Romance at Hope Ranch (2026) Movie Script
1
I think that's everything.
What? No, I'm
gonna help you unpack.
You're moving a whole house.
Okay. We both have a lot
going on right now, but...
I hope your freshman year
is as magical as you are.
I'm so proud of you.
Thanks.
He's always here with me.
Well, you got your
smarts from him.
And he would have loved to
have been here with you.
You said you wouldn't cry.
I'm not crying. You're crying.
It's just... it's just desert dust. That's
what... we're not in Denver anymore.
Definitely not.
You are gonna
crush it this year.
Thanks, Mom.
I love you so much.
I love you too.
And besides, I'll see you in a
couple weeks for the Giddy Up Gala.
Oh yeah. Wait, what's
happening? Are you...
Are you kicking me out?
Never
Oh.
Bye.
Bye.
Let's do this.
Lori's Coffee and
Floral Shop, this is Lori.
You've got Hope's
Ranch, this is Hope.
You made it!
How was the drive?
How was the college drop off?
Tell me everything.
The day has been great.
But I am standing here...
at the gate...
Literally about to
step into my new life.
So exciting.
I can't believe it.
II can't believe it's real
I have dreamed about
this for so long.
Ugh
You deserve it,
Hope. You really do.
And you know, it's exactly
like I remember it as a kid.
The bright sun feels warm
and the dusty trails...
Cute cowboys?
Yes.
I'm sure you'll meet one of
those at the Giddy Up Gala.
You're still coming in
a couple weeks, right?
Oh, I wouldn't miss it.
Are you sure you don't
need me to come early?
Help you move in, set up?
I've made a plan.
I am totally prepared.
You always are.
Hey, Hope. Um...
Sorry. Hey, someone
just walked in.
I'll talk to you later, okay?
Okay. Well,
I'll let you go then.
Alright, love you.
Well, I see you
haven't changed your mind.
Changed my mind about what?
I mean, the boots are a
little bit tight, but...
he said they'd break in.
You're really
committed to the whole...
bit.
It's not a bit, Lori.
I'm not only a businessman,
I'm a business owner now, okay?
They expect me to look the part.
When are you
gonna tell her, Jack?
You've been down
here for months.
I know. I will. I will.
I just want to get everything set
up and running smoothly, you know?
It'll all just fall into place.
Oh, it's gonna
fall. One way or another.
You know what?
You are something else.
You're my little sister. You're
supposed to be supportive.
What?
Just tell her, okay?
Okay.
Tell her.
Bye.
This is the perfect place
for the Giddy Up Gala.
Hi, buddy.
You need a little extra?
You want a little more?
You're such a good
boy. Here you go.
We're gonna split this.
How about, 'cause
you already had some.
And you can get some too.
How about you, Ranger?
You need a little
extra breakfast?
Huh.
Ma'am?
Whoa, careful there.
Oh!
Apologies. Sorry.
Oh, I'm so sorry!
My fault.
I didn't mean to...
Podcast?
Country music.
Tom Grayson.
Oh, nice
to meet you. I'm...
Hope Morgan.
Perfect.
Hope Ranch.
Exactly.
Doing this all on my own, so I
guess I am taking after my name. I'm...
hopeful.
I'm so sorry, I got...
Oh, you're fine.
No, you're fine.
All over you.
Yeah, no.
Uh, I'm about a
mile down the road.
Grayson's Cattle Ranchers.
Figured we couldn't
stay strangers for long.
It's nice to meet you, neighbor.
Nice to meet you.
Uh, well I hear you're getting the
Giddy Up Gala back up and running.
Yeah.
Yeah, I'm really
excited about it.
It's gonna be my first
weekend with guests.
But I'm excited for the town.
I thought I could bring
back some of the old magic.
Great.
Uh...
Well listen, um... you know...
or you already are doing...
um...
if you need a hand or if you have
any questions or anything, I'm...
uh...
down the road.
Yeah.
About a mile?
Yeah, I...
I said that already.
Oh, you know what?
Actually I do have a question.
About... how much do you
know about horse feed?
Uh, got about six of 'em that
can't get enough of the stuff.
Perfect. Thank you.
So, mine haven't been
worked a lot lately...
and so I was thinking they
couldn't handle such rich feed.
I ordered something new from
Highwater Tack and Feed...
but they sent the wrong stuff
and I just didn't know...
It's got a lot of corn.
Yours is probably better
suited for roughage.
Right, I was thinking high fiber,
low sugar, maybe a balancer pellet?
You certainly know your stuff.
Well...
I grew up on my grandparents'
ranch in Arizona.
And they would bring me to the Giddy
Up Gala every summer when I was a kid.
I brought my daughter here.
We love it.
So I'll just call the
Highwater and switch it...
Probably should go in person.
Why's that?
It's the new owner.
He's a little more
hat than he is cattle.
He's learning the ropes.
He messed up my supply
of salt licks...
Got it.
And I'm still
waiting on the right ones.
So...
Okay. Thank you.
I'm heading there
tomorrow if you want to join.
Yeah, yeah, that'd be nice.
Rulebook Weaver.
Nice enough guy, just thinks
his clipboard is his badge.
I'll see you tomorrow.
It was, um...
nice to meet you, Hope.
Nice to meet you too.
Well, hello.
I'm Hope Morgan. Um...
how can I help you?
County Inspector Dave Weaver.
Welcome to Ruidoso.
Thanks. Thanks.
Thrilled to be here.
But I sort of thought that the
ranch already passed inspection.
Last owners, they rebuilt
that whole barn...
and I mean turned it into
an amazing event space.
I love how they kept the old facade on the
outside, but when you go in it's brand new.
Oh, it did pass.
So, uh...
the Giddy Up Gala.
The mayor said you were planning
on bringing back our beloved tradition.
Yep.
Sure do miss it.
Had some of the best times
of my life on this very land.
Yeah, I feel the same way.
And I think a lot of other people do too
because I have so many reservations...
to stay here for the gala.
That's great, really.
Um, the barn
definitely passes...
but the house and the stables...
the last owners never got around
to retrofitting anything else.
Oh.
Here is
an inspection checklist...
that I'll cross off
before the big day.
Um...
Parking...
needs to be away
from mud holes...
and lighting the pathways...
Shouldn't be too much to do
before the Giddy Up Gala.
If you get a couple of...
helping hands, you know?
Now, let's see when I can
schedule you in for...
How is the morning of the 25th?
Oh no, that's
the day of the gala.
Oh, well
how about the afternoon then?
Of the 25th?
No, I was hoping maybe we
could do it before that.
The 25th is the first
opening I've got.
I'm sure you're planning
on passing the inspection.
It shouldn't be a problem.
Right.
Right. You're right.
I'm sure it'll be fine. So...
that'll be great.
Really looking forward to it.
All of Ruidoso is.
It's the talk of the town.
I'll see you in a
couple of weeks.
Okay.
Good morning, ladies.
Come on out.
Everybody out.
There you go. There you go.
Everybody out.
There you go.
Enjoy your breakfast, ladies.
Okay.
You're all clean.
Good boy.
Yeah.
Such a good boy.
Okay, go out.
Enjoy the pasture.
You too, buddy.
You look beautiful.
Oh, and your mane
looks beautiful.
Go for it.
And you, Ranger.
Nope.
Still don't like to be pet, huh?
Alright. Alright.
Let me just take your
halter off. Don't get mad.
Alright.
Ranger, when you're ready you
can come join us in the pasture.
Well, you were
right about Inspector Dave.
He is nice...
but very strict.
He gave me a whole to-do list of things
I have to accomplish before the gala.
This looks great.
Oh.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
Hi. Welcome
to Highwater.
Smell of pine and leather, huh?
Nothing like it.
Add the aroma of southern barbecue
in the mix and it smells just like home.
Do you cook?
I'm no Michelin chef, but...
I know my way around a grill.
I got this secret family
recipe for barbecue sauce
you'd have to taste to believe.
I look forward to it.
Feed's straight ahead.
Oh, right.
Great.
Thank you. I think this is it.
Yeah.
You check the ingredients, I'm
gonna go see about my salt licks.
Okay.
Anything I can help you with?
Howdy there partner, welcome
to Highwater Tack and Feed.
No.
Okay. No problem.
No, no, sorry. The no wasn't
for you. The no was because...
Sorry about that.
You must be the new owner.
Yes sir, that's me.
Welcome to
town. I'm Tom Grayson.
Thank you.
I'm Jack. Nice to meet you.
Hate to complain first
time meeting you, but...
If you're looking for
grooming brushes, we have stock.
Shush.
I'm here about some mineral blocks I
ordered some time ago. Under Grayson.
Mineral blocks under Grayson.
Now is that Hope Morgan?
Jack Bennett.
You two...
know each other?
Yeah! No!
I mean, we used to.
Well, you haven't changed a bit.
Ugh!, I've
changed a lot.
You're the one who
hasn't changed.
I'm gonna go...
back to the stockroom?
Okay.
Yeah, I'm gonna...
go talk to...
someone.
Sounds good.
That's weird.
No one out there. I don't
know what he's doing.
What are you doing here?
Came here to win you back, Hope.
No, seriously.
What are you doing in Ruidoso?
Oh, you are looking at the new
proprietor of Highwater Tack and Feed.
Did Lori tell you
that I had moved here?
No.
Oh.
Okay, listen.
She mentioned it, but...
She let something slip and then
you got the whole story out of her.
No, Hope.
What happened was,
when we opened up our
second office in Denver...
it became obvious to me...
Obviously you're still running.
For what you want, when you want
it. Well, I don't want to be in that race.
I never did.
No, you were always
the finish line, Hope.
Listen...
Hi.
Welcome in.
When I sold my share of
Pinnacle Finance to Simone...
I took a road trip
through New Mexico.
I stumbled upon this tack
and feed shop that was for sale
and I thought...
I've arrived.
You are looking at Ruidoso's
newest citizen, Hope.
That's crazy.
Don't you think?
Don't you realize that that's just
totally reckless and completely...
Romantic?
Is that what
you were going to say?
You were always the
one hoping. Look at this.
It's like fate brought
us together or something.
The timing's right,
we're both here.
Timing?
You always loved a sequel.
You know we haven't even
exchanged Christmas cards in a decade.
Oh.
But you do love big romantic
gestures, right? And this is pretty big.
So you thought
you'd just buy this place,
Move to Ruidoso, and
then I'd come in one day and...
what, throw myself in your arms
like at the end of Dirty Dancing?
Uh, wait, so is
that... is that a no?
Yes! I
mean, no! I mean...
Do you know what I mean?
Okay.
Okay. The point is,
that's why it didn't
work the first time.
And that's why it
didn't work the second time
When we tried the
long distance thing.
And that's why it
wouldn't work now
because there's never any
communication with you!
Okay, I mean I could...
I do need to order
two 50-pound bags of the
Meadow Mix horse feed.
Two 50 of the
Meadow Mix. You got it.
Thank you.
And technically it
would have been a trilogy.
Oh. Right.
Trilogy. You hear that?
She wants a trilogy.
Hello?
Your brother moved to Ruidoso.
Ugh, I know.
Are you sleeping?
I sleep in on Sundays.
Tuesdays are my Sundays.
Why didn't you
tell me about Jack?
Ugh, I'm sorry.
I know. I know, but...
after you two broke up, he
would not stop asking about you.
He asked about me?
All the time.
Is he wearing the cowboy boots?
And the hat? And a buckle?
And his jeans are too tight?
He's still in love
with you. He always has been.
Don't you wonder what could have
been if you two had stayed together?
Ugh, no. No I don't
because I know exactly
What would have happened.
It would have been a mess.
And look, here we
are now, in a mess.
Alright, I have a million things
to do for the Giddy Up Gala
And I should get started.
Well, I can come early and help.
Oh, no. One Bennett in
this town is enough for now.
But I can't wait
to see you in a few weeks.
And you're not gonna tell him
that we talked about this, right?
I would never.
I'm serious.
Talk to you later.
Bye.
Toodles.
How did you get out?
Or in?
Pleading the fifth, I see.
Alright.
Let's get you back
to your friends.
Come on, girl.
Are you kidding me right now?
The coop is still closed.
How did you get out?
Okay!
Chokecherries.
Well Ranger, look
who decided to join us.
Aww.
Hi.
You wanna try a chokecherry?
No. Okay.
I thought you might like it.
Well, you guys enjoy
your graze. I've got work to do.
Is this a command post?
Hey! This
is private property.
Sorry, I brought
your... your feed, ma'am.
Same day delivery. Is that a new
service the High Water is offering?
Yeah, yeah, just
for our VIP clients, so.
Besides, I didn't
want you to hurt yourself
Trying to move this 250
pound barrel of feed.
I ordered two 50-pound bags.
Yeah, I know, two fif...
Oh my gosh, two 50...
That is the difference
between hearing and listening.
No, that's actually what you call an
honest mistake. That's what that is.
What's going on here?
Lot of paperwork,
Huh? I know how you love that.
You want a hand or something?
No. I am happy to be doing
this and I don't need help.
Okay. Thought I'd
ask if you did, right?
Ruidoso is a
special place to me.
I came here for a fresh
start. And now you're here.
Bringing back
what we thought we lost?
Okay, okay, I'm just kidding.
Hey, I will be back with the
proper allotment of feed, okay?
No! Don't come back.
You don't have to deliver it.
I want to though. I mean
if you... if you want me to.
Okay. I'm going.
Can I just say that this is
great though? You're great.
You look great. Ranch life
suits you. It really does.
Suits me too, right? Prob...
that's what you were thinking
But you just weren't
looking at me.
Right? There she is. Ha ha
ha ha! Whoop! I'll be back.
Help me.
Everything tastes better
when you grow it yourself.
Yeah, I think
that's true. Hello.
Um, I'm getting to work on
planting a bunch of stuff,
But I already have chokecherries
growing in the pasture.
My favorite.
Mine too. Eventually
I hope I have enough
To feed everyone on my ranch.
That's fantastic.
Hi. I'm uh... I'm Hope.
Hi, Hope. It's so nice to
finally meet you in real life.
I'm Mayor Winona.
Oh, you're
the mayor. Wow. Hi.
Thank you so much for
your very welcoming emails
Of course. It's always
exciting to have a new resident,
but the one that's gonna bring
back the biggest party of the year
I am thrilled.
Me too.
So, I heard our inspector
made his way over to you.
Wow, you already
heard about that.
Small town, word
gets around. Plus, you know,
Dave's desk is right next
to mine.
Of course. Okay, well don't
worry. I have it all planned out.
I have a to-do list
charted so that I can get
Everything up to code
and pass the inspection.
You are organized.
Comes from working
in PR for a long time.
Well, I hate
to add to your to-do list,
But um... unfortunately
I have to.
Let's see. Event permit,
food and beverage license,
regulatory insurance
for accommodation,
and zoning permits.
Just, you know.
All that for a couple
hayrides and a bonfire?
The Giddy
Up Gala is gonna attract
Everyone from
Ruidoso and beyond.
It's been ten years
since we had one.
And we all have such
amazing memories of it.
Yeah. Yeah, well I'm
hoping this is the best one yet.
And it will be. And I'm
sure you have plenty of help.
I mean, I heard your ex-husband
just bought the High Water.
Word does travel
fast in that town.
Um, he is my ex, but
we were never married.
Don't you worry. I don't
need help. I can handle it.
Great.
Thank you so much
You bet.
Have a great day.
You too.
All right Ranger, it
is you and me buddy. We're...
They're gone.
Thank you so much.
I so appreciate this.
Anytime.
You ready?
Yeah, I'm ready.
Hey guys!
Jack?
Hey Jack.
Hope, I got your feed. Just
point me towards the horses.
Oh, well I can't do that because
They have escaped the pasture.
Oh.
Yeah, we're heading
out right now to wrangle 'em.
We'll wrangle 'em, huh?
Real cowboy stuff. All right.
Well if you need a
hand, I'm happy to help.
Oh, you don't really ride
And I don't have a
horse to lend you.
I got Old Betsy
here, I can keep up.
Horses don't like loud machines.
Right.
Listen, I'm so sorry.
Will you just put the
feed in the stable for me?
Thank you so much.
Uh-huh, yeah. For sure.
There.
Yep, I see 'em.
Come on. Let's go there.
Whoa, boy. Just relax.
You're okay. You're okay.
Hey.
Put your head up
Good boy.
That's my boy
See? Now you're safe and sound.
One down, three to go.
You know Rangers not going
to give up with a fight.
Ah, he'll come around.
You have a way with
difficult ones, I can tell.
Thank you.
Let's take him back and
then we'll go look for Ranger.
All right, good boy.
You could be training horses at
Ruidoso Downs with skills like that.
Well, I could certainly
use the purse from that race.
Now look who I found.
I don't know what
y'all are talking about.
Ranger's the best
horse out there.
Of course he listens to you.
He just misunderstood.
Isn't that right buddy? Huh?
There he goes.
Hey, your feed's
beside the stalls.
Thank you, Jack.
Happy to help.
He's uh... my ex.
I mean we were never married.
And I don't know what
he's doing in Ruidoso.
Um... anyway, thank
you so much for everything.
I'm sure I should let
you get back to work.
And I'm gonna head out,
hand out some invitations.
Invitations?
Yeah, I thought I'd go
introduce myself to our neighbors
and invite them to the
Giddy Up Gala in person.
Let them know it's back on.
In that nice shiny new SUV?
Yeah. What?
Oh, they may not
take you too seriously.
You have a better idea?
Wow!
Good, it's still here.
This is so cool.
Want me to check under the hood
make sure it's still breathing?
Oh. No.
Gotta figure out how to
do these things on my own.
If I don't do it
now, I never will.
Okay, well I'm out.
Hey, um... thanks
for your help today.
What are neighbors for?
Whoa! Hey!
How did you...
Alright. I guess
we'll just have to stop by
the chicken coop on our way out.
I'm uh... do you have the keys?
No?
Oh. Got it.
Well it makes noise.
Let's hope this thing drives.
Hmm. Um...
Oh, hi. I wanted to
invite you to the Giddy Up Gala.
Hope I see you there.
Oh! Hi. Please
come to our Giddy Up Gala.
We would be thrilled
to see you there.
Have a nice day.
Hello sir. I hope you'll
meet us at the Giddy Up Gala.
Hi. We're bringing
Giddy Up Gala back
so we hope we see you there.
Oh sir, we would
love to have you join us at
Hope Ranch for
the Giddy Up Gala.
Oh no.
(engine spluttering
What's going on?
Ah
(engine powers down
What are you laughing at?
Oh
Oh no.
Oh no.
Nope. Nope. You're
going the wrong way. Come on.
Over here.
Nope, nope, not you. This way.
Ah!
You don't want to be
picked up, then just go inside.
Like that one. Yes!
You're the best.
Okay?
Look at that, I did it!
How did you do that?
Okay. Okay.
I think you need your own name.
You know, you're small
and mighty, but you're...
very good at magically
appearing out of nowhere.
And you are an expert at escape.
You're...
Houdini.
That's perfect.
Aw
Oh! Sorry.
Oh.
Hi!
- Hi, Mom.
Big day. You
excited about homecoming?
I don't think I'm gonna go.
What?
You were so excited about it.
Yeah, and
then this week happened.
I've got like two exams next
week and three more after that.
Okay.
So what do you want to
do? Like, find a tutor?
No. I'll be fine.
You can talk to me, Mags.
Just taking all
these extra classes was a lot.
A lot more work than I
thought it was gonna be.
Hey. You got this.
Okay?
And... and I'm here for
you. Whatever you need.
I'll be
fine. I'm just.
Having a moment.
What are diamonds made of?
Coal.
Maggie.
Pressure.
That's right.
You can only
take one test at a time
and you can work with
a tutor all the way.
Yeah, but I can't
exactly bring the tutor
into the exam room with me, Mom.
I know that.
But you could work with someone
all the way up until
the last minute, right?
Listen. Don't be
afraid to ask for help.
I'm okay.
I think I've got it.
But
Thanks
I should probably
get back to my books.
Alright. Well,
I love you very much
and I can't wait to
see you next weekend.
Yeah.
Love you.
Alright.
Guess I should get to it.
Okay.
Nope
Ranger. Come on.
Come on, we're gonna
go out and get some grass.
Whoa.
I'm sorry.
Okay, you hold on. And...
and we'll go in a second, okay?
You just stay right here.
Ranger. Don't you
want to come out with us?
Alright. You can
stay here. You don't have to.
You just come out
whenever you're ready.
Come on,
Chapman. Let's go.
Okay!
Come on, you.
Wash day?
It's actually turning
into wash week at my pace.
Haven't seen you
in town much lately.
Thank you!
There's a lot to do around here.
And truthfully I've been trying
to avoid run-ins with Jack.
No better place than out
here if you want to be alone.
Truth is, every time I try to
leave, ranch just pulls me back in.
It's coming
together though, right?
Yeah. Yeah.
It's not falling
apart at the seams.
I mean...
There's a lot I've
been working on.
I did reinforce the
beams in the barn.
Cleared out some spots for
parking spaces out front.
Laid out the solar
lights for the pathway.
I hired the caterer.
All this while running a ranch?
That's some real cowboy stuff.
It's less than a
third of my to-do list.
Wish I could
tell you it gets easier.
Every night at 8 o'clock,
I am totally fast asleep.
Exhausted.
But I couldn't love it more.
But sometimes
it's nice to have a break.
Right?
What about a trail
ride? You want to come with me?
Show me the lay of
the land? You in?
Absolutely.
I'll get the horses.
Trail gets narrow up
here, but the view's worth it.
You know, I've been on a few
trail rides, I haven't seen you out.
Calving season.
Oh.
Yeah. It's like an
alarm clock that never quits.
Up before dawn,
checking the herd.
Gotta make sure
the mamas are okay.
Every once in a while I gotta
pull a calf at 2:00 a.m.
Wow. And you
do that all yourself?
Just like you.
I mean, it would be
easier to have a partner.
Yeah, I um... it's been a
while since I've had a partner.
I'm probably better with
cows than I am crowds.
I didn't mean that
the way that it sounded.
I'm happy with the way things
are for me. I'm happy on my own.
But it would be nice to
share iced tea sometime.
I'd like that.
Wow.
Bet you never get tired of this.
I haven't yet.
Alright ladies.
Come on. Come on.
Bedtime. Time for bed.
Go. Uh-huh.
You got this. You got this.
Yes! Good job. Good job.
And you, Houdini.
Good chicken.
Ow.
Hey buddy. Come on.
Let's just be friends. Don't you
think we could be friends? Come here.
Come here.
Alright. Alright. I'll just...
Give it time.
Not so easy when
you're on the other side, huh?
What?
What's up? Come on now.
Alright. Jack,
what are you doing here?
How you doing?
Oh. Got something for you.
I can't be bought.
I didn't
buy it. I made it.
What?
Wow. I don't know what to say.
Yeah, well I figure
people are gonna want to know
They're in the right place when
they show up next weekend, huh?
It's beautiful. Thank you.
Doesn't mean we're
getting back together.
Doesn't mean we're not though.
You know, I don't have
the energy for this right now.
I... I just have to deal with the
animals and get ready for the gala and...
I have to go back out and
fix the fence in the pasture.
What? Again?
Yeah. Again.
Alright, well... I'll
give you a hand. Let's go do it.
I don't need your help.
Yes, you do. You just don't
want to ask for it. Unless...
Oh, what is uh...
Tom helping you or?
No. He has his
own ranch to take care of.
I just... I have this
under control. It's fine.
Okay. Okay.
Saw a big stack of paperwork by the
front door. Is that under control too?
Now you're snooping?
No, I showed
up with the sign and
Knocked on the front door and
I happened to notice it, that's all.
Right.
Oh, this was... that
was taped to your gate too.
Property tax.
Agricultural
exemption? I...
Yeah, I got the
same thing at Highwater.
See farmers, they'll
defer the payments,
but once the land transfers,
they all come due, so.
I didn't know this was a thing.
Yeah, year after year,
it can really add up too.
I can't come up with
this kind of money in a month.
Should have been a clause in the
sales closing agreement, did you...
I didn't see it.
There was a lot of paperwork.
Alright. Well, tell
you what we're gonna do, Hope.
I'm gonna go back to my...
I don't need you
to figure this out for me.
I know. I'm
just... just saying.
Listen, there
were plenty of times
I did need your help
and you weren't around.
Could have just called me.
We had broken up.
You moved to New York.
I stayed in Denver.
I can do it by myself.
I don't need your help and
I definitely don't need you
Showing up here acting
like you're saving me.
I don't need saving.
I know.
Never said you did.
Never.
You know, sometimes
you just gotta back off
let 'em come to you, Hope.
Talking about the horse.
How did you even get in here?
You know what? I'm
just too tired.
Help yourself.
What did I get myself into?
Stables.
Will this be all for you today?
Yes, thank you.
Her horses
all got loose week one.
Ate all
George Miller's petunias.
And we're trusting her with our
county's most cherished tradition.
I think it's better just to
leave it all in the past.
She's definitely got
Mayor Winona's full support.
So, hopefully she's got all
the help that she can get.
She's gonna need it.
Alright.
They were out of
oat milk, so you get 2%.
Thank you.
No problem.
You have a plumbing issue
or something I can
help you with, ma'am?
The water tank is
fine. My livestock has water.
It's just the house.
Um... it's a pump.
Plumbing. Uh-huh. Pump.
Might need to call in a
professional for that, honestly.
Plumbers charge by the hour.
I'll just ask Tom.
Yeah. Tom to the
rescue. That could work.
Uh, no. It's just
cause he's my neighbor.
No, 100%.
Listen, I'm happy you have
someone you can call for help.
I truly am.
Whatever you
need, put it on her tab.
Jack...
Hey there.
Hey. Well,
that's all of them.
Amazing. Thank you so
much, Mare. I appreciate it.
If you want to thank me, you can come
to the Tumbleweed Two-Step tonight.
Oh yeah?
I need some newbies on the dance floor.
Everybody else already knows all the steps.
Okay.
While you're at it, ask Hope.
She needs a night out
more than she knows.
Is that right?
Well, not with me she
doesn't, I don't think.
Well, maybe not now,
but that doesn't mean never.
You're in Ruidoso.
Things take time here.
And we got lots of it.
At least while you're dancing,
you can put it all down for the night.
Okay.
Is that right? Yeah.
- Okay. Thank you, Mare.
- You bet.
Uh, Tom?
Hey. How did you know I was
having issues with the water?
I ran into Jack in town. He got the
blueprints to all your water stuff here.
Said you were having trouble and
asked me to drop 'em off to you.
There you go. Oh.
The previous owners, they never did fix this thing
right. There's only so much that duct tape can do.
Right.: You don't mind me
being out here though, do you?
No, no, actually, it's great. If
there's anything I can do to help, I will.
No. Um...
Hey, I meant to ask you
about the honky tonk in town?
Yeah. Uh-huh. There's apparently
like a two-step party tonight?
Is it good?
Yeah. It's only the best
time in Ruidoso. I'm going.
Are you gonna go?
Well, only if I get this
whole pump thing fixed.
Well, I mean it ties into my place, so if
I get it fixed, it only helps both of us.
You are the best
neighbor ever. Thank you.
Sure. But, um, I could
probably use some help out here.
Oh, yeah, of course.
No, uh, you wouldn't happen to know anybody with
some long gangly arms that could help me out?
Just one.
Mind if I give Jack a call?
No. But I'll do it. I'll call.
Okay.
High Water Tack and Feed,
we got what you need.
Is that a new
slogan? I like it.
Yeah, I'm trying out a few different ones. High
Water Tack and Feed for your horse and your steed.
We get it to you with speed.
Listen, I just wanted to say
thank you for the blueprints.
Yeah, I thought, you know, they might be of
assistance to you. Didn't want to interfere.
You just wanted to help?
You say that like it's
a bad thing, Hope.
Cause you know
I hate asking for help.
I know. And I know where that comes from. But you're not that
five-year-old girl making mac and cheese on her own anymore.
Raised an amazing daughter on your own. You
got it right, Hope. Just like you wanted to.
Thank you.
But, uh, um, you know,
actually I, uh...
Well, I did call because, um,
I need to ask for your help.
Oh. Listen, I know that was probably tricky to say but
I just gotta hear it one more time. What did you say?
I need your help.
Ah, oh boy. Just once more.
No way, now you're pushing it.
Yes, I'm happy to help. I will be
right over. I'm looking forward to it.
And I got a new tool belt.
I can't wait to break it in.
I'm hanging up now.
Okay. Hey, next time
just call my cell.
Wait. No, that can't be right.
Oh no. Oh no. I'm overbooked.
Double booked.
Uh, um, I
have a problem with booking.
Okay, okay, never mind.
Speak to a representative.
45 minute wait? Unbelievable.
Okay. It's fine. I'll
just wait. I'll just...
Oh, I'll take the neighbor some
flowers. That'll be perfect.
What?
Are you a desert mirage?
Not a mirage, a best friend! Hi!
- I can't believe you're here.
- What? No flowers?
Oh, yeah. Well, I'm still working on it. No,
these are actually for my neighbor, Mr.Miller.
Because my horse got out of the
pasture and trampled his garden.
Oh dear.
Yeah. His name is Ranger. He's a little
bit complicated. Not sure he likes me.
But there is one person he
loves and you know who it is.
Did he call you and
tell you I need to be rescued?
Who? Ranger?
No, no one told me to come, I just missed
you. Why? Do you need to be rescued?
No, but actually Jack and Tom
are fixing a water issue right now.
Who's Tom?
I have a lot to fill you in on.
Come with me. To the gardening.
To the garden we go.
I get it. No sirens, no
horns. You can hear the birds.
Yeah, it is really peaceful here.
You can really hear yourself think.
Which isn't always a good thing.
How so?
: You know, just can sometimes be lonely.
Well, you're an empty
nester now. That's a big change.
Yeah. Yeah,
maybe that's it.
Maggie's coming to the
Giddy Up Gala though, yeah?
She said she would. I spoke to her last week and
she's feeling a little overwhelmed at school.
And of course
she won't ask for help.
Now you know how we all feel. The
support the Morgan women support club.
I am not that bad.
You don't have to prove anything to
anyone. You're out here actually doing it.
I know. But every time I patch up a leak, I
feel like another one springs up right away.
I'm like the Three Stooges.
Only I am Larry, Moe, and Curly.
Well, you got me, and Maggie,
and Tom... whoever Tom is.
You know, real strength comes
from letting people in. Even Jack.
It's not like I haven't thought
about it. But Jack and I tried again.
And then we hit the same wall. And instead
of breaking through it, we break up again.
It's been over a decade.
You're both different now.
I could have told him not to move to Ruidoso.
That it was a bad idea. Hopeless, but...
He was... he was so convinced
that moving here would win you back.
And... I was kind of hoping
he could win you back too.
Okay, well I can't really think
about my love life right now.
You know, I have to focus on figuring
out how to get this gala all sorted out.
Make sure there's enough rooms
because, you know, I'm overbooked.
Well, I can stay
with Jack. Oh, thanks.
How'd that happen?
I have no idea. The website glitched or
something and it double booked every room.
If I knew who had made the reservation first,
I could just cancel the other people, but...
No, no, no, no,
no. We'll figure it out.
We got this.
But for now, let's go
apologize on Ranger's behalf.
I forgot about
that. Let's do it.
All right!
What if we build out
some extra accommodations?
I mean that's definitely
part of my five-year plan,
But I can't do it now. I
don't have time or money.
Oh, that's Houdini. Never mind
her, she's just my executive assistant.
Hey Houdini. These
numbers are not great.
So, you're not drowning. You
just don't have running water.
Right. You know, I went
over all of that with the realtor.
Maybe I should have
hired a lawyer too, huh?
Even the pros make mistakes.
Okay, the deferred property taxes can be
paid in installments, so no worries there.
We just have to focus on the
gala permits and licenses.
Right. Okay, so I just have
to fill out all these applications
and then woo some
signatures out of people.
People-y
stuff. My specialty.
Who's that? That is Tom.
Lori, what are you doing here?
Hey. I'm Lori Bennett. Jack's sister, younger
sister. I'm here for the gala this weekend.
Tom Grayson.
I'm Hope's neighbor.
That's right. And
my partner in plumbing.
Neighbor.
Convenient. Yeah.
Hope, your gate's still askew.
Oh, I thought I fixed it.
Good news is
though, water's back on.
Yeah, the pump rod had
just slipped its collar, but uh,
it's nothing a little elbow
grease and teamwork couldn't fix.
Amazing.
Hey, you should turn on a tap inside
just to make sure it's running up here.
Oh, yes, yes, I will.
It works! Thank you!
You're my heroes!
That's what I'm talking about.
Hero? Is that on your
business card or just a side gig?
Okay. She's subtle, huh?
Yeah, the charm
runs in the family.
It's Maggie! Amazing.
Hi, honey! Guess who's here! Hi!
- Hi Auntie Lori.
- Hi Mag!
Are you okay?
I'm glad you're there this
weekend. Because I won't be.
What? Honey, what
are you talking about?
There's just so much school work and
I'm not used to being this behind before.
Okay, well just tell
me what I can do to help.
No. This is something
I have to do on my own.
Honey, you are
never on your own.
But don't worry about it, okay?
There'll be a million fun weekends
for us together on the ranch.
- You promise?
- I promise.
And if I can do anything, please just...
No, you can call me anytime, okay?
I love you.:
I love you.
Hey. Everything okay?
Oh, yeah, yeah. It's just Maggie's
not coming to the Giddy Up Gala.
She's got too much school work.
Ah, no. I'm sorry.
You know. So much to do,
so little time, right? Right.
So Lori just asked Tom
if she could go see his cattle.
Of course she did.
Hey, should
we go fix your fence?
Yeah. Thanks.
You ready?
No, I kind of need you to...
Yeah, yeah, there. I got it.
Wait, hold on. Just one more
second, one more second.
Wait, hold on. Hold on. Okay.
Okay, you want to tighten that?
- Okay.
Feels good to fix something, huh?
Yeah. Been a long time coming.
Think it'll hold? I
think it'll hold just fine.
You know, I do realize that
moving to your ex's new town and
And buying a business just to try to
win her back could come off a little, uh...
Unhinged?
But I'm for real
about this, Hope. I am.
I've thought it through and I think if
you're willing to give us a second chance,
we could uh...
We could have that
forever kind of thing.
No pressure, of course.
You will always make me
laugh more than anyone else.
Well, that's what I'm here for.
You also drive me crazy more than anyone
else.: Little less of that then, maybe.
I know I pushed you away.
But I didn't want to be the one to stand
in your way of following your dreams.
And then you never called.
Well, now Lori always kept
me in the loop about Maggie.
She said you wanted no
contact, so I didn't want to...
Well, it's true,
I did tell her that.
I was mad. At you.
And I was mad at me.
And I just thought it would be easier
to stay angry at you for 10 years.
And I was right.
10 years. Wow.
10 years, a city of 8 million people and I
never found anyone as beautiful or brave...
Go on.
As wonderful a mother... I never found someone
who is a perfect partner for me as you.
What if we fight?
We will. We'll make up.
What if we break?
Then we'll fix
it. Just like the fence.
I just... I don't
know if I'm ready.
For this?
For anything? For us.
Feels right... I just don't know if it
is. You know, we're not 25 anymore.
You know what I mean. But I just, I'm scared.
I'm scared of uh, of letting this matter again.
You come back into my life like
nothing ever happened, but it did.
It did happen and it... it makes
me afraid to trust this feeling.
Hey. If you can't trust yourself,
you can go ahead and trust me.
I don't know if I can.
Okay. Um, I gotta
get back to the shop.
Uh, day's kind of getting away
from me. Are you good here?
Yeah. Jack.
It's okay. Yeah. Okay.
Jack. Jack.
Something... so great, right?
I mean...
Tom said he was gonna
be here, so hopefully he's...
here for the...
Oh! Oh, I think he's
here. Yeah, come on.
Excuse me!
Hi Tom.
Hi.
Hi y'all.
Oh Mayor, hi!
Ladies, you look fabulous.
Thanks.
Hope, still need that paperwork.
Right. Yes,
I'm working on it.
Well you can
get Jim's sign off tonight.
He's in a good mood, he only
works half days on Fridays.
Laura...
She's over there, but I wouldn't
ask her at the two-step.
Best to wait 'til
she's in her office.
Appreciate
the advice. Thank you.
You bet.
Hope?
You gonna hang right here
for a second for me please?
Sure.
Thank you.
Can I have
that? Thank you so much.
Hey everybody, can I have
your attention please?
Before we get this
party started,
we all know that that old barn
was remodelled a few years ago
and it's been empty ever since.
I want to introduce you to
Hope. Someone who's literally...
bringing back hope
to Ruidoso. Hope!
Thank you so
much. Uh, well, howdy.
And I want to thank all of you
for being so welcoming. And...
I just have to say the
Giddy Up Gala tradition is
Something that is so important
to every single one of us.
So I look forward to all of
you coming down to Hope Ranch
And I can meet you
all there in person.
How much are tickets?
Uh, they're free.
Not charging, so I
want everyone to come.
Bring your family,
bring your friends!
Come on down to Hope Ranch for
the Giddy Up Gala. Thank you!
Alright,
enough talk. Let's dance!
Hey there.
Wow, you look uh...
great!
Should we just
put our problems aside
and kick up our heels?
What do you say?
Well, I didn't bring any heels.
Oh, that's a shame.
Five, six,
seven, eight, have fun!
And back!
Spin! Yeah!
You dance?
Uh...
Sometimes.
Well, you are tonight.
Let's go!
So, just right there. That one
that's kind of red... is Antares.
Part of the Scorpion.
Okay. Oh. Scorpion, huh?
Mmhmm.
Yeah, that tracks.
You have the
hardest elbows ever, still.
Yeah, yeah I pride myself.
I didn't know you
could dance like that.
Mmm. See? There's a lot of
stuff you don't know about me.
Guess that's true now.
Tell me about New York.
Well, I'll tell you
what New York doesn't have...
Is skies like this.
This is incredible.
Really is.
What else doesn't it have?
Hi Hope!
Thank you!
Will you come to the gala?
Oh! I hope you'll come
to the Giddy Up Gala.
Thank you.
Wow, you weren't kidding
Hope. This looks amazing.
I know. When I
saw the photos online
I realized this would be the perfect
place to have the Giddy Up Gala.
So is this where
all the lucky cowboys
get to take the pretty
girls for a twirl or...
Well, let's test it out.
Oh, perfect.
Yeah.
Come here.
Who?
It's Maggie.
She's the only one who can ping
my phone like that. she's...
I don't know, I heard it.
She's here.
That's so romantic.
Just like The Notebook.
Did that one end
with a happily ever after?
Are you kidding? They
got back together.
That's like the
happiest ever after.
So, are you and Jack
getting back together?
Would you be okay if we did?
Jack is the best.
Even after you guys broke up,
he still sent me a birthday
card every single year.
Wait, he did?
Yeah. Auntie Lori
would sneak it in with her card.
Oh she would,
would she? Hmm.
Yeah.
I love Jack. Even
when he was gone.
That love... you know,
it doesn't just...
end.
You're right about that.
It doesn't.
So do you still love Jack?
It's complicated.
It doesn't have to be.
When did you get so smart?
In college.
You're okay to be here?
With all your schoolwork
and everything?
Yeah, I joined a study group.
Really?
It's the weirdest thing.
It's like, I help
them and they help me.
Right. That
is how that works.
Just because you can do
everything by yourself...
doesn't mean you have to.
I never thought
I'd hear you say that mom.
Well, I guess
we're both still learning.
And there's one more thing.
I think I've decided I want
to become a veterinarian.
You do?
Yeah, and
with animals out here...
like horses, cattle, chickens.
You'll be really good at that.
You're okay staying
here with me tonight?
I had to give up the extra bedrooms
for the guests since I overbooked.
Yeah, of course mom.
Alright, I'll get ready for bed.
Happy Giddy Up Gala Eve.
You too.
Oh, nice to see you
here this morning Houdini.
Now stay put.
Go out there. Okay.
It's your turn Ranger.
Yeah. Yeah, how you feeling?
Are you my friend today?
Are we finally friends?
Oh. Yeah.
Today is the day
Can't believe it
Morning.
Brought it in here for me.
Good.
Oh! Oh, great.
Thank you so much.
You know you can take everything
out to the back of the barn.
Oh!
Knock knock.
Oh!
Smells good in here.
I thought you were the caterer.
Uh-huh, sorry to disappoint.
No, it's okay.
These scones probably
won't disappoint though.
Is this your Grandma
Mary's famous recipe?
Yes, it is actually.
But I was hoping to add fresh
strawberries from my garden
for the scones but...
the deer ate my entire
garden so I have
nothing homegrown to
share with my guests.
Mmm-hmm. Those are
better than I remember.
Oh.
I feel like a lot of things are kind
of better than I remember them.
Do you... do you
feel that way too?
Oh, I do feel...
Inspector Dave.
What?
The inspector.
He's... he's here.
That's his
car. I have to...
Okay. Hey... man.
Just in case he wants one.
Take him one of these.
Inspector, good morning.
Wow, you're here early.
I know you got the gala today,
Yeah, you're absolutely right. But I
bet you didn't have time for breakfast.
Would you like to try a scone?
It's my grandmother's recipe.
They look delicious, but I can't accept
any goodies until after your inspection.
Of course, of course.
I totally understand.
Well, I'll be around if you have any
questions. Just pretty much everywhere.
Who are they?
Guests?
Oh, they're early.
Well hello! Welcome
to Hope Ranch!
That's good form girl!
Thanks! It feels so good
to be back in the saddle.
Everything good with the guests?
Yeah, they were actually really happy to have
the rooms inside the house. It's perfect.
Amazing.
I uh...
Of course.
Well, well, well.
Look who it is.
Hi Jack.
Like riding a bike, huh?
Never gets old.
Well it looks good on you.
Oh I missed you.
I missed you too kid.
Good to see you.
It's good to see you too.
Hey, Hope.
So, how'd we do?
So, you added support to
structures, made pathways visible,
provided the facilities
and clear exits.
But...
But one of your livestock... a chicken...
was roaming where she shouldn't.
Houdini.
She was wandering near the proposed
food prep station. That is a big no-no.
However...
I looked at your coop and your fencing is
secure. I don't know how she slipped out.
She's a master of escape.
Lucky for you, I
admire a hen with guts.
You passed Hope.
Oh!
I'll see you tonight
for the gala.
Great.
Keep that chicken in line.
Yes, absolutely. She
will be on lockdown.
Thank you so, so much for making
this happen. I really appreciate it.
Oh, hi. Yeah, I can
let you in the gate.
Wait, what?
But the gala is tonight.
Look at this.
What do you think Rooster?
I'll be back in a minute.
Okay.
No, I mean I understand. I'm
just sorry that it was all spoiled.
Thank you for letting me know.
Hey.
You left like Cinderella at
midnight. Everything okay?
No. No, it's not okay.
Alright. Can't be that
bad. What's going on?
Yes it can. It is that bad. It's
worse than that bad. It's... bad.
What happened?
The caterer called and let me know that someone
left the door to the walk-in refrigerator open
and all of their food
for tonight spoiled.
Ah. What do you need?
I need food!
The entire town of Ruidoso is showing up here in three
hours and I have literally no food to serve them!
Make some scrambled eggs maybe?
Time for your humor.
Okay fine. Oh! Yikes!
Ah!
Sorry, sorry, sorry.
I got it. I got it.
No, would you stop? Just stop.
I can't even think with you standing here making jokes
and telling me that it's all gonna be okay if I just
Because it's not.
Okay.
No problem. I'll leave
you alone. Sorry.
Hello! Welcome to Hope Ranch.
My ranch is your ranch. I'm so
happy to have you as guests.
I look forward to giving you
a tour of the entire property.
Mom, can I give the tour?
Okay. Yeah. This is my right-hand
rancher and also my daughter.
Hi, I'm
Maggie. Nice to meet you.
And she knows this
place better than I do.
Let's start with the stables.
Sounds good. Thank you.
This is a nightmare.
Hey. What's up?
Nothing. I just didn't
want Maggie to catch on.
To what?
To...
The caterer called and canceled.
I have nothing to serve
for the entire night.
Okay. So, what
do you want to do?
I don't know. I
literally have no idea.
I just know I'm gonna be
the talk of the town and
Hope Ranch is gonna
be a spectacular fail.
We'll figure something out.
You always figure something out.
It just has to be
better than scrambled eggs.
What?
That was your brother's joke.
He thought he was so funny and
I chewed him out and now he's
probably halfway back to New York by now.
Well, he's not going
anywhere this time, Hope.
I made such big
promises to everyone in Ruidoso
and now I'm not gonna
be able to deliver.
Delivery!
[ Hope laughs)
Mayor Winona.
The place looks great, Hope.
Thanks.
I thought
I'd just drop these off
before someone in
my house eats them.
Chokecherry pies. Our favorite.
Right. Right. Of course.
Thank you. I really appreciate it.
It's the least I can do.
You're bringing back
Ruidoso's Giddy Up Gala.
Well, I
better giddy up myself...
but I'll be back. I can't wait.
Mayor...
Um, sorry. Uh...
I just need to ask
you for some help.
Welcome to Highwater
Tack and Feed. Happy to help.
Now that one doesn't even rhyme.
Well, guess not
everything's a joke, is it?
Hope
I'm sorry.
What? Why?
No, I'm sorry. That's
what I came here to tell you.
I came here to apologize.
No. My
gosh, you don't...
I was the one who's been
an idiot making jokes
When you were busy
in the kitchen.
I should have just
been listening to you.
I was freaking out.
And I overreacted.
And...
I was turning into a
Giddy Up Gala... Godzilla.
What?
Yeah, which is a terrifying
creature. I mean...
It's hard to say, too.
You know, I ordered a photo
booth for the party tonight.
I was thinking
maybe we could, um,
You know, take a new
photo for your wall.
Yeah, I mean,
we could, but, uh...
you do look real
pretty in that one.
I mean, maybe I'll
just keep 'em both.
Jack...
I'm really happy in Ruidoso.
I like it here.
Do you think you
could be happy here?
Yeah, you know, honestly, I...
At first I thought I'd miss the
action and the noise of New York,
but I like seeing the same faces
come through that door every day.
Helping people out is...
I'm happy. I am.
I'd be a lot happier
if you believed
that I'm gonna stick
around this time, Hope.
If we do this...
we have to promise that we're
never gonna give up again.
I promise I won't.
Okay?
Aren't you
gonna kiss me, cowboy?
Thought you'd never ask.
Ahem.
Sorry about that. Uh...
No problem.
Actually, would you
give me one second? I just...
No, no, no,
no. I have to go.
I have to get
ready for the gala.
I hope you're coming to
the Giddy Up Gala tonight.
Um-hmm
I better see you there.
You will.
Woo! That has been
a long time coming, sir.
I'll tell you that for free.
Oh, hey, Wade!
Boden family, thank you
so much for being here.
Good to see you.
Thank you so much
for coming, Cora.
Oh, and look at this plate,
too. I really appreciate that.
What a great idea.
It's bringing the community
together in a whole new way.
Guess what, Mom? The
buffet table is filling up.
Yes!
Uh... do you think
there's space for another plate?
We'll make some.
Perfect.
Woo! This place
is rocking. Look at this.
Hi, Jack.
Hey,
darlin'. How are ya?
Thanks to Hope's quick
thinking, she saved the day.
Oh, uh, no.
It was actually
your chokecherry pie
that gave me the
idea for the potluck.
But then she hooked me up with
an email to the Ruidoso database.
Solved the catering issue and
introduced Hope to
Ruidoso's town folks.
There you go.
Turns out it's also a
big deal to ask for help.
Okay.
Something I've always said.
Well, I'll
take your word for it.
Grayson family
secret recipe coming in hot.
Hey! All right.
Oh, wow. Oh,
careful, careful.
Okay, get it over
to the buffet table.
I got it, it's okay!
Bethany?
Mayor
Hope.
I brought the mac and cheese.
Thank you for being
here. I really appreciate it.
I'll show you
where we can find some space.
Hey, Tom.
Ma'am.
Oh, you can call me Lori.
You know how to two-step, Lori?
I don't, actually.
We're about to learn.
Hey, let's get
Hope up here! Hope!
Hope! Hope! Hope!
Hope! Hope! Hope! Hope!
Come on now!
All right, all right, all right.
Well, first
of all, I have to say
thank you so much for
coming to the Giddy Up Gala!
And, uh, I just want to say...
I have to admit, when I
first bought this place,
I wanted to bring back
the Giddy Up Gala because
I had so many great memories
from the past with it.
And the truth is, being
with all of you here tonight
just makes me think of
how great our future
is gonna be here in Ruidoso.
Thank you!
All right,
y'all know what time it is?
Let's go dance!
I think that's everything.
What? No, I'm
gonna help you unpack.
You're moving a whole house.
Okay. We both have a lot
going on right now, but...
I hope your freshman year
is as magical as you are.
I'm so proud of you.
Thanks.
He's always here with me.
Well, you got your
smarts from him.
And he would have loved to
have been here with you.
You said you wouldn't cry.
I'm not crying. You're crying.
It's just... it's just desert dust. That's
what... we're not in Denver anymore.
Definitely not.
You are gonna
crush it this year.
Thanks, Mom.
I love you so much.
I love you too.
And besides, I'll see you in a
couple weeks for the Giddy Up Gala.
Oh yeah. Wait, what's
happening? Are you...
Are you kicking me out?
Never
Oh.
Bye.
Bye.
Let's do this.
Lori's Coffee and
Floral Shop, this is Lori.
You've got Hope's
Ranch, this is Hope.
You made it!
How was the drive?
How was the college drop off?
Tell me everything.
The day has been great.
But I am standing here...
at the gate...
Literally about to
step into my new life.
So exciting.
I can't believe it.
II can't believe it's real
I have dreamed about
this for so long.
Ugh
You deserve it,
Hope. You really do.
And you know, it's exactly
like I remember it as a kid.
The bright sun feels warm
and the dusty trails...
Cute cowboys?
Yes.
I'm sure you'll meet one of
those at the Giddy Up Gala.
You're still coming in
a couple weeks, right?
Oh, I wouldn't miss it.
Are you sure you don't
need me to come early?
Help you move in, set up?
I've made a plan.
I am totally prepared.
You always are.
Hey, Hope. Um...
Sorry. Hey, someone
just walked in.
I'll talk to you later, okay?
Okay. Well,
I'll let you go then.
Alright, love you.
Well, I see you
haven't changed your mind.
Changed my mind about what?
I mean, the boots are a
little bit tight, but...
he said they'd break in.
You're really
committed to the whole...
bit.
It's not a bit, Lori.
I'm not only a businessman,
I'm a business owner now, okay?
They expect me to look the part.
When are you
gonna tell her, Jack?
You've been down
here for months.
I know. I will. I will.
I just want to get everything set
up and running smoothly, you know?
It'll all just fall into place.
Oh, it's gonna
fall. One way or another.
You know what?
You are something else.
You're my little sister. You're
supposed to be supportive.
What?
Just tell her, okay?
Okay.
Tell her.
Bye.
This is the perfect place
for the Giddy Up Gala.
Hi, buddy.
You need a little extra?
You want a little more?
You're such a good
boy. Here you go.
We're gonna split this.
How about, 'cause
you already had some.
And you can get some too.
How about you, Ranger?
You need a little
extra breakfast?
Huh.
Ma'am?
Whoa, careful there.
Oh!
Apologies. Sorry.
Oh, I'm so sorry!
My fault.
I didn't mean to...
Podcast?
Country music.
Tom Grayson.
Oh, nice
to meet you. I'm...
Hope Morgan.
Perfect.
Hope Ranch.
Exactly.
Doing this all on my own, so I
guess I am taking after my name. I'm...
hopeful.
I'm so sorry, I got...
Oh, you're fine.
No, you're fine.
All over you.
Yeah, no.
Uh, I'm about a
mile down the road.
Grayson's Cattle Ranchers.
Figured we couldn't
stay strangers for long.
It's nice to meet you, neighbor.
Nice to meet you.
Uh, well I hear you're getting the
Giddy Up Gala back up and running.
Yeah.
Yeah, I'm really
excited about it.
It's gonna be my first
weekend with guests.
But I'm excited for the town.
I thought I could bring
back some of the old magic.
Great.
Uh...
Well listen, um... you know...
or you already are doing...
um...
if you need a hand or if you have
any questions or anything, I'm...
uh...
down the road.
Yeah.
About a mile?
Yeah, I...
I said that already.
Oh, you know what?
Actually I do have a question.
About... how much do you
know about horse feed?
Uh, got about six of 'em that
can't get enough of the stuff.
Perfect. Thank you.
So, mine haven't been
worked a lot lately...
and so I was thinking they
couldn't handle such rich feed.
I ordered something new from
Highwater Tack and Feed...
but they sent the wrong stuff
and I just didn't know...
It's got a lot of corn.
Yours is probably better
suited for roughage.
Right, I was thinking high fiber,
low sugar, maybe a balancer pellet?
You certainly know your stuff.
Well...
I grew up on my grandparents'
ranch in Arizona.
And they would bring me to the Giddy
Up Gala every summer when I was a kid.
I brought my daughter here.
We love it.
So I'll just call the
Highwater and switch it...
Probably should go in person.
Why's that?
It's the new owner.
He's a little more
hat than he is cattle.
He's learning the ropes.
He messed up my supply
of salt licks...
Got it.
And I'm still
waiting on the right ones.
So...
Okay. Thank you.
I'm heading there
tomorrow if you want to join.
Yeah, yeah, that'd be nice.
Rulebook Weaver.
Nice enough guy, just thinks
his clipboard is his badge.
I'll see you tomorrow.
It was, um...
nice to meet you, Hope.
Nice to meet you too.
Well, hello.
I'm Hope Morgan. Um...
how can I help you?
County Inspector Dave Weaver.
Welcome to Ruidoso.
Thanks. Thanks.
Thrilled to be here.
But I sort of thought that the
ranch already passed inspection.
Last owners, they rebuilt
that whole barn...
and I mean turned it into
an amazing event space.
I love how they kept the old facade on the
outside, but when you go in it's brand new.
Oh, it did pass.
So, uh...
the Giddy Up Gala.
The mayor said you were planning
on bringing back our beloved tradition.
Yep.
Sure do miss it.
Had some of the best times
of my life on this very land.
Yeah, I feel the same way.
And I think a lot of other people do too
because I have so many reservations...
to stay here for the gala.
That's great, really.
Um, the barn
definitely passes...
but the house and the stables...
the last owners never got around
to retrofitting anything else.
Oh.
Here is
an inspection checklist...
that I'll cross off
before the big day.
Um...
Parking...
needs to be away
from mud holes...
and lighting the pathways...
Shouldn't be too much to do
before the Giddy Up Gala.
If you get a couple of...
helping hands, you know?
Now, let's see when I can
schedule you in for...
How is the morning of the 25th?
Oh no, that's
the day of the gala.
Oh, well
how about the afternoon then?
Of the 25th?
No, I was hoping maybe we
could do it before that.
The 25th is the first
opening I've got.
I'm sure you're planning
on passing the inspection.
It shouldn't be a problem.
Right.
Right. You're right.
I'm sure it'll be fine. So...
that'll be great.
Really looking forward to it.
All of Ruidoso is.
It's the talk of the town.
I'll see you in a
couple of weeks.
Okay.
Good morning, ladies.
Come on out.
Everybody out.
There you go. There you go.
Everybody out.
There you go.
Enjoy your breakfast, ladies.
Okay.
You're all clean.
Good boy.
Yeah.
Such a good boy.
Okay, go out.
Enjoy the pasture.
You too, buddy.
You look beautiful.
Oh, and your mane
looks beautiful.
Go for it.
And you, Ranger.
Nope.
Still don't like to be pet, huh?
Alright. Alright.
Let me just take your
halter off. Don't get mad.
Alright.
Ranger, when you're ready you
can come join us in the pasture.
Well, you were
right about Inspector Dave.
He is nice...
but very strict.
He gave me a whole to-do list of things
I have to accomplish before the gala.
This looks great.
Oh.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
Hi. Welcome
to Highwater.
Smell of pine and leather, huh?
Nothing like it.
Add the aroma of southern barbecue
in the mix and it smells just like home.
Do you cook?
I'm no Michelin chef, but...
I know my way around a grill.
I got this secret family
recipe for barbecue sauce
you'd have to taste to believe.
I look forward to it.
Feed's straight ahead.
Oh, right.
Great.
Thank you. I think this is it.
Yeah.
You check the ingredients, I'm
gonna go see about my salt licks.
Okay.
Anything I can help you with?
Howdy there partner, welcome
to Highwater Tack and Feed.
No.
Okay. No problem.
No, no, sorry. The no wasn't
for you. The no was because...
Sorry about that.
You must be the new owner.
Yes sir, that's me.
Welcome to
town. I'm Tom Grayson.
Thank you.
I'm Jack. Nice to meet you.
Hate to complain first
time meeting you, but...
If you're looking for
grooming brushes, we have stock.
Shush.
I'm here about some mineral blocks I
ordered some time ago. Under Grayson.
Mineral blocks under Grayson.
Now is that Hope Morgan?
Jack Bennett.
You two...
know each other?
Yeah! No!
I mean, we used to.
Well, you haven't changed a bit.
Ugh!, I've
changed a lot.
You're the one who
hasn't changed.
I'm gonna go...
back to the stockroom?
Okay.
Yeah, I'm gonna...
go talk to...
someone.
Sounds good.
That's weird.
No one out there. I don't
know what he's doing.
What are you doing here?
Came here to win you back, Hope.
No, seriously.
What are you doing in Ruidoso?
Oh, you are looking at the new
proprietor of Highwater Tack and Feed.
Did Lori tell you
that I had moved here?
No.
Oh.
Okay, listen.
She mentioned it, but...
She let something slip and then
you got the whole story out of her.
No, Hope.
What happened was,
when we opened up our
second office in Denver...
it became obvious to me...
Obviously you're still running.
For what you want, when you want
it. Well, I don't want to be in that race.
I never did.
No, you were always
the finish line, Hope.
Listen...
Hi.
Welcome in.
When I sold my share of
Pinnacle Finance to Simone...
I took a road trip
through New Mexico.
I stumbled upon this tack
and feed shop that was for sale
and I thought...
I've arrived.
You are looking at Ruidoso's
newest citizen, Hope.
That's crazy.
Don't you think?
Don't you realize that that's just
totally reckless and completely...
Romantic?
Is that what
you were going to say?
You were always the
one hoping. Look at this.
It's like fate brought
us together or something.
The timing's right,
we're both here.
Timing?
You always loved a sequel.
You know we haven't even
exchanged Christmas cards in a decade.
Oh.
But you do love big romantic
gestures, right? And this is pretty big.
So you thought
you'd just buy this place,
Move to Ruidoso, and
then I'd come in one day and...
what, throw myself in your arms
like at the end of Dirty Dancing?
Uh, wait, so is
that... is that a no?
Yes! I
mean, no! I mean...
Do you know what I mean?
Okay.
Okay. The point is,
that's why it didn't
work the first time.
And that's why it
didn't work the second time
When we tried the
long distance thing.
And that's why it
wouldn't work now
because there's never any
communication with you!
Okay, I mean I could...
I do need to order
two 50-pound bags of the
Meadow Mix horse feed.
Two 50 of the
Meadow Mix. You got it.
Thank you.
And technically it
would have been a trilogy.
Oh. Right.
Trilogy. You hear that?
She wants a trilogy.
Hello?
Your brother moved to Ruidoso.
Ugh, I know.
Are you sleeping?
I sleep in on Sundays.
Tuesdays are my Sundays.
Why didn't you
tell me about Jack?
Ugh, I'm sorry.
I know. I know, but...
after you two broke up, he
would not stop asking about you.
He asked about me?
All the time.
Is he wearing the cowboy boots?
And the hat? And a buckle?
And his jeans are too tight?
He's still in love
with you. He always has been.
Don't you wonder what could have
been if you two had stayed together?
Ugh, no. No I don't
because I know exactly
What would have happened.
It would have been a mess.
And look, here we
are now, in a mess.
Alright, I have a million things
to do for the Giddy Up Gala
And I should get started.
Well, I can come early and help.
Oh, no. One Bennett in
this town is enough for now.
But I can't wait
to see you in a few weeks.
And you're not gonna tell him
that we talked about this, right?
I would never.
I'm serious.
Talk to you later.
Bye.
Toodles.
How did you get out?
Or in?
Pleading the fifth, I see.
Alright.
Let's get you back
to your friends.
Come on, girl.
Are you kidding me right now?
The coop is still closed.
How did you get out?
Okay!
Chokecherries.
Well Ranger, look
who decided to join us.
Aww.
Hi.
You wanna try a chokecherry?
No. Okay.
I thought you might like it.
Well, you guys enjoy
your graze. I've got work to do.
Is this a command post?
Hey! This
is private property.
Sorry, I brought
your... your feed, ma'am.
Same day delivery. Is that a new
service the High Water is offering?
Yeah, yeah, just
for our VIP clients, so.
Besides, I didn't
want you to hurt yourself
Trying to move this 250
pound barrel of feed.
I ordered two 50-pound bags.
Yeah, I know, two fif...
Oh my gosh, two 50...
That is the difference
between hearing and listening.
No, that's actually what you call an
honest mistake. That's what that is.
What's going on here?
Lot of paperwork,
Huh? I know how you love that.
You want a hand or something?
No. I am happy to be doing
this and I don't need help.
Okay. Thought I'd
ask if you did, right?
Ruidoso is a
special place to me.
I came here for a fresh
start. And now you're here.
Bringing back
what we thought we lost?
Okay, okay, I'm just kidding.
Hey, I will be back with the
proper allotment of feed, okay?
No! Don't come back.
You don't have to deliver it.
I want to though. I mean
if you... if you want me to.
Okay. I'm going.
Can I just say that this is
great though? You're great.
You look great. Ranch life
suits you. It really does.
Suits me too, right? Prob...
that's what you were thinking
But you just weren't
looking at me.
Right? There she is. Ha ha
ha ha! Whoop! I'll be back.
Help me.
Everything tastes better
when you grow it yourself.
Yeah, I think
that's true. Hello.
Um, I'm getting to work on
planting a bunch of stuff,
But I already have chokecherries
growing in the pasture.
My favorite.
Mine too. Eventually
I hope I have enough
To feed everyone on my ranch.
That's fantastic.
Hi. I'm uh... I'm Hope.
Hi, Hope. It's so nice to
finally meet you in real life.
I'm Mayor Winona.
Oh, you're
the mayor. Wow. Hi.
Thank you so much for
your very welcoming emails
Of course. It's always
exciting to have a new resident,
but the one that's gonna bring
back the biggest party of the year
I am thrilled.
Me too.
So, I heard our inspector
made his way over to you.
Wow, you already
heard about that.
Small town, word
gets around. Plus, you know,
Dave's desk is right next
to mine.
Of course. Okay, well don't
worry. I have it all planned out.
I have a to-do list
charted so that I can get
Everything up to code
and pass the inspection.
You are organized.
Comes from working
in PR for a long time.
Well, I hate
to add to your to-do list,
But um... unfortunately
I have to.
Let's see. Event permit,
food and beverage license,
regulatory insurance
for accommodation,
and zoning permits.
Just, you know.
All that for a couple
hayrides and a bonfire?
The Giddy
Up Gala is gonna attract
Everyone from
Ruidoso and beyond.
It's been ten years
since we had one.
And we all have such
amazing memories of it.
Yeah. Yeah, well I'm
hoping this is the best one yet.
And it will be. And I'm
sure you have plenty of help.
I mean, I heard your ex-husband
just bought the High Water.
Word does travel
fast in that town.
Um, he is my ex, but
we were never married.
Don't you worry. I don't
need help. I can handle it.
Great.
Thank you so much
You bet.
Have a great day.
You too.
All right Ranger, it
is you and me buddy. We're...
They're gone.
Thank you so much.
I so appreciate this.
Anytime.
You ready?
Yeah, I'm ready.
Hey guys!
Jack?
Hey Jack.
Hope, I got your feed. Just
point me towards the horses.
Oh, well I can't do that because
They have escaped the pasture.
Oh.
Yeah, we're heading
out right now to wrangle 'em.
We'll wrangle 'em, huh?
Real cowboy stuff. All right.
Well if you need a
hand, I'm happy to help.
Oh, you don't really ride
And I don't have a
horse to lend you.
I got Old Betsy
here, I can keep up.
Horses don't like loud machines.
Right.
Listen, I'm so sorry.
Will you just put the
feed in the stable for me?
Thank you so much.
Uh-huh, yeah. For sure.
There.
Yep, I see 'em.
Come on. Let's go there.
Whoa, boy. Just relax.
You're okay. You're okay.
Hey.
Put your head up
Good boy.
That's my boy
See? Now you're safe and sound.
One down, three to go.
You know Rangers not going
to give up with a fight.
Ah, he'll come around.
You have a way with
difficult ones, I can tell.
Thank you.
Let's take him back and
then we'll go look for Ranger.
All right, good boy.
You could be training horses at
Ruidoso Downs with skills like that.
Well, I could certainly
use the purse from that race.
Now look who I found.
I don't know what
y'all are talking about.
Ranger's the best
horse out there.
Of course he listens to you.
He just misunderstood.
Isn't that right buddy? Huh?
There he goes.
Hey, your feed's
beside the stalls.
Thank you, Jack.
Happy to help.
He's uh... my ex.
I mean we were never married.
And I don't know what
he's doing in Ruidoso.
Um... anyway, thank
you so much for everything.
I'm sure I should let
you get back to work.
And I'm gonna head out,
hand out some invitations.
Invitations?
Yeah, I thought I'd go
introduce myself to our neighbors
and invite them to the
Giddy Up Gala in person.
Let them know it's back on.
In that nice shiny new SUV?
Yeah. What?
Oh, they may not
take you too seriously.
You have a better idea?
Wow!
Good, it's still here.
This is so cool.
Want me to check under the hood
make sure it's still breathing?
Oh. No.
Gotta figure out how to
do these things on my own.
If I don't do it
now, I never will.
Okay, well I'm out.
Hey, um... thanks
for your help today.
What are neighbors for?
Whoa! Hey!
How did you...
Alright. I guess
we'll just have to stop by
the chicken coop on our way out.
I'm uh... do you have the keys?
No?
Oh. Got it.
Well it makes noise.
Let's hope this thing drives.
Hmm. Um...
Oh, hi. I wanted to
invite you to the Giddy Up Gala.
Hope I see you there.
Oh! Hi. Please
come to our Giddy Up Gala.
We would be thrilled
to see you there.
Have a nice day.
Hello sir. I hope you'll
meet us at the Giddy Up Gala.
Hi. We're bringing
Giddy Up Gala back
so we hope we see you there.
Oh sir, we would
love to have you join us at
Hope Ranch for
the Giddy Up Gala.
Oh no.
(engine spluttering
What's going on?
Ah
(engine powers down
What are you laughing at?
Oh
Oh no.
Oh no.
Nope. Nope. You're
going the wrong way. Come on.
Over here.
Nope, nope, not you. This way.
Ah!
You don't want to be
picked up, then just go inside.
Like that one. Yes!
You're the best.
Okay?
Look at that, I did it!
How did you do that?
Okay. Okay.
I think you need your own name.
You know, you're small
and mighty, but you're...
very good at magically
appearing out of nowhere.
And you are an expert at escape.
You're...
Houdini.
That's perfect.
Aw
Oh! Sorry.
Oh.
Hi!
- Hi, Mom.
Big day. You
excited about homecoming?
I don't think I'm gonna go.
What?
You were so excited about it.
Yeah, and
then this week happened.
I've got like two exams next
week and three more after that.
Okay.
So what do you want to
do? Like, find a tutor?
No. I'll be fine.
You can talk to me, Mags.
Just taking all
these extra classes was a lot.
A lot more work than I
thought it was gonna be.
Hey. You got this.
Okay?
And... and I'm here for
you. Whatever you need.
I'll be
fine. I'm just.
Having a moment.
What are diamonds made of?
Coal.
Maggie.
Pressure.
That's right.
You can only
take one test at a time
and you can work with
a tutor all the way.
Yeah, but I can't
exactly bring the tutor
into the exam room with me, Mom.
I know that.
But you could work with someone
all the way up until
the last minute, right?
Listen. Don't be
afraid to ask for help.
I'm okay.
I think I've got it.
But
Thanks
I should probably
get back to my books.
Alright. Well,
I love you very much
and I can't wait to
see you next weekend.
Yeah.
Love you.
Alright.
Guess I should get to it.
Okay.
Nope
Ranger. Come on.
Come on, we're gonna
go out and get some grass.
Whoa.
I'm sorry.
Okay, you hold on. And...
and we'll go in a second, okay?
You just stay right here.
Ranger. Don't you
want to come out with us?
Alright. You can
stay here. You don't have to.
You just come out
whenever you're ready.
Come on,
Chapman. Let's go.
Okay!
Come on, you.
Wash day?
It's actually turning
into wash week at my pace.
Haven't seen you
in town much lately.
Thank you!
There's a lot to do around here.
And truthfully I've been trying
to avoid run-ins with Jack.
No better place than out
here if you want to be alone.
Truth is, every time I try to
leave, ranch just pulls me back in.
It's coming
together though, right?
Yeah. Yeah.
It's not falling
apart at the seams.
I mean...
There's a lot I've
been working on.
I did reinforce the
beams in the barn.
Cleared out some spots for
parking spaces out front.
Laid out the solar
lights for the pathway.
I hired the caterer.
All this while running a ranch?
That's some real cowboy stuff.
It's less than a
third of my to-do list.
Wish I could
tell you it gets easier.
Every night at 8 o'clock,
I am totally fast asleep.
Exhausted.
But I couldn't love it more.
But sometimes
it's nice to have a break.
Right?
What about a trail
ride? You want to come with me?
Show me the lay of
the land? You in?
Absolutely.
I'll get the horses.
Trail gets narrow up
here, but the view's worth it.
You know, I've been on a few
trail rides, I haven't seen you out.
Calving season.
Oh.
Yeah. It's like an
alarm clock that never quits.
Up before dawn,
checking the herd.
Gotta make sure
the mamas are okay.
Every once in a while I gotta
pull a calf at 2:00 a.m.
Wow. And you
do that all yourself?
Just like you.
I mean, it would be
easier to have a partner.
Yeah, I um... it's been a
while since I've had a partner.
I'm probably better with
cows than I am crowds.
I didn't mean that
the way that it sounded.
I'm happy with the way things
are for me. I'm happy on my own.
But it would be nice to
share iced tea sometime.
I'd like that.
Wow.
Bet you never get tired of this.
I haven't yet.
Alright ladies.
Come on. Come on.
Bedtime. Time for bed.
Go. Uh-huh.
You got this. You got this.
Yes! Good job. Good job.
And you, Houdini.
Good chicken.
Ow.
Hey buddy. Come on.
Let's just be friends. Don't you
think we could be friends? Come here.
Come here.
Alright. Alright. I'll just...
Give it time.
Not so easy when
you're on the other side, huh?
What?
What's up? Come on now.
Alright. Jack,
what are you doing here?
How you doing?
Oh. Got something for you.
I can't be bought.
I didn't
buy it. I made it.
What?
Wow. I don't know what to say.
Yeah, well I figure
people are gonna want to know
They're in the right place when
they show up next weekend, huh?
It's beautiful. Thank you.
Doesn't mean we're
getting back together.
Doesn't mean we're not though.
You know, I don't have
the energy for this right now.
I... I just have to deal with the
animals and get ready for the gala and...
I have to go back out and
fix the fence in the pasture.
What? Again?
Yeah. Again.
Alright, well... I'll
give you a hand. Let's go do it.
I don't need your help.
Yes, you do. You just don't
want to ask for it. Unless...
Oh, what is uh...
Tom helping you or?
No. He has his
own ranch to take care of.
I just... I have this
under control. It's fine.
Okay. Okay.
Saw a big stack of paperwork by the
front door. Is that under control too?
Now you're snooping?
No, I showed
up with the sign and
Knocked on the front door and
I happened to notice it, that's all.
Right.
Oh, this was... that
was taped to your gate too.
Property tax.
Agricultural
exemption? I...
Yeah, I got the
same thing at Highwater.
See farmers, they'll
defer the payments,
but once the land transfers,
they all come due, so.
I didn't know this was a thing.
Yeah, year after year,
it can really add up too.
I can't come up with
this kind of money in a month.
Should have been a clause in the
sales closing agreement, did you...
I didn't see it.
There was a lot of paperwork.
Alright. Well, tell
you what we're gonna do, Hope.
I'm gonna go back to my...
I don't need you
to figure this out for me.
I know. I'm
just... just saying.
Listen, there
were plenty of times
I did need your help
and you weren't around.
Could have just called me.
We had broken up.
You moved to New York.
I stayed in Denver.
I can do it by myself.
I don't need your help and
I definitely don't need you
Showing up here acting
like you're saving me.
I don't need saving.
I know.
Never said you did.
Never.
You know, sometimes
you just gotta back off
let 'em come to you, Hope.
Talking about the horse.
How did you even get in here?
You know what? I'm
just too tired.
Help yourself.
What did I get myself into?
Stables.
Will this be all for you today?
Yes, thank you.
Her horses
all got loose week one.
Ate all
George Miller's petunias.
And we're trusting her with our
county's most cherished tradition.
I think it's better just to
leave it all in the past.
She's definitely got
Mayor Winona's full support.
So, hopefully she's got all
the help that she can get.
She's gonna need it.
Alright.
They were out of
oat milk, so you get 2%.
Thank you.
No problem.
You have a plumbing issue
or something I can
help you with, ma'am?
The water tank is
fine. My livestock has water.
It's just the house.
Um... it's a pump.
Plumbing. Uh-huh. Pump.
Might need to call in a
professional for that, honestly.
Plumbers charge by the hour.
I'll just ask Tom.
Yeah. Tom to the
rescue. That could work.
Uh, no. It's just
cause he's my neighbor.
No, 100%.
Listen, I'm happy you have
someone you can call for help.
I truly am.
Whatever you
need, put it on her tab.
Jack...
Hey there.
Hey. Well,
that's all of them.
Amazing. Thank you so
much, Mare. I appreciate it.
If you want to thank me, you can come
to the Tumbleweed Two-Step tonight.
Oh yeah?
I need some newbies on the dance floor.
Everybody else already knows all the steps.
Okay.
While you're at it, ask Hope.
She needs a night out
more than she knows.
Is that right?
Well, not with me she
doesn't, I don't think.
Well, maybe not now,
but that doesn't mean never.
You're in Ruidoso.
Things take time here.
And we got lots of it.
At least while you're dancing,
you can put it all down for the night.
Okay.
Is that right? Yeah.
- Okay. Thank you, Mare.
- You bet.
Uh, Tom?
Hey. How did you know I was
having issues with the water?
I ran into Jack in town. He got the
blueprints to all your water stuff here.
Said you were having trouble and
asked me to drop 'em off to you.
There you go. Oh.
The previous owners, they never did fix this thing
right. There's only so much that duct tape can do.
Right.: You don't mind me
being out here though, do you?
No, no, actually, it's great. If
there's anything I can do to help, I will.
No. Um...
Hey, I meant to ask you
about the honky tonk in town?
Yeah. Uh-huh. There's apparently
like a two-step party tonight?
Is it good?
Yeah. It's only the best
time in Ruidoso. I'm going.
Are you gonna go?
Well, only if I get this
whole pump thing fixed.
Well, I mean it ties into my place, so if
I get it fixed, it only helps both of us.
You are the best
neighbor ever. Thank you.
Sure. But, um, I could
probably use some help out here.
Oh, yeah, of course.
No, uh, you wouldn't happen to know anybody with
some long gangly arms that could help me out?
Just one.
Mind if I give Jack a call?
No. But I'll do it. I'll call.
Okay.
High Water Tack and Feed,
we got what you need.
Is that a new
slogan? I like it.
Yeah, I'm trying out a few different ones. High
Water Tack and Feed for your horse and your steed.
We get it to you with speed.
Listen, I just wanted to say
thank you for the blueprints.
Yeah, I thought, you know, they might be of
assistance to you. Didn't want to interfere.
You just wanted to help?
You say that like it's
a bad thing, Hope.
Cause you know
I hate asking for help.
I know. And I know where that comes from. But you're not that
five-year-old girl making mac and cheese on her own anymore.
Raised an amazing daughter on your own. You
got it right, Hope. Just like you wanted to.
Thank you.
But, uh, um, you know,
actually I, uh...
Well, I did call because, um,
I need to ask for your help.
Oh. Listen, I know that was probably tricky to say but
I just gotta hear it one more time. What did you say?
I need your help.
Ah, oh boy. Just once more.
No way, now you're pushing it.
Yes, I'm happy to help. I will be
right over. I'm looking forward to it.
And I got a new tool belt.
I can't wait to break it in.
I'm hanging up now.
Okay. Hey, next time
just call my cell.
Wait. No, that can't be right.
Oh no. Oh no. I'm overbooked.
Double booked.
Uh, um, I
have a problem with booking.
Okay, okay, never mind.
Speak to a representative.
45 minute wait? Unbelievable.
Okay. It's fine. I'll
just wait. I'll just...
Oh, I'll take the neighbor some
flowers. That'll be perfect.
What?
Are you a desert mirage?
Not a mirage, a best friend! Hi!
- I can't believe you're here.
- What? No flowers?
Oh, yeah. Well, I'm still working on it. No,
these are actually for my neighbor, Mr.Miller.
Because my horse got out of the
pasture and trampled his garden.
Oh dear.
Yeah. His name is Ranger. He's a little
bit complicated. Not sure he likes me.
But there is one person he
loves and you know who it is.
Did he call you and
tell you I need to be rescued?
Who? Ranger?
No, no one told me to come, I just missed
you. Why? Do you need to be rescued?
No, but actually Jack and Tom
are fixing a water issue right now.
Who's Tom?
I have a lot to fill you in on.
Come with me. To the gardening.
To the garden we go.
I get it. No sirens, no
horns. You can hear the birds.
Yeah, it is really peaceful here.
You can really hear yourself think.
Which isn't always a good thing.
How so?
: You know, just can sometimes be lonely.
Well, you're an empty
nester now. That's a big change.
Yeah. Yeah,
maybe that's it.
Maggie's coming to the
Giddy Up Gala though, yeah?
She said she would. I spoke to her last week and
she's feeling a little overwhelmed at school.
And of course
she won't ask for help.
Now you know how we all feel. The
support the Morgan women support club.
I am not that bad.
You don't have to prove anything to
anyone. You're out here actually doing it.
I know. But every time I patch up a leak, I
feel like another one springs up right away.
I'm like the Three Stooges.
Only I am Larry, Moe, and Curly.
Well, you got me, and Maggie,
and Tom... whoever Tom is.
You know, real strength comes
from letting people in. Even Jack.
It's not like I haven't thought
about it. But Jack and I tried again.
And then we hit the same wall. And instead
of breaking through it, we break up again.
It's been over a decade.
You're both different now.
I could have told him not to move to Ruidoso.
That it was a bad idea. Hopeless, but...
He was... he was so convinced
that moving here would win you back.
And... I was kind of hoping
he could win you back too.
Okay, well I can't really think
about my love life right now.
You know, I have to focus on figuring
out how to get this gala all sorted out.
Make sure there's enough rooms
because, you know, I'm overbooked.
Well, I can stay
with Jack. Oh, thanks.
How'd that happen?
I have no idea. The website glitched or
something and it double booked every room.
If I knew who had made the reservation first,
I could just cancel the other people, but...
No, no, no, no,
no. We'll figure it out.
We got this.
But for now, let's go
apologize on Ranger's behalf.
I forgot about
that. Let's do it.
All right!
What if we build out
some extra accommodations?
I mean that's definitely
part of my five-year plan,
But I can't do it now. I
don't have time or money.
Oh, that's Houdini. Never mind
her, she's just my executive assistant.
Hey Houdini. These
numbers are not great.
So, you're not drowning. You
just don't have running water.
Right. You know, I went
over all of that with the realtor.
Maybe I should have
hired a lawyer too, huh?
Even the pros make mistakes.
Okay, the deferred property taxes can be
paid in installments, so no worries there.
We just have to focus on the
gala permits and licenses.
Right. Okay, so I just have
to fill out all these applications
and then woo some
signatures out of people.
People-y
stuff. My specialty.
Who's that? That is Tom.
Lori, what are you doing here?
Hey. I'm Lori Bennett. Jack's sister, younger
sister. I'm here for the gala this weekend.
Tom Grayson.
I'm Hope's neighbor.
That's right. And
my partner in plumbing.
Neighbor.
Convenient. Yeah.
Hope, your gate's still askew.
Oh, I thought I fixed it.
Good news is
though, water's back on.
Yeah, the pump rod had
just slipped its collar, but uh,
it's nothing a little elbow
grease and teamwork couldn't fix.
Amazing.
Hey, you should turn on a tap inside
just to make sure it's running up here.
Oh, yes, yes, I will.
It works! Thank you!
You're my heroes!
That's what I'm talking about.
Hero? Is that on your
business card or just a side gig?
Okay. She's subtle, huh?
Yeah, the charm
runs in the family.
It's Maggie! Amazing.
Hi, honey! Guess who's here! Hi!
- Hi Auntie Lori.
- Hi Mag!
Are you okay?
I'm glad you're there this
weekend. Because I won't be.
What? Honey, what
are you talking about?
There's just so much school work and
I'm not used to being this behind before.
Okay, well just tell
me what I can do to help.
No. This is something
I have to do on my own.
Honey, you are
never on your own.
But don't worry about it, okay?
There'll be a million fun weekends
for us together on the ranch.
- You promise?
- I promise.
And if I can do anything, please just...
No, you can call me anytime, okay?
I love you.:
I love you.
Hey. Everything okay?
Oh, yeah, yeah. It's just Maggie's
not coming to the Giddy Up Gala.
She's got too much school work.
Ah, no. I'm sorry.
You know. So much to do,
so little time, right? Right.
So Lori just asked Tom
if she could go see his cattle.
Of course she did.
Hey, should
we go fix your fence?
Yeah. Thanks.
You ready?
No, I kind of need you to...
Yeah, yeah, there. I got it.
Wait, hold on. Just one more
second, one more second.
Wait, hold on. Hold on. Okay.
Okay, you want to tighten that?
- Okay.
Feels good to fix something, huh?
Yeah. Been a long time coming.
Think it'll hold? I
think it'll hold just fine.
You know, I do realize that
moving to your ex's new town and
And buying a business just to try to
win her back could come off a little, uh...
Unhinged?
But I'm for real
about this, Hope. I am.
I've thought it through and I think if
you're willing to give us a second chance,
we could uh...
We could have that
forever kind of thing.
No pressure, of course.
You will always make me
laugh more than anyone else.
Well, that's what I'm here for.
You also drive me crazy more than anyone
else.: Little less of that then, maybe.
I know I pushed you away.
But I didn't want to be the one to stand
in your way of following your dreams.
And then you never called.
Well, now Lori always kept
me in the loop about Maggie.
She said you wanted no
contact, so I didn't want to...
Well, it's true,
I did tell her that.
I was mad. At you.
And I was mad at me.
And I just thought it would be easier
to stay angry at you for 10 years.
And I was right.
10 years. Wow.
10 years, a city of 8 million people and I
never found anyone as beautiful or brave...
Go on.
As wonderful a mother... I never found someone
who is a perfect partner for me as you.
What if we fight?
We will. We'll make up.
What if we break?
Then we'll fix
it. Just like the fence.
I just... I don't
know if I'm ready.
For this?
For anything? For us.
Feels right... I just don't know if it
is. You know, we're not 25 anymore.
You know what I mean. But I just, I'm scared.
I'm scared of uh, of letting this matter again.
You come back into my life like
nothing ever happened, but it did.
It did happen and it... it makes
me afraid to trust this feeling.
Hey. If you can't trust yourself,
you can go ahead and trust me.
I don't know if I can.
Okay. Um, I gotta
get back to the shop.
Uh, day's kind of getting away
from me. Are you good here?
Yeah. Jack.
It's okay. Yeah. Okay.
Jack. Jack.
Something... so great, right?
I mean...
Tom said he was gonna
be here, so hopefully he's...
here for the...
Oh! Oh, I think he's
here. Yeah, come on.
Excuse me!
Hi Tom.
Hi.
Hi y'all.
Oh Mayor, hi!
Ladies, you look fabulous.
Thanks.
Hope, still need that paperwork.
Right. Yes,
I'm working on it.
Well you can
get Jim's sign off tonight.
He's in a good mood, he only
works half days on Fridays.
Laura...
She's over there, but I wouldn't
ask her at the two-step.
Best to wait 'til
she's in her office.
Appreciate
the advice. Thank you.
You bet.
Hope?
You gonna hang right here
for a second for me please?
Sure.
Thank you.
Can I have
that? Thank you so much.
Hey everybody, can I have
your attention please?
Before we get this
party started,
we all know that that old barn
was remodelled a few years ago
and it's been empty ever since.
I want to introduce you to
Hope. Someone who's literally...
bringing back hope
to Ruidoso. Hope!
Thank you so
much. Uh, well, howdy.
And I want to thank all of you
for being so welcoming. And...
I just have to say the
Giddy Up Gala tradition is
Something that is so important
to every single one of us.
So I look forward to all of
you coming down to Hope Ranch
And I can meet you
all there in person.
How much are tickets?
Uh, they're free.
Not charging, so I
want everyone to come.
Bring your family,
bring your friends!
Come on down to Hope Ranch for
the Giddy Up Gala. Thank you!
Alright,
enough talk. Let's dance!
Hey there.
Wow, you look uh...
great!
Should we just
put our problems aside
and kick up our heels?
What do you say?
Well, I didn't bring any heels.
Oh, that's a shame.
Five, six,
seven, eight, have fun!
And back!
Spin! Yeah!
You dance?
Uh...
Sometimes.
Well, you are tonight.
Let's go!
So, just right there. That one
that's kind of red... is Antares.
Part of the Scorpion.
Okay. Oh. Scorpion, huh?
Mmhmm.
Yeah, that tracks.
You have the
hardest elbows ever, still.
Yeah, yeah I pride myself.
I didn't know you
could dance like that.
Mmm. See? There's a lot of
stuff you don't know about me.
Guess that's true now.
Tell me about New York.
Well, I'll tell you
what New York doesn't have...
Is skies like this.
This is incredible.
Really is.
What else doesn't it have?
Hi Hope!
Thank you!
Will you come to the gala?
Oh! I hope you'll come
to the Giddy Up Gala.
Thank you.
Wow, you weren't kidding
Hope. This looks amazing.
I know. When I
saw the photos online
I realized this would be the perfect
place to have the Giddy Up Gala.
So is this where
all the lucky cowboys
get to take the pretty
girls for a twirl or...
Well, let's test it out.
Oh, perfect.
Yeah.
Come here.
Who?
It's Maggie.
She's the only one who can ping
my phone like that. she's...
I don't know, I heard it.
She's here.
That's so romantic.
Just like The Notebook.
Did that one end
with a happily ever after?
Are you kidding? They
got back together.
That's like the
happiest ever after.
So, are you and Jack
getting back together?
Would you be okay if we did?
Jack is the best.
Even after you guys broke up,
he still sent me a birthday
card every single year.
Wait, he did?
Yeah. Auntie Lori
would sneak it in with her card.
Oh she would,
would she? Hmm.
Yeah.
I love Jack. Even
when he was gone.
That love... you know,
it doesn't just...
end.
You're right about that.
It doesn't.
So do you still love Jack?
It's complicated.
It doesn't have to be.
When did you get so smart?
In college.
You're okay to be here?
With all your schoolwork
and everything?
Yeah, I joined a study group.
Really?
It's the weirdest thing.
It's like, I help
them and they help me.
Right. That
is how that works.
Just because you can do
everything by yourself...
doesn't mean you have to.
I never thought
I'd hear you say that mom.
Well, I guess
we're both still learning.
And there's one more thing.
I think I've decided I want
to become a veterinarian.
You do?
Yeah, and
with animals out here...
like horses, cattle, chickens.
You'll be really good at that.
You're okay staying
here with me tonight?
I had to give up the extra bedrooms
for the guests since I overbooked.
Yeah, of course mom.
Alright, I'll get ready for bed.
Happy Giddy Up Gala Eve.
You too.
Oh, nice to see you
here this morning Houdini.
Now stay put.
Go out there. Okay.
It's your turn Ranger.
Yeah. Yeah, how you feeling?
Are you my friend today?
Are we finally friends?
Oh. Yeah.
Today is the day
Can't believe it
Morning.
Brought it in here for me.
Good.
Oh! Oh, great.
Thank you so much.
You know you can take everything
out to the back of the barn.
Oh!
Knock knock.
Oh!
Smells good in here.
I thought you were the caterer.
Uh-huh, sorry to disappoint.
No, it's okay.
These scones probably
won't disappoint though.
Is this your Grandma
Mary's famous recipe?
Yes, it is actually.
But I was hoping to add fresh
strawberries from my garden
for the scones but...
the deer ate my entire
garden so I have
nothing homegrown to
share with my guests.
Mmm-hmm. Those are
better than I remember.
Oh.
I feel like a lot of things are kind
of better than I remember them.
Do you... do you
feel that way too?
Oh, I do feel...
Inspector Dave.
What?
The inspector.
He's... he's here.
That's his
car. I have to...
Okay. Hey... man.
Just in case he wants one.
Take him one of these.
Inspector, good morning.
Wow, you're here early.
I know you got the gala today,
Yeah, you're absolutely right. But I
bet you didn't have time for breakfast.
Would you like to try a scone?
It's my grandmother's recipe.
They look delicious, but I can't accept
any goodies until after your inspection.
Of course, of course.
I totally understand.
Well, I'll be around if you have any
questions. Just pretty much everywhere.
Who are they?
Guests?
Oh, they're early.
Well hello! Welcome
to Hope Ranch!
That's good form girl!
Thanks! It feels so good
to be back in the saddle.
Everything good with the guests?
Yeah, they were actually really happy to have
the rooms inside the house. It's perfect.
Amazing.
I uh...
Of course.
Well, well, well.
Look who it is.
Hi Jack.
Like riding a bike, huh?
Never gets old.
Well it looks good on you.
Oh I missed you.
I missed you too kid.
Good to see you.
It's good to see you too.
Hey, Hope.
So, how'd we do?
So, you added support to
structures, made pathways visible,
provided the facilities
and clear exits.
But...
But one of your livestock... a chicken...
was roaming where she shouldn't.
Houdini.
She was wandering near the proposed
food prep station. That is a big no-no.
However...
I looked at your coop and your fencing is
secure. I don't know how she slipped out.
She's a master of escape.
Lucky for you, I
admire a hen with guts.
You passed Hope.
Oh!
I'll see you tonight
for the gala.
Great.
Keep that chicken in line.
Yes, absolutely. She
will be on lockdown.
Thank you so, so much for making
this happen. I really appreciate it.
Oh, hi. Yeah, I can
let you in the gate.
Wait, what?
But the gala is tonight.
Look at this.
What do you think Rooster?
I'll be back in a minute.
Okay.
No, I mean I understand. I'm
just sorry that it was all spoiled.
Thank you for letting me know.
Hey.
You left like Cinderella at
midnight. Everything okay?
No. No, it's not okay.
Alright. Can't be that
bad. What's going on?
Yes it can. It is that bad. It's
worse than that bad. It's... bad.
What happened?
The caterer called and let me know that someone
left the door to the walk-in refrigerator open
and all of their food
for tonight spoiled.
Ah. What do you need?
I need food!
The entire town of Ruidoso is showing up here in three
hours and I have literally no food to serve them!
Make some scrambled eggs maybe?
Time for your humor.
Okay fine. Oh! Yikes!
Ah!
Sorry, sorry, sorry.
I got it. I got it.
No, would you stop? Just stop.
I can't even think with you standing here making jokes
and telling me that it's all gonna be okay if I just
Because it's not.
Okay.
No problem. I'll leave
you alone. Sorry.
Hello! Welcome to Hope Ranch.
My ranch is your ranch. I'm so
happy to have you as guests.
I look forward to giving you
a tour of the entire property.
Mom, can I give the tour?
Okay. Yeah. This is my right-hand
rancher and also my daughter.
Hi, I'm
Maggie. Nice to meet you.
And she knows this
place better than I do.
Let's start with the stables.
Sounds good. Thank you.
This is a nightmare.
Hey. What's up?
Nothing. I just didn't
want Maggie to catch on.
To what?
To...
The caterer called and canceled.
I have nothing to serve
for the entire night.
Okay. So, what
do you want to do?
I don't know. I
literally have no idea.
I just know I'm gonna be
the talk of the town and
Hope Ranch is gonna
be a spectacular fail.
We'll figure something out.
You always figure something out.
It just has to be
better than scrambled eggs.
What?
That was your brother's joke.
He thought he was so funny and
I chewed him out and now he's
probably halfway back to New York by now.
Well, he's not going
anywhere this time, Hope.
I made such big
promises to everyone in Ruidoso
and now I'm not gonna
be able to deliver.
Delivery!
[ Hope laughs)
Mayor Winona.
The place looks great, Hope.
Thanks.
I thought
I'd just drop these off
before someone in
my house eats them.
Chokecherry pies. Our favorite.
Right. Right. Of course.
Thank you. I really appreciate it.
It's the least I can do.
You're bringing back
Ruidoso's Giddy Up Gala.
Well, I
better giddy up myself...
but I'll be back. I can't wait.
Mayor...
Um, sorry. Uh...
I just need to ask
you for some help.
Welcome to Highwater
Tack and Feed. Happy to help.
Now that one doesn't even rhyme.
Well, guess not
everything's a joke, is it?
Hope
I'm sorry.
What? Why?
No, I'm sorry. That's
what I came here to tell you.
I came here to apologize.
No. My
gosh, you don't...
I was the one who's been
an idiot making jokes
When you were busy
in the kitchen.
I should have just
been listening to you.
I was freaking out.
And I overreacted.
And...
I was turning into a
Giddy Up Gala... Godzilla.
What?
Yeah, which is a terrifying
creature. I mean...
It's hard to say, too.
You know, I ordered a photo
booth for the party tonight.
I was thinking
maybe we could, um,
You know, take a new
photo for your wall.
Yeah, I mean,
we could, but, uh...
you do look real
pretty in that one.
I mean, maybe I'll
just keep 'em both.
Jack...
I'm really happy in Ruidoso.
I like it here.
Do you think you
could be happy here?
Yeah, you know, honestly, I...
At first I thought I'd miss the
action and the noise of New York,
but I like seeing the same faces
come through that door every day.
Helping people out is...
I'm happy. I am.
I'd be a lot happier
if you believed
that I'm gonna stick
around this time, Hope.
If we do this...
we have to promise that we're
never gonna give up again.
I promise I won't.
Okay?
Aren't you
gonna kiss me, cowboy?
Thought you'd never ask.
Ahem.
Sorry about that. Uh...
No problem.
Actually, would you
give me one second? I just...
No, no, no,
no. I have to go.
I have to get
ready for the gala.
I hope you're coming to
the Giddy Up Gala tonight.
Um-hmm
I better see you there.
You will.
Woo! That has been
a long time coming, sir.
I'll tell you that for free.
Oh, hey, Wade!
Boden family, thank you
so much for being here.
Good to see you.
Thank you so much
for coming, Cora.
Oh, and look at this plate,
too. I really appreciate that.
What a great idea.
It's bringing the community
together in a whole new way.
Guess what, Mom? The
buffet table is filling up.
Yes!
Uh... do you think
there's space for another plate?
We'll make some.
Perfect.
Woo! This place
is rocking. Look at this.
Hi, Jack.
Hey,
darlin'. How are ya?
Thanks to Hope's quick
thinking, she saved the day.
Oh, uh, no.
It was actually
your chokecherry pie
that gave me the
idea for the potluck.
But then she hooked me up with
an email to the Ruidoso database.
Solved the catering issue and
introduced Hope to
Ruidoso's town folks.
There you go.
Turns out it's also a
big deal to ask for help.
Okay.
Something I've always said.
Well, I'll
take your word for it.
Grayson family
secret recipe coming in hot.
Hey! All right.
Oh, wow. Oh,
careful, careful.
Okay, get it over
to the buffet table.
I got it, it's okay!
Bethany?
Mayor
Hope.
I brought the mac and cheese.
Thank you for being
here. I really appreciate it.
I'll show you
where we can find some space.
Hey, Tom.
Ma'am.
Oh, you can call me Lori.
You know how to two-step, Lori?
I don't, actually.
We're about to learn.
Hey, let's get
Hope up here! Hope!
Hope! Hope! Hope!
Hope! Hope! Hope! Hope!
Come on now!
All right, all right, all right.
Well, first
of all, I have to say
thank you so much for
coming to the Giddy Up Gala!
And, uh, I just want to say...
I have to admit, when I
first bought this place,
I wanted to bring back
the Giddy Up Gala because
I had so many great memories
from the past with it.
And the truth is, being
with all of you here tonight
just makes me think of
how great our future
is gonna be here in Ruidoso.
Thank you!
All right,
y'all know what time it is?
Let's go dance!