09x07 - Say Uncle

[bunniefuu]

Were you crying?

Aw, what's the matter? You miss your mommy, do you?

I don't want you coming here, visiting,

bringing them things, anything!

You're telling me I can't see my own children?

I am telling you, you can't see my children.

I thought we were selling Lotus Point as a family resort.

If we don't bring in some paying customers very soon,

there won't be any Lotus Point for the children to come to.

How many fathers do you think that they can afford to lose?

It sounds to me like you're afraid

Gary might walk out on you, again.

You sure you don't love him?

[theme music plays]

[music continues]

[music continues]

[Meg fussing]

[Meg wailing]

Aw, what's the matter?

You miss your mommy, do you?

You want to come-- you want to come in and sleep with dad?

Aw, okay.

Yeah, such a good baby.

Good little girl.

Okay, I'll take you with me.

Come on. We'll go into my room.

[emotional music playing]

Okay.

Shh.

Shh, alright.

You get to sleep with your old man.

There you go.

Ah, good girl.

Shh.

Shh.

-[Valene] Party time! -[Karen] Oh!

You're not going to make me wear this, are you?

No, I'm going to make you blow that.

[party horns blowing]

Oh, you're going to look so good for your birthday picture.

Now, both of you,

give guma a big smile.

-Smile! -[camera whirrs]

Oh.

Now, how am I going to get a picture of you two?

[sighs]

Aw, the kids look adorable in their birthday outfits.

-Yeah, they do, don't they? -Yeah.

Tell guma, she can't go by a children's clothing store,

or a toy store, for that matter, without going inside.

[laughs] She must go crazy on their birthdays.

Yep, so this year I made her promise not to get them

more than six gifts.

-Oh! -Apiece.

[Lilimae] Now, a big birthday smile for guma.

Come on.

Smile!

Oh, now, how am I going to get a picture of you two?

Now, for guma, one picture with your hair neat.

[twins giggling]

Oh, now, that's not fair.

Just one for guma. One for guma.

Now, how am I-- I might just forget--

I might just forget where I left those other birthday presents.

Oh, a little more... perfect.

-Is that right? -Yeah.

-Good. -Oh!

-That's alright. -Alright.

Who else are we waiting for? Oh, yeah, Greg.

I forgot to tell you. He...

-What? -He's planning to come by.

-I hope I didn't-- -No, of course not.

It's just that I-- I thought that it would be nice for Meg.

Karen, I said it was fine, and it's fine.

[doorbell ringing]

Could be him.

Oh, go, kids. Go get the door.

-[doorbell ringing] -Whoop, I got it.

Whoop, I got it. I got it.

I'll get it. I got it.

Al.

Uh, this was, uh, marked "rush."

Uh, I figured it might be important

and couldn't wait 'til Monday.

Yeah, well, thanks for bringing it by on the weekend.

Oh, that's okay. I got a lot of deliveries today.

Al, this looks like your handwriting.

You wrote "rush."

Yeah, like I said, it looked important.

-What's going on here? -A birthday party.

The Gibson twins. Yeah.

Oh, those kids?

Al, these are the same forms you dropped off

at the office yesterday.

Yeah? Well, uh, the, uh, messenger service

must have made a mistake.

-It happens. -[Lilimae] Ah!

-Hey. -Oh.

-Hello, Lilimae. -[Lilimae] Oh.

-Al Baker. -[Lilimae] Oh, Mr. Baker.

Uh, those may be

two of the most beautiful grandchildren I've ever seen.

Oh, thank you.

Yeah, well, I, uh, I brought a little something along

for the-- for the party.

I, uh, hope you don't mind.

Well, no, I...

Well, I'll just go get it, then.

Oh, now, don't go to any trouble.

I'm sure you have plenty to do.

No trouble. I've got nothing to do.

Whoop! Hey. Here you go. [laughs]

Where will I find you?

Oh, well, uh, I'll be right here.

Uh, Mack, could you help me with the twins?

Yeah.

They won't sit still for the picture.

-[Mack] I'll get them. -Yeah.

-How old are the kids? -Three.

Three. Oh.

I halfway didn't expect you to come.

Oh, why? Because Paige is here?

I can't live my life avoiding her.

-As much as I'd like to. -Well?

-Well. -Well.

-How's everything going in here? -It's going great.

Good. We'll be ready to light the candles

as soon as Mr. Sumner gets here.

-[doorbell rings] -Oh.

-How's my favorite little-- -Hi.

Gary. Hi.

I brought these by for the twins.

Birthday presents.

Well, you didn't have to, really.

Yeah. I know. Are they here?

Are they here?

Yeah. They're out back.

You're having a birthday party.

Yeah. We are. Just a few friends.

-Excuse me. -Excuse me.

Oh. Al Baker.

Uh, Lilimae-- Mrs. Clements asked me to the party.

-Oh. -Those are beautiful children.

Well, yeah. Thank you.

Uh, can I put these with the rest of the gifts?

Well, sure you can. Right over there on the table.

-Oh. Thank you. -Uh-huh.

I should have called first.

No. That's okay.

Oh. Gary. Hi. I'll take these for you.

There's some food out the back.

Come on in. Why don't you stay for a while?

Thanks.

I think I will.

You've redone the place.

[Lilimae] One more time.

Now, let's count to ten very slowly.

And then I'll help you mess up your hair.

One, two, three,

four, five, six,

seven, eight.

Oh, darlings.

I know what the problem is.

It's this.

This is what's been bothering you, right?

-How did you do that? -Oh, it's a secret.

And...

Isn't this what's been bothering you?

-How did you do that? -[Al] Uh-huh.

You have to be very, very still...

for the magic to work.

See?

And especially, put on a big smile

when guma asks you to put on a big smile.

Alright, now.

Smile for guma.

[Al] Alright.

[camera whirring]

Ah, that's good.

Now, I'll take one with you, with them.

Oh, no, no. That's alright.

Oh, go. The kids will like it.

They will. Go ahead. Please.

That's it. Look up here for the magic.

Alright. Beautiful.

Beautiful.

Ju-- just-- just take the picture, please, Mr.--

Baker.

[camera whirring]

Beautiful.

Hey, nice catch.

Gary, I didn't think you could make it.

I almost didn't. Nobody told me there was a party.

Well, it was all last-minute stuff

like an impromptu party, you know?

-[Karen laughs] -[doorbell rings]

Oh, hi.

I'm so glad you decided to come.

Well, better late than never.

Hey, no offense, pal, but you were invited

just so that Meg would come.

Well, we would have been here earlier,

but she couldn't decide what to wear.

Oh, I'm glad that you're here, both of you.

You're just in time to sing.

Ugh, I don't know, uh,

whether you want to hear me sing,

but maybe Meg will do it.

Oh.

Oh, Michael, could you go on outside

and bring all the kids in?

-Okay. -Oh, could you please

just go and put some candles on this cake?

No problem. Come on.

Just a few friends?

Gregory Sumner counts amongst Bobby's and Betsy's few friends.

It was Karen's idea to invite him.

-Laura is out of town. -Uh-huh. And the guy

from Mack's messenger service also qualifies?

Come on! Gary, he's Mama's guest.

Yeah, you know, I'm not exactly a stranger around here.

I mean, on just about any scale you can think of,

I rank just a little bit higher than--

Gary, stop it, please.

This is a birthday party, for heaven's sake.

And I'm their father, for heaven's sake.

Now, my turn.

Huh, how many hearts are you going to break

by the time you grow up?

-Mack. -[Meg crying]

I figure that by the time

from kindergarten to the eighth grade,

with these eyes, she's good for about a dozen hearts.

-Let me see. -She's broke one already.

So, how's life as a single parent?

Beats mopping hot tar.

Look, um, anytime you want me to take Meg,

you know, an afternoon, a couple of hours, anything,

-I... -Oh, we're doing fine.

I'll tell you what.

Would you tell this daddy of yours,

this Mr. Tough Guy,

that it's okay to take a day off every once in a while,

even if it's from someone like you?

-[Meg crying] -Big tears.

Thanks. But we can handle it until Laura gets back.

Yeah.

You said it yourself, I'm their real father.

Ben is their real father.

[Gary sighs]

Do you even know what that is, Gary?

A real father gets up in the middle of the night,

ten nights in a row.

A real father changes diapers,

and-- and tells them stories and does potty training,

-and is reliable, Gary. -Where is he?

Those children have a real father.

He's my husband.

And the sooner you remember that,

the better off everyone is going to be.

Where is he? Where is their real father?

He's not here right now.

Well, when will he be here?

When will their real father, your real husband, be here?

Hmm?

I don't know.

[sighs]

Why is there a "Ben, we love you" message

on your answering machine?

You're telling the world he's gone, Val.

[Michael] Let's get some cake.

I know you want some cake. Let's go.

-Come on. -[kids whooping]

Woo!

I-- I do thank you for helping with the kids.

Avec plaisir.

Uh, where'd you learn that magic?

I didn't.

I'm the-- I'm the worst magician in the world.

All thumbs.

But the kids want to believe in it, so they do.

Oh.

[Meg crying]

Oh, look at you.

Oh, you're getting so big for your age.

Oh, too bad they can't stay little like this for long.

[Lilimae cooing]

Well, pretty soon they grow up and poof, they're gone.

[adults cooing]

Right you are, so you and Laura be sure

to enjoy her like this while you can.

Oh, sweetheart, little baby.

They can call me Uncle Gary, for all I care.

I just want to see them, to visit with them.

-No. -[Gary] No?

No, it wouldn't be good for them.

It wouldn't be good for them?

Valene, time to light the candles.

I'm coming, Mama.

Not too big a slice of cake this time, sweet pea.

-All that sugar. -Mama, it's their birthday.

Oh, Lilimae is right that all that sugar is bad for kids.

Not only bad for their teeth,

but it can throw them into terrible mood swings.

Well, thank you.

When you're right, you're right.

Having an uncle wouldn't be good for them?

It wouldn't be good for this family, Gary,

and it's up to me.

I don't want you coming here, visiting,

bringing them things, anything.

You're telling me I can't see my own children?

I am telling you, you can't see my children.

[Karen] Val, come on out before. We've already lit the candles.

♪ Happy birthday to you ♪

♪ Happy birthday to you ♪

♪ Happy birthday ♪

♪ Dear Bobby and Betsy ♪

♪ Happy birthday to you ♪

[Mack] Make a wish.

[guests applauding, cheering]

-[Mack] That was beautiful. -[Greg] Yeah.

[Mack] Beautiful.

No, just leave those there, mama.

I'll take that up later.

I'm going to put some of these things in the closet,

save them for a rainy day.

Okay.

Oh, it was such a great party, sweet pea.

Bobby and Betsy had such a good time with Gary.

I mean, he has his faults, but he's a sweet man.

Wasn't it thoughtful of him to remember their birthday?

-Night. -Night, darling.

-Love you. -Love you, too.

[machine beeps]

[Valene] Hi. We're not in right now,

but if you'll please leave your name and number

at the sound of the tone, we'll get right back to you.

Ben...

we love you.

[machine beeps]

[tape squeaking]

[machine beeps]

Hi, this is Valene.

I'm not in right now, but if you'll please leave

your name and number at the sound of the tone,

I'll get back to you as soon as I can.

Thanks for calling.

[machine beeps]

[footsteps approaching]

The kids liked their presents?

I hope so.

I expected you earlier.

Oh, there was a party.

Did you fill up on birthday cake,

or do you have room for dessert?

[both chuckle]

Valene doesn't want me to see the kids anymore.

[sighs]

[birds calling]

-Let's go for a walk. -[Olivia groans]

Okay.

You've been down in the dumps ever since that party,

haven't you?

Paige was there.

Oh, honey, you can't keep avoiding her

for the rest of your life.

You know she lives with your aunt.

I know.

Oh, but every time I see her, I think of Peter.

You said it was gonna get better.

It hasn't.

-It takes time. -Oh, how long?

I don't know.

Thanks.

You know, when you were a little kid,

you always used to ask, "How long?"

"How long 'til we get there?"

"How long 'til Christmas?" "How long do snails live?"

I wish I had all the answers, but I don't.

How long do snails live?

We're gonna have to look that one up, aren't we?

[scoffs]

-Uh, Mother... -Hmm?

You told me about that man that you fell in love with

and he left you.

Was that just a story you made up to make me feel better?

No.

Who was he?

Charles.

Charles?

Charles. Pompous name, isn't it?

What happened between you and Charles?

Oh, it was so long ago, honey.

Mother.

Well...

I-- I thought we were going to get married, but--

but we didn't.

Why not?

We just didn't.

How long 'til you got over him?

How long?

How long do snails live?

[sighs]

We don't believe in saying anything negative...

about people, about food...

or about bodily functions in front of the child.

She'll have plenty of time to develop her own prejudices

when she grows up.

We don't believe in corporal punishment.

If she's in a bad mood,

we just try to distract her.

[Greg] We don't want her to have sugar at this age.

Only what comes natural in fruit,

no candies or cookies.

We don't use perfumed lotions or creams.

She has sensitive skin. She's a redhead like her mother.

You understand this is a temporary position,

until her mother gets back.

[gasps] Oh, Lord, you scared me to death.

Well, the children are at nursery school.

I didn't bring these for the kids.

Oh.

Well, thank you.

They are sort of pretty.

And-- and whenever you want to, you can store them.

Well, that is handy.

I-- I think I'll take advantage of that right now,

because I was-- I was just about to leave.

Hmm.

Can-- can you believe

that-- that I used that as a prop?

What?

I mean, can you believe that I thought that

if I were going to ask you to have dinner with me tonight

that I would use that to help

kind of break the ice?

That I just couldn't walk up here and say...

Lilimae...

will you have dinner with me tonight?

I-- I'm fixing chicken

for the family tonight, Mr. Baker.

Al.

I'm fixing chicken for the family tonight, Al.

-Tomorrow night? -Tomorrow?

[Al] Before you start making up excuses,

I want to warn you...

that if you don't accept, I'll keep coming back here

and forcing you to...

make up excuses,

and you'll start feeling guilty about lying.

But if you just have dinner with me,

we'll find out whether or not we hit it off.

If we do, you won't have to make up any more excuses.

If we don't...

I won't be back.

In either case,

you can keep the flowers.

Tomorrow, um...

Well, I believe I am free tomorrow night.

I'll pick you up at six.

Fine.

Oh, I thought you were leaving.

Oh, yes, I was.

Well, after you.

Lord.

There are three more women from the agency, sir.

-Do you have children? -Yes.

Good.

-You do it. -Me?

Yeah.

You're better qualified than I am.

You pick her.

I believe it's bottled.

Yes?

I think they use bottled lemon juice.

Oh. [laughs]

I don't mean to seem ungrateful.

I mean, it really is very good for store-bought.

[laughs] It's okay. You can say whatever you want.

I didn't make it.

It was so nice of you asking me out, Gary.

You know, I've been getting so many invitations lately.

I'll have to start keeping a social calendar.

No, your invitation was very kind...

and curious.

Well, Lilimae, I-- I don't have to have

an ulterior motive to ask you out to lunch.

Well, you don't have to...

but you do, don't you?

I'm not saying the twins need a man around the house.

I mean, it's old-fashioned to talk that way,

and nobody could ever replace their father,

but... [sighs]

I'd just like to see them sometimes.

Well, I think that's a wonderful idea.

You know, two kids are a handful.

I mean, one kid is a handful, but two.

We could use a little rest from them every now and then.

Val said I couldn't see them.

She did?

Well, maybe it's too soon yet.

I mean, just give her a little time.

-She'll come around. -No, I don't think so.

Maybe you could say something to her.

That wouldn't work, Gary.

Whenever I suggest something,

it makes Val want to do just the opposite.

Well, I just want to visit them.

I understand.

Maybe I could come by when she's not there.

Gary, I have to do what Val says.

But she's wrong.

They're her kids.

Lilimae...

I don't know what happened to Ben,

but I know you don't think he's coming back,

and I'd never tell you this if he were.

[sighs]

I'm their father.

Those kids are mine.

[dramatic music playing]

-Hi. -Are the twins napping?

Mm, yes.

They just this minute fell asleep.

Boy, they sure know how to make a mess.

Why didn't you tell me Gary is their father?

What'd you think I'd do, scold?

You're my daughter.

You're supposed to come to me for help.

I didn't need any help.

Did Ben know?

Yes.

Well, he was a great father,

but he's not here, and Gary is.

I'm not interested in your opinion.

Because it's true? I mean, Gary is here.

Those are his kids, and he wants to help.

I don't want his help.

Oh, no, you're too proud to let people help you,

just like you wouldn't tell me when you got pregnant.

What has that got to do with it, Mama?

I can raise my children on my own.

Well, they could use more help.

Why don't you think of them?

This is none of your business.

No, just like telling me

who the real father was was none of my business.

Yes, because I knew you would act

just like you're acting now.

I kn-- I knew that you'd have some ridiculous idea

that you're gonna get Gary and me back together again,

and I'm telling you, that is never gonna happen.

Oh, no, that's what you're really terrified of, because--

It is not!

You don't have Abby standing between you and Gary anymore,

and you're afraid something could happen.

That is ridiculous. I'm not even listening to you.

But you are keeping those kids from seeing their father.

Shh!

-Ben is their father. -He's gone.

Ben is gone, and Gary's here.

Alright, Mama, look.

What if they become attached to him?

You know that Gary's been going out of his way

to make them like him.

Then what?

Well, they could use the extra attention.

Where's the harm in that?

Yes, but what if he gets bored with them,

or it gets to be too much work, or he stops coming by?

What then?

I mean, how do I explain that to them?

How many fathers do you think

that those children can afford to lose?

It sounds to me like you're afraid

Gary might walk out on you again.

We are not talking about me!

Are you sure?

We are talking about my children!

Yours and Gary's?

Are you sure you don't love him?

It's, uh, it's the park by McMillan Road.

I don't think we'll be there long.

Betsy's getting a cold.

But if you come around 2:00,

uh, we can spend a little time together.

[Gary chuckles]

[insects chirping]

Hmm.

Hey.

Hey.

-Hi. -Where's her hat?

Oh, I looked in the closet.

-I didn't see one. -Oh, then ask.

[nanny] Okay. I will next time.

[Greg] Where's her sunscreen?

Oh.

[Greg] The pediatrician says that, uh,

she should wear sunscreen.

I'm sorry. I didn't know that you used it.

Everybody knows that.

I mean, there's a whole piece about it

in the Sunday Times, don't you read?

I'm sure that I can learn your routine.

I mean, there's always a period of adjustment at the beginning.

I, uh, don't think so. Not this time.

[groans]

[keys clacking]

[Karen] This is a woman in a bikini.

I thought we were selling Lotus Point as a family resort.

How do you know she doesn't have two children?

-Abby. -Karen.

Are you saying that women with children aren't attractive?

If she's the mother of two,

let's put the two kids beside her,

with sand pails and shovels.

Karen, don't you understand something?

Business is lousy here.

If we don't bring in some paying customers very soon,

there won't be any Lotus Point for the children to come to.

I'm not saying I don't want children here.

I'm just saying that children don't sell a resort.

Professional men aren't going to book their conventions here

if they think that kids are going to be

running through the lobby, spreading sand all around.

That's an awful stereotype.

Professional organizations don't just include men.

And there are a lot of fathers who would love a chance

to go on a trip with their kids.

Name one.

I can't approve the ad.

Well, yours isn't the only vote here.

Have you found Gary yet?

Well, th-- have him call me

the minute he comes in, alright?

[Lilimae whooping]

There we go.

-Bobby-- -Hey, Lilimae.

-Oh, hi there, Gary. -Hey, Bobby.

-How you doing? -Look who is here.

-Hi, Betsy. -Oh!

Come here. Give us a hug.

Hold that, will you? Come here, fella.

Yow! My gosh, how much do you guys weigh?

Listen, I've got something for you.

But you've got to share it, okay?

Oh, look at that. Aren't you a lucky boy and a girl.

Okay, good. Good. Come on, you little monkeys.

Go on. Go over there and play.

Go on.

Now, how am I going to explain that ball to Val?

[chuckles]

Well, um...

[upbeat music plays over speakers]

i! Mind if I join you?

Or am I, uh...

interrupting something?

No, no.

Oh, haven't seen you around here lately.

I've been busy. My music.

Oh, I envy you.

I don't have anything to do anymore.

Oh, that's too bad.

[Paige] How's the water?

Wet.

Oh, I'd forgotten

what lousy company you can be, Michael.

That's the nicest thing you've said to me in months.

[Paige laughing]

Kick it. Attaboy.

Oh, yeah, good, Bobby. Okay.

Whoa, Betsy. Oh!

Oh, got it, Bobby. Here you go.

Alright, there you go. Kick it this way.

Oh, what are you doing? You're k*lling me here.

Wait a minute. Come on. Kick it this way.

-[kids laughing] -Oh! Ah!

Ah! Ah!

Ah! You guys are k*lling me.

Why don't you go over there and play on the slide, okay?

I'll be over there in a little bit.

Yeah, thanks.

[kids shouting happily]

[Lilimae laughing]

Oh. Oh.

I gotta tell you, if I'm gonna spend any more time

with these two, I gotta get in shape.

They can wear themselves out for a while.

-[Lilimae laughs] -My God.

What are you laughing at? You're not the one

over there kicking the ball or chasing the ball.

[upbeat music playing]

Aah!

Someone's-- someone's drowning!

Someone's drowning! Go get get help!

Help! Someone's drowning!

Someone's drowning! Someone's drowning!

[tense music plays]

woman gasping, crying out]

[woman screams]

-[passerby] Are you okay? -[Michael] Yeah.

-[passerby] Here. -[woman coughing]

Watch it. Watch it. Watch it.

Okay.

You okay?

I'm a perfectly good swimmer.

Must have been the undertow.

Yeah, could have fooled me.

You alright?

Yeah.

[coughs]

Betsy has such coordination.

I mean, a little Olympic champion.

And Bobby, well, I mean, he has such concentration.

He can sit and draw for hours and hours.

-[Gary laughs] -[twins screaming]

[Gary grunts]

[Bobby squealing]

-Do it again, Gary. -[Gary grunts]

[Betsy squealing]

Gary! You alright?

[Gary grunts and breathes heavily]

[giggling] Hey, you're silly.

[Gary gasping]

[insects chirping]

[Valene] Give it to Mommy.

Oh, that's good.

But, you know, you could make two trips,

and that way you don't drop anything.

-Oh! -Oh, Mama, well, well, well.

Now, both of you give guma a hug.

Oh, oh, oh.

I'm going to be home long after you're fast asleep,

but I'll come in and give you a special kiss.

Mmm.

Oh, I had such a good time with you two today.

-And Gary. -And Gary.

Okay, kids, go on upstairs and get your jammies on,

and Mama will be up in just a minute and help you.

-Nighty-night. -Nighty-night.

Mama, wait a minute.

Huh?

Where was Gary? At the park?

Now, wasn't that a coincidence?

Mama, how dare you?

Now, what are you accusing me of?

Letting the kids get to know their father?

[gasps] What an awful thing to do.

Mama, you know good and well.

I told you, I didn't want him seeing those children.

And it was a good thing Gary was there, too,

because those kids might have been hurt.

What are you talking about?

Well, Gary hurt himself trying to help them.

Help them what?

Well, he thought they were in danger.

-And were they? -No.

Well, then?

But Gary was willing to risk injury to save them.

Mama, what are you talking about?

-You-- -[doorbell rings]

Oh.

Oh.

You look lovely tonight, Lilimae.

Well, thank you.

You look good yourself.

Oh, Mrs. Gibson.

Mr. Baker. Nice to see you again.

-Mama? -[Lilimae] Huh?

Is Gary alright?

Well, if you call a sprained shoulder

or maybe a busted finger alright,

I guess he's just fine.

-Night, sweet pea. -Night.

Don't wait up.

[party music playing]

This is my favorite place. You like it?

Yeah, I do. Yeah, it's nice.

Uh, we can go somewhere else if you'd like.

No, no, no, no. This is great.

-This is great. -Okay.

-Are you sure? -Yeah.

I'm sure.

So-- so what do you feel like having?

What do they have here?

-Um, hamburgers. -Hamburgers?

-Mm-hmm. -And...

-Hamburgers. -Hamburgers.

My kind of place.

[insects chirping]

[car whirring]

I thought we were going to your place.

This is my place.

I live here.

You have a home in the woods?

Home is where the heart is.

Also, where my car is.

You-- you live in your car?

Beats paying rent.

You, I figure to be the big band type.

[jazz music plays over speakers]

Thank you.

Well, well.

-You want some more? -Oh. No, I'm full.

Mmm.

Let me. I sort of feel like I owe you.

Look, I'm sure you would have made it to shore

by yourself.

No, Michael, I couldn't have.

Not without your help.

But i-- if I hadn't saved you,

I'm sure somebody else would have.

But you did.

Well...

Look, don't be embarrassed

just because you did something great.

I'm not embarrassed.

Yes, you are.

Just because I paid you a compliment.

I'm not embarrassed.

I'm nervous.

Nervous?

Uh, you wouldn't think it, would you?

A man of my age and experience.

Well...

why nervous?

Well, you tell me. [chuckles]

Starlight, candlelight, nature...

a beautiful woman at my side.

Stop.

[chuckling] Now you're embarrassed.

[chuckles]

I'm not embarrassed.

Oh, sure.

Look, I'm not embarrassed.

I just think that you're making too much out of it.

There were a lot of other people out there trying to help.

You were a hero, Michael.

Come on.

Thank you.

You're welcome.

You're flattering me.

No, I don't flatter.

I'm not the type.

I'm always in trouble for telling the truth.

Right now...

I'm in trouble.

[jazz music playing]

[birds chirping]

[Karen] What happened to you?

Uh, I saved thousands of people

from certain death.

If you'd have been here at work yesterday

like you were supposed to be,

it wouldn't have happened, right?

Well, thank you, Sister Mary.

Good advice. Let me see the ad copy.

-[Abby vocalizing] -Ah.

[laughs]

This is the mother of two?

And she bakes cookies for the PTA

and sings in the church choir.

Come on, guys. What sells, sells.

Yeah, well, that'll sell.

Alright!

But does it sell what we want it to sell?

Good question.

-Oh, Gary. -It is a good question.

We have an image here that we have to--

Karen, save the sermon, alright?

[knocking on door]

Come on in. Everybody else has.

-[Karen] Hi! -Hi, there.

How are you? Oh, easy, easy.

Come on up here. Whoa.

[Valene] I hope we're just not interrupting anything important.

No, we're just trying to keep this place afloat.

It can wait.

-Sorry. -No problem.

We'll talk about this later, huh?

Well, this is a pleasant surprise.

Well, the kids have something that they want to tell you.

Yeah? That's a great drawing.

Did you do this for me?

-Yeah. -Yeah.

Huh! Jackson Pollock lives, hmm?

Tell him our other surprise.

-[Gary] What other surprise? -Uncle Gary.

Yeah.

Tell him, hon.

What are we gonna call him

when he comes over to visit us from now on, huh?

Uncle Gary.

Uncle-- Uncle Gary.

-[Valene chuckles] -[knocking on door]

Hi.

[both] Hi.

I brought lunch.

Huh.

-[Betsy] Hmm. -[Valene] Hmm.

[Valene and Gary laughs]

Well, I'm sure we can adjust the seating

in the conference room.

Would you take this to Abby, please?

Now, we have several tapes to show.

Do you have video equipment?

Yes, we could arrange that.

Uh, three-quarter or half-inch?

-Um, half-inch. -Good.

Here's a list of what we need.

Oh, there's no problem here.

We, uh, we do require



Well, I'll, uh, go over the package with my boss...

...and we'll get back to you this afternoon.

Great. I'll show you out.

Well, call me if you have any questions.

-I will. -Is that your boss?

-Yes. -Maybe he'd like to look around.

Hi, I'm Karen MacKenzie.

I'm one of the owners here, and I just think that--

Karen.

I-- Abby, you're not gonna believe this.

Well, I don't believe

that you consider this an ad campaign.

We're not running a Sunday school.

-Abby-- -I don't give a damn--

What?

[ominous music plays]

Charles.

[announcer] Next on Knots Landing.

Maybe we could get together later tonight.

For old times' sake.

Don't you have second thoughts

about your date with Gary.

It is the right thing to do.

Mama, it is not a date

with Gary, and you know that.

He's just coming over here to see the kids.

-Oh-- -So stop it.

Don't be ridiculous.

I am not being ridiculous.

Lilimae, marry me.

[dramatic music playing]

[theme music plays]

[music continues]