Hey Everyone! Hope you had a nice Thanksgiving!

This was meant to be the last chapter, but thanks to two reviews a few chapters back, I wrote a different ending. So, I've been left trying to decide whether to tie the two together or just to delete this one completely, since it's not really necessary anymore. Well, thanks to my friend, TS Blue, and her last review – I decided to keep it:) For all her infinite help and wisdom, this chapter is dedicated to her.

Thanks again for the reviews and feedback.

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

BALANCING THE BOOKS

CHAPTER 23

HOSPITAL ROOMS

"Jackie!" Bo screamed, not knowing exactly what had happened. One minute they were standing there talking to two FBI agents, the next she was crying out in pain and falling, and a one-sided shootout was taking place. "Jackie!" Bo screamed again, lowering her all the way to the ground, seeing that he had to ease her face down. Though no one realized that Connors had been killed by the retaliatory shot, his last act on this earth was intended to kill the woman who had caused him so much trouble. Having gotten hold of the knife that Jackie had dropped in favor of the gun, Agent Connors had picked it up and threw it, hitting Jackie square in the back. The blade was imbedded, and the wound it inflicted was not only painful, but was bleeding profusely.

"Oh my God!" Bo cried, unable to believe that after everything, this could really be happening.

"I love you, Bo, and Bo Jr.," Jackie whispered. Her eyes rolled back in her head, whether from the pain or blood loss, Bo couldn't tell, but he didn't like the fact that all the begging he was doing was falling on deaf ears. Jackie remained unconscious.

Never before had an ambulance had such good timing; being called before it was needed. They had been dispatched for one emergency, and while that one no longer existed, now they had another to worry about.

Bo Duke could hardly believe that, once again, he was sitting in an emergency room waiting. Technically, if they went by actual dates, Jackie Johnson and Bo Duke had known each other three years. If they counted the time they'd been together, it was only a fraction of those thousand days; a relatively short period of time. Yet, from the minute that he'd laid eyes on her, she had changed his life. Counting those limited number of hours they'd really shared, a high percentage of them involved one injury or another. Bo prayed that this wasn't a trend that would continue; then added another prayer that there would be more days.

The boy in Bo's arms began squirming, reminding Bo Duke even more of just how much Jackie Johnson had changed his life. Holding his son made him feel closer to his mother, so Bo had been hanging onto him as if he were a life preserver. Considering the amount of time they'd been in the hospital waiting room, the little boy had been very good. Sitting for long spells wasn't something that toddlers were known to do well, and the smaller version of Bo had already reached his quota. It wasn't unusual that he wanted to get down.

Luke and Bo Jr. had remained outside the house throughout most of the ordeal. Stepping inside, only to prevent his cousin from committing murder, once he and Jackie had gotten Bo's attention and his baby cousin had let go of Connors, Luke immediately removed the boy from the scene. The injured man on the floor was something that the child didn't need to be exposed to. The brunette had stayed close enough to hear what was being said, but when the second shot had been fired, Luke tightened his grip on the boy. He wanted nothing more than to rush in and help, but he had been entrusted with Bo Jr.'s safety. In his retreat, Luke heard the scream. Knowing it was a female voice and that Jackie was the only woman in the house, the oldest Duke cousin knew something had happened; something bad. Unfortunately, Bo Jr. had heard it, too, and also knew that it was his mother. Luke did his best to assure Bo's son that everything would be fine, refusing his demands to be taken to his mama. Luke Duke had no idea what had happened, and if seeing Connors on the floor for a few seconds was bad for the boy, seeing his mother injured, or worse, would have been devastating. So, all Luke could do was wait, and make assurances that he didn't know if he had any right to make.

Hoping that the child hadn't been severely traumatized, Bo Jr. had already started to display the resiliency that children are known for. Quiet, at first, he was becoming restless, and showing no adverse effects or a real understanding of how serious the situation was.

"Daddy? Where's mama?" the little boy asked, tugging on his father's shirt to get his attention.

Forcing a smile, Bo replied. "She's with the doctors right now. Remember, she got an ouchie, but she's gonna be just fine," Bo told him, praying that he was right. Losing Jackie wouldn't have been fair to him, but as a child that never knew his own parents, Bo didn't want his own son to have to experience growing up without a mother. Trying to raise a kid on his own was more than Bo could even fathom.

Jesse Duke had been watching, remembering the children that had been entrusted to him at young ages. The Duke patriarch knew that Bo Jr. wasn't going to sit still for much longer. He also knew that as much comfort as Bo was getting from the child's nearness, he also had other things on his mind. Wanting to be of help, the old man stood up and walked over to his nephew and grand-nephew. "Hey sport! How bout you and me take a walk? I think the cafeteria has soda!" Jesse looked to Bo, hoping that he was doing the right thing. When his nephew smiled at him, Jesse Duke returned it, patting him on the shoulder as a gesture of comfort.

"Yeah! Soda! What about a happy meal?" the little boy asked, climbing out of his dad's lap.

All four Dukes chuckled at the innocent question. They'd learned at that first meeting in Nashville that the youngest member of the Duke family was obsessed with happy meals. Since returning to Hazzard, his parents had to make a trip into Capitol City at least once every two weeks to visit the closest McDonalds. Sometimes the entire family went. Though none of them were extreme lovers of fast food, watching the enjoyment that it brought the little boy was enough to make the cuisine a little more appealing. Of course, it wasn't just the meal that came in a brown bag, or the toy that was waiting at the bottom of the bag that made the experience special. The play area was a haven for youngsters, including Bo and Luke, and sometimes it was hard to differentiate between the children and the adults.

"No sport, they don't have happy meals, but if you're hungry, I'm sure we can find you something. Okay?" Uncle Jesse explained.

"Okay," Bo Jr. agreed, sounding as disappointed as he always did after being told there were no happy meals in his immediate future.

Winking at his nephew, the old man took hold of the little boy's hand as they strolled to the other end of the hospital. Watching Jesse with Bo Jr. always made each of the cousins smile, and even Bo had to grin slightly.

"Cuz, I think you might just want to look in to opening your own McDonald's franchise," Luke joked, sliding his arm around his cousin.

Knowing what Luke was doing, Bo was grateful. He didn't feel like laughing, but for a split second, he couldn't help it. "Nah, we'd go broke," Bo replied. Seeing that he'd surprised his cousin by saying anything, Bo added, "Bo Jr. would eat all the inventory."

Sharing a brief chuckle, Luke pulled Bo closer, letting him lean his head on his shoulder. "It's gonna be ok," Luke told him.

Nodding, Bo whispered back, "thanks, Luke."

Moments later, a doctor stepped through the door asking for Mr. Duke. Once again, an injury Jackie had sustained had managed to hit a main blood vessel, causing a massive amount of blood loss. However, unlike the time when she'd been shot, this doctor assured them that she would be fine. The wound had required surgery rather than stitches, and the doctor advised them that it would be quite painful, but it would heal.

For the next few days, Bo took up vigil next to her bed. Jackie would wake for small increments, but slept most of the time thanks to the pain medication. Bo didn't care. She mumbled to him when she was awake, and he didn't want to see her suffer needlessly. Watching her sleep, he was suddenly struck with an idea.

The next time Jackie woke, Bo told her that he had to leave for a little while, but Daisy was going to sit with her. Assuring him that she was fine and there was no need for anyone to stay with her, the blonde promised that he'd be back as soon as he could. After taking care of the things he needed to, Bo informed his family of his plan.

Bo Duke arrived, freshly showered and shaven. Having been dragged home the night before by his oldest cousin, a full night's sleep, in a bed, had worked wonders. Glancing at the clock, he hoped that he'd be able to pull it off.

Having arrived very early, Bo had to wait a little while before Jackie opened her eyes. The minute that he felt her moving, he was out of the chair, leaning over her. He wanted to see her beautiful blue eyes, and he wanted the first thing she saw to be his face. She claimed that it made her feel better and made her happy, and he was only glad to oblige. The first two days had been the hardest with Jackie unable to lay on her back. Still, Bo would not be discouraged. Contorting his body however he had to, the blonde always made sure that she could see him, and that he could kiss her. It was just easier to say hello the other way.

"Morning," Bo whispered, as her eye lids fluttered open. Bo could tell it was going to be a good day in just those few seconds. Her blue eyes were clear and sharp, and pain-free; more so than they'd been in the previous days.

"Morning," she whispered back, accepting the kiss that he placed on her lips.

Before Bo could say anything else, the doctor entered the room for morning rounds. Asking Bo to step outside for a minute, the blonde went to his family, who were gathered in the waiting room. Bo gave them the thumbs up signal, positive that this was the big day.

"I'll make the call," Daisy announced, excusing herself and Bo Jr.

When the doctor joined them a few minutes later, he gave them even better news. "Everything is healing nicely, and she should be able to go home tomorrow."

"That's great!" Bo beamed, believing that things could only get better from there.

"Won't she be surprised, too," Uncle Jesse said. "Good thing we got the house all in order, though she might have to move everything around once she's feeling better."

"I can't tell ya'll how much I appreciate everything you've done," Bo said, referring to the fact that while he'd been keeping guard over Jackie, his family had gotten all of the furniture out of storage. Based on what they'd heard her say, and winging everything else, Daisy, Jesse, and Luke had moved everything in. Bo and Jackie's home was finished, and they could begin living in it, starting the next day.

While the men were still discussing the house, Daisy returned, holding the hand of a blonde little boy who was skipping by her side. Looking at Bo, she gave a nod. "He said about 30 minutes."

"Okay," Bo acknowledged. "That should be enough time." Taking a deep breath, he looked at his family. "Wish me luck?" he asked.

"Bo, ya ain't gonna need no luck, but if it makes you feel better, good luck," Luke told him.

One final nod to confirm that they knew what to do and explaining to Bo Jr. that he had to wait just a few minutes longer to see his mama, Bo re-entered Jackie's room. He was grateful that she hadn't drifted back to sleep. Instead, she turned toward the door and smiled at him.

"Doc says you can come home tomorrow. Ain't that great?" Bo asked, walking back up to the bed.

"Yeah," Jackie agreed. "It is. It's just I wish none of this would have happened."

"Me too," Bo agreed.

Watching the clock, Bo ate up a few minutes with small talk. When it was time, he lowered the railing and gently sat down on the bed. Leaning in, Bo touched Jackie's face, then kissed her. Unlike the earlier one, this kiss was not so light. When he pulled back, he looked deeply into her eyes. "Jackie Johnson, I love you with my whole heart."

"I love you, too, Bo," Jackie replied, carefully and slowly reaching up to touch his face.

"You've stood me up at the altar once," Bo stated, but not in an accusing tone.

"I didn't mean to," Jackie apologized.

"I know that, but I don't want you to stand me up again. I love you Jackie, and I want you to marry me."

"I know Bo, and I've already told you yes. You don't have to keep asking," she said, taking his hand in hers.

"This would have been our wedding day," Bo reminded her.

"I know, Bo, and I am sorry. As soon as I'm out of here, we'll get married right away, if that's what you want."

"It's what I want," Bo told her, flipping her hand over so that he was now holding hers. "But, I don't want to wait."

"Well, Bo, I'm not sure what I can do about that," Jackie stated.

Though she hadn't asked a question, Bo replied. "You can marry me today, right now."

"I don't think that's possible," Jackie countered.

"Yeah, it is," Bo told her. "We could get married right here, in this room, right now." Pausing a moment to see her reaction, he continued. "We've been through a lot, and I just want to know that it's legal and official. I want to make you my wife, right now. Preacher already said he would. Daisy, Luke, Uncle Jesse, and Bo Jr. are here, so all ya gotta do is say yes."

"Bo, I don't know what to say."

"Say yes," he begged.

"Well, I want to, but somehow, this isn't exactly how I pictured our wedding day. These hospital gowns aren't exactly flattering, and do you really want to remember your wedding in a hospital room?"

"I wouldn't care if we got married in a feed lot, as long as you marry me, and you're beautiful whatever you got on. Twice as beautiful when ya ain't got nothing on," Bo grinned. "Look, I promise, when you're well, we can have a real ceremony and reception at the church, with cake and pictures and everything else, like we planned, but I don't want to wait that long to really be married."

"Oh Bo," Jackie whispered, touched by the sentiment.

"Ya know, the good people of Hazzard never thought they'd live to see me settle down and get married. Always said that I'd never find the one who could keep me satisfied. Well, sweetheart, I have and I know a good thing when I see it. You're the only one for me. So, what do you say?"

"How could I say anything but yes," Jackie cried, as a few lone tears rolled down her cheeks. Poetry couldn't compare to what Bo had just said to her.

"And just to make you feel more comfortable, wait a second and watch this," Bo told her as he winked and gave her a kiss. "Be right back," he promised, stepping outside the room.

Jackie's eyes almost popped out when the door opened a few minutes later. Carrying Bo Jr., Bo walked in first, followed by Daisy, Luke, Uncle Jesse, and the preacher. It wasn't who was entering that surprised her so much, though she was shocked that the preacher had been on stand-by right outside the door. What did cause her to look twice, then to start laughing, was that except for Uncle Jesse and the preacher, the three Duke cousins and her son were all wearing hospital gowns, too. Bo and Luke had jeans on underneath theirs, but with Daisy's short shorts, Jackie couldn't be sure that her lower half was clothed; she assumed it was. Even Bo Jr. had a gown that was just his size.

"Thought you wouldn't feel so self-conscious if we were all wearing these lovely dresses," Bo told her. "See, the wedding party is all here."

"I can't believe this!" Jackie exclaimed, not knowing whether to laugh or cry at the thought that Bo had put into this plan.

"Believe it, sweetheart, just say yes!" Bo urged.

"Yes," she said, earning a yee-haw from the groom to be.

"Mama!" Bo Jr. cried, having been quiet as long as he could.

"Hi baby!" Jackie called back, happy to see her little boy.

"Okay fellas, you need to give me just a minute with the bride," Daisy informed them.

Letting Bo Jr. give his mom a quick kiss, Daisy made a couple last minute arrangements. Bo had bought a bouquet of flowers on his way to the hospital that morning, though the room was already filled and several arrangements would have been suitable. Combing out Jackie's hair, Daisy pulled a couple posies from next to the bed and put them in her hair. A small touch of make-up, and the bride was as pretty as any on their special day.

Scooting over in the bed, Bo put Bo Jr in the middle, warning him that he would hurt his mother unless he was very still. Then he slid in on the opposite side. Daisy stood next to Jackie and Luke stood next to Bo. Uncle Jesse had taken up residence in the closest chair. Announcing that they were ready, the preacher was about to begin when Bo Jr. interrupted them.

"Uncle Jesse, you don't have your special clothes on," the young boy reminded him.

"They don't make em big enough for me, sport!" the old man replied, earning a laugh from everyone, including Bo Jr.

"Okay, are we ready to begin?" the preacher asked again.

"I have the ring!" Bo Jr. interrupted again. "Cause I'm the ring bearer," he explained.

"Okay, well your dad will tell you when it's time to give it to him," the minister replied, which seemed to satisfy the tot.

The third time being the charm, the holy man was finally allowed to begin. Not long after he started, he finished. "Well, in the most unusual ceremony I've ever performed, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Bo needed no encouragement, and in a moment that should be shared by husband and wife, Uncle Jesse got up and extended his arms, hoping that Bo Jr. would come to him. Eager to go to his uncle, the boy reached out and Jesse carefully removed him from in between his parents.

"I love you, Mrs. Duke," Bo whispered.

"I love you, too, Mr. Duke," Jackie whispered back.

With tears in their eyes, for a brief second, Bo and Jackie Duke were the only ones in that room.

While the preacher was gathering up his things, Jesse carried Bo Jr. over to him, thanking him for making the trip to the hospital.

"Well, it may be official, but it's too bad they'll have to postpone their wedding night," the messenger of the good book commented.

Jesse looked at his long time friend and spiritual advisor. With a twinkle in his eyes, he tried to hide the grin. "They's already had the wedding night, and I got the proof right here." Jesse jostled Bo Jr. as if making his point, trying to sound as stern as possible. Yet, it wasn't possible to maintain the façade as not only the preacher, but the newly married couple and their attendants laughed heartily.

While Bo Jr. wanted to know what was so funny, and Jesse tried to think of something to say that would suffice him, Bo looked at Jackie. "Every night will be our wedding night," he told her, kissing her again.

Accepting the congratulations being offered, Jackie was once again taken off guard as members of the staff stepped in, offering more. When they'd learned what Bo wanted to do, they became excited, eagerly offering to help. Though it had never happened at Tri-County General, the only other weddings that usually took place in a hospital were when one of the parties was extremely ill and not expected to make it. This was a new experience for all of them, and every nurse in the hospital, young or old, married or single, thought that Bo Duke was the most romantic person they'd ever heard of. The cafeteria had even made the couple a small cake, and juice was on the house. Considering that they'd been married in a drab medical facility, wearing the dreaded official prison issues, it turned out be a wonderful ceremony.

The festivities wearing down and the day growing later, Bo was once again beside Jackie in the bed. Taking a sip of the remaining juice in his cup, the groom whispered, "I promise, you'll still get the ceremony with the………..dress." Smiling, he stopped. Wedding day or not, Jackie Duke was a patient at Tri-County for a reason, and the day's excitement had worn her out. She had fallen asleep.

"Hope that's not a bad sign, cousin," Luke commented, grinning at Bo's reaction.

"Not a chance," Bo replied, wiggling his eyebrows in a wicked way that Luke was familiar with.

Excusing themselves so that the patient could rest, Bo found himself alone with his wife. "I love you, Mrs. Duke," he told her, lying his head beside her.

As Jackie was wheeled out into the sunshine the following day, she couldn't help but laugh when she saw that their SUV was covered with streamers, and cans had been attached to the rear end. The words 'just married' were written on the back window. Jackie Duke was almost positive that never before had a patient been wheeled out of the hospital to quite such a vehicle.

Bo wanted to surprise his new bride, and as such, he hadn't told her that their home was in order; the only thing missing was them. Knowing that Jackie believed that they'd still be staying with his family, Bo almost broke down and confessed several times on the drive back to Hazzard. Proud of not giving away the secret, Bo Jr. was only happy to accidentally break the news to his mother. After talking about his room and mentioning that his bed was in it, Jackie became confused. Bo had no choice but to tell her.

"Thanks a lot, kid," Bo muttered, as they got out of the vehicle in front of their residence. Despite trying to sound upset, Bo was really more disappointed than anything. He hadn't told his son that he couldn't' say anything, and at his young age, even if he had, the chances of him not forgetting were slim to none.

"Oh Bo! I'm glad I know. If I didn't, then you wouldn't have been able to do your husbandly duty," she said. When Bo neither replied or made any type of move toward her, she added, "I'm waiting."

"For what?" Bo asked.

"For what?" she mocked. "For you to carry me over the threshold," Jackie informed her naïve husband. Seeing Bo's strange expression, she became confused. "What? It's customary. Is there some reason you don't want to? I'm not that fat, am I?"

"Huh?" Bo answered, obviously having been lost in thought. "Fat? No, you're not fat!"

"Then what is the problem?"

"I never thought about it, but do you think it's a good idea? With your back and everything. I don't want to hurt you sweetheart."

"You won't hurt me, Bo. I know you'll be very gentle. Even if it is a bad idea, we gotta do it. It's bad luck not to, and I think we've had enough of that without inviting more."

"Are you sure?" Bo asked, not liking the idea at all.

"Positive."

Doing his best, Bo complied with her request. Despite his best efforts, he heard the small gasp, but she assured him, it was fine. Once inside, he set her down, telling her he was sorry. Brushing it off, Jackie kissed her husband. When they broke apart, she looked around. She couldn't believe it. Their house really looked like a home, complete with Bo Jr.'s toys already scattered about.

"I couldn't have done a better job myself. I really have to find some way to thank your family for everything they've done. They're just wonderful, Bo. I love them so much, and I love you."

"I love you, too. Welcome home."