After I Do

On Monday, Charlie calls Lauren to say that he is coming home for Christmas and that will soon be a father. Natalie, a woman with whom he had sex on a plane en route to Lauren’s birthday party, recently told him of her resulting pregnancy. Charlie plans to move home to LA so that he and Natalie can raise the baby together. Lauren is shocked because Charlie is only 25 and has never been in a committed relationship, but she congratulates him. Before hanging up, she assures Charlie that he is going to “be a great dad” (173).

At work the next day, Mila tells Lauren that she and Christina have been fighting. Over coffee, they discuss Mila’s marriage. Mila admits that she is determined to resolve her relationship troubles because she loves Christina. Lauren privately wonders what is different about Mila’s marriage. She also wonders why she and Ryan couldn’t seem to work through their disagreements. That afternoon, she tells Mila that she is open to the prospect of a blind date. Mila gives the prospective man Lauren’s contact information that night and sends Lauren his picture. Lauren imagines herself kissing him.

Lauren’s blind date, David, calls her on Saturday. They make plans to go out together the following night. Afterward, Lauren calls Rachel with the news.

Lauren initially feels awkward on the date with David. However, once they start talking about their exes, she feels better. David is divorced but is still in love with his ex, Ashley, who cheated on him. He and Lauren spend the rest of the night commiserating over how hard it is to be alone. Before parting, they agree to be friends, admitting that neither of them is ready for a passionate night together.

Charlie calls Lauren about their upcoming Christmas plans. They laugh over the news that Lois wants all sugar-free desserts because she is worried about cancer. After the call, Lauren texts David, admitting that living alone is hard because it’s boring. David agrees. The conversation doesn’t go further, but Lauren feels better.

Lauren and Rachel meet up and bake sugar-free desserts for Christmas. Lauren admires Rachel’s baking and suggests that she open a bakery. When Lauren is on the way to Leslie’s, David sends her a Merry Christmas text.

Lauren spends Christmas with her family. Before Charlie and Natalie arrive, Lauren, Rachel, Leslie, and Lois talk about love and marriage. Lauren finally tells Lois about the separation and tries to explain the decision. Lois gives her marital advice, referencing her marriage to her late husband. Lauren hears herself telling Lois that the separation is working because it’s right for her and Ryan.

Charlie and Natalie arrive at Leslie’s house. Over dinner, the new couple announces that they’re having a baby and that Charlie is moving home. Then Natalie reveals that they’re getting married too, which Charlie hasn’t told his family. The family starts arguing about whether or not this is the right decision. Charlie gets offended, insisting that he wants to be with Natalie and wants a different family life than he had. Rachel is offended that Charlie only seems to care about Lauren and Leslie’s opinions. Lois is the only one who supports Charlie’s decision. She privately tells Lauren that she and Rachel are too judgmental, referencing Leslie’s many relationships during their childhood and the fact that Leslie had to stop introducing them to the sisters.

Back at home, Lauren cuddles with Thumper while reading a murder mystery. When David calls, Lauren invites him over, and they have sex. In the morning, they agree that having sex was what they both needed. After David leaves, Lauren drafts an email to Ryan, asking him why he never asked her what she wanted and “needed in bed” (220). She tells him that if they get back together, they’re going to have to work on their sex life.

Lois calls Lauren the next day to tell her about an advice column called Ask Allie. She suggests that Lauren write to Allie about her situation with Ryan. Lauren is skeptical.

Lauren and Rachel take a hike on Saturday. While walking, they make plans for Natalie’s baby shower. Then Rachel asks Lauren why she and Charlie never go to her for advice about their relationships. Lauren admits that they’re worried she feels left out because she’s single. Rachel reveals that she likes being single. She’s open to a relationship but doesn’t feel like she’s being excluded from love by being alone right now. Lauren is surprised by this revelation. Then the sisters talk about the bakery idea, and Rachel reveals that she’s going to pursue it. That evening, Lauren finds Ask Allie articles from Lois in her mailbox.

In January, Lauren helps Charlie and Natalie move in together. In February, she helps Rachel make business plans for her bakery. In March, Lauren helps Natalie and Charlie start planning their wedding. In April, Lauren talks Leslie through her relationship with Bill. Meanwhile, she and David remain friends and continue sleeping together.