"How much longer, Mum?" Kait whined.
"You have to be patient Kaitie Lou" Jess smiled "Look up at the arrivals board like I showed you. It says the plane has landed"
"So he should be coming soon" Kait whined again.
"Not if you keep whining" Jess reprimanded gently.
"They have to go to the baggage hall yet" Bobby pointed out.
"Come on. Let's go up to the arrivals gate" Jess said gently grabbing Kait's hand and Bobby's shoulder and guiding them through the crowds.
They stood by the arrivals waiting. "Mum. I can't see him yet" Kait said leaning over the railings to get a better view.
"Anytime, Kait"
Kait huffed impatiently and an old man standing next to her smiled. "Ya waitin' for someone important" He said to Kait.
"Yeah, the man who's going to marry my Mum" Kait said being Kait and talking to anyone. "How about you?"
"I'm waitin' on my son he's been travellin' for a long time but he finally found his way home."
Kait smiled "Luke's been away for a long time too."
"Kait!" Jess said warningly then turned to the old man and smiled "I'm sorry. She'll talk the hind legs off a donkey"
The old man smiled "I used to know some young 'uns just like her" He turned to Kait "But I happen to like my donkey with all his legs"
Kait giggled.
"Hey Kait, they're starting to come through" Bobby said nudging her.
Suddenly, they caught sight of Luke coming through the doors.
"Luke!" Kait squealed. As she was about to go she turned to the old man "I hope you find your son OK and he likes being home"
The old man smiled at her "I've already seen him and I'm sure he'll be fine now. You take care of Luke"
"I will" She grinned and headed off squeezing through the crowd to get to Luke.
"Come on Bobby D. or we'll loose her" Jess frowned as they followed her.
The old man watched with a smile as Kait threw herself at Luke, before Luke hugged Bobby and hugged and kissed Jess. Luke was home too. He was back with his family.
They walked through the terminal together talking and joking.
"It's a good job you didn't take any longer Luke. Kait would've given the old guy next to us a real headache"
"Bobby!" She complained "I was just being friendly"
"Yeah, but you didn't have to give him your life history" He teased.
"What old guy?" Luke asked "I didn't see anyone with ya"
"Just an old man waiting for his son to come home. He's been away travelling" Kait told him "He was standing right next to me"
"What was he like?" Luke looked puzzled.
"White hair and beard. He looked a bit like Father Christmas. He even had a red hat and he talked like you talk"
Jess and Luke walked with their arms round each other and Jess felt him shudder as he looked back to the arrivals gate over his shoulder.
"Luke. you OK?" She asked quietly.
"Yeah, he just reminded me of someone" He said turning back and kissing the top of her head. "Come on Lets go home"
Jess squeezed him tighter as they walked towards the car park.
After they had all been talking for hours, Kait and Bobby had gone to bed, Jess and Luke stood in the kitchen kissing each other both pationately and gently. Eventually they stopped to draw breath.
"You don't know how long I've been waitin' to do that" Luke said quietly his face still close to hers and his hands on the bare skin of her waist under the edge of her shirt.
Jess smiled "I do, believe me............ I might even start to think you missed me"
Luke tickled her "You mocking me?"
She squealed quietly and wriggled "As if I would.....Luke cut it out"
He eventually stopped "Much as I could stay here all week, there must be things that y'all want me to do"
"Yeah I'm sorry but we have got a busy week. At least then we'll have some free time when your family get here" Jess said apologetically her arms round his neck and her hands playing
with the back of his hair.
"It's Ok. So long as I get to be with you I don't care" He pulled her closer. "What's happenin' about Joe?" He almost didn't want to know.
"We have to go to court later in the week, but at the moment he only has limited supervised access"
Supervised by who?"
"I've agreed that Dan can do it"
Luke nodded "It'll work out"
"I hope so." She sighed resting her head on Luke's shoulder "We always knew our past would haunt both of us"
"I ain't gonna let it haunt us forever. We're gonna make our own past and future" He hugged her tight.
Jess looked up at him "I'm more interested in right now"
Luke grinned "Y'are, huh?"
Jess returned the grin and nodded "Uh huh"
And with that Luke began kissing her again.
Bobby sat very quietly the next morning at breakfast and Luke was watching him carefully without being noticed as he ate . Eventually, he asked with a smile "Y'all very quiet there Kiddo.
Ain't ya awake yet?"
Bobby looked up at him "I'm awake"
"Ya got somethin' on ya mind then?" Luke asked.
Jess watched both of them curiously. She knew something had been bugging Bobby for weeks. "Bobby, why don't you just tell us what's wrong?"
Bobby looked her "You're not going to like it"
"It can't be that bad" She replied.
"And we can't help if we don't know" Luke added.
Bobby sighed. "I've been thinking about everything. I don't want you to be mad but................but..I don't have long left of the year and I've had to put in a lot of work and I was
wondering....I've been thinking.... " He looked from Luke to Jess "I want to finish the year here"
Jess gasped quietly "You want to stay?"
"Not forever, just for a couple of months"
Luke looked over at Jess. This would change things. "We always said that we'd never make ya do anythin' y'all weren't happy with" He said to Bobby.
"But what about school and everything" Kait interupted "We've already told everyone we're leaving"
"We can change things" Jess said looking seriously at Bobby. "I could probably delay my start for a while"
"No" Bobby said quickly. "You can't give it all up for me. You've worked too hard for this Mum"
"But if you don't want to go...I can't just leave you here" Jess protested.
"Yes you can. You have to go. You have it all planned" Bobby insisted.
"And what would you do then?"
"I thought that maybe I could stay with Grams and Gramps. They've said we could come and stay whenever we wanted"
"But for nearly three months?" Jess exclaimed biting her lip. Then she said quietly "You really have thought about this, haven't you?"
"Yeah for quite a while. I still want to go with you but I just want to finish my exams or all the work I've done will be for nothing"
"But you have to come Bobby" Kait whined "It won't be the same without you and you have to meet Dollar"
Bobby gave her a half hearted smile "You won't really miss me and I'll see Dollar eventually"
"Bobby, I'm sorry. I should have thought about all this" Jess said.
"You did" He assured her "and at the time I didn't care. But,......."
"Ya changed ya mind" Luke asked him.
"Only about going straight away. As soon as the exams are over, I'd be right behind you"
Jess stood up and went over to Bobby. "If you are really sure it's what you want"
"Yes, if I can" He said standing up to face her.
"Bobby, I'm proud of you" She said hugging him. "You have thought it through properly and if it's what you really want to do, I'm OK with it. But you don't ever have to do anything on
your own. You have come to a sensible descision, and I'll back you whatever happens" She hugged him again.
"Thanks Mum. There is just one thing."
"What's that?"
"I know it would be difficult but if I could I want to go back with you all after the wedding. School will be on holiday and I would like to be there for a while."
Luke looked at Jess standing biting her lip still. He stood up and swallowed hard "Kiddo It may be difficult but it ain't impossible. We want ya there as much as ya wanna be there. We'll
find a way"
"Thanks Dad" Bobby surprised them all by hugging him.
"And your Mum's right, y'aint ever got to feel like you're on your own. Ya want anythin', ya call us and we'll be here"
"I know" Bobby said as they squeezed each other tighter.
"But right now we need to go and see Grams and Gramps and see if they'll have you" She said with a quick smile "Go get ready"
Bobby nodded and went out.
Kait hung round Jess's waist "Mummy, I don't want Bobby to stay here, I want him to come with us"
"I know Sweetie, but Bobby's a big boy now and he has to make his own descisions. Things are going to be fine. " She hugged her "Get dressed quick " Kait went off.
Luke walked over to Jess and wrapped his arms round her. "You said you're OK with this, but y'aint are ya?"
"I have to be" She said shakily. "He's not a little boy anymore" A tear ran down her cheek.
Luke pulled her towards him "Shh, Ya did real good. I'm proud of how ya handled it"
"I always end up crying on you"
"Only over the kids and only coz ya care. It ain't no wonder he didn't want to tell us before. He knew how y'all'd react"
"Yeah, I suppose. I'd better make sure he's OK" She pulled away from Luke a bit and wiped her face with her hands.
Luke rubbed both her arms "Why don't ya let me go? You can go see Kait. I guess she's gonna need us too"
"Ok." She looked at Luke "And you? I think Bobby got to you too just now"
"Yeah, some. Bobby don't ever hug anyone. He'll just about let a few people hug him"
Jess smiled "You noticed?"
Luke smiled back "Yeah I noticed. We'll sort this out Babe and we will all be fine"
"I know. I just have to let go a bit so he can start finding his own place in the world" She said hugging him again.
Luke kissed the top of her head "You're doin' just fine. It ain't easy bein' a parent. I'm just findin' out how hard it is."
"It's easier when you're here" She looked up at him and he kissed her.
"Glad I could help. We'd best go talk to the kids"
Luke knocked on Bobby's door and Bobby let him in. Then he went and sat back on his bed leaning his elbows on his knees.
"You OK, Bob?" Luke asked sitting next to him,
"I suppose" He said biting his lip as Jess had done.
"Is this what ya wouldn't tell me that day ya called?"
"Yeah. Did you tell Mum?" Bobby asked looking at him.
"No, I gave ya my word. But she knew there was somethin' buggin' ya anyhow. It's a pretty big thing to decide on your own"
Bobby shrugged then asked "Is Mum OK?"
"She will be" Luke said putting a hand on his shoulder. "She's proud of ya. We's both proud of ya"
"I really didn't want to upset her just before the wedding"
"I know and I'm kinda glad I was here when ya told her"
"Are we really going to be able to change everything, Luke?"
"Yeah. Ya made a good decision for all the right reasons and we understand that. If it's what ya wanna do, we'll find a way somehow" Bobby nodded quietly. Then Luke smiled "But I
guess we're gonna need your help, Kiddo"
Bobby smiled back "You got it"
"Then get ready quick to go see Grams and Gramps for a start" Luke grinned, patting Bobby on the back and standing up.
As Luke went for the door, Bobby turned serious again. "Luke......" Luke turned back "You will look after Mum and Kait won't you?"
"You bet, I promise ya."
"I may not say anything but I do care about them. And they deserve to be happy" Bobby stood up. Luke realised how important it was to Bobby that his Mum and Sister were OK.
"I'll take real good care of 'em, Bob. Ya got my word as a Duke" He held out his hand to Bobby. The handshake becoming another hug.
"And if you ever tell them I told you that......." Bobby grinned.
Luke laughed "My lips are sealed tighter than the General's doors"
They explained to Grams and Gramps about Bobby wanting to stay and although they were surprised, they said of course he could stay with them. After talking it all over, Jess and her
Mum went to look at some things for the wedding.
"Mum, Is it really Ok about Bobby staying with you? He can be a bit of a handful sometimes and I don't want to put anything on you and Dad"
"We'll be fine. If there are any problems Steve and Annie are here and I'm sure Danny would come over. I'm just surprised you are leaving him especially now. I know how you are about
your kids"
"But he's hardly a kid anymore. But I am glad he's at least coming out for Easter. He has a chance to make it home before coming back to school. At least he won't feel like an outsider
when he comes back after school finishes."
"How are you going to get him back here after the holidays?" Grams asked
"I haven't even thought about that yet, but we'll find a way,..............Mum, you and Dad are really OK about me taking the kids to live in Georgia?"
"Yes of course. We will miss you, but it's your life and you must do what's best for you and the children and if that's with Luke in Georgia then you must go"
Jess hugged her "Thanks Mum"
Grams smiled at her "But I warn you, we will be coming to see you"
Jess grinned "The kids would never forgive you if you didn't"
The week flew by, Luke and Jess spent the whole time sorting things for the wedding, the move to Hazzard and Kait's birthday as well as going to court about Joe and the kids and
keeping up with the kids schools and dance classes and sports events and band practises etc. Luke and Jess had hardly had anytime to themselves.
"This has sure been one crazy week" Luke said as they walked to meet Kait one day.
Jess smiled "Yeah it has. Even crazier than usual. But I just wanted to make sure everything was done before Kait's birthday and your family arrived. Then we'll have time to enjoy
ourselves"
"Makes sense" Luke smiled kissing the hand he was holding as they went in the gate.
"Tonight nobody has anything planned so we can just have a quiet night in" Jess said with relief
"Can't say I'm sorry"
Kait came running out a few minutes later and hugged them both telling them about her day. "Mum, Mr Carter needs to see you"
"What is it this time" Jess sighed as Nick approached them
"Mrs Aspen, I was hoping to see you I have a big favour to ask"
Luke pulled a kind of 'I knew it face'
"Several of the staff are out at a training on monday and I know you are really busy but I was wondering if you could possibly come in and help"
Jess frowned and looked at Luke. "Do you mind?"
"If you want to it's fine. I'll go see Bo" He replied.
"Ok Nick. But I can only do till lunch I have the packers coming in at half twelve."
"That would be great." He patted her arm "I really appreciate it"
Jess grinned "And what are you going to do when I've gone?"
"Call you back" Nick returned the grin "See you Monday" He retreated to talk to some other parents
Kait's friend came over, "Auntie Jess, have you seen my Mum anywhere?" She asked.
"No, I haven't Alice. She'll probably be here soon. We can wait with you" Jess replied.
"Can Alice come home with us, if her Mum isn't here?" Kait asked excitedly.
"Pleae can I?" Alice added.
"Alice's Mum would have called if she needed me to take Alice with us, Kait. Maybe we can sort something for next week, girls" She looked at Luke and he shook his head grinning. There
was always a houseful of kids.
Just then Alice's Mum came dashing in. "I'm so sorry Alice. Jess thanks for waiting with her."
"No problem, Sandy. Is everything OK?"
"Stupid car's acting up" Sandy replied pulling a face.
"What's wrong with it?" Luke asked as they walked towards the gate.
"I don't know. It keeps starting, then chugging and coughing, then stopping. Sorry I know that's not very technical"
"If ya want I could take a look" Luke offered.
"Are you sure you don't mind, Luke. At least if I could get it to go as far as the garage. I could get them to take a look at it"
"I don't mind at all" he said taking her keys as they reached the car park. He popped the bonnet and started fiddling with a few bits while the girls played and Jess and Sandy talked
about their mad week.
"There's ya problem right there" He said eventually.
"Is it serious?" Sandy asked.
"No, just a blocked fuel jet. Have it fixed in a minute."
"Luke, thank you. You may have just saved my life or at least my legs and my ears if I'd made Alice walk home"
Luke smiled "Glad to help"
"Look why don't I take Kait back with Alice for tea, give you guys a break. It sounds like you could do with it. She could stay over too if she wants and go to school with Alice in the
morning" Sandy suggested.
"Are you sure?" Jess asked dubiously
"Of course. They won't have many more opportunities before you leave"
"Ok... Kait would you like to go back for tea with Alice"
The girls bounced around cheering and the adults laughed.
"I take it thats a yes" Luke smiled at them.
"Settle down a minute girls. Sandy has said you can stay over too and go to school with Alice." Jess added.
Kait went quiet and frowned.
"Only if you want to Kait" Sandy said.
"I do, it's just........" She started but didn't finish.
"What's the matter Princess" Luke asked crouching down to talk to her.
"I wanted to see Bo and Daisy and Gaby and everyone when they got here tomorrow"
Luke smiled "Well they ain't comin' till y'all's in school, so ya wouldn't see 'em till tomorrow night anyhow. Y'aint gonna be missin' anythin' in the mornin' "
Kait smiled and hugged him "Thanks Luke. Mum, can I go and stay with Alice?"
Jess smiled " Course you can" The girls were bouncing around cheering again. "Kait, hang on. You be good and do as Sandy tells you."
"I will" Kait said as Jess hugged her.
"Have fun. Sandy, thank you for this. I'll drop her stuff round in a little while"
"That's fine and if you want to send Bobby over too, he can stay. Alex will be in"
"I'll ask him" Jess hugged Sandy and she and Luke waved them off.
They arrived home just before Bobby. "I'm home" he called out.
"Kitchen" Luke answered. Jess always answered with where he could find her when he came in.
"Hi Luke. Mum and Kait not in" He said as he came in and dropped his bag on the nearest chair.
"Mum's in Kait's room" Luke answered.
"And Kait's staying with Alice" Jess said coming in with a bag of stuff for Kait. "Had a good day?"
"Yeah. Is it OK if Emma come's for dinner tomorrow? Her Mum and Dad are out with her brother" Bobby asked as he got himself a drink and a slice of bread from the fridge.
"We're supposed to be going to see Bo and Daisy and everyone tomorrow night" Jess replied.
"I didn't think of that" Bobby mumbled through a mouthful of bread.
"Bobby D., can you please not talk with your mouthful and get a plate" Jess scolded.
He swallowed and grinned "Why make more washing up?! I said I didn't think about seeing the Dukes tomorrow"
"It's no problem" Luke replied "Bring Emma along, if she don't mind meetin' all my family" He grinned.
Bobby grinned back cheekily "Well, she's used to you" he nudged Luke "So meeting the others should be no problem"
Luke looked indignant.
Bobby ducked out of the way "I'll go and phone her" He shoved the rest of the bread in his mouth and grabbed his bag and his drink.
Jess shook her head "Sandy said Alex is in if you wanted to go over, you can stay too"
Bobby went to speak and Jess gave him a look. So he gulped some of his drink washing down the dry bread. "I haven't seen him for a while, I might just do that. But I won't be ready for
about an hour. I have an essay to hand in for tomorrow to finish"
Jess frowned "Ok I'll let Sandy know" she said as Bobby disappeared.
Luke came over and put his arms round her "So much for a quiet night in"
Jess grinned as she put her hands on his chest "Yeah but once we drop Bobby off, we can have a nice peaceful meal and we have the whole night to ourselves"
Luke grinned too "I can handle that" He went to kiss her, but Jess put her finger on his lips and stopped him.
"Hold that thought stud. I have to phone Sandy." She patted his cheek as he sighed in mock rejection.