by: JessiMae Duke and Amanda Robson

“Dang Sterling! You bump into that ladder one more
time I’m gonna come down there an…..” Jeffrey Duke
grumbled to his grey mare from his precarious perch
atop a steel runged ladder. The horse whinnied loudly
and bumped her rear against the base of the ladder.
“ACK!! STER—-” Jeff cried as the ladder swung out
from under him. His blue eyes widened and he lunged
back at the roof, grabbing a strand of the Christmas lights he been
stringing up. As the ladder fell, Jeff’s buckskin boot
tangled in the lights and he flopped over, upside
down. He was sure that he was gonna slam head first
into the dirt below, until his boot caught, dangling
him upside down at the side of the house.

Jessi Mae Duke was in the house cleaning and getting
ready for them to put the Christmas tree up when they
got it. Her blue eyes were sparkling as she moved
through the house. She loved the Christmas season and
loved decorating even more and she was more happy this
year now that she was married to Jeff and had a little
one on the way. “Deck the halls with boughs of
holly….” She started singing.

Jeff’s arms hung down , his fingers scraping the
ground below. Change clinked and clattered as it fell
from his pockets. His keys and cell phone thudded to
the ground beneath him. Sterling came over to her
owner, looking just as innocent as she could.
“Sterling…you are a royal pain in mah ass.” Jeff
muttered looking up into her face. Sterling pawed at
the ground and started nibbling at Jeff’s jeans
pocket, sniffing out a piece of candy. “STERLING!!!!”
Jeff growled loudly, trying to push the horse away
with his hands.

Jessi continued singing to herself as she worked
until she realized that some of the wreaths and things
were out in the barn so she grabbed her jacket and
slipped into it and stepped out the door still
singing.

“Damned horse!” Jeff cried, although he couldn’t help
from laughing, it tickled. “Stop it!! Sterling!” Jeff
swung from the roof, swatting at his horse, who now
moved away so he couldn’t use her for any chance of
getting down. The young Duke’s blue eyes widened when
he saw his wife. “Jess!! Jessi!! Git over here!!”
Jessi looked up and her eyes widened in surprise. She
moved over to him and stared at him wide eyed.
“Goodness Jeff. What happened?” She asked, trying hard
to keep a smile from crossing her face but found it
extremely hard to do.

“What happened? That damn horse was being a pest!!”
Jeff cried, waving his arms frantically in the
direction of his horse, who stood out of reach,
looking smug. “Get me down.” Jeff pleaded, looking at
Jess’ upside down form. “Please.”

Jessi smiled and nodded. “Of course. I’ll be right
back.” She said, walking into the house and grabbing
her camera before going back out and stopped in front
of Jeff snapping his picture. “There. That’s better.”
She said and walked over to Sterling and grabbed the
mare’s halter leading her over to where Jeff was
hanging upside down.

He knew it was useless, his picture was going to be
taken. Jeff was in no position to fight it. He raised
both eyebrows on his face and shook his head, “No..get
her away from me….I’m mad at her. You hear that
horse? I’m not happy with you!” Jeff cried, his face
growing redder as the blood rushed to his head. He
felt lightheaded and knew he couldn’t hang much
longer.

Jessi sighed and turned back leading Sterling back to
the barn and a moment later returned leading Glory.
The tall Thoroughbred nickered and pranced eagerly
stopping when Jessi brought him near Jeff. After a few
minutes of struggling and sqruiming Jeff was finally
free. He left the ladder an lights half finished, not
in the mood to continue. The horses were returned to
their stall and Jeff now sat inside on the couch. He
ran his hand down the length of his face and sighed
loudly, “Let’s go git the tree….maybe that’ll go
better.”

Jessi smiled slightly and plopped down next to him
taking his face in her hands. “Are you sure you’re
okay Jeff?” She asked gently, unsure as to how long
he’d hung out there before she’d gone outside. A
silent nod was all the reply Jeff gave before leaning
his face into Jessi’s hands to kiss her forehead.
“I’ll be alright. C’mon…let’s go get us a tree!” He
smiled and got up from the couch, pulling Jess by the
hand towards the front door. Jessi laughed and
followed Jeff to the door still wearing her jacket
since she had been more concerned about Jeff. She
couldn’t wait to get out there and get a tree.

Jeff flung a chopped tree into the back of his old
pickup truck, a wide grin on his face. “It’s perfect.”
He said, brushing his shirt off and laying one arm
over Jessi’s shoulders, “Just like you.” Jessi
blushed and leaned over kissing him on the cheek.
“Thank you. But I’m far from perfect.” She said, with
a soft smile, her eyes dancing happily. “Close
though.” Jeff replied and grinned down at Jess from
his towering height of six foot five. He gave her a
playful pat on the rear as he pulled the door open for
her and helped her in. He rushed to his side of the
truck and started the old vehicle up after a few turns
of the key. Jessi smiled and slid into the middle
fastening her seatbelt and then rested her head on
Jeff’s shoulder, allowing herself to relax. Sleep,
Jeff thought, that’s what he really wanted at that
moment as he sat in the truck, plugging along the
backroads of Hazzard.

And he nearly did, until a loud thud snapped him back
to reality. “What was that?” He cried and the truck
skidded across the loose gravel to a stop. Jessi’s
eyes snapped open and she sat up fast unfastening her
seatbelt and threw the truck door open, jumping out
before the truck came to a complete stop.

When she saw what the noise had been she couldn’t
help it. She started laughing. “What’s so fun–
Oh….” Jeff asked, doubling over as chuckles rolled
out from deep in his chest. Their Christmas tree lay
in the middle of the road about fifty yards back down
the road.

He shook his head and pressed his hand to his
forehead, “Forgot to close the tailgate.” He muttered.
Jessi smiled and walked over to Jeff and wrapped her
arms around his neck. “It’s okay.” She said softly.
Jeff sighed and nodded, resting his hands on Jessi’s
hips, “Yeah, you’re right. No harm done.” Jeff
replied, getting upset was useless, and besides, it
was kind of funny. Funny, ok it was hilarious and Jeff
couldn’t stop from laughing at himself for being so
incompentant. Jessi smiled and shook her head. “Let’s
get the tree back on the truck and get it home so we
can get some sleep.” She said, her eyes sparkling
mischeviously.

The young Duke boy raised a curious eyebrow at the
playfulness in his wife’s eyes. But he nodded quickly
and retrieved the tree. This time he made absolute
sure to close the tailgate, Jeff even took the time to
lock it, which he never did. After a few attempts the
old truck roared back to life and they were on their
way home. Jessi smiled to herself and rested her head
back on Jeff’s shoulder again, her mind racing a
million miles a minute as she thought about things
that she had to do to get ready for Christmas and what
she’d promised to do to help out at the orphanage.They
had both offered to help out with the orphanage’s
christmas party, and it was sure to be a smash.

Ain’t that just like them Dukes…always helping out
at the ol orphanage!

The next morning when Jeff awoke the sun streamed in
through the window of their bedroom. That day was
shopping day, Jeff hated shopping. ‘I’d rather chew
nails.’ He once told Jessi when she asked him. He
always went for her sake regardless, but he simply
couldn’t stand it.

“What exactly do we need to pick up anyways?” Jeff
asked curiously as he dried his dark hair with a towel
after his shower. He paused and tossed the towel
towards the laundry basket, it missed and fell on the
floor. A sigh came from the Duke as he picked the
towel back up and carried to the basket this time. “I
still need to pick up my costume from town, although I
don’t really get why ya picked me for this job Jess.”
Jessi smiled at Jeff her blue eyes twinkling. “Why?
I’ll tell ya why. Cause I think you’re gonna look so
cute dressed up as Santa and besides you get to see me
in my elf costume.” She teased, pointing a finger into
his chest as she walked by him.

“Cute? I dun wanna look cute Jess! And Santa ain’t
cute.” Jeff replied, watching as she walked past him.
A slow grin crept over his face and he teased, “It’s
cause ya think I’m fat ain’t it? It’s this big ol beer
belly of mine!” Jeff chuckled and rubbed his hand over
his flat abdomen, no real beer belly in sight. Jessi
laughed and swung back around to face him. “No I don’t
think you’re fat. But if you’re a real good boy you
may find a lil something extra in your stocking this
year.” She teased her eyes sparkling mischeviously as
she once again moved away. “Hmm…sounds
interstin’….”Jeff started, “Jess ya know I’m just a
good ol boy..makin’ my way the only way I know how.”
His handsome face brightened in a silly looking grin.

After dressing and pulling his boots on with a groan
and the creak of the leather Jeff looked back up at
Jessi, “Let’s get this dang shopping over
with….Please.” Jessi smiled. “Awww…poor baby.” She
teased as she headed out the door to her car fully
intent on driving. She was in high spirits that day
and she was determined nothing was going to spoil it
for her. Not even Jeff and his whining about shopping.
Before Jess could even think about climbing into her
car, Jeff slid across the hood on a denim covered hip
and hopped in through the window, “If you’re makin’ me
shop…it’s only fair I drive!” He cried as he made
his smooth slide.

Jessi sighed and shook her head sliding in through
the passenger side window. “I ain’t making you do
nothin’ Jeff. Isn’t that what you told me once? That I
couldn’t make you do anything?” She asked, crossing
her arms over her chest and raising an eyebrow. Jeff
turned in his seat to face his wife, confusion written
in his face, “I didn’t mean anything by it….I was
teasing.” He softened his expression and took a hold
of Jessi’s hands, using them to pull her closer, “I
didn’t mean to upset you.” Jessi sighed and pulled her
hands away and quickly moved away sliding back out the
window and running into the house.

Jessi smiled and nodded returning the kiss. “Okay.”
She smirked and held up the keys to her car that she’d
snatched. “I’m ready.” She teased and ran out the door
and down the steps out into the yard.

The young Duke boy gave a sigh before jogging out of
the farm house after his wife. And plucked the keys
out of her hand as he raced past her and slid in the
car. “Rosco’s gonna be out in full force today, he’s
being a regular Scrooge, no christmas spirit at all.”
Jeff had explained when he saw the look Jess had given
him. “I don’t want you to get no ticket.” He added and
pulled away from the house, a cloud of dust and light
snow flying up behing the tires.

Jessi shrugged. “He’d give you a ticket before he
gave me one, He loves me cause I take Flash doggy num
nums.” She teased, her eyes sparkling as she looked
out the window at the passing scenery. “Doggy num
nums.” Jeff mumbled and rolled his blue eyes.

They had gotten about half way into Hazzard before
Jeff heard the familiar droning, whinning of the
sheriff’s sirens, “Dangit!” He cried, slapping one
hand against the steering wheel. “I knew it…I knew
Rosco’d be after me.” Jeff turned to look at his wife
briefly and asked, “Jess…how do I get in these
messes all the time??” Jessi smiled gently at Jeff,
though she was beginning to get frustrated at Rosco.
“Cause you’re a Duke. I thought you knew all that by
now.” She said, as she quickly glanced behind them.
“I know, I know…but I don’t see that
havin…any…reason to being in….oh never mind.”
Jeff muttered, cranking the wheel back and forth
around the sharp curves of the mountianous road.

He tired everything he could think of, he tired
outdrivin’ him, out smarting him. None of it worked.
Rosco was sticking to Jeff like a flea to a hound dog.
Jessi groaned and sighed. She didn’t want to get in an
accident but she didn’t want to see Jeff arrested
either and she had a bad feeling about it. “Jeff pull
over.” She finally said, knowing they really had no
other choice.

He couldn’t believe it, Jeff was going to be caught
by Rosco Coltrane. “Damn.” Was all he could let out in
an exasperated breath as he hit the brakes. A sudden
jolt throwing the young couple forward slightly in
their seats as Rosco’s patrol car smashed into the
back of theirs. “Dangit Rosco!” Jeff cried as he
pulled himself from the window and sat there, leaning
over the roof of the car.

Jessi groaned and slide out the window and sat
staring back at Rosco as he got out of his patrol car
and made his way towards them, her eyes were starting
to darken and they only got that way when she got mad.
“Okay Rosco. Why are you stopping us? We weren’t
speeding.” She said.

“You’re brake light’s busted.” Rosco explained, a
smug grin on his face. “It is not!” Jeff cried in
protest, swinging his long legs out from the window,
dropping his feet to the lightly snow-covered ground.
The sheriff’s eyes widened at Jeff’s movement, and he
drew his pearl handled revolver from his holster,
“Freeze it right there!!! Jus freeeeeeze!!” Rosco
cried. “Now, ya got a busted tail light, and too many
other tickets…Im gonna hafta take ya in Jeff.” ”
Rosco…the tail light is busted cause you smashed
into it!”

Jessi groaned and swung herself out the window and
dropped to the ground moving to stand between the
Sheriff and Jeff, her eyes sparkling angrily. “Dangit
Rosco I know for a fact my tail light was not busted
when we left home and it wasn’t busted till you just
hit us.” She snapped, her eyes narrowed

“I hit you cause your brake lights was busted an I
couldn’t see ya stop!” Rosco retorted, with a smirk on
his face. “No matter, “He shrugged, “I’m still takin’
ya in, get outta the way Jesse Mae.” He motioned for
her to move with the barrel of his gun and stepped
towards Jeff, reaching for his hand cuffs.

Jessi held her ground her expression growing darker
by the minute but then a thought went through her mind
and she nodded to herself and with an apologetic look
at Jeff slowly moved out of Rosco’s way. ‘What is she
doin?’ Jeff thought to himself, glancing over his
shoulder helplessly as Rosco slapped his cold steel
handcuffs on his wrists. “Say buh bye to Jessi.” Rosco
chimed happily as he pulled Jeffrey along, stuffing
him in the back of his patrol car. Jeff looked out
the window sidelong at Jessi as her form grew smaller.
He let out a sigh and asked, “Sheriff…ain’t you got
any christmas spirit?” ” Bahh Humbug!” Rosco replied.

Jessi growled under her breath so angry she couldn’t
see straight then grinned an idea suddenly coming to
mind. “If I remember I got an old black hooded cloak
in my trunk…..I’m gonna give Boss an’ Rosco the
scare of their lives.” She giggled as she moved to the
trunk and opened it, taking it out and slipping it
over her head, pulling the hood over her blond hair,
pulling her hair into a loose bun before doing so.
Then she put the car in gear and headed for Hazzard.

~*~*~Several Hours Later~*~*~

“G’night…sleep tight….don’t let the bed bugs
bite!” Rosco chimed, echoed by a few loud woofs from
Flash. He shut the door the Jeff’s cell with that
satisfying clang that he could never get enough of,
especially when there was an angry Duke staring out at
him. “Night Scrooge.” Jeff replied cooly and plopped
down on the old cot. “Jit! Ya got a nasty mouth on ya
Duke boy!” The sheriff cried as he trudged up the old
stairs to the booking room, Flash nipping at his
heels.

“I’ll show you nasty Rosco.” Jeff muttered as he lay
down for sleep he knew he needed and would not find.
“She better have a good plan….” He yawned, drifting
off to a restless sleep.

Jessi smirked and parked her car in the alley not far
from the jail and slid out the window running towards
the door. She tried opening the door but found it
locked but that wasn’t stopping her. She reached into
her pocket and pulled out a credit card and blocked
what she was doing with her body. “And they thought it
only works in the movies.” She muttered as the door
opened and she slipped inside the darkened booking
room and smirked when she saw Rosco snoring.

“Rosco Peee Coltrane.” She said in a soft eerie
voice, making sure her face was completely hidden from
view. “Whazzat?!!? Who’s there??” Rosco snorted,
grumpy and still half asleep as he sat up in his
office chair. His blue eyes scanned the booking room,
“Who ish that?” He grunted, eyes narrowed in the
darkness.

Jessi smiled to herself. “I’m the ghost of Christmas
Future Rosco and your future ain’t lookin’ none too
bright.” She said in a soft eerie voice, her face and
body hidden by the long dark cloak. “Ghost! Jit!
Flash? Did you hear that?!” Rosco cried loudly,
startling his poor dog. Flash leapt off Rosco’s lap
and onto the floor, her claws clicking against the
floor.” Gah! Jit!! Ack!!” Rosco put his hand over his
chest, Flash startling him even more. “Who’s a ghost?”
Jessi moved forward so Rosco could see her dark
cloaked figure. “You’re always after them Dukes and
putting one in jail on Christmas. They ain’t never
done nothin’ to you. Your future looks very dim.” She
continued. “M-mm-my future?” Rosco’s face paled and
he hunted around for Flash, “But what about my shweet
lil darlin’? She needsh her daddy!” Jessi almost
laughed at that but bit her tongue.

“Well ya see that’s all up to you. Maybe if you turn
over a new leaf and start by letting that Duke boy
outta jail you’re future just may become brighter.”
She said. “Gyuck! Jit!! Knee! Jefffffff??? Let him
out??” Rosco asked, glancing towards the stairway to
the jail. “B-bb–but he’sh a Duke…. I can’t let
him… Boss’d tan mah hide!!” Rosco cried, although he
didn’t like the sounds of a dim future, he didn’t want
to let Jeff out for fear of what Boss might do.

Jessi’s eyes darkened angrily and she was glad Rosco
couldn’t see her face. “Well then I guess ya better
find someone to look out for your sweet lil darlin’.”
She said, her voice hardening, then she almost smiled.
“And start makin’ out your will. This hit Rosco hard,
his will? He knew he was gettin’ old, but he figured
he had a few good years before he had to start
thinking about making out a will. “I’ll let him out!!!
I’ll let him out! Jus so long assshh you promisshe to
let me shtay with Flash a lil longer on thish good
earth!!!” Rosco pleaded with the “ghost”, dropping
down to his knees. Jessi nodded and had to bite her
lip really hard to keep from laughing at seeing Rosco
on his knees begging. “All right. I promise. Now let
him out.” She demanded.

Rosco nodded quickly and scrambled to his feet,
tripping over his desk as he reached to flip the lamp
on. “Ack! Jit!” He stumbled around in the dark a few
minutes, deciding to forget the lights and headed
straight for the stairs. Jeff’s eyes snapped open when
he heard the sound of the Sherrif tumbling down the
stairs, “OOOOOO THAT”S SMARTSH!!” Rosco cried. Rosco
lay crumpled up at the base of the stairs a few
minutes before he managed to find his way back to his
feet.

Jessi slipped back out the door deciding that she
really shouldn’t be in sight when Rosco made it back
up the steps. She leaned against the wall outside the
door waiting for Jeff and keeping an eye out just in
case someone showed up.

“Rosco? You awright?” Jeff asked curiously as he
rubbed the sleep from his eyes. “Jit…. gyuck.. I’m
jus fine!” Rosco snapped. Jeff moved over to the bars
of the cell, watching as the Sheriff dug through his
pockets from his keys. “I’ve had a change’a
heart….since it’s Chrishtmash…you can go home.
Thish one time.” Rosco explained as he unlocked the
cell door. Jeff stared through the wide open door at
Rosco for a minute in disbelief. “Ok…I’ll go, before
ya change yer mind or somethin'” Jeff said plainly,
making his way past the shaken law man. He took a
glance behind him, was he dreamin? Nah, guess not. He
thought to himself and shrugged mentally as he pushed
the front door of the Sheriff’s station open. A blast
of cool air hit him in the face and he turned away.
“Brrrr….”

Jessi smiled when she saw Jeff and was happy to see
that Rosco had stayed true to his word and let her
husband out. She moved forward and grabbed Jeff’s arm.
“Keep moving.” She hissed, glancing quickly over her
shoulder at the police station hopping Rosco didn’t
come out to see if Jeff left or something. “Jess?
Isat you?” Jeff asked, still groggy from his rude
awakening. He let her lead him along, a wide yawn on
his mouth before he figured out what was goin on, sort
of. “Where ya takin’ me Jess?” Jessi smiled and shook
her head. “Now who said I’m Jessi?” She asked softly,
leading him across the street to the alley where she’d
hidden her car. She was getting a kick outta this. And
scarin’ ole Rosco had just been the toppin’ on the
cake.

Jeff squinted his eyes, but he could only see an
non-descript black figure leading him towards a dark
alley way. He had been sure it was his wife, maybe he
was still dreaming. Jeff shook his head and leaned
closer to the figure, letting his nose do the work. He
closed his eyes and took a sniff. “MMmmm… I say
you’re Jess, cause ya smell like her!” Jessi smiled
and pulled him to a stop next to her car pulling her
keys out of the pocket of her cloak and went to the
trunk opening it up and then pulled the cloak off and
tossed it inside and grabbed her jacket and pulled it
back on slamming the trunk. “Okay if ya say it’s me
then it’s me. Now let’s just get outta here before
Rosco decides to make sure you left or something.

All he could do was grin, his head tilted to the side
as he watched Jessi. Jeff laughed and gave his wife a
breif hug before sliding in the window. “I wonder
what, or WHO persuaded Rosco to have a change of
heart…..” Jeff pondered, as if he was clueless.
Jessi laughed and smiled at her husband. “Well let’s
just say Rosco got a little visitor from the future
that showed him the error of his ways. At least for
awhile.” She said as she slid in through the window
and started the engine and put the car in gear heading
out or Hazzard.

~*~*~* Christmas Day*~*~*~

“Merry Christmas! And I hear you wanted a pony for
christmas Sara… well ponies just don’t fit in
Santa’s sleigh. So, I had to bring a puppy instead. I
hope that’s ok?” Jeff asked a small girl who sat on
his red velvet covered knee. Her eyes lit up brighter
than the lights in the tree next to them and she gave
Santa a big hug. “Thank you Santa!!” She cried,
jumping down from his knee to retrieve her present
from Santa’s elf. Jessi smiled softly and handed the
little girl her puppy. She straightened up and sent a
dazzling smile at Jeff before turning to the next
child in line and smiled kindly, her blue eyes
sparkling happily. She was enjoying this immensely.
She loved kids and she was even happier she was having
one of her own.

“Ho ho ho ho!!!” Jeff cried loudly, grinning widely
as the children laughed and giggled with his every
move. Hie deep blue eyes widened when he saw his
parents approach, his youngest brother Wiley-John in
his father’s arms. “C’mon Luke, Wiley wants to sit on
Santa’s knee.” Anna coaxed, smiling at her husband and
back at Santa. The blue eyes of father and son locked,
is this a good idea, they both seemed to question.
“Santa!! Santa!!!!” Wiley cried, squirming around in
Luke’s arms. ” Awright awright!” Luke cried, “You can
go see Santa.” Wiley bounced around on his older
brother’s, whom he thought was Santa, knee. “Hold
still there lil…Wiley.” Jeff smiled.

Wiley’s eyes were sparkling happily as he looked up
at Santa. He big blue eyes looking into a familar
matching pair. If possible, Wiley’s eyes widened and
he reached his small hug up and tugged at Santa’s
beard. “Jeffie!!!!!” He cried, his smile brightening
to see his brother. Luke and Jeff both let out a sigh
of relief, that could have gone much worse. But it was
really no surprise, Wiley was a very smart two year
old, after all he’s Luke Duke’s son. He knew Santa
couldn’t be everywhere, and his brother must be
helping him out. Jeff smiled down at his brother and
mussed his dark hair up with his hand. Jeff looked up
at his wife, watching his little elf. Soon they’d have
their own little one, very soon. Jessi smiled down at
Jeff and Wiley her bright blue eyes shining with happy
tears as she rested a hand over her stomach feeling
the baby kick. She didn’t think she could ever be so
happy as she was at that very moment except when she
actually gave birth to their lil one.

“Where’s Santa’s gift?” Jeff asked, a devilish smirk
on his face. Wiley looked up at his brother and up at
his mom, “Up! Up!!” He cried. Anna scooped her
youngest son up and rested him on her hip. “Thanks
mom.” Jeff said softly as he stood up, free of
childern on his knees, for now. He stepped over to
Jessi and wrapped his arms around her. “Merry
Christmas Jess!” He cried and dipped her down low,
grinning a silly sideways grin before her gave her a
deep, warm kiss. “Mmm… I love you.” He whispered and
stood her back up, resting his forehead against hers.
Jessi smiled warmly her eyes shining with love as she
wrapped her arms around Jeff’s neck. “Merry Christmas
Jeff and I love you too.” She said softly her eyes
soft and warm.

“WOO HOOO!!!!” “GO SANTA!!” Cheers and whoops came
from some of the older boys at the orphange. Jeff’s
face reddened slightly as he turned to look at the
boys. He waved a hand in their direction and turned
back to his wife shouting, “Merry Christmas to
Ya’ll!!!! And to ya’ll a good night!!”

~~~~~MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW
YEAR!!!!!~~~~~