Trixie Belden lay in her old twin bed at Crabapple Farm, her heart racing as the dimming moonlight peeked through the windows. In a few hours she would be Mrs. Beauregard Duke. Beatrix Duke. Trixie Duke.

In the other twin bed, her best friend and maid of honor Honey Wheeler was sound asleep. Next month Honey would be marrying Bo’s cousin, Luke Duke. In August, the Duke boys’ cousin Daisy would be marrying Trixie and Honey’s longtime pal and fellow Marshal, Dan Mangan. And come fall, Trixie’s brother was marrying his childhood sweetheart and childhood friend, Diana Lynch.

The bachelorette party had been the night before, complete with strippers that danced around Trixie as she hid her face in embarrassment. With too much champagne in her, Honey had been stuffing bills in one dancer’s g-string, to their friends’ hysterical laughter and delight. Of course she would be instantly regretful and appalled the minute she woke up and remembered.

Trixie tried to sleep but it was futile. She had to be up early anyway, to have her hair set, and her nails touched up. Then it was back here to Crabapple Farm to dress and get ready. Ready for her wedding day. The thought of putting on that elegant ivory dress made her heart pound in excitement.

With a smile on her pretty face, she drifted into sleep, dreaming of her handsome, tall, sapphire-eyed blond fiancé.

***

The sun warmed her face a few hours later and she woke with a smile, which caused Honey to chuckle.

Honey sat up and stretched. “You keep smiling like that and your face will stick,” she laughed.

“Let it,” Trixie sat up and grinned.

Moms had made them huge breakfast with all the fixings, and Hallie, Di and Daisy, who had also spent the night, giggled and gabbed over the table. The women also sang “Happy Birthday” to Trixie, to her embarrassment.

Brian, Mart and Bobby had spent the night at Manor House with the other men. They had collectively decided to avoid the ‘gaggle of giggling, gossiping girls’ Mart had declared them to be.

***

As part of the new wedding dress line for the company, Daisy had designed Trixie’s gown, and Honey and Di slipped the white satin over her head carefully. Trixie had been fussing with the garters that held her white thigh highs up, and adjusting herself into the gorgeous white satin and ribboned bustier Honey had given her. Honey zipped her into the dress as Daisy and Di fluffed the skirt properly over the quarter petticoat Trixie wore for a bit of pouf. Trixie reached again to adjust her breasts, not used to having cleavage on display. They helped Trixie sit at her vanity table as Honey went to work with bottles of spray and gel and a comb. Di hummed as she applied Trixie’s makeup flawlessly. Trixie tried to sit still but she couldn’t, fidgeting.

“You wrinkle your nose one more time and you’re going to get eyeliner up it,” Di snapped.

Trixie giggled nervously. “I can’t help it. I’m so scared.”

“Don’t be, sugar,” Daisy smiled at her. She was kneeling at Trixie’s feet, strapping on the white glittery heels. “I promise Bo is twice as bad and probably hungover to boot.”

“That’s comforting,” Honey said dryly.

Daisy flashed a smile as she stepped into her pale pink dress. Trixie had asked her to design those as well, and they could pick their own colors. With plenty of moaning and groaning from Hallie, the girls agreed on pastels for spring, Daisy in pale pink, Honey in light green, Di in lavender, and Hallie in pale yellow. The v-neck dress wrapped to one side with light beading in a darker shade of the dress, and fell gracefully to the floor in soft folds. All four had their hair pulled back at the sides, Honey would wear an ivory crabapple blossom tucked over her ear.

Trixie had had her curls trimmed recently, and now Honey stood coaxing them into behaving as Helen slipped into the room.

After Trixie’s makeup was done, Moms set the fragile wreath of golden flowers onto the hair that looked like it might behave for the day. Trixie had opted not for a veil. Standing up with Daisy’s help, she giggled when she realized even in heels she was still quite a bit shorter than her six-foot-four fiancé.

The photographer was allowed in after the flurry of the girls zipping each other into their dresses.

Laughter reigned supreme as Trixie balanced against Honey while Moms put her garter on, the photographer snapping away. Hallie directed the photographer around as Daisy touched up Trixie’s lipstick. Once the photographer was done, the other girls finished their makeup quickly and slid into shoes.

Tactful Honey shooed the girls out of the room so Trixie and Moms could have a private moment.

“Well, how do I look?” Trixie turned to face her.

Tears welled in Moms’ china blue eyes, the same blue eyes that looked back at her.

Around her neck was a diamond necklace Honey loaned her, a delicate chain of white gold, the diamonds forming a lacy floral design that complemented the golden lace and beading of her dress. The off-the-shoulder gown was sleeveless, the beading and appliqués formed the neckline, and down over the left breast to where the dress gathered slightly at the side, then continued down to the full skirt and around the edging of the short train. The matching sheer drape sat on the bed, waiting to be worn.

“You look absolutely beautiful,” she whispered, dabbing at her eyes so as not to ruin her makeup.

Trixie’s eyes welled up with her own tears. “Don’t make me cry, Moms,” she said shakily.

“Bo’s a good man,” Helen said firmly, “and I know he’ll take care of you.”

Trixie nodded.

“All I ever hoped for was you to be happy.”

“I am, Moms,” Trixie promised.

Helen nodded. “I think your father wants a word.”

Peter slipped in as she left, and felt his throat constrict. His little Trixie stood in front of him, decked out. The tomboy in her was gone today, in her place was a stunning young woman about to step into a new phase of life.

“You look like a princess,” he said quietly. “But then, you’ve always been my princess.”

“Oh, Daddy,” Trixie hugged him, trying not to cry and smear her mascara.

“You make sure that boy takes good care of you,” Peter choked out. “If he doesn’t, I’ll be on the first plane to Atlanta to kick his butt with your brothers.”

Trixie nodded.

He left the room as her brothers came in.

“Wow, Trix,” Brian said softly.

Bobby stared at the floor so she wouldn’t see his big blue eyes teary. He adored Bo and was happy he about to join the family, but things would never be the same. Trixie would be in Atlanta permanently now, and Bobby would miss his only sister even more.

“You look beautiful,” Mart said, stepping forward to hug his almost twin.

“Plain English,” Trixie laughed nervously.

Mart, too choked to use his big words, just squeezed her tighter.

Brian and Bobby hugged her fiercely.

“You make sure Bo doesn’t get stupid, ok?” Brian asked. “Because we’ll be down there in a minute.”

Trixie laughed. “We’ll be fine.”

There was a moment of awkward silence as the Belden siblings stood together for the last time as single parties, Mart opposite Trixie, Brian and Bobby opposite each other, but all looking at Trixie. Finally the boys kissed Trixie on the cheek in turn, and left.

The girls dashed back in, giggling. Hallie Belden’s dark eyes were twinkling mischievously.

“I saw Bo,” Honey giggled. “He looked awfully pale.”

“Luke was kind of talking him down I think, sugar,” Daisy laughed. “Either that or he drank too much last night!”

Trixie grinned, then paled herself. “I’m getting married.”

Her friends burst into laughter.

“To a gorgeous hunk of man,” Hallie grinned, handing her cousin the bouquet. The flowers were lined up on the bed next to the drape.

Trixie fiddled with her cascade of crabapple blossoms in white, pink and cranberry. Honey’s bouquet was similar to Trixie’s; the others would carry only pink and cranberry blossoms.

Giggling, they stood checking each other out, and tears welled in Honey’s eyes as she watched Daisy arrange the drape over her friends arms.

“First one to make me cry gets smacked,” Trixie said shakily.

They all nodded, dabbing at their eyes.

There was a knock on the door.

“Hey, Trix? It’s Bo,” he called.

“Beauregard Duke, you know you can’t see her before the wedding!” Daisy called back.

“Well, can I talk to her through the door at least?” he asked.

Honey cracked the door open and Trixie hid behind it.

“You change your mind?” she asked hesitantly.

“Shoot no, sweetheart.” She could hear him grinning as he said, “I just wanted to tell you how much I love you and make sure you didn’t change your mind.”

“Never,” she grinned.

“I love you, Trix.”

“I love you, Bo,” she said softly. His footsteps retreated.

“Well all right,” Honey clapped her hands together, “Let’s get you married!”

***

Reverend Mayberry stood smiling as Bo Duke shifted his weight from one foot to the other, and glanced again down the aisle. Never in a million years had Reverend Mayberry thought little tomboy Trixie Belden would be marrying a good ol’ southern boy.

Overhead the crabapple trees were in full bloom of pinks and white, providing shade for the guests and color. The rows of white chairs were filled with friends and family the long white aisle runner had just been laid down by Terry and Larry Lynch.

Bo stood anxiously, regretting the whiskey from the night before he had let Dan talk him into. Any minute now his feisty little blonde was going to be walking towards him with her daddy. Running her off the road that long ago day in Hazzard had been the smartest thing Bo ever did.

The “Fifth Symphony” was playing as Jim and Dan escorted guests to their seats, then Bobby walked Helen to her seat. Jim and Dan sat with Helen as honored family. It had been agonizing trying to decide who would be in the wedding party, Trixie wanted all of the Bob-Whites involved. Behind them sat Matthew and Madeleine Wheeler, and Bill Regan. Even Jebediah Maypenny was in attendance, sitting behind the Wheelers with Tom and Celia Delanoy and Margery Trask.

Trixie had chosen the music, bucking tradition as usual. Handel’s “Air from Water Suite” began, and Hallie Belden, escorted by Bobby Belden, appeared. Smiling, the pair started down the aisle, followed a moment later by Di and Mart, and Brian and Daisy, then Honey by herself.

Bo tried to stand still but couldn’t. As he kept shifting his weight from foot to foot, Luke nudged him to stop. As the girls reached them and took their places, Honey smiled at the cousins, causing Brian Belden’s heart to twitch just a little.

The music paused and everyone rose, turning to see Trixie and Peter make their entrance.

Bo felt his heart stop as Trixie appeared under the natural arching of the blooming white crabapple trees, and a slow grin spread across his handsome features.

Trixie was smiling from ear to ear, trying not to laugh as all eyes followed her and Peter up the aisle, everyone smiling in return. Regan, Dan and Mr. Maypenny grinned at her, Matthew and Madeline Wheeler nodded approvingly, and Jim managed a smile to her, making her glad. Miss Trask and Helen dabbed at their eyes, as even Frank Lytell managed a satisfied nod.

Peter and Trixie reached Bo and he stepped forward to take Trixie’s small hand. Peter nodded to him, and Bo returned the motion with a trembling smile. Trixie stepped up to Bo’s side, her eyes shining happily at him. With a shaky hand, he reached out and took her hand in his. They turned to face the smiling Reverend Mayberry.

“Friends and loved ones, we come together today to celebrate the love of Beatrix and Beauregard,” both winced at their hated first names, being used only for tradition, “and to witness their union in holy matrimony. Please join me listening to their vows, which they have written themselves. Bo?”

Bo pressed his lips together nervously, gathering his nerve, and his smiled crept over his face. “Trixie, when I first met you, you was all wild over me runnin’ you off the road.” There was a round of chuckles. “But you had such a sparkle, and so much life, I couldn’t help but be taken by you. And when you turned up in Atlanta, I knew I was bein’ given a second chance with you. And I ain’t a total fool. I grabbed the chance, and all I been able to think of was you bein’ my wife, and as of today, you are. And I want everyone to know how much I love you, and I plan on doin’ everythin’ in my power to make you happy, because I love you more than anythin’ in this world.”

Trixie felt her eyes tear up again as the Reverend nodded to her.

“Bo, my life took an unexpected turn the day we ended up in Hazzard County, and I never could forget you, and the way you made me feel. We worked so well together, and you made my heart race. I knew there’d never be anyone like you, and Fate brought us back together. And nothing will make me happier than being your wife, because you are my heart, and my love.”

Honey patted at her eyes with her handkerchief, and she could hear Daisy and Di sniffling.

Trixie turned and handed her bouquet to Honey in exchange for Bo’s ring.

“We watch now as Bo and Trixie exchange their rings and declare their commitment,” Reverend Mayberry continued.

Bo turned and took the ring from Luke. Taking Trixie’s small hand, he slipped the cool golden band over her finger, as he vowed, “Trixie, I give you this ring as a neverending symbol of my commitment to you, and our future.”

Hands trembling, Trixie slid his band over his finger, repeating, “Bo, I give you this ring as a neverending symbol of my commitment to you, and our future.”

Lost in each others eyes, they barely heard the Reverend as he said, “And now, we bless the kiss to seal this marriage.”

Luke cleared his throat softly and Bo almost laughed.

“Right, the best part,” he mumbled.

Trixie giggled as he bent down and kissed her gently to loud applause.

“Friends and loved ones, I present to you, Mr. and Mrs. Beauregard Duke!”

“Yee-haa!” Bo whooped, to loud laughter.

Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy” began as they stood smiling at their friends and family for a minute, before walking down the aisle, followed by Honey and Luke, Brian and Daisy, Mart and Di, and Bobby and Hallie, then the Belden parents, Dan, and Regan, Jim and Mr. Maypenny, and the Wheelers.

The reception was being held at Crabapple Farm as well, with tables set up with food and plenty of room for the dance loving friends.

Bo led Trixie to the dance floor, smiling as their song, “You’re the Inspiration” by Chicago, started up. He drew her into their arms and once again, they were lost in each other’s eyes.

Holding her close, Bo let the music carry him away, as Trixie’s head rested on his chest.

Luke approached his brother-in-law-to-be, standing by himself near the bar. Jim and Bo had been cordial and pleasant this visit with both Duke boys, even celebrating with them the night before.

“You all right?” he asked quietly.

Jim nodded. “Yeah. I guess I just still had a little notion that-well, you know.”

“Bo’ll be good to her, you ain’t gotta worry,” Luke assured her. “I’ll be the first one to kick his butt if he ain’t.”

“I know. He’s a lucky man,” Jim said wistfully.

Luke nodded. “Duke’s ain’t cheaters, Jim, you ain’t ever gotta worry ‘bout that. Once we commit, that’s it.”

“I know,” Jim said again. “Our era ended a long time ago.”

His emerald eyes grew misty as he watched the happy couple dance, and the twinkling white lights in the trees came on as the sun began to dip. Bobby and the Lynch twins had strung them everywhere through the branches to light up a big area for dancing.

Luke finally called everyone’s attention for his best man speech.

“I ain’t one for fancy speeches, so I’ll keep this brief,” he started. “Bo here has always been the reckless sort, wild, reckless, impulsive-and those are his good traits.” The crowd chuckled. “But I’ll never forget the day a spitfire little blonde girl walked right up to tell him to tell him off for his bad driving. He ain’t been the same since.” Another round of chuckling. “But I’ve watched Bo grow into a good man, because of the love of a good woman, so here’s to Trixie and Bo, who shine like gold when they’re together.”

The crowd repeated “to Trixie and Bo!”, both of whom looked a little misty eyed.

It was no surprise that Honey caught the bouquet, or Luke the garter, despite Bobby Belden’s best efforts to catch it.

Bo was picking up another beer when he turned and saw Jim Frayne next to him. Warily, he eyed the stocky redhead.

“Can I have a minute?” Jim asked quietly.

Bo nodded and they stepped away to the fringe of the crowd, unaware they were being watched carefully by Brian and Mart Belden for signs of a fight.

“I really did want to hate you, Bo,” he started, “but you make Trixie happy. You make her eyes light up and smile all the time. She shines when you’re around, and it’s clear you feel the same way. I want to apologize for my behavior. And I-well, I know we probably won’t ever really be friends, but I hope, well, I hope, we won’t be enemies.”

Bo took a sip of beer. This was the only man who had ever made him feel slightly threatened over a girl and he knew he needed to step up to the plate.

“Trixie holds a pretty high opinion of you, Red,” Bo answered. “And that’s good enough for me. Note to mention your sister is marrying my cousin. Dukes don’t fight Dukes. You’re family now.”

The two men both had a faint smile as they shook hands.

The party went on into the night, various Bob Whites slipping away to add their handiwork to the waiting General Lee, which Bo and Trixie would be driving to Niagara Falls for their honeymoon, then back to Atlanta.

Trixie danced with each of her brothers, Dan, Regan and even Mr. Wheeler, when Jim asked if he could have a dance.

“Of course,” she smiled at him, as he stepped up to her.

“You look beautiful,” he said quietly.

“Thanks.” She beamed up at her ex-boyfriend and first love.

“I’m sorry I’ve been such a jerk about all of this, Trix,” he said quietly. “I hope you and Bo will be happy.”

“We will, Jim,” she answered, her eyes still shining.

“He better be good to you. I’d hate to have to hunt him down.” Jim forced a smile as Trixie smiled up at him.

“Thank you,” she said simply.

Jim nodded to Bo, who came forward to take her. Luke and Brian watched with a slight anxiety.

“Congratulations to you both, and I wish you the best,” he said firmly, shaking Bo’s hand.

“Thanks,” Bo smiled at Jim, who made himself smile back.

Trixie was finally pushed to tears when she danced with Peter, and he whispered in her ear, “I hope you’re as happy and your mother and I have been.”

The crowd applauded as Bo and Trixie began to depart, bursting into laughter as they saw the General Lee. White streamers fluttered from the antenna, along with a blownup, long, slender balloon. Shoe polish decorated the back window with JUST ENSLAVED written on it. The front window had hearts drawn all over. Large white bows had been taped all over the trunk, with more streamers from the back.

They departed among a shower of enthusiastic bird seed throwing, Bo lifting Trixie into the General Lee. With the Dixie horn playing, they drove off to their room at the Sleepyside Inn.

Disclaimer: Trixie Belden® is a registered trademark of Random House books. These pages are not affiliated with Random House Books or Warner Brothers Studios in any way, shape or form. No profit is made here, only entertainment. Images of Trixie Belden and other series characters are copyright © Random House books. Bo, Luke and Daisy Duke belong to Warner Brothers Studios. All references and characters and are used lovingly and respectfully, albeit without permission.

This website is © 2005-2025 Mal. All rights reserved. background courtesy of Kookaluka Productions. All other graphics created by Mal and may not be used without permission.