Reunion

Part 3

J.R. and Sue Ellen worked the festivities the only way the perfect host and hostess could. J.R. walked with his hand at the small of Sue Ellen's back, a finger possessively tucked under her belt. J.R. introduced her to Governor Graham Cranston, II. The Governor was married with three children, but his wife was nowhere to be seen. J.R. watched as the Governor eyed Sue Ellen. He reached out and grasped Sue Ellen's hand in his, and kissed the back of her hand. Sue Ellen tried her best not to flinch, the touch of his skin against her own resembled a dead fish. J.R. and Sue Ellen were relieved when a female guest asked the Governor for a dance. Sue Ellen asked, "Please don't leave me alone with that man, J.R.?" He reassured her by touching her shoulders, "Don't worry, Sugar. I won't let you leave my side. Let's dance." J.R. was a wonderful dancer. Miss Ellie had taught all of the Ewing sons the social graces necessary to find and court a proper Texas debutante. J.R. couldn't take his eyes away from Sue Ellen's face. She glanced at him sideways, and asked, "Is everything all right, Darlin'? You've been quiet all mornin'." J.R. pulled her head closer to his mouth and whispered, "If I'm dreamin'. Don't wake me." Sue Ellen was touched by his words. She rested her head against the side of his neck as they continued to dance. When the music stopped, Clayton and Miss Ellie stood on the makeshift stage and welcomed their guests to the Annual Ewing Barbeque. There would be plenty of food, drinks and merriment for all in attendance. All of the guests clapped after the speech, as the band stuck another chord. J.R. pulled Sue Ellen back into his arms for another dance.

Cliff Barnes accompanied Marilee Stone to the event. Cliff was dressed in a yellow striped western shirt, dark blue jeans, the requisite belt with the oversized buckle and a pair of brown harness boots. He stood out like a sore thumb. Cliff was many things, but he was not a cowboy. Marilee Stone was a different subject all together. She wore skintight pants, they appeared to have been painted on, and a brown leather vest that looked as if it were two sizes too small. Her chest was popping out over the top of the vest. J.R. tapped Sue Ellen's shoulder to get her attention. He said, "Look what the wind blew in." Sue Ellen had known Marilee Stone for years. They had been co-chairs for the DOA Events Committee. Marilee went off the deep end when her husband Seth killed himself. She started to dress and act like a dime-store hooker. Evidently, it was more than an act. She had outdone herself today, Sue Ellen mused. J.R. escorted Sue Ellen over to the bar for a drink. J.R. ordered a club soda for Sue Ellen, and a double-bourbon for himself. They stood at the bar as J.R. scanned the Barbeque. Years earlier, he would have been trying to wheel and deal with some of the guests. Today was different. He was a different man. He glanced back at Sue Ellen. She had lifted her head back and closed her eyes. J.R. smiled. He could lovingly gaze at her, and she wouldn't be the wiser. Sue Ellen could feel his hot stare as he watched her. She asked, in a mock scolding tone, "What are you doin, Darlin'?" J.R. laughed and said, "You know me so well, Honey." They finished their drinks and J.R. led Sue Ellen back to the dance floor.

J.R. and Sue Ellen were walking by the pool when Cliff spoke, "Sue Ellen, I didn't know you were back in Dallas?" J.R. and Cliff had shared many things in the past, but the one thing they had in common that J.R. would never forgive or forget, was Sue Ellen. Sue Ellen could feel J.R. tense as his hand went around her waist. Marilee elbowed Cliff in the ribs. How dare Cliff ogle Sue Ellen when Marilee was his date. Marilee icily said, "Sue Ellen, you look divine." Sue Ellen thanked Marilee. As good as the years had been to Sue Ellen, they had taken their toll on Marilee, making it difficult for Sue Ellen to return the compliment. Sue Ellen could tell from her slurred speech that Marilee had been drinking, heavily. Sue Ellen didn't want a confrontation, so she politely asked, "How are you, Marilee?" Marilee turned to glare at Cliff. He hadn't stopped staring at Sue Ellen since he first spotted her. Marilee saw an opportunity to try and get revenge on the belle of the ball and say something caustic to Sue Ellen. "Sue Ellen, I hope your bein' back in Dallas doesn't mean your third marriage was a wash, too?" Marilee had no idea that she had met her match. Sue Ellen flicked her fingernails at the lapel of Marilee's vest and said, "Marilee, you poor thing. I can't believe you've resorted to wearing your grandson's clothes." Marilee slapped Sue Ellen's cheek. The sound of skin on skin reverberated on impact. Sue Ellen rubbed at her cheek, just as Marilee opened her mouth to speak. Sue Ellen doubled up her fist and gave Marilee an upper cut to her chin. All of the rage and loathing Sue Ellen had ever felt for Marilee Stone impacted Marilee's chin so incredibly hard, it lifted her and Cliff off the ground, sending them flying backwards into the pool.

Clayton heard the commotion and ran up behind J.R. Clayton didn't know that Sue Ellen had thrown the punch. He was very wrong. Clayton tapped J.R. on the shoulder and punched J.R. in the stomach, sending him sailing into the swimming pool. Sue Ellen yelled, "Clayton, what the hell are you doing? J.R. had nothing to do with this." Sue Ellen pushed Clayton into the pool. Miss Ellie and Bobby were beside themselves. Miss Ellie had never known a Barbeque to run smoothly. This year would be no exception. Marilee looked like a drowned rat as her make-up ran down her face, streaking her cheeks and giving her the appearance of racoon eyes. Sue Ellen laughed until tears formed in her eyes. Bobby helped Clayton out of the pool, as Sue Ellen walked over and handed J.R. a towel at the shallow end, by the stairs. Sue Ellen reached out to blot J.R.'s soaking wet hair with the towel as he pulled her into the pool. Sue Ellen screamed as she entered the water. J.R. pulled her onto his lap. They watched as Cliff and Marilee exited the pool. Sue Ellen laughed out loud and asked, "Leaving so soon, Marilee?" J.R. laughed appreciatively. Marilee had no idea that she was dealing with a new Sue Ellen. Cliff followed after Marilee, the way a small boy follows a much admired older sibling. Marilee cursed like a sailor the entire walk to Cliff's car. J.R. and Sue Ellen sat in the pool, oblivious to the stares of their guests. Finally, J.R. said, "Let's go change out of these wet clothes, Darlin'."

J.R. and Sue Ellen walked through the house into the kitchen. Miss Ellie was seated at the table. Sue Ellen gingerly approached her, and said, "Miss Ellie, I'm sorry. That was all my fault. Marilee slapped my face, and I reacted. I truly am sorry." Miss Ellie shook her head, and looked at Sue Ellen. Miss Ellie had been laughing the entire time. She took Sue Ellen's hand and asked, "How did it feel when you punched Marilee?" Sue Ellen smiled her most dazzling smile and simply said, "Wonderful." They excused themselves to go change into some dry clothes just as Miss Ellie asked, "Is there anything I need to know?" Sue Ellen gave J.R. a desperate glance over her shoulder. "In good time, Mamma. All in good time," J.R. said as they left the room. J.R. closed the door to his bedroom behind them as Sue Ellen was removing her belt. The water from the swimming pool had caused her dress to cling to her skin. J.R. took her into his lascivious gaze as a low sigh escaped his lips. He walked over to her and pulled one of her dress straps over her shoulder. He kissed her shoulder and his lips led a path from her shoulder to her neck, and finally, to her waiting lips. She was barely able to speak, but managed to ask, "What about the Barbeque, J.R." J.R. didn't say a word as her lowered the other strap of her dress. He smiled as the garment fell to the floor. Sue Ellen blushed as J.R. took in her exposed figure. He picked her up into his arms and carried her to his bed. He raked his hand through her hair as his lips demanded her surrender. Sue Ellen tugged at his bottom lip with her teeth.

J.R. and Sue Ellen arrived back downstairs within an hour. Miss Ellie smiled when she saw them. She, too, was hopeful that they had reconciled. Miss Ellie had watched J.R. change when Sue Ellen left for London, after their divorce. J.R. had become a shell of his former self. He withered away into a lost little boy. He became quiet and withdrawn. There was only one woman in the entire world who could bring him around, and that woman was Sue Ellen. Miss Ellie watched as the two of them walked outside for another dance. Once outside, Bobby tapped J.R. on the shoulder and asked, "May I cut in?" J.R hesitated for an instant, then said, "Make it quick, Bob." Bobby smiled at Sue Ellen. Mamma was right, she did appear to have changed. She was stronger. Wisdom of the ages, Bobby thought. But he plaintively wondered if she was any wiser where J.R. was concerned. Bobby asked, "Sue Ellen, I saw you and J.R. earlier. Does this mean you two are back together?" Sue Ellen played innocent and said, "I don't know what you're talkin' about, Bobby." It was her trademark diversion. "C'mon, Sue Ellen. I know a kiss when I see one," Bobby said, trying to get an answer from her. Sue Ellen asked, "Can't a couple of old friends greet each other with a simple kiss?" Her voice was flirtatious as she continued," Honestly, Bobby, the next thing you know, you'll have us gettin' married." Bobby grunted, "Then that isn't an engagement ring on your left hand?" She was at a loss for words. She looked around helplessly for J.R. He saw her pleading look and walked over to her. Whew, she had been saved. J.R. tapped Bobby on the shoulder and said, "It's time for you to find a different dance partner, Bob."

When the last of the guests were gone, Miss Ellie turned and looked at her family. She clasped her hands together and thanked them for a wonderful day. Everyone raised a glass to toast Miss Ellie and Sue Ellen for all of the festivities' arrangements and the incredible food. J.R. held his arm around Sue Ellen's waist. He kissed her cheek as they stood by one of the gables supporting the balcony. When the rest of the family had ventured into the house, J.R. and Sue Ellen remained outside. Sue Ellen told J.R. what Bobby had said to her about seeing their kiss. She told him that Bobby had also made a comment about the engagement ring. J.R. asked her if she had said anything. She said "Of course not, J.R. I thought you wanted to wait until the time was right?" J.R. took her hand and kissed the ring on her finger. He opened her hand and lifted her fingers to his lips, kissing them one by one. Sue Ellen eyed his movements. She put her hand around his neck and hungrily pulled his mouth to hers. She kissed him, with all the urgency she had ever felt for him. John Ross had been watching his parents from atop the balcony. He didn't consider it spying. He was simply lending destiny a hand. John Ross covered his mouth when he saw his Mamma kiss his Daddy. He had dreamed of this moment for years. He almost giggled when he thought about what his parents might say if they were to catch him. J.R. played it cool as the kiss ended, and he hugged Sue Ellen to his chest. He softly whispered, "We've got an audience, Sugar." He restrained Sue Ellen from looking around to see who was watching them. Her question was answered when she heard John Ross run back into the house from the balcony. J.R. and Sue Ellen laughed. J.R. said, "I told you he was plottin' somethin.'" Sue Ellen said, "I'm sure you had nothing to do with this, either. Right, J.R.?" J.R. lifted her head, and smiled at her, saying, "Maybe just a little bit." They walked arm in arm back into the house.

J.R. and Sue Ellen walked upstairs to look in on John Ross. They carefully opened the door to John Ross' bedroom. He was sleeping. Sue Ellen walked inside and pulled the covers up over her son's shoulders. She leaned over and tenderly kissed his hair. J.R. watched the exchange. Sue Ellen dearly loved John Ross and that was never more evident than at that exact moment. J.R. smoothed the hair on John Ross' head as he turned to follow Sue Ellen out of the room. The walked across the hall to J.R.'s room. Sue Ellen shut the door as J.R. sat on a chair to remove his cowboy boots. Sue Ellen watched as J.R. unbuttoned his shirt. She admired the silver hair on his chest as the overhead lights shone on the hairs. She wanted to run her fingers through the patch of hair on his tanned chest. Her thoughts betrayed her as a heavy sigh escaped her open mouth. J.R. looked over at her. He saw her staring at him. He wondered what she was thinking. She glanced down at the floor as a flush of red emblazoned her cheeks. J.R. laughed and stood up from the chair. He walked over to her. He moved a strand of her blond hair away from her eyes and tucked it behind her ear. He kissed her neck as his hands ran down her back, resting on her hips. Sue Ellen reached her hand up to his bare chest. She delicately touched the hair beneath her hand. J.R.'s breathing increased as she continued to play with the hair on his chest. He moved his face close to hers, needing to feel her kiss on his lips. Sue Ellen kissed him as she lowered her eyes, seductively. J.R. slowly eased her onto his bed as he untied the bow of her peasant blouse. He lowered the sleeve of the blouse over her shoulder, and watched, as it fell down her arm. Sue Ellen lifted a finger to her lips, and playfully bit at her fingernail. She had J.R.'s complete attention. What she planned to do with it was entirely up to her.