Aspen, Colorado

Arriving at their large, luxurious wood cabin just after eight thirty in the evening local time, Sue Ellen was in awe of just how beautiful everything was. They were paying a hefty fee for a private cabin high in the mountains, especially since she had booked so close to the date that they would be staying there, however, seeing both the beauty of the surrounding area and the architectural design of the large estate, she knew that it was worth every penny. It wasn't as if JR would complain about the cost anyway, he was worth millions and he was a generous man who enjoyed experiencing the life money could bring him. He saw money as a means to a full and enjoyable life and although he was smart in how he divided his fortune, in no way did that mean that he restricted the amount they had to 'play' with. Carrying their suitcases into the master bedroom, JR was surprised when the doorbell rang and Sue Ellen disappeared out of the room only to return a few minutes later to announce that dinner was ready for them. Spending a few moments freshening up, but not putting too much extra effort into looking formal since it was only the two of them, they then made their way downstairs to enjoy the food Sue Ellen had ordered to be delivered to them from a local restaurant.

Sitting across from each other at the dining table as they finished their late dinner, Sue Ellen admired how handsome her husband was and thought about how grateful she was that they were finally living their lives like a real, loving, passionate couple. No longer did she shy away from her strong feelings for him, now she felt as if she were allowed to and was welcome to show him just how she felt for him and even if that was mostly physical, she didn't see it as any less important than their verbal and emotional communication. "I want this weekend to be all about us. No talk about business or the family, just us and whatever we're doing", looking at him sincerely, Sue Ellen giggled when JR replied. "Don't worry darlin', I don't plan on wasting our precious time alone together by talking about any of that stuff, especially not when we could be doing something much more exciting", leaning forward, sliding their dishes toward the unused part of the table, he placed a light kiss on her lips. "Did you have a plan or shall we see where the evening takes us?" Shaking her head at the mention of a plan, Sue Ellen then motioned for him to lead the way; she had some berries and ice cream waiting for them in the kitchen, but as they were refrigerated, they didn't require immediate consumption and right now, she was hungry for her husband, not food.

Cuddled together on the cushioned outdoor sofa on the large balcony, looking out at the stars and the outlines of the surrounding mountains, visible only by the brightness of the moon, Sue Ellen basked in the romantic atmosphere that was already present on their mini-vacation. She always loved her husband, but their connection always felt much stronger when it was just the two of them, alone. Of course, being around John Ross, she felt a real familial connection and enjoyed the maternal and paternal love they each showed for their son, however, the love she felt for him in moments where they were a family was markedly different to the love she felt with him in romantic moments. Enjoying a drink, champagne to mark the celebratory occasion and the romantic theme for the weekend, they spoke quietly about everything and nothing; it was fun and relaxing, and completely removed from the stressors and annoyances that were present in Dallas. The occasional lulls in the conversation provided them the perfect opportunity to do what they couldn't at Southfork, kiss, touch and flirt shamelessly; there was no one around to interrupt them or turn up their noses at their affection and it felt wonderful to be able to do whatever they wanted. Knowing that he had waited six weeks and they would get there eventually, maybe even more than once this evening if he were lucky, JR knew that slow and steady was the best approach to their actions and although a rare feeling, he really was satisfied with that answer. It was fun and exciting to act so openly romantic with each other and the fact that he been without full intimacy for six weeks only built up that feeling; it was almost like when they were dating and then finally married, he'd known then not to push too hard and he knew it now too.

"Shall we take this inside?" sitting astride him, having finished their bottle of champagne and spent a good amount of time at second base, Sue Ellen felt ready; her confidence was slowly being rebuilt and she really, genuinely wanted this evening to happen and to go well, so taking the initiative, she suggested moving things along. Without words, JR stood and carried her back inside the house, stepping into the bedroom with her in his arms as if they were newlyweds again. "I love you", whispering the now common, but no less meaningful words to her, he gently laid her down and slowly began to work on removing her dress, not losing contact with her lips as he did so. "I love you too", much more confident now than she had been a few weeks ago or even a few days ago, Sue Ellen knew the nerves in her stomach were anticipation and eagerness rather than fear and even if it wasn't physically the same as it had been pre-pregnancy, she knew their emotions were still there.

Having taken it slow and steady, not rushing or pushing for anything that was too much too soon, JR awoke on Saturday morning a happy and satisfied man. As much as they now enjoyed a full range of activities in the bedroom, he realised that he had almost begun to take their old, more conservative sex-life for granted, but the previous evening had reminded him of how enjoyable the soft, sensuous intimacy that came from loving each other for a long, slow period of time was. As much as it had been a necessity to be gentle with her, it had also been their choice of approach to the evening. It was almost more about romance and intimate affection than it had been about the physical act and from the way Sue Ellen acted all evening and then responded to his actions in the bedroom, he knew that she appreciated that approach. Watching her sleep for a while before seeing her come out of her slumber, he grinned as he realised that they had the whole weekend to be alone together. He really did love his wife and with that love for her came a great enjoyment for being with her. As much as he loved his family, it was bliss to know that there would be no disruptions for at least the next two days. They were free to be loving, married couple, in the bedroom, in the house and if they chose to, out in public. He was still a little self-conscious about being so showy about their relationship in Dallas, he hated when people gossiped about his personal life with Sue Ellen, mostly because Dallas was full of nasty women and men who wanted what he had, but Aspen was different, no one knew or cared who they were and that suited him just fine. Being 'JR Ewing' was nice, but sometimes it was also nice to just be 'JR'. "Good morning", sleepily noticing him watching her, Sue Ellen mumbled her greeting and smiled; Doctor Williams had been right, the majority of her fears were in her mind and were not based on reality, JR had been nothing but kind, thoughtful, loving and gentle with her and she was incredibly grateful to have him as her husband. "Good morning", leaning down to kiss her, JR heard her sigh happily and he knew that everything between them was good, more than good in fact, everything was excellent and the only way their relationship could go now was up.

To be continued…