Elly May Duke

Elly smiled "Know Enos. . .Cooter told me the other day that Roscoe said Lady is about big enough for you to have her. . .Oh and I have this little kitten here. . .that is if you want her."

Enos smiled "Me either. . .want me to make a pot of coffee? or ya like tea better?"

Bee smiled "Daisy, could you go wake your cousins and Opie for me?" she asked.

Enos yawned "Well are you in any mood to go back to sleep?" he asked.

Enos nodded as he helped her back into her chair. "So Enos. . .Elly and I got the news. . .true huh?" Cooter asked "I'm so sorry buddy."

Daisy chuckled blushing "You don't have to tell me." she said.

Enos nodded and laid Cherry back down in her crib "Well. . .let's see what time is it?" he asked.

Cooter rushed over and held her till she came to. "You okay Daisy?" he asked as Elly reached over, a small kitten in her arms.

Enos gently rubbed her arm and patted it every little bit "Don't worry Daisy." he said just when Doc came in saying that Cooter and Elly were there to see him.

"Love doesn't hate and it's not pridefull . . .surely Uncle Jesse has told you that a million times Daisy. . .you just have to take my word for it." he said.

Daisy nodded "He's my boyfriend." She said.

Enos read her mind "Daisy, I really am not angry about LD. . .I know I can't explain it, but I love you too much for anger."

Enos looked away slightly ashamed "I do Daisy. . .Take a look for yourself." Daisy gulped and slowly lifed back the blanket. True as Enos had said. . .he only had one leg and a bit of the other. Daisy let the tears fall.

So the next morning as Daisy was up earlier than the boys. She came down and saw Aunt Bee at the kitche and so she asked "Hey, Aunt Bee. . .know has Andy ever met anyone named Enos Strate?"

Enos nodded "I know, but there's something that doc didn't tell you. . .I. . .lost one of my legs." Daisy gasped "Enos no." Enos took her hand "I'm so sorry Daisy."

Enos gently rocked Cherry in his arms.

The boys were sound asleep, but Daisy just stared out the window thinking about Enos.

Enos nodded "I know you did. I'm so sorry Daisy. I'm supposed. . .to. . .take care. . .of you. . .and the kids. . .Now you'll have to take care of me. . .I never wanted that to. . .happen. . .even though. . .I know you can."

Then, Enos as if reading her mind said "You know we'll make a good pair for parents. . .I think."

Doc led her back into the room. Enos looked over at her a serious look on his face.

Enos gently took Cherry from her "Hey ther. . .It's all right." he said.

Daisy cradled Cherry in her arms and then she came over to Enos smiling brightly at him, Cherry held closely to her.

Daisy and the boys headed on up to their room.

Enos smiled and hugged her close "And you're the only girl I ever loved." Just then Cherry woke up and began crying. "Correction" Enos added "only other."

Enos was now surpprised "Daisy it's all right. I don't hate you. In fact I had a little thought of marrying some girl myself, but I thought better of it when she cheated on me one night."