The New Postmisstress: Special Delivery

[B.L. Davenport]

Note: This Story is the 3rd in The New Postmistress series. All written with my very talented co-author Dixie Davenport.

BL shifted a little closer to her new husband Bo, throwing a leg over his, a cool front had blown in and the mid September air coming through the open bedroom window was a mite cool. Bo, usually a hard sleeper, hugged his wife . He couldn’t believe it would be three weeks tomorrow since their wedding day.
“Cold Darlin?” Bo asked in a whisper.
“Little bit,” BL nodded her head, resting on Bo’s shoulder.
“Let me warm ya up,” Bo said, letting his hands start to roam. Moving out from under BL’s petite frame easily to hover over her, Bo lowered his head kissing BL passionately.
Soon they were doing what newlyweds do, without making too much noise for their cousins Luke and Dixie to hear in their bedroom across the hall.

Dixie managed to get out from under Luke's arm hopefully without waking him as she found her earlier discarded gown and slid it back on along with her robe. The house was a bit cool, but the robe was more for her benefit if she should run into Bo in the hallway. Dixie quietly opened the bedroom door and looked to see if Luke had woken up. He hadn't moved, but Scrapie and Trixie's heads popped up from under the covers. "Alright, but me first." She said, "Shhh." Dixie was followed into the hallway by the two pups and into the bathroom. Once she was done, they followed her into the hall and started down the stairs. Dixie let the pups out back, grabbed a drink and let them back in to head back upstairs. As she reached the top step, she understood why Sadie had not joined the pups. She shook her head with a grin as she quietly opened the bedroom door to find Luke propped up on his pillows, looking at her. 
Both pups knew they didn't have to be easy and leaped into bed. 
"I tried not to wake you." Dixie said.
"You didn't. The cold, empty bed did." Luke admitted.

Sadie heard Scrapie and Trixie go past the bedroom door and she hopped down from the easy chair, padding over to the door but it was shut all the way. Coming over to the bed, Sadie reared up on BL’s side of the bed.
“Alright give me a minute,” BL whispered, Bo was sound asleep again.
BL found her gown then her robe, incase she should meet Luke in the hall.
“C’mon,” BL said, opening the bedroom door.
Sadie trotted down the stairs and to the back door. BL opened the door letting Sadie into the backyard. When Sadie came back inside they headed back to bed. Bo hadn’t moved. BL shook her head as she took off her robe, Sadie hopped back in the chair. BL knew which of them would be up for those 2 o’clock feedings when they did decide to have a baby and it looked like it likely wouldn’t be Bo.

Dixie managed to make Scrapie and Trixie give her enough room to get back into bed and in Luke's arms. Soon, the four were cuddled up to each other under the covers and back to sleep.

BL was sleeping good, snuggled in Bo’s arms until his alarm went off. Bo didn’t even flinch so BL nudged him with her elbow., he still didn’t move so BL nudged a little harder. Looking at her own clock, which said it was 5:30 am, saying “Bo time to get up, your alarm is going off.”
“Yes sir, I’m coming Uncle Jesse” Bo said, still half asleep.
“I ain’t Uncle Jesse,” BL replied, giving Bo a deep kiss.
Bo came alive then saying “No ma’am you sure ain't!”
BL grinned and let Bo get up, he put on his jeans that were by the bed, then his socks before getting his shirt off the bedpost. Stepping into his boots, he then leaned over kissing his bride.
“Keep my spot warm darlin, be back directly,” Bo left the room, making a stop at the bathroom on his way downstairs.
BL scooted over to Bo’s side of the bed, the sheets were still warm.
“Come on Sadie,” BL called, patting her side of the bed. Sadie had raised her head, watching Bo, she wasted no time getting off the chair, joining BL on the bed.
Gloria Kravitz crammed cotton in her ears when General Lee fired up, these were her retirement years meant to be relaxing and peaceful but instead they were aggravating, mostly due to the 4 young hoodlums across the street with their loud vehicles, friends in and out at all hours in loud vehicles and the 3 yapping mutts the 4 of them owned.

Luke heard Bo pull out in the General and for just a moment, felt a twang of guilt, and then he felt Dixie wrap her leg over his legs. Luke pulled her closer and wrapped his arm around Dixie, but instead of feeling warm flesh, he felt warm fur. He scratched Trixie's ear and fell back to sleep.

As Bo pulled up at the Duke farm, the kitchen light was on, which meant Uncle Jesse was cooking breakfast and the coffee was likely ready. Sliding out of the General, Bo headed inside for a cup.
“Morning Uncle Jesse,” Bo said, helping himself to a cup of coffee.
“Morning Bo, how’s the missus?” Jesse asked, laying strips of bacon in an iron skillet.
“She’s fine,” Bo replied. “I better get the chores done, said I wouldn’t be gone too long. Thanks for the coffee,” Bo added, putting his empty cup in the sink.

Uncle Jesse said as Bo turned toward the back door, "I'll have breakfast done by the time you get done. Come on back in for more coffee and bit of breakfast." Jesse cut Bo's reply off, "Neither of them girls are early risers. You are used to eating this early and if I know you, you'd rather sneak a few minutes back in bed than to cook your own breakfast. I know ya'll is newlyweds, but you can't live just on love either. " Jesse had already planned to send the others a couple biscuits a piece back with Bo because he also knew that Luke wouldn't get up to fix breakfast for him and Dixie unless he thought the baby needed to eat.

“Ok,” Bo said dutifully, not arguing, grinning and shaking his head as he went out. Uncle Jesse was right he planned to do the chores, go home and crawl back into bed with his wife for as long as possible.

Bo and Luke pretty much met at the top of the stairs as Luke was going in the bathroom while getting ready to leave for his job.
Bo said, "There's a thermos of coffee and a couple biscuits each in the kitchen for ya'll. I put BLs in the microwave for her. 
Luke shook his head, "Uncle Jesse still saying he's cooking too much from habit?"
Bo replied, "Nope. He just handed me a bag of biscuits and the thermos on my way out."
Luke grinned and shook his head as Bo shut his bedroom door. "Make sure ya'll got a clock set or you will both be late.", Luke called.

Sadie raised her head which she had on the pillow beside BL’s, jumping off the bed with a huff going back to the chair and curling up. Bo checked to make sure BL’s alarm was set then shucked his clothes down to his boxer shorts, hanging his shirt on the bedpost then climbing in bed with his wife saying, “I’m back,”
“Good, missed you,” BL said, laying her head on Bo’s chest.
“Uncle Jesse sent biscuits for the rest of you, yours is in the microwave. I ate while I was there,” Bo said.
“If Aunt Pauline ever finds out how often Uncle Jesse cooks for all of us, she’s gonna think you and Luke married the laziest girls in the county,” BL moaned and groaned.
“Uncle Jesse don’t mind, I think it kinda pleases him,” Bo replied.

Luke came back in the bedroom, "You have biscuits in the kitchen and I'll make you a travel cup of coffee when I go down." Luke was in 'work mode'.
Dixie replied, "OK. Thanks." She put her work BDU pants on and went to button them.  It wasn't happening. She checked the size. They were not the same pair she had worn yesterday but they were the same size. She quietly grumbled.Took off those pants and tossed them in a heap in the corner then opened the closet to find a pair the next size up.
Luke chuckled to himself before quietly saying, "You do know you could just stay home, right?"
Dixie gave him a look, "Luke."
He put his hand up in his defense, "Just a reminder."
"Thanks, but I got this." Dixie said. 
Luke thought but his mouth happened to voice what he was thinking without his consent. "That's what worries me."

Dixie gave Luke a look and he decided it was probably a good idea to leave, “well I gotta go, see you at the Boar’s Nest after work like usual,lets go to work Scrapie, you too Trixie,” Luke gave Dixie a quick kiss.

BL’s alarm went off, sending Sadie into a barking frenzy, the same as every work day.
“Does she have to do that every morning?” Bo grumbled. 
BL reached out and turned off the alarm, “she just don’t want me to be late,” BL replied.
“I’m gonna go take a shower,” Bo said.
 “Well hurry because I need one too, I’ll let Sadie out while I wait my turn,” BL replied.
“You could let Sadie out and join me, together’s got to be faster than separate showers,” Bo reasoned with his usual Bo logic.

BALLADEER: They should talk to Luke and Dixie about that, they thought so too.

Hazzard County was waking up and coming alive as shops, the garage, bakery, and such came to life. 
Daisy was in town early to run a few errands. Her first stop was the local drug store. Inside, she took out the small package with her name and prescription with refills on it and handed it to the pharmacist. "Good morning, Danny. How have you been?"
He smiled at Daisy and replied, "Good. How are Uncle Jesse and the fellas?"
Daisy replied, "Everyone is good."
Danny checked the prescription and said, "Daisy, the medication this time is the same medication.The pills will just look a bit different. You know how it is, if they can save a dollar they will order from the cheapest company."
Daisy nodded, "Alright, by me as long as it's the same medication."
"Yes, it is. Instead of the tiny round pill, these are just a bit bigger and pink." He explained.
Daisy took the bag of medication, put it in her purse, paid the man and said, "Thanks," as she headed toward the street and over to Rhuebottom’s.

Daisy read over her short shopping list just inside the door of Rhuebottom’s store. Morning Daisy, can I get ya something?” Mr. Reubottom greeted and asked her.
“Morning Mr. Rhuebottom, I just came in to pick up a few things, since I was in town already,” Daisy replied, picking up a shopping basket.
On the other side of Cooter’s garage a little ways down the street BL was dashing around like a mad woman, trying to get to the post office before the mail truck.

BALLADEER: Uh huh I had a feeling showering together wouldn’t be faster.

“Sadie get out the way,” BL fussed at the overexcited dog barking while bouncing all around her.
Bo handed BL her travel coffee mug that matched his, that BL had gotten at her bridal shower. He also handed her a ziploc bag with the biscuit from Uncle Jesse.
“Here’s your coffee and biscuit. I pulled your car out and left the motor running,” Bo kissed BL, adding “have a good day darlin.
“Thanks, see you after work,” BL replied, calling over her shoulder before driving away, “LOVE YOU.”

Dixie decided while driving to work that she needed to stop in the office and grab a few more pairs of work pants a size or two up. She knew she wasn't showing, but you sure couldn't say that by the way the BDU pants were fitting or well not fitting the past few weeks. Once parked instead of heading into the jail, she went into the administrative building and spoke to the girls that do the hiring. After a bit of small talk, Dixie said, "Can I grab a few more pairs of pants?  It's crazy. It's way too early for me to be showing and I'm not, but the way these pants are cut, I've already moved up a couple sizes."
"Sure. Get you a couple changes of whichever sizes you need." Said one of the ladies.
"Thanks. I'll wash up what's not fitting and drop them in next week." Dixie said as she went to the room with the uniforms in it.

BL whizzed into the square and saw the mail truck coming down the street toward the post office, so she pulled in a parking spot out front.
“Sadie stay,” BL said, pulling the key out of the ignition, she found the post office key on her keyring and had the door unlocked by the time the mail truck drove up.
“Morning Joe, how are you today?” BL said as the truck driver got the mail bag from the truck.
“Morning Miss Dav…Mrs. Duke, I’m good, how about yourself?” Joe replied.
“I’m good thanks,” BL replied, adding “have a nice day now.”
“Once the truck was gone, BL sat the big bag inside behind the counter, then moved her car around back.
Daisy finished with her shopping, sat her shopping basket on the counter so Mr. Rhuebbottom could ring up the purchases.
How’s your Uncle Jesse and the boys?” Rhebottom asked. “They’re fine, Bo and Luke and their wives eat supper out at the farm atleast once a week,” Daisy replied.
“That’ll be ten dollars,”Rhebottom said, sliding the paper bag over to Daisy.
Daisy gave him a ten dollar bill, picked up her bag and went back to her car and figured she may as well head over to the Post Office and chat with BL while she put up the mail. Daisy dropped her bag off at the car and walked toward the Post Office. "Good morning BL and you too Sadie girl." Daisy said as she came inside and started petting Sadie.

“Good morning Daisy, I don’t have the mail sorted yet, if you’re here to get the farm’s mail. I’m running a bit behind,” BL replied.
“I was in town running errands and thought I’d drop by and chat, the farm’s mail can wait until you get to it and if I’m already gone, just deliver it like usual,” Daisy said.
“Ok,” BL replied.
“Are you and Bo going on the hayride next month and to the Annual Hazzard Derby?” Daisy asked.
“Probably, you know the only way Bo will miss being in a race is if both arms are in casts and he can’t drive,” BL replied grinning.
Daisy said with a giggle, “he’d probably drive with his knees then.”
“You’re probably right,” BL agreed.

Daisy said, "Luke has got some of the Smokejumpers helping with the Hazzard Volunteer Fire Department’s booth.

Well I bet I can guess atleast two smokejumpers that volunteered to help, if he promised the company of a certain two of your cousins,” BL grinned asking
“Think Jeb will come? The race ain’t motocross.”
Daisy replied, “he prefers motocross but he’s a Duke boy and will race anything with wheels. Uncle Jesse says all 5 boys liked to race even when their wheels was tricycles!”
BL made a mental note to tell Dixie to invite her coworker Debbie, it hadn’t escaped BL that Jeb had taken a shine to the young woman.
“Who are you going on the hayride with?” BL asked Daisy.

Daisy replied, "We'll just have to see who asks me. So after we get Bo off the track are ya'll gonna be helping out or just there to enjoy?"

“I don’t know, Luke is helping with the hauntings and I think Dixie is helping with concessions. It just don’t seem right for them to be working most of the time while me and Bo are having fun.” BL replied.

"I am more than sure that Luke or Dixie can find something for ya'll to do. I'm trying to figure out a costume, too. You just never know about the weather. I can think of a lot of things but if it's cold I'll freeze or the costume will be covered up."
BL said, "True."
Daisy wiggled her eyebrows a bit, "Not that I need or want graphic details about my cousin, but how is married life? How is it with ya'll living together?  When can I expect another little cousin?"

BL laughed a little,”I wouldn’t expect any more little cousins right away. Remember,that conversation me, you and Dixie had a few weeks ago? Well me and Bo talked and decided to just get used to marriage before we add kids to the mix, well kids of our own that is. As for all of us living together, it's going good,” Grinning wickedly BL decided to paint a picture of ‘married life’ without graphic details but she couldn’t help what Daisy’s mind conjured up.
“It is not quicker to shower as a pair!” BL emphasized the word not.

Daisy had the good graces to blush just a bit, "You know, I've heard that! "
The girls continued to chat until.....Clara Coltrane came through the door “Good morning Miss Clara, what can I do for you? BL asked.
"Good morning BL, Daisy I need to send this registered mail,“ Clara replied, handing BL an envelope.. 
“I better get back home, bye Miss Clara. Talk to you later BL,” Daisy said, leaving.
“Ok, I just need you to fill these out. Front and back on the green one,” BL gave the older woman a pen.
When finished filling out the forms Clara paid the fee and left to carry on with her day.

As Daisy walked out of the Post Office, she saw Cooter outside the garage and decided to go say hello. "Hey, Cooter. How have you been? I haven't seen much of you lately."

“Hey Daisy, I’ve been good. Spending most of my time with Crystal,” Cooter said.
“Crystal?” Daisy asked, she knew a couple of Crystals.
“Oh yeah I forgot, you were with Dixie and BL the night before the wedding,” Cooter replied adding, “Crystal’s my girlfriend.

Daisy nodded, "So which Crystal are we talking about?" There was a couple Daisy seriously hoped Cooter wasn't seeing. She hoped he knew better. Even Bo and Luke hadn't gone around them, at least as far as Daisy knew.
Cooter replied, "I don't think you'd know her Daisy. She's from Placid County. She works in a diner over there."
Daisy was a bit relieved. Even without knowing the girl, at least she wasn't the couple Daisy was worried about. "You'll have to bring her by the Boar's Nest sometime."
Cooter nodded but knew their relationship had gone a mite further than a beer at the Boar's Nest.

“I wonder if Aunt Pauline knows her,” Daisy voiced her thoughts aloud. Aunt Pauline knew just about everybody in Placid.
“I doubt she does,” Cooter said. He hoped not anyway, Crystal didn’t have a snow white reputation but Cooter felt like he knew the real Crystal. She was sweet and funny, she just had too much liquid courage in her that night.

Daisy said as the courthouse clock chimed, "Oh, I need to get a move on. I'll see you soon."
Cooter let out the breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding since Crystal's name had come up in conversation. He had literally been saved by the bell from further questions.

The mail all sorted, BL decided to eat her biscuit that was still a little warm because Uncle Jesse had wrapped it in foil while it was hot. She was hungry but at the same time was feeling bloated just like she did when her period was due, so that was probably why. Getting a mug of hot water, BL put a peppermint tea bag in it. Peppermint tea helped with the bloat, Grandma Betty had told her when she was just a girl and had her first period.

Bo was making his normal rounds throughout the tri-counties area but had a new stop in Placid County. Bo parked the truck. Got out the paperwork so he knew which boxes he needed to get off the back. Getting out of the truck, he headed inside to see where they wanted the boxes of parts. He had just gotten in the door when a shrill voice squealed, "Bo! Bo Duke! Is that really you?"
Bo still had not placed the voice or the face. He answered cautiously, "Umm, ... yes, ma'am it is." Before he knew what was happening, there was a shapely blonde wrapped around every part of him! "ma'am. Miss." Bo tried to get her attention while trying to unwrap her off him.

“Not having any luck extracting himself Bo said, “excuse me ma’am I don’t want to be rude but could you let me go and tell me who you are? My wife wouldn’t like it none if she found out another woman was all over me, especially one I don’t recognize,” Bo said.

Of all Bo's words, the girl heard the last two, "Don't recognize? What do you mean you don't recognize me?" She asked, very appalled, just before she slapped Bo right in                            the face and she got louder as she explained who she was, "I'm Linda Lou Miller from the Tri-Counties race! Not recognize Me?! I could have had your baby!"
Bo now had a few pieces to the puzzle and remembered at least part of a victory celebration that just might have ended as the girl eluded to.

Unknown to Bo, Pauline was having her weekly visit with her oldest friend Evelyn Griggs. They heard every word of Linda Lou’s tirade. Pauline was glad Evelyn had been in the restroom at the beginning of this exchange, she didn’t know the man on the receiving end of Linda Lou’s tirade was Pauline’s nephew Bo that she had talked about many times at their weekly breakfasts together.

Bo was still trying to get untangled from Linda Lou, "I remember now, but Linda Lou, Linda, stop it."
Linda blew in Bo's ear and nuzzled his neck. 
Bo froze as his body betrayed him, and his work jeans suddenly became very tight. 
Linda Lou knew exactly what buttons to push and where those buttons were. 
"Oh, Lord."  Bo's breathing had even changed. He needed out of there, and he needed either his wife or a cold shower, now!
Linda Lou knew exactly the effect her efforts had on Bo and was just getting ready to start them toward the back stock room as her hand wandered to Bo's jeans.
Just at that moment, Pauline stepped toward the counter, "Bo Duke! What do you think you are doing?" She said as she saw the blonde tangled around Bo.

“Aunt Pauline!” Bo had never been so glad to see his aunt. Linda Lou’s hand drooped as she silently cursed the older woman’s interruption. Bo felt his jeans loosen instantly at the ‘dry’ cold shower. Going around the counter so that it was between him and Linda Lou, he gave his aunt a bear hug.

Taking his time hugging his aunt, Bo took a couple of nice deep breaths to regroup, "I'm just here, trying to deliver these parts." He held up the now crumpled invoices. "When Linda Lou there spotted me, I didn't even have time to," Bo increased his volume, "to tell her I'd just gotten married."

Linda Lou heard loud and clear this time that Bo was married and like a lot of girls she was not happy about it. When Bo released Pauline she said, “tell BL I said hello.”
“Yes ma’am I will, I better get going, I got more deliveries to make,” Bo said, leaving the invoice on the counter but out of the way so a customer didn’t pick it up by mistake, Bo left through the front door to avoid Linda Lou even though it was the long way back to his truck.

Bo couldn't have dropped his last delivery fast enough. Once back in the General Lee, Bo took a look at his watch, it told him that BL wasn't off work yet. "Dang it!" He decided to head to the Boar’s Nest for a beer and hope his evening got better.

Bo signaled to Daisy to bring him a beer as he came in. Daisy brought over his mug of beer saying, “here you go sugar.”
“Thanks Daisy,” Bo replied.
After Daisy had gone to take another order, Dobro Doolin came from the back room where the pool table was “Hazzard’s newest member of the chain gang,” Dobro teased.
“Your time’s coming,” Bo said.
“Where is BL?” Dobro asked.
“Still at work,” Bo looked at his watch. “She should be here soon,” Bo replied.

BL finished her mail run, ran by the house to change and let Sadie chill at the house tonight since it was everyone's payday weekend. 
Dixie hadn't taken a change of clothes to work with her so she planned to head home to change before stopping at the Boar's Nest. 
Luke also knew it would be too crowded for Scrapie and Trixie tonight so he was on his way to drop them off and pick Dixie up at the house.
Over in Placid, Linda Lou had also made plans. She had called a couple of her friends who had been trophy girls at various races and they were making plans to head over to Hazzard for a bit of fun tonight after she went home and changed into something a lot less than what she currently had on.

BL left the pouting dog behind, parking beside General Lee she headed inside. Heading to the back table BL sat down beside Bo, “hey did ya miss me?
“Always,darlin,” Bo replied. BL had no idea how much he’d missed her today.
“Hey Dobro, Jeannie Ann had them twins yet?” BL asked, making conversation.
“Not yet,” Dobro replied, “I’m sorry I gotta go, catch ya’ll later,” Dobro said.
“Are you sure you can’t stay? Cooter, Luke and Dixie oughta be here shortly.
“I might come back later,” Dobro replied, leaving.
When Dobro had left, Bo kissed his wife, not nearly as passionate as he wanted to though. “I saw Aunt Pauline today, she said tell you hello,” Bo said, then told BL about the rest of his day, most of it anyway.

Dixie had just stepped out of her uniform when she heard Luke's truck. She had to laugh, "Do you believe your Daddy knew I was undressed?" 
Luke opened the front door, "Dixie?"
Before Dixie could answer, Scrapie and Trixie had made a beeline up the stairs. Sadie joined in the chase. 
After the dog express got by him, Luke started upstairs.
"I'm up here. Well, hello. Did you two work hard today?" Dixie was carrying on a total conversation with the pups when Luke walked in to find Dixie in just her underwear. 
"Now, there is the sort of sight I like to come home to." Luke said as he wrapped his arms around his wife. 
The dogs were suddenly bored and all three ran back downstairs. 
Luke shut the door with his foot as he felt very overdressed.
Cooter walked in the Boar's Nest and saw Bo and BL at the back table. "Hey, hey.  I figured this place would be packed by now."
Bo replied, "Luke and Dixie should have been here."
Cooter gave Bo a bit of a grin, "Well, now I ain't one to tell tales out of school and all, but both vehicles were in the driveway when I went by."

“You told tales when you were in school, what’s the difference?” BL grinned.
“Hush!” Cooter said.  
“If you saw both their vehicles at home they may be a while getting here,” Bo said, thinking he’d like to be home alone with his wife too. Daisy came over to see if Bo needed a refill and see what BL and Cooter wanted.
“I have the wrecker so just one beer and then switch me to coffee,” Cooter said.
“I’ll take one too,” BL said.
While Daisy was getting the drinks Dobro’s brother David and his very pregnant wife Jeannie Ann came in. Jeannie Ann had wanted to get out of the house for a bit but they were planning on leaving before things got rowdy.

A bit later found Luke snuggling a napping Dixie. He was about to just forget about going out when she nuzzled closer.
"Sorry. I reckon I got comfy while we were snuggling." Dixie said. 
"Don't be sorry. I'm good to stay right here." Luke replied truthfully. He had worked all day, then put a lot of effort into making sure that Dixie had as much fun as he had. 
"Don't be silly. I'll just try to find something to wear that looks nice but is comfy too." Dixie said knowing that the guys still liked to go blow off some steam on payday weekends. 
Luke said, "OK. Take your time. I'm gonna step in the shower."
Dixie said, " If you are serious about going out I'll get dressed and let the pups out awhile."
Luke replied, "Meet you downstairs."
In no time flat, they were pulling into the Boar's Nest. 
As they made their way to the table, no one missed the fact that Luke was freshly showered and shaved.

Bo looked at Cooter and wiggled his eyebrows knowing it would get Cooter’s goat.
Luke shook hands with David.
The evening was like any other payday, people came in to cash their checks then to spend their hard earned money. Three married men danced a few dances with their wives, the music was live tonight, Bo and Luke’s cousins Coy, Vance and Jeb were playing. Cooter suggested, “how about a game of pool fellas.”
Bo, Luke and David didn’t want to look henpecked by asking their wives permission but the look on their faces spoke volumes.
“That sounds like a good idea, I can give these two tips about being a wife,” Jeannie Ann said.

The girls were talking at their table.
The guys were playing pool.
Jeb was on stage, but out front when he noticed several girls walk in together but 'alone' all the same. When the song he was singing ended, Jeb went into Travis Tritt’s, T-R-O-U-B-L-E.
Dixie was asking Jeannie Ann a few pregnancy questions, when the guys had deemed the pool game over and returned to the table.

BALLADEER: Friends here comes walking trouble

The Duke boys had been passing subtle warnings through songs and such since they were teenagers but Luke couldn’t figure out what or who exactly the warning was about. Bo didn’t have a clue either, it was like any other payday, then he saw Linda Lou and her friends. Jeb finished the song and went into When I touch you by Travis Tritt.
“How about another dance darlin?” Bo asked.
“Yes,” BL replied.
On the dance floor Bo held BL close, just like the song’s words were saying, Bo felt calmer now touching BL than he had when he first saw Linda Lou.
“You about ready to cut out darlin?” Bo asked.
“Yeah I believe we have some unfinished business,” BL replied, blowing in Bo’s ear.
Bo’s jeans felt a little tighter especially when the band started playing Conway Twitty’s I’d love to lay you down.

Luke caught Jeb's attention and gave him a questioning jester.
Jeb waved him off and hoped to explain later that the group of girls that just walked in not only looked like walking T R O U B L E but being from Placid County and 'trophy girls',  Jeb at least knew of them since he too lived in Placid and ran Motocross.
Linda Lou and the other girls found a table right in the middle of the action which put them in front of the stage and by both the dance floor and pool tables as well as being pretty close to the Duke's table. 
Bo had figured to finish their beer and say their good nights and slide out. 

BALLADEER: Too bad the moon and stars had a different plan.

As BL and Bo got back to the table, Dixie said as she took BL's arm, "Come on, you can be company. Tea hit bottom."
Not having much choice, BL, as usual, said, "Alright."
Bo watched his wife leave the table and questioned aloud for the millionth time since he found girls to be interesting, "Why, do they do that?"
Luke laughed, "There's no point in trying to figure it out. I'm certain that we would never understand it." 
"Understand what, Sugar?" Daisy asked. 
"Nothing Darlin'." Bo said. 
Luke saw Bo's mug, "Two more, Daisy. How about you, fellas?"

“Can I get a coffee? I got the wrecker,” Cooter said.
“Yeah I’ll take another,” David Doolin replied.
“What about you Jeannie Ann, can I get you anything else?” Daisy asked, David’s wife.
Jeannie Ann thought about it and then said 'if you got any hog jowls, I’d love some.’ She couldn’t explain why it sounded good. Normally she wouldn’t touch them.
“Dixie, me and Bo was thinking about cuttin’ out. Was it really necessary I tag along?” BL asked as Dixie disappeared in a stall.

Dixie smiled at BL's comment, "Bo hadn't even finished his beer. It's Friday night, surely ya'll ain't wanting to go home already like old married people are ya?" Dixie was making sure she was giving back all the ribbing that she and Luke had been getting every time they tried to head home early.
Luke added, "Bring Dixie another tea and BL another beer too."

“Cute. We were kinda wanting the house to ourselves for a little bit, you and Luke was late getting here. Cooter seen both your vehicles at home as he passed by,” BL added the last so Dixie didn’t try the ‘we had to work over’ excuse.

Dixie laughed, "OK, so just say so, but ya don't have to leave yet. We can occupy ourselves, ya know."

“Bo’s idea to leave now, not mine. He seems hot and bothered,” BL replied.
Bo wished BL and Dixie would hurry up and come back before Linda Lou spotted him.

Linda Lou not only had spotted him but took the seat at the table facing him, which happened to be behind Cooter’s back. 
Luke took a break in the music to step over to Jeb, who explained his general concern about the girls. When Luke turned back around and got a good look at the girls, he noticed that a couple of them did look a bit familiar. Luke also noticed that Bo was sweating bullets and suddenly seemed pretty thirsty as his new beer was nearly empty now. As Luke sat down, he said for only Bo to hear, "What?"
Bo wiped his face so no one could see what he was saying and managed to say, "Tri-Counties spring race, trophy girl."

Not seeing any sign of a wife nowhere around, Linda Lou got brave and went over to the Duke's table, “well hey Bo, fancy seeing you here, thought you had a wife,” Linda Lou said.
“I do, she’s in the restroom,” Bo replied.
Before Linda Lou could say anything BL and Dixie came back to the table. BL noticed a half a mug of beer at her place but before she could even form a word Bo jumped in with introductions, Linda Lou this is my wife BL. BL this is Linda Lou.”

Linda Lou's sweet southern accent just gained about ten pounds of sugar as she turned toward BL, "Oh, hello there, Darlin'. Ya see, I'm a 'real close, and personal friend of your husband's. I just wanted to 'congratulate'  you both, but ya may want to keep an eye out. He seems real chummy with that waitress over there. Bo I sure hope to see you at the Tri-Counties race again real soon like." Linda Lou said as she stepped away from the Dukes table and back to her own table to watch any fireworks explode that she just had lit the fuse to. 
Bo finished his second beer and reached for BL's in the same motion.
Luke wisely wrapped his arm a bit tighter than normal around Dixie's waist, hoping that this gesture was a sign that he was very taken.

“Thank you,” BL almost laughed seeing the waitress Linda Lou indicated, it was Daisy. Her back was turned so they couldn’t see her face. ”Maybe I should drive home,” BL said, seeing Rosco make his first check-in of the night. It was also time for his supper break. Bo was about to argue that he was fine but then he saw Rosco and handed over the keys. Finishing BL’s beer, Bo was debating whether to order another or go home as planned.

Bo caught Daisy’s attention and felt like he may be out of the woods, "Can I get a beer for the road, since I have a driver and a tea for BL. Do ya'll want anything it's on me?"
The table took Bo up on his offer for another round.
Luke was thinking, "BL, since you have your car, do ya'll want me to take the General and Dixie can drive the pickup? That way, you can keep a close eye on Bo there." Luke kidded.

“Sounds like a plan,” BL said, handing Luke General Lee’s keys.
“This is like changing guard at the tomb of the unknown soldier,” Cooter said reverently.
Daisy brought their drinks and everyone talked and drank, David Doolin finished his beer then said, “it’s been fun but me and Jeannie Ann need to get on back home.”
‘Me and Bo are gonna head out too,” BL said.
Saying their goodbyes the two couples left.
When Bo and BL opened the front door they were greeted by woof ‘hello’s’.
“Let them out back and I’ll put a frozen pizza on,” BL said.
“Ok but I’d rather skip the pizza and go straight to dessert,” Bo replied, wiggling his eyebrows. Bo let the dogs out and he and BL sat on the back porch watching them play while the pizza cooked. Once they had eaten they went upstairs, the pups zoomed ahead, Scrapie chased Trixie under the foot of the bed and out the side, Sadie didn’t fit under the bed but as soon as the little ones shot out the side, Sadie was back in the game. Out into the hall they ran.
Bo shut the door then said, “I believe you said something about unfinished business,”
“I did,” BL replied, undoing the button and zipper on her jeans, letting them drop to the floor then stepping out. Bo dropped his own jeans and picked his wife up, laying BL on the bed gently, then laying beside her, the rest of their clothes making heaps on the floor as they engaged in couples games.

BALLADEER: Kinda like reindeer games

Luke finished his beer and was about to suggest heading out also.
Dixie instead said, "Did you get the feeling that we weren't welcome home for a while?"
Luke replied, "No. Why wouldn't we be welcome at our own home?"
Cooter was enjoying watching his sister and cousin play their husband's like fiddles as he drank his coffee. 
"Let's just say that a certain brother of mine saw both our cars home before we got here." Dixie said. 
"Oh." Luke said with a slight grin. He was still careful to try not to rub Cooter or Luther the wrong way. 
"What do you think about leaving the pickup here awhile and us taking a ride in the General Lee before it gets too cold or I'm too big to do it?" Dixie suggested. 
Luke replied, "I can make that happen. Cooter let Daisy know we'll be back for the pickup and maybe one more before closing." 

“Will do buddy roe,” Cooter said.
Daisy came to check on them all but only found Cooter drinking his coffee, “what happened to everybody?”
“They left but Luke said tell you, him and Dixie will be back for his pickup before closing and maybe another drink," Cooter replied.
“Ok, well can I top of your coffee?” Daisy asked.
“No thanks, I’m heading out,” Cooter replied.
At the house in town, Bo and BL were fully enjoying being newlyweds and having the house to themselves.
“If I wasn’t on birth control, I’d probably be pregnant before this night is over,” BL said, breathing hard.
“You might be anyway.” Bo replied, grinning.

Luke and Dixie drove around the county at a decent pace. They were talking about old times, long ago moonshine runs, some of the chases and races the General had got the boys into and out of, when Luke drove by an overgrown, unseen, barely there path. He stopped in the middle of the road, backed up, and turned General Lee up the mountain side.
"Luke, I ain't one to complain, and I trust you, but do you know where you are going?" Dixie asked.
"With my eyes closed." Luke continued up the trail to an open flat area where he cut the engine and lights. 
Dixie said, "AM I supposed to know where I am?"
Luke shrugged. "It's real close to somewhere you used to beg me to bring you."
"I did?" Dixie asked, a bit confused. 
Luke was a bit disappointed she seemed to have forgotten. "You did, well, not to this specific spot, but it's one of a few different places you used to want to come see and I valued my hide a mite too much to bring you up here."
Dixie looked around. All she could see was woods around the area but figured out what he was talking about. "One of the still sites? Really?  Where?"
Luke grinned, "Are you up to a bit of a walk?"
Dixie was on the windowsill. "For this. You bet I am!"
They walked about a quarter of a mile through thick woods before a little clearing opened up with what looked like a hunter's shack came into view.

Bo watched BL sleeping on his arm. He grinned, he’d worn her out but in a good way judging by the soft smile on her lips.

Once in the cabin, Luke showed Dixie the fireplace and explained that if the still was cooking a batch of shine feeding, the fireplace actually also fed the stills fire. Jesse and the others had built the cabin so that it concealed the still and the shine making unless you knew exactly where and what you were looking at. For that reason, this was Luke's favorite still site. He had often come up here to camp out even if there was no shine being made. The big double bed was there and only in need of clean bedding. The tiny kitchen still had a coffee pot, dishes and a few pots and pans. 
"Do you think we could come up here and camp out before it gets cold?" Dixie asked. 
Luke knew why he loved her, "I like the way you think Mrs. Duke." Luke said, kissing her. "There's a little pond where I bet the fish might just be real hungry a little ways away too. Would you like to maybe come up here next weekend"
Dixie beamed. "It sounds like fun."
A bit later, they pulled back into the Boar's Nest.
Luke said, "Do you want to go back in?"
"Well, I don't want to cook when we get home, so let's go get something at least to take home and you can get that other beer before we head home." Dixie suggested.

Luke and Dixie walked into a calm bar, even on payday it usually was calm by now.
The usual table in the back was occupied so the couple sat more in the middle. Dobro indeed came back but this time it was the blonde newlyweds missing, “hey why are you two still out? Don’t married folks turn into parents this late?” Dobro asked, with a silly grin. He had no idea Luke and Dixie were well on their way to just that.
“Bo and BL commandeered the house for a little bit,” Dixie replied, blushing when Luke added, “but we found a way to entertain ourselves.”
Daisy came over and asked, “what can I get ya’ll?”
“Is the kitchen still open?” Dixie asked.
“Sure is, what would you like?” Daisy replied.
“BBQ platter with slaw, and fries. I’d like a sweet pickle on the side and a glass of tea,” Dixie said.
“How about you Luke? Dobro?” Daisy asked as she finished writing Dixie’s order down.
“I’ll take just a couple BBQ sandwiches and an order of onion rings and a beer,” Luke replied.
“Just a beer for me,” Dobro said.
“Be back in a sec with those drinks,” Daisy said before going to place the food order and get the drinks.

Daisy brought their drinks back, "I checked when I was back there. We still have plenty of peach and lemon pie."
Dixie felt as if she were starving but tried to play it down. "Why do you do these things to me?  I'll have a piece here and a couple to take home for breakfast for us."
Daisy said, "Lemon or peach?"
Dixie replied. "Yes."
Dobro looked at Luke, who was grinning like a Cheshire cat who just ate the family canary.

Dobro sat there saying nothing so long Luke was beginning to think he needed to draw a picture. Dobro might not have a PHD but he wasn’t ignorant, he thought about the way his sister-in-law Jeannie Ann had been eating for months and it was just like Dixie. “Congratulations ya'll. When does baby Duke arrive?” Dobro shook Luke’s hand.

Luke looked at Dixie, who figured a vague answer was best and all that Dobro needed. "April."

“What gave me away?” Dixie asked
Before Dobro could answer, Daisy brought over the food, “Here’s your sandwiches and onion rings, Luke,” Daisy set a plate in front of Luke, then a plate and couple of smaller plates with a pickle on one and pie on the other. in front of Dixie, “here’s your BBQ platter with pickle on the side and pie for dessert. I put the extra pie in take out boxes.”
“Thanks Daisy, Dixie and Luke both said.
”That gave you away!” Dobro replied, gesturing at Dixie’s large order. “Jeanne Ann has been eating alot more than her normal, for months,” Dobro replied.

Dixie glared at the man sitting with her and Luke, "Thanks. I needed that."
Luke chimed in, "Besides, Jeannie Ann is havin' twins."
Dobro put his hands out in his defense, "Sorry, Dixie, but ya'll asked."
"Besides, I haven't eaten since lunch." Dixie left off the rest of her thought, 'and I was starving.'

“You about ready to go take back our part of the house darlin’?” Luke asked, if he didn’t get Dixie out of there, he was liable to be minus one friend.
“Yeah I’ll eat my pie at home.” Dixie said, finding the right takeout box, adding her piece of pie.
“Saying their goodbyes, going out to the parking lot. Dixie getting in Luke’s truck and Luke in General Lee.
Both Bo and BL were asleep when Luke and Dixie got home and would have stayed that way if the dogs hadn’t barked when they heard boots on the porch.
“Luke and Dixie are home,” Bo stated.
“Ya think?” BL asked, with just a mite of sarcasm.

Luke let the pups out back. 
Dixie was starting to put the pie away when she decided that she needed just one piece, but she was having trouble choosing between the peach and the lemon. She finally chose peach and was putting her fork in the sink as Luke and the pups came back inside. 
"Ready for bed?" Luke asked.
"Just grabbing something to drink." Dixie said.
The two of them and three pups headed upstairs. Trixie and Scrapie made a beeline for Luke and Dixie's bed, leaving Sadie to give Luke her biggest puppy dog eyes. "Alright." He knocked once, "Sadie's ready for bed Bo." Luke cracked the door only enough for Sadie to squeeze in and shut the door back.
Once inside her bedroom, Sadie leaped into the bed and promptly licked both Bo and BL's entire face, ears and nose!

“Alright, alright we’re sorry we locked you out but your help wasn’t needed,” BL said, trying to fend off the doggy kisses. Once Sadie settled down she went to her chair, made three circles and layed down. BL snuggled back down into Bo’s arms and all was peaceful again.  About 4am, BL woke with cramping in her abdomen, figuring she knew the cause BL eased out of bed trying not to wake Bo. Putting on her robe and getting her discarded underwear, BL opened the bedroom door and slipped out and around the corner to the bathroom. 

Downstairs, Dixie heard someone upstairs moving around. She hoped she hadn't woke Luke up when she slipped out to the bathroom then the pie in the fridge had called her name. She finished the last bite of lemon pie and put her fork back in the sink. As Dixie reached the top of the stairs she heard someone in the bathroom as she went in her room and slid back under the covers after making the pups move over.
 

[RogerDuke]

So good to hear from you BL. You are an amazing writer. I'll check this out later. 

[B.L. Davenport]

 

Luke was certainly out later, but he was the first to stir the next morning. He eased out of bed, dressed, and picked up his boots. He looked over at the bed and all was still. His hand only touched the door knob when four eyes and ears peaked out from under the covers. "Come on." Luke said. 
Scrapie and Trixie were up and ready for anything.

Across the hall Luke knocked once, "Bo".
Automatically, Bo replied, "Coming."

The same scene almost as in Luke and Dixie’s room, played out when Bo was dressed and picked up his boots, Sadie’s head came up, Sadie had heard Scrappie and Trixie in the hall and she was ready for adventures with her ‘cousins’.
“Come on, let's go.”

Luke turned on the coffee as Bo let the wild dogs outside. Once he had two cups of coffee, he followed Bo outside, where he watched the pups checking out the backyard for last night's intruders. 
Luke's truck was the easiest to get out, "Load up." He said as he and Bo reached the truck. 
At the Duke Farm, Jesse had already had coffee. He checked the clock. The boys should be here soon, he thought as he began putting bacon in the skillet to fry.

Luke, Bo and the dogs pulled up at the Duke farm, Bo got out and was promptly followed by the dogs. Jesse was turning the bacon as Bo and Luke came in the back door.
“Mornin Bo, Luke. Breakfast will be ready by the time you get the chores done,” Jesse said.
“Mornin’ Uncle Jesse,” the boys said together. Bo added following Luke back out,”sure smells good.”

With the house quiet, being out really late last night and the new baby Duke growing, Dixie had hugged Luke's pillow and was out for the count. 
Daisy had also been out late working at the Boar's Nest but would be in for breakfast. 
Jesse enjoyed cooking breakfast for his kids on Saturday and Sunday mornings since Daisy usually cooked through the week.

BL might not have had a late night out but had not only a late night but plenty of exercise. The chores finished, Bo and Luke came in for breakfast, after washing their hands they sat down and waited for Jesse to say grace.
“Where’s the girls,” Jesse asked.
“They were still sleeping, it was a late night,”  Bo replied.
Luke nodded, “I thought Dixie was gonna string Dobro up. He guessed that Dixie is pregnant, which Dixie was cool with until she asked how he figured it out,” Luke chuckled then continued, “he said her large food order made him think of his sister inlaw Jeannie Ann who’s pregnant and eats like that.”

Jesse poured more coffee. "As long as she's not wanting to eat anything dangerous like rocks or such, leave her be. Dixie will know what that baby needs and when it wants it."
Luke replied, "Yes, Sir. Daisy packed some pie up for 'us' to have for breakfast. Would ya'll want to lay odds that the pie is long gone before we get home?"
Jesse said, "We're you counting on it being there?"
"I didn't want any to begin with. It's more fun watching her enjoy it."
Jesse smiled. "There ya go."

“You might not have wanted yours and I don’t want pie for breakfast but lunch ain’t far off,” Bo piped up.

Luke gave him a look, "Then, you or BL might want to bake a pie, because I'm telling you they were likely gone before we got up today."

“Bo the baby needed that pie more than you do,” Jesse admonished his nephew.
Bo ducked his head a little.
“Just wait until BL is carryin’ your little one, you’ll be just like Luke here as long as BL is happy will be all you care about,” Jesse added.

The men's conversation was interrupted as Daisy came into the kitchen still in her big fluffy robe.  "Morning fellas."

“Morning Daisy,” the men replied as one.
“Give me just a few minutes and I’ll have you an egg cooked,” Jesse said as he stood.
“That ain’t necessary Uncle Jesse, I can cook my own,” Daisy replied, pouring a cup of coffee.
“Nonsense, drink your coffee,” Jesse said, cracking an egg to fry.
In town BL got up and put on her nightgown, now that she could see to find it and headed to the bathroom, leaving her robe in the bedroom, she knew Luke wasn’t there. She had heard the pickup leave and it hadn’t come back.
In the bathroom just as she’d figured there was sign of her period. Finishing in the bathroom she went downstairs to the kitchen to make herself a cup of peppermint tea.

Dixie had never been a morning person but sure as the world on the morning that she could sleep til noon, she had to go to the bathroom. Checking the clock, she found that had it been a work day, she would just be clocking in for her shift. "Thanks, kid. I could have slept a bit longer without feeling guilty, but now I'm awake." After the bathroom, Dixie changed into a comfy pair of pants and a large t-shirt, then headed downstairs to find BL in the kitchen making tea.

“Morning, ain’t you up kinda early for your day off?” BL asked, then continued not waiting for the answer she already knew. “I’m making myself some peppermint tea, want a cup?”

"Sure and I was rudely awakened by having to get all awake to go to the bathroom." Dixie said as she opened the fridge and looked inside trying to figure out what to fix to eat.
 
“Better get used to getting up on your day off, in a few months it’ll be feedings and diaper changes then in another couple months add playtime to that,” BL put the tea kettle on the stove to boil.

Dixie replied, "That I won't fuss about, but now I could have slept in. Are you hungry?  I was thinking of fixing a big breakfast to surprise the fellas."

“If I know Uncle Jesse, he’s already fed them,” BL replied.

Dixie replied, "You are right and will send us stuff too, but I'm hungry now."

“Have a bowl of cereal to hold you, they should be home soon,” BL said, pouring the hot water into two mugs, then a tea bag in each.

Dixie saw BL’s reasoning, but reached for butter and eggs. "I'll just fix some eggs. Do you want any?"

“No thanks, I’ll pass,” BL replied.
At the Duke farm, Jesse finished putting foil on the last plate of the two that he was sending to Dixie and BL. One had the leftover bacon and a couple pieces of sausage on it and the other had the rest of the biscuits.
”Here’s the girls some breakfast. I’ll see ya'll in the morning for our usual big Sunday breakfast,” Jesse said, as he handed Luke the plates.
“The girls will be much obliged, for the breakfast,” Luke replied.
After saying their goodbyes Bo and Luke headed to Luke’s truck.
“Sadie, Trixie, Scrappie!” Bo called.

Dixie's eggs were almost done when Luke pulled in the driveway.
Bo and Luke put the dogs out back and came in the back door.
Luke came over to Dixie and smelled, "Ummm, something smells good."
"Soap and water." Dixie said, thinking that Luke meant she smelled good. She wasn't wearing any perfume or body spray.
Luke hugged her from behind, "I meant the eggs."
Dixie smacked him with the spatula.

"Uncle Jesse sent ya’ll what was left of the biscuits and bacon and there’s a couple pieces of sausage too,” Bo said, sitting the foil wrapped plates on the counter.
“What’s the plan for today ladies?” Luke asked.
“How about a picnic at the lake, before it gets too cold?” Dixie suggested.
“Dixie it’s the middle of September it won’t get too cold until mid October at the earliest," BL replied.

Dixie replied as she put her eggs on a plate with toast, "OK, so we can go then too, unless you have a better idea?" As Dixie came to the table, she also had apple butter for the toast and mayo for the scrambled eggs.

“Mayo with scrambled eggs?” Bo asked, not believing what he was seeing, he looked at Luke and BL.
BL shook her head as she came to the table with 2 sausage biscuits. Luke figured it was one of the weird cravings Uncle Jesse had talked about.

BALLADEER: There’s only two things ole’ Bo won’t eat pecan pie and mayonnaise.

"Some people eat ketchup on their eggs. And, no, this ain't a pregnancy thing." Dixie said.
Bo asked, "It's not?"
Luke wisely opted just to listen.
"Well, it may be why I want them, but I've eaten them like this since I was a baby on Daddy's lap. He ate them like this since he was in the Navy." Dixie said. 
Luke was now glad for a couple of reasons that he hadn't jumped into the conversation.

“I think I’ll go get ready,” BL said, adding "Bo you better get ready too.”
“I am ready darlin” Bo replied.
“Go get the fishing poles and tackle box out of the shed,” BL was trying to get Bo away from Dixie, she was too young to be a widow.
Bo went out the back door as BL went upstairs changing out of her nightgown into shorts and a t-shirt. Pulling her hair into a ponytail before heading back downstairs.

Luke had let the previous conversation about Luther die and changed to Bo and BLs conversation as he asked Dixie, "So are we taking food on this picnic, or are we roughing it on what we catch?"
Dixie frowned at the idea of going on a picnic without food. "If you build me a fire,  I'll take stuff to fix."
"I can do that." Luke replied. 
"Alright, get me a cooler and a box, and I'll get some things together." Dixie said. 
While getting the cooler, Luke almost got the smaller one that was big enough for a couple of six packs of soda. He remembered that it was his wife gathering food for a picnic. He opted for the larger cooler. 
Dixie had a cast iron skillet and dutch oven on the table, a couple large bowls, paper plates, knives, plasticware, potatoes, a couple onions, cheese, a large pack of hamburger, a couple packs of hotdogs, buns, mustard, ketchup, a container of mayo, eggs, pickle relish, olives, spoons, lettuce, tomatoes, a can of hotdog chili, foil wrap, butter, seasonings. 
Luke sat the box on a chair and the cooler on another since the table looked like they were moving out. "How long are we staying?"
Dixie gave him a wicked grin and asked, "How long do you want to stay? Here. Make sure this bag gets in the box. This is important."
Luke took the plastic bag, which felt like it held another bag. "What is it?"
Dixie gave him a look of disbelief. "Pup food and T R E A T S."
"Did you just spell out treats?” Luke was suddenly surrounded by three sets of puppy dog eyes with wagging tails."
Dixie laughed, "I did. And, that is exactly why."

BL had returned to the kitchen in time to hear Luke’s question and hear Dixie’s answer. “I spell B A T H, too cos Sadie hides if I say the word,” BL laughed a little.
“Shoot!” Dixie grumbled.
“What?” Luke asked.
Dixie replied, “no ice.”
“On it,” BL said, then stepped out on the back porch, smiling sweetly. “Bo sweetheart will you run to Rhuebottom’s and get a couple bags of ice for the cooler?”
“Sure darlin, be back in a flash,” Bo replied, a second later they heard General Lee crank up.

Dixie opened the fridge and saw that it was lacking in the drink department. "I can take tea bags and make sun tea, but if ya'll want anything stronger, ya better call Rhuebottom's and have Bo get it while he's there."

“Or bring a small saucepan, sugar and tea bags and something to put it in, I can make sweet tea on the cooking fire,” BL said.

Dixie replied, "Fine by me. Luke?"
"Tea’s good, but I'll call Bo." Luke said, heading to the phone. 
Dixie giggled, "I figured you would."

BL looked at Dixie grinning, “translation, ‘tea’s good but I’d rather have beer.”

Dixie nodded, 'yes'. "Ok, help me pack this stuff up and we'll be ready to go when Bo gets here."
Scrapie, Trixie and Sadie all came running to Dixie!
"What did I say?" Dixie looked up confused.
BL replied, "G O."
Dixie replied. "Yes. Yes, I did. Do we really have to spell everything around here? Yes, ya'll are going."
Now, the three began to bark, jump and whine, ready to go.

BL and Luke laughed, BL replying over the racket, “to answer your question ‘do we have to spell everything?’ yes,yes we do.”
Luke took the dogs out into the yard while the girls bagged everything but what needed to stay cold. As soon as Bo got back with the ice and beer, the ice was poured in the cooler and the beer and cold food items were packed they were ready to go.
“We almost forgot these, in case we stay till dark,” BL said, putting a bag of jumbo marshmallows in the chip bag
“Are we taking just 1 vehicle or 2?” Dixie asked.

"My gear...." Luke began.
Dixie held up her hand to stop him. "Right. Unless we all go in one of the cars, we are gonna have to take two vehicles."
Bo smiled widely, "Ya'll can come with us and leave the drivin' to me."

“If we take my car we can put the top down and enjoy this gorgeous day,”
 BL said.
“Fine by me,” Dixie and Luke both replied.
Bo picked up the cooler and the three dogs jumped up, barking excitedly.
“Let’s go,” BL told them and they all followed Bo.
Dixie handed BL a plastic bag of non refrigerated food and then got the chips and marshmallows.
As they went to the car so Bo could load it all, Luke grabbed the fishing gear off the back porch.

Loaded up and pulling out, the newlyweds and pups were off for a day of fun in the sun. It was a beautiful day in Hazzard as they circled Hazzard Square.

At the lake the pups started hunting, noses to the ground. The newlyweds were unloading the car when Bo realized they had forgotten the guitars.
“Shoot, we forgot the guitars,” Bo said.
“I’ll run back and get them. Do we need anything else?” BL replied.

Dixie was looking at the water. It was really nice out today. "How about our swimsuits and some towels?"
Bo chimed in, "Towels. Swim suits are optional."

BL laughed at her husband, “you’ll rethink that when ole’ Rosco carts us all off to the pokey buck naked.”

Luke looked from BL to Bo.  She had won, but Bo wasn't ready to give up. "Just bring the swimsuits. We'll get things set up while you are gone."

”Be back in a jiff,” BL said and turned the car around heading home.
Bo and Luke set to work, gathering wood for a fire while Dixie cut limbs from a bush for hotdog and marshmallow roasting.
Pulling in the driveway BL left her car running while she ran inside to get swimsuits and the guitars.
“Will these work?” Dixie asked, showing the guys the long sticks.
“Perfect honey. Give them to Bo, so he can whittle points on them,” Luke said, as he lit a fire, fanning the flames to life.
“Here we go,” BL said as she propped Bo and Luke’s guitars against a tree and sat a small bag with their swimsuits beside them.

Since the group had gotten an early start, Luke suggested, "Let's let the water have time to warm up a bit while we see if we can catch us some lunch." 
"I'll be there in a few minutes. I'm gonna put the eggs and potatoes on to boil for potato salad and deviled eggs." Dixie took the big Dutch oven and filled it with water. She then added four whole potatoes and a dozen eggs with salt to the water and set it on the cooking rack over the fire then went to sit beside Luke on the old log that had likely been a fishing bench for years. "Any luck?"
"I got something nibbling." Luke replied. 

20 or so yards down the length of the bank away from Luke and Dixie, Bo and BL sat on another log, lines in the water.
“Have you seen the dogs lately,” BL asked, she hoped they were ok.
“They’re just enjoying a day out romping, they can’t do that at home much. The backyard is fenced in unlike the farm or here. Don’t worry we’re all here to relax and have fun,” Bo said.
“I just hope they don’t have the Duke and Davenport luck for finding trouble,” BL replied, with a short laugh.

A few minutes later, Sadie raced by the humans while being chased by Trixie and Scrapie. Finally, tiring of the chase, Sadie jumped in the lake. Trixie and Scrapie stopped dead at the edge of the water as Sadie swam off. After a bit of whining and barking, Trixie and Scrapie began a chase of their own. They were rolling each other then would chase awhile then roll each other again.

Sadie swam back to shore after Trixie and Scrapie had started their own game of chase. Bo was putting another fish on the stringer that was attached to a long stick they had stuck in the edge of the water.
Once on dry land, which happened to be close to Bo, Sadie shook her wet body, water spraying all over Bo.
“Hey!!” Bo yelled. In trying to get away somewhat dry, Bo tripped and fell in the lake. Luke, Dixie and BL got a d laugh.

“Bo if you wanted to swim you should have put on your swim shorts I brung ya,” BL teased.
“Cute BL,” Bo replied, heading to get out of his wet clothes and lay them in the sun to dry.
“Why don’t we go swimming, just let me take the eggs and potatoes off to cool,” Dixie said.
“I’ll get our suits,” BL said, following Dixie.

A few minutes in the water Dixie wondered why she had bothered putting on the swim suit the way Luke's hands were wandering. It was really a nice day for a cool swim but the water was a lot warmer than it had been a few minutes ago. Dixie was trying not to let on to Bo and BL exactly what was going on.
Luke knew he had Dixie in a situation as she was trying to play it cool but he knew she was anything else but cool as his fingers managed to find a sweet spot with one hand he used the other hand to slide under her top and find a nicely plump breast. 
Dixie was squirming a bit but wasn't sure if she was trying to get away or get closer to what Luke was doing. 
One thing about it, Luke had Dixie right where he wanted her.

Dixie had no reason to worry about Bo and BL knowing what was going on with her and Luke, they were preoccupied with their own activities. Bo’s hands and lips were wandering, Bo’s lips skimmed BL’s neck then he blew softly in her ear, making her shiver and raising goose bumps on her arms.
”Cold?" Bo asked.
“No,” BL replied, anything but cold as Bo nibbled on her earlobe.
Bo was enjoying himself even if his original thoughts of skinnydipping with his wife had been sidelined.

Luke moved them more to the shallow as Dixie felt her top let go. Luke was now exploring Dixie's breasts, unrestricted by the bathing suit top that still hung around Dixie's neck. Luke couldn't help but notice that his hand seemed just a bit fuller than normal.
Dixie whispered, "Luke, if you don't stop..."
"Do you really want me to stop?" He nuzzled her neck as he slid her bottoms down. 
Dixie didn't reply. She merely helped him reach his goal as she wrapped her legs tightly around him.
Her sudden movement sent them both over the edge. Had anyone been watching, it was very obvious what had just happened as they were both now struggling to contain themselves.

Bo had his back turned toward the other couple but BL could see and although most of her attention was on Bo she said “I think Luke and Dixie would like a little privacy.”
“Yeah so would I,” Bo said, nuzzling BL’s neck.
Bo moved them around a little bend into shallower water, putting a clump of overgrown bushes between the 2 sets of newlyweds.
BL sucked in a sharp breath as Bo squeezed one of her tender breasts, she ignored the tenderness though, chalking it up to that time of the month.

For several moments, Luke and Dixie had largely forgotten about Bo and BL. When they finally came to their senses, Luke noticed that Bo and BL had disappeared. They had probably been occupied with each other too. "Why don't we get decent and go start lunch? The fire probably needs wood." Luke said. 
Dixie replied, "Alright, in a minute. This might be the last time the two of us get to have a swim like this before we have a little one to keep up with out here."
Luke saw her point and held on to her tightly as he moved them out to the deeper water as they shared a passionate kiss.

Bo and BL had also forgotten about the rest of the world and were in a world of their own. 
A minute later, BL felt warm moist air on the back of her neck, followed by something cold and wet touching her arm. 
Before BL could open her eyes, a wet, warm tongue started at chin and licked from her chin, over the side of her and Bo's mouth, up her nose, right across her eye. 

After the three tongue kiss, Bo ended the kiss between him and BL.
“Sadie, do you mind?” Bo was not happy about the interruption.
Sadie ‘woofed’ making BL giggle as she fastened her bathing suit top that Bo had undone for better access to her breasts.
“That would be a no,” BL said.
Dixie and Luke ended their kissing session and Dixie looked at the sun’s position in the sky saying, “I really do need to start lunch and you got fish to clean,” Dixie said.

Luke grinned, "Alright, but I'm feeding the fire and going after more wood. Bo can clean the fish." He smiled wickedly knowing how much Bo hated cleaning fish.
"That's your fight." Dixie said, heading to the edge of the water. 
Luke indeed fed the fire and looking around noted that Scrapie had been awfully quiet, "Scrapie?" 
In no time flat, Scrapie and Trixe innocently made their way out of their napping place and were at his side. Sadie also joined him and was about to shake off. "Sadie. Stop right there and shake off." Luke said. 
Sadie suddenly stopped short. She wasn't used to such firm direction from that human. She wasn't sure how to proceed, so she stopped as directed.

Dixie got one of the towels BL had  brought back, wrapping it around herself. BL and Bo by now had gotten out of the water. Sadie looked at BL as if asking ‘what do I do’?
“Something the matter girl?” BL asked, then got her own towel.
”The fire needs more wood, Bo why don’t you start cleaning the fish while I gather some,”Luke said.
“Yes sir,” Bo said sarcastically but headed back toward the lake after retrieving his pocket knife from the knife pouch on his belt.
“You want me to peel the potatoes or the eggs?” BL asked Dixie

"Work on the eggs. I'll get the potatoes. Give me half the eggs for potato salad and the rest will give us three halves of deviled egg each." Dixie said, then added, "Sadie was about to give us a shower and just wasn't expecting Sgt. Duke to tell her no." Dixie said, referring to Luke's tone being more the Marine Drill Sgt. than Sadie's 'Uncle Luke.'

“Oh I see, well Luke better let her know she’s not in trouble or she’ll sulk the rest of the day,” BL said, putting the eggs in her towel’s tail, sitting on a rock.
BL cracked an egg shell on the rock, peeling the shell off.
In no time BL had all the eggs peeled and in foam plates. Half in one for the potato salad the other half on another for deviled eggs.
“What did we bring hamburger meat, hot dogs and buns for if we’re having fish?” BL asked, sitting the small saucepan with ice in it, on the cooking grate to melt the ice for 
water to boil the tea.

Dixie grinned, "Just in case they didn't catch any fish. The hamburger is still frozen. It will be fine to take back and the hotdogs I'm sure will not go to waste with the pups here. That's their favorite treat."

“True and when we left the house, we didn’t know how long we were staying so hamburgers and hot dogs might end up being supper,” BL said.
“Right,” Dixie agreed.
BL shook the pan of melting ice, to shift it so it’d melt better.

Luke and the pups returned with more wood for the fire. 
Bo had the fish cleaned. 
Dixie wrapped the fish, onion and butter in foil for Luke to put over the fire. 
All was good until one Sheriff Rosco P. Coltrane saw smoke and decided to follow it.

BALLADEER: Here comes de law

Rosco followed the smoke all the way to the lake turnoff. He whipped in behind BL’s car, lights flashing.
“I shoulda known a dang Duke was involved,” Rosco muttered, getting out of his patrol car.
“What do you want Rosco? We ain’t doing nothing but having a picnic and that ain’t against the law,” Bo said, aggravated it looked like Rosco came to harass them as usual.
“Picnicking ain’t but starting a fire is,” Rosco said gleefully.
“No it ain’t Rosco as long as it’s contained and our is and there ain’t no burn bans been issued, or I’d be on call,” Luke said, bursting Rosco’s bubble.
“Indecent exposure’s always a crime and you are all not dressed,” Rosco gloated, sure he had them this time.
“We have clothes covering all the right parts, BL and me even have towels wrapped around our bathing suits,” Dixie pointed out, Rosco wasn’t the only one that knew the laws. Difference was Dixie enforced and obeyed them without twisting them around.

Rosco used the only card he had left, "Then, ya’ll are out here making moonshine!"

“What?! Rosco you've been out in the sun too long,” Bo said.
“Just cos we built a fire we’re making shine…with what all we got is 1 jar, 2 cups of sugar and some melted ice and this small pan. We’ve only had the fire going less than an hour, don’t it take several to make moonshine?” BL added.

Rosco eyed the contents of the cooking items that he saw but didn't want to give up so easily, "Maybe it's a new recipe. You Dukes are sneaky, sneaky I tell you."

“Rosco me and Bo ain’t made, sold or run no moonshine, since we was put on probation after we was caught running it and we ain’t picked up old habits,” Luke replied patiently as if talking to a small child.

Rosco huffed, "Well, just see that you don't. Flash and me are watching you both, well all of you." He stomped back to his patrol car. 
The four watched him somewhere between being appalled and being amazed.

After getting rid of Rosco the 4 newlyweds finished making their lunch. They fed the pups now tired and hungry after their morning of adventures and romping. Spreading a blanket under a giant Elm tree, they ate their fish, potato salad and boiled eggs. Getting everything cleaned up, Bo and Luke got their guitars and the 4 young people had themselves a singalong. Luke played a few notes of Mama’s Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys by Waylon Jennings, they all sang along. Bo always the cut up changed the first chorus, “Mama’s don’t let your babies grow up to be Duke boys. Don’t let ‘em pick guitars and drive them old trucks. Let ‘em be doctors and lawyers and such.” When it started getting dark, Luke tossed a few sticks of wood on the fire and passed out the sharpened sticks, so they could roast marshmallows. A chilly breeze was coming off the water, so the group decided to forgo hamburgers and hotdogs at the lake and grill at home instead.

Back in town, the pups hit the backyard wide open. Dixie and BL each took a bit of the kitchen stuff with them as they went to the back door. 
Luke and Bo unloaded the outside stuff like the fishing gear, then got the cooler and guitars. 
The cool breeze they had felt at the lake was tamer in town. Luke pulled out the grill into the backyard. As he lit the grill, he swore as he saw the curtain move at the Kravitz home, which with the grill smoke almost guaranteed another visit from Rosco or Cletus.
 
“Today was nice wasn’t it?” BL asked Dixie while they emptied the cooler and put 
things away, adding “it’s been a minute or three since we spent a whole day at the lake just having fun.” BL put the hamburger meat in the microwave to thaw.
Dixie replied, "Yes, it has. I'm afraid we won't get many more chances for just the four of us to do stuff like that with fall coming and then by Spring we will be busy getting ready for company."
“Abner they’re back and I smell smoke,” Gloria informed her husband.
“Well it is dark Gloria so why wouldn’t they be back? You probably smell the grill, it is supper time after all. Speaking of which, where’s MY supper?” Abner replied.
“There’s TV dinners in the freezer,” Gloria responded.

Dixie brought out Luke a beer and herself a glass of tea then took a seat on the steps to the back porch by where Luke had the grill in the yard. 
Luke motioned from the smoke of the grill, to the house beside them, "We might be expecting company in a bit."
"Great." Was Dixie's reply.

At Lover’s Glen, Cooter swore under his breath as the old green pickup’s CB crackled, somebody needed a tow out on Razorback hill but staying right there, laying in the pickup bed with Crystal was much more appealing.
Cooter wasn’t the only one reluctant to end the time spent with a special someone, Daisy and Darcy Kincaid had parked on Kissin’ Cliff “to watch the sun go down and enjoy the pretty sunset, however the sun had disappeared sometime ago and a big full moon and stars now filled the sky.
Back in town Bo and BL sat cuddled together on the porch swing. Unknown to them Luke had just made a prediction around back, that was about to come true. A patrol car was coming their way.
”Now what?” Bo grumbled as Cletus parked in front of the house and exited the car and came up the walkway.
“Evening Cletus, what can we do for ya?” BL greeted.
“Evening BL, Bo. I got a call saying your smoke was drifting to the neighbors house,” Cletus replied.
“Oh for crying out loud! Luke is grilling, he can’t control where the smoke drifts,” Bo said, frustrated.
“We’re having hamburgers and hot dogs, why don’t you come back on your supper break,” BL said. Cletus might have Hogg blood in his veins but he was nothing like Boss Hogg.
“Much obliged for the invite but I can’t, Rosco’d have a fit,” Cletus replied.
“What you do on your lunch and supper breaks are nobody’s business,” BL said.

"Oh, gosh, wellllll, I don't know." Cletus said. 
Bo suggested, "Shouldn't you come back and check on the smoke later? What do you like on your burger? BL will have you a plate ready."
Cletus was also a bit more humble than Boss Hogg, "Well, gee, that's awfully nice of ya'll. If you fix it. I'll eat it. I'm not particular."
BL asked, "So a hotdog with chili, mustard and onion and a cheeseburger with lettuce,  mustard, ketchup, tomato and mayo would work?"
Cletus smiled, "Boy would it ever. Thanks ya'll." He said heading back to his patrol car. 
"Abner, that young Deputy never even checked that smoke. That house could be on fire!" Ms. Kravitz exclaimed.
Abner looked over his paper, "So in all the time you have been spying on those kids, you haven't noticed those red lights in the dark haired ones pick up?"
"No." She admitted. "Why would that make any difference?"
"It means he's some sort of firefighter." Abner explained.

“Oh,” Gloria responded, maybe having the two dark haired young people next door wasn’t so bad. She had seen Dixie coming and going in her uniform from the tri counties jail so that should keep down crime and the young man could be there in a flash if there was a fire. The two blondes were still a nuisance even if the girl was friendly and delivered the mail.
“Better go tell Luke to grill extras for Cletus,” BL said, sitting up straight so Bo could get up.
“Be right back darlin,” Bo said, going around back. “Hey Luke put on an extra burger and hotdog for Cletus.”

Luke looked up from the grill, "Cletus?"
Bo replied, "Yeah, it seems your smoke is offending some of the neighbors, but BL convinced Cletus to come back and check it later, and we'd have him a supper plate ready."
Luke took a drink of his beer and set it down beside the grill. "You know I'd love to have a conversation with that lady, ..... but I don't think Uncle Jesse would approve of my side of it."
After the third CB call from the garage, Cooter finally replied that he was on his way to the tow job and he was, just as soon as he got his pants and boots on. "I'm sorry, Darlin'. Maybe I can get someone else to take the wrecker tomorrow." He could at least hope.
Darcy edged a bit closer to Daisy. He was feeling a bit braver than ever before with Bo and Luke having wives to keep them occupied, he felt reasonably safe the boys wouldn't be out hunting him and Daisy down.
Daisy nuzzled closer still as their kiss deepened.
Darcy let his hands explore and roam. 
Daisy was purring and responding positively to his advances.
Darcy moved to the snaps on her bra. In one motion the bra released.
Daisy deepened the kiss while discarding the bra.
Darcy brought his hand up front. With two hands full of breasts he directed his attention to her nipples.
Daisy inhaled deeply and managed a slight squirm.

“It’s alright,” Crystal said, putting her top back on.
Once dressed they got into the pickup’s cab. Crystal slid across the seat and Cooter drove back to the garage, one hand on the wheel, holding Crystal with the other.
“How about we take this someplace else, like the backseat,” Darcy said, his pants were getting a tad too tight.
“Ok,” Daisy agreed, crawling over the front into the back.
Darcy gave her backside a little grope as it was up in the air.

Cooter kissed Crystal and waited til she pulled out before heading off to the tow job.
As he circled town, Cooter noticed all the vehicles were home at Bo and Luke's place. 
After a good meal, Dixie had rinsed and stacked the dishes that had to be washed which wasn't in her mind enough to fool with right then and made her way to the living room to find Luke on the couch with his sock feet on the coffee table. She took her favorite spot on the couch with him but faced the back of the couch looking at Luke instead of at the TV that was on, but Luke didn't seem to be paying it much attention.

On kissing cliff, Daisy and Darcy had fogged up the windows in his old Chevy.
Back in town, BL held Bo’s hand as they strolled to the little stream that ran behind the house. The pups were staying pretty close, brave enough to growl and occasionally bark, they weren’t brave enough to go exploring. BL had told Dixie she’d help wash the dishes later. 

Luke and Dixie were enjoying having the house to themselves, even if it was only while the dogs were out for a walk. 
Luke suggested, "Do you want to head upstairs?"
"It's too early. Besides, that would be rude." Dixie said as she snuggled down into the couch getting closer to Luke. 
"Look. We are newlyweds, this is our house too and there is nothing rude about heading upstairs early. Not to mention, I don't have to wake you up down here later to go to bed." Luke stated. 
Dixie knew he was right but said, "I'm fine. I'm not gonna fall asleep down here."
Quite a bit later, Daisy and Darcy were coming up for air. Their clothes had long been gone. The steamed up windows of the car gave them a bit of privacy from the outside. 
Darcy was thinking but found that he had actually said what he was thinking, "Never in a million years did I ever think we would do that."
Daisy twirled her long hair, "And why not Sugar?"
Darcy figured in for a penny, in for a pound, "I never figured on Bo or Luke letting me get this close to you and I just figured you would rather see other people."

“Why did you think that?” Daisy asked.
“Because I’m just a crop duster, you can have any man in the county you want,” Darcy replied.
“Sugar I’m with the man I want. As for Bo and Luke, they got wives to keep them occupied and Luke’s gonna be a daddy in April,” Daisy responded.

Darcy set up quickly, "Luke's  what?" The idea seemed really foreign to him. He hadn't been great buddies with the guys but had gone to school with them. "Wait a second..... they ain't been married all that long Daisy."

“Darcy, it only takes once, it could have been on their wedding night or a day or two later, they are newlyweds afterall,” Daisy explained.
Darcy got real quiet at Daisy’s explanation, they had forgotten to use protection in the heat of the moment.
“Darcy, are you ok?” Daisy asked.
“Huh, oh yeah I’m fine,” Darcy replied.
Daisy said “You don’t sound fine.”
Swallowing hard Darcy said, “we didn’t use protection just now,”
“Relax, I take birth control,,," Daisy said then quickly explained before Darcy got the wrong idea…”for female issues, anyway I've never known of someone on them getting pregnant. Even though Doc Applby says it’s not one hundred percent protection.”

Darcy was a mite relieved at Daisy’s use of birth control and the explanation. 
Daisy decided to lighten his mood just a bit with a bit of female attention directed his way. It was still early. They may as well give it another go.

“We best get back, so me and Dixie ain’t still doing dishes at 2am,” BL said when they reached the stream.
‘It’s still early darlin’, we got time,” Bo replied, pulling BL close for a passionate kiss.
When the kiss ended BL reined in her focus trying not to let Bo’s charms get to her, “we promised Uncle Jesse we’d be at church tomorrow and if we oversleep, by the time you and Luke finish chores and shower and we all get ready we’ll be late. Uncle Jesse will skin you and Luke alive if we’re late.”
Bo sighed BL was right, so they headed back to the house.
Cooter had got Mr. Crowley out of the gully he’d found himself in, now Cooter headed back to town wondering if it was too late to hook up with Crystal again.

Cooter picked up the CB and called for Crystal, "Where are you? I'm done."
Crystal replied, "I'm almost to the Boar’s Nest."
"Pull off there. I'll be there in a couple minutes then we can go somewhere. I know a place."
"Alright." Crystal said as she swung into the parking lot to wait on Cooter.
Luke reached for his second beer as he held his napping wife.  She had drifted off about ten minutes after rejecting his offer to go upstairs. Luke thought it was kind of funny that he had called it. He said out loud to his little one, "Hey, Kiddo you are whupping your Mama here."

Dixie was already asleep by the time Bo and BL made it back to the house, so Bo helped BL with the dishes. Just as they came into the livingroom Cletus pulled up to get his hamburger and hotdog BL had promised. The dogs went nuts hearing boots on the porch.
“Cletus must be here for his supper, let him in while I get it,” BL said,going back to the kitchen.
“Bo opened the door before Cletus even knocked, “Evening Cletus, BL is getting your supper.”
“Mmm I can’t wait, sure beats the bologna sandwich I brought,” Cletus replied.
BL came back with a paper plate ”one hamburger with cheese, lettuce, tomato, ketchup, mustard and mayo. And one hotdog with chili and onions. I put you in a pint jar of tea too.”
“Much obliged BL. see ya Bo,” Cletus replied.
“You ready for bed darlin?” Bo asked, sleep wasn’t what he had in mind though.
“Today too much for ya?”  BL teased.
Sweeping his wife off her feet, Bo carried BL to their room.

In the patrol car as he ate his supper, Cletus was thinking how much in just a few months that Bo and Luke had gone from bar room brawls to family men. Even as he spoke to Bo and BL, he had noted Luke on the couch, boots off, sipping a beer with Dixie snuggled up to him on the couch. He had been to the Duke Farm on a Saturday night much later in the evening and both men would be fully dressed and ready for action or trouble.
BL let out a bit of a squeal as Bo picked her up causing Dixie to stir. 
Luke saw his opportunity, "Hey, let's head up too." 
"K" Dixie said but never moved. 
"Dixie." Luke tried again. 
"Uh-huh." She mumbled.
Luke finished his beer, sat the bottle down, then proceeded to sit Dixie up where he could get up, "I'm letting the dogs out. Get awake."
"I'm not asleep." Dixie said.
"Alright." Luke said, taking the bottles to the trash and letting the pups out. When they came in, he took a couple beers and a glass of tea back to the living room to find Dixie about half awake, "Let's head up."
"It's still early." Dixie said. "Cletus ain't come by, Bo and BL ain't even back with the pups yet."
Scrapie heard 'pup' and jumped in Dixie's lap, licking her entire face.
Luke replied, "Pups are home, Cletus has been by and Bo and BL are upstairs. 
"Oh. Guess I dozed off?" Dixie said. 
Luke grinned, "For a few minutes. Let's go."

Cooter motioned to Lori Mae Jones to bring him and Crystal 2 beers.
“Thanks Lori Mae,” Cooter said when they got their drinks, When the buxom waitress left, Cooter took a drink to wet his parched throat, he was a little nervous about what Crystal would say in answer to the question he was about to ask, mainly because they hadn’t really dated in public except the Boar’s Nest
“Crystal, I know this might be too soon for you to make a decision, seeing as how it’s a month away but will you go on the hayride with me?”
“I’d love to Cooter,” Crystal replied, smiling.

Lori Mae went over to the bar, "Who's the girl?" She asked Charlie the bartender.
The only girl in the place that Lori Mae wouldn't know was sitting with Cooter Davenport. "I'm not sure that I've ever seen her in here before."
By the time Dixie got upstairs she was more awake and rested from her nap. 
Luke was very pleased when she returned from the bathroom wearing only her robe which she promptly let fall to the floor.

Bo heard Luke and Dixie’s bedroom door close and had a pretty good idea why, it seemed Dixie was awake now and were about to enjoy the perks of marriage, one of them anyway. Outside in the hall Sadie layed by BL and Bo’s closed bedroom door, raising her head everytime a muffled squeal came from her human.
“Bo stoop, Dixie and Luke are just across the hall,” BL said, but her giggle took the seriousness out of it.
Bo grinned wickedly as he lowered his head blowing another raspberry on BL’s bare belly, “Pthhht”
Daisy and Darcy had decided they needed more room than Darcy’s backseat, so they had gone back to his camper at Hazzard Airport. Now they lay in Darcy’s bed wrapped in each other’s arms.
At the Boar’s Nest, Cooter and Crystal were enjoying themselves, Cooter had somehow gotten Luther to take the wrecker when he’d got back to the garage after getting Mr. Crowley out of the gully.
LB came in the Boar’s Nest and took a seat at a rear table near the bar. He had been seeing Lori Mae Jones and they had plans when she got off work.

Daisy checked the time on the bedside table. It was getting late. 
"Stay." Darcy said. 
"Ohhh, you have no idea how much I would love to do just that, but I can't make Uncle Jesse worry." Daisy said. "Besides, he would want to know where I was and would be sure to tell Bo and Luke."
"Point made." Darcy said. "Do you at least want to go to the Boar's Nest for a beer before I take you home?" He said reaching for his pants and boots.

“Sure,” Daisy replied, gathering her own clothes and going into the bathroom.
When Daisy came out of the bathroom, Darcy was dressed and waiting for her.
Darcy opened the Chevy’s passenger door, helping her in then they were off to the Boar’s Nest.
At the Boar’s Nest LB went outside on Lori Mae’s break.
“So what’s the plan when I get off?” Lori Mae asked.
“C’mere let me give you a preview,”LB said, leading Lori Mae around the corner, leaning her against the wall LB leaned in for a passionate kiss, his right hand cupping Lori Mae’s breast, his left grabbing her rear. Darcy came in from the back way, having no idea what he and Daisy were about to see as his headlights hit the couple leaning against the building getting friendly.

Darcy asked, "So what do you make of that?"
Daisy replied, "They look awfully friendly. I didn't know they were dating."
"How in the world did something get by you in 'Gossip Central'?" Darcy asked. 
Daisy playfully punched him in the arm. "Darcy!"

Darcy chuckled and parked the car, returning LB and Lori Mae to the privacy of the darkness. Getting out and rounding the car, Darcy helped Daisy then held open the Boar’s Nests door for her.
“I’ll get us a couple beers, since the waitress is busy,” Daisy said.
Darcy replied, “ok I’ll find a table”.

Charlie looked up as Daisy came behind the bar and began drawing two mugs of beer, "Hey. You are off tonight."
"Yes, I am. That's why I'm only serving one table. Mine." Daisy said as she flashed a grin and wrote the ticket up for Charlie.

Daisy took the two mugs of beer back over to hers and Darcy’s table, “feels strange to be here on a Saturday night and not be working,” Daisy said, taking a drink.
“Atleast I don’t have to share you tonight,” Darcy replied.
Outside LB and Lori Mae were straightening themselves out, Lori Mae’s break was over.
“How much longer til you get off,” LB asked.
“About an hour til closing then I have to straighten up, that’s another 45 minutes if there ain’t a brawl in the next hour,” Lori Mae replied.

LB replied, "Bo and Luke ain't here.  I heard Cooter slide out after we came out. It should be pretty safe as long as everyone keeps their paws off you."

“Hon, sometimes that’s just a hazard of the job,” Lori Mae replied. 
One last kiss and they went back inside.
LB played pinball for a while until he ran out of quarters and Lori Mae got back to work waiting tables.
At the Duke residence in town, BL put on her robe to go to the bathroom, Sadie jumped up from the hall floor, darting in as soon as the door opened and leaping full force into 'her' bed, right on top of a dozing off Bo!

Bo startled when Sadie landed on him “Sadie…” Bo started to scold but stopped when he realized Sadie was trembling and not just excited to get in the room, “what’s the matter girl?”
In the bathroom BL heard the rumble of distant thunder and wondered if Bo had remembered to let the top up on her car.
“Going back to their bedroom BL found Bo talking softly and holding Sadie close against his chest while he layed on his side.
”Bo, did you raise the top on my car when we got home from the lake?” BL asked.
“I don’t remember,” Bo replied.
“I’ll go check, it’s thundering off in the distance, I heard it in the bathroom,” BL said.
“So that’s what’s wrong, you heard it thunder,” Bo said to Sadie, then to BL, “I’ll go check Sadie needs you.”
Bo got up and put on pj bottoms then went downstairs, taking BL’s keys off the hook by the front door. BL put on a nightgown then got into bed, hugging Sadie.
 

[Hobie Hartkins]

I had a dog that would run inside the house and hide under my grandparent's bed when it thundered. We think she may have been under a car when it was started and scared her and she associated that with thunder!

[B.L. Davenport]

A loud clap of thunder rang out, Scrapie and Trixie both jumped up and barked as if a burglar were breaking in. 
Luke sat straight up in the bed at the urgency of the dogs barking. "Shhhh. What?" Then he heard another rumble of thunder that set the dogs off again. 
Dixie pulled the covers closer and asked while still half asleep, "What?"
"Storm. Go back to sleep. I'll take them downstairs awhile." Luke said as he put on his pj bottoms. He met Bo in the living room dressed similarly. "What brings you down here at 4 am?"

“I was checking to make sure the top was up on BL’s car, before it rains,” Bo answered.
“Ah guess Sadie woke BL up too and you got the pleasure of checking the car,” Luke said.
“No, actually it was me Sadie woke up, when she jumped right in the middle of me because the thunder scared her. BL had gone to the bathroom, when she came back, asked about the car top and said she was gonna check. Told her stay with Sadie, I’d check,” Bo replied.

Luke smirked, "How much of the bed do you think you are gonna have when you get back up there?"
Bo frowned, "Not much."
"Want a beer?" Luke asked, heading for the fridge

“Yeah, might as well stay up so we can go out to the farm and do the chores,” Bo replied, maybe he could talk BL into an afternoon nap.

Luke nodded. "That's pretty much the way I saw it. These two are small but not when they are hiding from the storm or wanting to run, jump and bark at it. I figured Dixie needed to sleep."
Bo, Luke, Scrapie and Trixie took seats in the living room. Each had a small trembling dog with them as they sipped their beers and talked guy talk while Dixie, BL and Sadie slept upstairs.

About 6:30, Sadie nudged BL’s hand, getting no response. She licked up the side of BL’s face, “Ok, just a minute, let me get dressed, Uncle Jesse is making a big breakfast.”
Pulling on jeans and a top then going to the bathroom. before going downstairs, grabbing her boots from the bedroom, Sadie ‘herding’ every step needing out bad.
“Morning fellas. Scrapie, Trixie, you wanna go out too?” BL said on her way to the back door. The two little pups abandoned Bo and Luke, racing outside.
“Morning darlin, did you and Sadie get any sleep after I vacated the bed?” Bo asked good naturedly.
“Yup! Like babies,” BL grinned replying then asked, “Do I need to get my church clothes gathered or are we coming back home to get ready?”

Luke was heading upstairs, "Ya'll probably want to take your clothes. It will be quicker to dress while we do the chores. I'll get Dixie and be down in a few."

BL didn’t say it but thought ‘good luck’ as Luke headed upstairs. Dixie didn’t like getting up early on her days off, especially since getting pregnant.
“I’m gonna go get my church clothes. Want me to get yours too?” BL asked Bo.
“Yes please and I’ll let the pups in,” Bo replied.
BL headed upstairs thinking about what to wear.

Luke went upstairs and closed the door behind him in case the pups came back  inside. He pulled the covers back and got under the covers.  Going back to bed was tempting, but the responsibilities of the farm and family wouldn't let him stay in bed. He brushed Dixie's hair back as he sat beside her in bed, "Dixie."
Between the bed moving as Luke got in and him calling her name, Dixie was conscious if not awake. "Mummm?" She uttered.
Luke pulled her to him and cuddled her as Dixie wrapped herself around his warmth.  He decided to 'hit a bit below the belt', "Are you hungry yet?"
Dixie replied negatively with a contented sigh, "Nope."
Luke waited patiently, then added, "Not even for sausage? ... Eggs? ... Hash Browns? ... and Uncle Jesse's biscuits and gravy?"
Dixie may have been able to resist, but literally, her belly growled. 
Luke brushed her hair back further, "Come on Dixie, Uncle Jesse is cooking a big breakfast for us all. You said last night you couldn't wait, besides you are gonna have to go to the bathroom soon." Luke smiled and waited. 
He almost thought he was wrong when suddenly Dixie sat up, tossed the covers back and threw her pillow at him, "That was dirty."
"But it worked." Luke said as he dodged the pillow and threw it back at his wife!
Dixie threw the pillow again as she wrapped her robe and darted out the bedroom door. She could feel liquid nearly to her eyeballs and was sure she'd never make it to the bathroom in time. 

BL heard Dixie’s hurried trip to the bathroom and then the door shutting with more force than necessary but it wasn’t slammed either and Luke hadn’t followed which must mean they weren’t fighting and Dixie wasn’t sick. Both good things. BL heard the distinct click of doggy nails as the three pups raced upstairs, likely headed to the first bed they could get to. BL had laid out hers and Bo’s church clothes on the bed and didn’t want wet, muddy paw prints on them, so spun toward the door, swinging it shut before the pups got upstairs.
“Whoa,” BL muttered as she grabbed the bedpost for support when the room spun.
Sitting on the side of the bed until the room righted itself, BL figured she had fluid in her ears from swimming the day before being the cause of the dizziness.

Luke slid into his jeans, then proceeded to make the bed while Dixie was in the bathroom to avoid them getting ideas about going back to bed. He was snapping his shirt as Dixie came back in from the bathroom with pups behind her.

Bo came back upstairs to get dressed so they could get to the farm asking as he opened the bedroom door, “what’s the door shut for?”
“To keep wet, muddy paws off our church clothes. I packed your white sunday shirt and your good jeans,” BL replied. 
“Thanks darlin’,” Bo replied, snapping his shirt.

"You made the bed?" Dixie asked, a bit surprised.
"Yes." Luke replied.
"Why?" Dixie asked.
Luke replied, "To make it harder for us to go back to bed."
Dixie said, "I'm not gonna lie. The thought crossed my mind. I'm dressing. I swear." She pulled out a pair of stretchy pants and top. As she put on her bra, Dixie noted her boobs were rather sore. She chalked it up to maybe Luke getting a bit too aggressive yesterday. 
Luke said, "Grab something for church and we can leave from the farm."
Dixie nodded. She hoped finding something nice that fit right was as easy as grabbing a change of clothes like Luke had done.

Dixie looked through the clothes that were a little big on BL and found a long flowy skirt with elastic and a top that looked roomy enough. The foursome loaded up into General Lee and Luke’s truck then headed out to the farm. Jesse was already cooking breakfast when he heard General Lee pull in. Bo parked the orange stockcar where it had been parked for years. Luke and Dixie parked, where Luke could get out easy if need be, the four came in the back door, the men going straight for the coffee pot.
“Morning, breakfast will be ready by the time you boys get the chores done,” Jesse said.
“Let me and BL put our church stuff in the boys old bedroom and then we’ll help with breakfast,” Dixie said.
After a big breakfast the guys took showers and then got dressed while the girls showered. 

Dixie, BL and Daisy were getting ready in Daisy’s room, out of habit and necessity since all the makeup, hair stuff and such were in there. 
Dixie put the top on which was meant to be a bit low cut. She pulled, tugged and rearranged the top which was a bit snug but the problem was the top was now a bit too low. "Daisy, do you have a safety pin?"
Daisy replied, "Ummm, .... let me look. I should have." She dug through a drawer and found the safety pins. "Here ya go."
Dixie pinned the top closed. Looked in the mirror not a bit happy with the result but figured she was in the top and decent so it would do. She sat on Daisy's bed to put her shoes on. Just as she bent over to pick up her shoe, the safety pin popped loose. "Crap!" Dixie exclaimed.

“Hang on, I may have something you can make work,” Daisy said, rifling through her closet pulling out a peasant top that could be worn off the shoulders, Friday and Saturday nights at the Boar’s Nest or on the shoulder with a skirt on Sunday morning and look decent.
“Here try this,”Daisy handed Dixie the top.
BL bent down to get her shoe, closing her eyes a minute when another wave of dizziness hit when she straightened up too fast. 

Dixie changed tops. 
Daisy was fussing with the sleeves on the shoulders.
Dixie checked the mirror critically. She didn't think she was showing but she wouldn't argue the point that her figure was changing. She was sure that Luke wouldn't mind her being a bit more endowed on the top. Finally she asked, "Are we ready?"
Daisy replied, "I'm good."
"BL?" Dixie asked.

“Yeah I’m ready but need a minute, I must have fluid in my ears from yesterday’s swim. My head feels a little funny if I turn too fast or bend over then stand straight again real quick, it’ll pass,” BL replied, trying to downplay the dizziness.

Everyone made their way to their vehicles to head off to church.
The pups were content to take a nap after a morning of running wild. 
In church, everyone settled in and listened to the Sunday school message. Then sang a couple of hymns before the preacher started his message. 
The small church had a good turnout today, which made the crowded church a bit warm. 
Bo's head was the first to nod, which rewarded him with an elbow from Luke on his left side. Bo straightened up, put his arm across the pew behind BL. 
Luke was glad Bo nodded off as his eyes had been on their way to closing too. He took the opportunity to change position, hoping to wake himself up a bit. He noted that he and Bo weren't the only two trying to nod off. Cooter had barely made it through the doors before the services began and from Luke's view, he looked to be out for the count. 
Just about that time, Luther gave him a disapproving look and nudged him none too easily with an elbow to Cooter's ribs.

LB had at least managed to stay awake through half of Sunday school before his chin was resting on his chest. Clyde saw his son’s chin dip but instead of a nudge like his brother had given his nephew, Clyde took a more attention getting approach and pinched LB on the tender spot at the back of the arm, this had the desired effect as LB sat up straight, barely containing a yelp.
As the final amen was said, BL raised her head and stood eager to get out where it was a mite cooler.The quick movements were a bad idea but she ignored the dizziness, going ahead of Bo. Stopping at the door to shake Reverend Frawley’s hand, “Good lessons this morning Reverend.”
“Thank you BL. It’s nice to see you and Bo with us this morning,” Reverend Frawley replied.
Bo, Luke and Dixie followed BL, each stopping to shake hands and speak to the reverend.
Cooter and Crystal had made plans last night to go out to lunch after church, so he was in a hurry to pick her up at the Placid Baptist church , so he didn’t stick around to socialize nor did LB.
Not sticking around to socialize themselves, the Dukes went back to the farm.
“Finally I can get rid of this dress,” Dixie said, as they all filed into the farmhouse.
Bo and Luke headed to their old room to change and Daisy and BL followed Dixie to Daisy’s room. Changed the trio headed back to the kitchen to make lunch. Bo and Luke went out to work on Jesse’s moonrunner Black Tilley, Jesse liked to keep the car running in case it was needed.
“I’m gonna go sit down a minute,“ BL said to Dixie and Daisy.
“You alright sugar?”Daisy asked.
“Yeah, just a little warm in here, I am gonna go in the livingroom and cool off,” BL replied.
Taking just a few steps, BL fainted crumpling to the floor.
“Dixie get Bo,” Daisy said as she went to BL. 
Dixie saw BL was coming too and headed to the barn. She yelled before she actually got into the barn, "Bo! BL needs you." She exclaimed. 
Both Luke and Bo's heads shot up as if they had been shot or at least shot at hitting the solid metal hood of the old car with a thud!

Bo tossed down the wrench he was about to use when Dixie yelled, not really caring where it landed he took off running toward the house. Something in Dixie’s voice told him something was wrong that BL didn’t just need him to come do something.
“What’s wrong?!” Bo asked, tearing into the kitchen.
“She fainted,”Daisy replied.
Bo knelt beside his wife“ BL darlin are you okay?” Bo patted BL’s hand that he held.

Jesse had been on the porch when he heard the ruckus inside. As he got up and opened the door to go see what was going on Sadie ran past him and ran right to BL and began licking BL's face.

“I’m ok, I’m ok. Bo help me up before I’m licked to death!” BL was now fully conscious.
“That’s enough Sadie!” Bo said but instead of helping BL to her feet Bo picked her up, laying BL on the couch.

Dixie had turned back to the house behind Bo.
Luke cursed, rubbed his head and followed Dixie back to the house to see what was wrong. 
Dixie went over to BL, "What happened? Did you feel dizzy again?"

“Again? What does she mean again?” Bo asked.
“Do you have to be such a blabbermouth?” BL asked Dixie, giving her a look.
Sighing, BL looked at Bo. Dixie had already blabbed so BL figured she might as well tell Bo everything. “I got dizzy a couple more times this morning but this is the only time I’ve fainted.”
“You need to see a doctor.” Bo said.
“None are open, it’s Sunday. My only option is to go to the ER and that’s not happening,” BL replied.

Dixie said, "She probably got water in her ears yesterday while we were swimming."
Jesse nodded, "It's likely an ear infection starting. I'll warm some sweet oil and get some cotton balls. By tomorrow you will either feel better or be running a fever with an earache."

Jesse got BL seen to and with lots of reassurance she was fine and a promise to stay on the couch, BL convinced Bo to go finish working on Tilley with Luke until lunch was ready. Jesse let Sadie stay inside, laying beside the couch, he could tell the dog was worried about her human and Bo seemed more at ease with the pup on watch.
After a hearty meal, Bo took BL home to rest. For a couple hours all was peaceful as the couples napped.

 

[Hobie Hartkins]

Hey BL....YOU wouldn't happen to be the same B L in this story would you? LOL!   

 

[B.L. Davenport]

Monday morning BL got up nice and slow to avoid another dizzy/fainting spell.
‘Morning darlin, how do you feel?” Bo asked.
“I’m better, told you it was probably just water in my ears,” BL replied.

Dixie, Luke, Scrapie and Trixie had gotten up, out and on their way to their jobs on schedule for a change.
At the garage, Cooter was moving a bit slower than Luther liked but he was at work and moving. He might be burning the candle at both ends but he was doing his part.

So far BL’s day had been uneventful, she hadn’t been dizzy even once but that was likely due to her careful movements. Truth be told she was a mite afraid of fainting again and noone there but Sadie to know it.
Bo had gone out to the farm as usual to do the morning chores but hadn’t stayed for breakfast, he had to be at work to unload a truck early this morning.
Ellen Sue reported to work right on time, taking her pink helmet off as she came in the back door, bending down to pet Sadie and give the dog a treat,”here ya go sweetheart.”
“Howdy boss, how was your weekend?” Ellen Sue asked, grinning at BL who kept telling the slightly older woman  that she wasn’t the boss, just a coworker.
BL replied “Afternoon Ellen Sue, the weekend was busy and a little eventful.” 
“Oh?What’d you do?” Ellen Sue asked.
”Me, Bo, Luke and Dixie spent the day at the lake on Saturday, then grilled hamburgers and hotdogs that evening.Then Sunday we all went out to the Duke farm for breakfast before going to church then having lunch there,” BL replied.
“That was a busy weekend, I don’t know how you had time for anything else sounds pretty eventful to me.” Ellen Sue said.
“Well all that wasn’t what I meant by eventful. Sunday I had a couple dizzy spells and fainted once.” BL replied.
“Oh my, are you alright, should you be at work? I could have filled in all you had to do was call,” Ellen Sue said, eyeing the younger woman closely looking for signs BL was sick.
“I’m fine, must have just been water in my ears from swimming Saturday but would you deliver the mail, might not be a good idea to drive all over the county,” BL replied.

Ellen Sue replied, "Right. I'll get it.  You can stay here or head home to rest."

“Thanks, think I’ll head home. I’m exhausted for some reason, I slept good though,”

Ellen Sue replied, "Alright. I'll make the deliveries quick and be back to close. Sadie take good care of her." 
Sadie wagged her tail as her and BL headed out for home.

Once home BL let Sadie out back a few minutes, “How about a nap, Sadie girl?” BL asked and got a ‘woof’ and Sadie making a beeline upstairs.
BL stopped off at the bathroom, she had to pee for what felt like the 100th time today. Finished in the bathroom she went to hers and Bo’s bedroom, taking off her shoes before laying down beside Sadie, falling asleep within seconds.

Dixie had a free minute and decided to call the Hazzard Post Office. Placing the call to the Hazzard switchboard she was transferred to the post office. 
Ellen Sue was just unlocking the door from the mail deliveries when she heard the phone ringing. She hurried to the phone, "Hazzard Post Office."
"Ellen Sue? This is Dixie. Is BL there?"

“No, she said she was going home to rest that she was exhausted,” Ellen Sue replied.
Dixie replied. "Alright. I won't bother her then. I was just calling to check on her."

“She told me about her dizzy spells and fainting yesterday. Asked me to deliver the mail, she didn’t think driving all over the county a good idea even though she feels better.” Ellen Sue said.

"Alright. I'll go right home after work and check on her. Thanks." Dixie said as she hung up to get back to work.

BL was sleeping good when the need to pee woke her up, at first she thought she could ignore it but nope that wasn’t happening. Getting up as easy as possible so she didn’t set off a wave of dizziness, BL went to the bathroom. The dizziness was strange but BL thought with needing to pee so much today, she must have a kidney infection.
“How about you girl, need to go out?” BL asked Sadie, while she was up. Sadie woofed and headed downstairs. While Sadie was in the backyard, BL fixed herself a glass of ice water, she’d have to go to the bathroom again but her mouth felt like cotton. Letting Sadie back inside, BL took her ice water and went back to bed until she had to pee again anyway.

When Dixie got off work, she didn't bother to change clothes. She was heading straight home so she didn’t waste time changing.
Once across the county line, Dixie passed the Boar's Nest, noting that only Daisy’s vehicle and a few workers from the mill were there. 
Luke was coming from the other direction but also would pass the Boar's Nest. He noted that no one else was there. "Lost Sheep One to Little Shotgun or Lost Sheep Two."
"Little Shotgun here." Dixie answered. 
"I'm coming by the Boar's Nest. Where are ya'll?" Luke asked. 
"I'm almost home. I'll explain in a bit." Dixie said.
Luke replied. "Behind you."

Bo was just getting back from making deliveries in Choctaw, unloading a truck this morning had put him getting started a little late. He hadn’t heard Dixie’s call on the CB but noted as he passed the backside of the post office BL’s car wasn’t there but Ellen Sue’s pink moped was. So he was a mite worried about BL.
“Lost Sheep 2 looking for Sweet Talker, I just passed the post office and you ain’t there, what’s your 20? BL you out there come back,” Bo tried calling on the CB as he headed General Lee toward the Boar’s Nest.

Dixie went in the front door, expecting BL to be in the living room. When she wasn't, Dixie called out, "BL?"
Nothing from BL, but she heard a small woof from upstairs. 
At the bedroom door, Dixie knocked lightly, "BL?"

The knock set Sadie off barking, the normal reaction except usually BL was wide awake and expecting it but not today and she nearly jumped out of her skin.
“SADIE HUSH! You nearly gave me a heart attack just now.” BL fussed, not happy at being so rudely awakened.

"Sadie, it's me. BL are you alright? Can I come in."

“I’m fine Dix, yes you can come in,” BL replied.

Dixie looked confused as she came into the bedroom, "If you are alright why are you home in bed?"

“Taking a nap. I don’t know why but I felt drained and exhausted when Ellen Sue came to work at noon. I took a nap yesterday afternoon when we got home from the farm,” BL replied, a puzzled expression on her face.

"Yeah, we all took a nap yesterday afternoon, so?"

“Boy do we all sound old taking a Sunday afternoon nap,” BL said grinning then shrugged her shoulders adding, “maybe I’m coming down with something.”

Dixie replied, " Maybe you are. We were all up with the dogs and storm Saturday night too. Well, alright Luke was up with the pups and Bo was up because Sadie took his bed." Dixie grinned as she petted Sadie. 
Luke pulled in the drive and cut the pups loose in the backyard.
Dixie opened the bedroom door for Sadie who wanted to play. 
Luke opened the back door to a bouncing Sadie as she ran out to join the others. "Hey? Where are ya’ll at?"
"Up here." Dixie said.
Luke came upstairs to find Dixie sitting on BL and Bo's bed.

“Why are ya’ll here instead of the Boar’s Nest? How come you’re still wearing your uniform Dixie?” BL looked from Dixie to Luke curiously.
When Bo got no response from BL and noone but Daisy was at the Boar’s Nest he headed home, hoping BL wasn’t worse, she acted fine this morning.

Bo saw all the vehicles home. He hurriedly got out of the General and took the front steps two at a time?
Inside, he yelled, "BL?"
Luke hadn't gotten any answers yet but called to Bo, "Up here."
Bo again took the stairs two at a time, "What's wrong?" He asked as his pulse raced thinking something was seriously wrong.

“Nothing’s wrong, ya’ll got your knickers in a knot for no reason,” BL said but that was as far as she got. Cooter was coming back from a job but didn’t see the other vehicles at the Boar’s Nest so turned off to go by the house to see what was up, he figured one or both girls were changing before they all met up. Seeing everybody home Cooter parked in front of the house and went to the door and knocked but when not even the dogs came to the door, he let himself in, “hey where is everybody?” Cooler called out. Bo answered “we’re upstairs.” Cooter had joined the ‘party’ a second later, “what’s everybody doing up here?” Cooter asked. BL wondered when hers and Bo’s bedroom had become Hazzard Central. “Let’s go have this discussion in the livingroom,” BL said,picking up her water off the nightstand.
Downstairs Luke and Dixie sat on the couch, Bo and BL settled on the loveseat and BL set her water on the end table, Bo’s arm automatically went around his wife, like Luke’s had Dixie. Cooter didn’t want to get grease on the furniture and got himself a dining chair.
BL started, “I asked Ellen Sue to deliver the mail today when she came in to work, I didn’t think it was the smart thing for me to go driving all over the county after fainting yesterday,” Cooter interrupted “you fainted yesterday?” BL replied “yes I had a couple dizzy spells yesterday and fainted once. Anyway Ellen Sue told me to come home and rest if I wanted to, so I came home and took a nap.” 

Cooter replied unconcerned after hearing the explanation, "Oh, ok. So are ya'll coming out tonight since BL is alright? "

“Cooter, coming home at noon and sleeping all afternoon ain’t exactly alright,” Bo replied.
“Is that a no then?” Cooter asked.
“Yes!” Bo exclaimed.
“We’ll take a rain check too.” Dixie said.
After a hearty supper the 4 newlyweds settled in with a movie then went to bed.

BALLADEER: Well for a few days everything was normal, as normal as things ever get in Hazzard.

 

[Hobie Hartkins]

Sadie....seems I knew a dog in real life named Sadie......!!...???