DixieDavenport

Luke sighed, "I didn't turn anything into something complicated. I just told him that we were together...." Rosco added, "So that's why you threw the first punch, huh?" He giggled. Lori yelled, "You did WHAT?" Luke said, "Thanks a lot Rosco!" Then he turned to Lori noticing for the first time she was wearing a necklace he'd given her years ago. "Where in the world did that come from?" He asked about he necklace. Lori.........

"What?" exclaimed Lori. "What for?" He half wished he'd called Jesse instead of Lori. Luke sighed again, "Can we talk about that later? You know Rosco'e in a hurry to get me behind bars." Lori sighed, "I'll be right there." she hung up the phone. "Sh--!" She said as she went to tell Cooter where she was going. Luke was placed in the cell by a gloating Rosco. "I love it, just love it!" Luke wasn't in the mood for him right now. Rosco added, "Judge won't be in until morning too." Luke stood looking at the bars, "Figures!" Lori rushed in hoping to post bond to bond Luke out..........

He caught up with Billy Ray at the Boar's Nest. Luke saw the car. He parked the loaner, got out, and walked in the Boar's Nest. Luke was looking for trouble and he'd just found it setting at the bar. He walked over to the bar and layed his hand on Billy Ray's shoulder, "I'm telling you once and for all, Lori and I are together. We've got a son together and in case you are wondering, she's carrying MY baby!" Luke glared. He was ready for what ever Billy Ray had.

He marched up there and said frankly, "I made my choice. I was YOU. In case you forgot I love you and the kids, but I'm not going to stand there and watch him try to get you back and NOT do something about it. I'm going out and give you time to make your choice. If you care anything about him, you better HOPE I don't run into him!" He picked up the keys to the loaner which just happened to be a 1972 Road Runner much like Daisy's old car. Cooter had worked on the engine and it was HOT!

Cooter nodded, and Luke louder, "Calm down HELL! You know you've got some da-- nerve, Lori. You pitch a Bi---, if I so much as think of Dixie, yet you stand there in front of Me and LET him touch you like that!" He had half a mind to go after Billy Ray, but he figured that Billy Ray's time would come. Cooter was still standing in between Luke and Lori.

Cooter had also moved quickly to where Konrad was trying to intercept Luke. He jumped in front of Luke and took the wrench out of his hand but not without a lot of effort. "Luke, Da-- It! Stop it before you get Rosco over here!" Luke had let Cooter take the wrench back, but he was by no means any calmer, "Cooter we're friends, but you best move!" He didn't like the scene he was seeing beyond Cooter and he was intent on stopping it.

Luke glared at him and asked as he hit the bottom of the outside steps, "Look what the cat drug in. What are you doing back in town?" Cooter was under the hood of a car, but heard Luke's annoyed voice. He raised up and headed toward the outside to see who Luke was talking to in such a manner. He hoped it wasn't a costomer. He saw....... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Upstairs Lori hadn't heard Luke or Billy Ray...............

Luke smiled and took Little Luke to the back to the bathroom sayin to Lori, "Honey, when I get done I need to start packing a few things for next week. Where is the suitcases?" Lori had completely forgot about the box she put in small closet. "They are in the small closet." She had several things on her mind right now. Luke leaving for a week, the new baby, his divorce, several songs she should be working on, what Dixie was 'wanting' from the divorce, and her new contract. After cleaning up they all enjoyed supper together, then Little Luke went to play in his room for awhile. Lori was picking upthe kitchen as Luke figured it was as good atime as anyto get his things together. He opened the small closet to get a suitcase or duffle bag which he preferred. As he was looking around for what he wanted he managed to hit something which caused an avalache of items. One of which was the box Lori had put in the closet the night before. As Luke bent down to pick up the spilled items from the box he noticed a picture of Lori and Billy Ray. Luke looked at teh picture a full minute before asking, "AH, Lori, what's this that spilled out in the closet?" Lori..................

Dixie started by sending Little Jesse out to play with Bo's children. Once there was only Jesse, Bo, Daisy and Beth in the kitchen, she placed the envelope on the table with copies of her petition foe divorce and Luke's response. It also contained the date for the divorce hearing. "Uncle Jesse, I know you don't believe in divorce. I know I never wanted it to come to this. It doesn't look like he's coming back. I really can't see staying married to him, but if I go through with it, then he's free to be with Lori." Jesse heard the mixed emotions statement. "Dixie like I've told you all from the beginning. What you all do is your buisness. You are right, in my day, when such things happened, and they did, you worked it out." "How?" Dixie asked. Jesse smiled, "There are ways, but then there is no guarantees either. If you want Luke back you may need to go after him. If you only want to prevent him from being with Lori, then it would be worse on you both and the children if you just stayed married to keep him from moving on." Dixie nodded, "That is what I thought at first too, but the closer the end gets the more I wonder if I'm doing this for the right reasons." Jesse added, "Only you know your reasons and feelings. Honey you two lived here for five years, but what went on between you two was your business unless either of you involved us." "I know that and I for one appreciate that you all didn't take sides when we had problems. Thanks, ya'll." Dixie said. Daisy asked, "Say why don't you two stay here tonight?" Dixie replied, "Yeah I think I will."

Luke smiled to her and said, "Ya know you kinda cute there!" He knew he was asking for it but he just had to say it. She happened to be standing in the kitchen barefooted with only the big flannel shirt on. Lori glared, "Don't you dare tell me my 'place' is at home, barefoot, pregnant and in the kitchen, Luke Duke or I'll give you an attitude adjustment just for thinking it!" Laughing, Luke said, "I didn't say that, I just said you looked cute!" ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Meanwhile back at the farm, Dixie had gotten her set of divorce papers. She had Little Jesse had gotten all moved in and settled into the new trailer, but tonight she felt like she needed company. "Jesse how would you like to go see Uncle Jesse for supper?" "Maybe he's fixin' ribs!" The youngster said. Dixie smiled at her son looking so much like his father, "Yeah, he just might be. I fixed a cake for desert. Let's go!" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Jesse could tell by Dixie's expression that something was wrong and that she needed to talk. "Something wrong?" Dixie nodded 'no', her eyes said 'yes' but she replied, "No, I just got these in the mail." Jesse knew she needed to talk after supper. He nodded his understanding.

The next morning the only thing Lori found to wear that fit her decently was a larger pair of jeans and a maternity shirt. Luke had put on jeans and one of his Smoke Jumper shirts. He had gotten Little Luke ready and they were waiting on Lori to finish getting ready. Once she was ready Luke took his seat in the driver's seat of Midnight Rider and drove to Base Camp. He decided to get the business part of this visit over with before he went to find 'the team', so the first stop was in the Administration section of the Base Camp. Lori and Little Luke waited while Luke was given a physical and the Doctor looked ver his medical records. The Doctor said, "Luke that was a pretty nasty break. But, from what I can tell you seemed to have healed well enough to jump again. But, I would like for you to work with the next team while they do their jump training to make sure that you can handle the landings. I can see you after each week to see if you need to continue working with the trainees or if I can clear you to return back to you team." Luke nodded. Randy had prepared him for this possiblility. He knew better than to peeve Doc off or it would be that much longer before he could jump again. "Thanks, Doc. I'll go set it up with Randy to be here when they start the jump trianing." Doc nodded and wished Luke well as he walked back into the waiting room where Lori was looking at a magazine. Luke asked, "Well, are you all ready to make some rounds?" The first stop was administration to change contact information. Working in the office that day was a mother to one of the jumpers. She was about sixty with a beehive hair do and glasses straight from teh sixties. Luke walked into the office. Brenda spotted him, "Well, Look what the cat drug in! We thought you had deserted us!" Luke smiled, "Brenda I can you get me the form to change my emergency contact information? Then, I'll introduce you to my 'friends'." Luke said causally. Brenda gave him the form and for the first time noticed that this wasn't Luke's wife but she had only met her once or twice. Luke continued, "This is my son, Luke and my girlfriend Lori." Brenda had the good graces not to ask what happened to the wife. She had been here too long and seen too much to even act surprised. She did spot rather quickly that Luke's girlfriend sure appeared pregnant again. After the standard greetings. Luke had completed the form and moved on to the teams area of the base. Luke again wanted to get the business over with first, so he addressed Randy as he stepped into the room, "Ok, Randy, I know you talked to Doc. set me up to help train the rookies." Randy grinned, "You think I can influence that crazy doctor? But, I do have you scheduled as their lead trainer and I'll see you bright and early Monday morning." Luke ribbed, "Hey, just who died and left you boss around here?" Randy replied, "The one who decided to hit the ground at about 70 mph and is in here asking all the questions." He said meaning Luke. Luke saw the others gathering around near by the office to see when he was coming back. Luke looked at Lori, Little Luke and Randy then said, "Well, the thundering herd is forming out there." Randy replied, "Yeah, they will all be glad when you're back." Luke said, "Is that a complaiment or what?" Randy replied, "It's an 'Or What'. I know I'll be glad when you're back." They all walked out to the ready room. Luke was surrounded by the team and being asked a million questions from "How are you?", "When are you coming back?", and more. Luke had did his best to answer the questions and finally got them settled down to introduce Lori to them. "Ok, ok, listen up. First, I want all you to meet my son Luke and my girlfriend Lori." Then he turned to Lori, "I'd lilke ya'll to meet the best group of people I've ever worked with. You've met Randy." He pointed to the others as he went, "These are Bugs, Steve, Ryan, Casey and Lisa." Luke knew he was missing one stray lamb. He'd likely be here before Luke left. Needless to say Lori was a bit surprised to see the two very atletic women a few years yuonger than her being included in the introductions of the team. She..... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ NOTE: This post was written as entertainment only. I don't know as much as I'd like to about the SmokeJumpers other than I admire the hard work they do. I thought it was fantastic in the Dukes Reunion to make Luke a Smoke Jumper becasue in the show he had been a paratrooper in Vietnam so the progression was natural. The qualifications and the possibilities of being able to jump again after such an injury are unknow to me. As I said, it is written for entertainment and I have not researched these issues.

Hours later when it was time for Little Luke to go to bed Luke and Lori were pretty much ready for bed too. Luke wanted to leave early in the morning to go to Base Camp. Lori and Little Luke would be going with him. He wanted them to meet his 'other family' his team. He'd worked hard to get a good bunch of people and they were as close as many families. He was proud of them and of Lori, Luke, and the new baby, but he knew he'd have a bit of explaining to do since they all knew Dixie and Jesse.

Lori said, "Yeah, just not feeling myself." Luke started and tried to remain neutral, "Well, don't make plans for the second of next month." She turned and saw what she took to be the divorce papers. She smiled ear to ear. Luke

Luke hoped he didn't look as shaken as he knew he was by getting the hearing date. He hoped to hang out downstairs with the guys for a bit before facing Lori. He knew he also had to bring up the subject of work and being gone. Frankly he wasn't sure if their relationship was that strong.

Luke laughed, "You know these Davenport women. They are a handful." Luke decided he needed to try to call about work before dinner. "Hey guys I'll be back in a few minutes I got to go make a call." Lori watched as Luke picked up the phone to call Base Camp. When the phone wsa answered, Luke knew it was Randy on the other end. "Randy this is Luke. Yeah, I'm good. I've got the clear to go back from my doctor. Now, what do I have to do to get clear there to go bck to jumping?" Luke was the Senior Smoke Jumper but Randy had been with the Smoke Jumpers longer and knew what to tell Luke to do to get the process started. Randy told Luke that he needed to come in and see the doctor that he had to be cleared by each season for routine physicals. Then, he'd likely be put into a class of new Smoke Jumpers likely helping teach them until he was able to build up the strenght in his leg to be able to take landing on it again. Luke knew what this meant and he knew Lori wasn't going to like it AT ALL, but she would have to get used to it. Because after this week they had a new class of Smoke Jumpers starting their jump training, Luke would be gone at least for a couple weeks of the class from early Monday morning until late Friday afternoon. He knew he needed to do this now and get it over with to get back to work. But, he also knew that he wanted to be back in Hazzard when Dixie went into labor. He knew she still had awhile, but he wasn't sure how long it would take him to be cleared either. He was going to have to talk to her. He figured he'd drive down and see the doctor and Randy maybe tomorrow and he planned to offer to take Lori and Little Luke with him since they weren't too familiar with his job. He hung up the phone and saw Lori waiting with questioning eyes. Luke sighed, "I need to go in and see the doctor there. Then, we go from there." He purposely avoided the part about then being gone all week for at least two or three weeks. He would get to that later. "Would you and Luke like to go with me? I can show ya'll around let you meet everyone AND update the emergency contacts." Lori smiled. He really wanted her to meet the othr guys. She sometimes felt like he was ashamed of her and their situation. "I think changing the contacts is a great idea. Sure we'll go. It won't hurt for Luke to miss on day of school." Luke nodded, "Jesse loved it! But, that day he also got to see me do a practice jump with a new class." Luke got up and walked to the door, as he stepped through it he called back, "I'm going to check the mail. Need anything?" Lori smiled, and said, "No, I'm good." She thought back to their previous talk. He really did tell her where he was going without her having to ask. It had been hard for her not to ask though when he had mention Little Jesse then got up so quickly, but she had held her tongue. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ At the post office Ms. Tizedale gave Luke the mail after checking his identification and calling Cooter to check to see if he could pick up the mail for the garage. On his way back to the garage Luke noticed a rather large envelope that had a return address from "Hazzazrd Circuit Clerk" that was addressed to him. When he saw it, it wsa almost like someone kicked him right in the stomach. He even felt his knees almost buckle at the realization of the finality of his and Dixie's marriage. He knew that the envelope would contain the date of the divorce hearing. He took a seat on a bench in town square to open the envelope in private. He stared at the notice of hearing. He thought all the way back to the fifteen year old Dixie walked into the garage in Cooter's shirt and Hazzard Garage ball cap with her ponytail sticking out. His next thought was of the same fifteen year old walking into the same garage wanting permission to go out on a date dressed in a skirt and blouse looking all of twenty. At the time of both incidents Luke however, didn't know she was only fifteen just that she was Cooter's little sister. The second incident is the first time Luke had noticed her for herself not just Cooter's sister. Luke continued to set and watch the memories of their lives together flash before his eyes.

Luke smiled saying, "You're right! You don't want to know!" Luke laughed. Cooter called out, "Hey take it easy on that old bed frame now. The welds are better than the frame was!" That reminded Luke, "Hey Cooter, you know the 'Y' out just befor eyou get to the lake?" "Yeah." Cooter said. "Enos may need a wrecker about now." Luke said as he went to get dry. Cooter laughed, "OK, so let me guess ya'll been out drumming up buisness again. Like I don't have enough work here!" Luke and Lori laughed as they closed the door.

Luke replied, "Yeah, but I want to feel." Lori placed his hand on her slightly round belly. He waited hoping to feel his little move............ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bo crosse the room to Beth, "I love you Sunshine. Really I do."He decided to tell Uncle Jesse what he already knew but Bo had no idea that he knew, "Uncle Jesse number six is on its way!" Bo said patting Beth's belly. She didn't know what the night out with the guys did, but Bo was sure more receptive to the idea of a another child today than he had been in weeks. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Meanwhile at Cooter's BL was....................... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Luke rubbed back her wet hair and smiled to her.he said, "This reminds me of years ago. Lori, I love you, why can' t you just accept that and not make me prove it 27 times a day every day. Lord knows I ain't perfect but I ain't Lucifer himself either." He knew he was going to get a mouth full. He likely deserved it but he was getting tired of professing a love that was only doubted." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Beth woke to an empty bed. She wondered when Bo would be home..................

Luke replied, "Bo wouldyou believe, I don't knwo exactly. I mean we were good last night. I know it had something to do with the wedding band, which I took off, but I really have no clue." Bo looked at him, "Sh--! Luke I thought you had it made with a girlfriend and a wife. Guess I was wrong!" Luke laughed, "Yeah, Dead wrong."

Luke looked at her like she were from Mars, "What the He-- are you talking about? I thought we had this wettled yesturday, but today you are on a totally different rant!" Lori flew mad,"Ohhh sure just like a man to NOT know what a woman is talking about!!! Luke I aint stupid, ya know I may act like it and look it, at times, but I aint completely idiotic!!! we got the TRUST part worked out yesterday, and I said I trusted you. What I was talking about up there, god love yer heart fer being soo dang hungover this morning, is yer feelings you have towrds me!! they aint what they use to be, anyone with eyes can see that, blood shot or not!" Luke looked at her in disbelief, "Darlin' what are you talking about? I love you. I just got up and you're giving me sh-- for something."

Luke looked down and for the first time in months realized he was still wearing his wedding band from where he and Dixie were married nearly six years ago. He had promised that night NEVER to take it off unless his job or work caused it to be a danger. He had never taken it off up til now. It was then he heard the Midnight rider fire up. Luke ws out the door, down the steps and over the banister before she got turned around. "Lori. Lori, da--IT! WAIT!" He was in front of the car! Her only option was to hit him or stop. Lori skidded it to a hault and climbed out cussing him every breath,"Luke!! YOU AINT GOT SENSE THAT GOD GAVE A GOOSE!!" Luke asked, "Lori, WHAT the HE-- did I do NOW?" He never realized he still had the ring on. His head hurt. Bo was stil there he wasn't ready for this sh--!

Luke said, "Lori, I told a where I was going. Turn down ten girls in the Tri - States and came home with you and Bo." Luke thought, 'What could I have done wrong?' then said, "So, what are you going to the lake to think about?" Lori looked to Luke,"I know you did Luke I aint blind, I trust ya, just things to think on, I reckon if you can escape to deal with yer problems and feelings so can I." Luke thought for a few minutes, "Lori I don't have a problem with you having time to yourself. Really, I don't and I'd lilke to thank you for last night. Bo needed me and I was able to be there like I used to be able to. I really miss that!" Lori........

Luke mumbled as she got into bed, "Did ya call Beth?" Lori nodded 'no', "Actually I hadn't thought of it." Luke reached for the phone, "Get me the Duke farm, ........... yes, I know it's 3 am." Luke hoped to catch DAisy as she came in.His timing was off. She wasn't there yet. Beth answered with a worried tone, "Duke Farm." "Beth, Bo's here with me. He's on the couch sound asleep. We took Konrad and Cooter home, but Bo's here. Come get him in the morning or I'll bring him home." Luke said. Though Beth was glad Bo was OK and not in jail, she wished he were home. She could tell Luke's voice. He was drunk or near so, if he was then Bo was too. Maybe it would be better to leave him on Luke's couch. "OK, Thanks for calling Luke." Luke had sorta hoped Dixie would answer. He hadn't been told of the new trailer that she'd set up. Luke was more than happy to get in his bed. He hoped Cooter's welds held tonight. He didnt' look forward to sleeping on the floor.

Bo was almost drunk enough to tell them, "I 'm in trouble here guys." Luke took a sip of beer and asked, "Trouble? What's up Bo?" Bo said, "I need another beer to tell this!" Luke shook his head and smiled. It had been a long time since they had done this. Luke had been situations before that it took the promise of one more beer before he could start telling it. He stood up on unsteady feet, "Hold that thought then, I'll be right back." He said as he started to make his way through the crowd to the bar. Luke had not paid attention that Lori was about to take a break. While he waiting on his beers to be filled, Lori approached the bar a couple people down and asked for a cola. It was hot in the small bar tonight but she felt better than she had in awhile. When Luke reached in his pockets he realized he had been the one of the bunch that had driven the General Lee from the garage to the bar. He knew that he was in no shape to drive two beers ago. Luke stepped beside Lori and said, "Honey, since you are here, let me give you the keys and be our driver tonight." Lori was peeved about the red head, but she had seen Luke and this bunch drink since they were teens. If any of them was giving you their keys, they were or planned to get to the point no one wanted them driving. She and the others respected that about this bunch of guys. Lori gave him a smile, placed the keys in her pocket, and said, "You know I hadn't planned to be here until I got and urgent message that the band cancelled. What would ya'll have done with me?" Luke smiled back at her and said with just the beginnings of a slur, "Drank til Daisy got cleaned up and ready to leave." Lori nodded, she would accept that answer. It told her he wouldn't have driven and it told her he'd be home a couple hours earlier with her driving rather than Daisy. She was tempted to say something about the girl on his lap, but she was having a good time, so was Luke and he had managed to get her off his lap rather quickly, even though he had 'let' her get there in the first place. "I've got to get back." She said to Luke as his beers were finally filled. "Ok, your sounding good tonight by the way." Luke was wise enough to say, though he had frankly been more interested in the 'guy' conversations that were taking place at the table. But, now he had to go listen to what was bothering Bo and try to help fix it. It had been a long time, too da-- long since he and Bo had been in this situation. Luke found that he missed it more than he had realized. He--, he missed Bo, who had seemed to have dodged him since he got out of the hospital. Now maybe he'd find out why. Luke was glad though that when the 'chips' were down, Bo still came to him with the problem, whatever it was. He said as he set the beers down, "Ok, fellas, got us a driver, another beer and Daisy said she'd keep us full, now Bo, let's talk about 'this'." Bo was about to tell them exactly what the 'this' Luke had referred to was. He took a healthy drink of beer, then before starting, he looked at Lori on the stage, but he wasn't hearing her, he ws noticing the beginnings of the baby growing inside her. Luke followed his eyes. He saw Bo was watching Lori. Then he noticed the painful look that appeared in Bo's eyes. For a split second, luke thought the pain was due to the situation he and Lori happened to be in, but as soon as Bo started talking Luke realized he had been mistaken. Bo's eyes filled with tears, "Luke, ......" Bo barely uttered, he blinked the tears back and smiled slightly with mixed emotions, "Beth's pregnant." Luke looked at him a bit in surprise, "What? ....... Are you sure?" Bo sighed, "I am sure. She is sure, but she hasn't..." Luke finished the sentence, "Went to see Doc yet." Bo nodded that he was correct, "Luke we've been here too many times though, she is." Cooter set watching and listening to the two. He was often included in these talks, but one like this he felt better just sipping his beer. Yet, he couldn't believe, Bo Duke the 'high school playboy of Hazzard and surrounding counties' was about to become the father of six children. Luke nodded that he understood, as he let the bitter sweet news soak into his head. He knew there was nothing he could say or do to change this, yet, he knew Bo was waiting for him to 'help' him with advice or words of wisdom or something. he took a drink of beer and nodded his head 'no' as he said, "I suppose, 'Congratulations!' is not what you're looking for here?" He said as almost a question. Bo's face took on the pained look once again as his eyes filled with tears that he somehow kept from falling. "No, it's not." Luke nodded again his understanding of the situation. He assessed the situation. Then, he found that he compared it to his own, before speaking, "Bo, this may not be what ou want to hear either but hear me out. So your wife of what, thirteen years or so (Luke knew his brain refused to do the math from Bo, Jr's birth til now.) is pregnant with number six." Luke had to smirk just a bit, before saying, "It could be worse. Believe me it could always be worse!" Cooter heard, what was the closest thing to regret that he'd heard Luke say since his own situation had begun. He knew had Lori or Dixie heard that statement they both would have been all over it, but he knew these two needed tonight to say what they truely felt without having it taken back to any of the women. Cooter saw Daisy and flagged her down for another round of beers. It was a good thing they didn't have to worry about trying to drive. It was going to be a long evening. Luke saw Bo wasn't convienced. "You could be off work due to an accident while expecting your third and fourth child by your wife of almost six years and your girlfriend at the same time. Trust me it could be worse!" Bo shot back without anger, "But, you let yourself get into that situation." Luke countered frankly, "And, you cousin let yourself get into yours." For a second, Cooter thought he knew why he was here, to refree, but they were remaining calmer than he expected with verbal blows hitting so close to the belt. That was the thing about these two, they could say things liek this to each other that NO ONE including himself could have gotten away with. "I know, but wouldn't you think I'd learn how to be careful?" Bo asked. Luke gave him a look of disbelief! And asked, "YOU really want ME, ..... to go THERE?" Bo said in frustration, "Luke you know what I mean." "Oh, yeah, your da-- right I know what you mean!" Luke said in total understanding. Cooter desided that he saw an opening in this conversation because it wasn't getting either of them anywhere, "Look fellas. All I know is it doesn't matter who's in the worse situation, whether you SHOULD both have known how to be careful or not, what matters is that there are little ones coming. And, I know you both. You both may be second guessing yourselves now. You both may be crying in your beers before you leave here tonight, but I also know that when those little ones get here, you BOTH would move heaven and Earth for them. You Both will step up to the challeneges and responsibilites of those children. We ALL know that. He--, Luke, if some 'fly by night' had done what you did five years ago, you know you and me and the others would have strung him up by his toes! We didn't YOU because we knew you would take care of the situation. Just like now, we all know that you have broad shoulders to carry the load you've made for yourself. Sure, we all know you could have done things different. You could have chosen a couple easy paths, but that's not you. You have always carried your load and half everyones elses." Cooter saw them both looking at him surprised. Neither Bo nor Luke had heard Cooter ever talk like this. Luke had to ask, "Cooter where did you find such wisdom?" Cooter looked a bit embarrassed, "I'd have to say hanging around you and Uncle Jesse all these years." He felt a bit embarrassed, and continued, "Now, drink ya'lls beers 'fore they go flat." They continued to sip and talk for quite sometime ..........

Luke replied, "See, ya'll abused it for years! It just happened to break on us and we'll never hear the end of it!" Luke knew they were giving him grief in good fun, but he knew it would be brought up for years! Hearing Lori's remark he called back up, "Yeah, maybe the other furniture won't break as easy!" ~~~~~~~~~~~ Up stairs Lori just shook her head. She knew that with BL there it would be all over the county! ~~~~~~~~~~ Luke looked at Bo. Now that the 'fun' was over and BL had left, he looked worried. "Hey, you said you wanted to talk to me about your problems. What's up?" Bo replied, "How about we get the bed back up and the three of us go grab a beer?" Luke knew Bo's tone. It was serious. "Yeah, sure." Luke said without hesitation. He'd see how far his and Lori's talk went now that he wanted to go out for a guys only night.