Original subtitles

So, any luck?

No, nothing.

Well, it's a bad day when your blue-ribbon cow turns up missing.

We'll find her, Dad. We'll find her.

She's got that heart-shaped marking on her hindquarter. Should be easy to spot.

Maybe there's a fence line down somewhere.

No, we scouted the perimeter last week. Fence is fine.

At least it used to be.

We should do a count and see if there are others missing.

Oh, maybe there's some foul play at hand. Cattle rustling.

Don't start with that again, Dad. This ranch has been next to the Newmans for a

long time, James.

You know, there were nights your grandpa and I had to stand guard to protect this

herd. Yeah, I know. I remember the stories.

I do. I also remember there was never any proof that the Newmans took any of

our cows. Yeah, well, Pa thought they had a hand in it.

He'd say, if there's a wolf...

Camp next door to a herd of cattle and one goes missing?

Well, you can bet pretty good money that the wolf had something to do with it. So

what would the Newmans gain from taking one cow?

Well, maybe there's more. Don't you see? That's how it starts.

Just promise me you won't go do anything rash.

Keep an open mind.

We'll look for that missing cow. Suit yourself.

My mind's my own. I'll lead any line of inquiry I see fit.

Yeah, I know I know you always do

Amy

Hamilton Jackson Newman

I have to say, I'm still surprised to see you around here in Crossroad

Springs. Yeah, well, we never exactly kept in touch, so it didn't occur to me

to let you know of my plans.

I see not much has changed around here. Oh, a lot has changed around here since

high school.

Yeah, I guess that's true. You know, I think I ran three traffic lights on my

way here. Used to be just open road out by the train tracks.

Yeah, well, it's not the same strip of road you used to drag race your daddy's

Trans Am on back in the day.

Allegedly.

It was never proved as a fact.

So how long are you...

Staying here, exactly. I'm just curious.

I think we've established that my plans and my life are really none of your

business.

You know what?

You're right.

And actually, I don't care.

And how's Michael doing?

They're in Springfield, right? Yes.

They love it there.

I wish it wasn't a plane ride away, though. I get to see my grandkids more

often. How many kids do they have now? Two. Boy and a girl.

Just like you and James.

Running around, making trouble.

Catching frogs in your pond?

Your mom and I used to sit on the porch for hours watching you play in the

summer sun.

Those were good times.

I sure do miss your mom.

One of my true best friends.

Her birthday's coming up.

I can't believe she's been gone so long.

I hadn't even started med school yet.

I think about her all the time.

She was such a hoot.

You know, she started the bowling league where we met.

My mom bowled. I can't even picture that. She was terrible.

But she was a good scorekeeper, and she was always good for a laugh.

Now that sounds like my mom. Yeah.

Here you go. Thank you. Maybe that'll help get you back on that bowling team.

Oh, well, as long as I can get back to my knitting.

Thank you, dear.

Oh, and Janet, I hope you know your mom would be so proud of you.

Okay, picture this.

The wind in your hair and a view like you've never seen before.

Do you have seatbelts up there?

Yes, we do.

Uh, because the plane doesn't have a roof.

Okay, you're not exactly selling me on this, Cody.

You'll be fine.

Besides, when you're up there, your thoughts are clear, and your problems

seem far away.

Okay.

You convinced me.

I'll go.

Great.

You know, if you think Crosswood Springs looks pretty from the ground, wait till

you see it from the clouds.

And it's gonna be a beautiful day for a plane ride.

I'll, uh, see you then.

I'll see you then.

Hey, Charlene.

Is that your husband?

Oh, no, that's Cody. He's a crop duster helping the farmers out.

Oh, well, looks like you two would make a good pair.

It is not like that at all. We are just friends. We went to school together, and

we always catch up when he's in town.

He has a single-engine plane he wants to take me up in. If you say so.

But my friends back in Houston say I have a knack for seeing a spark.

No spark.

Just friends.

Okay. So, what can I get for you? Oh, the usual.

I am so sorry. Please remind me what that is.

Coffee with cream.

Sorry, I just, I miss having a place where I'm a regular.

Well, I hope you can make the Daisy Mae that place for you here in Crossroads

Springs. Yeah, me too.

Oh, what are you making with rhubarb?

Okay, I thought the man at the market was totally pranking me. I didn't know

rhubarb had leaves. I thought it was like celery.

Celery has leaves.

Agree to disagree.

Anyway, I am making a pie for the Strawberry Socials Pie Contest.

That's impressive.

Rhubarb is a difficult flavor to balance. I got the recipe online from my

favorite bakery back in Houston.

It can't lose.

Well, we'll see.

Amy Hamilton's been winning that pie contest four years running.

Well, that is just the motivation I needed. I love winning contests. I used

to do pageants.

That does not surprise me at all.

No one's ever surprised.

Well, you have a head fit for a crown.

Why, thank you.

Wish me luck. I wish you all the luck. Now I will get you your coffee with

cream. See, you're my regular now.

What

are

you doing here?

I told you I don't want to talk in person, especially here of all places.

I was on my way to your ranch when I saw you and thought it'd be more discreet if

we just happened to run into each other in town.

Besides, I can't talk on the phone anymore.

Why not?

Supervisor.

They've been asking questions.

Look, I'm going to have to let the Hamilton permit go through.

That's too bad.

Yeah.

I plan on forgiving that debt you owe, but it seems I might have to let that go

through, too. Slow down, Jackson. We've got a deal.

It seems the deal terms are up for renegotiation.

I don't like it when people disappoint me.

Make sure you don't.

Jackson, honey.

Hey. This is what rhubarb looks like. Oh, look at my city girl wielding a

vegetable. That's a vegetable?

Well, I hope you are ready for me to win a contest against that E.M.E. Hamilton.

I would be the happiest man in town to see you win a blue ribbon.

You don't even know what the contest is.

Well, it doesn't matter. I know how much you like to win. I do.

That is why I married you. Uh-huh.

Thank you, sweetie.

And you.

Ma'am.

That's exactly what I expected.

That cow didn't just wander off. Look at that.

Lean cut.

Any news?

I'd say, but not the good kind. We haven't found the cow, but this is

probably where she got out.

This chain was intentionally cut. Someone did this on purpose.

Look at that. It was cut. I'm going right over to the Noom and see where

they're hiding that cow.

Dad, come on. Don't jump to conclusions.

If I'm going to jump somewhere, that's a pretty good place to start.

I know. Can we just slow down for a minute, please, and just think about

this? Who else might have wanted to cut that chain?

Looks like there's a utility crew out here. I recognize those markings from

when I worked on the lines.

See, Dad, there could be another explanation.

I like my explanation. I know you do, but for right now, we're just trying to

focus on finding that cow and not finger-pointing, which doesn't do us any

good, and we can always do that later. So, Lewis, if you could just grab the

tools so we can fix this, and Dad, just put down the chain.

Excuse me for a second.

Hello, this is Pastor James.

Hey, tell him you're busy.

Yes, yes, of course. I can meet you in the prayer barn in...

How about an hour? You know, I long for the days when phones were attached to

the wall. That sounds great.

Yes, absolutely.

Okay. All right, I'll see you then.

Dad, I have made a commitment to the congregation to make sure they know

these are dependable office hours. Well, that's fine, but we've got a serious

situation here, son. We don't know how long that gate's been open. And as soon

as I finish, we can head out and start the count. But until then, we're only

missing a cow. That we know of. That's exactly right. That we know of. We'll

handle it.

Well, I'll handle it, all right.

Lewis, can you please just keep an eye on him, make sure he doesn't breach the

fence line?

Cody? Hey.

How you doing? How can I help?

Hope you're not too busy, but I saw your number on the community board at the

Daisy Mae.

Thought you might be the perfect person for some spiritual guidance.

Yeah, you know what? I've got some time right now. Take a walk with me?

Yeah.

You know, I admire you, James, your clarity.

You know, you followed your heart to Chicago, and you followed it right back

here.

I stumbled around, and now I'm talking to the Lord about how my heart wants two

different things.

Yeah, the heart could do that.

Well, just so you know, it wasn't easy for me to move back here from Chicago.

It wasn't.

I mean, sure, you're seeing me now that my roots are planted, but I really

struggled with that decision.

Yeah, but you did it.

You know, I see people like you with real roots in a place, and I long for

that. My job, it's so transient.

Applying to this place and that, one week here, one week there.

But I'd love to settle down and start a family.

Just kind of scared of losing my job and my freedom to fly.

I get that.

You know, Moses traveled around from place to place.

He and his wife figured it out.

Marriage can be challenging, but also really rewarding. It's about duty and

sacrifice.

You just got to find a way to meet in the middle.

I think if you keep asking for guidance, you'll find the right person.

The right person.

You know, seeing Maggie again, the life that she's made here, feels different

this time, stronger.

It used to be so casual, but now I'm seeing her, maybe us, in a new light.

I'm not certain, though.

Well, yeah, it sounds like you guys are moving into a new phase.

You're no stranger to faith. I think if you pray on it, you know the answers

will come.

Yeah, you're right.

I do know that.

Hey, what about yourself?

Imagine you plan on getting married, starting a family someday.

Yeah, well, much like you, my job requires a lot.

I think it's gonna take a really special woman who wants to be both a rancher and

a pastor's wife. Help me tend to both flocks.

Yeah, that is a lot.

You ever accidentally mix up the two?

Start preaching to the cattle? Only when they call during office hours.

Cody, if God has put a desire in your heart, He will open the doors that lead

you to it.

And we don't have to understand all this right now.

Sometimes we just need a little trust and a little faith that there's a bigger

plan.

Thanks, James.

Okay, here is the last one.

Oh. Sorry, Thomas, is he sleeping?

Oh, no, he's fine. He can sleep through fireworks just like his daddy.

Oh, my goodness.

James and Janet's mom, Marianne, made that for James. He was the cutest little

baby. I can't believe Pastor James used to be a little strawberry.

There's no way Thomas isn't wearing this for the social. Look.

Oh, this is so helpful.

All these clothes.

Thomas is out growing things he's barely even worn.

Well, I think that's why Marianne kept all of this.

Are you sure no one will mind if Thomas wears them? No, I think everyone just

wants to see them used and loved.

Well, I'll be sure to save them for when James and Janet need them.

Oh, hi.

You know, I could coordinate a clothing swap booth at the social.

You know, reach out to all the families with young children, and it could be a

sort of bring something, take something sort of thing.

Yeah, that's an incredible idea.

What about with toys, too?

Oh, that would be fantastic.

The parents would love that.

You know, you have a lot on your plate. Why don't you let me handle this?

Wow. What?

That pie smells so good, it's distracting.

Oh, well, let's hope everyone at the social feels the same way. Otherwise, we

are going to be having pie leftovers for days.

Yeah, I wouldn't be mad about that.

Oh!

Good, Amy!

I remember that outfit.

James wore that very proudly.

Such big open space, do you think I'd be able to find a moment of privacy?

This is a strange place for a meeting.

I was just chatting with a friend.

I don't recognize him from around these parts.

Oh, the world's full of parts outside of Crossroads Springs, Daniel.

And they're full of people.

Okay, well, you know, you can meet at the ranch house if you want. You don't

have to meet out in the field, unless you're hiding something.

No, nothing to hide.

What are you doing out here? I thought you were working on the budget.

Yeah, we're a few ranch hands short today, just because the strawberry's

social.

Why is the strawberry social affecting our workers?

We all lend out a couple ranch hands.

Reminds us we're all one big community.

That sounds like a fool's errand.

This is why I want you to run things past me.

Like giving time off to workers.

I can appreciate that you have a right to be here, Jackson, but I'm not going

to slow things down or change my customs all of a sudden. I don't understand why

we have to lose productivity because Amy Hamilton wants to throw a party. Well,

the social allows us to meet the other ranchers. Connect.

Well, is that it for us?

Us.

It's not just about us.

Yeah, it sounds like you're making it about yourself.

I'm looking out for my family.

What do you think I've been doing all these years?

You know, I've been tending to the needs of this family just fine.

You know, it's not weakness to acknowledge that our land is just

another plot on the map of Crossroads Springs.

Yeah, and you see, that's the problem.

You think the Newman Ranch needs the other ranches to survive.

I think the other ranches need us.

So, how'd it go?

Not great. I checked the whole perimeter and the fence looks good everywhere

else. There's nowhere left to look on the property.

Okay, well, at least all the other cattle they're accounted for.

If we've checked everywhere on this property, the Newman's, it's the next

logical place.

You think we can ask them for permission?

We can't ask Jackson, that's for sure. He'd say no just to spite us.

Really? Oh, yeah.

Yeah, back when I was a boy, we found four cattle that had been double

-branded. Our brand on one side and their brand on the other.

My daddy had no doubt it was Jackson's father who'd done it.

What happened to the cows?

Well, of course, the Newmans claimed that we branded their cattle.

So we ended up having to split them.

Two each.

Jackson would remember that.

Our dads were mad as hornets.

That's what this whole battle with the Newmans is about.

Four heads 50 years ago.

Nah. Nah, that's just one of many in a long list of nefarious deeds.

Some were real.

Some may have been lore.

Some misunderstandings become legends that get passed down for generations.

That's why I don't trust that, Jackson.

There's no doubt that we're the villains in their stories.

You know, he'd take that cow just to prove he could.

You want me to do one more scout before it gets dark?

I'd be happy to.

Oh, you've put in a good day's work, Lewis.

We'll do another check tomorrow.

Maybe if it's cold tonight, she'll make her way home.

I'd like to be wrong about this, but where there's smoke, there's fire.

James, something I can help you with?

Well, I was hoping you could take a look at this.

That looks like a chain.

You want me to tell you the gauge or something?

Look at it, Daniel. It's been cut.

You accusing me of doing this?

Sounds like something your father would do. No, but we are missing a cow.

Maybe more.

I'm just trying to get ahead of this, Daniel. You know my dad.

None of my guys would do that.

Could be a lineman.

I know there's a crew working up near the ridge.

That's what Lewis said, too.

So you're telling me you don't know anything about this? That's what I'm

telling you.

Anything else?

Well, if you could keep your eyes open.

Let us know if you find a cow that's got a heart on its hindquarter. It'd be

helpful. Heart on the hindquarters. Copy that.

All right. Thanks.

How are things?

Can't complain.

Janie's giving me a few hours here at the feeding seat.

Janet, as a doctor, I wouldn't think you have this much time to color.

And Amy's putting out a little coloring booth for the strawberry social.

I think we're going to need a lot of red.

Purple strawberries just won't do.

Well, you'll have plenty of them in there.

And Amy's worked so hard, the least I can do is have too many markers.

Hey, Walter.

Janie called, said that tractor part was in.

Yes, I know where it is. Let me grab that for you. Nice.

Janet?

Daniel?

Your dad's still looking for that wandering gal?

He is.

He's got some theories as to where she's at.

Yeah, I don't doubt that.

He's throwing a few of those my way.

It's a well-worn path.

My dad's memory is long, and it seems like some stories from the past are

bubbling up. It's before our time, but you might want to ask your uncle about

it.

Yeah, the past is a funny thing, isn't it?

If we don't learn from it, we're destined to relive it.

And if we're always looking back, we can't move forward.

All right, here you go, Daniel.

Oh, thank you. Hey, you mind putting that on my tab? Will do.

All right, I'll see you at the social.

See you at the social.

Walter, take care.

Let me get a bag for you for that.

That man is a pillar in this town.

Hey, Amy.

Didn't see you there.

This is a... Looks like it's going to be a nice event.

Well, I hope so.

Thanks for all your help. You and the ranch hands.

Of course.

Tradition.

Um, sorry. I... I think there's been a bit of a mix-up. The ticket booth is

supposed to be over there.

You know what?

You're absolutely right.

Hey, fellas, you want to move that booth back over that way?

Thanks.

So, Daniel mentioned y'all missing a cow. Is that right?

Apparently. Our ranch hands have been out looking, but so far, no luck.

Well, you can let Willis know. We'll keep an eye.

You know, maybe the cow's just trying to prove to everybody it's okay to cross

the fence line, like nothing bad's gonna happen.

Maybe. Yeah, maybe.

Okay, I'm gonna get back at it.

This is gonna be great.

Thanks.

Oh, Janet. Wow, you really read a lot.

Yeah, we want to make sure that we get the word out that the clinic's here for

the whole community.

That we're part of the public health safety net.

Just like the cowboy church.

Exactly. We all go hand in hand.

Hey, Jed.

Do you need a hand?

I'm good, Pastor. Thank you.

All right.

So, Martha was at the clinic yesterday.

She said that she and Mom were on a bowling team together.

Did you know Mom bowled?

Okay, so I was too young to remember her actually bowling, but what I do remember

is that when I was about six, I found this bowling trophy.

And I was so impressed because I thought Mom got it from some huge bowling

tournament.

It turns out it was just a participation award.

She was actually an awful bowler. That's what Martha said, too.

She said they just loved having her for her company.

Yeah. She was the best company.

Ta-da!

Oh, Janet, I'm so excited you have a booth here this year. The Strawberry

Social is turning into a real coming together of all of our different lives.

The clinic, the church, the ranch, and the association.

It really is.

I think it's going to be a great turnout.

Hey, we saw Jed in the parking lot unloading wood.

Yep. The Newmans lent us some of their ranch hands.

Actually, all the ranches did. Hands across the aisle.

That's like the Newmans letting their workers worship at the cowboy church.

It's really fantastic.

I feel like we're finally beginning to bridge the divide between our two

families. Well, you're saying that, but I'm not sure your father would agree.

He definitely would not.

It's hard to teach an old dog new tricks.

Oh, excuse me. The headliners have appeared.

The headliners?

Strawberries.

Should we get the rest? Let's do it.

I'm going to dice you into chunks.

How big's a chunk?

Mom, I just saw a deer and a fawn, and I've already passed my daily step goal.

I mean, this place really isn't that bad.

Mm-hmm.

Okay, what on earth are you doing?

Oh, well, you know that little strawberry social thing? They're having

a pie contest, and you are looking at the winner.

Mom, I've never seen you bake before. I mean, unless we're counting toast.

Well... I found the recipe online for that strawberry rhubarb pie we love so

much from the bakery in Houston.

Just saying.

Aren't pies, like, super hard to make?

Honey, it's a pie.

How hard can it be?

We'll see.

Wait, how big's a chunk?

Like, this big?

Told ya.

Don't you feel alive?

I feel grateful to be alive, I can tell you that.

Wow, you certainly have been busy.

Yeah, I only got 40 more to make for tomorrow.

41. Sorry, couldn't help myself. It's okay.

It's delicious.

You want to take a break and grab an early dinner?

I just took a break and I spent it eating bugs and being pretty near

terrified the whole ride.

You sure?

Yeah, I really have a lot to do. Not just the social, but the cafe. I just

can't take any more time off. Not to mention my mom.

And your work at the food pantry. I know.

You're a wonder to behold.

You got a lot going on for you at Crossroads Springs.

James, hi. I wasn't expecting you for another hour.

Yeah, I thought I'd swing by and see if there was anything I could bring over to

you and Amy. She just wants to make sure tomorrow runs smoothly.

Hi, James. Tony!

Look at that.

I see you've got a chance to try one of Maggie's famous tarts. Yeah.

Can you blame me? Absolutely not. They're legendary.

Yeah, I've gone through so many strawberries, I don't think there are

any left in my mother's garden.

Well, at least they're getting put to good use.

Yeah.

Well, um, I should probably get back to it.

And I'll get out of your hair.

Need help carrying anything?

No, no, no. I think I got it. Thanks.

And, uh, thank you for today, Cody.

You're right.

Crossroads Springs is beautiful any way you look at it.

Sure is.

I'll, uh, see you two tomorrow.

Yeah, I'm glad you're gonna be there. You're usually only in town for a few

days. Yeah, I'm, uh, trying to settle down a little bit.

Maybe lay down some roots.

So. So.

Is that it?

Uh, yeah.

Yeah.

How was your day?

Uh, it was, um, up in the air.

I, Cody and I, uh, well, we're just, we, um.

Look, Maggie, I'm not trying to get in the way of something that's blossoming.

Oh, no, that's, that's not what I was going to say.

I guess I don't know what I was trying to say.

It's okay.

You don't have to say anything.

Thanks.

Good morning.

So, are you excited about the strawberry social today?

What happened in here last night?

Oh, well, I just... I didn't have time to clean up. Don't worry, I'm going to

tackle it before we leave.

No, I wasn't talking about the mess. I was talking about that pie.

How did you pull this off?

Well, the first pie was a disaster. It even caught fire at one point. But don't

worry, I was able to smother the flames with some baking soda.

Also...

Bake this box, too?

Okay, making pies is really hard.

That's actually my fourth attempt. I didn't have time to make another one. I

didn't have a choice.

How did you get that pie, anyway?

I overnighted it from the bakery in Houston.

Mom! Okay, please don't tell your dad. I really want him to know that I'm trying

to fit in here.

Plus, it costs a small fortune.

Mom, I am very disappointed in you.

Because you think it's cheating.

Well, it is, but no, that's not why.

Because I don't want you to tell your dad?

No, because you didn't get the coffee cake from the bakery, too. You know that

that one's my favorite.

Coffee cake.

Get the forks.

Yes.

ever locate that missing cow?

Jackson.

No, not yet. We haven't.

That is a shame.

A lot of space out here for a cow to get lost.

Sure, that's true.

I hear your father's making accusations around town.

Well, he's his own man. He can think for himself.

Yeah, well, you go ahead and remind Will that that's not just Daniel here now.

If you accuse one of us, you accuse all of us.

All I ask is that you be true.

I'll believe in everything you do.

All I ask is that you hold on tight.

Because this life, yeah, this life is such a ride.

Well, I would say you put together a fine event here, Amy. Well, thank you. I

couldn't have done it without you.

Without. Your help. With everyone's help. All the help.

Right.

Well, how about a dance later?

You know when the band starts.

Now you know we can't do that.

Oh, come on. You gonna let a family feud stop us from enjoying this strawberry

social? Well, no.

But I'm not gonna be the talk of it either.

Now with Jackson back in town, it seems like everything's bubbling up to the

surface.

I don't think it's the right time to be seen dancing with the enemy.

Oh, enemies now, huh?

Well, if you're an enemy, you're awfully nice.

Well, I could say the same thing about you, cowboy.

A

beautiful

pie. Is it Rupert?

Uh, rhubarb and strawberry.

Well, of course, strawberry. It is a strawberry social.

Did you use an egg wash or melt to get that finish?

Oh, um, it's a family secret.

I was going to tell you. You might give me a run for my money next year.

Of course, taste is everything. But this may be the year you give Amy Hamilton a

run for her money.

You think so?

Oh, my goodness. Thank you.

Got it. Right off the interstate. Here we go. Does that feel better?

Awesome. High five.

Nice work, doctor.

Thank you, doctor. I got my degree in adhesive bandages.

Hi, would you like some health care information?

All-time health clinic right off the interstate.

I don't know. It's more tiring being a doctor or handing out pamphlets for

doctors. Well, at least the clinic has some air conditioning.

This is adorable.

I'm so glad you pushed us to participate in this, Janet. How's it going? Great.

So far, we've treated a bee sting and two boo-boos.

How about I get us some strawberry lemonade?

Yes, please.

Sure, I'd love some.

All right.

Might need an extra hand. Care to join me, Janet?

Sure.

Oh, thanks.

Sure.

Would you like some clinic information?

There you go.

Well, that's the last of them.

How many pies did she bake? Yeah, well, not enough.

I'm telling you, these pies are selling like hotcakes.

Well, you know what I mean.

Yeah, she already took one load up.

All right, don't be too long. You don't want to be late for your first

strawberry social.

I won't. I just want to take one last look near the pond before I head out.

I appreciate your work ethic, kid.

That's not work. She's family.

We need to find her.

You can make so many different foods out of strawberries.

Oh, yes. They're a very versatile fruit.

Well, tell me more.

Well, continue.

Janet!

Hi!

There is this sweet strawberry in the whole place.

Hi, honey.

Eric, this is Tina.

So nice to meet you.

Dr. Eric.

Heard a lot about you. Well, not that much. Not that much. Just the normal

amount. Don't worry. All my friends know about Dr. Janet.

Who's this little guy?

This is my godson, Thomas.

Oh, wow. It's a strong strawberry.

Well, I should go get us those lemonades. Would you like one, Tina? Oh,

no, I'm okay. Thanks.

All right. Yeah.

He is very handsome.

And he's so cute with Thomas.

He'd make great father material, just saying.

Stop it. We're not even dating.

But I know, right?

Where's Louis?

Oh, he's still heartsick about that missing cow.

So he's just doing another scout around the property before heading over.

Oh, what a sweet man.

Now that is definitely good father material.

Well, I know.

That's why we have this little one.

Hi, Charlene.

Hi. We haven't officially met. I'm Amy Hamilton.

Pleasure to meet you.

I have been so busy organizing the social and with all the baking, I

normally would have brought over a pie to welcome you, but I think you and I

have both seen enough pie to last us a long time.

Probably for the rest of our lives. That pie and I had what looked like a fight

in my kitchen. Oh, it happens.

I did make you a little something.

Oh.

It's pickled cabbage.

Maybe a little bit like kimchi?

How did you know I was looking for kimchi?

Well, it's a small town. Everyone here is everything.

Right.

So, which pie is yours?

Oh, I'm not competing this year.

Just because I'm on the organizing committee, it didn't seem appropriate. I

wouldn't want anyone to think I was getting an unfair advantage.

Yeah, cheating in a pie contest.

How embarrassing.

Yeah. Oh, thank you. Excuse me.

Um, wait, I... I need to withdraw my pie.

This is a community event, and I realize that me, an outsider, I should win.

Oh.

Don't worry about it.

Hello, everyone, and welcome. Please gather round.

This is the moment we've all been waiting for. First of all, the judges

would like to thank all the bakers. Your pies were delicious, and we know how

hard you all worked on them.

But... There can only be one winner.

So this year's Crossroads Springs Strawberry Pie Master

is... Are you ready?

Kimmy Brown.

Oh, my goodness!

Oh, my goodness!

Thank you so much, everyone.

I'm proud of you, Mom, for doing the right thing.

Well, sort of.

Thank you.

Bill's head, sort of.

Um, where's Doug?

Oh, he said he had some work to do and he'd be meeting us here.

Of course he isn't here.

Leave it to Dad to dump us in some country town and then go off and do

whatever he wants.

Okay, don't pretend like you're not having fun.

All right, I'm having fun.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Okay, everyone, now please go enjoy yourselves. Eat lots of strawberries,

dance to the music, and have a wonderful afternoon. Thank you for being here.

Congratulations!

There you go.

Oh! Nice.

You students did a really good job making the signs for the Strawberry

Social. Thank you, Pastor.

We love doing it.

Although I have to say, the classroom was a bit of a crazy mess after the

task.

Oh, I can only imagine. You should have seen the kitchen at the ranch after Aunt

Amy's pie production line went through.

Talk about a mess.

Nice!

Nicely done.

Thank you.

Should we check out the ring toss?

Yeah, yeah, absolutely.

Oh, looks like someone got there already.

Are you okay?

Yeah.

Yeah.

Um, yeah, I'm fine.

Just remembering how special today is, and everyone seems to have a little

extra pep in their step.

Cody's a good guy.

Yeah, I know.

Come on.

You know, there are a few kinds of relationships.

The kind that are fun, that burn out quickly, and the kind that has an ember

that never goes away.

Yeah, I suppose you're right.

There you are, old girl.

You had us all worried. We've been looking all over for you.

Yeah, she must have wandered through Martha's yard onto our property.

She's back now.

Got her home.

Thank you.

Don't you know those are Newman's? Even cattle aren't supposed to get along.

Maybe you're trying to show us that more fences can be mended.

That's a good girl.

Yeah, I know.

I know. Come on.

Got you red-handed. I just noticed that the mail had come, so I'd stopped.

Just like you happened to cut a path for the Hamilton's cattle on her through? If

the Hamiltons are putting all their livelihood on one roving cow, then

they're deeper in it than I thought.

That's not a direct answer.

I don't feel like I need to answer to you or anyone. I don't like what you're

playing at. Then you don't have to play.

I gotta go to the social.

Okay.

Recommend you go.

That'd be good for you to meet some people.

Maybe be reminded what this town stands for.

I mean, you might even meet some friends.

You never know when you're gonna need a friend, right?

Have fun checking the mail.

Oh, look here.

Wrong address.

I guess the Hamletons are gonna have to wait a little longer on that herd

expansion.

Apparently, I have all the friends I need.