It was dawn in Braddock, and the sun was slowly but surely making its way up into the big open Texas sky. A looming shadow cast by the clouds over Southfork Ranch was a stark contrast to the vivid colors of the beautiful June sunrise. Miss Ellie smiled as she took a sip of her coffee. So few people could appreciate a good Southfork sunrise, she thought. Bobby, Ray…maybe Lucy. She found nothing more beautiful than watching the sun come up.

I must have been crazy to ever leave this place she thought to herself. She took a deep breath and smelled the rich country air, already carrying that warm, humid smell. “It’s so beautiful…” she said aloud. “A perfect day for a barbecue.”

Behind her, she heard the patio door open. She turned around to see J.R. standing in the doorway, Stetson in hand. “J.R.? I haven’t seen you up this early in years!” She exclaimed.

“Well, Mama,” he started, “I’ve got a funny feeling today’s going to be a big day. And, I’ve gotta head into town before the caterers get here.”

“Business? Today?” She asked.

“Nope, not business. This is the one day of the year we close the doors at Ewing Oil…anyone who’s anyone will be here, anyway. Nope…not business…something else.”

“A secret?” She asked with a smile.

“You could say…” He grinned. “A friend of mine named Roy is gonna be stopping by tonight, and I need to get ready. He’s gonna help me out with a problem I’ve been having.” He winked and tipped his hat, leaving Miss Ellie alone in her lawn chair.

She shook her head. She had given up on trying to understand J.R.

The Remnants of Helen Sawyer’s Home

When the firefighters who had responded to the call at the Sawyer residence finished up their work and headed home, they would never forget the look of horror that had appeared on the woman’s face when she and her daughter pulled into what used to be their driveway, and saw the flames engulfing the home.  Mrs. Sawyer’s daughter, Amelia, escorted her mother toward the front of the house as the firemen watched. The fire chief told Helen that one of her stove burners had inadvertently been left on earlier in the day, thus sparking the fire.  Helen’s head shook violently from side to side as the Chief explained to her just how extensive the damage was. Tears formed in Helen’s eyes, but she turned away to try and compose herself.  Amelia asked for the Chief’s indulgence and borrowed his cell phone to call Wade.

Within ten minutes of making the call, Amelia watched as Wade’s pickup truck slowly made it’s way around the fire equipment and up to what was his mother’s home.  Wade turned the ignition off and headed directly for his sister.

“She’s despondent, Wade.”

“I can imagine.  It’s a horrible thing to have happened for the both of you.”

“The worst thing is,” Amelia said, “it’s all my fault.”

A puzzled look made its way onto Wade’s face as he said, “Your fault?”

“I was in such a hurry to get Diana to the doctors at Dallas Memorial.  She went to get the car so quickly that she probably forgot to turn that burner off.”

“It was an accident, Amelia.  Accidents happen.   And I’m sure that no matter what, Mama is glad that you took care of Diana.  The last thing we want is to have her in some kind of trouble.”

“Well, what are we going to do now?  Where are we going to go?”

“You can come to Southfork, stay in my bunk house.”

“Wade, we can’t do that!” Amelia said excitedly.

“Why not?”

“You know how Mama is about the Ewings and all their money.  She’ll never let you convince her that moving anywhere near Southfork is a good idea.”

“In this case, Amelia, I’m afraid she doesn’t have very much of a choice.”

Southfork Ranch, the kitchen

As the Texas heat continued to intensify, and the workers continued to set up for the Barbecue outside, Miss Ellie was in her traditional place in the Southfork kitchen, perfecting her infamous chilli recipe.  Early that morning, J.R. had snuck a taste and told his mother that it wasn’t spicy enough, and she needed to add her secret ingredient. Ellie went over to the cabinets near the sink and reached in to pull out a spice canister filled with her “secret spices.” As she walked back over to the pot to put in a few teaspoonfuls, Teresa came into the kitchen.

“Miss Ellie, Mr. Sawyer is here to see you.”

“It’s a busy morning, but I always have time for him. Send him in, Teresa.”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

Ellie headed over to the sink to wash her hands as Wade came into the kitchen. “Mornin’, Miss Ellie.”

Ellie turned and smiled warmly at Wade. “What brings you up to the main house so early, Wade. The barbecue doesn’t start for a couple of hours yet.”

“I know that Ma’am, but I’ve got a bit of a problem.”

“Sounds serious. Would you like a cup of coffee while you tell me about it?”

“No thank you, Ma’am.  I reckon you’ve been a bit too busy this morning to read the newspaper.”

“I’m afraid so. Has something very bad happened?”

“My mother’s house burned down last night.”

“Oh, my Lord!” Ellie exclaimed.

“She had to take Amelia and Diana to the doctor yesterday so that the Doctor could try to find out what was wrong with Diana.  When they came home, the fire chief said Mama had left a burner on accidentally, and that’s what caused the fire.”

“It sounds like an absolutely horrible accident.”

“Mama went into a shocked kind of state last night. I decided to bring the three of them to my bunk house for the night.  She didn’t say a word the whole evening.”

“Lord knows, loss can be a horrible thing, no matter what form it takes. I’m sure it was crowded in that bunk house last night, wasn’t it.”

“I’d say so,” Wade said.

“Then by all means, your family needs to move into Southfork, Wade.”

“We can’t do that, Miss Ellie!” Wade replied, a bit defensively.

“I know that your mother has objections to this entire family, and our standing in the social community.  But she has to realize sometime that we are family.  All I want to do is help her, and all of you, when you need my help.”

“I appreciate the offer, Miss Ellie, but I don’t really believe I know of any way to tell my mother that, to get through to her.”

“Then don’t do it.”

“Pardon me?” Wade asked, confused.

“Let me do it,” Ellie continued. “Bring your mother, Diana, and Amelia to the barbecue this afternoon, and I’ll talk to them, I’ll convince her.”

“You sound determined, Miss Ellie.”

“If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the years,” she replied, “it’s that in order to live a good life, you’ve always got to have a fighting and determined spirit.  Think of it this way, your mother has one too, but she’s just got a stubborn streak in her.”

Later that afternoon, at the edges of Braddock County…

The large black limo pulled into Braddock County at noon. Inside of it were Jeremy Wendell, Stephen Dent, Alyssa Thompson, and Hank McKenna.

Hank looked over the lush scenery. “Man oh man, is this some pretty land.”

Alyssa smiled at Jeremy, and whispered something in his ear, followed by a very girlish giggle. Wendell managed a smile, but on the inside, he was slightly bothered that he had to spend time with Alyssa with other people.

Dent spoke up. “So, Mr. Wendell. What are these barbecues like?”

“…Mm? Oh. They’re usually fun. Music, good food, somewhat interesting crowds…and I’m wondering if we don’t see someone go into the pool or someone pretending to be Jock Ewing ruining the whole thing.”

McKenna laughed and slapped his knee. “Woo! Damned if that wasn’t a sight!”

Alyssa looked at both men, wide eyed. “Someone pretended to be J.R. Ewing’s father?”

Wendell didn’t even look at her as he responded. “Yes. Some time back. Caused quite a stir.”

Dent smiled. “I remember that, vaguely. I was in graduate school at the time, and we had a poll going to see how long it would take for the man to go away. Living or not.”

The passengers all enjoyed a laugh.

As the limo pulled into Southfork Ranch, Alyssa and Dent were slack jawed at the splendor of the ranch in the bright sunlight.  They were led to where the central party was, and heard blaring country music through a great sound system.

Wendell spotted Miss Ellie. “All right, then. If you’ll excuse me…I plan to greet our charming hostess.” Alyssa pouted, and put her arm through Jeremy’s as he walked over. “Miss Ellie! It’s been too long.”

“Jeremy! It’s nice to see you. And who is this?”

“My, my. Where ARE my manners. Miss Ellie, I’d like you to meet my fiancée, Alyssa Thompson.”

Ellie smiled. “Jeremy! I didn’t know that you were engaged! I hope that we’ll all be invited to the wedding.”

“Miss Ellie, I’ll hand deliver an invitation myself,” Alyssa chimed in with a friendly smile.

Dent was watching the exchange with a smirk. The old man really knows how to pick them, doesn’t he?, he thought as he helped himself to some punch.

Just then, Jillian Ewing walked by him. With a curious look, she paused in front of him. “Hey, I know who you are! Stephen Dent, right? Ex-Congressman?”

Dent smiled. He knew this was J.R. Ewing’s daughter, so he decided to be sociable. “Yes. Yes I am. And how do you know that, young lady?”

“Welll…I seem to remember reading about you in Political Science class.”

“Yes ma’am. That’s me. I’m sure you’ll get to meet a lot of politicians today.”

“I guess…I’m still getting used to this family.”

Dent looked over the Barbecue. “I’d imagine getting used to most of these people would take a lifetime.”

Elsewhere…

Carter McKay sat on a stool at the bar, fuming as he nursed his large glass of whiskey. Things weren’t going to get any better for him, as J.R. was approaching. “Mac, I saw the guest list a few times, and I could swear Norm from Cheers wasn’t on it.”

“Shut up, J.R., I was invited months ago by your mother.” McKay said, not taking his eyes off his glass. He motioned for the bartender to give him a refill.

“Well,” J.R. started as he took the stool next to him, “it’s really no business of mine, but if you only came here to get trashed, couldn’t you have just done it at home?” He asked. “Or are you just here to grace the grounds with your presence?”

McKay took a swig of his drink and faced J.R. “Something very strange is going on with Stephen Dent. I think someone is trying to do some sort of complicated financial scheme.”

J.R looked McKay in the eye. “McKay, are you asking me if I’m involved?”

“Yes, damn it. I want to know if Dent is one of your goons!”

“No. I never even met the boy. Seems to me, though…maybe you’ve about lost your mind out there at that fancy place of yours. What do you do, McKay? Just sit around and wish you didn’t get flattened by me?”

McKay’s face flushed. “J.R, I’m trying very hard not to lose my temper today.”

Jeremy Wendell walked over to the two men. “Two of my favorite people. What’s this about temper, McKay?”

“Not now, Wendell. I’m talking to J.R.”

“The hell you are. I’m done with you, McKay. You’re the second,” he looked to Wendell, “biggest threat to this family. And once I deal with you, then I’m onto greener pastures.”

Wendell just smirked. “J.R., I don’t know why you think that you can threaten everyone in this town. Don’t forget, I broke your precious little company once; don’t think that I can’t do it again. And by the way, I’m sure you might be aware that Weststar’s latest shipment is due inside of a week.”

“Wendell, I don’t know why you’re even wasting my time telling me that. I’ll get that oil to you, Cliff Barnes gets to keep his company, and you get to put all that oil into tank farms, or whatever the hell you plan to do with it.”

“So cocky about things, J.R. Are you really that sure that I can’t ruin you, once and for all? I mean, all it took for your last major defeat were McKay here, his wife, and Dusty Farlow of all people? I think if anyone was going to do it, J.R., I think it would be me.”

J.R.’s grin spread over his face. “Well, you know what they say: ‘Delusions of grandeur wouldn’t be any fun if the ones that had ‘em weren’t delusional. Why don’t the two of you have a few more drinks and then, you know, drive home,” he said, then walked off.

Wendell looked McKay over. “McKay, what IS your problem, anyway? Why can’t you just go off to some little corner and die and leave the rest of us alone?”

“You’d love that, wouldn’t you, Jeremy? For me to stay out of your way, and let you just run Weststar into the ground?” He said with a strange looking smile.

Wendell laughed in his face. “Obviously you don’t follow financial circles. Weststar stock has been soaring since I took control again. I don’t suppose you would know about that since you don’t hold that huge of a position anymore.”

“Wendell…just remember. I got rid of you once. I can do it again.”

“What are you going to do, McKay? Team up with Michelle Stevens on a land deal? How about committing all of West Star’s oil to an OPEC puppet? I don’t think you could pass Finance 101, much less pose a threat. Excuse me.”

Wendell briskly walked off, and left a fuming Carter McKay. McKay looked around, and spotted Stephen Dent talking to a large group of women. The two men made eye contact, and McKay looked to Dent...and pointed at him. Then he ordered another drink.

The other side of the bar

 “Say, Cal,” J.R. said to the short, stumpy man, “I didn’t expect to see you here today…I’m glad you could make it!” He extended his hand, which the other man shook strongly. 

“Well, J.R., it took a little re-arranging of my schedule, but, hell, I haven’t missed this shindig in twenty years, and I’m not gonna start now!” He grinned, and pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and wiped down his sweaty brow. “Sure is hot today, though, isn’t it?”

“You’re not kidding,” J.R. said. “Why don’t I buy you another drink, what are you having?”

“Johnny Walker Blue…” he answered. “I may be a lot of things, but when it comes down to my drinking, I sure ain’t cheap!” He laughed at himself. “If you’re gonna get looped, you might as well be classy about it!”

J.R. smacked him hard on the back and addressed to the bartender. “Another one for my pal, here, and I’ll take a tomato juice.”

Cal raised an eyebrow at him. “Tomato juice?” He asked.

“Yeah, the doctors swore me off drinking a few years back…I guess all the ‘greasin the wheels’ all those years finally took its toll on the old liver,” he said, patting himself on the stomach. “How’s your…” he started, but was interrupted when Raoul tapped him on the shoulder.

“Mr. Ewing? I’m sorry to interrupt, but you have a telephone call in the house…on your private line.”

“Thanks, Raoul,” he said to the butler. “Say, sorry to cut this conversation short, but I’ll catch up with you later, alright? You should have some of our famous ribs, there’s nothing like them in the whole state,” he said, patting the other man on the back again. He put his half-full glass down on the bar and continued into the house, running into Sue Ellen along the way. “Hey, Sue Ellen…what are you doing in the house all alone?” He asked.

“I just came in for an asprin,” she said. “My head is killing me just watching the kids on those rides.” She smiled. “But you’ve gotta hand it to Miss Ellie, no one could ever accuse her of not changing with the times.”

“That’s for sure,” J.R. agreed. “I’ve gotta take a phone call upstairs, but can I get a dance out of you before the evening’s over? It’s been a long time…”

There was a hint of a smile on Sue Ellen’s lips. “Of course. Just come and find me, I’m heading to the rodeo now.”

“Alright, I’ll talk to you later.” J.R. continued up the stairs, down the hall, and into his bedroom. He locked the door and reached for the phone. “J.R. Ewing here.”

Elsewhere…

Ellie had been busy throughout the afternoon greeting her guests as they continued to arrive at the Barbecue.  At the far end of the Southfork driveway, the Sawyer family made its way around the limousines, and began walking up the driveway toward the main house. Helen glared at Wade.

“I told you it was a mistake to come here, Wade. Look around, these are certainly not our kind of people. I mean, the boots that man is wearing probably cost more than one payment on a house.”

“Why does everything have to be about money with you, Mama? Miss Ellie invited us to the annual Ewing barbecue because we are family, and she wanted the chance to see Diana, and give us a chance to have some fun today.”

“What you’re forgetting, Wade dear, is that the Ewings’ definition of family is very unique. When your Grandpa Garrison wanted anything from this family, it was Uncle Jock that constantly turned him away.”

“From what Miss Ellie tells me, Uncle Jock was more willing than anybody to welcome Grandpa back to Southfork.  But apparently, Uncle Jock said that Grandpa Garrison made some kind of unreasonable demand on the family.”

“I really don’t want to argue about this now, Wade.  All I want is to go home.”

“I’m afraid we can’t do that, Mama. At least not until we see Miss Ellie and thank her for her hospitality.”

The Sawyers didn’t have to wait long.  Ellie spotted them, and came over to them. “Welcome to Southfork, Helen.”

Helen forced a polite smile onto her face and said, “Thank you.”

“Wade told me earlier that you’ve had a difficult couple of days.”

“It’s nothing we can’t handle,” Helen snapped.

“I’m sure you’ll find the strength to rebuild from the fire.”

“Yes, I know we will.”

As Helen and Amelia continued to talk with Miss Ellie, someone tapped Wade on the shoulder. He spun around to find Phyllis standing there.

“Howdy, cowboy. Where you been hiding?”

“Hiding?  I haven’t been hiding, Phyllis, just extremely busy.”

“I suggest you tell that to Sly then.  She’s been missing you something fierce.”

Wade turned back to Amelia and indicated that he was going to go with Phyllis for a few minutes, and then followed her.

A few minutes later, Sly put down her drink at the bar and rushed to Wade when she saw him coming.

“I am so glad to see you,” she said. “I thought you forgot about me.”

“How could I forget you, Sly,” he said.  “I’ve just been very busy with work here at the ranch, and some trouble with my mama, sister, and even baby Diana.”

Sly’s face took on a somber note as she said, “Let me buy you a drink, Wade, and you can tell me all about it.”

Elsewhere…

She knew this was the place to find him, but the crowd was huge and Isabel slowly made her way through it, looking for any sign of Lucas Krebbs.  She’d had plenty of time to think about his reaction to the revelation that she was pregnant and she was satisfied that he’d had enough time to think about it as well and would now be ready to step up to the responsibility of being a father.

After about twenty minutes of searching, she found him standing next to the pool, loading up a plate with barbecue.  “Lucas!” she shouted.

Lucas reached for a beer, feeling like he would need it, but the server slapped his hand.   “I know you’re not old enough for one of these…”  She pointed him over in the other direction and he grabbed a Mountain Dew instead.

Isabel made her way up to him.  “We need to talk.”

Lucas nodded.  “Yes we do.”

“Let’s go over there where we can have some privacy.”

They made their way over to an ivy-covered arbor and sat down on a concrete bench.  Lucas reached into his wallet and pulled out a large wad of money.   “Here…”

Isabel looked at the money with wide eyes.  “Lucas…the doctor visits won’t cost this much…”

“It’s for an abortion.”

Isabel threw the money back at him.  “You bastard.   How dare you even consider aborting our child?”

“It’s not our child.”

“Oh yeah…it is.  It takes two people to make a child.  Last time I checked, humans hadn’t mastered the art of asexual reproduction.   You are the only guy I’ve slept with in the past year.  If you need a refresher on your sex-ed, then I suggest reading a book on the subject!”

Lucas stared at her and opened his mouth to speak, but then he shut it again.

“I’ll give you a little while longer to let this sink into your thick head, but don’t think I won’t be back, Lucas Krebbs.”

His world was slowly falling apart.  What had he gotten himself into?

Inside…

As J.R. walked through the double doors, he saw Miss Ellie standing by herself on the patio. She immediately noticed him. “Where have you been?” She asked. “I’ve been waiting for you to take me to the rodeo, everyone’s over there waiting!”

“Sorry, Mama, I didn’t realize it was that time already. I just had to take an important phone call, I apologize for holding you up.”

“Oh, it’s alright, I’m sure they’ll forgive us…” as she turned her head around, she noticed McKay, still sitting at the bar. She bit her lip.

J.R. turned to see what she was looking at, and rolled his eyes. “Mama, why did you have to invite that to the party?” He asked. “I tell you, that man is the embodiment of the word ‘class’.”

From where they were standing, they could see McKay request another drink. When the bartender denied it, he McKay began to lose his temper. Miss Ellie shrugged her shoulders. “Get him out of here.”

J.R. picked up the patio phone and dialled 9, getting a direct line to the ranch staff. “Jim? Sorry to bother you, one of the guests is becoming a problem…could you see that he makes it off the premises safely?” There was a pause. “Yeah, that’s the one. Thanks a lot.”

J.R. took one last look at the growing scene. “Pitiful.” He said. “Shall we go?”

On the dance floor…

“I have created a monster!” Jillian muttered under her breath.  She sipped on her drink and stared at Margaret and Manny over the top of her glass.  She’d been watching them dance, off and on for the past two hours and every passing minute was causing her jealousy to grow.  Margaret had given her the guilt trip of a lifetime and while she was still reeling from it, Jill had done a very stupid thing in asking Manny to take Margaret to the barbecue.

At least she knew that now.

She forced a smile when Margaret broke away from him and walked over to her.  The girl was practically glowing!  “Hey…you don’t look like you’re having much fun…” Margaret stated.

“Of course I’m having fun!  Loads of it, in fact.  Just look at the stuff to do around this place!” Jillian said, spreading out her arms.  “Rides, food, the rodeo…”

“Dancing,” Margaret broke in with a giddy voice.

“Well yeah, that too.”  Jill was desperately trying not to let it bother her.

“I’m having so much fun…with Manny I mean.  I’ve never actually met a guy that acts like he cares about me.  This is just the most awesome feeling…and the fact that he’s insanely cute only helps things,” Margaret gushed and then went quiet, pondering her day.  “I just can’t believe he asked me to be his date for this…well, gotta run.  I don’t wanna keep Manny waiting long.  Bye Jill.”

As soon as Margaret turned her back, Jillian let her smile fade away into an angry scowl.  Damn. Why did doing something so good for someone make her feel so angry?

At the rodeo arena…

Cliff licked the butter off his fingers as he set down the bag of popcorn he had been deeply involved with for the last few minutes. Sue Ellen sat a few seats away to his left; John Ross at his immediate right, and they, like most of the other guests, sat in the large grandstand waiting for the rodeo events to commence. Sue Ellen leaned back and looked at John Ross…the poor guy, having to spend the entire afternoon talking to Cliff.

“You’re not riding in the rodeo?” Cliff asked John Ross.

“Nah…Christopher is the cowboy in the family. If Karen will let go of his hand long enough to let him ride, he might even win this thing. Me...I give the mechanical bull a shot later, if I’m feeling brave.” He smiled. There was no reason to feel animosity towards Cliff, he’d always found him to be a pretty likable guy, despite the stories he’d heard from virtually everyone in the family.

“Yeah, Chris is a good kid...but, you know what, you didn’t turn out half-bad either.” He gave a quick thought as to whether or not he should continue with what he was about to say. Ahh, what the hell he thought. “You know, I probably shouldn’t be telling you this, but for a couple months...the whole world thought I was your dad.”

John Ross didn’t follow. “Really? Some kind of media mix-up?”

“Well...not exactly,” Cliff said. “Your mom and I were really close back then, and...well...to make a long story short, there were some that thought you might actually be a Barnes.”

John Ross didn’t know what to say. “I’ve...I’ve heard some pretty vicious stories about Mom and Dad...I guess that makes sense.” He was taken aback by this sudden revelation and didn’t quite know how to react. Talk about a narrow escape; being that close to being born a Barnes!

“I’m not trying to stir you up,” Cliff admitted honestly, “I’ve just been having some trouble with my own ungrateful, menacing kids lately, and it just hit me how much better things might’ve been for me if you’d been a Barnes instead of a Ewing.”

“Well...I guess that’s a compliment...” John Ross stuttered. “Thanks, and if it helps any, I wouldn’t blame yourself too much for what Pamela Rebecca does. She’s...” He chose his words carefully, “...a very difficult person to give directions to.”

“Tell me about it,” Cliff said bitterly. “And losing her mother hasn’t helped matters lately...as much as I hate to say it, she’s almost a write-off.”

“Well...don’t get me wrong, your daughter’s a bitch,” John Ross started, “but given the right people in her life, she could come around. She’s done it before, I wouldn’t give up on her just yet.”

“Maybe...” Cliff conceded. “But,” he said as he stood up, “I’m gonna get myself a hot dog before everyone sits down, so I’ll talk to you later. Thanks for humouring an old man.”

Meanwhile...

Miss Ellie finally arrived at the grandstand, and nodded at Senator Addington, who stood next to her, to proceed. He adjusted the microphone to better suit his height, then spoke to the crowd assembled at the makeshift stadium. “Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for coming today. As you know, all of the proceeds from today’s charity event will be going to a special fund to aid in the research and treatment of breast cancer. Thanks to the wonderful planning of the Daughters of the Alamo and the Ewing Family! Before we begin, I think we should all give a warm round of applause to our hostess, Mrs. Eleanor Farlow!”

He gave Miss Ellie a kiss as the crowd went wild with applause and cheering. Miss Ellie took the microphone. “Thank you, Senator, and I think you deserve a debt of thanks, too, for helping organize this event, and for pushing hard in the senate for increased breast cancer research and awareness programs.” She stopped, recalling her own breast cancer battle, before seeing Neil in the stands. The two briefly made eye contact, and Ellie forced herself to continue. “Thank you for agreeing to MC today’s events.”  The audience responded with modest applause, and Ellie continued. “As you know, Southfork Ranch has had a rich history of supporting the state, and we’re hoping today’s rodeo will be a huge success. I’m going to give the microphone back to Senator Addington so we can get the festivities under way!”

As the senator took back the microphone back, J.R. escorted Miss Ellie down from the grandstand. “Thank you, Mrs. Farlow. Our first event today is the men’s bareback competition! While I explain the rules, any female riders who have not yet registered for the barrel race should do so now at the entry office.” He watched as a few women in the stands stood up and made their way down to ground level as he continued with the rules. “Cowboys who fail to mark out the horse properly, or who touch the equipment, themselves, or the horse with their free hand before the eight-second buzzer will be disqualified. Points will be awarded by judges based on the rider, and the horse’s performance, each carrying a mark of fifty.”

Ray mounted one of the horses in the chute as he waited to be introduced. “Our first rider today,” Addington started, “is Ray Krebbs. He’ll be riding Greased Lightning today, and folks, as you know, Greased Lightning was a bit of a problem at the last Southfork Rodeo. Hopefully Ray will be able to tame him. When ready...”

Ray took a deep breath and nodded, prompting the rodeo hands to open the shoot. The horse shot out and Ray clutched on tight to the rigging as he spurred his horse, which immediately started to buck him. “Wow, folks, look at Ray go!” Addington announced, as the seconds on the clock ticked down. As ferocious as the horse was, Ray held on tightly, but before the buzzer could sound, he was thrown from the back and landed on the arena dirt. The cowboys restrained the horse and Ray stood up, grinning. He dusted his pants off with his hands.

Donna greeted him at the exit. “Well, that was one hell of a ride,” she said as she hugged him. “I heard you got the feistiest horse,” she said with a laugh.

Ray smiled. “Yeah, not bad for a senior citizen, is it?” He said with a chuckle as he kissed her.

“Well, judges, how did Ray do?” Addington asked, as a number lit up on the scoreboard. “Eighty three! That’s not bad, Ray, not bad at all!” The crowd applauded and cheered madly.

Donna laughed and kissed him again in excitement. “I’m proud of you, Cowboy,” she said as she led him back into the stands.

“Our next rider is Joe Danchuck, and as some of you know, Joe was inducted into the Pro Rodeo hall of fame this year, and is one of the all-time highest money winners! Joe will be riding Black Stardust...”

The professional rodeo rider was able to stay on the horse the entire time and deliver a terrific performance. The crowd applauded and cheered madly.

“Wow, just a few points away from a perfect ride! Joe scores ninety three with his ride! Sorry, Ray!” Addington declared with a laugh. “Next up we have Christopher Ewing on Quick Silver. Christopher grew up right here at Southfork, and his dad, Bobby, was the bareback champion three years in a row in his prime. When ready, Christopher...”

In the chute, Karen gave Christopher a quick kiss and he steadied himself on the horse before giving a nod. The horse almost threw him when they first left the chute, but Christopher fought it to stay on as the crowd watched intently. “Wow!” Addington exclaimed when the buzzer had sounded, “he was able to stay on for the full eight seconds! That just may be a new record for Quick Silver!” The crowd cheered and a huge grin appeared on Christopher’s face. “Well judges, how did Christopher do?” He waited for the scoreboard to light up. “Wow! Ninety two, that’s incredible, Chris! We’ll be expecting big things from you next year!”

Christopher couldn’t stop smiling as Karen ran out to greet him. “Ninety two! That’s amazing, Chris!” She exclaimed as she gave him a huge kiss.

“Way to go, Chris!” Cliff shouted from the stands. “See, look at that,” he said to the man now sitting next to him, “I told you he’d beat the pants off the competition!”

“Our next rider...”

Meanwhile…

Miss Ellie was walking alone near the rodeo grounds when Cliff spotted her from the stands. He made his way down and started walking in her direction. “Miss Ellie,” he called, “could I have a few words with you?”

“Of course,” she said as she stopped and turned around. “I was just coming back from the house, I don’t think the barbecue has ever been this big! How are you, Cliff?”

“I’m doing just great, how are you, Miss Ellie?”

“I’m fine,” she said simply. Once he was close enough to her, she reached out her arms and gave him a big hug. “I don’t think we’ve seen much of each other lately."

“I know that, and I apologize. I’d love to take you out to dinner some night,” he offered.

“That would be lovely,” Ellie said. “We had better start walking in the other direction if we’re going to be there in time to see Christopher ride.”

“Sure,” Cliff agreed as he took her arm. “I just wanted to say...well, first, I want to thank you for inviting me. Despite all of the trouble I’ve caused for this family, you still welcome me to your home year after year. You might not know it, but it means a lot to me.”

“Oh, don’t sell yourself short, Cliff. I’m not blind, I know that probably three quarters of the fights you and J.R. have had have been his doing. There have been times in this life when, since Rebecca died, I’ve thought of you as a son. I think if there hadn’t been that constant conflict between our families, you and I might have been much closer.”

“I feel that way too,” Cliff agreed. “And, you know, I think that Pam and Bobby...I think I support that, now. I’ve been doing a lot of soul searching lately, I guess since they lost the baby, and I’ve seen what an asshole I’ve been at times- to Pam especially. I mean, she’s my sister, and I lost her, and then when I got her back I really didn’t treat her any better than I ever had. And, you know, Bobby’s not a bad guy...under different circumstances, we probably would’ve been friends. Actually, we were friends for a while, but...”

“I know...” Ellie said. “I don’t feel any anger towards you, Cliff. I know that most of what you’ve done has been forced upon you.” She knew she was stretching the truth here. There was really no excuse for the way he had treated Pam, or Afton...or Jamie...but, maybe a lot of that was due to the constant kicking around by J.R. It was hard to say.

“I guess,” he started, as he shyly shoved his hands in his pockets, “what I wanted to tell you is that, I’m going to try to become friends...well, maybe not friends, but I think J.R. and I could maybe work together. He got me out of a tight spot with Jeremy Wendell, and, maybe this time he’s really serious about ending the feud. And if he’s serious, I promise you, I can keep my end of the bargain.”

Miss Ellie smiled. “We’ve been through this many times before, Cliff. You know that nothing would make me happier than to see this petty feud laid to rest, but I wonder if it’s even possible. It’s admirable of you to try, and I hope that maybe, this time it will work, but...”

“I know,” Cliff agreed. “It’s hard to get too excited, right?”

“Exactly. But, if you’re committed, I’ll do my best to keep J.R. on side. I have noticed a change in him, lately, and maybe...maybe this feud can finally be laid to rest for good.”

Back at the rodeo…

“That ride will get you a score of seventy nine. Not bad for a first try, Wade! We’ll be expecting big things from you next year!”

Wade dusted himself off the ground and looked at his mother, who actually appeared to be enjoying herself in the stands.

“While we get ready for the women’s barrel race, we’ll be holding the chicken chase for any interested children under twelve at the small arena next door. Parents, if you’re interested, bring your children on down to the smaller arena next door...

Later...(after a brief commercial break)

Back at the rodeo, the women’s barrel race was set to commence. Addington took the microphone and asked, “is everyone having fun, yet?” The crowd roared in approval. “Good, because I’m happy to report that with ticket sales and purse winnings, we’ve already raised over five hundred thousand dollars for breast cancer research!”

The crowd again cheered. “Now, are you all ready for the next event? Next up we have the barrel race, and for those of you who are unfamiliar with rodeo events, it’s a timed race in a cloverleaf pattern around four barrels. Touching the barrels is permitted, but riders will be assessed a five second penalty for every barrel knocked down. Riders who do not follow the pattern will be disqualified. Are you ready? Up first is Sue Ellen Ewing, on her horse Buttermear. Sue Ellen set the record years ago with a time of 13.5 seconds. When you’re ready, Sue Ellen...”

She smiled and they opened the chute doors, and she set off for the first barrel. J.R. and John Ross stood at the fence watching. “You think she’ll win again this year?” John Ross asked his father.

“Well, there’s a lot of young ladies competing against her, but one thing I’ve learned is to never, ever underestimate what your mother can do.”

As she rounded out the last barrel, Addington announced the results. “With a time of thirteen point four, that’s even better than last time, Sue Ellen! You set a new record for the Southfork Rodeo!”

She grinned again. She felt alive. As she rode her horse to the exit, she passed by J.R. and John Ross. “So, J.R., are you going to defend the Ewing men’s honor and enter the bull riding competition?” She asked jokingly.

“Well, you know, I would,” J.R. started, “but over the years I’ve kind of grown partial to my hip being attached to my leg, you know how it is.” He laughed.

She rode away and J.R. turned to his son. “I’ve gotta head back to the hose for a while, but do me a favor. Be back at the ranch before the barbecue’s over, there’s something I want you to be there for.”

“What is it, Dad?” John Ross asked.

“You’ll see,” J.R. answered vaguely as he turned to walk back to the main house.

At the house…

While the party continued outside, Helen had found a need to go to the restroom. Lucy had directed her to where to find the bathroom in the mansion.  As she was coming back down the stairs in the entryway, Helen stopped to survey how the first floor looked.  She looked into the dining room, with the long, expansive table, the hutches filled with exquisite china, and the expensive draperies and other furnishings.

She walked from the entryway into the Southfork living room, saw again the expensive furniture, the mini-bar, and a small portrait of Uncle Jock. She turned and opened the big wooden door into the den.

Now, seated behind the desk, Helen found herself staring at a small photograph of Garrison that Ellie had evidently placed on the desk.  Helen picked up the frame, and ran her fingers along its edges.

 “I want to go back to Southfork one more time,” Garrison had said.

“Are we going with you, Daddy?” Helen had asked her father.

“No, I’m afraid not. I’ve got to handle my family all on my own this time, sweetheart.”

“But I want to meet Aunt Ellie and Uncle Jock.”

“There’ll be time for that in the years to come.”

“But that ended up being a lie too, wasn’t it, Daddy?” Helen wondered aloud. “You didn’t even tell Ellie you had children. Grown children!”

 The phone rang. Helen bounded down the stairs to answer it. “Hello. Daddy?”

“I’m sorry, Dear,” the voice on the other end of the of the phone replied. “Is this Miss Helen Sawyer, daughter of Garrison Southworth?”

“Yes.”

“In Brighton’s Bend, New Hampshire?”

“Yes. Has something happened to my daddy?”

“This is your Uncle Jock in Dallas, Texas.”

Helen turned from the desk, and looked at the family portrait on the wall. “Uncle Jock was the one who was happy.  He got what he wanted when he thought you died, not once, but then twice. The Ewings have always gotten what they wanted. But not anymore, Daddy.  I’m going to change that.” Helen looked back at Garrison’s photo and collapsed into tears.

At the arena…

“That’s a very impressive showing for Lucy Ewing, with a time of fourteen seconds. Lucy, I can remember when you first rode in the Ewing Rodeo, when you were only seven years old. You were disqualified from the barrel race that year,” he said with a laugh.

Lucy laughed back. She hadn’t even followed the cloverleaf pattern. I guess I developed my individuality at an early age she thought to herself.

“Next up we have my own daughter, Tara Addington, and she’s riding Republican Pride.” The crowd laughed. “I know for a fact that Tara’s been practicing really hard; let’s see if she has what it takes to beat Sue Ellen...”

John Ross helped her up onto her horse, and after a quick kiss she put her feet in the stirrups and nodded for them to release her.

“Well, out of the chute and she’s already making great time,” Addington announced. “She seems to have great control of that horse, let’s hear it for Republican Pride!” The crowd cheered. They were so easily motivated.

Tara rounded out the fourth barrel and returned back, in a time of... “fourteen point four seconds. That’s very impressive, honey!”

“Next we have Karen Ewing, and this is her first year entering the barrel race. If she’s anything like her husband Christopher, we could be in for an exciting ride! She’ll be on her horse Woodwinds.”

As she made the final adjustments to her saddle, Christopher leaned over and kissed her. “I’m proud of you,” he said softly. “Not just about the barbecue, but everything.” He kissed her. “Now win this thing!”

At one of the stables…

“You’re gonna get disqualified if we don’t hurry up!” Ray insisted to Donna as they frantically saddled her horse.

“I know, I know!” Donna replied as she, with Ray’s help, climbed up onto the animal, named Hoss. “Feed him a sugar cube,” she instructed Ray.

“Sugar cube? Donna, we don’t have…”

“Look,” she started. “It may sound silly to you, but Hoss never cooperates with me unless I give him a sugar cube.”

“Alright,” Ray conceded. He fed the horse a cube and it quickly dissolved it. “Now, remember what I told you…if you lean with the horse, it’ll follow you every time.”

“Ray!” She shouted, only half-threateningly. “I have ridden one of these things before, you know! I know where to put the key and how to use the steering wheel!” She laughed. “You just make sure you don’t get thrown off that bull you’re riding later, I saw it and it’s a mean looking thing. It looked like it was about to charge at me at any minute.”

“Oh, don’t worry, I’ll be careful. I don’t plan on spending the summer in a wheelchair, so...but you gotta go!” He insisted.

“Alright, alright, I’m going!” She made a clicking sound and the horse took off. “Cheer hard for me!”

Outside, at the house...

J.R. tapped Marlene Scott on the shoulder and motioned for her to follow him. “Excuse me,” she said to the man she had been in the middle of a conversation with. They entered the house through the greenhouse entrance, and J.R. locked the door behind them.

Gathered there already were Cal Stackhouse, Martin Bailey and Bruce Jackson. “Say, J.R., why are you taking us away from the party?” Jackson asked. “Don’t tell me it’s about that damned Africa.”

 “Follow me.” J.R. said simply, as he walked up the winding stair case, moving through Miss Ellie’s ceiling-high plants. They came to the top of the stairs and J.R. unlocked yet another door, leading to an observation deck. “Wait here,” he instructed.

The four execs stood on the indoor balcony, looking down at the room below. It was amazingly beautiful, with a fish pond, lush greenery, and that perfect smell of fresh flowers and plants. Outside they could see that the dancing had begun and the buffet dinner was being served. “How long is he gonna keep us in here?” Bailey asked. “I mean, I realize he’s got concerns but enough is enough!”

J.R. emerged from the door leading to his bedroom holding a set of documents. First of all, before you boys- and women,” he said, remembering Marlene, “jump down my throat for taking you away from the party, remember that you wouldn’t even be here if it wasn’t for this deal.”

He distributed the papers he was holding. “These are geological reports I’ve obtained from the government which have been conducted around and at the drill sites. If you’ve been paying attention to our briefings, you’ll notice that these reports are inconsistent with the initial reports, and it shows there was a gross over-estimation of the oil reserves there.”

 “What?” Stackhouse exclaimed as he examined the dossier. “When you roped me into this, you told me it was a sure thing!”

 “Nothing’s a sure thing in this business,” J.R. countered. “But it only demonstrates the need to have someone heading this project with real experience, someone who’s actually been wildcatting before…Ewing Oil has. We’ve been bringing in new fields almost monthly in the last few years, while Weststar’s been exploiting their existing fields. Now, Jeremy Wendell may be a sound accountant, and he can obviously tell one end of a deal from another, but when it comes to the hands-on stuff, he doesn’t have a clue.”

Marlene, a 50-ish, heavy woman with curly red hair, spoke up. “J.R., Weststar’s been approaching us, wanting to buy our shares of the venture. If this deal could prove to be so unstable, are you prepared to cover is? If this goes under, will you take the fall?”

J.R. feared this woman. He had avoided her in the past, she was far too confrontational. Besides, he knew the deal wouldn’t fail. “I sure will, Marlene,” he said. “Ewing Oil will take care of anyone that endorses us for the leadership. And you can have it in writing.”

 “So you’ll match Weststar’s offer?” She repeated.

 “Well, I’ll have to have a look at what his proposal contained- obviously I’m not in a position to offer the stock options he may have promised, but don’t forget, I’m not buying you out. If we hit, you’ll make your money, and if we don’t, we’ll cover you. Wendell wouldn’t give you that chance. I’ll give you a win-win deal.”

 “Sounds fair,” Stackhouse agreed. “When is the vote?”

 “I talked to Beckley yesterday evening, they’ve decided to do it by mail-in ballot, and they’ll get that out to you soon. And, for the record, Weststar and Ewing were the only companies nominated.”

 “I don’t know, I’ve heard about the deals you used to make with the cartel boys, J.R.; I remember how you screwed around Jordan and Andy with those Asian Wells, and I remember when Seth Stone killed himself,” Bruce Jackson said. “If Wendell is gonna offer me a cut-and-dry way out of this, I just may take it.”

 “Same goes for me,” Bailey agreed. “It depends on what you’ll offer me, but I think this deal was too rich for my blood to begin with. I can’t afford to take chances like you can.”

 “Well, remember, I was the one who brought you into this deal, you at least owe me a look at my offer. If you don’t think it’s fair then, by all means, go to Wendell. But if you can live with it, I’d appreciate it if you’d spread the word to some of the other execs in this...I’ll offer the deal to anyone willing to endorse us.” He took the drilling reports back. “You can all go back out, now...enjoy the best food Texas has to offer!”

As they headed out down the staircase, J.R. looked through the wall-length window and found Wendell in the crowd. “Your days are numbered,” he said aloud.

As the oil barons all left, Wendell, who had seen the group conversing from outside, approached Cal. "Funny seeing you here," he said quietly. "What was that all about?"

"Just talking a little business," Cal said nervously. "Beautiful day, ain't it?"

Wendell got right into Cal's face and spoke very calmly. "I think you and I need to talk a little business, Mr. Stackhouse. You seem to have forgotten who's in charge here."

At the rodeo...

Back at the arena, Addington again addressed the crowd. “Folks, a Texas-sized thank you goes out again to all the organizers, participants, and of course to our gracious hostess, Mrs. Ellie Farlow, and the Ewing family. Now it’s time for our final event of the day, the bull riding competition We only had two men brave enough to take the challenge this year: Christopher Ewing and Dirk McGee. The rules for this event are the same as the bareback competition, with points being awarded to the rider and the animal based on their performance. In the chute now is Christopher Ewing, who’s on a bull called The Widow-maker. I bet Karen’s hoping the name isn’t true!”

Christopher grabbed the rein and clutched it tight. He closed his eyes and heard Karen yell “go for it!” behind him. He nodded and the chute doors opened. The bull took off, and as the crowd cheered Christopher opened his eyes as he fought to stay on the bucking animal.

“This kid is amazing!” Christopher heard them announce over the loudspeaker. “Hold on, Chris, just a few more seconds to go!”

At the six second mark, Christopher was thrown from the bull and landed on the dusty ground. Immediately the bull was subdued by the rodeo hands. “Judges, how did he do?”

A bright seventy eight lit up on the scoreboard. “Whoooeee, for a green horn, that’s not shabby at all! Congratulations on a great day, Chris!”

Back at the house…

Ellie came up behind Amelia as she was finishing a bowl of chili. Diana lay beside her mother in the baby stroller. “Good chili?” Ellie asked.

“Yes, Ma’am. Good food all around, and a good day.”

“I’m glad you’ve had a good time,” Ellie said. “I wish I could say the same for your mother, but I haven’t seen her since shortly after you got here.”

“I know. It’s not like her to go off without telling anyone.”

“I had wanted to talk to her about moving into Southfork until your house gets rebuilt,” Ellie explained.

“I really don’t think that my mother would accept an offer like that,” Amelia replied as politely as possible. 

“That’s where you’re wrong.”

Amelia and Ellie both turned to see Helen, with sunburn matching the color of her auburn hair, behind them. “Mama?”

“I realized something today, Aunt Ellie. Wade was right. We are family. And I do appreciate the offer of a place to stay until I can get the house rebuilt. It’s only fitting that I stay in a place that my daddy loved so much.”

“Well, I don’t know what’s brought on the sudden change of heart, Helen,” Ellie responded, “but I am thrilled to have you stay here, even if it’s just for a while.  I’ll get Teresa or Raoul to show you to a guest bedroom, and then we can get your things collected from the bunk house.”

“Thank you very much.”

Ellie walked off to say goodbye to some other guests who were departing. Helen headed for the bar to order a drink. Diana continued to sleep as Amelia looked at her carefully. “Something changed with your Grandma today,” Amelia said to Diana.  “And I can’t say I like it one bit.”

Back at the rodeo…

“Our final rider today is Dirk McGee. He’s been on the rodeo circuit a long time, and he had a fantastic showing in the bareback competition with a score of eighty eight. He’ll be riding The Chief. When ready...”

In the stands, Ray looked at Donna and frowned. “I may be biased, but that scrawny kid won’t last three seconds on that thing.”

Donna smiled. “We’ll see, won’t we?”

“Well, he’s out of the chute and doing great so far,” Addington announced. “It almost looks like...yes, he’s done it! He just spurred his bull! This will win him some extra points with the judges!”

The animal went wild and as hard as it would try to throw him, the cowboy was able to stay on. When the buzzer went he was scooped up by one of the horse-riding hands and exited the arena.

“Well, I guess I’ve been wrong before,” Ray conceded.

“High praise from The Cowboy’s Cowboy,” Donna countered. “When is the awards ceremony?”

“Not ‘till tomorrow. They’re gonna have the presentations at The Cattleman’s this year.”

“That’s a score of ninety for Dirk on The Chief!” Addington announced. “That was quite the showing today, Dirk, I’m sure you’ll be remembered at tomorrow’s awards ceremonies. Now, folks, that’s it for today, but be sure to join us tomorrow at The Cattleman’s Club, where we’ll hold the mechanical bull competition and announce the winners in each category. Now, why don’t you all head back to the house and get something to eat, they’re serving burgers, smokies, chilli, ribs, and I’m pretty sure I can smell a pig roast all the way from here!”

Back at the ranch…

The day had dragged on and after watching everyone else, Jillian was convinced that she was the only person at the barbecue not having fun.  At the complete opposite end of the spectrum, however, was Margaret.

“Hey, Jillian!”  Margaret was waving at her from nearby.  One hand was wrapped around Manny’s waist and they were locked together in a slow-dance.  She seemed to almost be gloating about.  No, there was no almost.  She was gloating about it.

Jillian realized how pathetic she probably looked, just standing around and watching the two of them have fun all afternoon.  It was time she took action and showed Margaret that she wasn’t just going to rest on her laurels.   She quickly scanned through the crowd and then her eyes fell upon Eric Stone.  Jillian swiftly walked through the crowd and grabbed him by the arm before pulling him out amongst the other dancing couples.

Eric was taken by surprise.  He’d never even really talked to Jillian and she was J.R. Ewing’s daughter.  “I thought I’d get to know you…” Jillian said timidly.  She’d grabbed him in the heat of the moment and now the entire thing felt awkward.

“Yeah?  Well I usually prefer to talk to a lady first, but whatever works for you…”

Jillian rested her chin on his shoulder and noticed that Manny was looking at her from afar.  Could it be that she was making him jealous?  Maybe this wasn’t such a bad idea after all.  Manny and Margaret spun around and Margaret glanced at her and a surprised look plastered itself across her face.  But for Jillian, that wasn’t good enough.

Margaret and Manny weren’t the only ones that had taken notice of the spectacle of the next generation of Barnes’ and Ewings dancing together.  J.R. stared wide-eyed and he nudged Cliff in the ribs.  Cliff turned around.  “J.R., what the hell do you want?”

“Barnes, you’ve got about two seconds to get your son away from my daughter, otherwise, I’m gonna do it myself.”

“Huh?” Cliff remarked.  He looked in the direction in which J.R. pointed and then he too saw them.  “Knowing your daughter, it’s probably the other way around.”

Once she was sure Margaret was looking, Jillian wrapped her hands around the back of Eric’s head and pulled him into a long, deep kiss.  At first Eric resisted, but soon he gave way and his hands found their way around Jillian’s back and he embraced her.

“Oh my God!” Margaret gasped.  “Manny…are you seeing what I’m seeing?”

Manny nodded, silently praying that Jillian was finally going to move on.

Back across the crowd… “Ha!  My son must be quite a kisser,” Cliff remarked with a laugh.  The best part of this was that he knew it was making J.R. sick.  “If they don’t come up for air soon, somebody’ll have to call an ambulance.”

Eric finally pulled away, just in time to see J.R. storming toward him.  “You son-of-a-bitch, stay away from my daughter!”

“Daddy, it’s okay!” Jillian said, trying to play peacemaker.  Had he seen the whole incident?  “I was the one that asked him to dance and I was the one that kissed him first…”

Eric nodded in agreement.  What the hell was going on?  He was still so floored from the kiss that he wasn’t thinking straight.

“How long have you two had something going on?” J.R. snapped.  “’Cause obviously this isn’t the first time you’ve met.”

“Really…it is,” Eric stuttered.

“Look, I’ll explain all of this later,” Jillian said.  “Bye Eric…it was nice ‘meeting’ you.”  She stared at J.R. coldly and then she disappeared into the crowd, leaving him with Eric.

One of the haylofts…

Lucas sat on the edge of the hay loft, looking across the ranch at the rapidly growing crowd.   His life was completely ruined, all because of one stupid night.  He didn’t want a child…didn’t want to be involved with Isabel…didn’t want to face the difficult path that had just been paved for him because of one little mistake.  Lucas felt so alone right now.  He couldn’t talk to Ray about anything, Donna was out of the question, and he’d never felt close to Margaret.  He wished Charlie wasn’t so far away and thought about calling her, but changed his mind.

Lucas heard the floor of the loft creak behind him and he turned around, surprised to find Christopher standing there.  How ironic…he'd wished for his sister but instead had gotten the brother that didn't even realize Lucas knew about.  The truth was, he'd always been close to Christopher, at least when he visited the United States with Ray and his mother.  Christopher would take him fishing out on the lake and they'd spend hours out in the woods exploring and just hanging out.  Lately though, they'd drifted apart and Lucas realized he missed his presence in his life.  And now that he knew he was his big brother, he wanted it even more. 

Christopher walked over to the edge and sat down.  “Hey Lucas.  I noticed you left a while ago and saw you sitting up here and for some reason I felt the need to come up here and check on you.  Crazy huh?”

Lucas smiled.  “No, not crazy.   I was just wishing that Charlie was here so I could talk to my sister, but I guess a brother would be fine too.”

“You know?”

Lucas nodded.  “I have since Christmas.  I just never approached you about it because I wasn’t sure there was any good reason to.”

“I know what you mean man, I always felt the same way.  I wanted to say something because I always wanted a brother, but I thought too much time had passed and I didn’t want to rock the boat, so I left it alone.”   Christopher looked away from Lucas and stared out across the ranch.  “So why aren’t you down there enjoying yourself?  What’s wrong?”

Lucas sighed.  “Everything.   I don’t really know that I need to talk about it.”

“The way I see it, I owe you a few good listening sessions, being as how I haven’t been able to act as your brother all these years.”

Lucas turned back to look at Christopher.  “Have you ever screwed up really bad?”

Christopher laughed.  “All the time.   It’s human nature.  Why?  What did you do?”

Lucas massaged his temples with his fingers, desperately trying to fend off the headache that was creeping through his head.  “I slept with Isabel…and she’s pregnant.”

Christopher let Lucas’ words sink in and he carefully chose his own.  He’d been there before.  “How do you feel about that?”

“Sick.  I’m sick that I even had sex with her in the first place.  I don’t know what I was thinking…it just happened.  I’m not even interested in…”  Lucas trailed off.

“What were you going to say?”

“I don’t think you’d understand, Christopher.”

“Try me.  I’m a pretty understandable guy.  And how can I help you if I don’t know the whole scenario?  I really do want to help.”

Lucas remained silent for several minutes, but Christopher didn’t probe for anymore details.  If Lucas wanted him to know what was going on, he’d tell him.  He wasn’t going to dig.

“I…Christopher…I’m gay.”

Braddock Road…

Cal Stackhouse walked down the long Southfork drive, trying to cool down from his confrontation with Wendell. So damn hot… he kept thinking to himself. Shoulda stayed in the air conditioned house…

He pulled his handkerchief from his pocket again and frantically mopped his face. Why was Wendell so intent on breaking him? He asked. Was the chairmanship of the project so important?

He looked down to Braddock Road ahead, and saw the valets greeting guests as they entered the guest. A car honked at him as it approached. He waved his hand at it and moved out of the way. He wiped his face again; the hanky was soaked.

He heard a faint ringing sound, and after a few seconds he realized it was his cell phone. He fumbled through his suit – was it getting hotter? – until he came across the phone. He had already missed the call, but the display read J.R. EWING. He called back. “J.R.?” He asked, when he heard a voice answer.

“Cal? Where are you, boy? I thought maybe we’d finish our conversation.”

“I’m…” he started, then suddenly felt like he had to sit down. “I’m on the drive, just going for a walk…had to cool down, a bit. Talked…Wendell.” Suddenly he felt very short of breath, and his tongue felt thick in his mouth. “Sorry, I’ve had…too much drink.” He gasped. “Think I’ll…I’m gonna head home.”

“Say, are you alright?” J.R. asked him, through the phone. “You sound kinda funny, are you sick?”

“Fine, fine,” he answered, his words coming in short, quick spurts. “Thanks for…party.” He hung up the phone and continued walking towards the gate. If I can get to the car I can get home and I can take a couple of pills…all I need is a Tylenol and a good rest, maybe another quick belt of scotch…

Suddenly he stopped. His indigestion was getting worse. I’ll just lean up against this fence here… he decided. He was so tired, maybe he’d close his eyes…just for a little while…

J.R. snapped his phone shut. The sun was starting to go down, and the guests were beginning to disperse. He looked at his watch- time was running out. He walked over to the band, and spoke quietly. “Can I get you boys to do me a big favour?” He asked. “Can you play the song now?” He had made sure when he booked the band that they knew some Roy Orbison tunes – one special one, in particular.

 “Yessir Mr. Ewing,” the bass player answered. “Thank you for the big tip.”

 “If this goes the way I hope it does, you boys will all be worth your weight in gold,” he said with a smile. He turned and walked away as they got ready for their final tune.

Sue Ellen was at the other site of the grounds, giving some last minute thank-yous to the caterers and saying goodbye to some of the guests who were just about to leave.

J.R. approached her. “Darlin, the boys have time for just one last song, do you have time for that dance you promised me?” He asked.

Sue Ellen looked awkward. She had promised him, and what would one dance hurt? “Sure...for old time’s sake,” she answered, taking his hand and leading him out onto the dance floor.

J.R. straightened his hat and pointed at the music men. The song began...

“What’s the song?” Sue Ellen asked him, sensing he had something up his sleeve.

“You’ll see...”

I had somebody, somebody who loved me, someone so good to me...

“It’s been a long time since we’ve danced to Roy Orbison,” Sue Ellen said, after recognizing the song.

“Yeah...the last time was at our wedding...the second one...when they played our wedding song, remember? Only the Lonely?”

You were my angel, you were my heaven, but I was too blind to see...

“Of course I remember,” she said as they continued to dance, J.R. pulling her closer, ever so subtly. “I asked them to play it a second time because I didn’t want to let go of you...didn’t want the moment to end...”

I let you slip away...I guess I never knew...I had the world with you, I’d be there, still be there in your arms...

“We’ve had some good times, Sue Ellen,” J.R. said. “A lot of good times. We could be like that again.”

If not for my careless heart, you’d still be loving me...if not for my careless heart, you’d still be mine...”

 “Stop...” she said meekly. “Just stop it, J.R.” She didn’t pull away from his embrace...

I wouldn’t have this hurt inside, I wouldn’t have these tears to cry...if not for my careless heart...if not for my careless heart...

J.R. pressed on. “I’ve been thinking a lot about what Mama had to say, and maybe she’s right...I’ve led a hard life- we both have, and you never know, our time could be coming soon. That’s been on my mind a lot lately. A lot.”

I had my chances, I took advantage, I took it all too far...so now you’re gone, and I’m all alone, alone with my lonely heart...

 “There’ve been a lot of women in my life, but none of them could ever hold a candle to what I felt...what I feel, for you...not Cally, not Vanessa, no one.”

Sue Ellen closed her eyes and held J.R. tighter. “I’ve never felt about anyone else the way I felt about you, either,” she confessed. “But how can I ever trust you again after the way you hurt me? What’s to say you won’t hurt me again?”

I let it fall apart, I didn’t care enough, I lost your precious love...you’d be here, still be here in my arms...

 “I can’t afford to lose you again, Sue Ellen. Honest to God, I need you in my life, and there’s nothing, not a god damn thing that I would ever do to jeopardize that.”

If not for my careless heart, you’d still be loving me...if not for my careless heart, you’d still be mine...

 “But you’ve said that before,” she insisted. “So many times J.R., and I just don’t know if I can risk it...but God, I’d love to try...”

I wouldn’t have this hurt inside, I wouldn’t have these tears to cry if not for my careless heart, if not for my careless heart...you’d still be mine.

J.R. pulled her even closer, as he noticed that the other guests were beginning to notice them. He flashed a smile at John Ross, who was watching intently.

I’d be loving you, I’d be holding you, I’d be loving you, if not for my careless heart...

 “We were made to be together, Sue Ellen,” he insisted. “And if you can look me in the eyes and tell me you don’t think we belong together, I will never bother you again.”

I wouldn’t have this hurt inside, I wouldn’t have these tears to cry...

She didn’t look up at him...Don’t look into his eyes... she thought, forcing herself to keep her head on his shoulder.

 “You can’t do it, can you?” He asked.

 “Maybe we could try it out for a while, and see how it goes...”

If not for my careless heart...if not for my careless heart...

 “No, we don’t have time for a test run,” he insisted. “I’m not gonna take no for an answer, just...do you love me?” He asked.

If not for my careless heart...

 “Yes...” she said softly. “Yes, J.R., I’ve always loved you...”

You’d still be loving me...

Miss Ellie had now gathered with John Ross and Lucy, who stood watching the couple on the dance floor. “Watch this,” Miss Ellie instructed.

He reached into his pocket and produced a small jewellery box, which he quickly opened, revealing a beautiful diamond ring. “Sue Ellen Ewing, will you be my wife?” He asked, as he looked powerfully into her eyes.

If not for my careless heart, you’d still be mine...

He sat looking at her for what seemed like an eternity, and as the song winded down she finally tilted her head up, looked into his eyes and opened her mouth to speak. She had her answer.

CREDITS ROLL