She leaned forward and kissed him. He couldn’t believe after swearing to Sue Ellen that he would never let her down again, that here he was, about to make love to Vanessa. Maybe it was just the way he was…maybe everyone would just have to accept that. Sue Ellen would get over it in time.

Just as they fell on to the bed, the door to the adjoining room opened and there she stood with tears in her beautiful eyes. He looked at her. She didn’t know what to say…he didn’t know what to say. She clutched at her stomach…the pains started….

They had rushed her to the maternity ward but it was too late. The babies died. Sue Ellen slipped away eventually. The doctors put it down to a broken heart.

Of course John Ross was taken away. They had come for him almost immediately. Dragged him back to America…taken into care. Away from everyone who knew him. Vanessa would be gone soon too…and then whom would he have? But oh how he loved Sue Ellen! What a horrible mistake…a terrible terrible mistake.

It was over for him too now. Nothing left to live for. Tightening the noose around the rope, putting his head through, his last thoughts were of her…his yellow rose of Texas…..

A sharp intake of breath and JR sat bolt upright in bed. Putting his hand to his forehead he was covered in sweat. Dazed and confused, his other hand went to his neck. In the dim light of the early hours of the morning, he could just make out someone lying beside him. Was this real? Was it Vanessa? Where was Sue Ellen? He almost dreaded touching the body, which lay peacefully beside him. Putting his hand to her hair, he stroked it back from her face and shut his eyes, breathing out with deep relief. Lying slowly back down on the bed, cuddling in next to her, breathing in every inch of her and holding her so tightly he whispered in her ear,

"I love you Sue Ellen". He kissed her cheek. "God, how I love you…"


The next morning was Saturday and the family had to begin their travel arrangements. Sue Ellen had woken fresh and bright at 8 am, and seeing how peaceful JR looked, had left him asleep. She had something on her mind, which she felt she had to clear up.

Finding the peace of paper that the number had been written on, she made her way to the kitchen and dialled. A woman answered.

"Is that Vanessa?" Sue Ellen asked.

"No M’am…may I get her for you?"

"Yes please" Sue Ellen said.

"One moment please".

Sue Ellen was relieved that the girl had not asked who the caller was. She hadn’t thought of making something up.

"Hello?"

"Vanessa? This is Sue Ellen Ewing"

Silence.

"I don’t expect you to have anything to say to me. I know you are sick but even at that, I didn’t think you could stoop to the level that you did last night".

"Sue Ellen…"

"Let me just get one thing straight. Sick or not, JR Ewing is my husband…mine. I am sorry for your situation, but I had to let you know how let down you made me feel last night."

"I appreciate your anger. I was out of line. But I can give you this. JR is different now. There was a time when he wouldn’t think twice about what I asked him to do. I think it has been a wonderful test for you".

"Let me be the judge of that" Sue Ellen said. But she knew Vanessa was right. It had been.

"I am sorry for not being truthful with you…it’s just that I have never really gotten over JR, but..well, last night I discovered it is just something I will have to live with. He loves you and that will never change" Vanessa said.

"Well I’m glad you finally realise that" Sue Ellen said "We all have things we have to live with."

"Believe me I wasn’t trying to hurt you. I have very little time left. I was being selfish" Vanessa went on.

"I truly am sorry for your illness but I had to call. I love JR, Vanessa. I can’t have anyone take him from me again" Sue Ellen said, not quite believing her own openness with a stranger.

"I can assure you that won’t happen" Vanessa said. "I hope you can forgive me Sue Ellen"

"I think I can understand it. I’m not one to hold grudges but I needed to say this to you", Sue Ellen said. "I hope you can find some way out of your pain"

"I wish you every happiness" Vanessa said.

Sue Ellen didn’t really know what way to end the conversation. Words like "future" and "soon" and even "tomorrow" sounded so inappropriate so she just thanked Vanessa for letting her talk and the women said their goodbyes. Sue Ellen wanted to be able to say that she would be a friend to the dying woman but as awful as it was, she didn’t feel she could.

As she hung up the phone to her surprise she heard JR’s voice in the doorway.

"Wow, I’m impressed" he said.

She swung round to see him standing looking ever so sexy in a pair of cotton pj bottoms and bare chested.

"You were listening to that?!" she said throwing a cushion at him.

"You know me and lurking in doorways" JR said, referring to his past with a wicked grin and catching the cushion.

"JR!" Sue Ellen blushed.

"Hey…" he said coming closer. "I’m very flattered"

"I didn’t do it to flatter you!" she laughed.

He came closer to her, sliding his arms around her waist. He started to sing the tune from "Don’t mess with my man", while nuzzling into her, kissing her neck.

"You’ve really turned me on", he whispered.

Sue Ellen tried to push him away, laughing yet trying to appear annoyed.

"JR that was private!" she said pushing against his chest.

"Oh but I’m so glad I heard it…you’re so…so sexy…standing up for what you think, not letting anyone walk all over you…I really admire that" JR said, touching her face. "I’m proud of you"

"Well I just had to take a stand. I mean I know she is ill but it annoyed me. Sitting with me at lunch and pretending like that" Sue Ellen said, her fiery streak becoming more apparent.

"Oh stop it…" JR said, getting even closer "Oh don’t stop it…" he giggled.

Within a few minutes they were kissing passionately but as much as she knew he wanted her, she knew she had to pack.

Playfully tugging on his shorts, she tickled his tummy - which he clearly enjoyed - and then, patting him on the backside, she went into the kitchen to start breakfast. JR was disappointed but felt warm inside at the same time. Then he remembered his dream and had to sit down. Maybe that was God’s way of reminding him how lucky he was. "As if I need reminding" he laughed.

As the plane finished boarding, JR took his seat beside Sue Ellen in first class and lovingly squeezed her hand. He had made sure that a midwife was at hand in case of any emergency with the babies. Sue Ellen had thought it was a bit of an overreaction but she loved him for it.

"Are you comfortable darlin’?" he asked.

"Yes I’m fine" she smiled. John Ross was seated in front of his parents and thought it just wonderful that he had his own tv.

Sue Ellen had slipped in and out of sleep throughout the flight. She ate well and enjoyed playing the in-flight quiz with her husband, them both pitting their wits against each other.

Many hours later the pilot announced that they would soon be arriving at DFW airport. Sue Ellen’s heart skipped a beat. She had a strange feeling that all of Dallas would be out there, waiting for her, watching her.

JR looked at her. "You ok honey?" he said, touching her hand.

"Yes..I think so, just nervous I guess" she said, stroking his hair.

John Ross turned round in his seat.

"Don’t get up yet sweetheart" Sue Ellen said to him.

"What time is it here?" the boy asked.

"I guess it’s around lunchtime" JR said, adjusting his watch.

Emma, the midwife, was originally from America and would be enjoying a fully expenses paid vacation courtesy of JR and staying at one of the finest hotels in Dallas. There just wasn’t room for her at Southfork but she didn’t mind. She was looking forward to some sight seeing.

Obviously a limo was waiting for them and as it pulled along the road that would bring them to Southfork, Sue Ellen took a deep breath.

"Are you ok Mrs Ewing?" Emma asked.

"Oh yes, I’m fine….please call me Sue Ellen".

Emma smiled.

Sue Ellen looked at JR who, in the opposite seat, reached across and held her hands. JR could see Southfork getting closer and felt excited. He sensed Sue Ellen’s apprehension and said,

"We don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do". She smiled at him. She didn’t have to say anything, he just knew.

"I love you" she mouthed - so that only he knew what she was saying. Or so she thought.

"Get a room" John Ross said, rolling his eyes.

Emma and JR both laughed but Sue Ellen was quite taken aback by her young son’s comment.

"Where did you hear that?" she scolded.

John Ross eyeballed JR and his father put up his hands in protest. But Sue Ellen couldn’t resist her son’s adorable face and she too started to laugh.

"Speaking of rooms" JR said noticing the limo turning into the long driveway, "We’re here".

Sue Ellen looked out the window to the breathtaking site of Southfork Ranch. She remembered the first time JR had brought her here. She was just as nervous then, but maybe more so now? So much had happened.

It was like starting over - like all of the past had been a bad dream. She was coming to Southfork now with everything she had dreamed of having in the first place. And with the man she had always loved loving her so much in return.

JR could see it in her eyes. He instinctively knew what she was thinking and as he watched her he was taken back to when he had first brought her to Southfork. She was as beautiful now as then, more beautiful if that was possible and he knew that it was her - not anything else - that made him the man he was now. He was glad to see the ranch. Maybe his dream that Sue Ellen and he would grow old here would come true, but it didn’t really matter anymore.

As the limo stopped and the driver stepped out, an overwhelming sense of familiarity crept over Sue Ellen. She could hear doors opening and closing - occasionally slamming - and footsteps and splashes in the pool and the sounds of the children playing and horses galloping and music playing. She heard a door nearby slide open and realised it was the patio door, the one she had walked through so many times, and the next sound she heard was Miss Ellie, proclaiming their arrival.

John Ross could hardly contain himself as he rushed towards his grandmother. He was soon joined by Christopher and slowly but surely Sue Ellen aided by JR took her first steps back on to Southfork soil to the sheer delight of the family.

Virtually nothing had changed. She had a complete feeling of well being as she entered the hallway. The scent of cinnamon filled her nostrils as it had always done. She ran her fingers along the banister and glanced into the living room. What memories she had! She remembered how she and JR had filled this huge house with the sounds of laughter, of love, of screaming, of shouting, of playful fun, of tears and of joy.

Her photo still reigned on the mantelpiece. She smiled as she thought Miss Ellie may have only put it there out of thoughtfulness but could have wept when she heard a voice behind her say,

"It’s never moved, Miss Sue Ellen"

Theresa. Wonderful Theresa. Sue Ellen embraced her. The number of things that poor girl had been witness to! Yet she had always been tremendously loyal.

JR was still chatting to Bobby outside so Sue Ellen thought she would explore upstairs. A flash of the past went through her head. Whilst pregnant with John Ross she had tumbled down these stairs. She also recalled the red wine stain she had left on the paper just above her head. She closed her eyes. She didn’t want to think about those times.

The corridor at the top of the stairs almost took her breath away. She froze. The noises returned. She could hear John Ross and Christopher breaking the vase with their baseball, she could hear Clayton shouting for JR, she could hear the sound of the ladies sharp stiletto heels clicking their way to the Oil Baron’s Ball and she could hear herself, her own thoughts, as she walked up and down that hall, sometimes to a room by herself, sometimes to a bed with JR.

She reached the door to her old room and slowly opened it. Even though other people had come and went, she had left her mark firmly on it and she felt it. She remembered how many nights she had been in this bed, wishing JR to come home, how many dresses she had hung in that closet, how many bottles of the best perfume had lined the dresser….Her gaze turned to the adjacent room. She stood up and bravely walked the short distance but couldn’t bring herself to open the door. She leaned her head against it and closed her eyes, still not quite believing she was there. She was just about to turn the knob when she felt a hand on the back of her head. She jumped.

JR stood next to her. He smiled.

"So this is where you are", he said.

Not moving her head from the door but turning to face him she said,

"Why can’t I open this door?"

"Because it holds a box full of memories" JR said, his hand touching the wooden frame.

"Yes…memories" Sue Ellen said, her own hand lightly caressing the door.

"But from what I remember" JR went on "Most of the memories made in here are good ones!"

She looked at him. He was smiling the wicked smile she adored. She giggled in agreement. He kissed her gently on the lips.

"Let’s do it together" JR said.

His hand over hers, they turned the doorknob. The door opened. They both stood and stared, both overwhelmed by the fact they were back here.

Sue Ellen walked to the bed and sat down. "When was the last time we slept in this bed together?" she asked.

JR thought about it.

"October 18, six and half years ago"

Sue Ellen was amazed. "How did you remember that?" she asked him.

"Saddest day of my life" he said, with a lot of sincerity that took her aback.

"I suppose you remember the last time we…."

"September 21 six and half years ago" he smiled.

"Your birthday" she laughed.

He looked at her. From time to time, the regret crept back that he had been the one responsible for all the time that had been wasted in their relationship. He walked over to her and sat beside her. Saying nothing, he put his arms around her and hugged her tightly.

"What’s wrong?" she asked.

"I’m sorry" he said, with tears in his eyes.

"For what?" Sue Ellen said, disturbed and worried by his sudden reaction.

" For everything I did…you were the best thing that ever happened to me and I’m sorry I wasted all that time…for nothing" JR told her, a tear almost dropping from his blue eyes.

"Hey…come on" she said, holding him tightly. "That’s all behind us now..and besides…" she went on, "…love means never having to say you’re sorry". He managed a smile. She kissed him. They looked at each other, and, still holding hands, looked around the room again, each of them thinking of their own private memories of everything that had went on here.


Sue Ellen was enjoying a shower and as she did so, JR looked across the wide horizon that was Southfork. Maybe living here would be too hard; maybe a fresh start in a new place was just what they needed. At least there wouldn’t always be something that would remind them of the past. Or maybe Sue Ellen was right…it was all behind them…maybe they just needed to decorate? Maybe if they moved the bed? Oh the questions in JR’s head! He wanted to do what was best for his family.

Sue Ellen emerged from the shower, her wet hair dripping on to her tanned shoulders. JR smiled at her and said "Was that good?"

"Mmm" she nodded. "It was perfect".

He lifted a hand towel and as she sat on the side of the bed, helped her to dry, dabbing her back and gently towel drying her hair. He let his fingers massage the top of her head. She told him how good it felt.

"Are you tired?" he asked.

"Not tired…more happily relaxed" she said.

JR told her to lie down on the bed and he got some relaxing massage oil - pregnant woman friendly of course - from his soap bag and massaged it into Sue Ellen’s body, starting at her shoulders. She closed her eyes and enjoyed it. He joyfully watched her tummy move as the babies told him in their own way that they enjoyed it too. When he finished working on her feet he helped her up and did her back.

Sue Ellen didn’t want it to end, but when it did, she gave him a very thankful kiss.

"It’s a pleasure" he smiled and went to take a shower himself. When he finished a few moments later, he came out to find Sue Ellen fast asleep. It gave him a further opportunity to just sit and watch her. He had to pinch himself that she really was his wife. He quietly got dressed just before there was a knock on the door.

It was Miss Ellie.

JR opened the door and came out. "Hi Mama. Sue Ellen’s asleep" he smiled.

"I’m sure she is!" Miss Ellie said. "It’s a long journey for a pregnant woman".

"Is dinner ready?" JR asked.

Miss Ellie laughed and hugged her son. "Oh how I’ve missed that appetite!" she said.

JR had missed his mother. It was at times like this that he felt like a little boy.

"That’s what I’m here to tell you" Miss Ellie said "It will be ready in about an hour"

"I’ll tell Sue Ellen" he said.

"If she wants to sleep it’s fine" Miss Ellie told him.

"The way she is eating these days, she will kill me if she misses it!" JR laughed.

JR opened the door. Sue Ellen had woken up and was smiling.

"Did I hear someone mention food?" she said.

JR laughed. "Yes but you aren’t having any!" he teased.

At that she got up as fast as the babies would let her, raised her eyebrows at him and said,

"Oh that’s what you think Ewing"

"Damn" he said, taking a deep breath "You are one sexy mama"

She laughed and blew him a kiss.

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

They sat in their old places at the Southfork dining table. Sue Ellen needed a little more space than usual so a lot of the accoutrements had to be brought closer to her. Theresa had enjoyed having a full family to cook for again.

Sue Ellen asked Bobby about his time with Sarah and he had responded enthusiastically. She was pleased for him but she felt strange about it. Imagine if Sarah moved to Southfork and Sue Ellen wasn’t there? That would be odd.

John Ross and Christopher bantered each other playfully across the table. There was plenty of discussion centring on the babies and Miss Ellie talked of her excitement at becoming a grandmother again.
Clayton lifted his glass to propose a toast. "To JR and Sue Ellen" he said.

Sue Ellen had never heard Clayton toast JR before and was really touched. John Ross coughed.

"Oh…" Clayton laughed "And John Ross" he said.

The family raised their glasses.

"Welcome home" Miss Ellie said.

JR and Sue Ellen looked at each other, both wondering how each other really felt about being back at Southfork.

After dinner Sue Ellen and JR wandered outside and went and sat by the pool. A warm breeze was in the air.

"I can’t believe how warm it is compared to London" JR said

"I know" Sue Ellen laughed, "The problem with London is that it doesn’t warm up until May and that’s if you’re lucky"

JR stood up and took her hand saying "Fancy a walk"

Sue Ellen smiled and stood up. Hand in hand they began to walk towards the barn.

"How do you feel" JR asked

"Fine" Sue Ellen said "However it feels so strange to be back here, after everything that happened between us I never thought I would see this place again"

JR looked at her "Everything that happened was my fault, if I had been faithful to you, then you wouldn’t have needed to drink, I was the foolish one just think we could have had six children running round this place by now" JR said

Sue Ellen laughed "I was thinking earlier about things that had happened. Being drunk and falling down the stairs when I was pregnant with John Ross, you threatening to send me to the sanatorium, the fights, the red wine stain on the staircase, those are the painful memories but there are also good memories, like the time you were recovering after Kristin shot you, the early days of our second marriage. Not everything that happened here was bad" she said

"I remember when I first brought you here" JR said

"I was so scared, I mean the Ewings had a reputation" Sue Ellen said

"I’m not sure how to take that!" JR laughed

"You know what I mean, you were a powerful and rich family and I didn’t know if I belonged here" Sue Ellen replied

"Momma and Daddy approved of you the moment they saw you" JR said

Sue Ellen laughed "Then I shot their precious son, they didn’t approve of that!" she said

JR kissed her "You didn’t, looking back at that now, I can’t believe that Kristin framed her own sister"

"I should have known she was up to something, after all she was being too nice" Sue Ellen said

"Hmm, do you remember that I brought you your first horse and taught you how to ride" JR asked

"Of course" Sue Ellen said "We used to spend hours together just riding around the ranch and sitting in the treehouse"

"You made me feel so special" JR said "Bobby and Gary were the daddy’s and momma’s favourites and I felt left out. But when you came into my life I no longer felt like that, you made me feel as though I was the most important person in the world"

"You were" Sue Ellen said "You still are, nothing compares to you"

JR turned to face her and put his arms around her "I love you!" he said

"I love you too and nothing is ever going to take you away from me again" she said

JR held her tightly and kissed her, she was all he wanted, from this moment on and throughout eternity there would never be anyone but her, he so desperately loved her.

"Sue Ellen, I think we should take our son’s advice" JR said

Sue Ellen looked at him "What" she said

JR laughed "Get a room!" he replied

She gently hit him "JR!" she said "You’re a bad influence on our son" she laughed

"Hey, he didn’t hear that from me honestly" JR said

Sue Ellen looked at him and shook her head. They continued to walk a little further

"So where do we go from here?" JR asked

"I don’t know" Sue Ellen said "Part of me wants to stay here, Southfork is a magical place to bring up children, there’s so much open space for them to play and the family are here, however another part of me is scared"

"Scared?" JR said "Why?"

"That if we come back here, we will lose what we had in London, I don’t want to lose you" Sue Ellen said

"That’s never going to happen" JR said "I love you too much, I only want you, I thought I proved that by walking away from Vanessa"

"You have, I’m just being silly" Sue Ellen said

"Come here!" JR said and took her in his arms "Listen, I’m married to the most beautiful woman in the world, I have a gorgeous son and you’re carrying my babies, there is nothing that could take me away from you, from this point on there are only going to be happy times"

"How many children do you want?" Sue Ellen asked

"Well after these two, maybe a couple more I don’t know" JR laughed

"And if we do return, how is your mother and Clayton going to feel about having half a dozen children running about the place!" she laughed

"It would certainly liven up this place!" JR said

Sue Ellen looked at him and hugged him tightly "I honestly think it’s time we came home" she said

"I’m not going to pressurize you" he said, "It’s up to you and our son"

"JR these past few months you’ve proved how much you love us, you done everything you can to make us happy, I know that you will stay in London if that’s what John Ross and I want, for once in your life you’re putting us first and I love you so much for that" Sue Ellen said "But…now I want to do something for you, I saw how excited you were when you first saw Southfork earlier, so I want us to try and persuade our son that it’s time to come home"

"I’m happy to be wherever you want to be, I love you more than this place" JR protested

Sue Ellen smiled "I know and part of me thinks that you should help Bobby reclaim Ewing Oil" she said

JR looked at her in amazement "You have got to be joking!" he said "Look at what it did to us in the past, there’s no way I want to go back to those days!" he said

"We don’t have to" Sue Ellen said "Ewing Oil belongs to the Ewings, and you probably have more devious ideas about getting it back than Bobby. So all I’m suggesting is that you help him and then take a back seat. Let Bobby run it and treat it as a part time hobby."

"I’ve spent all my life obsessing about Ewing Oil, now I just want to spend time with my family" JR said

"And by becoming Bobby’s part time partner, you can do that" Sue Ellen said "You could even work from home!"

"You’ve got it all worked out haven’t you" JR said "But what about John Ross, he’s not going to like it"

"All he wants it his parent to love him and each other, he wants a real family" Sue Ellen said, "I think we can convince him that nothing’s going to change"

"Let’s see what happens at the end of the week" JR said kissing her.

They stood holding each other for a few minutes; both contented to stay where they were forever.

Sue Ellen looked over JR’s shoulder and saw John Ross and Christopher walking from the house towards them. Suddenly she heard JR’s voice.

"Sue Ellen, I want you so badly!" he said

She laughed, "Not as much as I want you, however you’re going to have to wait, we’ve got company" she said

JR turned and looked "What are those two up to" He said

Hand in hand they walked towards the two boys "Hey guys what are you up to" JR said

"Can we go for a swim" John Ross asked

"Not now sweetheart" Sue Ellen said, "You’ve just eaten"

"Have you come back forever?" Christopher asked

"We’ll see" Sue Ellen said

"Momma can we stay out here for a while, its still quite warm and light" John Ross said

Sue Ellen smiled "Yes, however I don’t want either of you going near the pool, okay" she said

"We promise" the boys said

"Half an hour boys, then I want you back indoors" JR said

The two boys raced off towards the barn, JR and Sue Ellen stood watching them for a while.

"This is what I want" JR said, "To be able to watch my children grow up and be happy"

They walked back inside the house and into the den where Clayton and Miss Ellie were sat.

"Have you two had a nice walk?" Ellie asked

"Yes" they answered, "The boys are playing outside"

"What are your plans for this week?" Clayton asked

"Haven’t really thought about it" JR said

"We’re trying to decide whether we can move back to Dallas permanently" Sue Ellen said.

"You know we would both love you to come back" Clayton said

"We just need to convince John Ross that nothing will change if we come home" JR said

"Sue Ellen, your mother phoned and she said she’s coming to see you tomorrow" Ellie said

Sue Ellen laughed "The more I think of it, the harder it’s going to be to leave" she said

Later that evening JR and Sue Ellen were in their room getting ready for bed. Sue Ellen still couldn’t believe that she was back at Southfork. JR looked at her

"How do you feel?" he asked "Are you okay about sleeping in here"

Sue Ellen laughed and put her arms around him. "As long as I have you with me" she said

"Look even if we do come back to Southfork initially, we can redecorate this room, get a new bed, whatever makes you feel comfortable" he said

"JR, I haven’t a problem with this room, the past is behind us and from this moment on we’re going to create only happy memories in this room" she replied

JR lay down on the bed, not quite believing where he was. Sue Ellen looked at him and went to lay beside him. JR put his hand on her tummy and gently stroked it.

"Is everything okay, it’s seems quiet in there today" JR said

"JR, we’re fine, they were moving earlier I guess they’ve gone back to sleep" Sue Ellen laughed

"Are you feeling tired?" JR asked

"No, not really just happy" Sue Ellen said "How about you"

JR moved his hand up her body "I just want you" he said

"When was the last time we made love in this bed?" Sue Ellen asked

"I told you about six and a half years ago" he replied

"Then we have some lost time to make up for" Sue Ellen laughed

She felt JR move closer to her, lovingly she kissed him and held him close to her. Suddenly she felt the babies kick and started laughing.

"What’s so funny" JR said

"Talk about timing" she replied "I think the babies have woken up, I can feel them kicking"

JR smiled and worked his way down her body, kissing every inch of it until he reached her tummy. Sue Ellen closed her eyes his kisses were electrifying. She loved him, she had never felt for anyone what she felt for him, and now he was hers forever. She felt his kisses on her tummy; she knew he was going to make a great father; she reached down and stroked his face. JR lifted his head and looked at her, smiling he worked his way back up her body and passionately kissed her on the lips.

"Sue Ellen I love you" he said

"I love you more" she said

"No way!" he said "I love you all the way to the moon"

Sue Ellen laughed "Ha, but I love you all the way back to the moon and back again!" she said

They both lay silent for a while, JR placed his hand on Sue Ellen’s tummy hoping to feel the movement of life, and Sue Ellen lay contently watching him.

"JR, you’re going to spoil these children" she laughed

JR laughed, "I wish things had been this way with John Ross" he said

Sue Ellen kissed him and held him tightly.

"Do you realise how crazy our life has been?" JR asked

Sue Ellen laughed, "What, you mean marriage, divorce, marriage, divorce and now marriage again!"

"Exactly!" JR said

"Only this time, Ewing I’m never going to let you go" she said

"Hmm" JR said "I think those babies have gone to sleep, now where were we before we were rudely interrupted" he said

Sue Ellen laughed "You were showing me how much you love me" she said

JR moved even closer to her, gently he made love to her. Both were feeling happy and relaxed. Afterwards they lay locked in a tight embrace. As Sue Ellen drifted off to sleep JR watched her. He was truly happy; he finally had the love of his life.

The following morning Sue Ellen woke up alone in bed. At first she felt disorientated, unsure of the unfamiliar surrounding, then she remembered that she was back at Southfork. Getting out of bed she had a shower and got dressed before going downstairs to join the rest of the family.

"Hey momma" John Ross said "We’re going horse-riding"

"John Ross, I told you that we’d had to see what your mom thought before we decided whether we would go" JR said

"Don’t let me stop you!" she replied "Beside with if you and Clayton take the boys out I can spend some time with your mother"

"Okay, let’s settled" JR said

"Can we go now" Christopher said

"Let’s finish breakfast first" JR said

After fixing herself some breakfast Sue Ellen sat down by JR. "What happened to you?" she asked "I woke up and you weren’t beside me"

"You were fast asleep, so I left you" JR said

The family continued talking, Sue Ellen looked at her son, he seemed excited about being back at Southfork and she hoped that this week would prove to him that they would still be a real family if they stayed here for good

After breakfast JR and Clayton took the boys out to the barn and a morning of horse riding, while Miss Ellie and Sue Ellen relaxed by the pool.

"Peace at last!" Sue Ellen said

"So how does it feel to be back here" Miss Ellie asked

"Definitely warmer than London" she laughed

"That wouldn’t be difficult" Ellie smiled

"Oh, I don’t know, we’re still trying to decide whether we want the babies born here or in London" Sue Ellen said

"What happened with Vanessa" Ellie said "I must admit I was a bit worried when you said he was out with her"

Sue Ellen laughed "He was back by quarter to ten" she said "He said they had two dances and she invited him to her bedroom"

"The old JR would have taken her up on that!" Ellie said

"He’s changed so much, he proved that by walking away from her" Sue Ellen said "He came home to me"

"Clayton and I both want you to come home" Ellie said

"All my life, I have only wanted JR to love me, now I’ve got that, he’s prepared to put himself last and put John Ross and me first. I saw how excited he was when he first saw Southfork yesterday and now I want to do something for him, I want to come home" Sue Ellen said "But we still have to convince John Ross"

"He seems happy to be here now!" Ellie said

"He is happy, he adores his father and his father adores him. They have spent so much time together over the last year. We just have to convince him that if we come back things won’t change" Sue Ellen said

"We’re planning a barbecue for next weekend, is that okay" Ellie asked

"Sounds great" Sue Ellen said "I think I shocked JR yesterday"

"How" Ellie asked

"I told him if we came back that he should help Bobby reclaim Ewing Oil" Sue Ellen replied

"But Sue Ellen, Ewing Oil has caused you so much heartache, you can’t seriously want it back" Ellie said

"I know Bobby wants to reclaim it, and JR possibly has a better idea of how to do this" Sue Ellen said "However JR doesn’t want to go back to those days so I told him that he could do it as a part time hobby"

"I think Cliff having Ewing Oil annoys Bobby" Ellie said

"Ewing oil belongs to the Ewings, but this time Bobby will run it and JR will take a back seat, however he’s going to be much too busy helping me look after our children" Sue Ellen laughed

"I noticed how much he cares about you" Ellie said "It’s so different from the last time you were pregnant"

"Yes, this time we’re doing things right!" Sue Ellen said "JR has been brilliant, we’ve spent hours in London just curled up on the sofa after John Ross has gone to bed, he loves feeling the movement of the babies when he places his hand on my stomach, he’s just been so loving and tender"

"I never thought of him as a family man" Ellie said "I always thought he was more interested in the business side of things"

"JR keeps his feelings well hidden" Sue Ellen said "But he’s learning to open up and I know my children have the best father"

Meanwhile JR and Clayton were out by the treehouse, they had decided to have a rest while John Ross and Christopher explored the treehouse.

"So do you think you’ll move back here" Clayton asked him

"Well that depends on John Ross" JR replied "However how do you feel about having more children running around"

"Well it would be good for Christopher" Clayton replied "Why how many more children do you want"

"Oh a couple more" JR said "However I’m not sure about moving back to Southfork, I just feel there may be too many painful memories for Sue Ellen"

"She seems to want to come back" Clayton said

"She says she wants to do something for me" JR said "You know last night she even suggested that I work with Bobby to reclaim Ewing Oil"

"You’re joking" Clayton said

"That’s what I said to her!" JR said "But she thinks Ewing Oil belongs to the Ewings"

"Do you want to go back to running Ewing Oil" Clayton asked

"No way!" JR said "Bobby would have to run it, I would just go into it part time, I have more important things to do"

"If you two do decide to reclaim it, I’ll help you" Clayton said

"Really" JR said

"Yes" Clayton replied "On one condition"

"What’s that" JR asked

"That you never ever hurt Sue Ellen or John Ross again" Clayton replied

JR looked at Clayton "I told you before I love Sue Ellen with all of my heart and there is no way that I will ever do anything to hurt her" JR said "Sue Ellen knows she can trust me, beside if I do go into Ewing Oil I want her with me"

"You’ve come a long way in a short time JR" Clayton said "I saw the way you were with Sue Ellen and John Ross at Christmas, I was surprised I didn’t know JR Ewing had a heart!"

"They are so important to me, I know I couldn’t bear to lose either of them" JR said "However it’s taken me a long time to realise that!"

"Dusty’s also in town this week" Clayton said "He’s staying in town, he didn’t want to stay here"

"Does he know that Sue Ellen and I are back" JR asked

"No, he actually told us he was coming to town a few weeks back, before we knew you were coming" Clayton said "And I haven’t been able to get in touch with him"

"It doesn’t bother me" JR said "Will he be coming to visit you here"

"He was, but I can tell him to meet me in town" Clayton said

"Don’t do that on my account, he’s your son so he’s welcome at Southfork" JR said

"And you don’t mind" Clayton asked

JR laughed "Of course not!" he said "Only maybe we should warn Sue Ellen"

Both were silent for a minute, JR listened to the sound of the boys’ laughter coming from the treehouse.

"Clayton this place has so many ghosts and bad memories, but if we do come back I’m going to change everything. From this moment onwards Southfork is only to hear the sound of laughter"

An hour later JR and Clayton took the boys back to the house. John Ross and Christopher wanted to go for a swim, so both went upstairs to change. John Ross got his football so they could play water football.

JR suggested that he and Sue Ellen took a drive around. They said their goodbyes and got into the car. They decided to head into town, as it was Sunday everything would be relatively quiet. After parking the car they began to walk. Hand in hand they just walked, both contented to be in each other’s company, no word were really needed. They stopped in front of the Ewing Oil building.

"Do you really want Cliff Barnes to own this" Sue Ellen asked

"No" JR said "however what we have is a million times more important"

"What only a million times?" Sue Ellen said

JR pulled her to him and kissed her "You know what I mean" JR said

"If I agree to help Bobby, I want you beside me" JR said "You and our children are the most important part of my life, there’s no way that I will ever let Ewing Oil take me over again" JR said

"I know" Sue Ellen said "Of course you do realise that if I became your secretary, then it would be perfectly okay for you to sleep with her"

JR laughed "Oh by the way, your old boyfriend is back in town this week" JR said

"Who’s that then" Sue Ellen said

"Dusty" JR said "Clayton told me this morning"

"How does that make you feel" Sue Ellen said

"Okay, Clayton was going to tell him to meet him in town but I said that I didn’t have a problem if he came to Southfork" JR said

Sue Ellen looked at him "Dusty doesn’t mean anything to me except as a friend, you are all that I want"

"I know" JR said "Even though I don’t deserve you"

"The past is behind us, we have a new life, a new future" Sue Ellen said

After returning to Southfork, they spent the rest of the day by the pool with Ellie, Clayton and Sue Ellen’s mother. John Ross and Christopher were playing in the pool. The time past quickly, everyone was happy. Sue Ellen looked at JR, her mind was finally made up, she wanted to return to southfork and build a new and better life for her, JR and their children. She looked at John Ross she knew he could be happy here. She moved closer to JR and cuddled into him, she loved having him so close to her. Everyday the painful memories of the past were dying, the family she loved surrounded her and she knew they loved her too. John Ross walked out of the pool and walked towards his mother, Christopher followed him, both were dripping wet but she didn’t care, she stretched out her arms and hugged them tightly.