The General Lee pulled up in front of Cooter's Garage and Bo and Luke climbed out slowly talking and laughing as Cooter came out the garage. "And what might you two be up to today"
"Hey there Cooter. We need some new shocks for the General before Saturday." Luke said
"Always before Saturday!" Cooter pulled a face. "Why Saturday?"
"Chocktaw dirt road classic of course" Bo said
"Y'all still enterin' " Cooter said surprised "What about Gaby?"
"Usin' my car with the openin' doors" Bo grinned.
"Ain't it a bit close to the baby comin' " Cooter frowned.
"That's what I said" Luke said tapping Bo's chest with the back of his hand.
"It's gonna be fine" Bo said "We got three weeks yet"
Cooter shook his head.
"Ya got your ticket booked for the weddin'?" Luke asked.
"You bet. Ain't Jess supposed to be comin' over about the job before then?" Cooter replied.
"Possibly, we ain't heard yet"
Bo grinned "She's so hooked on my cousin she just can't stay away"
Luke pulled, what Jess had labled 'the Bo face' as the CB sounded. The 'Bo face' was the expression Luke always saved for Bo and meant everything from 'Bo, you're teasin' and 'Bo, you're bein' dumb to 'Bo, don't do it'.
"Lost Sheep This is Pretty Maiden Come in please"
"Duty calls" Bo smiled as he walked over to the General and picked up his CB from the seat. "Pretty Maiden I read ya what's up Darlin' "
"Bo, I need you to come home........now" Gaby screamed as she stopped talking.
Bo's face was ashen and the smile had gone. "Gaby....... Gaby Is it the baby?"
There was a pause "It's the baby, Bo."
"Gaby, it's OK. I'm on my way" Bo looked at Luke in horror and Luke smiled.
"Well what ya waitin for cuz. There's a baby impatient to meet it's Daddy"
"Good luck y'all. Give me a hollar later" Cooter waved as Bo climbed in the driver's seat and Luke ran round the car.
"Will do Cooter" Luke answered climbing in. "Hit it Bo" and Bo was away, wheel spinning out of the square before Luke had finished sliding in.
Bo got back to the farm in record time to find Gaby breathing heavily, as she stood with her bag on the porch of the new house they had only just moved into. Bo threw Luke the keys to his car as he ran to see her.
"Bo, it's too early"
"Darlin' It's gonna be just fine" He said soothingly helping her down the steps "How far apart are the contractions?"
"Five minutes"
"Just five minutes?" he said with a mixture on of surprise and concern.
Gaby stopped, half way across the yard, for another one"Make that four"
Bo helped her into the back of the car and climbed in beside her. Luke closed the door and jumped back into the drivers seat.
"Luke, you'd better make like Richard Petty" Bo said as they pulled out of the yard.
"On these roads! I'll do my best" He replied looking at Bo through the rear veiw mirror.
Luke was racing down the blacktop of Highway 19 when all of a sudden there were lights and sirens behind them, "Oh great. We ain't got time for this" Luke sighed trying to keep the ride smooth for Gaby and outrun Cletus.
"Hey Bo, Can't ya just pull over for once and let me give y'all a ticket?" Cletus said over the CB, not knowing Luke was driving Bo's car.
"Cletus, This here's Luke. Sorry no can do. We got Gaby in the back and the baby's comin' " Luke answered into his own handset.
"Buzzard on a gumbush, why didn't y'all say? Follow me, I'll get ya there"
"Thanks Cletus" Luke chuckled as he put the handset down looking in the mirror at Bo and Gaby. She groaned and clung onto Bo's shirt as another contraction hit.
Bo smiled at her weakly "Don't you be havin' it in my car" He joked, but Gaby was in no mood.
She clung tighter to his shirt. "I will if Luke doesn't step on it" she said fiercely.
"It's OK We just got ourselves a police escort" Luke grinned
Bo laughed "We did?" and Gaby squealed, past caring.
They got to the hospital and while Cletus went to find a nurse, Bo and Luke helped Gaby out of the car. Cletus arrived with two nurses and a wheelchair and they took Gaby in clinging onto Bo's hand and Luke patted his shoulder as he went.
Just over an hour later, Bo stuck his head round the door of the waiting room where Luke and Cletus were nervously awaiting news. Luke jumped to his feet as Bo beamed.
"It's a girl. I got me a daughter"
Luke gave a rebel yell and hugged Bo. "Congratulations. And Gaby?"
"She's fine they's just finishin' up with her then y'all can come in" Bo continued to smile as Cletus congratulated him too. "I gotta go. I left Gaby talkin' to her Mama on the phone."
"Ya better give Daisy a call" Luke smiled patting him on the back. "She won't wanna miss this" Bo went back to Gaby and Luke went to call Cooter. Cletus went outside to CB Roscoe. BY the time they got back, the midwife came out and said they could go in.
Luke peered round the door to see Gaby sitting up in bed holding the baby, Bo sat beside her, one arm round her shoulders, the other holding his daughter's tiny hand. They looked up and smiled as Luke and Cletus came in. Bo took the baby from Gaby and Luke hugged her, kissing her forehead " Congratulations Honey". Cletus congratulated her too.
"Hey guys. I want ya to meet Lacey Sofia Duke" He grinned. Luke went over and Bo gently held her out to him. Luke looked nervously towards Bo before taking her.
"Hey there, Little Lady." He almost whispered not wanting to wake her.
"Ain't she just a cute as a fluffy little easter chick" Cletus peered over his shoulder. Bo and Luke looked at each other then Bo chuckled
"Yeah Cletus I guess she is". Shortly after Cletus had to leave as he was still on duty.
"Did ya get a hold of Daisy" Luke asked.
"Yeah, her and Enos have got the weekend off so they're gonna come home and see us" Bo said
"That's great I spoke to Cooter and he's gonna come by in a while"
"He'd better get cleaned up or they won't let him in" Gaby smiled "Did you phone Jess?"
"She weren't home. I'll try later unless you wanna"
"OK" So Luke dialled the number that was by now engraved on his brain and gave the phone to Gaby
"Hi Kait It's Gaby........Is your Mum there?............Jess..... We're fine. We just wanted to let you know............. It's a girl..........." Bo and Luke heard Jess squeal as Gaby grinned. Bo leant on Luke's shoulder gently stroking Lacey's head as Gaby talked. Eventually she handed the phone to Luke who handed Lacey back to Bo. While he was talking Cooter arrived and gave Gaby a kiss and Bo a pat on the back
"Hey darlin' these are for you" He handed Gaby some flowers and a little pink teddy for Lacey. "Ain't she just the prettiest thing" He said softly looking at Lacey "She sure musta got her looks from her Mama"
Bo frowned briefly "Thanks for that! How in the heck did you get in here lookin' like that anyhow" Bo said looking at his work clothes.
Cooter smiled "I just charmed me a a couple of pretty young nurses" Gaby shook her head and Bo laughed "And I promised not to touch anythin' and not stay long" Cooter added. "Who's Lukas talkin' to anyhow"
"Jess" Gaby told him
"I shoulda guessed he's got that look again"
"And what look would that be?" Luke asked as he put down the phone and came over to them taking Lacey back from Bo
"That same doe-eyed look y'allas get just at the mention of her name" Cooter grinned. Luke pouted as Bo laughed. Gaby smiled at them as she rested her head back wearily.
"She's just real sorry she ain't here and sends her congratulations and this" He kissed Lacey's head gently "For Lacey" He handed her to Gaby "Y'all need to get some rest" He said kissing Gaby's head too. "We'll leave ya, Darlin'. Congratulations"
He hugged Bo "Congratulations Cuz. I'm proud of ya"
"Thanks Luke"
Luke turned to Cooter "Come on Coot. Let's go" Cooter kissed Gaby and shook Bo's hand pulling into a hug and they left. Cooter was on tow truck duty so went off to answer a call and Luke shot into town in Bo's car to get some things for Gaby and Lacey. The Hazzard net was working as well as ever as a lot of people stopped him to ask about the baby and asked for their congratulations to be passed on.
Luke eventually got back to the farm to the chores before getting washed and changed and going back to the hospital to drop Bo's car off.
Gaby was up sitting in the chair with Bo resting on the arm watching her with Lacey.
Luke kissed Lacey and Gaby "How ya doin' "
"I'm doing great and Lacey has been such an angel" she smiled.
"Ain't ya gonna ask how I'm doin'" Bo said pretending to look hurt.
"Y'aint done anythin' worth askin' after" Luke grinned then hugged him. A much cleaner tidier Cooter came in as Gaby handed Lacey to Luke.
""ya look quite at home there Cousin" Bo teased "Just wait till ya got one of your own"
"Not me"
"Y'all got enough with Kait and Bobby?" Cooter asked.
"That and Jess can't have any more. She has too many problems"
"Well, you'll have more than enough to do just bein' Uncle Lukas" Bo said putting his arm round Luke's shoulders.
"I think Lacey is going to be spending a lot of time with you" Gaby smiled at him.
Lacey screwed up her face and started to whine.
"I think she just might wanna see her Uncle Cooter" Cooter said taking her from Luke. Bo frowned, why did newborn babies become like some kind of fragile pass the parcel.
"You guys have a certain natural way with her" Gaby observed
Bo smiled at her "Well, we have always been able to charm the ladies of any age" She pulled a quick face at him as they watched Cooter walking Lacey round the room talking to her. Luke filled Bo and Gaby in on all the messages from town and gave Bo his car keys back. He had brought Gaby her laptop too so she could email photos of Lacey to friends and family.
Lacey started to cry "Ya know Cooter that singing would make me wanna cry too" Bo teased checking on Lacey as Luke took her back.
Luke walked her around rocking her. Eventually he put his little finger in her mouth and she sucked on it noisily. "I think this Little Lady is hungry" He smiled.
"Where d'you learn to do that" Bo asked with surprize.
"Saw Jess do it one time with a friends baby" Luke said matter of factly.
"Has she been showing you what to do?" Gaby smiled
"Not really. Just what I watched and she said things about when Bobby and Kait were little"
"Luke always was a fast learner" Cooter smiled
"Either that or he has a couple of babies out there he ain't told us about" Bo smirked.
"No I ain't and you was as bad Bo. I weren't the one that......" Luke retaliated
"Hey guys I'm still in the room" Gaby interupted rolling her eyes at their banter.
Bo went over and put an arm round her as he smiled "Sorry Darlin'. But I weren't like that. I was a good boy"
She smiled back and ran her hand down his face "I don't believe that for a minute"
Lacey squirmed and started to cry again. "Your daughter's startin' to think her throat's cut. I think it's time we went" He passed Lacey to Gaby and kissed them both "I'll come by tomorrow. Y'all need anythin', just hollar"
"Thanks Luke"
He hugged Bo "We 're gonna eat at the Boar's nest if ya wanna come wet the babies head"
"Maybe. I'll see how late I leave here"
Luke and Cooter left and Bo did manage to join them for one quick drink. Cooter promised to come by and give Luke a hand the next day with the chores and the extension, leaving Bo free to spend time with Gaby and Lacey. Mavis could handle the garage for a couple of days. It wasn't busy.
For the next day Bo spent all day at the hospital and Luke was among the many visitors they had. Cooter was either at the farm or with them at the hospital. Checking in with Mavis once in a while.
Bo was up early and actually managed a few chores before setting out for the hospital, promising to make time to see Daisy when she arrived later that day. Luke stayed behind to get things ready and do some more work on the extension. He was just gettin some roofing done that he was trying to complete before the next icy downpour, when the phone rang. It was Bo letting him know that Gaby and Lacey had been discharged and they were leaving for home. Luke managed to finish the roof before Gaby and Bo got home and when they were settled into the house, he left to collect Daisy, Enos and Troy from the airport. Bo came out onto the porch to meet them and Daisy ran to give him the biggest hug. "Bo Honey It's just so great. I can't wait to see her"
"Well come on then" he grinned reaching round her to shake Enos's hand before putting an arm round Daisy as they went in talking. They went through to see Gaby sitting holding Lacey. After all the congraulations, Daisy took Lacey. Troy didn't want to know about the baby. He wanted his Uncle Bo and Uncle Luke's attention just like he'd had at Christmas, so they had to make a fuss of him too.
It was great all of them being back at the farm. After Uncle Jesse died, Luke hated being back especially when they were all there. It wasn't the same. Something, someone was missing. But eventually he had felt the pull of the old place and he and Bo had come home. Now it was starting to feel good again. They were Dukes and this is where they belonged. This had always been home. All he needed was his family and life would be perfect.
Bo and Luke had been out doing chores and had come into Bo's for a drink. As Bo went to get it, Luke picked Lacey up from the crib in the sitting room "Hey Little Lady. You awake.....Where's ya mama?............"
"Right here" Said Gaby coming in with a pile of washing. "trying to get her some clean clothes"
"I'll do that Honey. You just sit down" Bo said coming in and taking it from her.
Gaby went and sat down and Bo came back as they were all stood round talking. Daisy and Enos had taken Troy to visit Enos's folks and were due back for lunch
Bo stood leaning on Luke's shoulder as they talked to Lacey. Gaby smiled. She had never seen a bunch of guys go so gaga over a baby.
"Didn't Cooter say he was gonna stop by this mornin' " Bo asked.
"Yeah, but he called to say somethin' had come up and he'd be by later" Luke explained "Probably a tow job. Mavis has the day off"
Troy came running in followed by Daisy and Enos. "D'you have a good visit" Gaby asked as he gave her a hug
"Yeah, Look what I got, Uncle Bo" He said running over to him "A new car!"
"I bet that goes real fast" Bo smiled as he picked him up.
Troy looked dubiously over at Lacey in Luke's arms next to them. "Does she want to play with it too?" He said holding it out.
Bo and Daisy exchanged a smile. In the two days they had been there it was the first time he had acknowledged Lacey without jealousy
Luke smiled at him, "She's too small right now. But I'll just bet that when she's bigger she'd love for you to show her"
"That just reminds me of all the tales Uncle Jesse used to tell us about how Luke used to try and make Bo play cars when Bo was just a baby" "Daisy said.
"I guess that's why he's always loved racin' so much" Enos added.
Bo watched Troy frowning as he studied Lacey. "Ya wanna hold her?" Bo asked him.
Troy pulled a face "She ain't gonna sick on me is she? I seen babies and they sick a lot"
They all laughed "She ain't gonna sick on ya. Not if ya hold her right" Bo encouraged. He went and sat down with Troy on his lap.
"Y'all ready?" Luke asked. Troy nodded and Luke gently laid her in his lap. Bo helped him to hold her properly and Luke crouched by the chair ready to take Lacey if Troy had enough.
Troy touched Lacey's hand and she responded by grabbing hold of his shirt. "She got me!" He cried, not sure if he liked it.
"It's OK, Buddy" Enos reassured him "Babies like to hold onto things"
"It means she likes ya, Sugar." Daisy added "She wants ya to stay with her. She wants to be your friend"
"She does?"
"Sure, she does" Luke agreed "And she feels safe. 'Coz you're bigger she thinks you can take care of her"
"Just like you used to take care of Mama and Uncle Bo" Troy asked looking serious.
Luke looked at his two cousins then back to Troy, "Just like that Troy"
"I can do that. It's important, Mama said"
Bo ruffled Troy's hair "and she was right"
Daisy smiled at them as she came over and put a hand on Luke's shoulder. "It's a real shame they ain't gonna grow up together like we did"
"You'll just have to visit" Luke smiled.
"A lot!" Bo added.
"Often as we can" Enos agreed.
After lunch, Luke took his coffee outside and stood leaning on the porch. Bo came out behind him "Missin' Jess?"
Luke looked round at him "Always"
"Plans OK for the weddin'? "
"I guess"
"Y'ain't changed ya mind?"
"Not a chance. I ain't gonna run from this"
"Ya wanna........" Bo started.
"Ya wanna stop asking dumb questions" Luke pulled a face at him as Cooter pulled into the yard "Maybe Cooter can save me from you."
"Whose he got with him?" Bo asked puzzled.
"How should......." Luke was about to moan at Bo again when he saw who it was. "Jess!!" He stood his cup on the rail and ran to meet her. Lifting her off her feet as he hugged her and kissed her. Eventually, they seperated long enough for Bo to hug her too.
"What y'all doin' here? How come ya didn't call? How long ya here for?" Luke asked all at once.
Jess laughed and kissed him again. And they started to walk across to Bo's, arms round each other with Bo and Cooter following "She called me a couple of days ago, wantin' help to surprise y'all" Cooter smiled.
"Ya did that alright" Luke grinned.
"I'm only here for a few days. I gotta call to come over and sort out some things about the job and they were going to pay the fare, I just had to find a place to stay."
"y'always gotta place to stay here, Babe" Luke kissed her.
Jess looked at him straight faced "I booked into the hotel"
Luke looked crestfallen "Oh ......OK......I just thought..."
A smile spread across Jess's face "Of course I'm staying. If you'll have me?"
Luke pulled a face realising he'd been had. Cooter and Bo laughed at him "Of Course I'll have ya" He said hugging her.
Daisy Gaby Enos and Troy came out onto the porch on hearing the commotion. "Jess!" Daisy shouted "We didn't know you were coming" She hugged her
"It was kind of last minute. It's good to see you all" Jess hugged Enos and said Hi to Troy who was hiding behind him. "Gaby, Congratulations the photos were gorgeous" They hugged each other.
"You want to come and see her?" Gaby smiled.
"Of course I do"
Gaby took Jess inside and as the others followed, Bo smiled at Luke and grabbed the back of his neck hugging him.
Gaby lifted Lacey from the crib and handed her to Jess "She is beautiful. Is she good?"
"She can't be naughty. She don't do nothin'" Troy frowned, making them all laugh. " 'cept scream "
"She's been very good, especially now she's feeding properly" Gaby smiled.
They all sat around catching up on each other's news and taking it in turns to play with Troy and hold Lacey. Luke stood holding her with Bo on one side and Cooter on the other. The girls were smiling. "Ya know what" Daisy started "I don't think I ever saw a bunch of guys go so crazy over a baby"
"I thought that too" Gaby smiled "they've been like this for days, even Cooter"
Sometime later, Luke took Jess back to the farm house to get settled. As they walked across the yard, arms round each other Luke asked her "So how come ya didn't bring Kait and Bobby?"
"They wanted to come but it's expensive and I'm going to be working most of the time"
"When do you have to be there?"
"First thing tomorrow and I have to find out where to go yet."
"It's OK, I'll take ya" Luke pulled her closer, kissing the top of her head as he picked up her bag Cooter had left on the porch. They went into the kitchen and he put the bag on the table as he wrapped his arms round her "I'm real glad you're here"
"So am I" Luke kissed her pationately, running his hands above the waistband of her jeans underneath her shirt as he always did.
"So how are you now?" She eventually asked when they stopped to draw breath and went to sit cuddled up on the sofa.
"Better. The ribs finally mended."
"It took a long time. I was worried about you"
Luke pulled a face. "They said it was my age"
Jess smiled "Well at least you're ok now"
Didn't wanna marry an invalid, huh?" Luke teased.
"You know I'd marry you no matter what" She smiled and kissed him.
Luke and Daisy sat up talking late into the night, long after everyone else had gone to bed "Ya know, Luke." Daisy sighed "There's a lot of times that I really miss this place and the way it was when you, me and Bo were growing up here with Uncle Jesse"
"But you're happy with Enos though?"
"Happier than I ever thought possible. Uncle Jesse would have loved this. All of us bein' back here, with our families and everythin'."
"He sure would"
Daisy grinned "But he'd have tanned your hide for sure"
Luke looked surprised "Me? Why?"
"Jess stayin' here with you under this roof"
Luke laughed "And us not even married yet. I'd never have got that passed him, old as I am. 'This ain't no broady house' "He said imitating Uncle Jesse.
Daisy laughed then turned serious. "But he'd be real proud of you and Bo."
"And he was always proud of you" Luke said grabbing her hand across the kitchen table. Daisy smiled in surprise. Bo always wore his heart on his sleeve, Luke was more guarded. But it was nice that he could finally let his guard down occasionally. Since Luke had become head of the family he had become far too serious. She had missed the wild carefree cousin of their youth, but he had matured and taken on the responsibilities of the farm and the family. But at least there were times when the new Luke could make her smile and the old Luke could be seen more often.
Luke hugged her tight. Daisy would be gone back to LA with her family by the time he and Jess got back that evening and he wouldn't see her again until the wedding. And as much as he didn't say, he missed all three of them being here too.
"Now Honey We'll see y'all in a month" Daisy said as she hugged him back. "And if there's anything we can do, just call us" She hugged Jess.
"We will Daisy. And you have a safe trip" Jess replied
They hugged Enos and Troy and Luke hugged Daisy again. "Y'all keep between the ditches, alright"
Daisy smiled at him "We'll sure try".
Enos patted Luke on the back as they went to get into the car, then slipped his arm round Daisy as she leant on his shoulder waving them off.
As Luke raced back through Chickasaw, he glanced over at Jess. " Well, ya gonna tell me how it went?"
She looked over and smiled at him "It was great"
"People seem nice"
"The people there are lovely. I got to have a look around and find out about all the things they do at the moment and they have a lodge there for me to stay in"
"Are ya?" luke asked quizically.
Jess pretended to look thoughtful "Nah," She grinned wrinkling her nose "but it'll be great to take the kids to for weekends. They've had another look at my qualifications and experience and they're talking about finding me something more permanent"
Luke skidded to a halt sideways over the Hazzard county line" That's great. I'm real pleased for ya that it's worked out" He hugged her.
"Luke I can't wait. They want me to go back tomorrow and join in with some of the activities they'll be doing. Do you mind?"
"Go. This is important to ya. Do it" He kissed her."And Jess,....I'm proud of ya" He kissed her again before starting up the General and racing back to the farm.
He slid into the yard narrowly missing a motorbike parked in front of the farmhouse. "What dang fool left that there?" Luke asked climbing out and looking at it.
"Don't you know who's it is?" Jess asked joining him and he took her hand.
"Only two people I know had bikes like these and Daisy sold hers out in LA"
"Who was the other?"
"Hey Luke. Ain't ya learned how to use the brakes yet?" The shout was from a man standing with Bo on Bo's porch.
Luke spun round and a smile spread across his face. "Well I'll be.....Jeb Stuart Duke!!" Luke ran across the yard and they shook hands before hugging each other. "I shoulda known that the only person to turn up on a bike like that would be you. What you doin' here anyhow?"
"Just came to see the newest member of the Duke clan" Jeb looked across at Jess and Luke followed his gaze.
"I'm sorry." He grabbed Jess's hand and pulled her towards them "Someone I want ya to meet... Jess, this here's my cousin Jeb Stuart Duke....And this is my fiance Jess Aspen" As he introduced her Luke kissed her hand and winked at her.
"Pleased to finally meet ya" Jeb said shaking her hand and kissing it too "You're the lady that finally tamed the most eligble batchelor in Georgia and Montana put together."
Jess smiled "So it would seem"
Jeb grinned at Bo and Luke "How did you two, ugly as y'are, get two of the prettiest girls around."
Bo and Luke pulled faces at him "Hey!!" "That ain't fair"
Jess laughed as Jeb said "Darlin', if ya wanna change your mind I'm still available"
Jess smiled "You're a Duke alright with patter like that. But sorry, I'm not changing my mind"
Luke grinned as he put his arm round her and they made their way into Bo's to find Gaby. They all sat talking for a while before Gaby took Jess off to show her the house while the guys talked. Gaby laid Lacey down in crib in her room.
"Gaby, this is beautiful"
"Bo did it. He wouldn't let me see till it was finished"
"Bo did this! I didn't know he could."
Gaby smiled "I think he had a lot of help"
"Certainly not from Luke. He wouldn't know where to start" They laughed at the thought of the two boys decking out a baby's room.
"I think Luke did some painting. But I think the rest was Ellen at the Baby store"
"But you like it though" Jess asked.
"I love it. It's just how I always imagined my baby's room would be" Gaby gently stroked Lacey's hand and they went back to rejoin the others. As they went back into the kitchen Bo reached out and took Gaby's hand, smiling at her as he pulled her onto his lap. Jess went to stand behind Luke putting her hands on his shoulders and as he put a hand up to hold one of hers he smiled at her. Then he was vaguely aware that he was being spoken to.
"Hey Luke" Jeb called with a grin. Luke turned to face him.
Jeb was grinning "Ya know, all the times I been comin' round here. I ain't ever seen the two of ya so smitten"
Luke returned the grin "Bo was always smitten"
"Cute Luke, real cute" Bo retaliated.
"These girls must really be somethin' special" Jeb said.
Jess and Gaby exchanged a glance. How many times had they heard that. Just because they were the ones that got the Duke boys to finally settle down.
"You oughta get yaself a girl like these two, Cousin" Luke teased him.
"Oh no. I've done the whole married and kids thing and it didn't work out. And there's been a few disasters since"
"How many kids have you got?" Jess asked.
"Three. My boy starts college in the fall and the twins are comin' up sixteen"
"Lovely age" Jess said sarcastically.
Jeb chuckled "Y'aint wrong about that. Luke says you got kids."
"Yeah, Bobby's just turned seventeen and Kait will be eight just before the wedding"
"Ya didn't bring 'em"
"They wanted to come but this is a flying visit and I'd be working mostly"
"They're great kids" Bo said "Kait's got Luke wrapped right round her little finger"
"She did a pretty good job on you too." Gaby added.
"What about Bobby?" Jeb asked
"He's just like we all were at that age" Luke grinned.
"Heaven help Hazzard" Jeb said rolling his eyes. "Sounds like they're Dukes in everythin' but name"
"Pretty much" Luke smiled looking up at Jess. He turned back to the others. "Ya still comin' to the weddin' ain't ya?"
"Wouldn't miss it" Jeb replied. I was tryin to ask before if ya ready?"
"Getting there" Jess said "There are still a few things to do when I get back"
"I can't wait"
Jeb stayed for supper and they had a great evening catching up or getting to know each other. The next morning Jess and Luke set out for Oconee for Jess to spend the day working. When they arrived back at the farm, they could here Lacey screaming.
"Someone's sure lettin them know she's here" Luke said. "And she was lettin' em know all night too"
Jess stopped and looked towards Bo and Gaby's house "I wonder if she's ok"
Luke looked at her thoughtful face "Why?"
"That's a different sort of cry, like she's in pain"
"We'd better go find out" Luke took her hand and went into Bo's. He didn't knock. Jess had noticed that since Luke never thought it right to make Bo or Daisy knock at the farmhouse, the same rules seemed to apply at Bo's for Luke.
"Bo! Gaby!" He called as he went in.
"In here"
They went through to the living room to find Bo looking completely wrecked walking a screaming Lacey up and down.
"Bo you look terrible"
"Thanks Cuz. I feel it. Ain't hardley had a wink of sleep in two days and Lacey won't stop screamin'. "
Jess went over. "Can I?" Bo let her take Lacey and she exchanged a worried look with Luke.
"I'll make some coffee" Luke said and went out.
"How long's she been like this?" Jess asked.
"On and off for three days"
"Where's Gaby?"
"Tryin' to get some sleep."
"Which is what you need" Jess turned Lacey onto her stomache and began rubbing her back. They followed Luke into the kitchen "When was she last fed?"
"About an hour ago" Bo replied. He heard Gaby come down and went through to see her. "Darlin' you should be sleepin'"
"I can't. Where's Lacey?"
Bo indicated the kitchen "With Jess"
"Bo I can't do this" she said looking as bad as Bo.
He wrapped his arms round her "Sure ya can"
Jess gave Lacey to Luke. "Here, just keep rubbing her back"
"D'ya know what's wrong?"
"I'm guessing it's colic"
"Can't we give her anythin' "
"I could if I was at home, but I don't know if you can get the same stuff here" She went into Gaby and Bo. "Gaby How are you?" She said hugging her
"Terrible. She just keeps crying. I feed her and she cries. I hold her and she cries. I can't do anything right" She burst into tears. Bo tried to sooth her as Jess guided both of them to the sofa and sat them down.
"Gaby, you're doing great. Has the midwife been out?" Jess sat down next to her
"This morning. She just said we all need to get some sleep and she told me to give this to Lacey. She has gas." She took a piece of paper out of her pocket and handed it to Jess.
"Slightly more than gas I'd say. It looks like colic."
"Uncle Jesse used to have some real horrible stuff to feed the animals when they got it" Bo said wearily giving a small smile as he rested his head back. His arm was still round Gaby.
"And this stuff will do the same for Lacey." Jess assured him.
"I should know what to do" Gaby said sorrowfully "I can't even take care of my own baby"
"Of course you can. Have either of you heard of Baby Blues?"
Gaby and Bo shook their heads.
"It happens sometimes. You feel really down for a couple of days and nothing feels right. It's worse if you've had a bad birth or you have an unsettled baby. You're body is just trying to adjust all the hormones after the birth. The midwife should have told you all this. I know how horrible it feels."
"You had it?" Gaby asked.
Jess nodded "Really bad after Kait. If Mum hadn't've stepped in and taken on the stuff I couldn't cope with I was heading for full blown post natal depression"
Bo smiled at her without lifting his head "Can't imagine you not copin' "
"You'd be surprised" She looked serious "I was a mess."
Suddenly there was a strange squelching, gargling noise from the kitchen followed by Luke yelling "Jess, you'd better get in here" Lacey had stopped crying. So Jess raced into the kitchen, with Bo and Gaby hot on her heals, to find Luke still holding Lacey on her stomach and she had thrown up all down his leg and onto the floor.
Jess smiled "That can happen" She took Lacey from Luke and kissed him "Nice job, Mary Poppins". She handed Lacey to Gaby and began cleaning up the mess on the floor.
"And what am I supposed to do now?" Luke sulked
"Go get changed" Jess grinned then turned to Gaby sat at the table with Bo standing next to her "Why don't you let Luke and I take her for a while. It'll give you both time to get some sleep and a shower and I'm sure you'll feel a whole lot better."
"We'll only be across the yard, you can come get her any time you want." Luke added
"Of course you can." Jess agreed "And I'd guess that neither of you have eaten properly today, so we can cook you supper too."
Bo looked at Gaby "OK" He agreed. Gaby looked up at him "Gaby, you need to get some rest, I'm worried about you. As soon as you want, we can go get her" Gaby sighed and nodded and Bo lent over and kissed the top of her head.
"OK, Luke why don't you go and get changed while I finish this coffee. Bo can you go pack me a bag of stuff for Lacey, please." And with that they both disappeared.
"It's hard to believe that something so small can cause so much trouble" Gaby sighed looking down at Lacey peacefully sleeping and stroking her hand with a finger.
"This is only the start of it" Jess grinned "They get worse as they get older"
Gaby gave her a small smile "But it's all worth it"
"You bet." Jess gently rubbed Gaby's shoulder as she moved about the kitchen "Do you have any bottles of milk for her. She'll probably be hungry again soon"
"I put a couple in the refridgerator earlier. And she is always hungry. I think she must have her Daddy's appetite"
"Sounds like it" They giggled as Luke came back in.
"you sound a whole lot better already, Honey" Luke said putting his arm round Gaby's shoulders and kissing the top of her head.
"At least I know what I feel is normal"
Bo came in and put a buldging baby bag on the table.
"Bo what on earth did ya put in there" Luke said with exasperation.
"Just some stuff for Lacey. I didn't know what she'd need so I kinda packed everythin' "
"We're only goin' across the yard for a couple of hours"
Lacey started to squirm and whinge. "Here we go again" Gaby sighed. Bo took Lacey and turned her onto her stomach rubbing her back just as Jess and Luke had done. This time Lacey belched without throwing up.
So Jess took Lacey back to the farm house and Luke roared into town for the medicine the midwife had said to get for Lacey. When she was settled and the supper was left to cook they flopped onto the sofa. Jess cuddled up to Luke as he put his arm round her.
"You looked really cute with her" Jess smiled at him "You're a natural"
"I got a lot of practise in the last few days"
"You enjoying being Uncle Luke?"
"Yeah I guess" He grinned back "You were amazing with her earlier. The way you dealt with everythin'. "
"It's easier when it's not my baby. You've seen what I'm like with my two"
"Yeah I've seen Mama Bear" He kissed her forehead as she smiled.
"You wish you could do it?"
"Not if it meant not havin' you. If ya could would you do it again?"
Jess sat up "Having a baby gives you a feeling like nothing on earth. It's just the biggest buzz...........I'm sorry"
"What for?"
"Going on about it. You'll never know and I'm sorry"
He sat up and stroked her hair back from her face "Hey I don't care. I still love ya. Nothin' else matters" He went to kiss her and the phone rang making them jump and Lacey screamed. Jess picked Lacey up and took her into the kitchen to calm her down while Luke grabbed the phone.
He stuck his head in "Jess it's Kait"
Jess frowned as she looked at the clock "It's late" She handed a still whining Lacey to Luke and went to take the phone. When she came back into the kitchen she stood and watched as Luke walked Lacey around singing to her gently. Eventually he looked up and saw Jess watching him.
He smiled "How long ya been stood there?"
Jess shrugged.
Luke lost the smile "Jess, is somethin' wrong"
She shook her head and bit her lip.
Luke came over to her "Is everythin' OK with your folks?"
Jess nodded, still biting her lip.
Cradling Lacey in one arm, he ran the other hand gently down the side of her head. "Jess, tell me."
She took a deep breath "It's just seeing you with her. Wondering what it would be like if it was ours. You giving up the chance for me" Jess fought back tears as she spoke.
"I said I don't care. We got Bobby and Kait. And Troy and Lacey are gonna be around. Don't matter who the Mamas and Daddies are so long as they're loved. It don't make no difference to Daisy and Enos. They feel the same about Troy as if they birthed him themselves" He pulled her close trying to avoid squashing Lacey. "Jess, I love ya. Baby or no baby. OK?"
She nodded gently against his shoulder "OK" She looked up at him "I love you Luke Duke"
"And I love you too" He kissed her just as Bo and Gaby walked in smiling and holding hands.
"Hey there, what y'all teachin' my daughter" Bo grinned.
"Nothin'" Luke replied.
Gaby came over and took Lacey "How is she doing?"
"Just great. The medicine the midwife said give her works real good, but the phone just rang and frightened her" Luke explained.
"So you thought you'd provide a little distraction, huh, couzin" Bo teased as he stood with Gaby playing with Lacey's hand.
Gaby looked up at Jess who had said nothing and was hanging onto Luke's arm as he spoke. "Jess, is everything OK?"
Jess bit her lip and exchanged a glance with Luke as he squeezed her hand "Everything's fine" She replied unconvincingly.
Bo looked up at them wondering what was going on as he hadn't noticed anything. Gaby looked from Jess to Luke then turned and handed Lacey to Bo and took Jess into the living room.
"What's that all about?" Bo asked between baby talking to Lacey and watching Luke going to sort the supper.
"It's complicated" Luke said.
"When ain't it Luke. We's Dukes ain't we" He gave a quick smile. Luke looked at Bo but said nothing. Bo raised his eyebrows inviting Luke to talk.
"It's just Jess got a bit upset watchin' me with Lacey. She wants to have my baby and she can't and she don't want me missin' out"
"Ya said it was complicated....... Hey Luke I'm sorry. I just didn't think what it'd be like for you and Jess bein' around Lacey."
Luke put a hand on his cousin's shoulder "Bo don't be sorry. We're fine and I'm real happy for ya, really I am." Luke and Bo hugged each other tight the best they could with Bo still holding Lacey.
Gaby took Jess into the living room and sat her down on the sofa.
"Jess I know something's wrong. Do you want to talk about it?"
Jess didn't answer imediately. "I'm just being silly"
"Why?"
"It's just watching Luke with Lacey. He's so good with her"
Gaby suddenly realised what the problem was "You want him to be able to be like that with yours, but you can't"
Jess looked up at her.
"I'm sorry. Luke said something to Bo at the hospital after Lacey was born. "
Jess nodded. If Luke told anyone anything it would be Bo. "It's just he would be so great. I know what it feels like to look at your new baby and he doesn't but I want him to, because he doesn't even know what he's missing...." Jess rambled bursting into tears "Is this making any sense at all?"
Gaby nodded "It makes perfect sense to me" She hugged her "What does Luke say?"
"He says he doesn't care. He says he's happy anyway"
"Do you believe him?"
Jess wiped her face on her hands "I suppose" She sniffed "Luke doesn't say anything he doesn't mean"
"Then listen to him"
"Gaby I'm sorry. You don't need this. I'm supposed to be helping you."
"And you have Jess. Bo and I are fine. I want to be able to help you too."
"Thanks Gaby" She hugged her "Your daughter is beautiful" and they both started crying again "Gaby I'm sorry I didn't mean to make you cry too"
Gaby smiled "Hey I just had a baby I can cry at anything right now" and they both started laughing.
Bo carried Lacey in and found them laughing and crying and hugging each other. "Luke you'd better get in here" He called looking puzzled.
Luke came in, looked at Jess and Gaby then exchanged a look with Bo. "I ain't ever gonna understand women" He smiled.
Gaby and Jess went over to Bo and Luke. Luke rubbed a thumb across Jess's tearstained face as Gaby motioned Bo to the kitchen.
Luke stared into her eyes "OK?" He said simply.
Jess nodded and smiled, then threw her arms tightly round his neck. Luke wrapped his arms round her waist and they held onto each other.
"Gaby?" Bo questioned putting his arm round her shoulders.
"They'll be fine" She kissed him "We'll be fine" and she kissed him again.
Eventually Luke and Jess walked into the kitchen arms round each other. "What did Kait want anyway?" Luke asked.
"Just to talk, she's been waiting all day for me to get home"
Luke smiled "Her Mama misses her too" He kissed her forehead and went to help Gaby with the supper as Jess wandered over to Bo putting her arm round his waist as he kissed the top of her head, throwing an arm round her shoulders. Things were just as they should be at the Duke farm.
Jess wasn't due to fly back until the evening so the following day she helped out around the farm and helped Luke and Cooter, and sometimes Bo, with the extension. It was finally water tight and they could start on the plastering and plumbing the bathroom. They were out in the yard when a big yellow bus pulled in. Gaby flew out of the house forgetting about having a baby and taking it easy. She threw herself at her brothers who were first off the bus. Bo followed her hugging the guys as they got off the bus, shaking hands and slapping each other on the back.
Luke smiled and grabbed Jess's hand "Come on, you're gonna love these guys" he dragged her behind and greeted the visitors in a similar fashion to Bo. When everyone was off and Jess had been introduced. Gaby took her Mum by the arm and they crossed the yard talking, closely followed by the rest. Bo was going to make fresh coffee but Cypriano stopped him with a grin. "Not today Amigo" He indicated the crate that they had brought in and started handing round beer, suprised when Jess took Luke's from him with a smile and took a swig. After spending a while with Gaby's family Luke and Jess excused themselves and went back to work. Sometime later Bo was doing a tour of the farm for the guys giving Gaby a chance to talk to her Mum. He came into the extension just as Jess was coming out.
"Hey Darlin' How's it goin' " Bo asked
"Getting there. I'm the errand girl at the moment"
"Don't let that cousin of mine work ya too hard" Bo smiled. They stood with their arms round each other as was completely normal for them now, but Cypriano made a note to speak to Bo about it later as he watched them talk.
"Jess did ya get the............." Luke yelled coming out of the new bathroom. He grinned when he saw her with Bo, Cypriano and their friends "Mighta known ya'd stopped to chat up the guys"
"Just talking" She smirked. She turned to the others "It looks like I'd better go. Catch ya later" She kissed Bo and Luke and left. A couple of Cyprianos friends watched her go with an expression Luke recognised. As he watched them he smiled "Don't even think about it guys" he said flicking the nearest one across the chest with the back of his hand.
Later that day Luke ran Jess back to the airport, before joining Bo Cooter and Gaby's folks at the Boar's nest. The guys all helped out around the farm while they were staying, enjoying being back in Hazzard and seeing Bo, Luke and Gaby again.
Any thoughts?