As the curtains lift on the third chapter of Sullivan's Crossing, Maggie Sullivan (portrayed by Morgan Kohan) awakens beside Andrew, who hastily informs her that he must return due to a mounting pile of surgeries awaiting his expertise. He gently proposes that she accompany him back, but Maggie declines, citing her comfort and the companionship of her friends in the current locale. When Andrew inquiries about Cal (played by Chad Michael Murray), Maggie nonchalantly mentions their recent acquaintance. Andrew's concern escalates, inquiring if she routinely permits strangers to escort her home. Maggie counters that Cal was merely ensuring her safe arrival, reminding him that she is no longer his former spouse. As Maggie prepares to embark on a jog, she assures Andrew that she'll arrange a taxi for his departure.
Descending the stairs, Andrew engages Sully (Scott Patterson) in conversation over a cup of coffee, apologizing for his tardiness and humorously suggesting he might need a larger bed if his visits become frequent. Andrew admits his difficulty visualizing Maggie's upbringing amidst the rustic surroundings. The conversation veers towards Andrew's aversion to camping before he announces his imminent departure for work, clarifying his role as a general surgeon. Moments later, Maggie joins them to announce the taxi's imminent arrival. On the brink of his departure, Andrew confesses that his earlier words were unintentional, acknowledging the jealousy that stems from his wife's past actions. He earnestly seeks Maggie's forgiveness, which she grants, gently warning him against repetition.
Scott's call interrupts Maggie's thoughts, informing her that the mother of a client is now threatening legal action for harassment, citing her nighttime phone call as a misstep. Scott expresses relief that Maggie didn't answer the call. Meanwhile, Rob (Reid Price) speaks with Finn, who eagerly expresses his wish for Rob to attend his game. Rob reluctantly reveals that he must assist Lola, dashing Finn's (played by Zayn Maloney) hopes as Rob rarely attends his matches. Maggie then ventures to the restaurant, seeking clarification from Sydney about Sully's cancellation of the annual party at the venue. Sydney surprises Maggie by suggesting she speak with Lola, who is overseeing the event's planning. Sydney also confesses to a late night and praises Rafe (Dakota Taylor) for his kindness.
It is precisely what she craves—a setting devoid of obligations, pledges, and intricacies. Sydney, eager to learn about her friend's evening since her stroll back with Cal, prompts Maggie to recount her encounter with Andrew. Sydney then urges her to change quickly and meet her at the utility shed, hinting at an adventure designed to lift her spirits. Meanwhile, Cal lends a hand to Sully, reassuring him that his journey is still on the horizon, albeit a few weeks away.
Edna (Andrea Menard) emerges, seeking Sully's assistance with loading some items. She then turns her attention to Frank (Tom Jackson), adjusting his attire and complimenting his dashing appearance. Maggie's arrival at the scene reveals Sydney's plan: a canoeing expedition. Though hesitant, given her long hiatus from paddling, Maggie is reminded by Sydney of her fondness for a good challenge.
Sully shares with Cal the rich history of the campground, a family heirloom that has reached his hands after generations. His father envisioned it as a haven for diverse individuals, and Sully has made it his mission to uphold this legacy. He yearns for the campground to become a cherished summer retreat for all. Lola Gunderson (Amalia Williamson), keen to impress upon the guests' arrival, ensures everything is impeccable, highlighting Sully's reluctance to entrust the responsibility to anyone until now. Rob, seeking Finn's aid despite their recent spat over a missed game, vows to make amends.
Maggie and Sydney, initially struggling to navigate the canoe with precision, eventually find their rhythm and continue their journey. Cal expresses his envy towards Sully's familial ties, a stability he never knew, having led a nomadic childhood. Sully, who once dreamed of global travels, realizes his heart lies at the campground. He concedes that life's outcomes often deviate from our expectations.
Spotting Sydney and Maggie in the distance, Cal offers to take over, allowing Sully to attend to Edna. Maggie, after Cal aids her disembarking from the canoe, expresses gratitude for his escort the previous night. She then ventures inside to lend Edna a hand. Lola hurriedly seeks Sully, alerting him to the missing hotdog buns and ailing servers. Upon his arrival, she fills him in on the pressing matters.
This narrative now pulsates with a vibrant rhythm, painting a vivid picture of interpersonal connections and the unpredictable tapestry of life.
After their departure, Maggie's spirits dampened, contemplating that a mature woman ought to be self-reliant in managing her affairs. As the ceremony commenced, Cal inquired about Maggie's beau, discovering he had swiftly returned to his duties after a fleeting visit. Cal remarked on the remarkable closeness between Lola and Sully, prompting Maggie to share that Lola and her mother had cohabited with Sully a few years after relocating to Boston. Frank and the attendees proceeded with the ceremony, their actions meticulous and heartfelt.
Upon its conclusion, Lola approached Cal to express gratitude for his assistance with Roy the preceding night. Cal humbly attributed the credit to Maggie, who then inquired about Lola's grandfather's wellbeing. Lola optimismly believed he would soon return home within the next few days. Meanwhile, Chelsea was entrusted with watching Remy (Oliver Boyle) as her mother sought out her father, and she agreed, albeit hesitantly, to babysit him briefly.
Sydney informed Maggie and Cal of her plans to escort Finn to the baseball tournament. Learning of Finn's boredom, she offered to entertain him on Rob's behalf, sending him outside to play with the fire truck before Rob revealed Finn's resentment towards him. She ventured outdoors to find Rafe captivating the children with the fire truck, who mentioned how much he had enjoyed the previous night and invited her to join him for dinner. Sydney hesitated, wary of complicating their current arrangement, and as he retreated, she suggested she would ponder his proposition.
Chelsea engaged in a heated altercation with her mother, voicing her boredom and feeling of displacement. Her mother's labeling her as brat only fueled her frustration, prompting Chelsea to declare her desire to return home. Maggie stepped in, attempting to cheer Chelsea up. Chelsea unloaded her grievances, revealing her mother's overbearing presence and her own feeling of being an outsider. She lamented even being restricted from texting her siblings. Maggie assured her she could use the landline later. Cal praised Maggie for her compassion.
Entering the house, they stumbled upon Rafe and Jackson (T Thomason) engaged in arm wrestling. Jackson's victory earned him his father's praise, predicting a promising future as an officer, despite Connie's reluctance to allow him to apply yet. Maggie was introduced to Tom, who received a call hinting at a potential departure. Frank offered to step in, allowing Tom to remain and bond with Jackson.
Edna insists that Frank remains until they share a dance to the melodious tune currently echoing through the room. Cal, enchanted, tells Maggie that Frank and Edna make the most enchanting couple he has ever laid eyes upon. Maggie, reflecting on her own adventures, mentions her occasional forays into Boston's nightlife, albeit tinged with the suspicion of ulterior motives lurking beneath the surface. Noticing Cal's license plate hinting at his New York origins, she inquisitively asks if he frequents the Big Apple's scenes. Cal confesses to being more of a recluse, venturing out only occasionally to dance when he stumbles upon the perfect partner.
As Sydney bids farewell, Chelsea's mother interrupts the conversation, anxiously inquiring if they've caught sight of her daughter. The father bursts in, panic-stricken, convinced that Chelsea has fled. Rafe engages the locals in the search, while Sully assures them that they will locate her. Amidst the hunt, Maggie shares with Sully her earlier conversation with Chelsea, emphasizing that though her words hinted at escape, she didn't detect any genuine intent. Maggie suggests that they should seek Chelsea alongside Lola, then abruptly leaves Sully to his thoughts.
Jackson aids the distraught parents in using the Find My Phone app, revealing Chelsea's last known location as a gas station in Timberlake. Maggie and Cal rush to the station, hoping to gather any clues. A worker there confirms seeing Chelsea depart in a gray SUV about an hour prior. They relay this information back to the group. Sully watches as Edna endeavors to soothe the anxious parents.
Frank locates the gray SUV and, fearing it might belong to poachers, arms himself with a rifle from his vehicle. Edna inquiries about Frank's whereabouts with Sully, who admits to having no news. Maggie, wracked with guilt, believes Sully was right about her misreading Chelsea's intentions. Cal offers solace, reassuring her that there was no way she could have foreseen this turn of events. Sully strives to track Frank's movements.
Frank confronts a youth trespassing on private property. The boy clarifies that he and his friends were merely engaging in some target practice. However, when the boy's friend returns, he accidentally discharges his weapon, striking Frank. Chelsea attempts to dial 911, but the shooter, fearing imprisonment, decides to abandon Frank and flee the scene.
