Felicia did her show, interviewing a romance novelist whose latest hero and heroine decided not to get married. Mitch stood on the sidelines.
Rachel told Mac he'd made a terrible mistake in trying to send Sam to Paris.
Cass told Nicole they had no proof that That Old Carrot had had the fire set. Nicole said he always got what he wanted. Cass refused to be intimidated. She suggested cutting their losses. He told her she had to fight. She regained confidence and went out.
Rachel suggested Mac talk to Sam. Paris is merely a test, a way to force Sam to make up his mind. Rachel said he shouldn't have interfered.
Sam and his cronies arrived at Mary's Place with morning heads. Sam's taking a sick day. Kirk and Jim asked after Mandy and were delighted when Sam clammed up.
Felicia and Marjorie ran out of time. Mitch asked Felicia if she'd made-up her mind. She said she believed lifetime commitments were good but she was scared. He told her he didn't want her to feel pressure. He said he had a surprise for her. She got crazy. He whispered to Mary what it was on his way out. Felicia perceived she knew when she joined her for lunch.
Mac brought Kathleen's galleys to Vince. Cheryl offered to cover for him so he could read it. She served Sam coffee. Kirk tried to convince Sam to go to Paris. Mac overheard him bugging him about loving and leaving tendencies.
Baby Carrot asked That Old Carrot why he'd torched her place.
Mac was more than civil to Sam. He told him he didn't mind his taking the day off and left. Sam told Jim and Kirk that Amanda was pregnant and the boss's daughter. Their faces fell open.
Felicia felt guilty. Mary advised her not to screw things up the way she had. Jason came up, looking for That Old Carrot.
That Old Carrot denied everything. He told her he loved her and was always proud of her. She accused him of always wanting to have control. He told her there were some things she would never understand. [When she was 8 she made herself sick over a piano recital for him and he never attempted to console her.] She told him she would make it on her own and walked out into Cass' approval. Baby Carrot told That Old Carrot she never wanted to see him again. She left with Cass. That Old Carrot made a sinister phone call demanding files on Cass.
Sam could have a much bigger salary in Paris, and thus help the baby. [The baby doesn't need that kind of help. I say, "what dilemma?"] Jim told him Paris would be a mistake.
Mary was uncivil to Jason. Felicia had to take a phone call. Mary told Jason to stop badgering her. She evaded That Old Carrot's grasp. He confronted Jason.
Cass and Nicole returned home. He told her he was proud of her. He offered to help her.
Sam decided to go give Mac his decision. Mary came in. Cheryl suggested she talk to Vince because of the galleys.
Mary found Vince rubbing his eyes.
Felicia chased Wallingford all over the place trying to worm the surprise out of him. Wally advised her to marry Mitch. Mitch phoned and talked to Wally. Wally instructed Felicia to dress warmly. Mitch came to collect her. They're going for a sleigh ride and a bonfire picnic. Kissing.
Mary read a chapter about herself and Vince. The day Kathleen realized Vince could never love another woman. She knew her parents would find their way back to each other because it was meant to be.
Mac, very excited, told Rachel Sam was a womanizer and a bounder and a cad, he'd overheard his friends. Rachel was sure it was just kidding around. Sam rang. He told Mac he'd come to a decision.
Nicole told Cass his room should be all right tonight. He suggested they go out on the town. He went to take a shower. She found a picture of her mother in a box and wondered what she didn't know. Mama is Nicole in a wig.