DixieDavenport

Cooter looked at Bo, "What's with Luke parking in the next County?" Bo looked to where the General Lee was parked. He hadn't paid any attention until Cooter mentioned it. He shrugged his shoulders and guessed, "Cooter its' got to be a bit weird dating your sister with you watching." Cooter looked closer seeing that Luke and Dixie were on the hood of the General Lee. Luke was holding her around the waist with her setting on the hood in front of him. Cooter said, "Well, I'd look less IF I didn't think he was trying to hide something!" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke looked up and saw Konrad by his car looking like he was getting ready to race. "Dixie I need to go check on something. Why don't you go talk to BL for a few minutes?" Caught the hint, "Yeah, sure, OK." She replied. Luke walked up to Konrad and said, "If you are intending racing, especially Ernie Ledbetter, I got two thing to tell you. One don't get caught by Rosco. He has a tendancy to stake out here if he thinks there going to be racing. I'm broke, so don't get caught. Two, if you race Ledbetter if he sees he can't win he trys to hurt your paint so watch him cousin. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

At the lake several cars were beginning to show up. Those that intended to race had their hoods. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ As the crew was leavign the Boar's Nest, Luke sudly walked over to Luther's table and took an empty chair while Dixie was talking to her friends, "Everyone is going up to the lake. Cooter's already gone. Are you Ok with us going up for a bit?" Luther knew Luke was trying not to let everyone know he was asking his permission. Luther said, "What are you in tonight?" Luke sighed just a bit but answered, "The General Lee." Luther asked, "Are you racing tonight?" "I really hadn't planned to." Luke replied. Luther said, "Well, if you do, don't let Dixie ride and I'll see ya'll about 1am." Luke nodded, "Fair enough." Luke went back over to the table where they had been setting. Dixie came back to the table and they danced another dance or two and then left. On the way to the lake Dixie asked, "So are you going to race?" Luke said, "This is the first time I've got you out of your Daddy's site for more than ten minutes in months. Do you think I want to spend the rest of the evening racing those clowns?" Dixie couldn't help but feel the butterflies in her stomach. She knew that her and Luke would by no means be alone at the lake but her father wasn't 30 feet away either. "Since you put it that way, I HOPE not." Luke parked the General Lee a bit further down the line of vehicles than he normally would have. Normally he would have parked up with Cooter, but the fact that his date just happened to be his sister made Luke want a bit of distance between them. Luke and Dixie got out of the General Lee. Luke left the hood closed as they walked up the line of cars that would be racing. Ernie Ledbetter stepped in front of Luke. He looked from Luke to Dixie and back to Luke, before asking, "Do YOU have to ask your girlfriend IF you can race?" Luke gave him a he-- of a look, glared at him and barked, "WHAT???? What the HE-- do you mean by THAT?" Ledbetter laughed a bit and said, "Your cousin in that fancy Mustang had to ask HIS girlfriend IF he could RACE!!!" Ledbetter and his crew were dying laughing. Luke replied, "Ledbetter you know me well enough that I don't ASK anyone what I can do! Now, get the he-- out of MY way!" Luke walked over to Konrad and said, "Come here a miuter Konrad." They walked over away from the others and Luke asked, "What is going on? Ledbetter just told me YOU asked BL IF you can RACE?" Konrad ...............

Dixie thougth about how she was going to word her answer, "BL part of me wants to tell you 'YES', 'in a NEW YORK MINUTE' but there is another part of me that says 'No'. There's the whole thing about saving yourself for your wedding night, but it's more than that. Like we talked before, I don't want to end up pregnant and FORCE him to marry me. B. if I'd ever marry Luke or any man I want it to be because he chose me not because of a moral obligation. I know all about the birth control methods and between me and you I've been on the pill since me and Jeb started dating. Not that I've done anything but a just in case thing." Dixie also knew that she would really like Luke to be her first. Deep down she'd like Luke to be her only, but as close as they had gotten she still found it hard to believe he really wanted to date her. BL was surprised by Dixie's statement but was glad she was prepared if and when she did decide go all the way. Dixie added, "For MY sake PLEASE don't tell Daddy!" BL agreed. She like having her cousin alive. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bo and Luke had made it back to the farm well before supper time. Luke still had dirt and grease all the way up his arms. Bo called the shower first. Luke replied, "That's fine just remember I'd like some hot water too." Luke picked up the phone and asked Mae Bell to connect him to the Davenport farm. When Dixie answered Luke said, "You about done?" Dixie brushed her hair back and said, "Yeah, I've got to fix supper but I'm done with the house stuff." Luke said, "I just got back in from the garage. We pulled an engine today. I'll get cleaned up and eat. How about I pick you up around six?" Dixie asked, "You've got the General?" "Yeah, I cleaned him up while Bo was chasin' skirts in town, so I'm driving him tonight." Luke explained. "Ok, sounds good to me. See ya then." Dixie replied. BL just grinned, "Luke I take it?" She had watched Dixie's face light up when she heard Luke's voice. Dixie grinned back and nodded, 'yes', "Uh huh, I got to get dinner fixed and cleaned up. He'll be here about six." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bo noticed Luke taking an unusual amount of time to clean up. What really got his attention was when Luke polished his boots. Bo opened his eyes wide in shock, "Polishing your boots?" Luke frowned a bit, "Yeah, they need it." "Ok, if you say so." Bo knew that Luke only polished his boots for special occassions usually. But, Luke had cleaned the General Lee up too. He had seemed in a really good mood after Bo returned to the garage today. Something was up. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke pulled up to the Davenports a couple minutes before six. Dixie had heard him coming and was out the door and in the car almost before he got stopped. Luke said, "Well, hello there. In a hurry?" "Been cooped up in the house all day. So yes I was in a hurry." Dixie explained. Luke grinned and pulled out heading for their normal location, the Boar's Nest. It was early yet and several people were outside hanging out. Luke and Dixie got out of the General Lee. Luke knew what was going to happen as soon as he seen the crowd still outside. Several of the guys had the hoods of their cars open. Luke heard one of them say, "Well, ask him." The other guy called, "Hey, Luke show him what's under the hood of the General Lee." Luke turned and saw the guy in questions car. He turned back to the General Lee and said, "You don't want me to." He popped the hood. The guy tooka look at the General's engine and replied, "You were right! Are you going to be racing him at the lake tonight? I'd love to see him run." Luke shook his head, "I hadn't planned to, but we'll see." He said as he closed the hood and put hism arm around Dixie's waist. Dixie said quietly as they walked toward the door of the Boar's Nest, "Was you just brushing him off? You know I can't go up to the lake." Luke stopped outside the door and said, "Well, yes I was basicaly brushing him off, but if you want to go up and watch them run later I JUST MIGHT be able to arrange it." "How?" Dixie asked. Luke explained, "I had a talk with your Dad. He seems pleased with the way we've been acting. He backed your curfew up til 1am and said basically if everyone is going to the lake or there's a school dance or something he may let us go too. AND, we've lost our shadow!" "Which shadow is that?" Dixie asked. "He won't be expecting us fifteen minutes behind him or in front of him anymore." Luke said. Dixie asked, "Which means?" Luke wrapped his arms around her, bent down to her and said just before he kissed her, "That I can do this tonight and NOT have to look over my shoulder!" Dixie replied with a smile, "Good!" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Cooter had the wrecker tonight. He pulled in to the Boar's Nest and parked beside the General Lee. BL and Konrad weren't too far behind him.

It was a typical Saturday morning. With the farm chores done Jesse had cut the boys loose until suppertime. Bo and Luke had headed to the garage. Bo parked the General Lee in front of the garage but out of customers way. Cooter knew they'd be by and had saved a job of pulling an engine until they got there. Bo walked in and grabbed a doughnut. Luke went to the frig and grabbed three beers tossing Bo and Cooter one. He then took a seat on the counter by the phone to sip his beer, "What's going on here today?" Luke asked Cooter. "Well, I mighty glad you asked that. See I figured you'd be by sometime today. I got to pull this here engine. You know if me and Dad try it we'll get fifteen wrecker calls 'fore we'd get done." Cooter explained. Luke smack Bo's hand away from the last doughnut and took it himself, then replied, "Yeah, we'll help, ain't got nothing going on until suppertime." Cooter finished his beer and said, "Well, let's get at it then." A couple hours later Luther walked into the garage to see two set of legs under the car that Cooter was pulling an engine from to rebuild and Luke Duke was elbow under the hood. "Who's underneath?" Luther asked. Luke turned to see Luther still working as he answered, "Cooter and Bo." Luther nodded. He stood back and watched and listened to the three friends banter as they worked. His thoughts were not just on these three young men but of the young men who were starting to be drafted into the service. He knew if things continued Hazzard County would have a lot less young men around. He'd seen drafts done before and it was strange to see who would be effected by it. His thoughts were intrupted by Cooter. He was saying to the other two boys, "Ok, she's ready to come out. Luke you got the 'spaghetti'?" Luke knew he meant all the hose and wires. "Taping the last one up now." In a matter of minutes the three had the engine out of the car, the car rolled out from under it and the engine setting on the floor. Cooter tossed each his friends a beer and said, "Shhhhh! Thanks fellas! It would have taken me a lot longer with out you guys." Luther looked at the three. He figured Cooter had offered to pay them, but from the looks of things they were just helping him for free. He had to ask. "Free labor?" Luke grinned and held his beer up a bit, "We work cheep. 'sides there wasn't anything else going on today." Luther figured if the boys wanted to help Cooter without it costing him anything then who was he to argue. Bo decided to walk down the street for a bit and shortly after Cooter took a wrecker call, leaving Luke and Luther alone in the garage. Luke tossed his beer bottle in the trash. Luther said, "Grab you another beer." "Thanks, but I'm good." Luke said. Luther studied the young man before him, "You know when you asked to date Dixie, I talked to Jesse about it. He told me he figured you were either serious about sticking to our agreement or you two wouldn't last a week. How long has it been now?" Luke shrugged a bit and thought, "I don't know, five, six months." Luther nodded, "Luke you have impressed me. You told me if I made the rules you'd stick to them and as far as I know you have kept your word." "Yes, Sir I have." Luke replied. Luther nodded he believed Luke because he knew Jesse's 'kids' didn't lie. "You know Luke, I may have been a bit 'over protective' of the girls. I don't want to see them hurt. But, I also may not have been fair to you two either. I know Dixie is getting older and I know I still try to keep her my baby. He--, I still am looking for training wheels for the Thunderbird and you go buy her that da--ed hot rod!" Luke laughed, "I see Jesse not let Daisy or Coy do things the rest of us has done for years, so I understand." Luther said, "Well, how about I give say another hour on her curfew and as long as I know where ya'll are going you can likely take her other places." Luke asked to make sure he understood what was being said, "So she now has to be in by 1AM and if everyone say decided to go to the lake and you approved she could go which means you won't necessarily be following us home." Luther said, "Well, going to the Boar's Nest and havign to wait on ya'll to leave or making ya'll leave cause I want to is getting a bit old on my part. And, I know that BL and Cooter are likely around so I'll let that one slide too." Luke nodded, "Thanks I appreciate that and I'm sure Dixie will too." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Back at the Davenport farm, Dixie and BL were doing their normal Saturday cleaning. All the guys had left them to theirselves. Dixie asked, "BL what's up with you and Konrad? Ya'll seem connected at the hips?"

Luke had managed to find a minute while Dixie was with friends to talk to Luther. "The presents and notes from Lori, was her attempt to have you keep us apart." Luther nodded, "I know Lori's handy work when I see it." He paused, "However, I was witness to THAT kiss earlier as was half of Hazzard. It was just a bit too hot for a father to feel comfortable with." Luke had the good sense to be a bit embarrassed, "Ah, ....... yeah, ...... I understand that. I'm sorry about that, I guess with the party being a bit upsetting to her, Dixie was overly suprised with the car and I admit, I got a bit carried away. It won't happen again." Luke at least hoped it wouldn't again with Luther present. "Just cool your jets a bit and take it slow is all I'm asking. I'll even stay a bit longer tonight. Say about 1AM?" Luther said. He had noticed how Luke had held Dixie's hand, maybe put an arm around her shoulders or waist, but he impressed Luther with his attempt to put a father at ease. Luke hadn't drank a drop even though he was riding to the Davenports with Dixie and someone would pick hom up there tonight so Dixie could drive her car. Luke returned to Dixie and they were dancing yet another dance. Luther looked at Jesse and asked, "What do you think?" Jesse replied, "Honestly, I think he's making a serious attempt to put us both at ease with them being together. I figured it like this, Luther, when I heard about it. Either he's serious and is going to stick with this cause he truely cares for her or he only thinks he's serious and he'll call it off in less than a week." Luther asks, "So if it lasts longer than a week, I need to get used to the idea?" "Afraid so!" Jesse said calmly, "Least that's the way I see it." All in all Dixie enjoyed her party. About 1245AM Luke suggested they get her things together and in the car. They did and left the Boar's Nest. Bo would leave a bit later to pick up Luke at the Davenport's. Luther finished his beer and left to make sure they didn't have a lot of time together alone. Bo told Luke as he got in, "We still got time. Want to go grab a beer since you drank pop and tea all night?" Luke nodded to Bo's disappointment, 'no', "Nah, I'm ready to go home. You can go back after you drop me off if you want." Bo sighed, "Luke what is up with you?" Luke replied, "I found something that I want. At least I'm certain enough of that to do what I have to be able to find out." Bo looked shocked, "Luke are you sure you ain't just falling for her cause she's Lori's cousin. OR because you've been accused of her?" Luke smiled at his cousin, "Bo, Lori knows me probably better than I know myself. Did you ever think that's why she accussed me of Dixie so much?" Bo's eyes went wide and he almost ran off the road, "LUKE, YOU AIN'T??" Luke took a deep breath and replied, "NO! I AIN'T, BUT, ......... well, .......... it don't mean that I ain't looked, wondered, thought about her." Bo argued, "Luke she's rode with you on wrecker calls! And, we grew up chasing frogs together. That's doesnt' mean YOU know HER!" Luke smirked, "Bo I know her a bit better than you think. She has went on part runs we me. We've been out to dinner on those trips. She learned to operate and drive that da--ed wrecker before she did a car because I taught HER. You remember when we were in jail for running shine? Well, THE letter that Vance and LORI got so bent out of shape about that Dixie wrote me. It wasn't just one letter. There were several to me AND from me to her. Bo honest Ingine, I don't know what was worse Lori trying to drive me crazy or watching Dixie trying to dive Jeb up the wall and wishing it were me!" Bo again almost ran off the road! Luke said, "If you are having problem keeping the General Lee on the road I'll be glad to take over for you!" Bo glared, "Cute, LUKE! Cute!" He paused a few minutes to get the General lined back out and his thoughts together, "You're REALLY serious about her? Then why did you wait this long?" Deep down Bo knew the answer. Luke sighed and utter one word. He simply said, "Lori." Then he added his explaniation, "Here she is gone to Johnson County and me and Dixie should be able to not worry about he trying to break us up and what does she do but send Dixie birthday gifts BY ME to try to make Luther keep us apart by making him think we are intimate." Bo asked, "Are ya'll?" Luke looked at him in dismay, "Bo I am STILL alive! No of course NOT. I can wait. I can wait until she is ready. And now that she is a year older it shouldn't matter when that is, but I"m content with nights like tonight." Bo was shocked at Luke's attitude. He had no idea Luke had evidently been watching Dixie for some time now. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ With Lori gone things settled into a 'normal' routine if Hazzard could ever have one. Everyone got use to seeing Dixie and Luke together and Konrad and BL together. The week that Jesse spoke of passed, then another and another. It had now been nearly six months and Luke was still holding true to his word. Rosco sure had been bored. Luke hadn't even been in a bar room fight since he and Dixie had been dating, largely due to the fact that Luke may go out for a beer with Bo maybe once a week or drink one or two with Cooter at the garage and ONLY if Dixie wasn't around. Spring was in the air. Birds were singing, beeing buzzing, dogs tail wagging and EVERYONE was feeling extra good with the new beginnings of life through out the trees, flowers and animals. With Spring came the guys favorite time of year, warmer weather, less clothing! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Meanwhile in NC, Lori had.............

He led Dixie to the back were the finished car waited. Cooter had went to check on Dixie and saw Luke taking her to see her car. He went back inside and said, "Hey everyone. Dixie has one more present out back that just may cheer her up. Come on!!!" Everyone went hurried around the side of the Boar's Nest. Luke had told her to turn around about that time. When Dixie turned around she saw her car TOGETHER! It had already been painted a snow white like she had wanted. Dixieland Delight had been painted above the windows in Blue paint with the fanciest writing Cooter could manage to paint. The blue leather interior had been cleaned and shined. Cooter had found some origianal reams that sparkled in the sun. They had also painted a personal tag for the front bumper with Dixie and Luke. Luke had already went to the courthouse and gotten it tagged, insured and legal. When Dixie saw it her eyes opened wide, she jumped into Luke's arms, and said, "Luke! It's gorgous!!! But HOW???" Luke still held her with her legs wrapped around his waist. "That's why I couldn't take you out the past two nights. Cooter and I worked on it all night." She hugged his neck and said, "Thank you it's the best present ever!!!!" Luke smiled at her. Neither one knew the crowd had just cam around the corner. Their eyes met and they began to kiss very passionately.

BL knew what she had to do she had to get with Daisy and get the party organized and have it whether Dixie wanted it or not. And, she intended to do that too, just as soon as her behind quit stinging. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke talked to Jesse and told him of his and Cooter's plans to spend the next two nights at the garage in hopes of having Dixie's car made into one and on the road for her day after tomorrow. Jesse had heard about Luke intending to get to know Dixie, "Luke I know you have always took to her and I know you are intending to date her. With everything that's gone on with Lori and BL, Luke is it wise to want to date her now?" Luke gave a slight grin to his Uncle who he dearly loved and who seemed to know everything. He shook his head. He knew where Jesse had heard it, "Bo?" Jesse shrugged just a bit. "He's the only one I told. Your likely right about the timing may not be the best, but what I didn't tell Bo is I agreed to certain let's say 'restrictions' until she turns 18 which is just a few days away but I'll stick to them. I told him I'd follow what ever rules he set which largely means we can only go to the Boar's Nest, can only stay as long as his is there and I promised not to drink AT ALL if she's riding with me." Luke explained. Jesse nodded. If Luke was willing to go along with those conditions he was either very serious or it wouldn't last a week. "Ok Luke but I wouldn't give Luther any casue to doubt you right now." "Believe me, I have no intentions of being bounced out of his house and I fully believed he would have shot us had we still been there, so I have no plans to cross him." Luke said. Jesse said, "Well he may have shot at ya'll, but I don't think he would have shot ya." Luke nodded, 'yes', "You weren't there. I belileve he would have." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke had called Dixie at the farm to make sure she was OK. She sounded down, but said she was Ok. She hoped he was calling to say they were going to the Boar's Nest, but Luke had made the excuse that Jesse needed them up extra early the next day to do some extra work at the farm. He didn't want her to know that they were working on her birthday present. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ That evening when the garage should have been closing Luke and Bo pulled up prepared to spend the night at the garage working on Dixie's car.

Dixie had gotten busy getting up the glass while Cooter went out to the barn. He knew there was another pane of glass out there that would likely work. Luther had gotten half way to town and turned around. As right as Lori had been it was still wrong for BL to flaunt her affair in his face. While BL and Luther were in the woodshed, Cooter and Dixie had quietly fixed the front door. Cooter needed to get to the garage but figured he just might should wait on Luther. Dixie told Cooter, "I'm going upstairs out of the line of fire. I'll hang out with BL today. I don't think it's safe for ANY of the Dukes to be at the garage anytime soon until he calms down. So I guess my car won't be even together by my birthday." Dixie went upstair. Cooter saw how upset she had been even earlier. He wasn't sure why because last night she had been on top of the world. Something had happened. It had to be something Lori had did or said before any of the rest had gotten up. Cooter walked to Lori's room and saw her packing. "Cooter take me to the bus please." He had only nodded that he would. He had seen her off at the bus station and drove Midnight to the garage where Bo and Luke were waiting for him to open. He sighed to them as they asked what was wrong, "She's gone...." Luke shook his head. Bo asked, "Where?" Cooter told them what he had been asked to tell, "She took the bus back to Johnson County. I'm going to do some work on Midnight then I'll take him to her." Lori had know with the boys being on Probation they couldn't come to Johnson County. Cooter could store Midnight in the barn until she could have him on base and they wouldn't be trying to contact her in NC. She hoped she could leave all this behind her once oand for all! Cooter turned to Luke, "Someone is sort of down and figures it won't be good for ya'll to be here with Luther here. Her birthday is day after tomorrow. What say I stock the refrigerator with beer and we pull a couple all nighters and get that car ready for her on her birthday?" Luke grinned, "I think I can manage that, but I thought you was against her having the car." Cooter replied, "Well, she's already got it so it may as well be in one piece instead of two on her birthday." Cooter added a very serious warning to Luke, "Luke I don't know how you taked Dad into seeing her, but don't hurt her." Luke looked him in the eyes, "I'd never hurt her intentionally." They shook hands. Bo asked, "Now can I get that piece for the tractor so we can get it runnning before Jesse has us plowing with the mule?" They all laughed, got the part, and Bo and Luke headed back to the farm. They managed to meet up with Konrad right before he turned down the drive. They had told him to head to the farm but give them time to get there with him. Jesse was feeding the chickens when he saw not two of his boys show up but three and his big toe was hurting. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dixie was waiting for BL. She gave her a little time before she went into BL's room. She opened the door just a crack and said, "BL?"

Luke pulled in at the farm and saw how down Dixie looked and only looked heavenward. He looked to Bo, who for a change was riding not droving. Bo had known Luke wanted to think and thought better driving. "Bo something is defintely up here." Bo sighed, "Looks that way. Go see what's up with Dixie. If Lori comes back I"ll check on her." Luke decided not to buck Luther. It was early and likely he hadn't left for the garage yet. Luke and Bo were on a early morning trip to town for Jesse and swung by just to check to see how things were at the Davenports after the fire works yesturday. He pulled up to the farm house and hit the Dixie horn. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lori was still close enought to hear the Dixie horn and turned around. She didn't know why, but she turned around. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke slide out on to the window of the car. Luther heard the car pull in even before Luke hit the horn. Luther swore as he heard the horn. He hadn't even had coffee yet and his daughter had 'company'. He intended to head outside to watch the two together and make sure Luke was being the gentleman his promised to be around Dixie. He stepped through the door and ws suprised to see BL come out her room quickly followed by KONRAD!!! Dixie hadn't left the porch and Luke Duke hadn't gotten out of the General Lee's window. Luke said to her across the piece of yard, "We're on our way to town wanted to drop by, make sure everything was ok?" Luther took one quick step and grabbed Konrad by the shirt collar. From the yard there were several loud voices taking all at once from the house. "BRANDY LOU DAVENPORT STOP RIGHT THERE!!! DUKE YOU ARE MINE!!!!!!!!!!!" BL stopped dead in her tracks as commanded. She gulped on last breath and screamed, "Uncle Luther it's not his fault. I said it was ok......!" All this was heard out front. Dixie jmped up and ran from the porch, followed by Bo and Luke from the General Lee. Cooer had heard the comotion from the barn and looked up to see Bo and Luke head inside the house at a run. Cooter broke into a run. Lori rode up in time to see them all RUN into the house she left Trigger at the porch and followed the crowd. Everyone enter the house to see Luther bouncing Konrad off the wall coming down every step. "I WARNED you NOT to CROSS ME! And you can't leave well enough alone! YOU took her right in MY HOUSE!!!" Luther would let Konrad take a step toward teh door and bounce his head ff the wall. Let him take another step and bounce him off the wall again. BL was dead behind them trying to pull Luther's hands off Konrad's shirt collar. As Luther, Konrad and BL hit the bottom of the steps Luke and Cooter stepped into the situation. Cooter was yelling for Luther not to kill him. Luke was pleading for Konrad's life. "Just let go and give him to me I'LL KILL HIM FOR YOU!" Luke figured that Konrad had just jeaprodized his agreement with Luther. Bo was trying to stop Luke from getting killed too and Dixie was trying to get BL to stop pulling at Luther. Lori entered the house to see everyone pulling, tugging and yelling at each other! Lori walked in and slammed the door shouting,"YEAH REAL MATURE OF YA THERE UNCLE LUTHER!!! YOU'LL DO SH** LIKE THAT TO OTHERS BUT YOU'LL SURE WHIP OUR A**ES IF WE DO SOMETHING LIKE THAT!!!" At the slamming of the door the entire front window pane fell out and shattered on the front porch. The crash along with Lori's screaming stopped everyone. Luther finally let Konrad go with a hard shove! "You all have got less than a minute for me to get my shot gun. If there is a Duke in my site I won't stop to see which one! All FOUR MINE better be on the couch like NICE children when I get back!" He turned to go get the shot gun! Luke pushed Konrad and Bo towards the door. "Dixie let em get them out of her. I'll call you later?" Dixie's eye were wide as she watched Luke go. She was the first on the couch.

Meanwhile at the Duke farm Bo saw Luke pulling up. He was early. Several hours early. Bo noticed when he got out of the car he didn't look like a man who had been working on cars for the last few hours. He was far too clean! Bo asked, "What are you doing home so early?" Luke took a deep breath and took a seat on the hood of the General Lee hooking his boots in the brush guard. Bo knew that Luke was there to stay awhile. It was a sign he needed to talk. He walked over and took a seat beside Luke and waited. He knew Luke would talk when he got things sorted out in his mind. Luke got a strange grin on his face and said, "Bo, I think I just may have a new girlfriend." Bo asked, "Luke you went to work on Dixie's car and found a girlfirend?" Luke grinned wider at Bo's question, "Looks that way." Bo guessed by Luke's actions lately as well as his mood. He shook his head and sighed,"Luke.... its Lori's cousin ain't it...are you stupid?" Luke couldn't help but laugh just a little at Bo's outburst, "It's likely I am stupid. And, yes, it is Dixie." "Luke!!! Not only is SHE Lori's cousin. She is Cooter's SISTER. She is ALSO LUTHER's DAUGHTER. Luke she is his ONLY Daughter. YOU know LUTHER, the man you work for occassionally. The man who CAME after Jeb over Dixie a few months ago! Luke HAVE you lost your MIND?" Bo was almost screaming. "That's sort of what I'm trying to figure out." He said in reply to Bo's question about his mind. Bo asked a more important question, "Luke what's going to happen when Luther FINDS out?" Luke grinned again, "Lori made sure he already knows." Bo shook his head and sighed,"And?" Luke took a deep breath and replied, "I don't know how I managed to talk him into NOT killing me AND to letting me take her to the Boar's Nest." "HE'S LETTING YOU DO WHAT?!!!" Bo exclaimed. Luke smirked. "I don't know why but he agreed." Bo asked a question he knew the answer to, "Luke if everything is so good. Why are you setting here needing to talk?" Luke uttered on single word, "Lori." "Whhhhhhheeeewww", Bo said, "After she made sure Luther knew, how did she take it? She's accused you two for years." Luke replied, "Yeah, I know. I don't know how she took it. I didn't go back into the garage. Luther had started off telling me to leave. Then, I convienced him to listen to me. We talked. After he agreed to let me get to know Dixie better, I talked to Dixie maybe five minutes outside and then left like I had been asked to. I didn't see Lori again, yet." Bo said what luke had been thinking, "Bet that goes over like a ton of bricks!" Luke sighed, "Yeah, just hope they don't ALL land on ME!" The boys sat on the hood of the General Lee a long while before either of them moved.

Luke though was determined to take the chance Luther had given him and try his da--est to move on. No matter what was still between him and Lori it wouldn't work. And, for the life of him he didn't know how or why the one other person that really got his attention had to be Lori's cousin. He knew them even talking was going to go over like a ton of bricks. He shook his head as he headed toward the farm. He thought of ALL people to catch them kissing it HAD to be Lori! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dixie knew it wouldn't be good fr her to go back in the garage right now with Lori there. She figured home was much safer and actually she wanted to talk BL. She couldn't believe it last night when her and Luke had danced and something had happened between them. She wasn't even sure that she could explain it. But, then today he had actually kissed HER. In Dixie's wildest dreams she never thougth Luke Duke would ever even look at her twice. She was also having a hard time believing that the man who beat her to near death a few months ago over a hickey from Jeb Duke HAD given Luke permission to take her to the Boar's Nest. She wasn't aware of all the conditions that Luke had agreed to. Dixie pulled into the farm and burst into the house and yelled, "BL GUESS WHAT!!!!" Dixie's eyes opened wider than they had been when she saw BL stretched out on the couch in only her panties with Konrad laying on top of her in only his boxers. The rest of their clothes were scattered around the room. Dixie gasped, turned her back to them and said, "SH--!!! BL WHAT are ya'll doing???" BL was frozen in shock and so was Konrad finally he snapped out of it and grabbed the afghan from the back of the couch throwing it over them. BL had stopped breathing but drew a breath and answered Dixie "NOTHIN NOW!!! WHAT are you doin here?! YOUR supposed to be at the garage working on YOUR car!" "WELL, I THOUGHT it would be SAFER HERE!!!" Dixie snapped back at BL. "Whatdya mean safer?" Looking at Dixie with a raised eyebrow hands clutching the afghan around herself and Konrad. Dixie replied, "Well, IF you'd get dressed, I MIGHT eb able to tell you. I'm not sure if Dad's going to kill me, but I'm pretty sure Lori IS!!" Dixie said with her back still turned to BL. She was trying to give BL some privacy. Konrad rolled off BL so she could get up, rolling back up in the afgahn until she was dressed and had thrown him his clothes. Once he was dressed again BL said "Ok now tell me WHY is Lori gonna kill you?" "BL I'd like to talk to YOU about this just us. Sorry Konrad, but it's 'girl' talk." Dixie said wishing BL would hurry before she died. She knew if Lori walked in this soon she was likely dead. Dixie knew that Lori and Luke were divorced and all but she had seen Lori in action when it cam to Luke. BL pecked a kiss on Konrad's lips and said, "Sorry" Konrad returned the kiss and got up and headed to the kitchen for a drink and said, "It's ok Dixie". B.L then took Dixie by the arm and led her out to the porch swing sitting down beside Dixie, B.L asked again "What's this all about now that you've interrupted my plans." There was no malice in the words about interrupting just teasing. "It started last night. You know last night Luke was going to take me home after Jeb when off the deep end. Anyway, we picked Bo up and came back. Luke asked me to dance a few times. BL Something happened between us when we were dancing. I can't explain it. It was like he was the only person in the world right then. I thought at one point he may even had been going to kiss me, ....... but he didn't. He was looking at me B. like he's never looked at me before. We've all known Luke for years and I NEVER thought he'd look at ME that way." Dixie paused to heard BL's reaction so far. BL looked at Dixie stunned for a few minutes and said, "Well, I saw ya'll dancin' but didn't think much about it. Ain't the first time a Duke and a Davenport's danced as friends...." Dixie continued, "Right, I didn't either. So, today we met at the garage and was working on the car. Cooter got a wrecker call and Dad was down the street. So we were alone and Luke got in the car and was disconnecting the fuse box wires. He asked me for a screwdriver and I wanted to see what he was doing so I got in on the passenger side of the car. I slide over to see what he was doing. There isn't much room under the dash so we were pretty close. I MEAN REALLY CLOSE, and........" Dixie paused again to see BL's reaction. BL's eyes got wide that time she had a pretty good idea what had happened then. She knew it hadn't been anything like Dixie had just walked into between her and Konrad but it had been more than them being just friends, she asked, "Then what happened? Did ya'll get caught?" "Then, he stopped what he was doing. Our eyes met and locked. B. I don't think I was breathing right then. Then, it happened!" Dixie said, "He KISSED ME! B. this wasn't just a kiss. Jeb's kissed me but not like THAT! THEN, of ALL people to walk in LORI DID! She, then, proceeded to go outside and shout across the street to Dad,'HEY UNCLE LUTHER DIXIE AND LUKE WERE KISSING!!!!!' So half the County could hear." BL cringed Lori liked to call her the 'Mouth of the South' and 'Blabbermouth' but truth was Lori could be those things too. "When he came inside in a bit of a rage. We tried to deny anything had happened. Dad threaten my a-- when he got me home and called Luke a liar and said for him to leave. The next thing I knew Luke and Dad were TALKING ALONE. Then, Luke motioned for me to come outside. he told me Dad agreed to let him take me out but only to the Boar's Nest. B. DAD AGREED TO LET LUKE TALK TO ME!!! Can you BELIEVE THAT???" Dixie said full of excitement. BL listened to all this then recovered and grinned teasing. "Are sure Uncle Luther said that? He must be sick if he agreed." Then quickly adding "I'm teasing Dixie that's great, I'm happy for ya." Dixie said wide eyed, "Luke said that is what he said. He didn't come back in the garage after their talk he was with a customer when I left. B. you KNOW how Lori can get about LUKE. I don't know how this is going to go over with her. That's why I came here instead of staying at the garage to work on the car. I don't want to hurt her. I don't have a clue where this is going. I don't want to fight with her, but BL I've had a crush on Luke since I was like FIVE and NOW I actually have a chance to get closer to him. I'm going to take that chance!" Dixie stated matter of factly. BL grinned she was glad to see Dixie stand up to Lori. She said "Go for it cousin, Lori and Luke are divorced she has no claim to him now and can't do a thing about it and if she tries I'LL knock her brains out!" Dixie smiled widely and said, "Not before I do, you won't! I've seen how she treated Luke and jerked him around for years. She didn't know what she had, but I da-- sure intend to FIND OUT!" She paused for a split second and then asked, "NOW, you want to TELL ME just what it was I walked in on????? AND, I want details!" BL smirked and said "Well, if I have to tell you WHERE that was headed then YOU ain't old enough to date Luke Duke!" Dixie glared at BL, "That's NOT what I meant! HE-- I went THAT far with Jeb! HOW long have you two been that CLOSE? BL have you did it with him?" BL looked at Dixie and actually had the good graces to blush. "We been that close almost since the first night he came." Blushing a deeper red BL admitted "Well we've done a bit more than you saw on the couch but we ain't went ALL the way yet." Dixie bit her lip and said, "BL I wanted to, really wanted to last night. And Luke was in need of a cold shower himself!" BL couldn't help it she had to say something against it because it was the responsible thing to do. "Dixie lord knows me, Cooter nor Lori's got the right to tell you NOT to but I'm going to anyway. Your too young to end up pregnant ya got so much more life to live." Dixie shook her head, "BL I didn't SAY I WAS going to do anything. I know better. I SAID I WANTED TO. I intend to save my husband my gift for our wedding nightk, who ever that may be. I appreciate you caring enough to care what I do, Cousin. Really I do." BL sighed in relief at least Dixie seemed to have more sense than the rest of them. Of course all she had to do was look at their pasts and the present to see what could happen. Cooter had a kid he had to sneak to another state to see. Lori was divorced and had had a miscarriage and BL herself had caught her highschool 'love' at the time in bed with another girl now she was with Konrad but things were going good there at least for now and she hoped and prayed they didn't change she really liked maybe even loved Konrad. BL cautioned, "Dixie, Honey, Luke has a reputation. Everyone knows how many girls he's been with, used and moved on. Don't get yourself in that trap." "B. he may have that reputation. I've heard the stories. I've seen him in action. But, with me, he's different. If he wants more than I'm willing to give he can join Jeb. That may have been why Jeb looked elsewhere, because I wouldn't, but if that's all Luke wants he could find it anywhere else. Why would he go to the trouble of facing Dad, if that's all he wanted?" Dixie asked and hopefully assured BL that she wasn't going to rush into ANYTHING with Luke or anyone else. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Cooter looked to Lori and asked, "What happened exactly?" Lori replied, ........................

Luther arrived to see Luke and Dixie upside down in one of the wrecks and trying desparately to get out of it. Lori was on his heels waiting like a buzzard to pick the bones clean....Luther looked to Luke and pointed to the door he had had enough,"Out... I can work on that car myself... I can get the girls and Cooter to help me.... if all yer gonna do is neck with my daughter, get out!" Luke ws finally able to get untangled adn get out of the car. He glared at Lori and then to Luther, "Now, Luther, when ain't she trying to cause us trouble. She's accussed us of each other for YEARS now!" Dixie jumped in, "Yeah, he's right!!!! She'd SAY anything to get us in trouble!" Lori was snickering and giggling,"Uncle Luther all the other times was false accusation I WAS AN EYE WITNESS TO THIS ONE!!!!" Luther had to actually think on that one, Luke was right but saw that Luke's lips were moist and so were Dixie's. Luther was steaming now,"LUKE!!!! YER LYING AND DIXIE LEE DAVENPORT YER A** IS MINE AT HOME!!!!" Luke looked down at the floor a split second before he threw up his hands and said, "Ok, I'm going but I'd like to talk to you ALONE. Please?" The action was not missed by Luther. For Luke to look downward, Luther knew something was up and he agreed only to find out just what. "Ok, Luke you've got 2 minutes." Luke went outside followed by Luther. Outside Luke took a deep breath and said, "Luther, I mean no disrespect to you or your family. I was trying to wait until after Dixie's birthday. I know how you feel about me and I give you my word as a Duke that I'll treat Dixie as a lady, but I'd like to get to know Dixie better." Luther looked to him,"How do you expect me to trust you after what you put Lori through?" "Luther you have trusted me with your trucks, your garage and your niece AND you have trusted Dixie with me for forever in the wrecker. Now, I'll take half the blame in mine and Lori's situation, but you got to give here the other half. You make the rules and should you let me take Dixie out or talk to her I give you my word I'll be a gentleman and not even drink while she is with me. I'll have her home at whatever time you say." Luke tried to reason with Luther and looked him straight in the eyes. Luther looked at Luke thinking about what he'd just said it was all true he'd trusted Luke with the wrecker and Lori and with Dixie in the wrecker with him, he just wasnt sure he could trust Luke with his baby on a date. He thought a long time before answering "Ok but only to the Boar's Nest and ONLY IF I'm there and you leave either right before me or right after me, understand? AND, I will HOLD you to the no drinking if she is riding with you. No as in NONE." Luke replied, "You have my word as a Duke. I won't lie, I don't know where this is going but I'd just like to get to know Dixie better." Meanwhile in the garage, Dixie was trying hard to listen to the conversation out side while Lori reclined in a chair, her hands propped behind her head smirking like the cat who ate the family canary,"Ya know Dix you can go up top and out the back way to listen." Dixie seriously considered it but it would have given Lori too much satisfaction and besides someone was coming throught the front door. It was........

Luke looked at the others and said, "She's just making it worse on herself. Hasn't she learned that yet?" BL was just glad Lori had shown up right then as Luther had been on her case for backtalking him earlier. She replied, "No. She'll never learn!" Dixie voiced BL's thoughts, "But I'm glad he took Luther's mind off us." It was then Luther called from the woodshed, "Brandy Lou!! Dixie Lee!!" Dixie's eyes got a bit wide and looked at Luke. "I got to go." Luke nodded and asked, "Want me to explain to him?" Dixie sighed, "Thanks Luke I appreciate and all but it won't help with him mad at Lori. I'll see ya at the garage sometime tomorrow." Luke looked at BL and Dixie as they wisely headed toward the woodshed, "Cooter you know all Dixie did was decide to leave early. Then we went and got Bo and went back to the Boar's Nest for a spell right?" Cooter gave Luke a strange look but said, "Yeah, I know but there won't be any reasoning with him now that Lori's took off with out getting what's coming to her." Luke sighed to Konrad adn Cooter, "Yeah, well I'll see ya'll tomorrow at the garage." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The next day while Luke and Dixie were working to get the cars made into one. Plans were coming together for Dixie's party. Luke was upside down in the seat of one of the cars disconnecting the fuse box. "Dixie hand me a screw driver, huh?" The next thing Luke knew Dixie was upside down beside him looking to see what he was doing. It sure was tight quarters for them both. Dixie scooted closer to see what he was doing. Luke forgot all about what he was doing when she laid against him. He looked up and started to say something. There eyes met and the next thing they both knew they were kissing each other hungerily. About that time.............

It was getting late and Luke said, "Are you about ready?" Dixie was having too good a time to leave but wanted out of here before Jeb's last song ended. "Yeah. Dad will likely through a fit since I didn't come home but came back out here. I'll be so glad after this birthday. Maybe then he'll treat me more like an adult instead of a child!" Luke laughed, "You certainly are not a child. Com on I'll give you that ride I told him I woud earlier. If you need me to I'll explain thigns to him. One thing is sure. Me and Luther may not agree most of the time, but I'll get him to listen to me most always!" Dixie laughed, "Remember you ARE the reason he caried full coverage on the wrecker!" Luke laughed at the inside joke. Dixie asked, "How did that come about anyway?" Luke replied, "Well, by having my CDL's that are not easy to come by. He asked me once what I'd do to keep from getting a ticket on them. If I get a ticket in the General Lee it doesn't go in them. I told him I'd do what I had to to keep them. That's when he told me he was renewing the full coverage insurance!" Luke shrugged his shoulders. "Well, I'd have to agree with Daddy on that one!" Dixie said. Luke asked, "Are you still wanting to get started on teh cars tomorrow?" "Absolutely!" Dixie replied. "I'll see if I can't get away some during the day after we're done with chores. If you want my help?" Luke asked. "Of course I do. Cooter is dragging his feet cause he doesn't want it on teh road for some reason." Dixie replied. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lori had gotten control of herself at Dry Creek and headed home. She pulled in to see the yard full. The wrecker was there, the Judge was home (so BL and Konrad were home), so was Konrad's car, also the General Lee was in the yard and EVERYONE was on the porch as she pulled up.............

Luke and Dixie had went back out on the dance floor with Kornard and BL. Luke was having a better time tonight after things had lined out than he'd had in a long while. Luke didn't know who was requesting these songs but they had all been good. Well, they had been good at driving him up the wall. He was very near the shape he'd been in while in jail when Lori was teasing him, but Dixie didn't seem to be teasing him. Luke knew she knew exactly what she was doing to him. Da--, why did her birthday still have to be a few days away? Dixie was also having a good time she had never been this close to Luke for this long a time and he flet really good! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Konrad............

"Come on Honey, how about that good time we intended to have?" Bo managed to get Lori out of the Boar's Nest before Rosco could get there if anyone called him. They went their own way to have what Bo hoped would be a great time. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke and Dixie turned around to head back to the bar when Luke saw BL setting with his cousin Konrad. He stopped by their table and asked, "So, BL how goes the party plans? BL grinned and said "a ok everything's falling into place." Luke replied, "I sure hope so." He motioned to Lori, "But, I wonder." BL looked to the door where Bo and Lori had just left and said "Yeah." As another slow song came on Luke said, "Well, I think we're going to dance another one. If that's ok with you?" He was loooking at Dixie. Dixie smiled, "Fine by me." Jeb's band began playing The Pointers' Sister's Slow Hand. When Luke took Dixie in his arms he was looking in her eyes. She began singing along with music. She was looking into Luke's eyes too when something happened. That would be hard for either Luke or Dixie to explain to anyone else later. Their eyes locked on each other and everyone else in the Boar's Nest and the world vanished.They both found themselves trying to get closer to each other. Luke was leaning in for a kiss, but he caught himself. There were far too many eyes here right now. He didn't want to mess up what ever small chance he had to maybe go out with her after her birthday. The possiblity of taking Dixie out had occurred to Luke on several occassions but figured to give her to her eighttenth birthday before even suggested it. Maybe it was because they had been accussed of each other so many times, but Luke didn't think so. No right now he thought their was a he-- of a lot more to the situation and the young lady than simply revenge. The song ended as did the moment. Luke and Dixie started back to the bar. Jeb said, "Well, if ya'll liked that one just stay on the dance floor." The band began Conway's Slow Hands. Luke knew the song as soon as he heard the first few bars of it and took Dixie back in his arms without stopping to ask. She didn't resist the unasked invitation. Luke sang some of the song to her quietly in her ear and it was all he could do NOT to kiss her or nibble her ear as he did so. He caught the small of her body spray it was a very light natural scent of Cumcumber and Melons. It was strong and over powering like most girls in Hazzard wore. Dixie wasn't as innocent as everyone thought and she knew the effect she was having on Luke and he was having much the same effect on her. One thing was for sure as Luke headed to the bar after the song for a beer. He was taking a cold shower when he got home. Back at BL's table .............

Luke and Dixie had watched the conversation from the bar. Luke saw Bo coming back to the bar alone. He told Bo, "Here's the beer I offered earlier. Sorry about that cuz. When I realized you said she was going to pick up and you weren't here and she was I figured you might want a ride to see what she was up to. I only half expected her to be where she when I got back. She had been setting alone in the back, but I knew by the way she was dressed something was up." Dixie added, "Yeah, but from the flack, I was getting I knew Jeb was up to something too." Bo sighed, "He-- Luke, I should haven't expected anything to come of it to begin with I've seen how she's jerked you around for years. Luke looked at his ex-wife once again and shook his head, "She's on her way out now. She'll never make to the band breaks down." Luke gave Bo and Dixie a bit of a grin and added, "But, the way I see it, that would be Jeb's problem now won't it?" Bo couldn't help but grin. Luke remembered his conversation from earlier with Matt's girlfriend. "Hey, Bo if you're interested, Matt's girlfriend's cousin was wanting me to talk to you for her." Bo turned his back to the bar and scanned the room and also the girl in question. The next song Jeb's band played was a slow song. Luke Looked at Dixie and said, "You know I intened to come out tonight drink a couple beers and dance a couple dances. Since you've been dating Jeb you haven't been able to dance much. Would you like to dance a few dances with me?" Dixie knew she would like nothing more and besides it was likely to get under a couple people's skins, "Sure, Luke. I'd like that." They got up and headed to the dance floor leaving Bo to decide who he wanted to try his luck with. BL wasn't at all happy with the table she chose because tensions were running high and if anything went down in here, they would be right in the middle of it. BL looked at Konrad and ..............

Back at the Boar's Nest, on Jeb's next break he asked a waitress to take Lori a drink of what ever she was drinking and give her an invitation to join the bands table. When the waitress gave Lori her drink of Jack Daniels and told her about the invitation. She smiled and said, "Thanks." strutting over to the band's table. From the stage, Jeb watched and smiled. The next song he sang was Sammy Kershaw's Lousiana Hot Sauce. Lori knew the lyrics were meant for her! Luke parked conviently where Bo couldn't see Midnight and had only asked him if he wanted a ride to the Boar's Nest adn have a beer together. Lori was drinking her drink with her back to the door when Bo, Luke and Dixie walked back in.

Luke was talking to Dixie and the other band members girlfriends or family at the table when Jeb took a break and took a seat at the table but he didn't actually seat by Dixie. He and Dixie had been talking about her car and what she wanted to do with it. Luke had been carrying on a civilized conversation with the entire table. Dixie shot Jeb a questioning look. Luke looked a bit confused at their exchange, but said, "Hey, Jeb I'm just hanging out tonight, if you want some help on a couple songs." Jeb frowned at Luke in confussion for a split second, then shook it off and said, "Ok, I might just take you up on that in a bit." Luke saw there was something up and from Jeb's expression he couldn't help but think that he was some how right in the middle of it. Luke looked around and spotted Jesse, Luther and Robin's dad along with a couple others setting at a back table. "Jeb I was just setting waiting to talk to you when you took a break. I'm gonna head back here for a bit." Luke picked up his beer and headed back to Jesse's table. The older men looked a bit suprised to see him join them. Jesse looked at Luke with a guestioning look. He didn't wait long before Luke shook his head and asked, "You all have been here since right after I came in. Have I done or said anything out of the way that you all know of?" Jesse replied, "Well, we couldn't hear you of course but I haven't seen you do anything wrong. Why?" "Well, I came in and sat up at the band's table to wait until Jeb took a break, but when he did he was acting weird. It was like he didn't want to set with Dixie and he's giving me some really weird looks. I've been setting there talking to Jim's sister, Dixie about the car, Matt's girlfriend and her cousin was asking me to set her cousin up with Bo but I figured he'd be here with Lori. I just got the feeling Jeb has something bothering him and I felt like what ever is bothering him I'm right in the middle. So I decided to just ease back here for awhile." Luke said. Robin's father said, "I don't see my daughter here tonight." Luke replied, "No, and I don't expect her. I told her how I felt and she's likely pissed, but I didn't see us going down teh same road we've went on a dozen times. It was natural that we turned to each other, but I think we need to get over everything before we would even try to see each other. That's actually why I'm here by myself tonight. I may dance a few dances with someone but I came alone and intend to leave alone." The older men thought he was making a lot of since for a change! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dixie had gotten Jeb somewhat alone and asked, "Did I do something to upset you? I tried to dress up for you tonight and you act like I just got over a bad case of the mumps." Jeb looked from Dixie to Luke and stole a glance in Lori's direction. Jeb replied, "Well, you and Luke sure looked mighty cozy there. Anyone would think that the two of you were together tonight." "Ah, for Christ's sake! If I ain't heard this enough from for the past YEAR, now YOU start!!! Luke has never been nothing more than a 'big brother' to me. He wouldn't give me a second look if I walked in here in my birthday suit. I came here to be with you and set here like the dedicated girlfriend while all my friends are dancing and having a good time with their boy friends I'm setting here watching all the girls watch you and NOW you want to give me sh--! Jeb I like you but I don't need your SH--! I've heard it far too long from Lori to let you start the same line of accusations. Think about it. You know where I live." Dixie turned on her heels and walked straight over to Luther. "Daddy can you give me a ride home?" Luther looked at his daughter. "Is everything alright?" Dixie replied, "Yeah, just decided I don't want to stay and wait til closing on Jeb. I've got some things I want to do at the house while it's quiet." Luther and everyone at the table knew this wasn't Dixie's nature. But, Luther said, "Let me finish my beer and we'll go." Luke finished his beer and said, "If you're looking for a way outta here now. I'll give you a ride." "Alright." Dixie said smiling to herself. If everyone was going to accuse her of Luke she'd just make it look like they had reason too! Luke stood up and he and Dixie headed to the General Lee. He had the General Lee because Bo had told him he'd have Lori pick him up. Luke just realized that Lori had been at the Boar's Nest alone and Bo was likely home without a ride. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ From the stage Jeb saw Dixie and Luke leave together. He looked at Lori who had seen exactly what he had seen. She shot him a look that said, 'I told you so.' ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bo was still at the Duke farm. He had called the Davenports and the garage several times trying to find Lori. He had even tried to raise her on the CB. He was supposed to call Lori and she was going to pick him up, so he'd gave Luke the General Lee tonight. Everyone else had left and Bo was stuck at home without a ride. A position that Bo Duke wasn't at all happy about! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ In the General Lee, Luke said, "Can I ask you something?" Dixie replied, "You can ask me anything. I won't guarantee I'll answer but you can ask." "Did your sudden decision to leave have anything to do with me?" Luke asked. Dixie sighed and waited a long moment before answering. Luke had almost thought she wasn't going to answer him. Dixie finally nodded, 'yes'. "Luke I don't know what I do wrong or why but it seems everytime I turn around someone is accusing me of YOU." Luke said, "I was catching a bit of attitude from Jeb myself. I tried to neutralize it by going and setting with Jesse. I didn't intend to cause ya'll any trouble. I figured if I set at the band table with ya'll then I'd have someone to talk to and not have every girl in the county trying to get me to take them home. I was actually having a good time talking to you and the other guys friends and family." Luke sighed, "Seems sometimes I just can't win!" "Tell ME about that!" Dixie exclaimed in frustration. Luke said, "So what is so pressing at the house that you left this early?" Dixie replied, "Figured on bathing the dog actually." Luke shook his head and laughed, "You're all dressed up and are going home to bath the dog?" "Nothing better to do at the house and I sure didn't want to listen to Jeb's sh-- all night!" She replied. Luke asked, "So basically you aren't in a big hurry to go home?" Dixie replied, "No, I'm not in a hurry. Why?" Luke grinned, "Well, Bo told me Lori was picking him up. Lori was at the Boar's Nest alone and Bo's not there. I'm betting I have cousin at home without a ride and a real bad attutide. Want to have some fun?" Dixie saw demons dancing in Luke's eyes, "You mean go get Bo and take him to the Boar's Nest?" Luke was grinning and shaking his head 'yes', "Absolutely. And, when we get there it might just be interesting to see who Bo's date is with and see what's up with Jeb by the time we get back." Dixie said, "You think he'll be with someone when we get back?" Luke replied, "Well, he thinks you went home." Dixie replied, "I'm game!" Luke did a 180 turn and headed toward the Duke farm. When they arrived......... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Back at the Boar's Nest.........

Luke thanked Dixie for the ride and said, "I might see ya tonight at the Boar's Nest. Save me a seat, huh?" Dixie replied, "You got it." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke walked in an grabbed a glass of tea before startinghis chores. Bo came in and asked, "Luke, seriously are we OK? I don't know what's going to happen with me and Lori but I don't want up to have problems like.........." "Like with me and Vance?" Luke questioned. He saw Bo nod 'yes' and added, "Bo our problems was when I wanted Lori and when I was married to her and I thought he was trying to take her away. The difference is I am divorce from her. She isn't mine, you aren't trying to talke her. You and me aren't both trying for her attentions, Bo. I'm moving on. I gave it the best try I could, it didn't work. I wish you better luck than I had." Bo asked, "You and Robin an item again?" Luke shook his head and sighed, "You at the 4th person I've told this to today and if I ever get the chores done I suppose I need to tell her. I don't see us going anywhere least not now. I figure it was us both needing someone and we were it for each other." Bo looked at him confused, "WHAT??? After all the Sh-- you two have been through and you have another chance and are ..........." "Walking away from it?" Luke asked, "Yeah, that's what I'm doing." Bo asked, "So, who are you going to date?" Luke smiled, "I think I'm going to just hang out a bit on my own for a while." Bo said, "WHAT?" Luke replied, "You heard me. Let's get at these chores I got to go talk to Robin." Bo shrugged his shoulders and followed him outside... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dixie got home and no one was home yet. She showered and changed into something that would attrack a lot of attention. She aimed to make an impression that she wasn't 12 anymore and hope that after next week people would stop treating her that way. Dixie fixed her hair and make up and headedout before anyone else got home to tell her she couldn't wear the outfir she had on. She had on a black leather skirt, red strapless top, with fishnet stocking and knee high boots with her now alburn hair and make up she was sure to get attention and Jeb would be with the band. She headed for the Boar's Nest................ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke pulled the General Lee in to Robin's driveway and wlaked into the house with out knocking as he had doen for years. Robin was at the sink and said, "I thought you was calling for a ride?" "Change of plans. I got the ride. Speaking of which can we take a ride?" Luke asked. Robin had heard this tone before and replied causiously, "Sure. Do I need to change?" She wore cut off shorts and a T-shirt. Luke said, "No you're fine, figured t ride up on the mountain a spell." Robin knew this is where they went to talk so everyone couldn't hear their covnersation. "K." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ They drove in silence to the top of the mountatin. Luke pulled into a wide spot, shut the engine off and sighed. He then began, "When Bo told me you were wearing dark glasses at night and I thought you were being abused I couldn't wait to make sure you were ok. Then, all living sh-- went on with Lori. Us turning to each other was a natural reaction.For whatever reason: comfort, old time sake, revenge, because we wondered 'what if', what ever it was natural. Last night was great, but I can't led you on to think we will ever be anymore than we were in the past. You wanted commitment. I couldn't give it. I tried to commit to Lori and here I am. I think we are both on the rebound and both need sometime before we even consider getting serious wth eachother or anone else." Robin looked at Luke in defeat, "I give up, Luke. We've tried so many times and everytime I think we are making it work you push me away. Maybe you are right. I don't know anymore. Just take me home ok?" Luke said, "I am sorry, but I know it would hurt more later. I really don't want to hurt you." Robin nodded, "So who is the lucky lady Luke?" She asked as he started the car. Luke replied, "There is no one. I plan on not dating anyone right now." Robin said. "For how long til the Boar's Nest closes tonight?" Luke ingnored the question. Stopped the General in front of her house and said, "I'm sorry, really I am." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dixie and Luke showed up at the garage about that time with the second car. Luke was just missed by Midnight as Lori tore out of the garage. Luke swore as he now backed into the area beside the first car at the side of the garage. "I swear she is trying to KILL ME or HER One!" Dixie nodded, "Or ME?" In the garage Luke asked Cooter, "What is going on?" Cooter replied bluntly with a mean look at Konrad "B.L's got a hickey and Lori pointed it out." Luke looked at his cousin and said, "Cousin if you're the one that put if there. I wouldn't want to be you." Luke say the way Cooter and Luther were looking at Konrad and he decided he had been in his cousin's shoes one too many times. He handed Luther the wrecker keys and said, "Thanks for the use of the wrecker. If you need me to drive anytime for one of ya'll just shout." Thenhe turned to Dixie, "Well, we got them both here and I'll give you a hand when I can, but if you don't care how about giving me a ride to the farm so I can get busy out there." Luek gave Konrad a 'I've been there' look as he turned to leave. Dixie replied, "Sure, not a problem." They drove off towards the Duke farm, Luke said out loud, "Ya know I was supposed to call Robin for a ride but I think that cousin of mine is about to find himself in as much hot water as me and Jeb. Besides, I think I'm going to talk to her. We were both going through a bad time and it was real easy for us to turn to each other but it still won't work with us. I think I'm just going to not see anyone for awhile. I'm going to go do my chores, shower, grab the pick up and go talk to her, then I plan to go to the Boar's Nest ALONE." Luke laughed and I have every intention of leaving alone too! I might just come set with you at the band's table tonight. May tell Jeb I'll sing a song or two with him." Dixie was smiling ear to ear on the inside!

Dixie was just glad it wasn't her in trouble as she got in the wrecker with Luke. When Luke pulled out she said, "I've had one hickey in my life and Luther tried to beat me to death. He didn't say a word to her." Luke grinned, "Life is not fair. I've gotten whipped a several dozen Bible verses quoted to me for having a girl home late or in the barn. I drove Robin's car home this morning and found Lori and Bo in the hayloft and Jesse never said a word to him about it. He was more concerned with if the three of us was Ok with her dating Bo." Dixie asked, "Are you Ok with it?" Luke replied, "I knew the other day at the garage he was going to try his luck with her. What ever floats their boats." "I think it would be hard to see your Ex wife with Bo as close as you two are." Dixie said. Luke said as they pulled into the junkyard, "Well, I will tell you that the picture I saw this morning in the hayloft wasn't one I ever expected to see." Luke hooked u the second car and headed back to Hazzard. He said to Dixie, "Since we've been on Probation I ain't got to come up this way much since we can't leave the County without permission and you know how much red tape I had to go through to leave two days in a row! So, how about we stop up here for a little lunch as part of my birthday present to you?" Dixie said, "Sure I'm good with that and I am sorry you had to go to so much trouble to get to come back today." Luke replied, "Ah, I just told him if I was working for the garage that these trips occassionally was part of the job. It's that or go back moonshining. He signed off on the travel form!" Dixie laughed. Luke was beginning to realize that he really felt comfortable with Dixie and was able to laugh with her. Maybe that's what had made Lori so mad about Dixie, that he had fun with her.

Luke had finsihed his chores and told Jesse, "I need to get Robin her car back. She actually didn't know I was taking it." Jesse raised one eye. Luke replied, "I did ask her Dad, but she wasn't up yet." "Oh, ok then." Jesse said, and then added, "Are you really Ok with Bo and Lori, ah, ..... I guess seeing each other would be a good way to put it." Luke took a really deep breath and let it out before answering, "Well, as you probably figured what scared my in the barn this morning was the sight of them 'together'. Don't get me wrong I could tell the other day Bo was going to try his luck which was fine but seeing them undressed together was a sight I never EXPECTED to see." Jesse decided to dig deeper, "And?" Luke replied, "Like I said, I wish them the best. Hope he has better luck than I did." "So, what's going on with Robin?" Jesse asked. Luke shook his head, and replied, "Her Dad asked me the same question. To be honest we haven't talked about it. It was just a natural thing for us to turn to each other. Frankly, I'd say from my point of view we are both on the rebound and both needing someone. You know us, it's never lasted too long." Jesse cautioned, "Just be careful and up front with wach other so ya'll won't hurt each other." "Yeah, I will. I'll talk to her tonight. I'm going to have her drop me off at the garage and go get that other car. I should be back for chores and dinner. Luke said as he headed toward the Black Mercury. All Jesse could do was shake his head. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dixie pulled up to that garage to see Luther and Cooter looking at two patrol cars and scratching their heads at the sites. Enos's car had the drivers side needed dents removed and repainted. Rosco's needed the passenger side re-done. Dixie asked, "Lori's handy work?" Cooter nodded. Luke pulled up in Robin's car. He got out for her to get into the driver's side. "I'll give you a call later and see what you are up to. Thanks for the ride." Robin said, "No problem. Talk to ya then." Luke walked onto the garage seeing the patrol cars. He just shook his head. He knew how they had gotten in that shape. "Luther can I used the wrecker again to go get that other car?" Luther shot him and evil look, then threw him the keys. Dixie replied, "I'll be back later, I'm riding too." Luther just sighed. He wasn't happy about Dixie getting a car like that.

Jesse had just been about ready to ask where Bo was, when he and Lori came in the door. Jesse looked just a bit confused. He had seen the General Lee when he looked out earlier but their had been no sign on Midnight, Jesse said, "Morning Lori, I didn't hear you pull in." Luke had merly turned to the cabinet to get two cups down and poured them full of coffee as well as refilling his own. Lori opened her mouth to reply, but Bo beat her to it. "That's because she didn't just pull in. She's been here all night." Bo waited. He saw shoke on everyone's face but Luke's, but he couldn't read the expression either. Jesse had pretty much figured where Luke had stayed last night and likely what had happened when he saw Robin's car in the yard. Now, he also concluded that Bo and Lori had spent the night in the barn. He had given into the fact that his boys were going to have women, but had drawn the line when it came to his house. He may not agree with their lifestyles and didn't uphold them in their choices, but if as long as it wasn't done under his nose in the house, the barn was neutral territory. Jesse looked to Luke who was handing both Bo and Lori coffee, "I take it you are ALL OK with this?" He was looking at Luke. Luke replied, "Hey, we're divorced she can do what she wants, though I'd appreciate the same from you Lori."

Bo hadn't drank a lot because he flet like he had his hands full with Lori. As dawn broke in the barn Bo woke up and felt something very warm next to him. He looked beside him and there was Lori curled up to him. Bo was glad his memories of last night hadn't been a dream. She told BL before they left that she wouldn't be home. Once he had gotten Lori in the the General Lee, Lori had started unbuttoning Bo's shirt before he got out of the parking lot. Bo knew not go near the still sites even the old ones so the only place Bo could think of was the Duke hayloft. It had been a night to remember for Bo. He finally knew WHY every man in several states tried to get to be where he was right now. As much as Bo wanted to stay right where he was he knew he had to get up and had to wake Lori up. Bo brushed the hair back from Lori's face, "Lori. Lori we need to get up before someone comes looking for me." Lori opened her eyes to Bo's voice. Then, she scooted closer to him and mumbled, "I don't want to get up." Bo nodded, "Believe me I don't want to either, but we got to." He spoted her jeans and handed them to her as he got up to put his own jeans on. He sure was enjoying the view watching Lori getting dressed. "We'll go have breakfast and I do my chores then I'll run you home." Lori looked at him like he'd lost his mind, "BO! HAVE you lost your MIND? I can't go in there!" Bo said, "And why not? You've ate breakfast with us for YEARS!" Lori replied, "But not after apending the night with YOU in the barn and having to face my EX-husband." Bo looked at her and said, "You all have got to get past that or neither of you will ever be happy. Besides, Midnight is still at the garage and you know I'll get tanned alove if I slide out of here before the chores are done. Luke may not even be home. Now, come on." Lori sighed. She knew she didn't have any choice in this at all, so they headed out of the barn. The first thing Lori saw was Robin's car in the yard .................