Something Like That

by Assilem

10 years after the war, Margaret and Hawkeye meet up and learn that thier lives didn't turn out as they planed. ONe divorced and one widowed, they find comfort in each other, as they did in Korea. Now Completed!

9. Part 9

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As winter approached, the newly engaged couple were together more. Hawkeye even asked Margaret and Sabrina to move in with them, but she declined and told him that it wouldn't be a good example. He agreed completely after he thought about it. He had convinced her to go to Maine with him for Christmas. Giving her the excuse now that he belonged to her, he wanted to show her off. Margaret thought it was a good idea for Sabrina getting to know Daniel and Betsy.

It was early in December. After dinner, all the kids had gone outside to play. Hawkeye asked Margaret before dinner to go away with him for a weekend, while they were in Maine. She didn't really want to leave Sabrina with people she didn't know. So after dishes were done, he took his fiancée's hand and led her into the living room. He sat down on the couch and pulled her down beside him.

"We need to talk."

"About what?" Hawkeye took her hands and ran his thumbs gently over her skin.

"Baby, have you noticed that our sex life is none to minimal."

"Hawk,"

"Ssh. We have seven children between us and we both know that we need the physical part of this relationship."

"I know. But its been so hard lately. Sabrina wants to be with me all the time."

"I know. And I love your relationship with her, but we need a little time to ourselves too.

"I agree."

"I love just cuddling, but sex is very important in a relationship. I don't want to lose 'us'." He was very serious, and Margaret knew this.

"Me either." Margaret smiled. "What are we going to do?"

"Well you can accept my offer going up to the cabin for a weekend. We're there for a week and a half, two days alone will do us good."

"I don't know. Sabrina's been sleeping with me lately, like she's afraid to lose me. She only usually comes in when its raining or she's scared. I think she's scared of losing me."

"I want to sleep with you, and I don't want to lose you." Hawkeye said with a cheeky smile. Margaret smiled at his comment and leaned on him so her head rested on his shoulder. "I love you."

"I love you too." Margaret smiled. She was now sitting so she was almost on his lap. One of his hands was around her waist and resting on her hip. His other hand was resting on her thigh, he brought it up to his other hand and joined them so that he hugged her to him. He kissed the side of her head, Margaret moved up a little so she could get better access to his lips. At first feather light butterfly kisses were given, but they soon grew into more heated and passionate kisses. Hawkeye let his tongue slip into her mouth and started to massage hers. Margaret let one hand slip to the waist of his blue jeans. Letting her fingers trace the skin just above his boxerbriefs. She slid them down a little as her other hand rested on his unshaven jaw. Hawkeye let one of his hands slip up her shirt and grab a breast as he started to massage it roughly. He let the other hand cup a butt cheek and gave it a firm squeeze before moving his hand above her waist band and slid it down her pants.

The two were so preoccupied with each other that they didn't notice Sabrina walk in. She stood there in pure horror as her mother's fingers were under the waist band of her future Daddy's underwear. She looked over to his hands one was in her pants while the other one was up her shirt. Then Hawkeye pulled his mouth away from her causing Sabrina to see their tongues wrapped around each other's. She started looking at them until she heard her mother groan.

"Mommy!?" The two sprang apart and looked at the six-year-old standing there.

"Sabrina!" Margaret said quickly wiping her smudged lip stick. "Come here honey." Sabrina walked to her mother and climbed on her lap. She wanted Hawkeye to know that Margaret was hers. She was fine when they were dating, but now that they were getting married they were together more and Sabrina didn't like it

"Mama, can we get some ice cream?" Hawkeye who started to feel extremely uncomfortable decided to get up.

"I'll take the rugrats out." He said. He bent over and kissed Margaret on the lips lightly then walked out of the room. Sabrina stared at him in confusion. When he left Sabrina turned to her mother.

"Mama?"

"What is it honey?" Margaret asked a little uneasy.

"Why when Hawkeye kissed you its different from when you kiss me?" Margaret looked at her daughter in surprise.

"Well baby, its different because I love Hawkeye a different way I love you."

"Do you love him more than me?"

"Of course not! I love you a whole lot more."

"So you kissed him different because you love me more?"

"Exactly. Now what do you say we go and join everyone for ice cream?"

"Okay. Hold my hand?"

"Of course." Margaret smiled. She kissed Sabrina on the side of her head and stood up grabbing her hand. They walked out of the living room and saw Hawkeye and the kids waiting for them. Margaret shot him 'the look' and walked over. Hawkeye picked up Rory and swung her onto his shoulders.

"Margaret?" Katelyn smiled looking at her.

"What is it honey?"

"Can you hold my hand too?" Margaret smiled and held on to Katelyn's hand.

The nine of them went out for ice cream then walked back to Margaret's house, Rory was already sleeping so Hawkeye put her in Margaret's room. A little while later all the kids ended up falling asleep.

Margaret hadn't said anything about Sabrina seeing them like that at all. She was hoping that her baby would forget about it and she didn't want to say anything that would cause Sabrina to think about it or say anything to the other children. Then all the children had fallen asleep at her house. Rory was still in her bed, and Sabrina and the other girls were in Sabrina's room. The boys ended up falling asleep as they watched TV in the living room while Hawkeye made some phone calls for the coming trip to Maine.

Since all the children were sleeping, Margaret decided to bring up what happened earlier to Hawkeye. He was sitting at the kitchen table sipping a beer and looking over Baylee's recent test. She sat down across from him and looked at him for a moment before he smiled at her. "We need to talk."

"About what?" He was totally clueless as to what she was referring to.

"About what happened earlier when Sabrina saw us."

"Ah, she's a kid. She'll forget about it."

"Hawkeye, that's not what I'm talking about."

"Then what the hell are you talking about? Did she see something else?"

Margaret sighed and rolled her eyes. "She didn't, but I don't want to take the chance of her or the other children catching us like she did."

"You know what we need, don't you?"

"What?"

He leaned in to speak low. All the kids were sleeping, but you never knew if one woke up. He didn't want them to overhear anything. "We need to have sex. If we were together a little more than we wouldn't be dry humping on the couch."

Margaret's eyes widened. She hated when he talked like that with children in the house. It didn't matter if they were sleeping or not. "Pierce! That's all you think about."

"It is not." He wanted to fix things before she got angry. "Honey, I love you. I want to be with you and make love to you. I'm a man and I have needs that only you can satisfy. And only you."

"Hawkeye, we have more children than most people. We both work full time, and it's the holidays. We don't have much time to ourselves. On top of all that my little girl is having a hard time letting me go long enough so we can be alone."

"What's wrong with her lately? I've invited her over time and again and she never wants to come over anymore. Did one of the kids say something to her?"

"No, of course not. Sabrina is just adjusting to the fact that she's going to have to share me. She's been an only child for six years. She's come a long way since we've been together. She's used to all the children now and used to you. She knows she has to share me with everyone, but there is still many times that she and I get to be alone. When you and your kids aren't here, it's just the two of us."

"Why is it just lately? What's changed?"

She smiled at him. He was a smart man, but he was thick. "Baby, do you realize how much we've all been together?"

He thought for a moment, "I guess so."

"She's getting a taste of what life will be like once we get married. She doesn't like it very much."

"Are we that bad?"

"No," she smiled. "Our house is quiet. It's just the two of us, and that's the way it has always been. She's a quiet child and loves her space. She's going to lose that, and she doesn't like it."

"I can understand that. I was an only child too, until I was five. What can I do for her?"

"I don't know if there is anything you or I can do. She needs to learn that sharing me doesn't mean she's losing me."

He smiled and finished off the rest of his beer. "I should get going. Are all my rugrats sleeping?"

"They are. Just leave them here for the night."

He grinned, "Maybe I should spend the night too."

"Maybe not. I love you, but you have to go home. You have work at five AM and I don't want you to wake me up. Cancel your sitter. I don't have to work."

"Okay." He stood up and so did she. They walked though the living room and out to the front porch. He gave her a kiss. "Thank you, baby. I'll come by tomorrow after work. Is there any chance you could have dinner for me?"

She smiled at him. "I think I could do that. You don't think I was going to make you go home after a twelve hour shift at work and cook for everyone, did you?"

"I never know with you."

"Get out of here." She gave him a warm loving kiss and then sent him on his way. "I love you," she called right before he got in his car.

"Love you. Thanks for taking care of the kids."

"No problem. They're mine too, you know." He smiled at her and drove off. She turned around and went back into the house, locking the door behind her.

She had two couches in her living room and the two oldest boys were on them. She covered them up and then covered Vincent up. He was lying in the middle of the big chair curled up with a pillow. He was so small it was really cute to look at him. She kissed each of the boys on the head and then she shut the lights off on her way upstairs.

Sabrina's room was full. Katelyn was on the bed with Sabrina and they were sleeping comfortably. It was Baylee who looked painful. She had her neck craned on a stuffed animal and looked like she was freezing. Margaret gave the two little girls on the bed kisses and then she knelt beside Baylee.

"Baylee, honey," she whispered. "Honey, wake up."

Baylee opened her eyes and focused on Margaret, "Are we leaving?"

"No, honey. You're spending the night. You get the guest bedroom, okay?"

"Uh huh," she moaned. Margaret helped her to her feet and they walked together to the other bedroom.

Margaret got her settled in there and then gave her a kiss too. "Goodnight sweetheart." Baylee didn't say a word. She was already fast asleep. Margaret shut the door and then headed to her bedroom.

Rory was in the middle of the bed sleeping. Margaret grabbed a pair of pajamas and went to change in the bathroom. When she came out she pushed Rory over a little and got into bed. She shut off the bedside lamp and then pulled Rory close to her, holding her against her. She couldn't believe that Rory was about to turn three. She kissed the child and then closed her eyes.

The next day was spent with all seven children at her small house. She had to keep everyone busy, and she always did. They were a little rowdy that day though. They were excited about going to Maine, and it was literally right around the corner. She was excited herself, and a little nervous at the same time. She would be meeting Crabapple Cove; a place where they all knew about her and she knew nothing about them.

By the time dinner rolled around Margaret already had the kids sitting down ready to eat. Sabrina was being her usual helpful self. It was five thirty and she decided she couldn't wait for Hawkeye and decided to feed the kids. It was around six that the tired surgeon walked into the house.

"Hey baby, sorry I'm late. I was in the middle of a routine procedure and I discovered a tumor. I had to take it out."

"No problem." Margaret smiled giving him a kiss. "The kids have no homework and everyone is ready to go for the morning."

"Great. I have the kids suit cases in my car. You sure you don't mind us spending the night?"

"No its fine. Besides we have to sleep. I'm not about to go to sleep with seven children on a plane."

"Neither am I. six is enough."

"Poor baby. The kids have already eaten, have some dinner. I'm going to see how the line for the showers are coming."

"Margaret, baby, honey, its only six."

"Our plan leaves at five in the morning. The children need to be sleeping by eight. I had them all up early today so they would be tired."

"Have I told you how much I love you?"

"Once or twice." Margaret teased. Hawkeye laughed and pulled her down to his lips.

"I love you."

"Love you too."

The night went smoothly. All the kids were in bed for eight and Margaret and Hawkeye were asleep by ten. The next morning was hectic and full of cranky whinny kids. Rory just wanted Hawkeye to hold her, Sabrina wanted to be with her mother, Vincent wanted his father and only his father. Baylee helped as much as she could with Katelyn who was crying. Dorby and Finn were whining, but kept it to themselves. With much pain they arrived at the airport and boarded the plan. Sabrina wouldn't leave her mother and ended up falling asleep as soon as the plane took off. Rory fell asleep in her father's arms as soon as he sat down. The rest fell asleep shortly after.

"That was painful." Hawkeye whispered to Margaret who had her head resting comfortable on his shoulder.

"At least they're sleeping. And if you don't mind, I'm going to do, you kept me up most of the night."

"How?"

"You move a lot. You almost knocked me and Rory off the bed."

"I'm sorry. Go to sleep. I love you,"

"Hmm." Margaret hummed closing her eyes. Within minutes Hawkeye was the only Pierce, soon-to-be Pierce or Anderson awake.

Margaret woke an hour later then soon after all the children woke up. They were all told to behave and sit quietly. The younger children did just that. Sabrina still wanted to be with her mother, and Vincent, Rory and Katelyn wanted to be with their father. Baylee read a book while Finn and Dorby coloured.

They arrived in Maine by lunch time. Daniel and Betsy were waiting for them. Rory saw her grandfather and immediately ran to him. Daniel picked the littlest Pierce up and looked as the rest of the Pierce children ran to them. Margaret and Sabrina stayed behind as everyone said their hellos.

"You must be Margaret,"

"That I am. This is my daughter Sabrina."

"Isn't she darling Daniel." Betsy comment. Sabrina smiled and leaned closer to her mother.

"I'm Betsy and this is Daniel."

"Hi," Sabrina said softly.

"She's tired, she's usually very friendly."

"That's okay. I'm sure once she has a nap she'll be herself."

"That's what I hope." Margaret said softly. Sabrina looked up at her mother. She was close to tears and wanted her mommy to hold her. Margaret picked the six-year-old up and smiled slightly.

"Dad!"

"What?" Daniel yelled turning to his son.

"Can we go? I got to get these children down for naps."

"Oh of course." Betsy smiled. "Here let me take Vincent." She smiled taking the little boy out of Daniel's arms. He took Katelyn and Finn's hands, while Hawkeye took Baylee's, and Betsy with Dorby's.

The ride to the Pierce's home was quiet. Most of the children quietly complained to their parent. As soon as they got there, Betsy showed Margaret where the kids would be sleeping. After they were all sleeping soundly Hawkeye showed his fiancee around his house. They would be in his old bedroom tonight and when they got back from the weekend at the cabin. When they finished the tour Betsy brought out freshly baked cookies and tea.

"Thank you." Margaret smiled gratefully.

"Thanks Bets." Hawkeye said with a cookie in his mouth.

"Benjamin, none of that. Now Margaret my dear, why don't you tell me all about yourself and you're beautiful daughter." Margaret smiled and swallowed her tea.

"Well as you probably know, I was married during the war, but divorced, then after the war I met my former husband, he and my son Michael were killed the day Sabrina was born."

"I'm sorry honey."

"Thank you." Margaret said softly. "I lived with my mother and then moved to San Francisco, where I met up with Hawkeye."

"And you know hat happened after that." Hawkeye smiled. "We fell in love and she agreed to by my wife."

"That's about it."

"Benjamin tells me that you two served in the same M*A*S*H unit."

"For three years." Margaret replied. "Three years of shear hell. Hawkeye brought some sunshine into those years."

"Hawk's always had that gift." Daniel smiled. "I remember when Sheryl died," Daniel started.

"Dad please I don't want to think about mom." Daniel nodded. "When's Emma coming?"

"Emily-Alice should be here once you two get back."

"Great I cant wait! Emmy or Emma is my baby sister, you'll adore her."

"I'm sure I will."

"Emily-Alice is nothing like Hawk. She's more like her mother."

"Hawk did you name Katelyn after your sister?"

"Sure did. Katelyn was born on Emmy's birthday and Amanda didn't like Emily or Alice or Emma, but liked Emmy."

"That's very sweet of you."

"Yeah well." He said cutely.

"Have you heard from your sister Hawk?"

"Not in the past little while why?"

"You're becoming an uncle again."

"I'm going to kill whoever knocked her up."

"Settle down."

"She's my baby sister!"

"Shut up!" Daniel said sternly. His son stared at him. "She is married you know. You were at the wedding. You did punch out Sam. And You Were There When She Gave Birth To Christina." Daniel added emphasizing the whole sentence.

"Oh right. Well ignore that then."

"Oh we always do." Betsy smiled.

"So how long as Emma been pregnant?"

"A couple months."

"And she didn't tell her dear old brother. Well I think its time for her dear brother to have a word with her."

"Hawk, be nice."

"Oh I will. I'll take Emmy out for a walk and then I'll beat up Sam." Betsy, Daniel and Margaret all laughed. "So what are we going to do for Rory's birthday?"

"Well since it is Christmas we'll have her pick what she wants for breakfast."

"I can help her with that." Hawkeye smiled.

"I'm sure you will." Betsy smiled. "After breakfast we'll open her birthday presents, with seven children I believe it will be very noisy when they wake up."

"I love Christmas." Daniel said with a huge grin. "I remember when Emily- Alice and Hawk were little. They would get up as soon as dawn broke, run downstairs, rip open everyone's gifts. Then when me and their mother got up, either Emily-Alice or Hawk would run and tell us what Santa brought."

"You sound like a cute kid." Margaret smiled.

"He was adorable. Even now when he and Emily-Alice get together its like when they were younger."

"Well I cant wait to see it." Margaret smiled. Hawkeye smiled and kissed her on the side of her head.

"Well it looks like Margaret's going to go trough the Emily-Alice Rosa Pierce Chantser test."

"That's for sure dad. Emmy did that to all my girl friends. Amanda didn't pass, but I didn't care."

"Oh."

"Don't worry. Emma'll love you."

"And if she doesn't she'll eat you." Daniel said with a smile. "Don't worry honey, I agree with my son, Emily-Alice will love you."

"Dr. Pierce, are you sure you don't mind us heading to the cabin for the weekend. I mean with seven children,"

"Please call me Dan, and no we don't mind. Emily-Alice will be here tomorrow afternoon. And will more than gladly help."

"Okay, I just didn't want,"

"Its okay. Don't worry. Hawk's done it to me without warning. Left me with the seven monsters, and BJ's children."

"Oh that's horrible," Margaret exclaimed. "How could you do that to your father?"

"He said and I quote 'Benjamin Franklin Pierce, You are pissing me off. Get away! Leave! Go!' He said that to me."

"Oh he did not Benjamin. Have another cookie."

"Daddy," A soft voice said coming down the stairs. Hawkeye saw Sabrina and Katelyn walking. They looked much better too.

"Hey little midgits, how u feeling?"

"Better," Katelyn smiled.

"My tummy hurts Mama."

"Come here Sabrina." Margaret said. Sabrina walked over and sat down beside her mother and leaned on her. Margaret felt her forehead. "Not warm, you hungry?"

"A little."

"Why don't I make a late lunch?" Betsy smiled standing up. "Ben if you would wake the children up."

"Sure things Bets. Katelyn wanna help?"

"Yup!" Katelyn said jumping up.

"Sabrina do you want to come with us?"

"No, I want to stay with Mama."

"Okay honey."

After a late lunch the everyone went into the living room. Sabrina still wasn't feeling good and wanted her mother, while everyone else wanted to play. Daniel pulled out a game and got everyone paired up. Hawkeye had Rory on his team, since she was the baby. Daniel had Vincent, Betsy had Finn, Katelyn and Baylee were together and Margaret, Sabrina and Dorby were a team.

By eleven o'clock all the kids were in bed. Daniel and Betsy just headed to bed, which left the engaged couple by themselves.

"Well I don't know about you, but I'm going to head to bed."

"Okay, I'm going to watch a little bit of news and I'll join you." Hawkeye smiled. Margaret smiled back and kissed him lightly on the lips.

"Good night."

"Night hon." Margaret smiled and walked upstairs. The Pieces have a huge house, but no large enough for the entire family. The four girls were sharing a room, the three boys. Daniel and Betsy had their room, and Daniel had set up the guest room for Emily and her husband. Which left Margaret and Hawkeye in his bedroom. She checked on all the children before heading to bed. It was an hour later that she felt someone crawl into bed with her and bring her body against his. Hawkeye nuzzled her neck and fell asleep holding her.

The next morning was a little hectic, the Pierce children were all excited about being in Maine and able to spend time with their grandparents. Sabrina on the other hand was as upset as a six-year-old could be.

"Sabrina."

"Mama, I don't want you to go."

"I know you don't."

"I don't know these people." Sabrina said as tears threatened themselves.

"Sabrina, you'll be fine."

"Mama! I don't want you to go!" Sabrina said as the tears started to fall. Margaret took her only child into her arms.

"Sabrina I'll be back in two days."

"I don't want you to leave Mama!"

"Ssh. You're going to have to baby girl."

"No! Its not fair!"

"Sabrina you need to understand that you wont lose me."

"I....still..don't.want.you..to.go." Sabrina managed to get out between heavy sobs.

"I know, but I'm going."

"NO!" She yelled crying harder. Margaret sighed and hugged her daughter. Hawkeye walked into the room and saw this.

"What's going on?"

"Sabrina doesn't want me to go." Margaret explained rubbing her back to calm her down.

"Ah." Hawkeye said softly walking over to them. "C'mere Rini." Sabrina moved to his arms, she was still crying but it wasn't full blown brawling. "Whats the matter little girl?"

"I don't want Mama to leave."

"She'll come back, we both will."

"Don't want Mama to leave."

"Sabrina would it make you feel better if I didn't go?" Sabrina nodded through the tears. "Okay, I cant go." She said to her fiancee.

"Yes you can. Sabrina we're going, your going to have a ton of fun with my dad and Betsy. And my sister is coming and she loves kids. A don't worry we'll be back on Monday."

"Okay." Sabrina said softly. Betsy smiled and walked in.

"Come here Sabrina." Sabrina looked oddly at Betsy then walked over to her. "Were you crying?" Sabrina nodded. "Well how would you like to help me make a very special batch of Christmas cookies?"

"Doesn't Vincent do that?"

"Vincent is going to take his grandpa shopping."

"Okay."

"Do you want to say goodbye to your mom?" Sabrina nodded and flew into Margaret's arms.

"Bye bye Mama!"

"Bye honey. I love you."

"I love you Mama." Sabrina said. Margaret smiled and kissed Sabrina on the head.

"Bye Rini."

"Bye." Sabrina said close to tears.

"Bye honey." Margaret said once more. With that Sabrina started to scream and cry again. Daniel ran in when he heard the screaming and held the screaming kicking child.

"NO!!! MAMA!!!!!" Sabrina yelled through tears. "MAMA!!! DON'T LEAVE ME!!! MAMA!!!" She yelled harder through tears. Hawkeye took Margaret's hand and walked out. Sabrina escaped from Daniel's arms and ran outside. Margaret looked out the window and saw her only child standing in the middle of the snow crying. Daniel ran outside picked her up brought her inside.

Margaret was quiet for the whole ride to the cabin. She felt completely awful for leaving Sabrina. The words 'Don't Leave Me' plagued her thoughts. When they arrived at the cabin Margaret walked straight inside and picked up the phone. She needed to hear Sabrina's voice, and Sabrina needed to hear hers.

"Hello?"

"Hi Betsy, its Margaret can I talk to Sabrina."

"Of course." Betsy smiled. "Sabrina theres a call for you." Sabrina nodded and took the phone.

"Hello?"

"Hi Honey."

"Mama?"

"Yes. How are you doing."

"I miss you."

"I've only been gone a half an hour honey."

"I know. But I'm scared."

"Scared of what?"

"You leaving me." Sabrina said softly as she was close to tears.

"I'll never leave you."

"But Mama."

"Sabrina baby, you can call me any time okay?" Margaret asked her daughter when Hawkeye walked in. He placed the suitcases down and sighed. "And if we don't answer the phone that means we're busy okay? So just call thirty minutes after okay?"

"Okay." Sabrina said softly. "I love you Mama."

"I love you to honey. But look I have to unpack now okay? I'll call before you go to bed. Be good."

"I will. Bye Mama."

"Bye baby. I love you."

"Love you too." Margaret smiled and hung up the phone. She looked at Hawkeye who had a grin on his face.

"What are you smiling about?" Margaret asked walking over to him. Hawkeye shrugged and took her in his arms. Margaret rested her head on his chest and sighed. "Can we keep the phone plug in the whole time."

"I wouldn't think of unplugging it. I have six kids at my dads, if one of them calls and it says the phone is disconnected, Dad will come up here."

"So its just to save your hide?" Margaret asked in a teasing voice.

"I'm a devoted father to six children. One of them will call while we have sex. I bet you."

"Whats the steaks?" Margaret asked.

"Well, I don't know. If I win I get to do whatever I want, and if you win you get to do whatever you want."

"But what if what I want to do is not to have sex?"

"Then we wont have sex. Its all up to you baby."

"I love you."

"I love you too." Hawkeye said kissing her on the forehead. He moved his lips down to her and gave her a light kiss before moving to her neck. He placed soft kisses on her neck before lightly sucking on it. Margaret wasn't exactly in the mood to do anything But she had to admit, his mouth had a talent all its own. Hawkeye moved his hands and slipped it up her shirt. Feeling the soft skin underneath. After a little while Hawkeye pulled his mouth away from her neck and looked at her. "You okay?"

"I'm fine."

"You're not in the mood right?"

"Well I wouldn't go that far. I mean yeah I'm ready, but I'm not quiet sure that the time is exactly right, right now." Hawkeye moved his hands from under her shirt to her hips.

"No problem honey. We'll unpack and maybe curl up and watch a movie."

"Okay." Margaret smiled. After the two unpacked, which wasn't very much, they curled up on the couch and watched a movie. Hawkeye had one arm draped over her shoulder, he moved his hand so it was an inch away from her breast. Margaret noticed but didn't say anything. After all his hands were magical.

"Hawk?" Margaret said softly as his hand slowly crept down.

"Yes?"

"If you want to have sex, just say." Margaret smiled. Hawkeye grinned and tilted her head up giving her a long passionate kiss. He gently pulled away and took her hand leading her into the bedroom.

A little while later, Hawkeye rolled off of her and pulled her into his arms. Letting his hand rest on her stomach. Margaret snuggled into him resting her head in the crook of his neck. Hawkeye pulled the blanket around them before saying anything.

"I love you."

"I love you too." Margaret smiled.

"I mean I really love you. I love you so much it hurts so I have to love you even harder." Margaret smiled and cuddled closer to him. Hawkeye ran his hand over her back calming her breathing down. "I want to thank you."

"For what?"

"Coming to the cabin with me."

"Don't thank me. We both needed it."

"I agree."

"What time is it?"

"Eight o'clock."

"We have to call the kids."

"I know." Just as he said that the phone rang.

"That would be Sabrina." Margaret smiled. She pulled away a tiny bit and picked the phone up. "Hello?"

"Hi Mama." Sabrina smiled brightly.

"Hi sweetie."

"Um, I wanted to say goodnight."

"Okay, did you brush your teeth?"

"Yup."

"Brush your hair?"

"Uh huh. Betsy even put it in a French braid."

"Okay, do you want to tell me anything?"

"I miss you."

"I miss you too honey. Goodnight."

"Night Mama. Katelyn, Rory, Dorby, Finn, Baylee and Vincent want to talk to their daddy."

"Okay." Margaret handed the phone over. After all the children were said goodnight to the two fell straight asleep in each other's arms.

Margaret awoke the next morning from the smell of bacon frying. She took a deep breath and sighed. Listening to the soft singing in the kitchen, she put on a nighty and crawled back into bed. It was too cold to get out. She picked up her book and snuggled into the warm comforter as she listened to her fiancee sing while he cooked.

She listened as his voice grew louder, she heard his singing grow louder. She smiled when she heard the song he was singing.

"Wise men say only fools rush in, but I can't help falling in love with you. Shall I stay would it be a sin, if I can't help falling in love with you?" He sang as he walked in the room. "Like a river flows surely to the sea, Darling so it goes some things are meant to be take my hand, take my whole life too for I can't help falling in love with you." He added with a smile singing to her.

"Like a river flows surely to the sea Darling so it goes some things are meant to be take my hand, take my whole life too." He smiled sitting on the bed. Then smiled brighter and added.

"For I can't help falling in love with you for I can't help falling in love with you!"

Margaret smiled and set her book down. Hawkeye leaned over and kissed her gently on the lips.

"I love you baby." He whispered pulling back from the kiss.

"I love you too." Margaret smiled.

"Here I made you some breakfast." Hawkeye pulled out a tray and set it beside her. He had made pancakes with real maple syrup, bacon, fruit was sliced up and he had strawberries covered in white and dark chocolate.

"Wow. You out did yourself." Margaret smiled.

"It was a labor of love."

"I'm sure it was."

"Eat up. You'll need your strength."

"Oh?"

"I have a busy day planed for you. And none of it involves getting out of bed." He smiled as he wiggled his eyebrows. Margaret burst out laughing.

"Actually I was planning on taking a long bubble bath. Its hard with seven children always at my house."

"Well only if you let me watch. Or better yet join you." He smiled kissing her neck. Margaret was about to tell him that one of the children might come in. Then she realized where they were and allowed him to work his magic. Hawkeye moved the food on the table beside the bed and slipped a hand down her nighty, feeling the skin underneath. He crawled over her and under the comforter. Slipping his hands over her body he slipped the nighty off. He pulled his t-shirt off and continued to kiss her neck. Margaret slipped her hands over his body to the waist band of his pajama pants. She slipped them down a little bit to get him to lift his hips. Hawkeye did just that and Margaret pulled his pants off.
Kissing her neck the entire time letting his hands gently grip her hips. Margaret wrapped her arms around his neck and resting her hands on his shoulders. Margaret closed her eyes and tilted her head giving him more access to her neck

Just then the phone rang. At first they ignored it, thinking it was one of the kids. After five rings it stopped. Hawkeye smiled and continued kissing her neck. Just then the phone started to ring again. This time Margaret sighed and pushed him off a little bit.

"Hello?"

"Hi." Sabrina smiled.

"Hi Baby, what are you doing calling this early?" Hawkeye sighed and kissed Margaret. Margaret pushed him off and sat up slightly to talk to her daughter.

"Well I asked Betsy if I could call Uncle BJ to see how Bernard is doing and she told me to call and ask you."

"I don't see why not. Bernard is your puppy."

"Thanks Mama."

"You're welcome honey. Anything else?"

"Where did you put my ice skates?"

"Your ice skates?" Margaret asked. Hawkeye sighed and put his robe on.

"I'm taking a shower." He stated before leaving the room. Margaret smiled and waved.

"Well they should be in their bag."

"Where's that?"

"Look with the other kids ice skates. They might be there."

"You sure?"

"Pretty sure. Anything else?"

"Yeah."

"What is it?"

"Next time we come to Maine, can I bring Bernard?"

"We'll talk about that next time. Okay?"

"Okay. Emmy came today."

"Did she?"

"Yeah, Katelyn jumped into her arms. It was funny. Then Betsy introduced me and she said I could call her Emmy if I wanted."

"Wow."

"Yup and then Betsy and me made cookies. And Auntie Annie came."

"Auntie Annie?"

"That's what everyone calls her. She's Dr. Pierce's sister."

"Oh."

"Yeah. Mama?"

"Yes?"

"Do you miss me?" Sabrina asked. She was scared that her mother didn't miss her as much as she missed her mother.

"I do. I missed you from the minute I said goodbye."

"I love you Mama."

"I love you too Sabrina."

"I gotta go. Emmy is taking us skating. She said that theres a pond and we're all going to skate."

"Okay, have fun."

"I will. Bye Mama."

"Bye baby." Margaret smiled hanging the phone up. She smiled and crawled out of bed putting her robe on. She bent down and picked up the tray of food and walked downstairs.

-+=-+=-+=-+=-+=-+=-+=-+=-+=-+=

"Sabrina what did you Mom say?" Emmy asked walking into the room.

"She said I should check where Katelyn, Baylee, Vincent, Dorby and Vincent's are."

"Okay, go put your jacket on."

"Okay." Sabrina smiled happily walking into the hall where the rest of the kids were. Sabrina smiled when she saw Katelyn and Baylee who wear wearing something that almost matched her outfit. Sabrina was wearing a green plaid skirt. She had white stockings on and black socks. With a matching white sweater over top a green turtleneck. Betsy had French braided her head and tied it with green ribbons.
Katelyn wearing a red plaid skirt with black stockings and red socks. Her sweater was black over top a red turtleneck. Katelyn's hair was in two pig tails tied with red ribbons
Baylee was in a blue skirt with pink stocking with blue socks and a pink sweater over a blue turtleneck. With her hair in a half braid down her back.

All the boys were in slacks and sweaters that Betsy had made them.

"Hi Sabrina. What did your Mommy say?" Baylee asked pulling her boots on.

"That they're with yours. Emmy is getting them."

"Good. Here put your boots, coat, hat, scarf and mitts on." Sabrina smiled and sat down to put her boots on. "It gets cold here. Its nothing like back home, its really cold during winter." Baylee smiled as Betsy walked in.

"Okay children who's ready to go skating?" She asked looking at everyone. The three boys and Baylee raised their hands. Sabrina and Katelyn were still putting their winder gear on.
"Sabrina do you need some help?"

"Yes please." Sabrina smiled. She had her boots and gloves on, and was trying to zip her jacket up. Betsy smiled and zipped and snapped up the jacket, put the scarf around her neck and put her hat on.

"There, you all ready?"

"Yup." They kids responded.

"Emily honey, they're ready." Just as Betsy said that Emily-Alice walked in with skates hanging off her shoulders. Each child took theirs and waited for their Aunt to get her boots done up.

"Okay, Bets, we're off. We'll stop by the clinic after we're done and see what time Daddy'll be home."

"Okay have fun. I'll have a snack by the time you guys get home. No later than three okay?"

"No problem. Bye."

"Bye."

"Bye!" The kids waved and walked out the door. Betsy smiled and waved then turned around to see Rory frowning.

"Gammie, why me don't go?"

"Well Rory honey, you're to little to skate."

"Oh."

"Do you want to help me make cookies?"

"Yeah!"

"Or do you want to go help Grampy?"

"Elp Gampy." Rory smiled.

"Okay. Sam!"

"Yeah Bets?" Sam asked walking into the hall.

"Would you mind taking Rory over to the clinic?"

"Sure, no problem." Sam smiled.

"Thank you Honey. I'll keep an eye on Christina."

"Thanks. Come here Rory."

"Unky Sammy." Rory smiled.

"That's right. Lets get you to Grampy."

"Kay. Tina too?"

"No, Christina is sleeping."

"Oh. Kay. Me an oo."

"That's right, me and you." Sam smiled putting the almost three-year- old's coat on. Rory smiled and held her Uncle's hand. Betsy smiled and walked into the living room where four-year-old Christina was sleeping. They took a night flight in hopes that Christina would be sleeping, but it didn't go as planed.
Emily-Alice decided to take the seven children out skating for the afternoon to reduce the noise in the house.

-+=-+=-+=-+=-+=-+=-+=-+=-+=-+=

Meanwhile Margaret was sitting on the kitchen counter eating and reading a newspaper when Hawkeye walked in.

"Hey you."

"Hi," He said cooly. Margaret looked up at him and watched as he went into the fridge and pulled out the cream.

"What's the matter?"

"Matter?" He asked. "You're asking me what the matter is?"

"Yes."

"Well lets see we were in the middle of making love and you stop and talk to your daughter."

"Well I'm sorry if having sex with you isn't on the top of my list but my little girl is!"

"Well it should be God damn it!"

"What!?"

"You heard me! Did I ever once stop making love to you because of a phone call?"

"No, but!"

"That's the point Margaret!"

"What is? That my little girl called me!?"

"Yes!"

"You're being an ass!"

"I'm being an ass? Oh you have to be joking."

"I'm going for a walk."

"Fine!" With that Margaret sighed and leaned back and watched her fiancee walk out of the cabin. Margaret let the tears roll down her cheeks. She got off the counter and walked into the bedroom. She grabbed her things and took a shower as the tears poured down her cheeks. When Margaret got out she started to pack her things again. As soon as he came home she was out of there. She looked down at left ring finger and saw the stone sitting nicely. She wasn't going to take it off. She loved him too much and he loved her. They were just having another fight. It certainly wasn't their first and not going to be their last for sure.

Margaret was just putting the last of her things away when Hawkeye walked in. He watched her for a little while before saying anything.

"What are you doing?"

"Packing. I'm not going to stay here."

"And why not?"

"Because I don't want to be here."

"Margaret."

"Listen. I love you, but I cant be here if you're going to stay mad at me."

"Margaret." Hawkeye said grabbing her arm.

"Let go of me Pierce."

"No. Not until we talk."

"Fine. What do you want to talk about?"

"What happened."

"Oh really. Huh. How you started acting like the biggest ass in the world because my little girl is having a really hard time letting me go?"

"Yes. I acted like an ass and I'm sorry."

"You're sorry for hurting me too?"

"I'm sorry for everything I said. It was mean."

"You're damn right it was mean! It hurt me!"

"I'm sorry. I was upset."

"Why?"

"Why what?"

"Why were you upset?"

"Because I couldn't show you how much I love you."

"You show how much you love me everyday."

"No I don't."

"By saying you love me. The simple kisses. The caring, everything you do shows me how much you love me."

"Really?"

"Really. I love how you show me your love in the physical way. But right now I think that Sabrina needs our attention and love."

"I agree." Margaret smiled and hugged the man still holding her arm. "Do you want to go back home?" Margaret nodded. "Okay, we'll go back."

-+=-+=-+=-+=-+=-+=-+=-+=-+=-+=

Margaret and Hawkeye drove into the driveway of his father's house an hour later. He looked over at his bride to be and saw a content smile on her face.

"You know you're beautiful when you're content."

"Shut up." Margaret smiled.

"Lets get inside. I'll get dad to help me with the bags later."

"Okay." Margaret smiled walking up the shoveled path. The two walked into the house and found it amazingly quiet, for a house that had eight kids in it.

"I wonder where everyone is." Hawkeye said hanging his coat up. Margaret nodded in agreement as she walked out of the hall and into the livingroom. There she saw Rory and another little girl playing. Rory was giggling as the little girl was reading a book.
Margaret smiled and watched the two. Hawkeye came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her.

"That's my niece Christina." Hawkeye whispered. Rory looked up when she heard her dad's voice.

"DADDY! MAGS! DADDY! MAGS!" Rory screamed in delight running to them. Margaret smiled and caught the toddler.

"Hey Rory."

"Miss Mags." Rory smiled hugging Margaret.

"Uncle Hawkeye!" Christina smiled running towards him.

"Hey Christina. How have you been?"

"Good." Christina smiled hugging him. "You?"

"Great. Christina, I want to you meet someone."

"Okay." Christina said nodding her head.

"Well Christina this is Margaret, she's going to be your new aunt."

"Hi. I'm Christina." She smiled holding her hand out. Margaret grinned and shook Christina's hand.

"Where's Mommy?" Hawkeye asked walking into the kitchen with the three girls.

"She went with the kids. And Daddy went to Grandpa's and Grandma is out in the back." Christina explained climbing out of his arms.

"Okay." Hawkeye smiled. "BETSY! WE'RE HOME!" Hawkeye yelled walking towards the back porch. Betsy appeared carrying wood.

"What are you doing here?"

"Ah, the cabin was no fun." Hawkeye smiled taking the wood out of her arms.

"Thanks. No fun huh? Put that in the living room in the wood box." Betsy instructed. Hawkeye nodded and walked into the living room. Betsy smiled at Margaret. "You missed Sabrina honey?"

"How can you tell?" Margaret smiled.

"I'm a mother honey. I know how we work. Speaking of which, I'll have to introduce you to my children tomorrow. Todd and Marilyn are coming tonight with their children Lindsey and Theo. And then Alexandra and Gabriel are coming tomorrow with their kids Ella, Veronica and Bradley."

"Wow. Its going to be a full house."

"It is. But its good to have the whole family back in the house."

"I know what you mean." Margaret smiled setting Rory down. Rory smiled and skipped into the living room with her father. Margaret watched and thought how much that little girl had grown.

"She's grown hasn't she?" Betsy smiled.

"Yeah." Margaret grinned. "So how many grand kids do you have all together."

"Shall we count. Lindsey, Theo, Ella, Veronica, Bradley, Baylee, Dorby, Finn, Vincent, Katelyn, Rory, and Sabrina. That's twelve."

"Wow." Margaret laughed. "That is certainly a lot."

"What's a lot?" Hawkeye asked walking into the kitchen.

"How many grand kids Betsy has." Margaret told her fiancee.

"How yeah. How many do ya got Bets?" Hawkeye asked stealing a cookie.

"Twelve."

"And seven of them are from us eh?" Hawkeye smiled as he ate his gingerbread cookie.

"Yes."

"So when are Todd and Alex commin?"

"Todd, Marilyn and the kids are coming tonight and Alexandra and the gang are coming tomorrow."

"Good. Margaret you'll love my step brother and sister. Alex and Todd are the greatest. They don't beat my Emma though." Hawkeye smiled as Emily- Alice walked in.

"They don't? I always thought they did." She teased. Hawkeye turned around and immediately grabbed his sister.

"God I missed you. How have you been? Has Sam been treating you right? Cause if he hasn't, I'll kill him."

"Hawkeye, shut up. He's been treating me great. Don't you worry."

"I cant help it." Hawkeye smiled. "I love you."

"I love you too." Emily-Alice smiled and hugged her brother again, then noticing Margaret. "Big brother, who's this?"

"This, my dear baby sister is my fiancee." Hawkeye smiled walking over to Margaret and wrapping his arms around her waist.

"So you're the one who took his heart huh?"

"I guess I did."

"I hear you have a little girl."

"I do."

"I've met her. She's a doll." Margaret smiled at the comment of her daughter. Like all mothers did when their child was complemented.

"Where is Sabrina?"

"She and the rest of the kids are at the clinic. Brother dear, take Christina and Rory over to Daddy's. I want to talk with Margaret here." Hawkeye nodded and kissed Margaret before walking out of the room with Betsy. "I'm not going to put you through the ringer, like Hawk and Daddy said I would."

"They did mention something like that."

"They always do. I just want to get to know you."

"Okay."

"So all I know, is what Daddy would tell me. You have a daughter and live in California."

"Yes. Is that all you know?"

"Daddy doesn't tell me much." Emily-Alice smiled. The two talked all afternoon, getting to know one another. It was around four o'clock when Betsy intercepted the kitchen to start dinner. She wanted to have it done by the time her son and his family arrived.

Todd and the family arrived shortly before dinner. Everyone was happy to see them, the family was almost complete. In the morning everyone would be together for the first time since everyone got married.

The kids were all excited that their cousins were there. They never were all together at one time. This Christmas was going to be a great one.

By ten o'clock all the kids were sound asleep. The adults were all in the living room talking. Betsy was sitting in her rocking chair doing crochet. Daniel and Todd were sitting in the big leather chairs, Marilyn was sitting comfortable on the floor. Hawkeye and Margaret were cuddled up on the couch, and Emily-Alice and Sam were sitting on the other couch.

"Its going to be great tomorrow night with the whole family together." Daniel mused with a broad smile.

"How long has it been Daddy? Since I was 15?" Emma asked looking at her father.

"Yup. Your brother was in Boston, Alex was in New York and Todd was off doing whatever he was doing."

"I was kinda in Washington Dan." Todd smiled tossing him a pillow.

"Well I'm a old man, I'm allowed to be senile." Daniel added with a smile. Everyone burst out laughing and smiled when they saw Margaret cuddle closer into her fiancee.

"So tell us Hawk, how did you get such a beautiful girl to fall for you." Todd asked with teasing smile.

"Well, I didn't do it the same way you did Todd. I didn't drug her." Hawkeye teased back. Both men smiled and looked at everyone.

"Seriously though, how did you know you love each other?" Emma asked.

"Well, I don't know. We just knew. It didn't matter that I was divorced with six children, and Margaret was widowed with only a daughter left to link her to the two men she lost. We just knew." Hawkeye explained hugging Margaret closer into him. "The same reason why you Todd knew that Marilyn was your life, the same reason why you Emma found love in a guy I hate."

"You don't hate him. You just say you do to tease me." Emma grinned. "Besides it doesn't really mater if you hate him. You don't have to have sex with him." Everyone's jaw dropped in shock that the youngest child said such a thing.

"Emily-Alice," Daniel started.

"Sorry Daddy." Emma quickly apologized.

"Why are you saying sorry?"

"I thought you would be angry."

"Me angry no." Daniel smiled tossing his daughter his and his sons' famous grin. Emma laughed and tossed a pillow at her father.

"Anyway Emma, what's this I hear about you having a baby?"

"What about it?"

"You're having to much sex huh?" Emily-Alice's mouth dropped open with shock. She couldn't believe her brother said she was having too much sex.

"But then again you can never have to much sex huh son?" Daniel teased tossing his son a smile.

"Nope. You can never have to much sex." Hawkeye grinned.

"Can we stop talking about sex?" Margaret asked feeling a little bit awkward.

"You don't like sex Margaret?" Todd grinned.

"Oh on the contrary, I mean..oh shit." Everyone burst out laughing causing Margaret to bury her face into her fiancee's chest in embarrassment.

"Welcome to regular Brandon-Pierce family conversations." Betsy smiled warmly. "This has been dinner conversation along with bodily functions."

"Oh dear." Margaret said quietly.

"You need to get used to this honey. Believe me." Hawkeye grinned. Everyone in the, burst out laughing, except Betsy who smiled warmly.

"Well I don't know about you folks, but I'm pretty tired from traveling so I think I'll hit the sheets." Todd announced standing up. "Marilyn you going to come to bed?"

"Yeah, I'm really tired. Well good night." Marilyn said taking her husbands hand. The two smiled and walked upstairs into Todd's old bedroom. Their two kids were in there too.

Emma and Sam went next, and then Daniel and Betsy. Which left Hawkeye and Margaret alone in the living room.

"So what do you think of my family."

"They're just like you."

"I told you you'd love them." Hawkeye teased kissing the side of her head.

"That you did."

"You'll love Alex. She's just like the rest of us."

"Dear god, help me." Margaret smiled.

"How would you like a swift kiss in the mouth?"

"I would love it."

"Well in that case, you don't get one." Hawkeye smiled cheekily.

"Fine." Margaret grinned. Two could play that game. "I'm going to go to bed. I'll see you in the morning."

"What I cant sleep with you?"

"No." Margaret grinned and stood up. Hawkeye smiled and pulled her down so that she was on his lap, and started to kiss her neck. "What do you think you're doing?"

"Well." He started. "I'm.kissing.the.woman.I.love." He smiled between kisses.

"We're in your father's house." Margaret smiled as she tried to get him to stop. Truthfully she didn't want him to stop. Hawkeye gently pushed her down on the couch and move his lips over to her mouth. The two kissed for a while, until Hawkeye decided that kissing wasn't going to do it. He moved his mouth away from hers and down to her neck as he undid her blouse. Once all the buttons were undone he slid it off of her and moved down her body. He was just about to take her bra off when Margaret suddenly pulled away.

"What are we doing?"

"Well last time I checked this was,"

"I know what this is." Margaret said sitting up. "I mean, we're in your father and step-mother's house. Your sister, step-brother and his wife are upstairs with all the kids."

"That's why we're down here." Hawkeye smiled kissing her neck again.

"Hawkeye, we cant."

"Yes we can. Everyone left for a reason." Hawkeye smiled pushing her down. Margaret smiled, he had a point. And who was she to deny sex?

"One question first."

"Anything." Hawkeye mumbled from her neck.

"Where are we supposed to sleep?"

"The den. Dad put a bed in there while you and Emma were talking." Hawkeye smiled pulling away. "You want to take it in there?" Margaret nodded and pulled him back down to her lips. Hawkeye moved his hands over her stomach and over to her breasts as he kissed her collar bone.

Hawkeye pulled away and sat up.

"Whats the matter?"

"We have to take this into the den. We might have some visitors."

"Good idea." Margaret grinned as she allowed Hawkeye to pick her up.

"Have I ever told you that you were beautiful?"

"Once or twice, or every time you see me." Margaret grinned as he walked into the den and placing her down on the bed. Hawkeye grinned and kissed her lips before settling in between her legs. He removed his shirt so that he could feel her skin against his. After a few minutes as he tried to remove her pants he got them off, and discarded them on the floor. They spent the night together, without much sleep, but feeling better about the world knowing that they were together.

The next morning, everyone woke up with smiles on. Sabrina was extremely happy that her mother wasn't going to go any where.

Shortly before breakfast the remaining family arrived. The Brandon-Pierce- Johnson-Anderson children were extremely happy. By ten that morning all twelve children were together smiling and laughing. The Pierce-Brandon children we're together with their spouses or soon to be spouse. Betsy and Daniel loved that the whole family was together.

Over breakfast Daniel announced that the annual 'Pierce Family Christmas Concert' was on. Sabrina smiled, she loved doing concerts.

"Grandpa. I sing and dance."

"You do?" Daniel asked with a broad grin. Sabrina nodded with a bigger smile. "Well who thinks Sabrina should be the star of our show?"

"ME!" Katelyn grinned raising her hand. The other children followed suit.

"What do you think Emily-Alice, do you think you could give up your spot to your new niece?

"Its hers. I'm a little pregnant." Emily grinned sipping her tea. Sabrina grinned.

"Well its settled. The star of this year's show is none other than Sabrina Josephine Anderson."

"Mama! I'm the star!" Sabrina told her mother as she walked into the dinning room.

"Wow." Margaret smiled sitting next to her fiancee.

"Mama, can we come here every Christmas?" Everyone laughed at the little girl's comment.

"Of course Rini. As long as my dad wants us."

"I want the kids, not you." Daniel teased. "But I will take Margaret."

"Thank you sir." Margaret grinned as she poured syrup on her pancakes. Daniel grinned.

"Emily-Alice, take note of what she said."

"I wasn't listening." Emma shot back.

"Well start. Its only been twenty-six years and you still haven't learned."

"I'm a slow learner."

"Grandpa?" Baylee popped up, "Can we go outside?"

"Sure. Watch the baby though." Daniel instructed. The kids nodded and climbed out of the chairs and into the hall to get ready. All the adults laughed when they watched Veronica run out of the dinning room saying 'Wait for me.'

"You guys wont believe what happened on the plane last night," Alex smiled. "Well the kids are sleeping right, so is Gabriel and I'm the only one awake, anyway, I get up to go to the bathroom and there is the flight attendant and,"

"MOMMY!" Came a loud scream from the hall. Everyone jumped up and ran into the hall to see Lindsey on the floor. She had her finger tied in her boots.

"You know what, why don't we all go skating?" Daniel suggested.

"Yeah! Come on Mama!" Sabrina practically begged. Margaret smiled.

"Sure sounds like fun."

"Then its settled, everyone go get ready." Daniel smiled. All the kids smiled and ran up to the rooms where they were staying in to get changed and to get their skates.

The men cleaned up the dinning room while the women went and changed. Ten minutes later the whole family was on their way to the ice rink. The kids were walking all by themselves ahead of the adults. Daniel, Todd and Gabriel carried all the kids skates along with thiers, while Emily-Alice, Alexandra, Marilyn and Betsy walked holding hands with the younger children. Which left Hawkeye and Margaret walking by themselves holding hands.

"Are you having fun?"

"A lot. Thank you."

"No problem." Hawkeye smiled and kissed her on the lips.

"Are you two love birds coming?" Daniel teased looking back at the two.

"Yeah dad, we're coming." His son replied. "Oh Margaret look there at the tree. I climbed that, and fell out and broke my leg when I was seven. Man Mom was worried sick for six months. And over there was where I fell of my bike and broke my arm. And that house was the place we all threw rocks at. WE all got in trouble every year. Oh and over there was where I threw up after prom."

"What?"

"I drank to much."

"Lovely."

"Didn't you get drunk on Prom?"

"My prom was a complete disaster."

"Why?"

"I moved to New York a month before prom, I ended up going with the captain of the football team who only took me because I was pretty."

"Pretty. You're far from pretty. You're drop dead gorgeous."

"Thank you." Margaret smiled. "It wasn't that bad. I mean I met Wally that night."

"Please Margaret, lets not mention old flames. I don't want to think about you and another man."

"Sorry." Margaret smiled leaning into him as they walked.

"Don't worry about it babe. Hawkeye smiled. "We're here. Come on I'll show you every place on that ice that I broke a bone."

Margaret laughed as he pulled her towards the benches. After all the kids' skates were on the adults put theirs on. As soon as Rory walked on the ice she fell down. She immediately started crying. Hawkeye skated over to her and picked her up.

"What's that matter baby?"

"Me fall." Rory cried wrapping her arms around her father.

"You did. How?"

"Dunno."

"Are you hurt?"

"No."

"Then why are you crying?"

"Dunno." Rory said with a sniffle. Hawkeye smiled and rubbed her back.

"You're alright. Aren't you?" Rory nodded.

"Daddy down." Hawkeye smiled and put her down. "GAMPA! GAMPA! 'Ate wif me."

"Okay," Daniel smiled skating over to Rory. He took her hands and pulled her around the ice. Rory smiled and laughed heartily. Hawkeye skated over to Margaret and pulled her by her scarf over to him. He gave her a kiss and smiled.

"You taste good."

"Oh yeah?" Margaret smiled wrapping her arms around him.

"Uh huh. But I don't think I got enough of a taste to tell you any more."

"Oh really, and I suppose you want a better taste huh?"

"You're a smart lady," Hawkeye mumbled against her lips before kissing her. Margaret kissed him right back as he pulled her closer to his body. The two were to wrapped up in each other that they didn't notice Todd, Gabriel, Marilyn, Emma, Alexandra and Sam all plotting to throw snow balls at them.

"You know how gross that is?" Emma told the others. "Seeing my own brother making out. EWW!"

"Its gross seeing my step-brother making out, but its even more fun that I can throw snow balls at him." Alex grinned getting ready to throw. "On the count of three. One, two, three." Everyone threw the balls of snow at the two Margaret pulled away and hid as she giggled merrily.

"AH! DAD! BETSY! HELP!" Hawkeye screamed trying to get away. Daniel skated over and saw the kids throwing snowballs.

"Aw come on you six, leave the poor kids alone."

"But Daddy, they were making out." Emma told her father like she did when she was fourteen.

"Aw come on Hawk. Do you really want me to start throwing snow balls at you too?" Daniel asked with a smile.

"Sorry dad." Hawkeye laughed hugging Margaret closer to him.

"You know what.SNOW BALL FIGHT!" Alex grinned skating as fast as she could, the rest of the adults followed to get the best spot for the fort.

Betsy walked to the edge of the rink over to Daniel and smiled. "Look at them, just like they were when they were kids."

"I know. But they wouldn't have their crushes, they would have their best friends." Daniel grinned.

"Grandpa whats Mommy and Daddy doing?" Ella asked skating over to her grandfather.

"Well Ella dear, they're having a snow ball fight."

"Why?"

"I don't know. But lets leave them. Come on Grandma will get us some hot cocoa."

"Kay." Ella grinned and took her grandfather's hand. All twelve kids went over to the shelter and watched as their parents, aunts and uncles made fools of themselves.

Everyone in the park watched as the Pierce-Brandon family were finally together and acting like they did when they were all younger. Everyone found it amusing that the 'children' were all home. They acted more like children then their children did.

"Okay, Pierce against Brandon." Alex smiled taking her brother's hand and running to their make-shift fort.

"You're going down Brandon." Hawkeye smirked pulling Margaret into his fort. He pushed her down in the snow and gently kissed her. Margaret smiled and kissed him back. The two did that for a little bit before Emma kicked her brother.

"Come off it you two. Its Christmas, at least keep the sex in your room."

"Why should I listen to you Emmy?"

"Cause I can tell Daddy." Emily-Alice smiled sitting down on her brother's lap.

"You wouldn't?"

"Wanna make a bet?"

"See if you do, then I will have to tell him about little Christina."

"You wouldn't." Emma said in a low voice.

"You know what Dad thinks about sex before marriage."

"Well, I don't care."

"Sure." Hawkeye smiled. "Come on lets kill them." Emma nodded and ducked into the fort.

The snowball fight only lasted about thirty minutes before Rory and Christina decided they wanted to play.

After they brushed the snow off, everyone headed back to the house for lunch. Lunch was what the Piece-Brandon kids would call simple, soup, sandwiches/subs, hot chocolate, or tea, with cookies. After lunch, the younger kids under the age of three were put down for naps. The older kids did their own things. Katelyn and Sabrina went up to the attic, with Ella who was a year younger than them. Vincent helped Betsy make some cookies and Christmas goodies. Baylee went walking with a local boy. Her father was about to blow a gasket, he didn't want his baby girl walking with a boy, let alone dating one. Dorby, Finn, Bradley and Theo were playing hockey with some resident children. Lindsey, Veronica, and Rory were sleeping. Which left the adults to wrap presents from 'Santa'. Tomorrow was Christmas Eve and they wanted everything done so that snooping children wouldn't find anything.

The rest of the afternoon and evening went by extremely quick. Daniel got the kids ready for the show which was on Christmas day, and sent them off to bed early.

The next day went by with smiles. All the kids were excited about what Santa was going to bring them. By the time dinner rolled around all the kids were tired from running around all day. They were fed and all bathed then all curled up with their parents as Daniel told them 'Twas the Night Before Christmas'. Right before the kids went to bed Betsy brought out the cookies and milk for 'Santa', Sabrina brought in some carrots for the Reindeers. After that was done all the kids were sent to bed and woken up shortly before midnight for Mass. After that was done they kids were sent back to bed who went willingly. The men put together all the toys that needed to be put together, while the women slept.

The next morning was full of excitement. All the kids got up bright and early to see what Santa brought them, all the cookies were gone, even from the kitchen and there was no milk left. Katelyn told everyone that Santa was really hungry and thirsty.

The day was spent playing with the new toys and getting Grandpa to fix them. Daniel shook his head at the ones that fell apart because his son put them together.

After dinner goodbyes were said as Hawkeye and Margaret got the kids ready to go home. Hawkeye had to work on the 27 and they needed to get home.

It was a great Christmas, everyone was together and made Margaret and Sabrina feel like they were actually family.