Reunion

Part 4

Sue Ellen awoke to the sound of a car leaving the driveway. She turned her head to look for J.R. Tears formed in her eyes when she saw what J.R. had left for her on his pillow. A single red rose from Miss Ellie's garden, and a note telling her that he'd be back soon. The note was simply signed, ' Love, J.R.' Sue Ellen picked up the rose, inhaling its tantalizing fragrance. She stood up from the bed and donned her robe. She walked over to the window and peered outside. Not a single car remained in the driveway. She picked up her watch from the night stand and looked at the time. She saw that it was approaching nine o'clock, early by London standards. She quickly showered wanting to seize the time alone to sunbathe. She dressed in a scoop-neck maillot bathing suit with bold yellow flowers, artfully and tastefully, silk screened over a sheer background. Sue Ellen wrapped a crocheted sarong around her hips and pinned her hair back from her face. She grabbed a pair of sunglasses from her bedroom and walked downstairs. She stopped in the kitchen and poured a glass of iced-tea. She glanced out the patio doors and checked the sky. It appeared to be another beautiful day, a perfect day for sunbathing. She closed the patio door behind her and walked over to a chaise lounge. She placed the glass of tea on the table and removed the sarong from her hips. She stretched her arms over her head. Sue Ellen Ewing-Lockwood was still a great Texas beauty. Her incredibly maintained figure could rival that of any twenty-something. She wasn't vain or egotistical. She simply knew what she looked like. Sue Ellen also knew that J.R. approved wholeheartedly, and that was all that mattered. She smiled as she thought about J.R. She applied some tanning oil to her arms and legs, leaned back in the chaise, and closed her eyes. She could hear the sounds of horses running in the pasture by the stables, as the gentle breeze carried the sound to her ears. She could hear the faint sound of birds far away in the distance. Eventually, she drifted off to sleep.

J.R. had the Ewing limousine drive him into Dallas. He instructed the driver to stop at Park Place Motors on Oak Lawn Avenue. J.R. was going to buy a car for Sue Ellen. It couldn't be just any car. It had to be sophisticated and stylish. It couldn't be too ostentatious, but it had to say Miss Texas. J.R. was approached by an eager salesman as he walked onto the lot. The salesman showed J.R. their entire Mercedes Benz line, finally stopping at the latest Roadster model, J.R placed his hand over his chin as he inspected the vehicle. It was the top of the line roadster, imported leather seats, custom sound system, with the Baumuster 171.473 engine. J.R. test drove the car, taking it on the freeway and putting it through its necessary paces. It accelerated with the ease of a thoroughbred, and stopped on a dime. They returned to the dealership and climbed out of the car. J.R. whistled, in approval, and said, "I'll take this one, it's a gift for my wife." When the final paperwork was signed, the salesman handed J.R the keys. J.R. handed the salesman a check for the full purchase amount. The man placed the check into the pocket of his jacket. J.R. stepped into the car and put on his seat belt. He gripped the leather steering wheel in his hands, he had missed the feeling of fine, European craftsmanship, but he was a Cadillac man. He drove along the highway on his way back to Southfork. He hoped that Sue Ellen would be pleased with this new trinket. When a person had amassed the wealth of the Ewing Family, the price of an automobile, even one as luxurious as the one J.R. bought for Sue Ellen, was pocket-change. J.R. rounded the corner to the driveway and saw Sue Ellen laying outside on a chaise. He hoped she hadn't seen him, because he wanted to surprise her. He had bought cars for her before, but none like this. This car was special. Sue Ellen was special.

The sound of an unfamiliar car in the drive startled Sue Ellen. She turned to see who it belonged to, but couldn't see past Miss Ellie's lilacs. She pulled the sarong over her hips as J.R. walked around the corner. "Mornin', Sue Ellen. Did you sleep well?" he asked as his eyes pulled in her appearance. "God that is a fetching swimsuit, Sugar," he continued in a deep voice. J.R. picked up the glass of tea and offered it to Sue Ellen. She touched his hand as she took the glass. He said, "I've got a surprise for you, Honey." Sue Ellen shook her head, "J.R. you've already done enough. The rose and the note were perfect," she said. J.R. smiled his broadest grin and said, "Well, that was nothin' compared to what I've got waitin' for ya in the drive." He covered Sue Ellen's eyes with his hands and led her to the driveway. He told her to keep her eyes closed until he said the word, 'okay.' He was wearing a dark charcoal grey suit and a light grey shirt. He had on a black tie with thin, pale silver stripes. A black Stetson and black cowboy boots finished his ensemble. He leaned against the hood of the car and crossed his legs at the ankle. He dangled a set of keys from his hand and said, "O.K., open your eyes, Sweetheart." Sue Ellen opened her eyes to a brand new, silver Mercedes Benz SL320 Roadster. She squealed with delight when she saw J.R. standing by the car. Sue Ellen walked around the car, touching the vehicle as she gazed at it. It was fully loaded, naturally - complete with black full-grain leather interior. She walked around to the back of the vehicle and saw the license plate moniker, it read, 'EWING II." Sue Ellen continued to walk around the car until she was close to J.R. She stood on her toes in front of J.R. and kissed him. He pulled her to him as he deepened the kiss. He said, "Take me for a spin, Darlin'." He dropped the keys into her open palm and held the door for her as she climbed inside. J.R. walked around to the passenger side and closed the door. When they had both fastened their seatbelts, Sue Ellen started the ignition. The sound of the engine resembled a finely tuned musical instrument, as it sped off down the drive.

Sue Ellen drove J.R. around the ranch in her new car. The car suited her, very well. J.R. played with the hair at the back of her neck, as it blew in the wind. Sue Ellen glanced at him and smiled. J.R. rested his hand at the base of her spine and started gently rubbing her neck. She inhaled sharply at the feel of his warm hand against her skin. She said, "If you keep doin' that, Darlin', We'll wind up givin' the hands a free show." J.R. lifted his head and laughed. He pulled his hand away from her neck and rested it on her right knee. The touch of his skin on her was still intense, but she could handle his touch, as long as his hand stayed on her knee. They drove around to the other side of the ranch, on their way back to the house. She stopped the car and shut off the engine. She leaned over and kissed J.R. She held his chin in her hand and said, "I don't know what I did to deserve this, J.R.? Thank you, Darlin'." J.R. eyes followed her lips as she spoke. She was mesmerizing. She smelled like a tropical breeze from the tanning oil she was wearing. J.R. kissed the palm of her hand and leaned his face into her palm and said, "Sue Ellen, I love you, and I just want you to know how much I truly do love you." Sue Ellen bit her bottom lip and quietly said, "J.R., the look in your eyes is all I need to see to know how you feel." Then she winked at him and said, "The car's not so bad either, I suppose." Sue Ellen opened the door to get out of the car as J.R. laughed at her remark. He followed her around to the other side of the car. She walked over to the table, picked up the glass of tea and reached for J.R.'s hand, as they walked into the house.

Sue Ellen showered in J.R.'s bedroom. She stood in front of the bathroom mirror wrapped in a towel as she dried her hair. She was going to pin her hair up but J.R. said, "Sue Ellen, leave it down. I love how it looks when you wear it loose, framing your face." Sue Ellen shrugged her shoulders and smiled at J.R. She walked past him to pick out something to wear as he playfully reached for her towel. He pulled her into his arms and kissed her. She placed her hands on his shoulders and returned his kiss. He tightened his grip around her waist. She was having difficulty breathing, not only from his kiss. J.R. realized how tightly he was holding her, and loosened his grip. "I'm sorry, Sugar. I didn't realize how strong my hands were holdin' ya," he said. Sue Ellen kissed his mouth, delicate, butterfly kisses in several different spots. She leaned her head against his shoulder. They held each other, swaying to the rhythm of their breathing. Their intimacy was interrupted by a knock on the door. Sue Ellen walked back into the bathroom as J.R. answered the door. John Ross smiled and said, "Hi, Daddy. Do you know where Mamma went?" J.R. shook his head from side to side, knowing exactly what John Ross was getting at. J.R. closed his door and put his arm around his son's shoulder, and said, "We need to have a talk, son." He escorted John Ross into his room and sat down on the bed. J.R. said, "John Ross, I know how much it would mean to you if your Mamma and I were to get back together . . . " John Ross' glow of happiness changed to a look of sadness as he anticipated his Daddy's bad news. J.R. watched the emotions change on his son's face and knew he had to tell John Ross the truth, "I've asked your Mamma to marry me and she accepted." John Ross threw his arms around his father's neck. J.R. made John Ross promise not to say anything to anyone, until he talked to Sue Ellen and they had a chance to convey the news to the rest of the family.

J.R. returned to his bedroom, after his talk with John Ross. He said, "I'll tell you, Sue Ellen, sometimes, our boy is too smart for his own good." Sue Ellen entered the bedroom from the bathroom. She was dressed in a coral colored sleeveless dress. The color of the dress against the bronze glow of her skin was a sight to behold. Her makeup perfectly set off her eyes, making them appear darker than their hazel color. Her hair was down, the way J.R. preferred. She was a vision. J.R. smiled at her, as he took in her beauty. "Why don't you and I and John Ross drive into Dallas and grab some lunch?" he asked. "That sounds wonderful. Is he home from summer camp already?" she asked. J.R. told her that they let out early because one of the counselors went into labor. J.R. also told her that he told John Ross about their engagement. Sue Ellen asked him how John Ross took the news. J.R. asked, "How do you think, Sugar? He was as happy as I've seen him in years." Sue Ellen's eyes misted. She wiped at a falling tear and said, "Thank you, J.R. I really wanted to be there when he found out, but I don't think I could have kept my composure very well, at all." J.R walked up to her and wiped away her tears. He kissed her forehead and said, "I love how you are not afraid to express your emotions, Sue Ellen." Sue Ellen looked at him and said, "Are you kidding? All these years I've spent trying to learn to control them, I'm back here at Southfork for two minutes and I fall apart from your touch." J.R. put his hands on her shoulders and asked, "Is that such a bad thing?" Sue Ellen could tell from his tone that he was serious. She shook her head, "No, I just don't think I could handle the return of the old J.R. Ewing." J.R. looked at her so intently, she knew without a doubt that his next words were true, "Sue Ellen, when you agreed to marry me. I made a promise that I would spend the rest of my life with only one woman, that woman is you. I want to start over, with a clean slate." Sue Ellen smiled at him and said, "So do I, J.R."

J.R. called ahead and reserved a table for three, in the 'Garden Room' of the City Café. J.R. wanted a good old-fashioned, hand-rubbed steak. John Ross wanted Mexican - Chicken Enchiladas, and Sue Ellen would decide when they arrived at the restaurant. John Ross held the restaurant door open for his Mamma and his Daddy. The Hostess led them to their table and handed them their menus. Their waiter approached the table, asking if they would like something to drink from the bar. John Ross said, "Yeah!" Sue Ellen and J.R. looked at him shaking their heads side to side, and said, "NO!" Sue Ellen asked for ice water, and J.R. ordered a bourbon and branch. John Ross settled for a cola. The waiter returned with their drinks and asked if they were ready to order. J.R. ordered for the three of them, "My beautiful wife would like the Scottish salmon. My son will have the Chicken enchilada platter, and I'd like the Porterhouse, medium rare." Sue Ellen touched J.R.'s hand while they waited for their meal. John Ross quietly spoke, "Mamma, I'm so happy you and Daddy are back together. Now we can be a real family." Sue Ellen fought back the emotion she could feel rising in her eyes. She stood up, kissed John Ross on the cheek and excused herself. J.R. stood up as she left the table. John Ross asked, "Daddy, did I say something to upset Mamma?" J.R. smiled at his son and said, "No, son. Your Mamma is goin' through a rough time right now, that's all." John Ross asked J.R. if the reason for his Mamma's rough time had anything to do with Don. J.R. bristled at the mention of Don's name, but he told John Ross that Don had nothing to do with it, Sue Ellen would be fine. J.R. told John Ross that Sue Ellen had gone through an emotional upheaval while they were in London. Soon after, Sue Ellen joined them back at the table. "Good as new," she said, as she smiled at the two men in her life. J.R. took her hand in his and kissed her cheek. She appeared more radiant than she had when they first arrived at the restaurant.

Later that evening, the family gathered in the parlor for drinks before dinner. Sue Ellen and J.R. was the last to arrive. The entire family watched them as they entered the room. J.R. held his arm around the waist of Sue Ellen's dark red short-sleeved, silk charmeuse dress. The dress was bias cut and whirled about her legs just below her knees. She wore silver sandals and her platinum cuff. She looked absolutely splendid. J.R. was again captivated by her beauty. John Ross walked up to greet his parents. Sue Ellen reached out her hand and touched his cheek. He had grown so tall, even more so, since she and J.R had returned from London. J.R. said, "Evenin' everyone." The family looked at him, waiting for him to say something else, but he returned his gaze to Sue Ellen and John Ross. After dinner, the family returned to the parlor. J.R poured a glass of ice water for Sue Ellen and a bourbon for himself. He handed her the glass and she looked up at him and said, "Thank you, J.R." Bobby asked who the new toy in the drive belonged to. J.R. sat up on the arm of the chair, where he was seated next to Sue Ellen and said, "You like that, huh? I bought it for Sue Ellen this mornin'." Bobby lifted his glass and toasted the two of them. John Ross tapped at his glass of cola and cleared his throat, turning the floor over to his Daddy. J.R. followed his son's lead and stood up from the chair. He took Sue Ellen's hand, and said, "When Sue Ellen and I were in London, I asked her to marry me, and she accepted." Miss Ellie was the first to congratulate the happy couple, followed, reluctantly, by Clayton, then Bobby and Christopher. Miss Ellie said, "It's been a long time since we've had a wedding at Southfork." She stopped, then asked, "You will be getting married here at the ranch, won't you?" J.R. looked at Sue Ellen, she looked at him and said, "I hadn't really thought about it. It seems fitting under the circumstances." J.R. pulled Sue Ellen into his arms and kissed her, as the entire family watched.