DixieDavenport

Luke turned around and low and behold there she was. It was prom night and everyone else was at the prom. Luke had offered to drive the wrecker for Cooter, because if he saw Robin at he prom with Ralph it would be a replay of the Chirstmas dance a year ago. He had chosen weeks ago not to go. Luke had no idea that Lori would be home, especially not tonight. Lori still wore a brace on her knee and favored it just a bit, but other than that she was fine except for her wounded pride at being sent home days before completion of her training.

The Senior Prom was less than a month away. Robin had been asked several times but still hoped Luke would call. There was no one Luke wanted to take to his Senior Prom more than Robin, yet, that stubborn Duke pride kept him from calling. Mark saw the pain his sister and best friend were going through and decided to nudge things a little... "Luke, I'm having some trouble out of the Firebird that's why I drove Dad's truck today. Do you think you can come over after school and give me a hand?" asked Mark. Luke smiled, "Mark, you know that I have been staying away from your house on purpose." Mark looked at Luke, "Yeah, I do, but I thought you said we would be friends no matter what happened between you and Robin. Besides she may not even be home when we get there." "You have got me there. Yeah, I come over after school." replied Luke. "Great! I'll meet you out here after the bell rings." stated Mark as he headed off to class. After school Mark and Luke went to Mark's house. They had parked, Luke was changing into one of Mark's shirts as Mark raised the hood on the Firebird. About this time Robin pulled into the yard. Luke knew she had pulled in but continued what he was doing. It took him a few minutes to find the loose wire that was giving Mark his trouble. Which, unknown to Luke, Mark had loosened the night before. As Luke and Mark were finishing up on the Firebird Robin came outside. As she approached the two, both Robin and Luke spoke at the same time, "Can we talk?" they asked in unison. The three friends smiles at each other. "Care to take a ride?" asked Luke. Robin said, "OK." She headed to her car. "But, I'd like us to each take our own cars." Surprised, Luke nodded, “OKâ€. As the two pulled out of the yard Luke in the General Lee and Robin in her car, Mark was glad he had pulled the shuck and jive on Luke. At least they were going to talk. 00000 Luke headed up the mountain above Robin's house. He'd have to find a spot large enough to park both cars that her car could get to. Finding a spot he thought would work he swung wide so that he was heading back down the mountain. Robin pulled in behind him. Luke got out and went back to her car getting in the passenger side. They set in silence a moment. Finally, Robin looked at Luke, "Prom is just a few weeks away." Luke nodded, "Yeah, and there is no one I'd rather go with than you." "I feel the same way. I have been asked by several guys but haven't accepted any of them." Luke felt a glimmer of hope. "I'd love to go with you. Luke. I have dreamed of nothing else since we started dating, but I can't go back to what we had before." she paused letting that bit of news sink in. "I need to KNOW that we are going somewhere. We have been through three Christmas and Valentine's and you have made no commitments..." she sniffed as tears came into her eyes, "I'm not talking about tomorrow. I can hold on, if I KNOW we will have something, ... say in the next two years." The silence in the car was deafening as Luke absorbed what she had said. Making sure he understood her, "So, you are saying, that you will go to the Prom with me, if I can promise that within the next two years, we will get married?" "Luke, if we go to the Prom together and I am wearing your ring by graduation, then I can wait for you. I think asking that our engagement last two years or under is fair. I mean we have already been together the better part of three years." stated Robin as tears ran down her checks. "If I can't tell you that?" asked Luke. "Then, I plan on going to the Prom with someone who has already asked me to marry them." stated Robin matter-of-factly. "So basically, you are giving me an ultimatum. Either I tell you that we will be married in the next two years, or you'll marry someone else?" Asked Luke trying to keep all emotion out of his voice. Robin nodded, 'yes'. "Can I ask who you plan on going to the prom and marrying if I can't tell you that?" questioned Luke. Robin said, in a voice barely heard by herself or Luke, "Ralph Green." Luke couldn't help the surprised look on his face. "You are giving me an ultimatum. Either I tell you, I'll marry you with in two years, or you will marry Ralph? Of all people!" he added. Robin said, "Yes." Several minutes of silence passed as Luke considered his options. He knew that had she not tried to force his hand, that most likely they would have patched things up eventually and most likely in the next two years he would have proposed. He also knew that letting her go to the Prom with anyone else, especially Ralph, would be the beginning of the end. Luke was not happy about being given an ultimatum. Yet, he knew he loved Robin like he had loved no other girl. Luke swallowed the lump in his throat and said, "Robin, I love you. I love you more than I can say." Luke leaned across the seat taking Robin who was shaking in his arms, kissing her long and deeply. Then looked her in the eye and said, "I hope you and Ralph are very happy together." Luke said through a slightly cracking voice. "I'll be by next week for my things." He got out of Robin's car. Walked to the General Lee, climbed through the window, started him up and burn out letting the General turn totally around in the road. Before reaching Robin's house, Luke stopped and waited until he saw Robin's car behind him. Seeing the car coming up behind him, knowing that she could make it to the house from there, he again burn out leaving her in a cloud of dust.

Luke got the letter and read it. He addressed an envelope right then to Lori and put the necklace back in it. With a note that said: Lori, Once I give a gift it is that a gift. Keep the necklace and what it stood for. Thanks for all the encouragement there Lori. Remember, we chose to be together when we were together. I meant everything I said to you when I said it -- don't doubt that. Caulk it up to bad timing or bad karma I don't know it just wasn't right for us then. Please take care. Luke Luke mailed the letter. Even his closest family wasn't aware of the number of letters Luke and Lori exchanged. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ As Spring sprung in Hazzard, love was in the air for all of Hazzard except Luke and Robin. Luke had stayed at Robin's only a few times since Christmas. Robin tried to act pleased around her friends with Luke's presents but she really wanted a commitment that Luke wasn't ready to give. Finally it came down to a discussion between them, where Robin suggested they see other people for awhile. Luke had to agree. He knew if she had given him a little time that he most likely would have given her the ring he knew she wanted. A week passed. Then another, still Robin and Luke didn't go out with each other. Robin had went out with several guys a time or two. After about two months Luke decided it was time that he ask someone out. He began to ask out girls that he thought were 'easy', more ofter than not getting what he wanted by at least the second date. Then, he'd move on to the next challenge. Luke was also drinking pretty heavy. Usually when he and Bo would double date, Bo almost always found himself driving home. The only time that Luke would go out and not drink was when he had the wrecker. Bo, Jesse and the others were worried but felt it was a 'stage' he was going through and decided to give him some time and room to work it out.

Luke got her letter just minutes before leaving on an out of state run. He had time to read it and jot down a few lines: Lori, "Duty" is calling me out of state soon, too. 'Things' are getting tough down here. Can't hardly breath without someone knowing. (Luke knew she'd know he wsa talking about running moonshine). I know this will hurt you and that's not my intention -- Yeah I can see me marrying Robin in a couple years or so but she wants that promise NOW -- think that's unfair to her and me. Wish things were as simple as they used to be........... Take care! Luke He sealed the envelope and put it on the table to be mailed as he headed to the runner.

Luke got the letter and headed to the barn to read it alone. When he returned, Jesse gave him a questioning look. Luke just smiled and put down a letter addressd to Lori that was sealed tightly. In it he had written: Lori, Everone here is fine, I guess except maybe me! Well, that's another story you probably don't want to hear. I'm still not ready to commit to anyone but I keep getting pressured to. Like I said, you don't want to hear this. Uncle Jesse and all are good. I take it you are coming in after AIT (her advanced training before being sationed). Think you should know I am still with Robin............at least for now anyway. Yeah, she is one of the many pressuring me for a commitment that I'm not ready to give. Luke Luke had been spendn gmore and more time at the garage trying to earn extra money for the car he and Bo had built. The General Lee. But, they had a long way to go to get him right!

Luke joined into the Christmas carol they were singing. Dixie looked at him as he harmonized with Lori. Robin also gave him a look... Luke kept the wagon rolling and continued to sing...............

Dixie went to Lori and asked, "What?" Lori showed her the charm. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke had seen Robin pull up and seen Dixie head to Lori, so he kept Robin outside for a few minutes by telling he how much he hoped she likeher gifts. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Everyone else arrived and now it was time to open the presents......... One of the first was the one from Robin to Luke. She had gotten him a racing helmet and fire proof suit. If he insisted on racing she would at least make sure he was as safe as possible...........

Early Christmas Eve, Luke placed his wrapped gifts under the tree. He also placed the tiny box for Lori from 'Santa Claus' under the tree. He figured Lori would be there sometimes tonight. He placed under the tree his gifts for Robin who would be by also. He had gotten her several charms for her charm bracelet and a pair of boots she had been admiring. He knew she really wanted him to give her an engagement ring or at least a friendship ring. Luke knew how girls were and knew he'd better be da-- sure before he gave a ring to anyone. Daisy asked, "Luke you got the wagon loaded for the hay ride?" Luke nodded thinking of Christmas's passed, "Yeah, it's all ready." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dixie was glad to be spending Christmas at the Dukes instead of in the big city wth her Mother. "Ya'll ready YET?" she compained.

Luke had pretty much kept to himself the last few days as Christmas was fast approaching. Times and shine were good and he had had the money to buy for everyone even though he'd given Vance the hundred dollars. It was Saturday and he was telling everyone he was going to help Cooter at the garage, truth be known he was going Christmas shopping. He knew what Robin wanted but with everything that had happened with Lori he just didn't see giving Robin the enagement ring she wanted. He drove out of Hazzard and found several more charms for her bracelet and a pair of dress boots he knew she wanted. While looking at the charms Luke found another one he decided to buy. It was an angel charm. He had the following engraved on it, "Caitlyn Marie Duke, Nov. 10, ????" Luke had that charm gift wrapped in a separate box. He then shopped for the rest of his family.

Luke straightened himself up and told Vance, "No, take it. It's more the principal of the thing than the money. Everyone seems to think I'd not live up to my responsibilities. Please, give me this. Let me do the only thing I can do for my daughter." Luke paused and whispered. "For Caitlyn Marie." Vance suddenly knew he had actually talked to Lori to have know this information. He looked up and saw the look on Jesse's face. Jesse nodded for him to take the money from Luke. Jesse saw Luke was trying to do the only thing he could do which was repay Vance for what he would later learn, was the baby's funeral expenses. Jesse saw Luke trying to bridge teh gap between himself and Vance and to take responsibility for his actions. Jesse only hoped he'd act more responsible in the future. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dixie said, "Lori, I'm a good listener." Lori....

When he arrived, Robin was the only one up. She met him at the door. Luke saw she was shaking like a leaf and had been crying. Luke took her in his arms and they walked back into the house towards Robin's room. They held each other until morning. Luke didn't sleep. He layed looking at what he had and thought about what he'd given up and lost to have it. They hadn't talked that night after Luke got back. As Robin opened her eyes the next morning, she saw Luke still awake. She asked, "Find out what you needed to?" Luke nodded and whispered, "Yeah. I did. Will you go with me in a bit?" Robin looked at him and asked, "Yeah but, where?" Luke choked as he said, "A private cemetary. Where Lori's mother is buried." Robin noted that he hadn't said the baby, but she figured they would be visiting a very small grave today. She whispered, "Yes. I'll go with you." Luke knew he should go to the farm and do the morning chores, but right now he had something more important to do. He and Robin got dressed and headed out almost just past dawn. Luke parked just outside the small wooden fence. He helped Robin over and they made there way through the generations of Davenports that had been layed to rest here. Luke had only been here a couple of times so it took him a few minutes to find what he was looking for. He knew as soon as he saw the tiny fairly new grave with a marker that read, 'Caitlyn Marie Duke'. When Luke saw the name, the reality of the loss of his child hit him like a ton of bricks. Robin caught him when Luke's knees gave out on him. They held each other for a long while before Luke finally said his goodbyes and they headed back home. Unseen by Luke and Robin, parked on a hill over looking the cemetary was Midnight. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke dropped Robin off and headed home. He was in deep with Jesse and knew it. He also had something to square with Vance. Luke pulled in easy and walked in quietly. He knew Jesse was up and he hoped Vance was up too. Jesse was at the stove. Vance was on the couch in the living room when Luke entered from the porch to the living room. Luke pulled out his wallet, took a hundred dollar bill out that he'd been saving for Christmas, and walked over to Vance. Vance looked up at Luke. This was the closest Luke had been to him in months. Luke held out the hundred dollar bill and said, "This is yours. Thank you for giving it to Lori when she needed it AND thank you for being there for her when she didn't want me there." Vance ............... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ From the kitchen, Jesse saw and heard what Luke had said. Everything that he had planned to say to Luke when he got home was suddenly put on a back burner.

Luke knew he should leave now, but he didn't want to. Lori knew what he was thinking and asked, "Make love to me Luke.... Just once more....." Luke knew he should have left five minutes ago! But, he hadn't, and now he knew he wouldn't. He brushed Lori's hair back as she was unsnapping his shirt. Nope he wasn't leaving as he hands moved lower. But, he was thnking as he reached for his wallet. He'd at lest make da-- sure they didn't loose or make another child.....

Luke was really hot and bothered as he took off Robin's gown. He layed down beside her and he heard in his mind saying, 'she was pregnant!!!!!! she had a miscarriage for god's sakes!!!' It was like some threw a bucket of cold water on Luke. Robin looked at him strangely as he backed away from her. Breathing hard her own self she asked, "Luke what's wrong?" Luke sat up a bit and took Robin in his arms and said, "You know how long I've waited to be right here doing exactly this?" Robin nodded, "Yeah, remember I've been waiting too." "I know, Darlin' but I don't think I can right now." Luke said. Robin looked at him even more confused. Luke continued, "I can't take the chance right now of you getting pregnant and maybe having a miscarriage. I got to know what happened and why." Robin knew what he was talking about. She knew he'd go talk to Lori. She didn't like it, but knew he had to. She nodded, "Luke I may not like it, but I understand it. If you have togo talk to her," she paused and then whispered trying to keep her tears from falling, "Then, go. Just come back?" Luke smiled weakly, "I'm sorry, but yeah I need to find out and you can count on me coming back. Honey everyone has been on my case so much that I haven't even had a chance to deal with the fact that I had a child and its gone." Robin nodded. "I know. That's why I'm trying to give you your space here." Luke kissed her got dressed. Robin heard him pull out the gate. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke drove toward the Davenport farm......

Lori walked off and over to Cooter and politely sat down not thinking a bit more about Robin than a man in the moon. Robin was up before Luke could react she had punched on Lori and had her to the ground and was doing a pretty fair job at getting some licks of her own in since Lori had let her guard down. Luke, Cooter, Mark and Vance all moved in trying to break this fight up. Luke and Mark managed to get Robin who happened to be on top at the moment and pulled her off of Lori but not before Robin could get a hold of Lori's shirt and take it off her. Luke took the shirt outta Robin's hand as he and Mark tried to keep her away from Lori who was being held back by Cooter and Vance. Luke saw David smirking as Luke and Mark were taking Robin outside. Luke told Mark, "I'll be right behind you. I see something else that needs to be taken care of!" Luke walked over to David and asked, "What did you tell them?" David replied, "I don't know what you are talking about." Luke put him up against the wall with his left hand and drew back to punch him, but realized he was under 18. He knew if he hit him he'd be back in jail quicker than anything. He might be on good terms with his parents but they would press charges if any of the kids got hurt. Luke couldn't help his self a swung at David but he had enough control to go right by his face without touching him and punched the wall beside his head. Luke glared at the teen and said, "YOU aren't worth IT!" David had just known he was going to be hit! When Luke hadn't hit him and finally released him, David was still a bit weak in the knees. Luke turned to see Mr. Crouse looking at him. Luke said, "I didn't hit him! God I wanted to, but I didn't!" Crouse nodded that he'd seen that. Luke headed out to Robin and Mark......

Luke glared at Mark, "Don't laugh." Mark still grinning, "Who's laughing?" "I'd really appreciate that little visit not be mentioned to your sister, huh?" Luke almost begged as he was trying to get his jeans to fit a little better. "Ya, know that shower I'm beating you to at your house? I'll save the hot water for you." Mark sighed, "I don't think I'll be using a lot of it myself." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ At Mark's house Robin had been busy all day making sure the last minute details were taken care of for the dance. She figured she had just enought time to bath and do her hair before the guys rushed into get ready. She was glad they had decided to hold a casual dance as most schools had Christmas formal, but in Hazzard the girls faovrite dresses usually were their favorite jeans. She planned to wear a new pair of black jeans that left not a lot to the imagination and a low cut red dressy blouse with her highest black high heels. She would wear her hair down but put some curl in it. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Cooter and Lori had made their way back to the farm to get ready by the time Rosco came down with the guys release papers. He unlocked the cell door and handed each a copy of their paperwork and said, "Ya, know I was sorta hoping to have caught you out and about these past few weeks but I'll be watching ya! Ketketketket!" Some how that assurance didn't set real well with Luke as he and Mark hurried off to get ready for the dance.

They pulled out. NARRATOR: Ya see Lori knew exactly where to find Luke and at the moment he better be glad he's locked behind those bars. Since everyone else had completed their sentence and it was only Luke and Mark in the jail they were locked away in separate cells divided only by bars which meant they had more room but coulds still talk to each other. Both were so bored, well impatient to get out tomorrow that they had stayed up late last finishing the additional homework they had been assigned. Both were stretched out on the bunks lost in their own thoughts. Rosco was across the room working a crossword puzzle. Lori, with Cooter in behind, looked down the stairs hearing total silence. She smirked and silently walked down the stairs to the door, she then proceeded to beat on the door and stand there glaring at Luke, Luke and Mark both jumped up as this was like a nightmare. Luke could see her muscles flexed through her jacket and knew she had talked to Vance. Luke swallowed hard and muttered under his breath,"Ohh, Sh--!" Lori then smirked and glared at him evily,"Howdy Luke...miss me Honey?? Luke leaned against the side of the cell trying to be casual. He looked Lori up and down. He could see where all the physical activity had built her up and even firmed up places he hadn't thought needed firmed. She looked good he couldn't deny that and decided to tell her so. He gave her a smug grin and said, "Well, you are sure looking nice." Mark had also saw the changes in her figure that most guys had thought didn't need improved and added, "Yeah, you sure ARE."

It was Friday morning before Luke and Mark's last weekend in jail. Luke got on the bus half asleep until Robin got on the bus. She was carrying a bag with jeans and a T-shirt for after school when they would start decorating for the Chirstmas dance, but she was dressed in a black leather skirt and red sweater with high boots. Luke took one look and was very much awake. She sat down beside him and tried to make sure he was awake. With Jesse so mad at Luke, Robin hadn't been over since Luke and Vance had gotten into. Luke had his arm around Robin and said, "I will be so very glad to get this weekend done so I can maybe go somewhere other that school, the farm and jail." Robin asked, "Got any ideas about where you're going?" She had her hand through Luke's shirt and rubbing his chest. Luke replied, "Yeah, I've got a couple ideas. Most of which are likely bad ones!" Robin grinned impishly. "You are coming to the dance?" "Yeah, I'll be there just as soon as Rosco decides to let me out and I grab a shower hopefully at the garage and I'll be right over." Luke said. Robin suggested, "Why don't you just come to the house and shower?" Luke nodded, "I could do that." Robin smiled. Luke knew Jesse would throw one more fit. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke and Mark reported to jail as scheduled.

Luke set outside for a long time. He had school tomorrow and right now he didn't care. He got up dusted himself off and walked towards the back forty. He thought about Lori. He loved her as a sister. Yeah he lusted after her and he knew she had chosen him as her first. He was being honest with himself, had he known there was a baby he would have done everything in his power to helped Lori and take care of her and the child. Would he have given up other girls and married her? He knew Jesse may not like his decision but he felt that he would have done more harm than good by marrying anyone. He wasn't ready. He knew that. Did he love Robin? Yes. Would marry her? He might just do that, but it surelly wouldn't be anytime soon. Could he make anyone understand that? It wasn't likely.

Luke had had enough of Vacne's mouth and decided to close it for him! He drew back to Florida and swung landing his fist right on Vance's nose. Jeb was the closest but wasn't quick enough to stop Luke from bursting Vance's nose. He grabbed Luke's right arm and hoped Bo and Coy got Vance. These two had always had problems but lately it was getting a little out of hand. Jesse had heard a commotion and stepped onthe porch to see.........

Luke cursed under his breath and said with a little more attitude than needed, "Her father set right on the porch the other day and told you he has talked to me on several occassion and he made it clear what he expects from me." Jesse raised his voice,"DONT YOU DARE GET AN ATTITUDE WITH ME!!!! and just WHAT exactly does THIS MAN EXPECT FROM YOU?!!!!!!" "For me not to do anything to put his daughter's reputation in question." Luke replied honestly. Jesse said firmly, "So, I see, and by all means he WANTS you to sleep with her??!!!!! I've bout had enough of this and that ain't how I was raised and it sures to heck ain't gonna be how yer rasied!!! Luke replied, "No, he doesn't WANT us to sleep together at all." Jesse said, "It sure sounds like it to me... yer spose to stop yer children from doing that not let them do it!!!! I don't wanna talk about it no more!!! And, you mess up just remember it's on YOU and her Daddy! I don't approve at all and you know that!" Luke was saved by Robin pulling up to the house. Jesse glared at him. "Don't make me come looking for you all either!" Luke saw how Robin was dressed in a low cut top and skin tight jeans and boots. Her waist long hair was loose around her shoulders. Luke bit his lip and groaned slightly as he met her at the car. He suggested strongly that they walked out by the small steam. Luke knew he was in sight on Jesse and anyone else who wanted to watch. That was his plan. "We got trouble, Honey." Luke said. Robin looked concerned. Luke explained, "It seems Vance has decided to become a memeber of the ethics committee. With everything that went on with Lori he's on my case big time. He's been shooting off his mouth with things he suspects just where Jesse hears him. So, believe me, as much as I'd really like some attention. I know better. I know we have several sets of eyes on us right now." Robin said, "Well, Vance don't know a thing about what goes on at the house." Luke replied, "No, but he suspects enough to have Jesse in the air!"

Luke hurried in from school to find Jesse putting on a pot of coffee. "Uncle Jesse with everything that has been going on lately I haven't really gotten to talk to Robin about everything without there being someone around. I know I can't go over there, but if I get the chores done can she come over for supper?" Jesse considered Luke's situation and nodded, "Yes, but I want the chores done. Not half done." Luke replied, "Yes, Sir. I'll call her after I change so she knows to get her homework done first." "Ok." Jesse said. ~~~~~~~~ Vance had come in on the end of the conversation and as he passed Luke room he asked, "Trying to become a Daddy again?" Luke hoped Jesse was outside as he leaped for Vance and put him against the wall. "Prove I've done ANYTHING with Robin!" Vance ...

Rosco knew something was up when he walked in from the way BL was acting innocent. He decided to make his way downstairs too. ~~~~~~~~ Luke decided that he was just going to keep his mouth shut for the rest of the weekend. He climbed up on one of the top bunks and hoped they would just leave him alone. You could feel the tension in the air just by walking into the room where the cells were and Rosco did, but everyone was acting as if nothing was wrong. He felt like he was running a day care instead of a jail this weekend. Cooter was lost in his own thoughts of what Lori had been going through. The way she had been acting before she left now made sense to him. Mark on the other hand was now worried about his sister ending up in the same situation. Only his family and Luke KNEW that when he stayed at Mark's house with Mark that Luke was actually sharing his sister's bed. That was an arrangement that Luke and Mark'd Dad had arranged about six months ago to keep Robin's reputation out of question. Mark had to laugh at that. he wondered just how good her reputation would be once it got out that Luke had gotten Lori pregnant and Robin was now his 'steady' girlfriend. He would be glad when tis weekend was over, but he still had four more to go. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke was actually glad to be heading back to school and away from Vance. That is until he got there. Good news in Hazzard County sure seemed to travel faster than good shine. He half heard several remarks on the bus some about his weekend in jail some about Lori which he chose to ingnore only because no one's name had been mentioned. Robin had set with him on the bus. He noticed she was dressed up today. Well, she was dressed a lot skimpy today which no doubt was for his benefit, but may be his undoing. Robin was standing with Luke outside when an announcement was made for all the cheerleaders to meet in the gym for a special meeting. She sighed, "Now what? I'm not going." Luke laughed, "Look one of us in trouble is enough. Go?" "Ok. But it better be good! I haven't even gotten to talk to you all weekend." Robin complained. Luke nodded, "It'll be OK. Go see what's up and maybe you can come over this evening?" He said rather hopeful. She was actually pretty much driving him crazy. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ In the gym everyone was excited. The cheerleaders had raised enough money to sponsor the Christmas dance. The date was set for three weeks away. Robin was put in charge of the decorations. She couldn't wait to tell Luke in class. She was already thinking about a snowflake theme.

Luke swore. "So, much for keeping things a secret huh Vance?" "YOU are the only one I TOLD!" Vance said. Luke raised his eyebrows, and added, "Besides Jesse?" Vance replied, "I had no idea he was standing there." Luke wasn't at all sure he believed Vance about that, but added, "And as for me not staying with anyone I've had TWO girlfriends in the last year!" Vance hooped, ,"Woooo big whoop for you cousin!!! TWO girlfriends! AND just how many one night stands? Before, during and after only THOSE TWO girlfriends? AND, how long is it gonna be this time for she dumps you or you dump her??!!!!!" Luke turned to walk, but he only had about ten feet that he could walk. He turned back to Vance and said, "It's NOT like that!" "Then, HOW is it?" Vance asked. Luke started to say something and realized for the first time since he and Vance had been going at it that he was locked in a cell with one of his girlfriends brother and the other one's cousin and both were looking rather upset with him! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lori in the meantime was wondering about how things would go when she went back home for the holidays. Little did she know that Vance had put her private business out to Luke and now the better part of the County knew she had been pregnant by Luke Duke.

Luke looked to Vance and said, "You know you're right. I am a jerk, but there's not a he-- of a lot I can do now is there?" The two had totally forgotten that both Cooter and Mark as well as the others were listening to everything they said. Vance looked at Luke, "I would have even helped her raise YOUR child. I was gonna tell Jesse and Luther that I was the one so you'd have never had to have heard a word about YOUR carelessness." Luke heard what Vance was saying but the meaning behind it was lost on Luke at the moment. It hit Luke totally wrong. He reached through the bars and managed to get a hold of Vance's shirt. "Yeah, you would have taken ALL the blame but how much CREDIT would you have gotten? Sure would have made you look BIG to have gotten in Lori's pants. Wouldn't it?" Cooter was just catching parts of this conversation and the meaning behind it. He wasn't liking what he was hearing, but figured that this wasn't the best time to get in the middle of the conversation. But, he figured he had better do something before Luke choked Vance. Cooter looked at Mark and Jeb, "Fellas?" It took all three of them to get Luke to let go of Vance. Vance....

Luke began to tell him about how he and Vance was at each other's throats cause Lori had told him she had been pregnant. How Vance he gotten to be there for her because he knew and Luke didn't and how it had been Vance with her even when she miscarried. Luke told him he'd only had about thirty hours to get used to all this after Lori had left, so that now her couldn't even talk to her about it. Like she would talk to him. He remembered the last time he went after her trying to get her to talk to him. She nearly took his head off. Mark looked at him, "Robin knows all this?" Luke replied, "Most of it. The short version." Mark nodded and asked, "And?" Luke replied, "Well, she, .... she ah, ..... wanted to take my mind off coming to jail before I left. Trouble was I don't think I could have, ah, you know, if I had the time." Mark suggested, "Why don't you call that recruiter and find out where they sent her for training." Luke knew a bit more about the Marines that he let let on, "North Carolina. Camp La June." Mark looked impressed, "How you know that? Well, since you do, you could...." Luke said, "There are only two training bases for the Marines if you are on the East you go to Camp LA June which is like saying somewhere in Georgia." "That big?" Mark asked. Luke shook his head 'no', "That many people." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Lori looked at Billy Ray and replied, "Nope, I ain't changed none. Still right in the middle of where trouble goes down."