Real West, The (2024)

[bunniefuu]

[alarm ringing]

[shuts off alarm]

[groans] Okay.



[panting]

Noah! Breakfast!

Mom, did you know that there

are four types of ghosts?

Poltergeists,

funnel ghosts, orbs,

and wisps?

I did not know that.

What kind of ghosts

do you think will be

at the ranch, Mom?

I don't know.

I guess we're just gonna

have to find out.

[mutters] Oh, man.

I thought you told Noah

no devices at breakfast,

or we'd get addictified?

"Addicted."

And I'm not addicted,

I'm waiting to hear

about tenure,

and I want you to eat up,

because we need to be

on the road by 8:00.

Where is your brother?

Noah?

You know, you boys are gonna

love this place.

There's campfires, hiking,

horses...

Noah! Breakfast, please!

Where is your brother?

He's probably still asleep.

-He got home late last night.

-What?

Ollie!

-Oops.

-Why?

Sorry. Jasmine and I wanted

to get a head start

on college applications

before football starts up.

And you thought

the night before we leave

for family vacation

was a good time to do it?

It's my applications, too.

Yours?

Why? I thought we decided

you were gonna go to Boulder?

I'm about to get tenure.

It's a great school.

You can live at home.

Yeah, it sounds good,

but we thought it might be fun

to go somewhere together.

Yeah... I mean...

super-fun.

It's just...

don't you think

it would be... healthy

for the two of you

to, you know, kinda branch out,

meet some new people?

I was kind of thinking

the same thing,

but about you.

Me?

You're awesome, but...

you know, it's been

three years since Dad died,

and it could be good to make

some friends who aren't,

you know... your kids?

Do you feel this way?

I think that it's nice

that you don't have

anything better to do

than hang out with us.

Wow. Okay.

Uh, well...

I'm glad

we had this little talk.

Please eat your breakfast.

Let's get going.

[car horn honks]

What's Jasmine doing here?

Uh-oh.

You didn't tell her yet?

Don't be mad at her!

It was my idea!

Hey, Ms. Granway!

[realizing] Hi...

Did you sneak-attack-invite

your girlfriend

on our family vacation?

I'm really sorry.

I-I meant to tell you,

but I knew you'd be mad,

so I kept putting it off.

Noah!

[forced] Hi... Sylvia!

Oh, hey, Rebecca.

Thanks for doing this!

Uh... [stammers]

I love our family trips,

I do, it's just it's me

and Jasmine's last chance

to spend time together

before school starts.

What are you thinking?

Hey! I've never been

to a ranch before.

I actually saved up money

for this coat

so I could be authentic.

And authentic it is!

[Jasmine chuckles]

Did your parents

plan a vacation

for while you were gone?

Yeah, it's more of a belated-

honeymoon type of thing.

Hawaii?

Yes! Yeah, it's our first time!

Wow.

Well, aloha![laughs]

-Bye, sweetie!

-Bye.

-[door thuds]

-Thank you so much.

-I really appreciate it.

-Okay.

Let's just go inside, Jasmine.

Okay...



[honking horn]

Hi! You're here!

Welcome!

Fun, hey?

Hi!

[all chuckling]

Hey! Come here now.

Come, come, come!

It's so nice to see you!

How are you doing?

You look so good, sister.

You're taller than me.

Oh, my gosh.

Look at you! Hi, baby.

Nice to see you, sweetheart.

Ollie, come here!

Oh, hi!

Uh, this is

my girlfriend, Jasmine.

Jasmine, this is Grandma Maureen

and Aunt Cassidy.

So great to finally

meet you guys.

Noah always talks about

how awesome his family is.

-Aw!

-Oh, that's so sweet!

Well, you're welcome here.

More, the merrier.

Uh, we'll go take the stuff

out of the back.

-Okay, great, thank you.

-Wow, you're so cool

to let Noah bring

his girlfriend on the trip.

Yeah, "so cool"

he basically told me

I need to get a life.

-Oh, that's so weird.

-Okay.

Okay, you leave

your sister alone.

She's doing the best she can.

This place is incredible.

Isn't it?

Yes, and this was

your sister's idea,

in honor

of you getting tenure.

Well, I mean,

that hasn't happened yet, so.

Stop being modest.

Aunt Cassidy,

I drew you a picture.

Wow.

[gasps]

Ranch ghosts

can play the harmonica.

Wow! Is that what this is?

[hurt] No.

It's a ghost holding a flower.

-Purple flower.

-Flower. Right there.

Ghosts also have

a strong sense of smell.

-Oh, wow!

-I didn't know that.

Well, I love it,

and I'm going to hang it

in my room.

Right! Speaking of rooms!

Okay, boys, you're gonna be

in the Wrangler Room,

um, Auntie and Mom next door...

and Jasmine, don't worry,

we'll find you a room.

Okay. Let me take one.

Let me take one.

Let's go!

Here, I'll grab that for you.

-Thank you so much.

-Let's do this!

Yeah!

Family at the ranch!



So... Jasmine seems nice.

[chuckles] Yeah. She's...

Nice.

You know, I just wish

they weren't so... serious.

Wow! Pot callin' the kettle--

No. Okay, Shawn and I, that--

we were different, our whole--

that was different.

-Totally different.

-Yeah.

Mm.

Oh, I just, maybe I'm in denial

that he's growing up so fast,

and he really likes her,

so I should probably

get to know her.

Mm. That's the spirit!

Besides, I'm really glad

that Jasmine crashed,

because I have

a surprise of my own.

I thought you dumped

the performing artist?

Oh, I did.

No, this is my new squeeze.

Okay, we met in New York,

and we totally hit it off,

and get this--

he's from Colorado

and happens to be in the area

for work,

so I took it as a sign that

we should take a vacation here.

I thought you picked this place

in honor of my tenure?

Two birds!

Besides, I couldn't

actually tell Mom and Dad

that I came here for some guy,

otherwise they would think

I was jumping into something.

-You're unbelievable.

-No, which-- I'm not, I swear!

Oh-- Uh...

That's Aaron.

He owns the ranch.



Good morning, ladies.

How can I help you?

Uh, we were...

Uh... looking for a room.

That's right.

Ah. We're all full up.

Let's see

if we can work something out.

Welcome to the Biscuit Room.

We can set you up a cot

in here,

but that's about

the best we can do.

Uh, it's, uh, it's great.

I will go grab my bags.

You know what, Jasmine?

This is gonna sound selfish...

but, uh, I want the room.

You know what?

You can bunk with Cassidy.

Really?

Yeah! Yeah, it'll be great.

It'll be an adventure.

You know, cooks used

to sleep off the kitchen.

Right? Breakfast at daybreak.

Meat and potatoes, coffee,

you know, biscuits--

that kind of thing--

it'll be great.

Thank you, Ms. Granway.

I really appreciate it.

I will go unpack,

and I'll see you later.

Bye.

Seems like you know a lot

about ranch life.

She's a professor

of the Old West.

Ah! Wow.

Well, I'll tell the guys

to bring your bags in,

and, uh, if you need anything

else from me,

just holler.

There you are.

-Oh, hi!

-Oh, hey, Miss Raymond.

I was just about

to come find you.

-Oh!

-Are you still interested

-in that riding lesson?

-Yeah, sure am.

As long as you're my teacher.

I wouldn't miss it, ma'am.

I'll see you down at the paddock

in about an hour.

Okay, cool.

See you soon.

[chuckles]

Yeah.

[deep breath, contented sigh]

What? What?

-Give me a break.

-Mm-kay.

I'm gonna go see if Jasmine

needs any help settling in.

Okay.

Are you sure

this room is big enough?

It's awfully messy.

Yeah, it's fine.

Yeah, you know, the vacation

isn't about the room.

This is about me spending time

with the boys and you all, so.

-Mm-hmm.

-...Why don't I unpack,

and we use

the rest of the daylight

to hike Big Rock Trail?

Did you know

that that's the original

cattle trail

-where they had the settlers--

-Okay, stop.

[laughs]

I'm gonna say this

as nicely as possible.

Noah was right.

You need to get a life.

What happened to, "I'm doing

the best that I can?"

It wasn't a compliment.

-Mom!

-What?

I'm fine!

Meh. You're surviving.

There's a big difference, okay?

Your dad and I

are worried about you.

[sighs]

Look, you got yourself

and your boys

through a really difficult time,

but that was three years ago.

You know, maybe it's time

to start thinking about what's--

or who--

comes next, maybe?

-Who?

-I did say "who".

-Are you--

-Not at all.

Are you talking

about dating right now?

Yeah, I sure am,

but not just dating.

-Mom!

-Everything, all of it.

Let those boys go discover

this place on their own

for a couple hours, right?

And, uh...

Oh, yeah!

You should go into town

-and get yourself a cowboy hat.

-Okay.

[like six-shooters]

Pew! Pew! Pow!

Okay.

[blows air]

Gotta go-- Gotta go ride.

Yeah!

[footsteps receding]

I'm regretting this already.



[shop radio crackles

with old Western music]

[snoring]

Hi!

Hi.

I'd like to buy a hat.

You sure you came

to the right place?

Uh...

That's funny.

You're joking.

Um, if you could just point me

in the direction

of, you know, something

that would fit this,

that would be great.

Well, that depends

what you're looking for.

Well, something in

the "brown" or "tan" arena.

I'm sorry,

is there something on my face?

I'm just trying to get

a sense of who you are.

Right.

The right hat

should say something

about the person

who's wearing it.

Well, I'm a professor.

I teach history,

with a focus on the Old West,

you know, mostly

the importance of women

in the Old West

and the formation

of our country.

I'm writing a book. Yeah.

I prefer wine to beer,

obviously,

but, I mean, I would take a beer

if there was nothing else, so.

I was meaning,

more on the inside, but...

but I appreciate it.

It's very helpful.

I have a few ideas.

May I?

"Blue-collar cowboy."

The person who wears this hat

is tough as nails,

wakes up early,

gets more done

before most people

have their coffee.

Wow. Wow did you know that?

I'm pretty good

at reading people.

Then there's...

[exhales deeply]

"Tried and true."

When others grow weary,

you grow stronger.

It's a hat

and a horoscope.

Is it normal for a hat

to make you feel like

a completely different person?

That's the way it works.

Oh. How many hats do you have?

Just the one.

-Ah.

-Guess I'm...

set in my ways.

That fits.

Now, where's that vaquero?

Ah, there it is.

Now, this hat has been waiting

a long time

for the right person

to come along.



Take a look.

"Tough and tender."

Strong enough to ride the land,

but...

gentle enough to warm the hearts

of anyone that's lucky enough

to know ya.

You're really good at this.

[takes a shaky breath]

I'll take all three.

You take credit card?

Pretty sure they do.

Lefty,

you got a card machine yet?

Jake?

I didn't see you come in.

Oh, I didn't want to wake you.

This lady

would like three hats.

You don't work here.

He doesn't work here?

He sure don't.

That's great.

Well, all right!

It isn't every day

that Jake West

helps a gal pick out a hat.

Yeah, I'm sorry.

I didn't realize--

I apologize. I... um...

Don't be embarrassed.

You needed a hat,

I was here.

I know the place

like the back of my hand.

I'm happy to help.

Why don't you two

go get a cup of coffee?

I'll get these things boxed up

and have 'em ready to go

by the time you get back.

-Oh, I--

-You heard the man.

Uh...

Okay, um...

Um, I'm the only woman

in the department,

so the idea that I would be

the one to get tenure

is even more exciting.

Feels like everything I've been

working towards in my career

has kind of led

to this moment, you know?

Sounds nerve-racking.

Yeah, well, that's

an understatement, yeah.

I'm sure my boys are tired

of me talking about it.

I have two boys.

Um, I'll show you.

Noah.

He's smart as a whip.

This is Ollie.

He's nine.

Always making us laugh.

He reminds me a lot of

what his father was like.

Uh...

what happened to your husband,

if you don't mind my asking?

Shawn, uh...

had a heart attack suddenly.

I think the hardest part

about that was...

none of us had a chance

to say goodbye.

I'm sorry.

Yeah, it's okay.

Wow!

[awkward chuckle]

I have...

just told you

my entire life story.

Sorry, I don't normally, um...

just talk like that.

You're...

You're easy to talk to.

It's one of the hazards

of being the...

strong, silent type.

Well... um...

tell me about you.

Start from the beginning.

Don't leave anything out.

I want all the details.

-Every detail?

-Mm-hmm.

[phone chimes]

Saved by the bell.

-[chuckles]

-Oh, I'm sorry.

No! No, no.

I have to go.

There's a rodeo this week.

You should--

You should bring the boys.

They might like it.

Yeah, great.

I... I'll, uh--

Thank you...

-for the coffee.

-You're so welcome.

Jake?

Could I get your number?

For--

I mean, in case we...

wanna go to the rodeo?

-Yeah.

-Just in case we--

-Of course. Yeah.

-...Decide to do that.

You know what?

Why don't you just put it in?

[keys clicking]

There you go.

Thank you.

I'll see ya.

See ya.

[phone chimes]





[indistinct conversations]

Hello... family!

-Hey!

-Hey! Hi.

What's with the hat?

Wow! Nice hat!

Thank you. Got three.

-Nice!

-Wow.

Yeah. How was

your horse-riding lesson?

Oh, fantastic.

Aaron is a great teacher.

Good.

You were gone

an awfully long time.

Really?

-Yeah.

-Oh, I...

You met someone!

-Oh, get outta here.

-Yes, you did!

No, I-- Okay, fine.

He was so cute--

this cowboy in the hat shop.

See? This is it!

This is your moment.

You have to go after

what you want.

Okay, well, that's not

really me, but--

Hey! The good ones don't stay

on the market for very long.

I have a question.

Was he nice?

Yeah, he was...

charming.

Oh!

Well, you know,

if it's meant to be,

it's meant to be.

-[chuckles]

-Okay.

-[Cassidy gasps]

-What?

This is my new guy.

This is Jake.

Oh! Wow.

It's so nice to meet you, Jake.

Exactly.

Nice to meet you.

That's what I was gonna say.

Right.

Nice to meet you. Yeah.

That's a great hat.

Jake!

-There you are.

-Hey.

[overlapping]

Good to see you.

I thought you said

you met him in New York?

I did. Upstate.

Sal and Rita

were doing a pottery seminar,

and I was there,

helping them out,

and Jake was rehabbing

one of their horses.

Oh! So you work

with horses, then?

[Aaron chuckles]

I do.

Jake's a bona fide

horse whisperer.

I called him in to help me

with a mare who's been

running off on me.

Did you get

everything you needed?

Yeah, I did--

set the trailer up

behind the barn,

so I can keep an eye on Bonnie,

and I put my horse

in stable 12,

-if that's okay?

-Sure.

Thank you.

I'll see you ladies at dinner.

Bye.

Wow. So, horse whispering?

Wow, that is--

that is fascinating.

[Cassidy] It is!

There could be

a totally wild horse,

and Jake comes in,

and suddenly-- normal horse,

and he does it all

without saying a word.

Wow. How did you

get into that line of work?

Well, I used to ride for

a living, so when I retired,

just seemed like

a natural transition.

He's being modest!

He's a champion rodeo rider,

and he owns the world record

for saddle bronc riding.

-He does?

-Wow.

Anyway, so my sister,

she met this super-hot guy.

No! That's--

I didn't say that.

Anyway, she should totally

go after him, right?

You don't have to answer that!

It's--

That's weird.

Okay...

Fine! I'll let it go.

For now.

Okay, I want to introduce you

to my nephews.

-All right.

-We'll see you guys later.

[Cassidy] Hi, guys!

So...



[awkwardly]

He seems nice.

Who?

The cowboy.

Yeah, I mean, who knows--

Hmm.

...Who people are anymore,

I mean...

[forced chuckle]

Yeah.

Okay.

I'm gonna go, uh, put my hats

in the Biscuit Room.

Okay.

Wait! What about

that mysterious--

[blurts] That was nothing.

Nothing? You said he was char--

-No!

-...ming.

Pitch to the right.

Hmm.



Good morning.

-Morning.

-Morning.

-Hi.

-[laughter]

Welcome to your first morning

at Mustang Point Ridge.

Here at Mustang Point,

we try to give our guests

a feeling of what it was like

to live on a real working ranch

in the Old West.

But, don't worry,

we won't put you to work.

[laughter]

You will find some activities

that you would have done

back in the day.

Like, uh, today,

you can choose between, uh,

panning for gold

or, um, leather working,

or there's always

horseback riding.

Um...

uh, yeah, um, Ollie?

Will there be

any ghost-related activities?

[chuckles]

In a place

with this much history,

I don't know why

we never thought of that,

but I'll see if I can

find you some maps, all right?

[chuckles]

Okay, if you haven't picked

your morning activity yet,

uh, now's the time,

and, uh, we will see y'all

right back here for lunch.

-Thank you.

-Thank you!

You know what?

Aunt Cassie and I

signed us up

for gold panning.

Is it real gold?

Sure is!

Let's go get our supplies.

Ooh! I'll come with you.

I'm--

You're such a dork.

No, you are.

-Uh-huh.

-Who's a dork?

Noah was telling me

that my eyes twinkle

like the stars in the sky.

-Did he?

-Mm-hmm. Isn't that romantic?

I thought of it

'cause Jake said

we should check out

Aaron's "stargazing

on the open plains" night.

-Oh.

-He said we'd see more stars

than we ever thought possible.

You should, uh...

you should sign up for that.

-You sure?

-Yeah, sure.

-It's the same night as--

-Whatever you guys want.



Hi. Good morning.

Morning.

-How did you sleep?

-Good.

[cuts him off]

Good, great. Um, listen--

You?

Oh, good.

Thank you for asking. Um...

obviously--

I didn't realize that you were,

you know, dating my sister,

so I would've never, you know--

[chuckles nervously]

...like, asked for your number.

[sighs awkwardly]

Um...

so if we could just, you know,

kind of keep that...

out of our memories,

I think that's best, y-you know,

for everybody, if--

well, if you know what I mean?

[chuckles]

Okay.

-Okay. Good!

-Right.

I'm, uh, I'm glad

that we're on the same page.

That's a...

a relief--

a one-time hat purchase.

Mm-hmm.

And a three-hour coffee.

Well, a-a visit

between friends--

Oh, there you two are!

Talking about me,

I hope?

[forced chuckle] Always!

Okay, I got

our gold-panning supplies,

and I'm ready...

to strike it rich.

Let's go get our gold on!

Let's.



Okay.

Okay, you guys,

okay, you're going to put--

Are we putting it in?

I don't think

I'm doing this right.

[all laughing]

I just got it!

[muttering]

Great. Everybody loves Jake.

What are you doing,

all the way over here,

by yourself?

Ah, I thought I would,

you know...

just so many people

over there, you know?

[chuckles] Yeah.

Thought I'd stake

my claim here.

Going on

a riding lesson today?

Goodness gracious,

you and your sister

need to just calm down.

-What?

-I'm telling you,

Aaron--he's just one of

those cowboy types

that seems like he looks

right into your soul.

-Mm.

-Mm. Mm-hmm.

And you know what?

I think it's okay to flirt

every now and then.

"Flirty" can be fun.

And speaking of flirting,

I am going for

a riding lesson with Aaron.

-Heading off right now.

-Gotcha.

Have fun.

-I'll just be here--

-You will.

-...Panning for gold.

Mom, look what I found!

You got one.

You're set for life!

Look at that.

Jake helped me.

He says the key to everything

is patience

and perversiness.

"Perseverance."

-That too.

-Yeah.

Fool's gold.

Jake taught me

how to tell the difference.

Uh-huh.

Oh, guess what?

What?

Aaron gave me a map

marked with every place

there's been a ghost sighting,

and Jake gave me some tips

on how to do a ghost call.

-Listen.

-Oh, you got it.

[darkly]

"Come out, ghosts."

Whoa. That was good.

Jake's way better at it

than I am.

-You know what?

-What?

I'll get him to show you.

-That's okay.

-I'll j-- I'll just--

No, we're-- I got it.

Show my mom

how to do the ghost call.

Yeah, okay.

Think she can learn this?

Hmm, yeah.

Okay, let's try.

The trick--pull from

your diaphragm, right?

Ready?

[all breathing deeply]

[sinisterly, together]

Come out, ghosts.

I did it!

-Whoa.

-I'm gonna go show

Noah and Jasmine.

[Rebecca laughs]

Well, you have a friend

for life now, so...

It's easy.

He's a great kid.

Noah, too.

I got lucky.

Yeah, that, or...

they got a good mom.

[Ollie]

My diaphragm isn't working.

Will you help me

show Noah and Jasmine?

-Duty calls.

-Yup.

[breath deflates]

-Stand up here.

-Okay, let's see this.



Rebecca? Wait up!

So...

Jake-- what do you think?

He's cute, right?

Yeah, he's definitely... cute.

I'm just super-bummed

you didn't get a chance

to hang out with him more.

I really want you

to get to know him.

Well, I don't need to be

all up in your--

you know...

your situation.

Well, I want you

all up in my... situation.

-Okay.

-Yeah, I think I like him.

[stammers] You just know

my history with men.

It's never really

been that good.

Well, I mean, at least

you haven't dated anyone

that's taken all your money.

Um, yeah, I have--

in college.

Good thing

I only had $40 to my name.

[chuckles]

Look, I only pick guys who

are all flair, no substance,

and huge commitment issues.

Jake doesn't seem that way.

Exactly!

He doesn't seemthat way,

but who is he, really?

And that's where you come in.

Before I go any further

with this,

I really would love

if you spent the day

with him tomorrow.

No, that's not a good idea.

-Yes, it is!

-No.

I just want what you had

with Shawn.

Cassie--

Something that is real.

And I don't trust myself

to be a good judge of character,

but you get people...

and you know me.

Fine.

I'm gonna go ghost-hunting

with Ollie in the morning,

and then we'll go on a hike

with the kids.

Uh-uh-uh-uh-uh--

not just a hike, and no kids.

-Yes. Yes, kids!

-No kids!

It has to be

just the two of you.

-Cassidy--

-Spend the day with him,

and tell me

if he is as good as he seems.

-[words catching]

-Please?

Please, please?

Come on! I'm not gonna

take no for an answer.

Fine.

[squeals and laughs]

Ah! Oh.

Thank you!

I love you so much,

and I knew I could count on you.



[Ollie] There should be

a fort around here

where a cowboy

froze to death

in the hard winters

of 1802.

How do you know that?

My book.

Oh.

There it is!

Remember--

use your diaphragm.

Okay.

[darkly] Come out, ghosts.

Oh!

[exhales] You!

[laughing]



Hi!

Hey, come here.

Hey.

How'd it go?

Find any ghosts?

No.

We checked all the places

on the map,

but we didn't find any, did we?

Ah, bummer.

[Ollie]

Can we go again later?

I wan to fix that stick fort.

-Ooh.

-Ghosts are drawn to that.

Yeah. Well, maybe

Noah and Jasmine

might be able to take you.

I have to do some recon

for Auntie Cassidy.

What's "recon"?

Uh, it's just something

to make sure

somebody's not

headed into any danger.

But you know what?

Why don't we go back tomorrow?

I'll check with the front desk

and see if they have

-any hunting--

-...Ghost flashlights?

-Yes, those!

-Okay.

Get some good recon, Mom.

I will.

Okay, have fun.

-See you.

-Okay.



Good morning.

Morning.

Any idea why she keeps

running off?

Not yet.

She's healthy.

Gets along with her neighbors

just fine.

Well fed.

Nothin' in her hooves.

I don't say this often,

but I am stumped.

Huh.

You know, just out of curiosity,

when you find yourself

at a roadblock like that,

do you tend to be

the person who lashes out

or, you know, goes inward,

or...

what would you say?

I like to take things

as they come.

Yeah, there's-there's--

there's that.

I mean, life is never

what you expect it to be,

but that's what

makes it interesting, right?

Hmm.

Why do you ask?

Oh, just...

uh, out of c-curiosi...

[blurts]

Just making conversation.

She's beautiful.

She is.

Gentle, too.

So we'll use her today.

I'm sorry. For?

Your sister texted

and said you wanted

to learn to ride.

I mean, that's why

you're here, right?

Right. Learn to ride.

Right.

Yeah! We'll...



Well, it can

feel scary at first, but...

nothing worth having

comes without risk, right?

So, left hand...

on the reins, and the horn,

left foot

up in the stirrup here.

-Right up there.

-Yeah.

-That one.

-I know.

Yup. Yup, put it up.

-Tight jeans.

-Okay, all right!

I guess that's why

you wear loose ones.

Okay, then you hop up,

swing that leg over--

Yeah. Oh--

Oh! Okay. Okay.

-There.

-I am so sorry.

That is, uh,

one way to get on a horse.

Sorry about that.

Okay, we'll take

the beginner's trail--

Bonnie knows what to do, but...

if you feel like

you're in any trouble,

you just holler, okay?

Let's go.

[clicks tongue]



So if I had to pick a moment

that I knew being a cowboy

was my life's calling,

that'd be the one.

Walked up to the horse,

told him I was gonna get on,

and that's where my mom

found me ten minutes later,

just sitting up

on top of a horse

that had thrown

every experienced rider

in the stable--

[Rebecca laughs]

...Calm as can be.

You were only ten?

Mm.

Wow, your mom must've

freaked out.

That is an understatement.

[Rebecca chuckles]

You close?

We are. Were.

She, unfortunately,

is no longer with us.

I'm so sorry.

Thanks.

Passed away a few years back.

Cancer.

But I was able

to be with her when she went.

I'm so glad.

I'm sure you miss her.

I do.

Yeah.

-[dog barks]

-[horse whinnies]

Pull back on the reins!





Whoa. You okay?

-Yeah.

-Whoa.

I don't know.

She just wouldn't slow down.

Something must've spooked her,

I don't know.

Hey, come here.

What?

What?

I'm just tryin' to figure out

how long you been riding for.

[laughs]

What gave me away?

Most new riders would freak out

if their horse took off on them,

but you didn't even blink.

I've... been riding

since I was a kid.

It was sort of my gateway

into the whole "Old West" thing.

I...

Sorry I didn't say something.

I just didn't, and then...

it would be weird if I did,

so I made a judgment call.

To be a damsel

in distress?

No, I--!

-[chuckles]

-You know, in my defense,

this whole ruse, okay,

was my sister's idea.

She wanted me to find out

if you were

a serial k*ller or not, okay?

I am...

not a serial k*ller.

Is there anything else

your sister wants to know?

Well, I've ruled out

"mommy issues"

and career hang-ups,

so I guess...

that leaves

relationship history.

Mm.

So?

So...

you ever been in love?

Yes.

Oh? Married?

No.

No, my job keeps me on the road,

and even when someone

thinks they're okay with that,

after a while,

they're not.

So no one's ever...

made you want to stay

in one spot?

Guess I haven't

met the right girl yet.

Or you're not

willing to compromise.

So... how did I do?

Oh, well,

you get favorable marks,

but I do have

one more question.

Mm.

Do you like to dance?

I do.

You do?

That-- That's good,

'cause Cassidy

loves to dance, so...

and she's very enthusiastic,

and you two have that, right?

That--

Together, you have that.

Oh... the horse--



Well, I'll be.

I think I know why

Bonnie keeps running off,

and it's not

'cause anything spooked her.

Wow... [chuckles]



[birds singing]

Thought you'd be up early,

working with the stallions,

so I brought you some coffee.

I appreciate it.

That's not the only reason.

I can't stop thinking

about you either.



[alarm clock ringing]

[alarm clock ringing]

[rooster crowing]

[alarm clock ringing]

[alarm clock ringing]

[rooster crowing]

[alarm clock ringing]

[horse whinnying]

Shh, shh.

Easy.

Whoa. Whoa.

There you go...

There you go.

There you go...



Come on. Hup!

There you go.

[clicking tongue]

Aunt Cassidy said you

and my mom found this mustang.

That's right.

Is it hard

training a wild horse?

It's hard,

but it's not impossible.

He's been wild his whole life,

so he just needs to trust

that I'm not trying

to take his freedom away.

Once he does that,

then he'll be able to come

and go, and hopefully

Bonnie won't run off anymore.

You want to try?

Really?

Wouldn't have suggested it

if I didn't mean it.

Come on.

There you go.

Come up in front,

so he can see you coming.

Let him smell you.

There you go.

Hey.

I think

you might be a natural.

I'm gonna hand you this rope.

You got it?

Hold this one.

Swing it around,

just like that.

-Good boy.

-That's it.

Keep that spinning.

Keep him going.

-[Ollie] Go, buddy! Go!

-[Jake] Yeah, that's it!

Go! Go, buddy.

That's it.

Faster.

[Jake clicking tongue]

[Jake]

You might be a cowboy.

-[Jake clicking tongue]

-[Ollie] Go, boy!

[Jake] You got it.



[Jake] Man, those are

some nice broncs you got here.

It's a shame you won't

be riding one of 'em tomorrow.

Nobody ever rode a bronc

like you.

Yeah, I was pretty glorious,

if I'm being modest.

Hey, you forgot

to close the gate.

Sorry.

That's not like you.

-No.

-[gate rattles closed]

[lock clacking]

Something on your mind?

It's complicated.

[chuckles]

Meaning it involves a woman?

Something like that.

Well, I'm here,

if you want to talk about it.



Welcome to the Mustang Ranch

Stampede Competition!

First one

to cross the finish line

wins the horseshoe!

-Whoo!

-On your mark-- get set, go!





And the winner is,

by a nose-- Cassidy!

I won!

[wheezing]

How do ya like me now, sister?

I won!

-That's debatable.

-Whoo!

Okay.

Yes. Whoo!

[Cassidy laughing]

Looks like you really wanted

that horseshoe, huh?

Don't be sad, Mom.

You did your best,

and that's what really matters.

-Right?

-Yup. That's...

I'll give you a hand.

[exhales]

I'll give you

an "A" for effort.

-Yeah?

-Yeah.

-Great-- oh!

-Whoa, whoa!

-Okay.

-Okay.

The bag's still on.

All right.

-You good?

-Yup.

Got it... in the bag.



Jake, have you ever

seen a buffalo before?

Uh-huh. Lots of times.

Noah and I are applying

to U of C,

and their, um, their mascot

is a buffalo.

-Hmm.

-Yeah.

-Hi.

-Hello.

We'll just grab a plate.

Yeah.

[hushed] I get that Noah needs

his independence,

but U of C, really?

Did you hear that?

-Yeah. Yeah, so?

-Seriously?

Well, Boulder's

a much better school.

What is he thinking?

Uh...

my guess is it has

something to do with a girl

whose name starts

with the letter "J".

-Yeah, I know.

-Noah's... pretty fond of her.

So is she.

Don't you think they're a little

young to be, you know...

Uh, ahem, same age you were

when you met Shawn.

Yeah, so what happens

when she suddenly disappears?

Okay, I'm sure

he will handle it.

Look, I-I know

you want to protect him, okay?

But you can't control

when you fall in love.

-Yes, you can.

-Oh?

-Yes, you can.

-Yeah?

You really can! You know,

if it's not the right time

or not the right person,

you know, you just tell them...

and walk away.

Okay. You seem

a little stressed.

Is this because

you haven't heard about tenure?

No, I haven't

heard about tenure.

Okay.

Oh! Okay, what about

that mysterious stranger

you met in town?

[hushed] I told you

to drop that! That was nothing.

-Just--

-Okay. "Nothing."

Hi.

Well, that's good news,

because... [snickers]

I invited Bobby Briggs

to come to the rodeo with us

as your date.

Mom! Why would you do that?

He used to follow me around

like a puppy.

Oh... he's not a puppy anymore!

Heh-heh.

His mom sent me a photo.

His mom

sent you a photo?

Yeah, check it out.

[brightly] And...

his wife died, too.

Great.

We could start a club.

Ooh! What club?

Mom invited Bobby Briggs

to the rodeo.

Oh, Mom, even Rebecca's

not that desperate.

Oh, yes, she is!

And besides, Bobby Briggs

is all grown-up now.

Check him out!

h*-h*-kay!

Bobby is definitely a hottie.

-Yeah, okay.

-He's not as handsome as Jake.

Okay.

-Pretty good, though!

-Yeah!

Thanks, Mom.

-Oh, great. I will--

-You should try the ribs.

...Get a plate

and start all over.

[alarm clock ringing]

[stops alarm]

[exhaling groggily]

[deep breath, sigh]







[sighs heavily]



Morning, Jake.

Noah.

You're up early.

My mom always tells me

to come to her

with whatever...

it's just kind of weird

to talk about feelings

with your mom, you know?

Hoping to get--

-[horse whinnies]

[Rebecca groans lightly]

I...

really like Jasmine...

And I mean, we've been dating

for, like,

four months now,

and...

I guess I was wondering

how I'm supposed to know.

How you're supposed to know...?

If I love her.

[exhaling] Oh.

Wow.

Well...

in my experience,

it's...

not just one thing,

it's the whole package.

So, if she's

the first thing

you think about

when you wake up,

and the last thing

you think about

before you go to bed.

If she's easy to talk to,

even easier to listen to...

Her smile...

just cuts through

and makes you want to be

a better man...

[Noah chuckles] Yeah.

I feel all those things

about Jasmine.

Man to man, do you--

do you think I should

tell her I love her?

No.

Man to man,

I think...

you're the only one

who can answer that.

That's wise.

I like it.

-Thanks.

-Any time.

-See you, Jake.

-See ya.

[Jake sighs]

[footfalls drawing near]

Hey.

I was checking the...

uh...

-to make sure...

-Mm-hmm.

So you were here

the whole time?

I...

heard every word, yup.

Okay.

All of it, actually.

You gotta stop that whole--

that!

I know what you're doing. It's--

You've gotta quit

that-that-- the eyes.

It's too much!

[groans]

Hello. Bobby's here.

What? Why aren't you ready?

I'm not going to the rodeo

with Bobby Briggs.

But I promised Jake

that we'd all go cheer him on.

Okay, well, that's good.

You go cheer him on.

[sighs] Okay.

Listen. Mom is right,

and you need to put

yourself back out there.

No.

You can't even rule out Bobby

before you see him,

and trust me when I say

that he's cute,

he's funny,

and he looks

really good in his jeans.

[chuckles, sighs dreamily]

Oh, yeah.

Are you into Bobby Briggs?

-Because you can-- That--

-No!

Seems like you are.

Of course not.

And he's always been

in love with you, so.

[sighing] Ugh.

Okay, now which hat?

No hats.

Please. Oh, it's too much,

all of it. Just...

'Kay.

Don't know what that's about.

-It's too much!

-Listen.

This is gonna be fun!

We're gonna go to a rodeo,

and then we're going dancing.

-No, don't do that.

- We're goin' dancing

Oh, wow.

-You gotta stop. It's--

-What do you mean?

I don't know

what you're talking about.

-That-- Wow.

-I'm not gonna stop--

Stop!

...Until you say yes.

Fine!

-Okay?

-Great.

Please don't tell me these

are the only shoes you brought.

What's wrong with those shoes?

Nothing. If you're going

to a professor convention--

-Okay.

-...Where all the professors

of united professors--

-Mm-hmm. Yeah.

...Will be there,

professoring.

Okay, this is your first date

since Shawn--

...and you need

to make a statement.

[grudgingly] Oh-kay.

We'll see you in five?

Maybe do something...

-Just-- Mm-hmm.

-...With your hair

and put some deodorant on, or...

[annoyed] Okay.

[shouts] I'm not dancing!

[door bangs]

Becs!

Hey.

[chuckling]

-Hello.

-Yeah.

Oh.

Look at you... all grown-up.

Well, I mean--

look at you.

You... did--

you grew up.

[Bobby chuckles]

-He's a triathlete.

-Oh, not professionally.

It's just something I do

as part of my charity work.

-Oh.

-Yeah.

Hey, how about you?

Me? Well, uh...

I jog... and recycle!

[all chuckling]

-Ah. It's good to stay healthy.

-Yeah.

-Yeah.

-I was just talking

to Jake here about

a little side project

I'm trying to get going--

horse therapy for kids!

-Yeah. Yeah, it turns out

-Oh?

...horses help kids

with all kinds of issues,

and, you know, I'm just

such a big fan of this guy.

Six-time bareback riding

champion, right?

Seven, but...

Who's counting?

Ah. Right.

How could I forget Maui?

Listen, I know there's a bus,

but, if you're comfortable

riding with me,

I was hoping we could

catch up on the way there?

Well, I would like that.

Great.

[Rebecca] Okay.

Let me get the door for you.

This is me here.

Okay.

I have a really good feeling

about those two.

-Mm.

-Don't you?

[over P.A. system]

Welcome, ladies and gentlemen,

to the Mustang Falls

Fall Rodeo!

I'll be your MC for the day.

My name is Jake.

It's a pleasure to be here.

Do I look like a real cowboy?

You sure do!

Did you see the magazines?

-Jake's on all of them.

-I see that.

There's Jake.

I'm gonna go say hi.

[Cassidy chuckling]

Oh, Becs, Becs--

do you remember

when Bobby used

to write you poetry?

What was that one called?

It was "Ode to..."

[Rebecca]

"A Goddess," I think.

Oh, my teenage self apologizes.

I think it's sweet!

[laughing]

Mom, it's starting.

We gotta get in there.

Jake says he's gonna start with

some really cool rope tricks.

Okay, you go

and save us a seat.

I'm gonna get us some food

real quick, okay? Go, go, go.

I can help with that,

Ms. Granway.

-Oh, I'd love that.

-Yeah.

-You having fun?

-So much fun.

[Rebecca chuckles]

I'll take one of those.

Hi! I think we're gonna do

six chili dogs

and six lemonades, please.

Thank you so much.

You're getting that

for Cassidy?

Uh, yeah.

I thought I would.

Jake's really great.

He is.

Noah really likes him.

He said he reminds him

of his dad.

Not in the-the cowboy way,

of course,

just I guess

his demeanor or something.

He said that?

Yeah. [chuckles]

Uh, I guess I could see that.

My mom--

she told me that it's...

it's really hard

for moms to let go, and...

it's probably extra hard

for you,

with everything

that's happened.

I just--

I really like Noah.

Like, a lot.

But...

if you want him to go

to Boulder, I--

I can talk to him about it.

You would do that?

Yeah, we're not that far away,

realistically,

and I just...

I want him to be happy, so.

Me too.

You're very sweet, Jasmine.

[laughing] Thank you.

-No worries.

-What's taking so long?

I know. It's here, here, here.

Here, I got that for you.

Oh, thanks.

You can keep the change.

Thank you.

Thank you. Thanks.

That one's for you, please.

Thank you. Thank you.

-Ooh, I like this.

-I know, it's everywhere.

All right!

-Rodeo.

-Let's rodeo!

[laughter]

I have lived

a lot of places

Making money on the run

So home

is where they'll have me

Texas is where I'm from

Back in June and July

Of 1988

I was born and raised

For a couple of days

In the Lone Star State

So... how's everything

been going with Bobby?

What are we thinking?

He's nice.

"Nice"?

He's perfect!

He's good-looking.

He's smart.

Oh, he invented

this new climate technology

that everyone's using,

and he wants to use

his money for good.

How do you know all of that?

-He told me at the rodeo.

-Okay.

Oh! Listen.

You vetted Jake for me.

Now I'm gonna return the favor.

No, I really don't

need you to do that.

I'm just gonna do some recon.

Thank you so much!

First round's on me.

You know what, Bobby?

I think it's time

you show me what you're made of.

Oh, h*, h*,

I've got some moves!

Let's go.

Yes!

She's... on a mission.

We're gonna start things

off with a classic.

Thank you for the--

the rodeo.

-My boys had a great time.

-Of course.

Do you miss it?

I do.

Feels like

a lifetime ago, but...

Hmm. I bet.



-Oh...

-[chuckling]

She is... enthusiastic.

Yeah, she's got it.



So you gonna

see Bobby again, or...?

Uh...

He's great.

But I...

But what?

Okay, that's enough chit-chat,

you two.

Time to get your butts

on the dance floor!

I had a feeling

that was coming.

Well, I'm game if you are.





All right, this next one

is for the couples.

Everybody grab a partner.

-Yeah, we should--

-Yeah.



Been a while since

I...

danced with anyone.

Okay.



Give me your hand.

-[chuckles]

-There you go.

-Okay.

-That one, over here.

Yeah.

This goes here.

Mm-hmm.

I think you got this.

-I got it?

-Mm-hmm.

I just let you

take the fall

I don't want

to pay your way again

I'm sorry. I can't. I-I...

I just have a headache.

I'm gonna-- I'm gonna head.

I'm fine.

You stay. You stay.

Just one sec.



Hey! Rebecca. Wait.

-Cassidy--

-I have some Tylenol.

[snaps]

I don't have a headache!

Okay.

[softer] Okay, sorry.

I'm sorry.

Um...

The truth is,

and it-it's silly, really,

and it's not,

and I know that we have always

told each other everything,

and so I feel really weird

that I-I haven't said

anything yet, but I just--

It's okay.

I already know.

I really don't think you do.

Yes, I do.

It's the mysterious man

you met in town--

you can't stop

thinking about him.

You were exactly like this

when you met Shawn--

the second you met him,

every other guy

became invisible.

It's true. It's--

But you need to forget

about him, by the way,

if he hasn't

called you by now.

That's his loss.

It's time for Plan B--

Bobby.

Just give him a chance.

Could you imagine both of us

in these relationships?

You and Bobby,

and-and me and Jake?

Unless you don't think

he's right for me.

No.

No, I think...

He is the total package.

I do.

He's, uh...

strong and smart

and funny...

and he's...

good with the boys.

Yeah.

Um...

tell Robert and Jake

that I'm sorry.

I just, I...

I promised Ollie

that I would go ghost-hunting

with him in the morning again,

and, um, have fun.

Have fun.

-Okay.

-Okay?

-Okay.

-Okay.





That stallion still here?

I thought you were gonna

open up the gate

and let him

run free a spell?

And I did.

He didn't want to go,

headed straight for the barn.

Turns out

Bonnie's expecting.

Oh.

I'll be dang.

When's she due?

Couple weeks, I'd say.

She's carrying high,

which can make it harder to see,

but still, I...

[chuckles]

I don't know how I missed it.

Mm. Wild guess--

there's something,

or somebody,

distracted you.

[sighs pointedly]

Offer still stands

if you want to talk about it.

[chuckles softly]

Yeah.

[Jake]

It's not you. It's--

Look, you're gonna

make someone very happy.

But--



[Rebecca] Hey.

Well, what happened?

Jake broke up with me.

What?

Why? What did he say?

What--

He said I'm great

and a lot of fun, and...

anyone would be lucky

to have me.

[phone ringing]

[Rebecca groans]

It's the university!

It's probably

about your tenure.

Ugh, not now!

Answer it!

Answer it.

Hello?

Th-This is.

Well, thank you.

Yeah.

Great.

I will--

I will be in touch.

Okay.

Thank you so much.

Bye-bye.

What did they say?

Can you tell Ollie I...

will go ghost-hunting with him

this afternoon?

I-I need--

I-I need a--

Are you okay?

-I'm-I'm okay. Are you okay?

-I need to fix this.

I need to sort this out. I-I...

Okay.

[sighing]

[sighs] Everything all right,

Ms. Granway?

Oh, other than

the fact that I feel like

the underside

of a welcoming mat,

just, uh, yeah,

you know, peachy.

It's apple juice.

Mm.

I'm not really a-a day drinker,

you know?

It's just I got a call

about tenure today.

Uh, yeah...

your mother did mention

you've been waiting to hear.

I'm surprised, really,

you know,

that I'm having

such a strong reaction.

Oh, I'm not.

To hear her tell it,

you're the best thing that ever

happened to that department.

Exactly!

Making tenure is what I've been

working for my whole life.

So you got tenure?

Yeah, I did.

All right, just to be clear--

your boss called and said,

"Congratulations, Rebecca!

-You--"

-Yeah.

[chuckles bitterly]

You know,

for the last three years,

since Shawn died,

all I could ever think

was "if I could get tenure,"

you know--

the boys would be set.

We would be okay.

But when I got the call,

I felt,

"Is this what I want?

Or is this

what I shouldwant?"

Well, it depends.

I mean, you like the job?

I do!

I love my job, yes.

But for the past three years,

I just feel like I've been

going through the motions,

you know, doing what I should.

-I wish I was more like Cassidy.

-[chuckles]

You know, I'd just fly

by the seat of my pants,

do what I want.

I love that about her.

I wish that was me!

But it's not!

I'm... I'm this.

[sighs]

And then I come here

and for the first time

in my life, you know, I feel...

...alive!

I'm sorry. You probably

have somewhere to be.

This is-- I'm just...

it's a lot.

I'm good.

[sighs]

[sighs deeply]

So...

what are you gonna do?

I don't know.

I need to talk to Jake.

Do you know where he is?

Ah, you just missed him,

but he'll be back

in a couple hours.

I just asked him to move a herd

to a different pasture.

You mind

if I borrow Bonnie?

Jake!

Rebecca?

How did you--?

Aaron told me

where to find you.

You broke up with Cassidy?

I did.

Why would you do that?

I think we both know why.

[sighs]

I don't know what to do...

about you, the job--

about any of it!

Maybe we should do something

to take your mind off things.

Follow me.

Come on.

If I hold your door

or buy you dinner

That don't mean

that you ain't strong

It's just my way of lovin'

Hope you don't

take this wrong

If I wrapped you

in my jacket

To keep you dry

from all the rain

See, cowboys like me

Do those kind of things



Cowboys like me



If I say "yes, ma'am"

to your mama

And "yes, sir" to your pa



Or tell you

that you're pretty

I hope you don't

take this wrong

If I picked you

on Sunday morning

For some Amazing Grace

See, cowboys like me

Do those kind of things

Cowboys like me

Do those kind of things

-h*.

-Hey.

That was amazing.

Thank you.

Whoa. Hey,

you might just be a natural.

[laughs]

Can you imagine

coming here

with everything that you own

on your back

and trying to make a life?

Yeah. I can.

Can you?

We should get going.

I promised Ollie

I would take him ghost-hunting.

-Let's go.

-Yeah.

Come on. Let's go.

Who's ready to ghost--

Ollie?

"Went ghost-hunting."

[calls out] Ollie!

Everything okay?

Uh... Ollie went on

a ghost-hunting trip by himself.

He-He left his map,

but I-I visited all the 'X's

along and he's not there.

Do you have any idea

where else he could have gone?

There's an old miner's cabin

I told him about,

when we panned for gold--

few miles down the river.

Okay.

Aaron and I used

to stay there sometimes

when we were

on a cattle drive.

How long ago he leave?

I don't know.

Maybe an hour?

Then he can't have gotten far.

I'll check it out.

Let's go! Let's go!

Don't worry, we'll find him!

[Cassidy] Rebecca!

Hey.

I just spoke to Jake.

He thinks he knows

where he may have gone--

he's on his way there now.

You don't think we have to look

down by the river, do you?

No, no, no, no.

He wouldn't go down there.

He knows not to do that

without an adult.

Yeah, he's good

with that stuff.

I'll go to the room,

Just in case he comes back.

Thank you, Jasmine.

Actually, Mom, can you go

to the Biscuit Room,

-in case he comes back there?

-Of course.

Uh, Noah, why don't you

wait at the barn?

I'll go to the stick fort,

maybe he shows up there.

I'll come with you.

We can look around the area

and make sure

he didn't get lost.

Okay, great.

I can't believe

this is happening.

I should have never

taken my eyes off of him.

Hey, this isn't anyone's fault.

Okay?

He's just a kid

going on an adventure.

-He's gonna be okay.

-I hope so.

-Hi.

-Any sign of him?

No, not at the stick forts.

You don't think he's playing

hide-and-go-seek, do you?

No, he would've put it

in the note, but...

I forgot how much he used

to love to play that game.

He'd hide so well,

he'd be gone for hours.

Mm.

One time, I found him

in the dryer.

-What?

-I-It wasn't on. Don't worry.

Okay.

He'd hide all over the place.

The harder to find,

the better.

Mm.

That weird little nook

behind the heater

in the dining room?

The neighbor's tree.

I remember that. Yeah.

We had to get your father

to help find him.

Dad always knew

where to find him.

He did.

[horse whinnies]

Mom?

[hooves pounding]

Ollie!

Whoa. Whoa.

Caught up with him

just before he got to the cabin.

We did the ghost call,

but we couldn't find any.

[Rebecca sighs, relieved]

Where have you been?

Where did you go?

You can't run off like that.

I was worried sick about you.

I wanted to see Dad.

Oh, sweetheart.

I thought

if I could see a ghost,

one day, it would be possible

to see Dad again, too.

[sighs sadly]

Yeah.

I'll go...

let everyone know

he's safe.

Thank you.

Come on, come on.

Sweetie...

this might be a little hard

to hear, okay?

[tearfully] We're not gonna

see your dad again.

Okay? At least, um...

[deep, shaky breath]

...not in this lifetime.

But that doesn't mean

that he's not

still with us.

Noah...

sweetie... [chuckles]

...when you smile,

I swear,

it could be your dad.

It's true.

And, Ollie, my sweetie.

You have his spirit.

You do!

You live your life like

everything, and everyone, in it

is a gift,

and that, sweetie,

is a rare, special quality,

and you got that from him.

And there isn't a moment

that I don't wish

he was still with us...

...but just because

we can't see him...

you know, I like to think

that...

he can see us,

that he's watching us

and everything that we do.

I mean, I...

I can kinda feel him

at my games.

Yeah!

I once couldn't think

of an answer for my math test,

and then it just came

into my head.

[laughs]

[voice breaks]

Was that Dad?

Oh, that sounds like him, huh?

[chuckles]

Can he hear us, too?

Yeah, baby.

Can I say goodbye?

Yeah, sweetie,

you can say goodbye.

Bye, Dad.

I'm glad I got your spirit.

Yeah, you did.

I miss you, Dad.

Love you.

[sighing deeply]

Bye, Shawn.

I love you, boys.

Okay?

I love you so much.



Jake?

Yeah.

Hi.

Hey.

[Rebecca exhales deeply]

-How's Ollie?

-He's good.

Jasmine and Noah

built him a blanket fort,

so he's in heaven.

[chuckles]

I just wanted to...

thank you again...

for today.

And, um, oh,

I wanted to bring you this.

It's a thank-you letter

for finding Ollie.

No idea what he was

carrying around with him...

and, uh, for Noah, as well,

for being someone

he could talk to that, um...

...wasn't his mom.

You wrote me a letter?

You don't

have to read that now.

It's basically everything that

I just told you. It's just--

-Mm-hmm.

-I bring stationery

with me wherever I go,

so it-- you know what?

Actually, I'm just--

[laughs]

...regretting that--

-Whoa!

You didn't say this part.

"And, finally,

thank you for today,

for understanding

that I couldn't talk

about whatever it is

that's going on

between the two of us.

I don't know

where things will go,

'cause I'm going back."

To Boulder.

"If I take the tenure position,

you'd have to give up

all this open space

and come to the city,

and I can't ask you

to do that."

You've been a cowboy

since you were ten.

You belong out here.

"The problem between us

is we're...

just too different."

Yeah.

You really believe that?

Rebecca...

Hey.

Tell me that I'm wrong.

[Cassidy] Oh, my god.

Cassidy... Cassidy.

-I can't believe this.

-Cassidy.

Wait, Cassidy.

Stop. Stop!

You know, I came here

to thank Jake

for helping you find Ollie,

and this is how I find out

that something's been

going on with you two?

Nothing's going on!

Nothing's going on.

We were just talking.

Was he the mystery guy

you met in town?

-Wow.

-I'm sorry.

I'm sorry.

I don't even know

why I didn't see this sooner.

You two are perfect

for each other.

Listen--

You know,

it just doesn't even matter.

It never would have worked out.

Cassidy--

You didn't tell me the truth.

We are sisters,

and we're supposed

to tell each other

everything.

That's what hurts!

I know. I know.

I can't even be around you

right now!

Listen, ju-- [sighs]



[harmonica blares off-key]

Mom, Grandma

got me a harmonica!

I see that.

That's... great.

Sounds good, buddy.

[dryly]

Mm-hmm. Good one.

-Yep. You're welcome.

-[giggles as Rebecca sighs]

Have you seen Cassidy?

She said she was gonna go

as far away from you as possible

without actually leaving.

What happened?

Um... L-Long story.

Oh, okay.

-Hey, Mom.

-Hi!

Hey.

How was stargazing?

It was so cool, Ms. Granway.

I mean, Jake was right.

There are so many stars,

it's-it's humbling.

-Mm.

-It sorta reminds you

how small we are

compared to the universe,

but also makes you feel, like,

"Wow, I'm a part of all this."

[chuckles]

That sounds like something

that belongs on a college essay.

Speaking of college,

I've been thinking.

If you two want to go

to college together,

I won't stand in your way.

Seriously?

Seriously. You're 17.

I don't want you to be afraid

to live your life

because you're worried about me.

So...

if you love Jasmine--

-Wait. What?

-Mom!

[aghast] I'm sorry.

You-You-- You love me?

Yeah.

Yeah, I...

I love you.

I love you, too.

[sighs contentedly]

[guitar strumming, muffled]

[knocking at door]

Yep?

Hey. Uh, you coming

to the campfire?

I'll think about it.

[sighs]

Did I ever tell you about Annie?

No, I don't think so.

Annie was, um...

[chuckles]

...sunshine and light.

Like a song you couldn't

get out of your head.

She ran a little store

up in Johnson County, Wyoming.

When I was in the area,

even if I didn't need anything,

I'd stop by just to see her.

Then, a few years

into that dance, she says,

"If you're gonna make a move,

you best make it now.

I'm not waiting around forever."

When was this?

[exhales heavily]

30 years ago.

So, I tried--

I moved in with her

and everything,

but, after 'bout a year,

I told her I just

loved the land too much

to stay in one place.

And?

She said

she saw it coming.

She, uh,

took the bandana off

from around her neck,

and gave it to me

"to remember" her by.

Then wished me luck.

You ever regret your decision?

I try not to think about

this life in terms of regrets.

It's just choices.

I made mine.

I live with it.

But not a day goes by

I don't think about her.

If you think

you love this woman...

...you need to ask yourself--

"Is a handkerchief enough?"

I'll see you

at the campfire.

[flames crackling]

Hi.

Hey.

How was town?

I saw Bobby,

and he sends his regards.

[sighs]

I know you're still mad.

And you're right--

I should have told you.

And I'm really sorry,

I really am.

I will never do that again.

It's just--

Cassidy, I really...

I didn't know how I felt.

Honestly.

And now?

Well...

it's complicated.

Right?

Yeah.

I got you some s'mores stuff...

even though there's no s'mores

in the Old West.

Ah, who cares?

They're delicious.

-They really are delicious!

-They really are.

[both laughing]

I'm so sorry.

I love you.

I love you, too.

So don't be mad--

I... might be seeing Bobby.

What?

When? How?

Since he was up for grabs,

I thought, "Why not?"

And, you know,

it turns out I was right--

he's... he's actually

really great.

I'm happy for you.

Thank you.

[laughs] Bobby?

Good. That's really good.

[fire crackling]

[begins strumming]



I don't blame you

Pulling up stakes

Moseying away from

Everything

that pulls you down

I've been known

to do the same thing

That'll be the day

when

I decide to stick around

Ain't you a cowboy

like me?

Ain't you a cowboy...

Like me?

[finishes playing]

[flames crackle]



[Rebecca sighs]

Hey!

Hey.

Looks like

you're all ready to go.

Yeah.

Gonna miss

my tiny little Biscuit Room.

All my things

smelling like flour.

So... I talked to Jake.

-Cassidy--

-Uh-uh-uh. Believe it or not,

I know how to be subtle,

and I asked him to sign

this magazine for you.

I thought, whatever he wrote

might give you

a window

into what he was feeling.

"To my...

tough and tender cowgirl."

[Cassidy chuckles]

It's... cute.

So you're just gonna leave?

Anyone who uses

the word "tender"

is clearly interested!

Cassidy, I am who I am,

and he is clearly who he is.

Okay?

It's not gonna work.

[fumes and snaps] Mom!

Tell Rebecca to go talk to Jake!

Go talk to Jake.

Okay? Clearly,

he's in love with you.

Even if that were true--

It is!

A mother knows.

Okay?

Listen.

Ever since Shawn died,

you've been living for everyone

but yourself.

Okay? You need to tell Jake

how you feel.

[Cassidy] We're all rooting

for the two of you.

You deserve to be happy.

I want you to be happy.

I-- I don't even know

where he is.

Well, he headed

up the Big Rock Trail.

Yeah. Aaron's got Bonnie

all saddled up, ready to ride.

Wow! You... really

had this worked out.

Yeah. It's been,

like, a whole thing.

-[flustered grunt]

-Just go!

Come on!

[overlapping] Go.

-What?

-Go. Now.

Okay.

I really don't like you two.

-We love you!

-We love you!

[door slams]

[cheering]

-We make a good team, Mom.

-We sure do.

-We should take it on the road.

-Okay, honey.

Let's go.

Hi...

Hi.

Um...

I like you, Jake.

A lot, and, um...

I never thought

that I could...

feel like this again.

I never thought that I would.

And--

and ever since Shawn died...

...well, I've been wearing

a lot of hats,

and you literally have

handed me three more hats,

which is good,

because...

[sighs]

I have never felt more alive.

And my boys love you.

And I knew,

if I left

without telling you how I feel,

I would regret it

for the rest of my life.

And I know that a girl

has never made you

want to stay in one place...

[chokes up]

...but I was hoping

that, um...

uh... maybe--

like...

...I could be that girl.



Well, I've never

answered to

anything or anyone

other than myself.

I've never stayed in one place

longer than a season.

You know, I...

I sleep under the stars

and chop my own firewood.

I love this life.

Yeah.

Yeah, no, I...

I get it.

I spoke to Bobby.

He's, uh...

He's serious about

the horse-therapy thing.

It's in Boulder.

So...

if I had to choose

between a life with you

and a life without you...

it's no choice at all.



[protests softly] No.

-[laughs]

-My hat...



Well, I don't blame you

Putting down roots

You got someone

So you got something to lose

And you stand up tall

People might even...

Hey, you mind if I cut in?

I thought you'd never ask.

Is that okay with you?

You hurt her,

you answer to me.

Deal?

I would expect nothing less.

Ain't you

a cowboy like me?

Ain't you a cowboy

like me?