The power of the Ewing name proved its ability - within two months, J.R. and Sue Ellen purchased and restored their own home. Sue Ellen was overwhelmed with happiness, J.R. prioritised their new home above all other interests, including Ewing Energies, and the family were incredibly supportive. Their new home was no more than five miles from Southfork and rested on fifty-acres of land, privately secluded from undesirable intrusion. The exterior resembled an old, stone farmhouse and its modest appearance was in stark contrast to the twenty-five rooms, which awaited its visitors beyond the double-door entrance.
"Sue Ellen, this house is perfect!" Pam softly declared, her arms linked with Bobby's.
"It truly is beautiful, isn't it, Jock?" Miss Ellie noted to her husband, her concerns washed from her mind. It was as homely as Southfork, if not more so.
"I'm impressed, J.R.," Bobby complimented his elder brother, "I didn't think you'd be settled in time for the new baby." He was also undeniably proud; his older brother had finally settled into his marriage and responsibility as a husband. "Guess I won't underestimate you again, brother." Bobby winked at Sue Ellen, who strained her heavily pregnant body to portray as much poise as physically possible.
"Well, I'm starved!" Jock announced, "Shall we eat?"
"I'm afraid we can't start until everyone's arrived," Sue Ellen responded, "Don't worry, she'll be here any minute."
"Oh, Sue Ellen," her mother-in-law removed her attention from a piece of artwork in the foyer and shook her head. "I meant to say, Lucy won't be able to make it tonight. Mitch has the flu. She promised they'd drop in as soon as he's well though."
J.R. sniggered, "Some doctor. He can't even cure his own health."
Sue Ellen tilted her head, as if warning her husband not to provoke unnecessary conflict for their first dinner party. He picked on one of her appetisers and remained reluctantly silent. "Yes, Lucy did call earlier, Miss Ellie." Her words stirred confusion amongst her guests, who pondered whose arrival they awaited. As if to appease the crowd, footsteps could be heard from the staircase and Kristin appeared with John Ross comfortably entertained in her embrace. "Ah, there she is!" Sue Ellen exclaimed, and Kristin stood near her older sister for protection from the predicted backlash.
"Why in the hell does that woman have my grandson?" Jock bellowed, outraged. "J.R., has your wife lost her damn mind?"
"Now, dad, let me and Sue Ellen explain a minute, would you?" J.R. readied himself for the next world war to break out, "Kristin is -"
"Kristin happens to be my sister which means she's as much a member of our family as anyone else in this house!" Sue Ellen's eyes levelled, daringly, with her father-in-law and it threatened Jock's natural confidence. "Southfork may have been your home, but this is mine - mine and J.R.'s, which means we make the rules here and we decided who's welcome and who's not." The lowered tone indicated her threat, "Should you disapprove, you're welcome to walk out that door."
"J.R.," Jock disregarded Sue Ellen, demanding his son's final verdict. His loyalty to his wife was crystal-clear. "You know, I'm sick and tired of the disrespect I've received from you and your wife this past year. You'd better thank your lucky stars you're not under my roof anymore."
Even Pam's smile didn't ease Kristin's fears, as she shrunk from the danger of Jock's rage. "Daddy, I don't think now's the time to discuss this," Bobby intercepted.
"Either she leaves, or I do." His father held firm, "I'll be damned if I'm expected to sit down to dinner with the woman who nearly murdered my son!"
Neither the whimpers from John Ross, nor the pleas from Miss Ellie, affected him and a wave of hopelessness engulfed Sue Ellen. Ever the peace-maker, she bowed her head. Her actions had forced her husband into an impossible position and he had already done so much for her. Sensitive to the atmosphere, John Ross started to cry and his wail dominated the room, not even ceasing his sobs when she pulled him from Kristin's arms and nestled his face into her neck. "Perhaps you should go," she whispered to her sister, who nodded and prepared to depart.
"Kristin, stay where you are!" Her brother-in-law found his voice, "You heard Sue Ellen, you're as welcome in this house as anyone else."
Everybody drew breath, astonished by J.R.'s outright dismissal of his father's wishes. Jock seethed, "If that's your final word, junior." The patriarch thundered from the house and his wife, son and daughter-in-law trailed behind like little sheep lost.
"Well, looks like we're the three musketeers, huh?" J.R. injected inappropriate humour, which failed to lift anyone's spirit.
Kristin dutifully retrieved John Ross from Sue Ellen's arms, allowing her a private moment with her husband. "J.R., I'm sorry. I shouldn't have pushed for Kristin to stay." She had anticipated Jock's dismay, if not the backlash of exile. "He'll calm down," she promised, unconvinced. "He didn't mean what he said."
J.R. smiled, knowingly, "My daddy always means what he says."
Sue Ellen directed his palm to her basket-ball size stomach and shook her head, "The love you have for this baby is the love your daddy has for you. He may be Jock Ewing but he's also your father, and he loves you."