Sue Ellen hadn't thought it possible to have even a small wedding prepared in the space of just a few weeks. However, the time was just right in hers and JR's opinion and so, with the determination and sense of purpose that she had acquired over the years together with a mature willingness to compromise, their big day was here.

Miss Ellie and Clayton had returned in time to celebrate with them. Their return to Southfork proved emotional, not just for the couple but for the rest of the family as well. John Ross and Christopher hadn't realised how much they had missed their grandma and grandpa Clayton until they were back. It was like old times again they commented wistfully as they took their seats for the pre-ceremony dinner that Miss Ellie had quickly and skilfully organised.

JR beamed with delight as he drew his bride-to-be's chair back for her. He hadn't done very much in terms of the preparations but his words of encouragement and praise had been enough to spur Sue Ellen on. As the starter was served they heard the front door open and close again. "Lucy!" Miss Ellie exclaimed. "You know me, grandma, never one to miss a Ewing party" Lucy joked as she delivered a warm hug to her grandmother. "Where's Mitch?" Bobby asked. "He can't make it unfortunately. He has clinical duties but he sends his love" she replied, taking what had always been her usual seat.

Dinner was filled with laughter, the bad times banished, forgotten, history. Miss Ellie looked around the table and smiled. Suddenly she felt a little sad. One of her boys was missing. Gary, the outsider, had obviously decided not to come, preferring to stay in California, she presumed. That is unless he hadn't been invited knowing JR's antipathy towards his middle brother. She decided not to enquire in case it dampened the atmosphere, turning her attention to Sue Ellen instead.

Sue Ellen looked radiant, as beautiful as ever, younger than her years but, more than that, she seemed happy. Who would ever have imagined that she and JR would find each other again and be as happy as they now were, she mused. Perhaps they had always stayed in love and, now, finally, they were able to have a successful, loving and faithful marriage.

"Where's your mother?" Miss Ellie asked. "She's on a round the world cruise with her latest gentleman friend. Pity she couldn't make it" Sue Ellen responded smiling ruefully. "Does she approve?" "She took it quite well, really. She just said that some things are meant to be." JR patted her hand and smiled. Even Patricia hadn't put a dampener on them being married, he thought as he tucked into his food.

When dinner was over Sue Ellen, accompanied by John Ross, took their leave. "I can't wait until tomorrow, darlin" JR told her as he escorted her to her car. "Neither can I" she told him, kissing him softly on the lips. "It's going to be magical."

The following morning Sue Ellen woke early. She walked to her bedroom window and was amazed to see a light but definite covering of snow adorning her garden. Her attention then turned to the group of decorators busily hanging thousands of fairy lights on the trees lining the driveway. She clapped softly to herself. The winter wonderland that she had envisaged was taking shape. She put on her robe and walked downstairs where her housekeeper was supervising the delivery of the flowers.

She followed the florist into the orangery which was where the ceremony was to take place and gasped at its utter transformation. In each corner stood a huge Christmas tree, elegantly decorated and covered in white lights. The chairs for the guests had been neatly placed in rows offset by yellow silk bows in homage to the colour of the roses featured in the floral arrangements. At the head of the room overlooking the garden was a deep arch of flowers. She marvelled at its intricate beauty, a fitting spot for them to exchange their vows, she decided.

"Are you pleased, Mrs Ewing?" the florist asked. "Oh yes! Thank you. It all looks wonderful. I'm thrilled! It is just how I imagined it would look like." Moving back into the main part of the house Sue Ellen glanced at the clock. After a light breakfast it would be time to get ready. This time, she would do her hair and make-up herself. Having become finally confident about the way she looked she had decided that she wanted to keep her look natural and unforced.

As she poured herself a cup of coffee John Ross came in. Bleary-eyed, he made for the refrigerator. His mother smiled as she watched him select a number of items and place them on the counter before swigging orange juice straight from the bottle. Today she couldn't bring herself to admonish him for not using a glass as she usually did.

Their housekeeper came through and automatically began the process of cooking the food that John Ross had chosen. "Are you excited mom?" the young man asked as he waited impatiently for his finished plate. Sue Ellen nodded. "Have you seen the weather?" she asked. "It's like a dream having snow today of all days. The gardens are going to look just fantastic."

John Ross shrugged his shoulders disinterestedly. It was the party after the wedding that he was looking forward to. That and the attendance of the girl from school that he had been permitted to invite were the main things for him.

Sue Ellen sipped her coffee. "Do you still have your doubts?" she asked "about your father and me?" John Ross shook his head. "Not any more. After what you told me happened in London, how dad protected you, I finally believe that he has changed. He was miserable without you, he appreciates that now. I don't think he will do anything to jeopardise things between you anymore."

His words touched her mainly because she felt exactly the same. JR was different these days, at least where she was concerned. She had no doubt that his capacity for ruthlessness still existed but she had seen a mellower side to him, one that no longer cared about the image he portrayed to others, one who could be himself when he was with her at long last. In a few hours she would be Mrs JR Ewing once more and the thought made her happy.

Tbc

Thanks for reading and reviewing. I'm sorry for the lack of updates. Very busy time. There will be the wedding before Christmas : )