Post by Addison's girl on Jan 14, 2016 14:27:09 GMT -5
Maddie Hayes looked around the crowded back yard hoping to see someone that she knew. She felt a little uncomfortable standing around alone. There were about 50 people milling around Agnes and Bert Viola’s yard not including around 10 small children running around and shouting with glee. For a split second Maddie thought about leaving since she really didn’t recognize anyone that she knew. She had no idea why after all these years she had accepted an invitation to Agnes and Bert’s first child’s 4th birthday party. Maddie looked around the yard hoping to see a familiar face – her heart skipped a beat as she realized she was really looking for one familiar face. The one that was ingrained on her heart and mind forever. Sighing deeply Maddie took another quick look around the yard. Agnes and Bert had greeted her warmly when she had arrived but she hadn’t expected them to entertain her. They were busy with the party and their 2 small children – 4-year-old Sky and three-year-old Bert Jr. The children were adorable. Agnes still had that beautiful smile that Maddie remembered. She realized as soon as she saw Agnes how much she had missed her. They spoke for a few minutes then Agnes told Maddie to mingle as she led Bert to the kitchen. Maddie had asked to help but Agnes waved her off as she pulled Bert along with her. Maddie felt her stomach flutter with nerves and expectations. She hadn’t spoken to anyone from Blue Moon and that time in her life for over 5 years. Actually it was 5 years, 2 months and 4 days since she had closed the door on that part of her life forever.
After Blue Moon had closed its doors, Maddie had been devastated for weeks. How had things gone so sideways between her and David Addison? For five years he had not only been her business partner but her best friend. It had begun to unravel after they had become intimate and after a turbulent and passionate month together she had run away to Chicago to think. Now in hindsight Maddie couldn’t even remember what she needed to think about? Maddie recalled how she had felt during that time. She had been wildly, deeply, crazily in love with David and just the touch of his hands or the sound of his husky voice could make her fall apart and lose control…and Maddie Hayes didn’t lose control ever. Just the idea that a man – and that man being irresponsible, immature, promiscuous David Addison – could make her feel so out of control and wildly passionate filled Maddie with terror. She couldn’t allow herself to be ruled by the heart in her chest and the nub between her legs – so she had run. And had spent more than 4 months pining for David.
As she thought about that time in her life now she couldn’t make sense of her actions leading up to her marrying Walter Bishop - a man she had met on the train returning to Los Angeles and David. Oh she knew it was a way to keep David at arms’ length and she hadn’t done it to him hurt but she had hurt him – deeply, irreversibly. Even through a veil of hurt and misunderstandings they had tried again after she had finally admitted her love for David and gotten an annulment from Walter. The couple had been happy for a while going to Lamaze classes and planning for the baby. And then she had lost the baby…. never in her life had she felt such agony both mental and physical. David had disappeared to lick his own wounds leaving her alone and desolate. After a couple of weeks, they had gotten back together and it had worked for a few weeks but then her fears and his bitterness drove a wedge between them. Maddie still felt disgusted with herself when she thought of her telling David that they were just ‘pals’. What had she been thinking? And then came her cousin Annie. She had never imagined that David and her cousin would become a thing – Annie had known everything she had gone through with David and she hadn’t given a damn. Maddie realized that Annie had always been jealous of her and had most likely used David to show her that she could take something that she wanted. But had she still wanted him before she saw him with Annie? She had been trying with the help of her therapist to forget David but it had backfired on her. He was the one who had forgotten her and taken up with Annie. Had David done it for spite? Or had he really loved her tramp of a cousin? Maddie had never gotten an answer to that question. After the situation with Annie and David, Maddie couldn’t bear to look into his spiteful green eyes any longer and had insisted they close the agency and go their separate ways.
Maddie had spent most of the weeks after the closing of Blue Moon in bed with the covers over her head crying and thinking of David. Agnes had come over a few times to see her and to tell her that David had reopened the agency and would she think of coming back? Her answer had been an adamant NO. She never wanted to lay eyes on the man who had crushed her heart and spirit ever again! Maddie thought that maybe after a couple of days after Blue Moon closed, David would have contacted her to see how she was doing since they had spent almost every waking hour together for 5 wild and crazy years but he never even picked up a phone to see if she was dead or alive. She had no longer recognized the spiteful, bitter man that David Addison had become. She wanted – no she needed – to forget that she had ever known and loved him if she wanted to be able to go on with her life. Those weeks after Blue Moon had closed its doors were the hardest time in her life – harder even after the loss of her baby because she had still had David – or so she had thought. Had she ever had him? Had he lost his love for her after her trip to Chicago and her marriage to another man? Maddie didn’t know what had caused David’s change of heart and personality but he was no longer the man she had fallen in love with.
The depth of her misery came one grey afternoon when she had pulled herself together and ventured out of her house for a trip to the grocery store. She had been feeling particularly sad that day and only wanted to rush back home to bask in her misery. Maddie knew that her mood wasn’t normal and that she needed to push herself out of her depression but it was just so much easier to lose herself in her despair. She had actually been happy that the day was so grey and miserable to match her mood. Maddie still recalled how she had pulled her car into an empty space when she saw him. Her heart had shattered in her chest as she watched David laughing and talking to a shapely young brunette; he had one arm around her as he opened the door for her to enter the Chinese restaurant next to the supermarket. Tears of loneliness and hurt had streaked her face as she pulled out of the space and headed home. The next day she had flown to Chicago and convinced her parents to accompany her on a trip around the world. After the trip, her parents had returned to Chicago but Maddie had decided to stay in Paris for a while. Her depression had lifted in the City of Love and although she had last been there with David her heart no longer ached at the thought of him. Instead, she began to treasure the good times they had spent together. And her heart slowly began to heal. There had been a couple of men in her life; short term relationships that had gone nowhere. They were nice and safe and not David. Maddie convinced herself that someday she would find a man who she could fall in love with. Someday. Why was she revisiting the past? It was over and she had made a decent life for herself. Life was good. She mentally shook off all the unhappy thoughts.
Instead she thought of the happy times in her life. She had spent 4 years in Paris slowly building up a modeling agency for older woman who were often overlooked in the media. Paris was one of the countries that cherished older woman and her agency had taken off with a bullet. Now after spending so many years abroad Maddie had decided to come back to LA to launch her modeling agency – Blue Moon Models. She had contacted Agnes and left her a message on her answering machine that she was back in the United States. Although she had loved her quirky friend and missed her Maddie knew that her heart would never heal if she had kept in contact with Agnes. She knew that Agnes would keep her informed of David and what he was up to and Maddie knew that she wouldn’t be able to move on if she still had a link to David Addison. Now that she felt stronger and back in control of her life she could safely contact Agnes and hopefully reconnect with her good friend. She did know that Agnes and Bert had two children from birth announcements that the couple had sent to her parents’ address and they had forwarded to Maddie. Maddie hadn’t wanted anyone except her parents to know how to get in touch with her. She felt safer that way. Although, she knew it was highly unlikely, if others knew her address she would always be hoping that David would come to bring her home.
Maddie shook all the thoughts of the last years out of her head and was determined to enjoy the lovely day and seeing old friends again. In the back of her mind Maddie was on tenterhooks waiting for some sign of a slightly balding green-eyed man. Even after all these years just the thought of seeing David again made her heart beat faster. And then finally, her eyes landed on a muscular man wearing a tight grey t-shirt and black jeans. And even though his back was to her Maddie would know that swagger and the line of those shoulders anywhere. David Addison.
Without a second thought Maddie made a bee-line straight to David. Her eyes never left him as she approached and when she got closer he turned around and Maddie almost lost her breath when she looked into his amazing sea green eyes after so many years. His hair had receded a little more on the sides and he had a few laugh lines around his eyes but he was still the most drop dead gorgeous man she had ever seen.
David thought he was dreaming when he saw Maddie Hayes walking towards him. His heart began to beat faster when he saw her approach. His eyes couldn’t look away from her; her hair was slightly longer and her body slightly fuller and she was still the most beautiful woman in the room. After all these years he had never thought he would lay eyes on her again. She had just up and left the country without even a goodbye 5 years ago and David had never quite gotten over her abandonment. They had spent 5 years together and she had left without even a call. David had been so bitter and hurt that he had almost drowned himself in tequila but Agnes and Bert who were his closet friends and more like family than just friends had forced him to pull together and concentrate on getting his life back on track. Without them David didn’t know where he would be now. Probably sprawled out on a dirty street drinking Colt 45 out of a paper bag. And now the Queen is back. Was he supposed to bow to her? He was still angry and hurt over the way things had gone down between them. He had been dead wrong to go with her cousin but he had tried to make amends after he broke it up with Annie. But Maddie had been mean and nasty to him and insisted that they close Blue Moon and go their separate ways. And so they had…
“David.”
“Maddie.”
“How are you?” They both said at the same time then laughed breaking the ice between them.
“Fine.” Again at the same time.
Maddie shivered as David’s eyes ran over her body. “You’re looking great.” He told her with that lopsided grin that would be forever engraved in her brain.
Maddie smiled back at him. “Thanks. You’re looking good yourself.”
David nodded quickly. “So how have you been? I heard you were in Paris.”
Maddie couldn’t help but watch David’s mouth as he spoke. She had always loved the shape of his lips and the timbre of his voice still made her weak. “Yes. Yes. I lived there for a few years but I missed home.” And you she wanted to shout. I missed YOU. But of course she could not say this to the smiling man who had once been a huge part of her life. Now they were little more than strangers. That thought suddenly made her sad and she had to swallow to stop the tears from reaching her eyes.
“Oh that must have been exciting.” David told her as his eyes ran over her face. Why did you leave me Maddie, he yearned to ask her? Why did I mean so little to you that you were able to turn your back on me and run half way around the world? Didn’t you love me at all? Didn’t you miss me? I missed you. But of course he would never utter any of the words he had thought in the secret recesses of his mind. The woman standing in front of him had shattered his heart and now they were little more than strangers. His heart hurt from realizing that he no longer knew anything about her after she had been so much a part of his life for over 5 years.
“Oh yes it was very exciting.” Maddie lied. Working on cases with him and running Blue Moon had been exciting. Starting up a modeling agency and running it alone was what she did to keep from falling to pieces trying to get over him. Her eyes looked into his searching green ones and she felt her heart skip a beat. His eyes locked on hers and for a moment she lost her ability to speak. “Paris is a wonderful place to live.”
David nodded again. “Yeah remember when we went there so I could get that art award?” He laughed deeply his eyes crinkling in fake mirth. What had gone wrong on that trip? They had spent one passionate night together and then the next day they both did their best to pretend it had never happened. David remembered he had been terrified she would utter the word ‘pact’ to him so before Maddie had woken up he had left the room leaving her a curt note. Thinking back, David realized that maybe if he had stayed and woken her up with kisses instead of running away things would have gone very differently. But then again who knew? He sure didn’t. Maddie Hayes had always been a puzzle to him with her shifting moods and her ridiculous pacts.
Maddie nodded and laughed along with him although her heart ached. Why did you leave me in bed alone after we made love over and over that night? Why didn’t you tell me you loved me? Did you love me? Probably not because a couple of weeks later you were screwing my cousin. For an instant Maddie had the urge to claw out his crinkled with laughter eyes.
After that neither knew what to say. Their eyes locked as they stood silently waiting for the other to speak. Suddenly, a little strawberry blonde girl flung herself in David’s arms. Maddie could see that the little girl had David’s eyes. Her throat closed in panic. Even though she hadn’t seen David in 5 years just the thought of him married with children made her feel desolate and filled with sadness. Suddenly, she remembered the baby they had lost although their baby boy was never far from Maddie’s thoughts. Maybe if the baby would have lived things would have been different between them. But she would never know. Now, here they were 5 years later she was alone and David had a family. That thought even after all these years felt like a knife buried to the hilt in her shattered heart. Of course he would have gotten on with his life. David was still a young man with his entire life ahead of him. Maddie watched as David pulled the little girl in his arms and swung her around then kissed her soundly on her round cheek.
The little girl looked at David with adoring eyes. “Daddy! My song!” She exclaimed clapping her chubby hands together with delight.
David’s eyes shone with devotion as he looked at his daughter. Since he had seen Maddie everything else around him seem to have disappeared in the fog of the past. But now he was thrown back into reality with the appearance of his 3-year old daughter. He heard the little girl begin to sing in her lilting voice the song he had sung to her since she was a tiny infant. David joined in her rendition of ‘Julie. Julie. Julie. Do you love me?” as he held on to the little girl and danced with her in his arms as they both sang the song together. A huge smile covered David’s face and his eyes shone with joy. As the song continued to play they both started to laugh and then the little girl cried out. “I love you daddy!”
David hugged the little girl tight to his chest and kissed the top of her head. “I love you to my Julie Julie.” He told her. The little girl looked up at her father with utter devotion and love. Her green eyes so like David’s shone with happiness.
Before Maddie could even come to grips that David had a daughter a little boy who was the exact replica of David from his eyes to the half smirk on his tiny face ran head on into David grabbing him around the legs and looking up at him with a lopsided grin. “Daddy! Julie’s song!” He cried out as he wrapped himself around David’s legs. The little boy began to sing the song along with his father and sister. When it was over the three Addisons burst out into laughter.
Finally, David remembered Maddie. His eyes shone with pride as he introduced his children. “This is Maddie Hayes. An old friend of daddy’s. We use to work together a very long time ago.” The children smiled shyly at Maddie. “This is Julie Ann.” The little girl pressed her face into her father’s shoulder. “And this is Jason.” The little boy held tightly to David’s legs but he looked straight at Maddie with a serious face. “Pretty lady.”
Maddie laughed then looked at David. “A ladies’ man just like his dad.” Then she looked at the little boy. “And you are a very handsome young man.” The little boy blushed and turned his face into his father’s leg. Maddie patted Julie’s curls. “And what a beautiful young lady you are Julie.” The little girl peeked at Maddie from under her long lashes. “Thank you lady.” She told Maddie in a low voice.
“It’s Maddie.” Maddie told the small girl. “I know your daddy for a very long time.”
David thought about the baby that they had lost and his throat closed with emotion. He couldn’t imagine if one of the twins hadn’t been born. They were his life.
Maddie got a grip on her emotions as she looked up at David. “Twins?”
David nodded. “Yep. They just turned 3 last month.”
“I’m a big boy now.” Jason piped up.
David rustled the little boy’s hair with affection. “You sure are.”
The four of them stood in silence for a few minutes. Maddie felt uncomfortable thinking that David’s wife was going to barge in on them at any moment. “Won’t you introduce me to their mom?” She ventured patting the little boy on his head.
Julie reached out to touch Maddie’s blonde hair. Jason looked up at her with wide green eyes just a shade darker than David’s. “We don’t have a mommy.”
Maddie didn’t know what to say. Part of her was happy to think that David didn’t have a wife but the other part was curious to where she was. “Oh.” Was all she said.
David’s eyes warned her off asking any questions. “Well, you have the best daddy in the world. And that makes up for it!”
The two children cheered loudly as David laughed but Maddie could see the look of sadness that had appeared in the depths of his beautiful eyes. She knew that she would have to get to the bottom of David’s story.
David pushed away any thoughts of the twins’ mother as he grinned at Maddie. “I was just going to get these wild things some chow. Care to join us?” Why was he asking Maddie to join them? He hadn’t laid eyes on her in years and now from the wild beating of his heart and racing pulse his buried feelings for her began to come up to the surface. But before he could withdraw his invitation with an excuse he saw his son grab Maddie’s hand with a smile. He knew that Jason was desperate for a mother and his stomach rolled over. He was just going to chastise his son for grabbing Maddie’s hand when he saw a beaming grin appear on Maddie’s beautiful face.
“I’d love to join you for lunch.” She smiled at the children with bright blue eyes. “I’d love to get to know you better.” Maddie loved the way Jason’s small hand felt in her own. As she looked at the little boy she wondered if her baby would have looked like him.
Maddie sat with David and the twins at a table in the back of the yard out of the way of the other guests. Although, neither would admit it they didn’t want to be bothered by anyone who would comment on seeing them together. This was their time to catch up after all the years apart and they didn’t want any interruptions from anyone who knew their past. David left the twins with Maddie while he went to get plates of food. He appeared a few minutes later with plates laden with enough food for all of them.
Maddie watched David as he doled out food to the twins who seemed not the least interested in eating. David pointed to the cheeseburger on his son’s plate. “Eat your burger. You didn’t eat much for breakfast.” Then he turned to the little girl, “you too Julie. Eat up or I won’t let you have any birthday cake.”
Maddie had to hide her smile as Julie sat back with her arms folded and her face set exactly like David’s when he was annoyed. “You’re a mean daddy!” She accused David as she stared at him with identical green fire. David aimed his cat green lasers at both of his children. “Be good, eat your food, do as your told, or….” He stared into his daughter’s stubborn eyes. “or we’ll go home NOW.”
Jason turned his small face at his sister. His brow was furrowed with worry. “Be good Julie or daddy will make us miss the rest of the party.”
Julie aimed her green eyes at her brother. “You are not the boss of me!” She told him as she pointed a small finger in his direction.
“But I am!” David told her firmly. “Now be a good girl and eat your food.” David turned to Maddie with a wry grin. “Sorry but the twins can be a handful.” He whispered so the children wouldn’t hear him. “I’ll understand if you’d prefer to eat with people who don’t smush their food.” He nodded his head in Jason’s direction. The little boy was smashing his cheeseburger into small bits then putting the smashed up pieces in his mouth.
Maddie laughed. “Oh no I’m perfectly happy here.” She looked at David with something close to awe. “You’re a great dad.”
David raised an eyebrow at her then took a pull of his beer before he replied. “You sound surprised.”
Maddie was a bit surprised but she wouldn’t admit that to David. She shook her head. “Oh no. It is just weird seeing you taking care of two little kids. I still pictured you pouring shots down your throat and singing to Motown.” She did admit.
David’s eyes grew cold for an instant. “People change.” He shook his head then ran his hand through his hair in that gesture that always made Maddie’s insides melt. “Sometimes people have no choice but to change.”
Before Maddie could find something to say Jason interrupted. “I like the way Milly makes cheeburgers.” Jason declared in his adorable little boy voice.
“I miss Milly!” Julie threw in. “I want her to come home!”
Maddie was wondering who Milly was. Her heart panged with regret when she realized that Milly must be David’s girlfriend. Of course he wouldn’t be single for long. And he probably needed someone to help him with the children. Maddie felt sad.
David took a bit of his hot dog. “You know that Milly went to visit her family for a few days. We talked about this.” David motioned to the two of them. “Don’t you remember I told you she’ll be back in a couple of days.”
“Will she be back for your birthday Daddy?” Julie looked worried.
David shook his head. “No but as long as I’m with you too that’s all that I care about!” David smiled broadly at the twins.
“We’re going to Disney for your birthday right Daddy?” Jason asked hopefully.
David chuckled. “I can’t think of any other place that I’d rather spend my birthday.” He met Maddie’s eyes with raised eyebrows and a lopsided grin. “No more bars for me.” He told her with a laugh. “Now birthdays are more milk and cookies than tequila and nuts.” He shrugged. “And I’m happy.”
Maddie nodded with a smile. “You look happy David. You’re blessed.” She told him sincerely.
A shadow briefly passed over David’s face but almost instantly his lopsided grin was back. “Yeah I am.” He stared into Maddie’s eyes. “How bout you? No hubby or kids hiding in the bushes?”
Maddie shook her head. “No, no husband. No kids.” She told him slowly with David thought was regret in her voice. Suddenly, he remembered the lost baby and his heart ached for what might have been. He wondered if Maddie still wanted children. “I’ve been busy working and traveling.”
David nodded but remained silent. He wondered again if she regretted not having children but he would never ask.
The twins who were now done with their meal and itching to leave the table. David waved his hands toward the other children who were dancing on the lawn. “Go ahead twins of mine. Go play!” He laughed at their wide smiles as they ran toward the other kids.
“You’re so good with them.” Maddie told him with admiration. “It must be difficult sometimes.” She was just going to ask David about their mother when they were interrupted by a few staff members from Blue Moon.
The next hour passed in a blur of nostalgia and catching up with the others. Looking at pictures of children and spouses made Maddie’s heart ache for what she had missed out on. Since she was over 40 it was blatantly clear that her wish for a house with a husband and kids was not going to happen. She would have to find her happiness in work and friends. As she gazed up at David who had gone over to the twins who were watching the Magician performing magic tricks she hoped wistfully that he could once again become her close friend. She wouldn’t dare to ask for any more; after all David now had a family and a girlfriend who the twins seemed to adore.
David glanced over at Maddie who was smiling and talking to Jaime and the other Blue Moon employees who had come to the party. His heart flipped in his chest as he stared at her profile. Damn, even after just talking to her for a little while all the old feelings that he had successfully – or so he had believed – buried came bubbling up to the surface. Admit it Dave, he thought darkly, this woman had burrowed so deep under your skin that she’s a part of you. And even after all these years – and so many things that had happened – he still was crazy about her.
David’s thoughts took a turn to the mother of the twins. He tried hard not to think about her. She had been a huge mistake and the only good that had come out of being with her was the twins. David sighed inwardly. Winter Monroe. He should have been forewarned by her name that she was cold and icy but at that point David just needed someone to make him feel like a man. He was still reeling over Maddie’s disappearance and when he met Winter he was ripe for the picking. Oh she was beautiful – tall, slender with smoky grey eyes and kissable lips. Their relationship was hot and heavy and before he knew it she was carrying his babies. David remembered he had been overjoyed with the news that she was pregnant. After two lost babies, David was thrilled that he was getting another chance to be a father. Immediately, he had proposed but Winter had just laughed. He was stricken by her icy attitude and her threat of ending the pregnancy. David had been desperate and he basically bought her off. All the money he had saved over the years -which wasn’t much – but was enough to convince Winter to have his babies. By that time; he had discovered that she already had a husband and two kids who she had run away from. Her husband had come to LA in search of her and had told David that she had left him with two children under the age of six. David couldn’t believe what a dummy he had been. But at least now he had his babies. He didn’t care at all about the money. Winter had disappeared. She had never even held the twins.
David’s reverie was broken by someone pulling on his arm. “Daddy! Daddy!” Jason was looking up at him with green eyes filled with awe. “Magic!”
David tousled his son’s dark brown hair with a grin. “Sure is magic.” He bent down to kiss the boy’s head then he looked over at Julie who was jumping up and down with glee. He shook his head. Julie and Jason were twins but they were two very different little people. Jason was quieter and more of a thinker while Julie took more after him. She was spontaneous and a bit on the wild side. Both children were very bright but Julie seemed to pick things up in a flash while Jason took his sweet time learning new things. Julie also could throw a wicked tantrum while Jason pouted more than he screamed. But looking at his children, David knew he was a lucky man. The twins were healthy and happy and that is all he could ask for. Sometimes he felt guilty that they didn’t have a mother but he did the best he could. The twins always came first and he had made sure to find a wonderful housekeeper and nanny.
Milly was a motherly woman in her late sixties who doted on the twins and she doted on David too. She treated them like her family and they all adored her. David knew that he was fortunate to have found her. She had been recommended by one of his clients and she truly was a Godsend. He had been at his wits end when the twins were infants. He had gone through 3 nannies in the first month of their lives. The first nanny seemed to cold and rigid so David had let her go. He had tried a younger woman who had developed a major crush on him so he had to let her go. He didn’t need that complication in his life. And the next woman he had hired turned out to be a thief and a liar so he quickly fired her. David had no clue where to turn. He hated the idea of putting his young babies in a daycare center but he needed to work and he couldn’t take the twins with him – although he did for a couple of days between nannies. The women on the staff fell in love with Julie and Jason but David knew that Blue Moon was no place for babies. Thank God one of his clients had visited the office and noticed the twins. David had admitted his dilemma and the client had immediately recommended the woman who had practically raised his own kids.
Maddie couldn’t keep her eyes off of David who was watching the magic show with the twins. Was this the same David Addison who lived in an apartment devoid of any furniture? The same man who kept only beer and cheese in his refrigerator? She suddenly felt angry at herself. One of the major reasons she had so feared getting involved with David was his immaturity and irresponsibility. She hadn’t been convinced that party animal Dirty Dave could be a family man. She had been wrong. Her feet carried her over to the happy little family. She couldn’t help wanting to spend as much time as possible with the man who had once been a huge part of her life.
David beckoned Maddie over with a wave of his long hand. “Hey! Thought you left already.” He had been nervous that she would leave before he had a chance to see her again. All the old feelings were making him feel unsure and anxious. Even if he wanted to see her again why would Maddie want any to do with a man with two little kids?
“I wouldn’t leave without saying good-bye to your twins.” Maddie told him seriously.
“Oh but you would leave without saying bye to me?” David joked reminding both of them of what an easy relationship they had once had.
Maddie shook her head. “Now why would I do that fella?” She gave him a sultry smile which made his heart jump. “I would never do that. Maybe I missed you.” She put forth bravely. She didn’t care if he hadn’t missed her; she wanted David to know that she still cared. For once in her life Maddie was allowing her heart to rule her brain.
Maddie was thrilled to see a happy grin cover David’s face. He bent his head close to her blonde one and whispered huskily. “Maybe, I missed you too Blondie.”
Their eyes locked on each other but their moment was interrupted by two whirlwinds who danced around the couple. “Daddy likes the pretty lady!” Julie shouted with glee. Then she looked seriously at Maddie. “Do you like my daddy?”
Laughter spilled from Maddie’s lips. “Yes, I like your daddy very much.” The twins continued to jump around like dervishes as Maddie and David stood looking at each other with searching eyes.
The rest of the afternoon sped by and soon it was getting dark. Maddie and David had spent the better part of the day together but now the party was beginning to wind down. People were saying their good-byes, rounding up sleepy children and leaving with the smiles of having spent a wonderful day with friends.
David was the first to make a move. The twins were half asleep lying sprawled across his body. He had earlier thrown a blanket down on the grass so that the twins could settle down. David had been surprised but happy when Maddie had joined their little group and plopped down on the blanket across from David. But now it was time for him to take the twins home. It was way past their bedtimes and he knew if he didn’t get them to sleep soon tomorrow they’d be two very little cranky people. He stood up with a nod toward the twins. “I think it’s time for these two to get into their pjs and go to bed.”
Maddie knew that the day was coming to an end but now she felt desolate at the thought of never seeing David or the twins again. Just the short time they had spent together made her remember why she had fallen in love with him so many years ago. The angry, bitter man was gone and the old David – a much more mature, responsible David – but the fun-loving, joking David who had a huge heart was back. “Oh sure. Well…” Maddie didn’t know what to say. She wanted to tell David she’d love to see him again but she couldn’t get the words out of her mouth.
David looked at Maddie. “Well…” He also wanted to tell her that he wanted to see her again but the old Addison questions about why she would want to be with a man like him kept his mouth shut. “Great seeing you again.” He told her searching her eyes for a hint that she was interested in seeing him again.
“Yes Great Great.” She told him with a question in her eyes.
David was just about to say something when Bert and Agnes came over. The couple was thrilled to see that David and Maddie had spent most of the day together. Agnes had never stopped hoping that one day Maddie and David would wind up together. “So happy that you could make the party.” Agnes hugged Maddie and winked at David behind Maddie’s back. “It was great seeing you again! We missed you!” She let go of Maddie and looked pointedly at David. “Didn’t we?”
David nodded his head. “Yes yes.”
Bert was nodding along with David. “I hope you don’t disappear again. We were all hurt that you disappeared without a word.” Bert put in not realizing that he was bringing up the things that no one wanted to recall.
Maddie didn’t know what to say but as always Agnes came to the rescue. “I’m sure that Miss Hayes had her reasons.” She smiled at Maddie. “But now she’s back and I hope she is planning on staying in Los Angeles.” She looked closely at Maddie. “You are aren’t you?”
Maddie nodded. “Oh yes I plan on staying close. I missed all of you too.” She hugged Agnes and felt tears prick her eyes. After a few minutes of small talk and good nights, Agnes made Maddie promise to come by the house one night during the week for coffee and cake. Maddie agreed with a smile. Finally, the other couple walked away leaving Maddie and David alone with the sleeping twins.
David looked down at the twins with a wry grin. “This is when being a single dad gets tricky. Two kids one me. They’re getting too big to carry both of them together.”
Maddie laughed as he gently picked up the sleeping Julie. “No worries daddy. I can help get them to the car.”
As soon as Jason was placed in his car seat his eyes flew open. “Pretty lady.” He smiled at Maddie. “We’re going to Disney tomorrow for daddy’s birthday.”
“Yes that sounds like so much fun!” Maddie grinned at the small boy who looked so much like David.
“Can you come with us pretty Maddie?” Julie asked with a wide smile and hopeful look in her eyes.
“Yes! Fun! Fun!” Jason squealed clapping his small hands together.
David looked at Maddie longingly. “Maybe the pretty lady wants to have fun with us.”
Julie and Jason shouted with glee. “Yes Maddie lady!”
David threw her the lopsided grin that had always made her legs weak. “So you want to have some fun with me? With us?” His eyes were green heat.
Maddie nodded. “I’d be delighted.” She told David with a grin. Her heart was leaping with happiness and hope. She still loved this man.
“Pick you up at 9?”
She nodded.
David stopped. “Wait where do you live? Same place?”
Maddie nodded. “Same place.” What was she doing? She thought about Milly and who she might be but suddenly nothing mattered except seeing David again. This time she wouldn’t throw away any opportunities or chances that she was given to win him back. She glanced at his naked ring finger and then back up into his handsome face. “You do remember where I live?”
“How could I ever forget?” Wait, what was he doing? Why was he allowing the woman who shattered his heart, his manhood, and his pride to bits back into his life? And now he had the twins to worry about. He didn’t know if he could trust her ever again. But something in her eyes led him to believe that she was eager to spend time with him. And he knew that if he didn’t take the chance to see her again he’d regret it. He threw her a two finger kiss as he climbed into his black SUV. Then he gave her one last wave as he pulled his car away from the curb and headed for home.
Home was now a sprawling ranch just outside of Brentwood. David’s dad had lent him the money for the down payment and since Blue Moon was thriving, he was able to pay his dad back with interest. David Addison pulled into the driveway of the home he loved and then sat back with his head on the headrest. Tomorrow was going to be a very interesting day. But was he doing the right thing by letting Maddie back into his life?
Maddie drove home in a haze. Was she dreaming or had she really been with David Addison? She was nervous and scared but also excited. She had missed him dreadfully. She pulled into her long driveway and killed the engine but instead of getting out of her car she put her head on the headrest lost in thought. Snippets of memories of David with Annie ran through her mind. He had almost killed her with his vindictive affair with her cousin but something in his eyes showed her he had changed. None of the spiteful anger that had clouded David’s eyes during their last months together remained. Instead in the depth of his beautiful green eyes she saw only contentment and happiness; and when he looked at her she thought she detected hope and maybe even the remnants of love. Maybe it was just her wishful thinking of what she wanted to see but she couldn’t let this last chance at happiness pass her by. She needed to get to know the new David Addison. Tomorrow was going to be a very interesting day. But once again her fear rise to the surface - was she doing the right thing by letting David back into her life?
After Blue Moon had closed its doors, Maddie had been devastated for weeks. How had things gone so sideways between her and David Addison? For five years he had not only been her business partner but her best friend. It had begun to unravel after they had become intimate and after a turbulent and passionate month together she had run away to Chicago to think. Now in hindsight Maddie couldn’t even remember what she needed to think about? Maddie recalled how she had felt during that time. She had been wildly, deeply, crazily in love with David and just the touch of his hands or the sound of his husky voice could make her fall apart and lose control…and Maddie Hayes didn’t lose control ever. Just the idea that a man – and that man being irresponsible, immature, promiscuous David Addison – could make her feel so out of control and wildly passionate filled Maddie with terror. She couldn’t allow herself to be ruled by the heart in her chest and the nub between her legs – so she had run. And had spent more than 4 months pining for David.
As she thought about that time in her life now she couldn’t make sense of her actions leading up to her marrying Walter Bishop - a man she had met on the train returning to Los Angeles and David. Oh she knew it was a way to keep David at arms’ length and she hadn’t done it to him hurt but she had hurt him – deeply, irreversibly. Even through a veil of hurt and misunderstandings they had tried again after she had finally admitted her love for David and gotten an annulment from Walter. The couple had been happy for a while going to Lamaze classes and planning for the baby. And then she had lost the baby…. never in her life had she felt such agony both mental and physical. David had disappeared to lick his own wounds leaving her alone and desolate. After a couple of weeks, they had gotten back together and it had worked for a few weeks but then her fears and his bitterness drove a wedge between them. Maddie still felt disgusted with herself when she thought of her telling David that they were just ‘pals’. What had she been thinking? And then came her cousin Annie. She had never imagined that David and her cousin would become a thing – Annie had known everything she had gone through with David and she hadn’t given a damn. Maddie realized that Annie had always been jealous of her and had most likely used David to show her that she could take something that she wanted. But had she still wanted him before she saw him with Annie? She had been trying with the help of her therapist to forget David but it had backfired on her. He was the one who had forgotten her and taken up with Annie. Had David done it for spite? Or had he really loved her tramp of a cousin? Maddie had never gotten an answer to that question. After the situation with Annie and David, Maddie couldn’t bear to look into his spiteful green eyes any longer and had insisted they close the agency and go their separate ways.
Maddie had spent most of the weeks after the closing of Blue Moon in bed with the covers over her head crying and thinking of David. Agnes had come over a few times to see her and to tell her that David had reopened the agency and would she think of coming back? Her answer had been an adamant NO. She never wanted to lay eyes on the man who had crushed her heart and spirit ever again! Maddie thought that maybe after a couple of days after Blue Moon closed, David would have contacted her to see how she was doing since they had spent almost every waking hour together for 5 wild and crazy years but he never even picked up a phone to see if she was dead or alive. She had no longer recognized the spiteful, bitter man that David Addison had become. She wanted – no she needed – to forget that she had ever known and loved him if she wanted to be able to go on with her life. Those weeks after Blue Moon had closed its doors were the hardest time in her life – harder even after the loss of her baby because she had still had David – or so she had thought. Had she ever had him? Had he lost his love for her after her trip to Chicago and her marriage to another man? Maddie didn’t know what had caused David’s change of heart and personality but he was no longer the man she had fallen in love with.
The depth of her misery came one grey afternoon when she had pulled herself together and ventured out of her house for a trip to the grocery store. She had been feeling particularly sad that day and only wanted to rush back home to bask in her misery. Maddie knew that her mood wasn’t normal and that she needed to push herself out of her depression but it was just so much easier to lose herself in her despair. She had actually been happy that the day was so grey and miserable to match her mood. Maddie still recalled how she had pulled her car into an empty space when she saw him. Her heart had shattered in her chest as she watched David laughing and talking to a shapely young brunette; he had one arm around her as he opened the door for her to enter the Chinese restaurant next to the supermarket. Tears of loneliness and hurt had streaked her face as she pulled out of the space and headed home. The next day she had flown to Chicago and convinced her parents to accompany her on a trip around the world. After the trip, her parents had returned to Chicago but Maddie had decided to stay in Paris for a while. Her depression had lifted in the City of Love and although she had last been there with David her heart no longer ached at the thought of him. Instead, she began to treasure the good times they had spent together. And her heart slowly began to heal. There had been a couple of men in her life; short term relationships that had gone nowhere. They were nice and safe and not David. Maddie convinced herself that someday she would find a man who she could fall in love with. Someday. Why was she revisiting the past? It was over and she had made a decent life for herself. Life was good. She mentally shook off all the unhappy thoughts.
Instead she thought of the happy times in her life. She had spent 4 years in Paris slowly building up a modeling agency for older woman who were often overlooked in the media. Paris was one of the countries that cherished older woman and her agency had taken off with a bullet. Now after spending so many years abroad Maddie had decided to come back to LA to launch her modeling agency – Blue Moon Models. She had contacted Agnes and left her a message on her answering machine that she was back in the United States. Although she had loved her quirky friend and missed her Maddie knew that her heart would never heal if she had kept in contact with Agnes. She knew that Agnes would keep her informed of David and what he was up to and Maddie knew that she wouldn’t be able to move on if she still had a link to David Addison. Now that she felt stronger and back in control of her life she could safely contact Agnes and hopefully reconnect with her good friend. She did know that Agnes and Bert had two children from birth announcements that the couple had sent to her parents’ address and they had forwarded to Maddie. Maddie hadn’t wanted anyone except her parents to know how to get in touch with her. She felt safer that way. Although, she knew it was highly unlikely, if others knew her address she would always be hoping that David would come to bring her home.
Maddie shook all the thoughts of the last years out of her head and was determined to enjoy the lovely day and seeing old friends again. In the back of her mind Maddie was on tenterhooks waiting for some sign of a slightly balding green-eyed man. Even after all these years just the thought of seeing David again made her heart beat faster. And then finally, her eyes landed on a muscular man wearing a tight grey t-shirt and black jeans. And even though his back was to her Maddie would know that swagger and the line of those shoulders anywhere. David Addison.
Without a second thought Maddie made a bee-line straight to David. Her eyes never left him as she approached and when she got closer he turned around and Maddie almost lost her breath when she looked into his amazing sea green eyes after so many years. His hair had receded a little more on the sides and he had a few laugh lines around his eyes but he was still the most drop dead gorgeous man she had ever seen.
David thought he was dreaming when he saw Maddie Hayes walking towards him. His heart began to beat faster when he saw her approach. His eyes couldn’t look away from her; her hair was slightly longer and her body slightly fuller and she was still the most beautiful woman in the room. After all these years he had never thought he would lay eyes on her again. She had just up and left the country without even a goodbye 5 years ago and David had never quite gotten over her abandonment. They had spent 5 years together and she had left without even a call. David had been so bitter and hurt that he had almost drowned himself in tequila but Agnes and Bert who were his closet friends and more like family than just friends had forced him to pull together and concentrate on getting his life back on track. Without them David didn’t know where he would be now. Probably sprawled out on a dirty street drinking Colt 45 out of a paper bag. And now the Queen is back. Was he supposed to bow to her? He was still angry and hurt over the way things had gone down between them. He had been dead wrong to go with her cousin but he had tried to make amends after he broke it up with Annie. But Maddie had been mean and nasty to him and insisted that they close Blue Moon and go their separate ways. And so they had…
“David.”
“Maddie.”
“How are you?” They both said at the same time then laughed breaking the ice between them.
“Fine.” Again at the same time.
Maddie shivered as David’s eyes ran over her body. “You’re looking great.” He told her with that lopsided grin that would be forever engraved in her brain.
Maddie smiled back at him. “Thanks. You’re looking good yourself.”
David nodded quickly. “So how have you been? I heard you were in Paris.”
Maddie couldn’t help but watch David’s mouth as he spoke. She had always loved the shape of his lips and the timbre of his voice still made her weak. “Yes. Yes. I lived there for a few years but I missed home.” And you she wanted to shout. I missed YOU. But of course she could not say this to the smiling man who had once been a huge part of her life. Now they were little more than strangers. That thought suddenly made her sad and she had to swallow to stop the tears from reaching her eyes.
“Oh that must have been exciting.” David told her as his eyes ran over her face. Why did you leave me Maddie, he yearned to ask her? Why did I mean so little to you that you were able to turn your back on me and run half way around the world? Didn’t you love me at all? Didn’t you miss me? I missed you. But of course he would never utter any of the words he had thought in the secret recesses of his mind. The woman standing in front of him had shattered his heart and now they were little more than strangers. His heart hurt from realizing that he no longer knew anything about her after she had been so much a part of his life for over 5 years.
“Oh yes it was very exciting.” Maddie lied. Working on cases with him and running Blue Moon had been exciting. Starting up a modeling agency and running it alone was what she did to keep from falling to pieces trying to get over him. Her eyes looked into his searching green ones and she felt her heart skip a beat. His eyes locked on hers and for a moment she lost her ability to speak. “Paris is a wonderful place to live.”
David nodded again. “Yeah remember when we went there so I could get that art award?” He laughed deeply his eyes crinkling in fake mirth. What had gone wrong on that trip? They had spent one passionate night together and then the next day they both did their best to pretend it had never happened. David remembered he had been terrified she would utter the word ‘pact’ to him so before Maddie had woken up he had left the room leaving her a curt note. Thinking back, David realized that maybe if he had stayed and woken her up with kisses instead of running away things would have gone very differently. But then again who knew? He sure didn’t. Maddie Hayes had always been a puzzle to him with her shifting moods and her ridiculous pacts.
Maddie nodded and laughed along with him although her heart ached. Why did you leave me in bed alone after we made love over and over that night? Why didn’t you tell me you loved me? Did you love me? Probably not because a couple of weeks later you were screwing my cousin. For an instant Maddie had the urge to claw out his crinkled with laughter eyes.
After that neither knew what to say. Their eyes locked as they stood silently waiting for the other to speak. Suddenly, a little strawberry blonde girl flung herself in David’s arms. Maddie could see that the little girl had David’s eyes. Her throat closed in panic. Even though she hadn’t seen David in 5 years just the thought of him married with children made her feel desolate and filled with sadness. Suddenly, she remembered the baby they had lost although their baby boy was never far from Maddie’s thoughts. Maybe if the baby would have lived things would have been different between them. But she would never know. Now, here they were 5 years later she was alone and David had a family. That thought even after all these years felt like a knife buried to the hilt in her shattered heart. Of course he would have gotten on with his life. David was still a young man with his entire life ahead of him. Maddie watched as David pulled the little girl in his arms and swung her around then kissed her soundly on her round cheek.
The little girl looked at David with adoring eyes. “Daddy! My song!” She exclaimed clapping her chubby hands together with delight.
David’s eyes shone with devotion as he looked at his daughter. Since he had seen Maddie everything else around him seem to have disappeared in the fog of the past. But now he was thrown back into reality with the appearance of his 3-year old daughter. He heard the little girl begin to sing in her lilting voice the song he had sung to her since she was a tiny infant. David joined in her rendition of ‘Julie. Julie. Julie. Do you love me?” as he held on to the little girl and danced with her in his arms as they both sang the song together. A huge smile covered David’s face and his eyes shone with joy. As the song continued to play they both started to laugh and then the little girl cried out. “I love you daddy!”
David hugged the little girl tight to his chest and kissed the top of her head. “I love you to my Julie Julie.” He told her. The little girl looked up at her father with utter devotion and love. Her green eyes so like David’s shone with happiness.
Before Maddie could even come to grips that David had a daughter a little boy who was the exact replica of David from his eyes to the half smirk on his tiny face ran head on into David grabbing him around the legs and looking up at him with a lopsided grin. “Daddy! Julie’s song!” He cried out as he wrapped himself around David’s legs. The little boy began to sing the song along with his father and sister. When it was over the three Addisons burst out into laughter.
Finally, David remembered Maddie. His eyes shone with pride as he introduced his children. “This is Maddie Hayes. An old friend of daddy’s. We use to work together a very long time ago.” The children smiled shyly at Maddie. “This is Julie Ann.” The little girl pressed her face into her father’s shoulder. “And this is Jason.” The little boy held tightly to David’s legs but he looked straight at Maddie with a serious face. “Pretty lady.”
Maddie laughed then looked at David. “A ladies’ man just like his dad.” Then she looked at the little boy. “And you are a very handsome young man.” The little boy blushed and turned his face into his father’s leg. Maddie patted Julie’s curls. “And what a beautiful young lady you are Julie.” The little girl peeked at Maddie from under her long lashes. “Thank you lady.” She told Maddie in a low voice.
“It’s Maddie.” Maddie told the small girl. “I know your daddy for a very long time.”
David thought about the baby that they had lost and his throat closed with emotion. He couldn’t imagine if one of the twins hadn’t been born. They were his life.
Maddie got a grip on her emotions as she looked up at David. “Twins?”
David nodded. “Yep. They just turned 3 last month.”
“I’m a big boy now.” Jason piped up.
David rustled the little boy’s hair with affection. “You sure are.”
The four of them stood in silence for a few minutes. Maddie felt uncomfortable thinking that David’s wife was going to barge in on them at any moment. “Won’t you introduce me to their mom?” She ventured patting the little boy on his head.
Julie reached out to touch Maddie’s blonde hair. Jason looked up at her with wide green eyes just a shade darker than David’s. “We don’t have a mommy.”
Maddie didn’t know what to say. Part of her was happy to think that David didn’t have a wife but the other part was curious to where she was. “Oh.” Was all she said.
David’s eyes warned her off asking any questions. “Well, you have the best daddy in the world. And that makes up for it!”
The two children cheered loudly as David laughed but Maddie could see the look of sadness that had appeared in the depths of his beautiful eyes. She knew that she would have to get to the bottom of David’s story.
David pushed away any thoughts of the twins’ mother as he grinned at Maddie. “I was just going to get these wild things some chow. Care to join us?” Why was he asking Maddie to join them? He hadn’t laid eyes on her in years and now from the wild beating of his heart and racing pulse his buried feelings for her began to come up to the surface. But before he could withdraw his invitation with an excuse he saw his son grab Maddie’s hand with a smile. He knew that Jason was desperate for a mother and his stomach rolled over. He was just going to chastise his son for grabbing Maddie’s hand when he saw a beaming grin appear on Maddie’s beautiful face.
“I’d love to join you for lunch.” She smiled at the children with bright blue eyes. “I’d love to get to know you better.” Maddie loved the way Jason’s small hand felt in her own. As she looked at the little boy she wondered if her baby would have looked like him.
Maddie sat with David and the twins at a table in the back of the yard out of the way of the other guests. Although, neither would admit it they didn’t want to be bothered by anyone who would comment on seeing them together. This was their time to catch up after all the years apart and they didn’t want any interruptions from anyone who knew their past. David left the twins with Maddie while he went to get plates of food. He appeared a few minutes later with plates laden with enough food for all of them.
Maddie watched David as he doled out food to the twins who seemed not the least interested in eating. David pointed to the cheeseburger on his son’s plate. “Eat your burger. You didn’t eat much for breakfast.” Then he turned to the little girl, “you too Julie. Eat up or I won’t let you have any birthday cake.”
Maddie had to hide her smile as Julie sat back with her arms folded and her face set exactly like David’s when he was annoyed. “You’re a mean daddy!” She accused David as she stared at him with identical green fire. David aimed his cat green lasers at both of his children. “Be good, eat your food, do as your told, or….” He stared into his daughter’s stubborn eyes. “or we’ll go home NOW.”
Jason turned his small face at his sister. His brow was furrowed with worry. “Be good Julie or daddy will make us miss the rest of the party.”
Julie aimed her green eyes at her brother. “You are not the boss of me!” She told him as she pointed a small finger in his direction.
“But I am!” David told her firmly. “Now be a good girl and eat your food.” David turned to Maddie with a wry grin. “Sorry but the twins can be a handful.” He whispered so the children wouldn’t hear him. “I’ll understand if you’d prefer to eat with people who don’t smush their food.” He nodded his head in Jason’s direction. The little boy was smashing his cheeseburger into small bits then putting the smashed up pieces in his mouth.
Maddie laughed. “Oh no I’m perfectly happy here.” She looked at David with something close to awe. “You’re a great dad.”
David raised an eyebrow at her then took a pull of his beer before he replied. “You sound surprised.”
Maddie was a bit surprised but she wouldn’t admit that to David. She shook her head. “Oh no. It is just weird seeing you taking care of two little kids. I still pictured you pouring shots down your throat and singing to Motown.” She did admit.
David’s eyes grew cold for an instant. “People change.” He shook his head then ran his hand through his hair in that gesture that always made Maddie’s insides melt. “Sometimes people have no choice but to change.”
Before Maddie could find something to say Jason interrupted. “I like the way Milly makes cheeburgers.” Jason declared in his adorable little boy voice.
“I miss Milly!” Julie threw in. “I want her to come home!”
Maddie was wondering who Milly was. Her heart panged with regret when she realized that Milly must be David’s girlfriend. Of course he wouldn’t be single for long. And he probably needed someone to help him with the children. Maddie felt sad.
David took a bit of his hot dog. “You know that Milly went to visit her family for a few days. We talked about this.” David motioned to the two of them. “Don’t you remember I told you she’ll be back in a couple of days.”
“Will she be back for your birthday Daddy?” Julie looked worried.
David shook his head. “No but as long as I’m with you too that’s all that I care about!” David smiled broadly at the twins.
“We’re going to Disney for your birthday right Daddy?” Jason asked hopefully.
David chuckled. “I can’t think of any other place that I’d rather spend my birthday.” He met Maddie’s eyes with raised eyebrows and a lopsided grin. “No more bars for me.” He told her with a laugh. “Now birthdays are more milk and cookies than tequila and nuts.” He shrugged. “And I’m happy.”
Maddie nodded with a smile. “You look happy David. You’re blessed.” She told him sincerely.
A shadow briefly passed over David’s face but almost instantly his lopsided grin was back. “Yeah I am.” He stared into Maddie’s eyes. “How bout you? No hubby or kids hiding in the bushes?”
Maddie shook her head. “No, no husband. No kids.” She told him slowly with David thought was regret in her voice. Suddenly, he remembered the lost baby and his heart ached for what might have been. He wondered if Maddie still wanted children. “I’ve been busy working and traveling.”
David nodded but remained silent. He wondered again if she regretted not having children but he would never ask.
The twins who were now done with their meal and itching to leave the table. David waved his hands toward the other children who were dancing on the lawn. “Go ahead twins of mine. Go play!” He laughed at their wide smiles as they ran toward the other kids.
“You’re so good with them.” Maddie told him with admiration. “It must be difficult sometimes.” She was just going to ask David about their mother when they were interrupted by a few staff members from Blue Moon.
The next hour passed in a blur of nostalgia and catching up with the others. Looking at pictures of children and spouses made Maddie’s heart ache for what she had missed out on. Since she was over 40 it was blatantly clear that her wish for a house with a husband and kids was not going to happen. She would have to find her happiness in work and friends. As she gazed up at David who had gone over to the twins who were watching the Magician performing magic tricks she hoped wistfully that he could once again become her close friend. She wouldn’t dare to ask for any more; after all David now had a family and a girlfriend who the twins seemed to adore.
David glanced over at Maddie who was smiling and talking to Jaime and the other Blue Moon employees who had come to the party. His heart flipped in his chest as he stared at her profile. Damn, even after just talking to her for a little while all the old feelings that he had successfully – or so he had believed – buried came bubbling up to the surface. Admit it Dave, he thought darkly, this woman had burrowed so deep under your skin that she’s a part of you. And even after all these years – and so many things that had happened – he still was crazy about her.
David’s thoughts took a turn to the mother of the twins. He tried hard not to think about her. She had been a huge mistake and the only good that had come out of being with her was the twins. David sighed inwardly. Winter Monroe. He should have been forewarned by her name that she was cold and icy but at that point David just needed someone to make him feel like a man. He was still reeling over Maddie’s disappearance and when he met Winter he was ripe for the picking. Oh she was beautiful – tall, slender with smoky grey eyes and kissable lips. Their relationship was hot and heavy and before he knew it she was carrying his babies. David remembered he had been overjoyed with the news that she was pregnant. After two lost babies, David was thrilled that he was getting another chance to be a father. Immediately, he had proposed but Winter had just laughed. He was stricken by her icy attitude and her threat of ending the pregnancy. David had been desperate and he basically bought her off. All the money he had saved over the years -which wasn’t much – but was enough to convince Winter to have his babies. By that time; he had discovered that she already had a husband and two kids who she had run away from. Her husband had come to LA in search of her and had told David that she had left him with two children under the age of six. David couldn’t believe what a dummy he had been. But at least now he had his babies. He didn’t care at all about the money. Winter had disappeared. She had never even held the twins.
David’s reverie was broken by someone pulling on his arm. “Daddy! Daddy!” Jason was looking up at him with green eyes filled with awe. “Magic!”
David tousled his son’s dark brown hair with a grin. “Sure is magic.” He bent down to kiss the boy’s head then he looked over at Julie who was jumping up and down with glee. He shook his head. Julie and Jason were twins but they were two very different little people. Jason was quieter and more of a thinker while Julie took more after him. She was spontaneous and a bit on the wild side. Both children were very bright but Julie seemed to pick things up in a flash while Jason took his sweet time learning new things. Julie also could throw a wicked tantrum while Jason pouted more than he screamed. But looking at his children, David knew he was a lucky man. The twins were healthy and happy and that is all he could ask for. Sometimes he felt guilty that they didn’t have a mother but he did the best he could. The twins always came first and he had made sure to find a wonderful housekeeper and nanny.
Milly was a motherly woman in her late sixties who doted on the twins and she doted on David too. She treated them like her family and they all adored her. David knew that he was fortunate to have found her. She had been recommended by one of his clients and she truly was a Godsend. He had been at his wits end when the twins were infants. He had gone through 3 nannies in the first month of their lives. The first nanny seemed to cold and rigid so David had let her go. He had tried a younger woman who had developed a major crush on him so he had to let her go. He didn’t need that complication in his life. And the next woman he had hired turned out to be a thief and a liar so he quickly fired her. David had no clue where to turn. He hated the idea of putting his young babies in a daycare center but he needed to work and he couldn’t take the twins with him – although he did for a couple of days between nannies. The women on the staff fell in love with Julie and Jason but David knew that Blue Moon was no place for babies. Thank God one of his clients had visited the office and noticed the twins. David had admitted his dilemma and the client had immediately recommended the woman who had practically raised his own kids.
Maddie couldn’t keep her eyes off of David who was watching the magic show with the twins. Was this the same David Addison who lived in an apartment devoid of any furniture? The same man who kept only beer and cheese in his refrigerator? She suddenly felt angry at herself. One of the major reasons she had so feared getting involved with David was his immaturity and irresponsibility. She hadn’t been convinced that party animal Dirty Dave could be a family man. She had been wrong. Her feet carried her over to the happy little family. She couldn’t help wanting to spend as much time as possible with the man who had once been a huge part of her life.
David beckoned Maddie over with a wave of his long hand. “Hey! Thought you left already.” He had been nervous that she would leave before he had a chance to see her again. All the old feelings were making him feel unsure and anxious. Even if he wanted to see her again why would Maddie want any to do with a man with two little kids?
“I wouldn’t leave without saying good-bye to your twins.” Maddie told him seriously.
“Oh but you would leave without saying bye to me?” David joked reminding both of them of what an easy relationship they had once had.
Maddie shook her head. “Now why would I do that fella?” She gave him a sultry smile which made his heart jump. “I would never do that. Maybe I missed you.” She put forth bravely. She didn’t care if he hadn’t missed her; she wanted David to know that she still cared. For once in her life Maddie was allowing her heart to rule her brain.
Maddie was thrilled to see a happy grin cover David’s face. He bent his head close to her blonde one and whispered huskily. “Maybe, I missed you too Blondie.”
Their eyes locked on each other but their moment was interrupted by two whirlwinds who danced around the couple. “Daddy likes the pretty lady!” Julie shouted with glee. Then she looked seriously at Maddie. “Do you like my daddy?”
Laughter spilled from Maddie’s lips. “Yes, I like your daddy very much.” The twins continued to jump around like dervishes as Maddie and David stood looking at each other with searching eyes.
The rest of the afternoon sped by and soon it was getting dark. Maddie and David had spent the better part of the day together but now the party was beginning to wind down. People were saying their good-byes, rounding up sleepy children and leaving with the smiles of having spent a wonderful day with friends.
David was the first to make a move. The twins were half asleep lying sprawled across his body. He had earlier thrown a blanket down on the grass so that the twins could settle down. David had been surprised but happy when Maddie had joined their little group and plopped down on the blanket across from David. But now it was time for him to take the twins home. It was way past their bedtimes and he knew if he didn’t get them to sleep soon tomorrow they’d be two very little cranky people. He stood up with a nod toward the twins. “I think it’s time for these two to get into their pjs and go to bed.”
Maddie knew that the day was coming to an end but now she felt desolate at the thought of never seeing David or the twins again. Just the short time they had spent together made her remember why she had fallen in love with him so many years ago. The angry, bitter man was gone and the old David – a much more mature, responsible David – but the fun-loving, joking David who had a huge heart was back. “Oh sure. Well…” Maddie didn’t know what to say. She wanted to tell David she’d love to see him again but she couldn’t get the words out of her mouth.
David looked at Maddie. “Well…” He also wanted to tell her that he wanted to see her again but the old Addison questions about why she would want to be with a man like him kept his mouth shut. “Great seeing you again.” He told her searching her eyes for a hint that she was interested in seeing him again.
“Yes Great Great.” She told him with a question in her eyes.
David was just about to say something when Bert and Agnes came over. The couple was thrilled to see that David and Maddie had spent most of the day together. Agnes had never stopped hoping that one day Maddie and David would wind up together. “So happy that you could make the party.” Agnes hugged Maddie and winked at David behind Maddie’s back. “It was great seeing you again! We missed you!” She let go of Maddie and looked pointedly at David. “Didn’t we?”
David nodded his head. “Yes yes.”
Bert was nodding along with David. “I hope you don’t disappear again. We were all hurt that you disappeared without a word.” Bert put in not realizing that he was bringing up the things that no one wanted to recall.
Maddie didn’t know what to say but as always Agnes came to the rescue. “I’m sure that Miss Hayes had her reasons.” She smiled at Maddie. “But now she’s back and I hope she is planning on staying in Los Angeles.” She looked closely at Maddie. “You are aren’t you?”
Maddie nodded. “Oh yes I plan on staying close. I missed all of you too.” She hugged Agnes and felt tears prick her eyes. After a few minutes of small talk and good nights, Agnes made Maddie promise to come by the house one night during the week for coffee and cake. Maddie agreed with a smile. Finally, the other couple walked away leaving Maddie and David alone with the sleeping twins.
David looked down at the twins with a wry grin. “This is when being a single dad gets tricky. Two kids one me. They’re getting too big to carry both of them together.”
Maddie laughed as he gently picked up the sleeping Julie. “No worries daddy. I can help get them to the car.”
As soon as Jason was placed in his car seat his eyes flew open. “Pretty lady.” He smiled at Maddie. “We’re going to Disney tomorrow for daddy’s birthday.”
“Yes that sounds like so much fun!” Maddie grinned at the small boy who looked so much like David.
“Can you come with us pretty Maddie?” Julie asked with a wide smile and hopeful look in her eyes.
“Yes! Fun! Fun!” Jason squealed clapping his small hands together.
David looked at Maddie longingly. “Maybe the pretty lady wants to have fun with us.”
Julie and Jason shouted with glee. “Yes Maddie lady!”
David threw her the lopsided grin that had always made her legs weak. “So you want to have some fun with me? With us?” His eyes were green heat.
Maddie nodded. “I’d be delighted.” She told David with a grin. Her heart was leaping with happiness and hope. She still loved this man.
“Pick you up at 9?”
She nodded.
David stopped. “Wait where do you live? Same place?”
Maddie nodded. “Same place.” What was she doing? She thought about Milly and who she might be but suddenly nothing mattered except seeing David again. This time she wouldn’t throw away any opportunities or chances that she was given to win him back. She glanced at his naked ring finger and then back up into his handsome face. “You do remember where I live?”
“How could I ever forget?” Wait, what was he doing? Why was he allowing the woman who shattered his heart, his manhood, and his pride to bits back into his life? And now he had the twins to worry about. He didn’t know if he could trust her ever again. But something in her eyes led him to believe that she was eager to spend time with him. And he knew that if he didn’t take the chance to see her again he’d regret it. He threw her a two finger kiss as he climbed into his black SUV. Then he gave her one last wave as he pulled his car away from the curb and headed for home.
Home was now a sprawling ranch just outside of Brentwood. David’s dad had lent him the money for the down payment and since Blue Moon was thriving, he was able to pay his dad back with interest. David Addison pulled into the driveway of the home he loved and then sat back with his head on the headrest. Tomorrow was going to be a very interesting day. But was he doing the right thing by letting Maddie back into his life?
Maddie drove home in a haze. Was she dreaming or had she really been with David Addison? She was nervous and scared but also excited. She had missed him dreadfully. She pulled into her long driveway and killed the engine but instead of getting out of her car she put her head on the headrest lost in thought. Snippets of memories of David with Annie ran through her mind. He had almost killed her with his vindictive affair with her cousin but something in his eyes showed her he had changed. None of the spiteful anger that had clouded David’s eyes during their last months together remained. Instead in the depth of his beautiful green eyes she saw only contentment and happiness; and when he looked at her she thought she detected hope and maybe even the remnants of love. Maybe it was just her wishful thinking of what she wanted to see but she couldn’t let this last chance at happiness pass her by. She needed to get to know the new David Addison. Tomorrow was going to be a very interesting day. But once again her fear rise to the surface - was she doing the right thing by letting David back into her life?
