When Harry and Shelly start dating, this affects Vada's attitude towards Shelly. One night, Vada follows the pair to a bingo game and brings Thomas J. along to disrupt it. After their date, Harry confesses it to be his first date since his wife died. When Shelly asks about her, he explains she suffered complications during childbirth and died two days after Vada was born. On the Fourth of July, when Shelly's ex-husband Danny arrives, Vada hopes that he is there to take Shelly back. Instead, Harry steps in to defend Shelly when Danny becomes aggressive with her.