Austin, Texas

"Yes, have someone at reception bring it up" JR spoke to his driver and gave the instructions to have his overnight bag brought up to Sue Ellen's apartment. He hadn't even checked into his hotel, telling his driver to cancel the reservation if he hadn't called to be picked up after eleven the previous night; staying in his hotel was the backup plan, not what he really intended to do. "Who was that?" Sue Ellen came back into the bedroom after showering, she was in a great mood, JR had stayed the night and there was no awkwardness between them this morning. They both understood the boundaries she had before marriage and he was respectful of that, not pressuring her into anything more than she was comfortable with. She loved waking up with him and couldn't wait until they were married, then they wouldn't have to control themselves and she would get to experience everything he had to offer; for now though she was happy to just have him here. JR had come to terms with the fact that she wasn't as easily persuaded as he'd imagined, but he was ok with that; it was crazy to think that he was so emotionally attracted to her that the physical element of their relationship could wait. For now he was ok with spending the night in her bed without consummating their relationship, he would take what he could get and fill in the gaps without her, he didn't want to lose her by pushing her too far. He'd officially given up any personal relationship with Julie, though he did occasionally seek the affection of other women, they were women that he had no emotional connection with and he paid for their services. It wasn't cheating in his mind because there was no attachment, he would see those women once and never again; he justified that it was actually good for his relationship with Sue Ellen, neither of them were left unsatisfied now. "I called the car company, I'm having them deliver my bag and someone will bring it to me" he got out of the bed and started to dress in the clothes he'd worn the day before. Sue Ellen admired his body; of course, she always saw his chest when they were swimming at Southfork, but it seemed more private and intimate now. JR had a nice body, he wasn't as toned and physically fit as Bobby was, but she didn't care; he was much more attractive to her than his brother or any man she'd ever met, she didn't need him to look overly athletic, he already had many more attractive features. "Why don't you go take a shower, I'll get dressed and make us some breakfast" she enjoyed the quiet domesticity they had right now.

Dallas, Texas

Sue Ellen was always surprised by how the Ewings celebrated different events; nothing was ever just a small gathering, there were always decorations and catering to match the occasion. Today was no different, it was Independence Day and Southfork was covered in red, white and blue streamers, flags, balloons and other patriotic decorations. The barbecue was smaller than the annual Ewing barbecue or the Ewing rodeo, but it didn't feel any less festive; the Ewings invited their closest friends and associates and everyone knew that they were guaranteed a good time if they attended. As JR drove up the long driveway, Sue Ellen had mixed emotions; she was excited to be back at Southfork, she loved it there, but she was also nervous that someone would mention Miss America and she'd have another breakdown. It was still quite a traumatic event in her mind, even if she felt better now, she wasn't sure that she would feel that way all day. JR took hold of her hand when they got in the car and hadn't let go the entire drive back to Southfork, she loved the little gestures between them, it was subtly romantic and made her even more attracted to him.

"Sue Ellen" Miss Ellie hugged her and the two women went to sit on the patio, it was hot, sunny and there was a light breeze, the weather was perfect for an outdoor celebration. The two women chatted with each other for over an hour before the first guests started to arrive. Sue Ellen didn't feel so silly anymore when she stood with the Ewings and greeted the guests, she had been accepted by JR's family and the people of Dallas, and no one was surprised to see her in attendance today. The party started as soon as the band began to play, JR asked Sue Ellen to dance and she gladly accepted, she was having a great time already. A little while later, Sue Ellen giggled as they left the dancefloor to get a drink, "something funny?" JR queried, "well, yes and no. Do you remember our first date?" she could see he was confused, "I do…" he paused and waited for her to continue. "I was just thinking, this whole barbecue; it's so…Texas", she emphasised the final word and JR wasn't quite following where she was heading. "Well yes, we're in Texas. But what does that have to do with our first date?" She giggled again, "it doesn't really. I just remembered something you said and it linked back to where we are now". He gave her a look and she continued to speak, "you asked me about chili and I said it was one of those things that Texans just do well. I also mentioned barbecue, dance, football, and live music. When we were dancing just now, it reminded me of that moment. I don't know why I thought of it, I just did. Take the Texas two-step as an example, I don't even remember learning how to dance like that, I just know. But I love it and I love Texas; we really do things well here and I don't think I could ever live anywhere else. I suppose that's part of what we're celebrating today; the fourth of July is about the US as a country, but what is our country without Texas?" she finished speaking and JR just smiled, it was nice to see her enjoying herself and he loved hearing that she remembered little details about their dates. "I agree. Texas is my home and will always be my home. I suppose it's a good thing that you and I are agreed on the importance of Texas; you'll never decide that we should move away and start a new life in some other state. Can you imagine JR Ewing in Vermont or Massachusetts? It just doesn't work; Texas is my state and yours too. But, I do have to take credit for a few things, us Ewings throw the best parties in Texas and I think we should get a special mention. Don't tell me you've ever eaten better chili than my mama's, or seen prettier land than Southfork, or been on a better date than the ones I plan. No, us Ewings have the best and are the best and we only share the best with those closest to us" he grinned and she couldn't tell whether he was joking or not, "of course, how could I forget to mention the Ewing family, my mistake. Forgive me?" she jokingly pouted and he kissed her, "you're forgiven. Now, let's go and get a drink" he took her hand and they walked toward the bar.

"Come on, the best view of the fireworks is from the balcony" JR led her upstairs and onto the large balcony above the swimming pool, it was private enough for the two of them, but still public enough to enjoy the party. "JR?" she looked out over the ranch, not directly at JR, as she spoke, "how did you do it?" JR always had a number of schemes happening, but he didn't quite know which one she was referring to right now. "Keep everyone quiet" she gave him a knowing look, there was no way this just happened naturally, "today, three people mentioned Miss America and four people asked when you and I were getting married. But do you know how many of them were Ewings? Zero. Not one of your family members mentioned either of those two things; not even Lucy and she was certain that I'd win. So, how did you do it?" JR grinned, he loved that she thought he had that much power; it was true that he'd bought Lucy a few gifts to keep her quiet and he'd mentioned in passing to Bobby that she was still upset about the loss. But he couldn't believe his parents hadn't said anything; he hadn't even asked them to. He didn't want to get in an argument with his father, so he'd just avoided mentioning it and somehow it had worked; "I don't know what you are talking about". Before she could respond, the fireworks started and he turned his attention away from her; she decided to leave it, she didn't actually need to know the specifics, she was just thankful that he had done it. The little shows of power only increased her attraction to him and he knew it.

To be continued…