DixieDavenport

Luke knelt down beside him as little Lukas asked him a question, "Why do you look so much like me?" Luke replied, "Becase we are related, Lucas." "We are?" asked the child that seemed much older than the 5 years his father knew him to be. Luke continued, "Before your Mom leaves, maybe we'll explain how we are related. OK? It's sort of complicated, but you seem like a smart young fella." Lori walked up in time to hear Luke say tha tbefore Lori left they may explain things to Lucas.

Luke fully expectd what would happen at the doctors office. He wasn't disappointed. As Doc came out and smiled with what he thought was good news, "Congratulations! Luke, you can tell Jesse he has another Duke on the way." Luke couldn't contain his prideful smile. He sai djust a bit more quieter than he planned, "Yeah, thanks Doc." Doc smiled, "Dixie, I'll call you in some vitamins and see ya in about a month?" Dixie sighed. She had known what she'd hear but wished they had planned teir timing better. "Thanks Doc." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dixie grinned at Lori's comment about keeping up with her, and said, "Sure Cousin. We'll be there." Luke asked, "Last Show?" Lori announced, "One of my sponsors is Bush, so they'll have a beer truck there." she said for more Bo, Luke and Cooter's benefit. Dixie said as she took her Jesse's hand, "Guess that's good for the guys, but I'll have ta pass. Luke I got to get to that appointment." "Ah, yeah. Appointment. You want me ta come?" he asked. She had at first said no, but with Lori being in town, Dixie shot him a look that nearly begged. Luke said to Cooter, "Shouldn't take long. Be back soon."

Luke said, "Ah, sorry Bo! Ya ok?" Bo would live, "Yeah, Luke." What Luke, Bo, Cooter, and Dixie saw was the closest thing to a twin that Luke and Dixie's son, Jesse Allen Duke would ever have. But, they all knew this child wasn't his twin.

Three weeks after Lori left, Dixie came into the farmhouse. She looked at Luke with tears in her eyes. Happy / sad he wasn't sure. He was handed a slip of paper from Dixie as she exited the room almost as fast as she came in. He heard her deathly ill in the bathroom. Luke looked at the paper which he quickly glanced at three words jumped at him. Pregnancy Test: Positive. Luke had already talked to payroll. He saw a lot of overtime in his future. He was glad he liked his job.

After a long while, Luke looked at Dixie, "If you want to stay we can. I know you haven't seen most of your family in years. But, I'd like to spend some time with you too before I have to go back to work. Course these days I only go in when I'm called but I'll be on call after tomorrow." Luke was the Sr. Smokejumper based out of Atlanta. Dixie had waited since she was 16 for this chance. She nodded 'yes'. Luke took her hand and they slipped out unnoticed. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke drove to the lake, where he and Dixie were first together. He said, "Dixie, I am so sorry that we weren't together that night. I was trying to make Lori happy, not hurt you......" Dixie put her finger to his mouth, shushing him. She reached behind her and undid her bra, then pulled off her top, "Luke I have waited for you since I as 16 to be with you." Luke gave her a look of surprise. "There HAS been no one else, and there NEVER will be IF you'll have me." Dixie said. Luke was still more than shell shocked from finding out he was going to father a child. "Dix....." "I know, Luke, but I ain't going no where." Dixie said. Luke knew that IF he turned her down, she'd think he loved Lori and he didn't WANT to turn her down! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Cooter sipped larger amounts of coffee trying to find his head as he could hear every curse word uttered by Lori who was packing, echo into the room where he was nursing a bad hangover. She said as planned. But, Cooter thought it was more because Luke ad Dixie had disappeared last night without telling anyone. Cooter groaned to himself as he heard the General Lee roar into the driveway. Luke and Dixie had left in him last night. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It was only a second before Cooter heard something break in her room. Them she appeared with her bags ready to leave with Luther as Luke and Dixie came in the house. They could have denied it to their dying day but everyone who was there knew what they had been doing since they left last night. Cooter swore silently. He had hoped Lori would be gone by now. He knew Luke and He knew Dixie......

Dixie saw that Lori had some what calmed down, she went to her older cousin and said, "Lori, I know how much pain this reunion has caused but we'd all like us all to be able to go have a good time for a short while before we all go our separate ways. Cousin, I'm sorry for all the pain I helped cause you." Dixie paused, "You have something with Luke that I may never have -- a child. I don't know if I'll ever see him or you after this weekend. Can we all plaes bury the hatchet and be civil for the rest of the weekend?" Luke was a bit puzzled by Dixie's comments to Lori, but figured they'd talk later, at least he hoped they would. Lori................ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Ya know, Dix, I was gonna suggest we go grab a beer at the Boar's Nest but that suddenly seems a bad idea." Luke sighed, "I thought you had her for a second there, Cooter." "She took MY truck!" he exclaimed surprised at Lori's actions. Suddenly everyone was looking to Luke, who said, "Oh, but no. I'm the LAST person on several Earth's that she'll listen too. But, I agree with Cooter, she doesn't need to be operating that wrecker." Dixie rolled her eyes, "She's pregnant guys not DEAD. You hook up a chain and pull a couple levers."

Cooter looked to her and said, "Lori, I'll take you to get Midnight. A man's truck is his castle, besides you shouldn't be doing things, ..... ah, ..... like that, .....in your condition." He said but kept getting quieter and quieter. Every eye in the place went from Cooter to Lori to Luke to Dixie waiting for a reaction. Luke just held his breath waiting for the explosion! Dixie swore. She would have liked one night with Luke before all he-- broke loose! Cooter ducked. Lori............. BL couldn't help but...........

BL said, "Just noticed that you're kinda dressed up, Cousin." Dixie replied, "I am not." Everyone heard the General Lee pull up to the garage without even looking they all new that sound. Luke figured it was about time to face the 'music' and the Davenport clan. He walked out of the courthouse, watched Lori take off with her friend Mylinda, then he walked slowly across town square to the garage. He'd have like a good stiff drink of shine first but he ws just glad to be out of jail, or at least he thought he was glad.

Rosco walked down about the time all this commotion was going on. Sheriff Little looked at him, handed him the keys and said, "Open her cell Coltrane." Rosco did. Little stepped into the cell, placed Lori over his shoulder and proceeded to carry her upstairs to the 'holding' cell. He sat her on her feet and locked the door as she cursed and ranted................. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Down stairs, Luke told Rosco, "Tell Sheriff Little thanks! Here's her shoes but I wouldnt' give them to her anytime soon." They could still hear her downstairs! And at the garage, maybe at the Boar's Nest! Rosco was still wondering what had set her off. He'd have to ask Little once she calmed down where they could hear and got the mess cleaned up. Luke looked at Rosco, "Give me a mop and I'll get this while ya'll deal with her." He said with a slight smirk on his face.

Dixie looked at the ring for a minute, "I've never taken it off, if you haven't noticed, I may have had it on a chain, but always worn it. Besides, it was Luke's mother's and IF he ever wants it back he will ask for it." Dixie said confidently. She was feeling better after she talked to Luke. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke sat quietly on the bunk before he said, "That's why I offered to leave. I don't want to hurt you by not being there, but I don't want to hurt you more by being there either." Lori just said, "I don't want to talk about it." She turned over to get some sleep. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Just after breakfast the next morning, there was a visitor for Ms. Davenport. It was Doc. Pedicord. "Sheriff Little can I talk to Ms. Davenport for a minute?" Sheriff Little opened the gate to let Doc into the cell area, "Sure Doc." Luke didn't like the looks of this. He was silently holding a breath and praying it was good news, but he didn't think so.

Cooter was happy that his sister was feeling better, but he had to know why. He walked over to her and headed her outside, "Dixie?" Dixie tried to look inocent and failed miserably, "Yes?" Cooter replied, "Out with it?" She sighed, "Ok, Little gave me a letter from Luke. I was able to get to see him for a few minutes. It wasn't Lori wanting me at all, but Luke. It may not make any sense to you, but Luke doesn't want to hurt either Lori or me. I'm as much to blame by being seen at the Boar's Nest with Ernie as Luke is for acting on it. And ya can't leave Miss Innocent out of it either, she's wanted what she got for years." Dixie paused, she had wanted this to be something just between her and Luke but figured Cooter should know. It might help to keep the rest of the Davenport clan off Luke, so she opted to tell Cooter. "Cooter ya know when Luke and me were in the backseat of the General Lee all those years ago? I know it has likely been talked about more this week than it has since I left, but I need to tell you a couple things about that." She turned a bit red in the face thought she knew she could talk to Cooter about anything. He would also pass along what was absolutely neccessary to the others, "It was MY idea. But of course I had no idea the the age difference would get him into trouble. It was my 'first time'." She saw Cooter looking a bit surpised at both those facts, but knew this would get him, "Cooter, Luke is the ONLY man ever to make love to me." Cooter was more than surprised now he was a little shocked but thought she may have been splitting hairs, "Honey I know there's a difference in 'making love' and 'having sex' but, ah, ....." Dixie shook her head, 'no', "Not in my book. But, I'll spell it out. Luke is the ONLY man I've ever been with and it was when I was 16. AND, if you tell him that I'll kill you! That's for me to tell him. I don't want to 'use' that to get him. If he wants me, " she looked at her ring. Which Cooter just saw. "And, he just told me he did, then he'll find out. If something happens we don't get together," she shrugged her shoulders, "Then he'll never need to know." Cooter nodded in agreement, "Ok, I understand a lot more now. I'll keep your secret about that. Now, can we all please go in here and have a beer or two without any murders?" "Hey, I'm game, now." Dixie said as they walked into the crowded garage. Cooter handed a beaming Dixie a beer. It was when she took the top off it that the small diamond caught BL's attention for the first time................... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke looked at Lori and sighed tiredly, "Lori I thought you were going to let me talk to Jesse and you would stay at the farm. I told ya I'd leave. I'll get 'something' from Hogg." He was referring to renting a place to stay. "That way I can be close to the farm to help you until the baby is born, but I wouldn't be there 24 / 7 if that would make you incomfortable. Then after it's born if you want you can go or stay as close by as you like. You could be as big a part of its life as you'd want. But, like I said earlier, you seem to think I'd not want to be around my child, well, your wrong there." Lori ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dixie figured that this was her 'ticket' outta the garage without questions, "Thanks, cuz." She got up and walked in the general direction of the jail, though she had no intention of going to see Lori or Luke for that matter. Luke looked at Lori a few minutes later. He had heard what Little had told the garage, "She's not coming." "Huh?" Lori asked. "I said she's not coming. Little told her you wanted to see her. I doubt if she'd have come if he said I wanted her." Luke stretched back out on the bunk. He planned to follow his original plan that he had before telling Lori that he'd raise the baby. He'd wait for Lori to doze off then he'd write Dixie a letter that told her exactly how he felt. He knew there was no way he could do that with Lori, the possible mother to his child listening to every word. Sheriff Little was relieved to see them both settle down and turned the lights down to dim maybe it would be a little peaceful tonight. Luke found that he had dozed off too when he remembered the paper and pen Enos had given him earlier. He sat up quietly and began to write: Dixie, Please just read this letter. First off I'm sorry for everything. I was stupid. I let Ernie convience me to doubt you and I jumped into something without thinking it through. Like I was telling everyone tonight, if Lori is pregnant I will take care of the child but I have loved you, Dixie, for too long of time to loose you now. I truly hope she isn't, but you saw her. Jesse took one look and knew she likely is. I know that it will hurt you just as much if she isn't because you'll always know that we were together. I don't want to jump into anything, but when I get outta here, I'd like us to talk. Really talk and see what we have. I felt the first night you were back in town like you had never left. If you will have me and we feel the same way we used to I'd still love for you to be my wife. Just your being her and still wearing my ring tells me that you were thinking along the same lines until I, well. Dix, I'm as sorry as I can be that I've hurt you and I'll understand if you won't come talk to me before I get home. I wouldn't want to try to say this things in front of Lori it would only hurt her. I really hate hurting people. Especially people I care about, but Darlin' I love you as much tonight as I did whenI had Jesse give you that ring. I told you that one day I'd come looking for you and you can count on me doing just that. Will you at least talk to me? Love Ya, Luke Luke sealed the envelope addressed to Dixie. He asked quietly, "Sheriff can you put this in the mail?" Little picked up the envelope and nodded 'yes'. He had to laugh when he saw who it was addressed to. He was sure glad it was that Duke boy in the middle of those women instead of him. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Dixie walked around town a bit when Enos drove by her. He stopped. "Miss Dixie, can I give you a ride?" Thinking about it, Dixie figured that the rest of teh bunch would be at the garage or the Boar's Nest late, "Sure Enos. Thanks. Can you drop me off at Cooter's house?" "No problem. " Enos said. Dixie was going home and take a hot shower and get some sleep tonight.

Luke looked to her and said, "I was going to say," He wished he could talk to Dixie about this before he said it and wished he knew if she really was pregnant, but here he went, "That if you are and wanted to stay at the farm I'll talk to Jesse. I'll leave if that would make you feel better and if you don't my help raising the child and you don't think I'll be there for it, then I'd raise him or her myself." Both Enos and Little couldn't help but hear that and both their eyes opened wide as Boss's dinner plates. Lori............

Except for Dixie who had sat plopped down on a bumper outside in the darkness to think. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Sheriff Little came back down stairs carrying four cups of coffee. Enos let him back in the gate. Little walked over to the bars, "Here Duke, thought this might help." Then said, "Miss, I've got one for you too, but if he wears it I primise you'll not be happy." This was by far the only kindness Sheriff Little had shown anyone ever while on duty. he handed the last cup to Enos. Luke gladly accepted the coffee, "Thanks Sheriff, ah, ..... Could I get some paper and a pen?" Lori ...............

Luke said to Lori, "If you'd hush a minute and listen to me you might get a better offer than you'd expect." Luther looked at Bobbie Lee, "I think we might want to go so she can find out his offer IF she'll listen. But, HOney mine is standing." Bobbie Lee nodded and both older Davenports made their way up the stairs. Little promptly locked the gate behind him as he followed them up the steps to lock the front door. Though all this 'drama' was interesting he'd had enough! Luke plopped down on his bunk and let out a sigh. He was relieved they were all gone. Now if Lori just give him a little peace. He knew it was far too much to ask for tonight.

Luke looked to her and said, "Lori it's not neccessary." He looked at Luther square in the eyes, "If people would mind their own business, I'm sure Lori and I can work something out here IF she is pregnant. This could all be for nothing." He could hope anyway, "If you would have et me marry Dixie years ago this wouldn't be happening now." Luther put his figure in Luke's face, "If you marry either of these girls and you betray them you'll answer to me." Luke took that. He nodded and said, "IF I ever get married it will be for keeps and I'll even hold you to your promise." Luther ......... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Cooter grabs LB, "We got to keep these girls separated when Lori gets out." LB said, "You have got that right!"

Dixie silently turned to walk out. If BL started with her it would be on. She did hear what Luke said but he was taking a lot for granted! A HE-- of a lot!! He just thinks he can get her cousin pregnant and she'll forget all about it. He had another thing coming, but wouldn't give Lori the pleasure of hearing them go at it. Sheriff Little was glad that everyone had left accept for Luther and and Bobbie Lee. Bobbie Lee said looking at Luke, "I know you don't I?" Luke replied, "Well, you should since my Uncle helped raise Lori." "Duke?" Bobbie Lee said, "Jesse Duke is your Uncle? Which boy are you?" "Luke." he said. "Well, if Jesse's your uncle I shouldn't have anything to worry about. I wasn't there for my daughter, but I won't take you hurting her." Bobbie Lee said. Luther had to add, "Well, Bobbie Lee you could be wrong there. He disrespected me when Dixie was sixteen." "Ya know no one in Hazzard has brought that up in YEARS! But, I've heard it one time too many in the last week! Luther you know Da-- well that I thought she was 18. And it wsn't like either one of you daughters weren't more than willing. That's what Lori and me was talking about prior to the incident. How she had wanted to be with me since we were younger but never made a move because of Dixie whom I THOUGHT might have went out with one heck of a jerk!" Luke finally let go. He'd had about as much as he was gonna take. It wasn't missed by Enos who nudged Sheriff Little.

"Lori, you haven't heard me say I wanted him or his child since this whole mess started." Dixie said coldly to Lori but looked at Luke. She almost said something about finding Ernie to hurt Luke back, but he was too smart to think she'd go out with him again after he lied on her. Luther stepped, "Duke, she may have finally got some since where you're concerned. I tried to tell her when she was sixteen that you'd only hurt her." Luke said glumly, "And, I guess I finally did just that." How did he know she'd be 'difficult'?

Luke knew he shouldn't have given her those blamed shoes back! Little didn't say a word about the Davenports scattering to keep from getting hit with the shoes, but he then said, "Ok, folks, we've had enough excitment for tonight." Bobbie Lee said, "Give me just a minute, Deputy. I'd like to find out this man's intentions towards my daughter if she is with child." Little replied, "It's Sheriff. But I'll give YOU about five minutes. The rest of you need to head out before I lock this one up too." Luke KNEW this conversation was coming his way!

Dixie looked at BL and said, "What the ------- are you talking about?" At Dixie's out burst Enos ducked. BL started to reply. Dixie looked at Luke who nodded, 'yes'. "They were married in Choctaw about six months ago." Lori ................

BL bit her lip and said, "Sorry. Slipped out!" LB just glared at her along with Luther. Bobbie Lee asked, "Lori what DID you do to get in here? Can't we bond you out of something? I'm sure mly wife can......"

Luke was kinda glad to be behind those bars right now! Lori glared at Dixie, "Swell, just swell." Before Bobbie Lee could say anything another set of footsteps could be hard coming down the steps. Sheriff Little came in seeing all these people, "Deputy! What are all these people doing here?" Enos just looked at him. Little said, "Alright, everyone OUT! Visiting hours are tomorrow from 1 to 3 ONLY."

Luke was grinning like a cheesy cat! He was still setting on the bunk away from her."Missed." Lori cursed him. Enos was just watchin in awe. A heard of Davenports came barreling down the steps. Luke was expecting them. He held his hands up and repeated, "I didn't do anything to her. She the one throwing shoes at me!"