03x09 - A Game of Telephone

[bunniefuu]

You don't owe me ♪

One more minute of your wasted time ♪

You act like it's all fine ♪

It isn't hard to leave ♪

Knowing that I'll be getting life

On track ♪

I wanted to believe ♪

I've gotta make a destination ♪

Find where I belong ♪

This time I've got no hesitation ♪

I'll be movin' on ♪

To where I belong ♪

I'll be movin' on ♪

Over the line I've drawn ♪

I'm already gone ♪

And therefore

is winged Cupid painted blind.

Hey, we're gonna be late for school.

Aw, did your Pokémon run away?

Seriously, what's going on?

Heartbreak, treachery, and betrayal.

You know, the usual.

Nellie asked to meet with me

so she could dump me.

Came all the way back from Castlewood

to crush me.

And she wasn't even the secret admirer

who's been leaving me carnations.

It sucks.

Yes, it hurts.

Yes, it will get better.

But you need to take your time to decide

what you wanna remember

and what you wanna forget.

First love is special.

I I just I I want a girl

who's cool and into me.

Is that so much to ask?

And you'll find her.

You might even discover she's been

right under your nose all along.

Wait a second.

If Nellie didn't send me the flowers,

someone else did. Who was it?

I don't know.

Do my eyes deceive me?

My very own mother

finally visiting our spa?

And not as your mother

but as a very interested customer.

I would like to book an appointment

with Genevieve.

Oh!

Suddenly facials aren't frivolous.

I believe I said that they could be

considered as frivolous,

but when the situation warrants

What situation?

Well, that Serenity is overflowing

with glowing women,

and, uh, I wish to be one of them.

Well, Genevieve's schedule

is always packed.

Let me see if I can find you some time.

While you do,

were you aware

that Katie wrote me a letter?

A letter?


- Mm
-hmm.


- When she sees you almost daily?

It was, um,

a a thank
-you note of sorts.

Beautiful, heartwarming,

and she wrote

so many touching things about my art.

It's inspiring me to start a new project.

I had no idea.

The things that go on

in that little head of hers.

I know.

The real gift is seeing my grandchildren

enjoying the same pastimes

that Walter and I did eons ago.

Katie and Kyle writing

and Ty restoring your father's desk.

I wish they'd been able to know Dad.

He would have made

such a huge impact on them,

just like you.

They do know him.

In you.

Your father's legacy and mine

are already assured.

Oh.

Oh! What?

Oh! I'll take that appointment

right there.

No, you don't know my system.

You don't know

that that spot is available.

I do know all three of the owners.

Surely that must carry some weight.

Not at all.

So you tell me what the occasion is,

and I'll book your appointment.

Which one are you more afraid of,

Helen or Dana Sue?

You. No question. Go up.

Genevieve will see you now.

Isaac thought you may be able

to do some paperwork to help with that.

Some kind of formal visitation agreement.

As it stands, your child support

is an informal agreement,

and he's not on the birth certificate.


- I thought that would be enough.


- Hmm.

And have you designated a guardian for Bex

if, God forbid,

something should happen to you?

Oh, I hadn't even thought

about that at all. Uh

I suppose my parents, Garth

Well, these are all complicated matters.

Let's start with Bill.

Uh, making this formal

gets rather cumbersome.

Bill would have to take a paternity test

and then be added

to Rebecca's birth certificate.

Isn't that giving him more access?

That's the baseline

by which a a court
-mandated agreement

could be established.

But that process takes time,

and there's a distinct possibility

that no one will be happy in the end.

Including poor Isaac.

He was nearly as shaken up as I was

by Bill popping up unannounced.

If I may,

the law is not necessarily

the answer here.

Often, an honest

and and direct conversation

is the way to go.

I'd be happy to moderate.

Why is it so hard to move on with my life,

even though I finally know

where I wanna be?

I let go of my past,

but it is hanging on to me.

I know that feeling well.

When Bex was first born,

I was afraid that people in Serenity

were just watching me

just to see me fail.

Noreen.

But y'all have all been so lovely.

You, Maddie, and Dana Sue.

And most of all, Isaac.

Just so lovely.

And that's how we all get through.

Move ahead with the faith

and strength, and

most of all, the forgiveness we gain

by being surrounded by people who love us.

Well, I have God and Serenity

watching out for me.

And that is

a potent combination.


- Elbow up!


- You keep your elbow up.


- Focus.


- Mm.

Okay, I'm ready now.

Pull me up!

I've been framed.


- Who did this? Did you do this?


- I was just an accessory to the crime.

The real mastermind said

it would be funny, and it was.

Not Helen or Dana Sue?

Mm.

My very own mother?

Is that Mama

asking about your little caper?

Oh, it's Vicky.

Vicky?

Your ex Vicky?

"In town and need to talk to you."

"Meet me at La Maison du Pain

day after tomorrow at 8:00."

Go.

I don't mind. I trust you.

Come with me.

No. No, I don't need to be

I would really appreciate it.

I'd be happy to.

My girlfriend and I will see you there.

Girlfriend?

Not your tempestuous redheaded lover?

I can't type that fast, but I will keep

that in the reserve in case she

"Wonderful."

"Reservation for four."

Four?

So, she'll be

bringing her partner as well?

Partner,

boyfriend, bodyguard, BFF, something.

Vicky does not like to be alone.

Whoever it is, it won't matter.

We'll be fine.

I'm sure we will.

Good night.

Wally called to let me know

that he has some lovely new gowns in

whenever we're ready to come in.

I thought we were going to Charleston.

Uh, no need to go anywhere.

Ronnie and I

are scrapping the renewal party.


- Dana Sue, why?


- Are you certain?

It's the way it's gotta be. We'll just do

something simple with Pastor June,

us, Annie, you two.

Dana Sue, wha wha

It's just we're two weeks out.

The invitations are signed and sealed,

and we are ready to deliver!

The money that was set aside

for the party,

Ronnie gave it to Kathy

so she'd leave town.

And no, we did not discuss it first.

Yes, we will work through it.

And no, I did not cancel out of spite.

It just doesn't feel right anymore.

And we aren't broke,

but it all seems flashy and showy now.

How unfortunate.

So sorry.

Hmm.

What if we held, um, you know,

a scaled
-down version of the event?

Something classy, intimate, joyful.

Starting over from scratch in two weeks?

I can't.

Well, we can.

You will not have to lift a finger.

Just tell us who must be there,

and we'll do the rest.

There is nothing frivolous

about celebrating love, even on a budget.

You promise you will keep it small.

I don't want any headaches

over this for anyone.

We solemnly swear.

Okay.

The five of us, plus Cal, the kids.

Paula, Isaac, and the kitchen crew.

That's it.

Agreed. The inner circle, flowers,

some food platters, and cake.

What? What, you don't want a cake?

Of course I want a cake.

Well, then we will find you

the best cake in Serenity.

What? What's the problem?

Oh, this is about the cake maker.

Well, where do things stand with Erik,

with either of you?

Look, invite him if you have to.

It is truly not a problem.


- I actually think it is.


- Not because of me!

No, because of me.

I told him I would give him space,

and then I haven't heard a peep from him.

So I'm starting to wonder

if he doesn't wanna be around me either.

Not that I'm saying

he doesn't wanna be around you.

No, I saw him at the farmers market.

He does not wanna be around me.

What happened?

Oh, public awkwardness.

One of the things I do best.

Okay.

Please understand

I am not trying to fix anything,

but do we give him

the option of attending?


- It could facilitate


- No!

No.

Fine. You've left me no choice.

If I have to personally visit

every bakery in a 50
-mile radius

to find a great cake,

I will do that for you, Dana Sue.

And for you, Helen.

Aren't we blessed, Dana Sue?

Mm. Mm!

My cup runneth over,

but my margarita glass does not, so

Mm
-hmm.

There we go. There we go. Okay.

So let's talk about the other food issue,

our presentation

for the interfaith council.

I think we're in good shape,

though I wouldn't mind another rehearsal

before the meeting.

I can slip out of the restaurant

not tomorrow but night after.

Sorry. Can't. I'm having dinner.

With June?

With Cal's ex.


- Oh.


- Yeah.

Do you need

a consigliere?

I will be escorting Cal,

and Vicky will be bringing a player

to be named. It will be super fun.

Keep telling yourself that.

Mm
-hmm.

More like telling Cal that.

He's nervous?

He's something.

I can't quite figure it out.

Well, just stay calm and centered,

and focus on how much

you and Cal love each other.

And remember every single word


- Every word.


- because we are gonna want details.

I do not cease giving thanks for you.

Better not.

We've got

our work cut out for us at Ash Grove.

There's all the equipment

we already talked about.

Plus, we need to address

the drainage issues.

I I think we need

an adult consultant too.

Someone like Mr. Ramsey.

And we should pay him for his time.

This is getting expensive.

Which is why I wanna film

a fundraising video

to share on social media,

unleash our creativity

to get people excited about contributing.

There's so many ways to make

that playground into a fantasy land.

Sophie, you and Willow could create

a framing device at the park for the ad.

Something that gets

kids' and parents' imaginations going.

The Dream Weavers have you covered.

I'm all for what we're doing here,

but it it it just seems unlikely

we can make any changes to a public park

without a town permit.

I'd be happy to go to the mayor's office.

I'll go with you.

Acting Mayor Hall isn't gonna hide

behind a closed door like Mayor Lewis,

but, uh, red tape can still be tricky.

I know from watching our mom

get approval on things.

All right. Let's do this!


- Whoo!


- Yes!

Hey, I'm gonna need some of those

Good ol' Ty.

I'm assuming he doesn't think

I'm well
-known enough

to get this done myself.

He's just being a helper.

He always steps up when I need him.

Must be a Townsend thing.

Their mom does so much for Serenity.

Ty is following in her footsteps,

and Kyle is being a leader.

I think Kyle worked harder

than anyone else at VBS.

He's such a good egg.

Bye.

You asked for a fair price

on the sandwich platters,

and that is a fair value.

It it's it's marvelous

that you would offer us the food for free,

but but we we insist on paying.

No. We won't take a dime.

Not if it's for Dana Sue and Ronnie.

Don't bother forcing the issue.

Our minds are made up.

We do have a budget.

Fine, but the tab's already been paid.

It's been paid for years.


- Because of the deer.


- The deer?

Must have been, what, 15 years ago?

Big old deer broke into our kitchen

and shattered all of our olive jars.

We had a big birthday party that day,

and guess what the birthday boy wanted

on his pizza?


- Extra olives.


- Oh!

So Dana Sue marched over

with 12 jars of olives of all kinds

and would not take a red cent.

In my mind, the interest on that loan

looks a lot like

all the sandwich platters you need.

How do we not know that story?

Mm.


- We appreciate it.


- Mm
-hmm.


- And so will they.


- I do have a request though.

Might it be possible for us to attend?

We love Ronnie and Dana Sue so much.

It'd be like seeing

our own kids get married.

I don't think that we're in a position

to add to the guest list.

It's a very small gathering.

We understand.

Crystal clear. No hard feelings.

We just wanted to ask.

Please send our best wishes

along with the platters.

We could talk to June

about getting extra chairs from

the fellowship hall at Prince of Peace.

It's just a gentle expansion


- Yes.


- of the guest list, yeah?

And Dana Sue and Ronnie

will be so pleased to see you, I'm sure!

Delightful. Oh, and I bet

if there's room for Collins,

he'd surely supply the wood for the arbor

at no cost. I'll call him right now.

It's only two.

Three.


- What else do you need?


- It's fine.

Plenty of people would welcome a chance

to help out and to celebrate.

Uh

Jeremy. Hmm.

I didn't know

that you were the milkman too.

I should sign up for your services.

Haven't you? 'Cause this is for you.

Fresh goat's milk.

Really, you came all the way over

to give me these?

Partly.

The Magnolias invited me to advise on

and maybe join

their food insecurity program.

When Isaac told me you work here too,

I wanted to bring you a gift.

I need to talk to Isaac.

I don't want everyone thinking

I need to be catered to.

Not catering.

Sharing.

And I also have a lead

on some yummy goat's milk yogurt.

Hopefully, I'll have it in stock

at next week's market.


- Maybe you'll come by.


- Maybe.

I'm so sorry,

but the ladies are running late.

They won't be back for a little while.

I'm more than happy to wait

unless I'm disturbing you.

I don't suppose

you would be bothering too much.

You know what I love

about Dana Sue, Helen, and Maddie?

They saw something in me nobody else did.

Them bringing me in to contribute,

it feels like

they're moving me up a level.

They really do know how

to help flowers blossom.

That's why I'm here too.

So after you put the numbers

in ascending order,

you can start to determine

how the number of fish each dolphin eats

relates to the aquarium mean.

Understand?

Um

It seems like

a waste of money to buy me coffee

and not even pay attention.

I'm trying. Math just isn't for me.

Bullcrap.

Baseball is just as much math

as it is a sport.

Clearly, your problem is something else.

Ms. Witt.

Who is Ms. Witt?

The horrible teacher

I had in middle school

who made me hate math.

Even if I got the answer right,

she'd mark me down

if I got it the wrong way.

Yeah, I've had tough teachers too,

but one bad experience shouldn't be enough

to make you give up

on something altogether.

If I did that,

I would have dismissed you

after you tried

to flirt with me unsuccessfully.

Hmm.

Don't remind me.

Try this.

Music is also math.

The whole point of statistics is

to extrapolate your own melody

from the notes.

And if you don't like the sheet music,

you can gain a better understanding

of the material

by making your own songs with the data.

Cool.

I'm totally down for this

as long as we can talk about

actual music too.

My favorite sound. Effort.

You have a deal.

Uh

It's just us girls tonight, Mommy.

Do you have time for a story?

Always.

Do you have a book that you wanna read?

No, I want a mommy original.

Oh!

Okay.

Hmm.

Okay.

There once was

a beautiful princess named


- Katie!


- How'd you know?

Okay. Princess Katie was strong

and smart and beautiful,

with sparkly armor.

And Katie did many important things

for her kingdom,

but the most important thing

was her ability to write magical letters.

Sometimes those letters

would make people happy

or proud or feel special.

But her magic was

that she always knew what to say

to heal people's hearts.

Whenever you heal people's hearts,

they can slay dragons or build castles

or bake brownies.

They could do whatever they needed to do

to make their kingdom a better place.

What

I have to write more letters.

Hey, it's bedtime.

You can write letters tomorrow.

Aw!

Will you write them with me?

That could be fun.


- Love you.


- Love you.


- Good night.


- Good night.

This would be such a good site

for LARPing.

Maybe, we can make an Elven forest?

Or a fairy village.

We could bring in toadstools

and fairy lights.

I could wear butterfly wings.

So acting Mayor Hall

has officially approved the initiative.

Amazing! Thank you both so much

for getting involved.

It's gonna be great.


- Fun too.


- Mm
-hmm.

Hey, Kyle, come check out this slide.

We wanna mod into a crystal waterfall.

Oh, uh, be right back.

You were really smooth today.

Thanks.

Eh, so were you.

Yeah, the only reason I wasn't nervous

when he asked about supplies

was because you stayed so calm.

What's your secret?

My mom.

She's got this thing about

clear and honest communication.

I'm still getting the hang of it,

but she says

when you have nothing to hide,

you got nothing to fear.

I'll jot that one down.

I admit I've got a lot to learn

about forthrightness.

Are you kidding?

You're the clearest communicator I know.

Not always.

Not when it counted. Not with us.

I messed up.

When we broke up,

I didn't get that

you were looking for resolution,

and I just pushed you away.

I get it now.

So, belatedly, I'm I'm sorry for that.

That might actually mean more to me now

than it would have then.


- Cool.


- Whee!

That's Vicky.

Calvin.


- Calvin?


- Huh. Please.

This is Maddie.


- Oh.


- Oh.

Hi.

Hmm.

Oh, what a beautiful ring.

That's a new one.

I keep trading up.

Well, that must be the special reason

that you wanted to meet.

Well, it didn't feel right

making our final plans

and moving forward

without Calvin's blessing.


- Why would you need my blessing?


- We're in the Cal
-Zone!

Drew?

Uh Wow, man.

I almost didn't recognize you.

Vicky thought the beard was too scratchy.


- Good to see you, buddy.


- Huh.

We have so much catching up to do.

To the table.

Let's go.

Drew, as in

Yep, the guy from the infamous fight.

But now that he has no beard,

you can see, no scars.

Has he always shared a resemblance?

I never saw it.

Come on. Let's get this over with.

Lily?

The carnations were from you?

All I wanted was for you to know

that somebody thinks you're terrific.

I guess I got carried away

and made a mess.

But you you took me to see Nellie.

I didn't realize

you had something with her.

When I said I would drive you,

I had no idea

what I was getting myself into.

After, I was too embarrassed

to say anything.

Wow.

Are you mad at me?

No. No. I I think it's nice.

Really nice.

I I'm just trying to understand.

Uh, can we?

Mm.

So, you you just wanted me to know

someone thinks I'm terrific?

When we first moved here,

my sister told me

that I had to act a certain way,

dress a certain way

to make the right impression,

but I've been watching you since VBS,

and you are you.

Honest. Authentic.

Unique.

You make me want to try to be the same.

You also make me

want to take you out for pizza,

just the two of us, if you're interested.

Babysitting right now.

Uh, of course. Not tonight, but soon?

That would be awesome.

Cool.

So, Calvin, I've been doing

a little homework on your new life.


- Oh, you really didn't have to do that.


- No, it was fun.

I saw that you're

a high school coach

and you lost State.

Well, that's old news.

I'm a carpenter now,

and I love it.

He's remodeling a friend's house.

It's gorgeous.

And he's part owner of a restaurant.

Sounds like a good living to me.

We're already planning

for Drew's retirement,

even though it's years and years

from now. Right, Drew?

Vicky takes care of all my investments.

That way, whenever I leave the game

Which he'll do on his own terms.

I hope, but Vicky's gonna make sure

that we can travel, spend time together,

you know, have a good time.


- Lucky you.


- Retiring is a big change.

What's gonna feed your soul

when it's time to move on?

I don't follow.

Mm, game goes on without us,

but some people can't handle

being left behind by their first love.

What's your plan

for when the attention you were getting

moves on to a new player?

Brother,

I have been blocking that out.

I can't even.

But you're right.

It's always in the back of my mind.

Gonna be impossible

to face life off the diamond.

Hmm.

I need to freshen up.

Ooh.

They don't have to be perfect.

No one will look as closely as you do.

There's also no need to rush,

other than you're having phone withdrawal.

I have so much pride in you, Annie.

You're an incredible daughter

and an extraordinary young woman.

But I have to balance my belief in you

against all the things

you still need to learn.

Warden is an awful role to have to play.

But I'm grateful.

I've had a lot of time

to think about consequences,

about what I want in a relationship,

and the kind of man I want by my side.

About you and Daddy.

I don't see the connection.

You two had problems,

but you came back together

when you could have run away.

I'm happy you're proud of me.

I'm proud of you too.

Thank you for listening

and learning.

I want a love like yours someday.

Are you waiting for me?

I wanted to speak with you privately

to apologize.

Really?

Woman to woman.

You see, I wanted to catch up with Calvin,

but I didn't mean to upset either of you

with reminders that he washed out

and Drew has

so many good years left in him.

I had no idea it would sound so pitiful

once spoken out loud.

You needn't apologize about that.


- What are you implying?


- I'm not implying anything.

I'm coming right out and saying

that this dinner could have been an email.

Though I do realize

that that course of action

may have deprived Cal and me

of witnessing the spectacle

of Drew being made over in Cal's image.

That's absolutely laughable.

I knew Calvin was insecure.

Makes sense he'd bunk up

with an insecure girl.

Darlin',

if there is one thing

in which I am completely secure,

it is my love with Cal.

You need to understand something.

The few times that your name has come up,

Cal has been discreet and respectful.

So if you came here to determine

what power you still hold over him,

well, I could have saved you the drive

and the overpriced meal.

And if you came to my town

looking for drama,

I will direct you

to the local movie theater.

Cal is over you.

You need to get over him and yourself.

Glad to see you doing so well.

Maybe I can give you a ring

and get a few pointers

when the water boils over.

Nah, you're on your own,

but I do wish you the best.

We both do.

I'm happy for you, Vicky,

and I wish for you and Drew

to be happy together.

Maybe even as happy as we are.

I'm tired, Drew.

Take me back to our suite?

Sure thing. Night, guys.

That went well.

Oh, I was a little worried

when you and Vicky

got up from the table at the same time.

But whatever you said in there

cooled her down.

When she came back,

she looked like she'd seen a ghost.

Well, it's Vicky's choice to be haunted.

Blessed are those

who let go of their pasts

to embrace the joy of their futures.

I do not have the words

for how much I love you.

The Serenity Serves initiative

seeks to synthesize and support

the various food service programs

expertly run by your congregations.

Through this initiative,

the Magnolia Community Foundation

aims to offer

nutritious, low
-cost, tasty meals

that can be easily distributed

then frozen and quickly reheated.

We have two main objectives.

First, to extend outreach

to those who may not already be

in our communities.

And second, to serve others

with the belief that quality of food

increases quality of life.

Essentially, your plan

would fill in the gaps

of the existing food programs in Serenity.

Well, absolutely, Rabbi Berton.

We're not seeking to supplant

but to supplement.

We want everyone in this community

to know that they have someone to turn to

regardless of where they worship

or if they worship.

So we have a pantry at First Baptist.

The mosque delivers goods to elders,

and St. Cecilia runs seasonal food drives.

Now could your initiative

utilize these programs?

Pastor Mosby, we look forward

to sorting it all out together.

I believe we have enough information

to proceed with the vote.

Seconded.

All in favor.

And we are adjourned.

Ladies, much appreciated.

I hope this won't be

the only project you bring to us.

Thank you, Pastor.

My pleasure. Good job. Enjoy your day.

Thank you.


- Congratulations!


- Oh!

Thanks so much

for getting us on the agenda.

And for the coaching beforehand.

Y'all aren't nearly as intimidating

as I expected you to be.

But how intimidating

will that workload be?

This won't be work. It'll be joy.

Amen to that.

Amen.

Miss Emily checked

all the desks and backpacks.

Nobody had Aiden's lunch box,

and Aiden started to cry

because he wanted a Star Crunch.

I said I'd give him mine.

Stay in your chair, Katydid.

But then they found his lunch box

in the bathroom,

and he already ate his Star Crunch.

Settle down and eat your food now.

And, Kyle, what you got going on?

I'm dating an older woman.

Well, that's very

Who?

Lily.

Wow! Um, since when?

We're, uh, planning our first date.

Well, Kyle, who's Lily?

A girl at school.

And who you got your eye on?

Nobody.

Busy with school, woodworking,

and helping Kyle

renovate Ash Grove playground.

Renovating? Well, it's not that old.

I took Katie there not long ago,

and we had a grand old time

until she twisted herself up

in the swing so many times

she got dizzy and nearly puked.

Not a dinner table word, Daddy.

That was me, Dad.

On the swing in, like, fifth grade.

No, that couldn't have been.

So we should talk to Mr. Ramsey

sooner rather than later

about the order he thinks

we should do things in.

Well, fundraising first.

We need a clear budget

so we can spend responsibly.

Am I proud of y'all.

I'm

I'll shut up a minute.

Just marveling how fast you're growing up.

Instead of mulch,

can we get that shredded rubber

that's good for the planet

but also bouncy?

That's a tough price point, Katie.

You could just say no.


- Oh!


- Okay.

Maybe a business in town

will donate.

Mm, my sisters, a drink, desserts.

All is right in the world.

Hmm. Yes, we are back and thriving.

The Serenity Serves initiative

is promising,

and the vow renewal planning

is coming along nicely too.

If only we could find a decent cake.

I know what you're gonna say.

No, you don't.

I am not gonna force either one of you

to talk about Erik

because I respect your wishes.

I appreciate that,

and I know Dana Sue does too.

All right? So other than the cake,

how are things going with my mini
-renewal?

Mm.

Fine.

Well, one could say great.

Oh dear Lord in heaven. What's wrong?

I am quite concerned, Dana Sue,

that you assume something's wrong.

And I'd be right to.

Little Miss Maddie here

is staring at the bar top,

and it's not that captivating.

And you are doing that I'm
-a
-lawyer,

don't
-question
-me thing with your voice.


- I was trying to be subtle.


- It's a tell. Honestly.


- It is not.


- Would you two, please?


- It's not so many.


- Excuse me?

Mm
-hmm. Yeah.

Well, the, um the guest list

has it's just crept up a skosh.


- Yeah. More like a smidge.


- Yeah.

Define your terms.


- Around 50 or 60 so far.


- What?

Eh! Calm down.

No. No!

I told you the budget is nonnegotiable.

Everyone's gonna get half a beer

and three peanuts at this rate.


- Hey. The budget maintains its figure.


- Mm.

Everyone who's coming

insists on bringing something.

Rather everyone

who's bringing something

insists on coming, uh, but

And we have a new venue

which also helps with the budget.

Oh! Well, how is that possible

since the lawn at the spa is free?

So is Axel and Rhiannon's barn

at the co
-op.

A gift to you and Ronnie from Jeremy.


- Mm
-mm!


- Yeah.

Ladies, thank you so much

for allowing me to stop by.

Of course. Helen Decatur.

Charles Perkins. Peggy and I

went to journalism school together.

Dana Sue Sullivan. It's always nice

to meet one of Peggy's old friends.

I prefer "close friend."

Uh, Maddie Townsend.

Charles is a very successful

investigative journalist.

You should've brought your book

to show them.

Oh, which one?

Um, I asked Charles

to come help me investigate.

I am so tired of people getting up

and walking away from their responsibility

just because it's convenient for them.

Peggy is an ideal citizen.

That's likely the highest compliment

someone like me can pay.

Thank you, Charles,

but this isn't about me.

I wanted you to meet these ladies

because they are the community leaders

that started the pushback

against bad governance.

I'm not used to being called

a community leader.

I just thought Trent was being

a petty, vengeful twerp.

Yeah.

You'll be a fun interview.

Please have my card.

We won't take up any more of your time.

Thank you again.

I'm very sorry

to interrupt your dessert bar.

Oh, uh, we are planning my vow renewal.

Oh, congratulations!

Peggy, you should come, and Charles.

Saturday. We'll send you an invitation.

It's a date.

Goodbye.


- All right, ladies.


- Goodbye, Charles. Hmm.


- Oh!


- What happened to your "small event"?

You convinced me

a couple more friends won't hurt anything.

It's a big barn, right?


- Any other friends we should invite?


- Oh, enough!

It will all turn out

the way that it is meant to.

Hmm.

You can sit on the bed.

I usually sit on the floor for homework.

With that sweet desk right there?

Is that what I think it is?

A phone? Yeah.

Uh, Ty made it for me when I got grounded.

You were right.

He is a good one.

The good ones learn and change.

CeCe can text me

when she's done with the forms.

I'll come by and pick them up

and get 'em back to town hall.

I am so pleased that you and CeCe

are working well together.

Kind of wild, isn't it?

I'm seeing her in a whole different light.

I think part of that is I'm seeing myself

in a completely different way too.


- See ya.


- Hey!

You're not gonna make

a grand declaration and then leave!

Get in here.

It's like, once I figured out

baseball wasn't the meaning of life,

all other priorities and feelings

started to shift.

Is that exhilarating or terrifying?

Both.

I love an honest answer.

I've been discovering

I'm good at other things too.

Things that make me happier.

Maybe even braver.

Were you afraid before?

Yes, of disappointing people.

I find in my experience

that the people who love us

may seem disappointed in the moment.

But what we perceive as disappointment

is is really fear.

Fear that we'd be hurt or lost

and that they can't shield us.

But those who truly love us

are also the first to lift us to our feet

when we fall.

But at some point, don't I have to be able

to stand on my own?

I certainly hope not.

I am a a bit

farther down the road

than you are, young man,

and I still hold tightly

when a hand is offered.

So, it's okay that I don't have

a master plan for my life?

Of course.

Some people are born knowing

where they're headed,

but most of us just figure it out

chunk by chunk.

I know I still am.

You?

I always thought you wanted

to be a lawyer since you were a kid?

True,

but profession is just one of the choices

we make in defining what we want.

Some of my other choices

have not borne fruit.

Ryan?

I thought for a very long time

that I knew who I'd spend

the rest of my life with.

And now I don't.

Do you regret the lost time?

No. I

I wouldn't call it lost.

It taught me.

Still teaching me.

My regret, if I have one, is

having held on

for all the wrong reasons.

I want I wanna be more open to change.


- Change is scary.


- Ooh, yeah. Hmm.

You know what's scarier?

To be the same man in 20 years

that you are today.

I don't wanna go to college.


- Well, that's a revelation!


- But is it a mistake?

That's a conversation

you need to have with your mother.

But have it!

Full heart, full voice.

I think you'll find her receptive.

There are other things

I wanna do right now.

Other choices I want to explore

that bring me

Joy.

Yes. Yes.

Good!

Good.

You you're fortunate

to have so many options.

Ty, the only permanent choice

you ever need to make

is to be a good person.

The title will be

With Love, Princess Katie

because that's how she signs her letters,

and that's how she spreads her magic.

With love.

I wanna write this book.

It will be my version

of a thank
-you note to Katie

for inspiring the letters

that brought the Magnolias back together.

Well, you can both thank me

for all the fabulous gifts

you've inherited from your matriarch.

Which is precisely why

you should illustrate it.

Me?

It would be so fun for three generations

to work on something together.

See the Vreeland legacy in motion.


- Hmm.


- What do you think, Queen Mother?

I am honored

to join my princesses.

Oh.

What's wrong, Mom?

Mm.

I'm a good listener, remember?

I still cannot find

the right cake.

Mom, call Chef Erik.

And and say what, honey?

That you're sorry.

You both made choices

that seemed right at the time

but don't seem right anymore.


- What if he doesn't see it that way?


- I bet he does.

If not, he'll explain how he feels

because he respects you

and cares about you.

I wish it were that easy.

It's not?

It might rain. Go grab your jacket.

Since I won, I have to ask.


- Hmm.


- What's on your mind?

Nothing.

Yeah. Erik's thinking about you too.

You should give him a call.

I put that man through enough.

You're a doctor.

You know wounds

need to be left alone to heal.

Is this about respecting his feelings

or repressing yours?

Isn't it better to call, find out

than to do nothing,

agonize over what could have happened?