The Houghton family expands, Dylan has a dangerous secret. Chay and Casey don't know what to do, and Keith sees what he should not while Logan get's the chance to make a fat load of cash, and Fenn regrets his parenting choices.
Chad's new choice of love life seems to improve his marriage to Bryant, Meredith descends into an oppression and teenage friendships are tried while Brendan rises to the occasion for Layla
We drop in on Sheridan, Chay, Logan, Fenn and Dan and Keith. As Christmas approaches, our friends have some hard conversations which may herald, if not change, then revelation.
We resume our chapter a little before the last time we ended. As life, love and joy rise despite sorrow, one more soul is tempted toward despair in the light of Robin's death.
Chay and Layla are both about to have their lives changed, though Chay's may take him to a place he is scarcely ready for and drag Casey into a world of trouble.
While in the present, Meredith confronts Kip Danley, Chay on his way home with Sheridan, considers their whole relationship while Sheridan screws his nerve up to keep a promise, and we are introduced to Logan Banford.
The passage of time makes things harder and not easier for Robin and her friends and Meredith, on the rampage to seek justice for her friend, proves that hell knows no fury like that of an Affren woman.
As we continue chapter five, EDUCATION, we learn more about Chay's growing up, and meanwhile, in the home of Fenn and Todd, Bryant discusses his life with Chad.
As we begin part two of our book, autumn turns into winter and in the first chill of December, our friends are called to deal with new questions and old relationships.
In the aftermath of the day's debacle, everyone settles down as best they can, Sheridan thinks of new career opportunities, and the first part of our story comes to a close.