Soft giggles could be heard through out the house when Lizzy opened the door after her trip to town. “Hush girls or your mom will hear.” A male voice floated from the back bedroom.
“Daddy, Mommy’s gone to town.” The oldest girl answered.
Lizzy smiled at the thought of what they could be doing but knew this was probably why they had sent her town so she wouldn’t find out. She decided it would be best if she sat down on the couch and listened. “So this one is from whom again?” The man asked.
“From me Daddy.” The oldest girl spoke again.
“From me?” The man teased.
“No, me Daddy.”
“You?”
“Yes me.”
“And this one?” So that’s what they were doing, wrapping Christmas presents. They had wrapped the girls’ presents the night before but she knew it would be just like him to wait till the last minute to wrap her’s.
“From me Daddy.” The younger girl answered this time barely managing to keep her voice down.
“Her?” He was no doubt referring to their older girl, Kelly, again.
“No Daddy.”
“Me?”
“Daddy.” The girl whined.
“Want a little cheese with that whine?” The man’s voice was now clearly recognizable as her husband, Bo Duke.
“I’m sorry Daddy.” No doubt 4-year-old Sarah’s big brown eyes were giving her father the patented puppy dog pout that got her just about anything.
“It’s alright so this one’s from my little angel?” Bo replied. Sarah would probably nod causing Bo to move on. “And this one?”
“From you.” Both girls squealed. By the squeals you probably wouldn’t able to tell Kelly was eight.
“You two?” Bo asked only Lizzy could tell that he was holding in his laughter.
“No, from you Daddy.” Kelly said in her most no-nonsense voice.
“Kelly, Sarah.” Lizzy called.
“Go on before your Mom comes in here looking for you two and ruins the surprise.” Bo says. Suddenly there was the patter of footsteps and then the couch sank on both sides.
“Mommy!” The girls chorused. Lizzy could see it in their eyes but anticipated it.
“Careful girls you wouldn’t want to hurt Mommy or the new baby do you?” Lizzy asked placing her hands protectively over her stomach.
“Sorry Mommy.” The girls said. “Sorry baby sister.” They continued speaking to her overly large stomach.
“Be gentle and give Mommy a hug.” Lizzy said. Both girls were gentle as they did what she asked.
A bit later Bo had the Mouse packed and ready to go to his Uncle’s farm with the only thing missing being his wife. “Lizzy let’s go.” He called.
“I’m coming just give me a minute.” She called back slowly walking out of the house and down to the car. “I feel like a beached whale.”
“But you look as gorgeous as you ever did.”
“Doesn’t mean I’m not fat.” Lizzy pouted.
“You’re nine months pregnant with my third child, you’re not fat. Now come on we promised them we’d be there before supper.”
“I’m sorry Bo.”
“Don’t worry about it. You’re allowed to be crabby.” Bo said. Lizzy got into the car as Bo slid behind the wheel. “You’re beautiful pregnant or not. No matter what you look like you will always be the girl I feel in love with and married.”
“I know it’s Christmas Eve but you don’t have to get all sentimental.”
“I just want you to know I love you.”
“Love you too.” Lizzy said stretching over to kiss Bo on the cheek.
“Ewww.” The girls cried.
“You won’t say that soon enough.” Lizzy responded smiling at her angels.
Soon they made it to the Duke farm. When Bo shut off the engine Cooter was there opening Lizzy’s door and holding out a hand for her. “Grandpa.” The girls cried from the backseat. Cooter helped Lizzy from the car then turned to the backseat.
“And how are my angels?” Cooter asked releasing Sarah’s seatbelt. The girls climbed out of the backseat and hugged their grandfather before racing up the stairs to the front door. “Everyone else is here already and Daisy says the turkey is almost done. We were just waiting on you to get here.”
The Dukes went inside and joined the rest of the growing family. Luke had finally settled down with a sweet redhead named Tina and had four rambunctious little boys ranging from three to 12. Daisy had also gotten over her fright of marriage and settled down with Enos and had a five year old little boy named Trent who they spoiled with the most love they could give him. So far Kelly and Sarah were the only girls in the family. Luke and Tina had been trying hard for a little girl but it hadn’t happen. Uncle Jesse came in out of the kitchen just in time to see the four youngest boys spot Lizzy.
“Aunt Lizzy.” They shouted running to hug her.
“Easy boys.” Uncle Jesse called. The boys slowed and Lizzy knelt down to hug them softly.
“You don’t want to hurt your Aunt or your baby cousin do you?” Bo asked. The boys shook their heads.
“Let’s see here, there’s my little Mattie, you must be what 8?” Lizzy asked hugging him.
“Nine Aunt Lizzy.” Mattie answered.
“And of course sweet Dan, you’re five right?” Lizzy asked. Dan nodded receiving his hug. “Trent, my sweet five year old as well.” Lizzy said hugging him as well.
“Aunty Lizzy.” Trent whined. With a stern look from Lizzy, Trent smiled.
“And of course my little Joey.” Lizzy said taking three year old Joey into her arms. He and Sarah shared the only blonde hair of the kids. Everyone else had either dark brown or red hair. “Now where is the one that’s missing?” Lizzy muttered to herself slowly rising.
“Hey Lizzy.” Enos said.
“Hey Enos, Daisy.” Lizzy said placing a hand protectively over her stomach and one on the small of her back. “I can not wait for the next two weeks to be over.”
“Here have a seat.” Enos says standing up from his middle cushion on the couch.
“Thank you.” Lizzy said sitting and looking at the four boys. “Boys, say hello to your cousins.” Four heads turned in unison to Bo’s legs where the two girls were hiding.
“Hi girls.” The boys chorused. Lizzy looked around and finally spotted the missing cousin. Luke’s oldest boy Jesse Franklin, named after his great uncle and Tina’s grandfather, was playing his game boy next to her.
“Jess, put down the game boy and say hello to your Aunt and Uncle.” Luke scolded.
“They’re my second cousins Dad not my Aunt and Uncle.” Jess answered.
“Jesse, I will only count to three…”
“Leave him alone Luke, he’s got a point.” Lizzy answered.
“Don’t like family gatherings?” Bo asked. Jess just grunted. That’s when Kelly came over. It seemed that instead of hanging around with Mattie who was closer to her own age she liked to be with Jess. Jess wasn’t too happy about it.
“What ya doing?” Kelly asked.
“Playing a game now leave me alone.” Jess snapped. Luke pulled the game boy out of Jess’s hands and glared.
“Don’t snap at her. I raised you better than that.” Luke said.
“Dad.” Jess complained.
“You heard me Jesse, now apologize.” Luke replied.
“I hate you.” Jess spat. “Billy’s dad lets him do what ever he wants. He never makes him go spend time with boring family when he should be fishing.” With that Jess stormed out of the room and shortly a door was slammed shut.
“Luke, give me a hand.” Lizzy stated sticking her hand out.
“Lizzy maybe…” Bo started but Luke had already helped her up.
“Daddy did I make him mad?” Kelly asked.
“No honey.” Bo reassured his daughter. Lizzy made her way down the hallway and into Bo and Luke’s old room. She laughed as she saw Jess on his dad’s bed.
“That was your dad’s bed till he moved out.”
“I don’t care leave me alone.”
“Jess, why don’t we just talk for a bit or I’ll force you to listen to stories about your Great Uncle’s day.”
“Why do we have to be here? Dad and I always go fishin’ on Christmas Eve and we’d bring home what we caught so Mama could fry it up. Then Mattie started coming and it wasn’t so bad but now we have to be here. It isn’t fair. Did you know Billy gets to go Florida for Christmas? His dad is taking him to Disney World and then he’s gonna go to the Super Bowl as well. Billy said Dad’s too busy trying to get Mom pregnant again to care about me anymore.”
“You know your Dad loves you and he doesn’t want to hurt you but this is the first year the entire family has been back in Hazzard for Christmas and your Uncle Jesse asked your daddy, Bo, and Daisy to stop by the farm on Christmas Eve. It ain’t fair for you to blame your daddy for followin’ his uncle’s directions. Now who is this Billy you’re talking about?”
“Only the coolest kid in 7th grade. His dad buys him all the newest toys and games. He even brought his DS to school once.”
“Does this Billy have a last name?”
“Hogg, say’s his dad is Hughie Hogg and he’s related to Boss Hogg.” Lizzy felt a sharp pain run through her side as her hand instantly jumped to it. “Are you alright Aunt Lizzy?” Jess asked scrambling to her side. “Do you want me to get Dad or Uncle Bo?”
“No, I’m fine Jess. They call them Braxton Hix contractions. It just warns you that you could go into labor at any time. It’ll pass. Now you really think Billy’s going to Disney World for Christmas?”
“That’s what he says.”
“I’ll bet you he’s in town right now having dinner with his dad and great uncle.” Lizzy said. Ever since Luke and Tina had decided to move back to town from California right before school started Jess had been having a hard time adjusting.
“No way.” Jess said.
“Bet ya anything.”
“The new Mario game.”
“Against no complaining about Kelly tonight.”
“Deal.” Lizzy and Jess shook on it.
Lizzy pulled out her cell phone and called the Hoggs’. “Hogg residence this is Lulu.” Lulu’s strong voice came over the line.
“Mrs. Lulu and how are you this fine day?” Lizzy asked.
“I’m good darlin’ isn’t this Lizzy Duke?” Lulu asked.
“Yes ma’am it is.”
“How are you dear? And you did marry that Duke boy a few years back didn’t you?”
“Yes ma’am I’m doing well thank you, I was actually wondering if I could speak with that charming nephew of your’s, Hughie.”
“Of course darlin’ just a minute.” Lizzy heard a bit of shuffling in the background as she looked at Jess.
“This is Hughie.” Hughie’s voice was strong over the speaker phone.
“Hey it’s Lizzy.”
“Davenport?”
“It’s Duke now.”
“Right I remember that. What can I do for you?”
“Do you have a son named Billy?”
“Yes why?”
“Are you taking him to Disney World tomorrow?”
“Billy, get in here.” Lizzy heard him call.
“What Dad?” Lizzy assumed that was Billy.
“Who’d you tell that you were going to Disney World tomorrow?” Hughie asked his son.
“What are you talking about?” Billy replied.
“Lizzy where did you here this at?”
“My seventh grade nephew Jess.”
“While I can afford to take him down there I never said I would. The only thing I said was if he behaved himself tonight and tomorrow I’d think about taking him to the Super Bowl. Have you been bragging again?” Hughie asked the last part more towards his son.
“No Dad.” Billy said slightly frightened.
“Jess told me that Billy told his home room class he was going to Disney World for Christmas and you were also taking him to the Super Bowl.” Lizzy informed him.
“I’ll deal with you later Billy.” Hughie said.
“Go easy on the boy it’s hard to look cool in seventh grade Hughie.” Lizzy says.
“Uncle Boss was gracious enough to invite us down for today and tomorrow. I assume you’re back at the Duke farm like tradition.”
“Yup and now I’ve got to go. Merry Christmas Hughie.”
“Merry Christmas Lizzy.” Lizzy hung up and looked at Jess.
“So was that really why you’re moody?” He shrugged. “I do believe you owe me a favor.”
“I know but she’s kinda annoying.”
“Only because she loves you so much. You manage with three little brothers and that astounds her.”
“You think?”
“I know. Now do me another favor.”
“Sure.”
“Don’t complain about having to sit at the kids’ table.” Lizzy said putting a hand on the top of her stomach again.
“But…”
“You know I had to sit at the kids’ table until I was 15?”
“But you’re so cool Aunt Lizzy.”
“Yeah I know and I’m hoping it’s rubbed off on a boy I know.”
“How come you’re not my mom?”
“Because as much as I love your dad, he’s more like a brother than a man I could think of the way I love Bo, or the way your mom loves your dad.”
“But still, Mom and Dad can have Kelly and I’ll live at your house. Uncle Bo’s always wanted a boy.” Jess said.
“That’s no secret.” Lizzy muttered. “It’d be cool until you made me angry and wanted to go live with your mom and dad again.”
“Right, are you sure you’re ok Aunt Lizzy.” Jesse asked seeing the panicked look on her face.
“I’m fine.”
A little while later everyone was seated at their tables and to please Lizzy, Jess didn’t say a word. Uncle Jesse gave the blessing and the food was served. Halfway through the dinner Tina stood up. “Luke and I have some good news.”
“Really?” Bo asked.
“Tell us.” Daisy prodded.
“We’re gonna have another baby.” Tina said extremely excited. Amidst the excitement Lizzy’s gaze turned to the kids’ table where Jess was staring determinedly at his plate.
“Uncle Jesse.” Lizzy said softly. Uncle Jesse looked at Lizzy who nodded to Jess.
“Excuse me.” Uncle Jesse said softly. He stood and walked to the kids’ table where he crouched next to Jess. After a hushed conversation Jess looked up and smiled. Uncle Jesse returned to the table and dinner went on.
“Aunt Lizzy are you alright?” Jess asked out of no where.
“Yeah. I’m fine Jess.” Lizzy answered.
“It’s just that you’ve…” the rest of Jess’s statement was lost to Lizzy’s ears as a very sharp contraction hit her. She dropped her fork as one hand landed on her large stomach and the other had a death grip on Bo’s.
“Sweetie?” Bo asked.
“If you don’t get me to the hospital in the next 10 minutes this baby will be born on the kitchen floor.”
“You’re not due for two weeks.” Bo said.
“Due or not, this baby is coming.” Lizzy swore.
Uncle Jesse heard the threat and knew the danger so he burst into action. “Tell me what’s going on Lizzy.” Uncle Jesse said rushing to her side.
“My water just broke.” Lizzy gasped. Both Uncle Jesse and Bo looked down to see a puddle forming on the floor.
“Bo, get her into the Mouse, backseat is the safest. Enos, go with them. Jess, Daisy, Tina I need your help to get the kids into the minivan and the jeep. Luke, call Doc. Appleby tell him we’re on our way. Go now.” Suddenly the house was a flutter of movement as everyone responded.
Appleby was just about to go home when he got the call but promised he’d stay. “Trish, prepare room 3 we’ve got a baby coming.”
“Who?” Trish asked. As far as she knew there weren’t any babies in the county and the only one pregnant was Lizzy Duke and Belle Carpenter.
“Lizzy Duke.”
“She’s not due for another two weeks.”
“I know, Luke just called and said that she’s in labor.” When Bo pulled up and Doc met them outside Lizzy was hyperventilating worrying all three men. “Breathe Lizzy or you’ll harm the baby.” Doc ordered.
“I am breathing it just hurts.”
“You’ve been through this twice before and you know it’s gonna hurt. We can give you an epidural for the pain but you have to start breathing and calm down a bit first.” Appleby said helping Lizzy into the room and up onto the table.
“I’m trying.” Lizzy answered.
“You can do it honey, for the baby.” Bo said.
“You think?” Lizzy asked her big blue eyes pleading with him.
“I know. It’ll be ok, you’ll do fine.”
“I’m scared Bo.”
“I know honey, but you’ll be fine and I won’t leave.”
“But what if it’s another girl?”
“Then we can keep trying for that boy. No matter what I love both of you now please, honey relax.” It was really no secret anymore that Bo had wanted a boy since the day Lizzy had finally said I do.
“Alright Lizzy lay back so we can get these jeans off and see how far you’ve dilated.” Appleby said.
“Mr. Duke you need to come with me to get cleaned up.” Trish said. Soon Bo was back at Lizzy’s side dressed in scrubs and washing down her forehead.
Out in the waiting room Sarah wouldn’t stop crying and Kelly was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Remembering what his aunt had told him and feeling more in the spirit Jess dug through his brother’s activity bag and pulled out a coloring book. “Sarah, look what I have.” He said. Sarah rubbed her runny nose and sniffled. “Come color a pretty ducky for you mom and baby sister ok.” He tempted. Sarah nodded and sat down to color. “You want to color too Kel?” She shook her head. “Then you want to play a game?” Kelly cocked her head and looked at Jess. “Come here then.” Kelly came and squished into the chair with Jess. He explained the game to her if only to keep her calm.
Five hours later an ear shattering cry woke Daisy from her cat nap on Enos’ shoulder. She found most of the kids were asleep along with Luke, Tina, and Enos. Only Uncle Jesse and his namesake were still awake. In Lizzy’s room Trish laid the baby and bundle of soft white blankets in Lizzy’s arms and smiled at the couple. “It’s a boy, congratulations.” She said.
“Lizzy, Bo, we need a name.” Appleby said holding the birth certificate.
Lizzy looked up at Bo who smiled and nodded. “Jeeter Jesse Duke.” Lizzy said.
“Perfect. Merry Christmas.” Doc Appleby said writing all the important details down.
“Doc, what was the time?” Bo asked.
“12:01 am.” Doc answered smiling.
“I think this is the best Christmas present you’ve ever given me Lizzy.” Bo said as the doctor walked out to inform the family.
“What did you wish for for Christmas Bo?” Lizzy asked.
“A baby boy and a healthy family. What was your Christmas wish then?”
“I haven’t gotten it since I was 17.” Lizzy said.
“Maybe there’s something I can do to change that.” Bo suggested.
“I don’t think so, we’ll just have to wait and see how the day goes.”
“Merry Christmas Lizzy.”
“Merry Christmas Bo.” Bo kissed his wife softly wondering what he could do to grant her Christmas wish. He knew she wished for the same thing every year but he had yet to figure out what it was.
“You have a visitor Lizzy.” Doc said sticking his head back in the door. Lizzy pulled back and smiled.
“Let him in.”
“Aunt Lizzy.” Jess said running to the bed.
“Shhh Jess, don’t wake him.” Lizzy replied. Jess sat down on the bed carefully and looked into the bundle of blankets.
“What’s his name?”
“Jeeter Jesse Duke.”
“That’s my name.” Bo smiled and looked at Lizzy who nodded. True the name had been originally after Uncle Jesse but Jess had been so helpful it wouldn’t hurt.
“You’ve been such a big help that we thought it appropriate. You did help keep the girls calm tonight right?” Bo asked. Jess nodded and turned to look out the window.
“JJ I think. Aunt Lizzy look it’s snowing.” Jess said excited.
“That’s strange; it hasn’t snowed in Hazzard on Christmas since…” Bo started.
“Since I was 17.” Lizzy whispered.
“It came true then?” Bo asked. Jess looked back at Lizzy and cocked an eyebrow, another thing that Kelly thought was so cool.
“Every year Jess, I make a wish right before I go to bed on Christmas Eve that it’ll snow on Christmas Day in Hazzard. Every year since I was 17 it hasn’t come true. Sure it’s snowed other times but I’ve always wanted a white Christmas. That’s the only thing I’ve ever really wanted. Snowfall. Doesn’t happen often but when it does I couldn’t be happier.” Jess looked at his aunt who was staring out the window and his uncle who was smiling down at his newborn son and realized that, like the movie he watched every Christmas, there really was more to Christmas than the gifts he begged his parents for. Jess secretly vowed to try and see more than the materialistic things in the future and to try and be more thankful for what he had. “Are you alright Jess? You seem awful quiet.” Lizzy asked.
“I’m fine Aunt Lizzy. Just thinking. He’s kinda cute.”
“Hey, can I come in.” Daisy asked sticking her head in the doorway.
“Sure, hey Jess do you want to hold him?” Lizzy asked.
“Are you sure it’ll be alright?” Jess asked. “I don’t want to drop him.”
“As long as you stay seated on the bed and Daisy helps you it’ll be alright.”
“Sure what do you say Jess?” Daisy asked.
“I guess.” Jess replied. Watching her nephew hold her newborn son with such care made Lizzy feel at peace and she knew that there would be hope for him and everything would be alright. Soon the entire family was in the room with Uncle Jesse holding his great nephew.
“Merry Christmas everyone.” Lizzy whispered to everyone before falling into a peaceful sleep. The first in a long time.
And this friends and neighbors is where we leave the Duke family enjoying the early hours of the morning and the glow of a new birth reminding them all that maybe there was something more to Christmas than first believed. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.