It's morning, and Paul, Zoe, and Amaya are at White Marsh Mall Christmas shopping. They are sitting at a table in the eatery.
Paul: They're calling for a lot of snow this week girls. Maybe we'll have a white Christmas.
Zoe: That would be awesome.
Amaya: What would be awesome is for us to find some jobs, and for Mom to get Dad out of her life for good.
Zoe: You should have seen her this morning Paul. She was so happy.
Amaya: Kane kissed her last night.
Paul: What??? He did? But I thought he didn't want to get involved with Mom right now.
Zoe: Maybe he's changed his mind. I hope so. We really haven't been able to plot to get them together yet.
Amaya: Maybe we won't need to.
Paul: Speaking of togetherness, I wonder how Russ and my new sister-in-law are doing.
Dorothy and Russell are in a booth at the Sherwood Diner, eating breakfast together.
Russell: Your mom's food tastes better every day.
Dorothy: I wish I could cook half as good as her.
Russell: Uh-oh. Should I be dating a woman who says that?
Dorothy (grinning): I'm better at other things. Russ, I have something to tell you. Now don't get angry.
Russell: Why should I get angry?
Dorothy: It's about Wade. (Pause) He was in here last night and asked me out.
Russell: Wade? I didn't know he liked you. He's only seen you a couple of times.
Dorothy: I know. That's why I was suprised when he asked me out. I told him no, because I'm seeing you. He didn't think our relationship was serious, but I set him straight. It's flattering that he likes me to be honest, but I he knows I like you.
Russell: It's going to be awkward working with him, but he's a great cop and a great person, I can't be angry with him. Wade can't help liking you. It just proves he has good taste.
Dorothy (blowing a kiss): Thanks. He is a nice guy. Maybe we should fix him up.
Russell: I already have someone in mind.
(Roark Grimes and his girlfriend Fawn Hollister enter the diner).
Roark: I can't wait to get some of Loretta's blueberry muffins. They just melt in your mouth.
Fawn: Not to mention some hot chocolate. Boy is it cold out there! I think we're in for a nasty snowstorm.
Dorothy: Roark! Fawn! It's so nice to see you!
Roark: Hey Dorothy. Hey Russell. How have you been?
Russell: Great. The weatherpeople are predicting a big storm.
Fawn: That's what I just told Roark. I love snow. It just gives you a chance to snuggle up and get warm. (She rests her head on Roark's shoulder).
Dorothy: You know, that wouldn't be such a bad idea huh Russell? (She looks up at him with wide eyes).
Russell: Uh-oh. (Everybody laughs).
Back to the mall. Paul, Zoe, and Amaya are heading out.
Paul: I'll drop you off at your new house, then it's off to work. I'm going to have to stay late. Did you get all your shopping done?
Zoe: Yeah. It's a good thing Mom and Kane lent us their credit cards. Now we have to get jobs to pay them back for the presents we bought.
(At the same time, Drennen Talbot is walking through the mall entrance and spots his daughters and stepson).
Drennen: My princesses! (He runs to them. Zoe and Amaya step back from him and move closer to Paul).Why are you trying to hide from your father?
Zoe: Just leave us alone.
Amaya: We don't want to talk to you.
Drennen: I've missed you so much. I want to hold my girls.
Zoe: No. We have to go home. Come on Paul and May. (They begin to walk away, but Drennen gets in front of them).
Drennen: I know my babies wouldn't be acting like this if your mother and brother didn't try so hard to turn you against me.
Amaya: Get off it Dad. Mom and Paul aren't to blame, it's your crappy behavior. When are you going to realize that?
Paul: Look Drennen, no matter how hard you try to convince yourself me, Mom, and the rest of my family are at fault for what's going on in your life, it still isn't going to change the fact that you wanted to hurt me, and you wanted to sabotage Mom's reunion with me. Your actions---yours alone. I think it's time you stopped trying to tear this family apart. Whether you like it or not, your daughters want to be and are a part of the Grimes family. Is any of this getting through to you?
Drennen: I won't stop until I have my family back and out of this damn town.
Paul: I'm sorry you're so closed minded to realize the grief you're causing. One day it will come back to haunt you. Let's go girls. (The three leave Drennen there steaming).
End of Episode 48
Next on come nightfall....
The couples of Breckenridge enjoy a romantic night out just in time for Christmas.
Eliza ends her friendship with Drennen.
The storm begins.