Previously on DALLAS:
------------After returning home to Southfork, Ann confided in Bobby about her family's dirty secrets and her traumatic childhood.
------------John Ross offered a business proposal to Bradley Stone, against Sue Ellen's advice.
------------Bobby took Ann away on a vacation, while having Southfork remodeled as a surprise for her.
------------Marilee Stone asked Cliff for help in finding out who her son's partner is in his revenge plan against the Ewings, and Cliff told her about Bradley's friendship with Katherine.
------------Afton received a gift from a secret admirer.
------------Marilee confronted Katherine about her relationship with Bradley, then dropped a bombshell on her: Bradley is Cliff's son!
The Wentworth home.....afternoon
"What did you just say?" Katherine asks.
"You heard me," replies Marilee. "Cliff Barnes is Bradley's father, not Seth Stone, which means Bradley is your NEPHEW!"
Katherine smiles. "You're lying. You are so afraid of your son having a relationship with me that you'd make up such a lie to keep me away from him. How pathetic."
"Just get out," Katherine says.
"Gladly. The stench in this place is nauseating." Marilee brushes past Katherine and heads for the front door. She turns back to Katherine. "Remember what I said. You stay the HELL away from my son, or I will make you regret the day you ever set foot back in Dallas." Marilee turns and storms out of the house.
"Oh, Marilee," an angry Katherine says after she leaves. "You're the one who's going to be sorry."
Southfork.....the next morning
"Mornin', Lucy," he says.
"Good morning, Ray. You want some coffee?"
"Yeah, thanks," he replies.
"What brings you over?" Lucy asks as Ray takes a seat at the table and pours himself a cup of coffee.
"I'm here to pick Conner up. We're goin' to a cattle auction over in Fort Worth."
Lucy smiles. "I remember those days when I use to tag along with you and Granddaddy to those auctions."
"Thanks, Ray, but I've got too much to do here, over seeing the redecorating."
"How's that comin'?" Ray. "Gonna have everything finished up by the time Bobby and Ann get back?"
"Oh, yes," Lucy replies. "Sue Ellen put me in touch with a wonderful interior decorator, the same one who remodeled the house after that fire a couple years ago."
"Wonderful. How are things with you?"
Lucy sighs. "Same as always, I guess."
"Sounds like you're strugglin' with boredom."
"To be honest, Ray, I am. I really miss working, and just having something to do with my time and with my life."
"Then why not find somethin'?" Ray asks.
"Like what? I don't really know how to do anything."
Ray laughs slightly. "That shouldn't be a problem for someone with your money. Heck, Lucy, you could buy your own business and hire somebody to teach ya how to run it."
"Buy my own business? What kind of business?"
"Heck, I don't know. Interior decoratin' or somethin'," Ray replies, taking a sip of his coffee.
"Maybe you're right. Maybe I do need something to keep myself busy. Anyway, what about you? How are things with you and Donna?"
"Things are great. I couldn't be happier. My life has finally fallen into place. Donna and I are back together after all these years apart, our daughter is happily married, and Donna and I are gonna be grandparents in a few months. Things couldn't be better."
"I'm really happy for you and Donna. If two people ever deserved happiness, it's you two."
"Mornin'. Ready to go?"
"Yes, sir."
"Okay, then," Ray says, standing. "Lucy, thanks for the coffee. Think about what I said about findin' somethin' to do."
"I will. I'll see you guys later. Have fun."
"We will," Conner says as he and Ray head to Ray's truck. Lucy watches as the two men get in the truck and drive off.
Justin and Amanda's home....
"Mornin', darlin'," he says.
"Morning. I didn't hear you come in."
"I know. Amanda, I'm sorry about the other night."
"The other night?" Amanda asks.
"Yeah," Justin says, taking a seat at the table. "When I pressed you about your daddy. Last thing I ever wanted to do was hurt you."
"Growin' up without a daddy? Darlin', you know I do."
"No, I mean, our circumstances were completely different. My father abandoned us."
"It's not that different from what happened with me," says Justin. "But, I know you and your mama had it really hard for a while."
"We did," says Amanda. "My Mom provided for me as best she could. Until she got sick. And then......"
"Yeah. My Mom use to work for him as his secretary, and she'd stayed in touch with him over the years. He was so kind to help her."
"Well, he sure changed when it came to you, didn't he? Forcin' you to marry John Ross just to spy on the fam'ly."
"The point is, Justin, my father has never been a part of my life. Not since I was a little girl. And things my Mom told me....." Amanda stops talking as she fights back tears.
Justin reaches over and takes her hand. "Shhhh, it's okay," he says.
"Justin, do you think I'm wrong? That I'm making a mistake? Do you think I should see him?"
"Sweetheart, you're the only one who can answer that. Look, I don't know your daddy. I don't know what kinda man he is, what his past is. But, the one thing I can tell you.........Amanda, he's your father. I know he walked out on you and your mama, but, darlin', that was a long time ago. I never got to know my daddy. I didn't even know that J.R. Ewing was my father until after he was dead. I never will get a chance to meet him, or to know him. To talk to him, or anything. You HAVE that chance with your daddy. Now, I can't tell you that you should take that chance and see the man. It's a chance, and a decision you're gonna have to make on your own. Maybe he's changed, but then again, maybe he hadn't. But, you'll never know whether or not he's changed if you don't take that chance."
Amanda wipes the tears from her face. "And what if he's only after money?"
"Well, I admit, it is strange timin', him showin' up here now. Maybe he is after money. IF that's the case, then we'll deal with it. But I think that you have to ask yourself, can you live with not ever takin' the chance to get to know your daddy? I missed that chance with J.R., and I can tell you.......I'd give almost anything in the world if I could've had the chance to know him."
"Thank you, Justin," Amanda says.
"For what?"
"For always being there for me. For being so wonderful."
Justin smiles. "Amanda Shepherd, I will ALWAYS be there for you," he says. He leans over and kisses her.
A horse ranch near Dallas......afternoon
"Excuse me," Lucas says. "Is Heather McCabe around?"
"Lucas?" Heather's voice comes from behind him.
He turns around to face her. "Hi, Heather."
"Lucas, what are you doing here?" Heather asks.
"Talk about what?"
"About Michael. I wanna see him."
Heather sighs. "Lucas, I don't think that's a very good idea."
"Heather, he's my son," Lucas says. "I have a right to see my own son and get to know him."
"Look, Michael is very confused right now. Finding out that Bo, a man he worshiped, isn't his real father threw that little boy for a loop."
"I understand that. But if I could just see him. Get to know him, that's all I'm asking. A chance. If Michael doesn't wanna see me, then I won't push him." Lucas walks closer to her. "Heather, you kept Michael from me all these years. Don't you think I at least deserve a chance to know my own son? Especially now that the truth is out?"
"That's great," Lucas says with a smile. "Where should we meet?"
"Well, Michael loves Chick-Fil-A. So, how about the one on Stacy Road? It's not far from my apartment."
"Yeah, that sounds good."
"Okay," says Heather. "I'll meet you there at 3:00 tomorrow?"
"Thanks, Heather."
"But Lucas, I'm gonna talk to Michael first and let him know what's happening and why we're there. And if he doesn't wanna see you......."
"Don't worry," Lucas says. "If Michael doesn't wanna see me, I'll leave him alone. And you."
"Thank you, Lucas. I gotta get back to work."
"Yeah. I'll see you tomorrow." Lucas smiles at her, then turns and walks back to his car. Heather watches as he drives away, hoping that she made the right decision.
The Krebbs Ranch.......late afternoon
"Well, did you two have fun today?" She asks.
"We sure did," Ray replies. "Bought a couple prime longhorns and a couple calves. And ol' Conner here
"Is he, now?" Donna asks, sounding unimpressed.
Ray smiles at the compliment. "You wanna stay for dinner?"
"I'd love to, if it's okay with Donna."
Ray looks at her. "Donna?"
"Sure, why not?" Donna replies, not too thrilled at the fact Ray invited Conner to stay for dinner. She smiles slightly, then turns and walks back into the house.
"Is everything okay?" Conner asks Ray. "I mean if it's an imposition for me to stay for dinner, I can just........"
"Nonsense," Ray interrupts. "Conner, you know you're always welcome here."
Conner smiles. "Thanks, Ray."
"Come on, let's see to the livestock before supper," Ray says.
Westar........evening
Her secretary walks into the office carrying some papers. "Miss Cryder, here are those contracts you wanted to look over this weekend."
"Thank you, Dawn."
"Will there be anything else?" Dawn asks.
"No. You go on home and have a great weekend."
Dawn smiles. "Thank you. You have a great weekend too."
"Thanks. I'll see you on Monday," Jill says.
As Dawn is leaving the office, she meets Jay as he is about to knock on Jill's door. "Oh, good evening, Mr. Smithfield."
"Goodnight, Dawn. Enjoy your weekend," Jay says. As Dawn leaves, he walks into the office.
Jill stands from her seat to greet him with a kiss. "Hi," she says.
"Hey, babe," Jay says, kissing her. "I can't believe you're still working. Come on."
"Sweetheart, it's Friday night. We have dinner reservations, remember?"
Jill smiles. "You're right. I can take this stuff home and look through it over the weekend."
"Good, because I have an extremely romantic night planned for us," Jay says.
"Really, now?" Jill asks, seductively. "What do you have planned for this........romantic night?"
Jay puts his arms around her. "Well, I thought we would start off with dinner at Perry's, then, since it's gonna be kinda warm tonight, we could go for a little walk after dinner. And then......." he kisses her.
"And then.......what?" Jill asks.
"And then, I thought we'd go back to my apartment, or yours, and spend the rest of the night making mad, passionate love." Jay kisses her again.
"Hmmmmm, the rest of the night?" Jill asks. "You sure you're up for that after a long work week, Mr. Smithfield?"
"I am definitely up to it. A night of pure passion with the woman of my dreams is EXACTLY what I need to unwind after a long week at the office."
"Well, then, in that case," Jill says. "Let me just close everything up here. The faster we get out of this office, the faster we can get this romantic evening started."
Jay kisses her again. Jill walks over to her desk, shuts off her computer, picks up the stack of contracts she needs to read over during the weekend, and she and Jay leave the office.
The Krebbs Ranch....
"That supper sure was good. Ya outdid yourself tonight, Donna," he says.
"I'm glad you liked it," Donna says, somewhat coldly.
Ray pulls back. "Donna, what's the matter? You been in a bad mood ever since me and Conner got back from Fort Worth."
Donna sighs, then turns to face him. "No. I'm fine."
"No, I don't think ya are. You a little bit peeved at me because I asked Conner to stay for supper?"
"Ray, I've seen what's been happening around here these last few months, and it worries me."
"Now you're not gonna start that stuff about me tryin' to replace Lucas with Conner again, are ya?" Ray asks.
"Isn't that what you're doing?" Donna asks. "Trying to replace the son you lost with another?"
"So what if I am? What the heck is so wrong about that?" Ray walks over to the table, leans on it with his hands, then turns back to her. "Donna, I had a son. But he's Bobby's son now. Lucas barely even speaks to me now. He's still so angry and bitter toward me. Do you know how it makes me feel to see him with Bobby? Do you know how it makes me feel every time Lucas looks at me with anger in his eyes, like a stranger? All those years........I was the one there for all of Lucas's ballgames. I'm the one who was there for all the skinned knees, the scrapes and bruises. All the colds and the flu. I was the one who taught Lucas everything he knows about horses and ranchin'. It was me who taught the boy how to drive, and took him to take his drivers test. I was there when he graduated from high school. It was ME, Donna. NOT Bobby. Now don't get me wrong. I'm glad to see Lucas and Bobby havin' a relationship. But it just kills me to be pushed aside and to go from a father to that uncle Lucas barely speaks to at family dinners and such. I lost my son, Donna. And then along comes my cousin Jack's son, who lost his father a year ago. I like Conner. I like spendin' time with him. And I've come to think of him, and care for him as a son. And that young man has come to look to me as a father figure. And what's so wrong about that, Donna? I had a son, and now he's my brother's son. Conner had a father, and that father was murdered. So, if we can fill that void for each other......if he can fill the void in my life that Lucas left, and if I can be a father figure to him, then I think that's a good thing. And for the life of me, Donna, I can't understand why you can't see it as a good thing, too."
Donna looks at him, tears streaming down her face. She walks over and gently touches Ray's arm. "Ray, I'm sorry," she says. "I feel like such a fool."
"Come on now," Ray says. "You're prob'ly the least foolish person I know."
"I guess I didn't really understand how you really felt about this. That Conner really does fill that void in your life. Ray, I love you."
"I love you, too, Donna. How about we go on upstairs? The rest of these dishes can wait til mornin'."
"Ray, it's only 8:15."
Ray puts his arms around her and smiles. "I didn't say anything about sleep. I just said let's go upstairs."
"That sounds like a great idea," Donna says, kissing him.
Perry's Steakhouse And Grille....
"Yes, as a matter of fact there is," replies Jay. "You're so gorgeous I just can't take my eyes off you."
"Jay, come on. Stop teasing me."
"I'm not teasing. You are the most beautiful woman in the world."
Jill reaches across the table and takes Jay's hand. "And you are not only the most handsome man in the world, but you're also the sweetest."
Jay smiles, then leans over and kisses her. Meanwhile, John Ross and Krystina walk into the restaurant and are approached by the hostess.
"Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Ewing," the young woman says.
"Hello, Tammy, how are you tonight?" John Ross asks.
"I'm fine. Your usual table?"
"That'll be fine."
"This way," Tammy says, taking two menus. John Ross and Krystina follow Tammy into the crowded restaurant, where John Ross spots Jill and Jay.
"Tammy, we'll be right over," John Ross says. "I think we're gonna say good evenin' to my little sister and her beau."
"I'll put your menus on your table, Mr. Ewing."
"Thank ya, darlin'," John Ross says as he and Krystina make their way over to Jay and Jill's table. "Well, look who's here," he says to them.
"Hi, John Ross. Krystina," Jill says.
"Good evening Jill. Jay," greets Krystina.
"So, you two still together, I see," says John Ross.
"Sorry to disappoint you, John Ross, but yes, your sister and I are still together and deliriously happy."
"John Ross, we should be getting to our table," Krystina says, realizing John Ross is getting on Jay and Jill's nerves.
"You're right, darlin'. Y'all enjoy your evenin'."
"Don't worry, we will when you leave," Jay says.
John Ross smiles, then he and Krystina turn and walk away.
"John Ross, why do you do things like that?" Krystina asks her husband as they head to their table.
"I don't know, sweetheart. I just can't help myself," he says with a slight laugh.
Back at their table, Jay shakes his head in dismay at John Ross's ability to get to him.
"I'm sorry about that," Jill says.
"Don't be. I've known John Ross long enough to expect that kinda stuff from him. But, his ability to read
"What do you mean?" Jill asks.
"I was gonna do this later. But, I can't wait any longer."
"Wait any longer for what? Jay, what are you talking about?"
Jay reaches into his jacket pocket and pulls out a small black velvet box. "The last several months that you and I have been going out have been the happiest in my life. I've been doing a lot of thinking lately, and, I've come to a decision. I've decided that I want to spend the rest of my life with you." Jay opens the box and takes out a beautiful diamond ring. "Jillian Renee Cryder.........will you be my wife?"
Jill gasps upon hearing the question. She smiles as she struggles to fight back tears of joy. "Jay, you're........ you're asking me to marry you?"
Jay laughs slightly. "Yeah, well, that's usually what it means when a man asks a woman to be his wife? YES, I am asking you to marry me."
"Oh my God. Jay, I.........Yes. OH, yes, Jay, I'll marry you."
Jay reaches across and takes her by the hand. He slowly slips the engagement ring on her finger. "You have just made me the happiest.........and luckiest........man in the world."
"I love you so much," Jill says, leaning over and kissing him.
"I love you, too," says Jay. "Hey, I have an idea."
"What?"
"Why don't we go over and share our good news with your brother?"
"I have an even better idea," says Jill. "Why don't we go back to your place and celebrate?"
"I like your idea better," Jay says, kissing her again.
Across the room, John Ross watches his sister and Jay. Krystina notices him watching them, and waves her hand in front of his face. "Hellooo......John Ross," she says.
"Huh? What?"
"Did you come here to have dinner with your wife, or to stare at your sister and her boyfriend?"
"I'm sorry, darlin'. Just can't help but be curious just how serious those two are gettin'."
"I do. Despite what that cousin of his did to me."
At that moment, Bradley Stone walks over to their table. "Well, good evening, John Ross," Bradley says.
"Stone, fancy seein' you here," says John Ross.
"And who's this lovely young lady?" Bradley asks.
"This is my wife, Krystina. Darlin' this is Bradley Stone, CEO of Stone Oil."
"Mr. Stone," Krystina says with a smile. "Pleasure to meet you."
"Thank ya, Stone. Well, have a nice dinner," John Ross says, dropping a not-so-subtle hint to Bradley to move on.
"Yes, and I hope you both enjoy your evening as well. John Ross, I'll talk to you next week. Mrs. Ewing, it was nice meeting you."
"Nice meeting you, too, Mr. Stone."
"Please, call me Brad," he says. Smiling, he turns and walks away.
"I get the feeling you don't like him very much," Krystina says to her husband.
"I got nothin' against the guy," says John Ross. "But I don't trust him."
"Isn't he the one you were telling me about, that you were going into partnership with in a field in Waco?"
"That's right."
"John Ross, if you don't trust him, why are you going into business with him?" Krystina asks.
"Well, sweetheart, it's like my daddy always use to say........keep your friends close, and your enemies even closer. If Bradley Stone has some sort of agenda, what better way to find out what that is than to get close to him?"
Southfork.....the next morning
"Morning," Lucy says.
"Good morning. You almost ready?" Donna asks.
"Yeah, just give a couple minutes. You want some coffee?"
"I would LOVE some," Donna says as she and Lucy walk over to the breakfast table and take seats. "So how is the renovation going?"
"Great. They should be finished by Monday, just in time for Bobby and Ann to come home."
"I can't wait to see it," Donna says.
"One good thing this renovation has done is get John Ross out of the house," Lucy says, taking a sip of her coffee.
"Really?"
"Yeah. He didn't like all the noise, and the mess, so he and Krystina and the baby are staying at a hotel in Dallas until this is all finished."
Donna smiles. "It's almost scary how much like J.R. John Ross is."
"Isn't it, though?" Lucy asks. "Sometimes it's almost like having J.R. back."
Conner comes out of the house. "Oh, hi, Donna."
"Good morning. You and Ray heading to another cattle auction today?" Donna asks.
"Yeah we are," Conner replies. "Some guy he knows told Ray yesterday about this auction over in Plano, so he asked me if I wanted to go with him. By the way, dinner last night was delicious. Thanks for having me."
"You are welcome."
"Donna, just let me run get my purse and we can go," Lucy says.
"Alright, take your time," Donna says as Lucy gets up and goes into the house.
"Where you two heading today?" Conner asks.
"Lucy and I are gonna go into town and do some shopping, and to visit an old friend, Mavis Anderson."
"Oh, well, hope you guys have fun. I'd better get going."
"Conner, hold on a minute, would you?" Donna asks.
"Sure. What's up?"
Donna stands from her seat and faces the young man. "I just wanted to talk to you about somethin'."
"Okay. I'm listening."
"I'm sure that you're aware that Ray is very fond of you."
"Yeah, I know. I think the world of him, too."
"Good. I'm glad to hear that."
"Conner, that's not true. I DO like you," says Donna.
"You could've fooled me. And, as far as I know, I've never done anything to you."
"No, of course you haven't. Conner, look, this isn't about you. It's about Ray. You know that Ray and I just found our way back to each other last year after being apart for many years."
"Yeah, I know," Conner says.
"To the casual observer, Ray may seem like this big, tough cowboy, but underneath, he's very vulnerable. I trust that you know the whole situation with Lucas."
"Yeah, I do. Both Lucas and Ray have told me."
"When Lucas walked out of Ray's life, it hurt him very much. And now he's gotten close to you."
"Donna, I don't understand where this is going," says Conner.
"I just don't wanna see Ray hurt again, that's all," Donna says.
"Why would you think that I would hurt Ray?"
"He's come to think of you as a son. And I just hope that......"
"Donna, look, I can see where you're coming from. Ray lost Lucas when Lucas found out that Ray wasn't his real father. And now you think Ray is trying to replace Lucas in his life with me, and you're afraid I'm gonna do something to hurt Ray. But you needn't worry. Donna, I would never do anything to hurt that man. Ray has been good to me. REAL good. He's become like a second father to me. He even reminds me a lot of my Dad."
"I'm sorry, Conner. Look, I hope you didn't take what I said the wrong way. I guess that, after all these years Ray and I were apart, now that we've found each other again, I just......I guess I'm just being overprotective."
Lucy walks onto the patio. "Well, Donna, all ready," she says.
"I'll see you both later. I gotta get goin'," Conner says.
"Bye," Lucy says as the young man walks away.
Jay's apartment....
"I could lay here in your arms all day," Jill says.
"Then why don't we? It's Saturday, and neither one of us has to go to work today."
"No, but, I did promise my mother I'd come over to the house and have lunch with her today."
"I wonder how she's gonna react to the news of our engagement," Jay says.
Jill looks up at him. "She'll be very happy. My mother has always liked you. It's YOUR family's reaction I'm worried about."
Jay asks.
"Well, let's face it. Our families' recent history hasn't been exactly........pleasant. John Ross blackmailing your cousin Jay, driving him to try to commit suicide. Then, your cousin Dylan being the person behind John Ross's hit-and-run."
Jay sighs. "None of that should have anything to do with us. Besides, how your family or my family reacts to us getting married doesn't matter to me at all. What does matter is how we feel about each other. And that I wanna spend the rest of my life with you and grow old with you, and have lots and lots of children."
"You know what else sounds nice?" Jay asks.
"What?"
"Mrs. Jay Smithfield. Or, if you prefer, Jillian Cryder Smithfield."
"Hmmmm.......Jillian Smithfield. Actually, I was kinda thinking of keeping my maiden name of Cryder," Jill says, jokingly. "That way, if the marriage didn't work out, then, I wouldn't have to worry about changing my name back."
"Bite your tongue," Jay says. "This marriage is GONNA work out, and we are going to be celebrating our 50th, and even our 60th wedding anniversary."
"What about our 70th?" Jill asks.
"That may be pushing it a little. When we celebrate our 70th anniversary, I'd be 105."
"So? I'll still love you when you're 105."
"I really don't know how I got so lucky," Jay says. He begins kissing her.
Chick-Fil-A......afternoon
Heather walks in with Michael. Looking around, she spots Lucas and they make their way over to his table.
"Hi, Lucas," she says.
Lucas stands to his feet. "Hi, Heather. Hello, Michael."
"How are you?"
"Fine."
"Please, sit down," Lucas says.
Heather and Michael slide into the booth, and Lucas retakes his seat across from them.
"Thank you for coming, Heather," he says.
"You're welcome. I hope you haven't been waiting long, but traffic was murder. They're doing some kind of road construction a few miles from here."
"No, it's cool, really. So, Michael, how ya doin'?"
"Fine. You already asked me that."
Lucas laughs. "Yeah, so I did. Umm, hey, what do you want to eat?"
The little boy lowers his head. Heather looks at her son. "Come on, buddy, what do you want?" She asks.
"Nuggets, I guess."
"And curly fries?" Lucas asks.
Michael nods his head in response.
"Okay, nuggets and fries, it is," says Lucas.
"Lucas, why don't you let me order, and you and Michael can chat?" Heather asks.
"You sure?"
"Yeah."
"Okay, then," he says, taking his wallet from his back pocket. Opening the wallet, he takes out a $50 bill. "Here, get me a number one meal, and get Michael the nugget meal, and you get whatever you want for yourself."
"Lucas, thanks, but I'll take care of ours," Heather.
"No, please, Heather. I insist," Lucas says, handing her the money.
Heather sighs, then reluctantly takes it. "Okay," she says, getting up from her seat. "I'll be right back, sweety."
After Heather goes to order their food, Lucas looks at Michael and smiles. The little boy lets out a deep breath, then looks up at Lucas. "So you're my real dad?" He asks.
Lucas's smile grows larger as he looks into the sweet little face of his son. He nods. "Yes, Michael. I am," he replies.
Justin and Amanda's home....that evening
"Hi," she says.
"Well, hey, yourself," he says, walking over to her. "What's all this?"
"What does it look like? You've been out working on the ranch all day, so, tonight, we're gonna have a nice, romantic candle light dinner."
Justin smiles. "Oh, that sounds so nice."
Amanda walks over and puts her arms around him. "I love you, Justin."
"I love you, too. So what is the occasion?"
"No special occasion. I just love you. So, why don't you go upstairs and take a shower, and get dressed really nice, and by the time you come back down, dinner will be ready."
"Okay."
Amanda puts her arms around Justin and kisses him.
"Hey, better be careful," he says. "I'm all dirty and sweaty and you have on that gorgeous dress."
"I don't care," she says with a smile. "I just love feeling you near me."
"I will be back downstairs in TWENTY minutes," Justin says. "Then, I'm gonna give you a REAL kiss." He smiles at her, then turns and leaves the room.
Perry's Steakhouse And Grille....
"Well, thank you, Sue Ellen," Catlin says. "When I arrived in Dallas this afternoon, I got to thinking and realized I really didn't want to order room service and stay in my hotel room, and I didn't wanna go out to dinner alone, so, why not call someone I know in Dallas. And, since Bobby's out of town, I decided to call the only other person I know here, which is his lovely sister-in-law."
Sue Ellen smiles. "Well, thank you, I couldn't have asked for a more charming dinner companion." She takes a sip of her tea. "Catlin, we've spent the last half hour talking about me and my life. But what about you?"
"What about me?" Catlin asks.
"Well, since listening to me spill my life story just now, you know quite a bit about me. But, you're a Ewing cousin that I know very little about, except that you own an oil company in Wyoming and you have a son named after you."
"Couldn't be anymore complicated than mine. Let's see, your father was a first cousin of Jock's, is that right?"
"Yes. Fred Ewing. Although for much of my life I thought my real father was another man."
"I don't understand," says Sue Ellen.
Catlin sighs. "Well, my father and mother, Fred and Jeanne Ewing, had two older children........my brother Larry and my sister Blaine. And, sometime later, after she and my father had some serious marital problems, my mother had an affair with another man. She became pregnant."
"And you thought this other man was your father?"
"Yes. My parents separated before I was ever born. To make a long story short, I didn't learn until many years later that I was conceived just before my parents separated. DNA tests confirmed that Fred Ewing was indeed my father."
"I'm sure that must have strengthened your relationship with your parents and siblings."
"Both of my parents had died by the time I found out the truth," Catlin says. My father in 1982, and my mother in '83."
"I'm very sorry," says Sue Ellen.
"It's okay. I had my brother and my sister. Unfortunately, my brother Larry passed away year before last. Cancer."
"What about your wife, or your former wife? Your son's mother."
"Brittany. Yes, we divorced almost thirteen years ago."
"And you've never remarried?" Sue Ellen asks.
"No. Oh, I've come close a couple times, but, it just didn't work out."
"Well, seems that you and I have more in common than we first realized."
"Yes, I suppose we do. You know, Sue Ellen, I'm very glad that I spoke to my aunt and learned about that piece of land in Cherokee County. Otherwise, I never would've connected with my Texas cousins."
"Well, I'm very glad as well," Sue Ellen says. "Not only did our side of the family connect with yours, but, that field is going to make both of our companies a lot of money in the next few years."
"I propose a toast," Catlin says. "To Ewing Oil and Catlin Oil.........and to our joint venture, and hopefully, to many future venture to come."
Sue Ellen raises her glass of tea and she and Catlin toast. Afterward, the two smile at each other across the table.
Heather's apartment....
"I really had a great time today, hangin' out with you guys," Lucas says.
"Yeah, so did we," Heather says. "Thank you for dinner, and for those two "And YOU, Mister, I can't believe you beat me at BOTH games of put put golf."
"Let you win? Now come on, I would never do that," Lucas says. "But hey, I tell ya what, buddy. I am gonna practice, and then you and I are gonna have a rematch and I will win."
"Can we play again tomorrow?" The boy asks.
"Well, that's up to your Mama," Lucas says, standing to his feet.
"Can we, Mom?" Michael asks.
"Please, Mom?"
Heather looks down at her son, then at Lucas. "Well, I guess I'm outvoted. Okay. Tomorrow."
"Great," Lucas says.
"Michael, sweety, you go on in and get ready for bed," Heather says.
"Okay, Mom. Lucas, I really had a good time."
"Yeah, so did I, little man. I'll see you tomorrow."
"Night."
"Goodnight," Lucas says as the little boy goes into the apartment and closes the door. Lucas smiles. "He really is somethin'."
"Yes he is. And he really took to you today. I haven't seen him have that much fun in a long time. You really have a way with children."
"See? I knew that if Michael and I could just spend some time together, he'd come around."
"And you were right. Lucas, I wanna thank you for today. I really enjoyed myself, too."
"So did I, Heather. Well, I'd better be going."
"If you'd like, you can come in for a cup of hot chocolate," Heather says.
"Hot chocolate. Sounds nice."
"Least I can do after today."
Lucas smiles at her. They both reach for the door knob at the same time, and as their hands touch, both feel something. Lucas and Heather look into each others' eyes for a moment, then they move closer and begin kissing.
Justin and Amanda's home....
"Well, I'm glad. I have a confession to make."
"What confession is that?"
"I asked your mother for the recipe when she visited at Christmas."
Justin smiles. "I thought that chicken tasted a lot like my Mama's."
"Justin, I've been doing some thinking. About what you said about my father. I don't even know if he's still in Dallas after all this time, but, if he is, I've decided that I wanna see him, and my brother. At least talk to them."
Justin reaches across the table and takes her by the hand. "I think you're makin' the right decision. Just, keep your eyes open and your expectations low, at least until we're sure what your daddy really wants. I've been doin' some thinkin', too. And, I think it's time we set our weddin' date."
Amanda smiles. "Well, I'm all for that. When were you thinking?"
"February 20th? Justin, that's only TWO weeks from today."
"Yeah, so?"
"Can we really plan a wedding in just two weeks?"
"Darlin', we can do anything we put our minds to. Yes, we can plan the biggest weddin' Southfork has ever seen."
"Southfork?" Amanda asks.
"Yes. I already talked to Uncle Bobby right after we got engaged, and he said he would love for us to have our weddin' at Southfork."
"But Bobby and Ann are away right now, and Southfork is undergoing some remodeling."
"Uncle Bobby and Aunt Ann will be back in a couple days, and Southfork will be finished by then," Justin says. "My Mama and Daddy were married at Southfork, by the pool. It would mean a lot to me if we got married in the same spot where they did."
"I think that would be wonderful," says Amanda.
Justin takes her hand, then leans over and kisses her just as the doorbell rings. Pulling out of the kiss, Justin sighs.
"I wonder who that could be," Amanda says.
"I dunno. I'll try to get rid of them." Justin stands and walks into the living room. He opens the front door and finds Jill and Jay.
"Good evening," Jill says.
"Jill, Jay. Come in."
"We hope we didn't come at a bad time," Jay says as he and Jill walk into the house.
"No, not at all. Amanda and I were just finishin' supper."
"Well, hey, you two," Amanda says as she walks into the living room.
"Hi," Jill says.
"What brings you guys all the way out here?"
"I get the feeling we interrupted something," Jill says.
"No, you didn't," says Amanda. "Justin and I were just celebrating."
"Oh? Celebrating what?" Jay asks.
Justin smiles. "We set our weddin' date. It's gonna be two weeks from today, on Saturday, February 20th, at Southfork."
"Well, congratulations, you guys," Jill says, hugging Amanda. "That's awfully soon, though, isn't it?"
"That's what I said."
"And I told her we can do it," says Justin.
"What kinda news?" Justin asks.
"Last night, Jay asked me to marry him..........and I said YES!"
"Oh my God, seriously!?" Says an excited Amanda.
"Yes. I can't believe it," Jill says as Amanda hugs her.
"Well, congratulations and welcome to the fam'ly, Jay," says Justin, shaking Jay's hand.
"Thanks man. Gonna be great having you for a brother-in-law."
"Have you guys set a date yet?" Amanda asks.
"No, we haven't," Jill replies. "But, we're not gonna wait too long."
"Hey," says Justin. "I have an idea. Since you're not gonna have a long engagement, why don't we make it a double weddin'?"
"A double wedding?" Jill asks. "You mean.........the four of us get married at the same time?"
"Yes, sis, that's what a double weddin' is."
"But, February 20th is only two weeks away."
"So what?" Jay asks. "I think that's a great idea."
"Amanda, what do you think?" Justin asks. "Would you mind sharin' our big day with these two?"
"I think that would be absolutely wonderful."
"And the best part is, since we're gonna have the same anniversary, Justin and I can remind each other," Jay says."
"The best reason of all for a double weddin'," says Justin.
Bradley Stone's apartment....
"Chase, thanks for coming over," Bradley says. "Sorry to interrupt your Saturday night."
"It sounded urgent," the man says, walking in. "So, what can I do for you, Mr. Stone?"
"Chase, I have a job for you. I want you to find out all you can about Krystina Carrington Ewing."
"Krystina........isn't that John Ross Ewing's wife?"
"Yes," Brad replies. "I wanna know everything there is to know about the lovely Mrs. Ewing."
"Shouldn't be too hard," Chase says. "I'll get right on this."
"Good. Make it your top priority."
"Mr. Stone, mind if I ask........is there any particular reason you want me to check into Mrs. Ewing's background?"
"I have a couple of reasons, Chase. The main reason being that John Ross and I are gonna be doing some business together, and when going into business with a new partner, especially someone as untrustworthy as a Ewing, it pays to know all you can about their weakest link. And I've learned that a man's weakest link is usually his wife and family."
"And the other reason?"
"The other reason, Chase.........is personal. VERY personal," Bradley replies with a devious smile.