DixieDavenport

Luke looked at her and replied, "Believe me you aren't 'making' me do anything." Lori's eyes were wide with tears swelling up in them,"Luke.... you seriously want to try this dont you??" Luke said a bit choked up, "Yeah. Come back to Hazzard with me?" Lori, "I will....in a heart beat!" Luke nodded, "Ok, I'll get us a room for the night, you can get your stuff tomorrow, and then we can head home and tell everyone they have a wedding to plan for." With tears in her eyes all she could do was nod 'ok'. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke went in the small hotel and got a room for the night. The clerk gave him a strange look when he saw the 2 near identical (except for the color) cars on his lot. Luke met Lori at the car and walked her to the room. As he opened the door, he said to break the sudden awkwardness that had appeared between them, "Come show me exactly why I want to all of a sudden stop seeing other girls?" Lori grinned wickedly, "Ohhhh, I'll be happy to oblige...more than you know... I think it's cause I do this......., " She started to nibble on his neck and kisses him passionaltely..." Luke barely got the door closed behind him. It promised to be a he-- of a night. Lori had been gone from Hazzard just over a month. They wanted each other far worse tonight than when Luther had made the month long bet with Luke. This time they hadn't known they would be back together ever, let alone this soon. They barely got their clothes off before falling back on the bed. There would be no sleep in this room tonight! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Back in Hazzard the next morning. Jesse saw everyone come into the kitchen except Luke. "Don't tell me Luke's still in bed?" Bo and Jeb looked at each other, both wanting the other to explain their cousin's absence. Jeb said to Bo, "You're older." Bo replied, "Not by THAT much." Jeb replied, "This morning I'll take what I can get." Jesse sternly said beginning to fear the worse, "Somebody better start telling me where Luke is right now." Bo saw Jesse was misreading the situation and began to put most of his fears to rest, "Uncle Jesse the run when Ok for us all. We were on our way back when evidently Lori flew by Luke with a revenurer on her tailfeathers. Luke said he managed to get in between them and let them search the General instead of Midnight. Well, afterwards he met up with Lori, then told us to head on home and he'd be behind us." Bo layed the money envelpes of the table and said, "He sent this with me. That's all I know." Jesse let his relief show. He wasn't sure he was happy about the situation but after having talked with Luke about Lori he could only HOPE they had both came to their scences. "Well, he'll be on directly I expect. Breakfast is getting cold." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ About noon two Dodge Chargers, one black and one orange, rolled into Hazzard. They had discussed their first stop and hoped Bobbie Lee hadn't called ahead of them. Luke pulled into the garage with Lori pulling in right beside him. All the Davenports were at the garage as Luke and Lori had hoped. Luke took Lori's hand and walked into the garage. He walked over to Luther, who had been more of a father to Lori than Bobbie Lee so he'd be the first they told, Luke looked the man in the eyes. They usually had a pretty good relationship because of Jesse's friendship and Luke's hard work at the garage, but this was entirely different! Luke remembered the warning he gave Luther just the other day about Tommy Rogers and how Luther had let him know just what he thought about Luke's own reputation. Luke took a deep breath and began, "Luther I was able to talk Lori into coming back to Hazzard and becoming my wife."

Luke managed to get home shortly before 1 am. He was late and he kne it. "Uncle Jesse I'm sorry I'm late but I got tied up on a wrecker call and couldn't get here any soon. Jesse nodded and said, "Ok. Here's what we have. We've got 10 gallons in Tilley and 10 gallons in the usual blocker. Bo and Jeb are driving them. Luke you take the General Lee and run blocker for them. Your heading up to Johnson County Tennesse. Luke you know the mail boxes and here's the keys to drop the first 10 gallons the second ten goes to that bar outside of the town there. You've been there with me before." Luke nodded, "Wranglers? Yeah I know it and the mail boxes. I pick up the money from the mail box. Delivery to Wrangles, get the money there and then go to the other mail box and drop the rest of the shine." Jesse smiled. "You were paying attention."

Closing time came. Luke took the wrecker's keys and was heading to the truck when Tommy Rogers arrived to pick up Dixie. They were heading to the Boar's Nest to hear Jeb's band. Luke planned on making an appearance there to make sure Tommy was a gentleman. He hurried to the farm, did his evening chores, ate quickly, grabbed a shower and headed to the Boar's Nest in the wrecker. Teen night was stressful for the employees at the Boar's Nest. They had to ID everyone and watch those who bought alcohol to make sure that those under eighteen didn't manage to get it. The band had began playing. Dixie and Tommy were setting up front. Luke entered taking a seat at the bar. He ordered a Coke and sat sipping it. He hadn't been there an hour when the phone rang. The bartender handed him the phone. It was Maybelle the operator asking for the Hazzard wrecker. Luke took the phone, "Luke, I got a call. Sheriff Coltrane is stuck up out on Highway 411." "How could he get stuck on 411? It's paved! ... I'm going. Thanks Maybelle." Luke was peeved. After getting Rosco out of the ditch he had managed to get himself into, Luke took a shortcut down by the lake to get back to the Boar's Nest before Tommy and Dixie left. What he didn't know was that Tommy had tried to play the 'gentleman' and take Dixie home early. He had made a detour... Out by the lake Tommy pulled off the road, he shut the car off, and put the keys in his pocket. He leaned over to kiss Dixie. She was flattered and kissed him back. While kissing her and having her attention he locked her car door -- Dixie didn't hear this. Dixie still thought this was what she had waited for. Tommy leaned farther over to her side of the car beginning to grope her. She tried to push his hands back. He said, "Put out or get out!" as he tried to pin her between himself and the seat, when Dixie began to get scared. He pinned her to the seat and when she tried to scream he leaned over her putting his weight on her as he continued to grope her. She got her foot up and kicked him with all her might with the high heel of her boot. He backed off for a moment. She grabbed for the door handle which was locked. He grabbed at her again. Dixie took off one of her boots and began to wail him with all her might as she unlocked the door. She managed to get the door open and ran away as quickly as she could. It had began to rain as she walked the dark road where few cars traveled at this hour of night on a week night. Dixie was soaked through when she heard a vehicle approaching. Fearing it was Tommy she started to hide in the bushes, but before she could find a place she saw the lights coming from the other direction. She flagged the truck down, suddenly recognizing it as her father's wrecker. She was very relieved that it was Luke and not her Father. Luke saw a wet form of a female flagging him down on a deserted lake road. He immediately stopped. He then realized it was Dixie Davenport. She was barefoot, soaking wet, and her clothes were in disarray. "Dixie are you OK? What happened?" he pounced a little too quick. He turned up the heat in the truck. "I'm fine NOW!" she said relieved. "Nothing happened." She said too quickly. Luke knew she wasn't telling him everything, but knew not to push her or he'd push her away. He drove quickly trying to find the source of her problem. He suspected Tommy had tried (hopefully not succeeding) to push his affections on her. Not finding Tommy immediately, Luke stopped, taking off his jacket, he saw the scared look on her face as she sat shivering. "Dixie, I'm just stopping to give you my jacket. You are wet and I know you are cold." he tried to reassure her. "Thank you." she said weakly. He pulled back out and suddenly realized he wasn't sure where to take her. "Dixie, I don't know what you've been through tonight. I can take you to the hospital, to find your Dad, the farm, your house, you just name it. I'll trust your judgment if you don't want to talk about it." He's being so sweet. She thought, Through the lump in here throat she said, "My house please?" "You got it." he said a bit relieved. He hoped that if something truly terrible had happened she would have chosen another of his options. Pulling up to the Davenport farmhouse, Luke was relieved to find it dark. He opened the truck door for her and led her to the house. "You are still freezing. Go take a hot shower before you catch your death. Tell me where to find you something to wear and I'll get it." She sniffed still looking at the floor, "Tall dresser in my room. Thanks, Luke." "Just go get warm. You don't have to thank me." he said. He went to her room, turned on the light, going to the dresser he opened several drawers before finding something he thought would be warm. A pair of flannel Pajamas, thick socks and underwear. As he turned to go out of the room, hanging on the tall bed post was a thick bath robe and slippers on the floor. He took them, and the PJ's to the Bathroom door. He knocked, "Dixie, take your time. Your clothes are at the door." "Ok." a mumbled reply came from the door. She was either crying or had water in her face. He deduced. Luke walked into the kitchen finding the makings for hot chocolate he also found popcorn. He put the hot chocolate on and started the popcorn. Going to the living room he found marathon of comedies on TV. He also heard the shower cut off. Going back to the kitchen he poured the hot chocolate and put the popcorn in a bowl. Then he went back to Dixie's room where he saw a large quilt on the bottom of her bed, taking it he went back to the couch. As Dixie came out of the bathroom he took the quilt to her, "Here." he said wrapping her in it. "Come in here and see what else I have for you." She held the quilt tight as the went to the couch, seeing the hot chocolate and popcorn. She smiled almost crying. "I thought I'd fix the hot chocolate to warm you up and I ran across the popcorn. There are several movies I've been wanting to see on tonight. I figured I might as well stay and make sure you are OK for a bit and maybe you'd like the movies too." he said. They set on the couch. He handed her the hot chocolate, "Are you warming up?" She answered truthfully, "I don't think I'll ever be warm again. ... Hold me?" she squeaked. "Please." "Come here." He took her in his open arms. "I'm here. I'll listen. I'll be a shoulder if you just want to cry." She looked up at him and melted in his eyes. Letting all her fear and anger flow away with her tears. "Da---- YOU! Tommy! you have gone way too far tonight!" Luke swore. "You'll answer to me. Just wait!" After she had cried for awhile, Luke reached for a tissue for her and asked, "Please tell me what happened. I know you didn't do anything wrong." "He tried to force me,... to, ... you know, ... He told me 'put out ... or get out', ..." she cried. Luke held his breath, trying to control his temper. She continued, "So, ... I ... got ... out ... I had to kick him ... Had to hit him with my boot, but I got out ..." she began to cry again. "I almost hide when I heard you,...I thought it was him..." she sniffed. "Are you sure you are OK? Is there anything I can do?" he asked. "You are doing more than I can ask. Just please don't tell Daddy, Cooter or anyone else, ever. Please. Promise me?" she begged. Luke shook his head, "Dukes' Honor." Though he thought, "No,I won't tell anyone, but I swear to get more than even with Tommy Rogers. No matter what! " he almost shook he was so mad. "Anyone to try to force someone against their will is a pretty low life character." he said with disgust. Luke was torn between comforting her and getting even with Tommy. He decided that for now he was needed much more by Dixie. He'd get Tommy later. He stayed, held and comforted Dixie until it was late. He knew Cooter and or Luther would be home soon. "Are you ready to try to get some sleep?" He had felt her doze on his shoulder. "No." she said honestly. "I was figuring I'd tuck you in bed. Lock the house on my way out and we'd not have to explain how and why I'm here at midnight." he said. "Oh, sh---!" she looked at the clock. It was seconds away from midnight. "Luke you have got to go!" "Calm down, let me tuck you in and I'll be gone before they get here." he said soothing her. She climbed into bed. Luke spread the extra quilt over her even though it was summer. He pulled the covers up to her chin, tucking her in. "Goodnight, Dixie. She managed to pull her arms back out to hug him, "Thank you Luke." "No problem. Good night. I'll lock the house on my way out." he assured her. She laid in bed, heard the wrecker start and drive away.

Note: The current ages of Vance 17 and Coy 16. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dixie and BL headed for Capitol City. BL said, "So who are you trying to impress?" Dixie punted, "No one inparticular. I'm just getting tired of being thought of as Cooter's little sister." I AM not THAT little. BL knew she had a point, she would be sixteen shortly. "We'll have to fix up a BIG birthday party for you but I need to know who is the lucky fellow to make sure he's there." Dixie grinned a bit, "Just invite all our friends then you'll know you he's there." BL said, "Ah, HA! SO, there is someone special." Dixie said, "Well, maybe someone I'd like to get to know better, but he'll never give me a second look." BL started naming boys in and around Dixie's age. Everyone she had named so far Dixie had denied liking at all. A couple she had said she would go out with if they asked but it wasn't who she was thinking of. BL thought, 'She said invite all our friends.' then it hit her. WHy hadn't she thought of them before, "It's one of the Duke boys!" Dixie tried to deny it but couldn't look innocent at all. BL smiled. Now she knew. "Ok...... Which ONE????" Dixie said, "Nevermind!" BL concluded that it would have to be Coy or Vance. They were the closest to her age and she had always hung out with them at games and sometimes even at school. "Well, it's got to be Coy or Vance." Dixie just smiled..... If BL wanted to THINK that she could as far as Dixie was concerned. Tonight was 'teen' night at the Boar's Nest and she hoped to have a date of some kind by then so she could at least go. All her friends would be there. Of course Luther and Jesse would be there for awhile to make sure everyone was where they were supposed to be. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Later that day at the garage, Cooter had taken a wrecker call and Luke was under the car finishing it up for Cooter.. The motor was secured by a chain and had a jack under it as Luke was about to take loose the motor mounts. Everything else was ready. A female voice called, "Who's under there?" Luke answered as he rolled out from under the car on a creeper, "Just me." He looked upside down at the person the voice came from, he pushed farther out and set up to make sure he was seeing what he thought he saw. "Da--, I mean, Dixie?" he exclaimed his question. "Have you seen my Dad?" she asked. "Uh,...no,... Cooter's in the wrecker. I haven't seen your Dad." He stuttered, still not believing this was Dixie! She was in hi black boots with fishnet stockings, a skirt black leather skirt, a red silky blouse with spaghetti straps and her hair was not in a ponytail! Her hair was down and curled. There was something else. What? Luke thought. "Where's the wrecker?" Luther Davenport asked as he entered the garage. "Oh, I'm sorry Miss. Can I help you?" he questioned. "Daddy!" exclaimed Dixie. "Dad...?" his voice trailed off as he recognized his daughter. "Dixie?" A bit annoyed, "Yeah, its me. I have something to ask you. Come here please?" she said as almost a beg. Once outside, she asked, "Daddy, I was asked to go out to the Boar's Nest tonight by Tommy Rogers. It is teen night and I know you'll be there. Can I please go? He's the first boy to talk to me. Please?" Luther was torn between protecting his only daughter and not making an enemy of her. "I don't see any harm, like you said I'll be there. But, I want to talk to him first!" "Yes, Daddy. He'll be by here about closing. Thank you." She said hugging him. "Thank you Daddy!" she squealed as she hugged him and hurried off. Luke was out from under the car. He had heard most of the conversation. "Luther, I may be out of place, but I say this in good faith. Did she ask to go out with Tommy Rogers?" Still feeling like the 'Father of the Year', Luther replied, "That's right." "And you approved?" questioned Luke with a look that said he didn't believe this. "Well, you've all known Tommy forever. He's been around here many times. Yeah, I approved. Why?" asked Luther. Luke considered his answer, "I may be out of place. I'm sorry if I am, but I'd rather say it and be wrong than to keep quiet and be right. He asked Daisy out awhile back Jesse sent him packing. He has a reputation of getting 'what he wants' ". Luke said blushing. "Luke Duke! I'd talk if I were you! I think I know what I'm doing! Reputation! HA! ... Yes, you were out of line!" huffed Mr. Davenport. Luke held you his hand, "Forget it then. I'm sorry." Luther paced the garage for quiet awhile saying nothing. Considering the information Luke Duke had shared and the fact he wanted to keep his daughter's love."

Luke nodded, they pulled out heading to the farm. The delivery wouldn't be made until late tomorrow night. Jesse still hadn't disclosed the location of the delivery to the boys yet. He always figured if he was the only one to know then his secrets wouldn't get out and that helped insure his boys' not getting caught making the deliveries. In their room Bo asked, "Luke I know you've been driving the wrecker a lot lately, but why?" Luke fudged with his answer, "The more I work for Cooter the more money we can afford to spend on the General Lee. You know I want him to be the BEST he can BE!" Bo agreed, "Yeah I know and I do too, but Luke you ain't even went out with anyone in forever. I know you weren't because of Lori before she left, but why not now?" Luke sighed, "Bo, I have a reputation and a half. You know about Lori and the baby. If that ain't enough I've spent the last while taking out the girls I thought I could score with. If I did, great. If I didn't it really didn't matter cause I likely wasn't taking them out again anyway. I'm not proud of all that or how I treated Lori, but I know IF I would decide to ask a 'nice girl' out that I'd be met in the driveway by her father totin' a shotgun. I have come to realize that if I ever want a real girl friend, I've got to clean up my act. So, if I'm driving the wrecker I won't drink. If I won't drink I likely won't get into trouble with Rosco. I'm working a paying job and the farm, and not to mention what most folks don't know, I'm also helping with the still and deliveries. I'm figuring working hard, drinking less, staying out of trouble may just neutralize some of that reputation to where I might be able to go out with some of the girls in the county you'd not be ashamed of to take home to 'Mama'." Bo looked confused, "Luke? Are you thinking crazy like settlin' down?" Luke smiled a bit, "Not no time soon. Which is what started this whole da-- mess with Robin, but I'd like to find a 'nice girl' and see what could happen. I really miss knowing WHO I'm taking home next Friday night." Luke tried to explain but he saw that Bo was possibly more confused now than he was before their talk. Luke's plan sounded good. Sounded reasonable, but he knew that as good and reasonable as it sounded he still thought about a once 'good girl' who now had a reputation of a 'whore' and it was largely due to him. He knew what choices were logical and he was trying to make those choices, but Lori still haunted his memories and dreams.....

Dixie asked, "Well, why in the world would she go back to help her Daddy when he never had anything to do with her?" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke finished his chores and had Bo take him to pick up the wrecker. He was following Bo to the Boar's Nest. They were supposed to have a band there tonight and everyone would be there including Uncle Jesse and Luther. Everyone watched as Luke turned down several advances from some of the local girls who were looking for a good time. He was setting with Bo, Jeb, Cooter and Mark listening to the band and drinking pop instead of beer. BL, Daisy and Cindy Mae wer swamped with orders. Cindy Mae asked Daisy, "What's with that cousin of yours? He ain't drank a beer all night and he just plan wasn't 'friendly'. Daisy said, "Well, Sugar, Luke's usually always friendly so I don't know what's up there, but I know he's driving the wrecker for Cooter tonight." Cindy Mae seemed to accept that part of teh answer but he had turned down her advances and that plan wasn't like Luke. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bo looked at Luke chopping away at the wood. All the other chores were done and Luke was chopping wood because he chose to not because he had been asked. He looked at Jesse, "What's with him?" Jesse replied, "Seems Lori left last night. I think he's taking it a bit hard." Bo asked, "Well, why would he do that? They fought ALL the time!" Jesse said as he layed his hand on Bo's shoulder, "Maybe you'll unerstand someday." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dixie asked, "Did ya'll get Lori sobbered up last night? She was singing to the moon when Luke brought me home, since Cooter deserted me and BL wasn't ready to leave yet." Luther raised an eyebrow a bit but never said a word. Cooter replied, "Well, she must have. She left about 2 this morning." Everyone looked at Cooter with surprise, and................... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Later that day Bo and Luke went by the garage to get parts for the General Lee. Luke looked at Cooter and said, "You know you've been working way to hard lately. If you need someone to drive the wrecker I'll take it in the evenings some for ya." Cooter gave him a strange look. "Won't that sorta put a kink in your social life?" Luke replied, "Well, I figure it will keep me out of trouble." Cooter still was almost in a state of shock at a Duke volunteering for work, but he said, "Well, now you can sure drive as many evenings as you like." Luke figured between farm work in the day, driving the wrecker in the evenings and runnign shine at night he could make a little extra money but mainly try to prove that he could be responsible and stay out of trouble. See everyone knew if Luke was driving Luther's wrecker he wasn't drinking. He wouldn't even drink a beer if he was running the wrecker. Luke knew operating machinary in some of the situations he found cars that is was dangerous enough without being drinking too. Cooter looked at Luke and said, "You, ... ah,...... do know....." Luke finished the sentence, "She left about 2 this morning? Yeah. I know. I heard Midnight go by." Cooter didn't have to ask what Luke was doing up that late after everything that had happened yesterday. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Thing went pretty smooth the first couple weeks, but Luke was beginning to look just a bit tired from all his activities, but with Dixie hanging out at the garage he was getting to know her a bit more. He still would wait until after her birthday before even talking to Luther about taking her out.

At the Duke farm, Luke was also awake. He was thinking about the whole thing with Lori yesterday. He knew no one, not even Cooter would have dared to take the keys to Midnight, yet he had. Of course he'd done it for her own good. Then back at the Davenports, her crying had actually made him consider getting back with her, but he knew they would end up in the same place in their relationship sooner or later. He'd even asked her if she thought running away to Chickomohony right then would work? That was as close as Luke Duke had ever gotten to proposing to a girl. He knew it would never work and he was thankful that Lori knew that too. He had no idea what he would have done if she would have insisted that they could work and insisted they actually go to Chickomohony. He had asked the question more from desparation than anything else. He had been at a loose for words trying to explain that though he and Lori DID have something and though they clicked really well at times, that they also hadn't been able to hold a realtionship together. He knew he was far too young to settle down with anyone. Lately he had been going out with whom ever would give him a second look and he had been trying to see how far he could get with each. Most of the time there hadn't even been a second night together. Some due to fear of Lori, knowing her past incidents with anyone who talked to Luke, but most because Luke chose to move on himself. He had been looking for something since Robin that he hadn't found in Lori or any of the other girls. He couldn't exactly put his finger on it just now, but he knew none of them had whatever it was. So for the past couple of weeks he had made up his mind to move on. To try to find what ever he was looking for and he found that he actually missed a steady girlfriend. He shook his head and pictured pulling into the garage for gas with a girl, any girl, as a steady girlfriend with Lori there. Luke knew what would happen. Lori would drag her right out of the car and all mortal he-- would break loose. Which was likely to happen even if word got out he was dating anyone steady which is why he hadn't even dated any one since Lori. Yeah, he'd done several of the one night stands usually picking a girl up on his way out of the Boar's Nest when Lori hadn't been around. But he wanted to clean up his act so when he decided he wanted to take out a girl and maybe date her steadily he wouldn't necessarily be met by her father at the door with a shotgun. He'd thought of several girls that he'd like to ask out, but he knew it wouldn't go anywhere. But there was one with an eightteenth birthday just a ways off. Maybe just maybe if he tried really hard for awhile to, as Jesse put it, 'act like he had sense God gave a goose' she would consider going on a real date with him. But the problem was would her father allow it? and, what would her brother think? And, God help him, if Lori stayed in town, what woudld she do? No one had given Lori's drunken statements a second thought, but da-- it if she wasn't pretty darn close to his thougths. Yes, she knew him too da-- well! The girl in question was her very own cousin, Cooter's sister, and Luther's daughter, ...... Dixie. Luke knew he wouldn't stand a snowball's chance at even seriously talking to her before she was eightteen. He wan't even sure he wanted to date her, just get to know her a little better. He'd thought of her as Cooter's little sister until one day when she came to the garage. He found out later Daisy had fixed her hair that was usually in a ponytail under one of the garage ball caps. She wore a silky, bright red spaghetti strapped blouse instead of her normal T-shirt or sweatshirt. Her jeans had been replaced with a black leather skirt that was a might short, but Luke noticed her followed her long booted and fishnetted legs up and down at least a couple of times that day. He had wondered at first WHO she was, secondly where had Cooter's LITTLE sister gone, and thirdly WHEN Dixie had grown up so much? The memory of the sight he saw walk into the garage that day still was fresh in his mind as he tossed for the hundredth time. Bo rolled over and mumbled, "Luke what is with you tonight?" Luke replied, "Long story." "Oh," Bo said. He didn't really want to hear a long story right now. "Well, can you tell me in the morning and go to sleep?" Luke sighed, pulled on his jeans and said, "Think I'll go set on the porch awhile. I can't sleep. Don't want to keep you awake." Setting on the porch he kne he heard the sound of Midnight going by fast. He knew it was likely Lori going to her father's. He didn't want her to leave town. He knew he couldn't stop her and he knew she was going to get away from him more than to help her father. It was hard for him to not follow her, but he knew for her to move on maybe she did need a change of scenery. And, maybe now he could also move on. He set on the swing gently swinging. Jesse made his way into the kitchen to start coffee just before dawn. He heard a familiar squeak. He walked to the front porch and found Luke in the swing..................

Luke sorta wished for lightening to strike, a sudden down pour of rain, a hail storm. Anything to get him out of this situation. He hated to see women cry. Lori's tears especially bothered him because he knew he caused them. He got off the car. Seeing Lori cry was getting to him, he was heading towards her to try to comfort her when BL pulled up. He let of a breath of air he hadn't realized he was holding. Someday he would thank BL for her timing. BL pulled up seeing Luke standing in front of Lori.......... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Meanwhile in the house, Dixie was standing behind a curtain to see what was going on. It was summer she had heard a large amount of what was going on and knew that Luke was trying to move on.

Meanwhile at the Boar's Nest, the rest of the group had taken a table in the back of the room. Dixie had quickly jumped in the car with BL before Luther figured it out that Cooter was following him and Lori to the farm. Dixie didn't want to go home. Luke said, "Well, ya'll order. I'll get this round." Everyone ordered a beer except for Dixie who ordered a Coke. Daisy looked to Luke and to everyone surprise he ordered a Coke too. Daisy asked, "You're not driving the wrecker tonight are you?" Luke replied, "No, I just dealt with what alcohol can do. I'll settle for a Coke." Luke had another plan in mind and a lot of it needed to be based on improving his image. So, he'd start here. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ An hour or so later, Luke looked at BL and gently reminded, "Luther said he wanted ya'll home in a couple hours." She sighed, "Yeah and told Cooter to get Dixie home by then, but I ain't ready to go home just yet!" Luke nodded, "Something told me that. I'm feeling pretty bad over everything that happened earlier and was ready to head out. I'll run Dixie home if you want to stay." BL shrugged, "She goes everywhere else with you. Why not? Then, I can stay awhile longer." Luke stood up and looked at Bo and Jeb, "Ya'll coming or riding home with Daisy?" He knew the answer before he asked. They both said, "Riding home with Daisy." Luke looked to Dixie, "Well, I guess it's you and me, huh?" Dixie sighed, "Yeah! I get to go home and listen to Lori!" Luke and Dixie headed to the General Lee.

Jesse listened to the long version of the evenings events, then summed them up. "Ok, you all were at the Boar's Nest. Lori got word of her father needing her to come home." He looked at Lori, "And I can understand your mixed emotions with that situation. So you left and started drinking. Luke here followed you and then you two, then Dixie and BL, all of you got into a knock down drag out. Then, Rosco happened by? That about sum it up?" Luke sighed, "Yeah, except for us pulling out and leavign him standing." Jesse nodded, "I take it you all settled your differences and wouldn't press charges on each other?" They all looked at each other and and shook there heads in agreement that they wouldn't have pressed charges against anyone. Jesse said, "Well, now I don't see much of a problem here do you Luther?" Luther thougth a minute and said, "Well, they settled their own differences and wasn't in a public place so I don't see anything, but ya'll should have told Rosco all that instead of just running out on him." Jesse said, "Well, now, I agree with that and ya'll are friends! No more than that! You've all been raised up as FAMILY and you should all act like it! Now it's still early if ya'll are of the mind to go have that beer and can ACT like you have the scense God gave a goose, then as far as I'm concerned my bunch can." Luther said, "Well, I think Miss Loren needs to head home. I'll give the rest of you a couple hours and don't make me come looking for any of you. Cooter make sure your sister gets home by then." Cooter nodded as the group headed out to their cars like a bunch of whipped pups. Jesse added, "If Rosco give you any grief, call ME!" Luke threw his hand up in acknowledgement.

Luke looked at Cooter and sighed, "Let's go break them up huh??" Cooter sighed. He dreaded this too. He and Luke each grabbed a female around the waist. Cooter pulled Lori away from BL. Lori was swinging and cursing a blue streak. Luke pulled BL away from Lori. It was all the the guys could do to keep hold of the girls. They were sceaming and kicking and cursing for all they were worth. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Seeing all the cars parked in assorted directions, Rosco couldn't help but notice. He pulled up, stopped and got out of his car before anyone noticed. "ALRIGHT!!!! Settle down here! Hold it, just hold IT! What's going on here?" Luke still had his arms wrapped around BL and he quietly said, "Please act liek you have some scense." Cooter who was barely holding onto Lori looked up to see Sheriff Coultrane!

Luke knew he was about to tangle with a full grown Bob Cat but he wasn't going to let her pull out. He quickly leaned across her and reached for the keys. Lori tried to keep him from getting the keys but his quick unexpected move was no match for her current state. Luke put the keys in his front pocket and tried to talk some sense into Lori, "Now Lori I don't want you hurt or you to wreck Midnight. He say Lori coming out of Midnight with fire in her eyes. Best thing he could think of to do to get neutralize the alcohol and for him to live was to run! He had both sets of keys and he knew she'd be out for blood! Lori took out after him cussing him for every breath. Luke had to admit for as much as she had to drink she was still pretty quick and nimble. He jumped over a fallen log and headed for the creek area. Lori was still behind him when a thought occured to them both. She could hot wire Midnight. Luke tried to circle her back to get to the cars before she did. First thing he did he knew sounded hilarious but he did it anyway. He reached for the General Lee's CB mic and radioed, "Lost Sheep One to Crazy C, anybody home on the Hazzardnet?" Cooter happened to be standing by the bar and heard the call. He crossed the bar before the bartender culd tell him to, "Crazy C here." "Head up to Dry Creek NOW! I've got the keys to Midnight but I can only keep her off the road so long." Luke said. "Sh--!" Cooter said then, answered, "I'm down and gone." Cooter knew and hoped that Luke knew how much toruble he was when Lori got her hands on him. Luke saw Lori coming and said, "Now Lori just hold on a danged minute!" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ At the Boar's Nest Dixie saw Cooter head out the door. She turned to Bo, "Wonder what's up?" Bo replied, "I don't know. Let me get Daisy's car and we'll go find out!"

Luke walked near Lori. He saw the bottle in her hand and said, "Think that's really gonna help?" Lori asked, "Why the he-- should you care?? You don't know nothing about what helps me or what hurts me...well you may know what hurts me you already done enough of that....what are you here fer anyways?" "To make sure you were Ok and ask you not to leave." Luke said gently. Lori snorted and shook her head,"Why??? I aint no use to you.." Luke sighed and thought, 'Here we go again.' but he said, "Just because we aren't dating steadily you think you are no use to me. Da-- IT, Lori you are FAMILY and my FRIEND. If you weren't WHY did you run blocker for me the other night?" Lori took a drink of Jack and almost yelled, "I HELPED YOU LUKE CAUSE I STILL LOV....." Lori stopped and shook her head, "I've done said toooo much, I ain't stayin here, get Dixie to help ya she'll be more of USE to you than I will.." Luke looked at Lori and said, "How the he-- did Dixie get into this?" Lori snorted and looked to the skies laughing with frustration,"Stop making it so da-- obvious that you want her.... thats were the he-- she comes in at, everytime someone sees ya'll yer always making googly eyes at her!! Lord yer bout as bright as a burnt out light bulb!" the jack was starting to hit her.. Luke started getting defensive. Lori knew him and knew him too da-- well, "Lori you know da-- good and well she has followed Cooter, Bo, Me, and all the others since she could WALK. It's NO more than that." Lori fell over laughing,"Hahaha you really are clueless ain't ya Luke?? You dummy she likes you, she always has.... and its purty danged clear that your googly eyed fer her..." Luke changed the subject, "That's ridiculous! Come on back with me?" Lori asked, "Why would I do that fer? AND what's, what ridiculous is YOU denying that you don't like her and she don't like you!! " Luke rubbed the back of his neck. Lori knew he was stalling. Luke finally said, "Of course we like each other. I like Cooter to but not like I like you!" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Meanwhile at the Boar's Nest everyone had went back to their table. Dixie was drinking a Coke. Or rather a Coke about half empty was in front of her. She was doing a pretty fair job of sneaking sipps of Luke and Cooter's beers.

Rosco made it through Daisy and BL but still had his eyes closed when he hit a tree. Everyone stopped to make sure he was OK. They saw Rosco moving and knew he was fine so they headed off on there ways. Luke picked up the CB mic, "Thanks ladies!" Daisy radioed back, "No problem!" From somewhere in the County came the reply, "You always need a woman to get ya outta trouble?" Luke knew it was Lori, but just replied, "Sometimes ya'll are aweful handy to have around." Then, he yelled, "Lost Sheep to Crazy C." Bo laughed at Luke's reply. Dixie was closes to the wrecker, "This is shotgun, go ahead Lost Sheep." Luke said, "How about getting Cooter to bring the wrecker out here near the Boar's Nest. Rosco's hung up in a tree. Oh yeah, the General's running good!" Dixie replied, "Will do. We'll be there in a couple minutes." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Jesse was waiting on the boys to get home from working on the General Lee. He pretty much let them 'play' on Saturdays and holidays with only the minimum chores being worried about. "After your chores, what do you boys have planned?" They all looked at each other, but Jeb answered first, "Nothing special." Jesse replied, "Good. How about ya'll head down to the Boar's Nest for a couple beers and STAY out of trouble." The three grinned widely. Jesse explained, "You've all been sticking pretty close to home or leaving early on nights we've had deliveries. You know what they say all work and no play, besides if ya'll are there no one will suspect me to take a few jugs of shine over to Jim. He called and said he's been pretty busy this weekend and is near about empty." Luke asked, "You want me to take it or go with you?" Jesse shook his head no. "I'll be fine. They will think I'm home." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke called the garage and was glad Dixie answered, "We're all heading over to the Boar's Nest tonight. Thought you all might want to come out for a bit." Dixie smiled and felt a bit of a tingle in her toes, "I'll be sure to tell the others and hopefully get to them to bring me." Luke said, "OK." He had been careful to not exactly ask Dixie out but to imply he'd like her to come.

It wasn't long before Cooter deemed the General ready for a trial run. "But, take it easy or we'll be right back under him huh?" Dixie shook her head. "That done a lot of good to tell them that!" They watched as Bo took off out of town. From the garage they heard a siren in the distance. Cooter said, "Oh brother!" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke looked at Bo, "Nice one! Now how about loosing him?" Bo down shifted and picked up more speed. Narrator: Now the boys ain't had the General Lee long so he still has a few bugs in him.

NOTE: I know in the episode "General Lee's Birthday" the General Lee wasn't around in these days, but it is just SO unnatural not to have him in a story that I have bent the time frame to also have the General Lee in this story. Also, I have not researched the penalties for running moonshine lately, I am usuing bits and pieces of what is said in various episodes and the little I know about law. Some shows said 2 years, some said ten and I think one said 2-10. I know Federal sentences for the same crimes are much stiffer so that is the way I wrote the conversation with Luke and Dixie. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dixie had spent a long weekend with her Mother pretty much against her wishes, but if it meant being able to go to school this year in Hazzard she would go. Her sixteenth birthday was coming up soon and she wanted to spend it in Hazzard with her friends who were making a big deal out of the event, where as her Mother only wanted to take her shopping for dresses and things Dixie seldom wore in Hazzard. She realy hated going shopping cause it seemed she never got to pick the clothes she wanted. However, she had snuck in a couple skirts that had some potenial. It was about noon when Dixie arrived at the garage and being a holiday she figured Bo, Luke, and likely Jeb would be there, but there was no sigh of them. "Hey Cooter where are the guys?" Cooter answered without thinking, "Late night I guess." He knew who she meant. He also knew they had a long run last night into another state, but he wasn't real sure how much Dixie knew about the guys late night 'activities'. He saw in an instant he'd said the wrong thing. Dixie looked hurt and confused at the same time. "Where they at the Boar's Nest late last night?" Cooter said, "Ah,........ well, ...... um,......." He was saved at the sound of the General Lee pulling in. Luke saw Dixie talking to Cooter as he pulled in. He couldn't believe that just a few months ago he had thought of her only as Cooter's little sister. Now, he had to admit to himself, she sure looked awfully grown up to him. He knew her birthday was coming up soon and planned to ask Luther after the birthday if he could possibly date Dixie. He knew there was a bit of an age difference but 18 and twenty wasn't too bad an age difference. What he was worried about though was his reputation. Luther knew a lot about Luke since he had dated Lori on and off, lately it had been more off. Luke had liked the steadness of having one girlfriend, but everytime he tried it with Lori she'd promise to not force him into commitment and she might not have in one sense but her possessiveness of him at times smothered him. NARRATOR: Now, in case ya'll didn't notice, Luke there is doing some figuring, but he's assuming a lot too. If you didn't catch it, you'll just have to hang on for the ride. Luke got out of the General Lee followed by Bo and Jeb. Cooter held up an empty doughnut box, "Sorry fellas ya'll were late. But there's cold beer in the frig." Cooter knew he stuck his foot in his mouth as his Mother was standing behind him. Luke smiled at his situation and said, "Well, I think I'll settle for a Coke. How about you guys?" He nudged Jeb and Bo. Bo didn't catch the hint and said, "Nah, a beer sounds better." Luke handed him a Coke anyway, "It may, but there are ladies around cuz." Bo did have the good graces to look embarassed in front of Cooter's Mother. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Later after Cooter and Dixie's Mother left for home, a wrecker call came in. Luke saw Cooter was elbow deep in the General Lee. "Want me to get that while you finish your, ah,... surgery?" Cooter rolled his eyes at Luke, "Where have you had him? Yeah, go ahead I'm going to be awhile here." Luke headed to the wrecker. Dixie asked, "You want some company?" Luke replied, "Sure." He was sort of trying to play his interests in her down a bit until he could talk to Luther after her birthday. But, Dixie had always 'tagged' along. At the pond they found a soaking wet Sheriff Rosco Coultrane. After Luke got his car out of the pind Rosco began to fume, "Let me tell you one thing Luke Duke. I would have got you last night if it hadn't of been for that dang girl in that runner. I sure wished Boss would give me a Deputy I'd had you BOTH!" Luke calmly said, "Sheriff I don't have a clue what you are talking about. I was home all evening last night. Just ask Uncle Jesse." Rosco huffed, "Ask Jesse, ha! he was likely in front of you or behind you!" Luke shook his head no, "Nah, Jesse was home all night too." "Fiddle sticks ya'll were. I know Tilley when I see her!" Rosco insisted. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ After dropping Rosco's car at the garage and Rosco had sqeaked any to dry out, Luke said, "I know you heard everything Rosco had to say out there. And, I suppose you might be wondering what he's talking about?" Dixie replied, "Well, I caught some of what he said, but Cooter said ya'll had a late night last night and you told Rosco you were home all night. So, I've basically heard three stories about last night, but you don't owe ME and explianation." Luke yelled at Cooter who was still under the General's hood, "We're taking the wrecker up to the Hazzard car wash and give him a good bath. I got mud all over him trying to get that danged cruiser out." Cooter thought nothing of it. Luke liked to drive the wrecker but he lliked it clean. Dixie said, "You didn't get it that muddy." Luke replied, "Yeah, I know, but what I'm about to talk to you about has to be kept between you and me. If I explain to you what Rosco was talking about you can't tell a soul you know anything about what I'm telling you or you could get the whole family even Uncle Jesse in serious trouble with Rosco." Dixie nodded, "Like I said before you don't owe me any explainations, but anything you tell me to keep a secret I will." Luke has told her secrets in the past and she had never told but nothing this important. "I was out last night in Uncle Jesse's black car. You know the one he keeps in the barn." Dixie nodded, "Yeah, he calls her Black Tilley." Luke replied, "Yeah, and Rosco did see me in Tilley like he said. I flew by him and he turned on the lights about the time Lori passed me in Midnight. The crazy thing locked it up in between me and Rosco and took off like her hair was on fire. Rosco followed her and I figure she lost him awhile later." Dixie asked, "Why would Lori have Rosco chase her if he was only after you for speeding?" Luke smiled. He loved Dixie's innocence. He began to explain, "Because I wasn't only speeding. I had a trunk full of twenty gallons of moonshine I was taking out of state." Dixie looked a bit surprised, "And, Cooter knew?" Luke nodded, "Yeah. He knew we were going somewhere out of state but not where. That's how he knew I had a 'late' night. And, Lori seeing me out that late and Rosco on my tail must have figured I had a load of shine." Dixie asked, "Lori knows?" Luke played Lori's knowledge of his activities down a bit, "Yeah, for the same reason I'm telling you now. We could be going back right now and Rosco or one of the Revenuers see me and think I might have something in here they could pull us and check out the wrecker. They could stop me at anytime and want a look see at the vehicle. But, I will tell you this, if you are in anything I'm driving it won't be carrying anything illegal. So if you ever want to go somewhere with me and for no apparent reason I say, no, I just might be loaded. Ok?" Dixie nodded her understanding, but asked, "And if you get caught?" Luke knew she'd bring this part up. He hated this part of the explaination, though he'd only had this conversation once before, "I'm in a heap of trouble." he sighed and continued, "If I'd get caught in this state it's two years in the state pen and if I were to get caught on the other side of the state line it would be a Federal crime and it would be ten years in the Federal system." He'd seen the questions in her eyes but pushed through with the entire explianation. Dixie asked, "And Uncel Jesse knows you are doing this?" Luke smiled and said proudly, "The Dukes have been making some of the best moonshine ever made for over two hundred years, which was long before there were laws that said we couldn't. Passing a law hasn't changed the family ways none. I have helped Jesse, but he won't even give me his secret recipe. He said he would in time so that I can pass it on to my sons. Like his father passed it to him." Dixie could never see Uncle Jesse doing anything illegal, but Luke's explaination made a lot of sense. Luke continued, "You know I've only told one other person this." Dixie guessed, "Lori?" Luke nodded, 'no', "Someone before Lori. But I figured most of the rest of your family knows my family's business you may need to know so when you hear I'm out after I tell you I'm going home you won't think I'm out running aroud. I'm really trying to change that and clean up my act some." Dixie said, "I'm glad. I've seen you hurt too much lately." Luke smiled a bit embarassed, "Well, that's why I've been working so much both at the garage and the farm. It makes extra money for the General Lee but I hope it keeps me out of trouble with Rosco and well all those girls.........." Luke was saved by Cooter yelling in the CB, "Crazy C looking for Lost Sheep One." Luke answered, "Lost Sheep here." Cooter said, "You want the General ready to race you better get back here and give me a hand." Luke replied, "Yeah, we'll be looking at you in a minute or two."

Once he found Lori at Kissing Cliff, Luke parked and walked over to her and humbly said, "Thanks for earlier." Lori rolled her eyes and asked,"That all? made me drive out here fer nothing when I was all the way home?!" Luke shoook his head, "No, that's not all. Yes, I wanted to thank you for stepping in and all but I was wondering why you were out here to begin with?" Lori replied, "Why would you be concerned fer?? I was doing my job and that was all, I was spose to meet Mark but he got in trouble." Luke questioned, "Trouble????" Lori: "Yeah, you know, the stuff you get into all the time??, Me and him were out really really late last night and that was it.." Luke nodded, "Ok, so why did you jump in the middle of my trouble?" Lori shrugged."Cause im stupid." Luke smiled, "No, you are not stupid. I apppreciate the distraction and all but you are not stupid!" Lori.............

This story uses my character Dixie Davenport, but I have altered my orginial story line in order for her to be in this story. She is still Cooter's little sister and is still a little over four years yonger than Luke Duke , though he hasn't even taken her age into consideration. The current ages are: Luke Duke is 20, Bo and Jeb Duke are 18, Cooter Davenport 21, Dixie Davenport 15, Daisy Duke 17, B.L. Davenport is 20, Mark McCormick 21 and Lori Davenport is 20. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It was a warm summer night as most of Hazzard was getting ready for bed. However, Luke, Bo and Jeb were on the front porch with Jesse drinking coffee. Jesse cautioned, "Now you boys know what to do. I'm setting this one out tonight, but I'll be on the radio. Now I can head to you but I won't be close by." Luke nodded. He understood exactly what Jesse was getting at. Luke knew no matter what went on tonight it was on his shoulders as he was the oldest. Jesse asked, "Who's driving the runner?" Luke was the first answer, "I am." Bo and Jeb looked hurt. Jesse hushed them. "You two will get your chance." He looked to Luke to hear his plan. "Bo I want you out front driving in a hurry. Hopefully if you run by anyone they will jump on your back. If they do get on the radio to me and take them for a ride but don't loose them and don't get caught. jeb I want you behind me. If I do find trouble that Bo doesn't flush out you can help block for me, Ok?" Luke explained. Jesse nodded. The plan was acceptable to him, but he must caution, "Just remember you are all three over 18 now. You get caught and there won't be anything I can do. And, boys you are crossing state lines so if you get caught it is a federal offense." He was glad to see the understanding of the seriousness in each one of 'his' boys eyes. Luke told them to be some where on Rt 11 and he'd see them in about an hour. He had to make his way to the still and load 20 gallons of shine before they headed out to Chactaw County which took them right through Sheriff Loomis's territory. Luke was about to make the cut off to the still when he passed none other than the Midnight Rider coming his way. He sighed hoping she wasn't out running shine again. He picked up the mic and yelled, "Whiskey Bent. Come back Whiskey Bent."

It was almost dawn when Cooter and Luke eased down a long driveway. Cooter stopped a good distance from the house that would have made three of Boss's house. Luke asked, "Ah, ...... Cooter, .... are you really sure this is such a good idea?" Cooter said, "If any of them think they can tell me I have a daughter and expect me not to come see her they are VERY mistaken." Luke eased out of the car behind Cooter, "If you say so." Cooter made a wide circle around the house until he came to where an upstairs window had a small balcony on it with an oak tree near by. Cooter began climbing up the tree. Luke was standing at the tree watching, "Cooter I really don't think that's such a good idea." Cooter kept climbing up the tree an onto the balcony............. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ While in Hazzard, another unexpected visitor was waking up in her room in the Hazzard Hotel. She had been at the graduation the night before to see her son graduate, but couldn't catch up with him before he left with his friends. She decided to get dresses, have breakfast at the diner and head out for the fight she knew she'd get when she told her daughter she wanted her to spend the summer with her. Anna Davenport knew both Dixie, Luther and likely Cooter would protest this, but she had let Dixie go to school here all year. She knew Dixie was getting to the age she should have a woman around. And to Anna's thinking Lori nor BL fit that description. After coffee and toast at the diner, Anna headed toward the farm. As she pulled up in the yard, she shook her head seeing Midnight, the Judge parked along side the same (now) old wrecker that Luther had when they were together. There were several more pieces of cars and farm equipment setting around the farm. She got out of her Chrysler New Yorker and walked up to the door. She knew it wouldn't be locked, but then she still had her key if it had been. She opened the door and quietly stepped inside to see Luther the only one up and at the kitchen table with his coffee and paper. She couldn't resist and asked, "Buy your wife a cup of coffee?" Luther almost jumped out of his skin when he heard the voice and looked up to see his wife standing in the living room looking at him. He sort of grinned and said, "Sure. What brings you HERE?" "Do you really think I'd not show up for my sons graduation?" Anna asked. Luther replied, "Well, no, but I didn't see you." Anna said, "I didn't want a scene in front of all of Hazzard." Luther nodded as he handed her the cup of coffee. He thought, 'Yeap same woman who thought I was making money dirty by taking money for repairing moonshiners cars.'

Cooter and Luke were well on their way to Alabama. Luke looked to find trouble once they got there. Beverly father would likely send Cooter back on his way home, but Luke didn't figure Cooter would be leaving so easily. He really hoped they could make this visit without trouble but he didn't see it happening.

Luke hadn't heard the CB transmission. "Cooter buddy what are you talking about?" Cooter wasn't really hearing anyone around him right now, but he focused on Luke as he started to stand up, "I gotta go!" Luke said, "Wait. Go where?" Cooter replied, "Alabama. I gotta find Beverly!" Luke knew a little bit about their history. He was glad he'd changed into his jeans at he school before leaving for the party. He was beginning to see this was going to be a long night. "Cooter look why don't you wait til morning? I'll even go with you." Cooter shook his head, "Nah, I'm heading out now." Luke looked to Lori. He knew neither one of them should likely be driving right now, but he said, "Hang on a second." He turned to Mark and said, "Cooter is determined to go outta here tonight. I'm going to go with him. I'll leave my car here til morning. Can you get Lori and BL home?" Mark sighed. He knew the girls were pretty loaded, but saw how ghostly white Cooter still was. He said, "Yeah sure. Ya'll be careful." Luke told Lori, "I'll go with Cooter. Mark will make sure you get home." He kissed her before she could reply and headed to the passenger side of Cooter's car. Cooter had been already pulling out. Lori............

Luke sighed and replied, "We've made it this far. We only have three days to go." He sarted his car and headed toward the lake. "Besides, I'm, ah......, the unofficial director of entertainment." Lori grinned, "SO how much are you hauling?" Luke smiled. She knew what he was telling her, "Twenty gallons." He shrugged. Lori smiled wide, licked her lips, and said, "Doesn't look like it." Luke nodded, "That's the point Darlin'. Your cousin and Uncle know there stuff!" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ As the night passed, Luke and Lor watched couple after couple sneak off for privacy. Each time Luke bit his lip and Lori whined a bit. Luke nor Luther had figured the thirty day bet would take them past gradutation, but it had! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ After things had settled down some at the lake, Luke saw Robin heading his way. She looked up at him, "Congradulations! I told you that you could make it." "Yeah you did. And, even helped with some homework as I recall." Luke grinned. Robin smiled back. "Yeah. SOME." She paused, "Luke the wedding is the 27th. I'd like you to be there." She turned with a tear in her eye and walked. Luke saw the unshead tears. He'd remember the date but doubted if he'd go, though he had been invited by the bride. He watched her bid her farewell to her friends and get in Ralph's car and drive away. As Luke looked up Lori was looking his way, but she hadn't said a word, YET..................

Luke helped Lori in and on their way there they talked about their future and past, then Luke asked, "So what about now?" Lori sighed. "I lnow what i'd LIKE to do tonight but you entered that stupid bet with Luther.............."

Luke had been surrounded by family and friends. He was looking for Lori who would be his date tonight but many of his classmates was worried abouthte refreshments and had to stop by to talk to him for assurence. Luke tried his beat to assure them in the camotion that followed the gradutaion excerises. Finally he spotted Lori who had been held up by her friends and family..................