In The Eye Of The Beholder

by Falcon and HM Writer

FINAL chapter is up. Please leave a final review. We hope you enjoyed it.

3. Chapter 3

CHAPTER 3

Margaret had never talked much about her family in Korea. She'd always been reluctant to share with others what kind of people they really were. In the eyes of the Army they were the ideal family, but in reality they were just embarrassing and judgmental. There were times when Margaret really hated them, the anguish and self deprivation was just too much for her to handle. This was one of those times.

The experience with her father in the lobby had been anything short of uneventful. Between the ever apparent rage on her father's face and the collective yet solid demeanor of her uncle, she found herself being overwhelmed. Alvin had been furious when he saw them sitting on the couch in the fashion they were in. To him it was despicable and disgraceful to see a man and woman behaving in such a manner.

Margaret wasn't exactly sure how they managed to escape, or without being found out for that manner. She had been too scared to move once he started his rampage. However it happened though she didn't care, she was eternally grateful to Hawkeye for pulling her out of it when he did.

It didn't matter how they got back to the hotel room; just as long as they were back. The day had gone so well once they left her sister's house, and then that had to happen. The only purpose it served was make Margaret more tense and fray her nerves. There was no way she was going to turn on Hawkeye again, and she new that for the next few days she was going to have defend the two of them and their relationship. But what was there to say? They were in love and they were getting married whether or not a single person showed up to the wedding. Margaret was seriously rethinking who she was going to invite, if anyone at all.

When they got into the room Margaret dropped the few bags she was carrying and slumped down on the couch trying to catch her breath. Her father had caused a very unwanted and uncalled for scene. She and Hawkeye weren't doing anything wrong. They were sitting on the couch cuddling waiting for a key. As much as she tried, she couldn't find a damn thing wrong with it.

Hawkeye put all the bags he was carrying by the door. He walked behind the couch and put his arms around her neck and shoulders. "Don't let it bother it you," he said in a soft even tone. She just sighed and hung her head low. He made her pick up her chin. "Never let anyone make you feel this way. You're stronger than that."

"They just make me so...so...I don't know what."

He kissed her chin gently and then her cheek. "I told you I was here to protect you. Didn't I get us out of that?"

"Yes," she nodded.

"And I'll save you tomorrow if you need saving." He picked up her hand and forced her to stand up bringing her to the back of the couch. He took her in his arms and held her fully for the first time that day. She tried to relax, but all those muscles had become so tense once again. "Do you still want that bath?" She nodded leaving her head to rest on him. "Do you want me to run it for us?" She nodded again. "You have to let go of me." She smiled and shook her head no. "Okay, but this will look silly if you're attached to me for the rest of our lives."

"I don't care how silly we look; I never want to let you go." She said as she hugged him tighter.

Hawkeye kissed her hair. "Then how are we going to get to the bathroom?" Margaret didn't loosen her grip. "Would you like me to carry you?" She nodded slightly. Hawkeye adjusted her in his arms and then stood up. He carried her through their bedroom and then into the bathroom where he sat her down on the toilet seat.

"Add some of those bath salts." She instructed him as he turned on the water. He did as she said and looked over at her.

"Did you need help undressing too?"

She smiled at him. "Just fix the bath."

"My, my, you're certainly bossy."

He turned his back and went back to running the water. She stood up quietly and wrapped her arms around him from behind. He smiled at her. She usually wasn't so cuddly, but he was really liking it. Normally it was him who wanted to cuddle and she was a little more standoffish. "We should get some wine."

"Do want to order room service or should I?"

"You."

"And what will you do?"

"I'll meet you in the tub," she smiled.

He turned around and folded his arms around her. "What has gotten into you today?"

"I just want to be in your arms and show you how much I love you. I'm so sorry about earlier at Katie's house and then again in the lobby."

"Don't worry about it." He rubbed her back and planted a kiss on her head.

They stood like that for a few moments just holding one another. Eventually Hawkeye moved away and went to order the wine while Margaret put up her hair and got into the tub. She had the feeling that after taking a bath with Hawkeye she would feel much better. Between the warm water, the intoxication of the wine and his hands, she was going to forget all about their bad day.

By the time he walked back in to the bathroom, Margaret was leaned back against the tub with her eyes closed and only the tops of her shoulders visible. As he started to undress she sat up and scooted down so he could move in behind her. "I knew it was a good idea to get you some new underwear." She commented as she watched him undress. "Those aren't as white as they once were."

Hawkeye didn't say anything as he poured out two glasses of red wine. He handed them both to Margaret as he finished removing his clothing and slipped into the warm water behind her. Once he was settled he opened his arms and Margaret moved back so she was resting against his chest. She handed up his glass as he wrapped a strong arm around her body. "Are you beginning to relax a little more?" He asked her a moment later.

"Mmm hmm."  Was her only reply as she took another sip of her wine.  "I've been thinking about this for the last two hours."

"Me too." He planted a kiss on her head.

She let out a sigh. "Why does he have to be like that?"

"Let's not think about that right now. All that matters is you and me." Hawkeye started to lightly run a finger over her side in a calming motion. She melted into him a little more at his touch.

There wasn't another person in the world that made her feel as good as he did. All he had to do was touch her and she was putty in his hands. Problems that once seemed so big were now tiny and far away. "Why can't it be just us?"

"It is just us the rest of the time. In a few more days it will back to that."

"Good. Oh, you know what we forgot?"

"No, what?" He smiled. She seemed to be loosening up.

"We forgot those gifts for my niece."

"We'll bring them with us tomorrow."

"Remind me."

"I will." He took a sip of wine and then set it off to the side so he could move his hands to her shoulders. She was still pretty tense, but was relaxing fast. "How's this feel?"

"Wonderful," she sighed. She bowed her head to allow him full access to her neck and shoulders. She hadn't been that tense since she was in Korea. It would have been nice if they were together then so he could have massaged her. She let out a few groans as he worked the knots out of her. When he felt her really begin to relax he took her wine glass from her and set it next to his so she wouldn't drop it. After a few minutes she felt herself begin to drift and told him to stop. "That's enough."

"You sure?" She nodded and leaned back against him rested her head on his left shoulder. "I can do more."

"I'm fine," she smiled.

"What time is it?" She asked him. It had to be getting late, she was so tired.

"I left my watch on the counter." He prepared to stand up.

She put her hands on his chest to stop him. "No. It's not that important. I don't want you to leave."

Hearing the pleading in her voice Hawkeye sank back down into the water and leaned against the back of the tub. Margaret settled back down against him as he wrapped his arms around her. "You make it seem like I'm going down the street."

"I don't want to let you go." She said softly. Between the warmth of the water and the security of his arms she was beginning to feel sleepy.

Hawkeye could tell she was tiring. "Do you want to get out and go to bed?"  Margaret shook her head no, she didn't want to move. Hawkeye stayed in there with her for a few more minutes just to please her. She didn't ask for much when it came to things like that so he knew that when she did she really needed to be with him. He felt her relax entirely against him and that's when he knew she was asleep. "Margaret," he whispered. "Come on, time to get in bed."

She nodded without opening her eyes and waited for him to get out. He wrapped a robe around himself and then helped her out wrapping a robe around her too. He led her to the bed where it had already been turned down and then covered her up once she was in there. She closed her eyes and went right back to sleep. Hawkeye joined her once he cleaned up the mess in the bathroom and shut all the lights off in the suite. When he lay down in bed he held her and went to sleep himself.

It had been a rough day for both of them, but more so for Margaret. It was her family that she had to deal with. They were the ones on the path to rejecting her. It was the people that were supposed to love her more than anything that kept telling her what she was doing wasn't good enough. Her family, aside from her sister, were not much of a family at all. Now Hawkeye knew that and she didn't want him to leave her side at all. He had proved over and over that day that he was the one that loved her more than anything and would do anything for her. He loved her for her not for who he wanted her to be

Neither Margaret nor Hawkeye had much trouble sleeping that night. The day had been long and exhausting and no one had slept the night before. Margaret had tossed and turned, pushed and kicked, which in turn only made things worse for Hawkeye. He could handle sleeping in awkward positions, but not if her feet were in his back. Several times she had tried to knock him off the bed and once she almost succeeded.

After a certain point, Margaret barely moved at all during the course of the night. She was more settled and calm than she had been the night before, yet for some strange reason she was holding Hawkeye especially tight, not that he minded. Normally she slept with her back to him, but tonight she had her face resting against his. Her arms were wrapped around him as her legs laid over top and between his. He thought this was a bit odd, but he welcomed her closeness all the more.

The next morning they were wrapped around each other more so than before. There wasn't anything but the darkness that the covers provided and the warm body of the other. Somewhere in the distance the sound of deep breathing could be heard, but they were both too far gone. Suddenly the loud ringing of the telephone disrupted the solitude.

Hawkeye rolled over onto his back and searched in the darkness with his hand. He didn't want to open his eyes to the morning. He was hoping that the phone would stop ringing so they could both go back to sleep. Suddenly Margaret bolted up in bed and flung her body over his knocking the wind out of him when she landed on his chest. There was only one person that knew the number to the hotel room and she didn't know that Hawkeye and Margaret were staying together.

"Hello?"

"Margaret, did I wake you?"

"Yes." There was no way she could hide that. Katie could tell that her sister just woke up by the sound in her voice. "What do you want?"

"What time will you be there?"

"At one, just like I'm supposed to be. Why?"

"Just wanted to make sure that you're going to show up."

"As much as I want to go home, I can't do that. We'll be there."

"Good," Katie said. "Dad is already here at my place."

Margaret rolled her eyes. "Then I'm sure you've heard."

"Oh yes."

"Great."

Katie chuckled. "Well what can I say, but thank you. You've already taken all attention off of me."

"Yeah. Is that all you wanted?"

"Yes."

"Goodbye," Margaret said placing the phone back on the hook. She moved off of Hawkeye and laid back down. "Sometimes I hate family."

"Urrrrrr..." Was Hawkeye's only response as he put an arm around her. Margaret cuddled against him and did the same.

"Why did we listen to me? I should have listened to you."

"Yes..." Hawkeye agreed still very sleepily.

"Dad's already at their house. He told them all about last night." She didn't feel as tired as she once had.

"Wonderful..." He mumbled against her skin. Hawkeye had moved so his head was resting on her chest.

"We're never going to hear the end of it." She shook her head. "Nope, never."

"Ugggg..." He groaned.

"And I bet he's going to tell everyone else too..." She rambled on.

"Margaret." Hawkeye said breaking her off.

"Huh?" She stopped to hear what he had to say.

"Shut up."

"Oh I'm too awake to sleep." She was already worrying about going back to her sister's house. "Do you think putting it on would give it away too fast?"

Hawkeye groaned, she wasn't going back to sleep. "I spent too much damn money for it just to sit and collect dust. There's a big diamond on it for a purpose."

"So I should wear it..."

"Yes."

"Even thought someone's bound to see it..."

"Yes."

"And we're going to finally tell them..." All these questions continued to poor through her head. She knew the answers to most, she just needed to hear it from him. "Just think what they're all going to say..."

"Margaret." He lifted his head and made her look at him. "There is no reason why we have to go on pretending to be something we're not. We live together, we're getting married, and hell...we're even sleeping together. We're both adults. We've known each other for the last four years and we've been dating for the last ten months. There is absolutely no reason to feel ashamed. You are a grown woman. A woman who is too old and too responsible to be treated like a ten year old."

Margaret knew he was right. He had been right about the whole thing. She gave him a loving smile and pulled him closer for a kiss. "You're right."

He nodded his head. "Thank you." Hawkeye then rolled over and covered himself with the blanket completely. From beneath the covers she could hear him muttering. "What the hell do they think you are? Celibate or something? You've been married before for Christ's sake."

Margaret rolled her eyes and grinned. "Besides, how can I possibly keep my hands to myself when I have such a gorgeous man at my beck and call?" She reached under the covers and through his arms to touch his chest.

"Ahh!" He jumped. "You have cold hands!" He tried to push them away but she fought him back.

"I know, I needed something to warm them up." She moved them lower to his stomach.

"Margaret!" He whined.

"Would you care for me to go lower?"

"NO!" He protested as he grabbed hold of her hands and held them still.

"What's the matter?"

"Margaret, stop please." He brought her hands up to his face and kissed them. "Now go back to sleep."

"I can't." She pulled her hands away. "You go back to sleep."

"Stay here with me."

"No." She gave him a kiss and then moved out of the bed. "I have some things I need to do." Once she was awake in the morning she could never fall back to sleep. Hawkeye on the other could fall asleep any time day or night.

Margaret got out of bed and walked over to the dresser. She opened a little black box that contained her engagement ring. It was a gorgeous ring without a single flaw and she felt naked without it. She placed it back on her finger and smiled. That ring belonged there and in an odd way it made her feel better about herself. She was ready to face her family, sort of. A small part of her wanted to run away so she didn't have to face them, but the larger part wanted to show them all that she was happy and more than capable of taking care of herself.

Looking back at the bed she saw that Hawkeye was already back to sleep. It was too early to get ready to go. It was only eight in the morning so she went out to the living area and turned the TV on. Laying down staring at the screen caused her to close her eyes and fall back to sleep.

"You can't sleep with your fiancé but you can sleep with the TV on." It was two hours later and Hawkeye was standing over her looking down. The rumbling of his deep voice awakened her and caused her to look up at the questioning expression on his face. "You just came out here and fell asleep didn't you?" He didn't sound like he was angry.

Margaret looked him over; he was only wearing a pair of boxers and a robe. It mustn't have been that late. "I hadn't meant to fall asleep." She told him as she rubbed her eyes.

"Mmm hmm..." He pretended not to believe her.

Margaret smiled. "You know I love sleeping with you." She said with a yawn.

Hawkeye glanced at her. "So your relationship with me is just physical." He pretended to be hurt. "That coy last night was just to get into my pants." He looked down. "Although I'm not wearing pants."

Margaret threw one of the couch pillows at him. He could be so weird. "What time is it?"

Hawkeye playfully narrowed his eyes, she was changing the subject. "It's a little after ten."

"We have to be there in three hours." She relaxed a little more on the couch. "And I want to leave early enough so we're not late."

"Well." A smile spread across his face. He walked over to the couch and sat down beside her. "I do have a few ideas of what we could do with all that spare time." He leaned down and dropped a kiss on her neck.

"I'm sure you do," she grinned. "You always have the same idea."

"No I don't." He picked up her left hand. "Nice to see this again." She smiled and leaned into him. "I like this a lot better than that empty finger I was looking at yesterday."

"Me too," she admired her ring. She loved it. Every time she looked at it she felt like a queen, but that was because Hawkeye treated her that way.

"You gonna be okay today?"

"As long as you're there by my side."

"Forever," he gave her a soft loving kiss on the lips.  "Let's go to bed." He grinned widely and stood up. Before she got a chance to get up he scooped her up and carried into the bedroom.

"I love it when you do that." She smiled as he whisked her over to the bed where he then laid her down.

"Just wait until I'm through, then you can praise me." He told her with a half cocked grin as he sat down beside her.

"Oh, you think you're that good do you?"

"I haven't heard any complaints yet." He told her as his hands moved to untie the sash on her robe.

Margaret started to laugh but was quickly silenced by his lips. Her robe finally slid open, allowing him to see and touch her fully. As he moved more of his body onto hers she eased his robe away and let it fall to the ground. "If I hear one giggle..." She warned as his mouth moved to her neck. He didn't say anything but only continued to kiss her neck.

Suddenly he pulled away. "Wait." He sat up quickly. Hawkeye climbed off her and moved to the edge of the bed where the phone was. With a quick tug he unplugged the cord. "No more calls from your sister." Was his comment as he moved back to her.  She chuckled lightly. "Hey, you said no giggling."

"That was your rule."

He kissed her on the neck a few times. "Do I get to make rules for you?"

"No." She placed her hands on either side of his face and pulled him to her lips. "I love you," she whispered huskily.

"I love you." His hand brushed down the side of her face locking his eyes with hers. It was like she could feel what he was feeling at that moment. The only two people that existed in the world were the two of them. Slowly he moved his lips back to hers and she moved her hands to the back of his head.

They kissed for what seemed like hours before either made a move to do anything else. Hawkeye knew how sensual she found kissing and loved to make her feel good. He was a caring and giving lover and she couldn't have asked for anything more. He knew her inside and out and knew what she needed and when. That wasn't just in the bedroom, but every aspect of their lives.

Hawkeye had the ability to raise Margaret to places that no other person could. When she was with him nothing else mattered. Her mind was clear and open and the only thing she could hear was the sound of their hearts as they beat in unison.

Margaret didn't want to leave the sanctity of his arms as they lay in the middle of that huge bed. Getting out meant being one step closer to seeing her family, something that she wanted to put off for as long as possible.

"It's almost eleven." He said softly as he looked at the clock. Being the gentle and passionate man that he was, he had taken his time making love to her. He knew that was one of her favorite things and it relaxed her completely.

Margaret buried her face in his chest. "I don't want to get up."

Hawkeye thought that was ironic, it was like they had switched places. "Come on." He moved out of her grasp and stood up.

"No..."

Hawkeye grabbed her hands and pulled her to the side of the bed so he could pick her up. "You'll feel better after we take a shower."

"We?" She asked as he carried her into the bathroom. "You know when that happens twenty minute showers turn into two hour showers."

"Nothing more than one hour, I promise."

She smiled and laid her head on his shoulder.  She was really getting used to being taken care of and was loving it.  He sat her down on the bathroom counter and started the water in the shower.  She watched him get it to the right temperature and then walk back over to her.  He stood between her legs and wrapped his arms around her kissing her.  Then he picked her up, her legs wrapped around him, and brought her to the shower.

"You know something," he said closing the door behind him.  "You confuse the hell out of me."

"What do you mean?"

He handed her the shampoo that she had pointed to.  "You dragged me to this reunion kicking and screaming and now you don't want to go.  You jumped out of bed and then you didn't want to get out of bed just a few hours later.  You're not going to turn and run away from me at the alter are you?"

"No," she smiled and kissed him.  "You are my rock."

"Good," he took her into his arms and removed the shampoo bottle letting it fall to the ground.  "And make sure you keep that rock on your finger today too.  I don't want you to ever take it off again."

"I won't, I promise."

"Maybe if we have kids or something and your fingers swell, but that's it.  No other reason will work."

"Okay."

"I'm serious," he warned.  It had taken a lot of convincing on her part for him to agree that she would take the ring off until her family knew.  He hated the whole idea from the beginning, but he went along with it anyway.

"Okay."

He made her looked up at him.  "I mean it.  That ring better stay there."

"It will."  She smiled and kissed him.  "You don't have to worry about that."

His hand moved down her arm to her hand where he started to play with her ring making sure it was there and real.  "I'm not at all embarrassed by our love.  I don't want you to be either."

She looked into his hurt eyes and moved her hands to the sides of his face.  "Oh, honey, I'm not embarrassed.  My family…well they just scare me."

"By the time this reunion is over," he gave her a debonair look. "They're all going to be scared of me."

Margaret laughed at the expression on his face and concealed her laughter by pressing her lips against his shoulder. "No one's going to come to our wedding."

"We'll hog tie and gag your parents, that way they won't be able to squeal and run away. Or better yet, object."  He pretended to start thinking about how to do that. "I know a man in Jersey who would be more than happy to help...Tony the Wrench we called him."

"Oh you do not!" He had such a wild imagination. "Tony the Wrench...your plumber I'm guessing."

"My cousin's beautician."

Margaret laughed even more at that. "You are something Benjamin Pierce."

Hawkeye kissed her quickly. "Ah, but I'm all man." He let go of her with one hand and flexed his bicep.

"That's right." She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him. "You're my man."

He smiled and pulled her as close as he could.  "And you're mine."

"All yours," she said against his lips.  "No one else's."

"Never."  He pushed back her wet strands of hair so he could see her face and kissed her.

The shower ended up be a lot longer than twenty minutes.  They couldn't keep their hands off of each other and for that reason Margaret never allowed him to shower with her on the mornings she had to work.  Its not like it was that big of a deal anyway because he would never get up that early unless she made him.  He was not a morning person at all.

Hawkeye was sitting on the edge of the bed watching Margaret sift through the bags looking for certain things.  He had agreed that she would pick out his clothes.  Even he knew that he didn't dress that well.  All that he cared about was comfort when it came to himself.  When it came to Margaret, he just liked things that showed off her body.

"Here," she threw him a pair of new boxers.

"Not these," he threw them back at her.

"Why?"

"Cause they're brand new.  I need them washed first."

"What?  That's crazy.  They're just boxers."  She threw them back at him.

"I'll get chaffed and you wouldn't want that."

"You'll chaff?" She looked at him.

"Yes. And then we won't be able to do what you so clearly enjoyed earlier." He patted the bed in remembrance of their love making.

Margaret smiled as she remembered. "Fine." She picked up another package. "What about the boxer briefs? You can't chaff with those."

"I don't know..." He'd never tried those before.

"Come on." She opened the package and threw a pair at him. Hawkeye caught them and looked at them in his hands. "Put them on."

"Fine, I'll try." He stood up, leaving the towel on the bed. Once he had them on he looked at Margaret.

She had a silly grin on her face as she looked him over. "I think they look sexy."

"Ah..." He looked down at himself. "I don't know. I feel funny."

"You're not used to them, that's all." She continued to dress.

"But everything's well...squished."

"Yes, but they look good.  You can wear them for one day and try them out.  What harm will it do?"

"None I guess."  He looked at himself in the mirror for a moment.  "I do look pretty sexy, don't I?"

She chuckled slightly.  "Yes you do.  You don't lack of self confidence at all."

"Why should I?"  He turned around so she could see all of him.  "Look at me."

"Oh brother," she rolled her eyes.

"You should have the confidence I have and then you wouldn't be so afraid of your family."

"Yes, I know."

He looked around the room.  "So…where are my pants?"

"I need to iron them before you put them on.  Can you find the iron for me?  The maid left it by the door I believe."

"Yep.  What are you wearing?  Hopefully something nice.  I don't want to see you in another old woman's dress as long as I live."

"What about when I'm old?" She asked him as she put on her earrings.

Hawkeye found the iron and brought it back into the room. "You're going to be the sexiest grandmother in town. I won't let you wear anything different from what you're wearing now."

"I hope you feel that way in thirty years."

"Baby, I'll feel that way in sixty years." He walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. Margaret shivered when he planted a kiss on the back of her neck.

Margaret laughed as he stood behind her, his hips pressed against her back. "Maybe it is a good thing you're wearing those, we don't need to give anyone else a show."

Hawkeye grinned. "Wouldn't they just love that?"

"What an even greater way to prove we're sleeping together."

"Speaking of which, are we going to tell them that we're living together as well?" He let go of her and moved to find his socks.

"No!" She said sternly. "Engagement is one thing, but living together is another."

"Just checking."

"Are you crazy?  You saw how my father was last night."

"I know." 

She plugged the iron in and turned it on to get ready to iron his pants and her dress.  "He'd kill you and disown me if he ever found out."

"Speaking of your father.  Are you going to tell him that you don't want his help in getting transferred?  You won't even be with the army that much longer."

"I'll tell him."

He had found a clean pair of socks and sat down on the bed to put them on.  "Why don't you tell him you're leaving the army too?  He's going to find out sooner or later.  Even if you tell him not to help you get a transfer you know he'll do it, and he'll find out that you're leaving."

"I know, Hawkeye.  I know all of this."

"Good!  Don't let them walk all over you today."

"I won't."  Margaret walked over to the dresser and grabbed a pair of khaki pants for him.  "I have a renewed sense of self today.  Today I will be myself."

"I'm holding you to that.  What shirt am I wearing?"

She pointed to the dresser where she had just grabbed a pair of pants.  "The blue collared one."

"I'm serious though."

"I know Hawkeye.  I know.  Now stop treating me like a child."

"I'm not treating you like a child, I just don't want a repeat of yesterday to happen. The moment either one of them says something to you, you shut down."

Margaret sighed. "I'm telling them today aren't I?"

"Yes, but that still doesn't mean you won't become timid and shy like you did yesterday. I saw the way you tried to hide when either one of them started on their rampage."

She turned to look at him. "Honey, we talked about this. Today is going to be entirely different. I'm not alone this time, we're in this together."

"That's right. You don't have to fight it alone any more." He stood up and walked over to her. She had finished with his pants. "I'm not here just to look pretty, I'm here for you." He rubbed her arms. "I would do anything for you."

"I know." She gave him a soft kiss. "I'm just working myself up again."

"Well don't.  Just leave all your worries to me."  He pulled her closer and kissed her forehead.

She smiled.  "I'll try to do that."

He grabbed his pants from her and slipped them on.  "What are you wearing?"

"What do you think I should I wear?"

"The pink dress you bought yesterday."

"You don't think that's too much?"

"Margaret," he threw the dress over to her.  "You look gorgeous in that dress.  So it shows a little cleavage.  They know you have it.  And it shows a lot of back, but they know you have that too."

"You're right."  She was feeling pretty good now.  "I will wear it."  She started to iron the dress. 

"Good," he smiled proudly.  "Oh, one more thing.  It makes your ass look really good."

She blushed slightly.  "I guess they'll be in for a little shock."

"Good.  They need it.  Walk in there with your head held high showing off that ring."

"That'll cause a stir.  Maybe we should walk in there kissing with our hands all over each other.  That might go over better."

"That works for me," he grinned. 

"I'm sure it would."

Hawkeye tucked his shirt in and looked in the mirror at himself.  "You're marrying one good looking man."  She just rolled her eyes.  "Really, look at me.  How could you not love me?"

"You're so full of yourself."

"I have to make up for your lack of self confidence.  I don't know what the hell happened to you."

"Stop it or I'm not talking to you anymore."

Hawkeye realized then that he was beginning to get a little carried away. "I'm sorry.  You know I didn't mean that."

Margaret looked at him; he had a sincere look on his face. She could tell he didn't mean it. "I know." She said softly.

He walked over to her and enveloped her in a hug. "I guess I'm just a little anxious."

"You anxious?" She teased as she pulled away. "Impossible...Mr. Smooth?"

"Is it so wrong for a man to be worried about his woman?"

"It is when you almost nag me to death about it." Margaret turned her back to him and slipped on her dress. As soon as she had it on, his arms wrapped around her waist and he pulled her to him.

"I'm sorry." He said in a playful tone. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry." He started placing teasing kissed all over the back of her neck.

Margaret tired to fight him off, but when she did that he only fought back harder and tougher. "Hawkeye." She whined, he was going to mess up her hair and if he kept it up they'd both end up looking disheveled. "Uh, uh, uh." He had torturous kisses. "Please, not now..."

Finally he let go and stepped back. "You're no fun."

"We made love twice this morning; that should hold you." She touched up her make-up and hair.

"Three times would make it a hat trick."

Margaret smiled, he was incorrigible. "You can wait until tonight." She picked up her purse and took his hand as they walked downstairs. This was going to be a long day.

*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^

Margaret couldn't express how relieved she was that they didn't run into anyone as they left the hotel.  The waited outside for a few minutes for a cab to get there, but they still didn't see anyone.  Margaret didn't want anyone to see her and find out about her engagement and have the news get to her parents before she could tell them. 

Once they got into the cab she was quiet and sat so close to Hawkeye that she was almost on his lap.  He held her hands and could feel that they were clammy.  She was getting nervous already and he could just see her backing down from everything that she had been telling him earlier.  She lost all nerve and confidence when she was around her family.  He could see why, but she was stronger than them.  She didn't have to take that from them.

Hawkeye paid the cab driver and then he and Margaret got out of the cab.  He took her hand again and gave it a gentle encouraging squeeze.  "It'll be okay," he said with a smile.

"I know," she tried to say it positively, but it came out shaky.  He gave her a kiss on the cheek and they walked up to the front porch.  No one was out front, but they could hear voices in the house and out back of it. 

Hawkeye looked over at Margaret, she looked very unnerved. He took her in his arms and held her. "Everything is going to be okay." Margaret held him tight and buried her face in his chest. She took a few deep breaths to try and calm herself. "I'm right here. I promise, today I won't let you out of my sight. I won't even let you go."

Margaret nodded and tried to compose herself. "I know." She gripped his hand tighter.

"You okay?"

"I'll be fine." She took a deep breath.

"I'm here." He reminded her.

"I know you are." She kissed him lightly on the lips. "Alright, I'm ready."

"Just relax." He told her as they started walking across the lawn. They could hear all the people in the backyard.

When they got to the edge of the house and prepared to walk into view, Margaret paused to collect herself. "Ok, I have an idea." He told her. Margaret wasn't really listening; she was too busy working herself up. He lifted her chin to make her look at him. "Whenever you feel trapped or like you're losing it, just think of something else that makes you laugh."

"Something that makes me laugh?"

"Yeah, think about..."

She smiled and nodded her head.  "I'll try."

"Good.  You ready now?"

She nodded her head and they started to walk around the corner.  Margaret let out an annoyed sigh when she saw that her mother immediately spotted her.  She held Hawkeye's hand even tighter dreading what her mother was going to say or do.  She already hated Hawkeye and her mother was never one to hold back her opinion.

"Margaret," she said coolly giving her a kiss on the cheek.  "Its about time you got here."

"We're on time."

Joan nodded to Hawkeye before looking at her daughter again.  "You're late dear."  Joan looked the two of them up and down trying to intimidate them and succeeding with Margaret.  That was when she spotted the ring on her daughter's left hand.  She grabbed Margaret's hand looking at the ring with fire in her eyes.  "What the hell is this?"

Margaret looked at Hawkeye nervously and he encouraged her to tell her mother with just the look in his eyes.  He wasn't going to leave her side and she would be safe.  Hopefully.  "We're engaged, Mom."

"The hell you are!  You agreed to marry that poor excuse of a man knowing I don't like him!"

"Not exactly," Hawkeye mumbled. 

Joan caught what he said and looked at her daughter.  "What does he mean?"

"Well," Margaret started, her voice shaking.  "We've been…engaged for a few months now."

Joan's eyes almost popped out of her head.  She roughly pushed her daughter's hand away and folded her arms across her chest.  Hawkeye rolled his eyes.  Now he knew where Margaret got that from.  "You didn't have the decency to tell your own mother?!"

"I was going to tell you yesterday, but then…"  She was at a loss for words.  The look on her mother's face, the tone in her voice, and her stance were making her too nervous.  She felt like a kid again.

"Yesterday?!  You are NOT marrying that boy!"

Hawkeye was about to jump in and say something, but surprisingly Margaret beat him to it.  "Yes I am, Mom.  I love him."

"You just wait until your father hears about this.  He'll fix the both of you."

As her mother walked away Margaret looked at Hawkeye and gave him a desperate look. Her mother was one thing, but her father was another. "It's okay." He said with a smile. "You were brilliant."

She smiled at him and let out an exasperated breath. "I need a drink." She said rather huskily. Hawkeye laughed and moved to let her lean against him. "Oh God," she moaned as she looked past him. Hawkeye turned his head and looked at the scene behind them. Joan was ranting to anyone who would listen and creating quite a stir.

"It's okay." He rubbed her shoulder. "Let her rave. She's just mad that you didn't fall this time." Margaret knew he was right. Besides her not liking Hawkeye, Joan was angry that Margaret hadn't backed down like she usually did. "I'm really proud of you, you know that?"

A smile spread across her face, he was really wonderful. "You might want to reconsider that. We haven't heard from Daddy yet."

"You'll be just as great then too."

"God, I hope you're right."

"Baby, I've met scarier people than Alvin Houlihan. Don't forget who you're with."

"The fastest mouth on two continents." She grinned.

"I've watched him throw a table across the room, believe me, he doesn't intimidate me."

"I'm glad that goes for one of us." She looked past him again. The crowd was getting bigger. She could still hear her mother yelling. From the center of the crowd she saw her father appear as he started walking towards them. Hawkeye turned around and tightened his grip on his fiancé. He was ready to face whatever came their way.

Margaret looked at Hawkeye like she was scared to death.  Then she turned around and watched her father come their way.  She had to handle him.  It was her father and it was something she had to do.  She stepped in front of Hawkeye like she was going to try to save him.  "Hi Daddy," she said quietly.

"Margaret, you and I need to talk.  Your mother told me you're marrying that," he pointed to Hawkeye.  "Is this true?"

She nodded her head and held out her hand to show him the ring.  There was a crowd of people that had gathered to watch the show.  She looked around in the crowd for her sister.  She was the only one that could help her, or would help her, but she couldn't find her.  "We're getting married."

"Why?  What the hell are you thinking?!  He is not a good man for you.  Hell, he's not even a good man."

Hawkeye's eyes went wide and dark with anger.  Margaret knew this and stood next to him holding onto his arm.  She didn't want him to blow his top yet.  No matter what this was her family and they would be part of their lives.  "You're wrong!  Hawkeye is a good man and I love him."  She started to raise her voice to her father.  "You don't know him!  How can you judge him like that?"

"You're my daughter and what I say goes.  You will not marry that man!"  Al turned and started to walk away.  There was no way Margaret was going to talk back to him.  She never had and there wasn't any reason that she would start.

"I will marry him!"  She yelled.  "And there isn't a damn thing you can do about it!"

Alvin suddenly stopped. He didn't turn around right away, but Margaret could see how ridged he was standing. She didn't have to look at his face, she'd seen that expression one time too many. Alvin turned swiftly on his heel and looked back at the couple. His eyes were dark and wide. He looked from Margaret to Hawkeye and back to Margaret.  He turned his head slightly and cupped his ear. "Did I hear you correctly? You're going to defy a direct order?!"

"We've known each other for four years and we've been dating for almost one. We're in love and we're going to get married." Margaret gulped and gripped Hawkeye's arm tighter. She couldn't believe she had just done that.

"The hell you are! I said no!" Al's face began to redden even more so. "I'm putting my foot down!"

Then in a very cool and collective voice Margaret said, "We're getting married and there's nothing you or anyone else can do about it."

Alvin clenched his fists. "Now listen here young lady." He took a couple steps towards her, but Hawkeye pulled her back and held out his arm. Al looked at Hawkeye, his eyes were just as dark and threatening. Then looking at Margaret he said. "You and I will talk about this later." Starting something with the younger man would have been a mistake with all those people. He gave Hawkeye a quick glance and then walked away.

Margaret immediately attached herself to Hawkeye.  She had been so scared standing up to her father like that.  Never in her life had she done that.  There were so many times that she wanted to, but not once did she actually do it.  Hawkeye held her tight against his chest rubbing her back calmly.  She looked up at him with tears threatening to fall.  "You did good," he whispered.

"No."

"Yes you did.  They all know where you stand now."

She smiled.  "Yes, every person here does."

"It's a good thing, honey."

"I need that drink now."

He laughed and gave her a soft kiss.  "What would you like?  Scotch?"

"Yes."

He wrapped his arm around her and the two of them found their way to the bar.  There was a little line, but they waited in it together.  Margaret didn't want to be left alone for fear of being attacked by one of her parents.  They both knew that without Hawkeye by her side she was weak when it came to them.  They had taught her to fear nothing except the two of them, and that was still in her mind.  Hawkeye was going to break her of that if it was the last thing he did.

Once they had their drinks in their hands they walked around.  Margaret wanted to go find her sister or at least call her to see when she was going to be there.  Katie was the only other person that knew how she was feeling and how their parents could be.  Hawkeye tried to understand and he had a pretty good idea, but he didn't grow up in their house.  Soon Margaret gave up on looking for her sister and talked to one of her cousins.  They weren't as bad as the older generation, but they were still pretty judgmental.

Margaret talked with her cousin for a little longer. She caught several or her wayward glances towards Hawkeye but never said anything. Hawkeye still had a good grip on her and had no intention of letting her go. He continued to remain watchful, keeping an eye on everyone around them. They were Margaret's family, not his, and he knew how they looked at him.

Finally the two cousins drifted apart and Margaret found herself alone with her fiancé. "Come on." She took him by the hand and led him into the house. Luckily for them, most people were outside so the house was pretty much empty. They walked into the den and took a seat on the small couch. Margaret sat with her back to his chest and leaned back. "Well, we did it. Can we go home now?"

Hawkeye chuckled softly. "If only we could. I miss your bed."

Margaret glanced around the room. "Watch what you say, someone could walk in at any moment."

"So what, one more nail in the coffin won't make a difference."

"Our engagement is the only thing I want anyone to find out. We don't need any unwelcome guest poking around in our bed sheets."

"They'd skin me alive." He rubbed his jaw and laughed. "Only if they knew about this morning."

"That's not funny."

He laughed a little more.  "You're right.  I'm sorry."

"Ah," she sighed.  "I have a headache already."

"It's a good thing we had that little rendezvous this morning then because I know we won't be don't anything tonight."

She slapped him in the stomach.  "You better be good or I'll send you out there by yourself to be eaten by those wolves."

"For God sake, don't do that.  They'd kill me."

"I know.  I wonder where my sister is."

"I have no idea.  You were the one that talked to her this morning, not me."

Margaret leaned against him and closed her eyes.  She needed some breathing room from her family out there.  When she was out there it seemed like all eyes were on her. She knew that they had plenty of skeletons in their closests and there was no reason they should be judging her, but she didn't say anything about that.  She was better than them and wanted to keep it that way.  In a matter of days she would be back to her life and the whole gigantic mess would be a memory.  She knew that Hawkeye would laugh at it, but she didn't think she would ever find humor in all of it.

"Hawk," she said lightly.

"Yes?"

"I want to go home."

He kissed the side of her head.  "It has to get better.  We need to stick around.  You want to see your sister and your niece don't you?"

"Yes."

"If you like we can hide out until they get here."

"What I want to know is where they've been all this time. We've been here half an hour and there's been no sign of her."

"Your parents were probably just driving her crazy." He stroked her hair softly, trying to calm her down.

"She's worse than me. Not only is she afraid of my parents, but so is Rick."

"I've noticed."

Margaret reached back and patted his arm. "I'm so grateful you're not like that. I don't know what I'd have done if you weren't so strong."

"It was all you back there." He told her. "I didn't do anything."

"You gave me confidence, you believed in me." She picked up his hand and kissed it. "And you protected me."

"Protected you?"

"At the end...when you stepped up to him."

Hawkeye shook his head. "That wasn't anything, it was more of an instinct than anything."

He smiled. "Okay, so I did. What did you expect me to do when he did that?"

"Honestly, I didn't expect anything, but you came through for me anyway. The only other person to ever do that for me was my sister, and look at her now. She's missing."

"Maybe you should go ask your mother. She might know where she is."

"Oh yeah," she rolled her eyes. "That's just what I want to do. Did you drink all of your martini?"

"Not yet."

She sat up straight and took it from him. "You don't mind if I have some, do you?"

"Be my guest." He watched in amazement as she downed the rest of what was in his glass. Only a few minutes ago she had finished her scotch. "Wow, you okay?"

"Fine, why?"

"Oh, no reason."

"I could use another drink though."

"Do you want to go back out there?" She shook her head no. "I could go and bring you back something."

"I don't think that's a good idea. Any one of them could easily corner you and there wouldn't be a soul around to save you."

He smiled and pulled her close kissing the side of her head. "Are we going to hide out in here all day?"

"Sounds okay to me. Maybe we should just go."

"We can't do that. We have to go out there soon."

"Soon." She looked at him and started to kiss him. "Not now."

Hawkeye let her kiss him. There was a fiery passion in her that he didn't recognize. He didn't have time to react, she wouldn't let him. All he could do was open his mouth a little more as she moved further into his arms.

"Margaret..." He finally broke the kiss.

"Hmm?" She was a little breathless.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine." She pushed back her hair and sat down. "I just wish we could get out of this goddamned house!"

"I know sweetheart." He rubbed her back a little bit. "Soon."

"I want to go home." She laid her head on his chest.

"Me too. We'll just hang out for a little bit longer and then we can go back to the hotel."

There was a slight knock on the door which caused them both to look up. Much to Margaret's delight Katie walked into the room. "Here you two are." She said when she saw them cuddled on the couch. "I've been looking for you, but no one seemed to know where you were."

"Good."  Was Margaret's rather spiteful reply.

Katie looked at her sister oddly. "What's going on?"

"You missed all of it. Where the hell were you?"

Katie sat down on the chair placing the baby comfortably on her lap. "Janie was in the middle of her nap. We had to wait for her. What's been going on?"

Hawkeye picked up Margaret's left hand to show Katie the ring. "This," he said. "You missed the little show out there."

Katie smiled. "You're getting married? When did all of this happen?"

"A few months ago."

"What?! And you didn't tell your own sister! Why not?"

"Because I didn't want anyone to know. I didn't even want to tell Mom and Dad. You know how they are."

"Do I ever," Katie rolled her eyes. "They're a pain in my ass. Mom is driving me up the wall."

"I think I got her off your back this afternoon. At the moment I think the whole family hates me."

"Well Janie and I don't," she smiled. She stood up and handed the baby over to Margaret. "Maybe she'll get some cousins to play with one day."

Hawkeye and Margaret both smiled. That was the first time anyone ever said anything positive about their coming marriage. That was the reason Margaret wanted her sister to be there. "Maybe," Margaret said. "One day."

"Well, I'm happy for you two." Katie gave her soon to be brother-in-law a kiss. "I know you don't like the sound of this, but welcome to the family."

"Thank you." Hawkeye chuckled.

Margaret looked over at Hawkeye and smiled. "You see why I kept looking for her?"

"I see. How did you two turn out so much different than the rest?"

"We learned to be different," Margaret answered. "Someone needed to change things. I need a drink before I go back out there. I need some false courage otherwise I don't think I can face all of them again."

"I'll get you something," Katie said. "But you keep and eye on the baby for me until I come back. Hawk, would you like something?"

"Just a water." He knew Margaret was headed down the wrong path with the drinking. Someone needed to be the sober one.

"I'll be back as soon as I can."

Hawkeye looked over at his fiancé as she played with the baby. He wasn't sure if she seemed so relaxed because of the alcohol or the way her sister took their news, but he was guessing it was the alcohol.

"Will you want children one day?" Hawkeye asked, hearing what Katie had said had made him think of that day.

She turned her head and looked at him. "I'd love to have children with you." A wide smile spread across her face. "Maybe once we get settled. I'd like to spend some time just relaxing and being with you."

"That sounds fine to me." He leaned in and gave her a short kiss.

Margaret drew him in a little more and deepened the kiss. When she let go she said, "I'm glad."

As Hawkeye regained his composure Katie walked back into the room and handed Margaret her drink. She took the baby as they both watched her down that as well. "That's your last one." Hawkeye said once she was finished.

"Nah, I can handle one more."

Katie looked at Hawkeye, her sister was acting peculiar.  Katie smiled as she watched them. Margaret looked so at ease in his arms, something that never happened when they were in the presence of their parents. "Have you talked to many people?" She asked her sister when Margaret opened her eyes.

"I talked to Elizabeth, but it was just a waste. She kept throwing nasty glances at Hawk the whole time." Sometimes she really hated her family.

"And Elizabeth is the nice one." Katie said as she looked at her sister in disbelief.

Margaret rolled her eyes and flipped back her hair. "That's why it's a waste to bother with anyone else." She told her. Then in a disgusted voice she added, "Bastards, all of them."

Katie's eyes went wide. "Margaret!" She couldn't believe she had just said that.

"What?!" As if she didn't know what she was talking about it. "They don't know a damn thing about our relationship, and yet they're making judgments."

"That's just their nature."

Margaret couldn't believe her ears; she was actually making excuses for them. "They don't know a goddamned thing about Hawkeye and yet they already have him pegged! They wouldn't know a decent person even if one flat out told them." She was getting angered now. "Do you see this ring?" She held up her hand. "There isn't a single woman out there was a rock nearly this big!" She was getting louder now.

"Shh," Hawkeye said. "We don't want everyone to hear you."

"What the hell do I care?!"

"Margaret," he said calmly. "We caused enough trouble with them. They're still your family and they'll be part of our lives."

"He's right," Katie said.

"To hell with all of them." Margaret dismissed what they said. "I don't care anymore."

Hawkeye knew she would later regret that. That's why he wanted to stop her. "You don't mean that."

Margaret moved out of his arms and stood to her feet. "Yes I do! Look at the way they treat us. They don't know you at all, and they only think they know me!"

Janie started to get nervous at the raised voices and let out a small cry. "Maggie, keep your voice down!"

"Sorry."

Hawkeye pulled her hand and gestured for her to sit back down. "Cool off a little. We need to go back out there. We can't hide in here forever."

"Fine!" She folded her arms across her chest.

Hawkeye and Katie exchanged another look. Neither of them were sure that was a good idea at the moment. "Do you want me to get you something?" Katie asked her sister as she juggled the baby in her arms. Janie was getting antsy.

"A scotch." She said rather lowly, Margaret was still very upset.

"Don't you think you've had enough? Why don't you have some coffee?" Hawkeye offered. Any more alcohol and they wouldn't be able to handle her.

"It's eighty degrees outside!" She looked at him like he was crazy.

"Okay...lemonade?" Katie asked.

Margaret looked at Hawkeye, his eyes were pleading with her. "Fine." She said through a clenched jaw.

"Okay, I'll be right back."

Hawkeye looked over at Margaret.  "She's only looking out for you."

"No she wasn't!  She stood up for them.  She just doesn't want me to embarrass her."

He put his hand under her chin and forced her to look at him.  "You know that's not true.  Your sister loves you more than any other person out there.  She knows the hell they're all putting you through."

Margaret hung her head low, but Hawkeye forced her to look up again.  She looked into his blue eyes for a moment.  "I know.  I'm so angry now.  I'm over the hurt part…"

"I don't think you are," he said before she could finish anything. 

He was right again.  He had never been right so many times.  "I really don't like them."  She was close to tears now.  "Why do they have to be so mean?"

"I don't know."  He wrapped her in a warm hug.  "I was really hoping it wouldn't be like this.  All of them ganging up on you like that."

She shook her head no against his chest.  "Its not that."  She looked up at him with tears streaming down her face.  "My own parents hate me."

He wiped her face and gave her a kiss.  "I'm sorry, baby.  Maybe they just need some time to get used to all of this."

"All of what?  All they know is that we're getting married.  They don't know half of what we do."

"And there's no need for them to know.  That's our business."

Margaret started to cry a little more and threw herself at his chest.  It was all getting to be too much.  The alcohol was bringing out different emotions and bringing her on a roller coaster ride.  All she wanted was to go home and forget about all of it.  Back to their apartment, back to their life together, back to the peace.    "Can we go?"  She cried.

"Let's give this some more time.  I'm here for you."  He pulled back and wiped her eyes.  "Dry your tears.  Your sister will be back any second."

"And then do what?" She sniffled a little bit as he wiped away some of her smudged mascara. "Go back out there?!"

"I'm sure if you can handle your father then you can handle anyone, a couple of snobby cousins shouldn't be too hard to lose." He held her face in his hands. "I know Major Houlihan wouldn't have a problem telling them off."

Margaret turned her head away and looked out the window. "I'm not a Houlihan, I never have been. Why would anyone want to own up to them?"

Hawkeye could hear the hurt and distaste in her voice. "That's right." He guided her to look at him again. "You were meant to be a Pierce."

Margaret shook her head. "Isn't that mad? They don't want me to be either."

"They're jealous; it's as plain as that." He told her.

Margaret smiled as she laid her head on his chest again. "I can understand that, I'd be jealous too if you were with one of them." She closed her eyes and inhaled deeply.

Hawkeye smiled and rubber her back a little bit. "How long until you're ready to go out there? We have to go sometime."

"Wait for my sister to get back here."

"Okay."

They sat like that for a few more minutes waiting for Katie to get there. Whenever they were at these family reunions Margaret always felt safer when she and her sister were together. Having Hawkeye there gave her courage, but her sister gave her security. They had grown up together and knew what it was like. Maybe one day Hawkeye would take over that role too.

Katie walked back into the room with two drinks in hand, but no baby. Margaret sat up and took the lemonade. "Thank you."

"You're welcome. You don't look so good, Maggie."

"That's because I feel like shit." She drank her lemonade.

Hawkeye looked over at her sister. "She'll be fine. She just needs a little time to calm down."

"Good, because they're all asking for you out there."

"Great," she rolled her eyes. "I can't wait to see why."

Hawkeye held her close trying to make her feel better. "Where's Janie?"

"Oh, she's in the living room. She's playing with Kim's daughter."

"Ah," Margaret nodded. "I didn't think you'd let her out of your site. Those people are like strangers to her."

"She's okay for now. I have to go and get her before she starts to throw a fit."

Hawkeye stood up. "I'll get her. I have to run to find the restroom anyway. You stay here with Margaret." Margaret looked up at him and smiled. He bent down and gave her a kiss. "Okay with you?"

Margaret looked at her sister and nodded. "Just be careful out there. Don't let them corner you."

"I'll be okay, they probably already see me as Satanist or something and don't want to risk their chances. What person wants to go up to someone who's bite is worse than their bark?"

Margaret smiled at his attempt at humor. "Shut up and get out there already."

Hawkeye grinned as he walked to the door. "I'll back shortly." He told them as he disappeared from sight.

Katie turned to her sister. "I really like him."

"You're probably the only one besides me who does." Margaret mentioned somewhat sadly. The two sisters shared a warm hug. When they pulled away Margaret said, "I'm not worried about them ganging up on him. I'm worried about what he'd do if they did."

"I take it he doesn't like being told what to do?"

"Oh he doesn't really mind when I do it, but he doesn't have the patience for anyone else. He never comprehended a single order during the war."

Katie gave her sister one of those looks, they both new what it meant.  "The exact opposite of dad."

Margaret sighed. "It's like they have opposite magnetisms and refuse to go anywhere near the other." She stood up and crossed her arms, she hadn't been away from him all day. "I just hope he comes back soon."

Katie smiled. "He will. You're really attached to him, aren't you?" Margaret shook her head yes. "I've never seen you like this before."

"I love him enough to marry him and want to be with him forever."

"I think you love him more than that."

"I do."

"So, when's the wedding day?" This had been the first time that the two sisters were able to talk.

"Well," Margaret smiled sitting back down. Her sister really put her at ease. "We don't really know yet. It depends on a few things."

"Oh? What's that?"

"Nothing," she grinned.

"A secret, huh? And you don't want to tell your sister."

"Sorry. I don't want to wait too long to get married though. I want to start our life together."

"He's going to move where ever you're stationed?"

Margaret looked down at her hands and then back to her sister. "Not exactly." She looked around to make sure that the door was closed. "You can't say a word to anyone."

"I won't. Tell me what it is," Katie said eagerly.

"I'm leaving the army."

Katie's eyes widened. "Are you...you know...pregnant?"

Margaret sat up strait. "No!"

"Phew, I thought...oh, never mind. So why are you leaving?"

"Its time. I've given more than enough years of my life to the army, and I want to give the rest to Hawkeye."

"Ah, that's so sweet."

Margaret smiled and put her arm on the top of the couch. "I couldn't do that to him or myself."

"Where are you going to live? You're not staying in Virginia are you?"

"No, we haven't talked about it yet, but I'm pretty sure we'll move to Maine."

"Maine?" Margaret had never expressed interest in Maine. "Why there?"

"That's where he's from."

"Ah." Katie nodded her head. "Sounds nice."

"We went up when he introduced me to his father, it's such a lovely place." Margaret beamed. "I can't wait to get out of that box that..." She was about to say that 'they' were living in, but she caught herself before she said to much. "That I'm living in." She said.

"Is it that small?"

"Yes." She took a sip of her lemonade.

"You'd think it would be big enough for one person." Her sister went on. The real reason her apartment was so cramped was because it wasn't just her living there, between the two of them there was hardly any room, but Katie didn't need to know that. "So does he still live in Maine? That must be hard to have a relationship."

"No...he lives Virginia."

"Really? Is he close to you?"

"You could say that."

Margaret turned her head when she heard the door open.  She smiled seeing Hawkeye walking in with Janie in his arms.  "We're back," he smiled.

"I see that," Katie said.  "Do you like your Uncle Hawk too?"

"She does," Hawkeye said.  "That makes two of you out of this whole family."

Margaret took her niece into her arms and had her sit comfortably on her lap.  "That's okay.  We don't need the rest of them.  Do we, Janie?"  The baby smiled.  "See, you tell them."

Katie smiled.  "When are two having kids?"

"Not for a little while," Hawkeye answered.  He put his arm around his fiancé.  "How are you feeling?"

"I'm almost ready to get back out there.  I think if I would have had a few more drinks ever single person out there would have heard just what I think about them."

Katie and Hawkeye laughed knowing she was right.  They had both seen her do it to other people.  "I'm ready to get out here and face them," he said. 

"Let Margaret collect herself a little more."

"Aren't you getting antsy?"

"No," she said.

"I am."

"Me too," Katie agreed. 

"Then you two go out there." 

"No," Hawkeye said.  "I'm going with you.  We're together in this, honey."

"I know we are." She gave him a kiss. Then she turned to Katie. "They were really asking about me?"

"Yeah they were."

"What did they say?" She was curious why anyone would care. "Are you sure it wasn't just gossip?"

"On no." She took the baby from Margaret. "They wanted to talk to you, no one's seen you in over four years. I'm sure they're curious."

Margaret looked at Hawkeye. "Or they just want to criticize us. Ask me what I was thinking." Hawkeye rubbed her arm.

"Or they could ask you about that sexy man that you brought." He grinned. "Maybe they want details." He wiggled his eyebrows. Margaret smiled and kissed him again.

"Details?" She asked him with a curious look. Hawkeye was about to say something but thought better of it. He glanced at Katie. Katie turned her head and focused her attention on the baby, she was starting to feel rather uncomfortable.

"What do you say we head out there?"  Katie suggested. 

"I suppose so," Margaret said.  "Its about time."  Hawkeye stood up and then grabbed her hands and pulled her to her feet.  "You ready, honey?"  She fixed the collar of his shirt.

"Yeah," he gave her a kiss.  "You know," he turned to Katie.  "Maybe I should take that baby.  They wouldn't possibly think of punching a man with a baby, would they?"

"You never know," Margaret said.  "Let's go." 

He picked up her hand and walked over to the door.  He let Katie go with the baby and then he and Margaret followed right behind.  Margaret's hand was already getting damp.  After a gentle squeeze she looked over at him and smiled.  She was ready to face the music and see what all those people wanted.  If they wanted 'details' they weren't going to get them, but she had to give them a chance.

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