by: TNRiverRat

Chapter 12

Bo had discussed his plans with Jesse and the older man, while trying his best to persuade his nephew to stay, understood his reasoning. Jesse had at least convinced Bo to post-pone his leaving till after harvest and the holidays were over. He would start his new life at the beginning of the new year; the months in between, however, had been tough on the young man. Meghan had started coming to the farm more often and had started accompanying Bo and Luke to races and such. Bo had gotten quite good at hiding his feelings when he was around Luke, but it was getting harder and harder to do when he was around Meghan on the rare occasions they were left alone together. Daisy and Jesse made special efforts to be around whenever Meghan was there, but it was not always possible. The emotional stress of hiding his true feelings all the time began to take its toll on the blond-haired man. His sleep was haunted by dreams, both torturously good ones and occasional nightmares. He wasn’t eating well…a fact that caught everyone’s attention, since Bo had always been known to have a big appetite! His asthma, which had all but disappeared again over the summer, had started to make its presence known as late fall came to Hazzard. Bo often woke from his dreams wheezing and coughing; fumbling on his bedside table for his inhaler. He was constantly on edge…afraid Luke would find out his secret love for Meghan…afraid he would slip up and reveal his feelings to Meghan, herself. He had to get away, to put some distance between them…if he didn’t, he would go crazy!

*************************************************************

The fall harvesting was over and the year’s crops had done well. The Duke family celebrated a wonderful Thanksgiving with their close friends and had much to be thankful for. The family was, however, worried about Bo. He looked awful and seemed to be lost in his own thoughts most of the time. Bo endured everyone’s fussing and encouragement to eat more and spent his time trying to convince them that he was fine, “just a little under the weather”. Cooter had joined the Dukes and Meghan for the holiday meal and was present for the celebration that followed. Luke had finally gotten up enough courage and asked Meghan to marry him. Much to everyone’s surprise, Luke rose from the dinner table, knelt on one knee in front of Meghan and proposed in front of everyone! Through tears and laughter, Meghan said “yes” and the entire room erupted in congratulations, hugs and sounds of delight. Daisy called everyone she could think of and soon an impromptu engagement party was taking place! The only person who seemed a bit subdued, was Bo. He was, in a way, truly happy for them and was the first to envelope Luke in a bear-hug of congratulations. He warmly hugged Meghan and welcomed her to the family. It was the hardest thing he had ever done. He wanted her to be part of the family, yes…but as his wife, not Luke’s. He wanted to yell in outrage and pain. He wanted to grab Meghan and run to the General to get as far away from Luke and Hazzard County as they could get. He wanted to break down and cry like a baby, but he kept a smile on his face for Luke and the rest of the family’s benefit. As soon as he could, without seeming too rude, Bo pulled on his coat and snuck away from the party…his excuse was that he had eaten too much and now felt bad. He spent the rest of the evening in the hayloft, drinking beer and deciding where he would go as soon as the year was over. He would go north, maybe North Carolina or somewhere else where there were big racetracks. Bo knew his best chance at a decent job would be something related to cars or driving; maybe he could even get back into NASCAR, if he was lucky. Racing without Luke would be hard…they had always worked as a team…but, he would do it if he had to. After all, Luke would be starting a new life of his own…with his new wife. Bo shook his head in disbelief as he thought. The Duke boys are finally growing up! “Heaven help us all!” he said, out loud, before he drained his can of beer and settled back into a bale of hay, tightening his arms around himself against the cold of the late November night.

Bo’s night in the frigid hayloft had left him with a very bad cold and some stiff muscles. The younger Duke slowly made his way into the farmhouse; coughing and sniffing the entire way. He skipped breakfast and went straight to bed, where he planned to stay for most of the day. Bo avoided most of the questioning from Luke and Cooter, who had stayed the night, (Daisy and Jesse pretty much knew why he had been hiding out) by saying he had not felt well and just fell asleep in the barn by accident. Luke seemed to accept Bo’s answer easily. He had noticed that Bo had not looked well yesterday and maybe the excitement of the party had been too much for him. Luke had planned to spend the next few days with his cousin since Meghan was working the next seven days straight. He wanted Bo to be his best man and needed help in getting things organized for the upcoming wedding and he just wanted some extra time with his best friend before he and Meghan started their life together. He and Meghan had decided to marry on New Year’s Eve; neither of them wanted to prolong things much longer! Luke smiled at that thought as he helped Daisy wash up the morning’s breakfast dishes. He and Daisy could hear Bo coughing from down the hall. Daisy looked at Luke, her brow creased with worry. She sometimes still felt the need to worry and fuss over Bo even though he had been healthy as a horse since he was fifteen. After all…this had been a pretty rough year for him…

“Luke, Bo doesn’t sound too good. I’m gonna go check on him.” she said as she dried her hands with a dishtowel and turned to leave the kitchen.

“Now wait a minute, Daisy. Bo probably just has a bad cold from being in that loft all night. He needs to get warm and get some rest; and he can’t get any rest if you wake him up and pester him. If he needs something, he’ll let us know. Besides, I’ll be in and out today and I can check on him. You get on to work and tell everyone at the Boar’s Nest about my weddin’!” Luke said with a wink and a grin as he popped his dishtowel at his cousin.

“All right, Romeo! You call me at work if you need anything. Uncle Jesse’s gone to Aunt Lavinia’s for a couple of weeks to help her with some business and to visit some of the cousins so try not to make too big of a mess while he’s gone, OK?” Daisy said quickly as she grabbed her coat and purse, gave Luke a peck on the cheek and headed for the door.

The next few days went on as usual for the three Duke cousins. Jesse’s nightly phone calls let them know that he was well and enjoying his visit with Lavinia. Daisy had her chores and her work at the Boar’s Nest. Bo and Luke had their chores and the plans for Luke’s wedding to occupy them…that is, when they weren’t being chased by Roscoe and Enos for one thing or another. However, things were far from being well for the youngest Duke. Bo’s cold was not leaving him; in fact, it was becoming alarmingly worse. He tried to hide his symptoms from Daisy and Luke…they would only worry and he would get a long lecture about sleeping in the hayloft, and frankly, he didn’t want to hear it! Bo had been taking some cold medicine and had decided to go see Doc if he wasn’t any better by the next day.

Luke had asked Bo to go with him to pick up his and Meghan’s marriage license. The boys were driving to town, the sound of General’s engine roaring through the cold December air, and enjoying the slow pace of the day. They were talking of Luke’s upcoming trip to Tennessee with Meghan to visit her family at Christmas. Luke also told Bo of his plans to get a job in Capital City and move into Meghan’s apartment until they could get a new place. Silence eventually overtook the two cousins, since Bo did not feel like keeping up his usually endless supply of chatter. Bo sat, leaning against the door, with his eyes half closed. Luke noticed that his cousin seemed quieter than normal and looked ill. Luke thought, “Bo must be sick, he asked me to drive and he’s been quiet for ten minutes!”

“Hey, Cousin, you OK?” Luke asked.

“Yeah…,” Bo started to say, but Luke looked sideways at him as if to say he didn’t believe him, “…Well, not really. I guess I’ve still got a little bit of that cold.”

“Well, that’s what you get for sleeping in the barn in November…” Luke started to say.

“Luke, I know it’s my own dang fault! I don’t feel like hearing a lecture, all right? Let’s just get into town and do our business so we can get home.” Bo snapped.

“OK, OK! Don’t get your feathers up. Jeesh, you’re as testy as a wet hen!” Luke replied.

“I’m sorry, Luke; but I really don’t feel good. I just want to get home and go back to bed.” Bo said, miserably. The younger man immediately went into a coughing fit.

Luke looked at his cousin with concern. Bo seemed really sick. His face was flushed and he sounded as if he were coughing up a lung! The dark haired man pulled the General into a 180, taking them back toward the farm.

“What are you doing?” Bo managed to say between coughs.

“I’m taking you home and then I’m calling Doc.”
“Luke, you need to get that marriage license today. Let’s just go on and get it. It won’t take long, and then I’ll let you call Doc.” Bo replied and jerked the keys out of the ignition.

Luke glared at his cousin as the car rolled to a stop.
“If you felt this bad…why didn’t you just stay home? I could’ve done it by myself.”

“Because you asked me to go with you…that’s why. I’m your best man and I’m supposed to help you with stuff like this. I wouldn’t leave you to do it all by yourself. Besides…” Bo said sheepishly, “I didn’t feel this bad when we left. So let’s get goin’, cousin! We’ve got things to do before I keel over.” Bo said with a slight chuckle as he tossed the keys to Luke.

Luke shook his head. He would never understand his younger cousin. Luke realized then how much he would miss being around Bo all the time; but…Capital City wasn’t that far from Hazzard and he could still see Bo and the others at least a few times a week, he hoped. Luke headed the General toward Hazzard and they sped off.

by: TNRiverRat

Chapter 11

After dinner, the four Dukes went their separate ways. Jesse had decided to go to bed early and Daisy was in the kitchen washing the dinner dishes. She smiled as she remembered the evening’s events. She thought dinner had turned out pretty well. She had been worried about how Bo would react, especially after his drunken arrival at the farm earlier; but, her younger cousin had behaved admirably. She was proud of him; she knew how hard it must have been for him. She honestly didn’t know her excitable, at times over-emotional ‘baby brother’ could be that strong. It was obvious to her that Bo still felt very strongly about Meghan; but he managed to hold back enough to keep Luke from catching on. Daisy grinned as she remembered that she had to poke Bo in the side a few times to keep him from staring too long at the pretty, petite brunette. He somehow managed to act like he had never even been passed-out drunk just a few hours ago! He smiled, laughed, and talked like nothing had ever bothered him. She shook her head. Maybe Bo had a career in acting waiting for him! Daisy’s thoughts moved to her older cousin. Luke was definitely head over heels about this girl. She had never seen him this much in love. Meghan seemed to care for Luke just as much…and she was such a nice, likable girl. She would fit it with the rest of the family so well; but something about her bothered Daisy. Daisy thought she had noticed Meghan looking at Bo with the same look of longing that Bo had for her. Could it be possible that Meghan had feelings for Bo as well? Could she be in love with both him and Luke? Daisy felt a chill run up her spine. She couldn’t really blame the girl if she was…either of her cousins would be ideal catches…but she prayed that was not the case.

After dinner, Bo had gone out into the yard with Cooter to look at a problem with Jesse’s truck. Luke had left to take Meghan home and would probably been gone for a while. Cooter quickly determined the problem and said that he would order the needed parts the next day. The mechanic studied his young friend for a few minutes as he wiped his hands.

“Hey, buddy…what’s on your mind? You ain’t been acting like yourself lately,” Cooter asked.

“Aw, nothing much…just some personal stuff. I think I’m about over it now…or will be pretty soon.” Bo said; hands shoved into his pockets, not looking at his friend.

Cooter adjusted his cap and studied Bo. The young man nervously kicked at a clump of grass in the barnyard and looked like he did not want to talk. He had watched Bo grow up and considered him, as well as Luke, as a brother. Therefore, Bo’s strange behavior lately had bothered him just as much as it had the Dukes. “You know you can talk to me if you need to, Bo. I just don’t want to make a habit of draggin’ your drunk butt home; and I sure don’t want to get a call to pull the General out of a ditch or off a tree because you decided to drive when you shouldn’t.” Cooter looked out from under his cap brim with serious eyes.

“Thanks a lot for bringing me home, Cooter. I don’t know what I was thinkin’. I guess Luke was right…I wasn’t thinking at all.” Bo said with a grim chuckle. “I just had some things going on that I didn’t know how I was going to deal with…so I guess I thought I could deal with them better if I was drunk and didn’t know what was happening. But, don’t worry…I talked to Jesse and he sorta put things straight for me. I’ll be all right.” Bo stuck out his hand to his friend. Cooter grasped it and pulled the younger man into a quick, brotherly hug. Bo grinned and slapped Cooter on the back as they parted.

“I sure hope so, Buddyro. Jesse’s always been able to straighten you and Luke out. I’m ready to see you kickin’ it up again! It’s been getting kinda dull around town without you chasin’ women and causing trouble!” Cooter joked and aimed a mock-punch at Bo’s shoulder before he turned to climb into his tow truck.

“Thanks again, Coot. Let us know when those parts come in.” Bo waved good-bye to his friend and walked to the porch of the old farmhouse.

He didn’t know how he did it, but Bo had managed to keep his true feelings hidden and not make a total fool of himself. He shook his head and laughed as he sat down on the glider. When he had shaken Meghan’s hand tonight he had to forcibly stop himself from taking her in his arms and kissing her, holding her delicate frame to his and making her forget that Luke Duke even existed! Every little movement she made caught his attention. He knew he would have bruises on his side from Daisy poking him, but he just couldn’t help staring! Bo remembered nearly every word his sweet little Meggie had said during dinner. She had told them that she was from a very small town in Tennessee and that her dream had always been to be a nurse. She was a country girl… raised near the Tennessee River, she had been the only person in her family to go to college, she had one older brother and her parents still lived in her quiet little home-town. She hated being so short, she loved music, played the piano and she was a “bookworm”. Bo nearly groaned with longing when she told Jesse she drove a white ’79 Camero, loved fast cars and football (thanks to her older brother), and she really liked to cook on her days off! The more she spoke, the more Bo knew that he would happily spend his life with this woman if she would have him!

Bo swayed slowly in the old glider and softly smiled to himself as he remembered her explanation for how she had ended up in Capital City. Daisy had asked her why she chose to come there as opposed to someplace bigger or more exciting. Meghan replied that, in order to help pay for her student loans, she had signed up with an agency that sent nurses where they were needed the most.
She said, “I thought I would get to go someplace exotic or exciting, but I got sent to Tri-County General instead! It was just as well, though; a country girl like me probably couldn’t handle anything more exotic than north Georgia! Besides…I wouldn’t have gotten to meet all of ya’ll if I had been sent somewhere else.” Bo recalled the tender look she had given Luke after saying that and the quick, gentle kiss Luke had given her in return. His heart clenched at the memory. He felt ashamed when he remembered the jealousy that had surged through him and that he had to restrain himself from reaching across the table to push Luke away from her!

Bo also recalled the flame he had felt run through him whenever he and Meghan caught each other’s eyes or briefly touched. He had seen something there, in those emerald eyes, that had given him hope; she seemed to have felt something too, he was sure of it! Bo then thought of Luke’s gentleness toward this woman. Luke was truly in love with her…and she seemed to return that love. ‘They don’t need me screwing up something that could be good for both of them. Even if there was as chance that she did feel something for me, I can’t justify hurting Luke like that just to make myself happy,’ Bo thought. He knew what he would have to do. The only way he could get Meghan off his mind would be to leave. He couldn’t stay around, constantly seeing her and listening to her voice; he would eventually mess up and his true feeling would be found out…then all hell would break loose!
‘Now…to keep things under control until I can figure out where I’m going and what I’m going to do once I get there! Daisy and Jesse might understand…I hope so; but how in the world will I explain it to Luke?’ He thought as he rubbed his still-aching head and stared out across the yard. The blond-haired Duke sat on the rusty, old glider for several hours; listening to the sounds of the Georgia summer night, lost in his thoughts and dreams of what couldn’t be.

Meghan and Luke had spent a couple of hours just driving around and sitting out by Hazzard Pond; talking and cuddling. He had dropped her off at her apartment after a lengthy and very enjoyable good-bye. Once alone, Meghan began to process the events of the night. She immediately started getting ready for bed; she needed all the rest she could get because she had to work the next several days. As she puttered around her apartment, getting ready to turn in, she realized that she had really enjoyed herself tonight. The Duke family and their friend, Cooter, had reminded her of her own family and the farm seemed so much like home! They had all talked and laughed with ease and she looked forward to seeing more of them; as she was sure she would, since she and Luke had decided to get more serious! Luke was wonderful…she could definitely see herself with him for the long haul! They suited each other well. Daisy seemed like she would be a real good friend, even like the sister she had never had. Luke’s uncle reminded her of her own grandfather so much it was scary and Bo…well, Bo was a different story. There would be no way on earth she could ever feel only brotherly feelings toward Bo Duke! Her cheeks flushed when she remembered her reaction to Luke’s younger cousin. She knew she had probably acted like an idiot! When he touched her…it was all she could do to keep from leaning toward him and kissing him! His smile and sparkling eyes melted all her resolve to ignore him. How was it possible to ignore 6 feet, 3 inches of blond gorgeousness? He had talked often during dinner, but she barely heard him. She had to remind herself to stop staring at his kissable mouth when he spoke! ‘He must think I’m so rude! I barely made eye-contact with him!’ she thought, changing into the tank-top and boxers she slept in. She admitted to herself that she was afraid to meet his eyes. The feelings she had felt the few times they did overwhelmed her. Her mind reeled as she remembered holding that midnight-blue gaze with her own…was what she thought she saw in his eyes really there? Did he feel the same way? Did he also feel that she was the missing part of his soul…like he was to her? As irrational as it sounded, she realized, tonight, that was exactly how she felt about Bo Duke. They just had a connection…or at least she felt they did…that she and Luke, as much as she loved him, didn’t have. ‘Great! That would be my luck…finally find a wonderful man who loves me and who I love in return and the “man of my dreams” turns out to be his cousin and he might possibly have feelings for me, too!’ Meghan thought as she frustratedly brushed out her hair before going to bed. ‘I just have to be stronger. I can’t let these crazy feelings for Bo ruin my relationship with Luke.’
She climbed into bed and turned out the bedside lamp. The petite brunette tossed and turned for a while before finally falling asleep. Her dreams started out being about a quiet, gentle man with dark, wavy hair, crystal blue eyes, and work-hardened muscles she could feel underneath the white T-shirt he had worn tonight; but they eventually turned to a tall blond with midnight eyes and a soft, brilliant smile, wearing a red T-shirt over sun-bronzed skin that her hands itched to touch.

Luke pulled the General into the yard, parking next to Daisy’s jeep. He climbed out of the window, whistling softly as he did. He bounded up the porch steps and was almost through the door when he noticed his cousin, Bo, quietly sitting on the glider.
“Hey, Bo. I thought you’d be in bed by now…nursin’ that headache.” Luke said with humor.

“Oh, hey, Luke. Just thinkin’.” Bo said quietly.

“Alright, Cousin, what’s goin’ on?” Luke said. He motioned to Bo with his hand and said, “Scoot over.”
Bo scooted over on the glider and Luke sat down next to him. Bo noticed that Luke had gone into his “father/big brother” mode and he grinned, slightly.

“Talk to me, Bo. Something’s bothering you again. What is it? You’ve always told me before,” he paused. “Have I done something to make you not trust me anymore?” Luke said with concern and a hint of nervousness in his voice.

“No, Luke, I still trust you. That’s not it. I…I just…I just thought I’d try to handle this on my own; you know, finally be grown up and deal with my problems by myself. It’s something personal, Luke. I hope you understand and I didn’t mean to worry you,” Bo’s voice trailed off as he tried to express his thoughts. “I’m awful sorry about today, too. I didn’t really mean to get that drunk…it just happened.” Bo shrugged his shoulders and hoped his cousin would accept his explanation and apology.

Luke seemed almost at a loss for words. He took a deep breath and turned to reply to his cousin.
“I guess I understand…and I was more scared about what coulda happened to you than I was mad at you for gettin’ drunk. I’m sorry, too, for all that stuff I said…I didn’t mean it. I just wish you’d have talked to somebody before you got to feelin’ that bad.” Luke ran his hands through his wavy hair. He was silent for a few minutes; then he looked at his cousin, studying the younger man intently, and spoke…seemingly at a loss for what to say. “It’s just…well…Bo…I’ve just been so used to you comin’ to me with every little thing since you were old enough to talk. You’ve always come to me to help you or to give you advice…I guess I sorta miss it. I’m not used to you being all grown-up and having secrets.” Luke admitted with a slight smile and wink as he reached out to ruffle his cousin’s hair.

Bo submitted to the gesture…something Luke had been doing to him since they were small. When they were children, Bo dee always let on that he hated it, but in truth, it always reminded him of their closeness and shared childhood. He scowled and smoothed his hair; gave Luke a sideways grin and said, “Oh, brother…between you, Daisy, and Jesse, you’d think I was still ten years old!”

“Well, you are the baby of the family…and always will be, Little Cuz!” Luke said as he dodged a light punch from his cousin.

“Cute, Lukas…real cute!” Bo said, after he had tried to hit his cousin’s arm.

“Changing the subject,” Luke said, as he rubbed his hands together, “what did you think of Meghan?”

Bo’s expression quickly became thoughtful, his eyes distant. “She’s a wonderful woman, Luke. You’re a lucky man to find someone like her. You two seem to really be suited for each other.” Bo said honestly.

“Thanks, Bo. I really do like her…I love her. I could see myself settling down with her.” Luke chuckled, “Can you believe it? I’m actually thinking seriously about settling down with one woman!”

“That’s great, Luke. I’m happy for you. You deserve a good woman like her and she needs someone like you, too. I hope everything works out for the two of you.” Bo said, putting a hand on Luke’s shoulder. He was barely able to suppress his emotions. He told his cousin the truth, meaning every word, while hiding his own breaking heart.

Luke noticed the seriousness in Bo’s eyes and voice. He was unused to his younger cousin acting in such a manner. He also noticed that Bo’s eyes seemed a little too bright. Were there tears in his eyes…nah, it was just a reflection from the porch light…wasn’t it?
“Bo…that really means a lot to me. Thanks. You’re a good friend.”
Luke put an arm around his cousin and drew him into a hug. Bo squeezed his older cousin tightly. He wanted to cry…about Meghan, about hiding this secret from Luke and about his choice to leave…but he steeled himself against the feeling. The two cousins soon got up and went into the house, both tired from the eventful day and evening. Later, as the blond Duke lay in his bed, he allowed his pent-up tears to freely and silently slide down his face. His mind had decided what his heart could not. He would definitely leave the farm to ensure Luke’s happiness with Meghan…even if it meant sentencing himself to a lifetime of misery without her or the closeness of his family.

by: TNRiverRat

Chapter 10

Bo had spent the last hour trying to sober up and explain his drunken state to an irate Jesse and a worried Daisy. His uncle and cousin were obviously disappointed in him and he apologized profusely. He could also tell that they were very concerned about him…which only made him feel worse! Daisy had forced a couple of cups of coffee down him and then ushered him off to the shower; complaining that he smelled like one of the dumpsters at the Boar’s Nest. Bo sniffed at his blue T-shirt and agreed with her. He took a long, hot shower and began to get ready for the night’s company.

The shower had helped some, but Bo still felt awful. He had a raging headache! The young man had barely managed to pull on a clean pair of blue-jeans and was gingerly toweling his wet hair when a knock sounded on the bedroom door.

“Come in,” Bo said as he grabbed a red T-shirt from the dresser and pulled it over his head.

Jesse came into the room. He looked around, realizing he had not really been in the boys’ room many times since they had grown-up. He walked up to his nephew, who was tucking his T-shirt into his jeans.

“Bo, son…you want to talk about what’s been botherin’ you?” he said as he laid a hand on the young man’s damp, wavy hair.

Bo didn’t look at his uncle. “No…I …I’ll be fine, Uncle Jesse. I’ve just been acting like a danged fool…as usual.” Bo sat down on the end of his bed and looked up at his uncle with a small, sad, lop-sided smile. His big dark-blue eyes were full of remorse and shame from his earlier behavior… and something else Jesse couldn’t quite identify.

Jesse smiled at Bo. “Be strong, boy,” he said as he sat down next to his nephew. He grabbed Bo’s knee and gave it a squeeze, right in a spot where he knew Bo was ticklish. Bo jumped and grinned a little.

“I know you think you love this girl…but you really don’t even know her.” Jesse said, quietly.

Bo started to protest, but Jesse held up a hand to stop him.
“Listen to me, son. Your cousin really seems to be struck on this girl and she must care for him or she wouldn’t be comin’ out here tonight to see all of us. You need to decide what’s more important to you…pining over this girl and possibly wrecking your friendship with Luke or getting’ over her and movin’ on and keeping your best friend. Luke misses you, Bo. He knows you’re keeping something from him and it hurts him that you don’t trust him enough to tell him.” Jesse allowed Bo some time to soak in his words.

Bo hung his head and looked at the floor. He started to speak in a voice so soft Jesse could barely hear him at first.
“I know, Uncle Jesse. I don’t want to mess things up any more than I already have. I don’t want to hurt Luke…and if he really loves Meghan and she loves him, then I’m happy for them. I want to tell him, but you know Luke…he wouldn’t exactly be happy to hear that I’m in love with his girlfriend! He’d probably kick my teeth in…especially after today.”
Bo sighed and looked at his uncle. “I’ll try my best. I’ll move on…but I can’t promise that I’ll forget her.”

Jesse patted Bo’s back. “Your best is all you can do, Bo. I can’t expect you to do anything more. If you truly love Meghan, you’ll never forget her…but I hope for your sake and for Luke’s that you can find someone else that you are free to love and will love you.”

Bo snorted and gave his uncle a disbelieving look.

“She’s out there, Bo…you just be patient…and if by some chance Meghan is the ‘one’ for you…it’ll happen in it’s own time…most likely when you least expect it. We just have to trust that a higher power is in charge and things will work out better for all of us if we remember that.”

“Uncle Jesse, you sure know how to put things into perspective,” Bo said as he reached over to hug his uncle.

Jesse grinned. “Well…I do have the benefit of age and experience.” He laid a weathered hand on his nephew’s shoulder. “I just pray that you and Luke won’t let this come between you. You kids are so close…when I’m gone all you’ll have is each other and I don’t want to see anything damage that closeness.” Jesse’s voice grew thick with emotion and he cleared his throat. The old man put his hands on the knees of his faded overalls and pushed himself to his feet. “Well, enough of this mush. I need to make sure dinner is ready and you need to finish getting dressed. Luke and Meghan should be here soon.” He took in Bo’s indifferent expression. “Things will work out, Bo…you’ll see,” he said.

Bo looked at his uncle and smiled.
“Thanks, Uncle Jesse. Now…I just hope I can make it through dinner without A) throwing up again, B) making a fool of myself, C) Luke finding some reason to kill me, or D) all of the above.” Bo ticked each of his options off on his fingers as he spoke. He stood up slowly, holding his head as he did so. “I know one thing…I hate that whiskey Boss sells. It gives me a headache.” Bo rubbed the back of his neck and looked sideways at Jesse.

Jesse laughed. “Any of it will give you a headache if you drink too much of it! Your best bet is to stay away from it,” he said as he left the bedroom.

Bo grabbed his belt from the bed and began to thread it through the loops of his jeans. He was surprised by his uncle’s sudden reappearance. Jesse stuck his head around the doorframe. “Boy…I don’t care how old you are now…if I ever…ever hear of you gettin’ drunk and tryin’ to drive again…I’ll whip the hide off you.” Jesse raised an eyebrow and pointed a finger at his nephew, “I mean it young’un.”

“Yessir.” Bo replied and nodded solemnly. He grinned as his uncle winked and shut the door.

The blond-haired Duke finished getting ready as quickly as his protesting head would let him and he joined his uncle and Daisy in the living room just as Luke and Meghan pulled into the drive, soon followed by Cooter’s truck. Bo saw how happy his cousin and Meghan looked together as they walked onto the porch. His heart sank, but he was also glad that they had found each other; he couldn’t think of anyone better for either one of them. Bo could see that Luke truly loved Meghan; his older cousin had a soft, gentle look on his face he had never seen before. Bo then looked at the object of his affection. He felt a powerful surge of emotions…his adorable little angel looked so beautiful! The dress she wore suited her perfectly. Her golden skin looked so soft. Her rich brown hair hung loose around her shoulders. She wore just enough make-up to accent her features, not cover them up as some women did. Her soft, green eyes were as beautiful as he remembered. Her full-lipped mouth, that dimpled smile, that voice…all as captivating as the first time he saw her. Even her feet in the delicate sandals she wore looked lovely! He was fascinated by the red nail-polish on her toenails…that simple thing just drove him wild! Bo realized this night was going to be harder on him than he had at first thought. At least maybe with Cooter and Daisy being there, he could keep his mind from wandering where it didn’t belong. He had to believe Jesse’s words: There would be someone for him and him alone. He just had to be patient. He vowed he would get through this night and he would get over Meghan Riley. He had to.

by: TNRiverRat

Chapter 9

At exactly 5:25, Luke pulled into the driveway of Cherokee Hills Apartments. He guided the General into a tight parking space in front of the building Meghan lived in and shut off the engine. The dark-haired man sat in the car for a few minutes and took a deep breath to calm his nerves. He had decided to tell Meghan, tonight, exactly how much he cared for her and he was scared that he would either say something wrong or cause her to run. Luke quirked a slight grin, slapped his hands on the steering wheel and said, “Here goes nothing.” He climbed out of the car and noticed that he was being watched. Meghan had come out onto her patio when she heard the distinctive sound of the General’s engine and she had been watching Luke’s hesitant exit from the car with some amusement. Luke looked up to see his girlfriend leaning over the railing of her second-floor apartment’s patio. He waved and flashed a wide smile before he sauntered across the walkway leading to the stairs.

Meghan returned the smile and wave and waited for him. She watched as he walked down the path and shook her head in amazement. He looked so good in the white T-shirt and black jeans he was wearing! Every time she saw him she still couldn’t believe that this gorgeous, sweet man was interested in her! He was such a gentleman; never pushing her farther than she was ready to go. That was good, because she still didn’t really know deep into this relationship she wanted to get. Meghan stopped her train of thought abruptly. She heard Luke approaching the top of the stairs and she smoothed the blue and white sundress she was wearing, hoping she looked presentable.

“Hey, Sweetheart. You look great.” Luke said as he reached to hug his girlfriend.

“Hey, yourself, Good-Lookin’. I though you were going to stay in that car all evening!” Meghan said jokingly. She walked into his embrace and gave him a quick peck on the cheek.

Luke pouted, “Is that all I get?”
Before Meghan could reply, he pulled her close and bent his head to hers for what he determined to be a proper kiss.

When the kiss broke, Meghan smiled and giggled. “I could get used to those, you know!” she said, looking up into Luke’s sparkling blue eyes.

“I hope so,” Luke said as he wiggled his eyebrows and smoothed her soft, brown hair. He liked it when she wore her hair down, as she had it now. “You ready to go meet my family? It shouldn’t be too bad since you’ve seen them all before already. Uncle Jesse and Daisy are really lookin’ forward to seeing you again. Bo too, I guess…he’s been acting sorta odd lately, so don’t be offended if he doesn’t act too friendly.”

Meghan smiled and listened to Luke’s explanation. “Of course I’m ready. I’ve been wanting to see them all again for so long. I hope they like me as your girlfriend and not just as a nurse!” She didn’t let on that she was actually scared to death!

Luke smiled and held out his arm to Meghan. She wrapped her arm around his elbow. “They’ll love you. Don’t fret”, he said and winked as he escorted her down the stairs.

When they reached the General, Meghan noticed a problem. Her short stature combined with the dress she was wearing made it almost impossible to climb into the car window with any semblance of grace.

She looked at Luke, batted her eyelashes and pretended to wave an imaginary fan. “Well, kind Sir, I find myself in need of some assistance”, she drawled in her best imitation of a Southern Belle.
Luke took her hand, kissed it and bowed, gallantly, before her. “At your service, Ma’am,” he said in return. The dark-haired man lifted Meghan as if she weighed no more than a feather and helped her into the car. He noted to himself that he would like to see her wearing dresses more often if it meant getting to help her in and out of the car. Luke climbed into his window and started the car.

Meghan said, “Thank ya so much. I do declare that you are the very heart of chivalry, Mr. Duke,” continuing with her Southern Belle routine.

Luke looked at her with smiling eyes. He tilted her chin up with one finger and briefly kissed her lips before replying, “Always happy to oblige, Miss Meghan. Now let’s roll.” Luke put the orange muscle car in gear and spun tires as they left the parking lot. He didn’t have to worry about scaring Meghan with his fast driving; he had already found out that she liked fast cars and was a little bit of a wild driver herself! The sound of Meghan’s laughter filled the air as they headed toward the Duke farm.

Meghan and Luke rode in comfortable ease; occasionally talking about random things or singing along to the radio. Luke had a wonderful singing voice and she loved adding harmony along with him, but mostly she just liked listening to him sing alone. The closer they got to Hazzard, however, the more nervous Meghan became. Luke had often talked about his family and she felt she knew them all very well, already, and she wanted to make a good impression. Yes, she was anxious to see how the Duke family thought of her now that she was dating Luke; but the primary reason for her nervousness was Bo Duke. Try as she may, she had not been able to get the tall blond out of her head! She was ashamed to admit that she had been thinking and dreaming about him ever since they met at the hospital, April. Even though he was sick with his asthma and upset about his uncle, she had felt a very strong attraction to him; not just physical, but something deeper. She couldn’t explain it. Those brief feelings she felt when barely touching Bo or when she looked into his wonderfully expressive blue eyes were, she hated to say, deeper than anything she had felt with Luke. She even longed for Luke to talk about his cousin. Sometimes she purposefully turned the conversation so Luke would have to mention things about Bo. Meghan longed to get to know this person that Luke seemed to care so much about; the carefree, lovable, impulsive young man that he considered to be his younger brother.
‘This is crazy! He has absolutely no interest in you and you don’t even know him! Get him out your head, Meggie. He probably has so many girls hanging off him that he wouldn’t even give you the time of day! Besides…you are dating Luke. He is the one who is paying attention to you. He’s the one who cares about you and wants to be with you, not Bo.’ she chastised herself.

Luke noticed Meghan’s prolonged silence. “You OK, hon?”

Meghan turned to look at Luke and smiled. She scooted closer to him on the seat and he put his arm around her. “I’m just fine, now.” she said with a soft, happy sigh. Luke chuckled and dropped a soft kiss on the top of her head.

“Seriously, Meghan…are you OK? You seemed to zone out for a while.” Luke said with concern.

“I’m fine, Luke. I’m just a little tired. Those double shifts I worked at the beginning of the week are starting to catch up with me…that’s all.” It wasn’t a total lie; she was tired from working extra at the hospital due to short staff. She snuggled into Luke’s side and vowed that no matter what it took, she would get Bo Duke out of her head. She cared about Luke more and more every day. The petite brunette knew that it would hurt Luke if he ever found out that she had feelings, however irrational, for his cousin and she did not want to hurt Luke in any way. This man sitting next to her was too special to lose. He deserved her undivided attention and damned if she wasn’t going to try to provide him with that!

Luke tightened his arm around the woman beside him. She grew more beautiful every time he saw her. The simple sundress she wore accented her figure perfectly without being revealing. She wasn’t the kind of girl to dress in revealing clothes anyway and he was glad. He didn’t want guys to look at her like they looked at Daisy when she had to wear those skimpy outfits at work. He grinned, thinking that his feisty little Meghan could probably take care of herself in such situations, just like Daisy; but he didn’t want her to have to. He wanted to take care of her. He thought to himself, “It’s now or never…”

“Meghan…I want to tell you something.”

“What’s on your mind?” She sat up straighter and looked at Luke.

Luke kept his eyes on the road and took a deep breath.
“Meghan…I’m not really good at lettin’ my feelings show and I’m even worse at talkin’ about them. I really like you. I enjoy being with you more than I have any other woman I’ve known. I usually don’t open myself up to anybody. I don’t get attached to people very easily…but I could get attached to you real quick, Meghan! I guess what I’m tryin’ to say is that…I think…I think I’m falling in love with you.” Luke finished in a rush. He looked scared and surprised that he had actually said what he had. “Uh…we can take things slow…not rush things, you know. I’m still getting used to the idea of a steady relationship! But if it’s OK with you, I’d like us to get more serious…taking it slow, of course.” Luke said in a soft, hopeful voice.

Upon hearing Luke’s words, Meghan’s heart had melted. Just last night, she had dreamed of hearing those words. But instead of Luke, her dream had conjured up Bo and she heard his gentle voice say them and she had been looking into dark-blue eyes; not the clear, crystal-blue eyes she was looking into now. She pushed the thoughts of Bo from her mind. Luke had just told her he loved her…in a round about way! She cared about Luke so much and realized that she loved him, too. She ran a hand through Luke’s dark, wavy hair. He turned away from the road briefly, and caught her soft-green gaze with his own. She smiled widely at him, her dimples deepening. “It’s perfectly fine with me, Luke. Slow is good…I’m still getting used to the idea of a steady relationship, myself…and…I think love you, too. You’re something special, Luke Duke.” she said as she leaned over to kiss his lips.

Luke grinned like a fool. He pulled her closer with one arm as he drove with the other. “And you, Meghan Riley, are too cute for words.” he said as he returned the kiss.

Luke turned off the main road and pointed the General down the gravel road leading to the Duke property.

“We’re almost there.” Luke said with excitement shining in his eyes.

Moments later, the General Lee pulled into the yard of the Duke farm and came to a stop in front of the old white house.

by: TNRiverRat

Chapter 8
Two months later, mid-July…

The summer had been going pretty well for the Dukes. Jesse was almost fully recovered and taking over most of his old chores. Bo seemed to be getting back to his usual self except when a certain young lady was mentioned. Daisy tried her best to keep the relationship between her cousins from becoming damaged by running interference when Luke questioned Bo’s strange behavior too much. The boys had, for the most part, returned to their old routine. They worked on the farm together and hung out together, as usual. They were even being chased by the law more now that Jesse had recovered. Things were starting to get back to normal in Hazzard.

To Luke Duke things were better than normal! The normally reserved Luke was walking on air! He whistled as he unloaded feed sacks from the bed of the truck. The hot Georgia sun was shining and the work was almost done for the day. All was right in his world. His family was pretty much back to normal…well, normal except for Bo; his youngest cousin was still acting odd. Bo had started to become quiet again and had been sneaking off by himself lately. Luke, however, decided to just leave well enough alone. Bo would come around…eventually; besides, he had better things to occupy his mind with! The dark-haired Duke had been steadily dating a wonderful girl who he really liked and who seemed to like him just as much! And Boss and Rosco were hatching their schemes to frame him and Bo, as usual…which provided for endless hours of entertainment!

Luke and Meghan’s first date had gone so well that they had decided to start seeing each other on a regular basis. In fact, it seemed the only times they were not together or talking on the phone was when Meghan was at work or they were sleeping! Luke was very proud of his girlfriend and encouraged her work. He didn’t mind dating a woman who made more money or had more education than him; but he was still old fashioned about most of the relationship! Luke liked Meghan so much that he actually considered telling her that he loved her…at least he thought he loved her. He didn’t know for sure if it was actually love that he felt but he knew he felt stronger about her than any other woman he had ever dated.

Luke finished unloading the truck and wiped his hands on his jeans before slamming the tail-gate shut. He was happy and looking forward to dinner. He had finally decided to bring Meghan to the farm tonight. He was actually a bit surprised that Daisy, Jesse, and Bo hadn’t been pestering him to meet her long before now. In fact, now that he thought about it, Bo really hadn’t asked much about Meghan at all. Usually, the talkative blond would tease him and want to know everything about any girl Luke dated…even down to her favorite color and how she kissed! He noticed that Bo always listened intently whenever he talked about Meghan but never asked any questions. Luke had also noticed that Bo always seemed to find something to do in another room or outside whenever Meghan was on the phone…actually, Bo rarely even answered the phone anymore, saying “Luke, it’s probably for you” and handing the receiver over. The more he thought about it, the more Luke realized how uncharacteristically Bo was acting. How have I kept from noticing before now? Wonder what’s eatin’ him? Maybe he thinks I’m neglecting him since I’m spending so much time with Meghan now. I’ll try to make it up to him by doing more things with him. Maybe he’ll want to come with me and Meghan to do some stuff…double date or something.

Luke felt some better after he had determined a possible cause for Bo’s strange behavior. He smiled as he heard the sound of pots and pans clanging in the kitchen. Daisy and Jesse were fussing over the house and the cooking…even though he knew Meghan wouldn’t care. Daisy seemed to be so excited to meet Meghan that she had swapped shifts with another waitress at the Boar’s Nest just so she would be able to stay home tonight! He didn’t know where Bo was…something that was unusual and becoming disturbingly more frequent…but he hoped his cousin wouldn’t be late for dinner. Luke had started to go into the house to get ready to go get Meghan when Cooter Davenport’s tow truck rattled into the yard…towing the General behind.

Luke hollered a greeting to his friend and walked over to see what the problem was. The General didn’t look like he’d been wrecked.

“Hey, Coot. What’s wrong with the General?” Luke questioned as he began to unhook the orange stock-car.

“Well, Buddyro…the General Lee is as right as rain. At least he is now. He could’ve ended up wrapped around a tree if I hadn’t got to him in time.” Cooter looked serious and a bit concerned as he walked around to the passenger side of the truck.

“Huh? What’s the problem, then?” Luke asked, a frown creasing his face.

“This.” Cooter said simply as he opened the passenger side door of the old tow-truck.

Inside was Bo Duke; sprawled across the seat, passed out and dead to the world!

“What the…?” Luke said in shock. “What happened? Is he hurt?” Luke struggled to get his limber-limbed cousin out of the truck and onto the ground.

“He’s alright Luke…just stinkin’ drunk is all. He could’ve been a lot worse. I drove up to the Boar’s Nest just as ol’ Bo here was staggering out to get into the General. Luckily, I talked him into lettin’ me drive him home…otherwise he would’ve been behind the wheel when he passed out about ten minutes ago.”
Luke was open-mouthed with shock. His cousin had never liked getting drunk. In fact, he could count the times Bo had been this drunk on one hand and have fingers left over. Luke leaned over the young man on the ground and got a strong whiff of alcohol.

“Whew! You were right when you said he was stinkin’ drunk! That’s not beer either. He’s been drinking whiskey…and the cheap, nasty kind at that! What’s goin’ on Cooter? Bo never drinks that stuff! He usually only has three or four beers at the most! Besides, it’s only 4:00…way too early for him to even be thinking about getting wasted.” Luke was frustrated and looked to his old friend for some answers.

“I don’t know Luke. I just don’t know. Gary, that new bartender at the Boar’s Nest, said Bo’s been in a lot lately. Sometimes he drinks, sometimes he doesn’t…but either way, Gary said he just sits at the bar by himself and doesn’t talk to anyone. Today he said Bo came in around noon and seemed determined to get good and sloshed before he left. Something’s going on, Lukas…Bo’s just not the same ol’ boy he used to be! I for one wish he’d get over this problem…I miss him.” Cooter let out a deep breath and looked sadly at his young friend.

“Me too, Cooter. Come on and help me get him into the barn. I need to try to sober him up some before Jesse sees him. Hey, do you want to have dinner over here tonight? We’ll have plenty and it’ll give you a chance to meet my girlfriend.”

“Oh, the girlfriend who you talk about all the time. Let’s see…what is her name? …Maggie or Margaret or Meghan or something like that?” Cooter teased.

“Yeah, OK, maybe I do talk about her a little bit.” Luke grinned, sheepishly.

Cooter rolled his eyes. He and Luke picked Bo up and easily carried him into the barn. Luke went to fill a bucket with cold water from the pump next to the battered, old water trough.

“I guess I can come for dinner. I need to go do a quick tow job and clean up a little first, though. Wouldn’t want to scare your girl away!” Cooter pushed his greasy cap up and scratched his head. He leaned against the doorway of the old barn and eyed the bucket Luke was filling. “Uh, whatcha fixin’ to do, Luke?”

“You’ll see.” Luke finished filling the bucket and walked over to the empty stall where his cousin lay, softly snoring.

“Ya know, Cooter…I can’t say I won’t enjoy this! Bo sure won’t…but then he shouldn’t have been out acting like an idiot.” He swirled the bucket and took aim. He glanced at Cooter as if daring his friend to stop him.

Cooter made a face and readjusted his cap. “I don’t blame ya, Luke. But, dang, that’s gonna be one heck of a wake up call!” he said, cringing slightly.

Luke quirked a slightly wicked grin and proceeded to dump the entire contents of the water bucket on his inebriated cousin’s head.

Bo was having the strangest dream about him and Luke being chased by Roscoe, who was riding a green tricycle and somehow keeping up with them better than usual…, when all of a sudden …“SPLASH”!
He gasped and sputtered. He was drowning! He flailed about on the floor of the stall until he got his eyes opened completely and could see where he was. He saw that he was in the barn and he had no idea how he got there. He dimly registered that there was a great deal of laughter going on somewhere near him; but he couldn’t see what the hell was so funny at the moment. His head was about to fall off his shoulders, so he held it on with one hand while he used the other to prop himself up into a sitting position. Bo noticed, through his swirling vision, that it was his cousin and Cooter who were laughing hysterically, especially Luke. It figures! Luke had all the fun lately. Bo felt terrible. His stomach began to roll like one of the rides at the county fair and he knew he was going to be sick. He managed to grab hold of the wall and pulled himself to his wobbly feet; still holding his head with one hand! He staggered a few steps to the nearest garbage barrel, leaned over it, and threw up his toes…again….and again!

Cooter quickly decided it was time for him to go do that tow job. “I’ll leave Bo in your capable hands and I’ll see ya’ll later for dinner.”

“Bye, Cooter. Thanks for bringing him home. Now I just have to sober his butt up before tonight. I’d hate for Meghan to see him like this. It’s bad enough for Jesse and Daisy to see him drunk…” Luke stopped talking and shook his head. He was disgusted and more than a trifle irritated at his younger cousin.

“Well, don’t be too hard on him. There’s got to be some reason behind this, ya know. Bo never has made a habit of getting wasted like that. I’ll see ya’ll later.” Cooter started up his truck and backed out of the driveway.

Luke went to check on Bo. His blond cousin was leaning over the garbage barrel and was pale-faced and sweaty. His deep-blue eyes were slightly unfocused and glassy and he smelled like cheap whiskey and smoke. Luke bit back several angry comments and instead decided to help his cousin. Bo had managed to remove his yellow shirt that had become quite dirty and he stood there; dizzy and leaning against the barn wall. Luke yanked the shirt from his cousin’s hand and walked outside without saying a word. He wet a portion of the garment at the pump and returned to the barn where he wiped his younger cousin’s face with it. Bo gratefully accepted his cousin’s help. He tried to walk but he kept stumbling over his own feet. Luke helped him, although none too gently, walk outside to the water trough. Bo leaned over the body of water and dunked himself, with help and much enthusiasm from Luke, several times. Vomiting up the alcohol and the repeated dousings had helped Bo to sober up some. Luke could tell that Bo was becoming more coherent and he turned to go into the house before he said something he might regret later.

Bo knew Luke was angry with him and he couldn’t blame him. Bo hated whiskey and he hated being drunk. He felt ashamed of what he had done…but, at the time, he hadn’t seen any other way to deaden his pain. The very thought of having to sit calmly at the dinner table while the love of his life sat next to his cousin tonight was killing him.

“Luke, wait.” Bo said hoarsely.

“What.” Luke replied in a strained voice; his rising anger barely suppressed.

“Thanks for helpin’ me. I know you woulda rather beat my head in instead…like I deserve.”

Luke couldn’t hold it in any longer. He quickly walked right up to Bo and grabbed the young man’s wet T-shirt with both hands. Luke got close to Bo’s face and spoke menacingly.
“Damn right you deserve a beatin’! What were you thinking, Bo Duke? Wait…what am I saying…I forgot who I’m talkin’ to. You have to have a brain to think…and it’s obvious you don’t have one because you weren’t thinking at all! Otherwise you wouldn’t have been out drinkin’ that kerosene Boss passes off for whiskey in the middle of the afternoon! Of all the hare-brained…Bo you could’ve killed yourself or somebody else if you had driven that car!” Luke’s voice had risen in volume and he shook Bo hard; water slinging from the younger man’s dripping hair. Bo winced as his head pounded in protest to the sudden movement.

“I thought you might get a little more sense as you got older…but I can see that ain’t gonna happen. Bo…you are the biggest idiot in Hazzard and today’s little stunt only proves my point! Now…I’m gonna go clean up so I can pick up Meghan. When we get back, I either want to see you cleaned-up, sober, and on your best behavior or I don’t want to see you at all. Do you hear me, Bo! You are not gonna embarrass me or the rest of this family in front of my girlfriend.”
Luke released his cousin’s shirt and glared at Bo; his piercing-blue gaze had turned icy.

Bo simply nodded and slowly sat down under the tree next to the trough. He watched his older cousin stalk off toward the house; anger apparent in Luke’s every movement. Luke’s harsh words had penetrated Bo’s alcohol induced haze. The comments had hurt Bo, deeply; but the young man felt he had deserved Luke’s anger. He had been an idiot. Bo knew he had messed up royally…now how in the world was he going to keep things from getting worse?

Luke soon emerged from the house and the General’s back tires were slinging gravel across the yard as he left the farm headed toward Meghan’s apartment in Capital City. He had not spoken to Jesse or Daisy about Bo. They had asked about what had happened outside, but he told Jesse to ask “that fool outside”. As he drove, Luke’s anger gradually lessened and worry took its place. The thought of his cousin nearly driving while drunk had scared him so badly that he just wanted to wring Bo’s neck! What was wrong with his “little brother”? Cooter was right. Something was definitely up with Bo. The only other times Bo had ever gotten drunk were when something was really bothering him…something he didn’t think he could talk about. ‘What was so bad that he couldn’t tell me?’ he thought. Luke actually felt a little bit hurt. He thought he and Bo had gotten back to a point where they could confide in each other again…but apparently Bo had a problem that he couldn’t trust him with. He continued on his way, deeply lost in thought.