“Sue Ellen, Darlin’, will you hurry up!” J.R. playfully ordered, patting his wife on the bottom. The Ewing family was congregating in the living room for the long-awaited family portrait, including all four Ewing grandchildren – the newest being Bobby and Pam’s adopted little boy Samuel Enoch Ewing.

Sue Ellen jumped at J.R.’s touch, and spun around. “J.R. Ewin’, I am trying to make your daughter look presentable for the photographer.” Sue Ellen was dressed in an elegant dark blue silk dress, and Lizzy dressed in a hunter green ensemble with a bow to match her now growing hair.

“Well I happen to think that both my women look fantastic,” J.R. said proudly, sneaking a kiss on Sue Ellen’s cheek. “But as daddy told us, that photographer is charging by the hour.”

Sue Ellen tugged at J.R.’s tie. “I highly doubt that we’ll be the last ones ready. Pam’s been fussing over Samuel for hours.” Sue Ellen turned to put on Lizzy’s matching black shoes as Lucy came into the bedroom, holding a well-dressed John Ross in her arms.

“This little guy tried to make a break for it,” Lucy smirked. “He was headed straight outside.” Lucy handed him to J.R. and bowed out to fix her makeup.

“Just think how nice everything will be,” Sue Ellen gushed, proudly cradling her little girl in her arms. “I’m ready when you are.”

J.R. took another look at his wife, gently kissing her neck. “You do look wonderful Sue Ellen.”

“Save it for after the picture, Mr. Ewing,” Sue Ellen teased. “You’re the one who’s so concerned over his fee.”

“We can afford to be a little late,” J.R. insisted. “And if our children weren’t with us, we would be.”

“Daddy!” John Ross yelped as J.R. put him over his shoulder piggy back style and led his family downstairs. Miss Ellie was setting up the furniture and Jock was speaking to the photographer as J.R., Sue Ellen, John Ross, and Lizzy took their places on the sofa. Miss Ellie and Jock sat on chairs on either side of the couch. Lucy bounded down the stairs next, taking a seat on a stool in front of the couch, and Pam and Bobby followed. J.R. held a fussy John Ross on his lap, and Sue Ellen held Lizzy in her arms.

“You ready Pammy?” Bobby whispered, as they took their places behind the sofa.

“I am,” Pam smiled, holding five-month old Samuel in her arms. “I’ve been waiting for this my entire life.”

Bobby knew exactly what she meant; he had been wanting the same thing. Two months ago, they met Samuel through the adoption agency, and the papers were signed for the newest Ewing family member.

“Everyone hold still,” the photographer ordered, fixing his equipment. The family was perfectly still as the shots were taken, eyes looking directly into the camera. The gentleman bowed and thanked the family for their cooperation. Teresa and Raul brought drinks for the Ewings as Miss Ellie talked about where to place the new picture, Jock and Lucy started a game of chess, and Bobby and Pam played with Samuel on the floor.

J.R. rubbed Sue Ellen’s back, giving her a warning of what was to come that evening. Sue Ellen rested her head on J.R.’s shoulder, keeping an eye on Lizzy in her bassinet and John Ross as he rolled a ball around the floor. Stolen looks at each other told them everything they needed to know: their love was eternal, and there was nothing in the world that could ever diminish it.