DixieDavenport

NOTE: Parts of this post refer to one of my favorite Dukes of Hazzard shows Swamp Molly. If you haven't seen it you will like it! It's number 6 on the first season. Bo was still trying to think of which stories to tell the 'boys' and their friends that had no idea of some of their 'stunts' when Luke suggested, "How about the 'last run' when Swamp Molly came over?" Bo laughed to himself. "Guys now you want to talk about a day starting off badly. Bo, Jr. you weren't very old then at all. Luckily your Mother had taken you to see her Aunt or I'd still hear about it." he paused thinking back. "It all started simply enough. Luke and me were out behind the house doing a little target practice with the bows and arrows. Our target was painted on the old outhouse....." Luke interupted by including, "Bo here had made 'duds' out of old dynamite casings ....." "Thanks, Luke!" Bo said, then continued, "Well, he's right I had made those 'duds' we were using. We had practiced for sometime when I shot one at the outhouse. The next thing we knew we were on the ground! Then entire outhouse was blown to smitherrings! ......" "And five years on my car magazines!" added Luke. "Uncle Jesse came running out of the house to see what had happened." said Bo as he continued the story. "Well, before the flames had died down here came Swamp Molly and Cousin Alice. Now, Luke and me knew she was up to something as soon as she pulled up. Jesse probably did too, but Swamp Molly always had Jesse a bit wrapped around her finger. Now we all knew she had saved him from the Feds back in 36 but we also figured that debt had been paid long before we were born. Jesse let her talk him into letting us drive a truck load of moonshine for her. We were suppose to pick up the locked truck and deliver it. Now, Rosco and Enos had been seen sneaking around and if Molly was involved we knew things were going to be 'interesting'. So Luke here, came up with the idea of letting Cooter paint the truck and then make the run out in the open." Cooter was smiling as he remembered the paint job. "Well, Cooter painted it up as an Ice Cream truck. Now he put all the flavors, cheribs, clouds, flowers and the whole nine yards on it." Bo took a sip of shine and said, "So Luke drove it where we thought Rosco would be least likely to be. I took the General Lee and was hoping to take Rosco on a wild goose chase. Daisy even took the pickup with some oil, fire crackers, and dynamite. In case we needed them and hoped to give Enos a run for his money." Luke asked, "Sounds like we had all our bases covered didn't it?" BJ McKay said, "Yeah, sounded like a good plan." Luke shook his head. "You are forgetting we are talking about Hazzard County!" Bo looked at the two younger Dukes. They were on the edge of their seats and so were the Smokejumpers. Bo said, "Yeah, being in Hazzard though things were bound to get complicated. We left Cooter's going different directions. About thirty minutes outside of town Luke called on the CB and asked if we'd had seen either Rosco or Enos. Well, neither Daisy or I had. It wasn't five minutes later Luke was back on the CB telling us he found Rosco and his road block and that there was NO way he could get over, through or around it on his own. So, I hammered down, cut cross country and was trying to get there before he had to stop. Luke?" Luke continued for him, "So I slowed to a snails pace hoping Bo would get there soon. As luck would have it Jesse's truck had gotten a flat and Daisy was delayed. Well, I pulled right up to the road block which covered the entire roadway. One a main road! Luckily it was hot and Enos happened to be there instead of Rosco. I turned so he hopefully couldn't see me as he had his attention on the flavors of ice cream I supposedly had." Bo said, "I knew things weren't good when Luke called over the CB 'Bo where the He-- are you?' so I had already planned what I was going to do when I got there." "Yeah, and its a good thing you did to." said Luke. Then, looking right at Bo, Jr. "Enos by this time figured out which flavor he wanted and was coming back to me. I reached out a tapped him on the shoulder. About the time he saw me I heard your Dad coming in behind me. He had the General Lee wound out, he hit the horn to distract Enos as he slide in behind the truck side ways, he jumped out with his bow and arrow and fired into the road block of hay and sand bags. When the dynamite arrow hit and exploded it cleared the road enough for me and him to get through. Enos had taken cover when he heard the brakes lock on the General Lee." Bo, Jr. couldn't stand it anymore and said, "So you all were home free?" Together Bo and Luke said, "Hardly!" Bo contined, "See, there's one thing to remember about old Rosco. He used to be on of the best lawmen in the State. Then when his retirement got shot down he became the best lawman you could buy. Well, there is always a since of justice when things happen like that and most of his and Boss's illegal schemes failed. But, sometimes when you were about to count Rosco out he'd do something you wouldn't figure one and it would actually work. That day was one of them. He had set up a second road block a few miles up the road that we didn't expect. When Luke rolled up on it we didn't have any time to do anything but stop. Rosco had us get out of the vehicles and wanted us to open the truck. We said we didnt' have any keys hoping to stall him. Well, wouldn't you know it he had bolt cutters with him. I'm thinking that your Mother is going to hang me!" Luke picked up the story, "Well, he cut the lock and opened the truck. Even Rosco was shocked at what he found! It wasn't what Bo and me expected to see either. Instead of jugs of moonshine it was all sorts of automatic weapons, ammunition, hand grenades which just blew the he-- out of our probation. They had us on a Federal Firearms Regulation. Thank goodness for two things. First, Daisy could qualify for Richard Petty's pit crew when changing a tire. Secondly, Rosco was a slow reader since he wanted things nice and legal." Bo continued, "Now, mind you in a situation like this you never give up but I just knew our goose was cooked. When, from out of no where we here fire crackers! Since Rosco had just found all these firearms he thought it was shooting and took cover. We jumped back in the vehicles as Daisy ran Jesse's truck through the smaller road block. While she gave Rosco and Enos grief by making an oil slick we headed on down the road quickly finding a hiding place for the truck which we had no plans of delivering." "Where I gave a quick course in camouflage. After finding out that Molly had hit Uncle Jesse our we were forced to contine on the run of the truck." said Luke. "As we continued the run we ran into Jesse and explanned everything so we planned to take it to Black Hollow and get ride of it." Luke was interupted by Bo who wanted to tell the next part. "So Luke here grabs an arrow that he had put the dynamite on since he didn't trust me after the outhouse thing. As we all took cover he fired an arrow into the back tire of the truck and NOTHING!!!" Luke said, "Kiss my foot Bo!" They all had a good laugh at the two before Bo continued. "So I said something like, 'So what's worse having one go off when you don't want it to or not going off when you do?' Luke answered, 'So we're even!' Jesse said a bit upset with us, 'No your not even we're behind! Company's coming!' so he told us to push it back to get a run at the lake and sink it." Luke said, "Well, Bo got in to steer it while we pushed. We had it about where we wanted when Rosco came down the hill flying. We barely had enough time to get out of his way, but Bo didn't have the time to get out of the truck! When Rosco hit the truck it went straight into the lake with Bo in it! It's a good thing he can swim! He came swimming out a minute or so later. The truck and all the guns are still under probably two hundred feet of water up there. That lake is a filled in rock quarry. Even Cooter, if he wanted to, didn't have the equipment to pull it out. So we went back to the house and Jesse and Molly had a long talk while we rebuilt the 'new' outhouse that is still standing out back as more a tool shed than an outhouse." Bo replied, "And after all those years Jesse got to eat some of Molly's crawdab bisk." Unbelieving Jake asked, "No one was charged with ANYTHING?" Luke replied, "That was the beauty of this place back then. The 'bad' guys tried but never won, but they never quit trying! Things just had a way of working out." BJ McKay replied, "Reminds me of Lobo, Perkins, Caine and a few others I know! you got to admit it sure keeps a fella on his toes though!" Bo, Luke and Cooter all replied, "Yes, it does!" ~~~~~~~~~~~~``` With in the next couple of hours the party headed began to head down hill. Enos left for his parents house. Due to moonshine, fatigue or both several guys had decided to head to bed or had been put to bed. By 4am there was only six veterans still quietly talking. Luke, Bo, Cooter, Randy, BJ and Mark. Conversation had begun to die down. They had even taken sleeping bags to the back room and were lounging as they continued to talk. Luke looked at Bo seriously as a wave of nervousness washed over him, "Bo?" "Yeah?" he replied on the verge of sleep. No one was paying Luke much attention as he asked Bo, "This is REALLY going to happen?" Bo heard the concern in Luke's voice and was now totally awake, "Luke, your not getting cold feet?" Luke smiled, "Absolutely not. It's just......." Bo smiled, "Are you nervous?" Luke sighed, "Yes. ......... NO!, ......... He--, Bo, ......... I don't know!" Bo knew Luke better than anyone in this room and it had been Luke who had gotten him through the hours before he married Beth so it was his turn to help Luke. The others sat quietly waiting to help Bo if needed. "I know you have loved Dixie since you were what 18 or 19?" "Yes. It's not that. He--, Bo. I loved Robin first and wouldn't commit to her to keep her from marrying Ralph Green. I loved Candy Dix too, but wouldn't cross that line because I didn't know IF I'd come home to her. I loved Amy but I wouldn't cross the line to keep her here because I knew I wasn't ready to stop chasing girls! When I thought I had my sh-- together and met Anita Blackwell I forced her into leaving me to try her wings at a career. The next time I saw her she was married but still want to start something with me!" said Luke. Bo added, "And in the back of your mind has been Dixie the whole time because you didn't get to finish what you started years ago because of her father?" "Something like that." added Luke. "Bo, I'm not having second thoughts. It's just I'm waiting for something to happen to prevent it. Lord, knows I've ran around far too much. I'm not proud of some of the things I've done. But, it is just hard to think that after all this planning that something I've wanted so long and tried so hard to find after Dixie left is REALLY going to happen with her!" he lowered his voice a bit, "Cuz, I know I gave you a hard way to go back when Beth got pregnant with Bo, Jr. but I have envied you for a long time now......" Bo looked at Luke in surprise, "Me? You envied me?" "Yeah." said Luke. "No one knows what would have, could have or should have happened if Beth hadn't gotten pregnant, but the bottom line is mistake or not you loved her and stuck with her. You have had someone to keep their feet warm, be with and talk to all these years. Now, there have been girls here and there but for the most part I couldn't talk to them or I didn't want them to stay or they didn't want to stick around." To his partner, Randy, "Tell him Randy. I've had girls over or I've stayed with them but since Dixie came back I've not even looked at anyone else. I'm just afraid someone will change her mind, the church will collaspe, a tornado will hit?" Cooter smiled, "Luke, wild horses couldn't keep my sister from marrying you. How many of these (holding a glass of shine up) have you had?" Luke simply replied, "Not enough. I was keeping an eye on the boys." Cooter and Bo both handed him a glass and said together, "Here drink this." They both laughed as Luke reached for both glasses! Saying, "Ok! Just make sure I'm on time or she will kill us all (remembering Dixie's words.) TWICE!" The five managed to keep each other awake until they knew Luke was out for the night. He managed to drink both glasses of shine handed to him. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Morning found the farm full of activity. The girls decided to get the 'needed' chores done first while Beth and the younger girls fixed breakfast since none of the guys had came home. Lisa and Casey insisted on helping. By the time breakfast was ready the morning chores were done. Dixie asked, "Beth, you know how the old church holds moisture? Do you think we can put up the streamers tonight or wait until tomorrow?" Beth replied, "Honey, I know you want to get everything you can done today, but I'd be afraid to try the streamers today. With all of us we can do it in no time tomorrow. What about the reception?" Dixie waved her hands, "Luke said he had taken care of that. Now, I'm almost afraid to ask but that's what he said!" Beth replied, "The boys swear they will have the General Lee ready to eat off tomorrow! Are you sure you don't want to take my car or Luke's truck?" Dixie thought back to the first night she and Luke had make love in the General Lee and said, "No, we both agree that we'd like to tke the General!" Beth replied, "Under the circustances that might be the best plan!" Beth and everyone else familiar with the General Lee knew that you could count on him! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ At the garage, Luke opened his eyes to the darkness of the back room. He listened. Nothing? Surely, after all he'd had to drink, he was not the first one awake? If so he was awake far to early. He turned over. Sometime later he heard someone in the bathroom throwing up for all they were worth! Someone had overdone it. Luke decided he better make sure it wasn't Jake or Bo, Jr. Luke got up. Steadied himself and made his way towards the sick individual. He found Steve, (one of his fellow Smokejumpers) awake and sick! Cue Beth

As the Dukes and friends quickly headed to class hoping not to cause anymore attention the only teacher in the immediate area was Mr. Crouse. He just smiled a slight smile as they passed. Everyone, especially Dixie expected her to be called to the office before the day was over. Music class ended and Dixie thought surely that Lyndsie would have gone straight tothe office but she had not been called in yet. She would have Mr. Crouse this class with Jeb . Dixie hoped to slip into class with a crowd. No such luck. Crouse tapped her on the shoulder and motioned her to the side on the doorway, "Not that I saw A THING, but what happened back there?" Dixie said in a quiet voice, with Jeb right behind her, "She said something I didn't like about Beth and Bo." "You were lucky I was the only one who didn't see anything. But, watch your temper and Tell Cooter to quit teaching bad habits!" he smiled a bit before walking into his class. Jeb and Dixie took their seats. Jeb leaned up and whispered, "Kool-aid is cool. If she doesn't spill the beans he won't." "I hope not Dad would have a calf!" she said. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Word must have spread about Dixie and Lyndsie's 'meeting' in the hall because Beth heard no whispers at all in her third class. She would be glad to get to English class with Bo. Three period was alway longer than any other class but today it was particularly long. The History teacher went on and on about Greece which he had went over and over before. Beth opened her notebook and followed the notes she had long since quit taking as it was the same information so she ended up day dreaming and thinking about Bo and the baby she was carrying. She was startled by the bell ringing. She quickly gathered her things and headed for English class. In English the teacher said, "We were going to start reading our essays today but I'm too easy. I have had several requests for one more day to complete them. Well, I'm going to give you this class and tonight to work on them. Rest asured that we will start reading them tomorrow. They will count for a quarter of your grade so I suggest you all who have not completed them get busy." Beth pulled out her essay and was reading it over. She looked a Bo who had opened his notebook to a blank page. She looked at him in shock, "You haven't even started it?" Bo looked innocently, "We have been kind of busy." "If you don't pass this class you won't graduate. If you don't graduate it will upset Jesse badly after all we've put him through. Just start something and I'll help you tonight." Bo smiled that smile she loved at her, "Thanks Honey." Class ended and lunch period began. The weather was still a bit warm and the Dukes and friends ate outside instead of in the lunch room as often as possible. They all ate on the outside steps near the 'old' gym where music was played during lunch. They all liked the music but didn't like being inside all day. Making up the group was group was Bo, Beth, Daisy, Jeb, Brody, and Dixie. While eating Mac Jones walked up to congratulate Bo and Beth and also to give Dixie a hug and said with his hand still on her shoulder, "I'd never hit a girl, but if I was the type to I would have been so temped to have cleaned Lyndsie's clock for her. I only wished I'd have been there when you did it" he laughed. "I'll make sure you are there next time!" said Dixie. They were all laughing when who should walk up BUT.......................

Beth usually enjoyed Mr.Crouse's class, but this particular day was rough. Especially when she heard a girl sitting a few seats back say, just loud enough to be sure that Beth heard her, "....... I heard the REASON why too!" Whom every she was talking to had the good taste not to be heard. The first girl was heard to reply but Beth only heard the parts that she was meant to hear, "she's pregnant." Beth was sure that at least several others setting near them also heard and knew they were talking about her also that 'news' this 'juicy' would spread like wild fire. She tried to act like she didn't hear them and waited for the bell to ring. Beth knew the next class would be better because some of her closest friends would be there as it was an elective class so several grades were together. This was also one on Beth's favorite classes, Music. In Mr. Kumps class they learned not only the music but how to work microphones, sound systems. Mr. Kump even let them pick the songs. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ In Math class Bo was getting the opposite reaction from Brody and the others. He was the 'MAN' of the hour which eventually disturbed Mrs. Carson's teaching. She finally could not ignore the group of guys any longer and maintain control of her class. She cleared her throat loudly, and asked, "Would you young gentlemen like to explain to the class just what is so important that you feel the need to interupt my class? ........" After a long pause with no answer Mrs. Carson asked, "Mr. Duke the attention seems to be centering on you. Is there something you'd like to tell the ENTIRE class???" Bo knew she was trying to embarrass him so he figured by answering her question it might put the shoe on the other foot, after all she DID ask and it might just stop some of the 'rumors' people were in such a hurry to spread secretly. "Mrs. Carson, I don't mind telling you, the class or the world. ...... Beth Smith and I recently have gotten married and expect our first child about graduation. The guys were offering their congratulations." Bo saw the look on the older woman's face, 'Yep, that was worth coming to school for!' The class was mixed with the guys congratulations and the females 'shock'. NARRATOR: Isn't it amazing how different the guys and girls took that? Before Mrs. Carson could gain her composure the bell rang. Brody put his arm around Bo's shoulder, "Buddy, that was worth getting up for this morning!" ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The bell rang and Beth headed for her next class. Dixie Davenport, Cooter's younger sister caught up to her in the hall, and said, "Hey, glad you're back. I missed you being here even though I saw you at the Dukes some." "Well, there are others that are glad I'm back for other reasons, too." said Beth glumly. Dixie smiled for her friends sake, "They are just jealous knowing your going home to Bo. I know I am and he's not my type!" A bit confussed, Beth asked, "So what is your type?" Dixie looked impish, "Oh, slightly shorter, a little older, much darker hair, and WAY MORE HANDSOME!" When she saw Beth smile she knew she had succeeded in getting Beth out of her bad mood. Beth said, "Well, except for the last statement there I'd say you would have to be talking about none other that Luke Duke, but everyone knows Bo is more handsome and blondes have more fun." Dixie replied, "Well, the handsome part is a matter of opinion and as for the fun part IF I ever get to find out I'll let you know, though being a brunette I would have to disagree about the 'blondes having MORE fun.' " At this exact moment one of the Hazzard cheerleading 'snobs' was passing by and heard part of Beth and Dixie's loud conversation. And stuck her 'two cents' in the middle, "Looks to me like that BLONDE boyfriend of yours knows how to have way to much fun for any 'decent' girl to date!" Dixie and Beth both turned on the girl. Dixie saw the hurt in Beth's face as her own anger reached boiling. Before Beth could reply or the girl could react Dixie had hit her, just as Jeb, Bo, Brody and Daisy walked up the hall. NARRATOR: Now Dixie might be Cooter's sister, but, boy she sure didn't hit like a girl!!!! Cue Beth

Try cootersplace,com for decals he has most everything else. DixieDavenport

"Beth take it easy. It's only two more for tonight and remember the guys better not try to come home tonight. Besides, tomorrow night we can stick all the guys in the barn if we have too. We've both seen this old farm have it's fair share of company." said Dixie. Beth smiled, "You know you are right. I don't know how Uncle Jesse did it. There was always room for one or two more of us." They changed the sheets, picked up the dirty socks from under Bo, Jr's bed, dusted a bit. Dixie said, "Luke hasn't called back so the girls must think they can find us OK. Beth, Honey, go on to bed. You need some rest. Besides, I need to go over my list of things for tomorrow just once more, so I'll be up when they get here. I think Luke just wanted us to know they were there and are no threat. They will probably stay at the garage for a bit." Beth replied, "I'm not so sure I like that." Dixie smiled reassuringly, "Beth you can look in Bo's eyes and see that you are the only woman on Earth for him. As for Luke, he has worked with these girls for years. If something was going to come of them working together it would have happened already. Remember, they spend days on one fire. Where there are days there are nights, too. Luke and I have talked about these two ladies. Casey's older brother and father are firefighters too. She decided to up the anty and become a Smokejumper. She is the clown of the bunch until they are on a fire. He says he can't count on anyone more than her when it's time to be serious. Then, there is Lisa. Her father got Luke into the Smokejumpers. She has more certifications than Luke. He said she can be a reral 'spit fire' when she's mad but knows her stuff on a fire. She is also trained as a EMT if any of them should get hurt. They are co-workers and I'm sure they will be here in an hour or so. Now, off to bed with you." Beth was tired. It had been a long day so she agreed. "Ok, but wake me up if you need anything." "I will." replied Dixie. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Beth had been in bed maybe an hour. Dixie was rechecking her list and seemed to be adding even more things to remember for tomorrow. The farm house was very still and quiet. Dixie loved this time of night. She took a drink of coffee and was thinking whe she heard Beth's bedrrom door open quickly and saw Beth heading to the bathroom. She smiled just a bit, got up and went to the kitchen for a glass of ginger ale and a few saltines. She went to the bathroom door and said, "Beth are you Ok?" "Lovely." was Beth's first answer. Given a few seconds she realized her sacrastic answer, "Yeah, sorry, I'll be fine in a minute." "Take you time. I'm right here if you need anything. I have you some ginger ale and crackers in the kitchen if you think it might help." said Dixie. Daisy had heard them talking and came out with her robe one. "What's wrong. You're still up?" Dixie replied, "Yeah, that's a long story. But, Beth is having a spell of night sickness again." Daisy replied, "Oh, goodness." As Beth came into the kitchen just a bit pale, Dixie and Daisy joined her. It was at this time that knowing the sound of an engine all three looked a bit surprised to hear Luke's truck pull up to the house. Daisy replied, "What is he doing home?" Dixie smiled, "It's probably not him." as she walked out on to the porch. "You must be Lisa and Casey? I'm Dixie. Come on in." Coming into the house were two girls that were several years younger than Daisy, Beth, or Dixie. Casey had long brown hair, Lisa had medium lenght blonde hair. Both were pretty small but their strenghts showed. Introductions were made and by this time Beth was finally able to go back to bed. So everyone headed to bed for the very short night. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Back at the garage:

I'm telling my age here. BJ and the Bear Emergency! CHiPs (at one time -- After Dukes Ponch just couldn't hold my attention.) Adam 12 Movin On Happy Days (Amy from Luke's Love story was Fonzie's GF Pinkie -- in Fonzie Loves Pinkie) M*A*S*H Being a Correctional Officer and Volunteer Fire Fighter / EMT you'd never see where my influneces came from would you?? And I even get to drive fast and run red lights on calls so that satifies the REBEL in me too though it's done legally --- I know takes the fun out of it. Kind of like the West Virginia Moonshine I've seen in stores. It's taxed and sold legally -- to me that's just corn whiskey -- it doesn't have the 'heart' to it if it's legal! LOL DixieDavenport

On the same show where Bo hit Rosco it looked really REAL! That's where Cooter said "If that don't do it nothing will!" DixieDavenport

Dixie walked in. Judge Hardcastle shooked his head no, "I'm sorry. I talked to him until I was blue in the face. He still wants to go through with this. I can't stop him. But this is my Court and there's not any law that I know against letting you a Luke have a little talk before we proceed." Dixie gave the Judge a greatful look. "Thank you so much for everything!" Judge Hardcastle looked to the small room where he'd let Luke and Jesse talk things over. He opened the door slightly, "Luke I've heard a lot of good and bad about you today, but I'm a man who makes his own decisions. There's a Correctional Officer outside the other door. Jesse and I'll be in here. I want your word that you'll take this time to say what needs to be said and not do anything stupid." Luke looked the Judge in the eye and said, "I give you my word as a Duke." Hardcastle looked at Jesse who nodded 'yes'. "Ok, I'll give you as long as I can." He reached for the handcuffs and removed them, then stepped aside to let Luke enter his chambers. "Thank you." said Luke as he stepped inside. He heard Hardcastle close the door. Dixie had been setting in a chair as he stepped into the room she met him as he crossed the room to her. He took her in his arms and held her for several long moments. Though he couldn't hear her, Luke knew she was crying as the warm tears soaked into his shirt. He breathed in the scent of her strawberry shampoo mixed with the melon scent of her body spray. Luke knew she needed to cry and be held and he needed to hold her. Finally, Luke knew there were things that needed to be said between the two of them that didn't need an audience. He took Dixie by the shoulders, standing her up and wiping her tears. He cleared the lump in his own throat, and said, "I could have stayed like that all day, but there are things that need to be said here." Dixie dried her tears and nodded 'yes'. "I take it that your Dad is still going through with this?" he asked. Dixie bit her lip as tears welled up in her eyes. Luke gave her a bit of a smile of reassurance, "I didn't really expect him not to. I want to tell you a couple of things that I would have eventually gotten around to telling you. The only reason I'm saying them now is not to try to get out of anything or just make you feel better, I want to say them to you. I want you to hear them from me. The day you came to the garage all dressed up asking to go out with Tommy?" She nodded that she remembered. Luke continued, "You blew my mind. It was like you had grown up over night. You went from being my 'kiddo' to a young lady right then and there in my mind. Then, there was that kiss out by the barn. It was all I could do to pull away." Luke sighed, "I've kissed my share of ladies but that kiss was different. Then, there was the dance at the Boar's Nest, it was all I could do that night to keep from kissing you right there in front of your Dad, Cooter, Jesse and everyone else. Then there was all the preparations for your birthday party. Like I said I just took it that it was your eighteenth not sixteenth birthday -- that was my fault. I want you to know I don't regret a thing that happened the other night. No matter what anyone else tells you, you were not just another girl. I respected you enough not to make a move on you until I thought you were 18......" Dixie interupted, "And as I recall, it was my idea." Luke smiled at the memory and looked her in her eyes, "Yes, but it's only because you moved first. My thoughts weren't totally pure when I parked by the lake to begin with. Because our families have been so close I would not have made any move on you if I hadn't cared about you. .......... Dixie, I love you. The other night would not have happened if I hadn't already decided that." "Luke I have loved you since I was a kid but you are right, things changed between us over night even before my first kiss." she said. "Your first kiss? That was your first kiss?" Luke said shocked. "Lady if that was your first kiss, wow!" "Guess I had a good teacher." she said meaning Luke himself. He smiled at her, and said very seriously, "I also want to ask you something. ......... I don't know how any of this is going to turn out. ......... I don't know if this will be possible or not but I intend to ask. .......... You don't even have to answer, but I want to ask you this here and now." he paused, looked her in the eyes and began, "Dixie Davenport would you honor me by being my wife?..." His question was interupted by her answer, "Yes, Luke anytime anywhere." Now it was time to explain something to her. "Ok, I have intentions of asking the Court if they can to grant this if your Father won't allow it, but I can't promise it can happen. Even if your Father goes through with this, I'd like you to at least have my name, even if we can't be together. That is if you'll have it. I think it could make things easier for you here. At least it should show that I do love you and I wasn't just out to use you and move on." Dixie smiled a bit for the first time. "Luke I love you. I want to be with you. Yes, I'll marry you anytime, anywhere. If I can't have you, yes, I'll still marry you." Luke said, "Jesse will have something for you that I was waiting for the right time to give you." he paused, "There is something you need to know before we go back in. To prove the charges that your Father is insisting that I be charged with there are tests that would have to been done on you, ........ I don't intend to let them be done. I fully intend to pleed guilty and take my chances before I'll let you be put through all that." "Luke I can't let you do that!" she said. He shook his head and said with determination, "I'm going to. I will not let you suffer anymore for my carelessness. Please give me this. Please let me do what I can, as small as it is to protect you all that I can." Dixie saw the helplessness one Luke's face. It was not like him. He was always in charge and was doing his best to take charge of what he could in this situation. Dixie realized how important it was for Luke to feel like he had some control in this. She closed hers eyes and and shook her head, 'Ok.' Luke reached out and took Dixie back into his arms. "Thank you. God, knows it's not much but it's all I can do." He held her for several minutes. Each lost in their own thoughts of each other. Luke petted her hair as he held her thinking of how he could ask something very difficult of her but something her needed her to do for him. "Dixie I need you to do something very difficult but that is very important for me?" She repliled into his strong chest, "Anything." "Hear me out first." He tilted her face up to him. "When we go back in there, .... I need you to be strong for me. No out bursts. No tears. ..... Cry now if you are going to, but not in there?" Dixie for the first time saw tears in his eyes, yet he refused to cry. She saw him gather control of himself but also saw how important it was to him that she not cry in the Courtroom. "All I can say is I promise to do my best." Luke squeezed her tightly, "That's all I can ask." Once again Luke held her hoping that she would cry herself out before re-entering the courtroom. There was a knock from the door Judge Hardcastle had went out. There was a minute before it opened, Judge Hardcastle said from the door. "Two minutes." and shut the door back. Luke and Dixie looked at each other. He dried her tears, tilted her face toward him and kissed her as passionately as he'd kissed anyone before. A knock at the door brought the kiss to an end. A minute later the Judge opened the door. "That's about all I can do." he said. Both Luke and Dixie thanked him. Judge Hardcastle instructed Jesse to take Dixie and return to the Courtroom. After they had left he sized up the tension in the room. He poured into Luke's glass from earlier a straight shot of liquor. "Drink up we don't have long." Luke took the glass. "Thanks for everything you have done for us both. I know you have got to do what you have to do." Luke finished the drink in one drink. Hardcastle replaced the handcuffs. He opened the door for Luke to enter the Courtroom.

53. 3-17 13-Feb-1981 Along Came a Duke -- I always liked this one because it let's us meet Jeb Stewart Duke the cousin Bo and Luke got caught running shine with -- though it doesn't tell HOW! 41. 3-5 14-Nov-1980 And in this Corner, Luke Duke ---- This one IS HOT!! I have it on VHS -- In one interview Tom said that he was in the best shape of his life for this show. AND IT SHOWS!!!! There's a lot of no shirt pictures and in SHORTS!! 40. 3-4 07-Nov-1980 The Hazzardville Horror --- I love the ending she kissies Luke to say thanks and Bo is WAITING for a kiss. She never takes her eyes off Luke, shakes Bo's hand and says, "Thanks Bo!" Bo was peeved Luke, Daisy, Cooter and Jesse crack up!!!! As for the cover, I think it should be like season one and two -- similar yet different picture of Bo, Luke, Daisy, and the General Lee. Did you notice the shot on season 1 -- That was a posted back in MY time but look at the General Lee there is no '01' on the door!!!!! The posted was the same way.. BIG goof! I for one DO NOT WANT TO SEE BO AND LUKE "HOLDING EACH OTHER" ON THE COVER!!!!! Lord, knows they were close cousins but that's a bit TOO close for my taste!!! Dixie

Luther Davenport came into Judge Hardcstle's chambers. The Judge had also known Luther Davenport for years. Hardcastle said, "Well, Luther, have a seat and let's talk about this." Luther remained standing. "Nothing to talk about Milt. That boy has used one to many girls for my liking. I just happen to be the one who can take care of this matter for all those other girls and their fathers." Hardcastle looked at the man a long minute before speaking, "What's it going to change?" "He hurt my daughter. He used her and would have moved on with another star on his board." stated Luther. "Did it ever occur to you that you may be causing both Dixie and Luke more pain by pushing this than if you just let it go?" asked Judge Hardcastle. Luther couldn't see the forrest for the trees. "He took liberties with my only daughter and I want him to pay for it." Judge hardcastle then put the ball in Luther's court, "Why did you let your daughter date him?" Luther turned red. "I never let her go out with him!" "Did you or did you not let him take her to the Boar's Nest after she had a date go bad?" questioned Hardcastle. "He told you that?" questioned Luther. Hardcastle waved his question off, "At, at, my question first." "I let him drive her out there and home. I was there the whole time." said Luther. Hardcastle continued, "How many times has Dixie went to get parts out of town and out of State with Luke with your permission? And how many wrecker calls has she went on with Luke? You let her spend all this time with him, now you want to cry wolf! Is that really fair to either of them?" "You're saying this is my fault?" asked Luther. Hardcastle had a way of putting things on the table the way he saw them. "I'm saying that you didn't see Luke as a threat to your daughter or you would have never let her spend all that time with him." the Judge continued, "You trusted Luke Duke didn't you?" "No, I never trusted him!" exclaimed Luther. Hardcastle smiled, "You let all your wrecker drivers keep your wrecker for days at a time? You give them keys to your garage?" "Well, ah, no." said Luther. "So you trusted Luke?" asked the Judge again. Luther scratched his head, "As an employee, yes." "Did you ever have tools or money missing? Did any damage ever happen to your truck from carelessness?" questioned the Judge. Luther replied very lowly, "No." "So you felt that you could trust a trusted employee to be around your daughter?" asked the Judge. "Right! and he broke that trust!" exclaimed Luther. "I have the right to press further charges against Luke and I fully intend to!" Judge Hardcastle saw he was getting nowhere but tried one more time, "You could probably solve all this a lot easier. Do you know that Luke has asked me to ask you to let him marry Dixie?....." Luther interupted by saying, "No way! Over my dead body! He'd just marry her to get out of this then run around on her. What would that solve?" Hardcastle said, "I'm not so sure about that. He said he'd like to marry her whether you dropped the charges or not. Jesse even told me that he has asked him to give Dixie something no matter the outcome." "They are just telling you that hoping I won't push this." said Luther. "I want the charges upped and I will not let her marry him now or ever." Hardcastle tried another approach, "You are doing this for Dixie's benefit right? Are you aware of the extensive and embarrassing test that would have to be done to prove this? Do you really want to put your only daughter that you are so concerned with through this?" "Absolutely! I want Luke Duke to pay for this!" said Luther. The Judge shook his head. "Alright, but remember this is your choice and I did try to talk you out of it. You can go now. Send Dixie back in and we'll get on with this shortly."

The next morning was a bit hectic with one more body getting ready for school. Luke was setting at the table drinking coffee trying to just stay out of the way. Beth and Daisy were trying to hurry so the guys could have the bathroom. Jeb, Coy and Vance were dragging their feet as usual. Bo didn't want to go to school but he was ready to go. He walked into the kitchen and shot Luke his usual evil look. He hadn't gotten use to Luke not going to school with him, yet. He nodded at Luke for him to walk outside with him. Luke sighed, picked up his coffee and followed Bo outside. Luke looked up at him, "What did I do?" "Graduate!" said Bo. Luke shook his head. He and Bo had, had this conversation several times since last June. "Sorry about that Cousin!" "Why'd you have to go and graduate and desert ME?" asked Bo. "Bo we've had this talk before. Now, what IS wrong?" asked Luke. "Last night Beth was telling me how she was worried about going back to school today. She's worried about the students reactions to 'us'. " explained Bo. "And?" asked Luke. Bo continued, "I told her our real freinds already knew and were there for us." "And?" said Luke again. "I told her that I'd handle the rest!" replied Bo. Not quiet as confident as he'd been with Beth. "And?" questioned Luke. "I wish you and Cooter hadn't graduated last year......" Bo paused. "Bo you have Jeb there with you. But, you or Jeb need to get into any trouble in school. You all don't need it. Neither does Jesse. And most of all Beth doesn't need it. If you two get suspended then it will be that much harder for her to go to school. Who knows how much school she might have to miss this year anyway. You know how important her grades and school has always been." Bo sighed, "You're right Luke. But, can you answer the phone if the school should call today?" Luke smiled a bit, "I'll try." He thought for a minute. "If it looks like it's going to end up in a fight." Luke paused. He knew he'd hate himself later if Bo did this. "Call them out to a place off school property and time." "Yeah! That might work!" exclaimed Bo. "Yeah, it just might." said Luke with less enthuasim. "Come on Cuz, let's get them out the door. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ At school: Bo, Beth Daisy and Jeb walked into the large brick building that was Hazzard High School, home of the Cougars. Just up the hall was a group or five or six girls all talking eagerly until the Dukes approached then the conversation stopped. Bo held Beth's hand tightly and kept the bunch walking like nothing had happened. Bo walked Beth to her first class. Her first teacher was one that Luke and Bo had started off onthe right foot with and got along with him well. Bo called himself sneaking a kiss right in front of the teacher. Mr. Crouse known by the Dukes and several other of his favorite student as 'Kool-Aid' walked over to Bo. "Now, Bo Duke, we can't be heving you kissing your girlfriend in the hall like that." Bo smiled rather smuggly and asked, "Well, could I kiss my wife in your hall, Mr Crouse?" Mr.Crouse looked at the young couple in front of him smiling from ear to ear and said, ................ Cue Beth

Saturday morning as the breakfast dishes were stacked, Luke asked, "Uncle Jesse yesturday Doc asked Bo to come by his house to do a fence repair for him. Me and the others can cover for him if that's OK with you." Jesse nodded, "We all should be able to manage without you today." Jesse saw what the others were up to. It was good they were covering for Bo so he could earn some cash, yet, he'd have to talk to them all. He couldn't let Bo dodge his responsibilities at the farm. Maybe Bo could take one or two days a week and schedule the odd jobs that way. Luke said, "Go get started. Repairing that fence one handed may not be that easy. I'll be by later to see of any poles need reset or anything you need help with." "Thanks Luke." said Bo as he kissed Beth and headed out toward the barn for tools. Luke saw where he was headed. "I better just go make sure he doesn't forget anything." he said as he was going out the door. "Bo wait up!" Everyone but Jesse gave Luke a puzzled look. 'What could Bo forget? Lord, knows they had all repaired enough fences.' they thought. ~~~~~~~~~~ Beth was feeling much better this morning than she had yesturday. She helped Daisy with the dishes. Daisy said, "You seem better today?" Beth replied, "Much better then yesturday!" "Good. The others are cleaning the remained of the garden out today. This afternoon will be a busy one with all the canning and freezing things for the winter ahead." said Daisy. Beth smiled shyly, "I guess I'll just have to do what you tell me needs done. I dont' think anything has ever been canned at my house." "Don't worry. It's not hard. Just takes time!" Dasiy sighed. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke managed to 'have' to go to town around lunch. Jesse figured he swing by and check on Bo which was Luke's plan. Bo had everything he could do alone done when Luke arrived and within an hour they were done and returned to the farm together. Doc knew he'd get it back one way or the other but paid Bo $50 for the job. "I sure was glad you had it mostly done. Jesse's got plans for us." Luke paused. Bo sighed, "Not stringing beans?" Luke smiled an evil grin. "Yep! And of course what he doesn't want stringed has to be cleaned and frozen." Bo looked a bit eager for a second, "You know I don't mind cleaning the ones for the pickled beans." "Well, just pretend that he's pickling them all then." Luke rolled his eyes as he walked into the house. Bo said from behind, "I wish he would! And you like them too." "I'll like them when they get ready. Right now after all that we have done I am tried of looking at grean beans!" replied Luke. From the kitchen, "I heard that!" said Jesse laughing a bit at his two nephews. This conversation was played out by one or the other at least once a year. ~~~~~~~~~~~ Sunday went by much to fast. After church and a big dinner, Bo took advantage of a quiet Sunday afternoon by taking Beth for a drive. This gave Luke time to work more on the baby bed. Jesse wouldn't have any work done on Sunday much to the others relief! Beth looked into Bo's eyes as they walked around the lake. "Bo, you know I love you and i'm more proud of being your wife than you'll ever know......" "But?" he asked. "Tomorrow?" She sighed, "I don't know what our friends, .... well, our so called friends are going to think." "Look, we made it through telling everyone, getting married, and your first doctor visit." Bo said jokenly. "Besides our true friends know and were there for us. The others don't matter." She looked down. "I know. But I know some of them are going to be hurtful and I' not sure I'm ready for that......." Bo replied...............

The ladies got the fellas back to the garage safely, then headed back to the farm. It was getting kind of late by this time. Though Beth and Dixie knew the guys would be up most of the night. Several mintues after the girls left and the guys had settled back in with a glass of Jesse's 'water'. There was another vehicle outside. Luke went to the door to see not one but two king cab trucks that he knew well pulling in. Randy was the first out of the truck. "Man, I though we'd never get here!" "Well, you are all here come on in and meet the others." said Luke. Lisa and Casey looked at each other. Casey was the that you couldn't take anywhere. She looked to her superior and said, "Cool! This is my first bachelor party!" Luke just shook his head. He put his arms around both his co-workers, sighed and said, "Come on guys!" The group worked together really closely. They were a family of their own. Luke knew the girls knew he meant nothing by this but also knew the looks he would get walking into his bachelor party with two girls on his arms. Bo, Bo, Jr., Jake and Cooter all about spit there shine across the room when Luke returned with the 'guys'! "Fellas, I'd like you to meet my team. This is my Captain, Casey. My safety officer, Lisa. Randy here is my right hand man. Then there are the rest of the crew Snake, Bugs, Steve and Ryan. Bo managed to find his voice, "Ah, Luke, ..........." "Would you relax! You're as nervous as a cat in a room full of rocking chairs." Luke said, "Smokejumpes meet my very nervous cousin and father to be, Bo. This is the best mechanic in Hazzard, Cooter Davenport, and he is also brother of the bride. My other cousins, Jeb, Coy, Vance. This is Bo's son, Bo, Jr. and my son Jake. Then there is Enos who came all the way from California for this, he used to be a Hazzard County Deputy. This is Mark, a friend from high school. And last but not least is BJ McKay. We were in Vietnam together and after one of those times I jumped out of a perfectly good plane behind enemy lines, BJ and his crew came in and saved my bacon. BJ was the best Med-evac chopper pliot I know." Luke saw that they all had a drink and motioned for Bo. He walked to the backof the garage where the other phone was. He picked up the phone, asked Maybelle to ring the farm. "Dixie, honey, I hope you all aren't in bed yet?" he questioned. "No?" she replied, "What's wrong Luke?" "Would you relax! I just called to let you know that Randy and ALL the crew are here." said Luke. "That's great!" She paused, "Luke why aren't you that excited? What aren't you telling me." "You know that Randy and Snake and I share the upstairs of the house. Bugs, Steve and Ryan share the bottom of the house. Well, that's six of us but the team is made up of eight. I couldn't invite them with out inviting the other two. I had not idea any of them would come but they are all here." "Great! So what's the problem?" she asked. "You know we are all a close knit 'family' kinda like you were telling me that you knew how some of the guys you work with like there hamburgers but didn't know how Cooter drank his coffee?" Luke paused. "Yes?" she said. There was something this man she had known all her life was trying to OR not to tell her. "Lisa and Casey showed up with them. Bo is about to freek. I thought it was a good idea to call you and let you know they are here. If you want you can come on down and take them back to the farm or I'll give them directions in a bit." he said. Dixie laughed, "Tell Bo to calm down. If they think they can find us send them on when you're ready. If they don't think they can find us I'll be up and ride in to get them. Luke?" He replied, "Yeah?" She said, "Thanks for calling." she sighed, "I work with a bunch of guys had I told them about it and it not have been this far they might have shown up at the bridal shower!" "What bridal shower?" he asked. "The one we had earlier before we heard about the race!" Dixie replied. Beth asked from behind Dixie, "What NOW?" .............. Cue Beth

"Have a seat Miss Davenport." sat Judge Hardcastle. Dixie was very nervous with everything that had went on and now being called into the Judge's chambers. She took the offered seat. Judge hardcastle saw her nervousness. He went to a small refrigerator and got a Cola and handed it to Dixie, before starting, "As I told Mr. Duke, this is off the record. I just want to know what happened. Sometimes I like to know more than just the facts provided in reports. This is one of those times. Just relax." The Judge paused. "Now, How old are you, Ms. Davenport." Dixie found her voice and replied, "Sixteen. It's Dixie." "Ok, Dixie. How old is Luke?" he questioned. "He's twenty. Until last night I had never paid that any attention. I had no idea, ......" she paused and hung her head just a bit before continueing. "that, what I talked him into was illegal." The Judge questioned, "You talked him into?" "Well, Luke has always been a gentleman around me. Until very recently he treated me like I was his kid sisiter. He even called me 'kiddo'." she said. Hardcastle questioned, "What made the change?" "Well, sometime ago I went on a date. The guy was a creap. I ended up getting out of his car and starting to walk home in the rain. As luck would have it, Luke was driving the wrecker that night. He saw me walking and picked me up, took me home, and he stayed until I got warm and had calmed down a bit. He made hot chocolate and popcorn while I was in the shower, and even brought me a change of clothes and left them outside the bathroom door. Then stuck around and watched TV for awhile. I found out later he was afraid the guy might come to the house so he stayed until he knew Cooter and my father would be home soon." explained Dixie. "In this time, nothing out of the way was said or done? How long was he there?" asked Hardcastle. Dixie said with certainty, "Nothing out of the way happened or was said. He was there two maybe three hours." she continued, "I told him what had happened on the date and made him promise not to tell anyone." feeling slightly embarrassed, she continued, "Later, Luke ran into the guy at the Boar's Nest. There was a fight. That's when you put him in jail for thirty days." Hardcastle shook his head knowingly. "Yes, I remember that. Though I didn't know the reason behind the fight." "After that I was feeling really guilty because I felt like it was all my fault that he went to jail." she bit her lip, "I stayed overnight with Daisy after he had gotten home. I went out to gather eggs the next morning and Luke met me out by the barn. He was telling me not to feel guilty, ..... about him going to jail. ....... I remember looking up at him, ...... , he looked down at me, .... the next thing I knew, ....... we were kissing. Then he heard someone coming and we both went to the house from different directions. I think that the kiss took him as much by surprise as it did me." "Why do you think that?" asked the Judge. "All of us are close. We had never paid a lot of attention to each other. By this I mean the garage, once you get a couple cars in there and all of us it gets pretty small. You walk by someone, they back up, someone is likely to get a toe stepped on, ...... , unintentionally you are going to have someone back into you, ......" The Judge saw where she was going with this he nodded to go on. "Well, it was no big deal. It has happened to us all. But, after that kiss Luke seemed a bit more cautious around me. He intentionally tried to keep a little extra distance between us." she paused, "Then, I had started helping Luke's cousin Jeb with his band. We had danced before, we had sang together before. One night after the kiss, we danced together and it was different. We were close for the dance, but we kept getting closer and closer. It was like we were magnets. After the dance things went back the way they were. We had the holidays, then I blew up my birthday. It was very special to me, so everyone worked to make it special. We all went skating and had a pizza party. After that Luke seem to be his old self around me, he wasn't stand offish anymore, though he was a gentleman." Dixie took a deep breath before continueing, "Then, last night we all went out to the lake. Several cars raced, but Luke stayed at the wrecker with me. I had ridden out with him which wasn't unusal. I had told him I was spending the night with Daisy. We walked by the lake and talked. When everyone else left Luke stayed behind to put out the small fire, then we drove down to the lake and talked some more. At some point in the evening, Luke had turned away from me in the car seat." Dixie turned beet red as she continued. She knew she had to tell the rest and hope it would be enough to show the Judge that this mess wasn't Luke fault. "I moved into the backseat, ...... , and invited him back." she looked the Judge into the eye, and said in a quiet but sure voice, "It was my idea." she had tears in her eyes but fought to keep the under control. "Daisy told me right after I came back here that I had a crush on Luke. I guess maybe I did. I just didn't realize it." The Judge had heard Luke's thought on the matter but wanted to know Dixie's. "How do you feel about Luke right now?" Dixie looked confussed, "I'm not sure I know what you mean." "Well, I'll tell you what Luke said about you. He said that what went on wouldn't have if he didn't care for you." said the Judge. "Judge Hardcastle I have loved Luke Duke a long time. I just never thought he'd give me a second look. I guess I did try to push back my feelings to keep from getting hurt if he didn't return my feelings. I've heard all about his reputation. I've seen him in 'action' a couple times. Do you know I haven't known him to really 'run around' since last summer. He went out with this one girl. I had hoped to spend time with him that night and when he walked in with her it hurt me. He left soon after and returned a short while later. After he explained what was going on I understood. I didn't like it but I understood. We spent the rest of the evening together with everyone else." "Did you and Luke date?" asked the Judge. Dixie thought a minute then smiled, "No. Not really. That's what I'm trying to say. We spent a lot of time together and had fun while we were together. But, it wasn't like he asked me out, picked me up and brought me home. No. We just ended up being together. It's kind of hard to explain." "So your father wasn't aware of you dating because you weren't?" questioned the Judge. She nodded, "Right. Though he knew I rode with Luke on wrecker calls. I've went out of town to get parts with him. He knew when we did this we'd get something to eat sometimes while we were gone." "He never objected?" asked Hardcastle. "No, never. As a matter of fact, the Dukes were the only ones I've been able to stay over with since I've been here." she said. "Ok, thank you, Dixie. Can you send in your Father?" said Judge Hardcastle. Dixie looked at the Judge as she got up to leave. "Please don't, .... , send Luke away. It was my fault. My Father has always liked Luke. Please don't let him do this." Judge Hardcastle stated quietly, "I have follow the law." Dixie fought to keep her comprosure, "Can I see Luke?" "I will see about that." he said reassuringly.

"Oh, no. " She grabbed her mouth and fled to the bathroom once again. Daisy being raised in a house of all males was torn between going to Beth and going to get Uncle Jesse or Bo. She chose to see about Beth. She knocked on the bathroom door, "Can I do anything? Do you need me to be with you?" Though Beth had lost the little she had on her stomach she still felt sick. "I think I'm OK." She wiped her face and opened the door. "I don't mean to be such a bother." "Don't be silly." said Daisy as she wet a cool cloth and put in on the back of Beth's neck. She looked really pale and scared Daisy. Beth was about to force herself out of the bathroom and had intentions of starting to help Daisy. She stood up still very pale. Daisy said, "Come on. I'm putting you back to bed for awhile. Go rest and try it again in a couple hours." Beth didn't want to be a burden but the idea of going back to bed sounded very good to her at this moment. "Ok, but dont' let me sleep all day. Promise?" "You won't sleep all day." insisted Daisy. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ With Bo's help Luke had finished the fence repair in a couple hours. "Well, I better get started on the bavk forty." Luke sighed. Making sure Jesse was not around before he continued. "Like there is a point to plowing it. I love that back forty but it is a rock and stump garden!" Bo nodded, "You know....." "Yes," Luke said with a sigh, "That I'm only plowing it because I forgot where the bed was and didn't turn on the light. He--, I've come in a lot drunker and not missed the bed! The bed just moved!" Bo replied, "Yeah, sorry about that. I knew they moved it but I never thought about you flopping into the floor instead of the bed." "Well, He--, I knew they moved it too, but I 'flopped' from habit!" said Luke. "You want some company?" asked Bo. Luke knew he'd rather be near the house and Beth. "Nah, go see about Beth. She looked awfully pale at breakfast." ~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke began the ordeal of plowing the rocky ground having to stop and toss the rocks every few feet. His back was sore from the fall and bending over to pick up the rocks wasn't making him any happier. After several hours Luke felt like he'd done enough to satisify Jesse at least for awhile. He'd go grab a little lunch and maybe Jesse had come up with a job that actually needed to be done. It was near lunch time when Jesse returned to the farm from running errands. He purposely took a short cut through the back forty. Luke was not in sight but Jesse saw where he'd been working. He had worked not slacked off. 'Maybe he did just miss the bed. Heh heh!' ~~~~~~~~~~~ Jesse came into the kitchen. Everyone was surrounding Beth who sat at the table. Bo was the first to speak, "Uncle Jesse, I think she needs to go to the doctor but she won't hear anything of it." Jesse sized up the situation. She was very pale. He felt her forehead, no temperature. "Have you eaten anything?" Beth smiled weakly, "I'm afraid too. I ate a few crackers and a Cola. It didn't stay." Daisy continued, "I made her go back to bed for a couple hours. " Jesse asked, "Bo when did you say Doc told you to come back?" "After we were married, so she'd not need her parents consent." replied Bo. "Well, I think it just normal morning sickness but ya'll better run her up town in a bit. Bo, you know your Mama got sick only once like this with you. She was sick about the whole day. Then she was fine. After that when she got sick it was only at night." Jesse explained. "It's time you get a check up anyway there Beth." Beth smiled a little. "Thanks." "Boys you can both go and get supplies while your there. And check the mail." said Jesse. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Once they got into town, Luke went to the Post Office. Miss Tisdale told Luke, "I have some odd jobs for Bo to do if he's needing to earn some extra money for that little Duke." "Yes, Mamm, I'll be sure to tell him. Thanks I'm sure he'll be by to see you." This would be the story of the day. News had spread about Bo and Beth's marriage and the raason for the rush. It seemed Bo had more odd jobs than he could possibly imagine. He knew that several like Miss Tisdale had probably invented some of the things he was asked about doing. Bo was very grateful for their kindness.

Bo stirred after smelling breakfast. It was far earlier than Beth was use to getting up. Luke smelled the breakfast cooking. He turned to get up. That was his first mistake of the day. He knew he had messed up by flopping down where his bed SHOULD have been, but he now realized he did NOT bounce like he used to. He also knew that his 'beloved' Uncle Jesse would chalk up his soreness to drinking 'too much' last night. He carefully made his way to the table, trying not to let on he was hurting this morning. Jesse looked Luke in the eye. "Luke there are several places in the fence that need work today. ......" Jesse sighed. Luke was relieved to hear his jobs for the day. "After we get the back forty plowed." Luke cursed to himself. The back forty was nothing but rock! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bo had awaken Beth. She put on a robe over her nightgown. They left their new room and headed for the table. Beth breathed in the delicious smells of breakfast. The next thing she knew she was grabbing her mouth and heading to the bathroom. As she shut the door, Bo gave Jesse a questioning look. Jesse smiled, "It's normal. She'll be fine shortly. There are some Saltine crackers in the cabinet. It will get worse before it gets better."

Luke for about a minute thought his Duke charm was working. Dixie had gotten her second wind and sighed, "Luke, Honey I'm sorry. I know you guys were just having a little fun." She smiled very sweetly and stepped closer to him. She reached up for a kiss. (She wanted to know if he had been drinking.) After a quite passionate kiss, Dixie was seeing red after tasting the beer. She said just loud enough for Luke to hear but he heard her quiet clearly, "I have been waiting since I was FIFTEEN to be your WIFE! Not only are you out here racing but you've been drinking too." Luke knew Dixie was right and so was Beth for that matter. He and Bo were reliving how Hazzard was. It was true, that Luke hadn't had much to drink, though he legally could be over the limit. He too had waited to have Dixie as his wife and he was out here acting like he was seventeen without a care in the world. He was risking Dixie and the life they had planned as well as a lot of explaining at work had he gotten into 'real' trouble. Though this was Hazzard and Enos could have probably pulled some strings with Sheriff Strate, Luke was wrong. And he knew it. He reached in his pocket, got the keys to the General Lee and said as he handed Dixie the set of keys, "Do you still remember how to drive him?" Dixie felt really guilty for the scene she, Beth and the others had caused though it was justified. Luke's quiet surrender of the General's keys said a lot to her. It said she was right. It also said, 'Let's not have this out here and now. Please.' Dixie's eyes filled with tears as she quietly and subtly won their first arguement by accepting the General Lee's keys. She bite her lip as she said, "Uh-huh." Luke said with a smile, "Come on then, show me." At the General Lee, Dixie stopped, "Luke I played dirty back there. I was mad. I know you'd not do anything to purposely jeaprodize us or our wedding. I love you. I know how things can go really bad in Hazzard really fast. Call it nerves or histaria, what ever you want. Please drive us out of here? If you need me to, I'll drive to the garage, but I won't make a fool out of you at YOUR party in front of your friends." Luke smiled with his approval, "That's my girl! I knew there was a reason why I waited for you to come back here." He kissed her very passionately and she returned his passion. Several minutes later, Luke said, "Dixie, I love you. I'm really fine or I would not have been behind the wheel. But, there is no excuse for me taking ANY chances this close to our wedding. Yes, I'll drive us out of here, then you can drive to the garage or the farm or the next wide spot, ...... your choice!" Dixie replied, "Luke as much as I'd like to stay out here with you all night there is NO WAY that I'm going to make it look like you are wrapped around my finger. God knows, we have showed out tails enough tonight. I'll drive us to the garage, then I'll see you at the farm tomorrow --- probably afternoon. If you think Beth is even half way serious about killing you ALL then you don't want to see ME IF you are not at the church AT LEAST ON TIME Saturday! I swear, I'll KILL you all TWICE if this wedding is held up. Luke, it's been FAR too long. If we're going to do this it needs to happen Saturday without a hitch." She looked in his eyes, hers dancing with demons, "Luke. ...... This should have happened years ago ....." He stopped her by putting his finger to her lips. "I may not have been a Saint waiting for you but I DID wait for you. I promise I will not let you down." ~~~~~~~~~~~ Debbie approached Jeb, "What's so funny?" asked Debbie. Jeb replied, "Those four. Two who probably aren't taking things as seriously as they should. The other two taking thing far more seriously than they are in Hazzard!" Debbie asked, "What are you talking about?" Jeb enlightened her. "Ok. Take Bo. He hasn't given Sheriff Strate any hard times all the while she's been Sheriff. If Luke is anything like Bo, let him get married and he'll settle right down and give her no trouble. Then there is the girls who know how things SHOULD be. But, this is Hazzard! Everybody's Daddy ran shine right along with everybody else's Daddy. Therefore, we grew up 'sampling' the shine. The beer the guys and ME were drinking is like Spring Water compared to Uncle Jesse's Moonshine. We all havve drank our air share and know when we are too 'bad' to drive. Luke would not have ran Mark if he was 'drunk'!" ~~~~~~~~~~~~ It must have been the hormones, but Bo was still not getting through to Beth. ... Cue Beth

"The next time you want to do a fool thing like that (lend you car to Cooter) just run it off a cliff and save on gas!! DixieDavenport

Jessi Then I've watch too many DOH 26 years ago! I dream of one special Duke boy often!! Dixie

Luke and Mark reached the end of the road at the same time. Both swung their cars wide and headed back to the start / finish line. They both looked into their rear view mirrors as they saw head lights behind them. Luke hadn't heard Beth over the engines and Mark didn't have a CB. They both knew from experience and several days in jail (in the past) that head lights when you are racing can't be good. They ran even harder back to the finish line. One consolation was that they had saw head lights and no blue lights. Not hearing Beth, either, even Enos was having a good time. Judging from the head lights Mark and Luke didn't take the fast approaching lights behind them as the law so they stopped at the finish line. It had been a even tie! Jake, BJ and the others surrounded the cars with congratulations! The car behind them suddenly forgotten. Beth got out, spotted Bo and Bo, Jr. and made a bee line for them. Dixie saw Luke had been driving the General Lee. She walked over tapped Luke on the shoulder and asked, "Have you completely lost all your senses????" Cue Beth

Luke continued, "I know what her Father wants. I can't change that any more than I can change what happened last night. I know no matter what happens to me this is going to be hard for Dixie to live with, the way it's getting blown up like this. Judge Hardcastle I'd like to do my best to make things as easy for her as I can. For one reason or another since she has been here, we have spent a lot of time together. I have known I cared for her for quiet some time now. With her, what happened, wouldn't have happened if I hadn't already decided that I love her." Luke let that register with the Judge before continueing. Judge Hardcastle looked a bit surprised. He knew Luke's history of running around. "Yeah, Jesse gave me that same look. It's true. I cared enough about her to wait until she was, I thought, eighteen." "Did Mr. Davenport know you were seeing her?" asked the Judge. Luke sighed, "Kind of but not exactly. He knew she rode with me on wrecker calls and to get parts. He let me take her to the Boar's Nest after a date had gone bad to meet everyone. He let her help with my cousin's band which put us quiet often at the same table or singing together. She has stayed over at the house with Daisy. But, no he didn't know we were dating because actually we weren't. It just ended up that we spent a lot of time together and had fun while we were together." Luke took a sip of his drink. "Do you remember when I was before you for fighting? You sentenced me to 14 days. You asked me to explain myself. I opted not to. I will now. I had fought the guy because he had given Dixie an option of 'putting out' or 'getting out' she had gotten out in the rain and started walking. I was in the wrecker and found her. I took her home and made sure she got a warm shower. I told her I'd take care of him and I did so. Rosco and the Troopers just happened in while I was taking care of him." "I see. That explains quiet a bit. Why didn't you tell me that before?" Asked Judge Hardcastle. "I had been asked not to tell anyone, but I thought it would explain that I'd not do anything to intentionly hurt Dixie or any other girl. I have been a run around this last little bit but I haven't done anything they didn't want to do." explained Luke. Judge Hardcastle explained, "When I talk to Mr. Davenport, if he wants the charges changed, I'll have to allow the Troopers to do so. You also need to know that if he does this you and Dixie will have to submit to a numebr of tests...." Luke held up his hand. "I won't let her be put through that." The Judge sighed, "If her Father insists, then, I'll have to order the tests." Luke looked the Judge in the eye. "At this point we're just talking correct? If I say something now will I be bound to follow it in court?" Hardcastle's was curious now. "No, you are not under oath. We are just trying to get this worked out." "Ok, if he insists the charges be changed. I have every intention of pleading guilty to keep Dixie from having to go through with the tests." said Luke. Hardcastle looked at the young man in front of him. "You do realize that if you plead guilty at that time there would be no backing out. I want you to know that it would very likely mean going to prison." "I understand that. But, I won't let Dixie be hurt anymore by this than she already is being. He can have me locked up and throw the key away but it won't change what happened. He doesn't realize that by bringing this all out public like this, he is doing her more harm than if he'd just swept it under the rug. Luther could have settled this easier for everyone involved with a good old 'shot gun wedding'. He--, I told Jesse, I'll tell you, and if I could get in the same room with him, I'd tell him, I'd be more than willing to marry Dixie even if he doesn't want to drop the charges just so she could hold her head up in this town." The Judge was impressd by Luke's willingness to try to made things right for the young lady involved. Most young men in his situation would be more concerned about themselves. Hardcastle said, "I see. Jesse is aware of your decisions?" Luke said, "Yes." "Well, I'm going to have him brought in here in a few minutes and make sure. Then, I'm going to do my best to see to it that he explains how the law can work to protect you and frankly I'm going to try to convience him to change your mind." said Hardcastle. "There is no point in throwing your life away because of this and I don't want to be the one who sentences you to prison without every avenue being explored first." Realization of the Judges words sank in hard. Luke asked, "Could you arrange something before this is over, if you see it's going badly? I'd like to see Dixie two minutes to apologize." Judge Hardcastle looked at the young man before him being so unselfish. "I'll do what I can. Now, finish that drink and get that 'jewerly' back on before you ruin my bad imagine." Luke finished the drink, replaced the handcuffs and handedthe judge back the key. "Judge Hardcastle I truely would like to marry Dixie. Could you express that to her father for me?" "I'll do it." The Judge went tot he door. He spoke breifly with Jesse. He had Luke and Jesse put in a witness room to talk the case over while he had Dixie borugh into his chambers.

The morning after the wedding found Jesse Duke walking up the street of Hazzard. Walking down the street was none other than Mr. Smith, Beth's father. They saw each other at the same time. Jesse hoped to smooth things over by speaking as he always had, "Morning, Andrew." "You know Jesse, ....... all these years I've known you, I'd never thought you'd uphold those two. Letting them live in sin under you own roof!......" Andrew Smith never got to finish that thought, "NOW, you just hold on there a minute!" Jesse roared, which got everyone in earshots attention. "There isn't anyone now or ever has been anyone living under MY roof in sin! That girl of yours was raised better than that and so was my boys!" Jesse said pointing his finger in Mr. Smith's chest. "You are so quick to condeem me, my family and your own daughter instead of trying to help them get through this. You can't change what has already happened. All we can all do is try to just make the best of this and help those two all we can." "You can do as you please. I have washed my hands of the whole dirty situation." said Mr. Smith as he walked off. Jesse stormed up the street to the Hazzard Garage where he'd parked. Cooter's father, Luther had seen the show. "Jesse is everything alright?" "Oh, that man makes me so mad I could spit." ranted Jesse. "I surely don't approve of Bo and Beth's actions without being married, but what would it prove to throw them to the wolves. Besides, given the situation, Bo has done his level best to take on his responsiblities." Luther spoke words that may some day come back to haunt himself. "Yeah, give him a year and he'll be bragging on that grandchild of his. You'd think those two were the only two every jumped the gun!" ~~~~~~~~~~~ Luke had taken Jeb with him to repair a fence near the road. They were busy working on it when Bo and Beth returned to the farm. Daisy was hanging up clothes on the line. Coy and Vance were cleaning out the barn. Bo helped Beth out of the car and grabbed the small overnight bag. They walked into the empty house. Bo opened the door to their new room which had been left empty until after the wedding. Beth said, "I had better get busy getting my things moved out of Daisy's room. I bet she'll be glad to get rid of me." Bo cautioned, "Well, you just don't do too much. I'll grab Luke in a bit and we'll move the furniture. I for one will be quiet glad to have you as a room mate!" he smiled as he kissed his wife. Daisy had just came in the door and saw the kiss, "Hey, we'll have none of that until this work get done." She said teasingly ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bo had joined Luke and Jeb in the fence repair. When they came in for lunch, the three went to what was now Luke's room. They took Bo's twin size bed apart and put it back together in Bo and Beth's new room. Despite suggestions of a new bed, Bo and Beth had agreed that was an expense they didn't need now and they were certain they could make due with the twin bed. They boys also moved Bo's chest of drawers into the other room. Daisy brought Bo two clothes baskets with instructions to empty the dresser into two baskets -- one to keep one to pass to Jeb, Coy or Vance and anything else to throw out. Once Bo got the dresser empty Daisy and Beth would reorganize it to fit Bo's and Beth's things. ~~~~~~~~~~ After lunch Daisy and Beth spent the afternoon setting up the new room. They put clean sheets on the bed and Daisy hung the curtains. Beth suddenly felt very helpless as Daisy wouldn't let her even stand on the small stool to hang the curtains. Everything was set up before supper. The girls had even swept Luke's room, made his bed and moved it to the center of the wall since the other bed was out of the room. Bo caught himself at Lukes' door when he went to get a change of clothes before showering. After continueing down the hall to his new room Bo opened his bottom drawer for his socks and found instead his T-shirts. He laughed to himself, thinking, 'This is going to take some getting used to!' He went to the door and said, knowing that he wouldn't hear the last of if, "Beth can you give me a hint where my socks might be?" She smiled and blushed at the looks from the others, "Top drawer on the left." Luke couldn't resist, "He hasn't been married 48 hours and can't find anything with out you!" Beth blushed a darker red. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Much later that night. Luke had driven the wrecker until midnight then closed the Boar's Nest down. The whole house was asleep when he had gotten home. All the lights were out except one very dim light in the kitchen that stayed on. He removed his boots on the porch, tip toed to his room, closing the door behind him he turned to fall across his bed. The still of the Hazzard night was disturbed by a loud "THUD!" Followed by an immediate, loud, "!%#&!%#!&%#@(#)#@)^)@!!!!" The entire house was awake and heading to Luke's room. Daisy and Beth both looked just a little guilty as Bo and Jesse were the first through the door to find Luke still laying flat of his back in the middle of the floor three feet away from where his bed was now at. Together Jesse and Bo asked, "Are you alright? Luke sighed, rolled to his side, as he got his breath back, "Why? Can those two just answer me why?" Seeing that Luke was OK. Both Dixie and Beth said, "We centered the bed to make it look better." Daisy continued, "Half the room was empty and half was full." Beth held up her hands, "Luke you saw it before you left." she said with a smile. "Yeah, I did." said Luke. "It's amazing what you forget after several hours...." Bo interupted, "and several beers!" he said as he helped Luke out of the floor. "Funny Bo!" said Luke. Cue Beth

Yeah, Jesse's wife is mentioned by name in a couple shows but I can't think of it. ( Maybe Lividia) Can't think of the shows either. (IF I remember right it may be where Jesse and a friend was talking about making shine for each others wedings and for the kids birthdays, and then when his wife passed away for the wake?) From what was said, I took it she was alive when the kids came to live there but had since passed away. Dixie

NOTE: For all the younger people of Hazzard County who don't remember Hardcastle and McCormick and want a better "look" than my descriptions check out the following link to see Mark McCormick, Judge Hardcastle, and Mark's car the Coyote! http://www.angelfire.com/tv2/coyote/index.html ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A powerful motor was heard pulling into Cooter's Garage. The garage was empty in seconds as the guys went outside to see who was driving something that sounded like THAT! Getting out of a red car that looked like nothing the guys had ever seen was a tall man with light brown hair. It had been years since the boys had seen the driver of the strange looking car who said, "I hear that there's a wedding about to take place here and the bride is NOT my sister!" he said with a smile. When he spoke most of the guys knew the driver. Cooter replied with a chuckle, "Nope, she's my sister!" "So how in the world did you change her Father's mind there Luke?" questioned Mark as he had been in the middle of the events when Luke and Dixie were caught in the backseat of the General Lee years ago. "Well, now Mark, being that we are both well over 18 he just can't say to much now can he? How in the world did you hear about this? You haven't been in these parts since.........." Luke was interupted. Mark replied, "Since never mind." Luke said, "Mark. What is a Coyote?" Mark laughed, "Thought ya'll would like him! He's a prototype car. Kind of like the General a one of a kind!" "Well, now how does he run?" Asked Bo. "Is that a challege?" asked Mark. Luke laughed, "Well, before Bo let's his mouth get him into too much trouble here, I've drank the least if you want to run him up against the General Lee in a little friendly race like we used to out at the lake." Mark, Bo, Cooter, Bo, Jr., and Jake all answered with a "YEEEHAWWW!!!" Bo, Jr. and Jake had heard plenty of stories about their Dad's racing but hadn't witnessed one!!! They all loaded up into the Coyote, the General and Luke's truck to go the the lake for a little friendly race between friends! Things were sure different for old Enos being there to watch the race instead of trying to catch the participants! They even let him be the starter. Luke and Mark both took off. Mark being in the lighter car jumped to an easy lead that was short lived as soon as Luke hit passing gear he came right back up beside Mark........ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ While turning out the lights in the kitchen, Beth heard the CB come to life. Though she didnt' recognize the voice she did catch the message about a race going on at the lake. "They wouldn't!!!" Dixie said, "Who wouldn't what?" Beth said, "Those fools wouldn't think about racing tonight would they?" Daisy said, "Want to bet!" Beth and Dixie both said, "No!" Cue Beth

Long after his bride had fallen asleep, Bo layed by her side and counted his blessing as he watched Beth sleep. Bo was still several months away from his 18th birthday but he had in the last two months gotten a wife with a baby on the way and two rooms at Jesse's to put a roof over his young families heads. Thanks to his family and friends they were able to have a real honeymoon, even if it would be a short one. Now, all Bo needed to do was to get that danged cast off his arm so he could start earning their keep. He sighed, as Beth snuggled closer to him. He'd worry later for now he was very content. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Bo wasn't the only one still awake. Luke layed in his bed looking over at Bo's empty bed. Luke and Bo had shared this bed since they had came to stay at the farm. Of course they had both spent nights here alone when the other was spending the nights with friends, but, this was different. Luke knew this was now his room alone. Yes, things were going to be different around here with Bo being married, and having Beth and a baby around here. Luke reached in the floor and picked up a bottle of beer which if Jesse knew he had in his room he'd have to listen to a lecture. They weren't suppose to eat or drink in the bed rooms. Luke figured to ditch the evidence in the morning. He had been good at the reception because he was driving home, but fully intended to celebrate once he got home. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The sun shined through the window in Bo and Beth's room at the Dixie Inn. Beth opened her eyes and it took a second to realize where she was. Once she got her bearings she was content to just snuggle and watch Bo sleep. She still had butterflies in her stomach not quiet believing she was finally Bo Duke's wife. Cue Beth