Sue Ellen Ewing opened her eyes, embracing the morning sunlight that streamed through the balcony window. Her attention was drawn to the classic family photo that adorned her nightstand. The photograph was new, taken only a short month ago in front of the Southfork ranch, where she lived with her husband and his family. It was intended as a gift for Miss Eleanor Southworth Ewing to celebrate her birthday. There was a great deal of planning involved, all of it led by Ewing patriarch Jock Ewing, who usually spent his days overseeing his sons at Ewing Oil – but the family photo was special. Miss Ellie had commented on several occasions that the old photo in the living room was becoming outdated. There were going to be several new additions to the Ewing family in the coming months. The first was Sue and J.R.'s second child. Sue Ellen was in late in her third trimester of pregnancy, and almost ready to deliver. Pam and Bobby were going to be adopting a newborn in just a few short months.
Ellie had wanted an image of the family just as they were, which wasn't going to be an easy task, considering the fact that everyone had lives of their own to lead. Miss Ellie had her DOA meetings and running the ranch house, J.R. and Bobby spent their mornings and afternoons at the Ewing building in downtown Dallas, Pam worked afternoons at the Store, nineteen year-old Lucy went to school at SMU, and Sue Ellen found herself altering her daily activities to make way for the new baby. Afternoons that were once spent with Miss Ellie working on their favorite charities were now spent decorating the nursery and preparing for the birth.
Yet Jock still found a way to get everyone together and surprise his wife with one final look at the Ewing family. Everyone looked so happy, sitting outside on the patio. Miss Ellie sat on a wicker chair, with her granddaughter Lucy resting at her feet. Behind Ellie was her husband Jock Ewing, standing proud as could be, admiring his family. To his left were his youngest son Bobby and his wife Pam. On the other side of Jock stood Sue Ellen and her husband J.R. Sue Ellen held their first son, John Ross Ewing III – who was now two years old – in her arms. Her enlarged pregnant belly showed in the picture, but she did not care. In less than a month, there was going to be a new addition to the Ewing family.
A happy sigh escaped from Sue Ellen's lips as she fingered her stomach, the product of her new and revived marriage to her husband. Though the two had been married for over ten years, it was not until a few short months ago that their marriage really began to click and take form. For years, they were two strangers, bound together by marriage, playing the role of happy husband and wife on the inside, while hiding animosity behind closed doors. They were two people that loved each other very much, but could not show it the way other couples could. She was plagued by fear of horrible ghosts of the past – each indiscretion her husband committed against her pulling her away from him. He was too proud and arrogant to let his guard down, and let his love for his wife show.
The bedroom door creaked open, shedding more light into the bedroom. Sue Ellen raised her eyes and grinned at the man before her.
"Morning, Darling," Sue Ellen said, attempting to sit up.
"Hello, Sugar," J.R. said, kneeling next to his wife. "These are for you," he said, presenting her with a dozen yellow roses. He gently kissed his wife's cheek, taking her hand in his. "How are you feeling?"
"Just fine," Sue Ellen smiled. "I'm afraid I slept in this morning," she said quietly.
J.R. climbed into the king-size bed. "You were up late last night."
"I couldn't sleep." Sue Ellen snuggled up to her husband, relishing his familiar yet unique scent. "This pregnancy is killing me. When I was carrying John Ross, I was too hung over to remember anything, but now…" Sue Ellen frowned, burying her head in her husband's chest.
"Just a few more weeks, Darlin'. Then we'll have a beautiful new baby."
Sue Ellen kissed J.R.'s nose, "I couldn't have done this without you." Sue Ellen closed her eyes. "I want this baby to be a healthy one. We were so fortunate that John Ross was not affected by the accident or my drinking." Sue Ellen recalled her nightmarish days in the sanitarium, seven months pregnant and angry at the world. All she wanted was to drink – to go back to Southfork and close herself away from the world. She was not thinking when she attacked the orderly, or snuck into her car and drove off, slamming into a pole. The Lord had protected her and the baby, neither one being physically damaged from the accident.
A tiny tear formed in her eye as the events of her previous pregnancy flooded her mind. J.R. looked at her and gently squeezed her hand, knowing what she was thinking of. "That's all over, Sue Ellen," he assured, kissing her forehead. "This time we've done everything right.
"How can you be sure?" she whispered.
"The doctors said that both you and the baby are healthy, there's nothing to worry about."
"For the longest time, I wondered if I would be able to have another child, after my accident."
"Life has given us another chance, Sue Ellen." J.R. ran his fingers through her hair. "Do you know how lucky we are? To get a second chance at marriage, to have another child?"
"I wouldn't want to do this with anyone else," Sue Ellen sighed. She knew that her husband was right. The pregnancy was going wonderfully. She was careful to take her vitamins, do her exercises, and attend all prenatal appointments. J.R. was with her every step of the way. Whether he was showering her with attention, or stealing time away from the office to go to the doctor with her, J.R. had become a changed man; he was ready to take fatherhood seriously and his wife and child became his first priority.
"How was the office?" Sue Ellen asked.
"The usual. Bobby is insisting that he play a greater role in the company. Now he wants to sit in on cartel meetings."
Sue Ellen laughed, "I know how you feel about that. What does Jock say?"
"Daddy's all for it," J.R. grumbled.
"You are still President of Ewing Oil, and Bobby can never take that away," Sue Ellen reassured.
"He'd have to kill me first," J.R. nodded. "Anyway, with mamma planning the annual Ewing barbeque today, there wasn't much work to be done."
Sue Ellen frowned. "I was supposed to be helping Miss Ellie and Pam set everything up." Sue Ellen struggled to get out of bed, but J.R. held her down.
"Mamma and Pam have the situation under control, Sugar. No one wants you working too hard in your condition."
""I am not an invalid, J.R.," Sue Ellen said indignantly. "I can pull my own weight."
"The doctor said to be careful these last few weeks," J.R. reminded her. "We don't want to take any chances."
"I can't wait until this baby is out, and I can start going back to my old activities."
"All in good time, my love, all in good time." J.R. sympathized with Sue Ellen's situation. She had been reduced to roaming around the house, Miss Ellie and Jock were very concerned about the fate of their third grandchild. J.R. hated seeing Sue Ellen so unhappy but he was not going to take any chances, not wanting Sue Ellen to endanger herself or the child.
"It's going to be a long day," Sue Ellen murmured. It was the dead summer in Texas, and the July heat was being unmerciful to the Dallas inhabitants. But Miss Ellie was determined to follow through with another successful Ewing barbeque. It was always a grand affair, with people from all over the county coming to celebrate and socialize with the Ewings. There was good food, good drink, good company, and sometimes-good entertainment when the drunken guests got out of control.
"Everyone will want to touch my stomach," Sue Ellen complained, thinking about the horrific Texans who had no concept of personal space. On several occasions, Sue Ellen found herself cornered, answering the same-old questions about how far along she was, how she was feeling, or what the gender of the baby was.
"I'll be by your side the entire time," J.R. promised, dedicating the afternoon to ward off any unwanted attention that floated her way.
Sue Ellen pulled J.R. in for a deep kiss, her way of thanking him for stepping up to protect her. "At least I have you on my side," Sue Ellen smiled, relieved to know that she had at least one ally at the party.
"Look at it this way, this will be the last party before you go into labor."
Sue Ellen laughed. "Not quite. Lucy, Pam, and Miss Ellie have been whispering among themselves about an upcoming baby shower."
J.R. laughed along with his wife. "Now that, I may not be able to help you with. Do you want a baby shower?"
"I would never begrudge Miss Ellie, Lucy, or Pam of throwing me the party. They're all so excited." Sue Ellen looked out the window, admiring the Southfork crew as they prepared for the afternoon activities. "And they'll never know that I know what they're planning," Sue Ellen laughed.
"So you'll just act surprised?" J.R. asked, kissing his wife's fingertips.
"They can have their fun; I won't spoil it for them. At least it will be indoors."
J.R. rested his hands on Sue Ellen's bulging belly, hoping to feel the surge of movement from the baby. "Another kick," he said happily. He didn't tell Sue Ellen, but he would love to have another son in the family, another executive for Ewing Oil, ensuring that the future of the company would lie with him and not Bobby.
Sue Ellen slowly released herself from J.R.'s hold. "You know, J.R., as nice as this is, just lying here, we need to get up and get ready for the barbeque."
"You mean you're not enjoying lying here with me," J.R. asked in mock concern.
"J.R.!" Sue Ellen scolded, seeing through his ploy. "I want you up and out of this bed." Sue Ellen pulled at J.R.'s arms, forcing him upright.
"Just remember that you and I have a private date tonight when the festivities are over."
"I'm looking forward to it," Sue Ellen smiled as she ducked into the closet.
-----
Bobby Ewing stepped out on the front porch, admiring the handiwork of his mamma and wife. Pamela monitored the servants as they carefully prepared the tables. Years of tutelage under Miss Ellie and Sue Ellen had turned Pam from a working girl to a Dallas socialite. Bobby was pleased to know that after all of this time, she hadn't lost her old spark and personality.
"Bobby," Pam said, embracing her husband. "Doesn't everything look wonderful?"
"You've done a good job," Bobby said, giving Pam a kiss.
"I'm almost done setting up with Miss Ellie. I'll be heading off to get Aunt Maggie, Jimmy, and Cliff."
Bobby tried to hide a frown at the mention of Pam's brother Cliff Barnes but nothing got by Pam.
"Bobby, he's my brother."
"Are you sure that bringing him here is a good idea?"
"Cliff promised to be good," Pam assured him as she got into her car. "I'll see you soon."
-----
Sue Ellen stood in front of the full-length mirror as she turned to the side in her long, evergreen dress.
J.R. snuck up behind her. "I must be the luckiest man in Dallas to have you for an escort," he said, kissing her neck.
Sue Ellen turned towards her husband, a small frown on her mouth. "Are you sure you can say that, J.R.?" J.R. held his wife's gaze. "Look at me; I'm going to be the biggest person at the barbeque. I..." tears began to fill in Sue Ellen's eyes, "I look…."
"Glowing," J.R. finished, kissing Sue Ellen passionately on the mouth. "I meant what I said about having the prettiest date."
"You have another woman stashed on the side?" Sue Ellen laughed, fighting back her wayward emotions.
"What do I need to do to show you how much I love you?" J.R. asked.
"I suppose I'm just nervous," Sue Ellen said quietly.
J.R. pulled Sue Ellen to his chest. "You are the love of my life, Darlin', and I wouldn't care if you were short and bald, I'd love you all the same."
Sue Ellen beamed at J.R.'s assurance.
"What do you say we head down to the barbeque?" J.R. said, extending his arm for Sue Ellen.
"Let's go," Sue Ellen smiled, taking her husband's arm.
-----
Music and laughter filled the Ewing ranch as guests and friends came to the summer gala. Miss Ellie was in the center of it all, saying hello to friends and directing the staff on what to do. Jock was sitting over by the bar, sneaking a shot of whiskey while his wife was not looking. Ray was enjoying a day off from the ranch, flirting with one of the wives of a local ranch hand. Lucy was huddled in a group of college friends that she had invited to the ranch, eying the crowd for other eligible bachelors.
J.R. kept his hand at the small of Sue Ellen's back, guiding her through the crowd and going through the motions right along with her. She was right to be worried about being flooded with attention due to the pregnancy. Sue Ellen did her very best to remain a proper hostess as she battled the southern heat and hospitality.
Bobby stood outside, keeping his eye on his watch for his wife who was missing in action. Last week she had decided to invite her brother Cliff, her Aunt Maggie, and her cousin Jimmy to the party – much to the chagrin of J.R. and Jock, who had a very unpleasant time at the last barbeque the Barnes family attended. But Pam was convinced that things were different now; Digger had passed away, and with the upcoming adoption, Pam wanted to bring both of her families together.
Miss Ellie and Sue Ellen had both agreed to keep an eye on their husbands, making sure that they did not start trouble Pam's family, especially Cliff. However, even with promises of good behavior, Bobby was unsure of whether Cliff coming to the ranch was a good idea. Cliff was infamous for having a big mouth and starting fights with enemies – especially Ewings. Bobby wondered how J.R. would react to Cliff's presence. He was glad to see that his brother had mellowed out in the past few months, but anything could happen at a Ewing barbeque, and Bobby did not know what to expect.
"Would you look at that," J.R. commented when he finally found a minute alone with his wife, "Bobby looks like a lost puppy waiting for that wife of his."
"J.R.," Sue Ellen chided, "remember what you promised me?"
"I said that I wasn't going to start anything with Barnes," J.R. nodded. "And I won't – as long as that idiot keeps his mouth shut."
"He's Pam's brother."
"And he is unwanted," J.R. finished. "If it weren't for her…."
"Pamela," Sue Ellen interjected, displeased with J.R.'s casual attitude towards his sister-in-law. Pam had been married to Bobby for over three years, and J.R. still refused to accept her in the family.
"If it weren't for Pamela, there wouldn't be and Barneses at this barbeque at all," J.R. muttered.
Sue Ellen squeezed J.R.'s hand. "Darling, Cliff helped me during our difficult time together," she gently reminded. "He provided insight for me on my relationship with you."
J.R. gently kissed her cheek, recalling the difficult weeks that Sue Ellen spent away from him, unable to cope with their tumultuous marriage. After Sue Ellen returned to him, he vowed that he would do everything in his power to make her happy.
"I suppose I do owe him a certain amount of gratitude for that," J.R. grinned.
J.R. held her close, recalling the difficult weeks that she spent away from him, unable to cope with their tumultuous marriage. After Sue Ellen returned to him, he vowed that he would do everything in his power to make her happy.
The last thing J.R. wanted was for Sue Ellen to be overly stressed during her final stage of pregnancy. She had been through so much in the past several years; she deserved all of the happiness and joy that motherhood would bring.
A car pulled into the Southfork driveway. The crowd hushed as the passengers exited the car, not knowing what to expect. Pamela Barnes Ewing rushed to the back to help Aunt Maggie.
"They're here," J.R. muttered, dreading the afternoon before him. Sue Ellen remained at his side, her eyes diverting to Cliff, who she had not seen in the past several months. A small smile crossed her mouth when she saw that he had not changed. Cliff took Maggie's hand as Jimmy escorted Pam to the party.
Miss Ellie Ewing rushed to greet her daughter-in-law. "Hello," Ellie said confidently, her smile putting the guests at ease. No one knew what would happen when a Barnes and a Ewing crossed paths, everyone held their breath in anticipation. Ellie hugged Maggie, and shook Cliff and Jimmy's hand, signaling to the masses that the party was to continue.
"Maybe he won't come over," J.R. said. He watched as Pam came towards Bobby, hugging him tightly. She was glad that her brother was an approved guest at Southfork, and had high hopes for the afternoon.
Jimmy Monahan stood in the crowd feeling somewhat left out. He came to keep Cliff in check, in case things got out of hand. The truth was, he didn't know a soul at the barbeque. He watched as Cliff began to mingle with others, coming to the realization that his presence was not required.
"Hi!"
Jimmy jumped at the feminine voice that greeted him. He slowly turned around.
"I didn't think you'd remember me," she smiled.
"Who can forget Lucy Ewing," Jimmy beamed, glad to know that someone approached him. He met Lucy at his first Ewing barbeque, and she had wasted no time in pulling him up to the hayloft. Nothing came of the encounter – his Cousin Pam had seen to that –, but Lucy had remained in the back of his mind.
Lucy pulled Jimmy into a hug. "I haven't heard from you since the last barbeque."
"I've been busy."
Lucy studied Jimmy quizzically. There was something about him that Lucy couldn't find in any other guy. Maybe it was his aloofness. Most men that Lucy knew drooled all over her, wanting to jump through hoops just to have a weekend date with her. But not Jimmy Monahan. He had been distant during their first meeting in the hayloft – Lucy had been unable to seduce him the way she could everyone else – and she saw him as a challenge.
Maybe this is my second chance, Lucy laughed to herself, pulling Jimmy into the circle. There was no way that she was going to let Jimmy go this time.
"Is that Lucy going off with Jimmy?" Pam frowned, watching an eager Lucy take an unsuspecting Jimmy behind the barn.
"Jimmy is a man, Pammy, and fully capable of taking care of himself," Bobby said.
"Most men seem to lose their senses around Lucy," Pam said sarcastically, unable to enjoy the party.
Bobby laughed at his wife. "Honey, if Jimmy isn't interested in Lucy, he can tell her that himself."
"Did I tell you where I found those two at a previous Ewing barbeque?" Pam questioned. "The one where Digger came?" Bobby said nothing. "He was in the hayloft with her."
"That must have been embarrassing for everyone involved," Bobby laughed, recalling a few instances with old girlfriends where he had been caught.
"Nothing happened that day."
"Then why are you worried?"
"Because I think something would have happened if I hadn't intercepted."
Bobby took a hold of Pam's shoulders. "That happened a couple years ago. If Lucy and Jimmy were interested in one another, they would have gotten in touch after the barbeque."
Pam slowly relented to Bobby's theory as she ventured out with Miss Ellie to socialize but not before seeing Jimmy and Lucy climb up the ladder to the hayloft.
Sue Ellen sat down in one of the off-white lounge chairs, her feet swollen from hours of standing. The barbeque was going smoothly, no one had made a scene yet, and it seemed like the one Ewing barbeque that could go down in the books as being uneventful. She admired the view before her, looking forward to the day when she could bring her new baby to the barbeque. Her eyes lifted, and she came face to face with Cliff Barnes.
"Is this seat taken?" he asked, holding out an ice tea for her to take.
"No," Sue Ellen smiled, accepting the drink.
Cliff took a seat next to her, watching J.R. talk business with Jock and some of the oilmen. "So how have you been?" He had wanted to call her and see, find out how the pregnancy was treating her, but he wasn't sure if his coming would be the best thing for Sue Ellen. She was at a good place with J.R., and he didn't want to be responsible for spoiling it.
"Pregnant," Sue Ellen laughed. "It's different than the way I remembered; but I suppose that's a good thing."
Cliff breathed a sigh of relief, knowing that Sue Ellen was content. Pam had kept him filled in on the status of her pregnancy over the past few months, which he was very grateful for.
"How are you? How's the DA's office?"
"Boring. I'm working towards starting a practice of my own with a few colleagues of mine."
"That's wonderful."
"How are things with J.R.?"
Sue Ellen closed her eyes as the ice tea entered her system. "Surprisingly good. He's been attentive, caring, involved – he really wants the marriage to work. And so do I."
"So you made the right choice?"
"I think so."
Cliff opened his mouth to speak but was interrupted. "Well, Barnes, glad to see you keeping an eye on my wife," J.R. said, tipping his hat to the attorney. J.R. placed a glass of ice tea next to Sue Ellen, miffed to see that Cliff had already served her.
"The pleasure was all mine," Cliff said unflinchingly, rising to meet his adversary.
J.R. nodded, towering over the little man. Sue Ellen shot him a careful look, pleading him to be civil to Cliff.
"I should probably be going," Cliff said quickly, taking one last look at Sue Ellen. "It was wonderful to see you again, Sue Ellen."
"You too," she whispered, holding J.R.'s hand.
J.R. watched him go off to talk to other party guests. "What did he want?" he asked, taking a seat next to Sue Ellen, placing a protective hand on her knee.
"He was just saying hello, J.R. What is so wrong with that?" Sue Ellen demanded.
"When a former lover wants to say hello to my wife, I get concerned," J.R. replied, miffed by her tone.
"Oh, J.R., sometimes you can be so…so…jealous!" she spat.
J.R. frowned. "If I'm jealous, it's only because I love you so much."
Sue Ellen smiled at her husband. He may be a big man at Ewing Oil, but around Sue Ellen, he was insecure and unsure of her herself. "And I love you, J.R.," she replied, giving him a kiss on the mouth. "But you have nothing to worry about, because no one is ever going to come between us."
J.R. grinned, "I'm sorry for snapping at you, Honey. Things have been going so well for us lately; I don't want anything to change."
Sue Ellen gripped J.R.'s hand, sharing his concern for the state of their relationship. Six months of happiness was not enough for J.R. or Sue Ellen; they wanted to be happy together for a lifetime.
"Do you think you're well enough to dance with me, Sugar?" J.R. asked.
"You want to dance with this?" Sue Ellen laughed, pointing to her large belly. "I may knock you over."
"I'll risk it to be close to you," J.R. said, helping Sue Ellen to her feet. Sue Ellen allowed J.R. to pull her to the middle of the patio as a slow song came on. J.R. pulled her as close to his body as he could, relishing the precious moment with his wife.
Cliff Barnes watched the couple over a glass of beer, not noticing his younger sister next to him.
"Hi, Pam," Cliff said, glad to be distracted from watching J.R. and Sue Ellen.
"Hi yourself," Pam replied, hugging her brother. She noticed his frequent glances at Sue Ellen and J.R. "You know I don't think I thanked you for helping Sue Ellen while she was staying at Liz Craig's house," Pam said, hoping to break the ice. "That really meant a lot to her, and to me."
"Sue Ellen is a wonderful woman," Cliff said, his eyes locked on her. "She deserves the very best."
"Yes she does," Pam agreed. "I'm glad you took my advice and came today."
"I still don't see why it was so important," Cliff said bitterly.
"Cliff, this is our chance to bury the Barnes-Ewing feud for good."
Cliff frowned at Pam's attempt to get past the old times. "I'll never forgive the Ewings for what they did to Daddy," Cliff vowed. "He died before he could avenge his name, so I have to do it for him."
Pam touched Cliff's arm. "He was my daddy too, and I know that he wouldn't want you to destroy your life fighting this never ending battle. There are so many other things you can do besides fight."
"Not with the Ewings."
"Cliff – the adoption for Bobby's and my baby is coming soon. I want you to be there for your niece or nephew, play an active role in his or her life. You can't do that if you're fighting J.R., Jock, and Bobby."
"I've never had a problem with Bobby," Cliff said defensively. "I think he's a great guy stuck with a bad family. But Jock Ewing and especially J.R. – I can't stand either one of them."
"They're my family."
Cliff angrily placed his hand on his hips. "They're your family? Jock and J.R.! They don't' even consider you a Ewing!"
Stares and glances drifted over to where Cliff and Pam were as Cliff's voice began to grow louder.
Jimmy climbed down from the hayloft, where he was talking to Lucy and watched his cousins go into the ranch. "Maybe I should go after them and smooth things over," Jimmy said.
"No," Lucy said quickly, upset that the outburst disrupted her alone time with Jimmy. Not that she had gotten very far with him anyway. All he wanted to do was talk to her, which was not one of the activities Lucy wanted to participate in when she brought a man up to the hayloft. "I'm sure they can work the problem out themselves," she said, tugging at his shirt.
The argument between brother and sister did not escape J.R.'s attention. "I knew that jackass would make a fool of himself," J.R. laughed, stopping his dance with Sue Ellen, who looked at Pam, concerned for both her and her brother.
"Cliff," Pam said sternly, pulling her brother away from the party and into the ranch house.
"I told you I shouldn't have come!" Cliff snapped as the brother and sister entered the kitchen.
"When are you going to accept the fact that I am a member of the Ewing family?"
"When are you going to accept the fact that you are never going to be a Ewing? That family has treated Digger like dirt for decades and you're willing to forget all of that because you fell in love with Bobby Ewing!"
"I think you should go," Bobby said sternly, entering the kitchen, standing beside Pam.
"Oh you do, do you!" Cliff said defiantly.
"You've caused enough trouble for one day. Now are you going to leave quietly or do I need to escort you?"
Cliff stared at Pam, wanting her to say something – to apologize or stick up for him. But she said nothing, her heated glare burning into him. "Consider yourself divorced from the Barnes family," Cliff huffed, storming out the door, ignoring the whispers of onlookers.
Pam ran to the door, watching her brother leave with her Aunt Maggie. "Oh, Bobby," tears began to well in her eyes.
Bobby held Pam against his body, silently cursing Cliff for the trouble he had caused. "It will be alright, Pammy," he soothed.
All anyone could talk about outside was Cliff's outburst. Miss Ellie frowned at the state of affairs, trying to calm down the guests, but her attempts were futile.
Sue Ellen and J.R. stood in a corner. J.R. let out a laugh. "You know what the best part is, Darlin', Barnes made a fool out of himself, and I didn't even have to lift a finger."
Sue Ellen turned towards her husband. "You can be so insensitive at times, J.R.," she said angrily, going off in search of Pam, leaving J.R. alone.
Jimmy darted towards the Ewing gate, with Lucy going after him. "Cousin Cliff was my ride back."
"I can give you a lift," Lucy offered, looking to spend more time with the mysterious Jimmy.
"I don't want burden you."
"There's no way Cliff Barnes is coming back to this ranch," Lucy insisted. "My car is right over there."
Jimmy saw no point in arguing with Lucy as he followed her into the car and off the ranch, refusing to look back.
There was pandemonium and commotion in the house as Bobby went in search of his wife, who had run off somewhere.
"The next time I see Cliff, he'd better watch out!" Bobby shouted as Miss Ellie struggled to calm him down. By now, the barbeque was dying down, and the Ewing matriarch had a more important job to do than playing hostess.
"Bobby, I know she's somewhere in the house, we'll help you look for her."
"I knew that Barnes was nothing but trouble," Jock added, coming into the house. "Never should have invited him in the first place."
"That's enough Jock," Ellie said quietly. Eleanor Southworth Ewing was one of the few people that Jock Ewing would listen to, and when she gave an order, and he knew that when she gave an order, she meant business.
"Where's Lucy?" Ellie asked.
"She went to take Jimmy home," J.R. said. "Has anyone seen Sue Ellen?"
"I thought she was with you," Jock said.
"No, I think she went after Pam," J.R. said. "I can't believe she was stupid enough to bring that brother of hers to our home…."
"J.R.!" Bobby thundered, cutting him off. "I don't want to hear one word from you about Pam or Cliff!"
"There's no need to take your anger at Pam out on me," J.R. said defensively.
"You're the reason they're fighting!"
"That's not true."
"Enough," Ellie finished. "Let's all go find Pam and Sue Ellen.
J.R. and Bobby went off in separate directions as Ellie looked on worriedly. This barbeque had ended in the same way that many other barbeques had – in chaos.
Sue Ellen shielded the hot afternoon sun with her hand as she searched for Pam. Pam was a very caring person by nature – a peacemaker – and it was that role that often left her with a crushed spirit when disharmony occurred. All she wants is a little peace, Sue Ellen muttered to herself. Pam was one of the most unselfish people Sue Ellen had ever known – always willing to give to others – and it wasn't fair that she was the one who always got hurt.
Sue Ellen stopped in her tracks when she heard muffled sobs coming from the hayloft. "Pam," Sue Ellen called, "Pam, it's me, Sue Ellen." Sue Ellen raised her eyes, finding Pam curled up in a ball. Sue Ellen eyed the ladder adjacent to the top level. She knew that she shouldn't be doing any climbing in her condition. "Pam, do you want to talk?"
Tiny footsteps gave Sue Ellen the answer she needed. "Sue Ellen," Pam whispered, taking a seat on a barrel of hay, "oh, Sue Ellen."
Sue Ellen sat in a chair next to Pam. "I'm so sorry, Pamela."
"It's not your fault."
"If J.R. did anything to hurt you or Cliff, he'll answer to me," Sue Ellen vowed, fed up with her husband's unscrupulous tactics.
"This time J.R. isn't the problem. It's Cliff. He refuses to acknowledge the fact that I am a Ewing. I have been married to Bobby for over three years, and Cliff still can't come to terms with my choice."
"Cliff was always a stubborn man," Sue Ellen recalled. "He never likes to admit when he's wrong."
Pam laughed, knowing that Cliff was always one to back his opinions, no matter what they were. "You'd think that he would be happy for me – Bobby and I are finally adopting a child – my life is finally in place; but he wants nothing to do with me."
"Surely he doesn't mean that."
"He said I was divorced from the Barnes family."
Sue Ellen hugged her sister-in-law. "In a few days Cliff will calm down and he'll come around."
"I've been waiting for him to come around for the past three years. He's worse than Digger ever was. When he died, he surrendered his fight with the Ewings, he died in peace. Cliff – he's going to take this battle to the grave."
"Well that's his decision," Sue Ellen said finally. "And you shouldn't let a spoilsport like Cliff ruin the wonderful opportunities that you and Bobby are going to share."
Pam firmly nodded her head. "He will not ruin this baby for me. I am going to be the best mother in the world."
Sue Ellen grinned, knowing that Pam would make a fantastic mother. She had been waiting for a child since John Ross was born, and now her time had come.
"The men are looking for us," Sue Ellen said. "Bobby's very worried about you."
"I love Bobby with all my heart."
"And I love J.R. Lord knows he does the most frustrating things…."
"But you love him anyway," Pam concluded. Pam was slowly coming to terms with having J.R. as a brother-in-law. She had seen how much he pined for Sue Ellen, putting her needs before his own when she left, and changing his ways when she came back.
"J.R. is trying to be a better person," Sue Ellen said softly. "It's a slow process."
"But he's making progress – at least where you're concerned."
"I worry about how he's treating you."
"I can handle J.R."
"He isn't doing a much better job than Cliff in accepting the fact that you are a Ewing."
"He may never accept me, and I don't care. But Cliff… he's my brother, and I hate fighting with him."
"Give it time," Sue Ellen said, taking Pam's hand.
Pam gently helped Sue Ellen out of her chair as they walked arm-in-arm back to the ranch.
-----
The ride to Maggie Monahan's proved silent for Lucy and Jimmy. She could see that he was distraught over the recent scuffle, but this was impeding her goal of getting closer to Pam's cousin Jimmy. It had just occurred to her that they were technically related, but not by blood, so she assumed that pursuing Jimmy was acceptable."Here we are," Lucy said.
"Thanks, Lucy," Jimmy said, getting out of the car.
"Jimmy?"
"Yes?"
"Do you think that maybe I could see you again, sometime?" Lucy was not one-hundred percent confident in asking men out, mainly because she had always been the one being chased, and not the one chasing.
Jimmy looked at Lucy, wondering why she would want to see him again. "Sure. How's next Saturday?"
"It's a date."
"I'll call you later this week."
"Terrific," Lucy smiled as she drove off. Maybe she hadn't lost her touch quite yet.
-----
Sue Ellen slowly climbed into the bed, her body tired from a long day. J.R. entered the room, mad as anything at Bobby.
"Can you believe that Bobby tried to blame me for what happened between Pam and Cliff today? Honestly that family is so crazy – heh look who there their father was."
J.R. looked to Sue Ellen for support, but all he found was a cold, icy stare.
J.R. reached out to touch his wife, but she scooted away. "Darlin', whatever that Barnes woman said, I did not cause a fight between myself and Cliff."
"Her name is Pam, J.R.," Sue Ellen said, refusing to meet his eyes. "And she is a member of this family."
J.R. grimaced, "I'm trying my best, Sue Ellen."
"Are you, J.R.? Because you haven't been civil to her since the day she got here."
"It took time for everyone to get used to having her around – even you."
"Do you really hate her?"
"No, I don't. But I also don't think that she is the right woman for Bobby."
"He loves her; that should be enough."
"What does Pam have to do with us, Honey? I don't know why you got so upset with me."
"Pam is my friend, and it hurts me when you tear her down – in public and in private."
"I'll try to be nicer to Pam, honest I will." J.R. tugged at Sue Ellen's arm. "I don't want her destroying our relationship."
Sue Ellen turned to her husband. "The only one who has the power to destroy our marriage is you, J.R."
"I love you."
"And I love you too, and I know that you can find it in your heart to include Pam in the family. If not for her, then for me."
J.R. smiled, "You know I'd do anything for you, Sugar."
Sue Ellen snuggled up to her husband. "These past few months have been the best months of my life. I don't ever want them to end."
"They won't," J.R. promised, kissing Sue Ellen's forehead as he turned out the light. "I have lost you one too many times, and I couldn't bear losing you again."