I'm a Danged Fool

[bethie88]

(This is a fic that I'm gonna develop in a different way with different characters (ie, not having me as his GF) for FF.net.)

Bo Duke couldn't believe it. He couldn't believe what she'd just told him. Beth Smith, his girlfriend, and the love of his life, was pregnant... And she was only 16, and he was 17. How could he have made such a stupid mistake? Uncle Jesse was gonna kill him, if Luke didn't kill him first.

Beth hated the way he was looking at her... Like a scared little boy. Bo wasn't a scared little boy, and seeing him like this tore her apart inside.

"I'm a danged fool," Bo said, punching a tree so hard it made his knuckles bleed.

[Feel free to pick up, and I don't care if you use my character...Won't bother me]

[DixieDavenport]

Luke was in the barn finishing his chores when Bo walked in. Luke had his own problems but it didn't take Luke long to notice Bo's hand had been bleeding and was swelling and bruising. "What happened to you?" Luke asked.
Bo replied, "Nothing." He said working his hand trying to determine if he had broken anything or just bruised it.
"Bo you had to hit something pretty hard to do THAT to your hand." stated Luke.
Bo's hand hurt but no more than his heart did. "You would not understand."
"Are you and Beth fighting?" questioned Luke.
Bo relied, quietly, "Not exactly."
Luke said, "Then what?"
Bo replied, "I guess you want to tell me what's up with you dating EVERY girl in the County?"
Luke glared at his cousin. "No, I don't"
Bo replied, "Well, then we're even."
Luke thought, "Only until Uncle Jesse, sees that hand!"
Bo and especially Luke thought they knew it all at this time in their life.

[bethie88]

Bo and Luke went inside, each just a little angry at the other. Bo had his hands shoved in his coat pocket, and the cloth of his pocket was sticking to his bloody knuckles. His hand was sore. He tried bending his fingers again, and it was possible, but painful. And he couldn't believe how stiff his fingers were. "Da--," he said softly, as he tried to keep bending his fingers.
"What was that, Bo?" asked Jesse, raising his eyebrows.
"Nothin', Uncle Jesse," Bo said softly.
"That's what I thought," Jesse said. The boy was acting strangely. He looked at Luke, hoping that his other nephew would give him some indication of what was wrong. But Luke simply shrugged. No matter how mad he and Bo might be at one another, they had an ideal of family honor, and they would never rat on each other.
The boys sat down at the table, Bo's right hand still tucked painfully in his pocket. He ate half a biscuit before asking Jesse if he could go upstairs. Jesse knew that something must be very wrong, because wild horses and natural disaster couldn't keep Bo away from the supper table.
Luke followed his cousin up the stairs quickly, followed by Daisy. Jesse knew something was up, but the wise old man was never the type to rush upstairs to find out what was going on. He knew that his nephews and neice would come to him when the time was right.

~~~

Upstairs, Bo was fighting tears, due more to his heartache than his hand.
"Now, Bo, what's wrong with you? You look like a coon hound somebody just beat." Daisy said, taking her cousin's arm.
Bo turned away, not saying anything for fear he would cry. "Show 'er, Bo" Luke said, resting his hand on his cousin's shoulder.
Bo pulled his hand out of his pocket, "Sh--," he whispered as the pain got stronger.
"Oh, my Lord!" Daisy said, taking Bo's hand gently in both of hers. "What did you do?"
"Nothin'," Bo said.
"Nothin' my foot," she replied. "I'm goin' to get some stuff and clean that up."
"It's fine, Daisy," Bo protested, but to no avail.
Daisy brought in the water bowl and a washcloth. And Bo cringed to see the lye soap she was carrying. That was going to hurt.
Daisy went to work, and Bo protested the whole time. "Dang it, Daisy, that hurts!"
Daisy kept working, though, and soon had his hand bound in a cloth bandage.
Then she leaned her head over onto his shoulder in a sisterly manner and said, "Now, Bo, honey, tell me what's botherin' you."

Cue Dixie

[DixieDavenport]

Bo could be very stubborn when he wanted to be and at this minute he wanted to be. "Can we call it a temper tantrum and be done with it?"
Luke pushed, "Sure we can as soon as you tell us what made you so mad."
"Forget it then!" replied Bo.
"Alright then I'm going to tell Uncle Jesse, right NOW!" said Daisy and turned to leave.
Luke stopped her with his arm.
Bo had said, "Wait!"
She froze in her tracks.
Bo asked, "Can I talk to Luke, alone? It's guy stuff."
Daisy looked from Bo to Luke. Luke nodded for her to go on, which meant he'd most likely tell her later. She left the two ofthem alone.
Bo was pacing like a caged tiger. "Luke, I know you have ah, well, you know. With a girl and all?"
Luke nodded yes.
"Have you ever messed up?" Bo asked.
The meaning of his cousins question hitting him in the face. Luke replied, "BO!" he paused briefly. "You DIDN'T? Did YOU?"
Luke's exagerated reply and lack of understanding caused Bo to become even more angery. "Da--!!!" he said as he swung at the old Oak dresser, before Luke could stop him. The Oak dresser had withstood much more in its time and DID NOT budge for Bo's right hand and arm.
Luke heard the crack even before Bo winced in pain. Not wanting Jesse to know about this all yet Bo reached for his pillow as Luke steadied his hand. What few sounds he made were quieted by the pillow.
Luke said, "Here, let me see." Now, Bo was having a cursing fit! "I hate to be the one to tell you but you need me to go tell Jesse and get Doc out hear. Otherwise you'll be begging for him in the morning."
Bo insisted he was 'fine'. Luke watched him toss and turn all night. He had not pushed any farther but was pretty sure the nature of Bo's pain and it was pretty far from the hand that was throbbing at this moment!
When Bo woke early the next morning from the pain in his wrist, he ..........

[bethie88]

yelled, "God! What the..."
"Bo, you alright?" Luke asked, coming out of his bed.
"No, da--it! My wrist hurts like he--."
"You better tell Jesse. You need to get to Doc Applebee."
"I ain't tellin' Jesse nothin'. You can take me to the doctor..."
"Bo, I ain't got that kinda money... Moonshiners don't have insurance, ya know. And besides, Doc's gonna know somethin's up and tell Uncle Jesse."
"Da--," Bo breathed. "Reckon you're right. But we gotta get me somewhere and get this took care off."
"Da--it, Bo, if you don't manage to get in the worst messes." Luke shook his head, mostly in disbelief.
"Well...what say we go tell Jesse I gotta go to the doctor... I was sleepwalkin', and I hit the dresser in my sleep..." Bo tried desperately to think up a good alibi.
"Bo Duke, I think that's the stupidest thing I ever heard. Lord have mercy." Luke shook his head. "Jesse won't believe that you just all the sudden took to sleepwalkin'."
"You got any ideas?"
"Tell him the truth?" Luke suggested.
"Dang it, Luke... I can't even tell you or Daisy the truth... much less Uncle Jesse."
"Well, if 'the truth' is what I think it is, I don't know if I could tell Uncle Jesse."
"Thanks for the encouragement," Bo said, angrily.
"Bo, don't act like that."
"You never messed up this big anyhow, so don't tell me how I can act."
"You wanna tell me exactly what's goin' on?" Luke asked, his hand now resting firmly on his cousin's shoulder.
"Not really...But if I don't tell somebody, it's gonna eat me alive."
"Well, that's what I'm here for."
Bo nodded. He had to work with the words to get them past the lump in his throat. "Luke... Beth's pregnant."

"............"

Cue Dixie!

[DixieDavenport]

Luke asked none too calmly, "Beth is WHAT?" Luke wanted to shout.
"Would you keep it down? Don't you think I have enough problems without Jesse finding at right now?"
"Oh, Yeah. You have problems alright! For starters, just how in blue blazes do you expect to support her and a baby? She wanted college. You and ME were going to run the NASCAR circuit. You have got to be the biggest fool I know. You get careless and now you have involved all of us in YOUR mistake. Not to mention there is a" he lowered his voice, "ba - by that didn't ask for you to make a mistake that is deserves to have what it needs and wants. Bo you can't live on Love. I know Beth she's a good girl but now she'll end up not getting to do anything she has worked all this time to do." Luke exploded.
Had Bo's hand not hurt so much he would have liked to have decked Luke on the spot. He had just voiced everything that had been going through his own head.
"Bo just what do you intend to do about this? And I'll remind you running away is NOT an option." asked Luke as he stared daggers through his cousin.
"Well for one thing, running away from it hadn't entered my mind. I really love her, you know?"
Luke looked him dead in the eye, "I really hope you do. Forever is a long time to stay with someone you don't!"
"Luke you are not helping here." stated Bo as he brought his hand up to look closer at it.
"Bo there's nothing I can do to help you on this except get you downstairs and let you tell Jesse about your wrist so Doc can fix it up." Luke said studing the badly bruised swollen hand. "For now, I'll even let you get away with telling Jesse that you were mad at me and hit the dresser instead of me."
Boshoock his head, "You know you are all heart."

Cue Beth

[bethie88]

"You're d--- straight, I'm all heart. I could tell Jesse right now!"
Luke followed his cousin downstairs to keep him from bolting back to his room. The two young men walked down to where their Uncle was quietly reading the newspaper. "Mornin', boys," Jesse said, eyeing Bo suspiciously.
"Mornin' Uncle Jesse," they replied.
Bo couldn't voice the words he wanted to say, so he looked a Luke helplessly.
Luke understood. "Uh... Uncle Jesse, Bo needs to go see Doc Applebee. He hurt his hand."
"Well, lemme take a look," Jesse said, taking Bo's sore hand in both of his to look it over. "Lord, boy, what'd you do?"
"I got mad at Luke..." Bo lied. "I wanted to hit 'im, but I didn't wanna hurt him too bad, so I... ah... I hit the dresser."
Jesse looked even more suspicious of the boy. First of all, there was never a time in history where one of the boys had hit something else to avoid hurting the other when there was a problem between them. And secondly, the cuts in Bo's knuckles were too bad, not clean enough, to have been caused by hitting the dresser alone. But Jesse never challenged his nephews honesty...or lack thereof... "Well, first of all, is anything hand broke? That dresser is harder'n a rock."
"I don't know, Uncle Jesse," Bo said.
"Can ya move it?"
Bo tried, but he couldn't. "No sir."
"Well, it's broke, then. We need to get you to Doc, but first, lemme clean them cuts."
Bo cringed when Jesse came out with the jar of moonshine used mostly for wounds. That stuff hurt worse in an open wound than salt did. Jesse cleaned Bo's hand up, careful to avoid moving his broken wrist. "Get in the truck. I'll be out in a minute."
"Uncle Jesse..." Luke said, in the respectful tone the boys always used with their Uncle.
Jesse turned to look at Luke. "Yeah?"
"I'll take 'im. I gotta go over to Cooter's anyhow," he said, making up an alibi.
"Uh-huh?" Now Jesse was suspicious of both boys.
"We'll be back after while," Luke said.
"You takin' General Lee?" Jesse asked.
"Figured on it," Luke replied.
"Better figure again. Gettin' in that car ain't gonna be easy with a broke wrist," Jesse said.
"Good point," Luke agreed. "We can take Tilly."
"No... worse idea. You'll be stopped by every police car in the county thinkin' you're runnin' shine."
"'Nother good point," Bo said this time.
"Take the truck," Jesse said. "And when you get done at Cooter's, come straight home."
"Yessir," Luke said.
The two boys walked out to the truck. "Have I told you yet what a dang fool you are?" Luke asked Bo.
"Yeah... and I'd prefer you didn't remind me," Bo said.
Luke shook his head. His cousin had made more than his share of mistakes, but this one was the most stupid one he could think of.
The two of them climbed into the truck, Bo very much upset that he couldn't drive. "Dang it, Bo," Luke said, when his cousin complained. "Ain't you got alot more important things to worry about."
"Well, I'd like to be alive to take care of the baby," Bo said sarcastically.
"Boy, it don't matter what kinda stupid mistake you make, it don't straighten you out."
"Shut up, Luke."
"If that's how ya want it."
Bo rolled his window down with his good hand and let the cool breeze blow in his face. Why couldn't Luke just leave him alone?
Cue Dixie!

[DixieDavenport]

Bo deep down knew why Luke wouldn't leave he alone about this. He knew Luke cared which is why he made up the story to get to take Bo to the Doctor instead of letting Jesse take him and maybe corner Bo before he was ready to talk about this mess.
Good ol' Doc Applebee fixed Bo up in no time placing a cast from his elbow to his fingers. He gave Luke his bill for $25 and told Luke to tell Jesse they could 'work out a trade' if Jesse wanted to and that Jesse would know what that meant. Luke also knew what it meant, Jesse's shine was a better, cheaper antiseptic and pain killer than anything else Doc could buy from those fancy suppliers. "I'll tell him Doc."
Doc reminded, "Bo when the swelling starts going down that cast will get loose. If it gets too loose it isn't helping so come on back by and I'll change it."
Bo said, "Yes, Sir." and thenlooked at the floor.
Luke went by Cooter's just because he said he was and didn't want to lie.
Cooter spotted the white cast on Bo's arm, "Whoa, what happened to you some angry Father get a'hold of ya?" leave it to Cooter.
"No, Bo, here took out his anger at me on the Oak dresser in our room." replied Luke.
"Now, fellas, I know Dukes don't fight Dukes but ain't that takin' it a bit to far there Bo?" asked Cooter.
Bo replied, "Yeah, I guess it was." Bo continued to look at the floor.
"Well, Cooter we just stopped in for a minute. I've got to get Jesse's truck back." said Luke.
Cooter said, "I almost forgot to tell you Dixie might be for a spell. Dad is scared to have a daughter around to look after." Cooter laughed.
Luke replied, "Just tell him to call Uncle Jesse. If he can raise Daisy, I'm sure he can help him!"
Luke and Bo drove back to the farm.

[bethie88]

Jesse was waiting for the boys when they arrived. "Well, Bo?" he said, looking at his nephew suspiciously.
"Well, it's broke for sure, and Doc Applebee had to set it. Gave us a bill for $25, but he said y'all could work out a trade."
"Sure..." Jesse said.
"Uncle Jesse, he gave me some pain killers, and they're makin' me sleepy. Can I take a quick nap?" Bo said.
"Sure. That's just fine, Bo."
Bo went upstairs, but not to rest. The pain killers weren't even hitting him hard yet. He needed to think, alone. And so he thought. About himself, and Beth. About how he'd ruined both their lives. About how she'd been so set on going to college, and he'd ruined her plans. About how everything was his fault, and now he would have a child to raise. And more than anything, he wondered how he was going to tell his Uncle and Beth's parents, and his younger cousins. Jesse was going to kill him, right on the spot. And then Beth's daddy was going to take what was left of him and feed it to the buzzards. Yep, he was thoroughly messed up. His whole life was basically over.

Cue Dixie

[DixieDavenport]

Beth hadn't heard from Bo since she had told him she was pregnant. She wanted to call but felt he needed his space. Yet, she was feeling very much alone and very much trapped in a world she had not planned. She just sat and looked at the phone hoping it would ring.

[bethie88]

Bo waited until everyone had gone to sleep to sneak over to Beth's house. She slept on the first floor, so he went to her window and tapped on it gently. "Beth?" he whispered.
She opened the window as silently as possible. "Bo," she whispered.
"Can we talk?" he asked.
"Bo..." she said, trying to be the strong one. "It's after midnight."
"I know. But I have to talk to you."
She nodded, and climbed out the window, where his arms were waiting to catch her if she lost her balance. He kept on hand on her to keep her from losing her balance. As soon as she got out, he put his arm around her shoulder. She pushed his arm off, not quite sure how to feel. She wanted to let him hold her, but wasn't letting him hold her the whole reason they were in the mess they were in?
"I'm sorry, Bo," she said softly, afraid that she had hurt him.
"No. I understand. I really do. I... I want to say I'm sorry for doing this to you," he was looking at his feet, but forced himself to raise his sad blue eyes to meet hers.
"Bo..." she looked at him, fighting tears. "I love you, Bo." She moved close to him, letting him hold her this time, her head buried in his chest. She let all her tears go. The ones that had built up over the past two or three days, and they all spilled over to soak Bo's yellow t-shirt.
Every tear seemed to cause Bo physical pain. "I'm sorry," was all he could say against the knot in his throat.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Meanwhile, at the farm, Luke was a whole lot smarter than Bo gave him credit for. He knew that Bo wasn't asleep, but had let Bo think that he thought so. Luke had pretended to be asleep. When Bo had left, Luke had decided to give him some space. But when he didn't show up after three hours...
Cue Dixie

[DixieDavenport]

Luke checked the clock. Bo had now ben gone three hours and five minutes, "Dang it Bo." Luke whispered. 'There's gonna to be a lot of explaining in a short while if your not back in this house.' thought Luke. 'And I'll be the one trying to explain it!' He tossed his covers back, took his jeans off the bed post, put them on, put on his shirt, picked up his boots and jacket, then went to the window Bo had went out of. This isn't the first time either of them had went either in or out of this window so Jesse wouldn't hear them. The problem with Uncle Jesse was that they only got away with it occassionly and they weren't even sure if it had worked or not sometimes. Jesse would bring it up in conversation as much as two weeks later something like 'Luke while your at it the hinges on the door on the SIDE of the house need oiled too' when they all knew that there wasn't a door on the side of the house. It seemed that Jesse was part blood hound of course you add to it that Jesse and both Bo and Luke's fathers as well as the others had grown up right here in this house too. As Luke dropped his boots out the window he wondered how many times Jesse himself had done this too. Once out of the window, Luke put his boots on and began to walk the 'short cut' to Beth's house. Driving would have been quicker but there wasn't a vehicle at the farm Luke could have gotten out of their without waking Jesse.
Luke followed the path through the woods and was almost to the end when he saw them. He knew Bo hadn't heard him coming. These guys could move in the woods very quietly out of habit. It was taught to them before they began working the stills. Bo was leaning up against a large tree with Beth in his good arm and the hurt one proped on his raised knee. Before Luke took another step he said very quietly, "Bo its me."
Bo turned his head quickly, a bit startled. "Luke what are you doing out here?"
Luke looked at Bo in disbelief, "What am I doing out here? Well, for starters, I figured it would be easier to find you and hopefully get you back in the house than to EXPLAIN to Jesse where you were. Have you lost all your senses? Out here all night. It's too cold for Beth to be out here like this Bo."
Bo looked at Beth. "Yes, Luke knows." Again, the only thing he could say when he saw the hurt in her eyes was, "I'm sorry."
Being the only one of the three who had a jacket on. Luke took off his jacket, "Beth put this on." It swollowed her small frame but it was warm. Luke looked at the sky it was getting daylight. Luke could see Beth's house in the distance across an open field. "We're never going to pull this off. Beth what time does your parents get up?"
Before she could answer the light coming on in a upstairs window answered for her.

[bethie88]

"Oh, Lord," was all Luke could say as he realized that they were all in deep trouble. And, as always, he was caught in Bo's trouble. He hadn't done anything but come looking for his cousin, but he was the one in trouble.
"Oh, Lord," Bo repeated. Beth was shivering. It was so cold, and Bo felt bad for bringing her out. But he had to talk things out with her, and the sooner the better.
Luke put a brotherly arm around Beth. "Are you alright, Beth?"
"I'm...OK. Other than being a little cold."
"A little cold?" Luke said. "Girl, you're probably near-froze."
Bo was walking alone behind his cousin and his girlfriend. He felt alone. Very alone. And very stupid.
Luke and Beth walked up to her house, Bo close behind. The older Duke turned to the younger. "Well?" he said, somewhat sternly.
Bo looked at his cousin helplessly. Lucky for both of the boys, Beth was a quick thinker. She handed Luke his jacket and went back to her bedroom window. "I'm gonna try to just slip in," she said softly. She raised it and climbed through with Bo's help. She leaned back out the window to kiss him on the cheek, then closed the window. Relief washed over the boys as they headed back into the woods.
Cue Dixie

[DixieDavenport]

Beth might have gotten in without being heard but there was NO WAY it would be that easy at home thought Luke. "You know, ALL she needed was to get caught outin the woods with BOTH of us! In my jacket! I am the only one over eighteen! Just who do you think her Dad would shoot FIRST?" Luke was not happy!
Bo's wrist was hurting, and Luke sure had a way sometimes of making him feel knee high to an ant and now was one of those times. "I didn't ask you to get involved."
They were now in the middle of the woods that ran between the Duke farm and Beth's house. Luke shouted, "NO, you DIDN'T ask me, but you sure left me little choice either. Like now! I don't have a cerfew, but I'm beating I'm just as grounded tonight as you are. Now what do you plan to tell Uncle Jesse when we get home after he's opened the door to wake us and we aren't there?"

[bethie88]

Bo felt like he didn't have a friend in the world at that moment. But friends or no friends, he thought he had a good idea. "Luke, why don't we sneak in the barn and get our bow and arrows and tell Jesse we went early morning huntin'?"

Luke looked at Bo. "We don't do no huntin' in the morning that you don't need dogs for. And besides, Jesse knows we wouldn't hunt with bow and arrows when we're just now learnin' to use 'em. We'd need shotguns."

"We could tell him we decided to try our luck with 'em."

"Bo, you have some dumb ideas." Luke shook his head. "But it's better than goin' in there without a good reason. Or tellin' him the real reason."
The boys walked up the back way to the barn and opened the back door to the barn. They sneaked in and took their bows and arrows out. "They're too d--- clean," Luke said. "Jesse'll never believe it."

"Well, get 'em dirty," Bo said, heading out the door. They did what they could to get the bows a little dirty.

Then they walked up to the house. Jesse was waiting in the livingroom. "So you boys finally decided to come in, huh?" he said.
"Well, huntin' was no good," Bo said. "I still need to get the kinks worked out of this thing."

"You sure them kinks didn't have somethin' to do with your broke wrist makin' it impossible for you to use a bow and arrow?" Jesse said, sadly realizing that the boys were lying to him.

Bo hung his head. "Yessir. That's probably it."

Luke gave his cousin the look.

"So where were you boys really at?" Jesse said, this time looking at Luke.


Cue Dixie

[DixieDavenport]

"Now, Uncle Jesse....." Luke began.
"Don't you Uncle Jesse me." Jesse didn't take kindly to being lied to no matter what the reason was.
"I woke in the middle of the night, Bo wasn't in bed. I thought maybe his wrist was bothering him or he was sick or something so I went looking for him ...." said Luke.
Bo had given him a worried look when he started out with a total truth.
Jesse replied, "I see you found him. Where was he?"
Luke continued, "Bo had went for a walk. He and Beth are having problems."
"That right Bo? What kind of problems?" asked Jesse.
Bo wasn't sure to kiss or kill Luke now. He had told basically the truth but may have put it a little too close to home for Bo's liking considering the 'problem' they had. "After taking a walk and clearing my head, I see the problem is temporary and will work itself out. It's really nothing for you to worry about."

NARRATOR: Yeah, I've always considered pregnancy at 'tempory' problem. It doesn't look like old Jesse's buying the story though.

"Well, let me tell you a thing or two Mr. When I wake up and my nephews are gone that mind you I have to wake up every morning I know something is wrong. I also know a shuck and jive when I hear it. Remember I taught you how to do it! Breakfast is on the stove. There's a wood pile out there in need of chopping. And, boys, I'll be asking for the keys to the General Lee until your ready to tell me just what is going on." said Jesse holding out his hand for the keys.
Bo and Luke handed over both sets of keys and headed to the kitchen like a couple whipped pups.[/size][/size]

[bethie88]

Luke poured coffee into a thermos, knowing that as cold as it was, strangely enough for September in Georgia, they were going to need something warm while they were chopping wood. But strange or not, it was cold. And the coffee was going to be handy.

As Luke chopped wood, Bo was trying to figure out how to do it with one hand. He finally realized that he wasn't going to be able to, so he was going to have to do something else. He carried the wood to Luke, Luke chopped it, and Bo carried it to the house. "Hey, Luke," he said, as his cousin chopped a pile of wood.

"What?"

"What are we gonna do? Jesse's got the keys to the General, and..."

"You shoulda thought about that before you snuck off," Luke said angrily. There was a race that weekend, and he was entered in it, but with no General Lee, there would be no race.

"Well, I had to talk to Beth. Da--it. I messed up so bad."

"Sure as he-- right about that."

Luke was mad at Bo. Not only had his cousin been incredibly stupid, but his stupidity had cost them both the keys to the General. Not that the boys didn't know how to hotwire, but that would have only dug their hole deeper.

Luke wouldn't talk to Bo anymore, so Bo just turned away. "Fine."

They finished their work silently.


Cue Dixie

[DixieDavenport]

The boys chopped the wood pile until called to wash up for supper. Jesse was sure that especially since Luke had done all the chopping that he would have soon convienced Bo they should tell the truth. To be honest Jesse had forgot about Bo's wrist the until after he'd sent them to chop the wood. He wouldn't have sent them to do a one sided job though Bo was working one handed pretty well. Jesse figured they'd be back to talk after they'd chopped enough wood to satisfy him and then they would all have a talk. Now Jesse was worried. Whatever they were hiding must be pretty bad. He was used to them backing each other but neither had keys to the General Lee. He could count the times on one hand he'd used this punishment and none had lasted this long. Supper pasted without two words being said. It was known to the entire family Luke had a hot date lined up tonight, yet nothing had been said. Jesse saw they were about done with dinner and said, "Boys, if you two are done, stack your plates, your room is calling."
Luke looked at Bo. Then asked, "Uncle Jesse can I call Mary Beth to tell her I won't be there tonight?"
Jesse was shocked. Luke would do without the General Lee and cancel his date over this. "Luke, yes you can if that's your choice, but you are both grounded until I get the truth.
Luke dropped his head just a bit, went to the phone, cancelled his date, put his plate in the sink and went to his room. He was followed quickly by Bo.
Luke layed on his bed with his newest car magazine.
Bo flopped on the bed and stared at the ceiling.
This went on for about an hour, before Luke said, "Bo I can't even tune the General without the keys for the race Saturday should we get to race. I have cancelled, ......" Luke sighed, kicking himself for the thought that had ran through his head. He knew Bo didn't want to hear it, but here it went. "cancelled a 'sure' thing, God help me for that thought under the circustances, but it was. I am now grounded to my room after chopping wood all day because you went out last night. So help me Hannah, you make one move towards that window tonight and Jesse will have the WHOLE story by the time you get to the drive way. Bo, DA-- it! Enough is enough. You have got to tell Jesse." Luke hoped Bo would tell the truth but he'd be happy if Jesse just thought it was the truth.
Bo had layed unmoving on his bed. He knew Luke told him the truth. Tears well up in his eyes as he said, "Luke, ........ I ........ can't. ...... I just can't."

[bethie88]

The next day was Thursday, and Bo and Luke were awake before dawn. Luke was still in a bad mood, and Bo was in an even worse one. Jesse had let them know that the barn needed attention, and as soon as the sun was up, they had to get to that. But before that, Luke sat Bo down for a talk.
"Cousin... you've got to tell Jesse what's goin' on!" He was not going to give up on that race Saturday. Especially considering that he had $100 riding on that race. That, and a whole lot of pride. His competitors included Ralph Green, his main rival. The man who'd taken his first girlfriend, Robin, away from him. And he had to when that race. Which was going to be impossible without the General Lee.
"Luke, you know I can't do that. You don't understand. I love Uncle Jesse to death, but if I told him..."
"Bo... Listen. You're gonna hafta tell him sometime. Besides, when Beth starts showin', everybody's gonna know. Jesse knows Beth wouldn't cheat on you. He'll know the baby's yours. So do yourself and everybody else a favor and just tell him.
"Luke, you know what he's gonna do to me?" Bo demanded.
"Yep. He's gonna tan your hide."
"Well, thanks for the encouragement. But, yeah. That's what he's gonna do. And I sure as h--- don't want that."
"Well, you shoulda thought about that before you started messin' around with that girl, and not usin' your good sense."
"What do you call it when you mess around with every girl in Hazzard, not just one?"
"That's beside the point... Besides... did you ever think about what anybody else wants? I've been plannin' on this race for almost a month. I owe Ralph one more good helpin' of havin' his rear-end whooped, and I can't even tune the car without the keys."
"Have Cooter hotwire it for ya."
"No. Jesse'll tan my hide and Cooter's too."
"Luke. I can't do it. Not yet. Give me some time. Why's my life got to revolve around you and Robin and Ralph anyhow?"
"Shut up, Bo. Just shut up."
"Fine." Bo shook his head, hoping maybe he'd wake up, and it would all go away.

[DixieDavenport]

Luke fumed for a few minutes at Bo's comment about him, Robin, and Ralph.When
it sunk in he said, "Why does your life have to revolve around me, Robin, and Ralph? I don't BELIEVE YOU! Look what you've gotten me in the MIDDLE of." Luke said rather loudly.
Bo exclaimed, "Would you tone it down?"
"Yeah, oh, yeah. I'll tone it down. I tell you what." Luke's voice had indeed gotten lower but he was seething with frustration. "Bo, ......" Luke had almost threated again to tell 'Bo's secret' but suddenly thought that may not be the answer. "I'll tell you something I haven't told another living person. To this day there's only two people who know it. You asked me if I'd ever 'messed up'."
Bo's eyes widened.
Luke waved him off. "Just listen and hear me out. There WAS a time I thought Robin and I messed up. Yes, believe me I do know how you feel and it did scared the he-- out of me. Thank goodness it was only her stressing about her finals." Luke paused, "Bo, with in a day I had came up with a plan at least. Here this has been going on for what almost a week. I wasn't sure if I needed a plan but I had figured at least some things out. All I've seen you do is sulk. I'm sure Jesse will be upset but he loves you every bit as much as the rest of us. You know no matter how much trouble we've gotten into Jesse has always backed us."
Bo knew much of what Luke had said was true. Though he had been trying to make a plan he just couldn't get past the fear of telling Jesse and Beth's parents, besides Robin's parents had practically adopted Luke even before he started dating Robin. Beth's father had no use for Bo.
Luke decided that he'd now tell Bo the rest of what he had decided. "It's 7 am. I am going to the barn to do what Jesse wants done. Stay here and think. Call Beth if you can. Get her over here if you want to talk to Jesse together. Come up with something to tell him." Luke was showing his frustration again. He said pointing his finger at his younger cousin. "Bo, I had better have my keys back to the General by noon or I'll call Beth myself, then I'm going to spill the whole can of worms. Mark my word. I have never 'ratted' you out but enough is enough." Luke wasn't even sure if Bo did tell Jesse the truth that he'd get his keys back since he covered for Bo on something as important as this but they weren't getting anywhere like this.
Luke closed the bedroom door behind him as he headed to the barn. Jesse stopped him in the kitchen.
"Luke have you decided to tell me what is going on?" Jesse asked sternly.
Luke looked at the floor to avoid the hurt he knew he'd see in Jesse's eyes. He simply replied, "No, Sir, but soon."

[bethie88]

Bo walked downstairs. "Uncle Jesse, I need to use the phone," he said, so softly that Jesse barely heard him.
"Well, go ahead," Jesse hoped that Bo would soon come to his senses and tell the truth.
Bo walked into the kitchen and picked up the phone. He called Beth, and listened to the phone ring. "Hello?" said a child's voice. It was Beth's little sister, Laura.
"Hey, Laura," Bo said.
"Bo!" Laura was just a little girl, 7 years old, but she adored Bo.
"Hey. Is Beth there?"
"Yep. She's in her room. Lemme go get her."
"Thanks."
Beth answered the phone a second later. "Hello?"
"Hey, honey? It's Bo."
"Hey, Bo," she said softly, her voice filled with a sadness Bo had never heard in her.
"Honey... I... We need to talk to Uncle Jesse," Bo said, knowing that Beth wasn't ready for this just yet.
"Bo... I can't. Not yet." Beth was on the verge of tears. SHE couldn't even believe that she was pregnant, and she SURE wasn't ready to tell anyone else.
"Listen, Beth... Luke said if we don't tell Jesse by noon, he's gonna tell him."
"Why'd you have to tell Luke anyhow?"
"Beth...honey... I had to talk to Luke. I thought he'd know what to do."
"Bo... I can't tell Jesse! Or my parents."
"Well, honey... I can't tell him alone. I really wish... Well... Please honey! I need you. Do you want Luke to tell him?"
"No! No. But..." she trailed off. They had no other choice. "When do you want me to come?"
He thought for just a moment. "Come over at 10. Jesse's always better after he's had several cups of coffee."
"All right. I'll be there."
"OK. Oh, and Beth?"
"Yeah?"
"I love you. And I'm sorry."
"I..." she trailed off as tears threatened to choke her. "I love you, too."
*~*~*~*~*
True to her word, Beth arrived at the Dukes at 10 on the dot. She parked her red and black Z28 and walked toward the porch. Bo ran to her from the barn.
He took her hand in his own. He looked her in the eyes for a long moment. "Well, Sunshine," he said. "Whatever happens, happens to both of us."

Cue Ms. Davenport!

[DixieDavenport]

Jesse was in the kitchen he had started supper before going outside to start the needed work. He heard a car pull up. The boys knew better than to have company when they were grounded. Jesse figured he'd let it ride hoping what ever was the problem would finally get worked out.

Luke followed Bo out of the barn. As Bo and Beth started toward the house Luke called, "Bo, ya'll come here a minute."
Jesse saw from the kitchen window Bo and Beth walking back toward the barn where Luke was. Bo had his good arm around Beth's waist as they walked.
Luke said, "Look, I know this is not easy on you two. He--, I ain't involved and its became hard on ME. Which is why, Beth, I told Bo I'd tell Jesse if you two don't. Bo, we don't go against each other and I can't now. Just tell Jesse you were fighting about Bo looking at a girl, about him hurting his wrist, anything. I can imagine being in your situation. I can see the hurt in both your eyes. I can also see being mad at me for forcing your hand into telling this before you are ready. Beth did he tell you neither of us have had the General's keys since the other morning?" Luke saw it in her eyes and nodded. "I thought not. Jesse knew we were lying when we got back and has the keys until we tell him where we were. I can't even tune him for the race we're not going to get to race in on Saturday."
Now, Beth understood why Bo or Luke hadn't been seen out which was a strange thing. "Bo Duke! You were planning to just go on like this without the General?"
Bo was feeling really trapped between a rock and a hard place. He knew they needed to tell Jesse. Beth had told him she wasn't anymore ready to talk than he was. Here was Luke spilling his guts to his girl. Now she was mad about the General Lee. Well, Bo was mad too at himself, Luke, irrationally he was even mad at Jesse for taking the keys. Bo was so very mad at himself for getting them all into this mess. He balled up his right hand and swung hard at the barn.
Jesse had decided he had given his two grounded nephews enough lee way and started to the barn when he saw Bo punch the barn with his broken wrist.
Bo knew he'd really messed up the in the split second his now healing hand hit the barn. Between the anger and pain Bo fell to his knees as Jesse, Luke and Beth were at his side. Jesse picked up Bo's right hand. Where the cast had been around his hand when he hit the barn now his fingers were swelling. Unless Jesse missed his guess he figured Bo had refractured the wrist also which would be swelling too. "Luke go get the pickup before this starts swelling any worse."
Luke was back in an instance with the truck. Jesse, Bo, Luke and Beth all got in the truck without saying a word.
After getting Bo's wrist reset Jesse drove them back to the farm. Doc had left the 'pain relief' to Jesse who got Bo a small glass of moonshine and locked the kitchen door in case the other kids came back anytime soon. Jesse returned to the living room, gave Bo the shine and locked the front door. Beth sat on the couch to Bo's left. Luke was standing staring out the window when Jesse said, "Luke take a seat. You three have been quieter than church mice. Whatever is bothering you all, I know you all three know about it. You two sneak out in the middle of the night. I've had the General's keys almost two days! Bo here has been to the Doctor twice now. Somebody is going to tell me why before we leave this room." Jesse looked Luke in the eye when he said this statement. Jesse knew Luke too well, he'd not go against Bo if it was Bo's problem. Whatever was wrong had to center around Bo.
Luke just looked at his hands in his lap. Beth took off her shoes, pulled her feet up on the couch and held on to Bo's good arm a little tighter. Bo had a lump in his thoat so big he wasn't sure he could speak. He tried to clear his throat, "Un ... cle Jesse, .......


Cue the future Ms. Bo Duke :lol:

[bethie88]

"Yeah?" Jesse said, trying to get Bo to keep going.
"Un...cle Jesse, me and Beth. We did kinda have a little bit of a problem. Not a... not a fight so much... but... a problem," he said. "Da--..." he added under his breath. "I ain't never had to say nothin' like this before."
Beth took Bo's good hand and squeezed it. He looked at her as if to ask if it was OK for him to continue. She read his mind. "Yeah, honey," she said softly. "Go ahead."
Bo nodded. "Uncle Jesse... me and B...Beth... We got us... We got a baby on the way." He immediately hung his head.
Jesse was raging mad. "You WHAT?"
"We're havin' a baby, Uncle Jesse." Bo didn't look up. He couldn't. He couldn't look his uncle in the face after what he'd told him.
Jesse walked over to Luke and handed him his set of keys. Under any other circumstances, he would have been celebrating, but seeing Bo and Beth both so scared, he could do nothing but take the keys and walk silently out of the room. Jesse walked over to Bo and Beth. "I ain't tryin' to be un-neighborly..." Jesse said. "But, I need to talk to Bo... Alone."
Beth nodded. "Yessir. And Uncle Jesse?"
"Yeah?"
"I'm sorry. Please don't be too mad at Bo."
Beth walked out of the house and to her car. She couldn't help worrying about Bo.
In the house, Bo knew what was coming. Jesse walked over to him. The old man knew that his nephew was nearly grown, but at this point, he didn't care. He made Bo lean over the couch and tanned his hide. Bo didn't fight. Not even a little bit. He just took it. Then Jesse took out his old worn-out Bible and read Bo so many Bible verses it made Bo's head spin.
The old man finished reading and said, "Now, Bo... I love you. I love all you kids, just like you was my own. But I expect you to take responsibility for this."
"I plan to, Uncle Jesse. Do you know how much that girl means to me?"
"Well, I hope she means enough for you to treat her right. 'Cause if you don't... her daddy won't have to hunt you down. I'll do it for him."
Bo nodded. "I love her, Uncle Jesse. I love her, and I'm gonna take care of her and the baby... My... my baby."
Jesse nodded. "You better, Bo. You sure better."
Bo got up off the couch and walked across the room before Jesse said, "Bo..."
Bo turned around, a lone tear in his eye. He felt so ashamed, and so sorry for hurting Beth, and Luke, and Jesse so much. "Yessir, Uncle Jesse?"
Jesse smiled a sad smile. "Here's your keys, Bo."
Bo took the keys, managing to choke out, "Thanks, Uncle Jesse."
"You better go help Luke tune the General," Jesse said. "Wouldn't want Ralph to lick 'im."
Bo couldn't help smiling. Neither he nor Luke had said anything to Jesse about the race.


Cue Miss Davenport!

[DixieDavenport]

Luke had taken the keys to the General Lee but hadn't gone far from the house. He had never wanted to leave Bo but figured he might make things worse if he didn't take Jesse's strong hint to leave. Then, when he saw Beth come out behind him he knew Jesse wouldn't have continued even if he had stayed. Luke's eyes were glued to the back door when Bo finally came out heading for the barn. Luke caught up with him. They walked to the barn in silence.
Jesse watched them go from the kitchen window. Now he knew. Now he knew why Luke had taken not having the General's keys for, looking at the clock, for over two days during a race week. Jesse had to smile at those boys loyality to each other. If he knew Luke at all he figured that Luke had been trying to get Bo to tell him but Luke wouldn't go against Bo to tell before Bo got ready. Jesse thought 'Well, now, a baby.' he smiled to himself, 'This won't be the first Duke ever born less than nine months after their Daddy and Momma wed, but no Duke man ever had ran from his responsiblities. He'd see to it that Bo didn't either, then he'd take out the family Bible and let Bo and Beth do some math one day.'
Luke gave Bo some space once in the old barn. He sat back letting him know he was there but didn't push. After watching Bo brush the horse for almost half an hour Luke said, "Bo?"
Bo answered the unspoken question, "Yeah, ....... I'm ...... Ok."
Luke could tell Bo was crying, "I'm here when you want to talk." Luke got up to leave.
Bo was crying because he hurt Jesse. He hurt Beth. He had even hurt Luke. He had caused so much pain with something that had felt really right at the time. Bo said, "Dang it, Luke. I'd like to talk, really I would but I think someone has opened a flood gate here." He wiped his face with his shirt sleeve.
"It's Ok, Bo, really. I know it was hard in there. I'm sorry I left." said Luke.
Bo said, "Don't be."
Luke knew now what had happened.
"I think the Bible verses hurt more than the belt." replied Bo.
Luke almost grinned, "We'll see about that next time you get in the General Lee." Luke reflected on his last meeting with that same belt that Jesse had kept for just that purpose since they were kids. Jesse was not one to 'abuse' even a grown child, but he wasn't one to 'spare the rod -- ruin the child' either. Come to think of it the reason for Luke's whipping had been over a girls reputation too. Her father had called in the wee hours of the morning looking for his daughter who had went out with Luke. The father woke up and she wasn't home. Luke remembered just how hard the passenger seat of the General was for almost a week because he'd kept a girl out too late. 'Poor Bo.' he thought, knowing Jesse would have given him a fair share more to think on for getting Beth pregnant.
Bo wasn't thinking real quickly and said, "What?"
Luke point to his back side. "There's a pillow on the couch I suggest you putting it in your seat in the car." Luke paused, "Remember the night I broke down with Ashley? And was late getting her home? Jesse gave me a real hard incentive to learn more car mechanics."
Bo remember, "Oh, yeah, I remember that. You complained everytime we went anywhere."
"Thanks why I'm suggesting the pillow." said Luke seriously. "What do you think about running to Cooter's for those parts then we can give the General a good going over?"
Bo replied, "That sounds like a good idea. I sure missed having the keys in my pocket even though I can't drive him for awhile yet." He looked at his broken hand and wrist. "You know, Luke this was probably the stupidest thing I've done in forever."
Luke dead panned, "Second stupidest and you did it TWICE!"
"You know how to make someone feel better." Bo said sliding in the passenger side of the General Lee.
Luke started the engine and took off letting dust and grass fly as he spun out.
Jesse again looked at the clock. 'Almost a whole hour. Humm." (since both sets of keys were returned.)
At the end of the driveway Bo said, "Luke you were right about this seat!"
Luke smiled in sympathy. "So you all told Jesse. When do you intend to tell her parents?"
"One thing at a time Luke!" Bo replied not wanting to think about that. Though he did intend to go to Ruebottom's while in town.
~~~~~~~~~
At Cooter's Bo was kind of slow getting out of the General Lee, between his wrist and his behind.
Cooter noticed but had the good graces not to ask.
Luke asked, "Are the parts in yet."
Cooter replied, "Been here for two days. Where were you all? People's beginning to talk that maybe you all died or something. Rosco hasn't even had to fuel up since the weekend."
Luke waved off the questions, "It's a LONG story! We'll fill you in when the time's right." Luke needed Cooter and a lot of his help. "What are you doing after closing?"
Cooter eyed the older Duke a bit suspiciously, "Why?"
"I was thinking that you have been looking a little thin in the skin and might be in the need of some of Jesse's cooking." Luke looked hopeful.
"What haven't you got done to him? Luke the race is a day and a half away." Cooter replied.
"Cooter old buddy, I haven't even started on him yet and Bo's not going to be a lot of help one handed." Luke said.
"Why on Earth haven't you started? I figured that was where you'd been for the last two days." Cooter asked disbelieving that Luke hadn't started race preparations knowing how badly he wanted to not just win but to beat Ralph Green who was bragging all over town that he was going to beat Luke. Luke's first serious girl friend had plans to be married within a year after graduation. Luke didn't have the same plans. Now she was engaged to the turnip brain who had been a thorn in Luke's side since they played football on opposite sides.
"Its kind of hard to work on him without the keys." Luke said flatly.
Bo ducked. "Luke I got to check on something. I'll be right back." he stiffly walked out of the garage.
"Without the keys?" Cooter questioned.
"Jesse had them for over two days." Luke said. He knew he owed Cooter at least a partial explaination for all the help he was asking form his friend.
"Uncle, .... Mr. Jesse had your keys? What was wrong with Bo's?" Cooter could be a bit slow at times.
"He had BOTH sets." replied Luke.
Cooter looked shocked, "I ain't never known him to take your all's keys before. Not after you've went to jail for fighting, or racing, or all those tickets, not even after we all got drunk at the farm that time, not even after he fussed at you all for jumping Dry Creek! What could you have done THAT bad."
Luke said, "We lied to him and he knew it."
Cooter ducked on that one. "SHHHHHhhhhhhhh -weeeee! I know Mr. Jesse doesn't take kindly to anyone lying but for you TWO to lie to HIM."
"Now, do you see why I need your help?" Luke questioned.
"Yeah, yeah, I think I do." said Cooter. Then as an after thought, "Is it safe?"
Luke nodded, "It two days for the truth to come out. But, yeah, it's safe. ..... I think." he said the last part very quietly.

~~~~~~~~~~~~
At Ruebottom's Bo was wanting to check on something. He also knew Ruebottom's was 'gossip central' for Hazzard. He knew what he wanted to see would set off a wild fire that the whole Hazzard Fire Brigade couldn't contain.
"Bo, we haven't seen too much of any of you all this whole week. Is everything Ok? How's your Uncle Jesse?" asked Mrs. Ruebottom.
"Yes, Ma'am everyone's just fine." He held his own right arm a bit behind him hoping she'd not notice it. "We've just been busy."
"So, what did your Uncle send you for?" she asked.
"Well, actually, I was just browsing. I'm looking for something for Daisy for either Christmas or her birthday." Bo said.
"Oh, we like people who start shopping early. We even have a lay away plan." she offered.
Bo hadn't thought of that.
"What were you looking for?" she asked.
"I was thinking how she likes jewerly." he replied.
She smiled, "Yes, she does. She admires the jewerly case everytime she's in here.
Bo walked over to the jewerly case. Looking at the tray of engagement rings as Mrs. Ruebottom pulled out try after tray of charms. He tried to act interested at what she was showing him. "You know Daisy's birthday is in April. Isn't that a clear set?"
"Well, yes it is. Though I really don't have any birthstones right now." she replied.
Bo indicted the tray of rings he was looking at. "What about these?"
Mrs. Ruebottom smiled. 'Men!.' she thought. "Honey those are engagement rings."
Bo shrugged, "They have clears sets."
"Well, yes as a matter of fact they do....." she started to explain that they were more costly than the birthstones. But, she'd had that same tray of rings for forever. It had been ages since they had sold an engagement ring. Besides, he was only looking. She set the tray on the counter.
Bo found one that was different. It wasn't the smallest or the largest but the set was a heart. He picked it up to look at it and see the price. It was priced at a $150.00 for the half carat heart shaped diamond. He could do this. "How much to lay this one away?"
Mrs. Ruebottom said, "$15.00 will do it."
Bo pulled out his wallet checked it's contents. He still had his share of the enterance fee and the part money with $20 left over. He handed $15.00 to Mrs. Ruebottom.
Bo felt better right now than he had in the week he'd known about 'his mistake'.

[bethie88]

Bo smiled as he walked back into the garage. It made him feel better knowing he was doing the right thing. He knew Jesse would be proud of how he was planning to take care of Beth and their baby. He couldn't wait to pay off the ring, tell Jesse, and then propose to Beth. He loved her. He really did. And he wasn't going to let his mistake change that.

In the meantime, however, they had a race to get ready for on Saturday. And Bo needed his part of the prize money to put another payment on the ring.

The boys spent the rest of the evening tuning the General Lee. Cooter was a magician when it came to cars. It was amazing. He had the General Lee ready to go in short order.

Bo and Luke took the General out on a test run, this time, Bo was sitting happily on a pillow. As Luke floored the gas, the General took off flying, riding and driving smoother than he had in a long time.

"Hot d---!" Bo said, "Cooter may not be real smart, but he's a genius!"

Luke had to agree with that somewhat confusing comment. The boys knew that the car was ready. And that made 'em right happy.

BALLADEER: If y'all don't know the Duke boys that well, nothin' make's 'em happier than a fast car or a perty girl.

As the boys pulled back into the driveway, they couldn't stifle one good, "Yeeeeeehaaaaaaaa!"

Cue Dixie

[DixieDavenport]

Jesse heard the General Lee roar up the driveway as he finished drying the supper dishes. He could hear by the "Yeeeeeehaaaaaaaa!" from both his nephews that they were in a much better mood. Jesse poured a two cups of coffee and headed for the porch. He met Bo and Luke on the porch and said, "The General sounds fit."
Bo replied, "Yes, Sir. Cooter is a genius!"
Luke added, "Now all he needs is a really good cleaning tomorrow."
"That's real good. Bo, can you find something to do? Luke and me, here, need to have us a talk. I was too mad today to deal with him." said Jesse.
Bo and Luke looked at each other before Bo answered, "Yeah, sure. I'll be in the house."
Jesse added, "Ok, and call Beth while you're there. She called about an hour ago. Have a seat Luke." he said handing Luke his coffee.
Bo replied, as he went through the door. "Thanks, Uncle Jesse."
Luke was pretty sure he knew what was wrong.
Jesse sat back and said, "Now, Luke I am glad you and Bo stick together and stick up for each other. However, when you hide something that could hurt someone then that is taking it too far. What is going on with Bo and Beth needed to be told so that we all can help them deal with the overwhelming responsibilities they have gotten themselves into."
"Uncle Jesse from the second I found out I tried to get him to tell you. It was even hard for him to tell me. With this situation the harm has been done I didn't think by not telling, it was that big of a deal since it can't be changed." Luke tried to explain.
The wiser Duke said, "Luke, Beth is 16. Bo is 17. What if they couldn't deal with the situation? What if one or both decided they couldn't handle this? We could have lost Bo, Beth and or an innocent life."
The realization of Jesse's statement sunk in. "I would never think either of them capable of anything like THAT." Luke said.
Jesse nodded, "I hope that they aren't. I just wanted you to know that there are times it is Ok to not back someone if it is for their own good."
Luke nodded, "I know that and I had planned on telling you myself if he didn't tell you soon. I had told him as much."
Jesse asked, "Can I take it that's what happened to the wrist?"
"Yes, Sir." Luke sighed, "The night before he went to the doctor the first time, he hit the oak dresser in our room. You were there for the second one, but, yes, I had told him I'd tell you if he didn't."
After finding out about the baby, Jesse was pretty sure of what had caused the injury. "You never did tell me about where you all were the other morning."
Luke sighed and took a drink of coffee. There was no point in not telling now, "Bo slipped out to go see Beth. I woke up, he wasn't there, so I went looking for him and by the time we got back you were up."
Jesse sat quietly for several minutes sipping his coffee. "Luke go get Bo if he's off the phone."
Luke did as he was told and returned with Bo shortly.
"Bo we are going to talk. Luke can leave or stay. It's up to you." stated Jesse.
Bo replied, "I'd like him to stay, if you don't mind Luke?" he asked in an almost plea.
Uncle Jesse nodded for Luke to set down which he did. "Bo first off there will be no more sneaking out in the middle of the night." stated Jesse.
Bo looked to Luke who gave him a 'What was I suppose to do?' look.
Jesse continued, "Secondly, Beth's parents have to know this and soon. Thirdly, What are your plans?" asked Jesse, then waited for Bo's reply.........

Cue Beth

[bethie88]

Bo looked at Uncle Jesse, his young eyes more serious than they had ever been. "I'm gonna ask her to marry me, Uncle Jesse."

"Well, now!" Jesse said with that knowing smile of his. "We'll have us a wedding AND a baby!"

Bo just looked at Uncle Jesse. "You mean you're happy about all this?"

Jesse smiled. "Bo... I'm not happy about you and Beth... foolin' around... without tyin' the knot first. But, a little baby ain't never a mistake. Babies... every single one, is as special as anything. I'm always happy to have a new baby around."

Bo smiled. Then, he sobered again. "Uncle Jesse," he said, haltingly. "Do you think me and Beth can do this? I mean, get married, and take care of our baby and all?"

"Bo, you're a Duke. And Beth's carryin' a Duke. Which makes her a Duke, too," Jesse said. "And a Duke can and will do anything he or she puts their mind to."

Bo smiled. There was noone in the world Bo loved like he loved his dear old Uncle. Jesse had that way of telling you just what you needed at the right time.

Jesse put his arm around Bo. "That baby of yours is gonna be just fine."

Bo smiled, because he knew that his Uncle would never tell him a lie.

Cue Dixie

[DixieDavenport]

Luke was the serious one of the two even then. He asked, "Bo your 17, she's 16, do you really think her parents will let you two get married? You know they will have to give their permission."
Jesse agreed, "Bo, Luke is right. How do you think they will take all this?"
Bo shook his head, "I don't really know. Beth is afraid they will kick her out once they know."
Jesse looked at Bo with deep and sincere love, "I don't believe her parents would do that. I want you to know though that you and your family always have a home here. I know times get hard for our family but we have always been able to add another potato to the soup or a little more water to the beans. No one has or will ever go hungry or not have a place to sleep as long as I'm here." Jesse continued, "I'd like you to ask Beth over tomorrow so as we can all have us a talk. And I mean all of us because this is going to involve all of us. Then, you two can decide on the best time to tell her parents. If you'd like to ask them over for Sunday dinner you are welcome to and you can tell them then with the support of your family.
Bo was moved by his Uncle's offer of a home and the support that he was giving him though he had truely gotten in over his head. Bo knew of no feasible way for him and Beth to make it with out some help or at least a lot of support. He said to Jesse, "Thank you. I know that what Beth and I did was wrong because we weren't married and the fact that we're both under 18. I know that goes against everything you've ever taught us but yet you are here for us."
"Bo that's what families are for. We have got to be there for each other in good times and bad." replied Jesse. "Now run along and call Beth."
"Yes, Sir." said Bo.
Luke looked at his Uncle as Bo went inside, "Do you really think that this is all going to be that easy?"
"No, Luke it's not going to be easy for any of us. If those two get married at such a young age they are going up against a stacked deck. They will be obligated from the get go to that child. It's going to take a whole lot of love and understanding on all our parts to get them through. I hope they truely love each other or they will end up resenting that they 'had' to get married. We will all get through this and that little baby will be just fine."


Cue Beth

[bethie88]

Bo called Beth. She was coming over the next night for supper. Bo thought alot about what his uncle had said. "You and your family always have a home here." It had really hit Bo at that moment. He had a whole new family. A family of his own. And it also hit him just how much love there was in the family he had been raised in. Jesse was right. There had never been a time when there wasn't enough for another person or two. And he knew that there would always be a place for him, Beth, and their baby to stay.

As he got ready for bed, he looked at his cousin, who was also getting ready for bed. "Luke," he said, softly.

"Yeah?" Luke replied, pulling on his flannel pajama bottoms, knowing it was going to be a cold night.

"Do you think... Do you think me and Beth can do this? I know Jesse thinks we can, but I ain't that sure." Bo felt sure that asking Beth to marry him was the right thing, but he was afraid that he wouldn't be able to do right by her or the baby.

"Cousin, you just do what every Duke's always done in any situation... Work hard to earn your keep, and do what you have to do to take care of everybody who's important to you. You can do it, Bo. You just gotta set your mind to it, and do your best. That's all anybody can ask of you."

Bo looked at him. "But Luke, is that enough?"

Luke smiled just a little. "I reckon if you do all that, you'll be just fine."

Bo smiled. His cousin was really his best friend. The best he'd ever had.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The next day, at the Duke farm......

Cue Dixie

[DixieDavenport]

Luke was up bright and early to get the chores he'd been doing since Bo hurt his hand. He left the things he usually did that Bo could manage and picked up Bo's that he couldn't do. Luke was not usually this eager to do his chores on most days but he still had a lot to do to the General Lee today so he'd be ready tomorrow for the race. By the time Jesse called them for lunch Luke had already washed the General and had backed him in to the barn to dry him off so the water wouldn't spot. After lunch when the car had cooled a bit he planned on putting several coats of wax on the beloved Dodge Charger.
Jesse told everyone before they were excussed from the table that they were having company tonight and he wanted everything done and everyone cleaned up by 6:00 pm. Everyone but Bo and Luke wondered who the company was as they went on their way to finish up things so they'd be ready by 6.
Jeb who was the next oldest and who was the closest to Bo and Luke noticed that in the past week or so the older two had kind of excluded him. He made his way to the barn as Luke applied wax to the General while Bo was waiting to wipe off the dried wax. "Hey, guys who's coming over for supper?"
Bo replied, "Beth."
Looking a bit confussed, Jeb asked, "So what is the big deal? She comes over what three or four times a week. Why is Jesse stressing?"
Luke took over for Bo. "Let's just say, ......" he paused, "there's something Jesse wants to discuss with everyone."
Jeb replied, "You know! Give."
Luke looked serious, "Not this time Cousin."
"Come on Luke. What's up? What have you done?" asked Jeb.
Bo remained silent as Luke defended himself against Jeb's question. He was glad it wasn't him. He figured he'd have enough to explain tonight.
I took Bo and Luke the better part of the day to wax the General Lee with three coats of wax. Luke was just now cleaning what little windows there was. He was also looking at the hood and trunk jams to get the left over wax out of them. All the seats except the drivers seat had been 'Armour All'ed with in an inch of its life. Luke knew not to do the drivers seat if he planned to stay in it.

To make sure there was plenty of room Daisy asked Luke as he came in to clean up, "I dug out the second 'leaf' for the table. Can you help me put it in?
"Sure." replied Luke.
Bo took in the scene. He wondered to himself just how his cousins would react once they found out about his baby.
When Luke reappeared from the shower he noticed the table set for eight looked more like a Sunday dinner than a Friday night supper. Daisy had even placed fresh flowers on the table. If he didn't know better he'd swear she knew something was up.
Bo also noticed the table looked different as he heard Beth pull in the drive. He was out the front door like something was on fire. All eyes fell on Luke for an explaination, "What?"
He was given a very dirty look by the rest of his cousins.

Everyone took their seats. Jesse at the head of the table. To his left were Luke, Daisy, Vance and Coy. To his right was Bo, Beth and Jeb. Jesse began with a prayer. "Dear Lord, Bless this food and those that grew and prepared it. Also, Bless this family and let it grow and prosper. We want to thank you for helping each and every member of this family through troubled times. Thank you for providing us with the means to take care of our family. Amen."
The Blessing was answered with ta chorus of Amens.
Everyone dug in eagerly to the dinner of pork chops, mashed potatoes, gravy, homemade biscuits except for Bo and Beth. Beth ate but not alot. Bo seemed to pick more at the small portion he put on his plate than he ate.
Jeb asked, "Can we be excused?"
Jesse replied, "You may be excused to the living room. If everyone is done stack your dishes in the sink, I'll clean up later." Jesse directed.
Jeb was in a hurry as they were supposed to play at the Boar's Nest tonight,but did as asked.
Jesse said once they were all settled in the living room. "There is something we all need to talk about tonight." Everyone looked from one to the other wondering what Jesse was talking about. The look of assurance given to Bo and Beth by Luke and Jesse weren't missed by the others.


Cue Beth

[bethie88]

Beth was squeezing Bo's good hand so tight he felt sure she was going to break it, too. He put his arm around her waist to reassure her. She looked up at him, and their eyes met in support and love for each other.

Bo was the first to find his voice. He was strengthened somewhat by Jesse and Luke, who were quietly nodding at him. "Everybody... me and Beth are... We're havin' us a baby." He said the words carefully, as if he was afraid of letting the wrong word out.

Daisy, Jeb, Coy, and Vance all looked at one another. Daisy's look was bordering on knowing, or just not being surprised. She wasn't, really. She knew her cousins. All of them, but especially Bo and Luke. And she knew that their "jukin'" rarely ended at the Boar's Nest. Although Daisy was the protected girl-child of the family, she wasn't stupid. And she was also the confidante of all the boys. She had always been afraid this would happen. But she couldn't help wishing she could have protected Bo from it. And Beth was one of her dearest friends.

But Daisy stood up and smiled. She walked over to Beth and gave her a hug. "God bless ya, honey!" she said, kissing Beth on the cheek. Beth couldn't help smiling a little.

Jeb, who was sixteen, stood up. He walked over to Bo. He didn't say anything, but a look passed between them. Bo looked at his cousin, trying to figure out what Jeb thought about all this. Jeb just nodded a little. "I gotta go. My band's playin. I gotta be there in a few minutes."

Bo knew he and Jeb would talk later. They had gotten along really well all their lives, but when Jeb had hit 16, it seemed to have changed alot of things. The two of them had alot of clashes now. It bothered Bo. Especially the way that Jeb was looking at him this minute.

Jeb headed upstairs to change. Coy and Vance came over, but they, being only 12 and 14, knew what was going on, but didn't fully understand all of the implications. But both knew that Bo and Beth had gotten themselves in alot deeper than they could have ever planned on.

Bo smiled just a little as Beth relaxed her grip on his hand. He leaned over to whisper in her ear, "I love you."


Cue Dixie

[DixieDavenport]

As Jeb cam back from changing his shirt. Jesse stopped him as the others were still gathered in the living room, he said, "Jeb come here just a minute before you leave." Jeb did as instructed. "I know you are in a hurry and I'll not make you late. But, I have something to say to you all while I have all of you here together. I can't uphold Bo and Beth in this. What they did was wrong. I have already expressed this to Bo, Miss Beth. Like I told him though a baby, any baby is special and is never a mistake. The mistake comes into the timing. I want all of you to know that they are going to need a lot of help and support from us. I let Bo know that there is always room for his family under this roof." Jesse smiled a bit at Beth and Bo. "You all may be a thin' that this is just there problem, well, you'd be dead wrong. This is going to effect each and everyone of you in one way or the other in some very simple ways like maybe there's an extra dish to wash, or later maybe just getting woke a time or two by a hungry baby. Then there may be times that won't be so simple, like hearing something you don't like said about either Bo or Beth. They are family and though they are starting their own family they are every bit as much a member of this family as you are. That said you all may go."
Jeb wasted no time leaving. Yes, he was in a hurry but Bo, Luke and Jesse thought there was more to it. Coy, Vance and Daisy went to clean the kitchen.
Luke didn't think the discussion was over. He looked to Bo, "I can stay if you like or I can go give the General Lee one more once over."
It was Jesse that answered for Bo, "Take a seat Luke. Maybe you can help them decide the best time to tell Beth's folks. Bo have you thought any more about what I told you earlier on this matter."
"Yes, I have. Beth, Uncle Jesse said we could invite you folks over for dinner tomorrow night. That way we could tell them here where we know we have support." said Bo.
"Thank you Uncle Jesse." she said with tears in her eyes. "I love Bo and all of you. Thank you for all your support. I am just so scared and I know that I will be a disappointment to them."
Jesse tried to comfort the teen, "Honey, you might have made choices that they won't be happy about and they might be upset at first. Just remember they love you and everything will work out. With the race tomorrow, can I plan on having your parents over for Sunday dinneror have you all made other arrangements to tell them?"
Beth looked at Bo, then replied, "............................



Cue Beth

[bethie88]

"That sounds good, Uncle Jesse." Beth was thankful for Uncle Jesse's offer. She was afraid of what would happen if her daddy found out, and there was noone there to protect Bo. She had no idea what he would do. But with Jesse and all of Bo's cousins around, she had a better feeling about everything.

Luke moved forward in his seat, resting his elbows on his knees. "Bo... I hope you two are ready for all of this. I know you aren't really ready... but you can make it work. Life is what you make of it... This is up to y'all. And I know y'all are gonna do everything in your power for this baby."

Both of them nodded. Beth held tight to Bo's hand. "Listen, honey," he said, leaning close to her.

She looked at him. "What?"

"I need to help Luke with the General. It's a little warmer tonight, you wanna come out with us?"

She nodded. "OK."

Jesse smiled as all three of them walked out to the barn, where Luke had carefully cleaned and waxed the General.

The three of them worked together, including Beth, to get the car ready for Saturday's big race.


Cue Dixie

[DixieDavenport]

Saturday morning was warm and sunny. Luke and all the others did their chores in record time. Luke and Bo headed for the Boar's Nest about 9am for the noon deadline. Knowing the Hazzard law Luke was careful to drive just a bit under the limit. As luck would have it, they must have gotten out earlier than Rosco figured. They had a clear road all the way to town. Cooter met them at the Boar's Nest where the three touched up the windows, chrome and places both of the cars had gotten dusty.
Dixie and Beth arrived about 1100 as others were beginning to gather. Jesse, Coy and Vance came in the pick up but Jeb had insisted on riding his motorcycle. All the racers and spectators gathered at the Boar's Nest both as a convienance to Bonnie Mae and to calm Boss's temper that they spending money at the race track.
Now, organized racing in Hazzard was pretty new. A friend of Jesse's and her husband had a large amount of land just beyond the Boar's Nest. The soil there was only rich enough to grow rocks. A couple years ago with several teens in the area so interested in cars and racing, they took some old farm equipment, a used tanker truck and slowly started cutting away at the large area that they had once hoped would be a farm. With a lot of determination and against the wishes of the County, Bonnie Mae had made the best 4/10 mile oval dirt track in the several Counties. Entrance fees for the dirvers $20, for spectators $5. Bonnie Mae wasn't interested in getting rich. She just really wanted to give the teens something to do and a safe place to race. The winnings were First -- $500, Second -- $250, and Third -- $100. Once the track was watered and worked in somewhat all the drivers would make their way up the narrow dirt road to the track. Then the spectators would begin to follow after their dust settled. At the track there was a driver's meeting in the center of the oval where the rules were read, then each driver drew a number to see where he'd start the 20 lap race.
The starting postions for today's race would be: First row (Inside) Enos -#12, Ralph - #10 (outside); Second row -- Buzz -#00, Doebro -#20, Third Row -- #11 Broody, Cooter -#88, and Fourth row -- Luke -#01.
Luke wasn't happy with the starting postion but was determined to give the race his all. The pledge and prayer followed the drivers meeting. Then the drivers got themselves strapped in. They would all take several laps to work the track in before the race would begin. When the track was deemed ready the drivers would line up on the starting line in the correct order, the lead driver would start them out slowly aroung the track. When the starter was satisfied they were in line and bunched up, the starter would flash the green light which signaled they green flag would drop on the nest pass of the starting line. Luke rounded turn four spotted the light and saw it flash green. He edged up as close as he could to Cooter who was also running really low on the track both had plans to grab a few spots once the green flag dropped.

[DixieDavenport]

With Luke and Cooter running so low on the track, Broody in #11 didn't have much other choice but to run extremely low since he was in the inside position in the third row. Enos saw the pack of guys that were normamly his friends behind him to his right was Ralph Green in #10. Enos knew he was about to get eatten for lunch!
The Green flag dropped in the first turn they were four wide (Buzz, Enos, Ralph and Doebro) the others were three wide (Luke, Broody and Cooter).
Most of the spectators held their breath. Bo didn't he was yellling at the whole field, "That track is NOT that wide!"
Amazingly they made it through the first turn. Enos and Broody's cars started getting loose in the high banked turn and they were floating up the track. Cooter saw this and dropped back giving Broody room. Enos and Ralph traded a bit of paint and pushed Doebro up into the railing where Broody barely missed him. They all made it through turn two with Buzz and Ralph up front, followed by Luke and Enos with Cooter, Broody and Doebro close behind. They completed the first lap without a Caution which was very unusual.
Going into turn one Luke and Cooter got close to try to get around Buzz together. Broody and Doebro both had thoughts of going high to try to get around Ralph but thought better of it when they saw Luke dive to the bottom of the track. Though Buzz might be compition in an overland race he didn't have anything on Luke and Cooter working together. Down the back stretch and into turn three Luke was now trading paint with Ralph who wanted by on the high side. Cooter and Buzz were having troubles of their own as the four cars started pulling away from the other three. As Luke rounded turn four into the front stretch the light went yellow. Enos had spun in turn two. Luke slowed the cars. It took several laps to get them all back in line the way they should be. It would be Row 1 -- Ralph, Buzz, Row 2 -- Luke, Cooter, Row 3 -- Broody, Doebro, Row 4 Enos. Enos took the back position because he caused the caution. When the green fell Luke and Ralph were playing bumper tag. The entire lap no one traded places. On the next lap Luke rode Ralph's bumper down the back stretch, dove to the bottom of the track and got sbeside Ralph in turn three. There were side to side as they hit a slick spot in the track and started sliding up the track. Buzz hit the rail but kept moving. Cooter seeing what was happening dove to the bottom of the track. When they had gotten straighten out on the front stretch it was Luke, Cooter, Ralph, Buzz, Broody, Doebro and Enos. Luke and Cooter worked together to pull away from Ralph and Buzz who were battling each other. The race continued uneventful for the next several laps.
Broody had a tire go down on lap 18 which brought out a caution. The line up to take the green was : Luke, Cooter, Ralph, Buzz, Doebro, Enos and Broody. At the Green Ralph was trying to get under Luke. The General Lee being a Charger was one of the longest cars on the track. Ralph hoped to push Lukes back end around and make him spin. Cooter saw the two into it below him and gave them room. Luke held Ralph off going into turn three Luke was waiting for Ralph. When Ralph cam up behind him he hit the brakes just hard enough to make Ralph hit his bumper pretty hard which caused Ralph to spin as Luke saw the Starter display the one lap flag and Caution at the same time. The caution was called on Ralph because he spun. Only he and Luke knew why he spun!
The green would come out for the final lap with Luke leading, Cooter, Buzz, Doebro, Broody, Enos and Ralph. The battle was for second as Cooter and Buzz were trading paint. It was only a small miracle that there was not another caution as Ralph was driving recklessly trying to make it back to the front of the pack before the Checked flag fell. Luke rounded Turn four and crossed the finish line as Cooter held of Buzz in turn four. At the end on the front stretch Luke, Cooter and Buzz all took the small road to the right to go have the cars weighted and checked out before the results could be made official.


Cue Beth

[bethie88]

Everything checked out, so Luke was declared the official winner. He and Bo were awarded the $500, which was to be split evenly. Bo was excited. Once he payed of Beth's ring, he'd still have $115 in his pocket. But he knew for sure that he'd have to use that for paying doctor bills and hospital bills, and buying stuff for the baby and all. So he figured he was going to be doing alot of saving. And penny pinching.

Luke was basking in the glory for the moment, a young lady on either side. Bo knew where his cousin would be that night... just like every other night lately. And he only hoped that Luke would not get himself into the same stupid mess that he was in.

Jeb's band was playing at the Boar's Nest again that night, and Luke told Bo that was where he was going.

Bo shook his head as his cousin walked off, having chosen a young woman named Angie Martin to be his date for the night. Bo felt sorry for the girl. He had never thought of things the way he thought of them now, but he realized now what his cousin was doing. Using girls who thought he was something else for his own pleasure, then just leaving them behind to move on to the next challenge.

Come to think of it, Bo didn't like the way Luke was acting at all. He wondered if a girl would ever come along to settle his cousin down.


Cue Dixie

[DixieDavenport]

After collecting the prize money the drivers stopped at the Boar's Nest for a beer. A young girl with a pony tail ran up to Cooter, "That was Great! Do you all race like that often?"
Cooter hugged his sister, Dixie. "Every weekend. AND Hello to you too!"
Luke and Angie walked up to Cooter. Luke said, "Cooter I really appreciate you helping me the other night with the General Lee."
"Well, next time I think I may not want to help you quiet so well!" replied Cooter sacrastically since he'd come in second to the General Lee.
Luke just grinned at him, then said, "Hey, who's your friend?" It had been years since Luke had seen Dixie as a child.
Cooter asked, "Don't you remember Dixie? I told you she might come spend the summer with us."
"That's right you did. Kiddo, I'd not have recognized you at all if I'd seen you somewhere else. You sure have grown up. Cooter let me at least buy you a beer."
"I'll let you buy me a couple since I have a throat full of the General's dust."
Luke, Angie and Cooter headed inside as Dixie talked with Daisy. Bo and Beth just watched all their friends headed inside.

Cue Beth

[bethie88]

Bo smiled at her just a little. "So, we have to tell your folks tomorrow."
Beth smiled wanly. "Yep. I don't want to. Lord knows, this is gonna be the hardest thing I've ever done."

"Me, too," Bo agreed, putting his good arm around her gently. "But I love you. And I'm going to take care of you and our baby. No matter what."

Beth let him hold her for a little while. They finally went inside to join everybody else. Everyone, except Beth and Daisy, who were driving, joined in sipping beers. Jeb's band was always good, but they were really "on" that particular night.

As they played "Crazy," which was sung by one Jeb's drummer's girlfriend, Bo took Beth in his arms... or arm... and they danced. "Beth," he said softly, "I DO love you."

"I love you, too," she replied, as he moved in to kiss her.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The next morning was Sunday. Which found several hungover young Dukes sitting down on a pew with Uncle Jesse right in the middle. Even though he had quite the headache, Bo couldn't help grinning a little when Beth walked out into the choir loft. She smiled back at him, although her stomach was tied in knots knowing that she was getting closer and closer to having to tell her family what she and Bo had done.

Luke was entirely too tired to listen to the preacher. Angie had played right into his hand the night before, and he'd been out way too late. By the time the sermon was over, Luke had drifted off more than a few times, each time rewarded by Uncle Jesse's elbow in his ribs.

After church, Bo and Luke walked out to the General Lee. Luke slid across the hood, loosening his tie as he went. He was wearing a sport coat and tie with his blue plaid shirt, and he couldn't wait to get out of it. Bo had already taken off his coat and tie and tossed them in the back seat.

Bo drove home, rather slowly, trying to kill time... Before Beth's daddy killed HIM.

"Hot d---, Luke," Bo said, shaking his head. "I done messed up so bad I can't get out of it." Bo turned into the driveway.

"Well, I'll have to say amen to that, as much as I hate to," Luke replied, seeing Beth's daddy's Cadillac in their driveway, parked next to Jesse's pickup.

"Well," Bo said, cringing just a little. "Here comes the fun part."


Cue Dixie

[DixieDavenport]

Beth's parents were setting on the porch swing when Bo parked the General Lee. Luke had agreed to shift the gears so Bo could drive home. Luke really didn't feel like driving anyway. Bo said, "Thanks, Luke. At least that kept my mind of things for a few minutes."
"Come on, maybe I can get you inside without having to play the host." said Luke.
Bo did not want to get trapped alone on the porch with Beth's parents at this point.
Luke gathered their coats and ties as he got out of the car. He handed Bo his things. Luke spoke to Beth's parents, nudged Bo to speak which he did, then Luke said to Daisy who was bringing out glasses of ice tea, "We'll be right out as soon as we hang this stuff up." He continued to push Bo through the door.
Once in their room Bo said, "Thanks. You know I don't know if I can do this."
Luke said gently, "You have to. You can't expect Beth to do it. AND you don't want Jesse to have to tell them."
Bo turned on Luke, "Just what do you know about it?"
Luke took his cousin's outburst in stride knowing Bo wasn't yelling at him but himself. "Bo if you want her father to respect you as a man that will take care of his daughter, then your going to have to be a man and stand up to him."
Bo fumed, "What kinda of a man did it take to ...." Bo almost spit the word, " 'USE' Angie last night? You know I'm really not liking the person you have become since you and Robin broke up."
Bo was looking for an arguement. Much to Bo's surprise Luke replied, "You know Bo, ...... you are absolutely right! And I haven't liked myself too much for it lately either." While Bo was still in shock at what Luke had said. Luke gently moved him to the bedroom door. "This isn't getting you anywhere. We'll talk more about me later." Luke had hopes of getting into the kitchen for another cup of coffee before all He-- broke loose. It only took a sideways glance at the kitchen to know he'd be run out before he even got through the door.
Daisy and Beth were in the kitchen helping Jesse who unlike the younger generation had started preparations for today last night while they were all out partying. The girls set up a picnic table outside for lunch. Jesse had warmed the fried chicken and mashed potatos, and made gravy. He had made several pies before leaving for church. Daisy and Beth had also taken pitchers of tea and lemonade to the table. When everyone was called to the table Luke managed to get in the kitchen and bring out the coffee pot and several cups. The glare Jesse shot him went unnoticed by their guests but not the family. Jeb being the clown almost cracked up which got Coy and Vance started which got all of them a look from Jesse. Once he managed to get them quiet Jesse said grace. The meal was enjoyed by all though Bo felt like he'd choke on each bite as it went by the lump in his throat. Daisy and Beth cleared the dishes and brought out the pies and a fresh pot of coffee. Beth was trying to stay as busy as she could.
Though Beth was shaking like a leaf she couldn't help but notice how relaxed her parents looked. She had never seen her Mother have a picnic let alone have Sunday dinner outside before.
As everyone finished up their pie, the youngers ones were getting restless. Coy asked, "May we be excused?"
Jesse suggested, "Why don't we all go get comfortable on the porch where it's a bit cooler."
Coy sighed but took the hint. Jeb wasn't happy but went, too. Bo, Beth and Luke were hanging back quiet a bit. Luke tried to be encouraging, "It will all be over in a few minutes."
Bo said only loud enough for Luke to hear, "You mean my life being over. That helps there cousin."

Cue Beth

[bethie88]

Luke shook his head. Any other time, he would have confronted Bo about his attitude, but this particular day, he bit his tongue. "Alright, Bo. Whatever you say."

They gathered around on the porch, with a bunch of kitchen chairs out on the porch. Beth's mother and father were on the swing, while Jesse, Luke, Bo, Beth, Daisy and Jeb sat in the chairs. Coy and Vance sat on the porch side by side, wishing they could go out and run around in the pasture. They got really bored really quickly. Beth and Bo were holding on tightly to one another's hands. Beth kept looking at her dad, and knowing that he felt that he was much better than the Dukes bothered her. He was one of the richest men in the county, second only to JD Hogg. But despite this, Beth was just as country as they come, having been raised in Hazzard, where very few grew up really caring all that much about money. She had grown up with the Dukes and the Davenports, and honestly, noone who met her anywhere would have known that she was the daughter of such a rich man. She dressed and behaved like her friends. And her father didn't like it. However, noone could long resist Jesse Duke's kindness, and the old man had gradually grown on Beth's family. But one thing still stood. Andrew Smith didn't particularly like Bo Duke, and he liked it even less that Bo was dating his daughter.

"Daddy," Beth said, becoming choked up. "Mama."

Both of her parents looked up at her, her mother saying, "Yes, sweetie?"

Beth looked helplessly at Bo, who tightened his grip on her hand. "Bo and me..." she began.

"Bo and I," her mother corrected, shaking her head.

"Bo and I," she began again. "We... well... I mean..."

Bo couldn't stand seeing Beth like this, searching for words. Something inside of him seemed to snap. He squeezed Beth's hand again and took matters into his own hands. "Mr. Smith," he said, carefully.

"Yes, Bo," the man said, glaring at him.

"Mr. Smith, me and... I mean, Beth and I are having a baby." Bo tried to say the words really fast, hoping that maybe it would be like ripping off a bandaid. The faster, the less painful.

Beth's parents' eyes were boring holes through Bo.

Finally, Andrew spoke. "Bo Duke," he said, evenly.

"Yessir?" Bo replied.

"Come here."

Bo stood quietly and walked over to the older man. "Yessir?"

Andrew stood up, facing Bo, although he was a good five inches shorter than the younger man. He looked at Bo with contempt in the blue eyes he'd given to his daughter. Then he angrily slapped Bo hard in the face.

As Bo looked at Andrew, he saw the hurt and sadness in his eyes, mixed with anger. And Bo couldn't blame him for it. So he didn't fight back, but took it, like a whipped hound pup.

"Daddy," Beth said, trying to stop what was happening, and what she was afraid would come next.

Her father didn't answer. "Caroline," he said to his wife. "I want you and Beth to go home. I need to talk with Bo."

Beth wanted to argue, but she didn't. She and her mother went home in Beth's Camaro.

Andrew took Bo off to talk.

"Bo Duke," he said. "You listen, and you listen good. At this particular moment, I hate you with everything I'm worth. And the way I feel right now, I might always hate you. As for my daughter and my grandbaby... You have one h--- of a responsibility to them. And either you take care of them, or I'll never let you see them again. Either one of them. I'm going to leave it up to you. Now... I don't know if I'll ever forgive you for this, boy. But maybe, if you prove yourself to be a man... maybe some day, I'll see you as one."

Bo could say nothing for a long time. When his voice finally came, he said, "Mr. Smith."

"Yes?"

"Can... I want... I want to ask your permission to... to marry Beth."

"Bo... I honestly... You just take care of her. I won't tell you what you can and can't do, because obviously, that doesn't work anyway. What you and Beth do now is your business. But if you ever hurt her again, I will make sure you pay." Andrew turned from Bo and walked away. He climbed into his Cadillac and drove away, without another word.


Cue Dixie

[DixieDavenport]

What had went unnoticed to all but Mr.Smith in the heat of anger when he slapped Bo, was that both Jesse and Luke had silently stood up. Neither liked what Mr. Smith had done to Bo, though really couldn't blame him at least they understood his being upset. Bo had just dropped his head a might. He never uttered a single disrespectful thing to Beth's father. Bo and Mr. Smith had walked out toward the barn to have their 'talk'. What had cut Bo to the quick was that Mr. Smith had told him, where thankfully no one else had heard, was that Bo couldn't keep Beth in 'Cokes' let alone support her!' Bo was determined to prove him wrong! He kept hearing Mr. Smith say the same thing over and over. Bo clinched his fist again and again. It took a lot of effort to keep from hitting something, but then he realized that hitting something had caused him enough problems.
After Mr. Smith left, Jesse watched Bo head for the barn. He had not heard any of their conversation but had stayed pretty close. He wasn't going to let anyone hurt his nephew on his property. The one slap, he'd given Bo, well, considering the circumstances, Jesse couldn't blame Beth's father, but also couldn't uphold him either. Several minutes after Mr. Smith left Jesse got up to go to the barn.
Luke said, "I'll go."
Jesse stopped him. "Not this time Luke. Let me handle this right now." Jesse walked into the barn silently. Bo was petting the mare. Jesse eased over to his side, saying, "I don't think she can hold up her end of the conversation."
Bo turned to Jesse but couldn't look him in the eye.
"Bo, I don't know what was said, out here, but I'll listen to anything you need to say." said Jesse.
Bo just shook his head, unable to voice what had been said to him. After several minutes of silence, he said, "Do, .... you know, ..... how much Beth, ...... enjoys coming here?" his voice cracked. He was near tears because he was furious. Now, he looked at his Uncle, "I love her. I've always known her Father didn't care for me. He--, I thought it was, ..... maybe the others girls I dated or mine and Luke's reputations, ......" He let his voice trail off. He needed to talk this out but didn't want to hurt Jesse. "I now know what his problem is with me. And believe it or not, it doesn't have anything to do with the baby. Of course he wasn't happy about that either as you saw. But, he thinks he's better than US!" Bo continued, "I know what me and Beth did hurt him and changed his plans for Beth. I can take that. I can take his slap. I'll even take him hating ME!" Bo's voice was raising. "I will not take him looking down on my family or me."
Jesse put his hand on Bo's shoulder. "For starters you need to be concerned with Beth and the baby. What ever he said was said in anger. If he does think he's better than us, that's Ok, too." Jesse moved to be in Bo's line of sight. "Remember the meek not the wealthy will inherit the Earth."
"I know, Uncle Jesse, but it wasn't just what he said but HOW he said it." said Bo. His mind was racing. "I have half a mind to march right over there and bring Beth back here tonight."
Jesse was very wise, "Do that and he'll have the law out there in no time. You would be on his property. Beth is his daughter and you are both under age." Jesse said in a calm voice, "Just give it a little time. He has to have time to adjust to what you just told him. Jesse looked at his pocket watch. Is Beth suppose to work tonight?"
"Yeah, she works at 7." replied Bo. He didn't see Jesse's point.
"Well, now that's still quiet awhile away." Jesse considered, "If you haven't heard from her by 6:30, Luke, you and me will ride to the Boars' Nest. If she's at work you can talk to her. We'll go from what she says then." Jesse saw the next question on Bo's worried face. "If she's not there, we'll just go find out why." Jesse Duke was trying to be calm about this, but he wasn't anyone to mess with when family was involved.
The Dukes waited for Beth's call.............



Cue Beth

[bethie88]

Which didn't come. Bo figured Beth could have driven her Camaro, under the circumstances, since her father probably didn't want her riding with Daisy. But Jesse wasn't quite as optimistic as Bo. "Come on, boys," Jesse said. "We're going to check on that girl."

Bo and Luke walked out with Jesse to the pickup. They drove straight to the Boar's Nest. Bo was the first out of the car, figuring that if Jesse was worried, he better be worried too. Now, he didn't just have Beth to be worried about anymore. There was also his child, she was carrying his child. And he couldn't stand the thoughts of either of them being hurt. He ran up to the door and into the barroom quickly. He heaved a sigh of relief when he saw Beth wiping down a table. "Honey," he said, walking over to her. "Sunshine, are you OK?"

"Bo," she said, running over to him, letting him hold her. "Oh, Bo, honey, I'm so sorry." By this time, she was crying.

"No. No, honey. Don't be sorry."

"Bo, Daddy said that he was gonna leave Hazzard, and take me and Mama with him. And he said he was gonna take our baby away. He said he was gonna give our baby up for adoption. He can't do that... Can he, Bo?"

"Not as long as I'm alive. I'll fight him over you and the baby. Hot d---. He can make fun of me, put me down, hate me, whatever. But I'll be da--ed if I let him take you and my baby away."

Beth was crying pretty hard when Jesse and Luke made it inside. Jesse walked over to them. "What's wrong, sweetie pie?" Jesse said in that fatherly way of his.

"Uncle Jesse, Daddy wants to take my baby away." Beth burst into another fit of sobs.

"Well, now..." Jesse said. "We just won't let that happen."

"But, Uncle Jesse," she said. "How?"

"Now, you just listen here, young lady," Jesse said, smiling a little. "That baby there is a Duke. And carrying him makes you a Duke, too. And as the oldest living member of the Duke family, I consider it my responsibilty to protect both of you. All of us do. And we're going to do whatever we have to do." He hugged her. "Now you just dry them tears."

"What should I do, Uncle Jesse?" she asked.

"Well, for one thing," Bo said, pulling a box out of his pocket, and opening to reveal the ring he'd bought, "You should marry me."

"Oh, Bo," she gasped. As he slipped the ring on her finger, she whispered. "I will, Bo. I will."

He leaned close and kissed her.

"Bo," she said quietly.

"Yeah?"

"I don't know this for sure... but I've got a feelin' that my mama would sign for me to marry you."

Bo grinned, "Have I ever told you how much I love your mama?"

Beth grinned back, "Not near as much as I do."

Bo smiled at her. "Well, what do we need to do?"

Beth giggled a little. "Talk to the preacher, get a dress, a tux, and rings. And get married. Quick."

Bo looked a little bewildered, but said, "OK. I love you, Sunshine."

"I love you, too."

Bo, Luke, and Jesse all sat down for a beer, since they were already at the Boar's Nest. Beth got back to work, but all the while, she was picturing the wedding in her head. Bo, however, was just ready to get the whole thing over with.


Cue Dixie

[DixieDavenport]

Jesse said, "Bo she's scared. I know her father wouldn't do anything to hurt her or the little one. You need to find out if she thinks she'll be Ok for the night at her house. It would seem for Mr. Smith to pull out of Hazzard totally that would take time, if that's the case we've got at least a few days."
Bo wasn't so sure, "I just don't know. I know I'd sure feel better if she was at the farm."
"Bo, there's the legalities to think of here. She said she though her Mother would sign for her to marry you. You know you don't even have to ask me. I'm all for you taking responsibility. Just promise me one thing. NEVER throw it in that girls face you were forced to marry her OR you will have me to deal with! Do you think her Mother would sign?" asked Jesse.
Luke saw Cooter who had witnessed the exchange between Bo, Beth and Jesse. He also didn't miss Bo place what looked like a ring on her finger. He was motioning for Luke to come over. Luke interupted Bo and Jesse's talk, "Cooter is over there motioning for me. You know he and everyone else saw what went down over there. What can I tell him before I get cornered?


Cue Beth

[bethie88]

"Well, ah, tell him I was just givin' her a present...Or somethin'. Hot da--, Luke, you're better at comin' up with stuff than I am."

Luke shook his head. "Maybe Cooter won't catch it if I shuck and jive him. Cooter is kinda... well..."

"He ain't dumb, Luke," Jesse said. "Crazy, yes, but not dumb. I don't think shuckin' and jivin' him'll be as easy as you'd think it was."
Luke walked away from Jesse over to Cooter, hoping that his friend would have something else on his mind.

Bo now turned to Jesse. "Uncle Jesse, you said her daddy wouldn't do nothin' to hurt her... But I don't know. I know that he don't like me. And since that baby's a part of me, I don't reckon he'll want the baby around any more than he wants me around."

"Well, we'll just have to do somethin' about that. First off all, gettin' you two married is gonna be the most important thing, so that girl's daddy can't do nothin' about it. So the sooner you can talk to her mama, the better."

"Uncle Jesse," Bo said. "Beth's daddy lied to me. Just flat lied. When I asked him if I could marry her, he said he didn't care. He said he wouldn't keep me from doin' my duty to her. I know I wasn't right in getting Beth pregnant. But I'll be d---ed if I let him take her and that baby away from me."

~**~**~**~**~

Meanwhile, Cooter had cornered Luke. "Hey, buddy-ro," Cooter
said. "What's goin' on with Bo and Beth?"

"Nothin'," Luke lied. "They had themselves one h--- of a fight, and Bo bought her a little present to make it up to her."

Cooter stared Luke down. "Alright now, Luke. I might be crazy, but I AIN'T dumb. A diamond on a girl's left ring finger ain't no 'I'm sorry' present. Now give it to me straight."

Luke shook his head. "Da--it, Cooter. You're really on your game today." Luke couldn't help smiling, figuring that the only reason Cooter knew so much about this stuff was the fact that his girlfriend, Kathy, had been hinting strongly that she wanted a ring. But Luke knew Cooter, and he knew he wasn't anywhere near ready to settle down. "Alright, Cooter," Luke said. "Maybe I AM fudgin' just a little bit. But you'll have to get this one straight from Bo. It ain't my business."

Cooter grinned, "I'll talk to Bo later. But Luke... ain't them two a little young to..."

Luke interrupted, "Like I said, Cooter, this is Bo's business, not mine. Whatever you get'll have to come from him."


Cue Dixie

[DixieDavenport]

Beth was suppose to 'close' tonight and Daisy get off early, but she had talked Daisy into trading with her so she could talk to Bo before going home. Her father had given her only thirty minutes to get home after work or he'd call the police and have them find her. By trading Daisy she'd have two hours to talk to Bo.
"Bo I was able to trade shifts with Daisy. I'll get off at midnight." Beth said as she brought Bo, Luke, and Cooter another round of beers. Considering Jesse had bought Bo a beer Luke folowed suit and ordered an extra one for him even though he wasn't 18 yet. Bo had joined Luke and Cooter right before Beth came over.
"Great." he told her.
As Beth walked away Cooter tried his luck, "You know Bo, if I didn't know any better I'd say that there ring on Beth's LEFT hand was an engagement ring?"
Bo had enough problems without explaining himself to Cooter or anyone else. He replied, "Humm, Well, I wonder who she's engaged to?" he said as he walked away to talk to Jesse.
Luke just shrugged his shoulders.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Though Jesse usually left early he decided to stick around until Beth got off tonight. When she got off Bo and Beth came over to Jesse's table. Bo asked, "Sunshine, do you think you will be Ok going home tonight?"
"Well, I really don't want to, but I don't think he'll hurt me. But, I'm not sure when he is planning on leaving. I won't go." she said as tears over took her.
Bo put his arm around her. "When can you, me or us talk to your Mother without your Dad finding out?"
At that moment Beth went totally pale. Bo turned quickly to see what she was looking at. Her Father had just walked in!


Cue Beth

[bethie88]

"Without me finding out what?" he asked, his cold stare fixed on Bo.

"Daddy...I..." Beth tried to speak, but trailed off.

"I can't even trust you to come home right after work. You lied to me about staying to lock up."

"I didn't lie, Daddy. I was going to lock up, but..."

"But you didn't. And you didn't come home. You disobeyed me."

"Daddy, I can't... I'm not letting you take my baby away. Bo and me were wrong. But our baby... It's ours, and you can't take it away from us!"

"Beth, get in the car. We'll talk about this later."

"Daddy..." Beth hesitated. Bo was squeezing her hand. She turned to look at Uncle Jesse. The old man's eyes were somewhat sad as he nodded to her. She trusted Jesse, so she let his gestures direct her. "OK," she said. "But only if you promise me something."

"I'm not going to promise you anything, now get in the car."

"Then I won't go!" Beth said, defiantly wrapping her arms around Bo. "I love Bo, and our baby is not yours to punish us with. Bo and me can take care of our baby. We don't need you to give it away."

"Elizabeth Anne Smith, if you don't get in that car, I will call the sheriff and have you taken in as a runaway."

"Honey," Jesse said kindly, "Go with your daddy. He ain't gonna hurt you."

Beth nodded, then pressed a kiss to Bo's lips before letting go of him. "I love you," she said, so noone but Bo could hear.

"I love you, too, Sunshine. Don't worry. We'll think of something."

Beth was in tears as she followed her daddy out to his car. He told her that they'd get hers in the morning, since she'd switched with Daisy in case her father drove by the Boar's Nest. She figured it wouldn't do her any good anyway, since she'd probably have to give him her keys.

~**~**~**~**~

Bo lay in his bed wide awake, two hours later. He kept wishing that he was with Beth, or that Beth was safe in the Duke house.

Luke had been asleep a while, but he was awakened by the sounds of Bo tossing and turning. He groggily asked, "You OK, Bo?"

Bo shook his head. "Not really. I'm worried. I don't trust Beth's daddy. He'd give our baby up without thinking about it. That baby's his grandchild, Luke. And he don't want it because it's got a 'hayseed' for a daddy. Hot da--. It ain't like I'm a bad person. I'm honest. And I love Beth and the baby. Ain't that enough?"

"Bo... It should be enough. But in this world, it's hard to ever do enough to make other people happy. Just listen to your gut, Bo."

"Thanks, Luke. 'Night."

"'Night," Luke replied.

Luke went back to sleep pretty quickly, but Bo lay awake for a long time.


Cue Dixie

[DixieDavenport]

'Follow my gut.' Bo sighed, 'The last time I did that we lost the General's keys for two days.' he thought to himself. He turned and looked at the window. Bo sat up, slide his jeans on, put his shirt on, walked over to the dresser. He took a pen and wrote Jesse a note:


"Uncle Jesse,
Luke said I should follow my gut in this. I have a really bad feeling. I'm going over towards Beth's to see if I can find anything out.
Bo."


He set the note up so that Luke would see it. He grabbed his boots and jacket, then headed to the window.
Luke rolled over as Bo opened the window but had not woke up.
After getting outside Bo put on his boots and jacket and headed very quickly to Beth's. As soon as he got to the edge of the woods he knew he was right. Every light in the house was on, there were two U-haul trailers being loaded as Bo looked on. It took everything in Bo not to just run into the situation. From the looks of the scene he had a couple hours anyway before they'd be done. He ran back to the farm as fast as he could. When he swung the front door open with a bang the whole house was wide awake. He met Jesse at the top of the stairs shotgun in hand. "Uncle Jesse I knew he was up to something they are loading two U-hauls right now!"


Cue Beth

[bethie88]

Jesse was ready for a fight, now. His family was being threatened, and he wasn't about to just stand by and watch. "Get Luke," he said. "And COME ON!"

Bo and Luke were all but tripping over themselves as they rushed down the stairs. Bo had the General cranked before Luke ever got in. "Come on, d---it!" Bo yelled at his cousin.

Jesse was in the pickup right behind them as Bo kicked up dust out of the driveway. "Now, you wanna explain to me just what the h---'s goin' on?" Luke asked.

Bo upshifted, then replied without looking at Luke. "Beth's daddy's got 2 U-Hauls at their house. He's pullin' out."

Luke now understood the reason for his cousin's alarm. Bo was pushing the General for all he was worth, tearing up the dirt road as he went. He had to get to Beth. And he had to get to her before it was too late. "Come on!" Bo whispered. He was in the Smiths' driveway before he could think about it. He parked the General and was out of the car in record time. Luke follwed him, and Jesse was right behind.

Bo rushed up to the house to be met by Andrew Smith's angry glare. "So it's you again, huh?"

Bo nodded. "You're darn straight it's me. I'm not gonna let you do this."

"And how do you plan to stop me?"

Bo glared at the older man defiantly. "Beth and me love each other. And even if you did take her away, we'd find a way to be together. That baby's ours, and you got no right to take it away."

"How do you expect to be able to take care of Beth and the baby? Don't you see that what I'm doing is best for her and the baby? And it's best for you too. You two are young. This way, you'll be able to grow up a little bit. Beth can go to college and marry a man of her... standing. And the baby will have a good family to take car of it. And you'll be able to find a girl better... suited... to your