EPISODE 379
Written by: Bre L Drew
February 8, 2026
Last Time on Town and Country
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The annual tree-trimming celebration takes place at Franklin Farm as the Saunders family and close friends gather, including Emma.
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Mala is not pleased with Jes’s possible attraction to Samuel for undisclosed reasons, in addition to Jes being involved with Antoine.
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Tommy and Tanner both weigh their options after Tanner is accepted into veterinary school in Minnesota, a development that affects their relationship despite Tommy’s marriage to Jordan.
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Max and Shauna vow to raise Keri as their daughter, while the truth about Antoine being her biological father remains known only to them, Martha, and Samuel.
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Jacques and Aaliyah give in to temptation once again, this time in Courtney’s office.
VICTORY COTTAGE
Having been intimate with Jacques Laurent twice in a forty-eight-hour period is something Aaliyah Gupta cannot get off her mind. Every touch, every kiss lingers with her, filling her with lust and desire—cliché as it sounds, even in her own thoughts, it remains deeply sensory and emotional. Knowing he is married, and her boss should be enough to stop her, yet Aaliyah finds herself wanting more, not less.
So, consumed by the memory, she doesn’t realize her mother is calling out to her until her name is spoken louder, sharper, finally pulling her from a sensual headspace she doesn’t want to leave.
She blinks and returns to the present, seated on the couch in the living room of the two-story residential cottage she shares with her family. A flat-screen television plays one of countless New Year’s Eve countdown shows live from New York City, the crowd noise and music blending into the background. The doorbell rings again, insistent this time, prompting her to start rising from the couch.
Before she can move, Jes Choudhury’s voice calls from the staircase as she descends. “I got it!”
Jes, the family friend currently staying with them, opens the door to find Samuel Gupta standing in the doorway. He’s holding his key, momentarily distracted as he takes in her appearance—a black halter top, dark pants, her hair styled in soft waves.
“Hi,” he says.
“Hi,” Jes replies.
She steps aside to let him in, closing the door quickly to shut out the bitter cold.
“Have you ever forgotten your gloves?” Samuel starts, “But you’re already too far from the house, so you just chance it?”
“Yeah,” Jes answers.
“Well, don’t,” he adds submissively. “Especially when it’s below thirty. My hands were so frozen I couldn’t even reach into my jacket pocket to get my key… until just now.”
“Are you alright?” Jes asks, remembering the last time they spoke—during the lockdown at his building, when Tricia and
Jolene was held hostage by Wade. In the aftermath, they’d kissed, though both knew nothing more could happen, especially with her involvement with Antoine.
Samuel exhales, visibly awkward. “I’d like to apologize if I’m making a fool of myself right now.”
Jes offers him a warm, understanding smile. “After everything that’s happened lately, I don’t mind a little levity.”
Samuel slips his hands into his pockets. “I don’t want to bring the mood down, but… do you know which way the prosecutor’s office might lean with Jolene?”
“Not yet,” Jes says. “They probably won’t rule until after the holidays. I just hope they recognize it was self-defense.”
“You and me both,” Samuel agrees. “So… you’re heading out tonight? It is New Year’s Eve.”
“Yeah. I’m going to the Waterfall to hang out with Antoine,” Jes says plainly, not wanting to hide it, even if there’s an unspoken tension between them.
Before anything else can be said, the front door opens again. Jai Gupta enters, juggling two pizza boxes and a few grocery bags. He immediately clocks the energy between his son and Jes.
“Hey, you two,” he greets casually. “Jes, grab a coat—it's colder than an igloo out there.”
“Duly noted, Jai,” she replies.
Almost simultaneously, Antoine Hall steps through the still-ajar door, surprising Jes.
“Hey, you,” she says. “I thought I was meeting you there.”
“That was the plan,” Antoine replies, giving her a quick side hug and kiss. “Then I thought about letting you drive those cornfield roads with all the fools out tonight, so I came to get you.”
Samuel rolls his eyes—something Jai notices immediately.
“Thank you,” Jes says, already reaching for her coat and purse near the staircase.
Antoine turns to Jai and Samuel. “My bad—how y’all doin’?”
“Can’t complain,” Jai answers.
“Hey,” Samuel says curtly.
“Happy New Year,” Jes calls as she follows Antoine outside.
“Have a good night, you two,” Jai adds.
As the door closes, Samuel tries to shake off the sting of jealousy. Jai, having seen it all, changes the subject without comment.
“Samuel, give me a hand with this,” he says, gesturing to the groceries.
He complies.
From the top of the staircase, Mala Gupta stands quietly, having witnessed everything.
HOME FARM
Despite it being New Year’s Eve, there isn’t much activity happening on the grounds of the Home Farm estate or within the mansion as Jacques Laurent enters one of the master bedroom suites upstairs, soon passing a cup to his wife.
“Lemon and ginger tea, prepared by Gertrude herself,” he says in his pronounced French accent.
“Thank you,” Emma Covington Laurent replies quietly.
Tonight, she isn’t her usual vibrant self as she sits on the edge of their bed in her teal blue satin robe, her face mostly free of makeup.
He remains standing, watching as his wife takes a small sip of the tea.
“How are you feeling?”
The Covington heiress keeps a steady grip on the cup and saucer. “I hate that I’m not feeling well. I’ve never missed being at the club on New Year’s.”
For the past few days, Emma hasn’t been herself, which is unlike her.
“Well, I’m sure you’ll be back to full health in no time,” Jacques says. “And I’m certain Will can manage things at the club. It’s not like he isn’t being compensated for it anyway.”
Emma hears the edge in his voice when he mentions her ex-lover.
“You don’t think you have food poisoning, do you?” he continues. “I mean, you did have a post-Christmas dinner out at the farm. Maybe you ate something that wasn’t farm-fresh.” He pauses. “See what I did there?”
“Yes, I did,” his wife replies dryly, a trace of amusement in her tone. “And no, it isn’t the food. Dinner was actually delicious—which you would have known if you’d bothered to attend.”
Jacques lifts a hand to the back of his neck, letting out an exasperated sigh. “I suppose I had that coming. But with everything that happened—my incompetence in somehow landing the company in an unsuitable swamp with that Miami deal—I wasn’t exactly in a celebratory mood.”
By now, the petite businesswoman sets the tea aside on the nightstand. “God, please don’t say swamp,” she says, the word making her nauseated. “I just want you to know you’re not alone. I’ll be right by your side at the board meeting,” she promises.
Her admission catches Jacques off guard. The two haven’t been especially close lately, even though the fear of losing his job weighs heavily on him.
Just as he’s about to respond, Emma suddenly rises and rushes to the bathroom—a routine that has become all too familiar—while the sound of the toilet lid lifting echoes faintly.
​Left alone, Jacques pulls out his iPhone, his thoughts drifting to Courtney… and then to Aaliyah. He recalls sleeping with Aaliyah again, this time in Courtney’s office, a memory that deepens both his lust and his unease.
THE WATERFALL BAR
Arguably the song of the year, “Man I Need” by Olivia Dean plays throughout The Waterfall Bar as preparations for the New Year’s Eve celebration get underway. Mae Jackson stands behind the bar, taking in the packed room, impressed that business is thriving again after losing customers over the years to the nightclub—ironically run by her son, Will.
“I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen this place so busy,” Mae says warmly.
“It must be our lucky night or something,” Martha Saunders says as she stands beside her, working bar staff tonight.
“And why wouldn’t it be?” Gus Hewitt adds encouragingly from across the bar. “The other places don’t have what this place does. It’s still the best spot in town.”
He leans over and kisses Mae on the cheek.
“I know with you and my son both working tonight, it’s not exactly the perfect New Year’s Eve since you two have been together,” Mae says, referring to her younger child and the bartending family friend.
“It’s not,” Martha admits, “but you know—adulthood and all that. We decided we’re going to FaceTime each other at midnight.”
“Well, that’s good,” Gus says matter-of-factly. “Nobody deserves to be alone when it’s avoidable—especially on New Year’s.”
“Amen to that. I couldn’t have said it better myself,” Mae agrees.
Martha briefly thinks about Will and Emma growing closer, but she quickly shakes the thought away. She’s the one with him now.
Meanwhile, amid the commotion, Tanner Lockhart sits at a table with her fraternal twin sister, Lenny Barker, and Lenny’s husband, Elijah Barker. Drinks and appetizers are spread before them as they talk about the local scandal involving the women’s former stepmother—how she wasn’t held captive by her abusive husband but instead killed him in self-defense.
“It’s all messed up, all around,” Tanner remarks.
Lenny takes a sip of her beer and nods. “Look, there isn’t any love lost for Tricia, but it still seems unfair that her mom might possibly go to prison for taking the life of a man who did so much harm to them.”
“And now it’s up to the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office,” Elijah adds.
Tanner folds her hands together. “Speaking with all of your legal expertise as a law student, what do you think Jolene’s chances are moving forward, Elijah?”
“I’m no legal scholar,” Elijah prefaces.
“Yet,” Lenny interjects, half-teasing but fully aware of her husband’s intelligence.
Elijah continues, “But from what I’ve learned in class, the office would have to prove it wasn’t self-defense. Hopefully, her attorney can establish that she was a victim of domestic violence. Either way, both sides have their work cut out.” He dips a mozzarella stick into marinara sauce as he speaks.
“It really makes you realize that no matter what kind of year you think you’ve had, someone else always has it worse, huh?” Lenny reflects, thinking of her own battle with cancer, her remission, and her unexpected wedding to the love of her life.
Elijah and Lenny exchange thoughtful looks until Tanner decides to share something important.
“I have some news.”
“What kind of news?” Lenny asks, already sensing there’s more to it.
“I got accepted into veterinary school in Minnesota,” Tanner reveals.
Silence falls. Tanner shifts slightly, then adds, “I knew telling you guys would come as a shock—but not so much that it would leave you speechless.”
A moment later, they recover.
“Yeah, it’s definitely a surprise,” Elijah begins.
“I mean, we both knew you wanted to go back to school,” Lenny finishes, “but now it’s actually happening.”
Tanner takes a sip of her Long Island iced tea before responding. “So, you don’t think it’s a bad thing? Because I’m going to go for it.”
She recalls her grandmother’s words—that life leaves too many what-ifs, and sometimes you have to push yourself.
“I mean, you’ll be missed for sure,” Lenny says. “But there are these little things called phones and plans, so you won’t be forgetting us, little people, when you become the next Dr. Pol.”
“Really?” Tanner asks, touched.
“It’s a great opportunity,” Elijah tells her. “And you deserve it.”
As Tanner turns, comforted by her best friends’ support, she catches sight of Tommy Covington entering the bar from the corner of her eye. Their gazes meet, and they exchange a meaningful glance as the night continues.
FIRST STREET METHODIST CHURCH
Parishioners begin filing into the sanctuary of First Street Methodist Church for the annual New Year’s Eve service. Meanwhile, Joel Friendly sits behind his desk, making last-minute edits to his sermon. As he decides to keep a paragraph written on his legal pad, a pensive knock sounds at the door.
“Yes,” he permits.
Thora McKnight enters the office wearing a navy plaid jacket, her purse slung over her shoulder, blonde hair pulled back into a simple bun.
“Hey, you—I’m not interrupting you, am I?” she asks.
By now, the reverend rises to his full height, and the two share a cordial kiss on the lips, restrained by their surroundings.
“Nah, I’m pretty much done here anyway. Hi,” he says. “So, uh, how are Jolene and Tricia doing?”
He knows the mother and daughter have been staying with Thora and her son after the shooting incident, after Jolene’s husband held them hostage.
“I mean, they’re doing the best they can with a possible murder charge hanging over Jolene’s head. It’s just… a lot for them, and I’ve been supportive. I even asked them to come to the service tonight.” She sighs. “But they both said they’d rather stay home.”
Joel, now changing into his pastoral robe, nods. “Well, sometimes being supportive means giving people their space.”
“Presley said the same thing,” she remarks. “But they shouldn’t be alone right now.”
By the time Joel is dressed for his duties, he reaches for his partner’s hands.
“They have each other. And anyway, why do I get the feeling that something else is on your mind?”
The barista gives a slight grin, conceding. “You know me all too well, don’t you?”
“Yes. And the fact that I’m slowly learning the minds of teenagers—one of whom is spending the night over at the Grier's—so what’s going on?”
She remains in his grasp and exhales. “All right. Uh, remember the other night when we were all at The Chateau?”
“At Martha’s show? Of course. Why? What happened?”
“I was heading to the restroom when I happened upon Tommy and Tanner together.”
Despite knowing the sordid history between the young adults, Joel senses exactly where this is heading.
“I saw them kissing. And it wasn’t just any old kiss, but—”
“I think I get the picture,” he tells her.
Thora tightens her grip on her purse strap. “I need to tell my daughter exactly what kind of man she’s married to.”
She notices Joel’s expression shift—clearly conflicted, clearly opposed to the idea—as the moment hangs between them.
“I know you’re coming from a good place, but I think when you tell Jordan this, she isn’t going to take it well—and because of that, she might not believe you.”
The blonde slips her hands free from his. “But I’m her mother. Look, I know Jordan and I aren’t exactly the poster child for a perfect mother-and-daughter relationship, but I think she knows I wouldn’t dare lie to her about this.”
Joel does his best to maintain neutrality. “Even so, no one—especially not from their own parent—wants to hear that their husband has been caught in a compromising position.”
Now Thora isn’t sure what to do. It’s clear she’s caught between a rock and a hard place.
MCKNIGHT RESIDENCE
Jolene Wood is taken aback by the sound of the doorbell ringing as she walks downstairs in the two-story rectory where she and her daughter currently reside, unable to stay at the apartment where they were held hostage by her husband, whom she ultimately killed in self-defense. That reality is why she is home on this New Year’s Eve evening.
When she opens the door, she’s somewhat surprised to find Ernest McKnight standing in the doorway, dressed in a black leather jacket over a crewneck sweater and pants.
“Well, I didn’t peg you as the type for going out on a night like this,” Jolene remarks as she steps aside to let the police chief into his ex-wife and son’s home.
Ernest shrugs slightly as he responds. “Normally not on my off nights, but I tend to stop by the particular place from time to time, and I thought I’d come by to offer an invitation.”
Jolene initially shakes her head. “I think I’m going to sit this year’s festivities out. Besides, from what I’ve gathered, being in this town, people like to point and gossip, if you know what I mean.”
Though it was a matter of survival, she is still likely to be charged with murder, as the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office continues its review. The possibility of court hangs over her, and she isn’t sure she can handle it.
Ernest tilts his head toward her. “Maybe that’s how some will see you, but the ones with sense know you’re not some heartless murderer, Jolene. Don’t let people stop you from living your life.”
Before she can respond, Tricia Lockhart emerges from the kitchen holding a large water bottle, having heard another voice in the foyer.
“There isn’t any news from the prosecutor’s office yet is there?” she asks, her tone alert.
Ernest raises his hands slightly, trying to smooth things over. “No, I just stopped by to get your mother to come out with me… as friends, of course,” he adds quickly, knowing this isn’t exactly a date. “And we likely won’t hear anything from them until after the holidays anyway. When they do reach out, they’ll contact Jes first.”
Jolene glances down at herself. “I’m not exactly dressed for a night on the town.” She’s wearing a burgundy blouse and dark blue jeans, her brown hair styled in its usual soft curls.
Ernest looks her over, a light smile forming. “You look fine. And besides, this place is all about coming as you are.”
Jolene exhales. “All right,” she says, before heading upstairs to grab her purse and coat.
Tricia turns to Ernest, hoping this is what her mother needs to take her mind off things. “Please take care of her, okay?”
“You know I will,” he replies. “But take this time for yourself. Your mother is going to need you just as much as you need her.”
VICTORY COTTAGE
While everyone else retreats into the living room, Mala busies herself getting snacks together in the kitchen. While pouring Masala popcorn into a ceramic bowl, she happens to look up and spots her only son standing in the doorway, as if silently asking her to acknowledge him.
“There you are,” she finally notes in her native British accent, which prompts Samuel to enter the room, standing across the counter from her. The two haven’t been on the same page lately; however, he hopes to avoid drama tonight.
Mala continues as she places the popcorn bowl onto a tray along with various drinks and other refreshments to take into the living room.
“A lot has happened this year, hasn’t it?”
“That’s definitely an understatement.”
Knowing he’s referring to being single, Mala offers a compassionate expression.
“Samuel, a guy like you—you’re bound to find someone new.”
The compliment takes the psychiatrist back some, although it does fill him with a sense of positivity he hasn’t felt in a while.
“Well, I have, Mom.”
Mala freezes mid-task and quickly shuts it down. “Please don’t tell me.”
“May I ask why you’re so opposed to the possibility of me having more than platonic feelings for Jes?” he proposes. “Is it because of our shared family history—us growing up together?”
By now, Mala focuses on checking that everything is on the tray. “Let’s not get into this right now,” she mutters.
Samuel isn’t sure what comes over him next as he lets his anger get the best of him—a rarity.
“Mom, I’m not going to pretend this conversation never happened, okay? Can you just give me a straight answer?”
Mala lets her shoulders fall slightly before responding.
“All right,” she says. “If you two ever entered into a relationship and it ended terribly, it wouldn’t only affect you—it would likely affect the rest of us too. And, more importantly, the biggest thing you seem to conveniently forget is that she’s seeing Antoine, and I don’t think that’s going to end anytime soon. So please…” She stops herself before being hasty. “Try to get over this infatuation, okay?”
Nearby sounds—the television and a brief casual conversation between Jai and Aaliyah—feel distant compared to what’s unfolding.
“Or is it something else entirely?” Samuel shoots back.
Mala throws up both hands, tiring of the discussion.
“Does it have to do with Jes being more experienced in relationships with the opposite sex?” Samuel asks accusatorily.
Mala had spoken to her best friends’ daughter about that very thing some time ago—Jes had brought it up herself—but Mala had dismissed it.
Mala snaps back defensively. “I don’t have to guess where that came from.”
Samuel shakes his head, recalling how that conversation led to them kissing in his apartment.
“I mean no disrespect, Mom, but I’m a grown man, and I don’t need your approval on who I can date.”
“Samuel, wait,” Mala concedes softly.
But Samuel storms out of the kitchen.
Jai and Aaliyah emerge into the foyer just in time to witness the aftermath.
“Sam, hey—where are you going?” Jai asks.
Samuel pulls his coat from the closet without answering as Mala steps out of the kitchen.
“Samuel, can we talk more rationally. please?” she calls.
With his coat on, Samuel gives his family a pointed look. “I think we’ve already done enough talking.”
He opens the front door, keys in hand. “Happy New Year,” he says coldly, before shutting the door behind him and heading into the darkened evening.
The sound of his car engine starting leaves the house in silence.
Jai turns to Mala. “What was that all about?”
Mala’s expression says far more than she’s willing to explain.
Aaliyah cuts through the tension with a dry remark. “So much for a family New Year celebration.”
THE WATERFALL BAR
”Snap Yo Fingers” by Lil Jon thumps through the bar as the dance floor fills up, including Elijah and Lenny, who aren’t necessarily on beat with everyone else but are still having a great time.
At the same time, Antoine and Jes dance effortlessly, laughing and feeding off the crowd’s energy—a sight that doesn’t go unnoticed.
Soon, they break away and head back toward the bar where Gus and Mae stand.
“You two got some moves,” Gus says appreciatively.
Mae tilts her head cheerfully. “I might be biased, but y’all were the best ones on beat.”
Antoine and Jes exchange amused looks.
“Ah, thanks,” Jes replies.
“When are y’all two gonna get out there and show us how it’s done—OG style?” Antoine asks.
Mae doesn’t waste a second. “Uh, I think hustling is one dance too many for me.”
Gus takes a sip of his beer and swallows. “And if I get out there shakin' it as you young cats do, you all might need to call a chiropractor—if you know what I mean.”
The comment earns laughter from all four, just as Mae’s face lights up at the sight of someone approaching. "I did not expect to see you two tonight,” she exclaims at her granddaughter and her husband.
Max and Shauna Covington come over, and it doesn’t take long for Antoine to lock eyes with the woman he will always love.
“Well, you almost wouldn’t have,” Shauna explains, “if Jordan hadn’t offered to watch Keri when the babysitter had to cancel at the last minute.”
“I bet that little girl of yours has gotten even more adorable,” Jes says, more as a conversation starter.
“You can see for yourself—we’ve got plenty of pictures,” Max says, digging his phone out of his coat pocket.
“He doesn’t miss a photo opportunity,” Shauna adds.
“Spoken like a proud papa, huh?” Antoine says, unaware of his true role.
“You have no idea,” Max replies.
Max and Shauna exchange a loaded look, both aware that Antoine is Keri’s biological father—a truth still hidden.
Needing to talk in private, Tommy and Tanner step outside despite the chill of the winter evening as a couple of patrons make their way inside from their vehicle. Having reconciled over the summer, the two have been secretly seeing each other ever since.
“So, I didn’t expect to see you tonight,” Tanner says, keeping her voice low even though no one is close enough to overhear.
“Well, actually, Jordan told me I should go out without her since she’s watching Keri and Jeremy,” he explains. “And I’m glad I did, because I couldn’t wait to see you.”
“Me too,” Tanner admits, a little too eagerly, even as the reality of him being married complicates everything.
She can’t help but really look at him—at the sharp line of his jaw and the familiar intensity in his eyes that always pulls her in. His blonde hair is slightly unkempt from the wind, and despite his effortless good looks, she can tell something is weighing on him.
“You seem miles away,” she says gently. “You alright?”
Tommy briefly reflects on his role in working alongside his father to push his aunt’s husband out of the family company—a plan now coming to fruition. Still, he keeps it to himself, knowing the truth can never come out.
He shakes his head quickly. “No… It’s just that your news made me take stock of my life too, if that makes sense.”
“It makes all the sense in the world,” Tanner replies. “I think it made me take stock of my own life as well, which is why
I’m planning to go to Minnesota as soon as the spring semester starts.” She pauses. “I know that’s going to change things for us.”
“It definitely is,” he admits.
VICTORY COTTAGE
Jai does his best to maintain his usual calm demeanor as he faces his wife in the kitchen of their home. “So, what went down in here earlier between our son and you, Mala?”
Mala, now quiet, lifts her head and gives him a look that—after decades of knowing her—confirms everything without a word. She takes a sip from her glass of Pinot Grigio.
​
“Well, you know what I think about that situation,” Jai says.
Mala sets her glass down on the kitchen island. “I’m well aware of your feelings, and honestly, I was close to telling Samuel—but he left.”
Jai hears the strain in her voice and senses that she may have meant it, though he also knows it would open wounds that would emotionally affect all of them.
He steps closer and places a supportive arm around her.
“I’m so sorry about everything that happened back then,” he says softly. “I should’ve been there for you.”
Jai has always been the more emotionally expressive one in their relationship, and this time, his words land. Mala exhales, weighed down by memory.
“Look,” she says, avoiding his eyes, “let’s not carry this into 2026. How about we put our best faces on, huh?”
She steps away from him, clearly wanting to avoid the subject, leaving Jai standing there feeling helpless.
Unclear about what really went down between her brother and mother, Aaliyah keeps most of her attention on the TV, where Ciara’s performance plays as she runs through her hits. Her phone suddenly rings, and she answers immediately.
“Hi,” Jacques says. He’s calling from outside the bedroom he shares with his wife.
“Hi,” Aaliyah replies quietly, careful not to be overheard. She can hear the stress in his voice—the pressure at the company, the fallout from the Miami deal, and the possibility of being fired for something that wasn’t truly his fault.
“I just needed to hear from you,” he says, “especially with everything that’s going on.”
Part of her wishes she could be there with him, but she knows that isn’t possible right now. She runs a hand through her hair.
Jacques glances toward the closed bedroom door, hearing movement inside. “I should go, but I couldn’t let the night pass without hearing your voice.”
The sincerity in his tone makes her smile despite herself.
“Happy New Year,” she says softly.
The call ends, neither of them knowing what the new year will bring as they return to their lives in the moment.
HOME FARM
Inside the bedroom, Emma sits on the edge of the bed, looking slightly steadier after being sick earlier. She glances at the clock on the nightstand and realizes midnight is approaching. Still, something unsettles her—an idea or concern she can’t immediately place. She reaches for her iPhone and scrolls, checking a detail that gives her pause.
Her expression tightens as uncertainty sets in; whatever she’s noticed doesn’t quite add up yet.
Emma exhales quietly, deciding she needs confirmation before reacting.
FIRST STREET METHODIST CHURCH
The congregation of the church settles in as the choir finishes a moving hymn and takes their seats behind Joel, who stands at the pulpit.
“I’d like to extend another welcome to everyone this evening—and, of course, a big thank-you to our choir,” Joel says.
Most of the congregation applauds swiftly.
He continues, glancing down at his notepad before lifting his gaze to the people.
“As we usher in a new year, I want to take a moment to introduce tonight’s message, which is simply about faith.”
Soft murmurs of praise move through the crowd as he goes on.
“Sometimes it’s as small as a mustard seed, and sometimes it even feels invisible—but you know it’s there.”
A few congregants quietly respond with words of affirmation.
At the same time, Ernest enters the church with a hesitant Jolene, Joel’s voice becoming background noise to their exchange.
“Ernest, I appreciate what you’re trying to do,” Jolene admits quietly, “but I’m not exactly religious—not to mention, I can’t remember the last time I stepped into a church that wasn’t for a wedding or a funeral.”
The police chief looks at her with quiet conviction. “Well, I’m not exactly the biggest churchgoer myself, but I think we both need to be somewhere that reminds us we aren’t alone in this world.”
Back in the sanctuary, faint movement and low murmurs follow as Ernest and Jolene walk inside and take a seat.
Some parishioners notice Jolene’s entrance, whispering softly and casting lingering looks—aware from media coverage that she took the life of her husband, even though it was ruled self-defense.
Jolene considers leaving altogether until she catches sight of Thora seated in a pew ahead. Moments later, Joel meets her eyes and gives a brief, reassuring nod.
“If you’re able, please turn in your Bibles to Matthew 17:20.”
As most follow his instruction, Ernest reaches for Jolene’s hand. She manages a small, grateful smile as the sermon continues and the room settles into quiet reflection.
THE WATERFALL BAR
Enough time has passed that The Waterfall is overfilled with people, many wearing New Year’s favors—hats, holding horns, and glittery nonsense everywhere.
Mae manages to use the mic Gus helps plug into an amplifier so she can actually be heard. “Alright, everybody, we’re only a couple of minutes away from 2026, so let’s start the countdown, y’all!”
Applause and celebratory noise fill the bar.
Meanwhile, outside, the temperature has dropped a few more degrees, making the winter air even colder. For Tommy and Tanner, though, that’s the least of what’s in their way.
“I’ve decided I’m leaving Jordan,” Tommy finally says.
The words leave Tanner silent. She’s wanted to hear them for a long time, but never truly believed she would.
“Tommy, are you sure?” she asks quietly. “Or are you just telling me what you think I want to hear? Because if that’s the case, we need to have a very different conversation.”
​
“I’m sure, baby,” Tommy says, lifting her face gently with both hands. “We’ve wasted way too much time being apart, and that ends right here, right now.”
“What about Jordan?” Tanner whispers. “She’s gonna hit the roof—and Jeremy?”
Inside the bar, voices begin counting down to midnight, but neither of them breaks the moment.
“I’ll always be there for my son,” Tommy says. “That’s a given. As for Jordan… we never connected the way a married couple should. If she’s got a list of demands, I’ll meet them. But what I can’t do is keep living without you in my life.”
A hopeful smile spreads across Tanner’s face.
Back inside, the crowd hits zero and erupts. Cheers fill the room. Gus is grinning ear to ear, something Mae clocks immediately.
“What’s got you all cheesing like that Mr. Hewitt?” she asks.
“Well,” Gus says, eyes locked on her, “if I got down on that floor, I’d need a doctor to help me back up.” He chuckles, then pulls out a small velvet box. Inside sits a modest gold band with a single diamond. “So how about we start 2026 the right way? Will you marry me, Mae?”
Mae is stunned. Instead of answering, she says softly, “Can we talk about this later?”
Gus tilts his head, doing his best to hide the oncoming disappointment.
Across the bar, Elijah and Lenny share a deep kiss before pulling apart.
“It might be too soon to say this,” Elijah admits, “but I think 2026 might actually be our year.”
Lenny wraps her arms around him, sighing, unsurely. “Hopefully we don’t jinx it by saying stuff like that.”
“Why?” Elijah asks, then catches the look on her face. “You think you might get sick again?”
“It’s possible, even though I’m cancer-free,” she says. “I don’t think I’ll ever fully believe I’m in remission.”
“Hey,” Elijah says firmly. “Look at me. We’ve already been through hell and back. Whatever comes next, we face it together. I’ve got enough strength for both of us.”
That eases her, just a little, as she hugs him tighter.
Near the bar, Shauna sits on Max’s lap with her arms around him, smiling. “I can’t even remember the last time I stayed out past midnight.”
“Unless it involved a bottle of milk and an infant” Max jokes.
Shauna sighs, realizing how fast the year flew by. Her eyes drift briefly to Antoine and Jes—not out of jealousy, just thought.
Max notices and pulls her closer. “I’ll always keep my promise,” he says quietly. “I’m gonna be a father to our daughter. Nobody’s ever threatening that.”
Near the makeshift dance floor, Jes grins widely at Antoine.
“I guess I needed time away from work more than I realized. Thanks for dragging me here tonight.”
“Well,” Antoine says, smiling, “I don’t get too many nights off, so it was cool kickin’ it with someone I care about.”
“You like my dance skills?” Jes teases, throwing in a quick move.
“I like—and a whole lot more,” Antoine says, pulling her into a kiss.
From the doorway, Samuel walks in and sees them. The sight hits hard. As horns blare and the crowd launches into an off-key “Auld Lang Syne,” he turns around and heads straight back out, not even noticing when he passes Tommy and Tanner on the way to his car.
“Wonder what that was about?” Tanner asks.
“I don’t know,” Tommy says.
She grows serious. “So, you’re really leaving Jordan so we can be together? Because I won’t keep doing this if you’re still married.”
“Would coming with you to Minnesota be a start?” Tommy asks.
Tanner is stunned. “That’s… a lot,” she admits. “I know what Minnesota means for me, but leaving Radcliffe means leaving your son, your family, Covington—everything.”
Tommy holds her gaze. “I care about all of them. But I care about you more. I know I messed up, but I won’t hurt you again. I want this. I want us.”
“Alright then,” Tanner says.
As the off-pitch singing of the new year anthem carries into the night, the two share a bold kiss outside the bar, signifying their time to be together as all of the possibilities of the new year will bring good and bad.
​
END OF EPISODE
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ON THE NEXT EPISODE OF TOWN AND COUNTRY
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The board meeting starts.
An admission is made.
Gus confides in Esther.
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