44

Crabapple Cove, Maine
June 1994

Hawkeye Pierce sat in his living room playing with his grandchildren. Audrey was sitting on his lap telling him all about their recent trip to Hollywood for their mother's newest premier.

"...And I met Mommy's boyfriend."

"Boyfriend?"

"Uh huh."

"Audrey, what are you talking about your mother doesn't have a boyfriend she's married."

"I know but when Daddy took the boys to the bathroom Mommy introduced us to her co- star who she was a very good friend of hers."

"Sweetie he's just a friend."

"Friends don't kiss."

"Yes they do."

"Not uh, and when Daddy came back he was mad she was talking to him and he took us back to the hotel."

"Audrey, listen hunny go play with your brothers and sisters, I have to go talk to Mommy."

"Okay Poppy."

"So Betsy what is this I hear about you and a costar of yours?''

"What are you talking about?"

"Audrey said you and a male co- star kissed and Henry got mad and took the kids back to the hotel, she tells me he's your boyfriend."

"Dad she's seven and you believe her?"

"Why would Henry get mad?"

"Alright listen I had a brief affair with this man, but let me tell you this before you flip out on me, he cheated on me first and so I wanted to let him know how it felt. We've worked everything out and we're okay."

"I know it's none of business, but you being a high- profile celebrity you shouldn't have done that your a role model to a lot of people and another reason it is wrong. You agreed to love each other for better or for worse. The two of you should have talked first instead of acting upon your impulses."

"Dad, I'm sorry. Henry and I talked about what happened and we've found a new love for each other because we didn't want to throw away what we have. We love each other Dad and we don't want this to end. We're fine now."

"I don't know if your mother or I ever told you this but your mother's first husband cheated on her and she cheated on him with me, it didn't make it right. Trapper in his day was a ladies man especially when we were in Korea, I never thought he and Louise would stay together this long. I'm glad they did though, and I'm glad that your mother left that loser and married me. I'm happy everything is okay with you and Henry, you've had enough heart break."

The two hugged and joined the rest of the family out side for dinner.