[♪]
[Elizabeth]: Jack and I had the most glorious honeymoon
on the way to Fort Clay.
We had picnics by Otsego Lake
and romantic dinners at quaint restaurants.
I cherished every moment.
I only left Jack a short time ago,
and I miss him already.
He'll be gone for two months,
but he's training Mounties, not fighting,
so I don't have the same concerns
as when he left for the Northern Territories.
Still...
I anxiously await the day he returns
and we'll be together again.
Here she comes!
Whoa!
[all chattering excitedly]
Here she is!
Welcome back!
Thank you, Lee. Thank you.
You're welcome.
Oh! We've missed you.
How was your honeymoon?
It couldn't have been better.
Ah! Who needs Chicago?
It was really just the two of us,
finding our way.
[Abigail]: Oh, it sounds so romantic.
Oh! How did everything go at school?
[deeply relieved sigh]: Ohh!
Welcome back.
Oh...
okay.
Uh, Mrs. Stanton?
May I have a word?
Of course, Mr. Jenkins.
Now, what did I miss?
The children missed you so much.
I missed them, too.
What is it?
Well, I wanted to inform you that,
with a little luck,
in a few days, the bank should be reopening.
Oh, well, we're not certain
that Mr. Gowen's investor is going to come through.
No, it's someone else I've lined up.
His name's Joshua Baxter.
Very wealthy.
Oh, well, that's wonderful news.
Is this for certain?
No, but we're in negotiations.
He's coming by later this afternoon.
He wants to meet you.
Absolutely. Please, bring him by my office.
Excellent.
[♪]
[crunching]
I wish my mom would pack me something to snack on
besides apples.
My mom says as soon as the bank opens again,
we won't have to make do anymore.
Good morning, everyone!
[students]: Good morning!
It's so nice to be back. I missed all of you.
I missed you, too, Miss Thatcher.
[gasps playfully]
I mean, "Mrs. Thornton."
[laughs] It's okay.
I know my new name might take a little while to get used to.
We all missed you.
Yeah. Mrs. Blakely yells a lot.
And why, I wonder, did Mrs. Blakely find it necessary
to raise her voice while I was away?
I was good.
[chuckles]
[apple crunches]
Robert! You know better than to eat during class time.
Please save that for recess.
I'll just throw it away.
You shouldn't waste food
when the Mercantile's shelves are practically empty.
But they still have candy.
Mr. Yost says candy is a luxury,
and you can't buy it on credit.
It's been a difficult time for everyone,
but, hopefully, the bank will be reopening soon,
and I heard that two different people
might invest money in it.
What do you mean, "invest"?
Well, that's a business term
that means putting money into something
to order to get more money back.
My mom says
the bank's in trouble because they did a bad job of that.
Do all businesses invest?
In one way or another.
Maybe we should learn how businesses work.
[students]: Yeah!
Hmm!
[♪]
Hey.
Hey, this isn't a flophouse.
I'm warning you.
Get up, or I'll lock you in here for good.
I said--
[gasps]
Never sneak up on a sleeping woman.
AJ Foster.
I wondered if I'd see you again.
What're you gonna do with that?
Take it.
I'm turning myself in.
[♪]
After a year on the run, you decide to turn yourself in?
Well, it's not easy being a fugitive,
always looking over your shoulder.
Why'd you come here?
You could've surrendered to any lawman.
Well, I suppose,
but you were the one who arrested me.
Call me loyal.
I'd call you a lot of things, but loyal isn't one of them.
[chuckles] Come on, Bill.
Thought you'd be happy to see me.
I'm always happy when a fugitive faces justice.
Is that the only reason you're glad I'm here?
The only.
Oh, come on! Don't be like that.
I tried to contact you.
It's true!
In fact... [sighs]
I was near Hope Valley once and I almost came to see you,
but I didn't know how you'd react.
[door bangs as keys jangle]
[sighing]
So this class project
is about showing my students how real businesses work.
There'd be at least one student assigned
to every participating business,
matched up by student interest,
and it's only for one day.
Sure!
I'll do it.
Well, I can't wait
to teach a clever child how to design high fashion.
And how it helps the town's economy, of course.
That's the spirit.
Uh, who else will participate?
Lee will.
I will?
[stammers]: I mean, yes.
Of course, I will.
I just-- I'm not so sure your kids are gonna
find what I do very interesting.
Nonsense!
You're the town's biggest employer.
You...
Lee Coulter,
are fascinating.
[Ned laughs]
[clears his throat and coughs]
Excuse me. You can count me in, of course.
Great. Thank you.
Carson?
Of course. Is there anything else we need to know?
Not really. Just go about
your average day and let the students watch what you do.
Please sign this if you're willing to participate.
-Yep. -Why don't you just sign me up?
-Mm-hmm. -Okay.
[door opens]
Hey.
I need a meal for a prisoner.
Oh, sure.
I'll pour you some soup.
Uh, what's the special today?
It's gonna be meatloaf,
but it won't be ready for a few hours.
Oh.
Is it for the prisoner?
Why?
Because you've never requested my special for a prisoner.
Just pour me the soup.
Who's been arrested?
AJ Foster.
Ah-hah.
What does that mean?
It means "ah-hah." [chuckling]
I'll pour you a little extra.
Just the normal amount is fine, thank you.
[pouring soup]
Whatever you're thinking, Abigail, it's just in your head.
Whatever you say.
Each one of these businesses has agreed
to let at least one of you
spend the day with them, to see how they operate.
Isn't that exciting?
[kids]: Yeah!
Now, who is interested in what?
Yes, Robert?
I want Dr. Shepherd!
Oh. Very good.
-"Robert." -[chalk scraping board]
Yes, Emily?
Could I go to the dress shop?
I want to become a designer when I grow up.
Then that's the place for you.
"Emily."
Now, Coulter Lumber
is one of the most important companies in the whole town.
Who is interested
in spending tomorrow with Mr. Coulter?
I am!
Great! Cody.
[chalk scratching board]
Yes, Opal?
I want the Mercantile!
Of course.
They have lots of candy there.
Yes, Hattie?
Ice cream shop, please.
Clever girl.
Oh! Should've said ice cream shop.
[♪]
The soup is delicious!
Yes, it is.
[newspaper rustles]
Come on, Bill.
I know you're mad at me, but why can't we just talk?
I'm not mad, and no.
This is just silly.
I mean, we're both eating lunch. Why can't we eat together?
Because you're on that side and I'm not.
Besides, what's there to talk about?
You know exactly what there is to talk about.
[♪]
Want to talk?
Talk.
What happened between us...
I arrested you, you escaped,
that's all there was.
Well, you...
you left out a part.
Big part.
We kissed.
I think you kissed me.
I think I recall that you enjoyed it.
Why can't you just admit it?
Bill, that kiss meant something to both of us.
What do you think it meant?
It meant that, if circumstances were different,
we could have been different.
Well, they're not, and we're not.
But it's not too late.
Why do you think I turned myself in?
I just want to put this behind me,
and... and start fresh.
I don't know about you, but I've had enough.
[sighing heavily]
I'm of the opinion that there is no better investment
than a small town
with real growth potential.
I'm happy to hear that.
I'm not one for false modesty, so I'll just lay it out.
I've got a fantastic track record
when it comes to picking which towns to invest in.
How do you choose?
It's not by looking into a crystal ball.
I look at a map and I ask myself,
"Can this town become the hub
for all the other towns around it?"
This town can definitely be that.
But it all comes down
to the people
and their desire for something more.
Well, you won't find
a better group of hard-working citizens
than here in Hope Valley.
Let me ask you this, Madame Mayor--
do you consider yourself pro-growth?
Oh, I fought to bring a railway depot here.
I certainly want my town to prosper.
If I become majority stakeholder in the bank,
I want to make sure
we're partners in promoting new businesses and growth.
Uh...
what kind of businesses and growth
are you talking about?
Well, whatever helps this town prosper.
[♪]
Uh, I can assure you
that we are all for growth and sound investments.
[♪]
All right. Now, remember to listen and observe,
but don't get in the way,
and I will be checking in on you.
Can we go now?
[Elizabeth]: Yes!
Yay!
[cheering continues]
Just got a wire saying I'm supposed to escort you
to Cape Fullerton day after tomorrow.
[AJ pacing loudly]
Would you stop that pacing? It's annoying!
I'm sorry.
I'm not used to being cooped up in a jail cell.
[door opens]
Good morning, Bill.
Morning.
Heading to my office. Thought I'd drop off breakfast.
Good morning, AJ.
Oh, good morning, Mrs. Stanton.
[Bill]: It's Mayor Stanton now.
Oh! Wow.
I've never had a mayor cook for me before.
Thank you, it's been delicious.
You're welcome.
You didn't have to do this.
Oh, it's no bother.
So how did the meeting
with the investor go yesterday?
[sighs] Well...
to be honest,
I don't have a good feeling.
Why's that?
[Abigail]: There's something about him I don't trust.
[Bill]: Really?
What's this guy's name?
Joshua Baxter.
Joshua Baxter?
You have ears like a bat.
A single woman needs to develop every one of her senses.
Especially when they're a fugitive.
[Abigail]: AJ, do you know this Joshua Baxter?
Well, I can't say for sure,
but his name kind of rings a bell.
Maybe if she saw him, it would jog her memory.
What? No! I'm not letting her out of my sight.
All you have to do is take a look at him,
then you might remember how you've heard that name.
Abigail, I don't think this is a good idea at all!
Do you have a better one?
Well, what's in it for me?
-How about you're lucky to-- -Bill.
What would it take for you to help us?
[door opens]
[Lee]: So? What do you think?
What do you do with all the lumber?
Well, we stack it,
we dry it, and bundle it.
How much do you sell it for?
Well, that depends
on what we sell and where we sell it.
And then, when it's ready,
we put it on a railcar,
and before you know it,
the customer gets their order.
Which reminds me.
Michael, are we on schedule
to get that order to Port Henderson?
It'll be on the train by 5:00.
Excellent.
I see you have a sidekick today.
Yes, Mrs. Thornton's class project.
Young Cody'll be learning the ropes with us today.
Isn't that right?
I want to be an important businessman one day.
Well, you're learning from the best.
All right, what do we got here?
Uh...
Actually, you know,
I was just about to order lunch.
Are you, uh, supposed
to be having lunch with your friends, or...?
Shouldn't I have lunch with you?
I mean, lunch is part of your day, right?
Yeah. Sometimes, it's the best part of my day.
All right, then. Let's do lunch!
[♪]
Well, between the two potential investors,
there's a good chance
one of them will come through.
I have my reservations
about who Mr. Jenkins brought in.
But we'll see about the other.
I know you want all this to be over, Abigail.
We all do,
but you are doing an amazing job
keeping the town calm.
Thank you.
[♪]
That looks like her now.
Wish me luck.
She has a chauffeur.
I'd say you're already in luck.
[chuckling]
Elizabeth, that Emily is such a doll.
-Isn't she? -Yes.
[Dottie continues indistinctly]
Mrs. Preston?
Oh, that's me, darling.
Abigail Stanton, Mayor of Hope Valley.
Well, hello.
What a quaint little place you have here.
Quaint, and so much more.
Is t... Is that Elizabeth Thatcher?
[Abigail]: Well, yes.
Actually, it's Elizabeth Thornton now.
Oh. Excuse me.
Elizabeth!
Excuse me.
I can't believe it!
Mrs. Preston!
Elizabeth!
I hear you're a married lady now.
I always knew you'd be quite the catch.
How do you two know each other?
From Hamilton.
My sisters and I grew up with your son, Duncan.
Mrs. Preston is a friend of the family.
Well, you're not a little girl anymore,
Elizabeth, call me Greta.
I see you've already made some acquaintances, Greta.
Well, yes. Now and old.
We were practically neighbors.
Oh, that's right.
You and Mrs. Thornton are both from Hamilton.
Elizabeth and my son went to the same school.
She would come over
and help him with his homework.
I paid her with cookies.
[all laughing]
Elizabeth is out teacher here.
Well, of course. Perfect.
[Henry]: Well, shall we, ladies?
Yes.
-We'll talk soon. -Yes.
I think luck is definitely on your side now.
[exhales deeply]
[laughs]
[chair squealing]
[squeal-thud]
[squealing]
I want to be a doctor when I grow up.
Good!
Well, study really hard.
When's something going to happen?
Oh, Mr. Lawson's coming by in a couple hours
to have some stitches removed.
Two hours?
Robert, we count it a good thing
when there's no medical emergencies in town.
Doctors make a lot of money, right?
[Carson]: Some do, yep. Some don't.
How much do you charge?
Well, that all depends on what I do,
and what they can pay.
Nobody gets turned away.
Sometimes, we don't charge anything at all.
You work for free?
Occasionally, yeah.
No wonder this town is broke.
Come along, young man.
You can help me fold towels.
What does folding towels
have to do with being a doctor?
You'd be surprised.
[♪]
Abigail and I have made arrangements
for you to meet with some of the merchants
after our meeting.
Good. I want to see every nook and cranny of Hope Valley.
I need to be convinced
that there's real growth potential here.
I think you will be.
Henry has already filled me in on the history
and statistics, and little secrets.
I wasn't aware that Hope Valley had any little secrets.
Oh, darling, every town has its little secrets.
Well, we believe in full disclosure here,
which is why I need to be...
honest with you.
Oh. Sounds ominous.
There's another investor in town
looking into funding the bank.
You didn't tell me this, Henry.
Because I wasn't aware at the time.
I hope you're not using me as a ploy
to entice this other investor.
I don't do things like that.
Because I am nobody's bargaining chip,
and I can I assure you
I will ride off into the sunset,
if I get even get a whiff of that.
You won't.
What's this other investor's name?
Joshua Baxter.
Never heard of him.
Does he know I'm here?
I don't think he does.
Well, tell him.
[clears her throat]
I want everything on the up and up.
And if I run into him,
I will definitely introduce myself.
I can let myself out. Good day, Mayor.
[door opens and shuts]
So where's this Baxter from?
I don't know.
He says he invests in towns all over the country.
Apparently, he's in the market for another one,
and we might fit the bill.
You seem, uh... wary of him.
Not wary as much as cautious.
Well, the goal here
is to have Hope Valley's bank be flush again,
so two investors gives us
two opportunities to do just that.
Let's hope.
To become an exceptional dress designer,
you need to have an eye for fashion,
which means,
you need to be able to blend color,
and fabric, and style
to make
one perfect outfit.
I can do that.
Wonderful!
Now, here...
is one item of clothing,
a white silk scarf...
to start you off.
Now, I want you to show me
how you would build an ensemble
based on this scarf...
while I hang some dresses on the back rack.
You can use anything in the shop.
Okay!
[♪]
I'm done!
Already? Okay. Let me see.
[gasps, breath catches] Oh...
...'kay.
[gasps dramatically]
[chuckles] So, the color scheme
really works...
sort of.
Pinstripe
and plaid...
We may need a small lesson
on patterns.
[theatrically]: Patterns!
Yes.
Oh... patterns.
Mm.
[exhales deeply] Ahh.
Ahh.
What do you usually do in the afternoon?
Mm.
Well, to be honest with you,
it's not very interesting.
Once I know
everything is running smoothly at the mill,
I, uh, I come back here and I do paperwork.
What's paperwork?
Well, I go over the ledgers,
and make sure everything checks out.
You know, credits, debits, that sort of thing.
Yeah. Yeah, you're right, it's pretty boring.
You know...
your, uh, your school hour is just about up.
You don't have to stick around here,
if you don't want to.
-I want to stay. -But don't you--
...and your friends usually play baseball after school?
I can do that anytime.
I want to learn about the... um...
The ledgers?
Right. The ledgers.
[laughs] Really?
You wanna learn about the ledgers.
Okay. Bring it on over here.
You know what?
It's really not all that complicated.
Think of it as...
credits, debits-- money in, money out.
Right? Money in-- good, we like that.
Money out-- bad, we don't like that.
So, here. You good at math?
Okay.
We haven't got all day!
[Dottie]: Just a moment!
You cannot rush beauty, Bill.
Come on out, AJ.
Well?
Well, I think--
this is fine.
[Dottie]: "Fine"?
She looks absolutely stunning!
Thanks to you.
So... what do you think?
Well...
[gruffly]: I think we should get going.
I don't know why I bother.
[Ned]: And people can move about the store
and choose the items that they need,
and then, when a customer is ready to pay,
I ring them up, using this register.
Any questions?
What are those?
Uh... those are pickled eggs.
They taste like pickles?
Yes. They're very tasty.
Would you like to try one?
Yes? All right.
Now, I pickle these myself...
and I am very proud of the recipe.
There you are.
Do you like it?
It's delicious!
It's good, isn't it?
Now remember, we wait in the saloon.
When Baxter comes in,
you take a good look at him
to see if you recognize him,
then we walk out. Got it?
-Got it. -You're sure?
Easy as pie!
[AJ]: Henry Gowen?
Miss Foster.
-Now is not the time, AJ. -I think now is the time.
Look at you. A free man.
Unbelievable.
I could say the same about you,
which does beg the question--
what is she doing out on the streets, Bill?
Oh, that's a charming question
coming from a man who conspired
with the people who tried to kill me.
I did my time,
which is something that you'll get a feel for
soon enough,
should our Sheriff decide to do his job.
This isn't your business, Henry.
It doesn't concern you.
You testified against me, Bill.
Now I see you're taking a stroll down the boardwalk
with my co-conspirator.
No, no, no. You and me are not the same.
Actions speak volumes, Miss Foster.
Keep a close eye on her, Bill.
Make sure she doesn't get away from you again.
[♪]
Ahh...
[door opens]
Doc?
[door shuts]
What happened, Jesse?
Ah, a board bucked
going through the saw at the mill.
Got a sliver I can't get rid of.
Let's take a look at it.
Oh! Finally.
Oh, do you mind if Robert stays in the room?
It's part of his class project.
Sure. Yeah.
Yeah.
Oh, yeah.
It's wedged in there pretty deep.
[Jesse]: Yep.
This... is what we use to sterilize the area,
so the wound doesn't get infected.
Could you grab me the forceps, please?
Forceps.
Okay. Tch.
This might hurt a little bit, Jesse.
Okay.
[sucks breath in]
[♪]
[woozily]: Uh...
Wait. Are you--
[Faith]: Oh!
Now, you must see our beautiful church.
It is so charming. It's just over there.
Getting to know Hope Valley?
Oh! Yes.
These ladies have been giving me the grand tour.
Where are you headed?
Oh, I'm just checking on some of my students.
Ah. Well, I'll walk with you.
Oh, we haven't shown you the railway depot yet!
It is brand-new.
I saw it on the way in.
Quaint.
Well, thank you very much for the tour.
Oh, our pleasure.
You have a lovely day.
And if there's anything else you need,
you know where to find us.
[chuckling]
Well, the people here are quite enthusiastic
about this town.
Because it truly is such a special place.
Did you meet some of the merchants yet?
I did. They are quite friendly.
I stopped by the saloon, as well.
It's a little rough around the edges,
but it serves its purpose,
and some delicious libations as well.
[both chuckling]
Well, I don't know much about investments,
but I do know people,
and you won't find any better than here in Hope Valley.
Mm.
Elizabeth...
Are you trying to turn our social visit
into a business one?
I just think it's important
that you to get to know the town.
Understood.
But my business day is done.
Let's talk about you.
Oh! Well...
[groans groggily]
[♪]
What happened?
You just got a little woozy.
Oh, right.
Here, drink this apple juice.
Does it have to be apple?
Drink. It's good for you.
I'm sorry.
Ah, happens to the best of us.
When I was in med school,
we'd take bets who would pass out first
during hospital rounds.
My first few weeks there, I was even odds.
[laughs]
-You? -Yeah.
When I was your age,
just the sight of blood would make me woozy.
And you still became a doctor?
Yeah, and so could you, if you really want it,
if you don't give up.
Thanks.
So, now...
you feeling better?
-Yeah. -Good.
That'll be $2.00.
What?
For my medical services.
Uh...
I don't have any money.
Oh. What do you think, Doctor?
Should we call the Sheriff? Have him arrested?
I think...
we should do this one free of charge.
Don't you think?
[relieved sigh]
Absolutely.
[adults chuckling]
Why did you let Gowen come back to Hope Valley?
I didn't have much say in the matter.
Doesn't sound like the Bill Avery I remember.
Seemed to me you were used to getting your own way.
Well, not this time.
Abigail believes people can change.
Mm. And you don't?
I suppose you're gonna tell me that you're a new person now.
Well, it sounds like, if I did, you wouldn't believe me.
You're probably right.
And you'd be wrong.
Maybe Baxter's out for the day.
Listen, all I want is a normal life again,
with good people, in a good town.
Then for your sake, I hope you find that.
There he is.
You recognize him?
Hmm.
I think I might need a closer look.
Hey, hey--
Hello.
You're new around here, aren't you?
Why, yes, I am.
I know everybody here in Hope Valley
and I don't recognize you.
Maybe we can remedy that.
No. I don't sit with a man who doesn't stand for a lady.
[Baxter]: Pardon me, ma'am.
May I?
Please.
Thank you.
[♪]
Oh, thank you.
I remember you always wanted to be a teacher
and a writer.
So far, I've only accomplished the one.
Well, don't give up.
I recall you were quite good.
Thanks.
It is quite something to see...
the woman that you've grown into.
Oh.
And I hear your wedding was quite the affair.
Oh, ho! So I guess Florence and Molly
did more than just show you the sights.
Oh, those two ladies can spin a tale.
Sorry.
Oh, no! It was quite entertaining.
I don't know what's more extraordinary,
the hero Mountie,
or your-- your father coming around.
[laughs]
I'd say, by the blushing bride,
it's the Mountie.
And you would be right.
But enough about me, how have you been?
Well, most of my time
is spent in business meetings
or on the road,
traveling to other business meetings.
How's Duncan?
I'm sure he's fine.
Well, that doesn't sound very convincing.
My son and I haven't spoken in a number of years.
I'm so sorry. I had no idea.
May I ask what happened?
It's not important.
Well, I better go.
I need to rest up, I have a big day tomorrow.
I hope I didn't say anything wrong.
No, darling.
I'm just feeling a little tired.
And I think it might be time
to have another gander around the saloon.
[♪]
Hello?
Hello!
[apprehensive gasp]
May I help you?
[laughs]
Opal...
Oh, maybe later.
[laughs]
[AJ laughing with Baxter]
[Baxter]: ...And then I fired him.
[AJ]: Oh!
Oh... well.
This has been delightful.
Allow me.
Mademoiselle...
[♪]
[chair thumps floor]
[♪]
Well?
Oh, I recognized him right when he walked in the door.
Why did you sit at his table?
I wanted to see the look on your face.
Tell me about Baxter.
[AJ]: A few months ago,
I passed through
this small Texas town called Caneridge,
and Baxter ran the bank.
Tell her what kind of town it is.
Well, there was lots of gambling and,
well, it's not a family town, if you know what I mean.
Nothing like Hope Valley.
Kind of place where the Sheriff and the Mayor
are happy to look the other way.
Were they being paid off?
Well, I can't say for sure,
but it looked like he controlled the whole town.
[exhales]
We need to more information on Mr. Baxter.
I have a friend that's a Texas Ranger.
I'm gonna wire him to make sure her story checks out.
[♪]
All right, everyone.
Today, we're going to discuss what we learned about business.
Emily?
I learned there are rules to being creative.
It's best that--
[as Rosemary]: ...you know them before you break them.
[laughs] Okay! Excellent point.
Yes, Opal?
I like eggs.
Wonderful, sweetheart.
Robert?
I learned that doctors don't always make a lot of money.
Sometimes, they don't charge
'cause it's the right thing to do.
Well, if you're lucky enough
to have a doctor like Carson Shepherd.
Has anyone seen Cody?
[footsteps]
Uh, everyone,
please open up your readers and start reading from page 10.
So, look who I found at the sawmill this morning.
Cody...
You know our project was only for one day.
Why did you go there?
So that I could spend another day with Mr. Coulter.
Well, is there a reason why you wanted to do that?
I don't know.
It was fun spending time with him.
Oh, well, that's nice!
Well, Cody,
Mr. Coulter has work
and you have school,
so why don't you take a seat and open up your reader?
Okay. Bye, Mr. Coulter.
Bye, Cody.
[hushed]: He stayed late yesterday
so I could teach him how to sign paychecks.
I don't know.
His friends were playing outside.
He didn't care.
I suspect this is about more than just signing some checks.
Yeah, I suspect so.
But that's all right, I get it.
My father was a traveling salesman.
He was home
maybe three times a month.
He sold carpet-sweepers. Very boring.
I had to pretend to be interested,
just so I could spend a little more time with him.
[laughs] Well, thanks for bringing him back.
Yeah, it's okay. No problem. Bye, Elizabeth.
Bye.
[♪]
Greta! How are you doing?
Elizabeth. Well, I spent the morning
reviewing the bank's books.
What did you find?
Well, numbers don't lie, darling, and...
it's not pretty.
Mr. Jenkins...
he's made some very bad loans.
[groans in dread]
But there are opportunities
for growth here in Hope Valley.
And have you made a decision?
Not yet.
I still have a few books to review.
I'm pretty thorough.
You know, Greta,
I can't help thinking about you and Duncan.
You two used to be so close.
Well... ahem.
Things change.
But, between a mother and son,
things shouldn't change like that.
[Greta takes a deep breath]
I really must go.
[sighs]
[♪]
How's your reunion going with Mrs. Preston?
Well, it was going well,
until I found out she hasn't spoken to her son in years.
Oh. I'm sorry to hear that.
Me too. When we were young,
Duncan was one of my best friends.
I just wish there was something I could do.
I wonder what happened.
I'm not sure.
I know their family was never the same
after Duncan's father died.
It never is.
You know, there's another boy
I was hoping to talk to you about--
Cody.
He didn't show up for school this morning.
Instead, he went back to Lee's mill.
Now, Lee brought him back to school,
but it was clear
that Cody wanted to spend more time with him.
I think Cody's at an age
where he needs a man in his life.
[door opening]
I'll leave you two alone.
How are you doing, Cody?
I'm okay.
I hear you didn't go to school this morning.
I was learning a lot at the mill.
I bet you were,
but you do know, you have to go to school.
I know.
Cody...
I feel terrible
that I've been spending all this time on the bank stuff.
I understand.
It's important stuff.
It is, but not more important than you.
I love you, Cody.
I love you, too, Mom.
Hey, how about this weekend,
you and I go to your favorite fishing spot?
Sure.
[knocking at door]
I'll get it.
Hi, Mr. Coulter!
Hey, Cody. Hi, Abigail.
-Lee! -I was hoping--
...that Cody could help me with something today.
What's that?
I was thinking we could play some catch.
Really?
Well, the mill has a team,
and we have this big game next month,
and, uh, well, the truth is, I'm a little rusty,
but I heard you're fantastic.
so I was thinking maybe you could show me a few things.
Could I ever!
I mean... may I?
Yes, you may.
[whispers]: Thank you.
[quietly]: You're welcome.
Come on, young man. Let's go!
[♪]
I can almost touch your face when I throw it with my hand.
There we go. Ready? Up!
[footsteps]
Bill.
What did you find out?
Everything AJ said checks out.
Baxter has a history of taking small towns
and turning them into something we don't want.
We need to warn Jenkins.
[♪]
Oh, no.
Mr. Jenkins.
I have wonderful news, Mayor Stanton.
Mr. Baxter has agreed
to take a majority share in the bank.
We're gonna do great things with this town.
[♪]