DixieDavenport

At the Davenports, Dixie had went to her room early. The memories of the court hearing were replaying over and over in her mind. She wrote a note to Jeb, "Jeb, I don't know why all of a sudden you took an interest in me, but I'm glad you did. Until now everyone thought of me as Cooter's little sister. I was so looking to everyone being with me on my next birthday. It's supposed to be really special but without you guys it will be just another day. Everyone expected Jesse to be able to bond you all so you'd be home at least until court. I don't know what happen on that run, but this ain't right! Dixie." She then worte a similar note Luke. "I don't know why Jeb all of a sudden paid any attention to me But I have a feeling it's because of you. Thank you. We didn't have long to get to talk but thank you. I've never been able to say this to you beofre and I guess it doesn't matter now with you in jail, married, and the baby it doesn't matter, but I wanted you to know something. Lori isn't the only Davenport who ever had a crush on you. I just knew I was always too young and Lori was right there with you so I never got a chance to let you know how I really felt. I was so looking to everyone being with me on my next birthday. It's supposed to be really special but without you guys it will be just another day. Everyone expected Jesse to be able to bond you all so you'd be home at least until court. I don't know what happen on that run, but this ain't right! I'll listen anytime you need someone too mo matter what happens with you or between you and Lori. Please don't let Lori know about this. Dixie." She would put them in the mail in the morning. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Jesse cautioned them, "Now, don't go getting our hopes up I just said I'd be willing to talk." Lori looked worried, "You can't be thinking about trusting them can you?" Jesse put his arm around her, "If it helps my boys and that therr little one I may have to." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ At the garage, Cooter was lower than an Earth worm. He was sure glad to see Coy and Vance pull in. "Hey fellas. How's Uncle Mr. Jesse and everyone?"

Jesse was having his own problems mainly it was Daisy, but Coy and Vance were upset too. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ After the courthouse cleared out, Agent Roach looked at his superior and said, "I did my job. I caught them boys fair and square, but you forced me to keep them from getting a bond set." His supervisor replied, "Well, that will assure we have cut out at least one moonshiner in these parts." Agent Roach looked at the supervisor in disbelief, "We may have won a battle here. But, we aren't even close to wining a war." The Supervisor asked, "What do you mean? "We got Jesse Duke's three nephews. The Duke's have never had outside drivers." Agent Roach nodded, "You are right there. I take it you didn't notice the two younger boys and the girl with Jesse Duke today? Well, those are two more nephews and a niece. The other three girls and the older guy was the oldest's nephew's new wife and her cousins. I can't prove it, but I know Luke's wife has driven for several moonshiners. I've chased her before! She pulled a switch on me one night. Somehow Luke managed to get in between us and I pulled him over. They drive very similar cars. you can take one look at her car and know it's a runner, but we ain't been able to catch her." His supervisor said, "So you figure Jesse Duke will stay in business?" Agent Roach replied, "Yeah, I do and I expect those kids to be his new drivers." He planned on going to see Jesse but figured that today wouldn't be a good time. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Meanwhile the boys were not happy in the least. Bo was the most verbal, "That was a bunch of...." Luke looked at him, "You aren't doing any of us any good making a fuss." Jeb ............

Since these were Federal charges the large 'formal' courtroom of the courthouse would be used. This was big news for Hazzard and surrounding couties as well as for the ATF Office. Jesse had been outside watching the comming and goings of the courthouse. It was full of Federal and ATF officers. Jesse saw Daisy coming over as well as Lori and the others. He pulled them aside and said, "I didn't expect all this but I have a bad feeling. This whole place is crawling with ATF officers, Federal Agents and Revenuers. I just don't know." Daisy paled a little, "They will set bond?" Jesse put his arm around her, "I don't know baby." He was glad to see Coy and Vance pull in they had gotten there just in time. "Come on you all. What ever happens I need each of you to keep control of yourselves. If this goes bad, it will go worse for those boys in there." They all nodded. As they entered the courthouse and headed to the large courtroom, each felt the tension in the air increase. The room was pretty crowded with townsfolk in support of Jesse and his family as well as others who had looked forward to this day for years. The boys all had both handcuffs and leg irons put on by a one of the Federal Officers before being taken upstairs. Luke knew there was no use trying to talk him out of it so he didn't even try. They were taken upstairs to the formal courtroom which was a suprise to them. They also hadn't expected to see as many people that had showed up for this. Each of the boys saw the look on Jesse's face attempting to re-assure them even now. Luke wasn't sure who was closer to loosing it right now seeing them cuffed as they were. He knew Daisy would be all to pieces. Her expression couldn't lie, she was. Then, he looked to Lori. Her expression was more masked to everyone else until their eyes met then she came very close. But, what suprised Luke was Dixie's expression. She was very obviously very upset more so than he'd have thought she would be. The Court was called to order, Judge Hardcastle entered the courtroom. The Judge had read the file. It was cut and dry simple bond heraing or so her thought. He began to read: "Jeb Stewart Duke, Lucas Keith Duke, Boregard Duke you have all been charged with the Federal charge of transporting illegal alcohol which was a substance know as moonshine across state lines. If you are convicted in a court of law of this crime you could be sentenced to the Federal Prison for NO less than two years and No more than ten years. Now, is there any objection from the ATF that bond be set?" All eyes fell on Agent Roach and his superior. Agent Roach looked to Jesse with a look of regret, then to his superior. It was obvious that Agent Roach was being forced to do something he didn't want to. He looked at the Judge and said, "Due to this families long history in the moonshing business and the large quaninity of moonshine being transported into another state, it is the ATF's position that though these boys do have ties to this area, we feel they would be a great risk for escape." The Judge was suprised by this position, but replied, "I'll make note of the opposition." He took several minutes to re study the file and finally, said, "After reviewing the file and with this opposition, I'll have to order that you three are to remain housed here in the County Jail to be held without a bond being set to await a Court hearing to determine your guilt or innocence."

Cooter went to tell Luther what was up and that he felt he needed to go to keep all three of them alive and out of jail too. Luther agreed and said he would work the garage. It wasn't long before the four were off to Chickomohony. Cooter noticed Lori make a turn away from Hazzard, "Where are we going?" "Chickomohony." Lori answered calmly. In the back seat Dixie and BL gave each other questioning looks. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lori parked in front of the doctors office which was actually a small house near the Chickasaw County Courthouse. She got out, waited on the others and entered the Doctors office. The doctor greeted her, "Well, Mrs. Duke how are you? I wasn't expecting to see you here today." Lori was glad the waiting room was empty. She began, "Doc you remember the first time I saw you was when my husband and I had to come over for blood tests to be married?" Doc replied, "Yes, I do. I believe you two were in a bit of a rush as the wedding was scheduled for the next day and you two weren't aware until for the license that this county still required blood tests." Lori smiled just a bit, "That is right. Do you remember talking to me privately about something that showed up on my test and I asked you to let me be the one to tell my husband?" Doc looked from Lori to the other folks with her. Lori waved her hand, "Don't pay them no mind. They are all cousins of mine. Could I get a copy of that blood test and the date it was done?" Doc replied, "That isn't a problem. I'll get your file and be right back." Once he returned, he said, "Since you had problems with your first pregnancy it is good that we found out so early about this one." Lori asked, "Can you tell me just how far along you think I could be?" Doc replied after looking at her file, "Based on what you told me and also the tests I ran teh last time you were here, I'd say you can't be much over two weeks." Lori smiled and said, "Thanks Doc."

Luke was being torn a part right now seeing Lori cry. He was a bit thankful when he heard Rosco coming down the stairs. He knew that Rosco would be in a hurry to get the visitors out for the night. Rosco came down and saw Lori and Dixie still visiting. He knew that the oldest Duke had just gotten married and even he felt for the young couple enough to have let them visit tonight when normally they would not have been allowed to. Rosco could see Lori crying. He knew she should know just how much trouble Luke was in. Rosco cleared his throat and said, "Ladies, I'm gonna have to ask ya'll to leave here soon." Dixie nodded and turned back to Jeb. They had always been good friends and she had been enjoying his attention since the wedding. She looked at him and asked, "Do you mind me coming back?" Jeb knew she like Luke, but felt they had been getting to know each better. He said, "I'd actually like that." Dixie nodded. She was on the verge of tears herself for all the boys but didn't want to cry here. She was waiting on Lori who ................... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ After the girls had left, Luke finally said, "Fellas, I almost didn't go with you all tonight. I guess I shouldn't have. I was a lot more bothered than I realized." Luke knew they were sunk. The spot where Agent Roach had caught them had been over the State line which meant they would be charged with a Federal charge instead of a State crime. The only good thing in that being was that ATF could house them in Hazzard until their bond was set, but had it been a State officer from the other State they would have been housed out of State until bond was set. Luke figured Jesse would know when their bond would be set by the time he came back. Luke knew that Jesse had went to talk to Agent Roach before he left. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Jesse, Cooter and BL were waiting for Lori and Dixie to come out of the Courthouse. Jesse was telling them that the Judge would be in to set the bond tomorrow afternoon. Until then there was nothing they could do. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Meanwhile Dixie was back at home thinking on what Lori had told Luke. Lori had told him she was pregnant 'WAY' before the wedding. They had only been back together a week when they got married. Dixie couldn't help but wonder if the child was really Luke's. Maybe she's just have to ask Lori sometime.

Lori ran through the house and got in Midnight heading towards the jail house. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lori hadn't been the only one listening to the radio, when Luke's tags were ran. Dixie had heard the tags ran and with the following transmissions she knew who ever had been driving had been arrested. She dressed quickly and headed for town. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Jeb had went in the cell with Bo leaving Luke alone in the cell beside them. When Uncle Jesse looked at Bo and Jeb , they pointed to Luke. Meaning that it was his fault. Uncle Jesse had looked to them and said,"Well get use to these cell walls boys..." Jesse words hit Luke like a swift kick to the stomach! Luke told Jesse, "It was mostly my fault. I wasn't paying a hundred percent attention." Jeb asked, "Is that why I yelled for you 3 times without an answer?" Luke huffed, "I expect ya'll are gonna say I got ya'll caught?" Luke paused, "Then why did I get away, scott free and came back to you two?" Jesse looked to Bo who confirmed Luke's story! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Meanwhile Dixie and Lori were???????????

Luke was NOT HAPPY! He entered their room. Shut the door, locked it and tossed her on the bed....."Lori. What is going on? You are acting really strange!" Lori laughed and fell back on the bed and sighed,"Ta be honest hotstuff, I aint quite sure....why a little embarrassed??" Luke shook his head and replied, "No. I'm beginning to be more concerned than embarrassed. Talk to me? Honey?" Lori gigled,"Honey?? that sounds good right about now.... I dont know Luke I honeslty dont...I figured you'd be happy that im happy...." she giggled and hid her face with the pillow. "Lori, Honey, I'm always glad you are happy, but to be quiet honest, you act like you are on something, not just happy!" Luke said with concern. Lori looked to Luke and shook her head,"You really want to know that bad dont you?" Luke looked at her seriously, "Yes. Yes, I do. Tell me, please what is going on?" Lori looked to Luke and through the softest brown eyes with tears in them,"I..ah,...I... think Im preg....pregnant." Luke wasn't prepared for her answer. It didn't explain her actions over the past couple of days, but it got his attention! Luke replied, "You think WHAT?" Lori took his hand and pulled him to her to set with her on the side of the bed,"I think I'm pregnant..... I've been tryin to hide it these last couple of days from you....afraid..." Luke closed his eyes and bit his lip before replying, "Afraid? Afraid of? Hide it from me, WHY?" Lori cried and hit the pillows,"Afraid you'll over react and be mad, and thats ALL we need right now!!" Luke tried to keep his voice down, "Over react? What makes you think I'd over react? Just because I made it clear that if we got married I didn't want kids anytime soon. Just because you have been telling me you had it 'under control' that I didn't need protection? Just because YOU tricked ME into getting you pregnant AGAIN, I shouldn't over react?" Lori looked to him stunned,"I NEVER TRICKED YOU INTO IT LUKE...." "Sure seemed da---ed strange that I used protection ever since Caitlyn Marie, and everything was FINE! Since we got married you TOLD me you had it under control! And, now LOOK! You THINK you are PREGNANT again! We still don't know why we lost Caitlyn! #^)%)_*_@*$_*+@(+! He uttered several explicits, turned and walked!:" Luke was so very afraid that what ever had went wrong with Caitlyn would go wrong again, before they hed a chance to know why. He stormed out of the house! Lori opened up the window and looked to Luke walking off, "Luke!!! ******* WILL YOU LET ME EXPLAIN TO YOU IT AINT LIKE THAT!!!!!!" Luke kept walking. He knew they would be running from still site 5 tonight, so he headed that way to wait.

Jesse was in the kitchen when Luke entered alone, he said, "You know I still remember being a newlywed myself! I'm sure glad you two are working things out!" Jesse smiled at Luke with a knowing expression. Before Luke could answer............... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ At the Davenports, Cooter was waiting on Dixie, when she got up. He began, "Ah, so how was your, ...... date? Last night?" Dixie replied, "Well, it was good but it was just me and Jeb hanging out with our friends."

Luke however didn't like the fact that she took off and never told him so he finished cleaning up and did what any young red blooded new husband would do when he figured his new wife who was a bit of an attention getter would do. He told Jesse, "I'll eat later. Sorry ya'll, but I got to go." They all knew he was going to follow Lori. Bo looked at Jesse, "You said fifty or sixty years? I'm betting on longer IF they don't kill each other!" Jesse shook his head. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ At the Boar's Nest Lori was sipping her Coke talking to Cooter when Luke walked in. He scanned the bar and found his wife talking to her cousin. Relief that she hadn't managed to start any trouble washed over Luke and he took a deep breath and tried to remain calm as he took a seat by Lori. Daisy had to laugh seeing Luke come in. It hadn't taken him long to clean up and follow them. Lori looked to Luke and smiled,"Hey Darlin.." Luke said, "Hey, yourself. Can I buy my wife and cousin a beer?" Lori almost spit out her coke, she hadn't told Luke about her thinking that she could be pregnant. Cooter stood by and lowered his hat over his eyes, Lori looked to Luke and said,"Uhh....I think a coke is better for me..Lori added,"So why exactly did you follow me? Luke didn't think anything about her drinking coke instead of beer. He replied, to her, "Just wanted to make sure you were Ok. You know how trouble can start here in the blink of an eye." he placed the order with Daisy who was working. Lori looked to Luke and nodded, "Yea it certainly can.." Luke wasn't sure of her the tone she was using, but she had agreed with him. Cooter was sure he was setting way too close to both them, but Luke had bought him a beer, so he'd stay awhile. The band had started playing. Luke figured to maybe make th ebest of the evening, "Care to dance Honey?" Lori replied, "Sure Darlin'. " They left Cooter to his beer and went to dance. Cooter had felt the tension between them. He sighed in relief that they hadn't gotten into it, yet, and sipped his beer. Being that it was Monday night, which was teen night, it wasn't unusual to have several teens there. So, no one was surprised to see Dixie walk in escorted by none other than Jeb Duke. Jeb had joined a table of some of his friends and ordered a beer for him and a Coke for Dixie. Luke and Lori returned to the table with Cooter. Luke spotted Jeb and Dixie, nodded to Cooter, giving him and 'ain't they cute' look. Lori saw this and decided to just watch for awhile. Luke and Cooter were talking car parts. Lori went to the restroom. Luke turned to order another round of drinks when he he saw Jeb take a drink of beer. Luke knew he was old enough to drink but felt he shouldn't be drinking having to drive Dixie home. Instead of flagging down a waitress, Luke told Cooter, "I'll be back." He walked over to Jeb and motioned him to the bar. Luke said to Jeb once they were there, "If you are driving home, don't you think you better switch to something other than beer?" Jeb replied, "I had planned to, Luke." Luke said, "OK just checking." Lori saw Luke and Jeb at the bar talking. She asked Cooter, "What's up over there?"

Jesse was still smiling remembering the joys of being newly married as Bo walked in the kitchen. He too could hear the sounds coming through the thin walls of the small house. Bo asked, "Ah, ...... should I take it they made up?" Jesse said, "Well, I'd say that's a safe bet." Bo wondered out loud, "Wonder who won?" Jesse grinned a bit, "Maybe they both did. It'll take them awhile to decide what is worth fighting about and what's best to just compromise on." "What's awhile?" Bo asked. Jesse loved young people, "Oh they should pretty well have it worked out in say fifty or sixty years unless they are stubborn." Bo looked at Jesse hoping he was kidding. Jesse looked pretty serious ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Dukes were about to settle down for breakfast, when Luke and Lori came into the kitchen. All it took was one look around the room and Luke knew everyone in the room knew he and Lori had made up rather nicely. Luke sighed and just gave them the look of the cat that just got caught with the family canary in his mouth. He shook his head turned to Lori and wrapped his arms around her and said, "I can do that now. I do have a license now." Everyone in the room cracked up at his remark. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ They were finishing the last of the evening chores. Bo was hot and thristy. He looked to Jeb and Luke and said, "Whew! What do you all say about heading out for a beer before supper?" Before he could be answered, Bo shook his head and said, "Ah, dang it! Sorry Luke. Guess you won't be going huh?" Luke looked at him like he was crazy, "Sure I'll go. Why wouldn't I?" Jeb replied, "Sounds good to me!" They all headed to the General Lee and drove off. Figuring to grab a beer and still be back before supper. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ In the house, Lori and Daisy heard the General Lee fire up and leave......

That next morning, Luke woke up before Lori. He gently sat up and looked at her sleeping. She still had her back to him the way she had went to sleep. He was still getting used to waking up beside her. He leaned over her and began kissing her shoulders. He brushed her hair away and began kissing the back of her neck while he layed on his side behind her. Luke knew Lori wasn't awake yet, but she was snuggling closer to his touches. He reached around her and put his hand under her gown... Lori was waking up, she was warm and comfortable. She felt Luke's touches and wanted him badly. She was about to roll over towards him when she realized she had been mad at him the night before. Lori debated for a split second giving into his touches, but it was a matter of principal. She set up, flipping the covers off her as she went, grabbed her robe and headed to the bathroom. Luke figured she'd be back in a couple minutes and that she had just had to go to the bathroom. He layed back waiting. Lori came out of the bathroom and went to the kitchen where Jesse was already up, "Morning Uncle Jesse." She said as she poured her coffee. Jesse replied, "Morning." He took a drink of coffee and realized he hadn't heard Luke up yet, which wasn't normal. He was usually the first of the 'kids' up. "What's that husband of your's doing sleeping in?" Lori sighed, "No, actually, he probably thinks I'm coming back." Jesse looked at her over his coffee cup. "Do you believe he wouldn't LET me go last night?" Lori asked. Jesse replied..............

Luke was glad that he was driving alone tonight. He really didn't feel like hearing Bo tonight. He was trying to keep his mind on what he was supposed to be doing here, but Lori wanting to run shine really had bothered him. If was something they should have talked about before hand, but he just never thought it would be a problem. He was the husband and should be making the living. Whether that meant farming or running shine. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bo looked at Jesse and said, "So, what do you think? Was Luke right?" Jesse studied the question and tried to remain neutral, "Bo, that is there business. They are a family now and it's not our place to take sides." Bo replied, "Well, I think he is. I woun't want my wife running no shine." Jeb added, "Me either, but she done it before. Why not now?" "Just because!" Bo said. Jesse said, "Well, I'll tell you both that I've known both your Mother's and Luke's to have went on runs when things weren't expected to be bad and they even helped out quiet a bit at the stills." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lori in the meantime was still stewing about being told to stay home.

Dixie waited until Lori was sure to be busy packing, and nodded for Luke to come in the kitchen. She poured him a cup of coffee and said very quietly, "Heard about you and Tommy. I told you nothing happened. You didn't have to do that on account of me, especially the night before your wedding." Luke sipped the coffee and replied, "Yeah, I did have to. And, it wasn't just about you. If he'd try something with you how many has he succeeded with or will he next time. He needed a lesson. I gave him one." Dixie replied, "But, now you are in trouble with Rosco." "It's not the first time. Won't be the last time." Luke said matter of factly as if the 'story' had already been written and he just had to follow. Dixie said, "But, things are different now. Ain't they?" Luke looked at her wondering what she meant. Dixie finished her thoughts, "Your married now." Luke asked, "You think that is gonna keep me out of trouble? You really aren't serious right?" Dixie shrugged, "Well, when you decide to get married, doesn't that mean you're suppose to calm down? You know be more responsible?" Luke grinned at her, "Do you really see ME and LORI that way?" Before Dixie could answer they heard Lori coming .........

Luke had wanted to make things special for Lori on their wedding night too. He knew they had been together before but he wanted to make it worth Lori's wait too, so he'd take things slow well as slow as he could! He reached for some protection as Lori reached the bed. She knew what he was doing and stopped him by taking his hand gently, and nibbling on his neck, she whispered, "I've got that taken care of." Luke took her in his arms..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ THAT NEXT MORNING.... Dixie was awake early. In fact she really hadn't been to sleep. She heard Cooter and Luther get up and leave at their normal time. Figuring that BL would sleep in for awhile she moved from her room to the couch. When BL came in and saw Dixie covered up but very much awake on the couch. She knew something was wrong. She stopped at the couch and took a seat and a bit of Dixie's cover, then asked, "What?" Dixie shrugged, "Couldn't sleep. Too much excitement yesterday I guess." BL wasn't buying that for a minute, "Talk to me." Dixie began, "Well, first I've been thinking about Jeb. All these years and he picks last night to say more than three words to me with out trying to put a fish worm on me. Course after he seen I wasn't scared of them a few years ago he hasn't really talked to me unless we were in a group of people......" BL wasn't sure what was going on with Jeb either but offered, "Maybe you surprised him being dressed up and he realized he didn't have to put a fish worm on ya to get your atttention." "Maybe," Dixie thougth a few more minutes and asked BL, "You ever wonder what it's like to be married? I don't just mean the sex, I mean really being married and everynight going into your room and closing everybody else out and it being just you two?" Now, BL knew where that came from, and asked "You've been up all night thinking about Luke and Lori?" Dixie shook her head 'no', "I TOLD you I've been thinking about a lot of stuff. Just wondered if you ever thought about it? I used to wonder when Mom and Dad were together, what they did or talked about after they went to their room. My room was right by there's and I knew a lot of times they would be up a long time after I was sent to bed." BL................ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ At the Duke farm, Bo and Jeb had also been up most of the night talking and trying to get used to their 'new' bedroom in the barn. Sure they had slept out plenty of times but it was a bit different to have the barn as your bedroom. They were talking about ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dawn was breaking just outside of Hazzard in the small hotel room.................

Luke looked to his bride and privately said, "How about we get outta here?" Lori couldn't have been more ready. Luke looked to Bo as he had promised, and said, "Bo you got 10 minutes tops." Bo went to Daisy, "They are about ready to leave." Daisy said, "OK! I hear the bride and groom are in a hurry. I need all single gals up here right now!!!!!!!" She had Lori turn with her back to the crowd and toss teh bouquet. Dixie found herself catching the bouquet without even trying! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Next was Luke's turn to toss the garder. ALl the single guys were trying to avoid the toss. Luke was determined to hit either Bo, Jeb or Cooter. He was blindfolded and made a wild toss which hit the ceiling an dlanded back in his OWN hands!................... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ NARRATOR: Folks the superstitious would claim that Dixie and LUKE would be the next to wed!?????

At the Boar's Nest everyone was more at home. Shine was flowing. Luke managed t get Jeb off to himself and said, "Jeb. You ain't seeng anyone special are you?" He answered, "No. Not right now. Why?" Luke suggested, "Why don't you talk to Dixie some? Something is up, but for now it would help me if you're just friendly." Jeb checked out Dixie. She sure had grew up, "Sure Luke. Not a problem there!"

Lori lookd to B.L.'s outfit and started cussing a bluestreak,"BRANDY LOU DAVENPORT IF YOU GO TO THAT WEDDING DRESSED LIKE THAT ILL MURDER YOU!!" BL looked at Lori and replied, "I am going to the church like this! Doesn't mean I'll be at the wedding this way!" About that time, the phone had rang and Dixie answered it. It had been a wrong number, but it worked to her advantage. She walked to where Lori was and said, "That was Uncle Jesse. He said something about the Judge not setting bail for Luke since he hit a Trooper." Dixie had gotten enough information from Cooter to add to her tail to make it believeable. Lori, ....... Cooter had heard Dixie, and his eyes grew wide with concern for Lori and Luke..... Dixie quickly grabbed Cooter, dragging him outside where she explained, "It was a wrong number, but I had to pull her chain!" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Meanwhile, Jesse Duke being the head of the Duke family made his way to the couthouse. He hoped to get Luke out early so he wouldn't have to rush gettng readyl for the wedding. As it was he beat the Judge there, so he went to wait with Luke........... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Through out Hazzard folks were getting ready and leaving for the wedding in Chickomohony between what most thought as a very unlikely pair, but two young people who deserved each other! Most of them would not have missed this wedding for the world, just to see IF it actually took place!

After all the older women left, Daisy slipped out to the car and brought in a nice wine decantor. "Lori, Uncle Jesse sent you something. Figured that the guys shouldn't be the only ones having fun tonight." Lori smiled sweetly to Daisy,"Thanks darlin....Dixie, I'm uhhh glad you got those booties and the bottle in it....I'm not sure but I've had the signs and Luke doesn't know..." Lori breathed in a heavy shaky sigh. BL was the first to pounce, "LORI???? YOU ARE KIDDING RIGHT?" Lori just shrugged a little. "Never know." Dixie said, "Well, glad the gifts will come in handy. Daisy, I'll take care of Lori's share of the shine. I don't think it would be such a good idea for her to drink." Daisy looked from one to the other of the cousins. BL was about to die laughing.... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bo smiled as he saw Luke and walked in. He was ready for a really good evening. Little did he know that Luke and Tommy had just had round one. He practically drug Luke to the back room. Luke was gonna warn Bo again but didn't have time to before he was in the back room where all his friends were from school and several older men who were either Jesse's or Luther's friends. After a bit of drinking and well wishes by the older men they headed either on their way home or to the front room of the Boar's Nest so the younger men could do their thing. No one would say who had the 'connection' to get the movies but it was between Cooter, Mark and Bo. They had some pretty naughty XXX movies they were showing. Luke was trying not to act too bored for Bo's sake and they were making sure that Luke's glass stayed full of shine. Luke had likely drank more than he'd watched the movies. After the movies and alcohol was supposed to have gotten the men pretty worked up the door opened and in came two strippers. One who put on a show for the guys while the other proceeded to devout her undivided attention to the groom. Luke was trying to spot Bo, when he did he saw that Bo was too busy watching the show to see his annoyance. Luke knew if Lori heard that they had arranged this show his goose would be cooked. It was then the first girl joined the other one and they proceeded to give him a lap dance. Luke was feeling good and desided to be a 'sport' and enjoy the party. Afterwards the girls wished Luke well and made him some very rated X propositions for tonight or anytime in the future. Luke was not drunk and politely declined the invitations. He glared at Bo as he stood up, still politely peeling the girls off of him and headed to the restroom hoping that they would be gone before he got back. Luke found that he had drank more than he'd thought after he stood up and started walking. The alcohol from the shine hit him pretty hard. Luke knew he should have known better, because he knew it would hit him harder after he stood lup and started moving around. On his way back to the party Tommy Rogers who had also been drinking pretty heavily in the front room stopped Luke. Tommy grabbed Luke's shirt and said, "You never did answer MY question? What should it matter WHO I do WHAT with when you are MARRYING someone ELSE?" Luke grabbed Tommy's hand and said, "Let go of me now." Tommy asked, "Or, WHAT?" Luke didn't need a second invitation, he closed the distance between him and Tommy in one motion before Tommy knew what hit him. Luke grabbed his shirt and punched at the same time. Luke continued to punch him in the ribs. Tommy did his best to defend himself. Cooter and Bo came out of the back room to see what the noise was. When Bo looked, he saw what was going on but had NO idea why. It was a fair fight so he and Cooter stood by to keep it that way. When Tommy fell, now throwing his own punches, Luke pouched on top of him and banged his head against the floor several times. No one in the place knew why but it was a good fight. Cooter was in the position to be nearest Boss Hogg's private door where Rosco likely was. He grabbed the door handle and held it tightly to slow Rosco's progress. Hearing the commotion Rosco fired a warning shot into the ceiling, covering Boss Hogg with plaster dust from the ceiling. Cooter let go as Rosco charged into the room. Not knowing or caring what was happening all he saw was Luke on top and whipping Tommy. "FREEZE! Freeze!" they didn't. "Luke Duke, ... you ... are under arrest!" Rosco continued. Putting his gun back in the holster, he grabbed Luke from behind. This had little effect. It was this particular moment that two State troopers happened by the Boars' Nest. Upon entering they saw Rosco struggling to gain control of Luke. They proceeded to assist the Sheriff, still unseen by Luke, who continued to fight both Rosco and Tommy. Trooper Mitchell, with handcuffs in hand, managed to get one cuff on Luke's left hand. This is where Luke made what would not be his first mistake of the evening. He swung on the person holding the cuffs, connecting his fist with the Troopers chest. Doing the only thing he could do at the time Trooper Mitchell fell with all his weight on to Luke's left arm pinning it between Luke's back and the Troopers chest. Through the beer and shine this did get Luke's attention. Trooper Mitchell shifted his weigh off Luke just a bit to keep from breaking anything, as soon as he quit fighting them. They were able to get the cuffs on him and get him off Tommy. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ When the troopers came in Bo and Cooter looked at each other, managing an, "Ol' Sh-----!" Neither knew what had brought this on. But, they KNEW Luke was in more trouble than was going on before them. When Luke swung on the Trooper it was all Cooter could do to hold Bo back, to keep him from 'helping' Luke and getting himself in BIG trouble, too. "Bo, just hold on a minute." said Cooter. "Luke will need us more out here than joining him in the 'pokie'. Cooter couldn't see what else was going on with Luke as he tired to get Bo under control and away from the situation involving Luke. Cooter ended up half dragging Bo outside before the law turned their attention to them. From across the parking lot Bo and Cooter saw the Troopers put Luke in their car. He was complying with them at this point. Luke managed to have a slight busted lip. However, when Tommy came out with Rosco to give his 'statement', it was obvious that he had gotten the worst end of the fight. Cooter said, "Come on, let's get to the farm. There's gonna be he-- to pay when Jesse and Lori find out about THIS!!!"

After Luke had poured his coffee he remembered the smirk he had seen on Bo's face and had chuckled, but now he began to worry just a bit. He asked, "Bo WHAT are you up too?" Bo tried to look innocent but failed miserably, "What? What are you talking about Luke?" This only assured Luke he should BE worried. Luke tried again to get something out of Bo, "Bo. You ARE NOT going to do anything tonight OR God forbid tomorrow, to get me divorced or killed before I even get married are you?" Bo only smirked and shook his head, with a cat ate the mouse kind of look,"You'd know I'd never do that to you cousin." Luke crossed the kitchen to where Bo stood, he looked his younger cousin in the eyes and reminded him, "Bo, you know how much Lori and I have been through to get to this point. I may be the one getting married tomorrow, but just remember, one of these days, you may just decided to do the same thing, AND so help ME, I'll remember ANYTHING you DO." Luke paused and then added, "And, Cousin, payback is a BI---!!!!" Bo said, "I'm just doing my duty as the best man, Luke. Would you relax?" Luke still gave him a supicious look as he headed outside to start the chores. He hoped Bo didn't do anything to piss Lori off! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Back at the Davenports, Dixie began to wraop Lori's gifts so that she'd open them in just the right order! First she'd wrap the bath and perfume set of Lori's favorite perfume. On this one, she put on the card, 'To Lori, From Dixie, A little something special for you to pamper yourself before you get ready for your wedding'. Then, she took a larger box and placed her second gift in it. She wrpped it just so, and put on the card, 'To Lori, A 'little something' for the bride and groom'. In a box half the size of the other box she wrapped yet another part to the gift. On this card she wrote, 'To Lori, Next, a bit of insurance to help prevent 'accidents'. In she wrapped a secon box half the size of the first and wrote on the, 'To Lori, 'Lastly, in case you two are too over heated to bother with the 'insurance'. Dixie then took the two smaller boxes placed them side by side and put the larger box neatly on top. She secured the three packages together with ribbons. Giving them another glance she laughed again. While everyone was getting ready she took the presents and put them on the small table they had set up for gifts. There were a few that had been dropped off or send by ladies who would not be attended the shower. Dixie added them in a way so that they would not stick out as just arrived gifts by putting some others in front of them.

Dixie was on her way home she had managed to find the prefect gifts! She giggled at the thought of Lori's face in front of Lulu Hogg and several of the Hazzard high society group of 'ladies' who was sure to be invited to the bridal shower. BL had planned on having a public shower for all invited, but after all the older bunch left she had plans for the shower to continue until the wee hours of the morning. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bo was mighty proud of himself. He had it all planned for the stripper to show up late after all the older men, like Uncle Jesse and Luther left. He had even managed sale an order of shine at half price for the 'favor'. After he told Mabel who the groom was she had several 'volunteers' for the job, who would just love to make Luke's last night as a single man an unforgetable one!!! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Back at the Davenports, Lori's room was getting mighty warm. Lori had 'adjusted' his pants for him for sure, she had promptly dropped them around his ankles! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ At the Dukes, the boys had moved the two twin beds to the barn and one to Daisy's room and moved Daisy's full bed into the boys room which would serve as Luke and Lori's room until the new room could be built. Dressers had been rearranged and moved. Daisy had changed the curtains in the boys room to something a bit less masculine and had managed to put a rather neutral colored set of sheets and comforter on her double bed in Luke's room. They knew Luke had plans to spend at least one night in the better motel just outside of Hazzard. NARRATOR: You see there were two local motels --- The No-Tell-Motel and the better one! But, they all wanted things to be ready for them to move in before the wedding. The double bed had been placed in a totally different position than any of the three twin beds. Daisy had put a note on the door to Luke for when he came in which read, "Luke, TURN ON THE LIGHT WHEN GO INSIDE!!! Daisy!

Luke nodded and laughed, "Well, the wedding day begins at midnight, Honey." Lori sighed, "Yeah, I guess it does." Luke said, "Are you about done here?" Lori nodded and said, "Yeah, I've done all I can do until Saturday." Luke said, "So if this is the last evening we spend together as single people. What would you like to do?" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dixie had managed to make excuses to not be missed for several hours. She was going shopping for Lori's bridal shower that BL was giving. If she could sabotoga the wedding at least she culd make th shower unforgetable! She was on her way to Atlanta. She knew she could find everything in Atlanta. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bo in the mean time was planning Luke's bacholor party. He had put in a call to Miss Mabel. She had several rolling whore houses set up in RV's that worked several counties in and around Hazzard. What Bo was looking for was one of her girls to be a stripper at Luke's Bachlor party. Of course he wasn't telling Luke and especially not anyone that would let it get back to Lori.

Luke replied, "Yeah, I kind of gathered that last night. I originally had suggested just heading to Chickomohony and getting it over with, but I knew Jesse wouldn't have forgiven me." He sighed, "I didn't know she'd want to go all out." "You know Lori." Luther said. Luke nodded, "Yeah." Luther looked really serious, and asked, "Luke just how long do you two really think this will last?" Cooter looked from Luther to Luke and back to Luther, then said, "I think I heard my dog calling me." He turned and walked out of the garage. Luke watched him leave, then turned back to Luther, "I have no idea, but if I wasn't serious about trying it, I wouldn't have asked her." Luther said seriously, "Luke don't let her go to all this trouble for nothing, if it's not going to work. Don't you dare hurt her. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lori was on cloud nine, she was trying to make her wedding as she had planned it since she was a child. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ After talking to Luke about moving his bed to the barn, Bo walked in the house to get something to drink. Jesse was at the table peeling apples. Bo said, "Uncle Jesse can I ask you something?" Jesse motioned for him to set down. "Uncle Jesse, I don't want to sound like I'm not for Luke getting married and Lori's been around all our lives practically, but can you really see them being married in ten years?" Bo said. Uncle Jesse thougth before answering, "Well, about all we can do is help them anyway we can and hope for the best. I certainly hope they are serious." He couldn't help but think of his conversation with Luke about using his bed and Luke had declined.

Luke arrived home. It was late for Jesse to be up if they weren't running shine, but he was on the porch waiting. Luke took it as not a good sigh. Luke said cautiously, "Luther said you wanted me home?" Luke was a bit confused he had been out much later and Jesse never called looking for him. Jesse nodded, "Yeah, I did call. I know you two plan to be married in a couple days. And, I know your alls history, but it ain't proper to be at your bride to be's house all night long. Luke if you two are gonna do this, please do it the right way, son." Luke was confused, "I planned to be home a coule hours ago. Luther wanted to have a drink. I didn't want to drive real soon after drinking. Lori and I talked in the living room and we both must have dozed off on the couch. That's where we were when Luther woke me up." Jesse accepted the explination, knowing Luther would have dealt with them on his end had it not been so innocent. But he added, "Luke people talk. Everyone in ten counties knows the General. Come home at a decent hour the next couple nights huh?" Luke smiled, "Ok. I will." Jesse reached behind him and pulled out a quart jar of shine. He poured Luke a glass and also him one. Then, he brought up a good point. One that Luke had failed to think completely through. "Luke I know Lori has stayed here many times through out your all's childhood. I love my house full so don't take this wrong. Son, we have three bedrooms. Two of which have three people a piece in them. (Jesse was sharing his room with Coy and Vance who had a bunk bed in his room. Jeb stayed with Bo and Luke. Daisy had her room which is where Lori always stayed before when she stayed or lived there.) Son, I know you will want to share a bed and a room with your bride. I have been thinking on this for a long while tonight. Have you given it any thought?" Luke looked a bit embarassed, then smiled a little, "Uncle Jesse this whole marriage thing is new to me. I haven't given it a thought until you mentioned it. I know there is 'room' for Lori cause she has stayed here so much in the past, but you are right. She always stayed wit Daisy." He paused. Jesse saw the 'wheels turning as he thought'. Finally Luke said, "Well, it's summer for now. Bo and Jeb could move their twin beds to the barn. We could move Daisy's full bed in our room and give her the other twin bed. If we saved my share of the shine and farm money and I pulled wrecker duty some like I have been doing. How much would it cost to build a room and have it ready before it gets cold?" Jesse smiled. He had been thinking much the same things. "Well, first you have to talk to Bo and Jeb. I'd like to do this with as little disruption as possible, which is why I was gonna offer to take a twin bed in my room. It would give me and the boys more room and you and Lori could use mine and your aunt Marths' bed." Luke felt a knot the size of Texas come into his throat. He knew Jesse had made the big four poster bed by hand. He knew that each of his cousins and himself had been born there. They had also retreated there in there childhood when they needed comfort or were sick. The family saying about that bed was that 'nothing but love had ever touched that four poster bed', which meant, in accepting that offer Luke had a lot to live up too. He took a large drink of shine and tried to wash the 'knot' away. It was still there as he thought about his and Lori's relationship. Jesse himself had told Luke that he and Lori had 'something' together. Luke couldn't help but have a few doubts. He had thought this week of his life would never come and if it did it would be several years down the road. Jesse saw that Luke was thinking hard on his answer. Luke finally said, "Uncle Jesse I don't want to let you down. I know the family history of that bed......" Jesse took a drink of shine and replied, "Son, if you have doubts now. Now, is the time to THINK long and hard about what you are doing." Luke took a couple of drinks of his shine. It was not missed by Jesse. Then, Luke replied, "You told me we have something. I fell something. I have went through he-- this last month with out her, but we have a history of crashes and burns. Can we keep this converation between just us?" Jesse replied, "Of course." He hoped he didn't see problems on the horizon. Luke took another large drink finishing his glass, "I think your bed would be putting a lot more pressure on me to make things work out than I already feel. I appreciate the offer and all. It truely means alot to me, but I'd feel better trading Daisy. At least for right now." Jesse understood what Luke was trying to say and nodded. "Ok as long as you square it with her and the boys. As for the room I think we can swing the materials soon and start the construction so the boys will be back in the house long before it gets cold." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Word had spread all over Hazzard and surounding counties of the up coming wedding. There was some speculation in the beauty shops and other gathering places, as to whether or not Lori was pregnant and whether or not Luke 'had' to marry her. This was one of the expected joys of being raised in a small town!

Luke felt the tension when he pulled up. He climbed out of teh General Lee and went to the porch. He was greeted by Lori at the door. They were all going to set down at the kitchen table and see what the girls came up with. Luke was glad to see Cooter in the living room. He said, "Good! You are here. I may need you." Cooter looked thrilled, "Do I have too? They have driven ME crazy all day with this stuff." Lori began showing Luke the invitations. "Which ones do you like?" She held up two different ones. Luke looked at Cooter for help. "Why do we even need invitations? Everyone in the county knows by now. The ones who want to will be there. The ones that don't want to make the drive will be at the reception. Which is still at the Boar's Nest right?" Cooter gave him a 'I feel for you' look. Lori sighed and said,"Why must you make things complicated and just pick one, and yes the reception is still at the Boar's Nest.." Luke gave Lori a look. Then, he said,"The one on the left." Little did he know she liked the one on the right. Lori, "But I like the one on the right!" Luke, "Well why did you have me pick one out then?" Lori said, "Cause yer the groom!!!" Luke, "Well, get the one on the right then!!!" Lori, "Don't want it now.... I want the one on the left." Luke looked to Cooter and sighed shaking his head. She then picked up the pictures of the flowers. They were roses of white, red and yellow. Luke sighed. "I take it you are wanting to go all out with this?" Lori looked to him and cocked her head sideways,"Dont you want to?" Luke sighed loudly again, "I was sorta hoping to drive over, have teh family and a few friends there, have the cermony and head back" Lori looked down and gave him a puppy dog face,"You dont want it to be special do you??" Luke knew he was beaten, "Yes, that's why I wanted to come back and tell everyone instead of just taking off. Tell you what, tell me what to wear and when to be there and we'll solve a whole lot?" Cooter ducked a little. Lori looked to him and put her hands on her hips and tapped her foot rather loudly,"Wanna try that again???" B.L. saw the look Lori was giving Luke and knew she was ready to pounce him, B.L. quickly came into the kitchen fro the living room and said,"Luther wants ta talk to ya Lukas.... says its bout this wedding.." Luke had been saved by B.L. Lori sighed and leaned against the counter. Luke smiled and kissed her nose,"Whatever's fine by you is fine by me.." He walked off to go to the porch sighing rather loudly. He figured they would have a talk and righ tnow he'd rather face Luther than to try to second guess what he was supposed to like as far as wedding decorations. He took a deep breath ad squared his shoulders for this this. It may not be pretty. He stepped out on the porch and said, "BL said you wanted me." Luther said, "Have a seat. I actually figured you may need resqued about now." Luke leaned against the porch rail half setting and half standing. Luther said, "First, I bet you don't happen to have any of Jesse's finest with you do you?" Luke looked surprised that Luther would ask, but replied, "Well, I just might have a little. Let me look." He headed to the trunk of the General Lee and found a nearly full pint jar. Returning, he said, "I did have a bit. I'll get some glasses." Luther shook his head, "From the jars fine by me." Luke looked really surprised but passed the jar to Luther who took a healthy drink and passed it back to him. Luke took a sip caustiously not knowing where this was going. Luther began, "You know Lori's been more mine that my brothers for far too long." "Yes, Sir, that's why we waited to tell you first and then she called Bobbie Lee later." Luke said. "Well, being as I have that responsiblity I wanted to talk to you before you two went through with this. I am very glad you talked her into coming back home. But, I want you to be VERY sure this is what you BOTH want. I don't want her hurt and if I find out you are doing her wrong you WILL answer to ME!" Luther said frankly. Luke nodded, "I have every intention of doing everything that I can to make her happy." He paused, "If I can survive the wedding."

Jesse recovered the quickest of the Dukes. "Well, now congratulations!" Daisy exclaimed, "Oh, My Lord!" Bo asked, "You two are WHAT?" Jeb said, "Yeah, I agree with Bo, you're what?" Coy and Vance were suprised and said, "Why?" Jesse thought he'd better ask a similar question, "Is there a particular reason?" Luke shook his head 'no', "Not what you're thinking of no. Ah, unless," He was thinking it could have happened last night, "Not that we know of anyway." He said as a best way to answer Jesse honestly. Lori did have the graces to blush just a bit at Luke's implication and elbowed him just a bit. Luke shot her a look. It didn't go unseen by Jesse, "You better get used to that if she's gonna be yer wife, son." Bo had finally got his thoughts together a bit, "So when can we throw you a bachlor party?" Luke looked to Lori. They had talked about this in the wee hours of the morning. He'd let Lori tell them about their plans. Lori said a bit shyly for her personality, because she wasn't sure the failies would like their idea, "We'd like to go over to Chickomohony on Sat." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Robin tried to control her reaction, but Mark seen it had hit her pretty hard. Robin said verbally, "Well, I knew he was bound to get married some time. Might as well be now and to HER and anyone else. What do I care anyway. She may have said that, but Mark saw a totally different reaction. He was sure what she would do but he knew she would do something. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dixie wished she hadn't reacted like she did. She knew from the get go she didnt' have a snowballs chance at getting Luke Duke to notice her. He had just been a nice friend of the family who treated her like a little sister. Now, he was marrying her cousin. She would just have to set he sites a bit lower but a lot higher than Tommy Rogers!