In the first of a two-part story arc, emotions between Marin and Jack escalate when Marin goes home to New York during Thanksgiving week, where Jane has arranged for her to meet with various editors about publishing her new book. She is thrilled to be back in familiar surroundings but misses her life back in Elmo, particularly Jack. He is ready to make his move with her, but an unexpected twist throws a wrench in his plans, ending in a cliffhanger. Meanwhile Patrick must choose between spending Thanksgiving with Annie in New York or with his new family, and Ben hopes Theresa will help in the preparation of their annual "Orphan Thanksgiving" for Elmoians.

Now that Jack has admitted to Marin he's falling in love with her, she decides to bide her time and wait for his ex-girlfriend, Lynn, to leave Elmo. Meanwhile Annie thinks Patrick won't be ready for a relationship until he unties himself from his mother's apron strings, Celia gets a visit from her out-of-town boss, Sara comes back to town and is surprised to see Ben and Theresa back together, and Jane wonders if she wants to keep a long-distance relationship with Sam , aka Plow Man.