fall, reassured by her steady breaths. He plans their entire life together. Their wedding. Where they'd vacation, when they'd retire. A knock at the door and the squeak of bassinet wheels jars him from his thoughts.
Nurse: Mr. Addison, guess who's ready to spend some time with Dad?
The nurse parks it beside the bed, in front of a stunned David. There he is, a tiny infant swaddled in a blue blanket. The first thing he notices are his ice blue eyes, identical to Maddie's and the whisps of light hair that peek out from under his little hat. He's fair like her, too. A peaches and cream complexion with her turned up nose. The splitting image of Maddie. David wipes a tear from his cheek.
David: Can I hold him?
The nurse looks at him like the question is ridiculous.
Nurse: Of course. He's your son.
David laughs out loud. He's giddy, completely enthralled by this little creature Maddie has given them. Carefully, as if manipulating dynamite, he lifts the baby from the bassinet and sits down next to Maddie's bed. David studies him, holds him, kisses him on his little forehead, smells him, loves him…
Hours go by. Maddie sleeps and David tends to the baby. He feeds him, changes him and watches him sleep. Talks with him like a new old friend. Everything a father would do. Should do…
Maddie: David?
Maddie's voice barely pushes through the darkness.
David: I'm here, honey.
Slowly, as if not willing to startle her, David comes closer and sits down on the side of her bed. Her eyes flutter open and he would never forget the look on her face when she saw their son in his arms.
Maddie: Oh, David.
David: I have someone who wants to meet you. I'd like to introduce you to our son. David Addison III, just like we planned.
David helps the baby into her arms and he holds them both to secure them. For a while they just study him. Laugh and cry. They are a family now. It's real, right…
Maddie: Were you in the room when he was born?
David: No, you had emergency surgery so they wouldn't let me in there for that. I got to tell you though, I was scared as hell. The thought of losing you…
Maddie: I'm sorry. I don't remember much.
David: It probably better that way. I remember enough for both of us.
Maddie strokes his little cheek with the back of her finger
Maddie: He's okay, isn't he? I mean, he's early…
David: Doctor says he's perfect. This little dude has a great personality too. We're having a good time.
Maddie: David, you know I already talked to Doctor Weed about the paternity test.
When the baby squirms in their arms, David instinctively holds them both tighter. David realizes then that no test would tell him what he already knows. That he would go to the grave for this little boy the same way he would his mother.
David: (Shakes his head) It's not necessary. I already signed the birth certificate.
Maddie: Are you sure?
David: Very sure. There's only a question if I care to ask one. I don't, so that's that. Actually, the only definitive answer I want about anything right now is if you'll marry me.
Maddie: (Smiling) Oh, David.
David: And I know this proposal lacks flash and zest but what I got in mind for the actual wedding is really romantic. Ceremony at Big Bear on a mountainside. Maybe a week-long honeymoon in a cozy cabin. Roaring fires, hot tub…
Maddie: The answer is yes, David.
The roar of the crowd on the television alerts him to a Grand Slam home run and his return to reality. He looks around him at the dark living room, sees the toys in the corner and the family pictures on the walls. Maddie and he had worked so hard to be where they were. Happy, stable with a business and a home and children they loved endlessly. He never dreamed he would be in the position of fighting for his own son. But what if it came down to that? How would he and Maddie face that? They'd weathered a million storms in their time, but the relative calm over the past three years made him feel out of practice.
He finishes his beer and heads upstairs to the bedroom where Maddie lay asleep in their bed. He feels bad he was so cold to her before, but he needed a moment to himself to recapitulate. Maddie wasn't one to hide things from him and for her to do so must mean she was really scared. He is too, but he knows his job is to be the emotional ying to her sometimes-fragile yang. His first concern is her protection. Always had been and the addition of their children only made that feeling more intense.
David takes off his clothes and is just about to slide in bed when Emily's cries come over the monitor. Maddie moves to get up, but David stops her with a hand on her shoulder.
David: I got her.
Maddie nods and falls back against the pillow. David kisses her gently on her temple, pulls his shorts back on and goes to feed his daughter.
Special Thanks to Shawna who is the best brainstorming partner ever! The stuff we come up with! Let's keep the ball rolling! And if you like this, my new adult book "Treading Water" by Daniella Blue releases March 2025 from Oliver Herber Books!