"What do you think about it John Ross?" Sue Ellen asked.

"I didn’t want to go back…" John Ross said "But when Christopher was here, I kinda missed it".

"Let’s go for a walk" JR said.

JR knew that it didn’t take much to distract a child so he brought John Ross’ football and while he kicked it around, it gave him a chance to talk to Sue Ellen alone. With his arm around her he said "What is it that is bothering you?"

"There’s part of me that wants to go home. I miss America, I miss the family, and the weather, and all the things we used to do when we were there."

"What things?" JR asked

"Like the Oil Baron’s ball and the barbeque…silly things"

"They aren’t silly" JR smiled. "That’s nice. I miss that too".

"But I don’t miss the heartache. There’s part of me too that just wants to keep John Ross, you and I wrapped up in cotton wool so that nothing can hurt us again".

JR stopped. He looked at Sue Ellen and said, "Baby..whether we live in Dallas, London, New York, Paris….Timbuktu…it doesn’t matter. What matters is that I love you, you love me and we love John Ross. London doesn’t make us what we are. We are just as susceptible to hurt here, as anywhere. The important thing is we have made a promise to each other…I will never let anything come between you and I again".

She could see that he meant it. But sometimes the problems weren’t just JR. Living in a house with a big family, as much as Sue Ellen adored Southfork, was not without it’s drawbacks. There were the women of Dallas who had always envied Sue Ellen - Marilee Stone being one - and Sue Ellen had reached a point in her life where she just couldn’t be bothered anymore. And of course the killer. The one thing that had always interfered with their marriage more than anything else ever could - Ewing Oil.

"And what about you?" she asked "You can’t spend the rest of your life pussyfooting around me and ignoring your own needs"

"I have you. I don’t need anything else" JR said.

Sue Ellen was touched by his romantic comment but knew that her husband had too active a brain to play suitor for the rest of his life.

"JR that’s very sweet but I know you need to work" she said. "If we went back to Dallas, you would go back to doing what you know."

"Well I don’t know about that. I’m tired of that whole rat race" JR said.

Sue Ellen sighed.

"Hang on a minute. I know what this is about" JR said. "You think if I go back to Ewing Oil that all the terrible things that happened in the past, will happen again".

Sue Ellen didn’t want to doubt him, but he had hit the nail on the head.

"Do you really think that if I still had that drive and ambition that I once had, that I would have spent the past year here..away from anything to do with the oil business?"

"I’m not doubting you…I’m just scared" Sue Ellen said.

"You have nothing to be scared of….I promise. You are the single most important thing in my life and as long as I have you…and John Ross and whoever’s coming…that’s all I need".

"And Cliff Barnes?" she laughed.

"Well, I’m pretty sure that if we go back, that idiot will no doubt try to start some sort of problem, but I’m not even remotely interested" JR smiled.

The couple watched John Ross frolic with his football and after a few minutes JR spoke again.

"Does this mean you have made a decision? Do you want to go back to Dallas?"

"I think so" Sue Ellen said. "But…"

"But…" JR said

"I’m not sure I want to live at Southfork. I know how much it means to you, and I love it too, but I think we need a home of our own."

"I think that sounds wonderful" JR said "On one condition"

"Oh?" Sue Ellen asked

"That we fill it with babies!" he laughed

Sue Ellen raised her eyebrows playfully, but in truth she was delighted.

" Can we have this one first?" she laughed.

"What do you think John Ross will say?" JR asked

"I think he wants to go too. Children adapt well and I think he is just happy we are all together again" Sue Ellen said.

"Why don’t we go for a few days and see if it’s changed much to you and you will get a better feeling about it?" JR suggested.

"Oh I would love that. I still have some leave to take", Sue Ellen’s face lit up.

"How much longer can you fly for?" JR asked.

"Another 2 months" Sue Ellen said.

"Hey John Ross!" JR called to his son "How would you like to go to Southfork for a visit?"

John Ross smiled. They had his approval at last.

When they had finished supper, JR went for a walk to the local store to get some beer. He had a nice picture in his head of sitting on his own porch with an ice cold beer in his hand, watching his children play and with Sue Ellen, beautiful, wonderful Sue Ellen, lying with her head on his lap and him stroking her hair. He knew that was all he wanted and if he had to spend the rest of his life proving to her that as long as he had her he was happy, then so be it.

As he combed the aisles for American beer he had the distinct feeling he was being watched. The last time that had happened, it had been Don Lockwood stalking him to try and get him to leave Sue Ellen. He could hear a woman’s high heeled shoes clicking off the tiled floor and they were getting closer and closer. He assumed it was just someone wanting past so he lifted a couple of bottles of Budweiser and began walking towards the counter. The footsteps were now behind him. It was only as he paid and went to leave the store that she spoke.

"Hello JR"

He abruptly turned round to see Vanessa Beaumont standing behind him.

"Vanessa".

He was stunned.

"I’ve been looking for you. Can we talk?" she said.

JR’s thoughts immediately went to Sue Ellen. "No" he said "We can’t".

"JR it’s important. Please".

JR had found himself in tricky situations in the past due to women saying they had important things to tell him. Like the time Mandy Winger had something important to tell him and as innocent as he was in that little scenario, it had ended up with him and her on the front page of the Dallas press - which Sue Ellen had seen to her horror the following morning.

"After the little stunt you pulled telling me I was James’ father, I have nothing more to say to you" JR said and started to walk away.

"I’m dying" she told him. The check out girl looked shocked.

"What?" JR said

"I have cancer. It’s terminal" Vanessa said.

JR looked at the ground, then back to Vanessa, not quite knowing what to say.

"I’m sorry Vanessa. Really I am…but I don’t know what it has to do with me" JR said, sorry to sound so defensive but panicking incase Sue Ellen was fretting.

Vanessa walked out of the store, holding the door open for JR to follow. The check out staff looked disappointed that their moment of suspense in an otherwise dull evening had come to an end.

" I don’t have long left. And I wanted to see you" she said.

"Vanessa…" JR said, trying to sound sympathetic, but at the same time, consumed with guilt.

"Oh I know you are with Sue Ellen now" she said "And I don’t wish to take away from your happiness with her…but you are the only man I’ve ever loved and it is my dying wish to have one more night with you"

JR looked to the sky in disbelief. "Vanessa, I’m in love with Sue Ellen. She is at present, heavily pregnant with my child. What are you trying to do to me?" he said frustrated.

"I’m not talking about spending the night together as lovers JR…I’m talking about dancing", she said. Her face was painfully thin and she was deathly pale.

"Dancing?" JR asked.

"Yes. The way you danced with me all those years ago….the way we danced in Vienna", she told him.

JR shook his head. "Vanessa, I’m sorry, I can’t do this to Sue Ellen. I feel for you I really do, but I can’t help you now. Sue Ellen is too important to me".

"Wouldn’t she understand?" Vanessa said, almost pleading.

"Hardly..I’m her husband. What do you suggest I tell her?" JR said, not Believing what was happening.

"Would you let me talk to her?" Vanessa asked.

"NO" JR said "I won’t let you near her".

"Please JR…just consider it. Just one evening. I don’t have many left"

Vanessa said, and she touched his hand and left. JR stood for a minute trying to come to terms with what had just happened.

What she was asking him to do wasn’t fair. Yes, she was ill and one evening of dancing wouldn’t mean anything to him, but what would it do to Sue Ellen? He had to tell her of course. It was something he just couldn’t keep from her.

************************************************

"Well of course you must do it" Sue Ellen said.

"What?" JR was stunned. As much as he thought he knew women, they surprised him every time. "I don’t want to do it!" he protested.

"JR she’s dying".

"After lying to me about James, how do I even know she is telling the truth?" JR asked frustrated.

Sue Ellen thought for a minute, then said, "You said yourself that she looks ill. I don’t think you would forgive yourself if she died and you didn’t do this for her".

JR looked at Sue Ellen, amazed by her kindness. "I love you" he said.

"I love you too" she smiled.

"So does she!" he proclaimed.

"What?"

"Sue Ellen she says she loves me! Aren’t you just a little bit disturbed by that?"

"You mean am I jealous?" she said, speaking with her eyebrows again. JR stared at the fire.

"A little…but I’m not worried, if that’s what you mean. Look, I appreciate your honesty."

JR pulled her to him. "I don’t feel right about it. You need me more than she does right now"

"I’m pregnant, I’m not dying", Sue Ellen said.

"I want you there too" he said.

"Oh she’ll love that!" Sue Ellen laughed.

"I mean it. I want to prove to you that you have nothing to fear" JR said.

"JR I can’t spend the rest of our lives following you around and watching your every move. I’d appreciate talking to her though, beforehand, but that’s all. And in no uncertain terms is she to kiss you".

JR laughed. "I promise that will not happen".

Sue Ellen kissed him. "Call her up. Ask her over. She will be so scared of me that she won’t dare to put a foot out of line!" she joked.

JR held her. He started to think that she was right about the cotton wool.

Later that evening JR and Sue Ellen lay on the sofa, neither one spoke but Sue Ellen could hear JR’s mind ticking, finally she broke the silence.

"Okay JR, what’s are you thinking?" she asked

JR laughed and kissed her "Since when did you become a mind reader" he said

Sue Ellen snuggled closer into him "What’s wrong?" she asked

JR sighed and held her tightly against him, she could hear the sound of his heart beating. He loved Sue Ellen, no one else.

"Just thinking about Vanessa," he finally said

"And I thought I was the only woman on your mind" she smiled

JR kissed her on the forehead "You are, Sue Ellen I can’t do what she’s asking me to" he said

"So you haven’t phoned her yet" Sue Ellen replied

"No," He said, "I can’t!"

She looked him in the eye and saw how much he loved her. "Yes you can," she said "Its one dance, nothing more than that"

"But it will feel as though I’m betraying you" he protested "I can’t do that, the only woman I want to dance with is you, the only woman I want to hold in my arms is you I love you so much"

"I love you too, and I trust you which is why I’m letting Vanessa have her one wish, because I know it will only be a dance, it will mean nothing to you and at the end of the evening it will be me you make love to not her" Sue Ellen said

JR looked at her "I still wish you would come with us" he said

"No" she replied, "I don’t particularly want to see you dancing with another woman and its best that I’m not there"

"What if she wants more?" JR asked

"Then I hope at that point you will walk away" she replied "JR, I’ve seen a change in you, you’re not the same person you were ten years ago. This past year our relationship has reached new depths, you promised never to cheat on me again and I know you wont, if Vanessa demands more of you just think of me and know that I love you more than she ever could"

"Noone has ever made me as happy as I am now" JR said, "Even though I’ve lost Ewing Oil, I’ve found the most important part of my life, I’ve found you!

Sue Ellen laughed "I’ve been here all the time, forever waiting for you to realise how much I love you, you’re the only man I’ve ever truly wanted"

"So you want me to give Vanessa her wish" JR said

"Yes, but one dance and then I want you back" Sue Ellen said

"I’ll phone her tomorrow" JR sighed

Sue Ellen laughed, "It will be okay," she said

They lay quietly holding each other, everything was silent it felt as though they were the only two people in the world. Sue Ellen suddenly felt the baby move within her.

"I think your daughter has just woken up" she laughed

"How do you know it’s going to be a girl?" He said

Sue Ellen smiled "It could be one of each" She took JR’s hand and placed it on her stomach. JR left his hand there hoping that the baby would move again. Suddenly he felt the tiny kick.

"Wow, I can feel it, it’s amazing to think that there’s a new life inside you" JR said

"I know, a new life created out of love" Sue Ellen replied

"I was thinking earlier," JR said

"What about" Sue Ellen replied

"My idea of heaven" he answered

"Oh yes and what is that" Sue Ellen asked

"You and me sitting on a porch watching our children playing" he said

Sue Ellen kissed him. JR closed his eyes and held her even tighter, Sue Ellen stopped and looked at him, she wanted to let him know how much she loved him, JR opened his eyes "I was enjoying that!" he laughed, "Why have you stopped?"

"I love you so much," she said

"I know," he said

"No JR, you don’t know, everyday my feelings for you grow stronger. You and John Ross are my whole world without you I’m nothing." She said

"I feel the same way" JR said "You are all I want, this past year I’ve truly found out what real love is. I’ve never had this feeling with anyone else, you complete me, you’re the missing part of me. I wish I could turn the clock back to our first marriage and start all over again. I am so sorry about the way I treated you in the past but I promise you that I will do everything in my power make you happy" he said

"Let’s take a trip back to Dallas and show everyone that this time our marriage is solid and nothing is going to break it" Sue Ellen said

JR laughed, "I can’t believe John Ross actually agreed to go back"

"All he ever wanted was a mom and dad who loved each other and now he’s got that" Sue Ellen said "At last we both have the family we want"

"Sue Ellen, I want to make love to you" JR said

Sue Ellen smiled "What now, here" she asked

"I can’t wait" JR said "You’re driving me crazy"

Sue Ellen looked at the door. She knew John Ross would be fast asleep. He was practically asleep when he got into bed. She got up from the sofa and moved to the floor, JR followed her, she pulled JR closer to her and kissed him and slowly undid the buttons of his shirt.

"You know we could go upstairs, it would be more comfortable," she said

"There’s no time, I want you now!" he laughed

Finally JR couldn’t take his feelings anymore he gently moved on top of her and together they let their passion take over, JR worked his way down her body, kissing every inch of it, as he reached her pregnant stomach, he lovingly stroked it, hoping once again he would feel the kick of the new life inside. Sue Ellen reached out for him, JR moved back up her body and found her mouth, now moving as one they began to reach the height of their passion, Sue Ellen felt her heartbeat quicken, she held JR tighter, finally they were one body united in their love for one another. Locked in a tight embrace they relaxed. Neither one spoke, no words were needed.

Sue Ellen looked into JR’s eyes and saw tears "What’s wrong?" she asked kissing him

"Nothing" He smiled "I just feel so happy, so contented and so loved" he replied

"That’s because you are" she laughed, "I love you and everyday I’m going to show you how much" she said

JR thought back to their earlier conversation "Sue Ellen I’m scared" he said

Sue Ellen gently stroked his face "Why" she asked

"That if I go out with Vanessa it will spoil what we have now" he replied

"I promise you it wont" she said "I need to be able to trust you and know that you wont cheat on me, I have to let you do this"

"You know I only want you," He said

"I think you’ve just proved that tonight," she laughed

They lay quietly on the floor both of them relaxed and happy.

"JR I forgot to tell you, I’ve got a hospital appointment tomorrow," Sue Ellen said

"What’s wrong" JR asked

"Absolutely nothing, it’s just a scan" she replied

"Can I come too?" He asked

"Of course" she replied, "I guess that wont be any problem with us both taking time off work"

"Sue Ellen I was just thinking, what do you think of this baby being born in Dallas" he asked

"JR, we’d have to hurry up and make that decision, the baby is due in July, it’s now March" she said

"I don’t want to pressurise either you or John Ross to go back, but it would be nice" JR said

"If I’m honest I want to go home, we could move back to Southfork for the time being and look around for our own home where we can bring up our children in a loving environment" she said "But there’s still a part of me that’s scared, I feel so safe here"

"John Ross misses Christopher, you miss the rest of the family" JR said

"Why don’t you book us a flight back to Dallas for a few days, John Ross has got some time of school and we can stay for a week and see what happens. If things feel right then we move back," Sue Ellen said

"Okay" JR replied, kissing her tenderly on the cheek.

"JR it’s time to go to bed," She said

The following day Sue Ellen was sat at her desk when she heard a knock on the door.

"Come in JR," she laughed

"How did you know it was me?" He laughed

"Call it female intuition" she replied, "Well have you phoned her"

"Yes I told her to meet us for lunch today, I don’t really want her coming to the house, I mean John Ross isn’t going to be happy" JR said

"That’s okay" Sue Ellen said, "However don’t forget that we’ve got a hospital appointment at 2pm"

"I know" JR said "She’s meeting us at 12pm. Also I’ve been talking to Michael and telling him our thoughts about going home"

"What did he say?" Sue Ellen asked

"Actually he was okay about it, said we could take some time to go back for a holiday" JR said

"So have you booked the flight?" Sue Ellen laughed

"Yes, we leave in ten days time, I want this thing with Vanessa out the way before we go back" JR said

Sue Ellen smiled

12pm came too soon for Sue Ellen. Part of her didn’t want to do this, but she knew she had to trust JR, unless their relationship was doomed. She didn’t want to play the jealous wife; she wanted to believe that JR only truly loved her.

As they drove to the restaurant JR sensed her uneasiness and reached for her hand. She turned to face him.

"I love you Sue Ellen" he said "Only you, from now to eternity"

Sue Ellen smiled "I know"

As they walked into the restaurant they saw Vanessa waiting for them. JR squeezed Sue Ellen’s hand even tighter.

"JR, Sue Ellen, thankyou for meeting me" Vanessa said

They both sat down "It was Sue Ellen’s idea" JR said, "Not mine"

"I don’t want to cause any problems between you" Vanessa said

"You won’t" JR said "But just remember that even if I agree to what you want, I only love Sue Ellen and there is nothing in this world that I would do to hurt her"

"I know" Vanessa said

They continued talking through their meal, and finally JR agreed to meet Vanessa the following evening. After JR paid the bill they went their separate ways.

Back in the car JR and Sue Ellen drove back to work in silence.

"She looks so ill," Sue Ellen said

"Are you feeling sorry for her?" JR asked

"A bit" Sue Ellen said, "She has nothing and I’ve got everything"

JR looked at her "It’s sad seeing her like that, but it doesn’t change my feelings, I love you and only you" he said

"Did you ever love her as much as me?" Sue Ellen asked

JR thought for a moment "You know the crazy thing is that I don’t think that I have ever loved anyone the way I love you. There have been countless women in my life and the more time I spend with you the more I realise that what I had with them wasn’t love. When I made love to them, it was about power and sex nothing else, however when I’m with you I can honestly say it feels special, you make me feel loved and special and I want you to feel the same. I can honestly say that I have never loved anyone the way I love you. You are my one true love"

Sue Ellen kissed him on the cheek "I love you" she said

"Watch it" JR said "Remember I’m still getting used to driving on the wrong side of the road"

Sue Ellen laughed "Let’s get back to work" she said

A few hours later they were sat in a hospital waiting room. JR held Sue Ellen’s hand tightly. This pregnancy he wanted to be with her every step of the way. Sue Ellen looked at him and smiled. Ten minutes later the nurse called them into the X-Ray room. Sue Ellen lay on the bed while the nurse speared jelly onto her stomach. JR held her hand and watched what was going on.

JR and Sue Ellen watched the screen trying to see the image of their baby; suddenly they were aware of the nurse’s actions and thought that something was wrong.

"What’s wrong" JR asked

"Nothing" the nurse said "But I’m just going to get the doctor" with that she left the room.

JR and Sue Ellen looked at each other; they both hoped that nothing was wrong with the baby.

The nurse came back in with the doctor, they both looked at the image on the screen.

"I think you’re right" the doctor said

"What’s wrong" JR repeated

The nurse turned and looked at them "There’s nothing wrong" she replied, "I wanted to make sure of something"

"There are two heartbeats" the doctor said "and if you look closely at the screen, there are two babies"

JR looked at Sue Ellen "We’re having twins!" he said

"Are they okay" Sue Ellen asked

"Yes" the doctor said "But you need to take things easy"

JR and Sue Ellen thanked the doctor and left, both feeling excited about the prospect of having two new babies.

As they got into the car, JR turned to Sue Ellen and kissed her "I love you" he said

Sue Ellen laughed, "You keep telling me that, I love you too"

"Michael cleared it for us not to go back into work, let’s go and collect our son and go home" JR said

"JR this put things in a different light" she said

"What do you mean?" JR asked

"Having two babies is going to be hard work, and the family are so far away, I really think it’s time that John Ross and I faced our demons, it’s time to go home" she said

"Back to Southfork?" JR asked

"In the beginning and then maybe we could find our own home" Sue Ellen said

"What about the life you’ve got here?" JR asked, " I really don’t care where we live"

"It’s not going to be easy, but I feel like I want to go home" she said

"Let’s talk to John Ross later and see what he says" JR said

After tea, the little family sat in the living room watching television.

"John Ross" JR said

"What daddy" he replied

"What would you say if I told you that both your mom and I want to go back to Dallas permanently?" JR asked

Sue Ellen looked at her son; she could see him thinking things over. He was so much like his father.

"I’ll miss playing football and you taking me to the park" John Ross said

"John Ross, we can still play football, we can also go riding around Southfork, things wont change that much" JR said

"Yes, but you’ll get Ewing Oil back and then you’ll have no time for me or momma" John Ross replied

JR and Sue Ellen looked at each other. Ewing Oil was the last thing on his mind.

"John Ross, I promise you, nothing will change between us, I don’t want Ewing Oil, beside in four months time we’re going to have two new babies to look after so I wont have any time too think about Ewing Oil" JR said

"Sweetheart, next week when you’re off school, we’re all going to go back for a few days and see if we like it, does that sound okay," Sue Ellen asked

"Okay" John Ross said

They continued watching television until John Ross went to bed.

"I guess you’re too old for a story" JR laughed

"Daddy, I’m not a baby" his son replied

John Ross kissed his parents goodnight and went upstairs. Sue Ellen got up and went into the kitchen to make a drink. JR lay back on the sofa and closed his eyes. He thought his life couldn’t get more perfect. He loved his wife and son with all of his heart.

Sue Ellen returned and put two cups of coffee on the table. "JR push up, I want to sit down," she said

JR stretched his arms out for her and she fell into his arms. "John Ross still thinks that I want to go back to Dallas to reclaim Ewing Oil, what do I have to do to prove how much he means to me" JR said

"Give him some time, when we go back just make sure you spend time with him, play football with him, take him riding around the ranch, just be there for him" Sue Ellen said

"But I want to spend some time with you" JR said

"Of course" Sue Ellen laughed "But it’s important that John Ross knows how much both of us love him, when these babies are born they are going to take up a lot of time, I don’t want him to feel neglected"

"Neither do I" JR said "I know how that feels, how do we stop that happening"

"By letting him help us with the babies, if he wants to" Sue Ellen said

"Sue Ellen what do you think my father would think of me if he could see me now" JR asked

"I think he’d be proud of you" Sue Ellen said

"But I lost Ewing Oil to Cliff" JR said

"Yes, but look at what you’ve got, a family who loves you. JR you’re not the man I knew when I left Dallas three years ago, you’re a loving husband and caring father, you made your peace with Clayton and finally accepted him as part of the Ewing family, I’m so proud of you. I always knew that there was another side to you, a side so different from the ruthless uncaring man you showed to the rest of the world and I’ve found him," Sue Ellen said

"But he would have seen me as a failure because I lost Ewing Oil" JR said "His favourite was always Bobby and I guess he was right Bobby was better than me"

Sue Ellen kissed him "Not to me JR, you’re the best and I love you" she said

JR looked at her and smiled "Don’t suppose you’d let me phone Vanessa and cancel our date" he said

Sue Ellen laughed "No" she said "But don’t forget if she even tries to make a move on you, walk away"

"Of course!" JR said

"Beside with you out of the house for the evening I can make some phone calls" Sue Ellen said

"Like who" JR asked

"Well your mother, my mother, Sarah" she said "We haven’t told them that we’re having twins"

"Speaking of Sarah, how will she feel if we leave London" JR asked

"Well, we’re going to have to work on Bobby, so that she stays in Dallas" Sue Ellen laughed,

"Ah, I knew you were match-making" JR said

"Bobby deserves to be happy and I know she could make him happy" Sue Ellen said

"Well anyone would be better than Pam" JR said

"I don’t understand Pam, we were friends but she had the perfect husband and she left him, not only that she deserted her son, I couldn’t of done that" Sue Ellen said

"Christopher’s alright now isn’t he" JR asked

"From what Miss Ellie says, he seems to have settled down, I think it’s good that she back at Southfork, Christopher needs a mother figure, he needs to feel that he belongs" Sue Ellen said

"Does you mother visit the ranch" JR asked

"She been up there a couple of times" Sue Ellen said "But I think she finds it difficult"

"She never knew he existed" JR said

"It’s a strange situation, most children that are adopted never have contact with their blood relations but Christopher’s are so close to him, I know momma wants to get to know him but she doesn’t want to upset Bobby, after all he’s his son" Sue Ellen said

"What a tangled web" JR said

"It would have been worst if he had been your son, can you imagine it, he’d be John Ross’s half brother and cousin" Sue Ellen said

"You’re incredible" JR said "I saw you with him at Christmas, his mother caused you so much pain but when he was upset you did everything you could to make him feel better"

"He’s still my nephew, I love him and maybe when we go home then momma wont feel so awkward about going to South fork and she can get to know all her grandchildren" Sue Ellen said

"But we’re not going to be living at Southfork, remember" JR laughed

"We won’t be very far away" Sue Ellen said, "I love the ranch I just want to look after my family without servants, we don’t need anyone to look after our children, we can do it ourselves."

"I know what you mean" JR replied, "I want to be close to my children"

They lay silently on the sofa for a while; JR placed his hand on her stomach. Sue Ellen watched him, she knew he was going to be a great father and this time he would have his children from day one, she knew how they had both missed out on the early days with John Ross, but luckily their son hadn’t suffered any effects of that. He knew that his parents loved him. She felt her heart burst as she watched JR tenderly stroke her stomach, she loved him so much.

"JR what are you doing?" She asked

"Just checking that these two aren’t fighting in there," he replied

Sue Ellen laughed "There’s not much room for that in there" she said

"We ought to think of names," He said

"How about baby number one and baby number two" Sue Ellen laughed

"I was being serious!" JR said

"So was I" she laughed "This time we name them ourselves, not like last time"

JR looked at her "Have you got a problem with our son’s name" he asked

"No!" she said "But Jock named him, not us"

"I don’t know how I felt about that, after all I thought he wasn’t mine" JR said

"I know, but believe me I knew he was yours, he was so beautiful" Sue Ellen said

"Okay have you got any ideas for names" JR said

"How about Ellie for a girl" Sue Ellen asked

"Your mother may not take kindly to that!" JR said

"I don’t know, what are your ideas" Sue Ellen asked

"I have to agree I like Ellie for a girl or perhaps Eleanor Patricia" JR said

"Being diplomatic in your old age are you JR" Sue Ellen laughed

"I think we need to put some more thought into this" JR said

"Especially if we have two girls" Sue Ellen said

"One of them has got to be a boy" JR said

"Would it matter if they were both girls?" Sue Ellen asked

JR laughed "No", suddenly he felt movement beneath his hand "They’ve woken up" He said

"I know" Sue Ellen said, "I felt it too"

"Does it hurt" JR asked

"No" she replied, "It just reminds me how much I love you"

JR kissed her "I never want this feeling to stop" he said

"This time is forever, never forget that you are my soulmate and noone could ever love you more than me" She said

The following evening JR got ready to meet Vanessa. He truly didn’t want to do this but Sue Ellen wanted him to and he couldn’t refuse her anything. He had spent the whole of that day making sure she knew how much she meant to him, he wanted her to know that this evening would mean nothing. As JR left the house he turned to see Sue Ellen watching him from the window, he turned around and went back up the steps to the house. Sue Ellen was at the door before he had a chance to open it. He took her in his arms and kissed her passionately. Sue Ellen threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly.

"I don’t have to do this" He said, "I want you, not her"

"I know, and I want you back before midnight" she said

"Are you sure you’re okay" he said

"Yes" she smiled "Beside I’ve got a date with a handsome young man myself"

JR looked at her "And who might that be" he asked

"Our son" she laughed "A miniature version of you"

"See you later" He said, kissing her before leaving.

As Sue Ellen closed the door, she suddenly felt alone. John Ross had gone to see a friend and wouldn’t be back for another half hour so she decided to ring her mother. However there was noone home so she rang Southfork. Miss Ellie answered the phone.

"Miss Ellie, How are you" Sue Ellen said

"I’m fine, how are you, JR and John Ross" Miss Ellie replied

"We’re fine, in fact we’re coming over for a visit," Sue Ellen said

"Really, when" Ellie asked

"In about a weeks time" Sue Ellen said "We’re considering moving back"

"I thought you were happy in London" Ellie said

"We are, but I miss the family and John Ross misses Christopher and he’s agreed that he would go back to Dallas as long as JR forgets Ewing Oil" Sue Ellen said

"And what does JR say about that!" Ellie laughed

"He’s okay with that idea, beside he’s going to have his work cut out looking after his family" Sue Ellen said

"How is the baby?" Ellie asked

"Oh they’re fine" Sue Ellen replied, "We’re having twins"

Miss Ellie told her how thrilled she was at the news "Is JR there" Ellie asked

"No" Sue Ellen said, "He’s out for the evening"

"What without you" Ellie said

Sue Ellen didn’t want to lie so she told Miss Ellie about Vanessa.

"I don’t like the sound of that Sue Ellen" Miss Ellie said

"I know, but I need to know that I can trust him" Sue Ellen said

"Please tell me this isn’t the start of things going wrong for you" Ellie asked

"I promise, we have never been closer, he didn’t want to go out tonight but I told him to do this one thing but that it was only a dance" Sue Ellen said "Please don’t say anything to anyone about this"

"Okay" Ellie said

"I’ve just tried to get hold of my mother but I can’t" Sue Ellen said

"No, she’s taken Christopher out to the movies" Ellie said

"Is he okay" Sue Ellen asked

"Yes, but it would be good to have both my grandsons at home" Ellie said

"I know" Sue Ellen said "I’ll talk to you soon, give my love to the rest of the family"

"Bye Sue Ellen, give John Ross a kiss from me" Ellie replied

After putting the phone down, Sue Ellen went into the kitchen to make herself a drink, suddenly the door open and she was relieved to see her son standing there.

"Hey, have you had a good time" Sue Ellen asked

"Yes, where’s daddy" John Ross asked

"He had to go out" Sue Ellen replied

"Where?" John Ross asked

"He’ll be back soon, I promise, in the meantime you’re going to look after me," she said

"Can I stay up until daddy gets back?" he asked

"Well as there’s no school tomorrow I guess so!" Sue Ellen smiled

Sue Ellen and John Ross cuddled up on the sofa; she needed him close to her. Although she knew she could trust JR, she hated the thought of him in the arms of another woman.

"Momma is daddy going to hurt you again?" John Ross asked

"No, why do you ask" Sue Ellen replied

"Because he’s gone out without you," her son replied

"John Ross, your father loves us more than anything in this world and he will never do anything to lose us, but there was something he had to do tonight" Sue Ellen said

"Momma, what’s going to happen when the babies are born" John Ross asked her

"What do you mean?" She replied

"Well will you still want me, you’ll be so busy with the babies that you wont have time for me" he said

"Hey, where is this coming from?" She asked "We will always have time for you, beside we’re going to need you to help us look after them.

She pulled her son closer to her and held him tightly "John Ross we love you, nothing is going to change that"

John Ross kissed his mother "I was just scared"

"There’s nothing to be scared of sweetheart, believe me" She said "Okay, listen to me I know your father isn’t going to let you feel left out"

"How do you know?" He asked

"Because your daddy felt the same way after uncle Bobby was born, Grandpa always preferred Uncle Bobby but your dad wanted him to love him too, but I don’t think he did, not in the same way he loved your uncle" Sue Ellen said "John Ross he never wants you to feel like that"

"What time will he be home?" John Ross asked

"Soon, I hope" Sue Ellen said

JR sat in the restaurant opposite Vanessa, his thoughts constantly returning to Sue Ellen. This is not where he wanted to be.

"JR aren’t you hungry" Vanessa said

JR looked up at her "What, oh I was miles away" he said

"You haven’t touched your meal," She said

JR said nothing. Vanessa wanted him to forget Sue Ellen, she had plans for their evening and it didn’t stop at dancing.

"Do you remember how we used to dance when we were younger?" She asked

"Yes" JR said "But that was a long time ago, a lot of things have changed"

"I love you JR" Vanessa said

JR said nothing; there was nothing he could say. He knew he didn’t feel the same, his heart was with Sue Ellen and there was nothing Vanessa could do to change that.

"Yes" JR said, "You loved me so much that you lied about James being my son"

"I wanted him to be your son" she replied "All those years back we had something special and I thought if I could convince you that he was your son, then we could return to the good times"

"That was a lifetime ago, I don’t want to go back," JR said

"Not even for one night" She asked

JR went back to finishing the food on his plate. He thought back to the times when being with another woman wouldn’t have meant anything to him, now things had changed. Suddenly the music started to play; Vanessa looked at him and said.

"Dance with me"

JR reluctantly agreed and taking her hand he led her onto the dance floor. Vanessa held him close to her, JR felt himself go cold at her touch. He closed his eyes imagining it was Sue Ellen in his arms. Slowly they danced. As the music stopped Vanessa went to kiss him but he turned away. He made a promise to Sue Ellen that he wouldn’t kiss her and he wasn’t about to break it.

They went back to their table and talked for a while before Vanessa asked him for another dance. He agreed but told her this would be the last one. Vanessa felt she had to convince him otherwise her heart was set on one last night of passion with him.

This time she held him even closer as they danced, JR felt suffocated but didn’t really want to hurt her feelings. Finally they went back to their table.

JR looked at his watch "I have to go" he said

"But it’s early" she said, "The night is still young"

"I have a wife and child waiting for me back at home," He said

Vanessa laughed "That’s never stopped you before, come back to my room" she said

JR looked at her "I agreed to one dance, nothing else"

"JR make love to me like you used to, I know you want to" she said

"No" He said, "You’re wrong I don’t"

"JR come with me and I’ll make you forget Sue Ellen for one night" she said "Just this one night that’s all I’m asking"

JR looked at her "This was a trap, you had no intentions of just dancing, well I’m afraid you’re out of luck"

Vanessa looked at him "I know you want me" she said, "You have never been able to remain faithful to Sue Ellen, she isn’t enough for you"

"That’s where you’re wrong Vanessa, I love her with all of my heart, do you want the truth well while I was dancing with you I was dreaming that it was her in my arms. She’s my soulmate, my best friend and my lover, no other woman has ever come close" JR said

JR got his coat and paid the bill "Goodnight Vanessa, I’m going home to my wife" he said

Vanessa called after him but he had gone. JR got into his car and shut the door. He suddenly realised for the first time ever, he had rejected a woman’s advances. He never wanted to see Vanessa again, he just wanted to return to Sue Ellen and give all his love to her.

He opened the door to the house and noticed that everything was quiet. The only light was from the living room, so he walked in and the sight before him took his breath away. Sue Ellen and John Ross were curled up on the sofa asleep. He felt an overwhelming sense of love and crouched down on the floor beside them. He gently called both of their names and saw John Ross stir and open his eyes.

"Hey buddy, what are you doing up, it’s late" JR said

"I was waiting for you to come home and keeping momma company," John Ross said

"It’s time for bed now though" JR said

He kissed Sue Ellen on the forehead and she opened her eyes and smiled at him.

"You’re back early" She said

"I know, couldn’t keep away" he replied

"I’m going to take our son to bed and then I’m going to have a shower, I’ll be back soon okay" JR said

"I’ll make us a drink," Sue Ellen said

"That would be good" JR said

"John Ross come on," he said taking his son’s hand

JR and John Ross walked into his bedroom.

"Daddy, what did you do tonight?" John Ross asked

"I had to visit an old friend," He said

"Who" his son asked

JR thought for a moment. He didn’t want to lie to his son.

"Vanessa" he said

"What?!" John Ross said

"Don’t worry, your mom knows, in fact it was her idea. Vanessa is very ill and wanted to spend some time with me so momma agreed" JR said

"Do you love her?" John Ross asked

"No, I only love you and your momma, I have really missed you two tonight" he said

"Are you taking me to football tomorrow" John Ross asked

"Of course, but I want your mom to come too" JR said

"Cool" John Ross said

"But now it’s bedtime" JR said, kissing his son "Go to sleep"

JR walked towards the door and turned off the light.

"Daddy" John Ross said

"What?" JR replied

"I love you" his son replied

"I love you too" JR said and gently closed the door

JR walked into his bedroom and decided that he needed a shower. Ten minutes later he walked back into the living room where Sue Ellen was waiting for him.

"So" she said, "What happened"?

JR took her in his arms and kissed her, "All night long I’ve been longing to do this," he said

"So how was your evening?" she asked again

"Do you want the truth" JR said

Sue Ellen looked at him "Yes" she said

"Well we danced and then she invited me to her bedroom" JR said

Sue Ellen looked horrified

"She implied that she could make me forget all about you and that I could never be faithful to you as you were not enough for me," he said

"What did you do?" Sue Ellen said

"I told her that you were my soulmate, my best friend and my lover and that there was no way I would sleep with her tonight" he said

Sue Ellen smiled "How does that make you feel"

"I feel that I’ve finally proved that you are the only woman I want, you are enough for me, I love you" JR said

"I’m so proud of you," she said

"Sue Ellen hold me in your arms" he said

Sue Ellen reached out her arms and JR cuddled up to her. Slowly he began to kiss her, touching her, breathing in her smell, the memories of Vanessa disappearing.

"You make me feel so good," JR said

Sue Ellen held him tighter, JR felt his feelings take over "Sue Ellen, make love to me, I want you so much" he said

"Let’s go upstairs," she said

Taking her hand, he led her upstairs into their room. Gently he lowered her onto the bed and undid the belt of her robe. Sue Ellen kissed him; she put her hands around his head and pulled him towards her.

"JR I love you," she said

He kissed her and their passion took over. JR felt he was going to explode, he was so desperately in love with this woman. He knew that their love would last throughout eternity. After they made love Sue Ellen held him in her arms, she continued to kiss him, she had missed him this evening and wanted him to know how important he was to her. Neither want needed to speak; they both knew what the other was thinking.

"I spoke to your mother earlier" Sue Ellen said "She’s pleased that we’re going to Dallas for a visit"

"Thought she might be" JR said

"I also told her what you were doing tonight," She said looking at him

"I am never going out with another woman for as long as I live," he said

Sue Ellen laughed, "I’ve waited so long to hear you say that" she said

"Tonight meant nothing, you do know that don’t you," he asked

"Yes" Sue Ellen replied; "You were back before 10pm," she laughed

"We are going to have a wonderful life, in a couple of months we will have two more beautiful children to add to our beautiful son, I’m going to make sure my family know how much I love them" JR said

"How do you feel about being present at the birth of your children" Sue Ellen asked

"I can’t wait" JR said "I’m going to be there to hold your hand"

"Good" she said

"You’re coming with John Ross and I tomorrow to watch him play football" JR said

"Who says?" She asked

"I do" JR said "I’m not letting you out of my sight tomorrow for one minute"

Sue Ellen kissed him and snuggled into him "well I guess I could spend one day watching football" she laughed

JR held her close and she began to drift off to sleep. He watched her. She was the only thing that mattered; at last he had the family he always wanted.