JACK AND JENNIFER'S BEDROOM. JACK IS RUMMAGING THROUGH HIS CLOSET, TOSSING CLOTHES ONTO THE BED. JENNIFER SITS ON THE EDGE OF THE BED, WATCHING HIM WITH AMUSEMENT.

JENNIFER: (LAUGHING) Jack, to be honest, I don't think you have the proper attire!

JACK: Don't be flippant with me, Mrs. Deveraux... You know this is my first Thanksgiving with the whole Horton clan...

JENNIFER: It is not your first Thanksgiving at Grandma and Grandpa's...

JACK: I beg to differ... As you may recall, the late and unlamented Mr. Ramirez and his biceps were your date back in 1989. I foolishly declined your gracious invitation.

JENNIFER: Poor Emilio... (BEAT) But what about the next year?

JACK: That was Thanksgiving in Alamania.

JENNIFER: How could I forget? (SHE VISIBLY SHUDDERS). But the next year?

JACK: You forget that I was dressed in polyester and packing meat during the festivities in 1991... (HE VISIBLY SHUDDERS)

JENNIFER: I missed you that year... And I was furious that you didn't come home...

JACK: But I did...

JENNIFER: You didn't...

JACK: Who do you think delivered the Horton turkey?

JENNIFER: That was you?

JACK: Yes, it was. I wanted to see you and make sure that you were all right. But I saw you and Hawk...

JENNIFER: Jack, I never knew...

JENNIFER STANDS AND REACHES UP TO LIGHTLY KISS JACK.

JACK: The Hortons gathered at the Brady Pub to feed the homeless. So this will be my first ever, honest-to-goodness-Horton, all-the-family-is-there, and-every-tradition-is-honored Thanksgiving. I just hope that I don't embarrass you and Abigail.

JENNIFER: Jack, you won't. I love you, Abby loves you, my grandparents love you... heck the whole family loves you! You'll do just fine.

JACK: (UNSURE) We'll see... The day is young...

HOLD ON JACK'S WORRY.

CUT TO: BRADY KITCHEN. CAROLINE IS AT THE OVEN BASTING THE TURKEY. MAX IS CAREFULLY DRYING THE GOOD CHINA.

CAROLINE: I know, honey. But we'll talk to them on the phone.

MAX: And I can't even talk to Frankie. He's off tending his goats and stuff.

CAROLINE: (TEASING) I'd think you'd be happy that you wouldn't have to fight Frankie for the last piece of pie.

MAX: It's just not the same, Mom. No one is going to be here for Thanksgiving.

CAROLINE: (HUGGING MAX) I wouldn't say that. Bo and Shawn-Douglas will be here. And Kayla and Stephanie are home.

MAX: (BRIGHTENING) Yeah, that's right. I really missed them last year. I hope Kayla brings Marcus. I like him.

CAROLINE: (WORRIED) I do, too. I wish everyone felt that way...

HOLD ON CAROLINE.

CUT TO: SALEM POLICE STATION. THE STATION IS LIGHTLY STAFFED. THE SQUAD ROOM IS DECORATED FOR THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY. JANET COMES OUT OF HER OFFICE AND GOES TO BO'S DESK. BO'S DESK IS DECORATED WITH SEVERAL "HAND PRINT TURKEYS." JANET SMILES.

BO: (SLIGHTLY SURPRISED) Wha...? Oh, yeah, the turkeys... Shawn-D likes to make them. I had to bring these here because both the boat and my folks' house already have turkeys up to the ceiling.

JANET: How is your son doing?

BO: Pretty well, thanks. We're still seeing the doctor... I think it's helping Shawn-D.

JANET: What about you?

BO: I already know what I need to do. I need to make sure he knows that he's the most important thing in my life.

JANET: I hope you succeed.

BO: Thanks. I really appreciate how accommodating you've been with my work schedule.

JANET: Don't mention it. It's not just for your benefit, you know.

BO: Oh?

JANET: No. When you're here, I need you 100 percent. For your safety, and for the safety of everyone working with you.

BO NODS, BUT JANET CAN TELL FROM HIS EXPRESSION THAT HE IS A LITTLE CONFUSED.

BO: Yeah... that makes sense. Still, I appreciate it.

JANET SIGHS AS SHE TOYS WITH ONE OF THE TURKEY DECORATIONS.

JANET: Yes?

BO: Is there something wrong?

JANET: Oh... No, nothing's wrong. I was just remembering when I used to make these for my mom and dad. (BEAT, AS SHE SIGHS) I'm going to miss them this Thanksgiving.

BO: That's too bad. You didn't want to fly out to see them?

JANET: I want to, but there's just too much going on here.

BO: That must be tough, being away from your family during the holidays.

JANET: Yeah, but I'll survive.

BO: I'm sure you will. As for me... With everything that's happened recently, I don't know what I'd do without my family.

OUT ON BO.

KAYLA'S KITCHEN. KAYLA AND STEPHANIE ARE SPRINKLING MARSHMALLOWS AND PINEAPPLE OVER A SWEET POTATO MIXTURE. EACH TIME KAYLA LOOKS AWAY, STEPHANIE POPS A MARSHMALLOW IN HER MOUTH. FINALLY, KAYLA CATCHES HER IN THE ACT.

STEPHANIE: OK, Mommy. (STEPHANIE RETURNS THE MARSHMALLOWS TO THEIR PACKAGE.)

KAYLA FINISHES UP THE DISH AND PLACES SOME ALUMINUM FOIL OVER IT.

STEPHANIE: Thank-you-giving!

KAYLA: (LAUGHING) Almost. It's Thanksgiving. Are you excited?

STEPHANIE: I guess so. Is Thanksgiving like Christmas?

KAYLA: Not really. We still spend time with family, but instead of giving presents, today we give thanks for everything we have.

STEPHANIE: I don't get it.

KAYLA: Well, today we think about the things that we're thankful for. I'm thankful that we're with our family this year.

STEPHANIE: And I'm thankful I have you, Mommy...

KAYLA LIFTS STEPHANIE UP ON HER LAP AND GIVES HER A BIG HUG.

KAYLA: (SMILING) You betcha he is!

KAYLA STARTS TICKLING STEPHANIE, WHO GIGGLES. SOMEONE KNOCKS ON THE DOOR. STEPHANIE JUMPS UP AND RUNS TO SEE WHO IT IS, WITH KAYLA FOLLOWING CLOSELY BEHIND. KAYLA OPENS THE DOOR TO MARCUS.

MARCUS: Hey there Stephanie! Gimme a high five!

MARCUS EXTENDS HIS PALM, AND STEPHANIE SLAPS HER PALM DOWN ON HIS.

MARCUS WALKS INSIDE. IT IS OBVIOUS THAT SOMETHING IS BOTHERING HIM.

KAYLA: What is it?

MARCUS: I'm sorry... but I don't think I should go to dinner with your family tonight.

HOLD ON KAYLA'S CONFUSION.

CUT TO: SALEM PD. JANET IS STANDING AT BO'S DESK. BOB, FRED AND JOE ARE IN THE BACKGROUND, PRETENDING TO WORK, BUT IN REALITY ARE KEEPING AN EYE ON JANET. IN PROGRESS.

BO: Thanks, Captain.

JANET TURNS AND GOES INTO HER OFFICE. BO BEGINS TO TIDY HIS DESK IN ANTICIPATION OF LEAVING. BOB, FRED AND JOE APPROACH.

BO: Sure guys, what's up?

JOE, BOB AND FRED LOOK AT EACH OTHER AND SHUFFLE THEIR FEET.

FRED: You know, we put names in a hat for Secret Santas. And then Peters has this pet project, Clothe-a-Kid. We'd thought we'd help him out with that.

BOB: And we set up an angel tree for the kids down on the waterfront, too.

BO: I never knew you guys did all this stuff.

JOE: How could you? You were too busy sucking up to the brass.

BO: (DEFENSIVE) Hey if it wasn't for me those cases...

BO STOPS AND A TAKES A DEEP BREATH.

THE THREE OFFICERS LOOK AT EACH OTHER IN SURPRISE AND THEN BACK AT BO.

BO: Yeah, I'm in for everything. And if you need help organizing stuff, let me know.

JOE: You know Brady, you're not as bad as I thought...

BO: Thanks... I think...

BOB: Come on, Joe... Brady, have a good Thanksgiving.

BO: You too, guys.

BOB, FRED AND JOE LEAVE, TALKING AMONGST THEMSELVES. BO LOCKS HIS DESK AND PUTS ON HIS COAT. OUT ON BO'S HALF SMILE.

KAYLA'S KITCHEN. KAYLA, MARCUS AND STEPHANIE. IN PROGRESS.

STEPHANIE: Don't you want to have dinner with us, Uncle Marcus?

MARCUS PICKS STEPHANIE UP AND GIVES HER A HUG.

KAYLA: (NOTICING MARCUS' HESITATION) Steffi, your hands are all sticky from the marshmallows. Go upstairs and wash them, okay?

STEPHANIE: Okay, Mommy.

MARCUS SETS STEPHANIE DOWN.

STEPHANIE TURNS AND EXITS.

MARCUS: It's got nothing to do with you and Stephanie, believe me...

KAYLA: Then what is it?

MARCUS: It's Shawn. He and I are... having some problems.

KAYLA: What kind of problems?

MARCUS: I don't want to get into it right now.

KAYLA: (ANGRY) Well, I want to know...

MARCUS: (INTERRUPTING HER) We can talk about it later. Right now, I'm just thinking about the rest of your family. I don't want to ruin Thanksgiving for them.

KAYLA: You're being ridiculous.

MARCUS: Am I? What if Shawn and I...

KAYLA: (ADAMANTLY) "What if" nothing. My father will behave... The Brady women will make sure of that.

MARCUS: (SMILING SLIGHTLY) I almost believe you.

KAYLA: Believe me. I want you there, and so does Stephanie. Whatever disagreement you and Pop have, it can be set aside for one day.

MARCUS: If you say so...

KAYLA: I say so. This is a day to be thankful for everything we have... (PUTS HER ARMS AROUND HIM) And I am thankful to have you in my life, Marcus Hunter.

MARCUS: (PUTTING HIS ARMS AROUND HER) And I'm thankful to have you and Stephanie in my life...

THEY HUG TIGHTLY.

MARCUS: Right.

KAYLA: Good. And after tonight, I'm going to have a long talk with my Pop about this "problem" that he seems to have with every man that I date.

MARCUS: Well, the problems between him and me might be a little different...

KAYLA: I don't care. It's my life, and if I want to see someone, I'm not going to let him do anything to interfere with that.

MARCUS: Good for you.

KAYLA: I just need to make that clear, I need to make him understand. (BEAT) And with my Pop, that could take some work.

HOLD ON KAYLA'S CONCERN.

CUT TO: DONOVAN LIVING ROOM. SHANE IS SITTING ON THE SOFA READING THE NEWSPAPER WHEN EVE WALKS INTO THE ROOM.

EVE: Isn't that what holidays are for? Besides, Doug's been working my butt off at Wings.

SHANE: Don't you mean Euterpe?

EVE: It will always be Wings to me.

EVE SITS DOWN NEXT TO SHANE, AND GIVES HIM A KISS ON THE CHEEK.

EVE: I'm happy you're home... especially for the holidays.

SHANE: Yes, it feels good to be with family again.

EVE: It's too bad Kimberly is hogging Andrew and Jeannie this year. I wouldn't think she'd have enough time for the kids with that new stud of hers.

SHANE: Eve! I, for one, am glad that Kimberly is making so much progress on her therapy that she can have the kids for the holidays.

EVE: I guess so.

SHANE TAKES EVE'S HAND AND HOLDS IT.

EVE SMILES.

EVE'S SMILE DISAPPEARS.

SHANE: Oh, you'll have a good time.

EVE: It's not me I'm worried about. Won't you feel a little awkward running into Kayla?

SHANE STANDS UP AND WALKS OVER TO THE FIREPLACE. HE POKES AT THE FIRE A BIT BEFORE TURNING AROUND TO FACE EVE AGAIN.

EVE: Dad! You're changing the subject.

SHANE: That subject is closed, as far as I'm concerned. (BEAT) I thought you two were happy together.

EVE: We were... for a while. But, Dad, I absolutely despised living in Africa, while Frankie... he loved it there. Don't ask me why!

SHANE: But if two people are in love, it really shouldn't matter where you are.

EVE: Frankie wasn't really in love with me. He was in love with this perfect image of what he thought he could change me into: sweet, caring, docile, politically correct... positively sickening!

EVE STANDS UP AND WALKS OVER TO THE WINDOW.

SHANE: But are you happy now?

HOLD ON EVE, LOOKING SADLY OUT THE WINDOW.

CUT TO: HORTON KITCHEN. ALICE IS WORKING ON THE TURKEY WHEN TOM COMES IN.

ALICE: (LIGHTLY SMACKING HIS HANDS) Now, don't touch that... you'll spoil your dinner and there won't be anything left for the rest of the family.

TOM: It will be nice to have so many of the family with us this year... Bill, Jennifer, safe and healthy, Jack, Abigail, Mickey, Maggie, Doug and Julie...

ALICE: Ah yes... I remember a few years ago when it was only Doug or only Julie...

FLASHBACK TO THANKSGIVING 1986 WHEN DOUG WAS AT THE HORTONS ALONE. HE AND JULIE WERE DIVORCED AND HE WAS TALKING ABOUT JULIE WITH ALICE. DOUG HAD FLASHBACKS TO THEIR FIRST KISS AND THE HESSIAN INN. OUT OF FLASHBACK.

ALICE: Thank heavens for that! But we'll miss seeing Scotty, David, and Steven this year. (BEAT) And my beautiful girls Addie and Hope...

A TEAR RUNS DOWN ALICE'S CHEEK AND TOM REACHES UP AND WIPES IT AWAY.

ALICE: I know... And we have their children... Julie and Shawn-Douglas...

FLASHBACK TO THE 1986 THANKSGIVING. WE HEAR "THE GREATEST LOVE AFFAIR" BY LUTHER VANDROSS AND SEE A MONTAGE OF OLD PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE ENTIRE HORTON FAMILY.

TOM: I am always thankful that I have you.

ALICE: And I, you...

THE MUSIC SWELLS. TOM AND ALICE EMBRACE. OUT ON THE EMBRACE.

JANET'S OFFICE. JANET IS SITTING AT HER DESK, A MOUND OF PAPERS IN FRONT OF HER. SHE IS ABSENTMINDEDLY FLIPPING THROUGH THE PAPERS, HER MIND OBVIOUSLY ELSEWHERE.

JANET DETERMINEDLY STARTS READING SOME PAPERS, BUT AGAIN, HER MIND WANDERS. SHE GETS OUT HER WALLET AND LOOKS AT SOME FAMILY PICTURES. HER REVERIE IS BROKEN WHEN MORGAN KNOCKS ON THE DOOR.

MORGAN: Good afternoon, Captain.

JANET: "Good" is in the eye of the beholder...

MORGAN: Excuse me?

JANET: Sorry Morgan, I'm having a hard time concentrating today.

MORGAN: Everything OK, ma'am?

JANET: Well, you know... it's that time of year and it's hard to be away from your family.

MORGAN: I can imagine.

JANET: (DEEP BREATH, STRAIGHTENING HER SHOULDERS) What can I do for you?

MORGAN: Candis and I are recruiting volunteers to help with the Community dinner for the homeless and we were wondering if you could give us a hand...

JANET: A hand?

MORGAN: (CONT'D) The Carvers are going to help out and so are several officers from the force... You wouldn't have to do much... just supply a couple side-dishes.

JANET: Side-dishes?

MORGAN: Some mashed potatoes and a salad would be perfect.

JANET: (SMILES) OK, Morgan, you're on. Anything to stop this homesick spell.

MORGAN: Great, we really appreciate your help. And I can guarantee that we'll break that spell you're under. You'll have a great time.

JANET: I'll hold you to that, Morgan.

MORGAN: (LOOKS AT HIS WATCH) I've got to run. See you in a few hours?

JANET: You bet.

MORGAN: Happy Thanksgiving!

MORGAN LEAVES JANET'S OFFICE. HOLD ON JANET FORLORNLY SMILING AT THE PICTURES IN HER WALLET.

CUT TO: BRADY KITCHEN. CAROLINE IS AT THE OVEN, BASTING THE TURKEY. SHAWN ENTERS FROM DOWNSTAIRS.

SHAWN WALKS UP AND STANDS BEHIND CAROLINE. HE DEEPLY INHALES THE AROMA OF THE TURKEY.

SHAWN: Mmmm... Most definitely.

SHAWN REACHES A HAND OUT TOWARD THE TURKEY. CAROLINE SPIES HIS HAND AND LIGHTLY SLAPS IT.

SHAWN: (MOCK WHINING) Awww... just a little taste...

CAROLINE: You have to wait, just like everyone else.

SHAWN: Oh... okay. But it pains me, y'know.

CAROLINE: (PATTING SHAWN'S STOMACH) I'm sure you'll survive a little while longer.

SHAWN: Did Roman and Marlena call while I was downstairs?

CAROLING: No, nobody's called.

SHAWN: Hrmph. I told Carrie to call us when she got there, just to make sure everything was okay with her flight.

CAROLINE: Don't worry. She was so groggy and sleepy when we took her to the airport this morning, she probably didn't even hear you. (BEAT) Anyway, I hope they call later, when everyone's here. That way, all of our kids can talk to each other.

SHAWN: Yeah, I guess so. (BEAT) I wish all of our kids could be here today.

CAROLINE: I know. I do, too. But we should be thankful for the ones that are here. Kayla and Stephanie are back with us...

SHAWN: And John and Brady will be coming...

CAROLINE: And Bo and Shawn-Douglas. (BEAT) With the shooting at the boat, Bo came close to not being here at all.

SHAWN: Aye. Thank the Lord he's okay.

CAROLINE: And even though Roman and Kimmie can't be here, I'm thankful that they're happy where they are.

SHAWN: You're right. They have their own families now, their own loved ones...

CAROLINE: Speaking of loved ones, Shawn...

SHAWN: Hmmm?

CAROLINE: I hope you're not going to cause any trouble today.

SHAWN: Trouble? Whatever are you talkin' about?

CAROLINE: I'm talking about Marcus.

SHAWN: (STIFFENING) Oh. (BEAT) What about him?

CAROLINE: Don't play dumb with me. I've seen the look on your face when you see Kayla and Marcus together.

SHAWN: (ADAMANTLY) I think Kayla is makin' a big mistake... I don't think she should be seein' Marcus.

CAROLINE: I don't understand... Marcus is a wonderful man. He really cares about Kayla and he adores Stephanie.

SHAWN: I'm not sayin' he's not a good man. I just think it's wrong for Kayla and him to get involved. I don't want to see her get hurt again.

CAROLINE: You mean, like she did with Shane?

SHAWN: Exactly! I saw problems for them from the beginning... Even though nobody listened to me, I was right.

CAROLINE: (CONCEDING) Yes, I know. You were right... that time.

SHAWN: Whaddaya mean, "that time"?

CAROLINE: I mean, you're not right all the time.

SHAWN: Oh, no?

CAROLINE: No. You didn't approve of Kayla and Steve, either.

SHAWN STARTS TO REPLY, BUT JUST HUFFS AND SHAKES HIS HEAD AS CAROLINE LOOKS AT HIM WITH AN "I-TOLD-YOU-SO" EXPRESSION. OUT ON CAROLINE.

DEVERAUX CAR. JACK IS DRIVING. JENNIFER SITS ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. ABIGAIL IS SITTING IN HER CAR SEAT IN THE BACK SEAT AND CRYING LOUDLY.

JENNIFER: I don't know, it's hard to tell.

JENNIFER BEGINS TO UNBUCKLE HER SEAT BELT.

JENNIFER: Unbuckling my seat belt, so I can turn around and check Abigail...

JACK: Need I remind you of what happened not too long ago? You're not riding for even a second without a seat belt.

JENNIFER: You're right... Can you pull over?

JACK: Just a second.

JACK SURVEYS THE ROAD AHEAD. HE SPIES A GOOD PLACE TO STOP, AND PULLS ONTO THE SHOULDER AND TURNS OFF THE CAR. THEY BOTH GET OUT OF THE CAR AND WALK AROUND TO THE REAR PASSENGER-SIDE DOOR. JENNIFER TAKES ABIGAIL OUT OF THE CAR SEAT AND HOLDS HER.

JACK: What? What is it?

JENNIFER: She's wet.

JACK: Oh... that's all. (SIGHS WITH RELIEF) Good.

JENNIFER: Let's get you changed, Abby.

JENNIFER LAYS ABIGAIL ON THE SEAT AND GETS A DIAPER OUT OF THE BABY BAG. SHE LOOKS BACK TO SEE JACK SMILING AND SHAKING HIS HEAD.

JACK: This. Parenthood.

JENNIFER: What about it?

JENNIFER STARTS CHANGING ABIGAIL'S DIAPER.

JENNIFER: Excuse me, Daddy Deveraux, but I'm the one doing the diaper thing at the moment. (TURNING BACK TO LOOK AT HIM) Would you like to trade places?

JACK: Ahhh... no. I'll pass this time.

JENNIFER: Well, we're almost done, anyway. Aren't we Abby?

ABIGAIL SQUEALS.

JENNIFER PUTS ABIGAIL BACK IN HER CAR SEAT AND PUTS THE DIAPER AND BABY WIPE IN A PLASTIC BAG. SHE GETS OUT AND CLOSES THE DOOR.

JACK: (OPENING THE PASSENGER DOOR FOR HER) Yes'm.

JENNIFER: Why, thank you, sir!

JENNIFER GETS INTO THE CAR AND BUCKLES HER SEAT BELT.

JACK CLOSES THE DOOR AND WALKS AROUND TO THE DRIVER'S SIDE AND GETS IN.

JACK: Seat belt.

JACK FASTENS HIS SEAT BELT AND STARTS THE CAR.

JACK PULLS THE CAR ONTO THE ROAD. THERE IS AN UNEASY SILENCE. JENNIFER LOOKS QUIZZICALLY AT JACK.

JACK: Yes, I'm fine.

JENNIFER: You're so quiet...

JACK: I'm a little nervous about the festivities...

JENNIFER: Why?

JACK: The Hortons... Holidays at the Hortons are very different than what I grew up with.

JENNIFER: How so?

JACK: Harper... Harper and Anjelica were most concerned with appearances. They always made sure that we had the best of everything. They were proud of that. (BEAT) Dinner was quiet, solemn... It wasn't anything like gatherings at your grandparents' house.

JENNIFER: I'm sorry. It doesn't sound like you enjoyed it.

JACK: (SMILING IRONICALLY) Well, I did have the opportunity to develop my sense of humor at a young age. Harper and Anjelica would trade subtle witticisms across the dinner table. (BEAT) I worry that I might slip and let fly with some sly remark in true Anjelica fashion.

JENNIFER: So what if you do? It doesn't matter, Jack. It's not going to change the way my family feels about you.

JACK: No?

JENNIFER: No. They love you. (BEAT) And so do I.

JENNIFER LEANS OVER AND KISSES JACK ON THE CHEEK. THEY EXCHANGE A LOVING SMILE. HOLD ON JENNIFER'S SMILE.

CUT TO: DONOVAN LIVING ROOM. IN PROGRESS. SHANE IS LOOKING AT EVE, CONCERNED.

EVE: (TURNING AWAY FROM THE WINDOW) I... I don't know... I feel like I threw away two years of my life. I feel like I wasted everything...

SHANE: I'm sorry. I didn't realize your... antipathy toward Frankie was so strong.

EVE: He used me, Dad. He made me feel like I was nothing... like I didn't matter. He made me feel as if I weren't exactly what he wanted, he wouldn't love me.

SHANE: If things were so bad, why did you stay with him?

EVE: (LONG BEAT) I didn't think anyone else would want me.

SHANE: Eve...

EVE: Besides, you seemed happy about me being with him.

SHANE: I was glad that you were with someone who seemed to make you happy. I'm sorry, darling. I never intended to force you into anything.

EVE: Frankie's an old problem, Dad. I've got new ones...

SHANE: Oh?

EVE: It's Julie, Dad. She's out to make my life a living hell.

SHANE: I sincerely doubt that...

EVE: But it's true...

SHANE: (SKEPTICAL) How so?

EVE: (SIGHS DRAMATICALLY) First, she nearly made me beg for a job with her. Then, she kept assigning me stuff she knew I didn't know how to do!

SHANE: Such as?

EVE: Things like faxing, working with these horrible machines... And she practically kept me chained to the desk! If she even saw me talking with someone she'd rush right out and yell at me!

SHANE: Are you sure you're not... exaggerating a little?

EVE: No! It was horrible! Then, when Jennifer had her accident, she left me all on my own. I didn't know what to do... So I quit.

SHANE: I see.

EVE: I thought I was doomed. But then Doug gave me a job at the club.

SHANE: And how do you like that?

EVE: I like it. I know what I'm doing there. Of course, Doug's ruined the place, but there's still something I can do there.

SHANE: I wonder if it's for the best, you working there?

EVE: What do you mean? It beats working for the wicked witch of the west!

SHANE: But is it dredging up old memories?

EVE: Well...

SHANE: Like your choice of songs at the Benefit... You seemed almost... hypnotized when you sang that last number. And Marty looked surprised when you asked for it. That wasn't planned, was it?

EVE: No... not really.

SHANE: That's what I mean. Are the memories of Nick too strong... too painful?

EVE: Maybe... Nick bought that place for me, Dad. It meant a lot to me.

SHANE: I thought you were over that.

EVE: I... There's still a lot I have to deal with. I wish I could understand what happened to him, Dad. Then maybe I could move past it.

SHANE: Eve, there is nothing to understand. Nick used you, he used everyone around him. You finally saw him for who he really was. Why can't you let go?

EVE: I'm sorry. I don't know. Towards the end, everything went wrong. But it doesn't make any sense... it never did. And I have to understand what happened before I can finally let it go.

SHANE: Eve...

SHANE HOLDS HIS ARMS OUT TO EVE. SHE WALKS OVER AND HUGS HIM TIGHTLY, TRYING TO REGAIN HER COMPOSURE AND FAILING.

CUT TO: COMMUNITY CENTER. THE CENTER IS BUSTLING WITH ACTIVITY. JANET WALKS INTO THE FRONT DOOR, CARRYING TWO PLATES FILLED WITH FOOD. CANDIS COMES OUT OF THE KITCHEN AND GREETS HER. MORGAN IS SETTING CHAIRS AROUND LONG TABLES. ABE AND BOB ARE CARRYING TRAYS TO THE TABLES FROM THE KITCHEN.

JANET: Hi, Candis and thanks!

MORGAN JOINS CANDIS AND JANET.

MORGAN PEEKS UNDER THE LID COVERING THE FIRST DISH.

JANET: (LAUGHING) It's gyoza. Basically, it's the Japanese version of potstickers. I used my grandmother's recipe.

CANDIS: OK, Morgan, you can stop drooling. Dinner won't be ready for another half hour.

JANET: Let me put these down and help you in the kitchen, Candis.

JANET AND CANDIS DISAPPEAR INTO THE KITCHEN, WHERE THE SOUND OF POTS AND PANS CRASHING IS HEARD. MORGAN WALKS OVER TO THE ICE CHEST WHERE HE NEARLY BUMPS INTO JONAH, WHO DASHES OUT OF THE KITCHEN.

JONAH: Sorry about that, Morgan! I've just been ordered to go to the market next door. Lexie ran out of brown sugar and if I don't get it ASAP, I will be on the run.

JONAH GRABS HIS COAT AND RUNS OFF. MORGAN RETRIEVES A BEER FROM THE ICE CHEST AND JOINS ABE AND BOB, WHO ARE TAKING A BREAK AND DISCUSSING A RECENT BURGLARY.

JANET WALKS OUT OF THE KITCHEN AND UP TO THE GROUP.

MORGAN: What is this, something like the fifth break-in we've had in that neighborhood?

JANET: Right. We've got a couple of suspects, but I don't know if we can prove that this burglary is related to the others.

ABE: (AGITATED) Why aren't you doing more to control the crime? I mean, that's what you're supposed to do!

JANET: Come on Carver! You of all people should know how understaffed and underfunded the Salem P.D. is.

ABE SIGHS, BUT NODS HIS HEAD.

JANET: Believe me, I understand. But, no matter how hard or long my people try, we can't do much without help from the citizens of Salem.

MORGAN: You know, it wouldn't hurt to start a neighborhood watch group.

BOB: We could have one of the guys come down to start it off, hand out some literature, give tips.

ABE: Yeah, that's a good idea. I'll talk to the folks in the building about putting it together.

MORGAN: All right! (BEAT) Hey, who needs another beer?

A CHORUS OF VOICES ANSWER AT THE SAME TIME. JONAH RUNS INTO THE CENTER CARRYING A SMALL BAG WITH HIM.

EVERYONE CHEERS. OUT AS JONAH QUICKLY TAKES A BOW, BEFORE RUNNING INTO THE KITCHEN WITH THE BAG.

BRADY LIVING ROOM. SHAWN IS SEATED IN FRONT OF THE TV. THERE IS A KNOCK AT THE DOOR.

SHAWN GOES TO THE DOOR AND OPENS IT. JOHN IS STANDING THERE, SMILING. HE IS HOLDING A CASSEROLE DISH IN ONE HAND AND PUSHING BRADY'S STROLLER WITH THE OTHER.

SHAWN: John! And Brady! Come in, lads!

JOHN ENTERS, PULLING THE STROLLER BEHIND HIM. CAROLINE ENTERS FROM THE KITCHEN.

JOHN: Hi, Caroline!

CAROLINE: (REACHING FOR THE CASSEROLE DISH) Here, let me get that... What did you bring?

JOHN: Turkey tetrazzini. (SOLEMNLY) It was one of IzzyB's favorites...

CAROLINE: (PATTING HIS HAND AS SHE TAKES THE DISH) I'll go put it in the kitchen.

CAROLINE EXITS TO THE KITCHEN.

JOHN: Great!

JOHN WHEELS BRADY'S STROLLER NEXT TO THE COUCH AND TAKES BRADY OUT OF IT. HE SITS DOWN WITH BRADY IN HIS LAP.

SHAWN SITS NEXT TO JOHN AND DOTES OVER BRADY.

CAROLINE RETURNS FROM THE KITCHEN AND GOES OVER TO THE COUCH.

SHAWN SCOOTS FURTHER AWAY FROM JOHN AND BRADY. ONCE THERE IS ENOUGH ROOM, CAROLINE PLOPS DOWN BETWEEN SHAWN AND JOHN.

CAROLINE: (SMILING) I lied. The room was for me, so I could visit with little Brady. (TAKING BRADY'S HAND) He's such a darling little boy... Aren't you, Brady?

BRADY GIGGLES.

MAX ENTERS. HIS FACE LIGHTS UP WHEN HE SEES JOHN.

JOHN: (TURNING TO MAX) Hey there, Maxwell!

MAX: You wanna go play catch, John?

JOHN: Yeah, sure, Max. (PICKING UP BRADY) Just let me...

CAROLINE: (TAKING BRADY FROM JOHN) You go play with Max. I'll watch Brady for you.

JOHN: Okay... You got a glove for me, Max?

MAX: Just a second...

MAX RUNS TO HIS ROOM. HE COMES BACK A FEW SECONDS LATER WITH A BASEBALL AND TWO GLOVES. ONE GLOVE IS NEW, THE OTHER ONE IS QUITE OLD AND FADED.

JOHN STANDS UP AND TAKES THE GLOVE THAT MAX OFFERS TO HIM.

SHAWN: Why, that's...

JOHN: Roman's old glove. I remember... (BEAT) (TO MAX) Okay, let's go!

MAX: Okay!

MAX AND JOHN GO TO THE DOOR. THEY EXIT AND CLOSE THE DOOR.

GO TO: THE FRONT PORCH, WHERE JOHN AND MAX PAUSE.

MAX: It was up in the attic.

JOHN: The attic? What were you doing up there?

MAX: I go up there and play sometimes.

JOHN: (COCKING AN EYEBROW) Oh.

MAX: Come on!

MAX RUNS OFF AND JOHN FOLLOWS.

GO TO: THE LIVING ROOM. SHAWN AND CAROLINE ARE DOTING OVER BRADY AS CAROLINE HOLDS HIM IN HER LAP.

CAROLINE: (LOOKING TOWARD THE FRONT DOOR) Yes, he is. They grow up so fast. Pretty soon, he'll be dating...

SHAWN: Dating? He's just a baby! I think he's got a ways to go...

CAROLINE: (CHUCKLING) Oh, you're talking about Brady.

SHAWN: Of course!

CAROLINE: I was talking about Max.

SHAWN: Oh...

CAROLINE: He's got a crush on a girl at school, you know.

SHAWN: They're in such a hurry to grow up... (TO BRADY) You just take your time, okay? You've got plenty of time to be a grown-up. Enjoy being a child.

CAROLINE: We're lucky, you know, to have such a wonderful family... including John and Brady.

SHAWN: Aye, that we are. (LOOKING AT THE TV.) Oh, the game's about to start! I'd better holler at the boys.

SHAWN GETS UP AND GOES TO THE DOOR. HE OPENS IT AND SHOUTS TO JOHN AND MAX.

SHAWN LEAVES THE DOOR OPEN AND GOES BACK TO THE COUCH. JOHN AND MAX ENTER.

SHAWN: Yup. Come on, sit down.

MAX SITS DOWN NEXT TO SHAWN. CAROLINE STANDS UP AND HANDS BRADY TO JOHN.

CAROLINE EXITS AND JOHN SITS DOWN ON THE COUCH, HOLDING BRADY IN HIS LAP.

BRADY STARES AT THE TV., SEEMINGLY ENTRANCED. SHAWN PUTS HIS ARM AROUND MAX. HOLD ON THE FOUR MEN STARING AT THE TV.

CUT TO: HORTON LIVING ROOM/FOYER. TOM, SMILING INDULGENTLY, WATCHES BILL AND MICKEY. IN PROGRESS.

BILL: You're right, it's not the same... it's better.

MICKEY: You just can't do better than the original!

BILL: Oh yes you can, and this proves it! Just look at the difference in quality.

MICKEY: But, the original was so fresh... with new ideas!

MAGGIE WALKS IN FROM THE KITCHEN AND STEPS IN BETWEEN THE TWO MEN, COVERING HER EARS.

MICKEY: But, he's insulting the integrity of...

MAGGIE CUTS HIM OFF.

THE DOORBELL RINGS.

AS MAGGIE WALKS TO THE FOYER, MICKEY AND BILL START ARGUING AGAIN. SHE LOOKS BACK AT THEM AND SHAKES HER HEAD AS SHE ANSWERS THE DOOR. JULIE, DOUG, JACK, JENNIFER, AND ABIGAIL ALL GREET HER AT ONCE: HAPPY THANKSGIVING! ALICE, HEARING THE COMMOTION, COMES OUT OF THE KITCHEN AND WALKS TO THE DOOR. THERE IS A MASSIVE EXCHANGE OF HUGS AND KISSES, MUCH TO JACK'S DISMAY. HE DUCKS OUT, INTO THE LIVING ROOM, WHERE MICKEY AND BILL CONTINUE TO ARGUE. DOUG AND MAGGIE JOIN JACK. ALICE, JULIE AND JENNIFER, HOLDING ABIGAIL, HEAD INTO THE KITCHEN.

BILL: Well, your stubborn husband refuses to give in to the obvious.

MICKEY: Doug, maybe you can help us out here.

DOUG: I'd love to help out. What's your problem, gentlemen?

MICKEY: OK. Which do you think is better? The original Star Trek series, or this ridiculous Next Generation thing?

BILL: It isn't ridiculous! It's much better! The effects, the stories, the acting...

DOUG: Well, if you ask me, this new DS9 spin-off is much better than either of those.

MICKEY: What?!?!

BILL: Blasphemy!

TOM, WITNESSING THE OUTRAGEOUS EXCHANGE, LAUGHS. MAGGIE THROWS UP HER ARMS IN DEFEAT. JACK, CLEARLY OUT OF HIS ELEMENT, RETREATS FROM THE LIVING ROOM, AS THE ARGUMENT CONTINUES.

CUT TO: KITCHEN. JULIE, JENNIFER, AND ABIGAIL WATCH ALICE, AS SHE PREPARES THE THANKSGIVING MEAL.

ALICE: No, not really. I seem to have everything under control.

JACK WALKS INTO THE KITCHEN AND JOINS THE WOMEN.

JULIE: Are you sure you don't need any help, Grandma?

ALICE: I'm sure. Now, shoo!

JULIE: (LAUGHING) Oh, all right. We'll go see what all the commotion is in the living room.

JENNIFER: Coming Jack?

JACK: I'll join you in a moment.

JENNIFER GIVES JACK A SHORT KISS BEFORE FOLLOWING JULIE OUT OF THE KITCHEN.

JACK: Oh, no. I just... I um, I just wanted to thank you for everything.

ALICE: Why Jack, you don't need to thank me.

JACK: I know. But, I really do appreciate all that your family has done for me. You believed in me... And you were always there for me... especially recently.

ALICE TAKES JACK'S HAND IN HER'S.

JACK BENDS DOWN AND KISSES ALICE ON THE CHEEK. HOLD ON JACK AND ALICE.

CUT TO: COMMUNITY CENTER. THE DINNER IS IN FULL SWING. A LARGE NUMBER OF SALEM'S POOR AND HOMELESS FILL THEIR PLATES FOR A GREAT MEAL. THE FEAST IS A MIXTURE OF DIFFERENT ETHNIC FOODS AND THE TRADITIONAL TURKEY. JANET IS TALKING TO MOON AND SIOBHAN, CARRIE'S NEIGHBORS. IN PROGRESS.

JANET: Yes, I'm worried, too. Unfortunately, we can't put a restraining order on Gus because he doesn't do the harassing himself.

SIOBHAN: Is there anything we can do to help?

JANET: Not a lot. But keep your eye on Carrie, and if you notice anything in the least bit suspicious at the building, call me ASAP. Before I leave, I'll give you my card so you can get in touch with me directly.

SIOBHAN: Gotcha, we'll definitely keep our eyes open.

JANET: Thanks. I feel better knowing that Carrie has good friends to watch over her.

GO TO: JONAH, ABE AND MORGAN CROWDED AROUND A SMALL BLACK AND WHITE TV, WATCHING THE DALLAS COWBOYS AND THE MIAMI DOLPHINS BATTLE FOR THE WIN IN THE LAST QUARTER.

LEXIE WALKS OVER. SHE IS CARRYING A LARGE WOODEN BOWL.

AS LEXIE IS GIVING ORDERS, JONAH SNEAKS AWAY, AVOIDING LEXIE.

GO TO: JAMES ECTOR, WHO IS TALKING TO SOME CHILDREN ABOUT THE CHRISTMAS PARTY HE IS GOING TO HAVE FOR THEM AT THE HOSPITAL. THE KIDS ARE EXCITED.

CHILD: No, what?

JAMES: Santa Claus is going to be there.

ALL THE KIDS SCREAM IN EXCITEMENT.

GO TO: MORGAN JOINS JONAH AT ONE OF THE TABLES.

JONAH: Not a whole lot.

MORGAN: This is a party. You're looking a little down... you want to talk about it?

JONAH: I don't know... I guess I wish that Carrie were here.

MORGAN: Yep, the holidays are a lonely time when you can't be with someone you care about.

MORGAN GIVES JONAH A FRIENDLY CLAP ON THE BACK AND SEES ABE SPEAKING TO A GROUP OF NEIGHBORHOOD PEOPLE.

JONAH AND MORGAN JOIN THE SMALL CROWD SURROUNDING ABE.

NEIGHBOR#1: What good's that gonna do? The cops don't even like to come into our neighborhood. How're we going to stop crime when the cops won't help us?

JONAH: We could all become vigilantes.

ABE GLARES AT JONAH'S BAD JOKE. JANET WALKS OVER AND JOINS ABE AT THE FRONT OF THE CROWD.

NEIGHBOR#1: Well, what can we do?

ABE: Report strange behavior to the police... Watch out for your neighbors... Form street patrol gangs of at least 5 adults, who walk the streets in the evenings noting possible criminal behavior... Show the crooks, using non-violent means, that you are taking back your neighborhood.

NEIGHBOR#3: And then what? Like we said, the cops don't come down here to help us...

JANET: As Captain of the Salem Police Department, I give you my word that we will work with you on this neighborhood watch program. You see anything suspicious, you call us. I guarantee that a uniformed officer will come to investigate.

NEIGHBOR#2: I don't think it will work.

JANET: We need everyone's cooperation to make it work. It won't help if only half the people participate. Together we can send a message to the criminals that they are no longer welcome in this neighborhood.

NEIGHBOR#1: So what do we do?

JANET: We need someone to volunteer to be the Coordinator for this neighborhood watch. The Coordinator will work directly with the Salem Police Department to set up the organizational meeting and will be responsible for the evening patrols...

OUT ON JANET DETAILING THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH COORDINATOR.

BRADY LIVING ROOM. THE TV IS ON. SHAWN, MAX AND JOHN, WITH BRADY, ARE SHOUTING AT THE GAME. BO ENTERS WITHOUT KNOCKING, SHAWN-DOUGLAS AT HIS SIDE.

SHAWN: Well, lad, what do you expect, with those dirty referees gettin' away with another bit'o mayhem?

JOHN: The officials are asleep on the field!

BO: Who's leading?

SHAWN: Well, the Cowboys are right now, but you just watch those Dolphins, they'll come back!

BO SETTLES DOWN ON THE COUCH TO WATCH THE GAME, SHAWN-DOUGLAS AT HIS FEET. SOON BO IS YELLING WITH THE OTHER MEN, AND CAROLINE STICKS HER HEAD OUT OF THE KITCHEN.

BO: C'mon, Ma, I'm watchin' the..

CAROLINE: Bo...

BO NOTES CAROLINE'S WORRY.

SHAWN-D: Sure, Papa... who should I yell at?

SHAWN: At the refs, of course!

CUT TO: BRADY KITCHEN. CAROLINE IS BASTING THE TURKEY WHEN BO ENTERS.

CAROLINE: I wanted to see how Shawn-Douglas is doing. Any better?

BO: He's making some progress, yeah. He's been sticking close today, but I think that's because he had another nightmare this morning. He started screaming about 5:30 a.m., and wouldn't go back to sleep unless I sat and held his hand.

CAROLINE: (PATS BO'S CHEEK) You do look tired, son. Are you OK?

BO: I will be, as soon as Shawn-D gets better.

CAROLINE: Well, you know, if there's anything your father and I can do...

BO: You guys have been great. (BEAT) You know, even after everything that's happened this year, I'm thankful. I mean, I have a great kid, a good job, even Captain Yamada and I are starting to get along... And I have the best, most supportive family a guy could want.

CAROLINE SMILES AND BO HUGS HER.

THEY HUG FOR A MOMENT, THEN HEAR A DISTURBANCE FROM THE LIVING ROOM.

KAYLA COMES INTO THE KITCHEN, FOLLOWED BY STEPHANIE AND MARCUS.

BO PICKS UP STEPHANIE AND SWINGS HER HIGH, SO SHE SQUEALS.

KAYLA: Excited about "Thank-you-Giving", to hear her tell it...

ALL LAUGH. BO PUTS STEPHANIE DOWN, WHO GETS A HUG FROM CAROLINE, WHILE BO HUGS KAYLA AND SHAKES HANDS WITH MARCUS.

KAYLA: (PUNCHES BO IN THE ARM) I'll have you know, I had everything in a nice neat pile to bring with us...

BO DOUBTFULLY LOOKS AT KAYLA.

BO: (GROANING) I thought this was a holiday...

KAYLA: It's twice-baked potatoes...

BO: (LICKING HIS LIPS) With extra cheese?

KAYLA: Of course...

BO MAKES HUNGRY NOISES AND SCOOPS STEPHANIE UP ON HIS SHOULDERS.

BO AND STEPHANIE LEAVE THE KITCHEN.

CAROLINE: He's still having some problems with Shawn-Douglas, but he's coping... He's come such a long way...

KAYLA: Thanks to you, Ma.

CAROLINE: Thanks to all the family supporting him...

KAYLA: That's what we're here for. Now tell us, what can we do to help?

CAROLINE: I think everything's under control...

MARCUS: Caroline, I just want to make sure... is my being here all right? I wasn't going to come...

KAYLA: But I twisted his arm. Hard!

CAROLINE: Marcus, as far as I'm concerned, you're always welcome in my home and at my table. As to Shawn... I think I talked some sense into that thick Irish skull...

MARCUS: Thank you... (HE TAKES CAROLINE'S HAND AND SQUEEZES IT) That means a lot...

KAYLA BEAMS AT CAROLINE AND MARCUS, AS BO COMES BACK IN WITH STEPHANIE, FLOWERS, A CASSEROLE, AND SHANE AND EVE.

EVE: We were not skulking...

SHANE: (INTERRUPTS) Oh, I was... I was definitely skulking. That's what we secret agent types do best...

EVERYONE LAUGHS, EVE LOOKS UNCOMFORTABLE. SHANE PROFFERS A BOTTLE OF CHAMPAGNE TO CAROLINE, WHO TAKES IT WITH A SMILE AND GIVES SHANE A HUG. SHANE THEN PICKS UP AND HUGS STEPHANIE, WHO HUGS HIM BACK. WHEN HE SETS HER DOWN, SHE LOOKS AT CAROLINE.

EVERYONE LAUGHS.

STEPHANIE SQUEALS IN DELIGHT AND RUNS OFF TO THE PLAYROOM.

SHE HUGS SHANE AND HE LOOKS SLIGHTLY UNCOMFORTABLE.

THE TWO MEN SHAKE HANDS.

KAYLA STICKS HER TONGUE OUT AT MARCUS, WHO PRETENDS TO GRAB IT, AND PULL. KAYLA LAUGHINGLY PUSHES MARCUS INTO THE LIVING ROOM, WHILE BO PULLS ON HIM. BO AND MARCUS GO OUT INTO THE LIVING ROOM. SHANE LOOKS AT KAYLA. CAROLINE PUTS THE FOOD KAYLA BROUGHT INTO THE OVEN. EVE LOOKS AROUND UNCOMFORTABLY.

EVE: Oh goodie...

SHANE: Eve... Caroline, I'm sure Eve would love to see it.

EVE: (GLUM) Yes, I'm absolutely thrilled. Let's go.

EVE WALKS OUT OF THE KITCHEN. SHANE AND CAROLINE LOOK AT EACH OTHER AND SHANE SMILES APOLOGETICALLY. CAROLINE FOLLOWS EVE OUT THE DOOR. KAYLA PUTS HER CASSEROLE IN THE OVEN AS SHANE WATCHES HER.

KAYLA: I'm good, Shane. Stephanie and I are living in Roman and Marlena's place, the Community Center is coming along...

SHANE: Yes, that Benefit you put on was marvellous!

KAYLA: All the credit goes to Doug... And people like you, who performed...

SHANE: But you were the force behind it... and you always were a force with which to reckon...

KAYLA: Thanks...

BEAT, WHILE THEY LOOK INTO EACH OTHER'S EYES.

KAYLA: I am, Shane, more than I thought I could be.

SHANE: (TENDERLY) That's all I ever really wanted... your happiness. Once I thought I could be the one to make you happy, but...

KAYLA: You did, Shane. We made each other happy for a little while, and now... Now we're both glad, I think, of the choice we made...

SHANE: Glad...

SHANE REACHES OUT AND LIGHTLY CARESSES KAYLA'S CHEEK WITH HIS FINGERTIPS. SHE TAKES HIS HAND AND HOLDS IT. THEY LOOK AT EACH OTHER FOR A LONG BEAT, THEN KAYLA RELEASES SHANE'S HAND.

SHANE WALKS OUT THE DOOR. HOLD ON KAYLA.

CUT TO: COMMUNITY CENTER. IN PROGRESS. JANET, ABE, LEXIE, JAMES, CANDIS, MORGAN, JONAH, MOON AND ROB ARE STANDING IN A LARGE GROUP, CHATTING.

MORGAN: I may not be able to move for a week!

JAMES: Great variety of food, too. I've tasted things tonight I never thought I'd have the chance to try...

CANDIS: I think I tasted some of everything. I am so full...

LEXIE: And you haven't seen the desserts yet!

ALL: Dessert?!?!

JONAH: I'll have to run around the block a few times to make room!

JANET: Actually, I have an idea about that.

ABE: I'm all ears... and full stomach!

JANET: One of my favorite Thanksgivings back home was four or five years ago. My cousin hosted a combination dinner and line dance.

MORGAN: Line dance? Oh no... That doesn't mean that "Achy Breaky" guy, does it?

JANET: (LAUGHING) Not in my case... no...

CANDIS: Dancing's a great idea, Janet. Jonah, we have a tape player in the back room and there are a few country tapes by it. Why don't you get them?

JONAH WALKS OFF TO GET THE PLAYER AND TAPES.

CANDIS: Why, thank you. And just for that, I'll favor you with the first dance!

MORGAN: Hey, what about me?

ABE: Hey, bro, you snooze, you lose around here. (ABE GRABS LEXIE AROUND THE WAIST) You aren't getting away from me, my pretty...

LEXIE: (MOCK STRUGGLES, THEN GIVES IN) All right, I guess I'll dance with you...

MOON GRABS ROB'S HAND AS JONAH RETURNS WITH THE TAPE AND TAPE PLAYER.

JONAH FLASHES JANET A BIG SMILE AS SHE EXTENDS HER HAND TO TAKE HIS. MORGAN MAKES AN EXAGGERATED POUT, BUT BRIGHTENS AS MADDY WALKS BY. HE REACHES OUT AND TAKES HER HAND, TO HER SURPRISE, AS DOLLY PARTON'S "ROMEO" BEGINS AND THE GROUP STARTS DANCING. THE FUN IS INFECTIOUS, AND SOON THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY CENTER IS DANCING, LAUGHING AND HAVING A WONDERFUL TIME.

CUT TO: HORTON LIVING ROOM. IN PROGRESS. BILL AND MICKEY ARE POURING DRINKS FOR JACK, JENNIFER, MAGGIE, DOUG AND JULIE. TOM SITS IN HIS CHAIR, PRESIDING OVER THE FAMILY GATHERING. THERE IS A KNOCK ON THE DOOR, AND ALICE ANSWERS IT. JO IS AT THE DOORSTEP, AND AS SHE COMES IN, ROBERT AND ROSIE COME UP THE WALKWAY. THE THREE ENTER, DOFF THEIR COATS AND JOIN THE OTHERS, AMIDST GREETINGS.

ROSIE: I'll second that!

ROBERT: Me, three! In fact, one of the things that convinced me to come back to Salem was the possibility of enjoying one of your dinners!

ALICE: You three are family, of course you're invited. It's so wonderful to have you here, and to have you back, Robert and Rosie!

DOUG: (TO ROBERT) I'll say! Maybe after dinner, we can do a little entertaining, whaddya say, partner?

ROBERT: I don't know, it just won't be the same without Michael Crawford...

ALICE: Is he still in town? Oh, I should have invited him...

EVERYONE LAUGHS GOOD-NATUREDLY AT ALICE'S CONCERN.

MAGGIE AND JO RISE TO HELP.

ALICE GOES TO THE KITCHEN, AS EVERYONE SETTLES DOWN.

GO TO: MAGGIE, JENNIFER AND JO, ON THE COUCH.

MAGGIE: Which means we can probably get staffed and open by January!

JO: I'll be happy to take some hours, as long as it can work around my school schedule.

MAGGIE: How's that going, Jo?

JO: Pretty good... I think I've "aced", as they say, two of my classes... I'm a little worried about Biology...

GO TO: JACK AND JULIE, STANDING BY THE FIREPLACE.

JULIE: Tweren't nothing...

JACK: It was everything. I know I was useless to the Spectator and Midsummer while Jennifer was in the hospital. I feel like Deveraux Publishing and Midsummer would have sunk on their maiden voyage without you.

JULIE: Everyone at Deveraux understands, and they've been darlings keeping things moving. Richard and I are confident that the first issue of Midsummer will be extraordinary... and a big seller!

JACK: So you managed to smooth things over with the advertisers that your... assistant... alienated?

JULIE: Of course, darling. (DEVASTATING SMILE) You know no one can stay angry with me. It simply took a great deal of charm... and a case of fine cognac...

ON JULIE AND JACK'S LAUGHTER, GO TO: DOUG AND ROBERT BY THE DRINK TABLE.

DOUG: The Benefit was a great inspiration, but I'm pleased with the club. It's wonderful to be back doing what I do best...

ROBERT: They say, you can take the man out of the club...

IN UNISON: But you can't take the club out of the man...

DOUG: That was bad, mon vieux... but it's good to have you back...

ROBERT: And it's great to be back. As far as I'm concerned, wherever I travel, Salem's home.

DOUG: Speaking of travelling, have you visited Mike and Robin recently? And what's C.J. up to?

JULIE JOINS DOUG AND ROBERT WHEN SHE HEARS C.J. MENTIONED.

GO TO: JACK, WHO WALKS OVER TO WHERE JENNIFER IS SITTING, AND PUTS A HAND ON HER SHOULDER. SHE TAKES HIS HAND IN HERS, AS THEY TALK TO BILL, MICKEY, MAGGIE, JO AND ROSIE.

BILL: I certainly do. Lacking makeup, she used her fingerpaints to give herself green eye makeup, red lips and pink cheeks!

ROSIE: I never saw such a sight as that sweet little girl with fingerpaint all over her face!

JENNIFER: (BLUSHES) I never did that...

MICKEY: Oh yes you did! But the 4th of July when you were... what, Bill, seven?

BILL: Eight.

MICKEY: Right... was worse. We had a family picnic at the lake and you and your brother got into a huge fight. You were so mad you threw a handful of mud at him and he retaliated by coating you in the stuff. You looked like a living statue!

TOM, MICKEY, ROSIE AND BILL LAUGH, REMEMBERING. JACK SMILES AS JENNIFER BLUSHES.

ROSIE: I surely do. Remember how we all tried to eat what she baked?

BILL: I've never needed so much milk with cake in my life...

JENNIFER: This is entirely unfair! You're dredging up some embarrassing things...

JACK: I think it's... sweet...

JENNIFER: I thought you hated sweet...

JACK: For me, not you.

JO: Don't worry... (PATS JENNIFER'S HAND) I have a few stories about your husband I can share... And give yourself a few years, you'll be embarrassing Abby the same way.

JENNIFER: (STAUNCHLY) No, I'd never do that to my child, never!

BILL: I said that, once...

MICKEY: So did I...

JO: Me, too...

EVERYONE LAUGHS. ALICE COMES BACK INTO THE ROOM, TO STAND BY TOM IN HIS CHAIR BY THE FIRE.

BILL/MICKEY: That long??

TOM: Some aspects of Thanksgiving never change... You two did the same thing when you were boys...

ALICE: I'm glad they're both here to fight over the drumstick again. I'm glad you're all here...

MICKEY: Mom, we're glad to be here... But about that turkey... How much longer did you say we have to wait?

BILL TOSSES A PILLOW AT MICKEY'S HEAD.

OUT ON BILL'S SMILE.

BRADY DINING ROOM. SHAWN, CAROLINE, MAX, BO, SHAWN-DOUGLAS, JOHN, BRADY, EVE, SHANE, MARCUS, KAYLA, AND STEPHANIE ARE SEATED AT THE TABLE, ANXIOUSLY AWAITING THE TURKEY. THE KIDS SIT AT A TABLE OF THEIR OWN. CAROLINE BRINGS THE TURKEY TO THE MAIN TABLE AND EVERYONE OOHS AND AAHS. SHE REMOVES HER APRON AND SITS DOWN.

CAROLINE: Why thank you, darling. (TEASING) I'm sure you're only saying that because you're starving.

JOHN: What gave it away? The foaming at the mouth?

BO THROWS HIS NAPKIN AT JOHN, WHO CATCHES IT AND THROWS IT AT KAYLA.

SHAWN: Come on now, you kids. Let's say the grace, all right?

JOHN: Rub-a-dub-dub, thanks for the grub. Yeah, God!

CAROLINE: John!

THE LAUGHTER DIES DOWN AS EVERYONE JOINS HANDS AND BOWS THEIR HEADS. KAYLA AND BO, HOWEVER, ARE SQUEEZING EACH OTHER'S HANDS HARD, TRYING TO MAKE THE OTHER ONE LET GO.

WE SEE BO LOOK AT SHAWN-DOUGLAS.

WE SEE JOHN, WHO SKEPTICALLY RAISES ONE EYEBROW.

WE SEE KAYLA, WHO SMILES SLIGHTLY.

WE SEE SHANE, EVE AND MARCUS.

ALL: Amen.

SHAWN BEGINS TO CARVE THE TURKEY.

BO: (MOCK WHINING) Aw, I wanted the drumstick.

SHANE: No, me!

KAYLA: (KICKING BO UNDER THE TABLE) Spoiled brat!

BO: You're the one who's the brat! Who got the red wagon we all wanted, hmmm?

SHAWN AND CAROLINE EXCHANGE LOOKS AT THE PLAYFUL BICKERING. SHAWN QUIETLY CARVES THE MEAT AND PASSES THE PLATES TO CAROLINE, WHO HANDS THEM DOWN THE TABLE TO EVERYONE.

MARCUS: (CAREFULLY) This is wonderful, thank you.

CAROLINE: Eve, can I get you anything to drink?

EVE: (AWKWARDLY) Oh, I'm fine. Just fine.

SUDDENLY THERE IS A TREMENDOUS CLATTER FROM THE KID'S TABLE. BRADY IS POUNDING ON THE TRAY OF HIS HIGH CHAIR. MAX HAS A SPOON STUCK TO HIS NOSE, AND STEPHANIE AND SHAWN-DOUGLAS HAVE PULLED ON THE WISHBONE SO HARD THEY'VE FALLEN OFF THEIR CHAIRS.

BO: Not from us!

JOHN: That's a fact.

SHAWN AND CAROLINE BURST OUT LAUGHING.

MARCUS, SHANE AND EVE EXCHANGE SMILES. HOLD ON MAX'S, STEPHANIE'S, SHAWN-DOUGLAS' AND BRADY'S ANTICS.

CUT TO: HORTON DINING ROOM. THE DINNER TABLE IS LADEN WITH ALL OF THE TRADITIONAL THANKSGIVING DISHES: MASHED POTATOES, CRANBERRY SAUCE, STUFFING, SWEET POTATOES, FRESH-BAKED ROLLS, AND MORE. EVERYONE TAKES THEIR SEATS AT THE TABLE AS ALICE EMERGES FROM THE KITCHEN WITH A HUGE PLATTER OF TURKEY. EVERYONE OOHS AND AHHS. ALICE SETS THE PLATTER AT THE END OF THE TABLE AND SITS DOWN. TOM IS SEATED AT THE HEAD OF THE TABLE. ON HIS RIGHT ARE ALICE, DOUG, JULIE, JO, JACK, AND JENNIFER. ON HIS LEFT ARE BILL, MICKEY, MAGGIE, ROSIE, AND ROBERT. ABIGAIL IS SEATED IN A HIGH CHAIR AT THE END OF THE TABLE.

ALICE: (MOCK SCOLDING) Put that fork down, Mickey. First, we need to give thanks.

TOM: Yes, we have a great deal to be grateful for this year.

ALICE: Indeed. (BEAT) Let's go around the table... Everyone tell us something that you're thankful for. Bill?

BILL: I'm thankful that I'm back home, so I can be near my beautiful daughter, my beautiful granddaughter, and my "beautiful"... son-in-law.

EVERYONE CHUCKLES AS JACK RAISES AN EYEBROW.

BILL: (PATTING MICKEY'S STOMACH) I think that's coming from somewhere else...

EVERYONE LAUGHS.

ROSIE: I'm thankful for the chance to do something I really love... Taking care of a darling little girl.

ROBERT: And I am thankful to be spending this holiday with the Hortons, who always make you feel at home... no matter how far you've travelled.

JENNIFER: (TO ABIGAIL) Abby? It's your turn honey... What are you thankful for?

ABIGAIL: (LOOKING AT JENNIFER) A-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba...

JACK: Well put, my dear, well put...

EVERYONE LAUGHS. ABIGAIL GRINS.

JACK: I'm thankful that Jennifer is well again, and that our child is healthy and happy.

JO: I'm thankful to be here with such wonderful people... (LOOKING AT JACK) Including my son.

JULIE: I'm thankful to be back home, where I belong. And that Doug is here with me.

DOUG: And I am thankful for my Fair Lady... And for my grandson...

ALICE: I'm thankful that all of you are here today. I'm happy to have so much of my family around me.

TOM: I'll second that. We are truly blessed. (BEAT) Let's bow our heads...

ALL BOW THEIR HEADS EXCEPT FOR ABIGAIL, WHO LOOKS AROUND IN WONDER.

ALL: Amen.

MICKEY: Amen! Pass that turkey!

BILL: I get that drumstick!

MICKEY: Oh, no you don't!

PULL BACK TO SHOW EVERYONE TALKING, LAUGHING, PASSING AROUND FOOD, AND EATING. OUT ON THE FAMILY'S JOY. FADE TO BLACK.