Thomas and Vinny chat on the phone. Vinny has to make a decision about his apartment and wonders if Thomas is really going to marry Zoe and if his feelings are real. Thomas doesn't really answers his question. Vinny again worries about how Thomas is using Douglas, but Thomas thinks that endgame (marrying Hope) justifies everything. Vinny is concerned about all of the stress that Douglas is under. Vinny wonders what will happen if Thomas' plan doesn't work out. Thomas is fully prepared to marry Zoe if things don't go his way, but he has a lot of confidence that it will all turn out his way. Vinny continues to worry about the pressure on Douglas, so Thomas gets an idea. He thanks Vinny, who's not sure what he's being thanked for. Zoe sits with Douglas while he draws and makes comments, trying to get him to like her. She wants him to go to Disneyland with her ("a theme park" she says). He's only concerned about his dad marrying her. Hope arrives, so Douglas runs to her and throws his arms around her, yelling, "Mommy!" Hope tries to make him feel better about Zoe and Thomas getting married. Zoe gets the tickets for "the theme park," but Douglas only wants to go if Hope goes along. Zoe gets a little carried away in describing their future, so Douglas looks upset. Hope quickly suggests that they just take things one day at a time. Zoe apologizes. Thomas arrives, in a good mood. Zoe tells him about her theme park idea, which he loves. He says that Douglas will be lucky to have two mommies, but Douglas says that he doesn't want two mommies. Thomas apologizes and asks Zoe to speak to him outside. Hope makes sure Douglas is OK. She reminds him that his dad is getting married, so he needs to try to give Zoe a chance. Douglas continues to insist that he only wants Hope and his daddy. She reminds him that she still loves Liam, but he points out wisely that Liam is with his other family. Hope asks Douglas how he feels about Zoe. He admits that she's OK, but he doesn't want her to be his new mommy. He tells her that his tummy hurts when she sees them kiss. Douglas tells her how sorry his daddy is for lying to her about Beth and that he loves her. She assures him that everything will be OK. Meanwhile, Thomas is kissing Zoe a lot. They chat about how Douglas is so close to Hope. Thomas insists that he wants to get married right away. Zoe wonders what the rush is and reminds him that he was obsessed with Hope not too long ago. She straight out asks him what he'll do if Hope decides she loves him, so he lies that Hope will be disappointed because he's not interested. He tells Zoe what she wants to hear, as usual, and talks her into getting married right away. Thomas returns and says nice things to Douglas about how proud he is of him, and then he drops the bomb that he and Zoe are getting married away. Douglas turns back to Hope and yells "No! I don't want that. Mommy, make it stop!" Hope glares at Thomas, who pretends to look confused and upset.
Vinny: I gotta make a decision about the apartment if zoe's moving out. So...I'm gonna need you to be honest with me. Your sudden engagement to zoe-- is it real? Thomas: Did you not see the rock I put on her finger? Vinny: I don't get you, dude. Thomas: Okay. Okay, man. What don't you get? Vinny: Uh, well, for one, we both know that hope is the only woman you wanna be with. You're stringing zoe along. Look, that's not even the worst of it. Once again, you're using douglas to manipulate hope back into your life. Thomas: No. That's not what I'm doing. Using douglas to give him the family that he wants and deserves. Okay? And, yeah, it may take a little maneuvering. Look, the closer I get to zoe and to marrying zoe, the more freaked out douglas becomes, and then he goes to hope, okay, who will do just about anything to make him feel better. Vinny: Including committing the rest of her life to you. Thomas: That's the plan. I'm using douglas to crack hope, to convince her to stop me from marrying zoe. And the only way to do that is for hope to marry me instead. Zoe: Okay. You add a little green in the leaves. Yeah. Um...hey, do you like rollercoasters? Douglas: I'm too little. Zoe: Right. Yeah. Um...well, uh, what about bumper cars? Douglas: They're okay. Zoe: Well, you know, I was thinking that maybe the three of us could go to a theme park one of these days and make a whole weekend of it, even stay up at a hotel there. Douglas: Why did daddy give you such a big ring? Zoe: [ Chuckles ] Um...well, it's beautiful. Don't you think? Douglas: I guess. Zoe: Well, it's also a symbol. Douglas: What's a symbol? Zoe: Well, it's like a promise but with a thing instead of with words. You know, a sign of our love and commitment for each other. You know, your dad and i and you, we're gonna be a family soon. And I'm really looking forward to getting to know ya. And you know what? I have a really good feeling that we're gonna be awesome friends. Douglas: Mommy! Hope: Hi, sweetie. Hope: Hey, zoe. Is everything all right? Zoe: Yeah. Yeah, um, douglas and I were just getting to know each other a little bit. Douglas: I'm glad you're here, mommy. Zoe: [ Sighs ] Hope: Hey. Listen...um... things are changing kind of fast, huh? Douglas: I don't like it. Hope: I know. Yeah, change can be scary. But that feeling-- it doesn't last forever. Zoe: I know it's a lot, your dad and I getting married. Hope: Look, you're gonna feel all those different emotions that we talked about. Right? And that's okay. But I think with time, you might even start to like the idea. Vinny: You ever think about the fact that you're putting the weight of your entire future on the shoulders of a child? Thomas: Mm-hmm. A very adorable child who has stole my lady's heart. I mean, who wouldn't use that? Vinny: Wow. Thomas: Why are you so concerned about douglas, anyway? He's gonna be better than fine when he's living under the same roof as hope and me. Now, look, yeah, there might have been a few bumps along the way, sure. But it's all gonna work out for the best for everyone. Vinny: You know, I can't tell if you're a genius or a psycho. Thomas: Really? [ Chuckles ] Oh, I've, uh, I've noticed a new development, too. Every time that I mention the word "mommy" in reference to zoe, douglas gets all panicky. Vinny: Uh, yeah, 'cause he's probably afraid he's gonna lose hope. Thomas: That's exactly what it is. Vinny: So you're gonna keep saying it, aren't you? Thomas: We almost lost hope forever when the beth secret came out. But this time, douglas is gonna give us back the family that we deserve, and he's gonna do it by bringing hope back to us permanently. Country crock plant butter tastes like butter. Vinny: You think you've got it all figured out, but here's the thing, man. There are other actual people involved--people who would need to follow your precise plan. There's a really good chance that won't happen. Thomas: What, you don't think I-I have contingencies? Vinny: Oh! You do. Okay. Thomas: Yeah. Vinny: Well, then what if douglas doesn't deliver? What if zoe says or does just the right thing to get douglas to be excited about her as a new mommy? What if hope and liam then settle down with their kid? What do you do, you walk down the aisle with zoe? You promise to love and cherish her for the rest of your life? Thomas: Why not? Vinny: Do you not see how you're using everybody? Zoe and hope and douglas. You're putting that kid under an awful lot of pressure. Thomas: Well, douglas is a lot like his father. He--he does really well under pressure. He, uh, he's a pretty remarkable little guy. He always trusts his gut. I have to make sure that that works in my favor this time. Vinny: What kind of a father are you? Thomas: What kind of question is that? I love my son. Don't ever, ever question that. Vinny: Yeah, it looks like you're just using douglas as some means to an end. Maybe you don't even realize that. You say douglas can handle the pressure, but what if you're wrong? What if he can't? Thomas: You're right. Thanks, pal. Vinny: I am? Thomas: Yeah, you are. I need to move things along. Zoe: Oh. Hey, douglas. Remember when I asked you about amusement parks? Well, I got a surprise for you. Douglas: A surprise? Zoe: Yeah. Yeah, the tickets just came through. Now it won't be an overnight trip, more of a day trip, but doesn't that sound like fun? Douglas: Mommy can come, too. Zoe: Well, um, not-- not this time, douglas. Douglas: Why not? Zoe: Well, because I-I think it's important that you and i spend some time together, because, um... well, someday, your daddy and i will be married, and, you know, we talk about it a lot--the life that we wanna give you and our future together as a family. And hopefully, even a little brother or little sister one day. Hope: You know what? Maybe we should just get through the wedding first, you know? Just take it one day at a time. Zoe: Yeah, no, you're-- you're right. Um...I-I don't mean to rush you, douglas. I just...I really want us to be close, and your daddy wants that, too. Thomas: Wow. Isn't this a sight? Zoe: [ Chuckles ] Thomas: The three of you hanging out. Hey, bud, how's it going? Douglas: Okay. Zoe: Yeah, you know, I was just suggesting that douglas and I spend some more time together, you know, just the two of us. Thomas: Yeah. I think that's a great idea. I mean, we are gonna be a family soon. Zoe: [ Chuckles ] Thomas: You're one lucky little guy, you know? You got two mommies. Douglas: I don't want two mommies. Thomas: Don't knock it. It's twice the love. Douglas: I only need one. Hope: You know, I think this is a little much for him right now. Zoe: You know what? Um.. you're...you're right. Um... I don't mean to upset you, douglas. I'm sorry. Thomas: You know what? He's gonna be fine, I promise. Uh, I just--I need to talk to you for a minute, okay? Uh, excuse us. Hope: You okay? Douglas: No. I don't want zoe. You're my mommy, not her. Hope: Come here. Come here. [ Sighs ] I've always loved seeing what's next. Douglas: I don't want two mommies. I only want you. Hope: I know, but your dad is marrying zoe, and I really do think you need to give her a chance. Douglas: She's not my mommy. Hope: No, but she'll be your stepmommy like we talked about. Douglas: I don't care. I don't want her. Hope: Oh, sweetie. Douglas: Daddy, you, and beth are my family. Hope: Yes. Of course we are. And we always will be, because guess what? We are all connected through you. Me, beth, your daddy, we're always going to be there for you. That's not going to change. Douglas: We don't live together. I want us to move into the new house. I want you and beth. Hope: Well, aren't you forgetting liam? You remember I... I still love him. Douglas: Liam is with steffy and kelly. Why can't daddy marry you? Why can't we be the new family? Zoe: [ Chuckles ] Thomas: [ Chuckles ] Zoe: So this is your idea of talking? Thomas: Mm, we're having a conversation. Zoe: [ Laughs ] Thomas: [ Chuckles ] Zoe: Oh, really? Thomas: It's my body telling yours I want you, you know? Zoe: [ Laughs ] Thomas: And yours telling me you want me back. Zoe: [ Laughs ] No, what you're doing is starting something you know you can't finish. Thomas: Is that a challenge? Zoe: Uh, no, thomas. Stop. Thomas: What? Zoe: Douglas and hope are right across the hall. Thomas: And that is inconvenient. Zoe: Okay, what did you wanna talk to me about? Or did you just say that to get me in here? Thomas: Both. Um...I just--I wanted to say I'm sorry about douglas. Zoe: Why? Thomas: Well, he hasn't been as receptive as I'd hoped. Zoe: Yeah, well, you know, these things take time. I can't even imagine what it's like to have lost his birth mom at such a young age. Poor kid. Thomas: Yeah, it was a terrible time-- everything a reminder of caroline, the family we lost, and you know, that's why I came here, you know? To--to--to have a new life but surrounded by family. [ Sighs ] Zoe: You know, you've made the right decision. Douglas is thriving here. But a lot of that credit should go to hope. I mean, he just adores her, and it's obvious that the feeling is mutual. Now all of a sudden, I'm in the picture-- this woman that he hardly knows, which in his mind is becoming his new mommy, and that's scary. I get it. You know, he's just afraid that he'll lose hope. And he desperately doesn't want to. Thomas: Yeah, but he's not gonna lose hope. Okay? She's always gonna be a part of his life, but she has her own life, and so do I, and I can't put it on hold. That's not good for me or for douglas. Look... [ Sighs ] He needs a real family-- two parents under the same roof. Zoe: Yeah, yeah, and you know what? We'll--we'll give him that. And douglas-- he'll grow to accept it, but in his own time. And I can wait. Thomas: Yeah, well, I can'T. Look, the longer we wait, the more douglas gets attached to the status quo. That's not good, and--and... I want my wife. You know? I-I want her there when I go to sleep at night and then there again when I wake up in the morning. I want the life that we're planning, and I want it now. Zoe: What are you saying? Thomas: I'm saying... let's get married right away. I mean, why wait? Where can a healthier heart lead you? Zoe: You wanna get married right away? Like when? Thomas: Like yesterday, okay? I wanna give my son the family that he wants, the family that he's deserved all along. Zoe: I don't know. This kind of happened all so fast. I mean, you and me practically came out of nowhere. Thomas: We've been building this all along--our connection. We just didn't know it yet. Zoe: You were in love with hope, obsessed with her, and willing to do anything to have her. Thomas: Look, why are you questioning this? Zoe: Because it counts, thomas. Okay? What if she decides that she wants you after all? Thomas: Well, then... [ Chuckles ] Well, she's gonna be very disappointed, because I'm not interested. Zoe: You're being real, right? When you say that you love me? Thomas: Okay, did i or did I not put my literal money where my mouth is? This didn't exactly come out of a cereal box. Okay, and I got down on one knee. I proposed in front of my entire family. Zoe: That you did. Thomas: And that along with me wanting to get married right away? Come on, zoe. Say you believe me. Say yes, okay? Say you'll marry me right away. Zoe: I mean, I guess there's no real reason to wait. Thomas: That's what I'm saying. Zoe: [ Laughs ] Okay. Yeah. Yes. Thomas: Yes? Yes? You mean it? Zoe: Yeah, let's-- let's do it. Thomas: That's what I'm talking about! Come here. Mmm! Oh, yes. Zoe: Wait. Wait. What-- what about douglas? Thomas: Let's go tell him. Zoe: No, shouldn't we ease him into this? Thomas: No, that defeats the purpose, okay? It's like ripping off a band-aid. Listen, the sooner we tell him, the sooner we'll have our family. Hope: I want you to tell me how you really feel about zoe, no holding back. Douglas: I kind of like her. But I don't want her to be my mommy. Hope: Well... don't you want your daddy to be happy? Douglas: Yes, with you. Why can't he marry you? Hope: [ Sighs ] We talked about this. Douglas: It feels wrong. When they kiss, it makes my tummy hurt, not happy like when he kisses you. Hope: But that's over now, douglas. Douglas: Because daddy didn't tell you about beth. He made a mistake, but he's sorry. I know he's sorry. Daddy loves you, not zoe. I know he'd rather marry you than zoe. Hope: [ Sighs ] Everything is going to be okay. I know it doesn't feel it this minute, but it will. You'll see, okay? Thomas: Uh, douglas, are--are you okay? Hope: He's upset. Thomas: Oh. Okay. Well, I'm about to change that. I've got some exciting news. And I'm glad you're here, too. I want you to be a part of this. First of all, douglas, I just wanna tell you how proud I am of you. You've been such a trouper. You were a comfort to me in the weeks and months following losing your mother, and, wow, you were brave and you were strong. And you opened your heart, you know, to--to healing and to love, and that's amazing. You--you're one heck of a kid, and I'm so glad to call you mine. Douglas: Thanks, daddy. Thomas: [ Chuckles ] I just-- I wanna give you everything-- everything good for your life. [ Sighs ] Thomas: Yeah, and... we're so lucky we found zoe, you know? I'm so happy to be with you, and--and I know, douglas, that once you get to know her as well as I do, you're gonna love her. You're gonna love her as much as you love hope. Okay? We're gonna have the family that you've always wanted. Hope: Maybe we could do this another time. Thomas: No, no, I've, uh, I've been putting my life on hold for too long, okay? I shouldn't have to do that, and douglas shouldn't have to put his life on hold either, okay? I want what's best for my son, and that's why I asked zoe to marry me. Douglas: Was that the good news? Thomas: Well, no. No, no, no. You already knew that. Um...the good news is, is that zoe and I talked about it, and we came to the conclusion that there's really no reason to wait. Zoe: [ Chuckles ] Thomas: So we're gonna get married right away, and you're gonna have a mommy and a daddy, the family that you wanted under-- under one roof, all right? That--how exciting is that? Douglas: No! I don't want that. Mommy, make it stop! Thomas: Douglas...