If It Makes You Happy

At the bakery, Cliff is overwhelmed without childcare help. Carol is teasing him about Michelle when Michelle shows up at the door with Rocket. Michelle admits she has been thinking about what’s happened between them, and insists Cliff should start dating again. A confused Cliff says he’ll think about it.

Sara and Paulie come to town for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. Paulie expresses his pride in Michelle and implies that she should stay in Copper Run if she is happy. Later, Michelle hosts dinner at the Bird & Breakfast. Sara prods Michelle about Cliff again. She begs Michelle to set her up with him if she isn’t interested. Michelle feels strange, but agrees.

Michelle heads over to Cliff’s. They take a late night walk and talk about Michelle’s family. Michelle finally admits that Sara is interested in Cliff and suggests that they go out. She insists that Sara is his type and that Cliff needs to move on after Tracy. An uncomfortable Cliff says he’ll consider it.

Cliff agrees to take Sara on a date despite his lack of interest in her; he doesn’t want to hurt Michelle’s feelings. He picks Sara up at the inn. While waiting for her, he sees Michelle in the other room. They mock introduce themselves to each other as if they’ve just met. Then Sara comes to the door dressed in a trendy outfit. Cliff realizes how much younger she is than him.

Over dinner, Cliff and Sara chat about their jobs and interests. Cliff often turns the conversation to Michelle. He mentions how much Michelle loves Sara, which surprises Sara. Michelle doesn’t often open up to Sara, so Sara is surprised to hear that her sister is vulnerable with Cliff. Finally, she asserts that Cliff is in love with Michelle.

Michelle is still up when Sara gets home. Sara exclaims at how well the date went and how much she and Cliff hit it off, even announcing that they kissed. A shocked Michelle struggles to respond. Then Sara admits she was joking, asserting that Michelle is in love with Cliff. Michelle argues otherwise but Sara won’t back down. Sara is adamant that her sister doesn’t have to be afraid of sharing things with her. Finally Michelle admits she is attracted to Cliff.

Cliff and his girls invite Michelle to stay at their house because the inn is so packed. Michelle feels uncomfortable but agrees. In the morning, Michelle and Cliff find themselves alone in the kitchen. Cliff admits he didn’t like going out with Sara and has confusing feelings for Michelle. Michelle agrees but it isn’t the right time for the conversation. They agree to talk later.

Around town the next day, people keep asking Cliff about his date with Sara. Cliff is annoyed, and swears never to do it again. He returns to the bakery feeling awful. Carol notices and reminds him what a good guy he is.

That afternoon, Cliff stops at the video store, where he runs into Emily. They pick out some movies together. Emily begs Cliff to invite Sara and Michelle over. He agrees.

Michelle and Sara spend the evening with Brittany and Emily, watching movies and eating snacks. Michelle is on alert when Cliff comes in, wondering if he’ll look at her or chat with her. Later that night, Emily privately tells Michelle she’s sorry Cliff “went on a date with [her] sister” (343) but doesn’t elaborate.

Cliff doesn’t see Michelle for three days and misses her. He’s feeling even worse when he drives the girls to the bus station the day before Thanksgiving. After they leave for New York, he breaks down in his car and calls Michelle. He admits he misses the girls and isn’t okay. They meet up afterward and have a heart-to-heart conversation. Cliff realizes how that he has romantic feelings toward Michelle but knows he can’t act on his them because she’s leaving Copper Run so soon.

Michelle prepares for Thanksgiving at the inn with her family. She gets distracted when Cliff arrives. While watching him cut the turkey, she realizes she is in love with him. She feels angry with herself and him for what she feels. At the end of the night, she tells herself she should give Cliff his space but heads to his house instead.

At Cliff’s house, Michelle tells Cliff how irritating she finds him and demands to know why he agreed to go out with Sara. They banter and flirt until Michelle breaks down, insisting she deserves to be alone. Cliff tells her otherwise and kisses her.

Cliff and Michelle make out and have sex. During the encounter, Cliff realizes he is in love with Michelle.