Dallas, Texas

"…I think it's an excellent idea, and I'm very pleased to hear that it was a joint decision", nodding as he listened to JR and Sue Ellen explaining their plans for the future, Doctor Williams was impressed. While they still hadn't quite worked their way back to discussing the elephant in the room, JR's previous infidelity and the plan to prevent a repeat of that situation, they had clearly made a lot of progress in other areas of their marriage and it was really benefitting them. A lack of privacy hadn't been an issue that they had directly mentioned in their earlier sessions, however, it was obvious from a number of conversations he'd had with the couple that their living situation did them no favours when it came to alleviating stress and tension within their marriage. For any newly married couple, the first year of marriage was a huge learning experience and a chance to really get to know each other and figure out routines and ways to manage potential issues, however, as their living situation differed to normal newlyweds, their opportunities to learn how to live together in a marriage also differed. He didn't want to blame their living situation for all of their problems, because there were clearly more things that had gone into Sue Ellen's previous mental health issues, JR's repeated infidelity and their inability to communicate their wants and needs with each other, however, although living at Southfork wasn't the cause of their issues, it certainly hadn't helped them. When he'd heard that they had discussed their living situation and had decided to look for a home of their own, he'd been very supportive, though as they updated him on their progress, he'd grown concerned that they were on different pages with what they envisioned for their shared future. That had all changed last week though, because from the moment they'd stepped into his office, it had been obvious that something was very right; where the previous properties they had viewed hadn't given them the special feeling they were looking for, the land next to Southfork did, and they were excited and optimistic about it. A lot had happened in the days since his last meeting with them, but as far as he could tell, although their idealistic view had been crushed a little when they'd actually stepped into the home on their dream property, that disappointment hadn't lasted too long, because in true JR Ewing fashion, fixable problems didn't stay problems for very long. With their money, power and determination to restore the home to a state worthy of a wealthy family, he had no doubt that they would get what they wanted, because they had set their minds to it and JR was entitled enough to insist that things always went his way.

"I think that went quite well. Don't you?" leaving their appointment, Sue Ellen felt happy and optimistic. JR had done a lot of research and was sure that they would have no problem purchasing the property, and if they offered enough incentive to have the workers focus solely on their home, they could have the majority of the structural restoration done by mid-December. After that, it would simply be interior work that needed doing and seeing as she already had a fairly clear idea of what style she liked and wanted for their home, she was sure that with the right decorator and competent workers and provided that there weren't any unforeseen problems, they would be living in their new home by mid-January. She had initially been worried about the length of time between making their decision to move into a new home and actually doing it, however, as long as there was work being done to progress their idea, she didn't mind waiting a little while longer to actually move in. She and JR wanted their home to be safe and healthy to live in and comfortable and unique to them, and as much as they wanted it to be an instant change, it just wasn't; she wasn't concerned though; they would get what they wanted, it was just going to take a little longer than initially planned. It really helped her too that although they had initially appeared to dislike the idea, Jock and Miss Ellie were slowly beginning to see that it wasn't such a terrible thing and wasn't the end of the world. With her in-laws support and Doctor Williams' encouraging comments throughout the process, her confidence and surety about her and JR's decision to move was growing and she felt wonderful.

"Yes darlin'. It's nice to know that the good doctor supports our decision. Not that we needed his permission or I would have really listened to his objections if he'd told us to stay where we are, but still, an ally is always better than an enemy when it comes to things like these. I love a good fight and opportunity to exercise power and control, but not when it comes to matters involving our marriage. I know I made many mistakes in the past and I will probably make many more in the future, but if I can consciously try to avoid problems in our marriage, then I will. I think mama and daddy understand why we're doing what we're doing now, because there are reasons, valid ones; so it's up to us to do what's best for our family now and I'm sure that a little space from the rest of the family will benefit everyone. As much as Lucy loves you and John Ross, I'm sure she'll love not having to complain about our supposed noisiness or normal affection any longer; I'm sure Bobby feels the same way. As well as that, as happy as I am to hear that Bobby will be appearing less and less at the Ewing Oil offices in the future, I'm sure he'll still find something to complain about, so I'd rather not deal with that day in and day out. This will be good for us and I have no doubts about our decision". Stopping as they reached his car, he leaned down and kissed her softly before reaching behind her and opening her door. He was happy and in love, he had a son and a guaranteed legacy at Ewing Oil, his little brother's exit from the company was in the works and his and Sue Ellen's plans to create their own private space excited him. With such a secure and bright future, he truly was content and he had no problem making it known.

To be continued…