Landing safely back at Dallas Fort Worth Airport Sue Ellen breathed a sigh of relief. Not even Don, with all the issues that clearly blighted him, would dare to set foot on Texan soil again, she reassured herself. JR squeezed her hand gently and smiled, glad as she was to be back home.

Unbeknown to them Don had arrived at their hotel in London that morning demanding to be given access to their suite. Politely yet curtly he had been informed that Mr and Mrs Ewing had cut their trip short and taken the first direct flight home. Even if Don could have got through the early morning traffic to Heathrow he would almost certainly be too late to catch them.

Stepping out into the bright Dallas sunshine, the winter gloom of London long behind them, JR held the door of the limousine open for Sue Ellen. "London is an interesting city, honey, but I sure am happy to be back on home turf" he told her as he watched her get into the vehicle. Sue Ellen did not demur, flopping back exhausted into her seat. Notwithstanding their first- class mode of travel the journey had been long and tiring and all she wanted now was home and her bed. Their bed, she reminded herself happily, delighted by the considerable concession that JR had made by moving in with her and not insisting upon her return to Southfork.

She rested her head on JR's shoulder as the limousine pulled away from Arrivals and quickly made its way towards the exit signs for the highway. Now was not the time to talk about the madness of what had happened with Don. She wanted to forget all about it and get on with her new life with the man she had always truly loved, the man that had been her first husband and soon would be her husband once more.

She closed her eyes in response to JR's arm wrapped protectively around her and fell asleep. JR watched her, amazed by her serene beauty, something that much to his regret he had taken for granted for so long until, finally ground down by his constant betrayals, she had taken her leave of him, intending it to be permanent.

Now he had one final chance and he was determined not to throw it away. He reflected sadly on how things had been in the past. They could have had so many wonderful experiences together but his ambition, arrogance and vanity had stood in the way. Now it was different. Ewing Oil could run itself for significant periods of time without any real detriment to the company, he mused. In any case it wouldn't be that long before John Ross took over. Full retirement may not be an entirely realistic option but longer periods of leave, in effect semi-retirement, suddenly seemed extremely appealing, especially now he had his former Miss Texas back by his side.

She stirred prompting him to draw her closer to him. Her warmth and softness were intoxicating. Later, when they had rested, he intended on showing her just how much he loved and appreciated her. He buried his face in her hair and inhaled, luxuriating in the combination of her perfume and unique fragrance, as the vehicle whisked them ever closer to home.

As they turned into the drive she woke. "We're home, honey" he informed her, prompting a warm smile. "Thank the Lord" she murmured before sitting up and surveying her surroundings. The gardens were as immaculate as ever and the pool glimmered in the sunlight. Suddenly she was struck by an idea- this was the perfect place for she and JR to be married, she decided. The event could be kept personal and intimate here, just as she had envisaged it. Now she just had to persuade JR who had been keener on a more elaborate affair when they had discussed it previously.

As they exited the vehicle she kept her thoughts to herself. Right then all she wanted was to get inside, to enjoy the comfort that she had brought to their home with JR, the love of her life. "Are you alright, darlin?" JR asked, attempting to assess her expression. "Better than alright" she responded. "I'm happy to be home but, more than that, I am happy to be with you, JR. I can't remember if I thanked you properly for the care and protection that you afforded to me when we were in England. I am truly grateful though."

JR smiled mischievously. "You can thank me later, sugar. Right now, though, we need to have a good rest." He took her hand, preventing her from acting on her instincts and attending to their bags, detesting the idea of having to unpack later. "Leave them" he commanded. "There's plenty of time for that." He shot a meaningful glance at the housekeeper who nodded in response. She would sort through the things that needed to go to the dry cleaner and the laundry while her employer slept.

"Shall we take a short shower before we get into bed?" she asked as he led her into their bedroom and closed the door firmly behind them. JR nodded and, before she could react, he slipped her jacket from her shoulders, smiling wickedly as he did so. They were too tired to go the whole way but he relished the idea of getting naked with her.

She turned on the water, feeling the temperature with her hand until it was perfect. Then, without a hint of embarrassment, she began to take her clothes off while he watched. She raised her eyebrow in response, teasing him to follow suit.

Lacking nothing in the way of confidence JR began to undress. When they were both done they stepped into the large shower cubicle, JR pulling Sue Ellen to him, his hands wandering over her body on the pretext of helping her to get clean. "Sue Ellen, I love you and I want to be married to you again as soon as possible" he murmured. "I don't care where we do it or how many people are present I just want it to happen quickly. I need you to be my wife. I need you to be mine."

"You need to call your mama" Sue Ellen whispered dreamily. "All we need are those closest to us. Nobody else matters."

Tbc

I am sorry that I haven't updated this story for ages. I've been busy writing other stories and lost the plot with this one. I promise though that you are going to get a wedding. Thanks for reading and reviewing : )