Austin, Texas

It had only been a brief meeting, but in that small amount of time, her whole outlook changed, JR seemed different and for the first time in a long time, she had hope that things really were changing for the better. Sue Ellen styled her hair and put on the red, silk evening gown that had been delivered to her on Tuesday morning, in place of the usual yellow roses; next, she opened the safe in her mother's bedroom and took the three boxes that had been delivered each morning this week, a new piece of jewellery each day. JR was planning something, she could tell, all the gifts were leading up to something more than just a Valentine's Day dinner, and she hoped that it was exactly what she thought it was. She caught herself thinking ahead again, and scolded herself for overanalysing his actions; it would only lead to disappointment if she built it up in her head and then realised that she was wrong. "Sue Ellen, the limousine is here", Patricia eagerly rushed into the room, things were finally working out exactly the way she wanted them. She'd had a surprise visit from Mr JR Ewing earlier in the week, he was planning to propose and wanted her permission, it wasn't something she was ever going to say no to, her daughter's hopes of finding a wealthy man were almost gone. JR Ewing would have to do, especially now that Billy Frampton was engaged to another woman; but he did have his own advantages and he had served their family well so far, JR Ewing would make a fine husband. "I'm ready mama", she checked her appearance one last time before collecting her small clutch purse and walking downstairs.

The Ewing jet was one experience she had missed more than she realised, it was always so much more exciting and enjoyable than flying commercially; the plane left just as the sun was setting, giving Sue Ellen the most beautiful view of Austin from above. Looking out the window, she was taken back to Monday morning, JR had arrived on her doorstep at just the right time, she had been ecstatic and even happier when he'd alluded to his change in attitude about the direction of their relationship. Being JR Ewing, he never really said it aloud, but she knew that something was different; something had to have changed for him to be there in Austin asking her on a date after so much time apart. The hour-long flight passed a lot more quickly than she remembered, but she didn't mind, this was just the beginning of the evening; exiting the jet, she expected to see JR waiting for her, but instead, she was met by a chauffeur and a limousine, with no sign of JR yet.

Dallas, Texas

JR paced back and forth, waiting was a lot more difficult than he'd thought it would be, maybe he should have met her at the airport, that way, she would be with him already. His stomach was churning in a way he hadn't felt in a long time, and he felt like the small box in his jacket pocket was burning a hole in the lining, it wasn't something he was enjoying. He took another drink, bourbon, just enough to calm him, he was saving the champagne for later in the evening, the two drinks were quite different in their effects and also their meanings, he didn't want to start drinking champagne alone, that wouldn't be a good start to the evening. Just as he thought he was about to go crazy with anticipation, he saw the lights of a limousine approaching, it was go time.

Sue Ellen realised that she really didn't know much at all about JR's plan, she had been surprised with the limousine at the airport and had been wrong about their destination. She had guessed by the driving direction, that she was heading to Southfork, but the limo had driven straight past the large, white house and front gate, continuing down the stretch of countryside road before making a turn onto a gravel road, away from any streetlights or houses. She had absolutely no idea where she was, but she wasn't worried, JR always planned his surprises well and she trusted his judgement. The car stopped and she waited, looking out the window on the opposite side to where she was seated, she realised that there was a white structure in the distance, it was circular and reminded her of a gazebo. As her eyes adjusted to the contrast of light coming from the structure and the darkness of her surroundings, she realised that it was actually a medium sized marquee tent. It was similar to what one would see at a garden party or charity event, not big enough for hundreds or even tens of people, but exactly the right size for just the two of them. The excitement she had felt earlier increased as the door opened and JR stood before her, dressed in a tuxedo and looking even more handsome than she remembered him; extending an arm to help her out of the limousine, she felt her heart beating, everything was already so romantic and the night was just beginning.

In the distance, a loud clap of thunder sounded, unnoticed by either JR or Sue Ellen as they danced in the small corner of the tent where a dancefloor had been installed. Sue Ellen sighed in contentment as JR tightened his grip on her waist, at this moment, she was happier than she had been in months and nothing could have bothered her. JR had opted for a record player instead of a string quartet, and only one waiter to serve them dinner; he wanted the evening to be about them, with no distractions and no witnesses to his possible emotional state when he finally asked her the question. The song ended and JR suggested they sit down for dinner; "JR?" Sue Ellen had almost forgotten, but as they approached the table, she looked around the tent, straight out at darkness, "yes?" he was almost afraid she was going to ask why he was doing all of this, but she surprised him with a much less serious question. "Where exactly are we?" she felt a little silly asking the question, it was almost irrelevant right now, but her curiosity was increasing with the little hints of nature around them and she had to know. JR sighed in relief before turning the question back on her, "where do you think we are?" She could see that it wasn't going to be as easy as just answering the question, nothing ever was with JR. "Well, the limousine drove past the main Southfork house and onto a gravel road, and I can hear the slight sound of water in the distance, but other than that, I'm not sure. If I were to guess, I'd say we're still somewhere on Southfork land, but the actual location is escaping me", JR smiled, she wasn't that far off the mark, "you're right, we are on Southfork land, and there is water near us. So, one more hint and I'm sure you'll guess; do you remember the first time we said I love you to each other?" Sue Ellen smiled widely as she remembered that day, "…the pond", she whispered, so far into the memory that it wasn't really an answer toward him, but more toward herself. "Your steak Mr Ewing, Miss Shepard", the moment was interrupted by the waiter, "thank you", they both responded before switching conversation topics and starting to eat.

To be continued…