Dallas, Texas

Lying on the bed in her and JR's old bedroom at Southfork, the phone cord twisted around her finger, Sue Ellen would have liked to fall asleep right there, but she couldn't, not yet. Exhausted from the events of the past twenty-four hours, a phone call with her mother was the last thing she felt like doing, however it had to be done, her mother needed to hear it from her, as well as the other news she'd been keeping.

"…how?"

"It was a heart attack, they tried to save him but it was too late, the damage had been done."

She'd been at the hospital lab getting her blood taken when the news had come in, a staff member pulling her aside with news direct from JR's office, giving her more time than she might have otherwise had, however it still hadn't been enough, the doctors calling it not long after she'd arrived halfway across the building.

"I'm sorry, I really am, please let JR know."

Expressing her condolences, it was her mother's tone rather than the words that let her know how she felt. Miss Ellie's loss had been a huge shock and to lose Jock less than a year later was difficult to comprehend. It felt unreal, one moment the Ewing family had been full of life and the next moment they were moving through several cycles of grief.

"I will, thank you."

"I'd like to come to the funeral."

Expecting that she would, the request was actually somewhat of a relief; she didn't lean on her mother for support, it wasn't the relationship they had, but it might be nice to have someone around that wasn't so close to the event.

"It's on Thursday; I can make the arrangements if that would help, Kristin too, I know she's back home for a few weeks in the summer."

"That would be nice, thank you."

"I'll call and let you know the details."

She could do it herself, contacting a travel agent, but Diane had offered her assistance with anything they needed, so she might just have her do it, she was already organising a flight for Jamie, Jack's sister, a niece Jock had met under equally sad circumstances just months ago.

"It will be nice to see you and your family, despite the occasion."

"My family…"

Touching a hand to her now small but definitely noticeable round abdomen, she knew she ought to say something before her mother arrived and commented on her condition from sight. She wasn't afraid of her mother, and she had intended to tell her, but fourteen weeks in and she hadn't found the right time.

"There's nothing wrong with your marriage is there?"

"What makes you say that?"

Jumping to conclusions as she had a habit of doing, especially where her marriage was concerned, her mother's question was less painful and more amusing now that she'd grown as a person and moved on from taking everything so personally and seriously.

"You're speaking quietly; I can't tell if your tone is melancholic or something else."

"That means I have marriage problems?"

Chuckling, she knew the truth, she and JR had the opposite of marriage problems. Other than the melancholic mood his daddy's passing had put him in their relationship was strong and wonderful. Jock had expressed his true feelings of pride and happiness about JR's life choices just a week ago, something JR hadn't understood the reasoning behind at the time but now found peace in.

"Are you going to tell me what's wrong or am I going to have to guess again?"

"John Ross is going to be a big brother."

Explaining indirectly, the point was clear to her mother without exact words.

"You're expecting again?"

"Yes, and we couldn't be happier. I'm due just before Christmas."

"That's wonderful news, congratulations."

Sounding genuinely pleased, she had no reason not to believe her. Her mother hadn't been overly warm with her or Kristin but she wasn't a monster and in her own way she expressed affection, especially where John Ross was concerned. John Ross had been a little wary at first the last time they'd met, but he'd come around eventually, his hesitancy likely related to uncertainty about new people rather than uncertainty about his maternal grandmother.

"Thank you mama."

"Are you well?"

"As well as can be expected."

She had been ill in her first trimester and started showing much faster this time, but other than her current tiredness and occasional cramping, she was doing well. Doctor Baker had no concerns related to her tests or measurements, leaving her relaxed and secure that what had happened to her in the past and what had happened to Pam were not about to be repeated.

"Are you looking after yourself?"

Hearing the question, her immediate response was one of defensiveness, years of criticism returning to the forefront of her mind out of nowhere.

"I haven't gained an excessive amount of weight if that's what you're asking."

"It wasn't, but I am pleased to hear it."

Not snapping at her in retaliation, she suddenly felt that perhaps her mother was telling the truth, that she'd been asking out of real concern and that she was trying hard to be kind.

"Mama, I have to go. I'll contact you with your travel arrangements."

Tired and not in the mood to second-guess everything they said to each other, she made an effort to close the conversation.

"I'll await your call, and please do pass on my condolences to JR and the rest of the family."

"I will."

Saying her goodbyes, she hung up the phone, the effort to reach up onto the nightstand reminding her of how exhausted she was. JR was downstairs with Bobby and Jack, the men having retired for a drink after dinner while she and Jenna settled the children. JR needed her, she was his wife, the closest emotional connection he held other than with John Ross, but he likely didn't need her right now, so a short nap couldn't hurt.

To be continued…