Love in Storytown (2026)

[bunniefuu]

(Men shouting, indistinct)

- I can't believe

it's been 15 years.

I still remember talking

to your father

about your enlistment.

(Chuckling)

And here you are.

You're a lot like the general.

You're reserved and efficient.

It must run in the family.

- Thank you, Colonel.

- Well, I see here that

you would have been promoted

multiple times

below the zone.

That's an incredible feat.

So I want to continue

that tradition.

And I would like to offer you

a signing bonus of $40,000

for the next 6 years.

- That's a generous offer, sir.

- Well, Major, you earned it.



Major?

- While I appreciate the offer,

Colonel Gibson...

I have decided

to leave the service.

(Phone ringing in distance)

- Well, that's definitely

not what I expected, but...

with everything

you went through with Luke,

I--I--I understand.

- Luke and I always wanted

to settle down,

but never got the chance.

And I just...

I think it's time.

I want to be

more present for Caleb

and I want him

to be around family.

And...

I need to be

around my family.

- I understand, Major.

Family, that's everything.

Major, you should be very proud

of your accomplishments here.

And I personally want

to thank you for your service.

- Thank you, Colonel.

It's been a long time coming.

I just finally had

the courage to do it.

(Chuckling)

- Your father would be

very proud.

Very proud.

- Thank you, Sir.



(Sighing)

- You ready?

- Yeah.

As ready as I'll ever be.

- Can't believe this is it.

So what do you call yourself?

"Ms. Taylor?"

- I haven't actually

thought about it.

- Ah...

Going from outside

of the nation's capitol

to a town with less than

6,000 people is a huge step.

Everyone is gonna

know you, Mandy.

You have to decide

what you want them to call you

before you get there.

- I think Mandy will be fine.

- It's a massive culture shock.

- Yeah, but we need it.

Caleb needs it.

- I get it.

I'm just gonna miss you.

- I'm gonna miss you too.

- Don't forget me.

- Ah!

- Ah!

(Chuckling)

- Hey, why don't you go inside

and just make sure we didn't

miss anything, OK?

- Yes, Ma'am.

- Think he'll adjust OK?

- Yeah. He'll be fine.

- I can see you marrying

a farmer.

- What? No!

(Laughing)

No way! No men!

No, I--I need

to stay focused.

You promise you'll come

for the grand opening?

- As long as you play

some salsa music.

- Ooh!

- All ready!

(Laughing)

- Ah, I'm gonna

miss you, mijo .

And don't you grow up on me.

- I don't think I have a choice.

- Well, try.

- I got to try and fit in first.

- What do you mean?

- I don't know how

to be a civilian.

- Hmm, me neither.

We will have to

figure it out together.

- Well, you two

better hit the road

before I decide to go AWOL

and end up in Tennessee myself.

- Ready?

- Yep.

- Let's do it.

Storytown...

- (Together):

Here we come!



- ... mounted atop his steed

with his squire by his side,

rode away from

his stone Marouatte Castle,

beginning his journey

to a far-away land.

- Hey.

- Our crusader

was trained to...

- Thank you so much for meeting

us after hours, Mayor Hudson.

- Mandy, darling, I've known you

since you was in diapers.

You can just call me Jeff.

- Force of habit.

How about I call you

Mayor Jeff?

- I suppose that's fine.

- Thank you so much.

I just--I couldn't wait

to see this place in person.

- Yeah, your mom has been

bragging about your baking.

Perfect timing

for story week and all.

- A-are people here already?

- Yeah, we have folks

year round.

Did you know last year,

the National Storytelling

Festival had 15,000 people.

- Wow, well, yep.

Then I just got to

get open ASAP.

- Who is that?

- Hmm?

Oh, that's one of

our best storytellers.

- Wait, so people

do that all day?

They just tell stories?

They don't have real jobs?

- Sweetheart,

storytelling is a job!

How is it you moved

all the way here

and know nothing

about storytelling?

- Well, I mean, I know about

the International Story Center

and the National

Storytelling Festival.

I guess I'm just not much

of a story person.

- Stick around long enough

and you will be.

- Ah, we'll see about that.

- Well, the electrical box will

need beefing up for a bakery.

You'll need venting too.

And if you need a handyman,

let me know.

- Oh, thank you for the offer.

Actually, I hired Mr. Lopez

for all the electrical work.

He'll be here tomorrow.

- Oh, great! Great.

I've used him for a lot of work.

Terrific guy!

He'll get you up and running

in no time.

- Yeah, uh, for the most part,

it's just gonna be Caleb and I.

Isn't that right, Caleb?

Caleb?

- A few days after he staved off

the highway robbers,

our knight finally reaches

a harbor full of ships.

Each ship has a flag

hanging from its mast.

It has the family crest on it,

representing

each of the earldoms.

- Caleb!

Caleb!

You can't run off like that.

- I didn't run off.

I wanted to hear his story.

- Well, you have to tell me

if you're going somewhere first.

- It's OK.

He's safe here.

- Uh, thank you,

but I've got it from here.

Come on, buddy.

- But, Mom...

- Hey, no buts!

- You cannot take off

like that again.

- I'm sorry, Mom.

- You just scared me, buddy.

That's all.

- Is everything OK?

- Yeah, it's fine.

Thank you. And I'm sorry

for interrupting your story.

- Oh, no, don't worry about it.

It just...

Mandy Johnson?

- Well, it's Taylor now,

but yeah.

Wait...

Zach?

- You two know each other?

- Um, yeah. I...

Yeah, we--we were

childhood friends.

- Been a long time.

- Yeah, it has.

- A-are you gonna finish

your story?

- Oh, yeah, right.

Um, I got to get back.

But I'll see you around.

(Ceiling cracking,

thudding on floor)

- Well that won't pass

inspection.



(Sighing)

You're like a bird migrating

back South for the winter.

- Well, Jonesborough

is my favorite roost.

(Chuckling)

I mean, having a whole month

here every year...

Mmm! Good for my soul.

Help out the town,

fish a little,

tell some stories...

- It's good to have you back.

- It's good to be back.

- You get any juicy stories

from your travels this year?

- Of course.

- Let's catch up this week.

- I'd love that.

- I didn't know you knew Mandy.

- Yeah, our families used to

come here every summer,

but I haven't

seen her in years.

- Apparently,

she's quite the baker.

She bought that place

sight unseen.

- That's great!

Well, hey, this town

could use a bakery

since Wanda closed up shop.

- Zach! Ooh!

I'm so glad to catch you.

I have a family emergency

and I need to go to Chicago.

- What? W-why?

- My daughter went into labor

a month early.

My flight leaves in 3 hours.

- Uh, but the festival...

- I'll be back before

story week, God willing.

- Jasmine, it's in 2 weeks.

- And you're in charge of it.

- Zach, I need you to hold down

the fort until I get back.

- Me?

- Yes!

You know all the storytellers.

Look, I'll send you

the schedule.

And volunteers will do

most of the work, anyway.

- I can help too.

- You promise you'll help me?

- Oh, absolutely.

- Go be with your family.

We got this.

- Thank you.

I'll--I'll call you

as soon as I land.

- We got this, right?

- Right!

(Chuckling)

(Birds chirping)



- Hi, Grandma!

- The most handsome grandson

on both sides

of the Mississippi!

How did you get so big?

Let me look at you.

Oh my goodness!

- Hi, Mama.

- Hi, honey.

Oh, you made it before dark and

you're here to live with me.

- Well, it's just temporary.

- I could stay here forever.

- Well, I'm gonna enjoy

every minute you are here.

Come on,

let me show you your rooms.



- I'll get it.

- OK, honey, your room.

I did it just for you.

- Thanks, Grandma, I love it!

- Oh, I'm so glad!

He loves it.

OK, you OK?

- Yeah.

- OK, come on.

Let me show you yours.

- All right. OK.

- It's right down the hall.

- Oh...

Pink...

(Chuckling)

- Isn't it perfect?

- It is...

dainty!

- Oh, sweetie pie,

you can stay

as long as you like,

you and Caleb, OK?

- Oh, it's just until

we find our footing,

and then we'll find a place.

- Well, I love having

you two here.

- I--I just don't want

to be in your way.

- Please.

- Are you sure you don't want us

to be, like, in the cabin?

- Baby girl, hush your mouth,

Amanda Grace.

You could never be

in my way, never.

- Love you, Mama.

- I love you too.

OK, now, you're probably

tired and hungry.

Freshen up.

- OK.

- There just could be

a delicious supper

ready for you

in a few minutes.

- Well, I can't wait.

- OK, honey.

- OK, thank you, Mama.

- OK. And don't forget

we have guests.

(Water flowing)

(Birds chirping)

- Everything OK, bud?

- Yeah, I guess.

- Come on, kiddo.

I can hear those gears turning

in your head from over here.

- No one is gonna like me.

- What?

Are you kidding me, Caleb?

You are the kindest kid I know.

Everyone is gonna love you.

- N-no they won't.

I'm the new kid.

- Well, you've been

the new kid before.

- Yeah, but this is different.

- How so?

- Every other time we moved,

it was to a new base.

This time,

they're all civilians.

- What do you mean?

- You know, it's just civilians

don't understand people like us.

- Ah, I see.

OK, well then...

You just have to find a way

to connect with them.

- Yeah, how?

- Find something you have

in common with them.

- No one has anything in common

with me, Mom, except you.

- Well...

You like baseball.

- Yeah, so?

- So, find some kids

at your new school

who like baseball.

- Maybe.

But if they don't...

can I get a puppy?

(Laughing)

- Really?

You're gonna pull

the I-need-a-puppy card?

- A dog is man's best friend.

- Mmm! Nice try.

Hey, you don't have to worry.

We're not gonna be

moving around anymore.

We're gonna stay put.

So just give it some time.

And soon enough,

you'll have plenty of friends.

- I don't know. Maybe.

Does everyone have

a Southern accent here?

- I think it's a requirement.

I mean, soon enough, you'll be

talkin' like Mayor Jeff.

- No way.

- Mm-hmm!

(Laughing)

- (Grandma):

It's supper time!

- Ooh, let's go.

- Is Grandma a good cook?

- Mmm! Absolutely!

Her cooking used to be

my wake-up call in the morning.

I mean, she's the best cook

in the South.

- Even better than you?

- Oh, no,

she is the best cook.

I... I am the best baker.

- What's the difference?

- Well...

I mean, baking is

more of a science,

whereas cooking

is more of an art.

Baking is about

exact measurements,

whereas with cooking,

you can add

a little bit of this,

a little bit of that.

You can be more creative.

You cannot do that

with baking.

Baking is about exact,

precise scientific measurements.

- You are definitely a baker.

- What's that

supposed to mean?

- I'm just saying that

you're more into science

than anything creative.

- Hmm, true.

Oh, and--and hey, uh,

don't tell Grandma all about

the takeout I order.

I mean, she might disown me.

- It will be our secret.

- OK.

Hi, thank you for waiting.

(Chuckling)

- You're the storyteller

from today.

- I am.

- Zach, right?

- Right again, little man.

- What are you doing here?

Why aren't you

at your own house?

- Caleb!

- I... Uh, no, it's OK.

Uh...

I--I don't actually live

in Jonesborough.

I come here every year

and I stay

in the cabin out back.

- Cool.

I liked your story today.

- Thank you very much.

I enjoyed telling it.

(Woman clears throat)

- Uh, what kind of stories

do you tell?

- Oh, who? Me?

Oh, no.

No, I--I am not

a storyteller.

- Where are my manners?

Mandy is my daughter.

Trixie and Bonnie

are new storytellers.

They gave up their day job

to do this full time.

Mandy here

is opening a bakery.

She was a major in the army.

And Caleb is starting

6th grade tomorrow.

- Oh, lots of new beginnings

tonight.

The energy of the room

is expectant.

- I have over 10 million

social media followers.

So I'm really excited to act out

all my characters in person.

- Uh, Zach, I find it

quite centering to meditate

near the brook

before I start my day.

Would you like to join me

tomorrow morning?

- Oh, no thanks. I, um...

It's just that mosquitos tend

to love me a little too much.

(Chuckling)

- Actually, you know,

you can use my lemon grass oil.

It's very calming

and repels insects.

- Uh, no thanks.

I'm just afraid

I'm not gonna have time.

- Zach, I heard you're

a master storyteller.

We should collaborate.

- I appreciate the offer.

It's just I really don't think

I'm gonna have time.

- When Zach isn't

telling stories,

he's busy running around

the world resolving conflict.

- Really?

That's so noble of you.

(Chuckling)

(Phone ringing)

- Hello?

Oh, hey, Mr. Lopez.

Yeah.

Yeah, I just got into town.

Are we still good

for tomorrow?

O-oh...

Oh no!

Oh no!

That's--that's terrible.

Are y--are you OK?

No, no, no, no.

No, don't...

Don't even worry about it.

I'll, uh...

Yeah, I'll--I'll figure

something out.

No, it's--it's fine.

Yeah, um...

Thank you. You too.

And, um, feel better soon.

(Sighing)

- You know, you really

have a gift, Zach.

Hearing stories like yours

is what inspired me

to be a storyteller.

- I didn't realize that

storytelling was a career.

I thought it was

more of a hobby.

- A hobby?

- I have 10 million people

who follow me online

just for my stories.

- Yeah, you said that.

- Think of it this way,

everything in life,

it's found in all stories.

You know, it's how we pass down

the--the culture

and the history

that shapes all of us.

- Mmm, I don't know

about that.

I think life is

about a series of events,

and that's what shapes us.

- Exactly.

Isn't that what a story is?

A sequence of events

strung together

to share a--a lesson

or maybe even some insight.

- Uh, I--I didn't mean

to offend anyone.

- Mom's more about science,

less about creative stuff.

Right, Mom?

- Right, bud.

I guess storytelling

is a culture

I don't really know

much about.

- You're living

in the storytelling capitol

of the world now.

Maybe you should

embrace the culture.

- Yeah, I just...

I didn't know

anything about it.

I'm sorry.

- I'll teach you.

You know, and maybe I can even

help you share your own story.



(Crickets chirping,

fire crackling)

(Footsteps approaching)

- Hiding?

(Chuckling)

- Yeah... kind of.

But not from you.

- Hmm.

So are you really

staying in the cabin?

- Yep. Yeah.

Same place every year

for the last...

10 years.

Yeah, it's kind of

my home base.

- Wow! I didn't realize

that you were here that often.

So, where are you

really living these days?

- For the most part,

just wherever

the assignments take me.

I don't know.

I guess I'm not ready

to be stuck in one place

just yet, you know?

(Chuckling)

- Well, if you call it stuck,

then yeah,

you are definitely not ready.

- Yeah, well when you

put it that way, um...

(Chuckling)

- Yeah...

Luke and I never really

got to settle down.

- Yeah, your mom told me.

I'm really sorry, Mandy.

- Thank you.

- Uh, hey, so,

I'm sure your bakery

is gonna be a big success.

- Well that's the plan.

As long as I can get

everything up to code.

- You need any help?

- No, it's OK.

I hear you're very busy.

- Yeah, I definitely have

a lot more going on this year,

that's for sure.

- Well, if you need any help,

I'm sure Bonnie

and Trixie would just...

(Imitating Bonnie):

... love to help you.

- (Whispering): Yeah.

(Regular voice): OK, um...

So are you saying that you're

not interested in helping me?

- Wait, me?

No, of course not.

I mean, no offense.

I just have

a lot on my plate

and that was before

the ceiling fell down.

- Are you saying that

the ceiling actually fell down?

Or are you using that

as a metaphor?

- No, the ceiling

actually fell down.

- What?

- Yeah.

I better let you get

to the rest of your evening.

- Oh, no hurry.

Just us and the fireflies.

- Good night, Zach.

- Good night, Mandy.

(Birds chirping)



- Come on, slowpoke.

(Chuckling)

- Maybe you should start

running with me.

- Maybe you should try

a little harder.

- Oh, you better hope

I don't catch up with you!

(Mandy and Caleb giggling)

- Oh, whoa! Oh!

Uh, he-here, here, here!

Oh my gosh!

Uh, I am so sorry, Mandy!

- No, it's fine.

Uh, just my luck.

Well, at least it's not hot.

(Sighing)

- So...

- Today's my first day

of school.

I think she's more nervous

than I am.

But don't tell her I know.

- Yeah, I'm sure

you're gonna be fine.

- Really?

- Yeah.

I mean, clearly, it looks like

you've done this before, so...

- Yeah, I have had to go

to a lot of schools.

But this time it's different,

'cause we're not on base.

- Well, I will tell you this,

coming from this guy,

I'd say that anyone would be

lucky to have you as a friend.

You good?

- Yeah, I'm fine.

Caleb, you better go get ready

so we're not late.

- See you later, Zach.

- All right, go get 'em,

little man.

Hey... you got this.

- Thanks for that.

He's--he's a bit nervous.

- What about you?

- I'm... yeah, of course.

I'm just... you know,

kids can be brutal.

- Oh, I'm sure

he's gonna be fine.

(Sighing)

- I needed that too.

(Chuckling)

- So, going to the bakery?

- You know it.

- Hey, um, any chance

you could swing by

the, uh, storytelling center?

I heard that you are great

with logistics.

- Ah...

Who has been spilling

my secrets?

- I don't recall.

I believe it was a little

mama bird by the name of...

(Southern accent): Darla Jean.

(Chuckling)

- Yeah, OK.

I will stop by

after I drop Caleb off.

- Yeah?

Ah, thank you.

Thank you.

- Yeah, well,

I better get going

because I do not want Caleb

starting his new school year

off on the wrong foot.

- All right.

- Bye.

- See you.



- Good morning, Ms. Osborne.

- Good morning, Ms. Abigail.

Welcome! Good morning.

You must be Caleb Taylor.

- Yes, Ma'am.

- Hi, I'm Mandy Taylor.

They--they told me

I could walk him to class.

- Nice to meet you.

Caleb will fit right in

to this class.

Everyone,

this is Caleb Taylor.

He'll be joining our class.

Let's give him

a warm Jonesborough

elementary school welcome.

- (Together): Hi, Caleb.

- Hi.

- Yes, Annie?

- Can Caleb sit by me?

- Absolutely. Go take that desk

next to Annie right there.

- (Whispering): Bye.

- Bye, buddy.

Oh, yeah. Sorry.



There you are.

- Hey!

- Hey.

- Sorry, I'm just

kind of distracted.

I'm trying to figure out

this spreadsheet.

And this is definitely

not my strong suit.

- Mind if I take a look?

- No, help yourself.

- OK.

- Yeah, I tried to search

how to do it,

but I feel like I made

a bigger mess out of it.

(Keyboard clicking)

- OK, and...

Yep.

There you go.

- Wow!

That's it?

- Yeah.

(Chuckling)

- And you're leaving?

- Well, I've got

some of my own work to do.

- Right.

(Chuckling)

- Well, hey, looks like

I've got some free time now.

I'll come over and help.

- You sure?

- Yeah.

I'll be over in a few.

Whoa... you weren't kidding.

- Mmm, nothing

I can't handle.

(Chuckling)

- Are those your plans?

- Yeah.

- You mind if I take a look?

- Sure.

- These are great.

You're really organized.

- I was in

aerial supply chain.

You cannot mess that up.

- Oh, I'm sure you've got

some adventure stories

in there somewhere.

Where were you?

- The better question

is where I wasn't.

Um, there was

Afghanistan, Germany.

Ooh, Hawaii was fun.

- Oh, yeah, I'm sure.

- What about you?

So you tell stories,

resolve conflicts

and dabble in construction.

What doesn't Zach Barran do?

- Spreadsheets.

(Chuckling)

- So what, is telling stories

your side hustle?

- You seem really interested

in my life.

- Well, isn't that what people

in small towns do?

Get nosy?

- You're a funny one.

I'll give you that, Major.

- It's Major Taylor to you.

- Oh yeah. Sorry.

(Clears throat)

- No.

- I always wanted to do that.

- No, please don't.

- Was that right?

- No. Just give me these.

- What? Up high? Down low?

- Stop. If you want to help,

that's how you can help.

(Chuckling)

(Children talking, indistinct)

- Can you email me the order

from last year?

And then I'll get back

to you tomorrow?

Oh, thank you so much.

Yeah. Yep.

We'll talk then. OK.

Hey, buddy!

- Hi.

- So how was school?

- Great!

- You sure?

- I'm sure.

Can I help you

fix up the bakery?

- Ah, you know

I'd love that.

But tonight is

a school night.

Seatbelt.

- How's the weather up there?

- Hey, morning, Mr. Mayor.

You're checking up

on me, huh?

- Oh, no.

I know you're just fine.

- Yeah, mostly

because of Mandy.

I will say,

that girl is not only helping me

with the festival,

but she is saving my butt.

- Sounds like you make

a good team.

And you're helping her

with the bakery?

- Yeah. Plan is to be open

before story week.

Yeah, she's actually making

some pastries for our kickoff

here on opening day.

- Oh, looks like you've resolved

both of your problems.

- Hmm, yeah, I guess

we do make a good team.

(Chuckling)

- Be careful, Zach.

You'll find yourself

around these parts

longer than you plan.

- Ah, I can't stay,

my friend.

Unfortunately, I've got

a simmering issue

with some Christian

brick makers in Pakistan

I've got to resolve.

(Guitar )

(Crickets chirping)

- He's good looking,

isn't he?

- Hmm?

Mmm, I hadn't noticed.

- Why don't you stop

stress eating

and pay attention to that snack

right in front of you.

- Mama...

- I'm just saying he's cute.

Is that so bad?

- I am not looking

for a man right now.

There are other things

I need to stay focused on.

- Well, he's very charming

and he's one of

the best storytellers.

- I have more important things

to do than listen to stories.

- I--I...

Put that down.

You need to loosen up.

Clearly,

you need to loosen up.

Now, come on.

There's a fair at the

Embree House Historic Farm.

We should all go.

- Yeah, you know what?

It'd be nice

for the three of us

to have some family time.

- And maybe a handsome wanderer

will join us.

- Mama...

- Oh, OK.

(Chuckling)

Whatever, honey.

I love you.

(Silverware clattering)



- Anyone have a song request?

- Are you familiar with

It Is Well with My Soul?

- Yes, Ma'am.

Actually, you know

the story to that song?

- Me? No.

- So the man who wrote

that song, Horatio Spafford,

he suffered a lot of loss

and hardship in his life.

He lost his business

in the Chicago fire,

and his wife and kids' ship sunk

on the way to Europe,

and all five of

his children drowned.

So when he was sailing

to be reunited with his wife,

the deckhand came

to him and said:

"This is the very spot

where your children were lost

in the Atlantic."

And it was in that moment,

on that ship,

that he penned

the words to the song,

It Is Well with My Soul.

- That's an awful story.

(Darla Jean chuckling)

- True, but it shows how

his strong faith got him

through all them challenges.

- That it did.

I like to think that Horatio

would want us to be encouraged

when we suffer loss,

to open our heart and just...

trust the journey,

you know?

(It Is Well with My Soul

on radio

It is well

It is well

It is well



Dress for hiking.

- I'm sorry.

Where are we going?

- It's a surprise.

- Well, um, I don't

particularly like surprises.

- Your loss.

- OK, fine. I'm game.

I'll go.

- All right then.

We'll go after

you drop Caleb off at school.

- I'll be ready.

(Birds chirping)

(Cows mooing)

(Crow cawing)

- I thought you might enjoy

a trip down memory lane.

- Wait, is this the spot?

- The spot that

we tried to camp out.

- Oh...

(Chuckling)

I haven't thought

about that in so long.

Wait, we didn't even make it

the night, did we?

- No, we didn't

because you got scared

and ran down the mountain.

- First of all,

I thought there was a bear.

- A bear. It was Tommy.

(Laughing)

- I was running so fast

down the mountain,

and then I tripped.

- You sprained your ankle,

and we had to carry you

all the way back to town.

- Oh, my mom was so mad.

(Chuckling)

And now look at me.

I have a bakery

on Main Street.

- Yeah, and you're now a part

of Jonesborough history.

- It's crazy how

so much has changed,

yet so much is...

- (Together): Still the same.

- Thank you for

bringing me here.

- You're welcome.

(Sighing)

- Beat you down the mountain.

- Hey!



- OK, wait.

- Get it.

(Phone ringing)

- Oh, Caleb,

will you grab that?

- Hi, Tia B!

- Caleb!

- Tia B, guess what?

I already made a friend.

- Oh, really?

Tell me about them.

- His name's Zach.

He likes to tell stories.

And he lives near

Grandma's house.

- Oh, cool!

Does Zach go

to school with you?

- No, Tia,

Zach is a grown-up.

- Does your mamacita know

that you're, uh,

hanging out with strange men

telling stories?

- He's not strange.

We have dinner every night.

He's helping Mom fix

the bakery.

- Get your mom on the phone now.

I need the deets.

Um, excuse me?

Who is this Zach?

- OK, it's not like that.

Zach has been a friend of mine

since we were kids.

He comes here every year

and stays in my mom's cabin.

- Ah, I knew

you'd get a farmer.

- OK, he is not a farmer.

He is a conflict negotiator.

- Oh, so he knows

how to win an argument?

That's not fun.

- He is also a storyteller

and somewhat of a town hero.

- Ooh, is he cute?

- I don't look

at him that way.

- Look at me.

Stick to the important things.

Is Zach single?

- So, we've done

some remodeling,

um, but we still have

a little bit more to go.

- Chica, this conversation's

not over.

- Bye-bye.

- Hey, Zach!

- Hey, what's up, little man?

Mandy.

Hey, so I got

some new fishing poles.

I wanted to see if Caleb wanted

to go fishing with me today.

- Oh, we're kind of busy

right now.

- Yeah, I see that.

You're helping your mom, huh?

Well, hey,

I can give you a hand.

Actually... two.

(Backbone by

Brooke Stephenson )

I'll point the way

when you can't get back

Put you on course

when you get off track

I'll share your load

Will you share mine?

'Cause we are all

just passing time

We are all

just passing time

Ooh, ooh

When your troubles

are overgrown...

- Thank you for helping.

- Yeah, it would have taken

forever if it was just us.

(Laughing)

- I say we celebrate.

We still have some time to catch

some fish before dinner.

What do you say?

- Can I?

Please, Mom?

It will be fun!

- What if we all go?

- (Caleb and Zach): Yeah!

(Laughing)

- Yay.

That's all I get?

(Chuckling)

All right. Let's go!

(Birds chirping)

You know,

Grandpa always used to say...

"Give a man a fish,

and you feed him for a day.

"Teach a man to fish,

and you feed him

for a lifetime."

- Are we ever gonna

catch anything?

- Patience, my boy.

(Mandy chuckling)

Did I ever tell you about

that time Grandpa and I went

on this amazing fishing trip?

(Giggling)

We went to the same place

3 days in a row.

Not even a bite.

(Chuckling)

But on that 4th day,

I finally got a bite.

I was so excited!

I was reeling it in...

And guess what happened?

- The fish got away?

- Well, yeah.

Actually, the fish did get away.

(Chuckling)

But Grandpa and I went

diving into the water.

I mean, we were covered

head to toe, muck and all.

We were a sight to be seen.

(Chuckling)

But you know what?

We stuck with it.

And I caught a fish that day.

(Giggling)

- You know, I think your mom

just told her first story.

(Reel clicking,

Mandy giggling)

- Ah...

I think I got a bite.

(Laughing)

- Oh, hey, Mama.

- Oh, where you been?

(Chuckling)

You could knock

a buzzard off a deer.

- Fishing.

- Oh, what's on the menu?

- A little bit of smallmouth

and panfish.

- We haven't had

fresh catch here

in I don't know how long.

- Mom caught the biggest fish.

- I sure did.

- Why am I not surprised?

(Chuckling)

- Yeah, seems like

your daughter can do anything

she puts her mind to.

- OK, I'm standing right here,

you know.

- Oh, I know you are.

(Chuckling)

- Caleb, let's you and me

go out back,

honey, and I will teach you

how to gut a fish.

- Cool!

- Ah, no, no, no.

Maybe next time.

Uh, we need to clean up

before dinner.

- Can Zach come to the fair

with us after dinner?

- Well, I'm sure

Zach has plans.

- Actually, I'm wide open.

And I'd love to join you.

I mean, if--if that's OK.

I--I don't want to intrude

on family time or anything.

- Please, Mom?

- Sure.

- Awesome.

- OK, you get in the shower.

- Well, I'll be.

- What?

- You may have made a crack

in Mandy's outer shell.

Just saying...

(Steal Away by Mamadear )

I could be your alibi

Your favorite kind of high

And if we leave it

all behind

OK...

- Wow!

This is quite the turnout.

- Just wait till the National

Storytelling Festival.

- Ah! Caleb, do you want

to go find your classmates?

- No, I'd rather

stay here with you.

- Ah, buddy!

I'll take all the time

I can get,

because once you're

a teenager,

you'll probably kick me

to the curb.

- I'd never kick you

to the curb, Mom, ever.

- Ah! I know, bud.

(Chuckling, gasping)

- Deep fried candy bars.

- What?

- OK, now, that sentence alone

just gave me a stomach ache.

(Darla Jean talking,

indistinct)

- There you are!

- You came!

- Yeah, I had an appointment

with an electrical panel.

(Grunting)

(Grunting, chuckling)

- Come here.

Let me see that.

Oh.

(Giggling)

- (Whispering): Wow...

So, what did I miss?

- I had a deep fried candy bar,

and then I beat Mom at cornhole.

- Um, I let you win.

- Nope, I beat you.

- Uh, I don't think so.

- You want to see if you can

go undefeated, little man?

- Yeah!

- Yeah, well, let's do it then.

- You're going down.

- All right.

Steal away

Hey, hey, steal, steal...

- Can I get cotton candy?

- Meh.

- Please?

- Sure.

- Yeah!

- We'll be right here.

Hey, hey, steal away

- Well, hello, everybody.

We are so happy

to be here tonight.

Let's kick this thing off

with a little two-step.

Here we go.

(Country )

- Hey, any of those kids

in your class?

- Yeah.

- Any of them friends?

- No.

- Why not?

- They already have friends.

- Just 'cause they

have friends doesn't mean

they don't want more.

Oh, come here.

I want to be your friend.

- So, you want to dance?

- Oh, no, I--I don't dance.

- Don't worry about that,

little lady.

Just relax,

be fluid and follow my lead.

- No, I...

(Chuckling)

I just call your name

And when I have a chore

I come knocking

at your door

And when I feel alone

- I thought you said

you couldn't dance?

- No, I didn't say I couldn't,

I said I didn't.

It's been a long time.

- Well, I'd say

you're a natural.

- Mmm, you're not

too bad yourself.

I have always found myself

Seeking the tr...



- Mom, let's play

the balloon game.

(Birds chirping)

- Wow! You're up early.

- Mmm, I'm working

on some recipes.

- Can I fix you a cup?

- Uh, probably shouldn't.

I've already had three.

(Coffee pot clattering)

(Sighing)

- So, you want to ride

together into town?

Just because we're both coming

from the same place is all.

- I can't.

I have to drop

Caleb off at school.

- Well, he can come with us.

You do know that

carpooling is better

for the environment, right?

- Yeah, it's just...

that's our special time.

- Say no more.

Meeting you there it is.

And if you need a taste tester

for any of this,

I'm definitely your man.

- Help yourself.

- Yeah?

- Please.

Mmm, good choice.

(Chuckling)

That's a good one too.

- Mmm.

- It's good?

- Oh yeah. So good.

- Really?

- Love it.

Tasty, delicious!

(Giggling)

(Birds chirping)

- Hey. What's all this?

- Hey.

Oh, these are some books

written by the storytellers

for the gift shop.

- Ah, of course.

Guess what?

I got all the tents

in the tri-state area.

High-five!

- Nice!

(Chuckling)

Oh, and Jasmine wanted me

to tell you

she appreciates

you stepping in.

- Ah! How's she doing?

- OK, I guess.

Busy with her daughter.

Honestly though,

I just don't think

she's gonna make it back.

- Well, is that a problem?

- Not sure how the sponsors

are gonna feel about it.

And my former client

is the biggest sponsor.

And well,

they're a bit specific.

- Well, you have to tell them.

- I resolve conflicts,

not initiate them.

- Don't you think

they need to know?

- Yeah, I suppose they do.

Just worried about

their reaction is all.

- Oh, come on.

What's the worst

that can happen?

- How's it going do--

(Metal clanging,

Mandy groaning)

Oooh! Aaah!

- First the ceiling,

now this.

I think I am officially

in over my head.

(Sighing)

- Chair supplier called.

They lost

20 pallets of chairs.

- Are you kidding me?

(Water flowing,

Mandy sighing)

- Well...

There's only one solution.

- What?

- Ice cream.

- Ice cream?

- Trust me.

Let's go.

Come on.

Let's go.

Thanks.

- Thank you.

- Mmm. Nothing like

a little ice cream

to solve all your problems.

- Oh really?

You think he's got a spare oven

back there too?

- Mmm, I don't know.

I'll go check.

- No! Stop.

(Chuckling)

- What?

Is that a smile I see

on that face of yours?

(Chuckling)

See? Ice cream does make

everything better.

- You didn't.

Oh, I'm so gonna get you.

- (Darla Jean): You talk

to Caleb much about school?

- Yeah, he's seeming

to like it.

- You sure about that?

- Do you know

something I don't?

- Well, he was just saying

that all the kids at school

already have friends.

- He told me

everything was fine.

(Tableware clattering)

- Well, the kids here

are really nice.

But you know how kids are.

They form those little groups.

It's really hard

to break in.

(Sighing)

- This is exactly

what I was worried about.

You--I...

I have been so focused

on the bakery

that I have been

totally distracted.

- OK, don't beat yourself up.

It's gonna be fine.

- I know, but the first week

of school is always the hardest.

- I understand, honey.

But really, it's gonna be OK.

Just give it some time.

- He must feel so alone.

I just...

Ah, I just really wanted him

to have friends by now.

- Have faith, Mandy.

It will all work out.

(Sighing)

- I hope so.

- And please, watch over us.

And tell my dad I love him.

Amen.

- Amen.

(Sighing)

- Good night, Mom.

- Ah, good night, bud.

You know,

I was thinking

about your dad today too.

- Yeah, I really miss him.

- Mmm.

You know what?

I miss him too.

But you know,

this was always

our dream for you,

to have a town

that you can settle down in

and call your own,

a place where you can have

a childhood we didn't,

make lasting friendships.

(Chuckling, smacking lips)

- Yeah, but it's hard

to make friends.

- I know.

But that doesn't mean

you stop trying.

You know,

life can be hard.

And sometimes,

you get dealt a bad hand.

But that doesn't mean

you quit the game.

So let's give

Jonesborough a chance.

I think

it might surprise us.

- At least I have one friend.

- Look. Great.

What's his name?

- Zach.

- Is it true they want to move

the storytelling festival

to Washington D.C.?

- Yes.

- Why?

- Because they said

Jasmine isn't here.

She's not coming back,

and they don't think

there's anybody

that can replace her.

So this might be

the last in Jonesborough.

- But you're working remotely.

It's not like you're

not coming back at all.

- Actually, Jeff, I'm not.

- What? Why?

- Seeing my first

grand baby, OK?

I realized I want

to be closer to my family.

And that's right here

in Chicago.

I'll be back

for the story week.

But this is my last one.

I've already told them I'll be

resigning after the festival.

- Well, we're in

a real pickle here.

What will we do

if they move?

- Yeah, well, I had no idea

they would move the ISC

to Washington.

Had I known, I certainly would

have handled it differently.

- Most of the townspeople

and the businesses depend

on the National

Storytelling Festival.

It will k*ll the town!

- I'm not gonna let that happen.

- Are you gonna take over?

- Me? No!

- This could hurt Jonesborough.

- I've got to do

what's right for my family.

- Oh!

Honey, these muffins

are finer than a frog's hair

split four ways.

- You have to say that

because you're my mama.

- This place is gonna fill up

with storytellers tomorrow.

- Well, then I will have

a full spread to welcome them.

- They're gonna love it.

- Well, perfect.

You know, I think I actually

might be ready for opening day.

- Oh, baby girl,

you are ready.

These muffins alone are gonna

win over the entire town.

- Ah, thanks, Mama.

I hope so.

Now I just need

my oven to arrive.

- Well, the whole town

is buzzing about it.

- You know, it's actually

starting to feel like home.

- Look at you getting

all small town

big-hearted over there.

- Oh, I don't know about that.

(Chuckling)

- Well, this just has to be

our best story week ever

'cause it could be our last.

- Wait, what do you mean

it could be our last?



(Crickets chirping)

Should I be worried?

- About what?

- About the

story center moving.

It's kind of crazy how one

person's decision can affect

so many people's lives

in one town.

And here I am just

starting to like stories.

(Chuckling)

- Yeah, well, we're trying

to find a replacement.

- What about you?

- Mmm, I travel too much.

- Well, you could have

a change of career.

- I don't know about that.

I mean,

I'm good at what I do.

And I love the unexpected.

So... if the story center

moves to D.C.,

does that mean

that you would go to D.C.

every year for one month

instead of here?

- Hmm, I don't know.

I hadn't thought about it.

- So, you still leaving

after story week?

- Yeah, but, I mean,

I always come back.

- Caleb is really

gonna miss you.

- Yeah, I'm gonna miss him too.

But I mean, we'll stay in touch

with emails, phone calls.

Plus, think about

all the stories I'll have

to tell him about my travels.

- (Caleb): Mom, I'm ready.

- Be right there, bud.

Good night, Zach.

- Yeah. Hey, you mind if

I tell him good night too?

- Let's go.

- Good night, little man.

- Night, big man.

Can we go fishing again?

- You're gonna have to ask

your mom on that one.

- Please, Mom?

- We'll see. Let's go.

(Footsteps retreating)

- Are you mad at Zach?

- What?

No. Why would you ask that?

- You're being different

with him, not very nice.

(Sighing)

- You are too smart

for your own good.

And no, I think I'm just

distancing myself.

I don't want

to get too close

since he won't

be staying much longer.

- Zach is leaving?

Why?

- OK, I know you care

about him, buddy.

But, you know, Zach has a life

outside of Jonesborough.

And he's got to

get back to it.

- But he's my only friend here.

- Hey!

I'm your friend.

- You're my mom.

- OK, buddy,

I know you care for Zach,

but it's always been you and me,

and we've been OK, right?

And look,

now we've got Grandma too.

- I--I don't understand

why he would want to leave.

I--I wish he would

just settle down here.

- Well, if wishes were fishes,

we'd all swim with riches.

- You sound like Grandma.

(Chuckling)

- OK, buddy,

it's time for prayers.

- Hi, God.

Before I start

my prayers tonight,

I'd like to ask you

a big favor.

Please, make Zach want

to stay here.

He's the only friend

I have here.

I know he likes my mom,

even if she doesn't want him to.

S-so, please, let him stay.

- I don't know.

This whole thing

may have been a big mistake.

- Whoa, whoa, whoa.

Slow down.

- I just put everything

into the bakery.

And now Caleb

is getting so close to Zach

who has no intention

of sticking around.

- Well, that's not good.

- No kidding.

I was so blind trying

to get the bakery done

that I--I didn't see it.

I just... Ugh!

I do not want Caleb

to get hurt.

- Well, what about you?

- What about me?

- Well, it seems like

you've gotten attached

to Zach yourself.

Fight for him!

- OK, you better behave yourself

when you get here.

- No promises.

- Good night, B.

(Laughing)

- Yeah, good night.



- Hi, everybody.

I am Amanda Taylor.

And I'm so excited

to welcome you to story week.

Um, so I've got a brochure here

that basically,

kind of gives the run down

of the whole schedule,

also of all of

our amazing locations.

Um, also, if you are in the mood

for a great pastry,

I own Sweetie Pies Bakery

on Main.

We're new here,

so we would love your business.

Um, I really hope you guys have

an amazing story week.

And, um, we're just so excited

to welcome you here.

So again,

if you need a brochure,

just check it out in back.

(Audience applauding)

- When I was younger,

I volunteered my time

with an organization,

working for troubled teens.

It was in Houston.

- I didn't know Zach worked

with at-risk youth.

- He works with

all kind of people.

- Let me tell you

about a Houston summer.

It was so hot

that my eggs cooked

in the bag

before I could finish

pumping the gas.

- Tall tales!

- As I finished

pumping the gas,

I noticed two opposing gangs.

They were boiling mad,

ready to fight.

So I went over to see

what was going on.

And I invited them

to the air-conditioned

ice cream parlor.

I bought them

some ice cream.

Had a nice chat that day.

Turns out,

they had a lot in common.

The lesson is to always find

a comfortable neutral ground

for tough conversations.

And sometimes...

you may just need

some ice cream.

(Chuckling, applauding)

You clean up nice.

- She sure does.

- Ah, thanks.

You're not too bad yourself.

- Thank you.

- Can Zach and I go fishing?

- Ah, no, buddy.

I'm sorry.

We've got some work

to do in the bakery.

So say goodbye.

- Oh... bye, Zach.

- Mm-hmm. Come on.

(Door opening)

- Was it something I said?

- Could be something

you didn't say.

- I'm gonna head over and

introduce myself to Jasmine.

- Honey,

that's a real good idea.

- Hey, Zach.

- Hey, yourself.

All right,

what can I do to help?

- I don't know.

Mom hasn't told me

what to do yet.

- Mandy?

- You need to go

and do your homework.

In the cafe, let's go.

- Ah, man!

- Excuse me.

Are you Jasmine Jefferson?

- Yes, may I help you?

- Hi, I'm Mandy Taylor.

- Mandy!

- Hi!

- Hi!

I am so happy to finally

meet you in person.

I can't begin to thank you

for all that you've done.

- Oh, it's been my pleasure.

I hope you like

sourdough bread.

I made it for you.

- I sure do. Thank you kindly.

But you didn't have to

bake this up just for me.

Not after everything

that you've done.

I mean,

it gets pretty hectic

around here this time of year.

And I was really worried

things would fall apart

when I went away.

But your improvements,

you've made the National

Storytelling Festival

better than ever.

(Chuckling)

- I actually enjoyed it.

- I'm about to go

and check on a venue.

Would you like

to come with me?

- Oh, I'd love to.

- We can share stories

while we walk.

- OK, let's--let's go.

- Our first is Mr. Zach Barran.

(Cheering and applause)

- I sure am gonna

miss this place.

- And Jonesborough is definitely

gonna miss you.

(Chuckling)

I'm actually starting

to like storytelling.

- Mmm, you wouldn't

be interested

in taking over, would you?

- Oh, me?

- Mm-hmm.

- Oh, no, I couldn't.

I--I barely know anything

about storytelling.

And plus, I have my hands full

with the bakery.

- I figured as much.

- But what about Zach?

I mean,

can't you convince him?

- Mm-mmm. He said no.

Plus, he's not one to stay

in any one place

longer than a month tops.

- Right.

- Zach loves going around,

solving people's problems.

(Chuckling)

Well, I guess this little town

just doesn't have

enough conflict for

that rolling stone.

You know...

I think we all need

to come to a crossroads

in our lives, you know?

When you make the decision

to keep going or settle down.

Some of us get there

sooner than others.

He'll figure it out.

He'll figure out

where to put his roots down

sooner or later.

Of course...

I'm hoping for sooner.



(Reel clicking)

- Why the cold shoulder to Zach

all of a sudden?

- I just don't see the point

of getting close

to someone who's leaving.

- You never know,

things might change.

- No, this is what Zach does.

He wins people over,

and then he leaves.

So what happens to the people

he leaves behind?

You know,

like those boys in Texas.

I mean, did he

even see them again?

Did they keep the peace?

- Does it matter if he did?

People come into our lives

for a reason.

A season or a lesson.

Sometimes, we don't know why

till they're gone.

But that's not a reason

to keep them out.

You might miss out

on something really special.

- Yeah, well...

Caleb needs someone who's

actually gonna stick around.

We both do.

- Sometimes, all someone needs

is a reason to stay.

- Mama, I'm not gonna ask

someone to change who they are.

Even if I don't want

them to leave.



Hey, Mama, I, um, need to meet

the oven delivery guy

and receive a tent.

Is there any way that you can

take Caleb to school for me?

- Oh, sweetie pie,

we're gonna have a full house

this afternoon.

I have so much to do

for the guests.

Why don't you ask Zach?

- I cannot ask a stranger

to take Caleb to school.

- Mandy, he's not a stranger.

He's practically family.

- He's not my family.

- Mandy, you can trust him.

He's a good man.

- My mom said I can join

the little league

once the season starts.

- Yeah? I used to play.

I always thought

it would be fun to coach too.

- Maybe you could be my coach.

- Uh, hey, uh, Zach,

is there any way you could take

Caleb to school today?

- Really?

- Yeah. Sure.

Love to.

- Awesome.

- Thank you.

All right. Mwah!

Have a great day at school.

- Bye!

(Children talking, indistinct)

- Hello, how are you?

- Good morning, Ms. Osborne.

- You know my teacher?

- Fancy seeing you here, Zach,

our favorite storyteller.

- One day, I want to be

a master storyteller like Zach.

(Children laughing)

- You boys find

something funny?

- Storyteller?

That's not a real job.

- Quite the contrary.

I'm a storyteller.

Master storyteller,

just like Caleb said.

I get to meet

lots of important people,

travel all over the world,

which I'd say is pretty cool,

wouldn't you?

- I guess.

- Good.

'Cause Caleb here

is not just my friend,

but he's also

my storytelling trainee.

Isn't that right, little man?

- Yes, sir.

Hey, you boys want to hear

a story about a knight?

So, long ago,

in a far away land...

- (Mandy):

This isn't the right oven.

- I'm just a

delivery driver, Ma'am.

This is what

they gave me to deliver.

- Yeah, but it's

the wrong oven.

I have been waiting weeks

for my oven.

And I need my oven.

And that is not my oven.

- Do you want me

to take it back?

- No!

- So you want

to keep this oven?

- Yes! No! Ah!

(Groaning)

I will figure it out.

- OK, have a good day, Ma'am.

- Yeah, you too.

Just... put it down please.

(Sighing)

Yeah, thanks.

- (Jasmine): I'm impressed.

Great job, Zach.

- The town looks fantastic!

(Chuckling)

- Well, as much as I would like

to take credit for it,

most of it was Mandy.

Yeah, what she did

for the center is...

well, it's just gonna make it

more efficient

for years to come.

- If there are any more years

to come, you mean.

- You sure you don't want

to give it a try?

I mean, you're such a great fit

as director of the ISC.

- Nah, I couldn't.

- Hmm. That's too bad.

You and Mandy

make a great team.

- Yeah, she's got a lot

going on with Caleb

and the bakery anyway, so...

- Well, seemed like you

cozied up nice and sweet,

and now you just want

to fly the coop, huh?

(Chuckling)

- Wait, what's that

supposed to mean?

- You know,

from the sounds of it,

it seems like you set up a nice,

little homestead here.

Now you want

to leave it wide open

just for anybody to just come

on up and take your place.

(Children talking, indistinct)

- Hey, bud!

- Hey!

- Are those your friends?

- Yeah, they were mean

to me at first.

But now we're friends.

Zach helped me.

- How?

- I told the teacher I want

to be a storyteller,

and Stanley, Gilbert and Ryan

started laughing at me.

Then Zach told them I was

a storyteller trainee

and told that story

about the knight.

Now we're all friends,

all because of Zach.

- Wow!

Uh, that's great, bud.

(Chuckling)

Put your seatbelt on.

(Seatbelt clicking)

You ready?

- Yep.

(Engine starting)

(Birds chirping)



Zach!

- Caleb!

Boom!

Hey, how was school

after I left?

- It was awesome.

Stanley, Gilbert and Ryan--

- Hey, Caleb, why don't you go

get a snack inside, OK?

- Bye, Zach.

- All right. Later, little man.

(Door opening)

- Why are you trying to be

a hero in Caleb's life?

- What are you talking about?

(Scoffing)

- That bully incident.

Yeah, total dad play.

- Where are you going?

- For a walk!

- (Darla Jean):

Honey, slow down!

You keep rushing like that,

you'll catch up to tomorrow.

- I just need

to clear my head.

- OK, sweet heart,

what is going on?

(Sighing)

- I just don't get it.

- Honey, I did not know

you were in this deep

about Zach.

- It doesn't even matter.

Jasmine told me

that she offered Zach the job,

and he declined it.

So he is leaving

right after story week.

- I see. Well...

- Caleb is gonna be crushed.

- Is this about Caleb?

Or is this about you?

- I just feel like

I'm screwing everything up.

- Honey, you're screwing

nothing up!

After everything

you've been through?

You just need to put

yourself out there, honey.

(Dough slamming on counter)

(Tableware clattering)

I'd really like to know what

that dough did to tick you off.

(Sighing)

- What am I supposed to do?

My soft opening

is supposed to be tomorrow.

- Well, your big order doesn't

come till opening day.

Honey, worse comes to worse,

you're gonna use my oven.

- Your oven is not big enough

for an order of that size, Mama.

- Listen, this is just a bump

in the very long

and very beautiful road, OK?

You're gonna be OK.

We're gonna be OK.

Oh...

- Evening, Mr. Mayor.

- Oh, evening, Zach.

What you got there?

- Oh, it's the, uh, banner

for your everyday heroes board.

- Oh, terrific.

Thank you so much.

- Hey, you need some help

hanging it up?

- No, I got some volunteers

coming by in the morning.

- Oh.

- Or are you just looking

for something

to take your mind off

whatever is bothering you?

- That obvious, huh?

(Chuckling)

- Sure is.

You got some lady troubles?

Maybe a specific one?

Curly-headed son?

- It's just...

Mandy is so hard to read.

You know? It's like...

I mean, I thought I was

getting through to her,

and now she's giving me

the cold shoulder.

It's like she's just completely

shutting me out.

- Well, maybe she's

just scared.

(Sighing)

- I don't know.

I don't get it.

You know, the thing

about it is

I--I--I really care

about her and Caleb.

- Well, maybe

that's the problem.

Maybe she's got

feelings for you too.

- Yeah, well, then her attitude

sure doesn't make any sense.

(Chuckling)

- You know, Zach, you're usually

a pretty smart guy.

Right now, though, you only

got one oar in the water.

- Pardon?

- Let me explain

what happened, son.

Mandy moved to Jonesborough

for stability.

- Yeah, I know.

Oh!

I-it's me!

I'm not stable.

I am not stable.

- Ding, ding, ding!

We have a winner!

(Sighing)

- I'm such an idiot.

Mandy specifically asked me

not to get close to Caleb.

I didn't listen, and now he's

gonna be sad when I leave.

- Did you get

Mandy's hopes up too?

Act like a knight

in shining armor

before you ride off

into the sunset

on your own?

- What's worse than an idiot?

- Someone who doesn't walk

into the arms of a good woman

who has them open for him.

- That was

a rhetorical question,

by the way.

- Figure out what

your intentions are

and make them very clear.

Don't make any moves

unless you're willing

to commit... fully.

Even conflict experts

get cloudy

when it comes to

affairs of the heart.

The important question is:

Can you live without her?

- (Caleb): Who was

the 17th president

of the United States?

- Hey, this is your homework.

I can't get past the seventh.

(Chuckling)

- Andrew Johnson.

Did he live near here?

- Mmm, you got me.

- Do you like Zach?

- Yeah, of course.

He's becoming a good friend.

- No, I mean like him,

like him.

- Oh, uh, no. I--

Well, I don't know.

I...

I'm not looking

for anything like that.

I'm just trying

to get us settled.

And it's a little bit more

than I can do on my own.

- I thought we were supposed

to do things together,

be a team.

- We are like...

Scooby and Shaggy.

Bert and Ernie.

Han and Chewie.

- Woody and Buzz.

Mario and Luigi.

- See? We have a bond

that cannot be broken.

(Chuckling)

- Promise?

- Promise.

- OK.

- Now get to work.

- OK.

- OK, who's the

next president?

- I can't believe

there's over 10,000 people

in this tiny town.

- Mmm, I heard it's

more like 20,000.

- We get two whole days off

of school to go to the events.

I want to hang at the family

tent with all my friends.

- Well, I'll have

Tia B take you.

I mean, that is if I actually

get my bakery open tonight.

- Where's Zach?

- Oh, I bet he's setting up

his storytelling space.

- Hmm, or playing his guitar

to welcome the morning sun.

- Bless your heart.

Zach is working

at Mandy's bakery.

- Well, I heard that he's doing

his own storytelling session

outside the bakery tomorrow.

- I'm doing the open mic

there today.

- Oh, nice!

I'm telling the story about

my trip to the Amazon

to find medicinal herbs

today at Town Hall.

That's where they start

the alternative health stories.

- Did you find any herbs?

- You'll have to come to see.

- Maybe I will.

- I'm all about romance.

Um, I actually have a few of

my own romantic stories to tell.

- Honey, you want me

to take Caleb to school?

You got a lot to do.

- Um, no, that's OK.

Um, it'll probably be

the last time I can

until story week is over.

- You might be right

about that.

Sneaking out on the roof

like thieves

(Mandy sighing)

Holding hands

as the sun sets

- Oh, please don't tell me

another thing broke.

- Oh, no, no, no.

Trying to get your security

system up and running

before opening day.

It's fine.

- Did you figure out

a solution for my oven?

- Well... got

a new utility box.

Hopefully, this thing can

handle the extra amperage.

And I contacted

the utility company.

So as long as they show up,

we may just finish in time.

- OK, well,

I do not have a plan B.

So, I really hope this works.

- I know you do.

Hey, I'm sorry about Caleb.

- It's OK.

He's a tough kid.

We'll figure it out.

We missed you at dinner.

- Oh, yeah, I ate at Jeff's.

I thought maybe

you wanted some space.

- And breakfast?

- Uh, came here.

Just tried to get

an early start.

Lot's to do around here,

that's for sure.

- OK, well,

Caleb is waiting in the car,

so I better get him

to school.

- Yeah.

- OK, let's get you

to school.

- Can I skip today

and see Tia B?

- Ah, well, Tia B

will be here all week.

Plus, you'll get

to see Tia B after school.

- OK.

- Guess what?

I'm gonna make

ginger snaps!

Ginger snaps,

they're my favorite!

- I know. Mine too.

All right.

Let's get in the car.

- Mama Johnson!

- Oh, Blanca!

- It's so great to see you!

- Oh, I'm so glad you made it.

Welcome to Jonesborough.

- Thank you, thank you.

- B, this is Zach.

Zach, this is

my best friend, Blanca.

- Zach!

I've heard so much

about you.

- Have you?

- OK, no, she hasn't.

OK, I'm gonna show her around.

Blanca, let's--let's go.

Say goodbye.

- Bye, Zach.

- (Whispering): Stop it!

- (Blanca): Bye!

(Giggling)

- (Imitating Blanca):

Bye, Zach!

(Chuckling)

- Wow, what a crime.

It's like Romeo and Juliet:

meant for each other,

but can't be together.

- Caleb has just

gotten so attached.

- From what it sounds like,

it seems like you did too.

- I just... didn't expect

to fall for someone so quickly,

or at all.

- Well, it seems like

that guarded heart of yours

wants a little more.

- Doesn't matter.

It would never work.

I mean, he's still

chasing something.

And...

I have everything I need

right here.

- Everything?

- Practically.

- Hmm.

- I mean, if he wanted to stay,

he would have taken the job.

Or maybe I'm just...

not meant

to find love again.

You know, maybe Luke

was my one and only.

And I should be grateful

to even have had that.

- Or you would have

to open up that safe

that's guarding your heart

to let someone in again.

You know Luke would

want you to be happy.

- Excuse us, ladies.

- Oh, hey.

- Could you help us out?

We seem to be a little lost.

- Texas?

- Yes, Ma'am.

- Oh, where you want to go?

- It's a bakery.

I think it's called

Whoopie Pies or something.

(Laughing, snorting)

- Sweetie Pies.

That--that's my bakery.

- Get out of town.

I guess we asked

the right people.

- Looks like it.

- And I highly recommend

the chocolate croissants.

They're the best.

- We'll have to try them.

We're actually here looking

for Zach, Zach Barran.

- How do you know Zach?

- Well, Zach helped us out

a few years ago.

- Wait, are you guys

from the ice cream shop?

- Yes, we are, Ma'am.

- Um, it's just up the road

to the right.

- Well, thank you.

- Bye, guys.

- Maybe you're right.

- I always am.

(Giggling)

- At the very least,

I may owe him

an honest conversation.

- And you never know

what can happen after that.

(Chuckling)

Many and Zach

sitting in a tree...

- OK, all right.

- K-I-S-S...

- Enough!

- ... I-N-G.

- Shh!

- OK.

- OK, remember,

Tia B and I are gonna

be baking late tonight.

That is if Zach

can pull of a miracle.

- You owe Zach big time,

don't you?

- I guess I do.

Grandma's just down the hall

if you need anything.

- Tia B, will you still take me

to the family tent tomorrow?

- It's a date.

- I'm too young to date.

- I'll always be

your first love, mijo.

until you meet

your principesa,

then I'll have to approve

of that one, OK?

OK, go to bed.

- Sweet dreams.

- Are you gonna

tell him tonight?

- There is nothing to tell.

- Mandy, it's me.

I know you.

- I don't even know

how I feel.

I mean, plus, he's leaving.

- So talk to him.

- Honestly...

I don't know if I want

to go down that road again.

I mean, I still love Luke.

- You'll always

love Luke, chica.

But wouldn't it be nice to,

you know, let someone in again?

- I don't know. I'm just...

I am so scared

of getting hurt

and I'm terrified

of Caleb getting hurt.

- Yeah, you can get hurt.

But maybe, just maybe,

you can find love again.

Let him in.

Just see what happens.

- I don't even know

if he likes me.

- Girl, are you 12?

He's been working

all night for you.

- Well, he's my friend

and I'm helping him too.

(Chuckling)

- OK, if that's

what you want to think.

You know,

ever since I've known you,

you always take

the safe route, no risks.

- OK, that is not true.

I have taken plenty of risks.

- Calculated risks, Major.

You only take those big leaps

when you have

a high percentage

of sticking the landing.

- So?

- So maybe take

a leap of faith instead.

- You know, you better

get to bed, Captain.

We got to be up at 02:00.

Please, Lord,

let the oven be ready.

- Mandy.

- Zach hasn't texted me yet.

- No, he called me.

- What? Why?

Is everything OK?

- It will be. Come on.

- No, Blanca,

just tell me what happened.

- Trust me.

Come downstairs

and find out.

(Sighing)

- B?

- In the kitchen.

- What are you all

doing here?

- Mandy, I'm so sorry.

I--I tried to get

the oven working.

It just...

Mayor Jeff even called in

a favor to the electric company,

but unfortunately,

nothing could be done.

- It's OK.

I understand.

- I just feel

like I let you down.

And I'm sorry.

- No, it...

It was big ask.

I'm sorry for putting you

in that position.

- Cheer up, you two.

'Cause you know,

we got plan B.

- What's plan B?

- When I told your mom about

the problems with the oven,

she reached out

to Jasmine and Mayor Jeff

to see if we could use theirs.

- And they said the only way

you could use their ovens

is if you let them help

with the preparations.

- And as long as I get

another loaf of

that sourdough bread.

- And some zucchini bread.

Your mom says

you do that real good.

- Oh, she's good

at everything.

- You would...

You would do

all that for me?

- Yes.

- Sure we would.

- Of course.

(Chuckling)

- Thank you so much.

I mean, this is all...

just amazing.

- Well, don't just

stand there, Major.

Give us some orders!

- OK, um...

Mama, can you pull out

some mixing bowls

and we'll start setting up

a station?

- You got it, sweetie pie.

- Let's do it.

(Chuckling)

- Hey, uh...

Thank you for this.

- Don't sweat it.

Just, uh...

(Clears throat, sniffing)

... put me to work, Major.

(Chuckling)

- Um...

There's measuring cups

in the drawer.

(Whispering): Oh, wow!







- Sorry about everything.

- Stop apologizing!

And thank you for trying.

Hey, we actually

pulled it off.

- I just...

I didn't know what to do.

And I just really wanted you

to know that there are people

out here who love you,

and they just want to help you.

- You know, I could have

figured it out on my own.

- Yeah, I know.

But you don't have to...

do it on your own, I mean.

(Chuckling)

- You know, I think it all

turned out pretty perfect.

You know, I...

I can't believe

everyone just, like,

showed up for me like that.

It's...

actually starting to feel

like we belong here.

- Well, if they see

what I see,

then it's no wonder

they want to help out.

I mean, you and Caleb

are pretty awesome.

(Chuckling)

And you both are just

really... easy to love.

- Zach, I know you are leaving

after story week.

But you are making it

very difficult to say goodbye.

- What time do I have

to be at the bakery?

- Um... 9:00.

- I think I'm gonna

go take a nap.

- You know what,

that's a good idea.

I think I will too.

Good night.

Or... good morning.

S... uh... yeah.

- Mmm! Holy cow!

These are hot!



- Mom, hurry!

- What's wrong?

- Zach's about to start.

We don't want to miss it!

- Oh, buddy, I--

- Oh, OK, honey.

Sugar, you go ahead, OK?

Blanca and I will

hold down the fort.

- Thanks, Mama.

- Come on!

- OK! OK!



- So, after the prince

freed the knight,

he left he Holy Land,

returned to Normandy,

and settled down.

(Crowd applauding)

(Indistinct chatter)

- I thought he was

supposed to go off

and fight more battles.

- Yeah, he realized

that there's more to life.

Which, there's something

I want to tell you both.

After this week...

you're looking at

the new executive director

of the storytelling center.

- That means you're staying?

- You got it, little man.

(Chuckling)

- Wait, what about Pakistan?

- Well, I realized that,

I mean,

I'm not the only

conflict negotiator.

And I think it's

more important for me

to solve problems at home.

- Wait, home?

- Yeah, home.

In Jonesborough.

So we're starting a program

where we're gonna teach

local kids conflict resolution

through storytelling.

I'm gonna lead develop

the program and the center.

The town council

just voted on it.

(Chuckling)

- That was quick. I mean,

who's part of the council?

- Let's see, there's Jasmine,

Mayor Jeff.

Oh yeah, and,

uh, Darla Jean.

- Oh.

(Laughing)

- But there is one catch.

(Miracles by Oceans Chest )

That a certain ex-Major

stop by the center

and help me out

once in a while.

- I think I might be able

to make that happen.

That is if you're still

gonna be my handyman.

(Chuckling)

- Are you two gonna

kiss now or what?

- Uh...

Well, if it's OK with you.

'Cause now I wish

upon a star

And if it's OK with her.

And I believe

in fairy tales

Because you're

real to me

(Mandy giggling)

I see unicorns

and fairy dust

- Close your eyes!

Signs and wonders

follow us

Yes, I believe in miracles

I believe in miracles

I never thought that

I would be a prince

With the princess

of my dreams

I was more like an Aladdin

Telling lies

about everything

I never seem

to find the beauty

But I can always

find the beast

Well maybe I was

searching and looking

In all the wrong places

'Cause now I wish

upon a star

Thank God for

everything you are

And I believe

in fairy tales

Because you're

real to me

I see unicorns

and fairy dust

Signs and wonders

follow us

Yes, I believe in miracles

I believe in miracles

Maybe this is my

Magic carpet ride

The constellations dance

Entangle you and I

Maybe this is just a dream

But I don't want

to miss a thing

'Cause now I wish

upon a star

Thank God for

everything you are

And I believe

in fairy tales

Because you're

real to me

I see unicorns

and fairy dust

Signs and wonders

follow us

Yes, I believe in miracles

I believe in miracles

I believe in miracles

I believe in miracles

Look at you and me, girl