EPISODE 343
Written by: Bre L Drew
May 27, 2025
Last Time on Town and Country
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Lenny stated that she would marry Elijah if she received news of remission—which she did—prompting Elijah to plan a surprise wedding ceremony. He enlisted both Tommy and Tanner to help out.
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Presley had issues with his relationship with Tanner over her connection to Tommy, which led her to walk out on their coffee date.
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Despite being married to Jordan and having a family with her, Tommy is still very much in love with Tanner—complicating matters further.
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Courtney was unhappy to learn that Esther and Steven knew about Emma’s parentage. However, Steven left town to handle things with his son, Evan, who needed him.
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Mae informed Antoine that Max and Shauna are new parents to a baby girl—unbeknownst to them, Antoine is the baby’s father which he went to Home Farm to confront her about.
HOME FARM
Not even five minutes ago, Shauna Covington had a perfect vision of her future as she and Max stood together in their baby daughter’s nursery.
But it all began to unravel the moment Antoine Hall arrived at the mansion. It didn’t take long for him to question whether or not he was the baby’s father—which, in truth, he was. The one-night stand they shared months ago, during a rough patch in her marriage, had consequences, despite her attempts to repair things and build a future with Max.
As much as she wants to turn away, Shauna keeps her eyes on Antoine—the person she’s known longer than anyone else in the house, including her husband.
“You’re as cocky as ever, I see,” she says, her first words to him.
Antoine doesn’t look away. Shauna still looks as good as ever, the weight from her pregnancy only accentuating her hips and backside.
He glances around the nursery—deep, rich blue walls, a crib he knows he could never afford, and a household staff to care for the baby. His gaze lands on four letters hanging on the wall: K-E-R-I.
“You named her Keri?” he asks.
“Yeah,” Shauna replied, caught off guard. She thought he’d keep pressing. “Max and I named her after his mother.”
Antoine gives a small nod, then looks back at her.
“You still ain’t answered my question,” he says quietly. “Is she mine?”
FRANKLIN FARM: MAIN HOUSE
For the past hour, the kitchen at Franklin Farm had become an impromptu planning station for the upcoming surprise wedding of Lenny and Elijah.
Alongside the groom-to-be our Sarah Lynn Saunders, Martha Saunders, and Courtney Covington Sullivan, all helping organize the event, which would take place on the land Lenny calls her favorite place in the world—once she’s released from the hospital after her long battle with cancer.
“So far, Reverend Friendly is presiding, and Tanner’s getting Lenny’s bridal attire,” Elijah updates. “Any progress, comments, questions, or concerns?”
The women chuckle.
“And don’t forget to breathe,” Martha teases.
“I… I haven’t,” Elijah admits.
Courtney sets her iPhone on the table. “Good news—I convinced the florist to rush the arrangements.”
“What about the food?” Elijah asks, half-casually, half-worried.
Sarah Lynn walks over and puts a hand on his shoulder. “Don’t worry. I’ll make sure we have enough to feed an army.”
“And I’m heading to the barn to start decorating,” Martha adds.
Elijah, calmer now, speaks up. “Thank you all for doing this. I know it’s not conventional, but I want everything to go off without a hitch."
“Elijah, I think I speak for all of us when I say we’re happy to help. You two deserve this,” Sarah Lynn replies.
She had given him her engagement ring to propose last Christmas.
The doorbell rings, and Elijah heads to the front door. He’s stunned to find Nathaniel and Brynn Barker standing in the doorway.
“Mom? Dad? What are you doing here?”
“We knew you were here and thought we’d come help,” Brynn says.
It is a stark contrast from months ago when they weren’t on board with his proposal, afraid it might lead him back to the bottle. But they had since come around.
Still in shock, Elijah leads them into the kitchen, where greetings are exchanged.
“Like your mother said—we’re here to help any way we can, so put us to work,” Nathaniel says, clapping his hands together.
Martha walks over to her former teacher and her husband. “I think I have the perfect job for you two. Follow me.”
“Aye aye, Captain,” Brynn replies with a salute, and the three head out the back door.
Just as Elijah begins to process his parents’ unexpected arrival, there’s a knock at the back door.
“It’s probably Martha forgetting something,” Courtney says, walking over to open it.
She’s wrong.
Steven,” she says, surprised.
Her husband, Steven Sullivan—who had been in Orlando—is now back in town.
JOJO'S CAFE
Cause I am barely breathing, and I can't find the air
Don't know who I'm kidding, imagining you care
And I could stand here waiting, a fool for another day
I don't suppose it's worth the price, you're worth the price
The price that I would pay-yeah, yeah, yeah
​
Duncan Sheik's pop-folk one-hit wonder "Barely Breathing" plays on the stereo system of Jojo's Café as various customers occupy their time inside the establishment, including Presley McKnight, who's currently sitting at the table near the large window that overlooks Main Street.
The reverend has his iPhone to his ear, partly dreading and uncertain as he listens to his girlfriend’s phone ring unanswered—still reeling from their fight about how Tommy keeps coming between them, despite him being married to his sister. Since then, the two haven’t talked.
When he hears the now-familiar voice of her outgoing voicemail message, he takes a large gust of air before responding.
“Tanner, hey, it’s me… I know I’m probably the last person you want to speak to… but we need to talk… uh, bye.”
After he promptly ends the call, he lifts his head just as Jordan Covington saunters into the café wearing a long-sleeved button-up shirt, dark flared pants, and a bucket purse. Once she spots him, she makes her way to embrace him, which he accepts quickly.
As she lets go, she assesses his expression.
“Oh, I know that look,” she remarks.
“I think, uh… maybe you were right.”
Jordan flashes a toothpaste-winning smile. “Of course I was. I always am. But what about this time?”
The reverend prepares to tell his sister about it.
THE VILLAGE OF HUDSON LAKE
Despite it being a weekday, Tanner Lockhart is surprised to see so much foot traffic throughout the Village of Hudson Lake. Though the sunny, warm afternoon might have something to do with the rush of shoppers at the outdoor mall just outside of Radcliffe.
With an assortment of shopping bags in her hands, she exits the Bewilder department store, grateful she left her cardigan in the car since the temperature seems to have gone up since she arrived over an hour ago.
Her trip out here was a top priority, and now she’s relieved it’s over as she heads toward the parking lot.
But just as she’s about to step off the sidewalk, from the corner of her eye she notices someone she hadn’t anticipated running into. Before she can try to avoid him, Tommy Covington picks up his pace to catch up with her. He, too, is holding a shopping bag.
“What brings you out in this neck of the woods?” he greets her.
“Oh,” Tanner says. “I’m on a secret mission of sorts.”
“Now would this mission be Operation Getting Lenny and Elijah Hitched?”
“As a matter of fact, it is. You too?”
“Elijah,” they both say in near unison.
Elijah had enlisted them both to help him get things set—in addition to asking Tommy to be his best friend’s best man if the surprise union happens.
“How did it go?” Tommy asks as a couple in their sixties passes by holding hands.
Tanner adjusts her purse strap.
“Well, as you know, my twin isn’t exactly a dress person, but I think I found something that’s comfortable and her style… I hope.”
“I think outside of Elijah, you know her best.”
“And everything she’s been through—with her AML, chemo, almost giving up hope, and the bone marrow transplant—it’ll be good to have something to celebrate.”
Though her happiness for her sister is clear, Tommy can tell a trace of sadness lingers in her eyes.
“Look, I know I might not be the person you want to confide in, but what’s going on?”
Tanner moves her head back and forth, hating that despite their breakup, he can still read her.
“It’s just Presley and me… things could be better, that’s all I’ll say.”
The tone in her voice tells him it somehow has to do with him. He’s made it clear he still has feelings for her—and he came close to kissing her. Though Tanner didn’t reciprocate, she still sees him as a married man—even if the marriage is just to protect Jordan and their son.
“I’m sure he’ll come around. And if not, that’s his loss,” Tommy says.
Tanner is silent as she sees a mother and child pass by.
"Who knew our family ties also extend to Emma?"
"You’re telling me. From what I’ve seen, she still isn’t taking it well. It might take her a long time to come around to the fact that she isn’t who she thought she was."
Emma is both their aunt—due to Tommy’s grandmother having an affair with Tanner’s great-grandfather—and also the donor. Her stating this is what upset Presley. It’s why they haven’t spoken since she walked out on him at Jojo’s.
"I couldn’t imagine that kind of pain."
"It kind of puts life into perspective, huh?"
“Guess so,” Tanner says, somewhat bashfully. “I’ll see you at the wedding.”
“I’m always glad to see you,” Tommy replies.
Tanner pauses before heading to her Fiat, their interaction stirring more unspoken subtext. Tommy stays on the sidewalk, watching the one that keeps getting away.
FRANKLIN FARM
Inside the barn—once the setting for Steven and Courtney’s reception—Martha is pleased to see Nathaniel and Brynn hanging decorations. As she surveys their progress, Will Jackson enters, dressed in a black polo and jeans.
“This place is lookin' good,” he says, offering a small smile.
“Thanks. And speaking of looking good,” Martha says, taking in Will’s casual dress attire.
He licks his lips at the compliment.
“Hey, uh… do you know if Elijah invited Emma to the wedding?”
Martha slumps her shoulders. “I don’t know. And if he did… well, that’s his call.”
Will watches her for a moment, hearing the edge in her voice at the mention of his ex-lover—and her employer.
“Don’t forget, she’s the one who made this possible. If it weren’t for her donating the bone marrow, there might not even be a wedding to celebrate.”
He was the only one Emma had confided in after learning the truth—that Jimmy Saunders, not Patrick Covington, was her biological father.
“And let’s not forget she also announced it to everyone in the hospital,” Martha cuts in, her tone dry. “Because she was angry and wanted to lash out. Why is it so important she comes anyway?”
“Maybe because I know what it’s like to feel like you don’t belong anywhere,” Will replies. “And like it or not, she’s your family.”
Martha folds her arms. “That does seem to be the case,” she says with sarcasm.
He hesitates. “Is this still about what happened all those years ago?”
Martha narrows her eyes. “What are you talking about?”
“The day you walked in on me and Emma at The Cliffe… I arranged that,” he admits. “I knew you had feelings for me, but I didn’t think I was right for you. Or maybe I didn’t think I deserved what we could’ve had.”
Martha falls quiet for a long moment.
“I don’t know Emma, and honestly, I don’t really want to. But I am grateful for what she did. Still, if you want her here, talk to Elijah. But if it were up to me, she wouldn’t be. Because the focus on that day should be on my niece and her new husband—not Emma Covington, Laurent, or whatever name she goes by.”
Without another word, she turns and walks back into the barn. Will lingers a moment longer, then silently walks away.
Meanwhile, the estranged couple moves into the living room to talk in private.
“So, when did you get back?” Courtney asks the first words she can muster.
“About an hour ago,” Steven replies. “I haven’t even gone home yet. Came straight here when I heard you were helping with the wedding.”
They’ve barely communicated since he left to deal with his son, who refuses to move to Boston with his mother and new stepfather. But what truly remains between them is Steven’s role in keeping quiet about her aunt’s connection to his family.
“I’m glad Lenny’s going to live a long life,” Steven says gently.
“Thanks to Emma being the donor match,” Courtney notes.
Steven exhales. He knows they can’t avoid the deeper conversation much longer.
“Steven, you taken off like that didn’t help anything. Especially not for us.”
“I know,” he says. “And I’m willing to do whatever it takes to fix it. But like I said before I left—it wasn’t my place to tell. One of them is long-deceased and the other wanted to have her head in the sand about it."
Courtney shakes her head at the reference to her grandmother, then shifts the subject.
“So how was the trip? Did you get through to Evan?”
Steven paces, then turns to her.
“I did, and he has agreed to finish the rest of the school year down there while Lorraine and Emilio will move to Boston after their wedding. But there is something else we need to talk about."
Courtney steps closer, eyeing him.
“What is it?”
“Evan’s going to come live with us for his sophomore year.”
She raises her hand. “When were you going to tell me? Before or after you made that decision?”
“I’m telling you now. I know I should’ve handled it differently, but Evan’s my son. I think this will be good for him.”
Courtney’s glare says otherwise—just as the front door opens and Esther Saunders steps in, using her key. She pauses, clearly reading the apprehension in the room.
“You’re home,” she says to Steven.
“Just got back,” he replies.
The silence thickens. Esther turns her attention to her daughter-in-law.
“If you want to blame someone, don’t take it out on Steven. I’m the one who knew.”
Courtney tucks a strand of hair behind her ear.
“This isn’t just about Emma. It’s affecting both families—and you don’t seem to care.”
Esther crosses her arms. “I care about how it impacts my family. But yours? Not really. My great-niece is alive. That’s what matters.”
Steven opens his mouth, but Courtney shakes her head, grabs her clutch bag, and walks out.
When the door closes, Esther looks at her son.
“I’m sorry if I’m causing issues between you two.”
Steven shrugs. “If it wasn’t this, it would’ve been something else.”
JOJO'S CAFE
Presley informs his sister of the latest regarding his current situation involving his girlfriend and her ex.
"I knew it!" Jordan exclaims boastfully. "That bitch!"
Presley's expression turns more warning.
"Jordan, I know how you feel about this, but please don't badmouth Tanner in front of me, okay?"
It doesn’t take long for Jordan to heed her older brother's words.
"I'm sorry, but I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again — you and my husband can do much better than that frigid princess."
Presley shakes his head at the nickname, but also the situation, as he takes a sip of his iced coffee.
"You probably don’t want to hear this, Jordan, but I still care a lot about Tanner. I just don’t know how much longer
I can keep dealing with having another guy in our relationship — even if he isn’t actively trying to insert himself in… at least that I know of."
Jordan runs a hand through her long blonde hair.
"Sometimes you're too damn good for your own kind, especially to someone who can’t see what a good guy you are… okay, I’m only saying this because I care."
Presley nods. "Go on."
"You need to talk to Tanner face-to-face, not over the phone."
"Who knew I’d have my little sister giving me relationship advice?"
"Well, I think I’ve grown up a bit over the last few years."
The way she says it makes Presley wonder if she’s also referring to her own situation — a marriage that’s in name only.
He still believes she deserves someone who will love her the way she truly needs. But for now, he pushes that aside. His own relationship needs to come first.
HOME FARM
Before saying another word, Shauna closes the nursery door to eliminate the risk of someone overhearing them. She then turns to him with more determination, careful not to show any tell-tale signs of betraying the truth.
"I get why you would think that, but Antoine, you aren't Keri's father. I hope that answers your question."
Antoine scoffs at Shauna’s reaction, placing his hands on his hips. "Oh, come on, Shauna. You know it just takes one time—and that night was more than that... That’s why you took off," he assumes.
After finding out about her pregnancy, Shauna left Radcliffe to live aboard the yacht for months out on Lake Hudson. She didn’t want anyone—especially Max or Antoine—to know.
"Antoine, I know you still have this thing about us, but I’m happily married to Max, and we have Keri. We’re a family, and that’s never going to change," Shauna says wholeheartedly.
"Happily married, huh?" Antoine questions. "I remember when you weren’t. That’s why we were both downing tequila, which led to us in my bed—'cause he couldn’t give you what I could."
Shauna recalls how Max’s paralysis had left him impotent, and how her emotional and physical needs went unmet. After a huge argument, she stormed out to her grandmother’s bar, foolishly confided in Antoine, and ended up in bed with him.
"Be real with me, Shauna. That’s all I want."
Shauna moves her head slowly, knowing otherwise.
"And the morning after, Max was walking again."
"And?"
"Meaning not only did feeling return to his legs, but to other places too—if you know what I mean," Shauna says.
Antoine didn’t know whether to be jealous or disgusted by what he’d just heard.
"Antoine, you’ll always be important to me, and you helped me realize what I almost lost. But we did not create a child together. You have to believe me," she says carefully.
The bar manager clears his throat, slowly letting go of the notion that he might be a father.
"I’ma get on outta here... Shauna, you know I had to come by."
"I get it," Shauna says subtly. "I hope you can find someone else who can give you what you need."
Without another word exchanged, Antoine opens the door and lets himself out. Shortly afterward, Max Covington enters the room holding baby Keri in his arms, quickly assessing what occurred after having left them alone.
"What happened?" he asks.
Shauna tucks a strand of her shoulder-length dark hair behind her ear.
"I think he bought it. But I didn’t think I’d feel this bad lying to him."
Keri attempts to bring her tiny hand to her mouth.
"You’re not having any regrets, are you?" Max asks, concernedly.
Shauna reaches out for her daughter’s hand, trying not to feel conflicted.
"I know that no words are going to magically fix everything, but you’ve got to know I’ll do anything possible to make it right."
He looks at her intently.
"I do. And there’s nothing I won’t do when it comes to you—and this little girl, too."
Shauna sidles up to her husband and child, appreciating what she’s fighting to keep.
​
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END OF EPISODE
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ON THE NEXT EPISODE OF TOWN AND COUNTRY
On the day of the wedding, Lenny finally leaves the hospital.
Daniel provokes Jordan.
Tommy comes to Tanner's defense.
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