Chapter 14- (a package arrives)

Two weeks after BJ received the phone call telling him that he had become a daddy again, a letter came from Carrie.

"Oh Wow!" BJ exclaimed as he picked up the package. "I wonder what's in here?"

He brought the brown paper package back to the Swamp. Hawkeye was sound asleep until he heard the giggling coming from BJ's cot.

"BJ, you better be giggling because the war is over, or else I'm going to come over there and tape your mouth shut."

"Sorry, Hawk. I just got this package from Carrie and I got a little excited."

"It's all right, I have to be up in 20 minutes anyhow. So what did she send you?"

"Well, there a letter and, uh,. a movie reel!!!"

"Oh great! We can all watch it!"

"Yeah, we can do that in Potter's office tonight after dinner."

"OK, well I'm off to get ready for Post Op duties, I'll see you later."

"All right" BJ sat on his cot eyeing the letter, wanting to know what she wrote, he tore open the letter.

"Dear BJ, It has been a week since little Steven was born and I thought you should be able to see what he looks like. I, myself am very happy over this little bundle of joy, even though it is tough being a single mom. I have my mom here helping me, so don't worry. I just wanted to tell you that I am sorry for all of the trouble this may have caused you. I know this isn't what you had in mind, but there was a reason that this child was born. I hope you will be able to see that in the years to come and it will help ease your pain. I have also sent along a movie reel of Steven, he looks a lot like his daddy. Love, Carrie"

BJ sat in his cot, contemplating the words that had come off the letter and into his heart. 'there was a reason this child was born'. Those words seem to affect him the most. He knew from that moment on that whatever happened in his life, that child was his, and he would do whatever was in his power to make sure that he was safe and well cared for. BJ got up, wiped the tears that had formed in his eyes away, made a cup of coffee and headed over to Post Op.

"Give him another pint of whole blood and inform me of any changes," Hawkeye told the young nurse.

"Yes, doctor."

"Hawk! Hawk!!"

"Yeah, Beej, what is it?"

"I have finally figured out what I'm going to do," BJ told him.

"That's great!" Hawk said with a smile on his face, "What is it you're going to do?"

"I don't know exactly, but I do know that I AM going to take care of this child. I will take responsibility and raise this boy to the greatest of my abilities."

"Good to know BJ. But don't forget, you also have a daughter."

"Yes I know. That's why when this war is finally over, I'm going to try and convince Carrie to move to San Francisco. That way I can have both Erin and Steven close to me."

"And if she doesn't want to move?"

"I haven't really thought of that."

"Well, just remember, it affects her too."

Later that evening, BJ, Hawkeye, Col. Potter, Radar, and Margaret all gathered in Potter's office to watch the movie that Carrie had sent.

"Radar, are you almost finished setting it up yet?" BJ asked impatiently.

"Almost. There." Radar turned on the projector.

"Uh Radar, since when does the feet go where your head is?" Hawkeye joked.

"Ah gee whiz! Sorry everyone."

The group laughed at the young clerk and began small conversations with each other while he fixed the problem.

"OK, here goes." Once again, Radar turned on the projector and to the delight of everyone watching, it was right side up.

"Oh look little Steven is having his first bath!" the proud father said.

"Awww look Margaret," Hawkeye said, "it's our hypothetical baby. Isn't he cute?" Margaret and Col. Potter both laughed at the joke knowing full well what he meant.

"He is cute though." Margaret admitted.

"Yeah, he looks a lot like BJ." Radar observed.

"Except for the mustache." Cracked Hawkeye and someone threw popcorn in his direction. "Kidding! Kidding!"

The evening was a memorable one for BJ as it was the first time he had been able to see his son as a life, rather than a picture. As the movie finished, all who were present went back to their tents, happy to have been able to fill at least one night with a little joy, which was difficult to accomplish in Korea.

"Wasn't that great Hawk."

"Yes, it was. Makes me wonder what my kids will be like."

"You'll have kids one day." BJ reassured him.

"I know."

The conversation continued until both fell asleep, and for the first time in weeks, BJ fell asleep happy with a smile on his face.