Hopeless

Over the following two weeks, Beau visits Bailey at the bar every night. She is intimidated by him because he’s smart and funny, but she also appreciates that he doesn’t judge her for being a Jansen. One night, Gary pesters Beau about his experiences overseas, criticizing him for having a hero’s complex. An argument ensues. Beau verbally attacks Gary for bothering Bailey. Afterward, Bailey confronts Beau for making a scene in the only place she feels comfortable in town. She asserts that Beau will never have repercussions for embarrassing himself because he’s an Eaton, while she can never escape her reputation in Chestnut Springs.

Bailey then confronts Beau about how much he’s been drinking and makes him some tea. Beau stays for the remainder of her shift, drinking chamomile and looking out for her, should anyone give her a hard time.

Beau attends his brother Cade Eaton‘s wedding. He is marrying Willa Grant. During the reception, Beau dances with Winter Hamilton, making amends for a disagreement they had a while back. Winter encourages Beau to find a therapist to help with his post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from the war. Afterward, Beau and Bailey spend the rest of the evening together. Beau feels relaxed in her company.

Beau reports to the ranch for work the next morning. He made a promise to help his family when he returned from overseas, but he doesn’t like the work. He gives Cade an excuse and leaves for the day—as he’s done every day since returning home.

Beau calls his best friend Jasper Gervais and asks him to cover for him with Cade. He then heads out to The Railspur to see Bailey.

At the bar, Bailey asks Beau explicit questions about sex. She admits that a regular named Earl watches pornography at the bar every night, and she’s curious about the clips she’s caught on his phone. A fuming Beau insists Earl’s behavior is inappropriate. Bailey is flattered that he’d want to protect her but doesn’t want another scene. They spend the rest of her shift chatting. Her brothers show up after closing time, and Beau defends her when Seth and Aaron disrespect her.

Beau breaks his promise not to make a scene and aggressively confronts Seth and Aaron. Bailey is flattered and relieved but can’t reconcile Beau’s behavior. That night, she lies awake, unable to sleep. She lives in a trailer on her brothers’ and dad’s property. It doesn’t have air conditioning, and she is sweltering. She sneaks over the fence and heads to the Eatons’ river, slipping into the water for a nude swim. Beau emerges from the darkness.

Beau is surprised when Bailey’s head emerges from the water. The two banter and chat about their lives. Beau admits he likes living alone. Bailey reveals her desperation to leave Chestnut Springs and start over somewhere where she’s anonymous. She admits that she was fired from her former job at the hospital because her brothers stole medication, and her boss blamed it on her. The Railspur has been the only place she’s found work since.

An impulsive Beau suggests that he and Bailey get married, insisting that her association with him will help her get ahead. She’d be able to get a better job, change her reputation, and start the life she wants. Beau doesn’t want to make her uncomfortable but is confident in his plan. A shocked Bailey promises to consider the arrangement.

Bailey heads back to the river to find Beau the next morning. On the bank, Beau tells her more about the foot injuries he suffered during the war. Then they retreat inside to discuss Beau’s proposition. Bailey agrees to be his fake fiancée; the only condition is that they won’t have sex.

Beau gives Bailey a tour of his house. She is impressed by its steely decor. Meanwhile, she makes surprising remarks about sex, admitting that she is a virgin. She has kissed men before and has an extensive collection of vibrators, but she hasn’t met anyone she has wanted to have sex with yet. A surprised Beau listens intently without mocking Bailey. Then the two shake on their deal and exchange numbers.

At the bar, Beau tells Gary that he and Bailey are engaged. Then he presents Bailey with a giant diamond ring.

At 2:11 am that night, Beau wakes up sweating and shaking. He is having the same nightmare he has every night at this time. The nightmare is a reenactment of his time overseas, where he raced into a fire to save his comrade Micah. Then he hears something outside. Bailey is down at the river. He heads outside to join her.

Bailey admits that her brothers were trying to break into her trailer and steal her ring to pawn it. She came to the river for safety. Beau insists she stay at his place for the night.

Bailey wakes up snuggled up to Beau. She feels surprised and aroused witnessing Beau next to her. Beau wakes up, and the two tease each other about sex. When they fall quiet, Bailey feels an intense intimacy between them. She wants him to kiss her but reminds herself they’re not really together. They discuss how they will convince people they’re together, and afterward, Bailey wonders if she’s made a mistake getting involved with Beau.