Vernon’s practice: Vernon’s office
Mel: You're Chloe's mother.
Lilly: You... You said she wasn't eating. I thought I could help. I'm really sorry. Oh. Oh, my gosh. I gotta go. I have to go.
----------
Vernon’s practice: waiting room
Mel: Listen, wait. I... I should tell you that I called Social Services.
Lilly: What does that mean?
Mel: They're coming tomorrow to take custody of Chloe.
Lilly: Oh... Sorry...
Vernon: Hello, Lilly... Now what'd you do?
Mel: Lilly is Chloe's mother.
Vernon: Wh... And what proof do you have?
Mel: I just found her breastfeeding the baby.
Vernon: Oh, you have no idea what you're talking about.
Mel: Uh... Are you being serious?
Vernon: Unlike you city people, folks around here, we don't just leap to conclusions.
Mel: Oh, really? Okay. Because you made up your mind about me before we even started working together.
Vernon: Oh, no, no, no. That was professional intuition.
Mel: Hm. Okay. Well, Lilly just admitted to being Chloe's mother, which leads me to believe that your intuition is as outdated as your office.
----------
Charmaine’s apartment: bedroom
Charmaine: Come back to bed.
Jack: I, uh... Gotta get to work.
Charmaine: I'll make it worth your while.
Jack: I'm late as it is.
Charmaine: Can't Preacher open the bar? Hm?
Jack: Oh, I just gotta check in.
Charmaine: Hmm. My first client at the salon isn't until nine. I can make you breakfast in bed.
Jack: I gotta go.
Charmaine: Okay. Oh, next Friday...
Jack: Yeah.
Charmaine: I was thinking, after dinner, I could spend the night at your place.
Jack: Hm?
Charmaine: It's our two-year anniversary.
Jack: Oh. Mm. See, um... I didn't think we were doing anniversaries.
Charmaine: Well... Maybe it's time we started. I just thought it might be nice.
Jack Well, things are nice... The way they are.
----------
Vernon’s practice: Vernon’s office
Vernon: She is a loose cannon.
Hope: You can't fire Mel.
----------
Vernon’s practice: exam room
Vernon: Yeah, she broke protocol.
Hope: This isn't the army.
Vernon: No, it is my business, and I get to run it the w... Well, you have made quite a mess.
Mel: We are mandated by law to report child abandonment. I made the right decision.
Vernon: Don't you lecture me.
Mel: I'm not lecturing you. I'm reminding you of your oath and duty as a physician.
Hope: Okay, okay. Both of you, back to your corners.
Vernon: She started this.
Hope: Hah... First things first. No one else can know that Lilly is Chloe's mother. She doesn't need anyone else running her business through the town gossip mill.
Mel: Agreed.
Hope: Second, we need to talk some sense into Lilly before Social Services arrives.
Vernon: I went out there to see her this morning.
Hope: And?
Vernon: I couldn't even get inside.
Hope: This is not the Lilly I know. At her age, a... A secret pregnancy, then abandoning her baby? Something's wrong with her.
Mel: She might have postpartum depression.
Hope: No, Lilly's never been depressed a day in her life.
Mel: This is more than just being depressed. It's a serious condition that can happen after giving birth, and it can appear without warning.
Hope: So, what are we gonna do about Chloe?
Vernon: Well, I spoke to Social Services. The way things stand, Chloe will probably be placed into temporary foster care, which means she will have foster parents. Parents who could bond with her, parents who would seek to terminate Lilly's parental rights. And once Chloe's in the system, it's gonna be tough gettin' her back to Lilly.
Hope: How much time do we have?
Vernon: Not much. You know, the Social Services person is gonna show up here this afternoon, and with Lilly not cooperatin', I mean, we have got ourselves a situation.
Hope: She has grown children. Maybe one of them could take Chloe.
Mel: I think that's called kinship placement. That could work.
Vernon: Well, before she slammed the door in my face, she said she did not want to get her family involved.
Mel: Does she have a husband?
Hope: He died about... Six months ago.
Vernon: Yeah.
Mel: So, she's isolated, with limited social support. That's not an ideal situation for someone battling depression… I can talk to her.
Vernon: Oh, please. I think you've done enough.
Mel: Well, I don't see you coming up with any solutions.
Vernon: Well, I'm...
Hope: What if I volunteer to foster Chloe? Until Lilly gets better.
Vernon: Anyone not directly related to Chloe has got to be vetted, and that could take weeks or months.
Hope: There's gotta be someone.
Vernon: Well, the only people cleared to... To step in are licensed healthcare providers, and... And I don't know the first thing about babies.
Hope: But I know a wonderful healthcare provider.
Mel: I'm gonna check on Chloe.
Vernon: What did you do that for?
Hope: You need to rehire Mel, ASAP.
Vernon: Absolutely not.
Hope: Why? Because she defied you? You need her help with Lilly, and she's the only one fit to take Chloe.
Vernon: She was the one who quit first. I mean, I... I suggest you find yourself another solution.
Hope: If you turn down Mel's help, and Lilly loses her baby, I'm going to blame you.
Vernon: Now, Hope, ju... Hope, don't...
----------
Cabin
Ricky: What... What'd that wall ever do to you?
Jack: Nothin' that I know of.
Ricky: You all right?
Jack: I'm good. I'm good. We just gotta move this along.
Ricky: What's the rush?
Jack: We need Mel to stay.
Ricky: We?
Jack: Virgin River needs her. Doc isn't getting any younger.
Ricky: Yeah, she's the hottest doctor I think I have ever seen.
Jack: Hey, hey. She's a nurse practitioner, and you just be respectful and that windowsill is still crooked.
Ricky: So, I, uh... I heard you found a baby on Doc's doorstep.
Jack: Oh, you did, did you? And where did you hear that?
Ricky: My grandma. She got a call from some lady on the PTA.
Jack: Yeah, word travels fast around here.
Ricky: Yeah. I... I had to sit through a lecture about being a gentleman with the ladies.
Jack: Your grandmother has a point. I hope you're smart enough to stay out of trouble.
Ricky: Can we go on talkin' about the hot doctor?
Jack: Hey. What'd I say about being respectful?
Ricky: Okay. I'm sorry, but respectfully, you know, she's extremely...
Jack: Okay. I'm gonna head back to the bar.
Ricky: Okay. I, uh... I got this.
Jack: All right.
----------
Jack’s bar
Jack: Hey. You look serious.
Mel: And you look sweaty.
Jack: I was helping out a friend… So, where's Chloe?
Mel: Uh, Paige volunteered to watch her.
Jack: She eating any better?
Mel: No. She hates the bottle, and she's barely eating enough to keep up her weight, which means she's hungry and cranky.
Jack: Well, how are you holdin' up? I mean, between Chloe and work, you must be exhausted.
Mel: Yeah. Well, no work today, 'cause I got fired yesterday.
Jack: Why?
Mel: Well, he refused to call Social Services, so I did.
Jack: Well, for the record, I think you were right to do what you did.
Mel: Thank you.
Jack: You want me to talk to Doc for you?
Mel: No. No, no, no. This is my problem. Thank you for offering, though.
Jack: Sure… Have you eaten?
Mel: No, I'm not hungry.
Jack: No, come on. You gotta eat.
Mel: Well, I have to go pick up Chloe from Paige, so...
Jack: Okay. Then why don't I fix some food, and we'll take it to go? A little fresh air will be good for both your appetites, I think.
Mel: Fresh air?
Jack: Yeah.
Mel: Ah. Where is this fresh air, exactly?
Jack: Well, you'll see when we get there.
Mel: Ah... Jack, I'm not really up for surprises today.
Jack: I'm gonna pick you and Chloe up from your place in an hour. Uh...
----------
Fitches': Mel’s room
Mel: Come on, this is good stuff. Yeah, it is. Just a little more. Just a little more. Come on.
----------
Hospital: labor room
Mark: Just a little more. A little more, baby.
Mel: Oh! Oh, my... Wait a minute. Where's my epidural?
Doctor: You said you didn't want one.
Mel: I... I changed my mind. I need it.
Mark: Shh...
Doctor: You, of all people, know it's too late.
Mel: What? What? Have you ever been in labor? Somebody needs to get me some painkillers.
Mark: No, sweetheart, you wanted a natural birth.
Mel: Oh, screw natural. Come on. Uh...
Doctor: We're beyond the point of no return. The baby's head is crowning.
Mel: What?
Mark: We have to do this old-school, okay?
Mel: No. We?
Mark: You. You are amazing. Okay? You are.
Mel: I'm not amazing. I'm trying to squeeze a watermelon out of me without any drugs.
Mark: Okay. Listen to me.
Mel: This is your fault.
Mark: And I'm very sorry, okay?
Doctor: Mom, one last good push.
Mark: You got this.
Doctor: Ready?
Mark: You got it, Mel.
----------
Fitches': Mel’s room / Joey’s house: kitchen
Joey: You didn't call me back. I was worried.
Mel: I'm fine.
Joey: Well, you sound stressed. Why don't you come home?
Mel: Uh... There was, um... A complication with the baby, and I'm... I'm thinking of becoming her temporary caregiver.
Joey: As in fostering?
Mel: Yeah.
Joey: That's a horrible idea.
Mel: Wow! Okay, don't... Don't beat around the bush.
Joey: No, I am serious. Taking on someone else's baby would be a huge mistake at this point in your life.
Mel: And what point am I at, exactly?
Joey: You're obviously not thinking rationally.
Mel: You don't know what I'm thinking.
Joey: You're right, I don't. But I know that a baby is not the answer.
Mel: It's... I'm the only one that can keep her in Virgin River.
Joey: No, it is not your responsibility, okay? You need to take care of yourself.
Mel: Joey, you don't understand.
Joey: Mel, I was there with you. Start to finish. I helped you pick up the pieces. Don't you remember?
Mel: Yeah. Yeah. How could I possibly forget when you're constantly reminding me how broken I am?
Joey: No, that is not what I'm saying.
Mel: Yeah, it is. You just don't realize it. You're on my side, aren't you? Yeah. Sweet thing.
----------
Jack’s bar: kitchen
Hope: Hi. Oh, I thought Preacher didn't allow you back here since the Great Grease Fire of 2012.
Jack: It's peanut butter and jelly.
Hope: Oh, I always took you for a roast beef kind of guy.
Jack: I'm taking Mel out to lunch by the river.
Hope: Pray that it works, because I need you to counteract the calamity Doc's created between the two of them.
Jack: Firing her didn't help things.
Hope: I'm working on mending that fence. You focus on showing her what Virgin River has to offer.
Jack: Gourmet peanut butter and jelly?
Hope: Heaven help us.
Jack: No, I've got chips and sodas.
Hope: Out of the kitchen. Leave the food to me. Leave the lunch to me. You can't make important decisions while eating peanut butter.
Jack’s bar
Preacher: Lemon wedges go behind the bar.
Brady: If we put 'em here, customers can help themselves without havin' to ask us every time.
Preacher: You really think it's a good idea for people to be puttin' their dirty hands in the same bowl over and over?
Brady: Come on, man. What's your problem? They're just lemons.
Preacher: We got systems here, Brady. And we're not about to change 'em just because you're too lazy to do things right.
----------
Preacher: Hey.
Christopher: When are we gonna flip pancakes?
Paige: Oh, it's a little late in the day for that, sweetheart.
Christopher: Preacher promised.
Preacher: Hey, listen. Buddy, as soon as we finish this dessert order, you and I, we will whip up some pancakes, hm? If it's okay with you.
Paige: It's fine, if it's really okay with you.
Christopher: He just said it was.
Preacher: It is.
Christopher: Yes!
Preacher: Yes! Oh, uh... By the way, I'm going to start paying all the vendors by check. So, I just need to know if you want me to write the checks in your name or the bakery's.
Paige: Uh... I prefer cash.
Preacher: Well, yeah, it's just that the, uh, accountant has requested a more legitimate paper trail.
Paige: Okay. Well, what if you write my weekly check out to yourself, then cash it, then pay me that?
Preacher: Yeah, I'm pretty sure our accountant wouldn't consider that legitimate.
Paige: The thing is, I don't have a checking account.
Preacher: Well, that's okay. I can, um... I can write the checks out to the bakery.
Paige: The bakery doesn't either.
Preacher: Oh. I've never worked with a business that didn't... Didn't have a bank account.
Paige: Well, I guess I just do things a little different than everyone else.
Preacher: Okay. Well, I'm sure we can work something out.
Paige: Yeah. Can we talk about this later?
Preacher: Yeah. Yeah, sure, if that's what you want.
Paige: Okay.
Preacher: Okay.
Connie: Preacher? Honey, can you whip me up a tuna melt real quick?
Preacher: Yeah, sure, um... Just as soon as I finish up some business with Paige, yeah.
Connie: Oh, yeah, speaking of business. Have either of you heard anything more about that abandoned baby?
Christopher: Someone left their baby?
Paige: No, honey, they didn't.
Connie: They sure did. I'm thinkin' it's gotta be someone from out of town.
Preacher: You know, I just can't see anyone from Virgin River doing this.
Paige: You never know. People do crazy things when they're desperate.
Connie: Well, I don't care. It's unforgivable.
Paige: You know, I actually have to get back to work. Come on, Chris, let's pack up.
Christopher: What about the pancakes?
Paige: We'll do it another time, sweetheart.
Christopher: Aww.
Paige: Thank you… Thanks, Preacher.
Preacher: Yeah.
Paige: See ya, Connie.
Preacher: I will be right back with that tuna melt.
Connie: Oh, thank you, honey. Oh, and will you add a little extra cheese for me while you're at it?
Preacher: Okay.
----------
Hope: Thanks.
Jack: Hope.
Hope: Ah.
Jack: How'd it go?
Hope: This ought to do the trick.
Jack: Ooh. Thank you.
Hope: Keep Mel in town, we'll be square.
Jack: I'll do my best. Oh... Ohh.
Hope: Ahem.
----------
Connie: Hope, what's the 411 on that baby? Did you find the mother?
Hope: Still no word.
Connie: No clues? Really?
Hope: Mm.
Connie: I'm thinkin' it's gotta be someone from one of those pot farms.
Hope: What makes you say that?
Connie: Well, you can't hide a pregnancy. I mean, if it was someone in our orbit, we'd have heard about it.
Hope: Mm.
Connie: I'll give Mary Ellen another call. She's got her sewin' circle spreadin' the word.
Hope: Mm.
----------
Hope: We need to get this Lilly thing resolved. Connie's got everyone in Humboldt County looking for Chloe's mother.
Vernon: Well, she does have a knack of spreadin' gossip, particularly when gossip is shrouded in altruism.
Hope: Yeah. Did you try speaking with Lilly again?
Vernon: Yeah. And I know I don't have a lot of experience treatin' postpartum, but I gotta tell you, she is in bad, bad shape.
Hope: Mm. Well, you know who does have experience? A midwife. If only we had one here… Like it or not, this is no longer a solo mission. You need help. And you need to ask Mel for it.
Vernon: She doesn't respect my authority.
Hope: She thinks for herself. That used to be a quality you admired.
----------
River
Mel: She looks so peaceful.
Jack: Man, what I wouldn't give to feel half that relaxed.
Mel: Oh, what, so this calm exterior is just an act?
Jack: No, I'd say it's more of a well-rehearsed habit.
Mel: Yeah. I know it well. In the ER, you can't exhibit signs of stress, 'cause it freaks out the patients.
Jack: Finally, we get a peek behind the curtain, huh?
Mel: What does that mean?
Jack: Well, you seem so cool and collected.
Mel: Oh, I wouldn't say that.
Jack: Well, then you're confident.
Mel: I definitely wouldn't say that.
Jack: Oh, come on. What, you moved to a... A new town, alone, in the middle of nowhere. You immediately go head-to-head with the world's crustiest boss. That's impressive.
Mel: Is that what you think of me?
Jack: Hm?
Mel: Impressive?
Jack: Yeah.
Mel: Hm.
Jack: Anyway, while we're being honest, I can't take credit for lunch. This is all Hope.
Mel: Aah! God, she is everywhere, isn't she?
Jack: Yep… You know, she told me about Lilly.
Mel: She shouldn't have done that.
Jack: Ah, she's... Worried.
Mel: No, Doc should not have told Hope. Hope should not have told you. It's a violation of patient confidentiality.
Jack: Well, she wasn't gossiping. She's just trying to help.
Mel: No, I know, but it doesn't matter why. She's still crossing a line doing that.
Jack: Mm.
Mel: You know, I'm thinking of becoming Chloe's temporary guardian.
Jack: Whoa.
Mel: Yeah… It's just the only chance I think she has of staying in town.
Jack: That's a big responsibility.
Mel: I know… I really had no idea what this job was gonna be like.
Jack: Well, sometimes those turn out to be the best jobs.
Mel: You think?
Jack: Yeah. When I signed up for the Marines at 18, whew! I had no clue. Now, it's... Part of my DNA.
Mel: Yeah, well... I don't think that, uh, Virgin River is ever gonna be a part of my DNA.
Jack: Well, never say never.
Mel: I think never is the most likely choice.
----------
Hospital: Mel’s room
Doctor: So, just come back in ten minutes. I'll be right back. Give you guys some time.
Mark: Thank you. Do you wanna hold her?
Mel: What did I do wrong?
Mark: It was a placental abruption. There was nothing that anyone could have done.
Mel: I can't breathe.
Mark: Hey, just relax. Relax. Sh, sh, sh, sh. It's okay. I got you. In and out, okay?
Mel: Yeah.
Mark: We almost lost you in there. You know that? The doctor saved your life.
Mel: He saved the wrong life.
Mark: Don't say that, because I need you. Okay? I need you. And we are going to get through this together.
Mel: I want my baby.
Mark: Please.
Mel: I want my baby.
Mark: I know, sweetheart. I want her too.
Mel: I can't do this. I can't do this! I can't do this!
----------
River
Jack: You can if you want to.
Mel: What?
Jack: You said you can't do this. I think you can.
Mel: You don't know me very well.
Jack: I know you fight for what you believe in. And if Chloe gets sent to Social Services, I know you'll find another way to help her and Lilly. And you know how I know that?
Mel: Shh, shh, shh.
Jack: You are relentless when it comes to helping people.
Mel: It's okay. It's okay. Okay. It's okay.
Jack: Wow, would you look at that?
Mel: Incredible.
Jack: Mmm... Like I said... Never say never.
What I'm asking...
----------
Vernon’s practice: kitchen
Hope: I didn't ask you to do this just to be, you know, asking.
Mel: Ahem. What's going on?
Hope: Doc has something he wants to... To say to you. Right?
Mel: Yes?
Hope: Vernon Edwin Mullins, speak.
Vernon: Ahem. It... It's just unusual, uh, that I get, uh... Served up a situation where I can't solve the problem. And this thing with Lilly's depression, just... It's... It's a tough nut to crack.
Mel: I'm happy to go talk to her, if that's what you're asking.
Vernon: Well, I don't see how you could make it any worse.
Mel: You know, I don't need your approval.
Vernon: If you'd just listened to me, Social Services wouldn't be on the way here to pick up Lilly's baby.
Mel: I'm never going to apologize for doing my job.
Vernon: No, of course you won't, 'cause you don't understand that in Virgin River, we believe our job is to take care of each other. Not just ourselves.
Jack: Whoa! Hey... Let's just remember why we're all here. We all want what's best for Lilly.
Hope: Jack, can you drive us to Lilly's so... Doc can stay behind to meet Social Services?
Jack: Sure. Come on. You can ride shotgun.
Vernon: Do... Well, shouldn't Mel stay behind? She's the one who called.
Hope: Vernon, so help me, you are jangling my last nerve. For once, just do as you're asked.
Vernon: Oh...
----------
Lilly’s house: porch
Lilly: I can't talk right now.
Mel: Listen, I get it. Okay? You're feeling alone and ashamed.
Lilly: I left my baby.
Mel: Lilly, you're experiencing a hormonal imbalance. It has nothing to do with whether or not you're a good mother. I think you have postpartum depression. It can alter your perception of reality… But the good news is that it's treatable.
Lilly: No. J... She's better off with someone else. A good person.
Mel: You are a good person, Lilly.
Lilly: I can't take care of her. Okay? I'm not a young woman anymore. And... With Buck gone... The farm alone is too much for me.
Mel: If that's the way you really feel, then I understand… But can you do something for me before I go?
Lilly: Oh... Oh, God. No, no... The whole town know?
Mel: It's just Hope and Jack.
Lilly: I can't look them in the eye. They must think I'm...
Mel: No. They think that you're not feeling well, and they're worried about you.
Lilly: What is it you want me to do?
Mel: If you're gonna give up your daughter, just... Spend a little time with her.
Lilly: You're trying to trick me.
Mel: No. Honestly, I'm not trying to trick you. It's just that this is gonna be your last opportunity to say goodbye.
Lilly: Come on.
----------
Paige’s truck
Paige: Hey, is something wrong with the pies?
Preacher: No. No, not at all. In fact, the strawberry is a big hit.
Paige: Oh.
Preacher: I just, um... I just feel, you know, badly about earlier, you know, with the whole, uh... You know, the whole check thing.
Paige: Oh, don't worry about it. I mean, I'll figure something out. If I have to, I'll find a third-party vendor to run the checks through.
Preacher: Listen, Paige, if, um... If you're willing to go through that much trouble, then it obviously, you know, means a lot to you. So, we can keep things the way they are. You know, money-wise.
Paige: Really? I'd appreciate that.
Preacher: Hell, I don't trust banks either. My mom always told me to keep some bills under my mattress in case of emergency.
Paige: Well, thank you for understanding.
Preacher: So, we're good?
Paige: Of course.
Christopher: Preacher!
Preacher: Hey, little dude, hm?
Christopher: Mm, mm! Can I help in the kitchen tomorrow morning?
Preacher: Well, that is up to your mom.
Paige: Sure, as long as he's no trouble for you.
Christopher: I'm no trouble, right, Preach?
Preacher: Trouble? An extra set of hands at the griddle? You would be doing me a favor. In fact, I think I could use some help prepping right now.
Christopher: Can I, Mom? Please?
Paige: Okay, but just for a little bit.
Christopher: Yes!
Preacher: All right. Thanks. Okay. I got your door! Go. On three. Ho, three. Mm! Oh. All right, let's do this, Master Chef.
----------
Lilly’s house: porch
Mel: Mm!
Jack: That's all... Hers. At one point, the boundary ran way back...
Hope: Lilly wants me to sit with her and the baby. Why don't you two... Take a walk, give me some time?
Mel: Well, I don't really wanna go too far.
Hope: Jack knows the place. He'll... He'll keep you close.
Jack: Yeah, we can just walk the farm.
Hope: Standing around worrying isn't gonna do anyone any good, including Lilly. Go.
Jack: It's no use fighting.
----------
Lilly’s farm
Mel: This is a pretty big farm for Lilly to handle all by herself.
Jack: Yeah. It was a shame when Buck died. Most of the workers left, and I mean, everyone from town came out and tried to help where they could, but she put a stop to that. Said she wasn't interested in charity. So... I mean, losing Buck just about destroyed her. Farm life is hard. I mean, none of the kids wanted to stay, and she was too proud to ask 'em to.
Mel: Yeah. I can understand not wanting to burden your family and friends.
Jack: Well, I don't see helping someone you love as... An obligation. I mean, to me it's an opportunity to show gratitude, right?
Mel: Well, yeah, but you know, if you're the one that needs the help, sometimes it can make you feel weak.
Jack: True, but... Well, that's why family and friends should be there to help you get strong again.
Mel: Yeah. I guess I never looked at it like that before.
Jack: I'd just hate to see her have any regrets, you know?
Mel: You know, my sister and I used to have one of these when we were kids.
Jack: Oh, yeah?
Mel: Yeah.
Jack: You guys close growing up?
Mel: Yeah. We were best friends… We're still really close now, but, you know... Sometimes I feel like she doesn't know who I am.
Jack: So, who are you?
Mel: You know what? Most days I don't even know who I am. It was my dream when I was younger to be a vet. Have a big farmhouse and fill it with kids.
Jack: Well, dreams are funny things. They can come true when you least expect it.
Mel: We should go. Yeah? Are you coming?
Jack: Yeah.
----------
Lilly’s house: porch
Hope: I tried to get Lilly to call one of her daughters, but she wouldn't budge. And Doc called. He's on his way with the lady from Social Services.
Jack: Well, you want me to try talking to Lilly?
Mel: No. I'm gonna try one more time.
Jack: Here.
Hope: Oh, gosh, thanks, Jack.
----------
Mark and Mel’s apartment: bedroom
Mark: Baby. You gotta get up and out of this room. Okay. You promised me... When I left this morning. You promised.
Mel: I wish I was dead.
Mark: Mel.
Mel: It's how I feel.
Mark: You won't always feel this way.
Mel: I ca... I can't live without her.
Mark: Hey, we're gonna get through this.
Mel: I won't get through this.
Mark: Yeah. Yes.
Mel: I won't.
Mark: You... You're strong.
Mel: I'm not strong anymore.
Mark: Yes, you are. You're strong. Hey.
Mel: It's my baby.
Mark: You can do this.
----------
Lilly’s house: living room
Lilly: There's nothing more to say.
Mel: Lilly...
Lilly: Please. Please. I'm... I'm so tired. I... I just want to be left alone.
Mel: I lost my baby… It was a few years ago… And I was so excited. I'd always wanted to be a mother. But there was, um... There was a complication during delivery, and she was stillborn. There was nothing they could do.
Lilly: I'm really sorry. But... Why are you telling me this?
Mel: After her death, I couldn't get out of bed… Like, it was days before I could even sit upright. I was just sad all the time… Something as simple as brushing my teeth... Would send me into hysterics… I even thought about taking my own life. But eventually, my husband dragged me to the doctor, and she told me that what I had wasn't just grief. It was postpartum depression.
Lilly: So, you understand.
Mel: I do understand. But... With therapy and medication, I started feeling like myself again. I was still... Heartbroken... Over losing my baby, but that sadness was no longer controlling me.
Lilly: It's too late. They're taking her away.
Mel: It's not too late. I'm a certified caregiver. So, if you want, Social Services will allow me to look after Chloe until you can get back up on your feet. And that way, she doesn't have to leave Virgin River.
Lilly: No. I don't know. It's too much. You barely know me.
Mel: You know, someone just reminded me the value in accepting help when it's offered.
Lilly: What if when I'm better, um... I still can't take care of her?
Mel: I'm sure the town would love nothing more than to help you and Chloe.
Lilly: Oh...
Mel: Just think about it, okay?
----------
Lilly’s house: lunch room
Jack: They've been in there a long time.
Hope: Sure would be nice if I could read lips.
Vernon: Hope. Get away.
Hope: What do you think they're saying?
Vernon: Look, I don't like eavesdropping on other people's private affairs.
Hope: Oh, you're about as helpful as tits on a bull… What did you and Lilly discuss?
Mel: Though it pains me to say it, I'm gonna have to side with Doc on this one. I think Lilly deserves her privacy.
Vernon: Hah!
Jack: Well, don't look at me.
Hope: The suspense is killing me.
Vernon: Oh, I'm not that lucky.
Mel: You know, whatever decision Lilly makes, she's gonna need our support.
Vernon: She's gonna need medical help either way.
Mel: Yeah, leaving her depression untreated can be dangerous.
Hope: I'll personally make sure she's looked after.
Jack: I'll second that.
Lilly: Oh. Um... Could you come sit with Terry and me?
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Lilly’s house: living room
Lilly: Have a seat, you guys. Hi, just have a seat, Doc.
Terry: Hey.
Lilly: Okay.
Terry: Um... Uh... Lilly and I have talked at length. We have determined what the next step should be.
Lilly: Uh... But first, I... I just wanna thank all of you for everything.
Hope: Lilly, I've known you for over 20 years. We're family, and family helps family. And I'm... I'm really, truly grateful for that, Hope.
Lilly: And you've just been so kind to me. But I... I can't ask you to be Chloe's guardian.
Mel: We're here to support you, whatever decision you make.
Lilly: Good. Good. Because you've inspired me to be strong when I didn't think I had it in me. So, I called my daughter, Tara. And... Um...
Terry: I spoke to Tara on the phone. And as she is a direct relation, I have agreed to a kinship placement. She can assume the role of caregiver until Lilly is ready to be assessed for reunification.
Lilly: And Tara's gonna be here by nightfall to take guardianship of Chloe.
Vernon: We will make sure that Lilly gets all the help she needs. And... And Mel is extremely qualified in this area.
Terry: Okay. Well, if you'll excuse me, I need to call the office.
Lilly: Oh! Um... Do you mind if I have a moment alone with Mel, just...
Hope: No.
Lilly: Okay. Thank you.
Vernon: Yeah.
Hope: Oh, Lilly.
Lilly: Yeah.
Hope: Oh!
Lilly: Thanks. All of you. Um...
Mel: Wow.
Lilly: You were willing to take on a stranger's child. If you could be that strong, I decided I could pick up the phone. And Tara, she didn't sound disappointed in me at all. She sounded surprised... And really excited to meet her baby sister.
Mel: It took a lot of courage to make that phone call… And don't worry, I'll stay until Tara gets here. And I'll leave my number so you can call me anytime you want.
Lilly: I honestly don't know how to thank you.
Mel: You know what? Go see Doc tomorrow.
Lilly: Okay.
Mel: And I'll take good care of you. Get you set up with a therapist and some meds.
Lilly: A therapist?
Mel: There's a woman in Clear River, and she specializes in this kind of depression.
Jack: Uh... Someone wants to join in the celebration.
Lilly: Hey, there. Um... I... I would love to keep the name Chloe for her, if that's all right with you.
Mel: I love it. Yeah.
Lilly: Good. 'Cause when she grows up, I can tell her that she got her name from the nice nurse who helped her when I couldn't… Yes. Hey, there. Hey, there. Sh, sh, sh, sh… Oh, that's it.
----------
Vernon’s car
Hope: Unbelievable.
Vernon: What?
Hope: Don't "what" me. You know very well what.
Vernon: Uh, I assure you, I have no idea.
Hope: Not even a thank you for me sweet-talking Mel into helping you with Lilly.
Vernon: You know, when credit is due, you are the first one in line. Mel helped Lilly of her own accord.
Hope: Exactly. That is exactly the reason you should hire her back. Where else are you gonna find a qualified, kind-hearted nurse who's willing to put up with you?
Vernon: We don't see eye-to-eye.
Hope: Maybe that's a good thing. We all have blind spots. It might be good to have someone around who... Who can see yours.
Vernon: Boy, you are just... You're not gonna give up, are you?
Hope: I don't have anywhere to be.
Vernon: Okay. Fine. Fine. But the... The trial period remains in effect. My name is still on the door. And, Hope... I do owe you a thank you.
Hope: For what?
Vernon: For knowin' me. Damned hard to admit I... I am slowin' down.
Hope: Don't play the "old" card with me. You've been a stubborn old goat since the day we met… The only thing slowing down around here is this truck. It's time to retire her and get yourself something from this century.
----------
Hope’s garden
Hope: Oh...
Vernon: Hope?
Hope: Oh...
Vernon: Hope! Are you all right?
Hope: I... I don't feel right.
Vernon: No?
Hope: No...
Vernon: Breathe. Breathe. That's it, just breathe.
Hope: What's happening to me?
Vernon: Oh, you're gonna be fine. You are gonna be fine. I'm gonna take care of you. Okay? Yeah.
----------
Jack’s car
Mel: It's so quiet.
Jack: Well, lots of farmers and ranchers around here. They tend to turn in early. Animals don't take days off.
Mel: Yeah.
Jack: Whew… Was a crazy couple of days, huh?
Mel: Yeah, it wasn't what I was expecting. So, what's gonna happen when the town finds out that Lilly is Chloe's mother?
Jack: Well, uh... Hope will handle the town.
Mel: Oh. Yeah, so I guess it's not so bad that she's in everybody's business after all, huh?
Jack: Well, when you're on Hope's good side, she has a heart of gold.
Mel: Yeah.
Jack: So, how are you feeling... After leaving Chloe?
Mel: Mm... Yeah, I'm just... Glad that she's where she's supposed to be.
Jack: Yeah.
Mel: And thank you, by the way, for all your help with Chloe and with me.
Jack: Oh, of course… You know, if, uh... If you really wanna thank me, there is something that you could do for me.
Mel: Oh, yeah? What's that?
Jack: Stay.
Mel: Right. And now you're gonna tell me the town needs me... Blah-la-la-la...
Jack: No. Actually, I was not gonna say that.
Mel: Oh, I'm so sorry. What were you gonna say?
Jack: That I've gotten used to havin' you around.
Mel: Used to having me around.
Jack: Mm.
Mel: Gosh, that is quite the compliment. Are you sure you wanna go that far?
Jack: Well, you didn't let me finish.
Mel: Oh, sorry.
Jack: What I was going to say... If you were to leave... You'd be missed.
Mel: I don't know what to say.
Jack: Just say you'll think about it.
Mel: Jack...
Jack: Look, just consider it.
Mel: Okay. I will think about it.
Jack: Thanks… But there is one other thing that I've been... Dying to ask you.
Mel: Oh, okay.
Jack: What's the story there?
Mel: Uh... It's, uh... Not something that I'm ready to talk about… Not right now.
Jack: Okay. I understand.
Charmaine: Jack… Hey.
Jack: Uh, hey.
Charmaine: Hey. Hm! Sorry. Hi. Uh, we haven't met. I'm Charmaine. I'm Jack's girlfriend.
Mel: I'm sorry. I'm Mel. Hi.
