The battle was over. Cliff Barnes was in handcuffs for the murder of J.R.
Bobby's voice, empty, teary, and hollow, carried on the breeze as he read J.R.'s letter to John Ross, Taylor, and Christopher. Bum stood by his side, tears streaming down all of their faces, except for John Ross and Taylor. They remained quiet, until Bobby finished and John Ross looked at him, his voice shaking as he spoke. "So who shot my father, Uncle Bobby?" There was a heavy silence, and then Bum spoke.
"I did. I shot J.R."
John Ross nearly fell on Taylor, barely staying upright. "John Ross, it was the hardest thing I ever had to do. You have to believe me." There was a moment of stillness, and then John Ross offered his hand to Bum. "Thank you, Bum." The private eye shook hands with him cautiously, then he, Christopher, and Bobby left Taylor and John Ross at J.R.'s grave. John Ross squatted down in front of the headstone, tears finally trailing down his face. "Thank you, Daddy, for watching over us. I love you." Taylor walked over to place her hand on his shoulder, John Ross laying his hand over hers. "I love you too, baby." She smiled at his words. "I know you do, John Ross. I love you too." He stood up, hugging her to him. "You know, this whole thing has really got me thinking, and I want us to get married next week, okay? Get everything set, because the wedding is gonna be next week. I've been through so much these last few months, and I'm ready to have my wife by my side. Is that okay?" Taylor burst into tears, smiling widely. "Yes, it's great with me." She kissed him softly, then let him slip his arm around her waist and lead her out the graveyard gate. Looking back over her shoulder, she smiled softly as the breeze blew through the tree over the graves. She could almost see J.R. smiling right now, chuckling softly.
Her voice was low as she whispered.
"Thank you, J.R."
