As everyone gathered around the front lawn at the Pierce-Hunnicut residence, Father Mulcahy sighed and wondered if it were possible that he were more nervous than the bride and groom. Frank and Margaret's journey towards this holy moment of matrimony was a long, difficult trying road for all involved, and yet it made Mulcahy secretly happy to see one of his Korean comrades' dreams come true. He'd himself had issues with Frank, but at the end of the day, Frank Burns was only human, and every human had the right to dream, to hold on, to love.
"Friends..." Mulcahy began. "Where shall I begin? I do not wish to damper this joyous occasion with somber thoughts, but I would be remiss if I did not mention our dear friend BJ. Hawkeye, once again, my heart aches with yours, as I'm sure memories of your time and relationship with him stay with you.
"We all have our memories of BJ. Friend, father, husband, partner, tent-mate, comrade, joker...however we remember him, the important thing is that we do remember him in however way we feel we need to.
"BJ, above all, loved family. Of course, his sense of humor is legendary- I can't help but recall how often he would try to top the also legendary Trapper's pranks, often surprising us but himself along the way.
"Can any of us who ever knew him ever question the love of family he possessed? Erin, by the time the war ended, was every bit a part of our 4077 family as BJ himself was. If I may recall an antidote, I hope you will join me in celebrating BJ and his sense of honor and his love of family.
"Once, we were all bugging out so often, our hearts and spirits were, to say the least, a bit discouraged. Somehow BJ decided that a reunion was in order. Not for us, of course. But for our families. Every one of our family members were not only invited to a party he orchestrated, but they all attended. If I remember correctly, the Winchesters were quite taken with our own Radar. Radar, I hope you did indeed make it to a summer in Boston."
Charles's partner looked at him and squeezed his hand. Radar beamed with delight at the fond memory of a week long trip to Boston.
"And of course," Mulcahy smiled. "Let's not forget how the charming Dr. Pierce shared more than a few dances with Mrs. Potter. Being Hawkeye's father, let's hope all he managed to steal was just a few dances."
They all smiled, and Hawkeye nodded and took a bow, even as his heart longed for BJ's presence.
"My point is, my friends," Mulcahy continued. "I dare say no one would have loved this wedding day more than BJ himself. Okay, maybe Frank might..." they all laughed. "But Frank...I am aware you and BJ had your differences. But if I may be as bold as to pronounce...Hawkeye correct me if I'm incorrect...that BJ would have honestly been happy for you both. Above all, BJ loved the idea of love. We've all seen what war and hatred can do to a person. It's a bit refreshing to see how love conquers all, and I have no doubt that BJ would have shared my belief.
"Frank, Margaret...I must say...what a journey you two have shared. I have always always been against the idea of divorce. But I must say...I see that in God's infinite wisdom, He has the ability to turn what could be the worst thing to happen to a person into the biggest gift of all. Look at BJ and Hawkeye. Look at you, Frank and Margaret. This is a most joyous day, indeed."
"Margaret...it has always been a privilege to know you, to serve under you, to work alongside you in order to provide the best care anywhere those young soldiers in Korea could receive. You demonstrated a unique ability to be tough and firm when needed, yet you always managed to be among the first to offer your hand of compassion. I have nothing but the utmost respect for you."
"Margaret...Frank...I do not wish to bring any hurtful thoughts to mind on this day of all days. I will say this...Frank, we've all had our differences with each other (he wanted to say you, Frank, but he thought better of it) from time to time. I know that some wondered about your relationship in Korea. But Margaret...through it all, you saw the best in Frank...you both brought out the best and the worst in each other...and here we are all these years later. Frank, I realize that sometimes you might find it difficult to love yourself- a struggle all of us have felt at one point in our lives. So Margaret...when you love Frank even when he doesn't feel like loving himself, I say that's a wonderful testament to the ability of love to change lives. God bless you both in your wondrous journey, and now the moment we've all waited for...Frank, are you ready to declare your unending love for this woman?"
Everyone laughed as Frank eagerly burst out..."I do! I do!"
Even Hawkeye had to wipe a tear from his eyes. The memories of BJ...the realization that the love BJ had for his fellow human being had indeed been a gift that kept on giving...if only BJ could be here to see this. He'd have just loved this moment.
Pretty soon, the vows and rings were exchanged, and finally for the first time in his life, Frank Burns had won the girl of his dreams. It had only taken him nearly two decades. But there they were, standing in front of their strange family...man and wife.
Yes, BJ would have loved this moment for sure.
tbc