[Daniel's phone ringing]
Yeah.
No, I understand the scope of what we're dealing with here.
No, Elsa knows what she's doing, okay.
Yeah, I'll update you with anything.
[call disconnected]
Bye?
Hey.
Seem to have the weight of the world
on your shoulders this morning.
Yeah, it was just a restless night.
Hmm.
Yeah, this ranch has caused
a lot of sleepless nights for me too.
[Aunt Amy laughs]
It's not just the ranch.
Just been having a hard time keeping one foot here
while my life is back in Chicago.
Yeah, I know you're struggling with that.
I can tell.
Just take your time. You'll make the right decision.
Yeah...
Well that's just it. I've made my decision.
I need to go back to Chicago.
I do.
My church needs me.
Of course. Your community must miss you.
I just keep coming back to the idea
that even though this ranch is our family's legacy,
serving God, shepherding lives, that's my rightful duty.
It's an almost impossible choice.
Are you sure you can't take a little more time with it?
If I don't go back to Chicago,
they could transfer me to another district.
They could even move me to another city.
And that congregation, they've become my family there.
I can't just walk away from my church members.
It's your true calling.
We are so grateful
for all the wonderful things you've done here.
Getting Nathan sorted out, pulling Lewis into the fold,
we needed you and you really showed up for us.
I'm really happy I could be here.
And I'm glad things are starting to look up on the quarry front.
Ugh.
Getting that settled will ease my mind.
And here's hoping,
chart a positive course for many years to come.
I'm going to miss this place.
And now I just have to figure out
how to break the news to Dad.
Well, just remember wherever you are,
you're always a big part of this family.
But I am going to put you to work while you're still here.
I hope you know that.
[James laughs]
[Nathan] Are you serious?
[Willis] Yeah, I'm serious.
Our worries over water for the cattle
are about to be in the past.
[Nathan] Are we drilling a new well?
[Willis] No we're not.
Now, you'll find out when the time's right.
[Willis] We've been living in the shadow
of that herd quota long enough.
And now we'll be able to expand without losing sleep.
[Nathan] What's he doing here?
Willis.
What, you lost?
Actually, I just got back from the auction.
We're up 200 head now.
So how do you plan to water them?
Not even Newman money can buy rain, Daniel.
Oh, you got me there.
Yeah, but it might just buy the earth under your boots, huh?
Well, we'll see what's what, come branding season.
Yeah, we will.
[motor starts]
Oh, they'll learn someday.
Ranching takes more than deep pockets.
It takes good people standing side by side in solidarity.
Well, Amen to that.
I'm going to head to the stables.
Let me know if you need anything.
Good, thanks.
[Aunt Amy] Hey, you two.
Do you want to join us for some lemonade?
Great.
How's the little guy?
Finally napping.
Quiet now. But he can make a real fuss when he wants to.
[Aunt Amy] Oh, he's just announcing his greatness early.
[James] Something to celebrate every day.
[laughter]
[Lewis] About that...
Um, we wanted to ask you something important.
Yeah, anything. Shoot.
We'd like to have him baptized
and we were hoping that you could perform the ceremony.
Absolutely. Of course.
I'd love to do that for you and your new family.
[Aunt Amy] Oh, how lovely.
We can have the ceremony in the barn.
It will be the first baptism at the Cowboy Church.
It's not too much trouble?
Are you kidding? No.
We will decorate the place so beautifully.
It will be perfect for your little guy.
Thank you, Aunt Amy.
And thank you for everything you've already done for us.
Oh, it's nothing. This event will be a blessing.
[James] I can't wait to get started on the address.
It's always nice when you can personalize it.
And now that I know you guys better, it's going to be great.
[Lewis] This sounds like so much more
than we could have ever imagined. Thank you.
And is it okay if we invite a few people
from around town who have helped us out?
Of course. Yes.
We will open up the ranch to the entire community.
Come on in.
What's this?
It's the new Danish flavor.
I'm doing an informal customer poll.
And you've been volunteered, by me.
Well, who am I to turn down free food.
All right, here goes nothing.
Okay.
Hmm. What is that? Raspberry?
Oh, close strawberry.
It's really good.
You have, um...
Just...
I'll get it.
Thank you.
Yeah.
That's really good.
Do you have a couple minutes?
I wanted to share some news with you.
Of course. What's going on?
Did you decide if you're going to stay?
Actually, I got a call from Chicago
and I've made the decision to go back.
Oh...
Well that's great news, isn't it?
Yeah. You think so?
Yeah, of course.
I mean, you've been talking how much you've missed your church
and working with Michael.
And I'm sure you've prayed on it and made the right choice.
Yeah. I mean I have.
I've just really enjoyed my time here
hanging out with everybody.
It's a different lifestyle that I've really gotten used to.
I'm sure you could take all of those life experiences
and bring them back to Chicago.
Yeah, you're right.
When do you leave?
Next week.
After I baptize Tina and Lewis' baby.
Oh, which, by the way, you should come.
Oh. Really?
They would want you to be there.
I would love that.
You've been their champion from the very beginning.
Yeah.
Maggie, I just want you to know that I've really had
a wonderful time getting reacquainted with you.
Me too.
You know, how about one last roast beef sandwich,
extra pickles, before you go.
That would be great.
Oh, Maggie...
Five stars by the way.
Well, this little guy is officially thriving.
He's right on track for weight and length.
Reflexes are good.
Nothing anything concerning developmentally.
And the crazy sleep schedule. It's normal, right?
Completely normal. Not the best for Mom and Dad though.
I feel bad for Tina having to take all the night shifts
because I've got duties on the ranch now.
That's okay, Lewis.
Let's just worry about it when I get back to work.
And then we can tag team sleep deprivation.
You both have such an amazing attitude,
and caffeine, I'm assuming.
Yes. I just think staying up with a baby,
it's the perfect reason to lose sleep.
Yeah, I agree. Much better than stress and worry.
I've heard a white noise machine can really help
mellow things out for nighttime feedings.
Is there a way I can help?
Just keep doing what you're doing
and maybe try to give Mom some time to herself.
Yeah, that would be nice.
Maybe I can even get a full shower in,
with conditioner and everything.
Okay, you two.
Call me if you need anything, day or night.
I mean it.
Okay. We will.
Any other questions?
Um, uh...
Well, uh, actually,
we were wondering if you would consider
becoming our baby's godmother.
Me. Really?
We appreciate everything you've done for us
and you've done so well for yourself.
I feel like you've got it all figured out.
Oh, that's an overstatement. But thank you.
You would be such a good role model for our son.
You're a doctor, you're a family person.
We just know that if anything should happen to us,
you would take such good care of our baby.
Wow.
Wow meaning, yes?
Oh, absolutely. I would be honored.
Oh, that's so great.
Yeah, your brother's going to perform the baptism ceremony.
So can we count on you that day?
Of course.
[Willis] James! Just in time.
Give me a hand.
Yeah, of course, Dad.
I've been wondering if it wouldn't be worth the investment
to pour concrete pads under all of these water troughs.
Stability, you know.
The way the earth shifts every year
just makes more work.
[Willis] Right here.
Do you want me to get a quote from the Robertsons?
Yes, I do. That's a great idea.
Boy, it sure feels right, you being here.
It's like I always imagined it.
Yeah, it's been really nice working
side by side with you too, Dad.
Nice!
Well, don't get too excited there.
Hey Dad, we um, we got to talk.
The board of directors called,
they want me to go back to Chicago.
It's time
I see.
But hey, listen, I'm going to,
I'm going to visit a lot more often now.
Now I know how I can contribute to the running of the ranch.
I appreciate what you've done here.
Ranching isn't something you can do
from a million miles away, you know,
just dropping in and out.
Yeah, no, I know.
But now that I'm caught up to speed with the day to day,
I'm pretty sure...
When are you leaving?
I'm going to baptize Lewis' little boy on Sunday
and then head out the day after.
So that's it?
You put up a few fence posts and then you're off again.
You know, I had my chance to leave when I was younger.
The open road was calling me.
I wanted to hop on my bike and never look back.
So why didn't you?
Because I'm a Hamilton!
And I keep my feet planted on Hamilton soil,
just like my father did and his father and his.
So by all means run away. I won't block the door.
Hey, I'm not running away, Dad.
I'm answering a calling. I've got a life back in Chicago.
And you have a family here.
Janet.
Oh, hey Maggie.
Hey.
I just came to pick out some centerpieces for the cafe.
Those are beautiful.
Aren't they?
Eric used to buy me flowers all the time,
but, um...
Hey, why can't I buy myself flowers, right?
Yeah, exactly.
I do miss him though.
The clinic too. It's been kind of crazy without him.
Well, then it won't be a lot easier for you
when James leaves next week.
When he goes back to Chicago.
He's leaving next week?
I'm sorry. I thought you would've known.
I assumed he'd tell family first
I guess not.
I hope I didn't overstep.
I didn't mean to just spring that on you.
No, I mean, I shouldn't be surprised.
He's got his whole life there.
Yeah, he does.
I know he's struggling to try and stitch
those two worlds together.
That's James.
Caring deeply in all directions.
He really has such a great perspective on life.
I guess that's what makes him such a great pastor.
What do you think?
It's perfect.
Yeah?
Yes.
[sniffs] Okay.
But what did he say exactly?
Well, for starters, he accused me of running away.
Thanks for telling me, by the way.
I had to find out from Maggie at the flower shop.
I'm sorry. I was going to tell you tonight.
I just haven't found the right time
and I just feel like I'm letting everybody down.
James, you're not.
You absolutely have to do what you have to do.
[phone rings]
That's Mason.
Hi Mason. You're on speaker phone.
You've got us all here except Willis.
He's out on the range.
Hey Mason.
Hello Hamiltons.
I'm just getting a little feed load in at the silos,
but I wanted to follow up.
I've got some more info on the preserved wetlands
on Mrs. Winstone's property.
Does that help our case?
Maybe. It looks like if we want to develop it
or graze on it,
we have to file an application to modify the easement.
Basically prove it'll be used for agricultural benefit
and not harmful to the water table or habitat.
And is that something that you recommend?
I'd say for that perfect location,
it's worth the trouble.
So basically you'd need an environmental impact assessment
and a paper trail to show
how it supports sustainable ranching.
I've seen applications go through faster
when folks partner with land trusts or conservation groups.
So I'll look into that.
I love that idea, Mason.
I've got the preliminary paperwork filled out
for the assessment,
so I just need your signatures on it.
Okay. Willis and I will come by the office tomorrow.
Thank you.
I can see your dad shutting James out again.
He barely spoke to him at breakfast.
That's not fair.
The ranch is in a much better position.
I mean, he must have known he'd leave eventually.
[Aunt Amy laughs]
I think he's just hoping James forgets all about Chicago.
Ha! With what he's paying for that apartment every month,
not likely.
[Aunt Amy laughs]
I just hope Willis doesn't miss the baptism.
I don't think he's ever seen your brother at the pulpit.
Not since he was high school valedictorian.
Remember his speech?
How could I forget.
That is when we first knew James had a gift,
his natural ability to captivate an audience with his words.
Saw him out riding last week.
Pretty gifted cowboy too.
Oh, do not remind your father of that.
I wouldn't dare.
You know, I've been thinking a lot about what it means
to be a godmother.
And then I realized
that I have the most wonderful role model there is.
Well, I don't know about that.
You stepped in and took care of us when Mom got sick,
you took care of her, the ranch.
We could have lost everything without you.
It was a hard time.
Yeah. For all of us.
It really was.
Your mother was the heart of this ranch.
But we can take comfort in God's presence
in our daily lives no matter what.
Even if we don't know His plans.
I trust that He's with us.
I still miss her every day.
Me too.
I think I'd like the chance to be a mother one day.
Well, pray on that.
I will.
And in the meantime, I can practice
by buying cute baby clothes for my new godson.
[Aunt Amy laughs]
Perfect. That's perfect.
Hey Dad.
[Willis] Hey yourself.
You think we can talk, come up with some solutions
about how I can support the family here,
but also be present for my church in Chicago.
Not really.
I hope you understand this isn't just my calling,
this is also my job.
I got people that rely on me.
And sure I'd be happy working that land every single day.
But it's not that simple.
No, I guess not.
But it's still hard for me to accept.
I look out over these fields and I see our grandparents
that are sweating out a future for us.
And now it feels like we're just
trimming branches off the family tree.
I think we need to start talking about succession.
Succession?
You know, who's going to attend the ranch
for the generations to come.
Well, I hope all of us are sticking around
for a lot longer.
It feels a little premature.
Families mess this up all the time.
If there's no one in place to take over
and something happens, the vultures come swooping in.
Okay, well what about Aunt Amy?
She can't run this place on her own.
Well either way, I want to be involved in the decision.
[scoffs] Involved?
Son...
you're forfeiting that right by leaving.
Wow.
You know, just once,
just once, I wish you'd respect my choices.
And I want you to take over the family ranch.
So I guess we're both walking away disappointed.
There you are.
Thought you'd be up for dinner by now.
Yeah, I didn't want to eat with Dad.
Oh oh.
What happened?
Let's just say he didn't mince his words about me leaving.
He thinks if he lays on enough guilt, you'll stay.
Yeah.
Come on. Look past his gruff exterior.
He really loves you.
I just never meant to hurt him.
Well, of course not. Is that what he said?
No, it's Dad.
He'd rather wrestle a bull to the ground
than admit that he was hurt.
And he brought up succession again.
Well, that's new.
I'm being serious, Janet.
It's, it's making me question myself.
James, you can't second guess yourself
because Dad's having a bad day.
You can't live your life like that.
Yeah, yeah. No, you're right.
Okay.
I just...
You just, what?
I think it's really starting to hit me
how much I'm going to miss spending time with you guys.
Come on.
Hey Mason.
Hey.
Sorry for the impromptu meeting but I have some news
that I thought would be best delivered in person.
Let me guess. There's a wrinkle in the plan?
Have we missed our window?
No, no. We submitted our application.
It's just that someone beat us to it.
Who?
Elsa Hubbard.
Well that's manageable, right?
If Martha applies to modify the easement,
then we're still in play.
She gets approval, then we buy the deed
once the amendment's cleared.
I'm afraid it's not that simple.
Why not?
Because she attached the name of her potential buyer
to the application.
And let me guess. It's not our name.
I'm afraid not.
It was filed with Daniel Newman's name attached.
So what are you saying?
Daniel scooped the property out from under us.
Well, not exactly.
It's just that having him as the potential buyer
attached to the application gives him the upper hand,
in many ways.
He'll likely get top priority for the sale of the land.
So how do we fight this?
Don't worry. I'll look into it. We have time.
Tina you look beautiful.
Thank you. Likewise.
And he cleans up pretty well too, doesn't he?
Very sharp. You both look radiant
And you, you little wiggle worm.
It's a very big day.
Thank you for standing with us, Janet.
I'm honored. Truly.
So who's the godfather?
I have a distant relative
who drove into town from Ohio yesterday.
He's the closest family we have.
There he is.
I'm Janet.
Excuse me, everyone. Friends, family.
If everyone could find a comfortable place to sit
or stand, we are about to begin.
But first, Tina and Lewis,
we have known you for a few months,
but have gotten to know you better
over the last couple of weeks on the ranch.
And what a privilege.
The love that they share between them is a shining example
of how to treat others with kindness, patience,
and understanding.
My niece Janet, Dr. Hamilton,
helped them to begin their journey into parenthood
and is now the honored godmother of their beautiful baby boy.
We also have the ever so talented Janie Carson
joining us today and treating us to her beautiful music.
Janie, please.
[clapping]
[Janie sings acapella]
♪ Nearer, my God, to Thee,
♪ Nearer to Thee
♪ Even though it be a cross
♪ That raiseth me
♪ Still all my song shall be,
♪ Nearer, my God, to Thee
♪ Nearer, my God, to Thee,
♪ Nearer to Thee!
[clapping]
(Aunt Amy] Oh, that was so lovely.
[Janie] Thank you.
And now Pastor James.
Aunt Amy, thank you for those wonderful words.
Janie, beautiful.
Thank you so much for gifting us with that.
Well, everyone, take a look around.
We are so blessed to be in this space.
Now, I don't know about you,
but I'm used to stained glass windows,
tall ceilings and ample seating.
[laughter]
But it days like today that remind me
that faith can be practiced anywhere.
Matthew 18:20.
For where two or three gather in my name
So am I there too.
I'd like to welcome you all.
Thank you for coming to bear witness
for this special occasion.
And as we gather here in this humble setting,
reminds me of our Lord Jesus as an infant
being laid in the manger.
Let's, let's begin.
Tina, Lewis, godparents, please.
In Mark 10:14, Jesus says,
Let the little children come to me and don't hinder them,
for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
So as we begin, I ask you,
what did you name your child?
Thomas James Hedges.
And what do you ask of God's church
for Thomas James Hedges?
Baptism.
Baptism is a sign of God's good grace of work.
It represents a beginning.
It's a beginning of a very long journey.
It's not something to be done and then over.
It's an everyday journey.
So as we move forward, I ask you, do you promise
to nurture this child with the teachings of Christ our Lord?
[both together] We do.
Godparents, do you promise to help them?
[Janet] We will
Great.
Dear Lord,
we ask that You pour out Your Holy Spirit
to bless the gift of this water
and the child set to receive it.
We ask that You wash away sin and clothe him in righteousness
throughout his life.
That he may arise with Christ and share in everlasting joy.
Amen.
I baptize you in the name of the Father,
the Son and the Holy Spirit.
Thomas James Hedges,
you are now sealed by the Holy Spirit
and baptism with Christ forever.
May the Lord bless you and keep you.
May His face shine upon you and be gracious to you.
May He look upon you with favor and give you peace.
Amen.
Please welcome the newest member of God's family,
Thomas James Hedges.
[clapping]
Pastor James, that was a beautiful ceremony.
Well, thank you for uplifting all of us with your song.
Anytime. Just call and I'll be here.
It'll be worth the drive from Cedar Rock
just to be with this community.
They're lucky to have you.
Thank you.
James.
That was inspiring.
Well yeah. It's a baptism. It's a very joyous occasion.
Absolutely. A new life. Full of potential.
You know, I knew that you would be great at what you do,
but I loved getting to see just how much.
You finally got to see me in action.
And I get it now. Why this is your calling.
You're a natural.
I know the city's calling you back,
but this town needs someone like you.
Chicago's lucky to have you.
Take care, James.
[Daniel] James.
Daniel, today's not the day.
Today's the day.
I got some news for your family.
Just didn't want you hearing it from the mailbox.
And what's that?
Newmans have officially purchased the Winstone quarry.
What?
Yeah. Deal's done.
We've got the easement assessment from the government.
It's closed.
How's that possible? Mason said we still had time.
Well, Hamilton family was a little late coming to the table.
I think you'll agree, we're being more than fair.
And with our overhead costs,
we have had to make some slight increases.
These are water rights agreement.
You can't raise the prices.
Well we can. We are.
I think you need to get off my property.
James...
Don't make me say it again.
All right.
You know what? I kind of like it here.
Maybe I'll just buy your land one day too.
Yeah, it's not for sale. Neither is my family.
[engine starts]
[Daniel] Yeah.
[dialing]
[James on phone] Hey Dad.
Yeah. I got to talk to you. Meet me out front of the house.
Dad, how'd this happen?
Well, somehow they made it first past the post.
Yeah, but how? Nothing was filed at the recorder's office.
How'd they get this done so fast?
Well, it was something low down, I can tell you that.
What, you think they pulled a fast one on us?
I always thought they'd try to cheat.
I just didn't know how.
That Daniel, he needs to answer a few questions.
Wait, Dad.
Let me take care of this.
Let me go.
James...
I, um...
Forget it.
[engine starts]
[James] We got to talk about this.
No, we don't. There's nothing to discuss.
We already own the land.
Would you stop walking away from me?
This isn't right.
It is right. In fact, it's fair. Okay?
It's out of my hands now, trust me.
How convenient.
You set a devastating plan of motion
and all of a sudden you're going to hide behind some paper.
We rely on that water source as much as you do.
Martha gave us both a fair deal.
This is business. It's not personal.
Of course it's personal.
You're taking food out of the mouths
of our ranch hands' families, Daniel.
There's bigger powers at play here, okay?
You don't understand.
Do you know what this is going to do to us?
You guys have been struggling for a lot of years.
Maybe some day, it's finally here.
You know, our families, we've been neighbors for 150 years.
I know.
That should count for something.
You're better than this.
So...
Did you talk to Daniel?
Yeah. He made it sound like it was out of his hands.
So I don't know how that could possibly be.
Well, either way, they won this round.
Not necessarily.
I'm so sick of their underhanded ways.
But that's not what I want to say to you.
What you did for that family today...
I don't know anyone on God's earth
that could have said those words better.
Thanks, Dad.
Thank you. I appreciate that.
I think a part of me didn't want to believe
that you were so good at what you do.
You have a gift.
A gift of solace and comfort,
of offering people joy and hope.
I can see that now.
I want you to know that I'm,
I fully support the decision you made to go back
to your church in Chicago.
That's your world.
And you have earned your place in it.
Yeah, about that.
I know, I know. You're leaving soon.
I won't try to stop you.
But this, add this.
It's not the first time we've been tested.
We've had worse storms come across this land over the years.
Don't you worry about that.
As much as you're a natural at working this land,
your higher calling, it's more important, James.
And I can see that now.
I need you to know that you have my blessing.
I feel like I've been waiting forever to hear those words.
I can't tell you how much it means to me.
You know what, Dad, today,
today showed me that maybe there is a place
for both sides of me here at Red Oak.
I can see a world where I could maybe set up a parish
closer to home, very close.
A working cowboy church right here on the ranch.
So you'd stay, and build a church for the community?
If you'll donate the old calving barn.
Well, I guess we could at least assure the community
that the building would always be maintained.
So you don't mind?
No, I don't mind.
I think your mother would like this a lot.
Don't worry, Dad. I got a few ideas about the Newmans.
We're not out of this fight yet.
[Daniel] Uncle Jackson.
Danny, tell me it's all done.
Yeah. Papers are delivered.
I wish I could have seen the look on old Willis' face.
Yeah, he must have been pretty shook up.
Sent James over here questioning me.
[chuckling]
It just smells like desperation, doesn't it?
Hiding behind a man of faith.
You still thinking of coming to town?
I am always thinking about Crossroad Springs.
You can count on that.
[disconnects]