**Note: This is dedicated to all of our Servicemen and Women overseas at this time of celebration. I salute you; we love you.**

Author: Sam

Story: B.J.’s Christmas Letter: 3 of 3

Series: n/a

Song Note: I’m Already There by Lonestar. (2004 in honor of the troops)

Note: This particular song was written in dedication for the troops in the current Iraqi conflicts. My sincere thanks go to Mom for the suggestion and the enthusiasm in her suggestion of this particular song.

Feedback: Yes, please? Especially constructive. samwise_baggins@yahoo.co.uk

Webpage: http://www.geocities.com/samwise_baggins/index.html

He couldn’t decide what to do... how to respond. Two letters from home... full of bittersweet words of love. Christmas was fast approaching and BJ Hunnicut wanted so much to be with his wife and daughter. The war in Korea was forcing them apart, though.

Others had noticed his preoccupation, as well. Oh, he didn’t let it interfere with his duties as a surgeon. The normally good-natured doctor, however, was less responsive to friendly overtures. He was morose and solitary... and his practical jokes had stopped since the second letter had come.

Finally, Hawkeye couldn’t take it anymore. As best friend and fellow tent-mate, the other surgeon determined it was up to him to help BJ through this tough time. So far drinking and jokes hadn’t worked, so Hawkeye was about to do the drastic thing... and he wasn’t exactly looking forward to it.

As BJ came out of the mess tent, head down, hands in pockets, feet dragging, Hawkeye suddenly grabbed him from behind, spun him around, and tackled him into the fresh snow. The sky seemed to take its cue and opened up, even more bitterly cold snow sprinkling down on them.

BJ’s muffled words sounded better left unheard as he struggled to get away from his friend. Finally, Hawkeye pulled him to his feet and forced him into the shower, dousing him in warm water while still ignoring the threats and protestations of the blond he held. The brunet was wary, his face grim, but finally he let go when BJ stilled. Neither moved for a long moment, the shower quickly steaming the cold tent.

Slowly, BJ turned a glare on Hawkeye, who was rather drenched due to his struggles.

“You realize I’m withdrawing my Hippocratic Oath now. As soon as I’m fully warm, I’m going to disembowel you.”

Hawkeye nodded, suddenly grinning widely, a loud laugh escaping. “Good. At least your anger’s better than that kicked puppy routine. Come on, Beej. Tell Uncle Hawk what’s bugging you.” He knew the problem, but had found that it was better to get a person talking for himself.

One long-fingered hand came up to pull the chain on the shower. “Haven’t I shared enough? For two days I’ve had my personal mail posted on the Bulletin Board for everyone to read. Everyone in this entire camp knows what’s wrong.” BJ sighed, but was startled when he felt a warm towel dumped onto his head. Pierce had prepared the room before his stunt... it showed just how thoughtful the man was, underneath his sense of the ridiculous. Softly, BJ added, “I miss Peg and Erin.”

“So, tell them that.” Hawkeye handed over another towel. As he watched his friend try to sop up most of the water from his now heavy uniform, the doctor grinned and offered the bathrobe he’d also stashed in the shower tent. “Tell them exactly how you felt when reading their letters. Tell them what happened to them. You pride yourself on sharing the truth, right?”

BJ stopped and gave Hawkeye a considering look. Then, with a grin, he started unbuttoning his shirt. “Right.”

The letter was written and sent. BJ was sunny once more. All seemed right with the world... well, except for the fact that they were stuck in Korea during a war and there was still fighting going on.

With a smile for the nurses chatting nearby, BJ headed for the Bulletin Board. He made a deliberate show of tacking up a piece of paper before turning his smile once more on the women nearby. Then, stepping out of the way, he waited to see the reaction to his message.

BJ Hunnicut had made a copy of his letter, minus anything really personal, for the rest of the camp. They saw the last two letters, and the words of the nurses had struck a note inside him. Might as well share the final letter in this little Christmas exchange, right? He hoped his letter home would meet with as much respect as the ones he’d received from his wife and daughter.

The true test was about to begin. Nurse Kellye broke away from the group and stepped forward, giving BJ a brief smile before turning her attention to the board. After reading the letter thoroughly, she wiped her face vigorously. The doctor stepped forward, but she waved him to her side and smiled a watery smile. Turning back to the letter, she began reading out loud, other people quickly gathering to hear the bittersweet words rendered in her musical voice.

Darling Peg, Precious Erin,

Daddy BJ