Disclaimer: This story was written for pleasure and not for profit. The characters from The Dukes of Hazzard do not belong to me.

For those of you who wanted more, this is Part Two of Stargazing—the story of Bo and how he got his permanent star.

Gia August, May 2007

Stargazing Part Two

Bo's Star

Chapter One

Some Time Together

Jesse Duke sat at the head of the table with his head bowed preparing to say grace. When he saw his nephew's hand reaching for a biscuit, he stopped him cold with a stern gaze. Bo quickly pulled his arm back and clasped his hands together in the proper pose. Jesse's stare quickly turned on his other nephew who was trying to hide a smirk behind his folded hands without much success. Luke quickly got the unspoken message and composed himself, showing proper reverence.

When Jesse deemed both boys respectfully ready for grace, he began. "Thank you, Lord, for your blessings and this here fine meal. Amen."

Bo quickly reached for another biscuit as soon as Jesse finished saying grace. When his uncle looked at him disapprovingly, he said, "They're best when they're hot."

Jesse smiled as he passed the butter to Bo. "That they are. Daisy makes the best biscuits anywhere."

"Thanks," Daisy said in response to the appreciation of her efforts.

Once they were settled into enjoying their meal, Jesse winked at Luke who winked back. Jesse asked, "So what're you kids planning for tonight?"

Daisy sighed. "I've gotta work. Friday night's always the busiest night of the week at the Boar's Nest. Boss never gives me off."

"I ain't got no plans," Luke said. "Thought I'd stay home tonight."

"Ah, Luke," Bo said. "You can't be serious. I know you gotta get up early tomorrow to go to Atlanta with Uncle Jesse but we could go to the Boar's Nest for a couple of hours. It's Friday night. I promise I'll get you home by ten."

Luke laughed. "You ain't quite old enough to drink in there so I don't know why you wanna go."

"I ain't going there to drink," Bo said defensively as he glanced quickly at his uncle. He added with a little annoyance, "Ain't much chance of that anyways with Luke keeping an eye on me all the time."

Jesse smiled at Luke. "Well I'm mighty glad to hear that."

He turned to Bo. "And don't you be mad at him for that. He's doing exactly what I expect him to do. He'd be in a heap of trouble if he let you do otherwise."

"I know, Uncle Jesse," Bo said. "But I don't wanna go there to drink. I just wanna go out for a while. Come on, Luke. You know Uncle Jesse ain't gonna let me go without you. I promise I'll get you home by ten."

"You are a considerate date, Bo, but the only way we'd get home by ten is by me dragging you outta there."

"I won't give you a hard time, Luke. I promise I'll leave when you say. You'll get plenty of sleep. Besides, you don't usually have a hard time waking up in the morning."

"No, but you do," Luke answered.

Bo shook his head. "But I ain't the one who's gotta get up before dawn to drive to the farming expo in Atlanta with Uncle Jesse."

Jesse cleared his throat to get his nephew's attention. "You do have to get up by 4:30."

Bo's expression immediately changed to a scowl as he complained, "Why, Uncle Jesse? It's Saturday. I don't have to get up that early, do I?"

"Well, Bo, if you'd rather sleep late than go with me to Atlanta, it's up to you. I'm sure Luke would be happy to take your place." Jesse said, trying to keep his voice neutral.

Bo could hardly believe what he was hearing. He asked incredulously, "Really, Uncle Jesse? You really want me to go with you?"

Jesse continued his gentle teasing, "Well, if you'd rather not…"

Bo smiled broadly and hurriedly said, "I want to go, Uncle. I just can't believe you want me to go with you. You always take Luke."

The smile quickly faded from Bo's face as he turned to Luke. He asked, "You ain't in trouble? Is Uncle Jesse mad at you?"

Jesse put his hand on Bo's arm. "I ain't mad at Luke. He ain't in trouble. You're almost eighteen years old, son. I think it's time for you to take more responsibility around the farm and learn a thing or two by going with me."

"You know I'd love to, Uncle Jesse, but Luke don't mind?" Bo asked with concern.

Jesse smiled reassuringly. "Luke don't mind. In fact, it was his idea."

Luke nodded. "I figured it was time for you to take a turn going with Uncle Jesse. But if you don't want to…"

Bo smiled broadly. "I want to go. I ain't gonna let you change your mind."

Luke returned his cousin's smile. "I ain't gonna change my mind. It's your turn to go."

"Thanks, Luke. I don't know what to say," Bo whispered to his cousin.

Luke laughed, "That's a first."

Bo smiled at his family. "I guess I'll be staying in tonight too so I can get to bed early." He turned to his uncle. "Thanks, Uncle Jesse. I won't let you down."

"I know you won't, son."

Bo stood and said, "Excuse me, Uncle Jesse."

"Where're going?" Daisy asked.

"I wanna put a few things together for the trip," Bo answered.

"You're excused," Jesse said.

Bo hesitated after he took a few steps. He turned back and walked over to his uncle. Jesse looked up at him questioningly. "Did you forget something?"

Bo leaned over and kissed his uncle's forehead. He quickly ran out of the room. Jesse smiled knowing that he had made the right decision.

Bo was up long before dawn without the aid of an alarm clock. He still couldn't believe his uncle had asked him to go to Atlanta. More than anything else, he wanted to confirm his uncle's faith in him and make him proud. He knew this was an important trip every year. Uncle Jesse was able to make contacts that were important for him when it came time to sell their crops in the fall. Besides that, he'd have the chance to look at all the interesting exhibits that Luke always told him about. And most important, it was a chance for him to spend time alone with his uncle away from the farm. He was eager to get under way.

He hurried downstairs to the kitchen. Daisy was already there packing some snacks for them to take along before she started breakfast. She was surprised to see Bo up before anyone else.

She asked, "What're you doing up so early, Bo?"

"Good morning, Daisy. Uncle Jesse and I have to get an early start. I don't want him waiting for me. Do you need any help?"

Daisy smiled as she shooed Bo out of the kitchen. "I don't need any help. You go on outside and get started on the morning chores if you want to be helpful."

Bo headed for the backdoor. "I'm going out to the barn. I'll be back in time for breakfast."

When Bo finished all the chores, he headed inside. He went back in the kitchen where Daisy pointed to a pot of freshly brewed coffee. "Would you make Uncle Jesse a cup of coffee? He should be here any minute."

Jesse came into the kitchen as Bo added sugar and cream to his coffee. Jesse was surprised but pleased to see Bo. He realized that his youngest child was anxious to prove himself. He smiled warmly. "Good morning, Daisy. Good morning, Bo. I see you're all ready to go."

Bo beamed at his uncle. "Morning, Uncle Jesse. I'm ready when you are. We can leave now."

Jesse smiled at his nephew's barely contained enthusiasm. "Hold on, son. I'm glad to hear that you're ready but I think we'll have a good breakfast before leaving. It'll be a long drive. I don't want you passing out on me from hunger."

When he reached the table, Jesse placed his arm around Bo's shoulders. Bo handed him the cup of coffee. "Here you go, Uncle Jesse. Just the way you like it."

"Thank you. Now please sit down and have some breakfast," Jesse said as he gently guided Bo to his chair.

Bo sat obediently. "Yes, sir."

Daisy brought stacks of pancakes, eggs and bacon to the table as Luke came into the kitchen yawning. He grinned at Daisy. "Morning. That sure smells good. I'm hungry enough to eat the side of a barn."

Jesse gently scolded, "Just make sure you leave enough for your cousin. I want him to have a good breakfast before we go. We've got a lot to do today."

"He usually out eats me," Luke said as he sat at the table.

Bo blushed. "Ah, Uncle Jesse, I'll eat."

Bo would do whatever it took to please his uncle. He didn't want anything to go wrong on this trip. He wasn't particularly hungry, probably because of the excitement about the trip but he reached for the stack of pancakes and put three on his plate. He then added some scrambled eggs and bacon. He managed to finish everything on his plate. He practically sat on the edge of his chair trying to be patient while Jesse drank his coffee.

Feeling Bo's scrutiny, Jesse took a final gulp before placing his coffee cup on the table. He turned to Bo. "Are you ready?"

"Yes, sir. I'm ready." Bo jumped up almost knocking over his chair. He grabbed the cooler Daisy had packed and quickly disappeared through the door.

Luke and Daisy laughed as Jesse got up to follow Bo.

Daisy commented, "You better get moving if you want to catch him. He sure is excited to be going with you, Uncle Jesse."

Luke agreed, "You'd think he ain't never been nowhere before."

"He hasn't been on a special trip alone with me," Jesse explained.

Luke patted his uncle's back. "I understand. I just hope that Bo's unbridled enthusiasm doesn't get him into trouble like it usually does. He can be a handful."

"Are you implying that I can't handle your cousin?" Jesse asked with a mock sternness.

"Not at all, Uncle Jesse, but it does take all three of us to contain his zeal at times. It's a team effort."

"Don't worry, Luke. He'll be just fine. Uncle Jesse will make sure of it. He can handle Bo," Daisy said.

Jesse laughed, "Thank you for the vote of confidence, baby. Yes, I can handle the boy. Don't worry. Bo will do just fine. I'll keep a close eye on him but we have to give him room to grow up."

Luke smiled. "You better not give him too much room or he'll be in Atlanta long before you."

"You might be right about that. I best get out there before he leaves without me."

When they stepped outside, they weren't surprised to see Bo already sitting in the old pickup truck. Jesse turned to Daisy and Luke, giving each a tight hug. "Take care of the place. We'll be back tonight though I don't know what time. Depends on whether or not we stop for some supper on the way home."

Jesse climbed into the driver's seat and looked over at Bo. "All right, Bo. Let's get going,"

Bo answered, "Let's go.

"You take care of Uncle Jesse, Bo," Daisy said as she leaned into the truck to kiss Bo's cheek.

"I will, Daisy. Don't worry. Bye, Luke. I finished all the chores so you got the morning off."

Luke grinned. "Thanks, Bo. You didn't have to do that."

"Yeah, I know," Bo answered. "But I wanted to. It's my way of thanking you for letting me go with Uncle Jesse."

Luke said, "It's your turn. Enjoy yourself. Safe trip."

With a final wave, Jesse and Bo took off down the dirt road leaving a cloud of dust in their wake. They were both looking forward to their time together.