Okay, before I start, I'd like to give a huge thank you to Elenhin for helping me with this chapter. Big

Kudos Cuzin!

Disclaimer: I don't own The Duke boys, Cooter, or anyone from the story. I don't even own Marie

Gustafsson, I'm borrowing her from Elenhin. Thanks again! Also, don't be offended if I screwed up

the accent, I didn't mean it!

(10:30 am, Church)

At 10:30, the service for Uncle Jesse started. Reverend Sgro was ministering the service. He started

the service by telling how Jesse was a devoted Uncle and "Father" to his "kids"; and how he was an

ex-moon shiner and one of the most devoted men in the county. Then, each of the cousins had

something to say.

First, was Luke. He cleared his throat, and then started. "Uncle Jesse brought me into his home

when I was a mere four years old. Ever since, he's been there to take care of me when I was hurt or

sick, to tell me she wasn't the one when a girl left me for some other guy, and for good advice I had

used sooner or later. Uncle Jesse, don't worry, I"ll take care of the farm, Bo and Daisy, everything.

Rest in Peace, Uncle Jesse, we miss ya." Luke finished, then sat back down.

Following Luke was Daisy. She quieted her sobs, then began. "Uncle Jesse, too, brought me into

his home when I was six. It was hard being a single woman in a house full of men after Aunt Lavinia

passed, but I would have never made it without Uncle Jesse." Pausing to sniffle and swallow, she then

continued on. "I was one of the guys ever since I came to live with Uncle Jesse. I learned how to

hunt, fish, and shoot right along side them. It's gonna be hard to go on without ya, and there won't be

a single day that I won't think of ya, even if I live to be 690 and have Dementia, I'll think of ya every

day. Rest Peacefully, Dear Uncle Jesse." Daisy concluded, and sat back down, leaning her head on

Luke's shoulder.

Finally, it was Bo's turn. He put on a brave face, then started. "Uncle Jesse, you wouldn't feel this

way, but it feels like this was a bit my fault. You took me under your wing when I was two, unable to

comprehend that momma an' daddy were really gone. There were many times I didn't listen, or I'd

say, 'Hold on Uncle Jesse, I'll do it in a minute' or 'Can this wait?'. Well, I guess I said it once too

many this time, Uncle Jesse. I'm sorry." Bo hadn't finished, but by then, he broke down, and ran out

of the church. He was followed by Luke, and his girlfriend Marie Gustafsson.

Marie and her family had recently immigrated from Sweden, and Bo found the young blonde

attractive. What else is new?

Bo ran out to a nearby field, where he completely fell apart and started sobbing. Luke knelt next to

him and held him, letting him cry on his shoulder. Marie stood back a bit, giving the boys some space.

After a few minutes, Bo settled down some, although he ended up making himself regurgitate once

more. He then asked Luke, "Why couldn't it have been me?" "Because God wants you here. It was

Uncle Jesse's time to go, the Lord wanted him." Luke explained. "Bo?" Marie asked. "Sorry ya have

ta see me like this." Bo apologized. "Bo is okay. Vhen I vas four, me pappa and I vere in a umm, I

know zis vord..ah, car colleezon, and pappa hurt bad. Pappa pass way day later. Just get car. Pappa

and I vere umm… "close". Know vhat like lose one loved." Marie explained. She bent down and

gave Bo a hug also, then got up. "I liked Unc Jesse, he make me feel home. Miss him dearly. Good

Vishes." Marie said. "Thanks." Bo said, gathering himself together. "I'm ready to go back." Bo told

Luke, who helped him up. "Okay, but first…" Luke said, handing Bo a tissue and pointing to his

mouth. "Oh, thanks." Bo said, then wiped his mouth. Bo shoved the tissue in his pocket, then they

went back into the church. Bo thought about that dreaded night where a simple phone call changed

his whole future…

(Tuesday, 1 am, Duke Farm)

Nobody in the Duke farm had slept. They were all worried about Uncle Jesse. Then, the phone

rang. Luke looked at Bo, who looked back at Luke. They both knew a phone call at one in the

morning could only mean one thing: bad news. "I'll get it." Luke said, getting up and answering the

phone. "Duke farm, Luke speaking." "Luke, this is Dr. Penguama at Tri-County hospital. It seems

that your Uncle's blood pressure has gone up extremely high. He's had a stroke. Is it possible for

someone to get to the hospital?" Dr. Penguama asked. "My cousins and I will be there as soon as we

can." Luke replied. "Okay, I have one question, though. If neccisary, may we put Mr. Duke on life

support?" Dr. Penguama asked. "I don't think Uncle Jesse would want that, if the Lord wants him,

it's his time." Luke replied. "Alright then, thank you. I'll see you soon." Dr. Penguama said as both

men hung up. Luke knocked on Daisy's door, told her to get dressed, he'd explain on the way. Luke

then went to his and Bo's room, and as they dressed, Luke explained everything to Bo. As soon as

they were ready, the Duke Family went to Tri-County Hospital.

Oh no, what's gonna happen?

(A/N: If I get enough reviews, and even if I only get a couple, by morning, I'll post the final

chapter, can't wait ta see what y'all think! Now, if ya can read, which ya should be able to,

or you wouldn't be doin so great this far, push the button that says 'submit review' ;))