3 Babies and a Wedding

[Addisonsgirl]

The week before the wedding was a busy one. Finally the day of the rehearsal dinner was upon them. That afternoon Maddie had gone to pick up her wedding gown which joyfully fit her new curves and baby bump. Agnes had gone with her to pick up the dress and the ladies had gone out for a light lunch afterward. Both women were happy and looking forward to the coming days and tonight’s rehearsal dinner.

In the meantime, David and Bert were tying up some loose knots on the cases they were working on since David would be away for a week leaving the short detective in charge of the investigating work; while Agnes would be in charge of the office management. Maddie and David felt comfortable leaving the couple in charge since it had been a success when they went to Chicago a few months ago. The men finished up as soon as they could so they could go home and get ready for the rehearsal dinner that night.

The rehearsal ceremony at the church went by without any mishaps. Maddie was surprised how much the solemn atmosphere touched her; she hadn't expected that. When they had started to plan their wedding a few months ago, she had been the first one to suggest they go to a church – perfectly knowing that this would probably mean a lot to David; and it had made him extraordinarily happy that it had been her suggestion – he knew that she probably would have been fine with a ceremony in front of a Justice of the Peace. But now, somehow, it felt right to her to speak the vows in a church, even if she couldn't quite define why.

After the rehearsal ceremony everyone was invited by David’s father to the traditional rehearsal dinner. Maddie, David, her parents, his father and Stephanie and Best Man and Maid Of Honor with their respective “plus ones” went to a nice cozy restaurant not far away from the church.

The food was delicious, and they all had a great time with a lot of chatting and laughs. Maddie's parents and David's father and Stephanie seemed to be engaged in friendly conversation which made David and Maddie very happy to see their parents bonding. When he noticed that everybody was getting along so well, David told their waiter to take it slow and leave a little pause between the courses.

During one of those little pauses, Terri rose from her seat to pace a bit around – she was very far along in her pregnancy, that it didn't do her back any good to sit too long. Richie jumped from his seat too, but she just laughed.

“Don't worry and stay put,” she told him, “I just need to walk a few steps. And breathe a little fresh air. I'll take a look at the terrace.”

Out of nowhere, Agnes appeared at her side. “I could use some fresh air too,” she said. “Do you mind?”

“Of course not!” Unceremoniously, Terri put her arm through Agnes' elbow, and they went outside on the beautiful terrace.

“Everything okay with you?” Agnes asked when Terri frowned a little and put a hand in her lower back.

“Oh yes.” Terri nodded. “It's just that the weight does affect my back a little. But it's no big deal.”

Agnes threw her a curious sideways glance. “Are you nervous?” she asked.

Terri laughed. “Yeah, a little.” She shrugged. “But I try not to worry all the time. No use in that.”

“Good thing you've found help in Mr. Addison. Richie, I mean,” Agnes added nonchalantly.

Terri cleared her throat. “Yes, he's a really good friend,” she replied and emphasized the last word a little defensively. Why did she always get the impression everyone was implying she and Richie were more than just friends? And really, why would anyone think that?

Agnes smiled to herself. “Of course.”

Terri frowned a little, but before she could think of anything to say, Maddie came outside too. “Ah, here you are!” she exclaimed brightly. “I was wondering where you two went off to!”

“I needed a bit of fresh air,” Terri explained. “And – I couldn't sit anymore.” She sighed. “I must say I'm getting a little impatient by now and hope these last two weeks will go by fast.”

“I hear you,” Maddie agreed. “I'm complaining already, but you must feel exhausted by now.”

Agnes excused herself to freshen up before the next course was served, and the two pregnant women were left alone. “What's the matter?” Maddie asked when she saw Terri's pensive gaze follow her Maid Of Honor walking inside.

“Oh...” Terri shook her head for a moment as to clear it off of some spiderwebs and said: “It's amazing. I barely know Agnes, but somehow she seems to... I don't know...” she shrugged, “...to look right into you.”

Maddie laughed. “She does,” she confirmed and nodded, “believe me. A lot of people underestimate Agnes DiPesto...” – she shrugged a little sheepishly – “I did that too for some time,” she admitted, “but usually she's right on the money.” She gave Terri a conspiratorial smile. “She knew what was going on between David and me before we even were at the point to deny there was something going on.”

“Oh.” Terri returned the smile feebly and looked away, clearing her throat nervously.

Maddie smiled to herself. “What did she say?” she asked.

Her question was never answered, because they were interrupted by Stephanie's arrival. “Here you are!” She almost teared up when she saw the two visibly pregnant women standing close together. “You girls are so beautiful!” she sniffled.

“Who, us?” Terri asked dryly. “Moby Dick and Miss Piggy?”

Maddie erupted in laughter, and Stephanie threw her a shocked stare. “What are you saying?” she scolded. “I think you both look absolutely stunning and not fat!”

“Ha!” Terri snapped her fingers. “Believe me, you'll get there!” she predicted and quickly bit her lip when she realized what she had just said. “Um... some day, eventually,” she backpedaled.

Stephanie's surprise that Terri obviously knew about her condition lasted only for a moment, and she smiled. “It's okay,” she waved her off. “I should have guessed Richie told you.” She nudged Maddie playfully. “The Addison men do confide in their women once they've found one!”

Maddie grinned to herself, amused about Terri's slightly flustered expression. “I'm not...”

“Oh, that's all right, honey,” Stephanie interrupted and linked arms with both Terri and Maddie. “Let's go back inside, I think they are serving dessert now.”

Great, Terri thought, another clairvoyant...

***
David kicked off his shoes and threw off his tie as he walked into the house after the rehearsal dinner. It had been a great evening, he had to admit, although he hadn't exactly looked forward to it and thought of it more as a pesky duty, but actually he had enjoyed himself. He grudgingly admitted to himself that the thought of having his father nearby in the future was a happy one, especially now that the Bean was due soon. At the moment life wasn’t just good – it was great and if he had anything to do with it was going to get better in a few minutes. He felt his dick move as he thought of his plans for his bride-to-be.

Maddie made a face as she watched David flinging his clothes around – his shoes in the entranceway, his tie over the stair railing, his suit jacket on the chair near the piano. “David Addison! What are you doing?” she snapped, putting her hands to her hips. “Why are you throwing your clothes everywhere?” Maddie was outraged in her Maddie way. Really, could that man ever be neat?

The slightly aggressive tone of her voice and the anger on her face made his dick twitch. He shoved his hands in his pockets and sauntered over to her. “Relax, babe,” he drawled, “don't get all worked up over stuff like that. I'll take care of it later.” He raised a provocative eyebrow, and Maddie rolled her eyes.

“You better!” she emphasized with a growl, like so often feeling the need to admonish him; maybe she knew deep down that this attitude of hers sometimes was the extra spice fueling his desire, and she added: “I thought we were over this hump in our relationship!?”

David grinned at her wickedly as he pulled her in his arms. “Oh, I’m gonna hump you alright, babe. I said forget the clothes! I’ll get them later... now, I have other things to take care of,” he purred and covered her mouth with his as he pinned her against the front door. His hands were busy running all over her body until all her sudden anger and annoyance at David were gone, replaced by a burning heat.

Maddie tilted her head back to give David better access to that spot on her neck. “You are a wicked man,” she told him breathlessly as she tried to grind her loins into the tent in the front of his pants; but with her belly growing this became more and more difficult when they were standing face to face. With a quick move, David grabbed her hips and turned her around in his arms, pressing his massive boner into her backside.

“And you love it,” David told her as his left hand snaked up her skirt until he reached damp lace. “You are so fucking hot. Tonight is the last time we’ll be fucking in sin, babe. And then you’ll be mine to do what I want forever and ever honey,” he purred as he began to move his fingers over her already throbbing nub in light circular motions, causing her to moan and open her legs wide for him. His other hand was unbuttoning her blouse and his tongue was busy over that spot. Maddie let her head fall back, resting it on his shoulder, and steadied herself with her palms against the wooden frame of the entrance door.

“Oh my God,” she panted when his hand reached up and firmly cupped her right breast, massaging it gently at first and then taking her erect nipple between thumb and index finger and slowly rolled it between them. The expert fingers of his left hand kept teasing and tormenting her aching core through the wet silk of her panties while he thrust his pant-covered erection into her rhythmically, causing her to moan loudly.

Maddie was lost in a haze of passion as she spread her legs even wider nearing her orgasm. “Ohhh... David!” she cried out. “Please...”

“Ahhh yeah, baby, just like that,” he spurred her on in a husky voice and increased his stroking, twirling and thrusting rhythm. “Spread for me,” he chuckled, causing Maddie to fall to pieces under his magic hands.

“Oh God, David... I’m coming! It’s so good.” Maddie gasped as wave after wave of pleasure washed over her body. He truly was her sexual magician.

David turned her around quickly as she recovered from her climax. “Oh yeah, that sounded great. Love how I can make you come so fast, babe.” He peeled her blouse off then shrugged out of his shirt which Maddie had deftly unbuttoned while she started to rain hot wet kisses onto his chest, greedily reaching down for his belt.

“Now, now, Miss Hayes,” he teased, “why the hurry? Let's not rush.” He raised a mocking eyebrow. “Let’s get rid of the rest of our clothes upstairs, where we can put them away neatly and orderly. Besides...” he took her hand and pulled her towards the stairs, despite her impatient protests, “What I have in mind for you needs to be done in our bed.” As he ascended the stairs with his arm wrapped around Maddie's waist he was murmuring all the things he planned to do to her, causing her to shiver and sigh in eager anticipation of all the delights that were to come.

When they got to their bedroom David gently led her to the bed and slowly peeled off the rest of her clothes, then made her lay back which she did willingly, but she lifted her head again and beckoned David over when he began to unbuckle his belt.

“Let me do that,” she told him, her voice laced with sex and husky from her climax.

David stood in front of her. Maddie pushed herself to a sitting position – her fingers unbuckled his belt, then slowly unzipped his pants. David pushed them down and kicked them off along with his boxers. Maddie gave him an appreciative glance as she reached out to stroke David’s massive boner which was jerking on his stomach, but he allowed her only so much as one quick feel before he backed away a step; he wanted to draw this out as long as possible.

“Lay back,” he ordered in a quiet, yet firm voice, and she felt her insides liquefy again, “and enjoy the show.”

For a moment he stood just there, at the foot of the bed, outside her reach, legs slightly apart and hips pushed a little forward, letting her admire him; then he grabbed onto his dick and started to stroke it slowly, perfectly aware of her hunger, knowing it would drive her crazy. He loved how her eyes glazed over in heat as she watched him moving his left hand lazily and with relish up and down his thick shaft, again and again, after a bit he sped up the rhythm moving his hand faster and faster. Maddie she saw how his glorious cock hardened even more under his own hand, and she couldn't help licking her lips, as her own hand slid between her legs to pet her hotbox, guided by her horniness. She moaned and massaged her aching loins, again spreading her legs wantonly. But she didn't close her eyes; they were wide open and glued to David's hand working on his massive dick.

David chuckled smugly. “Oh yeah, pet that pussy, baby,” he purred huskily, “I know how hot you must be.” He licked his lips and continued to stroke himself, mentally reciting football scores. “Aaahhh, you want this inside so badly, right?”

“Oh God... yes!” she panted and massaged her hotbox faster; her hand was moving all by itself.

“Sooooo horny and wanton,” he whispered in a low voice, “and so wet...”

She could only whimper and spread her damp thighs even wider, invitingly, almost pleadingly.

“Mmmmh, if you could feel how hard it is, how it pulsates...” he spurred her on, his grip getting firmer and firmer, his hand working steadily up and down, up and down, up and down...

“Oh David, oh God...” she stammered and felt the build-up start at her toes and her juices flow abundantly. When David saw her head fall back and her hips start to buck and rotate while she was petting herself in a maddening rhythm, he knew she was just about to climax. Just in time, he thought with relief and let go of his jerking cock, quickly climbing onto the bed between her legs.

Maddie almost sobbed when he pulled away her stroking hand and told her: “This is all for me.” Then he put his palm onto her sex and in silent triumph felt her core quiver and convulse helplessly under his touch.

“So hot, honey,” he purred in a hoarse voice when her climax started to subside and bent his head to blow on the still swollen nub between her legs. “Now let me taste how horny you are.” He darted out his tongue, tasting her and making her squirm again. “Nice hot pussy.” His tongue began to lick her hotbox with long lazy strokes, “just the way I love it.”

Maddie was clawing at the sheets and screaming David’s name, he took her legs and placed them around his shoulders as he pleasured Maddie with his mouth until she came for the third time, so hard she nearly blacked out. She opened her eyes to find David’s dick in her face.

“My turn,” he whispered as he flopped back on his back and pushed her head toward his pulsing dick. Maddie didn’t hesitate, she loved using her mouth on David. She loved the power she felt as she made him lose control. “Oh, I love your big dick, David,” she breathed as she began to lick his shaft, her fingers playing with his balls. She loved feeling David jerk when she took him in her mouth and began to move her head up and down in the rhythm that he loved.

David tangled his fingers through Maddie’s hair as he approached his climax, already more than ready by the little prelude. He looked down to see her blonde head bobbing on his dick and that pushed him over the edge; he came so long and hard that he thought the top of his head exploded. “Oh God, Maddie!” he screamed as he came. He lay still for a minute, then opened his dazzling green eyes. “Damn, woman... it gets better every fucking time,” he told her his eyes still filled with passion and lust. He couldn’t get enough of her.

Maddie also couldn’t get enough of him, especially because she hadn't felt him inside her yet. “Tomorrow night we’re going to be sleeping alone for the first time in months,” she sighed with regret in her voice as her fingers played with his damp chest hair.

“Don’t remind me,” David groaned, “I don’t understand why we can’t be together.”

“It’s tradition,” Maddie shrugged lifting her head to look in his eyes. She smiled at him sexily, the glimmer of lust still in her eyes. “So you’ll just have to make sure that we get enough tonight to hold us over.”

David’s eyes mirrored hers. He licked his lips and pursed them into a half-smile. “You betcha,” he told her and pulled her on top of him, “here, feel this,” he grunted as he thrust his hips upwards and pushed the full length of him inside of her, causing her to cry out in ecstasy when she finally felt him fill her completely.

“Hot damn,” she exclaimed and started to ride him as fast as she could, but again, her belly hindered her. David took her wrists and guided her hands to the headboard.

“Hold on,” he ordered and grabbed her hips firmly. “You wanna ride?” he groaned. “Here we go, cowgirl...” He started to pound into her from below while she held on to the headboard with both hands. “Ya like this, huh?”

“Oh yes,” she exclaimed, “finally... oh please, fuck me, David... fuck me hard!”

And he did exactly that until they both came together in a pool of passion.

***
The next day was Friday, the day before the wedding. Maddie and David had been a little dismayed to discover that they were going to be spending the entire day apart. Maddie already had appointments to have her hair and nails done but Terri and Agnes had come up with the idea that the bride should have a relaxing day at a spa before the big day, and so Maddie went off - at first a little reluctantly - with them to be pampered for a whole day; her mother and Stephanie were joining them too. Maddie and the girls had to laugh when David and Richie warned them as they left that this time they would not come to the rescue and they would rot in jail if they had anything risqué up their sleeves. Richie and David’s voice’s boomed over them as they walked out the door. “This time we’re not gonna bail you chicks out…” The women laughed as they piled into the car and headed out.

With a lingering gaze as the women left the men alone. David and Richie decided to go out to breakfast before they picked up the tuxedos and make sure that all the arrangements with the limo and the band were firmed up. The two brothers were antsy when they finally reached home after 4 that afternoon. David sighed as they walked into the empty house. “This house sure seems empty without the blonde bombshell.” David caught himself, he didn’t want to sound sappy in front of his brother, “but now we can do anything we want without being scolded. Even drink beer straight out of the can.” David forced a laugh.

Richie nodded; he was wondering what Terri was doing and hoped she was having a relaxing day. He knew that she had been having mild contractions and back pain for the past couple of days and he was worried about her. But like his brother he would never want to appear sappy or pussy whipped. “Well bro, what are we waiting for. Let’s get us a brewski or two before we grab your stuff and head over to my place.” David’s last night as a bachelor would be spent on his brother's couch.

About an hour later, David and his brother were at Richie's place and just about to flop on the couch with their beers when they heard the sound of the doorbell. Both men looked at each other. “No police,” they both said at the same time. Worried they bolted to the door. David threw it open to find a ruffled Viola on the doorstep holding up boxes of pizza. “I thought since our love muffins abandoned us tonight we could commiserate together with hot pizza and cold beer.”

At first David was a bit irritated that Bert showed up with pizza and beer. He didn’t much feel like listening to Bert’s long winded monologues but surprisingly the evening turned out to be relaxing and fun. Bert wasn't annoying at all, actually he was good company, and the three of them had a few laughs and got even a bit sentimental in that goofy, loudmouthed, typical male way, which was just a clumsy way to mask how crazy they were about their women. Richie was particularly eager to make fun of David and Bert for enjoying the leash they had been put on when Bert commented dryly: “Oh, I bet you wouldn't mind having your friend Miss Knowles around either, Mr. Addison.”

“What are you saying, man?” Richie scolded him with a frown and a punch in the shoulder which made the much shorter Bert yelp. “She's just a friend, not my friend. And I told you it's Richie.”

David laughed. “Leave Bertie-boy alone, Rich!” he told his brother. “And don't underestimate his clairvoyance.” Bert puffed out his chest at his idol's words; David punched his other shoulder, but not as roughly as Richie had. “He has given me a few good bits of advice on my way to the altar.”

“Whatever,” Richie grumbled and suddenly clapped his hands. “Guys, I'm feeling a sudden urge for pizza,” he exclaimed, obviously very keen on changing the subject. “You want another slice?” He jumped up and headed into the kitchen. David and Bert exchanged a conspiratorial smirk behind his back with a lot of eyebrow-wiggling.

A few hours later, Bert left, and David stifled a yawn.

“You better get some sleep bro. You need to be wide awake for the chain and shackle ceremony.” Richie pointed toward his room. “You sure you don’t want to sleep in my bed?”

David waved him off briskly. “Nah, don’t know how much action that bed’s seen lately,” he teased.

Richie shook his head. “Believe me, little bro – not enough.” Richie realized that he had been spending so much time with Terri that he hadn’t even had the chance to go looking for another woman. I've just been busy, he told himself, and that's not only because of Terri – I've been building a whole new life here in just a couple of weeks, getting an apartment, opening a bar... no, as soon as things are running smoothly and Terri's baby is born, things will revert back to normal, and this bed will see a fair amount of action.

“Really?” David raised his eyebrows. “The Adman not hitting anything?”

Richie laughed. “Nah, just living through you, Dave; imaging how it would feel to tap that blonde you got.”

David threw Richie a warning glare. “I better not hear you talk or think about Maddie in that way, you hear?” David’s finger was pointed at Richie like a loaded gun.

Richie threw his hands up in defense. “I was pulling your leg, Davey, calm down,” he snickered. “But bet right now you’re wishing she was pulling something besides your leg huh?” Richie left the room before the cushion David threw could hit him.

David couldn’t help but laugh at his brother’s crudeness as he headed for the sofa where he would sleep that night. He didn’t really want to sleep on the sofa away from Maddie – he didn’t understand the archaic custom of not seeing your bride to be the night before the wedding – especially one you’ve been living with for the last 6 months! He sighed as he plopped his head down onto the pillow; lifted his long legs on to the couch, covered himself with the blanket and tried to get comfortable. He closed his eyes, but all he could see was Maddie. He thought he could even smell her perfume – a lemon and vanilla smell that had haunted his dreams and waking hours long before he ever held her in his arms. Boy did he miss her! That woman sure had him twisted around her little finger among other various body parts. He lay there wide awake trying to will himself to sleep, since tomorrow was going to be the biggest day of his life so far – but he had become too accustomed sleeping wrapped around a curvy blonde – his hand covering her baby bump – that sleep would be very elusive that night.

***
Maddie wasn’t having an easier time in their bed across town. She had thought that after a long day of pampering with Agnes, Terri, Stephanie and her mother – which had been really great fun – and a nice hot bath she would fall into bed and fall instantly asleep, but that hadn’t happened. Instead, here she was tossing and turning in the suddenly much too large bed. She had slept in alone in this very same bed for so many years before she had met David, but now it felt empty and huge without him. She could still smell his scent on his pillow which she had placed under her head but it still wasn’t enough. Creeping out of bed like a beast in the night, Maddie began to pace the bedroom trying to will David out of her mind. She knew she needed her sleep; she didn’t want to have black circles under her eyes from lack of sleep on her wedding day!

Her eyes fell upon the horny toad David had given her during that crazy month they had spent trying to discover where their relationship was going. She eagerly grabbed David’s namesake off the dresser and hugged him to her chest like a little girl with her favorite stuffed toy. Maddie looked down at the green toy with a grin on her face. “I love you, little David. But I miss my big one.” As she was heading back to her lonely bed she spontaneously grabbed the t-shirt that David had thrown over the chair – she knew he had worn it to bed the previous night. She quickly threw off her nightshirt and pulled the shirt over her head. It was warm and still held the scent of David – a scent she could never put into words but loved beyond measure. Finally, she felt more at peace as she lay down in the bed wearing David’s shirt and holding on tightly to the horny toad.

***
Lying on Richie’s sofa, David still could not fall asleep. He was too excited about the following day to sleep. He couldn’t wrap his mind around the fact that he was actually marrying Maddie Hayes; the Blue Moon Shampoo girl and former model. How had he gotten so lucky? When he had first met her, he knew he wanted to bang the haughty look off her face, but he didn’t have a clue she would soon become his life line and the woman he couldn’t live without.

David sat up and ran his hands through his tousled hair. He laid his head back on the top of the sofa and reminisced about the first time he had had a suspicion he wanted more from his sharp tongued boss than a roll in the hay. It hadn’t taken him long to see the warm heart beneath the cold exterior she showed to the world. She must have been hurt by people in her life David had thought on more than one occasion when the great walls of Maddie sprung up around her carefully closing her off to her emotions. Not that he hadn’t had his share of walls to hide behind too. It was a miracle that two such fucked up people had finally let down their defenses to not only fall in love, but reveal to each other their true feelings. It had taken them a while to get to that point, but once they had, there was no turning back.

It was hard to pinpoint the exact moment his feelings had changed from lust to love but he admitted now that it hadn’t taken long for him to fall madly in love with Maddie even though he had buried his feelings for his temperamental partner for a very long time. He remembered that when he thought she had sold the agency to Lou LaSalle he had felt such a blinding anguish – that it was just business for her – but realizing with a jolt to his heart and soul that it was more than just business for him. And long before the blonde in the jail cell made him face his feelings deep inside, he had loved Maddie for a very long time. But all that was now in the past. Tomorrow was the first day of the rest of their lives – together. He lay down again and dozed off with Maddie and the Bean on his mind.

***
Maddie felt her eyes growing heavy as she lay in bed but still craved David’s strong arms around her. How could she have gotten so used to him sleeping beside her – wrapped around her usually. She missed him so much. Suddenly, Maddie remembered with a pang of old longing the way she had felt when she had thought that she would never see David again. It had been when he had believed he had murdered that old man and the police were after him – when he had said goodbye and kissed her – or she had kissed him – she had felt like her world was coming to an end. And even though she had had an inkling that David was more to her than a business partner, that was the first time she realized that he had become as necessary to her as the air she breathed. But she hadn’t allowed herself to acknowledge those feelings until she had followed him to NYC – jealous and curious, and also a little fearful over his ex-wife and the thought that he might go back to her. After that she couldn’t hide her feelings from herself any longer, although she still tried to deny them and successfully hid them from David.

She shook her head mentally as she began to doze. Thank God they had finally come to their senses and put their petty fears and egos aside. If not, they wouldn’t be looking forward to one of the most important and happy days of their lives – their wedding day. Finally, thinking of her love for David and the Bean, Maddie fell into an exhausted sleep.

***
The following morning was busy at Maddie’s house. The photographer was due to arrive at 11 and Virginia and Agnes were running – what seemed to Maddie – aimlessly around her house half-dressed. Both women had slept there, so that they could help Maddie get everything ready and give her moral support in case her nerves should go bonkers. But, surprisingly enough, Maddie was the calmest of all three of the women she realized as she walked into the kitchen to put on a pot of coffee. Although no one had an appetite to eat a full breakfast, a cup of coffee was strongly needed. Maddie missed waking up to the delicious aroma of David’s strong coffee; once again she realized how much she depended on her green eyed devil. He had been right from the start – she needed him to live. Smiling to herself about that thought and without further ado, Maddie put on the pot of coffee, put a few slices of bread in the toaster and called to her mother and Agnes.

The two women raced into the kitchen with nervous looks over their faces. Maddie stifled a laugh. They were more nervous than she was; actually Maddie was surprised to find she was relatively calm. Things would work out – they needed to go with the flow. She realized her inner voice sounded like David, and a smile covered her face. “I made us coffee and toast.“

Virginia sighed deeply as she plopped into a kitchen chair in what was an uncharacteristic move for her. She poured a cup of coffee. “You seem calm, Maddie.” She felt more nervous than she had on her own wedding day.

“I am, mom. Everything is going to be just fine.” She smiled at Virginia and Agnes who looked as white as a sheet. “I refuse to ruin what should be the happiest day of my life with unfounded worries and nerves.” Maddie meant what she said and was proud of herself.

Agnes’ face registered slight shock when she realized after those words what a long road her employer and friend had really come. “Oh, Maddie... You sound like David!”

Maddie nodded as she sipped her coffee and ate her toast. “Yes. Yes I do.” She grinned broadly. “Let’s enjoy this day. Please!”

Agnes’ face broke into a smile. “Yes we will. Won’t we, Mrs. Hayes?”

Virginia nodded. “Please call me Virginia. And yes, I will!” she told them, but inside she still was still nervous although she couldn’t understand why, since she was thrilled that Maddie was marrying a wonderful man in David. Mother of the bride nerves she supposed. But she willed herself to hide her anxieties from Maddie. After their light breakfast the ladies went upstairs to finish dressing.

Maybe an hour later, Virginia walked into Maddie’s bedroom and stopped short when she saw her daughter dressed in her wedding gown. She looked like an angel in champagne white. Tears sprang to Virginia’s eyes as she helped Maddie pin up the train of her gown. “You look so beautiful,” she told her with shimmering eyes.

Maddie smiled at her mother who was stunning in her own gown of spun gold. “Oh mom, so do you!” She spontaneously hugged the older woman.

Virginia helped Maddie finish dressing, and they still had a few minutes before the photographer was due. Virginia sat on the edge of the bed and beckoned over her daughter. “I just want to give you some advice from an old married woman.” She had to get this off her chest.

“Oh mom, you’re not old!” Maddie protested with a silvery laugh.

“Old enough.” Virginia’s eyes met her daughter’s blue ones. “Marriage isn’t easy, Maddie,” she told her in a surprisingly serious tone. “It is hard work. You love, you live, you fight – you even hate at times, but if your love is true and deep you will work through the bad times.”

“Mom, I know.” Maddie replied solemnly; she knew marriage was not easy – especially for her and David – but she knew they’d fight for their love, and they had already proven they wouldn't back off at the slightest obstacle.

Virginia took Maddie’s hands and held them in hers. “Forgiving is an important part of marriage too, Maddie.” Virginia nodded. “You may never forget a wrongdoing, but if the man is a good man – like your dad and your David – you can and you should always try to forgive.”

Maddie realized her mother was talking about her dad’s indiscretion. She had forgiven him and kept their marriage intact; Maddie thought to herself that she didn’t know if she was capable of that type of forgiveness and might instead be jailed for murder. She pushed that unwanted thought aside. David wouldn’t cheat. Or would he? She never imagined her dad would. She hoped with all her heart that she never would have to find out how far her willingness to forgive really would go. And she hoped with all her heart that she never would push David so far as to test the limits of his forgiveness. Why was her mom putting these unwelcome thoughts in her head today of all days?

“I know you’re wondering why I am saying these things to you today.” Virginia took Maddie's hands in hers and searched her gaze. “It’s not to make you unhappy or worried at all. David is a good man. A wonderful man. But a human who is capable of making mistakes – as are you. All I am saying to you today is to love each other fully, forgive when possible and remember you are both human.” She bent her head and kissed Maddie on the cheek. “I know if you take this advice you will be happy for the rest of your lives together.”

Maddie smiled and nodded. “I know what you mean, mom.”

Virginia pulled Maddie to her feet. “David loves you madly, deeply – completely. I can see it in his eyes.” She smiled at Maddie. “I see the same feelings in yours. I’m so happy that you both found each other, and I know you will be happy. You have found something worth fighting for at any time, don't ever forget that.” She fixed Maddie’s veil.

The two women smiled at each other with happy tears brimming in their eyes. “I love you, mom.”

Agnes called from downstairs that the photographer had arrived.

***
Five minutes before the ceremony was about to start, David and his best man were waiting in the anteroom of the church. David glanced at his watch for about the fifth time during the last few minutes, and his brother was watching him with amused eyes that were secretly twinkling with affection.

“Ready for showtime, bro?” he asked with a tease in his deep voice.

David whirled around. “You tell me, Rich!” he replied and raised his eyebrows a little nervously. “You do have the rings, don't you?”

The older one chuckled. “Do rocks rock? Do swings swing?”

David poked his brother's chest with a menacing index finger. “Not funny!” he growled in an annoyed voice.

Richie raised both hands. “Yo, relax, Dave!” he exclaimed, reached in his pocket and pulled out the little blue jeweler's box. “Here are the little handcuffs, see?”

David let out a deep breath, secretly relieved. For a moment he had been afraid that Richie had screwed up again. He looked at his watch again and fumbled with his cufflinks.

“So...” Richie said. “Last chance, man.”

David frowned. “For what?”

“Changing your mind,” the older one shrugged with a teasing twinkle in his eyes. He knew that his brother would do no such thing. “Any qualms, regrets, second thoughts?” He nudged David's ribs a little roughly but playfully. “About all those chicks you leave behind?”

Slowly, David shook his head, with pursed lips, a smile spreading on his face. “Not a single one.”

Richie nodded thoughtfully. “Must be a weird feeling, to be so... sure.”

“Believe me, I didn't see it coming,” David told him honestly and shrugged. “You'll see for yourself, one day.”

“Yeah, yeah,” Richie quickly waved him off, “maybe. C'mere, you look like a hobo.” With expert hands, he fixed David's bow tie that hadn't been crooked at all. “You still suck at this, bro,” he told him dryly and smirked the trademark Addison smirk before he slapped his shoulder. “But I guess you'll be gettin' lucky this time.”

David stood still for a second, frozen in time, staring at his brother and going through a strong déjà-vu. For a moment, he was back in that tiny bathroom in South Philly, thirteen years old, nervous, angry and alone – until his grumpy brother took care of more than a stubborn tie. He woke from his haze when Richie snapped his fingers in front of his face.

“Yo, Dave, focus! It's time!” he turned David around and pushed him roughly towards the door leading into the altar room. “Go! I have your back!”

David put his hand on the doorknob and threw a last glance over his shoulder. He wanted to say you had it all the time, but when Richie raised his eyebrows in question and waved his hands impatiently to usher him out, he just said: “Thanks, Rich.”

Then he turned the doorknob and stepped outside to get married.

***
Maddie straightened her father’s bowtie with shaky fingers. Alex smiled into her eyes before he lowered the veil over her face.

“You can still back out,” he teased her with twinkling eyes; knowing that was the last thing on his daughter’s mind. He knew she was crazy about David, and he knew he was good for her. He was the happiest man in the world that his daughter was marrying a good man and ready to settle down with a husband and a baby. He and Virginia had always been worried about her all alone almost two thousand miles away from them, but now he knew there was someone taking care of her and, even more important, making her happy. Oh, his wife had mentioned once or twice that Maddie wasn’t alone and that she had a good partner and friend in David Addison, but with his Hayes nature, Alex wasn’t as certain as his wife that the green eyed wise guy who looked like he could charm the coat off an Eskimo was someone Maddie could depend on. Now he knew that he had been wrong about the young man his daughter had fallen in love with. David Addison was a decent man who he knew would always be there for Maddie – and that filled his heart with joy.

Maddie shook her head mirroring the twinkle in her father’s eyes. “I think I’ll go through with it,” she told him as she patted her baby bump, “this baby needs a father.” She laughed. “And anyway, David would kill me.”

Alex smiled fondly. “And you're crazy about him.”

A wave of affection for her father swept over her. “And I'm crazy about him,” she nodded.

As she said David's name, Maddie was filled with a feeling of peace and happiness. She sometimes pinched herself to make sure she wasn’t dreaming – here she was, getting married with a baby on the way – something she had never imagined would happen a few short months ago. Life was funny and unpredictable, and most times it was best to go with the flow; David had taught her that, among other things. Suddenly, she was filled with a mild panic that life did indeed change quickly – she hoped that she and David would always be this happy. Somehow she knew that they would never quite see eye to eye, that they would continue to argue and banter – and that she would probably want to strangle and kick him at least once a day, but she knew that their relationship was well-balanced and hoped that they would always make up and always battle to keep the love they shared alive. Life with David would never be easy – and she knew she wouldn't make life easy for him either – but anything worth having was never attained without a struggle. Maddie ran her fingers over the ornate cross around her neck that had once belonged to David’s mother. She hadn’t taken the cross off since David had given it to her and she didn’t plan to. She felt safe with this token of David’s love around her neck. Unexpectedly she was surrounded by a feeling of complete peace and love. She rubbed her fingers over the cross and whispered so low that she was the only one who could hear what she said. “Thanks, Mama Addison for bringing me such an amazing man.”

Suddenly the opening chords of the Wedding March filled the church, pulling Maddie out of her reverie. She felt her father take her arm. “I love you, Maddie,” he whispered as he began to lead her down the aisle.

Maddie’s eyes filled with tears and she squeezed Alex’s arm tightly. “I love you too, dad.”

***
David stood at the altar nervously waiting for the sound of the Wedding March to begin. He absentmindedly stroked the bowtie that Richie had just fixed as he shuffled his feet and waited. A fleeting memory of standing at another altar, shaking and terrified, watching an equally shaken young girl walk down the aisle, trying to smile ran through his mind. David quickly pushed any thought of another marriage and another woman out of his mind. That wedding had not been planned or happy – unlike this one.

David felt his insides tremble and tried to understand his feelings which had never been easy for him. He didn’t know why he was feeling so agitated – after all, he knew he was doing the right thing and was happier than he’d ever been in his life. And a sudden unAddisonlike thought ran through his mind that maybe that was the answer to his edginess. He knew that despite their deep love and commitment to one another, life together was not going to be easy. David hoped that they would both always be willing to fight to keep what they had; and not give up on their marriage and love when things got too rocky. He knew he would always battle to keep their love alive – and he hoped and knew deep down that the complicated, unpredictable, moody blonde with the razor sharp tongue and the heart of gold would also never give up. It had taken them too long to find what they had together to throw it away – true love didn’t come around every day.

All other thoughts were wiped out of David’s mind as the opening bars of the Wedding March began and Maddie appeared at the top of the aisle, her arm entwined through her father’s. Maddie’s father with his beaming smile, the guests filling the pews – all of that disappeared, and all David could see was Maddie Hayes. The sight of her took his breath away. She looked like a fairy princess as she began to walk slowly down the aisle. David didn’t even notice the magnificent wedding gown his eyes were pinned on the rapturous look on his wife-to-be’s face. She was looking at him with an expression of adoration, unconditional love and a tiny hint of anxiousness – as if she were silently telling him she was trusting him with her heart and soul and pleading with him not to break it. He made a silent vow that she would never have to regret that. How could he have ever doubted for a second that this happiness would last? Nothing would ever take away this feeling of bliss he was feeling as he watched Maddie walk down the aisle toward him – and the happiness about the rest of their lives together. David didn’t realize it, but the exact same rapturous expression was plastered on his face as he watched Maddie walk down the aisle.

***
When Maddie’s eyes met David’s, her stomach was filled with butterflies. The stunning green of his met the dazzling blue of hers, and the love and adoration she saw in them made her knees weak. She held on tighter to her dad as she walked down the aisle with him. David looked so vulnerable, like always when his emotions were so clearly readable on his face; she thought of what a huge step that had to be for him, to trust a woman with his heart again after the bad experiences he had in his life. She made a silent vow that she would never disappoint the trust he had in her, in them. He was so handsome and so sexy as he watched her walking toward him. She had always been weak for the sight of him in a tuxedo as far back as the time he had followed her to Buones Aires. Had it already been it love back then? That she didn’t know, but the feelings she had felt for her smart aleck partner had been strong even then.

Maddie came back to the present as her love filled eyes pinned on the man she loved. David’s face was filled with joy, and his amazing eyes glittered with green sparkles as she approached him. Maddie’s heart was so filled with love and joy that she felt as if it might burst at any moment. She took a deep breath to steady her nerves and held on even tighter to her dad, not knowing if her jelly legs would hold her; and falling at her own wedding – well – that was something she could not allow to happen. Why hadn’t she realized how long the aisle was during the wedding rehearsal? But finally she reached the end of the aisle, and her dad took her hand from his arm and gave it to David, not without giving his future son-in-law a reassuring, fatherly smile and a nod. Then he lifted the veil, kissed Maddie on the cheek and left them on the altar next to Richie and Agnes who were both beaming with joy.

David winked at her as he took her hand. “Hi,” he purred in a husky voice. “I missed you.”

For a second Maddie was speechless. Soon she would be a wife – David’s wife. Mrs. David Addison. A wide smile covered her face as she squeezed his hand. “I missed you too.”

David bent down to whisper in her ear. “I really don’t like sleeping without you.”

Maddie shook her head. “Me neither. Let’s try to spend every night together from now on. Let’s make a pact,” she teased.

David raised a mocking eyebrow as he chuckled. “Now that’s a pact I can live with.”

The priest cleared his throat to get Maddie and David’s attention. They sheepishly turned toward the priest.

The ceremony began.

***
Terri was fighting with the tears in her eyes when she listened to the words of the priest performing the wedding ceremony for her friends David and Maddie. Normally, she wasn't that emotional at all, but she found that lately her hormones seemed to take over more often, and her usually tough nerves failed her more and more often. A lot of emotions were running through her mind and heart at that moment: she was happy for the couple, even if she had known them only for a relatively short time. She was happy for herself, happy about her luck or fate or whatever it had been that had brought her together with these new friends in her life, and it seemed that along with Maddie and David a whole string of people had entered her life.

There was Agnes DiPesto whom she had taken an instant liking to, simply because she was the sweetest person she'd ever met; there was David's and Richie's stepmother Stephanie who was about her age too and whom she had felt a connection with; then there was Richie, of course; he surely was the weirdest man she had ever met – so nonchalant and jerky, sometimes to the point of crudeness on the outside, but then so unselfish to offer his help in such an extraordinary way and volunteering as her Lamaze partner although he barely knew her, and yes, also sweet, even though in a very strange way. Accepting his offer had turned out to be one of the best decisions she had ever made.

But despite all those new friends she realized that something was painfully missing in her life, and days and occasions like this brought that to the forefront of her mind with a blow; and, of course, despite all her outer strength, she was afraid what the future as a single mother would hold for her; plus, her back had been aching more than usual today.

Terri sighed and tried to push these thoughts aside, concentrating on what was going on at the altar. Maddie looked radiant and lovely in her champagne colored dress, and very young and vulnerable. She knew David would take good care of her. David looked as handsome as ever; never having seen him in a tuxedo before, she was really impressed. Her eyes meandered to his brother and best man, and she thought that if David was already handsome in his tux, Richie was simply a stunner.

Wait a moment, what? She shook her head slightly to clear her mind of these confusing thoughts, and in that moment Richie slightly turned his head, his eyes sweeping over the crowd, as if he were looking for something – or someone. When his eyes found hers, he smiled a crooked smile and winked at her.

Terri forgot the pain in her back.

***
“Now for their first dance as husband and wife, Mr. and Mr. David Addison.”

David and Maddie strolled on to the dance floor hand in hand as the first chords of their wedding song began. Lost in Your Eyes by Debbie Gibson.

I get lost in your eyes
And I feel my spirits rise
And soar like the wind..
Is it love that I am in?

David smiled into Maddie’s eyes as he took her in his arms and held her tightly.

I get weak in a glance
Isn't this what's called romance?
...And now I know
'Cause when I'm lost I can't let go

“Mmmh, you feel so good, wife.”

Maddie laughed as she moved against the ever present boner in David’s pants. “You feel good yourself, husband.”

I don't mind not knowing what I'm headed for
You can take me to the skies...
It's like being lost in heaven
When I'm lost in your eyes

David’s mouth moved against her ear. “I can’t wait to get you home and fuck you for the first time as my wife.”

I just fell, don't know why
Something's there we can't deny...
And when I first knew
Was when I first looked at you

Maddie pulled back to look into his face. “Have I ever told you that you are the crudest man I’ve ever met?” she snapped, but David could tell by the twinkle in her eyes that she wasn’t annoyed at all.

And if I can't find my way
If salvation seems worlds away
Oh, I'll be found
When I am lost in your eyes

“Maybe you have happened to mention that once or twice.” He kissed the corner of her mouth, “and you love it.”

I don't mind not knowing what I'm headed for
You can take me to the skies...
Oh it's like being lost in heaven
When I'm lost in your eyes

Maddie and David fell silent as they danced together; they were both listening to the words of their wedding song which they had painstakingly chosen to be their song. The words perfectly matched their feelings and the deep love they felt for one another.

I get weak in a glance
Isn't this what's called romance?
Oh, I'll be found
When I am lost in your eyes

Maddie huddled closer into David’s arms as he tightened his hold on her like he never want to let her go. He bent his head kissing her on top of her blonde locks. “I love you, Mrs. Addison.”

I don't mind not knowing what I'm headed for
You can take me to the skies...
Oh it's like being lost in heaven
When I'm lost in your eyes

Maddie lifted her face to look at David and as usual found herself – lost in his eyes – “I love you too, Mr. Addison.”

Everyone watched the happy twosome dance their first together as a married couple for the first time. Most of the ones that knew Maddie and David very well were thrilled that they had finally wound up where they belonged – happy in each other’s arms. Agnes, especially, knew the long winding road they had taken to get to that place. Her face was beaming as she watched her beloved bosses – and now good friends – dancing closely both their faces filled with happiness. She sighed in satisfaction. She knew that in some small way she had guided their faith. As the others were asked to join in the celebration of the first dance couples began to flock to the dance floor.

David smiled into Maddie’s eyes as he whirled her around the dance floor. They felt as if they were floating on air. Both were aware of the Bean moving and kicking inside her mother – no doubt dancing along with her parents. “Guess the Bean doesn’t want to be left out of the party,” David remarked softly, with undeniable pride and affection in his husky voice.

“Oh no!” Maddie gasped teasingly, “a party animal like her daddy.”

David laughed as his hand left Maddie’s shoulder and moved down to her belly. He rubbed her belly in round circles as he crooned to the Bean. “Can’t wait to meet you in person, Beanie.”

“Stop calling her Beanie!” Maddie whispered, “she’s going to think that’s her name!”

David ignored Maddie as he continued his talk with his daughter. “You mom may seem cranky sometimes, but she really is nice.”

“David!”

He kissed Maddie’s ear. “Why, you’re not grouchy?” he purred into her ear. “Or only cranky cause you’re constantly wanting to get laid?” He licked her ear slowly and chuckled when he heard her sharp intake of breath. “Oh, I love how horny you are, baby.”

“David. Stop.” Maddie looked around the room as was happy to see that no one was watching them. Her neck had begun to turn red as her blood began to boil. Now was not the time for a damp problem. “Can’t you behave yourself for one night?”

David raised his eyebrows in playful disbelief. “On our wedding night? The night? Delight night? You gotta be kidding me,” he chuckled and his eyes twinkled dangerously. “No, not when I’m around you.”

Maddie shook her head. “Well, try.”

“Your wish is my demand.” He laughed as the music changed into a throbbing dance song. Maddie made a move to leave the dance floor but David grabbed her in his arms and insisted she join him as he moved her body to the beat. Despite her initial reluctance Maddie found herself enjoying the faster dance. Who said you couldn’t have fun at your own wedding – the couple thought as they laughed and danced the whole night long.

***
David held on to Maddie’s hand tightly as they moved around the room mingling with their guests. Every once in a while he would lift up their hands to admire the shining gold bands on their fingers that had joined them together as man and wife. David felt a lump in his throat as he held up Maddie’s left hand and laid a kiss in the middle of her palm. “I love you, Mrs. Addison.” His voice was husky with all the emotions he was feeling. He didn't think he could ever get enough of saying her name – her new name.

Maddie felt as if she was in a dream as she stared at the glittering gold band on her hand as David kissed her palm. Mrs. David Addison, she smiled to herself. “Can you say that again?” she asked.

“Why, still doubting my words?” David teased.

“No, dope!” She elbowed his ribs. “I just like to hear you say my name.”

He was very touched by her revealing that she felt the same way he did. He bent his head towards hers and whispered it into her ear, sending shivers down her spine: “I love you, Mrs. Addison,” emphasizing the name.

She beamed, and her eyes glittered suspiciously. “I love you too, Mr. Addison.”

“Happy?” he asked as he pulled her close; he couldn’t keep his hands off of her.

“Very,” Maddie nodded, so happy to be in her husband’s strong arms – the happiest and safest place in the world.

***
From out of nowhere, Terri appeared and grabbed Richie's arm. “Richie, it's time,” she said and sounded strangely breathless.

Richie frowned. “What time?”

“Delivery time,” she replied with only a little urge in her voice. “Water broke.”

Richie's eyes widened. “That time?!” Terri just nodded and pressed her lips together and one hand into her lower back. He drew a deep breath and ruffled his hair. “Okay.” Another deep, slightly nervous breath, and Terri thought: Oh God, he's gonna lose his nerve. We're screwed. But then, the moment was over, and Richie said almost business-like: “Bag's packed?”

“Stored in the trunk since last week,” Terri confirmed.

“Good. Come on.” he took her arm and led her through the crowd; nobody had noticed yet what was going on. Thankfully, Terri held on to his arm. They went over to Maddie and David who were standing in the corner wrapped in each other’s arms. “Yo guys,” Richie said in a calm voice, “we gotta go.”

David frowned. “What do you mean, you gotta go?” He released Maddie and turned toward his brother and Terri.

But Maddie had immediately realized what was happening. “Oh Terri... to the hospital?” Terri nodded, her lips pressed together in a tight white line.

“Oh...!” David ruffled his hair. “Okay. Ah...” he threw a nervous glance at his brother. “Rich, don't panic!” David felt himself beginning to get nervous. Soon it would be Maddie’s turn.

“Easy, bro. I'm not panicking,” Richie replied in a calm voice.

Terri's grip at Richie's arm became steely, and she gasped: “I am.” Richie turned to her and saw that her face was crunched in pain. “Might not make it to the hospital,” she pressed through clenched teeth and crouched down with a moan.

David and Maddie exchanged slightly panicky glances. Richie squatted down beside Terri and told her: “Don’t be silly, Knowles. Of course we're gonna make it.” Terri relaxed her grip a tad when the pain of the contraction subsided, and Richie nodded with a smile. “See? Not even ten seconds long. We could even stop for burgers on our way to the hospital.”

But for once, his joke failed to lighten the situation. Terri looked at him with a fearful expression he had never seen on her before. “Richie, I'm scared,” she whispered.

“Don't be,” he replied firmly and took her hands. “I'm right here. You don't have to do this alone. Hey, we've been training for this for weeks. We got this shit. Right?”

She seemed to relax a little. “Right.”

Maddie smiled at his words but also at the obvious effect they had on Terri. Who would have thunk that Richie could be the solid rock for a pregnant woman he barely knew... well, actually, I predicted that, she thought a little smugly, but secretly she admitted to herself that she hadn't expected that much reliability.

“Now focus, Knowles. Look at me.” Terri blinked and looked at Richie’s face. “That's better. I want you to relax. It's noooooot showtime yet, and you're gonna hold it in, no matter how much you want to push. Okay?” Richie's voice got very deep which had somehow a calming effect on her.

Little beads of perspiration were forming on Terri's upper lip as a new contraction announced itself, but she nodded. “Okay,” she replied flatly.

“Good girl.” he squeezed her hands. “Now I want you to take a deep cleansing breath, and no matter what happens, you just continue doing that. Can you do that for me?”

Terri's face crunched again in pain, but she moaned: “Okay...”

Richie didn't take his eyes off of Terri but turned his head slightly towards David. “Dave, I'm gonna need you to find me a driver,” he said very quietly.

Immediately, Maddie gave David a push. “You drive them!” she said hastily. “You know how to get there.”

“No...” Terri moaned and opened her eyes. “You can't...”

“Nonsense!” Maddie cut her off. “This is our godchild on the way! Now go!”

Without another word, David and Richie each took one of Terri's elbows and gently pulled her to her feet again. Richie wrapped his arm around her waist to steady her, and they walked her through the crowd and outside. When they had almost reached the door, out of nowhere Virginia appeared and shoved a few cloth napkins into Richie's hand. “You might need these,” she said and opened the door for them.

“Thanks, Mrs. H,” Richie replied and out they went.

***
The nurse held the baby out to Richie. The baby boy was wrapped in the nursery blanket with a small cap on its tiny head.

“Congratulations again,” she said brightly, “you have a beautiful healthy son.”

Richie was so shocked he stammered: “Ah... I'm not... thanks, but...”

She smiled and firmly put the tiny bundle in his arms. “Don't be shy. Your baby isn't as fragile as it looks. You'll get used to it.”

“This isn't my baby,” Richie blurted out and, absurdly enough, felt somehow disappointed. “I'm just a friend.”

“A friend?” The nurse raised an eyebrow and looked to and fro between Richie and Terri. Then she smiled and shrugged. “Wish I had a friend like you,” she said and added: “Well, whoever you are, you're gonna hold this young man for a moment until we get his mama ready for him.”

She went over to the bed where Terri lay and left Richie alone. All his earlier confidence seemed to have left him and he felt a little clumsy. He looked down at the tiny face. It was red and a little crumpled. He cleared his throat. “Hey, bud,” he whispered. “Good to see ya.”

***
After the reception ended David and Maddie raced to the hospital to see Terri and the new baby. They were very excited and happy for their good friend and couldn’t wait to share in her joy.

“Congratulations, Rich!” David said and slapped his brother's back, as Maddie hugged him.

Richie frowned. “Relax, guys!” he waved them off nonchalantly. “I have nothing to do with this. It's Terri who deserves the congrats.” But of course, his face betrayed him – they could clearly see how moved he was by the whole experience.

David punched his shoulder. “You gotta be kidding me, Rich!” he scolded. “You coached this new player into the global team, and I hope when it's my turn I'll do a job half as good as you did!” Richie shifted a little uncomfortably from one foot to the other, and David added seriously: “I mean that, bro.”

Maddie's heart melted when she saw the two jerky, big mouthed Addison brothers get all emotional over a baby. She smiled and folded her arms. “Now that's great, husband,” she threw in, “the one time I would need you to, you don't even plan to best your brother?”

All three laughed, and then they went in to see Terri and to admire the newborn. After ten minutes or so, David and Maddie said goodbye and left to return home to their wedding night.

***
Sometime later, Richie didn't know what else was there for him to do there and was just about to leave. He went to Terri's room to look after her one last time before leaving the hospital. When he popped his head in, he saw that she was awake. When she saw him she smiled and motioned with her hand for him to come in. He entered the room and closed the door behind him.

“Hey, Knowles.” He smiled back. “What are you doing awake? You should sleep.”

She shrugged and replied feebly: “Hey, coach.”

He motioned his head vaguely towards the door. “You did a great job there,” he remarked.

“I had help.”

Richie suddenly felt a little embarrassed and uneasy and shrugged. “Yeah... well.” He paused for a moment, not knowing what to say, and the cleared his throat. “Do you have a name for him, by the way?”

Terri's eyes popped open despite of her tiredness. “Ah... no,” she admitted. “I was so busy getting through the move, Lamaze, everything... I haven't even thought of a name.” She looked at him sheepishly. “Great start for motherhood, huh?”

Richie shook his head. “Nonsense. This can't be so difficult.” He sat down on the chair at her bedside. “What about a name from your family?” he suggested.

She pursed her lips thoughtfully. “There's only my dad, but... no.” She shook her head firmly. “I'm not naming my son Walter. That's a name for an old man.”

Richie had to agree with that. “No uncles? Brothers? Cousins?”

She shook her head again. “No...” Suddenly, she had a thought, and her face lit up. “What names do you like?” she asked.

“Me?” he was flabbergasted.

“Yes!” she confirmed eagerly.

“Oh... I dunno...” Richie shifted a little uneasily on his seat. “I have no idea. I can only think of a few pals' names.”

“Well, shoot,” Terri urged him. “They're as good as any.”

“Okay, wait...” He ran his hand through his hair, a gesture she had gotten familiar with and had also noticed it on David before. “My best bud in high school... no way. His name was Rufus.”

“Rufus?” she echoed incredulously.

“Yep,” he nodded gravely. “He got beaten up a lot for that. Let me think of the others... Dino – too Italian. Mike. Nate. Bob.” He shrugged again. “Very average names.”

“Nate as in Nathan?” she piped up.

“Yeah, I guess.”

Terri smiled and repeated: “Nathan. I like that. What kind of guy was he?”

“Nate? Oh, he was crazy. Always in trouble. Worse than me." Richie shrugged. "But basically, a good guy.”

“Do you think it's a good name?” she asked earnestly, wanting his input.

“For Junior? Nathan?” Richie shrugged. “Yeah, sure, why not.”

“Then Nathan it is,” she confirmed.

Richie smiled at Terri, then his eyes lit up as the door swung open and a nurse came in carrying the baby. “Time for his feeding, Mrs. Knowles.” The nurse handed the baby to Terri.

Terri reached out for the baby and snuggled him in her arms. “It’s Miss Knowles,” she told the nurse who looked from Richie to Terri, then nodded as she left the room closing the door carefully behind her.

Richie’s eyes opened wide as Terri pulled open her hospital gown which Richie now noticed opened in the front and placed the little boy at her breast.

“Here we go, Nathan,” Terri crooned as she watched the baby latch on to her breast and begin to suck greedily and without further ado.

“I didn’t know you were going to breast feed.” Richie didn’t know why he thought he should have known this intimate detail. “That’s great.”

Terri smile at Richie as she carefully held her newborn son to her breast. “Just for the first 6 weeks or so until I have to go back to work.” She shrugged, “I just want to do the best I can for him.”

“You’re gonna be a great mom, Knowles.” Richie smiled at her as his big hand reached out to touch the baby’s tiny head gently. He was surprised at the overwhelming feeling of love he felt for the tiny being in Terri’s arms. Out of nowhere and completely unexpectedly the thought hit him that he wished with all his heart that the baby was his son. He pushed aside these confusing emotions. “Nathan’s a lucky little man.”

Terri felt her heart beat faster as she looked at Richie. She tore her eyes away from the amazing blue of Richie’s and held Nathan tightly. “Yes, and I’m a very lucky woman to have two wonderful men in my life – my son and a good friend in you.” She held her hand out to Richie who took it and squeezed it gently. Both their attention was once again claimed by the nursing baby who suddenly let out a huge burp breaking the seriousness and making the grownups laugh deeply.