-["Destination" by Nickel Creek playing] -♪ You don't owe me ♪
♪ One more minute of your wasted time ♪
♪ You act like it's all fine ♪
♪ It isn't hard to leave ♪
♪ Knowing that I'll be getting life On track ♪
♪ I wanted to believe ♪
♪ I've gotta make a destination ♪
♪ Find where I belong ♪
♪ This time I've got no hesitation ♪
♪ I'll be movin' on ♪
♪ To where I belong ♪
♪ I'll be movin' on ♪
♪ Over the line I've drawn ♪
♪ I'm already gone ♪
[music fades]
[gentle music playing]
[chuckles softly]
This was always full of taffy.
We'd hide under the coffee table and sneak a piece or two
while you pretended not to see.
Took a piece on each side of our mouths
and bite down hard until it stuck,
and we couldn't open our jaws.
[chuckling] Until you'd tickle us so hard,
the taffy had to give up.
And let us cackle.
So much sweetness.
Thank you.
Did you say something?
Not to you.
This feels like it's all books,
and the last few boxes I need to deliver are all books too.
So I'll deliver them today between interviews.
I appreciate Miss Frances's approach to estate planning.
Have so many friends
that nearly everything can be given away to people who will appreciate the gift.
I feel like Santa Claus, delivering them all.
-[chuckles] -Or maybe Rudolph.
Uh, you would make a marvelous Santa,
but you'd need a few more Wharton's milkshakes
to fill out the suit. [chuckles]
Ah, but I'm back in Serenity to stay.
No more traveling, not even on Christmas Eve.
[laughs]
Although I will never turn down a Wharton's milkshake.
Can I ask, uh, without nudging,
who have you spoken with about work so far?
You are looking at a newly approved substitute teacher
for the Serenity school system.
Congratulations! [chuckles] Won't those be some lucky kids?
Now, it's just a stopgap.
I still want a long-term job where I can use my NGO experience.
-Yeah. -I'm actually going out to talk to Jeremy.
-See if he needs any help on the farm. -Oh.
Perhaps he needs a new aqueduct system installed.
Your specialty.
-Doubtful. -[chuckles]
But maybe a new barn or a well.
Yeah.
I appreciate what he's doing, and I'd really like to help.
But I'm also talking to, um, Peggy and a county extension agent.
Mm-hmm. You could always run for mayor.
-Mm-hmm. -[laughing]
I used to think that, um…
growing roots meant growing stale.
And that terrified me.
[gentle music continues]
But now, staying here with you, I'm appreciating their beauty.
Strength and nourishment.
Steadiness and support.
[kissing repeatedly]
[chuckles softly]
I need you to know
how deeply I appreciate what you're doing.
Serenity has a place for everyone, and I know that you'll find yours quickly.
Speaking of places, is there any chance you have a place
where I could hang my San Francisco Giants poster?
Well, isn't he subtle? [laughing]
One step at a time.
And while you're out on your meetings and interviews…
Uh-huh.
…you should ask about rentals too.
[chuckles]
[upbeat music playing]
[diners chattering indistinctly]
I need a moment. A private moment.
Um…
-This is off-the-record. -That sounds ominous.
It's certainly serious,
though I'm sure there are reasonable explanations for all of it.
Nevertheless…
Are you all right?
Is this about…
Oh, no.
This is about Trent. He's gone.
Gone… Gone how?
Missing. I've been trying to follow up with him
after his moment of melodrama at the hunt, but I can't find him anywhere.
And Henrietta swears on the head of her grandchildren
that she doesn't know where he is.
I assumed he quit
because he didn't wanna deal with the recall.
Is there more to it?
Borderline malfeasance.
Some of the town funds appear to have been misappropriated
to his slush fund.
And he took off before I could get his comments on my findings.
What does Mary Vaughn have to say about this?
She's not returning my calls.
We talk nearly every day. It's not like her to go radio silent.
How worried are you?
I haven't decided.
Well, I get your concern.
I… I do, but I'm not sure I understand why you came to me.
My part in the recall effort was never personal,
much as Mary Vaughn refused to believe that.
Sullivan's is a hub of the community.
People come in to eat, drink, and talk.
I see.
[solemn music playing]
You wanna know if I heard anything. I will call you if I hear a peep.
Annie?
I apologize. I know better than to eavesdrop. I didn't mean to.
Have you heard anything from Jackson in the last few days?
Not since the hunt.
I'm not supposed to distract him
while he's on vacation with his mom and Nellie.
You heard how concerned Peggy is.
Be sure to tell me if you hear anything.
-For her sake. -Yes, ma'am.
[solemn music continues]
-[phone clicks] -[keypad clacking]
[phone chimes]
Ah, came prepared.
That broken gate has no idea what's coming for it.
Does this outfit speak to my new gig as a hit man?
A what?
Some guy passed me and asked me if I'd taken out the Lewises.
That's weird.
If people are giving me credit for Trent quitting,
I don't get it, but I'll take it.
[Maddie chuckles]
Two more days.
-That's right. I keep forgetting. -[chuckles] Do you?
Not at all. I'm counting every minute of the longest two weeks of my life.
What is that?
Oh, it's nothing.
That is not nothing. Show me.
Okay.
[gentle music playing]
Well, I can explain.
This helps you with our time-out?
[laughing]
It's a new leaf of sorts. June and I, we signed up
for a figure drawing class at the community college.
Well, maybe I should, uh, sign up to
model.
-[Maddie laughs] -[Cal] Hmm.
I'd like that.
Yeah, we could, uh, develop our creative skills together.
We can cover a few new ones.
This pause is so good for us.
[sighs]
[inhales sharply]
Green beans are good for us.
-[chuckles] -Not my favorite.
But I am proud of you, though.
Trying something new takes courage.
Thank you. I'm a little nervous.
Why?
[exhales] I mean, I'm the daughter of a well-known painter.
I've always shied away from painting and drawing.
What if I embarrass myself?
I don't wanna shame the family name.
You don't have to be good at something for it to be worth doing.
And you don't ever have to compare yourself to anyone.
Just keep on following your joy.
[gentle music continues]
Well, that gate is not gonna fix itself.
-Take that. Thank you. -[scoffs]
Whew.
Congratulations, superstar! [laughing]
Goodness!
Do you welcome everyone who signs up for a new spa membership this way?
Only the ones I've worked this hard to win over.
This is a celebration-worthy occasion. You're gonna love it here.
I hope so. It's all a part of my campaign.
-You're the new candidate for mayor. -Oh, I heard the old one is in Cancún.
-[chuckles] -[women chuckling]
My campaign is for the new Noreen.
While Bex and her darling babysitter are giving me an ounce of freedom,
I am going to dig deeply into all Serenity has to offer.
Yes. [chuckles]
-Mmm. -You were saying?
What level membership would you like?
A day pass gets you full access for, well, a… a day.
With a week pass, you get access to all classes.
By the way, I hear the yoga instructor is fantastic.
[Noreen chuckles]
And I know someone who can get you a friends-and-family discount
on a VIP package.
[women giggling]
[Trotter] Pay them no mind. Yeah?
-Excuse me. -[Trotter] Yes, ma'am. How can I help you?
Why do you look so familiar? I can't put my finger on it.
-Ma'am, perhaps I could help you-- -Dr. Ahmed, I used to be--
Oh.
You're that brilliant young lady who won the scavenger hunt.
Thank you, but I couldn't have done it without my friends.
Well, then, we simply must become friends,
because next year, I want you on my team.
I've never won,
but my cousin Desiree won three years ago, and sh--
Well, we'll talk.
We'll talk. [chuckles]
So, what all comes with the VIP package?
And after declaring my noblest of intentions,
I looked her squarely in the eye and beseeched,
"What can I do to prove that I'm worthy to spend time with Nellie?"
What did she say?
Get lost.
[scoffs]
[Sophie] I know what'll make you feel better.
Why don't we name a Hydra in the game after her?
Maybe just a Wyvern.
Mrs. Lewis is more of a nuisance than a real threat.
Cool. I'll start mocking up.
Actually, we… we better not. I don't wanna offend Nellie.
On the other hand, she might like it too.
You know, brokenhearted actually looks good on you.
But don't mourn too long. Maybe it's time to move on.
I'm sure there are plenty of other girls that like you this way.
Has nobody seen Baz Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet?
No, but I know they die at the end. [chuckles]
I'm just telling you, there's plenty of branches in this quest.
[Willow] Hey! Here you are.
[Kyle] Thanks, Willow.
-Thank you. -[Willow] Yep.
Wish the library would let us bring these in.
Kyle's emotions are too big to fit into the library.
Something's different about you.
See what I mean? No.
No, not her. It'll ruin the game.
What? What did I miss?
Sophie's just kidding around. Let's get to the game.
Yeah, especially because I made a rendering of our water hag.
[chuckles] Just as an experiment.
[gasps] This is so cool.
Wow! She turned out great.
Yes! Getting closer to mo-cap all the time.
About this one right here, I don't…
-["When You Go" by Vox Rea playing] -♪ Take what′s yours ♪
♪ Leave what's mine ♪
♪ Move far ahead ♪
♪ Or stay behind ♪
♪ You′re taking me when you go… ♪
[Jackson on recording] It's Jackson. You know what to do.
Okay. This is how worried I am. I'm actually calling you.
Please let me know you're okay. Text me or even call me. Just let me know.
[Dana Sue] Very good.
Remember, it should complement the dish. It's almost overpowering.
Excuse me, Chef.
Ma'am?
May I speak with you for a moment? The herb garden we discussed?
Sure, go ahead.
The nutmeg is a tad too intense. It should be discovered, not announced.
Understand? And I think you can add a flavor for complexity,
but I'm not sure of what.
[stammers] Keep experimenting.
I can wait until you're done so I can have your full attention.
Isaac, why is your smile as big as a Cheshire moon?
She said to either smile big or cry a little.
[chuckles]
I see. What would you like to say?
I would like to start an herb garden here at Sullivan's.
Now is a perfect time to.
With a little input from Jeremy,
I could build an inexpensive, sustainable herb garden on the roof.
A greater variety of fresh herbs at our fingertips every day
would encourage creativity, more range.
It might even help with Bailey's sauce.
I must say I'm constantly impressed by you, Isaac,
and this is a lovely idea.
But I'm sorry, I don't have the bandwidth to run it.
You're looking at issues like quality control and drainage.
Well, who has two green thumbs…
[grunts]
…and the confidence to pull it off?
[chuckles]
I will put together a full plan
if you're open to the idea.
Well, I must say I am.
[upbeat music playing]
I'll take that.
-I've got it. -No, it's my job.
I could go.
[Dana Sue] Erik?
-Uh… [exhales] -I'll take care of this.
[solemn music playing]
[Helen chuckles]
[Erik] Your lunch.
Ma'am.
-Erik, we need to-- -Thank you for your order.
Please enjoy your meal.
[pan sizzling]
[Erik screams]
Damn it!
-[Dana Sue] Are you okay? -Fine.
Here, let me help you.
No. Look, I don't need help.
It's not like you to make that sort of mistake.
Get--
[solemn music continues]
Lunch rush. Everybody back to work.
-Please, let me take a look. -No, I can fix this.
Okay.
But
how do we fix this?
I don't think we can.
Not in a place where everyone is holding their breath,
watching my every move.
And your best friend is too afraid to come inside.
I apologize.
-[stammers] There was a better-- -I need to step back.
[breathing shakily]
Regain focus.
Yeah, you do that.
Come back whenever you're ready.
Okay?
[exhales sharply]
Yes.
Thank you.
-Promise me one thing. -What?
Have Howie look at that hand.
[acoustic guitar strumming]
[Maddie clears throat] Feet, please?
I have something under them.
Are your feet reading these college brochures?
My feet enjoy them more than I do.
[chuckles] I know it's not fun, but it is August.
You gotta figure out where you wanna apply.
How can I know where if I don't know what I wanna do with my life?
It must be hard…
having your future be crystal clear for most of your life
and then watching it shatter right in front of you
because of someone else's actions.
But I can say, with a fair amount of confidence,
nothing good comes from standing there
studying the broken pieces.
You're better off picking up pieces you want
and putting them back together the way you want them.
They may not fit the way they used to…
but you can be proud of the new shape they take.
I get that…
but I don't even know where to start.
I'm fine with letting go of baseball,
but I haven't found what's gonna take its place.
It's okay if you don't have that answer yet,
but you still need a plan.
Okay.
Since you're not sure about what you do want,
maybe we start by deciding what you don't want?
[gentle music playing]
Okay.
Two piles.
A "no" pile in front of me and a "maybe" pile in front of you.
-[Ty clears throat] -Okay.
Da-da-da-da! No, no, no, no. I'm sorry to say it,
but you are not authorized to see that.
That is a surprise for someone else.
Are you messing with sentient AI back here?
-I'm fascinated that's where you went. -I always wanted to build robots as a kid.
I thought I found a kindred spirit.
Oh, you have, which is why I want to give you…
this.
I'm repurposing most of my bats, but this one, she's special.
I hit a game-winning pop fly with it on the Braves.
I hope it brings you luck as head coach.
[chuckles]
I'm happy to have the job.
What I'm not happy about is how I got it.
Dude, you got the job because you're a thoughtful, talented leader.
And the team loves you.
Can I still come to you when I run into problems?
Of course.
But you won't need to.
[chuckles]
Listen, I'm not going anywhere.
I won't miss the chance to hang with my friends.
My father's a great man who raised me right.
He taught me in every success I have
to remember that I'm standing on the shoulders of giants.
Thanks, Cal.
[emotional music playing]
Thank you.
And, uh, thanks to your dad.
I'm really sorry.
Everybody was trying to protect you
from seeing Helen.
[chuckling] It got really awkward. I think we all panicked a bit.
Well, there was no need. I'm a professional.
No one was trying to say otherwise.
Just as your friends, we were trying to help.
And we didn't.
Sorry.
Your hearts are in the right place.
Just mine's…
It's all over the place.
-I'm sure we can arrange-- -Uh-uh, nah.
I… I can't be in a space where every time I look up, I'm
expecting, hoping,
fearing I'll see Helen.
Is there anything I can do?
You're doing it.
[Isaac scoffs]
Especially if you're willing to pretend this hike is just as strenuous for you
as it is for me, my young friend.
[panting exaggeratedly]
-Oh, the heat. -Oh, the heat.
-It's the humidity. -Yeah, the hum… [laughs]
-Save yourself. -Come on, man.
Go on without me. You…
Among the belongings that Frances left to me
were a… a certain set of journals, including this one,
along with explicit instructions to read them
and then to decide whether and when
to share them with you.
And I think it's important
that you know now.
"Dana Sue could have been,
should have been…
my child."
[pensive music playing]
"But I didn't speak up to Patrick about my feelings for him
when we were young."
"I wasn't bold enough to act on my love,
and I lost my chance at the family I wanted."
Miss Frances
and my dad?
She was in love with him her whole life.
But it was unrequited.
Your father only had eyes for your mother,
and Frances respected that.
Why didn't she ever say anything?
She was afraid that… that you might be upset.
[exhales] And why are you telling me now?
Keep reading.
"She is not mine by blood,
but she is mine in my heart."
"She is bold and lovely."
[inhales sharply]
[tearfully] "It makes me so proud."
"She is my legacy."
[emotional music playing]
Oh my heaven.
This is why she left me the money.
Frances had a vision for Serenity.
She believed in what Serenity could do for its people
and what its people could do for each other.
And now… you are the keeper of her vision.
-Me? -[Paula] Mm-hmm.
What can I do?
Keep reading, and be patient when all those feelings arise
like the morning mist off a pond.
[both chuckle]
And most importantly, remember,
be bold.
[chuckles softly]
It paints everything in a new light.
Ronnie and I never would have been able to start Sullivan's without her.
She gave us our dream.
[Helen] Mm-hmm.
Is that all because she thought of me as a daughter?
That's not what it says. She did it because she believed in you.
A kindred spirit.
I appreciate that, truly,
and I'm honored to carry on her legacy, but I don't have a clue how to do that.
Look at everything she did for Serenity.
-Well, look at everything you do. -Yeah, you won't do what she did.
You'll do what you do.
Why didn't she tell me before she gave me the check?
Perhaps she was planning to.
Certainly makes me think about the money differently.
[Helen] Mmm.
Also makes me think of my dad differently.
Never thought of him as a man someone would pine for.
-[Maddie] Hmm. -[chuckles]
I've seen pictures of him when he was young.
He was a handsome dish of a man. I'd show him around Serenity.
-Wow. Sh. -[Maddie laughs]
-[Helen] Show him the sights. -Sh.
-Please sh. -[Helen laughs]
You know, it is fascinating
to think about all the romantic confusions
and entanglements Serenity has seen…
-[Helen] Mmm. -…generation after generation.
[Helen] Mm-hmm.
And the romantic joy.
Ryan and I have a reservation…
[in posh accent] …for a fancy dinner on Thursday evening.
-[Dana Sue] Oh! -[chuckles, gasps]
Oh! You two should bring Ronnie and Cal!
-We'll make it a grand event! Yes! -Yeah! That's a fabulous idea!
This Thursday I can't. I have other plans.
A date with Cal, perchance?
That's right. To celebrate the end of your no-touching period.
Actually, it's a class with June.
We are taking a figure drawing course at the community college.
June. Pastor June?
Friend June.
[laughs] What's this all about?
I'm just trying something new.
-Does that make us something old? -[Maddie] Stop it!
I'm sorry that I'm gonna miss dinner.
Just promise me that you won't tell any good stories without me there.
[Dana Sue] Fine.
We'll tell the double-date stories
and save the triple-date stories until you and Cal can join.
Deal.
-[Helen chuckles] -No deal.
-You're the worst. -Oh!
[Helen] If Mary Vaughn is selling her own house and still incommunicado,
are they downsizing, liquidating?
Are… are they overextended because of financial shenanigans? [stammers]
Setting aside my frustrations with her silence,
I'll admit their financial situation is more akin to a luxury cruise
than a boat up on the rocks.
I've dug through every bit of financial data available to the public,
and Trent seems to have seized on all possible fiscal opportunities
while in office.
In all your legal dealings with the town, did you ever have cause to suspect--
Peggy!
You think I would have caught a whiff of something foul and stayed silent?
Never. But reporters can't assume.
-[Helen] Mmm. -Thank you for your time, Helen.
If you have any further thoughts, I'd appreciate a call.
Here's a thought. Have you considered running for office?
-Me? -[laughs] Yeah, you.
We need a new mayor.
One who will offer competent and vested leadership.
One who demonstrates grace under pressure
and a heart for the people of this town.
To my eye, you'd make a magnificent leader.
Why aren't you running?
My dear, you have specific and applicable talents.
-[Peggy] Mmm. -And I do not suffer fools well at all.
[both laughing]
[door opens]
[Helen] Hello, CeCe.
Miss Helen. Miss Peggy.
-Uh, thank you again, Helen. -[Helen] Mmm.
I'll follow up with you after I've penned my article.
Yeah, and thought about my proposal, I hope.
And your proposal. Have a good day, CeCe.
-[Helen] I wasn't expecting you. -How do I get emancipated?
My parents are moving.
My whole family, really, just to different places.
My dad found a better job, but it's in North Carolina.
Oh.
[CeCe] My mom's still gonna drive long-haul,
but she's… she's just moving my little brother and sister
to stay with my granny in Kentucky so she can watch them.
And they want me to go too, but I don't wanna go. I wanna stay here.
-I wanna finish school here. -Keep it--
[CeCe] Especially now that I'm considering college.
I mean, I… I can't begin to tell you
about the school in my meemaw's town.
But my… my parents can't afford to keep renting the house here,
and I have nowhere to stay.
But I looked up the guidelines for emancipation,
and I turn 18 this spring anyway,
so maybe I could… I could find a place to stay here then--
You can stay with me.
What?
Stay here.
In my home.
With me.
[gentle music playing]
I… I came for advice. I'm not trying to impose on you.
Uh, no, your… your presence here would be a blessing and not an imposition.
I, um… I take it that your parents haven't left quite yet?
No, we're… we're… we're still packing up.
Yeah. Well, uh, let's arrange a time when the four of us can get together,
and we'll talk things through.
Hey.
We'll figure this out.
-Okay. -Yeah?
I mean, that's if you do…
[CeCe chuckles]
…want to stay here.
You're a lifesaver.
[gentle music continues]
We really need to have movie night together.
First, we'll watch Moulin Rouge!, or maybe that's a little too old for you.
-[Trotter chuckles] -Um, better yet, Strictly Ballroom.
-[door opens] -Huh?
I didn't realize they'd started this service. They should be advertising.
-What a relief. -[Kyle] Ma'am--
I'll be back in 30 after I've gotten all my steps in.
Yes, ma'am.
This isn't a spa service.
Kyle's just watching this baby for a friend.
Well, now he's watching two babies for two friends.
-[mouthing] -[playful music playing]
I could not have made a better case for offering childcare here.
That is, beyond my heartfelt plea that we set up a program
before Ashley and I adopt a child.
And frankly, if you won't succumb to my charms,
I will settle for your succumbing to the proof of a market need.
I thought it was a great idea when you suggested it.
It's just further down my list of things to attend to than it should be, I guess.
I'm really happy to do it
for, like, a week,
but school's about to start, and you'll need someone to take over.
Is this about the scavenger hunt?
[Gabe] Dude, it's our senior year.
Pushing the envelope, making our mark, trying new things.
I get that. I just don't see myself as a football player.
We have almost as much fun as we have playing baseball together.
[laughs] I see that look. You miss it.
It's muscle memory, ritual.
I keep thinking I should be at practice or gotta go oil my glove.
Good, then play baseball this spring. For the love of the game, okay?
Not 'cause you're trying to get into college.
Yeah, college.
-[sighs] -Wait. What does that mean?
I dunno. It's not a problem,
right, to be a senior and not know what I wanna do with my life?
Dude, half the adults don't know what they wanna do with their lives.
That's why you gotta be out here, exploring and trying.
Are we back on football?
No.
That's cold, man. Just "no"?
Not even, "Maybe, best friend. I'll give it some thought." Just "no."
No, thank you. Come on.
I mean, that's better, but it's still the wrong answer.
[grunts]
[upbeat music playing]
Per your wishes, we have a scaled-down event
with your favorite people and food and a fun photo booth.
Am I missing anything? Anyone?
No, that's everything. Everyone.
All right, looking at the guest list, I don't see Jackson.
Don't you wanna invite him?
Things are a little weird right now.
He's not coming.
You okay?
I learned a little bit more about why Miss Frances left me the money.
It's complicated,
but she felt close to me… Us.
Like family.
That's sweet.
I always remembered her favorite order because you taught me
to treat customers at Sullivan's like visitors in our home.
-Yeah. -[both chuckling]
It always seemed to matter so much to her when I did. I'm glad she felt that way.
Miss Paula shared one of Miss Frances's journals with me,
and I'm still reading.
But one piece of advice really stood out.
To be bold.
To say what you really want while you still have the chance.
[pensive music playing]
Be bold.
I like that.
Yeah, sweetheart. You're about to be 16.
[laughs]
This is a beautiful time for you
to think about what you want for the upcoming year.
Be bold,
and tell me what you really, really want.
Deep down.
I want a sister.
[laughs]
Honey.
I'm happy your dad is back too, but--
No, not a biological sister.
I just want someone I can talk to about everything, anything.
Oh, I get it. Someone your own age.
That used to be Ty and Kyle, but now that's gotten too…
[laughs]
You have Aunt Helen and Aunt Maddie.
I wanna know who my version of that is going to be.
Well, my darling sweet sixteen,
be bold,
and declare who you are,
and let your truest friends emerge.
[emotional music playing]
All right, new position, please.
Very good, very good.
Go with the flow.
Don't get locked in the moment.
Feel the movement.
I'm having trouble too.
[scoffs]
It is not a sin to ask for help.
[Maddie chuckles]
Every time I pack for a trip,
I hear Aunt Frances say, "An extra pair of socks could save you."
[Ronnie, Dana Sue laughing]
-If Maddie were here… -[Helen] Mmm.
…I'd make her tell the story about the bullfrog…
-[Helen] Mmm! -…in Miss Frances's bathtub.
-[laughs] That one can wait. A long time. -[Dana Sue laughing]
[Helen laughing]
Ryan, we're honored
your aunt remembered Dana Sue in such an amazing way.
And I'm in trouble for talking about money at the dinner table.
Ronnie, I think you'll agree,
my aunt had a gift for recognizing and celebrating
the incredible women in Serenity.
It gave her joy to share with those she loved.
I want you to know we're trying to figure out ways to use it
that would make her proud.
Use it to find joy, then.
That's what pleased her the most,
to know that the people around her were happy.
When I started working overseas,
my parents were fit to be tied.
[Helen] Hmm.
But Aunt Frances said, "Can't you see the boy's only happy on the move?"
[Ronnie, Dana Sue chuckle]
But here you are… [chuckles softly]
…happily settling in Serenity now.
Of course.
Very happily.
[Ronnie] I wish I had an aunt or a fairy godmother.
That's not my thing, so…
[door closes]
-Oh, hi, honey. -Hi.
[Paula chuckles]
After consuming their body weight in ziti, the kiddos are finally off to bed.
Thank you for joining them for dinner.
Oh, it's always my pleasure. Did you and June have fun?
Ooh.
Oh. That's great.
You are really off to a good start.
-Well-done. [chuckles] -[chuckles]
What's the story here?
-Story? Well, it's just an art class. -Mm-hmm.
No, no, no. Every work of art has a story behind it.
What is this telling us?
[poignant music playing]
In a darkened land…
[Paula chuckles]
…there was a woman
who was trying to do the right thing as best she could.
Trying to fix things, help people,
make a difference.
And then, one day…
she realized she was tired
and needed to heal herself too.
I love it.
[Maddie chuckles]
So, what happens next?
I don't know. [chuckles]
And I'm okay with that.
Good.
[chuckles]
[calm music playing]
All I'm saying is,
when you replace enough rotted floorboards… [grunts]
…eventually, it's a new room.
[Ronnie grunts]
[breathing heavily]
Talking about the Ship of Theseus, right?
You're saying that at a certain point, my marriage became something new?
Ship of what?
Theseus. It… it's a philosophy thing.
Did you ever read Discworld?
When did we stop talking about floorboards?
-Here we go. -[Ronnie grunts]
[all exclaiming]
Oh! Oh, excellent.
-Clutch play. -Oh! Yeah.
[Ronnie] Thank you.
[grunting]
Thank you. [sighs]
-Well, what can I do for you? -I have a new project.
Working with my hands has really helped me grapple
with some of my issues.
But some of the edges…
[wood clattering]
…are still pretty rough.
Yeah, you got to sand off the rough edges to get along smoothly.
Surely this is more life advice?
No, I'm no philosopher. I…
I just think life is about good workmanship.
[poignant music playing]
Could I arrange to rent a sander and a couple other tools from you?
I'm still furnishing my workshop, so I don't have everything I need.
Finish whatever you're working on with us.
-I appreciate that. -[Skeeter] Yeah.
I can be notarized as what's called "fictive kin,"
and that gives me power of attorney for school and medical affairs,
so CeCe would not need to emancipate.
We appreciate your generosity.
It's important to Caroline to graduate from Serenity High.
And I know after the whole mock trial last year,
you have her best interests at heart.
Thank you, sir.
And I'm grateful too, but I'm also kind of torn.
The idea of leaving my girl in a home with strangers--
Helen's not a stranger, Mama. She's a friend you're just meeting now.
Don't be fresh.
I don't know the situation here.
What kind of clients do you see?
Who comes around? Friends and such?
I would not leave CeCe alone overnight,
nor would I have any visitors overnight myself.
I already make sure that she is never alone with a client,
and I do not represent anyone with bad manners or bad tempers.
-Thank you. -Mmm.
Thank you for your honesty and understanding.
Take your time.
Make sure that you're comfortable with the arrangements,
and then let me know your wishes.
My door is always open for CeCe.
[uplifting music playing]
[Ronnie] Dana Sue Sullivan.
Ronnie?
I've been thinking a lot about what you said about being bold.
How about you think about being a little quieter?
I want everyone to know.
[Dana Sue] Ronnie!
You and I fell in love here.
Ronnie.
This place is a result of Miss Frances making our dreams come true.
Not just the restaurant but our dream of true love.
Ronald Sullivan, what--
I'm here to be bold,
and what could be bolder than proclaiming my love.
[laughs]
[Ronnie] Dana Sue,
I love you so much.
I'd marry you all over again if you'd let me.
[diners gasping, exclaiming]
So, will you let me?
[gasps, sniffles]
[uplifting music continues]
[diners cheering, applauding]
Hey.
Ah, your mom's expecting me.
Uh, so I've been thinking, like, nonstop
about who I wanna be.
It's helping to start with who I'm not.
I'm sorry I yelled at you.
I'm not that guy.
I know you're not.
Thank you for hearing me out anyway.
I get how hard it is to be there for people.
And how sometimes it's at your own expense.
It needs to be a balance.
And we're… we're figuring it out.
All of us.
-I keep waiting for it to get easier. -Yeah. Me too.
[door opens, closes]
Thanks, Coach.
[uplifting music playing]
Anytime.
Now, don't stay out too late, Mom.
Are you giving me a curfew?
-I can. -[chuckles]
No. No, that's-- No, thank you.
[all chuckling]
[phone vibrating]
[phone clicks]
[upbeat music playing in background]
[patrons chattering indistinctly]
I don't wanna be a bother--
I am so sorry I haven't gotten back to you yet. [chuckles]
But with all the changes I'm making here, I'm basically a one-woman big band.
-I don't usually do this. -[Kathy] Mmm.
But, well, I really thought we shared something special
at dinner the other night.
Would you be willing to see me again?
[stammers] If I'm being too forward--
I'll start you a tab, finish my shift,
and then you and I will see what's still open.
Around here? Nothing much.
We may have to find somewhere else to go, then.
Erik.
It's so wonderful to see you.
-Kathy. -[chuckles]
Bill.
Erik.
You, uh, another fan of Z's? [chuckles]
Just doing a little consulting here.
Excellent choice.
-[insects chirping] -[owl hooting]
[Ty sighs]
I don't know what classes I'm gonna take next semester,
much less the next four years.
Chemistry lab. I'm taking it.
As a junior?
[Annie chuckles]
Jeez.
My college search has widened.
I can go anywhere in the country now.
I'm so curious to see what our futures will be.
Nobody could have predicted the last couple of months.
What's the point in trying to guess what happens next?
Whatever it is, I hope it's good.
[Jackson] Me too.
[Ty] About time.
[suspenseful music playing]
You have 30 minutes before I'm back to take Annie home.
Cool, man.
I was so worried.
[stammers] Why have you been ignoring me?
You better not treat me this way at school.
My mom took my phone and Nellie's for a while.
-She didn't want anyone leaking the news. -[scoffs] What news?
We're moving.
I'm transferring to Castlewood.
[Maddie gasps softly]
Uh, Ronnie and Skeeter helped.
[Maddie chuckles softly]
And if I'm not mistaken,
we have completed our no-touching period.
[gentle music playing]
Is it sturdy?
Well, there's only one way to find out.
I am so happy that we took this time to root ourselves as individuals,
come back stronger together as a couple.
Yes, but we need to keep growing as individuals too.
Should we extend the rule, then?
Oh, not another second.
[gentle music continues]
CeCe is such a special young woman. You'll enjoy getting to know her.
While she's living here with you.
Ryan.
Did you think about talking to me? How this impacts our timeline?
[Helen] I'm sorry. I-- [sighs]
I'm so used to making decisions by myself--
But we are going forward as a couple?
Yes.
Of course.
We'll figure it all out.
I'm gonna stay, Helen.
Please believe that.
Believe me.
I do.
[emotional music playing]
[closing theme music playing]