DixieDavenport

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

Luke knew all of Sheriff Littles cars were built to run! Fortunately for him the Sheriff had just never been able to hold the powerful cars in the road. Luke knew to loose him he'd have to out drive him, plain out running him would not be an option. Luke spotted a corn field up ahead. He hoped by leading Sheriff Little into it he could stir up enough dirt to put up a dust cloud and buy him some time. Driving this load in the General Lee had been a neon sign that a Duke was out of their County. Every law enforcement person in a dozen Counties knew this car and knew its drivers weren't suppose to be out of Hazzard County without written permission from their probabtion officer which of coourse Luke didn't have. Luke checked his mirrors He was stirring up a lot of dust but Sheriff Little was still back there! Luke tried to think. If he recalled correctly there was a river near here. He swung back out to the road and began driving toward where he hope the river was. Luke had hoped to drive through the near empty river bed to deter Sheriff Little but when he got there he saw the large river was running near its banks. There would be no going through that. Luke turned away from the river, he drove back into the field for quiet some distance Sheriff Little was right behind him even managing to hit the General's back bumper from time to time. Luke swung around suddenly heading towards the river again. This time he headed the General towards a fallen tree. When Luke hit the tree at that speed he was air born. The General jumped the creek, landing back end first due to the heavy load in the trunk. Sheriff Little managed to also jump the creek. The chase continued......

"Luke I intend to talk to all the parties involved in this. I understand from the Troopers the charges may change." Judge Hardcastle began as he took a sip of his drink. Luke had taken his drink and set it on the table. He surely didn't want to seem over eager for it. Luke smiled a sick smile and shook his head, "From what I could hear last night when Luther Davenport came to pick up Dixie, yeah, he wants the book and the bookcase it is on thrown at me!" "That's my understanding too." The Judge asked, "How long have you known Miss Davenport?" "Dixie? Since we were small kids. She has lived with her Mother out of here until last summer." replied Luke. "This isn't a test or anything. Drink up." The Judge motioned to Luke's untouched drink. "Did you know she was younger than you?" the Judge asked. Luke took a sip of his drink before answering. "Well, everyone knows she is Cooter's 'little sister' but he is older than me. She had been talking about a birthday coming up. Saying things like, 'after this birthday maybe I can make my own decisions about things like staying here.' Now, I know my last big birthday when I could do a lot more things than I had before was my 18th one. With her appearance, actions, and statements I just knew she meant her 18th birthday." Luke gave a weak smile, "Yeah, this time I assumed one He-- of a lot!" "Yes, I'm afraid you did. You mean to tell me as long as you have know Ms. Davenport you didn't know her age?" asked the Judge. Luke thought a long moment before answering. He was trying to word his response just right. "You said you have known my Uncle Jesse for years. Do you know how old he is?" Luke watched the puzzled look on the Judge's face. When Luke saw his expression change to where Luke was certain the Judge did not know Jesse's age, he continued, "Ms. Meade has been your secretary for years and years. Is she older or younger than you?" Luke's point had sunk in. Judge Hardcastle said, "You do realize the three of us went to school together. You have a point. I don't know who's older or how old they are, but ....." Luke interupted, "I know that it is not important for you to know. I was just making a point." Now the Judge got to the meat of the discussion. "Were you both willing?" Luke said matter of factly, "Yes. Between you and me she made the first move on me. Everything that happened was my fault. I let it happen. I should have known better. He--, I did know better!"

Though Beth and Bo knew everyone in Hazzard it wasn't often she asked anyone to watch any of the kids. Ususally it was when she was having another little one, but tonight was different. She had given Jesse permission to stay at a friends. Bo, Jr. was with Bo, Luke and the others, 'God help us!'. She had arranged for Caroline and Michaela to stay with a neighbor for the night. She figured Ruth Ann was old enough to be home tonight. Beth, Daisy, Debbie were the instigators in giving Dixie a bridal shower. Beth had even asked Dixie to take the girls to the neighbors so things could be set up. When Beth returned there were several cars she didn't recognize and several more that she did! Thanks to Debbie several other girls from where they worked before Dixie asked for a transfer had came to Hazzard to wish her and Luke well. After the initial surprise, Beth and Daisy served cake, punch and other goodies. Then it was time to get on to the good part -- the presents! Dixie was a little uneasy because quiet frankly she did NOT trust her friends -- well at least not to try to embarrass her! The first present was from Ruth Ann, Caroline and Michaela. Dixie figured to open it first because surely this would be the safest present. She had to smile widely when she opened the box. It was two hand made blue lacy garders much like the one Luke had caught at Bo's wedding so long ago. They had both their names on it as well as the date. She smiled at Ruth Ann, "They are perfect! Thank all you girls!" Ruth Ann explained, "One is for Uncle Luke to throw the other is for him to keep!" Next was Jessica and Laura's gift. They had went in together for. It was a clothes basket stuffed with paper with the top covered with wrapping paper. Once Dixie removed the wrapping paper things were much clearer. The basket was filled with things the girls knew Dixie didn't have (at least not new) at the apartment. In side was several cooking utensils, ice trays, magnets for the frig, all sorts of cleaning and other useful items which surrounded a set of sheets, dish towels and in the center was the sexiest white bra and panty combo that would be perfect to wear with her wedding gown. Dixie said, "I love this! These are things I haven't had time to go get!" The girls from work knew that Dixie had been a very conservative person. They couldn't talk her into going out at all while they worked together. Yes, these girls didn't know Dixie well. They did know she was a workaholic and with her crazy hours as well as the craziness of Lukes schedule they figured a crockpot would come in very handy. Dixie noticed the box had been resealed. "Open it and look at it!" said one of her co-workers. Dixie was getting worried. When she took it out it had strawberry designs on it. She had always had her kitchen in strawberries but the top of the crockpot looked strange. She lifted the top to find a black lace teddy. Dixie didn't blush easily she was thankful. "Well, you all know how to get to the things that are important to Luke! Are you all sure you haven't met him?" She smiled. 'Three down three to go!' thought Dixie. She still had to open presents from Daisy, Beth and Debbie! Cue Beth

"Weeeelllllll, I'll be!" Cooter smiled. "Luke, I'll let you slide just this time! Now, let me see if I can get over there to Bo." Luke took a drink of his beer and sighed, 'I'm sure glad the cats out of the bag!' The whole crew managed to have a great time that night. Everyone danced some and drank some. Bo made a point when one slow song came on that he excused himself from Beth. He walked over to her Mother who was tlaking to Jesse, "Mrs. Smith would you do me the honor?" She was slightly surprised but hide it well, "Yes. Thank you." Bo took her by the arm and escorted her to the dance floor. He started to dance being the utmost gentleman he knew how to be. Jesse followed Bo's lead, going to Beth. For several minutes there was no one else on the floor except for Jesse and Beth, and Bo and Mrs. Smith. There wasn't a dry eye in the house. Daisy nudged Luke. "You go get Dixie. I'll get Cooter." Soon the other two couples joined the others in the dance. After the dance Luke, Cooter, Mark, Dixie and Daisy slipped outside to decorate the General Lee. Dixie's job was to take white shoe polish to the inside windows of the General and write, "Just Married" and "Bo and Beth" on back windows. She wrote it on the inside so no matter how many times you washed the outside it wouldn't come off until you cleaned the windows. They put streamers, balloons, and many beer cans behind the General Lee and pushed the cans up under the car so Bo wouldn't see them until he pulled out. Mark asked, "Where are they going tonight?" Luke replied, "Things are a bit tight for them so they are going to their new room at the farm." Mark reached in his pocket pulled out his wallet. "How much is a room at the Dixie Inn?" Cooter smiled, "Let's do it!" reaching for his wallet. Luke said, "I'll go call and make the arragenments. You all keep them occupied," he paused and looked around, "Dixie you're not drinking. You drive and we'll go get the room key to give to them so they can't turn it down! I'll be right back." As Luke went to call the Inn, Daisy and Dixie got out their share of the money for the room. Luke returned, "I called it in. " He reached for his wallet. "It will be eight each." They all gave Luke the money. "Daisy can we take your car? The General's a bit over dressed for this trip?" "Sure." She handed Dixie the keys. Dixie and Luke went to the Road Runner. Dixie looked at Luke, "You know I don't have my license yet." "We won't need a license unless we get stopped." said Luke rather matter of factly. "Besides if you can drive the wrecker like you did the other night I know you can drive this. If we get into a stop I'll slide under the wheel." Dixie opened the driver's door, "Well, Ok. If you say so!" Dixie and Luke were back at the Boar's Nest in no time. It wasn't long before Luke noticed Bo and Beth looking for a way out of all this. Luke went over the the bands mic, "Excuse me. If I know my cousin, our newlyweds are looking for a back door right about now......" Bo gave him an evil look. Luke smiled and continued, "Well, Bo, I know I for one gave you a hard way to go about all this early on. So, for my part to try to make it up to you tonight and several other people wanted to give you two a little something to get you started off on the right foot, Mark over there came up with a good idea since we know money is a little tight." Luke reached in his pocket and took out a key. "We have booked you a room for the night....." Luke walked over the Bo and said only loud enough for Bo to hear, "At the Dixie Inn." Bo was relieved that Luke didn't announce to everyone there where he'd gotten the room because people in Hazzard County can do strange things on wedding nights! Bo smiled. Luke handed him the key and they both hugged. Bo said, "Thanks, cousin and thank the others so we can get out of here." Luke said, "You got it!" Then Luke turned to Beth and said as he hugged her, saying "Welcome to the family." Knowing how close Bo and Luke were, Beth couldn't have been happier knowing Luke accepted and welcomed her into the family. Everyone had several baggies of rice to toss at the couple as they left. The party at the Boars Nest continued several more hours. Cue Beth

After the wedding, all the guests went to the Boar's Nest for a small reception. NARRATOR: Being Cooter's sister Dixie had many hidden talents, one of which was her photography hobby. It would be her gift to Bo and Beth by filming the wedding and also taking the still wedding pictures. Now, have you all tried to keep a man of any age dressed in a tux for a PICTURE? Those girls had thought of everything and had guts! After the still pictures were taken of all the family members, group pictures, the bride and groom parties. Dixie set up the movie camera, then got her camera ready as Daisy got all the females to get in one group. Dixie stood at the back of the room to catch in pictures Beth's toss of the bouquet. Beth turned her back and tossed the bouquet. She was aiming for Kathy as she and Cooter had dated for quiet sometime, but those danged bouquets have a mind of their own! Dixie followed the bouquet with the camera lense until it went out of sight. Then she felt something hit her as she still searched for the reciever. It took several seconds for her to realize it was her who had caught the bouquet while the other females were tripping over each other to catch it! Now it was Daisy's job to get the guys in one group to catch the garder. NARRATOR: Believe me folkes that wasn't easy to get them guys there in front of a groom with a garder! Now for this shot Dixie got up close to catch in pictures Bo removing the blue garder that Daisy had made and she had embroidered with Bo and Beth's name and wedding date. Bo and Beth both were caught on camera blushing as Bo removered the garder. Dixie eased to the back of the room to catch the reciever on camera as the throw would be caught on film. Now, Bo didn't have an intended receiver he simply turned around and tossed it behind him. Dixie followed the garder with the camera lense. It landed as if planned right in Luke's lap as he talked to Mark McCormick who was a friend of his. NARRATOR: You can all bet that ol' Luke will take a lot of ribbing about this one! Luke insisted as it started, "Anybody who'd believe a fool thing like that would be too superstitious to go out of their own house! Just ask Robin!" (He was refering to Mark's sister his recent ex-girlfriend.) Daisy was elected to take a picture of Luke with the garder and Dixie with the bouquet. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ As soon as the pictures were FINALLY over Luke and Cooter made a trip out to the car to get their changes of comfortable clothes. While they changed in the men's room Cooter said, "Ok, now there's all kinds of talk going around. What's up with this sudden wedding between those two who are younger than us? I know that Uncle, Mister Jesse and Beth's Mother had to sign for them to get hitched. I am just wondering what the rest of the story is? Cause I know it had to be a heck of a reason and I also noticed that Beth's Father was'missing'?" Luke sighed, ................ Cue Beth

While the girls were talking last night, they only thought everyone else was asleep. Bo, Luke, Cooter and Jeb had slipped to the barn for a little 'bachelor party' being careful not to let Jesse know about it Jesse just happened to be standing in his bedroom window as the four crossed the yard under the almost full moon. He smiled to himself and thought, 'After all that Bo had been through and all the hard work the fellas put into the two new rooms, I figure if they are in the barn what harm can there be to letting them have a bit of a party.' After all, this would be what Jesse hoped would be Bo's last night as a single man, though he hadn't yet seen his eighteenth birthday party. ~~~~~~~~ Jesse and Luke almost had to 'hog tie' Bo to keep him away from seeing Beth before the girls left for the church. After they had left Luke poured two cups of coffee, handing one to Bo. "Here, get the cobwebs out of your head before we leave." Jesse just raised his eyebrows a bit and 'acting' as if he didn't know what they were talking about. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Beth was glad that she had let her Mother know about the wedding. Her Mother meet her at the church against her Father's wishes. The girls had all the decorations in place and began to get dressed. Daisy fixed all their hair. Dixie and Daisy helped Beth's Mother get Beth dressed and her hair done. Beth said, "Thank you all so much for this. It means more to me and Bo than you may ever know." Beth's Mother said, "Just be happy!" Beth replied.............

At the Courthouse. Jesse had returned from the Davenport farm. He was hoping to speak with his old friend the Judge before the hearing but he hadn't arrived yet. At just this moment, heard by all in the Courthouse, including the State Troopers who had showed up to swear to the complaint, the yellow Road Runner slide into a parking place so loudly that Bo would surely have to replace Daisy's tires when this was over. Seconds later, Bo stormed through the front door! It was all Jesse could do to calm him down enough to keep him from getting either thrown out or locked up. Bo was insisting on talking to Luke. Jesse and Peggy convienced him that Luke may need to see him more after the hearing. By this time, Jeb, Daisy, Coy and Vance showed up in Tilley which they parked out of sight in town. All conversation stopped when Luther, Cooter and an unwilling Dixie walked in. Followed just seconds later by Judge Milton C. Hardcastle taking the bench from a side door. Everyone who knew Judge Hardcastle knew he was taking these cases very seriously. Even though this was only a bond hearing he wore his black robe. Peggy went downstairs, locking the gate behind her. She opened a large metal 'gun cabinet' that hadn't housed guns in it for probably the last hundred years and took out a set of hand cuffs and leg irons. She sighed as she went to unlock Luke's cell, she said, "Luke. Time to go." Seeing the restraints, Luke asked, "You don't need those." Giving him a weak smile, she said, "I know. Rules." She placed the handcuffs on Luke in the front, then instructed him to turn around so she could place the leg irons on him which he did. Wearing the flip flops that he'd been given in place of his boots made it possible for the leg irons to fit. Upon entering the Courtroom with Luke, Peggy was directed to take Luke into the Judge's Chambers and wait outside the door. She did as ordered by the Court. Judge Hardcastle had been called a bit excintrict and true to all of Hazzard he did things his way in his Courtroom. The Judge closed the door behind him as he followed Luke into his private office. "Have a seat." Luke did so though he was more than a bit nervous. The Judge took a casual position at his desk and opened one the files before him. He looked up to see Luke setting stone still with his cuffed hands in his lap. "Relax, son. This conversation isn't on the record. I want to know more about this case than the 'black and white' of this complaint. I know you have been before me on several occassions. I have also been freinds with your Uncle Jesse for many years, though that will not influence me in any way." The Judge thumbed through the file again. "How old are you?" Luke repliled, "Twenty." "Were you drinking?" asked the Judge. "Yes. " said Luke. "On a scale of 1 to 10 how intoxicated were you if 1 is sober and 10 is the drunkest you've ever been?" questioned Judge Hardcastle. Luke thought for a minute. He had drank quiet a bit over a long period of time and had also eaten. He answered, "A three. I might have been over the legal limit when they showed up but I could have driven home." "So it takes something more than a couple drinks to make your thinking unclear?" the Judge asked. Luke nodded, "Yes." The Judge now did something very uncharacterstic for a Judge but it is Hazzard. He reached into his top desk drawer and took something out, then asked, "What were you drinking?" Luke replied, "When the Troopers showed up I had a beer." The Judge opened yet another desk drawer and dug around in it a few minutes before asked Luke, "You wouldn't be opposed to a little Jack Daniels would you?" Luke Looked a bit surprised as the Judge tossed a handcuff key to him. "I don't suppose we need those bracelets for this conversation. Do we?" "No, Sir. I'm not going anywhere until this is straightened out." replied Luke who was beginning to calm down just a bit. "Good. Good. Now, you can take those things off and put them on the table while I pour us a drink. Then, we are going to talk about last night. You will tell me the truth?" He said as he handed Luke a good sized drink. "I"ve never lied to you. If I have done something I'll tell you I did." Luke said looking the older man in the eyes.

The next person to speak up was Jake. "I've heard the stories of you 'running around' with all the girls. When did you know you REALLY loved Dixie? And there aren't any 16 year olds around now either." Luke shook his head. He hadn't had that much moonshine, yet. "Well, when something is being taken away from you, you see what you had. I was really close to my frist serious girlfriend. If she hadn't pushed me into either asking her to marry her or breaking up then most likely I would have in the next couple years asked her to marry me. Especially after Bo and Beth got married. Well, she peeved me off and I ran around for quiet sometime. I'm not real proud of that now but I can say you are the one good thing that came from it. I did learn something from all those girls I missed having someone there. Dixie and I never planned for us to get serious but we did. Then her Father, ........ " Luke paused. Bo was watching to see how much he was going to tell. "made sure the law threw the book at me to keep me away from her. She even left town to get away from everything that happened. After that I soon went in the the Marines because it was the right thing to do for my Country at the time but it was my way of going away too. But you want to know when I knew I loved her. We were talkign behind the barn one morning, our eyes met, the next thing I knew we were kissing. I remember hearing a door slam; it was all I could do to pull myself away before we got caught kissing. It had taken us both by such surprise. I knew that the others wouldn't understand me kissing Cooter's 'little sister'. He--, I didn't understand it myself." Luke looked at Bo, "Do you know even before we came back the first time, this time. I still had sreams about her. I would wake up in the middle of the night and wonder if I'd ever see her again." Bo replied with a smile, "Well, cuz, I'd be willing to bet that if you servive the next few hours you'll not ever have to wonder that again." Luke just grinned, "I sure hope you are right!" Next, Bo, Jr. asked, "So Cooter did you ever have a girl get to you like that?" Cue Beth

Well, what else would three teenage girls talk about on the eve before one got married. Daisy asked, "Are you nervous?" Beth replied, "I was more nervous about telling everyone about the baby!" she sighed. Dixie asked, rather shyly, "What about the wedding night?" Beth had the good graces to blush, "Well, honey, it's not like we haven't 'practiced' before." she smiled though her face was as red as a beet. They all had a good laugh. Dixie asked, "Hey, you all, what can I do to get a half way look from some of the guys at school this year? I mean I love riding the wrecker with Luke and Cooter but they all treat me like a little BROTHER." Daisy said, "If you want the fish to react different maybe you need to change the bait a little. If that blue dress, those high heels and the hair do I'm planning doesn't turn at least several hers I'll eat my bouquet. Sugar, just which fish are you after?" Dixie just shook her head. "You know, I'd just like to have a different reaction from the guys this year at school. I'm not a dress and pearl person. Mom tried her best to make me one. ....." Daisy said, "Neither am I. I do like to wear a dress occassionally, but I'm more at home in shorts or jeans. But, you can wear shorts and jeans and still dress to impress. We'll help you for awhile if you like, right Beth?" "Sure, after all the help you've all given me. You got it!" she said. Dixie continued the conversation by asking, ................ Cue Beth