Sweet Magnolias (2020) s02e07 Episode Script

1 You don't owe me One more minute of your wasted time You act like it's all fine It isn't hard to leave Knowing that I'll be getting life On track I wanted to believe I've gotta make a destination Find where I belong This time I've got no hesitation And I'll be movin' on To where I belong I'll be movin' on Over the line I've drawn I'm already gone [music fades.]
Let's get a move on! - This family is not late for church! - [knocking at door.]
[Tyler.]
Give me a sec! How dare you? Where do you gather the temerity and absolute bad manners to begin a movement to recall my husband? Trent is the very finest of gentlemen.
And never ever in all of his born days has he done anything but the very best for Serenity.
Mary Vaughn He will prevail over this clutch of petty, vindictive hens, who are so hapless at love that they find excitement in maligning good men.
Since it's the Lord's day, I'll say only this.
God bless our town founders who ensured that when citizens disagree, there is a process put in place.
We stand on the foundation that they laid.
You asked me about kicking the hornets' nest.
Folks have seen the hornets swarming, and they are waiting for an exterminator.
[exhales.]
Maddie.
Let's take a deep breath [exhales.]
and look at the real issue.
You are worked up over your little parking problem.
I would be happy to suggest that Town Council reexamine.
Well, that would save a lot of trouble.
[exhales.]
But it's too late to stop the recall.
The people have spoken.
The Declaration of Independence has been signed.
[pensive music playing.]
Declaration of Independence.
[chuckles.]
It's nice.
Dating a history teacher is really paying off.
[scoffs.]
Oh, she is so beautiful, Noreen.
As I knew she would be.
Rebecca.
Sweet, sweet Rebecca.
Rebecca Lynne Fitzgibbons.
[Rebecca coos.]
Well, uh Lovely name for a lovely girl.
Y'all can come on in.
Bill's just here checking on us.
[door closes.]
I'm Charles Fitzgibbons, Noreen's dad.
Uh, this is my wife, Amelia.
Sir.
An honor to meet ya.
Ma'am.
Well, I wish we were meeting under slightly different circumstances, but I do want you to know that I embrace my responsibility here, all right? Noreen and I, we already agreed on child support, and I just took care of the hospital charges, so That's good to know.
And anything else they need, I'm a phone call away.
Much appreciated, but you needn't worry, Dr.
Townsend.
Once Noreen and the baby are home, they'll want for nothing.
[Noreen.]
When Peanut and I are discharged tomorrow, we're just going as far as Isaac's.
I need a day or two to regroup.
I'll let you know as soon as we're ready to head out.
[Rebecca coos.]
[Amelia.]
May I? [emotional music playing.]
- There we go.
- [Rebecca coos.]
You have an incredible daughter.
And now an incredible granddaughter.
God bless y'all.
[door opens, closes.]
[Bill exhales.]
Oh, hey there, uh You're Isaac, right? Yeah.
I thought you and Noreen might want some space, Dr.
Townsend.
Yeah.
You you know, Noreen speaks so highly of you.
Thank you for being such a good friend and neighbor to her.
Of course.
Happy to help.
[hesitates.]
Would you do something for me? Call me if they ever need anything.
- Anything at all, all right? - Yeah.
I appreciate that.
I read the report from the new agribusiness manager, and I have to say I love the soybean rotation plan.
Wonderful.
Let's talk later.
You know how I love a good steak or even Erik's chicken pot pie, but maybe we could explore some, uh, vegan options for the menu.
Cal, partner, I appreciate all your enthusiasm, but right now you're more sugar in my tank than grease on my axle.
Got it.
Not the right time.
So just go ahead and take a look at the proposal packet I left on your desk already, and just get back to me when you can.
And I am gonna help you by, um leaving.
Yeah.
[sighs, exhales.]
Never in all my born days did I think that what I would cherish most about Micah being my silent partner is that he was silent.
- Cal means well.
- [sighs.]
I mean, it's great he's so excited to be part of the team.
Well, his heart's in the right place.
The rest of him, not so much.
[both laugh.]
I got four orders for the hash and eggs, um, and three orders for the baseball star.
Excuse me? See that, Dana Sue? Put him on the menu, and see what that does for business.
[sentimental music playing.]
[knock at door.]
Come in.
- Hey.
- Hey.
I hope you don't mind.
I heard the news, and I just wanted to come by and congratulate you in person.
[Rebecca coos.]
Oh no, no.
No, no, no.
Don't you dare get up.
[chuckles.]
I just - May I? - Mm-hmm.
[sighs.]
Oh.
Noreen.
This is my little Peanut.
Rebecca Lynne Fitzgibbons.
She is glorious.
[chuckles.]
Isn't she though? [gasps.]
Um I brought her somethin'.
[chuckles, sniffles.]
The knitting circle at Prince of Peace made that for Ty.
I brought all three of mine home in that blanket.
I just I thought that it would be only fitting that Rebecca came home from the hospital in the same blanket that her siblings did.
Thank you.
[exhales.]
[emotional music playing.]
[Maddie.]
Noreen, I've been thinkin' and prayin' on this for a bit.
It's not fair to all four children for the two of us to be at odds.
The burdens of the adults don't need to carry on to the next generation.
For the sake of the children, I hope that you and I could reconcile.
I would love to move forward together towards forgiveness if you're still open to that.
[emotional music continues.]
Oh my goodness.
[gasps.]
Oh my goodness.
[chuckles softly.]
She's perfect.
[exhales.]
I know I've been evasive with your questions about my past.
[Helen scoffs.]
There are parts of that life I'm I'm still processing.
Shall we sit? I haven't always been a chef.
Oh, I gathered.
I was an EMT in Atlanta.
Loved my job.
Loved my friends.
Fell in love and got married.
Vera.
We were so excited to start a family.
- [inhales.]
- [emotional music playing.]
We got pregnant.
We could see a beautiful future.
She was 24 weeks along.
Vera had some bleeding.
[Helen breathes deeply.]
I was sure that I could get her to the hospital faster than [breathes deeply.]
But the bleeding got worse.
I tried everything I knew there on the side of the road, waiting for the ambulance.
[breathes deeply.]
[voice breaks.]
 I lost them both.
Oh, Erik.
The guilt.
Failure.
Helplessness.
They led me to some truly dark places.
But then my grandmama's recipe book pulled me back out.
Led me to Dana Sue and you.
[emotional music continues.]
[voice breaks.]
I am so sorry for what you lost.
And I am so happy for what you found.
But I can't ask you to walk this road with me while you're still healing from this.
- No, no, no.
- This is not fair.
No, Helen.
That's not what I'm saying.
You've reawakened a portion of my soul that I thought was closed forever.
Helping you heal is also healing something in me.
[emotional music continues.]
I think we can keep healing together.
- And be better for it.
- [chuckles.]
Amen.
But I, um I need you to make me a promise.
- Ask.
- Hmm.
If my situation ever makes the road tough for you, you say so.
I will.
I ran into a bunch of eager signers outside Deb's flower shop.
[Helen chuckles.]
It was like I was walking around town with a basket of Dana Sue's molasses cookies.
Off to a good start, but we have a long way to go.
- You let me know if I need to bake.
- [Maddie chuckles.]
How'd you squeeze this into your day, Maddie? [Maddie.]
Well, it's not like I have to spend time convincing people since Trent hasn't fulfilled most of his campaign promises.
And Sunday's a perfect time to go visitin'.
Were you out campaigning before or after you went to the hospital? Both things needed to be done.
[Dana Sue.]
I admire you going.
I don't think I could muster that much grace even fresh off of one of June's sermons.
Doesn't everyone deserve a chance at a fresh start? To Rebecca Lynne Fitzgibbons.
- [gasps.]
- Why didn't you start with that?! Saving the best for last.
Well, I never thought I would say this, but To Rebecca.
Yeah.
And to Noreen.
[Dana Sue, Maddie laugh.]
- [Helen.]
Dana Sue.
- [Dana Sue.]
Mm-hmm.
How are you handling the kitchen now with Isaac on good-neighbor leave? You know this how? Erik said that brunch was a little hectic.
[laughs.]
He dropped by for a glass of tea this afternoon! - And? - [Helen.]
And nothing! Well, something.
We're still figuring things out.
Does this include the fact that you're trying to have a baby? Yeah, he knows.
We're being very transparent.
And Erik is happy to support my journey.
- How did it go with Dr.
Ringle? - [Helen.]
Promising.
Exciting, actually.
And Erik is going with me next time.
Why do I find this to be terribly romantic? - 'Cause it is.
[giggles.]
- [Dana Sue.]
All right, hold your horses.
Have you considered the two of you doing this the old-fashioned way? Dana Sue! We just went from the friend zone to the not-friend zone.
I think it's a little early to consider the baby-daddy zone.
[chuckles.]
Okay.
[Maddie chuckles.]
She's just She's just been spending so much time rollin' around with Ronnie.
- This girl's all revved up.
- [Helen.]
Ah, come on! Can we please talk about your man, Maddie? [Helen laughs.]
Oh-ho! Okay, you know I love Cal, but you have to help me calm him the heck down.
So many plans and ideas and ideas and plans and plans and - No, he's just excited.
- [Helen laughs.]
He wants to help.
And how's it going calming Ronnie down, Dana Sue? I am doing an excellent job of maintaining boundaries with him and managing Annie's expectations.
[Helen laughs raucously.]
[Dana Sue, Maddie laughing.]
- You practice that before you got here? - Yeah.
Okay.
Let's all just sit down, and we need to come up with a plan.
- Ow! - Hey.
Take take it easy, Ty.
I've been taking it easy all summer.
I wanna get back at it, but I just I can't.
We talked to Dr.
Ahmed, okay? This is gonna take some work.
I know.
And you told me not to expect a miracle when the cast came off, but this feels like the same - You have to be patient.
- How much longer? And and what if my arm never gets back to 100%? - [Maddie.]
Honey.
- [inhales.]
I'm fine.
Okay? I just Excuse me.
- [sighs.]
- [door opens.]
[door closes.]
This is a process.
- Mmm.
- For both of you.
- It's not gonna be over quickly.
- I know.
And me being impatient with his impatience is not gonna help anyone.
You know what might help? A vacation to an exotic beach? That is an excellent idea.
[sentimental music playing.]
[Winell.]
You were just here for Sunday dinner, Peggy.
What's so all-fired important that you're back today? Um Mother, something has happened that will have ramifications, and I want you to be aware.
But I thought it appropriate to share it with you privately first.
You're a journalist, Peggy.
You know better than to bury the lead.
I met my son.
[exhales.]
His name is Isaac, and he seems to be a wonderful young man.
I'm going to build a relationship with him, Mother, and I look forward to introducing you to your grandson.
I have wondered about this day, about him, for so many I didn't go through all that mess you brought home 22 years ago to have some stranger upend our lives now.
It was my mess, Mother, and you never asked me what I wanted.
I did what any good mother would.
I have no interest in meeting him.
You send him away.
[emotional music playing.]
I can't wait to get home and start pampering our girls.
Mom, it's such a long drive.
Do you think maybe we could stay an extra day or so? If that's okay with you, Isaac? Yeah.
Noreen, you and Becks stay as long as you want.
Are we calling her Becks? Not even Becky? Well, it's Peanut first and forever.
- Let me take that sweet little lamb.
- Peanut.
Hmm.
- You can, um, change her on my bed.
- Oh.
All right.
I can show you.
[Rebecca crying.]
[Charles sighs.]
So tell me, Shortcake, how you really doing? - I'm fine, Daddy.
- Hmm? Really.
I just need to catch my breath.
Well, we don't mean to chase you outta here, but you just let us know when you're ready, huh? [Charles chuckles.]
Miss Elizabeth was worried you were parched.
[chuckles.]
[Kyle.]
I'm fine.
But this does taste good.
She was such a diligent gardener in her younger years, and she is so excited that her lawn is gonna look good again.
Her nephew's been deployed for a while now, and she's had a hard time finding someone who tends to her yard properly.
Did you tell her why I'm doing it? I did.
Because you are a young man committed to his faith and the love of our neighbors that flows naturally from that.
[chuckles.]
The truest form of community service.
Yes, ma'am.
Listen, I know this isn't exciting, but remember what your friend Mr.
Shakespeare said.
"There is nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so.
" Oh yeah, I can quote more than just Scripture.
[laughs.]
Now, I'm going back to Miss Elizabeth, and you get back to this arbor.
Is this a dagger which I see before me, the handle toward my hand? Come, let me clutch thee.
I have thee not, yet I see thee still.
[girl.]
Hey! I'm looking for Puck.
Achievement unlocked.
Am I supposed to know you? No.
Not yet, but that's fine.
At school, I saw your Shakespeare thing, which really isn't my thing, but who passes up extra credit? It was better than I expected, and you were amazing.
It worked out because you're exactly what I'm looking for.
What? I'm creating a game.
An awesome quest-based adventure.
I've got the code-side covered and then some, but I thought teaming up with a terrific actor would help with character design and, when we get there, mocap.
Oh.
Wow, motion capture? Really? Really! Because where most games fall apart for me, as a player, is authentic emotion.
I mean, you got this guy who just traveled three centuries to slay his archnemesis, and he's all [in robotic voice.]
"I have searched for you far and wide.
" [normal voice.]
Uh, but I want passion and range and surprising reactions, which is why I want you.
Wait, how did you know I was here? Oh, Puck.
[chuckles.]
I can track anyone, anywhere.
Ready for an adventure? [feel-good music playing.]
How do we have any idea what Noreen's taste is? [both laughing.]
[Helen.]
Maddie.
Your mother certainly knows how to shop.
I thought I was queen of the good purchase, but I bow to Miss Paula's expertise.
[Dana Sue.]
Aw.
Won't be long before we're making one of these baskets for you.
[chuckles.]
Wonderful! You're all here.
Miss Frances, what a pleasure to see you.
I came to sign that recall petition.
- Yes.
- Oh! Let me get it for you.
When you girls said you were gonna continue my legacy with the spa, that was special enough, but you have taken things to a new level of special.
[chuckles.]
[sentimental music playing.]
Miss Frances? We held the Wingate Family Chamber Music soirees in this room.
Raised funds for local charities.
[Dana Sue.]
I remember.
It was for adults, but you would always let us kids waltz about on that front porch.
My favorite was learning how to pour proper tea on the lawn.
- Oh.
- [Maddie giggles.]
What about the croquet matches? And the time you, Miss Maddie, hit the croquet ball so hard it sailed right through that window.
That's why I didn't teach my kids how to play croquet.
[Dana Sue laughs.]
Oh, amazing how my family legacy lives on in the beauty and strength of those little girls.
I am so grateful to you three for giving our precious Serenity so much hope for the future.
Now, where do I sign to get that miserable snake out of office? - [Maddie.]
Right here.
[laughs.]
- [Dana Sue laughs.]
It's always the same It's always amazing with you It's true There's never a dull day 'Cause everything's okay with you Thought you might be here.
Are you waiting for someone? Not anymore.
Do you want something? On me.
This is my favorite.
You wanna try? Okay.
- Ugh! Hazelnut? - You don't like hazelnut? Well, then we can't be friends.
So, then, what should we be? Sworn enemies? Contenders for the same crown.
Hmm.
Spies on the opposite sides who are supposed to undo each other but team up to save the world.
I like that one.
But which side did I start on? The wrong one, of course, and I bring you around.
You and the three million dollars of diamonds we'll split when this is over.
Why would we split them? Aren't we going to stay together? [pensive music playing.]
[Jackson.]
Hey.
How about this one? Guy is stupid and vain enough to hurt a special girl, and that special girl is gracious enough to forgive him.
Is that why you kissed me? To apologize? I kissed you because you're important to me.
And I hope you kissed me back because you think we could be incredible together.
We could be, as long as I don't have to drink hazelnut coffee.
I'll think about it.
[Annie laughs.]
Okay.
- [Dana Sue.]
Oh, precious as a pearl.
- [Helen chuckles.]
When Annie was this size, I just wanted to sit and stare at her all day long.
Hmm.
Angels truly do live among us.
Hmm.
Congratulations.
Thank you for that.
And for this.
- [Maddie.]
Hmm.
- And just for being here.
And thank you so much for giving Isaac time off work to help me.
I just cannot even begin to express how much.
Well, it's just how we do it here in Serenity.
Oh.
Erik sent this along.
And he implores you to bring Rebecca back to Serenity so he can make her her first chicken pot pie.
Aw.
[chuckles.]
Oh, Helen, can I get your help in the kitchen? I was hoping to meet your parents, Noreen.
They just went out for a stroll.
[doorbell rings.]
Well, that'll be them.
[Isaac.]
Hey, guys! [Cal.]
Great house! Oh, look! It's a party! - Shh.
She's asleep.
- Oh, oh, oh.
You'd almost think we all whisper together or something.
Oh my gosh.
My heart is full to bursting, y'all.
[Trotter laughs.]
Oh.
[Trotter, Noreen laugh.]
- Bless you and your little one, Noreen.
- [chuckles.]
Thank you.
Thank you! [Cal.]
Oh.
Flowers for you and music for her.
But if you wanna keep the rattle and give her the flowers, I'm cool with that too.
[chuckles.]
Thank you.
- Look at this little baby.
Look how cute.
- [Cal.]
What is it? [Harlan.]
Trust me, you never can have too many diapers.
You know, I had no idea how much can come out of such a tiny little human at one time.
Thank you.
- [Harlan.]
Where do you want it? - [Noreen.]
Uh [Isaac.]
Oh.
Oh, look at you.
So you're really gonna do this? Well, not exactly this, but, yeah.
I do have one question though.
I hope it's one I'm qualified to answer.
Isn't it terrifying? Isn't a pennant race terrifying? No.
It Yes.
Because you're praying every day, nonstop, that you won't make a mistake, that you won't let anybody down, that you'll do a great job.
Yeah, it's terrifying.
And thrilling.
And wonderful.
[Cal.]
Hmm.
[Trotter laughing.]
[Harlan.]
Is there something I can do? We haven't officially met, but we know all the same people.
Ronnie Sullivan.
- Nice to meet you.
- This is for you.
Thank you very much, Ronnie.
Before she could even sit up, Annie always loved when we read to her.
She used to chew on 'em too.
[Noreen.]
Mmm.
- Thanks.
- You're welcome.
[Helen chatters indistinctly.]
What a gift to have more friends than your house can hold.
Hey, it's all good.
- We can hold them in our hearts.
- Are we interrupting a party? Mama, Daddy.
Come meet Noreen's friends.
[chuckles.]
[Noreen scoffs.]
Oh, Shortcake, this is lovely.
No cause to cry.
I don't mean to be such a watering pot.
It's just that everyone's being so thoughtful.
[chuckles.]
[Charles laughs.]
Hi, I'm Maddie.
This is Helen and Dana Sue.
Pardon us, but we invited ourselves over for a little sip and see while Noreen and the baby are still here.
- Y'all have to try my molasses cookies - [Ronnie.]
My favorite.
before some people gobble them up.
 [chuckles.]
Yes, please.
You're the chef that sends all the wonderful food.
Well, thank you.
I am.
And you're the lawyer.
I am.
And the three of us own the Corner Spa.
So that makes you Yes.
We thought we'd pay a call.
Charlie, are you hearing this? Oh, I am, Amelia.
Yeah.
[chuckles.]
It's very sweet.
No.
- It's - Mom.
It's a blessing.
[voice breaks.]
An absolute blessing.
Oh.
[chuckles.]
[emotional music playing.]
[Gabe.]
So my dad told me that I should get you a six-pack, and my mom said, "Gabriel Bridges Weatherspoon!" So I split the difference and brought you wine.
Cheerwine.
[chuckles.]
[Gabe.]
Cheers.
[chuckles.]
- Ah, come on, man, you missed it.
- I miss you, not the jokes.
Yeah, fair.
It's good to see you, man.
Thanks for letting me come over.
I thought your last text to me was, "I'll break the other arm if you keep being antisocial.
" Yes, but I did send that awesome penguin GIF to let you know that the threat came from the heart.
- Mmm.
- [clicks tongue.]
Man, it's not good for you to be off by yourself.
[scoffs.]
Yeah, you should tell that to CeCe.
Okay, man, what's the plan? I honestly have no idea.
I'm not even sure what to say to her at this point.
No, dude, I meant what's the plan for dinner? Let's get some protein in you, and then we'll fix your love life and anything else in your life that might need fixing.
- [strained.]
This is exactly what I need.
- [Gabe.]
This is what friends are for.
[whimsical music playing.]
If someone jumps out at me, I'm gonna scream.
Seriously? I'm trying to be all romantic, and you're worried I'm pranking you? [laughing.]
- Where did I go wrong? - Okay.
[gasps.]
[Maddie.]
Ah! [country music playing.]
- Now this is the best beach I've been to.
- Mmm.
[laughs.]
Well, it gets even better.
Wharton's is delivering a Hawaiian pizza in an hour, which leaves us just enough time [kisses.]
for [inhales deeply.]
beach volleyball.
[laughing.]
Oh, come on.
What? Is there another game you had in mind? Um Mm-hmm.
[Maddie laughs.]
Suddenly, I know it's true You and me were meant So would that be poker or gin rummy? Well, since we're at the beach, shouldn't it be Go Fish? It's good to know that you are a little crazy.
Again, trying to be romantic.
[chuckles.]
That shirt is not romantic.
- Do you need me to take it off? - That'd be romantic.
Well, I contemplated a road trip to the Keys or at least Myrtle Beach, but I didn't think either fit in your schedule, so how about I take you to Charleston instead? You do not have to take me anywhere.
This is delightful.
But I have to go to Charleston, and I don't wanna go by myself, so please come with me.
What are you talking about? An old teammate of mine asked me to fill in at a fundraiser for St.
Jude.
Black tie, gourmet food, lots of schmoozing, worthy cause? Be my date? By all means.
St.
Jude is a wonderful charity.
I'm glad.
Are you gonna wear that shirt underneath your tux? - [inhales.]
Give me your tens.
- Go Fish.
Oh goodness.
One thing though.
I am there to draw fans, and fans can sometimes be a lot.
[sighs.]
Well, thank you for the warning, but even if it's a little extra work, it is nothing compared to everything you've done for me and my boys.
Wait a minute.
Did you want me to say no so you had an excuse not to go? I always enjoy seeing the old gang.
It's just preparing to see them that can be a bit Tell me.
I didn't leave the game on my own terms.
[sighs.]
I left because I was an immature idiot.
Crashed my bike, wrecked my hip and my shoulder, ended my career.
- I've seen the scars.
- Inside and out.
I thought that world was everything.
And I was so wrong.
[romantic music playing.]
You.
Your kids.
Our friends.
This is everything.
Just stepping back into that world it just reminds me how fragile it all is.
Well, just because it's fragile doesn't mean it has to break.
It just means you have to work a little harder to protect it.
Have you ever seen From Here to Eternity? - Mmm.
- Hmm? [chuckles.]
[feel-good music playing.]
Good morning.
Yes, it is.
Especially since you want to discuss my proposals.
Cal, I appreciate your enthusiasm and your can-do energy, and I think it's a waste to have you penned up here in the back.
Here's my pitch.
Oh.
[grunting.]
[Dana Sue.]
Oh! What do you think about being out front? The welcoming face of Sullivan's.
- Oh, I know a curveball when I see one.
- [Dana Sue chuckles.]
And I know that my ideas haven't really been exactly scoring as of late, but I I do really wanna help.
No, this will.
I don't mean everyday host.
I mean celebrity owner who makes sure you're comfortable and happy.
- Hospitality and charm.
- [Dana Sue chuckles.]
Yeah, I can do that.
Yeah.
And it'll make the nights you're out there extra special for our customers.
Good marketing, Chef.
I'm all in.
[Dana Sue.]
Oh! But I do have some thoughts about the uniform.
Should I get a Sullivan's coat like yours? Or even better, I'm about to dust off my old tux? Or maybe Oh, don't say wet T-shirt.
[whimsical music playing.]
[laughs.]
Thank you.
We started poorly, and I I know it was a shock.
For me too.
For a long time, I wondered what it might be like if this day ever came.
Look, I completely get it if you're upset or disappointed or No, Isaac, no.
Please.
I'm I'm not at all disappointed or upset.
Just processing.
Of course.
Is this what brought you to Serenity? Now that your question's been answered, um, will you stay? Yeah, it's it's a great town.
I love my job.
I've I've got great friends.
Though some of the bigger plans are on hold while Noreen and her baby are staying with me.
Oh, I didn't realize.
You and Noreen? We're not a couple.
Um, just a friend in need.
- Doing what I can to help.
- What a generous heart.
Isaac, I am very happy that you found me.
And if you're willing, I'd I'd like for us to work together and figure out how we fit into each other's lives and how we make each other's lives fuller.
Oh.
This is for you.
[sentimental music playing.]
[Isaac.]
Wait.
How did you know my middle name? You've been with me all this time.
[exhales.]
I was only 16 when you were born.
My mother, she The only decision that I got to make was the name on your birth certificate.
I am so blessed that your parents allowed that small part of me to stay with you.
They must be wonderful people.
They are.
What about my biological dad? Could we talk about him? Can I meet him? Let me reach out to him first.
But let's trust that there will be a way.
For the moment, can we just talk about you and us? Please.
[chuckles.]
You start.
[Amelia.]
The Lord alone knows how we're gonna shoehorn all this for the ride back to Tennessee.
Now, Charlie, you're gonna drive our car with the gifts and all.
I will drive with Noreen and the baby in her car 'cause she's got the car seat, and then we'll Fine.
Drive with your daddy if you'd rather.
Maybe we can switch off when we stop for lunch.
Amelia, hear the girl out.
I really do thank y'all for coming.
I'm so grateful that you and Daddy are here.
You being such an amazing help and all, but that's not a surprise since you're the best mother there is.
But I've decided that Rebecca and I are gonna stay in Serenity.
[Rebecca coos.]
You you knew this? And you didn't talk her out of it? That's not his job, and I couldn't be swayed.
Honey you're alone.
Amelia, we have seen fine proof otherwise.
They're not family.
You see that sweet little blanket over there on Peanut? You know who gave it to her? Maddie Townsend.
It's the same baby blanket that she used on her three children.
Rebecca has family here too.
Noreen.
Oh, I was looking forward to seeing my girls on a daily basis.
And your brothers are gonna be so disappointed.
Garth and Aaron will understand.
Oh! [sighs.]
All right.
Well, you hear me out on this one thing.
We're gonna visit.
A lot.
I will miss you each and every day.
- Mmm.
- Oh.
[Charles.]
And if you don't come home to visit often enough, we will be on your doorstep lickety-split.
[all laugh.]
[feel-good music playing.]
[door opens.]
[exhales.]
Praise the Lord! You brought reinforcements.
You.
Roll towels.
And you may need to expand the staff.
I'm a man of many talents, but so far, I've only been able to be in three places at once.
This is an impressive crowd.
Though you've been telling me since before this place opened that men aren't allowed in here, and now my feelings are getting hurt.
- They're just here for the club meetings.
- There are clubs now? One investing club, one knitting club, and two book clubs have sprouted up since the community meeting.
It's exciting, and it's good for business.
But I already feel like I'm behind for the day, and I have to pick up the boys in an hour from physical therapy.
So could you please share with me what on my to-do list is the most pressing? [Trotter.]
Which to-do list? A dedicated phone line to your political career would be a huge help.
With everybody calling the same line, I almost booked an angry youth soccer coach complaining about field conditions into my afternoon yoga class.
Isn't that great? No.
No, the class would not have gone well.
I mean, clearly, people are eager to be heard.
And they don't wanna just rant.
They wanna help.
They wanna participate.
We are gonna need volunteers to make changes happen.
But who's gonna volunteer for the biggest task of all? Who's gonna run for mayor when we get rid of Trent? I have some thoughts.
So do I.
Oh, you're both too kind, but I must respectfully decline.
The spa comes first in my heart.
But my dedication does free up Maddie.
I have not had that thought, nor will I have that thought.
- But you did have that thought.
- I did have that thought.
Go, you two.
Go.
Join a club.
Uh, end of shift.
Good night, Mom.
Whoa, whoa, whoa! Where are you off to? Uh, to head home to change and then go out, remember? Oh, right.
Wharton's.
With whom? It's a group.
You know, Lily, Michael, Claire, Megan, Jackson, Steve, the usual crowd.
Shakes and jokes.
All good.
All chill.
Okay.
Home by midnight, please? No problem.
See ya.
[inhales.]
[group clapping, cheering.]
[Isaac.]
All right! You wear it well, Cal.
[Cal.]
As do you.
Cal! - Wow! - Oh, this? [Dana Sue.]
You look amazing.
- Yeah? - [Dana Sue chuckles.]
- Come on! - Yeah? Follow me, superstar.
[chuckles.]
[Cal spluttering.]
[chuckles.]
Ladies, Cal Maddox.
- Cal.
- Hey.
- [gasps.]
- He's the owner.
- Thanks.
- [Cal.]
Hey, hey.
Sure.
- Thanks, man.
- [woman.]
This is so exciting.
- [cameras clicking.]
- Let me know if you need anything.
[Dana Sue chuckles.]
Just focus on making the guests feel special.
- Okay.
- It'll take a few to get warmed up.
All right.
[sighs.]
Or not.
Welcome to Sullivan's.
Wow! Coach Cal! Great shoes.
Great everything.
Okay, he's on the clock.
- Okay.
- Maddie.
Hi, boys.
So, what brings you out tonight? My debut as host? [chuckles.]
Sorry, Coach.
I'm here for the fried chicken.
Yeah, and, uh, I'm here for the fettuccine Alfredo, but respect.
[Maddie chuckles.]
I am taking the boys to dinner to congratulate them for their first day in physical therapy together.
Well, in that case, allow me to go speak with Isaac about a surprise dessert because this table should be celebrated.
Okay.
Well, if this is a celebration, maybe we should start with dessert, Mom.
- [Maddie.]
Tyler.
- You've got pull here, right, Coach? Gentlemen, let me offer you an invaluable piece of advice.
Listen to the smart woman in your life.
Didn't expect to see you here.
Hey.
Yeah, I just thought I'd do a few odds and ends.
Was hoping to wish Annie a good night.
Where is she? Some group outing.
Although I'm a little bothered that Jackson is a part of that group.
[Ronnie.]
Course he is.
Telling you, there's something going on between those two.
What do you know about it? Saw them kissing outside of VBS the other night.
- Why didn't you tell me? - What? [Dana Sue.]
Why didn't you say something? I cannot believe that we have to have the co-parenting conversation! You're right.
I'm sorry.
I should've I should've said something.
[splutters.]
I'm sorry, so you're just agreeing with me.
No argument? Yeah.
I am.
Because you're right.
Well, that is a big step forward.
[both chuckle.]
Yeah, it is.
Feels good to be on the same team again, doesn't it? It does.
[emotional music playing.]
- These are for you.
- Oh! Thanks.
- [bartender.]
All right.
- [indistinct chattering.]
[soft jazz music playing.]
I admire your restraint.
With the food? With not going up on stage and showing them how it's done.
[both laugh.]
I'm just following your lead.
I'll keep that in mind.
I'm glad it's a different vibe tonight.
[Helen.]
Oh.
Yes, it is.
Thanks for the invitation.
And thanks for picking Jazz Night.
I'm a lifelong fan.
- Lifelong? - [Helen.]
Yeah.
Like, when I close my eyes and see our house when I was a child, I I hear jazz, and I see my parents swaying in the kitchen as though they were dancing at Birdland.
[Erik chuckles.]
How about you? I don't remember where or when it started, but jazz has always fascinated me.
[Helen.]
How so? Improvisation.
The way the musicians trade off.
Who rises.
Who falls.
When they're in harmony.
When they're contrapuntal.
[Helen.]
Hmm.
- [whispers.]
Contrapuntal.
- [Erik laughing.]
[Erik.]
Always swirling around each other but always finding their way back to the melody.
They always find their way back to each other.
Through empathy and shared experience.
Trust.
Isn't that love? Something awfully close to it.
[soft jazz music continues.]
[music fades.]
Oh God! - [Ronnie.]
Oh! - Annie! Ooh! Annie! [Dana Sue panting.]
Oh! [exhales.]
[closing theme music playing.]
[music fades.]