Army Wives

In Iraq, Trevor LeBlanc and another soldier, Dalton, are on foot patrol in a village. Several little children are following them. They pass a vendor that is selling 'maquilba'. Dalton asks Trevor what he thinks it is and says he isn't going to try it. Trevor tells him this is the first time he's been away from home so he wants to try everything. Trevor notices a suspicious man walking around and then notices the weapon he is carrying. The man pulls out the weapon and Trevor shouts a warning. Dalton pushes one of the kids to the ground. Trevor fires off a round killing the man. Before the man hits the ground, he gets off a couple of rounds. There is chaos as the villagers run for cover. The soldiers run to Trevor's aid.

Claudia Joy Holden has just returned from the PX. She sees her husband, Michael, sitting in the living room in his dress uniform. She sets her bags down on the dining room table and goes over to him. She asks if he's ok and why he's not at work. Michael tells her it's a 'stomach thing'. He says he came home to wait it out. Claudia Joy feels his forehead and cheeks. She tells him he doesn't have a fever. Michael stands up, tells her whatever it was, it has passed so he is going to head back to work. Claudia Joy suggests he stay home, but he says there is too much to do. Michael kisses her and then leaves.

Down at the dock, Roxy is sorting shrimp. A man comes over and dumps more shrimp at Roxy's feet for her to sort. She hollers over at him that he's supposed to wait a few minutes before dumping more shrimp. Pamela comes up to her and says, "Two shrimp hula boys to go, please. Roxy looks at Pamela and says, "I'm never eating another one of these slimy creatures again!" She holds up a shrimp, "These shrimp – dead to me now." Pamela asks her if she's almost done. Roxy tells Pamela she'd quit this job, but can't because she needs a new motor for her car. The motor will take a whole month of paychecks. Pamela offers to loan her the money. Roxy declines, saying she doesn't borrow money she may not be able to repay. Pamela tells Roxy that Betty received her insurance money today and asks if she would like to go with them. Roxy asks Pamela if she has caught a whiff of her. Pamela tells her to wash her hands. Roxy tells her plain soap and water won't cut it for odor removal. She says she'll need to soak in lemon juice for about an hour!

Pamela walks over and borrows a hose from a dockworker. She starts hosing Roxy down telling her that they can roll all the windows down, and if that doesn't work, they'll strap her to the roof rack! Roxy says, "You really don't want to be alone with Betty, huh?" Pamela asks if Betty is always that grumpy. Roxy says she is and that Pamela should try living with Betty. Roxy hollers at her boss that she's done for the day and then takes off her gloves.

Lieutenant Colonel Joan Burton is in Brigadier General Michael Holden's office. She tells him the 3rd Brigade Combat Team deployment papers are ready for his signature. As Joan is talking, she glances at the trashcan over in the corner. It is clear that she is hoping she will not have to use it. Joan is about to leave when Michael stops her. He wants all the service records for the troops about to be deployed pulled. Joan asks if he wants all of them and says there are over 500. Brigadier General Holden looks at her over the top of his glasses. Joan says she'll have them on his desk by the afternoon. Before she could say anything else, she runs over to the trashcan and vomits. Without looking at her, he says, "I'm guessing that's either bad sushi or you've decided to keep the baby." Joan says, "The baby." Michael says that he is happy for her. She tells him they both are happy about it. Michael tells her she will need to tell her staff soon because they'll figure it out for themselves if she continues to vomit like that. Rather than making an attempt to talk, she gives a 'thumbs up' signal and leaves. Out in the hall, she vomits again. Michael just smiles. The look on his face indicates that he's happy he's not in her shoes!

In the hospital parking garage, Denise Sherwood walks up to her motorcycle. She starts running her fingers lovingly over its contours. A man walks up and says, "I now pronounce you Bike and Wife. You may kiss the handlebars!" Denise starts stammering something about the bike not being hers but yet it is. She says it was an unexpected gift and hasn't ridden it yet. He is surprised by this and tells her he's made her an 'honest woman' so there is 'no need to be chaste now.' Denise asks if you're supposed to have a special license. He says he's the worst person to get advice from, but she should take it out for a spin. If she gets caught, just pay the fine and forget it. The mystery man says, "Memories come with a price tag." He walks off leaving Denise to ponder his words.

Roxy is scrubbing herself with lemons. Betty is looking at her insurance check. She says, "I've never seen so many zeroes in my life!" Finn asks Roxy if he can wash himself with food, too. Roxy and Pamela start laughing. Roxy tells him no. Finn says, "Aw!" and then he and TJ go off to play. Pamela says, "Hey, the kid's right. A food bath doesn't sound half bad. A little tub of whipped cream, chocolate, and champagne …" Roxy says, "Your man buried underneath it all!" The two women start laughing. Betty says she's going to rebuild. This causes Roxy and Pamela to turn around and have Betty repeat what she said. Betty says, "I'm gonna rebuild the Hump Bar." Pamela and Roxy are very surprised by this. Roxy tells Betty she should concentrate on getting better. Betty says she'll either get better or she won't. No matter what, though, the Hump Bar will carry on. She tells them, "The cancer may kill my body, but it's not gonna kill my soul." Roxy says that she'd like nothing more than to be behind her bar again, but gets interrupted by the telephone.

Roxy answers the telephone. Her tone changes immediately. She says, "Oh my God! Is… Yeah, I under stand. I will." Pamela hurries over to Roxy. Roxy hangs up and almost falls over. She tells Pamela and Betty Trevor's been shot. She says they're taking him to a combat support hospital in Baghdad and he is going to be ok. As Roxy says 'but' Pamela tells her "No But. He's gonna be ok. Don't think about anything else." Pamela puts her arms around Roxy, giving her a 'support' hug as Roxy starts to cry. Roxy says, "This is what I've been scared of. He gets hurt and I can't even be there with him." Pamela hugs Roxy even tighter trying to give her some reassurance.

Roland and Emmalin have just finished a basketball game/counseling session. Roland tells her same time next week. Joan stalks over to Roland and asks if that was Emmalin Holden. Roland tells her it was and that they've been talking about the trauma of losing her sister and everything her family is going through. Joan 'goes off' on Roland. She says, "You do realize that she is the daughter of the Post Commander, my Commanding Officer. I don't know how comfortable I feel with you getting involved in their personal lives. It could be very awkward for me, Roland!" Joan turns and storms off. Roland smiles and asks her if she is ok. She hollers 'no' over her shoulder. As Roland turns around to return to the basketball court, he notices several men looking at him. All Roland does is smile!

Michael Holden is in his home office looking at the service records of the soldiers that are about to be deployed. Claudia Joy comes in and tells him it's late and asks him to go to bed. The service record he is looking at is for Claire Elkins. Michael asks Claudia Joy if she remembers her. She was a school friend of Amanda's. Claudia Joy remembers she and Amanda were inseparable in the 9th grade. Michael says he had to listen to them talk about boys all the time – who they were going to marry; how many kids they would have; their futures. Michael talks about the girls being so full of hope. Claire is now enlisted and he is the one signing the papers sending her to Iraq. He points out that Claire is only 18. Claudia Joy comes around the desk, puts her arms around Michael and says, "Michael, you once told me that uh, the make up of a good officer is duty tempered with compassion." Michael asks her if he happened to mention how much compassion was too little or too much. Claudia Joy tells him no. Michael says, "That's too bad. That' be good to know right about now!" Michael tosses Claire's service record onto his desk and leaves the room. Claudia Joy turns the television off. As she walks past the fax machine, she notices a brochure for Hilton Head Island Retirement Community. This causes Claudia Joy to wonder what this means.

Joan comes downstairs and apologizes to Roland for overreacting earlier. Roland tells Joan it's ok. Joan says she likes logic, discipline and control. She tells him it makes her feel safe, which is why she loves the Army. She says that now she sometimes doesn't feel logical or in control. Roland assures her it is normal and temporary. Joan asks if it's the hormones. He confirms it is. Joan asks him if he can tell the difference between her and the hormones. Roland smiles and says he can. Joan tells him it's good because she can't! Joan says, "This morning, I threw up on General Holden!" Roland says, "Ouch!" and they both laugh. She says Michael told her she will need to tell her staff soon. Roland is surprised that she hasn't. Joan tells Roland she hasn't yet. She talks about how hard she has worked her entire Army career gaining the respect of the soldiers in her command. She says that as a woman, it has been an even greater challenge. She tells Roland that as a pregnant woman, she's not sure. Roland signals for Joan to sit next to him on the couch. He looks at her and tells her she should give her staff a chance. Joan tells Roland that she's just had a thought. She says, "Since my hormones are up and about anyway…" Roland finishes for her; "We might as well put 'em to good use!" Joan agrees.

The next morning, we watch as soldiers raise Morning Colors.

At the LeBlanc home, Pamela, TJ, Finn, Katie and Lucas are camped out in the living room. Roxy is on the telephone with Trevor's Commanding Officer (C.O.). Before hanging up, Roxy asks when Trevor will be able to call her and if he would tell Trevor that she loves him. As soon as she realizes what she had just asked the C.O. to do, she smacks herself on the forehead! After hanging up, Roxy fills Pamela and Betty in on what she had been told. Roxy says Trevor has been stabilized and is being transferred to Germany for surgery. Roxy tells them that Trevor will be able to call after he arrives. Roxy says that Trevor is a hero because he saved a lot of people. Roxy thanks Pamela for 'babysitting' her all night because the night would have been extremely difficult to get through without her. Pamela replies, "What else do I have to do?" While they are talking, all four kids start a pillow fight. They holler at the kids telling them to be careful and to hit bodies, not faces.

At the Holden residence, Michael is reading the newspaper and drinking a cup of coffee. Claudia Joy joins him. She asks if he wants to talk about the Hilton Head Island Retirement Community brochure that she saw on his fax machine. She tells him that it's a lovely place and the golf is spectacular. She questions him about 'retirement'. Michael tells her he's been considering it. Claudia Joy asks if he was considering sharing those thoughts with her. She tells him that when he retires, she retires, as well. Michael says he didn't want to 'put more uncertainty on her plate.' Claudia Joy realizes Michael is serious about retiring. He says he is. Claudia Joy asks when. He tells her 'soon'. He says that there are good schools there and that Emmalin might like the change. Michael tells Claudia Joy that they can have a good life there. Claudia Joy says they have a good life where they are right now.

Michael reveals that he wasn't sick the other day. He says he had returned from a memorial service for one of his soldiers. After it was over, he couldn't return to work and he couldn't function. Michael tells Claudia Joy he has deployment papers sitting on his desk but cannot bring himself to sign them. Claudia Joy tells him it's normal. Michael disagrees. He is held to different standards as the Post Commander. Michael says if his ability to do his job is compromised due to personal issues, it's time for him to 'step aside'. Claudia Joy tells Michael Amanda's death has changed their lives forever. She is trying hard not to let it shape their future as well. Michael acknowledges that. However, he thinks that it already has.

Outside, a couple of platoons are running in formation. Michael Holden and his staff are preparing for their formation run. Joan runs up to join them. Michael asks her why she was there. He reminds her that she is supposed to take special PT since she's pregnant. Joan tells Michael that she can do it. Michael says that the rules apply to both enlisted personnel and officers. He tells her all pregnant soldiers are equal when it comes to PT. Joan is directed to inform her staff 'today'. Michael says as soon as she starts pregnant PT, the cat will be out of the bag and that it will be better coming from her directly. Joan is not happy with this turn of events.

The pregnant soldiers are in a wooded area, on mats and stretching. Joan watches them briefly. The look on her face indicates that she does not consider what they are doing as 'real' PT. Disgusted, she walks off.

In the hospital parking garage, Denise is about to get into her car. As she puts her purse in the car, she looks over at her motorcycle. Denise grabs the motorcycle key, closes the car and walks over to the bike. She gets on and starts it up. She moves forward and stalls the bike. She restarts it, and then takes a 'test spin' in the garage to get reacquainted with riding a motorcycle. She stops, puts her helmet on and then, takes it out for a spin on the open road.

Pamela rushes in to Roxy's house. She tells Roxy that she's dropped the kids off at school and is ready to take her to work. Roxy says her boss told her if she was not at the pier within the next fifteen minutes, she would be fired. Betty comes around the corner and tells them to take her 'there'. Pamela and Roxy turn around and look at her. They want to know where. She tells them the Hump Bar. She wants to see it. She hasn't been there 'since that maniac blew it up.' Roxy tells Betty to go back to bed because she's in no condition to go. Betty says the bar is her home. Roxy asks Pamela if she could take her. Betty tells Roxy she needs her to be there with her. Roxy says she has to go to work. Betty tells Roxy she hates that job. Betty says she has the insurance money and Roxy is working for her again. Roxy wants to know what she'll be doing. Betty asks why she cares because anything beats weighing and sorting shrimp! Roxy asks if the pay is better. Betty replies, "Like I wouldn't pay you better than those wharf rats that you're working for!" Roxy asks if it'll be enough for her to be able to buy a new car motor. Betty says she'll 'buy the damn motor', also! Betty tells the girls to get moving before she changes her mind. Pamela tells Roxy to drop her off at the radio station and then she can have the car.

Betty and Roxy are at the Hump Bar. Betty turns on the lights. Both women are overcome with emotion when they first see the damage. Betty says she thought it would be easy returning, but knows now that it is anything but. Betty says, "You know, Roxy, if I was the crying type, right now I'd be bawling my eyes out." She tells Roxy that it was a miracle that all of them weren't killed. Roxy says, "Well, I would prefer the miracle where no one died." Roxy doesn't think that Betty is up for the rebuild and tells Betty so. Betty agrees that she isn't. Roxy thinks Betty's finally come to her senses. Betty tells Roxy she hasn't and she is not going to let the bar rebuild die. The Hump Bar is the equivalent of a baby for Betty. Betty asks Roxy if she would do everything within her power to fix her baby if it were one of her kids. Roxy says she would. She tells Betty that she had just said she wasn't ready. Betty says, "I'm not. But you are." Betty tells her she didn't rehire her so Roxy can play nursemaid for her. Roxy will be supervising the rebuild. Betty tells her, "There isn't anybody that I trust more." She also says that Roxy is the smartest person she knows. Roxy tells Betty that she must not get out very much! Betty tells Roxy not to underestimate herself. Pleased, Roxy says that she won't let Betty down.

Pamela announces on her radio show that the Hump Bar is going to be rebuilt. She says the owner, Betty Camden, is not going to leave the area and will be restoring the local landmark to its 'not-so-glorious' self. The telephone lines light up immediately.

Joan is on her elliptical machine telling Roland about the women in Pregnancy PT. She says that they are young and unmotivated. Joan feels that pregnancy has given the women an excuse to slack off. Roland suggests that she motivate them by making it a game. Roland tells Joan that she is competitive. He says the pregnant soldiers might think Joan will 'phone it in' because she's a field grade officer. He tells Joan that she's a leader, and that's what she should do. Roland says to go out there and do the exercises better than any of them. Joan says, "Kick their pregnant asses." Roland counters with "Stomp their pregnant asses!" Joan thanks him. Roland says, "Hakuna Matata." Joan comments on how happy Roland has been as of late. She tells him it makes her happy to see him so happy. Roland says his happiness is because of her and the baby. He tells her that it also has to do with the work that he's been doing with Emmalin and her friends. He's excited about psychiatry again. It has caused Roland to rethink what he wants to do with his life. Joan asks Roland to tell her about it. Roland says, "All I've been doing with my patients is just putting salve on old wounds. I mean, the damage has pretty much been done. But with kids, they're less scarred. There's still time to make a difference." Joan calls it a preemptive strike. Roland tells Joan he's been thinking about applying at the high school to be a counselor. Joan tells him to do what he loves because she wants him to stay happy. She says she's going to take a shower and invites him to join her. As Roland takes off his shirt, he says, "Man, there is definitely an upside to these crazy hormones!"

Denise is talking to Frank on the telephone. Frank tells her he really misses her. He says he only has a minute and wanted to check in. He asks her how she has been. Denise tells him she's been having fun. Frank asks if it's at the hospital. She tells him it's after work. She tells him that she's been riding a motorcycle. Denise says it's only been a couple of times, 'but it's been a blast!' Frank asks whom they know that owns a motorcycle. Denise tells him it's hers. She tells him about Corporal McCadden giving the bike to her when he was transferred to Walter Reed. Frank says he must have thought an awful lot of her to leave her a gift like that. Denise says that the only thing she did was listen. Frank tells her that sometimes it's all they need. He asks her what she plans to do with the motorcycle. Denise tells him that she is thinking of keeping it. Frank asks why she wants to keep it. Denise says it's fun. Frank tells her he's happy that she's having fun, but there is an image problem. He asks, "How would it look for an officer's wife to be tooling around post on a motorcycle?" Denise tells Frank no one knows who she is with the helmet on. Frank is not happy. He says it seems like she has her mind already made up. Denise says it's not; she just wants Frank to be ok with it. Denise is getting upset, as well. She tells Frank that if he wants her to get rid of it, she will. Frank tells her he has to go. Denise asks him to wait. Frank says, "No. You do what you want." Then he hangs up on her.

Roland, Claudia Joy, Pamela and Roxy are waiting outside in a parking lot. They are talking about Denise – that she told them to wait for her outside and that she is never late. The four look around to see if they spot her. Claudia Joy tells them that she is going to check her voicemail. Pamela is complaining about the heat. A person on a motorcycle rides past them, honking the horn. The motorcyclist parks and takes off the helmet. It's Denise. She hollers at them to get their attention. Roland, Claudia Joy, Pamela and Roxy turn around. The look on their faces is priceless! They are shocked to see Denise standing next to the motorcycle that had just ridden by. They walk over to her. Roland says appreciatively, "Hello Nurse!"

The tribe heads inside for lunch and drinks. Denise tells them she might not keep it. Roxy asks her why not. Denise tells them that Frank was not happy about it after she told him. Roland says Frank might change his mind after he sees her on it. He tells them, "When guys are away, they don't want anything to change. They start to imagine all sorts of things." Claudia Joy tells Denise that it might be love at first sight. Pamela says, "Yeah, what guy doesn't love a woman on a bike?" Roland agrees with that statement. Denise says that she really does want to keep the motorcycle. Pamela offers a toast, "To Denise Sherwood – Biker Chick." They all drink to that.

In the flight hangar, Joan is thanking her staff for their hard work in preparation for the welcome home ceremony. She switches gears to the personal side. Joan says, "Some of you have probably noticed a few changes in me lately, and I thank you for not bringing it to my attention. I am presently entering the second trimester of my pregnancy. And even though I won't be working out with you for a while and I'll be shifting some of my day-to-day duties, I will remain your Deputy Garrison Commander." Joan looks at them, tells them she's finished and dismisses them. She turns away to leave; her staff stands up and starts clapping. Joan is touched by their happiness and thanks them. She dismisses them, again. One of her female staff members gives her a congratulatory hug and the male members wait to shake her hand.

Roland is standing outside the high school, smiling, preparing to go inside for an interview. The Principal says, "Medical Degree. Ten years psychiatric practice. Published author. Why the hell do you want to be a student counselor?" Roland chuckles because broken down like that; his qualifications are way over the top for the position. Roland tells the principal that he just wants to work with kids. He talks about the mentor he had as a teenager and she meant the world to him because she had changed his life. The Principal tells Roland he is exactly the kind of role model they need around the students. As the principal talks, Roland watches him with a happy, almost child-like look of anticipation on his face. The principal tells him they only have budget funds for two counselors. Disappointed, Roland says he should have realized school had started a while ago. The principal recommends trying the schools out in town because they have a higher turnover rate. Roland says he will and thanks the principal for his time.

Pamela is on the air saying that based on the volume of telephone calls they had received, people have strong feelings about rebuilding the Hump Bar. Roxy is at home listening and straightening up the house. Pamela has an on-air guest in the studio to express feelings about the rebuild. Pamela's guest says they should not rebuild. She says the building should be torn down because people had died there. This stops Roxy dead in her tracks. The woman asks why keep a constant reminder of the massacre that happened there. Angered, Roxy tosses the backpack she was holding, slams the radio off, grabs her keys and storms out of the house. At the radio station, Pamela's guest says the site should become a memorial because it just isn't right to rebuild as though nothing had happened. Pamela tells her that a lot of people feel that rebuilding is part of healing. Pamela's guest asks who could go there and have a good time knowing that it was the scene of a massacre. Pamela tells her she's not sure that a memorial can be built since the bar is private property. Her guest suggests that the property be bought, have a fundraiser, tear down the old building, plant trees and place a plaque there. She says that it's hallowed ground.

In the outer office, a soldier is making a valiant effort to keep Roxy from barging in. She is unsuccessful. Roxy comes through the door and asks her what gives her the right. Pamela is not happy and tells Roxy that they are on the air. Roxy ignores Pamela and continues her tirade. She tells the woman, "Betty Camden can do whatever she wants with her own business." The guest says she understands that and starts to say something else, but Roxy talks over her. Roxy says, "Betty's father built the Hump Bar back in the 40s. Did you know that? He was a soldier in World War II, lost three of his fingers when they froze on his machine gun." Pamela's guest says, "I'm sure that it's…" Roxy tells the woman she's had her say, now she was going to have hers. Roxy looks at Pamela and asks if this is "Have At It." Pamela says it is. Roxy's rant continues. "You said that place should be a memorial? Did you know that the Hump was the first bar in the region to be integrated in the 50s? Betty's father caught a whole lot of hell for that at the time, but he stuck to his guns. It was the first place that people could come together and have a drink no matter what the color of their skin. There is your memorial! Not some dumb plaque in the ground to remind everybody that some nutcase blew it up!" Pamela thanks Roxy and says sarcastically, "Very subtle." Roxy continues. "You don't just let one abusive crazy person destroy what people have taken years to build! You just don't!" Pamela agrees and tells Roxy to let Leah have a turn. Still fired up, Roxy demands to know what right Leah has to come on Pamela's show and say whatever she wants. Roxy tells Leah that they lost friends there and she lost no one.

Leah quietly says, "No, I lost my brother." This stuns Roxy. Both Pamela and Roxy are looking at Leah, trying to figure out who her brother was. Leah continues. "He wasn't a victim. He was the bomber." Pamela and Roxy are stunned, speechless. The looks on their faces reveal no one had a clue as to her identity. Leah continues. "And I'm sad for the families of the victims. But everyone is – People visit them. They cry with them. They pray for them. What about us? What about the families of the people who commit these unspeakable acts? We didn't set off that bomb. People act like we did. I have to live with the shame and guilt of what my brother did for the rest of my life and I don't know if I can. That's why I came here today, just – just to try to do some good." Leah gets up and leaves. Pamela tries to stop her, but Leah keeps going. The look on Roxy's face shows that she realizes she had opened her mouth and inserted the entire shoe store.

Michael Holden is just arriving at his house. On the front porch, Claudia Joy is standing with another woman. As Michael walks up, Claudia Joy introduces the woman. She tells Michael the woman is Leah Keys, George Polarski's sister. Michael looks at Leah and asks what she is doing there. Claudia Joy tells him that Leah wants to talk with them. Michael says he can't do that and asks her to leave. Claudia Joy tries to stop Michael, but he goes into the house. Leah apologizes to Claudia Joy saying she never should have come. Leah leaves.

In the house, Michael is pouring himself a glass of whiskey. Claudia Joy tells Michael that he was pretty hard on Leah. Sarcastically, Michael says, "Was I?" Claudia Joy tells Michael it took a lot of courage for Leah to come to their house. Michael knows. Claudia Joy acknowledges Michael's suffering. She tells him she has been so wrapped up in her own grief; she hasn't been there for him. Claudia Joy apologizes. She tells him forgiveness is part of what is helping her to heal. Claudia Joy asks, "Do you forgive me, Michael?" Michael turns to her and tells her he never blamed her. He asks Claudia Joy if she blames him. Claudia Joy asks him what for. He says for not stopping her and Amanda from leaving that night. He says he should have gone to full lockdown so that no one could get on or off the post. He says if he had done the right thing, no one would have died and they would still have Amanda. Claudia Joy tells Michael that he didn't know. Michael thought the threat was on post and he had done what he thought was best. Michael tells her that he was wrong; he made a mistake and people died. Michael feels that the post and soldiers deserve someone better. Claudia Joy tells him he can't second-guess his decision. He is only human. She asks him if he can think of any officer that can protect the post better than he can. He doesn't know. Claudia Joy tells him that he is the perfect man for that job. Claudia Joy says that their grief will never completely leave them, but their lives have to go on. Forgiveness is the first step. Michael must forgive himself. Claudia Joy tells Michael to do what he was born to do. He looks at her, and then wraps his arms tightly around her. The love they feel for each other is stronger than ever.

Leah Keys is sitting on a picnic table. Michael Holden walks up and thanks her for meeting him. She stands up and looks at him, not sure what to expect. Michael says, "I can't forgive you because you didn't do anything wrong. But, I can forgive your brother. And despite what he did, I know that you loved him and I am truly sorry for your loss." He puts a hand on her shoulder. Leah starts crying. Michael gives her a comforting hug.

Joan shows up for pregnant PT. She addresses the women. She tells them she is joining their class and she wants to be treated as 'just another woman who barfs and cries without warning.' This causes the pregnant soldiers to smile and chuckle with understanding. Joan grabs a mat. The instructor announces they will start with pushups. The women assume the modified pushup position, except Joan. She assumes the regular pushup position.

Denise pulls into the hospital parking garage on her motorcycle. The mystery man pulls in right behind her. He tells her he sees she took his advice. She agrees. He makes the comment, "So few do, which isn't good for a doctor." Denise is surprised to learn he's a doctor. He tells her he hopes he's a doctor because he's been cutting into sick people open over the past couple of weeks. He says he hates all the formal 'doctor stuff' and to call him "Getti." Denise tells him to call her "Nurse." He says ok and it looks like they're on the same shift for the day. He asks if she has her motorcycle license yet. She tells him that she has signed up for classes.

On the flight line, family members are watching an airplane arrive. As the soldiers disembark the plane, there is loud cheering from their families. The families are waiving their 'Welcome Home" signs. Brigadier General and Mrs. Holden arrive. Once everyone has disembarked the plane, the Chaplain leads everyone in saying 'The Lord's Prayer.' The soldiers are dismissed. Soldiers greet their families. Brigadier General Holden notices two soldiers that appear to have no family members there to greet them. Michael and Claudia Joy walk over to them. The soldiers come to attention. Michael tells them to stand at ease and he's glad to have them home. He shakes their hands and Claudia Joy hugs them.

Roland is making a sandwich and talking on the telephone with the high school principal. Roland has been offered a position as a substitute English teacher. The actual teacher's husband has been transferred to a different post. The principal tells Roland he'll be the substitute until they find a qualified replacement. He also tells Roland that the teacher taught GED classes two nights a week. Roland accepts. The look on his face reveals how happy he is.

Lieutenant Colonel Burton enters Brigadier General Holden's office. He gives her the signed deployment papers and says she can send someone to his quarters to pick up the service records of the deploying soldiers. Joan asks Michael if he read each one. He confirms and tells her that he will be there to send every one of the soldiers off. Joan tells him that she'll be there with him.

Roxy is on the telephone. TJ and Finn are in their bedroom. TJ becomes concerned when he hears Roxy say, "Oh my God! Oh my God! Oh my God!" The boys run out to her. She tells the boys that it's Daddy on the phone. She asks him how he's doing and if he's in pain. He asks how she and the boys are doing. Roxy starts to tell Trevor about Betty rebuilding the Hump Bar and Betty has put her in charge. Trevor stops her and tells her to tell him all about it when he gets home. Shocked, she says, "What?" Trevor says that he'll be home in the next couple of days. She and the boys start cheering loudly.

Michael tosses the Hilton Head Island Retirement Community brochure in the trash. He tells Claudia Joy she was correct – home is right where they are. Claudia Joy tells Michael there is one place she'd like to retire as she grabs his hand and they head upstairs.