He watched her intently as she slept. Impatient for more of what had happened between them before it was time to go home, he stroked her arm with the back of his finger. She stirred but didn't wake. Changing tack, he kissed her softly on the lips. "Good morning" he greeted her as she opened her eyes and focused on his face. She murmured in response and then moved closer. The night had been full of surprises, she reflected, not least what had become a passionate reconciliation between them after they had reached their destination, a suite at The Mansion at Turtle Creek.

Escaping from the ball and the intensity of her father-in-law's attention had been everything she needed. JR had sensed it and, amazingly, had acted as her husband and as her protector, for once not caring what his family would think of him, or them.

"Come here" he commanded, pulling her into him. "It will be time to check out soon and return home. Let's make the most of the last hour or so we have left here."

The weeks that followed heralded a positive change in their marriage. He no longer stayed out late, not caring to let his wife know where he would be, whom he would be with or when he would be back. Now, he would make the effort to be home well before dinner and remain with her afterwards until it was time for bed. Most nights they would make love, enjoying each other's bodies in a new, more adventurous way. Weekends would be spent relaxing around the pool or out socialising as a couple and, for the first time in years, Sue Ellen felt happy in her marriage.

None of this was lost on Jock, who tried his best to place a wedge between them by insisting on JR staying behind at the office or delivering the three B's to valuable business associates rather than having Bobby do it. However, JR instinctively always remained one step ahead of his father, intent on continuing to be a loving and attentive husband.

He couldn't rationalise the changed way that he felt about her, but the emotional and physical response he now had to his wife also made him happy. He no longer saw the need to seek out other women for pleasure. He had all he required, and more, right at home.

At times, Sue Ellen's thoughts would intrude into what she and her father-in-law had done. Each time was the same. She would catch him watching her and, when they made eye contact, he would let her know by his expression. This wasn't over, not by a long chalk. At such times her stomach would flip, and she would feel momentarily sick.

If she walked into a room to find Jock there alone, she would abruptly turn on her heels and make an excuse to leave. On one such occasion he had followed her out into the hallway, confident that nobody else was around. "If you want to make sure" he began. "We could always do it a second time. Think about that insurance policy you once told me about. JR won't stay like this forever unless you give him a reason to". "No, Jock. I'd rather take my chances with my marriage" she replied tersely, inwardly shaking but trying her best to remain calm as she walked quickly away from him.

A couple of months had elapsed since she had committed the ultimate betrayal when she found herself sitting in her doctor's office, anxiously waiting. "You were right, Sue Ellen" Dr Crane told her as she re-entered the room with the result. "Many congratulations! You're pregnant! I know how long you and JR have waited for this!"

A wave of emotions rushed over her as she received confirmation of what she had expected. "I almost can't believe it" she responded, filled with joy as well as a sense of panic and dread. "Well, it's true and, although it's early days, you appear to be in very good health." She stood and shook the clinician's hand, forcing herself to offer platitudinous words of thanks. As she entered the elevator her mind raced. What was the best thing to do, she asked herself. Settling on her intention, she walked into the daylight and hailed a cab. "The Ewing Building, please" she asked.

JR greeted her warmly, if a little surprised by her visit. "I would take you out for lunch, darlin, but I have a meeting at one thirty" he informed her as he guided her gently into the office, his hand at the small of her back. "It's fine" she answered. "I just wanted to let you know…" She glanced over her shoulder to ensure that he had closed the door before continuing. "I have just seen the doctor. JR, we are going to have a baby!"

JR paused, blindsided at first by the information, before letting out a loud whoop. "Shhh…" she cautioned him. "It's very early days and I don't want anyone else to know until we have passed the first trimester. I don't want to tempt fate, JR."

He put his arms around her and stared into her eyes, smiling widely. "Not even Mama and Daddy? I mean, what's the harm in letting them know? I am over the moon and so will they be!"

She forced herself to smile before continuing sternly. "No, JR, not for another three or four weeks. I mean it. I just want us to be the only ones to know, just for a little bit more time. Please?" "Alright then" he conceded reluctantly. "I can't tell you how happy you've made me though. I really love you, Sue Ellen, you do know that don't you?" She nodded. This time, unlike so many others, she actually believed him.

She had just bought herself a little time. Now she needed a plan because, although her heart told her that the baby ought to be JR's, her head told her not to be so sure."

Tbc