A/N: Thanks to those who have reviewed! Here's the next chapter.
Later the same day…
"Uncle Jesse? We're home!" Luke calls as the three Duke cousins come bounding through the front door.
"What's for supper? I'm starved!" Bo pipes in from the back of the group causing Luke to look at him doubtfully. "What? I am and ya know I'm still growin'."
"Good grief Bo, yer always hungry, ya don't have ta tell us anymore. An' if yer still growin' then yer gonna have ta move out ta the barn. There ain't room in this house fer yer ego ta get any bigger." Luke retorts with a smirk as they stop to look at each other.
"Luke! Ya think yer so cute, don'tcha? Well yer head ain't no small thing neither. Why I cain't hardly move 'round the bedroom no more, it takes up too much space!"
"Boys! That'll be enough now. Help Daisy get supper on the table." Uncle Jesse interrupts before a full blown argument can erupt. He knows they would never hurt each other on purpose, but their competitive spirits wouldn't let either of them give up first.
"Yes sir." They answer in unison while eyeing each other spitefully. Luke is the first to break into a grin. He slaps Bo on the back before heading to the kitchen.
"I was just joshin' ya Bo. I didn't mean none of it, except for ya always being hungry. That I meant." Bo continues eyeing Luke for a few moments before a big smile breaks across his face and he follows Luke into the kitchen.
"Yer forgiven cousin. Course I was bein' totally serious when I said yer head-"
"Bo!"
"Jus' kiddin' Uncle Jesse! Jus' kiddin' I promise!" Jesse looks up from the silverware he's counting out to flick a glance at both his nephews. He shakes his head partly in amusement. Daisy pulls the casserole out of the oven while Luke sets out glasses and milk. Bo makes quick work setting the table while Jesse finishes sorting out the silverware. They all sit down to the table and bow their heads for a short prayer. As soon as the last amen was said Bo spoons up some casserole for everyone and Luke pours the milk.
"Uncle Jesse I heard somethin' real interestin' about you this afternoon at work." Daisy says quietly as she lays her napkin across her lap.
"What was that dear?" Jesse asks before taking a big bite.
"Well, everyone was talkin' 'bout how you've got three dates goin'. Is that true?" Luke and Bo's heads jerk up from the plates they had been concentrating on. They stare at their uncle in amazement.
"Uncle Jesse?" Luke rasps out.
"Three dates?" Bo queries in bafflement. They look at each other for a moment before grinning.
"Naw, can't be right Daisy. Somebody's jus' stirrin' the gossip mill 'round is all. Right Uncle Jesse?" Bo says cheerily looking back at his uncle. Jesse swallows the lump in his throat and turns a dull red.
"Weellllllll…"
"So it is true! I knew it!" Daisy claps her hands and giggles. "That's great Uncle Jesse."
"I reckon so Daisy, now listen their just comin' fer supper is all. Nothin' big. I jus' thought it might be time ta start socializin' with people my own age now that you youngun's is pert near grown."
"Uncle Jesse, we've been grown for quite a while now, well maybe not Bo." Luke throws out.
"Luke! You-"
"Hush up boys, I want to hear Uncle Jesse tell us 'bout his dates. Who are they?" Daisy asks impatiently.
"Welp, uh, Delsie Lou Baker's coming on Saturdee night, an' Norma Thompkins will be here on Fridee night, an', uh, someone else will be here tamorrah night."
"Someone else who?" Jesse flushes a deeper red and answers Daisy's question reluctantly.
"Miz Tisdale."
"Miz Tisdale! Oh that's wonderful! She'll be so excited!" Bo and Luke look at one another again and try not to crack up. Daisy spots their amusement and narrows her eyes in warning. Finally regaining control of himself, Luke looks back at his uncle.
"Wow, three dates in a week. I think that 'bout ties Bo's record." Bo grins at Luke once again before turning his uncle's way also.
"Uncle Jesse, ya know yer turnin' inta a serial dater right? Least wise that's what ya called me a few times." Bo good-humoredly adds.
"I ain't no serial dater! I'm jus' doin' a little socializin'. Why I ain't dated in years, I wouldn't know how anymore. 'Sides, I leave all that stuff ta you kids."
"Yeah, but ya got three dates this week alone. That's like going zero to a hun'erd in 3 seconds. Don't get me wrong Uncle Jesse, I think its great that your getting back in the game." Luke replies.
"Huh, that's kinda funny if'n ya think about it, Uncle Jesse's turnin' inta me." The three cousins could no longer contain their mirth. They laughed and laughed and laughed.
"HUSH NOW!" Jesse roars over their laughter, but they continue in amusement. The three of them hadn't disobeyed an order from him in years. Jesse couldn't understand why they were acting this way. The three cousins double over in their amusement, tears flowing freely down their checks, as the laughter continues.
"I SAID HUSH!"
A/N: Poor ol' Jesse. Now what do ya'll think has gotten into those kids of his? Stay with me now, one more chapter to go!