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Message: <blockquote data-quote="zephiey" data-source="post: 32514" data-attributes="member: 14">Title: MatchmakerChapter 3Clayton walked across the patio his gaze scanning the crowd trying to see if he could spot Bit. He chuckled softly to himself when he realized he was trying to see an almost four foot child in a sea of adults. Clayton wove his way through the crowd greeting friends and acquaintances all the while keeping an eye out for Bit. Finally making his way to the edges of the tabled area he came to an abrupt halt, unable to believe what he was seeing. Clayton walked over to where the foursome sat. “There ya are Bit,” said Clayton, his sharp gaze belying the smile on his face.AJ jumped to his feet. “Grandpa,” he greeted hugging the older man. Clayton lifted AJ up into his arms hugging him. “Hey Bit,” he said. “Your mama’s looking for ya. I told her I’d come find ya.”“She is?” asked AJ“Yep,” replied Clayton.“Then I better go see what she wants,” said AJ as Clayton put him down. “Excuse me JR, Jock, Punk but I need to go see what my mama needs,” said AJ shaking each man’s hand then drinking down the last of his soda before picking up his hat and sprinting away. Seconds later he came back. “JR, I’ll bring Mama over to meet ya, okay?” he said. “You’ll be here, right?”“Yes, we will AJ,” replied JR Sharing a look with his father and Punk then turning to look at A.J’s grandfather. He could see the curiosity and caution on the older man’s face and knew as soon as AJ was out of hearing range questions would be flying fast and furious.“Okay. I’ll be back,” said AJ“AJ she is over on the veranda talking,” Clayton told AJ“Gotcha, Grandpa,” he said, sprinting toward the veranda and his mama. Clayton watched AJ until he could no longer see him before turning back to the three men. Without a word Clayton took AJ’s abandoned seat, tipped his hat back on his head, placed his elbows on the table and said, “Now would someone like to explain to me why my eight year old grandson is meeting with two Ewings and an Anderson?”The three men exchanged glances before JR launched into a brief explanation of AJ’s proposal.~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*AJ made his way through the throng of people quickly. He didn’t want to take a chance that JR, Jock and Punk would leave before he could introduce his mama to JR  AJ hadn’t been completely truthful with JR when he had approached him about helping him find a husband for his mama. He already knew the perfect husband for his mama, and all he needed was to have the two meet in order to set his plan into motion. The man he had chosen was rich, intelligent, tough and ruthless. AJ had read everything he could get his hands on about him and he knew he was the type of man his son of a bitch father wouldn’t be able to intimidate or bully. All he had to do was get his mama to meet him and he was sure, considering how pretty and smart his mama was his choice would immediately fall in love with her. There was no way his plan could fail. All he had to do was introduce his mama to the perfect man for her- JR Ewing!Coming to a stop near the veranda AJ looked around for his mama. He saw her sitting and talking to an older woman and he headed over to her. He came to a stop next to her chair.“AJ!” said Sue Ellen as she turned and hugged her son, placing a kiss to his cheek.AJ squirmed a bit and blushed at his mama kissing him in public. “Hey Mama, Grandpa said you were looking for me,” said AJ draping an arm around her shoulders. He didn’t mind hugging his mama in public but he really wished she wouldn’t kiss him. He wasn’t a baby anymore!“I was,” said Sue Ellen. “I hadn’t seen you for a while so I was worried.”“Aw...Mama, I’m not a baby. I can look after myself,” AJ said.“I know you’re not a baby but I am your mother and it is my job to worry about you,” explained Sue Ellen, giving AJ a soft squeeze. “Forgive your old mother,” she said smiling.“Mama you’re not old,” declared AJ “Why thank you kind sir,” Sue Ellen said smiling, placing a kiss to AJ’s cheek and chuckling at his expression.“Mama, please.”“I’m sorry, but you are so handsome I can’t help myself,” teased Sue Ellen, hugging him once more. “Now where have you been and what have you been doing?” asked Sue Ellen. Sue Ellen suddenly realized she hadn’t introduced her son to her companion. “Oh...I am sorry Miss Ellie Ewing,” she said. “This is my son Aaron John Shepard. AJ, this is Miss Ellie. She and her husband Jock own this ranch,” Sue Ellen said to her son.Moving out of his mama’s arms he walked over to Miss Ellie and offered her his hand. “Pleased to meet you Miss Ellie, I’ve already met your husband Jock and your son JR and Punk,” said AJ“AJ,” scolded Sue Ellen before Miss Ellie could say anything. AJ knew immediately why she scolded him.“Mama, Jock, Punk and JR told me I have to call them by their first names since we are business associates,” AJ explained.“Business associates? What do you mean business associates?” asked Sue Ellen.AJ walked over and sat down next to his mama. Taking her hand in his he began. “Mama, you always tell me I am the man of the house, right?”“Yes, but what does that...?” she began.“Mama, if you’d let me finish...,” AJ said firmly. Trying not to smile Sue Ellen replied, “Alright.”“As I was saying, you always say I am the man of the house. And as the man of the house it is my job to make sure you are taken care of...” AJ said seriously.Sue Ellen nodded.AJ rubbed his thumb over the back of his mama’s hand. “Well...ya know I am getting older and soon I’ll be moving out...going to college and stuff like that...,” explained AJ“Uh huh,” replied Sue Ellen.“And that means that you’ll be all alone...with me being at college and stuff...so I figured I needed to do something about you being alone when I leave so I decided I would hire someone to help me find you a husband...,” explained AJ“Aaron John Shepard! Are you telling me that...?” Sue Ellen said, her temper rising.“Now Mama before you fly off the handle at me just listen and then if you’re still mad at me...then I guess you can yell at me,” said AJ looking at his mother’s face.“Fine...finish,” said Sue Ellen, pulling her hand out of his, crossing her arms over her chest, and sitting back in her chair.AJ stood up and began to pace. “As I was saying...I decided I needed someone to help me find you a husband. Someone who could take care of you after I move out so I did some research and came up with the only person who could help me.” AJ stopped in front of his mother. “Mama, the person I found knows everyone, and even better knows everything about everyone.”Listening to the conversation Miss Ellie immediately realized who AJ was speaking about. “JR,” she said.Turning to Miss Ellie, AJ said, “Yes ma’am. JR is the man I hired to help me find a husband for my mama. He, Jock and Punk agreed to help me put together a list of eligible men.”“And then what?” asked Sue Ellen. “Am I supposed to parade myself in front of each one...,” she began, angry at her son’s plan but pleased too that he would make such an effort.“No Mama,” said AJ “JR and I will give you the list and then you tell JR who you want to go out with and he will arrange it.”“I see,” said Sue Ellen. AJ knew his mama was angry, he could tell by her eyes. From the look on her face he was sure he was gonna be grounded for the rest of his life and get a spanking he would never forget. Before his mama could begin to yell at him Miss Ellie interrupted.“Sue Ellen I know you are angry but it’s actually a good idea. Especially in light of our previous conversation,” said Miss Ellie. Sue Ellen looked at Miss Ellie in surprise. “I can tell you JR really does know everyone but more important he knows their secrets. If anyone can do this, he can. What’s the harm in letting them try? After all, you never know, you might meet the perfect man,” said Miss Ellie, smiling.“It’s just so...,” began Sue Ellen. In light of their previous conversation Sue Ellen silently agreed it was a good idea but it was embarrassing to have a complete stranger arranging her love life.  She didn’t even know JR Ewing. Of course, she knew of him. You didn’t live in Texas without knowing of JR Ewing, President of Ewing Oil, Ewing Trust and Group.“Embarrassing?” replied Miss Ellie. Sue Ellen nodded. “Actually, no more embarrassing than contacting a dating agency,” Miss Ellie replied calmly. “Besides, if I know my sons as well as I think, JR will make sure no malicious gossip is connected to you. He is one man most of Dallas not to mention Texas doesn’t want to anger.”“Oh great, now I’m really worried. He sounds absolutely terrifying,” Sue Ellen said.“Mama he is not scary. He is... cool,” said AJ smiling when he thought about how JR treated him as an equal and not a little kid.Miss Ellie stood. “As AJ said, JR is...cool,” she said smiling. Cool wasn’t quite the word she thought she would ever use in connection with JR but seeing the almost hero like worship that crossed AJ’s face at the mention of her son’s name Miss Ellie thought perhaps cool did sum up JR in this instance.“Come on. I’ll introduce you to him. As I am sure you two will have quite a bit to discuss.” Turning to AJ Miss Ellie asked, “Do you know where JR is?”“Yes ma’am,” answered AJ“Good,” said Miss Ellie taking AJ’s hand in hers and looking over at Sue Ellen. “Are you coming?” she asked.Sue Ellen looked at Miss Ellie then at her son, both looking at her expectantly. Sue Ellen shrugged then stood. “I suppose,” she said, taking her son’s other hand. “What’s the worst that could happen? Besides terminal embarrassment and humiliation,” mumbled Sue Ellen.Miss Ellie didn’t smile when she heard Sue Ellen’s words. ‘I have a feeling you are going to be in for a very pleasant shock my dear...a very pleasant shock, as is my son,’ Miss Ellie thought.~*~*~*~*~*~*~*After JR finished explaining AJ’s proposal Clayton sat back mulling over what JR had just told him. Part of him was proud of AJ and his plan but another part of him was cautious of letting his grandson become involve with a man who was as ruthless as JR Ewing. As he sat there contemplating what he was just told JR addressed him again.“I do have one question though. It concerns AJ’s list,” said JR, sliding the list across the table to the other man. JR watched as Clayton read the list and he knew the moment he reached that item.“Son of a bitch,” growled Clayton.“My one question is...,” JR began, waiting for the older man to look up at him. Once Clayton was looking at him JR leaned forward and snarled, “Just where the hell were you when that was taking place?”Clayton was surprised at the venom in J.R’s voice. Clayton knew JR didn’t know Sue Ellen but he was livid at the abuse she suffered at the hands of her ex-husband. ‘Perhaps there is more to JR Ewing than I thought,’ mused Clayton.Clayton took a deep breath. He had always felt as if he failed Sue Ellen because he hadn’t suspected the abuse until it almost cost her AJ Crumbling the list in his hand Clayton said, “We don’t have much time before Bit gets back. I am sure he is bringing Sue Ellen with him so I am going to have to make this quick.”“Go on,” said JR sitting back and crossing his arms. Jock and Punk sat relaxed in their chairs but Clayton could tell each man was just as angry as JR“I’ve known Sue Ellen since she was nineteen and a contestant in the Miss Texas pageant. I met her there. I was a guest judge and I knew as soon as I saw her she would easily win. There was something about her that made her stand out from the crowd. She had entered the pageant to win the scholarship but her mother Patricia had other ideas. Patricia wanted Sue Ellen to marry a rich man and figured winning Miss Texas would be the perfect way to introduce her to those men. At the time she was a junior at Austin, working part time and paying for her education. Well, she won and along with the scholarship that paid for her final two years at school she, much to her mother’s delight, was introduced to quite a number of rich men.About three months after the pageant the company that Sue Ellen had been working for was sold to Farlow Industries, my company. I met Sue Ellen again during a tour of the company and was surprised to learn that it was she who had put together the business proposal that the owner used to secure the sale of his company. After talking to her I offered her a full time job working for me but she declined. She was still in school and between school and the demands of being Miss Texas she was unable to take a full time position. So I offered her a part time position which she accepted and we became good friends. Her mother was still pushing for her to marry a rich man and set her sights on me. Sue Ellen was beyond angry when she found out her mother’s plans. It was during an argument with her mother that I discovered she was engaged.Her fiancé was a man by the name of Clint Ogden. The first time I met Clint I felt something wasn’t right about him but Sue Ellen was so happy that I kept my opinion to myself. Well, months passed with her working for me and she approached me one day to ask me if I would walk her down the aisle. She and Clint were planning on marrying. I agreed and a few weeks later they were married. A few months passed and I noticed Sue Ellen began to wear different clothes. Before she had always dressed in the most up to date fashions but she began to wear more sedate almost old-fashioned clothes. Long sleeves, high necks, long skirts- clothes you would expect a sixty year old grandmother to wear not a twenty one year old beautiful woman to wear.  I also noticed she was often tired and she didn’t look as if she was eating well. When I asked she told me she was four months pregnant. I was surprised because I remember her telling me she wasn’t planning on having any children until she graduated and was at least twenty-five. Well four months went by and one day out of the blue she called in and informed my secretary she was quitting. I couldn’t understand why she was leaving so I went over to her apartment. When I knocked on the door I didn’t get any answer. Her landlady came out and informed me that she had moved the week prior and hadn’t left a forwarding address.As soon as I heard this I knew something was wrong. So I had my investigators track her down, which took about a week. My investigators found her address and also discovered she had taken a leave of absence from college which didn’t make sense since she had less than a semester left before graduating,” explained ClaytonJR listened to Clayton intently.Clayton continued. “As soon as I got the report I headed over to where she was living and when I arrived I knocked on the door but no one answered. I was just about ready to leave when I heard Sue Ellen scream. I didn’t even think. I broke down the door to find Ogden beating Sue Ellen. He had her on the floor and was hitting her while she tried to protect herself.”Clayton took a deep breath and pushed his anger down.  “I pulled him off her and he attacked me. I got in a few good punches before he took off.  Unfortunately, his attack caused Sue Ellen to go into labour and she had AJ a month early but luckily he was okay. I pushed for Sue Ellen to divorce Ogden and she did but Ogden demanded visitation rights to AJ, which were granted.”“Even with proof of his abuse?” asked Jock.“Yes,” answered Clayton. “Ogden and his family own Ogden Electronics out of California. Thanks to his family’s money he was able to influence the courts.”“For the past eight years Sue Ellen has had to deal with Ogden. The incident AJ refers to happened about three years ago. I didn’t think he remembered it. Sue Ellen had just bought Valentine’s Lingerie from Oswald Valentine; she had been working with him for two years in preparation to purchase the company. I lent her the initial money but she secured the rest of the financing. In celebration, she and AJ took a trip to Aspen. Ogden was there.”The low growl from JR surprised the other three men.  “What happened?” JR asked.“He tried to take AJ. She stopped him and he attacked her. Ogden was arrested but, again thanks to his family’s money, he got off.  When the police contacted me I immediately headed to Aspen and brought her and AJ home. Every couple months Ogden appears demands to see AJ and makes Sue Ellen’s life a living hell until he leaves. He doesn’t give a damn about AJ or Sue Ellen all he cares about is causing trouble. He thinks he owns Sue Ellen,” spat Clayton. “Every man Sue Ellen has become involved with has had Ogden threaten him. Most turn tail and run. Hell, he’s even threatened my son Dusty after a picture of he and Sue Ellen was printed.”“Is Sue Ellen interested in your son?” JR asked casually.Clayton looked at JR wondering why he was asking. “No, he is simply a good friend.”JR nodded. Jock looked at his eldest son, he could almost see the plans he was making.“Grandpa!” yelled AJ as he ran up to Clayton.“Hey Bit!” greeted Clayton as he turned to his grandson. “Did you find your mama?” he asked. “Yep...,” he announced turning to watch his mama and Miss Ellie walk toward the table. The ladies stopped at the table and the men stood.“Jock, Punk, JR, This is my mama Sue Ellen Shepard,” said AJ He watched as his mama shook Jock’s hand then Punk’s greeting both men. AJ gazed sharpened when JR simply stood there.JR stared at the incredibly beautiful woman before him. He couldn’t bring himself to speak as his gaze roamed over her. He never knew auburn hair could appear so vibrant or hazel eyes appear so alluring. ‘God... her voice is so sexy,’ JR thought as he gazed at her.  Sue Ellen returned his gaze entranced at the sight of him. She hadn’t expected to him to so tall or so broad-chested. Nor did she expect his eyes to be so blue. ‘I could stare into his eyes all day,’ she thought.Jock and Ellie exchanged amused glances. Rarely did they see their eldest son so flustered at the sight of a woman. The last time was prior to Vanessa.“JR aren’t you gonna say hi to my mama?” asked A.J breaking the silence.JR glanced at AJ then back at Sue Ellen embarrassed at being caught staring. “Oh yea...sorry,” he said extending his hand to Sue Ellen’s. “Hello,” he greeted surprised at the electric shock that seemed to travel through his body when he touched her.Sue Ellen’s breath caught when his hand touched hers. “Hello,” she replied, blushing slightly.AJ looked at his mama then at JR and smiled. His plan just might work.TBC</blockquote>

Verification: What month follows July?