DixieDavenport

Meanwhile, in town... Luke had pulled Rosco out of the pond and was unhooking the soaked cruiser beside Cooter's Garage. "Cooter should have you running as good as new by tomorrow, Sheriff." "Are you sure it weren't you or that danged cousin of yours that ran me in the pond?" asked a soaking wet Rosco P. Coltrane. "No, Sir. You can ask Uncle Jesse or May Belle. We were right at the farm when the call came in." said Luke sincerely. Rosco said, "Well, you just be sure you don't have any part in running me off the road again." "Sheriff, I only want to go home and not be called out again." said a very tired Luke Duke. Rosco noted the tiredness in the young mans voice. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ As Luke drove home a familar set of head lights came inot his rear view mirror. I was Beth and the girls.

Meanwhile, in town... Luke had pulled Rosco out of the pond and was unhooking the soaked cruiser beside Cooter's Garage. "Cooter should have you running as good as new by tomorrow, Sheriff." "Are you sure it weren't you or that danged cousin of yours that ran me in the pond?" asked a soaking wet Rosco P. Coltrane. "No, Sir. You can ask Uncle Jesse or May Belle. We were right at the farm when the call came in." said Luke sincerely. Rosco said, "Well, you just be sure you don't have any part in running me off the road again." "Sheriff, I only want to go home and not be called out again." said a very tired Luke Duke. Rosco noted the tiredness in the young mans voice. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ As Luke drove home a familar set of head lights came inot his rear view mirror. I was Beth and the girls.

Thnaks -- Smuffette Dixie

Thnaks -- Smuffette Dixie

Dixie gazed at the oldest Duke boy full of wonder and a good helping of a teenaged crush. Even though she had captured his attention once at the Boar's Nest for a dance she thought he was just being another 'big brother' to her. She had made a little money working at the garage and intended to do some shopping of her own while Beth was shopping for baby things. She was younger than Beth or Daisy and in no way wanted to end up in Beth's situation and she considered herself a 'good girl' but she wasn't too sure she could refuse on certain Duke boy should the situation present it's self. But Dixie was sure that Luke only thought of her as Cooter's little sister. Why else would he have given her the nickname that had haunted her since her arrival in Hazzard, 'Kiddo' she thought. Yes, that's all she was or would ever be to Luke Duke and her daydreams about him would never get a chance because for one he thought of her as a kid and secondly her father would NEVER let her date him. Even she had heard about his 'reputaion' with girls -- though he never seemed like that around her. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bo said to Beth, "Ya'll be sure to be real careful this evening. I love you." Beth answered for all to hear, "I love ya too Bo. We won't be gone real late. Just going to do a bit of shopping and maybe get something to eat." Bo replied, "Take your time, Honey. I'll be right here. I'm still tired after that 'fishing' trip this morning." Beth just smmiled as she turned to leave the house. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke said, "I'm going to stretch out for a bit. Yell at me when they call for the wrecker." Bo replied innocently, "Well, there's always the chance that you won't get a call." Luke replied flatly, "There was that chance until YOU just said THAT. Thanks BO." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It wasn't 45 minutes later the phone rang. It ws May Belle the operator redirecting the call for the wrecker from the garage to the Duke farm. Bo answered the ringing phone. "Duke Farm. Yeah, he's here. Where at? I'll tell him." Bo went to the room he and Luke had shared until he and Beth had gotten married, "Luke." "Sh--! What?" replied a sleepy Luke. "Rosco's in Hazzard pond again." Bo said quietly. "May Belle just called." Luke sat up and reached for his jeans. Yes this was the never ending day from he--! He thought.

Dixie gazed at the oldest Duke boy full of wonder and a good helping of a teenaged crush. Even though she had captured his attention once at the Boar's Nest for a dance she thought he was just being another 'big brother' to her. She had made a little money working at the garage and intended to do some shopping of her own while Beth was shopping for baby things. She was younger than Beth or Daisy and in no way wanted to end up in Beth's situation and she considered herself a 'good girl' but she wasn't too sure she could refuse on certain Duke boy should the situation present it's self. But Dixie was sure that Luke only thought of her as Cooter's little sister. Why else would he have given her the nickname that had haunted her since her arrival in Hazzard, 'Kiddo' she thought. Yes, that's all she was or would ever be to Luke Duke and her daydreams about him would never get a chance because for one he thought of her as a kid and secondly her father would NEVER let her date him. Even she had heard about his 'reputaion' with girls -- though he never seemed like that around her. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bo said to Beth, "Ya'll be sure to be real careful this evening. I love you." Beth answered for all to hear, "I love ya too Bo. We won't be gone real late. Just going to do a bit of shopping and maybe get something to eat." Bo replied, "Take your time, Honey. I'll be right here. I'm still tired after that 'fishing' trip this morning." Beth just smmiled as she turned to leave the house. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke said, "I'm going to stretch out for a bit. Yell at me when they call for the wrecker." Bo replied innocently, "Well, there's always the chance that you won't get a call." Luke replied flatly, "There was that chance until YOU just said THAT. Thanks BO." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ It wasn't 45 minutes later the phone rang. It ws May Belle the operator redirecting the call for the wrecker from the garage to the Duke farm. Bo answered the ringing phone. "Duke Farm. Yeah, he's here. Where at? I'll tell him." Bo went to the room he and Luke had shared until he and Beth had gotten married, "Luke." "Sh--! What?" replied a sleepy Luke. "Rosco's in Hazzard pond again." Bo said quietly. "May Belle just called." Luke sat up and reached for his jeans. Yes this was the never ending day from he--! He thought.

Bo, who had been sitting in the living room with Uncle Jesse, heard Jeb stomping down the stairs, and... knew before Jeb reached the living room this wasn't going to be pretty. Jesse folded his paper slowly, as Jeb prepared to exit the house he said in a low but powerful voice, "Jeb Duke. You turn right around here, and explain to ME your disrepect in OUR home." Jeb was furious with Luke and had let his anger rule his actions but disrepecting Uncle Jesse anywhere was out of the question let along in Jesse's house. Jeb stopped in his tracks. He still had his hand on the door a split second before he intended to slam open on his way out. He closed his eyes. Bit his lip and turned to face Uncle Jesse. Swollowing hard he said, "I'm sorry Uncle Jesse. It won't happen again. Luke was pushing my buttons." Luke was just walking into the living room. Jesse looked from Jeb to Luke and asked, "Luke. Jeb here says your 'pushing his buttons'. Is that so?" Jesse knew that 'his' kids had only lied ONCE to him and he didn't figure Luke making that same mistake again after the last time resulting in the General Lee's keys being taken for over two days. Luke had sure learned his lesson from the last time and didn't plan on loosing his keys again, but he wouldn't tell on Jeb either. It was a bond the cousins shared but though you might have to lie to someone else this family knew better than to lie to each other. "Yes, Sir. I probably was pushing his buttons a bit and I aplogize for doing it in the house and causing him to make such a comotion in the house." Jesse waited for Luke to continue but he didn't. "Well, do you care to let me in on what the subject of the matter was?" Luke looked to Jeb who had visibly paled, then to Bo who looked like he wanted out of this room before Jesse realized he was still there, then to his Uncle who was NOT patiently waiting for an answer. "No, Sir. I think that is something that would be better coming from Jeb himself." Jeb looked shocked. He knew they had always promised each other they wouldn't tell on the other, but Jeb had never been in the situation with Luke knowing something really serious on him. He was sure that Luke would think it was for his best interest and tell Jesse. Jeb, now, almost wished Luke had told -- it would have saved him from telling. Jesse looked to Jeb, "Well, son?" Jeb cleared his throat. Then said, "He's trying to tell me WHO I can or can't date." Luke said with an unhappy smile, "Date! That's NOT what I'd call it Jeb. That's what I was trying to explain to you." he sighed, "Jesse I was trying to tell him a 'free' roll in the hay with your girlfriend was 'better' than a 'paid' one with a 'business girl'." Luke said without telling that Jeb had taken up the 'offer' he'd refused the night before. And to be quiet truthful, all Luke knew for sure was that Jeb and Paige went up the steps together. What did or did not happen was for only them to know. Jesse looked at 'his three boys'......

Bo, who had been sitting in the living room with Uncle Jesse, heard Jeb stomping down the stairs, and... knew before Jeb reached the living room this wasn't going to be pretty. Jesse folded his paper slowly, as Jeb prepared to exit the house he said in a low but powerful voice, "Jeb Duke. You turn right around here, and explain to ME your disrepect in OUR home." Jeb was furious with Luke and had let his anger rule his actions but disrepecting Uncle Jesse anywhere was out of the question let along in Jesse's house. Jeb stopped in his tracks. He still had his hand on the door a split second before he intended to slam open on his way out. He closed his eyes. Bit his lip and turned to face Uncle Jesse. Swollowing hard he said, "I'm sorry Uncle Jesse. It won't happen again. Luke was pushing my buttons." Luke was just walking into the living room. Jesse looked from Jeb to Luke and asked, "Luke. Jeb here says your 'pushing his buttons'. Is that so?" Jesse knew that 'his' kids had only lied ONCE to him and he didn't figure Luke making that same mistake again after the last time resulting in the General Lee's keys being taken for over two days. Luke had sure learned his lesson from the last time and didn't plan on loosing his keys again, but he wouldn't tell on Jeb either. It was a bond the cousins shared but though you might have to lie to someone else this family knew better than to lie to each other. "Yes, Sir. I probably was pushing his buttons a bit and I aplogize for doing it in the house and causing him to make such a comotion in the house." Jesse waited for Luke to continue but he didn't. "Well, do you care to let me in on what the subject of the matter was?" Luke looked to Jeb who had visibly paled, then to Bo who looked like he wanted out of this room before Jesse realized he was still there, then to his Uncle who was NOT patiently waiting for an answer. "No, Sir. I think that is something that would be better coming from Jeb himself." Jeb looked shocked. He knew they had always promised each other they wouldn't tell on the other, but Jeb had never been in the situation with Luke knowing something really serious on him. He was sure that Luke would think it was for his best interest and tell Jesse. Jeb, now, almost wished Luke had told -- it would have saved him from telling. Jesse looked to Jeb, "Well, son?" Jeb cleared his throat. Then said, "He's trying to tell me WHO I can or can't date." Luke said with an unhappy smile, "Date! That's NOT what I'd call it Jeb. That's what I was trying to explain to you." he sighed, "Jesse I was trying to tell him a 'free' roll in the hay with your girlfriend was 'better' than a 'paid' one with a 'business girl'." Luke said without telling that Jeb had taken up the 'offer' he'd refused the night before. And to be quiet truthful, all Luke knew for sure was that Jeb and Paige went up the steps together. What did or did not happen was for only them to know. Jesse looked at 'his three boys'......

Ok, ever since I saw those two I knew they WERE NOT Bo and Luke and have been dead set against the movie especially with Ben Jones (Cooter) being so against it! Well, I went, I saw and over all its acceptable -- even funny in places. Things I liked: When it opens (Though totally different town) it could BE HAZZARD. Cows, meadows, ponds all ingredients we know. Still running moonshine -- OK I'll buy it. Being a LUKE person they really build him up to be a 'ladies' man -- BUT nothing is shown -- its left to the imagination -mostly. They have Willie sing Good Ole Boys at the end which is good timing -- Kinda like the Duke Boys were never meaning no harm - (And the studios weren't either by their attempted imitaion of something Great!! Best parts Wille and believe it Jessica Simpson. Stunts were cool. Things I didn't like: Jesse and Enos cursed in places! Any and all references to the drugs (mostly pot) though Bo talks to the General Lee like its his girlfriend -- little weird there! I still say had the guys been 'cleaner' (Shaved and dressed) I could have like them better but I can see Bo and Luke pulling some of this! ONe last thing -- they never stopped to check on the bad guys -- to see if they were OK! Enough said without giving too much away for those who do intend to see it! OH yeah, I took my 17 YO who liked it, but as with Dukes Fest there were people there from 3 to 65. Still blows me away at the generations of families still enjoying DOH!!! Dixie

Ok, ever since I saw those two I knew they WERE NOT Bo and Luke and have been dead set against the movie especially with Ben Jones (Cooter) being so against it! Well, I went, I saw and over all its acceptable -- even funny in places. Things I liked: When it opens (Though totally different town) it could BE HAZZARD. Cows, meadows, ponds all ingredients we know. Still running moonshine -- OK I'll buy it. Being a LUKE person they really build him up to be a 'ladies' man -- BUT nothing is shown -- its left to the imagination -mostly. They have Willie sing Good Ole Boys at the end which is good timing -- Kinda like the Duke Boys were never meaning no harm - (And the studios weren't either by their attempted imitaion of something Great!! Best parts Wille and believe it Jessica Simpson. Stunts were cool. Things I didn't like: Jesse and Enos cursed in places! Any and all references to the drugs (mostly pot) though Bo talks to the General Lee like its his girlfriend -- little weird there! I still say had the guys been 'cleaner' (Shaved and dressed) I could have like them better but I can see Bo and Luke pulling some of this! ONe last thing -- they never stopped to check on the bad guys -- to see if they were OK! Enough said without giving too much away for those who do intend to see it! OH yeah, I took my 17 YO who liked it, but as with Dukes Fest there were people there from 3 to 65. Still blows me away at the generations of families still enjoying DOH!!! Dixie

Dixie replied, "Sure. Sounds like an excuse to get away from Dad and Cooter." she was hinting for an invitation to spend the night. Beth said, "Great. What do ya say we all go in and have some breakfast that Jesse's been cooking since before dawn." Everyone headed eagerly towards the delicious smelling food, except for Luke who said, "If it's all the same to ya'll, I think I'll grab a hot shower and join ya'll for coffee before we start the chores." Jesse gave Luke a knowing nod, "That'll be fine Luke." Luke headed for the shower. Daisy looked gave Luke a questioning look, it just wasn't like any of her cousins to turn down a meal. When she got no explaination from him she looked to Bo who simply said, "Don't ask." Jeb sighed at the thought of the chores. He too had had a long night and it was now the beginning of a longer day. "Bo, don't even think it. I've got the shower next." BALLADEER: "See folks the really bad thing about running moonshine at night is it sure cuts into a body's sleep, cause the farm work still has to be done the next day. However, the good thing is most of it can be done when you get ready to do it." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Everyone finished up breakfast and headed to the front porch for more coffee. As Luke came out and sat on the banister with his coffee, Jeb wasted no time in heading for the shower. Beth suggested to Daisy who had been in the kitchen earlier when she and Dixie were talking, "Daisy, I asked Dixie to go do a little shopping later this evening would you like to come, too?" Daisy replied, "Why sure honey. Since the boys did their thing this morning we'll do ours tonight." "Sounds good." Beth replied. Luke poured a second cup of coffee and asked with all but a plead, "Uncle Jesse, after the morning chores, what else are we doing today?" He was thinking but didn't say it, 'Please, nothing hard.' Jesse had noted the ruff edges on at least two of his nephews when they had pulled in earlier, so he figured he'd have a little fun, "Well, I thought maybe we'd go out on the back forty and try to get that old stump out of there." This was probably the one thing that Luke had not wanted to hear. He sighed. Jesse continued, "Or we could set some of those fence poles ya'll have been dodging for the last six months." Luke knew better than to say anything negatively about either suggestion. "Or, we could just worry about the morning chores ......" Jesse paused for effect, "Then you all could take the pick up and get me sume 'supplies'. It won't be too long now til the garden'll be coming in and I need to stock up on some jars, and sugar and such. Then ya'll be back here in time to do the evening chores and if I don't miss my guess, I'd say by then you'll be wanting to call it a night." Luke smiled at his Uncle. He knew Jesse knew he'd had a little much to drink last night. "I'd say your right on target as usual Uncle Jesse. Thanks." Jesse now gave him a stern look, not missed by any of the others. "Suppose we work us in a nice LONG talk in there somewhere today too." Wisely, Luke simply said, "Yes, Sir." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ That afternoon Luke had just finished his chores when he saw Jesse setting on the porch cleaning some freshly cut rhubarb. Having a LONG talk with his Uncle Jesse was like being called to the principals office and not knowing what you'd done, but the problem was Luke was pretty dern sure what he'd done. He wiped his hands and headed toward the porch. It was better to face this now than to try to dodge it. He sat down on the steps and looked up at Jesse, "You wanted to talk to me?" Jesse looked up seriously, "Yes. Luke I do. ........ Now, you know our family has made moonshine for over two hundred years. I've never tried to hide that from any of ya'll and I've never objected to ......" Luke was right he knew where this was going. "To us drinking some of it, but last night I carried it quiet a bit to far." Jesse just looked at his oldest nephew. Sometimes the boys could be harder on themselves than he'd ever be on them if he just let them talk. "I'm sorry for coming in here like I did this morning especially with company and all." Luke was thinking of his defense but everything he was thinking he knew Jesse would shoot down. "I, ...... ah, ...... it." taking a deep breath before continueing, Luke started, "Last time was the first time in awhile that I've really looked at myself pretty hard. The fact is I didn't like what I was seeing. Ya know when I was trying to convience Bo to tell ya about the baby that we'd had some pretty heated arguements. Well, I have been thinking some lately about a couple of the things he said and I'll have to give it to him, he is right on several points. The more I thought last night, the more I drank, the more I looked at myself, the more I didn't like what I saw, and, yes, the more I drank. I'm usually the one to get them moving in the mornings when we go on a run like that. Well, this morning Bo was up really early to get back home to Beth." Jesse interupted at this point, "And the rest is 'history' shall we say?" Luke replied, "Right." Jesse saw that Luke was kicking himself harder than anything he could say at this point so he figured to change the subject but he still did intend to address last night with Luke. "So how did it go last night?" Luke looked up surprised. Jesse hadn't even fussed at him for drinking to much. "Everything went OK, except some small minor trouble in Chickasaw County." "Ya, call any trouble with Big Ed Little 'minor trouble'?" asked Jesse. Luke began, "Yeah, Bo was out in front running fast to draw out anybody hidding. He found Sheriff Little, who while I eased by searched the General Lee. From what I understand he wan't none to happy about the doors not opening and Bo driving a race car on 'his' roads but Bo layed on this story about 'having' to get married and having another girl he was going to try to explain things to and the General was the only car at home." Jesse asked, "And?" "Well, it seems Little bought the story. Told him not to be driving anything that fast in 'his' county and not to bring the General Lee back in 'his' county." Luke relayed the story to Jesse leaving out the part about the ticket. Jesse laughed, "Well, like I've always told ya. If ya have to shuck and jive a person it's best to keep it simple and as close to the truth as ya can so's it believeable." "That's what Bo said he done. It will, however, cost us the price of the speeding ticket that he wrote, but I figured it was better for him to get a speeding ticket than for Bo to have out ran him and let him in on our route." Luke explained. "Well, I reckon one ticket for all the runs you boys have made ain't too bad just don't let it becoem a habit." Jesse scolded. "So, ah, Luke, what was it Bo said about you that he was right about and you're not liking? I mean it had to be pretty serious." "Uncle Jesse, it's just that, I've always been the careful one. The one to take things really seriously, where Bo's always had this outlook that things will just 'work out'. Here he and Beth ....." Luke paused to find the right words. "Are in a situation because they weren't careful and things are working out? Now, Luke, you know it's going to take a lot of hard work on both their parts to get them through the long haul." Jesse cautioned. "I know that. And, believe me I wouldn't want to be in his shoes with any of the girls I've dated. ...... 'Dated?' ...... Just how can I even call it 'that'....." Jesse was seeing where Luke going with this. "You know what I've been up to since me and Robin broke up." Luke figured he was in it this far he'd go ahead and spell it out. "I've only went out with all those girls for one thing. I ain't proud of it. I've always been 'careful' -- I hope. But, when I see Bo and Beth, Uncle Jesse I miss seeing the look Beth gives Bo from the girls I've been with. He--, yeah, its gotten me a reputation that the guys think is cool, but I can't think of a 'decent' girl in the tri-states that would or would be able to go out with me knowing my reputation." Jesse was glad to hear some sense coming from Luke on this matter. He hadn't approved of Luke's ways and figured it was just a stage he was going through. He was glad to see he was right. "So, what do you intend to do about it?" "Actually, I decided a couple of weeks ago what to do. Last night was the first time I put it into action though. There's a young, ah, 'lady' that works where we deliever. She came over to the table last night with an offer and I told her I wasn't interested." Luke explained without telling that Jeb HAD taken her up on her offer. Luke figured he'd have THAT talk with Jeb later, no need to let Jesse in on it right yet. Jesse said, "I see." Luke continued, "I figure to lay really low for awhile and maybe I'll run into someone that we can both decide to get to know better before just hopping into the hay." "Well, Luke, I can honestly say that I'm glad to here you thinking like this. I just hope it works." said Jesse "Uncle Jesse did you see how Beth reacted over this run this morning? Dixie isn't blind. I'm glad you came up with the 'fish' story because I didn't know what IF anything had been said about where we were." Luke dove into the part of the conversation he dreaded. Jesse sighed, "I saw. It'll just take her sometime to get used to all of this and of course her being with child doesn't make it any easier to deal with her emotions or to worry less. She'll come around. After all, your Mama did, and Bo's Mama did, and Daisy's Ma....." "I get the picture." Luke said smiling. "I care about Beth and all but that's not what I'm worried about. What if Bo is to worried about what she's thinking to worry about what he should be thinking about?" "I'll talk to them before our next run. I need those supplies to cook up a big batch before this weekend." said Jesse he saw Dixie walking up the drive way to meet Beth and Daisy for their shopping trip, "Now, you just work on your problems." "Hi, Uncle Jesse, Luke. Is Beth or Daisy around?" Dixie asked. Jesse replied, "I think they are out back in the garden." "Ok, thanks. Oh, Luke, Cooter said he'd bring you the wrecker by about 6. He's looking forward to having the night off tonight. I think he has a hot date and didn't want you to forget you were driving for him tonight." Dixie said as she started for the backyard. Luke just shook his head. He had forgotten. "The never ending day from he--." He said before realizing he'd put his voice behind his thoughts. Jesse stood to take the rhubarb in the house. He placed his hand on his nephews shoulder and said, "Maybe everything will be calm tonight and you won't have to even leave the farm." A calm night in Hazzard? Luke was scared to even think that way as tired as he was. That would almost guarantee a bad night! Cue Beth

Dixie replied, "Sure. Sounds like an excuse to get away from Dad and Cooter." she was hinting for an invitation to spend the night. Beth said, "Great. What do ya say we all go in and have some breakfast that Jesse's been cooking since before dawn." Everyone headed eagerly towards the delicious smelling food, except for Luke who said, "If it's all the same to ya'll, I think I'll grab a hot shower and join ya'll for coffee before we start the chores." Jesse gave Luke a knowing nod, "That'll be fine Luke." Luke headed for the shower. Daisy looked gave Luke a questioning look, it just wasn't like any of her cousins to turn down a meal. When she got no explaination from him she looked to Bo who simply said, "Don't ask." Jeb sighed at the thought of the chores. He too had had a long night and it was now the beginning of a longer day. "Bo, don't even think it. I've got the shower next." BALLADEER: "See folks the really bad thing about running moonshine at night is it sure cuts into a body's sleep, cause the farm work still has to be done the next day. However, the good thing is most of it can be done when you get ready to do it." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Everyone finished up breakfast and headed to the front porch for more coffee. As Luke came out and sat on the banister with his coffee, Jeb wasted no time in heading for the shower. Beth suggested to Daisy who had been in the kitchen earlier when she and Dixie were talking, "Daisy, I asked Dixie to go do a little shopping later this evening would you like to come, too?" Daisy replied, "Why sure honey. Since the boys did their thing this morning we'll do ours tonight." "Sounds good." Beth replied. Luke poured a second cup of coffee and asked with all but a plead, "Uncle Jesse, after the morning chores, what else are we doing today?" He was thinking but didn't say it, 'Please, nothing hard.' Jesse had noted the ruff edges on at least two of his nephews when they had pulled in earlier, so he figured he'd have a little fun, "Well, I thought maybe we'd go out on the back forty and try to get that old stump out of there." This was probably the one thing that Luke had not wanted to hear. He sighed. Jesse continued, "Or we could set some of those fence poles ya'll have been dodging for the last six months." Luke knew better than to say anything negatively about either suggestion. "Or, we could just worry about the morning chores ......" Jesse paused for effect, "Then you all could take the pick up and get me sume 'supplies'. It won't be too long now til the garden'll be coming in and I need to stock up on some jars, and sugar and such. Then ya'll be back here in time to do the evening chores and if I don't miss my guess, I'd say by then you'll be wanting to call it a night." Luke smiled at his Uncle. He knew Jesse knew he'd had a little much to drink last night. "I'd say your right on target as usual Uncle Jesse. Thanks." Jesse now gave him a stern look, not missed by any of the others. "Suppose we work us in a nice LONG talk in there somewhere today too." Wisely, Luke simply said, "Yes, Sir." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ That afternoon Luke had just finished his chores when he saw Jesse setting on the porch cleaning some freshly cut rhubarb. Having a LONG talk with his Uncle Jesse was like being called to the principals office and not knowing what you'd done, but the problem was Luke was pretty dern sure what he'd done. He wiped his hands and headed toward the porch. It was better to face this now than to try to dodge it. He sat down on the steps and looked up at Jesse, "You wanted to talk to me?" Jesse looked up seriously, "Yes. Luke I do. ........ Now, you know our family has made moonshine for over two hundred years. I've never tried to hide that from any of ya'll and I've never objected to ......" Luke was right he knew where this was going. "To us drinking some of it, but last night I carried it quiet a bit to far." Jesse just looked at his oldest nephew. Sometimes the boys could be harder on themselves than he'd ever be on them if he just let them talk. "I'm sorry for coming in here like I did this morning especially with company and all." Luke was thinking of his defense but everything he was thinking he knew Jesse would shoot down. "I, ...... ah, ...... it." taking a deep breath before continueing, Luke started, "Last time was the first time in awhile that I've really looked at myself pretty hard. The fact is I didn't like what I was seeing. Ya know when I was trying to convience Bo to tell ya about the baby that we'd had some pretty heated arguements. Well, I have been thinking some lately about a couple of the things he said and I'll have to give it to him, he is right on several points. The more I thought last night, the more I drank, the more I looked at myself, the more I didn't like what I saw, and, yes, the more I drank. I'm usually the one to get them moving in the mornings when we go on a run like that. Well, this morning Bo was up really early to get back home to Beth." Jesse interupted at this point, "And the rest is 'history' shall we say?" Luke replied, "Right." Jesse saw that Luke was kicking himself harder than anything he could say at this point so he figured to change the subject but he still did intend to address last night with Luke. "So how did it go last night?" Luke looked up surprised. Jesse hadn't even fussed at him for drinking to much. "Everything went OK, except some small minor trouble in Chickasaw County." "Ya, call any trouble with Big Ed Little 'minor trouble'?" asked Jesse. Luke began, "Yeah, Bo was out in front running fast to draw out anybody hidding. He found Sheriff Little, who while I eased by searched the General Lee. From what I understand he wan't none to happy about the doors not opening and Bo driving a race car on 'his' roads but Bo layed on this story about 'having' to get married and having another girl he was going to try to explain things to and the General was the only car at home." Jesse asked, "And?" "Well, it seems Little bought the story. Told him not to be driving anything that fast in 'his' county and not to bring the General Lee back in 'his' county." Luke relayed the story to Jesse leaving out the part about the ticket. Jesse laughed, "Well, like I've always told ya. If ya have to shuck and jive a person it's best to keep it simple and as close to the truth as ya can so's it believeable." "That's what Bo said he done. It will, however, cost us the price of the speeding ticket that he wrote, but I figured it was better for him to get a speeding ticket than for Bo to have out ran him and let him in on our route." Luke explained. "Well, I reckon one ticket for all the runs you boys have made ain't too bad just don't let it becoem a habit." Jesse scolded. "So, ah, Luke, what was it Bo said about you that he was right about and you're not liking? I mean it had to be pretty serious." "Uncle Jesse, it's just that, I've always been the careful one. The one to take things really seriously, where Bo's always had this outlook that things will just 'work out'. Here he and Beth ....." Luke paused to find the right words. "Are in a situation because they weren't careful and things are working out? Now, Luke, you know it's going to take a lot of hard work on both their parts to get them through the long haul." Jesse cautioned. "I know that. And, believe me I wouldn't want to be in his shoes with any of the girls I've dated. ...... 'Dated?' ...... Just how can I even call it 'that'....." Jesse was seeing where Luke going with this. "You know what I've been up to since me and Robin broke up." Luke figured he was in it this far he'd go ahead and spell it out. "I've only went out with all those girls for one thing. I ain't proud of it. I've always been 'careful' -- I hope. But, when I see Bo and Beth, Uncle Jesse I miss seeing the look Beth gives Bo from the girls I've been with. He--, yeah, its gotten me a reputation that the guys think is cool, but I can't think of a 'decent' girl in the tri-states that would or would be able to go out with me knowing my reputation." Jesse was glad to hear some sense coming from Luke on this matter. He hadn't approved of Luke's ways and figured it was just a stage he was going through. He was glad to see he was right. "So, what do you intend to do about it?" "Actually, I decided a couple of weeks ago what to do. Last night was the first time I put it into action though. There's a young, ah, 'lady' that works where we deliever. She came over to the table last night with an offer and I told her I wasn't interested." Luke explained without telling that Jeb HAD taken her up on her offer. Luke figured he'd have THAT talk with Jeb later, no need to let Jesse in on it right yet. Jesse said, "I see." Luke continued, "I figure to lay really low for awhile and maybe I'll run into someone that we can both decide to get to know better before just hopping into the hay." "Well, Luke, I can honestly say that I'm glad to here you thinking like this. I just hope it works." said Jesse "Uncle Jesse did you see how Beth reacted over this run this morning? Dixie isn't blind. I'm glad you came up with the 'fish' story because I didn't know what IF anything had been said about where we were." Luke dove into the part of the conversation he dreaded. Jesse sighed, "I saw. It'll just take her sometime to get used to all of this and of course her being with child doesn't make it any easier to deal with her emotions or to worry less. She'll come around. After all, your Mama did, and Bo's Mama did, and Daisy's Ma....." "I get the picture." Luke said smiling. "I care about Beth and all but that's not what I'm worried about. What if Bo is to worried about what she's thinking to worry about what he should be thinking about?" "I'll talk to them before our next run. I need those supplies to cook up a big batch before this weekend." said Jesse he saw Dixie walking up the drive way to meet Beth and Daisy for their shopping trip, "Now, you just work on your problems." "Hi, Uncle Jesse, Luke. Is Beth or Daisy around?" Dixie asked. Jesse replied, "I think they are out back in the garden." "Ok, thanks. Oh, Luke, Cooter said he'd bring you the wrecker by about 6. He's looking forward to having the night off tonight. I think he has a hot date and didn't want you to forget you were driving for him tonight." Dixie said as she started for the backyard. Luke just shook his head. He had forgotten. "The never ending day from he--." He said before realizing he'd put his voice behind his thoughts. Jesse stood to take the rhubarb in the house. He placed his hand on his nephews shoulder and said, "Maybe everything will be calm tonight and you won't have to even leave the farm." A calm night in Hazzard? Luke was scared to even think that way as tired as he was. That would almost guarantee a bad night! Cue Beth

I've went to Duke Fest the past 3 years. If you haven't been and can go --- I promise you'll have a good time. I'd hope Ben and the powers that be will stick to their guns and not let the 'new' guys come. I haven't seen the movie yet. I think it will be at our local theater this week -- because of what Ben has said I may not go but if I do it won't effect the box office $$$$ which is all the promotors will look at. I have the ticket from the 3rd season so even IF I do decide to go they won't be getting my money. A sad way to feel about a movie about a show that I loved since show one, BUT I think they should have at least followed the morals the show was based on! DixieDavenport

I've went to Duke Fest the past 3 years. If you haven't been and can go --- I promise you'll have a good time. I'd hope Ben and the powers that be will stick to their guns and not let the 'new' guys come. I haven't seen the movie yet. I think it will be at our local theater this week -- because of what Ben has said I may not go but if I do it won't effect the box office $$$$ which is all the promotors will look at. I have the ticket from the 3rd season so even IF I do decide to go they won't be getting my money. A sad way to feel about a movie about a show that I loved since show one, BUT I think they should have at least followed the morals the show was based on! DixieDavenport

Luke looked at Jeb, who was looking to him for an answer to give the girl. "Uh..." Luke tried to think quickly thru the fog of his hang over. "Didn't Beth tell you?" Dixie shook her head 'no', "Ya'll pulled in right before she had the chance." Luke was trying to come up with something believeable when he looked up as the screen door squeaked. Seeing the faces on the five teens before him, Jesse could almost guess what was going on, so he said, "Well, did you boys catch any fish? You were sure gone early enough this morning." Relieved, Luke answered, "Nope, we sure didn't. Not even a bite." Dixie looked a bit puzzled, "Beth, you're crying because they went fishing?"

Luke looked at Jeb, who was looking to him for an answer to give the girl. "Uh..." Luke tried to think quickly thru the fog of his hang over. "Didn't Beth tell you?" Dixie shook her head 'no', "Ya'll pulled in right before she had the chance." Luke was trying to come up with something believeable when he looked up as the screen door squeaked. Seeing the faces on the five teens before him, Jesse could almost guess what was going on, so he said, "Well, did you boys catch any fish? You were sure gone early enough this morning." Relieved, Luke answered, "Nope, we sure didn't. Not even a bite." Dixie looked a bit puzzled, "Beth, you're crying because they went fishing?"

Luke and Dixie checked out of the Hazzard Hotel to find the streets of Hazzard quiet as they headed back to the farm. Pulling up to the farm house in the late afternoon Luke and Dixie notice that things are also very quiet around the farm. Uncle Jesse out by the barn feeding the chickens is the only Duke in sight. Luke gets out of the General Lee and helps Dixie out of her window. He walks to the back of the Orange car and pops the trunk, but leaves their small bags in the car when he see Jesse walking back up to the house, he said to Dixie, "These can wait. Come on." walking up to his Uncle Luke asks, "Where is everyone? Don't tell me that they are still hung over somewhere?" he laughed. Jesse nodded 'no', "Nah, they seemed to recover pretty well by yesturday afternoon." They all laughed. Luke had to ask, "So where are they all?" Jesse knew what Luke's reaction to where most of the others were would be, even before he told him. "Well, Bo called from Diane's trailer about noon yesturday. It SEEMS she is having trouble with her trucks and was unable to move all her equipment to Lee County for the Fair there this week. So, ....." Dixie saw Luke immediately tense up even before Jesse had finished. She knew Luke didn't like Diane and had only tolerated her for Bo's sake. He still harbored feelings of distrust from her last visit. "BJ and the others were convinced by Bo into helping HER." Luke hissed through gritted teeth. Jesse said, "I'm afraid so. I tried to warn BJ. Daisy, Callie, and the boys went along to keep an eye on him and Bo." "Ya, know that really makes ME feel better! So now I don't have to worry about Bo AND my buddy, BUT the whole bunch!" Luke said. Jesse replied, "Now, Luke, you know that we only feel this way about this because of the last time ....." Jesse tried to calm him down. "Yeah, the last time when she had him convienced to jump 40 parked cars and he almost broke his neck or worse. And I shouldn't worry about them now?" Luke questioned. Dixie suggested, "So why don't you ride out and see what's up?" Jesse added, "They are only moving the equipment for her." Luke smiled at them both. "You're probably right Uncle Jesse." he said, "Besides I'm not planning on going anywhere." He said putting his arms around his bride. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Everything was going as planned at the Placid County Fairgrounds. BJ pulled through the gates at the fairgrounds he swung wide and began to back up to the next trailer he intended to pull to Lee County. After hearing the truck and trailer connect, BJ sets his brakes and shut the big red rig down. Looking at Daisy, he said, "Want to stretch your legs? I figure the other trucks will be here in the next little while." "Sure." she said as she opened her door to climb out of the rig. Bear climbed out of his seat and began jumping up and down on the seat BJ had just gotten out of. "You're that excited over getting out of the truck?" Daisy said to Bear. BJ said as he hit the ground, "Nah, I'd say he probably hears what I hear." Daisy listened. The fairgrounds sat up on a hill above the lower road that they had just came in on. Now she heard what BJ and Bear did. It was the sounds of several large trucks approaching. As she climbed down a van followed by five eighteen wheelers pulled through the gate. BJ came around to Daisy's side of the truck. He watched as the girls shut their trucks down and started over. He wasn't sure who was the most surprised. Daisy seeing the girls or them seeing Daisy. ~~~~~~~~~ "What on Earth?" asked Diane. Bo who had opened the door to the trailer said, "Well, Darlin', looks like BJ's calvary is here! Come on." They came out of the trailer and headed to BJ's truck. Everyone looked toward the gate as Callie also pulled in. From out of nowhere, Coy, Jeb and Vance also made there way to BJ's truck. ~~~~~~~~~~~ BJ said looking at everyone who was looking to him for introductions. "Well, looks like we've got everyone here now. Girls this is Daisy Duke. I was in Nam with her cousin Luke who should be at the farm from his honeymoon when we get there." he said putting his arm around Daisy. He noted the bit of fire he saw in 'his' girls eyes, especially from Samantha, Cindy, Stacks. He continued leaving his arm there. "This is Bo Duke and Diane Benton. Bo is Daisy's cousin too and Diane owns all this equipment needing moved. These fellas are also Daisy's cousins, Jeb, Coy and Vance." he paused before introducing the girls, "Everyone these are 'MY' girls: Samantha, Terry, Jerry, Stacks, Angie, Stacy, Cindy and you all know Callie." BJ saw the guys checking out the girls who looked like they'd be happier hanging him at this moment. "I know you all are as tired as I am. I've been doing this since yesturday morning. What do you say to us grabbing a cup of coffee from that tent over there, then getting hooked up?" he pointed to a local church tent who was beginning to clean things up from their week of saleing at the fair. "Then we can go drop this load at Lee County and head to the farm for some rest before finishing up tomorrow." Samantha looked around, then said, stressing her first word, "BOSS. After we hook to this load there shouldn't be much else left. Why not just get it over with tonight?" Diane was doing the Math too. "BJ she's right. We've got eight trucks now. We pull this bunch out. There's three trailers out back, we can do this in one more trip if you'd rather be done tonight." "I know how long you all have been on the road. Let's get to Lee County and then decide." said BJ. He knew the girls had driven more hours than they were supposed to these last two days, of course so had he. Diane said, "Ok, then, I'll mke sure everything is finished in case you do want to move it tonight. Call us when you decide, OK?" BJ said, "You got it. Let's get that coffee and get busy."

Luke and Dixie checked out of the Hazzard Hotel to find the streets of Hazzard quiet as they headed back to the farm. Pulling up to the farm house in the late afternoon Luke and Dixie notice that things are also very quiet around the farm. Uncle Jesse out by the barn feeding the chickens is the only Duke in sight. Luke gets out of the General Lee and helps Dixie out of her window. He walks to the back of the Orange car and pops the trunk, but leaves their small bags in the car when he see Jesse walking back up to the house, he said to Dixie, "These can wait. Come on." walking up to his Uncle Luke asks, "Where is everyone? Don't tell me that they are still hung over somewhere?" he laughed. Jesse nodded 'no', "Nah, they seemed to recover pretty well by yesturday afternoon." They all laughed. Luke had to ask, "So where are they all?" Jesse knew what Luke's reaction to where most of the others were would be, even before he told him. "Well, Bo called from Diane's trailer about noon yesturday. It SEEMS she is having trouble with her trucks and was unable to move all her equipment to Lee County for the Fair there this week. So, ....." Dixie saw Luke immediately tense up even before Jesse had finished. She knew Luke didn't like Diane and had only tolerated her for Bo's sake. He still harbored feelings of distrust from her last visit. "BJ and the others were convinced by Bo into helping HER." Luke hissed through gritted teeth. Jesse said, "I'm afraid so. I tried to warn BJ. Daisy, Callie, and the boys went along to keep an eye on him and Bo." "Ya, know that really makes ME feel better! So now I don't have to worry about Bo AND my buddy, BUT the whole bunch!" Luke said. Jesse replied, "Now, Luke, you know that we only feel this way about this because of the last time ....." Jesse tried to calm him down. "Yeah, the last time when she had him convienced to jump 40 parked cars and he almost broke his neck or worse. And I shouldn't worry about them now?" Luke questioned. Dixie suggested, "So why don't you ride out and see what's up?" Jesse added, "They are only moving the equipment for her." Luke smiled at them both. "You're probably right Uncle Jesse." he said, "Besides I'm not planning on going anywhere." He said putting his arms around his bride. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Everything was going as planned at the Placid County Fairgrounds. BJ pulled through the gates at the fairgrounds he swung wide and began to back up to the next trailer he intended to pull to Lee County. After hearing the truck and trailer connect, BJ sets his brakes and shut the big red rig down. Looking at Daisy, he said, "Want to stretch your legs? I figure the other trucks will be here in the next little while." "Sure." she said as she opened her door to climb out of the rig. Bear climbed out of his seat and began jumping up and down on the seat BJ had just gotten out of. "You're that excited over getting out of the truck?" Daisy said to Bear. BJ said as he hit the ground, "Nah, I'd say he probably hears what I hear." Daisy listened. The fairgrounds sat up on a hill above the lower road that they had just came in on. Now she heard what BJ and Bear did. It was the sounds of several large trucks approaching. As she climbed down a van followed by five eighteen wheelers pulled through the gate. BJ came around to Daisy's side of the truck. He watched as the girls shut their trucks down and started over. He wasn't sure who was the most surprised. Daisy seeing the girls or them seeing Daisy. ~~~~~~~~~ "What on Earth?" asked Diane. Bo who had opened the door to the trailer said, "Well, Darlin', looks like BJ's calvary is here! Come on." They came out of the trailer and headed to BJ's truck. Everyone looked toward the gate as Callie also pulled in. From out of nowhere, Coy, Jeb and Vance also made there way to BJ's truck. ~~~~~~~~~~~ BJ said looking at everyone who was looking to him for introductions. "Well, looks like we've got everyone here now. Girls this is Daisy Duke. I was in Nam with her cousin Luke who should be at the farm from his honeymoon when we get there." he said putting his arm around Daisy. He noted the bit of fire he saw in 'his' girls eyes, especially from Samantha, Cindy, Stacks. He continued leaving his arm there. "This is Bo Duke and Diane Benton. Bo is Daisy's cousin too and Diane owns all this equipment needing moved. These fellas are also Daisy's cousins, Jeb, Coy and Vance." he paused before introducing the girls, "Everyone these are 'MY' girls: Samantha, Terry, Jerry, Stacks, Angie, Stacy, Cindy and you all know Callie." BJ saw the guys checking out the girls who looked like they'd be happier hanging him at this moment. "I know you all are as tired as I am. I've been doing this since yesturday morning. What do you say to us grabbing a cup of coffee from that tent over there, then getting hooked up?" he pointed to a local church tent who was beginning to clean things up from their week of saleing at the fair. "Then we can go drop this load at Lee County and head to the farm for some rest before finishing up tomorrow." Samantha looked around, then said, stressing her first word, "BOSS. After we hook to this load there shouldn't be much else left. Why not just get it over with tonight?" Diane was doing the Math too. "BJ she's right. We've got eight trucks now. We pull this bunch out. There's three trailers out back, we can do this in one more trip if you'd rather be done tonight." "I know how long you all have been on the road. Let's get to Lee County and then decide." said BJ. He knew the girls had driven more hours than they were supposed to these last two days, of course so had he. Diane said, "Ok, then, I'll mke sure everything is finished in case you do want to move it tonight. Call us when you decide, OK?" BJ said, "You got it. Let's get that coffee and get busy."

She walked down the hall and knocked on Beth's door... "Beth?" she called quietly at the door. "Come on in. I've been awake." came Beth's reply. Dixie opened the bedroom door to find her friend looking as if she'd been awake most of the night. "Beth? Are you OK? You look really tired. How could Bo leave you to run around with Luke with you not feeling well? Where are they anyway?" Beth wasn't sure what Dixie had been told about where the boys were and she was totally stumped for an answer. She knew she couldn't tell even here best friend where the boys really were. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Early that morning found Bo behind the wheel of the General Lee, Jeb was driving Black Tilley, and a much hung over Luke road in the passenger seat of the General Lee. Now, normally Luke might have took Bo's head off for butting into his business, but with the headache Luke had, he KNEW better than to even consider shouting at Bo. AND inside he knew he drank far more than his usual amount of alcohol last night. He had done a lot of thinking last night, the more he'd thought about his life since he and Robin had broken up and since Bo and Beth had gotten married the more he realized he'd really been messing up. The more this sunk in the more he had drunk. Then, the 'Ladies' of the establishment had started coming over with 'offers' that Luke normally might have taken. Tonight though he'd seen how this type of behavior lately might have given him a few moments of 'pleasure' but had basically done considerable damage to his 'reputation' with 'nice girls' AND more so their parents! -- though his male friends thought him VERY lucky. Luke was now beginning to see that lucky he wasn't -- he was more, for the first time in his life, lonely. Bo and Beth were not just married but were sole mates and shared their thoughts and dreams with each other and though Luke and Bo were still closure than most brothers they didn't get the chance to REALLY talk much anymore. Then their were the girls Luke had been 'dating', 'Huh! If that's what you want to call it Luke!' he silently scolded himself. he knew Bo had been right several months ago when he had said Luke had only been seeing those girls for 'one thing'. He had only been seeing these girls once maybe twice then he'd move on -- not developing a 'relationship' of any kind, which is what he had wanted for quiet sometime now. Though he now realized that he now very much missed having this type relationship with a girl. Luke had been deep in thought when Bo asked, "Luke? I'm not trying to judge or anything and I don't mean nothing by it, ..... But didn't you hit the liquor just a bit hard last night?" Luke groaned before answering very quietly, "Yeah, ....... Bo, ...... I guess I kind of did. ............" Luke paused for a long minute before adding, "It's just that after we'd settled up old DeFord there and we all had that one drink together you went off to your room, Jeb was being Jeb --playing pool then he got an offer to go upstairs..." Bo had to interupt, this was getting too good, "Did he GO?" Luke reached for his head, "Shhhhhh! and Yes, he went." Luke sighed unhappily. He hoped Jeb would have better since than to try to act like him. "Oh, sorry!" whispered Bo. Then curiousity won as he asked again loudly, "With WHO?" Luke shut his eyes against the pain Bo had just caused him and sighed before answering. "Paige." He steeled himself for Bo's response. "WHAT? ....... He went SPTAIRS with Paige? But Luke you and her usually ........." Bo left the rest to the imagination. Luke answered, "Yeah, well, I'd already told her I wasn't interested." Bo turned and looked at Luke with total surprise, "Come again! You told her WHAT?" Jeb broke in on the CB as Bo had sweeved badly almost running into a hugh ditch, "HEY! You awake up there?" Jeb shouted. Luke raised up to get the CB mic, "Yeah, he's awake and the both of you are trying to kill me this morning! REMIND me not to drink heavily around you two agian!" Jeb responded confussed, though he knew by Luke's actions this morning he was 'paying' for last night, "What? Trying to Kill you? What are you talking about?" Luke held the CB mic out to Bo, "Here you two talk to each other. VERY quietly, please." Bo had to laugh, "I'll tell ya later. Oh, and we have got to TALK today!" Bo stressed. Jeb just laughed! Bo said, "So if I was upstairs alone and Jeb was upstairs with Paige. ...... What did you do?" Luke replied simply, "I sat at the back table thinking, drinking and just watching everyone. I hadn't been in bed more than an hour when you came knocking. You never want to come home this early." Bo replied, "Today I have something nice and warm to go home to." Luke nodded, "Yeah. ....... I guess you do at that." At this moment Luke envied his younger cousin possibly more than he ever had. Bo turned into the Duke driveway very glad to be home.

She walked down the hall and knocked on Beth's door... "Beth?" she called quietly at the door. "Come on in. I've been awake." came Beth's reply. Dixie opened the bedroom door to find her friend looking as if she'd been awake most of the night. "Beth? Are you OK? You look really tired. How could Bo leave you to run around with Luke with you not feeling well? Where are they anyway?" Beth wasn't sure what Dixie had been told about where the boys were and she was totally stumped for an answer. She knew she couldn't tell even here best friend where the boys really were. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Early that morning found Bo behind the wheel of the General Lee, Jeb was driving Black Tilley, and a much hung over Luke road in the passenger seat of the General Lee. Now, normally Luke might have took Bo's head off for butting into his business, but with the headache Luke had, he KNEW better than to even consider shouting at Bo. AND inside he knew he drank far more than his usual amount of alcohol last night. He had done a lot of thinking last night, the more he'd thought about his life since he and Robin had broken up and since Bo and Beth had gotten married the more he realized he'd really been messing up. The more this sunk in the more he had drunk. Then, the 'Ladies' of the establishment had started coming over with 'offers' that Luke normally might have taken. Tonight though he'd seen how this type of behavior lately might have given him a few moments of 'pleasure' but had basically done considerable damage to his 'reputation' with 'nice girls' AND more so their parents! -- though his male friends thought him VERY lucky. Luke was now beginning to see that lucky he wasn't -- he was more, for the first time in his life, lonely. Bo and Beth were not just married but were sole mates and shared their thoughts and dreams with each other and though Luke and Bo were still closure than most brothers they didn't get the chance to REALLY talk much anymore. Then their were the girls Luke had been 'dating', 'Huh! If that's what you want to call it Luke!' he silently scolded himself. he knew Bo had been right several months ago when he had said Luke had only been seeing those girls for 'one thing'. He had only been seeing these girls once maybe twice then he'd move on -- not developing a 'relationship' of any kind, which is what he had wanted for quiet sometime now. Though he now realized that he now very much missed having this type relationship with a girl. Luke had been deep in thought when Bo asked, "Luke? I'm not trying to judge or anything and I don't mean nothing by it, ..... But didn't you hit the liquor just a bit hard last night?" Luke groaned before answering very quietly, "Yeah, ....... Bo, ...... I guess I kind of did. ............" Luke paused for a long minute before adding, "It's just that after we'd settled up old DeFord there and we all had that one drink together you went off to your room, Jeb was being Jeb --playing pool then he got an offer to go upstairs..." Bo had to interupt, this was getting too good, "Did he GO?" Luke reached for his head, "Shhhhhh! and Yes, he went." Luke sighed unhappily. He hoped Jeb would have better since than to try to act like him. "Oh, sorry!" whispered Bo. Then curiousity won as he asked again loudly, "With WHO?" Luke shut his eyes against the pain Bo had just caused him and sighed before answering. "Paige." He steeled himself for Bo's response. "WHAT? ....... He went SPTAIRS with Paige? But Luke you and her usually ........." Bo left the rest to the imagination. Luke answered, "Yeah, well, I'd already told her I wasn't interested." Bo turned and looked at Luke with total surprise, "Come again! You told her WHAT?" Jeb broke in on the CB as Bo had sweeved badly almost running into a hugh ditch, "HEY! You awake up there?" Jeb shouted. Luke raised up to get the CB mic, "Yeah, he's awake and the both of you are trying to kill me this morning! REMIND me not to drink heavily around you two agian!" Jeb responded confussed, though he knew by Luke's actions this morning he was 'paying' for last night, "What? Trying to Kill you? What are you talking about?" Luke held the CB mic out to Bo, "Here you two talk to each other. VERY quietly, please." Bo had to laugh, "I'll tell ya later. Oh, and we have got to TALK today!" Bo stressed. Jeb just laughed! Bo said, "So if I was upstairs alone and Jeb was upstairs with Paige. ...... What did you do?" Luke replied simply, "I sat at the back table thinking, drinking and just watching everyone. I hadn't been in bed more than an hour when you came knocking. You never want to come home this early." Bo replied, "Today I have something nice and warm to go home to." Luke nodded, "Yeah. ....... I guess you do at that." At this moment Luke envied his younger cousin possibly more than he ever had. Bo turned into the Duke driveway very glad to be home.

Dixie took her seat at the table. Blessings were said by Jesse. Dixie poured a glass of tea while the others filled thir plates of sandwich goodies and chips. She reached for a couple of chips to put in her plate. As the other ate she nibbled on a chip. Bo said, "Come on Dixie that can't be all you're eating." this was followed by and "Ouch!" as he had been kicked under the table by both Dixie and Jesse! Dixie knew the rules of the Duke house well -- You were welcome to anything they had to eat but don't put it on your plate if you weren't going to eat it. Wasting food is a sin. She said, "For right now, yes, I think chips will do just fine." The other two kicks to Bo's leg were enough to keep his mouth shout for now too! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ After lunch Dixie and Carolyn headed toward the front porch. The younger Dukes headed of to complete their chores before dinner. Jesse said, "I'm right here if you need me Dixie." Dixie nodded her thanks. Carolyn Davenport looked to Jesse with concern. ~~~~~~~~~ Carolyn Davenport knew the Dukes well enough to recognize that the Dukes were ginving her and her daughter some space. She was also sure they knew about whatever was going on with Dixie. She took a drink of Jesse's famous Ice Tea then said sweetly, "Now, Honey what in the world is going on?" The last several days had been pure he-- for the sixteen year old. She needed for her Mother to understand but wasn't at all certain that she would. Looking into her Mom's eyes she tried to form the words she needed to say in just the right way so that her Mother may side with her and Luke. "Mom? How old were you when you started dating?" Her Mother looked at her knowingly. She figured that Dixie and Luther had gotten into it over her wanting to date. 'He could be so unreasonable.' she thought. But for Dixie to call her all the way to Hazzard there HAD to be more. She'd play along to find out what was going on, "You know your Father is the only boy your Grandfather, my Dad, would let me go out with?" Dixie nodded 'yes'. "Well, times were different back then. More importance was placed on being a good house keeper and cook than finishing school. People started families much sooner then." Carolyn had always put school high on Dixie's list of things she needed to do well in. "Mom, I know how important it is for me to do well and finish school. You are dodging my question." stated Dixie. Carolyn smiled. Her daughter had always had a good head on her shoulders and was very straight forward. "Ok, I was 15 the first time your Dad took me to the movies." This was about what Dixie had figured though the subject had been dodged by her Mother. "How long did you date?" "Look, whatever happened with your Father and me happened. It obviously wasn't right or we'd be together." Carolyn insisted. Dixie wouldn't let this rest now. "Mooommmm! You two may have separated because you didnt' like him working on 'moonrunners' but you both love each other or you would have divorced by NOW!" Before Carolyn had a chance to regain her thoughts to argue with her daughter, Dixie continued. "I know you were JUST 18 when Cooter was born ....... so you couldn't have dated long......" Seeing Dixie was about to box her into answering she figured the truth was less damaging at this point than any conclusion Dixie may draw. "We were married when I was 17. Your Father was 19. Cooter was born eleven months AFTER we were married." "Ok, so in about a year, year and a half you two knew you loved each other and were married and started a family." Dixie stated. "Yes. I still .... " she was silenced by Dixie's finger held to her lips. "Ok, I've been here over a year now. There is this guy that has been around Cooter and the garage for years, so Luther knows him well. He drove the wrecker some and helped out at the garage. With me being around the garage since I've been here it was only natural that we got to know each other. I was even allowed to ride the wreck on calls and to pick up parts with the guy...." It was Carolyn's turn to interupt. "So, who is this 'guy'?" Dixie said, "Hear me out?" she paused. Her Mother remained silent to here all Dixie's story. "Anyway, we talked. Sometimes about cars, sometimes about school, sometimes about nothing. Then there was the day a guy asked me out. Luther let me go. Niether him or Cooter know this, but the other guy was driving the wrecker that night. I had been given the 'put out or get out' routine so I had gotten out of his car in the rain and was walking home, when the wrecker pulled up. I was given a warm jacket, taken home and made to take a hot shower while he gathered me dry clothes, put them by the bathroom door and made hot chocolate. He was afraid the other guy would come to the house before Luther or Cooter got home so he stayed watching TV until it was about time for them to come home. Nothing out of the way happened and I found out later that he had voiced his objections to Luther about him letting me go out with that creep. There was a fight at the Boar's Nest awhile later between the two guys over the incident with me. I felt really bad that I had been the cause of the guy who drove the wrecker going to jail." Dixie paused to see her Mother's reaction. It was clear she wasn't happy about Dixie apparently caring for someone who had went to jail evey if it was because of her. When the look passed, Dixie continued, only slightly more unsure of herself now. "Just to be friendly and because I felt bad I had written him a couple of letters while he was in jail. I was at his house when he returned from the jail. I was telling him about how bad I felt because of what had happened. He told me it wasn't MY fault it was the creeps fault for acting like that. ..... Well, during this, ..... we found ourselves, ..... looking into each other's eyes, ...... the next thing I knew we were kissing. This had been my first kiss. Ashort while later I had my birthday which everyone made such a big deal about. He got the idea that I was 18 not 16. We were going home one night from the Boar's Nest. Luther had let him drive me home. He suggested a drive around the lake......." "He ran out of gas?" Carolyn said sarcastically. "No!" Dixie exclaimed. She felt the tears building behind her eyes but was determined not to cry as her face turned beet red, "But, ....... well, ...... ah, ...... we did ah, ... end up in the back seat....." Carolyn was trying to be patient and not judgemental because she had a feeling that Dixie would shut her out just like she had her Father. Dixie looked her Mother staight in the eye. "Yes, we did. Neither of us would have if we weren't sure that we LOVE each other." she let that sink in, then continued, "The problem is that, that's about the time the State Police showed up. They, nor Luther took it real well after we were ID'd and it was learned that I was 16 and he is, ........ twenty." Carolyn now recognized now, she thought, why she was called, but asked again something that was bothering her, "Who is this 'guy'?" Dixie looked her Mother in the eye once again and said, "Luke Duke ........ and we love each other."

Dixie took her seat at the table. Blessings were said by Jesse. Dixie poured a glass of tea while the others filled thir plates of sandwich goodies and chips. She reached for a couple of chips to put in her plate. As the other ate she nibbled on a chip. Bo said, "Come on Dixie that can't be all you're eating." this was followed by and "Ouch!" as he had been kicked under the table by both Dixie and Jesse! Dixie knew the rules of the Duke house well -- You were welcome to anything they had to eat but don't put it on your plate if you weren't going to eat it. Wasting food is a sin. She said, "For right now, yes, I think chips will do just fine." The other two kicks to Bo's leg were enough to keep his mouth shout for now too! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ After lunch Dixie and Carolyn headed toward the front porch. The younger Dukes headed of to complete their chores before dinner. Jesse said, "I'm right here if you need me Dixie." Dixie nodded her thanks. Carolyn Davenport looked to Jesse with concern. ~~~~~~~~~ Carolyn Davenport knew the Dukes well enough to recognize that the Dukes were ginving her and her daughter some space. She was also sure they knew about whatever was going on with Dixie. She took a drink of Jesse's famous Ice Tea then said sweetly, "Now, Honey what in the world is going on?" The last several days had been pure he-- for the sixteen year old. She needed for her Mother to understand but wasn't at all certain that she would. Looking into her Mom's eyes she tried to form the words she needed to say in just the right way so that her Mother may side with her and Luke. "Mom? How old were you when you started dating?" Her Mother looked at her knowingly. She figured that Dixie and Luther had gotten into it over her wanting to date. 'He could be so unreasonable.' she thought. But for Dixie to call her all the way to Hazzard there HAD to be more. She'd play along to find out what was going on, "You know your Father is the only boy your Grandfather, my Dad, would let me go out with?" Dixie nodded 'yes'. "Well, times were different back then. More importance was placed on being a good house keeper and cook than finishing school. People started families much sooner then." Carolyn had always put school high on Dixie's list of things she needed to do well in. "Mom, I know how important it is for me to do well and finish school. You are dodging my question." stated Dixie. Carolyn smiled. Her daughter had always had a good head on her shoulders and was very straight forward. "Ok, I was 15 the first time your Dad took me to the movies." This was about what Dixie had figured though the subject had been dodged by her Mother. "How long did you date?" "Look, whatever happened with your Father and me happened. It obviously wasn't right or we'd be together." Carolyn insisted. Dixie wouldn't let this rest now. "Mooommmm! You two may have separated because you didnt' like him working on 'moonrunners' but you both love each other or you would have divorced by NOW!" Before Carolyn had a chance to regain her thoughts to argue with her daughter, Dixie continued. "I know you were JUST 18 when Cooter was born ....... so you couldn't have dated long......" Seeing Dixie was about to box her into answering she figured the truth was less damaging at this point than any conclusion Dixie may draw. "We were married when I was 17. Your Father was 19. Cooter was born eleven months AFTER we were married." "Ok, so in about a year, year and a half you two knew you loved each other and were married and started a family." Dixie stated. "Yes. I still .... " she was silenced by Dixie's finger held to her lips. "Ok, I've been here over a year now. There is this guy that has been around Cooter and the garage for years, so Luther knows him well. He drove the wrecker some and helped out at the garage. With me being around the garage since I've been here it was only natural that we got to know each other. I was even allowed to ride the wreck on calls and to pick up parts with the guy...." It was Carolyn's turn to interupt. "So, who is this 'guy'?" Dixie said, "Hear me out?" she paused. Her Mother remained silent to here all Dixie's story. "Anyway, we talked. Sometimes about cars, sometimes about school, sometimes about nothing. Then there was the day a guy asked me out. Luther let me go. Niether him or Cooter know this, but the other guy was driving the wrecker that night. I had been given the 'put out or get out' routine so I had gotten out of his car in the rain and was walking home, when the wrecker pulled up. I was given a warm jacket, taken home and made to take a hot shower while he gathered me dry clothes, put them by the bathroom door and made hot chocolate. He was afraid the other guy would come to the house before Luther or Cooter got home so he stayed watching TV until it was about time for them to come home. Nothing out of the way happened and I found out later that he had voiced his objections to Luther about him letting me go out with that creep. There was a fight at the Boar's Nest awhile later between the two guys over the incident with me. I felt really bad that I had been the cause of the guy who drove the wrecker going to jail." Dixie paused to see her Mother's reaction. It was clear she wasn't happy about Dixie apparently caring for someone who had went to jail evey if it was because of her. When the look passed, Dixie continued, only slightly more unsure of herself now. "Just to be friendly and because I felt bad I had written him a couple of letters while he was in jail. I was at his house when he returned from the jail. I was telling him about how bad I felt because of what had happened. He told me it wasn't MY fault it was the creeps fault for acting like that. ..... Well, during this, ..... we found ourselves, ..... looking into each other's eyes, ...... the next thing I knew we were kissing. This had been my first kiss. Ashort while later I had my birthday which everyone made such a big deal about. He got the idea that I was 18 not 16. We were going home one night from the Boar's Nest. Luther had let him drive me home. He suggested a drive around the lake......." "He ran out of gas?" Carolyn said sarcastically. "No!" Dixie exclaimed. She felt the tears building behind her eyes but was determined not to cry as her face turned beet red, "But, ....... well, ...... ah, ...... we did ah, ... end up in the back seat....." Carolyn was trying to be patient and not judgemental because she had a feeling that Dixie would shut her out just like she had her Father. Dixie looked her Mother staight in the eye. "Yes, we did. Neither of us would have if we weren't sure that we LOVE each other." she let that sink in, then continued, "The problem is that, that's about the time the State Police showed up. They, nor Luther took it real well after we were ID'd and it was learned that I was 16 and he is, ........ twenty." Carolyn now recognized now, she thought, why she was called, but asked again something that was bothering her, "Who is this 'guy'?" Dixie looked her Mother in the eye once again and said, "Luke Duke ........ and we love each other."

Dixie took her seat at the table. Blessings were said by Jesse. Dixie poured a glass of tea while the others filled thir plates of sandwich goodies and chips. She reached for a couple of chips to put in her plate. As the other ate she nibbled on a chip. Bo said, "Come on Dixie that can't be all you're eating." this was followed by and "Ouch!" as he had been kicked under the table by both Dixie and Jesse! Dixie knew the rules of the Duke house well -- You were welcome to anything they had to eat but don't put it on your plate if you weren't going to eat it. Wasting food is a sin. She said, "For right now, yes, I think chips will do just fine." The other two kicks to Bo's leg were enough to keep his mouth shout for now too! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ After lunch Dixie and Carolyn headed toward the front porch. The younger Dukes headed of to complete their chores before dinner. Jesse said, "I'm right here if you need me Dixie." Dixie nodded her thanks. Carolyn Davenport looked to Jesse with concern. ~~~~~~~~~ Carolyn Davenport knew the Dukes well enough to recognize that the Dukes were ginving her and her daughter some space. She was also sure they knew about whatever was going on with Dixie. She took a drink of Jesse's famous Ice Tea then said sweetly, "Now, Honey what in the world is going on?" The last several days had been pure he-- for the sixteen year old. She needed for her Mother to understand but wasn't at all certain that she would. Looking into her Mom's eyes she tried to form the words she needed to say in just the right way so that her Mother may side with her and Luke. "Mom? How old were you when you started dating?" Her Mother looked at her knowingly. She figured that Dixie and Luther had gotten into it over her wanting to date. 'He could be so unreasonable.' she thought. But for Dixie to call her all the way to Hazzard there HAD to be more. She'd play along to find out what was going on, "You know your Father is the only boy your Grandfather, my Dad, would let me go out with?" Dixie nodded 'yes'. "Well, times were different back then. More importance was placed on being a good house keeper and cook than finishing school. People started families much sooner then." Carolyn had always put school high on Dixie's list of things she needed to do well in. "Mom, I know how important it is for me to do well and finish school. You are dodging my question." stated Dixie. Carolyn smiled. Her daughter had always had a good head on her shoulders and was very straight forward. "Ok, I was 15 the first time your Dad took me to the movies." This was about what Dixie had figured though the subject had been dodged by her Mother. "How long did you date?" "Look, whatever happened with your Father and me happened. It obviously wasn't right or we'd be together." Carolyn insisted. Dixie wouldn't let this rest now. "Mooommmm! You two may have separated because you didnt' like him working on 'moonrunners' but you both love each other or you would have divorced by NOW!" Before Carolyn had a chance to regain her thoughts to argue with her daughter, Dixie continued. "I know you were JUST 18 when Cooter was born ....... so you couldn't have dated long......" Seeing Dixie was about to box her into answering she figured the truth was less damaging at this point than any conclusion Dixie may draw. "We were married when I was 17. Your Father was 19. Cooter was born eleven months AFTER we were married." "Ok, so in about a year, year and a half you two knew you loved each other and were married and started a family." Dixie stated. "Yes. I still .... " she was silenced by Dixie's finger held to her lips. "Ok, I've been here over a year now. There is this guy that has been around Cooter and the garage for years, so Luther knows him well. He drove the wrecker some and helped out at the garage. With me being around the garage since I've been here it was only natural that we got to know each other. I was even allowed to ride the wreck on calls and to pick up parts with the guy...." It was Carolyn's turn to interupt. "So, who is this 'guy'?" Dixie said, "Hear me out?" she paused. Her Mother remained silent to here all Dixie's story. "Anyway, we talked. Sometimes about cars, sometimes about school, sometimes about nothing. Then there was the day a guy asked me out. Luther let me go. Niether him or Cooter know this, but the other guy was driving the wrecker that night. I had been given the 'put out or get out' routine so I had gotten out of his car in the rain and was walking home, when the wrecker pulled up. I was given a warm jacket, taken home and made to take a hot shower while he gathered me dry clothes, put them by the bathroom door and made hot chocolate. He was afraid the other guy would come to the house before Luther or Cooter got home so he stayed watching TV until it was about time for them to come home. Nothing out of the way happened and I found out later that he had voiced his objections to Luther about him letting me go out with that creep. There was a fight at the Boar's Nest awhile later between the two guys over the incident with me. I felt really bad that I had been the cause of the guy who drove the wrecker going to jail." Dixie paused to see her Mother's reaction. It was clear she wasn't happy about Dixie apparently caring for someone who had went to jail evey if it was because of her. When the look passed, Dixie continued, only slightly more unsure of herself now. "Just to be friendly and because I felt bad I had written him a couple of letters while he was in jail. I was at his house when he returned from the jail. I was telling him about how bad I felt because of what had happened. He told me it wasn't MY fault it was the creeps fault for acting like that. ..... Well, during this, ..... we found ourselves, ..... looking into each other's eyes, ...... the next thing I knew we were kissing. This had been my first kiss. Ashort while later I had my birthday which everyone made such a big deal about. He got the idea that I was 18 not 16. We were going home one night from the Boar's Nest. Luther had let him drive me home. He suggested a drive around the lake......." "He ran out of gas?" Carolyn said sarcastically. "No!" Dixie exclaimed. She felt the tears building behind her eyes but was determined not to cry as her face turned beet red, "But, ....... well, ...... ah, ...... we did ah, ... end up in the back seat....." Carolyn was trying to be patient and not judgemental because she had a feeling that Dixie would shut her out just like she had her Father. Dixie looked her Mother staight in the eye. "Yes, we did. Neither of us would have if we weren't sure that we LOVE each other." she let that sink in, then continued, "The problem is that, that's about the time the State Police showed up. They, nor Luther took it real well after we were ID'd and it was learned that I was 16 and he is, ........ twenty." Carolyn now recognized now, she thought, why she was called, but asked again something that was bothering her, "Who is this 'guy'?" Dixie looked her Mother in the eye once again and said, "Luke Duke ........ and we love each other."

Dixie took her seat at the table. Blessings were said by Jesse. Dixie poured a glass of tea while the others filled thir plates of sandwich goodies and chips. She reached for a couple of chips to put in her plate. As the other ate she nibbled on a chip. Bo said, "Come on Dixie that can't be all you're eating." this was followed by and "Ouch!" as he had been kicked under the table by both Dixie and Jesse! Dixie knew the rules of the Duke house well -- You were welcome to anything they had to eat but don't put it on your plate if you weren't going to eat it. Wasting food is a sin. She said, "For right now, yes, I think chips will do just fine." The other two kicks to Bo's leg were enough to keep his mouth shout for now too! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ After lunch Dixie and Carolyn headed toward the front porch. The younger Dukes headed of to complete their chores before dinner. Jesse said, "I'm right here if you need me Dixie." Dixie nodded her thanks. Carolyn Davenport looked to Jesse with concern. ~~~~~~~~~ Carolyn Davenport knew the Dukes well enough to recognize that the Dukes were ginving her and her daughter some space. She was also sure they knew about whatever was going on with Dixie. She took a drink of Jesse's famous Ice Tea then said sweetly, "Now, Honey what in the world is going on?" The last several days had been pure he-- for the sixteen year old. She needed for her Mother to understand but wasn't at all certain that she would. Looking into her Mom's eyes she tried to form the words she needed to say in just the right way so that her Mother may side with her and Luke. "Mom? How old were you when you started dating?" Her Mother looked at her knowingly. She figured that Dixie and Luther had gotten into it over her wanting to date. 'He could be so unreasonable.' she thought. But for Dixie to call her all the way to Hazzard there HAD to be more. She'd play along to find out what was going on, "You know your Father is the only boy your Grandfather, my Dad, would let me go out with?" Dixie nodded 'yes'. "Well, times were different back then. More importance was placed on being a good house keeper and cook than finishing school. People started families much sooner then." Carolyn had always put school high on Dixie's list of things she needed to do well in. "Mom, I know how important it is for me to do well and finish school. You are dodging my question." stated Dixie. Carolyn smiled. Her daughter had always had a good head on her shoulders and was very straight forward. "Ok, I was 15 the first time your Dad took me to the movies." This was about what Dixie had figured though the subject had been dodged by her Mother. "How long did you date?" "Look, whatever happened with your Father and me happened. It obviously wasn't right or we'd be together." Carolyn insisted. Dixie wouldn't let this rest now. "Mooommmm! You two may have separated because you didnt' like him working on 'moonrunners' but you both love each other or you would have divorced by NOW!" Before Carolyn had a chance to regain her thoughts to argue with her daughter, Dixie continued. "I know you were JUST 18 when Cooter was born ....... so you couldn't have dated long......" Seeing Dixie was about to box her into answering she figured the truth was less damaging at this point than any conclusion Dixie may draw. "We were married when I was 17. Your Father was 19. Cooter was born eleven months AFTER we were married." "Ok, so in about a year, year and a half you two knew you loved each other and were married and started a family." Dixie stated. "Yes. I still .... " she was silenced by Dixie's finger held to her lips. "Ok, I've been here over a year now. There is this guy that has been around Cooter and the garage for years, so Luther knows him well. He drove the wrecker some and helped out at the garage. With me being around the garage since I've been here it was only natural that we got to know each other. I was even allowed to ride the wreck on calls and to pick up parts with the guy...." It was Carolyn's turn to interupt. "So, who is this 'guy'?" Dixie said, "Hear me out?" she paused. Her Mother remained silent to here all Dixie's story. "Anyway, we talked. Sometimes about cars, sometimes about school, sometimes about nothing. Then there was the day a guy asked me out. Luther let me go. Niether him or Cooter know this, but the other guy was driving the wrecker that night. I had been given the 'put out or get out' routine so I had gotten out of his car in the rain and was walking home, when the wrecker pulled up. I was given a warm jacket, taken home and made to take a hot shower while he gathered me dry clothes, put them by the bathroom door and made hot chocolate. He was afraid the other guy would come to the house before Luther or Cooter got home so he stayed watching TV until it was about time for them to come home. Nothing out of the way happened and I found out later that he had voiced his objections to Luther about him letting me go out with that creep. There was a fight at the Boar's Nest awhile later between the two guys over the incident with me. I felt really bad that I had been the cause of the guy who drove the wrecker going to jail." Dixie paused to see her Mother's reaction. It was clear she wasn't happy about Dixie apparently caring for someone who had went to jail evey if it was because of her. When the look passed, Dixie continued, only slightly more unsure of herself now. "Just to be friendly and because I felt bad I had written him a couple of letters while he was in jail. I was at his house when he returned from the jail. I was telling him about how bad I felt because of what had happened. He told me it wasn't MY fault it was the creeps fault for acting like that. ..... Well, during this, ..... we found ourselves, ..... looking into each other's eyes, ...... the next thing I knew we were kissing. This had been my first kiss. Ashort while later I had my birthday which everyone made such a big deal about. He got the idea that I was 18 not 16. We were going home one night from the Boar's Nest. Luther had let him drive me home. He suggested a drive around the lake......." "He ran out of gas?" Carolyn said sarcastically. "No!" Dixie exclaimed. She felt the tears building behind her eyes but was determined not to cry as her face turned beet red, "But, ....... well, ...... ah, ...... we did ah, ... end up in the back seat....." Carolyn was trying to be patient and not judgemental because she had a feeling that Dixie would shut her out just like she had her Father. Dixie looked her Mother staight in the eye. "Yes, we did. Neither of us would have if we weren't sure that we LOVE each other." she let that sink in, then continued, "The problem is that, that's about the time the State Police showed up. They, nor Luther took it real well after we were ID'd and it was learned that I was 16 and he is, ........ twenty." Carolyn now recognized now, she thought, why she was called, but asked again something that was bothering her, "Who is this 'guy'?" Dixie looked her Mother in the eye once again and said, "Luke Duke ........ and we love each other."

BJ walked to the 'Office' followed by Callie, Coy, Vance and Jeb. There they met Diane and Bo. BJ asked, "Ok, I've got 2 rigs here now and more on the way where do you want me to start?" Diane informed BJ, "Well, everythign is loaded into it's own trucks. I think all you need to do is to hook up and pull out. We usually start with the bigger rides first so we can place the smaller ones round it when we get there." BJ smiled slightly. He was feeling the 'alarms' going off in his head that Daisy and the others had warned him about. "Just show me where to start." Diane lead BJ and Callie to the larger rides. The Merry-Go-Round and the Cloud 9. "I think you can get these two out and it should be a good place to start setting up in Lee County. I have several small 'kitty rides' and personal campers that are also ready. Do you care if they follow you to the fair grounds?" "Not at all. Come on Callie, let's get hooked up."BJ replied. ~~~~~~~~~~~ As for the girls all went smooth as they dropped off their current loads and picked up loads for the East Coast. As BJ suggested they had all met up before heading too far East. BJ and Callie had hauled several loads to the Lee County Fair Grounds during the past two days, when BJ's cell phone rang. BJ answered, "BJ McKay." as he looked across his truck to Daisy who was riding with him. "BJ McKay. I hope you know what you are doing! I haven't seen anything but bridges, swamp and quick sand for the last hour!" exclaimed Samantha. BJ laughed then said, "Great! So you should be here anytime now!" he again looked to Daisy, whom he could tell was listening to his every word. "Just head to Placid County Fair Grounds after you all drop your loads. I should be waiting on you. We've moved quiet a bit, we should be able to hook to one more load tonight and finish up tomorrow." A rather tired Samantha replied, "Sure. See ya there." after a pause she reminded. "Remember you owe us big time!" With a smile BJ replied, "Sure do and I intend to pay up tomorrow night AFTER this is over."