After a 28 year courtship, Gene and Shannon are finally man and wife. But just because a ring is on her finger does not mean all of their troubles are behind them. When Shannon decides to adopt a child some of Gene's past indiscretions rear their head to drive another wedge between them.

After Sophie's and Nick's strong objection to adoption, Shannon suspects that Gene is wavering as well and arranges for Gene to meet happy families that have adopted. Meanwhile, cut off Nick searches for a place to live.