The Clue to Love (2021) Movie Script
1
Oh Dennis, Dennis.
Good morning, Harper,
tenacious as usual I see.
Right.
Good morning.
I was wondering if
you had time to...
Time for what Harper?
Well, to discuss a
few story ideas I had.
One in particular that
I think is very timely.
About the eroding coastlines and
the turtles in North Carolina.
That for me?
Four creams, no sugar,
and two shots of espresso.
You can't bribe me, Harper.
Who's bribing?
I also wanted to talk to
you about the promotion.
I'll come
by your desk later Harper.
Have a great big.
Thank you, sir.
But about that promotion...
Sarah, get me Clifton
Cooper on the phone.
Harper, look.
I know you're frustrated
about your progress here.
And I'm sure you're thinking,
if he really believed
in me, he'd give me a shot.
OK?
To that end, I'm taking
you off to Hope Cove.
We're going to change
it up for you, Harper.
No more bake sales,
no dog rescues.
I'm going to have
you do an article
on this family-owned small
town newspaper that just...
-won the Pulitzer Prize.
Well, Morgan Cooper did,
for his... and I quote,
"Relentless - down-to-
- Earth editorials"
on the perils of local
government secrecy,
"effectively admonishing citizens
to uphold the right to know."
Impressive.
Have you read it?
It is a great series
of editorials.
He's a wonderful writer.
He is.
His father Clifton, who is
also the editor in chief,
is retiring this year.
And that's why I want you
to handle the article.
The Hope Cove Beacon has been
around for over 75 years.
And now, Clifton is passing
the torch over to his son.
Should make for an
interesting read.
What's the catch?
A promotion.
You nail this article, tell a
compelling story, et cetera,
et cetera, city desk.
20% raise.
How long do I have to be there?
One week.
You can set up camp at
the Hope Cove Beacon.
We've cleared it with Clifton.
Write a compelling story
on the paper's legacy.
OK.
Thank you.
All right.
So you're going to be
working at the Beacon?
Yeah.
The Tribune has picked up
a lot of their articles.
I have been beating out more
than a few times by their boy
wonder, Morgan Cooper.
You sure it's OK
I stay with you?
Of course.
It's our slowest bed
and breakfast season.
And besides, it'll
be fun to catch up.
Oh, and it's the
town's Big Red Apple
Festival, which is so great.
There's a pie eating contest,
and dunking for apples,
and apple everything.
Sounds fun.
Small town life.
There are things that I miss.
I can't wait to meet
the famous Howie.
And I can't wait
for you to meet him.
What's up with you and Wade?
Nothing.
We broke up.
It wasn't a good fit.
So, I was thinking of leaving
in about a half an hour,
and heading to the paper
first, and then coming to you.
Is that OK?
It's perfect.
OK.
I got to go home and
get my stuff together.
I'll see you this afternoon.
Bye.
OK.
So Josh is covering
the local election.
Mary Kay is on the
university remodel.
And, Greg great job with the
school board budget cuts.
You might get them
to change their minds
about cutting the arts program.
We'll have to wait and see.
And Deanna is covering
the trials at the UN.
Can we please take a minute
to acknowledge the fact
that this morning, this paper...
And this guy, my
son, Morgan Cooper,
won the Pulitzer Prize
for local editorials.
- Here, here.
- Speech.
Speech.
- Thank you.
Thank you.
As you all know, I'm
not one for speeches.
This paper is only as
good as its reporters.
And you guys bring your
A game every single day.
So thank you for that.
As far as I'm
concerned, we're all
sharing this honor unanimously.
Especially my father, who has
taught me everything I know...
And never gave up on
me, even when I went
through my punk rock phase.
Well, you're a
complex man my son.
OK everybody.
Back to work.
That's what the afternoon
is going to look like for...
Excuse me.
I was looking for Clifton
and Morgan Cooper.
The woman at the desk
said you'd be in here.
Yeah.
Is that my lunch?
I'm starving.
That's my lunch.
Well, who the heck
is Audrey Harper.
That would be me.
I'm Audrey Harper.
And this is my lunch.
Audrey?
I'm Clifton Cooper.
Morgan, this is the
reporter I told you
about that Dennis sent
over to write the article
about you and the paper.
I know I'm early.
I wanted to get a jump start,
get some of the business out
of the way, like where I'm
sitting, and computer access,
and all that good stuff.
Dennis said you
were a real go-getter.
Didn't he, Morgan?
Yes.
Yeah.
Well, let me show you around.
OK.
Nice to meet you.
You as well.
This is... he's a new hire.
Oh, hi.
Nice to meet you.
Wow.
Cubicle upgrade.
Yeah.
I'm not a big fan
of open concept.
As a writer, I find it
hard to get anything
done in all that chaos.
I... I've read your articles.
You have real talent.
Thank you.
I was beginning to doubt
myself and my career choice.
Ah.
Trust me.
It happens to the best of us.
Well, it's late.
Nothing to do now.
You should get settled.
Where are you staying?
With an old friend, Jane.
Oh, Aunt Fanny's niece?
Mm-hmm.
Oh yeah, we go way back.
You know, I...
I like how you stood
up for your lunch.
My son needs someone
to put him in his place.
Glad I could be of service.
Have at him.
Call me Aunt Fanny, dear.
You'll like working
with Clifton.
His family started
the Hope Cove Beacon.
It's the heart of our community.
They do so much more
than just print the news.
I really don't know
what we'd do without it.
What about his son, Morgan?
I don't know him well.
Audrey said he's
a bit of a grump.
Oh, that's unlike him.
I was his kindergarten teacher.
Mm.
He's got people.
Hometown boy.
Except for the five years he
worked at the London Times.
Oh, my boss mentioned that.
Why did he come back?
I think he was homesick.
Oh, I'm going to
make some more tea.
Do you miss it?
Honestly, no.
It's truly the best
thing I ever did.
I have a life.
And believe it or not, I love
owning a bed and breakfast.
I thought you were nuts
when you gave up the big job
and the expense account.
So how are things
with you and Howie?
Yeah.
We're good.
- Convincing.
It's nothing.
We're just a little
off these days.
It's the year and a
half mark, isn't it?
Aren't you the one
who said that Howie
was different than any
guy you've ever dated?
Well?
Then stop putting your old
fears and past relationship
issues on him.
I'm not doing that.
This is totally
different than the old...
Than Peter and Owen?
OK, now that's not fair.
What is not fair about that?
Oh, I hate it when you're right.
Do we need new
bedding for the Blue Room?
Oh no.
But we do need new accent
pillows for the Yellow Room.
Oh, an advice column.
Really?
This is different.
Ask Aunt Hope is unlike any
advice you'll ever read.
It's only in the Sunday edition.
But I read it every day
so it can inform my day.
Inform your day.
Every day is different, and you
never know what
insight you can glean
from someone else's problem.
It's our Magic Maker.
It's done a lot of
good around here.
Opened people's
hearts and minds.
Helped troubled kids get
their lives back on track.
Isn't it just the advice
you get from someone
who loves you, like your mom?
- No, this is different.
- She's right.
It feels different.
How so?
Dear Stuck in the Middle.
Relationships are
a two way street.
It's not one person's
responsibility
to take the reins to move
a relationship forward.
Whoever wants to have a
deep love in their life
must save for it.
Must till the soil, and repair
the roots, and gather honey.
For life's sweetest flavor
is always baked with love.
We should stop by the
bakery in the morning.
You can meet Howie.
Oh, great idea.
And I can get some
muffins so I can
bribe everyone in the office
on my official first day.
I'm sure you don't need
to bribe people to like you.
Well, I just thought it would...
I mean, I don't know.
I thought it might be nice?
I...
It's pretty sweet.
Howie?
Hey.
Hi.
This is...
Audrey.
I've heard so much about you.
It's nice to put
a face to a name.
Nice to meet you as well.
So Howie, what are
your best muffins?
Well, why don't you
judge for yourself?
Oh, yum.
OK.
I would like two dozen
of these assorted
and a non-fat cappuccino please.
Coming up.
So tonight...
Music on the pier...
-and the Crab Shack?
Sounds good.
And there you go.
That's for you.
- OK.
Oh, no, no, no.
You're practically
Jane's sister.
Thank you.
- Bye.
- Bye.
Nice to meet you Howie.
You too.
You guys don't seem off to me.
You practically finish
each other's sentences.
He's really cute and sweet.
We're like an
old married couple.
Well, we're not married.
We do the same thing
week after week.
I know it can't be like
hearts and flowers and romance
all the time.
But if we're this boring
now, how boring are we
going to be in like 10 years?
Well, what are you
doing to shake things up?
Are you, Dear Stuck
in the Middle?
Jane!
Wow, OK.
Well, didn't Ask
Aunt Hope or whoever
say that you have to repair
the roots, and till the soil,
and you can't leave everything
to the other person?
It's pretty good advice.
Dear Stuck in the Middle.
- Audrey, right?
- Yeah.
I'm Greg.
I love a good muffin bribe.
Is it that obvious?
It's totally obvious.
OK everyone, meet Audrey Harper.
Audrey, meet everyone.
Hi.
OK.
So we'll make this fast.
Uh, Josh, your
story is good to go.
Run it through fact check.
Let them know that we want it
out on this weekend's edition.
Mary Kay, great job.
Sent you a couple of notes.
Might want to shorten up
the timeline a little bit.
And Dana, fantastic work.
Let's run it Friday.
Find another story.
Greg...
The Ask Aunt Hope story.
Oh, did you know, Audrey, that
no one knows who writes it?
I mean, no one.
It just shows up every Saturday
night before we go to press.
This has been going on
for almost 15 years.
Oh.
That sounds great.
It's got small town magic.
Oh, nobody cares who
writes, Ask Aunt Hope.
OK, how about this.
It speaks to the community.
It's ingrained in
Hope Cove's DNA,
and it's helped change the
lives of so many people.
I mean, at least I heard it did.
I have no idea if it actually
has changed people's lives.
But that's the story.
Not who's writing the
column, but how the column
has helped so many people.
You know, Greg, if you
wouldn't mind teaming up,
I'd love to include
this as part of my story
on the paper's legacy.
That is a great idea.
I could get behind that.
Yeah.
Me too.
Greg, what do you
think about that?
Here are my notes for the story.
Our surrogate just
went into labor.
So I'm going to be on paternity
leave for the next few weeks.
Congratulations.
It's go time.
Congratulations.
Wait.
This is your story.
I don't want to take your story.
It's also my baby.
So if you don't take
my story, my husband
won't let me see my baby.
So take this story.
Got it.
I will try not to let you down.
Congrats.
And remember, sleep
when the baby sleeps.
Makes life easier.
- OK.
It's go time.
Hey.
So would you mind
me shadowing you?
This story is as
much about you as it
is about the paper's legacy.
He'd be thrilled.
That's not necessary.
Sounds like a plan?
Yeah, but plan...
A very bad plan.
I'm sorry, I just don't
like being followed around.
Got it.
If you work
shadowing me though...
Mm-hmm?
- We would be leaving now.
Yeah.
What are they doing?
Oh, that old thing?
That's the Ask
Aunt Hope drop box.
Wow.
That's retro and sweet.
What?
Nothing.
It's just, I wasn't expecting
that from a big city
jaded reporter like yourself.
Who says I'm jaded?
Well, you're not the only
one that's done their homework.
So, is the family
business in your blood,
or did you ever want
to do something else?
Honestly, not really.
I've always loved the paper
ever since I was a kid.
Just fascinated with it, from
the way the printing press
works, to the way my parents
would think of an article,
and that article would find
its way into the paper.
And then, it would make a
difference in someone's life.
What about you?
Puzzles.
I loved puzzles growing up.
OK.
Figuring out how the
pieces fit, and you know,
like a mystery, where
it all comes together
to make one picture in the end.
And if I wasn't doing
puzzles, I was reading.
Then, when I took my
first journalism class
my senior year of high school,
all of my favorite things
came together.
So, what is this article about?
The bocce ball league.
You're doing a
story on old man bowling?
Old man bowling.
I will have you know,
that bocce ball is a sport
deeply entrenched in history.
It involves strategy.
It's a nobleman's sport.
And it was invented
5,200 years ago.
Paris featured it
in the Olympics.
Uh, Yeah.
Yeah.
We went from complete
amateurs to league champions
in less than three years.
Impressive.
So why bocce?
I was tired of playing cards.
I needed to do something
to get my body moving.
Actually, the grandkids,
they call it old man bowling.
But it was my idea
to start playing.
Actually, that's a lie.
It was Ask Aunt Hope.
Really?
Do you remember the first
time Ask Aunt Hope appeared
in the Hope Cove Beacon?
- Well, yeah.
I...
Story for a
different time perhaps.
We should let you get
back to your team.
Out of curiosity, who are you
going up against in the Big Red
Apple Festival?
Bay City Bowlers.
Good team.
Good team there.
Not as good as us, but...
Impressive.
Thank you.
But why did you shut down
my Ask Aunt Hope question?
Well, this was about
my article, not yours.
Oh, so that's how it is.
Well yeah, that's how it is.
So what is with
this advice column?
It's kind of like a cult.
All right.
No one's sitting around
with grand delusions
waiting for the spaceship
to come and pick them up.
All right?
These are functioning adults.
The column simply
offers advice...
As most advice columns do.
Mm-hmm.
And they can take
it or leave it.
So you're a true believer.
I wouldn't necessarily
say I'm a true believer.
But I've seen the
column help people.
And that means something.
I guess it's more important
that it does good rather
than who is doing the good.
No.
That fountain was begging
for a box of detergent
to liven it up.
I did it this morning.
The fountain is in
front of the high school.
Oh, OK.
I forgot how cute he was...
For a grump.
Up to no
good again I see, Fanny.
Oh, someone has
a bad reputation.
Nonsense.
Morgan, you remember
my niece Jane.
And you know Audrey.
Does Audrey know
that sweet potato fries
are not technically fries?
Not real fries?
They're seasoned and crunchy.
The quintessential
fry is the steak fry.
Steak fries are
like eating mush.
And don't get me started
on shoestring fries.
They are the worst.
I'd rather have tater tots.
Tater tots.
I should probably be going.
Kudos on the bubbles.
I'm on to you.
Good afternoon, ladies.
Huh.
You know he's single, right?
I thought he was dating Cecilia?
Details.
It doesn't matter.
I'm here to work, not date.
Oh, hey.
I was curious.
Sign of a great reporter.
Just... I was joking.
What's up?
I was going through some of
the old Ask Aunt Hope columns,
and I saw that you took
some of the writers,
like Full of Potential Lacking
Ambition, and Broken Hearted,
and did some, where are
they now stories on them?
They were great.
You know, the star football
player and the old lovebirds.
Oh my gosh.
They actually wrote back
in thanking Ask Aunt Hope.
The readers always wanted
to hear more about it.
Why?
What's up?
Well, I was wondering if I
could get their information
so I could interview
them for the story.
Oh, yeah.
As a matter of
fact, I may have it.
Right here.
Check your phone.
Oh, perfect.
Thanks.
You're welcome.
We shouldn't
let Dennis make an offer.
Why?
We could grow the paper.
Upgrade our technology,
like you always wanted.
We do not need it.
And besides, the second we
sell the paper, it's toast.
They'll fire every
single person in here...
Myself included... slap
a new coat of paint
on the front of it, and
remake the entire paper
in their own image.
Oh, it can't hurt
to see an offer.
You know what it's
like to run this paper.
I'm ready to retire.
I don't want to see
you struggle like we
did when we were your age,
ready to start a family and all.
I just don't think
it's a good idea.
And there's something
about this Mitchell guy.
He's up to something.
I don't trust him.
You do know that the
Pulitzer and an article
in the Tribune about
our little paper
will help with
subscription numbers.
It's a win-win.
Well, the jury's
still out on that.
But it is something.
At least you can see my point.
Besides, if we sell the paper,
we're going to have to put up
with reporters like Audrey.
I mean... is she going
to be here all the time?
- You know I hate being followed.
- Oh no.
A hermit.
A recluse.
A lone wolf.
I prefer maverick.
But I'll take that.
I mean, she's so
opinionated and pushy.
She's really gotten
under your skin, eh?
What annoys you more...
Her talent, or that she
doesn't kowtow to you like they
did at the London Times?
You had a great
thing going there.
You won the Hillman prize.
And then gave it
all up to come home.
We've been over this many times.
I was ready to come home.
Fair enough.
So, how are things with Cecilia?
Cecil... good.
We're good.
Yeah.
She might be the one.
Really?
We've been dating
for quite a while.
So...
What... what was your first
thought when you saw Cecilia?
I hope she's not taller
than me in a pair of heels.
Morgan, I'll see you tomorrow.
Good night.
You know, it's a lot easier
if you don't drop everything.
Here, this should help.
Oh, so scooping up dirt is
what makes you such a maverick?
Teach me your ways.
Well, you should learn to
do one new thing every day.
When are you going to learn
how to write a better headline?
Community rec center approved,
city goes over budget.
Could it be any more bland?
Well...
You do know what a
good headline looks like.
You used to work at
the London Times.
Wow.
And the opinions keep coming.
Tell me, do you have a
comment for everything?
You do realize that
reporters are supposed
to observe sometimes, right?
Morgan.
Oh.
Hey, Cecilia.
Surprise.
Look what I've got.
- What do you think?
- Yes.
Yeah?
It's nice.
OK.
Aw, look at that.
- Is there a bigger size?
- Yeah.
There's a bigger size.
It's a defense mechanism.
He's really a good guy.
He's really so full of himself
I could pop him with a pin.
Want to join?
Are you playing for money?
Because Jane has taken so much
of my cash over the years,
I don't think I'm up for it.
Beware Howie, she's a shark.
Trust me.
She's fleeced me before.
Heard you were at
the boccie field.
Oh, word travels
fast around here.
Yeah, well, my dad
started the league.
Oh, Benny.
He is adorable.
How'd it go?
It was fine.
It was Morgan's interview, and
I was just there to observe,
which he made sure that I knew.
He's so your type.
I don't have a type.
Everyone has a type.
Oh yeah?
What's your type.
Well, I'm looking at her.
Right answer.
I know.
I think I need to get some air.
I'm going to go for a walk.
Oh, do me a favor.
Stop by the shop and pick me
up a pint of rocky road, and...
Ooh, salty caramel crunch.
You got it.
Hey, do you think
after this tonight,
we could try
something different?
Maybe salsa dancing?
Looking for mermaids?
Hey, Mr. Lone Wolf.
No.
Actually, I'm
looking for merman.
Touch.
So, what do you
think of Hope Cove?
I think it's lovely.
I can see why you wanted
to come back here.
Well, there's a lot to
miss about this place.
And what about you?
You from Harrison?
No.
I'm from a small town
in Georgia, Fairfax.
It was a great place to grow up.
But I found it a
little bit confining.
Well, I get that.
Is that why you went to London?
Do you miss it?
I miss my friends.
And the food.
Best Indian food.
And the museums, obviously.
But in terms of the day
to day grind of living
there and working there, no.
Not one bit.
Yeah.
Oh.
It's Jane.
She wants to know where her
salted caramel crunch is.
Smart woman.
Best ice cream I've ever
had in my entire life.
The day is not officially
over unless you've
had one scoop of coconut
cherry ice cream from the shop.
I haven't had it yet.
So jury's still out.
Well, no time like the present.
OK.
Yeah.
I mean, we... you could.
- Oh.
- Oh.
- Oh.
Are you OK?
Wow.
Sorry.
Who put that there?
So, it's been a few days,
and no one has called me back.
Well, you're new in town.
And people don't know if
they can trust you yet.
True.
So what was it like working
at the London Times?
It was great.
Top notch articles.
I'm getting the sense
that you didn't love it.
I didn't hate it.
My life in London was full of
meetings, and events, dinners.
But it wasn't full
of the right things.
My parents were here doing
something they loved,
where they loved to do it.
I wanted to do the same thing.
Yeah.
My dad was my high
school principal.
And my mom was the town mayor.
I can't even imagine what
it would be like having
a newspaper in my family.
Your mother was the
mayor of your small town?
That is extraordinary.
Yeah.
It was.
But it was also a little bit...
Let me take a wild guess...
Claustrophobic?
Yes.
That's it.
My dad was at my school.
And my mom was everywhere else.
So what's it like
having a newspaper
as your family legacy?
It's pretty cool.
I mean, it's also the most
frustrating, and hectic, and
yet fulfilling part of my life.
I get to write about the human
experience, which I enjoy.
I mean, whether it be on
a global scale or just
a local farmers market, the
stories matter to the people
here in this community.
And I like telling them.
And besides, I'm not
trapped by a column
size, or headline jargon.
You know?
I never looked
at reporting that way.
I always saw it as figuring
out how the pieces fit,
then presenting the facts,
and letting the readers
draw their own conclusions.
Well, I have read
some of your articles.
And I must say, you are a
strong technical writer.
Technical?
As in I have a bright
future writing science books
for grades six through 12?
Of course not.
Oh, OK.
Just first through sixth.
No.
All I'm saying is, you
don't have to be so
far removed from your articles.
I mean, it's OK to let a little
bit of your personality come
through.
For example, the team
decided to move forward
with their tournament,
knowing that they may
lose without their star player.
And lose they did.
It's structurally sound, yes,
and grammatically correct.
But it's a bit too
straight forward.
Letting who you are...
Bright, compassionate,
charming, shine
through is not a bad thing.
It's a good thing.
How would you have worded it?
Easy.
Uh...
Well, this is me.
It was nice running
into you today.
Ditto.
See you tomorrow.
Yep.
Well, if that wasn't
all sweetness and light,
I don't know what was.
Nope.
Jane, not going there.
Prepare to lose, my dear boy.
Like last week, when I
wiped the floor with you.
You should respect your elders.
I do respect my elder.
But that does not mean I will
not beat the pants off of you.
Challenge accepted.
Ah.
You know, if you want
to move back to London
or take that standing offer
with the Washington Post,
I would be willing to
postpone my retirement
and find someone
to run the paper.
That would be OK with me.
But it wouldn't be with me, Dad.
This place is my home.
I've always imagined
having a future here.
And I realize why
you're suggesting this.
The Harrison group has
given you an offer,
and you're offering me an out.
But I'm telling you,
I don't want it.
And if I did, I
would let you know.
I want to carry on
the family tradition.
I want to take over the paper.
And besides, we shouldn't
be selling anyway.
It's not a good fit.
Oh, Clifton, do
you have a minute?
Sure, what's up?
Ask Aunt Hope, your grandmother
wrote the column, right?
Yeah.
It was a big
success at the time.
And then, who
took over after her?
My mother, then my wife.
Excuse me.
I got to take this.
- Sure.
- See ya.
Hmm.
Clifton Cooper here.
So, how goes it,
Harriet the spy?
I prefer Nancy Drew.
Hmm.
I stand corrected.
Still no answers to my calls.
Do you think I should
try calling again?
I've got a better idea.
Try volunteering.
Hmm.
Not a bad idea.
Hey.
How are ya?
Oh.
Sorry.
Oh.
Do you think this
needs more red?
Maybe a little bit of blue?
OK.
Oh!
Um
Uh.
Have you ever played this?
Well, I do have some
middle school skills.
Hey, by the way.
I read some of your
non-award winning articles.
Oh.
Your writing is beautiful.
The way that you approach
a story, and layer in facts
with emotion is masterful.
Hmm.
Thank you.
Oh.
You just played me.
Oh.
That's it.
It's a tie.
Well, it's a tie.
You want to make
things interesting?
Always.
Eyes closed.
Oh... Oh my gosh, I feel
like I'm getting hustled.
You're pretty good.
It's good I don't
have any money on me.
Hey.
Can I officially interview you?
Yeah.
Of course.
Why don't you come
by to the house.
We'll make some lunch, and...
Enticing offer.
But I have way too many
back issues of the Beacon
to go through.
Well, OK.
I'll make you a deal.
If you make the next one,
come over to the place.
If you miss, you still
come over to the place,
and we'll go through those
back issues together.
OK?
3, 2, 1.
Let's see what you got.
OK.
When I got it.
Better luck next time, son.
Good try there, Morgan.
Clifton Cooper.
Hey Dennis.
Hey, yeah.
Well, I got to tell you.
I'm... I'm feeling a
little pressured here.
Yeah, well, I can't help it.
I mean...
You'll never get an
offer like this again.
I need assurances that you're
not going to come in here
and gut the paper.
We want to buy you because we
believe in everything the Hope
Cove Beacon stands for.
The Beacon is going
to be the jewel
in the Harrison Group crown.
Clifton, this offer gives you
a stress-free retirement...
And protects Morgan and the
paper's legacy for decades
to come.
I... I need to think it over.
I need to figure
some things out.
That's all I'm asking.
Think about it.
You'll see it's a good deal.
Talk to you later.
- Yeah.
Yeah.
OK.
Yeah, I'll get to it.
Yeah.
Hey.
Who was that?
Ugh.
Mr. Campden.
You know, I know he's
a lifetime subscriber.
But isn't there anyone else
who could handle his complaints
about his paper delivery?
Uh, yea... no.
Dad, he wants to
deal with the boss.
And let's face it,
you're the boss.
Hmm.
Hey there.
Thanks.
Thank you for doing this.
So, I have been researching
your grandmother.
Man, she was quite the rebel.
Running the paper and
raising her family
while your grandfather was
off in the Army News Corp.
Actually, that was
my great grandparents.
Oh.
But we always called
them grandpa and grandma.
Yeah.
They really supported each
other and lifted each other up.
Hope you like medium.
Oh yeah.
Medium is great.
So please do share your
great grandparents' wisdom.
Can't.
Family secret.
You're a good reporter.
I read your article.
But would you mind some advice?
Well, who am I to say no
to a Pulitzer Prize winner?
I'm a big girl.
I can take it.
The article you did
about the rescue shelter
didn't get picked up, because
you stopped short of finding
an emotional hook.
And that is why the
Harrison Tribune picked up
your article instead of mine.
You did that deep dive on
that one thing that she said.
It's not about
the circumstances,
but it's how we react
to the circumstances.
And that is how we can
change not only the world,
but how we train ourselves
to respond to the world.
You structured the
whole thing around that.
And I went back and
reviewed my notes.
And she said something
similar in my interview.
But I let it go, because
it wasn't a fact.
My question is, how do you write
with emotion and stay neutral?
I wish I knew.
Seriously though.
You do write with compassion.
You don't give
yourself enough credit.
Thank you again for helping
me craft my interview questions.
Deal's a deal.
OK.
So I have written a few.
I'd like you to take a look.
But before we start, have you
considered having the interview
outside of the paper?
Somewhere a little
less intimidating?
Like the park?
Exactly.
Somewhere where you can
create a more personal
connection with your subject?
Hmm.
I guess it's kind of as
important as the question.
Almost.
This is good.
Do you mind if I...
No go ahead.
OK.
Just give me a second.
Hey, dad.
Yeah, absolutely.
Mm-hmm.
Will do.
OK.
Yup.
See you soon.
I got to go.
That was my dad.
Oh.
Yeah, he wants me to
swing by the office.
We're talking about this
week's editorial story.
Personal touch.
Well, something like that.
Anyway.
OK.
Well, I feel good about these.
Thanks again for your insights.
And...
This was fun.
Yeah.
See you soon.
Take your time.
Here to check on me?
No.
Well, maybe.
Yes.
It's my first
interview of the piece.
So having you here as a safety
net is probably a good thing.
Thank you.
Don't let it go to your head.
You ready?
As I'll ever be.
- I'll be right over there.
- OK.
OK.
It was sophomore year.
And I was really, you know,
not taking anything serious.
And then, my girlfriend wrote
to Ask Aunt Hope about me.
And I was like, nope.
So not my thing.
Then I read it.
And...
Dear Full of Potential
but Lacking Ambition.
"Sometimes the hardest
person to walk away from
is the person you've
always assumed you were."
It just spoke to me.
You know, I realized
I was hiding
behind the whole
dumb jock thing.
So I started going to classes
and studying... the whole drill.
And now, I have a
college scholarship.
And it's not for football.
Wow.
It's based on my actual grades.
Is that all you need?
Yeah.
That's great.
Thank you.
Well, Thanks for
being interested.
Have a good one.
He was really sweet.
He is.
He also disproves the theory
that all jocks are dumb.
I sense a bit of a
chip on your shoulder.
Where you the high school
quarterback that no one
took seriously?
No.
But in all seriousness, I was
the captain of the baseball
team that no one cared about.
Well, trust me.
It was better than being the
lead trombone in the band
and wearing a neck brace.
I bet you looked super cute.
You had all your
friends sign your neck
brace for permanent marker?
I can assure you, I also had
braces and a really bad perm.
I bet the entire AV
squad had a crush on you.
Actually, they did.
Oh, my blue heaven.
Needs you right now.
Make him OK.
Ooh.
OK.
Oh, you got blue heaven.
Woo!
OK.
We made it.
Whoo!
Oh my goodness.
It's beautiful.
Oh, wow.
Is that OK?
Yeah.
This is great.
Isn't that the beacon
from your paper's masthead?
Yeah.
This is my great
grandparent's favorite spot.
Hmm.
Back in the days
when the lighthouses...
And therefore newspapers... used
to actually mean something.
When I was a kid, I used
to climb out onto the rocks
and go right to the
base of the lighthouse.
Why is this place so
special to your family?
I mean, besides
the fact that it's
a lighthouse, and
super cool, and it
was some guy's job to
live out there year round
to guide in sailors safely?
Or there was always a sense
of magic to the place.
It's literally the thing that
inspired my great grandparents
to start the paper.
Hmm.
A beacon of light for Hope Cove.
They sound like
really special people.
They were.
My mother followed
their footsteps
and took a job at
The New York Times,
and came back here when she
was ready to start a family.
Like mother, like son.
Met my dad on the flight home.
Oh, wow.
Kismet.
My parents met at a track meet.
My mom was practicing
the steeplechase
at the same time as my dad.
And she kept making it over the
water, and he kept falling in.
He said, that he
knew then that anyone
who wouldn't hide her
gumption was his kind of gal.
Sounds like it was meant to be.
Yeah.
Wow.
The Washington
Post is calling me.
Do you mind if I answer?
- No.
Go ahead.
Should I throw it in the water?
Go ahead. Really.
I'll be back in two seconds.
OK.
OK.
I know a lot
of reporters that would
kill to get an offer
from the Washington Post,
myself included.
It's the dream job.
But you don't want it?
Well, it's the dream job,
because you haven't had it.
Half the job of managing
editor with a city desk
is hobnobbing and networking.
And simply put, I
am not that guy.
No, you're not.
I mean that as a compliment.
Thank you.
You really seem to
know what you want.
Don't you?
Well, if this all
goes the way I hope,
I should be getting a raise.
And a promotion
to the city desk.
So...
Hmm.
Yeah.
Why did she call you that?
Well...
Because you're tall?
She said I was
built like a tree.
I mean, I
guess that's kind of true.
I thought it was funny.
Yeah.
Solid as a trunk.
Dennis?
It's five o'clock.
Shouldn't you be on the
golf course somewhere?
It's raining in my
neck of the woods.
So, how is it going?
Really well.
It's a wonderful paper.
Clifton and Morgan
have put together
a fantastic team of reporters.
I know Clifton, but
I don't know a lot
about the rest of their team.
Well, there's Josh.
He is the national
reporter, and he is amazing.
And then, there's Dana, and
she covers international,
and she's really
talented and smart.
And then there's Greg.
And he covers the local news.
And he is the one who gave me
the idea to add Ask Aunt Hope
to the article I'm writing.
It was really a genius idea.
Good to know.
Anyone else I should
keep my eye on?
Dennis, you're not thinking
of poaching anyone, are you?
You never know Harper.
Leave them alone.
Come on.
Clifton is retiring, and
Morgan will need his best
team for the transition.
Can't make any promises.
The newspaper game can
be pretty cutthroat.
Goodbye, Harper.
Ugh.
Ice cream for dinner.
It's like you read my mind.
I know why I'm so distracted.
It is this dang article.
There's so much riding on it.
Did you know that
Morgan got an offer...
A real offer from the
Washington Post today?
I did not.
Why would you?
OK, so then why the ice cream?
I think I know what
moving forward means to me.
You think, or you know?
I know.
Getting married.
Wow.
That is a sharp turn from,
we're an old married couple,
and if we're this
boring now, what
will we be like in 10 years?
Fair.
You know those moments where
everything seems clear.
Getting off the boat, and
Howie steadied my footing.
It was just this
simple little thing.
And I just knew...
He's the only person I want to
be an old married couple with.
Oh.
What do I do?
Well, have you spoken
to him about marriage?
You haven't?
Really?
OK.
Well, maybe you
should talk to him.
Always the sensible one.
Exactly what I need.
I aim to please, my dear.
That's exciting.
Oh!
All right.
So we're here now.
What are you looking for?
Oh, Dixie's old notebooks.
It'd be great to layer
in her thought process
on giving advice and
how that influenced
how she ran the paper.
Oh.
So, Clifton.
You're the editor in chief
and the paper's archivist?
Well, my grandparents
started me young.
I think I was 10 they had
me filing back issues.
It was the only way they
could keep him out of trouble.
You know, I remember once
there was this huge snowstorm.
And the power was
out everywhere.
Roads were blocked.
People needed shelter.
And my parents had a backup
generator at the paper.
And they just
opened their doors.
We did that many
times over the years.
Hmm.
Sounds like much
more than a paper.
It's the heart of the community.
Bingo.
Heart of the community.
Yes.
Paper hearts.
Look at this.
Oh, you have got
to be kidding me.
A notebook.
Are these the wings...
Yes.
Wow.
Should I be worried?
I do this for all of my stories.
But now, thanks to you
and your sleight of hand
make the connection
thing, I have
learned so much from observing
you, it is kind of annoying.
And I mean that as a compliment.
Thank you...
I think.
Well, since we're
handing out compliments,
I admire your
persistence and drive.
And I've learned a few
things from you as well.
Even though I hate to admit it.
I mean, you jumped
at the opportunity
to come down here,
roll up your sleeves,
and check your ego at the door.
Not a lot of people would
do that, myself included.
I've struggled with
setting aside my ego.
Well, thanks.
I really want to take my career
to the next level, you know?
And you will.
It doesn't matter what
paper you work for.
It doesn't matter
what story you cover.
The Saturday Evening
Post, they didn't start
as the Saturday Evening Post.
They were a small
town weekly paper.
But writers like Garrett
Garrett, Otto Friedrich,
Maureen Hennessy... they
wrote with compassion,
and it resonated with the world.
And it put them on the map.
Some guy named
Norman Rockwell helped.
I suppose.
Listen, this article
is going to be great.
And if Dennis doesn't
respond to it...
Heck, even if he does respond
to it, if you for some reason
want to leave the
Tribune, we would be more
than lucky to have you here.
And you will always
have a place here.
I hope so.
For what it's worth.
That must be Cecilia.
And yes, she's waiting
on me for a little bit
of D&P dinner and printing
flyers, riveting stuff.
Got it.
See you, Morgan.
- Yeah.
Later.
How's the article coming?
Oh, it's almost done.
I have a little bit
more research to do.
Hey, maybe you can help me.
I don't know how.
But ask away.
I'm trying to figure out
who took over the column
between Clifton's mom...
Who passed away before
Clifton married Morgan's mom...
And of course, who is writing
it now in their absence.
Millie swore me to secrecy.
Morgan's mom.
We were thick as
thieves for years...
Our whole lives.
Practically sisters.
It's hard to believe she's gone.
OK, you tell me what
information you have,
and I will try and
fill in the blanks.
I know that when grandpa
Lou went off to the war,
grandma Dixie took
over running the paper.
And she needed help
writing her advice column.
So Lucy... Clifton's
mom... pitched in.
And the writing got a lot more...
I don't know... I suppose
the word is, poetic?
Right.
Lucy was a poetry buff.
And when she started
assisting Dixie,
the column really took off.
They were a combination
of beauty and hard truths.
Hmm.
So when Dixie passed,
Lucy took over.
But then, Lucy passed,
and the column kept going.
There was hardly
a change in tone.
So whoever was helping Lucy must
have also been helping Millie.
And it's probable that the same
person who was helping them
is writing it now.
But who?
I have no idea.
Hmm.
And from what I
remember you telling me,
that's not the story you're
supposed to be covering, is it?
No.
But I hate an unfinished puzzle.
Come on.
You have to know something.
No one can like not, not know.
I'm a retired teacher.
And you're a writer.
And we both know that last
sentence was gibberish.
So are Morgan
and Cecilia serious?
I thought you were leaving
when the article was done
and didn't want to get involved.
I am.
I don't.
Just consider it a
reporter's curiosity.
If it was just
reporter's curiosity,
you'd be asking Morgan, correct?
Maybe you should try
thinking about what I want...
For once.
Serious?
Oh, I better go check on her.
Jane!
OK.
Thank you.
OK.
It has been over an hour.
Come on, Jane.
What happened.
We broke up.
You what?
Why?
I have no idea.
Seriously, I don't.
We were just talking
about our boat date.
I hinted maybe he could
plan the next one.
And then, he said that I
don't find him romantic.
And then we broke up.
You broke up, broke up?
Is there another kind?
OK, well, this feels fixable.
It's... it's just a miscommunication.
Have your feelings changed?
No.
I still want to grow old with
him and do all that stuff.
But I didn't even get the
chance to tell him that.
And I don't think
it makes sense now.
You love him.
What is going on?
Nothing.
OK.
Tell me the facts.
- One, two, pull the Band-
- Aid off.
It's just us.
OK.
Fact one, I really love him.
Fact two, I'm scared
out of my mind.
OK.
We will figure this out.
It's going to be OK.
Oh!
Oh.
I've not seen you
this jealous since...
I am not jealous.
And do not mention
Brian Hasbrook,
Richy Rustem, or Buddy Manning.
You already did.
Oh, my...
Well, really?
Why are you here on a Sunday?
I came to get my notes.
I have an interview.
Oh, well.
A reporter's work is never done.
Not in my case anyway.
Were we supposed to meet today?
Oh, no.
I um... I came to get my notes.
I have an interview in the park.
This is Cecilia.
Hi, you must be Audrey?
Morgan's been...
Complaining that
I've been following him around?
She's got your number.
Yeah, well...
Well, I should go.
You going to do
that all by yourself?
I think I can manage.
Oh.
Nice to meet you, Cecilia.
You too.
She doesn't seem so bad.
Mm-hmm.
Morgan?
You got a minute?
Oh.
I'll drop these on your desk.
- Oh.
- Meet you at the bodega?
- OK.
Thanks.
OK.
What's up?
It's a solid deal.
Is it?
I mean, the money's not bad.
The money is great.
I could retire comfortably.
And you wouldn't have to
struggle through the transition
or basically ever.
And there's great
structured payouts.
Yeah.
They're probably going
to gut the company.
Dennis assures me...
I mean, unless they put down
in writing that they're not
going to fire everyone
in the office,
and they're going to
upgrade our technology,
and let us work
as our own entity,
and really actually
invest in the paper,
then yeah, maybe we
could consider it.
But I just think right
now it's a bad deal.
That is strange.
Right?
He was acting all weird,
like I caught him in the act.
But why does it matter?
We are colleagues.
And he is dating Cecilia.
Still.
Still, your heart?
OK.
Enough about me.
Are you sticking with the plan?
When are you having
the talk with Howie?
I'm just not quite ready.
If you were fearless enough
to give up your old life
and move to Hope Cove to
open a bed and breakfast,
you can tell Howie how you feel.
Suck it up buttercup.
I never would have
gone to the dance
if Ask Aunt Hope hadn't told
me to get out of the house.
My heart had been broken.
And I was hiding from the world.
When I walked in the room,
the minute I saw him,
my heart started pounding.
We only shared one dance.
Then some big guy cut
in, and she was gone.
To console myself, I went to the
farmer's market the next day.
And there she was.
Buying peaches for a pie.
And when I went to
pay, he paid for me.
He was so sweet.
We've been together ever since.
You know, her advice
was so beautiful...
We used it in our wedding
invitation, except
for the Dear Broken Hearted.
I think I brought
a copy with me.
All our lives,
we're looking for home.
If we're lucky, we'll find
it in someone's loving arms.
Love is coming home.
Wow.
That was really beautiful.
Thank you.
Mm-hmm.
They're so sweet.
Mm.
They really are.
And so in love.
That's not us.
I mean, we're not them.
I mean...
This isn't working.
Yes.
I'm sorry.
I probably rushed things a
little too fast, because...
We're a certain age.
Our parents were
settled at this age.
Trust me, I'm right there
in that hole with you.
Honestly, you are a great guy.
Just not...
The right guy.
And I'm not the right girl.
But I see how you
look at Audrey.
You should definitely
give that a shot.
The paper's history is steeped
not only in the personalities
and passions of its founders and
their grandson, the new editor
in chief Morgan Cooper,
but also in the townspeople
of Hope Cove.
A community that was essentially
brought together by the paper.
A paper whose ideals of
goodwill, neighborliness,
fair play, courage,
and open-mindedness
are what Morgan
strives to uphold
and wears as his badge of honor.
The integrity of
the Hope Cove Beacon
stems from the
people of Hope Cove...
This is the best thing
you've ever written.
You don't think it's too sappy?
No.
It's perfect.
You're falling for Morgan.
What?
No.
I am not falling for Morgan.
We're just friends.
If anything, I'm
falling for the town.
The town?
You are falling for the town?
Yes, the town.
Ugh.
OK.
Let's see what
Aunt Hope Has to say.
OK.
Dear Lost at Sea.
Sometimes your life path doesn't
take you all over an island
to find your way.
Sometimes it's standing
in front of you
like a beacon illuminating the
place you were meant to be.
Don't look past the present
to find your future.
Hmm.
The beacon.
Oh.
Hi, Audrey.
I didn't mean to bother you two.
Oh, no, no.
Not at all.
I... I should be heading out.
No.
I didn't want to
spoil the moment.
I...
No, you're not
spoiling anything.
It's fine.
We do this every year
for mom's birthday.
She'd be thrilled
that someone else
showed up, instead of just us.
You two enjoy the
rest of the evening.
Bye Clifton.
I feel so bad.
I think I just ran your dad off.
Oh, do not.
Do not feel bad at all.
Dad would stay if he wanted to.
He has overstayed
many a welcome before.
Wine?
- Sure.
Yeah.
- Yeah?
- Yeah.
- OK.
So, thank you.
Tell me about the wish lanterns.
Oh.
Well, every year we write
one thing in the lantern
and fly it off.
And the birthday fairy
grants your wish.
I don't know.
Which is something I've stopped
believing after about 10.
Hmm.
It's really sweet.
I'm almost done with my article.
Would you take a look at it
before I officially submit it?
I'd be honored.
OK.
But you have to be
brutally honest...
Well, not too brutal, or you
know, like nicely brutal.
Why don't we just take
brutal out of the equation?
Great idea.
OK.
Were you serious
about that job offer?
Yes.
Are you considering it?
Maybe.
I'm at a bit of a loose end.
You know?
I really thought that
everything I wanted
was tied up in the
job at the Tribune...
Bigger stories, bigger profiles.
But I don't know.
I feel a bit untethered.
Well, that's life.
You make plans.
And then life changes
around those plans.
It's important to
remember that you
can pivot your trajectory to
suit your needs in life first.
I needed to hear that, I think.
But you did it.
You had the big job
at the big paper.
Is that something I need
on my resume, do you think?
Only you know what
you want and need.
But life should never be
about what's on your resume.
Yeah.
It's getting pretty windy.
And it's pretty late.
We should probably
get out of here.
Yeah.
It was nice running
into you tonight.
Yeah.
Do you want to go to dinner
with me tomorrow night?
Like a... like a date?
Or like just two friends,
kind of grabbing a bite?
Like a date.
Aren't you and Cecilia a thing?
Cecilia and I are nothing.
We've decided to be friends.
And leave it at that.
Why?
Is that the only thing
holding you back from going
on a date tomorrow night?
Well, will we be
partaking in the three B's?
Bike riding, bocce, or baseball?
Absolutely not.
Then yes.
OK.
So tomorrow night then.
Sounds good.
All right.
Well, I'll leave you to it.
OK.
Love you mom.
So, other than Brian Hasbron
breaking your
heart at five, what
is a life changing experience?
Well, there was
when my mom got sick.
And then, there was
the time on spring
break my senior year of college
that I jumped out of a plane.
But I would have to say, OK.
One morning, after a run with
my ex, we went to brunch.
And he made his usual
breakfast order.
Two eggs, one over
easy, one over hard.
And by hard, I mean,
the yolk has to be
cooked all the way through.
Yeah.
OK.
And it just got me.
And I thought, I can't
spend the rest of my life
with this smug know-it-all guy.
And so, I broke up
with him right then.
Well, I'm glad I didn't
order eggs for dinner.
OK smarty pants.
Your turn.
OK.
I'm six years old.
Cousin Allison's wedding.
Uh-huh.
Obviously you know
I'm not that great with crowds.
I refused to walk down
the aisle unless I
was in my Superman costume.
Pitched a fit.
Huge meltdown.
I thought I was going
to be grounded for life.
Turns out my cousin Allison
didn't care one bit.
And I realized on that day, that
if something was making me feel
uncomfortable, I had no choice
but to voice my opinion,
because it's the only way
things would get better.
Mm-hmm.
Well, I bet you looked adorable.
But if I don't see a
picture, it didn't happen.
Well, there's a picture.
And it's in my father's office.
Oh.
OK, well, I would
like to see that.
- I
- love that thing.
Yeah.
Me too.
It's so cool.
I had fun last night.
Me too.
Well, good.
Would you like to do
it again sometime?
I... I was just headed
to the Baker's Corner.
Can I get you something?
You buying?
Well, you bought dinner.
So yes.
A couple dozen muffins
ought to do it for the office.
Well played.
Yeah.
Well played.
I try my best.
And when you get
back, maybe you'll
have an answer about dinner?
I don't know?
Think about it.
Hmm.
That's great.
Thank you.
You're not getting
very far without this.
You got to stop sneaking
up on me like that.
Thank you.
I don't know what
I was thinking.
You need some company?
Yeah.
Hey Howie.
Good morning.
Will you excuse me a sec?
We're here to get some
muffins for the team.
How's Jane?
How are you doing?
Confused.
Really confused.
About your feelings for Jane?
No, never.
She's the one.
Have you told her that?
I mean, I thought she knew.
Are you still
planning on treating?
Yes.
I will.
Good luck, Howie.
Thanks.
If you don't tell
her she's the one,
she'll never know she's the one.
Hey.
How are you doing?
I don't know.
Howie called.
He wants me to
stop by the bakery.
Now?
No, tonight.
That's great!
Isn't it great?
Depends on what happens.
Oh.
Will you come with me?
You are a grown woman.
And I know you can do this.
Can you at least distract me?
Definitely.
OK.
So I saw your Aunt Fanny take
the notes from the suggestion
box at the paper.
And I am pretty sure that
she is behind Ask Aunt hope.
No.
- Yes.
- Really?
Yes.
Aunt Fanny?
I know.
I am going to go there tonight.
And I am going to
catch whoever it
is in the act of posting that
column for the Sunday edition.
Well, look at you Nancy Drew.
We'll see about that.
Don't come to the paper tonight.
Audrey knows.
And she's determined
to catch me in the act.
Well, it's perfect, really.
If I take the fall,
she'll never know you've
been my partner in crime.
It won't jeopardize
your stellar reputation,
or you know, put you
in newspaper jail.
Yes.
Gotta go.
Hey dad.
Hi son.
There's a leak again.
Same place.
I think it's time to start
considering changing the pipes.
Sounds expensive.
Hmm.
Well, it's like grandpa said.
If you pay for
cheap, you get cheap.
Do it right the first time
so it lasts a lifetime.
Well, he was a smart man.
I guess you better
get some estimates.
I'll make some calls.
Do you want a coffee?
Sounds great.
Double cream, member?
Do it right so it
lasts a lifetime.
Right.
There we go.
Oh, Dennis, that was fast.
Good to hear your voice.
We got your signed contract.
So that's all in motion.
Very excited you're
part of the team.
And now we need to
discuss something.
Did you sign that contract?
One second Dennis.
Someone just came in.
Did you get everything
we wanted down in writing?
No.
Not all of it.
But I trust Dennis.
And now, I need you to trust me.
Now you trust him?
Sorry Dennis.
What were you saying?
No problem.
There's one more thing.
The Harrison Group
is going to take
the whole operation in-house.
What?
You're... you're
disbanding the paper?
We'll still keep a few
key members of your staff.
Uh, Morgan, Josh, Mary,
Kate, and maybe Greg.
What it means is,
there is no autonomy.
You will no longer
have control of the day
to day operations of the paper.
You can't do that.
Yes we can.
The Hope Cove Beacon now
belongs to the Harrison Group.
The contract clearly
states that your paper
can be legally absorbed.
Look.
I've got to go.
We can talk details
in person tomorrow.
Oh, and the big guy
himself is coming with me.
So be prepared.
This can't be happening.
No, I...
I told you this
was going to happen.
And you told him
about our staff?
I... I...
I thought it was the best
decision for our family,
for you, for the paper.
And I never told
him about our staff.
It's fairly easy to
assess our reporters.
You just have to
read their articles.
Dad, were going to
become a soulless version
of our former self, just
like every other paper
that the Harrison Group owns.
I knew it.
Knew what?
Don't give me that.
You are the one
behind Ask Aunt Hope.
How long have you
been writing this?
When Millie took it
over, I helped her out.
And when Millie got sick,
she asked me to take over.
I see you figured it out.
Yeah, I did.
Does that mean you were
lying the whole time?
No.
Honestly, I had no idea
that Fanny had anything
to do with Ask Aunt Hope.
It's true.
Millie swore me to secrecy.
OK, fair.
Although you have
been lying to me.
Me?
Lying about what?
Do not play that game.
You came in here knowing
full well that the Harrison
Group was going to
take over this company
and kick us to the curb.
I can't believe I trusted you.
I can't believe
I encouraged you.
I can't believe in you.
They are going to fire every
single one of these people
that work in this office.
They're going to rip the
heart out of Hope Cove.
What did Dennis offer you?
My job, I'm assuming.
If you what?
Feed him information
about our staff?
What are you talking
about feed him information?
About Aunt Fanny
dressing up the statues,
or Greg's surrogate
having the baby early?
I came here to cover a story.
I may be a lot of things...
Ambitious, too factual.
But I am not some spy or
turncoat looking to have fun
on someone else's misfortunes.
This is crazy Morgan.
What, did Dennis tell you that
I was feeding him information?
Well, not exactly.
Oh.
So you jumped to conclusions.
Probably.
You know, I know
that you take pride
in making the human
connection in your articles.
But you really should have
taken the time on this one
to get your facts straight.
I found her lurking.
I was trying to make what
I thought was a fast getaway.
What?
I'm sorry you and Morgan fought.
It wasn't your fault.
And obviously, we
are not right for each other.
Why would you say that?
He's smart, kind,
funny, selfless...
Did he really not
know it was you?
He didn't.
I think a part of him suspected.
But it was keeping his
mother alive somehow.
So that was more
important than knowing
who was writing the column.
Must have been so hard
for him when his mom passed.
Wish I could have been
there for him then.
You really care
about him don't you.
And you think you can
go back to your old life
and forget about him?
Oh!
Oh!
He proposed!
Oh my goodness!
Oh, tell us!
Tell us everything!
It's a blur.
It's just... he decorated the
bakery with twinkle lights,
and he had champagne.
And there was this
cake in the middle.
And he made this
really sweet speech
about all my favorite flavors...
Chocolate and
coconut go together.
And then he got
down on one knee.
Congratulations!
Oh my goodness!
What's up?
I think I owe Morgan an apology.
I've got to make this
paper thing right.
Paper thing?
Maybe, as a wise
woman once told me,
you should suck it up buttercup
and tell him you feel?
Mitchell here.
I can't believe
you did this to them.
Harper, come on.
You know I don't run the show.
Yeah right.
You did this, because
you don't like
the fact that the Hope
Cove Beacon is a better
paper than the Tribune.
It's business.
Not personal.
Hey, your article was fantastic.
Great work.
Excited about your promotion?
I don't want it.
Not like this.
DENNIS MITCHELL: Come on Harper.
It's an amazing opportunity.
You can't turn it down.
You'll never get
this chance again.
Think about it.
I'll be there soon.
We can talk.
AUDREY HARPER: Yeah.
We'll talk.
Hi.
I'm sorry for
everything that I said.
I didn't mean it.
Yeah, me too.
Except I meant it.
What, you can't take a joke?
On a beautiful day like this?
I see you're already packed
for your job at city desk.
I'm not taking the job.
Not like this.
Car?
Yeah.
What do you got in here?
Obviously the Harrison
Group is not playing fair.
We were stupid to trust
Dennis in the first place.
I can't ask you to not
take a job that's going
to help further your career.
And besides, this mess has
nothing to do with you.
What if we tried
changing their minds?
It's never going to happen.
It's all about the bottom line.
I called the London Times.
You're giving up on the paper?
There's nothing
left to give up on.
75 years of history, community...
You really think they're going
to keep Ask Aunt Hope around?
It's gone.
So that's it then?
Yeah.
You got to at least
stay for the festival.
Yeah.
I'm going to go to the pie
contest before I hit the road.
I have to run some
errands first.
OK.
Drive safe.
You're really not
going to tell him?
I've already
disappointed him enough.
How can I tell him
I'm Ask Aunt Hope?
He's your son.
He deserves to know
that it's you who's been
keeping Millie's spirit alive.
You're Ask Aunt Hope?
Ugh.
That's going to make your
retirement speech interesting.
I suppose, Aunt
Fanny was your cover.
Yeah, technically.
She helped her mom.
And when she passed,
she offered to help
me keep the column going.
We had some mishaps.
But then we hit our stride.
Thank you for keeping
her alive for me.
I know rationally
that she's gone.
But whenever I would read the
column, it's like there she is.
Just giving me
honest, and sometimes
unwanted, but perfect advice
for most things in my life.
It must have been pretty hard.
Yeah.
It was at first.
But then, honestly,
it was a gift.
It felt like I was having
conversations with your mom when
I was working on the column.
It kept her alive for me.
Made her passing bittersweet.
It helped with the grieving.
Because somehow it felt like I
was grieving with her, learning
from her all over again.
And every day, my heart
was a little less broken.
Dad.
Thanks kid.
It was delicious.
You can't just leave.
Tonight is the
dinner and the dance.
And the whole town
is going to be there.
And you'll get dressed up.
And getting dressed up
makes everything better.
It's like you said to me, it
is time to suck it up buttercup
and let Morgan
know how you feel...
While you're wearing
a cute little dress.
And if you want some
advice from someone who...
Let's say, has lived a little...
Never give up on anything...
Especially love...
Without a fight.
I mean, every pie
is just delicious.
It's going to be
a tough decision.
But we'll announce the
winner at tonight's dinner.
Hey, Morgan.
Need something to cleanse
your palate after all
those pies you tasted?
Earth to Morgan.
Come in Morgan.
There he is.
Sorry.
Uh... congratulations
on your engagement.
That's great news.
Thanks man.
And thanks for the great advice.
You know, tell a
woman she's the one?
She has no idea she's the one?
Hey Howie, come here.
I'll see you later.
For so long I fought
for a life I'd never know.
And I guess, by now, I
should finally let it go.
Because the past don't last,
and there's nothing else
left to show.
MORGAN COOPER Audrey.
My whole life I wished for
you and didn't know it.
Morgan.
I wouldn't change it.
I would still give my all.
I wouldn't walk away.
Dennis.
Ah.
There she is.
Audrey Harper, are you
here to tell me that you're
my new city desk reporter?
I'm here to tell
you that I quit.
You were right.
Hope Cove is a
pretty special place.
And I just can't live
with what you're doing
to this paper and this town.
The unique point of view of the
paper is what sets it apart.
They choose not to invest in the
bottom line, but in humanity.
And to silence that now, when
the world needs this paper more
than ever, is a huge failure.
Why would the Harrison Group
choose to turn this gem
into a lemming...
In a long line of lemmings...
In their own portfolio?
Because we still
shine brighter than any love
I've known yet.
We need to talk.
This was supposed
to be a done deal.
Well, she's
a real firecracker, huh?
Uh-huh.
Excellent.
Thank you.
Well, that's the
most interesting...
Morgan.
So, I just spoke with the man
himself, Mr. Eric Harrison.
Seems we're not going to
be absorbed after all.
He wants us to continue
our important work.
His words, not mine.
With complete autonomy
in perpetuity.
Seriously?
Seriously.
Seems a very opinionated
Audrey convinced him.
Dad.
Great news.
- Isn't that great?
- That's great.
I know.
Good evening Hope Cove.
Most of you clean up very well.
And you know who you are.
In all seriousness, this town
is the heart of our paper.
And much like the
beacon on its masthead,
its sole purpose is to
provide a shining light
for this community
that has been such
an inspiration to all of us.
You know, it's kind of funny.
This last week, I've
been reminded just
how special this town
is by a certain someone.
And I hope she
feels the same way.
My father, in the worst
kept secret in town...
If you haven't already
heard... is retiring.
Clifton Cooper... although
I continuously beat you
at checkers, no matter
how hard I work,
I will never be half
the editor that you are.
My only hope is that I continue
to make you proud as I try
to fill your enormous shoes.
So cheers Dad.
To Clifton Cooper.
Oh, and sorry.
One more thing.
The winner of the pie
contest is Deanna Glenn.
Congratulations.
Hear hear!
There you are.
Congratulations
Mr. Editor in Chief.
Thank you.
Andrew Harper, you have
to be the most remarkable,
smart, kind, and yet
opinionated woman that I've
ever met in my entire life.
You also happen to be an
extraordinary reporter.
Would you join me is
co-editor in chief?
Would you be interested?
In you or the job?
Both.
It sounds like a
pretty good life.
So, did you get your wish?
Not yet.
Oh Dennis, Dennis.
Good morning, Harper,
tenacious as usual I see.
Right.
Good morning.
I was wondering if
you had time to...
Time for what Harper?
Well, to discuss a
few story ideas I had.
One in particular that
I think is very timely.
About the eroding coastlines and
the turtles in North Carolina.
That for me?
Four creams, no sugar,
and two shots of espresso.
You can't bribe me, Harper.
Who's bribing?
I also wanted to talk to
you about the promotion.
I'll come
by your desk later Harper.
Have a great big.
Thank you, sir.
But about that promotion...
Sarah, get me Clifton
Cooper on the phone.
Harper, look.
I know you're frustrated
about your progress here.
And I'm sure you're thinking,
if he really believed
in me, he'd give me a shot.
OK?
To that end, I'm taking
you off to Hope Cove.
We're going to change
it up for you, Harper.
No more bake sales,
no dog rescues.
I'm going to have
you do an article
on this family-owned small
town newspaper that just...
-won the Pulitzer Prize.
Well, Morgan Cooper did,
for his... and I quote,
"Relentless - down-to-
- Earth editorials"
on the perils of local
government secrecy,
"effectively admonishing citizens
to uphold the right to know."
Impressive.
Have you read it?
It is a great series
of editorials.
He's a wonderful writer.
He is.
His father Clifton, who is
also the editor in chief,
is retiring this year.
And that's why I want you
to handle the article.
The Hope Cove Beacon has been
around for over 75 years.
And now, Clifton is passing
the torch over to his son.
Should make for an
interesting read.
What's the catch?
A promotion.
You nail this article, tell a
compelling story, et cetera,
et cetera, city desk.
20% raise.
How long do I have to be there?
One week.
You can set up camp at
the Hope Cove Beacon.
We've cleared it with Clifton.
Write a compelling story
on the paper's legacy.
OK.
Thank you.
All right.
So you're going to be
working at the Beacon?
Yeah.
The Tribune has picked up
a lot of their articles.
I have been beating out more
than a few times by their boy
wonder, Morgan Cooper.
You sure it's OK
I stay with you?
Of course.
It's our slowest bed
and breakfast season.
And besides, it'll
be fun to catch up.
Oh, and it's the
town's Big Red Apple
Festival, which is so great.
There's a pie eating contest,
and dunking for apples,
and apple everything.
Sounds fun.
Small town life.
There are things that I miss.
I can't wait to meet
the famous Howie.
And I can't wait
for you to meet him.
What's up with you and Wade?
Nothing.
We broke up.
It wasn't a good fit.
So, I was thinking of leaving
in about a half an hour,
and heading to the paper
first, and then coming to you.
Is that OK?
It's perfect.
OK.
I got to go home and
get my stuff together.
I'll see you this afternoon.
Bye.
OK.
So Josh is covering
the local election.
Mary Kay is on the
university remodel.
And, Greg great job with the
school board budget cuts.
You might get them
to change their minds
about cutting the arts program.
We'll have to wait and see.
And Deanna is covering
the trials at the UN.
Can we please take a minute
to acknowledge the fact
that this morning, this paper...
And this guy, my
son, Morgan Cooper,
won the Pulitzer Prize
for local editorials.
- Here, here.
- Speech.
Speech.
- Thank you.
Thank you.
As you all know, I'm
not one for speeches.
This paper is only as
good as its reporters.
And you guys bring your
A game every single day.
So thank you for that.
As far as I'm
concerned, we're all
sharing this honor unanimously.
Especially my father, who has
taught me everything I know...
And never gave up on
me, even when I went
through my punk rock phase.
Well, you're a
complex man my son.
OK everybody.
Back to work.
That's what the afternoon
is going to look like for...
Excuse me.
I was looking for Clifton
and Morgan Cooper.
The woman at the desk
said you'd be in here.
Yeah.
Is that my lunch?
I'm starving.
That's my lunch.
Well, who the heck
is Audrey Harper.
That would be me.
I'm Audrey Harper.
And this is my lunch.
Audrey?
I'm Clifton Cooper.
Morgan, this is the
reporter I told you
about that Dennis sent
over to write the article
about you and the paper.
I know I'm early.
I wanted to get a jump start,
get some of the business out
of the way, like where I'm
sitting, and computer access,
and all that good stuff.
Dennis said you
were a real go-getter.
Didn't he, Morgan?
Yes.
Yeah.
Well, let me show you around.
OK.
Nice to meet you.
You as well.
This is... he's a new hire.
Oh, hi.
Nice to meet you.
Wow.
Cubicle upgrade.
Yeah.
I'm not a big fan
of open concept.
As a writer, I find it
hard to get anything
done in all that chaos.
I... I've read your articles.
You have real talent.
Thank you.
I was beginning to doubt
myself and my career choice.
Ah.
Trust me.
It happens to the best of us.
Well, it's late.
Nothing to do now.
You should get settled.
Where are you staying?
With an old friend, Jane.
Oh, Aunt Fanny's niece?
Mm-hmm.
Oh yeah, we go way back.
You know, I...
I like how you stood
up for your lunch.
My son needs someone
to put him in his place.
Glad I could be of service.
Have at him.
Call me Aunt Fanny, dear.
You'll like working
with Clifton.
His family started
the Hope Cove Beacon.
It's the heart of our community.
They do so much more
than just print the news.
I really don't know
what we'd do without it.
What about his son, Morgan?
I don't know him well.
Audrey said he's
a bit of a grump.
Oh, that's unlike him.
I was his kindergarten teacher.
Mm.
He's got people.
Hometown boy.
Except for the five years he
worked at the London Times.
Oh, my boss mentioned that.
Why did he come back?
I think he was homesick.
Oh, I'm going to
make some more tea.
Do you miss it?
Honestly, no.
It's truly the best
thing I ever did.
I have a life.
And believe it or not, I love
owning a bed and breakfast.
I thought you were nuts
when you gave up the big job
and the expense account.
So how are things
with you and Howie?
Yeah.
We're good.
- Convincing.
It's nothing.
We're just a little
off these days.
It's the year and a
half mark, isn't it?
Aren't you the one
who said that Howie
was different than any
guy you've ever dated?
Well?
Then stop putting your old
fears and past relationship
issues on him.
I'm not doing that.
This is totally
different than the old...
Than Peter and Owen?
OK, now that's not fair.
What is not fair about that?
Oh, I hate it when you're right.
Do we need new
bedding for the Blue Room?
Oh no.
But we do need new accent
pillows for the Yellow Room.
Oh, an advice column.
Really?
This is different.
Ask Aunt Hope is unlike any
advice you'll ever read.
It's only in the Sunday edition.
But I read it every day
so it can inform my day.
Inform your day.
Every day is different, and you
never know what
insight you can glean
from someone else's problem.
It's our Magic Maker.
It's done a lot of
good around here.
Opened people's
hearts and minds.
Helped troubled kids get
their lives back on track.
Isn't it just the advice
you get from someone
who loves you, like your mom?
- No, this is different.
- She's right.
It feels different.
How so?
Dear Stuck in the Middle.
Relationships are
a two way street.
It's not one person's
responsibility
to take the reins to move
a relationship forward.
Whoever wants to have a
deep love in their life
must save for it.
Must till the soil, and repair
the roots, and gather honey.
For life's sweetest flavor
is always baked with love.
We should stop by the
bakery in the morning.
You can meet Howie.
Oh, great idea.
And I can get some
muffins so I can
bribe everyone in the office
on my official first day.
I'm sure you don't need
to bribe people to like you.
Well, I just thought it would...
I mean, I don't know.
I thought it might be nice?
I...
It's pretty sweet.
Howie?
Hey.
Hi.
This is...
Audrey.
I've heard so much about you.
It's nice to put
a face to a name.
Nice to meet you as well.
So Howie, what are
your best muffins?
Well, why don't you
judge for yourself?
Oh, yum.
OK.
I would like two dozen
of these assorted
and a non-fat cappuccino please.
Coming up.
So tonight...
Music on the pier...
-and the Crab Shack?
Sounds good.
And there you go.
That's for you.
- OK.
Oh, no, no, no.
You're practically
Jane's sister.
Thank you.
- Bye.
- Bye.
Nice to meet you Howie.
You too.
You guys don't seem off to me.
You practically finish
each other's sentences.
He's really cute and sweet.
We're like an
old married couple.
Well, we're not married.
We do the same thing
week after week.
I know it can't be like
hearts and flowers and romance
all the time.
But if we're this boring
now, how boring are we
going to be in like 10 years?
Well, what are you
doing to shake things up?
Are you, Dear Stuck
in the Middle?
Jane!
Wow, OK.
Well, didn't Ask
Aunt Hope or whoever
say that you have to repair
the roots, and till the soil,
and you can't leave everything
to the other person?
It's pretty good advice.
Dear Stuck in the Middle.
- Audrey, right?
- Yeah.
I'm Greg.
I love a good muffin bribe.
Is it that obvious?
It's totally obvious.
OK everyone, meet Audrey Harper.
Audrey, meet everyone.
Hi.
OK.
So we'll make this fast.
Uh, Josh, your
story is good to go.
Run it through fact check.
Let them know that we want it
out on this weekend's edition.
Mary Kay, great job.
Sent you a couple of notes.
Might want to shorten up
the timeline a little bit.
And Dana, fantastic work.
Let's run it Friday.
Find another story.
Greg...
The Ask Aunt Hope story.
Oh, did you know, Audrey, that
no one knows who writes it?
I mean, no one.
It just shows up every Saturday
night before we go to press.
This has been going on
for almost 15 years.
Oh.
That sounds great.
It's got small town magic.
Oh, nobody cares who
writes, Ask Aunt Hope.
OK, how about this.
It speaks to the community.
It's ingrained in
Hope Cove's DNA,
and it's helped change the
lives of so many people.
I mean, at least I heard it did.
I have no idea if it actually
has changed people's lives.
But that's the story.
Not who's writing the
column, but how the column
has helped so many people.
You know, Greg, if you
wouldn't mind teaming up,
I'd love to include
this as part of my story
on the paper's legacy.
That is a great idea.
I could get behind that.
Yeah.
Me too.
Greg, what do you
think about that?
Here are my notes for the story.
Our surrogate just
went into labor.
So I'm going to be on paternity
leave for the next few weeks.
Congratulations.
It's go time.
Congratulations.
Wait.
This is your story.
I don't want to take your story.
It's also my baby.
So if you don't take
my story, my husband
won't let me see my baby.
So take this story.
Got it.
I will try not to let you down.
Congrats.
And remember, sleep
when the baby sleeps.
Makes life easier.
- OK.
It's go time.
Hey.
So would you mind
me shadowing you?
This story is as
much about you as it
is about the paper's legacy.
He'd be thrilled.
That's not necessary.
Sounds like a plan?
Yeah, but plan...
A very bad plan.
I'm sorry, I just don't
like being followed around.
Got it.
If you work
shadowing me though...
Mm-hmm?
- We would be leaving now.
Yeah.
What are they doing?
Oh, that old thing?
That's the Ask
Aunt Hope drop box.
Wow.
That's retro and sweet.
What?
Nothing.
It's just, I wasn't expecting
that from a big city
jaded reporter like yourself.
Who says I'm jaded?
Well, you're not the only
one that's done their homework.
So, is the family
business in your blood,
or did you ever want
to do something else?
Honestly, not really.
I've always loved the paper
ever since I was a kid.
Just fascinated with it, from
the way the printing press
works, to the way my parents
would think of an article,
and that article would find
its way into the paper.
And then, it would make a
difference in someone's life.
What about you?
Puzzles.
I loved puzzles growing up.
OK.
Figuring out how the
pieces fit, and you know,
like a mystery, where
it all comes together
to make one picture in the end.
And if I wasn't doing
puzzles, I was reading.
Then, when I took my
first journalism class
my senior year of high school,
all of my favorite things
came together.
So, what is this article about?
The bocce ball league.
You're doing a
story on old man bowling?
Old man bowling.
I will have you know,
that bocce ball is a sport
deeply entrenched in history.
It involves strategy.
It's a nobleman's sport.
And it was invented
5,200 years ago.
Paris featured it
in the Olympics.
Uh, Yeah.
Yeah.
We went from complete
amateurs to league champions
in less than three years.
Impressive.
So why bocce?
I was tired of playing cards.
I needed to do something
to get my body moving.
Actually, the grandkids,
they call it old man bowling.
But it was my idea
to start playing.
Actually, that's a lie.
It was Ask Aunt Hope.
Really?
Do you remember the first
time Ask Aunt Hope appeared
in the Hope Cove Beacon?
- Well, yeah.
I...
Story for a
different time perhaps.
We should let you get
back to your team.
Out of curiosity, who are you
going up against in the Big Red
Apple Festival?
Bay City Bowlers.
Good team.
Good team there.
Not as good as us, but...
Impressive.
Thank you.
But why did you shut down
my Ask Aunt Hope question?
Well, this was about
my article, not yours.
Oh, so that's how it is.
Well yeah, that's how it is.
So what is with
this advice column?
It's kind of like a cult.
All right.
No one's sitting around
with grand delusions
waiting for the spaceship
to come and pick them up.
All right?
These are functioning adults.
The column simply
offers advice...
As most advice columns do.
Mm-hmm.
And they can take
it or leave it.
So you're a true believer.
I wouldn't necessarily
say I'm a true believer.
But I've seen the
column help people.
And that means something.
I guess it's more important
that it does good rather
than who is doing the good.
No.
That fountain was begging
for a box of detergent
to liven it up.
I did it this morning.
The fountain is in
front of the high school.
Oh, OK.
I forgot how cute he was...
For a grump.
Up to no
good again I see, Fanny.
Oh, someone has
a bad reputation.
Nonsense.
Morgan, you remember
my niece Jane.
And you know Audrey.
Does Audrey know
that sweet potato fries
are not technically fries?
Not real fries?
They're seasoned and crunchy.
The quintessential
fry is the steak fry.
Steak fries are
like eating mush.
And don't get me started
on shoestring fries.
They are the worst.
I'd rather have tater tots.
Tater tots.
I should probably be going.
Kudos on the bubbles.
I'm on to you.
Good afternoon, ladies.
Huh.
You know he's single, right?
I thought he was dating Cecilia?
Details.
It doesn't matter.
I'm here to work, not date.
Oh, hey.
I was curious.
Sign of a great reporter.
Just... I was joking.
What's up?
I was going through some of
the old Ask Aunt Hope columns,
and I saw that you took
some of the writers,
like Full of Potential Lacking
Ambition, and Broken Hearted,
and did some, where are
they now stories on them?
They were great.
You know, the star football
player and the old lovebirds.
Oh my gosh.
They actually wrote back
in thanking Ask Aunt Hope.
The readers always wanted
to hear more about it.
Why?
What's up?
Well, I was wondering if I
could get their information
so I could interview
them for the story.
Oh, yeah.
As a matter of
fact, I may have it.
Right here.
Check your phone.
Oh, perfect.
Thanks.
You're welcome.
We shouldn't
let Dennis make an offer.
Why?
We could grow the paper.
Upgrade our technology,
like you always wanted.
We do not need it.
And besides, the second we
sell the paper, it's toast.
They'll fire every
single person in here...
Myself included... slap
a new coat of paint
on the front of it, and
remake the entire paper
in their own image.
Oh, it can't hurt
to see an offer.
You know what it's
like to run this paper.
I'm ready to retire.
I don't want to see
you struggle like we
did when we were your age,
ready to start a family and all.
I just don't think
it's a good idea.
And there's something
about this Mitchell guy.
He's up to something.
I don't trust him.
You do know that the
Pulitzer and an article
in the Tribune about
our little paper
will help with
subscription numbers.
It's a win-win.
Well, the jury's
still out on that.
But it is something.
At least you can see my point.
Besides, if we sell the paper,
we're going to have to put up
with reporters like Audrey.
I mean... is she going
to be here all the time?
- You know I hate being followed.
- Oh no.
A hermit.
A recluse.
A lone wolf.
I prefer maverick.
But I'll take that.
I mean, she's so
opinionated and pushy.
She's really gotten
under your skin, eh?
What annoys you more...
Her talent, or that she
doesn't kowtow to you like they
did at the London Times?
You had a great
thing going there.
You won the Hillman prize.
And then gave it
all up to come home.
We've been over this many times.
I was ready to come home.
Fair enough.
So, how are things with Cecilia?
Cecil... good.
We're good.
Yeah.
She might be the one.
Really?
We've been dating
for quite a while.
So...
What... what was your first
thought when you saw Cecilia?
I hope she's not taller
than me in a pair of heels.
Morgan, I'll see you tomorrow.
Good night.
You know, it's a lot easier
if you don't drop everything.
Here, this should help.
Oh, so scooping up dirt is
what makes you such a maverick?
Teach me your ways.
Well, you should learn to
do one new thing every day.
When are you going to learn
how to write a better headline?
Community rec center approved,
city goes over budget.
Could it be any more bland?
Well...
You do know what a
good headline looks like.
You used to work at
the London Times.
Wow.
And the opinions keep coming.
Tell me, do you have a
comment for everything?
You do realize that
reporters are supposed
to observe sometimes, right?
Morgan.
Oh.
Hey, Cecilia.
Surprise.
Look what I've got.
- What do you think?
- Yes.
Yeah?
It's nice.
OK.
Aw, look at that.
- Is there a bigger size?
- Yeah.
There's a bigger size.
It's a defense mechanism.
He's really a good guy.
He's really so full of himself
I could pop him with a pin.
Want to join?
Are you playing for money?
Because Jane has taken so much
of my cash over the years,
I don't think I'm up for it.
Beware Howie, she's a shark.
Trust me.
She's fleeced me before.
Heard you were at
the boccie field.
Oh, word travels
fast around here.
Yeah, well, my dad
started the league.
Oh, Benny.
He is adorable.
How'd it go?
It was fine.
It was Morgan's interview, and
I was just there to observe,
which he made sure that I knew.
He's so your type.
I don't have a type.
Everyone has a type.
Oh yeah?
What's your type.
Well, I'm looking at her.
Right answer.
I know.
I think I need to get some air.
I'm going to go for a walk.
Oh, do me a favor.
Stop by the shop and pick me
up a pint of rocky road, and...
Ooh, salty caramel crunch.
You got it.
Hey, do you think
after this tonight,
we could try
something different?
Maybe salsa dancing?
Looking for mermaids?
Hey, Mr. Lone Wolf.
No.
Actually, I'm
looking for merman.
Touch.
So, what do you
think of Hope Cove?
I think it's lovely.
I can see why you wanted
to come back here.
Well, there's a lot to
miss about this place.
And what about you?
You from Harrison?
No.
I'm from a small town
in Georgia, Fairfax.
It was a great place to grow up.
But I found it a
little bit confining.
Well, I get that.
Is that why you went to London?
Do you miss it?
I miss my friends.
And the food.
Best Indian food.
And the museums, obviously.
But in terms of the day
to day grind of living
there and working there, no.
Not one bit.
Yeah.
Oh.
It's Jane.
She wants to know where her
salted caramel crunch is.
Smart woman.
Best ice cream I've ever
had in my entire life.
The day is not officially
over unless you've
had one scoop of coconut
cherry ice cream from the shop.
I haven't had it yet.
So jury's still out.
Well, no time like the present.
OK.
Yeah.
I mean, we... you could.
- Oh.
- Oh.
- Oh.
Are you OK?
Wow.
Sorry.
Who put that there?
So, it's been a few days,
and no one has called me back.
Well, you're new in town.
And people don't know if
they can trust you yet.
True.
So what was it like working
at the London Times?
It was great.
Top notch articles.
I'm getting the sense
that you didn't love it.
I didn't hate it.
My life in London was full of
meetings, and events, dinners.
But it wasn't full
of the right things.
My parents were here doing
something they loved,
where they loved to do it.
I wanted to do the same thing.
Yeah.
My dad was my high
school principal.
And my mom was the town mayor.
I can't even imagine what
it would be like having
a newspaper in my family.
Your mother was the
mayor of your small town?
That is extraordinary.
Yeah.
It was.
But it was also a little bit...
Let me take a wild guess...
Claustrophobic?
Yes.
That's it.
My dad was at my school.
And my mom was everywhere else.
So what's it like
having a newspaper
as your family legacy?
It's pretty cool.
I mean, it's also the most
frustrating, and hectic, and
yet fulfilling part of my life.
I get to write about the human
experience, which I enjoy.
I mean, whether it be on
a global scale or just
a local farmers market, the
stories matter to the people
here in this community.
And I like telling them.
And besides, I'm not
trapped by a column
size, or headline jargon.
You know?
I never looked
at reporting that way.
I always saw it as figuring
out how the pieces fit,
then presenting the facts,
and letting the readers
draw their own conclusions.
Well, I have read
some of your articles.
And I must say, you are a
strong technical writer.
Technical?
As in I have a bright
future writing science books
for grades six through 12?
Of course not.
Oh, OK.
Just first through sixth.
No.
All I'm saying is, you
don't have to be so
far removed from your articles.
I mean, it's OK to let a little
bit of your personality come
through.
For example, the team
decided to move forward
with their tournament,
knowing that they may
lose without their star player.
And lose they did.
It's structurally sound, yes,
and grammatically correct.
But it's a bit too
straight forward.
Letting who you are...
Bright, compassionate,
charming, shine
through is not a bad thing.
It's a good thing.
How would you have worded it?
Easy.
Uh...
Well, this is me.
It was nice running
into you today.
Ditto.
See you tomorrow.
Yep.
Well, if that wasn't
all sweetness and light,
I don't know what was.
Nope.
Jane, not going there.
Prepare to lose, my dear boy.
Like last week, when I
wiped the floor with you.
You should respect your elders.
I do respect my elder.
But that does not mean I will
not beat the pants off of you.
Challenge accepted.
Ah.
You know, if you want
to move back to London
or take that standing offer
with the Washington Post,
I would be willing to
postpone my retirement
and find someone
to run the paper.
That would be OK with me.
But it wouldn't be with me, Dad.
This place is my home.
I've always imagined
having a future here.
And I realize why
you're suggesting this.
The Harrison group has
given you an offer,
and you're offering me an out.
But I'm telling you,
I don't want it.
And if I did, I
would let you know.
I want to carry on
the family tradition.
I want to take over the paper.
And besides, we shouldn't
be selling anyway.
It's not a good fit.
Oh, Clifton, do
you have a minute?
Sure, what's up?
Ask Aunt Hope, your grandmother
wrote the column, right?
Yeah.
It was a big
success at the time.
And then, who
took over after her?
My mother, then my wife.
Excuse me.
I got to take this.
- Sure.
- See ya.
Hmm.
Clifton Cooper here.
So, how goes it,
Harriet the spy?
I prefer Nancy Drew.
Hmm.
I stand corrected.
Still no answers to my calls.
Do you think I should
try calling again?
I've got a better idea.
Try volunteering.
Hmm.
Not a bad idea.
Hey.
How are ya?
Oh.
Sorry.
Oh.
Do you think this
needs more red?
Maybe a little bit of blue?
OK.
Oh!
Um
Uh.
Have you ever played this?
Well, I do have some
middle school skills.
Hey, by the way.
I read some of your
non-award winning articles.
Oh.
Your writing is beautiful.
The way that you approach
a story, and layer in facts
with emotion is masterful.
Hmm.
Thank you.
Oh.
You just played me.
Oh.
That's it.
It's a tie.
Well, it's a tie.
You want to make
things interesting?
Always.
Eyes closed.
Oh... Oh my gosh, I feel
like I'm getting hustled.
You're pretty good.
It's good I don't
have any money on me.
Hey.
Can I officially interview you?
Yeah.
Of course.
Why don't you come
by to the house.
We'll make some lunch, and...
Enticing offer.
But I have way too many
back issues of the Beacon
to go through.
Well, OK.
I'll make you a deal.
If you make the next one,
come over to the place.
If you miss, you still
come over to the place,
and we'll go through those
back issues together.
OK?
3, 2, 1.
Let's see what you got.
OK.
When I got it.
Better luck next time, son.
Good try there, Morgan.
Clifton Cooper.
Hey Dennis.
Hey, yeah.
Well, I got to tell you.
I'm... I'm feeling a
little pressured here.
Yeah, well, I can't help it.
I mean...
You'll never get an
offer like this again.
I need assurances that you're
not going to come in here
and gut the paper.
We want to buy you because we
believe in everything the Hope
Cove Beacon stands for.
The Beacon is going
to be the jewel
in the Harrison Group crown.
Clifton, this offer gives you
a stress-free retirement...
And protects Morgan and the
paper's legacy for decades
to come.
I... I need to think it over.
I need to figure
some things out.
That's all I'm asking.
Think about it.
You'll see it's a good deal.
Talk to you later.
- Yeah.
Yeah.
OK.
Yeah, I'll get to it.
Yeah.
Hey.
Who was that?
Ugh.
Mr. Campden.
You know, I know he's
a lifetime subscriber.
But isn't there anyone else
who could handle his complaints
about his paper delivery?
Uh, yea... no.
Dad, he wants to
deal with the boss.
And let's face it,
you're the boss.
Hmm.
Hey there.
Thanks.
Thank you for doing this.
So, I have been researching
your grandmother.
Man, she was quite the rebel.
Running the paper and
raising her family
while your grandfather was
off in the Army News Corp.
Actually, that was
my great grandparents.
Oh.
But we always called
them grandpa and grandma.
Yeah.
They really supported each
other and lifted each other up.
Hope you like medium.
Oh yeah.
Medium is great.
So please do share your
great grandparents' wisdom.
Can't.
Family secret.
You're a good reporter.
I read your article.
But would you mind some advice?
Well, who am I to say no
to a Pulitzer Prize winner?
I'm a big girl.
I can take it.
The article you did
about the rescue shelter
didn't get picked up, because
you stopped short of finding
an emotional hook.
And that is why the
Harrison Tribune picked up
your article instead of mine.
You did that deep dive on
that one thing that she said.
It's not about
the circumstances,
but it's how we react
to the circumstances.
And that is how we can
change not only the world,
but how we train ourselves
to respond to the world.
You structured the
whole thing around that.
And I went back and
reviewed my notes.
And she said something
similar in my interview.
But I let it go, because
it wasn't a fact.
My question is, how do you write
with emotion and stay neutral?
I wish I knew.
Seriously though.
You do write with compassion.
You don't give
yourself enough credit.
Thank you again for helping
me craft my interview questions.
Deal's a deal.
OK.
So I have written a few.
I'd like you to take a look.
But before we start, have you
considered having the interview
outside of the paper?
Somewhere a little
less intimidating?
Like the park?
Exactly.
Somewhere where you can
create a more personal
connection with your subject?
Hmm.
I guess it's kind of as
important as the question.
Almost.
This is good.
Do you mind if I...
No go ahead.
OK.
Just give me a second.
Hey, dad.
Yeah, absolutely.
Mm-hmm.
Will do.
OK.
Yup.
See you soon.
I got to go.
That was my dad.
Oh.
Yeah, he wants me to
swing by the office.
We're talking about this
week's editorial story.
Personal touch.
Well, something like that.
Anyway.
OK.
Well, I feel good about these.
Thanks again for your insights.
And...
This was fun.
Yeah.
See you soon.
Take your time.
Here to check on me?
No.
Well, maybe.
Yes.
It's my first
interview of the piece.
So having you here as a safety
net is probably a good thing.
Thank you.
Don't let it go to your head.
You ready?
As I'll ever be.
- I'll be right over there.
- OK.
OK.
It was sophomore year.
And I was really, you know,
not taking anything serious.
And then, my girlfriend wrote
to Ask Aunt Hope about me.
And I was like, nope.
So not my thing.
Then I read it.
And...
Dear Full of Potential
but Lacking Ambition.
"Sometimes the hardest
person to walk away from
is the person you've
always assumed you were."
It just spoke to me.
You know, I realized
I was hiding
behind the whole
dumb jock thing.
So I started going to classes
and studying... the whole drill.
And now, I have a
college scholarship.
And it's not for football.
Wow.
It's based on my actual grades.
Is that all you need?
Yeah.
That's great.
Thank you.
Well, Thanks for
being interested.
Have a good one.
He was really sweet.
He is.
He also disproves the theory
that all jocks are dumb.
I sense a bit of a
chip on your shoulder.
Where you the high school
quarterback that no one
took seriously?
No.
But in all seriousness, I was
the captain of the baseball
team that no one cared about.
Well, trust me.
It was better than being the
lead trombone in the band
and wearing a neck brace.
I bet you looked super cute.
You had all your
friends sign your neck
brace for permanent marker?
I can assure you, I also had
braces and a really bad perm.
I bet the entire AV
squad had a crush on you.
Actually, they did.
Oh, my blue heaven.
Needs you right now.
Make him OK.
Ooh.
OK.
Oh, you got blue heaven.
Woo!
OK.
We made it.
Whoo!
Oh my goodness.
It's beautiful.
Oh, wow.
Is that OK?
Yeah.
This is great.
Isn't that the beacon
from your paper's masthead?
Yeah.
This is my great
grandparent's favorite spot.
Hmm.
Back in the days
when the lighthouses...
And therefore newspapers... used
to actually mean something.
When I was a kid, I used
to climb out onto the rocks
and go right to the
base of the lighthouse.
Why is this place so
special to your family?
I mean, besides
the fact that it's
a lighthouse, and
super cool, and it
was some guy's job to
live out there year round
to guide in sailors safely?
Or there was always a sense
of magic to the place.
It's literally the thing that
inspired my great grandparents
to start the paper.
Hmm.
A beacon of light for Hope Cove.
They sound like
really special people.
They were.
My mother followed
their footsteps
and took a job at
The New York Times,
and came back here when she
was ready to start a family.
Like mother, like son.
Met my dad on the flight home.
Oh, wow.
Kismet.
My parents met at a track meet.
My mom was practicing
the steeplechase
at the same time as my dad.
And she kept making it over the
water, and he kept falling in.
He said, that he
knew then that anyone
who wouldn't hide her
gumption was his kind of gal.
Sounds like it was meant to be.
Yeah.
Wow.
The Washington
Post is calling me.
Do you mind if I answer?
- No.
Go ahead.
Should I throw it in the water?
Go ahead. Really.
I'll be back in two seconds.
OK.
OK.
I know a lot
of reporters that would
kill to get an offer
from the Washington Post,
myself included.
It's the dream job.
But you don't want it?
Well, it's the dream job,
because you haven't had it.
Half the job of managing
editor with a city desk
is hobnobbing and networking.
And simply put, I
am not that guy.
No, you're not.
I mean that as a compliment.
Thank you.
You really seem to
know what you want.
Don't you?
Well, if this all
goes the way I hope,
I should be getting a raise.
And a promotion
to the city desk.
So...
Hmm.
Yeah.
Why did she call you that?
Well...
Because you're tall?
She said I was
built like a tree.
I mean, I
guess that's kind of true.
I thought it was funny.
Yeah.
Solid as a trunk.
Dennis?
It's five o'clock.
Shouldn't you be on the
golf course somewhere?
It's raining in my
neck of the woods.
So, how is it going?
Really well.
It's a wonderful paper.
Clifton and Morgan
have put together
a fantastic team of reporters.
I know Clifton, but
I don't know a lot
about the rest of their team.
Well, there's Josh.
He is the national
reporter, and he is amazing.
And then, there's Dana, and
she covers international,
and she's really
talented and smart.
And then there's Greg.
And he covers the local news.
And he is the one who gave me
the idea to add Ask Aunt Hope
to the article I'm writing.
It was really a genius idea.
Good to know.
Anyone else I should
keep my eye on?
Dennis, you're not thinking
of poaching anyone, are you?
You never know Harper.
Leave them alone.
Come on.
Clifton is retiring, and
Morgan will need his best
team for the transition.
Can't make any promises.
The newspaper game can
be pretty cutthroat.
Goodbye, Harper.
Ugh.
Ice cream for dinner.
It's like you read my mind.
I know why I'm so distracted.
It is this dang article.
There's so much riding on it.
Did you know that
Morgan got an offer...
A real offer from the
Washington Post today?
I did not.
Why would you?
OK, so then why the ice cream?
I think I know what
moving forward means to me.
You think, or you know?
I know.
Getting married.
Wow.
That is a sharp turn from,
we're an old married couple,
and if we're this
boring now, what
will we be like in 10 years?
Fair.
You know those moments where
everything seems clear.
Getting off the boat, and
Howie steadied my footing.
It was just this
simple little thing.
And I just knew...
He's the only person I want to
be an old married couple with.
Oh.
What do I do?
Well, have you spoken
to him about marriage?
You haven't?
Really?
OK.
Well, maybe you
should talk to him.
Always the sensible one.
Exactly what I need.
I aim to please, my dear.
That's exciting.
Oh!
All right.
So we're here now.
What are you looking for?
Oh, Dixie's old notebooks.
It'd be great to layer
in her thought process
on giving advice and
how that influenced
how she ran the paper.
Oh.
So, Clifton.
You're the editor in chief
and the paper's archivist?
Well, my grandparents
started me young.
I think I was 10 they had
me filing back issues.
It was the only way they
could keep him out of trouble.
You know, I remember once
there was this huge snowstorm.
And the power was
out everywhere.
Roads were blocked.
People needed shelter.
And my parents had a backup
generator at the paper.
And they just
opened their doors.
We did that many
times over the years.
Hmm.
Sounds like much
more than a paper.
It's the heart of the community.
Bingo.
Heart of the community.
Yes.
Paper hearts.
Look at this.
Oh, you have got
to be kidding me.
A notebook.
Are these the wings...
Yes.
Wow.
Should I be worried?
I do this for all of my stories.
But now, thanks to you
and your sleight of hand
make the connection
thing, I have
learned so much from observing
you, it is kind of annoying.
And I mean that as a compliment.
Thank you...
I think.
Well, since we're
handing out compliments,
I admire your
persistence and drive.
And I've learned a few
things from you as well.
Even though I hate to admit it.
I mean, you jumped
at the opportunity
to come down here,
roll up your sleeves,
and check your ego at the door.
Not a lot of people would
do that, myself included.
I've struggled with
setting aside my ego.
Well, thanks.
I really want to take my career
to the next level, you know?
And you will.
It doesn't matter what
paper you work for.
It doesn't matter
what story you cover.
The Saturday Evening
Post, they didn't start
as the Saturday Evening Post.
They were a small
town weekly paper.
But writers like Garrett
Garrett, Otto Friedrich,
Maureen Hennessy... they
wrote with compassion,
and it resonated with the world.
And it put them on the map.
Some guy named
Norman Rockwell helped.
I suppose.
Listen, this article
is going to be great.
And if Dennis doesn't
respond to it...
Heck, even if he does respond
to it, if you for some reason
want to leave the
Tribune, we would be more
than lucky to have you here.
And you will always
have a place here.
I hope so.
For what it's worth.
That must be Cecilia.
And yes, she's waiting
on me for a little bit
of D&P dinner and printing
flyers, riveting stuff.
Got it.
See you, Morgan.
- Yeah.
Later.
How's the article coming?
Oh, it's almost done.
I have a little bit
more research to do.
Hey, maybe you can help me.
I don't know how.
But ask away.
I'm trying to figure out
who took over the column
between Clifton's mom...
Who passed away before
Clifton married Morgan's mom...
And of course, who is writing
it now in their absence.
Millie swore me to secrecy.
Morgan's mom.
We were thick as
thieves for years...
Our whole lives.
Practically sisters.
It's hard to believe she's gone.
OK, you tell me what
information you have,
and I will try and
fill in the blanks.
I know that when grandpa
Lou went off to the war,
grandma Dixie took
over running the paper.
And she needed help
writing her advice column.
So Lucy... Clifton's
mom... pitched in.
And the writing got a lot more...
I don't know... I suppose
the word is, poetic?
Right.
Lucy was a poetry buff.
And when she started
assisting Dixie,
the column really took off.
They were a combination
of beauty and hard truths.
Hmm.
So when Dixie passed,
Lucy took over.
But then, Lucy passed,
and the column kept going.
There was hardly
a change in tone.
So whoever was helping Lucy must
have also been helping Millie.
And it's probable that the same
person who was helping them
is writing it now.
But who?
I have no idea.
Hmm.
And from what I
remember you telling me,
that's not the story you're
supposed to be covering, is it?
No.
But I hate an unfinished puzzle.
Come on.
You have to know something.
No one can like not, not know.
I'm a retired teacher.
And you're a writer.
And we both know that last
sentence was gibberish.
So are Morgan
and Cecilia serious?
I thought you were leaving
when the article was done
and didn't want to get involved.
I am.
I don't.
Just consider it a
reporter's curiosity.
If it was just
reporter's curiosity,
you'd be asking Morgan, correct?
Maybe you should try
thinking about what I want...
For once.
Serious?
Oh, I better go check on her.
Jane!
OK.
Thank you.
OK.
It has been over an hour.
Come on, Jane.
What happened.
We broke up.
You what?
Why?
I have no idea.
Seriously, I don't.
We were just talking
about our boat date.
I hinted maybe he could
plan the next one.
And then, he said that I
don't find him romantic.
And then we broke up.
You broke up, broke up?
Is there another kind?
OK, well, this feels fixable.
It's... it's just a miscommunication.
Have your feelings changed?
No.
I still want to grow old with
him and do all that stuff.
But I didn't even get the
chance to tell him that.
And I don't think
it makes sense now.
You love him.
What is going on?
Nothing.
OK.
Tell me the facts.
- One, two, pull the Band-
- Aid off.
It's just us.
OK.
Fact one, I really love him.
Fact two, I'm scared
out of my mind.
OK.
We will figure this out.
It's going to be OK.
Oh!
Oh.
I've not seen you
this jealous since...
I am not jealous.
And do not mention
Brian Hasbrook,
Richy Rustem, or Buddy Manning.
You already did.
Oh, my...
Well, really?
Why are you here on a Sunday?
I came to get my notes.
I have an interview.
Oh, well.
A reporter's work is never done.
Not in my case anyway.
Were we supposed to meet today?
Oh, no.
I um... I came to get my notes.
I have an interview in the park.
This is Cecilia.
Hi, you must be Audrey?
Morgan's been...
Complaining that
I've been following him around?
She's got your number.
Yeah, well...
Well, I should go.
You going to do
that all by yourself?
I think I can manage.
Oh.
Nice to meet you, Cecilia.
You too.
She doesn't seem so bad.
Mm-hmm.
Morgan?
You got a minute?
Oh.
I'll drop these on your desk.
- Oh.
- Meet you at the bodega?
- OK.
Thanks.
OK.
What's up?
It's a solid deal.
Is it?
I mean, the money's not bad.
The money is great.
I could retire comfortably.
And you wouldn't have to
struggle through the transition
or basically ever.
And there's great
structured payouts.
Yeah.
They're probably going
to gut the company.
Dennis assures me...
I mean, unless they put down
in writing that they're not
going to fire everyone
in the office,
and they're going to
upgrade our technology,
and let us work
as our own entity,
and really actually
invest in the paper,
then yeah, maybe we
could consider it.
But I just think right
now it's a bad deal.
That is strange.
Right?
He was acting all weird,
like I caught him in the act.
But why does it matter?
We are colleagues.
And he is dating Cecilia.
Still.
Still, your heart?
OK.
Enough about me.
Are you sticking with the plan?
When are you having
the talk with Howie?
I'm just not quite ready.
If you were fearless enough
to give up your old life
and move to Hope Cove to
open a bed and breakfast,
you can tell Howie how you feel.
Suck it up buttercup.
I never would have
gone to the dance
if Ask Aunt Hope hadn't told
me to get out of the house.
My heart had been broken.
And I was hiding from the world.
When I walked in the room,
the minute I saw him,
my heart started pounding.
We only shared one dance.
Then some big guy cut
in, and she was gone.
To console myself, I went to the
farmer's market the next day.
And there she was.
Buying peaches for a pie.
And when I went to
pay, he paid for me.
He was so sweet.
We've been together ever since.
You know, her advice
was so beautiful...
We used it in our wedding
invitation, except
for the Dear Broken Hearted.
I think I brought
a copy with me.
All our lives,
we're looking for home.
If we're lucky, we'll find
it in someone's loving arms.
Love is coming home.
Wow.
That was really beautiful.
Thank you.
Mm-hmm.
They're so sweet.
Mm.
They really are.
And so in love.
That's not us.
I mean, we're not them.
I mean...
This isn't working.
Yes.
I'm sorry.
I probably rushed things a
little too fast, because...
We're a certain age.
Our parents were
settled at this age.
Trust me, I'm right there
in that hole with you.
Honestly, you are a great guy.
Just not...
The right guy.
And I'm not the right girl.
But I see how you
look at Audrey.
You should definitely
give that a shot.
The paper's history is steeped
not only in the personalities
and passions of its founders and
their grandson, the new editor
in chief Morgan Cooper,
but also in the townspeople
of Hope Cove.
A community that was essentially
brought together by the paper.
A paper whose ideals of
goodwill, neighborliness,
fair play, courage,
and open-mindedness
are what Morgan
strives to uphold
and wears as his badge of honor.
The integrity of
the Hope Cove Beacon
stems from the
people of Hope Cove...
This is the best thing
you've ever written.
You don't think it's too sappy?
No.
It's perfect.
You're falling for Morgan.
What?
No.
I am not falling for Morgan.
We're just friends.
If anything, I'm
falling for the town.
The town?
You are falling for the town?
Yes, the town.
Ugh.
OK.
Let's see what
Aunt Hope Has to say.
OK.
Dear Lost at Sea.
Sometimes your life path doesn't
take you all over an island
to find your way.
Sometimes it's standing
in front of you
like a beacon illuminating the
place you were meant to be.
Don't look past the present
to find your future.
Hmm.
The beacon.
Oh.
Hi, Audrey.
I didn't mean to bother you two.
Oh, no, no.
Not at all.
I... I should be heading out.
No.
I didn't want to
spoil the moment.
I...
No, you're not
spoiling anything.
It's fine.
We do this every year
for mom's birthday.
She'd be thrilled
that someone else
showed up, instead of just us.
You two enjoy the
rest of the evening.
Bye Clifton.
I feel so bad.
I think I just ran your dad off.
Oh, do not.
Do not feel bad at all.
Dad would stay if he wanted to.
He has overstayed
many a welcome before.
Wine?
- Sure.
Yeah.
- Yeah?
- Yeah.
- OK.
So, thank you.
Tell me about the wish lanterns.
Oh.
Well, every year we write
one thing in the lantern
and fly it off.
And the birthday fairy
grants your wish.
I don't know.
Which is something I've stopped
believing after about 10.
Hmm.
It's really sweet.
I'm almost done with my article.
Would you take a look at it
before I officially submit it?
I'd be honored.
OK.
But you have to be
brutally honest...
Well, not too brutal, or you
know, like nicely brutal.
Why don't we just take
brutal out of the equation?
Great idea.
OK.
Were you serious
about that job offer?
Yes.
Are you considering it?
Maybe.
I'm at a bit of a loose end.
You know?
I really thought that
everything I wanted
was tied up in the
job at the Tribune...
Bigger stories, bigger profiles.
But I don't know.
I feel a bit untethered.
Well, that's life.
You make plans.
And then life changes
around those plans.
It's important to
remember that you
can pivot your trajectory to
suit your needs in life first.
I needed to hear that, I think.
But you did it.
You had the big job
at the big paper.
Is that something I need
on my resume, do you think?
Only you know what
you want and need.
But life should never be
about what's on your resume.
Yeah.
It's getting pretty windy.
And it's pretty late.
We should probably
get out of here.
Yeah.
It was nice running
into you tonight.
Yeah.
Do you want to go to dinner
with me tomorrow night?
Like a... like a date?
Or like just two friends,
kind of grabbing a bite?
Like a date.
Aren't you and Cecilia a thing?
Cecilia and I are nothing.
We've decided to be friends.
And leave it at that.
Why?
Is that the only thing
holding you back from going
on a date tomorrow night?
Well, will we be
partaking in the three B's?
Bike riding, bocce, or baseball?
Absolutely not.
Then yes.
OK.
So tomorrow night then.
Sounds good.
All right.
Well, I'll leave you to it.
OK.
Love you mom.
So, other than Brian Hasbron
breaking your
heart at five, what
is a life changing experience?
Well, there was
when my mom got sick.
And then, there was
the time on spring
break my senior year of college
that I jumped out of a plane.
But I would have to say, OK.
One morning, after a run with
my ex, we went to brunch.
And he made his usual
breakfast order.
Two eggs, one over
easy, one over hard.
And by hard, I mean,
the yolk has to be
cooked all the way through.
Yeah.
OK.
And it just got me.
And I thought, I can't
spend the rest of my life
with this smug know-it-all guy.
And so, I broke up
with him right then.
Well, I'm glad I didn't
order eggs for dinner.
OK smarty pants.
Your turn.
OK.
I'm six years old.
Cousin Allison's wedding.
Uh-huh.
Obviously you know
I'm not that great with crowds.
I refused to walk down
the aisle unless I
was in my Superman costume.
Pitched a fit.
Huge meltdown.
I thought I was going
to be grounded for life.
Turns out my cousin Allison
didn't care one bit.
And I realized on that day, that
if something was making me feel
uncomfortable, I had no choice
but to voice my opinion,
because it's the only way
things would get better.
Mm-hmm.
Well, I bet you looked adorable.
But if I don't see a
picture, it didn't happen.
Well, there's a picture.
And it's in my father's office.
Oh.
OK, well, I would
like to see that.
- I
- love that thing.
Yeah.
Me too.
It's so cool.
I had fun last night.
Me too.
Well, good.
Would you like to do
it again sometime?
I... I was just headed
to the Baker's Corner.
Can I get you something?
You buying?
Well, you bought dinner.
So yes.
A couple dozen muffins
ought to do it for the office.
Well played.
Yeah.
Well played.
I try my best.
And when you get
back, maybe you'll
have an answer about dinner?
I don't know?
Think about it.
Hmm.
That's great.
Thank you.
You're not getting
very far without this.
You got to stop sneaking
up on me like that.
Thank you.
I don't know what
I was thinking.
You need some company?
Yeah.
Hey Howie.
Good morning.
Will you excuse me a sec?
We're here to get some
muffins for the team.
How's Jane?
How are you doing?
Confused.
Really confused.
About your feelings for Jane?
No, never.
She's the one.
Have you told her that?
I mean, I thought she knew.
Are you still
planning on treating?
Yes.
I will.
Good luck, Howie.
Thanks.
If you don't tell
her she's the one,
she'll never know she's the one.
Hey.
How are you doing?
I don't know.
Howie called.
He wants me to
stop by the bakery.
Now?
No, tonight.
That's great!
Isn't it great?
Depends on what happens.
Oh.
Will you come with me?
You are a grown woman.
And I know you can do this.
Can you at least distract me?
Definitely.
OK.
So I saw your Aunt Fanny take
the notes from the suggestion
box at the paper.
And I am pretty sure that
she is behind Ask Aunt hope.
No.
- Yes.
- Really?
Yes.
Aunt Fanny?
I know.
I am going to go there tonight.
And I am going to
catch whoever it
is in the act of posting that
column for the Sunday edition.
Well, look at you Nancy Drew.
We'll see about that.
Don't come to the paper tonight.
Audrey knows.
And she's determined
to catch me in the act.
Well, it's perfect, really.
If I take the fall,
she'll never know you've
been my partner in crime.
It won't jeopardize
your stellar reputation,
or you know, put you
in newspaper jail.
Yes.
Gotta go.
Hey dad.
Hi son.
There's a leak again.
Same place.
I think it's time to start
considering changing the pipes.
Sounds expensive.
Hmm.
Well, it's like grandpa said.
If you pay for
cheap, you get cheap.
Do it right the first time
so it lasts a lifetime.
Well, he was a smart man.
I guess you better
get some estimates.
I'll make some calls.
Do you want a coffee?
Sounds great.
Double cream, member?
Do it right so it
lasts a lifetime.
Right.
There we go.
Oh, Dennis, that was fast.
Good to hear your voice.
We got your signed contract.
So that's all in motion.
Very excited you're
part of the team.
And now we need to
discuss something.
Did you sign that contract?
One second Dennis.
Someone just came in.
Did you get everything
we wanted down in writing?
No.
Not all of it.
But I trust Dennis.
And now, I need you to trust me.
Now you trust him?
Sorry Dennis.
What were you saying?
No problem.
There's one more thing.
The Harrison Group
is going to take
the whole operation in-house.
What?
You're... you're
disbanding the paper?
We'll still keep a few
key members of your staff.
Uh, Morgan, Josh, Mary,
Kate, and maybe Greg.
What it means is,
there is no autonomy.
You will no longer
have control of the day
to day operations of the paper.
You can't do that.
Yes we can.
The Hope Cove Beacon now
belongs to the Harrison Group.
The contract clearly
states that your paper
can be legally absorbed.
Look.
I've got to go.
We can talk details
in person tomorrow.
Oh, and the big guy
himself is coming with me.
So be prepared.
This can't be happening.
No, I...
I told you this
was going to happen.
And you told him
about our staff?
I... I...
I thought it was the best
decision for our family,
for you, for the paper.
And I never told
him about our staff.
It's fairly easy to
assess our reporters.
You just have to
read their articles.
Dad, were going to
become a soulless version
of our former self, just
like every other paper
that the Harrison Group owns.
I knew it.
Knew what?
Don't give me that.
You are the one
behind Ask Aunt Hope.
How long have you
been writing this?
When Millie took it
over, I helped her out.
And when Millie got sick,
she asked me to take over.
I see you figured it out.
Yeah, I did.
Does that mean you were
lying the whole time?
No.
Honestly, I had no idea
that Fanny had anything
to do with Ask Aunt Hope.
It's true.
Millie swore me to secrecy.
OK, fair.
Although you have
been lying to me.
Me?
Lying about what?
Do not play that game.
You came in here knowing
full well that the Harrison
Group was going to
take over this company
and kick us to the curb.
I can't believe I trusted you.
I can't believe
I encouraged you.
I can't believe in you.
They are going to fire every
single one of these people
that work in this office.
They're going to rip the
heart out of Hope Cove.
What did Dennis offer you?
My job, I'm assuming.
If you what?
Feed him information
about our staff?
What are you talking
about feed him information?
About Aunt Fanny
dressing up the statues,
or Greg's surrogate
having the baby early?
I came here to cover a story.
I may be a lot of things...
Ambitious, too factual.
But I am not some spy or
turncoat looking to have fun
on someone else's misfortunes.
This is crazy Morgan.
What, did Dennis tell you that
I was feeding him information?
Well, not exactly.
Oh.
So you jumped to conclusions.
Probably.
You know, I know
that you take pride
in making the human
connection in your articles.
But you really should have
taken the time on this one
to get your facts straight.
I found her lurking.
I was trying to make what
I thought was a fast getaway.
What?
I'm sorry you and Morgan fought.
It wasn't your fault.
And obviously, we
are not right for each other.
Why would you say that?
He's smart, kind,
funny, selfless...
Did he really not
know it was you?
He didn't.
I think a part of him suspected.
But it was keeping his
mother alive somehow.
So that was more
important than knowing
who was writing the column.
Must have been so hard
for him when his mom passed.
Wish I could have been
there for him then.
You really care
about him don't you.
And you think you can
go back to your old life
and forget about him?
Oh!
Oh!
He proposed!
Oh my goodness!
Oh, tell us!
Tell us everything!
It's a blur.
It's just... he decorated the
bakery with twinkle lights,
and he had champagne.
And there was this
cake in the middle.
And he made this
really sweet speech
about all my favorite flavors...
Chocolate and
coconut go together.
And then he got
down on one knee.
Congratulations!
Oh my goodness!
What's up?
I think I owe Morgan an apology.
I've got to make this
paper thing right.
Paper thing?
Maybe, as a wise
woman once told me,
you should suck it up buttercup
and tell him you feel?
Mitchell here.
I can't believe
you did this to them.
Harper, come on.
You know I don't run the show.
Yeah right.
You did this, because
you don't like
the fact that the Hope
Cove Beacon is a better
paper than the Tribune.
It's business.
Not personal.
Hey, your article was fantastic.
Great work.
Excited about your promotion?
I don't want it.
Not like this.
DENNIS MITCHELL: Come on Harper.
It's an amazing opportunity.
You can't turn it down.
You'll never get
this chance again.
Think about it.
I'll be there soon.
We can talk.
AUDREY HARPER: Yeah.
We'll talk.
Hi.
I'm sorry for
everything that I said.
I didn't mean it.
Yeah, me too.
Except I meant it.
What, you can't take a joke?
On a beautiful day like this?
I see you're already packed
for your job at city desk.
I'm not taking the job.
Not like this.
Car?
Yeah.
What do you got in here?
Obviously the Harrison
Group is not playing fair.
We were stupid to trust
Dennis in the first place.
I can't ask you to not
take a job that's going
to help further your career.
And besides, this mess has
nothing to do with you.
What if we tried
changing their minds?
It's never going to happen.
It's all about the bottom line.
I called the London Times.
You're giving up on the paper?
There's nothing
left to give up on.
75 years of history, community...
You really think they're going
to keep Ask Aunt Hope around?
It's gone.
So that's it then?
Yeah.
You got to at least
stay for the festival.
Yeah.
I'm going to go to the pie
contest before I hit the road.
I have to run some
errands first.
OK.
Drive safe.
You're really not
going to tell him?
I've already
disappointed him enough.
How can I tell him
I'm Ask Aunt Hope?
He's your son.
He deserves to know
that it's you who's been
keeping Millie's spirit alive.
You're Ask Aunt Hope?
Ugh.
That's going to make your
retirement speech interesting.
I suppose, Aunt
Fanny was your cover.
Yeah, technically.
She helped her mom.
And when she passed,
she offered to help
me keep the column going.
We had some mishaps.
But then we hit our stride.
Thank you for keeping
her alive for me.
I know rationally
that she's gone.
But whenever I would read the
column, it's like there she is.
Just giving me
honest, and sometimes
unwanted, but perfect advice
for most things in my life.
It must have been pretty hard.
Yeah.
It was at first.
But then, honestly,
it was a gift.
It felt like I was having
conversations with your mom when
I was working on the column.
It kept her alive for me.
Made her passing bittersweet.
It helped with the grieving.
Because somehow it felt like I
was grieving with her, learning
from her all over again.
And every day, my heart
was a little less broken.
Dad.
Thanks kid.
It was delicious.
You can't just leave.
Tonight is the
dinner and the dance.
And the whole town
is going to be there.
And you'll get dressed up.
And getting dressed up
makes everything better.
It's like you said to me, it
is time to suck it up buttercup
and let Morgan
know how you feel...
While you're wearing
a cute little dress.
And if you want some
advice from someone who...
Let's say, has lived a little...
Never give up on anything...
Especially love...
Without a fight.
I mean, every pie
is just delicious.
It's going to be
a tough decision.
But we'll announce the
winner at tonight's dinner.
Hey, Morgan.
Need something to cleanse
your palate after all
those pies you tasted?
Earth to Morgan.
Come in Morgan.
There he is.
Sorry.
Uh... congratulations
on your engagement.
That's great news.
Thanks man.
And thanks for the great advice.
You know, tell a
woman she's the one?
She has no idea she's the one?
Hey Howie, come here.
I'll see you later.
For so long I fought
for a life I'd never know.
And I guess, by now, I
should finally let it go.
Because the past don't last,
and there's nothing else
left to show.
MORGAN COOPER Audrey.
My whole life I wished for
you and didn't know it.
Morgan.
I wouldn't change it.
I would still give my all.
I wouldn't walk away.
Dennis.
Ah.
There she is.
Audrey Harper, are you
here to tell me that you're
my new city desk reporter?
I'm here to tell
you that I quit.
You were right.
Hope Cove is a
pretty special place.
And I just can't live
with what you're doing
to this paper and this town.
The unique point of view of the
paper is what sets it apart.
They choose not to invest in the
bottom line, but in humanity.
And to silence that now, when
the world needs this paper more
than ever, is a huge failure.
Why would the Harrison Group
choose to turn this gem
into a lemming...
In a long line of lemmings...
In their own portfolio?
Because we still
shine brighter than any love
I've known yet.
We need to talk.
This was supposed
to be a done deal.
Well, she's
a real firecracker, huh?
Uh-huh.
Excellent.
Thank you.
Well, that's the
most interesting...
Morgan.
So, I just spoke with the man
himself, Mr. Eric Harrison.
Seems we're not going to
be absorbed after all.
He wants us to continue
our important work.
His words, not mine.
With complete autonomy
in perpetuity.
Seriously?
Seriously.
Seems a very opinionated
Audrey convinced him.
Dad.
Great news.
- Isn't that great?
- That's great.
I know.
Good evening Hope Cove.
Most of you clean up very well.
And you know who you are.
In all seriousness, this town
is the heart of our paper.
And much like the
beacon on its masthead,
its sole purpose is to
provide a shining light
for this community
that has been such
an inspiration to all of us.
You know, it's kind of funny.
This last week, I've
been reminded just
how special this town
is by a certain someone.
And I hope she
feels the same way.
My father, in the worst
kept secret in town...
If you haven't already
heard... is retiring.
Clifton Cooper... although
I continuously beat you
at checkers, no matter
how hard I work,
I will never be half
the editor that you are.
My only hope is that I continue
to make you proud as I try
to fill your enormous shoes.
So cheers Dad.
To Clifton Cooper.
Oh, and sorry.
One more thing.
The winner of the pie
contest is Deanna Glenn.
Congratulations.
Hear hear!
There you are.
Congratulations
Mr. Editor in Chief.
Thank you.
Andrew Harper, you have
to be the most remarkable,
smart, kind, and yet
opinionated woman that I've
ever met in my entire life.
You also happen to be an
extraordinary reporter.
Would you join me is
co-editor in chief?
Would you be interested?
In you or the job?
Both.
It sounds like a
pretty good life.
So, did you get your wish?
Not yet.