B.L. Davenport

When Bo’s clock went off even though it was saturday he hit snooze even though he had to get up and go help with the farm chores. “Bo chores won’t do themselves,” BL mumbled only half awake. Bo didn’t reply, he hadn’t even flinched when the alarm went off. BALLADEER: That boy could sleep through a freight train running through the room. Across the hall, Luke cut his clock off before it went off. He had heard Bo's go off. He eased off the bed, stepped in his jeans, picked up his boots, socks and shirt as he eased to the door. As soon as his hand touched the door knob, Scrapie was out of the covers with a 'woof' as his feet hit the floor. Trixie was next. "Come on." Luke said as he headed out the door. He knocked on Bo's door, "Bo. Let's go." Luke said going to the bathroom to finish getting ready. He knew Bo wouldn't have moved yet even if he hadn't been up in the middle of the night with BL. “Coming,” Bo said, turning off his clock before the alarm went off again. As quietly as he could he stepped in his jeans, put on his shirt then picked up his boots and socks going to sit on the top step of the stairs to put them on while he waited for Luke to come out of the bathroom. Sadie came trotting out of the bedroom ready to go or play with Scrapie and Trixie. “C’mon I’ll let ya’ll out while I wait for Luke. The trio ran down the stairs to the backdoor and waited for Bo. Zooming out the door and around the yard. Once the bedroom was quiet again, Dixie curled up, hugged Luke's pillow and was out for the count before the guys left the driveway. A while later Bo, Luke and the pups come home, Bo saying, “I’ll take the dogs in, I want to see how BL is feeling.” "Alright, but remember, half this yard is yours." Luke said as he headed to the shed to get out the lawn mower. The yard was small compared to the farm yard, but it was a matter of principle. Dixie heard Bo come upstairs, then heard the lawn mower start up. She figured she'd get up and go make coffee and maybe a jar of sun tea while the guys mowed the yard. It was a good thought with good intentions as Dixie figured just another minute or two of snuggling the pillow wouldn't hurt as she listened to the sound of the lawn mower it lulled her right back to sleep. Bo tried to be quiet as he came into the bedroom, so he wouldn’t wake BL if she was sleeping but Sadie had other ideas. BL was on her side and Sadie couldn’t get to her face, undeterred she jumped on the bed and proceeded to snuffle BL’s head then licked BL right in the ear. “Sadie” BL said, wiping at her ear. “Sorry she was on the bed before I knew it,” Bo said, shooing Sadie off the bed, “get down Sadie.” Bo asked once Sadie was down and had gone looking for Scrapie and Trixie, “How do you feel darlin?” “Better but I don’t want no more of the Dixie diner’s Friday night special, atleast for a while,” BL replied. Bo kissed the side of BL’s head saying, “I gotta go help Luke mow.” BL replied, “ok,” dozing back off, when Bo was gone. Dixie still heard the mower but also heard Luke in the dresser, "What are you doing?" She asked without ever opening her eyes. Luke was holding a clean t-shirt, underwear and socks, “heading to the shower. Want to come?” “I’m sure I’ll be along as soon as the shower turns on and I hear the water running,” Dixie said, content to lay right where she was even if it wasn’t for much longer. BL heard the lawnmower through her state of dozing but she heard Luke come upstairs and go into his and Dixie’s room across the hall so Bo must be doing his share of the work. After a couple minutes BL heard Luke go into the bathroom and shut the door, a second later the shower kicked on. Followed by Dixie going into the bathroom. Down in the yard, Bo was working up a sweat, pushing the push lawn mower. So he took off his shirt and laid it over the porch railing. Gloria saw him through her kitchen window and shook her head….not only were those hooligans disturbing the peaceful morning but there was that blonde boy half dressed! A bit later Bo put the lawnmower back in the shed, grabbed his shirt off the porch railing, then went upstairs. Opening dresser drawers Bo got socks and underwear. ”What are you doing?” BL asked, propping her elbow on the bed and her head on her hand. Bo replied, “gathering my stuff for a shower when Luke comes out. “You probably won’t get one for a while, I heard Dixie join Luke a minute ago,” BL said. Bo replied, still hearing the shower running, "They are likely talking while Luke showers. Luke never takes long in the shower." He took his stuff and went to the bedroom door, figuring to hear the shower cut off as he reached the hall. It didn't. Instead, Bo heard Dixie giggle. The mental image that he pictured on the inside of the bathroom caused him to sit his clothes on the small table in the hallway and go back in his and BL’s room. BL had heard Dixie giggle too and grinned when Bo came back in the bedroom and flopped down in the chair in the corner, “still think they’re probably just talking?” ”Cute, I reckon I thought…I don’t know, Luke had grown boring, with Dixie in her condition,” Bo said. ”Booo, Dixie’s pregnant, neither one of them is dead. Talk to David Doolin, I bet him and Jeanne Ann still have a little fun even though she looks like she could pop,” BL chided. Bo was quiet for a whole minute. BL saw the wheels turning as he thought through whatever was bothering him. "Ya mean that won't hurt the baby?" Bo asked as he was still trying to remove the mental image of Luke and Dixie messing around in the shower, which would be perfectly normal if it were him and BL, but this was Luke, Bo thought. Sure Luke had a reputation when they were growing up, that still came up occasionally, but Bo just couldn't picture Luke and Dixie, ..... the mental image crossed his mind again, ..... no, no the problem was that he could see the mental image of it and, .... well, .... EWW!!! “I don’t know! You think just because I’m a woman I just know these things??” BL replied. ”Well yeah I reckon,” Bo answered.. “I don’t, maybe Dixie’s been talking to her doctor friend at work…Why don’t you come join me and rest awhile? You’ve had a busy morning and you were up with me half the night,” BL scooted over to make room. “My clothes have grass all over them,” Bo replied. “So shut the door and take them off. Didn’t you say being married meant we didn’t have to wear clothes if we didn’t want to,” BL parroted the gist of what Bo had told her, when she was showing him the matching robes and pj's she’d gotten at her bridal shower. “I did indeed,” Bo replied, shutting the bedroom door. Shedding his clothes in record time, he was in bed beside BL. A bit later, Luke and Dixie made their way to their bedroom. Once in the bedroom Dixie opened her dresser drawer for underwear and such to get dressed for one of her days off. Luke asked, "What are you doing?" "Getting my clothes to get dressed." Dixie replied. "What's your hurry?" Luke asked, as he reached around Dixie and placed his hands on Dixie’s now fuller breasts. From there, they moved their activities to their bed. Bo and BL were in the midst of a heavy petting session when they heard Luke and Dixie’s bedroom door shut. “Our turn,” Bo practically chirped as he got up, putting on the fluffy robe Dixie had monogrammed for the first time. BL did the same, Bo collecting his clothes off the hall table on the way to the bathroom. The shower cut on a couple minutes after. A bit later the shower cut off, the newlyweds got out and dried off, while BL was bent over drying her legs, Bo wound his towel then flicked her backside, BL squealed. Putting on her robe BL dashed back to her and Bo’s room. Bo wasn’t ready to get dressed so put his robe back on, grabbed his clean clothes and chased after his bride who was removing her robe as he came in the bedroom. Ditching his robe and tossing his clothes on the dresser, Bo scooped BL into his arms, getting another squeal, followed by a giggle as he tossed her gently on the bed, crawling over to where she lay, lowering his lips to hers. A bit later the couple lay entwined, the covers twisted around them. Luke was holding Dixie as he was propped up on pillows against the headboard while Dixie was curled up to him. Both were mostly awake but both had been napping. Luke had never been one to lay around and be lazy but doing this on an occasional Saturday couldn't hurt anything. Cooter was at the garage and had been struggling to get an engine block to go into the pickup that he was working on. Luther was gone out in the wrecker. Cooter looked around, scratched his head and came up with a plan. He put the out to lunch sign in the window, locked the garage and headed toward Bo and Luke’s figuring to get lunch and recruit some help with the engine. It was a nice day so Cooter had walked, whistling Camptown Races. Tipping his hat as he met Mrs. Palmer on the sidewalk. Bounding up the porch steps at Bo and Luke’s and letting himself in, he didn’t worry about anybody running around indecent. The minute Cooter opened the door the 12 legged ‘burglar alarm’ went off. “Hey now settle down, it's only me,” Cooter tried calming the trio of pups. Luke and Dixie came fully awake when all the barking started. “It’s probably just a squirrel in the yard, be right back,” Luke said, letting Dixie go and stepping into his jeans. Luke left the bedroom, appearing at the top of the stairs. Bo by now had been woken up by the ruckus downstairs. Untangling himself, first from BL and the covers Bo put on his underwear then pulled on his jeans. “Can’t Luke hear all that racket,” Bo grumbled. As Luke reached the top of the stairs and saw Cooter in the livingroom with the pups, he called down, "Turn them loose out back. I'll be right down." Luke stepped back in the bedroom where Dixie was getting dressed. "Figured I'd come back for my boots and shirt. It's Cooter. He's letting the pups out." Even though she was a grown, married woman, Dixie second guessed her outfit of joggers and big shirt, then quickly brushed her hair, "Crap. Do I look ok?" Luke replied, "You looked better ten minutes ago, but yes you're fine. What are you worried about?" "It's nearly noon. We've been in bed all morning." Dixie said. Luke replied, "So sue me." He said as he casually walked downstairs bare footed, with his shirt on, but unbuttoned and not tucked in. Cooter let the dogs out back and had just stepped back into the living room, when Bo was coming down the stairs shirtless, barefoot and his hair sticking out in all directions because it had been wet from the shower when he and BL had gone back to bed. ”Luke, what is the matter with them dogs? Bo asked. “Before Luke could say a word Cooter spoke up. “Sorry ya’ll I got ‘em stirred up bustin’ in here, must be nice to still be in bed at almost noon.” “BL was sick half the night and I was up with her and then I got up to go help with the farm chores,” Bo defended himself. Luke had gotten his socks and boots on by now and replied, "It was very nice." Dixie had been far enough down the steps to hear the exchange between the men, "Do ya’ll want coffee?" She asked as her feet hit the bottom step. Cooter as usual, not bashful in the least said, “I was hoping for lunch.” “You got it,” Dixie replied, heading for the kitchen, now that Cooter mentioned it, she could eat too.. “After lunch I need some help putting in an engine block,” Cooter said as he and Luke sat in the livingroom. Bo had gone back upstairs to finish getting dressed. “Sure no problem, me and Bo are happy to help,” Lke replied. BL sat up when Bo came back in the room. ‘Where’d you go? I was lonely.” “Cooter’s here,” Bo replied. “This early?” BL asked, having no idea how late it was. The latest she ever stayed in bed was 10am, Clyde had made it a rule when her and LB were teenagers, the only exception had been if they were sick. “It's nearly noon darlin,” Bo said on his way out the door. Dixie was glad to busy herself in the kitchen fixing a bite of lunch. She was looking for something quick, so she got out two packs of hotdogs that were frozen and put them in a pot of water to boil. Then, put on coffee, grabbed a can of chili and put it on to heat up while she grabbed the buns, mustard and an onion. Dixie was now chopping the onion as the coffee brewed and hotdogs boiled. BL had gotten up and put on leggings and a big t-shirt, still tired she didn’t feel like wearing anything that wasn’t super comfortable. Opening the bedroom door she realized she was a bit hungry but that changed as her feet hit the staircase halfway down and the smell of boiling hotdogs met her. BL capped a hand over her mouth, made an about face running back to the bathroom and slamming the door shut causing the 3 men in the livingroom to jump. “I better go check on her,” Bo said, heading for the stairs. BL knelt in the floor, gagging and retching but nothing was left after last night but each time she thought about that smell a new round of dry heaves hit. ”BL darlin, you ok?” Bo asked, coming in. “I thought it was food poisoning last night but maybe I caught something from somebody that came in the post office,” BL replied. Dixie came in the living room, "Lunch is on the table. Where is Bo and BL?" “BL’s sick again,” Luke answered Dixie. In the bathroom, BL sat back on her heels once her stomach was under control. Bo wet a washcloth and handed it to his wife,”feel better?” BL washed her face with the cool cloth, replying “yeah”. Dixie replied to Luke, "Ya'll go ahead and eat. I'll go see if she's alright." Upstairs, outside the bathroom door, Dixie called. "BL? Are you alright? Can I get ya anything?" BL opened the bathroom door answering, “I’m fine, do we have any sprite or 7up?” “Yeah I'll get you one,” Dixie replied, heading back downstairs. When Dixie came into the kitchen, Luke asked, "Is she alright?" "She said that she is. I'm gonna take a Sprite up." Dixie said. Luke wiped his mouth, "Sit and eat. I'll take it up. I need to put on some work pants while I'm there." "Thanks." Dixie replied and she began putting her hotdog together. “Here’s your sprite BL,” Luke said, poking his head in the bedroom, holding it out. “Thanks Luke,” BL replied, accepting the soda, opening the can and taking a sip. “Does Cooter need something or is he just looking for free food,” Bo asked. “He needs our help putting in an engine block after lunch,” Luke answered.”I said we’d help,” Luke added. “I don’t know if I should leave BL,” Bo said, worry in his voice, BL still looked a mite green. “I’ll be fine, Dixie will be here,” BL replied. “Great it's settled,” Luke said over his shoulder, going into his and Dixie’s bedroom. Bo wasn't happy, but at BL's insistence he changed clothes and met Luke and Cooter downstairs. After straightening up the kitchen, Dixie went to check on BL. "Are you feeling better?" BL replied, "I didn't feel bad. I just started down the steps and something hit me." She remembered the smell and reached at just the thought. "What did you fix for lunch?" "You can't be ready to eat yet? But, it was hotdogs." Dixie said. "No. No, I'm not. But are you sure they weren't spoiled?" BL said. "Yeah. We all ate them. They were fine." Dixie said. BL couldn't explain it but felt the smell had been why she was sick. "Let's try something. Want to go to the garage?" "Well, I'd been planning on it before you got sick." Dixie said. BL said, "OK. Let's go. Just once the door is open I'm heading straight outside." Dixie replied, "Go. I'll grab leashes and get the pups and meet you on the porch after I open windows to air the house out." A few minutes later, pups on leashes, the two headed around the square to the garage. At the garage the men were working hard when BL, Dixie and the dogs arrived. “Hey, how’s it going,” Dixie asked. “It’s going,” Cooter replied. “Thought you were gonna rest a while, darlin?” Bo asked. “I feel fine. We’re trying something, the second the bedroom door opened I went straight downstairs and right on outside while Dixie opened windows to air out the house, got pups and leashes. It had to be the smell of the hotdogs that made me sick. I just don’t know why,” BL replied. For the rest of the afternoon, the guys worked on putting the motor back in the pickup, while Dixie and BL manned the gas pumps and the telephone. Luther was happy to take all the wrecker calls and leave the hard labor, putting in the motor to the younger men. “Ya’ll coming out to the Boar’s Nest tonight?” Cooter asked. Luke replied, "This is becoming an awful thirsty job so we might just have to come out awhile. Bo?" The fun loving part of Bo wanted to say yes but the part of him that was trying to show that he was a responsible married man, wasn’t sure. BL watched uncertainty cross Bo’s face as they all waited for his answer. “We’ll be there,” BL answered for Bo. Luke looked at Cooter, who was looking at him. Luke cracked a smile, Cooter gave him a bigger grin, Luke chuckled, Cooter laughed. Before anyone knew why Luke and Cooter were enjoying gut busting laughter and were nearly in tears they were laughing so hard. Dixie was also controlling her own amusement. ”What’s so funny,” Bo asked, confused. It was at that moment that Luther walked in and thought his garage had been turned into a hyena refuge, "What in the world is the matter with those fools?" Dixie was grinning but replied, "Let them tell you." Cooter tried to explain while also trying to breath and not start laughing again, said, "Bo! Bo and ... BL ...." Luke added, "Ain't been married two months yet...." Cooter took back over, "And Bo is henpecked!" Luke really wouldn't have put it that way but Cooter did. “I am not henpecked!” Bo defended himself. BL hadn’t realized that she made it sound that way, she just hadn’t wanted to be the reason Bo missed out on a fun night. Two matching pink spots of embarrassment appeared on her cheeks, was she really becoming one of those wives. Cooter egged it on, "Did he or did he not look to BL for permission to go out tonight?" Luke looked at Bo, "Well, he did, but I'll give him that BL was sick last night and then just a bit ago." Luther had started to be amused somewhat, having been a young man with a new bride once, he could understand where Bo was coming from. Amusement turned to concern with Luke’s words about BL being sick. Not only was he concerned for his niece but Dixie was carrying his grandchild. “BL, honey are you ok, shouldn’t you be in bed or something? Luther asked. “I’m fine now Uncle Luther, it was probably something I ate. Getting out in the fresh air has me feeling alot better,” BL replied. Cooter said as he wiped his hands, "Well, since that is all settled, how about we get cleaned up and head out for a beer. I'll even buy ya'll the first round. I have put in more engines alone than I care to count, but that one just wouldn't line up long enough for me to work with it." They all agreed and the Dukes headed home. At the house BL said, “ya’ll go in first see if it’s free of that smell, then holler and I’ll come in.” Dixie went in and walked through to the kitchen taking deep breaths, not even a hint of hotdog smell was left. ‘It’s clear, you can come in BL,” Dixie called. BL went straight to the kitchen, her stomach starting to growl, “I’m gonna fix me a baked potato and one of those leftover pork chops, Bo grilled Wednesday, anybody else want one or are ya’ll gonna get something at the Boar’s Nest?” “I’ll eat there so you nor Dixie has to cook,” Bo replied. Dixie replied, "If you are going to cook anyway, I'll help and throw us all something in. They can have theirs later, or eat with us. I'll throw the chops in the oven to heat up and go change, if you put the potatoes on?" Luke was heading toward the shower as he called back, "If ya’ll cook, I'll eat." “I’ll eat too then,” Bo said. Dixie got the pork chops in the oven heating then ran upstairs to change. BL scrubbed 4 potatoes, poked holes with a fork then put the potatoes in the microwave. “I’m sorry about jumping in at the garage and making it look like you are henpecked and need my permission to do stuff. I just saw the indecision in your eyes because you were worried I wasn’t up to a night out,” BL said, when she and Bo were alone. “It’s ok darlin, I’m a big boy I can take Cooter’s teasing,” Bo replied. After they all got ready and had eaten, the 2 young couples headed to the Boar’s Nest. Luke and Dixie were in Luke’s truck and Bo and BL in General Lee. By the time they pulled into the parking lot, anyone could see the place was filling up fast. Luke saw the wrecker, "I hope Cooter got us a table. Cooter was watching and when he saw Bo and Luke along with Dixie and BL come in, he waved them over. “Is it a holiday? The only time this place gets a big crowd is when it’s payday for the mill and the factory,” Bo said. Daisy came over to get their drink orders and heard Bo, “no Whey Jennings is performing.” “You mean Whey Jennings the grandson of Waylon Jennings?” BL said. “Yes! Ain’t that exciting? Ya’ll want 4 beers and a tea for you Dixie?” Luke replied, "You better go ahead and bring us two rounds of everything before Boss marks up the prices!" Dixie laughed, "Tea is fine." “Be right back,” Daisy said and headed back to the bar. Daisy brought the drinks back to the table and headed back to the bar. LB walked in. He had hoped that it was quiet and that Lori Mae would get off early. So much for that thought. He pulled up a chair, "What in the world?" "Whey Jennings is performing," BL answered her brother, handing him one of the extra beers, Daisy or Lori Mae could bring another later. Rosco got on the stage, stepped up to the microphone saying, “alright settle down we got a special guest. We got a visit from his Granddaddy several years ago. Ladies and Gentlemen I present Mr. Whey Jennings the grandson of the great Waylon Jennings.” Rosco stepped off the stage as the band began to play the first notes and Whey sang I’m A Ramblin’ Man, sounding very much like his grandfather. Luke motioned to Daisy, who was really enjoying watching, as well as listening to Whey. He handed her some money, "Take Whey and his band a beer when they get done." Daisy was now not so annoyed at Luke's interruption, "I would love to!" Daisy grabbed a tray of beers fresh out of the tap, hopefully before Boss could water it down. She went over to where the band would have to come off the stage and waited. After the song, Whey said, "Would you believe me when I tell ya'll that I told our driver not to come this way? Ya see I remember my grandfather telling me about this place and even as a kid I thought he must have been kidding. That is, right until we pulled into the lot and I saw this orange stock car setting out front." Whey paused for a moment, "Would the fellas that own that car be the same ones he knew?" The crowd all answered that they were and pointed to Bo and Luke, which brought a lot of attention to their table. Jesse was at the bar elbowing Luther and Clyde. Daisy was even close enough to be heard when she said, "They sure are Sugar and they have something cold over here when you get done." "Well, now, thank you guys! That was another thing I was told is how hospitable ya'll are. Well, most of ya’ll." He motioned to Rosco and Boss to point out that they were the exception. “As a matter of fact, we were together with some Ole boys and Walyon was telling them about this place and this Ole boy by the name of Johnny Cash was listening to him talk and by the end of the story he had a song scribbled down. Let me see if I still know it." He broke out into the song, General Lee! Whey finished the song and as he and his band came off stage Daisy handed them a beer and they joined the young Dukes and Davenports at their table. Dixie and BL had vacated their chairs because there were no empty extras around, perching on their husbands knee instead. “Whey this is my wife Dixie and the guy in the CAT hat is my brother in law Cooter Davenport and the man over at the bar on the right of the man in the red cap is my father in law Luther Davenport, he owns the garage in town and Cooter helps run it,” Luke said. Whey shook hands with Cooter and touched the brim of his hat, giving a little tip to Dixie. “Nice to meet you Dixie, what do you do? You’re too pretty to be a grease monkey,” Whey replied. “She’s a correctional officer, over to the Tri-Counties jail,” LB volunteered helpfully. Dixie just happened to be close enough to elbow LB had she not been afraid of getting Luke instead because she was sitting on his knee, so she rolled her eyes and gave LB a dirty look saying “you don't have to tell everything you know with this place packed out like it is.” Luke said, “Mr. helpful there is LB Davenport, the man on the left of the red cap at the bar is his father Clyde Davenport.” That’s my father in law, he owns the cabinet shop. This is my wife BL and LB is her brother,” Bo took over the introductions. Again Whey gave his hat a little dip to BL and shook hands with LB. Daisy took a minute to make sure she checked on the band, "Can I get ya'll anything else, maybe another round?" Luke added before anyone replied to Daisy, "And this is our cousin Daisy. Our Uncle Jesse over there in the red cap pretty much raised us all, mostly by himself." Dixie cut in, "That's the reason for all that grey hair." “Yeah Daisy, bring us another round,” Bo said, answering Daisy’s question before Luke had cut in. “Make one of those a tea for me and baby Duke," Dixie said. “Ok so that’s 9 beers and 1 tea, be right back,” Daisy replied, heading back toward the bar. “Congratulations Luke,” Whey said, having immediately figured out why Dixie ordered tea, when everyone else was having beer. Over at the bar Jesse said, “I’m gonna go over to the kids table and introduce myself to that young man, why don’t you two come along.” That’s just what they did. “You sound just like your Granddaddy, I’m Jesse Duke,” Jesse said, shaking Whey’s hand. “Nice to meet you Mr. Duke,” Whey replied. “Where are my manners? Whey this is Luther and Clyde Davenport, Dixie and BL’s Daddies,” Jesse said. Whey shook hands with both Davenport men, “nIce to meet you both. Now can anybody tell me what the deal with the sheriff is, he said we could pay a $200 fine or perform here for disturbing a bird habitat or something.” “You’ll have to overlook Rosco, he used to be a good and fair lawman then when his pension got beat in an election he became crookeder than a dog’s hind leg,” Jesse replied. Just as Jesse finished Daisy and Lori Mae came to the table each with a tray of drinks. Noone at the table was paying much attention to anyone around them but if they had been, the Dukes and Davenports might have noticed the looks of envy they were getting while they talked and drank with Whey and his band. Luke replied, "You see Boss Hogg over there has Rosco always on the lookout for the fancy buses. If he gets you to stop and agree to play here, Rosco calls back to Boss on the CB. Boss lets the cat out of the bag that there's a big name playing here and then he raises the prices." “Ain’t that price gouging or something illegal?” Whey asked. “It’s Boss’s county as long as no big outside companies are involved he can charge whatever,” BL replied. “One time not only did he raise popcorn and beer prices, he charged 10 bucks to get out!” Jesse said. The band was finishing their beers. Whey said, "Other than meeting the Sheriff over there, it was nice to get to meet ya'll, but we better be heading out or we will be late." Daisy gave a million dollar smile and asked, "Don't you have time for just one more song? Please?" "Whey tipped his hat, "Just for you, we'll make the time. Harry there will just have to drive a little faster." Bo offered, "Luke here, and me, can run a little interference for ya until ya'll cross the County line and we can show ya just what General Lee can do." “That’s mighty nice of ya Bo but neither me nor Harry want to be the cause of anybody getting in trouble with the Sheriff,” Whey replied. “We won’t get in no trouble, Rosco’d have to catch us first and he ain’t too good at that most days,” Bo said with a cocky grin. “Too bad the General Lee don’t have a red light, then Rosco couldn’t do nothing,” Luke said thoughtfully. “Let me think about it while we do this song,” Whey said before he and his band got back on stage and Whey said “This song is for Luke Duke and his wife Dixie,”. The band played and Whey sang Only Daddy that’ll walk the Line. Everyone was enjoying Whey's song, though there were many envious of the attention the Dukes and Davenports were getting. Only a few people there understood the true meaning behind why Whey chose that song. Once the song was over, Whey and the band bid their goodbyes as they gathered their equipment and headed to the door. True to his word, Bo stood up. Luke finished his beer as he too stood up to head outside. "Give me the truck keys and we'll meet ya’ll at home if ya ain't back shortly. Dixie suggested. "Alright. Yell at us on the CB if ya leave." Luke gave Dixie a quick kiss and the boys headed out to play Rosco games if he tried to stop the bus again. Bo and Luke drove just ahead of the bus but didn’t get above 55 MPH. “Keep your eyes sharp, Cletus gotta be hiding somewhere, I didn’t see him at the Boar’s Nest,” Bo said. Back at the Boar’s Nest a few folks that just came for the show, were leaving but the bar was still packed more than a normal Friday at this hour. Rosco had left when he saw Bo and Luke leaving without their wives. “They gotta be up to something and I wanna know what,” Rosco said to Flash. As Bo came up on Stix River that was the county line between Hazzard County and Placid County, Bo shifted gears and left the road going cross country about 100 feet from the bridge, hitting a slightly elevated spot becoming airborne, the notes of the General’s horn playing dixie, getting the attention of everyone on the bus. “YEEHAA!” The occupants of the bus let out cheers of excitement and surprise at seeing the General Lee going airborne across the Stix River. Harry stopped the bus just over the Placid County line. Bo swung a U turn and headed back to the bus. Whey and the band were off the bus giving the boys back slaps and high fives just as Rosco pulled up beside them, "Alright! I got you now! All of you! You are under arrest!" Luke frowned, "For what?" Rosco stuttered and mumbled unintelligently. Bo reminded, "You can't arrest any of us, Rosco." Luke added, "The County line is way back over there." Rosco huffed as he turned to see that they were correct. "I'll arrest you and you and all of you... for, .... for, ..... You just keep moving out of Hazzard!! Jut, ... jut, .. jut, ... next time we're just gonna cuff you and stuff you, that's what we are gonna do! Ain't that right, Flash?!!" Rosco got in his patrol car and headed back to Hazzard. Whey asked, "Does he have those fits often?" “Yeah he does, he’s gonna give hisself a vapor lock one of these days,” Bo answered Whey’s question. They all had a good laugh then Harry said,”we better get going Whey, if we’re gonna make that show on time.” After saying their goodbyes and loading the bus, Whey and his band were on their way. Once the bus was out of sight, Bo and Luke headed back to the Boar’s Nest, crossing the Stix river by bridge this time. “Might want to go cross country, avoid Rosco. He was madder than a wet hen, he’ll be watching for us on the road,” Luke advised. “10-4 cousin,” Bo replied, heading back. Without any hindrance from Rosco, Bo and Luke made record time. Dixie was just finishing her tea and about to suggest to BL that they head back to town when Bo and Luke came back in the door and joined Dixie, BL and the rest of the crew at the table. ”Is it just me or is it a mite warm in here?” BL asked then added “think I’ll go out and get some air. Dixie want to come with me?” "Sure. We can go to the bathroom on the way back in." Dixie replied. Luke was motioning Daisy over. Daisy knew what they wanted, so she grabbed two beers on her way over. "Get me a lemonade or something this time please." Dixie said to Luke as she stood up to go out with BL. Across the room, two blondes were looking to find a date for the night, one motioned to the Duke table, "You know that last song, Whey played for Luke and his wife?" The other replied, "Yeah." "Look at her. She's not had a beer all evening." The first stated. "So?" The second asked. "Wonder if there's a reason? Loose top. Stretchy pants??? How long was it they got married?" She asked. “You think anybody connected the dots after Whey’s song to you and Luke? BL asked. "I don't know." Dixie said as they started toward the door, "After all, it is one of his regular songs." BL and Dixie went outside and were leaning against the building, suddenly BL went very pale. “I think I better sit down,” BL said, making just a few steps away from the cinder block wall before crumpling to the ground, out cold. Dixie saw BL going down and moved to make sure her head didn't hit the ground. "BL?" Dixie said, trying to get BL to respond to her. BL was out for the count. Dixie was behind BL's back with BL’s head in her lap. She couldn't very well leave BL to get the guys and certainly couldn't pick her up herself. Just about then, Dixie heard the Boar's Nest door open. She looked up to see Brodie coming out the door, "Can you go get Bo and Luke to come out here? Preferably without the entire crowd?" "Sure thing, Dixie." Brodie said as he turned around and headed back inside. At the back table Brodie went to Luke and pulled Luke away from the table. "Miss Dixie sent me for you and Bo. She said not to bring a crowd." Luke frowned. Something in that message didn't set right but he said, "Thanks." He turned to Bo and motioned Bo to follow him. He didn't waste any time following Brodie back through the crowd and outside. Luke spotted BL almost as soon as they got outside, “Oh Lord,” Luke said. Behind him Bo asked “what,” then he saw his wife on the ground out cold, Dixie holding BL’s head in her lap, Bo rushed forward picking up BL’s hand, “I knew we should have stayed home. BL darlin are you alright, can you hear me?” “Brodie give Bo your hat to fan her and get a damp towel from Charlie but don’t tell Daisy what happened, she’ll just get Clyde worked up,” Luke said, fanning BL. “Be back in two shakes of a lamb’s tail,” Brodie replied, going inside. “Why’d she fain't?”Bo asked Dixie. Dixie replied, "I have no idea. We walked out for fresh air and was talking. She got real pale and said she needed to sit down. This is as far as we got." Luke had checked BLs pulse and respirations. They were normal. Brodie came back with a cold wet towel that Luke put behind BLs neck. BL was starting to respond to them. Bo saw BLs eyes trying to open. “There she is” Bo said when BL finally got her eyes open. “What happened?” BL asked. “You tell us,” Bo replied. “I don’t rightly know, one minute me and Dixie was talking and I all the sudden felt like if I didn’t sit down, I was gonna fall down and well you know the rest,” BL said, sitting up. “I’m taking you to the hospital, you were sick as a dog friday night. Got sick again earlier today and this is twice in a week’s time you fainted,” Bo said. “No, no they’ll charge an arm and a leg, just take me home, I’ll be alright,” BL replied. Dixie offered, "Bo, I'm off Monday. We can maybe go see Doc then if she needs to." "First things, first, ya'll. Let's get her up and to the car. Just take it real slow and don't stand up too quickly." Luke helped Bo get BL up to her feet and to the car. He turned to Brodie, "Hey, thanks for your help. I don't think I paid Daisy for those last beers. Settle up with her for me and get you a beer with what's left." "Thanks, Luke. Anytime. The only reason I'm taking that beer for helping ya’ll is cause you need me to settle up with Daisy and besides I was out of money for another beer, but I'll get you next time." Brodie said. “Monday? Thanks Dixie but Monday’s an awful long wait, what if she faints again?” Bo said, worried. “Monday is fine, I just will have to make sure not to get too hot. Thanks Dixie,” BL said, giving Bo a stubborn look, she absolutely was not going to the hospital. “Anybody ever tell you, you are a stubborn woman?” Bo asked as he helped BL in the car. “Maybe once or twice,” BL replied. Dixie and Luke got in Luke’s truck and they all headed back to town. Luke asked Dixie once they were alone? "Is she alright?" Dixie shrugged her shoulders, "You know as much as I do." Letting him know that her and BL hadn't talked about anything he didn't know about. When Bo and BL pulled into the driveway and parked, Bo helped BL out of General Lee and kept a steadying arm around her in case she fainted again, “are you sure you’re alright? It’s after hours but I’m sure Doc Applby would see you at the clinic or come here,” Bo said. “I’m ok, feeling much better,” BL replied, smiling to look more convincing. It was a rather low key Saturday night at the Duke household, they popped popcorn and watched a couple of movies before going to bed earlier than usual for a Saturday night.

By the time Bo and BL were waking up, Luke and the pups and Dixie were already out of the County heading toward their jobs. Luke had received a page about a fire in the wee hours of the night. He had gone downstairs to call in for details as the phone rang, he figured it was base camp calling him when he answered the phone, but instead, it was Tri-Counties calling for Dixie to come in early. BL had packed her lunch and a few snacks, then had gone back upstairs to shower. Getting out and wrapping a towel around herself then going back to the bedroom. She was brushing her damp hair still wearing just a towel when Bo returned from the farm, liking the view very much as he came into the bedroom. Going over behind BL wrapping his arms around his wife,kissing BL’s neck saying, “Mrs. Duke, you do look pretty that way. But even prettier this way,” with those words BL’s towel dropped to the floor. “Bo you’re gonna make me late for work,” BL halfheartedly protested as Bo cradled a breast in each hand. “So call Ellen Sue to open up, until you get there,” Bo replied. “Can’t, she had business to take care of this morning,” BL said. Bo squeezed one last time then dropped his hands, giving BL’s backside a smack as he stepped back and turned to go he said, “Uncle Jesse sent you a sausage biscuit, I put it with your lunch. “Ok thanks, see you after work” BL said, then finished getting ready. BL ate her sausage biscuit and drank a cup of coffee while she sorted mail. When Ellen Sue came in at noon BL ate the lunch she’d brought from last night’s supper at the Boar’s Nest. After going in early, by quitting time, Dixie was tired, really tired and sleepy. She headed to the car without changing. Her plans included going home, to bathe, food and bed. Not necessarily in that order. Luke, for not the first time since he and Dixie had been married, was glad that rain had moved in on the fire they thought they would fly out on, and was now heading back to Hazzard. Trixie and Scrapie were being themselves, looking out the windows and sniffing the fresh country air. Coming up on the Boar's Nest Luke saw Bo and BL had beat them there today. He reached for the CB's mic, "Lost Sheep One looking for Little Shotgun." "You got me." Dixie replied. "Well, where are you?" Luke answered. "Circling the Square. About to park." Dixie replied. Part of Luke was glad Dixie had headed home to rest, while a small thirsty part of him was ready for a beer. He turned the truck back out of the lot and headed home. "Behind ya." "You don't have to come right home, but I'm tired." Dixie replied. "Be there in a few." Luke replied. Daisy was working tonight and came over to Bo and BL’s table when 30 minutes had passed with no sign of Luke and Dixie. Daisy asked,“Any idea where Luke and Dixie are?” “They were already gone when I got up to come do the chores out at the farm,” Bo replied. At the house in town Dixie said ”I’m gonna eat me a sandwich, take a shower and go to bed. I’m sorry, just too tired to cook, maybe BL will fix you something when she gets home.” “It's alright sweetheart I ain’t hungry yet,” Luke replied. While Dixie made herself a ham sandwich, Luke went to the livingroom and turned on the tv to see what was being said about the fire they’d watched all day at work. When an hour had gone by and Luke, Dixie nor Cooter had shown up, Bo was ready to go home, he had more important things to do. ”Whaddya say we head home, don’t look like nobody else is coming,” Bo emptied his beer mug. “Ok, if you’ll take Sadie with you I’ll go by the Dixie diner and get us all some supper,” BL replied. So that’s just what they did. Luke, Scrapie and Trixie were stretched out on the couch. Luke actually had caught himself dozing a couple times when he and the pups heard the General pull in. Scrapie and Trixie were ready to play with Sadie. They jumped up bouncing. "It's Bo. Sadie's not with him." Luke said as Bo stepped in the back door and said, "Yes she is. Come on you two." Luke stood up, stretched and turned the TV off. "I'll leave the door open for them, but I'm heading up." Bo questioned, "Where's Dixie " "Already in bed. Night." Luke said. "BL is getting food at the diner." Bo said. Luke nodded. "OK. Good. We'll eat it later." Luke had just gotten in his and Dixie’s bedroom when BL pulled in the driveway. The dogs heard the GTO pull in and all three came tearing in the backdoor, barking. Letting everybody know she was home. “I heard her, you can hush now,” Bo said. The dogs paid no attention to Bo and kept up their ‘talking’ as if trying to tell BL something when she came in.Seeing the backdoor open, she knew the trio had probably heard her from out back. “Oh my, really. They’ve been ignoring you?” BL asked the threesome when she saw the back door open. “Fibbers, you were playing in the backyard,” Bo said. “Let’s eat, it’s still warm. Where is Dixie and Luke?” BL asked “They went up to bed, Luke said they’d eat later,” Bo replied. BL put two plates in the fridge and then sat down at the table with Bo. After they got done and BL cleaned up Bo said, “Luke and Dixie had a pretty good idea, how about we turn in early,” Bo said,sleeping the furthest thing from his mind. Shutting the backdoor after calling in the pups they went upstairs. The pups ran ahead of Bo and BL. With the door opened, all three went into Luke and Dixie's room and promptly in the bed. Sadie gave Dixie a lick all the way up her face. "Sadie. I love you too." Dixie mumbled. Luke hadn't been asleep and was trying to calm them down. "Come on Sadie. Bo and BL need you to protect them. Luke tossed the covers and managed to get Sadie out the door and it closed. He turned around to find Scrapie on his pillow. "Scrapie. That's my pillow." He reached to move the small dog who decided to grrr. "Scrapie." Luke gave a warning tone. Dixie said, "Come here baby." Scrapie left Luke's pillow and promptly went under the covers where Dixie cuddled him still mostly asleep. "Trader." Luke said. When Bo and BL got to their bedroom, Sadie was stretched out in the middle of the bed. “And just who made you the queen of Sheba,” Bo asked, trying to get Sadie to move. “C’mon off the bed,” Sadie didn’t grrr at Bo like Scrapie had Luke but she huffed her displeasure, getting down. BL knew what Bo’s next move was going to be and said, “I don’t think putting her in the hall for a while is a good idea, considering Sunday morning’s storm.” “We don’t need her help either,” Bo said. “We’ll just have to teach her, sometimes the bed is off limits,” BL replied. “O….kay” Bo wasn’t sure how well that was going to work. BL told Sadie to get in the chair and stay. Then shut the door, shucking their clothes, the still relatively newlyweds, turned off the light picking up from this morning. They newlyweds weren't the only ones enjoying some time alone. With Daisy working Lori Mae and LB were parked up a lonesome hollow, while Cooter and Crystal had just checked into the "No Tell Motel". Just before closing, Darcy came into the Boar's Nest and ordered a beer. He looked around, "It looks slow tonight Charlie." Charlie nodded, "So we will be packed tomorrow." The slow night at the Boar’s Nest played in Daisy’s favor. Charlie let her go a little early, saying he’d close up. So Daisy found herself in Darcy’s Chevy headed to the Shawnee Indian cave. “I’m glad Charlie let me go early, it was killin’ me seeing you sitting there all alone and wanting to be with you,” Daisy said. “We got a couple hours before you’re expected home, don’t we?” Darcy asked, parking outside the old cave’s mouth. Daisy grinned widely, "We sure do Sugar!” Darcy got out of the Chevy, grabbing a sleeping bag and a lantern. BALLADEER: Two things a Hazzard boy rarely leaves home without, ya never know when you might want to do some frog gigging and night fishing. Ole Darcy wasn’t always a pilot. Lighting the lantern and helping Daisy out, giving her the lantern the couple went into the cave. Darcy sat the lantern on a rock platform that jutted out from the cave wall and then spread the sleeping bag. “Have a seat m’lady,” Darcy waved his hand as if he was presenting something special. “Darcy this is so nice, a lot more roomy than the backseat,” Daisy grinned widely, patting the space beside her. Darcy didn’t have to be asked twice, he replied “sure is.” Darcy leaned closer and pressed his lips to Daisy’s, wrapping her arms around Darcy’s neck and deepening the kiss. Darcy’s hands wandered, finding their way inside Daisy’s top, Daisy felt her bra loosen. Luke thought back as he sat propped against his pillows watching Dixie sleep while hugging Scrapie. It wasn't too long ago that he would have only been thinking of one thing, now he was content to let his wife and his baby's mother get some needed rest. He knew they had both gotten up early this morning to go into work early. There would be plenty of time for other activities. He turned the bedside light out and snuggled down in the bed behind Dixie. Dixie automatically turned toward Luke and his warmth. Just as Luke was about to doze off Trixie licked him in the face. He held the covers up for her to get under them and get settled. Now they could all get some rest. In that lonesome hollow, LB and Lori Mae had, themselves a real good time, now they lay in the truck bed snuggled up as they watched shooting stars in the night sky. Bo and BL had worn themselves out a few hours ago now they slept soundly, Bo spooning his bride but he was wide awake the instant BL threw his arm off her, jumping up and running from the room, the bathroom door banging shut a second later. BL knelt by the toilet naked but she didn’t care as she fought to control her stomach. Bo followed a second later, having put on pj bottoms first, “darlin are you alright?” His answer was more retching. Opening the door slipping in he saw a very naked and pale BL kneeling by the toilet both sweating and shivering at the same time. ”Can I get you something,” Bo asked, wetting a cool washcloth for the back of BL’s neck. “A gown and something to pull my hair up,” BL replied, noticing her lack of clothes. ”Be right back,” Bo said just opening the bathroom door, wide enough to slip out. A few minutes later Bo slipped back in, handing BL a gown and a ponytail holder, “here ya go darlin.” “Thanks,” BL replied, putting the gown on, then pulling up her hair. BALLADER: One thing about a Marine, once a Marine, always a Marine. That slamming bathroom door caused Luke and Dixie both to sit up quickly which triggered the dogs to jump up and bark. Luke had already tossed the covers and reached for his jeans as he thought typical Hazzard trouble had found them. Luke opened the bedroom and the mighty protectors ran out the door but instead of going downstairs, they ran to the closed bathroom door. It was only then that Luke saw the light under the door. He said quietly, "Bo? BL?" Dixie had sat up and grabbed her robe wondering what was going on but stayed put since Luke knew where she was. She had seen him when there was trouble. It was best to stay where she was at, at least for now until he figured out what the trouble was. “BL’s sick,” Bo answered. “Sorry didn’t mean to wake the whole house,” BL replied. “It’s ok BL,” Luke said. “Feel better, night,” Luke added heading back to bed. By now Sadie was barking too, only she didn’t really know at what, she was just barking because Trxie and Scrapie were barking. Luke attempted to hush Sadie,”Shhhhh. It's alright girl." He opened his bedroom door and Trixie and Scrapie ran out to check on Sadie. Together, all three ran downstairs. Luke knew where they were heading, "Everything is alright. The dogs want out. I'll be right back up." Dixie turned over and found herself alone in the room. She tried to get comfortable, but decided if she wanted to sleep she needed a snack. In the kitchen, she could see Luke standing on the porch waiting on the pups. She opened the fridge and found the plates that BL had brought home. She was just getting them out when Luke and the pups came back inside. “Do you want to eat the plate BL brought in or just a dessert?” Dixie asked. Luke hadn’t eaten before going to bed but it was too late/early for a big meal and then go back to bed, he’d eat breakfast later at the farm. “I’ll eat the dessert now and save the rest for later,” Luke replied. Upstairs Bo wiped the cool damp cloth over BL’s cheeks and forehead as she tried to concentrate on not throwing up again. “Are you alright now?” Bo asked, worriedly. “I think so, give me a few minutes,” BL replied. A second later though she clenched her teeth as her mouth watered and hot bile rose up her throat. Leaning over the toilet the battle was lost to more retching. A bit later when BL was feeling a little better, she warned, "Tell Luke and Dixie to make sure those dinners are good. Maybe there was something wrong with them." Bo heard Luke and Dixie coming back upstairs, "Ya'll didn't eat those dinners did you?" Dixie replied, "Just the desserts." Bo nodded, "BL said to check them because that may have been what made her sick, but I had the same thing and am fine." Luke frowned, "Bo you could eat anything and not get sick." “He has a point,” BL said with a weak grin at Bo . “Cute darlin,” Bo replied. A bit later when BL felt like she could lay down again without having to make another mad dash to the bathroom to throw up, she and Bo went back to bed, leaving the door open this time.

Thursday morning Daisy was doing her housework when the phone rang, Daisy picked up on the second ring “Duke farm, Daisy speaking.” “Daisy, this is Danny at the drugstore, I have the rest of Jesse’s blood pressure medication, if someone wants to pick it up, Danny said. Daisy replied, “I’ll pick it up in a little while, thanks for calling. Bye.” Luther was out in the wrecker while Cooter manned the garage. He had pumped some gas but was currently under the hood of Mr. Peabody's old farm truck. The poor old thing should have been put out to pasture years ago, but the old farmer refused to let it go. Suddenly, Cooter felt arms run around his sides to his chest as someone very soft walked up behind him. "Can I help you?" He asked professionally. "Oh, but yes, you can." Crystal replied. Cooter turned around, being careful not to get his greasy hands on Crystal's clothes. "What brings you all the way over here to Hazzard this early in the day?" "I had a few errands to run over here and thought you might have a few minutes free?" Crystal asked. “I reckon Mr. Peabody’s truck can wait a few minutes but I can’t leave the garage, my Dad’s out on the wrecker and I got to stay close and answer the phone,” Cooter replied. “That’s ok,” Crystal said. Clyde Davenport had gotten a call from the drugstore to tell him his cholesterol medicine was in but he couldn’t go get them and he’d missed a dose this morning because he was out. So he’d called over to the post office and asked BL to go. A bit later, Daisy had parked in town and was heading to the drugstore when she saw BL heading her way. She waited for BL to catch up and asked, "Where are you heading" “To the drugstore, Danny called and told Daddy he could pick up the rest of his cholesterol medicine. The drug store was short the other day when Daddy got his prescription filled,” BL replied. Daisy replied, "Then, I'll join you. I have stuff to pick up, too." The two walked across the square to the drugstore, which seemed busier than normal. Crystal walked in behind Daisy and BL and took her place in line to wait her turn to pick up her prescription. Behind Crystal, Lori Mae came in and took the spot behind Crystal. Daisy and BL were chatting while waiting when Lori Mae saw who was in line just a couple spots in front of her and she called to them, “Daisy,BL, hey what are ya’ll doing here?” “I’m picking up a prescription for Uncle Jesse,” Daisy said, adding “thanks for working in my place Saturday night, me and Darcy haven’t got to have a night like that in a while. “Hey Lori Mae, Daddy has a prescription that needed picking up and he couldn’t get away from the cabinet shop and he called and asked me to come get it,” BL replied. Lori Mae grinned, "Not a problem, Sugar. With the mill payday and all, I did real good in tips." Daisy was next and stepped to the counter, telling Danny that she needed to pick up Uncle Jesse's medication. Danny replied, "I have it right here. If you want your refill now, it's ready, too." Daisy planned to pick it up in a day or so, but if it was ready, why not. "Sure. There's no point in having to come back. " Danny handed Daisy two bags. Daisy moved to wait on BL to get her dad's medication. After Daisy had her bags one being white and the other pink, BL didn’t have to ask what was in the other bag, the color answered that question. Stepping up to the counter BL asked for Clyde’s medication. “I have your refill too if you want it now,” Danny said. “Sure , might as well. I’d be back in a few days for it anyway,” BL replied. Danny handed BL one white bag and one pink, the same as he had Daisy. Crystal had been trying to figure out how come the names that the strawberry blonde behind her had called the two women sounded familiar, then suddenly it clicked. “You two must be the BL and Daisy that Cooter talks about,” Crystal said, stepping out of line so she didn’t hold it up. “That’s us but who are you? BL asked. “I’m Cooter’s girlfriend Crystal Walker,” Crystal replied. “Oh, it’s nice to meet you Crystal. I’m Daisy” Daisy said. “I hate to run, we just met and all but I gotta take Daddy his medicine and get back to the post office. Make Cooter bring you by the house sometime,” BL said. In the meantime Lori Mae had gotten her prescription in a pink bag, BL noticed. Before leaving BL decided to get a cherry coke, while waiting she saw Crystal leave, also with a pink bag, BL decided tonight was a good night for some girl talk with Dixie. Dixie had taken a small bag of chips and a couple packs of cheese with the little cracker sticks to snack on and had planned to eat at work from the kitchen. Her plans were dashed with a miscount of trays.Getting a tray usually wasn't a problem yet was never a guaranteed thing. Inmates had to eat before staff could get a tray. Dixie brushed it off and nibbled on the snacks she had brought. By the time she went to change clothes at the end of her shift, the snacks were wearing off. She went to the car and considered grabbing a burger before heading to Hazzard but drove on. She would order at the Boar's Nest. Luke, Scrapie and Trixie had completed some extensive training today. He glanced at the pups as he drove. Normally, they were bouncing around, looking from the windshield to the window to out the back of the pickup as he drove. This evening was different. They were both stretched out to their maximum length together on the seat beside him, napping. He laughed as he drove. Luke wasn't so much in need of a nap or food, but he really was ready for a couple of beers as he pulled into the Boar's Nest ahead of everyone else. Luke cracked the window open before he got out of the truck, it was cool enough the two napping pups would be fine and they could finish their naps and he could relax “I’ll be back in a little bit, ya’ll finish your nap,” Luke said, as he got out of the truck heading inside. BL was next to arrive, she was usually first to get to the little roadhouse, after work but she had run home first and changed clothes, leaving Sadie at the house. Luke was already there when she turned into the parking lot. Luke saw BL come in and motioned her over. "It looks like we beat them. What do you want to drink?" He said as he took a drink of his beer and motioned to Lori Mae to come over to the table “Yeah, you’re a little earlier than usual, or am I later than I thought?” BL sat down answering Luke’s question just as Lori Mae came over. “I’ll take a glass of ice tea, not in the mood for a beer,” BL replied. “Lori Mae, can we get 1 beer and 1 ice tea?” Luke asked,adding, the rest will be along.” Lori Mae replied, “1 beer and 1 ice tea coming right up. Hey BL, any chance any of the rest coming will be your brother?” Lori Mae said. “No idea Lori Mae ,” BL answered. As Lori Mae walked away, Luke asked, "Did I miss something? Why is she asking a about LB?" “Apparently they are dating but LB sure has kept it quiet,” BL said Bo walked up just then, only having caught BL’s answer to Luke, asked, “Who’s been keeping what quiet? BL replied, “LB is dating Lori Mae.” Before Bo could respond Lori Mae came over with Luke’s beer and BL’s ice tea. “Thanks Lori Mae," they both said. “Can I get you a drink Bo?” Lori Mae asked. “Bring me a beer, please,” Bo replied. “Got it,” Lori Mae said, and walked away to get it. By now BL had downed almost half a glass of tea, trying to get rid of her dry mouth that wouldn’t go away. Dixie pulled up by Luke's truck and seeing the cracked windows snuck a peek to find Trixie and Scrapie spooning while napping in the truck. As she approached the table she gave Luke a kiss and asked, "What did you do to the pups? They didn't even move when I checked on them." "They have run themselves and me ragged in training today." Luke said as he took a large drink of his second beer and motioned Lori Mae again. Dixie noted the empty beside Luke's mug, "It must have been thirsty training." "Cute." Luke said, "But yes it very much made ya thirsty." Lori Mae asked, "What can I get you to drink?" Dixie replied, "Tea with lemonade, no ice." "Great." Lori Mae started to turn away. "I also want a special. The 2 piece chicken barbecued breast and leg and add a thigh. For the sides, I want corn on the cob, mashed potatoes and gravy, and add a macaroni and cheese with two biscuits, please." Dixie said. Lori Mae actually had to break out a pen and order pad for the order and then asked, "Does anyone else want anything?" Luke replied, "I do, but not right now." “I do,” BL said, Dixie’s order sounded so good she just had to order ”I’d like a 2 piece BBQ chicken meal.” “White meat or dark meat?” Lori Mae asked. “2 breasts with slaw, mashed potatoes, mac n’ cheese and a biscuit. Could you double the sides? I want to take 1 breast for lunch tomorrow and I want something to go with it.” BL replied. Bo decided he might as well eat too, if the whole household was going to eat, “I’ll get something when Luke does.” Lori Mae read the orders back to make sure she had them right then asked, “anything else? BL can I get you a refill?” Lori Mae asked. “Yes please,” BL replied. Lori Mae went to place the orders and get BL more tea. Luke surveyed the others drinks, "Go ahead and bring us all another round." He saw Cooter heading toward them, "And see what Cooter wants too." Lori Mae replied, “ok be back with those drinks in a minute,” Heading back to the bar Lori Mae caught Cooter and got his order. Lori Mae brought the beers and BL’s tea saying, "Dixie, BL I’ll be right out with your food.” “Ok,” Dixie and BL said. When Lori Mae was gone BL said, “be right back, I got to go to the ladies room. Dixie you wanna go with?” “Sure,” Dixie followed BL to the bathroom. LB came in the Boar’s Nest just as his sister and cousin entered the bathroom. Lori Mae was taking a tray of empty mugs to the bar just then and stopped to ask, “want a beer, I was just about to take food to Dixie and BL?” “Yeah, it was dusty out there today,” LB replied, giving Lori Mae a quick kiss. Uncle Jesse had come in and taken a seat at the table with Mr. Peabody. They had set up a game of checkers when Clyde and Luther walked in and noticed the tables were pretty full. They were heading to the bar when Jesse offered them a seat. So they sat down, ready to order a beer. Ever the observant one, Luke asked LB, "What was that over there about?" "I was ordering a beer." LB said. Luke replied, "I've ordered three, and it didn't look anything like that." BL and Dixie came back to the table, “lookee what the cat dragged in,” BL said. Lori Mae brought over the food the girls had ordered and a whole pitcher of beer, “I thought a pitcher might be easier when ya’ll want refills.” "Thanks Darlin'." LB said as Lori Mae snuck a quick kiss. LB managed to smack her lightly on the behind as she headed back to fill other orders. Dixie noticed BL's tea glass. "She might should have brought us a pitcher of tea too." “Yeah, this is my third glass, my mouth has been really dry today,” BL said. Dixie ate the chicken leg first, which was still her favorite part of the chicken. She planned to eat a bit of the sides and the thigh here and take the rest with the breast home for later or for lunch tomorrow. Luke said, "I'm going to go check on the pups. I'll be right back." BL watched LB and Lori Mae, still surprised they were dating but stunned at how serious they were, judging by what she had seen at the drugstore earlier today. Bo reached for the pitcher of beer, pouring himself a refill. “Go easy on that Bo, I know it’s watered down and don’t have much of a punch but you gotta drive home and your father inlaw is sitting right over there,” BL said. Luke returned from checking on the pups and topped his mug off and took a drink. "What did I miss?" LB ribbed BL, "Just BL hen pecking Bo." “Cute LB. I just don’t want to have to bail OUR father and my husband out of jail or worse go home a widow, I'm too young to be a widow,” BL said. Bo tried, "It's fine, Honey. I'm good." Dixie finished what she wanted of her supper and was ready for a box. "The next time Lori Mae comes by, I need a box and another tea. How about you BL?" She asked, trying to change the subject. ”Yeah, I need more tea too,” BL replied. Thinking to herself, ‘drinking at this rate her eyeballs were gonna float’. Dixie flagged Lori Mae down asking “can we get a pitcher of tea for me and BL?” “Sure hon, you want a half pitcher of lemonade to add to yours?” Lori Mae replied. "Sure and a box please." Dixie replied. “Were me and Luke the only ones to miss that you and Lori Mae were dating?” BL asked LB after Lori Mae left.. ”I knew,” Cooter volunteered, noone else spoke so they must not have known either. Dixie asked, "And since when do you keep secrets?" Before Cooter could reply, LB spoke up. "It wasn't really a secret. Ya'll just been going in early or not coming out." “You have a point there, you can’t exactly keep us informed if you don’t see us,”BL replied. ”Here you go. BL here’s your to go order. Does anybody need anything else?” Lori Mae asked. “We’re good thanks,” BL said. LB wiggled his eyebrows suggestively at Lori Mae. For another half hour the bunch talked and drank their beer and tea. Finally Luke asked Dixie, “are you ready to go home sweetheart? I left the pups in the truck, remember?” Dixie replied, "Yes, but since BL and I have supper and a snack, why don't you and Bo get something for supper and maybe all of us some pie for later?" Luke heard the rest of Dixie's thought that she hadn't said, 'so we don't have to cook later.' He nodded and waved Lori Mae over again, "Can you get me a two piece chicken dinner with a couple of sides. I'm not picky. Also, four pieces of pie. You can mix them up. Bo what are you gonna have?" ”Sure Luke,” Lori Mae replied. Bo said, ”I'll have the chicken dinner too with baked beans and potato salad.”. Lori Mae wrote everything down on her order pad, “Ok, be right back.” Lori Mae was only gone a few minutes when she returned she had 2 trays, one in each hand. “Here you go 2 chicken dinners, 1 with baked beans and potato salad,” this plate she sat before Bo. Another chicken plate with corn on the cob and fried okra. Sorry we're out of mashed potatoes Luke, gotta cook some more.” “Okra’s fine Lori Mae,” Luke said, smiling. “I got you banana pudding, chocolate pie, apple and blueberry pie,“ Lori Mae, put 4 dessert boxes on the table. “Thanks Lori Mae,” Bo said. "Cooter are you coming over?" Dixie asked. Before Cooter could answer LB asked, “not seeing Crystal tonight?” "Crystal? Who's Crystal?" Dixie looked from Cooter, to LB, to Bo and Luke trying to figure which one would answer her and who was hiding what. Cooter gave LB a look, so much for keeping the relationship quiet now. Sighing, knowing Dixie would hold onto this like a dog with a bone he said, “Crystal is my girlfriend, we been dating a couple weeks now.” BL leaned over whispering in Dixie’s ear, “that ain’t all they been doing.” "You've been dating a couple weeks and none of us even know who this person is?" Dixie looked at BL, "How do you know her?" Cooter opened his mouth to speak then closed it. “I saw her at the drugstore today and she introduced herself. She’s real sweet,” BL replied. "Ummmm, so if she’s so sweet, how come we haven’t seen ya'll together or you haven’t introduced us?" Dixie asked. “I didn’t want ya’ll to scare her off,” Cooter replied. “How about bringing her to the house sometime and we’ll have a cookout and everybody can get acquainted. I promise Bo and Luke will be on their best behavior, right Bo?” BL suggested, hoping to settle Dixie down. “Scouts honor,” Bo made the scout sign of honor with one hand, fingers crossed under the table on the other. “LB you and Lori Mae come too, we’ll have one last hurrah to end the summer,” BL said. Cooter snuck a glance at Dixie, "It's not Bo and Luke that I'm worried about." Dixie shot daggers with her eyes at Cooter, "Oh, but no. You can't be talking about me. There is no way I could ever equal you years ago when you sided with Dad over Luke." Luke saw truce lines about to be broken and a sibling civil war on the horizon. "We all agreed to let that muddy water stay under the bridge. Cooter, you come over anytime and bring who you want with you." Dixie felt Luke give her hand a tighter squeeze as he spoke, willing her to hush. Dixie didn't much like being hushed, but she would here and now. Though both her husband and brother likely hadn't heard the last of this conversation, especially if this Crystal, for whatever reason, didn't measure up. But Luke knew Cooter's history with girls. They just may fizzle out before said cookout. BL gave LB a hard look, his big mouth and sometimes dense brain was about to start another family feud and this time she’d be considered a traitor because she lived in the ‘enemy’ camp. “Darlin, you ready to go home for some R & R?” Bo asked, he didn’t want anywhere near this ‘family discussion’. “Yeah, I left Sadie at home when I ran by to change after work,” BL finished her tea then picked up her to go box. “See ya’ll at home,” Bo said to Luke and Dixie. Luke finished his beer, "We're right behind you." He gave Cooter a look and Cooter let out a breath he'd been holding since this conversation began as he watched Luke guide Dixie through the crowd and to the car's. When the others were out of earshot Cooter looked at LB, “see what your big mouth almost did?” “Sorry I didn’t think Dixie would get so wound up,” LB replied. “Well she did!” Cooter said. The 2 couples arrived home, Luke took Scrappie and Trixie to the backyard. They had rested while Luke was in the Boar’s Nest and now they were ready to run. Bo had helped BL and Dixie carry in the take out boxes of food and desserts inside, so the girls could get their lunch coolers that they took to work. “I’ll take Sadie out, Darlin. Wanna go out Sadie?” Sadie woofed and ran out as soon as Bo cracked the door open. “Dixie what was bugging you at the Boar’s Nest when we found out Cooter has been dating Crystal a couple weeks but hasn’t introduced her yet? It's never bothered you before, we have both always made sort of a game out of keeping up with our brothers' love lives,'' BL said, putting the food in the fridge but leaving the pie out for now. Dixie shrugged, "I think it was more his remark about not being worried about Bo and Luke being on good behavior but that he was worried about me not liking her and being rude, that bothered me." “I’m sure he was just kidding. Better be nice she could end up being your sister in law judging by what I seen at the drugstore,” BL replied. Dixie looked confused by BL's statement, "What do you mean and what did you see at the drugstore?" “Ya know those pretty little pink bags that you get only with a certain kind of medication, well she got one,” BL replied. Dixie wasn't on the same chapter of the book that BL was and thus couldn't draw the expected conclusion. "BL, I'm not following you. Pink bags at the drugstore for certain medications? The only time I ever got a pink bag at the drugstore was the tiny ones that birth control packets come in, but surely that ain't possible if they only been dating a couple weeks unless, .... she's the type that sleeps around." “Exactly, every woman in Hazzard who has ever got birth control packets or been with somebody who got one, can tell you that except little girls too young to know. It don’t matter how long they been dating if they are meant to be together. Look at you and Luke, first time around was just some bad math that led to bad timing but you still ended up right where you was meant to be,” BL said. "True, but I reckon I just never thought of my brother even getting naked before. I sort of figured that he just wore the same jeans and work shirt, even in his sleep." Dixie said, only barely exaggerating her thoughts of her big brother. “Well if it’s any consolation, I’ve never thought of my brother getting naked either,” BL said then made a grossed out face adding, “those are pictures I don’t want in my head.” Dixie agreed, "Right! Eww!!" Bo, Luke and the pups were just coming back inside, "Eww, what?" Luke asked. Dixie replied with a little harmless fib, "Spider." "Where?" Luke asked, ready to hunt it down. "It's gone now." Dixie said as she reached for her 'to go box' and sat Luke's on the table, "Come on eat your supper. I worked all day on it." She said in good fun. "And, I'll just join you for a little snack." “Better eat too Bo, can’t guarantee it’ll still be here later,” BL gave Dixie a teasing grin. "Cute." Dixie said. “I think I’m ready for some dessert too,” BL said, getting some forks and tea for everybody, then looking in each dessert box until she found the chocolate pie. After eating the foursome watched TV awhile, BL was tucked into Bo’s side on the loveseat. Bo looked down when her head came to rest on his chest. “Darlin, let's go to bed before you get too comfortable,” Bo eased BL off him. “I’m awake just resting my eyes,” BL mumbled. “Well I’m ready to stretch out, go on up and I’ll be up as soon as I take Sadie out one last time,” Bo said, pulling BL to her feet, making sure she started upstairs before he and Sadie went out back. Luke flipped the channel on the TV to the weather. After seeing the news and weather, he said, "Come on or I might be sitting here in the morning. Come on pups." He took them out even though they had just come back in with Sadie because they headed to the kitchen door from habit. Dixie went upstairs, freshened up in the bathroom, put on a nice gown and sat on the bed wondering what was taking Luke so long since the pups had just been out. Luke checked the doors, something he never did at the farm, but had gotten in the habit once he was in town with a family depending on him. He opened the bedroom door and Scrapie and Trixie dove into their bed. Luke took one look at his wife and was glad they had gone upstairs early. With the lights low, Luke ditched his clothes, got into bed and began caressing Dixie. His hands found her breasts and he noted there was a bit more plumpness to them. Just as Luke squeezed them gently, he noted Dixie tense. Dixie had been enjoying Luke's attention until he squeezed her breasts. The tenderness in her breasts took her by surprise and she couldn't help nearly yelping as she inhaled quickly and bit her lip to avoid letting out a yelp. BL had gone to the bathroom, the need to pee had hit the minute she had stood up. Going to hers and Bo’s bedroom she’d changed into a gown and had gone back to sleep almost immediately. When Bo and Sadie came in, Saie jumped up on the bed, making 3 circles then scratching the comforter and laying down. Bo changed into pajama pants then laid down beside BL, watching her sleep. Friday morning when Bo’s alarm went off BL tried to ignore it. She wasn’t ready to get up yet but her bladder had other ideas. “Darlin, you don’t have to get up,” Bo said as he stepped into his jeans. “Yes I do,” BL replied on her way out the bedroom door, the bathroom door shut a minute later.

Monday morning BL got up nice and slow to avoid another dizzy/fainting spell. ‘Morning darlin, how do you feel?” Bo asked. “I’m better, told you it was probably just water in my ears,” BL replied. Dixie, Luke, Scrapie and Trixie had gotten up, out and on their way to their jobs on schedule for a change. At the garage, Cooter was moving a bit slower than Luther liked but he was at work and moving. He might be burning the candle at both ends but he was doing his part. So far BL’s day had been uneventful, she hadn’t been dizzy even once but that was likely due to her careful movements. Truth be told she was a mite afraid of fainting again and noone there but Sadie to know it. Bo had gone out to the farm as usual to do the morning chores but hadn’t stayed for breakfast, he had to be at work to unload a truck early this morning. Ellen Sue reported to work right on time, taking her pink helmet off as she came in the back door, bending down to pet Sadie and give the dog a treat,”here ya go sweetheart.” “Howdy boss, how was your weekend?” Ellen Sue asked, grinning at BL who kept telling the slightly older woman that she wasn’t the boss, just a coworker. BL replied “Afternoon Ellen Sue, the weekend was busy and a little eventful.” “Oh?What’d you do?” Ellen Sue asked. ”Me, Bo, Luke and Dixie spent the day at the lake on Saturday, then grilled hamburgers and hotdogs that evening.Then Sunday we all went out to the Duke farm for breakfast before going to church then having lunch there,” BL replied. “That was a busy weekend, I don’t know how you had time for anything else sounds pretty eventful to me.” Ellen Sue said. “Well all that wasn’t what I meant by eventful. Sunday I had a couple dizzy spells and fainted once.” BL replied. “Oh my, are you alright, should you be at work? I could have filled in all you had to do was call,” Ellen Sue said, eyeing the younger woman closely looking for signs BL was sick. “I’m fine, must have just been water in my ears from swimming Saturday but would you deliver the mail, might not be a good idea to drive all over the county,” BL replied. Ellen Sue replied, "Right. I'll get it. You can stay here or head home to rest." “Thanks, think I’ll head home. I’m exhausted for some reason, I slept good though,” Ellen Sue replied, "Alright. I'll make the deliveries quick and be back to close. Sadie take good care of her." Sadie wagged her tail as her and BL headed out for home. Once home BL let Sadie out back a few minutes, “How about a nap, Sadie girl?” BL asked and got a ‘woof’ and Sadie making a beeline upstairs. BL stopped off at the bathroom, she had to pee for what felt like the 100th time today. Finished in the bathroom she went to hers and Bo’s bedroom, taking off her shoes before laying down beside Sadie, falling asleep within seconds. Dixie had a free minute and decided to call the Hazzard Post Office. Placing the call to the Hazzard switchboard she was transferred to the post office. Ellen Sue was just unlocking the door from the mail deliveries when she heard the phone ringing. She hurried to the phone, "Hazzard Post Office." "Ellen Sue? This is Dixie. Is BL there?" “No, she said she was going home to rest that she was exhausted,” Ellen Sue replied. Dixie replied. "Alright. I won't bother her then. I was just calling to check on her." “She told me about her dizzy spells and fainting yesterday. Asked me to deliver the mail, she didn’t think driving all over the county a good idea even though she feels better.” Ellen Sue said. "Alright. I'll go right home after work and check on her. Thanks." Dixie said as she hung up to get back to work. BL was sleeping good when the need to pee woke her up, at first she thought she could ignore it but nope that wasn’t happening. Getting up as easy as possible so she didn’t set off a wave of dizziness, BL went to the bathroom. The dizziness was strange but BL thought with needing to pee so much today, she must have a kidney infection. “How about you girl, need to go out?” BL asked Sadie, while she was up. Sadie woofed and headed downstairs. While Sadie was in the backyard, BL fixed herself a glass of ice water, she’d have to go to the bathroom again but her mouth felt like cotton. Letting Sadie back inside, BL took her ice water and went back to bed until she had to pee again anyway. When Dixie got off work, she didn't bother to change clothes. She was heading straight home so she didn’t waste time changing. Once across the county line, Dixie passed the Boar's Nest, noting that only Daisy’s vehicle and a few workers from the mill were there. Luke was coming from the other direction but also would pass the Boar's Nest. He noted that no one else was there. "Lost Sheep One to Little Shotgun or Lost Sheep Two." "Little Shotgun here." Dixie answered. "I'm coming by the Boar's Nest. Where are ya'll?" Luke asked. "I'm almost home. I'll explain in a bit." Dixie said. Luke replied. "Behind you." Bo was just getting back from making deliveries in Choctaw, unloading a truck this morning had put him getting started a little late. He hadn’t heard Dixie’s call on the CB but noted as he passed the backside of the post office BL’s car wasn’t there but Ellen Sue’s pink moped was. So he was a mite worried about BL. “Lost Sheep 2 looking for Sweet Talker, I just passed the post office and you ain’t there, what’s your 20? BL you out there come back,” Bo tried calling on the CB as he headed General Lee toward the Boar’s Nest. Dixie went in the front door, expecting BL to be in the living room. When she wasn't, Dixie called out, "BL?" Nothing from BL, but she heard a small woof from upstairs. At the bedroom door, Dixie knocked lightly, "BL?" The knock set Sadie off barking, the normal reaction except usually BL was wide awake and expecting it but not today and she nearly jumped out of her skin. “SADIE HUSH! You nearly gave me a heart attack just now.” BL fussed, not happy at being so rudely awakened. "Sadie, it's me. BL are you alright? Can I come in." “I’m fine Dix, yes you can come in,” BL replied. Dixie looked confused as she came into the bedroom, "If you are alright why are you home in bed?" “Taking a nap. I don’t know why but I felt drained and exhausted when Ellen Sue came to work at noon. I took a nap yesterday afternoon when we got home from the farm,” BL replied, a puzzled expression on her face. "Yeah, we all took a nap yesterday afternoon, so?" “Boy do we all sound old taking a Sunday afternoon nap,” BL said grinning then shrugged her shoulders adding, “maybe I’m coming down with something.” Dixie replied, " Maybe you are. We were all up with the dogs and storm Saturday night too. Well, alright Luke was up with the pups and Bo was up because Sadie took his bed." Dixie grinned as she petted Sadie. Luke pulled in the drive and cut the pups loose in the backyard. Dixie opened the bedroom door for Sadie who wanted to play. Luke opened the back door to a bouncing Sadie as she ran out to join the others. "Hey? Where are ya’ll at?" "Up here." Dixie said. Luke came upstairs to find Dixie sitting on BL and Bo's bed. “Why are ya’ll here instead of the Boar’s Nest? How come you’re still wearing your uniform Dixie?” BL looked from Dixie to Luke curiously. When Bo got no response from BL and noone but Daisy was at the Boar’s Nest he headed home, hoping BL wasn’t worse, she acted fine this morning. Bo saw all the vehicles home. He hurriedly got out of the General and took the front steps two at a time? Inside, he yelled, "BL?" Luke hadn't gotten any answers yet but called to Bo, "Up here." Bo again took the stairs two at a time, "What's wrong?" He asked as his pulse raced thinking something was seriously wrong. “Nothing’s wrong, ya’ll got your knickers in a knot for no reason,” BL said but that was as far as she got. Cooter was coming back from a job but didn’t see the other vehicles at the Boar’s Nest so turned off to go by the house to see what was up, he figured one or both girls were changing before they all met up. Seeing everybody home Cooter parked in front of the house and went to the door and knocked but when not even the dogs came to the door, he let himself in, “hey where is everybody?” Cooler called out. Bo answered “we’re upstairs.” Cooter had joined the ‘party’ a second later, “what’s everybody doing up here?” Cooter asked. BL wondered when hers and Bo’s bedroom had become Hazzard Central. “Let’s go have this discussion in the livingroom,” BL said,picking up her water off the nightstand. Downstairs Luke and Dixie sat on the couch, Bo and BL settled on the loveseat and BL set her water on the end table, Bo’s arm automatically went around his wife, like Luke’s had Dixie. Cooter didn’t want to get grease on the furniture and got himself a dining chair. BL started, “I asked Ellen Sue to deliver the mail today when she came in to work, I didn’t think it was the smart thing for me to go driving all over the county after fainting yesterday,” Cooter interrupted “you fainted yesterday?” BL replied “yes I had a couple dizzy spells yesterday and fainted once. Anyway Ellen Sue told me to come home and rest if I wanted to, so I came home and took a nap.” Cooter replied unconcerned after hearing the explanation, "Oh, ok. So are ya'll coming out tonight since BL is alright? " “Cooter, coming home at noon and sleeping all afternoon ain’t exactly alright,” Bo replied. “Is that a no then?” Cooter asked. “Yes!” Bo exclaimed. “We’ll take a rain check too.” Dixie said. After a hearty supper the 4 newlyweds settled in with a movie then went to bed. BALLADEER: Well for a few days everything was normal, as normal as things ever get in Hazzard.

A loud clap of thunder rang out, Scrapie and Trixie both jumped up and barked as if a burglar were breaking in. Luke sat straight up in the bed at the urgency of the dogs barking. "Shhhh. What?" Then he heard another rumble of thunder that set the dogs off again. Dixie pulled the covers closer and asked while still half asleep, "What?" "Storm. Go back to sleep. I'll take them downstairs awhile." Luke said as he put on his pj bottoms. He met Bo in the living room dressed similarly. "What brings you down here at 4 am?" “I was checking to make sure the top was up on BL’s car, before it rains,” Bo answered. “Ah guess Sadie woke BL up too and you got the pleasure of checking the car,” Luke said. “No, actually it was me Sadie woke up, when she jumped right in the middle of me because the thunder scared her. BL had gone to the bathroom, when she came back, asked about the car top and said she was gonna check. Told her stay with Sadie, I’d check,” Bo replied. Luke smirked, "How much of the bed do you think you are gonna have when you get back up there?" Bo frowned, "Not much." "Want a beer?" Luke asked, heading for the fridge “Yeah, might as well stay up so we can go out to the farm and do the chores,” Bo replied, maybe he could talk BL into an afternoon nap. Luke nodded. "That's pretty much the way I saw it. These two are small but not when they are hiding from the storm or wanting to run, jump and bark at it. I figured Dixie needed to sleep." Bo, Luke, Scrapie and Trixie took seats in the living room. Each had a small trembling dog with them as they sipped their beers and talked guy talk while Dixie, BL and Sadie slept upstairs. About 6:30, Sadie nudged BL’s hand, getting no response. She licked up the side of BL’s face, “Ok, just a minute, let me get dressed, Uncle Jesse is making a big breakfast.” Pulling on jeans and a top then going to the bathroom. before going downstairs, grabbing her boots from the bedroom, Sadie ‘herding’ every step needing out bad. “Morning fellas. Scrapie, Trixie, you wanna go out too?” BL said on her way to the back door. The two little pups abandoned Bo and Luke, racing outside. “Morning darlin, did you and Sadie get any sleep after I vacated the bed?” Bo asked good naturedly. “Yup! Like babies,” BL grinned replying then asked, “Do I need to get my church clothes gathered or are we coming back home to get ready?” Luke was heading upstairs, "Ya'll probably want to take your clothes. It will be quicker to dress while we do the chores. I'll get Dixie and be down in a few." BL didn’t say it but thought ‘good luck’ as Luke headed upstairs. Dixie didn’t like getting up early on her days off, especially since getting pregnant. “I’m gonna go get my church clothes. Want me to get yours too?” BL asked Bo. “Yes please and I’ll let the pups in,” Bo replied. BL headed upstairs thinking about what to wear. Luke went upstairs and closed the door behind him in case the pups came back inside. He pulled the covers back and got under the covers. Going back to bed was tempting, but the responsibilities of the farm and family wouldn't let him stay in bed. He brushed Dixie's hair back as he sat beside her in bed, "Dixie." Between the bed moving as Luke got in and him calling her name, Dixie was conscious if not awake. "Mummm?" She uttered. Luke pulled her to him and cuddled her as Dixie wrapped herself around his warmth. He decided to 'hit a bit below the belt', "Are you hungry yet?" Dixie replied negatively with a contented sigh, "Nope." Luke waited patiently, then added, "Not even for sausage? ... Eggs? ... Hash Browns? ... and Uncle Jesse's biscuits and gravy?" Dixie may have been able to resist, but literally, her belly growled. Luke brushed her hair back further, "Come on Dixie, Uncle Jesse is cooking a big breakfast for us all. You said last night you couldn't wait, besides you are gonna have to go to the bathroom soon." Luke smiled and waited. He almost thought he was wrong when suddenly Dixie sat up, tossed the covers back and threw her pillow at him, "That was dirty." "But it worked." Luke said as he dodged the pillow and threw it back at his wife! Dixie threw the pillow again as she wrapped her robe and darted out the bedroom door. She could feel liquid nearly to her eyeballs and was sure she'd never make it to the bathroom in time. BL heard Dixie’s hurried trip to the bathroom and then the door shutting with more force than necessary but it wasn’t slammed either and Luke hadn’t followed which must mean they weren’t fighting and Dixie wasn’t sick. Both good things. BL heard the distinct click of doggy nails as the three pups raced upstairs, likely headed to the first bed they could get to. BL had laid out hers and Bo’s church clothes on the bed and didn’t want wet, muddy paw prints on them, so spun toward the door, swinging it shut before the pups got upstairs. “Whoa,” BL muttered as she grabbed the bedpost for support when the room spun. Sitting on the side of the bed until the room righted itself, BL figured she had fluid in her ears from swimming the day before being the cause of the dizziness. Luke slid into his jeans, then proceeded to make the bed while Dixie was in the bathroom to avoid them getting ideas about going back to bed. He was snapping his shirt as Dixie came back in from the bathroom with pups behind her. Bo came back upstairs to get dressed so they could get to the farm asking as he opened the bedroom door, “what’s the door shut for?” “To keep wet, muddy paws off our church clothes. I packed your white sunday shirt and your good jeans,” BL replied. “Thanks darlin’,” Bo replied, snapping his shirt. "You made the bed?" Dixie asked, a bit surprised. "Yes." Luke replied. "Why?" Dixie asked. Luke replied, "To make it harder for us to go back to bed." Dixie said, "I'm not gonna lie. The thought crossed my mind. I'm dressing. I swear." She pulled out a pair of stretchy pants and top. As she put on her bra, Dixie noted her boobs were rather sore. She chalked it up to maybe Luke getting a bit too aggressive yesterday. Luke said, "Grab something for church and we can leave from the farm." Dixie nodded. She hoped finding something nice that fit right was as easy as grabbing a change of clothes like Luke had done. Dixie looked through the clothes that were a little big on BL and found a long flowy skirt with elastic and a top that looked roomy enough. The foursome loaded up into General Lee and Luke’s truck then headed out to the farm. Jesse was already cooking breakfast when he heard General Lee pull in. Bo parked the orange stockcar where it had been parked for years. Luke and Dixie parked, where Luke could get out easy if need be, the four came in the back door, the men going straight for the coffee pot. “Morning, breakfast will be ready by the time you boys get the chores done,” Jesse said. “Let me and BL put our church stuff in the boys old bedroom and then we’ll help with breakfast,” Dixie said. After a big breakfast the guys took showers and then got dressed while the girls showered. Dixie, BL and Daisy were getting ready in Daisy’s room, out of habit and necessity since all the makeup, hair stuff and such were in there. Dixie put the top on which was meant to be a bit low cut. She pulled, tugged and rearranged the top which was a bit snug but the problem was the top was now a bit too low. "Daisy, do you have a safety pin?" Daisy replied, "Ummm, .... let me look. I should have." She dug through a drawer and found the safety pins. "Here ya go." Dixie pinned the top closed. Looked in the mirror not a bit happy with the result but figured she was in the top and decent so it would do. She sat on Daisy's bed to put her shoes on. Just as she bent over to pick up her shoe, the safety pin popped loose. "Crap!" Dixie exclaimed. “Hang on, I may have something you can make work,” Daisy said, rifling through her closet pulling out a peasant top that could be worn off the shoulders, Friday and Saturday nights at the Boar’s Nest or on the shoulder with a skirt on Sunday morning and look decent. “Here try this,”Daisy handed Dixie the top. BL bent down to get her shoe, closing her eyes a minute when another wave of dizziness hit when she straightened up too fast. Dixie changed tops. Daisy was fussing with the sleeves on the shoulders. Dixie checked the mirror critically. She didn't think she was showing but she wouldn't argue the point that her figure was changing. She was sure that Luke wouldn't mind her being a bit more endowed on the top. Finally she asked, "Are we ready?" Daisy replied, "I'm good." "BL?" Dixie asked. “Yeah I’m ready but need a minute, I must have fluid in my ears from yesterday’s swim. My head feels a little funny if I turn too fast or bend over then stand straight again real quick, it’ll pass,” BL replied, trying to downplay the dizziness. Everyone made their way to their vehicles to head off to church. The pups were content to take a nap after a morning of running wild. In church, everyone settled in and listened to the Sunday school message. Then sang a couple of hymns before the preacher started his message. The small church had a good turnout today, which made the crowded church a bit warm. Bo's head was the first to nod, which rewarded him with an elbow from Luke on his left side. Bo straightened up, put his arm across the pew behind BL. Luke was glad Bo nodded off as his eyes had been on their way to closing too. He took the opportunity to change position, hoping to wake himself up a bit. He noted that he and Bo weren't the only two trying to nod off. Cooter had barely made it through the doors before the services began and from Luke's view, he looked to be out for the count. Just about that time, Luther gave him a disapproving look and nudged him none too easily with an elbow to Cooter's ribs. LB had at least managed to stay awake through half of Sunday school before his chin was resting on his chest. Clyde saw his son’s chin dip but instead of a nudge like his brother had given his nephew, Clyde took a more attention getting approach and pinched LB on the tender spot at the back of the arm, this had the desired effect as LB sat up straight, barely containing a yelp. As the final amen was said, BL raised her head and stood eager to get out where it was a mite cooler.The quick movements were a bad idea but she ignored the dizziness, going ahead of Bo. Stopping at the door to shake Reverend Frawley’s hand, “Good lessons this morning Reverend.” “Thank you BL. It’s nice to see you and Bo with us this morning,” Reverend Frawley replied. Bo, Luke and Dixie followed BL, each stopping to shake hands and speak to the reverend. Cooter and Crystal had made plans last night to go out to lunch after church, so he was in a hurry to pick her up at the Placid Baptist church , so he didn’t stick around to socialize nor did LB. Not sticking around to socialize themselves, the Dukes went back to the farm. “Finally I can get rid of this dress,” Dixie said, as they all filed into the farmhouse. Bo and Luke headed to their old room to change and Daisy and BL followed Dixie to Daisy’s room. Changed the trio headed back to the kitchen to make lunch. Bo and Luke went out to work on Jesse’s moonrunner Black Tilley, Jesse liked to keep the car running in case it was needed. “I’m gonna go sit down a minute,“ BL said to Dixie and Daisy. “You alright sugar?”Daisy asked. “Yeah, just a little warm in here, I am gonna go in the livingroom and cool off,” BL replied. Taking just a few steps, BL fainted crumpling to the floor. “Dixie get Bo,” Daisy said as she went to BL. Dixie saw BL was coming too and headed to the barn. She yelled before she actually got into the barn, "Bo! BL needs you." She exclaimed. Both Luke and Bo's heads shot up as if they had been shot or at least shot at hitting the solid metal hood of the old car with a thud! Bo tossed down the wrench he was about to use when Dixie yelled, not really caring where it landed he took off running toward the house. Something in Dixie’s voice told him something was wrong that BL didn’t just need him to come do something. “What’s wrong?!” Bo asked, tearing into the kitchen. “She fainted,”Daisy replied. Bo knelt beside his wife“ BL darlin are you okay?” Bo patted BL’s hand that he held. Jesse had been on the porch when he heard the ruckus inside. As he got up and opened the door to go see what was going on Sadie ran past him and ran right to BL and began licking BL's face. “I’m ok, I’m ok. Bo help me up before I’m licked to death!” BL was now fully conscious. “That’s enough Sadie!” Bo said but instead of helping BL to her feet Bo picked her up, laying BL on the couch. Dixie had turned back to the house behind Bo. Luke cursed, rubbed his head and followed Dixie back to the house to see what was wrong. Dixie went over to BL, "What happened? Did you feel dizzy again?" “Again? What does she mean again?” Bo asked. “Do you have to be such a blabbermouth?” BL asked Dixie, giving her a look. Sighing, BL looked at Bo. Dixie had already blabbed so BL figured she might as well tell Bo everything. “I got dizzy a couple more times this morning but this is the only time I’ve fainted.” “You need to see a doctor.” Bo said. “None are open, it’s Sunday. My only option is to go to the ER and that’s not happening,” BL replied. Dixie said, "She probably got water in her ears yesterday while we were swimming." Jesse nodded, "It's likely an ear infection starting. I'll warm some sweet oil and get some cotton balls. By tomorrow you will either feel better or be running a fever with an earache." Jesse got BL seen to and with lots of reassurance she was fine and a promise to stay on the couch, BL convinced Bo to go finish working on Tilley with Luke until lunch was ready. Jesse let Sadie stay inside, laying beside the couch, he could tell the dog was worried about her human and Bo seemed more at ease with the pup on watch. After a hearty meal, Bo took BL home to rest. For a couple hours all was peaceful as the couples napped.

Luke was certainly out later, but he was the first to stir the next morning. He eased out of bed, dressed, and picked up his boots. He looked over at the bed and all was still. His hand only touched the door knob when four eyes and ears peaked out from under the covers. "Come on." Luke said. Scrapie and Trixie were up and ready for anything. Across the hall Luke knocked once, "Bo". Automatically, Bo replied, "Coming." The same scene almost as in Luke and Dixie’s room, played out when Bo was dressed and picked up his boots, Sadie’s head came up, Sadie had heard Scrappie and Trixie in the hall and she was ready for adventures with her ‘cousins’. “Come on, let's go.” Luke turned on the coffee as Bo let the wild dogs outside. Once he had two cups of coffee, he followed Bo outside, where he watched the pups checking out the backyard for last night's intruders. Luke's truck was the easiest to get out, "Load up." He said as he and Bo reached the truck. At the Duke Farm, Jesse had already had coffee. He checked the clock. The boys should be here soon, he thought as he began putting bacon in the skillet to fry. Luke, Bo and the dogs pulled up at the Duke farm, Bo got out and was promptly followed by the dogs. Jesse was turning the bacon as Bo and Luke came in the back door. “Mornin Bo, Luke. Breakfast will be ready by the time you get the chores done,” Jesse said. “Mornin’ Uncle Jesse,” the boys said together. Bo added following Luke back out,”sure smells good.” With the house quiet, being out really late last night and the new baby Duke growing, Dixie had hugged Luke's pillow and was out for the count. Daisy had also been out late working at the Boar's Nest but would be in for breakfast. Jesse enjoyed cooking breakfast for his kids on Saturday and Sunday mornings since Daisy usually cooked through the week. BL might not have had a late night out but had not only a late night but plenty of exercise. The chores finished, Bo and Luke came in for breakfast, after washing their hands they sat down and waited for Jesse to say grace. “Where’s the girls,” Jesse asked. “They were still sleeping, it was a late night,” Bo replied. Luke nodded, “I thought Dixie was gonna string Dobro up. He guessed that Dixie is pregnant, which Dixie was cool with until she asked how he figured it out,” Luke chuckled then continued, “he said her large food order made him think of his sister inlaw Jeannie Ann who’s pregnant and eats like that.” Jesse poured more coffee. "As long as she's not wanting to eat anything dangerous like rocks or such, leave her be. Dixie will know what that baby needs and when it wants it." Luke replied, "Yes, Sir. Daisy packed some pie up for 'us' to have for breakfast. Would ya'll want to lay odds that the pie is long gone before we get home?" Jesse said, "We're you counting on it being there?" "I didn't want any to begin with. It's more fun watching her enjoy it." Jesse smiled. "There ya go." “You might not have wanted yours and I don’t want pie for breakfast but lunch ain’t far off,” Bo piped up. Luke gave him a look, "Then, you or BL might want to bake a pie, because I'm telling you they were likely gone before we got up today." “Bo the baby needed that pie more than you do,” Jesse admonished his nephew. Bo ducked his head a little. “Just wait until BL is carryin’ your little one, you’ll be just like Luke here as long as BL is happy will be all you care about,” Jesse added. The men's conversation was interrupted as Daisy came into the kitchen still in her big fluffy robe. "Morning fellas." “Morning Daisy,” the men replied as one. “Give me just a few minutes and I’ll have you an egg cooked,” Jesse said as he stood. “That ain’t necessary Uncle Jesse, I can cook my own,” Daisy replied, pouring a cup of coffee. “Nonsense, drink your coffee,” Jesse said, cracking an egg to fry. In town BL got up and put on her nightgown, now that she could see to find it and headed to the bathroom, leaving her robe in the bedroom, she knew Luke wasn’t there. She had heard the pickup leave and it hadn’t come back. In the bathroom just as she’d figured there was sign of her period. Finishing in the bathroom she went downstairs to the kitchen to make herself a cup of peppermint tea. Dixie had never been a morning person but sure as the world on the morning that she could sleep til noon, she had to go to the bathroom. Checking the clock, she found that had it been a work day, she would just be clocking in for her shift. "Thanks, kid. I could have slept a bit longer without feeling guilty, but now I'm awake." After the bathroom, Dixie changed into a comfy pair of pants and a large t-shirt, then headed downstairs to find BL in the kitchen making tea. “Morning, ain’t you up kinda early for your day off?” BL asked, then continued not waiting for the answer she already knew. “I’m making myself some peppermint tea, want a cup?” "Sure and I was rudely awakened by having to get all awake to go to the bathroom." Dixie said as she opened the fridge and looked inside trying to figure out what to fix to eat. “Better get used to getting up on your day off, in a few months it’ll be feedings and diaper changes then in another couple months add playtime to that,” BL put the tea kettle on the stove to boil. Dixie replied, "That I won't fuss about, but now I could have slept in. Are you hungry? I was thinking of fixing a big breakfast to surprise the fellas." “If I know Uncle Jesse, he’s already fed them,” BL replied. Dixie replied, "You are right and will send us stuff too, but I'm hungry now." “Have a bowl of cereal to hold you, they should be home soon,” BL said, pouring the hot water into two mugs, then a tea bag in each. Dixie saw BL’s reasoning, but reached for butter and eggs. "I'll just fix some eggs. Do you want any?" “No thanks, I’ll pass,” BL replied. At the Duke farm, Jesse finished putting foil on the last plate of the two that he was sending to Dixie and BL. One had the leftover bacon and a couple pieces of sausage on it and the other had the rest of the biscuits. ”Here’s the girls some breakfast. I’ll see ya'll in the morning for our usual big Sunday breakfast,” Jesse said, as he handed Luke the plates. “The girls will be much obliged, for the breakfast,” Luke replied. After saying their goodbyes Bo and Luke headed to Luke’s truck. “Sadie, Trixie, Scrappie!” Bo called. Dixie's eggs were almost done when Luke pulled in the driveway. Bo and Luke put the dogs out back and came in the back door. Luke came over to Dixie and smelled, "Ummm, something smells good." "Soap and water." Dixie said, thinking that Luke meant she smelled good. She wasn't wearing any perfume or body spray. Luke hugged her from behind, "I meant the eggs." Dixie smacked him with the spatula. "Uncle Jesse sent ya’ll what was left of the biscuits and bacon and there’s a couple pieces of sausage too,” Bo said, sitting the foil wrapped plates on the counter. “What’s the plan for today ladies?” Luke asked. “How about a picnic at the lake, before it gets too cold?” Dixie suggested. “Dixie it’s the middle of September it won’t get too cold until mid October at the earliest," BL replied. Dixie replied as she put her eggs on a plate with toast, "OK, so we can go then too, unless you have a better idea?" As Dixie came to the table, she also had apple butter for the toast and mayo for the scrambled eggs. “Mayo with scrambled eggs?” Bo asked, not believing what he was seeing, he looked at Luke and BL. BL shook her head as she came to the table with 2 sausage biscuits. Luke figured it was one of the weird cravings Uncle Jesse had talked about. BALLADEER: There’s only two things ole’ Bo won’t eat pecan pie and mayonnaise. "Some people eat ketchup on their eggs. And, no, this ain't a pregnancy thing." Dixie said. Bo asked, "It's not?" Luke wisely opted just to listen. "Well, it may be why I want them, but I've eaten them like this since I was a baby on Daddy's lap. He ate them like this since he was in the Navy." Dixie said. Luke was now glad for a couple of reasons that he hadn't jumped into the conversation. “I think I’ll go get ready,” BL said, adding "Bo you better get ready too.” “I am ready darlin” Bo replied. “Go get the fishing poles and tackle box out of the shed,” BL was trying to get Bo away from Dixie, she was too young to be a widow. Bo went out the back door as BL went upstairs changing out of her nightgown into shorts and a t-shirt. Pulling her hair into a ponytail before heading back downstairs. Luke had let the previous conversation about Luther die and changed to Bo and BLs conversation as he asked Dixie, "So are we taking food on this picnic, or are we roughing it on what we catch?" Dixie frowned at the idea of going on a picnic without food. "If you build me a fire, I'll take stuff to fix." "I can do that." Luke replied. "Alright, get me a cooler and a box, and I'll get some things together." Dixie said. While getting the cooler, Luke almost got the smaller one that was big enough for a couple of six packs of soda. He remembered that it was his wife gathering food for a picnic. He opted for the larger cooler. Dixie had a cast iron skillet and dutch oven on the table, a couple large bowls, paper plates, knives, plasticware, potatoes, a couple onions, cheese, a large pack of hamburger, a couple packs of hotdogs, buns, mustard, ketchup, a container of mayo, eggs, pickle relish, olives, spoons, lettuce, tomatoes, a can of hotdog chili, foil wrap, butter, seasonings. Luke sat the box on a chair and the cooler on another since the table looked like they were moving out. "How long are we staying?" Dixie gave him a wicked grin and asked, "How long do you want to stay? Here. Make sure this bag gets in the box. This is important." Luke took the plastic bag, which felt like it held another bag. "What is it?" Dixie gave him a look of disbelief. "Pup food and T R E A T S." "Did you just spell out treats?” Luke was suddenly surrounded by three sets of puppy dog eyes with wagging tails." Dixie laughed, "I did. And, that is exactly why." BL had returned to the kitchen in time to hear Luke’s question and hear Dixie’s answer. “I spell B A T H, too cos Sadie hides if I say the word,” BL laughed a little. “Shoot!” Dixie grumbled. “What?” Luke asked. Dixie replied, “no ice.” “On it,” BL said, then stepped out on the back porch, smiling sweetly. “Bo sweetheart will you run to Rhuebottom’s and get a couple bags of ice for the cooler?” “Sure darlin, be back in a flash,” Bo replied, a second later they heard General Lee crank up. Dixie opened the fridge and saw that it was lacking in the drink department. "I can take tea bags and make sun tea, but if ya'll want anything stronger, ya better call Rhuebottom's and have Bo get it while he's there." “Or bring a small saucepan, sugar and tea bags and something to put it in, I can make sweet tea on the cooking fire,” BL said. Dixie replied, "Fine by me. Luke?" "Tea’s good, but I'll call Bo." Luke said, heading to the phone. Dixie giggled, "I figured you would." BL looked at Dixie grinning, “translation, ‘tea’s good but I’d rather have beer.” Dixie nodded, 'yes'. "Ok, help me pack this stuff up and we'll be ready to go when Bo gets here." Scrapie, Trixie and Sadie all came running to Dixie! "What did I say?" Dixie looked up confused. BL replied, "G O." Dixie replied. "Yes. Yes, I did. Do we really have to spell everything around here? Yes, ya'll are going." Now, the three began to bark, jump and whine, ready to go. BL and Luke laughed, BL replying over the racket, “to answer your question ‘do we have to spell everything?’ yes,yes we do.” Luke took the dogs out into the yard while the girls bagged everything but what needed to stay cold. As soon as Bo got back with the ice and beer, the ice was poured in the cooler and the beer and cold food items were packed they were ready to go. “We almost forgot these, in case we stay till dark,” BL said, putting a bag of jumbo marshmallows in the chip bag “Are we taking just 1 vehicle or 2?” Dixie asked. "My gear...." Luke began. Dixie held up her hand to stop him. "Right. Unless we all go in one of the cars, we are gonna have to take two vehicles." Bo smiled widely, "Ya'll can come with us and leave the drivin' to me." “If we take my car we can put the top down and enjoy this gorgeous day,” BL said. “Fine by me,” Dixie and Luke both replied. Bo picked up the cooler and the three dogs jumped up, barking excitedly. “Let’s go,” BL told them and they all followed Bo. Dixie handed BL a plastic bag of non refrigerated food and then got the chips and marshmallows. As they went to the car so Bo could load it all, Luke grabbed the fishing gear off the back porch. Loaded up and pulling out, the newlyweds and pups were off for a day of fun in the sun. It was a beautiful day in Hazzard as they circled Hazzard Square. At the lake the pups started hunting, noses to the ground. The newlyweds were unloading the car when Bo realized they had forgotten the guitars. “Shoot, we forgot the guitars,” Bo said. “I’ll run back and get them. Do we need anything else?” BL replied. Dixie was looking at the water. It was really nice out today. "How about our swimsuits and some towels?" Bo chimed in, "Towels. Swim suits are optional." BL laughed at her husband, “you’ll rethink that when ole’ Rosco carts us all off to the pokey buck naked.” Luke looked from BL to Bo. She had won, but Bo wasn't ready to give up. "Just bring the swimsuits. We'll get things set up while you are gone." ”Be back in a jiff,” BL said and turned the car around heading home. Bo and Luke set to work, gathering wood for a fire while Dixie cut limbs from a bush for hotdog and marshmallow roasting. Pulling in the driveway BL left her car running while she ran inside to get swimsuits and the guitars. “Will these work?” Dixie asked, showing the guys the long sticks. “Perfect honey. Give them to Bo, so he can whittle points on them,” Luke said, as he lit a fire, fanning the flames to life. “Here we go,” BL said as she propped Bo and Luke’s guitars against a tree and sat a small bag with their swimsuits beside them. Since the group had gotten an early start, Luke suggested, "Let's let the water have time to warm up a bit while we see if we can catch us some lunch." "I'll be there in a few minutes. I'm gonna put the eggs and potatoes on to boil for potato salad and deviled eggs." Dixie took the big Dutch oven and filled it with water. She then added four whole potatoes and a dozen eggs with salt to the water and set it on the cooking rack over the fire then went to sit beside Luke on the old log that had likely been a fishing bench for years. "Any luck?" "I got something nibbling." Luke replied. 20 or so yards down the length of the bank away from Luke and Dixie, Bo and BL sat on another log, lines in the water. “Have you seen the dogs lately,” BL asked, she hoped they were ok. “They’re just enjoying a day out romping, they can’t do that at home much. The backyard is fenced in unlike the farm or here. Don’t worry we’re all here to relax and have fun,” Bo said. “I just hope they don’t have the Duke and Davenport luck for finding trouble,” BL replied, with a short laugh. A few minutes later, Sadie raced by the humans while being chased by Trixie and Scrapie. Finally, tiring of the chase, Sadie jumped in the lake. Trixie and Scrapie stopped dead at the edge of the water as Sadie swam off. After a bit of whining and barking, Trixie and Scrapie began a chase of their own. They were rolling each other then would chase awhile then roll each other again. Sadie swam back to shore after Trixie and Scrapie had started their own game of chase. Bo was putting another fish on the stringer that was attached to a long stick they had stuck in the edge of the water. Once on dry land, which happened to be close to Bo, Sadie shook her wet body, water spraying all over Bo. “Hey!!” Bo yelled. In trying to get away somewhat dry, Bo tripped and fell in the lake. Luke, Dixie and BL got a d laugh. “Bo if you wanted to swim you should have put on your swim shorts I brung ya,” BL teased. “Cute BL,” Bo replied, heading to get out of his wet clothes and lay them in the sun to dry. “Why don’t we go swimming, just let me take the eggs and potatoes off to cool,” Dixie said. “I’ll get our suits,” BL said, following Dixie. A few minutes in the water Dixie wondered why she had bothered putting on the swim suit the way Luke's hands were wandering. It was really a nice day for a cool swim but the water was a lot warmer than it had been a few minutes ago. Dixie was trying not to let on to Bo and BL exactly what was going on. Luke knew he had Dixie in a situation as she was trying to play it cool but he knew she was anything else but cool as his fingers managed to find a sweet spot with one hand he used the other hand to slide under her top and find a nicely plump breast. Dixie was squirming a bit but wasn't sure if she was trying to get away or get closer to what Luke was doing. One thing about it, Luke had Dixie right where he wanted her. Dixie had no reason to worry about Bo and BL knowing what was going on with her and Luke, they were preoccupied with their own activities. Bo’s hands and lips were wandering, Bo’s lips skimmed BL’s neck then he blew softly in her ear, making her shiver and raising goose bumps on her arms. ”Cold?" Bo asked. “No,” BL replied, anything but cold as Bo nibbled on her earlobe. Bo was enjoying himself even if his original thoughts of skinnydipping with his wife had been sidelined. Luke moved them more to the shallow as Dixie felt her top let go. Luke was now exploring Dixie's breasts, unrestricted by the bathing suit top that still hung around Dixie's neck. Luke couldn't help but notice that his hand seemed just a bit fuller than normal. Dixie whispered, "Luke, if you don't stop..." "Do you really want me to stop?" He nuzzled her neck as he slid her bottoms down. Dixie didn't reply. She merely helped him reach his goal as she wrapped her legs tightly around him. Her sudden movement sent them both over the edge. Had anyone been watching, it was very obvious what had just happened as they were both now struggling to contain themselves. Bo had his back turned toward the other couple but BL could see and although most of her attention was on Bo she said “I think Luke and Dixie would like a little privacy.” “Yeah so would I,” Bo said, nuzzling BL’s neck. Bo moved them around a little bend into shallower water, putting a clump of overgrown bushes between the 2 sets of newlyweds. BL sucked in a sharp breath as Bo squeezed one of her tender breasts, she ignored the tenderness though, chalking it up to that time of the month. For several moments, Luke and Dixie had largely forgotten about Bo and BL. When they finally came to their senses, Luke noticed that Bo and BL had disappeared. They had probably been occupied with each other too. "Why don't we get decent and go start lunch? The fire probably needs wood." Luke said. Dixie replied, "Alright, in a minute. This might be the last time the two of us get to have a swim like this before we have a little one to keep up with out here." Luke saw her point and held on to her tightly as he moved them out to the deeper water as they shared a passionate kiss. Bo and BL had also forgotten about the rest of the world and were in a world of their own. A minute later, BL felt warm moist air on the back of her neck, followed by something cold and wet touching her arm. Before BL could open her eyes, a wet, warm tongue started at chin and licked from her chin, over the side of her and Bo's mouth, up her nose, right across her eye. After the three tongue kiss, Bo ended the kiss between him and BL. “Sadie, do you mind?” Bo was not happy about the interruption. Sadie ‘woofed’ making BL giggle as she fastened her bathing suit top that Bo had undone for better access to her breasts. “That would be a no,” BL said. Dixie and Luke ended their kissing session and Dixie looked at the sun’s position in the sky saying, “I really do need to start lunch and you got fish to clean,” Dixie said. Luke grinned, "Alright, but I'm feeding the fire and going after more wood. Bo can clean the fish." He smiled wickedly knowing how much Bo hated cleaning fish. "That's your fight." Dixie said, heading to the edge of the water. Luke indeed fed the fire and looking around noted that Scrapie had been awfully quiet, "Scrapie?" In no time flat, Scrapie and Trixe innocently made their way out of their napping place and were at his side. Sadie also joined him and was about to shake off. "Sadie. Stop right there and shake off." Luke said. Sadie suddenly stopped short. She wasn't used to such firm direction from that human. She wasn't sure how to proceed, so she stopped as directed. Dixie got one of the towels BL had brought back, wrapping it around herself. BL and Bo by now had gotten out of the water. Sadie looked at BL as if asking ‘what do I do’? “Something the matter girl?” BL asked, then got her own towel. ”The fire needs more wood, Bo why don’t you start cleaning the fish while I gather some,”Luke said. “Yes sir,” Bo said sarcastically but headed back toward the lake after retrieving his pocket knife from the knife pouch on his belt. “You want me to peel the potatoes or the eggs?” BL asked Dixie "Work on the eggs. I'll get the potatoes. Give me half the eggs for potato salad and the rest will give us three halves of deviled egg each." Dixie said, then added, "Sadie was about to give us a shower and just wasn't expecting Sgt. Duke to tell her no." Dixie said, referring to Luke's tone being more the Marine Drill Sgt. than Sadie's 'Uncle Luke.' “Oh I see, well Luke better let her know she’s not in trouble or she’ll sulk the rest of the day,” BL said, putting the eggs in her towel’s tail, sitting on a rock. BL cracked an egg shell on the rock, peeling the shell off. In no time BL had all the eggs peeled and in foam plates. Half in one for the potato salad the other half on another for deviled eggs. “What did we bring hamburger meat, hot dogs and buns for if we’re having fish?” BL asked, sitting the small saucepan with ice in it, on the cooking grate to melt the ice for water to boil the tea. Dixie grinned, "Just in case they didn't catch any fish. The hamburger is still frozen. It will be fine to take back and the hotdogs I'm sure will not go to waste with the pups here. That's their favorite treat." “True and when we left the house, we didn’t know how long we were staying so hamburgers and hot dogs might end up being supper,” BL said. “Right,” Dixie agreed. BL shook the pan of melting ice, to shift it so it’d melt better. Luke and the pups returned with more wood for the fire. Bo had the fish cleaned. Dixie wrapped the fish, onion and butter in foil for Luke to put over the fire. All was good until one Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane saw smoke and decided to follow it. BALLADEER: Here comes de law Rosco followed the smoke all the way to the lake turnoff. He whipped in behind BL’s car, lights flashing. “I shoulda known a dang Duke was involved,” Rosco muttered, getting out of his patrol car. “What do you want Rosco? We ain’t doing nothing but having a picnic and that ain’t against the law,” Bo said, aggravated it looked like Rosco came to harass them as usual. “Picnicking ain’t but starting a fire is,” Rosco said gleefully. “No it ain’t Rosco as long as it’s contained and our is and there ain’t no burn bans been issued, or I’d be on call,” Luke said, bursting Rosco’s bubble. “Indecent exposure’s always a crime and you are all not dressed,” Rosco gloated, sure he had them this time. “We have clothes covering all the right parts, BL and me even have towels wrapped around our bathing suits,” Dixie pointed out, Rosco wasn’t the only one that knew the laws. Difference was Dixie enforced and obeyed them without twisting them around. Rosco used the only card he had left, "Then, ya’ll are out here making moonshine!" “What?! Rosco you've been out in the sun too long,” Bo said. “Just cos we built a fire we’re making shine…with what all we got is 1 jar, 2 cups of sugar and some melted ice and this small pan. We’ve only had the fire going less than an hour, don’t it take several to make moonshine?” BL added. Rosco eyed the contents of the cooking items that he saw but didn't want to give up so easily, "Maybe it's a new recipe. You Dukes are sneaky, sneaky I tell you." “Rosco me and Bo ain’t made, sold or run no moonshine, since we was put on probation after we was caught running it and we ain’t picked up old habits,” Luke replied patiently as if talking to a small child. Rosco huffed, "Well, just see that you don't. Flash and me are watching you both, well all of you." He stomped back to his patrol car. The four watched him somewhere between being appalled and being amazed. After getting rid of Rosco the 4 newlyweds finished making their lunch. They fed the pups now tired and hungry after their morning of adventures and romping. Spreading a blanket under a giant Elm tree, they ate their fish, potato salad and boiled eggs. Getting everything cleaned up, Bo and Luke got their guitars and the 4 young people had themselves a singalong. Luke played a few notes of Mama’s Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys by Waylon Jennings, they all sang along. Bo always the cut up changed the first chorus, “Mama’s don’t let your babies grow up to be Duke boys. Don’t let ‘em pick guitars and drive them old trucks. Let ‘em be doctors and lawyers and such.” When it started getting dark, Luke tossed a few sticks of wood on the fire and passed out the sharpened sticks, so they could roast marshmallows. A chilly breeze was coming off the water, so the group decided to forgo hamburgers and hotdogs at the lake and grill at home instead. Back in town, the pups hit the backyard wide open. Dixie and BL each took a bit of the kitchen stuff with them as they went to the back door. Luke and Bo unloaded the outside stuff like the fishing gear, then got the cooler and guitars. The cool breeze they had felt at the lake was tamer in town. Luke pulled out the grill into the backyard. As he lit the grill, he swore as he saw the curtain move at the Kravitz home, which with the grill smoke almost guaranteed another visit from Rosco or Cletus. “Today was nice wasn’t it?” BL asked Dixie while they emptied the cooler and put things away, adding “it’s been a minute or three since we spent a whole day at the lake just having fun.” BL put the hamburger meat in the microwave to thaw. Dixie replied, "Yes, it has. I'm afraid we won't get many more chances for just the four of us to do stuff like that with fall coming and then by Spring we will be busy getting ready for company." “Abner they’re back and I smell smoke,” Gloria informed her husband. “Well it is dark Gloria so why wouldn’t they be back? You probably smell the grill, it is supper time after all. Speaking of which, where’s MY supper?” Abner replied. “There’s TV dinners in the freezer,” Gloria responded. Dixie brought out Luke a beer and herself a glass of tea then took a seat on the steps to the back porch by where Luke had the grill in the yard. Luke motioned from the smoke of the grill, to the house beside them, "We might be expecting company in a bit." "Great." Was Dixie's reply. At Lover’s Glen, Cooter swore under his breath as the old green pickup’s CB crackled, somebody needed a tow out on Razorback hill but staying right there, laying in the pickup bed with Crystal was much more appealing. Cooter wasn’t the only one reluctant to end the time spent with a special someone, Daisy and Darcy Kincaid had parked on Kissin’ Cliff “to watch the sun go down and enjoy the pretty sunset, however the sun had disappeared sometime ago and a big full moon and stars now filled the sky. Back in town Bo and BL sat cuddled together on the porch swing. Unknown to them Luke had just made a prediction around back, that was about to come true. A patrol car was coming their way. ”Now what?” Bo grumbled as Cletus parked in front of the house and exited the car and came up the walkway. “Evening Cletus, what can we do for ya?” BL greeted. “Evening BL, Bo. I got a call saying your smoke was drifting to the neighbors house,” Cletus replied. “Oh for crying out loud! Luke is grilling, he can’t control where the smoke drifts,” Bo said, frustrated. “We’re having hamburgers and hot dogs, why don’t you come back on your supper break,” BL said. Cletus might have Hogg blood in his veins but he was nothing like Boss Hogg. “Much obliged for the invite but I can’t, Rosco’d have a fit,” Cletus replied. “What you do on your lunch and supper breaks are nobody’s business,” BL said. "Oh, gosh, wellllll, I don't know." Cletus said. Bo suggested, "Shouldn't you come back and check on the smoke later? What do you like on your burger? BL will have you a plate ready." Cletus was also a bit more humble than Boss Hogg, "Well, gee, that's awfully nice of ya'll. If you fix it. I'll eat it. I'm not particular." BL asked, "So a hotdog with chili, mustard and onion and a cheeseburger with lettuce, mustard, ketchup, tomato and mayo would work?" Cletus smiled, "Boy would it ever. Thanks ya'll." He said heading back to his patrol car. "Abner, that young Deputy never even checked that smoke. That house could be on fire!" Ms. Kravitz exclaimed. Abner looked over his paper, "So in all the time you have been spying on those kids, you haven't noticed those red lights in the dark haired ones pick up?" "No." She admitted. "Why would that make any difference?" "It means he's some sort of firefighter." Abner explained. “Oh,” Gloria responded, maybe having the two dark haired young people next door wasn’t so bad. She had seen Dixie coming and going in her uniform from the tri counties jail so that should keep down crime and the young man could be there in a flash if there was a fire. The two blondes were still a nuisance even if the girl was friendly and delivered the mail. “Better go tell Luke to grill extras for Cletus,” BL said, sitting up straight so Bo could get up. “Be right back darlin,” Bo said, going around back. “Hey Luke put on an extra burger and hotdog for Cletus.” Luke looked up from the grill, "Cletus?" Bo replied, "Yeah, it seems your smoke is offending some of the neighbors, but BL convinced Cletus to come back and check it later, and we'd have him a supper plate ready." Luke took a drink of his beer and set it down beside the grill. "You know I'd love to have a conversation with that lady, ..... but I don't think Uncle Jesse would approve of my side of it." After the third CB call from the garage, Cooter finally replied that he was on his way to the tow job and he was, just as soon as he got his pants and boots on. "I'm sorry, Darlin'. Maybe I can get someone else to take the wrecker tomorrow." He could at least hope. Darcy edged a bit closer to Daisy. He was feeling a bit braver than ever before with Bo and Luke having wives to keep them occupied, he felt reasonably safe the boys wouldn't be out hunting him and Daisy down. Daisy nuzzled closer still as their kiss deepened. Darcy let his hands explore and roam. Daisy was purring and responding positively to his advances. Darcy moved to the snaps on her bra. In one motion the bra released. Daisy deepened the kiss while discarding the bra. Darcy brought his hand up front. With two hands full of breasts he directed his attention to her nipples. Daisy inhaled deeply and managed a slight squirm. “It’s alright,” Crystal said, putting her top back on. Once dressed they got into the pickup’s cab. Crystal slid across the seat and Cooter drove back to the garage, one hand on the wheel, holding Crystal with the other. “How about we take this someplace else, like the backseat,” Darcy said, his pants were getting a tad too tight. “Ok,” Daisy agreed, crawling over the front into the back. Darcy gave her backside a little grope as it was up in the air. Cooter kissed Crystal and waited til she pulled out before heading off to the tow job. As he circled town, Cooter noticed all the vehicles were home at Bo and Luke's place. After a good meal, Dixie had rinsed and stacked the dishes that had to be washed which wasn't in her mind enough to fool with right then and made her way to the living room to find Luke on the couch with his sock feet on the coffee table. She took her favorite spot on the couch with him but faced the back of the couch looking at Luke instead of at the TV that was on, but Luke didn't seem to be paying it much attention. On kissing cliff, Daisy and Darcy had fogged up the windows in his old Chevy. Back in town, BL held Bo’s hand as they strolled to the little stream that ran behind the house. The pups were staying pretty close, brave enough to growl and occasionally bark, they weren’t brave enough to go exploring. BL had told Dixie she’d help wash the dishes later. Luke and Dixie were enjoying having the house to themselves, even if it was only while the dogs were out for a walk. Luke suggested, "Do you want to head upstairs?" "It's too early. Besides, that would be rude." Dixie said as she snuggled down into the couch getting closer to Luke. "Look. We are newlyweds, this is our house too and there is nothing rude about heading upstairs early. Not to mention, I don't have to wake you up down here later to go to bed." Luke stated. Dixie knew he was right but said, "I'm fine. I'm not gonna fall asleep down here." Quite a bit later, Daisy and Darcy were coming up for air. Their clothes had long been gone. The steamed up windows of the car gave them a bit of privacy from the outside. Darcy was thinking but found that he had actually said what he was thinking, "Never in a million years did I ever think we would do that." Daisy twirled her long hair, "And why not Sugar?" Darcy figured in for a penny, in for a pound, "I never figured on Bo or Luke letting me get this close to you and I just figured you would rather see other people." “Why did you think that?” Daisy asked. “Because I’m just a crop duster, you can have any man in the county you want,” Darcy replied. “Sugar I’m with the man I want. As for Bo and Luke, they got wives to keep them occupied and Luke’s gonna be a daddy in April,” Daisy responded. Darcy set up quickly, "Luke's what?" The idea seemed really foreign to him. He hadn't been great buddies with the guys but had gone to school with them. "Wait a second..... they ain't been married all that long Daisy." “Darcy, it only takes once, it could have been on their wedding night or a day or two later, they are newlyweds afterall,” Daisy explained. Darcy got real quiet at Daisy’s explanation, they had forgotten to use protection in the heat of the moment. “Darcy, are you ok?” Daisy asked. “Huh, oh yeah I’m fine,” Darcy replied. Daisy said “You don’t sound fine.” Swallowing hard Darcy said, “we didn’t use protection just now,” “Relax, I take birth control,,," Daisy said then quickly explained before Darcy got the wrong idea…”for female issues, anyway I've never known of someone on them getting pregnant. Even though Doc Applby says it’s not one hundred percent protection.” Darcy was a mite relieved at Daisy’s use of birth control and the explanation. Daisy decided to lighten his mood just a bit with a bit of female attention directed his way. It was still early. They may as well give it another go. “We best get back, so me and Dixie ain’t still doing dishes at 2am,” BL said when they reached the stream. ‘It’s still early darlin’, we got time,” Bo replied, pulling BL close for a passionate kiss. When the kiss ended BL reined in her focus trying not to let Bo’s charms get to her, “we promised Uncle Jesse we’d be at church tomorrow and if we oversleep, by the time you and Luke finish chores and shower and we all get ready we’ll be late. Uncle Jesse will skin you and Luke alive if we’re late.” Bo sighed BL was right, so they headed back to the house. Cooter had got Mr. Crowley out of the gully he’d found himself in, now Cooter headed back to town wondering if it was too late to hook up with Crystal again. Cooter picked up the CB and called for Crystal, "Where are you? I'm done." Crystal replied, "I'm almost to the Boar’s Nest." "Pull off there. I'll be there in a couple minutes then we can go somewhere. I know a place." "Alright." Crystal said as she swung into the parking lot to wait on Cooter. Luke reached for his second beer as he held his napping wife. She had drifted off about ten minutes after rejecting his offer to go upstairs. Luke thought it was kind of funny that he had called it. He said out loud to his little one, "Hey, Kiddo you are whupping your Mama here." Dixie was already asleep by the time Bo and BL made it back to the house, so Bo helped BL with the dishes. Just as they came into the livingroom Cletus pulled up to get his hamburger and hotdog BL had promised. The dogs went nuts hearing boots on the porch. “Cletus must be here for his supper, let him in while I get it,” BL said,going back to the kitchen. “Bo opened the door before Cletus even knocked, “Evening Cletus, BL is getting your supper.” “Mmm I can’t wait, sure beats the bologna sandwich I brought,” Cletus replied. BL came back with a paper plate ”one hamburger with cheese, lettuce, tomato, ketchup, mustard and mayo. And one hotdog with chili and onions. I put you in a pint jar of tea too.” “Much obliged BL. see ya Bo,” Cletus replied. “You ready for bed darlin?” Bo asked, sleep wasn’t what he had in mind though. “Today too much for ya?” BL teased. Sweeping his wife off her feet, Bo carried BL to their room. In the patrol car as he ate his supper, Cletus was thinking how much in just a few months that Bo and Luke had gone from bar room brawls to family men. Even as he spoke to Bo and BL, he had noted Luke on the couch, boots off, sipping a beer with Dixie snuggled up to him on the couch. He had been to the Duke Farm on a Saturday night much later in the evening and both men would be fully dressed and ready for action or trouble. BL let out a bit of a squeal as Bo picked her up causing Dixie to stir. Luke saw his opportunity, "Hey, let's head up too." "K" Dixie said but never moved. "Dixie." Luke tried again. "Uh-huh." She mumbled. Luke finished his beer, sat the bottle down, then proceeded to sit Dixie up where he could get up, "I'm letting the dogs out. Get awake." "I'm not asleep." Dixie said. "Alright." Luke said, taking the bottles to the trash and letting the pups out. When they came in, he took a couple beers and a glass of tea back to the living room to find Dixie about half awake, "Let's head up." "It's still early." Dixie said. "Cletus ain't come by, Bo and BL ain't even back with the pups yet." Scrapie heard 'pup' and jumped in Dixie's lap, licking her entire face. Luke replied, "Pups are home, Cletus has been by and Bo and BL are upstairs. "Oh. Guess I dozed off?" Dixie said. Luke grinned, "For a few minutes. Let's go." Cooter motioned to Lori Mae Jones to bring him and Crystal 2 beers. “Thanks Lori Mae,” Cooter said when they got their drinks, When the buxom waitress left, Cooter took a drink to wet his parched throat, he was a little nervous about what Crystal would say in answer to the question he was about to ask, mainly because they hadn’t really dated in public except the Boar’s Nest “Crystal, I know this might be too soon for you to make a decision, seeing as how it’s a month away but will you go on the hayride with me?” “I’d love to Cooter,” Crystal replied, smiling. Lori Mae went over to the bar, "Who's the girl?" She asked Charlie the bartender. The only girl in the place that Lori Mae wouldn't know was sitting with Cooter Davenport. "I'm not sure that I've ever seen her in here before." By the time Dixie got upstairs she was more awake and rested from her nap. Luke was very pleased when she returned from the bathroom wearing only her robe which she promptly let fall to the floor. Bo heard Luke and Dixie’s bedroom door close and had a pretty good idea why, it seemed Dixie was awake now and were about to enjoy the perks of marriage, one of them anyway. Outside in the hall Sadie layed by BL and Bo’s closed bedroom door, raising her head everytime a muffled squeal came from her human. “Bo stoop, Dixie and Luke are just across the hall,” BL said, but her giggle took the seriousness out of it. Bo grinned wickedly as he lowered his head blowing another raspberry on BL’s bare belly, “Pthhht” Daisy and Darcy had decided they needed more room than Darcy’s backseat, so they had gone back to his camper at Hazzard Airport. Now they lay in Darcy’s bed wrapped in each other’s arms. At the Boar’s Nest, Cooter and Crystal were enjoying themselves, Cooter had somehow gotten Luther to take the wrecker when he’d got back to the garage after getting Mr. Crowley out of the gully. LB came in the Boar’s Nest and took a seat at a rear table near the bar. He had been seeing Lori Mae Jones and they had plans when she got off work. Daisy checked the time on the bedside table. It was getting late. "Stay." Darcy said. "Ohhh, you have no idea how much I would love to do just that, but I can't make Uncle Jesse worry." Daisy said. "Besides, he would want to know where I was and would be sure to tell Bo and Luke." "Point made." Darcy said. "Do you at least want to go to the Boar's Nest for a beer before I take you home?" He said reaching for his pants and boots. “Sure,” Daisy replied, gathering her own clothes and going into the bathroom. When Daisy came out of the bathroom, Darcy was dressed and waiting for her. Darcy opened the Chevy’s passenger door, helping her in then they were off to the Boar’s Nest. At the Boar’s Nest LB went outside on Lori Mae’s break. “So what’s the plan when I get off?” Lori Mae asked. “C’mere let me give you a preview,”LB said, leading Lori Mae around the corner, leaning her against the wall LB leaned in for a passionate kiss, his right hand cupping Lori Mae’s breast, his left grabbing her rear. Darcy came in from the back way, having no idea what he and Daisy were about to see as his headlights hit the couple leaning against the building getting friendly. Darcy asked, "So what do you make of that?" Daisy replied, "They look awfully friendly. I didn't know they were dating." "How in the world did something get by you in 'Gossip Central'?" Darcy asked. Daisy playfully punched him in the arm. "Darcy!" Darcy chuckled and parked the car, returning LB and Lori Mae to the privacy of the darkness. Getting out and rounding the car, Darcy helped Daisy then held open the Boar’s Nests door for her. “I’ll get us a couple beers, since the waitress is busy,” Daisy said. Darcy replied, “ok I’ll find a table”. Charlie looked up as Daisy came behind the bar and began drawing two mugs of beer, "Hey. You are off tonight." "Yes, I am. That's why I'm only serving one table. Mine." Daisy said as she flashed a grin and wrote the ticket up for Charlie. Daisy took the two mugs of beer back over to hers and Darcy’s table, “feels strange to be here on a Saturday night and not be working,” Daisy said, taking a drink. “Atleast I don’t have to share you tonight,” Darcy replied. Outside LB and Lori Mae were straightening themselves out, Lori Mae’s break was over. “How much longer til you get off,” LB asked. “About an hour til closing then I have to straighten up, that’s another 45 minutes if there ain’t a brawl in the next hour,” Lori Mae replied. LB replied, "Bo and Luke ain't here. I heard Cooter slide out after we came out. It should be pretty safe as long as everyone keeps their paws off you." “Hon, sometimes that’s just a hazard of the job,” Lori Mae replied. One last kiss and they went back inside. LB played pinball for a while until he ran out of quarters and Lori Mae got back to work waiting tables. At the Duke residence in town, BL put on her robe to go to the bathroom, Sadie jumped up from the hall floor, darting in as soon as the door opened and leaping full force into 'her' bed, right on top of a dozing off Bo! Bo startled when Sadie landed on him “Sadie…” Bo started to scold but stopped when he realized Sadie was trembling and not just excited to get in the room, “what’s the matter girl?” In the bathroom BL heard the rumble of distant thunder and wondered if Bo had remembered to let the top up on her car. “Going back to their bedroom BL found Bo talking softly and holding Sadie close against his chest while he layed on his side. ”Bo, did you raise the top on my car when we got home from the lake?” BL asked. “I don’t remember,” Bo replied. “I’ll go check, it’s thundering off in the distance, I heard it in the bathroom,” BL said. “So that’s what’s wrong, you heard it thunder,” Bo said to Sadie, then to BL, “I’ll go check Sadie needs you.” Bo got up and put on pj bottoms then went downstairs, taking BL’s keys off the hook by the front door. BL put on a nightgown then got into bed, hugging Sadie.

Note: This Story is the 3rd in The New Postmistress series. All written with my very talented co-author Dixie Davenport. BL shifted a little closer to her new husband Bo, throwing a leg over his, a cool front had blown in and the mid September air coming through the open bedroom window was a mite cool. Bo, usually a hard sleeper, hugged his wife . He couldn’t believe it would be three weeks tomorrow since their wedding day. “Cold Darlin?” Bo asked in a whisper. “Little bit,” BL nodded her head, resting on Bo’s shoulder. “Let me warm ya up,” Bo said, letting his hands start to roam. Moving out from under BL’s petite frame easily to hover over her, Bo lowered his head kissing BL passionately. Soon they were doing what newlyweds do, without making too much noise for their cousins Luke and Dixie to hear in their bedroom across the hall. Dixie managed to get out from under Luke's arm hopefully without waking him as she found her earlier discarded gown and slid it back on along with her robe. The house was a bit cool, but the robe was more for her benefit if she should run into Bo in the hallway. Dixie quietly opened the bedroom door and looked to see if Luke had woken up. He hadn't moved, but Scrapie and Trixie's heads popped up from under the covers. "Alright, but me first." She said, "Shhh." Dixie was followed into the hallway by the two pups and into the bathroom. Once she was done, they followed her into the hall and started down the stairs. Dixie let the pups out back, grabbed a drink and let them back in to head back upstairs. As she reached the top step, she understood why Sadie had not joined the pups. She shook her head with a grin as she quietly opened the bedroom door to find Luke propped up on his pillows, looking at her. Both pups knew they didn't have to be easy and leaped into bed. "I tried not to wake you." Dixie said. "You didn't. The cold, empty bed did." Luke admitted. Sadie heard Scrapie and Trixie go past the bedroom door and she hopped down from the easy chair, padding over to the door but it was shut all the way. Coming over to the bed, Sadie reared up on BL’s side of the bed. “Alright give me a minute,” BL whispered, Bo was sound asleep again. BL found her gown then her robe, incase she should meet Luke in the hall. “C’mon,” BL said, opening the bedroom door. Sadie trotted down the stairs and to the back door. BL opened the door letting Sadie into the backyard. When Sadie came back inside they headed back to bed. Bo hadn’t moved. BL shook her head as she took off her robe, Sadie hopped back in the chair. BL knew which of them would be up for those 2 o’clock feedings when they did decide to have a baby and it looked like it likely wouldn’t be Bo. Dixie managed to make Scrapie and Trixie give her enough room to get back into bed and in Luke's arms. Soon, the four were cuddled up to each other under the covers and back to sleep. BL was sleeping good, snuggled in Bo’s arms until his alarm went off. Bo didn’t even flinch so BL nudged him with her elbow., he still didn’t move so BL nudged a little harder. Looking at her own clock, which said it was 5:30 am, saying “Bo time to get up, your alarm is going off.” “Yes sir, I’m coming Uncle Jesse” Bo said, still half asleep. “I ain’t Uncle Jesse,” BL replied, giving Bo a deep kiss. Bo came alive then saying “No ma’am you sure ain't!” BL grinned and let Bo get up, he put on his jeans that were by the bed, then his socks before getting his shirt off the bedpost. Stepping into his boots, he then leaned over kissing his bride. “Keep my spot warm darlin, be back directly,” Bo left the room, making a stop at the bathroom on his way downstairs. BL scooted over to Bo’s side of the bed, the sheets were still warm. “Come on Sadie,” BL called, patting her side of the bed. Sadie had raised her head, watching Bo, she wasted no time getting off the chair, joining BL on the bed. Gloria Kravitz crammed cotton in her ears when General Lee fired up, these were her retirement years meant to be relaxing and peaceful but instead they were aggravating, mostly due to the 4 young hoodlums across the street with their loud vehicles, friends in and out at all hours in loud vehicles and the 3 yapping mutts the 4 of them owned. Luke heard Bo pull out in the General and for just a moment, felt a twang of guilt, and then he felt Dixie wrap her leg over his legs. Luke pulled her closer and wrapped his arm around Dixie, but instead of feeling warm flesh, he felt warm fur. He scratched Trixie's ear and fell back to sleep. As Bo pulled up at the Duke farm, the kitchen light was on, which meant Uncle Jesse was cooking breakfast and the coffee was likely ready. Sliding out of the General, Bo headed inside for a cup. “Morning Uncle Jesse,” Bo said, helping himself to a cup of coffee. “Morning Bo, how’s the missus?” Jesse asked, laying strips of bacon in an iron skillet. “She’s fine,” Bo replied. “I better get the chores done, said I wouldn’t be gone too long. Thanks for the coffee,” Bo added, putting his empty cup in the sink. Uncle Jesse said as Bo turned toward the back door, "I'll have breakfast done by the time you get done. Come on back in for more coffee and bit of breakfast." Jesse cut Bo's reply off, "Neither of them girls are early risers. You are used to eating this early and if I know you, you'd rather sneak a few minutes back in bed than to cook your own breakfast. I know ya'll is newlyweds, but you can't live just on love either. " Jesse had already planned to send the others a couple biscuits a piece back with Bo because he also knew that Luke wouldn't get up to fix breakfast for him and Dixie unless he thought the baby needed to eat. “Ok,” Bo said dutifully, not arguing, grinning and shaking his head as he went out. Uncle Jesse was right he planned to do the chores, go home and crawl back into bed with his wife for as long as possible. Bo and Luke pretty much met at the top of the stairs as Luke was going in the bathroom while getting ready to leave for his job. Bo said, "There's a thermos of coffee and a couple biscuits each in the kitchen for ya'll. I put BLs in the microwave for her. Luke shook his head, "Uncle Jesse still saying he's cooking too much from habit?" Bo replied, "Nope. He just handed me a bag of biscuits and the thermos on my way out." Luke grinned and shook his head as Bo shut his bedroom door. "Make sure ya'll got a clock set or you will both be late.", Luke called. Sadie raised her head which she had on the pillow beside BL’s, jumping off the bed with a huff going back to the chair and curling up. Bo checked to make sure BL’s alarm was set then shucked his clothes down to his boxer shorts, hanging his shirt on the bedpost then climbing in bed with his wife saying, “I’m back,” “Good, missed you,” BL said, laying her head on Bo’s chest. “Uncle Jesse sent biscuits for the rest of you, yours is in the microwave. I ate while I was there,” Bo said. “If Aunt Pauline ever finds out how often Uncle Jesse cooks for all of us, she’s gonna think you and Luke married the laziest girls in the county,” BL moaned and groaned. “Uncle Jesse don’t mind, I think it kinda pleases him,” Bo replied. Luke came back in the bedroom, "You have biscuits in the kitchen and I'll make you a travel cup of coffee when I go down." Luke was in 'work mode'. Dixie replied, "OK. Thanks." She put her work BDU pants on and went to button them. It wasn't happening. She checked the size. They were not the same pair she had worn yesterday but they were the same size. She quietly grumbled.Took off those pants and tossed them in a heap in the corner then opened the closet to find a pair the next size up. Luke chuckled to himself before quietly saying, "You do know you could just stay home, right?" Dixie gave him a look, "Luke." He put his hand up in his defense, "Just a reminder." "Thanks, but I got this." Dixie said. Luke thought but his mouth happened to voice what he was thinking without his consent. "That's what worries me." Dixie gave Luke a look and he decided it was probably a good idea to leave, “well I gotta go, see you at the Boar’s Nest after work like usual,lets go to work Scrapie, you too Trixie,” Luke gave Dixie a quick kiss. BL’s alarm went off, sending Sadie into a barking frenzy, the same as every work day. “Does she have to do that every morning?” Bo grumbled. BL reached out and turned off the alarm, “she just don’t want me to be late,” BL replied. “I’m gonna go take a shower,” Bo said. “Well hurry because I need one too, I’ll let Sadie out while I wait my turn,” BL replied. “You could let Sadie out and join me, together’s got to be faster than separate showers,” Bo reasoned with his usual Bo logic. BALLADEER: They should talk to Luke and Dixie about that, they thought so too. Hazzard County was waking up and coming alive as shops, the garage, bakery, and such came to life. Daisy was in town early to run a few errands. Her first stop was the local drug store. Inside, she took out the small package with her name and prescription with refills on it and handed it to the pharmacist. "Good morning, Danny. How have you been?" He smiled at Daisy and replied, "Good. How are Uncle Jesse and the fellas?" Daisy replied, "Everyone is good." Danny checked the prescription and said, "Daisy, the medication this time is the same medication.The pills will just look a bit different. You know how it is, if they can save a dollar they will order from the cheapest company." Daisy nodded, "Alright, by me as long as it's the same medication." "Yes, it is. Instead of the tiny round pill, these are just a bit bigger and pink." He explained. Daisy took the bag of medication, put it in her purse, paid the man and said, "Thanks," as she headed toward the street and over to Rhuebottom’s. Daisy read over her short shopping list just inside the door of Rhuebottom’s store. Morning Daisy, can I get ya something?” Mr. Reubottom greeted and asked her. “Morning Mr. Rhuebottom, I just came in to pick up a few things, since I was in town already,” Daisy replied, picking up a shopping basket. On the other side of Cooter’s garage a little ways down the street BL was dashing around like a mad woman, trying to get to the post office before the mail truck. BALLADEER: Uh huh I had a feeling showering together wouldn’t be faster. “Sadie get out the way,” BL fussed at the overexcited dog barking while bouncing all around her. Bo handed BL her travel coffee mug that matched his, that BL had gotten at her bridal shower. He also handed her a ziploc bag with the biscuit from Uncle Jesse. “Here’s your coffee and biscuit. I pulled your car out and left the motor running,” Bo kissed BL, adding “have a good day darlin. “Thanks, see you after work,” BL replied, calling over her shoulder before driving away, “LOVE YOU.” Dixie decided while driving to work that she needed to stop in the office and grab a few more pairs of work pants a size or two up. She knew she wasn't showing, but you sure couldn't say that by the way the BDU pants were fitting or well not fitting the past few weeks. Once parked instead of heading into the jail, she went into the administrative building and spoke to the girls that do the hiring. After a bit of small talk, Dixie said, "Can I grab a few more pairs of pants? It's crazy. It's way too early for me to be showing and I'm not, but the way these pants are cut, I've already moved up a couple sizes." "Sure. Get you a couple changes of whichever sizes you need." Said one of the ladies. "Thanks. I'll wash up what's not fitting and drop them in next week." Dixie said as she went to the room with the uniforms in it. BL whizzed into the square and saw the mail truck coming down the street toward the post office, so she pulled in a parking spot out front. “Sadie stay,” BL said, pulling the key out of the ignition, she found the post office key on her keyring and had the door unlocked by the time the mail truck drove up. “Morning Joe, how are you today?” BL said as the truck driver got the mail bag from the truck. “Morning Miss Dav…Mrs. Duke, I’m good, how about yourself?” Joe replied. “I’m good thanks,” BL replied, adding “have a nice day now.” “Once the truck was gone, BL sat the big bag inside behind the counter, then moved her car around back. Daisy finished with her shopping, sat her shopping basket on the counter so Mr. Rhuebbottom could ring up the purchases. How’s your Uncle Jesse and the boys?” Rhebottom asked. “They’re fine, Bo and Luke and their wives eat supper out at the farm atleast once a week,” Daisy replied. “That’ll be ten dollars,”Rhebottom said, sliding the paper bag over to Daisy. Daisy gave him a ten dollar bill, picked up her bag and went back to her car and figured she may as well head over to the Post Office and chat with BL while she put up the mail. Daisy dropped her bag off at the car and walked toward the Post Office. "Good morning BL and you too Sadie girl." Daisy said as she came inside and started petting Sadie. “Good morning Daisy, I don’t have the mail sorted yet, if you’re here to get the farm’s mail. I’m running a bit behind,” BL replied. “I was in town running errands and thought I’d drop by and chat, the farm’s mail can wait until you get to it and if I’m already gone, just deliver it like usual,” Daisy said. “Ok,” BL replied. “Are you and Bo going on the hayride next month and to the Annual Hazzard Derby?” Daisy asked. “Probably, you know the only way Bo will miss being in a race is if both arms are in casts and he can’t drive,” BL replied grinning. Daisy said with a giggle, “he’d probably drive with his knees then.” “You’re probably right,” BL agreed. Daisy said, "Luke has got some of the Smokejumpers helping with the Hazzard Volunteer Fire Department’s booth. Well I bet I can guess atleast two smokejumpers that volunteered to help, if he promised the company of a certain two of your cousins,” BL grinned asking “Think Jeb will come? The race ain’t motocross.” Daisy replied, “he prefers motocross but he’s a Duke boy and will race anything with wheels. Uncle Jesse says all 5 boys liked to race even when their wheels was tricycles!” BL made a mental note to tell Dixie to invite her coworker Debbie, it hadn’t escaped BL that Jeb had taken a shine to the young woman. “Who are you going on the hayride with?” BL asked Daisy. Daisy replied, "We'll just have to see who asks me. So after we get Bo off the track are ya'll gonna be helping out or just there to enjoy?" “I don’t know, Luke is helping with the hauntings and I think Dixie is helping with concessions. It just don’t seem right for them to be working most of the time while me and Bo are having fun.” BL replied. "I am more than sure that Luke or Dixie can find something for ya'll to do. I'm trying to figure out a costume, too. You just never know about the weather. I can think of a lot of things but if it's cold I'll freeze or the costume will be covered up." BL said, "True." Daisy wiggled her eyebrows a bit, "Not that I need or want graphic details about my cousin, but how is married life? How is it with ya'll living together? When can I expect another little cousin?" BL laughed a little,”I wouldn’t expect any more little cousins right away. Remember,that conversation me, you and Dixie had a few weeks ago? Well me and Bo talked and decided to just get used to marriage before we add kids to the mix, well kids of our own that is. As for all of us living together, it's going good,” Grinning wickedly BL decided to paint a picture of ‘married life’ without graphic details but she couldn’t help what Daisy’s mind conjured up. “It is not quicker to shower as a pair!” BL emphasized the word not. Daisy had the good graces to blush just a bit, "You know, I've heard that! " The girls continued to chat until.....Clara Coltrane came through the door “Good morning Miss Clara, what can I do for you? BL asked. "Good morning BL, Daisy I need to send this registered mail,“ Clara replied, handing BL an envelope.. “I better get back home, bye Miss Clara. Talk to you later BL,” Daisy said, leaving. “Ok, I just need you to fill these out. Front and back on the green one,” BL gave the older woman a pen. When finished filling out the forms Clara paid the fee and left to carry on with her day. As Daisy walked out of the Post Office, she saw Cooter outside the garage and decided to go say hello. "Hey, Cooter. How have you been? I haven't seen much of you lately." “Hey Daisy, I’ve been good. Spending most of my time with Crystal,” Cooter said. “Crystal?” Daisy asked, she knew a couple of Crystals. “Oh yeah I forgot, you were with Dixie and BL the night before the wedding,” Cooter replied adding, “Crystal’s my girlfriend. Daisy nodded, "So which Crystal are we talking about?" There was a couple Daisy seriously hoped Cooter wasn't seeing. She hoped he knew better. Even Bo and Luke hadn't gone around them, at least as far as Daisy knew. Cooter replied, "I don't think you'd know her Daisy. She's from Placid County. She works in a diner over there." Daisy was a bit relieved. Even without knowing the girl, at least she wasn't the couple Daisy was worried about. "You'll have to bring her by the Boar's Nest sometime." Cooter nodded but knew their relationship had gone a mite further than a beer at the Boar's Nest. “I wonder if Aunt Pauline knows her,” Daisy voiced her thoughts aloud. Aunt Pauline knew just about everybody in Placid. “I doubt she does,” Cooter said. He hoped not anyway, Crystal didn’t have a snow white reputation but Cooter felt like he knew the real Crystal. She was sweet and funny, she just had too much liquid courage in her that night. Daisy said as the courthouse clock chimed, "Oh, I need to get a move on. I'll see you soon." Cooter let out the breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding since Crystal's name had come up in conversation. He had literally been saved by the bell from further questions. The mail all sorted, BL decided to eat her biscuit that was still a little warm because Uncle Jesse had wrapped it in foil while it was hot. She was hungry but at the same time was feeling bloated just like she did when her period was due, so that was probably why. Getting a mug of hot water, BL put a peppermint tea bag in it. Peppermint tea helped with the bloat, Grandma Betty had told her when she was just a girl and had her first period. Bo was making his normal rounds throughout the tri-counties area but had a new stop in Placid County. Bo parked the truck. Got out the paperwork so he knew which boxes he needed to get off the back. Getting out of the truck, he headed inside to see where they wanted the boxes of parts. He had just gotten in the door when a shrill voice squealed, "Bo! Bo Duke! Is that really you?" Bo still had not placed the voice or the face. He answered cautiously, "Umm, ... yes, ma'am it is." Before he knew what was happening, there was a shapely blonde wrapped around every part of him! "ma'am. Miss." Bo tried to get her attention while trying to unwrap her off him. “Not having any luck extracting himself Bo said, “excuse me ma’am I don’t want to be rude but could you let me go and tell me who you are? My wife wouldn’t like it none if she found out another woman was all over me, especially one I don’t recognize,” Bo said. Of all Bo's words, the girl heard the last two, "Don't recognize? What do you mean you don't recognize me?" She asked, very appalled, just before she slapped Bo right in the face and she got louder as she explained who she was, "I'm Linda Lou Miller from the Tri-Counties race! Not recognize Me?! I could have had your baby!" Bo now had a few pieces to the puzzle and remembered at least part of a victory celebration that just might have ended as the girl eluded to. Unknown to Bo, Pauline was having her weekly visit with her oldest friend Evelyn Griggs. They heard every word of Linda Lou’s tirade. Pauline was glad Evelyn had been in the restroom at the beginning of this exchange, she didn’t know the man on the receiving end of Linda Lou’s tirade was Pauline’s nephew Bo that she had talked about many times at their weekly breakfasts together. Bo was still trying to get untangled from Linda Lou, "I remember now, but Linda Lou, Linda, stop it." Linda blew in Bo's ear and nuzzled his neck. Bo froze as his body betrayed him, and his work jeans suddenly became very tight. Linda Lou knew exactly what buttons to push and where those buttons were. "Oh, Lord." Bo's breathing had even changed. He needed out of there, and he needed either his wife or a cold shower, now! Linda Lou knew exactly the effect her efforts had on Bo and was just getting ready to start them toward the back stock room as her hand wandered to Bo's jeans. Just at that moment, Pauline stepped toward the counter, "Bo Duke! What do you think you are doing?" She said as she saw the blonde tangled around Bo. “Aunt Pauline!” Bo had never been so glad to see his aunt. Linda Lou’s hand drooped as she silently cursed the older woman’s interruption. Bo felt his jeans loosen instantly at the ‘dry’ cold shower. Going around the counter so that it was between him and Linda Lou, he gave his aunt a bear hug. Taking his time hugging his aunt, Bo took a couple of nice deep breaths to regroup, "I'm just here, trying to deliver these parts." He held up the now crumpled invoices. "When Linda Lou there spotted me, I didn't even have time to," Bo increased his volume, "to tell her I'd just gotten married." Linda Lou heard loud and clear this time that Bo was married and like a lot of girls she was not happy about it. When Bo released Pauline she said, “tell BL I said hello.” “Yes ma’am I will, I better get going, I got more deliveries to make,” Bo said, leaving the invoice on the counter but out of the way so a customer didn’t pick it up by mistake, Bo left through the front door to avoid Linda Lou even though it was the long way back to his truck. Bo couldn't have dropped his last delivery fast enough. Once back in the General Lee, Bo took a look at his watch, it told him that BL wasn't off work yet. "Dang it!" He decided to head to the Boar’s Nest for a beer and hope his evening got better. Bo signaled to Daisy to bring him a beer as he came in. Daisy brought over his mug of beer saying, “here you go sugar.” “Thanks Daisy,” Bo replied. After Daisy had gone to take another order, Dobro Doolin came from the back room where the pool table was “Hazzard’s newest member of the chain gang,” Dobro teased. “Your time’s coming,” Bo said. “Where is BL?” Dobro asked. “Still at work,” Bo looked at his watch. “She should be here soon,” Bo replied. BL finished her mail run, ran by the house to change and let Sadie chill at the house tonight since it was everyone's payday weekend. Dixie hadn't taken a change of clothes to work with her so she planned to head home to change before stopping at the Boar's Nest. Luke also knew it would be too crowded for Scrapie and Trixie tonight so he was on his way to drop them off and pick Dixie up at the house. Over in Placid, Linda Lou had also made plans. She had called a couple of her friends who had been trophy girls at various races and they were making plans to head over to Hazzard for a bit of fun tonight after she went home and changed into something a lot less than what she currently had on. BL left the pouting dog behind, parking beside General Lee she headed inside. Heading to the back table BL sat down beside Bo, “hey did ya miss me? “Always,darlin,” Bo replied. BL had no idea how much he’d missed her today. “Hey Dobro, Jeannie Ann had them twins yet?” BL asked, making conversation. “Not yet,” Dobro replied, “I’m sorry I gotta go, catch ya’ll later,” Dobro said. “Are you sure you can’t stay? Cooter, Luke and Dixie oughta be here shortly. “I might come back later,” Dobro replied, leaving. When Dobro had left, Bo kissed his wife, not nearly as passionate as he wanted to though. “I saw Aunt Pauline today, she said tell you hello,” Bo said, then told BL about the rest of his day, most of it anyway. Dixie had just stepped out of her uniform when she heard Luke's truck. She had to laugh, "Do you believe your Daddy knew I was undressed?" Luke opened the front door, "Dixie?" Before Dixie could answer, Scrapie and Trixie had made a beeline up the stairs. Sadie joined in the chase. After the dog express got by him, Luke started upstairs. "I'm up here. Well, hello. Did you two work hard today?" Dixie was carrying on a total conversation with the pups when Luke walked in to find Dixie in just her underwear. "Now, there is the sort of sight I like to come home to." Luke said as he wrapped his arms around his wife. The dogs were suddenly bored and all three ran back downstairs. Luke shut the door with his foot as he felt very overdressed. Cooter walked in the Boar's Nest and saw Bo and BL at the back table. "Hey, hey. I figured this place would be packed by now." Bo replied, "Luke and Dixie should have been here." Cooter gave Bo a bit of a grin, "Well, now I ain't one to tell tales out of school and all, but both vehicles were in the driveway when I went by." “You told tales when you were in school, what’s the difference?” BL grinned. “Hush!” Cooter said. “If you saw both their vehicles at home they may be a while getting here,” Bo said, thinking he’d like to be home alone with his wife too. Daisy came over to see if Bo needed a refill and see what BL and Cooter wanted. “I have the wrecker so just one beer and then switch me to coffee,” Cooter said. “I’ll take one too,” BL said. While Daisy was getting the drinks Dobro’s brother David and his very pregnant wife Jeannie Ann came in. Jeannie Ann had wanted to get out of the house for a bit but they were planning on leaving before things got rowdy. A bit later found Luke snuggling a napping Dixie. He was about to just forget about going out when she nuzzled closer. "Sorry. I reckon I got comfy while we were snuggling." Dixie said. "Don't be sorry. I'm good to stay right here." Luke replied truthfully. He had worked all day, then put a lot of effort into making sure that Dixie had as much fun as he had. "Don't be silly. I'll just try to find something to wear that looks nice but is comfy too." Dixie said knowing that the guys still liked to go blow off some steam on payday weekends. Luke said, "OK. Take your time. I'm gonna step in the shower." Dixie said, " If you are serious about going out I'll get dressed and let the pups out awhile." Luke replied, "Meet you downstairs." In no time flat, they were pulling into the Boar's Nest. As they made their way to the table, no one missed the fact that Luke was freshly showered and shaved. Bo looked at Cooter and wiggled his eyebrows knowing it would get Cooter’s goat. Luke shook hands with David. The evening was like any other payday, people came in to cash their checks then to spend their hard earned money. Three married men danced a few dances with their wives, the music was live tonight, Bo and Luke’s cousins Coy, Vance and Jeb were playing. Cooter suggested, “how about a game of pool fellas.” Bo, Luke and David didn’t want to look henpecked by asking their wives permission but the look on their faces spoke volumes. “That sounds like a good idea, I can give these two tips about being a wife,” Jeannie Ann said. The girls were talking at their table. The guys were playing pool. Jeb was on stage, but out front when he noticed several girls walk in together but 'alone' all the same. When the song he was singing ended, Jeb went into Travis Tritt’s, T-R-O-U-B-L-E. Dixie was asking Jeannie Ann a few pregnancy questions, when the guys had deemed the pool game over and returned to the table. BALLADEER: Friends here comes walking trouble The Duke boys had been passing subtle warnings through songs and such since they were teenagers but Luke couldn’t figure out what or who exactly the warning was about. Bo didn’t have a clue either, it was like any other payday, then he saw Linda Lou and her friends. Jeb finished the song and went into When I touch you by Travis Tritt. “How about another dance darlin?” Bo asked. “Yes,” BL replied. On the dance floor Bo held BL close, just like the song’s words were saying, Bo felt calmer now touching BL than he had when he first saw Linda Lou. “You about ready to cut out darlin?” Bo asked. “Yeah I believe we have some unfinished business,” BL replied, blowing in Bo’s ear. Bo’s jeans felt a little tighter especially when the band started playing Conway Twitty’s I’d love to lay you down. Luke caught Jeb's attention and gave him a questioning jester. Jeb waved him off and hoped to explain later that the group of girls that just walked in not only looked like walking T R O U B L E but being from Placid County and 'trophy girls', Jeb at least knew of them since he too lived in Placid and ran Motocross. Linda Lou and the other girls found a table right in the middle of the action which put them in front of the stage and by both the dance floor and pool tables as well as being pretty close to the Duke's table. Bo had figured to finish their beer and say their good nights and slide out. BALLADEER: Too bad the moon and stars had a different plan. As BL and Bo got back to the table, Dixie said as she took BL's arm, "Come on, you can be company. Tea hit bottom." Not having much choice, BL, as usual, said, "Alright." Bo watched his wife leave the table and questioned aloud for the millionth time since he found girls to be interesting, "Why, do they do that?" Luke laughed, "There's no point in trying to figure it out. I'm certain that we would never understand it." "Understand what, Sugar?" Daisy asked. "Nothing Darlin'." Bo said. Luke saw Bo's mug, "Two more, Daisy. How about you, fellas?" “Can I get a coffee? I got the wrecker,” Cooter said. “Yeah I’ll take another,” David Doolin replied. “What about you Jeannie Ann, can I get you anything else?” Daisy asked, David’s wife. Jeannie Ann thought about it and then said 'if you got any hog jowls, I’d love some.’ She couldn’t explain why it sounded good. Normally she wouldn’t touch them. “Dixie, me and Bo was thinking about cuttin’ out. Was it really necessary I tag along?” BL asked as Dixie disappeared in a stall. Dixie smiled at BL's comment, "Bo hadn't even finished his beer. It's Friday night, surely ya'll ain't wanting to go home already like old married people are ya?" Dixie was making sure she was giving back all the ribbing that she and Luke had been getting every time they tried to head home early. Luke added, "Bring Dixie another tea and BL another beer too." “Cute. We were kinda wanting the house to ourselves for a little bit, you and Luke was late getting here. Cooter seen both your vehicles at home as he passed by,” BL added the last so Dixie didn’t try the ‘we had to work over’ excuse. Dixie laughed, "OK, so just say so, but ya don't have to leave yet. We can occupy ourselves, ya know." “Bo’s idea to leave now, not mine. He seems hot and bothered,” BL replied. Bo wished BL and Dixie would hurry up and come back before Linda Lou spotted him. Linda Lou not only had spotted him but took the seat at the table facing him, which happened to be behind Cooter’s back. Luke took a break in the music to step over to Jeb, who explained his general concern about the girls. When Luke turned back around and got a good look at the girls, he noticed that a couple of them did look a bit familiar. Luke also noticed that Bo was sweating bullets and suddenly seemed pretty thirsty as his new beer was nearly empty now. As Luke sat down, he said for only Bo to hear, "What?" Bo wiped his face so no one could see what he was saying and managed to say, "Tri-Counties spring race, trophy girl." Not seeing any sign of a wife nowhere around, Linda Lou got brave and went over to the Duke's table, “well hey Bo, fancy seeing you here, thought you had a wife,” Linda Lou said. “I do, she’s in the restroom,” Bo replied. Before Linda Lou could say anything BL and Dixie came back to the table. BL noticed a half a mug of beer at her place but before she could even form a word Bo jumped in with introductions, Linda Lou this is my wife BL. BL this is Linda Lou.” Linda Lou's sweet southern accent just gained about ten pounds of sugar as she turned toward BL, "Oh, hello there, Darlin'. Ya see, I'm a 'real close, and personal friend of your husband's. I just wanted to 'congratulate' you both, but ya may want to keep an eye out. He seems real chummy with that waitress over there. Bo I sure hope to see you at the Tri-Counties race again real soon like." Linda Lou said as she stepped away from the Dukes table and back to her own table to watch any fireworks explode that she just had lit the fuse to. Bo finished his second beer and reached for BL's in the same motion. Luke wisely wrapped his arm a bit tighter than normal around Dixie's waist, hoping that this gesture was a sign that he was very taken. “Thank you,” BL almost laughed seeing the waitress Linda Lou indicated, it was Daisy. Her back was turned so they couldn’t see her face. ”Maybe I should drive home,” BL said, seeing Rosco make his first check-in of the night. It was also time for his supper break. Bo was about to argue that he was fine but then he saw Rosco and handed over the keys. Finishing BL’s beer, Bo was debating whether to order another or go home as planned. Bo caught Daisy’s attention and felt like he may be out of the woods, "Can I get a beer for the road, since I have a driver and a tea for BL. Do ya'll want anything it's on me?" The table took Bo up on his offer for another round. Luke was thinking, "BL, since you have your car, do ya'll want me to take the General and Dixie can drive the pickup? That way, you can keep a close eye on Bo there." Luke kidded. “Sounds like a plan,” BL said, handing Luke General Lee’s keys. “This is like changing guard at the tomb of the unknown soldier,” Cooter said reverently. Daisy brought their drinks and everyone talked and drank, David Doolin finished his beer then said, “it’s been fun but me and Jeannie Ann need to get on back home.” ‘Me and Bo are gonna head out too,” BL said. Saying their goodbyes the two couples left. When Bo and BL opened the front door they were greeted by woof ‘hello’s’. “Let them out back and I’ll put a frozen pizza on,” BL said. “Ok but I’d rather skip the pizza and go straight to dessert,” Bo replied, wiggling his eyebrows. Bo let the dogs out and he and BL sat on the back porch watching them play while the pizza cooked. Once they had eaten they went upstairs, the pups zoomed ahead, Scrapie chased Trixie under the foot of the bed and out the side, Sadie didn’t fit under the bed but as soon as the little ones shot out the side, Sadie was back in the game. Out into the hall they ran. Bo shut the door then said, “I believe you said something about unfinished business,” “I did,” BL replied, undoing the button and zipper on her jeans, letting them drop to the floor then stepping out. Bo dropped his own jeans and picked his wife up, laying BL on the bed gently, then laying beside her, the rest of their clothes making heaps on the floor as they engaged in couples games. BALLADEER: Kinda like reindeer games Luke finished his beer and was about to suggest heading out also. Dixie instead said, "Did you get the feeling that we weren't welcome home for a while?" Luke replied, "No. Why wouldn't we be welcome at our own home?" Cooter was enjoying watching his sister and cousin play their husband's like fiddles as he drank his coffee. "Let's just say that a certain brother of mine saw both our cars home before we got here." Dixie said. "Oh." Luke said with a slight grin. He was still careful to try not to rub Cooter or Luther the wrong way. "What do you think about leaving the pickup here awhile and us taking a ride in the General Lee before it gets too cold or I'm too big to do it?" Dixie suggested. Luke replied, "I can make that happen. Cooter let Daisy know we'll be back for the pickup and maybe one more before closing." “Will do buddy roe,” Cooter said. Daisy came to check on them all but only found Cooter drinking his coffee, “what happened to everybody?” “They left but Luke said tell you, him and Dixie will be back for his pickup before closing and maybe another drink," Cooter replied. “Ok, well can I top of your coffee?” Daisy asked. “No thanks, I’m heading out,” Cooter replied. At the house in town, Bo and BL were fully enjoying being newlyweds and having the house to themselves. “If I wasn’t on birth control, I’d probably be pregnant before this night is over,” BL said, breathing hard. “You might be anyway.” Bo replied, grinning. Luke and Dixie drove around the county at a decent pace. They were talking about old times, long ago moonshine runs, some of the chases and races the General had got the boys into and out of, when Luke drove by an overgrown, unseen, barely there path. He stopped in the middle of the road, backed up, and turned General Lee up the mountain side. "Luke, I ain't one to complain, and I trust you, but do you know where you are going?" Dixie asked. "With my eyes closed." Luke continued up the trail to an open flat area where he cut the engine and lights. Dixie said, "AM I supposed to know where I am?" Luke shrugged. "It's real close to somewhere you used to beg me to bring you." "I did?" Dixie asked, a bit confused. Luke was a bit disappointed she seemed to have forgotten. "You did, well, not to this specific spot, but it's one of a few different places you used to want to come see and I valued my hide a mite too much to bring you up here." Dixie looked around. All she could see was woods around the area but figured out what he was talking about. "One of the still sites? Really? Where?" Luke grinned, "Are you up to a bit of a walk?" Dixie was on the windowsill. "For this. You bet I am!" They walked about a quarter of a mile through thick woods before a little clearing opened up with what looked like a hunter's shack came into view. Bo watched BL sleeping on his arm. He grinned, he’d worn her out but in a good way judging by the soft smile on her lips. Once in the cabin, Luke showed Dixie the fireplace and explained that if the still was cooking a batch of shine feeding, the fireplace actually also fed the stills fire. Jesse and the others had built the cabin so that it concealed the still and the shine making unless you knew exactly where and what you were looking at. For that reason, this was Luke's favorite still site. He had often come up here to camp out even if there was no shine being made. The big double bed was there and only in need of clean bedding. The tiny kitchen still had a coffee pot, dishes and a few pots and pans. "Do you think we could come up here and camp out before it gets cold?" Dixie asked. Luke knew why he loved her, "I like the way you think Mrs. Duke." Luke said, kissing her. "There's a little pond where I bet the fish might just be real hungry a little ways away too. Would you like to maybe come up here next weekend" Dixie beamed. "It sounds like fun." A bit later, they pulled back into the Boar's Nest. Luke said, "Do you want to go back in?" "Well, I don't want to cook when we get home, so let's go get something at least to take home and you can get that other beer before we head home." Dixie suggested. Luke and Dixie walked into a calm bar, even on payday it usually was calm by now. The usual table in the back was occupied so the couple sat more in the middle. Dobro indeed came back but this time it was the blonde newlyweds missing, “hey why are you two still out? Don’t married folks turn into parents this late?” Dobro asked, with a silly grin. He had no idea Luke and Dixie were well on their way to just that. “Bo and BL commandeered the house for a little bit,” Dixie replied, blushing when Luke added, “but we found a way to entertain ourselves.” Daisy came over and asked, “what can I get ya’ll?” “Is the kitchen still open?” Dixie asked. “Sure is, what would you like?” Daisy replied. “BBQ platter with slaw, and fries. I’d like a sweet pickle on the side and a glass of tea,” Dixie said. “How about you Luke? Dobro?” Daisy asked as she finished writing Dixie’s order down. “I’ll take just a couple BBQ sandwiches and an order of onion rings and a beer,” Luke replied. “Just a beer for me,” Dobro said. “Be back in a sec with those drinks,” Daisy said before going to place the food order and get the drinks. Daisy brought their drinks back, "I checked when I was back there. We still have plenty of peach and lemon pie." Dixie felt as if she were starving but tried to play it down. "Why do you do these things to me? I'll have a piece here and a couple to take home for breakfast for us." Daisy said, "Lemon or peach?" Dixie replied. "Yes." Dobro looked at Luke, who was grinning like a Cheshire cat who just ate the family canary. Dobro sat there saying nothing so long Luke was beginning to think he needed to draw a picture. Dobro might not have a PHD but he wasn’t ignorant, he thought about the way his sister-in-law Jeannie Ann had been eating for months and it was just like Dixie. “Congratulations ya'll. When does baby Duke arrive?” Dobro shook Luke’s hand. Luke looked at Dixie, who figured a vague answer was best and all that Dobro needed. "April." “What gave me away?” Dixie asked Before Dobro could answer, Daisy brought over the food, “Here’s your sandwiches and onion rings, Luke,” Daisy set a plate in front of Luke, then a plate and couple of smaller plates with a pickle on one and pie on the other. in front of Dixie, “here’s your BBQ platter with pickle on the side and pie for dessert. I put the extra pie in take out boxes.” “Thanks Daisy, Dixie and Luke both said. ”That gave you away!” Dobro replied, gesturing at Dixie’s large order. “Jeanne Ann has been eating alot more than her normal, for months,” Dobro replied. Dixie glared at the man sitting with her and Luke, "Thanks. I needed that." Luke chimed in, "Besides, Jeannie Ann is havin' twins." Dobro put his hands out in his defense, "Sorry, Dixie, but ya'll asked." "Besides, I haven't eaten since lunch." Dixie left off the rest of her thought, 'and I was starving.' “You about ready to go take back our part of the house darlin’?” Luke asked, if he didn’t get Dixie out of there, he was liable to be minus one friend. “Yeah I’ll eat my pie at home.” Dixie said, finding the right takeout box, adding her piece of pie. “Saying their goodbyes, going out to the parking lot. Dixie getting in Luke’s truck and Luke in General Lee. Both Bo and BL were asleep when Luke and Dixie got home and would have stayed that way if the dogs hadn’t barked when they heard boots on the porch. “Luke and Dixie are home,” Bo stated. “Ya think?” BL asked, with just a mite of sarcasm. Luke let the pups out back. Dixie was starting to put the pie away when she decided that she needed just one piece, but she was having trouble choosing between the peach and the lemon. She finally chose peach and was putting her fork in the sink as Luke and the pups came back inside. "Ready for bed?" Luke asked. "Just grabbing something to drink." Dixie said. The two of them and three pups headed upstairs. Trixie and Scrapie made a beeline for Luke and Dixie's bed, leaving Sadie to give Luke her biggest puppy dog eyes. "Alright." He knocked once, "Sadie's ready for bed Bo." Luke cracked the door only enough for Sadie to squeeze in and shut the door back. Once inside her bedroom, Sadie leaped into the bed and promptly licked both Bo and BL's entire face, ears and nose! “Alright, alright we’re sorry we locked you out but your help wasn’t needed,” BL said, trying to fend off the doggy kisses. Once Sadie settled down she went to her chair, made three circles and layed down. BL snuggled back down into Bo’s arms and all was peaceful again. About 4am, BL woke with cramping in her abdomen, figuring she knew the cause BL eased out of bed trying not to wake Bo. Putting on her robe and getting her discarded underwear, BL opened the bedroom door and slipped out and around the corner to the bathroom. Downstairs, Dixie heard someone upstairs moving around. She hoped she hadn't woke Luke up when she slipped out to the bathroom then the pie in the fridge had called her name. She finished the last bite of lemon pie and put her fork back in the sink. As Dixie reached the top of the stairs she heard someone in the bathroom as she went in her room and slid back under the covers after making the pups move over.

Hoss you are close with your explanation of third cousin, my grandmother was great great grandmother to my first cousin's grandchildren. This is my thoughts on the relationship, does it make sense to anyone else? Jesse's wife is Grandpa Henshaw's daughter and had a sister she married a Duke too [likely Jesse's brother], they have a kid. The 3 cousins are most likely more brother's kids [we don't know how many siblings Jesse had but we know there are 3 more cousins with different parents] All of these are first cousins and Grandpa Henshaw is all their Grandpa. Jesse's wife's sister's kid has a kid and is Bo, Luke and Daisy's 2nd cousin and then 2nd cousin's kid is their 3rd cousin and that cousin gets married making their spouse a 3rd cousin but not blood kin because they are related by marriage.

In the episode Duke of Duke, Jesse tells Bo and Luke that Gaylord is their 3rd cousin then Daisy adds he is "kin on Grandpa Henshaw's side meaning he ain't blood kin" but his last name is Duke. Does anybody have an explanation for this confusing relation explanation?

I'm not quite sure why you say BL is a better writer, several passage are a joint effort with Dixie, I just have more free time so I proofread, correct errors and post. She has written way more stories than me.

LOL why's that Hobie?

Saturday morning when Jesse Duke got up to cook breakfast, Luke was up and dressed sitting on the side of his bed putting on his socks. Bo was laying with his pillow hanging halfway off a top mattress corner and one foot sticking out from under the cover of the opposite bottom corner. Shaking his head and smiling Jesse closed the door and went to make breakfast and start coffee, a few minutes later, getting a coffee cup from the cabinet then pouring himself a cup of coffee. “Morning Luke, did you sleep ok without your wife?” Jesse asked when Luke came into the kitchen. “Morning Uncle Jesse. Like a baby, must have been the familiarity of the bed but don’t tell Dixie,” Luke replied. Bo came into the kitchen a short time later, not exactly bright eyed and bushy tailed but there was still a bit of a bounce in his step. “Morning Uncle Jesse, morning Luke,” Bo said, grabbing his own coffee cup, filling it. “Morning Bo, how’d you sleep?” Jesse asked. ‘Good, C’mon Luke we got chores to do before the family starts showing up,” Bo said, heading out the door. “Well that’s a first,” Luke said, following Bo. Following Bo, Luke called to Jesse behind him, "Ya might want to call Doc, he may be running a fever." Jesse couldn't help but grin at the two boys. Yes, to everyone else in the world, they were full green men, but to Jesse they were still his boys. In town BL was coming out of her room at the same time Dixie was coming out of hers and Luke’s headed for the bathroom. “Morning Dixie, I was just about to make a big breakfast because we won’t have time for lunch before the wedding and the reception likely won’t be until 3ish,” BL said, trailing Dixie to the bathroom. Dixie was never a morning person, but replied, "OK, but are you sure you aren't gonna be worn out tonight?" “5-6 cups of coffee and I’ll be fine,” BL, grinned adding “unless you’ve played a dirty trick and switched to decaf." "Trust me, I have not switched the coffee to decaffeinated." Dixie said, "But if you give me a minute, I'll come help. Take the pups, please." “Ok see you downstairs.” BL said. “Come on babies, I’ll let you out,” BL headed downstairs, the dogs yapping and chasing each other ahead of her. After letting the dogs out back BL left the door open so they could come back in when ready. In the meantime while waiting for Dixie, BL got flour, butter, and milk to make biscuits. A bit later, Dixie had put on comfy house clothes and joined BL in the kitchen. "You know, I'm up earlier today than when I work." ”It’s for a good reason though,” BL said, smiling. “You better get used to it, sleeping in is about to become a distant memory in a few months,” BL added, teasing a little. Dixie smiled, "But, I'll have plenty of help." About that time, the dogs raced in and past Dixie and BL and headed upstairs. "Daisy’s up." Dixie said. “If she’s not, she’s about to be,” BL chuckled, putting the pan of biscuits in the oven. Getting a bowl, BL started making pancake batter from scratch, instead of using the just add water, boxed mix. Daisy joined them a minute later. “Morning, ya’ll are up early,” Daisy said. “Alot to do, thought we needed a big breakfast to get us to the reception,” BL replied. Dixie asked, "You are making gravy, right? I'll do some hashbrowns with cream cheese and the eggs." Since she had a bit of coffee she was a bit more awake. “Yes I’m doing gravy. Do we want sausage gravy or chocolate gravy?” BL replied. Dixie looked from BL to Daisy, "You like chocolate best and it's your day, but I like sausage with a big breakfast. Daisy, it's up to you." “Why not both? Anything leftover the guys will eat it, we know that,” Daisy replied. “True, both it is then,” BL said. “I’ll finish the pancakes BL, if you want to make gravies.” Daisy said. The boys were done with the chores and headed in to wash up and to finish their coffees. Luke said as he came in, "Something smells great." “Eggs, bacon, biscuits and grits,” Jesse replied, putting everything on the table. When all three were seated, Jesse bowed his head to say grace, the boys did likewise. About two sentences in, Bo tried to sneak a biscuit but a look from Jesse and he put it down and pulled his hand back. “Bless today’s nuptials between Bo and BL, amen.” Jesse finished. The 3 men dug in, Jesse hoped to have the kitchen put back in order before his sisters - in - law arrived and took over, it’d take him until Christmas to find everything again. After breakfast, Dixie said, "Ya'll go ahead start the nails or hair or whatever you need to, I'm going to clean up the kitchen and then I'll be up there." Normally BL and Daisy would have said the job would go faster if the three of them worked together but both knew it was going to take plenty of time to get ready so they went upstairs to BL’s room. “You might want to change and just put on your robe before we start on your hair,” Daisy said. BL changed into her robe then plugged in her hot rollers. “Let me get my new manicure set and you can do my nails while the rollers heat,” BL said. “Ok,” Daisy replied, moving the chair that BL had in the room closer to the dresser. After Dixie finished the dishes and cleaned up, she took a pancake from a plate and broke a piece off and popped it in her mouth. She looked down to ask the pups if they wanted out but three sets of eyes looked at her. She gave each a bite of pancake then finished the plain pancake, let the dogs out and then went up to shower. “Are you nervous?” Daisy asked as she clipped here and there to even BL’s nails. “Not really, I’ve known Bo most of my life and I know things about him and he knows things about me that most people learn about over time or never,” BL replied. Daisy said, "Yes, that is true, but still. What about the wedding? Are you nervous about it? Oh, wow, after today, Aunt Pauline will be your aunt too." Everyone loved Pauline, but she was that relative that everyone seemed to breathe a sigh of relief when she pulled out on her way home. ”Maybe a little, everything has gone smoothly since Rosco put a wrinkle in the proposal Bo had planned. Yep,” BL replied, not too sure how she felt exactly about getting Pauline as an Aunt, she was a likeable even loveable person but Aunt Pauline could be pushy. BL had seen that for herself at Luke and Dixie’s reception weekend. Dixie had come in from her shower as Daisy and BL were talking. She said with a bit of dread as she thought of Pauline, "Daisy, you know her better than me. Do you think she'll know?" Daisy took a good look at Dixie and shook her head “No you ain’t showing,” “When are you and Luke planning to share the news with the rest of the family? BL asked as Daisy put the hot rollers in her hair. Dixie figured that part of her reasons for not shouting their news from the rooftops were the fact that the dates were at best going to be a bit off but she just also felt a bit self conscious. It was a strange feeling that she really couldn't explain. She shrugged her shoulders, "They'll figure it out." “In a few months when you do start showing but you're not the first mother to be, I’ve known to keep it to herself a while,” Daisy said, reassuringly supportive of Dixie’s decision. Dixie replied, "If she figures it out fine, but I just don't think I'll offer. “Upto you,” Daisy said. Dixie combed through her still wet hair as Daisy finished rolling BL's hair. "Have you figured out anything to do with my hair or should I just pull it back in a ponytail?" She teased. “Dixie Lee you are NOT wearing a ponytail to my wedding,” BL said, a little worked up a sign she was more nervous than she let on. “Relax BL,” Daisy replied, then asked Dixie as she finished painting BL’s nails a flesh color, “do you want to wear it up or down?” Dixie thought about it for a minute. The reason she usually wore her hair back was to be out of her face. She replied, "Up, I think. Or at least if you do it down pull the top front to the back. What do ya'll think?" “I can work with that and it will look great, so don’t worry BL,” Daisy said, beginning to work on BL’s makeup while her hair was away from her face. At the farm, Bo and Luke were giving General Lee a good cleaning up. Luke offered again, "Are you sure you don't want to use the truck?" “I’m sure but thanks for the offer, cousin,” Bo replied. A grey Cadillac signaled the arrival of Jesse’s youngest brother John,and sister in law Pauline turned off the road into the driveway. “There’s Uncle John and Aunt Pauline. I wonder if Jeb rode with them or if he’ll be along on his bike?" Bo said. Luke rolled his eyes at the question. "Really? Jeb will bring his bike. Come on, let's go greet them then we can finish up here." Luke said as he laid the shammie down and tucked his shirt tighter as he started toward the house." “It could happen, not likely to but it could happen,” Bo replied, tucking his own shirt tighter. “Howdy Uncle John, hello Aunt Pauline. That dress sure is pretty,” Bo shook hands with John and kissed Pauline’s cheek. Luke greeted John and Pauline in the same manner. Pauline was on her game early, "Luke, Dear. I didn't expect you here so early. I'll just get going in the house and see what Jesse needs help with. I can't wait to have a nice long talk with your bride. She was a little busy on our last trip." Luke rubbed the back of his neck, "Well, you might have to wait a spell on that Aunt Pauline. Dixie is in town with the girls getting ready for the wedding." “I stayed here last night,” Luke said seeing no reason not to be truthful, he’d already said Dixie was getting ready in town with the other girls Pauline wasn't sure she understood, "You mean you and Dixie stayed here last night night?. Right?" Luke couldn't explain why he felt about three years old right now, "No, Ma'am. Dixie stayed in town with Daisy and BL. You do realize that BL is Dixie's cousin, right?" He added, "They are as close as sisters and with BL's mother gone and all." Luke let his thoughts trail off. Pauline frowned but headed toward the kitchen, "Jesse, Jesse. What is going on between Luke and his bride?" Jesse tried to head her off, "Now, Pauline, don't go looking for trouble where there ain't none." “But Jesse, a husband and wife staying the night apart if the husband doesn’t travel for work, it just ain’t right,” Pauline fretted. “Luke was just giving the girls run of the house. He knew they’d all likely get ready together and him being the only man there, he‘d of had to compete for time in the bathroom,” Jesse replied. "But, Jesse, it just ain't right." Pauline declared. Jesse reminded, "You do remember that Dixie's and Luke's chosen professions, both cause them to work and be out of their home at odd hours, right?" “Yes,” Pauline answered. “Well you may as well know, Bo took a job that sometimes means he won’t be home at night. It don’t mean him and BL is having problems, just means he’s working,” Jesse said. Before Pauline could say more they heard Jeb’s motorcycle roar in, followed by a car engine. “There’s Jeb and I bet the other engine was Coy and Vance,” Jesse was saying as the trio came in with plastic protected suits to hang up with Luke’s. The five male cousins found plenty to keep them busy outside swapping stories and telling fibs until it was time to start getting ready to leave for town. LB had got home with Grandma Betty and he, Clyde and his Grandma were getting ready to go to the church. In town Dixie was waiting as long as possible to put on the dreaded dress. “What’s my time limit on keeping you in that dress? Luke’s friend Norm over at the newspaper is taking pictures,” BL looked up at Dixie from where she sat putting on pantyhose. Dixie grumbled as she pulled and tugged the hose, "I hate these things! Well, you get the ceremony, pictures if I have to and maybe to the reception. Depending on how comfortable it is and when the runners show up in these hose." Daisy looked confused, "Sugar, that's a new pair of hose. There's no runners in them." "Yet." Dixie replied, "I'm not in them yet and remember I said when they get a runner, not if. I bought three new pair for today." “Won’t nobody see the runners, dress is ankle length,” BL said. "Don't give me ideas. If they won't see runners, they won't see hose." Dixie pointed out quite proud of herself “Only if the shoe hides what the dress don’t cover,” BL shrugged continuing, “nobody said you had to wear hose, have you got any open toed heels? If not I have a pair you can borrow, ”BL said, giving Dixie a solution before she named a problem. Having countered Dixie's 'problems' in wardrobe for many years now. Dixie replied, "I don't have an opened toe shoe at all." “Why don’t you put on the dress then try on shoes without hose and see what looks and feels the best,” Daisy suggested. Dixie said, "I've got them on now. So far, so good. But the first sign of a runner they are gone. I just wished I'd thought about the no hose option sooner, though." “Ok let's get moving or BL’s gonna be late to her own wedding,” Daisy said. After Dixie and Daisy makeup was done, Daisy fixed their hair in a simple half up/half down style by pulling the sides and top away from their faces, flipping the tail through to make a knot on their heads at the same height as the back of their ears, clipping a barrette just below the knot. Next it was BL’s turn, Daisy took the rollers out and pinned BL’s hair up in a style similar to Shelby’s hair style in Steel Magnolias, BL’s favorite Dolly Parton movie. Putting on jeans and a button up shirt. “Will you hand me the garment bags on the rack in the closet please Daisy? It’s the dress Mary Lou T. and Becky Mae made and my wedding dress,” BL said. “Here ya go sugar,” Daisy handed BL the garment bags. Luke had showered, shaved, dressed minus his suit coat. He was currently giving his freshly shined boots another good brushing. He called across the hall to the bathroom, "Bo, if you don't stop primping in front of that mirror you're gonna be late." “This is why I'm never getting married, too much hassle,” Jeb said. “The right gal comes along, you’ll change your mind,” Vance said. On the porch, Jesse shook his head. Pauline asked, "Should you go in there?" Jesse replied, "Luke's got them." Bo came out of the bathroom at last, still fidgeting with his tie. Coy went into the bathroom as Bo came out, he wanted to take one last look in the mirror. “Now don’t you start,” Vance said, rolling his eyes, Bo and Coy were worse than Daisy when it came to primping in front of the mirror. Luke stood up, "Come here. Haven't you learned to tie a tie right yet?" Bo frowned, "I thought I had." Luke shook his head as he took over tying the tie. "John, did you hear that boy? Well, I ought just, ...." Pauline said as she started to get up. John calmly said, "Sit down, Pauline. If you'd stop pushing girls of your choosing at him, he might have time to do some looking on his own." “I just want the right kind of girl for him,” Pauline protested. “She may not be a saint Pauline but if he brings her home to meet his mama, she’s a decent girl,” Jesse replied. Pauline frowned, "The only friends he talks about are those motocross friends of his. They, of course, are all boys. Surely no girls would be at such a thing." Jesse checked his watch, "Boys. Let's get loaded up. It's time to go." “John, Pauline is it alright if I ride to the church with ya’ll?” Jesse asked “Of course it is Jesse, get in,” Pauline said, getting in the Cadillac's backseat, so Jesse could sit up front with John. Coy, Vance and Jeb all got in Coy and Vance’s car and Bo and Luke got in General Lee all heading off to town. Close to town, driving a Buick sedan, coming in from Tennessee was Jesse and John’s brother Elbert, their sister in law Bessie and their sons Jeb and Jeremiah. Luke pulled General Lee around to the side door of the church, and parked. Dixie and Daisy had just got BL into one of the back classrooms that doubled as a dressing room just before they heard General Lee. Dixie said, "There is one more reason to love the General. You hear him coming before he gets here." Cooter got to the Davenports after Luther had left. He needed to hurry, but he was feeling a mite like what the cat drug in the morning after. He hoped a hot shower helped. Last night had been just what the doctor ordered, well, at the time anyhow. Now he was paying for it. LB was in one of the front classrooms already when Bo came in. Luke followed like he was guard to the doorway, so Bo couldn’t make a run for it or hunt BL. Cooter showered, shaved and was dressed and on his way by ten minutes to 1, he was cutting it close but he made it just in time. Parking at the garage he walked over to the church. “Cutting it a mite close ain’t you son,” Luther said as Cooter walked up. Cooter just gave a nod and wisely didn't even try to explain. Daisy was giving makeup and hair one last going over. Dixie had help with the train and veil. In the other classroom, the men were tucking in shirts and straightening ties. Clyde came into the room the girls were in. Daisy started toward the door saying “Come on Dixie, let's step out a minute and give your uncle and BL some privacy. “Ya’ll can stay,” Clyde replied, then looked at his baby girl saying “You look as pretty as your mama did in that dress on the day I married her. You have become the woman she hoped you would and she would be very proud. I know I am.” “Thanks Daddy,” BL said, hugging Clyde she continued “I am who I am because of the way you raised me,” not finished, so she wouldn’t cry and mess up her makeup BL released Clyde and asked with a sassy grin “where did you go wrong with LB?” BL's sass saved the lump in Clyde’s throat from choking him along with a knock at the door. Daisy only slightly opened the door, making sure that it wasn't Bo. Jesse asked, "Can I come in just a minute?" Daisy stepped back from the door. Jesse took in the sight of BL in her mother's dress. He had been there also to see her mother in the dress, "My, my, BL, you sure do look like your Mama today. I just wanted to take a minute to welcome both you gals to the family. Them boys of mine have sure picked a couple good girls that might just settle them down just a mite. You know I love them boys, all five of them and Daisy there, but sometimes they still make me wonder why, but today isn't one of those days. This is a good day for the Dukes," he paused, looking at Clyde with his hand extended, "And the Davenports." Clyde accepted Jesse’s hand, giving it a strong shake. With one last look at the girls who were taking over looking after his boys, he went back out into the foyer, shutting the door behind himself. BL and Bo had chosen not to have ushers seating the guest mostly but had made a few exceptions such as Vance escorted Miz Tisdale to a seat, Uncle Jesse’s old girlfriend Lucinda Meadows sat a couple rows back. Enos slipped quietly in the side door, his plane had been delayed. The music started to play and Uncle Jesse walked down the aisle followed by BL’s maternal grandmother on the arm of Cooter. The only grandparent either one had left. Bo, Luke and LB stood at the front of the church as Dixie and Daisy came down the aisle and stood across from them. The big wooden doors between the sanctuary and foyer were closed and then the wedding march started to play and the guests stood. BL took Clyde’s elbow as those wooden doors were opened by Coy and Jeb. “Ready? Here we go,” Clyde whispered in BL’s ear. Pauline, the ever observant aunt, raised an eyebrow just a bit as she watched Luke's wife come down the aisle. She had only seen the girl once in years before today, but unless she missed her guess, Dixie had picked up a few pounds. Given it could be the dress, but Pauline took note to be more observant as the wedding march began to play. She turned her attention to the bride of the day.. Once Clyde and BL were down front Reverend Frawley welcomed everyone then asked, “Who gives this woman unto holy matrimony?” “I do,” Clyde responded, placing BL’s hand in Bo’s then taking a seat beside BL’s grandmother. Reverend Frawley then read a passage from the Bible on marriage. Afterwards he had BL pass her flowers to Dixie then she and Bo faced each other and join hands. Despite limiting their guest list for the wedding, the little church had a good many pews filled but Bo didn’t notice or care he only saw his bride. “Now Bo repeat after me; I Bo take you Brandy Lou to be my lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward. For better or worse. In sickness and in health. For richer or poorer, I promise to love, honor and cherish you.” Bo repeated each phrase at Reverend Frawley’s pause. “Now BL repeat after me; I Brandy Lou take you Bo to be my lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward. For better or worse. In sickness and in health. For richer or poorer, I promise to love, honor and cherish you.” Reverend Frawley said. Like Bo, at each pause from the Reverend, BL repeated each phrase. “Now to exchange rings,” Reverend Frawley said. Luke handed Bo the ring as Dixie did the same for BL. “Bo place the ring on the ring finger of BL’s left hand and repeat this vow. With this ring I thee wed. I give you this ring. A circle unbroken, a circle of my everlasting love and devotion. Bo slipped the gold band on BL’s finger, stopping at the middle knuckle as he repeated the words, slipping the ring the rest of the way with the final words. “BL place the ring on the ring finger of Bo’s left hand and repeat this vow. With this ring I thee wed. I give you this ring. A circle unbroken a circle of my everlasting love and devotion.” BL slipped the gold band on Bo’s finger, stopping at the middle knuckle as she repeated the words, slipping the ring the rest of the way with the final words. “I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss your bride” Reverend Frawley said. Bo had been waiting for this part, leaning in, Bo pressed his lips to BL’s and then the kiss deepened, seeming to last forever until Luke whispered, “let her up for air Bo.” After Bo stepped back Reverend Frawley announced, “It is my great pleasure to introduce Bo and BL Duke,” Reverend Frawley concluded. Bo and BL then proceeded to the back of the church and outside, followed by Luke and Dixie, then LB and Daisy, followed by the Reverend. The front pews followed the wedding party out to greet the couple. Luke shook Bo's hand, then said, "Welcome to the family BL and as the best man, let me be the first to kiss the bride." Luke said, trying to rile Bo just a bit. Dixie grinned wickedly at Luke, as she said to Bo, "So I guess that means I get to kiss the groom first." As Jesse, Pauline, Clyde, Luther and John stepped outside the first sight they got without hearing the explanation was to see the wrong cousin kissing the wrong bride. Jeb, Coy and Vance got the picture as Jeb called, "I'm next!" “No you’re not young man!” Pauline scolded her son. The group had moved to the sidewalk to let the rest of the guests out of the church. “Boys!" Jesse said in warning, the middle of town in front of Reverend Frawley no less was no place for their shenanigans. Jeb, Vance and Coy all slowed their pace just a mite as they still continued to congratulate the new couple. Bo and Luke had now traded back to their own wives. Unseen by the others, both Dixie and BL gave the men just a slight tap with an elbow. The meaning of 'straighten up here comes the preacher' was not lost on the men. Both Luke and Bo shook Reverend Frawley's hand, thanked him and invited him to the reception. Luke’s newspaper friend acting as wedding photographer,Norm took a few pictures of the wedding party as a group and then various shots of BL and Davenport family and Bo with the Duke family and the couple with each family. Then they all headed to the Boar’s Nest for the reception. “Bo honey, I know how important General Lee is to you but I’m not sure I can slide in and out the window in this dress. I brought something to change into at the reception,” BL said, looking at the orange stock car with uncertainty. ”I’ll help Darlin don’t worry,” Bo said. BL put her train over her arm, then Bo picked her up cradling her in his arms, sliding her in. Siding across the hood, Bo slid behind the steering wheel. Kissing his new wife, then they were off to the Boar’s Nest. BB in his sunday suit was waiting out front of the Boar’s Nest when Bo came roaring into the parking lot. BB followed the orange car to the side of the building where Bo parked for a quick and he hoped clean getaway after all the work he and Luke had done cleaning the car earlier. “Congratulations, sorry I didn’t make it, was doing a job that I thought I could finish in plenty of time to get ready and be there but it took longer than expected and I couldn’t just stop partway,” BB explained his absence at the event. ”It’s ok, we understand, don’t we Darlin?” Bo replied. “Of course we do, the job had to be completed but you’re here now,” BL said as Bo helped her, not really able to pick her up inside the car. BB figured the reception would be a far sight more fun than any wedding that he'd ever been to. Luke and Dixie were just about to get into his truck to head to the reception when Luke looked at the church and looked again, "Darlin' did you see your mother inside?" In all the preparation, ceremony and picture taking, Dixie hadn't really paid a lot of attention to anyone except Luke, BL and Bo. "No. I just figured she couldn't make it." "Well she did. She's talking to Uncle Jesse, Aunt Pauline and Uncle John." Dixie turned to see her mother at the church steps. "I guess we better go say 'Hi.' before we take off." Luke nodded in agreement. BL was getting a mite fidgety waiting on everybody to get from the church to the Boar’s Nest. “I wished everybody would hurry it up. It’s not a long drive. I’m ready to get comfortable, this train and veil are starting to bug me,” BL grumbled. BB snickered “you sound like Dixie, except with her it ain’t just parts of the dress she complains about, it’s the whole dress.” Boss Hogg and Lulu were the first to arrive. Boss Hogg wanted to make sure nobody was taking the bottled beer, since Lulu wouldn’t let him charge for beer. “Oh BL honey, you look just gorgeous. Don’t she JD?” Lulu gushed. As cantankerous as Boss Hogg usually was, he smiled and answered genuinely. “She certainly is pretty as a picture.” “Thank you,” BL replied. Next came Daisy, Jeb, Coy and Vance. Luke and Dixie were walking toward Jesse. Jesse looked up, "Ain't yall got reception duties to attend to?" Dixie grinned, "They will be just fine for a few minutes. I had to make sure Mother is coming to the reception. I didn't even see you inside." Katherine replied, "You were a little busy Dear." "It's good to see you again." Luke said. “Nice to see you again as well, Luke,” Katherine replied. “I hate to sound rude but if we don’t get to the Boar’s Nest, BL is liable to turn into a bridezilla, only difference between her and most is now the wedding is over, poor Bo’s in her direct path,” Dixie said. Back at the Boar’s Nest the little roadhouse was filling up, alot of the young ladies looked like they were at a wake but the Mamas and Daddies of these young ladies were all congratulating the newlyweds with all the enthusiasm they could muster. Luke replied, "Dixie's right. I need to go try to keep Bo alive. Ya'll are coming? Right?" Luke asked them. “The kids is right, it's BL and Bo’s day, we can visit at the reception,” Clyde said, heading for his pickup. “Ready Grandma Betty?” LB asked, getting behind the wheel of his and BL’s maternal grandmother’s car. “Yes, who was that pretty little thing you was talking to? The future Mrs. Longstreet Davenport,” Grandma Betty replied. “That was Carol Anne Murphy, I’m in no hurry to get married,” LB answered. Uncle Jesse, Aunt Pauline and Uncle John all got into Pauline’s Chrysler, a familiar Buick Sedan belonging to their sister in-law Bessie pulled onto the highway just ahead of them. Neither car load of Dukes was expecting the sudden appearance of Miz Emma Tisdale’s motorcycle. Elbert braked and turned the wheel to the left, barely missing the motorcycle. John heard the motorcycle, then saw Elbert brake and turn hard. John braked, then turned to the right to barely miss Bessie's Buick. Pauline gasped and held on until the car stopped. Jesse nearly swore, "Emmer, you're gonna get someone killed with that thing!" Emma spun the motorcycle around, headed back to the now stopped cars and yelled, "Come on! Let's get going! We don't want them youngin's having all the fun! Jesse Duke, the first dance is mine!" She gunned the motorcycle and was off again heading to the reception. Elbert got back on the road followed by John, Jesse and Pauline. Parking to the side of the parking lot the little group made their way inside. The whole Duke clan was present now, minus 15 year old Jed and 13 year old Jeremiah who were with their church youth group this weekend. Mainly because like their older cousins they were chasing girls but they weren’t about to tell Bessie that had been why they had wanted to go. Daisy picked up the microphone saying,”Can I have your attention please. Due to circumstances, nobody had control over years ago, we’re going to make a few changes to the norm.” Daisy paused, "We are about to do the Bride and Father-in-law dance, but in our case, Uncle Jesse and BL will have this dance and for the Groom and Mother-in-law's dance, Bo will have the pleasure of escorting Ms Betty Clark to the dance floor." My Wish by Rascal Flatts began to play from the jukebox because there hadn’t been enough time for Jeb, Coy, and Vance’s band to rehearse. Jesse got up from a nearby table and went over to BL escorting her to the dance floor. At this time Bo made his way over to where Grandma Betty Clark sat with her son in-law Clyde. ”Ma’am may I have this dance?” Bo asked, sticking out his elbow as if escorting the most important lady ever and next to his wife and Daisy she was. Not many of the parents of the girls that Bo had dated had ever seen the young man act so respectful. A couple of their mother's now wished that he were in their daughter's lives. The song ended and Bo escorted Grandma Betty back to her seat. “Thank you for the dance ma’am, it was a pleasure dancing with you,” Bo said. “It was sweet of you to ask,” Grandma Betty replied. Jesse escorted BL back to the table where the rest of the Duke and Davenport cousins sat. Daisy picked up the microphone saying, “We will now have the father/daughter dance. Coy was closest and selected My Little Girl by Tim McGraw on the jukebox and Clyde met BL on the dance floor. During BL's dance with Clyde, Daisy had managed to talk to Bo. When Clyde escorted BL back to Bo, Daisy said, "And now we'll have the Mother / Groom dance. Bo made his way over to his Aunt Bessie, "Would you do me the honors?" Bessie was taken by surprise but took Bo's arm as they headed for the dance floor just as Brad Paisley’s She’s Everything began playing. As they danced, Bo had explained that he planned to dance the first half with her and then finish the dance with Pauline. When the song was to the midpoint, Bo escorted Bessie back to Elbert, then quickly asked Pauline to finish. After the song ended Daisy announced as Bo was taking Pauline back over to John. “It's time for the bride and groom’s dance, then the best man’s toast, then we’ll cut the cake and everybody can eat, then gifts.” Bo led BL to the dance floor, holding her close as they moved about to Clint Black’s When I said I do. After the song finished Luke went over to the bar where Jesse poured and passed out glasses of the Duke family shine, which had been made by John because Jesse had other things to attend to. “Please raise your glasses to my cousin Bo and my newest cousin BL. To the Happy couple.” Murmurs of congratulations and clinking glasses followed.Sliding over behind the cake Bo and BL picked up the cake knife cutting a small slice to feed each other. “Bo please don’t get cake on Mama’s dress,” BL said, quietly. Bo liked to have fun and if she was wearing her normal clothes she wouldn’t care if he got cake on her. “I wouldn’t dream of it, Darlin. However I would do this,” with his final words Bo tapped BL’s nose leaving behind a small dollop of frosting. “Cute Bo,” BL wiped her nose with a napkin then fed Bo a bite of cake. “Fix your plates folks, I’ll be right back,” BL said then leaned up on her tippy toes, giving Bo a kiss. “Fix me a plate please hun, I’m gonna change real quick.” “Ok sure Darlin,” Bo replied. BL went over to Dixie whispering in her cousin’s ear,”you can ditch the dress I’m fixing to change now all the important stuff is over.” Dixie couldn't have been more ready. She looked around for someone not too busy or in a real big hurry to eat, "Could I talk my big brother into getting my bag out of the truck? Please??" She said super sweetly. Cooter looked from Dixie to Luke and back again. He thought for sure that now that Dixie had married Luke that all these things were his 'duty'. Dixie said, "He's busy with Bo." Luke said, "Never too busy for you Darlin'. But, Cooter, I do need to take care of another matter if you don't mind, buddy. " “While you’re going, could you bring my garment bag, my other dress is in it? Please?” BL said just as sweetly as Dixie. Cooter looked to Bo then BL then he looked for LB, he was the bride’s brother. BL said, “Bo’s busy and I don’t know what LB’s upto, it's in General Lee.” “Sure I’ll get it,” Cooter replied. A few minutes later he returned with the requested bags. “Here ya go,” Cooter said. “Thanks,”BL took her bag. After gathering everything they needed BL and Dixie managed to steal a few minutes to themselves to change clothes. Dixie asked as she hung her dress in the garment bag with BLs dress, "So how does it feel to be Mrs. Bo Duke?" “About as good as it feels to you being Mrs. Luke Duke. Come on let’s go eat, breakfast done wore off,” BL replied. Aunt Catherine probably wasn’t going to like it that Dixie had changed into pants but at least it was dress pants instead of jeans. Dixie hung the garment bag back in the closet with her bag then headed for the line just getting food. She managed to slip in behind Bo and in front of Luke. Everything looked great and she was starving. BL slipped in line in front of Bo and behind Cooter. There was almost every casserole you could imagine, they all smelled so good it made her mouth water and her stomach growl. She saw one of her favorites, chicken -n- dressing. There was a tater tot casserole, green bean casserole, corn casserole, and bbq meatballs. “I just put on 10 pounds just smelling all this,” BL said with a chuckle. Dixie tried a spoon of chicken casserole, some BBQ meatballs, deviled eggs, pasta and potato salads, baked beans, and a roll. Then she saw the vegetable dip. She moved things around to make a place for the dip, then put cucumbers, broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, and olives around and on top of her food making her plate look fuller than it really was. At the end of the line she got a large glass of sweetened tea and headed to the table set aside for the wedding party. Pearl Crowley saw Dixie’s plate and whispered to her best friend Margarret Thornsby, “She keeps eating like that and she’ll be as big as a house, then let’s see how long it is before Luke gets a wandering eye.” Margaret nodded. BL’s plate didn’t have as many different foods on it but it still had enough to earn her a look from Pearl. She had gotten a hearty serving of chicken -n- dressing, a spoon of BBQ meatballs, baked beans, hash brown casserole. deviled eggs and a roll. Getting a glass of sweet tea she went over to the wedding party’s table sitting across from Dixie. Daisy finished eating and then waited for Bo and BL to finish before going upto the microphone. “It’s time to open gifts but ya’ll just keep eating, everything will be laid out to look at. “I hope not everything,” Bo said for only BL to hear, he remembered what he, his boy cousins, Cooter and LB had given Luke. Together they went to the chairs in front of the same booth near the door where Luke and Dixie’s gifts had been the month before. Luke motioned to Daisy, "Make sure Bo opens this last." He handed her an envelope that looked like a normal greeting card. Daisy gave him a questioning look but replied, "Alright." Dixie asked, "What's that?" Luke grinned, "Nothing much. Just a card." "My foot." Dixie replied. Word had begun to get around that the newly weds would be living with Luke and Dixie so folks knew the house was furnished, instead of toasters and the like they got 4 more sets of sheets, more towels,a couple of nice night gowns for BL , a wedding photo album, a couple of light blankets and a matching set of to go coffee cups. “There’s two more gifts under the table Daisy,” Dobro said, getting a good view from his seat. Daisy pulled out a large gift bag, handing it to BL. The tag said it was from BL’s Grandma Betty, inside was a hand stitched double wedding ring quilt. Daisy helped unfold it and hold it up for all to see. “Thank you Grandma, it's beautiful,” BL said, helping refold the quilt.. “You’re very welcome dear. Dixie there’s one in my car for you and Luke,” Betty replied. "Oh, wow! Thank you so much. I have always loved that pattern but quilting just isn't something I have ever learned to do." Dixie said truthfully. “You’re very welcome,” Betty replied. Daisy handed Bo the last gift, Clyde said, “That one’s from me and Luther, it’s for all 4 of you.” Luke and Dixie moved closer. Bo tore off the paper, it was a home CB base. “Hey Dixie, now we don’t have to go out to the vehicles,” BL said. "True." Dixie said. Luther added, "That way, if I need another truck, I don't have to have the switchboard call ya’ll." Luke gave a somewhat fake smile, "Right." Daisy checked all around to make sure no gifts had been forgotten, not finding any she gave Bo the envelope from Luke, “Luke said give you this last.” Bo looked to Luke, who was now grinning at Bo. Bo opened the envelope up cautiously as if he expected something to jump out at him. Finally, he took out the card and read it first to himself then to the others, adding most of the note inside, "Congratulations! This is a little something from us guys..... two nights at, ...." Bo purposely left the name of the hotel out, "hotel in the honeymoon suite. Luke, Cooter, LB, BB,Brody, Dobro and David Doolin, Coy, Vance and Jeb." “Thank ya’ll so much,” BL said then to Bo added “ we don’t have any bags packed.” “Me and Luke will go pack you a bag, while you do the bouquet and garter toss we can't participate anyway,” Dixie said. “Bo take Monday off, that way you don’t have to rush back, consider it a company wedding gift. I hope you ‘kids’ are as happy as me and my Rosalynn have been the last 42 years,” Bo’s boss Mr. Harvey said. “Thank you sir, I appreciate the day off,” Bo replied. Dixie got BL off to the side to make sure she got exactly what she wanted for their wedding night. Luke pretty much knew that Bo would have been fine without a bag but he'd get him some jeans and less dressy stuff for their return trip. As Luke and Dixie were about to make a hurried trip to town and back, Daisy said to the others, "Alright, now I got to give Luke a few minutes here. Everyone grab something to eat, get a drink refill or get out on the floor for a couple songs before we toss the bouquet. And, Rosco, Miss Lulu told me you are off duty, so you just sit right back down there so Luke can get back here." Rosco sat down. Luke gave Daisy a peck on her cheek as he headed out the door on a mission. “‘I guess I can hand out the birdseed while we wait,” Daisy said, getting her basket of birdseed and went around the room passing them out. Meanwhile Dixie and Luke were at the house in town packing one big bag, no need for separate bags, Bo and BL didn’t need much for just a couple of nights. “Let’s see, BL wanted her new negligee set, underwear, 2 tops, 2 pairs of jeans and her boots,”Dixie ticked off on her fingers. “What does she need 2 outfits for?” Dixie rolled her eyes thinking men had a one track mind, “Luke they won’t stay in the room the whole time, there’s lots to see and do in Atlanta.” Luke didn’t really see it happening but he packed Bo 2 sets of clothes and some boxer shorts. “A little something for later,” Luke put in a mason jar of shine and Dixie put BL’s small makeup bag with toothbrushes and toothpaste. “Can’t forget these,” Dixie put BL’s birth control in the makeup bag as well, tucking it in the big bag before zipping it. Luke laughed a bit and said, "She better hope she remembers to take them. We are back to them not leaving the room." Dixie rolled her eyes at him, "Men! You are bad." Luke replied as he wrapped his arms around her, "I'm very good at being bad." "Are you sure you got a room for them or us?" "Both." Luke replied. “C’mon we better get back,” Dixie said. “Yeah,” Luke agreed, so out the door they hurried, making it to the Boar’s Nest in record time. Dixie got out of the truck saying, ”I’ll put their bag in General Lee.” Luke already had the bag in his hand, "I got this. Remember, you should be taking things easy." Dixie said, "OK, but it weighs like five pounds." With the bag in the General Lee, Luke reached behind his truck seat. "Hang on a minute." He said, shaking up a liquid chalk marker as he climbed in the General, "Sorry, General but he's making me do this to you." Luke wrote on the inside of the windows 'Just married' 'Bo and BL'. Then he took a string of cans and other noise makers and tied it to the General's underneath where it would be difficult to remove. Finally, Luke said, dusting himself off, "Alright. You ready?" Dixie replied, "Sure." Inside Bo and BL were on the dance floor with a few more couples, Daisy saw Dixie and Luke come in the door, so as soon as the song ended she announced. “It’s time for the bouquet toss.” All the single ladies lined up, most in hopes they’d catch the bouquet and one of the remaining single Duke men. In particular Miz Tisdale had her eye on Jesse Duke. Daisy put the microphone down and stepped down into the crowd of single women. BL stepped onto the little stage, took a peek over her shoulder then turned away and tossed the flowers over her head, turning around just in time to see Daisy snatch it from the air. “Alrighty gentleman, your turn,” Dixie said, now manning the microphone. A chair was set on the stage while the men lined up. Just like at Luke and Dixie’s reception, Jesse protested as he was being dragged by his single nephews. “This is for you youngin's, not an old coot like me.” Bo took his place on the stage where BL had her foot propped in a chair. Bo was doing the same ‘fishing’ routine that Luke had done and like Dixie, BL had the good graces to blush, also like Dixie had, she held the long skirt of the dress with a hand resting on it. When Bo had BL’s garter off he turned his back to the gathered men and shot the garter like a rubber band over his head, it landed on Cooter’s shoulder. Everyone clapped and cheered. Daisy and Cooter both blushed a bit at being deemed, 'next to marry' as the tradition goes. Luke managed to get Bo's attention just long enough to slip him two crisp hundred dollar bills. "That's from us guys, too. Just in case you do leave the room or want to order out." “Thanks Luke but where did all ya’ll get enough money for 2 nights in the honeymoon suite plus this much left over?” Bo asked, putting the money in his wallet. “Don’t worry about it,”Luke replied. Bo nodded saying nomore about it,he was ready for some alone time with his wife. He went back over to BL “ready Mrs. Duke?” “Yes,” BL replied. Daisy saw that Bo and BL were ready to leave, "Alright ya'll, our newlyweds are ready to head out. Let's go give them a proper send off." Everyone headed outside. Each taking note of the General Lee all decorated up while getting their birdseed ready to toss at the couple as they headed to the car. Bo took BL’s hand dashing to General Lee as they were pelted with birdseed. Scooping his bride into his arms, Bo helped BL in the window. Forgetting that he was wearing nice clothes, Bo slid across the General Lee’s hood, sliding in the driver side window behind the steering wheel. “Bo those are dress pants not jeans,” BL said. “Good thing me and Luke washed and waxed the General, cleaned and waxed paint slides better,” Bo replied, smiling impishly. BL chuckled and with a blast of the Dixie horn, they were on their way to Atlanta. Jesse nearly fussed at Bo even though he knew his nephew wouldn't have heard him over the General's engine. Then he realized getting stains out of Bo's good clothes was no longer his worry. With General Lee quickly out of sight, the others began filing back inside. Katherine took the opportunity to sit with Luke and Dixie. BL scooted over to the middle of the seat, laying her head on Bo’s shoulder. “What are we gonna do in Atlanta?” BL asked. “What do you mean, what are we gonna do?” Bo returned the question. “Bo I can’t tell folks all we did was stay in the room, most folks make a weekend trip of activities out of it besides, THAT,” BL said rolling her eyes. Chuckling Bo replied, “we’ll decide when we get to the hotel.” About 30 minutes into the drive, Bo pulled over. “What are we doing?” BL asked. “I am fixin’ to undo Lukes handy work,” Bo replied. “You got a blanket to lay on, so you don’t get your clothes dirty?" “In the trunk Darlin,” Bo replied, getting said blanket, laying it on the ground. In just a few minutes Bo tossed the blanket and all in the trunk, getting behind the steering wheel pulling back onto the road. “We’re good to go,” Bo said. Luke had already motioned Daisy over before Katherine sat down. "Can I get you anything, Katherine?" Katherine replied, "Thank you, Luke. An iced tea would be fine." Luke turned to Daisy, "Two iced teas and a beer." Daisy replied, "You got it." As the drinks arrived, Katherine asked, "You aren't celebrating, Dear?" Dixie sipped her tea, "Someone's got to drive home, Mother." Katherine said, "True." Bo drove another 5 miles before stopping at a gas station, “I can’t see out the back glass, I’m gonna wash it off.” Bo parked so that he didn’t block the pumps, slid out and went to work on the back window with the squeegee but the writing wasn’t coming off “dang it! I don’t know why but this stuff ain’t coming off,” Bo fumed. BL tried not to laugh at Bo’s frustration as she slid onto the window sill. ”It won’t come off because it’s on the inside,” BL said. Bo swore, wondering why he hadn’t noticed. “Go in the store, get a bottle of windex and a roll of paper towels and I’ll clean it off while you drive and would you get me a cherry coke, please dear,” BL said. “OK,” Bo replied, going in the little store a few minutes later, he came back and handed BL the bag so he could drive. BL crawled in the backseat, being as ladylike as possible. Unzipping their bag to get her birth control pills, she found the jar of shine Luke had put in the bag. Not telling Bo yet, she took her pill and started cleaning the window. Dixie looked at Luke asking him an unspoken question. Luke gave her a look that said he was behind her decision. Dixie added, "Of course, there might be...." Luke interrupted, "Hold that thought just a minute." He stepped over to the table where his Aunt Pauline and Aunt Bessie were talking. "Would my two favorite aunts please come over and sit with Dixie, Katherine and myself a few minutes?" “Of course Luke,” Pauline and Bessie said in unison. The two ladies looked at each other then Luke before swapping tables. Dixie saw what Luke was up to. She waited until the ladies were settled. "As I was telling Mother, there just might be another reason, other than me driving home, that I wasn't joining Luke in drinking a beer." She paused to let that sink in. "It just might be because we have a little Duke on the way." Luke wished someone would have snapped a picture of his aunts at that exact moment. Pauline and Bessie probably could have been knocked out of their chairs with a feather at that moment. “Congratulations, it's about time we had a baby in the family again.” Bessie gushed. “Yes it is, when are you due? Pauline asked. Dixie tried to look more calm than she felt, "April." “April! That’ll be here before you know it. I just can’t wait to get hold of it and kiss those sweet baby cheeks,” Bessie said, nearly beside herself with excitement. “Have you started getting ready, like setting up a nursery?” Pauline asked. Dixie smiled at the older ladies, "No, actually, we're just really getting used to the idea." Katherine wasn't quite sure how to feel. Of course she was very happy for her daughter whom she knew had loved her husband for years but she wasn't sure how to feel about being a grandmother. “Well Katherine, cat got your tongue? You’re awful quiet,” Pauline said. She didn’t approve of moonshiners anymore than Katherine but she hadn’t ever even threatened to take Jeb and leave John. She had been young and a good girl looking for a bad boy but hadn’t decided she didn’t want a man who ran illegal booze after the baby came along like Katherine had after a second baby came along. Luther wasn’t even breaking the law according to John. “Surely you knew it’d happen eventually,” Pauline said, wondering if and when ‘eventually’ would come for her. She was ready to be a grandma. "Well, yes. It's just a bit of a surprise, is all." Katherine said. Then asked, "Is your father looking forward to being a grandpa?" Dixie looked at Luke, who replied. "We really haven’t talked too much about it with him, but his first reaction was turning that deep purpl e color that you may know." In Atlanta Bo parked in the hotel parking lot, sliding out of General Lee going around to help BL out. “Hand me our bag,” Bo said, hanging it from his shoulder while he helped BL out. Putting her empty coke bottle and the used paper towels in the plastic bag from the gas station to put in the hotel garbage can. At the desk the receptionist on duty asked, “Can I help you sir?” “I have a reservation for the honeymoon suite, name is Duke,” Bo replied. “Just a moment,” the receptionist said, checking the reservations, she continued, “Duke, here we are. Third floor, end of the hall. Enjoy your stay and congratulations,” the receptionist smiled, giving Bo a key. “Thank you,” The newlyweds relied, Katherine said tight lipped, "I know that shade of purple well." Luke added, "I figured as long as we can be in the same room and be civil, there was no need to poke the bear." The women were soon in an all out baby conversation. Luke decided to leave them to talk. Dixie looked at the clock on the wall behind the bar then smiled apologetically, although she wasn’t the least bit sorry. “I’m sorry but me and Luke need to go, the dogs haven’t been out since just before we left for the wedding,” Dixie said, standing, she headed to where Luke sat talking to her cousin Earl. In the elevator Bo pushed the button for the 3rd floor. When the elevator doors opened they were at one end of a long hall BL said stepping off, “only one way to go looks like.” At the last door Bo unlocked the door, opening it. BL took one step but before she could take another Bo said “wait!.” Bo scooped BL into his arms. “Bo what are you doing?” BL questioned. “Carrying my bride across the threshold,” Bo replied, kicking the door closed with his foot.

Sunday morning saw Jesse Duke up early as usual but with noone but him home, he didn’t have to cook the usual breakfast for his ‘kids’, instead he did the chores so the ‘kids’ could sleep in. About noon as figured by Jesse the ‘kids’ started to come alive after not going to bed until about 5am. Luke was the first one moving, he came downstairs to let the three dogs out in the backyard. Trixie saw the three men in the livingroom and went round giving kisses until they were up too. Putting on coffee, Luke set out the leftover desserts for ‘breakfast’. Once everybody was at the table with ‘breakfast’ and coffee they planned their afternoon. The fellas were going to work on fixing some of the damage to last night’s race casualty while the girls went bridesmaids dress shopping. Cooter gave a low whistle as they got their first good look at the white Porsche. “I don’t know whether to fix it or bury it,” Cooter said to the others. Luke wasn't planning on doing much today except hang out with the fellas and go help Bo with chores later, so he reached for a beer as he stated, "Before you make up your mind, you might want to wait and see what the kid’s Dad wants done with it. I bet it's not even registered to the kid." ”Good point,” Cooter said, still tired from the night’s festivities. “We can take my car, if ya’ll want, where we going? Daisy said then tacked on her question. “Fine with me, I call shotgun,” Dixie replied. “I thought we might check out the mall at Coreyville. They should have dresses that ain’t too fancy, all the bridal boutiques and formal shops will be closed on Sunday and going shopping after work this week is cutting it close,” BL said. So getting in Daisy’s car, they struck out for Coreyville. Once at the mall, Daisy parked in front of JCPenny Dixie said as they got out of the car, "I only have one really important question for you two shoppers. Where are we eating?" BL and Daisy laughed, saying together “you choose.” "How about the buffet or the pizza place with the extra large calzones?” Her mouth started to water just thinking of the calzones, "Scratch that. If I'm picking, it's the pizza place." “Not that I’m complaining, those calzones do sound good but you do remember we had pizza night before last?” BL asked, grinning. Daisy liked shopping way more than either of them, so it was no surprise when she headed straight into the jungle of clothes calling back, “hurry up you two.” Dixie and BL followed Daisy as they talked. "True. You are right, but calzones are different. Let's give it a bit and decide. Go. Dress hunt." “I have a dress, the long white lacy one,” BL said, continuing “we’re shopping for bridesmaids dresses and YOU’RE the picky one,” BL emphasized you’re, grinning as she looked through a rack. Dixie replied, "I am not picky. I keep telling you my favorite dress is my favorite blue jeans. I only asked that it not be pink or horribly dressy. Are you going for short or floor length? “Floor length or atleast top of the foot. Maybe a maxi dress if you find one you like,” BL said, holding up a purple floor length dress with a V neck that wasn’t too revealing and a stretchy middle. ”Dixie said, "Well, I do like purple but I like this better,” Dixie showed BL a maxi dress with buttons down the front and a belt that tied slightly to one side . “How about this one, the belt is loose,” Dixie said. “Now that wasn’t so bad, was it?” BL said. “No I guess not, are we ready to go eat now?” Dixie replied. Daisy had wandered back over asking “find anything?” “Yes, it can be worn just as a casual sunday dress after the wedding,” BL said, holding Dixie’s dress up. “Pretty,” Daisy said, getting one for herself. Dresses purchased the girls headed back to the car and then the pizza place to eat. “That was good,” Dixie said, adding as she stood “I got to go to the little girls room, before we head home.” “Me too,” Daisy replied. “Wait for me,” BL said, following. Back in Hazzard the guys had piddled around at the garage a while then Cooter and LB went home and Bo and Luke went back to Luke and Dixie’s to get the dogs, then go out to the Duke farm to do evening chores. Daisy pulled in Luke and Dixie’s driveway to let Dixie and BL out, they noticed onlyDixie’s and BL’s cars were there which could only mean the Davenport men had gone home and Bo and Luke were probably doing chores at the farm. “Are ya’ll coming out to the farm?” Daisy asked. “Yes, Luke is probably helping Bo with chores, I’ll ride with one of ya’ll out then ride back home with Luke,” Dixie replied. "BL, you might as well ride out with us. You know you and Bo will go do something this evening. Even if it is wrong." Dixie kidded. “Cute”, BL said adding with a grin, “Is that an invitation to stay again tonight? We had to be on our best behavior last night, my brother was there to chaperone. Otherwise I need to get my car and follow you.” "The door is open. I'm not your parents but you deal with Uncle Clyde." Dixie said knowing full well that if Bo and BL wanted to be up to no good they wouldn't necessarily do it in town. “I try not to have to deal with him, the less he knows sometimes the better. Me and Bo are getting married a week from today, what’s it matter what we do? “One week or one day matters when you’re a girl with a virtue to protect,” Daisy said, heading to the farm. BL frowned in defeat. When they pulled into the farm, the race was on! All three dogs heard Daisy’s car and took off in a mad dash to greet the girls. “The guys must have been mean and they are telling on them,” Dixie said, grinning. The girls stopped where they were, giving the dogs plenty of petting and belly rubs. Bo and Luke walked over, giving their ladies deep,passionate kisses which Daisy had the good manners to look away saying, “I’m gonna go put my dress in my room.” “I get to do that everyday for the rest of our lives,” Bo said when the kiss ended. “Lucky me,” BL said, adding “can we go for a walk? I want to talk to you about something.” Bo asked, "You don't mind, do ya Luke?" Luke replied, "Go on. We'll feed the crew before we head out." Dixie asked, "Do you want me to take Sadie or is she going with you?" “You can take her if she’ll go but wait until I’m out of sight or she won’t go,” BL replied. “Sadie, stay.” Bo and BL headed in the direction of the south 40. Luke put his arm around Dixie as they walked to the barn, "She's not getting cold feet, is she?" Dixie laughed, "Anything but, I'd say." In the barn, Luke asked, "Want to feed the chickens and ducks? I'll get the hogs and horses." Dixie said, "Alright, but I want to give Blackberry a treat." Luke grinned, "What did she do to get a treat?" "Be cute." Dixie replied. "So what kind of treat do you want for being cute?" Luke asked. "I'll let ya know when we get home." Dixie replied. Luke replied, "Well, forget what I was gonna ask. You have a much better idea." "What was your idea?" Dixie asked. "It involved going out, being in a crowded room, having a beer or three, but like I said, I like your idea better." He said. Dixie replied, "Me too." After they had walked in silence a good ways, BL asked Bo. ”You remember we talked about me taking birth control? And we decided to just let nature take its course?” Bo nodded unsure where BL was going with this, "Yeah." “I changed my mind, I don’t know about you but I’m not ready to have kids yet. We should get used to just being married and enjoy it before we go thinking about having kids, don’t you think?” BL replied. It sounded pretty good to Bo, "Whatever you want Darlin'. Just as long as we get to practice making them, but what changed your mind?" BL couldn’t help the giggle that escaped, if Bo had his way they’d start practicing now. “Promise you won’t think I’m awful?” BL asked, blushing, she wasn’t a vain person. "Now, Darlin', why would I think you were awful?" Bo asked. BL looked down at the toes of her boots like she had as a kid, whenever she was in trouble with Clyde, “because part of my reason for changing my mind is just plain ‘ol vanity. I don’t want to gain all that weight, then not be able to lose it after the baby is born, like Millie that was in my class, she had a baby, junior year and didn’t lose the weight,” BL looked at Bo continuing “and Dobro’s sister in law was smaller than me but she’s huge. I know she’s having twins but..” BL trailed off. Bo hugged her, "They aren't you and I'd love you if you were as big as the house, but if you want to wait awhile or forever, then I'm good with that. But, I understand that practicing for a second baby gets rid of any baby fat you gain." BL put her arms around Bo wondering how she got so lucky enough to find such an understanding man. “I do want kids and I'm not getting any younger but they really don’t worry much until a woman hits 40-45 somewhere in there. She couldn’t help herself. She had to ask, ”who told you that my brother or my cousin, the mechanic." Bo replied, "Well, I've heard several people say it, but I think Luke said something like that awhile back." “I see,” BL said, not sure she believed him but she was going to be sure she told Dixie and Daisy. Giving Bo a sly grin BL added, "I'm staying with Dixie and Luke again, I need a ride back, know where I can get one?" Bo replied mischievously, "It just might cost you!” “What’s your price? We might have to negotiate or come up with a payment plan, so I can stretch out payment over time,” BL replied, eyes twinkling. Bo met the twinkle with a long kiss as his hands began to wander. BL returned the kiss, Bo’s fingers lighting fires everywhere he touched her. Bo accepted the challenge and continued his pursuit until his fingers found BL's bra hooks and in no time he had released the hooks with his hands wandering to the front. BL moaned as Bo’s hands found their target in front. By now she had his shirt untucked and was unsnapping the snaps. Bo wasn't sure how far this petting was going to go, but certain parts of him were already game as he felt his jeans suddenly get much tighter. He kissed BL deeper as his hands were doing their job, hopefully getting her as hot and bothered as he was right now. It had been a while and just knowing that he would soon be able to have her as his soon wasn't soon enough for Bo. BL was trying to keep her wits, so things didn’t go too far. Bo wasn’t making it easy though. With a frustrated sound, breathing heavy BL said, “Bo we got to stop before we get carried away and birth control ain’t necessary but soon I’ll be yours.” Bo moved his lips to her neck and whispered, "Just one more time won't make a difference." He blew in her ear slightly, then added, "I have protection." He pulled her to him so that she could feel his need even through both their clothes. BL shivered slightly when Bo blew in her ear. “You had protection last time and that didn’t help remember, we just got lucky,” BL said. "Come on Darlin'. That was a fluke. I got new ones." He whispered in her ear as his breath sent more chills down BL, Bo's fingers found her nipples. BL sucked in a deep breath at Bo’s touch on her nipples, deciding right that minute to see one of the doctors outside Hazzard tomorrow and it really didn’t matter who at the moment. “Bo, we can wait a few more days, it won’t be easy but we can do it,” BL said. Bo inhaled slowly and exhaled even slower, trying to regain some control over his body. "Alright." He managed as he gritted his teeth, wishing there was a cold mountain stream he could wade into. BL fixed her bra and shirt, as she'd asked, "You aren't mad, are you?" Bo gave a gentle smile, "No. I couldn't be mad at you." BL said, "Let's get back to the farm." "Darlin' I just ain't able to go anywhere right now, especially back to the farm. You got to give me a couple of minutes here." Bo said, adjusting his jeans, which didn't help at all. “If you’re not upto taking me back to Dixie’s, I’ll get Daisy to take me back,” BL said, the idea had been for Bo to stay and snuggle but it wasn’t fair to get him in the state he was in now, twice in one night. Sharing a bed might be too much temptation. Bo frowned but replied, "Of course I'm able. We can go to the Boar’s Nest, have a few beers, play some pool. Just give me a minute. My jeans are cutting me in half about now." “Take all the time you need, I’m not just marrying you for your pretty boy face,” BL said, grinning a little. "Thanks. I think." Bo said, trying to get his body on his side and calmed down. After about 10 minutes Bo was better. Taking BL’s hand mainly to see if his body was going to cooperate, they walked back to the farm. Dixie and Luke had gone home by now, so Bo and BL headed to the Boar’s Nest. Parking in his usual spot in front Bo slid out the General Lee’s driver side window then jogged around to the other side helping BL. They hadn’t been to the little bar together, alot lately and when they came in BL could feel all the icy glares on her but it didn’t bother her, she just smiled sweetly as Bo found them a table. ”I think the temperature dropped 20 degrees in here,when we walked in,” BL said. Bo shrugged and ordered them a beer. At Luke and Dixie's they were feeding the three dogs, letting them out to the back yard in preparation to head to bed early to do what young freshly married couples do when the phone rang. Luke answered, "Duke residence. This is Luke." The voice on the other end was male and said, "Officer Duke, please." Luke frowned. It wasn't a call he wanted to pass on but knew if he didn't, that Dixie would be peeved. "Dixie, phone is for you." Dixie took the phone, "This is Dixie." "Hey, this is Officer Bell. We need you to come in at 4." The caller said. Dixie really didn't want any overtime but couldn't really refuse it either. "Ok. I'll be there." She turned to Luke and said as she hung up the phone. "You wanted to head to bed early. Now, we have an excuse." She said as she cut off the big light in the kitchen, took Luke's hand and headed upstairs. “How about a couple games of pool?” Bo suggested, finishing his beer in one gulp. “Sure if you don’t mind getting trampled,” BL goaded. “We’ll see who gets trampled,” Bo retorted. “Set ‘em up, let’s see whatcha got hot shot,” BL said. Bo rounded up the colorful balls into the triangle mold then rolled them to the center of the table. Placing the white cue ball a few inches outside the mold.Lifting the mold Bo said, “you break”. BL broke strong and put balls both striped and solid in the pockets. She called, "Solids." Picked her number and called it into a side pocket and made the shot clean. Bo saw this game going downhill for him. BL made a couple more clean shots then feeling overly confident she had the game in the bag, calling a difficult shot, intending to show off by making it but instead she missed thus giving Bo a chance to redeem himself. “Aww too bad, move over Darlin, let me show you how it’s done,” Bo flashed his trademark smile. BL rolled her eyes as Bo made the shot he called. Back in town, the pups were settled as were Luke and Dixie. Luke was exploring his wife's body. Dixie was laying on her side. When Luke's exploring hands reached her flat belly, he noted just the slightest bit of a bump. Dixie asked as Luke's attention had gone to her belly rather than other places, "What are you doing?" Luke said gently, "You are getting a bit of a belly." "Luke! That is not the sort of thing that makes a girl feel real sexy." Dixie said only about half serious. "Under these circumstances, it should make you feel very sexy." Luke said, kissing her. Dixie noted that whatever Luke was seeing surely hadn't cooled anything about his desire for her. Bo made a few more good shots, then BL made one she called and gave Bo a sassy grin, there were only 4 balls left on the table. “Red, yellow and green balls in the side pocket,” BL called but only sank one. Bo called “8 ball corner pocket.” Bo took his shot and managed to not only make his shot but bumped the last two balls into pockets. “Show off,” BL said. Bo replied, "You owe me a beer, Darlin'." “Ok but how about another game to even things up,” BL replied. “Alright by me, if you want to buy me another beer,” Bo said. “We’ll see who buys for who,” BL replied, racking the balls. Bo laughed. He had BL going and he knew it. BL let Bo break and the game proceeded with Bo exclaiming after a bit. “Looks like I’ve gotcha again Darlin.” “Not yet you don’t,” BL said smugly as she made one good shot, then two more. Bo was about to push his luck, "Tie breaker?" “Sure, then we can get in a few dances, somebody’s got the jukebox playing all the good stuff,” BL replied. Dixie remembered that BL was supposed to spend the night as she grabbed her robe on the way to the bathroom. At the end of the bed, she had to step over Sadie, Trixie and Scrapie who all had decided to sleep in the room with Dixie and Luke. That only meant one thing BL hadn't come in yet. Getting back in bed was a lot harder than getting out had been. Sadie was curled up on Luke's feet. Scrapie was under his arm and Trixie was on Dixie’s pillow. BL came back to the table from the restroom, taking a sip of the beer the waitress had just brought. “Bo I got something to ask you,” BL said. “Shoot Darlin,” Bo replied. “Are you gonna be disappointed if you don’t get to have a weekend with all our cousins, the way Luke did?” BL asked. “Not as long as you are the consolation prize,” Bo replied with a smile. “There’s still plenty more warm weather ahead, maybe we can do it in a few weeks, would be fun all of us just hanging out, won’t be able once there’s a baby around and Dixie won’t want to sleep in the barn once she gets bigger than just the beginning of a baby bump,” BL said. Her man by Gary Allen started playing and Bo asked,”wanna dance?” “Love to,” BL replied, letting Bo lead her to the dance floor, taking her in his arms, swaying to the music. A few dances later Bo led BL back to their table. “I guess it's about time we slid on outta here, you got to go to work in the morning and I got to go do morning chores out at the farm.” Bo said. Daisy came by Bo's table, "Are ya’ll gonna need another?" “No, we're about to ease on out,” Bo replied. “I got to work tomorrow,” BL added. “Alright see ya’ll later,” Daisy said, going back over to the bar. “Better park at the garage and we’ll walk to the house,” BL said once they were in town. Bo drove around the square, pulling up to the garage. Sliding out of the General’s driver’s side window then went around helping BL. Hand in hand they walked down the sidewalk. “We better go in from the side incase Mrs. Kravitz happens to look out, she won’t see us,” BL said. “Why are we sneaking around, we’re adults for cryin’ outloud,” Bo grumped. “Where’s your sense of adventure Bo? I ain’t the only girl you’ve ever snuck around with. Them other girls had Daddies with shotguns loaded with buckshot. All we’re doing is avoiding a nosy neighbor,” BL took off her boots and socks in the driveway, carrying her boots in one hand and crossed the side yard to the porch. Bo followed and sitting their boots on the railing. Hoisting themselves up and over the railing, they cracked open the door enough their slender bodies could fit. Just as the door closed behind them, here came the doggie express! Sadie wanted her human! Scrapie and Trixie ran behind her, barking at the intruders! Bo tried to hush them. "We belong here. We'll, sort of, we will next week. I can’t believe this! I'm explaining to a dog why I'm here!" Bo fussed. BL giggled at Bo’s fussing. “I just thought we was being quiet and they wouldn’t hear us,” BL said, trying to quiet the dogs with lots of petting, hoping Luke didn’t throw a boot down the stairs at them. Instead, Luke called from upstairs, "Bo, let them out before you come upstairs. “How’d he know I was with you?” Bo asked. “Luke knows you as well as you know yourself,” BL replied, adding “I’ll wait for you upstairs, hurry so I don’t get lonely,” BL said, heading upstairs. “Alright lets go out, hurry it up,” Bo said, letting the trio out back. When Luke called down to Bo, after getting pounced by the three dogs on their way to BL and Bo, Dixie had stirred. Luke pulled her closer since they had the bed to themselves now, "Shhh, it's just Bo and BL coming in. They are taking the dogs out." "Ok." Dixie said, snuggling closer to Luke. BL was getting ready for bed while she waited for Bo. When he came upstairs, Sadie at his heels, the other two dogs ran back to Luke and Dixie’s room and hopped up on the bed, even though Trixie was technically Bo’s because he had rescued her. Bo stopped in his tracks, BL was sitting on the edge of the bed in a nightie that left very little to Bo’s imagination. “Ready for bed?” BL asked. "Bed, yes. Sleep, no." He said out loud, while silently wondering if BL was trying to kill him. Bo couldn’t seem to get his shirt and jeans off fast enough finally he got untangled and only his shorts were left. Leaning in his kissed BL with unrestrained passion. He'd respect her wishes not to go all the way but he was going to make sure they both enjoyed themselves. Sadie had no interest in whatever game the humans were playing so she hopped in the chair, curling up to sleep. Dixie’s alarm clock went off. She turned it off, sat up, grabbed her robe and went to the bathroom. She couldn't help but notice the light under BL's door. Luke was awake when Dixie returned, "You don't have to do this." He meant working crazy hours as well as working at all. Dixie said, "It's way too early, Luke. Yes, I do have to go in this early. I love you. Go back to sleep." BL nor Bo heard Dixie’s alarm go off nor her trip to the bathroom and back, they had fallen asleep with the light still on, a couple hours before after a long night of pre wedding fun even if they hadn’t gone all the way they had pushed right up to the boundary line. A few more hours and their peaceful sleep was disturbed when Sadie wanted out and whining and scratching at the door didn’t get either’s attention. Jumping up on the bed, Sadie nudged BL’s arm with her cold wet nose, this atleast got BL stirring a little, so she did it a couple more times then jumped down, going over to scratch and whine at the door. “Ok, just a minute,” BL said, still half asleep as she looked for her robe. Bo stirred when BL raised up off his arm. “What time is it? It ain’t time for you to go to work yet, is it?” Bo asked. “No it’s 6:30, Sadie needs to go out,” BL replied. Not ready to leave the comfortable bed or last night’s bed buddy, Bo got up and pulled on his clothes. “I gotta get going and get started on chores , I’ll let her out. Go back to sleep and I’ll see you after work,” Bo said, giving BL a kiss, turning out the light. Luke, Scrapie and Trixie met Bo and Sadie in the hallway. Bo let the dogs out. Luke started coffee, then got out two of his travel mugs and lids. Luke waited until Bo had the pups inside then spoke, "Bo, I'm not Uncle Jesse and I really don't aim to sound like him, but..... I know the wedding is less than a week away and so does the Tri-Counties, but ain't you pushing it just a little? "Only if anyone sees us both here late and don’t see one of us leave,” Bo replied adding “relax nobody knows we’re here, except BL’s car is in the driveway but it’s been there since saturday. I parked General Lee at the garage then we walked here. Snuck in like burglars,“ Luke replied, "Alright, but I've dealt with enough angry Davenport men to last me a lifetime, I'd really like not add Clyde to the list." “He ain’t exactly my best friend but it was BL’s idea for me to stay last night, I figured she knows how to get around Clyde. If you don’t feel right, both of us staying the night until we’re married. Last night was my last night, promise,” Bo said. Luke touched Bo's arm, "It's not for me to tell you what or how to do anything anymore, Bo. I just don't want to answer the phone or door at 3 am and have to deal with an angry Clyde." “Maybe not all the time,you don’t have to” Bo gave Luke a cheeky grin. Luke gave him a look. "I gotta get going. See ya at the Boar's Nest this evening?" “Yup, hey can you get me to the General, without me being seen by the neighbors? Bo asked. "Sure. Come on, Scrapie, we got to go." Luke said. Sadie had already run for BL and the bed. Scrapie headed to the door followed by Trixie. Luke said, "Stay here girl." Trixie looked very sad and started toward the stairs only to be followed by Scrapie. Luke said, "Scrapie we have to go." Scrapie stood between Luke and Trixie. Luke sighed, "I know I'm going to regret this. Come on Trixie. Let's see if we can put you to work too." Scrapie and Trixie both ran to Luke, out to the truck and up in the seat. ”Be there in a minute, just going to let BL know Trixie is going to work with you and Scrappie” Bo said as Luke was headed to the truck. Sadie had bounded onto the bed, laying on her back with all 4 legs stuck up in the air. Bo shook his head when he saw Sadie, giving BL’s arm a pat, “Trixie’s going to work with Luke and Scrappie,” Bo said, when BL cracked her eyes open. “Ok,” BL replied, closing her eyes again. Luke dropped Bo off and then headed out of town. On the way to work, he explained to Scrapie and Trixie how Scrapie needed to show Trixie what to do at work. Surprisingly, they both seemed to understand what he was saying. 8 AM saw alot beginning in Hazzard as stores and other Businesses opened. BL stepped out of the Post Office to meet the mail truck as usual. ”Morning Joe,” BL greeted. “Morning BL,” Joe responded, driving away to his next stop after a little more chit chat. Across the square a Mercedes Benz pulled in at the garage. Bobby’s father Oliver Douglas a prominent lawyer in the town said to Luther, “I want to see Bobby’s car, he said he had a wreck Saturday night,” Mr. Douglas said. Luther sat his coffee cup down. "I haven't even been in the garage since Friday. Come on, let's see what we have." Mr. Douglas said, "I'm being told that Bobby ran off the road up at the lake." Luther looked at Cooter. Cooter shrugged slightly. It was the truth. Not the whole truth by any means but he wasn't offering that to the kid’s Dad. At least not right now. Luther opened the big doors to the garage bay and there sat Bobby’s white Porsche, which didn’t look too bad straight on from the front. Luther and Oliver walked in the garage and around the car, the back passenger fender still sported a very big dent from hitting the tree and Cooter pulling it away from the back tire and there was a long scratch in the paint. “Back axel’s broke too,” Cooter offered the unseen damage information. “How long will it take to fix?” Oliver asked. “A couple weeks atleast. It’s not our only job,” Luther replied. “Very well, I have to get to work, call me when it’s ready,” Oliver said, breezing out to his Mercedes Benz and left. BL carried a package addressed to JD Hogg, Sadie’s leash was looped around her wrist as the climbed the Hazzard County Building’s steps, almost literally colliding with Boss Hogg.Sadie, like Flash, growled at the fat man in white. “Watch where you’re going girl and get that fleabag out of here. No dogs allowed!” Boss Hogg grumbled. “We’re going, I just have a package for ya,” BL said, handing over the package adding, “have a nice evening Boss.” Going back to the post office to get the day’s mail to take to Colonial City. “I’m headed to Colonial City but I have to meet Dixie at Tri-Counties jail, when she gets off at 4, I gotta leave Sadie at the house before I go,” BL told Ellen Sue. “Alright, see you tomorrow,” Ellen Sue replied. Dixie had finished up her duties, did a final count of her floor and taken her paperwork to the Control Room. After the shift change, she clocked out and headed to her car. She then saw BL parked beside her car. For about a half a second she got worried about Luke or that something was wrong at home but figured that BL would have called her or came to the window if it was anything serious. "Hey. What's up Dixie asked." “You were going to go with me to see Dr. Quinn remember,” BL said, afraid the jail doctor wouldn’t see her without an appointment and it sounded like Dixie hadn't even talked to the doctor. BL didn’t think it a big deal, she wasn’t sick she just wanted birth control, no appointment necessary as far as she was concerned. Dixie replied, "It's been a long day. Sorry. Follow me. She shouldn't be busy this late." Dixie led the way to the doctor's office. BL pulled in beside her. They both made their way into the office where Dixie said, "Sarah, this is my cousin, BL. I talked to Doc earlier and she said we could drop by." Sarah said, "Just have a seat. I'll let her know you are here." A few minutes later, Sarah came back and said, "Doc's ready. Second door on the left." BL went to where they were directed, Dixie followed. Dixie asked, "Are you sure about this?" “Yes, the other side of the coin is being a couple months behind you and I’m not ready for all that yet and I don’t just mean weight gain,” here BL shook her head before sharing Bo’s ‘wisdom’ “speaking of baby fat gained during pregnancy, you won’t believe what Bo said he heard was a way to lose it. Practicing for another!” Dixie grinned, "Would you believe that I've heard that very thing. I'm not sure how much scientific backing that has but making this one was pretty fun." Doc had opened the door and heard part of the girls conversation. "How much scientific basis what has?" Knowing Doc a bit better, Dixie replied, "It seems we are being told that practicing for baby number two is a good way to lose the extra weight from baby number one." Doc nodded slowly. “And practicing for baby number three is a good way to lose weight from baby number two and so on. No wonder people used to have so many kids, they were either practicing/losing that excess baby fat in the women’s case resulting in another baby,” BL said. Doc smiled at the two. "Well, that practicing for a new baby may burn calories . That much is true, but there are far more exercises that burn calories but they just might not be as fun." After a good laugh, Doc asked, "So what can I do for you two today?" “I’m getting married on Saturday and I want birth control. BL replied, adding “my fiance and me talked about it and don’t feel ready to be parents yet.” Doc nodded, "Alright. I'll let the nurse get your medical history, vitals and such then we can discuss a few options and decide which may work best for you. I will advise you, no matter which option we choose, for the first month to six weeks it would be best to use an additional method until your body gets used to the birth control. “Maybe I should have gotten some at the beginning of the month when we were here to find out when Dixie was due,” BL said, brow creased. Doc just gave her a slight grin. "Mary Ellen will get you started. Oh yeah, she will also do a routine pregnancy test too while Dixie and I chat." "Chat?" Dixie asked as BL left with the nurse. Doc said, "Well, since you are here, I was seeing if you wanted to get your appointment over with today." Dixie shrugged, "Sure, why not." Doc asked Dixie to get into a gown, checked her vitals and weight, then had her lay back flat on her back. Doc took a tape measure and measured from just under Dixie's breast to below her stomach then across her belly from side to side just like she had done at the first appointment. She then let Dixie get dressed. Once they were seated again, Dixie asked, "Is everything alright " Doc replied, "Everything looks good. The baby is starting to grow. You've picked up a bit of weight, but not too much." Dixie said, "Good. There, for a while, I figured I had lost weight, but now it seems like I get hungry every couple hours." Doc nodded, "There is nothing wrong with eating small portions often. It helps keep your blood sugar level." Mary Ellen took BL to a little nursing cubicle where she got BL’s weight and height, “step up here for me, without your boots. Anything heavy in your pockets?” Mary Ellen asked. “Nothing in them at all,” BL replied. “Alright, have a seat,” Mary Ellen said, making notes on BL’s chart. BL sat down in the cubicle’s only chair, pulling her boots back on. While BL was doing this Mary Ellen asked all of the first time patient medical history questions. “Any heart disease in your family,” Mary Ellen asked. BL swallowed hard before answering, it still hurt like a knife to the heart all these years later, “my mother passed away from heart problems when she was 33,” BL replied Mary Ellen then took BL’s temp, listened to her lungs and checked her pulse rate. “Everything looks good, I just need to get a sample. Restroom is just around the corner,“ Mary Ellen handed BL a cup. When BL was finished she gave Mary Ellen the sample before returning to the exam room. BL was done with the nurse and joined Doc and Dixie. Doc said, "Alright, as you know, there are several different types of birth control these days. Two of the most popular being condoms and or birth control pills. Birth control pills can be up to 99% effective if used correctly. Allowing for mistakes, they are about 93% effective. Complications are rare, but they can be serious, so I have to tell you about them. These include heart attack, stroke, blood clots, and liver tumors.Condoms alone can be 98% effective. Typically, they are about 87 percent effective. Used together, they are usually very effective. So are you still interested in a birth control pill?" Doc asked. “Yes,” BL replied, Bo was more than ready to not having to use condoms anymore but they weren’t ready to be parents besides they were going to get plenty of parenting practice, living with their cousins and baby. Doc explained a couple of options. Together, they chose a newer one. Doc could write the prescription today and BL could get it filled and start taking it today based on her cycle. The pill should be effective in as little as a week. Dixie and BL thanked Doc and headed out toward Hazzard. It was only after Dixie left that Doc pulled her chart and compared her measurements and weight with those from her previous visit. Though Dixie's measurements were in the growth range, her weight was just a bit over the average weight gain. It wasn't a huge issue, so Doc made a mental note to look at it again on the next visit. BL and Dixie walked back over to their cars, “I’ll meet you at the Boar’s Nest. I want to get these before the drug store closes,” BL said. Dixie replied, "OK. See you there." In Hazzard, Danny, the pharmacist, had just finished putting up his latest shipment of medications that had arrived over the weekend. BL turned her prescription into the girl at the counter of the drug store, which had served Hazzard since it became a county. It still had the ice cream and soda fountain in it. BL ordered a fountain cherry Coke while she waited for her prescription to be filled. Danny took the prescription and pulled the appropriate medication from its drawer. It was a brand new medication that he had just unboxed from the new shipment. He made the label and bagged up the medication with the information pamphlet, then took it up front. "BL, you are lucky. We just got this in. Have a nice day." “Thanks Danny, see you later,” BL said, taking the bag and then paid Susan behind the counter for the cherry coke, “See you later Susan, BL added then she went out to her car, opening the sack and scanning the pamphlet before taking one of the pils, washing it down with the rest of her cherry coke. Heading back to the Boar’s Nest then to meet the others. Dixie pulled into the Boar's Nest and saw the General Lee, wrecker and Luke's truck was already there. Inside, she spotted the guys at a back table and signaled to Luke that she'd be there in a minute as she hurried to the restroom. At the table, Luke ordered the guys their first round of drinks and added, "Daisy, Dixie just got here, bring her an iced tea with lemon." Daisy was going back behind the bar as BL came in, “running a bit late today ain’t ya?” Daisy asked. “I had an errand to run,” BL replied. “Want a beer? I’m about to take everybody else's drinks back,” Daisy said. “Yes,” BL replied and made her way to the back table. “Hey Darlin, where ya been?” Bo kissed BL on the cheek. “I had to take care of something, remember I told you yesterday,” BL replied. Dixie got sat down just as Daisy brought the drinks. Dixie took a drink of tea, "Luke, why do you have Scrapie and Trixie?" Luke explained, "Trixie wanted to go this morning. I figured why not. All that could happen would have been to have been sent home, so I took her. Let me tell you, she was great. You'd think that she had all the training that Scrapie has had." “She can’t go on fires though without the training though can she?” Bo asked. Luke saw the same worried look that Bo got on his face each time he thought about Luke jumping out of a 'perfectly good' plane into a fire. He replied, "No, but she could be taught and she looked like she wanted to learn. She's smart." Dixie was watching Trixie, "She knows that you two are talking about her." “What woman don’t like hearing good things said about her/” Cooter asked, giving Trixie a scratch behind the ear closest to him. “Ain’t that right Trixi, sweetheart,” Cooter added. Trixie jumped up into Cooter’s lap for more attention and to give him all the kisses he could ever want. Between kisses, Cooter managed to say, "Easy girl." Dixie laughed as she explained, "She has her licker license." BL cocked an eyebrow at Dixie’s attempt at humor, “funny cousin”. Dixie replied, "I wasn't trying to be funny. She is a lover." Cooter fumed a bit, "The way my luck has been going lately, she's been the most attentive gal I've seen in weeks." Bo and Luke both gave Cooter a sympathetic look, it was not something either one had, had a problem with in a while. “Aww Coot you’re just going through a dry spell, I bet when it rains it pours and you’ll have more girls than you can shake a stick at,” Bo said optimistically. Cooter replied, momentarily forgetting his cousin and sister were listening, "I figured with you two off the market that things would be easy picking." Luke wisely chose not to respond, even Bo’s brain overrode his mouth for once instead of his mouth overloading his posterior. Luke changed the subject, "You had a long shift today. Do you want to grab something here instead of cooking at home?" Dixie replied, "Sounds like a good idea to me. I'd like a nice warm bath and my bed when we get home." Luke replied, "I can make that happen." He said, flagging Daisy down, "We want to give you an order." Daisy replied, thinking it was a drink refill or a simple order, "Shoot." Luke looked at Dixie to place her order. Dixie said, "Can I get a cheeseburger, lettice, tomato, onion, mayo, sweet pickle and sweet hot peppers? And a footlong hotdog with chili, onion, mustard and the nacho cheese sauce?"Luke gave Daisy a 'Sorry.' look. Daisy replied, "Sure thing, Honey, just let me get an order pad." Bo’s eyes were as big as saucers, he still hadn’t gotten used to Dixie eating so much, although Dixie had never pretended not to have a good appetite. “Dixie, eating like that is probably the reason you get heartburn still sometimes,” BL said. Dixie shrugged her shoulders replying, “can I help what baby Duke wants?” Daisy came back with an order pad saying, “alright hit me again,sugar.” Dixie repeated her order. Luke added jokingly, "Can I have a normal cheeseburger, lettuce, tomato, onion and mayo?" Daisy asked, "Can I get you all anything?" “Bring me a cheese burger too, just like Luke’s except no mayo and I’ll have some fries with that,” Bo said, adding “call and tell Uncle Jesse,he don’t have to cook supper if he don’t want to, I'm eating here.” “Sure thing Bo,” Daisy replied. “I’ll have the same as Luke on the cheeseburger and some fries. I’m gonna work on ole Bobby’s car,” Cooter said. “I’ll have one too no mayo on mine either,” BL said, feeling nauseous from her birth control, which the pamphlet said might happen on an empty stomach, she had skipped breakfast and her small lunch was hours ago. “Want fries?” Daisy asked. “Yes. Can I get a soda too?” “Sure thing. I’ll be back with your orders,” Daisy said. Friday evening found the Dukes and Davenports at the Boar's Nest as usual. It was the mill's payday, so the place was full. Luke and Dixie had talked about tonight way before it got here. Luke planned to stay with Bo at the farm and the girls could stay in town with Dixie. They just hadn't told Bo and BL that yet. After a bite to eat and a couple dances, Dixie said, "I think I'm about ready to head in. Tomorrow is going to be a long day and this has been a long week." Luke replied, "How about we all head back to the house for a spell." Bo was more than ready to get BL in a more private setting, so he readily agreed. In town, after letting the dogs out, Luke went upstairs. Everyone figured that he had gone to the bathroom, until he came downstairs with his suit, a small bag, his shaving kit, and shoe shine kit. He hung up the suit and sat the rest on the stairs. Cooter asked, "Buddy Roe, you ain't thinking of moving out are you?" Luke frowned at his brother-in-law, "Don't be ridiculous. I just figured to give the girls all the time and room they need to get ready for tomorrow. So, I'm gonna stay at the farm tonight." Cooter and Bo both said in unison, "You are?" They both looked at Dixie and again asked, "You are ok with that?" Dixie smiled, "I suggested it." Bo and Cooter looked at each other in disbelief. They just didn't seem to understand Luke and Dixie's relationship. They both knew girls who would have thrown one more fit in the same situation. After a bit, the men headed out to the farm. Even Cooter was going. When they reached General Lee, Luke beat Bo to the driver's seat. "What are you doing?" Bo asked. "Just felt like driving him tonight." Luke said. Cooter was following them as they left town. At the cut off that led to the farm, Luke turned off on the other road. "Let's go get a beer." Bo wasn't gonna argue. “I’m surprised Bo went willingly, it’s still early. He was hoping for some alone time before we were split until the wedding.” BL commented. She had seen the longing for privacy in Bo’s eyes and she was absolutely sure there would be no sneaking a quick rendezvous, with Daisy and Bo’s Aunts Pauline and Bessie keeping watch. Daisy was no doubt, hoping to get rid of the payday crowd as soon as possible, so she could get the Boar’s Nest cleaned up and in order, so the ladies aide of which Mrs. Lulu Hogg was President, could decorate for the reception. Dixie replied, "I think that's part of why Luke went to the farm tonight. He knows that you turn into a pumpkin real soon now." "Not until midnight, I still got a couple hours or so." BL grinned At the Boar's Nest, Daisy was a bit surprised to see Bo, Luke and Cooter come back in. They saw Dobro and Brody at a back table and headed that way. “I think I’m going to go take a long, relaxing bath. Use some of the stuff in the mini spa basket I got at my shower. NO I am not going to slide 2 stories down the drain pipe to go find Bo. So don’t even think it,” BL said. Dixie said, "OK, go get your stuff together and let me in the bathroom five minutes then you can have it. I'll take the pups and go get comfy." At the Boar's Nest, all the guys were taking turns buying Bo a beer as the guys were having a field day just hanging out and talking among themselves. Across the room, there was a table of girls checking them out. Dixie took the dogs out back while BL went upstairs, setting out her little basket of pampering goodies on the sink with a fluffy towel and washcloth. In her room BL got out her favorite short sleeve nightshirt with raining paw prints on the front. Dixie, followed by Scrapie, Trixie and Sadie went to the bathroom, then freshened up. "Alright, you three, let's go so BL can get in here. All yours." Dixie called from the hall. "I'll leave my door open so the pups can come and go. You can come hang out if you want when you are done." “OK,”BL closed the bathroom door but she didn’t lock it, incase Dixie needed in again. BL washed her face, and while the tub filled for her bubble bath BL looked through her facial basket and after pulling her hair up in a messy bun away from her face, she applied the facial mask. The tub now filled, The lavender scented candle lit. BL shucked her clothes and relaxed in the mounds of bubbles for the next hour. After draining the tub, BL rinsed her face then got in the separate shower stall to wash her hair. After stepping out of the shower, BL dried on the big fluffy towel and put on her nightshirt, blowing out her candle then going to Dixie’s room across the hall laying across the bed. “I thought this weekend would never get here,” BL said. Dixie gave a slight grin, "Well, it's here. So, now what? Is there anything we need to do tonight? Did Daisy get the birdseed bags together?" BL closed her eyes, checking things off the list in her head. “I think everything’s done.Yeah she told me one of the other waitresses helped her with them the other day,” BL said, then asked something that had been nagging her. “What about the groom and mother-in-law dance? I don’t have a mother. The closest I have is a maternal grandmother. Bo don’t have a father just Uncle Jesse so the bride and father - in -law dance is a go. "I'd say Bo would love to get your grandma on the dance floor." Dixie pictured it in her mind. One thing about Luke and Bo they could be very charming, especially to ladies much older than themselves, which was alright with Dixie. “Yeah I bet he would,” BL smiled “a dance with grandma it is then.” At the Boar's Nest, a shapely blonde flagged Daisy down, "Can I get a round of beers for us, ..... and a round for that table of hot guys over there?" “Sure thing sugar but you should know one of them is married and one is getting married tomorrow and neither woman will take you buying drinks for my cousins too kindly. The other three fellas are fair game,” Daisy replied. The blonde pushed her luck, "Well, all the more reason for us to buy the groom a round and it just wouldn't be neighborly to not include everyone at the table." She said with the most southern accent. “I’ll be back in a minute with this table's beers,” Daisy said, stopping by the guys table. “See that blonde over there, she’s a might eager to buy ya’ll a round especially Bo and Luke.” Cooter, Brody and Dobro had already been enjoying the eye candy across the room. Bo turned to look at the women in question. Daisy added, "I've already told them that you are getting married tomorrow and that Luke is married. So then they just wanted to buy ya’ll a beer to be neighborly." Daisy added more southern drawl. Bo added, "Well, that was nice of them and all." Luke took a drink of his nearly full beer, put his hand on Bo's shoulder as he got up, "I got this." He heard moans of disappointment from Brody, Dobro and mainly Cooter as he walked toward the ladies table. "Ladies," he addressed the table. The forward blonde gushed, "Oh, do sit down." Luke took the offered chair but turned its back to the table and sat in it facing the girls. "I just came over to thank you nice ladies for the offer of the beers, but as my cousin told you, I am happily married and my other cousin will be this time tomorrow night." The blonde wasn't backing down so easily, "Well Darlin' ya'll's ladies ain't here tonight, and what they don't know, ...." Luke stopped her, "Well, we would all know and my brother-in-law over there, my father-in-law over at the bar and the bride-to-be's father beside him would know, so at least two of us will be declining your offer, but the other three and that couple of good ole boys that just walked in would likely take you up on about any offer you'd make them. Do have a nice night ladies." Luke added more southern to his accent as he spoke. He stood up and returned to the table picking up his and Bo's beers, "Come on Bo. Let's go to the bar awhile. Good luck fellas." Daisy brought over the beers asking, “anything else I can get for ya’ll?” The forward blonde was a little put out that Luke had declined her offer for Bo and himself. All was not lost and she pointed to Cooter, Dobro and Brody’s table. “I still want to order beers for those three hotties and those two over there that just came in,” the forward blonde pointed at another table. Daisy got the beers, taking 3 to Cooter, Dobro and Brody. “These are compliments of the ladies, over there. Taking the last two beers to the newest customers, Daisy told them the same as she’d told Cooter, Dobro and Brody The five gentlemen left their two tables and moved to the ladies' table. Bo and Luke were enjoying the entertainment as the night progressed. The five couples actually seemed to hit it off rather well. Luke noticed the group getting up and looking to head out for a bit of privacy. He called to Cooter, "Tomorrow, church, ... 1 o’clock." Cooter waved him off by making an "ok" sign with his hand as they headed out.. Luther saw the group of young people leave and figured it was getting late but then he saw his son - in - law and Clyde’s soon to be son - in - law a ways down the bar so it couldn’t be real late. “Well little brother, I see those two scoundrels that have wormed their way into the family, got more sense to go off with those young folk that just left, my son among the bunch,” Luther said. “Good atleast we know they don’t go stepping out when our baby girls ain’t here with them,” Clyde replied, he still couldn’t say he was thrilled about tomorrow’s wedding but BL was happy and that’s all that really mattered. At the bar, Bo asked, "Think he'll make the wedding?" Luke said innocently as he finished his first beer since he and Bo showed up alone. "I gave a whole hour leeway,” Daisy asked, "Need another fellas?" Luke replied, "Yeah, bring us both one." He looked down the bar, "Clyde, Luther, care to join us for a beer before we head out of here?" Clyde and Luther looked at each other, Clyde shrugged, the boys were being gentlemanly, there was no reason not to be civil, The Davenport brothers moved down the bar, closer to their sons - in - law. “Thanks Luke,” Clyde said, taking a drink of the beer Daisy sat in front of him. "Yeah, thanks," Luther replied, then asked, "Where are the girls tonight?" Luke gave a small laugh, "The girls and pups have taken over the house in town. We came by for a beer before we headed to the farm." Luke paused, then said to Daisy, "Dixie said, come on by when you get off." “Alright, hopefully that’s soon,” Daisy replied. Luther took a drink of beer not wanting to fight but he was curious so asked. “How come you’re staying out at the farm, instead of in town with your WIFE,” Luther emphasized wife. Luke replied honestly, "They are in full wedding mode. The last thing they need is me in the way. Besides, .." He pointed at Bo who had drunk at least one too many, "Do you think he'll be up and ready for chores in the morning. I didn't see a reason to have to get up extra early to go do chores, get me and him ready and at the church nice and early." Luther had to admit grudgingly, “I see your point.” Luke waved his hand, "They can all have the house, the bathroom and can run around freely in robes, pj's or their underwear. The only male there is Scrapie! And, we don't have to fight to get a shower or bathroom time. It will be us two and Uncle Jesse tonight. No one is coming in until tomorrow. I was going to ask Cooter over, but he just left. I ain't seen LB tonight." “LB went to pick up his grandma,” Clyde said. “How is Ms. Betty?” Luther asked. “Her health is still good but she don’t see well enough to drive this far from home, so LB went to pick her up. He’s staying tonight and they’ll drive back in the morning,” Clyde replied. Daisy came over looking pointedly at Bo, who’d had one too many. “Luke, you might should be getting the groom home,” Daisy said. “Guess we should be on our way to brother, it will set tongues to wagging, if the bride’s father is late to the wedding,” Luther said. Now Clyde wasn’t the kind of man that over indulged but his baby girl was getting married tomorrow and her mother wasn’t here to see it and he had drowned his sorrows thus slowing his ability to use good sense, he replied. “Better late than never.” Luke finished his beer, "Daisy's right. It's gonna be a long day tomorrow.Lets get you home before you turn into a pumpkin." Bo slurred his words just a bit, "But I thought we left the girls before BL turned into the pumpkin." That was Luke’s cue as he and Daisy tried not to laugh out loud at Bo. "Night ya'll. Come on, Bo." “Night,” Daisy said, watching her cousins. Luther stood up from his stool, paying Daisy for his and Clyde’s beers. “Ok brother time to go, see you at the wedding Daisy” Luther said, walking out with Clyde. “C’mon I’ll take you home,” Luther said, remembering all the times he’d taken his little brother home after one too many. Luther got Clyde in the wrecker and hooked up Clyde's truck before heading to the Davenport farm on Jessop road. He’d keep an eye on Clyde tonight since noone else was home at Clyde’s. Luke parked General Lee in his normal place. He smiled when he saw the lights still on, though he figured that Uncle Jesse was in his room even if he wasn't asleep yet. Once in the house, Luke headed for Bo's room to put his suit up, leaving Bo in the kitchen, getting a snack. As soon as his hand touched the door knob he heard Uncle Jesse. "Luke?" Jesse said. "Yes, Sir." Luke replied as he entered the room, hung up his suit and set his bags down. Jesse was up and at the door. "Everything alright?" "Yes, Sir. Bo's getting a snack. The girls invaded the house. I came here tonight so I can be here for chores in the morning." "Good thinking. Dixie didn't mind?" Jesse asked. "She suggested it." Luke replied. At the house in town, Dixie and BL were still talking in Dixie’s room when the three dogs that were sleeping came alive and shot off the bed barking. “Daisy must be here,” BL said. “Hey you three it’s just me,” Daisy said, giving petting to the ‘guarders of the stairs’. “We’re up here Daisy,” Dixie hollered. The dogs finally let Daisy upstairs, poking her head in Dixie’ room, Daisy said “I’m going to shower and get comfy, be with ya’ll shortly.” Luke had told Jesse that Daisy was staying with the girls before Jesse went to the kitchen for more coffee. He asked Bo, "How are you doing?" Bo looked confused. "Are you nervous?" Jesse asked. Bo replied, with just the slightest slur, "No. It just seems unreal." Jesse patted him on the shoulder. "It's real. I'll be up if you need me and you got Luke tonight." Luke sat on his old bed as Bo came in from the bathroom. As they were taking their boots off, Bo said, "You don't know how much I've missed this." Luke knew what he was talking about, "Yeah, I do. Mind you, Dixie's a much better roommate, but I still miss this." He stretched out on his bed and it seemed to wrap around him. It felt very welcoming. “Gonna feel normal but strange, living in the same house again but not sharing a room,” Bo said, reflectively with a yawn, the alcohol was working with his bed’s comfort and the familiarity of having Luke in the bed across from his. “Yup but like I said Dixie’s a much better roommate and I bet you say the same about BL before long and not having her there will be strange,” Luke replied. “It’s just a strange feeling, cos we shared a room ever since we were little,” Bo was trying to explain his feelings. “You didn’t think we’d share a room forever, did you?” Luke asked, trying to not sound incredulous. “No, I just…never mind,” Bo said, then faced the wall. "Good night, Cousin. I love you." Luke said. “Goodnight Luke, love you too,” Bo replied and within minutes Luke heard Bo’s even breathing, signaling that Bo was asleep. Luke could consider his 'job or duty' complete for the night. Only now he could relax.

Luther was under the hood of a truck when Cooter pulled in and began carrying in cases of beer to stock the fridge in the back of the garage. After a couple trips from the truck to the fridge, Luther got interested in what Cooter was doing and had to ask, "What are you doing?" "Stocking up the fridge." Cooter stated the obvious. "Stocking it up for what exactly? Is prohibition making a return?" Luther asked. “Me, Bo, Luke and LB are gonna work on General Lee,” Cooter answered Luther. Bo backed the flatbed truck up to the loading dock as the dayshift foreman motioned him to keep backing up. “Whoa,”the man shouted, holding up a hand for Bo to stop. Clipboard in hand, Bo got out of the truck going to the rear where the foreman watched four burly men unload the delivery. “Who do I see about a signature for delivery confirmation?” Bo asked. “Where do I sign?” the foreman asked. “Right here sir,” Bo said, holding out the clipboard. The foreman signed and Bo was on his way. Bo hadn't made it far down the road when he came up behind a car. Just as he came up behind it, a dog was tossed out the passenger side window. For a split second, Bo was almost torn between catching the car and rescuing the dog. Bo hurriedly stopped the truck, jumped out and ran around it to see a small mostly chocolate brown young adult dog looking very scared and confused. He had gotten a good look at her. Compared to Sadie she was quite a bit smaller. He approached the little thing gently and talked in soothing tones, "Come on Sweetie. Bo won't hurt you. It will be alright." Eventually he was able to get close enough to pick the little dog up. She was still shaking. Bo petted, cuddled and soothed her while trying to make sure she wasn't injured. Once in the truck he looked in his lunch box to find Daisy had put him several pieces of chicken from supper last night. "Here you go Darlin'. See if you like that." The pup eagerly accepted the chicken leg. After eating it, she curled up on the truck seat with Bo as he continued on his deliveries. Bo was coming back into town, having made all his out of county deliveries, he was picking up another load of local deliveries. “I got to make some more deliveries but I want you to meet someone first, she’ll take good care of you and it’ll be cooler with her than riding around in a truck with me, “ Bo said, scratching the little dog behind the ears. Not wanting to block traffic in front of the post office, Bo parked the truck around back. “C’mon Sweetie, you’ll like BL and Sadie too,” Bo said, picking the little dog up off the seat. “Well this is a surprise, where did you get your friend?” BL came closer to see the little dog. Reaching out to pet the dog, frowning with concern when it cowered, shaking against Bo’s chest. “It’s ok little one BL won’t hurt you,” Bo spoke in the soothing tone again. “Somebody threw her out the car window, I was behind them and stopped to check on her,” Bo answered BL’s question as he cuddled the scared dog. “Oh my goodness, the poor little thing,” BL said. “I need a favor. I got more deliveries, it’s hot in that truck. Can she stay here with you and Sadie?” Bo asked. “Of course,” BL said, letting the dog sniff her hand, then only using 2 fingers so she didn’t seem so scary, stroked the little shoulder a few minutes. Bo gently handed the dog over, giving BL a quick kiss, getting back to work. “Well Sadie girl, looks like we got company rest of the day,” BL said, to which Sadie didn’t look impressed about. Cooter spent the rest of the day cleaning the garage up a bit and getting everything out of the inside bays so they would have plenty of elbow room to work on the General Lee. Luther looked around the place, "Maybe, ya’ll should do this more often. This is the cleanest the garage has been in years." Cooter just nodded. He was sure no one would think that if they knew the reason for the boys all nighter. BL let Ellen Sue deliver the mail she didn’t want to scare the new little friend all over again. She had gotten the blanket she kept in the car and had made a bed. Dixie was on her way back to Hazzard at her usual time. She figured to meet BL and Daisy for the evening. Luke and Scrapie were heading into Hazzard from the other direction heading to the garage. BL locked the Post Office front door,closed the shades and turned the closed sign. “Ready to go girls?” BL asked the 2 dogs. Sadie ran over to the back door, waiting to be let out. “C’mon sweetheart, I got some friends I want you to meet. One of ‘em has 4 legs and a cold wet nose just like you,” BL said as she squatted down, picking up the little dog Bo had brought in, along with the extra blanket. Out to the car they went, BL drove around the square and over to Dixie and Luke’s, Mrs. Kravitz frowned as she watched BL carry in another dog, as if two yapping mongrels weren’t going to be enough racket, now she was bringing in a third. BL sat the new rescue on the ground to do her business then they all went into the house. Sadie bounded in the door looking for Scrapie, going to the kitchen, when he wasn’t in the livingroom, like a shadow the little chocolate brown dog followed. Seeing Scrapie’s bowls she ran over, lapping up the water like it was the first she’d had in days. BL figured it probably was, given the fact she’d been thrown from a moving car’s window. Sadie wasn’t having it though and let out a low growl, causing the other dog to cower in the corner. “Hey now Sadie be nice,” BL scolded, giving both their own bowls of water, refilling Scrapie’s. Picking up the phone extension in the kitchen BL said, “Maybelle will you get me Colonial City Veterinary Clinic.” “Colonial City Veterinary Clinic. Truvy Dee Smith DVM. How may I help you?,” Truvy Smith answered cheerfully. “Truvy Dee, this is BL Davenport, I have a situation that can’t wait til Monday. I know you’ll be closing soon and I wouldn’t be calling if I thought it wasn’t important” BL replied. BALLADEER:The reason BL’s calling so close to closing and likely getting in, is you see Truvy Dee was in the same class as BL and Dixie. “It's not a problem BL, I got some paperwork to catch up on, I wasn’t ready to go home. I’ll be waiting come on in the back door when you get here,” Truvy Dee said. BL hung up and picked up the reason for the call. “You’ll like Truvy Dee, she’ll take good care of you,” BL said, writing Dixie and Daisy a note. Gone to see Truvy Dee, be back soon, BL. BL left the note on the fridge, where Dixie was most likely to see it, then headed out telling Sadie, “be back soon.” Ten minutes later BL pulled into the parking lot, the sign on the building said, Colonial City Veterinary Clinic; Truvy Dee Smith DVM. Going in the back door BL called out “Truvy Dee, its BL.” Truvy came out of her office with a smile and a hug for her longtime friend, “so what do we have?” BL explained she just would feel better if Truvy Dee did a thorough check then she told the vet what Bo had seen. “Poor baby. Did Bo get the car’s license number?” Truvy Dee asked. “I don’t think so he was too worried about this little one,” BL replied. “Well she looks pretty good. I’m gonna sedate her a little, just so she’ll be still for some x-rays and such,”Truvy Dee said, giving the dog an injection that worked in minutes. Dixie passed the Boar's Nest with only Daisy’s car there. She would be off work in a bit. Dixie pulled all the way into the empty driveway so the others could park later. Going in the front door Dixie was met by a bouncing Sadie. "Hello, there girl. Where is BL? BL?" Dixie got no answer from either Sadie or the empty house. She made her way into the laundry room where the basket with her other uniforms were and tossed them in with the uniform she had worn today. As she came back into the kitchen she saw BL's note. "Sadie, why would BL go to a vet and not take you. Sadie gave her a look as if to say, ‘As long as I didn't have to go I don't care!’ A half hour later x-rays and an ultrasound had been done to check for fractures and internal bleeding. Truvy and BL were just waiting for the sedative to wear off enough for Truvy Dee to feel comfortable letting BL take the dog home. “And that is the story of how I got engaged,” BL chuckled, adding “poor Bo had planned the perfect proposal and Rosco loused it up. We did still go to Sunset lake and had a picnic. I felt bad for Bo, let him have a do over. BL had been petting the little dog while talking, feeling a little tongue lick her wrist. She looked at the exam table to find dark but still droopy eyes looking at her.“Well look who’s awake. Hey cutie,” BL said. Truvy Dee checked the dog’s lungs to see she was breathing ok and listened to see if the heart rate sounded normal. “Everything checks out fine, you can take her home,” Truvy Dee said. “Thanks, Truvy Dee, How much do I owe?” BL replied. “Not a thing, it's after hours. I was just helping out a friend,” Truvy Dee responded. BL knew arguing wouldn’t do any good, so said “come to my wedding next Saturday, it’s at the church in the square, 2pm.’ Saying their goodbyes, BL headed back to Dixie’s. Sadie ‘woofed’ and ‘yipped’ answering. Dixie wasn’t getting the picture though. BL pulled up behind Dixie’s car, they'd have to do some car shuffling, if they took Dixie’s car tonight when Daisy got here. “Dixie I’m back,” BL said, the groggy dog still in her arms. "In here." Dixie called from where she was putting her uniforms in the dryer. "BL, why are there two water bowls out? And you went to a vet and left Sadie?" Sadie was still more than happy that she didn't get to see the Doggie doctor. BL stopped in the laundry room doorway before answering. “Because just one was about to start a fight, Bo brought me a surprise, well after next Saturday I guess technically it’s all ours. Sadie didn’t need to go to the vet.” Dixie turned around to look at BL and saw the other dog, "Oh, my! What have you got there?" Dixie reached out to pet the little dog, "Why did you have to take it to the vet?" “Let’s go sit down and I will tell you the whole story,” BL said, going back to the livingroom, sitting on the couch, laying the little brown dog beside her, making room for Sadie on the other. “C’mon Sadie,” BL called Sadie, cuddling her a bit before sitting the senior ranking dog beside her. "I took her to the vet for a thorough exam. Some idiot threw her out the window of a moving car. Bo was behind them and he stopped to check on her, then brought her to me so he could finish his deliveries,” BL replied. "Oh, Lord! The poor baby. Is she alright?" Dixie asked with concern. BL nodded that she was. Dixie grinned, "So are ya’ll going to keep her?" Dixie asked. “I don’t know, we haven’t got to talk about it. Bo only had time to tell me what happened. He doesn’t even know I took her to the vet,” BL replied. Dixie grinned, "So, since you're keeping her, what's her name?" “I didn’t say we were keeping her, I said we haven’t talked about it. She don’t have a name although we should probably give her one,” BL said, emphasizing the word didn’t. Dixie grinned again, "You didn't have to say you're keeping her. It's written all over your face. She has you wrapped, just like Sadie does." “I still have to talk to Bo, it’s not going to affect just me,” BL said. Dixie just grinned wider ”Bo is just as wrapped, whatever you want he won’t say no.” BL opened her mouth then closed it, Dixie had her there. “You got Luke pretty well wrapped too,” BL said. Dixie grinned as she put her fingers closely together, "Just a little, but Lord, don't let that secret out." Luke pulled his truck in at the garage ahead of Bo, "Hey, Cooter." He said as he and Scrapie walked into the cleaned up garage. "Hey! Am I in the right place?"’ BL chuckled, then said,“I am going to take a quick shower before Daisy gets here. Delivering mail on these dirt roads with the top down, I have enough dirt on me to build a sand castle,” Bo came in the garage behind Luke and Scrapie. “Hey is there something going on in here tonight besides work?” “Can’t a guy clean up his workspace without it becoming a federal case?” Cooter replied. "Sure. Far be it from me to object. Fellas I'm gonna run to the house a quick minute. Luke pointed at Scrapie, then I'll be right back." “How about a beer while we’re waiting? Cooter asked Bo. “Sure, sounds good,” Bo replied. Cooter went to the fridge, when LB pulled into the parking lot. ”Better make it 3 beers, LB just pulled in,” Bo said. “Hey Bo, hey Cooter. Where’s Luke?” LB accepted the beer Cooter handed him. Bo replied, "I think he's trying to convince someone they would rather be at home than here." LB looked confused. Bo replied, "He's about yeh tall and about yeh long." Bo made motions of size with his hands. "Huh?" LB replied. Bo gave up. "Scrapie." LB took a drink of beer, "Oh, ok. Yeah." Luke parked out front of the house not intending to be at the house long, "Come on Scrapie." Scrapie was out of the truck door before Luke could get out. "Well, I didn't think you'd be that eager." Luke said. As he opened the door chaos happened. Scrapie ran in yapping. Sadie ran to him. He ran toward the sleeping dog who jumped up and growled at the new dog. Scrapie growled back since it was his house. Sadie rolled Scrapie and ran. Scrapie ran after her. The new dog ran after him while they all yipped, barked and now playfully growled at each other. BL dried off and put on her robe that she had left when she gave the house to Dixie and Luke and moved back to Clyde’s. “What is going on down here,?” BL asked, coming halfway downstairs. “Chaos,” Dixie replied. “That much I could tell from behind the bathroom’s closed door,” BL replied. Dixie replied, "It's either a game of tag or they are getting acquainted." Luke said to Dixie, "I just came over to change shirts and see if Scrapie wanted to stay. Since he does I'll be heading back out." Dixie gave Luke a look, "You are not leaving just yet." Luke just grinned. Dixie put the dogs out back to get over the zoomies and Luke headed back to the garage wondering where the new dog had come from. The girls hadn’t said and with all the chaos he didn’t get to ask. Daisy came in a few minutes later and headed straight for the bathroom, “I need a shower, smell like smoke. I’ll be ready to go in ten minutes.” “Whose car we taking?” BL asked then continued “if we take mine, I need to wipe the seats with a wet rag, there’s enough dirt from delivering the mail with the top down, bet I could build a sand castle and a village.” Daisy trailed off still heading to the shower, "We can take mine." Dixie looked at BL, "What about the pups? I know Sadie will be ok. Scrapie should be,but Luke won't want him left alone long. I don't know about leaving the new baby especially after she's had such a trying day." “We can just go get something to eat and rent some movies and just have a girl’s night in.” BL suggested, adding “I’m not real keen on leaving the new baby and Sadie running loose alone together. She’s so timid, Sadie growled at her cos she was drinking out of Scrapie’s water bowl, poor little thing ended up cowering in a corner, “ this explained the extra water bowl. Dixie nodded. "That's fine with me." “Ok with me too,” Daisy said as she came down the stairs. ”They just opened a new place in Cedar City, all you can eat seafood buffet on Friday night plus a regular buffet all week long,” BL said. Dixie called the dogs in and then they were off. Once away from all Rosco’s speed traps they were there in no time. “Good thing we came early, looks like it's going to be a pretty good wait for a table before long,” BL said when they got parked then headed inside. Dixie set out to make a small salad that ended up being piled high before she got back to the table. It had been a long time since her lunch at 11:00, and everything looked great. Luke walked into the garage where Bo and Cooter had just popped the hood on General Lee. He grabbed a cold beer and asked Cooter, "Where do you want to start?" "How old are these hoses and belts?" Cooter asked. Bo found the floor pretty interesting. Luke and Cooter knew the look. Luke said, "Bo, back out, and I'll set the ramps and pull back in. That way we can get to the engine and underneath at the same time. Cooter we need to go ahead and drain the oil and antifreeze too. Then, change the gas and oil filters." Cooter took the breather cover off and took out the air filter. "And the air filter." One look from Luke at the filter earned Bo another hard look, "Have you done any service to him since I've been smokejumping? Bo replied, "Now Luke that ain't fair." Cooter intervened, "Now fellas, we got too much work to do for ya’ll to be fussing." Luke had been taking out the number one spark plug. Once he saw it he couldn't stop the mumble before he said, "You're right. Add plugs and wires to that list." Daisy came back to the table with a plate of fresh fruit, she hadn’t been able to resist the strawberries, cantaloupe, watermelon and orange slices. “Oh that looks good,"Dixie said,looking at Daisy’s plate. “Help yourself if you want, I can get more.” Daisy replied. BL didn’t really care for salad or fruit so had gone straight for the food. They had her favorites: meatloaf, chicken n’ dressing and fried potatoes. “I may be eating more lately but you got a plateful of calories, better be careful or that dress will be tight next weekend,” Dixie said. BL took a bite of each thing on her plate, washing it down with ice cold tea. “I’m not worried. Mmm so good,” BL said. LB was sipping on a beer just standing by to do whatever needed done. Bo was a bit side tracked thinking about why he hadn't done a lot of the General's regular maintenance. Part of it was he had been busy giving BL his attention. Part of it was that things had calmed in Hazzard and the General just wasn't put through his paces as much as he had been when he was raced more often or had to be on his game to evade the law of the tri-county area. Luke and Cooter were getting their master game plan for the evening down. Soon the work began as all four men were up to their elbows in the General's engine. Daisy finished her fruit and went back for food. She came back with country fried steak, mashed potatoes and gravy, pinto beans and a biscuit. Dixie came back with two plates, she had fried shrimp, hush puppies and a baked potato on one. Baked honey glazed ham, the brown beans she liked, fried okra and a couple more things that she didn’t get very often. “What movie do ya’ll want to rent?” BL asked. “Something with Dolly Parton in it,” Daisy replied. “How’d I know you’d say that? BL said grinning. Dixie suggested, "How about Best Little Whore House in Texas or 9 to 5?" BL shrugged saying,“Why not both, the guys are working on the General all night so they won’t interrupt.” “Sounds good to me,” Daisy said. "Any others ya’ll want to see? We can get a couple more and cuddle with the pups watching movies all night like we used to do at sleepovers." Dixie suggested. “Steel Magnolias is a good one,” BL said. ”How about Smokey and the Bandit,” Daisy suggested. “Great, sounds like a plan. We should get going I guess, get the movies so we can check on the dogs” Dixie replied. “We gonna take the fellas something to eat, so that one of them doesn’t have to go get them something?” BL asked. “Sure,”Dixie replied, stopping a waitress and asking for to-go boxes and if they could add 4 carry outs to their ticket. Work on General Lee continued. It was a rather warm evening, so even with the garage closed for business the shop doors were opened wide. Luke and Cooter had just finished putting in one of the new parts and decided to grab a beer and take five before getting back to work. They were joined by Bo and LB a few minutes later. Cooter asked, "What are the girls up to tonight?" Luke replied, "I really didn't have a chance to ask. Things were chaotic when I took Scrapie home." "What do you mean?" Cooter asked. Luke replied, "You know how Scrapie and Sadie are when they get zoomies." Luke took a drink of his beer as he said what was just now crossing his mind, "But, there was also another little dog there. I got no idea who's it is or why it was there, but it seemed to join right in on the zoomies." Bo added, "That must be the little dog that I rescued today after the danged car in front of me threw it out the window. Poor thing. I wanted to catch up to the car and teach them a lesson, but figured checking on the pup was more important, right then anyway." The waitress brought over 2 sizes of carry out boxes, 4 big ones and 7 small for desserts. The girls having decided to eat their desserts later while they watched movies. It was an easy choice on what to put on the guys plates. There was catfish fillets, hush puppies and fried shrimp, a side of slaw and baked beans. Dessert wasn’t as easy, there were several choices, apple pie, lemon pie, cherry cheese cake, peach cobbler, blackberry cobbler, chocolate pie and coconut cake was what the girls chose, deciding the fellas could choose and they could take the rest with them to share. “Dixie, you think you can save your dessert until we get back home?” BL teased. Dixie hadn’t had much self control lately. "BL, you have been hanging around Bo too much with 'cute' remarks like that. The desserts should be just fine. I'm stuffed." Dixie said, picking right back at BL. “Couldn’t help myself,” BL said grinning. “You two sound like Bo and Luke,” Daisy said. Back in the car, Daisy drove a couple blocks to the movie rental store. The girls all went in and found the movies they were looking for and then decided to look around to see if they saw anything better or different than their choices. “This sounds pretty good,” BL said, reading the movie’s description. It was called ‘Gator’ and starred both Burt Reynolds and Jerry Reed. “I’m ready when ya’ll are,”Daisy said. Taking their choices up to the register the three were soon on their way back to Hazzard. With their beer drank and the mystery of the new dog solved, the men were back to work on the General. Talk of cars, racing and the 'kids' who needed to be taught a lesson picked up as they worked. Again luck was on their side as there was no sign of Rosco at any of his favorite speed traps, as the girls headed for town. “I don’t believe it, we got out of Hazzard and back in without Rosco chasing us,” Daisy said. “We ain’t made it to town yet,” Dixie said. Just a few more miles and they were almost in the clear as they entered town and headed toward the garage. BL and Dixie exchanged a look of relief when no vehicles were parked in the parking lot except Luke’s and LB’s trucks and General Lee was in the bay, up on ramps. “How’s it going fellas?” Daisy asked while BL and Dixie set out the desserts for them to choose. “We brought ya’ll some supper back.” Dixie said. “We didn’t know which dessert to get for who, so we got a few for you to pick from,” BL added. Luke had grabbed a bite before he headed home. He was enjoying his beer at the moment. He peeked inside his container. "It looks good, but just take it to the house. If I want it later, I'll slip over and grab it." He gave Dixie a kiss, "Thank you. What was Scrapie doing?" Dixie said, "He was a bit upset. We put Sadie in BLs room. He's in our room and the other pup is in the laundry room until we get back." ”We didn’t want to come back and find the house destroyed,” BL added. “Speaking of the new dog, are you going to keep the little cutie?” Daisy asked. 6 pairs of eyes were on Bo, mostly curious, BL was giving him puppy dog eyes. Bo asked, "Why is everyone looking at me?" Dixie replied, “I already asked BL and she said she didn’t know, that ya’ll hadn’t talked about it.” Bo replied, "We haven't talked. I figured at the least she could go to the farm and be a farm dog." Three sets of eyes turned on him and in unison they said, "She'll freeze." Luke snickered but helped Bo some, "It's eighty degrees." The girls promptly replied, "Well. It's hot for her outside." Bo looked to Luke for help. Luke grinned. "Anyone else need a beer?" “So you are just going to leave her at the farm when we move in with Dixie and Luke, abandon her after what all she’s been through. Lord only knows what that was before today’s incident,” BL said, laying the guilt on thick. Cooter looked at LB and got a headshake, he was too busy watching his sister guilt trip Bo like she had him since she was 5. “Naw we’re good Luke,” Cooter said. Bo frowned a bit, "We've had dog on the farm for years. Scrapie loves it. So does Sadie." “I know they love it but usually me, Dixie and or Luke is there too. I only leave Sadie occasionally and she knows I’m coming back because I leave my car,” BL pointed out. Bo asked, "Do you want to keep her, Darlin'?" BL nodded ‘yes’ saying,”I think it’ll be nice for Scrapie to have a wrestling partner his own size, that can’t get him down and hold him there with one paw and Sadie needs to learn she has to share me sometimes.” Dixie added with her own puppy dog eyes, "He was having so much fun with her. They were jumping and rolling each other all over the back yard." “Alright, she moves in next weekend when I do,” Bo said. Cooter and LB coughed to hide their amusement, Bo had been had by both their sisters. “Now that’s all settled, what’s her name?" Daisy asked another important question. “Trixie,” BL answered without alot of thought or so it seemed. Dixie replied, "Trixie's a good name." Luke nodded. “What deserts do ya’ll want? We need to get back to the house and let them out of their separate rooms,” BL said. “I’ll take the cherry cheese cake.” Cooter said. “Peach cobbler for me,” LB replied. “Apple pie for me, Darlin,” Bo said. “What about you Luke?” BL asked. There’s blackberry cobbler, coconut cake, chocolate pie, and lemon pie left,” BL said. Luke replied with a smirk, "I'll take whatever is left and if nothings left, that's OK too." He kissed Dixie's cheek. He pretty much figured the little Duke may want his dessert more than he did. “I want the blackberry cobbler,”Daisy said. “I want the lemon that was good at the Boar’s Nest the other day,” Dixie chimed in. BL wrote each of their names on a sticky note and stuck it on the lid of the person’s dessert choice. Daisy carried Luke’s food and dessert along with hers, Dixie’s and BL’s back out to the car, while the still relatively newly weds and the soon to be newly weds smooched. Back at the house the dogs were released from solitary confinement. Daisy took the food to the kitchen to put into the refrigerator, she could hear Trixie crying, “Just a second Trixie baby and I’ll let you out,” Daisy said. When she opened the laundry room door, Trixie was so happy to be free she was bouncing and wagging her tail and ‘talking’ to Daisy. Upstairs BL and Dixie were having ‘conversations’ of their own. Back in the livingroom, Daisy settled on the loveseat with Trixie in her lap. Dixie and Scrapie were in the recliner and BL and Sadie cuddled up on the couch to watch movies. “We should get a pizza so we can have cold pizza for breakfast like we used to,” BL suggested. Dixie replied, "See, I'm not the only one who thinks about food. I'm comfy. I'll pay if someone goes after it, but we might want to get two." Daisy replied, "I think I have a coupon. Let me look." While Daisy looked through her purse, Dixie asked, "Do you think the guys might want a couple too?" Daisy said, "I do have coupons. Buy a large and get a medium for a dollar." “I’ll go get it, since it was my idea,” BL said then answered Dixie’s question, “I’ll radio or go by and ask, if they do then they can call it in and tell the pizza place it’s being picked up with ours.” Dixie gave BL enough money for pizza for everyone, "Get extra cheese on them. If you call the garage then call in the order the pizzas can be ready when you get there, but that's up to you." “Be back soon,” BL said and two out of 3 dog heads shot up, BL asked ”who wants to go for a ride?” Scrapie wasted no time abandoning Dixie’s side. Sadie was always up for a car ride. Not wanting to be left out, Trixie lept from Daisy’s lap. Even though it was a nice night BL put the top up so Scrapie and Trixie could rear up and see out the window without falling overboard. Then she headed for the garage to see if the guys wanted pizza. If so it’d be easiest to order everything at once. Pulling up at the garage the dogs bailed out as soon as BL cleared the seat. Seeing Luke, Scrapie went straight to him, rearing up on Luke’s leg. Trixie recognized Bo as her rescuer and she made a bee line for him, yipping and turning circles like she was chasing her tail, then rearing up on his legs until Bo wiped his hands on a grease rag and picked her up. Once picked up his face was covered in kisses as Trixie licked profusely. “Aww how sweet she’s thanking you for rescuing her,” BL said. ”Back so soon? You know sis, it's starting to look like you’re checking up on Bo,” “Hush LB! I came to ask if ya’ll wanted a couple pizzas, while I’m going,” BL said. Cooter replied, "We're always game for food. Right guys?" The others agreed. Luke reached for his wallet, "What do we want?" He asked as he went to hand BL money. BL advised, "Dixie beat you to that." LB said, "Hey, free food is always better." “What do ya’ll want?” BL asked then added "If I call it in here by the time I get there, it should be ready.” "I like most anything." Luke said. The others agreed "Ok, get us a couple loaded pizzas." Luke said. “Do you want extra cheese? Dixie wants extra cheese,” BL said. "Of course." The guys said as if that should have been a given. BL made the call to the all night pizza place and ordered 4 loaded pizzas with extra cheese. “I’ll be back as soon as I can, pizzas should be ready when I get there, come on pups let's go ride some more,” BL said. Sadie ran behind BL, Scrapie looked to Luke then to Sadie. Luke told him, "Go on. You can go play." Scrapie yipped then followed Sadie. With Bo's face all washed, he sat Trixie down. "You go to go too girl." Trixie's feet were moving before they hit the floor chasing after Scrapie. All three ran to the car and jumped in while BL held the door open. In no big hurry so the pizzas would be ready for pickup, BL drove slower than usual, arriving at the pizza place BL said as she got out “ya’ll be good, I’ll be right back. Inside Mavis Perkins Red Perkins daughter was working the cash register. “Hey Mavis, I called in 4 pizzas, 2 large and 2 medium ones, loaded. I have a coupon for 1 large and then the medium’s a dollar” BL said. “Right here,” Mavis said. Ringing it all up, Mavis took the money and the coupon. BL was soon on her way back to the garage. The men figured they had enough time before BL got back to finish the current job on the General, so after a sip of their beer, they got back at it. While BL and the pups were gone, Dixie went to the bathroom then found the pair of loose stretchy pants of Luke's that had turned up at the farm and his shirt she had worn home with it. She grabbed her pillows and headed back downstairs. She also pulled a light blanket out of the closet and tossed on the couch. "Do you want something to drink Daisy? I'm gonna get a Pepsi. “No thanks I’m good but I think while we’re waiting for BL I’m gonna change into something more comfortable,” Daisy picked up her high heels she had shucked as soon as they got back from supper, then went upstairs, coming back down a few minutes later in capri pajama bottoms and one of the girls night shirts, she wasn’t sure who’s. She had gotten a pillow off the spare bed too and tossed it on the loveseat. “Ahh much better.” Daisy said, stretching out. BL parked in front of the garage, let the dogs out then got the guys pizzas from the backseat. “Pizza delivery,” BL said. “Thanks. Just sit it down somewhere,” Cooter said, each of them was working on different parts of the car. Cooter and Luke were under the hood and Bo’s and LB’s feet stuck out from underneath. One from the side, the other from the rear. ”See ya’ll later, come on pups,” BL said. Back at Dixie’s BL went in to find Dixie and Daisy stretched out and comfy. “I’m back, give me a minute to get comfy too,” BL said heading to the kitchen, deciding to let the dogs out back to run off the zoomies. It wasn’t dark yet. “Leave for 30 minutes and you steal my spot cousin,” BL said to Dixie on her way to change, coming back in a nightshirt with elastic waisted shorts underneath. Dixie replied, "You moved. You lose." After wiping their hands the guys all grabbed a piece of pizza and a seat on tires or buckets outside. A couple minutes later, Luke stood up looking across the square, "That was weird. I just saw Rosco. It's a bit late for him to be out and not be at the Boar's Nest, ain't it?" “Wasn’t I moved cos I was getting a midnight snack/breakfast,” BL said, adding “hand me the afghan off the back of the couch.” Popping another movie in, BL settled in the recliner,afghan over her legs. “Rosco’s weird anyway you look at him,” LB said. Cooter replied, "He has a point there." Luke added, "Well you got that right. Let's get back to work." Sadie was curled up with BL. Scrapie jumped down for a drink. He was followed by Trixie. When they came back, Trixie stood up wanting BL to pick her up. Sadie wasn't going to have it. She let out a low growl in warning. Dixie said, "Awww, come on over here baby." Both Scrapie and Trixie cuddled up to her and each other. Soon they had wiggled their way under the covers. “Sadie hush,” BL scolded, adding “you are going to have to learn to share me, Trixie is part of the family now.” Sadie huffed. At the garage the guys worked, ate, drank and talked. By now it was late, real late. Luke stepped to the garage door and again saw Rosco circling the square. "Bo. hey Bo, why is Rosco out so late." Cooter frowned, "He ain't even been at the Boar's Nest on payday after midnight in months.” “Maybe he forgot his way home,” Bo, Cooter and LB all came over to the garage door to watch the Sheriff. “He’s upto something and I bet dollars to donuts it's gonna bite a Duke or Davenport in the rear end,” Cooter said. At the house Daisy was having a hard time keeping her eyes open, it had been a long day. Dixie had snuggled down into the couch with Trixie and Scrapie under the covers. She wanted to see the end of the movie but wasn't sure she was gonna make it until she moved a little. She swore silently. "Pause it, BL. You guys have got to move." Dixie fought her way out from under the covers and headed to the bathroom. Once she was done and back downstairs, she asked, "Anyone need anything from the kitchen?" The pups followed her and asked to go out. “Bring me back a soda or coffee, if I don’t get some caffeine, I won’t make it to see the ending,” Daisy said. Sadie jumped down and went out with Scrapie and Trixie. “Bring back my chocolate pie, I could use a snack. It has my name on a sticky note on the lid,” BL said. Dixie and the pups came back with Daisy a soda, BL's dessert, and Dixie brought her dessert in also. "Sorry. You can hit play now." Soon they were resettled and watched the rest of the movie. Luke wasn’t the only to notice that late hours were being kept by a normally daytime worker, Rosco couldn’t see exactly what was going on at the garage but he could see lights on. “I wonder what’s going on at the garage?” Rosco asked Flash but all he got for an answer was a snore. At the house the girls were watching their movie and Dixie and BL ate their desserts, Sadie was staring a hole in BL waiting for a bite. “Sorry Sadie girl, this is chocolate, you can’t have any, it'll make you sick,” BL said. A bit later, as BL was switching the movies, Dixie said, "OK pups, I gotta get up again." She headed upstairs to the bathroom. When she returned she took the dessert containers to the kitchen and came back with a glass of tea and another dessert container while chewing something else. “Still eating?” BL asked, raising her eyebrows. She didn’t know how Dixie could eat so much and not be as big as Lulu Hogg. “What is it this time?” BL asked. "Luke’s dessert. Ya'll I don't know why, but after the morning sickness finally left. It seems like I am starving every two to three hours." Dixie said and then added, "And, I gave up counting how many times I go to the bathroom in a day." Daisy grinned, "It's just the joys of being a mother." Dixie thought about that before she replied, "I'm not sure what I'm experiencing is 'joys', Daisy." The part of Daisy’s statement that took Dixie by surprise was being called a Mother. Sure, she was pregnant and knew there was a little Duke on the way but had never thought about the fact that she was now very much a mother. Daisy gushed, "But the minute you hold that baby all that will go away." Dixie asked, "How exactly would you know that?" "Uncle Jesse is the best mid-wife around and I've helped him and seen it." Daisy explained. "There is no way, holding a baby is ever gonna make me not remember the morning sickness and the ten trips a night to the bathroom and I'm not even showing." BL couldn’t stop the smart remark on the tip of her tongue from rolling out, “keep eating like that and you will be.” “BL!” Daisy said. "I know she's just picking on me. There is nothing more that I have ever wanted than to be Luke Duke's wife and the mother of his kids, but I didn't realize how much more there was to it between the fun of making the baby and having it." Dixie said. “You’ll have something besides the baby when it's over, stretch marks will be your trophy, you can kiss your bikini wearing days goodbye,” BL pointed out. "I never really liked a bikini anyway." Dixie said but added, "If you are so concerned about your appearance, you might want to reconsider those birth control pills." BL looked at Dixie, she was only picking like Dixie had told Daisy but she hadn’t sounded like she was picking back just now. “I’m not concerned,” BL said, trying to sound convincing. She wasn’t really worried. Bo would love her no matter what, atleast that’s what she was telling herself. Dixie looked at Daisy, wondering if BL had convinced her. Daisy hadn’t jumped in this but an “uh huh” slipped out of its own accord, giving Dixie her answer on whether or not Daisy believed BL. “What does uh huh mean?” BL asked. Daisy said in a lighthearted manner, "It just sounded like you might be trying to convince yourself of a few things." BL didn’t say she was or she wasn’t but asked, “have ya’ll seen Dobro’s sister-inlaw Jeannie Ann? I know she’s having twins but Lordy, she was smaller than me. Should she be THAT big?” Daisy replied, "Give her a few months, chasing and doing for twins, she’ll drop any weight she's gained." "I hope I do. I've never been little by any means, but I'm not getting any younger." Dixie said. BL thought about Millie Jones that had gone to school with her but had dropped out their junior year because she had got pregnant and had not regained her figure afterwards and it wasn’t lack of exercise because she had been raising the kid on her own the last twelve or so years after her parents had thrown her out and the baby’s father had not married her. Over at the garage, the work was done on the General. Cooter shut the hood and said, "Well, ... that, .... ought, ... to just about, .... do it." Bo added, "Yeah, ... all we need to do now, is try it out." Luke shot him a warning look, "Oh, ... no, ... we don't neither. Not tonight. Tomorrow is plenty enough time." Daisy asked “BL something wrong? You got quiet.” BL focused on Daisy, “sorry, I’m ok.” “Hey Dix, can you get me an appointment with Dr. Quinn this week before the wedding?” BL asked. Dixie replied, "Yeah, it shouldn't be a problem, but you know for them to work right it takes a bit for them to get into your system." “I know that’s why I want to start them ASAP, the sooner I do the sooner they start working,” BL said. At the garage the guys were drinking beer and swapping tall tales just like they used to when they worked all night. BALLADEER: They were telling some whoppers. Kind of like a fish story of the one that got away, the fish gets bigger everytime it’s told. Somewhere in the back of Luke's mind, he had about half planned to walk home after Bo and the others went to sleep. None of the guys had hung out like this together in years. Luke knew a few things: 1. If he went home, the likelihood of his supper being intact was slim; 2. Dixie had likely fallen asleep long ago; 3. If he went home, either the girls but most likely the guys would think him 'hen pecked'. Luke reached for another beer as he listened to LB tell how he had just missed this wild boar. This was the third time he had told the story, but the boar was much bigger this time. BL was pondering over how she was going to tell Bo she had changed her mind about taking birth control atleast for a while, so they could get used to marriage before starting a family instead of handling it all at once. They had agreed to let nature take its course. Sadie and Trixie were enough ‘babies’ for the time being. Daisy stifled a yawn, the current movie was near the end but she wasn’t sure she was going to make it and stay awake much longer. Scrapie had turned upside down under Dixie's cover and she wasn't far behind him as she pulled the cover up a bit. Even with alot on her mind BL was finding sleep was trying to claim her. A bit later the complete silence roused BL. The TV screen had turned blue, they had all missed the movie. At some point Daisy had gotten her own light blanket, now she was stretched over the loveseat’s arms sound asleep. Dixie snored softly on the couch, two little bumps that were Scrapie and Trixie was under the cover pulled up to her chin. BL eased over the arm of the recliner so she didn’t disturb the others by letting down the footrest. Taking the tape from the VCR, she turned it and the TV off, then got back in the recliner the same way she got out and fell asleep again within minutes. Luke finished one too many beers, something he hadn't done in a long while. As he stood up silently for a nature call, he saw a grey sedan circle Hazzard Square. Luke glanced at the old clock on the wall. It was late, very late, but not late enough to be early morning. A bit later, from the phone booth on the edge of town, a call was being placed by Leroy who drove a grey sedan. "The only thing I seen going on anywhere was there were several vehicles at the local garage and lights were on inside." "Are you sure?" Asked the voice on the other end. Leroy replied, "Positive, Boss Hughie. The lights are off at the fat man's house. There was no sign of the law being out. The little bar was closed." Hughie hung up the phone, lit an expensive cigar and smiled. Used to getting up reasonably early, Daisy eased up from the loveseat about 5:30 am. She had just enough time to get ready and be at the Boar’s Nest to open at 6 for the breakfast crowd which wasn’t big, just a handful of long haul truckers. BL shifted in the recliner and cracked her eyes looking over at Daisy. “I have to work the morning shift, it’s the only way Boss would agree to the shower being at the Boar’s Nest,” Daisy whispered, adding “See ya’ll this afternoon at the shower.” After Daisy grabbed a soda and a slice of pizza she left. BL and Dixie slept a bit longer. “Wanna go get the guys some doughnuts? It is Saturday morning you know,” BL said. BALLADEER: The boys have been having a breakfast of beer and doughnuts at the garage on Saturday morning for years. "Sure, but I need a few." Dixie went upstairs to the bathroom. After using the bathroom for what felt like forever, she turned on the shower. She didn't feel sick, but she was off. A few minutes later, she pulled out some casual clothes of jeans and sleeveless top. As Dixie put on her underwear, she felt them dig into her like they had shrunk. Well, she did feel bloated this morning. She got her jeans up but saw there was no way they would button. She tried another pair and they fit the same way. She finally reached for a pair of stretchy jogger type pants. Grabbing a bra she hooked it fine but noticed she was over filling the cups. She reached for the bra she had worn to work yesterday and found it fit the same way. It would have to do. She put on the top and found it now was a bit lower cut than normal and more snug. She figured they were going to the garage not a fashion show so she pulled her hair back and headed downstairs. While Dixie was in the bathroom BL let the dogs out back and went upstairs to her room and put on a t-shirt and jeans and then pulled her hair into a ponytail then went downstairs. "We taking the dogs with us?" BL asked Dixie. "Sure, why not." Dixie replied. From an undisclosed location outside of Hazzard, Hughie Hogg read the Hazzard Gazette aloud, "Bo Duke and BL Davenport would like to announce their wedding Saturday September 1st at Hazzard Gospel Church at 2pm. Invitation only, followed by a reception at the Boar’s Nest." He puffed his cigar. "Well, now would you just look at that. This is perfect." ”Sadie, Trixie, Scrapie I’m leaving. Wanna go?” BL hollered as she and Dixie came out onto the front porch. The three dogs came around the house barking. “I’d say that’s a yes,” Dixie said as she opened the passenger door to BL’s car. The 3 dogs got in, followed by Dixie. BL in the driver’s seat headed for the bakery in the town square. “You wanna go in while I stay with the dogs or do you wanna stay and me go?” BL asked. Dixie replied, "It's likely cheaper if I stay out here." BL laughed “I’ll be right back,” “Mornin’ Betty Lynn, I need a dozen glazed doughnuts,” BL told the lady behind the counter. “Are you all set to get married next weekend?” Betty Lynn asked, putting doughnuts in a box. “Yes ma’am, I couldn’t have done it all so quick without Daisy’s help,” BL replied. Betty Lynn handed BL the box of doughnuts and rung up the purchase. “Thanks Betty Lynn, see you next Saturday,” BL said, heading back to the car. Betty Lynn waved while answering the phone. BL handed the box to Dixie so she could drive. “Try not to eat all those before we get to the garage,” BL teased. "They are pretty safe, but it's all the others in there that wouldn't have been if I'd gone in and seen them." Dixie said. BL pulled in at the garage, General Lee now parked outside to make room to work on other cars. “Breakfast,” BL said, Dixie sat the box on the desk. “What is it?” LB asked, earning him looks of ‘really’ from the other men, even BL and Dixie. Dixie replied as she took her normal seat since childhood at the register, "The same Saturday morning breakfast that's been in this garage since I could walk is all." Dixie was glad to smell coffee and turned to get some. She noticed that Luke was also drinking coffee, so he is likely the one who made it. LB reached for a beer, "Anyone else want one? BL? Dixie?" He asked, being polite and from habit. Luke said firmly as if he'd lost his mind, "Of course not." Dixie said a bit nicer, "I'll stick with coffee LB." BL wasn’t as nice as Dixie or even Luke, she smacked her brother in the back of the head with an open hand but it was still hard enough to knock his hat over his eyes. “She’s pregnant dummy, she can’t have alcohol,” BL said LB frowned at BL's actions and said, "Oh, yeah, I forgot. Sorry, Dixie, Luke. But, she sure don't look pregnant." Dixie smiled, "LB, don't pay them any mind. You might just be my favorite Davenport this morning." Cooter looked at his sister, "What did I do?" "Nothing yet." Dixie replied. “Bo you sure are quiet,” BL said. BL knew Bo wasn’t a morning person the same as Dixie but it wasn’t as early as he’d have gotten up at the farm. “Just tired, lack of sleep,” Bo replied. “Maybe a few too many,” Cooter said. Bo looked at Cooter, "Cute. I'm gonna grab a shower." Luke let Bo walk off before asking, "Did you ever fix the hot water in the shower?" Cooter replied, "Nah. Ain't really thought about it." Luke chuckled as he saw Cooter about to warn Bo, "Shhh. Don't say nothing." Dixie asked, "What's wrong with the hot water." Luke replied honestly, "Nothing." At that moment, Bo had gotten undressed, stepped in the shower and cranked open the hot water valve. The water hit him wide open but was nowhere near hot. Bo was now moving and jumping around trying to get away from the cold water. BL knew exactly what was ‘not’ wrong with the hot water just by looking at Luke and Cooter, Luke’s chuckle proved even more she figured right, “ya’ll are mean,” BL couldn’t hide her own slight grin. Luke replied, "He never asked." “His brain wasn’t firing on all cylinders yet,” BL said. “Bet it is now,” Cooter said grinning like the Cheshire cat. Luke replied knowingly, "Oh, yeah, that water is almost as cold as Jesse's well water." “How and why exactly do you know this?” LB asked, once again not thinking about what he was saying. "I used to shower here quite often when I ran parts and drove the wrecker." Luke said honestly. "The water hasn't been fixed since." Bo came back and he did not look happy. “Cooter, why didn’t you tell me the hot water don’t work?” Bo asked a mite perturbed. “Uh, Luke told me not to,” Cooter said, throwing Luke under the bus. Luke held his hands out in front of himself, "Bo, that hot water ain't worked since we were in high school." "You used to shower here often." Bo stated. Luke replied, "Yes, yes, I did." About that time, Dixie got up, squeezed between Luke and the counter, then walked out front to see what Trixie was doing. Luke watched her go. "There were reasons like that," pointing to his wife, "that made those showers welcome." “I reckon I better mosey on home, get some chores done, see ya’ll tonight at the lake,” LB said, getting in his truck heading home, just as Luther pulled in the lot. “I better get on home too,” Bo said. “Luke,you coming out to the farm later to test the General for tonight?” Luke grabbed a beer and a doughnut. "I'll ride with you. Dixie, do you care to bring the truck?" Dixie gave him a look about the open container. "I'm not driving." Luke reminded. "I'll get Scrapie and be behind you." Dixie called, "Come on Scrapie." She opened the truck door to put him in and before she could get him, both Scrapie and Trixie were in the truck. “I don’t think they’re done playing together, leave her with Bo. He rescued her besides she might have fun at the farm, lots to explore,” BL said. “Ain’t you coming out too?” Bo asked, giving BL his best ladykiller grin. “Yeah be right behind you when I get Sadie,” BL replied, then called “come on Sadie time to go, load up.” Sadie ran over to the convertible hopping over the side. Luther walked into a now empty garage except for Cooter, who had just taken a big bite of a doughnut. "Do I have the plague or something? I pull up to my own garage and all the help leaves." BL had started out bringing up the rear as they all left town but the dust Dixie was kicking up was killing her. Picking up her CB mic she said “Lookout Dixie I’m coming through, dust was not what I planned on having for breakfast?” BL said, swerving over. “I’m gonna stop by and get something nice to wear to the shower, so I can change at the farm and go then, and get Daisy’s clothes I borrowed the other day. Come on if you want something to wear too.” Dixie replied “10-4”. BL turned off onto the gravel drive to her house, pulling in the yard, eyes widening at the sight of Clyde and LB chasing goats. “Holy mackerel. C’mon Sadie, put’em back to the barn!“ BL said, getting out to help her father and brother. Sadie bailed over the passenger door ready to go to work. Spotting a couple drifters Sadie veered off toward them, heading them back toward the barn. As Dixie got out of the truck she said, "Stay here Scrap...." that was as far as her sentence got before Scrapie and Trixie were out of the truck and on the hunt. Not quite sure for a minute what they were hunting but after chasing Sadie who was herding the goats they got the idea. A baby just a couple weeks old decided to go exploring but didn’t get far before Scrapie and Trixie working as a team, sent it right back to its mother’s side. “Good work Scrapie, good job Trixie, that's right work together,” BL called out as she walked along behind to push stragglers. Dixie made her way to the porch swing to watch the activities. "Good job, Scrapie, Trixie!" Luke finished his doughnut and his beer before getting anywhere near the farm. Not wanting the empty container in the General Lee nor wanting to litter, Luke said, "Hey Bo, slow up at these mailboxes." Bo didn't have a clue what Luke was doing but slowed to a stop. Luke promptly placed the empty beer bottle in the mailbox, then said, "Pull out real easy like." Bo did. "So it was you!" "Was me? What?" Luke asked innocently. "That used to put the empty beer bottles in the mailboxes. I can remember back in high school, the old men would be fussing about finding them. Even Uncle Jesse found some." "Well, he had to or, everyone would have thought it was us." Luke reasoned. The dogs herded the last of the goats in the pasture and LB shut and chained the gate. BL loved on all 3 dogs and said “you all did great” The trio was pleased with themselves for a job well done and earned them love and praise, they all ran onto the porch barking and yipping, ‘telling’ Dixie about chasing the ornery goats back to the barn. BL plopped down on the other end of the swing. “We got us a multifunctional pack, some think a dog can only do the ‘job’ they’re bred to do but smart dogs like this crew can do anything,” BL said smiling. Dixie was petting and praising the pups when Clyde walked by mumbling something about goats and the place going to the dogs. Both girls laughed after Cldye got in the house. “I’m gonna get Daisy’s clothes and something to wear to the shower. Want to come in and look, I might have something that has elastic besides joggers or skirts,” BL said. "I just threw this on this morning figuring on going home. It would be great if you had some black elastic dress pants. It's dressy but not a dress." Dixie said. “Ya know what I think I might and there might even be some tops. You know the ones that fit up top but flare out on bottom? I need to get rid of some stuff so there’s room for Bo’s clothes. You can have anything that fits,” BL said. "Didn't you have some stuff that was a little too big for you? That way they should be roomy." Dixie asked. “Yeah they had the size I needed on the tag but were made big or missized,” BL replied. Dixie said, "Let's try those." Out at the farm, Jesse heard General Lee pull up. He took his plate to the sink and poured more coffee. At the sound of the back door opening, he asked, "Bo, do you want breakfast or have you already got full on doughnuts?" Luke spoke, "We're good on food but I'll take a cup of coffee before we get at it." "Well, alright. I wasn't expecting you this morning." Luke replied, "I figure I'd come out and we'd get done that much sooner. The girls are behind us somewhere." “Ok,” BL said. The girls went in the house to BL’s room. Digging in the back of the closet, BL laid a small stack of clothes on the bed. “I think most of that if not all of it will give you growing room,” BL said. “I’ll take a cup too,” Bo said, still feeling the effects of last night. Not really hungover, just rough. Dixie tried the clothes on which fit just fine. They were big enough to give her room but not too big. Jesse eyed the boys hard, "Long night?" Luke nodded 'yes', "Even with all four of us, there was still a lot to do, then those old Army cots weren't never comfortable. I'm not sure how we managed to sleep on them." Jesse replied, "Ya'll were a mite younger." "That we were." Luke said. “Here put them in this, so they're easy to carry,” BL handed Dixie a dark teal floral bag from her Vera Bradly luggage set. In the smallest matching bag of the set BL put Daisy’s clothes she’d borrowed, underwear and her denim skirt and short sleeved button up shirt, saying “Ready when you are.” Dixie said, "As soon as we round up the pups. I think LB was rewarding them." “Probably with Daddy’s bacon. Oh well if he wants to take his life into his own hands,” BL shrugged “I can’t stop him,” Both girls laughed. Before long BL, Dixie, Sadie, Scrapie, and Trixie pulled in. Jesse was sitting on the front porch and greeted the dogs and met Trixie. "Have you girls eaten? The fellas are out in the barn." BL replied, "We had leftover pizza and soda just like we used to at sleepovers." "That ain't no kind of a breakfast. I'll go rustle ya’ll up something proper." Before either of them could protest, the screen door was banging shut. “Good thing the fellas Aunt Pauline and Aunt Bessie ain’t here, they probably already think I can’t cook after Daisy sent the leftover from Sunday Lunch, home with Luke and me, now they’d think me a terrible wife, serving leftover pizza for breakfast,” Dixie said. “Nah they wouldn't. I'm the one who said we had leftover pizza and soda. I’m gonna get Daisy’s clothes out of the car then I’ll be right in,” BL said. In the kitchen, Jesse was mixing up a bowl of pancake batter. Dixie figured if Jesse was going to cook, the least she could do was help. She went to the kitchen and asked, "What can I do since I'm putting you to all this trouble?" "It's no trouble at all. Besides, it pleasures me to cook for that little one and you, of course." Jesse said. The pancakes smelled amazing as they started to cook. Dixie noticed Jesse had whipped up a lot of batter. Just then, Bo came in the back door, "What smells so good?" Jesse said, "The girls had left over pizza for breakfast. I'm making them some pancakes. " In true three year old Bo Duke style, he asked, "How come they get pancakes?" Jesse shook his head, "Dixie will you get out a stack of plates and the pitcher of milk?" Dixie did as asked. When she opened the fridge and saw the eggs she really wanted some eggs. She turned to Jesse, "Would you mind very much frying a couple eggs to go with the pancakes?" "Get out what you want. I’ll cook it. Eggs are good for you." Jesse said. "Thank you." Dixie set out four Jesse couldn't help but to smile just a bit. BL put Daisy’s clothes she’d borrowed on the bed then made her way to the kitchen to offer her help. “Anything I can do?” BL asked. “See if we need more coffee,” Jesse then asked “do you want eggs with your pancakes?” “No but can I have a couple pieces of sausage please?” BL requested. “Sure anything you girls want,” Jesse replied, never one to turn away a hungry mouth. “Sausage sounds good too, can I have a couple pieces too?” Dixie asked. “How about you Bo?” Jesse asked his nephew. “Yes, 2 please,” Bo replied. With Dixie and BL’s help, Jesse cooked them all what he called a ‘proper’ breakfast. BALLADEER: As late in the morning as it’s getting to be, city folks call it brunch Luke came in the back door and saw the table was set. “Can I get a couple of those eggs please?” Luke asked, changing his mind about eating. “Sure Luke,” Jesse replied, putting the food on the table. All the ‘kids’ dished up food on their plates,only Luke didn’t have eggs, pancakes and sausage he just had eggs and another cup of coffee When they were all done, Luke refilled his coffee cup asking, ”Uncle Jesse can I talk to you out on the porch? “Sure Luke,”Jesse said, then seeing a look in Luke’s eyes, added, “You don’t mind cleaning up, do you girls? Bo why don’t you check on the dogs.” “Of course we don’t mind cleaning up, you cooked, it’s the least we can do,” Dixie replied. BL started gathering up the dishes, while Bo went out the back door and Jesse and Luke took coffee to the front porch. “Uncle Jesse can I ask you something?” Luke asked, sipping his coffee.. “Dixie’s been eating alot more than usual, is that normal?” “Yes, don’t fret son that baby will let her know what it wants or needs,” Jesse replied. Then added, "Some of them may seem strange but as long as it's not dangerous they will be fine. And by dangerous I mean like wanting non food items like coal or dirt. Those things could mean she's lacking minerals or vitamins. But ice cream and pickles is fine." Luke frowned, "You aren't serious about the ice cream and pickles, right?" Jesse said, "Bo's mama wanted it. Cherry ice cream and sweet pickles." Luke mumbled, "I always knew he was strange." The girls got the kitchen cleaned up and then an idea hit BL, “we got a while before the shower right? Wanna help Daisy out and do her housework? She was up really late, then had to be at work early this morning to get Boss Hogg to let her have the shower at the Boar’s Nest, she’s gonna be dog tired. It's the least I can do to repay her,” BL said. Dixie agreed. They might as well pitch in since the guys were doing needed work around the farm. “Why don’t you dust and I’ll put laundry in to wash,” BL suggested, she was trying to give Dixie the light housework not because Dixie couldn’t handle the more strenuous stuff but because she didn’t want Luke on her case about letting Dixie do too much. Bo was awake now and well fed, "When are we gonna give General Lee a test run so we still have time to make adjustments?" Luke replied, "We gotta get done here. Where are you wanting to try him out at?" “Skunk hollow out near route 9-11,” Bo replied. Luke replied, "All right. Let's get this done, we'll tell the girls we need to run out for a bit. Hopefully, we can get out and back while Rosco is taking his afternoon nap." “Alright, let’s get busy, then cousin,”Bo said, splitting wood to make kindling, with renewed vigor. The weather was due to get cooler a few nights and days next week, Uncle Jesse would want to build a fire in the evenings to read his paper. In the house BL was sweeping and mopping while Dixie went over the rugs with the rug sweeper. A bit later, Bo and Luke came into the house to find it near abouts in tip-top shape. "Darlin', what are you doing?" Bo asked. “Housework, it’s the least I can do after all Daisy has done for the wedding on short notice,” BL replied. Bo said, "Darlin, no one expects you girls to clean the house." Dixie offered, "We wanted to, and before you say anything, the heaviest thing I've lifted is the feather duster." Luke took the warning tone to heart, "Well, ok. Just don't over do it. Me and Bo need to run out for a spell. We'll be back directly." Bo kissed the end of his finger and touched the tip of BL’s nose saying, “Don’t lift something and hurt yourself darlin’ we got plans next Saturday.” “Even if Daddy, Cooter and Luther have to carry me down the aisle on a plank, I wouldn’t miss our wedding but I promise not to lift anything heavier than a foot stool or laundry basket,” BL replied. Satisfied Bo and Luke went out, climbed in General Lee with Bo behind the steering wheel, tearing out like the tail pipe was on fire. “Their upto something,” Dixie said. BL nodded ‘yes’, Luke was shuckin’ and jivin’ and Bo was being extra charming,” BL said, adding “whaddya say we follow, see what they’re upto?” “Ok, we’ll take Luke’s truck, it’s black your red car will stick out like a sore thumb,” Dixie replied as the girls headed out to Luke's truck. Dixie never really expected to keep up with Bo but at the end of the drive way it was obvious Bo had turned left, so Dixie turned left. Wherever they were going it wasn't towards town. Bo was putting the General through all his paces when from out of nowhere they heard a siren. Luke looked over his shoulder out the back window and saw Rosco. “Bo we got company and if you don’t lose him we ain’t gonna race tonight because we’ll be behind bars and when we get out the girls are gonna kill us,” Luke said. “Bye, bye Rosco,” Bo grabbed another gear and put his foot to the floor. Dixie and Luke's truck may not have been as fast as Bo in the General Lee but when Dixie rounded a hairpin turn she nearly ran into Rosco as he pulled out after the General without looking the other way. Dixie hit the brakes hard and avoided Rosco as he sped after the General. Dixie and BL were just close enough to catch a glimpse of an orange streak and a cloud of dust way ahead of Rosco. “DIXIE LOOKOUT,” BL shouted, seeing Rosco a half second before he pulled out. Grabbing hold of the hand hold that helped someone pull themself into the truck and planting her feet firmly on the floor, BL braced for either impact or sudden stop, thankful it was the latter. After stopping for a split second, Dixie sped back up behind Rosco. "Any ideas? I can't catch up to the guys and really don't see getting around Rosco." “Yeah, run the lights, maybe Rosco will let you pass. He don’t know for sure it's Bo AND Luke he ain’t got that close. All he knows for sure is General Lee is flat gittin’ it on all eight,'' BL. replied, it was the only thing she could think of. "Even if I get around Rosco with the lights, I can't catch Bo." Dixie said. Luke saw an old moonshine road coming up, "Bo, listen to me. Slow down now, ...turn left NOW!" Bo had learned to listen to Luke at times like these years ago. He did as directed. Rosco went right by. Dixie saw a glimpse of orange as she went by. "Bo lost Rosco." She kept driving for two reasons: one, she didn't want to give the guys location away to Rosco; two, she didn't want the guys to know she followed them. “I guess now we know what they’re upto. Looks to me like they’re practicing for the race tonight. They’re still great drivers and can ditch Rosco but they don’t race every Saturday night nomore and they don’t race on a track in legit races as much anymore neither, BL said. Dixie added, "I know they are both professional drivers, and I love the General Lee, but those youngin's have got a much newer and more dependable car." “The General may be older but he ain’t ready to be put out to pasture so to speak. Didn’t them, Cooter and LB just spend last night working to get the General in tip top form?” BL replied. Dixie nodded in agreement, "Yes, they did, but stil “Maybe they are testing those new parts,” BL suggested as another reason the boys were racing around. Dixie nodded. "You are probably right." Dixie had begun to slow down so she could turn around without Rosco or the boys seeing her. “We better get back to the farm before we get caught following them. I don’t want to start things off with Bo thinking I don’t trust him,” BL said, adding “I want to hang out that last load of laundry too, then we better get ready for the shower. I want to take a shower before we go.” Dixie gave BL a look, "You don't want Bo thinking that you don't trust him? You mean you do?" Dixie kidded. “Ha ha, cute,” BL said, sticking her tongue out at Dixie. Dixie laughed as she turned the truck toward Jesse's, "Just thought I'd ask." “Do you trust Luke?” BL asked, wearing her best poker face but her eyes danced with fun. Truth was they both trusted both Duke boys with their lives. Dixie grinned widely, "About as far as I can throw this truck which is why we are in it and out here." BL laughed “good point”. Back at the Duke farm BL whistled when she didn’t see the dogs anywhere, they came running from the direction of the creek. Sadie was wet upto her belly and the two little pups were wet halfway up their sides from laying in the cool water of the shallow creek. “What in the world have you three been upto?” Dixie said, "It looks like they have been enjoying themselves on the farm." “Good thing Luke’s truck don’t have cloth seats or carpet. He can atleast take them back to your house and not have a mess to try to clean up,” BL said, getting her bag from the car. “Are you still going home to get ready?” BL asked. Dixie replied, "Yes, I still have no idea what I'm wearing." “Ok, see you at the Boar’s Nest in a bit,” BL said. Bo and Luke were still out racing around, neither had thought about the shower Daisy was giving BL and that the girls might need them for something. They were focused on tonight’s race. “General’s running smooth as silk, no way we can lose tonight cousin,” Bo said. Luke replied, "I still want to adjust the timing just a notch." Back at the farm, Dixie told Scrapie, "Stay with Sadie and Trixie. Luke will be back soon." She got in Luke's truck and headed to town. As she came into the square, Dixie did something that she seldom did. She pulled up in front of the Hazzard Emporium. Inside, she found a pair of grey dress pants a couple sizes larger than her normal size. After trying them on, Dixie was satisfied that they fit her well without being really big, yet they were nowhere near tight. She knew her friend Debbie's sister had sent her several tops that weren't maternity tops but were nice shirts she could wear for awhile. In that stuff there was a white dress shirt with layers of ruffles around the body and the three quarter sleeves also had ruffles on them. This was not her normal top but would be dressy and go with the grey pants really well. Dixie headed to the house to shower and dress. BL went into the farmhouse after Dixie had left, Jesse was at the stove making something that she guessed by the smell wasn’t edible. “Uncle Jesse, is it ok if I get ready for the shower here? The goats were out when me and Dixie went by Daddy’s and I helped him and LB get them up and I need to clean up. You should have seen Scrappie and even Trixie, they watched Sadie a few minutes then jumped right in herding the goats as fast as she did rat hunting/catching,” BL said. “I ain’t your Uncle Jesse,” Jesse fussed then added in a gentler tone “until next Saturday. To answer your question, yes, go ahead get cleaned up and ready.” “Thank you,”BL replied, heading for the bathroom. At the Boar’s Nest Daisy was putting up a few decorations in the front room, Charlie the bartender had helped her clean the mess up from the lunch crowd, he’d even washed dishes before he’d left. Daisy pushed 4 tables together in a row, it wasn’t a big party, just a few close girl friends BL had either gone to school with or had been friends with BL, Dixie and Daisy all for years. Dixie laid her clothes out, then took a nice warm shower. Being the only one home, she crossed the hallway to her bedroom in only a towel. After checking the time on the clock, she saw she had plenty of time to get to the Boar’s Nest. Stretching out across the bed Dixie figured on just relaxing a few minutes. “Timing seems ok to me,” Bo said. At the Duke farm, BL also took her time showering, noone else would be needing a shower for hours, as long as Jesse had enough hot water to cook or wash a few dishes he wouldn’t fuss. Getting out and drying, BL put on her bra and underwear, then her denim skirt and button up short sleeved shirt. Next came just a touch of eye shadow, mascara and lip gloss. Brushing her hair, leaving it over her shoulders, BL went to Bo’s room to borrow his boot brush then she got a damp washcloth, going to the livingroom to clean her boots up, a simple job since they weren’t shiny. Dixie turned over, hugged Luke's pillow and realized it was daylight. She checked the clock and saw the time followed by her clothes on the chair. Dixie sat up, gathered herself a minute, then quickly dressed, brushed her hair then pulled it back. Dixie soon backed out of the driveway heading to the Boar's Nest. She never heard the phone ringing in the house as she pulled out. Daisy hung up the phone then asked BL “I thought you said Dixie went home to get ready?” BL replied “she did” “Well I just called and got no answer,” Daisy said. “Let me go out to the car, see if I can get her on the CB before we get too panicked,” BL replied, going out to her car, reaching in to get the CB mic. Propping a hip on the door then keying the mic “Sweet Talker calling Little Shotgun, Dixie you got your ears on?” In Dixie's rush to get to the shower, she never even thought about turning on the CB. She was thinking of all the things she had planned to do to help Daisy. She pushed the gas pedal down just a bit further. Bo and Luke had continued to disagree on General Lee’s timing so had decided to go to the garage to get Cooter’s input, BL’s call had just come over the air about the time they were sliding out the stock car’s windows. “Bo let’s head back to the farm, maybe she had car trouble and her CB took out, so she can’t call for help. Maybe we’ll spot her along the way,” Luke slid back in starting the powerful engine as Bo was sliding in. “I’ll go by the house, see if she’s there, if not I’ll head for the Boar’s Nest, see if she broke down along the way…Holler if….,” Cooter said, the words “you need me,” spoken to air as Bo burned rubber. Cooter hustled to the wrecker, hopping in, he went around the square, then by the house seeing nothing he headed for the Boar’s Nest. BL had gone back inside to tell Daisy that Dixie wasn't answering. Dixie pulled in between Daisy and BL in case they needed to load stuff into her vehicle. She checked her hair, then got out and took a minute to straighten herself before heading to the door. The second Daisy saw Dixie she let out a relieved breath then saying, “it’s about time you got here, I called but you didn’t answer.” “Where were you? I gave you a holler on the CB but all I got was radio silence,” BL added. Dixie was looking at them like they had two heads. "The phone never rang at the house and I didn't hear anything on the CB. I made the mistake of laying across the bed, fell asleep, so then I hurried over here." Dixie said. “I guess maybe you had left already when I called, because it hasn’t been that long ago that I called,” Daisy said. Cooter had worked himself up by the time he got to the Boar’s Nest, he parked the wrecker on the side of the parking lot opposite from the girls cars so he didn’t see Dixie’s Thunderbird as he strode to the door, on a mission. “There you are. Why didn’t you answer BL?” Cooter asked. “I didn’t hear anything on the CB,” Dixie said again. She didn’t see why everybody was so wound up. Before Cooter could say more, the door opened and Mary Lou Pringle came in with a cheese ball and crackers. “Hey everybody,” Mary Lou greeted, sitting her platter on the bar adding, “be right back, I left the gift in my car. Not enough hands.” “Cooter why don’t you let Luke know, Dixie’s ok,” BL said, her subtle way of telling Cooter to leave, this was a ladies only party. "Yeah. Yeah, I can do that. See ya." Cooter was still not happy as he made his way out the door. "Lost Sheep, this is Crazy Cooter. Little Shotgun is at the Boar's Nest with the others. Everything is fine." Dixie groaned slightly. "Ya'll didn't get Luke worked up did ya?" “We didn’t have to most likely, you not answering me on the CB was enough to do it,” BL said. “Did you remember the chips?” Daisy asked. "Yeah, I've had them in the trunk for a week now. Let me run out and get them." Dixie said. She ran out and got the chips and headed back inside. Cooter was still sitting in the parking lot when Bo and Luke pulled in. "Say, Cooter, why don't you head out a few miles and let me check out Dixie's radio." Luke said as he pulled his key to her car out. "You got it." Cooter said. After trying the radio for several minutes and finding nothing wrong with it, Luke concluded the only thing wrong with it was that Dixie likely forgot to turn it on. That was ok, he could fix that. "Crazy C, I got this figured out. Run back here with some electrical tape and we'll fix it right up." In no time at all Dixie's Thunderbird had the hood up, doors open, the wrecker pulled in behind it. Cooter was under the hood, Luke was in the floorboard. Dixie was filling punch cups with punch when one of the new arrivals asked, "What's wrong with your car?" Dixie replied, "Nothing. Why?" “Cooter’s under the hood,” was the answer. Daisy was cutting the cake, so it’d be easier to serve. Everybody fixed a plate of the goodies of chicken salad sandwiches, veggies, chips and dip and got themselves a cup of punch, Daisy had decided they should have a late lunch instead of just snacks. Sitting back down at the lined up tables, everybody talked about the latest county gossip, some of it true, some not so much. Dixie sat her plate down, "I'll be right back." Dixie hurried out to her car and was just about to yell at Cooter until she saw Luke's jeans and boots hanging out from the passenger side of her car and Bo handing Luke something. She toned it down a mite before asking, "What are you three doing to my car?" Cooter looked up over the hood Bo giving him a look that was saying, ‘she’s your sister you tell her.’ “Fixing your CB problem,” Cooter answered. "I don't have a CB problem." Dixie said, crossing her arms. Cooter replied, "Oh. Um. Ok." Dixie made her way to the passenger side of her car and tapped her foot in the gravel while waiting on an answer. “Hey Luke, Dixie wants to know what we’re doing to her car,” Bo said, deciding that it had been his idea and Dixie was his wife, so he could explain. Luke mumbled something, then added more clearly, "Give me two minutes." Luke finished attaching the wire he had in his hand to the CB. Dixie continued to tap her foot while waiting. When Luke was done, he told Cooter, "Hook the battery back up." Cooter replied, "It's done." Luke turned the ignition key, then turned the CB on. He turned the ignition key on and off a couple of times, ensuring the radio came on with the key as long as the on button was in the on position. Then he scooted out and sat up. "There. It's done." "What exactly is done?" Dixie asked. "We hooked your CB up to the key switch. Just leave it on and it will come on each time the key is on." Dixie just gave Luke a look. "Thanks I think. If ya’ll are done, I'll head back inside." Cooter slammed the hood and headed for the wrecker, Bo waited for Luke in General Lee neither wanting any part of what was going on between husband and wife. “C’mon Luke we still got a couple things to do before tonight’s race,” Bo hollered out the window. Daisy poked her head out the door, “hurry up Dixie, we’re about ready to do presents.” Luke reached out as Dixie turned to go inside. He gently pulled her to him for a quick kiss. Dixie returned the kiss but gave him a look that said, 'it' wasn't over yet. Luke picked up the tools and put his keys in his pocket and locked Dixie's car up before he replied to Bo, "Alright. I'm coming." Back inside Daisy handed BL a gift basket full of things to pamper herself such as bubble bath, shower gel, lotion, bath pouf, a manicure set and a scented candle. Next was another small basket of assorted facial products. “Give her this one next Daisy,” Mary Lou Pringle said, handing Daisy the garment box she had brought in. BL untied the ribbon around the box, pulling off the lid to reveal a silk with lace trim negligee set, “It’s beautiful Mary Lou, thank you,” BL said. “You're welcome,” Mary Lou replied. Next, Daisy pulled out a bigger clothing box the sort that dress coats came in. Daisy read the tag, "BL, this one is from Dixie." BL took the box cautiously, as if she was afraid something would jump out at her, but it didn't. She pulled the ribbon and gently opened the paper. "You act like you don't trust me." Dixie grinned. BL replied, "Exactly, because I don't." Dixie frowned, "I'm offended." BL opened the box to find two soft fluffy robes. "Look at the pockets." Dixie said. BL opened the robes to find a "BLD" on one and a "BD" on the other. Dixie added, "I monogrammed them myself. I guess I learned something from Grandma Davenport about sewing that was actually useful.” “I guess you did, these are amazing, thank you. They will feel great when the dogs want to go out early in the morning when it’s freezing outside,” BL said. Dixie agreed but added, "I was thinking about the hallway between the bedroom and bathroom." BL laughed, saying “hope you made you and Luke a set too.” "Maybe." Dixie added. “This is from me,” Daisy said, handing BL another garment box, this one a little smaller than the one from Dixie. BL untied the ribbon, pushing aside the tissue paper, revealing a set of cotton pajamas for her and coordinating bottoms for Bo. “I didn’t get Bo a set just bottoms because he never wears a shirt,” Daisy said. “They're cute, thank you,” BL replied. Everyone had nibbled while BL opened her gifts. Daisy also handed BL several cards from various ladies in Hazzard. "While BL reads the cards, ya'll get some more snacks. No one wants to take anything back home. Then, we have a last gift." Dixie and a few others made a second trip to the snacks. In some of the cards a little money was inside, not much, just $10-$20. When everybody had sat back down, Daisy handed BL the last gift. “This is from Mary Lou T., and Becky Mae, they worked on it together,” Daisy said. BL untied the ribbon and removed the lid and pushed the tissue paper aside to reveal a lavender maxi dress with butterfly short sleeves, a ‘V’ neckline and a ruffled hem. “We thought you might need something special to wear at the reception, so you can change out of your wedding dress,” Mary Lou T. said. “Thank ya’ll it’s lovely,” BL replied. After fixing Dixie's CB, Bo and Luke went by the garage to let Cooter be the judge of whether or not General Lee's timing needed further adjusting. As the guys were talking, Bo made his way to the fridge. Luke saw where he was heading, "If you are driving later, you better be sticking to root beer." Bo gave Luke a look but replied, "Fine." Luke added, "So since you are driving, it means I'm not. So bring me a beer." Cooter shook his head, thinking that neither of those two had changed a bit. “You want something Cooter?” Bo asked, getting two bottles from the fridge. “I’ll take one of them root beers,” Cooter replied. Bo got another bottle from the fridge, giving one to Luke and one to Cooter. Over at the Boar’s Nest the festivities were over. While Marybelle and Becky Mae helped Daisy clean up and get everything ready for the Saturday night crowd, Dxie and BL started taking BL’s gifts to the car. “I’m gonna leave my gifts at your place, in my room. Seems easier than moving them from one house to another a week later,” BL said. Dixie replied, "Alright, but I know an easier way to get them out of the car and upstairs than us carrying them." BL grinned, “Bet I can guess, it involves 4 maybe even 6 or 8 strong arms and 2 maybe even 3 or 4 strong backs?” Dixie grinned back, "It sure does. They were so eager to 'fix' my radio earlier." BL had been busy and hadn't gotten the full story asked, "What was wrong with it, anyway?" Dixie gave her a look, "Nothing. I was in a hurry and didn't turn it on, so the fastest pit crew in the South decided to fix it so it cuts on with the key." “Seriously?” BL asked. “Yep,” Dixie replied. “Heaven help, when you start showing, Luke may take away your driving privileges, so you have to have a chauffeur like an unlicensed teen,” BL said, only half joking. She wouldn’t put it entirely past Luke to be that overprotective. "I don't know why any of you got excited anyway. So I was running a bit late. How many times have those two been late for something?" Dixie said. "How much more stuff is in there?" “You were an hour late. You were supposed to help Daisy set up, I was here ten minutes before any of the guests got here, Daisy called and got no answer so I stepped outside to see what your holdup was. I’m not saying those two haven’t been late their fair share but if they couldn’t be raised on the CB at least, it usually meant they were in trouble,” BL said, then answered Dixie’s question ”only a couple.” "I'm not those two." Dixie said with a laugh. "Besides, it was your little cousin here who thought I needed a nap." “He or she will think differently later on when napping is your idea,” BL smirked, forgetting she wouldn’t get to nap either, living in the same house. "Probably. Let's get going or our help may vanish." Dixie said. Inside Daisy had packed up the leftovers snacks to send back to town with BL and Dixie. "What time are you getting off?" Dixie asked. "Closing." Daisy said. “Think you’ll make it to the ‘lesson’ up at the lake?” BL asked. “I might if I can get help cleaning up after closing,” Daisy replied. “Ya’ll don’t forget, we’re going bridesmaid dress shopping tomorrow,” BL said, gathering up some of the leftovers, so she and Dixie could go. Dixie said, "We are off to recruit help carrying this stuff in." Daisy called back to them, "Good luck!" “Thanks again Daisy, it was a great shower!” BL called back. In town the four guys were hanging out at the garage, BL called to Dixie on the CB, “It looks like our lucky day, 8 arms and 4 backs.” Parking in front of the sign listing some of the standard services offered, BL got out of her car wearing a sweet smile. BALLADEER: Friends them boys is liable to get cavities if they look at that smile too long. Luke gave Bo a look, "Cousin, remember you can still run and by the looks of things you might want to real soon." LB was close enough to hear Luke and added “I’ve seen that smile, she wants something.” Bo ignored his cousin and soon to be brother inlaw, greeting BL with a kiss, “did you have fun Darlin?” “Yes we all had a great time, you got a couple gifts that’s just for you,” BL returned the kiss, replying Bo questioned, "I got presents at your bridal shower?" Luke laughed. He knew Bo was hooked. “Come out to the house and unload the cars and carry the stuff upstairs and I’ll show them to you,” BL said sweet as honey. “Told you she wanted somethin,” LB said. “I heard that LB,” BL said, giving LB a look. Dixie had now walked over to Luke. He had wrapped his arm around her waist and said, "So let me guess, you'd like me to come help? What are you gonna show me if I help?" Dixie grinned mischievously. Cooter groaned “Ya’ll are painting pictures I don’t want to see.” Dixie smiled ever so sweetly at her brother, "Well, you and LB could come help and chaperone too. I might even share snacks with y’all afterwards." LB said, "I knew it was a trap." “I'll do you one better than just snacks, I’ll cook supper before the big race,” BL said. You’ll make “chicken ‘n’ dumplings? Cooter asked, his stomach doing his thinking now. Dixie offered, "Well, if you are cooking I'll cut, peel, slice or dice stuff up for you." “Deal! There’s a chicken in the freezer, if you’ll d-bone it?” BL replied. "I will and cut up the onion and celery too. I just can not get the dumplings right. I know everyone else likes them when I make them, but I don't." Dixie said. Before BL or any of the others could say anything, Cooter spoke, “The sooner we get the cars unloaded, the sooner we eat.” The guys all piled into LB’s truck, following the girls cars to the house, where as usual Mrs. Kravitz was fussing with her flowers, frown deepening the wrinkles in her forehead when she saw the girls park in the driveway and LB’s truck then parked on the street and the guys got out. “Probably having a wild party, at least that girl of Jesse’s had enough sense not to party with them.” Gloria said to her flowers. Luke sent the three wild pups to the back yard to run off some energy. Dixie and BL showed the guys what needed to go in while they grabbed the snacks. It took all four guys to empty the cars and close the trunks. The dogs could be heard yapping and grring as the fellas made their way onto the porch and in the house with arm loads of bags and boxes. While the guys carried the gifts upstairs, BL and Dixie took the snacks to the kitchen. “I’m gonna thaw the chicken and d-bone it while you show gifts to Bo,” Dixie said. Gloria was about to get vapor lock, seeing how much stuff the four young men had gotten out of the car's trunks. “Abner, them ruffians robbed a store or something. I saw with my own two eyes,the boys all taking bags and boxes into the house,” Gloria babbled. “They didn’t rob noone or nowhere, look at this with your own two eyes,” Abner said, showing Gloria the Hazzard Gazette with Bo and BL’s wedding announcement and Gloria fainted. Abner layed Gloria on the couch. He started for the smelling salts but decided he'd wait awhile. It was peaceful. Dixie got the big pot, put water, frozen chicken, salt, pepper and a bit of garlic powder in it and turned it on high. She got out an onion and celery to chop while the chicken thawed and cooked enough to get off the bone. While she waited she grabbed a couple of the chicken salad and pimento cheese quarter sandwiches to nibble on then opened the back door so the pups could come in when they got bored outside. LB, Cooter and Luke went back downstairs after everything had been taken to BL’s room. “Ya’ll leave the door open,” LB said like they were a couple of kids, his warning was half serious. “What’d I get?” Bo asked like a kid. BL opened the robe box and put the plush robes, side by side on the bed. “These are from Dixie. Look at the pockets, she monogrammed our initials.” “She did a good job, where’d she pick that up?” Bo said, it was no secret Dixie didn’t sew much. “Grandma Davenport showed her.” BL replied, opening another box. “Daisy got us these,” BL layed a set of pajama shorts with a tank top and coordinating pajama pants on top of the robes. Bo looked a bit confused then said, "These are nice and all, but one of the perks about being married means I don't have to wear clothes around you and even better you don't have to wear clothes around me." “True,” BL agreed,adding” but the lady across the hall said we had to wear clothes to and from the bathroom.” Bo nearly blushed at the thought of meeting Dixie in the hallway. "Yeah, I see what you mean." “I made it a house rule, everybody has to wear clothes to and from the bathroom or things could get very awkward around here. I gotta get cooking now or my cousin and brother are going to think I’m welching on our deal, now that I got what I wanted,” BL said, heading back downstairs. “Yeah it could,” Bo agreed, his arm around BL’s waist until they reached the livingroom, then separating as BL went to the kitchen. “Bo wasn’t as thrilled about the pj’s and robe as he was about getting gifts before I showed them to him,” BL said to Dixie, getting out milk and flour and a big mixing bowl, it’d take alot to feed all 6 of them. “Why, didn’t he like them?” “He was a little disappointed, he thought marriage meant we didn’t need pajamas and such,” BL said grinning, adding,”then I told him you said we had to wear clothes to the bathroom and back. He decided real fast that was a good point.” Dixie had d-boned the chicken for BL while she made the dumpling dough. Next BL added the chicken meat and dumplings to the broth with the celery and onion. In no time they were all sitting at the table, talking about the race. Cooter kept looking at BL and Dixie like he wanted to say something. “If you got something to say Cooter spit it out,” Dixie said. “We were talking while ya’ll cooked this great food…,” Cooter said, stalling. “And?...’ BL prodded. Cooter looked at the other 3 men,hoping someone would jump in, but they didn't, so he pushed on,”we don’t think you girls should come tonight.” “Come again?” BL said, sounding none too friendly. “We don’t know how much Bobby’s been running his mouth and Rosco or Cletus might show up and we don’t want you to get caught up in it all,” Cooter tried his best to explain the guys' reasoning. Dixie crossed her arms, "But, it was ok for you BOTH to take me up there when I was fifteen? You're taking the wrecker. If you are so concerned about me brother, I can gladly leave my car here and ride with you." “The idea is for ya’ll not to be there, in case there’s trouble,” Cooter said. "I'd be with my big strong brother in the wrecker, for goodness sake. Besides, there could have been and was trouble about every weekend when we used to go and I haven't got to see the General race in forever." Dixie looked at Luke. Luke knew exactly where Cooter was coming from but Dixie was also very correct in everything she had said. He put his arm around her as he looked and spoke to Cooter, "She's going. It's better she goes with us than behind us." Dilxie gave Cooter the sweetest little innocent grin. “Besides, if Cletus or Rosco come poking around, we’ll hear them on the CB and can intercept them before they get there. Lord knows they can’t maintain radio silence,” BL added. Dixie replied, "True. So, who am I riding with?" Luke replied, "You may as well ride up with us, but stick close to the wrecker in case we have to cut out or something." “Dixie can I drive your car, even in the dark they’ll know my bright red car, in your burgundy atleast I can pull off into the trees or down a deer path and lose them,” BL asked, since none of the guys had specifically said she couldn’t drive up. “No way, no!” Bo objected. “Why? You need another car to be a distraction or even a getaway car maybe, so you can hide General Lee and we can be gone before the law gets there,” BL replied reasonably. She was met by a chorus of "No." from Bo, Cooter and LB. Luke chose to stay out of that fight. Dixie wasn't real fond of anyone driving her car, let alone using it as a blocker, but she figured to see how far the guys got at discouraging BL before she answered. BL folded her arms saying “Give me one good reason, why not?” Bo replied, "We used to race up there often. We always had it under control. We got this." BL cocked an eyebrow at this “you got this do you, how many saturday nights were you a guest at Rosco’s iron bar hotel?” BL asked. Bo frowned but said, "We knew those risks before we decided to take those two down a notch. It's not like we want to go to jail, but ..." He realized he was about to speak for him and Luke as his sentence trailed off. Luke picked it up where he left off, "but we'd rather spend the night watching Rosco gloat than for either of you to get involved." Bo said, "Besides, the General has a reputation of winning races and losing Rosco." “Fine I won’t drive another car,” BL huffed, adding “but I am still going!” BL put emphasis on ‘I am’. Luke gave Bo a look suggesting that he should take that as a win. “OK,” Bo said. “So who am I riding with or is all 4 of us going in the wrecker?” BL asked, looking from LB to Cooter. Bo said with a bit of a defeated tone, "You may as well ride up with us." “Ok” BL replied. Smiling a bit triumphantly adding “if everybody’s done eating, I’ll get started on the dishes, unless ya’ll want some of the snacks we brought home from the shower.” Dixie said, "If you want to rinse the dishes, I'll wash them when we get in, in the morning." Luke added, "We're going to head back over to the garage for a bit. We'll come by about midnight to pick ya’ll up. Come on, fellas we have to clean up, I don't want Luther to show up with us gone and everything left spread out." At a secret undisclosed location Huey Hogg looked at the pictures of Daisy and the girls from the shower. The hidden camera his men put out had worked great. He saw Daisy, he'd know her anywhere. Then there were the Davenport girls. He just couldn't believe after all these years that one of them had come back to Hazzard and actually got Luke Duke to marry her. Then there was the other Davenport girl actually engaged to none other than Bo Duke. He looked at all the rest of the Hazzard fillies. All of them just as sweet and pretty as a Georgia peach and none of them had ever or would ever give him the time of day. That was ok. He was about to cause more trouble for all his old enemies and all those stuck up little gals that thought those Duke boys were so special. He laughed and he might just catch that not so saintly Daisy Duke in his trap to boot. All he had to do after tonight was set back, wait and watch. “Are you sure you won’t be too tired after such a busy day today and late night tonight?” BL asked, adding “how about I help you when we get back? It won’t take as long if we work together. I want to change out of my good clothes before the race, it’s a miracle I haven’t already dropped or spilled something on them,” BL headed upstairs. At the Boar’s Nest, Daisy couldn’t help but notice business seemed a little slow for a Saturday night. Taking a tray of beer mugs and a pitcher of beer to the booth closest to the door, she stopped at a table halfway to the bar to speak to one of Uncle Jesse’s ridgerunner buddies. “Can I get you another beer Amos?” Daisy asked. “Yes, thanks Daisy,” Amos replied. After bringing Amos his beer, Daisy went to take the order of a new arrival. The new arrival ordered a beer. "Coming right up, Sugar." Daisy said. She went to the bar and got a mug of beer. "Here you go." "Thank you. Keep the change." He said, laying a five on her tray. "Well, thank you. You just let me know when you need a refill." Daisy said. "It will have to be next time. I've got to head out up to the lake, I hear there's a hot race up there tonight. It seems there are some kids who think they can drive and are hot driver talent racing against some old clunker car. I need to go see if those kids can drive half as good as they think they can." Daisy just smiled and listened, taking in all the stranger had to say. Daisy wondered if the guys, Dixie and BL knew news of the race was out. Having suffered the consequences of illegal Saturday night races often in the past, Daisy was pretty sure her cousins weren’t spreading the news around, nor her friends either for that matter. Not wanting to chance the law finding out, if they didn’t already know she couldn’t risk a CB call nor telephone call, so she’d just keep listening to folks and hope she got a chance to talk to her cousins before they went to the lake. Daisy scanned the bar, other than Amos and the stranger, there were only a couple of people there. She went to Roxanne, "Sugar, I've been here since opening. It's slow. Most everything is done up for closing. Would you care to close alone tonight?" Roxanne knew Daisy seldom cut her hours unless it was important. She replied, "No, not at all. Is everything ok?" Daisy replied, "Yes. I just want to keep it that way. I owe you one." Daisy said, grabbing her purse and heading to the door. At the lake the scene was much like it had been on Saturday nights long ago now or so it seemed to the parents, aunts and uncles of the young folks who were gathered around a blazing bonfire drinking from their coolers, while others raced to see who had the fastest car in the county. BALLADEER: You see friends, these young folks have heard so many stories about the good ole days, they decided to have some fun of their own, not just watch the big race between Bobby and General Lee. Just about midnight, Bo slid the General Lee real quiet up in front of the house. Dixie grabbed her jacket as BL and she made their way out to General Lee. Luke was out and ready to help both girls in the window, so they could slide to the back seat. Both girls knew with something going on, Luke wouldn't be any other place than riding 'shotgun' up front. Everything was peaceful on the drive up to the lake, right up until Bo turned the last curve onto the long straight stretch at the lake. If no one knew better, it looked like a pep rally!! complete with a bonfire. Luke looked at Bo, "Just a simple one on one race?" “Nothing is ever simple in Hazzard, is it?” BL said from the backseat, adding “Atleast it’s dark and noone will report seeing the smoke from that bonfire. Cooter and LB rumbled up in the wrecker, they got out looking at all the activity. “This looks like Saturday night used to when we up here racing ‘bout every week,” Cooter said. Dixie replied, not really happy about the activities. "Yeah, it sure does. Did any of you bring a cooler?" Cooter reached toward the back of the wrecker. "Sure did, and just for you, it only has sodas in it." "Really. Thanks." Dixie reached for a drink. LB said, disappointed, "Really? You only brought sodas?" Cooter replied quieter, "I said this cooler only has sodas in it." It took a minute but they all saw the ‘lightbulb’ come on when LB realized Cooter had brought two coolers. Daisy had gone to town in hopes of catching the others to tell them news of the race was out. Seeing the garage was locked up tight, she’d gone out to the house but it was dark, she headed upto the lake, parking beside the wrecker. “I see ya’ll have already found out word about the race is out,” Daisy said, no happier about it than Dixie or BL judging by the looks on their faces. Dixie nodded 'yes' as she took her normal spot on the hood of the wrecker, it always had a great view of all the action. The guys were checking something under the General's hood. BL had joined Dixie on the wrecker’s hood and Daisy was getting a soda from the cooler Cooter had fixed for Dixie when she saw Bobby heading that way. “Here comes trouble,” Daisy muttered under her breath. “I see you got this hunk of scrap iron up here,” Bobby needled. “How about a little wager, $50 says General Lee crushes that wimpy thing you call a car,” Cooter said. “Let’s make it interesting, let’s make it $100,” Bobby goaded. Anyone who knew Bo, knew how protective of General Lee he could be and the goading was sure to spark Bo’s pride, BL just hoped good sense prevailed. “Bo count ten,” BL said loud enough for only Dixie beside her to hear. “You’re on,” Bo said without a thought. It was Luke who opened his wallet and mouth. He took a hundred dollar bill out, "Put up or shut up." He said, handing Cooter his money. Dixie leaned toward BL, "They feed off each other." Bobby took out his wallet, took out a hundred dollar bill and handed it to Cooter then sauntered back to his car, confident he’d already won that 100 bucks. “Good thing Luke had the money, I’m not sure the lot of us could have scraped it together,” BL said, knowing between the 7 of them they’d have tried because none of them would have wanted to see the bet backed away from. Dixie remembered that BL hadn't got to go to the races much as a teen. "I'd almost bet Bo's got some money from somewhere in his wallet with him tonight." Daisy nodded in agreement, adding, "That will likely get passed off to us should the law show up unexpectedly. BL nodded, the guys were putting in the racing safety harnesses on General Lee but she noticed nothing being done to Bobby’s car. “Must be getting close to go time,” BL said. Dixie noted Luke putting the racing harnesses in the General Lee. She used to worry about these two nut jobs when she watched them race, but this used to be fun.Tonight wasn't really feeling like the fun she remembered. In no time flat, Luke was done and had put out his and Bo's racing helmets. From across the way, Bobby's friend yelled, "All that fancy gear mean ya'll are just a little bit chicken tonight?" “Did they used to do all this?” BL asked, continuing “I know they always do for legit races on the dirt track but those races have rules and safety regulations.” Daisy replied, "They didn't have most of it when they raced up here. They began getting it when they started racing in the bigger races and winning more races." Luke replied, hoping to keep Bo's temper under control, "We've just raced enough to know how to do it safely." “What'd ya say we shut him up now? Bo asked. Not waiting for Luke’s answer, Bo eased in the driver's side window, put on his helmet and then Cooter helped him get his harness on snug while LB assisted Luke saying “Give him what for fellas.” Daisy grabbed a scarf she had in the car while Bobby and Jody got in their car. She took her place at the start / finish line. Cooter spoke up loudly above the crowd's chatter. "Alright, fellas! Daisy is the starter! This here is the start and finish line. The course is once up past the big oak at the end of the stretch. Turn them around and race back to here. If you turn before the tree, you are disqualified. We're gonna send Dobro and Brody down to the tree," he signaled them. Dobro fired up and pulled out. "to make things real fair. If the law shows up, grab another gear and keep moving. Ya'll can run it again later." Bo pulled up to the starting line and Bobby pulled up alongside with Daisy between the two cars, raising the scarf Daisy said, “Ok fellas, on your mark, get set, GO!” Daisy let her arm fall to her side. Bo beat Bobby off the line and took the General through the gears ahead of Bobby. Bobby pushed the gas to the floor in his 2017 Porsche but the V6 engine just didn't have enough power to pass the orange stock car with the V8 engine. ”I guess that ‘hunk of metal dinosaur’ ain’t so worthless after all, General Lee is making Bobby’s ‘tin can’ look like the toy it is, " BL said Dixie replied, "General Lee and the new in it. Those kids don't have a clue." Bo and Luke were a good distance ahead of the much newer car. Bo laughed as he checked his mirror. "Don't get overconfident, just yet." Luke warned. Bo wasn't even pushing the General Lee hard as he passed the tree, swung the General Lee around into a one hundred eighty degree turn and headed toward the finish line. Bo was already back in high gear as he passed the Porsche just before it got to the tree. Bobby passed the tree, down shifted to turn the car around and even with the Porsche being much smaller than the General Lee, Bobby misjudged the turn and had to back up to make a three point turn before heading to the finish line. Jody was yelling, "What are you doing, man?" "Shut up!" Bobby had gotten so worked up that he missed second gear as he geared up. Everyone heard him miss the shift. Now, Bobby was doing his best to get all the speed he'd ever had out of his car. It was suddenly really hot in the car as he was sweating bullets.. “He’s not so hot under pressure,” Dixie said, when they all heard the missed gear. Daisy saw General Lee coming and moved toward the ‘track’ to wave her scarf to signal the end of the race. ”When and IF I ever get a different car, remind me not to get a Porsche, even if it's a convertible so Sadie can still help deliver mail,” BL said. She didn’t plan on getting a different car as long as Cooter could keep her GTO running. Bo checked his mirrors. There was no way Bobby was going to get close to him. He decided to do something Luke had done when he raced Ralph Green just out of high school. Bo took General Lee out of high gear and into neutral. The General Lee slowed considerably but had enough speed to still be moving quickly toward the finish line. Bobby saw the General slowing. He pushed his car harder. He could still win this. Bo crossed the finish line and came to a stop. Bobby crossed the finish line with a full head of steam behind him. He sailed past the stopped General Lee, swung his car right to turn around, he suddenly felt the car go into a slide, he tried to steer, braked so hard he locked the brakes up as he sailed right toward an old oak tree that was as big around as the General Lee's hood. Jody saw the tree coming up fast toward his side of the car. He cursed and tried to get as close to Bobby as he could before the car made a sudden stop with the back quarter panel wrapped around the tree. Luke was still in his harness when he heard and saw the crash. He hit the release, came out the window and tossed his helmet as he ran toward the newer car. He yelled before reaching the car, "Stay still. Are you hurt?" Bobby was quick. He got his door open and came out ready to fight! Dixie had gotten off the wrecker to go congratulate Bo and Luke when she heard then saw the crash. She also had taken off running toward the car, thinking the boys could be hurt. She stopped when she saw both boys out of the car squared off and talking crap to Bo and Luke, "Ah, hell, here we go!" BL too was on her way over when she heard metal and tree connect with a crunch. Next thing she knew Bobby and Jody and Bo and Luke had squared off and it looked like things were about to come to blows. “LB get the spotlight from behind the seat, so we can see how bad the damage is,” Cooter said. LB opened the wrecker’s driver side door, leaned up the seat, got the big spotlight and headed over to the combative racers. “Here ya go cousin,” LB handed Cooter the light. For now the 4 racers relaxed their stances and watched as Cooter and LB inspected the damage. Thankfully, Bobby was more concerned about his beloved car than he was about his reputation. He glared at Bo and Luke as he turned his attention to his car. Jody was a follower. He, too, turned his attention to the crashed car. Dixie had reached Luke's side, "Are they alright?"" Luke held his hands up in his defense, "They are both out of the car, moving and were ready to fight, so they seem fine to me." He said as he wrapped his left arm around his wife. BL came to a stop at Bo’s side asking, “anybody hurt?” Bo mimicked Luke, putting his left arm around his fiance but noone noticed that he had copied Luke, like he had since they were kids. “Just Bobby’s car,” Bo replied. Cooter turned to Bobby, shutting off the spotlight. “I can pry and hammer and then paint the repaired spots, be good as new in a week, maybe two, depending on how busy things get at the garage. Bobby sounded about two, "Hammer?" Cooter almost laughed, "Before it moves, it's gonna take a hammer and a pry bar to get the fender off the tire. Then, if the back axel is alright, you can drive it home, but if the axles broke. It's gonna need towed. Do you want me to pull it away from that tree so we can get a better look?" “I think he might cry,” BL whispered to Dixie. Dixie nodded slightly. “Yeah.” Bobby replied. “I’ll get the wrecker.” LB said, running back to where the wrecker was, hopping in and driving back to the small group gathered at the car. Turning the wrecker backward, LB backed right upto the Porsche, then rejoined the group so Cooter could do his job. Luke said, "I'll give ya a hand so we can get this thing outta here." He grabbed a couple J hooks and chain and stepped up to the car. Bobby stepped in front of his car, "I don't want either of these guys near my car." Luke replied, "Fine by me, but we'd get it out of here a lot quicker if I help." Bobby stood his ground. Luke laid the equipment down and turned to walk away. Cooter saw his opportunity for a good time. "So how about you run the truck? I'll hook up the car." Dixie rolled her eyes at her brother and husband. "Sure." Luke said, stepping to the controls. Cooter took the cable as Luke released it from the truck to the car. He hooked up the J hooks to the car and chain, then the cable to the chain. He motioned to Luke. Luke slowly worked the controls to pull the front, then the back, then the front and back again until he had the car a couple feet from the tree. Cooter took the light and went to the back fender and back passenger tire. As he pried the fender back, he could see the back axle had given in the impact with the tree. "It's not going anywhere under its own power. Axle broke. Do you want me to tow it into the garage?" Bobby had never had to make such decisions on his own. He struggled for the answer. "Can you take it home?" Cooter tried to be sensible, "I can if you want two wrecker bills. It's gonna need to be in a shop for the repairs." Jody looked at the mangled car then his best friend. “Man oh man if your Dad sees this car, he’ll kill you.” Bobby nodded, Jody was right. Oliver Douglas would blow a gasket if he saw this mangled mess, that had been a perfectly good car a few hours ago. Jody’s words in his head, Bobby said, “take it to the garage.” Once that was settled, Cooter, Luke and LB got the car hooked up. Everyone had pretty much got ready to leave as soon as they saw there wouldn't be a fight. Bo and Luke had put their helmets in the trunk and helped the girls into the General Lee. Back in town Boss Hogg, Rosco and Huey's men had met at the drugstore. Boss happily paid for the discount medications. He left the huge boxes on the counter for the pharmacist to put up in the morning. Huey's men took the money and eagerly headed out of town. Boss went home. And Rosco circled town and satisfied all was calm headed out of town toward home. Rosco met a long line of cars but he was too busy trying to figure out what his 50 percent of 50 percent of 50 percent came to, to pay attention in the dark and didn’t notice one was Daisy’s yellow roadrunner, one was General Lee and one was the wrecker towing a white Porsche. “Must have missed the sign up for a parade,” Rosco mumbled to himself. Luke saw Rosco coming and said, "Bo." Rosco kept going. No brake lights. No blue lights behind them. Luke checked the mirrors. Bo also had one eye on his mirror, "Luke, what just happened there?” Luke replied, "I don't know but just keep doing what you are doing. I think." “That could have been bad, had he decided to stop us,”Dixie said. The harnesses were tucked out of sight but they couldn’t have denied racing completely. Luke stated the obvious, "We had been up there too long. I didn't want to take the time to unhook all that up there." “I see your point,” Dixie said. “Yeah,” BL agreed. In town Cooter pulled up to the garage. Bo had swung in also. Luke climbed out of the General. "I'll get the doors." He could tell Cooter was planning on putting the night's race casualty inside the garage. Cooter tossed Luke the garage keys and once the doors were open, he backed the wrecker up until the car was inside. Luke and Cooter got the car unhooked and reclosed down the garage. Cooter called, "I'll catch ya’ll later." Luke frowned. "Come on over. You know Bo and BL want to stay. It's late. I have beer." The last part got Cooter’s attention. "You talked me into it." LB was fishing around in his pocket for his truck keys when Luke said that Bo and BL was most likely staying with him and Dixie. Pretty sure Cooter would keep an eye on the two, LB also knew how Bo could sneak into BL’s room if he wanted and Cooter would be none the wiser. BL would either assist Bo’s sneaking or throw a fit and tell Cooter to mind his own business. “No sense waking Pop, mind if I join the party?” LB asked. “Nope more the merrier,” Cooter replied, even though the house wasn’t his. The Davenport cousins got back in the wrecker and headed out to Luke and Dixie’s. “Looks like we’re having a sleepover. Bo hand me the CB, no sense in Daisy bothering Uncle Jesse so late, if she’s not home yet,” BL said. “Here ya go Darlin,” Bo said, stretching the coiled cord to the back. BL keyed the mic, ”Sweet Talker calling Bo Peep you got your ears on?”? ”Bo Peep here, what’s up Sweet Talker,” Daisy answered. “What’s your 20?” BL asked. “I just turned onto Cottonwood lane,” Daisy replied. “Ok, we're all staying with Dixie and Luke, if you want to stay too,” BL said, adding “I’m gone.” “10-4,” Daisy replied, turning back toward town. Everyone tried their best to ease into the driveway or a spot in front of the house. As soon as the first boot hit the porch, the dogs went nuts. Dixie made a beeline to the back door to put the three out back. While in the kitchen, she remembered the snacks from the shower. She pulled the sandwiches out and grabbed a couple quarters of the sailboat cut sandwiches. After changing, Daisy asked the others in the living room where Dixie was. Luke replied, "She went to let the dogs out back. I'll go see what's keeping her." Luke reached the kitchen and saw Dixie with a plate of snacks. He grabbed a quarter sandwich then reached in the fridge for everyone a beer. Stepping to the back door he whistled and the pups came running. Gloria Kravitz was coming back to bed after a trip to the bathroom when she heard vehicles with loud motors and saw the headlights of whoever had parked in front of the house. Next thing she knew, those mongrels they had were barking their heads off. “Abner, Abner wakeup you have GOT to go over and tell those ‘hoodlums’ some of us are trying to sleep,” Gloria Kravitz shook her husband roughly. “They aren’t hurting anything, put some cotton in your ears and go back to sleep,” Abner said, stuffing cotton in his ears. Once the dogs were back in, Luke asked, "Are you coming in the living room for a bit? I figured to drink a beer with the fellas." Dixie picked up a napkin, grabbed 2 more sandwiches and replied, "Yeah, set these back in the fridge and grab the tea please." Dixie got a large cup with a lid on it and filled it with tea and put the tea back, then they headed to the living room. Cooter noticed Dixie's snack, "Two o'clock feeding?" Dixie gave him a look, but replied, "Something like that." Luke added, "I'll take it. At least she's not sick in the mornings and most of the day." Dixie nodded, "Yeah, there is that." Everybody settled with a drink, the dogs all settled down to nap, Scrapie settled on the recliner armrest since there wasn’t enough room for him and Dixie both beside Luke, Sadie had lay stretched out between BL and Bo on the loveseat. And after thoroughly ‘washing’ Bo’s face, Trixie had curled up beside him. After having a couple drinks, Cooter, LB and Bo bedded down in the livingroom, which did not make Bo very happy when BL went upstairs. Dixie and Luke went to their room and Daisy went to the spare bedroom, all of them planned to sleep until at least noon. Luke shut the door behind himself, Dixie and Scrapie. They had just got settled and snuggled in when there was a scratch at the door. Luke looked to see Scrapie upside down in front of Dixie. There was another scratch and a whine. Luke eased out of the bed and cracked the door to find Trixie in the hallway. "Come on in." Trixie did just that and jumped up on the bed, crossed over Dixie's hip and insisted on getting under the covers with Scrapie. Dixie had been nearly asleep but automatically lifted the covers for Trixie. Luke closed the door and got back in bed before his place was overtaken.

Luke's crew was packed up and ready for the plane to fly back home before Dixie's clock went off. When the clock went off, Dixie was mildly sorry for the sleep she lost last night eating today's lunch. After a quick shower, she returned to her room to dress. She sat down on the edge of the bed, put on underwear, her BDU pants, socks, and boots before she stood up to put her bra and shirt on. Once she had everything on, Dixie tucked her long uniform shirt into her pants, pulled her pants together to button them to find that there was no way the pants would button. They were close but would not button. All her work pants were the same size so switching them for another pair seemed useless. Dixie zipped the pants, got out a safety pin to hold the top of the pants closed, untucked her shirt and looked in the mirror. There seem to be no changes as to why the pants weren't fitting this morning, but they weren't. Dixie pulled up outside the offices of Tri-Counties Jail about ten minutes before she was due to start her shift. Seeing one of the girls arriving, she got out of the car. The girl spoke to her. "Morning. Now help. I've got a wardrobe malfunction." Dixie said as they walked into the building. Dixie explained her issue, and in a few minutes, Dixie had a pair of pants, which fit several more of various sizes and a velcro adjustable belt. "Thanks. I got to run." Dixie said as she made her way back to go park her car in her normal spot. BL was only slightly regretting her and Bo’s late night swing and then the midnight snack with Dixie that was well after midnight as Sadie nudged her elbow and barked, needing to go out. “Alright,alright I’m coming,” BL said, getting up and going downstairs, letting Sadie out into the backyard. Glad to be in town this morning, she could go back to bed a little while and still get to the Post Office by 8 and that is just what she did. Setting her alarm for 7:30 BL laid back down, putting a pillow over head. When the alarm went off, BL went downstairs to let Sadie in. “You can eat breakfast while I shower and get dressed,” BL put dry food in Sadie’s bowl then went back upstairs for a quick shower and to get dressed. At ten to 8 BL was dressed in a peach t-shirt dress that reached just below her knees. ‘Time for work,” Sadie trotted to the GTO jumping in. The mail truck was pulling up to the curb as BL was unlocking the front door, “morning Joe.” Daisy heard BL pull out and knew she should be getting home. She reached the farm in enough time to fix a good lunch for Bo and Uncle Jesse before they got in from the chores. She started laundry and began cleaning up the house some, then began working on bridal shower things. Scrapie was nearly as eager as Luke was for the plane to be in the air and heading for their home base camp. Bo came in to get him and Uncle Jesse a drink. Daisy was at the table working on all things wedding related, the bridal shower being top of the list because it was in just a couple days. “Hey Daisy watcha doing?” Bo asked. “Working on BL’s bridal shower and ya’lls wedding,” Daisy replied. “Did she tell you what we decided about the guest list, last night?” Bo asked. “No she was leaving just as I was getting up this morning,” Daisy answered, “Wait, last night?” Daisy asked, giving Bo a curious look, she hadn’t heard General Lee but maybe that’s because she’s used to the sound. Bo sighed he knew Daisy wouldn’t be satisfied until he explained, even if she didn’t come right out and ask. “I went to the Boar’s Nest for a while after unloading a load of stock. When I came through town I went by Dixie’s house to check to see if BL was there. She heard the General I guess and came out. We talked about how long the guest list is already, so we decided just close kin and only 10-20 friends.” Bo then fixed 2 glasses of lemonade going back out. "Bo? Bo Duke! Bo? You can't be serious! Can you??" Daisy asked hot on his heels. “We want to keep it small, so yeah I’m serious," Bo replied. "Bo, this is the biggest event all year! Come on! With Luke married out of the County and all, everyone in three Counties wants to be there!" “No Daisy! This is our wedding and this is what we want,” Bo said, in a forceful tone he never used with her. "Bo, ..... Bo, come on, the more people, the more presents." Daisy tried to reason with him. She knew she wanted everyone at her wedding and couldn't understand why Bo and BL wouldn't want the same. “Daisy we have everything we need,” Bo said, trying to get Daisy to understand. Jesse had been close enough to hear and though he missed the start of this conversation that had started in the house he had a pretty good idea what it was about and it looked like Bo might need some backup. “Uncle Jesse can you believe him, he only wants his and BL’s close kin and only 10-20 friends at his and BL’s wedding,” Daisy said, indignant. “That’s their call to make, I know of church weddings with less people there and they wasn’t elopements neither,” Jesse said, taking a drink of lemonade. "But, Uncle Jesse? Everyone will want to be there!" Daisy protested. “I’m sure they will but it just ain’t going to happen. Even if they invited 3 counties of folks, some wouldn’t come,” Daisy looked hopeful, Uncle Jesse was starting to understand. Jesse’s next words didn’t sound so understanding. “I said, IF they invited 3 counties of folks, the church wouldn’t hold ‘em all, even if some didn’t come,” Jesse said patiently. He knew Daisy only wanted the best for her cousin and friend. Bo explained, "Daisy, I just don't need to be gawked at by everyone who is just there to see what they can see. We want the people who mean something to us to be a part of this. Why do you think Luke and Dixie skipped out on all the drama?" Jesse hoped that was the reason Luke and Dixie had eloped. Daisy opened her mouth to argue that because Luke and Dixie eloped their family and friends had missed a very special time in their lives but Jesse cut her off. “That’s enough Daisy, you will respect Bo and BL’s wishes, is that understood,” Jesse said, putting his foot down. "Yes, Sir, Uncle Jesse." Daisy answered automatically. Daisy left for work a little early; she had a few errands to run before going in, the first being the bakery to order a cake for the bridal shower Saturday. She also wanted to get orders in for the wedding cake. Becky Lynn was just finishing up with another customer when the bell above the door signaled Daisy’s entry. “Morning Daisy, what can I get you today?” Becky Lynn asked, smiling warmly. “I want to order a sheet cake for a bridal shower, I’m giving Saturday,” Daisy replied. “Oh how nice, who’s the lucky bride to be?” Becky Lynn asked. “BL Davenport,” Daisy said, then wanted to know, “ Will you be open Labor Day?” “Oh my, that’s wonderful. Yes we’re open, always busy we can’t close shop for every holiday,” Becky Lynn replied. “Good, the wedding is Saturday, September 1st,” Daisy said. “Who she marrying?” Becky Lynn asked. Daisy lowered her voice before answering, “my cousin Bo but don’t tell, I’m on my way to put an announcement in tomorrow’s paper. “I promise not a word. I guess you want to order a wedding cake too, it’ll be here before you know it,” Becky Lynn said, ready to write it down. “I have a drawing of what BL wants,” Daisy pulled a folded piece of paper from her back pocket. Luke, Scrapie and the crew were back at base camp by noon and though they would have liked to have headed home there was a lot of unpacking and putting away of equipment before they could go their separate ways. Gloria Kravitz was ever present on her porch as Luke and Scrapie pulled into the driveway. Luke headed Scrapie to the backyard to run off some energy and to potty. Gloria ran in the house, "Abner, Abner, the oldest Duke is over there to get his stuff while his wife is at work." Luke finished his coffee he'd been drinking coming home, "Come on, Boy." Scrapie was on his heels. Luke looked in the freezer. He found a large roast and put it in the crock pot. He added spices and a bit of water and turned it on. He also put on a pot of coffee. Then, he headed upstairs for a shower. Freshly shaved and showered, Luke came down in pajama pants. After checking the roast and getting his coffee, Luke headed to the back door. Scrapie wanted back out to play. Luke sat on the porch steps watching Scrapie play. He figured he may as well get his bag out of the truck so bare footed and in only pajama bottoms Luke went to his truck, grabbed his bag and started back to the back yard. Gloria had stepped to her back porch in time to see Luke with his bag but couldn't see that he was wearing pajama bottoms. Gloria called out, "I'm sorry to see you leaving." "Leaving?"Luke repeated, confused. "Yes, it's such a shame when young people's marriages don't last. Especially when it's been such a short time." Gloria said. Luke had been taught manners and knew the woman was the town's busy body, but he was tired. "Look Mrs. Kravitz, I don’t know what you think you know, but you are way off base and you'd do yourself and all of us a favor if you don't concern yourself with what goes on over here." Luke walked up the steps, called Scrapie and went into the house to put his things in the washer. Mrs. Kravitz then got a glance of Luke dressed in only pajama bottoms and replied to Luke's rant, "Well, I have never." She stormed back into the house. Daisy went over to the Hazzard Gazette office after leaving the bakery then she planned to make a quick stop at the emporium for pretty but premade wedding invitations. “Hi Daisy, how are you and what do you need?” Norm, Luke’s newspaper buddy asked. “Hi Norm, I want to put an announcement in tomorrow’s paper,” Daisy said. “Ok just fill this out,” Norm handed Daisy a clipboard. Daisy wrote Bo Duke and BL Davenport would like to announce their wedding Saturday September 1st at Hazzard Gospel Church at 2pm. Invitation only, followed by a reception at the Boar’s Nest. Norm read over the notice and whistled lowly, "Wow! There's gonna be a lot of hearts broke when this comes out. If they want a photographer, I'm available." Daisy said, "Alright. I will let them know." Luke had his clothes in the washer. He stopped in the kitchen to add potatoes, carrots, onions and part of a beer to the roast. Refilled his coffee and went to the recliner in the living room. Scrapie made himself comfy between Luke and the chair for a nap. Luke picked up a newspaper from the days he'd been gone and comfortably settled down to do nothing until Dixie got home from work. Daisy wasn’t the only Duke with errands to run before work, Bo left in plenty of time to go by the Post Office and ask BL out to the farm for supper and hang around for a little bit if things weren’t busy. “Hey Darlin how’s it going?” Bo asked, leaning down to pet Sadie when she came over. “Pretty good, I guess,” BL replied. “Got plans after work?” Bo asked. “Not really, thought I might see if Daisy wants to work on the guest list some. Luke’s coming home so Dixie probably won’t want to hang out,” BL answered. Bo replied, “come for supper and ya’ll can work on it. She gets off at 6,” Bo said. Just then 3 customers came in so Bo stole a quick kiss saying;“See you at supper” then he headed out. Making a loop around the square, Bo saw Luke’s truck home, with some time to kill Bo turned the General in that direction. Luke heard the General coming around town and knew Bo would stop. He put his feet on the floor just as Bo parked. "That didn't last long." He said as he went to the door. Bo pulled in the drive behind Luke’s truck, slid out of General Lee and headed to the porch. Luke opened the door before Bo could knock or barge in, Bo cocked an eyebrow as he looked Luke up and down. “Pajama pants and bare feet in the middle of the day?” Bo asked then said “must be nice. Some of us still have work to do,” Bo managed to keep a straight face, while giving Luke a hard time. "Well, I did my work for the week in the past few days." Luke replied. Bo sniffed, "Something smells great. What did Dixie put on for supper?" Luke shook his head. Leave it to Bo to smell food, "I happened to have put a roast on so it will be done when Dixie gets home." "Ohhh." Bo teased, "Wow, has Dixie got you trained already?" Luke gave Bo a warning look, "Bo." Luke said simply. Bo held up his hands in surrender, “ok,ok I quit.” Bo took a seat on the couch; “Guess you and Dixie don’t want to come out to the farm for supper?”’ Bo asked. “Not tonight Bo, I just want to kick back and relax with my wife,” Luke replied. “I was hoping between Dixie and BL they could keep a handle on Daisy,” Bo said. Luke asked, "Now why would they need to keep a handle on Daisy?" He scratched Scrapie's head as he talked with Bo. “To keep her from inviting everybody in 3 counties to the wedding. She about had a conniption this morning when she found out we’re only inviting blood kin and just 10-20 friends,” Bo replied. Luke grinned, "Sorry." Bo gave Luke a questioning look, "Sorry for what?" Luke gave Bo a slight grin, "For eloping and making your wedding the first family 'event' she's had a hand in planning." "A hand in it, my foot. If we had let her, all we'd had to do was show up." Bo mildly complained. Luke held his coffee cup up in toast motion, "Understood." Luke said, then sighed, "But, she does it out of love, Bo." “I know she does, it's just too much sometimes. We just want a simple and small wedding. I tried talking BL into us just going to Chickamahoney and then having a big party like you and Dixie, she wouldn’t hear of it,” Bo told Luke all his frustrations, like he always had. “Oh yeah I almost forgot, it was Bobby Douglas that challenged us and General Lee to a race. He came to the Boar’s Nest last night. I told him it had to wait until you got back,” Bo said. Luke replied, "That figures. You know him and that bunch of young brats he runs around with need to be taught a few lessons. They drive around in cars their parents bought them and don't show anyone any respect from Rosco to the General to normal folk." “We need a plan to keep Rosco and Cletus out the way while we teach him a lesson. You heard Cletus. If I get myself arrested before the wedding BL will kill me,” Bo said. Luke nodded, "Yes, she will." Bo added, "And you know Rosco would just love to send us to Tri-Counties." "He might, but Boss would hate to pay that bill for housing." Luke hoped Boss's wallet would always be the deciding factor in whether or not to send them to the larger jail. “Speaking of Boss and Rosco, I seen them in town last night and it was pretty late, bet they’re upto something,” Bo said. Luke replied, "Got to be, but as long as they leave us alone, I don't care." “Amen,” Bo nodded, agrement, “I gotta get to work, catch you later cuz,” Bo said as he stood up. Luke replied, "Alright, Bo be careful." "You got it." Bo said heading out the door and to the General Lee. He cranked the engine to life and pulled out with the arch of the tires. Luke patted Scrapie's head who was tucked between Luke's leg and the chair snoozing. Luke thought he might have just enough time to close his eyes before Dixie got home. Dixie snacked at work as usual and ate lunch, but by the time she was nearing Hazzard she was hungry. She was trying to figure out what would be quick to make for supper. She planned to check the Boar's Nest first if Luke wasn't there, then she would head home. Dixie wasn't who would make it to Hazzard first. Unknowing that Luke was home with supper nearly ready. BL made a couple money order transactions, put up wanted posters and had opened a new PO Box before lunch, not to mention all the other daily duties of running the post office. She had been looking forward to maybe leaving a little early but that thought had gotten squashed when Ellen Sue called to say she had an out of town emergency. She knew Bo was at work so before going to the Boar’s Nest and finding herself alone, she made a loop around the square. Cooter was at the garage under a car’s hood and she could see Luke’s truck home, Dixie would be home soon probably. Dixie checked the Boar's Nest parking lot, only Daisy's ride was there. As she rounded the Square a pleasant sight met her, Luke's truck was in the driveway. Pulling in behind him she got out and grabbed the bag of new uniform pants then headed for the front door. As she opened the door she was met by the sound of a barking Scrapie. "Scrapie, it's me." Luke had managed to get his eyes open and met Dixie with a kiss. He reached to take the rather large bag. "What's this?" "Never mind that." Dixie wrapped her arms around Luke, "I missed you." "Well, I missed you too." Luke said, hugging Dixie back and leaning into another kiss as Scrapie jumped at their legs. He wasn't giving up until Dixie picked him up for a hug and kiss too. "I missed you too! Did you take care of Luke?" She was met with a sound like Scrapie was trying to tell her he had. "Well, did he take care of you too?" Dixie asked. Scrapie again tried his best to talk to her. "Really? It was bad? Oh, no, they didn't feed you? And made you jump out of perfectly good airplanes? Oh my!" Dixie said. Luke replied, "You know he's lying. Right?" Scrapie did his best to look pitiful and innocent. Dixie hugged him tighter, "You wouldn't lie would you?" Scrapie laid his head on her shoulder. Dixie now got a whiff of the roast. "Oh, Lord. Something smells good." Luke replied. "Surprise. Do you want to get comfy or eat first?" Dixie had already changed at work, she replied, "Eat. I'm starved." BL went by home first to get the invitation list that she, Dixie and Daisy had started last night, maybe she could get the addresses to the Duke kin that didn’t live in Hazzard, while they waited for Bo and Daisy to get home. “Hey Uncle Jesse,” BL said as she came in the back door. “I ain’t your Uncle Jesse…yet,” Jesse gave his usual response whenever a Davenport ‘kid’ called him ‘uncle’ but then in a gentler voice “tacked on the ‘yet’. “I guess Bo told you about our guest limit?” “Yes he did, him and Daisy wasn’t seeing eye to eye but don’t worry I straightened her out, told her it was yours and Bo’s decision to invite as many or as few as you want,” Jesse said. “Thank you,” BL said simply. “Anything I can help with,” BL asked a few minutes later. “No, the pork chops will be done, just about the time Bo gets home from work and Daisy won’t be far behind,” Jesse replied. “They smell great. How about giving me your brother’s addresses while we're waiting, so I can put them on the invitation list,” BL suggested. Jesse went to the desk in the livingroom, opening one of the drawers he retrieved a well used address book. Coming back to the kitchen he laid it on the table. “Here ya are,” Jesse said. “Thanks,” BL said, finding the addresses,writing them down. Luke had a good-sized helping of roast and veggies with bread and coffee. He found himself stuffed. Dixie had eaten a helping about his size. He stood up to rinse his plate, "Want me to rinse yours?" As he turned, he saw Dixie digging in for a second helping. "In a minute." Dixie said. Luke refilled his coffee cup and let Scrapie out back. He sat and watched Dixie as a slight grin made its way to his face. "What?" Dixie asked as she felt him watching her. Luke knew Dixie had never been one of the girls too shy to eat in front of someone, especially him, but he thought his Uncle Jesse a much better cook and said so, "I know that I am not the cook that Uncle Jesse is, but it looks like I did ok." "It's great, Honey. You got to show me how you did it." Dixie said, sopping up the last of the juice with a piece of bread. "I didn't do anything special. How about I put the rest in a container for your lunch tomorrow?" Luke offered. "Ok. I'll give these dishes a quick wash while you do that then." Dixie said. Once the dishes were done and the kitchen wiped up, Luke threw his clothes in the dryer, let Scrapie in and locked the back door. "Do you want to hang out down here?" Dixie replied, "Do you think we could get away with relaxing upstairs without a crisis arising?" Luke locked the front door, "We can sure try. Come on Scrapie." Scrapie headed upstairs ahead of them and curled up on Luke's pillow! BL and Jesse had talked while Jesse finished up supper and had started a new invitation list in her notepad, writing down the addresses she had by the correct name. Just as Jesse had said Bo was the first one home. “Hey Uncle Jesse, smells great,” Bo said, leaning in for a kiss when BL stood up and Jesse’s back was turned toward them. “Hi beautiful.” “Hi,” BL replied. ”I’m gonna do the chores then shower before we eat. I figure Luke’s got other things on his mind other than coming out here to do the chores,” Bo said, and went back out the door. BALLADEER: Looks like Ole Bo is right. As Dixie snuggled close to Luke, about to drift off to sleep, something struck her funny bone, and she couldn't contain the laugh. Luke was almost asleep until he heard Dixie laugh, "What?" Dixie laughed again, "You know it's a good thing I'm pregnant." Luke asked, confused, "Why?" "Because if I weren't already pregnant, I sure would be now." Dixie said. Luke thought a second about earlier events, "Yes, you mostly would have been, but I missed you." "Good." Dixie said, moving even closer to Luke. Bo was thinking about the wedding in just a little over a week. BL would be his to hold whenever he wanted and they could do whatever they wanted, he was glad he was alone outside as these thoughts made his jeans a mite too tight. He finished up with the chores and went around front, he didn’t want Uncle Jesse or BL seeing his frustration. “Be through directly, gonna shower,” Bo called on his way to get clean clothes. A second later Jesse and BL heard the bathroom door close. “Daisy’s home,” BL said, hearing Daisy’s roadrunner. Daisy came in, “Hey BL give me a minute to shower and change, get this smoke smell off me.” “Bo’s in the bathroom,” BL informed her. “Ok, but I gotta atleast change,” Daisy replied, going to her room. A minute later she came through with her work clothes, putting them in the washer. Dixie was awakened by the nagging feeling of having to go to the bathroom. She didn't want to get up. She was perfectly comfortable in Luke's arms. She tried to ignore the bathroom call, but soon gave up. She tried to easily slide out of the bed without waking Luke. Once done in the bathroom, Dixie wanted nothing more than to go back to bed, but the little Duke had other plans. She found herself in her packed lunch making a cold roast sandwich with mayo and ketchup. The sandwich hit the spot. So much so she fixed a second one. Bo came out of the bathroom dressed but still tucking in his shirt, going back to his room he sat on his bed to put his socks and boots on. Combing his hair he went back to the kitchen to find the others at the table waiting for him. Sitting by BL they had a nice meal, afterwards Daisy said, “You cooked Uncle Jesse, I’ll clean up, Why don’t you take your coffee and sit in your chair, relax and read the paper.” “I’ll help, it won’t take us long,” BL volunteered. “Thank ya girls,” Jesse replied, pouring a cup of coffee. Once the two girls were alone Daisy asked, “do you really only want family and just 10-20 friends at the wedding? Or is that all Bo?” “No it’s not all Bo, we agreed. If we were planning on lots of guests, we should have sent out invitations weeks ago,” BL replied. “Ok,” Daisy said simply, taking BL’s reasoning better than she had Bo’s excuses. Once the kitchen was back in order BL and Daisy sat down at the table to work on the guest list. Having a few names to add, Bo joined them. “Don’t forget your Aunt Kate, Bo. Think I’ll turn in,” Jesse said about 10 pm, it was his subtle way of telling BL it was time to go home. BL took the hint and gathered her stuff, outside Bo walked her to her car. Taking her arm load of stuff he put it on the passenger seat. "Breeze is nice out here tonight." Bo paused, "Want to take a walk down by the creek before you head home?" “Yeah it is,” BL replied, not answering Bo’s question right away but deciding that it wasn't the end of the world if something happened, they were getting married in a little over a week, “sure.” The summer night couldn't have been more perfect, warm breeze blowing, night sounds, the ripple of the creek. Bo took BL in his arms for a long kiss once they reached the creek. Once the kiss ended he said, "I've been wanting to do that all evening." “Well if I had known what being alone with you was going to get me, I’d have changed into shorts or jeans and then I could have helped you with the chores,” BL said, as she gently brushed Bo's chest down to the first button that he had buttoned, which was the 4th button from the top. Bo took that as an invitation to let his hands start doing some roaming of their own while kissing BL again. BL more than welcomed Bo's advance and finished unbuttoning Bo's shirt to let her hands wander over his sun tanned chest and back. Bo moved his lips downward and began nibbling on BL's neck. BL then moved to gently blow in his ear before moving to his neck. “Couldn’t you have worn something besides this,” Bo said in frustration. BL’s hands wandering over the skin of his chest and back was driving him crazy. “This activity wasn’t on my agenda, when I got ready for work this morning,” BL replied. Bo’s lips skimmed over her neck, sending chills down her spine. Bo and BL's petting was getting hotter and hotter. From out of nowhere, a deer came into the clearing for a drink of water. "Hoo, hoo, hoot!" Came from a startled nearby owl.’’ All the disturbance pulled BL back to earth, taking her hands away from their current activities and her lips from his, breathing hard she said “I better go it's late, Uncle Jesse is probably still listening for my car to crank.” Bo nearly whimpered, but he knew she was right, but he tried to protest, "Darlin', can't you stay a little longer?" The night had sure gotten hotter since they came out here and his jeans seemed to have shrunk. ”You know I can’t, just a few more days and we never have to leave each other again,” BL said, not quite sure who she was trying to convince more herself or Bo. Truth was she was all hot and bothered and wanted to stay as much as Bo wanted her to stay. Bo was glad it was dark outside as they walked back to the car. Once back at the house, BL left after a few more long kisses, which hadn't helped Bo's situation. As Bo started toward the bathroom, he heard Jesse call softly, "Bo." “Yes sir,?” Bo asked, going into Jesse’s room. In town, Luke had woken up to find his bed empty, except for Scrapie. He got up easily and went to check to make sure Dixie was alright. She wasn't in the bathroom. Luke eased downstairs, finding a small light on in the kitchen, he moved quiet as a mouse toward the light. He found Dixie eating a second cold roast sandwich. He had to grin just a bit. He would have liked to have stayed in the shadows and watched his wife, but said quietly, "Two o'clock feedings already?" Dixie about jumped out of her skin! "Luke! You scared me to death!" BL was glad the top was down on her car; it would give her a chance to cool down before she got home. Once home she hoped to sneak in the back door and to her room, without Sadie notifying the whole house that she was home. Opening the back door just wide enough to slip through, so it wouldn’t squeak, BL turned just as Sadie ‘woofed’ lowly. “Shh, please don’t bark,” BL said, picking Sadie up, easing down the hall to her room. "Kind of late on a work night for you both ain't it?" Was what Jesse asked, but it was what he didn't say was what Bo heard loud and clear, by the tone of Jesse's voice. “Yes sir I suppose it is, we just lost track of time,” Bo replied, leaving out any further explanation. He didn’t want to mislead his Uncle but he wasn’t going to give details either. Jesse simply said, "Good night, Bo." Bo replied, "Good night Uncle Jesse. I love you." "I love you too, son. Remember, a week isn't that long." Jesse said. Next day BL sorted the mail then worked on wedding invitations in between interruptions, trying to either get them ready for mailing or to just deliver when she delivered the mail. Hazel, the only other woman deputy Hazzard ever had besides Daisy, came in the post office with a copy of The Gazette in her hand. “I’ll be, I wouldn’t have believed it if I hadn’t just read it. Another one of Jesse Duke’s boys getting hisself married.” Luke wasn't in too big of a hurry as he watched Dixie getting ready for work. She had her uniform pants on. Unknown to him, that was a size up from her old ones. She was standing facing the mirror with her hands up brushing her hair and putting her hair up. Luke studied her from behind. It was still early for her to be showing, but knowing her body like he did, he could see that she had gotten ever so slightly wider in her hips. Luke knew better than to say anything about her 'gaining weight', but he couldn't help the slightest look of contentment, or maybe it was satisfaction of knowing his baby was growing. Dixie turned around and saw the look on his face. It was the same look he had last night watching her feed her face at 2am, "What?" Luke stood up and wrapped his arms around her from behind. "I love you." Dixie laughed at him a little, "Well, I love you too, but I gotta get moving." Luke couldn't let her go without cupping each of her breasts for a bit of a squeeze. Dixie leaned into him, relaxed and was enjoying the attention just a bit too much when she suddenly teased and said, "Ow." Luke let go. "What?" Dixie took his hand and guided it gently over her breast to the area he had been squeezing. "Right there it's sore.” “I guess you’re here to get your mail? Not just to talk about the announcement in the paper,” BL said, the light catching the diamond on her hand, making it sparkle. “Wow that’s a nice rock you got there,” Hazel said. BL looked at her left hand smiling. “It was Bo’s mother’s ring,” BL replied, giving Hazel her mail, then Hazel was off with a wave. ”Hello, Duke farm, this is Jesse,” Jesse laid the firewood in his hands, on the stack before answering. “Just a minute,” Jesse held the receiver out to Bo, “it’s for you.” Bo came over and took the receiver, talking a few minutes then saying, “be there in 15 minutes Tom,” Bo hung up. “That was my foreman, one of the driver’s is sick and Tom needs me to fill in,” Bo picked up his shirt and headed inside. Within less than 5 minutes Bo had washed off a bit and put on his work shirt and headed to work. "I'm sorry." Luke said, then asked, "Are you alright?" Dixie replied a bit puzzled as to why she would be sore there of all places, "Yeah. Fine. It just took me a bit by surprise. I must have bumped into or hit something. I got to hurry." She said, glancing at the clock. Luke replied, "OK. I should be home at the normal time. Are we stopping at the Boar's Nest tonight?" Dixie grinned mischievously, "Only if you put that other roast on to cook before you leave." She tossed her head to the side, batted her eyes and gave her best puppy dog eyes as she gave him a smile. "That, I can do. Get out of here so you aren't late." Luke said. Dixie replied, "I just got to stop by the kitchen and get my snack, that used to be my lunch." BL postmarked the invitations that she was mailing out, so she could take them up to Colonial City later today with the rest of the day’s outgoing mail. Bo loaded the truck, then checked the route of the driver he was filling in for, it looked like he’d be going over into Chickasaw County. He’d atleast be able to meet up with the others after work. Luke finished getting ready, let Scrapie outside while he put the roast in the crockpot with the veggies and set it on low. He then grabbed his small bag with his extra change of clothes that he kept in his truck and headed out. As he left, he saw the curtain move at the Kravitz home. He shook his head and turned out into the Square. Bo was cruising along at a steady pace as he drove toward the county line with his load when he saw Luke’s truck. He gave a couple blasts on the horn to get Luke’s attention, wishing the horn had a distinctive sound like General Lee’s. Luke reached for the CB mic, "Aren't you out early?" Bo replied, "I was about to ask you if you were running late?" Luke replied, "No. An added bonus from being out of town this week." ”Ah, ok. I got called to fill in, so I’ll be able to meet everybody at the Boar’s Nest after work,” Bo said. Luke replied, "Sounds good. Catch ya later." Cooter took a break from the engine repair he was making on Mr. Wilson's pick-up truck. He got a soda and stepped out to the curb to get a breath of fresh air. Walking back inside, he said to Luther, "Town sure is quiet today." “Probably because your sister’s husband and his cousin are both working. I seen Bo go through earlier.” Luther replied. Cooter replied, "You know you could be right. Rosco isn't going to have much to do now days at all." BALLADEER: Rosco only wished that were true. Rosco was currently waiting outside of Boss Hogg's house. When Boss came outside Rosco asked, "So why am I driving you this morning instead of your normal driver?" Boss said, " Because I said so, besides your cut is less than his to keep his mouth shut." Rosco drove Boss Hogg out to the abandoned building of Hogg’s icehouse where they were meeting Boss Hogg’s partners in his latest deal to spend less for medication at the drug store in town. “Vic, Jack good to see you,” Boss stuck his cigar in his mouth to shake hands. Vic and Jack eyed Rosco suspiciously, a sheriff was never mentioned. Rosco had been in regular clothes the other night in town. “You didn’t say he was a sheriff the other night, this better not be a trick Hogg.” Vic said, menacingly. Boss Hogg back peddled just for a second, "Oh, oh, no, no, it's nothing like that. This is MY Sheriff. He's my brother in law, don't ya know. He's the best Sheriff my money can buy." Rosco beamed, "Awwww, that's nice Boss!" "Would you just shut up you numb skull." Boss Hogg said. "So here's the list of inventory and what we are paying." Jack layed out what he could supply the same inventory for. “I want the first delivery Saturday night,” Boss instructed. “We can do that, just make sure you’re at the drugstore at 1am” Jack replied. “Good, good. Me and the sheriff will be waiting,” Boss Hogg said. Their business concluded the 4 men went their separate ways. Dixie was off work, had changed clothes and was enjoying her drive home. Checking the time, she figured to pretty much meett Luke in the parking lot. Luke and Scrspie were coming from the other direction. Luke for one was looking forward to a nice cold beer. BL had started the mail route a little early today so she’d have time to hand deliver invitations, except where there was noone home, she had put those in folks' mailboxes. When she got back to the post office she had run the day’s outgoing mail she had collected and what was dropped off at the post office up to Capitol City. After she got back from there she’d done a few things and then changed into some shorts instead of the jeans she’d worn to work but was now headed to the Boar’s Nest. Bo was almost at the Chickasaw county line, a quick vehicle trade and he’d be on his way for a well deserved cold beer. It was hot today and the truck’s AC was broken. Dixie pulled into the lot right behind Luke and Scrapie and pulled in beside them. Luke looked over as Dixie pulled beside him, "Hey, Lady. Got a date for tonight?" Dixie nodded, "Afraid so with my husband." Luke replied, "Oh, ok. Sorry to bother you." Dixie shot him a look, "Luke!" Then asked, "Scrapie, what am I supposed to do with him?" Scrapie woofed as he and Luke got out of the pickup and came around to open Dixie's door for her. BL had been the first to get to the Boar’s Nest as she often did, Bo was usually right behind her but today he was working. When Dixie and Luke got to the table, there was Sadie laying beside BL’s chair in her K9-Postal worker vest. “It’s too hot to leave her in the car," BL explained. Daisy had come over to get their drink order and food for Dixie too and heard BL’s explanation said “and get Rosco’s goat too,” BL grinned replying, “maaayybeee”. “Luke, BL ya’ll want a beer? A cold glass of tea for you Dixie?” Daisy asked “Can I have the honey BBQ wings and fries with slaw on the side too? I missed lunch.” BL replied. Bo came up about then, kissed BL “bring me a beer too, will ya Daisy?” Bo asked petting Sadie. “Coming right up, then I’ll get the dogs some water,” Daisy said, going back to the bar. Dixie was trying not to order food right away, but if Luke had done as asked, they had a whole beef roast at home. As Daisy brought back BLs wings, she snitched one. Taking a bite confirmed that she needed an order, "Daisy? Can I get an order of Buffalo wings and extra blue cheese dressing?" "Sure, Honey." Luke asked, "Won't it bother your heartburn?" "I haven't had heartburn in a couple of weeks." “Hey! Get your own,” BL said. Dixie replied as she munched on BL's wing, " I did, you can have one of mine." Daisy passed out the drinks asking Dixie, “do you want a platter or just a wing snack, (which was just a basket of wings). "Just the wings but the double order " Dixie replied. “Ok, be back shortly,” Daisy said, going back to the bar. A minute later Bobby Douglas came up ”you old timers ready to eat my dust? Bobby taunted. Luke was moving his chair back as he calmly said, "Let's take this outside. Bo?" Outside was good with Bo. He moved his chair back as he said, " Alright." “This probably won’t be good,” BL said , watching the three guys walk out. Daisy brought Dixie’s wings and bowls and a pitcher of water, “Where did Bo and Luke go?” Dasy asked, setting a bowl down for each dog, filling it with water. Outside Bobby looked at the infamous Duke boys then at General Lee, “you really think that hunk of can beat my mustang?” “With his eyes closed,” Bo replied. About that time Cooter pulled into the lot in the wrecker. He saw the three men squared off and decided to see what was up. He walked toward them in time to hear Bobby ask, "Where and when?" Luke knew the best place to race was up by Hounddog lake on the straight stretch. At least there they stood a chance not to get Rosco involved. "Up at the lake, ...." “Saturday night, 1 am” Bo replied. Cooter added, “I’ll bring the draggin’ wagon.” The men then parted company, Bobby going back inside, while Bo, Luke and Cooter stayed outside to talk. “Did you get that part for the General?” Bo asked. “Came today,” Cooter replied. “Great, we can work on the General tomorrow night, spend all night getting him ready. Just like we used to do to get ready for a race,” Bo said. Luke handed Cooter some bills out of his wallet, "Stock the fridge." "You got it!" Cooter said. "Let's get back inside." Luke suggested. The girls had seen Bobby come inside alone. “I wonder what’s up?” BL said. “They are probably just talking and will be in,in a minute,” Dixie replied. She had barely finished speaking when Bo, Luke and Cooter too came in. “See,” Dixie said. Daisy came over as the guys sat down she asked Cooter, “What can I get ya Cooter beer, coffee or soda?” “Beer,” Cooter replied. Daisy had just sat Cooter's beer down when Luther came in and took a seat at the bar. Cooter said cheerfully after taking a long drink of his beer, "I'll be right back just as soon as I hand these keys off." Dixie laughed, "Dad can never say that his son isn't glad to see him at least once a day." BL chuckled and munched on her fries giving one to Sadie because she knew Sadie would stare a hole through her until she shared. Unlike many dogs BL had seen that yipped and whined carrying on, begging for food their owners were eating, Sadie had found staring quietly was more effective, carrying on had got her scolded. Back at the Duke farm it was drizzling outside and with Bo and Daisy both not at home, Jesse figured he might as well call Elbert and John and break the news about Bo’s wedding, in case the invitations were late for some reason. Cooter now sat back down contently to finish his beer. Dixie looked over at Luke, "Well?" Luke didn't want to talk too much in the Boar's Nest, "The walls have ears Darlin'." "How did I know that was going to be my answer?" Dixie said reaching for another wing, content to wait until they were home for the information she wanted to know. Luke reached for a wing. "Careful, you might draw back a nub." Bo said. Dixie and Luke both replied, "Cute, Bo." Jesse called his brother Elbert up in Tennessee first to tell them the good news of Bo and BL getting married. Elbert’s wife Bessie answered “Duke farm, this is Bessie.” “Bessie, this is Jesse, how are ya? How’s Elbert and the kids?” Jesse asked his sister inlaw. “We’s all fine Jesse, is something wrong? Give me a minute and I’ll call Elbert, “No nothing’s wrong, just thought I’d call and tell ya’ll the news. We’s going to have us a wedding in about a week,” Jesse said. “What?! Daisy or Bo?,” Bessie asked. “Bo,” Jesse replied. “Who’s the girl?” Bessie asked. “Dixie’s cousin BL,” Jesse replied. "A week?! Elbert!" Bessie called, then continued to talk, "You know that Pauline and me just knew once one of them boys settled down that the rest of them would follow, but a week isn't much notice. I hope you all have known longer....Elbert, Jesse is on the phone. No, nothing is wrong." Bessie said. Jesse looked heavenward, he knew Pauline was going to be twice as bad as Bessie. “We’ve known about three and a half weeks. They just didn’t want everybody to know right off,” Jesse said. Bessie didn’t understand why the ‘kids’ would want to keep such big news quiet “why not? Getting married is one of the most important days in a youngster’s life,” “I don’t rightly know why, just wanted to let you know in case the invitation is a few days late for some reason. You know how slow the mail can be,” Jessie said. As everyone finished their drinks, Luke suggested, "How about we drop off your car in town and go out to the farm. I can help Bo with chores and Scrapie can chase something." Dixie laughed. Sometimes Scrapie seemed to hunt without knowing exactly what he was hunting for. "Fine by me." At the Duke Farm Jesse was making the call he was looking forward to the least, Pauline stopped icing her cake to answer the phone, whoever it was better be quick before her icing started to set "Duke Farm." "Pauline, this here is Jesse. I don't suppose John happens to be nearby, is he?" "No, he shouldn't be back til supper time. I was just icing the cake I baked earlier," Pauline said. The two exchanged the usual ’is everything alright and how was everyone' before Jesse took another drink of coffee. He both looked forward to spreading this news in Placid but also dread of what he knew would follow...... Jesse smiled just a bit as he said, " Pauline, I have some good news for a change. news that should make you very happy." Pauline asked, cradling the receiver between her chin and shoulder. As she went back to frosting her cake, “What’s that Jesse?” “Bo is getting married next Saturday,” Jesse replied. Pauline dropped her knife in the bowl of icing,"I knew once Luke took the plunge, the other boys would start to follow,” "To whom? I never knew he was dating anyone steady. Do we know the girl?" “BL Davenport,” Jesse said, then added “I’ll let you get back to your cake, just wanted to tell you the news in case the invitation was a little slow getting there. I better get supper started, Bo’s got hisself a part time job now and he’ll be hungry when he gets home.” Jesse ended the call before Pauline could question him to death. “Darlin why don’t you drop your car off at home and I’ll pick you and Sadie up and ya’ll can come out to the farm too? Sadie can hunt with Scrapie,” Bo suggested to BL. “I need to wash a load of towels if anybody’s taking showers tonight or in the morning. I want to change sheets on my bed, I didn’t have time this morning, I’ll come out in a little while,” BL replied. Bo looked a bit disappointed but agreed, everybody then went their separate ways. At the Duke farm Dixie went into the house to see if Uncle Jesse needed any help while Bo and Luke did chores. “Hey Uncle Jesse, need any help?’ Dixie asked. Jesse replied, "You can set the table. I think I have everything else under control." Dixie turned to get the plates when Jesse noticed Dixie's jeans. "You know I usually don't butt into things, but I got to ask. When are you going to stop wearing those jeans?" Dixie looked at her jeans, thinking that Jesse meant that particular pair of jeans. "These jeans? What's wrong with them?" She asked. Jesse corrected, "Not those specifically, but jeans in general. Ain't they kind of tight around your waist?" Dixie tugged at her waistline a bit and put her fingers between her still flat belly and the jeans. Never mind that they were a size bigger than her daily jeans, "They aren't tight." Luke had stepped in the back door in time to hear Dixie's protest. Jesse replied, "Well, I ain't saying that you need maternity pants yet, but some stretchy pants may be more comfortable for you two." Dixie and Lukd both knew Jesse only had everyone's best interest in mind. Dixie replied without ever knowing that Luke heard the conversation, "I'll look around and dig some out." She kissed Jesse on the cheek as she went back for the silverware. BL put a load of towels, wash cloths, dish towels and a dish wash rag in the washer, it was a small load but they needed clean bath towels and washcloths. Going back to the kitchen and starting a lasagna for supper. “What’s for supper Sis? LB asked, coming in the back door. “Lasagna,” BL replied. LB sat his lunchbox on the counter then said “going to help Dad with chores.” While the lasagna baked, BL changed sheets on her bed, then made a salad and cooked a pan of pre-made rolls and set the table. Clyde and LB came back in, just as BL put the lasagna on the table with the salad and rolls. “Perfect timing, wash up,” BL said. “Ain’t you eating?” Clyde asked only seeing two plates. “No, I missed lunch and was starving so I ate at the Boar’s Nest. ” BL replied, adding, “I’m headed to the Dukes, Dixie and Luke are there. I shouldn’t be too late,” BL said, hurrying out the door before Clyde could give her the third degree. Jesse had let a pot of beans cook all day. Then, made cornbread and fried pork chops. He had used one chop to season the beans. Several fresh green onions were cleaned and put in a small glass of water on the table to be chopped into the beans if you wanted them. In a pot on the back of the stove was fresh buttered and seasoned greens that were set on the table. Luke hadn't eaten since lunch, except for the wing he snitched at the Boar's Nest and being home he dug in. Dixie had made a small plate just to be polite since she had eaten wings earlier. Bo ate his plate and got a bit more. Dixie had gotten a small piece of the cooked chop in her spoon of beans with a small piece of cornbread and a bite of greens. Once her plate was empty she found she needed a bit more. The logic she tried to use with herself wasn't working. It seemed that she had not ever tasted better pork chops than the piece of one in the beans and the greens. She wasn't sure what Jesse had done to them but she had to have more. While everyone else was ready for dessert, Dixie was content with real food. "What did you do different to these beans and greens?" She asked. Jesse said with a slight grin, "Nothing that I haven't been doing to them for the past fifty years." "You had to. I've eaten plenty of beans here, but these are different." Dixie said. Jesse just gave her smile.Daisy and Dixie were just finishing the dishes when BL pulled up. Bo and Luke were under the General’s hood tinkering when BL pulled up. As soon as the car stopped Sadie bailed over the side to catch up with Scrapie who was on the hunt for something. BL wasn’t sure what but Sadie was more than eager to help him find it, as BL went inside. “Looks like I got here at the perfect time, ya’ll look about done,” BL said. "Planned it that way?" Dixie kidded. BL replied, "I didn't want to show up in the middle of supper." Dixie said to Daisy, "Or middle of dishes." Jesse had moved to the porch with his coffee and paper but was having more entertainment watching the boys, the pups and listening to the girls in the kitchen. He was content. His boys were happy. There were women in his house (family) and there was even a new little Duke on its way. Scrapie caught the scent of something and ran to the corner of the barn with Sadie beside him. There he set into digging with dirt flying. Sadie watched him then figured if digging was ok that she would help. Scrapie woofed, whimpered and woofed in Luke's direction then dug some more. Again he woofed toward Luke. Luke finally went over to him, "What?" Scrapie woofed again frantically. Luke said, "I can't move the wall." Scrapie barked as if that was exactly what he wanted. Luke went in the barn and moved a board on the other side of the wall. About ten rats of all sizes ran in different directions. Scrapie was on one and grabbed it just outside the barn door. Three shakes it was dead and he was on another one's trail. Sadie kept digging for a minute, then a rat scurried by getting her attention. Sadie ‘woofed’ and pounced, grabbing up the rodent and giving it a good shake before dropping the dead one to snatch up another giving it the same treatment. Jesse was having fun watching the dogs from the porch. "Lift that tarp on the old tractor." Rats ran. Dogs pounced. "I need to borrow those two one day. Good job Sadie. Scrapie, that one is as big as you." Jesse said. Dixie asked the others, "What are we missing?" “Let’s go find out,” BL said. The girls went out back to literally find a rat race going on. The dogs were filthy from their digging expedition but were having a great time chasing, catching and killing rats. Jesse had even made his way out toward the barn. He knew where the rats were that traps and cats had managed to miss. He was directing Bo and Luke to move certain things, causing rats to scatter. Any old barn with years of animal feed in it always had its share of varmints. "Do you believe them?" Daisy asked. Dixie replied, "Dachshunds were bred to hunt badgers." Daisy frowned, "I meant the three men, not the two dogs." “I guess there’s still a little boy in every man, no matter how old the man is,” BL said, watching the antics of Jesse directing Bo and Luke every which way,rats scattering and the dogs giving chase. Sadie was really getting into it, grabbing a rat and giving it a good shake. Seeing the girls now she brought her prize over, laying it at BL’s feet. “A present for me,” BL said, less than enthusiastic. Daisy and Dixie laughed. “She’s filthy, she needs a bath before she gets in my car or my bed,” BL said as Sadie was on the hunt again. Dixie laughed at BL. Seeing Scrapie after another rat, she said, "Get it, boy!" Scrapie indeed got it. Three shakes later the rat layed lifeless. Jesse stated, "I need these two out here like this on a regular basis." He laughed at the pups. "Scrapie is two up on Sadie." Sadie acted like she knew what he was saying and promptly caught up with Scrapie. Bo replied, "Not anymore Uncle Jesse. It's a tie now." Dixie looked at Daisy and BL, "Do you believe it, they are keeping score?" “I’d believe anything about now. I wouldn’t have believed it this morning if you had told me I’d be watching a literal rat race this afternoon,” BL said. Both dogs were still going strong but Bo and Luke were losing steam. Luke finally said, "OK, Scrapie, let's go get you a drink and cleaned up." Bo protested, "Hold up a second. Sadie needs one more to tie him." He moved a board and one rat scurried out. Sadie was closer and pounced it." Jesse said alright as soon as you get the dogs watered and cleaned up. Dig a hole and put all those rats in it away from here so the dogs won't try digging them up later." Dixie looked at BL, "Well, at least you got out of having to clean Sadie up." "True." BL remarked. Jesse said, "Come on to the porch girls the pies should be cool by now." "Pie?" Dixie asked eagerly. “Daisy, will you bring us the dish soap?” Bo asked. “Sure Bo,” Daisy replied, going into the house. Coming back out she had also brought a small washtub, “here ya go fellas. Luke I brought the small washtub, thought it’d be easier than trying to get to Scrapie on the ground.” Before Luke got one word out BL squealed, hands out like she was reaching for something. “Sadie no don’t!” Too late, Sadie shook water all over BL. Bo threw his head back and laughed hard, that is until BL turned the hose on him. When Bo got control of the hose, he tried to soak BL who managed to get away; he instead got Daisy who was standing a mite too close to Bo and right by Luke who had just filled the wash tub. He promptly threw the water on Bo. Scrapie used this distraction to make his escape and ran into Dixie's lap and arms. "Scrapie!" Dixie was relatively dry still compared to the rest, Luke turned to Dtxie, somehow he’d gotten control of the hose, “let me help sweetheart,” Luke said with an innocent look, just before he sprayed his wife. “Lucas Keith Duke, I'll get you for that,” Dixie threatened. Jesse was watching from the dry, safety of the screened in back porch “not as growed up as they think they are,” Jesse chuckled. Luke may have held the nozzle of the hose, but Dixie was able to get Luke's arm and wrist in such a way that she caused him to spray both of them. Luke finally tossed the water hose to a hopefully neutral zone, then wrapped his arms around his wife, picking her up and only letting her down once he reached a large mud hole. Dixie wasn't having any of being the only one muddy and managed to trip Luke up. The next thing anyone paying attention saw was the couple basically mud wrestling in the mud hole. Daisy spotted the abandoned hose about three feet away, making a dash grabbing it off the ground. She had a score to settle with Bo, who didn't see her mad dash because he was too busy watching Luke and Dixie wrestling in the mud. “Hey Bo,” Daisy said, giving him a soaking when he looked her way. Bo ran and caught Daisy, finally getting the hose back, but not before he was soaking wet. Bo pointed the hose at BL but he just shot a stream of water at her a couple times, just enough to set her on the run as he advanced, when she saw a chance she circled around intending to sneak up behind him and cause him to spray himself but his alertness from moonshining days were tingling. Whirling around Bo let loose a rebel yell as he sprayed his retreating fiance. "Bo!" BL screamed! Bo was dying laughing. Daisy grabbed the hose momentarily kicking it so the spray of water came out as a trickle.. Bo turned facing Daisy, she pointed the trickling hose right at him, she had backed out of reach the minute she got control. “Take one step and you’re toast, soggy but toast nonetheless,”Daisy said. BL had filled an empty 5 gallon bucket from the spigot while Daisy had his full attention. Bo felt cocky he’d taken the hose once from Daisy already, so he took that ill fated step. “NOW BL” Bo was assaulted front and back as Daisy turned the hose on spray in front and BL dashed her bucket of water from behind. Bo grabbed BL taking her to the ground in the now wet, muddy yard. BL grabbed a handful of mud and slimed Bo. Soon mud was flying and hands were wandering, much like what was happening with Luke and Dixie. Jesse gave Daisy a look to put an end to the nonsense so that everyone could get cleaned up and things squared away before it got dark. It was a good thing it was a warm evening or they would have all caught their death! “Ya’ll we gotta stop, the dogs still need cleaning up, them dead rats need burying and we all need to get cleaned up before dark.” Daisy said but the others weren’t listening. Their minds were on all the places their busy hands wanted to go. Spraying off her hand, shaking off the water Daisy put her thumb and middle finger in the corners of her mouth, giving a sharp whistle, getting the others' attention. “And pie to eat,” Dixie added, more ready for it than before their water fight. Everyone looked like they were professional mud wrestlers getting up and trying to wipe the mud off. Luke said, "That's not gonna work." He went over to the hose and began hosing himself off with the cold well water. "Who's next?" Daisy was less muddy. "Here. Then I'll go get towels." Luke figured exactly what Daisy was going to do and moved to the side of the house away from the back porch. "Come on Dixie. Daisy will meet you on the back porch with towels so you can strip down on the back porch and head to the shower." Daisy had indeed dropped her shorts, top and shoes on the back porch. Luckily she had a dry load of towels in the dryer. She wrapped a towel around herself and took the rest to the porch. Dixie took the hose and started to say something. Luke answered her before she could say it, "You didn't have a problem with it being cold when you sprayed me." "True." Dixie giggled at the sight of the others as she hosed down then dripped dry enough to not be soaking wet before going to the back porch. Luke asked a bit louder than intended, "Need any help?" Dixie never got the chance to answer. Jesse replied with a bit of a warning tone, "Luke. The others have to shower too and it is not quicker for newlyweds to take one shower. When Bo gets the mud off ya’ll take care of the dogs again and then the rats." Dixie just grinned and went on the porch to strip off and head to the shower. Daisy had grabbed a robe and was taking everyone's wet clothes to the washer as they took them off. Since she was mainly just wet, she would shower last. She also emptied the coffee pot and made a fresh pot to go with the pies. Bo had turned his back toward the house, giving the girls some privacy. “My turn,” BL said, taking the hose, rinsing off the worst of the mud. Bo could feel his wet jeans getting more uncomfortable by the second as his mind insisted on flashing images in his head of just what BL was doing behind him. BL peeled off her shorts and tank top. BL giggled when she discovered Bo’s muddy wandering hands had left prints on her belly. Clothes and shoes on the back porch BL wrapped a towel around herself saying as she stepped inside, “All yours Bo”. Bo turned around and picked up the hose, glad the well water was cold. Dixie quickly showered, wrapped a towel around her and cracked the door to find BL waiting on her. "Is coast clear to Daisy's room?" BL replied, "Yes, now let me in, I'm cold." Dixie made her way to Daisy's room looking for something to wear. She, BL and Daisy had always shared clothes and figured if it fit you, wear it. Opening a drawer where Daisy kept some of her looser jeans, Dixie found a pair of jeans she had worn before then grabbed a top with spaghetti straps. She even found some of her own underwear that she had left behind. Once dry she put on the underclothes then the jeans, but they felt tighter than usual even in the thighs. Once she pulled them up, she saw there was no way they were zipping. She took them off, folded them back and went back to the dresser. BL showered and gave her hair a quick wash, drying off then scrubbing the towel over her hair, soaking up water before wrapping the towel around herself she made a dash for Daisy’s room after checking to make sure the coast was still clear, Dixie was still only half dressed, rummaging through drawers, “Thought you’d be dressed and ready for pie,” BL said opening what had become ‘her’ dresser drawer over the years. “I’m looking for jeans, Bo must have done laundry and shrunk the ones I was gonna wear,” Dixie said. “Dixie I love you like a sister but maybe it’s not the jeans that shrunk,” BL found her extra underclothes and then put on one of Daisy’s sleeveless tops and a pair of jeans, she was still a little chilly. Looking in the mirror she brushed tangles out of her hair. Dixie gave BL a look, then said, "It's too early for me to be showing. See?" She stood up straight and stood sideways in front of the full mirror." “Just because you're not showing don’t mean you’re still the same size you’ve always been,” BL said, eyeing Dixie closely. "Well, I may not be but I haven't really noticed any changes. I've just felt, I don’t know, bloated maybe." Dixie gave up on the pants search for a moment and put the low cut top on to find that it too seemed to have shrunk. “I don’t know what to tell ya, maybe Daisy has some pants with elastic in the back she don’t really wear atleast and a button up shirt that fits looser,” BL suggested. As if on cue, Daisy came in to get changed after getting a shower before the guys came in from bathing the dogs. "Help." Dixie said. "I've always worn this outfit and it fit fine. Now, not so fine and, you hush." She playfully said to BL. Daisy tried to hide her grin, but opened another drawer and found joggers which were big on her and a regular t-shirt. "Try these. If they work, you will at least make Uncle Jesse happy." Dixie put on the outfit, even though it wasn’t her normal style she had to admit they were the most comfortable clothes she had worn lately, ”thanks Daisy,” Dixie said. “No problem sugar,” Daisy replied. Daisy put on a low V necked, form fitting t-shirt and jeans. “Now how about some pie, I’m hungry after all that exercise,” BL said. Dixie and Daisy were quick to agree, so they went to join Jesse on the front porch. Luke stepped out onto the porch freshly showered, shaved and carrying his wet muddy boots. He knew to leave some clothes here when he took his things to town, but he hadn't expected to have to change due to a mud bath. Dixie was just telling Daisy how comfy the clothes were as Luke stepped out. Luke said, a strange tone to his voice, "You're welcome Darlin and thank you for finding them. I've looked for that shirt for a while now." Daisy innocently replied, "It must have ended up in my drawer by mistake." "So tell me about the joggers." Luke said. Daisy replied, "Now, Luke, the shirt may be yours but the pants I've had forever." Luke nodded, "I had gave up on them years ago but I'm betting if you look right about here," He flipped the waistband down to show the printed words. He smiled, "You'll see why they lasted so long." Imprinted in the waistband was, "Duke, L. USMC" "I wonder how those got there?" Daisy asked. “I don’t think you’ll be getting them back anytime soon but at least you know where to find them now,” BL said grinning. Dixie made room on the swing for Luke to sit beside her. Bo came out, his hair still wet, feet bare and his shirt unbuttoned and untucked showing off his tanned chest and belly. “Did you two get them rats and the dogs took care of?” Jesse asked. His question was answered affirmatively. Luke said, "Sadie and Scrapie are clean and watered and in the barn to get dry and stay out of the mud. He was working on trying to get his boots clean but decided he'd just go bare footed until he got home. He wasn't really wanting to dig his work boots out of the truck. “I’m ready for some pie, is anybody else?” Daisy asked. The question was met with a chorus of yes. “I’ll help,” BL said. “Me too,” Dixie added. Three girls went inside, coming back a few minutes later with the pie, coffee pot, forks, saucers and coffee cups for all of them. Using a couple crates turned up on their ends for tables, they sat their loads down. Daisy served pie while BL poured the coffee. After the pie, the girls cleared the dishes and got the kitchen in order, then returned to the porch to talk, cuddle and just enjoy the evening. Jesse got up a bit later and went in the house. No one paid it much attention until a bit later when Luke suggested that he, Dixie, and Scrapie head home. Jesse said, "Daisy, go get that basket on the table for Dixie." "Basket? For me?" Dixie questioned. "A snack for later. Lunch for tomorrow. Whenever the little tyke wants it." Jesse said. Dixie replied as she gave him a hug and a kiss on the cheek, "Thank you, but you didn't have to do that." "I like to see people enjoy my cookin'." Uncle Jesse said, then added, "This bunch has gotten tired of it." “I ain’t , it's my own I get tired of,” BL said. "There could be reasons for that." Dixie kidded. “What might that reason be, cousin dear?” BL asked, cocking an eyebrow. "You've eaten your cooking right?" Dixie poked. “Cute, you never complained when we lived in town together and I had supper cooked and waiting when you had to work over,” BL retorted. "I'm picking on you. Don't be so sensitive." Dixie said. "Night ya'll." Luke asked, "Do you want Sadie when I get Scrapie? It's still muddy out here." ”I’m not mad, it's all good,” BL said to Dixie then to Luke “Yes please, just put her in the car and tell her to stay. I’m going soon. I told Daddy I wouldn’t be late.” Luke replied, "I'll tell her, but there is mud out here." Luke wisely carried Scrapie to his truck and continued to tell Sadie to go to the car and stay til BL got there. He opened the truck door for Dixie and put Scrapie in, "Night ya'll. Bo I'll meet you at the garage tomorrow evening." “I better get going too, Sadie stays where she’s told for however long I leave her but if she hears me talking eventually she’ll come to me. See ya’ll later,” BL said, getting up to go. Bo got up to walk her to her car. “Daisy I’ll bring your clothes to the shower Saturday,” BL said. “No rush, you got more important things to think about,” Daisy replied. The lovebirds walked hand in hand to BL’s car, BL’s head resting against Bo’s arm. “What did Luke mean he’d see you at the garage tomorrow evening?” BL asked. Bo knew he could use the excuse that they needed a tool Cooter had or that they hadn’t got much work done this evening. The first was probably true and the second definitely was but BL had heard them called out over the CB so he decided to be straight with her. “You heard us get called out on the CB,” Bo said to which BL nodded ‘yes’. “Me, Luke and Cooter are gonna work on the General tomorrow night, to get ready for the race up at the lake Saturday night,” Bo said. “I heard what Cletus said too Bo Duke. You better NOT get yourselves arrested! If Rosco has to send ya’ll to tri counties jail for whatever reason, it WON’T be pretty. Dixie has no desire to see either of you professionally,” BL fussed. “Believe me honey, we ain’t got a desire to see her professionally either,” Bo replied. After a long kiss goodbye, BL went home, Clyde looking her over seeing she wasn’t wearing her own clothes. “Didn’t you have on shorts when you left?” Clyde asked. As Luke pulled onto the road, Dixie was in her normal place, the middle of the truck seat with Scrapie laying on one of each of Luke’s and Dixie’s legs. Dixie had her head on Luke's shoulder, "Why are you meeting Bo at the garage instead of the Boar's Nest?" She felt Luke tense before he answered. "We planned to work on the General tomorrow night, you know, like we used to when we had a big race coming up." Luke said. "Oh. Ok. Why? There's not a big race coming up anytime that I've seen advertised." Dixie said. "Remember when we all used to go up to the lake and race on weekends?" Luke asked. Dixie said, "Yeah, if you weren't racing and had the wrecker I even got to go sometimes. That's when everyone treated me like I was three. Used to be a lot of fun. I even snitched a bit of beer when you'd pass it to me to hold." Luke was thinking that this may go better than he thought. “Yeah I did, helped Daisy with something and got filthy, needed a shower. Daisy loaned me some clothes,” BL told a slightly edited version of the story. Dixie added, "So what does that have to do with meeting Bo at the garage?" Luke replied, "Well, we haven't officially raced the General in a bit, so we gotta get him ready." "Ready for what?"Dixie asked. She must be tired because this wasn’t fitting together in her mind. "You know those young punks that have the car they think is so hot?" Luke asked. Dixie nodded, "Yeah I've seen them. They are dangerous! You and Bo have always driven fast, but there's a difference in fast and dangerous. They are Rosco type dangerous. No control." Luke said, "That's why Bo and me plan to take them down a notch or two." "How, .... do you plan on doing that exactly?" Dixie asked, drawing her words out slowly. Luke replied quietly and rather quickly, "We're gonna race him Saturday night up at the lake." Dixie's head nearly spun around she turned her head so quickly, "Luke for a second I thought you said that you and Bo were gonna race. We all know that racing on the roads is illegal in Hazzard and the Hounddog lake is in Hazzard." Luke waved his hand in dismissal, "It's not like we're gonna race up there all evening like we used to. We're gonna meet, race, go home before Rosco could get out of bed and get to the lake. No one has raced up there in years, so he don't watch it anymore. Besides, the only ones that knows is us and them." BL looked at the big picture clock above the couch after she’d put the towels in the dryer, it was still early and she needed to talk to Dixie but didn’t dare use the phone or CB, both had ears she didn’t want listening. “I need to talk to Dixie, don’t wait up, I may stay there if it gets late,” BL said. She was out the door with Sadie on her heels before Clyde could say a word. As soon as she heard BL’s car, Mrs. Kravitz was at her window. “Here we go again, I wonder what they're upto tonight? This used to be a quiet street,” Gloria fussed. Luke and Dixie had put their earlier conversation on hold. They were relaxed on the couch with Scrapie and a rented movie on the vhs player. The movie was just about to get good when they heard BL coming around the square. She stopped in front of the house. Luke paused the movie and got up to open the door with Scrapie behind him. When Luke opened the door Sadie ran in and a case of zoomies hit both dogs. BL didn’t waste time with pleasantries instead getting straight to the heart of the matter. “Does your wife know what you and Bo are planning?” BL asked adding “Cooter apparently ain’t the only one that ‘crazy’ for a CB handle is appropriate.” BL's entrance took Luke by surprise. He shut the door behind her, "Now BL just wait a second." He said as he crossed back to the couch. Dixie gave a slight nod of her head to let BL know that she did indeed know their plans. “Wait a second? Luke, Bo is getting married in a week, now is not the time for him to let his pride override good sense.” BL fumed. Luke just gave her a look, "BL, that's why we set it up for this weekend. We'd never set it up next weekend." Dixie waved her hand toward Luke as she looked at BL, indicating that they had already gone over this exact point. “You’d be a coupla dead men if you had,” BL then sighed saying, “Ya’ll ain’t got the sense the good Lord promised a turkey.” Luke tried to calm BL down, "We used to race up there about every weekend. No one has raced up there in years. I don't think Rosco even goes out that way anymore." “Cletus heard ya’ll on the radio so I wouldn’t count on him or Rosco not going up there, they probably been checking a couple nights a week along with Saturdays trying to catch you and Bo, that’d just tickle Rosco pink.” BL said then asked “did anything bad ever happen?” "Cletus wouldn't know where we used to race besides after we took the conversation off the air. Maybe he'll think it's resolved." Luke said. Seeing both girls' looks, he added. "It's not like he saw us go talk at the Boar's Nest or anything." Then Luke answered BL's other question, "Some paint got exchanged, Ralph wound up in a ditch a time or three, ...." Dixie added, "Luke and Mark were arrested...." “Cletus might not know but if he got babbling before he forgot, he mighta told Rosco he heard ya’ll accepting a race. Rosco ain’t completely senile, he may have forgot alot of stuff but when and where you and Bo caused him trouble probably stuff he won’t forget,” BL said then asked “why wasn’t Bo arrested?” Luke replied, "He wasn't eighteen and I was the one doing most of the racing. Rosco hasn't worked night shift since Bo and I came off the NASCAR circuit." "I told Bo he better NOT get himself arrested and I don't advise you to either. Told him if he did, it wouldn't be pretty, that Dixie had no desire to see either of you professionally if Rosco had to call Tri Counties for whatever reason," BL looked to Dixie to back her up. "BL, Luke and I have been all through this. They are racing Saturday night. I'm no more happy about it than you are, but I'm going. He's no more happy about that than I am about them racing." Dixie said. “I’m sorry Luke I didn’t mean to jump all over you, the closer the wedding gets the more wound up I get if things start looking like it’s going to go sideways,” BL said now that she was all out of air like a deflated balloon. "Those kids are gonna hurt someone. You. Dixie. Uncle Jesse. Rosco. We got to prove to them they are not hot sh--! Until then, they are gonna try to prove they are." Luke explained. “I know you’re right, if they don’t hurt someone else they could hurt themselves. Atleast when we were young and dumb, driving skills or lack of them was proven at the lake Saturday nights,” BL replied. "So relax. We'll go up beat them and beat them good. It should be settled from there." Luke said. He and Bo had tamed a lot of want to be hot shots through the years and General Lee was still very respected in several counties even if he didn't race regularly nowadays. “Well I’ve interrupted ya’lls movie long enough, reckon I’ll go home now,” BL said, heading for the door. “C’mon Sadie, let's go home. See ya’ll,” BL said. Sadie was in a playful wrestling match with Scrapie but backed off, going to BL when called. Luke assured, "Everything will be fine. Trust me." Dixie replied, "We'll talk tomorrow. Night.” “Ok, night,” BL said. Gloria had dozed off in her favorite chair, by the big bay window in her livingroom. Waking with a snort when BL cranked up, Gloria watched the car until the tail lights were out of sight. What seemed like a normal weeknight in the quiet little town was not so normal as Boss Hogg and Rosco prepared for Saturday night’s delivery to the drugstore.