Ghosts
Chapter 3
J.R., Sue Ellen, and John Ross went into the house and into the foyer, next to the staircase. Sue Ellen heard voices coming from the family room and flashed a questioning look over her shoulder, where she thought J.R. had been standing. Turning around, she saw that he and John Ross weren't there. She followed the voices around the corner to the family room where she was greeted with a shouted "SURPRISE!" She was delighted to find Bobby, Christopher, J.R. and John Ross standing under a large white banner with red lettering. The banner read, "Welcome Home Miss Texas." She was overwhelmed with hugs from all of the Ewing "men." John Ross presented her with the bracelet he had chosen for her. She exclaimed how beautiful the bracelet was, as she opened the blue box with the silver ribbon. She hugged and kissed John Ross and silently mouthed the words "Thank You" to J.R.. Several moments later, after getting reacquainted, Teresa announced to everyone that the evening meal would ready within the hour. Bobby and Christopher walked upstairs to change clothes. Sue Ellen, J.R. and John Ross followed behind them.
In their separate rooms, Sue Ellen contemplated what she should wear. Suppers in London usually consisted of her grabbing a bagel or a half sandwich on her way to and from business meetings. Occasionally, when Don was home, they would go out for dinner, nothing fancy – usually, it was the corner pub. She acknowledged how excited she was at the prospect of actually dressing for dinner. She chose a dark maroon, floor length jersey dress that flattered her exquisite figure. She wore the platinum cuff John Ross had given to her and a pair of ruby chandelier style earrings. She combed her hair into a chignon, and, after applying some eye shadow, lipstick and another coat of mascara; a pair of sandals completed the look.
Bobby and Christopher had already gone downstairs, along with John Ross. J.R. waited in the hallway while Sue Ellen finished dressing. He was awestruck by how ravishing she looked, as she came out of her room. Taking her arm by the elbow, he escorted her downstairs.
J.R and John Ross had already planned to wear best dress. Having Sue Ellen back at Southfork was a special occasion and one John Ross hoped they would not soon forget. Bobby and Christopher, not wanting to be outdone, also wore their best attire. John Ross had planned the seating arrangements, ensuring that his Mamma and Daddy would sit together, while Bobby, Christopher and, John Ross sat across from them. The meal was excellent, but the conversation during the meal was even better. Bobby and Christopher told everyone about their fishing trip, and how Christopher and Bobby struggled to reel in the biggest fish Christopher had ever caught. Bobby asked Sue Ellen, "How does it feel to be back in Dallas?" She replied, "Wonderful, I can't believe how much I've missed it." She felt J.R.'s hand resting on her left her knee. She was surprised, yet delighted by how easily she found herself responding to his touch. She looked at J.R and saw her gaze met by his gleaming smile.
They retired to the family room, after supper. This was customary for the Ewing family, ever since J.R and Bobby were children. Sue Ellen sat on the sofa as J.R poured his after-dinner drink. He offered Sue Ellen a glass of water, which she gladly accepted. Her throat felt dry after the conversation they had during dinner. She knew she was only kidding herself – her throat felt dry because of her heightened awareness of the cologne J.R. wore, the nearness of him as they ate their meal the touch of his hand on her knee stayed in her thoughts as she reached for the glass J.R. offered her. Bobby and Christopher invited John Ross to join them at an indoor raceway that had recently opened up in Braddock. John Ross hesitated at first, then accepted the invitation, realizing that his parents would be left spending the evening together. He asked for permission and J.R and Sue Ellen both said, "Yes." John Ross ran upstairs to change his clothes.
J.R. smiled when he realized what John Ross was plotting. He and Sue Ellen had been set up, as if they were on their first date. J.R. remembered his first date with Sue Ellen, as if it were a recent event. He couldn't eat because he was afraid he would miss the twinkle in her beautiful eyes. He was so taken in by the beauty of the woman seated across from him. He couldn't recall the name of the restaurant, nor did he remember what they talked about, but he could remember every detail about her appearance.
Sue Ellen found herself feeling nervous about being left alone in the same room with J.R. Her thoughts kept traveling back to earlier in the afternoon, when they had kissed each other by the tree next to the stables. Absently, she put her finger to her lips, retracing the way his mouth had moved against hers. She wanted nothing more at that moment than for him to carry her upstairs to his bedroom and make love to her – the way he used to when they were together. Once again, she felt her face flush as images of their passion danced in her mind.
The sound of an engine revving up in the driveway signaled to both of them that they were alone. Clearing her throat in an effort to drown out the thunderous silence filling the room, Sue Ellen spoke, "I had a lovely evening, J.R." She stood up to walk upstairs to her room. J.R. was standing in front of her as she arose from the sofa. He took the empty glass from her hand and placed it aside. He put his arms around her and pulled her closer to him. He kissed her as he had earlier that afternoon, but this time more eagerly. The kiss was unique, steadily increasing in its intensity; more passionate and longing than the first. Sue Ellen indulged his assault against her lips. She yielded to his mouth, as she never had before. His arms tightened around her waist as he drew her deeper into his kiss. Her hands instinctively rose to his shoulders as she met his desire with her own. His hands roaming her back as he probed her mouth, seeking fulfillment for his need.
Lost in his quest, J.R stopped his onslaught and pulled back from Sue Ellen, fearing that he might be moving too quickly. Sue Ellen gave him a questioning look as he pulled away from her. Breathlessly, she asked, "Is everything all right, J.R.?" Her voice sounding huskier than it had before - caught up in the passion of their kiss. His face was pale; almost white as he searched her eyes for the answer he hoped she would give him. "I don't…" He paused. Continuing to speak he said, "I have no right to ask, Sue Ellen . . . " She placed her finger to his lips and said, "You can't ask for anything I'm not willing to give, J.R." The look in her eyes was pleading with him to continue his exploration of her mouth. He could have taken her right then and there and she would have consented to anything he wanted.
"I have lived for this moment, Sue Ellen," he said. "I have rehearsed it every day for the past eight years." She cocked her head to one side and asked, "Did you plan our being alone tonight?" "No, I think that was John Ross' idea." He replied. Nodding her head, she said, "I'm not surprised." "Not a day went by since we moved to England that he hadn't stopped telling me how he wished we were still together."
J.R. smiled and took her hand, leading her upstairs. She willingly accompanied him. As they reached the top of the stairs, he grabbed her arms, pushing her shoulders against the wall, and kissed her again. He could feel his own heart beating – louder and faster, the sound reverberating in his ears. "Thank You," he softly whispered as he resumed his kiss.
Sue Ellen felt the heat of his body pressing into hers as she rallied his passion with her own. This is madness, she thought. Madness be damned, was her only reply. Turning the doorknob of his bedroom door, he sought an answer to his lingering doubts about where he hoped their evening might conclude. The look in her eyes was the only answer he needed. J.R shut the door behind him as Sue Ellen touched his tie. She was looking down when he touched her chin. She raised her head to look into his eyes and he was stunned by what he saw. Tears were forming in her eyes as she looked at him. He tenderly kissed her forehead and hugged her closely to his chest.
J.R could not believe the good fortune he had been dealt. The love of his life was finally here, in his arms. He wiped the tears away from her cheeks and softly said, "I Love You, Sue Ellen." "I have always loved you." Sue Ellen could barely speak. She managed to say, "I never stopped…" her voice trailing off as she succumbed to her emotions. He picked her up and walked toward his bed. He laid her down as he quickly removed his tie. She cautiously helped him remove his jacket, afraid that any rapid movement on her part might break the spell. His hand sought the zipper of her gown, the only barrier to his pursuit. J.R. could barely breathe as he removed the last of her clothes, revealing the most sensuous figure he had ever seen. Their lovemaking was fever pitch. Sue Ellen met his demands, wave after wave. They held each other afterward. They didn't need to say anything. There were no words afforded to them.
Bobby, Christopher and John Ross returned home. The lights were off inside the house, except in the kitchen. John Ross thanked his Uncle Bobby for inviting him out for the evening, and ran inside. Bobby and Christopher walked into the house and into the den. Christopher was too excited to put an end to the evening. John Ross stopped at the top of the stairs, straining to hear any noise that might be coming from either his Dad's room or the room his Mamma was staying in. He smiled as he carefully opened the door to Sue Ellen's room, relieved to discover she wasn't there. What if his Mamma and Daddy had actually spent the night together? He couldn't stop the smile spreading across his face. He almost clapped his hands in excitement, but stopped, not wanting to make any noise. He would find out soon enough, he assured himself and closed the door to his room.
