Bo caught his wife before she collapsed on the linoleum floor. He helped her over to the couch and sitting beside her cradled her in his arms like he always did when she was upset. Her erratic breathing slowed down as Bo rubbed her back gently and her hands released the plaid shirt he was wearing.
"Bo, that was Rick," Layla said, looking into her husband's eyes.
"I know. Just calm down," Bo said, kissing her through her hair.
"Bo, I'm so scared. He kidnapped me and shot you where I nearly lost you," Layla said, smoothing his face gently with her hands.
"I know, Darlin.' I know," Bo said. All he could do was comfort her while she cried. All this stress and worry couldn't be good for his children.
"Bo, what do I do? He wants to see me," Layla whimpered as Bo planted kisses all down her face.
"You don't do anything. I don't want you near him. I'm not about to forget that he kidnapped you and tried to force you to marry him," Bo said, cupping her face gently as he twined his fingers in her curly dark hair.
"I don't want to see him, Bo. The last time he took me he came close to making me kiss him and you're the only person I want to kiss," Layla said, giving Bo a butterfly kiss on the lips.
"You're the only one I want to kiss to. I've always wanted to kiss you; every moment of every day," Bo said before he kissed her lips again. They spent the rest of their night watching movies and fell asleep in each others' arms.

The next morning seemed a little brighter for Layla. She kissed Bo as she got up to go make his lunch for work. Usually for his lunch, Layla just packed him Sandwiches, and sometimes canned soup that he could heat up for lunch.

Today she made him homemade chicken salad sandwiches, packed him some fruit, and a soft drink. Sundrop was his favorite soda. Layla smiled, she loved being Bo's wife. He never treated her like Rick did, instead he treated her with respect and gave her lots of love.

Last night Layla wanted to be in his arms forever. Bo had always made her feel safe. Layla hesitated. She didn't want Bo to go into work knowing full well tha Rick was out on the loose today. Layla decided to stay over at Alicia's house today and help her watch the babies and they would go do some shopping to as well. And Lori would also be coming over. Usually the three women always found something to do.

Layla decided not to convince Bo to stay home from work. She knew people needed him more than she did, and plus, Layla didn't like for someone to feel like they always had to constantly watch over her. She loved Bo to pieces and everything, but she didn't want him to feel he had to always protect her. Not that she didn't love his protecting, she did. She just didn't want to be a burden or some damsel in distress again. "Morning handsome", she saw Bo come down the stairs sleepily, in his sherriff uniform, and his hair had been neatly brushed.

Layla knew she had to get the kids ready for School soon, but she wanted to see her handsome husband off to work. She handed him his lunch.

Bo yawned as he took his lunch from Layla. Bo had stayed up half the night, watching his wife sleep, her face buried in his chest. Bo was glad that Enos was picking him up today. Chances were he was going to fall asleep if he even tried driving to work.
"Bo, are you okay? You look tired," Layla said as Bo sat at the breakfast table and she massaged his shoulders with her hands.
"I'll be fine. That feels so good," Bo said, reaching up and gently massaging her face with his hand.
"I just love you so much. Bo, if you want I can just call your job and you can stay home today," Layla said, sitting on Bo's lap and running her fingers through his hair.
"Someone has to work around here. Considering that you're having the babies soon, we need the money for hospital bills," Bo said wearily.
"Just tell me that you're not driving to work," Layla said.
"Nope. Enos is picking me up as soon as you take the kids to school," Bo said, standing up. Layla wrapped her arms around his neck.
"You will come home if you feel too tired, will you?" Layla asked worriedly.
"I promise. Now kiss me, Layla," Bo said, pressing his lips firmly to hers. Layla sighed deeply as she kissed him back.
"I love you," Layla whispered softly as they broke the kiss.
"I love you too. You'd better take the kids to school now before they're late," Bo said, kissing Layla through her curly hair. After he kissed his children goodbye he waited for Enos, unaware that Rick was watching his family leave.

Layla sighed as she watched Bo leave with Enos for work. It was time to get the kids, and drive them on to school. Layla looked outside to see what the weather would be like. It was cloudy and looked like they would be getting rain all day.

"Okay, Kids, we need to get going!" Layla grabbed their backbacks, and lunches as well and handed them and their coats. The kids came bounding down the stairs after brushing their teeth and hair and grabbed their stuff.

"Mom, I have soccer practice this afternoon and I need to be there at 3!" said Amy excitedly. Amy had taken interests in School sports. She had Bo's hair and eyes and Layla's facial features. Danny looked more like his father with blonde hair and blue eyes too.

Layla "Okay, we'll definately make it this afternooon", Layla promised and as usually good at keeping her promises. Layla hated to dissapoint her two children. She loaded them into the Mini-van and drove down the driveway. The day started out normal and they were almost on their way to School about a few miles down the road, when things began to go wrong.

It first started with the heavy morning traffic. "Oh great", muttered Layla to herself "Kids, looks like your going to be late for School" Layla looked outside the van and saw there had been a wreck involving three cars, and two police cars were now on the scene.

Layla then was startled by someone approaching the vehicle with a gun "Open the door!" the hooded person pointed the gun at her. "Open, or I'll shoot!" The kids in the back stared at the man and looked at their mom concerned.

"Okay, don't shoot, please, and I'll give you the van!" said Layla . She then opened it, and let the person inside. The pursuer got in keeping the gun trained on Layla "Its me Layla", RIck revealed himself.

"Rick! Your not suppose to come near me!" Layla panicked.

Bo was worn out and fighting a losing battle to stay awake. Usually he slept better at night, but all he could do the night before was watch Layla as she slept in his arms. Bo's head fell forward and landed on his arms. He figured he could take a small nap as this day in Hazzard was slow.
Darcy wasn't bothering Nathan and the ;last anyone heard from Rick was that he was visiting a relative. Bo had contacted the prison just a few minutes ago and they had said that Rick would go back to prison if he made any contact with Bo or Layla as it was in violation of his restraining order.
Bo wished he felt better about the whole thing, but some feeling was nagging him. Something just didn't feel right.

Layla felt helpless as Rick kept the gun on her and drove the van. Layla had simply told the kids to behave and do what Rick asked them to. Rick was behind the steering wheel and happy to have Layla back. Now that the Sherrif man wasn't here, they could have some happiness. Only main problem was, his children were in the back.

Layla glanced at Rick and at the gun. Her mind was terrified of all the possible things that could go wrong in this car ride. She silently prayed he wouldn't harm the children and would spare them. Layla should have seen this coming! She felt like a terrible mother that she couldn't protect the children right then, and she only hoped they didn't blame her for this.

Rick drove in traffic for awhile and hummed along to some country music on the radio. He was playing some Johnny Cash music. "I just love Johnny Cash", he said. Then he looked at his new family. "We're going to stop and eat lunch soon, anyone want some Mcdonald's?" he looked at Layla and the kids, he didn't want them starving on such a long ride.

Layla looked at her children in the back who nodded and hadn't said a word since they left the house this morning. Layla saw that Amy and Danny was concerned for their mother and her unborn twins. "Food sounds great", said Amy tagging along knowing her father would want her to be brave and tough.

Layla looked at Rick "You heard them, they want Mcdonalds" Layla then slid her cell phone underneath the car seat so that Amy could text her father. She slid it under so Rick couldn't see.

Amy picked up the phone and held her breath as she typed in her father's private message on it. She hoped that whoever it was that had taken her, her brother, and mother wouldn't her the dial tone or the panel as it beeped.

Bo was startled awake as his phone beeped. Rubbing his eyes he flipped it open. "Daddy, help." Bo started in shock at the two words on the phone.
Bo bolted out of his seat and picked up his gun and holster. Whatever was going on one of his kids was in trouble. He needed to get home and find out what was wrong. Did Layla fall downstairs and hurt herself? And why wasn't Amy or Danny calling him by telephone? Also why weren't they at school?
Bo only hoped that Rick hadn't taken them. The last time he had Bo had nearly died.

The man and Mommy came back to the car. Mommy held two happy meals in her hands and two small drinks. Judging from her face she looked as if she was going to start crying. Mama handed the food and drinks to Amy and Amy handed her brother his food as the man started the car. Apparently he had told Mama to hand him the keys; which she did.

Layla had sighed as they pulled out of the McDonald's parking lot. She hoped that Bo had gotten Amy's texted message. And, Layla hoped that Bo remembered to wear a bullet proof vest, and brought backup this time with him besides trying to take Rick down on his own. If he got Will and Luke to help, they could take Rick down with no problem.

Layla just hoped that Rick didn't do anything to harm the children. If anything, Rick should let them go free, and just take her since she was all he really wanted. Layla knew that Rick didn't want the kids, he would just kill them later on the trip and Layla wanted to spare them if possible.

"Rick, why don't you just let the kids go? It's me who you really want, not them". said Layla.

Rick thought about what she had said. It was true, he didn't want the kids, and they would just be in the way and try anything to rescue Mommy, and he couldn't let that happen. Looking from Layla and to the kids, Rick didn't want to hurt them and he didn't want Layla to be hurt. He just wanted to be with her. "Okay, I'll let them go in one condition that I get to keep you".

Layla swallowed hard. She hated to do this to Bo, but she had no choice. She had to spare her children and plus a gun was pointed to her at all times. She knew once the kids were let go, they would contact their father with the cell their mom gave them, and they would be able to provide the police Bo and Will all the info they need to find their mother. "Okay, you can have me, Rick". Layla gave in knowing her heart was breaking.

Rick looked at the kids "You two are free to go, but I get to keep your mommy understood?!" he said in a firm tone. Both kids nodded and got out.

Bo, Luke, and Will went down the highway. Knowing people like Rick he would take Layla and the kids over the state lines. Bo had found out that Rick had hailed from Florida so that's where he'd take Bo's wife and the kids.
Bo braked hard as he saw two small forms trudging down the road. "Daddy!" Amy shrieked and both kids ran to their father's open arms, nearly bowling him over.
"Are you two all right?" Bo asked, pulling his son and daughter back to look them in the eyes.
"Yes, Daddy, but that man took Mama," Amy protested as Will and Luke stopped their cars and joined Bo and the kids.
"He didn't hurt you, did he?" Will asked his young cousins.
"No. Mama told him to let us go. That he wanted her. He did what she asked," Amy said, sniffling as tears rolled down her face.
"It's all right, Sweetheart," Bo said, wiping her face gently.
"Daddy, he scared me. He held a gun on Mama," Amy whimpered as Bo took her in his arms and hugged her tightly.
"I know, but you have to be my big girl now. Can you tell me which way they went?" Bo asked, looking first at Danny and then Amy.
"Yes, Daddy," Amy and Danny both said. All of them then got into the cars and followed the road that Amy pointed out.

Layla nervously watched Rick as he drove ahead happily humming along to the radio. As long as he stayed happy, Layla would stay alive and her life wasn't in any real danger. She missed Bo and the kids so much it made her want to cry all over again. But she couldn't start crying in front of Rick now.

"Where are we going?" Layla asked after he got through finishing his favorite song. Rick replied "We're going to Florida, I got a place there that is real nice for us, it's a two story house, but first, I want to stop somewhere and get some fresh air, don't you?"

Layla just nodded she hoped and prayed that the kids would be alright and that Bo had already found them. She was glad that Rick let them go, she didn't want any harm to come to them. "Rick, I'm glad that you let the kids go. You really didn't need them, you know that?" Layla started a conversation.

Rick nodded "Yeah I know I really didn't want to hurt em they were really well behaved kids. You and Bo brought them up well. I can't believe he is making you have more". he asked indicating her pregnant stomach.

"BO didn't make me have children, Rick. We both wanted children", she said looking at Rick. Rick just shrugged and pulled into some woods that had a road in it. There was a park nearby, and some benches and lake "Lets go check this place out". HE went to Layla's side and opened the car door out.

Bo pulled into the park. He had managed to catch up with the SUV that Layla drove shortly after he, Luke, and Will had picked up the kids. Bo looked over at Amy. She was sound asleep, her small head on Bo's knee.
Bo stopped the car and opened the door soundlessly, so as not to wake up his daughter. Amy was a very light sleeper. Bo exited the car, praying silently as he made his way through the trees. Bo froze as he saw his wife and Rick. Rick wore a gun and was walking with Layla. Layla had a scared look on her face as Rick talked to her, stroking her face gently.
They finally got close enough to where Bo could hear their conversation. "Layla, all I wanted was you to marry me," Rick said.
"You have a funny way of showing love, Rick. You beat me and when I do get married you threaten and beat me and try to kill my husband and children," Layla said, her voice trembling.
"I just wanted you. You hurt me. It hurts me to see you pregnant," Rick commented, indicating Layla's swollen stomach.
"Rick, I love Bo. he has done more for me than anyone has done in my life. I think you need to get over it and get on with your life. It's not too late to walk away," Layla said, the desperation obvious in her voice.
"How could you love him? You married him the day after you met him!" Rick protested, wrapping a strand of Layla's hair around his fingers.
"I just do. He married me because he loves me. He said he was doing it because you beat me and he wanted to protect me. Every day he shows me that he loves me for more than that. That was something that you never showed me. You used to beat me to where I nearly died," Layla said.
Rick didn't have much of a chance to say to that. Bo then decided then was the chance to jump out of the bushes.

Layla saw Bo jump from the bushes armed with a gun. She just hoped that this time, he wore his bulletproof vest. She couldn't risk losing him again, she just couldn't. Layla's feet began to hurt her and she began to feel sick being with Rick.

Rick noticed Bo too and suddenly grabbed Layla in a hostage position and put the gun into her side, threatening her life, and the kids too. Rick stood near the edge of the cliff near the waterfall a wild crazy look in his eyes. He showed Bo he meant business.

"She's mine Bo Duke! Always has been since the beginning, you just stole her from me the day you met her at the fair and knew she was taken!" his hand shook with the gun.

Layla gulped as fear creeped into her eyes. She was held hostage once on the airplane when Bo and Will were on there and things went fine and she escaped, however she wasn't feeling very brave this time. What if her and the children were put at risk?!

Will watched from the bushes as Rick held Layla in his arms, the gun pointed at her. Without thinking what should be done Will jumped through the bushes and tackled Rick. He pushed Layla aside before she tumbled over into the falls.
Bo caught his wife in his strong arms and held her against his chest, stroking her hair as Will handcuffed Rick.
"Bo, I was so scared," Layla whimpered as Bo's lips went all over her face.
"I know, Darlin.' I was too. He didn't hurt you, did he?" Bo asked, cupping her face gently.
"No. Bo, I thought he would really force me to marry him this time," Layla said, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck.
"It's okay. I'm here now, Sweetheart," Bo said, kissing her lips gently. Layla kissed him back and gasped in the middle of the kiss, touching her stomach.
"Layla, what's wrong?" Bo asked, touching her shoulder gently. He hoped it was nothing to do with the children. But judging from the pained look on her face it probably was.

Layla gasped again "Bo, I think I'm in labor, my water just broke, and i keep getting sharp pains!" Layla grabbed his shirt holding back the pain that obviously hurted her.

They both watched as Will arrested Rick, and put him in the back of the squad car. Layla was glad that Will had followed Bo she would hate to think what happen to Bo if Will had not come along.

Layla gasped in pain again as the pain in her grew worse "Bo, we need to go to the hospital, now!" Layla yelped in Pain holding her stomach. Layla thought to herself, it couldn't be good that her children were coming right now. Layla prayed silently they would make it.

Bo had moved his sleeping daughter to Luke's car. Luke would take care of both kids so Bo could drive Layla to the hospital. Layla was breathing hard as she pressed her hand against her stomach. "Hold on, Darlin.' Just breathe deeply," Bo ordered his wife calmly, touching her face with his rough hand.
"Bo, just drive," Layla said, screaming as another contraction hit.
Bo did as his wife wanted and drove, looking at her at intervals through the thirty minutes that it took to get to the hospital. He wondered if he could talk her through her pain. They had recently rented the movie "Amazing Grace" and William Wilberforce's wife had talked him through his laudanum addiction by talking about their baby.
"Remember that movie we watched the other night? What are the babies' names?" Bo asked, trying to control his breathing.

Layla looked over at Bo wondering what he was getting at. Then she remembered the movie and what the characters did through the pain. "Calleigh and Lauraanne". said Layla smiling at the thought of her two girls that would be with them soon if she could handle the pain that is. She looked at Bo trying to smile again.

"Okay. How are they going to look?" Bo asked as Layla squeezed his shoulder with her hand.
'They'll have blonde hair and blue eyes. Bo, it hurts," Layla said, clutching his shoulder spasmodically.
"I know, Darlin.' Just keep talkin' to me," Bo said, kissing his wife's lips when they stopped at a traffic light.
"I love you," Layla said, as a contraction went through her again.
"I love you too," Bo said, taking one hand off the wheel and gently touching her face with his callused palm.
Bo timed her contractions as they talked and each one would hit. It was twenty minutes apart now. Bo looked at his wife as she huddled close to his side, whimpering with pain.
It seemed as if they would never reach the hospital. Bo stopped the car and lifted his wife in his arms. He all but ran to the entrance, praying that Layla and the babies would be all right.

The nurses immediately put Layla in a wheel chair and took her straight to the delivery room. Layla was thankfull they didn't have to wait. The contractions was hitting her hard now and it felt as if the babies wanted to come right then and there.

Layla looked around her Doctors and nurses moved about getting the neccessary equipment to deliver two babies. They soon placed Layla onto the bed and started to give her pain medication to numb the pain some. After 30 minutes, Layla began to feel better but she was already in labor.

Nurse "Okay Layla, when I tell you to push, you need to push with all your might, okay?" the nurse looked at her.

Layla nodded "Okay". How hard could birth be this time? Layla had two kids before separate, and thought this shouldn't be any different. Layla looked at Bo who had entered the room as well.

Bo came into the delivery room and took his place besides his wife. Bo wrapped his arm around her shoulders and kissed her lips gently. "Bo, I'm glad you're here," Layla said, stifling a scream.
"I wouldn't miss our babies. Just hold on to me, Darlin,' " Bo said as Layla dug her fingernails into his shoulder.
Bo stayed with her for two hours as she labored through the contractions. The doctors kept saying they wanted her to wait until they were a minute apart, but it just wasn't time yet. In the middle of contractions Bo held a glass of ice to Layla's lips.
"Okay. We got through that one, Layla," Bo said, smoothing back his wife's sweaty curls.
"Bo, why is it taking so long?" Layla whimpered.
"I don't know, but I'm going to be here as long as you need me," Bo said, giving her a deep lingering kiss.
"I love you, Bo," Layla said, smoothing his face gently with her hands as another contraction started and she screamed in pain.
"Doctor, that was awfully close," Bo commented, holding his wife in his arms as she cried.
"I know, Mr. Duke. Five minutes since the last one. It's almost time," the doctor said as the contraction ended.

After six hours of Labor, Bo and Layla's twins were born. The Doctor smiled and handed each one to them "They are beautiful", he said .

Layla held Calleigh and Lauraanne in her arms they were so tiny, yet so fragile. Her forehead was sweaty and she looked exhausted. "Bo, they are perfect". she kissed each one on the head.Layla never felt any happier. She was so glad they made it through the pregnancy allright.

Within the next hour the rest of the Duke family were oohing and ahhhhing over the twins. Lori took pictures and beamed happily for Bo and Layla. Sandra and Lisa begged to hold the two. They had become obsessed with babies ever since they visited the baby hospital room.

Bo looked at his wife. She was totally exhausted from the birth and smiled at him sleepily. "How are ya feelin,' Layla?" Bo asked after everyone left them alone.
"Sleepy. Bo, are the children healthy?" Layla asked, massaging his face gently with her hand.
"They are beautiful. Just like their mama. Now kiss me, Layla," Bo ordered his wife.
"Why?" Layla asked as Bo trailed his lips from her forehead to her lips.
"I haven't kissed you since I brought you in. Since when do I need a reason," Bo said, pressing his lips firmly against hers. Layla twined her hand in his hair as she kissed him back before falling asleep. After a few minutes Bo went to get coffee. He was going to stay at the hospital where he could check on his wife and make sure nothing would harm her.

Layla Duke was happy. Happy because she had two beautiful twins and happy that that Bo was

her the entire moment to see their beautiful daughters come into the world. Layla looked at Bo

"You never have to have a reason to kiss me", she said as she kissed his lips tenderly back.

When the twins were born, Layla was so happy to see them. They had their father's blonde hair

blue eyes, and her facial features.

Layla fell asleep before Bo left the room and she felt safe having him near. Everyone seemed excited about the twins.

That night, the nurses woke her up so she could feed the girls and eat a decent healhy evening Meal. Layla smiled as the nurse brought her two girls in "How are my girls?" she asked.

The nurse smiled at her "They are doing great. Just woke up from a nap.

Bo walked into the room as Layla ate a healthy meal. After losing blood and being in labor for so long the doctors said that she had to regain her strength slowly. "How ya feelin,' Darlin?' " Bo asked, kissing her lips gently and running his hand through her dark hair.
"Hungry and I want to go home. every time we have a baby I miss being next to you at night," Layla said.
"Me too. Since we're kinda far from Hazzard I had to get a hotel room and Danny slept with me last night while Amy slept with Sandra and Lisa. I can say that our son kicks," Bo said.
Layla laughed as she put down her fork. "Did Rick go to jail, Bo?" Layla asked.
"Yes. This time it's guaranteed. He's gonna get life. Now if we can do that to Darcy then we'd all be happy. She just always has an alibi when we question her," Bo said, picking up the fork and feeding his wife with a few kisses in between bites.
"I'm sure she'll get caught. Just because she's rich doesn't mean she owns you and the police," Layla said, cupping Bo's face gently.
""That's what she had the drugs for. She'll drug a guy until he thinks she's the most perfect girl on Earth. That's what Sarah and Sam think she's gonna do to Nathan. She'll give him such a concentrated dose that Nathan will be singing her praises before he realizes what he's doing," Bo said.
"Bo, don't worry. Nathan is a good, strong young man and he loves Sarah. Just feed me and then the nurse will bring our babies to us," Layla said, kissing Bo's lips gently. Bo kissed his wife back. He hoped she was right about Nathan. Right now he was going to do as his wife said and look at the two girls she had given him.

Sarah was relaxing on the couch at home after she got done with the house chores. It was now her eigth month of her pregnancy and she felt so uncomfortable and grouchy. She demanded for pizza every Friday, Chocolate trouffles during the week, and wanted Nathan to fix her favorite meal at least twice a week.

She knew she should get started on that garden she wanted to make, but Sarah didn't feel motivated and Darcy still flirting with her husband didn't make things better at all. She had the air conditioner on that day on full blast. It was a hot summer's day and she wished Nathan came home soon.

"Don't worry, Daddy will be home soon and with more food!" she tried telling her baby that but was she really just trying to tell herself that? sitting down Sarah tried to paint her toenails. She couldn't even reach them so she groaned. Guess she would have to get Alicia to do them for her. Sarah groaned. She hated being so fat. It made her feel not beautiful. that day she wore a pale yellow maturnity gown, and her brown hair was up in a ponytail. "I can't paint my toenails" she whined to herself. "And I'm a big fat grown Hippo". grabbing a snickers bar she began to eat it and started to get into soaps just like Layla and Alicia did when they got pregnant.

Sarah's favorite soaps was young and the restless and Bold and the Beautiful. There lives were always fascinating, never a dull moment. She was in the middle of watching Bold and Beautiful when Nathan came in. Chloe, her pet dog jumped into her lap wanting to be petted "At least you love me even if I am a fat Hippo". the dog barked.

Nathan kissed his wife's lips gently. "Of course I still love you. I like fat hippos," Nathan teased, earning him a smack against his chest before Sarah rose painfully to her feet and put one hand on her back.
"I don't know if I like hitting you or kissing you," Sarah said with a groan.
"I would prefer kisses. After a hard day of fighting fires they are a reward," Nathan said, pulling her into his arms and kissing her at intervals as they danced around the room to a CD featuring Peter Cetera songs.
"How was your day?" Sarah asked as they set the table for dinner.
"Long. At least Darcy didn't bother me today. I still think it's good that we're having Mama and Aunt Daisy bring this baby into the world. Knowing Darcy she'd steal the baby out of the hospital," Nathan said as he put the huge vat of spaghetti on the table.
"I have to go see the doctor tomorrow. Your mother and Alicia have agreed to take me," Sarah said after they prayed over the food.
"Just take a Will with you. I don't want one of Darcy's servants, who thinks he's in love with her, to try to hurt you," Nathan cautioned.
"Nathan, now that Darcy knows I'm having a baby I don't think she'll try to kill me. I think she'll try to keep me alive so she could take the baby once he or she is born. By the way we still need to find out if it's a boy or girl," Sarah said.
"I'm old-fashioned. I don't want to know," Nathan said, sucking up a mouthful of spaghetti through his lips and taking a slice of garlic bread.
"Nathan, after we eat can you paint my toenails? I tried, but I can't reach my toes because of the baby. I was going to ask Alicia and decided that you are the best one to ask," Sarah said.
"Sure. Just show me which color you like," Nathan had painted her toenails before. He didn't mind doing it, even though the stuff that she used smelled terrible.

As he did her toenails with a choice of color she liked a light blue, Sarah laughed as Nathan made a face at the horrible smell as he painted both feet. Soon he was finished.

That night, Sarah called Will to see if he would go to the hospital with her tomorrow. Will agreed that he would and Sarah felt happier and relieved.

The Doctor's office was crowded with expected mom's. Sarah went in not long after she arrived.
That day, they would have a sonogram done, and Sarah would get to find out the sex, if she wanted. Like Nathan, Sarah decided she wanted to be surprised herself.

At the Doctor's office, Sarah felt nervous and uncomfortable. She was afraid one of Darcy's servant's might be around. She leaned towards Will, feeling edgy.

Will sat on one side of Sarah and Alicia sat on another. "You okay?" Will asked,as Alicia wrapped her arm around Sarah's shoulders.
"I'm fine. Just a little nervous is all. I don't leave much because of what Darcy could do to me or the baby," Sarah said, sticking her lower lip out.
"She'd be foolish to try anything with me and Will here, Sarah," Alicia said, stroking Sarah's hair gently.
"That didn't stop her from trying to poison me at my wedding or flirting with my husband in public," Sarah said, trembling slightly.
"Right now she hasn't really done anything. The way me and Uncle Bo figure it she doesn't want to cause you to miscarry if she upsets you. She wants you to give birth to a healthy baby so she can take it later," Will said.
'Do you think she's figured out how to steal the baby?" Alicia asked, looking at her husband worriedly.
"How does anyone steal a child? I was in the backyard with Uncle Bo and Lisa was upstairs in a crib when Jenna kidnapped us. Someone really smart can steal a child who's really small, give that child enough sedatives so it won't cry, and disappear where the parents won't even think to look. The worst is that Darcy will have one of her servants do it and he'll be so drugged up that he won't realize that he's committing a crime," Will said.
"You'd think that those servants would know they were committing a crime," Alicia said.
"No. If they do they have stopped feeling guilty over it. Darcy keeps telling them how much she loves them while pumping the drug into them. Some of them have probably been taking that drug for years if Darcy found them like she did Sam," Will said.
"But why don't the police just arrest her, Will? She hurt Sam!" Sarah protested.
"I know, but the judge said that Sam alone is not enough to convict. Somehow we need to get more than him out of that mansion. Like maybe two or three of her servants to prove that Darcy did what she did to Sam," Will said. Little did anyone know that was easier said than done.

After they had waited for nearly an hour, Sarah was called into a room at the far end of the hallway. Alicia went with her and so did Will. Having them both with her made her feel a little better and with them nearby, Alicia was right, Darcy would be foolish to try anything.

The Doctor did the usuall procedure she made Sarah change into a gown, then she did an ultrasound to check on the baby which was doing healthy as expecting and growing. Sarah could now see the baby better than she did at first. It now struck her more, that they were actually going to be parents.
Sarah hoped she could bring their baby into a safe and stable home. And she hoped she would be a great mom.

The Doctor took down some brief notes "Would you like to know the sex, Sarah?" The Doctor smiled her long wavy dark hair was pulled into a ponytail, and she wore glasses. The Doctor's name was Doctor Melinda Williams and she appeared to be nice and easy to talk to. She was going to be with Sarah throughout most visits, and she would be at her and Nathan's home during the birth to make sure everything went smoothly.

"Yes, I would like to know!" Sarah squeaked out a little too excited. Ever since finding out she was pregnant, Sarah's obsession had become her baby. She was looking forward to bringing it into the world, making a baby room, and picking out the names.

The Doctor laughed glad Sarah was excited "It's going to be a boy", she said writing down more notes even writing down Sarah's current condition.

"That is so great!. Nathan told me he didn't want to know the sex, but once he knows I know, it's going to drive him crazy wondering what its going to be!" Sarah said with a laugh and a grin on her face.

"Yeah, he will eventually want to know", said the Doctor. "Men don't like to be kept in suspense for very long".

Nathan came home feeling tired and sooty. Today was full of putting out fires since Georgia was in a drought. He felt and smelled like an ashtray. He entered the house and smiled at the sound of Sarah's humming coming from the direction of the kitchen.
Nathan never could go shower unless he went to see his wife first. Sarah was browning hamburger meat. She was either going to make spaghetti or chili tonight. Since Sarah had gotten pregnant she ate Italian food or chili like crazy.
Nathan wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her into his arms, kissing her from her ear to her chin. "Welcome home, Nathan," Sarah said happily, turning in his arms and kissing his lips gently.
"How do you feel?" Nathan asked after they broke the kiss. Sarah massaged his face gently with her hands.
"Kind of a dumb question to ask a pregnant woman. But I'm fine. I just feel big and clumsy," Sarah said, a smile lighting her face.
Nathan then touched her protruding stomach. "How's the baby?" Nathan asked, feeling his son or daughter kick his hand through the material of Sarah's dress.
"The baby's fine too. Everything is right on schedule. He's just anxious to be born," Sarah said, cupping Nathan's face with her hands and giving him a long kiss.
"What makes you so positive it's a boy?" Nathan asked after he had cleaned up and he and Sarah where setting the table.
"Mother's intuition?" Sarah said, putting the huge vat of chili on the table.
"Well, I hope you're right. I still don't want to know," Nathan said as they sat down and prayed over the food. Nathan picked up the spoon and took some of the cornbread that Alicia had given Sarah this morning.
"So, did Darcy try to flirt with you today?" Sarah asked after a few minutes.
"No. She hasn't done that in the last three days. I'm hoping that she's changed her mind about wanting me," Nathan said, taking a huge bite of chili.
"Will said that she'd try to steal the baby though. That maybe that's one reason she hasn't tried anything. If she upsets me she could cause me to miscarry or go into labor early," Sarah said, squeezing Nathan's hand tightly.
"Probably. I think she's a lot like Jenna. You know, the woman who stole Will and Lisa all those years ago. If she couldn't have my father she would have Will and Lisa. Darcy, if she's decided to leave me alone, is probably thinking that if she can't have me she'll at least have my son or daughter," Nathan said.
"Nathan, I'm so scared for the baby. As soon as it's born how do I know that Darcy won't send one of her servants over and steal the baby?" Sarah said, a single tear streaking down her face.
Nathan didn't know what to say to that. All he could do was hold his wife in his arms and pray. it's what his father and Uncle Jesse would have done.

Dr. Melinda Williams stood in front of Darcy giving her the news as it was. Darcy was her cousin and they had been friends while growing up. "So, how's my baby?" Darcy asked.
"Oh, just fine. Sarah and her family came in today. It's a boy. Sarah wanted to know," Dr. Williams said, a bright smile on her face.
"And you'll deliver the baby?" Darcy asked as she and Melinda went to the dining room.
"Of course. I am a doctor. As soon as he's born I'll sedate both him and Sarah. You probably don't want her holding him and it'll be best if he doesn't cry out. Then I'll bring him here and give him to you. He'll grow up thinking you're his mother," Melinda said.
"It won't hurt him, will it?" Darcy asked nervously. Darcy didn't want her little boy hurt in the slightest.
"Of course not. Just a few drops of chloroform on a rag agaisnt his mouth and nose and it will seem like he's just taking a nap. And when he wakes up you'll be holding him," Melinda said.
"Thank you, Melinda," Darcy said, the relief evident in her voice.
"You're welcome. You are my cousin and my friend. I'm glad to be giving you this baby since you couldn't have his father for your husband," Melinda said as she left the house.
Darcy smiled as she went in to her supper. In a few more days Sarah's baby will be hers. She had even thought of the perfect name for him. She had always liked the name Peter and soon Peter would be home where he belonged.

Sarah after supper went into the extra bedroom to finish painting the bedroom for the baby and setting everything up. She was super excited about becoming a mom for the first time and went all out. The other week, Her, Layla, Lori, and Alicia all went shopping for baby stuff for Sarah. They got everything a baby needed. A Bassinet, dresser drawer which Sarah lovingly filled with diapers. Also, she got toys stuffed toys she picked out for the baby and this week, she was going to get to buy those cute little it's a boy outfits she saw the other day. Complete with baby shoes.

Sarah finished painting the room a light blue. She always thought a boy or a girl could appreciate a blue room. When she was growing up, Sarah's bedroom was two different shades of blue. Since it was her favorite color. Once she finished, she admired her handiwork and decided to get started on the evenings chores. She did laundry, dusted, and cleaned both bathrooms.

Later that evening, Sarah wanted to watch a movie she rented with her husband. It was called "City of Angels". Sarah loved the story even though it had a very sad ending."Nathan, wanna watch a movie I rented? It's called City of Angels". Sarah joined him on their couch.

"Sure," Nathan said, sitting down and taking his wife in his arms as the movie started. Nathan wasn't really a Nicholas Cage fan. The only movies he did that Nathan liked was National Treasure and World Trade Center. Sarah watched National Treasure, but refused to watch World Trade Center.
"So what did you think?" Sarah asked, when the movie ended.
"Chick flick. Not my kind of movie. For my bachelor party me, Dad, Will, Uncle Bo, and Uncle Cooter watched Rambo and a fight on pay-per-view," Nathan said as the stood up.
"Well, you can't always watch war films," Sarah said, before she doubled over in pain and her breath came out in a short gasp.
"Sarah?" Nathan asked, sitting his wife back down on the couch.
"Something's wrong. Call the doctor and your mom," Sarah said as she screamed in pain.

Melinda entered Nathan and Sarah's house two hours later. "How is she?" Melinda asked Nathan's father.
"In pain. She screams every few minutes," Luke Duke said by way of explanation. Melinda went towards Sarah and Nathan's bedroom. Lori and Alicia Duke was by the bed where Sarah lay on the bed. Nathan was next to his wife, his arm around her shoulders, propping her up.
"Doctor, I'm glad you're here," Sarah said, gritting her teeth in pain.
"Lori, I need you to go boil water. Alicia, I need you to get some rags and blankets. Nathan, go downstairs. Your mother, sister, and I can take care of this," Melinda said, hoping none of them questioned her. As soon as they left she would sedate Sarah and perform a c-section. As soon as the baby was removed she would drug the baby and sew Sarah back up and hand the baby to one of Darcy's servants outside the window.
"Are you sure?" Nathan asked skeptically.
"I'm positive. Now get," Melinda said, pushing all three out the door. She pulled out chloroform out of her doctor's bag and prepared the shot.

A few hours later after the emergency delivery, Sarah woke up still a bit drowsy from the sedative. The Doctor had given her so much, that it made her go to sleep while the Doctor did the C-section. When Sarah woke up, the Doctor was gone, and so was... her baby! Where did her baby boy go?

Sarah shot up in bed fearing the worst had happened. Someone kidnapped her baby! How could she have been so naive in letting a Doctor they hardly knew do the Delivery like this?! Sarah gritted her teeth in anger, and let the tears fall. "Nathan! where is our baby?" Sarah cried out.

Alicia looked over at Sarah as her and Lori entered the room. How were they going to tell Sarah that the baby and the Doctor had dissapeared? Sarah now wished Nathan hadn't left the room. If he hadn't, chances are her baby would still be here. Alicia went over to Sarah and Lori did to try to calm her down "I don't want to calm down! Where is my baby, how come he's not with me?! Nathan!"

Nathan held his wife in his arms as she cried. He had just given her the worst news that a mother could hear. The doctor had left, but not before she left a note saying Sarah had lost the baby. "Nathan, where did she take the baby? I want to hold him," Sarah whimpered as Nathan stroked her hair gently.
"She said that when babies die they have to take them to the hospital. She also said they'd bury the baby in the graveyard plot for babies that die in delivery. it was all in a note," Nathan said, his voice breaking. His son had died and he had never even had a chance to see or hold him either.
Sarah cried bitterly, unaware that her baby was still alive and well.

Melinda walked into the mansion, holding the sleeping baby in her arms. It had been so easy to perform the surgery and take the baby out of his mother. Sarah hadn't woken up once. Also drugging the baby was easy too. Melinda entered the parlor, where a servant was giving Darcy's feet a pedicure.
Darcy stood as her cousin entered the room. "Is that my baby?" Darcy asked, walking over to Melinda. Melinda held out the blue bundle to her.
"Yes. It's a boy," Melinda said as Darcy took the bundle in her arms and uncovered the sleeping baby's face.
"He's so beautiful," Darcy gushed, kissing the baby's soft head. Right now Darcy looked happy with the baby.
"Do you want me to examine him when he wakes up?" Melinda asked as Darcy, hugged the baby tightly.
"Yes. Do you think there'll be any problems?" Darcy asked.
"No. I didn't give him enough of the sedative to hurt him, but all babies need to be examined," Melinda pointed out as Darcy took the baby upstairs and put him in a basinette.

Nathan held his wife in his arms as she cried. He had just given her the worst news that a mother could hear. The doctor had left, but not before she left a note saying Sarah had lost the baby. "Nathan, where did she take the baby? I want to hold him," Sarah whimpered as Nathan stroked her hair gently.
"She said that when babies die they have to take them to the hospital. She also said they'd bury the baby in the graveyard plot for babies that die in delivery. it was all in a note," Nathan said, his voice breaking. His son had died and he had never even had a chance to see or hold him either.
Sarah cried bitterly, unaware that her baby was still alive and well.

Melinda walked into the mansion, holding the sleeping baby in her arms. It had been so easy to perform the surgery and take the baby out of his mother. Sarah hadn't woken up once. Also drugging the baby was easy too. Melinda entered the parlor, where a servant was giving Darcy's feet a pedicure.
Darcy stood as her cousin entered the room. "Is that my baby?" Darcy asked, walking over to Melinda. Melinda held out the blue bundle to her.
"Yes. It's a boy," Melinda said as Darcy took the bundle in her arms and uncovered the sleeping baby's face.
"He's so beautiful," Darcy gushed, kissing the baby's soft head. Right now Darcy looked happy with the baby.
"Do you want me to examine him when he wakes up?" Melinda asked as Darcy, hugged the baby tightly.
"Yes. Do you think there'll be any problems?" Darcy asked.
"No. I didn't give him enough of the sedative to hurt him, but all babies need to be examined," Melinda pointed out as Darcy took the baby upstairs and put him in a basinette.

Darcy held the little boy in her arms. He was such a cutie! Even though she couldn't have Nathan to herself, she now held a little piece of him. Once the baby was older, Darcy was going to die his hair blonde. So that way, everyone wouldn't be suspicious about the boy having darker hair than hers. She would do it in a safe way so that his hair wouldn't fall out. "I'm going to be the best mommy ever to you!" she gushed.

18 yrs later...

Martina Mcbride steps in as the role of older Sarah Duke who is now in her early thirties.

Sarah had just now put her two little girls to bed. They were both 8 yrs old, one's name was Melanie, the other's name was Bethanie. And they were twins. She had them not long ago after she had her first boy. It was sometime after that. More than a few years really. Not a day went by when Sarah thought of her first born. She often wondered what he'd be like if he lived. Tears came down her cheeks as she went through a box of his things. She picked up a blue blanket she had chroched for him when she was young and pregnant with him. Sarah had wanted to name him Jason Nathan Duke but never got the chance to name him, never even got to hold him. Sarah had sewed the name Jason into the Blanket before he had been born.

Sarah sighed and decided, she had to lock these memorys away and look forward to better things.
She put the blanket into a box, along with some baby toys, her first sonogram picture, and a picture of Jason after he was born. Sarah opened the closet door and put the box on a shelf.

Peter O' Malley had finished his final assignment. Working for the FBI was interesting and tiring. especially after a long stakeout. Peter came into the office where blank paper was so he could write out his reports. A message was waiting for him on his answering machine.
"Hi, Baby. It's Mama. I'm in town tonight and was wondering if you'd like to have dinner with me," Peter's mother's perky voice came over the line. Peter loved his mom dearly, but at times she acted like an airhead and a teenager. She was always flirting with men. Even when she and Peter went out to dinner she always flirted with the waiter. Peter found himself wondering what his father had ever seen in her.
Darcy O'Malley was closemouthed about Peter's father. She had said that they had divorced before Peter had been born. Peter had wondered what kind of man would leave a pregnant woman to raise a baby all by herself.
Peter dialed his mother's phone, hoping she was there. Usually she was eating lunch by this time or sunbathing outside at the rich hotels she was at when she came to visit him. His mother answered on the first ring.
"Hello?" Darcy asked.
"Hi, Mom. It's me," Peter said.
"Peter James O'Malley, I've been waiting forever for you to call me," Darcy huffed sounding like a petulant child.
"Sorry, Mom. I just got back from undercover work. I didn't know you had called until five minutes ago," Peter apologized.
"Apology accepted. Now are you going out to dinner with me tonight?" Darcy asked.
"Can't it wait until tomorrow night? I have reports to write and after I'm done it'll be close to dawn. It takes ten minutes to make an arrest and ten hours to write reports about it," Peter said, rubbing his eyes.
"Baby, I wanted to see you tonight. You only visit me every six months," Darcy pouted.
"Okay. I'll see what I can do. My boss might give me an extension," Peter said, rolling his eyes.

In Hazzard Nathan helped his father and brother fix the roof on Daisy's house. Daisy and Enos had married five years ago and since Enos didn't really fix roofs that much Nathan, Will, and Luke had agreed to do it. After Jason had died stillborn Darcy had left Hazzard, giving Nathan, Sarah, Sam, and Lisa a reason to stay in Hazzard to their parents' relief.
Nathan knew how much his wife grieved over Jason. Nathan had visited the hospital grave site every year on Jason's birthday and talked to the little marker. Of course Sarah just couldn't seem to shake the grief she was in. Late at night Nathan knew that she looked through the box of things that had been Jason's; the never used baby book, a sonogram of Jason in his wife's stomach, some toys, and a picture that Melinda had given them after she had taken the baby to the hospital so they could see why he had died.
After all these years he finally understood how his parents had grieved after Jenna had stolen Lisa and Will. Fortunately Darcy hadn't done that.

Nathan came home and heard the sounds of twin feet running towards him. "Daddy! Daddy! Daddy!" The two eight-year-olds shrieked as they nearly bowled him over in their attempts to hug and kiss him.
Nathan scooped both twins up in his arms and kissed them. "How're my girls?" Nathan asked.
"Fine, Daddy," Melanie said, wrapping her thin arms around his neck.
"Mama was crying again today, Daddy," Bethanie said.
"Well, if you two wash up then I'll go check on your mama," Nathan said, putting the girls down.
"Race you upstairs!" Bethanie challenged Melanie.
Nathan grinned as he walked into the kitchen. Sarah was chopping some vegetables and putting it into the stew on the stove. "Hey, Sweetcakes," Nathan said, wrapping his arms around her and kissing her neck gently.
Sarah turned in his arms after setting the knife down. She gave him a long kiss, twining her hands in his hair.
"How ya feelin?' " Nathan asked as Sarah rested her head against his chest. Judging from the look on her face she was having a bad day.

Sarah sighed and breathed in his cologne that she loved so much. " Some days are better than others. This is not one of my better days. I just still miss our first born so much. Today would have been his birthday". tears ran down her face. Sarah had no idea their son was alive and well and living with a life with Darcy as his mom.

Sarah was happy that years later they were blessed with two healthy 8 yr olds, but she still thought about Jason, and went to his grave often to talk to him. Sarah wondered if the dead ever really watched over people, or was that just something people thought about to make others feel better?

She had started supper early, figuring Nathan would be home soon. Even though he had aged some, he was still the most handsome man she had married. He had helped her over the heartache of losing Jason and they would often pray about their son together. Nathan is a wonderful husband she thought.

Sarah did tell their little girls about the older brother they could have had if he had lived and survived birth. Bethanie, who was confused asked why did some babies die during birth. Sarah told them that sometimes birth has complications, and things did go wrong.

Later that evening, they had to fly to New York for Sarah's interview with Ellen. Sarah also had a interview with Oprah Winfrey, and on those talk shows, she would debut her new single "If you were Here", a song about her deceased son whom she still grieved for even today. Sarah feeled that it would help her cope about the tragedy better to sing about it and for those out there to hear the story. Sarah had written it with Nathan not long after Jason had died.

Peter had cleaned up for dinner and walked into the Italian food place his mother had picked. After all these years Darcy was still beautiful. Peter walked over to her and kissed her cheek warmly. 'Hey, Mom," Peter said, sitting down next to her.
Darcy reached over and stroked his face tenderly. "Hi, Baby. How are you doing? You look tired," Darcy said, concern in her blue eyes.
"I'm fine. I just had another 48 hours of sheer adventure. It was a stakeout to break a drug ring with the CIA," Peter said, his mother's gentle hand on his face making him feel sleepy.
"You know, Amanda, was asking about you the other day," Darcy asked after they had ordered their food and the waiter put breadsticks and salad in front of them.
"Amanda?" Peter asked, eating a huge bite of salad.
"Peter, she's still in love with you," Darcy said pointedly.
"I know she is, but she's shallow. I want a girl who's better than that. Someone who's like Hillary Duff. She's my favorite singer and she doesn't look like she's God's gift to men. Even though she's old enough to be your age," Peter said, not noticing how pale his mother's face had gotten.
"Who?" Darcy asked, her voice a mask of barely controlled rage.
"Hillary Duff. A friend took me to one of her concerts last year. She's good. I bought one of her CDs so I can have something to do while I'm on stakeout," Peter said, taking a CD out of his leather jacket. Darcy's face was a mirror of shock.

Darcy was shocked at the picture of Sarah Duke looking back at her. She really couldn't have Nathan, but she could have his son. It was terrible that Peter would be fascinated with Sarah's music. Darcy's cousin had faked Peter's death so Nathan or Sarah wouldn't look for him. Darcy had loved Peter and spoiled him since the day Melinda had given him to her.
The only thing Darcy hadn't had to do was drug her son with the drugs that she used. Peter had grown up believing she was his mother and loved her. Of course she had to keep dying his hair at intervals so no one would ever figure out that he wasn't even related to her. Sure, she could have told everyone that he had his dark hair from his father, but still people would question. On closer inspection it looked as if the hair color was starting to fade again.
"Peter, you're hair color looks as if it's coming out. Do you want me to dye your hair while I'm in town?" Darcy asked, running her fingers through his hair.
"No. I'll do it. After I eat I'll have to go back to work and write reports. Tomorrow night I also have a date so I'll do it then," Peter said as the waiter put his plate of tortellini in pesto sauce in front of him.
"Oh? Who with?" Darcy asked.
"A girl I do cases with. Grace Marks. She likes Hillary Duff as much as I do and she's coming down here to shoot Oprah and I got tickets for her and me to sit in the audience. If you want I could get you a ticket," Peter offered.
"That's okay. You don't have to do that," Darcy said almost too quickly. Sarah and Nathan were coming to New York City? What were the chances that they would recognize Peter? Peter had Sarah's eyes and Nathan's charming grin. Would those two things alone distinguish Peter to them?

One Interview talk show was winding down for her. After she finished her set with Ellen, Sarah had to ride a limo downtown so she could be a guest on Oprah Winfrey's show. In the dressing room, Sarah's stylist, brushed her long shoulder length hair and straightened it with a hair straightener. All the while, Sarah talked to Nathan on the phone. "Yeah, I'm now at the studio, fixing to go on air, they just need to refreshen my makeup. I keep smearing it each time I take a sip of water". she laughed into the phone "I'll see you in the studio, baby". Sarah hung up she had asked Nathan to sit next to her while she was being interviewed.

After Oprah introduced her onstage Sarah walked out recieving clapping and cheers from the audience. She sat on a stool and smiled at the crowd "Wow, we have a packed house tonight. I'm going to sing my latest single "If you were here". as Sarah sang, she looked out into the audience.

I keep chasing rainbows that just keep dissapearing I keep hoping that somehow this is a nightmare I keep dreaming.
Not a day goes by that I don't miss you There's so many things I want to say, so many things I want to do I still imagine what it would be like to hold you in my arms and to get to sing to you all those cute baby songs but my dream to have you with me will never be I should let go of the past and realize some things just doesn't happen But that don't mean I haven't forgotten

If you were here who would you be?
would you be a Doctor, or fireman saving other people's life?
Oh I wish I could see Just how good of a man you'd be If you were here

Nathan hugged his wife as she sat down next to him. After 19 years of marriage Nathan still loved to hear his wife sing. Her voice got stronger with each year. Of course the last song was about their baby and how much they loved him. Nathan could never really sing that good. He doubted he could sing a song as beautiful as that either.
"What a beautiful song, Sarah! It must be hard to be a singer and married with two other children," Oprah said after the applause had died.
"Sometimes it's not easy, but I have God, Nathan, and Nathan's family to help. Nathan has a large family. Me and my brother both married into it. I married Nathan and my brother Sam, who's my bodyguard, married Nathan's sister, Lisa, who's also one of my backup singers," Sarah said.
"Nathan, what's it like married to a popular singer? Do you ever get jealous of the male fans who try to flirt with your wife?" Oprah asked Nathan.
"No. It's not easy to see men act like that. But I come to realize that my wife loves me and our two girls. When all is said and done, at the end of the day she'll be coming home with me and I'll be the one she sleeps with. I made my peace with her being a singer long ago. All I can do is just support her," Nathan said, squeezing his wife's hand gently. Sarah squeezed it back, smiling at him.
"So, you have two girls?" Oprah asked.
"Yes. Melanie and Bethanie. They are both eight years old and fraternal twins," Sarah said, as a picture of Nathan holding each girl in one of his arms came on the screen.
"They are beautiful. Now that song you just sang is about someone else," Oprah said.
"Yes. Before the twins we had a baby boy. We lost him from complications the day he was born. There was an old member of Sarah's band who thought she was in love with me. When I married Sarah and she got pregnant we thought that Darcy would try to steal the baby so we had a doctor come to the house and deliver the baby. We were told it could be done. The doctor had to sedate Sarah and perform a Caesarean because of complications. When Sarah woke up we found a note telling us the baby had died and she was taking the baby to the hospital. We've never gotten over it," Nathan said. After all these years it was easier for Nathan to talk about Jason than Sarah. He always was the one to talk about it on talk shows.
"Any questions from the audience?" Oprah asked.

Peter sat in shock. The woman who kidnapped Sarah Duke's son was named Darcy? That was his mother's name, but his mother wouldn't cut open a pregnant woman just to take her son would she? His mother did have a cruel streak. Lately she had reminded Peter of Glenn Close in Fatal Attraction. He had seen the movie with Grace and Glenn's role seemed to fit his mother.
Britney Spears steps in as the role of Grace Marks.

"You're not thinking the Darcy who stole their baby is your mother, are you?" Grace asked, touching his shoulder gently.
Peter turned to look at Grace. "I wouldn't put it past her. My mother can be cruel, Gracie. She could have sedated Sarah so she could never hold her son and, if I'm that son, sedated me so I'd never cry out after I was born so they'd think I was dead," Peter said.
"Wouldn't being sedated kill you at that age?" Grace asked.
"Not if you're careful. Put a few drops on a rag and hold it to a baby's nose for about two or three seconds and you can get away with it. A forensic pathologist told me that when I was in the CSI labs last year on a double homicide case," Peter said.
"Peter, what are you going to do?" Grace asked when the show ended.
"Sarah Duke's family lives in Hazzard. I'm going back there. Their baby should be buried in the hospital plot. I'm gonna see about getting the grave exhumed. I have to see if I'm right," Peter said brokenly.
"Then what if you are?" Grace asked as they went outside.
"Then I'm Jason Duke and not Peter O'Malley," Peter said as they walked to his jeep.
'Peter, if you're right I'll never see you again. I love you," Grace said, tears spilling over.
Peter wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly to his chest. "I love you too. No matter what happens I'll always love you," Peter said, kissing the top of Grace's head gently. Little did Grace know that as soon as he got his answers he was planning on marrying her.

When they got back to Hazzard from a hectic month of nonstop touring, Sarah finally had easter break. During that time, she took time off to spend it with her and Nathan's family. Sarah also went to the local flower shop, and got fresh flowers to go put on Jason's grave. Each time she went, she went alone so she could be alone with her son. That day she got some blue carnation flowers, a very small I love you teddy bear with the name Jason on it. On Jason's grave marker, there was a flower vase.

The graveyard was a peaceful setting to Sarah. It allowed her some time to think, and a very private special moment with her son. Sarah would often talk to him, even sometimes sing a song he might like to hear. Sarah believed the dead watched over loved ones after they were gone, and going to his grave, helped her cope with such a terrible loss. Jason's marker wasn't that big. It was blue Marble, with his picture as a baby on it. Beloved Son was written on the tombstone.

Sarah got the flowers out of their rental car and slowly walked up the grassy bank. Not knowing she was being watched by Jason himself. Sarah knelt down and put the flowers in a vase and watered them. Then she sat the teddy bear against the grave marker beside the vase. Sarah silently mourned everytime she visited the grave it reminded her of what she lost. Nathan was right at what he said to Oprah. They never got over it especially Sarah.

Sarah had no clue that Darcy o' Malley was behind all this. She had no idea that her son had been kidnapped, and was alive and well as Peter O' Malley a Federal Agent who was currently looking into her case. Sarah also didn't know that Darcy had hired her own cousin to cut her open and steal the baby while sedating her and taking the baby so Darcy could raise it on her own.

Sarah began speaking but not loud enough for anyone to hear. Little did she know, Jason was listening to her through an ear piece while waiting in a car nearby for the trucks to show so he could open the casket. He would wait until she left of course, giving her sometime alone.

"I miss you so much Jason, Nathan is right, we just can't never get over losing you, especially me. I still don't understand how it happened or even why," Sarah sniffled, the tears just kept coming down. "I can't believe it's only been 19 years! It doesn't even seem that long since I lost you.
I hope you liked the song I sang today. I'm in town because we're having a big Easter dinner on Sunday, and before that, we'll go to church. Nathan's family always has a big feast, and you can eat as much as you want", Sarah paused then she began talking about his sisters. "You now have two sisters. They are twins and eight years old and they keep growing like weeds. Before you know it, they will get their learner's permit.One already knows how to drive a John Deer Lawnmower", Sarah laughed as if she said the most funniest thing in the world.

Peter had listened to everything Sarah said through the earpiece. he had arrived in Hazzard and gone directly to the FBI office in Atlanta. He had gotten the court order to exhume the grave and had gone directly to the grave site. As soon as Sarah left he was going to open the grave.
Right now she was in no condition to see that happen. As long as she thought her son was buried she might not take well to someone who thought he was Jason digging up the grave. Peter watched as Sarah left, wiping the tears from her eyes.
He got out of the car and pulled out the shovel, ready for the afternoon of grimy work ahead of him. Digging the shovel in the dirt he started. It was slow going and little progress. A worm-chewed coffin was in the ground when Peter hit the bottom. Making sure his gloves were on he pulled the tiny coffin out. Opening the box the inside shocked him. Empy! There were no bones in the coffin. All Peter saw was a pile of rocks.
Peter put the box back in the ground and put the dirt back over it. So Nathan and Sarah's son was still alive! The next thing he was going to do was question his mother. Her name was Darcy.

Peter went to his mother's mansion. Her latest boyfriend, Al, opened the door. His mother seemed to have a new boyfriend every month. "Peter!" Darcy squealed, running to him and wrapping her arms around him and kissing him gently.
Peter didn't know what to say to his mother. She had fixed skinned knees, let him sleep with her when he had nightmares, and every day showed him how much she loved him. She didn't strike him as a kidnapper as she rubbed his sore shoulders gently.
"How was the assignment, Baby?" Darcy asked, touching a sore spot on his shoulder. Peter winced slightly.
"Long. A kidnapped baby. The doctor that delivered it said that it had died in delivery and had buried it. I had to go exhume the grave and found an empty box. The baby's still alive somewhere," Peter said, standing and turning to his mother, his blue eyes flashing.
"Peter, what's wrong?" Darcy asked, cupping his face gently.
"Mom, does Hazzard County and Sarah Duke ring any bells?" Peter asked stiffly. If anything his mother's face turned ashen as she looked at him. The look on her face was enough to convince him that he had hit the truth.
"How did you find out?" Darcy asked.
"When I went to the show with Grace two days ago. What did you do her and me?" Peter asked.
"I was so in love with your father. He didn't love me. He loved Sarah. I didn't want him to marry her. I did everything to make him notice me. When Sarah got pregnant with you I talked to my cousin who was a doctor. She agreed to deliver you and sedate Sarah so she'd never hold you. Then we both decided to tell them both that you had died so they'd never find you. But I'm your mother now. I love you," Darcy said, tears falling down her cheeks.
Peter backed away from her, feeling repulsed by what she had just told him. "You aren't my mother. my mother is Sarah Duke and I'm going home to her and my father," Peter said stiffly as he went towards the door. He didn't notice the angry look in Darcy's eyes as he left.
His next stop was Grace's. Grace was a veterinarian and was feeding a malnourished cat. He hoped that Grace would understand what he was about to tell her.

That evening, Sarah prepared supper and after supper, she was going to plan on cooking the food she would serve at the next day's meal. Everyone was coming over to her and Nathan's house this year. It would be Sarah's first thanksgiving meal, and she was nervous. She hoped she did a good job on the food. Besides singing, Sarah loved to cook. As she cooked, she heard the sounds of the twin's laughter as Nathan wrestled with them in the livingroom.

She laughed as she heard the sounds. Nathan was the girl's favorite toy to play with. They often wrestled in the livingroom. Nathan of course was gentle with them and not rough. Sarah had no clue that after she left, her own son Jason went to dig up his own grave.Tomorrow would be a better day, Sarah thought. It would be to spend it with Family and to celebrate the day Jesus had risen. She had no idea that Jason would be planning on visiting her tonight.

The family settled down to a nice meal of chicken & rice casserole. The twins and Nathan loved chicken so Sarah knew how to cook it alot of different ways. Supper was never boring around the Duke household. Not long after supper, Sarah gave the girls baths and tucked them into bed. After she finished with that, she picked up their toys in the livingroom and put them in the toy box.

She soon joined Nathan on the sofa to watch the movie Titanic, when Jason had arrived. Sarah simply didn't go to the door right away because she was reading the Bible. It was her normal thing to do several nights a week, to read the lord's word. The Bible helped her through every day life. "Honey, could you get that?" said Sarah trying not to be distracted from her studies.

Peter knocked on the door forcefully. if his parents were still up he wondered how he was going to tell them who he was. How do you tell parents that you think you are their son that they thought died? grace had told him to just tell them and then to send for her if all went well.
Nathan Duke answered the door. Peter looked into his father's eyes. They were moss-green and tired. "May I help you, Boy?" Nathan asked.
"Yes. My name's Peter O'Malley and I work for the FBI. I was wondering if I could talk with you and your wife, Mr. Duke?" Peter asked. The worst his father could have said was no.
"Sure. Come in," Nathan said, holding the door open. Peter stepped into the house and hung his leather jacket on a peg. Peter hoped they believed him and maybe submitted to a DNA test. Having the same DNA as Sarah Duke would make all the difference in the world.

Sarah was still reading the Bible when Nathan walked in with the young FBI Agent. Sarah noticed the young handsome man, and put her Bible aside. It wasn't polite to read when important company was over. "Nathan? what's going on? Why is the FBI here?" Sarah wondered if Nathan knew something that she didn't. Sarah looked tired from watching the girls all day and from doing various errands.Upclose, she was even more beautiful to Peter than she was on tv.

Nathan looked at his wife "This is Peter O' Malley, and he is a Federal Agent and he just wants to speak with us". Sarah nodded but she still wondered why a Federal Agent would be in their house.
"Yeah sure. Have a seat anywhere", Sarah motioned towards the other Sofa across from her and Nathan.

Sarah examined their guest. He was a handsome young man and he looked somewhat familiar to Sarah even thougth she couldn't put her finger on it as to why. "Peter, would you like anything to drink? What brings you to our home?" asked Sarah being friendly to the guest.

Pete felt his mouth grow dry. His mother was so beautiful up close. Even more so than Darcy! She had this kind look on her face and the way she looked at his father he could tell that she loved him and him her.
"I'm here on assignment. I was at your show in New York a month ago before I had to go out to South America to breakup a drug ring with some friends I had in the CIA," Peter said, wondering how to proceed as his mother handed him a glass of root beer.
"Okay. What has that got to do with anything?" Nathan asked, a look like that of someone humoring someone was on his face.
"I was thinking there was something about what happened to your son, Jason, that was off. When you mentioned someone named Darcy that clenched it," Peter said, looking up into his father's eyes.
"I don't know who you are, Boy, but if you are here to hurt my family I would suggest that you leave," Nathan said, his voice tinged with warning.
"Believe me, Mr. Duke, that's the last thing I want to do. But I did go to your son's grave today. I was given permission to exhume it. There was nothing there. Just a pile of rocks in a box," Peter said.
"What right have you to dig up our son's remains?" Nathan asked, his anger evident in his voice.
"I had to know and I found out answers. Mrs. Duke, your son didn't die the day he was born. The doctor that delivered him sedated you and as soon as she cut you open took your baby, drugged him so he wouldn't cry, and gave him to a woman named Darcy who lived around here," Peter said, knowing that his words would get him kicked out. They were stranger than fiction, but they were true.
"Jason's alive?" Sarah asked, tears streaming down her cheeks.
"Yes, Ma'am. Like I said I don't want to hurt you, but you deserve the truth," Peter said, feeling tears come to his eyes at the sight of his mother's tears.
"Where is he? Where's my baby?" Sarah asked.
"He's right here. I'm right here," Peter said, looking up into his mother's eyes. Sarah gasped as his eyes met hers. She reached over with shaking hands and pulled off his eyeglasses.
"Nathan, it's Jason!" Sarah exclaimed, stroking his face gently before pulling him into a tight hug and kissing his cheeks and forehead over and over.
Peter felt another pair of arms wrap around him. He didn't have to see that his father had wrapped his arms around him. Peter knew he'd be up answering questions, but for right now he felt safe and secure in his parents' arms.

Sarah couldn't believe it! Jason was alive and in this very livingroom! She hugged her son tight to her chest still finding it hard to believe he was actually there and alive. Her baby didn't die like they thought he had. Instead that witch named Darcy had kidnapped him and drugged him! Sarah and Nathan had trusted their family in that Doctor's care. She hugged Jason tighter sobbing into his chest glad that he was finally with her and Nathan where he belonged.

"I just can't believe your here", Sarah sobbed and looked into his eyes "All these years you were alive, and living with Darcy?!" Sarah asked. They were still in a tight embrace, the three of them not moving, but just both hugging Jason close. She loved the feel of Jason's arms wrapped tightly around her, they felt muscular too just like his father's.

Part of Sarah was now angry at Darcy for keeping her son from her. How dare she?! And that Doctor, there was going to be some serious sueing cases in the next few days, and charges would be filed against Darcy for kidnapping an infant. Darcy kept Jason from his real mother and for that, she had to pay.

Sarah looked up at her son and noticed he didn't have dark hair like his father's but then it occured to her that Darcy must have dyed it. When Lisa went missing along with Will, Jenna had dyed their hair too. Darcy in a way was just like Jenna.

Nathan noticed his wife and how she stroked their son's hair. It was then he noticed that Jason's hair was lighter than the twins. Nathan ran his hand through Jason's hair. His son looked at him, a watery smile on his face. "If you're wondering; Darcy dyed it," Jason said.
"Excuse me, Son?" Nathan asked, tightening his arm around his boy's shoulders.
"She dyed my hair when I got old enough to have hair. It's starting to fade a little, but I'm really dark underneath all this hair color," Jason said, leaning his head into Nathan's chest.
"You still look handsome to me, Baby. I always wondered what you would have looked like all grown up," Sarah commented, cupping their son's face gently as she stroked it.
"Well, I'd better go. I have a room at the hotel here in Hazzard," Jason said, disentangling himself from Sarah's and Nathan's arms.
Sarah looked at her husband in near panic. "Nathan!" Sarah exclaimed. Nathan knew what his wife meant. Sarah couldn't bear the thought of their baby leaving again. Even if he was coming back Sarah couldn't handle that decision.
"Jason, I'll go get your things. You are going to sleep here tonight," Nathan said firmly, pushing his son down on the couch.
"If it's not a problem," Jason said, handing Nathan his room key.
"It's not. Sarah, feed him. He looks way too thin," Nathan tossed over his shoulder as he left the house.

Peter sat on the couch as his mother cooked some food for him. "I hope you're hungry," Sarah said, putting a plate of spaghetti in front of him.
"Starved," Peter said, before cleaning his plate. Sarah sat beside him and stroked his head while he ate and kissing his forehead every so often.
He handed her the plate as soon as it was clean. "Do you feel better now, Baby?" Sarah asked.
"Much better. I feel kind of tired. My body is used to New York time," Peter said, feeling his mother's arms rock him gently as if he was very small.
"Well, as soon as your father gets back we'll take you upstairs to the guest room. And tomorrow you can meet your sisters and family," Sarah said, rubbing his back gently. The soothing gesture made Peter very sleepy until Nathan came in with his stuff.

Once Jason went to bed and cut off the lights, Sarah returned to the livingroom with her husband. She still had to fix the Turkey, dessert, and get the girl's Easter Basket's ready. Layla, and Alicia, were doing the same for their kids. By midnight that night, Sarah was done with all the cooking and so exhausted, she fell asleep on the couch.Others would bring more food tomorrow.

The next morning they went to the Church morning Service. Sarah let Jason get more sleep since he was so tired the night before. As she watched him sleep that morning, Sarah couldn't believe her son was alive, and was finally home right where he belonged. That afternoon, around 1, Sarah was frantic in getting everything ready. She worried that the food wouldn't taste great, or that the house wasn't clean enough.

Darcy in the meantime was in an emotional wreck. Peter had left her to return to Sarah and had told her she was no longer his mother. Darcy didn't feel like celebrating Easter with her family. She avoided all phone calls and emails of her family asking her to come down. Instead, she laid down and seethed, hating Sarah for taking Jason back, after what seemed like hours of crying, Darcy finally knew what she had to do. In order to get Jason back, she had to kill Sarah. And this time she had to succeed.

Sarah called her little girls into the house "Bethanie, Melanie, come meet your brother!" she noticed the girls were outside admiring their baskets, and eating candy. This was sometime after church.
"Okay mommy", said Bethanie and the two girls walked inside "We have a brother?" asked Melanie.

"Yes, his name is Jason. Here he is". Sarah moved and revealed a tall handsome young man before them. "Hi," both girls said being shy.

Peter really didn't have a relationship with that many kids. Sure, he liked them, but he just hadn't much of a chance to hang out with them. All of a sudden he was the brother of two eight-year-olds. Peter watched as his mother told the girls to hug him and both girls wrapped their arms around Peter's neck.
Peter looked at his mother and father, tears in their eyes. "So, how did you sleep, Jason?" Nathan asked as Bethanie and Melanie clung to Peter's hands. Apparently his sisters liked him.
"All right I suppose. I'm not used to this much quiet at night. After living in the city it's going to take some getting used to," Peter said as his two sisters ran back to their Easter baskets and candy.
"I hope you're hungry, Baby. I have turkey cooking," Sarah said, kissing his forehead gently.
"A little. Do I have a chance to shave before your family comes?" Peter asked, not realizing that he'd said the wrong thing.
"Jason, they are your family too," Nathan said, his eyes hard.
"Sorry. I'll rephrase the question. Do I have time to shave before our family comes?" Peter asked.
"Yes. Dinner won't be ready for another two hours. I'm a little surprised. I didn't think you were old enough to shave," Sarah said.
"Sarah, if he's old enough to have whiskers, he's old enough to shave. I didn't shave until I was fourteen. And I had your grandfather teaching me. Who taught you and when did you start to shave, Jason?" Nathan asked.
"Since I was fourteen or fifteen. One of Darcy's boyfriends showed me how when a mustache started to form on my upper lip. I think Darcy was relieved though. The color of my mustache didn't exactly match the dye job she gave me," Peter said over his shoulder as he went upstairs.

Sarah collapsed in Nathan's arms, the tears streaming down her face. Nathan scooped his wife up in his arms and carried her to the couch. He sat down and settled her on his lap, gently rubbing her back with one hand and wiping her tears with his other thumb.
"It's all right, Sarah," Nathan said, kissing her trembling lips gently.
"Nathan, he's just so different. What did Darcy do to my baby?" Sarah asked, her tears wetting the front of his shirt.
"I don't know. He'll tell us in his own time," Nathan said, resting his chin on top of her head.
"Nathan, I never want him to leave us again. I want to be able to watch him sleep like I did this morning, happy that he's here," Sarah sobbed .
"I know. After you went to bed last night I went to watch him sleep too. I just can't believe Jason's here and not dead. I want to take my son fishing this week with Dad, Will, and Uncle Bo," Nathan said as he and Sarah stood up. The next few weeks were going to be rough on Nathan and his family, but he knew that they'd get through it.

Sarah went ahead and got things ready for their big Easter Dinner. She took out the turkey, it looked simply delicious coming out of the oven. Nathan tried to sneak off with a piece but then Sarah playfully smacked his hand "You have to wait until Dinner, just like everyone else". she teased him. With a playful hurt look, Nathan went to go answer the door.

Sarah also got out her peach cobbler pie that she usually made for big Family get togethers. It was Nathan and the girl's favorite and Bo liked her pies to. She smiled as everyone began to come in. Even at close to 50, Bo always managed to look good. His kids who were now preteens Amy and Danny went to sit in the livngroom. The twins were now fixing to both turn twelve.

Sarah couldn't get over how different Jason was from his father. She had hoped that maybe once Jason spent some time with his dad, that he would want to be just like his father. Maybe the fishing trip would be just what they needed. Some quality bonding time. Don't get her wrong, Sarah was happy that Jason was alive and with them. It's just she had expected him to be just like Nathan. He did have his charming good looks though and a gentlemanlike personality.

Sarah wore a light pink Easter dress and let her long brown hair hang loose and had added flowers fake rose buds to her hair. Her makeup was kept simple. And she smiled greeting each guest as they came in. Once everyone was settled in the livinroom Sarah made an announcement with Nathan "Last night, we recieved a surprise guest in our house. A young man in his late teens last night found his way back to us, and turns out, he's Jason! Jason isn't dead after all he's alive and he spent the night here last night. Jason, come out to meet your family", said Sarah as she saw Jason coming down the stairs. He had neatly shaven and wore a white t-shirt with black pants.

Peter could have sworn that he heard a pin drop as his father's family looked at him like he was a ghost. Peter felt his father's arm slip around his shoulders as he brought him forward to meet the family. His grandmother hugged him as tightly as his mother had and his grandfather clapped his shoulder, hard.
"All right, Mama, let Jason breathe," Nathan said dryly, pulling Peter from his mother's arms.
"He's just so handsome. He has the shape of your mouth, Nathan," Lori Duke said, running her thin fingers over Peter's lips.
"Where have you been all these years, Boy?" Peter's grandfather asked.
"New York City. Darcy moved away from here after she took me and named me Peter O'Malley. The problem with getting a new name now is that I still think my name's Peter though," Peter said ruefully.
Sarah wrapped her arms around him, hugging him tight. "It'll take some getting used to, Baby. But all of us are going to help you because we love you," Sarah said, kissing his forehead gently.
"Your mother's right, Son. We have loved you since the day you were born. I also have a surprise for you. How'd you like to go fishing next week? Just the two of us?" Nathan asked. Considering both parents now held him between them he was starting to feel sandwiched.
"I've never gone fishing before. There's really no place to do it in New York City, but I'm willing to try it," Peter said. His father smiled as he gave Peter a hug. Dinner wasn't too long after that. The conversation was happy. Peter didn't have much to contribute, but he liked all the bantering between his father and Uncles. Every so often he'd look over at his mother talking to his aunts or grandmother. Only Luke was like Peter; listening to the conversation and not really joining in.
"So, Jason, your father tells me you have a job?" Bo Duke asked, turning the conversation to him.
"Yeah. I work for the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the FBI to you regular civilians. I'm going to look into seeing if the Atlanta branch needs any new agents. Then if it works I can get my girlfriend down here," Peter said, taking a bite of dressing.

Sarah looked over at Jason surprised he had a girlfriend already. "You have a girlfriend Jason? what is her name? tell us about her". Sarah kept eating her food. She should have known that Jason being his age, could already have a girlfriend. Sarah just hoped the girl was nice and nothing like Darcy. If she wasn't like Darcy, then her and the girl would get along just fine.

The rest of the family seemed happy that Jason was here to and all of them wanted to get to know him. That would take some time, Sarah realized. But they had all the time in the world to do that in. Lori and Luke both seemed to like Jason already. So did Bo and Daisy.Daisy and Enos were married, and Daisy had a baby girl named Katherine.

'Her name's Grace. She's real pretty. Kind of short and has light brown hair. She kind of reminds you of Britney Spears. She's a vet. Pretty safe job compared to what I do for a living," Peter said, as his mother served hot apple pie.
"I'm not too sure I'm ready for you to have a girlfriend. You just got here," Sarah said, putting a plate in front of Peter.
"It'll be awhile before she gets here. Me and her both agreed that I would check things out and make sure before I asked her to come here and agree to marry me. I was going to ask her before this came up," Peter said, finishing his dessert.
"Jason, you're only eighteen," Nathan said sharply.
"I know. It'll be awhile before we can get married. They don't pay me that much in the FBI. You should see my apartment in New York. Prisons in third-world countries don't look as gloomy as my place and since the heat doesn't work it's colder than the North Pole," Peter said.
"You sleep in the cold, Jason?" Sarah asked, running her fingers through Peter's hair gently.
"Not much I can do about that. I just go to bed with extra quilts and a jacket on," Peter said. he knew by the looks of concern that his parents were shocked.
"Didn't Darcy help in that? If I recall she was rich," Alicia, his uncle's wife wanted to know.
"Yeah, but I wanted a place without her help or money," Peter said. The rest of the dinner was silent, but it wasn't an unpleasant silence.

Nathan and Sarah went to their son's room later that night. Nathan knocked gently on the door. "Come in," Jason's voice came through the door.
Jason was in the bed, removing his glasses. "We just wanted to tuck you in since we haven't yet," Sarah said, walking over to their son and gently giving him a kiss and a hug. "We are so glad you're home, Baby," Sarah whispered softly in his ear as she hugged him tightly.
"I'm glad to be home too," Jason said.
"It's my turn, Sarah," Nathan said. Sarah reluctantly released Jason. Nathan wrapped his arms tightly around his boy and squeezed his muscular shoulders gently.
"Get a good night's rest. We're going fishing tomorrow," Nathan said, kissing his son's cheek before easing him onto his pillow and pulling the quilt up to his chin. He gently squeezed his son's shoulder one more time before he and Sarah walked back to their room.
Sarah and Nathan got into their bed and lay in each other's arms. "Nathan, I'm so happy he's back," Sarah said, her breath tickling his chest.
"Me too, but he seems a little lost," Nathan said, playing with strands of his wife's hair.
"You noticed that too? He seems so different from you. I guess I thought that if we had a son he'd be like you," Sarah said.
"Sarah, he can't. We can only pray that he wasn't damaged by Darcy in anyway. Now let's go to sleep," Nathan said, raising his wife's head from his shoulder and kissing her lips gently.
Nathan and Sarah fell asleep, their thoughts on their son.

Grace was working long hours in the vet office that day. People kept coming in with injured pets, and pets kept coming in for checkups. Grace had always loved animals as a child, and that was what inspired her to become a vet. She wanted to help the Animals.

Grace already missed Peter. He had gone to visit Family down in Hazzard County, Georgia and she wondered how were things going for him.He was suppose to call her that night and tell her how things went. Grace hoped the family believed him. And she hoped they were major improvement over Darcy O' Malley. Grace never liked Darcy, and Darcy didn't seem to like her. The two had trouble getting along, and Peter had to always be there so things didn't get out of hand. Darcy believed that Peter should be with Amanda, a girl whom Darcy liked way better than Grace. And Grace would never live up to Amanda or Darcy's good looks. They were blonde, and pretty, and had way much more fun.

After her workshift was finally over, Grace was tired, and very hungry. She walked to her car after locking up, and dialed Peter's cell. He was still not answering so she left a message "Peter, hi it's me Grace, I hope things are going well. Call me back soon, okay?" she hung up and started the car engine. Grace suddenly felt uncomfortable as if someone was following her. Suddenly, a gun was pressed into her head. "Looks like Peter is too busy to worry about you sweetie. Do as I say, and drive where I say to drive. And you may not get shot". Grace gasped Darcy was holding her hostage!

Peter woke up, feeling a little confused as to where he was. It took a few minutes for him to realize he was in Hazzard, sleeping in a guest room that his mother and father had provided for him. He then remembered that his mother and father had tucked him in like he was a small boy.
Their love was something different than what he was used to. Darcy's love had always felt different. Sure, she kissed him like Sarah did, but it hadn't felt right. And he had never had a father figure around to just stand there with his arm around Peter's shoulder like Nathan did. The only person who loved him besides Darcy was Grace.
Peter then caught himself. Grace! He had promised to call her the night before, but had been wrapped up in family reunion. Picking up his cell phone he realized he had one missing message. He accessed it and heard Grace's voice over the line. "Peter, hi it's me Grace, I hope things are going well. Call me back soon, okay"
Peter then dialed Grace's phone number. After seven or eight rings he hadn't gotten an answer. Grace was probably at work until Peter remembered that Monday was usually an off day for Grace at the vet's office. Peter wondered where his girl was. He wanted to talk with her about her coming down to Hazzard to meet his family.

Nathan and Sarah were in the kitchen when Jason came in the room, a pensive look on his face. Sarah stopped in the middle of packing Jason's and Nathan's lunch and walked over to their son. "What's the matter, Baby?" Sarah asked, cupping Jason's face and gently smoothing Jason's face with her hands.
"Probably nothing. I'm worrying for no good reason. I just called Grace. She's not answering her phone. She left me a message and when I tried to call her nothing happened," Jason said, sighing heavily. Sarah then wrapped her arms around Jason's shoulders and hugged him tightly.
"I'm sure she's all right, Baby. try calling her again tonight after you and Dad get back from your fishing trip," Sarah said, running her fingers through Jason's hair.
"Your Mama's right, Son. Grace probably went out somewhere," Nathan said, squeezing his son's shoulder.
"I hope you're right. I hope Darcy hasn't done anything. She never liked Grace, because Grace isn't conniving like her. She would kidnap Grace just to get to me. She preferred that I like a girl named Amanda who was shallow and vain. Amanda was a lot like Darcy. I went on a date just to get Darcy off my back about her and Amanda was obsessive and kept trying to kiss me," Jason said, rolling his eyes.
"Sounds like Darcy. She locked you mother in a freezer the day after I met your mother and forced me to kiss her. It wasn't pleasant since I had been kissing your mother," Nathan said as the two left the house, Jason holding their lunch.

When Grace came to, she found hersself in a room somewhere, Darcy's house, what it looked like. But she couldn't figure out what floor she was on. Grace was also tied up to a chair. Darcy entered the room "Oh good, your wake. I knew you'd come around sooner, or later." Darcy set down what looked like a plate of food for Grace. "I thought you might be hungry, so I fixed a meal. It's vegtable soup. With noodles". She set it down it was complete with crackers.

"What do you want with me? If Peter finds out what you did, he definately won't ever talk to you"
Grace struggled with the ropes. They were bound tight. Darcy looked over at her "I know that you know where Peter is, and you see him way more than I do, so I thought I'd kidnap you to get answers. I need to know where my son is so I can stop him from going back to parents and then leave me. I can't let that happen".

Grace looked at her. "I won't tell you where he is, and you can't make me!" she said. Darcy put some food on a spoon and proceeded to feed Grace. Once the poison settled in, Grace would be unable to control her own mind. Darcy didn't plan to kill her, just to drug her into telling her where Peter was, then she'd kidnap Peter's mom and bring her to the same place. Then, she'd try to find Peter later. ONly Darcy didn't know was that Peter would only arrest her and make her tell him where his mom and Grace were.

Grace couldn't believe what was happening to her. Darcy was poisoning her! Darcy looked at her "And Peter isn't that concerned about you Grace. If he was, wouldn't he have called by now?" Darcy had taken Grace's phone earlier, so that Peter wouldn't be able to reach her. Grace looked at her terrified. What if Darcy was right? Peter must not be concerned about her. He hadn't called ever since he went to go find his birth parents. Grace tried to refuse to eat the food.

Peter and Nathan got back to the house later that afternoon. The fishing had been a lot of fun and Peter and his father had enjoyed being with each other. Nathan seemed less like a stranger and more like his father in this one afternoon.
Sarah came up to them and kissed first Nathan and then Peter. Sarah smoothed Peter's face gently with her hands and looked into his blue eyes. "How was the fishing trip?" Sarah asked.
"Pretty good. Baiting the hook is really disgusting though," Peter said, smiling at his mother.
"Well, if you'll give me what you caught I'll cook them for dinner," Sarah said, taking the fish from Nathan and Peter.
"I'm going to take a shower," Nathan said.
"I'm going to see if I can talk to Grace now. Maybe she's back," Peter said, taking the cell phone out of his pocket.
Peter went to his room so he could have some privacy. The phone rang about five times before someone picked up. Someone was breathing lightly on the phone. "Gracie? Are you there? Answer me!" Peter said in a sharp voice.
"Hello, Baby," Darcy's voice came over the phone smugly.
"Darcy," Peter said flatly.
"I know it's been a few days, but what happened to Mom?" Darcy said, her voice sounding patronizing.
"You aren't my mother and what are you doing with Grace's phone?" Peter asked angrily.
"Really, Peter, I thought I taught you better in controlling your temper and sassing your mother," Darcy said.
"Where's Grace?" Peter asked, feeling like someone had hit him in the chest.
"Don't you worry. You just come back to New York and then you'll tell your little girlfriend and the Dukes that you never want to see them again. Then you'll marry Amanda," Darcy said, her logic laughable.
"I don't love Amanda," Peter said, feeling defeated.
"It doesn't matter. You're still going to marry Amanda," Darcy said, disconnecting the phone.
Peter then left his room. He might as well tell his parents that Darcy had kidnapped Grace and was trying to force him to marry Amanda and leave them.
Sarah was breading the fish and Nathan was washing his hands at the sink. "Jason, is something wrong?" Sarah asked him, a look of concern in her eyes.
"It's Grace. Darcy's kidnapped her and stolen her phone. She told me when I called that I better get back to New York and tell Grace and you that I never want to see you again. Also she's forcing me to marry Amanda," Peter said, watching the concerned looks on his parents faces.
"Jason, you can't give in to that kind of bullying," Nathan said, clapping Peter's shoulder.
"Your father's right, Baby. Grace wouldn't want you to," Sarah said, smoothing Peter's face gently. Peter hoped his parents were right. He didn't want Grace to get hurt.

Grace had been knocked out for several hours. When she regained conciousness, she overheard Darcy's phone conversation with Peter. Peter had called her!. Struggling, Gracie tried to scream, but she could barely make out a sound. She felt so weak. And her head spun. Listening to the entire conversation, tears fell down Gracie's face. Darcy was going to make Peter break up with her, so he could marry Amanda. Darcy had told Gracie this plan of hers. Gracie hoped Peter wouldn't give in to that kind of bullying and dump her and marry Amanda.

Grace wondered if Peter would immediately leave his family and come to her rescue. Surely, he wouldn't leave her at the hands of Darcy O' Malley for very long. Darcy was slowly trying to kill her, and poison her with food. Grace kept feeling weaker. If Peter did break up with her, it would break Grace's heart. Peter seemed to be so in love with her. And she didn't know if she would be able to trust another man again. Grace had dated all the wrong guys until she met Peter. He was the perfect match for her.

As Sarah popped the fish into the oven to bake for an hour and half, she turned to Jason "Son, if this girl is important to you, you do need to go back and rescue her. And then tell Darcy she can't run your life. If you need help, Nathan can go with you to help save her. I'll be fine here".

"I don't think Darcy would kill Grace, would she?" Peter asked, uncertainly.
"Darcy will do anything to get what she wants. She wanted you so she got her cousin to drug me and cut me open so she could take you," Sarah said cupping Peter's face with her hands. Even though Darcy had hugged and kissed him she had never been like Sarah Duke.
"But she didn't kill you. She just pumped you full of drugs so you'd be out like a light," Peter said, resting his head against Sarah's shoulder. Sarah gently stroked his close-cropped hair and kissed his head gently.
"I know, Baby. but she wanted you. Killing me wouldn't have helped her. She obviously kidnapped Grace so you would come running back and be forced to marry Amanda. I think if you and your father went you might be able to help get Grace away from Darcy before Darcy hurts her and forces her to say she never loved you," Sarah said.
"Can she do that?" Peter asked, looking into his mother's eyes.
"Yes she can. Your uncle Sam and myself was in an accident. He got amnesia and Darcy made it look like she rescued him. Darcy could convince Grace that you never loved her. Once she convinces her of that she might let her go, but with the threats that Grace can never see you again," Sarah said.
"Okay. I'll eat something. Dad, can you come with me?" Peter said, finally saying what he had wanted to call Nathan.
"Of course I can, Son. We will also bring some backup. Will your Uncle Will, Uncle Bo, and grandfather do?" Nathan asked, a smile on his face.
"Four will be better than two," Peter agreed as they all sat down to a meal of baked fish. Peter hoped he found Grace alive. Darcy couldn't be cruel enough to kill someone, could she?

Grace couldn't believe all the stuff that Darcy was now telling her. Darcy had just told her that Peter had called and had said that he no longer loved her, and was going to come back home and marry Amanda. Darcy told Grace that Peter had said it was over between them and he would rather be with Amanda. Darcy told Grace nothing but lies about Peter. She didn't even mention that Peter didn't love Amanda. But the way Darcy said things, made Grace believe her. After all going to Hazzard for a few days could have changed Peter and maybe he didn't want to be with his new family or her after all. That would explain why he hadn't called for two days.

Grace felt her heart start to break and tears began to well up in her eyes. She had loved Peter so much! Better than Darcy had loved him. And now, he didn't want her anymore. Grace had always found it hard to believe when Peter said he loved her. And now she knew why she had those feelings. Feelings of worryness, feelings that she would never belong. Darcy looked at her gloating but she pretended to feel sorry for Grace "I'm really sorry to have to tell you this.But Peter said those exact words. He couldn't break up with you in person because it would break his heart to see you cry"
Grace kept crying then she looked at Darcy."Can you let me go now that Peter called things off with me? There's no use keeping me here".

"I can't do that, because then you'll tell the police all about me, and I could go to jail and no one will be a mother to Peter, now would they? You'll be dead in a few days, and no one will miss you, so why not die here?" asked Darcy.

Peter entered his apartment followed by his grandfather, father, and uncles. "So this is your house, Boy?" Luke asked, looking around as Peter went through his mail.
"Yep. Darcy bought it when I moved out. I guess she figured that if I didn't want to live in her house she thought I could have a nice apartment to impress Amanda with. Funny thing is Amanda's never going to be impressed with it. As soon as I find Grace I'm selling this apartment," Peter said, slipping his glasses on.
"Might be a good thing. The house looks pretty bare, Son. Don't you ever decorate?" Nathan asked, looking around Peter's living room.
"Darcy did, but I sold a lot of the things because her style is not mine. I also wanted to buy my own things. It takes a long time with the paychecks I get from my job. Speaking of which, I guess I can call my partner and my boss now. Excuse me," Peter said, taking his cell phone out of his leather jacket and dialing out a number.
His partner, Gilbert, might be able to help him. Gilbert was more undercover than Peter was. So maybe he could sneak in the house and get Grace out before Darcy figured anything out.

When Darcy left, Grace eyed the door. It remained closed after waiting a few moments, Grace heard Darcy leave to go somewhere. Now was her chance to escape! Grace fumbled with the ropes, working quickly. When she used to be a girl scout, they taught her lots of surviving tips. One of them, was learning how to get out of ropes.Soon, Grace wriggled free out of the ropes and untied her feet.

Walking over to the window, Grace surveyed her surroundings and listened for any footsteps. There was no way she was sticking around and watching Darcy force Peter into marrying Amanda. If anything, Grace wanted to get away from this place, and get on a plane to go to her Uncle Dave's ranch. Grace stayed there sometimes when she needed some time to think. Struggling with the window, Grace opened it with her hands and looked down. If she was escaping, their was a long drop to the ground and she had to climb. No problem, she thought wearly, it's just like rock climbing, you have to be carefull. Grace grunted, and got her legs to swing over the window.
She still felt weak from the poison, but she had to escape. Had to get away from here. Grace climbed out of the window and began to slowly make her way down.

Grace did the only thing she knew how to do in a situation like this, run and keep running until she got to the main road. Once she got there, she could hitch hike a ride to her small apartment then pack her bags. If she made it there in time. Grace took off running, not wasting any time. In no time at all, she heard the nearby highway as she ran through some woods. She sprained her ankle along the way, but ignored the pain and kept moving. Soon she felt too great of pain and collapsed on the side of the road.

Peter and his family, followed by backup from the FBI went out into the country to Darcy's mansion. Darcy hated the noise of the city so as soon as she and Peter moved here when Peter was five Darcy had bought a mansion from the money that Peter's grandfather had given her.
Peter and his father was in one car. "Dad, do you think Grace will be okay?" Peter asked. His father had his hand on Peter's shoulder. Nathan squeezed it gently.
"I don't know, Son. She's not above hurting anyone. She tried to lock your mother in a freezer and tried to poison her with a snake on our wedding day," Nathan said.
"I don't want her hurting Grace. I know she never liked Grace and she'd prefer I was with Amanda, but I don't love Amanda in the way Darcy wants me to," Peter said as they came around a corner.
"I understand that, Jason. Really I do. I felt the same way when Darcy tried to kiss me that time when she locked your mother in the freezer. I didn't love her that way either. Darcy had just gripped my face and started kissing me. It meant nothing to me," Nathan said just as Peter put on the emergency brake.
A figure was huddled by the side of the road. Peter bolted out of the car and went to the prone figure. It was Grace! Her breathing was shallow and her lips were blue since it was still cold in New York. "Grace, wake up! Grace!" Peter said, slapping her face lightly.
Grace opened her eyes and looked right into his eyes. "Peter?" Grace said through cracked lips as she feebly touched his face with her hand.
"I'm here, Gracie. I came as soon as I found out that Darcy took you. I love you," Peter said, hugging her tightly.
"Darcy said you loved Amanda and were going to marry her," Grace said as Peter carried her to the car and put her in the seat between him and Nathan.
"Darcy lied. I never said I was marrying Amanda. Surely you know me better than that," Peter said as he started the car.
"She gave me something that's making my head hurt, Peter," Grace said, her voice a slight whimper.
"Jason, I think we'd better take her to the hospital. If Darcy drugged or poisoned her a doctor would be able to treat it," Nathan said as Grace moaned and her head fell on Peter's shoulder.
"You're probably right. The others can go get Darcy. I just want to be sure that Grace will be all right," Peter said, turning around on the road towards the hospital. Peter managed to call the backup that was following them and they all agreed that they'd get Darcy while Peter took Grace to the hospital.
The whole way there Nathan kept Grace awake, talking to her. Peter could see the wisdom in that. If Darcy had given her poison it was a good idea to keep her awake.

Grace listened to Nathan as he kept talking to her. Nathan told her who he was and that he was Peter's real father. Nathan kept asking her questions to tell him about her and what she liked and what she enjoyed doing. By the time they got to the hospital, Grace was still awake, but her head was still throbbing.

The Doctors worked on Grace for what seemed like a long time and pumped all the drug out of her system. They even gave Peter a sample of the poison in a vial so he would know what Darcy drugged his girl with. After being pumped out of all the drug, Grace was brought into the recovery room and the Doctor talked to Peter and his dad. "Grace will be fine. Good thing you brought her here when you did, if you waited too long like the next day, she could be dead. You saved her life, young man". the Doctor gave him a pat on the shoulder.

Grace woke up a few hours later, feeling all groggy from the morphine the nurses gave her for the pain. It then struck her that she had been rescued by Peter and his dad and she was grateful that Peter didn't love Amanda and wouldn't marry her. Grace looked as Peter and his dad walked in. "Hi", she said sleepily.

Darcy in the meantime came back from shopping. She found Grace gone and immediately panicked. Her plan was backfiring! Grace escaped! Then she would definately call the cops. The doorbell rang and Darcy answered it. Her face paled when she saw Bo on the front steps. Trying to recover Darcy said "Hey there officer's is there a problem?"

Peter felt his eyes water as he looked at grace. he rushed to her and took her in his arms. "Are you okay?" Peter asked, looking into her blue eyes. Grace looked tired, but she smiled briefly.
"I'm fine, thanks to you, Peter," Grace said as Peter laid her back among her pillows and gripped her hand tightly.
"I'm glad. The doctors said that if we had waited you'd have been dead. Why did Darcy take you?" Peter asked.
"I didn't know at first. She didn't say much to me at first. Just ordered me to drive and then when I got where she wanted me to go she injected me with something. I woke up tied to a chair. She then fed me some soup. After that she started asking me where you were and kept telling me that you didn't love me. It was so strange. I felt like I was believing her. That you didn't care. Then sometime last night she stopped feeding me and said you were going to marry Amanda and I might as well die there. That's when I decided to get out," Grace said, closing her eyes and her face twitched in pain.
"Maybe it was a good thing that she stopped feeding you. She slipped the poison in your food so you'd be in so much pain that you'd tell where my son was," Nathan said, pushing Grace's light brown hair out of her eyes like he would have the twins.
"Why didn't you call me, Peter?" Grace said, her voice trembling slightly.
"I forgot since we had family over. I didn't think about it until the next day. When I did call you weren't answering and the second time Darcy picked up. That's when she tried to force me to be with Amanda. Said something would happen to you if I didn't come back and marry Amanda. I am sorry though. I want you and I want you to come back to Hazzard with me," Peter said, pressing his lips into the palm of her hand.
"Peter, are you sure?" Grace asked, stroking his face feebly.
"Yes. I'm still gonna work for the FBI, but I'll see if I can do a desk job. I'm not planning on any more field work in South America," Peter said.
"Yes, then. I'll marry you," Grace said, a grin spreading across her face. Peter whooped loudly and leaned over and kissed her lips gently. He felt her gasp in pain.
"Are you okay?" Peter asked.
"My head hurts," Grace whimpered softly.
"That's the poison getting out of your system. The doctor said it'll be about a week before all of it's out. That's why I want to take you to Hazzard. Me and my family can take care of you," Peter said, rubbing her face gently.
"I just feel tired, Peter. I want to sleep," Grace said, her words slurred slightly.
"Okay. Dad and me are getting some coffee. If you need me send a nurse to the cafeteria," Peter said, giving her another kiss before he and Nathan left. Peter hoped they had gotten Darcy. Darcy had hurt Peter's girlfriend in an attempt to make him do something he didn't want to do. Peter also knew Amanda had nothing to do with this. If she had Grace would have said Amanda had been there poisoning her along with Darcy. Amanda was almost as bad as Darcy. She was vain, spoiled, and shallow, but she wouldn't hurt someone like that.

After a few days in the hospital, Grace was feeling somewhat better. The doctor's had given her antibodics to keep helping the rest of the poison to come out. But, she was well enough to leave the hospital, and to go home with Peter and his family. She rode in the car with Peter and his dad. Grace wondered what his family would think about him having a girlfriend/fiance'. Grace just hoped they would like her. She had wasted time trying to get Darcy to like her. She just hoped she wouldn't have to do that, with Peter's family.

They had made a stop to her place to get her things. Being on her own, Grace never owned that much. She packed mostly clothes, and some of her favorite cds to listen to and her portable cd player. She also brought along some of her favorite novels. Grace turned in her apartment key to her Landlord and said she was leaving New York for good. Grace had also called her workplace to let them know she was moving and if they could, to transfer her to somewhere in Hazzard County, G.A.

Car rides pretty much bored Grace. She enjoyed the scenery for awhile and for the fact they were leaving New York.She conked out for most of the car ride, and was finally relieved when they pulled up to Nathan and Sarah's house. It was white victorian and a mansion. Since Sarah was rich, they lived comfortably.Grace looked at Peter and joked "So, what should I call you now? Peter, or Jason Duke?" she waited so he could help her out of the car.

Peter opened Grace's car door and picked her up as if she was a bride being carried over the thresh hold. "Whatever you're comfortable with," Peter said as she wrapped her arms around his neck. The poison wasn't completely out of her system and she still felt weak and dizzy so Peter had to carry her everywhere she went.
"I just don't want to insult your mother and father," Grace said, kissing his face gently at intervals as he carried her towards the mansion that Peter's new family lived in.
"I don't think they care. My mother and father both want you here. You don't have to worry about them ever doing what Darcy did to you. Now, kiss me," Peter said, giving her a long, lingering kiss on the lips. He heard her sigh softly as she kissed his lips back and she twined her fingers in his hair.
"I love you," Grace said breathlessly as Peter hugged her tightly and carried her into the house.
Nathan and Sarah stood in the foyer, kissing each other. The relieved look on his mother's face made it look as if Nathan and Peter had been gone 20 years instead of a few days. Sarah looked towards the door as Peter entered with Grace.
"Jason!" Sarah exclaimed, rushing over to her son.
"Hey. Grace, this is my mother. Mom, this is Grace," Peter said, introducing the two of them.
"Hello, Grace. How are you feeling?" Sarah asked as Peter settled Grace on the couch and sat beside her. Grace wrapped her arms around Peter. Nathan and Sarah sat in parlor chairs.
"All right I suppose. A little weak and dizzy. Peter has to carry me everywhere I go since I can't stand on my own two feet," Grace said, playing with the top button of Peter's shirt.
"Yes. Nathan told me what Darcy had done to you. I am so sorry," Sarah said.
"I think what she did to you was worse. She drugged you and cut you open and stole your baby before you even had a chance to see him and then she let you think he was dead so you'd never find him," Grace said.
"Darcy is not above doing those kinds of things. She was drugging men and making them love her long before she ever entered our lives. She did to your brother, Sam," Nathan pointed out.
"Come again?" Peter asked.
"She drugs men so that they think they are in love with her. I was in a car accident with your uncle when we were teenagers. Darcy found us, took your uncle, and left me for dead. When he woke up he couldn't remember who he was. Darcy told him he could stay as her servant and she slipped drugs in his food over time. The drugs robs a person of their common sense. These men honestly think that they love Darcy and if they are committing a crime they aren't aware. All Darcy does is drug them and then kiss them and they are willing to walk through fire for her and they feel as if Darcy is the victim," Sarah explained.
"I saw a lot of men at her mansion as servants. It seemed as if Darcy was in love with one each month," Peter said.
"Well, Darcy's been arrested. Your Uncle Bo confirmed that. It's yet to be seen if her money and family name can get her out of prison," Nathan said, squeezing Peter's shoulder.
Peter hoped his father was right. If he was wrong Peter hoped he could be married to Grace before Darcy came down here. If she saw that Peter was married then she wouldn't try to make him marry Amanda. Unless Darcy did to Grace what that Jenna woman did to his grandparents and forced them to divorce. In which case he hoped she didn't.

"Let's just hope she doesn't get out of jail anytime soon. I need some time to recover and get back to my oldself and enjoy being engaged. Peter, I think I will call you Jason since your parents call you Jason, and your no longer Darcy's son." said Grace as she looked around and glanced at Sarah and Nathan's surroundings. Grace felt out of place in a big Mansion like this. How was she suppose to adjust? Raised in a middle class family, and when she was on her on, Grace was poor with a small apartment. She didn't know how to react in a big mansion somewhere.

Whenever she read country weekly magazines, Sarah would always dream about having a place exactly like this and decorated in a similar fashion. She had always dreamed of being a singer to and had a nice voice, she just never had any interest in pursueing the career. Grace only sang at Funerals, Karaoke events, and Weddings when asked to. She didn't sing for very many people because she felt self- concious about her looks and her voice. She didn't think she was that great.

"Nice place you have here. " she said to Nathan and Sarah thinking it was the first thing she could say to them, since she was now a guest in their home. Great, is that all you can say?! thought Grace to herself. Grace felt embarassed right then and wanted to bury herself into Jason's shirt.

"Thank you, we like the place alot to. I've decorated most of it myself. Nathan has a few things here and there as decor". said Sarah smiling. She was already starting to like Grace. She just wished she could make Grace feel more at home and less shy around them. Grace was family too just like Jason is. Sarah looked over at Jason "Jason, honey, have you ever considered getting contacts? they would bring out your eyes better and give you a sophisticated look, and while your here, it would be nice if you got a makeover to. You know what I mean. Have your hair dyed back the same color as your dad's, and get a new wardrobe. " Sarah wanted her son to look more like Nathan.

Grace had no idea that Jason wanted to marry her as soon as she got better that way they'd be together forever and Darcy couldn't do anything about that.

"Well, Darcy dyed my hair for so long I got used to it. She always did it every couple of months when my roots started to get dark. I didn't think it bothered any of you," Peter said with a shrug.
"Baby, it doesn't, but you're so handsome. I would love to see what you look like with your dad's hair like you were supposed to have. I'd also think your eyes would be most impressive if you got rid of the glasses and wore contacts," Sarah said.
"I don't know about that. I've been wearing glasses since I was ten. I've thought of contacts, but I was always afraid that I'd lose them. Of course Grace likes to take them off when she kisses me. So did Amanda the few times I dated her. I just feel more comfortable with them," Peter said, removing the wire-rimed glasses that he wore.
"Sarah, why don't we just let him keep them? If he's comfortable with glasses I see no harm in him wearing them," Nathan said. Peter shot his father a grateful look. It was then he looked down. Grace was sound asleep her face buried in his chest.
"Mom," Peter said and indicated Grace.
"Oh, Jason, I'm sorry. I guess I forgot about the poison in her system. Let's get her upstairs to her room," Sarah said, standing up.
Peter stood and picked Grace up gently. She woke up as Peter carried her up the stairs. "Jason?" Grace asked, her voice slurring sleepily.
"Go back to sleep, Gracie. Me and mom are just putting you in your room," Peter said.
"I did want to visit with your parents," Grace said, her voice growing faint.
"There'll be plenty of time for that when you are all better," Peter said as he followed his mother in a large room the size of a landing field. Sarah turned down the bedspread. Peter laid Grace on the bed and Sarah covered her gently with the quilt.
"Love you," Grace said softly as she drifted off to sleep. Peter leaned over and kissed her lips gently before leaving the room.

Nathan looked up as his wife entered the room and sat on his lap, twining her hand in his dark hair and sighing deeply. "Sarah, are you all right?" Nathan asked.
"Just tired is all. I spent nearly a week worried about you and Jason. I'm just glad that Darcy didn't do to you what Jenna did to your mother and father," Sarah said.
"Me too. I've been married to you for 19 years. It'd be hard to divorce you when I love you so much," Nathan said in a slight, teasing way before kissing her lips soundly.
"I love you too," Sarah said, standing up. Nathan stood with her.
"I felt sorry for Grace though. Darcy hurt her bad," Nathan said, following his wife to the kitchen.
"I know. Considering what Jason said Darcy did to her I'm making a cake for her," Sarah said, pulling down all her cake ingredients.
"Cake still won't change what happened," Nathan pointed out.
"I know, but it can help besides a few prayers. But while I'm baking can you go talk to our son? I know he's used to light hair and the glasses, but they make him look more like Peter O'Malley than Jason Duke," Sarah said, plugging in the mixer.
"I'll try. I think he's visiting with Mama and Daddy right now," Nathan said, kissing his wife's cheek gently before leaving the kitchen.

Grace slept for a good long time that night and woke up the next morning feeling 78 better. Not completely better, but better enough to go and try to do something fun. Sarah had called one of her housemaids to get a wheelchair for Grace since she still couldn't walk on her on just yet. So that her, Lori, Layla, and Alicia could take turns pushing Grace.

Grace woke up to the wonderful smell of pancakes. She glanced at the clock to see what time it was. 9:15. Grace sat up wondering why did they let her sleep for so long?! How much had she missed? Grace began to wonder where Jason was, she hadn't seen him since last night, when he laid her down. Grace grabbed a walky talky next to her bedside. Next to it, was a note from Jason

If you need me, I'm downstairs helping with breakfast. Press the button and tell me to come and I will.

love Jason

Grace grinned. She remembered as a young girl her and her friend Mary Ann played with walky talkys pretending to be cops. Grace pressed the blue button "Jason, I'm up, and I can smell pancakes through the airvent, can you pleasssssssss come and get me?" she purred in her voice that nearly drove Jason crazy in a good way, but he loved it. Grace soon changed into her fresh clothes, a green silk blouse and a knee- length black skirt. She brushed her long brown hair and applied some makep. She didn't know that last night Jason got a complete makeover. Lori had helped him out with it and took him shopping. Then she did the full makeover on him. The next time Peter entered the room, he would be Jason Duke, not Peter O' Malley.

Peter ran his hands through his dark hair. It was hard not to have the lighter hair. He still couldn't believe he let his father talk him into this and his mother try to restore his hair color. He was still wearing the glasses, but when Grace went out with his mother and aunts his father, grandfather, and Bo were going to take him to get his first pair of contacts.
"Jason, you look so handsome," Sarah said, stepping up to his side and kissing his cheek lightly. Peter smiled at her. it still felt a little strange that this was his mother. And she was accepting this a lot faster than he was. Darcy was right on one thing; a mother's love never dies.
"Thanks, it just feels weird. I think it's going to be stranger not wearing glasses," Peter said, sitting down at the table and one of the twins got in his lap. Peter's sisters had accepted him pretty good too. The girls clung to him as much as they did Nathan.
"I just think you'd look better without them. Darcy got you those and I want to make sure that you look more like what you should have looked like," Sarah said, going back to the pancakes.
"I just hope Grace likes it. She doesn't know I changed my hair color since she was asleep when you fixed my hair," Peter said as his walkie- talkie came to life.
"Jason, I'm up, and I can smell pancakes through the airvent, can you pleasssssssss come and get me?" Grace's voice came over the radio in a sweet whimper. Peter grinned and ran up the stairs. He knocked lightly on Grace's door. "Come in," Grace said.
Peter opened the door and walked in. grace gasped as she looked at his hair. "Jason, what have you done?" Grace asked as Peter walked towards her and lifted her up into his arms.
"Mom and Dad talked me into letting them fix my hair color. Do you like it?" Peter asked as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders.
"It'll just take me awhile to get used to it. Why didn't you wake me up earlier?" Grace asked as Peter carried her out into the hallway.
"Me and Mom checked on you this morning. You were like Sleeping Beauty I just didn't have the heart to wake you," Peter said.
"That's touching, but if you remember Sleeping Beauty you have to give me a kiss," Grace said, pressing her lips to Peter's.
"I love you," Peter said as they broke the kiss. Grace kept kissing him at intervals as they went down the stairs.
"I love you too. Thank you for loving me," Grace said as they walked in the kitchen.
Sarah walked over to Grace and Peter. "Are you hungry, Dear?" Sarah asked, smoothing Grace's brown hair gently.
"Yes, Ma'am. I'm starving," Grace said as Peter put her in a seat.
"I hope you like pancakes," Sarah said, putting two large cakes on Grace's plate.
"Hold it. What do we do before we eat?" Nathan asked sharply.
Sarah and the twins bowed their heads. Peter had observed his family praying over the meal at Easter, but he had thought that was just for Easter. Peter had never prayed once in his life. Sure, he had friends invite him to church, but Darcy had never wanted him to go.
Peter watched as his father prayed. He made it look as if talking to God was easy. Maybe it was. peter would ask his family about it since he didn't really know much about it.

They all said Amen, after Nathan said the family meal prayer. Grace ate the pancakes hungrilly, they were so delicious! She couldn't even remember the last time she ate a big breakfast like this. Then she remembered. It was when her parents were alive. And she was 6 years old. That was also the last time she had been in Church. Raised as a Catholic, Grace went to church everyday when she was small until that fatefull night when her parent's were killed in a car crash. No one knew who had killed them, but someone had cut the brakes and placed a bomb in the car. Grace always wondered who could have hated her parents so much to want to kill them.

Ever since then, Grace had stopped going to church. It wasn't that she didn't believe in God, she did. It's just ever since she lost them, Grace put some of the blame on God for what had happened. Everyday she had asked God for healing her broken heart over her parents death and one day, Grace felt like God had simply left her that he wasn't there for her at all and she felt like none of the prayers were being answered. So Grace had stopped praying all together to. She knew she should go back to church, but she always hesitated. She guessed some of that anger was still inside of her, somewhere.

Grace highly respected Jason's parents for their belief in God and saying their prayers. She once had a family like this until it was all ripped away from her. She longed to have that kind of Family again, and maybe she could have that with Jason, that is if Darcy didn't try and ruin things. She only hoped, their love was strong enough to defeat Darcy, just like his parent's love was. Grace had never talked much to Jason about church, she just told him she used to be Catholic until her parent's died. Only, Nathan and Sarah didn't know about Grace's family just yet.

Grace smiled as Jason's sisters crowded him. They were so adorable, and they liked Grace back. To them, she looked like a model. They clung to Jason like he was glue and it was as if they were afraid, he would never come back. Grace was glad that Jason's family was kind enough to take her in and take care of her. They didn't have to do that. She just hoped they would grow to like and to love her and not think she would be any trouble to Jason, which she wouldn't ever be. "Mr, and Mrs Duke, thanks for letting me stay here. It's very kind of you".

"You're very welcome. How are you feeling this morning anyway?" Sarah asked, putting some pancakes on Nathan's plate.
"Much better. The stuff's coming out of my system. I still can't walk without feeling dizzy though," Grace said as Jason gave her some of his bacon.
"That's all right. We'll just take care of you until you feel better. Now since we didn't get to talk last night why don't you tell us about your family?" Nathan asked.
Grace fidgeted slightly and her face turned pale. "My family?" Grace repeated.
"Yes. Where did you grow up? What were your parents like? Did you go to church? That kind of thing," Sarah said, with a warm smile.
"I've always lived in New York. my parents died when I was six," Grace said, tears coming to her eyes.
"Then who raised you?" Nathan pressed.
"I was raised in a foster home until they found a relative," Grace said.
"Have you ever been to church?" Sarah asked.
"When I was small. My parents were Catholic. I stopped going when they died," Grace said, lowering her eyes.
"We go every week. What about you, Son? Did Darcy ever take you to church?" Nathan asked. Jason's face turned red.

Peter was stuck. How did he tell his parents that he had never been to church? So far neither one knew that he smoked cigarettes at times either. Peter respected their faith, but this was a difficult question to answer.
"No. Darcy doesn't believe in God. She never really wanted me to go. So I didn't just to please her. You're praying is the first time I've ever really been around this kind of thing," Peter said. Judging from the looks on their faces Nathan and Sarah looked shocked. It was almost like they didn't know what to say to this. Sarah was the first to open her mouth.

Sarah was stunned that Darcy never took their son to church. Never let him hear God's word. She was deeply saddened by Grace's story and instantly knew that what happened to Grace's parent's must have shook up her faith. Sarah tried to think of something to say without trying to offend both of them.

"This is all very surprising. I can't believe Darcy never took you to church Jason. It's important that everyone goes to church and to hear the word of God! God helps everyone in their life. Course, when I first met your father, I never went either, until his family took us both to their. Jason, if you and Grace would be willing, you both can come to church with us on Sunday. And if you like it, you can come with us regularly. " Sarah tried her best not to push them.

Grace listened to Sarah speak. Sarah was right on one thing. Everyone needed to go to church. And maybe, it would be best if her and Jason went. Grace felt like she needed to repent, and let God back into her life after what nearly happened to her a few days ago. God did spare her life for a reason. "I'll be willing to go as long as Jason comes with me", Grace suddenly said.

Peter still wasn't sure about church, but he'd try it if Grace was going to and if it would please his mother. "All right to make you and Grace both happy," Peter said reluctantly. After all he had never been in a church. He wasn't exactly sure what happened there either.
'You won't regret it, Son," Nathan said clasping Peter's neck gently with his hand.
"I hope you're right. Darcy used to make church sound pretty bad. Actually she made a lot of things sound bad. maybe that's why I smoke," Peter said, forgetting that neither his parents or Grace knew about the cigarettes.
Sarah gasped. "Jason, I wasn't aware that you smoked!" Sarah said.
"I'm sorry. I guess I didn't want you to know. I started when I was fifteen. I stole a few from one of the servants at Darcy's mansion. I've been doing it since," Peter said as Sarah touched the side of his face gently with her hand.
"Oh, Jason! If you had been living with us then you'd never have picked up that dirty habit," Sarah said, kissing his face as she ran her hand through his hair.
The rest of breakfast was strained and silent. After breakfast Peter carried Grace to the living room. Judging by the sad look on her face he could tell Grace wanted to talk with him.
"Jason, I am so sorry. It seems as if Darcy made you suffer more than me," Grace said as Peter put her on the couch and sat next to her. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders and held her head to his chest.
"I know, but I'm happy now with you. I actually wanted to ask you if you'd marry me as soon as you're well. if Darcy or Amanda comes after the both of us I don't think they'll bother us if you're my wife," Peter said, rubbing her back gently.
"Jason, I do love you, but your mother wants to plan a big church wedding. One of the ones that takes months to plan," Grace said in protest.
"Just promise me you'll think on it," Peter said, before kissing her lips gently.
"I promise," Grace said, stroking his face gently. Grace soon left with his mother, sisters, and aunts, leaving Peter with his father and uncles.

Shopping was a blast and it was what Grace needed to lift up her spirits. She bought a whole new wardrobe using her Sears, JC Penney, and Macy's gift cards. She even bought a few cute dresses that Jason would like to see her in, and some makeup. Grace did her own makeup and avoided free mall makeovers.

"Maybe we should all get a free makeover, what do you think" Layla asked eyeing the makeup counter. They could see a girl was getting a makeover done.

"I don't think so, " replied Grace wincing. "My friend Brenda got one last year, and she was getting ready for the prom. And they completely ruined the look. It looked tacky with her hair. I had to redo her makeup for her. She said she was never again getting a makeover done at the mall."

Alicia rolled her eyes towards the makeup artist and agreed with Grace "I know what you mean. Sarah and I did that once, and we looked like drag Queens, didn't we, Sarah?"

"MmmmmmHmmm", said Sarah not really paying attention to the conversation. She had her eye on a mint green sparkly gown in the store window that was around 10000. "I want that dress", said Sarah.

Lori stood by Sarah's side also eyeing the dress. "Well, you better get that before someone else does, I'm sure they don't have a whole lot of copies of that dress". The gown also had green mint leaves on it and on the chest area part as well where it opened some in the front, but not showing a whole lot. In her mid forties, Lori looked fantastic and well buffed. She had a tan that made her look great and younger, and her red hair had some blonde highlights.

Sarah decided to go and buy the dress, she would love to see the look on Nathan's face once he got home. It would make his jaw drop. She went to go try it on. After that, they took Bethanie, and Melanie to the Candy & Cookie store where they got two bag fulls of candy and cookies.

Nathan, Bo, Luke, Will, and Jason stopped first at the Lens Crafters to see about Jason's contacts. "I still can't believe I let you talk me into this," Jason mumbled next to Nathan.
"Don't worry. You're going to look good. With those hideous glasses you were me and your mother can't even see your eyes. Your eyes are going to feel freer with these new contacts," Nathan said, wrapping his arm around Jason's shoulders.
"I still don't know. I haven't gone without a pair of glasses since I was young. Someone from my school sent a note to Darcy saying that I was holding books too close to my face and I was squinting when I was trying to read the blackboard," Jason said.
"Don't worry. Contacts will make you feel like a new man," Will said, clapping Jason's shoulder. Nathan shot his brother a grateful look. Even though Jason had agreed to do this his son still looked as if he were entering a torture chamber.
An hour later Jason walked out, his new contacts in place. Nathan could tell that they were uncomfortable as Jason was trying to control himself and not scratch his eyes. "Clothes next," Nathan said, leading Jason to the clothing store.

After a long afternoon of shopping, Grace was beginning to grow tired again from doing shopping all day and wanted to go back to the mansion. Sarah and the others agreed it was time to go back and wait for the men, so they could all see Jason's new look.

Minutes later, the women and Grace sat around drinking tea and eating the strawberry cake that Sarah had made for Grace. Grace thought it was sweet of Sarah to bake her a cake. And Strawberry was her favorite. Sarah had made the frosting and had added fresh strawberries to it. She had also made an extra one, for the men to eat.

Grace wondered how Jason's shopping experience with the men went. She hoped he found him a good pair of contacts to wear and was curious which color he would choose. Grace knew this would be a new change she would have to get used to, but she loved Jason no matter what or who he looked like. He was her soul mate and she loved him very much. While they were out shopping Grace thought about marrying Jason and realized it was what she wanted to do whether there would be a small or big wedding, it didn't matter as long as she got to be Mrs. Duke and be with the one she loved. That she truly loved.

Grace was about to eat another slice of cake when Nathan's car pulled in the driveway. All the men got out, Bo, Nathan, Will, and Luke then finally what appeared to be Jensen Ackles come of the car. Grace blinked twice. What on earth would Jensen Ackles be doing in Hazzard County Georgia?! Then Grace felt like slapping herself. It wasn't Jensen! Jason really went through in getting the makeover and actually looked like a popular movie star! Grace froze as if she was seeing her own favorite movie star.

Peter grinned at the stunned look on Grace's face. "Jason?" Grace squeaked as Peter stood her to her feet and held her in his arms.
"What do you think?" Peter asked as Grace peered at his face closely.
"You look like Jensen Ackles," Grace said.
"Who?" Peter asked, confused.
"Jensen Ackles. Don't you watch TV?" Grace asked.
"Not as much as you apparently," Peter said, smoothing her brown hair gently.
"Jason, you look so handsome," Sarah said, breaking into the conversation.
"Thanks. I'm not used to these contacts though," Peter said, scratching the side of his eye.
"It just takes time, Baby," Sarah said, kissing his face gently.
"I hope so. If it doesn't I still have my glasses. These are only for a trial basis," Peter said, removing his glasses from his leather jacket.
"I thought you were going to get rid of those," Sarah said.
"I couldn't do it. I've just worn them for so long," Peter said, going over to the sink to wash his hands for dinner. Peter hoped for his mother's sake that he got used to contact lenses, but he had serious doubts if he would.

At supper, the conversation was much better than this morning, and it wasn't as quiet. They had some turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy and snow peas. As everyone kept talking Grace couldn't get over how good Jason looked with his new makeover. All she could do was keep staring at him and she would blush each time he looked over at her.

While everyone else kept talking, Grace wheeled herself to the livingroom and glanced over at the piano. She longed to play and sing. But what if they didn't like her music and didn't want her singing in the household? And Jason never had heard her sing, Grace didn't like to talk about her singing voice that much. Wheeling herself over to the piano, she helped herself by climbing onto the piano bench.

She felt comfortable sitting at the piano. She found her place on the keys by positioning her fingers right. One of Grace's many talents was playing the piano besides singing. When she was only 9 she began taking piano lessons from a piano teacher she knew named Mrs. Simmons.

Grace knew a song by heart that she wrote a year ago while sitting in her bedroom one evening. It was about Jason and how she felt about him her deepest feelings poured onto paper. She began to sing in a soprano tone not knowing the Dukes were in the kitchen listening.

You tell me you're in love with me Like you can't take your pretty eyes away from me It's not that I don't want to stay But every time you come too close I move away

I wanna believe in everything you say 'Cause it sounds so good But if you really want me, move slow There's things about me you just have to know

CHORUS
Sometimes I run Sometimes I hide Sometimes I'm scared of you But all I really want is to hold you tight Treat you right, be with you day and night Baby all I need is time

As Grace sung the song she couldn't believe how much the lyrics had described how she was almost afraid to fall in love, for the fear of getting hurt again. Before Jason/Peter, there had been another named Daniel, but he had been mean to her and abused her. IN a weird sensation way, Grace was almost afraid of falling in love for the fear of being hurt again, but something told her that Jason was different that he wasn't like other guys. Grace kept singing getting lost in the song she had no idea the Dukes had just walked in and were being silent listening to her sing.

I don't wanna be so shy Every time that I'm alone I wonder why Hope that you will wait for me You'll see that you're the only one for me

I wanna believe in everything that you say 'Cause it sounds so good But if you really want me, move slow There's things about me you just have to know

Repeat CHORUS

Jest hang around and you'll see There's nowhere I'd rather be If you love me, trust in me The way that I trust in you

Repeat CHORUS

As soon as Grace stopped singing everyone applauded, causing her to turn abruptly. "I didn't know anyone was listening," Grace said, her face turning red.
"It sounded good," Peter said, going over to her and sitting on the piano bench next to her.
"Really? the last boyfriend I had said I couldn't carry a tune in a bucket," Grace said, a small trace of doubt in her voice.
"Would I lie to you?" Peter said, picking her up so they could talk to his family. Peter sat next to her on the couch as they talked over wedding plans. Grace was nervous around his family and looked like a startled deer every time Sarah asked her input on the wedding that she and Peter wanted.
"Mom, me and Grace just want something small. I don't want Darcy or Amanda to come back in my life before I marry Grace. Darcy might leave us alone after that last tangle, but Amanda is like a bloodhound. She's pushy and spoiled. She might try tears if she finds out I'm engaged to Grace," Peter said.
"We also don't want Daniel to find me either," Grace said, raising her head from Peter's shoulder.
"Yeah, him too. From what you told me Daniel is worse than Darcy or Amanda put together. He did beat you nearly senseless one night and it took you almost a year before you decided to date me," Peter said.
"Can you blame me? I was scared. Daniel put me down all the time and when I didn't do as he wanted then he beat me," Grace said. Peter knew Grace was scared. he just hoped that the nerves didn't stop her from marrying him.

Grace loved Jason so much. She wasn't going to let her nerves make her scared of a another relationship just because the one with Daniel ended badly. Jason was her soulmate. And she was excited to know that he wanted to be the one to marry her, and not Amanda. Grace could read Jason's thoughts and could tell what he was thinking.

"Im going to marry you no matter what, Jason. I love you. Even if Daniel was to find out that I'm engaged, he wouldn't scare me into thinking otherwise. Your the one I want to spend the rest of my life with", she said to him.

Jason held her close to him and kissed her "I'm glad to hear that Grace. I don't want you to be scared of anything as long as I'm around. I can protect you". Grace snuggled against him happily.

Sarah nodded at Jason's request "You both can have any type of wedding you want. And if small is what you want, you can have a small wedding. Do you want a church wedding, or something much smaller like say getting married here at the mansion or backyard? House and outdoor weddings are just as lovely and are kept simple. We can invite the preacher to do the ceremony. God is with you no matter where you get married".

Grace liked the idea of having a wedding ceremony at Sarah and Nathan's house. But she wondered what Jason had thought of it. He wanted a small ceremony to nothing too fancy or long.
"I like the idea of having the wedding here, Jason. We could have it outside and have the reception inside!" she said excited. Grace waited for his response. "What do you think?"

"I don't really want a big ceremony. I'd rather have a small ceremony outside or we could elope," Peter said, knowing that would probably offend his mother and Grace.
"Elope? Jason Duke, don't you dare!" Sarah said, putting her hands on her hips as she glared at Peter.
"I was kidding," Peter said dryly.
"Not a very good kid, Peter," Grace said, shaking her head.
"You just called me Peter," Peter said.
"It's going to take me awhile to get used to your other name apparently. I've called you Peter for so long," Grace said.
"I know. Every time someone says Jason I have to remember they're talking to me," Peter said, standing up.
"Jason, it's all right," Sarah said, taking him in her arms and rubbing his back gently.
"Really?" Peter asked.
"Yes, really. You're my baby and we love you. We've loved you since the day you were born," Sarah said, kissing him through his hair gently.
Peter did love his new father and mother, but this felt as if all this had happened too soon. it was almost overwhelming all that had happened in a few weeks.

Grace really was offended by what Peter had said. If he really did love her, didn't he want the entire world to know about it? She wanted the whole world to know she loved him. And all she wanted was a nice wedding, one she had always dreamed of since she was a little girl, and it sounded like all he wanted to do was elope. And keep their marriage a secret from public.

Grace suddenly felt tired and didn't want to talk anymore about the wedding for right now. She let Sarah discuss the wedding and she nodded in approval at times and said "Yeah, that's alright with me". she began to yawn big when Sarah began to talk about the catering people and how much food they were going to get. Sarah even told Grace once she was well, they could even go gown shopping.

"And where is all this money for this wedding going to come from? I don't have alot of money, mom" protested Peter.

Grace suddenly spoke up "I'm tired and not feeling very well. I want to go to sleep". and that was all she said and curled up sleeping on the couch.

Sarah took Jason to the other side of the room "You see what you have done? Grace was all excited to talk about the wedding of her dreams, and you just crushed it by saying you want to elope. Grace probably thinks you don't want the entire world to know you love her. You don't have to worry about the money Jason. Neither does Grace. Me and and your dad has talked about this. We want to pitch in and help give Grace the type of wedding she wants. She deserves a nice wedding Jason, after all she has been through. Every girl's wedding should be special and memoriable". said Sarah.

As Grace slept, she had all sorts of ideas for her wedding she had wanted to share with Sarah and Peter. But since all Peter wanted was a small wedding or to elope, Grace felt like her ideas didn't matter anymore and that Peter didn't want to hear about them. She knew he was only being realistic, and a simple type of person, but he just didn't know how important a wedding really was to her.

Peter went outside to the porch, feeling like an idiot as he took out a pack of cigarettes. He hadn't smoked one since the day before he met his parents. Life had kept him preoccupied where he didn't smoke as much. Peter pulled out a cigarette and lit it, taking a deep drag on the cigarette.
He knew he had hurt Grace's feelings and insulted his parents generosity, but he knew what he felt about big weddings and what Amanda and Darcy were capable of.
"Jason, you really shouldn't smoke," his father's voice said behind his ear as he touched Peter's shoulder gently.
Peter turned. His father smiled briefly as he stood beside him. "I've been doing this since I was thirteen or fourteen. It calms my nerves down when I'm upset," Peter said, taking a deep drag on his cigarette.
"Son, I understand how you feel about big weddings. I'd avoid them if I could," Nathan said, taking Peter in his arms as if he was a small boy.
"Really?" Peter asked, looking up into his father's eyes.
"Yes, but your mother loves you and wants to give you everything that Darcy kept us from giving you all your life. Maybe you could apologize and go along with their plans, Son," Nathan said, taking the cigarette from Peter and stubbing it gently on the porch rail.
"I still would feel uncomfortable. And, also, wouldn't that bring Darcy out of the woodworks if her family's money gets her out of jail?" Peter asked, running his hands through his hair and sitting on the porch swing.
"Probably, but we can't live in fear. If I had lived in fear of Darcy then I would have knuckled under to her kisses and never married your mother. I would never have become your father or the twins' father," Nathan said, sitting next to him.
Peter didn't know what to say to that. "I don't know what to do, Dad," Peter said raggedly.
'You'll figure it out, Son. All men do. Every man in our family have had to figure out what to do when it came to the women that we loved. I can't believe I'm even having this conversation with you. I never thought I would," Nathan said.
Nathan and Peter sat in silence for the next few hours, just talking.

Nathan watched as his wife combed her hair gently. "How's Jason, Nathan?" Sarah asked.
"Confused and scared. I feel as if I'm forgetting he's only nineteen. I feel as if he's always been here and Darcy had never taken him," Nathan said as Sarah laid down and wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Is he going to be okay?" Sarah asked.
"I'm sure. It's just cold feet. I told him that all of us have it. Now time to go to sleep, Sweet Cakes," Nathan said, kissing her lips gently.
"I love you, Nathan," Sarah said, drifting off to sleep.
"I love you too," Nathan said, closing his eyes.

Peter woke up the next day and walked into the kitchen, enjoying the smell of bacon. Peter wondered how he was going to apologize to Grace and his mother. It was going to be difficult apologizing to Grace and his mother, but his father was right.

Grace had woken up sometime before Peter had and had waded into the kitchen. After being at the Duke's for about a week, Grace felt 88 better. She was able to stand on her own and explore the house some. The poison was almost out of her system and she felt more alert. Grace went in the kitchen offering to help with making breakfast and setting the table. Grace didn't feel right staying in someone's house, unless she helped out in some way. That day she wore a light pink dress, and had pink roses in her long brown hair. Sarah had done her hair that morning.

Sarah had grown to love Grace. She was everything she always wanted in a daughter in law. Sweet, fun-loving, and easy-going type of person. The two had alot in common as far as hobbies, or music wise. Both loved to sing, and both loved to cook. The two were in the kitchen making scrambled eggs, pancakes, biscuits, and bacon while the men slept some. Sarah noticed that Grace felt uncomfortable talking about the wedding each time she brought it up so she questioned her with concern. "What's wrong honey? last night you was all excited about talking over ideas and this morning, you seem too quiet and would rather talk about something else. You keep switching the subject".

Grace sighed, knowing she'd have to tell her "I was excited about the wedding. But how peter reacted to the whole wedding scenery nearly crushed my dreams last night. I had all these ideas planned out, but I felt like my ideas didn't matter anymore. I kept thinking all I wanted was to have the wedding of my dreams and share it with the one and only man I love, peter".

Sarah felt a bit irratated with Jason on this one. Why come men just couldn't seem to understand how Women felt about getting married? Jason had a great girl here, and she didn't want her being scared off just because of how Jason felt about weddings. Sarah stopped and held Grace close. "Oh Honey, Jason isn't trying to be mean and crush your wedding dreams. He's just concerned that if there's a big wedding, it might draw Amanda and Darcy's attention and they might destroy the wedding if they hear about it. He is just concerned about you and wants you to be safe. Your ideas do matter in this family, Grace. You have a right to say what you want in the wedding. It's a special day in your life. He is just thinking realistically on this one and he's just not a real big fan of big weddings. Nathan was like that before I married him, but he told me to have the wedding that I want".

"Really?" said Grace starting to feel a bit better.

Sarah "I know Honey. I've been around men probably alot longer than you have.I know how they operate. I sing about them remember?" she asked smiling.

Grace giggled "Yeah I know I have everyone of your records.I'm a huge fan". The two talked and giggled some more as they prepared breakfast. Grace had no idea Peter had heard everything, and was now walking in the kitchen.

Peter walked into the kitchen and Grace and his mother got real quiet as they looked at him. "Morning," Peter said gruffly. He knew that his mother would find fault that he had worn his glasses this morning instead of the contacts his father had gotten for him, but it was hard to switch from glasses to contacts.
To Peter's relief Sarah didn't say anything. Unfortunately that was short-lived. Grace did. "Jason, why are you wearing your glasses?" Grace asked, removing the glasses from his face.
"Grace, don't start. I have to wear them. I didn't put in my contacts this morning. And you know I can't see a thing without my glasses," Peter said, grabbing them out of her hands and slipping them back on. The hurt look on her face nearly broke his heart, but he couldn't see any other way to tell her.
"Jason, me and your father spent a lot of money getting you contact lenses. They're kind of pointless if you don't make an effort and wear them," Sarah said, touching Peter's shoulder.
"I know, but it's not exactly easy to switch since I've been wearing them since I was 10 or 11. And I'm sorry I hurt your feelings, Grace. I have a lot on my mind," Peter said.
"I know. Your mom told me what was scaring you," Grace said, massaging his face gently with her fingers.
"You want to go for a walk with me before breakfast? We can talk for awhile. We haven't been able to since you came here," Peter said, standing up.
"Sure," Grace said as Peter carried her out of the house.
Peter and Grace walked to the edge of the driveway. "Jason, your mother says you're worried about Darcy and Amanda," Grace said as they stopped at a white picket fence. Grace wrapped her arms around his neck, twining her fingers in his hair.
"A little. Darcy nearly killed you and tried to force me to be with Amanda. I just don't want Amanda or Darcy to do to you what Darcy did to my mother. Also what Darcy did to my father I don't want to have happen to me. If you remember Darcy locked my mother in a freezer before they married and forcibly kissed my father and made him say that he loved her. I just don't want her giving Amanda the same ideas," Peter said as Grace took his glasses off again.
"Peter, you love me, not Amanda. And if she did anything like that I know you wouldn't enjoy it because you love me," Grace said, kissing his lips gently. Peter kissed her back, closing his eyes and smelling the sweet honey and vanilla of her shampoo.
"I love you," Peter said softly as they went back to the house.
"I love you too, Jason," Grace said as they went into the house, not realizing that Nathan and Sarah had watched from the kitchen windows.

"They look like they had made up, Nathan," Sarah said, looking up into her husband's eyes.
"Jason would be dumb to let a pretty girl like Grace get away. He's in love with her. Just like I am with you," Nathan said, sneaking a kiss on her lips.
"Nathan, my hands are covered in bacon grease and I have gravy stains on my clothes. You think that's romantic?" Sarah asked.
"Yep. You're also cute when your hair's all messed up too," Nathan teased.
"I ought to slug you," Sarah said, trying to hit his chest. Nathan grabbed her balled fist and kissed her again.
"I do love you, though," Nathan said.
"I know. I love you too. Now can I at least get breakfast done? Why don't you go wake up the twins?" Sarah suggested. Nathan kissed her again and ran upstairs to get his daughters out of bed.

The Dukes had a nice breakfast and talked about other pleasant things.

Introducing Leann Rimes as Amanda Owens

Darcy greeted Amanda as the young blonde entered her mansion and the two exhanged hugs "It is so good to see you. How is college life?" asked Darcy as the two sat down for tea.

"Oh, it is so much fun Darcy. I am studying to be a lawyer and I get to live on campus. Their food isn't that great, so I either have to buy food myself or get fast food".

Darcy "I know what you mean college life was like that for me to, so you seeing anyone?" she asked the question.

Amanda shook her head "No. My mind has been constantly on Peter. Darcy, I'm still in love with him and can't get him out of my mind. Is he seeing anyone?"

Darcy made a face "Yeah he is. But she is so not his type. Her name is Grace. Pretty brunette, goofy personality and makes such horrible jokes. She's a total klutz to nearly broke a vase here one time. She claims to be a singer, but she sings horrible".

Amanda "I heard they were getting married through the paper. It was anounced this week. How can I be with him and he's going to marry someone else?"

Darcy thought a moment and a light bulb went off in her head "It's simple really. All you have to do, is get rid of Grace. I tried to, but didn't succeed, Peter found her and rescued her. You could do the same thing I did to Sarah long time ago. Lock her up in a freezer, and make Peter kiss you by kissing him first. "

Amanda smiled liking the plan "How can I lure Grace to a freezer?"

Darcy "Simple. Act friendly and invite her to some icecream or to a restaurant".

Peter was busy getting back into his job routine after nearly two weeks off. His mother didn't much like the idea of him going back to work, but his father said this would have been different if Peter had come back and he was a thirteen or fourteen-year-old.
Peter also had to pick up wedding favors while he was out since Grace still didn't feel well enough to do it and his mother was working on a new album for Christmas that would be released in October.
Peter stood in the florist shop when he heard a delighted squeal. Turning his heart nearly stopped as Amanda came running to him and flung her arms around his neck.
"Peter, I'm so happy to see you!" Amanda said in that breathy way of hers that drove Peter crazy.
Peter removed her arms from his neck and glared at her. "Amanda, what are you doing here?" Peter asked, his voice probably as cold as his eyes.
"I've missed you. Your mother said you were here and I decided to come see you and hope you'd change your mind about marrying," Amanda said, reaching up to touch his face. Peter backed away, hoping that small gesture gave her the hint.
"Amanda, go home. I love Grace," Peter said, turning back to the sales clerk and getting the flowers that Grace had said she wanted for the wedding.
"What could you possibly like about her? What does she have that I don't?" Amanda pouted.
"She's not as shallow or vain for one thing," Peter bit out angrily as he left the shop, feeling in the worst mood possible. Peter knew he had to get away back to the house. Amanda wouldn't leave him alone. He just had to get home and fast.

Nathan looked up as Jason slammed the door as he entered the house. "Jason?" Sarah asked, walking towards their son and Grace looked at him concerned.
"Here's the flowers, Gracie," Jason said, taking deep breaths. Jason's nerves looked rattled. That much was obvious.
"Peter, are you all right?" Grace asked.
"Amanda's in town. Darcy told her about me and you and where I was," Jason said. Grace got shakily to her feet and walked toward Jason and wrapped her arms around his neck. The poison that darcy used left Grace with some good days and some bad days. This was one of Grace's bad days.
"Did she kiss you?" Grace asked, stroking Jason's face gently.
"Didn't give her the chance. She wrapped her arms around my neck. I managed to get away. I think the sooner we get married the better. You still think eloping's a bad idea?" Jason asked, looking at first Sarah and then Grace.
"Jason, you are not going to get hurt and neither is Grace. You're not afraid of Amanda, are you?" Sarah asked, running her fingers through Jason's hair.
"A little. She and Darcy are exactly alike. You told us that story of Darcy locking you in the Dairy Queen freezer. Well, Amanda could do that and force me to say I love her and make me kiss her. I want to avoid that," Jason said, twisting the engagement ring that Grace had picked out for him when the two of them had gone shopping. The owner of the jewelry stores said that this ring men liked.
"Don't worry, Son. We can talk to your uncle. He will help us," Nathan said, clapping Jason's neck. Jason looked rueful and still upset.

The next afternoon when Grace felt better, both her and Sarah had went into town to go get some more wedding things. Peter had taken care of the flowers, so they didn't have to worry about those. Today they would try on Wedding gowns, and get wedding accessories. Grace wanted flowers to go in her hair to. Pink roses.

As they were sitting down having a conversation Grace looked up when she saw Amanda " Amanda, I heard you were back in town what do you want?"

Amanda looked at Sarah who looked at her suspiciously. "I want us to talk Grace. I'm so sorry the way I treated you before like you were a threat and an enemy. Can I make it up to you over some Icecream? Sarah can come to if she wants".

Grace looked from Amanda to Sarah. She didn't know if she should buy this or not. Amanda looked friendly and she looked like she meant it. She looked at Amanda "Alright. Some Icecream wouldn't hurt and a good conversation." the three women got up and went to the local Dairy Queen.

Grace felt so much better when her and Amanda talked. It almost seemed like old times when they used to be friends and when Amanda wasn't so guy crazy. "Grace, I need to talk to you about Peter, alone". she said and the two of them walked near the freezer.

"How dare you take Peter away from me? He is mine and you know it! If you know what is best you will let him go and marry me", said Amanda her voice cold.

Grace began to gulp how could she ever been so wrong? She thought her and Amanda were finally becoming friends again. Then again it was all an act Amanda wanted to put on in front of Sarah.

"Peter loves me and wants to be with me. He's said that", said Grace

"Peter isn't too sure who he wants. With you in the way, I'll never get to have him. There's only one thing left to do", said Amanda.

"What are you going to do?" Grace asked confused.

Suddenly, Amanda knocked Grace out cold with one punch. Making sure no one was looking, she dragged Grace into the freezer. Peter probably wouldn't know she's missing thought Amanda chuckling.

After she couldn't find Grace and grew worried, Sarah called Jason "Jason, Grace is missing, I think Amanda locked her in the freezer".

Peter sat in front of his laptop working on police files when his phone rang. Answering got his attention in a hurry. Peter put the phone down, removed his glasses and slipped into his leather jacket.
"Jason, what's wrong?" Uncle Will asked as he and Nathan came into the living room.
"Mom, just called. Amanda has taken Grace and she thinks she locked her in a freezer," Peter said curtly.
"Okay. Then we're coming with you, Boy," Nathan said.
"What about the twins?" Peter asked, walking out of the house.
"Your aunt Alicia can watch them. If Amanda took Darcy's advice and locked her away somewhere you need all the help you can get, Jason," Will said as the three men got into Peter's car.
Sarah was standing in front of the Dairy Queen, looking nervous. Sarah ran to Peter and hugged him tightly. "Where's Amanda?" Peter asked.
"Jason, I am so sorry. Amanda came up to us. She acted so friendly. I only went to wash my hands. I'm so sorry, Baby," Sarah said, stroking his face and hair gently.
"Let's look in the kitchen. If she's in the freezer we'll find her. She'll be half-frozen, but I think she'll live," Peter said as he ran towards the kitchen and pulling out his badge. As long as he could show it the badge would admit him anywhere.
The kitchen was busy as Peter, his father and uncle walked in. "Where's your freezer?" Peter asked the manager, hoping the man wouldn't give him problems. He didn't and pointed the way to the kitchen. Pulling his gun out he blew the lock off one freezer that was locked. Pulling open the door Grace fell in a heap at his feet. Handing his gun to Will Peter took Grace in his arms and rubbed her cold face gently.
Her lips were a shade of blue and her eyelids fluttered open. She gave him a weak smile. "Jason," Grace croaked. That was all she could say. Peter pressed his lips to hers and heard her sigh softly.
"Thank God you're okay," Peter said, handing her to Nathan so he could take off his jacket and wrap it around her shoulders.
"When I woke up I was in there. I screamed for someone to let me out, but no one heard me," Grace said as Peter picked her up. Grace wrapped her arms around his neck and passed out.
"Jason, let's get her home. Your mother and aunt Alicia can take care of her. As soon as she's warm you can talk to her," Nathan said, clapping Peter's shoulder.
"All right. It can wait," Peter said, not realizing that Amanda had watched the whole rescue and was angry that her plan had backfired.

Grace slept for awhile and then woke up not long after she had been brought home. when she woke up, which was an hour later, Grace felt all warm and snuggled in her bed. Sarah, Alicia, and Jason were both at her bedside.

Grace looked at them sleepily she began to wonder what had happened, then it all came back to her. Amanda's fake friendly gesture, getting locked in the freezer then being rescued by Jason, his dad, and Will. Grace tried to sit up "Jason", she said.

Grace had been so scared during the whole ordeal. She didn't think anyone would find her, let alone save her and she was grateful to have Jason and his family looking out for her. Getting locked in the freezer had been scary, she was afraid she would never get to see him again. Grace noticed he had his contacts back in. She was so glad to see him "Jason, Amanda tried to kill me again", she croaked.

Sarah could only stare at Grace. The young girl reminded her so much of her when she was at that age. And she was just like her. Too bad she had to go through the same thing that she had been through. Sarah went over to her and sat down smoothing her hair like she was her own daughter "It's okay sweetheart. Your safe and nothing else bad is going to happen to you as long as we're around". Sarah looked at Jason wondering maybe Jason should be Grace's bodyguard from now on.

Peter watched as Grace drifted off to sleep again. He kissed her lips gently and walked downstairs to the porch, pulling a cigarette out of the package he kept in his leather jacket with his teeth. He lighted it and smoked pensively.
"Jason," he felt Sarah's hand on his shoulder.
Peter turned, taking the cigarette out of his mouth. "Your father told me about the cigarettes, Baby. You really shouldn't smoke," Sarah said, her voice a slight reprimand.
"I know. I just feel like one," Peter said as his mother wrapped her arms around him as if he were as small as one of the twins. Sarah's hands combed gently through his hair, kissing his forehead gently.
"I am so sorry, baby. I never thought Darcy would set Amanda to attacking you or Grace," Sarah said.
"I didn't know either. I guess I just thought that Amanda wasn't capable of doing that. First she flirts with me and then tries to kill Grace. Is this a pattern for every time I go out or Grace goes out?" Peter said, his eyes welling with tears.
"Don't fret, Baby. grace knows that you love her and if Amanda does make you say that you love her and tries to make you leave Grace. Grace will know that you love her," Sarah said, cupping his face gently and kissing his cheek before hugging him tightly.
"Thank you, Mom," Peter said. Peter knew his mother was right. He just hoped that Amanda and Darcy wouldn't try to force him to leave Grace. He loved Grace and not Amanda. The few times Amanda had kissed him he had thought it was pulling teeth

Grace had slept throughout the night trying to forget what nearly had happened to her. She felt even safer everytime she sinced Peter in the room with her. He wouldn't leave her side hardly any except for those few times he smoked. That night he wanted to sleep in her bedroom to make sure nothing else happened to her. Jason slept on the floor in a sleeping bag in Grace's room.

The next morning, Grace took a bath and felt much better. The poison had finally gone completely out of her system and she felt relieved. At least she wouldn't be tired all the time now. Grace took a nice hour long candle lit bath, then after she was done, Sarah came up to help her do her hair and makeup.

Grace also looked alot better that morning. She wasn't half-frozen. Her lips were her normal shade of light pink, the color had returned to them. She was so glad that Jason had rescued her last night. It felt so good to be in his arms again, and just to hear his voice. Everyone had been staring at them last night, but Grace seemed to not care and all she could focus on was staying alive and getting better for Jason.

She got ready for the day and wore a light cream colored silk short sleeved shirt and a pair of denim shorts. About like the kind Daisy wore. She was finishing up with her looks, when Jason walked in to come check on her "Morning Jason", she said looking at him.

After giving him a lingering kiss Grace looked into his eyes. "How do you feel?" Peter asked, wrapping strands of her hair around his fingers.
"Much better. Thanks to you. I love you even more that you got me out of the freezer," Grace said, wrapping her arms around his neck as he picked her up and carried her downstairs.
"Jason, you don't have to carry me as much," Grace pointed out.
"I know, but I do love you. Amanda tried to kill you. I never want you out of my sight again," Peter admitted.
"I love you too, Darling, but we can't be afraid of Amanda trying to hurt me or trying to break us up. I know you love me," Grace said, before kissing him gently.
Grace was a perfect lady the whole time they dated. Also when they first dated he only kissed her cheek or forehead. Never did he kiss her lips. Now that he was engaged he felt it was all right to kiss her. Grace sighed softly as she looked into his eyes.
"What are you thinking, Jason?" Grace asked.
"Just how much I love kissing you. You and Amanda are very different from each other," Peter said as they went into the living room where Sarah and Nathan were.
"How are you feeling, Grace?" Nathan asked as Peter put her down.
"Fine. I don't feel like I did last night," Grace commented as Sarah sat down next to her and held her like she would have the twins or Peter.
"I just can't believe Amanda would do that to you. She has to be aware that doing this won't make Jason love her," Sarah commented, brushing Grace's hair out of her eyes.
"Like Darcy she just doesn't care. Darcy flirted with me nearly the whole time you were pregnant with Jason," Nathan said, wrapping his arm around Peter's shoulders.
"At least she didn't force you to kiss her after you married Mom," Peter muttered.
"I think she would have. As soon as I saw her coming I left," Nathan said. Peter hoped him and Grace could get married soon. As long as they were engaged Grace was in danger.

Sarah smiled over at Nathan "I'm so glad back then you had a good head on your shoulders" she told her husband. Nathan winked at her "I was only in love with you Sarah, and not her".

Grace smiled as she listened to them she only hoped that her and Peter could be a great couple like these to.

She looked over at Jason who sat beside her holding her hand "So what are we going to do now? I mean who is going to protect me?" Grace asked Jason. She let Sarah keep holding her around the waist tightly, it felt so good to be held and loved. Grace wasn't this used to this much love and effection

Peter really didn't know how to answer that question. How could he keep Grace safe? Once Amanda knew that she failed she would try again. "I don't know," Peter said honestly as Grace buried her head in his shoulder.
"Peter, why don't you just quit your job and become my bodyguard?" Grace said, playing with one of the buttons on his shirt.
"What? I can't do that just yet. I have to have money if we plan on getting married. i don't want Mom and Dad to pay for everything," Peter said, looking pointedly as Sarah and Nathan "Baby, we're doing it because we love you," Sarah said, her voice one of despair.
"I know, but I'm not exactly a small child. I do want to pay for certain things on my own. I know you two will pay for the bulk of it, but I want to at least pay for the honeymoon and the photographer if we have one," Peter said.
"Peter, I'm just so afraid of Amanda trying something else. Also what'll happen if you go out in public? Amanda flirted with you before. She can do it again," Grace said.
"I know. Tell me something I don't know. I don't think restraining orders will keep those two from stopping," Peter said, feeling frustrated.
"They don't. That woman who thought she was in love with your grandfather and Darcy have both had restraining orders put on them. They've both ignored them like they didn't exist," Nathan said as Peter stood and paced the room. Peter was at a block. How did he keep Grace safe from Darcy and Amanda and didn't let Amanda or Darcy bully him into leaving Grace?

One week later, was the time for Jason and Grace's wedding. Grace had found the perfect gown and photographer. The photographer was going to be Lisa who was a close friend of Grace's. She was very talented when it came to picture taking.

The wedding was going to be kept small and only family and a few friends could attend. Grace and Peter both wanted to keep it that way and make sure no one else got in. ON her wedding day, Grace felt nervous, and excited. She was even going to sing to Peter in the wedding and chose to sing Martina Mcbride's song "Anyway", because no matter what happened in life, the main thing was to not give up. ANd she wasn't going to give up on her and Jason because of two women that threatened to tear them apart.

Everyone was seated outside in Sarah and Nathan's back yard. White folded chairs were placed on the lawn, white carpet The guest were getting anxious to see who the bride would get to be and what she would look like. The music started while Jason handsome in his white tux, stood at the altar with his best man William Duke.

The flower girl was Bethanie, Sarah's little girl. She walked down the carpet in a light pink dress, tossing pink rose petals on the floor and smiled at everyone. Lisa had her camera set up and was dressed in a cream colored suit. Her blonde hair pulled into a french twist. She took a picture of the flour girl.

Next came the Bridesmaids. Grace had asked Alicia to be one, and Layla as one to since she had gotten to know them really well. Sarah was asked to be the maid of honor. They were also wearing pink except the maid of honor who wore a cream colored suit as well.

Before the wedding came, Grace had asked Jason's dad if he would escort her on her wedding day. Grace had earlier been in tears because she remembered her own parents wouldn't be at her wedding day. Nathan had agreed to do it and told Grace she should start calling him dad.

The wedding march began and Grace and Nathan made their way to the carriage that awaited them. A Horse would be escorting them to where Grace would get married at. The Horse drove them around towards the back around the round driveway. Grace smiled as they approached everyone she got out escorted by Nathan and they began to walk down the aisle.

Jason was nervous to say the least. It reminded Nathan of his own wedding day when he had married Jason's mother. Jason stood in front of the mirror, trying to tie his tie without much success. It seemed the closer he got to getting it tied the closer he got to strangling himself. The fact that he was having trouble breathing was a huge indication that he was nervous.
"Here. Let me do that, Jason," Luke said, putting his hands on Jason's and attempting to tie the tie. this time Nathan's father succeeded.
"Well, that's a lot better than you cutting off your circulation, Son," Nathan said, clapping Jason's shoulder.
"I have never felt so nervous in my life. I think I prefer to walking into a hostage situation over getting married," Jason said as he put on tuxedo. Sarah had insisted that since they weren't having a completely formal wedding, but the bride and groom could have a tuxedo and wedding dress from a bridal shop.
"It'll go quickly and you and Grace will be on your way to Hawaii," Nathan said.
"Why did we pick Hawaii? It seems that every married couple picks Hawaii as a honeymoon spot," Jason said as he put in his contact lenses.
"Well, if you remembered Grace vetoed Niagara Falls," Nathan said, pinning a yellow rose to the lapel of Jason's tux.
"Right. Well, let's do this before I pass out," Jason said. Jason's legs were shaking. That was obvious by the way he walked. Nathan stood next to his son until the time came for him to go upstairs and bring the bride down.
Sarah and Grace were in the doorway, waiting for him. "Is everything ready?" Sarah asked after Nathan gave her a kiss.
"Yeah. Are you ready, Grace?" Nathan asked the girl he was starting to see as his daughter.
"Yeah. How's Jason?" Grace asked as Sarah went downstairs. Grace wrapped her arm in the crook of Nathan's arm.
"He's a little nervous. He tried to strangle himself with his tie," Nathan said, squeezing Grace's hand gently.
"Mr. Duke, I want to thank you. You accepted me even though I came into your lives right after Jason came back to you," Grace said.
"My son's in love with you. It would be cruel for us to tell him that he couldn't marry you because he had just come into our lives. Also, you're my daughter now. Mr. Duke is a little formal for my daughter," Nathan said as they stood before the front door and Nathan put the veil over her face.
"You're right. I'm sorry, Dad," Grace said, her words causing Nathan's heart to swell.

Peter watched as his father walked Grace down the aisle. Grace wore a beautiful cream colored wedding gown and through the sheer veil covering her face she was smiling happily. Grace's eyes were on him, even though he couldn't see her eyes.
His throat felt dry as Nathan raised her veil for her and handed her to Peter. The wedding vows went by quickly. All Peter could do as they were saying them was look into Grace's adoring blue eyes. The small crowd cheered as he kissed her lips, pronouncing them man and wife.
The small wedding party was happy and joyful. With this happy mood Peter could forget that Darcy and Amanda had tried to break them apart. He was with the girl he loved.

At the party after they had cake, Grace got up to go to the piano "This song I'm going to sing is "Anyway" by Martina Mcbride. Grace began to sing hoping she did Sarah's song well. Singing another person's song wasn't easy, and she was afraid she'd mess up big time. With Grace's voice, she carried out the words beautifully, adding in some yodeling like Sarah did, her voice was perfect to sing country music, and she hoped she made Sarah proud. Grace sang to Jason while she played piano.

Grace sang beautifully. Peter loved hearing her sing. She had the voice as clear as a bell and she smiled at him when their eyes met. After the party Peter and Grace went up to the room they were going to occupy when they came back from their honeymoon to dress in their traveling clothes so they could go to the airport.
"Grace, that was beautiful," Peter said as soon as they dressed and he took her in his arms.
Grace smiled as she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and let him kiss her lips gently. "I love you," Grace breathed softly as Peter kissed her gently from her ear to her lips.
"I love you to, Baby," Peter said.
"I guess it's time to go. You're parents are waiting for us," Grace said, covering his lips gently with her hand.
"Probably right. I just haven't been able to kiss you since that last kiss when the preacher told us to kiss," Peter said sheepishly as they walked down the stairs.
"I know, but I do love you, Peter," Grace said, giving his lips a kiss and cupping the back of his head.
Peter then scooped her up in his arms, causing her to squeal as he carried her downstairs. "I love you too," Peter said, tracing her face gently with his thumbs. Peter really did love Grace. She was so beautiful and he was willing to bet that he'd never grow tired of kissing her. He wondered if she wanted kids. They hadn't really talked about it.

As they waited for their plane to take off, Grace and Peter held hands and kissed while waiting to take off. Grace pulled back at times to breathe in air, and she smiled happily as Peter traced her Jawline. "I'm so happy to finally be married to you", said Peter.

Grace sighed happily "Me too, I thought the wedding day would never come, with everything that kept happening with Darcy".

Peter nodded "I know, which is why I had wanted to elope earlier and have an wedding ceremony later on", he admitted. "But, I wanted you to have the Wedding of your dreams". he said.

The take off part of flying went extremely well. Peter and Grace were enjoying their flight, when the pilots began to experience problems. They suddenly came over the speakers.

"Ladie's and Gentlmen, we have a major problem here. Both the engines have gone out, and we can't get them started. And some of the gauges won't work. We're going to try to make an emergency landing in Florida so please bear with us".

Grace looked over at Peter worriedly. They were experiencing plane problems? It made her feel uneasy since this was her first time flying and it made her really nervous to hear they was experiencing plane difficulties. Peter took her hand squeezing it "Try not to panic, Grace, I'm sure it's probably nothing they can't handle".

Peter was soon wrong about that, soon the plane took a dive causing everyone to panic. Grace looked out the window and saw the Florida Everglades below them. She swallowed hard, not believing they were going down. "Peter!!" she shrieked as they crashed into the everglades going further and further in the water. Peter kept a firm grip on Grace taking her into his arms. He was prepared for what they were about to face. He had been trained to survive in situations like this. The first thing to do was not to panic.

Once they were underwater, the windows of the plane bursted, and water came pouring in fast. Grace paniced not knowing what to do, she couldn't swim, and the water kept coming in faster. Jason looked around frantically trying to find an exit. He found the door not too far away and swam to it, promising Grace he would return for her. He managed to open the door, but allowed soem more water in along the process. Hurrying, Jason swam back to where Grace was. He also looked at the other passengers, most of them didn't make it. And Grace was slowly fading away. Noooo, he couldn't let this happen!. He grabbed Grace into his strong arms, and swam out of the plane, after making he was positive that no one else survived, except him and Grace, then he swam to the surface, dodging a few alligators along the way, and brought Grace up to the surface and placed her onto a sandy shore.

Grace's eyes were closed and it looked as if she wasn't breathing. Peter then put his hands on her sternum and pumped her stomach hard and giving her CPR. He did that five times. In the process of giving her mouth-to-mouth he heard her choke slightly and spit up water.
"Grace, are you okay?" Peter asked, helping her sit up. Grace wrapped her arms around his neck in a death grip.
"I think so. Peter, where are we?" Grace said, her voice sounding raspy.
"Shhh. Don't try to talk. I think we're in a swamp, but let's get you to a hospital," Peter said, picking Grace up in his arms.
"Peter, you'll never be able to carry me. We don't know where the hospital is," Grace whimpered. Peter held her tight as she cried and he carried her, kissing her softly at intervals.
"Peter, I love you," Grace said between rests.
"I love you too. I'm so sorry our honeymoon didn't turn out like we wanted it to," Peter said as he and Grace sat on a log and Peter tried to catch his breath. Carrying Grace through a balmy swamp wasn't easy. grace wasn't heavy, but the unbearable heat and the sulphur smell was enough to make anyone sick to their stomachs.
Grace gently ran her fingers through his hair. "I love you though. I don't care about the honeymoon being ruined. You are my husband," Grace said, pressing her lips firmly to his. Peter closed his eyes as he kissed her back.
They broke apart after a few minutes; Grace smiling at him and kissing him all over his face. "Do you feel better?" Grace asked as they both stood.
"Much better. Can you walk or should I still carry you?" Peter asked, hugging her tightly to his chest.
"I think I can walk, Darling. Just hold my hand as we walk," Grace said, putting her hand firmly in his.
"Okay. Just watch your step. There are pools of water," Peter said and they started to walk. It was easier this time with Grace walking. Peter wasn't as exhausted and they made better time. They reached a highway in no time.
"Now which way do we go?" Grace asked, looking into Peter's eyes.
"I don't know. Let's just rest a minute and figure it out," Peter said, collapsing by a tree.
"Jason, are you all right?" Grace asked, stooping next to him and wrapping her arms around him. He rested his head against her shoulder, his breathing shallow.
"I'm fine," Peter said, right before he passed out.

Grace nearly panicked. Peter passed out on her! Using her CPR knowledge, Grace gave it to him to only three times and he woke finally breathing again. ""Jason, don't ever scare me like that again!" Grace scolded.

Suddenly they had heard an ambulance drive up Grace was thankful. Someone must have spotted the plane going down, and decided to call for help thinking there would be survivors. Paramedics got their in time and gave Grace and Peter blankets and a ride to the hospital. They also checked their vital signs. Grace told them they had to give CPR on both of each other.

Once they were okay, Grace asked one of the paramedics if they could borrow their cell phone. The Paramedic lady gave one to her and Grace called Jason's parents. She didn't dare call Darcy since Peter didn't claim her as a mother.

Sarah picked up after the second ring "Hello?" she asked. Both her and Nathan were having lunch together.

"Sarah? It's me Grace. Look um you probably haven't heard, but me and Jason were in a plane crash. We were the only ones that survived and we're on our way to the hospital. We're both going to be fine".

Sarah bout nearly dropped the phone "Oh my gosh! We'll be there right away what hospital?"

Grace "Palmetto Medic Center", she said "In Orlando".

Sarah hung up the phone and her eyes began to fill with tears.