Gene retells his confrontation with Philippa, to Bill’s laughter and approval. Bill, buoyed by recent happiness, whistles and sings as he cooks, and Penelope increasingly visits, offering piano lessons to Violet and gentle help around the house. Lila reflects that Penelope’s presence is welcome and that Bill seems restored, even checking with Lila that Francesca would not mind his new companionship; Lila reassures him.

Lila avoids the school gates while Gabriel works late, handing pickups to Gene, who enjoys the role and attention. Focused on writing, Lila is interrupted when Jensen arrives, having charged her car battery and insisting on a twenty-minute drive. He urges her to lower the convertible’s roof and turn up the music, positioning the car as a source of joy rather than practicality.

As they drive with music blasting, Lila admits she bought the car as a fantasy tribute to her mother and doesn’t see herself as a “top-down” person. Jensen counters kindly that Lila is at a pinch point and will have her “top-down” life soon. The shared, carefree drive lifts Lila’s mood; they sing along, and she feels an hour-long afterglow, later wondering if her joy is partly about Jensen.

Anticipating Gene’s advert airing, Bill plans an all-American fried chicken dinner with corn fritters and cookies; Penelope and Eleanor will join, and Jensen is invited. Lila’s thoughts keep circling to an upcoming dinner invitation from Gabriel, which feels like meaningful progress.

Jensen shows Lila the nearly finished garden: a tranquil space centered on Bill’s carved bench, willow and acer, a small pond, herbs, a restored brick wall, and a fountain. He has planted bulbs and exuberant alliums in honor of Francesca’s cheerful chaos. Lila is moved, and they share light teasing as they head back inside.

At dinner, the relaxed, abundant, family-style meal draws everyone together: Gene praises Bill’s cooking repeatedly; Violet devours corn fritters; Eleanor and Jensen trade stories; Celie sneaks chicken to Truant; and Penelope, wearing a handmade toothpaste-tube pendant for the occasion, is warmly included. They gather early for the broadcast with cookies and drinks, crowding the sofas while Truant lurks. When Gene’s whitening-toothpaste advert plays, the room erupts in cheers, high-fives, and barking, and Lila feels, with certainty, that this lively, imperfect group is her family.