DixieDavenport

The next morning, Luke was up early so he could be home to do the chores as promised. He had quietly gotten up and made coffee. He was standing at the bar drinking it when he heard someone else up. Robin's Dad was the first up. He hadn't know Luke was there. He caught the smell of coffee as he came down the steps. This seemed really strange since he was usually the first up. As he turned into the kitchen he saw a 'ghost from the past'. Luke Duke stood at the bar drinking coffee. Now most young men would be shaking in their shoes but Robin's Dad and Luke had reached an agreement years ago. Luke turned and pour her father a cup of coffee. Her father said as Luke poured coffee, "Well, look what the cat drug in. The prodical son returns." Luke replied, "Something like that." Her father asked, "Ya'll back together?" Luke shrugged, "We really haven't talked about, but for now I guess we are. You know how it's always been with us." Her father breathed a deep breath and sighed, "Yeah. Yeah, I do, but I'll tell you this. I'd have much rather had you as a son-in-law as that thing she married." Luke held up his hands, "I tried to tell her that, but I'm not even going there. I do have something to tell you before it gets back to you from someone else. My ex-wife got a little close last night and caused Robin to put the car in the ditch. Car's fine, we're fine, but I drove back to here. As we were coming up Rt 7 I ran in behind Lori again. She took off like a bat out of he-- throwing dirt everywhere. I reacted and hit the gas a little hard and I ran by Rosco. So if someone tells you your car was pulled over by Rosco on Rt 7 it was and it was me. I got the ticket to prove it." Her father shook his head, "Won't you ever learn?" Luke laughed as he set his cup down in the sink, "Probably not. Now that said, can I use the car to get home? I'll bring it back a little later." He asked with a bit of a smile. He knew he would get the car but he knew he'd be nagged about the ticket. "You just got a ticket in MY car AND want to BORROW it?" Her father asked trying to sound intimidating. Luke wasn't buying, "Yeap." Her father said, "I'll go get the keys." Luke reached in his pocket and said, "I got a set." Her father rolled his eyes at him, "Get the he-- outta here!" Luke laughed and said, "Tell her I got the car and her keys, huh? I'll be back later or call. I may see if she'll run me to town later, I got to go to Atalanta again today and pick up another car. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke arrived home early parking the car close to the house he headed straight to the barn... to start chores of course. When he got up there what he saw could have scarred him for life.... sure he'd seen Lori and Bo both naked but together was a whooole new persepective to him.. Luke didn't say a word. He shook his head, turned and decided to go to the house for another cup of coffee. Entering the house Jesse looked at him strangely. Luke said, "I was going to get started early this morning, but I got so scared in the barn that I needed another cup of coffee to start the morning." Jesse replied, "Scared? You got scared in the barn? What on Earth could have scared you in the barn?" Luke shook his head and replied, "I'd rather not talk about but I'm sure the site will vanish in a bit, but it just may be imprinted in my brain." Jesse knew Luke well enough that if he wanted to talk about it he would when he got ready to. Jesse looked aout the window toward the barn but the only thing he saw that wasn't normal was the site of a very familiar black Mercury. "That Robin's car?" Luke replied, "Yeah, Bo had the General Lee last night." He left off the part about not wanting to wake Robin to bring him home. Jesse would figure that part out and hopefully he wouldn't get a lecture about it. Jesse asked, "I thought you was going to get a junked out car and store it on the other side of the barn yesterday." "I got it but it ended up staying at the garage for now. I ended up buying two cars." Luke began. Jesse raised his eyebrows, "Two?" "Yeah, I bought the one with a broken frame and one with a good frame." Luke explained. Jesse looked puzzled, "You're planning on making another car out of the two?" Luke replied taking a drink of coffee trying to wash away the bad taste the vision in the barn had left in his mouth, "See Dixie road with me. She was saying how she wanted a fixer upper like Lori and BL. She'll be turning eightteen next week so I bought the other car for her. I'll help her get the good stuff on to the good frame and bring the rest out here when were done. I got to go get the other one today." Jesse nodded, "Well, that was nice of you." Luke shrugged, "Luther, Cooter and Lori didn't think it was! But, Lori and BL had their cars since they were around 16." Jesse nodded toward the rooms, "Go get them and lets get started." Luke headed to the bedrooms to get the others up. He hoped that Bo would decide to get up before he was sent after him once Jesse missed him at the table. The picture flashed in Luke's mind again. He hoped that now Lori would leave him be. He still hadn't actually thought about his feelings about what he'd seen yet, and though he expected Bo to try with Lori. He just never figured to see them naked together like that.....

Luke looked at Robin and suggested, "How about we slide out of here." Robin hadn't been ready to leave but took Luke's lead, "Fine by me." Luke stood up and took Robin's hand and began making a path through crowd. He stopped just long enough to whisper to Daisy, "Don't worry if I ain't home tonight, I'll be there to do the chores in the morning." Luke and Robin were out the door and headed towards Robin's. Luke said on teh way to her house, "Sorry I wanted to leave early but I've seen Lori drink like that before when I've been out with someone else. It usually doesn't end well." Robin replied, "It's Ok. You are planning to stay tonight aren't you?" Luke smiled, "I had hoped to." Robin replied, "Good." Even though it was earlier when they left the Boar's Nest the house was quiet when they arrived. They went to Robin's room for the rest of the night.

The next song Jeb played was "Unanswered Prayers" by Garth Brooks. Just the other night a hometown football game My wife nd I ran into my old high school flame And as I introduced them the past came back to me And I couldn't help but think of the way things used to be She was the one that I'd wanted for all times And each night I'd spend prayin' that God would make her mine And if he'd only grant me this wish I wished back then I'd never ask for anything again Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers Remember when you're talkin' to the man upstairs That just because he doesn't answer doesn't mean he don't care Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers She wasn't quite the angel that I remembered in my dreams And I could tell that time had changed me Inn her eyes too it seemed We tried to talk about the old days There wasn't much we could recall I guess the Lord knows what he's doin' after all And as she walked away and I looked at my wife And then and there I thankedd the good Lord For the gifts in my life Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers Remember when you're talkin' to the man upstairs That just because he may not answer doesn't mean he don't care Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers Some of God's greatest gifts are all too often unanswered... Some of God's greatest gifts are unanswered prayers Lori looked at Luke. Luke looked at Lori. Robin looked at Luke. Robin looked at Lori. Lori looked at Robin. Lori then looked Luke, then they all looked at Jeb.... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dixie was enjoying the song until she saw the looks that were being exchanged between everyone. ~~~~~~~~~~ Luke had taken the time to talk to BL and Daisy about hosting Dixie's party. He was also considering talkng to Lori but was afraid or 'rocking the boat'.! Bo was watching Luke, Lori and Robin.............. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lori went over to Bo who said, "Lori, would you please calm down?" Lori replied, "NO" Bo tried again, "Lori, come on now. We are her to have a good time. You and Luke made a truce awhile back!"

Before they had the garage Lori shurgged and replied,"Whatevers clever I guess cousin." BL said, "Well, I'll do my part. I agree with Bo, we need to leave this conversation in the past Konrad and go listen to the band. Everyone agreed in a hurry, before Lori let into someone. They all headed to their vehicles. Lori was riding with Bo due to Midnight's paint being wet. Cooter took the wrecker knowing that he'd be seeing Rosco in the morning to re-do the paint on 2 cruisers. One thing was sure, as long as Lori and the Dukes were around he would always have business! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Jeb's band was set up and playing when Cooter and the rest of the bunch walked in. Luke and Robin were setting alone at a back table. Dixie walked in and Jeb motioned for her to take a seat he had saved for her. Dixie blushed a little and took the seat. Cooter took an empty table near by. BL and Konrad ................. Bo looked at Lori as he walked to the bar to order, "I want a beer what's your pleasure?" Lori replied, "Jim or Jack, whatever." Bo said to Daisy, "Give me a beer and a shot of Jack." Daisy hoped that Bo was drinking the beer!

B.L watched Lori watching Midnight and shook her head it was beyond her how Lori could stare at that danged car when there was more 'interesting' things in the garage to watch. Dixie had them all together for once and no one was argueing yet, "Hey, guys can I talk to ya'll a minute." Cooter looked at his younger sister and saw she was serious, "Yeah, Dixie what is it?" "Well, ya'll know or SHOULD that my birthday is next week. It's sort of a special birthday since usually I have to spend it with Mom. I know we have all had problems with each other lately, but can we all please just get along one evening long enough to have a really nice party where someone doesnt' end up with green hair or wearing my cake?" Dixie nearly begged while looking mainly at Lori and BL. BL was the first to agree, "Yeah, I don't see why we can't get along for a little while. We haven't had a good party in awhile." Cooter said, "Yeah the last good party sort of got rained on and came to a sudden stop when Luke ended up getting taken out of HIS batcholor party to jail." Lori glared at Cooter, "Can you leave HIM out of THIS!" Bo replied, "It did bring the party to a close a lot sooner than we planned though." Before any one else could say anything, Dixie continued as she walked over to Lori, "I know we've had our, ...... well, ...... differences, but I'd really liek to call a truce and ask if you and BL would get with Daisy and plan the party for me?" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Meanwhile, Robin had changed and they had even managed to swing by the farm which is how Bo knew Luke was pissed about getting a ticket. They were now on their way back to their original destination, the Boar's Nest. Luke was still driving Robin's car as they pulled in he checked the lot. Daisy's car was the only one there. Luke asked, "Where is everyone? I know Jeb's band is going to play tonight. I thought everyone would be here." Robin replied, "I don't know but Lori had better keep her distance from me is all I'm saying." "Well, I saw someone checking her out earlier, maybe he'll keep her busy." Luke said. "Who?" Robin asked. Luke replied, "Let's just see if he makes a move and if she doesn't shoot him out of the water for it." Robin said, "Ok, if you say so. Now, how about that beer?" Luke replied, "I wanted two hours ago. Let's go." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Back at the garage, ..................

Dixie walked into the garage, she had been running errands in town. She looked at Lori painting Midnight, then, to BL and Konrad, then to Cooter and said, "I went down the street for an hour. WHAT did I MISS?"

Robin looked at Luke, "She my be your Ex-wife but I'm not going to take that!" Luke replied, "Oh, I know you're not. Let's run to the house and we'll come back after you change. And, let ME drive just in case the fool is down the road somewhere and gets any other ideas." Luke headed towards Robin's house. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dixie saw Daisy on her way to work as she stopped for gas at the garage. "Daisy you've got to come out back and see what Luke got me for my birthday!" Daisy said, "Ok but I've got to hurry." As they were looking at the car Daisy said, "You do have a birthday coming up. That is right." Dixie said, "Yeah I was hoping to get BL and Lori and maybe you to arrange a party for me, but I'd like there to be no fighting and from the way Cooter, Luther, Lori took off after Luke when we told them about the car I just don't see it happening." Daisy said, "Well, I'll be glad to help them and they should all be able to put the differences for you. Hey THIS is a SPECIAL birthday isn't it?" Dixie beamed, "Yeah it is! Thanks for remembering!" Daisy said, "I've got to hurry or Boss will pitch a fit if I'm late. Oh, yeah, Jeb his band is going to be there. Said to tell you to come down." Dixie said, "Yeah I know all about Boss from BL. Tell Jeb I'll likely be by later." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke saw familiar taillights, "She must have been taking her time or I wouldn't have caught her. Ya know, I know this has 390 in it but with this automatic transmission it is no match at all for Midnight." Luke said as he followed behind Midnight. Lori spoted the familar black Mercury with Luke driving behind her, she quickly grabbed a gear and speed up. It was total reaction as Luke's foot went right to the floor. He knew he couldn't pass her in this car and likely couldn't catch her but he didn't think about it until he heard the siren behind him. Luke and Robin both looked behind them and said, "AH, SH--!!!" Robin quickly reminded Luke, "Daddy........" Luke shook his head and replied as he hit the brakes, "Will kill me and you both if I try to run Rosco in his car. I have heard this speach from him for several years now." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Behind Luke, Rosco picked up the radio and called his brand new Deputy, "Deputy block Route 7 you have a Black Charger headed you way in a big hurry! This can be your first ticket IF you can get her to stop!" Rosco laughed. He knew the car! The new Deputy was only too happy to get his first assignment. Since his Daddy ran moonshine Enos knew how to block a road. He did so and waited only a few second when the Black Charger came barreling down the road not expecting to see another patrol car in this county let alone totally blocking the main road in front of her. She had seen Rosco light up Luke and laughed again! Lori saw the patrol car and was so totally suprised to see a second patol car in the County that she wasn't even sure that she could get Midnight stopped if she wanted too. Stopping was the only option right now as a cliff was on one side of the narrow road and a mountain on the other. She swore and hit the clutch and brake and hoped not to take out the entire side of the patrol car with Midnight as she swung the car broad sided. Though she didn't hit the car that hard she definetly put a nice dent down the side of both Midnight and the patrol car. Enos got out of the car through the passenger side and exclaimed, "LORI! Lori Davenport, Duke, Davenport!!! Look what you just did to MY car!!" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Rosco got out of the cruiser and walked up to the car. He was a bit suprised to see Luke Duke driving this car. He thought these two broke up years ago. "Luke I need ........." Luke handed him the information, "License and Registration. Go ahead and run if you want my license has 3 points against and the car is legal and registed to her Dad." Rosco giggled and said, "Now, we'll just see about that." He said as he walked back to the patrol car. He called in the registration and license. The information was given back to him just like Luke had given him. Rosco wrote the speeding ticket out and handed it to Luke along with his license and registration. He had just returned to the patrol car and pulled out when Enos radioed, "Sheriff, I need you down here quick! Lori Davenport just hit the side of my patrol car but I got her stopped!" Rosco knew that Lori was as slippery as one of Boss's greasy pork chops. He had to hurry before she could get away from Enos. "You hold her right there! I'm a coming! I'm a coming! Good work Enos!!" Rosco turned the curve in such a hurry that when he saw Lori's car he slammed on the brakes and turned his car broad sided also. He bumped into the driviers side of Lori's car putting a dent into her drivers side. Lori............... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke had gotten back on the road a little slower this time and as he popped around the turn he saw Midnight sandwiched between TWO patrol cars. He voiced his first though after the suprise of seeing two patrol cars, "I going to DIE. She will turn this into being MY fault." Robin asked, "How could she do that? You were pulled over first." "Trust me on this. It's MY fault!" Luke had no other choice but to stop since the road was completely blocked by the three vehicles. He stopped, opened the door and got out still a good distance away from whatever was going to happen in front of him. He could NOT keep his mouth shut. No matter how hard he was trying he had to ask, "Ya'll need a wrecker up there?????"

Robin pulled up seeing Luke. She stopped her Mercury and asked, "Hey! Are you running TO or AWAY FROM something?" Luke opened the passenger side door, got in, and said, "Drive already! Away!" "Luke I hope it ain't Rosco!" she checked her mirrors. "NO, WORSE!!" Luke said, then added, "Three crazed Davenports!" "Ahhhhhhh, Sh--!!!!" Robin said, "What happened to the peace ya'll declared?" Luke was catching his breath from the chase, "Flew out the window as soon as Dixie told them what I got her for her birthday!" Robin asked, "Luke what could you have possibly given her to cause that much trouble?" Luke explained, "You know that wrecked 69 Charger I was going to pick up today for parts?" Robin nodded 'yes'. "Well, Dixie road with me. It is in pretty fair shape. She noticed and started asking questions and said she'd like to have a hot rod like Lori and BL basically. I know they were a lot younger when they got Midnight and the Judge. He--, she's been driving that Thunderbird for what over a year now? It has a 351 in it and Cooter and I are the two who modified it to a 400. It's got a 383, 4 speed in it but it's NOT like it's got a 426 HEMI in it for God sake! Do they think I'm STUPID?" Luke said. Robin looked at him. "Don't answer that, ok?" Luke sighed, "It's not her first car or anything. He--, it's not even together! The frame is broke on that one, but they had a second one. The guy gave me a good deal. They still have to be put together. How about a beer at the Boar's Nest?" Then he asked, "Where were you going by the way?" Robin replied with a smile, "I was bored and actually hoped to run into you, not up on you. Yeah, a beer sounds good." As she headed to the Boar's Nest.

Meanwhile Luke and Dixie had made it to the junk yard outside of Altanta. Luke paid for the car and backed up to it. Dixie watched as Luke hooked up the wrecker to the wrecked green 1969 Dodge Charger. From what Dixie saw, it really didn't look in that bad a shape. Luke was putting the safety chains on so Dixie got out and looked at the car. "Luke what's wrong with this car it doesn't look that bad?" Luke grinned, "It's not, but the frame did break. Why?" Dixie sighed, "Nothing. I was just thinking that I like my Thunderbird but I'd like something to work on too. You know that I put together the way I wanted to." Luke shook his head. He knew Lori and BL had had the same thoughts at about Dixie's age. Well, actually they were younger than Dixie cause when they got the Judge and Midnight they were only about 16. Luther would likely kill him for what he was going to do, but hey he'd been there with the man before. Luke finished hooking up the car and walked to Dixie's side of the wrecker looking over the car once more. "Come here a minute if your serious about a car." Dixie raised her eyes in wonder at his statement. Luke nodded toward a stack of cars. He walked around the stack of cars and on the other side was another Charger but it was a 1968 Charger. The body looked rough, real rough. Dixie looked at Luke with a lot of doubt, "Luuuukkkkkeeeee I said SOMETHING I (as in ME) could FIX." Luke smiled at the girl in front of him. She had on boots, jeans and a short sleeved pull over on. She had left her hair the alburn after his Ex wife had died it PINK and Daisy had helped her fix it. He explained, "Well, if you think you could stripe this one down to the frame...." "You mean take the two and make one?" Dixie smiled. "Yeah, with some help from you and Cooter I could." Luke said, "I've already checked it this frame is sound." Dixie said, "With the money I hope to get for my birthday I culd likely get it. How much is it?" Luke said, "I'll walk you back to the truck and go find out. So, when is your birthday?" Dixie said as they walked back to the truck, "Next week. I'd really like for Lori, BL and Daisy to give me a party, but I just don't know if that is possible with all that has went on between us. And you know what happens when everyone gets together and is drinking." Luke sighed, "Yeah, I seem to vagely recall going from my bacholor party to a patrol car to the jail!" Dixie replied, "Yeah my point exactly, but I'd like for everyone to just be civil a few hows. This is my biggest birthday yet and I'll never have anotherone. Luke was getting a couple ideas as he closed her door and walked into check on the cost of the car. As Dixie sat in the wrecker she could see Luke talking to the man about the car. He opened a book talked some more to Luke, then she saw Luke reach in his wallet and hand the man some money. The man wrote out a paper and handed it to Luke. Luke came back and got in the truck. "I told him we'd be here to get it tomorrow." "Luke what did you do?" Dixie asked cautiously. Luke looked at her brown eyes and replied, "Bought you birhday present." "What?" Dixie exclaimed. Luke laughed at her excitement, "Where do you want to work on them? I was going to take this one to the farm to store. But, I think we'd do better to take them both to the garage. switch everything out and then I'll take the extra parts to the farm." "LUKE???? I didn't ASK you to buy it FOR ME!" Dixie said. Luke started the wrecker and replied, "I know you didn't. I wanted to!" Dixie hugged his neck, "Thank YOU Luke!" Luke couldn't resist, "When you get that thing together and out run Midnight, are you going to tell Lori I bought it for you?" Dixie grinned from ear to ear and exclaimed, "I ain't waiting THAT long I intend to tell the whole county you got it for me." Luke said as he turned, out onto the road towards home, "Well, I didn't buy it for you for that reason, but consider it an added bonus!" Now he was certain that Luther would hang him! He had just bought the man youngest child and only daughter a car with an engine in it with as much power as Midnight and the General Lee!

Luke turned to Bo and said, "What ever you are planning on doing while I take the wrecker to Atlanta, stay out of trouble. Huh, Cousin?" Bo gave Luke his famous smile and replied, "Me get into trouble. You know better." Everyone stared at him like he had three heads. Bo added, "I don't have to get into trouble. It FINDS ME." Luke replied, "Yeah, I know that's the problem. Then, I have to get you out of it!" Dixie, who had been listening to their banter asked, "Hey, Luke I'm bored today. Can I go with you?" Luke replied, "Sure." Cooter added, "Yeah keep her out of trouble that way huh?" Luke said, "Nah, I was hoping she kept ME out of trouble! Bo I'll get a ride from Cooter when I get back. I'll see ya at home later." Bo nodded as he ws already heading to the General Lee. He had the afternoon free and figured on a beer at the Boar's Nest. As Luke and Dixie headed to the wrecker, Dixie said, "I've never been out to this junkyard where you are picking up this car before. Luke replied, "Well, I was there getting parts a few weeks ago and saw this wreck. I figured with the General Lee and Midnight around it was a good idea to buy the whole car for parts." Dixie nodded, "Yeah it was a good idea they are both always needing parts."

Dixie's 16th Birthday Suprise Folks this offers more suprises for EVERYONE than you can count. Dixie sure would like her cousins to arrange this special party for her, but they have been sort of distant for sometime. She was sure a helpful Duke or two would pick up were her family failed her, if indeed they did. Current ages: Luke Duke is 20, Bo and Jeb Duke are 18, Cooter Davenport 21, Dixie Davenport 15 (soon 16), Daisy Duke 17, Coy is 16; Vance is 17; B.L. Davenport is 20, Mark McCormick 21; and Lori Davenport is 20 --- That is should they all decided to attend! NOTE: The time frame and cast ages in relation to other DOH stories that have been written may have altered as well as the time line and references of stories previously posted by myself and others. Easy said, a character may have been a certain age for 3 years, sorry but it fit that story at that time. This is fan fiction and for entertainment but the time lines and events do overlap if layed out back to back with each other. Please don't nit pick too much -- we try only to entertain! Enjoy!!!! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dixie Davenport looked forward to her sixteeth birthday! It was after all her sweet sixteeth! She hoped her cousins would put aside their differences and host the party, but in the last couple years the female members of the Davenport family had given themselves, the Davenports, the Dukes and Rosco a few more white hairs. Dixie figured that every girl deserved a Sweet 16 party hosted by her family!!!!!!! Everyone had talked about how much she had grown up in the last six months. Everyone had been talking about her big birthday events but no one was refering to it as a Sweet 16th party! Could she be that lucky they could throw a GREAT party and NOT MENTION she was ONLY 16???? Dixie could only HOPE! Dixie thought back a lot has sure happened in Hazzard lately. Luke Duke had married Lori Davenport and then the Duke boys had gotten caught running shine before the honeymoon was even started. Their marriage had been as their dating relationship very intense. It had ended the same way, one day when Bo mentioned in Luke's presence that his Ex-girl friend was wearing dark sunglasses. Luke had said that she always did. Bo had told him it had been night. Luke flew off the handle and had went and gotten a pistol and loaded it. Now, just the fact that he hadn't given it away when he was put on probabtion was bad enough, but the fact that he had intended to take it to go looking Robin's husband was far greater. It had taken Bo two hours to talk Luke into putting the gun down. He finally had, but had then began to check on the ex girlfriend through family members. Lori found out and filed for divorce. Luke found out that Robin had also filed for divorce. The rest was a natural progression, Luke and Robin were helping each other through their situations. What happened next had totally blindsided everyone, Bo and Lori were now spending a lot of time together. All this had put a strain on the families. Dixie just wondered if they all could just be civil for a few hours with each other. Dixie and Jeb had become good friends and gotten really close during the time he was in jail and especially after incident that had led Luther tried to kill Dixie and Jesse to warn Jeb to take things slower. BL had been working at the Boar's Nest and raisin' hell whenever possible. She was still Hazzard's blabbermouth. Cooter was still making secret trips to Alabama to see Nancy Lou and Beverly. Dixie pulled up at the garage to see Cooter under the hood of Mr. Peabody's truck again. "Hey, Cooter. What's up?"

Jeb and Dixie survived and actually grew to be very close in a lot of ways. Luke and Lori lived their lives happily and together for awhile. What's awhile, ..... we my never know. Coy and Vance were glad the boys were home so they didnt' have to do as many chores. Cooter and BL got brave and returned home. Jesse was sadden by his change in life style, but was continent to know his family was in tact.

Jeb looked at Jesse and asked a bit confused, "What did she say? I won't lie to you, you know that." Jesse shook his head 'no', "I don't know EXACTLY, so why don't you tell me about last night." Jeb thought for a few seconds and nothing seemed THAT out of line to him so he said, "Sure. You were there when everyone decided to go to the Boar's Nest except Daisy, Luke and Lori. Dixie gave me her car keys I drove, we talked. At the Boar's Nest I drank a beer, Dixie order a coke as usual. I think she may have snitched a drink or two of beer from Cooter, well likely everyones glasses. But, she didn't have that much and we've all done that there before we could buy it. We talked, danced, kissed a little. We left early and road out to the Indian caves. I built a fire," He sighed, here's where he talked a bit slower. "I found some shine I'd left there and we took a couple sips but mainly we talked," He paused gauging Jesse response which was totally neutral. Jesse asked "Is that ALL?" Jeb shook his head 'no', "No, Sir. I think you heard about Lori and Dixie's little contest at the jail?" Jesse asked, "This was before the yellow line I take it? But, I did hear mention of something like that." "Lori was agging Dixie on to give me attention that I Did Not need at the time. I was tense and she KNEW that. You know what we went through, anyway we talked a lot, but she was able to finish what she started at the jail." Jeb said a bit embarrassed. Jesse asked, "Is that all?" Jeb replied, "She wasn't the only one touching and feeling. I was too. But, I didnt' even ask her to do any of it and told her we'd stop any time she wanted to." "Did you have sex with her?" Jesse barked. "No, Sir!" Jeb replied. Jesse soften but only a bit, "Could she be with child?" Jeb said, "No, Sir." Jesse said, "Ok, for the record. You told me pretty much what Luther said and more. Jeb, Dixie is quiet a bit younger than you and due to the fact of the age difference I feel you should have used better judgement and not let her do things she didn't need to do at her age. I think going to the caves and letting her drink while you were responsible wasn't good judgement. I also feel that you drinking with her being that much young is a good idea. And, since I know that Luther has likely whipped her for her part in this and she wasn't alone I feel it only far to whip you and since Luther came out here today, also." Jeb sighed, and aswered, "Yes, Sir." He turned to bend over. Jesse said, "Jeb can you carry one a relationship with Dixie and keep it appropriate for her age?" "Yes sir." Jeb replied. Jesse nodded, "Good because I was waching you earlier yesterday and felt you two may be good for each other. I sure hope you all can without furher incidents." Jesse paused. "I've used this strap more in a week than I did last YEAR and it pains ME to do so. Jeb you know what you did. I know what you told me you did. How many licks is fair? And, don't make it less that what I'm thinking." All the kids hated it when Jesse let them pick their pinishment. They ALWAYS said more than Jesse would give them. Jeb's stomach knotted tight as he said, "I think 10 licks is fair, Sir." Jesse said, "Bend over Son. I would have given you SIX." He said as he gave Jeb the ten licks that he felt he deserved. Jeb............. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Meanwhile, Cooter still hadn't heard the meaning of Dixie's remark. If it was anything like he thought she meant he planned to pay Jeb a visit! ..........

Luther drove home in total silence. Dixie was not at all sure this was a good thing either. Once he pulled up to the farm he got out and slammed the door with a lot more force than was needed. Dixie was still setting in the passenger seat of the truck when Luther turned and said far too calmly, "Get out and come to the porch." Dixie thought the house may have been a better place to talk the porch was far too close to the woodshed. Luther looked at his only daughter and began, "Dixie I heard your remark about Jeb not needing a cold shower would you care to explain it to me?" Dixie KNEW that was going ot come out. She looked away from her father and at the porch floor. "Can I just go to the woodshed now?" Luther looked at his daugther that would rather be whipped than answer his question. That meant that the answer couldn't have been good. "Absolutely! MARCH!" Dixie knew she was going to get whipped and figured she may has well get it over with. She knew she had been spanked as a kid but she couldn't remember the last time she had been spanked. Let alone a Jesse Duke whipping and one from her Dad two days in a row. She walked in bent over and grabbed her ankles. Luther started with two licks to get her attention. They DID as she was still sore. Dixie waited. Luther asked, "Did that Duke lie to me? Did he get you?" Dixie answered truthfully and very quickly, "No, Daddy he didn't lie. We didn't do IT." Luther asked again, "Where did you all go?" Dixie answered, "The Boar's Nest." Luther said, "And he gave you that hickey?" Dixie replied, "Yes." Luther asked, "Did you go anywhere else?" Dixie lied, "No, Daddy." "Ready to tell me about Jeb not needing a shower?" Luther asked. Dixie's behind was, but she wasn't, "No." Luther gave her one lick and waited several seconds, then another and waited. He was drawing back for the fifth lick when Dixie said with out thinking her reply out, "Ok, hold up. He was frustrated from being teased while in jail. I made him feel better!" Luther said, "EXPLAIN!" Dixie did, "I 'relaxed' him!" Luther understood her play on words fully! He had given her ten licks before he knew it! Dixie KNEW it though! Luther demanded, "Did he get in your pants?" Dixie wasn't about to get hit again for lying, "We didn't do it, but Yes." Luther asked, "You did this at the Boar's Nest?" Dixie was still quick to answer since her behind was on fire, "No, at the Indian caves." Luther gave her another lick, "You lied when you told me only went to the Boar's Nest. Were you drinking?" Dixie didn't want hit again, "A few drinks of beer." Luther asked, "Where did you get it?" "Everyone let me have sips of theirs." Dixie replied. Luther asked, "Who's everyone?" Dixie replied, "Bo left his beer when he left. Cooter, BL, Jeb, Coy and Vance." Luther.................... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Jesse walked into the woodshed took down the now familiar leather strap and looked at Jeb who was in 'the position'. He said, "Get up Jeb." Jeb stood up and looked to his Uncle who asked, "Did you lie to Luther about being with Dixie?" "No, Sir." Jeb replied. Jesse said, "I know she's younger than you and I want you to take it easy with her." Jeb replied, "I'd never ask her to do anything she didn't want to do." Jesse cautioned, "You are the oldest of the two and I expect you to use good judgement.

At the site of her Father and knowing he had heard EVER WORD she had just said. Dixie thought 'Oh Sh--!!' She looked to BL and she was GONE. She turned to Cooter and he was gone too! She saw Luther heading towards her and hrew her hands up in front of her a said, "DADDY I LIED TO THEM I SWEAR!!!!" Luther stalked up to her and put his finger on the hicky and said,"THEN HOW DID THAT GET THERE?! IT SURE AS H-- DIDN'T GET THERE ON IT'S OWN!!!" Dixie swallowed hard and said, "Jeb put it there. I had not clue it was there. But, the REST OF WHAT I SAID WAS A LIE. I'm sorry Daddy." Luther was shaking with anger by now and said " SO YOU DID GO ALL THE WAY!!!!!! HE'S OLDER THAN YOU MORE EXPERIENCED AND A DUKE TO BOOT!" Dixie realized her father had taken what she had said REALLY WRONG!, "NNOOOOOOOOO!!!! DADDY Really we ONLY kissed a little that's ALL I SWEAR!!!" Luther then shouted,"THEN TELL ME THE WHOOOOLE TRUTH!!!! OR SO HELP ME YOUR HIND END WILL BE BLISTERED!!! Dixie sighed and tried to figure out how much to tell Luther, "Me and Jeb have always been friends. Since Lori has been raising such a stink THINKING for some reason that I like LUKE, I was hoping to hae someone to talk to so she'd leave me alone. Well, after Luke and Lori got married Jeb has been talking to me more of a friend than anything and I went to see him, well all of them, when they were in jail. So the other night after they got home everone went tothe Boar's Nest. Jeb and I rode together, we talked, danced some, kissed a little that's all he's a nice guy." Dixie hoped that was enought information to keep her from dying. The car in front of her looked a little low to get underneath! Luther then noticed the hair color change he'd somehow missed the pink hair episode so he just thought it was another sign of Dixie trying to act older than she was. "What did you do to your hair?" Dixie replied, "Daisy HAD to fix it after Lori dyed it pink." Luther saw redder than he had before,"SHE DID WHAT?!!!!!" Dixie nodded, "Yeah right before Jesse and the guys went to court too." Luther looked sternly at Dixie and said, "I'll deal with Loren. But, for now you set down right there until closing." Dixie sat down gently. She was trying to figure out how to warn Jeb.

They all cleaned up the mess in the bathroom from dying Dixie's hair and then went out to the kitchen where Uncle Jesse had fixed a big Duke breakfast. The guy were coming into the kitchen from getting Bo up and doing hte chores. Everyone sat down to the table to eat except for Luke and Lori. Dixie was setting just s might easy in her chair as she was still sore from the whipping she had gotten. Jesse looked at Dixie and replied, "Well, that's a nice normal color. Sure beats pink." Dixie replied, "Yeah, Daisy did great. Thanks Uncle Jesse." Jeb laughed, "Well, ya know to be pink it was a NICE pink." He was saved by Coy sticking his foot in his mouth. Being the youngest of the bunch Coy asked, "Hey where is Luke and Lori?" Jesse replied, "Just leave them be. I'll put them a plate back. I've already talked to Luke this morning." There were several 'I know what they are doing looks' going around the table from the others. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A few feet away Luke was hold Lori. He was very glad to be back home and have the day to spend with her. Their time had been to long in coming and then to have it taken away so quickly had seemed unfair, but Luke knew that was largely his fault. He layed there trying to think how to get Boss to stop forcing her to run the shine. He be da--ed if he'd let her get caught and taken away from him now! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Jesse gave out chores to everyone except Cooter, BL and Dixie who was going to the garage to work. Jesse watched with a bit of pleasure as he saw Jeb walk Dixie to her car on his way to the barn. They were holding hands and talking. The smiles and kisses looked sincere. Maybe Lori didn't have anything to worry about after all. Luke could see much of the same thing from his bedroom window as Lori slept. He watched his younger cousin who he had given the suggestion to talk to Dixie. He smiled as he watched and he also noticed that Daisy had done a great job at getting rid of his wife's handy dandy hair coloring. Luke smiled maybe Dixie and Jeb would be good for each other and maybe, JUST MAYBE, Lori would relax about Dixie. Luke shook his head and thought for the millionth time what have I ever really did but try to be a big brother to her that drives Lori crazy? ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Supper time came and still no one had seen the newlyweds. Jesse assure them that newlyweds can live on nothing but love for awhile and that they would eat when they got hungry.

Jesse was in the kitchen when Luke walked into the kitchen in only his jeans. "Morning Uncle Jesse." He said as he reached for a coffee cup. Jesse looked at him, "Luke you and Lori ain't really had no time together since you got married. Why don't you forget the chores today. Cooter and everyone came beck here last night so I have plenty of help." Luke asked, "Yeah I sort of had a lot of help last night too! Seriously?" Jesse said, "Go back to bed, Luke." Luke poured 2 cups of coffee took them both in his left hand and did EXACTLY what Jesse suggested - went back to bed. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ In Daisy's room Daisy, BL and Dixie were also awake. Dixie who came in last and slept on the floor with her sore behind was moving a bit slower than the rest getting dressed. BL looked at Dixie, then at Daisy and said, "I don't know Daisy. What do you think?" Daisy asked, "About what?" BL said, "Well, Dixie looks pretty happy this morning but I can't tell if her virginity is in tact!" Daisy just looked at the two. She wasn't sure she wanted the intimate details of Dixie's and Jeb's date. Dixie said, "That is for me and Jeb to know now ain't it!" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ In the barn Jeb had tried three times to get Bo up for chores and breakfast. It wasn't working. JEb wsa in far too good of a mood to let Bo's grumbling bother him as he went to the house whistling a tune. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jeb as planned had a beer a few dances with Dixie and had started letting her know he was ready to go. Dixie was ready to leave too. She had to admit Jeb had been mighty persussive and the Boar's Nest was getting a bit warm. She had been a whole lot worried and knew Jeb was driving so Dixie had snitched a drink of beer when ever she could. It was likely she'd had a bit more that Jeb to drink as he'd only had on and shared it with her. Jeb said to Dixie as a slow song came on let's dance and then dance right on out of here. Dixie smiled and that is exactly what they did. By the time the next song started and they were missed they were well on their way toawrd the lake. As Jeb parked the car he by the lake he asked, "Ever been up to the caves?" Dixie nodded, "It's been awhile." Jeb replied, "Someone sees the car they still got to find us." Dixie said, "True." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Once at the cave Jeb found a sleeping bag that likely he or one of the boys had left there the last time they were there. He spread it out and went to work building a small fire. Once he got the fire going he said, "Let me check something out here. I remember leaving something here once. I'll be right back." Dixie wasn't cold but she was shaking and the warmth of the fire helped. Jeb returned with a pint of moonshine. Dixie's eyes went wide. Jeb replied, "I ageed not to make, transport OR possess any shine. Never said I wouldn't drink it. Look at it like this, we are gettign rid of evidence." Dixie laughed and said, "You have been around Luke too long. She moved closer to him and moved wrong on the Earth floor of the cave. She said, "Owe, sh--! That might be what I need righ now." Jeb put his arm around her as Dixie leaned towards him, "How many licks." "Four." Dixie replied. "And I deserved each one of them!" Jeb shook his head with a laugh, "Well, now I would have done something if I could have, but ....." Dixie looked at Jeb and interupted, "Maybe another girlfriend you could have done something but I've been there too long and I'm one of Uncle Jesse's too." She smiled weakly and said with a laugh, "I guess that make what we plan to do sort of incest huh?" Jeb shook his head negatively, "Nah, we aren't blood kin." He knew she was tense. "Dixie I won't lie to you, I'd really like some comfort tonight, but I don't want make you think you have to do anything you don't want to." Dixie smiled, "I know that Jeb. I like you. I really do AND what ever happens or doesn't happen has nothing to do with Luke." Jeb stopped her right there, "Dixie it is me and you here. I didn't force you to come here with me so I sort of figure you want to be here. I don't listen to Lori first of all. Look just holding you and talking to you is a he-- of a lot better than setting in a jail cell watching Luke and Bo get to 'relax' when I couldn't" Dixie blushed, "Jeb about that. I am sorry I put you in that situation and couldn't or didn't do anything to 'help' you." Jeb explained, "After a time, Frankensteins bride could have touched any of us like that, he-- the wind could have blown, it's not your fault. It was my mind and body working against me. Not yours." Dixie said, "But I was teasing, .... and, .... and, ..... I don't want to be a tease Jeb, but I don't want to be a whore either." Jeb nodded, "Ok, how about we take us a drink or two, talk and see what happens if I do something you don't watn or want to stop we will, Ok?" Dixie smiled, "Yeah, thanks Jeb. I ain't never..." Jeb nodded, "That's ok." Dixie added, "And, I'm not sure I'm ready, but I may be able to make you feel better." She looked at him hopeful. Jeb gave her a million dollar smile and said, "Only if YOU want to. Ain't nothing a cold shower won't fix later, huh?" He leaned over kissing her gently..............

Dixie and Jeb were respectfully holding each other in the doorway. Bo said, "I really don't think Luke will need the General Lee. I'm gonna go have a beer at the Boar's Nest anyone want to come? Jeb whispered to Dixie, "How about us heading out with them and going somewhere else?" Dixie nodded 'yes' and handed him the keys to her car. Jeb said, "Well, sure but we're going to take Dixie's car, in case you get a good offer." Bo rolled his eyes at Jeb's suggestive remark. BL said, "Sure Bo I'll go. Less chance to get in trouble there!" Cooter said, "Hey, Coy Vance if ya'll want to ride with me ya can." They both nodded. Bo looked at Daisy who was setting on the arm of Jesse chair. "You going?" Daisy shook her head 'no', "No way fellas I'm staying right here with Uncle Jesse." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ They divided up a headed out towards the Boar's Nest. Jeb looked at Dixie and said, "If you want we can go to the Boar's Nest, for a while or not at all, it's up to you." Dixie shook her head 'no', "I'm good with anything you want to do. It is your welcome home night so your choice." Jeb said, "Honestly, I'd like to go get at least one beer, listen to some music, and have a couple dances. We can always leave early." Dixie nodded, "Ok sounds good." She wasn't sure what she would do once they were alone. This gave her more time to think.

Jesse said, "Well, I'm HOME now and things are back to NORMAL. Dixie did you throw that knife at your cousin?" Dixie was setting on the arm of Jeb's chair with her arm around him. She looked down at him for a split second and then back to Jesse, "Yes, Sir, I did." At this precise moment Luke felt Lori tugging on his arm. Trying deseparately to get Luke to come into their room. He turned to her and whispered, "WHAT is wrong with YOU?" Lori motioned seductlively for him come with her. Now, Luke had totally forgotten about the conversation dealing with the hair dye war and he didn't need MUCH excuse at all to want to have some 'alone time' with his wife. He stood up and they started out of the living room. Jesse saw the two newylweds slipping off. Any other time he wouldn't have thought anything about it, but he was pretty sure Dixie's hair hadn't gotten pink by her choosing. "Luke, Lori." Luke stopped and replied, "Yes, Sir." Jesse replied, "I'd like you two to come back in here a minute." Luke started back into the living room but had to nearly drag Lori. Jesse asked Dixie, "Dixie why would you throw a knife at Lori?" "She threw a fork at me and it almost hit me in the eye. I had thrown the knife before I though." She said. Dixie knew it wasn't going to get her out of trouble but may ease it a bit. "Loren is that true?" Jesse asked. Luke had to hide the grin that threatened to show on his face wondering if she'd lie again. Lori looked at Luke, who said, "Honey, I ain't in this." Lori sighed and thought of her still sore bottom, "Yes, I did." Jesse stood up, "Let's go ladies." Jeb and Luke impart felt for the two girls, but would have to agree that if they didnt' change they would hurt each other. The other part thought it ws just a bit funny. They were glad someone else was in trouble instead of them. Dixie grave Jeb a weak smile and got up to follow Uncle Jesse. Lori wasn't happy but followed behind them. In the wood shed Jesse asked, "So I can take it that a fight broke out and the hair color change is a result of pay back?" Dixie figured the truth was bad enough and replied, "Yes, Sir that's the a good short version." Lori figured she she may as well admit her part when Jesse looked at her, "Yes, Sir it is." Jesse picked up the strap and asked, "Who's first?" Both girls bent over and grabbed their ankles together. Jesse said, "Well, if you all did more things together maybe we wouldn't be here now." He started with one then the other a lick at a time. "That is for throwing something at your cousin. That is for fighting, family don't fight FAMILY. That was for the hair coloring. And finally, that is for not putting your feelings aside when your family needed you to pull together. Now, you two get up. Straighten up and go welcome your husband and your boyfriend, with in reason, home."

The Judge entered just as Luke decided to warn Jeb. He whispered to Jeb and stepped on his toe, "You BETTER tell her you LIKE it if you want to live." Cooter could only give a very appoligetic look to Jesse and the boys as he took another look at the sight of his sister and cousins. He wasn't sure how to explain how HE had managed to LET them end up with pink and blonde hair. BL came in behind Cooter as they were all about to take their seats as the Judge entered. Uncle Jesse, Luke, Bo, and Jeb all saw B.L.'s bruised chin, they all shook their heads and sighed. They just KNEW that house was really tearing down... and felt it was a complete and total mess. The Bailiff called the court to order as the Judge scanned the Dukes family standing behind them. He could see one girl with a bruise on her chin and a couple scratches, another who had changed her hair color from two days ago who had scratches and what looked like hand prints on her neck, the third also had a few scratches and had not only cut her hair but it was dyed pink. Judge Hardcastle then looked at the men with the group. They all looked just a bit frazzled. Then, he studied each of the defendants standing before him. Judge Hardcastle had been a Judge a long time and was very perceptive. He saw worry in each of their faces for their family who had only spent two nights with out the leader of the family there to hold the family together. He knew all families had their differences but he knew this was a very close family and that Jesse Duke was the center of that family unit. Taking a look at this group he knew he had made the right sentenencing choice. The Judge said, "Be seated. I have reviewed this case over and over. I had come to a sentencing decision before I walked in here today. But, as I looked at each of you all and your families. My decision was confirmed. Mr. Duke I know you are the center of your family and they need you and your guidence. Therefore, I will make this short. I am sentencing to 10 years PROBATION with credit for all jail time. The terms of the probation will be explained to you by the probation officer after court is adjourned. Should the terms of this agreement and / or probation be violated the ten year sentence will be completed in prison. Bailiff uncuff them and you are all free to go see the probation officer. Court adjourned."

Dixie screamed, "YOU HAD BETTER HOPE IT WASHES OUT!!!" Cooter set straight up in the floor where he'd slept. He, Coy and Vance had slept in the living room. Other than the twin beds in their room the only extra bed would have been Uncle Jesse's and none of them was going to 'take his spot' even for a night. Cooter said, "Ah, sh--! It's too da-- early for this!!!!" Dixie instead of chasing Lori went to the shower and washed her hair repeatidly to get all the pink dye out. When she combed her hair out she saw where Lori had cut the clump off short. It was up front which had needed trimmed anyway. She would have Daisy cut the front and feather the sides. Everyone else was in the kitchen now rudely awaken and grumpy. Cooter looked at Dixie and then to Lori and said, "I've had enough and I will separate you at the table like when you were two if I have to!" Dixie smiled, "Hey, I'm good it washed out!" Lori wasn't happy. She didn't get the reaction from Dixie she had wanted. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ At the jail it was a toss up as to who slept less each worrying about each other. Jesse wondered out loud, "Wonder if they got the chores done yet?" It was Luke who try to sound more sure than he was, "Vance and Coy have taken up or slack before." Jesse only nodded. Yes they had but not unsupervised. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Daisy had managed to give Dixie a nice hair cut and feathered in the short piece to where it didn't show at all. They did all manage to get the chores done and remain half civil to each other through the day. They had one more night to go before they knew their loved ones fait. BL looked at Cooter and Daisy, "Ya'll we better hid all the scissors and anything that can change hair color. Dixie handle that far too well!" Daisy said, "With court tomorrow, they wouldn't." BL and Cooter said, "OH YES THEY WOULD!" Daisy sighed and tried to think of short hair styles just in case she needed them. The entire bunch actuallyy worked to make sure the house and farm had no sighes of the earlier fight just in case thing swent as each deep down prayed they would but they were all trying to be prepared for the worst. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ That night Dixie went to bed early but she wasn't asleep. She figured Lori would lock her door, so she had made sure the window was unlocked. She waited until almost daylight and slipped out Daisy's window with her mixture in hand. She watched Lori from the window. She was asleep. Dixie ease up the window and took the mixture and streaked the frost kit through Lori's brown hair. Then, she quietly slipped out the window, went to her Thunderbird and went home to get ready for court.

Dixie was about to open her mouth when Cooter put his hand over her mouth and said, "Come on outside with us, OK?" Dixie was still hot, but knew Cooter was right, "Ok, I'd rather be cleaning a barn that in here with her!" Cooter gave Dixie a bit of a nudge and glared at Lori daring her to say anything, "Go already!" Dixie looked at her older brother and replied, "I'm going. I'm going already!" In the barn Coy asked, "What set THAT off?" Dixie was trying to get the knots out of her hair, "Daisy gave me an old jersey to wear. I put it on. It just happened to be one Lori claims was Luke's IN JR.HIGH." She let a clump of loose hair fall to the barn floor. Cooter shamed, "You know we are supposed to be here to HELP." Dixie replied, "Told you it would start. She put flour on me so I asked Daisy for a change and then she goes OFF!" Cooter replied, "Just hang out with us and it will be OK. Are you alright?" Dixie nodded 'yes', "Other than missing a little hair, a couple scratches, and my hand hurts. I think I punched BL by accident." Cooter said, "Let me see." Dixie held out her right hand and worked it for Cooter. He could see it starting to swell, "Sh-! Can one of you go get some ice?" Vance replied, "Yeah, I'll go. If I'm not back in five minutes come after me! It's dangerous in there!" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lori went to the mirror to comb her hair and noticed srcatches on her neck, "Look, just look at these scratches!" Then, while trying to get her hair straightened out when she pulled a large clump of now unattacked hair out. "I'm going to kill her!" BL said, "Those scratches ain't bad!" Lori turned to BL and said, "Well, I'd talk with that bruise on your chin." BL exclaimed, "WHAT?" Vance eased in the kitchen door trying to make sure it was safe to enter, "Daisy I need a bag of ice." Daisy shook her head and opened the freezer. Vance looked at Lori concerned, "Are you OK, Lori?" It was likelly the first direct thing he'd said to her since getting Luke's letter. Lori...........

The boys were actually having a harder time dealing with seeing Jesse setting in that cell. Not to mention Luke and Jeb were trying to hide the fact that the girls had gotten 'under their skin'. Bo knew and was about to crack up which was irratating them more. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Back at the Duke farm the mood was more that of a wake and a family get together. Cooter was not far away from the kitchen. Dixie hadn't wanted to go because of Lori being there but Cooter had convienced her she was Jeb's girlfriend and as much a friend to any of the rest as he and BL. He told her she needed to be there for them just like they would be for her, so she had reluctantly went and was now in the kitchen with Lori, BL and Daisy starting supper for the group. Cooter looked at Vance and asked, "What has to be done this evening other than the normal chores?" Cooter had seen the way he and Coy had took up roost on the couch. Vance replied, "Just the normal is more than I want to do today." Cooter replied, "Yeah, I know, but if the three of us get at them we'll be doen by supper and can play some cards." Coy said, "Uncle Jesse doesn't approve of cards in the house." Cooter stated the obvious for the youngest Duke, "That's why we can play in the house tonight, Coy. Come on ya'll." The guys had no more cleared the front door to go do the chores when Lori looked to Dixie and 'accidently tossed flour on her' "Oops sooo sorry dear cousin, I guess I didn't see you." Dixie brushed the floor off her shirt. It was a bit nicer shirt than normal because she was still dressed in teh same clothes she had worn to court. She replied, "That's about normal YOU never see ME. Daisy you got something comfy I can wear?" Daisy nodded wiping her hands on a dishtowel "Sure Sugar c'mon" Dixie and Daisy went to Daisy's room to get Dixie something to wear. B.L glared at Lori and said "Don't start anything!" Lori smiled sweetly and said "I wouldn't dare cousin" Daisy asked Dixie what sorta clothes she wanted. "Just house clothes. I just want to be comfy. I aint' trying ot impress anyone." Daisy grinned, "That's a first for you in this house huh?" Dixie smiled, "Well, a first in a while." Daisy handed Dixie a pair of old soft jeans and an old jersey with a # 55 on it. Dixie changed into the clothes and said, "Thanks Daisy this is just what I needed, You know I didn't want to come over tonight which is why I didn't bring a change with me. Cooter convienced me to." Daisy asked, "Because of Lori?" Dixie nodded 'yes', "Mostly." "Sugar ya'll are family and BOTH a part of this family. Ya'll got to get past it. Just like Luke and Vance do." Daisy said. "Come on let's get back in there." They walked back into the kitchen and Daisy asked, "Ok what else do you need Lori?" Lori turned around to say something and saw Dixie standing there. Her gaze turned orange,"LOVE LUKE'S JERSEY YER WEARIN THERE DIX.... so tell me, teasin one guy and tryin to take awaay a womans's husband inch by inch? Dixie hadn't had time to even answer before Daisy had but she hadn't paid the number any mind. Daisy's eyes got wide as she looked from one cousin to the other, "I dug that old thing OUT OF MY draw. I can't keep up with who wore what numbers. Lori that WAS a Jr. High jersey!" Lori crinkled her nose in a -haha in your face hes mine not yours look- "You can keep the jersey as a reminder of ole Lukas cousin...I dont mind." Dixie let her have if, "NOT if it QUESTIONS the SANTITY of your MARRIAGE!!!" Lori shurgged,"Ehhh... dont care if ya change or not, just a shirt... i got the real thing" "No I'll change to KEEP PEACE!" Dixie said. Daisy said, "Go get whatever ya want out of my drawers, Honey." B.L watched with wide eyes this couldn't be good. She hoped they didn't get into a knock down drag out fight, with Jesse in jail now too they needed to all stick together and get along not fight like cats and dogs. Dixie came back with a large plain blue T-shirt on, "IS THIS BETTER?" Lori had a sarcastic look on,"OHH MUCH BETTER SWEETHEART!!" "Glad you fu------ing APPROVE!" Dixie said even more sarcastically. "Thought it may have been a farite color of Luke's or something!" Lori had about all she could stand of her and threw the biggest fork she could at her HOPING to put her eye out. "ACTUALLY IT IS!" Dixie was standing at the table. She picked up the small paring knife by the blade, where she had been peeling potatoes, and sent it flying right by Lori's nose managing to stick it in the wall right behind her. "DON'T TAKE A KNIFE TO A GUN FIGHT, OR A FORK TO A KNIFE FIGHT COUSIN!!!" B.L quickly grabbed hold of Lori knowing she'd regret it "LORI YOU TRYIN' TO PUT HER EYE OUT! YA DANGED IDGIT GROW UP AND STOP BEING SO POSSESSIVE AND INSECURE OVER LUKE" Lori thought that was the most stupidest thing she'd ever heard and causally walked up to Dixie laughing, turning serious quick and dropping her to the ground by knocking her across the face, stepping back fists up ready to fight. Cooter was rounding the outside of the house and heard the yelling. He yelled as he broke into a run, "FIGHT! HOUSE!!" Dixie had fought with the guys too long. She jumped up and didn't bother to hit Lori, she tackled her right into teh middle of the living room floor. Lori rolled Dixie over holding to her throat,"I swear I'll kill you just for the he** of it!!" she started beating Dixie. Dixie managed to get her legs around Lori and had flippied her back over. Dixie may have been young but had a few pounds to her advantage. Cooter opened the front door. Vance and Coy came in the back door to see Dixie on top of Lori with her hands of her throat. Daisy and BL were trying to break up the fight.