A/N: Well, folks, this chapter concludes this story. To think this will be my second Chuck fanfic. To everyone that's read and reviewed this story, my deepest thanks. I'm not sure if I have another story in the works. We'll have to see. Until then, I'll see when I see you!
Usual disclaimers: Chuck – NBC property; Army Wives – Lifetime TV property
Chuck vs. Army Wives Chapter 6
"Chuck, come on, get up. We're going to be late for our flight!"
"OK. OK. I'm up"
Sarah seemed a little more frantic than usual today. That's somewhat understandable given that she and Chuck were scheduled to take a red-eye to Charleston later that morning. It had been almost a year since the dynamic duo snuffed out the Remer threat at Fort Marshall. In a show of their appreciation, the Holdens and their friends invited Chuck, Sarah, and Casey to a special dinner at the Holden house. Unfortunately, Casey was unable to attend. Apparently, he booked a trip to the Ronald Reagan Museum in Simi Valley for that day. Of course, Chuck and Sarah were all too eager to accept the gracious invitation. With that backdrop, the lovely couple were on their way back to the South.
The journey back to Fort Marshall seemed so familiar and yet so far away. Still, the atmosphere seemed much lighter given that no looming threat hovered around the base. Within minutes, they came upon the Holden house. Upon approaching the front porch, they took a momentary breath, held hands, and walked in unison to the front door and knocked.
They could hear laughter and overall joviality inside. That would explain why it took a few moments before the door was opened. Once it was, they immediately recognized Claudia Joy.
"Chuck, Sarah. You made it! Come on in!" Claudia Joy beamed at them.
"Hey, everyone! The guests of honor are here!" Claudia Joy shouted at the happy throng. Soon, hugs, handshakes, and well wishes were exchanged throughout. It turned out that the Holdens were just putting the finishing touches on the dinner. Soon, it was time for everyone to gather at the table for a feast they would not soon forget.
What a feast indeed! Chicken drumsticks. Mashed potatoes and gravy. Corn on the cob. Radish salad. Tortellini pasta. And of course, pumpkin pie. The table looked like a postcard for a special family dinner. But, before the eating could begin, General Holden offered some words for their special guests.
"Chuck and Sarah, it's a real pleasure to have you back in our home. When we last had you here, we were facing a grave threat to the entire base. Thanks to your help, we avoided another terrorist act and kept the base safe ever since. On behalf of everyone here and on base, we owe you our thanks, now and forever! So, I raise my glass and offer a toast. To Chuck and Sarah!"
"To Chuck and Sarah!" everyone else chorused.
"Claudia Joy, did you have anything you'd like to add?" General Holden asked.
"Yes, Michael, I did. Chuck and Sarah, I hope that your marriage remain happy and wholesome. Always remember to take care of each other!"
"Thank you, Claudia Joy"
"May the two of you continue to live long, happy lives together" Denise added.
"You crazy kids belong together. Forever. End of story" Roxy said.
"Chuck, don't you ever neglect this beautiful lady. Or I'll go to LA and beat you up myself!"
"I'll remember that!" Chuck grinned.
"Not that you'll ever need it, but in case you do, here's my card. As a counselor, I offer advice to whoever needs it. But, I know that you two will be fine." Roland offered.
"Thank you everyone. We truly feel blessed to be here. We never imagined that we'd ever meet new friends here in South Carolina. But, we have. We also want to thank you for all of your hospitality. I know that unusual circumstances brought us together, but the results we wouldn't change. We do consider you like extended family. For that, we thank you and wish all of you the best as well. Sarah, do you have anything to add?"
"We love you all! And thank you!" Sarah replied.
"Well, I don't know about you, but that drumstick on the end has my name on it!" General Holden mused. Soon, platters and plates were being passed around. Upon completion of the dinner, the merry group exchanged stories and jokes until late into the night. Eventually, the Army Wives began to take their leave and return home. They each wished Chuck and Sarah all the best. Finally, it was time for Chuck and Sarah to bid adieu to the Holdens. They exchanged hugs and handshakes with a promise that perhaps the Holdens could take a mini vacation to LA sometime to see the Bartowskis. Soon, a car was whisking them away from the Holden house.
"Driver, can you take us downtown?" Chuck asked.
"Chuck, what are you doing? We're going to be late for our flight!"
"No, we're not. Sarah, I meant this to be a surprise. But, now it's time to tell you. I booked us a room for the week downtown. We're staying in Charleston a while longer!"
"What? Chuck, are you serious? Why?"
"One word – honeymoon"
Sarah could only shake her head in mock exasperation. "Chuck Bartowski, you sure have a funny way of showing love to a woman!"
"So, you want to go home now?"
"Are you kidding? We better be going to the hotel! You can be such a slow learner sometimes!" Sarah said with a wicked grin.
"Finally, you start to see things my way!"
Soon, they approached their hotel. Chuck took pains to ensure that they occupied one of the finest rooms in the hotel (it helps to have friends in high places). They barely slinked their way into their cozy room when they engaged in a passionate embrace with kisses flowing freely. The rest of the world only needed to understand three words – DO NOT DISTURB.
Meanwhile, somewhere in Southern California, if one listens real closely, then they can hear words of praise coming from an unlikely source.
"WAY TO GO, NUMBNUTS! YOU TOO WALKER!"
FINIS
A/N: Again, I hoped you like the story! Meanwhile, let's enjoy the rest of season 3 together! Chucksters and shippers unite!