A/N – Hey! Well, when I intended to get up to speed earlier this week, this wasn't exactly what I had in mind:) It's just been kind of a crazy week, so again, I'm sorry for the delay. Thanks again for the feedback. Really appreciate it.

Disclaimer: I don't own the Dukes, and no infringements intended.

BALANCING THE BOOKS

CHAPTER 16

FLYING HIGH

It was late afternoon rather than the late morning hour Jackie had promised to return by when return she finally did. The gods hadn't been satisfied keeping the young couple apart with bullets, assassins, and carefully hidden illegal transactions; for an encore, mechanical difficulties and bad weather were thrown in for good measure. As the jumbo jet skidded to a stop on the runway in Georgia, Jackie sincerely hoped that the deities would find some other source of amusement now that she was only moments away from being reunited with Bo. She'd thought about the blonde almost every minute since leaving Hazzard in what seemed like a lifetime ago.

When Jackie Johnson stepped into the terminal of the Atlanta airport, she saw him first. Bo was shifting from foot to foot, but the moment their eyes met, both of his boots bolted in her direction. She wanted to move toward him, meet him half way, but her feet wouldn't cooperate. Tired from the flight and the long days of the past week, all she could do was watch in slow motion as he came to her. The closer he got, the wider her smile grew. It was only when he took the last step, engulfing her in his strong arms, that she was able to move, wrapping her own arms around him.

"I missed you so much," Bo whispered.

"I missed you, too," she agreed.

In a kiss that lasted forever, and raised the eyebrows of a few people passing by, Bo and Jackie showed each other just how much they missed the other.

Already having had to rearrange his order of agenda for the day, Bo refused to let one more person or thing come between them. Taking the lead, he started, "I know we gotta talk, and we will."

Jackie raised an eyebrow. They had agreed that talking was the first thing they were going to do, but now it sounded like Bo wanted to do something else, first, and she hadn't been expecting that. She hoped it wasn't cause for concern.

"There's something else we gotta do first," Bo stated.

"Oh!" Jackie slowly said, thinking that she now understood as a malicious grin lit up her features. Assuming that she knew what Bo was referring to, she was more than willing to tend to other matters before conversing.

"You gotta nasty mind," Bo said, matching her evil grin with one of his own.

"I thought you liked it," Jackie replied, pretending to be hurt.

"I love it," he told her, "but that's not what I had in mind, either."

"Well, you don't want to talk and you don't want to…….what do you want to do?"

"Come on and I'll show you."

Two hours later, Jackie and Bo were seated at the restaurant in Capitol City where they had dined on their first, official date.

"You were worried about your stomach?" Jackie laughed, after they ordered their dinner. "That's what was so important?"

"No," Bo told her, reaching for her hand. "I wanted to talk first, and then do this, but nothing ever seems to go according to plan for us. You ever noticed that?"

"Yeah," Jackie chuckled.

"So, I just decided to do this first. We can talk afterwards, if we even need to," saying the last part under his breath.

"Bo?" Jackie asked, suddenly becoming frightened by his last, barely audible remark.

Bo smiled and squeezed her hand, trying to put both of them at ease. Taking a deep breath, he tried to steady his voice. "Before you left, I asked you a question, and you answered it. It wasn't real clear, and it wasn't planned. I know you probably weren't expecting this, but I need to ask again, properly."

Sliding to one knee and retrieving a small box from his pocket, Bo opened the velvet container. "I know it's not much. Us Dukes aren't rich when it comes to money, so I can't offer you a whole lot in that area, but this is the ring that my daddy gave to my momma. I don't remember my parents. They died when I was just a baby, but everyone that knew them said they loved each other very much." Bo paused. Taking another deep breath, he looked deeply into the blue eyes of the woman he loved as he bared his soul. "Special Agent Johnson, I love you more than I could ever tell you, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you. Jackie, will you marry me?" Bo asked, searching her eyes for an answer, hoping that he hadn't misunderstood their earlier conversation about forever.

While Bo was probing Jackie's blue eyes, Jackie was doing the same to Bo's. She didn't need to be an auditor to see the love shining in them; it wasn't hidden. Taking his face in her hands that were now trembling, her own eyes filled with tears. "Yes," she whispered, leaning down as Bo raised up to meet her half way.

Only after they broke apart, did the newly engaged couple realize that everyone in the restaurant was applauding. Finishing what he'd started, Bo retrieved the ring with the small diamond and placed it on her finger, amazed at how perfectly it fit the long, slender appendage. Keeping it in his own hand, Bo slid back to his seat, scooting his chair as close as he could get it. Interrupted by the congratulations being extended from the other patrons, their dinner soon arrived, delaying conversation even further.

Determining that privacy wasn't in their future as long as they remained in the diner, Bo and Jackie decided to drive back to Hazzard. Bo had called his family before Jackie's plane landed. Since he'd taken the Mustang and the Dukes knew of the delays, no one was expecting them at any certain time. For weeks, one thing or person after another had disrupted their lives; now, they had nothing but time, and they were going to make the most of it, alone.

Bo knew that if he got the answer that he wanted, he may be faced with another dilemma. "I love Hazzard, Jackie. I think leaving it and my family would be the hardest thing that I'd ever have to do, but I know how much you love your job and I know you love Chicago, too. It won't be easy, but we have to work something out," Bo told her.

If Jackie Johnson ever had to wonder if Bo Duke really loved her, she didn't have to wonder anymore. Offering to leave his home and family said more to her than his words ever could. She was just thankful that he wouldn't have to do that. Bo's proposal had been a surprise, but he had obviously been thinking about it for some time. Before she left Hazzard, Jackie told Bo she needed to talk to him; she had a surprise of her own to share with him.

"Bo, something's happened to me since I've been in Hazzard," Jackie said.

"Well yeah, let's see," Bo said, "you've been shot, forced to disappear, kidnapped….."

"Bo!" Jackie exclaimed, though she couldn't help but chuckle.

"I'm sorry," Bo said, believing that maybe he shouldn't have reminded her of all the unpleasant events she had endured since coming to their fair town.

"You're right. All those things have happened, and through every one of them, you, your family, and a lot of folks have been right there to help me."

"That's just the way we are," Bo stated.

"That's my point, Bo. You wouldn't find that in Chicago. People would just as soon step over you than help you up. Not many folks would go out of their way to help someone they didn't know, especially putting themselves in danger, but you people did."

"So, what are you saying?" Bo asked.

"Chicago may be where I was born and where I've lived all my life, but Hazzard feels more like home than Chicago ever has."

Bo studied her for a minute, unable to believe that he was hearing what he thought he was hearing. Finally, he asked, "are you saying you want to live in Hazzard?" It was impossible for the blonde to keep the surprise out of his voice. He was hoping they could work something out that would allow them to return to his home frequently, but he never thought they'd be settling down there. Seeing her nod, Bo was still skeptical. "But……., but……are you sure?"

Jackie took both of Bo's hands in hers. "Bo, I'd already given this a lot of thought. I love it here, I really do. I was also hoping that there was chance for us, and I wanted to make sure we had that chance. I wasn't expecting a proposal this soon, but I'm not complaining," she assured him, raising her left hand to admire the beautiful ring adorning her finger. "Anyway, that last week I was here, before I went to New York, there was something I wanted to tell you, remember?" When Bo nodded, Jackie shared her surprise. "I'd already called Martin. I asked for the supervisory position at Boss Hogg's bank."

"You did?"

"Yeah," she confirmed. "It's a two year position. I figured at the end of that time, I could find another job or move on, depending on if things worked out. Guess I'll be looking for another job, huh?"

Bo nodded, then grinned, then turned serious as he began to realize what she had just told him, and the implications of what she was willing to give up for him. "But, but, you love your job," Bo stuttered. "Supervising Boss Hogg ain't exactly the same thing, and he drives you crazy."

"I can handle Boss Hogg," Jackie giggled.

"Well yeah, I know you can, but…….Jackie, I love you sweetheart, I just don't want you giving up everything you love because of me. Are you sure about this?"

"I'm more than sure. I love you so much Bo. I want a life with you. I want kids with you. I want to grow old with you. What I feel for you, no job can compare to."

"I don't know about this, Jackie," Bo stated, still not convinced that she wouldn't regret her decision some time in the future.

"Bo, do you know how many times I've gotten in trouble for not carrying my gun?"

"Huh? Why wouldn't you carry your gun?" Bo asked.

"Because I hate the thing," Jackie confessed. "I always have. My biggest fear came true in that cave when I had to fire it. Now, I can't take it off. I know it's going to take some time, but I want the day to come when I won't have to put it on first thing in the morning or know where it is every minute. That will never happen as long as I stay with the government. These two years at the Bank of Hazzard are just a time for change. I knew that this job was over the minute I woke up in the hospital after being shot. In some ways, I always knew I was just kidding myself anyway."

"I don't understand," Bo said.

"Bo, I have a degree in Accounting. I'm an auditor, an accountant, not an agent. I really won't miss this. You have nothing to worry about."

Bo hoped she was right, and that some day she wouldn't come to regret the decisions she was making. For the time being, he couldn't have been happier.

Having laid a basic foundation for their future, the young couple headed back to the farm. Helping Jackie out of the passenger seat, Bo picked her up and swung her around, screaming at the top of his lungs. He couldn't wait to share the news with his family despite the late hour. The blonde knew that he'd woken his family when lights suddenly started blinking on in the house. Bursting through the door, one by one, Daisy, Luke, and Uncle Jesse were soon wide awake as congratulations were extended.

Within a few days, everyone in Hazzard knew that semi-retired Special Agent Johnson was there to stay, and that she and Bo were planning on being married. The local residents were eager to extend their welcome and congratulations, except for Boss Hogg. Learning that he now had to answer to someone was an idea he was not pleased with.

If Bo had gotten his way, they would have been enjoying their wedding night right away. Yet, nuptials take time to plan, and Daisy was insistent that Jackie and Bo have a proper wedding. Deciding to do things right, and to make her new cousin-in-law happy, Bo and Jackie settled on a late autumn wedding date.

Working out their living arrangements took even more planning. Jackie had arrangements to make and things to move waiting for her in Chicago, and Bo went with her, not wanting to let her out of his sight again. Packing everything up, Jackie put her things in storage until she and Bo had a permanent place of their own; when that happened, she planned on sending for them. As soon as they returned to Hazzard, they knew they needed to do something about those living arrangements. As much as they loved the Dukes, they couldn't live with Bo's family forever.

When a small piece of land close to the Duke property miraculously came on the market, Jackie persuaded Bo that it was the perfect solution. At first, Bo balked at the idea, but Jackie reminded him that they were supposed to be equals. She was still employed outside the home, and saw no reason why the money she had saved couldn't be used for their future. Still able to see the lingering doubt, Jackie used her other methods of persuasion.

The property was suitable for a small farm, but had no residence on it; the original home had been destroyed years ago. Uncle Jesse and Luke offered to help build a suitable home on the parcel. Believing that they could get it framed before the winter weather set in, they didn't see any way to complete it before the following spring. Not wanting to spend their nights as man and wife in the hayloft or other locations suitable for teenagers, Jackie convinced Bo that they should rent a small apartment in town until their own home was ready.

"Do you want to stay in separate rooms forever?" she crooned.

"You just convinced me," Bo replied, sweeping her off her feet.

Bo knew it was coming. It was bound to happen. He knew Jackie saw it at the same time he did.

"I think I'm ready, don't you?" the blonde haired woman asked the blonde haired man seated on her left.

Bo's natural inclination was to say 'no,' but looking over at her, all he could do was grin. "Yeah," he replied, hoping that he was right. "Just remember all the things I taught ya," he said, going down the list of instructions again.

Jackie nodded, though she knew them by heart. Seeing a perfect, natural ramp, she hit the gas. The Mustang's tires left the air as it sailed upward, making it's first jump. The rebel yell that everyone associated with Bo Duke was delayed. It wasn't until the tires were once again on the ground that the infamous cry echoed through the hills.

"That was great, sweetheart! Yeee-haw!"

Jackie was laughing so hard that she wondered if she'd ever catch her breath. "Oh my gosh!"

When the couple pulled up to the farm, they were still giggling like little kids.

"I did it! I did it!" Jackie screamed, causing the rest of the family to come running to find out what was going on.

"What? What did you do, sugar?" Daisy asked.

"I flew. I did it! I flew the Mustang, just like you boys fly the General," Jackie informed them.

"She was great, too. Couldn't have done better if it had been me or you, Luke," Bo said, wrapping his arm around her.

"Well, I guess that makes it official, young lady. You're a Duke!" Uncle Jesse laughed.

"Hey Bo?" Jackie asked, looking up into the face of the man standing next to her.

"Hmm?"

"When we gonna race?" she asked.

"Race?" Bo repeated.

"Yeah, race. Remember? The General against the Mustang. See which one's the fastest orange car in Hazzard?"

"Whenever you want sweetheart," Bo said, granting her wish.

"How bout Saturday?" Jackie asked, wanting a definite time.

"Sounds good to me," Bo told her, kissing her on the forehead as he and Luke started discussing the best possible locations for such a race.