Riverfront Romance (2021) - full transcript
Travel blogger Cara Durant has collated all her travel experiences into her first novel centered on the theme of female empowerment. She is excited that the publishers have accepted her manuscript, less excited about the changes her editor, Marianne Cooper, wants her to make, namely to add an element of romance for the lead character. Regardless, with the advance in hand, Cara returns to her small hometown of Windfields to do what she's wanted to do since she was a child: purchase the big house on the riverfront that she's always admired, the house which will be her sanctuary to do her writing. Her quiet is literally interrupted when a construction crew sets up next to her property, the city, unknown to her or most people in town, having OKed the construction of a hydroelectric dam located within spitting distance of her house. Her initial ire is directed toward the face of PowerGen, the power company, that face being the lead construction engineer Riley Evans, but she comes to the realization than just vocally protesting, a better tact would be to outline how the dam in that location would ultimately lead to the ruin of the town, and also, with Riley's help, to find a better alternate location for the dam that would still serve the needs of the community. Riley agrees at least to investigate the possibilities with her. In spending time together, a romance seems to be burgeoning between them, it which Cara quietly uses as the basis for the romance in her novel. What happens between them and if there is a happy ending for her novel's lead character is what role Riley plays in whatever happens with the dam.
Hi, I'm Cara Durant
for Marianne.
Thanks.
Don't waste another breath.
Go to Vietnam.
You won't regret it.
This is Cara signing
off for the final time.
Thank you for following my
journey all these years.
Stay tuned for my next project.
It's a little different,
but I hope you like it.
See you soon.
Cara?
Marianne!
Oh, my love, my heart.
Welcome back stateside.
It's been ages.
First time back on American
soil in, wow, almost a year.
Oh, good heavens.
Where are you staying?
Probably with my mom and
sister in Winfields.
You're so brave.
All that rootlessness
just gives me the hives.
Well, actually I am looking
forward to a change of pace.
You must be exhausted, huh?
- Want a coffee?
- No...
Hudson, let's get Cara the
biggest coffee you can find.
And make it quick, please.
Thank you.
Come, sit.
Did you finish your last blog?
It's done.
I can't believe it.
Wonderful.
Congratulations.
I'm officially free and
clear to work on my novel.
Any news?
What?
What happened?
The publisher
said no, didn't they?
I knew it.
I knew we should've gone
with a smaller publisher.
- Cara.
- It's my first novel.
You're going to be a
published author come winter.
I... I am?
Yes, and that's just
the advance.
Wow!
Why the hesitation?
Um, there's just one
small catch.
How small?
Listen, they love the mystery,
the crazy mom
character, the gritty sister,
all of it.
They just want you to add,
you know, a love interest.
A love interest?
No, no, no, no.
Absolutely not.
This book is about female
relationships,
mothers and daughters, sisters,
the search for home,
self discovery.
Yes, you're right.
And it can be all of those
things and also a romance.
Marianne, you promised.
You promised
this wouldn't happen.
No, I promised you that I
wouldn't push anything on you
that compromised the
integrity of your story.
And I don't believe this does.
This feels like selling out.
Yeah, well, I thought
so too at first,
but now I honestly believe
that it's going to make
the story better.
Cara, a woman's journey
to self-discovery
doesn't have to be alone.
She's allowed to fall in love.
It doesn't have to be
one way or the other.
It's just not
part of this story.
Okay, take some time.
Let it percolate a bit.
You'll figure it out.
And if you don't,
then we'll cross that bridge
when we get there, okay?
Percolate.
Okay.
This is a good thing, Cara.
Trust me.
Now, girl, what are you
gonna do with all that money?
Ah, it's very exciting.
We move in tomorrow.
I appreciate all the details.
Thank you for
calling back, Mr. Duvall.
Um, yes, I will remember that.
The furnace switch is in
the crawlspace.
Yes, thank you
so much, Mr. Duvall.
- Oh, oh.
- Oh.
I'm sorry.
Are you okay?
Uh, yes.
Thank you.
- After you.
- You go.
Please, you go.
- Oh, please.
- I insist.
Would it kill her to
accept a kind gesture
every now and then?
Not Cara.
Okay, I'll...
Sorry.
Not a problem.
After you.
Right, thank you.
Hey.
Look what the cat dragged in.
Look at this place.
This is incredible.
Thank you.
Mom did some redecorating here
and in our apartment
upstairs too.
Oh, I can tell, daisies
on the table.
Fresh from my daily
walks by the river.
- Oh, honey.
- Hi, mom.
I missed you guys.
We missed you too.
Do you need anything,
you hungry?
Uh no, I'm good.
But he might need something.
Uh, hot new guy.
Roast beef on rye?
Yes, please.
He's been coming by every
day this week.
No complaints here.
- Hm, well, I think he...
- Don't say it.
Might be interested in-
Mom.
Why?
Did you meet someone in Vietnam?
No, but I don't have time for
that because I sold my book.
What?
Yes, and I have to have
the first draft in
as soon as possible,
so I have a lot to do.
That is amazing.
Congratulations, I'm so
proud of you!
Me too, me too.
Wait, for what?
She sold her book.
She sold her book!
Hooray!
Yeah you did.
Hey, congratulations.
Thank you.
Okay, let's get you upstairs,
get you settled in, and
then we go celebrate.
Um, actually, I have something
I wanna show you first.
You do?
Oh, if it's another three
hour slide show,
count me out, I don't
have time for a nap today.
It's not, I promise.
Come on.
Okay, okay, let's go.
- So we need, um, eggs.
- Eggs.
Eggs, flour, sugar.
Do we need butter?
Do we have enough butter?
Last time I checked that...
So, take a look.
The Duvalls' house.
You used to love that place.
Remember when they used to let
us picnic on the riverbank?
And you used to make us eat
those disgusting
tomato sandwiches.
They were not disgusting.
Guys.
Who puts only tomato
on a sandwich?
It's an accessory.
Well, I have come a long
way since then,
so you need to give
me some credit.
Guys.
- Yeah.
- What?
Look.
They finally sold the place.
They did.
To me.
No way.
Yes way.
But how?
With the advance from my book.
As soon as I got the check,
I called the Duvalls.
They're already living in
California with their daughter.
They sold it to me right away,
furnished and everything.
So you actually own this?
- Mm-hmm.
- Whoa.
Cara, you did it.
You really did it.
I'm so happy for you.
Oh!
Thank you.
And actually, mom,
they recently renovated
the third floor
into an apartment, so?
No, I can't invade your space.
Mom, I've been sleeping on a cot
or in a moving vehicle
for the past year.
All I need's an office
and a bedroom.
And plus, you always loved
this place as much as I did.
I do, but...
No buts.
You're always on me
about accepting kindness.
So please, don't say no.
I wanna do this for you.
You've done so much for us.
Accept a house?
You've given us endless
love and support,
more than any kid I know.
Hey, what am I, chopped liver?
Don't I get a room?
Oh, please, you've been
trying to get rid of us
since you were nine.
Are you telling me you
don't wanna live alone?
True, true.
On second thought, I'm good.
So when do you move in?
We move in tomorrow.
So do we get to go in
now or what?
Yes.
Let's do it.
Okay.
Whoa.
It's more beautiful
than I remember.
I know, right?
Holy smokes, check this out.
Aw, the Duvalls.
Oh, it's so nice
seeing two people
still in love after
all those years.
Right?
It's possible.
Maybe.
Look at this place, it's huge.
Oh, you are definitely
hosting movie night now.
Deal.
Ooh, and wait until you
see the wrap around porch.
Tell me, it's a dream, isn't it?
No, don't tell me,
don't tell me.
Wow.
Straight out of a magazine.
Yeah it's okay.
Can't you just see
yourself sitting out here
on a cool summer evening,
sipping a hot tea,
listening to the crickets?
Sounds like heaven.
And can't you just see yourself
picking fresh vegetables
from your huge lush garden
to serve at the cafe?
There's a vegetable
garden back here?
Not yet, but there could
be if you built one.
True, there's nothing you
can't learn on the internet.
Consider it done.
I can't believe this is real.
Do we really get to live here?
Yes, we do.
It's just a romance,
Cara, no big deal.
Think Robert Redford in
"The Horse Whisperer".
Okay, think star crossed lovers.
Destiny.
Or past lives.
Mom, what are you doing?
Yeah, baby?
What is that?
Oh.
It sounds like construction.
Construction?
No can't be.
No!
Hey, hey!
Hey!
Excuse me, excuse me!
What is going on here?
It's you.
It's you.
It's...
What is going on here?
What do you mean?
What are you doing on
my property?
You live here?
We were told that it was vacant.
Well, not anymore.
Oh, nice place you got here.
This is a city property
that's leased by Cedar
Shores PowerGen Company.
PowerGen?
Yeah, we're building the dam.
What dam?
The hydroelectric dam that
the city approved last year.
- Last year here?
- Yeah.
That can't be possible.
Nobody in the town knows
anything about a dam.
You know everyone in town?
Uh, yeah, actually I do.
Oh, okay.
Well, then you can ask them
why they didn't show up
to the community meeting.
Okay, well, I don't know
why they didn't show up
to the meeting, but I
will find out.
Hey!
Hey, come on.
I have waited 34 years
to live in that house
and write my book.
How am I supposed to
write my book
with all this jackhammering
- Going on?
- Look, Miss...
Durant, Cara Durant.
Miss Durant, I am sorry
for all the confusion
but I'm just the engineer.
Got here last week.
I definitely don't make
the decisions around here.
- Hey, boss?
- Yeah.
Andrew's got a question
about the footings
for the trailer.
Ah can you just give
me a minute, would you?
You got it, boss.
Boss.
I just oversee
the construction, I swear.
I have nothing to do
with selecting locations.
If you have a problem wh
any of the rest of it,
I think you should bring
it up with the mayor.
He and the higher ups are
the ones you want to talk to.
Here.
This is the
communications department.
My contact's in the back.
I'm Riley.
Nice to meet you again.
I don't have the
mayor's number but...
I know Mayor Berns!
Well, then you have
everything you need.
Okay, boss.
Don't get too comfortable
because this is not
going to last long!
Oh man, is she going
to be trouble?
It looks like it.
All right, let's get
back to work.
Morning.
Do you need help with that?
No.
No.
Maybe.
Fine, yes.
What happened to drip pots?
- Give me.
- It's a dam!
What's that now?
They're building a hydro dam
right in front of our house.
Yeah, I noticed some
trucks or something.
Hi, by the way.
Are you sure that's what it is?
Yes!
Well, that doesn't
make any sense.
I mean, why haven't we
heard about it?
I have no idea but
this is not good.
The river, this is going
to change everything.
A lot of the businesses
downtown are tourism based.
This is bad.
Wait till people on Main
Street find out.
Mutiny.
That guy, Riley, the
hot guy from the cafe?
He said they had a community
meeting and no one came.
He's working for the man?
Shoot.
If there was a meeting, we
would have heard about it.
The mayor comes into the
cafe every day.
Yeah, but that's what I said.
Well, what are we going to do?
I have no idea
but we're not going to
just roll over on this.
Where are you going?
To stop this train before
it leaves the station.
Mm-hmm.
Please make coffee.
Coffee.
Got it.
Yes,
I hear you, Mr. Ross,
but we cannot hand out
designated parking spaces
at the pharmacy.
Yes, you can file a complaint.
I'll transfer you to
human resources.
Hold on.
Cara Durant.
What a surprise.
- Hi.
- Hi.
Oh, sorry.
Mayor Berns' office.
Yes, we do have a
mailing address.
One second.
It is, ah, 4192
Main Street, Winfields.
You're welcome.
Bye now.
Sorry about that.
Still don't have
an assistant, do you?
Not in the budget.
But I do have this handy
direct to voicemail button.
There.
So Cara, welcome home.
It's been a while.
Thank you, it has.
I don't know if you heard but
I bought the Ridgecrest Manor.
Oh, good for you.
You and your mom both
love that house.
We do.
And it would be a
shame to ruin it
with that new dam you
decided to build.
Oh, right.
I apologize.
But that was put in place
before you came back.
So how come nobody knows
about it then?
Apparently there was
some community meeting
and no one got invited?
Unfortunately, it was
all fairly last minute.
But we did put something
on our website.
The website, Mayor,
that sounds like shoving
it under the rug to me.
Now, Cara, I know you're upset,
but I really believe this
could be the best thing
for all of us here.
But you can't just add a dam.
The water is going to
be rerouted.
What's the plan for that?
An overflow pool just
off County Road Nine.
That old farmer's field?
Correct.
Okay, but what about downstream?
That's all going to dry up.
The riverwalk, the
swimming hole.
It's all going to disappear.
Mayor Berns, with all
due respect,
those spots are real
tourism draws.
The downtown core
is going to suffer
Now these are valid concerns,
very valid concerns which
I share quite frankly,
but the numbers that they
presented to us
as far as new jobs and
revenue were quite compelling.
They seem to believe that any
losses would be negligible.
Those are just projectio.
I've visited and written
about towns like this
in my blog for years
and trust me,
the whole landscape of the
town is going to change.
And if people knew just
how bad it was going to be,
they would object.
There's an
adjustment meeting in two weeks
and the committee
will take a vote.
Reps from Cedar Shores
PowerGen will be there.
It's the last chance anyone
from the community will have
to make their voices heard.
You could discuss your
concerns there.
With supporting
evidence, of course.
- I'll vote.
- Mm-hmm.
Good, great.
I will be there, with evidence.
Okay.
I'll be there.
Mayor Berns speaking.
I'm going to bring the town.
Two weeks?
It's not a lot of time.
I know, but it's something.
We have to start by
getting the word out.
I'll make some flyers.
And I'll email Nadia and
the bingo hall.
Nothing starts a rumor
faster than the bingo hall.
I'm with you on informing
everyone, guys,
but you really need to
get the man on your side.
Mayor Berns seemed sympathetic.
I'm talking about
the money, honey.
What, the power company?
Uh huh.
Listening to community concerns
is just something to endure
for these kinds of companies.
But if you got someone
inside the company
to agree with you, you may
actually stand a chance.
- No.
- Why not?
I can make a good
case on my own.
I'm sure you can,
but it'll be in one ear
and out the other
without the right connections.
I disagree.
Maybe you should listen
to Leanne on this one.
She could be right.
Yes, I'm right about
these kinds of things.
That's one of my better traits.
I don't know.
I mean, what is in it for him?
Don't be so cynical, sweetheart.
He could be a man of conscience.
He does tip 20%.
It's a big ask.
And unless we make it make sense
from a business perspective,
we're wasting our time.
What do you mean?
We start by making the case
about the effects on the town
and then we offer an
alternative, a solution.
Like another location.
Yes.
And we make moving the
dam the better option.
I like it.
I love it.
But you don't know
anything about hydro dams.
No, but Riley does.
So I just need to start by
getting him invested in the town
and then point him in
a different direction.
And then he does all the rest.
Bingo!
Brilliant.
Only brilliant if it works.
Start with the sandwich.
Bribery?
Really?
There's a reason why
it's so common.
- It works.
- It works.
Go get 'em, honey.
Hi, is the boss here?
Ms. Durant, what a surprise.
Uh, Cara, please.
Do you have a minute?
Sure.
Come on in.
Did you speak with the mayor?
I did.
He told me about the
adjustment meeting
and suggested I plead
my case there.
Yeah, you should.
Unfortunately, we
both know what kind
of dog and pony show
those meetings are.
And I think the town
deserves more than that.
Don't you?
Is this really about the town
or is it about
ruining your view?
I'm sorry, I have to ask.
I mean, I'd be miffed
about it too.
Honestly, if that's
all this was about,
I'd be over it already.
Bureaucratic jump rope
isn't my idea of fun.
The people in this town raised
me as much as my mom did
and they're carrying
this town on their backs.
They might be about to lose
their jobs, their businesses,
and maybe even their homes.
I have to at least try and help.
That is why I'm here.
I know it's hard
to see the place you grew
up in change so much,
but sometimes change is good.
Not like this.
Okay, the river.
The river is the heart
and soul of this town
and you can't put a
price on that.
What if I show you around, give
you the official town tour?
The nitty gritty kind.
And then what?
And then maybe you can see
how detrimental the dam is
and you can back me up
in the adjustment meeting
and we can both plead our case.
You know I can't speak
for the whole company.
I'm just a brick and mortar guy.
The higher ups are...
More likely to listen
to you than me.
More likely to listen to
money than either of us.
I know.
What if I told you I could
find an alternative location
that could work for everyone?
And I know I don't know much
about the science behind it
but that's where you come in.
You've really
thought it through.
And I will provide you
with unlimited sandwiches
for your time.
I can't guarantee any of
this will work,
but we can try.
Thank you.
What are you doing tomorrow,
nine o'clock?
I'll be here.
Great, I'll see you then.
So?
Game on.
Just a train of thought.
Not going on its own, just type.
Anything.
Whatever you want.
Okay.
Morgan did her best
to ignore him.
It felt like the only
logical solution
to a doomed encounter. And,
if she was honest
with herself, she'd admit
that some kind of familiar
zing had passed
between them that day.
But how is that possible when
she'd never met him before?
How could her body know
someone when her mind did not?
How could...
Oh, oh, oh, oh.
Hi, Marianne.
How are you?
Cara darling, I'm fabulous,
but how about you?
Now I got your
message about the dam.
That's so unfortunate.
Oh yeah.
I'm fine. Well,
I'm good actually.
I just...
Hey, it's been a little...
Distracting?
Mm-hmm., yeah, immensely.
And I just, I don't know
if I can make this whole
romance thing work.
It just, it doesn't feel right.
Well, have you ever considered
that you might be mistaking
right for comfortable?
What, what do you mean?
Now just because romance is
outside your comfort zone
doesn't make it wrong.
Maybe you should just try,
and sit with your discomfort.
Sit with it.
You know, everything
going on with the house
and your book, all of it.
Don't push it aside
and distract yourself.
Just sit with it.
Okay.
Okay, yeah, yeah, I'll try.
Call me anytime.
I'm around.
Will do.
Thank you, Marianne.
Mm-hmm.
Sit with it.
Sit with it.
What, what is it?
Oh, what is it?
You were up all night.
Oh, yeah.
Thank you.
I put some cinnamon in it,
I thought it might be good.
Interesting.
Oh, look at this.
Can I read?
Ah, ah.
Only if you promise not
to give me your opinion.
Honey, everything you
do is excellent.
I already love it.
Look, Morgan, that is an
excellent name.
Mom, later.
Got it.
So what time are you
meeting Riley?
Oh, nine.
Did you talk to the shop owners
when you handed out
those flyers?
I did.
- They will be ready.
- Great.
Well, how'd you sleep?
Good until those
machines showed up.
Machines?
What machines?
Yeah, it looks like
you're starting
with those markers over there.
Hey!
Oh dear.
Stop, stop!
What is going on?
Construction?
I was told we had two weeks
before breaking ground!
I thought so too but
I don't know.
This gentleman here said he
got orders from head office
and it was on a schedule
for this morning,
so maybe something changed.
No, that can't be right!
Where's the permit?
Here.
- Aha, 24th, not the 4th.
- Oh.
So shut it down, people,
- Shut it down!
- No, no, no, no, I can't.
What, why?
I just feel like I need
to get approval
from my boss first.
Maybe he knows
something that I don't.
I tried calling him and
he's not picking up.
Where is he?
Riley!
Cara, what are you doing here?
I thought we had a deal.
We do.
Then why is there someone
with a backhoe breaking ground
at my house?
What?
That can't be right.
Some permit mix up and
orders from head office?
Don't worry,
I'll call my boss and
figure out what's going on.
Oh, please.
Hi, Mr. Gallagher.
It's Riley.
I hear there's been a mix
up with the Winfields dam.
I understand sir, but,
by law, we really should
be waiting until after...
After the 24th.
At least.
I know, I understand.
The people of this town
are pretty strong-willed.
I don't think there's going
to be any leeway here.
Great.
Thank you, sir.
He's calling it off.
Good, as he should.
I'm sorry.
These Chicago guys can be a
little overzealous sometimes.
Well, you're not in
Chicago anymore, Dorothy.
And thank you.
Now, are you ready
- for our tour?
- Oh, yeah.
Let me get changed.
I'll be right back.
So this is kind of
like the grand central
station of Winfields.
There's the grocery
store over there,
antiques down the street,
and that is Otto's Deli.
Very important, do not
tell my sister,
but he has the best
Italian sub in town.
Got it.
Otto's, go there.
So do you have any of
these town staples
where you grew up?
Not really.
I was an army brat, I
moved around a lot.
Never really settled
in long enough
to get to know the staples.
Was that hard or?
Sometimes, yeah.
Forces you to go with the flow.
Teaches you resilience.
I can understand that.
Really?
I thought you grew up here.
Oh yeah, I did.
But my mom was always
moving us around too.
She doesn't like to get stuck
in a rut, as she likes to say.
So that led from job to job
and some were better
than others.
We were pretty transient.
But to her credit, she
always made it fun for us.
Your mom sounds like a
pretty interesting person.
Yeah, she is.
And this is Nadia from
Nadia's ice cream shop.
Whatever she offers you, just
say yes, you won't regret it.
Okay.
- Hi, Cara.
- Hi, Nadia.
- This is Riley.
- Pleased to meet you.
Here, Nadia special, try it.
Oh, the mystery shake.
Nobody knows what
she puts in it.
And nobody ever will.
That's what makes it special.
People come from all
over to try it.
I tell you.
Well, I can tell why.
This is really good.
How much do I owe you?
Oh, no, no, no, no,
it's our treat.
And here's one for you, Cara.
Thank you.
Enjoy.
She hand out free
milkshakes to everyone?
Sometimes.
Laying it on a little
thick, don't you think?
Depends.
Is it working?
Maybe.
Are you up for more of a walk?
I know a great place
where we can sit and,
drink these.
Yeah, let's do it.
Oh, wow.
It's beautiful.
Nice view, eh?
So beautiful.
During the day, the tourists
come here with their kids
and at night, that's
when the teens move in.
Oh yeah?
I could see that.
Were you one of them?
On occasion.
But in all honesty, this
spot's a big draw for our town.
It helps keep a lot of the
downtown businesses open
and that will probably all
change once the dam goes in.
I've seen it happen
in other towns.
In fact, I wrote about
this one place in my blog.
You have a blog?
I do.
The Winfields Wanderer.
It's a travel blog.
And I started out traveling
around small towns
but in the last few years
I've been mainly overseas.
Hey, that's awesome.
Yeah.
Well, I just wrote my
last blog post actually.
On to other things.
Oh yeah, I think I heard you
say something about a book?
That's right.
It's...
It's a work in progress.
Anyway, I know this is
just another job
and another town that
you're driving through,
but to everyone here,
this is everything.
I know you probably have
a lot going on at work
but there's something
else I want to show you.
Are you free tomorrow?
Okay, yeah, sure.
Meet me at my place, noon?
I'll be there.
It's a deal.
Hey, I got those coffees
you asked for.
Awesome, thank you.
Is this a lunch meeting I
should be joining you at?
No, no, no, it's good.
Thanks though.
You buttering up the
lady from the big house?
Yeah, something like that.
Thanks again, Pete.
Sure thing.
Oh, hey, little guy.
Little guy?
Hi.
Not you, him.
Oh, hey, hey, hey, get out
of there, shoo!
Stop, scaring the
neighbors already.
Shoo, shoo, shoo, shoo.
You realize that squirrels
are just rats with good PR.
That's ridiculous.
Here.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
I take it we're going
out in this?
Best way to see the river.
I'll take your word for it.
Have you ever canoed before?
Not so much.
We were stationed in Arkansas
for about a year when I was 11.
Spent a lot of time in
the backwater,
but mostly on fishing boats.
But you do know how to
swim though, right?
Yeah.
You planning on tipping us over?
As long as you
keep your tailbone glued
to that center line,
we should be just fine.
Aye, aye, Captain.
Sorry, you're just bringing
out my inner camp counselor.
Did you actually work at a camp?
Sure did.
Every summer in high school.
Why am I not surprised?
One, two, three.
Oh.
Thank you.
You ready?
Ready.
You know Nadia's ice cream shop?
Uh huh. Ooh,
I could totally go from one
of her milkshakes right now.
That's her place over there.
Nice spot.
She's got one of the
original homes here.
We actually used to live there
for a while when I was 11.
Fun spot.
We used to spend a lot
of time catching frogs.
How long did you live there for?
A year, maybe.
I don't really remember.
But she used to have
this old boat
that my mom and I used
to go out in.
And that's how we found
the big house.
That's what we call the
house we live in now.
And I decided right
there and then,
I was going to buy it one day.
I understand why.
It's a great spot.
What about you?
Do you have a house or?
I have a condo in New York.
I'm never there so I
rent it out.
These days, I'm just living
wherever the next job takes me.
And you like that?
Well, I'm used to it.
It suits me for now.
Does that mean you're going
to change your mind one day?
Honestly, I don't know.
Maybe.
Wow.
I know, right?
It was always our favorite
spot when we were kids.
No kidding, I can see why.
We'd pack a
cooler full of snacks
and come spend the whole
day swimming and fishing.
It was the best.
You fish?
Yeah, I used to.
Actually, I think the
last time I went fishing
was freshman year.
They used to have a
fishing derby in the summer
and we'd all come out on
rubber dinghies for the day.
And whoever caught the
biggest fish won.
And that year, Leanne
and I came up together
and we ran into a bunch
of guys from school.
Oh, here we go.
They paddled up to us
and one of the guys
threw a fish in our boat.
A live one?
Yeah, and it still had
the lure attached,
so it was flopping around
and it finally got caught
on Leanne's life jacket.
- You're kidding.
- No.
And as you can imagine,
the guys thought it was
hilarious, but I was so mad,
I didn't want the fish to die.
So I yanked it off and
I threw it in the river.
Leanne was screaming.
It was a mess.
10 bucks says that guy
asked you to the prom.
Don't tell me you
actually went with him.
I ended up dating him
for like seven years.
Oh.
Didn't end well, as you
probably guessed.
Don't beat yourself up.
We all make dumb decisions
when we're young.
Did you?
Definitely.
A few times.
That's why I've spent so
long flying solo lately.
Oh.
So, I looked at the
plans for the dam.
You did.
Yes, and it shows that
this whole section
down river from my
place will dry up.
For the summer months
when the water
levels are down, yeah.
But in the spring time,
when they're high,
the river should pretty
much look like this.
Right.
Look, I'm really sorry
about that, trust me.
And is it also true that
riverfront property value
decreases once a dam
is installed?
That is true.
That house of Nadia's
is her retirement fund.
I see.
Riley, I'm not telling you
this to make you feel bad.
I just want you, and more
importantly, your bosses
to understand that there
are consequences
to these decisions.
It's not all profit
margins and jobs.
I hear you, honestly, I do.
Thank you.
Thank you so much.
No, thank you.
That was a lot of fun.
It was.
And about the
adjustment meeting,
I'd like to help you
out if I can.
Really?
Yeah.
The company's got a dozen
other projects just like this.
They'll be fine no matter what.
But that swimming hole and
Nadia's and your place,
we have to at least try, right?
Right.
Thank you.
We should probably meet up
again to go over our next steps.
Yeah, absolutely.
But I should get back to work.
- Right.
- After you.
Hey.
Oh, hey, what are you
still doing here?
What do you think of
this section here?
I'm pretty sure that
waterfall is strong.
So we're moving the dam now?
Maybe.
I thought this lunch
meeting was supposed
to go the other way around.
We're just looking at it.
Gallagher's going to be fuming
if he finds out about this.
And if you get fired, I
get fired too.
I've got 50K of student
loans I need to pay off.
Nobody's getting fired,
trust me.
Once we figure this out,
I'll pitch him a plan
and he'll come around.
You can't guarantee that.
If we can show that
it'd be more profitable,
how could he say no?
I don't know.
It just seems like a
huge risk to take
- for Carla up the hill.
- It's Cara!
And it's not about her.
It's about doing our
due diligence.
It's our job.
Are you sure?
Yes, I'm sure.
Come on, Pete.
You know I've got your
back no matter what.
Okay then.
Let's get to it.
Great.
When's he coming?
Soon.
What's he like?
Nice.
Nice, that's it?
Leanne, come on.
We have work to do,
important work.
- Very nice indeed.
- Get outta here.
Hey.
- Hi.
- Leanne, right?
Nice to see you again.
Yeah, do you want a coffee
or lunch today?
Just coffee, thanks.
Sure.
Just let me know if
you need anything else.
- Will do.
- Thank you.
Okay.
What is that?
I circled a few spots
that geographically could be
good alternatives for the dam.
That...
That is private land
owned by the Hollands.
You'd have to buy them out
and I honestly don't think
they'd sell it.
And rumor has it some big
hotel guy tried to buy it
to build on, eight figures.
They wouldn't go for it.
Right.
What about here?
Have you seen it?
I think I know that area.
It might work.
My assistant Pete says
that half of it is
owned by the city
and the other half is private.
Oh, wait, no, no.
That's the O'Reilly property.
It's involved in an estate
lawsuit for over 10 years,
right of way or something?
It could get pretty messy.
Yikes, yeah, that's not good.
What about this?
It seems like fairly
steep terrain,
which I'm hoping means a deeper
riverbed, good water flow.
Have you been?
That's Tarson Trail.
I've actually thought
about that place too.
It could definitely work.
Uh, no land issues
that I know of.
Can we go?
- Now?
- Yeah
Absolutely.
Do you need a ride?
I've got my kit in the
truck already.
Yeah, sure.
I'll just grab us some waters
and I'll meet you outside.
Perfect.
Have fun.
Thank you.
And stop it.
I didn't do anything.
Is that your kit?
Yeah.
These fanny packs are a
genius invention.
They're like a backpack you
can access at all times.
And what is that you have?
Well, we use this to take
the core sample.
We're looking for a good mix,
not too much sand or gravel,
and it can't be all clay either.
Got it.
Although I pretty much
failed geology in school,
so I'll leave that part to you.
I doubt you ever
failed at anything.
Welcome to Tarson Peak.
Wow.
Not bad at all.
Thank you, just what I need.
Oh, that's the spot that we
were talking about down there.
Looks good.
I just need a couple of
minutes here.
Want me to take some pictures?
I brought the camera that
I use while traveling.
Yeah, that'd be great, thanks.
Hey.
Hey.
Did you get what you need?
I think so.
I'll have to send it to the lab
but so far everything's perfect.
This is a good find.
Great work, Captain.
It was a team effort.
I just, I hope it works.
Oh, it will.
Uh, we should probably get
going before it gets dark.
Yeah.
You're right.
So I'll put together the
rest of the pitch
in a PowerPoint or something
and keep me posted on
the soil samples.
Will do.
We should probably get together
for a dry run before
the meeting.
Great, yeah.
Yeah, that's probably
a good idea.
And maybe we could grab
some dinner sometime.
My treat.
I mean, you get to
pick the place.
Oh, uh...
I mean, as friends.
If that's what you want.
Why don't you come over
tomorrow night?
I'll invite Leanne, my
mom, even Mayor Berns.
We'll make a night of it.
Okay, sounds great.
Oh, and don't bring anything,
Leanne's a great cook.
Okay then.
I'll see you tomorrow.
Night.
Hey, you're here late.
Just leaving.
How's Cara?
I saw you drop her off.
It's not what you think.
It seems kind of late for
a business meeting to me.
Pete.
Come on.
See you tomorrow.
That night,
Morgan sat in front of the
crackling fire,
waiting for him to return.
She wondered if she was crazy
for letting this happen.
Maybe she was more herself
than she'd ever been.
For the first time,
instead of searching for
a clear answer,
she let herself enjoy it.
And when he returned,
any doubts she'd had about him
slipped away into the night.
Oh.
Oh, Cara, it's so good.
And I'm not just saying that
because I'm your mother.
It's really good.
Thank you.
I think I surprised myself
a bit, to be honest.
I knew you could do it.
Well, don't get too
excited, it's not done yet.
But hey, we got pages!
Mom, you're on appetizer duty.
Okay.
Oh, wow, you look gorgeous.
Is this too much?
No, it's just right.
I don't know, I think the jeans.
A dress, overkill.
You're nervous, aren't you?
I am not nervous.
You look nervous.
Leanne, please, give
me some credit.
I hiked to Everest base camp,
I can handle a dinner party.
You're allowed to like him,
you know.
Yeah, go.
You're not helping.
I'll get it!
I've got it, I've got it!
- Oh, you look gorgeous, honey.
- Thank you, Mom.
Hi!
Mayor Berns, welcome, so
glad you could make it.
Well, I couldn't pass up
an opportunity
to see inside this place.
It is a town treasure after all.
Annie, nice to see you.
It's nice to see you too.
Would you like a drink?
- Sure.
- Come on in.
- Oh, hey!
- Hey.
I know you said not to
bring anything, but...
Thank you.
Wow, you look great.
The house also.
Thank you.
We're planning to
tackle a few things
over the next couple of years.
Bathrooms and paint, that
kind of thing.
But the rest, I plan
to keep as is.
The Duvalls did a great job
of preserving the
history of this place, and,
I want to keep that going.
For sure.
Were the Duvalls the old owners?
Oh, yeah.
They were married 50 years,
raised three kids here,
and they only moved away
to be closer to family.
That's inspiring.
It is.
Are you hungry?
Leanne made enough to
feed an army.
Starving.
Leanne, the
chicken was delicious.
Thank you.
It's the same recipe I use
for the chicken salad
at the shop.
Just hot.
We know it's your favorite.
Oh, that's kind of you.
Sorry there's no roast
beef here, Riley.
Don't be, this was great.
Cara hates it, so.
I don't hate it.
It's just not my favorite.
She was a vegetarian
for five years.
College can do that to a person.
So Greg, why don't you
tell us what we can expect
at the adjustment meeting?
I hope it's not a lost cause.
Mom!
I'm only asking because I
want all of us to be prepared.
You know this is going to
be devastating for the town
if it goes through.
I mean, not to mention the value
of this beautiful home
that my daughter has spent
the last 25 years
saving up to buy.
Well, we're going to
make a good case
to my company and to the city.
And honestly, I think
they'll see what we see.
We?
Yes.
Cara has helped me come
around to the idea that,
maybe this location
is not the best fit.
Well, good for you two.
I'm looking forward to
your presentation.
Thank you, Mayor Berns.
But I'm only one person on
the committee, you know.
There are five of us in total.
Good to know.
Greg, would you like to go
see the wraparound porch?
It has a beautiful
view of the river.
- Sounds lovely.
- Okay.
Oh, um, I'm gonna go
get some dessert.
I'll be back.
Great.
See you in a little bit?
We'll be here.
Okay.
Chicken was great.
Thank you for your
support back there.
You're welcome.
So is this where you write?
Oh, no.
I have an office with a very
nice view of your trailer.
You're kidding.
No.
Where?
Want to see it?
That's it.
Oh, sorry.
Not your fault.
So is this where the
magic happens?
Some days.
Other days it's just
frustrated sighs.
Hey, it's a nice spot.
When I was a kid, I used
to sit out across the river
and stare up at this
place, at this window,
imagine myself writing
here with this view.
Look, if all goes well,
we'll have that moved out
of your way in no time.
Is this your book?
It is.
Well, it's part of it anyway.
Are you happy with it?
Sort of.
My editor is insisting that
I add in a love interest.
Oh, is his name Riley?
Uh, well, I just...
Romance is, I'm not used
to writing it,
so I'm just not sure.
Why's that?
Because romance has never
been part of my strong suit.
Except the prom guy.
Among others.
But I'm just, I'm not, I'm not
really just used to writing.
I mean, that could be a
good thing though.
They say that's where
the best stuff happens.
They say?
Yeah, the online
inspiration people.
I do Google inspirational quotes
more than I'd like to admit.
We all do.
And hey, listen, if you need
someone to read your book,
I'd be happy to.
Wow.
I will keep that in mind.
Everything okay?
Yeah, I...
You can take it, go ahead.
- Are you sure?
- Yeah.
Hey, Mr. Gallagher.
Oh, yeah, I'll be there.
So?
Turns out my boss is in town
and I should probably go.
Is everything okay?
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah,
don't worry, don't worry.
See you tomorrow.
Have you heard from Riley?
No, I haven't heard from
him since last night.
I've tried calling him,
but no answer.
What time's the meeting?
Can you do it without him
if you have to?
I could, but, I don't have
his lab reports
or his write-up on
geological suitability.
Without it...
He'll come through.
I think he's pretty invested.
I don't know, Leanne.
I have a feeling things
are about to go sideways.
And I'm usually right
about these things.
I'm sure it's nothing.
Just try him again.
So you've been doing all of
this without my permission.
I should have involved
you sooner, you're right.
But I was just trying to
present the best possible
solution for everyone.
I spent months
preparing the assessments!
The people were getting the
permits for this location!
It's been a year in the making
and now within a
matter of weeks,
you've undermined all of it.
You have done a lot
of good work.
I just think that we
may have moved too fast.
We should have done more
community outreach,
more research.
If you just look at our
proposal, I think you'll find
that the new location
could be more profitable.
I got the lab results back
- and the new location is...
- I'm sorry, it's too late.
We're moving ahead as is.
Sir.
Look, I know you think you're
doing the right thing here
but all you're doing is
giving people false hope.
When the dam moves
ahead as planned
and everybody's heartbroken,
that'll be on you.
Mr. Gallagher, if you
could just look...
That's enough.
Pack your things.
You're on the next flight out.
Any word?
No.
You've gotta be kidding me.
Okay, that was a good one.
All right, is everyone here?
I'll be representing the
company on my own today, Greg.
Got it.
Then let's get started,
shall we?
Thanks, everyone, for coming.
We're here for the
final adjustment meeting
for the PowerGen development
at 4928 Robertson Road.
Each party will have 10 minutes
to present their arguments.
Should we find reason
to delay development,
we'll take a vote.
Majority wins.
Is that clear?
Mr. Gallagher, why don't
you start us off?
It would be my pleasure.
There you go, Greg.
As you know, we've had
over 60 years
of experience in
hydro generation.
We've built some of the most
innovative dams in the country
and in places where they
said it could never be done.
Hey.
Hi.
Did you hear Gallagher's back?
Showed up out of the blue and
kicked me off the project.
That's too bad.
And because I'm not a resident,
I'm not allowed to
attend the meeting.
I wasn't even able to
submit my lab soil report.
And Cara's got to do that alone.
I haven't even had a
chance to talk to her.
That sucks.
Pete?
Yeah.
Pete, why did you call him?
He was going to find
out one way or another.
I told you that I was going
to explain everything to him
to get him on our side.
And you also said it
wasn't about the girl.
It wasn't.
Not entirely anyway.
Look, you may have some
secret nest egg
that allows you to
take huge risks
but I'm just trying to
keep my head above water.
If I get fired, no job
prospects, no jobs,
no student loan payment.
You get my drift.
I'm sorry.
We understand the importance
of new sustainable jobs
for a small community
and we're here to help.
Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Gallagher.
Now we'd like to open the floor
to members of the community.
I'd like to say
a few words, Mayor.
By all means.
I understand Mr.
Gallagher's arguments
and I appreciate the need
for sustainable employment
in our community,
but at what cost?
For the last 10 years, I've
traveled around the world,
writing about small
towns like ours,
quaint little slices of paradise
with picturesque waterfronts
and deep community roots,
Where the landscape
itself is embedded
in the fabric of the town.
One of my favorite
places to visit
on my way out west was
Silver Hills.
The first time I went out
there was 2013.
And at the time, I was
writing an article
about the plethora of
places along the river
where families gathered
to celebrate weddings,
birthdays, and graduations.
Where traditions going back
generations were carried out,
like fishing tournaments,
derbies,
and the annual fall fair.
Just like here in Winfields.
That is, until a hydro
dam was installed.
Now, did it bring steady
jobs to the community?
Yes.
But when I returned to
that town years later,
I found that the places
that made it such a vibrant
and welcoming community
had gone out of business.
Restaurants, bed and
breakfasts, art galleries,
and even the marina had
dried up and gone.
Tourism tanked, property
values plummeted,
and residents left.
You see, there's a difference
between numbers on a page
and the real tangible
change you feel in a place
when something like
this happens.
I mean, you can chop the
roots off a tree
and it's still a tree,
but eventually...
Objection!
I don't think that wishy washy
metaphors are helpful here.
Sir, this is not a courtroom.
Cara, please continue.
I'm not here to scare you.
And I know we all just
want to feed our families
and put our kids through school.
So what I'd like to offer
is a best case scenario.
Keep the jobs without
harming the town
by simply moving the dam
20 minutes downstream.
I think you all
recognize Tarson Trail.
Putting the dam here would
move flooding, dry zones,
or any other side effects
away from the community,
saving all the treasured spots
that make our town special
and make us who we are.
Ms. Durant?
I appreciate what
you're trying to do
but have any actual assessments
even been done on this land?
No, but I was assured by
a very reliable source
that this location is ideal.
Oh, a reliable source.
Where are they?
I don't know.
Mayor Berns.
I think that Ms. Durant has
good reason to be upset.
I mean, God knows I'd
be angry too
if something like this came
along and ruined my view.
No, that is not
- What this is about.
- But we cannot undo
months and months of work
over a site that hasn't
even been properly vetted
by a professional.
Meanwhile, in this town,
there are people
expecting this work.
And frankly, I think it
would be irresponsible
to postpone that over
one citizen's objections.
She's not the only
one concerned!
We are all worried.
My business is at risk.
Mine too.
And so's my home.
Like I said, Mr. Gallagher,
these people are much more
than numbers on a spreadsheet.
Thank you for your time, Cara.
If that's all, the committee
will now take a vote.
All in favor of postponing
construction on the dam?
All in favor of moving forward?
Well, there you have it.
Construction of the
hydroelectric dam
at 4928 Robertson Road will
move forward as scheduled.
Thank you.
Thank you, Mayor.
This project's going
to be great.
Congratulations.
Thank you, Sheryl.
Sorry, Cara.
I'm sorry too.
Cara, what happened with
the lab reports?
Where's Riley?
I don't know.
Maybe he had a change of heart.
That's really too bad.
It really is.
She should've seen it coming.
She hardly knew him, after all.
Maybe that zing she felt
was actually a warning sign
or like an electric fence
warning its inhabitants
not to escape or else.
Hi, honey.
Oh, you're making
progress, I see.
Is this the new ending?
Yep.
Doesn't seem like a happy one.
It's a realistic one.
Oh.
Cara.
Don't let this situation
with Riley ruin your book.
Mom, this has nothing to
do with Riley.
I just don't think it's right
that every couple ends
up together in the end.
That's not real life.
- Have you talked to him?
- Nope
Just another man coming up
short when you need him most.
So you don't even
know what he has to say.
Don't shut down so easily.
I'm not.
I'm writing, aren't I?
Yeah.
I should probably
get back to it.
Okay.
Yeah.
I did it.
You finished it.
Took me all night, but I
just sent it to Marianne.
That's great, honey.
Oh!
- Hi.
- Hey.
I'm sorry about yesterday.
I called you a few times.
I know. I had to
work on my book.
I see.
Look, I wanted to explain.
It doesn't matter anymore.
We lost the vote.
Well, it matters to me.
I need you to know that
I didn't bail on purpose.
My boss showed up last minute.
Pete told him about our plan
and before I could
explain everything,
I was reassigned to
another project.
Okay.
I was basically banned
from the meeting
and I had no time to explain...
I'm sorry.
- All right.
- All right?
Cara, come on.
What else is there to say?
Please, you gotta know
I'd never leave you hanging
out to dry like that.
How would I know that?
We barely know each other.
That's not true.
Getting to know you
these past weeks,
there's something between
us, something real.
Really?
Couldn't have meant that much
if it was so easy to give up.
Give up?
I didn't give up, I
got reassigned.
Did you even put up a fight?
Because it feels like to me
that the second things
started going off the rails,
you threw in the towel.
That is not what
happened. Look,
I am sorry that I let you down.
You didn't just let me down.
You let down my family and
everybody in this town.
- Cara.
- No.
You should go.
Is that what you really want?
Yes.
And now, if you'll excuse me,
I'm going to go enjoy my last
few hours on the riverfront
before they get to work.
Cara darling, it's me.
Hi, Marianne.
I got the pages.
You were quick
with this rewrite.
So, what did you think?
It was thrilling, really.
But?
But Cara, the couple
needs to end up together.
Don't you think?
You've done such a good job
of setting them up as
this perfect pair,
the yin and the yang,
the puzzle pieces coming
together, all that good stuff.
And then what?
They're not getting together?
It just made me mad.
That's not real life, Marianne.
Don't be so cynical, my love.
Now I've been married to my
Craig for I think it's 31 years.
That's impressive.
Congratulations.
Yeah, well, what
I'm saying is it's possible.
So you won't accept them as is?
I'm not going to say no,
but I'd like you to
reconsider it.
I have faith in you, okay?
Okay.
Now I've got to
rush to a lunch meeting
and we'll chat later.
All right?
Ciao.
Tell me what you think
and don't lie.
Honestly, Mom, nailed it.
For real, we should sell
these at the restaurant.
Great!
Cara, what did you think?
Cara?
- What?
- You okay?
Yeah, I'm good.
Yeah, really?
'Cause I'm getting
major Eeyore vibes here.
I don't know why I'm so upset.
I'm living my dream.
I got us a house we've
always wanted.
I'm going to be a
published author soon.
We're all together.
And something's missing.
More like someone.
What?
No.
I barely know him.
- It doesn't matter.
- And he's not that
- good of a guy.
- That's not fair.
Did you even listen to him
before you shooed him away?
Of course I did.
Well, maybe you should
go talk to him again.
No, no, there's no point.
I have a lot on my plate
and I will just get over it.
Why do you have to get over it?
Why don't you try putting
down the to-do list
and letting yourself
live a little?
What if it doesn't work out?
All that time will
have been wasted.
It'll all be for nothing.
Sweetie, it is never
all for nothing.
No, no, I don't want to
set myself back.
I have too much to do.
And you'll do it.
That's just who you are.
But you can have a relationship
and a successful career.
The-the-the Duvalls did it.
You love him, don't you?
- What?
- Ha, I knew it
Now you gotta go get him.
Yes.
But, but...
No buts.
Whatever happens, it'll be fine.
No matter what, right?
Here, take the cookies
just in case.
Not really getting off on
the right foot if I'm
constantly bribing
him with food.
- But it works!
- That is true.
Go.
Good luck.
- You got this.
- Go on!
Honestly. Okay.
Go!
Woo!
- I hope it works.
- Me too.
Riley?
Hello?
Oh.
Hi, Pete.
Hey, Cara.
Sorry, I'm just packing
up Riley's stuff.
He left last night.
Uh, to go where?
Back to Chicago.
I'm on the next
flight out myself.
Oh.
I see.
You want me to tell
him you came by?
No, no, no, that's okay.
Here.
For the road.
Hey, thanks.
You're welcome.
What happened?
He went back to Chicago.
He did?
Well, maybe we can find out
where he's staying and we can...
No.
It's too late.
And I've got a lot
of work to do.
Cara, this is fantastic.
Not done yet.
Would you like a cup of tea?
More like a pot of coffee.
And no cinnamon this time.
Got it.
During the day, it was easier.
Morgan found relief at work
and catching up with friends.
But at night, that
familiar, all consuming wave
crashed over her,
drowning out everything
until it was just her
in the dark,
thinking about him
until sunrise.
They knew the odds were
against them,
that her headstrong stubbornness
and his tendency toward
isolation were going
to be difficult to overcome.
But they also knew that
place that you sink to
when things spin out of control,
that deep knowing that
has tied them together
all these years and
never weathered.
It is there that they go to
sew themselves back together,
growing stronger together
with every stitch.
How's it going?
I think I'm done.
What? Really?
Yes.
You must be so relieved.
Congratulations.
Thank you.
Hi, Mayor Berns.
What can I get you?
A latte, please.
None of that foamy stuff
though, if you don't mind.
You got it.
Cara, my dear.
Excellent work.
Thank you.
What are you talking about?
On moving the dam.
I just got word in the office.
Apparently Riley
discovered some discrepancies
in the environmental assessments
and the existing
permits are now void.
- What?
- Yes.
PowerGen has decided to
put the project on hold
until they can review
the new site.
Holy smokes, that's awesome.
Okay.
Are you sure?
Yes, I'm sure.
You came back.
I had a few things to clear up.
Apparently.
I heard they're moving
the dam, thanks to you.
Well, Gallagher buried one
of the environmental
assessments that
flagged this area.
Anyway, I brought it up
to head office,
pitched them our plan,
sold them on it.
Really?
I told you I wasn't
going to let it go.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
I'm sorry I was so harsh before.
I was just so mad
about everything
and I wasn't really
ready to listen.
I know, I understand.
The truth is,
when I moved back here and
bought this place,
I was focused. I had things to
accomplish and no time for love.
But then I met you.
And you're such
an incredible guy
and you're so funny and
smart and sweet.
And you kind of took
me by surprise.
I never expected to
fall for you,
but I did.
And I know that you're
moving back to Chicago
and I totally understand
if you don't think things
will work out.
Cara, I'm not going anywhere.
They put me in
charge of construction
on the new location.
I just came back
to make sure they moved the
trailer out of your way.
Oh.
And of course, to see you.
Really?
Come on, Cara, you know
how I feel about you.
I haven't exactly
kept it a secret.
Now if you would let me
take you to dinner, I-
Fountainhead's is pretty good.
Oh, is it now?
Mm-hmm.
There's also a crepe
place on Main Street
- that's really good.
- I love crepes.
And there's always Leanne's.
I love it there too.
Where to first?
Anywhere you want.
They knew from the get-go
that it wouldn't be easy,
that the waters were
bound to get rough.
But they also knew that the
best way to weather a storm
was to let the current take them
wherever they needed to go,
together.
for Marianne.
Thanks.
Don't waste another breath.
Go to Vietnam.
You won't regret it.
This is Cara signing
off for the final time.
Thank you for following my
journey all these years.
Stay tuned for my next project.
It's a little different,
but I hope you like it.
See you soon.
Cara?
Marianne!
Oh, my love, my heart.
Welcome back stateside.
It's been ages.
First time back on American
soil in, wow, almost a year.
Oh, good heavens.
Where are you staying?
Probably with my mom and
sister in Winfields.
You're so brave.
All that rootlessness
just gives me the hives.
Well, actually I am looking
forward to a change of pace.
You must be exhausted, huh?
- Want a coffee?
- No...
Hudson, let's get Cara the
biggest coffee you can find.
And make it quick, please.
Thank you.
Come, sit.
Did you finish your last blog?
It's done.
I can't believe it.
Wonderful.
Congratulations.
I'm officially free and
clear to work on my novel.
Any news?
What?
What happened?
The publisher
said no, didn't they?
I knew it.
I knew we should've gone
with a smaller publisher.
- Cara.
- It's my first novel.
You're going to be a
published author come winter.
I... I am?
Yes, and that's just
the advance.
Wow!
Why the hesitation?
Um, there's just one
small catch.
How small?
Listen, they love the mystery,
the crazy mom
character, the gritty sister,
all of it.
They just want you to add,
you know, a love interest.
A love interest?
No, no, no, no.
Absolutely not.
This book is about female
relationships,
mothers and daughters, sisters,
the search for home,
self discovery.
Yes, you're right.
And it can be all of those
things and also a romance.
Marianne, you promised.
You promised
this wouldn't happen.
No, I promised you that I
wouldn't push anything on you
that compromised the
integrity of your story.
And I don't believe this does.
This feels like selling out.
Yeah, well, I thought
so too at first,
but now I honestly believe
that it's going to make
the story better.
Cara, a woman's journey
to self-discovery
doesn't have to be alone.
She's allowed to fall in love.
It doesn't have to be
one way or the other.
It's just not
part of this story.
Okay, take some time.
Let it percolate a bit.
You'll figure it out.
And if you don't,
then we'll cross that bridge
when we get there, okay?
Percolate.
Okay.
This is a good thing, Cara.
Trust me.
Now, girl, what are you
gonna do with all that money?
Ah, it's very exciting.
We move in tomorrow.
I appreciate all the details.
Thank you for
calling back, Mr. Duvall.
Um, yes, I will remember that.
The furnace switch is in
the crawlspace.
Yes, thank you
so much, Mr. Duvall.
- Oh, oh.
- Oh.
I'm sorry.
Are you okay?
Uh, yes.
Thank you.
- After you.
- You go.
Please, you go.
- Oh, please.
- I insist.
Would it kill her to
accept a kind gesture
every now and then?
Not Cara.
Okay, I'll...
Sorry.
Not a problem.
After you.
Right, thank you.
Hey.
Look what the cat dragged in.
Look at this place.
This is incredible.
Thank you.
Mom did some redecorating here
and in our apartment
upstairs too.
Oh, I can tell, daisies
on the table.
Fresh from my daily
walks by the river.
- Oh, honey.
- Hi, mom.
I missed you guys.
We missed you too.
Do you need anything,
you hungry?
Uh no, I'm good.
But he might need something.
Uh, hot new guy.
Roast beef on rye?
Yes, please.
He's been coming by every
day this week.
No complaints here.
- Hm, well, I think he...
- Don't say it.
Might be interested in-
Mom.
Why?
Did you meet someone in Vietnam?
No, but I don't have time for
that because I sold my book.
What?
Yes, and I have to have
the first draft in
as soon as possible,
so I have a lot to do.
That is amazing.
Congratulations, I'm so
proud of you!
Me too, me too.
Wait, for what?
She sold her book.
She sold her book!
Hooray!
Yeah you did.
Hey, congratulations.
Thank you.
Okay, let's get you upstairs,
get you settled in, and
then we go celebrate.
Um, actually, I have something
I wanna show you first.
You do?
Oh, if it's another three
hour slide show,
count me out, I don't
have time for a nap today.
It's not, I promise.
Come on.
Okay, okay, let's go.
- So we need, um, eggs.
- Eggs.
Eggs, flour, sugar.
Do we need butter?
Do we have enough butter?
Last time I checked that...
So, take a look.
The Duvalls' house.
You used to love that place.
Remember when they used to let
us picnic on the riverbank?
And you used to make us eat
those disgusting
tomato sandwiches.
They were not disgusting.
Guys.
Who puts only tomato
on a sandwich?
It's an accessory.
Well, I have come a long
way since then,
so you need to give
me some credit.
Guys.
- Yeah.
- What?
Look.
They finally sold the place.
They did.
To me.
No way.
Yes way.
But how?
With the advance from my book.
As soon as I got the check,
I called the Duvalls.
They're already living in
California with their daughter.
They sold it to me right away,
furnished and everything.
So you actually own this?
- Mm-hmm.
- Whoa.
Cara, you did it.
You really did it.
I'm so happy for you.
Oh!
Thank you.
And actually, mom,
they recently renovated
the third floor
into an apartment, so?
No, I can't invade your space.
Mom, I've been sleeping on a cot
or in a moving vehicle
for the past year.
All I need's an office
and a bedroom.
And plus, you always loved
this place as much as I did.
I do, but...
No buts.
You're always on me
about accepting kindness.
So please, don't say no.
I wanna do this for you.
You've done so much for us.
Accept a house?
You've given us endless
love and support,
more than any kid I know.
Hey, what am I, chopped liver?
Don't I get a room?
Oh, please, you've been
trying to get rid of us
since you were nine.
Are you telling me you
don't wanna live alone?
True, true.
On second thought, I'm good.
So when do you move in?
We move in tomorrow.
So do we get to go in
now or what?
Yes.
Let's do it.
Okay.
Whoa.
It's more beautiful
than I remember.
I know, right?
Holy smokes, check this out.
Aw, the Duvalls.
Oh, it's so nice
seeing two people
still in love after
all those years.
Right?
It's possible.
Maybe.
Look at this place, it's huge.
Oh, you are definitely
hosting movie night now.
Deal.
Ooh, and wait until you
see the wrap around porch.
Tell me, it's a dream, isn't it?
No, don't tell me,
don't tell me.
Wow.
Straight out of a magazine.
Yeah it's okay.
Can't you just see
yourself sitting out here
on a cool summer evening,
sipping a hot tea,
listening to the crickets?
Sounds like heaven.
And can't you just see yourself
picking fresh vegetables
from your huge lush garden
to serve at the cafe?
There's a vegetable
garden back here?
Not yet, but there could
be if you built one.
True, there's nothing you
can't learn on the internet.
Consider it done.
I can't believe this is real.
Do we really get to live here?
Yes, we do.
It's just a romance,
Cara, no big deal.
Think Robert Redford in
"The Horse Whisperer".
Okay, think star crossed lovers.
Destiny.
Or past lives.
Mom, what are you doing?
Yeah, baby?
What is that?
Oh.
It sounds like construction.
Construction?
No can't be.
No!
Hey, hey!
Hey!
Excuse me, excuse me!
What is going on here?
It's you.
It's you.
It's...
What is going on here?
What do you mean?
What are you doing on
my property?
You live here?
We were told that it was vacant.
Well, not anymore.
Oh, nice place you got here.
This is a city property
that's leased by Cedar
Shores PowerGen Company.
PowerGen?
Yeah, we're building the dam.
What dam?
The hydroelectric dam that
the city approved last year.
- Last year here?
- Yeah.
That can't be possible.
Nobody in the town knows
anything about a dam.
You know everyone in town?
Uh, yeah, actually I do.
Oh, okay.
Well, then you can ask them
why they didn't show up
to the community meeting.
Okay, well, I don't know
why they didn't show up
to the meeting, but I
will find out.
Hey!
Hey, come on.
I have waited 34 years
to live in that house
and write my book.
How am I supposed to
write my book
with all this jackhammering
- Going on?
- Look, Miss...
Durant, Cara Durant.
Miss Durant, I am sorry
for all the confusion
but I'm just the engineer.
Got here last week.
I definitely don't make
the decisions around here.
- Hey, boss?
- Yeah.
Andrew's got a question
about the footings
for the trailer.
Ah can you just give
me a minute, would you?
You got it, boss.
Boss.
I just oversee
the construction, I swear.
I have nothing to do
with selecting locations.
If you have a problem wh
any of the rest of it,
I think you should bring
it up with the mayor.
He and the higher ups are
the ones you want to talk to.
Here.
This is the
communications department.
My contact's in the back.
I'm Riley.
Nice to meet you again.
I don't have the
mayor's number but...
I know Mayor Berns!
Well, then you have
everything you need.
Okay, boss.
Don't get too comfortable
because this is not
going to last long!
Oh man, is she going
to be trouble?
It looks like it.
All right, let's get
back to work.
Morning.
Do you need help with that?
No.
No.
Maybe.
Fine, yes.
What happened to drip pots?
- Give me.
- It's a dam!
What's that now?
They're building a hydro dam
right in front of our house.
Yeah, I noticed some
trucks or something.
Hi, by the way.
Are you sure that's what it is?
Yes!
Well, that doesn't
make any sense.
I mean, why haven't we
heard about it?
I have no idea but
this is not good.
The river, this is going
to change everything.
A lot of the businesses
downtown are tourism based.
This is bad.
Wait till people on Main
Street find out.
Mutiny.
That guy, Riley, the
hot guy from the cafe?
He said they had a community
meeting and no one came.
He's working for the man?
Shoot.
If there was a meeting, we
would have heard about it.
The mayor comes into the
cafe every day.
Yeah, but that's what I said.
Well, what are we going to do?
I have no idea
but we're not going to
just roll over on this.
Where are you going?
To stop this train before
it leaves the station.
Mm-hmm.
Please make coffee.
Coffee.
Got it.
Yes,
I hear you, Mr. Ross,
but we cannot hand out
designated parking spaces
at the pharmacy.
Yes, you can file a complaint.
I'll transfer you to
human resources.
Hold on.
Cara Durant.
What a surprise.
- Hi.
- Hi.
Oh, sorry.
Mayor Berns' office.
Yes, we do have a
mailing address.
One second.
It is, ah, 4192
Main Street, Winfields.
You're welcome.
Bye now.
Sorry about that.
Still don't have
an assistant, do you?
Not in the budget.
But I do have this handy
direct to voicemail button.
There.
So Cara, welcome home.
It's been a while.
Thank you, it has.
I don't know if you heard but
I bought the Ridgecrest Manor.
Oh, good for you.
You and your mom both
love that house.
We do.
And it would be a
shame to ruin it
with that new dam you
decided to build.
Oh, right.
I apologize.
But that was put in place
before you came back.
So how come nobody knows
about it then?
Apparently there was
some community meeting
and no one got invited?
Unfortunately, it was
all fairly last minute.
But we did put something
on our website.
The website, Mayor,
that sounds like shoving
it under the rug to me.
Now, Cara, I know you're upset,
but I really believe this
could be the best thing
for all of us here.
But you can't just add a dam.
The water is going to
be rerouted.
What's the plan for that?
An overflow pool just
off County Road Nine.
That old farmer's field?
Correct.
Okay, but what about downstream?
That's all going to dry up.
The riverwalk, the
swimming hole.
It's all going to disappear.
Mayor Berns, with all
due respect,
those spots are real
tourism draws.
The downtown core
is going to suffer
Now these are valid concerns,
very valid concerns which
I share quite frankly,
but the numbers that they
presented to us
as far as new jobs and
revenue were quite compelling.
They seem to believe that any
losses would be negligible.
Those are just projectio.
I've visited and written
about towns like this
in my blog for years
and trust me,
the whole landscape of the
town is going to change.
And if people knew just
how bad it was going to be,
they would object.
There's an
adjustment meeting in two weeks
and the committee
will take a vote.
Reps from Cedar Shores
PowerGen will be there.
It's the last chance anyone
from the community will have
to make their voices heard.
You could discuss your
concerns there.
With supporting
evidence, of course.
- I'll vote.
- Mm-hmm.
Good, great.
I will be there, with evidence.
Okay.
I'll be there.
Mayor Berns speaking.
I'm going to bring the town.
Two weeks?
It's not a lot of time.
I know, but it's something.
We have to start by
getting the word out.
I'll make some flyers.
And I'll email Nadia and
the bingo hall.
Nothing starts a rumor
faster than the bingo hall.
I'm with you on informing
everyone, guys,
but you really need to
get the man on your side.
Mayor Berns seemed sympathetic.
I'm talking about
the money, honey.
What, the power company?
Uh huh.
Listening to community concerns
is just something to endure
for these kinds of companies.
But if you got someone
inside the company
to agree with you, you may
actually stand a chance.
- No.
- Why not?
I can make a good
case on my own.
I'm sure you can,
but it'll be in one ear
and out the other
without the right connections.
I disagree.
Maybe you should listen
to Leanne on this one.
She could be right.
Yes, I'm right about
these kinds of things.
That's one of my better traits.
I don't know.
I mean, what is in it for him?
Don't be so cynical, sweetheart.
He could be a man of conscience.
He does tip 20%.
It's a big ask.
And unless we make it make sense
from a business perspective,
we're wasting our time.
What do you mean?
We start by making the case
about the effects on the town
and then we offer an
alternative, a solution.
Like another location.
Yes.
And we make moving the
dam the better option.
I like it.
I love it.
But you don't know
anything about hydro dams.
No, but Riley does.
So I just need to start by
getting him invested in the town
and then point him in
a different direction.
And then he does all the rest.
Bingo!
Brilliant.
Only brilliant if it works.
Start with the sandwich.
Bribery?
Really?
There's a reason why
it's so common.
- It works.
- It works.
Go get 'em, honey.
Hi, is the boss here?
Ms. Durant, what a surprise.
Uh, Cara, please.
Do you have a minute?
Sure.
Come on in.
Did you speak with the mayor?
I did.
He told me about the
adjustment meeting
and suggested I plead
my case there.
Yeah, you should.
Unfortunately, we
both know what kind
of dog and pony show
those meetings are.
And I think the town
deserves more than that.
Don't you?
Is this really about the town
or is it about
ruining your view?
I'm sorry, I have to ask.
I mean, I'd be miffed
about it too.
Honestly, if that's
all this was about,
I'd be over it already.
Bureaucratic jump rope
isn't my idea of fun.
The people in this town raised
me as much as my mom did
and they're carrying
this town on their backs.
They might be about to lose
their jobs, their businesses,
and maybe even their homes.
I have to at least try and help.
That is why I'm here.
I know it's hard
to see the place you grew
up in change so much,
but sometimes change is good.
Not like this.
Okay, the river.
The river is the heart
and soul of this town
and you can't put a
price on that.
What if I show you around, give
you the official town tour?
The nitty gritty kind.
And then what?
And then maybe you can see
how detrimental the dam is
and you can back me up
in the adjustment meeting
and we can both plead our case.
You know I can't speak
for the whole company.
I'm just a brick and mortar guy.
The higher ups are...
More likely to listen
to you than me.
More likely to listen to
money than either of us.
I know.
What if I told you I could
find an alternative location
that could work for everyone?
And I know I don't know much
about the science behind it
but that's where you come in.
You've really
thought it through.
And I will provide you
with unlimited sandwiches
for your time.
I can't guarantee any of
this will work,
but we can try.
Thank you.
What are you doing tomorrow,
nine o'clock?
I'll be here.
Great, I'll see you then.
So?
Game on.
Just a train of thought.
Not going on its own, just type.
Anything.
Whatever you want.
Okay.
Morgan did her best
to ignore him.
It felt like the only
logical solution
to a doomed encounter. And,
if she was honest
with herself, she'd admit
that some kind of familiar
zing had passed
between them that day.
But how is that possible when
she'd never met him before?
How could her body know
someone when her mind did not?
How could...
Oh, oh, oh, oh.
Hi, Marianne.
How are you?
Cara darling, I'm fabulous,
but how about you?
Now I got your
message about the dam.
That's so unfortunate.
Oh yeah.
I'm fine. Well,
I'm good actually.
I just...
Hey, it's been a little...
Distracting?
Mm-hmm., yeah, immensely.
And I just, I don't know
if I can make this whole
romance thing work.
It just, it doesn't feel right.
Well, have you ever considered
that you might be mistaking
right for comfortable?
What, what do you mean?
Now just because romance is
outside your comfort zone
doesn't make it wrong.
Maybe you should just try,
and sit with your discomfort.
Sit with it.
You know, everything
going on with the house
and your book, all of it.
Don't push it aside
and distract yourself.
Just sit with it.
Okay.
Okay, yeah, yeah, I'll try.
Call me anytime.
I'm around.
Will do.
Thank you, Marianne.
Mm-hmm.
Sit with it.
Sit with it.
What, what is it?
Oh, what is it?
You were up all night.
Oh, yeah.
Thank you.
I put some cinnamon in it,
I thought it might be good.
Interesting.
Oh, look at this.
Can I read?
Ah, ah.
Only if you promise not
to give me your opinion.
Honey, everything you
do is excellent.
I already love it.
Look, Morgan, that is an
excellent name.
Mom, later.
Got it.
So what time are you
meeting Riley?
Oh, nine.
Did you talk to the shop owners
when you handed out
those flyers?
I did.
- They will be ready.
- Great.
Well, how'd you sleep?
Good until those
machines showed up.
Machines?
What machines?
Yeah, it looks like
you're starting
with those markers over there.
Hey!
Oh dear.
Stop, stop!
What is going on?
Construction?
I was told we had two weeks
before breaking ground!
I thought so too but
I don't know.
This gentleman here said he
got orders from head office
and it was on a schedule
for this morning,
so maybe something changed.
No, that can't be right!
Where's the permit?
Here.
- Aha, 24th, not the 4th.
- Oh.
So shut it down, people,
- Shut it down!
- No, no, no, no, I can't.
What, why?
I just feel like I need
to get approval
from my boss first.
Maybe he knows
something that I don't.
I tried calling him and
he's not picking up.
Where is he?
Riley!
Cara, what are you doing here?
I thought we had a deal.
We do.
Then why is there someone
with a backhoe breaking ground
at my house?
What?
That can't be right.
Some permit mix up and
orders from head office?
Don't worry,
I'll call my boss and
figure out what's going on.
Oh, please.
Hi, Mr. Gallagher.
It's Riley.
I hear there's been a mix
up with the Winfields dam.
I understand sir, but,
by law, we really should
be waiting until after...
After the 24th.
At least.
I know, I understand.
The people of this town
are pretty strong-willed.
I don't think there's going
to be any leeway here.
Great.
Thank you, sir.
He's calling it off.
Good, as he should.
I'm sorry.
These Chicago guys can be a
little overzealous sometimes.
Well, you're not in
Chicago anymore, Dorothy.
And thank you.
Now, are you ready
- for our tour?
- Oh, yeah.
Let me get changed.
I'll be right back.
So this is kind of
like the grand central
station of Winfields.
There's the grocery
store over there,
antiques down the street,
and that is Otto's Deli.
Very important, do not
tell my sister,
but he has the best
Italian sub in town.
Got it.
Otto's, go there.
So do you have any of
these town staples
where you grew up?
Not really.
I was an army brat, I
moved around a lot.
Never really settled
in long enough
to get to know the staples.
Was that hard or?
Sometimes, yeah.
Forces you to go with the flow.
Teaches you resilience.
I can understand that.
Really?
I thought you grew up here.
Oh yeah, I did.
But my mom was always
moving us around too.
She doesn't like to get stuck
in a rut, as she likes to say.
So that led from job to job
and some were better
than others.
We were pretty transient.
But to her credit, she
always made it fun for us.
Your mom sounds like a
pretty interesting person.
Yeah, she is.
And this is Nadia from
Nadia's ice cream shop.
Whatever she offers you, just
say yes, you won't regret it.
Okay.
- Hi, Cara.
- Hi, Nadia.
- This is Riley.
- Pleased to meet you.
Here, Nadia special, try it.
Oh, the mystery shake.
Nobody knows what
she puts in it.
And nobody ever will.
That's what makes it special.
People come from all
over to try it.
I tell you.
Well, I can tell why.
This is really good.
How much do I owe you?
Oh, no, no, no, no,
it's our treat.
And here's one for you, Cara.
Thank you.
Enjoy.
She hand out free
milkshakes to everyone?
Sometimes.
Laying it on a little
thick, don't you think?
Depends.
Is it working?
Maybe.
Are you up for more of a walk?
I know a great place
where we can sit and,
drink these.
Yeah, let's do it.
Oh, wow.
It's beautiful.
Nice view, eh?
So beautiful.
During the day, the tourists
come here with their kids
and at night, that's
when the teens move in.
Oh yeah?
I could see that.
Were you one of them?
On occasion.
But in all honesty, this
spot's a big draw for our town.
It helps keep a lot of the
downtown businesses open
and that will probably all
change once the dam goes in.
I've seen it happen
in other towns.
In fact, I wrote about
this one place in my blog.
You have a blog?
I do.
The Winfields Wanderer.
It's a travel blog.
And I started out traveling
around small towns
but in the last few years
I've been mainly overseas.
Hey, that's awesome.
Yeah.
Well, I just wrote my
last blog post actually.
On to other things.
Oh yeah, I think I heard you
say something about a book?
That's right.
It's...
It's a work in progress.
Anyway, I know this is
just another job
and another town that
you're driving through,
but to everyone here,
this is everything.
I know you probably have
a lot going on at work
but there's something
else I want to show you.
Are you free tomorrow?
Okay, yeah, sure.
Meet me at my place, noon?
I'll be there.
It's a deal.
Hey, I got those coffees
you asked for.
Awesome, thank you.
Is this a lunch meeting I
should be joining you at?
No, no, no, it's good.
Thanks though.
You buttering up the
lady from the big house?
Yeah, something like that.
Thanks again, Pete.
Sure thing.
Oh, hey, little guy.
Little guy?
Hi.
Not you, him.
Oh, hey, hey, hey, get out
of there, shoo!
Stop, scaring the
neighbors already.
Shoo, shoo, shoo, shoo.
You realize that squirrels
are just rats with good PR.
That's ridiculous.
Here.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
I take it we're going
out in this?
Best way to see the river.
I'll take your word for it.
Have you ever canoed before?
Not so much.
We were stationed in Arkansas
for about a year when I was 11.
Spent a lot of time in
the backwater,
but mostly on fishing boats.
But you do know how to
swim though, right?
Yeah.
You planning on tipping us over?
As long as you
keep your tailbone glued
to that center line,
we should be just fine.
Aye, aye, Captain.
Sorry, you're just bringing
out my inner camp counselor.
Did you actually work at a camp?
Sure did.
Every summer in high school.
Why am I not surprised?
One, two, three.
Oh.
Thank you.
You ready?
Ready.
You know Nadia's ice cream shop?
Uh huh. Ooh,
I could totally go from one
of her milkshakes right now.
That's her place over there.
Nice spot.
She's got one of the
original homes here.
We actually used to live there
for a while when I was 11.
Fun spot.
We used to spend a lot
of time catching frogs.
How long did you live there for?
A year, maybe.
I don't really remember.
But she used to have
this old boat
that my mom and I used
to go out in.
And that's how we found
the big house.
That's what we call the
house we live in now.
And I decided right
there and then,
I was going to buy it one day.
I understand why.
It's a great spot.
What about you?
Do you have a house or?
I have a condo in New York.
I'm never there so I
rent it out.
These days, I'm just living
wherever the next job takes me.
And you like that?
Well, I'm used to it.
It suits me for now.
Does that mean you're going
to change your mind one day?
Honestly, I don't know.
Maybe.
Wow.
I know, right?
It was always our favorite
spot when we were kids.
No kidding, I can see why.
We'd pack a
cooler full of snacks
and come spend the whole
day swimming and fishing.
It was the best.
You fish?
Yeah, I used to.
Actually, I think the
last time I went fishing
was freshman year.
They used to have a
fishing derby in the summer
and we'd all come out on
rubber dinghies for the day.
And whoever caught the
biggest fish won.
And that year, Leanne
and I came up together
and we ran into a bunch
of guys from school.
Oh, here we go.
They paddled up to us
and one of the guys
threw a fish in our boat.
A live one?
Yeah, and it still had
the lure attached,
so it was flopping around
and it finally got caught
on Leanne's life jacket.
- You're kidding.
- No.
And as you can imagine,
the guys thought it was
hilarious, but I was so mad,
I didn't want the fish to die.
So I yanked it off and
I threw it in the river.
Leanne was screaming.
It was a mess.
10 bucks says that guy
asked you to the prom.
Don't tell me you
actually went with him.
I ended up dating him
for like seven years.
Oh.
Didn't end well, as you
probably guessed.
Don't beat yourself up.
We all make dumb decisions
when we're young.
Did you?
Definitely.
A few times.
That's why I've spent so
long flying solo lately.
Oh.
So, I looked at the
plans for the dam.
You did.
Yes, and it shows that
this whole section
down river from my
place will dry up.
For the summer months
when the water
levels are down, yeah.
But in the spring time,
when they're high,
the river should pretty
much look like this.
Right.
Look, I'm really sorry
about that, trust me.
And is it also true that
riverfront property value
decreases once a dam
is installed?
That is true.
That house of Nadia's
is her retirement fund.
I see.
Riley, I'm not telling you
this to make you feel bad.
I just want you, and more
importantly, your bosses
to understand that there
are consequences
to these decisions.
It's not all profit
margins and jobs.
I hear you, honestly, I do.
Thank you.
Thank you so much.
No, thank you.
That was a lot of fun.
It was.
And about the
adjustment meeting,
I'd like to help you
out if I can.
Really?
Yeah.
The company's got a dozen
other projects just like this.
They'll be fine no matter what.
But that swimming hole and
Nadia's and your place,
we have to at least try, right?
Right.
Thank you.
We should probably meet up
again to go over our next steps.
Yeah, absolutely.
But I should get back to work.
- Right.
- After you.
Hey.
Oh, hey, what are you
still doing here?
What do you think of
this section here?
I'm pretty sure that
waterfall is strong.
So we're moving the dam now?
Maybe.
I thought this lunch
meeting was supposed
to go the other way around.
We're just looking at it.
Gallagher's going to be fuming
if he finds out about this.
And if you get fired, I
get fired too.
I've got 50K of student
loans I need to pay off.
Nobody's getting fired,
trust me.
Once we figure this out,
I'll pitch him a plan
and he'll come around.
You can't guarantee that.
If we can show that
it'd be more profitable,
how could he say no?
I don't know.
It just seems like a
huge risk to take
- for Carla up the hill.
- It's Cara!
And it's not about her.
It's about doing our
due diligence.
It's our job.
Are you sure?
Yes, I'm sure.
Come on, Pete.
You know I've got your
back no matter what.
Okay then.
Let's get to it.
Great.
When's he coming?
Soon.
What's he like?
Nice.
Nice, that's it?
Leanne, come on.
We have work to do,
important work.
- Very nice indeed.
- Get outta here.
Hey.
- Hi.
- Leanne, right?
Nice to see you again.
Yeah, do you want a coffee
or lunch today?
Just coffee, thanks.
Sure.
Just let me know if
you need anything else.
- Will do.
- Thank you.
Okay.
What is that?
I circled a few spots
that geographically could be
good alternatives for the dam.
That...
That is private land
owned by the Hollands.
You'd have to buy them out
and I honestly don't think
they'd sell it.
And rumor has it some big
hotel guy tried to buy it
to build on, eight figures.
They wouldn't go for it.
Right.
What about here?
Have you seen it?
I think I know that area.
It might work.
My assistant Pete says
that half of it is
owned by the city
and the other half is private.
Oh, wait, no, no.
That's the O'Reilly property.
It's involved in an estate
lawsuit for over 10 years,
right of way or something?
It could get pretty messy.
Yikes, yeah, that's not good.
What about this?
It seems like fairly
steep terrain,
which I'm hoping means a deeper
riverbed, good water flow.
Have you been?
That's Tarson Trail.
I've actually thought
about that place too.
It could definitely work.
Uh, no land issues
that I know of.
Can we go?
- Now?
- Yeah
Absolutely.
Do you need a ride?
I've got my kit in the
truck already.
Yeah, sure.
I'll just grab us some waters
and I'll meet you outside.
Perfect.
Have fun.
Thank you.
And stop it.
I didn't do anything.
Is that your kit?
Yeah.
These fanny packs are a
genius invention.
They're like a backpack you
can access at all times.
And what is that you have?
Well, we use this to take
the core sample.
We're looking for a good mix,
not too much sand or gravel,
and it can't be all clay either.
Got it.
Although I pretty much
failed geology in school,
so I'll leave that part to you.
I doubt you ever
failed at anything.
Welcome to Tarson Peak.
Wow.
Not bad at all.
Thank you, just what I need.
Oh, that's the spot that we
were talking about down there.
Looks good.
I just need a couple of
minutes here.
Want me to take some pictures?
I brought the camera that
I use while traveling.
Yeah, that'd be great, thanks.
Hey.
Hey.
Did you get what you need?
I think so.
I'll have to send it to the lab
but so far everything's perfect.
This is a good find.
Great work, Captain.
It was a team effort.
I just, I hope it works.
Oh, it will.
Uh, we should probably get
going before it gets dark.
Yeah.
You're right.
So I'll put together the
rest of the pitch
in a PowerPoint or something
and keep me posted on
the soil samples.
Will do.
We should probably get together
for a dry run before
the meeting.
Great, yeah.
Yeah, that's probably
a good idea.
And maybe we could grab
some dinner sometime.
My treat.
I mean, you get to
pick the place.
Oh, uh...
I mean, as friends.
If that's what you want.
Why don't you come over
tomorrow night?
I'll invite Leanne, my
mom, even Mayor Berns.
We'll make a night of it.
Okay, sounds great.
Oh, and don't bring anything,
Leanne's a great cook.
Okay then.
I'll see you tomorrow.
Night.
Hey, you're here late.
Just leaving.
How's Cara?
I saw you drop her off.
It's not what you think.
It seems kind of late for
a business meeting to me.
Pete.
Come on.
See you tomorrow.
That night,
Morgan sat in front of the
crackling fire,
waiting for him to return.
She wondered if she was crazy
for letting this happen.
Maybe she was more herself
than she'd ever been.
For the first time,
instead of searching for
a clear answer,
she let herself enjoy it.
And when he returned,
any doubts she'd had about him
slipped away into the night.
Oh.
Oh, Cara, it's so good.
And I'm not just saying that
because I'm your mother.
It's really good.
Thank you.
I think I surprised myself
a bit, to be honest.
I knew you could do it.
Well, don't get too
excited, it's not done yet.
But hey, we got pages!
Mom, you're on appetizer duty.
Okay.
Oh, wow, you look gorgeous.
Is this too much?
No, it's just right.
I don't know, I think the jeans.
A dress, overkill.
You're nervous, aren't you?
I am not nervous.
You look nervous.
Leanne, please, give
me some credit.
I hiked to Everest base camp,
I can handle a dinner party.
You're allowed to like him,
you know.
Yeah, go.
You're not helping.
I'll get it!
I've got it, I've got it!
- Oh, you look gorgeous, honey.
- Thank you, Mom.
Hi!
Mayor Berns, welcome, so
glad you could make it.
Well, I couldn't pass up
an opportunity
to see inside this place.
It is a town treasure after all.
Annie, nice to see you.
It's nice to see you too.
Would you like a drink?
- Sure.
- Come on in.
- Oh, hey!
- Hey.
I know you said not to
bring anything, but...
Thank you.
Wow, you look great.
The house also.
Thank you.
We're planning to
tackle a few things
over the next couple of years.
Bathrooms and paint, that
kind of thing.
But the rest, I plan
to keep as is.
The Duvalls did a great job
of preserving the
history of this place, and,
I want to keep that going.
For sure.
Were the Duvalls the old owners?
Oh, yeah.
They were married 50 years,
raised three kids here,
and they only moved away
to be closer to family.
That's inspiring.
It is.
Are you hungry?
Leanne made enough to
feed an army.
Starving.
Leanne, the
chicken was delicious.
Thank you.
It's the same recipe I use
for the chicken salad
at the shop.
Just hot.
We know it's your favorite.
Oh, that's kind of you.
Sorry there's no roast
beef here, Riley.
Don't be, this was great.
Cara hates it, so.
I don't hate it.
It's just not my favorite.
She was a vegetarian
for five years.
College can do that to a person.
So Greg, why don't you
tell us what we can expect
at the adjustment meeting?
I hope it's not a lost cause.
Mom!
I'm only asking because I
want all of us to be prepared.
You know this is going to
be devastating for the town
if it goes through.
I mean, not to mention the value
of this beautiful home
that my daughter has spent
the last 25 years
saving up to buy.
Well, we're going to
make a good case
to my company and to the city.
And honestly, I think
they'll see what we see.
We?
Yes.
Cara has helped me come
around to the idea that,
maybe this location
is not the best fit.
Well, good for you two.
I'm looking forward to
your presentation.
Thank you, Mayor Berns.
But I'm only one person on
the committee, you know.
There are five of us in total.
Good to know.
Greg, would you like to go
see the wraparound porch?
It has a beautiful
view of the river.
- Sounds lovely.
- Okay.
Oh, um, I'm gonna go
get some dessert.
I'll be back.
Great.
See you in a little bit?
We'll be here.
Okay.
Chicken was great.
Thank you for your
support back there.
You're welcome.
So is this where you write?
Oh, no.
I have an office with a very
nice view of your trailer.
You're kidding.
No.
Where?
Want to see it?
That's it.
Oh, sorry.
Not your fault.
So is this where the
magic happens?
Some days.
Other days it's just
frustrated sighs.
Hey, it's a nice spot.
When I was a kid, I used
to sit out across the river
and stare up at this
place, at this window,
imagine myself writing
here with this view.
Look, if all goes well,
we'll have that moved out
of your way in no time.
Is this your book?
It is.
Well, it's part of it anyway.
Are you happy with it?
Sort of.
My editor is insisting that
I add in a love interest.
Oh, is his name Riley?
Uh, well, I just...
Romance is, I'm not used
to writing it,
so I'm just not sure.
Why's that?
Because romance has never
been part of my strong suit.
Except the prom guy.
Among others.
But I'm just, I'm not, I'm not
really just used to writing.
I mean, that could be a
good thing though.
They say that's where
the best stuff happens.
They say?
Yeah, the online
inspiration people.
I do Google inspirational quotes
more than I'd like to admit.
We all do.
And hey, listen, if you need
someone to read your book,
I'd be happy to.
Wow.
I will keep that in mind.
Everything okay?
Yeah, I...
You can take it, go ahead.
- Are you sure?
- Yeah.
Hey, Mr. Gallagher.
Oh, yeah, I'll be there.
So?
Turns out my boss is in town
and I should probably go.
Is everything okay?
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah,
don't worry, don't worry.
See you tomorrow.
Have you heard from Riley?
No, I haven't heard from
him since last night.
I've tried calling him,
but no answer.
What time's the meeting?
Can you do it without him
if you have to?
I could, but, I don't have
his lab reports
or his write-up on
geological suitability.
Without it...
He'll come through.
I think he's pretty invested.
I don't know, Leanne.
I have a feeling things
are about to go sideways.
And I'm usually right
about these things.
I'm sure it's nothing.
Just try him again.
So you've been doing all of
this without my permission.
I should have involved
you sooner, you're right.
But I was just trying to
present the best possible
solution for everyone.
I spent months
preparing the assessments!
The people were getting the
permits for this location!
It's been a year in the making
and now within a
matter of weeks,
you've undermined all of it.
You have done a lot
of good work.
I just think that we
may have moved too fast.
We should have done more
community outreach,
more research.
If you just look at our
proposal, I think you'll find
that the new location
could be more profitable.
I got the lab results back
- and the new location is...
- I'm sorry, it's too late.
We're moving ahead as is.
Sir.
Look, I know you think you're
doing the right thing here
but all you're doing is
giving people false hope.
When the dam moves
ahead as planned
and everybody's heartbroken,
that'll be on you.
Mr. Gallagher, if you
could just look...
That's enough.
Pack your things.
You're on the next flight out.
Any word?
No.
You've gotta be kidding me.
Okay, that was a good one.
All right, is everyone here?
I'll be representing the
company on my own today, Greg.
Got it.
Then let's get started,
shall we?
Thanks, everyone, for coming.
We're here for the
final adjustment meeting
for the PowerGen development
at 4928 Robertson Road.
Each party will have 10 minutes
to present their arguments.
Should we find reason
to delay development,
we'll take a vote.
Majority wins.
Is that clear?
Mr. Gallagher, why don't
you start us off?
It would be my pleasure.
There you go, Greg.
As you know, we've had
over 60 years
of experience in
hydro generation.
We've built some of the most
innovative dams in the country
and in places where they
said it could never be done.
Hey.
Hi.
Did you hear Gallagher's back?
Showed up out of the blue and
kicked me off the project.
That's too bad.
And because I'm not a resident,
I'm not allowed to
attend the meeting.
I wasn't even able to
submit my lab soil report.
And Cara's got to do that alone.
I haven't even had a
chance to talk to her.
That sucks.
Pete?
Yeah.
Pete, why did you call him?
He was going to find
out one way or another.
I told you that I was going
to explain everything to him
to get him on our side.
And you also said it
wasn't about the girl.
It wasn't.
Not entirely anyway.
Look, you may have some
secret nest egg
that allows you to
take huge risks
but I'm just trying to
keep my head above water.
If I get fired, no job
prospects, no jobs,
no student loan payment.
You get my drift.
I'm sorry.
We understand the importance
of new sustainable jobs
for a small community
and we're here to help.
Thank you.
Thank you, Mr. Gallagher.
Now we'd like to open the floor
to members of the community.
I'd like to say
a few words, Mayor.
By all means.
I understand Mr.
Gallagher's arguments
and I appreciate the need
for sustainable employment
in our community,
but at what cost?
For the last 10 years, I've
traveled around the world,
writing about small
towns like ours,
quaint little slices of paradise
with picturesque waterfronts
and deep community roots,
Where the landscape
itself is embedded
in the fabric of the town.
One of my favorite
places to visit
on my way out west was
Silver Hills.
The first time I went out
there was 2013.
And at the time, I was
writing an article
about the plethora of
places along the river
where families gathered
to celebrate weddings,
birthdays, and graduations.
Where traditions going back
generations were carried out,
like fishing tournaments,
derbies,
and the annual fall fair.
Just like here in Winfields.
That is, until a hydro
dam was installed.
Now, did it bring steady
jobs to the community?
Yes.
But when I returned to
that town years later,
I found that the places
that made it such a vibrant
and welcoming community
had gone out of business.
Restaurants, bed and
breakfasts, art galleries,
and even the marina had
dried up and gone.
Tourism tanked, property
values plummeted,
and residents left.
You see, there's a difference
between numbers on a page
and the real tangible
change you feel in a place
when something like
this happens.
I mean, you can chop the
roots off a tree
and it's still a tree,
but eventually...
Objection!
I don't think that wishy washy
metaphors are helpful here.
Sir, this is not a courtroom.
Cara, please continue.
I'm not here to scare you.
And I know we all just
want to feed our families
and put our kids through school.
So what I'd like to offer
is a best case scenario.
Keep the jobs without
harming the town
by simply moving the dam
20 minutes downstream.
I think you all
recognize Tarson Trail.
Putting the dam here would
move flooding, dry zones,
or any other side effects
away from the community,
saving all the treasured spots
that make our town special
and make us who we are.
Ms. Durant?
I appreciate what
you're trying to do
but have any actual assessments
even been done on this land?
No, but I was assured by
a very reliable source
that this location is ideal.
Oh, a reliable source.
Where are they?
I don't know.
Mayor Berns.
I think that Ms. Durant has
good reason to be upset.
I mean, God knows I'd
be angry too
if something like this came
along and ruined my view.
No, that is not
- What this is about.
- But we cannot undo
months and months of work
over a site that hasn't
even been properly vetted
by a professional.
Meanwhile, in this town,
there are people
expecting this work.
And frankly, I think it
would be irresponsible
to postpone that over
one citizen's objections.
She's not the only
one concerned!
We are all worried.
My business is at risk.
Mine too.
And so's my home.
Like I said, Mr. Gallagher,
these people are much more
than numbers on a spreadsheet.
Thank you for your time, Cara.
If that's all, the committee
will now take a vote.
All in favor of postponing
construction on the dam?
All in favor of moving forward?
Well, there you have it.
Construction of the
hydroelectric dam
at 4928 Robertson Road will
move forward as scheduled.
Thank you.
Thank you, Mayor.
This project's going
to be great.
Congratulations.
Thank you, Sheryl.
Sorry, Cara.
I'm sorry too.
Cara, what happened with
the lab reports?
Where's Riley?
I don't know.
Maybe he had a change of heart.
That's really too bad.
It really is.
She should've seen it coming.
She hardly knew him, after all.
Maybe that zing she felt
was actually a warning sign
or like an electric fence
warning its inhabitants
not to escape or else.
Hi, honey.
Oh, you're making
progress, I see.
Is this the new ending?
Yep.
Doesn't seem like a happy one.
It's a realistic one.
Oh.
Cara.
Don't let this situation
with Riley ruin your book.
Mom, this has nothing to
do with Riley.
I just don't think it's right
that every couple ends
up together in the end.
That's not real life.
- Have you talked to him?
- Nope
Just another man coming up
short when you need him most.
So you don't even
know what he has to say.
Don't shut down so easily.
I'm not.
I'm writing, aren't I?
Yeah.
I should probably
get back to it.
Okay.
Yeah.
I did it.
You finished it.
Took me all night, but I
just sent it to Marianne.
That's great, honey.
Oh!
- Hi.
- Hey.
I'm sorry about yesterday.
I called you a few times.
I know. I had to
work on my book.
I see.
Look, I wanted to explain.
It doesn't matter anymore.
We lost the vote.
Well, it matters to me.
I need you to know that
I didn't bail on purpose.
My boss showed up last minute.
Pete told him about our plan
and before I could
explain everything,
I was reassigned to
another project.
Okay.
I was basically banned
from the meeting
and I had no time to explain...
I'm sorry.
- All right.
- All right?
Cara, come on.
What else is there to say?
Please, you gotta know
I'd never leave you hanging
out to dry like that.
How would I know that?
We barely know each other.
That's not true.
Getting to know you
these past weeks,
there's something between
us, something real.
Really?
Couldn't have meant that much
if it was so easy to give up.
Give up?
I didn't give up, I
got reassigned.
Did you even put up a fight?
Because it feels like to me
that the second things
started going off the rails,
you threw in the towel.
That is not what
happened. Look,
I am sorry that I let you down.
You didn't just let me down.
You let down my family and
everybody in this town.
- Cara.
- No.
You should go.
Is that what you really want?
Yes.
And now, if you'll excuse me,
I'm going to go enjoy my last
few hours on the riverfront
before they get to work.
Cara darling, it's me.
Hi, Marianne.
I got the pages.
You were quick
with this rewrite.
So, what did you think?
It was thrilling, really.
But?
But Cara, the couple
needs to end up together.
Don't you think?
You've done such a good job
of setting them up as
this perfect pair,
the yin and the yang,
the puzzle pieces coming
together, all that good stuff.
And then what?
They're not getting together?
It just made me mad.
That's not real life, Marianne.
Don't be so cynical, my love.
Now I've been married to my
Craig for I think it's 31 years.
That's impressive.
Congratulations.
Yeah, well, what
I'm saying is it's possible.
So you won't accept them as is?
I'm not going to say no,
but I'd like you to
reconsider it.
I have faith in you, okay?
Okay.
Now I've got to
rush to a lunch meeting
and we'll chat later.
All right?
Ciao.
Tell me what you think
and don't lie.
Honestly, Mom, nailed it.
For real, we should sell
these at the restaurant.
Great!
Cara, what did you think?
Cara?
- What?
- You okay?
Yeah, I'm good.
Yeah, really?
'Cause I'm getting
major Eeyore vibes here.
I don't know why I'm so upset.
I'm living my dream.
I got us a house we've
always wanted.
I'm going to be a
published author soon.
We're all together.
And something's missing.
More like someone.
What?
No.
I barely know him.
- It doesn't matter.
- And he's not that
- good of a guy.
- That's not fair.
Did you even listen to him
before you shooed him away?
Of course I did.
Well, maybe you should
go talk to him again.
No, no, there's no point.
I have a lot on my plate
and I will just get over it.
Why do you have to get over it?
Why don't you try putting
down the to-do list
and letting yourself
live a little?
What if it doesn't work out?
All that time will
have been wasted.
It'll all be for nothing.
Sweetie, it is never
all for nothing.
No, no, I don't want to
set myself back.
I have too much to do.
And you'll do it.
That's just who you are.
But you can have a relationship
and a successful career.
The-the-the Duvalls did it.
You love him, don't you?
- What?
- Ha, I knew it
Now you gotta go get him.
Yes.
But, but...
No buts.
Whatever happens, it'll be fine.
No matter what, right?
Here, take the cookies
just in case.
Not really getting off on
the right foot if I'm
constantly bribing
him with food.
- But it works!
- That is true.
Go.
Good luck.
- You got this.
- Go on!
Honestly. Okay.
Go!
Woo!
- I hope it works.
- Me too.
Riley?
Hello?
Oh.
Hi, Pete.
Hey, Cara.
Sorry, I'm just packing
up Riley's stuff.
He left last night.
Uh, to go where?
Back to Chicago.
I'm on the next
flight out myself.
Oh.
I see.
You want me to tell
him you came by?
No, no, no, that's okay.
Here.
For the road.
Hey, thanks.
You're welcome.
What happened?
He went back to Chicago.
He did?
Well, maybe we can find out
where he's staying and we can...
No.
It's too late.
And I've got a lot
of work to do.
Cara, this is fantastic.
Not done yet.
Would you like a cup of tea?
More like a pot of coffee.
And no cinnamon this time.
Got it.
During the day, it was easier.
Morgan found relief at work
and catching up with friends.
But at night, that
familiar, all consuming wave
crashed over her,
drowning out everything
until it was just her
in the dark,
thinking about him
until sunrise.
They knew the odds were
against them,
that her headstrong stubbornness
and his tendency toward
isolation were going
to be difficult to overcome.
But they also knew that
place that you sink to
when things spin out of control,
that deep knowing that
has tied them together
all these years and
never weathered.
It is there that they go to
sew themselves back together,
growing stronger together
with every stitch.
How's it going?
I think I'm done.
What? Really?
Yes.
You must be so relieved.
Congratulations.
Thank you.
Hi, Mayor Berns.
What can I get you?
A latte, please.
None of that foamy stuff
though, if you don't mind.
You got it.
Cara, my dear.
Excellent work.
Thank you.
What are you talking about?
On moving the dam.
I just got word in the office.
Apparently Riley
discovered some discrepancies
in the environmental assessments
and the existing
permits are now void.
- What?
- Yes.
PowerGen has decided to
put the project on hold
until they can review
the new site.
Holy smokes, that's awesome.
Okay.
Are you sure?
Yes, I'm sure.
You came back.
I had a few things to clear up.
Apparently.
I heard they're moving
the dam, thanks to you.
Well, Gallagher buried one
of the environmental
assessments that
flagged this area.
Anyway, I brought it up
to head office,
pitched them our plan,
sold them on it.
Really?
I told you I wasn't
going to let it go.
Thank you.
You're welcome.
I'm sorry I was so harsh before.
I was just so mad
about everything
and I wasn't really
ready to listen.
I know, I understand.
The truth is,
when I moved back here and
bought this place,
I was focused. I had things to
accomplish and no time for love.
But then I met you.
And you're such
an incredible guy
and you're so funny and
smart and sweet.
And you kind of took
me by surprise.
I never expected to
fall for you,
but I did.
And I know that you're
moving back to Chicago
and I totally understand
if you don't think things
will work out.
Cara, I'm not going anywhere.
They put me in
charge of construction
on the new location.
I just came back
to make sure they moved the
trailer out of your way.
Oh.
And of course, to see you.
Really?
Come on, Cara, you know
how I feel about you.
I haven't exactly
kept it a secret.
Now if you would let me
take you to dinner, I-
Fountainhead's is pretty good.
Oh, is it now?
Mm-hmm.
There's also a crepe
place on Main Street
- that's really good.
- I love crepes.
And there's always Leanne's.
I love it there too.
Where to first?
Anywhere you want.
They knew from the get-go
that it wouldn't be easy,
that the waters were
bound to get rough.
But they also knew that the
best way to weather a storm
was to let the current take them
wherever they needed to go,
together.