Original subtitles

[gentle music]

[bright music]

[upbeat music]

[Client] Perfect.

Good. I'm so glad you like it.

I stayed very close to the style that we discussed.

Here is the kitchen, the dining room,

the two kids' bedrooms, the master bedroom.

The kids are gonna love it.

[Margaret] I hope so.

It's exactly what we wanted.

And finally, my favorite part, the music room.

You thought of everything.

Well, they're your ideas.

I just brought them all together.

When can we break ground?

Soon.

I'll start calling contractors

and setting up meetings right away.

[door squeaking]

And I'll let you know

what kind of timeline we're looking at.

Would you mind sending us the designs,

so we can show the boys?

Yes, of course.

- Thank you. - Mm-hmm.

[gentle music]

[people chattering]

Yeah, I look forward

to going over the details very soon, Mr. Liu.

Uh-huh, yeah, of course.

Now, if you'll excuse me, Mr. Liu,

I'm about to step into a meeting

with a very charming architect.

Zaijian.

Sorry. I hope you weren't waiting long.

No, no, I was, I was late too.

Guess what? The Martins accepted my bid.

That's great. Congratulations.

[Margaret] Thank you.

Excuse me? Can we get a bottle of champagne?

[Waitress] Of course.

Champagne?

You are not the only one with good news.

You know how we've been trying to break

into the Asian market.

Uh-huh.

Well, the biggest venture capitalist

in China has agreed to meet with us.

That's great.

That's not all.

I'm leaving tomorrow, and I want you to come with me.

[Margaret] Tomorrow?

10 days in China, my treat, and when I'm done with work,

we can see the Great Wall, Forbidden City.

We can do whatever you want.

I can't.

I know it's short notice,

but there's never gonna be a perfect time.

You have to make it.

Nathan, I appreciate the offer,

but I can't just drop everything to follow you.

You wouldn't be following me.

We'd be spending time together.

I always hate leaving you here in Little Rock.

But it's a work trip, your work.

My work is here.

I think we're good together, don't you?

You're always traveling.

You're not even here half the time.

That's why this trip would be a perfect opportunity

for us to spend more time together.

Okay, and then what about after the trip?

What's changed?

Because someday, I want a family,

and I want somebody who's gonna be there.

So you're thinking that far ahead?

Your trip sounds fantastic.

Then come. For once, do something spontaneous.

I can't.

[gentle music] [cork popping]

[Assistant] How was dinner last night?

[Margaret] He was late.

Like caught-in-traffic late?

[Margaret] Like half-a-loaf-of-bread late.

I hate that.

You don't know whether to order an appetizer

or stare at the menu.

They came this morning.

[gentle music]

[Nathan] Sorry, I shouldn't have thrown the China trip

on you last minute.

I didn't consider your commitments.

I just want you to know that, no matter where I'm traveling,

my heart is always with you.

He asked me to go to China with him today.

I already read it.

Why are you not on that plane right now? I'd go.

Because I have a job, and so do you.

I know.

[phone ringing]

Speaking of which, we have a million things to do today,

so we better get started.

This is Margaret.

Hello, Margaret? This is Ted Banks.

I'm the attorney

that's handling Susan and Hank DeVille's estate.

Their estate?

Yes. I assumed you've already been notified

of Susan and Hank's passing.

Um, no, no, I haven't.

Well, I'm sorry to be the one to deliver the news,

but they were in a car accident a few days ago.

What about their kids?

They're fine. They're fine.

They were at home with a babysitter.

Their grandmother is here from Florida,

and she's with them now.

I can't believe it.

Well, the reason for my call, Margaret,

is that your name is mentioned in Susan and Hank's will.

[gentle music]

I haven't spoken to Susan in so long.

I'd like to discuss the details with you in person

if that's possible.

- [Margaret] Of course. - I can be there tomorrow.

[gentle music]

[phone ringing]

[Nathan] You've reached the voicemail of Nathan Jeffries.

I am out of the office.

[Margaret crying]

[gentle upbeat music]

[birds chirping]

You have to admit this is so much better

than stupid English class.

[both laughing]

Is that what you're gonna tell Mrs. Reed

when she finds out we skipped?

Stop worrying. Can't you just relax and enjoy the day?

I am, but what about your grades?

I thought we wanted to go to college together.

And we will. My grades are fine.

You got a D on the last test.

D for dang good.

[both laughing]

You know, maybe if you spent a little less time thinking

about Hank and a little more time on your homework-

- You're jealous.

I am not.

I just think there are better things to spend your time on.

I can't think of any.

[both laughing]

[car whirring] [gentle music]

[phone ringing]

Tamara?

Margaret.

Sorry, I was getting the kids out the door when you called.

[sighs] It's so good to hear from you.

I know, it's been too long. Guess where I'm at?

[Tamara] Give me a clue.

I'm here in Mountain View.

About Susan and Hank, huh?

It's awful, isn't it?

I didn't know, or I would have come back for the service.

[Tamara] It's been a while since you were home.

- Since my mom's funeral. - It's been five years.

Surprisingly enough, I'm in Susan and Hank's will.

- Really? - Yeah.

[Tamara] Huh, what'd they leave you?

I always admired this antique tea set.

It belonged to Grandma Margie,

and for some reason Susan got it.

Please don't tell me you're too busy to come see me.

No. I promise I will make time.

After everything that's happened,

it really made me pause and think.

We never know how much time we have,

and we need to focus on what's most important to us.

I miss you.

I miss you too.

I'll see you soon.

[gentle upbeat music]

[Ted] I appreciate you making it out here so quickly.

Thank you.

I'm sure you probably already know what this is about.

Actually, no. I haven't spoken to Susan and Hank in years.

This could be a bit of a surprise then.

According to Hank and Susan's will,

in the event of their death,

custody of their two children transfers to you.

I'm sorry?

[Ted] You are Joel and Samantha's legal guardian

until they turn 18.

[scoffs] I don't think so.

There's got to be some confusion.

No one would leave me their kids.

I'm not ready for that.

I've got a lot of responsibilities.

I just got this big job, and we're breaking ground soon.

I can't.

Margaret, just take a breath.

Everything's gonna be all right.

I know this is a shock, but let's just talk through it.

It just doesn't make sense.

It might not make much sense to you now,

but I feel confident that there must be a good reason

that Susan and Hank chose you.

Thank you.

[Ted] Sammie and Joel aren't all that my clients left you.

Are there more children?

No, there's just two.

But on the condition that you accept custody,

you'll also inherit their home here in Mountain View.

On the condition. So there's an alternate?

Yes. I always suggest that my clients have a backup.

It's not that I'm not deeply flattered they chose me.

It's just a little heads-up would have been nice,

you know, a note, a text saying,

"Hey, you're in the will, you get the kids."

I'm sure they meant to tell you.

None of us really plan on dying,

but now the best we can do is just to try

to honor their wishes.

Hank and Susan want their children

to be brought up in their family home.

Grandma and Grandpa's house.

They've updated it.

You may not recognize it.

You'll also receive access to a savings account

that was set aside for their retirement,

and both of the kids have a college fund.

I had no idea they had this kind of money.

Hank had made some really good investments

in the stock market.

Clearly.

I know this is a lot, Miss Garvey.

[gentle music]

We'll always be best friends, right?

We're cousins. We don't have to be friends.

You know what I mean.

[both laughing]

Yes, I will go to your house

and throw away your diary if anything happens to you.

Me too.

You know I would do anything for you, right?

Pinky swear?

Forever.

Good, because we're almost out of popcorn,

and it's your turn to pop.

[Margaret groans] [Susan laughs]

Why don't you go over to the house to spend some time

with Samantha and Joel?

They don't know anything about you yet.

Bertha is over there with them right now

taking care of them,

but she'll be heading back to Florida as soon as you arrive.

Thank you.

- Hi! - Margaret!

You made it.

[Margaret] Oh, I missed you.

[Tamara] I missed you too.

Don't judge.

Okay, come on.

I have some tea out.

So I just came from the attorney's office.

They left me their kids.

Their kids?

I didn't see that one coming.

Oh, me either.

And I want to do right by Susan,

but what about my life?

Well, what happens to their kids if you don't stay?

Hank has a brother that's a Navy SEAL.

He's away on assignment right now,

so they can't get a hold of him,

but he's their second choice.

Well, he sounds like a good choice too.

What's it like, being a mom?

Well, [laughs] before school this morning,

Lydia fell off the front porch

and Jason went running down the hall with his pants down

because he's afraid of the big-boy toilet.

[both laughing]

You know, all the sleepless nights,

the hair-pulling, the screaming and yelling,

it's all worth it.

[gentle music]

I wouldn't trade them for the world.

I could do it for a month, right?

Sure.

[Margaret sighs]

Here's to parenthood.

[gentle upbeat music]

[Andrew] Hey, hey! Not in the face, not in the face.

[doorbell ringing]

Whoa, too slow. I'll give you a free shot.

Come on, free shot.

Hang on.

Margaret?

Andrew? What are you doing here?

[plastic bullet thudding] [Margaret gasping]

Whoa, whoa, whoa. At ease, soldiers.

[Margaret laughs]

Hi. [Throat clearing] Sorry.

Hi Joel, Sammie.

I'm your cousin Margaret.

Joel, you would have been five, and Sammie,

you would have been four, so maybe you don't remember me.

I see you stayed close to Hank and Susan.

Helping Bertha take care of Sammie and Joel here.

That's why I'm here.

Oh, ah, come on in.

Wow. They really changed the place, didn't they?

Yeah, hey, guys, I'm gonna take a break

and talk with Margaret for a minute.

Why don't you start your homework, huh?

Do we have to?

Then will we make cookies?

Yes, yes, you have to. And yes, we will.

[sighs] I had no idea you were in their will.

Neither did I.

I just assumed that Aunt Bertha would raise them.

Let's just say we're all getting older.

And they're good kids,

but I'd be lying if I said they were easy.

No, I know they're not easy. Kids are a lot of work.

[Andrew] You have children?

[Margaret] No.

Pets?

I have an assistant.

Oh, you should be good then.

Do you have children?

[Andrew] No.

Then what makes you an expert?

I have a master's in child psychology,

and I'm a counselor at the elementary school.

I'm listening.

Look, I've spent a lot of time with these two.

They're good kids,

but they've been through a lot this last week.

Despite everything, it's good to see you again.

You too.

Andrew, kids, come help with the groceries.

[sighs] Thank you. - Of course.

Hey, whose car is out there blocking my spot?

I couldn't pull in the garage.

Nice to see you, Aunt Bertha.

What are you doing here?

I came to visit Joel and Sammie.

Mind putting this in the fridge? I'm just worn out.

[groaning]

Bet the kids didn't even know who you were.

No, but I would like to get to know them better.

I'll be taking over here,

at least until Hank's brother gets back from the Navy.

You're taking over?

Bet you want to try them on and see how they fit first?

I'm just trying to look at the situation realistically.

The situation.

Are you here for the kids or just for the house?

I knew nothing about this arrangement.

Nobody even bothered to call me.

Why didn't you want me at the funeral?

We hadn't seen you in so long,

I guess it just slipped my mind.

Susan and I were like sisters. You knew that.

I guess I should have called.

[gentle music]

I can only imagine how hard this has been on you.

You have no idea. Joel and Sammie are all I have left.

I don't know why Hank and Susan chose me,

but they did, and I'm gonna do my best.

Those kids meant everything to Susan.

She made taking care of them look effortless,

which it's not.

I've been warned.

Yeah, well, being a mom is all Susan ever wanted to do.

Why didn't you want kids?

It's not that I didn't want them.

I just haven't found anybody I wanted to have them with.

Yeah, well, you should have held onto that one.

[Sammie] Bye, Grandma Bertha.

- Bye. - Bye.

My flight's in the morning,

but I'm gonna go over and stay at Helen's tonight.

I left my number on the fridge.

Call me when you've had enough.

[gentle music]

[door thuds]

Okay, fridge is stocked.

You have the house key.

My phone number is on the kitchen table.

And if I don't answer, Bertha's number is on the fridge.

You're making me feel like a babysitter. We'll be fine.

Right, guys?

Look, I haven't left their side since the accident.

I'd be happy to pick them up after school,

make dinner, anything.

I appreciate the offer,

but this is something I need to do on my own.

Famous last words.

And on that note, Joel, Sammie, I gotta go.

Come here. Come on.

Yeah.

Don't leave us with her.

Hey, we knew this play date couldn't last forever,

but I'll see you both at school.

Sammie, your mom and I were best friends,

and I'm so excited to get to know you and Joel.

You're in good hands. I think.

[Margaret laughs]

Okay, so who wants pizza?

Cheese.

Pepperoni.

Definitely cheese.

Got it. Let's go.

[upbeat music]

So what time does school start?

8:00, and the bus comes at 7:30.

Okay, so breakfast at 7:00 sharp.

You guys are done with your homework,

you can watch a little TV.

Mommy usually gets us up at 6:30.

Well, I don't need that much time to get ready. Do you?

Plus, after the day that I've had,

I could use the extra 30 minutes of sleep.

You're the grown-up.

Cool. Breakfast at 7:00 sharp.

[gentle music]

[phone beeps]

[Margaret sighs]

[birds chirping]

Good morning.

Why aren't you guys dressed?

We eat in our pajamas.

Okay. Well, I guess there's time for that.

What do you guys want for breakfast?

I can scramble some eggs.

We eat Cheerios for breakfast.

Cheerios. Even better.

Looks like your grandma forgot to buy those,

so how about Raisin Bran?

Joel hates raisins.

I can pick the raisins out.

There's oatmeal up there.

Oatmeal takes too long.

You have to microwave it for two minutes,

and the microwave can only hold one bowl at a time.

And that means we're gonna be late for the bus.

Is he okay?

He won't be if you don't make us some oatmeal.

And don't forget lunch.

Lunch? Aren't we still on breakfast?

Mom always made our lunch.

Okay. Just go find my purse,

and you can eat lunch at the cafeteria today.

I don't eat cafeteria food.

Of course you don't. All right.

How about this?

I can't eat cold pizza. That's gross.

I had cold pizza for breakfast my entire freshman year.

Ugh, I need my mom.

[dramatic music]

Joel, wait.

Now we're going to be late.

Joel, wait.

[microwave beeps]

I have your oatmeal.

[door thuds]

[knuckles rapping]

Come out and eat your breakfast, Joel.

If you come now, we can still make the bus.

Joel, I know you miss your mom and dad,

and I am really sorry that I messed up, but if you come out,

I promise everything is gonna be okay.

[Joel] I'm never coming out.

Andrew could calm him down.

Well, he couldn't do any worse.

[phone ringing]

[Andrew] Hello?

Hi, Andrew. It's Margaret.

I just thought, if you happened to be coming by,

Joel would probably like a ride this morning.

[Andrew] Hmm. Thought you said you could handle it.

I was wrong.

[Andrew] I'm sorry, what was that?

I said I was wrong.

Was that so hard?

Yes, it was. How did you-

- I was already on my way.

Yeah.

Hey, Joel. It's Andrew.

Hey, how would you like a ride to school

with me this morning?

When we get there, we can listen to music

on the big speakers in my office, and you can pick the song.

Anything but country.

Sure. Now, how about you two go get ready, huh?

I haven't eaten breakfast yet. I can't eat cold pizza.

Well, we'll just have to stop

and get smoothies on the way,

and I can reheat your pizza in the teacher's lounge.

No big deal.

I want a smoothie.

Okay, Sammie, but only if you can get ready

in five minutes, starting now.

[Joel] Go.

How did you do that?

You'll get the hang of it.

Every day is a new adventure.

- I don't like adventures. - I like plans, blueprints.

Speaking of which, today I need to grab some work

from my office, and clothes and stuff.

Could you maybe-

- Watch the kids after school?

Please? If it's not too much trouble?

Not at all. I'd love to.

Thanks.

[Sammie] I'm ready.

Ooh, four minutes and 59 seconds, not bad.

Hold on, don't forget your lunch.

[Margaret] Have a good day.

Wait, say goodbye to your cousin.

Goodbye, Margaret.

Goodbye, Margaret.

- Mm-hmm. - I'll see you tonight.

Okay, let's go.

All right, hop on in there.

I almost forgot, love your slippers.

[gentle music]

If I could get a quote on the materials by tomorrow,

that would be great.

My clients want to break ground before we hit the holidays.

Uh-huh.

Okay. Thanks, Bob.

Here is your pumpkin spice and your chicken salad.

What would I do without you?

So if you're moving to Mountain View,

should I start looking for a new job?

No. No, nothing is changing.

I'm just gonna be working remotely.

That's all. You stay here and keep the doors open.

That's a relief. [Phone ringing]

I have worked too hard on this business just to let it go.

How's it going over there?

It was amazing.

I just got out of one of the best dinner meetings

I've ever had.

At least, I think it was.

The translator seemed kind of iffy.

Busy?

Ah, yes.

I've been thinking about you.

[Margaret] You have?

Mm-hmm. Thinking about me?

Uh, yeah.

Well, no, actually I haven't had a minute

to think about anything.

Busy at work. You should go get a massage or something.

It's not work.

After you left, I found out my cousin

and her husband died in a car accident.

I'm so sorry. That's awful.

They have two little kids, Joel and Sammie.

Gosh.

I'm staying at their house in Mountain View

for at least a month.

What?

I'm trying to pack up my office

so that I can work from there.

I don't remember you talking about Susan.

We were close when we were younger.

[gentle music]

I know how important family is.

So you're not freaked out?

I think what you're doing is admirable.

Thank you.

I'll let you go.

It sounds like you have your hands full.

I'll see you soon, okay?

Yeah, I'll see you soon.

[computer beeping]

[gentle music] [Margaret sighs]

[gentle upbeat music]

I like your place.

You get everything you need?

As much as I could pack in my car.

Where are they?

They're out back playing.

We just finished dinner.

You want some?

Oh, no, I'm okay. I grabbed something on the way.

[laughs] Ah, the good old days.

Were they as good as we remember?

We were so close. What happened?

Well, Susan and Hank got married.

Tamara and I haven't gone very far.

You're the only one that snuck away.

[throat clearing]

I got you these.

Some light reading?

Required reading, if you want to survive.

Got it.

Joel gets bullied, and Sammie's a little bit protective.

I just pulled her out of a fight a couple days ago.

Isn't that your territory, since it's at school?

Well, I can't follow him around all the time.

[Margaret] Neither can I.

I just thought you should be aware.

Maybe you want to try and talk to her about it.

[laughs] Have you forgotten this morning?

No, but hopefully they have.

Schedules are very important to Joel,

especially in the morning.

He hates being late.

Good to know.

Well, we should probably get going.

Yeah, I'll walk out there with you,

say goodbye to the kids.

[gentle music]

[door clicking]

[knuckles rapping] [door squeaking]

Oh, I didn't mean to scare you.

I just wanted to say good night.

Good night.

Okay.

[knuckles rapping]

Good night, Sammie.

You got a second?

I heard you got in a fight at school.

You want to talk about it?

No.

You know,

I lost my mom, too, so I know how you feel.

If you ever need to talk-

- You don't even know me.

But I'd like to, if you'll give me the chance.

Stop pretending to care.

If you and Mom were best friends,

why didn't she ever talk about you?

That's a valid point.

Sometimes when we get older, we lose touch.

We take different paths.

You'll understand when you're older.

Whatever.

[footsteps tapping]

[gentle guitar music]

[gasps] Joel, you scared me.

Joel?

[upbeat music]

Good morning.

I got up early.

Good for you.

I also got some stuff to make lunches.

[bus puttering]

Have a good day, guys.

[birds chirping]

[phone ringing]

Hey.

[Tamara] How you doing?

Not great. They don't want me here.

- Of course they don't. - They want their mom and dad.

It doesn't matter what I do.

They look at me like they're judging me, and I'm failing.

They are kids.

I don't know what they want,

and I don't know how to get them to talk to me

to tell me what's wrong.

Because they smell fear.

Remember, you're in charge.

Eventually, they'll trust that you know what you're doing.

I don't have that much time.

How about I give you a few pointers?

Well, I've got nothing to lose.

Great. I'm coming over.

[upbeat music]

First thing, and the most important to remember,

there's no perfect mom.

No one does everything right.

You'll mess up.

There will be crying, and it's normally not them.

Maybe I'm doing better than I thought.

Great. Well, let's get started.

You'll need healthy snacks the kids will eat,

yogurt, fruit, trail mix, apple chips.

Oh, and I've thrown in a few recipes for some easy dinners

since you're not exactly Rachael Ray.

And Thanksgiving is coming up.

So that is like the Super Bowl of cooking,

so you should shop early or you'll be behind.

So communication is huge.

You have to know how to talk to kids.

Don't expect them to come to you.

You have to ask them.

Ask about their day, school, their friends.

You know, you just want to be someone

that they want to talk to,

but don't try to be too cool or, you know.

One-on-one time is important.

That way, you can focus on what they want to do.

Be supportive. Praise their positive behavior.

Be available when they need you.

Your kids are your number one priority always.

And whatever you do,

don't forget to make sure to have fun with them.

Okay. Is that everything I need to know?

Not by a long shot. Cheers.

[phone buzzing]

Oh, I forgot.

What's wrong?

I was supposed to Skype with a client today,

and it completely slipped my mind.

Any chance you could watch the kids?

Sorry, Dave and I have date night tonight.

I'll text Andrew.

Oh, you're texting Andrew now.

He's the guidance counselor at the elementary school.

The kids love him.

What about you?

I told you, I am seeing someone.

Hm. [Phone beeping]

You know, I always thought you two would end up together.

Didn't you?

Maybe, but then we went off to college

and went our separate ways.

Well, he's still single.

[laughs] Thanks for the pointers.

I'm just saying.

[upbeat music]

[Margaret] You guys look like you're having fun.

You want to stick around for another set?

Yeah, if the kids want to stay, we can.

- Yeah. - Yeah.

[Margaret] Where did you get that ice cream?

The shop over there.

[microphone whining]

Anybody out there up for filling in tonight?

We just found out we got an extra slot up here.

She can play.

[Andrew] Hey, Joel, it's not nice to put Margaret

on the spot like that.

No, he's right. I can.

Margaret, you don't have to.

I want to.

But you owe me. Got it?

[Margaret] I'll do it.

[audience applauding]

- Whoo! - Yeah, Margaret.

[Margaret] Thank you.

[Singer] First song is in G. Just follow our lead.

[upbeat music]

♪ And with the sunshine of your love ♪

♪ I can always find my way ♪

♪ And by the sunshine of your love ♪

♪ Night gives way to break of day ♪

♪ And through the sunshine of your love ♪

♪ Cloudy skies no longer gray ♪

♪ And the smile that warms my soul ♪

♪ Comes from the sunshine of your love ♪

♪ And the smile that warms my soul ♪

♪ Comes from the sunshine of your love ♪

[audience applauding] [audience cheering]

Wow. Impressive.

Thanks. Now can I get some of that ice cream?

[Andrew] Yeah, sure. Right this way.

Come on.

[gentle music]

[Joel] Where did you learn to play like that?

My grandma taught me, your great-grandma.

- Cool. - Cool.

Remember when you wanted to be a music teacher,

and we were gonna teach

at Mountain View Elementary together?

[Sammie] Were you boyfriend, girlfriend?

- Ah- - Who said that?

[Sammie] No one.

You're too smart for your own good, you know that?

For the lady?

I'm gonna go mint.

Mint.

[door squeaking] [knuckles rapping]

[Margaret] Good night, Joel.

Good night.

[knuckles rapping]

Good night, Sammie.

[Sammie] Good night, Margaret.

Sammie, I'm sorry about last night.

You were right.

We really don't know each other yet.

I just want you to know that if you need me, I'm here, okay?

Joel liked the way you played tonight.

[phone buzzing]

He doesn't like a lot of stuff.

Well, I'm glad he did.

The kids at school pick on him sometimes.

[Margaret] Well, that's too bad.

I try to help him.

Well, have you talked to a teacher, or Andrew?

Wouldn't help.

I know you want to protect Joel, but that's not your job.

Who's gonna do it then?

Why do you think they pick on Joel?

Because he's different.

Well, that's not so bad.

Being normal is overrated.

What does Joel like to do?

I know he likes to listen to music.

He likes to sing, too, when he's by himself.

He's pretty good.

Maybe he would like to audition for the school choir.

He'd never sing in public.

[laughs] Well, I didn't want to play

in front of everybody tonight, but I did.

And don't tell anybody, but it was really fun.

[Sammie giggles]

Will you help me get Joel to audition for the choir?

Why not?

Yeah.

Good night.

[gentle music]

I never said I wanted to sing.

But you love music.

When others are singing.

Well, I think you could be really good.

You owe me one, remember?

One voice lesson, that's all I ask.

You've got this.

Okay. Ready when you are, Joel.

Oh, right. Sorry.

All right, so we'll practice a few warm-up scales.

I'll play a note, and you sing it. Okay?

[guitar strums]

That's where you come in.

Would it help you if I sang with you?

Okay, ready?

♪ Ah ♪

[both laughing]

Oh, okay.

You think you can do better? All right.

[guitar strumming]

♪ Ah ♪

Yeah. No, that's good.

That's really good.

Okay, I'm gonna go one higher.

I'll play it first.

[guitar strumming]

♪ Ah ♪

♪ Ah ♪

♪ Ah ♪

♪ Ah ♪

Yeah. That's good.

You're really good.

Okay, so what do you think?

Same time tomorrow?

Okay.

[Sammie] How did it go?

Well, he wants to try again tomorrow.

You know, I was thinking, Joel's singing.

What do you like to do?

Do you like the piano, the drums, flute?

Are you gonna make me keep guessing?

I like sports.

Okay, let's do it.

There's basketball sign-ups.

I have a form you need to sign,

and I have to get a physical before Monday.

[laughs] Why are you just telling me this now?

Mom always did that stuff.

I know, but I'm gonna do it for you now, okay?

So anything you need, you just ask.

Let's get you signed up for basketball.

[whistle shrilling]

[Coach] Hustle, rebound. Let's go.

Get it down, girls.

She's a natural, right?

Right. She's really good.

[upbeat music]

Hey, do you want any orange juice?

[phone buzzing]

Konnichiwa. Oh, wait, that's, that's Japanese.

Ni hao.

Right. Ni hao.

[Nathan] How's everything going? You busy.

Yeah, busy doesn't even begin to describe it.

We extended our stay so we can meet some more investors,

but I'll be back by the end of the week.

You think you could get a babysitter,

spend the weekend together?

- Um, this weekend's not good. - Sammie has her first game.

I know you're like a soccer mom now,

but I think you deserve a little time off, don't you?

It's basketball.

[Nathan] What?

Sammie plays basketball.

It's important that I'm there.

I'm sure it is,

but don't forget you had a life before them.

Nathan, they need me.

[Nathan] Okay. How about I come visit you when I get back?

[pot bubbling]

Oh, I'll text you later. I gotta go.

See you soon.

Hey, guys.

Thanks for giving them a lift.

Trying out a new pasta recipe.

You want to stick around?

Ah, thanks for the offer, but, um.

But what?

I don't know, guys. Should I live life dangerously?

- Really? - Yeah.

- Yeah? - What?

I have to be pretty brave, huh? [Laughs]

- This way. - All right, let's go.

Yeah. All right.

Hey, be nice. Be nice.

It's a little hot.

I don't know, guys. What do you think?

Is it safe?

Of course it's safe. [Throat clearing]

Not bad.

This is good.

Yeah.

Why does everybody act surprised?

I can do things.

Mm, that is really good.

[gentle music]

[Sammie] Have any threes?

- Aw. - Ugh.

I win.

You are on a roll, Sammie girl.

I think it's past my bedtime. It's a school night.

Wait. Margaret should sing a song first.

It's a little late, Joel.

Just one? Please?

[sighs] One song. Then it's bedtime.

[Andrew] Okay.

[Margaret] What should I play?

Play the song from the other night,

the song you played after Sammie and I went to bed.

What song is that?

[laughs] An old song.

[Joel] Play it.

What's so special about it?

Andrew and I met in band class our sophomore year.

That's right.

I had a crush on her,

and I asked her to play guitar in a band I was starting.

The first time that we were supposed to practice,

I was the only one that showed up.

I figured out there was never going to be a band.

He just wanted to ask me out.

Well, it worked, didn't it? [Laughs]

So are you gonna sing the song or not?

[sighs] If I can remember it.

♪ I can't promise I found true love ♪

♪ But you found me like a morning dove ♪

♪ Your wild whisper came and woke me up ♪

♪ Wide awake your all that I dream of ♪

♪ So good morning I'm wide awake ♪

♪ Ready for today ♪

♪ Maybe we could stay just a little bit longer here ♪

♪ Wouldn't you like to see ♪

♪ Where this day could lead ♪

♪ We got no where to be we could stay a little longer here ♪

♪ A little longer ♪

♪ A little longer here ♪

♪ A little longer ♪

♪ We could stay a little longer here ♪

[Margaret laughing]

What?

You still remember all the lyrics.

[Andrew] Well, yeah. So do you.

Well.

Well, Joel, have you sufficiently humiliated me enough,

or is there anything else?

Where'd they go?

Ah, well, you know what, I should probably get going too.

Yeah, I'll walk you out. [Laughs]

Thanks.

I know I've said it a million times,

but really, I don't know what I would do without you.

You're doing great.

Joel and Sammie really seem to be warming up to you.

[Margaret] Think so?

I think I am too.

It's been fun getting to know you again.

I mean, in some ways you're different,

but in a lot of ways you're the same.

Is that a good thing?

Well, I think so.

[gentle music]

Well, um,

good night.

Good night.

[Andrew whistling]

[Andrew whistling]

[gentle music]

[engine puttering]

♪ Ah ♪

♪ Ah ♪

That was good.

Great warm-up, Joel.

Okay, let's take it from the top.

What's with you and Andrew?

Why? Why?

It's just last night you acted kind of weird.

[Sammie] That's because they like like each other.

[laughs] Yeah, of course we like each other.

We're old friends.

Special friends.

[children giggling]

Oh, really?

[upbeat music]

You guys are fast.

[Margaret yelping] [Margaret laughing]

Okay, okay, you win. I surrender.

Too bad.

[Margaret] [groans] Cheap shot.

[gentle music]

What are these?

[Joel] What's the matter?

They're letters to your grandma from my mom.

I'm so nervous.

I'm having flashbacks of when you used to play.

I made you nervous?

Not what I said.

[Andrew] That's what I heard.

[buzzer buzzing]

Yeah, Sammie!

[Margaret] Go, Sammie! [Screaming]

Woo!

Sorry. Got a little caught up. [Throat clearing]

Hey, I was thinking maybe we could have dinner sometime

without the kids, if you want, like a night off.

Maybe Tamara could watch them.

Oh.

- Sammie! - Did you see my basket?

Of course we saw it. It was awesome.

Who wants pizza?

Can you make your pasta instead?

Yes, I can.

All right, let's go.

[throat clearing]

Maybe.

[gentle music]

What did you mean when you said maybe to Andrew?

[Margaret] [huffs] Nothing.

You and Andrew should go on a date.

[Margaret] [laughs] You think so, huh?

I think you should get married.

Well, Joel, that's not exactly how it works.

Besides, I've already got a, Nathan?

How did you-

- Your assistant gave me your address.

[laughs] Of course she did.

Came back a little early, thought I could surprise you.

You did.

Those the kids?

[Margaret] Sorry, you just-

- I promise I won't be in the way.

I already rented a place on the river.

I just, I wanted to see you, that's all.

[gentle music]

[Margaret] Andrew.

Who's Andrew?

You forgot your purse.

Thanks.

I gotta go.

[engine puttering]

Who's that?

School counselor.

You know, this kind of thing happens,

but not in first class.

The baby cries the entire flight from Shanghai.

Luckily, I had my noise-canceling headphones.

Hey, the kids are getting kind of hungry.

Should I get them a snack?

It's bucatini. It's worth the wait.

Really, I mean, I don't mind.

I could've cooked.

No, you've been working hard. I want to treat you.

This is not a treat.

Margaret makes pasta in 10 minutes.

It's not from a box.

I got this recipe when I was in Firenze.

That's Florence in Italiano.

You cannot get more authentic than this.

We don't want authentic.

We want dinner. We're starving.

[gentle upbeat music]

Dinner is served.

To you, Margaret.

To Sammie's winning basket.

Yes, that too.

What do you think, Joel?

I don't like it.

I still like Margaret's.

This is the best bucatini you'll ever eat, I promise you.

Well, this is nice, isn't it?

It is.

Say good night to Nathan, guys.

- Good night. - Good night.

It takes them a while to warm up to new things.

You want to give me a tour of the town tomorrow?

Sure.

Night.

Good night.

[door thudding]

[upbeat music]

[birds chirping]

[Margaret] I didn't realize Thanksgiving

had so many decorations.

You don't have yours up yet?

Not yet.

So Nathan showed up for a surprise visit last night.

[Tamara] The boyfriend?

Mm-hmm.

And as he kissed me, Andrew pulled in the driveway.

I thought you and Andrew were just friends.

[Margaret] Well, we are.

Okay, so then what's the problem?

[sighs] Andrew asked me out at Sammie's basketball game.

And?

And I didn't exactly say no.

That could be awkward.

[Margaret] Yeah.

Yeah.

Andrew is amazing with Joel and Sammie.

Wait, are you looking for a new daddy for Joel and Sammie,

or do you actually have feelings for Andrew?

There's a lot about Andrew that I like,

but it's complicated.

What's that mean?

[phone ringing]

[sighs] It's Nathan. I should go.

Talk to Andrew.

It doesn't matter what happens between the two of you;

He's part of Sammie and Joel's life,

which makes him a part of your life.

Do I have to?

Yes.

Great.

[gentle upbeat music]

[Margaret sighs]

[engine revving]

[knuckles rapping]

Door's open.

Hey.

Kids miss the bus?

Not today.

Need me to take the kids after school?

No, I'm,

I'm here to see you

about last night.

It's no big deal.

Nathan showed up totally out of the blue.

I had no idea he was coming.

It's fine.

Andrew, it's not fine.

I should have told you about him.

I'm not sure why I didn't.

I guess I should've asked.

I have so much going on.

Big life changes.

I think it's best if we just stick to being friends

for right now,

you know, for the kids.

Yeah, makes sense.

Thank you for stopping by.

I don't want things to be weird between us.

No.

And it was silly of me to think

that things would go backwards, right?

Right.

Well, I'm supposed to give Nathan a tour of the town,

so I guess I better go.

Yeah.

You better go.

[gentle music]

So it turns out that Joel is a fantastic singer.

He was just nervous about performing in public.

Uh-huh.

So I've been giving him some voice lessons.

Wow.

And he tried for the school choir.

That's amazing, Ron.

I gotta go, Ron. We'll talk soon.

Did you hear anything that I just said?

Sorry, Ron just got off the phone

with Liu Capital in Shanghai.

We're looking at an eight-figure deal.

That's great.

You're not listening to a single word I say.

Sure, I am.

Jack made the school play, right?

Margaret, wait.

[phone ringing]

I thought you wanted to talk.

This is Margaret.

[Ted] Miss Garvey, this is Ted Banks.

Do you have a minute to talk?

Of course.

I just got off the phone with Ray,

Sammie and Joel's uncle.

Turns out that he won't be able to take the kids.

The Navy needs him a little longer.

Really?

[Ted] But I do have some good news.

Your Aunt Bertha is back in town.

I wasn't aware of that.

She wants to adopt Joel and Sammie,

and she's willing to move back here.

I bet she is.

But it's up to you.

I think the courts would be on your side

if you want to stay on as their legal guardian.

Can I get back to you with that?

[Ted] Take your time. Just call me when you're ready.

Thank you.

[gentle music] [birds chirping]

What was that about?

Joel and Sammie's uncle.

He's not gonna be able to take 'em.

You're not thinking about staying, are you?

At first, this was just about keeping a promise to Susan,

but now I care about Joel and Sammie

and what happens to them.

Yeah, you've done your duty.

It's time to let somebody else step in.

You've got your whole life ahead of you.

Think about your business.

You want to [sighs] give it up

to be a mom to somebody else's kids?

I don't think I could do that.

[sighs] It is really hard.

I mean, maybe, maybe they would be better with Bertha.

She is their grandma.

I need to talk to the kids, see what they want.

I think you're doing the right thing.

[gentle music]

I think it goes here.

I don't think so.

We went on a walk today.

Where'd you go?

Um, I showed him around Mountain View.

We walked out to the fishing bridge.

I love the fishing bridge.

The bridge wasn't the most exciting part, though.

[Sammie] What happened?

We-

- Margaret got a call-

- [Margaret] We saw a deer.

- A deer? - Mm-hmm.

We saw three deer on the school bus this morning.

[sighs] Why don't you tell them what else happened?

Seems as good a time as any.

Right.

Um, well...

Nathan, can I talk to you outside for a minute?

- Sure. - Okay.

We'll be right back, guys.

Should we wait for you?

No way. Joel's on a roll.

What was that?

When are you gonna tell them?

I bet they're gonna be excited

to hear about their grandma.

I said I was going to ask them what they want,

not tell them.

You agreed it's best for them if Bertha is their guardian.

You can be their cousin, just not their mom.

You need to tell them the truth.

Tell them their uncle isn't coming,

tell them their grandmother's taking over,

and you want to come back with me.

It's simple. It's Joel and Sammie, or it's me.

You're right.

It is simple.

It's them.

[gentle music]

[Joel] You sure about this, Sammie?

Margaret doesn't want us,

and I'm not living with Grandma Bertha.

We could just live with Andrew.

[Sammie] I don't think so, Joel.

Come on, we've got to go.

[door clicking]

[Margaret sighs]

Joel?

Sammie?

[gentle music]

There's nothing else I can do?

[Officer] No, ma'am.

The best thing you can do is stay at home

in case they come back.

All right.

[Officer] Don't worry. I doubt they've gone too far.

Thank you, officer.

[Margaret sighs]

Sammie and Joel are gone.

[Sammie] Are you okay?

[Joel] Just hungry.

We're almost there.

Where are my headphones?

Thank you for coming.

Hey, I called all the parents from the school.

We're gonna meet up and go look for them.

Tamara and Bertha can stay here with you, okay?

Wait, Andrew. This is my fault.

They overheard me and Nathan talking,

but they didn't understand.

He told me that I had to choose between him and them,

and I told him that he could leave.

When I came back in, they were gone.

Hey, hey, don't worry.

We're gonna find them. All right?

[gentle music]

You think Susan made the right choice now?

She'd be mortified if she knew

how irresponsible you've been with her children.

You're right.

I don't know what I'll do if anything happens to them.

[Margaret sobbing]

[gentle music]

When I was just a little bit older than you,

Susan and I got in a big argument

about one of your middle school dances.

You remember?

I told her she was too young to go.

She got mad and locked herself in her room,

wouldn't come out.

Didn't talk, didn't eat.

Well, I realized I'd made a mistake.

But you know how stubborn I can be.

[Margaret laughs]

When she finally opened the door,

I told her that I loved her and I was sorry,

and that I was wrong.

As a parent, all you can do is your best.

As much as I hate to admit it,

Susan was right to choose you.

They need someone who can keep up with them.

They still need you.

We all do.

[thunder rumbling]

[Man] Sammie!

Sammie!

[Man] Sammie!

[Man] Joel!

Joel!

[Woman] Sammie!

[Man] Sammie!

Sammie!

[somber music]

Mom told me that you took Grandma and Grandpa's house out

from underneath of her.

That wasn't the whole story, was it?

Raising you alone, your mom needed the money,

so she agreed to let me keep the house

and she would keep the trust.

And then she changed her mind.

I was no angel back then,

but I never cheated her, I promise.

Oh, if I could only go back.

[gentle music]

Where'd she go?

No idea.

[Margaret] I know where they went.

What? Where?

Sammie said this was the last place they went

when they were all together.

They loved it so much, they wanted to go back.

She remembered her mom's laughter

because it echoed in the cave.

[Tamara] Call Andrew.

I did. He's not answering.

Go. We'll stay here in case they come back.

Okay, thanks.

[gentle music]

[rain drumming] [thunder crashing]

It's all right.

God sent the lightning so it wouldn't be so dark.

It's too loud.

The lightning sounds like it's tearing the sky apart.

Come sit close to me.

Do you remember what Mom used to tell us

about the lightning and thunder when we were little?

No. What?

She said the thunder was the angels playing the drums.

Can the angels stop playing?

Can we go back home?

Just pretend we're camping tonight,

and when we wake up in the morning, everything will be okay.

- You promise? - I promise.

[thunder rumbling] [somber music]

It's so dark. I sent everyone home til morning.

Margaret thinks she knows where they are,

and she already left.

Why didn't she call?

She tried. She thinks they might be at the cave.

[dramatic music]

Sammie?

Joel?

Maybe the angels are singing my name.

[wolf howling] [Sammie gasping]

I don't think that was an angel.

I want to go home, Sammie. Please?

I don't want to live here.

[thunder cracking]

Sammie, Joel!

I'm sorry.

You heard that, right?

I don't know what I'm doing,

but I want to keep trying if you'll let me.

Just please be okay.

We have to go.

She said she was sorry.

She doesn't want us. She just feels sorry for us.

Right. Let's go.

Sammie, Joel, are you guys okay?

[Joel] We're fine.

Sammie, I'm not going anywhere,

and I am so sorry that I hurt you.

What can I do to prove to you that I love you?

[gentle music]

Come here.

Ah, looks like you didn't need my help after all.

You okay?

Yeah, let's go home.

Up next, Joel DeVille.

[gentle music]

♪ I've been traveling these country roads ♪

♪ For so long that I forgot about home ♪

♪ I've been away for so long ♪

♪ I'm not so sure where I belong now, no ♪

♪ The time has come like I knew it would ♪

♪ So I've decided that I should call this my home ♪

♪ I'm at home ♪

♪ Yeah home ♪

♪ I'm at home ♪

[audience applauding]

[Audience] Woo!

[gentle upbeat music]

How's it going over here, guys?

How does it look?

It looks very Thanksgiving-y to me.

That's not a word.

Sure, it is.

As of today, everything is very Thanksgiving-y.

Right, Bertha?

Smells like something's burning to me.

[Margaret] It looks perfect.

- I like this. - Yes.

- Yeah. - I love it.

[audience applauding] All right.

[Margaret] Who's hungry?

[audience applauding] Let's dig in.

Thanks.

It was a family tradition when your mom and I were younger

to go around the table and say what we're thankful for.

Sammie, do you want to go first?

I'm thankful you didn't burn the turkey.

[Margaret and Andrew laughing]

Um, I'm thankful for.

We'll come back to you, Joel.

I am thankful to be here with my family.

And I'm thankful for old friends.

Okay, my turn.

I'm thankful for Joel and Sammie.

You two are something that I didn't know that I needed,

and if you'll have me, I would like to adopt you.

I'd like us to be a family.

I thought we were a family.

I thought we were cousins.

You're right.

She's saying she wants to be our mom.

No, I can never take the place of your mom and dad,

but I will be here for you always.

You know what I'm thankful for?

Margaret.

[Sammie] Me too.

[Margaret sobs]

Thank you, for in the midst of our loss,

you gave us each other, amen.

Amen.

[upbeat music]

[Margaret sighs]

[Andrew] All right. Here you go, buddy.

[Margaret] Want some green beans?

[Andrew] Looks good.

What about you, Sammie, want some green beans or yams?

[Margaret] Add more marshmallows probably.

[Joel] I don't know. What is it?

[Andrew] Do you like the yams?

Actually.

- [Andrew] Marshmallows? - Yeah, I like marshmallows too.

[Margaret] Everything looks so good, you guys.

[Andrew] Oh my, I get all these marshmallows.

[Margaret] Thank you.

Because that's what Thanksgiving is about. Yum.

Then that means you're moving here for good.

[Margaret] For good sounds so-

- Permanent.

Yeah, I know.

What about work?

Well, there's another architect

that wants to share my office space,

so I can keep my place and my assistant.

I'll drive in and meet with clients once a week,

and then two or three days a week I'll work remotely.

I'll need some help, of course.

That's what friends are for.

Yeah, I suppose.

You missed a spot.

Do you remember why we broke up?

Not exactly.

I stopped coming home.

And I stopped calling.

We just stopped.

I should have called.

Now that I'm older and an expert in feelings,

I can tell you exactly why I did that.

I can't wait to hear this.

I was stupid,

and I wish I had the chance to do it over.

♪ I can't promise I found true love ♪

♪ But you found like a morning dove ♪

♪ Your wild whisper came and woke me up ♪

♪ Wide awake your all that I dream of ♪

♪ So good morning, I'm wide awake ♪

♪ Ready for today ♪

♪ Maybe we could stay just a little bit longer here ♪

♪ Wouldn't you like to see ♪

♪ Where this day could lead ♪

♪ We got no where to be ♪

♪ We could stay a little longer here ♪

♪ A little longer ♪

♪ A little longer here ♪

♪ A little longer ♪

♪ We could stay a little longer here ♪

♪ A little longer ♪

♪ A little longer here ♪

♪ A little longer ♪

♪ Stay a little longer here ♪

♪ Oh ♪

♪ Oh, oh, oh ♪

♪ We could stay a little longer here ♪

[gentle music]

[gentle music]