'Reunion' picks up where 'Ghosts' left off, as Sue Ellen and J.R. return to Dallas from London, England.
Reunion
Part 1
J.R. Ewing fell asleep on the flight back to Dallas. Sue Ellen lovingly watched as he lay by her side in first class. He had reclined his seat and quickly drifted off. Sue Ellen didn't mind, J.R. wasn't used to the time zone differences, nor was he accustomed to several hours-long lovemaking sessions. Sue Ellen smiled a wicked grin as she thought about the fact that J.R. had aged a bit, but he still had the stamina of a young man when it came to sex. Their lovemaking had always been good, but now, they had been so free, so unrestrained. Sue Ellen sighed as she thought of how it was for both of them, now. They were so into each other, so willing and eager to explore new levels of intimacy. Sue Ellen closed her eyes to the thoughts racing through her mind. She pulled her hand away from J.R.'s grasp, not wanting to disturb him, nor did she want to be the aggressor, and make love to him on the plane. Then again…she almost laughed aloud as what she wondered what J.R. would say if she started to deliberately undress him, right then and there, in front of any of the plane's passenger's who might still be awake. Things had certainly changed between them. Sue Ellen glanced down at the ring on her left hand. She tried desperately not to regret her decision when she had agreed to remarry J.R. Her Mamma, Patricia Shepherd had always said, "The third time's the charm." Sue Ellen suspected that her Mamma didn't have J.R. in mind when she said those words. Sue Ellen tried to think of some way of delaying the actual wedding date. They had tried reconciliations, so many times before. This time simply had to work. It might work, if they took things slowly, one step at a time, one day at a time.
J.R. reached into the overhead compartment above his seat and removed his and Sue Ellen's carry-on luggage. They were going back to Southfork, and he was thrilled. He smiled at Sue Ellen, as she eyed him nervously. "What's wrong, Sugar?" he asked, sensing her distance. "I guess I'm still feelin' a little nervous, I suppose," she replied in a tense voice. "Darlin', I thought we discussed this. You don't have anything to be nervous about. Southfork is your home. You belong there, with me, and John Ross, as my wife. I love you, Sue Ellen. I always have, and I always will." His voice somehow managed to calm her. He took her arm as they exited the plane. Sue Ellen thought about the last time she arrived in Dallas. J.R. had accompanied John Ross to meet her at the airport. She was lost in thought and it startled her, when J.R. kissed her neck as they waited at the baggage carrousel. "I'm sorry. J.R. I don't know what's gotten into me, today," she said, hoping to ease the tension. J.R. grinned at her and said, "Sue Ellen, You have nothin' to worry about, except how we can keep the limousine driver's eyes focused on the road ahead, instead of what I might just have to do to you in the back seat." Sue Ellen met his smile and blushed, knowing exactly what he meant. They laughed as they walked the concourse to the awaiting limousine.
J.R. tried several times to get Sue Ellen's attention as the limo drove back to Southfork. He finally said, "Damn it, Sue Ellen. This has got to stop. You have absolutely nothin' to worry about, Darlin'." He grasped her hand in his and kissed the back of her hand. He said, "I mean it, Sweetheart. I love you and I need you with me at Southfork." Sue Ellen turned her gaze and met his eyes. He was right. She really didn't have anything to be worried about. The limousine came to a stop in the seemingly deserted driveway of the ranch. The driver carried their luggage into the house. J.R. helped Sue Ellen out of the limo and hugged her to him. He brushed the windswept hair away from her eyes, wanting to see if he could gauge what she was thinking. He kissed her gently, then with increasing intensity. She touched his face with her hand as his lips explored her desirable mouth. J.R. broke off the kiss, and said in a low voice, "Now that I've got your attention…" Sue Ellen smiled at him with a glint in her eyes, hopeful that he would pick up where his kiss left off, once they were inside the house, in their room. J.R. turned around and looked toward the house. "I wonder where everyone is?" he said, aloud. Sue Ellen jokingly teased, "Maybe they heard that you were comin' home." "That isn't funny, Darlin'. I was hopin' that everyone would want to be here for your return." Sue Ellen apologized for her remark, "I'm sorry, J.R. I was joking. I didn't mean to hurt your feelings." J.R. smiled a tentative smile, and said, "I thought we were past the animosity, Sue Ellen?" Sue Ellen retorted, "I said I was sorry J.R. what more do you want?" J.R. winked and said, "You'll find out, Sugar. You'll find out." He pulled her hand as they walked into the house.
J.R. and Sue Ellen walked through the kitchen. The smell of Miss Ellie's famous chili filled the room. J.R. walked over to the pot on the stove, and dipped the spoon into the boiling pot. He took a bite of the delicious chili, and then offered a bite to Sue Ellen. Sue Ellen swallowed the morsel of chili. She smiled at J.R with satisfaction, and said, "Now that is something I have missed about Southfork." J.R. asked, "Not the only thing, I hope?" Sue Ellen playfully slugged his arm. They walked out of the kitchen and J.R. paused, listening for what he hoped were voices coming from the parlor. They turned the corner from the foyer and were greeted with a warm "Welcome Home." The entire Ewing-Farlow family was there to welcome their return. Miss Ellie and Clayton hugged and kissed Sue Ellen, followed by Bobby and Christopher and finally, John Ross. The Ewing–Farlow men greeted J.R. with a hug and a handshake. Miss Ellie and Clayton asked them about their flight. Bobby asked how the weather was in London. John Ross and Christopher asked if they had brought home any presents. J.R. said, "Well, as a matter of fact, if you boys go up to your rooms, you'll each find a gift from both of us." John Ross and Christopher raced upstairs to their bedrooms. Sue Ellen sat on the couch, next to Miss Ellie, while the men stood around the room having various discussions. Miss Ellie said, "It's going to be wonderful having you here, Sue Ellen. How long are you going to stay at Southfork?" Sue Ellen's eyes darted to J.R. for approval, and he smiled at her. He walked over from where he stood and sat down next to Sue Ellen on the couch. J.R. took Sue Ellen's hand in his, and said, "Mamma, we've got some news, but I think we'd like to wait until after the annual Ewing Barbeque to make our announcement. Miss Ellie eyed J.R. suspiciously. She said, "I hope you're not up to something, J.R.?" J.R. rolled his eyes and shook his head. He was obviously irritated that his Mamma would say something like that and ruin a perfectly nice reunion.
When everyone had finished welcoming them home, J.R. said, "If y'all would excuse us, it was a long flight and I think we're both kind tired. We'll see ya in the mornin'." He placed his hand at the small of Sue Ellen's back as they walked upstairs. Once upstairs, they looked in on John Ross. He had fallen asleep. Sue Ellen quietly said, "Look, J.R. he's smiling." J.R. nodded, he and John Ross both had a lot to smile about lately. J.R. gently closed the door to John Ross' room and paused in the hallway. There was an awkward silence as Sue Ellen looked at her bedroom door, and J.R. looked at the door to his bedroom. J.R. pulled Sue Ellen into his arms and kissed her with such fervor, there would be no doubt in her mind as to where J.R. wanted her to be. She followed him into his room and shut the door. J.R. pinned her against the back of the door as he kissed her again. She pulled his head to her mouth, eagerly returning the kiss. J.R. unzipped the zipper on her dark blue dress and pulled the sleeves away from her shoulders. His lips blazed a hot trail of kisses from her mouth to her shoulder. Sue Ellen could barely breathe. She huskily whispered, "Make love to me, J.R." She was instantly carried over to the bed. J.R. artfully and skillfully satisfied her every desire. Afterwards, they lay in each other's arms. The sound of their breathing was heavy from their heated lovemaking. J.R. said in a low voice, "Sue Ellen, that ought to put to rest any reservations you might have had about comin' back home." Sue Ellen lifted herself up on one elbow and said, "Oh, it did, J.R." She kissed him as he pulled her closer to him, once more.
Sue Ellen and J.R. were the first one's up the next morning. They sat outside at the patio table, enjoying the morning breeze. They both held their coffee mugs in their hands as they sat across from each other. J.R. possessively rested his outstretched leg against Sue Ellen's chair. Clayton and Miss Ellie greeted them and joined them at the table. Miss Ellie asked Sue Ellen, "How is Don doing?" J.R. glared at Miss Ellie over his newspaper, and shook his head. Why in the hell would his Mamma give a damn about Sue Ellen's ex-husband? Sue Ellen caught J.R. reaction, and instantly tried to soften the blow, by saying, "He's stable, and his neurologist will let me know if he improves, or . . . " Her voice trailed off as Bobby and Christopher joined them. The family talked over breakfast. Miss Ellie was in the throws of planning the Annual Ewing Barbeque and informed Sue Ellen that she couldn't have arranged for a better time to visit John Ross. Sue Ellen winked at J.R. over the brim of her cup of coffee. John Ross walked outside and hugged and kissed Sue Ellen and J.R. "Mornin' Mamma and Daddy. I'm sorry I fell asleep. I was so excited knowin' you guys were comin' home, I guess I wore myself out," John Ross said. Everyone laughed at his "matter of fact" confession. The telephone rang and Teresa answered it. She tuned around and handed the phone to J.R. as she said, "Telephone call for Mister J.R." J.R. accepted the phone from Teresa's hand and stood up from the table. He excused himself, and walked over to the house, away from the noise at the table. It was Jack Pendleton. The financing for J.R.'s new business venture should be finalized later that afternoon. Jack would call J.R. when the paperwork was in order. J.R hung up the phone and walked back over to the table. Sue Ellen gave him a questioning look and J.R. simply smiled. He had no intention of telling Bobby about his new business plans.
Bobby and Christopher invited John Ross to go to the water park with them. John Ross asked for permission, and both J.R. and Sue Ellen agreed that he could go. J.R. wanted to tell Sue Ellen about Jack's phone call, but he'd wait until they were alone. Miss Ellie excused herself from the table. She and Mavis Anderson had a Daughter's of the Alamo meeting at eleven thirty, and it was almost ten o'clock. Sue Ellen tapped at J.R.'s leg under the table, glad that she didn't have to go to the DOA meeting. Those days were behind her, and it was a welcome relief. J.R. reached across the tabled and touched Sue Ellen's hand. Darlin', I've got some business to take care of in Dallas. Would you like to ride in with me?" Sue Ellen said, "No, thank you, Darlin'. I think I'm gonna stay here and get some sun." J.R. tenderly kissed her cheek before he turned to go inside. Neither he nor Sue Ellen wanted to make anyone aware of their engagement until the Ewing Barbeque. After J.R. left, Sue Ellen and Clayton were left alone at the table, while Clayton finished reading the newspaper. Clayton set the paper aside, when he heard Sue Ellen clear her throat. "I'm sorry, Sue Ellen. How are you doing? It's really good to have you back. How long will you be stayin' in Dallas?" he asked. Sue Ellen eyes' quickly dropped to her left hand and then back at Clayton. She smiled her dazzling smile, and said, "I'm not sure Clayton. I've missed John Ross so much. I'm tempted to never leave." Clayton asked her about her divorce from Don and how she was handling the news of his suicide attempt. She didn't want to tell him about Miranda Barrington. He would find out soon enough, once the tabloids got wind of it. She simply told him that she was much stronger than anyone remembered, and she was handling things very well, under the circumstances.
Clayton folded his arms in front of him, and studied her carefully. "Sue Ellen, you've been like a daughter to me, and I would be remiss, if I didn't ask about you and J.R." Sue Ellen defensively sat back in her chair, and tried to sound pleasant and said, "Ask me anything you'd like, Clayton." "I noticed that ring on your finger last night when you sat next to Miss Ellie. Is that from your marriage to Don, or is there something you're not telling us?" Sue Ellen looked at her left hand, the ring sparkled in the light of the sun. She icily said, "What I choose to wear doesn't concern you, or anyone else for that matter, Clayton." Clayton could tell from her tone that she didn't want to discuss her relationship with J.R., but he continued, "I know what you went through the last time you and he reconciled. I wouldn't want you to go through that hell again, because of J.R." Sue Ellen folded her napkin and threw it on the patio table. She stood up and walked over by the pool. She softly spoke, "Clayton, do you know what it feels like to love someone so much that no matter what they put you through, you just pray that they'll change? They have to go through something so terrible, that they're forced to change. Then, you know without a doubt that they'll change, eventually?" Clayton turned around and said, "Yes, I felt that way about my first wife, Amy. She cheated on me more than once, and I still found the love and forgivin' in my heart to take her back." Sue Ellen glared at him from over her shoulder and said, "Then why is so damn difficult for anyone to accept that maybe, J.R. has changed? Maybe when he realized that I could survive without him and the precious Ewing name, that he realized he needed me as much as I ever needed him?" She continued her tirade, "People can change, Clayton. Look at you. You told Afton Cooper that you were in love with me once, and you never bothered telling me how you felt. You still married Miss Ellie, in spite of your feelings for me." The tone of Sue Ellen's voice was increasing in pitch, as she continued, "There are millions of people in the world, Clayton. Why is it so bloody impossible for you or anyone else to accept that some people, including J.R., can change?" The expletive Sue Ellen uttered caught Clayton by surprise. Clayton looked at Sue Ellen, not wanting to fuel her ire, and walked over to her side. "I'm sorry, Sue Ellen." He kissed her lightly on her cheek and walked back into the house. Sue Ellen eyed him furiously as he closed the door behind him.
Sue Ellen lay on a chaise lounge, next to the swimming pool. She wore a dark green bathing suit with high cut legs, and a deep, plunging neckline. Her eyes were shielded from the sun by a pair of sunglasses. He blond hair was pulled back into a bun, to allow for maximum exposure to the midday sun. J.R. pulled into the drive. He walked over to Sue Ellen and whistled. Sue Ellen removed her glasses, and squinted at him, "Hi, Darlin'. How did it go in Dallas?" she asked. J.R. pulled a chair beside her chaise and said, "I've got my financin', sugar. How would you like to go celebrate?" Sue Ellen didn't feel like celebrating anything, especially after her very one-sided discussion with Clayton, but she didn't want to let J.R. down, so she agreed. J.R. longingly gazed at Sue Ellen as she leaned forward in the chaise. He reached out his hand and touched her leg. Sue Ellen caught her breath, as the touch of his hand on her skin caused her to wonder what type of celebration J.R. had in mind. He pulled her face to his and kissed her hard on the mouth. Sue Ellen lifted her hand to his face and touched his cheek. J.R. pulled her off of the chaise and onto his lap in one swift move. Sue Ellen let out a surprised gasp. She said, "J.R. you are just full of surprises," her Texas drawl inflected in her words. J.R. kissed her again, as he moved his hand around to her back. When J.R. pulled away, his voice low, he said, "Sugar, how 'bout we celebrate upstairs, before we go into town?" Sue Ellen flashed him a delicious smile as she stood up and took his hand. "That's the best offer I've had all day, Darlin'." J.R. swatted her butt with the towel she dropped on his lap as he quickly followed her into the house.