Previously on The Baxters...
I came to say goodbye.
I've been so busy trying to make sense of everything
and keep it together for Jessie.
But God gave me a new purpose
and I have to grab onto it.
How come you're back in town
and not off being a famous painter somewhere?
The same reason you stopped asking me out.
The sting of rejection.
You've been running away from Landon since fifth grade.
When are you gonna you open your eyes and realize
your happily ever after is right in front of you?
There's been an accident, sweetheart. It's Landon.
Ashley, I know you care about Landon and you need to tell him that.
I'm moving to California, Ash.
I want to spend the rest of my life with you.
Really? Yeah, of course.
Call him back. Tell him to meet you at church.
I don't like lying to my dad.
Police have confirmed that the shooter took own his life
shortly after opening fire inside New Grace Community Church.
My father is dead, Luke,
because of what we did last night
and the lie that I told him this morning.
Erin, we thought you were in a flight to Dallas.
I need to be here with you guys.
Oh, honey.
I'm not moving to Texas with Sam.
I don't love you anymore.
It's over between us.
Faith isn't enough for me right now.
People started asking, "Why did God do this?"
when the question we should be asking
is, "Why did we do this?"
I never met somebody so...
Assertive?
Complex.
You know, you could just move in here, permanently.
I showed my work to anyone that would give me the time of day.
And they all looked at me like I was handing them trash.
Then there was Adrien and he was married.
It gave you Cole and nothing that led you to him
should ever make you feel ashamed.
I don't want to spend one more day apart from you.
if that means staying here with you and Jessie,
then that's what I want to do.
Kari Baxter, will you marry me?
Yes!
What are you doing?
Walking away from two houses.
Luke.
Oh, Is this your first, Miss Peters?
Yes. Well, congratulations.
♪ 'Cause life has a way Of pulling us under ♪
♪ But we'll stick it out ♪
♪ If we got each other ♪
♪ When it all feels too much ♪
♪ I know you'll come running For me ♪
♪ Through the highs and lows We'll find our way home ♪
♪ Family ♪
♪ Oh, oh, oh ♪
♪ Family ♪
Okay, so that's the glass system.
Next, the pots and pans and everything left in this room.
What happened to the kids?
I thought they were gonna come over and help out.
Yeah, well, they said they'd be over at some point today, but...
I know that look.
What's going on?
I just don't think they're comfortable
moving from this house.
Hmm.
Is that our wedding china?
Yeah.
You remember the day we got married?
You made me promise
that if the house your father built ever went back on the market,
we'd buy it without giving it a second thought.
I know, but...
I'm worried
that that's just about me. You know, my family history.
Our children were raised in this house.
And I don't want to take that away from them or from you.
Our family...
lives here.
You always know the right thing to say.
And going forward, we'll live in a house
with the dining room you have always dreamed of hosting Thanksgiving in
and just in time for Thanksgiving.
I take that as a sign.
That is a sign.
I'm so glad you guys are here today.
- Of course. - Yes.
This house deserves a proper send off.
I'm gonna miss it. We all will.
But the next chapter is gonna be even better.
Come on, bring it in. Let's have a group squeeze.
Squeeze.
Come on. Oh, I love you guys.
- Love you. - Love you.
Give him some space.
- It's been six months already. - Yeah.
Do you know if he's still living with that girl, Lori?
Yeah. Lori Callahan.
I had Ryan do some digging at the university.
What?
I'm worried about our baby brother.
- Me too. - How can we get through to him?
- Guys, I think he needs space. - Yeah.
I just wish he knew his faith could hold him up at this time.
Mom, look, I know
this is probably hard to hear,
but with everything that Luke went through
with Reagan's father and then Reagan,
I mean, it makes sense that he's questioning everything.
He's been shaken.
Well, she's right.
He'll come home again.
I can feel it in my soul.
- Dad! - Hey.
You know how God works.
Luke. What are you looking for?
Uh...
Uh, nothing.
We're out of food. Again.
Well, just get takeout for dinner tonight.
I'm sick of takeout, Lori.
- Luke, what's wrong? - Nothing.
You've been saying that for months
while you get moodier, angrier and, quite frankly,
meaner to me by the day.
I'm sorry.
Hey, talk to me.
We're in a relationship. We're supposed to support each other.
- There's nothing to say. - I don't think that's true.
Luke, you've been through so much and that pain doesn't just go away.
I mean, maybe you should talk to someone.
Well, now you sound exactly like my parents.
At least the last time I talked to them.
I'm just trying to help.
I...
I know.
I'm sorry. Look, I'll go to the grocery store today
after class and I'll cook us up a real meal.
- It sounds really nice. - What do you want?
- Surprise me. - I can't read your mind, Lori.
Okay. First we make the bunny ears.
Ear one, ear two.
Excellent. And then what?
Then we loop the ears together.
Oh, when did you get so smart?
Okay. And I'll help you with the finishing touches
and voila!
Voila!
Now I'm going to get you!
Mom.
When will I see Landon again?
Truth is, I don't know.
But he's doing really important work
helping with the fires in California, remember?
I miss him.
Me too, buddy.
I'm so glad you came back to see me.
It's a brave decision to get help.
Yeah.
So tell me about the nightmares that you've been experiencing.
Um, well, sometimes they're nightmares.
Sometimes they pop up during the day.
It's always about that day.
How do you feel about Dirk's trial ending?
I feel good about it.
Relieved that I don't have to go back to that courtroom.
Safer now that Dirk is in jail.
But something is still weighing on you.
The one year anniversary of Tim's death is coming up.
It's also the exact same day as Jessie's birthday.
- I remember. - It just makes me feel like...
I don't know. Maybe things are happening too fast.
What kinds of things?
The wedding.
I should be grateful to have that light in my life during all this darkness,
but I don't know.
I don't know.
You know, it's hard to hold grief
and joy in your heart.
Sometimes we have to focus on one thing at a time.
Have you given any thought to how you will spend the day?
Something to honor Tim and to celebrate Jessie.
No.
Okay. Well, why don't you try to imagine
what would give you comfort on that day?
Maybe it's a small gathering or a visit to the gravesite.
Look, I know that your mind is taking you
to some scary places with these nightmares, Kari,
but maybe you can redirect it.
Well, ladies, another successful afternoon tea
with Herbal and the books.
She's the hostess with the mostest.
Oh. To my best girls.
And to my first six months on the job.
Cheers.
Come on, Herbal. Let's take this to the kitchen
so we're not late
for the chess tournament this afternoon.
You know, Bird might upset George today.
Not gonna happen.
Oh.
Hey, we still have more cleaning to do before dinner service.
Cole was up really early today.
You know, he told me he misses Landon.
Maybe, possibly,
you miss Landon.
- I do. - I knew it.
Ash, then why aren't you two together?
Plenty of people make long-distance relationships work.
Because we agreed to live our lives separately
while he's in California.
You don't know how long he's gonna be there.
What if he gets comfortable and decides he wants to stay forever?
Well, that is not a helpful thought.
All I'm saying is, if you want to be together in the future,
you should make that clear now.
Hey, Mom. It's your favorite son.
Sorry for blocking your garage again this morning.
So to make it up to you,
I'm picking up an an Italian feast from
Restaurant Angelini, your favoriito.
I know you and Dad had long days.
This way we can all relax with the world's best lasagna.
All right. I'll see you soon. I love you. Bye.
- Oh. Hi, hon. - Hi.
Hey!
You hung up Ashley's portrait of you in just...
the right spot.
Well, we...
have officially moved in.
Well, not fully.
Oh.
Yeah, I'll just throw these in the garage.
No, I want to make a room for him upstairs.
Elizabeth.
John, he doesn't have a home of his own.
And if...
When he comes back to this one, I want him to have a place.
Hmm.
I do miss...
having him around.
We should ask him to Thanksgiving.
- Well, he's not gonna come. - We should ask him.
But, look, I'm afraid if we push too hard,
we're just gonna make it worse.
And if we don't push at all, we're gonna lose him.
You make me look fantastic.
No, I just painted you exactly as you are.
Oh, I can't wait for Hank to get home
to see my official portrait.
Well, now that you've captured us all,
what's next, my young Rembrandt?
Oh, I don't know.
This was the only project I really wanted to finish.
My Hank is a master craftsman.
He can turn a pile of lumber into actually anything.
That's something that brings him great joy.
Does this bring you great joy, dear?
So much.
Then there's absolutely no reason to stop.
Did I ever tell you, you have the most beautiful hair.
Luke?
Luke. If that's you, it's Mom.
Everyone's telling me I should give you space.
But I've been so worried about you.
I came to tell you that we moved.
It happened so quickly.
Granny and Pops' house went out on the market
and you know how I've always dreamed
of bringing it back into the family.
So we're gonna have Thanksgiving there.
Our first meal at the house.
And I came down to invite you because...
I can't imagine sitting around the table without you there.
But if that's too much too soon,
then you could come alone another time
for a meal or...
you could just come to talk.
I miss you.
I love you, Luke.
I'll always be here for you.
Oh, that's a beauty, Mrs. Baxter.
We're here. - In here.
- Hey. - Happy Thanksgiving.
- Hi, honey.
Hey, Doctor.
- How are you? - I'm very well, thank you.
- Yeah. - Aw. Thank you. Lilies?
So where are my two little sweet girls?
- Upstairs. - Ran right through the front door up to the playroom.
Ah, I knew the dollhouses would come in handy.
- Happy Thanksgiving. - Hey.
- Hey, guys. - Happy Thanksgiving.
- Hi. - Thanks. I like it.
- Hi. - Hey.
Mom, the house looks beautiful.
- It's great, right? - Yeah.
So what can we do to help?
Ah.
- You can... - Oh, boy.
- ...suit up. - Oh!
- Yup. - Yes.
Baxter Ball is on!
- Looks so good. - Yeah. Yeah.
That would be our guests.
Smile, Luke, this is gonna be nice.
Yeah, sorry.
Coming.
Mom. I got to say the apple pie from this kitchen
tastes better than ever before.
Thank you, Erin.
I think it's always perfect. And it can't possibly get any better.
I think we should toast the new Baxter homestead.
Oh, that's a great idea.
Cheers.
So, you two, how are the big day plans coming together?
Slowly.
We only just finished premarital counseling with Pastor Mariana.
And she's on board to do the ceremony, so...
- She will do a beautiful job. - Yeah.
About as far as the planning has gotten.
Well, okay, I'm just trying to focus on what's right in front of me.
Hey, why don't we go dress shopping?
- All of us. - All of us?
I mean us girls.
- I'm serious. I'll set it up. - That could be really helpful.
Okay, Good. Sam and I finally set the move date,
so I want to be as helpful as I possibly can before we go.
And when's the big day?
Mmm, three months from tomorrow.
Oh. Can we book this restaurant for going away dinner?
Absolutely.
We won't let you get away without throwing a big party.
Everybody in the whole family will be there.
Well, not everybody.
Hey, I, um, I hope it's okay to say this, but...
I was thinking about asking Luke to be one of my groomsmen.
Oh, that is...
a beautiful gesture. Thank you.
But I don't know how to get through to him.
I mean, I've been calling, texting.
I even went by to his apartment.
I can relate.
So what do we do?
The only thing we can do.
Let's pray for him.
Generous, loving Father. We come to you in this moment
because of Luke, our son and brother, our friend.
And we pray that you will help us get through these difficult times.
And that you will extend your gentle, loving hand
to Luke and let him know that you are ever present,
and unconditional,
and give him the strength that he needs
in what may be a long journey
back to himself
and to this family.
And Lord, give us strength
to be patient with this child
we love so much.
And show us how to guide by example,
so that he might remember that
Your Grace is what makes this family whole.
In Jesus' name, amen.
Amen.
Hmm.
Can we get some of that pie for my wife?
There's more?
There you are.
I thought you were taking a turkey nap somewhere.
Sorry, I just needed a minute.
Mind if I join you?
- Sure. - All right.
Do you ever feel like you're doing everything...
well, at least most things, right,
but something still off?
Give me a category.
- Career. - Career.
Oh, yeah. Junior year in college.
I was pre-law.
- You were going to be a lawyer? - Yeah.
Grandpa Joe was a lawyer. His dad was a lawyer.
I was acing all my classes.
Nothing was gonna stand in the way of me and my future
as John Baxter Esquire.
Except...
that nagging feeling that...
I was supposed to be a doctor.
Wow.
- You just changed your major? - Yeah.
Not the most convenient thing to do at the time.
But I listened to my gut.
I'm really proud
with all the changes I've made in the last few months.
You should be.
And I feel really great at work
- and home. - Hmm.
But...
nothing makes me feel like I do when I'm painting.
The gift God blessed you with.
But if God really wanted me to use that gift,
why do I hit brick walls every time I try?
I mean, Paris just proved that.
Well...
Maybe it's his unique form of motivation.
I know you.
Hey.
I know you, Ashley Baxter.
You're not gonna let a little fear get in the way of your dreams.
But last time--
The last time, you weren't as strong,
confident and faithful
as you are right now.
I rest my case.
Hi. Happy Thanksgiving.
Happy Thanksgiving. Can you hear me?
All the guys are still eating dessert,
but I didn't want to call you too late.
Glad you called.
You sound happy.
I'm doing some painting.
Ooh, good for you, Ash. How was your family today?
Really good. How are you? How's everything there?
Tough. The wildfires out here
are the worst I've ever seen.
Makes me really glad I came out here to help.
Yeah.
How's Cole?
He's good.
I think he misses you.
Oh.
Landon, let's roll.
Landon, are you okay?
Yeah, but I've got to go, Ash. I'll call you soon.
I miss you too.
Hurry. Hurry, please.
Go, go, go, go. Doctor, here.
Go. Check vitals.
Ma'am, tell me what happened?
My daughter just collapsed and at first, I thought she fainted
but I saw blood. Please tell me there's nothing wrong with the baby.
The baby?
Reagan?
Next time on The Baxters...
You're going to be okay. You're going to be okay.
Let's get her to the OR. The faster she delivers, the better.
I didn't realize planning a wedding would bring back so many memories of Tim.
But of course it does. I've done this all before.
I've been submitting to some art galleries,
hoping they'll showcase some of my new pieces.
Ash, that's great.
Yeah, but they haven't responded yet.
Maybe I missed my moment, and it's too late.
Luke, you're always zoned out. Your mind is anywhere but here.
Have you heard from Reagan? No.
Have you thought about being the one to reconnect with her? Luke.