B.J. was lying on his side, propped on an elbow, running his fingers up and down Hawkeye's arm. For his part, Hawkeye was waiting for his heart to slow down, waiting for his equilibrium to return after the teeth-rattling orgasm he'd just had.

"I have a question to ask you," B.J. said softly, and the expression on his face told Hawkeye the matter was a weighty one.

"Beej, I'm just barely conscious. You blew my mind a minute ago. Give me a second to remember where I am… who I am."

B.J. laughed, and the sound filled the bedroom. Hawkeye loved that laugh. It always filled his chest with warmth, as if his heart were giving off a glow. He took a couple of breaths and stretched, his body tingling. Eventually he managed to float back down to earth, and he instructed his brain to concentrate on whatever it was B.J. wanted to talk about. "OK, shoot. What question?"

B.J. opened his mouth, then hesitated, apparently trying to decide how to proceed. Finally, with a self-conscious smile, he said, "It's coming up on one year since Peg died, and I want to fly back to Mill Valley to visit her grave."

Hawkeye turned to face him full-on then, nodding encouragement. "Absolutely, Beej. You absolutely should do that—"

B.J. cut him off, "And I want you to come with me. Please? I'd really like you to come with me."

Touched, Hawkeye could only stare for a moment, not quite sure what to say. But then he knew the only thing that mattered was the right answer. "Of course. I'd be happy to."

He was rewarded with a stunning Hunnicutt grin. "Thank you."

Hawkeye reached up and put a hand behind B.J.'s neck, pulling him in for a kiss. "Whatever you need, Beej. You know I'm always here for you."

B.J. took hold of Hawkeye's hand as they headed away from the car and into the graveyard. They were both quiet, lost in their own thoughts. It was a beautiful Northern California day, sunny and warm, a complete contrast from the same day one year earlier, when Hawkeye vividly remembered Erin complaining that she was freezing and wanted to go home.

Today the sun felt good, invigorating. Birds were singing. The air was fresh and clear. The Golden Gate Bridge shimmered in the distance.

As they neared Peg's gravesite, B.J. spoke hesitantly, "Hawk, can I have a minute alone with her first? I know it probably sounds silly…"

"Not silly at all. Of course. I'll stay back here—take your time." Hawkeye stopped a couple of yards away from Peg's grave, keeping a respectful distance so that B.J. could have privacy. He watched as B.J. stepped up to the grave and knelt. He had a bouquet of flowers that they'd bought on the drive from their hotel, and he set them down next to the headstone.

Hawkeye shut his eyes, remembering Peg's smile and her joie de vivre and her fierce devotion to her family. Rest in peace, sweet woman, he thought. I'll take care of them.

He opened his eyes just as B.J. turned toward him and held out a hand, beckoning. Hawkeye went to him, taking the offered hand in his, feeling immensely honored to be a part of this family moment.

B.J. kissed the hand he held, and then addressed Peg's grave. "Honey, I know you. And I know you would want me to be happy. Well, that's what I am right now… with Hawkeye. I love him, and I'm very happy."

Hawkeye swallowed hard, his eyes welling with tears. This was B.J.'s visit, not his, so he said nothing. He didn't trust his voice anyway.

It was indefinable and inexplicable, but Hawkeye swore he felt some kind of presence there, with them. A spiritual presence, granting approval, wishing them the best.

Perhaps feeling it too, B.J. lifted his face to the sky and took a deep breath. He stood that way, motionless, for a couple minutes, maybe saying a prayer, maybe just reflecting on his memories of Peg. Hawkeye loved his strength, his determination to do this, to properly say goodbye to his wife on the anniversary of her death. There was a time, Hawkeye recalled, when B.J. wasn't very good at goodbyes.

As one final gesture, B.J. blew a kiss in the direction of his wife's headstone, then turned to look at Hawkeye. "OK," he said, his smile bittersweet. "Let's go."

Hawkeye slipped an arm around B.J.'s waist and the two of them started to walk back toward the rental car. Beneath their feet, grass eventually gave way to gravel as they reached the road. Hawkeye asked softly, "You want to stop anywhere else before we head to the airport?"

B.J. considered it, but shook his head. "Nah," he said and leaned in for a kiss. His blue eyes had never looked so serene. "I'm ready to go home, Hawk. Take me home."