04x06 - Ring That Bell

[bunniefuu]

- ["Destination" by Nickel Creek playing]
- ♪ 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 ♪

[music fades]

[somber music playing]

[birds chirping]

[bells tolling]

[eggs sizzling]

[spatula clattering]

[bells tolling]

- [Helen chuckles]
- [Erik] Only three?

[both laughing]

[Erik] Didn't know you could hear
the bells over this way.

I can't remember the last time
I heard them ring.

Well, maybe the storm woke 'em up,
and they're still too groggy to count.

[Erik laughing]

[Helen] Mmm.

I don't suppose anyone
got much sleep last night.

Well,

some of us had a lot to talk about.

And there's more to say,

but it was a nice beginning.

[Helen] Mmm.

[gentle music playing]

Have you checked in with your circle?

Dana Sue and Maddie confirmed
that everyone you left at Sullivan's

is fine this morning.

Then I believe I was where
I was needed most.

[chuckles] I'm inclined to agree.

- [Erik chuckles]
- Mmm.

And your basketball group text?

Full of healthy complaints.

- And Cal doesn't need his truck quite yet.
- [gasps] Oh.

Well, then I can do this
with a clear conscience.

[Helen chuckles]

[Helen] Mmm.

Allow me.

[laughing]

Mama taught us
it was good Southern hospitality

to make breakfast when we had guests.

I'm a guest?

Well,

a VIP.

- Ah.
- [Helen chuckles]

[cell phone vibrating]

[Erik groans]

- Ignore it.
- Mmm.

[cell phones vibrating]

Ignore it?

[Helen] Mm-hmm.

[Erik laughs]

- [vibrating continues]
- [Erik groans]

[Erik laughs]

[inhales] All right.

Meet me back here after work.

There is a spare key under the camellias
if the pot hasn't washed away.

[Erik chuckles]

- All right. [inhales]
- [cell phone beeps]

[exhales] Good morning, Madam Mayor.

[cell phone vibrating]

- [Helen chuckles]
- Morning, Cal.

[Helen] Mm-hmm.

Mmm. It's clear here.

[cheerful music playing]

I feel a little guilty about letting
Katie go home with the Websters.

[sighs] Abigail convinced me
that the world would end if she didn't.

[Maddie laughs]

[Maddie] Oh.

At least we have power.
Sophie's block is out.

There's plenty of work to do.

Harlan said a lot of houses
down by the river flooded.

People will need to be fed today.
Erik's gonna open the restaurant

while I call our suppliers
and find out who's got what.

We'll put out the word.

Whoever needs a meal or just a chance
to get out of their house can come.

No charge. Our gift to Serenity.

I can create an Instagram post.

Thanks, Kyle.

I can check and see
if the Foundation can help cover the cost.

No, no, no. I'll use my baseball money.

The National Weather Service said
Hurricane Maxine was a 100-year storm,

so the Foundation's going to need
as many resources as possible.

- Talk to you later.
- [Maddie] It's gonna be another long day.

You'll feel better if you shower
and put on a clean uniform.

[Cal] Huh.

[Cal kisses]

- What a honeymoon.
- [Maddie laughs]

Thanks.

[footsteps departing]

He didn't sleep at all last night.

- What?
- [Kyle] I mean, no one slept well.

But every single time I opened my eyes,
Coach was up and working.

Thanks, honey.
I'll keep an eye out for him.

Do you wanna get some more sleep?

No. The D&D group's meeting up.

After what the hurricane
must've done to the parks?

Well, that's why. The park by Lily's house
needs a cleanup crew,

so we're... [sucks
teeth] ...going to be that.

Young man,
if you have a spell for cleaning,

you've been holding out on me.

It'll be fun,
and I'll invite Dev to join us.

Rescue him from all the dinosaur chaos
at his house.

I'm sure he'd appreciate that.

Oh, hey.

Before you go, can you do me a favor?
Sift through your closet.

The interfaith council set up
an emergency collection.

- Anything you don't wear, we'll donate.
- Okay.

Uh, want me to go through Ty's closet?

One hurricane wasn't enough danger?

[laughing] Yeah, right.

[laughs]

[cheerful music playing]

[Dana Sue chuckles]

I bet I have more ground turkey in here
than the Piggly Wiggly.

[both laugh]

Now, this will hold
until I can order a replacement.

[Dana Sue clears throat]

Now let me take care of the pieces
of the elm tree on the roof.

- They're not doing damage, are they?
- No. Thank heaven.

Then they can wait.

I know Skeeter's only called you twice,
but he needs you.

Everyone in town must be clamoring
for him to come see them,

which is why I was thinking...

[bells tolling out of tune]

Hurricane blew us
into a different time zone.

[Dana Sue laughs]

Ladder is by the garage.

You went in the crawl space?
I told you I would get it.

I can shimmy under the house
a lot more easily than you can.

- Is it dry down there?
- Yeah. Just cold and cobwebby.

- Need help with the roof?
- [Dana Sue] That's on hold.

Excellent. Then I'm going to help
Kyle and Lily at the park.

Since both Claytons quit,

nobody's going to get to the parks
for a couple days.

Such thoughtful kids.

[Dana Sue] Careful.

Uh, could you swing by the restaurant
and drop that off?

I didn't realize they were open.

For folks whose kitchens
are out of commission and such.

Maybe I should go in.

Erik says they're only expecting
a handful of people to come in,

so if they haven't called you,
you're free to help Kyle.

I'm gonna put on my grubbies
and help Skeeter and your dad.

Oh, darling... [hesitates]

[spluttering] As much as that's a...

Oh, all right, you two. I may not be
the most experienced with power tools,

but this is the kind of day
where everybody needs to pitch in.

Mom, you sure you don't wanna help
at the restaurant?

I'm respecting their space.

And one bad moment with a power sander
does not mean I can't help.

Power sander and jigsaw.

Well...

There's bound to be a better use
of your talents. You'll find it.

[water dripping]

[Carla] Nothing like a hurricane
to show where every leak in your roof is.

- [exhales]
- I'll call Skeeter.

No doubt he's inundated with requests,
but we may as well get on his list.

I've already gotten phone calls
about when we're going to reopen.

I think it's more about childcare
than working out.

Have you talked to Noreen?

Good morning, you two.

[door closes]

Sorry, I had to take the scenic route.

Egret Falls, to Orlando,
to Serenity. [soft chuckle]

I wondered how the roads to the east were.

[Genevieve] Crews are working hard.

I'm surprised you're not at town hall.
It must be crazy over there.

I'm... I'm on my way.
I just... wanted to check in here first.

[Genevieve] You made it through okay?

- [whimsical music playing]
- I did. Thank you.

It's hard when you live alone.
I have to admit.

I went over to my cousin's place.

We had Harlan's folks,
his aunt, and the three of us.

[chuckling] Margaret was the calmest
of the bunch.

[chuckles]

Please let me know
if you two need anything.

Okay. Thanks.

[Genevieve] Helen,

you and Mayor Peggy do the same.

I will say Serenity is lucky
to have women in leadership.

We know how to survive a storm, don't we?

[softly] Yeah.

And one hopes be better for it.

Indeed.

[whimsical music fades]

[upbeat music playing]

[meat sizzling]

[Erik humming]

[metal clattering]

- Sorry, Chef.
- Blame it on the hurricane. [laughs]

[Erik humming]

[humming continues]

Oh, word gets around fast.

Good news spreads, my friend.

[upbeat music fades]

[Cal sighs]

We'll just take it one plate at a time,
one customer at a time.

[Cal hesitates]

And one angel of mercy at a time.

Hey, what are you doing here?

Nice to see you, too, my beloved husband.

I brought protein bars and energy drinks

'cause everyone I talked to today
says they're coming here,

so y'all are gonna be busy.

Appreciate the thoughtfulness, Maddie.

Is there anything else that
I could do for you? Especially you?

Uh... [chuckles]

We're good. Just... gotta get back to work.

You owe me a better one tonight.
I'll see you at home.

Call me if you need anything.

[background indistinct chatter]

Cal, may I remind you
that you're a newlywed?

You're the one always telling me to focus.

Encouraging you.

Well, I am focused...

[inhales] ...on the fact
that there are already

a lot more people
than I imagined out there

and probably even more coming.

- Focus on this instead.
- [upbeat music playing]

The storm is over,

the skies are clear,

and we're gonna make people happy.

[Howie] It started up fine this morning
and then again when we left Collins.

When we left Miss Annalise,

white smoke, dashboard lights.

I didn't wanna drive,
especially with Noreen, and make it worse.

I'm so impressed
you two are making the rounds

and checking in on our homebound people.

I'm so impressed you know your way around
under the hood of a Jeep.

My daddy and I restored cars
when I was a teenager.

That's why I called you. No one's
picking up at any of the service stations.

They're probably all fishing cars
out of the river, unfortunately.

My coupe didn't have enough room
for all the gear that we need.

[sirens wailing]

- And I do love driving this Jeep.
- [Dana Sue chuckles]

I guess I should learn
how to take care of it.

[laughs] Best I can tell,
the white smoke was from a coolant leak.

The coolant drips on hot metal
and... smoke, so...

I tightened the hose
'cause I couldn't find a leak.

As far as the other lights,
I tightened the battery cable

and checked your brake fluid.

The tire pressure light was probably
from the drastic change in the weather.

But why don't you hop in, and we'll see?

Noreen, bless you for putting
your nursing cap back on today.

I've been itching to for a while now.

I called Howie
to see if he and Naomi needed help,

and we came up with this plan.

Oh, give it a try.

[engine starts]

- All right!
- Yay!

[Dana Sue cheers]

[Howie exhales]

All the lights are gone,
except for the one that says low fuel.

- I know how to take care of that one.
- [Dana Sue laughs]

Thank you, Dana Sue.

[Noreen] Please teach me
how to take care of my car.

Please just tell me
it's younger than this Jeep. [laughs]

[upbeat music playing]

- If you give me one minute, I...
- [phone line beeping]

She hung up.

[phone ringing in the background]

Seems the South Carolina
Emergency Management Division

has history with Serenity.

We haven't had an emergency in years.

And yet Trent applied for FEMA money
for dubious reasons more than once.

They now consider us
the town that cried wolf.

Yeah, well, you're not Trent.

A distinction she failed to appreciate.

Mm. Call back later.
Maybe you'll get a more sympathetic ear.

Do I wanna see the size
of what else is on that list?

[Helen laughs]

We're making progress.

Now we just have to prioritize
what we can do today

and what can wait until tomorrow.

Good morning.

- [whimsical music playing]
- You look nice.

Why do you look nice?

In case reporters want a picture.

I'll be in the background,
but I still have to look good.

It's a reflection on the town if I don't.

I do not have time for reporters.

Says the former reporter.

[Helen laughs]

[whimsical music continues]

Oh no.

No.

Do I look like I want to meet the press?

[cell phone chimes]

Thank the Lord that Ty's in Kansas City.

There are no hurricanes there.

And he's free of the reach of the curse.

Halloween still lingering in your heart?

After the wedding,

Bill died, Ty left.

Now the hurricane.

You don't think
the marriage caused any of that?

Getting married on Halloween?

Uh, well, I'm gonna call Pastor June.

[both chuckle]

[Annie] Hey, Aunt Maddie, Miss Paula.

Did Aunt Helen tell you I was coming?

No. But... unless you're part of
my marketing assignment?

[Annie] Maybe. I was going to join
Kyle and everyone at the park,

but Aunt Helen asked me
to get video of you talking about

hurricane cleanup
for the town's social media.

Wh... The town has social media?

Early stages. But because
of the hurricane, we need something

honest, uplifting, and reassuring,
so "go see your Aunt Maddie."

Ah! You came to the right person.

Look at everything Maddie's collected
for the interfaith council.

Why don't you do it, Mama?

No. No.

I will interview you.

[chuckles, inhales]
What am I supposed to do?

Load up the car, stand up straight,

and just be yourself.

Okay.

- Action.
- [camera beeps]

Maddie Townsend,
you are a community leader.

I think of myself
as a committed stakeholder.

How would you evaluate
Serenity's response to the hurricane?

It's impressive. I'm proud and comforted.

The interfaith council has already set up
an emergency supply site at St. Cecilia's.

Drop off what you no longer need,
or go by and pick up what you do.

Oh, and did you know
that Sullivan's and Friends is open

and feeding anyone
who is in need of a meal?

And what is town hall doing to help?

Our new administration
puts the people of Serenity first.

They're working diligently.

Our mayor and her staff
will see us through.

[cheerful music playing]

[Paula] Oh!

[Paula, Maddie laughing]

Stop filming, Annie.

Aunt Helen said to get honest footage.

Isn't there such a thing as too honest?

- [bottles clanking]
- [Paula laughs]

[Maddie laughs]

Blow, winds, and crack your cheeks.

Rage, blow, you cataracts and hurricanes.

Spout till you have drenched...

[Willow chuckles]

That was for Annie, who got called
into the restaurant. She'd tell you,

"We just got rid of one storm.
Don't call for another."

That was awesome. What was it?

It's from King Lear. Shakespeare?

Oh! I don't know much theater.

Keep hanging out with Kyle,
you'll learn plenty of theater.

I quoted Tom Stoppard
the other day. Correctly.

I've always been interested.
It's just hard to make the time with 4-H.

What are the other 4-H kids up to today?

Most are at the co-op or the high school.

Phillip said he might meet up with us
after he helps out at his church.

You about ready for a bag, Kyle?

Oh, I got it.

Oh, that's okay, Dev. I offered.

No, really. I got it.

- Am I a bad person if I find him annoying?
- Kyle? Yeah.

[Sophie chuckles]

Dev's trying to fit in.
You remember how weird that was?

Please tell me I wasn't like this.

Like what?

Lately, I can't say anything to Kyle

without Dev inserting himself
into the conversation.

School, here, everywhere. I...

I feel bad mentioning it
because making friends is rough,

and Kyle has such a big heart.

Yeah. Big enough for all of us.

The way I'm looking at it is
we're a wolf pack.

A pop culture wolf pack.

Werewolves, maybe? We live together,
hunt together, protect each other.

We can afford to adopt
a yippy Jack Russell

- who means really well...
- [laughs] Yeah.

And just needs to join a pack.

I mean, Carter fit in so seamlessly
because he has all the same interests.

He's so laid-back.

- Do you think Dev will even out?
- Totally.

And we promise to tell you
the minute you're becoming a bad person.

[Willow, Lily chuckle]

[cheerful music playing]

[all laugh]

[cheerful music fades]

- [Helen] Oh!
- [Annie] Oh!

[both chuckling]

[Helen] Thank you, dear heart.

But I was gonna come
pick up my lunch myself

so I could tell you in person

how much I appreciated
that interview you did with Aunt Maddie.

My pleasure, and I'd be happy to do more
if we ever catch up at the restaurant.

Lots of people
needing culinary comfort, huh?

[Annie] So many.

If we were serving patience,
I'd give them all an extra side of that.

On the house.

I profoundly appreciate
you saving me from that chaos.

Thanks.

[gentle music playing]

[sirens wailing]

[Grace] Helen!

[Helen] Oh, Grace.

Neville. I am so sorry
about the restaurant.

I tried to call,
but I couldn't get through.

- [Neville] Yeah.
- How bad is the damage?

- It's catastrophic.
- [Helen] Oh Lord.

The house didn't fare much better either.

But we are fine.

This is true.

- Thank the Lord.
- [Helen] Mmm.

It's just...

Well, this is the first time

Wharton's has been closed for anything
except a holiday or a festival.

Anything that the town can do to help?

Well, we're here to get some barrels
from the sanitation department

so we can start bailing water.

No, no. Allow me.

I'll call Chief Holbrook
and have the fire department there

at the earliest opportunity.

[bells tolling out of tune]

[Neville, Helen chuckling]

Trent said for years
that those bells were broken.

I always suspected he just
didn't like sitting underneath them.

Probably reminded him
of the sound of his conscience.

Assuming he had one. Oh.

Well, I'm delighted
the hurricane woke the bells back up.

Let's return to what the hurricane
did to you. Where are you staying?

Well, we'll be staying out at Castlewood
until this is all sorted out.

No, you will not.

You will stay with me
for as long as you need.

[cheerful music playing]

Are you sure?

Absolutely.

[Helen chuckling]

- See ya.
- See ya.

[sighs]

[cheerful music intensifies]

If anyone's setting up meal trains, June,
I'd be happy to cook.

Just let me know.

- [door knocking]
- [phone locks]

[lawnmower mowing in the background]

Hello, Sherman.

Ms. Sullivan,
I'm sorry to stop by unannounced,

but I... need the Foundation's help.

Oh, please. Call me Dana Sue.
Come in. Come in.

- Thank you.
- [Dana Sue chuckles]

- [door closes]
- You lost power?

[Dana Sue] We did. How'd you fare?

My house flooded.
Most everything was ruined.

- Oh, do you need a place to stay?
- No, thank you.

We're at my brother-in-law's
over in Rosedale.

What'd the insurance company say?

That they canceled my policy
two months ago.

What?

They declared
the house was in a floodplain,

which made it uninsurable.

They can't nullify your agreement
without notifying you.

They told me they sent a letter,
but I swear I never got it.

[sighs]

[Sherman] And now...

[melancholy music playing]

You know, when my grandparents
bought the house, they...

[inhales, exhales] ...they were so proud.

They loved this town
that welcomed them so wholeheartedly.

They just wanted our family to always
have a place in Serenity for generations.

Both my kids are away at college.

What will they come home to?

Sherman,

we're going to Sullivan's and Friends,
have some lunch,

and sort out
how the Foundation can help you.

But before we do, call your kids.

Tell them we're gonna find an answer.

[melancholy music fades]

[upbeat music playing]

Cal, are the pork chops ready?
Ms. Cantrell's getting antsy.

Pork chops get parsley,
two baked apple rings...

No, uh, three radish roses.

Tell me. Don't do it for me.
I'm still learning.

Hey, we've been open less than 24 hours
under highly unusual circumstances.

We're all learning.

People need to know
what they can expect from us.

And they're getting it.
Good food, comfort, community.

[Kyle] Looks like this place is a hit.

We are making a terrible first impression.

Hey, you think there are important
restaurant critics out there doing reviews

the day after a hurricane?

Aren't we open today
just to make people feel better?

- Fifteen burgers, please.
- And fries, too, if you have 'em.

I know
you two have been working hard today,

but now is not the time
for a burger-eating contest.

It's not just us. It's for everyone
who came to clean up the park.

- Mm-hmm. A bunch of our fans came to help.
- Congratulations.

- Anyone want cheese?
- We still have...

Like, twelve.

Let's push
a couple of these tables together.

- We're gonna need a bigger crew.
- Are you gonna go tell her that?

No. Thought I'd discuss it
with my partner.

Your partner says give me a second.
I'll catch up.

[tense music playing]

[inhales, exhales]

[phone unlocks]

[door closes]

[romantic music playing]

[Helen panting]

[romantic music intensifies]

[both laugh]

[soft chuckle]

[Helen chuckles]

[romantic music fades]

[Maddie] Helen?

H...

- [Maddie sighs]
- Can I help you?

[Maddie] Oh, I, uh...

Actually, I was just at the library.

Have you seen the damage
Maxine did to the building?

Pipes burst, and water damaged
half of the fiction section.

No one has spoken to Beatriz,
so she assumes you're closing the library.

Is she right?

The team updated me
on the status of the library

at seven this morning.

I haven't called Beatriz yet
because, unfortunately,

we have even more pressing problems.

I know the library
was teetering on the edge.

And that was just staffing cost.
Now there's major facility damage.

Mayor Martin.

Without a library, we look like a town

that doesn't care about
education, culture, learning.

That's not who we are.

Who we are, Maddie, is a small town
with huge problems and no money.

A small town recovering
from the lies and greed

of a handful of people
we thought we could trust.

Hurricane Maxine damaged the hospital,
the elementary school, and the library.

We have to prioritize and do the most
with what little we have

and as quickly as possible.

I want to save everything for everyone,

but it's never that simple.

I know.

I'm sorry. [hesitates]

So much seems out of control. I just...

I wanna tell someone
everything's gonna be okay and mean it.

I heard that's exactly
what you told Annie.

Thank you for that.

Thank you.

For everything you're doing.

[hopeful music playing]

[hopeful music fades]

New recruits ready for inspection,
Chef Erik.

And we are willing to work wherever
you need help most. We'll even scrub pots.

Oh, those can sit a bit.

Thank you again for coming to us
when you have so much on your minds today.

- You would do the same for us.
- Indeed.

And that smile of yours
sure is lifting my heart.

What's your secret?

Oh, the storm took its toll,
but the sun is shining.

I wanna lean into that.
Help us all get warm again.

Neville, if you could relieve Bailey
and oversee the chili...

Yep.

- Bailey.
- Mr. Wharton.

- [Erik] Bailey, you relieve Cal on prep.
- Yes, Chef.

Not necessary.

I have another task for you,
front of house.

Grace, if you could box up
the takeout orders...

Absolutely, Chef.

[indistinct chatter in the background]

And, uh, so if you just sign...

[whimsical music playing]

Front of house.

Tell Blake I referred you
and to call me if he has any questions.

Cal, I...

- You need to eat, Mom.
- Oh. Well, thank you, sweetheart.

Dana Sue, what you are doing here
is really important.

I didn't know where to go
or what to do today

to be of the most help.

And then I was wishing
the Foundation had more money

so it could address everyone's needs.

And then I realized
the Foundation can help in other ways.

For instance, I was talking to Sherman
about doing a workshop

to teach people
how to do their insurance paperwork.

- [Cal gasps]
- [Dana Sue chuckles]

- That's wonderful.
- [Dana Sue chuckles] Yeah.

Yeah, and we all appreciate
the good you're doing.

[hesitates] Could you do it
somewhere else?

[upbeat music playing]

And after seeing you
on social media this morning,

I had to drive down from Charleston
to do a full interview.

We appreciate that, Valerie.

Uh, "we"?

Everybody who's working
to get things up and...

[tense music playing]

- Oh no. Um, excuse me.
- Okay.

Noreen? Ronnie? Howie? What's wrong?

[Howie, Ronnie laugh]

Some of us are out here
being professionals while others...

Maddie. Don't mean to alarm you.

[laughing] We were visiting
with Miss Eustace,

and she decided to tell Howie and Noreen
about the winter in middle school

when my Boy Scout troop
decorated town square. [laughs]

The bare-bottomed snow angels.

So it's true? I was sure
they were trying to pull one over on me.

- [laughing] No.
- Could you tell that story again?

Uh, no, Valerie, they cannot.

Because as important as it is
for your viewers to know

that the people of Serenity
are smiling the day after an epic storm,

- it's more important that they know...
- [bells tolling out of tune]

Excuse me. That they know...

[groans]

If you all will excuse me,
I got a meeting with a bell.

- [Maddie chuckles]
- [sirens wailing]

Valerie, meet Dr. Howie Young
and Nurse Noreen Fitzgibbons.

They're making house calls,

checking in on the most vulnerable members
of our community.

Hi, I'm Valerie Montell.
And here's my question.

- Doctors still make house calls?
- [chuckles]

We didn't used to.

But our visits today
made us aware this is something

our neighbors need and appreciate.

We're gonna find a way
to make this a regular service.

That's what people should know
about Serenity, Valerie.

We continue to grow.
Even in the hard times.

[cheerful music playing]

[cheerful music fades]

[exhales]

[thudding]

Are you auditioning
for Serenity Chainsaw m*ssacre?

[Paula laughs]

You hear that?

Hear what?

Exactly.

Cut up the tree that crashed
into the clock tower's control panel

so I could get in there
and make those dang bells shut up.

[chuckles] And they say
that a rung bell cannot be unrung,

but good for you for proving them wrong.

Just following my gut.

And my chainsaw.

And your heart, I hope.

Sure.

But most of the time, when I...
when I go that way... [scoffs]

I wind up bare bottom in the snow.

- So... maybe following my heart isn't smart.
- Oh.

Besides, it's selfish, isn't it?

Oh no, no. Not at all.

You had a goal to silence those bells.

And every one of us who's had a headache
'cause of those darn things benefitted.

I suppose.

More importantly,
when you follow your heart,

you're a happier person.

Which makes the people around you happier.

[cheerful music playing]

You're a good man.

Make yourself happy.

Make us all happy.

Let your passion sing.

[Paula chuckles]

Do it now.

Time's a... a precious gift.

Wasting it's a sin.

Miss Paula...

you're a genius.

[laughs]

Every town needs one.

[cheerful music intensifies]

[truck engine revving]

[cheerful music fades]

- [Annie] There's still so many customers.
- We'll just be a second.

I appreciate Coach
letting me work at the park.

I'm sorry you had to work
twice as hard because of it, but now,

we wanna take a group photo.

I don't have my camera.

You're here to be in it, not to take it.

But I didn't work at the park.

Well, it's a picture of everyone
who helped today, which you did.

Different mission, same goal.

[laughing] All right.

- How's that, Madam Photographer?
- [Annie laughs]

- Uh, squeeze in.
- [Kyle laughs]

And on the count of three, say "Serenity."

One, two, three.

- [all] Serenity!
- [camera shutter clicks]

Yeah!

[upbeat music playing]

[baking tray clanks]

- [baking tray clanks]
- [upbeat music fades]

Oh, I can finish that
if you need a moment to yourself.

[chuckles] I'm fine. I might've seen
every part of the county today.

Picking up donations,
dropping off care packages.

Giving stunning sound bites
on behalf of our town.

Yeah. Helen and I
are gonna talk about that.

But I would've liked
a little more time to prepare.

You were wonderful.

[Maddie] All I did was talk.

Do you realize what a gift it is
to speak sincerely and persuasively

and to touch people's hearts
in a short amount of time?

That's what made you so good at marketing.

Way back when.

[Paula] Well,
you also marketed our book... [laughs]

with no support from a publisher.

It's part of what makes
the book itself so charming.

You're telling a story
that you believe in.

[hopeful music playing]

[inhales] And especially in dark days,

people wanna hear good news.

They need stories
of... perseverance and hope.

Isn't that what you did today?

All of this used to be Ms. Frances' house.

Then we converted it into the spa.

- [reporter] Is there a bed and breakfast?
- [Helen] No, no. No.

[reporter] Why not?

You don't expect people to come
way out here for a day spa, do you?

Uh, we created this space
for our community.

And that's economically sustainable?

Yes. Thank you. We're doing just fine.

Fascinating. But I suppose
you have to like quaint to live here.

[Helen laughs]

Uh, Maddie Townsend,
this is Stephanie Fletcher, and she...

A national correspondent
from Washington, D.C.,

and the host of Stephanie Says.

My executive producer saw your interviews
and insisted I hop on a plane today

to get the real story of this town.

Well, perhaps you can lead us in.

Today, Stephanie says,

"Pay attention to Serenity,
South Carolina."

I'm here with town spokeswoman
Maddie Townsend.

Maddie, Serenity's a small town
handling a big storm. What's your secret?

Well, is hard work a secret, Stephanie?

Serenity's been struggling for a bit,

and the hurricane
just strengthened everyone's resolve

to give of their time and talents
to help their neighbors.

The fact you find that quaint
says more about you than it does us.

- I didn't say that.
- You did.

And I'm a little disappointed in the media
coming here and acting surprised

that we actually take care of one another.

Please let your audience know
if they wanna know what it's like

to live in a place
where you know your neighbor,

where you support one another's dreams,

where you fight
for what's best for everyone,

come see us.

We'll even throw a party
at the Corner Spa to welcome you.

[whimsical music playing]

Uh, well, there you have it.

[whimsical music fades]

[door creaking]

[keys clatter]

[gentle music playing]

Honey?

I'm home.

[gentle music continues]

[refrigerator door opens]

[gentle music fades]

[sighs] I'm not sure
what is more worn out,

my mind or my body.

- It's my heart.
- [Dana Sue scoffs]

Is it terrible that I feel great?

It's certainly enviable.

I've been a little adrift
since I left the restaurant,

trying to figure out the best way
to move the Foundation forward.

But today, I... we, the Foundation,

helped people in new ways.

Unexpected ways.

I'm recharged.
I... I feel like I've made a difference.

You always make a difference.

Maybe I wanna make a different difference.

[inhales] So I am going to start

with teaching a workshop
on insurance paperwork.

- Oh.
- [Dana Sue laughs]

- That'll be standing room only.
- Right?

[Helen] Mm-hmm.

And speaking of making a difference,
here's to Kyle and Annie

and all the teens
who worked so ferociously all day long.

- I'm so proud of her.
- [Maddie chuckles]

But still not ready to let her go.

I can't imagine
something like this happening

while we're miles apart.

And where am I supposed to be
when it does?

With Annie or... or with Ronnie?

You three will figure it out together.

- [Maddie] Yeah.
- How did you manage?

Well, I called and checked on Ty,
made sure he was okay,

and then I put it out of my mind

so I could focus on, you know,
other things that needed my attention,

like the hurricane of reporters.

Ah, they all loved you. [chuckles]

- Especially Stephanie the snob.
- Oh.

You put her in her place so elegantly
she didn't even know that you'd done it.

It was awesome. Like you'd never stopped.

[Maddie] Mmm.

Marketing feels so far away,
like someone else's life.

Someone who made poor choices.

- Someone who raised beautiful children...
- [Helen] Hear, hear.

Who carved out a gorgeous path,

and found new love
despite daunting obstacles.

Now who's marketing?

[Dana Sue, Maddie laugh]

Still, I would have liked more
of a heads-up, Miss "Temporary Whatever."

- Mm-hmm.
- Yeah, sorry.

This morning,
I had other things on my mind.

- [Dana Sue] Hmm?
- The library? The hospital?

Mmm. Like, what I should fix
Chef Erik Whitley for breakfast

once he got out of my bed.

- [whimsical music playing]
- Helen Decatur.

[Maddie] What? Why didn't you tell us?

When did I have the time?

- The moment he left!
- [laughs]

[laughing] I couldn't.
I went straight from "breakfast" to work.

Oh. How spicy was breakfast?

Tabasco spicy?

Tabasco?

- Ghost pepper spicy.
- [Dana Sue laughs]

- [both] What happened?
- [Helen laughs]

Come here.

[Helen sighs, chuckles]

[Helen hums]

[inhales] Last night,
the rain fell so fiercely

that the ground trembled.

Roads flooded, and trees fell,
including the one that crashed down on me.

- Wait, what?
- What?

[mumbling]

- Okay. [clears throat]
- [suspenseful music playing]

I was driving, praying nonstop,
and determined to get to the two of you.

[gasps] I heard a dreadful crack
but couldn't stop fast enough.

[inhales] That tree crushed my hood,

terrified me, trapped me.

But what neither that tree
nor I expected was Chef Erik Whitley.

[gasps]

Oh, he appeared out of nowhere

like... like a vision, a dream, an angel.

Undeterred by the sight
of that 50-foot fallen oak.

Ooh! That strong,

mmm, strong man
single-handedly picked up that tree...

[intensely] ...and he flung it out
of the way like it was a toothpick.

Now, inside the car...

[inhales] ...I was trying
to push the door open,

and outside, Eric was pulling.

- Push and pull...
- [Dana Sue moans]

until our combined passion

persuaded heaven to smile upon us.

That door scrunched open,
and there... [gasps]

there was Erik Whitley, dripping wet.

[Maddie] Ooh.

Very,

- very...
- [Maddie, Dana Sue] Ooh.

[inhales]

- [singing] ♪ Very... ♪
- [Dana Sue] Oh.

Wet.

He pulled me out of that car
and took me in his arms and... [inhales]

- Ooh, Lord. Mmm.
- [Dana Sue moans]

And what?

I will not scandalize
the memory of our beloved Miss Frances

by telling you what transpired next.

[Dana Sue softly chuckles]

Carolina Reaper spicy.

Oh!

- [Maddie cheering]
- [Helen laughing]

Oh my gosh.
He's waiting for me at my house.

[spluttering] What...
what are you doing here?

[Dana Sue scoffs]

Hmm. There you go.

[Helen grunts]

[laughing] Does that make it
an official margarita night?

- Yes.
- Yes. Get out of here this minute.

[Helen] I love you. And I love you.

- [Dana Sue] I love you.
- [Helen grunts, laughs]

- [laughing]
- Oh my God.

[sighs]

That was so...
I need to take my jacket off.

Nasty girl.

[romantic music playing]

himself by moonlight,
which means that...

Good evening, Helen.

The Whartons lent much-needed help
at Sullivan's and Friends this afternoon.

When we finished,
they told me they were staying here,

so I offered to walk 'em home.

And I gotta tell you, I have not had
this much fun at work in ages.

- Hey.
- Oh.

[Erik, Helen laugh]

You know what I mean,
sweetheart. It's just...

Watching this guy work
is an absolute inspiration.

[Grace] We really appreciate
you letting us stay here.

Mmm. Nothing.

Right.

Um, thank you.

I'm sure we've all had a long day,
so we should head up to bed

so the fine chef here can go home,
and you can get some well-deserved sleep.

[clock ticking]

I knew it! [laughs]

You had a smile today, Erik,
that I have never seen before,

and now I know why!

[all laughing]

And your keeping this a secret
just made me lose a steep bet.

[laughing]

Why didn't you tell us?

Oh, well, it just happened last night.

All the more reason for us to vamoose.

Just give us ten minutes,
and we'll be out of your hair.

No, no. But...

We always meant to stay
at the DoubleTree in Castlewood.

I can't let you do that.

Stay at my house.

The storm didn't do much damage,
so it's yours as long as you need it.

[gentle music playing]

[Helen chuckles]

[Erik, Grace laughing]

[Helen laughing]

[Grace] Oh God.

Oh, I am so thrilled for the two of you.

[all laugh]

- Come on. Let's go.
- Okay.

[Helen laughing]

Welcome home.

[romantic music playing]

[romantic music fades]

Thank you for everything
you did today, sweetheart,

including looking after me
while I was at the restaurant.

You were so caring and generous at work.

- Well, everywhere.
- I had the best teacher.

[motorcycle approaching]

[whimsical music playing]

[motorcycle turns off]

Hey, girls.
What do you think of my new ride?

- Daddy!
- Ronnie!

[whimsical music ends]

[sighs]

- Welcome home, wife.
- [door closes]

What a day.

But all that matters
is that I get to come home to you.

Cal!

[Cal groans]

- Cal!
- [tense music playing]

Cal.

[tense music ends]

[closing theme music playing]

[closing theme music ends]