05x07 - Same Sky

[bunniefuu]

- ["Destination" by Nickel Creek playing]
- ♪ You don't owe me ♪

♪ One more minute of your wasted time ♪

♪ You act like it's all fine ♪

♪ It isn't hard to leave ♪

♪ Knowing that I'll be getting life
On track ♪

♪ I wanted to believe ♪

♪ I've gotta make a destination ♪

♪ Find where I belong ♪

♪ This time I've got no hesitation ♪

♪ I'll be movin' on ♪

♪ To where I belong ♪

♪ I'll be movin' on ♪

♪ Over the line I've drawn ♪

♪ I'm already gone ♪

[music fades]

[gentle music playing]

What a fascinating way
to start a partnership.

Out with the old, in with the new.

[Skeeter grunts]

Nobody home at the moment,
but I did find three entry points,

one nest, no babies.

If I close up everything today,

that should seal the deal
on the raccoon problem.

- How much will this cost us, Skeeter?
- I'll cover the cost.

It's something I should've attended to
before our partnership began.

Thank you, Clark.

I'll grab my tools and get to it.

- [Maddie] Thanks, Skeeter.
- Yeah.

Well, I will amend my previous statement.

What a pleasant way
to start a partnership.

[all laugh]

And we can celebrate a certain bride now
with one less thing on our minds.

I told you I don't want a shower.

No, you told us
you don't want a silly old shower.

This is friends celebrating you.

It's a tea party at the spa,
not a parade through town square.

But we can still arrange…

No, no, high tea will be sufficient.

I can't wait. [giggles]

What are you two up to?

Oh, come on.

Now, tell me, what kind of tea
do you want us to serve tomorrow?

- You like Earl Grey, chamomile, hibiscus?
- [Helen giggles]

[Maddie] What do you want?

[gentle music continues]

[Maddie] You love hibiscus.

Oh!

Sorry.

I was just dreaming a bit.

It's my goal to let you dream a lot.

- Within reason.
- [Dana Sue laughs]

I'd like to see a budget when it's ready.
Money and numbers are my day job.

We'll have something for you soon.

- I look forward to working with you.
- Mm-hmm.

- I mean the collective "you."
- Ri… [chuckles]

Oh.

- Oh.
- For your margaritas.

I checked the six e-bikes in storage,
and the batteries are fine.

But somebody needs to explain why
you wanted me to look in the first place.

I don't get it.

Courtney? Ronnie?

I put the rest of that shipment of bikes
in my garage before the fire.

But I'm sure it's fine,
and there's no connection.

Still, as responsible business owners,

I thought that we should make sure
all the new bikes are safe.

- To be safe.
- [Jeremy] What rest of that shipment?

We agreed we only needed another six.

Courtney bought another eight bikes
from a different dealer.

At substantial savings.

Because they were off-brand.

Off-brand?
Do you know anything about that company?

Their quality controls,
their safety measu…

What the hell? Ronnie. If the batteries
on those bikes in your garage--

The fire department
is still investigating,

but I'm sure they'll say
there's no connection. I just--

I'm trying to decide
whether I'm upset as your partner

or offended as your friend.

I need the receipts for those e-bikes.

We have to speak to that dealer
about safety measures. And liability!

- The receipts are at my place.
- Go get them.

- We'll wait.
- My place in Charleston.

[tense music playing]

I'll go now.

Just remember,
every new business has its speed bumps.

Hey. Let me explain.

No. Not now.

I need to step away
before I say something I'll regret.

[tense music fades]

If Peggy wants you to put together
a tourism board,

there are plenty of people you can invite.
You need to be the GM here too.

- Allocate your resources properly.
- Create a team to get my team.

Mm-hmm. It's your idea,
so you are the pitcher.

A great shortstop has versatility.

Harlan is a coach, a player,
a community leader,

and I trust him completely.

Well, if you invite Harlan,
you should also invite Carla.

Between the library and the spa,

she has great connections
with kid-centered groups in town.

Oh, uh, make a side note
that Wally and your mother

should design the uniforms.

[Cal] Wally and Mom.

Center field is the communication hub.

Who can speak directly and genuinely
to just about anybody in town?

[both] Noreen.

[Cal] And…

team doctor.

June can get the Interfaith Council
on board so people will understand

the new team will be a positive addition
to the whole community.

Skeeter brings a personal enthusiasm
for the game.

And he can speak to all the work
that a stadium will need.

What are you looking for from Neville?

Fans.

[both laugh]

What about first base?

Uh, first base… has to be able to catch
whatever is thrown at them,

make big decisions in the moment,
and be rock-solid.

That is a great place for a man
that can speak to the culture of the town

and how it will mesh with the team.

- [Cal] And is also my best friend.
- Mm-hmm.

That's quite a team.

- [marker clicks]
- Yes, we are.

[Maddie] Oh.

[sentimental music playing]

I appreciate your willingness
to reconsider the colors

for the ceremony and reception.

Collaboration, not concession.

[laughs] All right, next is the music.

I wanna dance with Zeke,
but I… I don't mean to dictate.

I already promised
to dance with my mother.

And she… We picked the song.

Which means
you and I get to focus on our song.

Ah. There's so many great ones
to choose from.

- Like, um… oh, "At Last" by Etta James.
- Ooh.

"Let's Stay Together" by Al Green.

- Yes. [chuckles]
- Mm-hmm.

Or if we need something
more up-tempo, like, um…

Gosh, what's that one called?
Oh, oh, "This Kiss" by Faith Hill.

- Ooh, ooh.
- Yeah.

How do you feel about
"Islands in the Stream"?

- [chuckling] You went way back.
- Hmm?

[both laughing]

Hey, Jessica, may we have a moment?

Sorry to interrupt. I was just going--

No, no, you're not in trouble.
We just wanna talk to you.

Thank you for the advice.

You saw what I would not.

But now Helen and I
are back on a good, hardy road.

Having you spend this time with us
has been illuminating.

Not just for the pieces of myself
I've been afraid to unpack

but also to see what an incredible woman
you've grown up to be.

- Hm.
- [Helen] And I wanna thank you too.

We all have work to do,

but it is so much easier
with the right people by your side.

[sentimental music playing]

Uh…

[Erik laughs]

- [Helen] Ooh.
- Yeah. Oh yeah.

[Jessica laughs]

- There we go. Yeah, right.
- Come on, Whitley. Yeah.

I can't believe they want so many details.

I'm filing for insurance,
not applying for the CIA.

Don't think of it as a test.

Think of it as a walk down memory lane,
and write down everything you see.

You're an angel.

- [chuckles] No, ma'am, I'm a friend.
- [Dana Sue chuckles]

We have two Michaels here for you,
on the house, of course.

Well, this Michael is all I need
to save my sanity. Thank you.

Isaac told me you moved up your visit
when you heard about the fire.

Our family is so grateful
for everything you're doing for us.

It's no problem, really.

I enjoy helping people
almost as much as I like seeing this guy.

- [sentimental music playing]
- [Dana Sue] Hm.

There's no point in my telling you
not to beat yourself up over this.

But as your AA sponsor,
I wish you had called me earlier.

Or been honest with me
the last time I checked in.

I haven't been honest with anyone,
especially myself.

I've had this awful feeling
in my guts for months.

I thought it was my job,

but then the fire came,
and… everything went up in flames.

Okay, tell me more about the dishonesty.

I lied to my wife.

I told her I was working
to make her proud of me, but…

Really, I just wanted to be proud
of myself, because I never have been.

My daughter's about to go out
into the world and start comparing me

to all the successful people
she's gonna meet,

and she's gonna realize…
what a fraud I am.

I want you to remember
that you're still coming through

a really traumatic event.

Yeah, that I caused.

What?

[melancholy music playing]

[quietly] I'm 99% sure
the fire was my fault.

I put something in the garage,
which is where the fire started.

- Something that shouldn't have been there.
- I'm not here to judge.

O… only to remind you you're not alone.

Tell me what to do.

I can't keep hiding behind the lies.

I don't wanna hide
in the Bike Barn either.

And God help me,
I refuse to hide in a drink.

You shouldn't be looking to me
for answers.

You should be looking in the mirror.

Because the only person
who can solve this problem is yourself.

Don't forget you can solve it.

With determination and honesty.

[melancholy music fades]

[Max] Okay, listen up.
A few pieces of business before we begin.

First, our band has joined us,

and tonight will be our first rehearsal
with live music.

[all clapping]

And this is Iris, Kyle's grandmother,
who's a professional seamstress

and has offered
to help Brianna's mom with the costumes.

[man] Yeah!

Uh, everyone, please give Coach Maddox
your attention for a minute.

Hi, everybody.

I hear word's gotten around
about a baseball team

maybe relocating here to Serenity.

I'm interested in hearing what you guys
think or if you have any questions.

- Sophie.
- My abuelo…

[exhales] He's a huge fan. He'd ask
for your autograph if he were here.

But the minute you walked away,
he'd complain,

"Why are we paying for a team
when we can't pay for your play, mija?"

[Cal] That's a good point.

But here's the thing.
The team will become part of this town.

We're not letting
some big corporate entity roll in.

I'm focused on local businesses
that can be supported, not overtaken.

And people who visit to see the team

means that we also bring in money
to do the other things we want.

What's in it for those of us
who aren't interested in baseball?

[chuckles] Let's talk about that.

A successful stadium
needs off-season events. Any thoughts?

Ren fair! [laughs]

Oh, movie nights on the jumbotron.

- Yeah.
- A monthly flea market.

Monster trucks.

- [Lily] Oh.
- Yes.

Would you ever do a baseball camp
for grown-ups?

My dad has always wanted
to try one of those.

Huh, yeah.

- Five to places!
- Thank you, five.

- Thank you.
- Yeah, thank you.

Olivia!

[both chuckle]

I'm glad you're home
and available to join us.

Oh, look at you all grown up,
Mr. Leading Man.

But, really, I'm so excited
to watch you step into the spotlight

and to be on this journey
with you as fellow artists.

Thanks, I feel the same.
I can't wait to hear all about the…

Well, the… the tour and everything.

[Dev] Four to places!

Thank you, four. But I guess I have to…

Yeah.

So what did Ty say to you?

Just that you bailed.

Yeah, we will definitely catch up later.

[knocking on door]

[knocking continues]

- Oh, thank goodness you're home!
- Oh, Beatriz!

[both chuckle]

Is, uh… is everything all right?

So much more than all right.

One of the imprints I… I queried,
they requested a full manuscript!

Oh! Congratulations! Come, sit down.

Oh my goodness!

So, are you feeling confident?

- Maybe.
- [both laugh]

Can I take advantage of that confidence?

I have a booth at the Art Walk
as a part of launching my bookshop.

- Your what?
- A small bookshop.

And I wanna partner with you
and the library, not competition.

There'll be books
that I can carry that you can't yet

and programs that you can run
that I can't.

But we'll both be creating and feeding
readers in town, whatever the price point.

- That's so exciting!
- [both chuckle]

And thank you.

But how is that taking advantage?

In your manuscript about the bull rider…

The small town?

The gossip wagon?

That one restaurant
that everybody goes to?

That's Serenity, right?

It is. Is that a problem?

No, no, no. It's a plus.

I was wondering if you'd be willing
to read a passage at my booth.

I can get someone
to cover you at the library booth.

Ah! Hence, the question
about my confidence.

Yeah! Highlighting Serenity
through writing

is the best way
to highlight Serenity writers.

[upbeat music plays, fades]

We need your help.

Of course. Whatever you need.

We have interviewed every caterer
within a hundred-mile radius,

and we cannot find
the right person for our wedding.

Oh no. Well, what… what's the problem?

Well, none of them are you.

We know it's a lot to ask, but…

I'd be happy to. Honored to.
And the crew will be too.

We will dive right in
because the clock is ticking.

- You sure you can do this?
- [Isaac] Absolutely.

It would've been fun to be a groomsman,
but this will be fun too.

No, Isaac.
I still want you to stand with me.

- [Isaac] But I--
- No.

- We're asking if you can do both.
- Oh, of course!

[all laughing]

Now, we know it's a lot to ask.

The crew and I will have so much fun.
This will be our wedding gift to you.

We'll plan together.
I will help them prep.

Then they'll serve
while I perform double duty

as impeccably dressed groomsman.

This is so generous of you.

And now our biggest worry is…
[clicks tongue] …off the list.

Is it though?
You will have to decide on a cake.

- A lemon.
- Spice.

[whimsical music playing]

Leave the rest to me.

[whimsical music fades]

Lily and I are doing better with Timothy,
Dr. Theodore.

I borrowed from you
and from my friend Isaac.

And from Shakespeare.

And… I think we might actually be
helping him relax

because we're more relaxed.

But I'm… I'm still worried Lily
isn't having as much fun as I'd hoped.

And she's leaving soon, so…

We've been talking a lot
about Lily going to college, Lily leaving.

Yeah, I'm… I'm excited for her.

I… I think she'll love Boston.

Kyle, your…
your dad left and never came back.

Your brother left and…
might not come back.

Is it possible you're worried Lily will…
leave for school and not come back?

I'm afraid of being a person
who can be left behind,

who can be forgotten.

That… that's why I love theater
and why I quote poetry.

I'm… I'm inhabiting other characters

and using voices
that have proved memorable over centuries.

This particular fear, it's… it's a symptom
of the human condition.

[dramatic music playing]

Of thinking about how small we are
in time and space.

But on a far more personal level,

it can also be
part of the grieving process.

Grief reemerges unexpectedly.

Even when we think that we've processed it
and packed it away.

So this never stops?
I… I just need to learn to deal with it?

Not deal with it, but exist with it.

There's nothing wrong
with fear well-managed.

But it can be harmful to push that fear
into places in our life

that it doesn't belong.

[dramatic music dissolves
to majestic music]

[chuckles]

[laughs]

I remember
running through this field as a kid,

kicking up the butterflies.

[majestic music fades]

There's not nearly as many butterflies
as I remember.

It might not be perceptible,
but the land is… always evolving.

And land changes lead to habitat changes.

Those habitat changes
drive population change.

There are migratory species
that are no longer considered migratory

because they now spend more time
in their second location

than in their home.

Do migratory species ever get scared?

[Inspirational music playing]

Hard to say. [chuckles]

It's a…

it's a biological instinct.

There's something innate in them
telling them when and where to go.

But it's also survival.

You have to go where you can be fed.

I might be migratory.

Hm. [chuckles]

And it's exciting but

scary.

Well, as a fellow
budding migratory species,

may I offer you some comfort?

It's all the same sky.

And such a beautiful sky.

[inspirational music fades]

[whimsical music playing]

Wait, we're not done?

No, but we can still do it.

We… we're supposed to be
building something precious

and escaping with it
in the next, uh, 20 minutes.

That's all the time we have left?
Should we panic now?

[Harlan] We've torn this place apart
to get this far.

Only tools are… [grunts] …rusted shut,
so how do we build anything?

Maybe the pieces of wood fit together
without tools.

Is that what makes it precious?
That it fits together naturally?

That's what makes a relationship precious,
that's for sure.

This is an escape room. You don't wanna
escape from your relationship, do you?

[all] No.

- [Ronnie] Rebuild it maybe.
- [Cal] Focus, Ronnie.

Nineteen minutes. We can still do this.

Thought bachelor parties
were supposed to be fun.

Focus. The groom loves puzzles.

What's more precious than time?

[Cal exhales deeply]

It has been so hard
to not spill the tea about tonight.

[laughing] And we wanted to find a way to
pour it out with lots of special friends.

[sentimental music playing]

- [ladies gasp, applaud]
- [Helen] Oh my goodness!

- [Peggy] She's beautiful!
- [Noreen] Here comes the bride!

[woman] Oh.

[Helen] Thank you. [chuckles]

[both kiss, chuckle]

Welcome, beautiful bride.

Oh, Miss Paula.

[kisses]

[sentimental music continues]

Alice and the Mad Hatter
have truly outdone themselves.

[all chuckle]

Just wait till the bachelorette party
in Savannah.

[all laugh]

[softly] I'm so happy.

Mm.

I need to talk to you about something.

You know where to find me. [chuckles]

[all chuckle]

Great work, team, but it doesn't count
unless we can get it out of here.

- It's bigger than the door.
- Let's tilt it.

Take it off the casters.

Knock it down, carry the pieces through.

You're still getting the clock
out of the room.

I can't believe the game is
to build something just to tear it apart.

No, we don't have to break the clock
or force it.

We need to fix the door.

You know, make it wider.

Harlan, give me a hand.

- You said we weren't tearing it apart.
- Yeah. That.

- [Erik laughs]
- [Isaac] Okay.

We are using time

wisely.

[Erik] Yeah.

[clock arm ticking]

[clock clicks]

- Hey.
- [Isaac] Oh.

[Erik grunting]

[groans]

[door clicks open]

[all cheer]

[Cal] There we go!
Let's get it up, get it up.

[Harlan] All right, yeah, yeah.

- [Isaac] We've got, like, 30 seconds left.
- [Erik] Hey, whoa, whoa.

- Clock face.
- Got it.

Right this way.

- [clock thuds]
- [all] Ooh!

[Isaac] Beep, beep, beep, beep.

[Cal] All right! Good job, team!

- That's right!
- [Harlan] There we go. Nice.

[all laughing]

[Grace] Ladies.

"This marriage between
a silver screen queen

and a real-life prince
was called the wedding of the century."

- Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier.
- Oh!

Yes.

Nice.

[Carla] Merci.

[woman] That's good.

I'm catching up with you, Helen.

Mm-hmm.
Catching up, but not beating, Carla.

Oh, okay, okay.

[Paula clears throat]

"The love match between a tech cofounder
and a decorated athlete

started with a chance encounter in Rome."

Oh, oh! Serena Williams and Alex Ohanian.

[Carla] Oh, that's right.

- [Noreen] Cheating.
- I said it.

- [Iris] Hand over the mouth like that!
- I did it.

- I don't know.
- [Iris] They can't talk about the rules.

I know.

Okay, okay.

[all laughing]

All right. "This beloved couple
has kept us all waiting way too long."

[Paula] Mm.

True.

Oh, me!

Well, Erik and me. I said it.
All right. Thank you.

- [all applauding]
- [Helen] That's seven. [laughs]

[women gasp] Oh!

- Hey, all right.
- [iris] Good luck with that.

- I know. Right? It balances.
- [Maddie] Dicey.

You still have to carry it over
to Miss Paula and Miss Grace.

I know.
We can't just end the game right here?

- Never.
- [Helen] All right, here we go.

[women] Oh!

- Soft steps.
- I know, it's all right.

- [Dana Sue] Concentrate.
- I know.

- You can do this.
- It's like pageant walking.

- [Paula] That top one is…
- Pay attention. Careful.

[Helen] Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh.

- [Noreen] Don't drop them.
- [Helen] Okay. [chuckles]

- [Maddie] There you go. Almost there.
- [Carla] Don't breathe.

[Helen] I know, I'm trying not to.

Okay. There it is.

- [all applaud]
- Yeah!

- [Helen laughs]
- [Paula] Oh.

[Helen] There's only one thing
I love more than winning.

And that's all of you.

[all] Aw.

[Helen laughs]

[jazz music playing in room]

Hail the mighty escape artists.

Just when I thought
we'd get all this food to ourselves.

[all laugh]

[Bailey] Y'all beat the clock?

How did you know?

Know what?

- Bailey, how are the ribs coming along?
- Oh, y'all come out back and see.

I think I can handle this.

- [Jeremy] Ooh.
- [man] Yum.

Cal, Noreen told me about the team.
I'm really happy for you, man.

Field of Dreams is
one of my all-time favorite movies.

"If you build it, they will come."

Hmm. And this man just proved himself
to be quite the builder.

So would you consider leasing
some of your farmland for a new field?

I don't know. Last thing we need out there
is more curveballs.

I need to focus on one new business
at a time.

[melancholy music playing]

- [melancholy music fades]
- I enjoyed my time in Europe.

I made a lot of memories.

But being the opening act

when the main act
couldn't stick to a schedule

wore on me.

I mean, I was excited
when we got through our first shows.

I mean, we were hot.
We were partners. It was great.

But then, when we were waiting
to start back up again,

we fell in with these local musicians
in Copenhagen.

Well, he fell in, actually. Sidelined me.

And then,
every time I suggested coming home,

something would come up with Ty.

But I stayed.

Until it became very clear
that he wanted to stay

way more than he wanted to come home.

So, I left.

Thanks for the rundown.

And for keeping me updated
while y'all were on the road.

It was nice to get pictures from him,

but you seemed to have that

friend sixth sense
for when I needed extra reassurance.

And because of that, I saw the end coming
more clearly than most.

[sighs]

None of this was about you.

I know.

Thanks for thinking
I needed to hear that though.

Whatever Ty needs to figure out,
I… just hope he can.

For his sake.

And I'm so glad you're back.

[Annie chuckles]

[Annie chuckles]

Dana Sue?

I'm so sorry to bother.

- I wanted to see how you're doing.
- No bother at all.

I could use the distraction from
all this paperwork I'm crawling through.

I'm sure it's so stressful.

It is. [chuckles]

Moving on will be a lot easier once
Chief Holbrook finishes the investigation.

Until then, I feel like
I'm covered in ashes I can't wash off.

We're praying for you.

Especially that the fire department
finds no fault in the matter.

Me too, Noreen. Me too.

Then you throw in the stress
our men are under,

and it only makes things harder.

This Courtney character
sure does have a real loose definition

of work-life balance, doesn't she?

Sometimes I wonder,
who does she think she is?

Who does she think she is?

I know, and now she's got our guys
in this whole new thing,

and I wanna wring her neck, you know?

Wait, what whole new thing?

The secondary dealer. The off-brand bikes.

You'll hear about it, I'm sure.

- Uh, I really should get back to work.
- Hm.

Like I said,
I'm here if you need anything.

Again, so sorry to bother.

[soft dramatic music playing]

I can get to that next.

You said that
about starting the laundry too,

but I took care of that already.

- This is a team sport. We got it.
- [Maddie chuckles]

I'm looking for my colored pens.
I'm revising blocking notes.

Nana and Grandma Iris
are taking me to the library,

and I want my shoes
with the glitter laces.

I can only find one.

Kyle, your pens are probably mixed in
with Nana's art supplies.

Katie, if your shoe's not in your room,
you should start in there.

[grunts]

- Team sport, right?
- [Iris] Katie!

Katydid!

- Katydid, stop running.
- Ah, we found your shoes!

Where is your unicorn tote bag?

- I'll get it.
- [Maddie chuckles]

Now, do you want me to help with snacks?

You taking Katie is the bigger help.
Thank you, though.

Any other errands you need run?
We're going out anyway.

If you don't mind, I can send you
the grocery list for dinner tonight.

Great. Oh, I heard the word dinner.

I'm happy to help
as a thank-you for housing us.

I appreciate you,
but that's really not necessary.

[grunts] Forgot something.
Heading back out in a second.

Really, I insist. I'll take care
of dinner. Don't even worry about it.

Katydid, I thought your book was here.
Is it missing too?

Oh, Cal always dropped books between
the back of the couch and the cushion.

Uh, let's check here.

Wa… wait, Katie!
Can you take a book back for me?

[whimsical music playing]

Is now a good time to mention
that I have an idea for the Art Walk?

[whimsical music fades]

So the last time the HVAC system
was looked at before then was



- [scoffs] Lord, have mercy.
- [Cal] Skeeter!

Moose said you'd be here.

- Clark, can I slide in a minute?
- Of course.

What can I do for you, Cal?

I need an estimate for a stadium.

Or should I say a ballpark
for my ballpark?

Ah. So is the plan to redo
the abandoned high school stadium

or split with the community college?

Mrs. Reichert at the community college
was lovely,

but I think
the old stadium suits us better.

Okay. We should go out together
so I can do a full workup.

I don't know the last time I was inside.

It's a lot of work,
but it's work I think we can handle.

- Thank you, Skeeter.
- Okay.

I'll find out about when we can get in,
and I'll let you know.

Thanks for the minute, Clark.

Hey, Cal, are there ways those of us
who aren't professionals can contribute?

I have a whole list.

Anything particular in mind?

Perhaps.

- Finished.
- [Erik] That was fast.

Great choice of writing instrument,
by the way.

What do you mean?
Whitleys always do crosswords in pen.

True, but I've never seen
a Whitley use a multicolored pen before.

Oh, it's the one I've been using
for journaling lately.

[doorbell rings]

- Allow me.
- [Helen] Uh-huh.

Victor.

[soft dramatic music playing]

Why didn't you tell me you were coming?

Well, according to my daughter,
this is how you arrive in Serenity.

Come in.

I'm here for Jessica, Erik.

She has responsibilities in Chicago
she's neglecting.

Dad! No. Why are you here?

- Get your things. We're going home.
- No, please let me stay.

I… I'm having the best summer ever.

I… I even made friends
that you would actually approve of.

This isn't a negotiation, Jessica.

And how can you be trusted anyway, huh?

Ignoring my calls and text messages,
making me drive all this way?

You're getting an earful in the car,
young lady. And it's a long drive.

Don't take me away from the little bit
of peace I found for myself.

Pack. Now.

Helen, I apologize for Jessica's intrusion
into your home.

She is a joyful and welcome guest.

[soft dramatic music builds]

We didn't know
Jessica wasn't responding to you.

- I would've backed you up as best I could.
- Oh, just save it, all right?

You're already the favorite.

Must you overshadow me
with my own daughter too?

[soft dramatic music fades]

You know, Helen has taught me quite a bit
about communication.

Not only how to express my feelings
but also how to listen to hers.

I will hear out
every criticism you have of me, Victor,

but I'll only do so
if you agree to listen too.

If I wanted a lecture, Erik,
I could've driven across town to see Dad.

I'm suggesting you listen to Jessica.

She's going through a difficult time,
just like you.

I believe Jessica can help you see
a new perspective.

- Because she's done the same for me.
- Letting her redesign your wedding?

- [soft dramatic music resumes]
- No. Helen and I are doing that.

Because Jessica reminded us of
the importance of being true to ourselves.

And each other.

So what else has she been saying?

[soft dramatic music builds]

[soft dramatic music fades]

Oh, Kyle, sweetie.

Oh, wait till you see your wedding outfit.

[laughs] I'm psyched, Grandma,
but I was hoping I could borrow Lily?

Sure. Go ahead, sweetie.

Isn't this an amazing costume piece?

[Kyle] On an amazing lady.

[both laugh]

I… I was talking to Dr. Theodore,

and I think I might have made
the whole Timothy thing a bigger deal

because of other issues.

- [sentimental music playing]
- And I want to apologize for that.

Why would you apologize for teaching me
an incredibly effective way

to deal with problematic people?

I'm going to carry this to college
like a broadsword into battle.

And all cherry-picking theater bros
and every other kind of bro

will fear my blade
and mourn that I love only Kyle Townsend.

[chuckling] Shakespeare has truly
taken hold of you.

[chuckling] Kyle, you're not listening.

You took hold of me a while ago.

And don't you dare let go.

Places! Rehearsal is up!

[Kyle laughs]

[Kyle, Lily laugh]

Guys! Places, now!

Thank you for your patience
while we investigated.

Everyone wants to move on quickly,
but these things take time.

- We understand.
- [sentimental music fades]

Now, the official ruling
is probable accident.

We're unable to prove a cause
or the origin of the fire,

but we found no evidence
of any accelerants

or other earmarks of arson.

So, in short, we don't believe
anyone set this fire intentionally.

However, given the high volume
of chemical residue found in the garage,

the fire does appear
to have been compounded

by household cleaners,
solvents, batteries, and the like.

So we're okay with the insurance company?
It's a done deal?

You'll be fine.

But I'll send you some pamphlets
on the storage of hazardous materials

for when you rebuild.

Please, be more careful.

All the information you have is welcome.
Thank you so much.

[Holbrook] And if you need anything else,
you have my nonemergency number.

- [Dana Sue] Thank you.
- [door opens]

Okay. [chuckles]

What is wrong?

That was good news, wasn't it?

It was.

[soft dramatic music playing]

I have something I need to say.

I moved some extra e-bikes
into the garage before the fire.

What…?

I should have told you then.

And I should have told you again
when they were looking for the cause.

It's not enough.

But I'm telling you now.

Holbrook said they can't prove
what caused the fire,

but it doesn't mean my bikes didn't.

And it sure sounds like

they made it a whole lot worse.

Just like my hiding things from you have
made our… our marriage a whole lot worse.

But you deserve to know the full truth.

And I am very sorry

I didn't give it to you sooner.

Please say… say whatever you want.
I… I can take it.

I deserve it.

- What else haven't you told me?
- No other secrets.

It's one too many,
but I swear this is the only one.

And it's out in the open now.

[soft dramatic music continues]

I need to

take a walk.

[Ronnie] Please.

Promise you'll come back to me,
and I'll be okay.

[door closes]

You have something
you would like to say to me?

[Maddie laughs]

[soft dramatic music fades]

It's nice to have some alone time.

Even if it's because
other people need privacy downstairs?

Even if it's only five minutes?

[Maddie laughs]

[kisses]

We can do ten.

[romantic music playing]

I'm sure horrible things happen to me
if I make you late for Margarita Night.

A queso curse or something.

We're living in the same house again,

and I miss you more than I did
when I was in New York.

I wanna be able
to carve out time just for us,

like I was compelled to do
when you were in New York,

but there's nothing in our day
that I wanna set aside.

I am so proud of everything you're doing.

Everything we're doing.

Still, nights like tonight drive home
that we haven't even had our honeymoon.

We can make this work, right?

[romantic music fades]

Yeah, well, she's thinking for herself,
which I respect,

but she hates every decision
I've made for her

since Sylvia and I separated.

Can't she see
I'm just trying to protect her?

She will.

In time.

Go ahead. Get it over with.

Tell me everywhere I messed up.

Tell me how I let my family down
and how I need to be better just like you.

I'm sorry.

Look, I know you've carried
more than your share of tragedy and pain.

I just get caught on the hamster wheel
of trying to please Mom and Dad.

And I get dizzy.

I'm not them. I don't expect perfection.

You don't have to either.
For Jessica or yourself.

Demanding so much will only drive you away
from the people you love.

I wanted everything settled
with my divorce before your wedding.

I don't want Mom and Dad
to see my life in pieces

while yours is coming together.

- They'll measure us against each other.
- Hmm.

I was the heir apparent.

And while you got to go off
and explore new worlds,

I had to stand guard in the castle.

Now I'm trapped inside. Alone.

Remember, as kids,

how we'd build tree forts,
igloos, hideouts?

What was the best part of that?

Tearing them down.

So let's tear this one down
and build something new.

- Like what?
- A way forward.

A wider door.

A new way of communicating
with Mom and Dad.

And each other.

Let me go home with you and support you.
Echo you.

We'll face them. Together.

[sentimental music playing]

[sentimental music fades]

That's better.

What is?

Well, the renovation looks much easier
with you two in the picture.

[all laugh]

Have you thought about
how you're gonna split up your space?

Uh, not yet.

But I reserve the right to drape quilts
over the upstairs railings.

Well, Miss Eustice will love that.

Hmm. Perhaps an open expanse
with bold colors and… and gold shelves.

I am thinking cherry shelving for me.

And I'm so glad you chose upstairs
so my bookshop can be mere steps away

from freshly baked goods.

- [Helen laughs]
- Please, Dana Sue.

[all laugh]

We'll talk.

[all laugh]

Well, in the meantime, I think that
we should tell everyone what we're doing

by making an announcement at the Art Walk.

That's exciting. In a terrifying way.

I wanna have a booth there.

Connecting readers with writers.

Hearing what people enjoy
can help me decide what to stock.

That's a lovely idea.

You both are carrying me now.
Financially and emotionally.

And I love you for it.

But… I hate it
that I can't return the favor right now.

Please don't worry.
Maddie and I can get us started.

And… and… and we can figure out
the rest as we go along.

Like you did with me and the spa.

This is a challenge that we can meet.

[groaning] I don't like being
in any kind of debt.

Even emotional.

I get that. Wanting to be equally yoked
with your partners.

- Yes.
- Cal and I are trying to balance too.

Learning that there's no value
in comparing who's doing how much.

As long as everyone's doing their best,

all that matters is
that we are bonded in purpose.

To figuring it all out. Together.

- Pour it out.
- Pour it out.

- [Helen] Mm-hmm.
- [Dana Sue] Mm.

Mm.

- Come on.
- Come on.

- Yeah.
- Yeah. Yeah.

[Helen] Well, I assure you

that this outstanding margarita
will suffice as a contribution for now.

It's the tequila from Clark.

Well, six months ago, I would have bet
that it would be laced with arsenic.

Well, that just goes to show you
that everyone can learn to get along.

It may take a couple of decades. [laughs]

- Life is unpredictable.
- Mm-hmm.

Indeed.

Erik's brother arrived today unannounced
to pick up Jessica.

Gonna miss her if she goes.

Well, I can predict
that no matter what happens,

Jessica will always look back
at her summer with Aunt Helen fondly

for the rest of her life.

I can't believe that summer's half gone.

Which means it's almost time for--

Your wedding.
And you still haven't picked a dress.

Oh, calm down.

I'm narrowing my options.

And I will share at the appropriate time,

- unlike one of us.
- [Dana Sue laughs]

Rest assured, there'll be no
spooky surprises from me. [laughs]

Here's a spooky surprise for you.

[inhales] Ronnie left e-bikes
in the garage.

They may not have been
what started the fire,

but they're part of why it grew so fast.

[Maddie] That's awful.

And the damage to the house is bad enough,
but finding out he is hiding things again…

Do you think that other old problems
have returned too?

- I… I don't think so. Lord, I hope not.
- You gonna go see June again?

I'm not sure what I could say to her

but, "Will God forgive me

for all the awful things I think
every time I look at him?"

Don't let the darkness
take hold, Dana Sue.

You know? We're standing right beside you
with fistfuls of light and hope.

The scariest part?

That I would rather focus on my dream
with my friends

than rehash our problems at home.

- Well, that's understandable.
- [Helen] Mm-hmm.

You need to step away, take a breath.
It doesn't mean you're giving up.

[scoffs] I'm not allowed to give up, am I?

Don't answer that.

That was unfair of me
to even say it out loud.

- You can say anything to us.
- Well, I want to be where you two are.

Glad to be looking to the future,
not dreading it.

Don't think of the future
as one big problem.

You have to break it into pieces.

- Smash it into pieces.
- If that's what's required.

Yeah, but then what… what's left?

What do you wanna save?

[softly] I…

[dramatic music builds, fades]

[closing theme music playing]

[closing theme music ends]