Honey Wheeler sat patiently as her hair was placed in hot rollers. Next to her, Trixie Duke fidgeted as her blonde curls were being tamed and set. On her other side, Di Lynch was tapping her foot in tune to the music as her black hair was being styled. Daisy Duke sat on Trixie’s other side, her hair half done up in rollers as a manicurist started on her nails. Hallie Belden was further down the row, having her nails finished.

Madeleine Wheeler, Honey’s mother and namesake, was on her cell phone, her elegant updo finished and coiffed. She was talking to the wedding coordinator to make sure everything was on schedule. Immaculate in her pale green suit, she was checking to make sure the girls dresses were steam pressed and ready at Manor House. Miss Trask was at the estate, directing the decorating team.

“I just can’t believe it,” Daisy sighed happily. “My cousins both married! When I talked to cousin Judd in Hazzard, he was floored! He and Cooter are planning a big ol’ shindig for you two, like they did Bo and Trixie!”

“That was so much fun!” Honey smiled. “Except for all the jealous girls upset that Bo was officially off limits for good! But Trixie sure handled them well!”

“Well you know,” Trixie said loftily, “the ring is on and he’s mine!”

They all laughed as one of the salon girls appeared with glasses of champagne and delicious cheeses and fruit.

“It’s ten in the morning!” Trixie protested as the chilled champagne was offered to her.

“It’s five o’clock somewhere!” Hallie called, sending them into another round of laughter.

“I just hope you can all get up here more often,” Di said pointedly, “with your dad considering buying a second jet . . .”

“I know. Hopefully we can get away a bit more. But the Marshals aren’t too happy we’re taking so much time off to get married.” Honey sighed. “But with the Triple D taking off so well, Daisy just may find herself doing some runway show traveling!”

“Hear hear!” Di raised her glass as Daisy blushed.

“Y’all are so sweet,” she beamed. “I never thought I’d be running my own design company!”

“You know, saying the Triple D makes it sound like a strip club,” Hallie pointed out to more laughter.

“Piss on the Marshals,” Trixie said cheerfully as she raised her glass, causing the others to laugh. “Though admittedly, four weddings in one summer is a lot. After this summer I think I’m done with them!”

Honey Wheeler lapsed into deep thought, closing her eyes as the woman behind her worked with her hair. She was so lucky. She and Luke would married within a few hours, and the handsome Duke boy would be her husband.

The very thought thrilled her to her fingertips. Luke had a good head on his shoulders, which helped soothe Matthew’s fears. Bo was a bit too wild for Matthew’s liking, he preferred the solid calm the Luke radiated.

Honey smiled softly to herself as she remembered the day she reluctantly handed Luke a prenuptial agreement. He hadn’t batted an eye, in fact he had said her father would be a fool to not insist she have one. The older man had read it carefully and the negotiations were brief before he finally signed it. Bo had been more offended than Luke had, to Honey’s amusement, but Luke made his hotheaded cousin see reason.

Several hours later, the women emerged from the salon Madeleine Wheeler had treated them all to get their hair, makeup and nails done.

Tom Delanoy waited with a limousine outside, grinning as people stopped to notice the group of made-up women. He drove them to Manor House, where they hurried up to Honey’s room. Marge Trask and Kelli Waddell, the wedding coordinator, had everything under control.

Marge had cold water and champagne ready for the girls along with crackers, cheese and fruit to nibble on while waiting for the appointed hour to arrive. The dresses hung carefully, freshly steamed, with Honey’s on a dressmaker doll. Steph, Daisy’s top seamstress, was on hand for last minute alternations. Lindsay, the make up artist Daisy used for the modeling shoots, was there with here assistant, and they quickly set about applying makeup to the girls.

Daisy had designed Honey’s barely-ivory dress and it was fit for a princess. The off-the- shoulder gown of silk shantung had a V neckline with scalloped edges, double bell sleeves with scalloped edges and fit to her slender waist in a V, all covered in a heavy lace. The ballroom skirt poufed out with an upside down V panel. The edges of the hem matched the heavy lace with a rose pattern and scrolling vine work.

Her honey-colored hair was curled and swept up off her neck, pinned into place with a golden crown of roses. The longer back veil attached to the crown so as not to disturb her hair; the blusher veil would fold over the piled up hair. Her jewelry was a gift from Madeleine, a heavy necklace of ivory pearls and diamonds, with earrings to match.

The colorful bouquet of golden and orange lilies, and deep orange roses was vivid against the pale ivory of the dress, and complemented the bridesmaids dresses of a vibrant peach coral color. The dresses Di, Daisy and Trixie wore followed the renaissance cut of Honey’s dress, with a smattering of peach crystals for sparkle over the bosom, the V neckline made modest by a small panel of fabric. Daisy and Di had their long hair curled and mostly swept up similar to Honey’s.

Hallie, who would be manning the guest book, wore a simple, floor length sundress in the same color, her black hair pulled up into a French twist. Madeleine had insisted she come along for the morning of pampering.

Trixie wore a rust-colored lily in her hair, over her ear, and her bouquet was slightly larger than the other girls’. The bouquets sat in a large flat box, ready to be picked up.

Trixie peeked out the window more than once, and they took turns spying as they watched guests arrive. She had heard Bo singing at one point, so she knew the men had arrived.

She had only caught a glimpse of the backyard, but she knew the Wheeler’s had spared no expense for their only daughter.

Finally it was time, and the strains of the string quartet could be heard upstairs. Kelli insisted Marge be escorted to her seat, and took over directing the girls into the line up.

As they lined up near the top of the decorated stairs, Madeleine Wheeler stopped Honey in the doorway and squeezed her daughter’s hands. “Darling, I’m so happy for you!” she whispered. “You’ve grown into such a lovely young woman, and Luke is a good man. I know he’s going to take good care of you. I’m so very proud of all you’ve accomplished in the last few years. You’ve done so much more than I ever could have dreamed.

Honey’s eyes threatened to spill over with tears. Honey smiled as her mother hugged her, remembering a time when Madeleine Wheeler avoided her only daughter.

Dan and Jim came up the stairs, whistling when they saw the girls. There were kisses all around to Honey, and Jim held her close, whispering, “I couldn’t have asked for a better sister,” causing her eyes to fill with tears yet again.

Daisy and Dan started the procession, followed by Jim and Di, then Trixie. Brian, Mart and Bobby were ushering guests in. As with Bo and Trixie’s wedding, it had been agonizing to decide who would walk down the aisle. It had been settled that the remaining Bob Whites would usher.

“You’re sure about this?” Matthew asked Honey. She nodded.

“I love him, Daddy. He’s the one I want.”

“I must admit he wasn’t my first choice,” Matthew said, his eyes crinkling as he smiled, “but he makes my little girl glow and that’s what’s important. And he actually understood the reasons for a pre-nup.”

“Daddy!” Honey giggled.

Matthew Wheeler was no fool, he wanted his daughter well protected in case Duke screwed up. He liked Luke, but he would take no chances when it came to his little girl.

“He’s a good man,” Matthew said seriously. “And I know he’ll take care of you.”

“He will,” she smiled. “He loves me too.”

“I know,” Matthew almost sighed. “And I’m proud to have him as my son-in-law.”

Honey smiled and squeezed her father’s arm, and then it was time for them to walk down the aisle.

The string quartet was placed strategically to the side of the guests, the gentle music filling the air. Purcell’s Trumpet Tune played as the couples strolled down the aisle, then Mendelssohn’s Wedding March began. The crowd rose and turned, watching as Honey floated in on the arm of Matthew Wheeler. All eyes watched as Matthew escorted his daughter down the white aisle runner.

Under the huge white tent, friends, family smiled and dabbed at eyes. In the front rows were Madeleine Wheeler, the Belden family, Regan, Tom and Marge.

Luke felt his knees weaken as he stared at his beautiful bride, and Bo smiled encouragingly at his older cousin, even while his eyes strayed to his wife. Luke tried to swallow and found his throat sticking as Honey smiled at him.

“Who gives this young woman?” Reverend Mayberry asked.

“Her mother and I,” Matthew answered.

Luke stepped forward, shook hands with Matthew, and then Honey placed her delicate hand in his as she stepped up next to him. Together, they stood before the reverend.

“Dearly Beloved, we are gathered together here to join together this man, Lucas, and this woman, Madeleine, in holy matrimony, which is commended to be honorable among all men; and not to be entered into lightly, but reverently, discreetly, advisedly and solemnly. Into this holy estate these two persons present now come to be joined. If any person can show just cause why they may not be joined together, let them speak now or forever hold their peace.”

Bo eyed Brian Belden, but Brian made no move to stand up.

“Marriage is the union of husband and wife in heart, body and mind. It is intended for their mutual joy, and for the help and comfort given on another in prosperity and adversity. But more importantly, it is a means through which a stable and loving environment may be attained.

“Through this marriage, Lucas and Madeleine will make a commitment together to face their disappointments, embrace their dreams, realize their hopes, and accept each other’s failures. Lucas and Madeleine will promise one another to aspire to these ideals throughout their lives together, through mutual understanding, openness, and sensitivity to each other.

“This relationship stands for love, loyalty, honesty and trust, but most of all for friendship. Before they knew love, they were friends, and it was from this seed of friendship that is their destiny. Do not think that you can direct the course of love, for love, if it finds you worthy, shall direct you.

“Marriage is an act of faith and a personal commitment as well as a moral and physical union between two people. Marriage has been described as the best and most important relationship that can exist between them. It is the construction of their love and trust into a single growing energy of spiritual life. It is a moral commitment that requires and deserves daily attention. Marriage should be a life long consecration of the ideal of loving kindness, backed with the will to make it last.

“Do you Lucas, take Madeleine to be your wife in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish and continually bestow upon her your heart’s deepest devotion, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto her as long as you both shall live?”

“I do,” Luke said, smiling down at her.

“Do you Madeleine take Lucas to be your husband in the holy estate of matrimony? Will you love him, comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, for richer, for poorer, for better, for worse, in sadness and in joy, to cherish and continually bestow upon him your heart’s deepest devotion, forsaking all others, keep yourself only unto him as long as you both shall live?”

“I do,” Honey beamed.

“Would you place the rings in my hand?” Trixie and Bo stepped forward, handing over the rings, and Trixie took Honey’s bouquet.

“May these rings be blessed as the symbol of this affectionate unity. These two lives are now joined in one unbroken circle. Wherever they go, may they always return to one another. May these two find in each other the love for which all men and women yearn. May they grow in understanding and in compassion. May the home that they establish together be such a place that many will find there a friend. May these rings on their fingers symbolize the touch of the spirit of love in their hearts.

“May you always share with each other the gifts of love and be one in heart and in mind. May you always create a home together that puts in your hearts love, generosity and kindness.

“In as much as Lucas and Madeleine have consented together in marriage before this company of friends and family and have pledged their faith and declared their unity by giving and receiving a ring, they are now joined.

“You have pronounced yourselves husband and wife but remember to always be each other’s best friend. What God has joined together, let no man separate.

“And so, by the power vested in me by the State of New York, and Almighty God, I now pronounce you man and wife – and may your days be good and long upon the earth. You may now kiss the bride.”

Grinning, Luke stepped closer and kissed her gently as they applauded.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to present you Mr. and Mrs. Luke Duke.”

The crowd applauded, Brian Belden being the only one not smiling broadly. Honey had never looked happier, he thought in agony as he forced a small smile. He had hoped Hallie would be his date so he wouldn’t look so pathetic, but she was here with Ben Riker. He and Jim had decided to suck it up and go stag.

The string quartet took up the recessional as the couples walked back down the aisle.

The ceremony kicked off with Honey and Luke dancing to Chicago’s “Will You Still Love Me”.

The reception was held in the enormous gardens of Manor House, and white, silver and peach bows decorated covered tables and chairs, white lights were strung through the trees and rose bushes, a DJ was set up in the corner of the sprawling patio for dancing and food. Rose petals also decorated the tables around the small floral centerpieces.

The Bob-Whites all took their turns dancing with Honey, even Bobby and the Lynch twins, and Regan and Peter Belden.

Throughout the night he champagne never stopped flowing, nor did the beer, wine and liquor at bar. The grounds were lit up with tiny lights, and the music never stopped.

Tom Delanoy would drive the newlyweds into the city for their overnight stay, before they jetted off up to Ontario for the weekend.

Brian managed a dance with Honey.

“You’ve never looked more beautiful,” he said honestly.

“Thank you, Brian.” She smiled up at him. “You look pretty good yourself.”

“Are you really happy, Honey?” Brian asked. “Does he really make you happy?”

“Yes,” she said firmly.

Brian nodded. “Good. You know if you ever need me, I’m here.”

“I know. And thank you for support. I know it hasn’t been easy on you.”

“Well, what’s life if not a challenge?” he asked softly.

“Indeed.” Honey smiled at him.

The crowd laughed when Daisy caught the bouquet, and Bobby almost snagged the garter but Dan managed to snatch it away.

Finally, amidst the cheering of friends, family and a number of Matthew’s business peers, the couple departed under a shower of flower petals.

***

Author’s Notes

- thanks for reading! Come back next week for Dan and Daisy's wedding!

- A huge yeeehaaa! to Dana, for her editing and suggestions. I tampered afterwards so any mistakes are mine!

-I love Chicago. "Will You Still Love Me" became their song in Down The Road.

-Luke’s middle name was mentioned in Season 1, High Octane. He was noted as “Lucas K. Duke.” Since I don’t know if K was the name or initial, I invoked creative license. Even Tom Wopat doesn’t remember!

-click here to see Honey’s dress! By St. Pucci, not Daisy Dukes Design ;)

-click here to see the bridesmaids! By Mary’s Modern Maids, not Daisy Duke Designs ;)

-bulk of wedding ceremony from weddingplanninglinks.com

-wedding invitation base from American Wedding.com

- word count, 2,724

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