Early in the morning, Mrs. O'Reilly's spacious, tree-lined sideyard was turned into near an open-air little country church as one could get. Radar's Uncles Bill and David, along with help from his cousin Jimmy, had set up a flower-filled altar, rows of matched white chairs and a long, white carpet down the center. Then the backyard was set up for a three-piece local band (fiddle, guitar, drums) and several wooden platform sections were put together to create quite a large dance area, surrounded with tables for the cake and trimmings.
One of the main pre-wedding events was getting the bride and groom to the opposite houses from where they were that morning. Patty was to go to Radar's in order to get ready, and he was to be at his mom's. Since it was all right for the bride to see the groom, getting Patty transfered was easy. Radar was another story. "I know it's bad luck for the groom to see the bride, but can't ya just let me see straight in front of me?" A big round of 'no's' was spoken from the group. It was Hawkeye and Trapper covering his eyes, and B.J., Potter, and Klinger leading the way across the yard. It took a bit of doing, but still a successful mission in getting the bride and especially the groom to their appropriate places.
The soon-to-be married Radar O'Reilly turned another shade lighter after finishing the conversation with his mother.
"Hey, what's going on?" Trapper was the first to notice Radar's demeanor when he came into the parlor.
"Some trouble, I think," he began to pace. "It's Patty's Aunt Vicky and Uncle Pete, my mom just got off the phone with them. Their car broke down outside of Bloomfield. This is her mom's sister, her Aunt Vicky is. I know it's important to Patty and her mom and I'm sure her dad and.."
"Calm down, where is Bloomfield?" Hawkeye asked. "We can see to this."
"It's about twenty miles south of here, on highway, uh, sixty-three. Oh sirs, will y'all go and get them? Or should I go? Or..?"
"No, Radar, you don't need to go," B.J. tried to be reassuring. "Some of us will. Charles, your car is one that wouldn't have to be moved to get out, so.."
Margaret vehemently shook her head. "Oh no, no, no. Not again."
"Exactly," Charles glanced over at Hawkeye and Trapper. "I remember last time I was sent out on a errand."
"You're not thinking we..?" Pierce gestured between himself and McIntyre. "That we did anything? We didn't, we wouldn't, at least not the same thing."
"It'd be just like you, Pierce."
Trapper defended them both. "We've been right around here this length of time, just found out about the aunt and uncle being stranded the same time as you."
"Major, I mean, Doctor, I mean sir," Radar stepped in the midst of everyone. "Please, this is on the level. So, please just would somebody go and them?"
"All right, fine, I shall go. Get the directions written out somebody."
"As a sign of good faith, Charles. I'm going to," B.J. replied. So with quick goodbyes to Peg and Margaret, and double guarantees the team of Pierce and McIntyre hadn't done a thing, they were on their way.
After they left out, Margaret turned a stern look on Hawkeye and Trapper, and again had them to swear they were totally innocent. Which they did. "I think I might walk over and see if I can do anything for Patty."
Hawkeye waited until everyone was out of earshot and sight. "You didn't do anything, did you?"
"No, although, it might be funnier than the last time, I didn't." Trapper promised as he and Pierce headed back into the house.
Still a little nervous with wanting the day to be perfect, Radar paced around the entire house. He ended up into the kitchen where Hawkeye, Trapper, Klinger, and Father Mulcahy had gathered to 'admire' the wedding cake stored in the icebox.
"Look, the little groom figure is taller than the bride." Trapper couldn't control the guffaws. "Shouldn't it be the other way around?"
Klinger pointed at the cake top. "I thought for sure he'd have a teddy bear couple or something like that."
"You all really need to close the door, you're letting everything thing spoil." Mulcahy pushed the icebox door closed and shooed the others away.
"Ahhmmm..." Radar cleared his throat. Everybody did a doubletake at their former company clerk all decked out in a spiffy suit.
"Oh my word," Hawkeye circled around him. "This is a first. Although, if you would've liked to have a tux, I could have lent you mine, but this is better, I do think."
"Very nice, Radar," Father Mulcahy smiled encouragingly.
"Thanks much, Father," Radar let out a long exhale. "I wanted to ask if you have met Reverend Samuels yet? He's from Patty's church in Lancaster."
"Yes, I got to speak with him briefly earlier. Pleasant fellow, and he mentioned that he boxes some as well. To tell you the truth, I'm looking forward to being a spectator at your wedding instead of in the officiating capacity."
"Yeah? That's swell."
"You still got that old thing? Your tux?" Trapper snickered to Hawkeye. "Anyways, Radar, I gotta say seriously you do look old enough to be getting married."
"Finally, huh, sir?" He couldn't help the sarcasm and laughed along with the others. "It's okay, isn't it? We wanted it casual."
Hawkeye had another thought. "Hey, if you wanted it really casual, how about us all wearing our fatigues?"
A strong chorus of 'good idea' to 'I burned 'em' circled the group.
"Walter," Edna came in from other room. "You have some new guests, and they're more folks from the 4077th."
"Oh, wow, I didn't even hear them," Radar exclaimed, surprised he hadn't heard anyone come up to the house. But anyway went with his mom into the front parlor. Hawkeye, Trapper, Father Mulcahy and Klinger tagged along in eagerness to see who else from the MASH unit had come.
Once in there, the others stood momentarily dumbstruck, and Radar swallowed before he extended his greeting. "Welcome, Major.. I mean Lieutenant Colonel Burns."
"O'Reilly, yes, hello," Frank shook his hand. Which the gracious civility still surprised Radar after all these years. "And.." Frank looked beyond Radar to the rest. "Guys.. Father.."
"Hello, Lieutenant Colonel," Mulcahy was the first to speak.
Hawkeye was next. "Yeah, hi, Frank. Long time no see."
"I think I can say the same to you. Everyone seems to looking well." Frank then turned to introduce Louise. Burns hadn't changed, and Louise was just the same as they had seen her in the wedding film years ago back at the 4077th.
"Y'all gotta meet Patty." Radar urged Frank and Louise to come with him.
Mrs. O'Reilly stepped in. "Walter, I don't think it's proper for you to see your bride at this time."
"Oh, that's right," he backed off as his mom ushered the Burns' out.
Klinger leaned near the clutch of Hawkeye, Trapper, and the Father. "Besides, they don't need any more bad luck than they've already got." Mulcahy tried to shush Pierce and McIntyre from laughing out loud at that.
Margaret knew that one thing Patty didn't need right then was any more people buzzing around. She had not only her mother, her cousin, Mildred, Amanda, and a couple of her aunts there. So she quietly made an exit, besides she really wanted to know where her daughter had been carted off to. On the walk to the family house, she saw Soon-Lee, Peg, Louise and Kathy McIntyre showing Kimberly and James the ducks on the pond, while Erin, Becky, Alisa and Alexander played tag nearby.
She headed in their direction when voices, a vaguely familiar laugh, off to the right caught her attention. Frank Burns, and who she supposed was Louise with Mrs. O'Reilly. Lovely. 'Oh well, so he was here,' Margaret thought, and continued on her way to the pond. Meantime, Radar and some of the others had ventured out to the backyard.
"Uh-oh," Radar sighed.
Trapper looked around. "What?"
"Margaret," Hawkeye answered as caught what Radar saw. "I suppose someone should go and warn her about who's just arrived."
"I believe it's about to be too late, Hawk." Trapper gestured back toward Margaret. They watched with held breaths as she was walking to the pond when someone abruptly stepped into her path.
"Frank," she managed nicely. "Hi."
"Hello, Margaret, how are you?"
"Good, and yourself?"
"Uh, the same," he gave a sideways glance over to where Louise and Edna O'Reilly were headed over to Radar's house. "It's really good to see you."
"Yeah, good," Margaret said again, and walked away a couple of steps. She took note that all she was feeling was just a little awkwardness. "Well, it's nice to see you and.. uh, Louise. I'm going over.."
"Margaret?" At Frank's address, she threw a glance over her shoulder.
She answered with a reluctant, "Hmm?"
"I heard you have a little girl. Is that her?" He gestured in Kimberly's direction. Margaret nodded. "She's pretty. Looks like you."
"Thanks," she smiled slightly. "I do have to agree with you there, on the pretty part. I think she favors her daddy more, though."
"Uh-huh." Frank took a step toward her, and instinctively she stepped back. Burns noticed, but didn't follow. "But you're looking quite well, yourself, and I know you'd have to be doing well with your work."
"Yes, I really love it there. Thanks."
"Well, being a Lieutenant Colonel, you know, has it's perks, too. Louise, the girls, they didn't come, it's just Louise and me here. Well, we're living pretty high on the hog."
"I'm glad for you, all of you."
"Are you really?" He gushed when Margaret nodded. "It's kind of funny when you think of it. I'm still in the Army and you're not."
"I supposed it is."
"It's nice to be talking like this."
"Yeah."
"Oh boy," Klinger joined Hawkeye, Trapper, and Radar to sit at one of the reception tables while they tried inconspicuously watch the two former 4077th Majors.
"She seems to be handling it all right."
"Better than Burns, actually."
"Looks like it."
"Sirs, you don't think he'd do something today, make a scene or something?"
"I don't know, Radar, but we'll be here to hold your hand."
"Cut it out, for once, please sirs. I just don't want things to be spoiled or anything for Patty."
"Things will be fine, trust me."
A noise inside in the house momentarily distracted their attention. Aunt Vicky and Uncle Pete had made it in time. Soon Charles and B.J. found their way outside.
"That's nice." B.J. sighed noting the pair right away. Then waited with the rest for Charles' reaction.
Winchester first noticed the unusual quiet air of the normally rowdy bunch. "What are all of you malcontents up to?" He finally looked beyond them, to the slope by the water. "Who..? Wait, let me guess, Frank Burns?"
"He got it in one." Hawkeye hoped to lighten the mood. "Although, this could be troublesome."
Suddenly, Louise Burns joined Frank and Margaret. "Frank, I think they're surely going to be starting soon, so I'd like to go back up to Mrs. O'Reilly's." It was the first time Margaret had seen the woman face to face, and inwardly was quite pleased all she felt was a hope there wouldn't be an uncomfortable scene. Not today. Louise shot a look in her direction. "So, you're Margaret? From the 4077th."
There it was. "Yes, that's me. I was there."
"Heard much about you, as you worked with my husband."
"As a nurse, I worked with all the doctors."
"I'm sure," Louise replied sharply. "Ah, you're married now? It's Penobspot, something or other?"
Margaret shook her head and remained wary for a confrontation. "No, it's not Penobsc..."
Frank broke in. "Now it's..."
"It's Winchester."
That voice. That wonderfully strong voice. Perfect timing, though Margaret wouldn't have minded had he come earlier. As Charles came up to her side, his hand casually took hers.
It was a gesture Frank took note of. "So, you were a Major as well, and a doctor too. Well, Margaret you sure can.."
"Frank," Louise interrupted. "I do think it would be a good idea to go back up to the house."
"But why?" He turned to his wife. "We're just standing out here having a civilized conversation, and.." Frank stopped when Louise's expression grew grim. "Yeah, well, guess we'll see you all at the ceremony."
Charles and Margaret watched them go. "So that's the infamous Frank Burns?"
"Yep," Margaret let out a long, relieved sigh. "May I hang onto this for awhile?" She raised his hand clasped with hers.
"Indefinitely. And if you so wish, the rest of me."
Margaret couldn't help her broad grin. "Oh, yeah. Whew.. So you and B.J. got Patty's relatives here safe and sound?"
"Without much trouble, save for Hunnicutt's navigating, but all in all went rather smooth. You're all right? Burns didn't say.."
"No, it's nothing, there's nothing. Seeing him, them really, makes me so thankful to what I have."
"As are we, Kimberly and myself." Charles was pleased to see her relax a bit more. "But say the word, and we can leave, go home. You know, it wouldn't be all that tragic if we missed the nuptials."
"Aw, come on, by leaving before the wedding, I bet you'll regret it later." She giggled at his unbelieving expression when they began the walk down to the pond's edge to join their daughter and the others.
Just a little bit after the noon hour, the throngs of folks, blood relatives and even closer-knit 'kin' alike started to fill in the white chairs. The guitar player stood off to the side, as his lovely ballad signaled when Patty entered on her father's arm.
Their vows were sweet, with Radar nervously looking out at the crowd only twice during the ceremony. After the pronouncing of husband and wife, a quiet, intense moment for the kiss. It was following that those congregated were heard from.
"Woo-Hoo!!" Hawkeye shouted, and with B.J., Trapper, Potter and Klinger led an uproarious standing ovation. Radar turned a couple of shades of red. He glanced sideways at his new bride, and was relieved to find Patty very amused by the attention.
The guests made their way over to the backyard for the reception. Patty and Radar stopped for picture-taking, then joined in the party. Radar's Uncle Bill announced the newly wedded Mr. and Mrs. to one and all. During that time when everyone was milling around, extending congratulations to the new O'Reillys, Trapper took the opportunity to take Frank aside and let him in on an idea.
"Well, Frank, I'm glad you've agreed to this." Trapper offered honestly. "We thought it would be something special for Radar and Patty."
"Whatever, it's not much time to think of something, but I guess it'll be fine."
"Thanks, Frank. You know, I didn't ask you how your practice is going. I think it's a Veteran's Hospital you're at?"
"Good, good, better now since the Chief of Staff had to step down due to some kind of unethical dilemma. Now I'm up for the position. Isn't that great?"
"Sure is." McIntyre nodded. "You really are all heart."
Frank thought about that statement. "Yeah, I am, aren't I?" Trapper smiled as pleasantly as he could manage when he and Burns parted ways.
"I saw you talking to Frank," Hawkeye asked as he and Trapper walked up to each other. "Has he agreed to it?"
"He kind of stalled a little, but finally said he'd do it."
"If he doesn't, he doesn't." Pierce shrugged. "We'll soon see. All the rest are glad to do it, though."
After a couple of tries and Radar's assistance with his whistle, Jimmy, the best man finally got heads turned his way. "Okay, everybody gather 'round," he announced loudly to the crowd. "If you don't have a drink of your choice, would ya please get one." All the guests got something, and glasses were lifted at the ready. Especially Radar's and Patty's, which were filled with a familiar purple-colored drink.
Jimmy continued with his toasting. "Okay, best of luck and wishes to my cousin and my new cousin-in-law, have a real happy life and all that stuff.." The toast was drank to. "Now, I think Hawkeye has something he wants to say." A big grin lit Radar's face as he and the rest of the congregation turned in Hawkeye's direction.
Hawkeye raised his glass. "Radar and Patty, here's knowing when you have children, their dad will finally have someone he can literally see eye to.. No, no, sorry couldn't resist. Really, I do hope your children inherit their mom's looks and oh yes, their dad's uncanny gift of fore-knowledge. So that he'll understand what the rest of us experienced day after day." A round of hearty agreements went through the group. "Nothing but the best!"
Then B.J. "To Radar and Patty, be the best of friends, and have the patience to reason things out if turbulent times ever arise. Practice understanding and there's a great chance they never will."
Then Margaret. "Let's hear it for Patty and Radar, don't settle for any less than what your hearts desire, with every step you take and do it together."
Then Charles. "O'Reilly and the former Miss Haven, may your lines of communication never be broken, phone or otherwise."
Then Potter. "Radar, Patty, take it from an old warhorse of marriage, trust in each other is the best thing," he smiled at Mildred who brightly returned it. "Even when you may be far apart, for any length of time. Here's hoping you never will be."
Then Father Mulcahy. "To Radar and the newly annointed Mrs. O'Reilly, many blessings, some jocularity, and the ability to get through any trauma without becoming too squeamish."
Then Klinger. "Uh, Radar and Patty, may your camels always be prosperous, may the dice always roll lucky seven, may your olive tree always be fruitful, may.. oh anyways, ya know what I mean. The best of luck to the both of you!"
Then Frank. "O'Reilly, and Mrs. Patty O'Reilly, here is wishing that you take nothing less than the highest rung on the ladder, and let no one undeserving get to it before you."
Then Trapper. "To our dear former company clerk and his new bride. Much happiness, much properity, and much celebrating in your birthday suits."
Then back to Hawkeye. "Also, I got to say," he began, then hesitated for a deep breath. "For Henry Blake would say, I know he's with us in spirit. Radar you are to treat Patty like a queen, she deserves it, or I'm sure Henry would find a way to come back and kick your butt!"
"Thank you guys," Radar mouthed, too choked up to get any words out. Patty was just as touched. The toast concluded in a gigantic group embrace.
Jimmy let everybody take in the moment for a couple of minutes. Then cleared his throat to make another announcement. "The band here wanted me to tell everybody that something kinda neat happened in picking out the song Walter and Patty are gonna dance to. My cousin told the band to play 'Love is a Splendored Thing'.."
"'Many Splendored Thing,'" Radar corrected.
"Yeah, 'Love is a Many Splendored Thing' in keeping with that movie that he and Patty went to see a couple of years ago. But Patty had the same idear, but a different song. I'm here to tell you, Cousin Walter, that me and the band's siding with your new bride. This song's gonna be from that Elvis Presley movie, "Lovin' You. So, Walter and Patty, y'all enjoy.."
Radar was a little surprised but Patty was very tickled. All eyes were on the couple as the bride led the groom to the middle of the wood flooring. The guitar player stepped up to the microphone with Presley's lyrics of 'Let Me be your Teddy Bear,' and the fiddler and drummer soon joined in. Everyone else stood to observe in a collective awe.
"Well, we did it," Radar whispered to Patty.
"Yes, we're actually a married couple of nearly an hour now." Patty softly replied. "I love you, Walter."
"I uh, love you, too, very much." He ducked his head shyly and Patty took the opportunity to give her bridegroom quite a kiss. Applause and shouts rang out all around them.
Radar laughed along with Patty but was a bit relieved when the band began the next tune and other pairs trickled in. The newlyweds took another one together, then Patty danced next with her dad, and Radar with his mom. While Peg partnered on the dance floor with Sherman Potter, B.J. had the opportunity to talk to Amanda as they took a turn also.
"How are you?" B.J. had to find out.
"Good," Amanda was wary. She just knew. "Why do you ask? Hawkeye said something?"
"Well, perhaps," he saw a look of concern cross her face. "But I kind of badgered him."
"Oh, I wish.. Did he say anything.. uh.. significant?"
"Um.. let me think.."
"Excuse me, buddy," Hawkeye appeared at B.J.'s shoulder. "I'd like to cut in."
B.J. playfully steered Amanda away from Pierce. "Let me finish this dance with her, then I'll dance with you."
"Whoa, hey, no offense, but you're not quite the partner I had in mind."
"Since you put it that way." Hunnicutt turned to Amanda. "Want to dance with this guy?"
"If I have to." She replied easily, and B.J. gave her over to Hawkeye. He watched them for a minute, hoping things would be good for them, then caught up with Peg and Sherman Potter as they exited the dance area.
"They are cute, aren't they, and.." Peg was echoing the remarks made about Hawkeye and Amanda and their close coupling.
"Pardon the interruption, but what could be up with this?" Potter gestured toward Frank, who was dancing with his wife, Louise, but kept glancing at Margaret out there with Trapper. "You think any trouble?"
"Don't really know," B.J. murmured. "Things have been good so far, but with Burns, you never know."
"Be nice, all right?" Peg made her gentle request, with hope it would be heeded. "I'm going to go see to James."
"I'll try. No bonafide promises."
"You all still worried about Lt. Colonel Burns?" Mildred joined them.
"With Burns, there's no getting away from it." Potter told his wife.
Trapper smiled down at Margaret. "I can recall the last time we danced. In the 4077th's Officer's Club, I think it was."
"Right, when you were going home due to an ulcer?"
"Yeah, the thing still acts up from time to time."
"Poor baby." Margaret chided with a snort.
"Are you still upset over that joke Hawkeye and I played on your husband last Thanksgiving?"
"Shouldn't I be?"
"Goodness, Margaret, it was all in good fun. One thing I can say about him is that he takes a joke well."
"Yep, and knows how to exact revenge."
"I'd say so!" Trapper scowled at Margaret's burst of laughter. "But I must tell you that you're holding up well."
"Holding up? Meaning what?"
"With Burns being here."
She let out a groan. "Doesn't phase me, and I guess not him, either, I hope. So far, so good."
"Great, just great. It's good to see you happy, settled, and in love."
Margaret glanced at Charles talking with Radar's Uncle David. "Very much so. The same goes to you as well." She returned a grin.
"Ah yes, and plus you have a beautiful little girl, Kimberly. Kim." The song came to a close, and Trapper and Margaret walked from the dancing area.
"Do you think of Kim often?" Margaret had a smile remembering the little Korean boy, thought to be an orphan McIntyre nearly adopted. They spoke of him and other Korean folks who made a lasting impression, while along with Father Mulcahy getting refreshed at the punch table.
"I've wondered that myself, about the little boy," Mulcahy said, and told them how he has heard from a few from those in Ouijongbu. "The mission I work with in Philadelphia might be of some help to locate Kim. Of course, there's no guarantee, but it might work."
"That'd be wonderful," Trapper exclaimed, excited. "I sure would like some day to find him, just to see how he's doing. To take Louise and the girls to see him. When we get home, I'll have a talk with her, so we can work it out."
"I can't make any promises, but there's a chance."
"Anything, Father, would be good."
The chatter of voices around the yard was abruptly drowned out by a drum solo. Everyone looked on with joyous delight, especially Patty at Radar's rendition on the drums of Buddy Holly's 'That'll be the Day.' A wide circle around the band to enjoy the groom's performance. Then a few couples bravely got out on the floor in an attempt to dance to the beat. Some weren't that bad.
Margaret had tried to persuade Charles to give it a go. "Are you sure deep down you wouldn't want to, just for a second or two?"
"Ah, afraid not." He balked. Radar's solo came to a cymbal-crashing end and the band started back up with 'Because of You,' a song made popular by Tony Bennett.
"That's a bit better, shall we?" Charles started to lead his wife to the middle of the swirling pairs.
"Hello again, Margaret," Frank had suddenly popped up before them. "How about it?"
"Oh uh, don't think.." she glanced sidewise to Charles.
"This isn't a good.."
"You don't mind one dance?" It only took Frank's hand moving an inch toward Margaret for Charles get it in an firm grasp.
"Okay, ahhh," Burns backed off after Charles released the hold. Without another word, Winchester urged Margaret on by.
"Where did you pick that up?"
"Unbelievably at the 4077th. From that old Korean gentleman who showed me how to deal with that vile Major whose combat unit I had to give a sanitation inspection. It has stuck with me I suppose."
"I'm so glad of it," she breathed deeply, throwing her arms around him.
Klinger and Soon-Lee danced near Trapper and Louise. "Did ya'll catch that? I wouldn't have thought him that bold."
"Yeah, and let's hope that's the most that's going to happen." Trapper shook his head. "And will stay close to Louise where he belongs."
His wife pulled back. "I hope you aren't referring to this Louise."
"Nah, well maybe.. nah.." Trapper's response resulted him in getting playfully hit. "Ha, not you. Definitely not."
"Hey Mrs. M.," Klinger brightly interjected. "I bet it was fun getting introduced to Mrs. Burns. Louise this is Louise, and Louise this is also Louise." He laughed as Soon-Lee just shook her head.
"It wasn't without a little confusion."
Trapper looked between Louise, Klinger and Soon-Lee. "By the way, where is Radar? He'll be worried if Patty was privy to it."
"I don't think he saw that exchange." Louise looked around her husband. "Yes, he's still over there dancing with Patty's cousin Lisa, and she was dancing with Jimmy, I think."
"Good, so all is calm on the newlywed front."
Radar and Lisa finished the dance. "All right cousin-in-law, I know you and Patty are about to make your grand exit. I want you to have a happy trip, be sweet to my cousin, and have her be sweet to you." At that time, Patty came up to them. "Speak of Mrs. O'Reilly herself, I was just telling your new hubby here about how you all are going to be so sweet for each other, that you should be having cavities in no time."
"Thanks so much, Lisa." Patty hugged her cousin. "Walter do you..
"Yeah, we should be getting a move on."
"Especially if..
"Especially if we're gonna make it to Des Moines before dark." Radar and Patty hurried into the house to change before saying their goodbyes to everyone. What seemed like hours, was really only minutes and the couple was ready to make their departure.
Radar with Jimmy's help gather everyone around again, and Patty called out the single ladies for the bouquet toss. She stood on the steps leading to back door.
"Where are they going to honeymoon?" Potter leaned over to Hawkeye.
He shrugged. "Radar doesn't trust us with that information."
"As well he shouldn't." B.J. had to laugh at the truth to the fact.
Patty wound up a good throw and gave the bunch of peach-colored roses a good toss. She turned happily to see that Amanda Corbetson had caught them perfectly. Amanda slowly looked over at Hawkeye, whose jaw had dropped as he came over to her.
"Um, there's a meaning here, isn't there?" He lightly touched one of the blooms.
All the folks clustered around the bride and groom for their send-off, showering them with birdseed, instead of rice. In the midst, Radar gave a tearful farewell, though it was to be just a brief one, to his mom. While Patty did the same with her parents. Then they both took the time to embrace the former 4077th personnel.
"Take care, son," Potter was battling a lump in the throat. Mulcahy added in, "Yes, and God bless."
Radar had another long hug for his mother, then Mr. and Mrs. O'Reilly were finally on their way. Cans, shoes, rattled along behind the car.
Frank walked near. "Did ya'll do that to the car?"
"Nothing, I think Jimmy headed up the decoration committee. Hawkeye suggested using empty grape Nehi bottles, but thought it'd be too messy." Trapper explained to him. "But we did give them your shoes to use."
Without thinking, Frank looked at his feet. "Oh, just so funny, McIntyre. Never will change!" He stalked off.
Hawkeye hollered after him. "Frank come back, and we promise not to use you or any part of you for decoration."
"Hey, we've tried, haven't we?" Trapper grinned innocently.
"Maybe a little harder next time."
Everyone lapsed into a long moment of quiet, sparse conversation after the newlyweds had departed. "They've just gotten married, not buried. Well, maybe that's similar, but anyhow.. Kidding, I'm kidding." He pulled Amanda to him.
"We're back again, Hawk," Trapper gestured around the group. "Recall that toast you made with us on Thanksgiving? I suppose it's going to continue to keep coming true."
"Wait a sec, that's right, I bet I started a tradition with us!"
"Oh mamma, lookie," Erin shrilled excitedly, her words caught everyone's attention.
Amanda clapped her hands together. "Isn't that sweet!"
All eyes joyously took in the scene of while B.J. was holding James and Charles held Kimberly, the two babies were cooing delightfully as they had grasp tiny hands with each other's.
"Fantastic!" Hawkeye cheered and stretched out his arms toward B.J. and Charles. "Won't be too long before you two will be calling each other 'in-law'! Just think about all the get togethers we'll be having then?!"
Simultaneously, both Hunnicutt and Winchester looked at Peg and Margaret respectively with rather strickened expressions while the women and the rest joined in Pierce's riotous laughter.
The End :)
