- Citizens of Middleton,
my many, many supporters...
...friends and well-wishers,
today, I commence my first
term
as your newly elected mayor.
I shall bring the same
dedication to this office
as our previous mayor,
Ms. Cassie Nightingale...
with perhaps
a tad less mystery. Ha, ha,
ha!
But before we begin
a new era for Middleton,
let us welcome
to the podium
a woman who has
given us all
so very,
very much...
Our former mayor...
Cassie?! Oh!
Why must you always pop up
like that? My heart!
Mine too, Martha.
It's so full at
this special time.
What? Oh, yes!
Um... Let's start again
from the beginning.
It is a new beginning.
For both of us.
I thought that
rehearsal went well.
And thank you for the lovely tribute,
Martha, and for all the things you did for me
when I was mayor.
- Well, it is a big job, Cassie. Too much for most women.
If you need anything at
all, I will be there for you.
Now that the kids
are growing up...
Yes, yes, I'll be sure to keep that in mind.
- Madame Mayor.
We have a problem.
Well, that's why
I was elected!
Your Middleton Botanical
Gardens project...
It's going to cost
more than you thought.
Oh. Well, a thousand dollars
more here and there is...
$177.000.
What? Are you sure they didn't
misplace the decimal point?
Perhaps it's that waterfall you wanted.
- It's mostly the waterfall,
because the park
is totally flat.
I will raise that money
at our fundraiser
next week.
- Spoken in the spirit of a true leader.
In honor of your leadership,
Martha,
I'd like you
to have this.
It's from my shop.
How very... cute.
- It's a Kachina Doll.
Made by the Hopi Indians. It's a
carving of one of their old great chiefs.
"Old"?
The Chief will inspire you to
great leadership and good will.
Well,
where am I going to put
this lovely little...?
Oh, I know! Maybe right in
here,
just for safekeeping.
- I'll let you get back to work.
There is one other official
I'd like to thank before I go.
She was a great mayor.
I'm gonna miss her.
Cass! What are you doing
here?
I just dropped by
to say thank you
for all the great things you
did for me when I was mayor.
What kind of thank you
did you have in mind?
Hmm...
It's great to be appreciated.
Appreciate me more.
I would love to but I've
got to get back to my shop.
Did you find anybody to hire yet?
- Not yet,
but I'm sure the right
person will come along soon.
I hope so, because
you're going to be busy
with Brandon and Tara and
the...
Oh... Martha.
- Oh.
Hello, Martha.
Okay. Yeah.
I'll be there
in a minute.
Her first day as mayor, and
she's already driving me crazy.
What was I saying?
- About Brandon?
It seems like yesterday
he was our little boy.
I know. I know. And now he's
getting married in four months?
It'll be here
sooner than we think.
how fast she's growing, already off to school.
- Do you remember her first day,
how excited she was to go?
- And how misty-eyed I was.
I didn't want to let her go. I just
wanted to hold her and hug her forever.
She just walked in there, head
up, little Miss Independent.
She never even looked back!
- Yeah.
And we were a wreck.
With everyone
doing their own thing,
there are times lately when
the house feels so lonely.
This family will
always be close.
And you know why?
It's because of you, Cassie.
I shouldn't be
so melancholy.
After all,
things change.
For the better.
Like your new haircut.
Not a chance,
no way! It's not
happening, Martha.
This is the new look
for our police department.
New? No cop
has worn that in 100 years.
- Perfectly in keeping
with my new town slogan:
"Moving Forward,
Looking Back".
- Martha,
a police uniform
has to command respect.
Not laughter.
- Well, maybe you could...
Ah, ah, ah! This is
strictly
between me and
my Chief of Police.
I don't understand. Our uniforms
were fine for every other mayor.
Chief Russell, I am not
"every other mayor".
You can say that again.
- I'm sorry, what did you say?
I said... nothing,
Madame Mayor.
Grace?
Grace?
Come out, come out,
wherever you are.
Hi, Ms. Bryson!
There you go again.
Always popping up out of
nowhere. Just like your mother.
Come in.
Grandpa!
Ha, ha, ha!
Sorry I'm late.
- That's all right,
Mr. O'Hanrahan.
I had some paperwork.
And apparently Grace wanted
to play hide and seek.
Grace, you can play
when you're at home.
When you're at school, you
have to learn your lessons.
Why?
Because that's
what you do at school.
Actually, I do
encourage the children
to play as much as possible.
- You do?
Yes. Kindergarten is a place
where learning should be fun.
But they are learning...
reading? Writing?
And arithmetic. But the way we
teach it now is very different.
I see.
Actually, Grace has been very
interested in numbers lately.
Ask me a numbers question.
All right.
Pretend you have two
cookies.
The teacher takes
one cookie.
I take one cookie.
What's left?
Tears.
Well, she is correct,
in a creative kid's
kind of way.
But 2 minus 2
is still zero.
I know teaching methods
have changed...
And I need to change
with the times.
What I need is the best possible
education for my granddaughter.
And that's exactly
what I'm here for.
Grace, honey, I'll see you
in a few days, okay?
How come?
- We're closed for our Professional Development Days.
I see.
Grace, come on, sweetie.
Bye!
Hey, Lori. Congrats
on your first article.
Thanks, Jim. Did you like it?
- Like it? Yeah.
It was great. I really didn't
have to do any editing at all.
You've been here a week and
you hardly need me anymore.
Well, I'll try to make
more mistakes next time.
I guess you had to do
a lot of research on it.
For online
dating disasters?
I didn't have to any research, I'm living it.
Why? I mean, are you
looking for a boyfriend?
Well, my brother's
wedding's coming up
and it'd be nice
to have someone to go with.
I'm sure you'll
find someone.
Yeah, four months and
ticking.
Well, if there's one thing
I've learned about you already,
you work well on a deadline.
Tibetan finger cymbals?
Let me check
in the back for you.
The stones are
merlinite quartz.
I'll be right
with you.
I have it on order. I'll call
you as soon as they come in.
You're welcome.
Pardon me.
Brandon. How's it going?
Hey, Cassie. I'm pretty
good. How are things with you?
Well, at the moment,
I have a new
customer.
And I have a double batch of my
chicken vindaloo cooking back at home.
Mm, my favorite.
Hey, Tara and I are coming to visit
tonight, along with her aunt Beverly.
Oh, what a nice surprise!
Tara has this business conference
in town. So we'll probably be there
Wait. Didn't you just say
you were cooking a double
batch of my favorite dish?
How did you...?
Thank you, Cassie.
I can't wait to see you.
Isn't that precious?
You can open it.
It's an antique silver set.
- Wow...
Solid silver...
Beautiful oak leaf design.
You know, you're the first
person to ever notice that.
Cassie Nightingale.
- Audrey.
I'm Audrey... Bennett.
The same name as the Boston
company that forged this silver.
What a coincidence.
Perhaps.
Are you here to visit
family?
No, I... don't
have any family.
I didn't either
when I first arrived.
I found my family
here in Middleton,
and I've been here
ever since.
I have been moving around a
lot, and that gets lonely too.
I know what that's like.
But it's, uh, motivation
to make new friends.
I was looking for
a nice place to settle down,
so I did a web search
for "charming towns",
and this town,
your town,
came up,
top of the list.
Middleton? What a coincidence.
- Perhaps.
What a strange little
bottle.
Root extract.
Builds confidence
and concentration.
Do you drink it?
Like medicine?
Aromatherapy. The sense of smell
connects directly to the brain,
and channels
your chi.
Interested?
Yeah. I've always been
interested in medicine.
I wanted to be
a veterinarian, but,
you know, life.
It pulls us in
so many directions.
Exactly.
Well, it's on sale.
I could probably use it,
but the truth is,
what I really need right now is
a job so that I can pay for it.
Hm, well, it is
your lucky day.
When can you start?
Uh, first thing tomorrow?
I'll see you then.
- Thank you.
This is... just
what I needed.
Me too.
What can I do for you, Martha?
- Upon further reflection,
I have decided to take you up on
your offer to help with my fundraiser.
It's very sweet
of you to think of me.
The event is one week from tomorrow.
- Oh.
We need to raise $47.000 immediately.
Otherwise, we won't be able
to get our plantings in the
ground before the winter freeze.
47? This morning,
the budget was 177.000?
I managed to whittle
it down by replacing
the waterfall
with a stone fountain
modeled on one I discovered
on my trip to Sorrento.
Looks lovely.
- It is.
It will be. And here's
where you come in.
The leader of our
Chamber of Commerce,
Adam Berger, is on the fence,
and I need you to use your...
"black magic"
to get him on our side.
- Martha, it doesn't quite work that way.
And besides,
you didn't need
any magic during
your bid for mayor.
Bid.
Bid. We could ask people
to bid at a silent auction.
What a wonderful idea!
- Oh, Cassie, I'm bursting
with fresh ideas! I'll go
after the cash donations
while you put together
the items for the auction.
Glad to.
Ooh!
Hmm...
Must have left
my keys in the car.
Thank you.
Do I get a popsicle?
No popsicles.
We're gonna have dinner
as soon as Brandon gets here. But
maybe you could draw him a picture?
Hey. How was your first day
with Martha?
- Very difficult.
She wants us to dress
like clowns.
I'm sorry. I...
I hope you don't mind, I
just can't take you seriously.
You can't imagine
how hard it is to work
for that woman.
Oh, yes, I can.
I agreed to run
her silent auction.
With Martha, it won't
be very silent.
Walk with me. I gotta check on my vindaloo.
Hey, Lori! Whew,
you are a fast walker.
Well, it's a warm-up for
my field hockey practice.
Cool. When's your next
game? I'd love to watch.
Uh... cool!
We need the support.
More people show up
to archery than us.
Well, there's nothing more
thrilling than a bull's-eye, right?
Um, by the way,
did you see all the comments
on my online dating article?
Yeah, most of them were from
guys who wanted to date you.
Well, I was thinking
I could do a follow-up.
About what?
- Well, go on blind dates
with some of the guys and then
write about the experience.
Oh.
So you're still looking
for a date to the wedding?
No. Why? Jealous?
No.
'Cause if you
weren't my editor,
then maybe you could
come with me.
Just kidding.
Oh. Well, then maybe
I should resign.
I'm kidding.
Kidding too.
- Well, I have to get to my practice.
Yeah.
Oh, I hired someone
for the shop today.
That's good.
Anybody I know?
No. Her name is
Audrey Bennett.
She's new in town.
- Sounds good.
Aren't you going to ask me
to run a background check?
A background check. Come
on!
We're partners, right?
Every good cop knows he has
to trust his partner.
And I trust you.
- 10-4, Chief.
Cassie!
- Beverly, it's so good to see you again!
Jake!
- Hi! So,
where's the future
bride and groom?
They're unpacking the car.
- Let me help.
You look so fresh for someone
who's traveled such a long way.
Well, I'm so excited!
- Me too.
We're going to have so much fun
helping the kids with this wedding.
I can't wait to hear some of your ideas.
- My head is spinning with them.
On the way here, Tara and I
saw an island on the river,
and we thought
perhaps we could ferry the
guests over for a reception?
Sounds like you both envision
a fairly grand affair.
Ah, just a thought.
What smells so good?
That's Cassie's
chicken vindaloo.
Feels like I never
left home.
There's the happy couple!
Tara!
Hi!
- So, Brandon,
how's the job going?
- It's terrific.
Tell them!
The label wants me to be their
rep for their festival tour.
Congratulations, Brandon!
I am proud of you, son.
Isn't that cool? It starts in just two weeks.
- Yeah,
and it goes nonstop
for six months.
What about the wedding?
Um...
Aunt Beverly,
we wanted to wait until we had
everyone together to let you know.
Know what?
We have to postpone
the wedding.
Hi!
Uh, can I help you?
Well, yes.
Hello, Officer...
- Please, Derek.
Officer Derek. I'm Audrey.
I'm new in town, on my own...
Oh?
I mean, oh.
My new landlord wants
proof of my prior residence,
but my license
has expired.
He probably just
needs a reference.
That's pretty common. I could help you out.
- Great.
The owner of the Bell, Book & Candle
where I work suggested I come here.
Cassie.
Yeah.
She usually knows
what she's doing.
Um...
Well, if you give me
your name and social,
I can probably pull up your prior
address on some kind of document.
My name is Audrey...
Bennett.
- All right.
Bennett.
There's a few
Audrey Bennetts.
What's your social
security number?
You know what? It's okay.
I don't want to trouble you.
No, no, no,
it's no trouble.
Uh, sorry. -
Sure. - Hello,
Derek Sanders.
Because the uniforms
you gave us
got dirty, Martha.
Madame Martha.
Madame Mayor.
I sent them out
for cleaning.
Uh, five weeks?
Yes. Right away.
Sorry.
I'll be right back.
- Sure.
Okay.
My father's
pocket watch.
And his father's before
that.
I plan to give it
to Brandon
on his wedding day. I
found just the chain for it.
Wow. Sounds like you guys
are pretty close.
Must be nice
to always have someone
you can turn to.
It's wonderful to have
family,
but there are some things that family
members have a hard time understanding,
Well, that's why
it's great to have a friend
you can talk to,
someone who really listens.
I already feel like we can
tell each other anything.
Here, hide the watch. In that drawer.
- Okay, sure.
Well, hello.
Tara, I thought you had
a conference today?
The keynote speaker got
sick so it was canceled.
Well, now you have a little free time
to do whatever you want before the tour.
And I just thought of
exactly what we could do.
Tara, let's
get married.
Right now?
No, no... next Sunday,
before I hit the road.
That's in eight days,
we couldn't possibly...
could we?
Why not? Cassie and my dad
got married on short notice.
Cassie did it in
no time, like magic.
Well, it was a magical
day.
We don't have
to go over the top.
We can do
something small,
casual.
The important thing is
we're getting married!
Tara, honey, are you sure
you want to give up
all those special things you've
always wanted for your wedding?
Well,
maybe...
I'll be glad to help,
whatever you choose.
Cassie, don't you have
the mayor's fundraiser
the day before?
- I could help with that, Cassie.
Whatever you need.
Let's go for it.
- Okay.
Let's go to the cafe right
now and start making lists.
Okay.
- Cassie?
Oh... The shop.
I'll cover
for you.
Not a problem.
Thanks, Audrey.
For everything.
The office looks...
different.
- Thank you.
Who's your decorator,
Marie Antoinette?
Uh, no, sadly
she wasn't available.
To reflect a new era
in Middleton leadership.
Cassie is a tough act
to follow.
Back to business,
shall we?
Ahem!
As you can see, our European
fountain is the focal point
of the Middleton Botanical Gardens.
- Should bring in the tourists.
Well, Middleton is getting
a lot of bang for its buck.
And with your leadership in the
business community, you ought to be able
to raise that kind
of money in no time.
Who's your plumber?
Pardon?
- You can't have a fountain without water.
Or electricity.
- Well, I just assumed
that was included in
the cost of the fountain.
First rule of
sound investing.
Never assume anything.
But...
Have another look
at these figures,
then get back to me.
But I...
But there's so little time.
It'd be a huge help if you could drop by
Foster's Hardware and grab the garden tools
that he's donating.
Great.
And Audrey...
thank you for being there.
Okay.
I guess things are working out with Audrey?
- Honestly, I don't know
what I'd do without her. Especially with
Brandon getting married on such short
I'm glad he's found
his soul mate.
How's your article
coming along?
I'm not too sure,
about any of it.
But I have my first date
today, so...
who knows?
- You know how it is...
you really want someone in your life,
and then, when you least expect it,
there they are.
Well, I hope whoever he is
shows up before the wedding.
This might help.
A wood box?
Careful. Don't open it.
You'll expose the film.
It's a camera?
- A camera obscura.
Cool.
- A long time ago,
it was owned by a Parisian
photographer who took candid pictures
of couples in love.
All you need to do is
wind it three times...
...and then find your focus.
Thanks.
Smile.
Is there a problem,
Officer?
I thought you promised
to call me Derek.
- Oh!
Sorry, right. Derek.
It's just that when I see a
uniform, I assume there's trouble.
If there's trouble, then
I'm not doing my job right.
Listen, I was thinking,
you being new in town,
maybe I could
show you around?
That would be great.
Dinner?
Sure. I'd love to hear
about your job.
Well, it's not
that exciting.
Parking tickets,
shoplifting,
the odd drifter who
gets up to no good, fraud.
F- fraud?
Well, you meet all kinds of characters.
- Right.
But I always get my man.
Or my woman.
Not that I... you know, I didn't...
- Right.
Uh, one sec.
Fender bender
at Grove and 3rd.
We'll have to continue
this conversation.
On... Tuesday?
Sure. What time?
- Seven?
Can we make it eight?
I'm volunteering at the
South Street Animal Shelter.
Eight PM. Maybe there's
a good crime movie.
Right.
Boo!
- Oh my goodness!
You are so scary!
I thought we'd
find you out here.
Can I have a cookie?
- Hmm... one.
Two?
- I said... one.
Bye, Grandpa!
See you, sweetie.
I wonder what the weather
is going to be next weekend.
Sixty percent chance
of showers on Saturday.
Well, nothing you can
do about the weather.
Oh, yes I can.
- Really?
I can order tenting for the
auction in case it pours.
It's from Gwen.
- Ah...
She's spending the week out
west, visiting our grandchildren.
Please tell your wonderful
wife we all miss her.
I can't seem to open
these pictures.
Here.
Oh, what a beautiful shot
of those mountains!
Wow!
These new phones
drive me crazy.
All this moving so fast.
Kids are growing up
so fast these days.
One of these days Grace won't
even be able to relate to me.
Where did you get that
idea?
At her school.
The way she's being taught... I don't get it.
Well, you can be sure
of one thing.
She is learning
whenever you're together.
Cassie,
her school is not in
session the next few days.
What do you say I give her
some old-fashioned tutoring?
I think that'd be a great
learning experience.
Really help Grace
get down to the basics.
I meant for the both of you. The best teachers
always learn
from their students.
- We think this could be
fun.
Besides, we're just
going casual.
Casual? What happened
to your plans
for an elegant southern
French supper? With your names
stenciled on the napkins.
- Because it's in six days, Aunt Beverly.
Well, he could
say no to the tour.
It's what he's dreamed of
his whole life.
At least take a week off.
- The tour is a 24/7 job.
What about your dreams,
Tara, hmm?
The wedding you've always wanted
since you were a little girl.
Have you shared those
with Brandon?
It's got to be a
partnership.
What's best for both of you.
Maybe I will insist
on a sit-down dinner.
Insist on the wedding
you always wanted.
Ah, poor Ms. Bryson thought she had
lost Grace for good at the petting zoo,
and then she found her
riding the goat.
No!
Oh my goodness,
you must have
your hands full.
Yes, Grace is
very fulfilling.
I know it's only been
three days,
but this is the beginning
of a lot of things for me.
Thanks to you.
For all your support.
You have been so great.
That's what friends are
for.
Friends?
From the minute
I walked into Middleton,
I felt... renewed.
And...
welcome.
This town has a way
of welcoming wandering spirits
and changing their lives.
I'm proof of that.
Cassie!
- Oh!
Martha, I had no idea
it was you!
Hello, Cassie, Audrey.
Hello.
That's a beautiful scarf. I
have one just like it at home.
Ahem! You know
what I always say!
Uh, loveliness
is like a...
compost for the soul!
Uh, I'm not quite
sure I follow.
How did it go with Adam
and the business associates?
Not well. In fact,
not very well at all.
I thought a change
in style...
your style-
might be able
to raise funds,
and my approval rating.
I've raised less than a $100.
You know what? Here.
You take it.
And Audrey,
could you please get all of the auction
items into the display case at City Hall
ASAP?
- Certainly. We have so many great things.
Well, right now they're our
only hope to raise the money.
Once people see
these items,
they'll be sure to loosen
their purse strings.
Excuse me.
Hello, Bruce.
I'm going to be sending you
a customer. I was wondering
if you could show her some
floral options for the wedding.
Oh, that wedding! - I
know. - Five days from now?
I used to be in the wedding
business, and all I can tell you is...
good luck.
However,
speaking of loosening
my own "purse strings"...
Please put this
with the auction items.
Is it worth a lot?
My home decor is more
Chesapeake Bay than Hopi Indian.
Hey. Thought you were
on a lunch date.
I am. Can't you tell?
Where's the date?
- He's running late.
By about 35 minutes.
Ahem!
Can I help you, sir?
- Maybe I can help you with something.
Your assignment. Why don't you
let your editor buy you lunch?
But what if our lunch
doesn't go well
and I write about it?
Okay, well, then
I will take my chances.
I guess I could go
for a little bite.
All right.
- But I don't want to spoil my dinner.
I've got a date later,
and he seems like a winner.
He's into photography,
Thai food, and...
he's pretty cute.
Right.
Come in.
Thank you for seeing me,
Madame Mayor.
- I like to make myself available
for my constituents,
Mr., uh... Dressel.
Call me Grant. I'm a marketer,
and I read about your auction
And you have a contribution?
- Not exactly, but for a reasonable price,
I can make an online catalogue
of all the items up for auction.
I need to raise money, not spend it.
- But seeing the items
would really peak interest,
get people to, uh...
...loosen their purse
strings.
Cassie.
- Pardon?
Nothing.
A little voice tells me
that I should hire you.
I put all the items
in the showca...
Showcase. And I locked it.
Audrey, this is
Grant Dressel.
Hello.
Hi.
He's going to be making an online
catalogue of all of our auction pieces.
Ooh! Perhaps you could
work with him?
Of course.
Excuse me.
Now, I should warn you,
we have limited funds,
and I'm a tough,
tough negotiator,
so what will the webpage look
like, and how much will it cost?
Yes, if that's
the next one available.
And is it nonstop? Great.
I'll take it. My name?
My name is Cassie.
Cassie Nightingale.
That was a busy morning.
- Yeah, but look at all we got done!
Yeah.
I love it here.
Me too.
Brings back a lot
of good memories.
What is it?
We forgot to order
the embroidered napkins.
They're never gonna be
ready in time.
We can use these.
I have extras.
Tara...
what's wrong?
I thought you liked the casual wedding idea.
- I do.
But a few traditional
touches would be nice.
Tradition takes time.
We have five days.
I said traditional
touches.
I didn't say a full symphony
with half a dozen bridesmaids.
What about your wedding vows?
Have you written them yet?
I thought
I would wing it.
Wing it?
Brandon,
these are our vows
to each other.
For life. How
can you even think
of just saying any old thing
that pops in your head?
I thought that you liked
that I was spontaneous.
I thought that was something
that we had in common.
Well, maybe we don't
have as much in common
as we thought.
Tara.
Tara!
OK, "A" is for apple.
"B" is for boy.
What is the "C" for?
- Swimming.
No. Well, yes, sort of.
The sea you're
talking about,
the ocean, starts with an
"S".
Ocean starts with an "O".
How about: "C" is for...
cat?
Grace?
Grandpa!
Sweetheart...
Pumpkin, you have to take
your schoolwork seriously.
Okay.
School time is learning
time.
How'd you like to learn
how to tie that shoe?
I already know.
- Really?
How did you do that?
Ms. Bryson showed me.
Well, that's a fine job.
Take a picture, Grandpa.
I think we'd better
move on to numbers.
Besides, Grandpa's doesn't
know where there's a camera.
Please, Grandpa?
My phone is a camera,
yeah.
Your painting is
the perfect auction item
for our new park. No?
Oh, I apologize,
I'd have thought for sure
that Audrey would've
picked it up by now.
You know what? I'll have it
off your hands within the hour.
Thank you, Mr. Levine.
Audrey?
Hello?
Derek has a date with her tonight,
and she's not answering her phone.
Jake, I'm really
worried for her.
Well, I'll find her.
Cassie...
I will. I'll find her.
That's not all.
My great-grandfather's
pocket watch,
the one for Brandon.
It's missing.
Martha, Audrey's gone.
Well, that's not
all that's gone.
We are missing every last
auction item from the display.
No...
- And I believe
that you entrusted Audrey
with the only key.
- Did you have trouble
getting Grace to bed?
No trouble at all.
Not a care in her world.
I was up in my sitting room,
thinking.
I've checked the airports,
the trains, the buses.
If she is gone, she hasn't gone far.
Not with all those auction items.
Well, if we can't find
her,
maybe she's lost.
I need to go back to the station
and review those surveillance videos.
Maybe you should go to the store
and see if anything else is missing.
A friend is missing.
Cassie, a friend?
You hardly know her.
Well, there are some people
you know really well right away.
Like when I met you.
I just want
to find her.
We will.
Everything's been so rough for all
of us lately, with you and Martha...
George...
Grace hasn't exactly
been a model student.
Lori's feeling down,
and now Brandon and Tara.
Yeah, well,
they'll be okay.
They haven't been
seeing eye to eye.
Even if it all comes together,
there won't be a wedding
unless the two of them
are together in spirit.
They have been under
a lot of pressure lately.
No, it's more than that.
Dad, Cassie.
You got a minute?
- Sure.
What is it?
There's... there's no other
way to say this, but...
Tara and I have broken up.
The wedding's off.
So I used
to date this girl,
and she would always bring
her own salt and pepper shakers
to restaurants. So when you
put this on the table, I...
What did you think it was?
- I wasn't sure.
Like a box of fried chicken in
case you didn't like your entree.
Well, I never dine
without my camera obscura.
That's a little weird.
But cute.
Care for dessert this evening?
- Uh, yeah. Definitely.
But first, would you
mind taking our photo?
Sure.
You just wind it three times and then shoot.
Hold it.
Nice.
Thanks. - I think
that's a keeper. - Lori?!
Hey! I didn't think
I'd find you here.
Jim, what are you doing
here?
I was having coffee
with a friend...
of mine.
Right.
What, you think I came here just to see you?
Hey, thanks
for the latte.
Mind if I sit down?
Yeah, uh, sure.
- Thank you.
Excuse me.
Where are you going?
I need to use the ladies
room. Do you want to follow me?
No.
Hey.
- Hey.
How's it going?
It was going really well.
- You need to see this
right away.
I put an APB out with every pawn
shop within a 150-mile radius
and I asked them for copies of
their video surveillance tapes
over the past 24 hours.
- I couldn't believe it myself till I saw it.
OK, Derek, stop
the tape. Zoom in.
That's Audrey!
I knew there was something
off about that woman.
She fooled me too, Cassie.
Cassie, are you okay?
No, I'm not.
Don't worry,
I'll finish by deadline.
Lori,
do I look worried?
You've never let me
down before.
I mean, you're cutting it
a little close on this one.
I know. I was hoping
I'd hear from Sean by now.
For the article.
- Uh, Sean?
The guy from the dinner date you crashed?
He hasn't called.
Well, I'm sure he will.
Yeah? What makes you so
sure?
Are you kidding?
Lori, come on, you...
you're smart.
You're so smart,
you're so funny...
Don't stop. Keep it
coming.
Keep it coming.
So pretty.
And, uh... you have
this certain way
that you bite
on your lower lip...
That's the one.
Uh... what were we
talking about?
My lower lip.
OK. So, I gotta... I've gotta
go scan some homecoming posters.
What kind of tea was that?
- Lapsang souchong.
You liked it?
- Yeah.
Pretty good.
From the way you're looking into your
cup, I thought you were reading your tea
May I?
The leaves that are left
form shapes. What do you
see?
I don't know, sticks?
No, bones.
Bones suggest doubt.
It's not the rush
or the different plans
that have come
between you and Tara.
It's doubt.
I don't want to lose her, but
if we can't manage a wedding,
how are we going to manage
a lifetime of marriage?
It's normal to have
doubts.
I have some terrible doubts
of my own right now.
About me?
- No, no. Someone else.
You know, when your father and I first
announced our wedding, Brandon, I was so nervous.
A free spirit
like me,
marrying a policeman? How
was that ever gonna work?
But it did.
It's just, the music
business is intense, and...
I want to give 100%
to my job and 100% to Tara.
It doesn't add up.
Your problems aren't
doubled when you get married.
With the right partner,
they're cut in half.
I love her, Cassie.
Then the two of you
can do things
you never dreamed
possible, with love.
- Based on the transaction
pattern,
she's working her way north.
That could take her
through Chester, and we're working
with the sheriff there, so...
Nothing else?
We've recovered
her fingerprints
off of every item from the
auction, and matched them
to the fingerprints of hers
taken from your shop.
Other than that,
it's all I know.
Jake, I'm sorry to ask
so many questions,
but you've gotta
find a suspect.
I've lost a friend,
and I miss her.
You miss her? After
what she's done to you,
to this town?
You know, I found out
Bennett isn't
her real last name.
Jake, Cassie Nightingale
wasn't my real name either.
I know you want to give Audrey the
benefit of the doubt, but I'm a cop.
I have to follow
the evidence.
And I have to file
all these status reports
because Martha keeps checking
in with me every minute.
That's why I wanted to come for lunch,
just so I could get away from her.
That does sound like a problem.
- You know what the problem is?
The problem is
you trusted Audrey.
And of course, I trusted
you.
And then Audrey
robbed us blind,
and now Martha doesn't trust
me.
Just give it time.
We are just from
two different planets.
Kind of like the two of
us.
Sometimes,
opposites attract.
It's the law of magnetism.
Ah, ah, ah...
Martha. Again!
Hey. Take this in.
We should get a lot for it.
I can't.
- Sure you can.
You can, and you will.
Look, it's bad enough
that you forced me to steal
those auction items,
but this is...
this is Cassie's watch. I
can't. I can't do that to her.
Haven't I paid you enough?
No.
You stole from me.
I could file charges.
Those things I took
from the house, they...
they were mine.
You promised me
that if I stole those showcase
items and gave you the money,
you would let me go.
What makes you think
that I will ever let you go?
Either you come home with
me,
or I'll have the police throw
you in jail where you belong.
Why can't we just end
this?
Because you're my wife.
And don't get any ideas about
running to your friend Cassie.
I know how to deal with her as
well. Did you really think that
All I had to do was look in your
computer's cache. It was loaded
Please...
- Now you're wanted in Middleton too.
You've got a choice.
Either you go to prison,
or you stick
with me,
like a good little girl.
I'll protect you.
Okay.
You win.
Audrey! Get back here!
You can't run fast enough,
Audrey!
You know I'll find you!
Hello, Audrey.
I'm sorry, Cassie.
You've been such
a good friend to me,
and I've let you down.
Audrey, seeing you here
has brought me
right back up again.
Here.
I was about
to pawn it,
but I couldn't do it,
not to you.
Thank you for keeping it
safe.
I was worried.
I never let it
out of my sight.
I meant worried about you.
Don't be.
I'm going someplace
that I can be safe.
Hi, Audrey.
It's nice to see you again.
I'm sorry, Derek.
Chief Russell,
I stole the auction items
from the showcase.
Audrey, don't say any more. You know,
you have the right to an attorney.
I don't want one. I came
back to confess everything.
Audrey, I haven't
known you long,
but I hope I know you well.
And you're not
telling us something.
I pawned all I could
for cash.
But I came back,
because of you.
Well, you're doing the
honorable thing, Audrey,
but... these are
serious charges.
I know. It's only right
I get what I deserve.
Well, that'll be for our judge to decide,
and he's not available until tomorrow,
so until then,
I have no choice...
Derek.
Could you place Audrey
in custody, please?
Come on.
I can't help but feel
she deserves better.
Maybe so, but...
it doesn't look good.
- No, it doesn't.
Maybe you didn't know her as
well as you thought you did.
Perhaps I should get
to know her better.
Jim?
We need to talk.
- I know.
I crossed the line and I shouldn't have.
- It's about Sean.
My date. I just got
an email from him.
Oh.
How's that going?
Not well.
- Why not?
I made him think I was only on the
date for the article, and not because
I actually liked him. - Okay,
Lori, I... - And I know why.
You thought the article would
be more interesting if the dates
No, Lori, that's...
- And the worst part is you acted like you liked me.
Lori, I do like you!
- You kissed me,
and then you turned
and walked away.
No. No, there's more than that. You don't understand...
- No, I get it. I got it.
And this time,
I'm walking away.
I'm sorry to hear
about Audrey.
I'm just relieved she's
okay.
How about you? Are you okay?
I've been better.
But just I wanted to thank you
so much for all your hard work.
I'm sorry it's all
gone to waste.
Nothing we do in life
is ever wasted.
Even the worst things can
lead to something better.
I wish I could believe
that,
but right now...
You're being
pulled apart.
By Brandon and Aunt
Beverly,
the two people I care about
most, and... it hurts.
Sometimes, when Jake
and I have troubles,
I go to a quiet place and
remember how it all began.
All the reasons
we fell in love
and all the reasons we love
each other now more than ever.
It's hard to remember
the good memories right now.
Then that's the best time
to make new ones.
I brought you some of my homemade
almond cookies dipped in chocolate.
I call them Harvest Moons.
I think you'll like them.
We have similar tastes.
Thank you, Cassie.
How long have you
been running?
I don't know what
you're talking about.
Audrey, I came here to
listen.
A long time.
And I'm tired of running.
That's why you're here,
safe but lonely.
I married Grant.
He was such a great guy
at first.
But then he started
telling me who I could see,
and where
I could go.
Eventually he didn't
want me going anywhere,
and when I did, he got very,
very angry.
So, I went out
anyway.
Far away
as I could go.
I tried to change my name
and...
He found me.
He always
finds me.
I wish I could just
disappear.
But then I wouldn't be
able to see you.
The reason that I stole those
things is because he threatened me,
and you.
He promised me a way out.
He lied.
You need to tell Jake
everything you just told me.
The police do not see that
side of him. They are no help.
Jake will help. We all will, working together.
You don't understand,
Cassie.
He's a dangerous man.
He will come after me.
He always does.
No matter where I go,
he finds me, and he will
come after you and your family
if you get in his way.
- I'm not afraid.
I won't take that chance.
I'm safer here.
We all are.
I've done enough damage.
Not to me.
Just the opposite. Audrey,
I'm better for
knowing you. A friend
is someone who understands
you, who listens to you.
Someone who is there for you.
You were all those things for me
this past week. I just
hope you'll let me
repay the favor.
One friend to another.
Hang in there.
It's gonna get better.
Yoo-hoo!
Yoo-hoo! Mr. Dressel!
I have to apologize for canceling your catalogue.
- No harm done.
Oh, I wish that were true.
I'm really sorry
about your fundraiser
and your park.
It was really nice
having met you.
And to think we had all the
money we needed all along.
How so?
One of the items that was
stolen, that little wooden doll?
Mr. Tyler,
our museum curator, saw all of
the auction items when they were
It's a Kachina Doll.
So?
A hand-carved Hopi
Indian Kachina Doll.
Apparently
a rare one.
He says it could be
worth up to $50.000.
Of course, Cassie had no
idea. And now it's gone,
likely forever.
Can you imagine?
$50.000
would have paid
for all of the Middleton
Botanical Gardens.
Brandon.
Tara?
How'd you know I was here?
I didn't.
I was just thinking about
what Cassie told me, and...
I don't know,
I just...
wanted to go to a quiet
place and think about us,
how this
all started.
Then I remembered
it all started here.
This is where
I proposed to you.
Sorry, did I interrupt
your phone call?
I was about to call
the music company.
I'm going to walk away
from this tour.
You can't
give that up.
Brandon, every time you talked
about that job, you were so excited.
I was more
excited about us.
About starting
our lives together.
That's why I wanted
to rush this wedding.
The tour means nothing
to me without you.
Are you sure?
I've never been more sure
about anything in my life.
Tara,
will you marry me?
Tara, if you want a more
traditional wedding,
I'll find some way to do it.
Even in a day and a half.
I'll do it.
I think as long
as we're together,
we can do anything.
I'm glad the wedding's
back on.
It'll be fun.
Even if I do go alone.
You'll find him, Lori.
- Who?
The right one.
Yeah, but when?
You just have to picture
that it will all work out.
Oh, that reminds me.
My pictures for the article. I have
to pick them up from the lab tomorrow.
Oh, hello,
Mr. O'Hanrahan. How is Grace
enjoying her break?
- I decided to use the time
to go over a few
of the basics with her.
I bet she enjoyed that.
- I'm not so sure.
Well, Grace is a very loving
child, and eager to learn.
She gets it from her
parents.
Not just her parents.
Let me show you something.
Here.
- Grace drew this?
Mm-hmm.
Is that supposed to be me?
She has a very high
opinion of you.
I'm in a lot of these.
- Mm-hmm.
Fishing, hiking,
fixing her bike.
I had no idea.
Looks like you've shared a lot of
things she thinks are worth drawing.
And I have a feeling
you will always be
a big part of her life.
Thanks for these.
Don't thank me,
thank the artist.
You know, I only want
what's best for her.
Of course, so do I.
You know, your method,
with fun and freedom,
is what's best
for her right now.
I found out that
she learned a lot from you.
Well, the best teachers are always
learning from their students.
Funny. That's exactly
what her mother told me.
Cassie.
Come in.
You must be the curator.
- Yes.
Grant Dressel.
- Hi.
Thanks for agreeing to see me on a Saturday.
- Did you bring it?
Oh...
oh my...
Yes?
- Yes, indeed.
It's authentic. You can tell
that it's been carved
from a single
block of wood.
How much do you
think it's worth?
I'd say 15 to
20 years in jail.
You're under arrest.
Great job, thank you.
This week has been
a blur all right.
Hey, it's Lori. Is Jim
there?
Are you kidding? When?
But why would he quit?
Yeah.
What a glorious
turn of events.
I can hardly believe it.
- Well,
there's one person who never
stopped believing in me...
A lot of people here
played a part.
Especially Martha.
Job well done,
Madame Mayor.
I could say
the same about you.
Oh, and I will.
Very well done, Chief.
I must say that it was a
very clever scheme on my part.
Our part.
You know,
despite your differences, you two
really came together on this one.
We sure did. We were like
a magnetic force.
Who'd a thought?
When Martha told Grant that the
Kachina Doll was worth 50 grand,
we knew he couldn't resist.
But weren't you worried that
he would make off with it?
Audrey, this doll Cassie
gave me is a flawed replica.
Cute, but worth less than $15.
- I'd say it was worth
more than that.
It put Grant behind bars,
and it bought
Audrey her freedom.
And now you can have your auction.
- We will,
but obviously not today.
Gentlemen, come with me.
I want to take official inventory
of all that we've recovered. Come on.
I don't know what to say.
You don't have to say a
thing.
That's the beauty of real
friendship. You just know.
Still,
if there's anything
I can do for you, Cassie...
There is. There's lots to
do.
My son is getting
married tomorrow.
Jim?
You found me.
- I figured it was you
hiding behind Edgar Allan Poe.
- Yeah, well, like they said,
he was the master
of suspense.
And romanticism.
Did you know he was actually
a really good journalist?
Hm!
- Just like you.
I guess I have a knack
for finding a good story.
You know, you didn't have
to quit the paper.
Yeah, I did.
Well, I want you to reconsider,
because you're a great editor,
even though we've had our problems recently...
- Lori,
I didn't crash your dates in the
hopes of getting a better story.
I didn't.
I did it because I like you.
- That's a funny way to show it.
No, like, I really like
you.
A lot.
Well, I really
like you. A lot.
That's why I quit.
Editors can't date
their writers, so...
I thought maybe if I gave up
being editor, hopefully...
maybe I could be
your date at the wedding?
My date?
That's not what I want.
Oh...
It's not?
No.
I want you to be
my boyfriend.
George, I'm really sorry
Gwen couldn't make it.
With one day's notice,
all the flights were booked.
But that's okay...
I'm recording it
for her on my phone.
This new technology
is unbelievable.
But seriously, I mean,
who'd have thought something
as strange as a camera obscura
would've brought us together?
- Cassie thought it.
Oh, Cassie.
You've been right all along.
Look at all the happy faces.
With a loving aunt like you,
Tara could never be disappointed.
Well, she did get the
wedding she always wanted,
after all, because she's
marrying the perfect guy.
Oh, excuse me.
I have a short walk to take.
Oh, you look so happy.
I couldn't ask
for anything more.
Shall we?
- Yes.
Aw...
Nice boots.
Yours too.
You're being a very good girl.
- I know.
Dearly beloved
friends, family
and well-wishers.
We are gathered together
to celebrate the marriage
of Tara and Brandon.
Isn't it amazing
how the good people
of Middleton never fail
to rise to the occasion
and come together
just when we need
each other most?
In fact,
it reminds me of
my own wedding, actually,
on a summer afternoon right
here in Middleton when...
Excuse me, Martha.
Could I say something?
- Yes, yes, of course. I'm so sorry. Go.
Your vows?
Yeah.
I thought you were
going to wing it.
I've been thinking about
it since the day I met you.
Tara, from the
first moment we met,
I knew you were
someone special.
It was magic that
brought us together.
And since then,
the times we've spent
together
have been the best
times of my life.
We're standing on
almost the exact spot
where I proposed to you
that summer night.
And it feels
so right
to stand here again,
sharing our vows,
because just like
this beautiful green garden
that's all around us,
I know that
we've found a love
that can only
grow with time.
Tara,
I promise
I will always love you
for the rest
of our lives.
Sweetie, it's too early
to clean that up.
Grace...
where did you get that?
What's that
delicious smell?
Your wedding cake.
- Spice cupcakes?
Cinnamon.
That's the same spice
that was in Brandon's
cookies the first day we met.
Hello, Cassie.
- Martha,
you did a beautiful
job up there.
Thanks to this wedding, we now have
a beautiful showcase that will inspire
the business community to help
make Middleton Gardens a reality.
All because of you.
Martha, it was you
who inspired me.
You recovered all
the auction items.
You designed Middleton's
Botanical Gardens.
And you married
Brandon and Tara
with an elegant speech,
all in your first week as
mayor.
Imagine what I can do
during my full term!
I think you'll do an
outstanding job as mayor.
Well, you haven't
been wrong yet.
Thank you, Cassie.
Cassie. I have some good news.
- Oh?
I told you how I've always
wanted to care for animals.
I'm going to veterinary school.
- Wow!
Will that take you far from Middleton?
- The school's between here
and Maddox, so I'm going to be
working at your animal shelter
I am so happy for you. Let me know
if there's anything I can do to help.
Of course. But, Cassie...
you've already
helped me,
more than I can say.
When did you
decide to do this?
In my cell.
I had a lot of
time to think.
And this...
helped to give me focus.
And courage.
But I won't be
needing it anymore.
No, I don't
believe you will.
To think, if I'd never found
that website for Middleton...
I would never
have found you.
Friends always have a way
of finding each other.
You put the bubbles
in my champagne.
They did that in France.
I had nothing to do with it.
I don't believe you.
Look at all this.
Well. Maybe a little.
I think I was right
to trust my partner.
- I can take you...
- Finally.
A slow song.
- What, you don't like rock n roll?
I love it. But slow songs
let me get close
to the love of my life.
I've never felt
closer to you.
Have you ever seen
so many happy faces?
There's nothing like
the joy of two people
finding their
perfect partner.
Come on, let's move to the dance floor.
I think the footing will be better.
Jake, I am
dancing on air.