Walter's parents sit on the couch watching television. Sean has his arm around Louise who is leaning into him.
"It was quite the affair in New Ross today as Junior Minister Sweeney's youngest daughter, Elizabeth, married Ambassador Donohue's oldest boy, Bartholomew. We are left to wonder if there will be another wedding in the Sweeney family's near future as their oldest daughter, Mallory, spent the afternoon on the arm of Clonroche native Walter O'Brien. You may remember last Pattern Day…" the television reporter drones on.
Talking over the television, "Why wouldn't Walter tell us he was going to be so close to home? Do ye think he'll pay a visit?" Louise asks.
"It's hard to tell with that boy. Although, I have me doubts since he didn't bother to mention this little trip. We didn't even know he was seeing a lass." Sean responds.
"It is a shock. I wonder why Sylvester never mentioned it in our Saturday night chats. I kind of thought Walter may have something going with that Paige he works with. Now to find out he's courting a Junior Minister's daughter... well he always was full of surprises." Louise marvels.
"Both Mallory Sweeney and Walter O'Brien currently reside and work in Los Angeles, California, America…" the television reports continues.
Turning off the television, "Well, I should start dinner." Louise states.
A car is then heard coming up the drive. Sean and Louise step onto the porch, but they don't recognize the vehicle. As the car approaches, they can see Walter in the driver's seat.
"Oh Walter, this is a pleasant surprise! We were just pondering whether you would come all this way and miss paying a visit to your folks." Louise exclaims hugging her son.
Walter looks confused as his father adds, "Did you bring your girlfriend, Mallory, boy?"
Completely bewildered, "No... how did you…" Walter starts.
"Ye were on the news, boy. A big event like the Sweeney wedding…doesn't take a genius to figure that one out." Sean laughs.
"Oh, ye should have brought your girlfriend. You're not ashamed for her to meet us, are ye? What would you like for dinner?" Louise inquires.
"I'm not ashamed, but it's still early. We're just getting to know each other. Had it not been for Elizabeth's wedding, I wouldn't have met Mallory's family." Walter responds.
"Well, that's not how the news made it sound." Louise counters.
"I hope you at least made a good impression, boy. There were a lot of important people there and I know social etiquette is not…" Sean starts.
Cutting off her husband to preserve peace, "I'm just glad your home. Ye must be starved. If I'd known ye were coming, I'd have fermented some fish."
Kissing her cheek, "Anything is fine mum."
"Well alright." She leads Walter inside and Sean follows.
Back at the Sweeney estate, dinner is being served.
"I like that Walter. Ye should hang onto that one." Davy begins.
"Now David, let's not start." Emily intervenes.
"What!? There is nothing wrong with wanting me oldest child to settle down rather than become some spinster nurse." Davy declares.
"Oh, father really!" Mallory responds.
"Well I thought Walter was quite fetching. He reminds me of ye brother, god rest his soul." Emily redirects
"Yes, I've seen that in him at times too." Mallory confirms.
"Yes sir, a brave man dedicating his life's work to saving others. Just like Sean." Davy states.
"The greater good… that's what Walter calls it." Mallory adds.
"Just... are ye sure ye like Walter and are not just trying to recapture some of Sean? He was your twin after all and ye two were so close." Emily questions.
"I miss Sean a lot, but my feelings for Walter are more than just brotherly love. He was so understanding today when I told him about Sean. Walter lost a sister he was close to a couple years ago so he can relate." Mallory replies.
"As long as ye two aren't just trying to fill a void left from siblings that have passed." Emily finishes.
"Emmy, don't start putting doubts in her head. Walter is a good man and ye love him. Don't ye sweetheart?" Davy interjects.
"I think so, but mum makes a good point. It is a conversation that Walter and I should have soon." Mallory answers.
The following evening Walter and his parents relax in the sitting room after dinner. It had been a good day. He had helped optimize the rain catcher and make other improvements around their land. He and his dad worked side by side and talked through various problems and solutions. They had never been able to communicate like that before without having Megan as a buffer. Sean laughs as he tells Louise about how Walter got his foot tangled in the garden hose and nearly jumped out of his skin thinking it was a snake.
Walter laughs along and adds, "What I don't understand Dad is why you took the axe to it if you knew it was the garden hose?"
Recognizing he'd been caught Sean turned red, "Aye, ye've got me there Son. I suppose I too saw a snake."
The laughter in the small room increases so that the faint beeping of the computer isn't heard as Sean inadvertently strikes the keyboard. It warms Louise's heart to see her husband and son getting along.
"Hello. What's so funny?" Sly asks.
Turning the laptop around, "Sylvester dear. I'm sorry we didn't hear the call connect. Sean and Walter were just telling me about their day," Louise answers.
"Walter's there?" Sly asks.
"Hey Sly"
"Walter, I thought you went to a wedding with Mallory?"
"I did yesterday. Now she's catching up with her family and I'm here with mine." Walter explains.
"Oh, well I don't want to keep you..." Sly hesitates.
"Well, Walter isn't home that often…" Louise begins.
"No please, have your chat. I have to get to bed anyway. I have an early start tomorrow." Walter interrupts.
"I do wish you could stay for morning service boy." Sean states.
"Maybe another time. I can't take a later flight and get back in time for welcome home party for Toby and Happy." Walter reiterates. Normally, Walter would find a reason not to go regardless, but since his dream of Megan, he was actually open to the idea. Walter excuses himself to his bedroom.
"So Sylvester, how long has Walter been seeing this Mallory?" Louise inquires.
"I really don't know. He's been tight lipped about their whole relationship. We don't even know her last name" Sly replies.
"Well, we can tell ye that." Louise begins to tell Sylvester what she knows about the Sweeney family before the conversation moves on to other topics.
The smell of coffee draws Walter into the kitchen the next morning. He sees his mom standing over the stove fixing breakfast.
"Good morning Mum." He greets her.
Turning from the stove to hug him, "Good morning Walter," she kisses his cheek, "I wish ye could stay a little longer."
"Now Louise, don't pester the boy." Sean says entering the room.
After breakfast, Sean walks his son to the car, "Are ye sure ye know what you're in for with this Mallory? She is somewhat of a public figure and diplomacy isn't exactly your strength son?"
"Maybe here, but in Los Angeles she is just a nurse…" Walter begins.
"What about that fundraiser next month? Do ye really think they'll be no fanfare there?" Sean interrupts.
"Well, there are exceptions to most rules." Walter concedes.
"I just want ye to be happy son. Besides, your mother and I sorta thought ye had something going with your office assistant… what's her name… Paige?" Sean continues.
"Yes, Paige, and she's more than just an assistant. She is a valuable member of the team, but we are just friends. It's better that way. Less complicated." Walter confirms.
"Aye, less complicated I'll give ye, but better is questionable. Just think on what ye really want." Sean challenges.
"I'll consider it, but right now I have to get going." Walter responds looking at his watch.
"Ok boy, I love ye." Sean responds.
"Love you too Dad." Walter hugs his father before getting behind the wheel.