Original subtitles

♪ 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 ♪

Only three?

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.

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.

Mmm.

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.

I'm inclined to agree.

Mmm.

And your basketball group text?

Full of healthy complaints.

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

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

Mmm.

Allow me.

Mama taught us it was good Southern hospitality

to make breakfast when we had guests.

I'm a guest?

Well,

a VIP.

Ah.

- Ignore it. - Mmm.

Ignore it?

Mm-hmm.

All right.

Meet me back here after work.

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

All right.

Good morning, Madam Mayor.

Morning, Cal.

Mm-hmm.

Mmm. It's clear here.

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

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

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. - It's gonna be another long day.

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

Huh.

What a honeymoon.

Thanks.

He didn't sleep at all last night.

- What? - 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... ...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?

Yeah, right.

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

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

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...

Hurricane blew us into a different time zone.

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? - 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.

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...

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.

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

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.

Sorry, I had to take the scenic route.

Egret Falls, to Orlando, to Serenity.

I wondered how the roads to the east were.

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.

You made it through okay?

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.

Margaret was the calmest of the bunch.

Please let me know if you two need anything.

Okay. Thanks.

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?

Yeah.

And one hopes be better for it.

Indeed.

- Sorry, Chef. - Blame it on the hurricane.

Oh, word gets around fast.

Good news spreads, my friend.

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

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...

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.

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...

...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.

The storm is over,

the skies are clear,

and we're gonna make people happy.

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.

And I do love driving this Jeep.

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

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.

- All right! - Yay!

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

I know how to take care of that one.

Thank you, Dana Sue.

Please teach me how to take care of my car.

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

If you give me one minute, I...

She hung up.

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?

We're making progress.

Now we just have to prioritize what we can do today

and what can wait until tomorrow.

Good morning.

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.

Oh no.

No.

Do I look like I want to meet the press?

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.

Hey, Aunt Maddie, Miss Paula.

Did Aunt Helen tell you I was coming?

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

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.

What am I supposed to do?

Load up the car, stand up straight,

and just be yourself.

Okay.

Action.

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.

Oh!

Stop filming, Annie.

Aunt Helen said to get honest footage.

Isn't there such a thing as too honest?

Blow, winds, and crack your cheeks.

Rage, blow, you cataracts and hurricanes.

Spout till you have drenched...

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.

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... - 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.

- Oh! - Oh!

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?

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.

Helen!

Oh, Grace.

Neville. I am so sorry about the restaurant.

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

- Yeah. - How bad is the damage?

- It's catastrophic. - Oh Lord.

The house didn't fare much better either.

But we are fine.

This is true.

- Thank the Lord. - 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.

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.

Are you sure?

Absolutely.

- See ya. - See ya.

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

Just let me know.

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.

You lost power?

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.

And now...

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

...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.

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.

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.

Helen?

H...

Can I help you?

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.

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.

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.

- 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.

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

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.

- That's wonderful. - Yeah.

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

Could you do it somewhere else?

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...

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

Noreen? Ronnie? Howie? What's wrong?

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

Maddie. Don't mean to alarm you.

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.

The bare-bottomed snow angels.

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

- 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...

Excuse me. That they know...

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

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?

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.

Are you auditioning for Serenity Chainsaw Massacre?

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.

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...

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.

You're a good man.

Make yourself happy.

Make us all happy.

Let your passion sing.

Do it now.

Time's a... a precious gift.

Wasting it's a sin.

Miss Paula...

you're a genius.

Every town needs one.

- 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.

All right.

How's that, Madam Photographer?

Uh, squeeze in.

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

One, two, three.

Serenity!

Yeah!

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

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.

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.

Well, you also marketed our book...

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.

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.

- Is there a bed and breakfast? - No, no. No.

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.

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.

Uh, well, there you have it.

Honey?

I'm home.

I'm not sure what is more worn out,

my mind or my body.

It's my heart.

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.

So I am going to start

with teaching a workshop on insurance paperwork.

Oh.

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

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.

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.

- 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.

- 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.

Mmm.

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

Someone who made poor choices.

- Someone who raised beautiful children... - Hear, hear.

Who carved out a gorgeous path,

and found new love despite daunting obstacles.

Now who's marketing?

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.

- Hmm? - The library? The hospital?

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

once he got out of my bed.

Helen Decatur.

What? Why didn't you tell us?

When did I have the time?

The moment he left!

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

Oh. How spicy was breakfast?

Tabasco spicy?

Tabasco?

Ghost pepper spicy.

What happened?

Come here.

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?

Okay.

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

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

That tree crushed my hood,

terrified me, trapped me.

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

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...

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

Now, inside the car...

...I was trying to push the door open,

and outside, Eric was pulling.

Push and pull...

until our combined passion

persuaded heaven to smile upon us.

That door scrunched open, and there...

there was Erik Whitley, dripping wet.

Ooh.

Very,

- very... - Ooh.

- ♪ Very... ♪ - Oh.

Wet.

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

Ooh, Lord. Mmm.

And what?

I will not scandalize the memory of our beloved Miss Frances

by telling you what transpired next.

Carolina Reaper spicy.

Oh!

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

What... what are you doing here?

Hmm. There you go.

Does that make it an official margarita night?

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

I love you. And I love you.

I love you.

Oh my God.

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

Nasty girl.

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.

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

Watching this guy work is an absolute inspiration.

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.

I knew it!

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

and now I know why!

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

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.

Oh God.

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

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

Welcome home.

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.

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

- Daddy! - Ronnie!

Welcome home, wife.

What a day.

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

Cal!

Cal!

Cal.