DixieDavenport

Luke began after just setting still for several minutes without saying anything. Then he said with a far off look in his eyes. One that Cooter had only seen on Luke when he was talking about being in Vietnam, "I knew I should have never went where she wanted to go talk. I knew it! And I be da-- if I didn't do it anyway. I knew what would happen." he said quietly. Then continued a little louder, "I knew, but I went anyway. I knew when I called you and picked up the truck I was wrong. DEAD wrong but I did it anyway. Cooter I knew what would happen!" Luke sipped his beer, "I swear I have never even thought about going out on Dix. You know she is the greatest thing that has ever happened to me and she has never thrown up Little Luke or the child support." Luke sighed then sipped his beer. "Cooter, Dix is pregnant for sure." Cooter.................

Jesse heard the second crash in the house. He was wise enough to let them fight their own battle. He had already sent Bo, Jr. to take little Jesse out to see the pond. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke replied, "Honey, you know what I used to be like and I SWEAR I have NEVER EVER,....... not since before we were married." Dixie screamed, "NOT SINCE THE LAST TIME YOU SCREWED MY COUSIN?????" Luke hung his head. "I could have gotten a job. Made it on MY own but now I'm KNOCKED UP by YOU! I can see me in a waitress outfit in another two months! He-- give it four I'll be lucky to see MY FEET!" Luke................

Luke looked at Dixie and ever so quietly said, "I'll leave if you want me to." When Dixie looked up at Luke she had tears in her eyes and said just a quietly, "Sure, go be with your girlfriend and son. Leave the three of us setting here?" Luke knew when she got quiet he was in serious trouble. She had ended with a question, but right now had no answers. Dixie turned away from Luke thinking before she spoke again, with her back still to him she swore, "I'm not a high maitanence person, Luke, you know that, but if you think you are paying child support now, ......... I PROMISE you that you won't be able to even charge a beer at the Boar's Nest, you'll be so broke." Luke reached with his right hand in his back pocket tossing his wallet and check book on the bed. "Dix if I loose you over this I really won't care. The trucks still running in the yard, you can have it too." "It not that easy Luke." Dixie said where he could barely hear her. She turned to him and said through gritted teeth, "I never said I WANTED YOU TO LEAVE, DA-- IT TO HE--!!!! LUKE! I don't know what I want!" she suddenly got very loud. "I don't even know IF I want this baby. You SURE AS HE-- act like you DON'T!!! You won't even talk to ME ABOUT IT!" She picked up a glass from the hight stand and threw it just missing Luke. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Everyone outside heard the glass shadder.

Lori asked, "Are you crazy?" Luke replied, "Probably, but see I have a plan. After I go pack, I'll call base camp, tell them I'll be there tomorrow and work this entire fire season. I'll just stay there. Then, I'm going somewhere ALONE tonight and get really DRUNK!" "You're leaving?" Lori asked in surprise. "Don't think I have a choice," Luke said as he saw Dixie on the porch with Bo and BL. He suddenly sped up the truck across the open field, skidded the still running truck in as close as he dared and took the four front steps in one step and he closed the distance on the rapidly retreatng Dixie. She saw Lori in the truck with Luke coming across the field. She bolted like a scared colt through the front door and headed to hers and Luke's room. Luke was quicker than she thought and managed to get inside the door before she could slam it in his face. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Hearing all the commotion Jesse came around the house and looked at Bo, "What in tarnation?" Bo now knew how Luke felt all those times when he'd managed to get them into trouble and Luke had to try to get them out of it! He..............

Dixie gave Bo a strange look, "You feel Ok Bo?" Bo felt ill, very ill, "I think I'm coming down with something." He was thinking, 'Like a case of guilt and I'm only guilty by association, but guilty just the same.' ~~~~~~~~~~ Luke looked at Lori, "Come on let's get back before they figure this out." Lori had to admit to herself that she did feel guilty, especially since she knew Dixie was pregnant. "Just drop me off in town and hopefully they won't figure it out." Luke just rolled his eyes, "Right. They'll never figure it out."

Dixie came out just then and noticed that Midnight Rider ws still parked in the yard but Luke's truck wasn't. "Where the pick up? Don't tell me he went for a drive?" Bo was relieved she had came to that conclussion because he had been about to stick his foot in his mouth and tell her Luke had went for a walk like Luke had told him too. "Ah, ....... yeah, he did, after they talked to Little Luke." Dixie nodded, "Guess I'll help with lunch since I've been slacking all day. Wait a minute where is Lori and Little Luke? Still walking?" Bo didn't know for sure so he let her draw her own conclusions, "Must be. I haven't seen them since." He was thinking that, that had been close. He hadn't seen them it wasn't a lie and he could only assume they were with Luke. He hoped he was wrong. For once BL was staying out of the conversation. She was just watching Bo sweat.

After meeting Cooter who picked up Little Luke from Lori, she waited for Luke to get his pickup. Soon after they arrived at the lake Luke looked to Lori and sighed, "Last time I was a little drunk." Lori laughed, "This time I wished I was." Luke had to agree, "I was thinking the same thing. This is wrong. ........ I'm wrong!........" he said as Lori continued to nibble his ear, "And, ......... God help me, ......... I don't .........care......" he sighed giving into Lori's advances. No matter what sorts of pleasure she bestowed on him, Luke could only see Dixie, Little Jesse and the hurt he was bringing to them. Several hours later he layed with Lori on his arm. He felt sick. Deathly sick. He moved so that she would move off his arm and she did so just in time for him to roll away from her and become deathly ill. Afterwards, Luke dressed and walked to the lake away from Lori. Lori followed him. When Luke turned around he couldn't look at her but said, "You know you just cost me everything I've worked for? I've worked hard for five years to build something and I just threw it away to be with you!" Lori said, "Luke. Dixie'll never had to know." Luke shook his head 'no', "I could take a hundred showers. Use a gallon of aftershave and it'll only take one look and she will KNOW I was unfaithful and that it was with you." "Don't be silly. It's not like you haven't done this before." Lori stated. Luke replied, "Yes, it is like I haven't done this before. I have never broken my vows to Dixe until tonight." Lori said, "So don't tell her!" "I'm not stupid!" Luke said, "But, it won't matter, she'll know. I won't have to tell her." Luke knew what he had done and what it would cost him..............................

Lori looked to Luke and said,"I think about all we've missed." Luke was sort of on a different wave length but replied, "I think about all he's missed" talking about Little Luke. Lori played a joker, "He's missed having you and me as a family." Luke swallowed hard and sighed, "Yeah, I guess he has and that's as much my fault as it is yours. But, you know no matter how much we love him. It will never work......." Lori thought Luke might be more receptive with encouragement.

Luke looked to her and smiled. He pulled her ponytail. As they got off the bus Luke caught up with Lori. He and his current steady Robin were on the outs. "What are you doing after the ball game tonight?" Lori blushed, "Going home, I, Ah, ... guess, why?" Luke told little Luke, "So that's when I asked her on our first real date, after I had gotten my drivers liscense." Little Luke asked, "Did you go in the Gen-er-al?" Luke laughed, "No, it took me and Uncle Bo a couple years yet to build him I was going to school to learn how to build him fast!" ~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dixie walked out on the porch after a bout of morning sickness, "Where's Luke?" Bo flushed and said, ....................

Luke had gotten Bo's attention, "Can ya'll keep a eye on Jesse? Lori's wantin' to try to explain a couple things to Luke." Bo gave him a questioning look. "Dixie's laying down. I'll likely be back before she gets up. If not tell her I'm showing Luke around the farm." Luke heard Bo as he walked away and knew he was right, but there was something that drew him to Lori. He knew he should have insisted them staying close by the farm but he knew the spot she was talking about as the three started the rather long walk toward the back 40. Bo replied, "Tell her YOU are showing Luke around? What am I supposed to tell her when she asked for Lori?" Luke didn't answer. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke felt the back of his neck sweeting as they walked and it wasn't hot out. He knew he should be at home laying down with his wife.

Dixie was coming down the street when she saw Luke hold Little Luke. Lori was with them crying. ~~~~~~~~~ Luke smiled softly to her and said, "Yeah, he does and he cares enough about your Mom not to have hit her back" He said where only Lori could hear, "You don't know how much control that just took for me to have stood here like that. I still have that Marine training and it almost took over. and as much as you might think differently, I'd not hurt you for anything." Lori looked at Luke with tears streaming down her face, "I know that, I really do." "Whether you stay isn't up to me. But, please let him get to know our families, huh?" Luke couldn't help but give her just a little 'dig', "But, you'll still have to be here while your on bond." he snickered. It was good to be able to rub salt in someone else sore spots liek they have done to him all these year when he was in trouble with Rosco. Dixie stopped the truck, "Anyone need a ride? BL took off somewhere, Lori."

BL replied as she walked in to the Courthouse, " I can't wait to hear what you done now!" Lori replied, "Finally, I'm outta here!" Luke said smuggly, "At, at, at, your on bond. You can't leave the County without the Judge's permission!" Lori could have slapped him right there! Luke just grinned at her fury and raised his eyebrow. Lori looked at Rosco, "So when will court be?" Rosco equaled Luke's grin, "Judge is going on vacation. Won't be no court for at least a month. Just have old Judge King to set bonds until he gets back. Went out to CA to check on some things. But, I'll make sure your scheduled first!" He said trying to be helpful. It was all Luke could do to keep from all out laughing in her face. "Come on, Luke." She said taking her sons' hand. He didn't move, "But Mommy, I want to play with Jesse! And, Bo, Jr. told me he'd show me a horsey! I want ta go with my Daddy!" Lori was fumming! Luke held his hands up innocently, "It's fine by me." Dixie was staying out of this for now.

Once in the truck Luke tried to prepare his name sake for the visit. "Son, I have wanted to be able to get to know you since you were born. I tried, well, we all tried to get your Mother to stay in Hazzard when I found out about you, but she wouldn't hear of it. See sometimes people do things they don't think out too well. That's what happened with your Mom and me. Then we found out about you. We grew up together and deep down we love each other, but we just can't seem to get along real well. I haven't had the opportunity to be around you but I still love you just as much as Jesse." Luke watched Little Luke, he seemed to understand so he continued, "Last night, remember your Mom said you could stay at the farm until this morning then we'd talk?" Little Luke nodded, 'yes'. "Well, things didn't go her way last night and she wanted to take you out of your bed at 2 am this morning. Uncle Jesse and I didn't think you needed woke up and drug out of bed. Your Mom didn't like that." Little Luke said, "Mommy's like that. Every time I want to make friends she won't let me." Luke nodded and smiled to himself. "Well, see things went bad and you were woke up anyway. You remember my wife, Dixie, well she's your Mother's cousin. We all had a little family arguement that got sorta out of hand and I called a friend of mine to calm your Mom down and unfortunately he also felt he had to calm Dixie down." Luke paused, "So don't worry none about your Mom or Dixie. We're gonna see them both." Luke hoped to bring them home but wasnt' sure if the judge had even set a bond yet. "They may just need a little time out before they come home, OK?" Little Luke asked, "You mean they been bad?" Luke replied, "Well, lets just say they got a little out of hand." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Back at the jail Lori was sound asleep when Dixie woke her up rambling on about something, "Luke are you crazy?" she asked him as he walked in carrying Little Luke. Luke replied, "As a fox." Dixie knew Luke was likely up to no good. She sighed.

Dixie meanwhile gave Rosco a smile, "Hey it was well worth it! I've been waiting to do that for years!" She said as she stretched out on the bunk.

Dixie started towards him, when Beth nodded that she'd get him. She walked into the room and closed the door to comfort the child. Luke was up and headed to the phone. Bo looked to Jesse with concern. Jesse nodded, 'no' to leave him alone. Bo knew it was about to hit the fan. "Rosco, this is Luke Duke. Can you come out to the farm? Lori Davenport is out here and we're having a bit of a disagreement." Luke explained. This is another situation he didn't stop to think completely through. "KEW! Kew! Kew! I'll be right there! Yes, indeed!" Rosco was no longer mad at being woke up. He was up and on his way hoping to maybe arrest a Duke! Bo was thinking quicker than Luke and his conclusions weren't looking good. He went over to Lori and was going to check her out. Luke hissed, "Don't wake her up!" Jesse looked at Luke. "She needs to wake up. Get me a cold towel." "I know." He sighed, getting a clean dish towel wet, "Just didn't want to deal with her before Rosco gets here. Dixie was standing back watching them try to wake Lori up when Rosco skidded in. She went to the door and opened it. Rosco came in took one look at Lori who was still out. "Alright Luke Duke your under arrest! KEW! Kew! Kew! I love it! I just Love my job!" Jesse spoke up, "Just hold up there a minute Rosco!" Dixie cut Jesse off, "Rosco if you think Luke hit her, you are mistaken. I did!" Rosco was a bit surprised. "Get her awake and ask her. I'll just go get dressed, OK" Dixie said. Luke looked at her, "Dressed?" "Well, I don't really want to go to jail in my night clothes." Dixie turned to leave. Bo gave Luke a look that said, 'Jumped the gun didn't you.' Rosco asked, "Ok, can someone tell me what she done to get knocked out?" Luke was more than happy to, "I called you because she didn't have enough scense to leave Jesse Lucas sleep here til morning after letting him stay with Jesse all evening. She wanted him woke up at this hour." Rosco agreed, "Well, that ain't good but it's not illegal. Did she hit anyone or anything?" Luke stretched the truth a bit but said, "Well, when I tried to block the doorway she pushed me out of the way." "So she put her hands on you?" Rosco clerified. Luke replied, "Yes." After getting her awake, Rosco told Lori, "Miss you are under arrest for battery on Luke Duke." Lori said, "WHAT?!?! I'm the one hurt!" Rosco asked, "And who hit you?" Lori replied, "Dixie." "That's what she said. She'll be going with us." Rosco explained. Dixie returned to the kitchen dressed in casual clothes. "I'm waiting on you Rosco."

Uncle Jesse stepped up and raised his voice, "Now ya both just settle down here! Right NOW! Or, ya'll is gonna wake them up your own self. This is ya'lls fight not them kids! You both need to grow up and do what's right for them. Now, Lori you are welcome here as long as it is my house! You can stay or go, that's up to you, but I agree with Luke here that it's not good to drag kids out at this hour. And, Luke may have been out partying but he had the good scense to leave both his children in my care. You doubt him being a good father. Do you doubt that I'd let anything happen to either them boys while I around? But, I'll not have either of you using them boys as weapons against each other in my house!" Lori................

Uncle Jesse looked to Lori and said, "It's late Lori, just let Luke sleep tonight and if ya have to go, then you can go tomorrow." Luke was about to fly off the handle, the veins in his neck had tensed when he came in on the conversation. "Lori it's 2 in the morning. Let him sleep." Luke said standing slightly between her and the boys room. Lori started by him. Luke put his arm in front of her. "Lori, NO! He's asleep, leave him be until morning or I'll have Rosco out her before ya can wake him. You don't drag children out of bed at 2 am. You said he could stay before he went to bed. If you didn't want him to then maybe you should have refrained from going out partying and been a mother!" Jesse was watching Luke carefully. He knew Luke was right, but he didn't want Luke to be the one Rosco carted off if he did have to be called.

Dixie saw what was going on and it was innocent. She looked at Luke and told the truth, "Sure, Honey I trust YOU. I was just worried about ya'll is all. " But she was thinking that she didn't trust Lori and that she trusted Luke most of the time in most situations but this wasn't one of them. Bo let out a sigh of relief. "Luke hang on, I'll get the air tools. We'll have this knocked out in no time." Luke nodded. He was a bit peeved at his wife but didn't want to start anything right now. Lori just ......

Luke stopped Lori in midthought, "We can finish this trip down memory lane on the way home. Come on. Remember farm life starts early and I'm sure we're all gonna have our hands full with a couple excited five year olds." Lori started to say something smart but held back. She knew he was right. Being in a new place Little Luke was going to be up early and bouncing with excitment. "Yeah your right." she sighed. They went out, got in Midnight and headed towards the Duke farm. They were almost there when they heard a strange noise. It took only a second for them both to realized what it was. They both said, "Tire." Lori pulled the car over to a level spot near the side of the road. Luke asked, "Tell me you have a spare and jack?" "Of course I do."Lori answered, then sighed, "Problem is going to be getting to it. Everything we own is in this trunk." Luke was sliding out the window, "Guess we better get started moving it, huh?" Lori could have thought of more pleasant things to do but followed Luke to the trunk. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bo watch Dixie as time was up for Luke to get home. She walked toward him. "Dixie I'll go see if I can find them." Bo offered. Dixie's orange eyes glared at him. "NOT a chance." Bo asked, "Want me to come with you?" He sure hoped Luke was where he was supposed to be or their might just be a double murder in Hazzard County. Dixie replied.......................

And that would be their first date. Lori could still tell you which movie they had watched. Though they had only watched enough of the movie to be able to tell what had happened. The rest of the time they spent necking and she found out that Luke did have a wandering hand or two. But, Lori was able to divert them and keep them half way in line. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Yeah, Ok, I remember Uncle Jesse took us to the movie then we stopped off for a pizza at the dinner." Luke did remember but was sunk if she asked him which movie it was. He'd taken a lot of girls to the movies for evenings much like this one. "And, I believe that was the night I let you wear my jacket (A denium one much like the one he always wore, but a bit smaller as he hadn't 'filled out' yet.) and you wore it til we broke up." Luke remember that because it was his favorite jacket and it had annoyed him, yet Lori never knew that. Lori was finishing her beer. Luke's was long since gone. "Ya want another beer before we head out." It just sank in that all the others had left. "I hope you have Midnight with you or we're walking." Lori said, "Yeah, I sure do." "I was going to catch Bo home but looks like he deserted me." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ At the Duke farm, Lori came in quietly. Jesse was reading in his chair. He answered the question that she hadn't answered, "A little cookies and milk and a story about Luke's first fish -- they were out like a light." Dixie smiled, "Let me go check on them and change." Jesse knew she would go check. He nodded. "Want some coffee?" Dixie replied, "Can ya make it tea? Or I'll get it went I come back?" Jesse replied, "Hot or cold?" "If there's any left ice, if not hot is good. You know me, I ain't picky." Dixie said. Jesse smiled. Indeed he did know her, well, maybe too well. He was expecting her to decline the coffee. Dixie returned in a long nightshirt with joggers under it. These were her normal 'comfy' clothes. She looked at Jesse and asked, "So ya think I should have dressed up since I have competition in town?" Jesse looked at her, "Do you really think after all this that she's competition?" Dixie sighed, "I don't know" He saw the tears forming. "Honey if you were worried why did you come home with out him?" "I said I was tired and I really was.. He obviously wasn't." Dixie said taking a sip of her ice tea and curling her feet up beside her on the couch. Jesse asked, "Is there a reason for your being tired?" Dixie smiled at him warmly, and said quietly, "I knew you knew." "Does Luke know?" Jesse asked. Dixie nodded 'yes', "We went to see Doc today. He said to tell you that you had another Duke on the way." Jesse looked at Dixie a minute before contining, "Well, that always warms my heart to hear. The more the merrier." He paused, "Luke's reaction." Dixie shook it off and said, "We were pretty sure about what Doc would say, but we haven't talked about it since then. I hope to wait until we do before we tell everyone. Jesse he's worried. You know the finances. We should have been more careful and waited." Jesse replied, "Finances! Hah! There's been more than one Duke that showed up before their parents finances were ready. Honey there's always enough food in this here house to feed one more, thank the good Lord. Now don't you or Luke worry about that." Dixie replied, "No we're just suppose to let Uncle Jesse worry?" "When I'm not able to worry, I promise to give that job to your husband and let him worry not just about ya'lls brood but the entire clan. Deal?" Jesse asked with a bit of mischief in his eyes. "Now, wait a minute! If he's worrying about the entire clan, guess who'll be worried too??" She acting hurt. Jesse replied, "That's why I told you not to worry NOW!" "Jesse Duke you are evil!" she laughed. "Remember, behind every good man is a good woman." Jesse said. "You are a good woman, Honey, but I hate to tell I had the best." He finished his coffee. "Now, don't you set up all night and fret about him. He'll be along." Dixie smiled, "He said he'd catch Bo home. I think I'll wait up for just awhile." Jesse nodded. He knew she'd be on the couch until Luke came home. "Oh, I'll keep ya'll secret, but you can't hide it long." "I know. Daisy's suspicious too. I was drinking Diet Coke tonight. So I'm sure she'll be full of questions tomorrow." Dixie replied. "Love ya Uncle Jesse." "Love you all too." he said as he went to his room. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dixie was almost asleep on the couch when the sound of the General Lee pulling in easy woke her. She smiled and thought, 'Ya think by now they'd know that me and Jesse hear that in our sleep no matter how quiet they come in and that it doesn't phases the kids no matter how loud they bring him in. She was smiling right up until she saw only Bo and Beth come in and shut the door. Bo saw the questions coming and wanted to duck. Beth saw it coming and was trying to get out of the line of fire in case Dixie threw anything at Bo. Bo was the first to say anything, "What did I do?" he asked carefully. Dixie stated, "Luke? Where's Luke? He was supposed to ride home with YOU!" Bo's eyes were fully open. He had been sleepy, but he wasn't now. "No one told me that or I'd have brought him. He'll likely ride home with Daisy. I'll call" he said hoping this was enough to get both him and Luke out of trouble. Bo made the call then hung up. "Charlie said Daisy left just behind us. Said she wasn't closing on a night she wasn't supposed to have worked to begin with." Dixie asked, "Did you talk to Luke." Bo let out a heavy sigh, "No. Seems he left a few minutes later. He should be here soon." Dixie knew that Charlie the bartender knew 'everything', "So who's giving him a ride?" She asked a lot calmer than she was right now. Her brown eyes were quickly warming to orange with maybe with a bit of green from the green eyed monster. "Charlie said he overheard Luke when he noticed we had all left, ask Lori if she had Midnight." Bo did duck as he said this. "He said they finished a second beer and left." The beer count was good information from Charlie. She'd thank him next time she saw him. At least she knew Luke was not even on his way to beign drunk if he only drank 2 water down beers. She glanced at the clock. "He's got thiry minutes from ten minutes ago!" she said figuring Bo had been home about ten minutes." Bo sighed. There was no use in even getting comfortable because he would offer to go look for them in now eighteen minutes if Luke wasn't home. He didn't think Dixie stand for it but he'd offer. Sixteen minutes. 'Come on LUKE.' Bo pleaded silently. He still had ten minutes when Daisy came in. She was wondering why everyone was up Beth nodded and they went to Daisy's room while she changed. Daisy was given the short version as Luke's time was ticking down. They both returned to the kitchen knowing that if Luke wasn't home soon all he-- was going to break loose. When they came in the kitchen everything was silent as the clock ticked down and the temperature of Dixie's eye was going up. Bo knew it was cause since Luke wasn't there, Dixie was staring a hole through HIM. He'd bet that she didn't even realize it at the time but she was. Bo was thinking, 'Luke come ON. I was taking my time and you and Lori drive like I do....' Three minutes left.

Cooter was a bit peeved. He had seen Luketrying to make a repuaion for himself and the one he was working wouldn't put a father's Or a cousin mind to rest. ~~~~~~~~~~~ Jesse had agreed to be their driver. Luke called totell Lori to be rady by 6'30 as they were going to the early movie.....................

Luke replied, "No problem. You know how guys can be." Lori rolled her eyes, "Especially when they are cousins, yes I know. Luke replied as the bus stopped at the school, "Hey the movies has a new movie this weekend if ya want to go" Lori agreed, "Sounds good Luke."

Luke was the first person she saw as she climbed on the bus.

Dixie said trying to get Lori up to catch the bus. This was the first day back after Chirstmas vacation. "Lori, how are ya gonna get up next year an hour earlier for high school if you can't get up now??" Dixie asked. Lori pulled the covers over her head and attempted to go back to sleep. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The Duke farm was another scene totally, Luke had milked the cow and goat, feed them and the chickens and washing up for breakfast. Jesse reminded him, "Luke Bo's still has choirs to do before breakfast and school." "Yes, Sir." Luke replied. He had left his cousins choirs for him too. Any other time he'd have at least helped but last night Bo refused to go to bed and now didn't want to wake up. Luke headed off to try to get him up. THis was the part about Christmas vacation that Luke hated most. Trying to get Bo back on schedule! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Lori looked to him and replied, "Well, if I remember this correctly, I was right after you and Robin had split up. I think..." Luke finished, "The year or so I was out ta get what I could from who ever was available? ....... you really want me to tell our five year old that???" He looked at her, "Why can't we just tell him that we once loved each other but weren't on love with each other. Couldn't live together and wanted what was best for him." He glared at her, "And you can never hold it over my head or say that I didn't do my part with him financially, anyway. Whether you let me know him or about him is on YOU, but I paid what was order upon my insistance, whether you needed it or wanted it. Lori ...............