Romance at Hope Ranch (2026)

[bunniefuu]

I think that's everything.

What? No, I'm

gonna help you unpack.

You're moving a whole house.

Okay. We both have a lot

going on right now, but...

I hope your freshman year

is as magical as you are.

I'm so proud of you.

Thanks.

He's always here with me.

Well, you got your

smarts from him.

And he would have loved to

have been here with you.

You said you wouldn't cry.

I'm not crying. You're crying.

It's just... it's just desert dust. That's

what... we're not in Denver anymore.

Definitely not.

You are gonna

crush it this year.

Thanks, Mom.

I love you so much.

I love you too.

And besides, I'll see you in a

couple weeks for the Giddy Up Gala.

Oh yeah. Wait, what's

happening? Are you...

Are you kicking me out?

Never

Oh.

Bye.

Bye.

Let's do this.

Lori's Coffee and

Floral Shop, this is Lori.

You've got Hope's

Ranch, this is Hope.

You made it!

How was the drive?

How was the college drop off?

Tell me everything.

The day has been great.

But I am standing here...

at the gate...

Literally about to

step into my new life.

So exciting.

I can't believe it.

II can't believe it's real

I have dreamed about

this for so long.

Ugh

You deserve it,

Hope. You really do.

And you know, it's exactly

like I remember it as a kid.

The bright sun feels warm

and the dusty trails...

Cute cowboys?

Yes.

I'm sure you'll meet one of

those at the Giddy Up Gala.

You're still coming in

a couple weeks, right?

Oh, I wouldn't miss it.

Are you sure you don't

need me to come early?

Help you move in, set up?

I've made a plan.

I am totally prepared.

You always are.

Hey, Hope. Um...

Sorry. Hey, someone

just walked in.

I'll talk to you later, okay?

Okay. Well,

I'll let you go then.

Alright, love you.

Well, I see you

haven't changed your mind.

Changed my mind about what?

I mean, the boots are a

little bit tight, but...

he said they'd break in.

You're really

committed to the whole...

bit.

It's not a bit, Lori.

I'm not only a businessman,

I'm a business owner now, okay?

They expect me to look the part.

When are you

gonna tell her, Jack?

You've been down

here for months.

I know. I will. I will.

I just want to get everything set

up and running smoothly, you know?

It'll all just fall into place.

Oh, it's gonna

fall. One way or another.

You know what?

You are something else.

You're my little sister. You're

supposed to be supportive.

What?

Just tell her, okay?

Okay.

Tell her.

Bye.

This is the perfect place

for the Giddy Up Gala.

Hi, buddy.

You need a little extra?

You want a little more?

You're such a good

boy. Here you go.

We're gonna split this.

How about, 'cause

you already had some.

And you can get some too.

How about you, Ranger?

You need a little

extra breakfast?

Huh.

Ma'am?

Whoa, careful there.

Oh!

Apologies. Sorry.

Oh, I'm so sorry!

My fault.

I didn't mean to...

Podcast?

Country music.

Tom Grayson.

Oh, nice

to meet you. I'm...

Hope Morgan.

Perfect.

Hope Ranch.

Exactly.

Doing this all on my own, so I

guess I am taking after my name. I'm...

hopeful.

I'm so sorry, I got...

Oh, you're fine.

No, you're fine.

All over you.

Yeah, no.

Uh, I'm about a

mile down the road.

Grayson's Cattle Ranchers.

Figured we couldn't

stay strangers for long.

It's nice to meet you, neighbor.

Nice to meet you.

Uh, well I hear you're getting the

Giddy Up Gala back up and running.

Yeah.

Yeah, I'm really

excited about it.

It's gonna be my first

weekend with guests.

But I'm excited for the town.

I thought I could bring

back some of the old magic.

Great.

Uh...

Well listen, um... you know...

or you already are doing...

um...

if you need a hand or if you have

any questions or anything, I'm...

uh...

down the road.

Yeah.

About a mile?

Yeah, I...

I said that already.

Oh, you know what?

Actually I do have a question.

About... how much do you

know about horse feed?

Uh, got about six of 'em that

can't get enough of the stuff.

Perfect. Thank you.

So, mine haven't been

worked a lot lately...

and so I was thinking they

couldn't handle such rich feed.

I ordered something new from

Highwater Tack and Feed...

but they sent the wrong stuff

and I just didn't know...

It's got a lot of corn.

Yours is probably better

suited for roughage.

Right, I was thinking high fiber,

low sugar, maybe a balancer pellet?

You certainly know your stuff.

Well...

I grew up on my grandparents'

ranch in Arizona.

And they would bring me to the Giddy

Up Gala every summer when I was a kid.

I brought my daughter here.

We love it.

So I'll just call the

Highwater and switch it...

Probably should go in person.

Why's that?

It's the new owner.

He's a little more

hat than he is cattle.

He's learning the ropes.

He messed up my supply

of salt licks...

Got it.

And I'm still

waiting on the right ones.

So...

Okay. Thank you.

I'm heading there

tomorrow if you want to join.

Yeah, yeah, that'd be nice.

Rulebook Weaver.

Nice enough guy, just thinks

his clipboard is his badge.

I'll see you tomorrow.

It was, um...

nice to meet you, Hope.

Nice to meet you too.

Well, hello.

I'm Hope Morgan. Um...

how can I help you?

County Inspector Dave Weaver.

Welcome to Ruidoso.

Thanks. Thanks.

Thrilled to be here.

But I sort of thought that the

ranch already passed inspection.

Last owners, they rebuilt

that whole barn...

and I mean turned it into

an amazing event space.

I love how they kept the old facade on the

outside, but when you go in it's brand new.

Oh, it did pass.

So, uh...

the Giddy Up Gala.

The mayor said you were planning

on bringing back our beloved tradition.

Yep.

Sure do miss it.

Had some of the best times

of my life on this very land.

Yeah, I feel the same way.

And I think a lot of other people do too

because I have so many reservations...

to stay here for the gala.

That's great, really.

Um, the barn

definitely passes...

but the house and the stables...

the last owners never got around

to retrofitting anything else.

Oh.

Here is

an inspection checklist...

that I'll cross off

before the big day.

Um...

Parking...

needs to be away

from mud holes...

and lighting the pathways...

Shouldn't be too much to do

before the Giddy Up Gala.

If you get a couple of...

helping hands, you know?

Now, let's see when I can

schedule you in for...

How is the morning of the 25th?

Oh no, that's

the day of the gala.

Oh, well

how about the afternoon then?

Of the 25th?

No, I was hoping maybe we

could do it before that.

The 25th is the first

opening I've got.

I'm sure you're planning

on passing the inspection.

It shouldn't be a problem.

Right.

Right. You're right.

I'm sure it'll be fine. So...

that'll be great.

Really looking forward to it.

All of Ruidoso is.

It's the talk of the town.

I'll see you in a

couple of weeks.

Okay.

Good morning, ladies.

Come on out.

Everybody out.

There you go. There you go.

Everybody out.

There you go.

Enjoy your breakfast, ladies.

Okay.

You're all clean.

Good boy.

Yeah.

Such a good boy.

Okay, go out.

Enjoy the pasture.

You too, buddy.

You look beautiful.

Oh, and your mane

looks beautiful.

Go for it.

And you, Ranger.

Nope.

Still don't like to be pet, huh?

Alright. Alright.

Let me just take your

halter off. Don't get mad.

Alright.

Ranger, when you're ready you

can come join us in the pasture.

Well, you were

right about Inspector Dave.

He is nice...

but very strict.

He gave me a whole to-do list of things

I have to accomplish before the gala.

This looks great.

Oh.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

Hi. Welcome

to Highwater.

Smell of pine and leather, huh?

Nothing like it.

Add the aroma of southern barbecue

in the mix and it smells just like home.

Do you cook?

I'm no Michelin chef, but...

I know my way around a grill.

I got this secret family

recipe for barbecue sauce

you'd have to taste to believe.

I look forward to it.

Feed's straight ahead.

Oh, right.

Great.

Thank you. I think this is it.

Yeah.

You check the ingredients, I'm

gonna go see about my salt licks.

Okay.

Anything I can help you with?

Howdy there partner, welcome

to Highwater Tack and Feed.

No.

Okay. No problem.

No, no, sorry. The no wasn't

for you. The no was because...

Sorry about that.

You must be the new owner.

Yes sir, that's me.

Welcome to

town. I'm Tom Grayson.

Thank you.

I'm Jack. Nice to meet you.

Hate to complain first

time meeting you, but...

If you're looking for

grooming brushes, we have stock.

Shush.

I'm here about some mineral blocks I

ordered some time ago. Under Grayson.

Mineral blocks under Grayson.

Now is that Hope Morgan?

Jack Bennett.

You two...

know each other?

Yeah! No!

I mean, we used to.

Well, you haven't changed a bit.

Ugh!, I've

changed a lot.

You're the one who

hasn't changed.

I'm gonna go...

back to the stockroom?

Okay.

Yeah, I'm gonna...

go talk to...

someone.

Sounds good.

That's weird.

No one out there. I don't

know what he's doing.

What are you doing here?

Came here to win you back, Hope.

No, seriously.

What are you doing in Ruidoso?

Oh, you are looking at the new

proprietor of Highwater Tack and Feed.

Did Lori tell you

that I had moved here?

No.

Oh.

Okay, listen.

She mentioned it, but...

She let something slip and then

you got the whole story out of her.

No, Hope.

What happened was,

when we opened up our

second office in Denver...

it became obvious to me...

Obviously you're still running.

For what you want, when you want

it. Well, I don't want to be in that race.

I never did.

No, you were always

the finish line, Hope.

Listen...

Hi.

Welcome in.

When I sold my share of

Pinnacle Finance to Simone...

I took a road trip

through New Mexico.

I stumbled upon this tack

and feed shop that was for sale

and I thought...

I've arrived.

You are looking at Ruidoso's

newest citizen, Hope.

That's crazy.

Don't you think?

Don't you realize that that's just

totally reckless and completely...

Romantic?

Is that what

you were going to say?

You were always the

one hoping. Look at this.

It's like fate brought

us together or something.

The timing's right,

we're both here.

Timing?

You always loved a sequel.

You know we haven't even

exchanged Christmas cards in a decade.

Oh.

But you do love big romantic

gestures, right? And this is pretty big.

So you thought

you'd just buy this place,

Move to Ruidoso, and

then I'd come in one day and...

what, throw myself in your arms

like at the end of Dirty Dancing?

Uh, wait, so is

that... is that a no?

Yes! I

mean, no! I mean...

Do you know what I mean?

Okay.

Okay. The point is,

that's why it didn't

work the first time.

And that's why it

didn't work the second time

When we tried the

long distance thing.

And that's why it

wouldn't work now

because there's never any

communication with you!

Okay, I mean I could...

I do need to order

two 50-pound bags of the

Meadow Mix horse feed.

Two 50 of the

Meadow Mix. You got it.

Thank you.

And technically it

would have been a trilogy.

Oh. Right.

Trilogy. You hear that?

She wants a trilogy.

Hello?

Your brother moved to Ruidoso.

Ugh, I know.

Are you sleeping?

I sleep in on Sundays.

Tuesdays are my Sundays.

Why didn't you

tell me about Jack?

Ugh, I'm sorry.

I know. I know, but...

after you two broke up, he

would not stop asking about you.

He asked about me?

All the time.

Is he wearing the cowboy boots?

And the hat? And a buckle?

And his jeans are too tight?

He's still in love

with you. He always has been.

Don't you wonder what could have

been if you two had stayed together?

Ugh, no. No I don't

because I know exactly

What would have happened.

It would have been a mess.

And look, here we

are now, in a mess.

Alright, I have a million things

to do for the Giddy Up Gala

And I should get started.

Well, I can come early and help.

Oh, no. One Bennett in

this town is enough for now.

But I can't wait

to see you in a few weeks.

And you're not gonna tell him

that we talked about this, right?

I would never.

I'm serious.

Talk to you later.

Bye.

Toodles.

How did you get out?

Or in?

Pleading the fifth, I see.

Alright.

Let's get you back

to your friends.

Come on, girl.

Are you kidding me right now?

The coop is still closed.

How did you get out?

Okay!

Chokecherries.

Well Ranger, look

who decided to join us.

Aww.

Hi.

You wanna try a chokecherry?

No. Okay.

I thought you might like it.

Well, you guys enjoy

your graze. I've got work to do.

Is this a command post?

Hey! This

is private property.

Sorry, I brought

your... your feed, ma'am.

Same day delivery. Is that a new

service the High Water is offering?

Yeah, yeah, just

for our VIP clients, so.

Besides, I didn't

want you to hurt yourself

Trying to move this 250

pound barrel of feed.

I ordered two 50-pound bags.

Yeah, I know, two fif...

Oh my gosh, two 50...

That is the difference

between hearing and listening.

No, that's actually what you call an

honest mistake. That's what that is.

What's going on here?

Lot of paperwork,

Huh? I know how you love that.

You want a hand or something?

No. I am happy to be doing

this and I don't need help.

Okay. Thought I'd

ask if you did, right?

Ruidoso is a

special place to me.

I came here for a fresh

start. And now you're here.

Bringing back

what we thought we lost?

Okay, okay, I'm just kidding.

Hey, I will be back with the

proper allotment of feed, okay?

No! Don't come back.

You don't have to deliver it.

I want to though. I mean

if you... if you want me to.

Okay. I'm going.

Can I just say that this is

great though? You're great.

You look great. Ranch life

suits you. It really does.

Suits me too, right? Prob...

that's what you were thinking

But you just weren't

looking at me.

Right? There she is. Ha ha

ha ha! Whoop! I'll be back.

Help me.

Everything tastes better

when you grow it yourself.

Yeah, I think

that's true. Hello.

Um, I'm getting to work on

planting a bunch of stuff,

But I already have chokecherries

growing in the pasture.

My favorite.

Mine too. Eventually

I hope I have enough

To feed everyone on my ranch.

That's fantastic.

Hi. I'm uh... I'm Hope.

Hi, Hope. It's so nice to

finally meet you in real life.

I'm Mayor Winona.

Oh, you're

the mayor. Wow. Hi.

Thank you so much for

your very welcoming emails

Of course. It's always

exciting to have a new resident,

but the one that's gonna bring

back the biggest party of the year

I am thrilled.

Me too.

So, I heard our inspector

made his way over to you.

Wow, you already

heard about that.

Small town, word

gets around. Plus, you know,

Dave's desk is right next

to mine.

Of course. Okay, well don't

worry. I have it all planned out.

I have a to-do list

charted so that I can get

Everything up to code

and pass the inspection.

You are organized.

Comes from working

in PR for a long time.

Well, I hate

to add to your to-do list,

But um... unfortunately

I have to.

Let's see. Event permit,

food and beverage license,

regulatory insurance

for accommodation,

and zoning permits.

Just, you know.

All that for a couple

hayrides and a bonfire?

The Giddy

Up Gala is gonna attract

Everyone from

Ruidoso and beyond.

It's been ten years

since we had one.

And we all have such

amazing memories of it.

Yeah. Yeah, well I'm

hoping this is the best one yet.

And it will be. And I'm

sure you have plenty of help.

I mean, I heard your ex-husband

just bought the High Water.

Word does travel

fast in that town.

Um, he is my ex, but

we were never married.

Don't you worry. I don't

need help. I can handle it.

Great.

Thank you so much

You bet.

Have a great day.

You too.

All right Ranger, it

is you and me buddy. We're...

They're gone.

Thank you so much.

I so appreciate this.

Anytime.

You ready?

Yeah, I'm ready.

Hey guys!

Jack?

Hey Jack.

Hope, I got your feed. Just

point me towards the horses.

Oh, well I can't do that because

They have escaped the pasture.

Oh.

Yeah, we're heading

out right now to wrangle 'em.

We'll wrangle 'em, huh?

Real cowboy stuff. All right.

Well if you need a

hand, I'm happy to help.

Oh, you don't really ride

And I don't have a

horse to lend you.

I got Old Betsy

here, I can keep up.

Horses don't like loud machines.

Right.

Listen, I'm so sorry.

Will you just put the

feed in the stable for me?

Thank you so much.

Uh-huh, yeah. For sure.

There.

Yep, I see 'em.

Come on. Let's go there.

Whoa, boy. Just relax.

You're okay. You're okay.

Hey.

Put your head up

Good boy.

That's my boy

See? Now you're safe and sound.

One down, three to go.

You know Rangers not going

to give up with a fight.

Ah, he'll come around.

You have a way with

difficult ones, I can tell.

Thank you.

Let's take him back and

then we'll go look for Ranger.

All right, good boy.

You could be training horses at

Ruidoso Downs with skills like that.

Well, I could certainly

use the purse from that race.

Now look who I found.

I don't know what

y'all are talking about.

Ranger's the best

horse out there.

Of course he listens to you.

He just misunderstood.

Isn't that right buddy? Huh?

There he goes.

Hey, your feed's

beside the stalls.

Thank you, Jack.

Happy to help.

He's uh... my ex.

I mean we were never married.

And I don't know what

he's doing in Ruidoso.

Um... anyway, thank

you so much for everything.

I'm sure I should let

you get back to work.

And I'm gonna head out,

hand out some invitations.

Invitations?

Yeah, I thought I'd go

introduce myself to our neighbors

and invite them to the

Giddy Up Gala in person.

Let them know it's back on.

In that nice shiny new SUV?

Yeah. What?

Oh, they may not

take you too seriously.

You have a better idea?

Wow!

Good, it's still here.

This is so cool.

Want me to check under the hood

make sure it's still breathing?

Oh. No.

Gotta figure out how to

do these things on my own.

If I don't do it

now, I never will.

Okay, well I'm out.

Hey, um... thanks

for your help today.

What are neighbors for?

Whoa! Hey!

How did you...

Alright. I guess

we'll just have to stop by

the chicken coop on our way out.

I'm uh... do you have the keys?

No?

Oh. Got it.

Well it makes noise.

Let's hope this thing drives.

Hmm. Um...

Oh, hi. I wanted to

invite you to the Giddy Up Gala.

Hope I see you there.

Oh! Hi. Please

come to our Giddy Up Gala.

We would be thrilled

to see you there.

Have a nice day.

Hello sir. I hope you'll

meet us at the Giddy Up Gala.

Hi. We're bringing

Giddy Up Gala back

so we hope we see you there.

Oh sir, we would

love to have you join us at

Hope Ranch for

the Giddy Up Gala.

Oh no.

(engine spluttering

What's going on?

Ah

(engine powers down

What are you laughing at?

Oh

Oh no.

Oh no.

Nope. Nope. You're

going the wrong way. Come on.

Over here.

Nope, nope, not you. This way.

Ah!

You don't want to be

picked up, then just go inside.

Like that one. Yes!

You're the best.

Okay?

Look at that, I did it!

How did you do that?

Okay. Okay.

I think you need your own name.

You know, you're small

and mighty, but you're...

very good at magically

appearing out of nowhere.

And you are an expert at escape.

You're...

Houdini.

That's perfect.

Aw

Oh! Sorry.

Oh.

Hi!

- Hi, Mom.

Big day. You

excited about homecoming?

I don't think I'm gonna go.

What?

You were so excited about it.

Yeah, and

then this week happened.

I've got like two exams next

week and three more after that.

Okay.

So what do you want to

do? Like, find a tutor?

No. I'll be fine.

You can talk to me, Mags.

Just taking all

these extra classes was a lot.

A lot more work than I

thought it was gonna be.

Hey. You got this.

Okay?

And... and I'm here for

you. Whatever you need.

I'll be

fine. I'm just.

Having a moment.

What are diamonds made of?

Coal.

Maggie.

Pressure.

That's right.

You can only

take one test at a time

and you can work with

a tutor all the way.

Yeah, but I can't

exactly bring the tutor

into the exam room with me, Mom.

I know that.

But you could work with someone

all the way up until

the last minute, right?

Listen. Don't be

afraid to ask for help.

I'm okay.

I think I've got it.

But

Thanks

I should probably

get back to my books.

Alright. Well,

I love you very much

and I can't wait to

see you next weekend.

Yeah.

Love you.

Alright.

Guess I should get to it.

Okay.

Nope

Ranger. Come on.

Come on, we're gonna

go out and get some grass.

Whoa.

I'm sorry.

Okay, you hold on. And...

and we'll go in a second, okay?

You just stay right here.

Ranger. Don't you

want to come out with us?

Alright. You can

stay here. You don't have to.

You just come out

whenever you're ready.

Come on,

Chapman. Let's go.

Okay!

Come on, you.

Wash day?

It's actually turning

into wash week at my pace.

Haven't seen you

in town much lately.

Thank you!

There's a lot to do around here.

And truthfully I've been trying

to avoid run-ins with Jack.

No better place than out

here if you want to be alone.

Truth is, every time I try to

leave, ranch just pulls me back in.

It's coming

together though, right?

Yeah. Yeah.

It's not falling

apart at the seams.

I mean...

There's a lot I've

been working on.

I did reinforce the

beams in the barn.

Cleared out some spots for

parking spaces out front.

Laid out the solar

lights for the pathway.

I hired the caterer.

All this while running a ranch?

That's some real cowboy stuff.

It's less than a

third of my to-do list.

Wish I could

tell you it gets easier.

Every night at 8 o'clock,

I am totally fast asleep.

Exhausted.

But I couldn't love it more.

But sometimes

it's nice to have a break.

Right?

What about a trail

ride? You want to come with me?

Show me the lay of

the land? You in?

Absolutely.

I'll get the horses.

Trail gets narrow up

here, but the view's worth it.

You know, I've been on a few

trail rides, I haven't seen you out.

Calving season.

Oh.

Yeah. It's like an

alarm clock that never quits.

Up before dawn,

checking the herd.

Gotta make sure

the mamas are okay.

Every once in a while I gotta

pull a calf at 2:00 a.m.

Wow. And you

do that all yourself?

Just like you.

I mean, it would be

easier to have a partner.

Yeah, I um... it's been a

while since I've had a partner.

I'm probably better with

cows than I am crowds.

I didn't mean that

the way that it sounded.

I'm happy with the way things

are for me. I'm happy on my own.

But it would be nice to

share iced tea sometime.

I'd like that.

Wow.

Bet you never get tired of this.

I haven't yet.

Alright ladies.

Come on. Come on.

Bedtime. Time for bed.

Go. Uh-huh.

You got this. You got this.

Yes! Good job. Good job.

And you, Houdini.

Good chicken.

Ow.

Hey buddy. Come on.

Let's just be friends. Don't you

think we could be friends? Come here.

Come here.

Alright. Alright. I'll just...

Give it time.

Not so easy when

you're on the other side, huh?

What?

What's up? Come on now.

Alright. Jack,

what are you doing here?

How you doing?

Oh. Got something for you.

I can't be bought.

I didn't

buy it. I made it.

What?

Wow. I don't know what to say.

Yeah, well I figure

people are gonna want to know

They're in the right place when

they show up next weekend, huh?

It's beautiful. Thank you.

Doesn't mean we're

getting back together.

Doesn't mean we're not though.

You know, I don't have

the energy for this right now.

I... I just have to deal with the

animals and get ready for the gala and...

I have to go back out and

fix the fence in the pasture.

What? Again?

Yeah. Again.

Alright, well... I'll

give you a hand. Let's go do it.

I don't need your help.

Yes, you do. You just don't

want to ask for it. Unless...

Oh, what is uh...

Tom helping you or?

No. He has his

own ranch to take care of.

I just... I have this

under control. It's fine.

Okay. Okay.

Saw a big stack of paperwork by the

front door. Is that under control too?

Now you're snooping?

No, I showed

up with the sign and

Knocked on the front door and

I happened to notice it, that's all.

Right.

Oh, this was... that

was taped to your gate too.

Property tax.

Agricultural

exemption? I...

Yeah, I got the

same thing at Highwater.

See farmers, they'll

defer the payments,

but once the land transfers,

they all come due, so.

I didn't know this was a thing.

Yeah, year after year,

it can really add up too.

I can't come up with

this kind of money in a month.

Should have been a clause in the

sales closing agreement, did you...

I didn't see it.

There was a lot of paperwork.

Alright. Well, tell

you what we're gonna do, Hope.

I'm gonna go back to my...

I don't need you

to figure this out for me.

I know. I'm

just... just saying.

Listen, there

were plenty of times

I did need your help

and you weren't around.

Could have just called me.

We had broken up.

You moved to New York.

I stayed in Denver.

I can do it by myself.

I don't need your help and

I definitely don't need you

Showing up here acting

like you're saving me.

I don't need saving.

I know.

Never said you did.

Never.

You know, sometimes

you just gotta back off

let 'em come to you, Hope.

Talking about the horse.

How did you even get in here?

You know what? I'm

just too tired.

Help yourself.

What did I get myself into?

Stables.

Will this be all for you today?

Yes, thank you.

Her horses

all got loose week one.

Ate all

George Miller's petunias.

And we're trusting her with our

county's most cherished tradition.

I think it's better just to

leave it all in the past.

She's definitely got

Mayor Winona's full support.

So, hopefully she's got all

the help that she can get.

She's gonna need it.

Alright.

They were out of

oat milk, so you get 2%.

Thank you.

No problem.

You have a plumbing issue

or something I can

help you with, ma'am?

The water tank is

fine. My livestock has water.

It's just the house.

Um... it's a pump.

Plumbing. Uh-huh. Pump.

Might need to call in a

professional for that, honestly.

Plumbers charge by the hour.

I'll just ask Tom.

Yeah. Tom to the

rescue. That could work.

Uh, no. It's just

cause he's my neighbor.

No, 100%.

Listen, I'm happy you have

someone you can call for help.

I truly am.

Whatever you

need, put it on her tab.

Jack...

Hey there.

Hey. Well,

that's all of them.

Amazing. Thank you so

much, Mare. I appreciate it.

If you want to thank me, you can come

to the Tumbleweed Two-Step tonight.

Oh yeah?

I need some newbies on the dance floor.

Everybody else already knows all the steps.

Okay.

While you're at it, ask Hope.

She needs a night out

more than she knows.

Is that right?

Well, not with me she

doesn't, I don't think.

Well, maybe not now,

but that doesn't mean never.

You're in Ruidoso.

Things take time here.

And we got lots of it.

At least while you're dancing,

you can put it all down for the night.

Okay.

Is that right? Yeah.

- Okay. Thank you, Mare.

- You bet.

Uh, Tom?

Hey. How did you know I was

having issues with the water?

I ran into Jack in town. He got the

blueprints to all your water stuff here.

Said you were having trouble and

asked me to drop 'em off to you.

There you go. Oh.

The previous owners, they never did fix this thing

right. There's only so much that duct tape can do.

Right.: You don't mind me

being out here though, do you?

No, no, actually, it's great. If

there's anything I can do to help, I will.

No. Um...

Hey, I meant to ask you

about the h*nky tonk in town?

Yeah. Uh-huh. There's apparently

like a two-step party tonight?

Is it good?

Yeah. It's only the best

time in Ruidoso. I'm going.

Are you gonna go?

Well, only if I get this

whole pump thing fixed.

Well, I mean it ties into my place, so if

I get it fixed, it only helps both of us.

You are the best

neighbor ever. Thank you.

Sure. But, um, I could

probably use some help out here.

Oh, yeah, of course.

No, uh, you wouldn't happen to know anybody with

some long gangly arms that could help me out?

Just one.

Mind if I give Jack a call?

No. But I'll do it. I'll call.

Okay.

High Water Tack and Feed,

we got what you need.

Is that a new

slogan? I like it.

Yeah, I'm trying out a few different ones. High

Water Tack and Feed for your horse and your steed.

We get it to you with speed.

Listen, I just wanted to say

thank you for the blueprints.

Yeah, I thought, you know, they might be of

assistance to you. Didn't want to interfere.

You just wanted to help?

You say that like it's

a bad thing, Hope.

Cause you know

I hate asking for help.

I know. And I know where that comes from. But you're not that

five-year-old girl making mac and cheese on her own anymore.

Raised an amazing daughter on your own. You

got it right, Hope. Just like you wanted to.

Thank you.

But, uh, um, you know,

actually I, uh...

Well, I did call because, um,

I need to ask for your help.

Oh. Listen, I know that was probably tricky to say but

I just gotta hear it one more time. What did you say?

I need your help.

Ah, oh boy. Just once more.

No way, now you're pushing it.

Yes, I'm happy to help. I will be

right over. I'm looking forward to it.

And I got a new tool belt.

I can't wait to break it in.

I'm hanging up now.

Okay. Hey, next time

just call my cell.

Wait. No, that can't be right.

Oh no. Oh no. I'm overbooked.

Double booked.

Uh, um, I

have a problem with booking.

Okay, okay, never mind.

Speak to a representative.

45 minute wait? Unbelievable.

Okay. It's fine. I'll

just wait. I'll just...

Oh, I'll take the neighbor some

flowers. That'll be perfect.

What?

Are you a desert mirage?

Not a mirage, a best friend! Hi!

- I can't believe you're here.

- What? No flowers?

Oh, yeah. Well, I'm still working on it. No,

these are actually for my neighbor, Mr.Miller.

Because my horse got out of the

pasture and trampled his garden.

Oh dear.

Yeah. His name is Ranger. He's a little

bit complicated. Not sure he likes me.

But there is one person he

loves and you know who it is.

Did he call you and

tell you I need to be rescued?

Who? Ranger?

No, no one told me to come, I just missed

you. Why? Do you need to be rescued?

No, but actually Jack and Tom

are fixing a water issue right now.

Who's Tom?

I have a lot to fill you in on.

Come with me. To the gardening.

To the garden we go.

I get it. No sirens, no

horns. You can hear the birds.

Yeah, it is really peaceful here.

You can really hear yourself think.

Which isn't always a good thing.

How so?

: You know, just can sometimes be lonely.

Well, you're an empty

nester now. That's a big change.

Yeah. Yeah,

maybe that's it.

Maggie's coming to the

Giddy Up Gala though, yeah?

She said she would. I spoke to her last week and

she's feeling a little overwhelmed at school.

And of course

she won't ask for help.

Now you know how we all feel. The

support the Morgan women support club.

I am not that bad.

You don't have to prove anything to

anyone. You're out here actually doing it.

I know. But every time I patch up a leak, I

feel like another one springs up right away.

I'm like the Three Stooges.

Only I am Larry, Moe, and Curly.

Well, you got me, and Maggie,

and Tom... whoever Tom is.

You know, real strength comes

from letting people in. Even Jack.

It's not like I haven't thought

about it. But Jack and I tried again.

And then we hit the same wall. And instead

of breaking through it, we break up again.

It's been over a decade.

You're both different now.

I could have told him not to move to Ruidoso.

That it was a bad idea. Hopeless, but...

He was... he was so convinced

that moving here would win you back.

And... I was kind of hoping

he could win you back too.

Okay, well I can't really think

about my love life right now.

You know, I have to focus on figuring

out how to get this gala all sorted out.

Make sure there's enough rooms

because, you know, I'm overbooked.

Well, I can stay

with Jack. Oh, thanks.

How'd that happen?

I have no idea. The website glitched or

something and it double booked every room.

If I knew who had made the reservation first,

I could just cancel the other people, but...

No, no, no, no,

no. We'll figure it out.

We got this.

But for now, let's go

apologize on Ranger's behalf.

I forgot about

that. Let's do it.

All right!

What if we build out

some extra accommodations?

I mean that's definitely

part of my five-year plan,

But I can't do it now. I

don't have time or money.

Oh, that's Houdini. Never mind

her, she's just my executive assistant.

Hey Houdini. These

numbers are not great.

So, you're not drowning. You

just don't have running water.

Right. You know, I went

over all of that with the realtor.

Maybe I should have

hired a lawyer too, huh?

Even the pros make mistakes.

Okay, the deferred property taxes can be

paid in installments, so no worries there.

We just have to focus on the

gala permits and licenses.

Right. Okay, so I just have

to fill out all these applications

and then woo some

signatures out of people.

People-y

stuff. My specialty.

Who's that? That is Tom.

Lori, what are you doing here?

Hey. I'm Lori Bennett. Jack's sister, younger

sister. I'm here for the gala this weekend.

Tom Grayson.

I'm Hope's neighbor.

That's right. And

my partner in plumbing.

Neighbor.

Convenient. Yeah.

Hope, your gate's still askew.

Oh, I thought I fixed it.

Good news is

though, water's back on.

Yeah, the pump rod had

just slipped its collar, but uh,

it's nothing a little elbow

grease and teamwork couldn't fix.

Amazing.

Hey, you should turn on a tap inside

just to make sure it's running up here.

Oh, yes, yes, I will.

It works! Thank you!

You're my heroes!

That's what I'm talking about.

Hero? Is that on your

business card or just a side gig?

Okay. She's subtle, huh?

Yeah, the charm

runs in the family.

It's Maggie! Amazing.

Hi, honey! Guess who's here! Hi!

- Hi Auntie Lori.

- Hi Mag!

Are you okay?

I'm glad you're there this

weekend. Because I won't be.

What? Honey, what

are you talking about?

There's just so much school work and

I'm not used to being this behind before.

Okay, well just tell

me what I can do to help.

No. This is something

I have to do on my own.

Honey, you are

never on your own.

But don't worry about it, okay?

There'll be a million fun weekends

for us together on the ranch.

- You promise?

- I promise.

And if I can do anything, please just...

No, you can call me anytime, okay?

I love you.:

I love you.

Hey. Everything okay?

Oh, yeah, yeah. It's just Maggie's

not coming to the Giddy Up Gala.

She's got too much school work.

Ah, no. I'm sorry.

You know. So much to do,

so little time, right? Right.

So Lori just asked Tom

if she could go see his cattle.

Of course she did.

Hey, should

we go fix your fence?

Yeah. Thanks.

You ready?

No, I kind of need you to...

Yeah, yeah, there. I got it.

Wait, hold on. Just one more

second, one more second.

Wait, hold on. Hold on. Okay.

Okay, you want to tighten that?

- Okay.

Feels good to fix something, huh?

Yeah. Been a long time coming.

Think it'll hold? I

think it'll hold just fine.

You know, I do realize that

moving to your ex's new town and

And buying a business just to try to

win her back could come off a little, uh...

Unhinged?

But I'm for real

about this, Hope. I am.

I've thought it through and I think if

you're willing to give us a second chance,

we could uh...

We could have that

forever kind of thing.

No pressure, of course.

You will always make me

laugh more than anyone else.

Well, that's what I'm here for.

You also drive me crazy more than anyone

else.: Little less of that then, maybe.

I know I pushed you away.

But I didn't want to be the one to stand

in your way of following your dreams.

And then you never called.

Well, now Lori always kept

me in the loop about Maggie.

She said you wanted no

contact, so I didn't want to...

Well, it's true,

I did tell her that.

I was mad. At you.

And I was mad at me.

And I just thought it would be easier

to stay angry at you for 10 years.

And I was right.

10 years. Wow.

10 years, a city of 8 million people and I

never found anyone as beautiful or brave...

Go on.

As wonderful a mother... I never found someone

who is a perfect partner for me as you.

What if we fight?

We will. We'll make up.

What if we break?

Then we'll fix

it. Just like the fence.

I just... I don't

know if I'm ready.

For this?

For anything? For us.

Feels right... I just don't know if it

is. You know, we're not 25 anymore.

You know what I mean. But I just, I'm scared.

I'm scared of uh, of letting this matter again.

You come back into my life like

nothing ever happened, but it did.

It did happen and it... it makes

me afraid to trust this feeling.

Hey. If you can't trust yourself,

you can go ahead and trust me.

I don't know if I can.

Okay. Um, I gotta

get back to the shop.

Uh, day's kind of getting away

from me. Are you good here?

Yeah. Jack.

It's okay. Yeah. Okay.

Jack. Jack.

Something... so great, right?

I mean...

Tom said he was gonna

be here, so hopefully he's...

here for the...

Oh! Oh, I think he's

here. Yeah, come on.

Excuse me!

Hi Tom.

Hi.

Hi y'all.

Oh Mayor, hi!

Ladies, you look fabulous.

Thanks.

Hope, still need that paperwork.

Right. Yes,

I'm working on it.

Well you can

get Jim's sign off tonight.

He's in a good mood, he only

works half days on Fridays.

Laura...

She's over there, but I wouldn't

ask her at the two-step.

Best to wait 'til

she's in her office.

Appreciate

the advice. Thank you.

You bet.

Hope?

You gonna hang right here

for a second for me please?

Sure.

Thank you.

Can I have

that? Thank you so much.

Hey everybody, can I have

your attention please?

Before we get this

party started,

we all know that that old barn

was remodelled a few years ago

and it's been empty ever since.

I want to introduce you to

Hope. Someone who's literally...

bringing back hope

to Ruidoso. Hope!

Thank you so

much. Uh, well, howdy.

And I want to thank all of you

for being so welcoming. And...

I just have to say the

Giddy Up Gala tradition is

Something that is so important

to every single one of us.

So I look forward to all of

you coming down to Hope Ranch

And I can meet you

all there in person.

How much are tickets?

Uh, they're free.

Not charging, so I

want everyone to come.

Bring your family,

bring your friends!

Come on down to Hope Ranch for

the Giddy Up Gala. Thank you!

Alright,

enough talk. Let's dance!

Hey there.

Wow, you look uh...

great!

Should we just

put our problems aside

and kick up our heels?

What do you say?

Well, I didn't bring any heels.

Oh, that's a shame.

Five, six,

seven, eight, have fun!

And back!

Spin! Yeah!

You dance?

Uh...

Sometimes.

Well, you are tonight.

Let's go!

So, just right there. That one

that's kind of red... is Antares.

Part of the Scorpion.

Okay. Oh. Scorpion, huh?

Mmhmm.

Yeah, that tracks.

You have the

hardest elbows ever, still.

Yeah, yeah I pride myself.

I didn't know you

could dance like that.

Mmm. See? There's a lot of

stuff you don't know about me.

Guess that's true now.

Tell me about New York.

Well, I'll tell you

what New York doesn't have...

Is skies like this.

This is incredible.

Really is.

What else doesn't it have?

Hi Hope!

Thank you!

Will you come to the gala?

Oh! I hope you'll come

to the Giddy Up Gala.

Thank you.

Wow, you weren't kidding

Hope. This looks amazing.

I know. When I

saw the photos online

I realized this would be the perfect

place to have the Giddy Up Gala.

So is this where

all the lucky cowboys

get to take the pretty

girls for a twirl or...

Well, let's test it out.

Oh, perfect.

Yeah.

Come here.

Who?

It's Maggie.

She's the only one who can ping

my phone like that. she's...

I don't know, I heard it.

She's here.

That's so romantic.

Just like The Notebook.

Did that one end

with a happily ever after?

Are you kidding? They

got back together.

That's like the

happiest ever after.

So, are you and Jack

getting back together?

Would you be okay if we did?

Jack is the best.

Even after you guys broke up,

he still sent me a birthday

card every single year.

Wait, he did?

Yeah. Auntie Lori

would sneak it in with her card.

Oh she would,

would she? Hmm.

Yeah.

I love Jack. Even

when he was gone.

That love... you know,

it doesn't just...

end.

You're right about that.

It doesn't.

So do you still love Jack?

It's complicated.

It doesn't have to be.

When did you get so smart?

In college.

You're okay to be here?

With all your schoolwork

and everything?

Yeah, I joined a study group.

Really?

It's the weirdest thing.

It's like, I help

them and they help me.

Right. That

is how that works.

Just because you can do

everything by yourself...

doesn't mean you have to.

I never thought

I'd hear you say that mom.

Well, I guess

we're both still learning.

And there's one more thing.

I think I've decided I want

to become a veterinarian.

You do?

Yeah, and

with animals out here...

like horses, cattle, chickens.

You'll be really good at that.

You're okay staying

here with me tonight?

I had to give up the extra bedrooms

for the guests since I overbooked.

Yeah, of course mom.

Alright, I'll get ready for bed.

Happy Giddy Up Gala Eve.

You too.

Oh, nice to see you

here this morning Houdini.

Now stay put.

Go out there. Okay.

It's your turn Ranger.

Yeah. Yeah, how you feeling?

Are you my friend today?

Are we finally friends?

Oh. Yeah.

Today is the day

Can't believe it

Morning.

Brought it in here for me.

Good.

Oh! Oh, great.

Thank you so much.

You know you can take everything

out to the back of the barn.

Oh!

Knock knock.

Oh!

Smells good in here.

I thought you were the caterer.

Uh-huh, sorry to disappoint.

No, it's okay.

These scones probably

won't disappoint though.

Is this your Grandma

Mary's famous recipe?

Yes, it is actually.

But I was hoping to add fresh

strawberries from my garden

for the scones but...

the deer ate my entire

garden so I have

nothing homegrown to

share with my guests.

Mmm-hmm. Those are

better than I remember.

Oh.

I feel like a lot of things are kind

of better than I remember them.

Do you... do you

feel that way too?

Oh, I do feel...

Inspector Dave.

What?

The inspector.

He's... he's here.

That's his

car. I have to...

Okay. Hey... man.

Just in case he wants one.

Take him one of these.

Inspector, good morning.

Wow, you're here early.

I know you got the gala today,

Yeah, you're absolutely right. But I

bet you didn't have time for breakfast.

Would you like to try a scone?

It's my grandmother's recipe.

They look delicious, but I can't accept

any goodies until after your inspection.

Of course, of course.

I totally understand.

Well, I'll be around if you have any

questions. Just pretty much everywhere.

Who are they?

Guests?

Oh, they're early.

Well hello! Welcome

to Hope Ranch!

That's good form girl!

Thanks! It feels so good

to be back in the saddle.

Everything good with the guests?

Yeah, they were actually really happy to have

the rooms inside the house. It's perfect.

Amazing.

I uh...

Of course.

Well, well, well.

Look who it is.

Hi Jack.

Like riding a bike, huh?

Never gets old.

Well it looks good on you.

Oh I missed you.

I missed you too kid.

Good to see you.

It's good to see you too.

Hey, Hope.

So, how'd we do?

So, you added support to

structures, made pathways visible,

provided the facilities

and clear exits.

But...

But one of your livestock... a chicken...

was roaming where she shouldn't.

Houdini.

She was wandering near the proposed

food prep station. That is a big no-no.

However...

I looked at your coop and your fencing is

secure. I don't know how she slipped out.

She's a master of escape.

Lucky for you, I

admire a hen with guts.

You passed Hope.

Oh!

I'll see you tonight

for the gala.

Great.

Keep that chicken in line.

Yes, absolutely. She

will be on lockdown.

Thank you so, so much for making

this happen. I really appreciate it.

Oh, hi. Yeah, I can

let you in the gate.

Wait, what?

But the gala is tonight.

Look at this.

What do you think Rooster?

I'll be back in a minute.

Okay.

No, I mean I understand. I'm

just sorry that it was all spoiled.

Thank you for letting me know.

Hey.

You left like Cinderella at

midnight. Everything okay?

No. No, it's not okay.

Alright. Can't be that

bad. What's going on?

Yes it can. It is that bad. It's

worse than that bad. It's... bad.

What happened?

The caterer called and let me know that someone

left the door to the walk-in refrigerator open

and all of their food

for tonight spoiled.

Ah. What do you need?

I need food!

The entire town of Ruidoso is showing up here in three

hours and I have literally no food to serve them!

Make some scrambled eggs maybe?

Time for your humor.

Okay fine. Oh! Yikes!

Ah!

Sorry, sorry, sorry.

I got it. I got it.

No, would you stop? Just stop.

I can't even think with you standing here making jokes

and telling me that it's all gonna be okay if I just

Because it's not.

Okay.

No problem. I'll leave

you alone. Sorry.

Hello! Welcome to Hope Ranch.

My ranch is your ranch. I'm so

happy to have you as guests.

I look forward to giving you

a tour of the entire property.

Mom, can I give the tour?

Okay. Yeah. This is my right-hand

rancher and also my daughter.

Hi, I'm

Maggie. Nice to meet you.

And she knows this

place better than I do.

Let's start with the stables.

Sounds good. Thank you.

This is a nightmare.

Hey. What's up?

Nothing. I just didn't

want Maggie to catch on.

To what?

To...

The caterer called and canceled.

I have nothing to serve

for the entire night.

Okay. So, what

do you want to do?

I don't know. I

literally have no idea.

I just know I'm gonna be

the talk of the town and

Hope Ranch is gonna

be a spectacular fail.

We'll figure something out.

You always figure something out.

It just has to be

better than scrambled eggs.

What?

That was your brother's joke.

He thought he was so funny and

I chewed him out and now he's

probably halfway back to New York by now.

Well, he's not going

anywhere this time, Hope.

I made such big

promises to everyone in Ruidoso

and now I'm not gonna

be able to deliver.

Delivery!

[ Hope laughs)

Mayor Winona.

The place looks great, Hope.

Thanks.

I thought

I'd just drop these off

before someone in

my house eats them.

Chokecherry pies. Our favorite.

Right. Right. Of course.

Thank you. I really appreciate it.

It's the least I can do.

You're bringing back

Ruidoso's Giddy Up Gala.

Well, I

better giddy up myself...

but I'll be back. I can't wait.

Mayor...

Um, sorry. Uh...

I just need to ask

you for some help.

Welcome to Highwater

Tack and Feed. Happy to help.

Now that one doesn't even rhyme.

Well, guess not

everything's a joke, is it?

Hope

I'm sorry.

What? Why?

No, I'm sorry. That's

what I came here to tell you.

I came here to apologize.

No. My

gosh, you don't...

I was the one who's been

an idiot making jokes

When you were busy

in the kitchen.

I should have just

been listening to you.

I was freaking out.

And I overreacted.

And...

I was turning into a

Giddy Up Gala... Godzilla.

What?

Yeah, which is a terrifying

creature. I mean...

It's hard to say, too.

You know, I ordered a photo

booth for the party tonight.

I was thinking

maybe we could, um,

You know, take a new

photo for your wall.

Yeah, I mean,

we could, but, uh...

you do look real

pretty in that one.

I mean, maybe I'll

just keep 'em both.

Jack...

I'm really happy in Ruidoso.

I like it here.

Do you think you

could be happy here?

Yeah, you know, honestly, I...

At first I thought I'd miss the

action and the noise of New York,

but I like seeing the same faces

come through that door every day.

Helping people out is...

I'm happy. I am.

I'd be a lot happier

if you believed

that I'm gonna stick

around this time, Hope.

If we do this...

we have to promise that we're

never gonna give up again.

I promise I won't.

Okay?

Aren't you

gonna kiss me, cowboy?

Thought you'd never ask.

Ahem.

Sorry about that. Uh...

No problem.

Actually, would you

give me one second? I just...

No, no, no,

no. I have to go.

I have to get

ready for the gala.

I hope you're coming to

the Giddy Up Gala tonight.

Um-hmm

I better see you there.

You will.

Woo! That has been

a long time coming, sir.

I'll tell you that for free.

Oh, hey, Wade!

Boden family, thank you

so much for being here.

Good to see you.

Thank you so much

for coming, Cora.

Oh, and look at this plate,

too. I really appreciate that.

What a great idea.

It's bringing the community

together in a whole new way.

Guess what, Mom? The

buffet table is filling up.

Yes!

Uh... do you think

there's space for another plate?

We'll make some.

Perfect.

Woo! This place

is rocking. Look at this.

Hi, Jack.

Hey,

darlin'. How are ya?

Thanks to Hope's quick

thinking, she saved the day.

Oh, uh, no.

It was actually

your chokecherry pie

that gave me the

idea for the potluck.

But then she hooked me up with

an email to the Ruidoso database.

Solved the catering issue and

introduced Hope to

Ruidoso's town folks.

There you go.

Turns out it's also a

big deal to ask for help.

Okay.

Something I've always said.

Well, I'll

take your word for it.

Grayson family

secret recipe coming in hot.

Hey! All right.

Oh, wow. Oh,

careful, careful.

Okay, get it over

to the buffet table.

I got it, it's okay!

Bethany?

Mayor

Hope.

I brought the mac and cheese.

Thank you for being

here. I really appreciate it.

I'll show you

where we can find some space.

Hey, Tom.

Ma'am.

Oh, you can call me Lori.

You know how to two-step, Lori?

I don't, actually.

We're about to learn.

Hey, let's get

Hope up here! Hope!

Hope! Hope! Hope!

Hope! Hope! Hope! Hope!

Come on now!

All right, all right, all right.

Well, first

of all, I have to say

thank you so much for

coming to the Giddy Up Gala!

And, uh, I just want to say...

I have to admit, when I

first bought this place,

I wanted to bring back

the Giddy Up Gala because

I had so many great memories

from the past with it.

And the truth is, being

with all of you here tonight

just makes me think of

how great our future

is gonna be here in Ruidoso.

Thank you!

All right,

y'all know what time it is?

Let's go dance!